Volume 5 • Issue 7 JULY 2010
Sailing on Watauga Lake
Dining Summer Out Guide Lost Golf Courses The New River Linville Gorge
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High Country Magazine
July 2010
Solitary Refinement The 160 acre mountaintop community of Firethorn has taken shape here in Blowing Rock. Trails and roads have been gently carved around cliffs and streams. Neighborhoods have been thoughtfully laid out and completed with homesites in dense hemlock and hardwood forests, some along a river or stream, and some on high mountain meadows with breath-taking views. Hiking trails have been carefully completed in conjunction with the clubhouse, gatehouse, trout ponds, waterfalls, and green areas. This gated community, located on Highway 321, just one-and-a-half miles outside the resort village of Blowing Rock, is undeniably the last, best residential land in the area. Only 96 distinctive single family homesites will ever be available, ranging in size from one to three-plus acres. Come visit us and see why Firethorn isn't a plan or promise; it is a dream come true, here and now.
The Last, Best Place.
PO Box 1526, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Office: 1129-1 Main Street, Blowing Rock
828 / 295-7777
July 2010
High Country Magazine
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High Country Magazine
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64 C O N T E N T S
32
Lost Golf Courses
44
Challenging the Linville Gorge
Golf writer Harris Prevost takes a look at High Country golf courses that once thrived but no longer exist in the first article of a multi-part series. From their origins to their varied ends—due to hurricane damage, sudden death and other causes—the stories of these recreational sites impart pieces of regional history.
Regarded as one of the wildest and rugged landscapes in the South, the Linville Gorge lures all kinds of outdoor adventure enthusiasts—from climbers to kayakers to hikers—to take in its awesome views and test their skills on the gorge’s demanding terrain.
56
Reaching for the Sky
64
Cycling’s New Mecca
4
32
For 61 years, Boone’s Camp Sky Ranch gave a muchlonged-for sense of normalcy and belonging to children who were seen by many as “different.” Jack Sharp and his family dedicated their lives to providing the joy of summer camp to thousands of disabled kids.
The High Country was a cycling destination long before Lance Armstrong orchestrated his celebrated comeback by training at Beech Mountain, but now more than ever, riders are pedaling to the Blue Ridge Mountains for its varied and challenging hills and roads, knowledgeable experts and cycling communities.
High Country Magazine
July 2010
on the cover
Photographed by Todd Bush Mountain sailing is featured on the cover of High Country Magazine this month in a shot by area photographer Todd Bush. The boat shown is Second Wind, a Grampion 30, piloted by Russ Veldman, Gayle McPherson and crew as they catch some fine winds on Watauga Lake during a practice run for one of the many sailboat races held by the Watauga Lake Sailing Club. Todd and his wife Lorie operate a commercial photography studio in Banner Elk. His photographs have been published on book covers, posters, cards, calendars and in numerous magazines. To see more of Todd’s work, click to www.bushphoto.com.
READER SERVICES ABOUT US
The first High Country Press newspaper was published on May 5, 2005, and the first issue of High Country Magazine went to press in fall 2005. We publish the newspaper weekly and currently publish the magazine seven times a year. Both are free, and we distribute the newspaper and magazine in Watauga and Avery counties. Our newspaper is packed with information that we present and package in easy-to-read formats with visually appealing layouts. The magazine represents our shared love of our history, our landscape and our people. It celebrates our pioneers, our lifestyles, our differences and the remarkable advantages we enjoy living in the mountains. Our guiding principles are twofold: quality journalism makes a difference and customer care at every level is of the greatest importance. Our offices are located in downtown Boone, and our doors are always open to welcome visitors.
T L S P L P T S
SUBSCRIPTIONS
We are now offering subscriptions to High Country Magazine. A one-year subscription for seven issues costs $40, and we will mail issues to subscribers as soon as they arrive at our offices from the printer. To subscribe, call our offices at 828-264-2262.
BACK ISSUES
Back issues of our magazines are available from our office for $5 per issue. Some issues are already sold out and are no longer available.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography and page reprints are available for purchase. For sizing, prices and usage terms, please call our office. Some photos may not be available and some restrictions may apply.
ADVERTISING
Obtain information about advertising in our publications from our sales representatives by calling 828-264-2262 or emailing us at sales@highcountrypress.com.
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High Country Magazine
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C O N T E N T S
56
98
84
76
From Banner Elk to Boonville
84
The New River
98
Sonny Sweet and the Red Cross
106
Documenting a Forgotten Town
116
Bare Essentials Natural Market
124
Sailing Enchantment on Watauga Lake
In Dr. Allen Speer’s latest book From Banner Elk to Boonville, the author ties stories from his own Southern childhood to those of his ancestors, demonstrating how the past interacts with the present.
Older than some of the oldest mountains on Earth, the north-flowing New River has been shaped by nature and by man. Take a trip along the ancient waterway from its tranquil beginnings in the mountains of North Carolina all the way to its fierce whitewater rapids in West Virginia.
At the end of June, Sonny Sweet ended 15 years of service as director of the Watauga Chapter of the American Red Cross. Sweet recounts an eventful tenure, surrounded by hundreds of selfless volunteers, responding to such disasters as fire, snowstorms, hurricanes and floods.
Filmmaker Kyle Grove unearths the history of lumber town Shull’s Mills, a once-thriving community that now exists only in memory. Kyle shares historic stories and images from his forthcoming documentary, “Just a Stop Along the Way.”
Organic and natural foods and products may be the trend these days, but Ben Henderson and Mary Underwood have provided healthy and safe goods to the Boone area for 22 years. Passionate about their products, the two consider Bare Essentials Natural Market to be their calling in life, serving the community with a dedicated and knowledgeable staff and excellent customer service.
Revered area photographer Todd Bush shares his fond memories of sailing on Watauga Lake in Tennessee, from exhilarating races to purchasing his first boat to cherished friendships forged on the water.
D E P A R T M E N T S
8 10
From the Publisher Calender of Events
14 Mountain Echoes
136
Parting Shot: Watauga High School
S E E A D V E R T I S E R S ’ I N D E X O N pa g e 1 3 4 6
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July 2010
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July 2010
High Country Magazine
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FROM T H E PUB L ISH ER
A Publication Of High Country Press Editor & Publisher Ken Ketchie Creative Director Courtney Cooper Production Manager Michelle Bailey Graphic Artists Tim Salt and Patrick Pitzer Advertising Sales Beverly Giles, Bryan McGuire and Kamila Gruszecka
Restaurants . . .
J
Ken Ketchie
oin me in giving our local restaurants a big round of applause! I’ve heard the comment many times: “Wow—you guys have an amazing array of great restaurants up here!” And we do! From the over-the-top sophisticated dining experience to eating in the rough—as they like to say over at Woodlands BBQ in Blowing Rock. There are different styles, tastes, décor, price ranges and interesting locations—something for everyone. Because it’s the middle of the summer dining season, we thought we’d shine the spotlight on our area restaurants in this issue; we’ve grouped them all together and put them front and center starting on page 20. We sincerely appreciate our restaurants supporting us and, of course, they do so because they want to invite you, and all of our readers, to come dine with them. And right now is such a great time to enjoy the tasty treats and fabulous atmospheres our restaurants have to offer. With everyone in town, they’re at the top of their game. Close to 150 restaurants are listed in the yellow pages of the phonebook for Watauga and Avery counties. A little more than 20 percent are listings for the national chains. That means that some 120 establishments are locally owned. That’s impressive. These owners are folks raising families and providing jobs in our communities. Some of our restaurants have a long tradition of dining excellence, like The Best Cellar in Blowing Rock, in business since 1975. There’s Larry Imeson, who has been operating his Blowing Rock Grille for 28 years. Also in Blowing Rock, Butch Triplette and Jim Houston have been at Woodlands for 33 years. In Boone, Jack Pepper of Pepper’s Restaurant just celebrated his 35th anniversary, and Danny Money of Red Onion Café has 25 years under his belt. In Banner Elk, Sorrento’s has been serving for 24 years, and Louisiana Purchase has been there for 26. And then there are plenty of new places making a name for themselves, like Mélange at Tynecastle; Vidalia, Char and Crave in Boone; and Glidewell’s and Pssghetti’s in Blowing Rock. I could go on and on here with more great mentions. How many have you been to? I’ve been lucky to dine at most over the years, but I don’t claim to be a real “foodie.” I often have to resort to a little menu finger pointing when ordering, and I much prefer to have someone else make the wine selection. But as you know, you don’t have to be a food expert or wine connoisseur to enjoy the experience. It’s about being out with people, having fun and enjoying the atmosphere and conversation—all while quenching your thirst and stimulating your taste buds. So be sure to check out our special restaurant section, and think about all the dining opportunities we have in the High Country.
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High Country Magazine
July 2010
Associate Editor Anna Oakes Contributing Writers Sally Treadwell Harris Prevost Jason Gilmer Jim Thompson Eric Crews Tim Thornton Todd Bush Becky Alghrary-McRee Contributing Photograhers James Fay Todd Bush Frederica Georgia Peter Morris Karen Lehmann Greg Williams Chris Gallaway Finance Manager Laila Patrick
High Country Magazine is produced by the staff and contributors of High Country Press newspaper, which serves Watauga and Avery counties of North Carolina
HIGH COUNTRY MAGAZINE P.O. Box 152, Boone, NC 28607 828-264-2262 Follow our magazine online where each issue is presented in a flip-through format. Check it out at:
HighCountryMagazine.com Reproduction or use in whole or part of the contents of this magazine without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Issues are FREE throughout the High Country. © 2010 by High Country Press. All Rights Reserved.
Some Times are Just Too Good to Leave Behind The Original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as one of the best remaining examples of an old country store. It is the center of the community. Enjoy a game of checkers by the pot-bellied stove or a 5¢ cup of coffee, or mail a letter at the corner post office. You’ll find more Mast Store locations along downtown streets throughout the region. Visitors have a chance to enjoy old-fashioned friendly service reminiscent of a bygone era and to browse shelves filled with most everything you need for life — traditional clothing, comfortable footwear, trail and travel gear, housewares, toys, and over 500 old-fashioned favorite candies.
Valle Crucis • Boone • Waynesville • Hendersonville • Asheville, NC Greenville, SC • Knoxville, TN • MastGeneralStore.com • 1-866-FOR-MAST July 2010
High Country Magazine
9
Calendarof Events July 2010 8-11
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, Grandfather Mountain, 828-733-1333
9-10
MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove, Historic Cove Creek High School, Sugar Grove, 828-297-2200
9
Concerts on the Lawn: The Neighbors & Sheets Family, Jones House, downtown Boone, 828-264-1789
9
Amy Sedaris, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 828-262-4046
9
Summer Film Series: Sixteen Candles, Inn at Crestwood, Blowing Rock, 828-262-3461
10
Brian Ayers Memorial Art Exhibition Opening, Boone Mall, 828-264-7286
10
Gregory Smith & Branch Richter Art Social, The Art Cellar Gallery, Banner Elk, 828-898-5175
10
Golden Dragon Acrobats, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 828-262-4046
11
Anne Abgott Watercolor Workshop, The Art Cellar Gallery, Banner Elk, preregister at 828-898-5175
11
Jazz Society: Larry Lapin & Michelle Amato, Meadowbrook Inn, Blowing Rock, 828-295-4300
11
Eastern Festival Orchestra and Pianist Barry Douglas,
Ralph Stanley, July 30
16-17
13
Blowing Rock Summer Auction, American Legion Hall, Blowing Rock, 828-295-9928 or 336-667-9265
14
16 16
16
Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 828-262-4046
10
Toe River Storytelling Festival, Riverside Park,
17
Spruce Pine, 828-765-3008
17
BJ’s Dog Show, anyone can enter their canines in this friendly competition, Beech Mountain, 828-387-9283
17
Art in the Park, American Legion grounds, Blowing Rock, 828-295-7851
Sunset Stroll, enjoy refreshments, wine and art in downtown Blowing Rock, Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock, 828-295-6991
Dora and Diego, Tweetsie Railroad, 800-526-5740
Concerts on the Lawn: King Bees & Ken Lurie & Friends, Jones House, downtown Boone, 828-264-1789
16-18
Broyhill Chamber Ensemble: A Musical Mandala, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 828-262-4046
High Country Magazine
High Country Musicfest, High Country Fairgrounds, Boone, 828-733-8060
Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 828-262-4046
17
Patti LuPone, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 828-262-4046
17-18
Fine Art and Master Craft Festival, Banner Elk Elementary, 828-898-5605
July 2010
DON’T FORGET
EVENTS
CARLTON GALLERY Celebrating 28 Years
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games Celebrate Scottish heritage, watch sporting events, enjoy the best Celtic music from around JULY the country and maybe even meet your 8 to 11 Scottish kin at the 55th annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. It’s the largest gathering of Scottish clans in the country, taking place at MacRae Meadows on Grandfather Mountain Thursday through Sunday, July 8 to 11. Enjoy a single day or make a weekend of it.
MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove With a couple thousand attendees each year, MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove can still call itself one of the High Country’s best-kept secrets, with standout roots music artists performing on the intimate grounds of the Historic Cove Creek High School. Taking place JULY this year on Friday and 9 & 10 Saturday, July 9 and 10, the 13th annual music festival features Doc Watson, the Carolina Chocolate Drops and the Kruger Brothers. The event also features food and handmade crafts.
Fine Art & Master Craft Festival The first of two Fine Art and Master Craft Festivals takes place on Saturday and Sunday, July 17 and 18. High Country residents will find fine JULY art and high-quality crafts as national 17 & 18 and international accredited artists come to the mountains to showcase their talents at Banner Elk Elementary. Items include watercolors, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, furniture and handcrafted leather.
Mid-Summer Exhibition July 25 - September 15 • Opening Reception July 25, 2-5pm
5th Annual Jewelry Trunk Show August 28th as part of the Avery Tour de Art
PAINTINGS • CLAY • GLASS • FIBER • WOOD • SCULPTURE • JEWELRY 10 Miles South of Boone on Hwy. 105 Grandfather Community
Call or check our website for workshop dates TUESDAY-SATURDAY 10:00-5:00 • SUNDAY 11:00-5:00
828-963-4288
www.carltonartgallery.com • info@carltonartgallery.com
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July 2010
High Country Magazine
11
MusicFest ‘n Sugar Grove, July 9 & 10
18
Sunset Stroll, July 16
Eastern Festival Orchestra and Tianwa Yang, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 828-262-4046
Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, July 16
28-8/6 Summer Theatre: Ragtime, Lees-McRae College Hayes Auditorium, Banner Elk, 828-898-8709
Art and Antique Show Preview Party, Blowing Rock,
18-22
Remembering the Holocaust Symposium, Broyhill Inn and Conference Center, Boone, 828-262-2311
Crossnore Gallery Artist Reception, Crave, Boone, 828-733-3144
30-8/1 BRAHM Art & Antiques Weekend, Blowing Rock School, 828-295-9099
John Pizzarelli and Swing 7, Farthing Auditorium,
22 22
29
828-295-9099
30
ASU, 828-262-4046
23
St. Mary Tour of Homes, Blowing Rock, 828-295-7851
23
Concerts on the Lawn: The Lazybirds & Melissa Reaves, Jones House, downtown Boone, 828-264-1789
23
Symphony at Chetola, Chetola Lake, Blowing Rock, 828-295-5500
23 24
Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival,
downtown Boone, 828-264-1789
30
Ralph Stanley and Cherryholmes Concert, Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 828-262-4046
30
Outdoor Film Series: The Bucket List, Inn at Crestwood, Boone, 828-262-3461
30-8/1 BRCT Presents Willie Wonka, 828-312-0263
Farthing Auditorium, ASU, 828-262-4046
31
Barn Dance, Beech Mountain, 828-387-9283
Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Walk, Farthing Auditorium,
31
Hoot’Nanny Festival, event to benefit Genesis Wildlife Sanctuary, Buckeye Recreation Center, Beech Mountain, 828-387-2979
ASU, 828-262-3017
24
Barn Dance, Beech Mountain, 828-387-9283
24
Tour de Art, monthly art tour of Avery County galleries and studios, 828-773-3144
24
Valerie and Rick Beck Art Social, The Art Cellar Gallery, Banner Elk, 828-898-5175
24
Blood, Sweat and Tears, Holmes Center, ASU, 828-262-4046
24-25
Fine Arts and Crafts Show, Great Train Robbery, Banner Elk, 828-733-0675
24-25
Camp Little Windows, learn to sing traditional Irish, Appalachian and sacred songs, Hickory Ridge Homestead, Boone, 828-264-2120
25
Mountain Home Music: Strictly Clean & Decent, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Boone, 828-964-3392
25
Concerts on the Lawn: Elkville String Band & Jim Lloyd and Trevor McKenzie, Jones House,
Broyhill Chamber Ensemble, Rosen Concert Hall, ASU, 828-262-4046
27-8/1 Charity Horse Show: Hunter-Jumper I, Tate Show Grounds, Blowing Rock, 828-295-4700
31-8/8 K-9s in Flight Frisbee Dogs, Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, 800-526-5740 31-8/1 Arts and Crafts Award Show, Valle Crucis Elementary, 828-733-0675
August 2010
1
Tribute to Martin and Doris Rosen, Camp Yonahnoka, Linville, 828-262-2311
2
3-8
Monday Night Concert Series, Broyhill Park, Blowing Rock, 828-295-5222 Charity Horse Show: Hunter-Jumper II, Tate Show Grounds, Blowing Rock, 828-295-4700
6
Bluegrass and Old-Time Fiddlers Convention, Ashe County, 336-977-1427
6
Downtown Boone Art Crawl, downtown Boone galleries and businesses, 828-262-4532
6
Concerts on the Lawn: Worthless Son-in-Laws & Danny Whittington, Jones House, downtown Boone, 828-264-1789
12
High Country Magazine
July 2010
DON’T FORGET
EVENTS
Avery Tour de Art Back for a second year is the Greater Avery Tour de Art, a monthly arts event featuring 11 galleries and studios in the Foscoe, Banner Elk, Linville and greater Avery County areas. The tours will take place every fourth Saturday through October from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The gallery tour includes paintings, pottery, sculpture, fine art reproductions, framing, lighting and more by established and emerging artists. Galleries may also feature refreshments, special sales and other activities.
SATURDAY July 24
Symphony at the Lake
Sugar Mountain Resort
SUMMER SCHEDULE Hiking & Biking Trails Open Saturday, May 1, 2010 through Sunday, October 17, 2010
Hiking and biking trails intertwine throughout the Village of Sugar Mountain. Trail access is free of charge May through October during daylight hours. Trail maps are located in a black, marked mailbox at the base of the Flying Mile slope.
Weekend Scenic Lift Rides
Enjoy the cool mountain air in Blowing Rock for one of the most anticipated events of the summer—the annual Symphony at the Lake at Chetola Resort on Friday, July 23. Bring a blanket and sit by Chetola Lake, listening to the sounds of the Symphony of the Mountains. Symphony-goers are welcome to bring a picnic or enjoy cuisine prepared by Chetola. The evening ends with a glittering fireworks show.
Friday, July 2, 2010 through Monday, September 6, 2010
Horn in the West
Enjoy a two-day Oktoberfest in the North Carolina Mountains featuring live German music, German and American food & beverages; children’s fun center; hay rides; local & regional craft fair; lift rides; lodging specials and much more.
FRIDAY July 23
One of the oldest outdoor dramas in the state and the nation’s oldest Revolutionary War drama, Horn in the West is not to be missed. The show portrays the lives of through pioneers August 14 who braved the wilderness to settle in the Blue Ridge Mountains, seeking freedom from British tyranny. Performances take place Tuesdays through Sundays through Saturday, August 14. The historic Horn in the West amphitheatre and Hickory Ridge Homestead, tucked in a wooded area in the heart of Boone, are worth exploring before the show.
Lift rides are available every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am until 5:30 pm. Bring the whole family, a picnic lunch, your mountain bike, or just a friend and enjoy a breathtaking 45 minute roundtrip lift-ride to Sugar’s 5,300 foot peak. Special weekday lift ride dates include Friday, July 2 & Monday, September 6, 2010.
Oktoberfest Saturday, October 9, 2010 & Sunday, October 10, 2010
Sugar Mountain Resort
1009 Sugar Mountain Drive • Sugar Mountain, NC 28604 www.skisugar.com/summer • (828) 898-4521
July 2010
High Country Magazine
13
mountain
echoes
Insider tips, fascinating facts, conversation starters and fun stuff to do
An Appalachian Summer Festival T
Chamber
he 26th annual An Appalachian Sum-
Golden Dragon Acrobats
Ensemble
mer Festival takes place throughout the
and the Rosen
month of July, with concerts, workshops,
Outdoor Sculpture
lectures, exhibitions, films and more. Concerts and films take place at Farthing Auditorium
Competition & Exhibition. An Appalachian
and Rosen Concert Hall on the ASU campus.
Summer also features a series of environmen-
Founded in 1984, An Appalachian Summer
tal and art film screenings. A new feature of this year’s festival will be
Festival has played a leading role in enriching the cultural landscape of northwestern North
social hours preceding concerts and films at
Carolina. For nearly a decade, the festival has
Farthing Auditorium, with hors d’oeuvres and
been named one of the “Top 20 Events in the
beer and wine for sale from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m. Tickets to most performances are $28 for
Southeast” by the Southeast Tourism Society,
Todd Wright
adults, $16 for students ages 6 to 18, $15 for
and attendance exceeds 26,000. Returning to campus are the Golden
ASU students and $10 for kids 5 and under.
Dragon Acrobats on July 10, the Eastern Fes-
Tickets to Broyhill Chamber Ensemble concerts
tival Orchestra, with performances on July 11
and the School of Music Faculty Showcase
(featuring pianist Barry Douglas) and July 18
Recital are $18 for adults and $10 for students
(featuring violinist Tianwa Yang) and bluegrass
and kids. All film screenings are $10. The Festival Celebration Concert featuring
legend Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Gerard Schwarz
Boys on July 30. Other highlights include ac-
Blood, Sweat & Tears at the Holmes Center is
tress, author and comedienne Amy Sedaris on
$30 for adults and students, $25 for Blue Ridge
July 9, singer and actress Patti LuPone on July
Electric members and $5 for kids 12 and under.
17, jazz guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli on
For more information, call 828-262-4046 or
July 22 and Blood, Sweat & Tears on July 24,
click to www.appsummer.org.
who will perform at the Festival Celebration
By Anna Oakes
Concert at the Holmes Convocation Center. Of course, An Appalachian Summer Festival is anchored each year by the Broyhill Cherryholmes
Patti LuPone 14
High Country Magazine
July 2010
mountain
echoes
Summer at the Pool
T
he recently reopened Grover C. Robbins Memorial Pool in Blowing Rock has been a busy locale as of late, especially
with June’s above-average summer temperatures. The pool opened on May 29 after the completion of a $1.09 million project to replace the 52-year-old, 188,000-gallon pool with a new 85,000gallon pool. The project was funded in part by several grants, including a $500,000 N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Match Grant. Jennifer Brown, Parks and Recreation director for Blowing Rock, reported that the pool brought in $14,000 in the first eight days after opening this year, compared with $3,500 during the same period last year. The new pool is the same length as the old pool, but the deep end was reduced from a depth of 12 feet to six feet. The pool is built in a U-shape, with one side of the U doubling as a kiddie pool space, featuring buckets that automatically fill with water and dump out and another
The pool features moveable lap lanes for swimmers in the deep end and a waterslide. It also has more deck space than the previous pool. For more information, call Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation at 828295-5222.
structure that sprays water.
By Anna Oakes
July 2010
High Country Magazine
15
mountain
echoes
After 5 Socials
in Banner Elk and Blowing Rock
M
usic on the Lawn in Blowing Rock and Courtyard Parties in Banner Elk provide
fun social get-togethers for locals and visitors. These “After 5:00 p.m. Socials” bring the com-
Smokehouse and Grille
munity together to enjoy summer in the High
and the Bayou General
Country.
Store. “We probably had a
Music on the Lawn is presented by The Best Cellar in Blowing Rock every Friday from 5:00
do it every Friday,” Dyer said. “We plan
to 8:00 p.m. on lawn at The Best Cellar. “The
to go into September, maybe October
grounds at the Ragged Gardens are so pretty,
depending on the weather.” The Shoppes at the Vil-
and we wanted to be able to share it and for people
Music on the Lawn
lage in Banner Elk has cre-
to come and be able to ex-
Best Cellar, Blowing Rock
ated its own evening social
perience it,” said Rob Dyer,
Fridays 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
event. Courtyard Parties
July 16 – Harris Brothers
happen every Wednesday
co-owner of The Inn at
July 23 – Holden Bare
Ragged Gardens and The
July 30 – Harris Brothers
Best Cellar with Lisa Stripling. Dyer says he thinks Music on the Lawn has
Courtyard Parties Shoppes at the Village, Banner Elk Wednesdays 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.
from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the stoplight in Banner Elk. These gatherings feature live music, free food tast-
drawn 50 to 100 people to
ings and games. “[The
the lawn each Friday. “We
Courtyard Parties] have
were only going to do it once or twice a month,
been doubling in size every week,” said Win-
but it was so well received that we decided to
ston Ammann, one of the owners of the Bayou
couple hundred [people] out last week. There’s no telling how many will show up this week.” “We’re trying to bring more awareness to the Village Shoppes,” said David Ammann, the other owner of the Bayou Smokehouse and Grille and the Bayou General Store. “It’s a little gem here in downtown [Banner Elk].” “It’s definitely been a social atmosphere,” Winston said. “People are just having a good time relaxing and enjoying the music.” The casual, friendly atmosphere has made these events successful. “You can be there for five minutes or be there the whole time,” Dyer said. “And just enjoy the weather that we’re blessed with up here in the mountains.”
By Jessica Kennedy
Fine Art and Crafts in Banner Elk July 17 and 18
H
Prices of these items will vary—some trin-
igh Country residents will find fine
kets will sell for under $20, while some items
art and high-quality crafts in Banner
will sell for thousands.
Elk this month as national and international
Only the finest items are accepted for the
accredited artists come to the mountains to
festival, and all artists participating are juried
showcase their talents.
based on the quality of their wares. Many
Approximately 80 vendors will have handmade items available for purchase at
have traveled the world to perfect their art or
the Banner Elk Elementary School during the
have passed on their craft from generation to
19th annual Fine Arts and Master Crafts Fes-
generation. A second festival is also planned for Sat-
tival Saturday, July 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, July 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Items for sale will include watercolors, sculptures in stone, clay, bronze,
urday, August 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
or copper, pottery, jewelry, and more. Furniture featuring wood, inlaid
Both festivals are free and open to the public.
stone, or stained glass will also be available, as will hand-woven clothes
For more info, contact the Avery County Chamber of Commerce at 800-972-2181.
and handcrafted leather. 16
High Country Magazine
July 2010
By Anne Baker
July 2010
High Country Magazine
17
mountain
echoes
Tour of Homes Showcases Outstanding Blowing Rock Houses
E
xperience old-fashioned charm and storybook cottages during the 52nd annual St. Mary of the Hills Tour of Homes Friday, July 23, from
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Participants will be shuttled from St. Mary of the Hills to four Blowing Rock homes by private car, with the last group departing at 2:00 p.m. The houses will close at 4:30 p.m. This year’s four homes—Stonehenge, Golden Hill, Green Gates and Katydid—are in closer proximity to each other than last year’s, making it possible for participants to walk to the homes once they are dropped off at the first if they wish to do so. All proceeds from the tour benefit area nonprofit organizations, and in previous years, more than 2,000 participants have brought in about $90,000. Tickets for the event are $25 and are available for purchase at St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church and the Blowing Rock Visitor Center.
Golden Hill
They may also be purchased at the church the day of the tour. As part of the event, donated box lunches from Bistro Roca will be available for $10 beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall, and a food tent will feature homemade desserts and breads from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Handmade items will also be available for purchase under the needlecraft tent on the church’s front lawn, and a silent auction during the day will include items donated by local merchants and parishioners. Complimentary parking for the tour is available at the Hayes Performing Arts Center located on 152 Jamie Fort Road off of Highway 321, and a trolley will leave every 20 minutes between 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to take participants to the church. For more info, call St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church at 828-295-7323 or click to www.stmaryofthehills.org.
Katydid 18
High Country Magazine
By Anne Baker
Green Gates
Stonehenge July 2010
mountain
echoes
Blowing Rock Art and Antique Sale July 30 to August 1
I
f you’re shopping for that perfect painting
to shop are from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on
to hang above the mantle or for an antique
Friday and Saturday and from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00
desk for your office, the Blowing Rock Art and
p.m. on Sunday. Admission to the show is $10,
History Museum’s 4th annual Blowing Rock Art
and tickets can be purchased at the door, Car-
and Antique Sale is a great place
riage Trade Antiques, Finley House
to look.
Antiques and the BRAHM office. An Early Bird Sale and Preview Party
Approximately 20 vendors will be in town for the event,
takes place on Thursday, July 29,
which is held at the Blowing
from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The cost for
Rock School from Friday, July 30,
that event is $35, and complimen-
to Sunday, August 1, selling ev-
tary refreshments will be available.
erything from English, European and American
The ever-popular BRAHM Café will sell
furniture to clocks, oriental rugs, china, pottery,
homemade lunches and desserts from 11:00
fine silver and crystal, jewelry and more.
a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day. Reservations for this
“This is a big show,” said Sunny Townes,
event requested and can be made by calling
BRAHM’s programs and education coordinator.
the BRAHM office. “The treats this year will be
“There’s lots of quality items to be found.” Hours
better than ever,” said Teresa Caine, co-chair of
the show and member of the Board of Trustees. “Plan to bring your friends, sit in the shade and enjoy lunch prepared by our great group of volunteers.” The event is a fundraiser for BRAHM, which promotes visual arts, history and heritage of the mountains through educational programs, exhibitions and significant permanent collections. For more information about the event, contact BRAHM at 828-295-9099 or click to www. blowingrockmuseum.org.
By Jason Gilmer
Always Great Savings on Broyhill
Now Featuring Henredon, Lane and Laneventure Your Sealy Posturepedic Headquarters
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Mon. - Sat. 10 AM - 6 PM • Sun. 1 PM - 5 PM
8486 Valley Blvd. (Hwy 321) Blowing Rock, NC 28605 828• 295• 0965
July 2010
High Country Magazine
19
Summer Dining It’s the height of the summer dining season in the High Country, and there’s no better time to enjoy a casual lunch, a relaxing brunch or a romantic dinner. For your culinary inspiration, you’ll find dozens of fine establishments in the following pages.
Kamila Gruszecka and Paul Whitehead at the Table at Crestwood Photo by Frederica Georgia
20
High Country Magazine
July 2010
summer dining Bayou Smokehouse Banner Elk. Banner Elk’s own Cajun connection serves up not only Louisiana favorites like gumbo and po’ boys, but also authentic Texas cuisine, such as smoked Beef Brisket BBQ and chicken-fried steak. Cocktails, wine and more than 75 beers (10 on tap). Bayou has free wireless and NTN BuzzTime Trivia, and Sundays feature brunch and a “Make-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar.” n 828-898-8952. www.bayousmokehouse.com.
Captivating. Cozy. Delicious. And Open to the Public. The Manor House Restaurant at Chetola Resort Serving Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Sunday Brunch.
$26.00 - THREE COURSE PRIX FIXE DINNERS The Manor House Restaurant at Chetola Resort
10% OFF LUNCH, DINNER AND SUNDAY BRUNCH *Excluding Prix Fixe Menu and Tapas Selections. Please remit coupon to your server. Code: HCP
bella’s Banner elk. Bella’s Neighborhood Italian Restaurant is a local favorite and serves the best Italian cuisine in town. Everything is made to order with the finest homemade ingredients. Bella’s is known for authentic Italian food along with a variety of delicious hand-tossed pizza. Perfect for families, locals and visitors alike. Come dine with the Fellas from Bella’s and you are guaranteed not to go home hungry! Located across from Sugar Mountain in the Food Lion Shopping Center. n 828-898-9022. www.bellasNC.net.
828-295-5505 | www.chetola.com
Cafe Portofino ´
an international garlic house
Dining 5 Star s he Price t t u o h t wi sual in a Ca here! Atmosp Dining All Day
The Best Cellar Blowing Rock. The Best Cellar restaurant has been a favorite among locals for decades. Located in The Inn at Ragged Gardens in downtown Blowing Rock, The Best Cellar offers 11 elegant rooms, seasonal gardens and serves lunch and dinner daily. Reservations are suggested. n 828-295-3466. www.ragged-gardens.com.
970 Rivers Street • 828-264-7772 w w w. c a f e p o r t o fi n o . n e t July 2010
High Country Magazine
21
summer dining The Bistro Boone. The Bistro is a “collaboration of food and art.” Located in the New Market Center, this small fine dining restaurant features a menu of sophisticated French-Italian cuisine and homemade desserts. The beer and wine list spills over with endless possibilities. Experience exceptional dining and clean air at The Bistro with its non-smoking atmosphere. n 828-265-0500. www.thebistrorestaurant.com.
Blowing Rock Grille Blowing Rock. Courtyard dining and a friendly atmosphere make this restaurant a Blowing Rock favorite. For lunch, try homemade soups, vegetable plates and sandwiches. The dinner menu features fresh fish, pasta, pork, premium steaks and a unique wine list. n 828-295-9474.
www.gamekeeper-nc.com 828-963-7400
www.theblowingrockgrille.com seasonal dishes local organic produce best veggie plate in town
Café Portofino Boone. Café Portofino offers a casual atmosphere and truly 5-star dining. The selfdescribed “Garlic House” menu is a creative mix of Thai, Eurasian and Italian influences. For after-hours entertainment, check out the adjoining taproom with billiards, darts and 50 bottle and draft beers from around the world. n 828-264-7772.
SHULL’S MILL ROAD BESIDE YONAHLOSSEE
Outdoor dining with beautiful views. Catering availiable and also a private room for your special event
Turner South, Southern Living, Our State, WNC Magazine, Our State Signature, US Airways Magazine, Mountain Living, UNC TV
Featuring artwork by Banister Pope Try This Local Favorite:
Stuffed French Toast
Canyons
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK High Country Magazine
Gourmet Breakfast and Lunch
www.cafeportofino.net.
RECOMMENDED BY:
22
Food Fantasy
July 2010
Blowing Rock. This historic restaurant and bar is known for its spectacular views of the
Tuesday - Saturday, 8:00am - 2:30 ish Sunday Brunch, 9:00am - 2:30 ish
828.263.0300 • 664 W. King St.
www.melaniesfoodfantasy.com
summer dining Blue Ridge Mountains and its scrumptious southwestern and ordinary American eats. Make a trip out on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings to enjoy live, local music that will keep your toes tapping all night. n 828-2957661. www.CanyonsBR.com.
Casa Rustica Boone. Casa Rustica offers some of the finest Northern Italian-American cuisine in the High Country, accentuated by a cozy, fireside atmosphere. In addition to menu favorites like grilled chicken alfredo and the six-cheese pasta purses, Casa Rustica’s extensive wine list is updated every 30 days to include interesting vintages and new organics. All ABC permits. Enjoy live jazz every Thursday night and classical guitar every Sunday. n 828-262-5128.
simple, seasonal, memorable
www.casarustica1981.com.
Cha Da Thai Boone. Cha Da Thai is the only place in the area where you can find authentic Thai cuisine. The menu is a representation of all Thai specialties, from sweet to sour and from salty to spicy. Cha Da Thai also offers a private dining room for large parties celebrating a special occasion. The restaurant is located on Howard Street in downtown Boone and offers daily specials. n 828-268-0434. www.ChaDaThai-NC.com.
Char Boone. A spacious contemporary bistro offering lively, casual
A contemporar y American bistro ser ving local meats and seasonal produce
828.295.7075 | www.storiestreetg rille .com 1167 Main St., Blowing Rock, NC 28605 Monday through Saturday | Lunch and Dinner Andrew Long, Executive Chef & General Manager.
July 2010
High Country Magazine
23
summer dining or romantic dining experiences on the roomy covered deck, 2 stylish indoor dining areas or the sleek, modern bar. 5 flat screen TVs for sports enthusiasts. Visit our website for menus, specials and entertainment info. n 828-266-2179. www.char179.com
monday-saturday 11am-11pm bar open til 2am open sunday for dinner
Chick-fil-a Boone. With so much to do in the High Country, you’ll want to refuel quickly to have time for it all. Whether it’s a pre-hike breakfast or a lunch break during your epic, daylong shopping extravaganza, you can count on Chick-fil-A for a delicious way to fill up fast.
live music every monday!
828-355-9717 located in towne center across from burger king 203 boone heights dr. | boone www.craveboone.com
Simplicity
n 828-264-4660. www.chick-fil-a.com.
Exquisite Authentic Thai Cuisine
Daily Lunch Specials Lunch Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-3:00 Sat-Sun 11:30-3:00
Also Open for Dinner Every Day: Mon-Sun 5:00-10:00
* Serving beer and wine * 173 Howard Street in Downtown Boone 828-268-0434 Fax: 828-268-0439 chadathai-nc.com
CRAVE Boone. What do you crave? If it’s a world-inspired, handcrafted martini menu, an extensive wine list, or a 90-plus food menu, then Crave World-Inspired Tapas & Martini Bar is your place. The sleek, beautiful décor will make you feel like you are in a world-class restaurant, but the prices are casual and won’t hurt your wallet. n 828-355-9717.
AT THE MAST FARM INN
BArBEquE & PiCkiN’ PArLor
www.craveboone.com.
The Eseeola Lodge Recently selected from among hundreds of fine dining restaurants in North Carolina as one of the top ten finalists for
"The Best Dish in North Carolina 2010 Award" Presented by The North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and sponsored by Our State Magazine.
linville. At The Eseeola, we go back to an earlier time when dining at a fine restaurant was an experience to be savored. Guests enjoy breakfast and dinner daily as part of their accommodations Live Entertainment Nightly • No Cover All ABC Privileges package, but all High Country FuLL CAtEriNg SErviCE visitors are welcome. Our menu (828) 295-3395 changes daily, and we also offer an extraordinary seafood bufOpen 7 Days a Week • Servin g Lun ch & Din n er fet every Thursday evening with Hwy 321 Bypass, Blowin g Rock seatings at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.
Th e Wo o d l a nd s
2543 Broadstone Road Banner Elk, North Carolina 28604 828-963-5857
www.mastfarminn.com
24
High Country Magazine
July 2010
summer dining Reservations are required, and gentlemen are required to wear a coat for the evening meal. n 800-742-6717. www.eseeola.com.
Gamekeeper Blowing Rock. Housed in a 1950s stone cottage, The Gamekeeper is an upscale restaurant that offers an eclectic mix of Southern foods and mountain cuisine, including mountain trout, buffalo rib eye, ostrich, duck and beef tenderloin. The friendly staff literally waits on you hand and foot, assuring that you’ll leave happy and satisfied. The restaurant is located off Shulls Mill Road near Yonahlossee Resort. n 828-963-7400.
Dive in. It’s a landlubber’s delight every Thursday evening at our famous seafood buffet. So many selections to choose from, it’ll make your head swim. Reservations recommended.
The Eseeola Lodge at Linville Golf Club
175 Linville Avenue Linville, North Carolina 28646
www.eseeola.com • 1-800-742-6717
www.Gamekeeper-NC.com.
C A S U A L
Glidewells BLOWING ROCK. Locally owned and offers good food, good music, local art and a comfortable surrounding. Glidewells is one of the only restaurants in town that features an outdoor patio. Please come and enjoy a wonderful meal and enjoy our new menu.n 828-295-9683.
S O P H I S T I C A T I O N
CAJUN CHICKEN FETTUCINI PESTO LASAGNA CHICKEN FAJITAS WRAP SOUTHWESTERN WRAP
www.glidewellsrestaurant.org
CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD
jackalope’s view beech mountain. An intimate dining experience with creative entrées featuring fresh seafood, Angus beef and exotic wild game. Long-range, panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains are the perfect backdrop while dining on the deck or in the dining room. ‘Come Tap A Cold One’ upstairs at Jackalope’s Vault, where you’ll find a great selection of draft beer, pool tables,
GRILLED MEDITERRANIAN TUNA CERTIFIED ANGUS NY STRIP GRILLED YELLOW FIN TUNA SALAD CHICKEN PESTO PIZZA 227 HARDIN STREET IN BOONE
828/264.5470
ARTICHOKE DIP WITH TOASTED GARLIC FRENCH BREAD
Our 30th Year In Boone
We now have Wi-Fi! SOUP & QUICHE OF THE DAY... SERVING LUNCH & DINNER SEVEN DAYS A WEEK July 2010
High Country Magazine
25
summer dining and your favorite game on the wide screen. n 828-898-9004. www.archersinn.com/jackalopes.com
Jackson Dining Room at Broyhill inn Boone. ASU’s own inn and conference center boasts 83 guest rooms and suites as well as a fine dining restaurant, the Jackson Dining Room. Sit down and enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner while observing the beautiful 25-mile mountainous view from the windowed wall. Most days and evenings, a pianist will play beautiful classical pieces to enhance the upscale dining atmosphere. n 828-262-2204. www.broyhillinn.com.
louisiana purchase
Bella’s
Neighborhood Italian Restaurant
Banner elk. The only fine dining Cajun and Creole restaurant within a 200-mile radius, Louisiana Purchase offers a seasonal menu that changes every six weeks. The restaurant boasts the second-largest wine list of any restaurant in the state and is a favorite for its quality in both food and service. n 828-963-5087. louisianapurchasefoodandspirits.com
Makoto’s
Open Seven Days a Week Located in the Food Lion Shopping Center in Banner Elk
Boone. Dining at Makoto’s Japanese Seafood and Steak House is an unique experience. During your visit, a waiter will guarantee you a pleasant dining time. If you’re lucky, your personal chef will provide a little free culinary entertainment while cooking your dish right in front of you. Makoto’s also offers a lunch and dinner sushi bar and full ABC permits. n 828-264-7976. www.makatos-boone.com.
828-898-9022 26
High Country Magazine
July 2010
Celebrating 3 years in the High Country
The only made-from-scratch & baked on premises bagel bakery in the High Country! Serving Breakfast & Lunch
BREAKFAST Bagels, Cream Cheeses, Eggs, Muffins & More...
LUNCH Deli Sandwiches Soups/Salads Mediterranean Menu
828-265-4141
Mon- Sat • 7am - 3pm • Sun • 8am- 3pm www.mountainbagels.com 211 Boone Heights Drive • Boone (Turn at Burger King on Hwy 321)
summer dining FeastSenses
Southwestern • Sandwiches • Salads • Tempting Lunch & Dinner Specials
A
The Manor House restaurant at chetola resort
BLOWING ROCK. Enjoy breakfast,
lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch in the high country’s most magnificent setting overlooking Chetola Lake and the mountains. Dine indoors or on the lake front patio. Three course Prix Fixe Dinners are served nightly for $26.00 per person & feature Rib eye Steak, Grilled Wild Salmon and 9 other delicious selections. Symphony by Chetola Lake takes place on July 23rd with three dining options starting at $12 per person, $8.00 for kids. Always open to the public. n 828-295-5505.
www.chetola.com
FOR YOUR
ELECTRIC SUNSETS
ECLECTIC MENU
SUNDAY JAZZ BRUNCH
LIVE MUSIC
DELICIOUS VIEW OF LINVILLE GORGE
H I S T O R I C R E S TA U R A N T AND BAR
W W W.CANYONSBR.COM MENU, VIEWCAM AND LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE ONLINE
HIGHWAY 321 • BLOWING ROCK, NC • ALL ABC PERMITS • 828-295-7661 Serving Lunch & Dinner Daily 11am until... • Reservations suggested for parties of five or more
Melanie’s Boone. Established in 1991, Melanie’s Food Fantasy features a large selection of fresh quality, made from scratch breakfast and lunch for all ages and palates. From Grandma’s biscuits and gravy to organic coffee from all over the world, come join us for the best food in the High Country. n 828-263-0300.
www.melaniesfoodfantasy.com
Mountain Bagels Boone. Enjoy a warm, buoyant and cozy atmosphere when you eat at Mountain Bagels. The service is always fast and friendly, and the bagels are made from scratch daily. Mountain Bagels also offers lunch specials, soups and freshly baked muffins. n 828-265-4141. www.mountainbagels.com.
Serving
Lunch & Dinner
Restaurant, 828-898-TXLA (8952)
Open 11:30 am daily - Located in the Center of Village Shoppes One block from the stoplight in Banner Elk July 2010
High Country Magazine
27
summer dining PAPA JOE’S BLOWING ROCK. Locally owned and operated since 1982, Papa Joe’s offers casual dining in a warm, friendly atmosphere. The menu is made up of Italian-American cuisine, steaks, seafood, pastas, chicken, pizzas, sandwiches and more. Papa Joe’s bar has all ABC permits and is fully stocked. It’s a great place for fun and food with friends. n 828-295-3239.
proper southern food Boone. Serving up respectable, correct, genuine southern food including soups, salads, sandwich plates and a delicious Sunday brunch 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Also open for lunch and dinner Mon-Sat 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Located in Downtown Boone on Water Street. n 828-265-5000.
www.propermeal.com.
Pssghetti’s Blowing Rock. Freshly made pasta and made-from-scratch sauces define authentic Italian cuisine, so it’s not surprising that Pssghetti’s is quickly becoming a High Country favorite. Pssghetti’s celebrates Italian tradition with “Old World” recipes that use pasta, vegetables, beef, veal and seafood. Enjoy freshly baked bread, homemade Italian desserts and both classic dishes new menu additions. n 828-295-
Progressive Alternative Dining Over 120 Small Tapas Plates 2 Fabulous Bars Extensive Wine Selection Live Music Fri & Sat Open 4pm Mon-Thur Noon Friday & Saturday 3pm Sunday 502 West Main St. Banner Elk
9855. www.pssghettis.com.
Red Onion Café
www.zuzda.com 828-898-4166 28
High Country Magazine
July 2010
Boone. The Red Onion Café has created its niche in the High Country for more than 30 years
us o am dF
o r t Bis
rl Wo
Village Shoppes Downtown Banner Elk
898-5214
modern american restaurant
Food Art Music Fun Covered Deck Dining Monday~Saturday 11am-2am Sunday: 11am-4pm
828-266-2179 Downtown Boone 179 Howard Street
summer dining by offering a welcoming atmosphere and an extensive menu at affordable prices. The café has something for every member of the family, including burgers, sandwiches, wraps, pizza, pasta, fish, steak and delicious homemade desserts. The Red Onion Café also offers several of the region’s top beer and wines to compliment any meal. The outside patio is perfect for lunch or for warm evenings. n 828-264-5470.
www.theredonioncafe.com.
Rowland’s Blowing Rock. Experience world-class culinary flair in our historic mansion, where the elegance of fine dining can be rediscovered amid gracious hospitality and the comfort of home. Rowland’s features an indulgent menu with an array of eclectic dishes including fresh seafood, prime steaks and savory game meats. There is also a delicious gourmet spa menu for the health conscious. On the wine list, you will find bottles from all over the world, including rare wines and some littleknown gems from North Carolina vineyards. n 828-295-4463. www.westglowresortspa.com
Simplicity valle crucis. Named as one of the Top 10 for “The Best Dish in North Carolina” by The North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Simplicity hopes you enjoy their gourmet organic fine dining restaurant at The Mast Farm Inn. By combining gourmet style with
2082 Blowing Rock Road Boone, NC 28607
Call 828-264-4660 www.chick-fil-a.com/boone July 2010
High Country Magazine
29
summer dining
Pleasant Elevated Retreat The Jackson Dining Room -
enjoy dinner with a view Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings.
the heritage and tradition of the rural lands of North Carolina, this quaint restaurant is becoming a personal haven of relaxed comfortable simplicity. To experience the award-winning dish, come to The Mast Farm Inn located at 2543 Broadstone Road. n 828-963-5857.
Our philosophy is simple; our guests become our friends, and return each summer.
Seasonality, Freshness and Taste.
www.mastfarminn.com
SLEDGEHAMMER CHARLIE’S
www.broyhillinn.com
BLOWING ROCK. Hickory smoked BBQ, baby back ribs, beef brisket, rotisserie chicken and wings. Sledgehammer Charlie’s knows what a smokehouse should be. If you’re looking for a lively crowd and an allAmerican menu, this is where you’ll find both. n 828-295-9092.
775 Bodenheimer Drive • Boone, NC
828/262-2204 • 800/951-6048
New Summer Menu
www.sledgehammercharlies.com.
sorrento’s Banner Elk. World famous bistro conveniently located in Banner Elk, between Ski Beech and Sugar Mountain Resort. Come in and experience a taste of Italy in the mountains! n 828-898-5214.
Speckled Trout Café
Come enjoy our delicious food on our outside patio
1182 Main Street Blowing Rock NC 28605 828-295-9683 www.glidewellsrestaurant.org 30
High Country Magazine
July 2010
Blowing Rock. Since 1986, the Speckled Trout Cafe & Oyster Bar has been pleasing both locals and visitors with its exquisite choices for dinner. The house specialty is smoked rainbow trout from local waters, but the extensive menu covers everything from steak to roast duckling to catfish. n 828-295-9819. www.speckledtroutcafe.com.
Always in Season. SERVING DINNER:
Tuesday – Sunday Opening at 5:30 pm RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED:
828/963-5087 or 898-5656
Wine Spectator’s Award Of Excellence 1990-1995 Wine Spectator’s Best Of Award Of Excellence 1996-2010
summer dining
It’s Always Trout Season
In Blowing Rock!
storie street Blowing Rock. Storie Street Grille, located in the heart of downtown Blowing Rock, is a contemporary American bistro, serving memorable dishes in warm, comfortable surroundings. Local meats and produce are the core of our seasonal menus. Covered porch seating available. n 828-295-7075. www.
storiestreetgrille.com.
vidalia Boone. Vidalia is a casual, upscale restaurant featuring “creative American cuisine.” It offers daily specials, various events, wine tastings and special nights. Vidalia holds all ABC permits and has an extensive, 60+ bottle wine list, craft beers, martinis, whiskeys, scotches and cordials. Vidalia’s menu changes twice a year to keep it seasonal and practices farm-to-table food, using local vendors as much as possible. n 828-263-9176.
SERVING A VARIETY OF FRESH SEAFOOD, POULTRY, LOCAL MOUNTAIN TROUT, ANGUS BEEF, SARA’S BABY BACK RIBS, HOMEMADE SOUPS AND SALADS.
828.295.9819 • Main Street, Blowing Rock Serving Dinner Tuesday - Sunday 5:00pm - 9:00pm
www.vidaliaofboone.com
Zuzda Banner Elk. Zuzda is a “tapas style” chef-owned restaurant that offers over 125 small plates of all cuisines. The “progressive alternative dining” offers the opportunity to taste and share small portions of food in a random order of presentation. Zuzda offers inside and patio dining and two bars, all of which is nonsmoking. Zuzda holds all ABC permits, and the wine list is as extensive as the menu, offering many wines by the glass. n 828-898-4166. www.zuzda.com.
Have You Ever Overdosed On Wasabi With A Sushi-Mad Friend?
Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar 2124 Blowing Rock Road in Boone • 828 / 264-7976 July 2010
High Country Magazine
31
Lost Golf Courses of Avery and
Watauga: Part 1
Story by
Harris Prevost
Tanglewood Golf Course in Linville, 1885-1934. Painting by Richard Evans Younger, courtesy of Linville Resorts 32
High Country Magazine
July 2010
here’s something about the North Carolina High Country that inspires the creation of great golf courses. Maybe it’s the land and our beautiful scenery. Maybe it’s our pleasant summer weather that makes us a popular destination for seasonal residents escaping the flatland heat. Because most seasonal residents play golf, Avery and Watauga counties are home to 14 golf courses. Watauga has five: Beech Mountain, Blowing Rock, Boone, Hound Ears and Willow Valley. Avery has nine courses: Elk River, Diamond Creek, Grandfather (Championship and Mountain Springs), Linville, Linville Land Harbor, Linville Ridge and Sugar Mountain. Based on North Carolina Golf Panel and Golf Digest rankings, Avery and Watauga are home to one-third of North Carolina’s top six courses, one-third of its top dozen and seven of its top 100. Grandfather is ranked in Golf Digest’s “Top 100 Courses in America.” Simply put, we are an impressive golf destination. What’s also impressive are golf courses that aren’t here but could have been. Golf lovers in our area have been inspired to plan many more courses over the years than the number that exist today—actually over twice as many. High Country Magazine has featured a regular series of articles on area golf courses
since the inception of the magazine five years ago. This month and next, the magazine takes a different twist; it features courses built that no longer exist, or courses that were going to be built that didn’t make it. Many of these “lost courses” will be surprises to even the most avid High Country golfers. Ever heard of Tanglewood, the first golf course in North Carolina? How about Grouse Moor, The Summit, Bear Hollow, Diamond Ridge, West Bowl, Mayview Park, Puffin’ Pebble, Appalachian Crest and Deerfield? Here are two easy ones: Hanging Rock (Seven Devils) and Laurelmor. Our 33 “lost courses” are too many for the magazine to cover in one issue, so the article will be split into parts. We’ll divide the “lost courses” into four categories: “have been” courses that existed and were played (six courses); “should have been” courses that had some construction activity (three courses); “would have been” courses that were designed or had rough layouts but didn’t have construction (11); and “could have been” courses that were locations considered for a course, some more seriously than others, but the process didn’t make it to design (13). This issue includes the “have been” courses.
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‘Have Been’ Courses There were six: Tanglewood, Green Park-Norwood, Mayview Park, Deerfield, Powder Horn and Hanging Rock (Seven Devils). We’ll start with Tanglewood. In addition to being North Carolina’s first course, Tanglewood may have been America’s first resort course.
Tanglewood Built 1885 • Closed 1934 5,400 yards
L
inville was founded in 1892 by a group of investors who included the Wannamaker family from Philadelphia (of department store and golf fame—they helped start the Professional Golfers Association and donated the Wannamaker Trophy that goes to the winner of the PGA’s major championship). The primary investor, though, was the MacRae family from Wilmington. After a couple of years, the MacRaes bought out the other investors and Hugh MacRae (Hugh Morton’s grandfather) traveled to Scotland a couple of times to learn how to build a golf course that would accompany the resort’s Eseeola Lodge. No doubt MacRae visited St. Andrews, the home of golf, to get ideas. Hugh MacRae built nine holes in 1885, and in 1890 his brother Donald added five more holes to make 14. In those days, a course with a different number than 18 holes was not uncommon. Having 18 holes as a standard didn’t become official through the Royal & Ancient (R&A) rule-making body at St. Andrews, Scotland, until 1933. In St. Andrews’ early years, the course consisted of 22 holes—two individual holes and 10 holes, in a line, played twice. Old Tom Morris, the legendary “father of modern golf,” was first to make a round of golf 18 holes at St. Andrews. Something similar happened at Tanglewood; later on, four holes were played twice, from different tees, to make 18. The course measured around 5,400 yards—not long today but in the 1890s, golfers were using wooden-shafted clubs and gutta percha balls. Gutta percha is the dried sap of the Sapo-
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Above: Douglas Kirkpatrick tees off on the original Tanglewood course with the Eseeola Inn in the background.
Left: Tees on the original 1895 course were basically sandboxes, and players would scoop some sand into a little mound to tee up their balls.
dilla tree that is heated up and shaped into a ball while hot. Before gutta percha, balls were made of feathers stuffed in a leather-stitched cover. “Gutty” balls didn’t go further than “featheries,” but they cost 75 percent less. They often broke apart in flight, and the rule was to play from where the largest fragment landed. In the early 1900s, a ball with a rubber core with high tension wound thread and a gutta percha cover replaced the “gutty” ball. Tanglewood’s holes wandered around through Linville’s old residential section and went up both sides of where Highway 105 is today. The two ponds on the left of the highway as you head south into Linville weren’t there, either. The ponds were formed in the 1950s from a gravel pit that supplied rock for the construction of 105. The holes had names. Some were colorful (Cozy Corner, Arthur’s Seat, Over The Top) and some were descriptive (River Hole, Grandfather, The Oaks, The Long Green, The Hemlocks, The Fountain). Hugh MacRae II, grandson of Hugh MacRae and still an excellent golfer at age 85, remembers the course. “It was a lot
“Tees were sand and clay instead of grass, and we played across roads, which wasn’t a problem because there were very few cars back then.” ~ Hugh MacRae II
of fun to play,” he said. “I was just 10 to 12 years old in the began as a four-hole course possibly in the late 1890s to emuearly ‘30s when I played the course. We used real balls but late Linville’s Eseeola Lodge and Tanglewood course. Its routing would have circled around the Green Park Hotel, which wooden-shafted clubs. “The holes were really interesting, and choice lots were was built in 1891. The greens were square, and a photo in an along the course, just like today. The first hole, Crescent, was early edition of The Blowing Rocket showed sand greens. The first hole was a par 4 located across Highway 321 from where the practice range is now. Hole numbers were not very the hotel entrance. The tee was to the right of the road to The important then; we went by hole names.” “Arthur’s Seat” went back down the hill near MacRae’s Blowing Rock attraction and the green in the field to the left. house, and “The Fountain” teed off where the Presbyterian Quite possibly, 321 followed a different route then in that area Church is. “Lenoir” went to the area where Highways 105 and than it does today. The second was an uphill dogleg right. 221 intersect today, except there wasn’t a 105. “Tanglewood Players teed off on one side of 321 and hit their drives across Terrace” was a 525-yard par 5 that went up behind the current Linville Fire Department, and “MeadThe original first hole of the Green Park-Norwood Golf Course. It was owview” was a 425-yard par 4 that came back down originally a dogleg right par four but later was made into a par three. toward Linville. The “River Hole” was a short par 3 along the Linville River. Holes extended to where It was abandoned in 1988 when the club built four new holes to Linville’s swimming pool and croquet courts are. avoid crossing U.S. Highway 321. “The course wasn’t plush,” MacRae continued. “Tees were sand and clay instead of grass, and we played across roads, which wasn’t a problem because there were very few cars back then. It was primitive, but that’s all we knew.” In 1920, Hugh MacRae’s son Nelson became president of Linville Resorts, and he embarked on an expansion program that would include the construction of a new 18-hole course, designed by his good friend Donald Ross from Pinehurst. The course opened in 1926 with an exhibition round played by US Open and British Open champion Tommy Armour. Both courses were in play for eight years before the Tanglewood course was abandoned in 1934.
Green Park-Norwood Built circa late 1890s 18 Holes
T
he history of the Blowing Rock Country Club is somewhat of a mystery. Its dates, routing and designers are not known for sure because a fire in 1974 destroyed the clubhouse and all the club’s historic records. Its colorful history is still being pieced together today. Some say the Green Park-Norwood Golf Course, the forerunner of the Blowing Rock Country Club, July 2010
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the highway, which at the time had very few cars. The third hole was a downhill par 3 and the fourth a downhill par 4 that brought the golfers back to the other side of the hotel. In 1915, the course was expanded, and the opening par 4 became the fifth of nine holes. A second nine was added in the mid-1920s, and the playing order of some holes were rearranged. The old par 4 first hole (then changed to the fifth hole) was later changed to a par 3. Traffic on 321 later became so heavy that hitting tee shots and driving golf carts across the highway became dangerous. In 1973, the club purchased land to build four replacement holes that eliminated crossing 321. After the fire destroyed the clubhouse the following year, the club was not in position financially to build the new holes until 1985. The Tom Jackson-designed new holes were put into play in 1988, and the four initial holes of the Green Park-Norwood course were abandoned. The four holes are still there but not kept up. All but the par 3 first are still owned by Blowing Rock Country Club, and the club has no plans to do anything with the property. The Robbins family purchased the first hole to protect the scenic entrance to The Blowing Rock attraction.
Mayview Park Opened 1924 • Closed 1925 9 Holes
D
onald Ross designed the nine-hole Mayview Park Golf Course in 1923, and it opened for play only two years, 1924 to 1925. Ross came back to the area to design Linville in 1924, and while there, he came over to design or at least make suggestions for the design of Blowing Rock Country Club’s second nine. Even though Mayview had a short life, according to Dr. Barry Buxton’s A Village Tapestry: The History of Blowing Rock, it played a part in some of Blowing Rock’s richest history. The 600-acre Mayview Park was developed by Charlotte and Blowing Rock summer resident Walter Alexander beginning in 1917. The park overlooked the Johns River Gorge, with Grandfather Mountain dominating the landscape on the distant horizon. The first phase of development didn’t include the golf course. Mayview guests interested in golf played the Green Park-Norwood course. The first phase included five-to-seven-room cottages (for sale or rent), residential lots, tennis, hiking, horseback riding, swimming and picnicking. Its shooting range was operated by sharp shooter icon Annie Oakley. Mayview even included a nice-sized lake. Alexander was known for doing everything first class. His intent, by the time the development was complete, was “to have the finest resort in the mountains.” Alexander called it “America’s Switzerland.” 36
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Alexander sold 400 acres of Mayview to the U.S. Department of the Interior to be used as part of a national park. About 1915, Hugh MacRae of Linville tried to donate 1,400 acres encompassing the higher elevation of Grandfather Mountain to the Department of the Interior, but it refused the donation. In the 1920s, in conjunction with Alexander, he offered to sell most of his 16,000 acres (that included Grandfather Mountain) for the park, which the two envisioned would extend from Blowing Rock to Linville Gorge. The National Park Service didn’t accept the offer and later decided to locate their new eastern United States park between Cherokee and Gatlinburg. Alexander’s second Mayview phase included the addition of the nine-hole golf course and the construction of the magnificent 138-room Mayview Manor Hotel in 1921. The hotel had wormy chestnut interior walls and chestnut bark exterior siding and was the most spectacular and luxurious resort hotel of its era. Alexander also acquired the Chetola Resort, the Green Park Hotel and the Blowing Rock Development Company’s golf course (now Blowing Rock Country Club). He planned to upgrade the Blowing Rock course to make it “nationally significant.” As all the pieces for Alexander’s grand plan to make Blowing
Rock the finest resort destination in the Southeast were falling into place, Blowing Rock was shocked to hear that Walter Alexander died after a very brief illness. The pieces suddenly came shattering to the ground, not to be put back together again. Mayview Park and Alexander’s other Blowing Rock holdings were put into the hands of receivers to sell off and pay his debts. The Mayview Park Golf Course was abandoned just two years after it opened for play. The Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve is located where most of the golf course was. The only parts surviving are a couple of fairways and a green complex that can be seen, with some imagination, from the main horse barn. Chetola was purchased by Blowing Rock summer resident Luther Snyder, the “Coca-Cola King of the Carolinas,” who was also a philanthropist and civic leader. The Mayview Manor Hotel was purchased by Thomas Broyhill and C.E. Hayworth, and it became the recreational and social center of the area until it closed in 1966. The grand hotel was torn down in 1978.
Deerfield Built 1972 • Closed 1979 9 Holes
D
eerfield was a nine-hole course built in 1972 by Truman Critcher and his brother Carlton (now deceased) on their farm property. It had two par 5s, four par 3s and three par 4s. “I love golf,” Critcher said. “I started playing when the Boone Golf Club opened. I am a charter member of the club,
“It was in a cow pasture. When Truman mowed it down, it was a good place to play.” ~ Mike Fletcher, speaking on Deerfield Golf Course
and I decided early on that I wanted to build my own course. I had a lot of land, so I got a wild hair and designed the course and built it, greens and all. I was raised on a crop farm, so I knew how to play in the dirt. I was a rural mail carrier and when I got off work, I headed to the golf course. I stayed pretty busy, but I really enjoyed it. “Most people who played were workers,” he said. “They’d come out when they had time. Our green fee was only a dollar or two. The pro shop was a trailer. I didn’t put much money into the bank. I didn’t break even, but I came pretty close. The land could have been used for something else and made money. “It was a great undertaking and a great personal success,”
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The Deerfield Golf Course is now pasture land. Owner Truman Critcher said, “If I wasn’t too old I
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Critcher continued. “I kept it open until 1979. If I wasn’t getting too old, I’d reopen it. It pleased me to see people having fun.” One person who deeply appreciated the course is Mark Cook of Boone. “It was a great place to learn to play,” Mark said. “Sometimes there was no one there, and you put your money in a fruit cake can and played. Truman used the honor system. When he held one of his ‘wing dings,’ which is like a captain’s choice scramble, there’d be so many people you could hardly stir them.” Mike Fletcher of Boone remembers Deerfield, too. “It was in a cow pasture,” he said. “When Truman mowed it down, it was a good place to play. I had a lot of fun out there.” Johnny Stacy, also of Boone, remembers one hole in particular. “It was on the side of a hill, and it didn’t matter where you hit your ball, it would always end up in the same place, at the bottom of the hill.” The Deerfield Golf Course was located on Deerfield Road, on the left as you are heading out of Boone beginning
The Deerfield Golf Course measured 2,119 yards and was a par 34.
just past the intersection with Bamboo Road. The holes are still there.
Powder Horn Opened 1978 • Closed 1986 18 Holes
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owder Horn Mountain is a residential resort located east of Boone in the Elk Creek Valley, close to the communities of Triplett, Darby and Ferguson. It was developed by Bob and Penny Horne in 1970. The resort was planned to be a first-class place to live or visit, yet affordable for the average family. Powder Horn has an abundance of woodlands, scenic views, trout streams and ponds, hiking trails, plus a multi-purpose clubhouse, swimming, tennis and at one time, horseback riding and golf. The Powder Horn Golf Course was an 18-hole executive par three course, but that wasn’t how it started out. Penny said, “We initially were going to build an 18-hole championship course and had a great one designed by an architect. After some thought, we decided instead to build an executive course and use the rest of the land for other types of recreation. The course was short (2,200 yards), so it was perfect for families. Small dogs were even welcome to tag along. You didn’t need a golf bag, just bring a few clubs and a putter. Green fees were free to Powder Horn property owners and members. It opened on July 1, 1978.” The Powder Horn resort came into being in a roundabout way. The process began when 22-year-old Bob Horne took the $800 he had saved from serving in the Army during WWII and used it to make pecan candy to sell to the Stuckey’s restaurant chain. Horne also started his own restaurant and candy business. By age 30, he was a millionaire. Horne’s distinctive pitched yellow roofs covered 55 restaurants, with accompanying motels, and spread out over 15 states when he sold his business in 1964 to the Greyhound Bus Company for $14 million, mostly in stock. Horne’s business and vacation travels frequently took him to the North Carolina mountains, and he fell in love with the area. Five years after selling his business and shortly before he married Penny, he purchased 2,000 acres in the North Carolina mountains. He took his Texas bride to the mountains, telling her she would love them, too. It was love at first sight for her. They sold their Texas home and moved to the mountains to be a part of a Shangri-La they called Powder Horn Mountain. Later, the Hornes purchased 1,500 more acres for stables and miles of riding trails. John Volpe, a real estate agent for Century 21 Elliott Properties in Boone, was the resort’s general manager at the time. “Mr. Horne was a fanatic about keeping Powder Horn Mountain looking perfect,” Volpe said. “If anything July 2010
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Most of the Powder Horn Golf Course became building lots for new homes, and several holes, like #5 above, are still recognizable in backyards.
was out of place, even a fence post that was leaning a bit, I’d hear about it, and he expected me to drop what I was doing and get it fixed immediately.” Horne liked to say that developments and conservation could go hand-in-hand. “All it takes,” he said, “is a businessman to care about something else other than his pocketbook.” Unfortunately, Horne’s pocketbook would take a major hit when a struggling Greyhound Bus Company’s stock lost 50 percent of its value. Horne also was more of a visionary than an operations manager. He made some decisions that resulted in his not being able to pay the bank back for his operating loans. “When things got tight,” Volpe said, “the golf course was the first to go.” In 1986, the bank took the course over and sold it off in parcels to individuals, some who now have homes there. “If you look carefully, you can tell there was a golf course, and the pro shop is still there,” Volpe said. Also to go were the riding stables and trails. They are now the Leatherwood Mountains resort. Horne died in January 2000, but Penny still lives at Powder Horn. “I wouldn’t live anywhere else in the world,” she said. “It is so beautiful here, and the people who live here are wonderful. I’m just another member now.”
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“The course was short, so it was perfect for families. Small dogs were even welcome to tag along.” ~ Penny Horne
The development of Powder Horn was a joint project with Bob Horne and his wife Penny, who still lives at the resort.
Hanging Rock Built 1965 • Closed 2006 6,244 yards
T
he final operational course to become “lost” was the Seven Devils Golf Course, later called the Hanging Rock Golf Club. The par 71, 6,244-yard course was built in 1965 by Herb
Reynolds and his three brothers—who were very successful road builders in the Winston-Salem area—Gardner Gidley and two other partners. The Reynolds brothers knew the area—they developed the Sleepy Hollow area of Foscoe. The initial intent of the seven was not to build a golf course and ski slope; they wanted to develop a campground resort. “We rode all over the hills on horseback,” Gidley recalls. “I felt there was plenty of good land to build a ski slope and golf course instead, and we all agreed. I said I would design it. A ski professional designed the slope, and I laid out the whole resort.” Gidley was well qualified for the job. “I can do this,” he told his partners. Before teaming up with the Reynolds, who he had worked with before, he was assistant manager of the famed Tanglewood Park located on the outskirts of WinstonSalem. He helped design the park and helped build its two championship courses and its par 3 course. Later, Gidley would design more than 100 recreation areas for local governments and also several golf courses. Golf Digest called Gidley’s Deercroft Golf Club in the Pinehurst area “the best kept secret in the Sandhills.” In 1986 and 1987, it was one of the PGA Tour qualifying sites. The partners began considering names for their new resort. Gidley said, “We looked at Hawk’s Peak and Wildcat. Then we asked, ‘What do local people say about the place?’ and several said, ‘The wind whipping around the mountain passes here sounds like seven devils screaming.’ There were seven peaks up there and there’s seven of us. We had our name. Some years later, the mayor of the town wanted to change the name. He said some other residents were uncomfortable with the word ‘devil,’ but an informal poll of the town’s residents showed they wanted to keep the name.” The Seven Devils course had a couple of quirky holes, which probably were there to make the other holes work (sometimes this has to happen on mountain courses). Overall, the course was a well-designed, fun course to play where even long hitters could hit drivers on most of the par 4s. “A golf course needs at least 125 acres,” Gidley explained, “but we only had 80 to work with. It was tight, but we got it done.” The course was framed by spectacular scenery looking back toward Boone and up at Grandfather Mountain, and it was a favorite of the Seven Devils community as well as local and seasonal residents. Ownership of the golf course and ski resort changed hands several times in the 1970s, leaving both with bad reputations. Jon Reynolds, Herb’s son, purchased the ski slope in 1982 and changed its name to Hawksnest to give it a new image and fresh start. About the same time, a promotional-minded July 2010
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Hanging Rock had a beautiful setting. It’s been abandoned for four years, but you can still tell it was a very nice golf course.
Bob Kent came to the golf course from Florida, and he put together a group of investors called the “Mountain Group” that purchased 750 acres, including the golf course. They put a lot of money into the course. They changed its name to Hanging Rock to also distance themselves from the Seven Devils reputation. Hanging Rock is the name of the rugged peak located between the golf course and the Diamond Creek Country Club on the other side. About that time, Sugar Top’s developers, fresh off a successful start at Sugar Mountain, wanted to build a large condominium near the top of the ski slope. Local residents strenuously objected, and the town turned them down. “Mountain Group really turned things around,” said Tom Gidley, son of Gardner and for a dozen years manager of the ski operations. “In the early to mid-80s, the golf course was in prime condition, the best shape ever. Both the ski operations and the golf course were very customer-service oriented. They experienced immediate success.” That success would not last. A series of poor winters and a deep recession put both the golf course and the ski slope on the market. Kent sold off most of his acreage in parcels to stay afloat. Of the 1,000-plus acres Seven Devils began with, only about 160 acres remain with the resort. Leonard Cottom, a CPA from Florida, purchased the golf course in 1992. That same year he leased the ski slope for a year and then purchased it, giving him ownership of the whole resort. Cottom had plans to build a hotel near the ski lodge, which doubled in the summer as the golf pro shop and restaurant. However, money was tight. Cottom instead focused on making improvements to the golf course and ski slopes. 42
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When hurricanes Frances and Ivan ripped through the area 10 days apart in September 2004, the golf course’s drainage system could not handle the runoff. The raging waters basically destroyed Hanging Rock’s drainage system and other infrastructure. Some greens were covered with sand and mud. The expense to repair the course, combined with the owner’s growing focus on winter sports, spelled its end. Cottom’s decision to close down the course in early 2006 caused a lot of animosity between the resort and the community. The Hanging Rock course was not in good shape and thus had less play. It began losing money. That, combined with hurricane-caused infrastructure repair costs, resulted in Cottom’s decision that he could no longer shoulder the financial drain on his operations. An already contentious relationship between the town and the Cottoms quickly escalated. The town’s residents wanted the course reopened, and the Town of Seven Devils seriously considered purchasing the course through eminent domain. There wasn’t enough support for such a drastic action, so the town settled for hiring an engineering consultant to conduct a feasibility study to determine the financial viability of the course for a new owner. The estimate to get the course playable again was around $2 million. The Cottom family closed the ski slope as well because of the expense of upgrading the slope and purchasing new equipment. In place of the golf course and ski slope, the Cottoms carved out two successful niches—snow tubing in the winter and a zipline in the summer. A couple of times the Cottoms were approached about selling the resort, but the deals fell through. Tom Gidley and his father feel the chance for the golf course being restored is “about 100 percent dead.”
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The sunrise fro
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m Hawks
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A group of backpa on the eastern rim
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ckers take in the vie
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lenging eep and chal
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gorge’s Wiseman’s View A rock outcrop near the center of the ior of the gorge. Wiseman’s gives an excellent view of the inter e Park way. View is accessible from the Blue Ridg
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Dewey Gibson ge
ts in the groove in the Linville Gorge River. Photo by Ch Horizonlinepicture ris Gallaway s.com
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Blowing Rock f the s in one o edral Fall th a C to River. drops in e Linville Ben Blake ons of th ti c se g com in lleng epictures. most cha orizonlin H y a w a ll Chris Ga Photo by
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All historical photos courtesy of the Camp Sky Ranch archives 56
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g n i h c Rea the for
Sky
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Story by Sally Treadwell
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physical and mental challenges were the norm. And for 61 years, that made it an unparalleled gift.
olio is perhaps one of the cruelest diseases out there. Sure, all disease is cruel, even though sometimes it has its blessings. But polio—polio finds joyous, coltish legs kicking out into the glorious release of summertime swimming pools and meadows, and it clamps down relentlessly. Polio attacks tender young lungs, and arms, and brains. It terrorizes parents; it transforms strong, straight limbs into strange bendy toys; and, until it was eradicated in the U.S., it paralyzed as many as 600,000 of our children and regularly put summer in lockdown. On the other hand, yes, there are blessings. And one of them was Camp Sky Ranch. “It was the only place I’ve ever been where I wasn’t different,” remembers Joan Eslick, who caught polio when she was only 23 months old and endured 18 experimental surgeries before her 16th birthday. The camp’s genesis was sheer serendipity. Jack Sharp, its founder, was no wealthy philanthropist, nor was he funded by some world-famous charity or hospital. He was simply a bus driver for Greyhound, down the mountain in Winston-Salem.
He was also a man who was crazy about bringing his family to the High Country for vacations. And then one day in 1944, Jack badly injured his spine while helping a passenger off the bus. Lying endlessly in a hospital, staring at the ceiling and thinking about the possibility of never again being able to hike in his beloved mountains, he had a thought. Where on earth did handicapped kids go to summer camp? Well, where did they? The answer was, pretty much, that they didn’t. Jack talked about it with his friend and co-worker, Marvin Culbreth. Polio was at the height of its powers at that point; perversely rare in pre-sanitary days when children easily picked up natural immunity, cases of polio had multiplied rapidly as the fad of clean water and hand washing took hold in the late 19th century. By the mid-40s major epidemics were routinely scourging the country, particularly in the Southeastern “polio belt”—and Marvin’s brother had been hit hard. And no, he hadn’t had anywhere to go to summer camp like Marvin. July 2010
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“The camp made me realize that whatever difficulties you have, you still have the ability to do whatever you want.” ~ Betty Ann (McColl) Russell
A Camp Built on ‘$10,000 and a Dream’
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ack just couldn’t let it go. Once he graduated from his wheelchair, he cashed in his war bonds and sold his brand new house. The whole family headed up to the mountains, where Jack had found some 150 pretty acres just off Winkler’s Creek Road between Boone and Blowing Rock. His daughter, Mary Ellen (now Haley), was 10 at the time; her brother Jack was just 7. They transferred into Blowing Rock School and pitched in with whatever they could. “We literally built the camp,” says Mary Ellen. “We logged the property and used the lumber to build cabins with bunk beds.” They used rocks from the property and the Price Lake dam excavation to create a massive fireplace in a spacious lodge, and later well-wishers added a chapel dedicated to Jack Sr.’s memory to the campus. The location couldn’t have been better. Ken Karns, who attended the camp each summer between 1957 and 1963 and returned as a counselor a few years back, still breathes slower, deeper, when he thinks about the creek that runs through the property. “When you go down there, just listen to that sound, that cool, clear, clean sound of mountain water going over the rocks—the brook itself inspires you, and we’d go to sleep hearing that,” he told me. (Left to right) Mildred and Marvin Culbreth sit with Jack and Ellen Sharp on the rustic bridge they built at Camp Sky Ranch. Jack sold war bonds, and his house and friends and family bought ‘stock’ to finance the 150 unspoiled acres he and his brother-in-law found. 58
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Mary Ellen and Jack Jr. were just 10 and 7 years old when they came to live in Blowing Rock while the family built Camp Sky Ranch.
The camp opened in 1948, and that first season they hosted 11 campers for 10 days. They all swam in the creek for the first couple of seasons, although two years later Mrs. Cannon of Cannon Mills helped to fund a dam so that they could create a lake. It was just like any ordinary camp. The kids’ day would start with reveille and raising the flag in the meadow; after breakfast they’d go swimming and boating and riding and hiking; they’d do archery, riflery, field games, arts and crafts; they’d study nature and “Indian” lore. Mail call was an important part of the day, and then came the evening with movies and popcorn, dancing, maybe a talent show. They’d visit Tweetsie and Grandfather Mountain, roaring out songs from the back of an open truck all the way, and cook hotdogs on the “island,” and of course there was always a big bonfire on the last night of each camp. And on rainy days, “ah,” says Ken reminiscently, “we’d just hang out in the lodge in front of a roaring fire. We’d play shuffleboard and Chinese checkers, and they had an old jukebox with 78 rpm records—‘Sincerely’ by the Platters, and ‘Silhouette on the Shade’—songs like that. And the food—that was the best food I’ve ever eaten.” Then a counselor would play “Taps,” and the kids would say
the prayers of their own faith before bed. So what was different about Camp Sky Ranch? Nothing. Nothing at all, except that every single kid was handicapped in some way, and yet Jack Sr., his wife, Mary Ellen, Jack Jr. and the counselors would figure out a way to get each one of them do the things that “normal” kids (and that was how people talked about handicaps then) did at their camps. It’s impossible to imagine, for most of us, how huge that was. Joan, for instance, had never even considered going on a hike before camp. “That first hike—it seemed so difficult to us, but we did it. Everything was geared to making us feel that we could do it; they always found a way to include every camper, no matter what disability we had. Even if you were in a wheelchair, they’d work something out. We weren’t given the impossible to do, but we weren’t coddled at all. We had to get up and make our beds and do chores just like everyone else, and it was the first time in my life that I felt like I could really do this—I felt so empowered!” Betty Ann (McColl) Russell agrees. She’d had all three types of polio at once and ended up in an iron lung, coming home in a wheelchair with her right arm permanently affected.
One of the camp’s counselors, Helen Knight, was like a personalized coloring page generator—she’d sketch something, and the kids would color it. Finally Jack asked her to paint a mural. They bought sheets of plywood, and she sketched a day at Camp Sky Ranch, from reveille to the evening bonfire, adding in everyone at the camp, right down to the donkey and the black cat. The kids painted it, and Helen touched it up. The result is an unexpectedly charming grace note in the rustic lodge. Photos by Sally Treadwell
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ek—and even the in a wide spot in the cre in 1948, the kids swam When the camp opened and the with the help of Marvin oy the cool, clear water enj ld cou s kid ed abl most severely dis lt a pool to a lake and eventually bui med the creek to create dam rps Sha the er Lat . counselors suit health regulations.
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But “the camp made me realize that whatever difficulties you have, you still have the ability to do whatever you want. God made each one of us perfect just the way we are.” Now, working in cardiology, she brings the understanding that camp gave her to work every day; and more, she brings that determined “we’ll figure out how to make it work” attitude. New cardiac diagnostics equipment is going to be hard for her to use with her weak arm? No problem. She’ll find a way.
A World of Challenges
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lthough a lot of kids went to camp because of polio in those days, kids there with all kinds of issues have passed through its doors. One kid had slipped under a train and severed both legs— “which didn’t,” says Jack wryly, “prevent him from becoming a pro wrestler”—and there were kids who’d been the victims of thalidomide or a car wreck, kids who had muscular dystrophy or Praeder-Willi Syndrome, kids with cerebral palsy, autism, Fragile X Syndrome, Downs Syndrome. Ken was there because he’d been shot. He was just 6 years old when a 7-year-old boy, playing with a .22 rifle, accidentally put a bullet in him. He was rushed to the Moses Cone hospital ER as its very first patient, but he lost his left kidney and was temporarily paralyzed; he wore braces and walked with crutches for
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years. And he really needed that camp. “I was a momma’s boy; I cried and whined a lot,” says Ken. “Camp gave me the opportunity to see kids who were a whole lot worse off than me and still managed. One boy had cerebral palsy, and it took him five minutes just to get from the cabin to the dining hall, and it was practically next door.” But he admits that he was hard to have around his first time there. Later, he says, Jack Sr. told him, “Charlie Karns, I swore up and down I would NEVER have you back—you were a spoiled rotten brat. We had such a time with you!” “He (Jack Sr.) was rough, tough and gruff on the outside, but inside he had a big heart. He knew how much I needed that camp,” says Ken, who still lights up talking about the man who made such a difference. He’s done the math and figured up the thousands of kids who passed through the camp over the 61 years it was open. “Every one of those campers was touched by something special there, and it was all a labor of love—there was never any money made at that camp.” Sometimes the camp’s influence was career-changing. Betty Ann’s brother Norman didn’t have polio as badly as her and was left with just a weak grip in one hand, but he’s pretty sure now that the weeks he spent at the camp had some part in his changing his major from music to special education at ASU. He worked at camps all
“It was very comfortable, so comfortable, because we were all alike.” ~ Sherry Horton Gaither
“Surprising things sometimes happen,” wrote AP reporter Bryan Haislip in 1954. “Like one little boy who came here on crutches. They were shipped home a week before he left. ‘He didn’t really need them to walk,’ a man who helped him said. ‘He used them a little for balance but more as a weapon.’ His belligerence melted in the friendly outdoors, and he was happy to abandon them.” Few kids were as lucky, but when everyone was stripping off crutches, braces, and even prosthetic legs before a swim, no one felt awkward.
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Shifting Focus
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olio did one thing right—it started the crusade for equal access. Ironically, the League of the Physically Handicapped was formed mostly by angry polio survivors in 1935 in order to protest discriminatory practices by the WPA, created under famed polio survivor Franklin D. Roosevelt. Although the league had limited success, picket signs like “We Don’t Want Tin Cups, We Want Jobs” helped the concept of equal access to gradually take hold. Then, during the ‘40s and ‘50s, crutches and braces and disabled people who overcame physical and societal obstacles to live a “normal” life became so commonplace that the U.S. was ripe for major changes in access during the following decades. And as Jonas Salk’s 1955 polio vaccine and Sabin’s later oral version started to wipe out polio in the U.S., as the numbers of disabled children dropped, as “mainstreaming” became taken for granted, Camp Sky Ranch seamlessly moved with the times. Gradually the emphasis changed to kids with mental rather than physical challenges. And something else changed, too— the age limit. “With the mentally challenged, age didn’t mean anything,” says Jack. “We had one boy who came to camp for 50 years. The kids would have a neat experience without Mom and Dad hanging onto them every second; they loved it.”
but we did it,” said Joan seemed so difficult to us, it e— hik t firs at “Th : Top p. the time she came to cam d multiple surgeries by Eslick, who had endure s disabilities didn’t learned that their variou Bot tom: Campers soon ldren ride. Some need the ng any thing. “All the chi prevent them from doi n, while others canter off rp’s daughter, Mary Elle protecting arms of Sha Haislip reported in 1954. alone,” AP writer Bryan
through college and become a youth director for the YMCA. And sometimes it added an unexpected dimension to life. Sherry Horton (Gaither) was only 5 when she first went, the youngest camper ever, and she went back year after year until she was 17. She had an artificial leg due to birth defects and “it’s hard growing up different. It wasn’t that we were treated meanly; we were just different.” For her, the camp was a big sigh of relief. “It was very comfortable, so comfortable, because we were all alike. They called it play, but they taught us a whole lot of stuff. We’d go nature hunting, and I’d write home to my parents, ‘I picked up a snake today!’ They were horrified, but it was just so much fun.” So now, all these years later, Sherry has two snakes, a pygmy goat, a pot-bellied pig, and a parrot—as well as the usual cat and dog. 62
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“People ask now how I learned to work with the handicapped, and truthfully, I just went in cold turkey. You figure out what they need and you do it.” ~ Betty Sharp
A Family ‘Business’
often ask me to write the history of the camp,” says “People Mary Ellen. “They don’t realize that they’re asking me to
write the history of my life!” The whole family’s life, in fact. Jack’s wife, Ellen, was the camp nurse, and a much-loved nurse at that. “She was the sweetest thing,” says Norman; “just as precious as could be,” according to Ken. Jack Jr. was first a counselor, then water sports director, codirector and eventually president when his father died in 1964; he ran the camp until it closed last year. He became a teacher in large part so that he could have summers free to help at the camp. Mary Ellen, meanwhile, shelved her plans to become a teacher and majored in business instead so that she could function as the camp’s business administrator. “But I got a teacher’s certificate for business, too, so eventually I taught business during the winters. It all worked out.” And cousins, second cousins, children and anyone and everyone that Mary Ellen and Jack ever dated were pulled in, too. Betty, Jack Jr.’s wife, didn’t quite know what she was letting herself in for when they began dating. By her sophomore
year, the girl whose mom had always “kept us all really close” was spending the whole summer up in the High Country, functioning as Jack Sr.’s “Girl Friday” and then becoming a counselor. It was a revelation to her. “It taught me that there was a whole lot more to life than being at home. Everybody made me feel really comfortable, and I loved being a mentor to the kids,” she says. “You really felt like you were helping them. It made me grow into a more giving and caring person. People ask now how I learned to work with the handicapped, and truthfully, I just went in cold turkey. You figure out what they need and you do it.” But the family never resented spending every summer working. “We were raised in that camp, and Dad left it in our hands— that was just what we did,” says Jack. “I enjoyed it so much; I couldn’t imagine it any other way,” says Mary Ellen, who’s since put her expertise to good use with major volunteer projects for the mentally disabled in Winston-Salem.
A ‘Little’ Help
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ne of Camp Sky Ranch’s greatest assets was its friends and neighbors. Jack is reluctant to list all of the people who have helped, simply because there have been so many over 61 years that it would be impossible, but Marvin Culbreth helped enthusiastically and served as secretary, director and PR manager for a while. Bob
The War on Polio
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hink polio is dead and gone? Wrong. The disease that crippled countless children and people like FDR, Frida Kahlo, Ian Dury and Michael Flanders—and then comes back, decades later, to attack survivors with the weakness, muscle atrophy, fatigue and pain of post-polio syndrome—is still up to its tricks. The Rotary Club has taken on the eradication of polio from the entire world as its special mission. “In a single day we gave 140 million polio vaccinations in India,” says Dr. Richard Howe, a professor at ASU and a Boone Rotary Club member. He’s gone on 124 overseas trips, many with the Rotary Club, helping to battle various diseases. “The problem is mostly in countries at war—Afghanistan, Angola, northern Nigeria and Pakistan. Sometimes people say it’s against their religion to get vaccinations. It just tears your heart out to see kids [crippled by polio] falling in the street. I’ve seen them in really dire straits.” The goal is tantalizingly close. In 2009 there were just 1,606 reported cases worldwide; and Rotary is trying to raise $200 million in order to get promised matching grants of $355 million from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The idea is to have one last huge push and polio is gone forever—only the second disease ever to be eradicated. But miss the goal, and polio could return, perhaps in a stronger form. Interested in donating? Contact Susan Norris at 828 264-5244 or click to www.rotary.org.
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Jack and Ellen Sharp’s children Mary Ellen (left) and Jack Jr. (center) with Jack Jr.’s wife Betty (right) have kept the family legacy going through both the camp and volunteer work. They have reluctantly put the camp up for sale now that increasing regulations have made it too difficult for them to run.
Hall and Dan Norman were both memorable directors. And as the camp was most definitely unprofitable and many of the kids’ families didn’t have a whole lot of money, the Rotary Club, Hennis Freight Lines, executives from Cannon Mills— so many other people and businesses as well—would sponsor kids for one, two, even all of the three two-week sessions. The community would help with special projects, plumbing, all that sort of thing, and Dr. Davant would come out and give everyone physicals. The kids were always invited guests at Tweetsie Railroad, never paying customers. Of course there was the personal involvement, too. Campers vividly remember Mrs. Joseph Cannon regularly reading them Bible stories using a felt board, and they remember the counselors with enormous fondness—a few of them crazy personalities like Squidgie Widgie, who’d dress up in wild costumes. “We were blessed with some really wonderful young people who really enjoyed helping these kids, and they’d come back year after year,” says Mary Ellen.
Closing the Camp
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ut times have changed. The requirement for putting in a pool instead of letting campers swim in the tranquil lake and the banning of those joyful truck rides to Tweetsie were just the beginning of the end. State and federal regulations, EPA requirements, liability insurance and even a dearth of camp counselors all contributed to the end of the camp. It just got to be too much, and reluctantly the Sharps have put the property on the market. It’s hard to tell who’s more upset, the Sharps or the former campers and their parents. “It’s like a person dying to me—even as a man of over 60 years old, I still feel like I’m coming home when I go there,” mourns Ken Karns. “My daughter…attended CSR for 14 years and is more than sad that it closed last year. Haven’t been able to find another camp for the disabled like it...sooo sad. Wish someone would rent it and re-open!” wrote one mom on Facebook. Maybe someone with as big a heart as Jack Sharp is out there. Maybe there’s someone with the sensitivity and dedication of those counselors; someone with the polio survivors’ determination to find a way to do whatever needs to be done; someone with Jack’s family’s willingness to make sacrifices that weren’t sacrifices to them. Maybe. Hopefully. Because Camp Sky Ranch and the love that built it is truly extraordinary.
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Cycling’s New Mecca
The High Country has become a destination for cyclists across the country
Story by Jason Gilmer • Photography by James Fay
Story by Jason Gilmer • Photography by James Fay
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It isn’t unusual to see groups of cyclists cruising down High Country roads by night or day. Groups of riders meet on a regular basis to depart for challenging and leisurely rides, often with a little friendly competition thrown in for fun.
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here isn’t a parking spot available in the Boone Bike and Touring lot, and it’s just as hard to walk around as cyclists ready their gear. It’s a typical Tuesday night, a little on the hot side, and a group of riders waits to make a left-hand turn onto Highway 321 near the McDonald’s and take off for a 50-plus mile ride. They’ll ride toward Blowing Rock, push each other to go faster, stay in the pack and enjoy the camaraderie. They’ll cruise over to the Blue Ridge Parkway, ride over to the Linn Cove Viaduct and then make their way back to town. They’ll spend more than two hours riding, sweating and having little races within their ride. “Some people are in it for exercise and health. Some people are in it for the adrenaline,” said Eric Marland, a veteran of the Tuesday night rides who is a math professor at ASU. “Some are in it for both. I would say I’m in it for both.” Cycling has become a big deal in the High Country. Riders come from the Midwest or Canada to train on Beech Mountain, which was once a grueling climb
in the Tour DuPont and a fundamental training area for Lance Armstrong. It’s something that is done by young kids, senior citizens and every age in between. It’s done on mountain bikes, single speed bikes and road bikes. “There’s just a lot more people, in general, that live here are riding,” said avid cyclist Megan Carmody, owner of Black Cat Burrito. “We still get the same number of people who live off the mountain who come up to utilize our roads because it’s so nice and beautiful. I’ve seen a lot more people who’ve gotten into cycling locally.” As riders push down repeatedly on the pedals, they can see mountain vistas in the distance, endure hamstring-tugging climbs and find lonely roads that are perfect for riding. There’s a group of cyclists who show up on Monday evenings at Junaluska Park to play bike polo, and there are new mountain trails being built at Rocky Knob Park. “If you name a style of bike riding, you can do it here,” said Shaw Brown, owner of Boone Bike and Touring.
“It’s phenomenal training up here,” Lees-McRae College Cycling Coach Luke Winger said. “There are hills, roads are everywhere and there’s a lack of traffic lights. You can go ride for five hours and not have to stop a lot.” Cycling Heaven It’s no shock to ride down King Street and pass someone with a cycle worth two paychecks on a Thule rack riding on top of a Subaru. Or to cruise down Shulls Mill Road on your way to the Gamekeeper and see a solo rider in spandex pulling the hill coming toward you. Or head to the Greenway one afternoon and see young kids on two-wheelers with training wheels riding ahead of their parents, as they share the space with runners, walkers and roller bladers. In the High Country, we take “Share the Road” to another level, and it’s one of the many reasons that cyclists come from across the Southeast and beyond to ride here. Brown’s shop routinely gets calls from cyclists outside the area asking about the weekend’s weather, where to ride and July 2010
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Anatomy of a Cyclist JERSEY: With their logos and tight fit, one might wonder if cyclists’ jerseys are more for decoration or comfort. It’s actually both. Jerseys are made to allow maximum movement of the neck and arms while allowing the rider to maintain a comfortable temperature. Jerseys can be made from natural or synthetic fibers.
SHORTS: Think that cycling is just a pain in the butt? Maybe changing your shorts will help. If there’s one piece of clothing where a little extra money spent is important, it’s the shorts, which can have an anatomic fit, moisture-wicking material and prevention against chafing. Yes, there’s also some extra padding.
BIKE: This isn’t your grandfather’s bicycle, or one that you’d find at a beach rental. The bikes you see on the Blue Ridge Parkway can cost several thousands of dollars or several hundred, depending on the type.
SHOES: While your Keens may be proper equipment as you pedal around the neighborhood, when you get ready for a longer trip you’ll need better shoes. Most cycling shoes are designed to attach to pedals through a clip-in system that improves the consistency of the pedal stroke.
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HELMET: From road to commuter to mountain to BMX, there is a large variety of helmets out there to choose from. One thing is the same, though, and that’s the importance of the helmet. In a crash, you’ll want one.
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Leaning forward, pumping their legs and pushing their bodies, cyclists are on their bikes for the exercise and the adrenaline rush of accomplishing a big climb.
about the town’s love for outdoor adventure. He’ll point them in the direction of the Blue Ridge Parkway or toward the flatter roads of Todd or toward other rides that showcase the mountains, rivers and scenic views. “It’s just really good road. Beautiful and low traffic when you get outside of town,” Brown said. “This is world-class cycling, and people come from really far away to ride here.” Some riders even come to college here because of the cycling, not the education. ASU junior Nick Inabinet, of Greenville, N.C., was looking for a college and as a triathlete, he knew about the training in the mountains. He said the “allure” of rides in the cool air and going up and down the big hills drew him to town, not the skiing. “I think it’s just as popular for bike riding as it is the winter sports,” Inabinet said. More so, maybe. A 2005 study by the Outdoor Industry Association found that bicy-
cling was third on the list of outdoor recreation activities in which North Carolinians participate. While wildlife viewing (27 percent of the population) was first and trail activities were second (26 percent), cycling also rated high (25 percent). Only 5 percent of those surveyed participated in winter sports. “Cycling is a large component of tourism here,” said Wright Tilley, executive director of the Watauga County Tourism Development Association. “All you have to do is drive out on some of the roads surrounding Watauga County and the Boone area on a pretty weekend day, and you’ll see cyclists everywhere, especially during the spring, summer and fall.” July 2010
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Local Group Rides from the Boone Area Cyclists Forum
Cyclists come in different shapes and sizes, men and women, with high-priced bikes or with hand-me-downs. No matter the expertise or stamina of cyclists, there is always a place to ride.
Bistro Roca’s Monday Ride This ride meets every Monday at 5:30 p.m. This ride is geared towards two levels of riders: beginners and intermediates. The two levels will roll out together and follow the same route down Highway 221 to Holloway Mountain Road to the Blue Ridge Parkway north. Beginners will split from the intermediates where the Parkway meets Highway 221/Shull’s Mill Road and return to Bistro Roca via the Wonderland Trail neighborhood. Intermediates will continue north on the Parkway to Green Hill Road, returning to Bistro Roca through downtown Blowing Rock. As daylight increases, the intermediate riders will increase the route to include Highway 221 to Grandfather Mountain. If the weather looks questionable and you want to know if the ride is still on, call Bistro Roca at 828-295-4008 or Boone Bike and Touring at 828-262-5750. Boone Bike’s Tuesday Night Ride This group meets at Boone Bike and Touring every Tuesday at 6:00 p.m. This ride is geared toward experienced riders. The route varies week to week but typically heads to Blowing Rock via Winkler’s Creek Road or Highway 321. Once in Blowing Rock, riders follow the Blue Ridge Parkway or Highway 221 to Hol68
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loway Mountain Road. When daylight increases, the route will be extended to include the entire “Viaduct Loop.” Riders then return to Boone via Highway 321 or George Hayes Road, do a loop around downtown Boone and then head back to Boone Bike. If the weather looks questionable, call Boone Bike at 828-262-5750. Tuesday East Side Ramblers Ride This group meets at the Food Lion off Highway 421 every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. This ride is geared towards all levels of riders. The route varies week to week but typically covers 25 to 30 miles on the east side of Watauga County. If the weather looks questionable, call Wayne King at 828-773-7399. Magic’s Wednesday Night Ride This ride meets every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. This ride regroups at three spots along the route. Departing from Magic Cycles in downtown Boone, the ride leaves Boone via George Hayes Road, regrouping at the top of the climb. Then it follows the Blue Ridge Parkway to Green Hill Road, regrouping at the Green Park Inn. The route then goes through Blowing Rock to Highway 221, connects onto the Parkway and heads north past the Cone Manor House and
regroups at the Highway 321 bridge. After the final regrouping riders then return to Boone via Highway 321. If the weather looks questionable, call Magic Cycles at 828-265-2211. Thursday West Side Story Ride This group meets at the Valle Crucis Elementary School right side parking lot every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. This ride is geared toward all levels of riders. The route is an out-and-back to Zionville, approximately 25 to 30 miles on the west side of Watauga County. If the weather looks questionable, call Wayne King at 828-773-7399. Boone Bike’s Saturday Ride If you’re new to riding on the road, just learning clipless pedals or have never ridden with a group before, this ride is for you. Everyone is welcome to join, and no man or woman will be left behind. This ride meets every Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at the gravel parking lot at the intersection of Railroad Grade Road and Castle Ford Road in Todd. Even though bridge repair is happening on Railroad Grade Road, the group can do a 10- to 12-mile flat ride. For directions or other questions, call Boone Bike at 828-262-5750.
Shaw Brown became the owner of Boone Bike and Touring in 2004. He and employees at his shop field calls every week from out-of-towners asking about weather conditions and routes for good cycling trips.
The Lure of Lance After Lance Armstrong beat cancer, he came to town to beat Beech Mountain. His appearance in town garnered attention from locals, but when he spent several pages in his book describing the rides he took, those outside of Watauga County learned of the area’s cycling potential. “We got the unofficial, or official, endorsement from Lance Armstrong in his book, and that drew immediate attention to the Boone area in the cycling world,” Tilley said. In Armstrong’s New York Times bestseller with author Kelly Jenkins, the seven-time Tour de France winner told of how his comeback training included a stop in Boone. He was looking for a place that wasn’t too hot and that would push him hard. He found that in Watauga County.
Armstrong wrote, “The rides were demanding and quiet, and I rode with a pure love of the bike, until Boone began to feel like the Holy Land to me, a place I had come to on a pilgrimage. If I ever have any serious problems again, I know that I will go back to Boone and find an answer. I got my life back on those rides.” That’s high praise from the most wellknown cyclist in the world. Other riders
read his statements and completed their own pilgrimage to Boone to tackle hills that Armstrong conquered. More Activities for Cyclists One easy way to see how much cycling has grown in the area is to look in Sonny Sweet’s inbox. The race director for Blood, Sweat and Gears received plenty of emails in
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Antiques on howArd
“Boone began to feel like the Holy Land to me…I got my life back on those rides.” Lance Lance Armstrong Armstrong inin his his book book It’s It’s Not Not About About the the Bike, Bike, speaking speaking about about his his training training inin Beech Beech Mountain Mountain
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June hoping for a spot in the event. Unfortunately for a lot of people, the 100-mile ride sold out after only one month of registration, and the 50-mile ride sold out later. That’s 1,200 riders for one race. “There [were] 100 people on the waiting list, and people [were] emailing every day to get on that list,” said Sweet. While Blood, Sweat and Gears is in its 12th year, there are other races in the High Country that continue to grow. Events like The Grizzly, Blue Ridge Brutal and Bridge to Bridge are becoming a part of yearly plans for riders. “People love to come to the High Country for things like that,” Carmody said. Those aren’t the only rides. Pirate Race Productions has started several different races, including a cyclocross series at High Country Fairgrounds and a series of criteriums run at the North Wilkesboro Speedway. Combine this with the new Rocky Knob Recreation Park, a 130-acre recreation center offering a network of mountain bike trails, and it gives riders of every style of cycling a chance to ride.
Local Bike Shops Biking Buddies: www.bikebuds.com or 336-246-7603 The West Jefferson shop’s site gives riders a place to chat, lists of group rides, deals on their merchandise and lots of other information. Boone Bike and Touring: www.boonebike.com or 828-262-5750 At one time, this bike shop was located in downtown Boone, but now it’s on Highway 321 across from McDonald’s. Its website gives plenty of info on repairs and service, rentals and apparel. Cycle 4 Life Bike Shop: http://site.cycle4lifebikeshop.com or 828-898-5445 The Banner Elk shop’s site gives information about the shop, bike rentals and group rides. The shop has been helping customers get ready for rides for more than 10 years. Magic Cycles: www.magiccycles.com or 828-265-2211 Established in 1993, the full-service retail shop is located in downtown Boone. The website gives plenty of info about how the shop’s insightful staff can help any rider. Riders Unite There’s a “whoosh” sound that follows a group of riders who are pedaling their hardest past cars, people and homes. It’s the sound of wheels turning, legs pumping, chains whirling and a satisfying breeze in the face. Group rides are common in the High Country. They start from Magic Cycles
downtown, Bistro Rocca in Blowing Rock and other locations. They are for intense cyclists, beginners and those simply looking to chill out and enjoy seeing the changing foliage. Some riders take part in multiple rides, while others concentrate on just one. For high-level cyclists, that one might be the Tuesday night ride that starts at 6:00 p.m. at Boone Bike and Touring.
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“To some of these guys, this is like their race,” Inabinet said. “People get ready for it all week. Some people do it just to get in shape. I’ve heard it’s arguably one of the hardest weekly rides anywhere. There’s just a lot of competitiveness. “You see guys in cars, eating food to get ready, not talking to each other while they get their bikes ready. It’s more or less for bragging rights until the next week.” And the next week, it begins again. Riders train specifically for grueling sessions. “There’s little mini, polite races,” Marland said. “You push yourselves and then wait and regroup, then you ride easy. One of the most fun things around in the area is coming down Highway 221 with a group of 30 fast riders.” Years ago, the cycling community of the High Country mostly revolved around mountain bikes. They were rid72
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ing across the ASU campus and down trails off State Farm Road. It’s still a part of the scene, too, as some ski slopes have opened for mountain bike races during the offseason, and the trails at Rocky Knob Park are being built. Cycling on mountain roads, highways and the Blue Ridge Parkway, though, has increased. The number of road races or rides—like Blood, Sweat and Gears—have also multiplied. As that has happened, the number of cyclists joining other riders for a few hours of fun has also expanded. “It’s awesome,” Brown said of the group rides. “Some people are a little intimidated to ride solo, so it’s nice to fall into a group to find out who rides in your ability level. There’s the camaraderie. It’s a social setting, and there’s safety in numbers. “There are people who hike the Appalachian Trail and people who bike the Blue Ridge Parkway.”
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From Banner Elk to Boonville Lees-McRae Professor’s Latest Book Brings His Family History Full Circle
Story by Becky Alghrary-McRee
T
he distance from Banner Elk to Boonville in Yadkin County, North Carolina, is only about 84 miles, but it has taken Dr. Allen P. Speer, Distinguished Professor of Humanities at Lees-McRae College, 15 years to get there. Banner Elk to Boonville is the last of the Voices trilogy that he began 15 years ago. Now, after completing this final chapter, he feels his long quest for self-identity has ended. “I have been going back to Boonville trying to make sense of my life,” said Speer. “Now that the monkey is off my back—I can move on.” In 1980, while helping clean out the attic of his 94-year-old great-great-Aunt Nell who had passed away, Speer discovered family papers dating back to the early 1700s that she had stuffed into cigar boxes.
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Among these papers were the war records and writings of three of the children of Aquilla Speer, a son, Colonel Asbury Speer, and writings from his sisters Jennie and Ann. Also found was a journal of Speer’s great-greatgrandfather, James Speer. When he found the papers, Speer realized that he had in his hands the 200-year-old history of his family in the Yadkin Valley. “It was a lot of work, but I felt I had to do something with all this information,” he said. The books certainly do shed light on the plight of North Carolina’s Appalachian regional families just before, during and after the Civil War. “The first two books in the trilogy are about the antebellum Civil War family,” said Speer. “They experienced
“Full of insight and pain, irreverence and humor, Speer’s beautifully written memoir is a true original.” ~ John C. Inscoe, author
the ‘earthquake’ of the Civil War. That ‘earthquake’ was so traumatic that it devastated my family. I think that those of us who followed were shadow people who could never live up to those sacrifices or meet their high standards.” In 1997, the first book in the trilogy, Voices from Cemetery Hill, was published to wide acclaim. The book tells the story of Speer’s great-great-great uncle Col. William Henry Asbury Speer’s adventures, trials and hardships in the Civil War. From his personal Civil War Diary, reports and letters, a voice cries out of the carnage and futility of war. Col. Speer fought in the 28th North Carolina Regiment, took part in 16 battles and was a prisoner of war. Cemetery Hill is the cemetery on the Speer land where Speer’s ancestors are buried. In the colonel’s letters, he mentions several soldiers from Avery and Watauga counties whom he knew during the war. Col. Clark M. Avery, the hero of the Battle of New Bern, was described by Speer as being one of the best-looking officers he came in contact with. Sgt. James Grice of Boone was also mentioned. According to Speer, Margaret Eggers of Boone has in her possession the Civil War diary of her great-grandfather, Sgt. Grice. Ed Lovell, who was promoted to Captain of Company A (Surry County) and later settled in Boone. His “Lovell” name is well known here. Also mentioned is the Watauga Home Guard. Speer’s second book, published in 2000, (which actually happens before the Civil War) is Sisters of Providence, (The Search for God in the Frontier South). This book is literally
From Banner Elk to Boonville is the third and final volume in Dr. Allen Speer’s trilogy. Recounting Speer family history from pre-Civil War days in 1843 to the present, the three books bring Speer’s life full circle.
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Dr. Allen Speer’s great-great aunts (from left) Nell, Fanny Bell and Merlia’s stories impacted Speer’s life and are retold in his latest book.
“This is the world I know and the region I write about. Driving from Banner Elk to Boonville gives me time to think, thoughts come and go. I remember filled with diary entries, letters, essays and poems of two sisters who were Speer’s greatgreat-great-aunts and sisters to Col. Asbury Speer. Both these ladies, who lived on a farm in the little area of Providence near Boonville, were very well educated for their time. Ann was considered the “dreamer” and Jennie “the perfectionist.” Speer’s Aunt Jennie even went on to be a student at Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. Their writings reveal their thoughts on God, faith, education, family, nature and death. Fred Hobson, the South’s leading cultural and literary historian, wrote the introduction to Sisters of Providence. Speer’s aunts, who were ahead of their time, so much wanted to make a difference in the world but feared their efforts would fail. “For their sake, may providence bestow a blessing on all who read their words,” said Speer. Speer and his wife, Janet Barton Speer, professor of performing arts at Lees-McRae College, have participated in theater presentations of the first two books; he dressed as a Civil War Colonel and she in mid-1800s period dress. “Janet co-edited the Sisters book,” said Speer. “She helped me immensely—I needed a woman’s perspective.” In order to understand the mountains and valleys, you have to understand the people who have lived there for many years. Although all three books are about the power of place, Banner Elk to Boonville is different from the first two books in that Speer ties stories from his own Southern childhood to those of some 78
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of his ancestors. By invoking humor, sadness and his own personal testimony of his lifethreatening illness, leukemia, he recounts the story of his growing-up years, narrating his own personal history as well as retelling stories from those who came before him. “In the first two books which took me five years to write, I let my ancestors tell their stories, and in this last book, I share my story and reflect on theirs in a way that, I hope will show the past is interacting with the present,” he said. “Like Faulkner, I believe ‘the past is never dead, it’s not even past.’ I am going back home to Boonville trying to make sense of my life,” he explained. “This book, From Banner Elk to Boonville, is a memoir that has taken me 10 years to write. I had trouble incorporating stories of my ancestors and then my own stories. Writing a memoir is tricky, and I tried to do it in a way that is not overly self-indulgent. I took a self-deprecating approach because there is a lot of dark stuff in Part III.” The stories told to Speer, many of them transcribed from tapes, are indicated in italics, which makes the book more easily readable. “Fred Chappell’s quote in the introductory pages of the book is correct,” said Speer. “The book is hard to pigeonhole because it is quite a different approach.” Chappell, former poet laureate of North Carolina, said about Banner Elk to Boonville, “This book is…part family history, regional history, autobiographical profile, psychological meditation, fond and also
people, places and stories that give my life shape and meaning. Most of all I think about nine generations of my family who were born, lived, died and were buried in the Appalachian hill country at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” ~ Dr. Allen Speer in From Banner Elk to Boonville
Speer’s great-great Grandma Selena Dozier Speer with his father and his Aunt Mattye. Selena was 13 years old when the
Speer family reunion in the 1920s
Civil War began.
Speer’s great-grandmother, Martha “Mattye” Cleveland Speer’s mentor, James Clyde “Nut” Williams, in the 1960s
Speer’s great-grandfather, Aaron Smith Speer, in
Thompson Speer
The children of Aaron and Mattye Speer on the farm in the 1930s
Nashville in the 1880s July 2010
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bitter reminiscence, metaphysical and ethical theorizing, and, above all, an earnest search for truth.” Like Faulkner’s Yoknapatawpha, his “little postage stamp of native soil,” Speer has included in his book a postage stamp of his “native soil.” This map includes the area from the North Carolina line into Tennessee, spreading east through Avery, Watauga, Wilkes and Alleghany counties and into Surry County, Yadkin County and Boonville. “This is the world I know and the region I write about. Driving from Banner Elk to Boonville gives me time to think,” he said. “Thoughts come and go. I remember people, places and stories that give my life shape and meaning. Most of all I think about nine generations of my family who were born, lived, died and were buried in the Appalachian hill country at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” Using the theme of the seven sacraments, Baptism, Communion, Confirmation, Love and Marriage, Confession, Extreme Unction and Ordination, Speer weaves an engrossing tale of growing up in Boonville near the Little Brushy Mountains in the 1950s and 1960s. He attributes his good qualities to his family members and their experiences and example. He also touches on his ambivalence in being “one born Southern Baptist who became Presbyterian” and explains his trepidation on becoming an elder in the Banner Elk Presbyterian Church. Speer also includes a number of humorous stories of teenage adventures in his peer group, The Cutups, where he was called “Mouse,” and he explores many of his unusual dreams. “A constant recurring dream is that I’m late, lost, unprepared and don’t know where to go or what to do. I miss exams, worry a lot and wake up bewildered. Why did I even have this dream in the first place?” Speer said that in some instances, the dream world is more real than the real world. In his chapter “Extreme Unction,” he also recounts the harrowing experiences he went through when he had his “meltdown” the year after he finished graduate school at ASU. “The sacrament that in my opinion best relates to letting go and moving on is the sacrament of extreme unction. In the Roman Catholic Church, extreme unction is the rite or sacrament, in which a priest anoints and prays for a sick or injured person.” In this chapter Speer
Some of the Cutups at Marron’s (lower right) retirement party in 2008.
These cute kids from the early 1950s would become part of the “Cutups”—Speer’s wild and wacky peer group. Speer’s Cutup name was “Mouse.”
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Allen Speer’s postage stamp of native soil includes the area from the NC line into Tennessee spreading east through Avery, Watauga, Wilkes, Alleghany and Surry counties and into the Yadkin Valley’s Boonville.
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describes himself as an adult who has been through doubts, fears and personal problems as well as a terminal illness. “Perhaps the bliss and innocence of an idyllic childhood was the problem.” He talks of his recent life and its problems, his feelings of unworthiness, especially his illness, and how he has learned to deal with it day by day. “Extreme unction, for my purpose here, means moving from death to life. Leukemia forced me to come to my senses and confront my demons.” The Voices trilogy has won numerous awards and From Banner Elk to Boonville has won a pre-publication award—the 2009 Robert Bruce Cooke Award for an unpublished manuscript. Other awards the books have garnered are the 1997 Willie Parker Peace History Book Award; the 1997 Robert Bruce Cooke Family History Book Award; the 2000 Trio Award from the N.C. Society of Historians and the Ethel W. Twiford Religious History Book Award. Speer has been a resident of the High Country since 1969, when he enrolled at Appalachian State University. A professor at Lees-McRae College for the past 32 years, he received his undergraduate and master’s degrees at ASU and his doctorate at UNC-G. At Lees-McRae Speer teaches a number of classes, including Comparative Politics, Comparative World Civilizations, American Government, History of the South and History of Southern Appalachia, to name a few.
Speer’s next work will be incorporating into one volume a 12-volume collection of writings he has previously done. He hopes to work in collaboration with Fred Chappell on the theme of the explosion of Appalachian arts and culture over the last 40 years – especially in art, music and native crafts. From Banner Elk to Boonville and the first two books, Voices from Cemetery Hill and Sisters of Providence are available at the following locations: Black Bear Books in Boone, the Exchange Store on Lees-McRae’s campus, the Banner Elk Bookshop and the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce in downtown Banner Elk and at Fred’s General Mercantile on Beech Mountain. The book can also be obtained from the publisher, The Overmountain Press in Johnson City. John C. Inscoe, author of Race, War, and Remembrance in the Appalachian South, said about the book, “Allen Speer completes his family history trilogy with a remarkable candid self-portrait that is as much a meditation on kinship and place and their sustaining power as he’s wrestled with a variety of personal demons and doubts. Full of insight and pain, irreverence and humor, Speer’s beautifully written memoir is a true original, and one in which all of us who hail from Appalachia will find much to relate to and draw meaning from.” “Who knows where all this present day technology will lead,” said Speer, “or what will happen to the storytelling tradition. I wanted to get this all down before it’s gone.” w
“Like Faulkner, I believe ‘the past is never dead, it’s not even past.’ I am going back home to Boonville trying to make sense of my life.” ~ Allen Speer
Photo by Becky Alghrary-McRee
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Story by Tim Thornton • Aerial Photography by Frederica Georgia
Older Than the Mountains T
here’s nothing wild about the spot where Dog Creek flows into the New River, but it is scenic. A driftwood-colored mill, closed for nearly 30 years now, sits with its rusting water wheel at the edge of a stone-faced dam that lets the creek burble into the slow-moving, sycamoreshaded river. Where those two streams join, a National Wild and Scenic River begins. That designation, which covers less than 27 miles of river, helped save this spot and more than 40,000 acres of North Carolina and Virginia from drowning in the Blue Ridge Project, a pair of dams American Electric Power spent more than a decade trying to build. They would have been built, too, if not for the doggedness of what a company official called “selfish interest groups”—people who selfishly preferred a free-flowing river to a pumped storage hydroelectric facility that would have used more power than it generated. The National Com-
mittee for the New River grew out of the fight that stopped those dams, and the organization has grown from an Ashe County-centric collection of environment-protecting troublemakers into a conservation group that watches over the New River from North Carolina to Gauley Bridge, West Virginia, where the New joins the Gauley to form what a roadside marker there calls “Great Kanawha River.” Some folks will argue that the Gauley, like Dog Creek, is just a tributary and the river that flows through West Virginia and into the Ohio River should be called the New for its entire length. Maybe, but that would have meant a much longer trip for the half-dozen of us who gathered in Boone’s Brookshire Park last summer with plans to float all the way to the New’s end, nearly 350 river miles away. This was the National Committee for the New River’s first New
River Expedition. The idea was to float the river, picking up people and groups along the way, generating interest and media coverage, and getting out the message that the river is important and that what people do along the river matters. “The goal is to show the connectivity,” George Santucci told the twoman press gaggle at the trip’s beginning, “to show how every community along the river is connected and show how every community along this beautiful river impacts every community on downstream.” Santucci is the NCNR’s executive director. He came to the area as an Outward Bound instructor. He liked it so much he decided to stay. “We just want to get people connected to it,” Santucci told the reporters, “to get them to remember that this magnificent resource is out there, and have them join us.” Tony Padgett joined in a big way.
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Top: More than 40 people joined the expedition for the raft trip through the Lower Gorge. Middle: Ranger Bill Parker attached a salvaged Trojan head to his raft before running Surprise Rapids. That raft and riders made it. The Trojan didn’t. Bottom: Ron Honaker took his open canoe through the gorge. Photos by Bill Parker, National Park Service and Anna Ziegler
He showed up that first day carrying a handmade flag with the letters “NCNR” in red and a blue map of the river on a field of brilliant white. When the trip ended a month later, the flag was dingy and faded and signed by every person who paddled or cooked lunch or supported the trip 86
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in almost any way. Padgett, who was 68 last summer, intended to make the whole trip. He missed one eighth-mile stretch of the river the day he went to his aunt’s 95th birthday party. We pushed off on a damp and chilly morning that didn’t feel anything like
July 2010
July—one canoe and five kayaks headed for West Virginia. Downstream, the New is wide and powerful, with some of the best and most popular whitewater in the East. Where we put in, it was narrow enough that the average second baseman on the average T-ball team could heave a
ball from bank to bank. There was barely enough water to float my borrowed, designed-for-whitewater kayak. The first set of shoals big enough to have a name was about 100 miles away. And that was OK. This wasn’t my first time in a kayak. It
was my second. Lack of kayaking skills wasn’t a problem in the early going. One of the most important shallow water paddling techniques I picked up that first day was “scootching.” That’s a butt-shuffling motion used to free a kayak from rocks, ledg-
es, sandbars, and other impediments that wouldn’t be impediments if the river had enough water in it to float a bar of soap. Lack of water was a temporary problem. Near the end of that first day, the clouds opened up. Walls of hamster-sized raindrops swept upriver, supported by July 2010
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The edge of Sandstone Falls doesn’t look that treacherous—which is one reason rangers from the New River Gorge National River have to rescue so many people there. Sandstone Falls is a class VI rapid—which means you’re not supposed to run it. It’s not far down river from Hinton, West Virginia. Photo by Tim Thornton
rolling artillery barrages of thunder and pyrotechnic lightening. My swift water boat had six holes in it by design—a great thing when you want to avoid being swamped by a standing wave; not so great when you’re trying to track straight and true and fast into a headwind on flat wa-
ter. I fell so far behind, Santucci doubled back to see if I was still coming. The good news was that there would be no low water on the second day. That’s the way the river is. A shift in the weather, the passage of a few hours or a few miles, and it’s a whole different
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Claytor Lake Dam, just up river from Radford, Virginia, is one of seven dams along the New. It’s one of three AEP dams generating electricity from the New River. Photo by Chris Arvidson, National Committee for the New River
ing is being retrofitted so it can generate power, too. The dam at Hawk’s Nest, in West Virginia, redirects the river into a three-mile tunnel through a mountain. There’s so little of the river left that the area below the dam is called The Dries. But all of those dams are minor intru-
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sions compared to the Blue Ridge Project. More than 90 river miles would have been swallowed by reservoirs. The project didn’t die until September 1976, and it was far from clear for most of the preceding 14 years that the river would survive. That’s why Proctor Kirk and three of his
buddies came to North Carolina from their homes around Hinton, West Virginia, to run the river while they still could. “You couldn’t convince us the dam wasn’t going to be built, even though we were fighting like hell. Pardon my expression,” Kirk said. “And we decided that we better get down there if we were going to see what the river looked like and run the river.” The men’s wives drove them down to where the New River gets narrow and dropped them off. Then Kirk and his three buddies headed home to Hinton in a pair of aluminum canoes. I’ve seen Kirk’s canoe. It’s dented, it’s discolored, and it’s been welded back together in a few places. But it’s still a perfectly usable canoe. And Kirk used it. “Back home, we run through the New River Gorge,” he said. “We grew up in it.”
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North Carolina’s end of the New looked tame to Kirk and his friends. Still, the trip was an adventure. They’d paddle by daylight, then camp alongside the river, spending the nights in whatever shelter they could find. “One of them we spent in a shanty that was absolutely loaded up with black snakes,” Kirk said. “We called that the snake cabin. We took a lot of pictures, even of the black snakes. But it turns out the guy that had the camera put the film in upside down and we didn’t get any pictures.” But they did get a good look at the river and at what people had already done to it. The dam at Fries, Virginia, backed up a lake that covered a 70-foot drop over a little more than a mile of river. There’s still wonder in Kirk’s voice when he talks about it. “Can you imagine what the whitewater must have looked like underneath that?” The Buck and Byllesby dams were almost as hard for a whitewater canoeist to take. “There had to be some absolutely gorgeous whitewater underneath those things,” Kirk said. “And we lamented all the way down the river not being able to run that river before those dams were put 92
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there, because it had to be magnificent.” The river still has a lot of magnificence. Throughout last summer’s trip, the riverbanks were bright with the blues, purples, yellows, reds and oranges of coneflowers, day lilies, spider wart, black-eyed Susans, Indian paintbrush and Joe Pye weeds. Mornings were marked by mist that hung like wood smoke among willows, sycamores and oaks. Deer waded and swam the river and grazed on its banks. Otter and mink skittered along those banks and into the water. Turkeys flapped from bank to bank. Ducks and green herons watched us pass. Overhead, eagles and osprey followed the river while, much higher up, hawks glided and screeched along the ridges. Blue herons were our constant companions. Every day, a heron stood in shallow water or on a gravel bar, watching as kayaks and canoes floated downstream. When the boats got close, the heron would lift itself up—not with the flailing fury of ducks flapping toward takeoff—but slowly, with dignity, as if it were carefully considering each graceful movement. The heron would glide and light downstream and wait for the flotilla to catch up. Then it would rise and fly again, as if it were leading us toward the Gauley.
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That so much nature survives in and around the New is astonishing, given that people have been trying to tame it at least since a party of Englishmen led by Abraham Wood stumbled across it in 1654. It was called Wood’s River for a time. Nearly two decades later, Thomas Batts and Robert Fallam would lead a party along the river and convince themselves that they had discovered the way to the Pacific. Near present day Narrows, Virginia, they were sure they saw the tide coming in—though they noted it was coming in exceedingly slowly. Though the New doesn’t lead to Puget Sound, it did become an important route for commerce. Batteaux up to 75 feet long carried as much as 16 tons of goods in as little as one foot of water. To make the journey more efficient, navigation companies formed to build sluices to help the boats over ledges and falls and shoals. The companies put footpaths along the river and placed iron rings in rocks to help batteaux crews manhandle their boats through particularly tight places. The Confederate government built many of those sluices—inexplicably called “steamboat chutes”—early in the Civil War. The federal government did more
of that kind of work after the war ended. Batteaux continued working on the New at least until the 1920s, and you can still see and ride the steamboat chutes that helped these wooden boats navigate rocks that can carve deep scars into today’s high tech polymers. At Shumate Falls, not far from the Virginia-West Virginia line, there’s a big chute on the right side of the river that was cut for batteaux, but it was never finished. The drop it creates is so steep and violent, we went around it rather than through it. A few miles downstream, the chute at Harvey Falls creates waves so playful, we pulled off on the little island that’s formed along the sluice’s wall and pulled our boats back upstream so we could run them again. And again. The section of river from Glen Lyn to the beginnings of West Virginia’s Bluestone Lake has the river’s best surviving examples of the old steamboat chutes. It’s also a section the federal government has been thinking about declaring a National Wild and Scenic River, a protective designation, since the early 1990s. It is very scenic and still fairly wild. Mountains rise to the north and west as the river wriggles toward the Bluestone Dam. Cattle, crops
Tony Padgett carried his handmade National Committee for the New River flag from Boone to Gauley Bridge, West Virginia. Photo by Chris Arvidson, National Committee for the New River
and eventually campgrounds break up the woods on the opposite bank. The Army Corps of Engineers controls the land. The Corps could back water up from Bluestone Lake all the way into the Glen Lyn park, where the Henry Reed Memorial Fiddlers’ Convention is held every year. That’s kept development out, except for a
dirt road along one bank. The Wild and Scenic study began when American Electric Power planned to build a power line across the river. The study held up the power line for so long, it’s no longer a threat to the river. It went a different direction. The study concluded a day or two before we put in at Glen Lyn.
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The confluence of the North and South Forks of the New River occurs in Ashe County, from which the New River flows north into Virginia.
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The section qualified for Wild and Scenic status, but it shouldn’t get it. One reason: there aren’t any immediate threats. West Virginia Congressman Nick Rahall championed the designation early. His support fell away when constituents worried that federal designation would interfere with hunting on land that’s now controlled by West Virginia’s Department of Natural Resources. There’s still hope, apparently, for the six or seven miles that lie inside Virginia. But for now it’s just a pretty stretch of river—with eagles and pilliated woodpeckers and hellbenders— rolling toward Bluestone Dam. Dave Wallace, dentist, cattleman, outfitter and descendant of some of the area’s earliest settlers, remembers his uncles helping to build that dam. No one understood ecology and such in the years after World War II, he said. “They understood jobs.” Wallace has been floating the river for a long time. When he was 4, and living on a creek that ran into the New above Bull Falls, he and an older cousin—probably 5 or 6—climbed into a washtub and pushed off into that creek. They bobbed down the little tributary, into the New River and on toward Bull Falls. “It was probably a 16- to 20-foot wa-
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terfall,” Wallace said. “The farmers who were hoeing their corn heard us laughing and giggling and waded out and got us before we went over the waterfalls.” Bull Falls is deep beneath Bluestone Lake now, drowned along with the community where Wallace grew up and the creek he floated in seven decades before. Wallace was floating again last summer, in a purple kayak on a placid stretch of river. He didn’t notice the ledge. His kayak went over nose first. Water collapsed his spray skirt, filling the kayak and forcing it and him beneath the water, tossing him around like a sock in a washing machine. Luckily, a couple of rangers were floating nearby—we were into the New River Gorge National River by then— and they were able to haul Wallace out. That evening, drinking wine and eating steaks from his own herd, Wallace still seemed a little shaken. To some people, the New River means the New River Gorge. And the Gorge means whitewater or rock climbing or Bridge Day. That’s the annual celebration that closes the bridge 876 feet above the Gorge so people can jump off it—wearing parachutes, of course. The towns and coal camps that used to line the Gorge probably
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aren’t at the front of most people’s minds. “There were literally coal camps every mile of the river, both river left and river right, and a lot of those cultural resources are still there, covered up by trees and plants,” said Don Striker, superintendent of the New River Gorge National River. Proctor Kirk, the Hinton resident who ran the river in an aluminum canoe, remembers some of those towns. “When we were kids, there were all kinds of little towns on the river that had no road access,” Kirk said. “Places like Quinnimont and Glade and Kaymoor and places like that you could only get to by railroad. But they ran local freight in and out of there two or three times a day. You could ride in and out of there for a dime. And people did it regularly.” If you’ve ever seen the John Sayles movie Matewan, you’ve seen one of those towns. Thurmond stood in for Matewan in that film. Fewer than 10 people live in Thurmond today—all four of its voters turned out for the 2008 presidential election—but it was once the bustling jewel in the crown of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. In 1910, 75,000 passengers traveled through Thurmond. The town moved more freight tonnage that year than Cin-
George Santucci, executive director of the National Committee for the New River (with the flag over his shoulder), joins in a toast on the banks of the Gauley River to mark the end of the organization’s first New River Expedition. Photo by Chris Arvidson, National Committee for the New River
cinnati, Ohio, and Richmond, Virginia, combined. Most of that freight was coal. There are old deep mines and strip mines all through the Gorge. The remnants of rail lines and coke ovens and whole towns line the river. For decades, this great outdoor playground was an industrial center. But that’s just one of the New River’s contradictions. It’s not new at all, of course. It’s older than the mountains that sur-
round it, and those mountains are among the oldest on Earth. It’s famous for sport fishing, but Virginia’s Department of Health warns against consuming some of its fish. An American Heritage River, its banks hold a coal-fired power plant and coal ash pits that hold that plant’s waste. A magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, it has also attracted lots of industry, including Virginia’s largest single polluter.
Sometimes it makes me wonder if the ancient New River has taken about all it can take from the people who live along it and play in it and drink from it and flush their waste into it. Whenever I start to think like that, I remember a giant sycamore I saw four days into last summer’s trip. The tree must have been at least 40 feet tall when it was standing. When I saw it, the sycamore was lying on its side, downriver from a small island. The tree’s roots reached out in a wild tangle, stretching 15 feet or more into the sky. An infant grove of small sycamores grew out of that tangle. Sand and sediment gathering at the roots’ watery base looked like the beginning of a brand new island for that brand new forest to grow on.
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e c I o t e r i F F r om 5 1 s t n u o c e R Sonny Sweetin Red Cross Service Years illiams
Tho Story by Jim
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n June 30, a four decade career of service to nation and community came to a well-deserved conclusion. Sort of. “It’s not over; I’m not quitting,” said Sonny Sweet, executive director of the Watauga Chapter of the American Red Cross. “I’m retiring.” While he has spent the latter part of his career working with volunteers, his entry into the nation’s service was not voluntary. In 1961, Sweet was driving a truck in Ramseur, North Carolina, when a letter arrived, announcing he had been drafted into the U.S. Army. “They had just built the Berlin Wall, and President Kennedy called men into service,” he said. That letter—which began with the then-dreaded word “Greetings”—would change his life forever. July 2010
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“We’re eyeball to eyeball with our clients. We’re not dealing with He was initially assigned to Fort Myer, a small army base that adjoins Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac from Washington, D.C. In spite of Cold War fears, times were different then in the national capital. Sweet recalls passing by the White House and seeing the president enjoying one of his favorite games of touch football. After two years of service, Sweet decided to try the military as a career and headed to Officer Candidates School at Fort Benning, Georgia. That was in early November 1963; two weeks after entering the school, President Kennedy was assassinated. Like many young men of his generation, Sweet decided to continue his service to the nation. That would include time in Vietnam in the 1960s and service in Desert Storm. By the time he returned to civilian life in 1992, he was a full colonel. And a little tired of moving. A native of Concord, Sweet had grown
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up as the son of an ever-moving Methodist minister. Back then, preachers in that denomination tended to be reassigned every four years, and that meant packing up and moving to a new parsonage. The Sweet family came to the High Country when Sonny was a toddler. Rev. Worth Sweet became pastor of the seven churches in the Nathan’s Creek Charge in eastern Ashe County. His wife, Rachel Williams Sweet, went to work as a schoolteacher at Nathan’s Creek School. “A couple of Christmases ago, I took my dad up to see the old church there,” Sweet said. “It hadn’t changed a bit in all these years.” It wasn’t too long before the Sweets moved on again, but those formative years left Sonny Sweet with a permanent love of the region. The day would come when the High Country would once again be home. Sweet used his time in service to further his education; the military wanted leaders with college degrees. After earn-
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ing an undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland, he received a master’s degree in history from Kansas State University. Something else happened while he was in service—he became acquainted with another officer named Bricca. After a long-distance romance—she was in Washington, he was Atlanta—the couple married. He recalled, “One morning she looked over and kissed me and asked, ‘Do I still have to call you sir now?’ I said ‘I guess not,’ and she said, ‘Good, because I’m not going to!’” After 27 years in the Army, Sonny Sweet retired, while Bricca served an additional three years, retiring in 1995 as a lieutenant colonel. She was still on active duty, and the couple was living in Oakland, Calif., when a fateful newspaper story changed their lives. They both loved the mountains of North Carolina and dreamed of one day retiring there. That day, Sonny Sweet was reading a copy of the Mountain Times
someone in Washington, but with a neighbor who has lost their home.” ~Sonny while sitting in San Francisco International Airport. “There was an article saying that the local chapter of the American Red Cross was wanting to hire a full-time executive director,” he said. “I got up and called and got the job. And that’s how you get from Oakland to Boone.” It was his 26th move, and this time it would be the last—Sonny Sweet was going home. He planned to move to Boone in January 1995, but first he got a taste of the Red Cross in action. “They wanted me the second week of January,” he said. “That week, our home in California was flooded, and the Red Cross came out to help us.” It was February before Sweet arrived in Boone. Back then, the Watauga Chapter of the Red Cross had only between 60 and 100 volunteers; today, that number exceeds 700. Sweet settled into the new job and had his first “trial by fire” in the spring. “Blowing Rock Hospital caught on fire in June 1995,” he said. “I knew where Blowing Rock was, but I didn’t know where the
After a career in the Army, Sonny Sweet and his wife Bricca moved to Boone from Oakland, California, and Sonny became the director of the Watauga Chapter of the American Red Cross. The chapter now has two full-time and one part-time staff members and more than 700 volunteers.
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Disaster Response Under Sonny Sweet’s Leadership “People pull together in times of disaster.” –Sonny
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he Red Cross responds to two types of disasters: man-made and natural. Both have happened during Sonny Sweet’s 15 years as executive director of the local American Red Cross Chapter. • His first crisis situation was the Blowing Rock Hospital fire on April 29, 1995. Fire began in the basement of the building and made its way to the top floor. Seventy-nine patients were evacuated, and tents were set up; many victims were taken to other local facilities. During this same period, eight people have been killed in house fires. Two of these fires really caught the public’s attention: • On March 9, 1996, Jeremy Fisher, 22, died and 16 other people were left homeless by a fire at Summit Woods Apartment Complex on Niley Cook Road outside of Boone. A disaster relief fund was set up by Sweet, collecting over $13,000 to provide food, clothing and other household goods for the 16 people. The Jeremy Fund was established to honor Jeremy’s memory and give victims in Watauga County immediate relief for fire and other disasters. • Three sisters, Clarita “Clara” Cid Flores, 5, Anadacy “Dacy” Cid Flores, 6, and Lilianna Cid Flores, 8, died in the Clyde Townsend Road Apartment fire west of Boone in September 2006. Other disasters Sweet helped handle during his time at the chapter: • Flood, Roaring Creek (January 9, 1998). Teams worked through the next day on relief efforts; fortunately, there were no fatalities. • The flood was followed by a blizzard on January 27 and 28, 1998,
when more than 20 inches of snow fell in Boone and more than 40 inches of snow fell in Beech Mountain. More than four feet of snow fell on the western mountain slopes in Watauga County, and power was lost in that area from Tuesday until Saturday of that week in January. Shelters were opened by the Red Cross in Cove Creek, Boone, Deep Gap and Foscoe in Watauga County; and Green Valley and Banner Elk in Avery County. • Several with local ties lost their lives during the 9/11 attacks. Leo Russell Keene III, a resident of New Jersey, was killed in the World Trade Center. His parents, Russell Keene II and Lynn Keene, reside in Linville Falls in Avery County. The Russell Fund was established to honor his memory and to provide relief for disaster victims in Avery County. • Hurricanes Frances and Ivan struck the mountains of Western North Carolina in September 2004, causing massive flooding. Red Cross disaster teams visited more than 100 home sites that received major damage while the American Red Cross declared a national relief operation. • Hurricane Katrina (2005) brought 77 refugees from Louisiana and Mississippi to the High Country. Thanks to the Red Cross, housing and other relief supplies were provided for them. Many had connections to Appalachian State University or local ski resorts. • Work on the Christmas Day storm (2009) began with a phone call to Sweet at 7:00 a.m. that day; by 10:00 a.m., the first shelter was opened. Shelters housed 70 people from Christmas to New Year’s Day with uncounted numbers stopping in for showers, food and warm coffee. The shelters also provided support for volunteers and emergency workers.
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Now that he’s retired, Sonny will spend more time at his 16-acre farm in Sugar Grove, where he raises goats, chickens, vegetables and fruit trees.
hospital was located. It was on a Saturday, and 80 patients had to be evacuated. A couple of my volunteers, who I had just met, came in and said, ‘I bet you need our help.’” They headed to the scene, while Sweet stayed in the office, calling volunteers and directing them to the hospital. One of those volunteers was Velma Burnley, who Sweet did not realize at that time was the mayor of Boone. “There she was, feeding the elderly and organizing the evacuation,” he said. That first year would prove a busy one for the new director. In early October, a killer hurricane, Opal, fresh from devastating parts of Mexico, pounded North Carolina. “That was my first experience with running shelters,” he said. This period also marked the transition from officer to director. After decades of giving commands, Sweet adapted quickly to the very different world of working with volunteers. “It was a big shift,” he said. “You really had to like people. You have to use persuasion. People who volunteer with the Red
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Clara Barton (1821-1912), a pioneering nurse, founded the American Red Cross in 1881. She had served as a frontline nurse and organizer during the Civil War, visiting some of the bloodiest battlefields of the conflict to care for the wounded. This was at a time when such activities were considered off limits for women. Her heroism in aiding wounded soldiers inspired many women to pursue careers in nursing and people of both genders to volunteer their efforts in times of war and other disasters. This photograph of her was taken in 1904 in Boston, Mass.
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Cross are, for the most part, humanitarians. They want to do this.” He also learned that good can come from even the darkest of tragedies. In December 1995, Jeremy Fisher graduated from Appalachian State University; in March 1996, the only son of a loving family, he died in a tragic fire. “They had lost an only child,” Sweet said. “So the family and my people got together and came up with the idea of a memorial fund. Over the years, that fund has contributed over $500,000 to disaster relief in the county.” The name of an Avery resident who died in the World Trade Center attacks, Russell King, now graces a similar fund in that county. “Having a local name for a local cause gives more meaning,” he said. Having started so dramatically, Sweet’s career with the Red Cross has had an
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The Red Cross distributes much-needed supplies during natural and manmade disasters, including clean water, food and medical supplies.
equally challenging ending: the winter of 2009-10. “I got a call at 7:00 a.m. on Christmas Day,” he recalled. “We were opening shelters by 10:00 a.m. We closed the last shelter, which was in Avery County, at noon on New Year’s Day. That’s what volunteers do.” Volunteers, Sweet said, are the key to the Red Cross story. “Collectively, we have over 700 volunteers,” he said. “They do 97 percent of the work. We have two
ter who are trained to do disaster relief. “They are qualified to work in other areas as well,” Sweet said. “Volunteers from this chapter were involved in Hurricane Katrina, California and Arizona wildfires, Hurricane Floyd and other disaster relief efforts. Some volunteers keep a backpack with clothes and a shaving kit so they are ready at all times. I might do that myself.” Reflecting on his 15 years of service to
work in his orchard. There is also a family: the Sweets have three sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Brianna, just earned her degree in elementary education from UNC-Wilmington. Son Jonathan has followed in his parents’ footsteps and is a colonel in the Army. Nathan works in marketing, while Brandt still calls the High Country home and volunteers with the Red Cross. A grandson is a sophomore at the Univer-
“People who volunteer with the Red Cross are, for the most part, humanitarians. They want to do this.” full-time and one part-time staff. But volunteers are the heart of the Red Cross.” Each has a particular role to play in helping those hit by disaster. “Some do one event a year. Some work on Blood, Sweat and Gears [which raises money for the Jeremy Fisher Fund].” Others help with blood drives. “We now collect 4,500 pints of blood a year,” he said. “Watauga County in the Appalachian Healthcare System uses about 2,000 pints. That means those donated pints of blood help people beyond our area.” He added that 60 percent of the blood donated comes from young people aged 17 to 21. There are 90 volunteers in the chap-
the High Country, Sweet said, “This is a small chapter. That is the best part about it. We’re eyeball to eyeball with our clients. We’re not dealing with someone in Washington, but with a neighbor who has lost their home. It is a meaningful job, a very meaningful job.” Sonny and Bricca Sweet—who has earned her doctorate and will continue to work in education—plan to remain in the Boone area. “You can’t beat the mountains of North Carolina,” he said. “I don’t have any specific plans. It might be to get up and see where the day takes you.” He does have some plans to raise goats and chickens and do some gardening and
sity of Virginia, while a granddaughter just graduated from high school and will attend James Madison University. They have learned well: while Sonny has been the executive director, he calls his wife “my right hand. She has been so very active. We had 77 households arrive in the county after Katrina, and she adopted every one of them and helped them find housing.” “It’s been fun, and it’s not over,” Sweet said. “But it will be awful nice when the blizzard of 2011 hits to put another log on the fire and just roll over and go back to sleep.”
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Documenting a Forgotten Town
Shull’s Mills • Nort h Carolina story By Karen Lehmann
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here is very little left of the turn-ofthe-century, rural mountain township known as Shull’s Mills. Tourists and locals driving along the meandering road named for the town simply know it as Shull’s Mill Road (the “s” in Mills has been dropped over the years). But when the name Shull’s Mills is mentioned in this article, don’t think of that road twisting through the mountains between Foscoe and Blowing Rock. Visualize the town that it once was, with nearly 1,000 residents busy with their farms, going to school, working in the sawmill and congregating at the train 106
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depot. It was the economic center of Watauga County at the time. Imagine the town’s hospital, its movie theater, its post office, its general stores and the historic East Tennessee & Western NC Railroad (Tweetsie) running right through the middle. Although today most of its residents have passed away or moved away, filmmaker Kyle Grove found many Shull’s Mills inhabitants who had undocumented stories, memories and photographs, and documenting the history of Shull’s Mills and its people became his project. Kyle enters this story in 2000, when a summer job brought him to the Shull’s Mill area. Before beginning school at ASU, Kyle and his cousin spent the summer cleaning up some property recently
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purchased by family friends. The land and buildings were previously owned by Mamie Shull, a lifetime resident of Shull’s Mills who lived to be 109. Two old buildings on the property included the watchmaker’s house and the original general store of Shull’s Mills. That summer Kyle and his cousin, along with the new owners of the property, were excited to discover dozens of old artifacts. The discoveries they found in the house and even tucked inside the walls of the old buildings were books, letters, tobacco pouches and prescription and elixir bottles dating back to the early 1900s. One of the most noteworthy discoveries was a small, delicate book, which turned out to be a personal diary of Mamie Shull.
Opposite page: Shull’s Mills 1918 “This picture was the first photo that captivated me, and as a result I wanted to find out more about the lost town of Shull’s Mills,” said Kyle. “The first time I saw this picture it was in John Waite and Chris Ford’s Blue Ridge Stemwinder, a monthly publication for the ET&WNC Railroad Historical Society. I was immediately hooked!”
Kyle, who has taken the time to read the diary cover to cover, explains, “The diary can be difficult to understand because of Mamie’s Old English writing style and heavy mountain vernacular.” Of the many day-to-day thoughts and activities she writes about, she speaks about making food for the railroad workers. It was 1915 when William Whiting requested that the ET&WNC Railroad reach his large tract of land in Shull’s Mills, where he intended to build a sawmill. He was successful, and later that year the line was extended 14 miles from Montezuma over Linville Gap (now Invershiel) through Foscoe and down into Shull’s Mills. As a result, Whiting’s Boone Fork Lumber Company would be constructed. Then in 1918, 200 men were hired to clear the right-of-way for the train to travel into Boone from Shull’s Mills. During these next few years, Shull’s Mills became the industrial hub of Watauga County. That was until the Great Depression and roaring floods devastated the area, but we are getting far too ahead in this story, so let’s back up a bit.
After seeing the wealth of Shull’s Mills artifacts, like Mamie Shull’s diary, Dr. David Spiceland (seated above) has continued to encouraged Kyle to produce a new project about Shull’s Mills. Kyle has interviewed several locals and historians, including Michael C. Hardy (standing at left), author of the Short History of Watauga County. July 2010
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Mamie’s words speak of making cabbage, potatoes and bread for the railroad men during the construction, and looking over all the artifacts unearthed that summer, Kyle was both fascinated and frustrated. He wasn’t sure what to do with it all. He was intrigued enough that he started to talk with some of the locals, and he could just begin to see the interesting history. The artifacts were carefully packed away for several years. It wasn’t until fall 2005 that this story resurfaces. Kyle, who was then attending ASU, took a communications class instructed by Dr. David Spiceland. During classes Dr. Spiceland expressed his enthusiasm for both history and trains. Kyle was eager to share with Dr. Spiceland the discoveries made five years prior. Carefully, Kyle unwrapped the items they found on the property. When Dr. Spiceland saw the treasures, it was clear to the professor that this was
“ These people needed their story told, and ever since that day it has become official that even without the outside funding, I was going to be the one to do this for them.” an exciting start to a very touching story. He encouraged Kyle to gather more information and to possibly choose this as his topic in his upcoming video production class at ASU. In 2008, with the help of his video partner Nicole Taweel, the history of Shull’s Mills became the student project known as “Timber Town,” a 10-minute documentary-style video, and just the tip of the iceberg. “Timber Town” became an instant
hit for all those who previewed it. It seems that many share with Kyle and Dr. Spiceland the enthusiasm for history and trains. Kyle was certain he wanted to continue to develop this project, and he chose the ET&WNC Railroad convention as a venue. Kyle announced publicly that he would be attending the convention, which is held each year in Banner Elk. He encouraged anyone with interest or information about Shull’s Mills to at-
The Shull’s Mills General Store (left) was built in 1863, 20 years prior to the Mast Store in Valle Crucis. Owned and operated by Roby and Mamie Shull for almost 75 years, the store has been moved twice from its original location. The store is now home to Environments, a local interior design and event coordinator. The cabin (above) is an original Shull family home where Roby operated a small jewelry repair shop.
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Kyle interviews Roger Church, lifetime resident of Watauga County. oger Church was born in Foscoe in 1927 and still lives there today. He shared with Kyle stories he remembers from his childhood. He remembers riding the train with his grandmother to Boone for 20 cents on Sundays. And he and his friends would take a cake of soap and coat the track, then hide in the weeds and wait for the train to approach. The arriving Tweetsie hit the slippery soap and began to stall. The engineer would get furious, he recalls. Living in Foscoe, Tweetsie was a part of Roger’s everyday life. He loved hearing Tweetsie blowing her whistle as she came out of Shull’s Mills around 7:00 a.m. every morning heading toward Foscoe huffing and puffing. If they were not already out of bed, the train was their wake up call. They would jump out of bed and run down to the depot in Foscoe just to see who was on it and what was on it. It was a rare thing to ride the train because not everyone could afford to in those days. The train brought mail, supplies, visitors and family returning home with stories of their travels. The sound of that whistle still pulls on his heart, Roger says. Kyle recognizes that after Roger Church’s generation is gone, there will not be anyone left to tell their story. “I can at least give the story another lifetime,” Kyle said.
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On this Blue Ridge Stemwinder cover the Boone Fork Lumber Co. is about a year old. There is only one boiler stack; the mill would eventually contain three. The log
T
pond is full of logs and
his section of rail was found in the river
received its water near
on April 1, 2010, in Shull’s Mill by Kyle
the confluence of the
Grove and his cousin David Bryan Jr. “Every
Boone Fork and Upper
time my cousin David is with me we find
Watauga River. Timber
something important,” Kyle said. Although
like chestnut, hemlock
it is still being verified by local ET&WNC
and spruce from
experts, the rail does indicate some history;
as far as the top of
a stamp on one side can be made out to say
Grandfather Mountain
“Tennessee 1910.” Professor Joe Quinn from
would be cultivated and processed in
Appalachian State University is an expert
Shull’s Mills. There was
on the logging railroads of our area. He
a sense of urgency
explained that the logging rail used during
to harvest all of the
that time weighed about 15 pounds per foot,
chestnut before the
and mainline rail weighed about 55 pounds
blight, an Asian-born
per foot. After his examination, he feels this
fungus, caused a
rail was a part of the mainline (Tweetsie) and
massive extinction.
more than likely was washed into the river during the flood of 1940. After the flood, the remaining rail that was not damaged was scooped up on trucks and taken to Cranberry and Johnson City, where the train continued to operate. “We recently had a big storm, and the Watauga was raging; it was a couple of days later that David and I were fishing and I noticed the rail.” Kyle noted. “The rail that was in the region after
Kyle Hodges operates his circular
the flood would have been very valuable.
sawmill on Old 421 in Boone. Although
They would have taken as much if not all of
the Boone Fork Lumber Company was
it—this is a rare find.” Almost everything is
one of the first mills in WNC to use
gone, but it seems the Watauga River held
bandsaw technology, local experts
on to a few treasures, and there are bits and pieces of history that tend to surface from time to time.
w
say William Whiting would have set up a circular mill like Hodges to cut the timber of the property in order to construct the mill. Hodges cuts timber in the area for local builders.
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July 2010
The excursion train on the way to Linville Gap. Seven Devils would now be to the right of the train, and Grandfather Mountain would be to the left. Photos courtesy of the Cy Crumley Scrapbook
tend. Considering a larger documentary, he hoped to find funding through the convention. When Kyle arrived, he was surprised to see a large group already there waiting for him. “I was swamped,” Kyle said. More than 80 people showed up to speak with him, carrying photographs and memories to share. Many were elderly, and those
The Strength Behind
unable to get to the convention on their own had family assisting them. “These people needed their story told,” Kyle said, “and ever since that day it has become official that even without the outside funding, I was going to be the one to do this for them.” So Kyle got out his notebook, years old by now, containing the information
and names he had accumulated, including all those folks who showed up at the railroad convention. He began calling and interviewing locals, as well as several authors who have written books on Watauga County history. He has spent hours hiking the land of Shull’s Mills, finding old foundations and railroad grade. Kyle’s collection of artifacts, photographs, vid-
Your Securit
CELEBRATING 91 YEARS
The Strength Behind Your Security
July 2010
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111
eo footage and stories and four to five years of research on this beautiful valley will be included in the hour-long documentary featuring the music of the Carter Brothers Band and hosted and narrated by the Blue Ridge Community Theatre’s John Schoo. His documentary has been a slow process, but a labor of love. In this article, Kyle shares a preview of his forthcoming documentary with High Country Magazine readers. Shull’s Mills became a town in March 1870, when it received its first post office. William Whiting constructed the Boone Fork Lumber Company band mill in 1916. The town also contained the Robbins hotel. The Robbins family owned several tracts of land and buildings in Shull’s Mills. And later, it would be Grover Robbins who would eventually open Tweetsie Railroad and return engine number 12 to the Blue Ridge Mountains. There were three general stores in Shull’s Mills. One was the company commissary and supply house operat112
High Country Magazine
ed by George Robbins. The other two stores were the Shull’s Mills General Store and a small store owned and operated by Ed Harbin. South of town heading toward Foscoe was the doctor’s office of R.H. Hardin. The railroad was supported on large concrete footers and wooden trestlework. The tracks would gradually rise on their way to the large iron trestle that crossed the Watauga River. Shull’s Mills was the industrial hub of Watauga County, and the train was a regular occurrence in the valley, loaded with lumber and agricultural products like cabbage, corn and mountain apples. Kyle notes that powerful men like Whiting and large corporations brought greater amounts of capital and new technologies to Western North Carolina in the early 1900s. These men constructed railroad lines deep into the timber rich forest, building temporary towns to house the hundreds of families employed by their operations. But by 1928, most of the timber in Shull’s Mills and the surrounding forest had been cultivated. July 2010
1940 Flood Destruction. This picture was taken just days after the 1940 flood. The photo’s perspective is from the Hound Ears side of the Watauga River looking back toward the bridge at the intersection of Highway 105 and Broadstone Road. Tweetsie Railroad Road is part of the original railroad right-of-way. The flood of 1940 would be disastrous for Watauga County. Sixteen people were killed, and hundreds lost their homes, livestock and crops. From landslides in Deep Gap to an overall catastrophe in Shull’s Mills, life as the locals then knew it would be altered forever. The train would be devastated. Almost all of the bridges and trestles in Watauga County were destroyed. Prior to 1940, Watauga County and surrounding counties had experienced the flood of 1916. Although there was no rail in Boone at that time, rail was damaged in Western North Carolina and into east Tennessee, as well as the tracks of the Virginia Creeper in Todd (that ran to Abingdon, Virginia). The state repaired the tracks in 1916 because of the abundant trees still waiting to be harvested. But after the flood of ‘40, the lack of trees would cause the state to examine the railroad’s profitability, and soon abandonment would become a reality.
the train was a regular occurrence in the valley, loaded with lumber and agricultural products like cabbage, corn and mountain apples. LRR Depot in Shull’s Mills in the 1940s. Photo from Mrs. B. G. Teams collection, courtesy of Allen Curtis.
Engine number 12 (above) still rides the tracks today at the Tweetsie RR Amusement Park. This photo (right) was taken in Montezuma, N.C., another small village that lived and died on the railroad, located between Linville and Newland. Photos courtesy Cy Crumley Scrapbook
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www.floraottimer.com July 2010
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Shull’s Mills • Nort h Carolina T h is p 114
i c ture i
s taken fr
o m th e H o u n
High Country Magazine
d Ears Rock s looking back over Shull’s Mills to Grandfather M
July 2010
h o to b y o u nt a i n . P
r Kyle G
ove
Curtis R. Page, DDS, PA As a result, Whiting would dismantle the mill and move his logging railroads to the backside of Beech Mountain and Butler, Tennessee. After the town had settled and the band mill relocated, Shull’s Mills was “Just a Stop Along the Way” from Boone to Johnson City, a fitting title for Kyle’s documentary. The original logging train was now called an excursion train, reequipped with more passenger cars. It was a popular thing in those days to get married and celebrate with your friends and family in Boone, then pay $1.50 for a romantic ride on the train to Johnson City for the honeymoon. Everyday the train would arrive in Boone around 6:00 p.m. from Johnson City. The crew would spend the night in a pair of old boxcars located off the tracks right about where Walker Hall is located on the ASU campus. The train would then leave the Boone Depot around 6:40 a.m. the next day on its way to Johnson City. There were 30 official stops between Boone and Johnson City. The train was scheduled to arrive in Shull’s Mills around 7:10 a.m. and arrive in Linville around 8:00 a.m. After many more stops the train would finally arrive at its final destination, Johnson City, around 6:00 that evening. The train would sometimes run round-trip twice in one day if there were important deliveries to be made.
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Kyle will speak at the Summer Arts Series at Buckeye Recreation Center in Beech Mountain Saturday, August 7, at 2:00 p.m. when a trailer of “Just a Stop Along the Way” will be ready for viewing. He hopes to have the film packaged and ready for sale by the first of October. For more information, look for Kyle’s Shull’s Mills Documentary page on Facebook or email him at rockridgeproductions@yahoo.com.
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July 2010
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A Career and a Calling
Bare Essentials Natural Market Serving the Region for More Than 20 Years Story by Anna Oakes • Photography by Peter Morris 116
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July 2010
Bare Essentials (left) moved to a freestanding building on Boone Heights Drive from its previous location on King Street downtown in 1998. Mary Underwood and Ben Henderson (above) purchased the store in 1988.
then located at 200 West King Street in downtown Boone, right across from the old post office, on June 22, 1988. Mary grew up on a farm and shopped at natural food stores in Minnesota, where she felt a strong connection to food and a simple lifestyle. “I felt like [owning Bare Essentials] was the right thing to do, even though I had no idea what I was doing,” she said. And so their first newsletter to customers began with the words, “We’re the new kids.”
I
“
try to stay as healthy as I can,” explained Donna Thomas, a long-time customer at Bare Essentials Natural Market in Boone. “And by watching what I put into my body, I believe it helps me have a better chance of staying reasonably healthy.” Ranging in age from 20 to 80, the customers at Bare Essentials Natural Market are from all walks of life—and some travel from as far away as Tennessee and Virginia to get their groceries. The small, awardwinning business has been established in the Boone area for more than two decades. “Our customers have been a huge part of our success,” said co-owner Mary Underwood. “Local business owners support each other, and I think more and more customers are realizing the importance of shopping local whenever possible. When you can get excellent service and a great product under
Organics and Oat Bran one roof, you want to make sure that business is around for the long haul.” Mary, originally from Blooming Prairie, Minnesota (a town about the size of Blowing Rock), moved to the Boone area in 1982, and Ben Henderson moved to the area from Tennessee the same year. Mary was considering leaving Boone in 1984, but then she responded to a personal ad in the Mountain Times—through which she met Ben. Ben jokes that it was love at first sight for him, but it took Mary a few weeks to “see the light.” The couple married in 1986. Mary was working for a local law firm and Ben was working in the public health field when their friend Bonnie Ross mentioned selling her natural foods store in Boone, Bare Essentials. Ben and Mary jumped at the chance and became the new owners of the 1,000-square-foot store,
“Why are we doing this?” another subhead in the newsletter read. “We both have a very keen interest in health, and the store will be an extension of our interest. We believe that food can be both good tasting and good for you,” they wrote. At the time, Ben and Mary were in their early 30s. “We were the quintessential hippie store downtown,” he said. “We had totally unrealistic ideas about what this was all about.” Mary, recalling the decision to purchase the business, said, “I just had this gut confidence that it would succeed. But I really think we were blind to what the natural food industry was even all about.” But with the help of their customers, they learned. That first newsletter implored customers for their help: “With the thousands of products available to us/you, we need you to let us know what prod-
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“We feel we’ve made an impact on a lot of people over the years.” Ben Henderson, co-owner of Bare Essentials
Staff who work in the Wellness Department can provide balanced, informed opinions about vitamins and other nutritional supplements. Bare Essentials staff members have built-in time in their work schedules for research of new products, including trips to out-of-town conferences and seminars.
ucts you need, as well as what you prefer. If you’ve tried products we don’t carry, we hope you’ll let us know so we can try them, too.” And they did. Customers, in their travels “off the mountain” to places such as Raleigh, would find new products and after returning, ask if Bare Essentials could order them. “Our industry was founded on new products,” Ben said. “Every dime we had, we put back into merchandise that customers requested,” Mary added. “It just grew that way. The industry was just kind of really getting started then…there was something for everyone.” At the time, they were able to capitalize on a few trends and interests, including a growing distrust of pesticides and non118
High Country Magazine
natural ingredients and an increasing desire for organic foods. Bare Essentials was the only place to provide organic foods in the Boone area then. “People were really starting to get into getting healthy,” said Mary. “I think we were just in the right place at the right time.” In the late 1980s, the oat bran craze began after several published studies touted the benefits of oat bran for lowering cholesterol. Bare Essentials stockpiled about 500 pounds of the stuff. “One of my first memories was when oat bran was the big rage,” Mary said. “We had it in bulk. I can still remember cars driving up and parking across the street, and I could tell they were coming in for
July 2010
oat bran,” she laughed. “People would buy pounds of it,” Ben recalled. But “it was 39 cents a pound—it wasn’t like I was going to get rich on it,” remembered Mary. For the first decade, Mary managed the store’s daily operations while Ben continued his public health career. The couple lived off of Ben’s salary for the first couple of years, putting any profits from Bare Essentials back into the store. “[Mary] really grew the business,” Ben said. They watched their business grow annually, and by the mid-1990s, they were contemplating having the largest natural food store in the region and began looking for a new location. “Downtown was a great location in a
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lot of ways, but parking was a problem,” said Ben. Mary and Ben had trouble finding a location that wasn’t already anchored by a grocery store. To locate their current freestanding building on Boone Heights Drive, they had to secure written permission from Winn-Dixie. Bare Essentials moved to the new location in 1998. When they opened the new store, Ben came to work full time and manage its daily operations, as he continues to do today, while Mary went behind the scenes, handling the accounting. She still plays a role in merchandising and selects gifts, cards and items that appeal to women. Mary is the president of the corporation, and Ben calls her the “chief visionary officer.” “I definitely miss the daily interaction with customers,” Mary said, “and I miss the interaction with the staff.”
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Natural Alternatives
‘We’re the Label Readers’ Bare Essentials now carries about 8,000 products on its shelves, including fresh produce, frozen and refrigerated foods, beverages, bath and body care, coffee and tea, cosmetics, bulk foods, children’s and baby care items, pet products, nutritional supplements and more. Its knowledgeable staff of 13 spends hours and hours scrutinizing products and their labels, reading articles and speaking with merchandise brokers. Three full-time employees have built-in time to do research, sometimes out of town at trade shows, seminars and conferences. They’re checking to make sure products don’t contain artificial ingredients, like MSG. It’s time consuming, but important, Ben said. “We’re the label readers,” he said. “People come to us because they know we watch—we’re the gatekeeper.” Bare Essentials acts as a voice for the consumer, sometimes calling a distributor to ask why it carries unsatisfactory products. “If you come in here, we’ve done our research,” Ben said. “And that’s the kind of reputation we have.” Bare Essentials stands by its products. “If you’re not satisfied with a product, there’s no question on any returns,” said Donna, who lives between Boone and Blowing Rock. “They always stand by their products,” said Carol Hancock, who lives in the Brightwood area of eastern Watauga County. “The few times I’ve had to bring something back, I’ve had excellent customer service. I just feel like I can trust them.” “We don’t deal with any company that doesn’t stand behind their product,” Ben explained. And Bare Essentials will not settle for products that don’t meet their high standards. “If we can’t get good organic oranges, we just won’t have them,” Ben said. The staff at Bare Essentials must enjoy their jobs, because they stick around for a while. Several employees have been with the store seven, eight, even 15 years. An 86-year-old Harvard MBA graduate only recently retired. “That’s unheard of in retail,” Ben remarked. “I think their best part is their service,” Carol said. “They’re just really nice people, and they go out of their
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Here a few natural alternatives to common products from the staff at Bare Essentials Natural Market
Try:
Instead of… Claritin or common allergy meds
Quercetin, a safe, supportive supplement recently studied at ASU that acts as a natural antihistamine and more
Ibuprofen or common over-the-counter medications for chronic aches and pains
Traumeel, a safe support that stimulates healing from the cause of pain rather than just suppressing it
Sugary soft drinks
Naturally-fermented kombucha
Over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestants with uncomfortable side effects
A gentle nasal wash to overcome cold or allergy symptoms naturally
Hard-to-digest calcium carbonate found in most drugstore calcium’s
A chelated or whole food calcium for better absorption of this important mineral
Rice
Quinoa (keen-wa). Quinoa is high in protein and is cooked just like rice
And: If you can’t eat organic all the time, instead of conventionally grown blueberries and strawberries, try the organic alternative. Many soft-skinned summer fruits have been found to have the highest concentrations of pesticides because chemicals can easily permeate the flesh.
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Bare Essentials will not carry products, including produce, that do not meet the store’s high standards of quality. “If we can’t get good organic oranges, we just won’t have them,” said Ben Henderson, co-owner.
way to make you feel like it matters that you’re in the store and you’re choosing to spend your money with them.” The women behind the supplements counter “are so good and helpful, and not pushy,” added Carol. “They’re pretty well educated; they’ll give you a pretty balanced view.” Nancy Shannon, a self-proclaimed “diehard anti-big box person,” travels from Fleetwood to shop at Bare Essentials. She started shopping there at least 15 years ago when the store was still on King Street. “It’s important to me to support small local businesses,” Nancy said. She first got to know Mary and Ben and has come to know many of the employees over the years. “A lot of the employees stay for a long time, and they’re all very knowledgeable about the products there,” she said. “It feels good to shop and have a relationship with the people who you’re dealing with; they remember you and your name.” Donna is on a first-name basis, too. “Everybody knows me by name; I know them by name,” she said. “It’s nice to still have that small town service.” “When I’m out somewhere, I’m continually approached by people who commend us on our staff,” Mary said. “I just really feel great about that.” They’re the
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July 2010
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“It feels good to shop and have a relationship with the people who you’re dealing with.” Nancy Shannon of Fleetwood
In response to greater demand for local food and to support area farmers, Bare Essentials carries fresh produce from local farms and purchases through New River Organic Growers.
true experts, she added. “If I have a question, that’s who I go to.” In 2000, Bare Essentials was recognized as the Small Business of the Year by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. “That was a big thing for us,” Ben said. “We feel we’ve made an impact on a lot of people over the years. Probably the one thing that keeps me really fired up is to hear people say, unsolicited, what it’s meant in their lives.”
No Longer a Niche Beginning in the mid-1990s, mass market retailers began taking notice of the natural foods industry and its annual growth of 10 to 15 percent. In the past decade, large grocery store chains and superstores like Wal-Mart have tried to capitalize on the increased demand for organic and natural foods and products, often establishing special sections in their stores for natural foods. In addition, Asheville-based supermarket chain Earth Fare opened a store in Boone about five or six years ago. “In some ways, we are victims of our own success,” said Ben, speaking about the grassroots organic movement as a whole. “We dreamed of being successful and spreading the gospel of organic foods. And that’s happened. We’re no longer unique.” How does Bare Essentials stay competitive? “Our business has had to evolve,” Ben said. Their business is more service-oriented than ever. And when they’re looking for trends, they look for both nutritional and business trends. “You have to find the business edge as well as the nutri122
High Country Magazine
tional edge,” noted Ben, mentioning Bare Essentials’ BE Healthy Rewards program, in which customers earn points for purchases and then get rebates in the mail. The products continue to improve— the focus has shifted from one simply on organic practices to an emphasis on taste. Even gluten-free products, which used to be tasteless, are just as good as anything else out there. “People are kind
July 2010
of surprised that this food tastes good,” said Ben. Folks are also surprised to learn that Bare Essentials, a small business, can compete with big-store prices. “By and large, we compete pretty successfully in price with larger stores,” he noted. And the store continues to set an example for the community. Responding to an interest in local food, Bare Essentials carries produce from several local farmers
From 1988 to 1998, Bare Essentials was located on King Street in downtown Boone, across the street from the old post office. Co-owner Mary Underwood (center, with apron) managed the store’s operations then, while husband Ben Henderson continued his public health career. When the store moved to Boone Heights Drive in 1998, Ben took over the daily operations, and Mary went behind the scenes.
and purchases through New River Organic Growers, a local cooperative of farmers that supplies food to local restaurants and food stores. The store is also the weekly pickup location for High Country Community Supported Agriculture. About a year and a half ago, Bare Essentials chose to stop
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carrying plastic single-serve bottled water. “We said, ‘We’re not going to be a part of that cycle anymore,’” Ben explained. More than 20 years later, two wellintentioned but inexperienced business owners have become seasoned experts in their field. Ben is the president-elect
of the Southeast Natural Products Association, which also provides regional representation at the national level. But, Ben added, “I like to tell people that I’m not the health police,” noting that he attends Rotary Club breakfasts. “I do believe in moderation. Whether or not organics have made me healthier, I feel I am healthier having used those products.” “One of my dear friends and a longtime customer always says, ‘Your health is your greatest wealth,’” Mary said. “I’m glad that we can be a part of that philosophy for so many people.”
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Enchantment 124
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July 2010
Sailboats jockey for position before race start in front of Lakeshore Marina.
Story and Photography by Todd Bush
I
magine walking down a path toward a strikingly blue-green lake surrounded by mountains. You stroll out onto a dock filled with dozens of vertical masts, stretching out like rows of tall pines rising from slips of curvaceous sailboats in the calm of Lakeshore Marina’s colorful harbor. A friendly voice welcomes you to come aboard one of the boats—a 26.5-foot Hunter racer-cruiser, Virginia. She (endearing pronoun for a boat) responds with a rock and a dip, just enough to let you know you’ve left dry land for a time. A tease of wind brushes your hair as it makes its way into the cove and
over the open waves of Watauga Lake, Tennessee. Watauga Lake, a popular sailing destination, is the closest large lake to much of the High Country. Your host, the ship’s captain Kevin Donovan and his first mate, wife Jennie, are going for a sail today in one of the seasonal regattas or races of the Watauga Lake Sailing Club, for which Kevin served as commodore in 2009 and this year serves as race captain. Kevin, a towering man at 6-foot-7, is as much at ease sailing as he is building houses for his business, Celtic Building Company of Boone. Kevin and Jennie have won numerous races aboard Virginia and
continue to be among the dedicated sailors of the High Country who regularly enjoy sailing at Watauga Lake. Several Boone area residents and business folk help support the Tennessee-based Watauga Lake Sailing Club. The club has more than 100 windloving members (one-third from North Carolina) who enjoy races, social events and the educational fellowship offered within this thriving local sailing community all for a mere $15 in annual dues. Visitors interested in sailing who simply show up on the dock race days offering to crew, or just to watch, are warmly welcomed by club members, July 2010
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Top: Jennie and Kevin Donovan aboard Virginia Center: Watauga Lake Sailing Club founder Clark Lucas and his faithful sidekick, Buster Bottom: Charles Randolph and Jeff McSwain aboard The Charlie
whose experienced sailors enthusiastically share what they know of mastering the winds. Club founder and kind-natured sailing guru Clark Lucas, often with friendly life preserver-wearing dachshund Buster by his side, leads instructional classes on sailing for scheduled groups of scouts, kids and adults. In the mid-1990s, I was introduced to sailing by local friends Charles Randolph and Paul Del Rio. I loved sailing from the start, initially crewing aboard Charles’ small Lugar Leeward 16-foot sloop appropriately named The Charlie. A sloop is a fore-and-aft rigged boat with one mast, the tall pole that holds the sails, a main sail and a single jib—a smaller additional sail in front of the main sail. Charles was quite generous with The Charlie, passing the boat along first to Paul and then to me, who was still not quite ready to captain a boat. Paul once shared a cautioning tale of a dangerous experience he had with his family on Watauga Lake aboard The Charlie. One fine spring day, an unexpected storm and mighty wind suddenly blew directly from the side of the boat, causing The Charlie and crew to “turn turtle,” tipping completely upside-down. After a few seconds, scrambling to the surface, almost all of Paul’s family were accounted for, bobbing safely in the choppy water—all but his 80-year-old father Pa and tiny dog Paco. Paul dived under the boat to find them both a little shaken in a pocket of air within The Charlie’s small cabin, with Paco perched atop Pa’s head. After hearing that story of the lake’s unpredictable winds, more than ever I wanted to get better at sailing before bringing my wife Lorie and our three pooches out on the lake. After a couple more lessons from Paul and his son Kagan, plus studying sailing tutorials off the internet, I gradually became ready to pilot The Charlie. Like many things, sailing is part focus and part letting the experience be intuitive. It is as natural as it gets in a boat, and interestingly, kids pick it up really fast. For much of our first year sailing, Lorie and I would tow The Charlie from our home in Banner Elk to Watauga Lake, stopping along the way at the Subway restaurant of Hampton, Tennessee, to pick up lunch for our weekly date-on-the-lake. We put in across from the dam at the Rat Branch public access area on Highway 67/321. In the parking lot we would 126
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July 2010
Watauga Lake Sailing Club
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www.pioneerlanding.com • 423-768-3164
Bottom: The Charlie arrives in tow at the Rat Branch public access site and will be ready to sail once the mast and sails are raised.
first “step the mast,” raising it from flat for transport to upright, then fasten front and side stays (guy lines), the whole time hoping it all wouldn’t come crashing down bonking our heads. Once The Charlie was released from the trailer down the boat ramp and in the water, we next hoisted the sails and wished for enough wind to push us out from the cove into the open parts of the lake where the winds are much better—usually, that is. Summertime, popularly thought best for boating, is often disappointingly calm for sailing and more suited to floating rather than zooming along in the wind. Fortunately, much like the weather around here, if you stick around long enough, it
Pioneer Landing at Cherokee Overlook Mallard Cove Marina 423-768-3440
does change. And with afternoon summer storms comes wind, and with wind comes the fun part. Our three dogs Annie, Mali and Joe didn’t enjoy the “fun part” as much as we did. They squirmed uncomfortably when the winds rose and relished getting off the boat, not on it. So we decided we needed a bigger boat—a more stable cruising vessel with a sleeping berth. Another Watauga Lake sailor friend, Dave, found us a surprisingly affordable Catalina 22-foot sailboat on eBay, and we excitedly purchased what the listing said was an older boat in nice condition. With the boat docked out of state, miles away, at the time we had no idea how to get it home.
Our trailer hitch had to be changed and our car’s suspension fortified, and we were nervous about towing something much larger than The Charlie. But we loaded up the dogs and headed north to Keuka Lake, one of the finger lakes of the upstate wine country near Italy, New York. It was a cool October eve when we arrived at the Keuka Lake Marina seeking Irish Cream (the boat’s previous name) amongst all the boats docked there. Finding it was challenging under the dark autumn sky as the marina’s dim lights barely illuminated the bows, let alone the sterns where boat names are printed. After stepping aboard a few wrong boats, we found
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Top: Sunsets on Watauga Lake are especially enhanced when a sailboat passes before you across the waves. Lower left: Lorie, Joe and Annie Bush relax in the late afternoon calm aboard Enchantment. Lower right: Mary Jane and John Rice effortlessly skim across the water of Watauga Lake’s finicky winds.
the right one and then struggled converting its dining table into a bed for our first night in the cozy abode. These small yachts, as the Catalina 22-footers are considered, have RV-like features, including a stove, sink, toilet, bed, table and benches all crammed into an enclosed lower cabin. The following morning we awoke to rising lake mist unveiling New England fall splendor, the air filled with the scent of grapes bursting for harvest from nearby vineyards. We became fast friends with the boat’s former owner, one strapping, smiling Kevin O’Buckley. Aboard Irish Cream we discussed our transaction and our lives’ several common interests. One detail we didn’t consider was that the O’Buckleys hadn’t used the boat’s trailer in years, and both tires and lines of its brakes were shot, needing replace128
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ment before we could leave. So we spent the day exploring Italy, N.Y. and sailing while the trailer was being repaired at a classic old country service station. The next day, we picked up the rustybut-now-road-ready trailer preparing to come home. O’Buckley brought his college-bound son to meet us at the marina for what would be their last sail aboard Irish Cream. They told stories of happy years sailing together on Keuka Lake through all seasons, describing often hair-raising situations they both reveled in. Their deep connection to each other, nature and the boat was as clear as the deep glacially carved finger lake we were sailing upon. As if on cue, amid stories of their mighty sailing adventures, a churning storm kicked its heels at our farthest point from the marina. On came the raingear and the sharpening of
July 2010
everyone’s wits to work as a team and get safely back through the worsening conditions. Our new craft’s ability to handle that close encounter with powerful weather in stride was just the ticket for Watauga Lake’s equally squirrelly winds. We made it back to the marina’s boat ramp, and in frigid wind-driven rain, the O’Buckleys guided us through loading our boat onto the trailer and we then were on our way. The storm brought the season’s first snow, and the roads became icy, turning a 12-hour drive into a 20-hour whiteknuckled, cheek-squeezing, near-disaster as we took turns gripping the wheel, fishtailing on ice, pulling what felt like a small country behind us. It was then we decided no more trailer sailing. We went straight to Watauga Lake, rented a slip at Lakeshore Marina and never towed anything
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“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the tradewinds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~ Mark Twain
A looming storm brings high winds and the thrill of sailing aboard Virginia as the Donovans lead the downhill run toward the big island during a spring sailboat race. 130
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ever again. We changed our boat’s name to Enchantment, got a Tennessee boat license, refinished the teak wood and went sailing every chance we could. Annie, Mali and Joe got bright yellow doggy life preservers, but somehow they didn’t like the bigger boat any better. By this time, greatly enamored and quite satisfied with Enchantment, we passed The Charlie along to Charles’ young son Charlie III, completing a circle begun 40 years ago when Charlie’s father and grandfather first built the boat. Living the dream, Paul pursued his love for sailing by moving away from the High Country and now residing and operating a marina with his wife Rose in Oriental, North Carolina—the sailing capital of the state. Paul went on to earn his commercial captain’s license and delivers sailboats to and from numerous exotic Caribbean destinations. His hobby became his way of life. Lorie and I joined the Watauga Lake Sailing Club, becoming ever more interested in sailboat racing while crewing aboard capable boats
of its skilled members, including two of our Boone friends Roy and Julie Nicholson, also Catalina 22 owners. Upon learning some other friends of ours from Boone, John and Mary Jane Rice, were members of the club and among the most respected, competent racing sailors around, it wasn’t long before we asked John to share some pointers aboard Enchantment. His lessons were the most useful sailing tools and tidbits we had gleaned. People told us in near-mythical awe that John and Mary Jane could sail a plank of wood and win a race. Getting to observe their zen-like duet racing aboard their small onedesign boat was like watching a dance. They would find subtle hints of forming winds then amazingly move into exactly where the wind would “fresh” and scoot ahead of everyone else. The popular and venerable Catalina 22s also hold their own in the lake’s races, and Enchantment provided some great times and good racing for us as well. But as work overtook playtime, our weekly visits to the lake slowed to
Above: Julie and Roy Nicholson wave a friendly greeting from aboard Time Out. Photo by Lorie Bush
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Watching the weather for the strongest of winds and fastest rides imaginable becomes nearly instinctive as you unite body and soul with wind, weather and water. monthly visits—then even less often. After several joy-filled years of sailing, we parted with Enchantment. The dogs gladly celebrated its farewell from dry land. Memorable moments on Watauga Lake can be made by anyone. For some, the wilder the better. I recall 50 mph winter winds plowing Enchantment over ocean-like swells, solo-sailing around the big island, tacking, changing point of sail and coming eye to eye for a few cherished seconds with a bald eagle flying alongside the boat. I felt more alive than ever before. Another day, a small fawn was swimming alone crossing the lake. A favorite event, the club’s annual Frostbite Race held January 1, often yields the best wind of any race throughout the year. But you may have to shovel snow off your boat and hope its lines don’t freeze. Watching the weather for the strongest of winds and fastest rides imaginable becomes nearly instinctive as you unite body and soul with wind, weather and water. The feel of sailing can be especially exhilarating as a sailboat heels (leans over) when it’s pointing into the wind. The combined speed of your boat travel plus the wind in your face creates an exciting phenomena known as apparent wind that
Todd and Lorie Bush, pictured during their first sail aboard Enchantment. Photo by David Ford
gives sensation of going extremely fast. Yet when a boat is running with the wind at your back, it is actually capable of going even faster. Both are a joy. Perhaps the best times for sailing are the cool spring and fall days, with puffy cloud-punctuated blue skies harboring strong, steady, exquisite winds that make forward motion effortless. Those rare moments when everything aligns for the perfect sail. To this day when Lorie and I see a flag blowing, knowing someone is out on the waves of Watauga having the time of their life, we’re there in spirit— just sailing. w
Captain Todd at the helm aboard Enchantment during a sailboat race, with friends the Nicholsons hot on their heels. Photo by Lorie Bush
An Interview with Watauga Lake Sailors Kevin & Jennie Donovan was something I was determined to do. One day (about five years ago) visiting Watauga Point Park just sitting on the shore reading the Sunday paper we watched sailboats go by. Jennie: One sailboat that day came really close to shore, and people were jumping off of it to swim; they were having so much fun. So we started looking for boats down at Lake Norman, spending a lot of time just looking. It’s impressive you learned to sail together after 30 years of marriage. Why did you get into sailing at that time of your lives? Kevin: I’ve always had an interest in sailing, wondering what it would be like to move without a motor, but never had time to try it while busy raising kids who were both athletic and into a lot of activities. So when we hit the empty nest, it 132
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Kevin: We knew we wanted something small and 22 feet seemed about right. We walked the docks seeing what was for sale, getting on boats, checking them out. We came back over here and checked out Fish Springs and Lakeshore Marinas. There was not much for sale at that time. So we got a Boat Trader magazine and found a Catalina 22 kept on South Holston Lake.
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Jennie: We liked that boat from the moment we saw it and bought it on the spot. Kevin: The beauty of it was I bet [the man selling the boat] spent at least 40 hours teaching us how to sail. We met over there every Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m., spending all day with him for about a month. I remember him telling us the first time we went out, it was real high winds and we knew nothing about sailing, he said, “I will get you back, because that’s what the Captain has to do, is get you back.” We took the boat to our house and gave it a fresh coat of paint on the bottom, then after a month brought it out to Lakeshore and got a slip. We kept the boat for over two years and really loved the Catalina 22. It was our pride and joy. We raced with it for about a year and it did well on the downwind legs as the sails were tired and we could crank up the swing keel and keep up
with all the other boats. Then three years ago this boat [the Hunter 26.5] came on the market, and I could tell it was a fast boat. When is sailing the best for you—do you like it when it’s crazy? Kevin: I do, I do like the high winds. I’ve seen four-foot swells out here. Jennie: We have been caught in storms. They say you learn more in those conditions. Kevin: I remember the first storm we got caught in on the Catalina 22. The wind was so strong we dropped the sails and still couldn’t dock it, and I had to motor around in that storm for about an hour till it passed before I could get to the dock. In a different storm our main Halyard broke (the line that holds up the main sail). It was a day I hoped to get some high wind sailing in and came out single-handed—handling the boat by myself. The wind was coming from the west. It was scary fast and you could just feel the boat surge over with the wind blowing waves the same direction as the boat. You would get on top of a wave and just surf down the front of it. That’s when the boat was hitting 7.8 [knots] on a boat with a theoretical hull speed of 7. And then BOOM—the main halyard broke and the main sail came down. That was the end of that fun.
G A L L E R Y
&
F R A M E M A K E R S
July / Gregory Smith & Branch Richter, Valerie & Rick Beck August / BRAHM Collection, Plein Air Exhibit MON-SAT 10-5 / 828-898-5175 / WWW.ARTCELLARONLINE.COM
Jennie: We’ve learned everything the hard way. Because we just had to get out and do it. We learned by trial and error and when things go wrong it seems that’s when you learn so much! What would you two say about the Watauga Lake experience for High Country residents? Kevin: It’s one hour from the driveway to the dock. And the cell phone doesn’t really work. We can say that while we are out here and not have to deal with it. Jennie: You forget about all your worries and everything going on. You are in another world. You can spend the night and feel so far away from everything. And the club is fun with all their events. You easily make friends with the people. Everyone is so willing to talk with anyone and have them get on their boat. I think it’s important for people to know they don’t have to be great sailors to have a boat out here. Because people are always so willing to help out. There are also people out here who don’t do any races or club activities who enjoy sailing. We’ll come out here sometimes on Friday nights. Trying to get away from home, done with work. You get out on the water and there’s not a soul out here. It’s just a jewel.
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ADVERTISERS INDEX Please patronize the advertisers in High Country Magazine, and when you purchase from them, please be sure to mention that you saw their ad in our pages. Thank them for their support of this publication by giving them yours! Without their support, this magazine would not be possible. To all of our advertisers, a most sincere thank you. All Area Codes are 828 unless noted. ADVERTISER
PHONE
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A Cleaner World . ............................................ 265-1888 ������������������������� 15 Abbey Carpet & Floor . .................................... 265-3622 ��������������������������� 2 Advanced Realty.............................................. 264-5111 ������������������������� 90 Affordable Auto Care Centers, Inc..................... 898-4145 ������������������������ 104 An Appalachian Summer Festival................. 800-841-ARTS ��������������������� 129 Antiques on Howard ........................................ 262-1957 �������������������������� 70 Appalachian Energy ........................................ 262-3637 ������������������� 43, 89 Appalachian Furniture...................................... 297-5055 �������������������������� 37 Art Cellar, The.................................................. 898-5175 ������������������������ 133 Avery County Chamber of Commerce............... 898-5605 ������������������������ 109 BJ’s Resort Wear.............................................. 898-4229 �������������������������� 81 Banner Elk Realty............................................. 898-9756 ������������������������� 60 Banner Elk Winery............................................ 898-9090 �������������������������� 74 Bayada Nurses................................................. 263-5350 �������������������������� 90 Bayou Smokehouse & Grill............................... 898-8952 �������������������������� 27 Baxter Mountain Properties............................... 265-9010 ������������������������ 123 Bear Creek at Linville........................................ 733-5767 �������������������������� 17 Beech Mountain........................................... 800-468-5506 ��������������������� 113 Bella’s............................................................. 898-9022 �������������������������� 26 Best Cellar, The................................................ 295-3466 �������������������������� 26 Bistro, The....................................................... 265-0500 ������������������������� 31 Blowing Rock Estate Jewelry............................ 295-4500 �������������������������� 51 Blowing Rock Grille.......................................... 295-9474 �������������������������� 23 Blowing Rock Properties, Inc............................ 295-9200 ������������� Inside Back Blue Ridge Birds & Gardens............................. 264-8801 �������������������������� 82 Blue Ridge Realty / Todd Rice.......................... 263-8711 �������������������������� 11 Blue Ridge Vision ........................................... 264-2020 ������������������������� 73 Boone Bike...................................................... 262-5750 ������������������������ 115 Boone Drug Down Town................................... 264-3766 �������������������������� 60 Boone Mall...................................................... 264-7286 �������������������������� 70 Broyhill Home Collections................................ 295-0965 �������������������������� 19 Cabin Store, The.............................................. 295-8005 �������������������������� 69 Café Portofino.................................................. 264-7772 ������������������������� 21 Canyons.......................................................... 295-7661 ������������������������� 27 Carlton Gallery................................................. 963-4288 �������������������������� 11 Casa Rustica.................................................... 262-5128 �������������������� 22, 71 Celtic Building Company, Inc........................... 963-6229 �������������������������� 97 Cha Da Thai..................................................... 268-0484 �������������������������� 24 Char Modern American Restaurant................... 266-2179 �������������������������� 29 Chick-fil-a....................................................... 264-4660 ������������������������ 119 Classic Stone Works........................................ 737-0040 ���������������������������� 2 Coldwell Banker Commercial....................... 704-971-2000 ����������������������� 91 Coldwell Banker / Marty Rice........................... 773-1874 �������������������������� 38 134
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Constructive Solutions..................................... 297-2072 �������������������������� 40 Crave............................................................... 355-9717 �������������������������� 24 Dande Lion, The............................................... 898-3566 ������������������������ 121 David Patrick Moses......................................... 898-6396 �������������������������� 82 Deer Valley Luxury Condos............................... 264-5583 ������������������������ 119 DeWoolfson Down ...................................... 800-833-3696 ������������������������ 5 Dianne Davant & Associates . .......................... 898-9887 ������������Inside Front Doe Ridge Pottery............................................ 264-1127 ������������������������ 103 Echota......................................................... 800-333-7601 ��������� Back Cover Eseeola Lodge, The...................................... 800-742-6717 ����������������������� 25 Finder’s Keepers Antiques................................ 898-1925 �������������������������� 47 Firethorn / Kohler Real Estate........................... 295-7777 ���������������������������� 1 Flora Ottimer.................................................... 295-9122 ������������������������ 113 Footsloggers . ................................. 262-5111 �������������������������� 80 Forget-Me-Nots Landscaping & Gardens.......... 297-5479 �������������������������� 88 Foscoe Fishing Company & Outfitters............... 963-6556 ������������������������ 119 Fred’s General Mercantile................................. 387-4838 ������������������������� 52 Gamekeeper..................................................... 963-7400 ������������������������� 22 Gems By Gemini.............................................. 295-7700 ������������������������� 74 Gladiola Girls................................................... 264-4120 �������������������������� 37 Glidewells........................................................ 295-9683 �������������������������� 30 Greater Avery Tour de Art �������������������������������������������������������������������������� 109 Green Leaf Services, Inc................................... 737-0308 �������������������������� 40 Haircut 101...................................................... 262-3324 ������������������������� 73 Hardin Fine Jewelry.......................................... 898-4635 ������������������������ 133 Hawksnest Zipline............................................ 963-6561 �������������������������� 93 Headwaters at Banner Elk, The...................... 866-200-3290 ����������������������� 75 Horn in the West.............................................. 264-2120 ������������������������ 104 Isley Construction Company............................. 898-7544 ���������������������������� 2 Jackalope’s View at Archer’s Mountain Inn....... 898-9004 �������������������������� 28 Jackson Dining Room at the Broyhill Inn........... 262-2204 �������������������������� 30 Jo-Lynn Enterprises, Inc................................... 297-2109 ������������������������ 101 Julia Tyson DDS............................................... 265-1112 ������������������������ 121 Lees-McRae Summer Theatre........................... 898-8709 �������������������������� 74 Linville Gallery................................................. 898-8405 �������������������������� 52 Linville Land Harbor..................................... 888-909-8333 ����������������������� 54 Logs America, LLC........................................... 963-7755 ������������������������� 43 Looking Glass Gallery, The............................... 268-1191 �������������������������� 73 Louisiana Purchase........................................... 963-5087 �������������������������� 30 MC Adams Clothiers........................................ 268-1505 ������������������������ 111 Mack Brown Chevrolet...................................... 264-9051 ���������������������������� 7 Makoto’s Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar... 264-7976 �������������������������� 31 Manor House at Chetola Resort, The................. 295-5505 �������������������������� 21
ADVERTISERS INDEX All Area Codes are 828 unless noted. ADVERTISER
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Maple’s Leather Fine Furniture ........................ 898-6110 ��������������������������83 Mast General Store .....................................866-FOR-MAST �������������������������9 Maw’s Fresh Market ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������38 Melanie’s Food Fantasy.................................... 263-0300 ���������������������������22 Mona Vie......................................................... 963-3333 �������������������������131 Mountain Bagels.............................................. 265-4141 ���������������������������26 Mountain Construction Enterprises, Inc............ 963-8090 ��������������������������50 Mountain Dog & Friends.................................. 963-2470 �������������������������123 Mountain Home & Hearth................................. 262-0051 ���������������������������88 Mountain Land............................................. 800-849-9225 ����������������������102 Mountaineer Landscaping................................ 733-3726 ���������������������������55 New Lifestyles Carpet One................................ 898-8586 ���������������������������81 Open Door, The................................................ 355-9755 ���������������������������96 Page Denistry................................................... 265-1661 �������������������������115 Papa Joe’s Italian-American Restaurant............ 295-3239 ���������������������������22 Parkway Craft Center........................................ 295-7938 ���������������������������51 Pet Place, The.................................................. 268-1510 ���������������������������93 Planet Tan........................................................ 262-5721 �������������������������101 Play It Again Sports.......................................... 264-8955 ���������������������������50 Precision Cabinets........................................... 262-5080 �����������������������������2 Professional Property Maintenance, Inc............ 898-6162 �������������������������104 Proper Southern Food...................................... 265-5000 ���������������������������26 Pssghetti’s....................................................... 295-9855 ���������������������������28
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Red Onion Cafe................................................ 264-5470 ���������������������������25 Robert Robinson Acupuncture.......................... 268-0685 �������������������������119 Rowland’s at Westglow Resort &Spa................ 295-4463 ���������������������������29 Rustic Rooster.................................................. 898-5161 ���������������������������53 Shannon’s Bed & Bath..................................... 264-8321 �������������������������103 Shoppes at Farmers Hardware.......................... 264-8801 ��������������������������96 Simplicity at the Mast Farm Inn........................ 963-5857 ���������������������������24 Sledgehammer Charlie’s.................................. 295-9092 ���������������������������29 Sorrento’s........................................................ 898-5214 ���������������������������28 Speckled Trout Café and Oyster Bar.................. 295-9819 ���������������������������31 Stick Boy Bread Company................................ 268-9900 ���������������������������73 Storie Street Grille............................................ 295-7075 ���������������������������21 Sugar Mountain Resort................................ 800-SUGAR-MT �����������������������13 Sunalei Preserve.............................................. 263-8711 �����������������������������3 Superior Spas.................................................. 963-6624 ��������������������������97 Tatum Galleries & Interiors............................... 963-6466 ���������������������������61 Todd Bush Photography................................... 898-8088 �������������������������135 Turchin Center for the Visual Arts...................... 262-3017 �������������������������129 Vidalia............................................................. 263-9176 ���������������������������30 Watauga Insurance Agency, Inc........................ 264-8291 ������������������������111 Watsonatta Western World................................ 264-4540 ���������������������������53 Woodlands, The............................................... 295-3395 ���������������������������24 Zuzda............................................................... 898-4166 ���������������������������28
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Parting Shot... By
Y
Frederica Georgia
See the New Watauga High School July 30
ears of hard work will soon come to a close. The completion of the
been converted to presentation spaces, complete with multiple Smart
new Watauga High School (WHS) building will be formally celebrated
Boards and moveable furniture. “We’re excited about having this facility
with a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, July 30, at 10:00
and for the students to have a 21st century education,” said Marshall
a.m. Following the ceremonies, current WHS students will lead public tours
Ashcraft, spokesperson for Watauga County Schools. Roughly 200 people attended the original groundbreaking ceremony at
through the building. The sheer size of the new WHS building is impressive. The building is
the site of the new WHS building September 19, 2007, according to Ashcraft.
280,368 square feet, compared to the 236,700 square feet of the old WHS
Ashcraft says he expects a larger crowd for the ribbon-cutting ceremony
building. Sports facilities include football, soccer, baseball and softball fields,
because “we have something very concrete to show them [now].”
six tennis courts, a track, a main gym, an auxiliary gym, a weight room and an
“The event will be a reminder of all the people that have helped make
aerobics room. The entire facility sits on almost 90 acres of land surrounded
[the new school] possible,” said Ashcraft. The ceremonies and tours will
by the beautiful mountain landscapes for which Boone is known.
allow community members to see the finished building for the first time.
The school also received LEED Silver certification, showing a commitment
“I think it’s a wonderful way…to celebrate all of the involvement and
to environmentally friendly practices and setting an example for students.
the community investment in making the new high school a reality,” said
In addition, the new facility features state-of-the-art technology and a program in which each student will receive his or her own laptop computer. Several rooms originally intended to be computer labs have 136
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Ashcraft. “It’s been a tremendous community wide effort.” For more information, call Watauga County Schools at 828-264-7190.
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By Jessica Kennedy
SCHIEBLER: Unsurpassed Long Range Views in private Yonahlossee Saddle Club. Separate 2.5 acre lot on almost 4 private acres! Also an elevator & incredible gourmet kitchen. $1,950,000 ELLIS: Beautiful Chetola Resort—3BR/3BA condo w/terrific upgrades including; cambria quartz ctrs, and stainless appl. A two story stone fireplace and inspiring views of Moses Cone Estate. $669,000 JACKSON: Walk to town cottage in Blowing Rock! Just renovated, finely crafted home overlooking the Village. Real masonry fireplace, wall of windows, new kitchen w/granite ctrs and granite cafe bar, travertine marble and hickory cabinetry. $499,000 FARLOW: Long Range Views in Greystone I. Gracious 3BR/3BA home in immaculate condition with many millwork details. Large gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, 3 fireplaces (1 in master). Spacious room w/lots of light. Elevation. approx. 4,300 ft. $799,000 JOHNSON: Unique Arts & Crafts home in private - gated community. One of the most expansive, long range views in the Blowing Rock area. Top of the line finishes and particular attention to details, including a 3 stop elevator, glassed loft to enjoy the views, gourmet kitchen with honed granite tops and much more. $1,985,000 QUALHEIM: Renovated walk to town cottage with musical sounds of the stream. One level living in the heart of the Village and great outdoor living space on the large covered porch and a deck over the stream. Granite ctrs, stone fireplace and low maintenance landscaping. $495,000 GOLDSWORTHY: Charming top of the ridge log cabin surrounded by Pisgah National Forest for extra privacy. Paved access, giant hewn beams, t&g ceilings, generous loft, and jetted tub. Being sold furnished. $699,000 CARLISLE: Exquisite, beautifully furnished Turtle Creek Townhome offers timber framed mountain elegance, 1st floor master suite, gourmet kitchen, massive stone fireplace, & 2-car garage. $949,000 STUART: Long Range 100 Mile Views from this adorable 2/2 cottage with free standing Gorge lot included. Desirable neighborhood, 2 fireplaces, flat yard, mountain views to Charlotte and fully furnished! $549,000 HUSTIS: Fantastic View from this Windemere townhome. Totally renovated kitchen, 3br/3ba, in the gated community of Yonahlossee Resort. Amenites include: tennis, swimming pool and clubhouse. Unfinished basement for add’l space. Sold furnished. $429,900 PATTERSON: Echota Woods Condo—Walk in level 2br/2ba furnished condo. Amenities; Indoor pool w/rec. rm, outdoor pool w/ waterfall, clubhouse/ fitness center, fishing ponds, and Watauga river access. $289,000 GREER: Incredible long range views with infinite attention to details. Elevator! Dramatic GR, gourmet kitchen w/ granite and mahogany counters. 14 foot island, hickory flooring, custom hand finished cabinets, cathedral T&G ceilings, Family room with kitchenette for the 2 bedrooms each with private bath. $1,000,000
Blowing Rock Properties, inc
800-849-0147 • 828/295-9200
www.BlowingRockProperties.com July 2010
High Country Magazine
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Actual morning view from Echota on the Ridge overlooking the Watauga River Valley.
IT’S MORE THAN A NEW PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT— IT’S A NEW PHENOMENON. Introducing Chalakee, The Best Echota Yet.
Echota became the most successful community in the history of the High Country with 70-mile views, the perfect location between Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock, and a host of resort-style amenities. Now comes Chalakee, a new community of condominiums and townhomes resting on a dramatic plateau moments from Echota On The Ridge. Views will be incomparable. Interior finishes will dazzle. Surprising features will include built-in grills on spacious decks. One-, three- and four bedroom residences are available with one-bedroom condominiums starting at just $199,900.
Call 800.333.7601 to arrange a visit. Or visit EchotaNC.com/Chalakee for more information.
C HALAKEE THE BEST E CHOTA YET
Visit one of our sales offices located at Hwy 105 S, the entrance to Echota at 133 Echota Pkwy, Boone, NC or 1107 Main St, Suite C, Blowing Rock, NC. D
High Country Magazine
July 2010