THE JONES HOUSE
FRED’S GENERAL MERCANTILE WILKESBORO DOC WATSON MURAL
Hidden Gems of the High Country By Kelly Melang
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raveling the High Country, many marvel on the fresh air and beautiful scenery. Locals know of different hidden gems, places that are unique. Here, Carolina Mountain Life shares some thoughts from members of our regional Chambers of Commerce and Welcome Centers on their favorite hidden gems. Avery – Melynda Pepple of the Avery Chamber of Commerce stated, “My first thought is Grandfather Mountain, not a ‘hidden’ gem but it provides spectacular views with an elevation of 5,964 feet—the highest peak in the Blue Ridge section of the Appalachian Mountains. Take a drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Linn Cove Viaduct, which is recognized internationally as an engineering marvel. Avery County Historical Museum is a unique museum housed in the old county jail of Newland and features exhibitions on rail roads, and local Civil War history. Avery County also features three unique Civil War landmarks on the Civil War Trails. The art of weaving is kept alive in Crossnore Weavers and Gallery, a National Historic Site located on the campus of Crossnore School & Children’s Home. While on campus visit one of Ben Long’s famous Fresco’s named ‘Suffer the Little Children’ located in the E.H. Sloop Chapel. Lees-McRae Summer Theater is a wonderful gem. And the Avery Chamber hosts the Art & Master Craft Festivals on July 19-21 and August 9-11.”
86 — Summer 2019 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE
Beech Mountain – Not exactly hidden but truly a gem is Fred’s General Mercantile. Their “if we don’t have it, you don’t need it” motto means they carry everything. The Backside deli, located on the bottom floor, has a popular outdoor patio. Buckeye Recreation Center is another gem offering programs year round for residents and visitors. Behind the recreation center is a wonderful water fall hike, Fall Trail. The Beech Mountain History Museum, operated by the Beech Mountain Historical Society, is another great stop. Here you will discover the history of Beech Mountain and Beech Mountain Resort, and enjoy Land of Oz memorabilia (admission is free, donations are appreciated). The Land of Oz is a 1970s theme park at the summit of Beech Mountain, complete with a yellow brick road. Created by Grover Robbins of Tweetsie Railroad fame, the park opens for Family Fun Days in June and early July, then hosts ‘Autumn at Oz’ during two weekends in September. Traveling around Beech Mountain, see if you can find the Gazebo, a place for concerts on Sundays.
BANNER HOUSE MUSEUM
Banner Elk – The Banner Elk Chamber found it hard to choose. “Our Thursday Concerts in Tate Evans Park are amazing. Residents and visitors bring their own picnics and enjoy live music complete with a dance floor in front of the band. Tour the beautiful stone Historic Banner Elk Elementary School, recently renovated and home to several businesses and organizations, including the Banner Elk Book Exchange, a free library. We have Art on the Greene, an outdoor art show in front of the historic school, July 6-7, and on Labor Day weekend, August 31-September 1. Just outside of Banner Elk is the Banner House Museum, home of Samuel Henry Banner, showcasing 19th century life in the North Carolina mountains. If you are in Tate Evans Park, be sure to keep an eye on the sky and perhaps you’ll see our ‘hidden gem,’ Banner Elk’s White (Albino) Crow!” Boone – The Chamber staff listed Junaluska City Park and Elk Knob as high on their list, along with the Watauga Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. Music on the lawn of the Jones House every Friday is a great way to spend a summer day. Not many know about the Soda Fountain/ Diner in the back of the Boone Pharmacy, a nice little step back in time. F.A.R.M. Cafe, a non-profit, pay-what-you-can community kitchen provides locally sourced food in an inclusive atmosphere.