2013
THE MOUNTAIN TIMES WINTER GUIDE
Holidays in the High Country CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18
form of music, floats and special appearances. Call (828) 262-4532 for more information.
Christmas in the Park – Banner Elk A full day of events awaits visitors to Banner Elk’s Christmas in the Park, which begins at 8:30 a.m. with breakfast with Santa at Dunn’s Deli. The day continues with a screening of “The Polar Express,” cookie decorating, horse and carriage rides, ice carving and parade. Visit BannerElk.org, or call (828) 898-8395 for more information.
“An Appalachian Christmas” concert – Boone Mountain Home Music presents the Mountain Home Bluegrass Boys — Scott Freeman, Steve Lewis, Josh Scott and David Johnson — plus Lisa Baldwin, Dave Haney and others for a free Christmas concert. In place of admission, donations are accepted, with all proceeds going to Santa’s Toy Box and the Hospitality House. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Boone. Call (828) 964-3392, or visit mountainhomemusic.com for more information.
DEC. 13-15 “Christmas in Blowing Rock 5” Variety Show –
Blowing Rock The “Christmas in Blowing Rock” tradition continues, patterned after the Andy Williams and Bing Crosby TV specials of the 1960s and 1970s. Singing, comedy skits and dancing will combine for a “greatest hits” of former “Christmas in Blowing Rock” productions. Call (828) 4141844, or visit ensemblestage.com for more information.
Hanukkah
The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah makes an early appearance in 2013, running from the evening of Nov. 27 through the evening of Dec. 5. Experts say this is the first time in 125 years that Hanukkah has corresponded with the Thanksgiving holiday. The Festival of Lights signifies the triumph of ancient Jews over their oppressors who attempted to outlaw their religion. In the second century B.C., Antiochus desecrated Jerusalem’s Second Temple. A rebellion broke out, and the Jews drove out the Syrians. As the Jews began to cleanse and rededicate the temple, they found a small quantity of oil, only enough to last for one day. But the menorah miraculously burned for eight days. Today, families gather to celebrate the lighting of the menorah with traditional foods — including many fried in oil — games and gifts. Despite its relative prominence in American culture, Hanukkah is not considered the most important Jewish holiday, said Skip Rackmill, president of the board of directors for the Temple of the High Country in Boone.
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“Hanukkah is a very small, almost insignificant holiday,” he said. “It coincides typically near Christmas, so because of that, it sort of has been elevated in status, rightfully or wrongfully so.” While Hanukkah is primarily celebrated among families at home, visitors to the High Country also may join in a Hanukkah service Dec. 6 at the Temple of the High Country in Boone. The event, which will incorporate the ASU Hillel group, will begin at 6 p.m. and will include a potluck dinner and a service conducted by Rabbi Stephen Roberts, Rackmill said. Opened in June 2012, the temple serves residents from across the region. The temple has adopted special winter hours for its services. No Shabbat service will be held Nov. The Temple of the 29. From Dec. 20 until the end of High Country will April, night services will be held host a Hanukkah at 7 p.m. only on the first Friday service Dec. 6. PHOTO SUBMITTED of each month. On all other weeks, starting Dec. 28, Saturday morning services will be held at 10:30 a.m. and will include a short Torah service. The Temple of the High Country is located at 1043 W. King St. in Boone. More information is available at templeofthehighcountry.org or by calling (828) 2648364.
BREWERY
RESTAURANT
brewery artisanal pub food craft beers growlers Our newly opened brewery is located in downtown Blowing Rock walking distance from Main Street. The brewery consists of a 5 BBL brew kettle and 5 BBL mash/lautertun and a 10 BBL hot liquor tank. Our fermentation occurs in the brewery area with the use of 2 x 5 BBL fermenters and 2 x 10 BBL fermenters. Our cooler area includes both a gauged 5 BBL and 10 BBL bright.
The Ale House Restaurant offers a freshly prepared, seasonally changing menu using local and organic (when available) ingredients. Our doors are open and we invite you to dine on craft pub food and sample our ever-changing artisanal craft beers, brewed on site.
152 Sunset Drive • Downtown Blowing Rock, NC 28605 (828) 414-9600 • BRBrewingCo • BlowingRockBrewing.com