HC Magazine June 2017

Volume 12 • Issue 5 June 2017

Welcome Back Summer Residents

Going The Greenway Art Cellar's Passion The Apple Farm Magic Eagles Nest Soars Again THE SUMMER SCENE

WHERE To Go June 2017

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June 2017

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224 Chestnut Trail Loretta Trayer Web ID 196199

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Equal Housing Opportunity. Property information herein is derived from various sources including, but not limited to, county records andJune multiple listing services, and may include approximations. 3 2017 High Country Magazine All information is deemed accurate. Summer Landscape by Vincent Van Gogh used with permission.

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June 2017

Appalachian Blind & Closet Co. 1852 Highway 105 Ste 3 M-F: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Sat: By Appointment Sun: Closed 828-264-1395 www.appblinds.com

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E L E VAT E YO U R L I V I N G Linville Ridge, a luxury country club community near Blowing Rock, boasts award-winning golf, tennis, sophisticated dining venues and social events to fill every calendar. With home opportunities ranging from cottages to custom estates, at The Ridge the possibilities are endless.

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linvilleridge.com | 828.898.5151 Home and community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities, are subject to change, prior sale or withdrawal at any time without notice or obligation. Drawings, photographs, renderings, video, scale models, square footages, floor plans, elevations, features, colors and sizes are approximate for presentation purposes only and may vary from the homes as built. Home prices refer to the base price of the house and do not include options or premiums, unless otherwise indicated for a specific home. Nothing on our website should be construed as legal, accounting or tax advice. Sotheby’s International Realty® and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity.

June 2017

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C O N T E N T S Enjoy the Summer Scene All throughout the year, the High Country is the place to be with friendly people, beautiful scenery and amazing events. However, none of the other seasons can compare to summertime in our home. Whether it’s Boone or Todd, Blowing Rock or Newland, or any other town located in our area, there will always be something fun and entertaining do throughout this summer. Theatre, o u t d o o r concerts, performances and events abound throughout the High Country as warm weather descends upon us for a beautiful upcoming season.

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Connecting the High Country

The Middle Fork Greenway is a 6.5-mile pedestrian and cycling trail that will connect Boone and Blowing Rock once complete. So far, one mile and multiple pocket parks have been built.

Soaring High in Avery Since the Waterfront Group purchased a floundering development in 2013, The Lodges at Eagles Nest became one of the most popular second-home communities in the state.

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Let’s Gather ‘Round the Campfire Holston Camp and Retreat Center provides children of all ages with the fond memories of summer camp that we all know and love with faith, Christianity, community and the beautiful Wildcat Lake. Campers will have a summer full of building relationships with nature, God and other campers and counselors.

Built From the Bottom Up Art in the High Country is an important aspect of heritage and culture, and Pam and Mike McKay couldn’t agree more. From a small cellar gallery in 1993 to what the community now knows as The Art Cellar Gallery, the McKays have undergone several changes. However, one thing has remained the same, and that is their love and appreciation of art.

54 84

Alpacas: The Attainable Dream What seemed like an unconventional dream of owning an alpaca farm became a fulfilling reality for Lee Rankin in the form of Apple Hill Farm. Through all odds and obstacles, Rankin continued to pursue her goals, bringing to the High Country a local farm full of animals of all different kinds.

The Mack of Football Did you know that the legendary college football coach Mack Brown coached at Appalachian State? Here’s everything you need to know about his one season in Boone.

on the cover Todd Bush – Our cover photo

this month was taken by Todd Bush on the terrace at View 180 at the Linville Ridge community. Pictured on the cover is Ellen Harrell who graciously agreed to model for this year's cover for our annual Welcome Back Summer Residents issue. This is Todd's seventh June cover with this tradition.

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Visit www.bushphoto.com

High Country Magazine

June 2017

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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. In March of 2012 the newspaper made the transformation to an online newspaper at our new website: www.HCPress.com. Our new “webpaper� is still packed with information that we present and package in easy-to-read formats with visually appealing layouts.

Our 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 Boone, and our doors are always open to welcome visitors.

G A L L E R Y

&

F R A M E M A K E R S

Throwback Exhibition Featuring Norma Murphy, Gregory Smith and Tom VanNortwick June 1 -24

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

Our magazine is a wonderful way for businesses to advertise to our readers. Our magazines tend to stay around for a long time, on coffee tables and bed stands, and shared with family and friends. To find out about advertising, call our offices at 828264-2262.

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.

FREELANCE OPPORTUNITIES

Writers and photographers may send queries and samples to the editor at hcmag@highcountrypress.com.

Contact us at:

High Country Press/Magazine P.O. Box 152 1600 Highway 105 Boone, NC 28607 www.hcpress.com info@highcountrypress.com

Throwback & Welcome Back Celebration June 3, 4-6pm ARTCELLARONLINE.COM | 828-898-5175 | INFO@ARTCELLARONLINE.COM 920 Shawneehaw Avenue, HWY 184. Banner Elk, North Carolina

828-264-2262 June 2017

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FRO M T HE PUB L ISH ER

A Publication Of High Country Press Publications

Editor & Publisher Ken Ketchie

Art Director Debbie Carter Advertising Director Jeffrey Green

On Top of the World

F

Ken Ketchie

or this month’s issue, I tagged along with photographer Todd Bush to the top of the Linville Ridge Country Club, where he arranged to shoot the front cover picture. The setting of the resort’s “View 180” restaurant was beautiful, and the architecture was astonishing. Appropriately named, the “View 180” features a span of incredible views of Grandfather Mountain and the Linville valley that make you feel like you are on the top of the world.

The drive from the front gate off of Highway 105 takes you pass an amazing array of immaculate homes and properties that takes your breath away. Many of these incredible homes are massive, and the lawns and golf course are impeccable.

Our photo shoot took place on an outdoor terrace just outside of the “View 180”, which has floor-to-ceiling windows and a gorgeous interior.

Being in the middle of all this I realized it was a real treat to have the opportunity to see all the craftsmanship that went into making all of this possible! And what’s really amazing is that most of this beautiful craftsmanship was completed by contractors, builders and skilled tradesman who live right here in the High Country.

While working on this spring’s issue of Home Magazine (which I hope you’ll pick up), I had a number of conversations with local builders and contractors about their experience working inside the second-home communities that the High Country is known far-and-wide for. For them, they all seemed to relish the opportunity to use their talents and creativity to help build these lavish homes, where in some cases, money isn’t a top concern. From woodworking to masonry and beyond, these guys and gals get to build and create some really awesome projects that I’m sure they are really proud of. It’s also cool that they have the opportunity to work in such beautiful settings like Linville Ridge or Eagles Nest that most people will never get to see.

When visiting Eagles Nest in May, nearly a dozen construction trucks and contractor vehicles lined the road in front of just one house that sits at the top of the mountain. I’m sure all those guys will attest that building a mansion nearly one mile in the air sure beats setting asphalt shingles in the 90 or 100-degree heat in Charlotte!

Foreclosed just a few years ago, Eagles Nest is back – booming in fact – with more than 300 property owners. This summer, dozens of homes are under construction – either in the planning, design or building phase. We learned while working on our story for Eagles Nest that there is even a shortage of craftsmen as home building is picking up all across of the High Country. The bottom line is that these second-home communities are providing numerous well-paying jobs and giving local workers an opportunity to use their skills to build magnificent projects.

So as our summer residents return for the season, we’d like to say thank you – and welcome back to the High Country!

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Contributing Writers Katie Benfield Jesse Wood Jan Todd Davin Underwood Tim Gardner

Contributing Photographers Todd Bush Jan Todd Mariah Angelo Lonnie Webster High Country Magazine is produced by the staff and contributors of High Country Press Publications, 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. © 2017

by High Country Press. All Rights Reserved.

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High Country Magazine

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echoes

mountain New Home in Banner Elk for Ensemble Stage A

fter exploring options for several years, Ensemble Stage is taking its talents to Banner Elk. This June, the local theatre company will perform its first show at the historic Banner Elk School.

In 2009, the theatre company was born in Blowing Rock, where it operated out of the local elementary school auditorium. As the professional stage company has grown, theater officials have sought a new permanent home in order to operate year round, schedule shows whenever and accommodate growth.

The group explored moving to West Jefferson a few years back. This was around the same time that the Town of Blowing Rock and Ensemble Stage were engaged in talks about renovating the old downtown firehouse into a theatre. A grand opening in downtown Blowing Rock was even scheduled for 2015, but the group had difficulty raising funds from supporters to renovate a building that the town – not Ensemble Stage – owned.

Throughout the past few years, however, the Town of Banner Elk kept abreast on the developments related to Ensemble Stage. In January 2017, the Town of Banner Elk and Ensemble Stage announced that the historic Banner Elk School would

Above is an artist rendition for the Ensemble Stage’s new theatre space inside the Historic Banner Elk School. The old school’s gymnasium has been renovated into a 99-seat theatre. be the stage company’s permanent home.

By the time the first show of the summer, “The Star Spangled Girl,” opens June 16, several months of renovations will be complete. The school’s gymnasium is being converted into a 99-seat theatre. In its new space, the Ensemble Stage will have its own box office, concession area and separate spaces for rehearsal, dressing room and a seam shop.

In late May, actors and actresses take part in the first day of rehearsals for the inaugural show of Ensemble Stage’s first season in Banner Elk. The Star Spangled Girl premieres on June 16.

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June 2017

“We are excited about everything. We’ll have our own space, and we can make up our calendar the way we want to make up our calendar,” Ensemble Stage Director Gary Smith said. “We are like kids in a candy store. Everyday is Christmas for us right now. We are that excited.”

Smith thanked the Town of Banner Elk, the Banner Elk Tourism and Development Authority, the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce and community members for their “incredible” support in getting the stage ready for summer.

Smith recounted the story of a chamber official visiting the auditorium whenever Smith was painting the ceiling by himself with a roller. “She came back five minutes later and said, ‘Get down. The chamber is hiring someone to paint the ceiling for your.’ Things like that have happened ever since we moved.”

The following are upcoming performances: June 16-24: The Star Spangled Girl July 7-15: Mary and Myra July 29 – Aug. 6: Switzerland Aug. 18-26: Art of Murder The Kids Summer Saturday Theatre performances will also be held throughout June, July and August. For more information, contact the Ensemble Stage at 828-414-1844 or click to www.ensemblestage.com.

By Jesse Wood

floral

sensation

4th of July

EVENTS

Boone

Blowing Rock

On Saturday, July 1, the Blowing Rock Parade and Festivities will take place in downtown Blowing Rock.

Games and other festivities will start at 9 a.m. with the Independence Day Parade beginning at 2 p.m.

Fireworks will take place at the Blowing Rock Country Club at 9:30 p.m.

On Sunday, July 2, there will be live music and then the Park Dance – Summerdaze from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music hosts The Mountain Home Bluegrass Boys and King Street Brass in A Fourth of July Dazzle, an indoor patriotic concert at the Blowing Rock School Auditorium on July 4 at 7 p.m.

© 2017 DEWOOLFSON Down Int’l., Inc. Photo courtesy of SCHLOSSBERG

On Saturday, July 1, the Burning in Effigy of King George III will take place from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Hickory Ridge Living Museum in Boone.

On Tuesday, July 4, rain or shine, the Fourth of July Parade will take place in downtown Boone at 11 a.m.

Refreshments at the Jones House Cultural and Community Center with the Mayor of Boone will occur after the parade.

Festivities will start at Clawson-Bunley Park at 7 p.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

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High Country Magazine

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High Country Magazine

June 2017

4th of July

EVENTS Unique Gifts for Everyone.

Open All Year.

Come and Visit.

Banner Elk

On Tuesday, July 4, the Banner Elk Fourth of July Parade will take place in downtown Banner Elk, starting at 11 a.m. “Party in the Park� takes place at Tate Evans Park in downtown Banner Elk, with good, games and the “Great American Duck Races� after the parade.

Todd

On Tuesday, July 4, at 11 a.m., the Todd Liberty Parade will take place in downtown Todd. The parade ends at Cook Park with live music, dancing and food.

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The 4th of July festivities begin with a parade at 4:00 p.m. with inflatable play places and games. Live music plays and a street dance starts at 7 p.m. At nightfall, the firemen put on a fireworks display.

Sugar Mountain

Mountain top fireworks at Sugar Mountain, starting at 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4.

4th of July Sports Shop Sale occurs from Saturday, July 1 through Tuesday, July 4 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. with a 30-60% off select items sale.

Holston Camp & Retreat Center Summer Resident Camp & Day Camp Affordable Group Lodgings:

Beech Mountain

Reunions

At the Buckeye Recreation Center in Beech Mountain, there will be an Independence Day celebration from 12-2 p.m.

On Saturday, July 1, the 47th Annual Beech Mountain Hog Roast will be happening from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. with fireworks after dark at the Beech Mountain Resort.

Weddings Skiiing Business Retreats

Tweetsie Railroad

Tweetsie Railroad’s Fireworks Extravaganza will take place on Tuesday, July 4, starting at 9:30 p.m.

Open Year Round!

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mountain F

echoes

FORUM at Lees-McRae College

ORUM at Lees-McRae College, the college’s summer series, de- most two entire months, the community will be met with impresbuted in 1979 in Banner Elk. Nearly four decades ago, FORUM sive, jaw-dropping performances from a variety of talented artists hosted speakers like General William Westmoreland and singers that will be remembered for years.

Some of the performances taking place over the summer are like the notorious Doc Watson. As the years have progressed, FORUM has evolved with the times, developing into a musical series the Three Redneck Tenors, the first performance of the series, the of epic proportions, hosting multiple singers and performers whose Western Piedmont Symphony on July 3 and The Broadway Boys names have been shown at well-known venues such as Broadway on August 7.

“This is the Western Piedmont Symphony’s and Carnegie Hall. twelfth year participating with FORUM,” RamFORUM takes place every summer, this say said. “It’s one of the most popular ones, summer being its 38th year in function. It has and everyone always looks forward to that been a celebrated staple of the High Country one. It’s a really wonderful performance.” since its debut, and it will continue to be so for The Western Piedmont Symphony plays a little bit of every kind years to come.

“It’s a wonderful series because it gives our summer folks some- of music, so it can appeal to multiple types of music-lovers in the thing to do throughout the summer,” Sandy Ramsay, FORUM co- audience. The Broadway Boys fall into that same category.

“It’s a group of six guys, and they’ve played sold out shows all over ordinator, said. “It gives them a nice connection to Lees-McRae the place,” Ramsay said. “So it’s going to be such a good show.”

College.”

The Broyhill Theatre inside the Hayes Auditorium at Lees-McRae The performances for FORUM are chosen through a well-organized and perfected process. The FORUM Program Selection Com- College in Banner Elk is the venue for the amazing performances mittee looks into acts from around the world. Once this is done, they that take place during FORUM. Because of this, FORUM has provided multiple improvements to make a final selection based on the auditorium, including a Baldavailability and budget, constantly win Grand Piano, projectors and keeping in mind a way to balance stage lighting and new theater a variety of genres that come with chairs. the entertainment field.

“We have brand new seats this The selections range up to year, and they look great,” Ramabout 50 candidates, and this is say said. soon narrowed down to 16 acts.

A season ticket for all of the 8 As soon as this happens, the FOincredible shows is $140. CentuRUM Board of Directors — reprerion level patrons earn preferred sentatives from Lees-McRae Colseating and parking for $450. lege and the community — meets Only 750 season tickets are on and then selects the final 8 perforsale, and they sell out every single mances. These decisions are diffiyear, so it’s important to invest cult, but those in charge of deciding are educated and practiced in The Hayes Auditorium of Lees-McRae College is home to all of the in this amazing summer series as performances for the 2017 Lees-McRae Summer Theatre. soon as possible. A limited number figuring out what performances fit The Theatre underwent recent renovations. of single performance tickets are best within the FORUM program available one week in advance of each performance and are $30 per person. All performances begin at 7 p.m. on Monday evenings.

“It’s a wonderful series for people of all ages if you’re looking for some high-quality entertainment around the community,” Ramsay said. “They all last about an hour and a half, and it’s just a good time.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, call Sandy Ramsay at 828-898-8748. See ad on page 93.

to bring cultural enrichment and entertainment to the community.

Over the past years, FORUM has seen all types of performances, ranging from jazz bands to orchestras to dancers and vocalists.

There is no limit to the kind of artistic performances to be considered by the Board to be part of this famous summer series in the High Country.

This year, FORUM begins on June 19, with the last performance taking place on August 7. For al16

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June 2017

June 2017

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828.266.1836 | steve.lambert@sothebysrealty.com

STEVE LAMBERT

marketed in the Carolinas and around the world.

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echoes

mountain Blowing Rock Garden Club’s W

Mile of Flowers Event

hat could be more beautiful than downtown Blowing Rock in the middle of the summer with its quaint shops, high-quality restaurants and friendly, smiling faces? The only thing that could possibly add to the wonder of the small town would be the gardens upon gardens of numerous flowers that will be showcased throughout the Blowing Rock Garden Club’s Mile of Flowers event that will be taking place on June 23 this summer!

If you love flowers of all kinds, then you do not want to miss the beauty and awe that the vibrant gardens will have to offer you throughout this event. The gazebo on Main Street, with its flair and notoriety, will be where the event begins at 9 a.m., and it will also be serving as the information center.

“When everyone arrives at the gazebo, they will be given a map of all of the gardens,” Susan Sweet, Publicity Chairperson for the Mile of Flowers, said. “They can explore the beauty of Blowing Rock on their own, however they’d like.”

The Mile of Flowers began in 2009, and it was a gift from the Blowing Rock Garden Club to the village of Blowing Rock in order to bring people into the town to experience its amazing aesthetic and see the captivating flowers in June.

The 2017 Mile of Flowers will be offering participants the opportunity to explore the private gardens of homes and churches that were selected as the prime gardens for this event from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

“Rumple Presbyterian and St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church are going to be on display,” Sweet said, “and they are stunning.”

At each of the gardens, there will be Garden Club guides who can provide information about the plants and flowers – just in case you want to go home and start a garden of your own!

“They will be able to tell you all about the plants,” Sweet said. “They will also make sure that you don’t miss the most amazing plants and flowers in the gardens.”

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June 2017

While touring the gardens, you can also stop by the public library in Blowing Rock where the Garden Club has its boutique. If you’re a fan of handcrafted items, gardenthemed items or anything homemade, then this boutique is the place for you! It will be offering these items for purchase from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

“All of the items for sale have been handmade by Garden Club members,” Sweet said. “We will also be selling specially designed t-shirts that were designed by one of our members and a local artist in Blowing Rock.”

Along with this, the Garden Club will be selling a unique cookbook that all of the members worked diligently to put together. However, it isn’t just any old cookbook. Instead of being organized by dish, the cookbook is organized by herb.

“So, say you’re growing parsley. You can look in the section for parsley in the cookbook,” Sweet said. “There, you will find information about the herb, as well as, tips from Garden Club members about how to use it.”

Making the cookbook took approxi-

mately a year, and it involved taking submitted recipes from the members of the Garden Club, creating drawings of all the herbs and organizing everything in the best way possible. It’s a special cookbook that nobody should want to miss out on.

Not only will there be beautiful gardens and skillfully crafted items for sale, but there will also be a tea patty to add to the wonder of the day, beginning at 2 p.m. in the newly renovated and up-to-date American Legion Building.

“At the tea party, there will be a bunch of goodies that are homemade by the members of the Garden Club,” Sweet said. “It’s going to be such a smortgage board of goodies that you don’t want to miss!”

In the past, this event has sold out or has been close to selling out, so the same results are expected for this year’s Mile of Flowers. Tickets must be purchased beforehand, and there are a limited number. In order to purchase tickets, email mof2017brgc@gmail.com or call Jean Baskin at 828-295-0901.

By Katie Benfield

June 2017

High Country Magazine

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High Country Magazine

June 2017

What's Going On Out There

Summertime is the season for experiencing warm weather, great times with friends and family and all of the wonderful and fun-filled events that the community has to offer. With theater, outdoor concerts, movies, performances and other events, the High Country is chocked full of things to do that will make your summer the best one yet!

Theater

With a wide array of theater options in the area, everyone can experience singing, dancing and acting by local professionals who have refined their talents on stage. Great costumes, aesthetically pleasing stage designs and characters that are portrayed with skill and ease await you at one of the many theater throughout the High Country.

Whether it’s a mystery, a musical, a comedy or a drama, you can find exactly what you’re looking for as the curtain opens and reveals actors and actresses who will fully immerse you into their story.

Outdoor Music

The weather has finally turned warm, and what could be better than sitting under the evening sky, chatting with neighbors and friends, kids running every which way as they chase each other and the fireflies and a local band or musician showcasing their musical talent? The High Country offers a wide variety of outdoor concert series that everyone can attend for free. All you have to do is bring a lawn chair or a blanket and find the perfect place in front of the stage or gazebo where the band is setting up. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax as the sun sets and the sound of conversation and laughter accompany the music that travels through the air.

Performances

Performances in the High Country make exceptional appearances through various series throughout the community, such as FORUM at Lees-McRae and the Appalachian Summer Festival. Both of these series offer culturally enriching, entertaining performances ranging from visual acts, such as dancing, to auditory performances of a wide variety, including singing and instrumental acts.

Regardless of if you’re looking for jazz, a symphony, dancing or other types of performances, the series throughout the High Country has exactly what you’re looking for.

Events

While there are concert series, theater seasons and performances series in our community, there are also numerous events that are taking place for you to attend. Art shows that showcase local talent in glasswork, woodwork, painting and more, horse shows that provide the audience with fantastic horse work and skill and special events at Tweetsie Railroad are just a few of the opportunities that are offered for a fun filled summer in the High Country.

Compiled by Katie Benfield

June 2017

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Summer Scene YES with Special Guests Todd Rundgren & Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy

Mary Anne Redding

Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers

Jennifer Nettles

Charlotte Ballet

Chris Botti

Eastern Festival Orchestra

Appalachian Summer Series T

he lights dim, and the performance is about to begin. The audience waits in excited silence to see one of the many amazing, culturally rich performances that the Appalachian Summer Festival brings. The performances take place in several venues across ASU’s campus, including the Schaefer Center.With 1,673 seats, the Schaefer Center provides the perfect auditorium for a good amount of these performances. Acts ranging from Yestival: YES with Todd Rundgren and Carl Palmer to MOMIX: “Opus Cactus” create a diverse and ranging set of visual and auditory performances that will blow you away.

Appalachian Summer 2017 Schedule June 27 • Young People’s Global Film Series: My Lucky Elephant

July 19 • Weicholz Global Film Series: I, Daniel Blake

June 28 • Weicholz Global Film Series: The Innocents

July 21 • MOMIX: “Opus Cactus”

June 30 • Broyhill Chamber Ensemble

July 22 • Chris Botti

July 5 • Weicholz Global Film Series: Worlds Apart

July 23 • Broyhill Chamber Ensemble

July 7 • Summer Exhibition Celebration at the Turchin Center July 8 • An Evening with Sutton Foster July 9 • Eastern Festival Orchestra Featuring Midori Jackie Alexander

Midori

Film: Glory

PLUS Film, Lectures, Workshops and More

RESTAURANT

INSIGHTS

High Country Magazine

June 2017

July 27 • Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers

Aug 1 • Young People’s Global Film Series: Theeb

July 18 • Young People’s Film Series: Duma

July 30 • Rosen-Schaffel Competition

Aug 2 • Weicholz Global Film Series: Tanna Aug 5 • Yestival: YES with Special Guests Todd Rundgren & Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy

Newly RemodelED

NEAT concept

Vidalia: After a successful two year expansion, this beautiful restaurant in downtown Boone has a new patio ready for the summer season.

F.A.R.M. Café: Regardless of means, food is made available to all people in the community through this nationally recognized concept.

stunning food Proper: Angela has been serving southern food the proper way for 7 years in the old jailhouse in downtown Boone.

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July 26 • Weicholz Global Film Series: Glory

July 1 • Weicholz Global Film Series: Rams

July 1 • Broyhill Chamber Ensemble Majora Carter

July 25 • Broyhill Chamber Ensemble

July 29 • Charlotte Ballet

July 15 • Jennifer Nettles

MOMIX: Opus Cactus

July 25 • Young People’s Global Film Series: Secrets of War

July 1 • Young People’s Global Film Series: Virginia’s Run July 13-14 • The National Black Theatre Festival Presents: Maid’s Door

Sutton Foster

July 22 • Rosen Sculpture Walk

best deck

The Local: What’s better than the hip atmosphere of this outdoor patio in the warm summer air for the most perfect summer experience?

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Jones House

t’s Friday night again, and downtown Boone is bustling with residents who are perusing the quaint shops and delicious restaurants.

The lawn of the Jones House is beginning to fill with kids that are chasing each other and families that are setting up lawn chairs and blankets. Everyone is catching up with one another, sharing stories and laughter, waiting for the weekly concert that they’ve all been looking forward to.The Friday night concerts on the Jones House lawn will return for the summer season! Residents of the High Country come out with food and drinks, and the air is buzzing with excitement, talk and laughter, as people take their seats on the lawn under the warm, evening sky as a different band sets up on the porch of the Jones House every Friday at 5 p.m.

Good Vibes Trio

Earleine

Amantha Mill

Mountain Laurels

Angela Easterling

Strictly Strings

Swing Guitar

Shelby Rae Moore

King Bees

Todd Wright

Possum Jenkins

Tellico

jones house concerts on the lawn 2017 June 2 • Time Sawyer & Sirius B. June 9 • Carolina Ramble Review: Possum Jenkins, Wurlitzer Prize & Molly McGinn

Josh Daniels & Mark Schimick

June 16 • Doc Watson Day Celebrations with Charles Welch, Jack Lawrence, Patrick Couch, Presley Barker & Jeff Little Trio June 23 • Strictly Strings & Strictly Clean and Decent June 30 • Good Vibes Trio & King Bees

Aaron Burdett

July 7 • Tellico & Amantha Mill

Time Sawyer & Sirius B.

July 14 • Jazzfest: Swing Guitars, Shane Chalke & Todd Wright

Aug 4 • Aaron Burdett Band & Lazybirds

July 21 • Josh Daniels and Mark Schimick & Shelby Rae Moore

Aug 11 • Hiroya Tsukomoto, Steve & Ruth & Mountain Laurels

July 28 • Jon Shain, Angela Easterling & Earleine

H

Shane Chalke

Lazybirds

Aug 18 • Bluegrass Showcase: Never Too Late, Jonah Riddle, Brian Osborne & Surefire Aug 25 • Touche with Meade Richter & Hank and Pattie

Horn in the West

ow many of us knew that the Daniel Boone Theatre has been described as the best outdoor theatre in the East? The amphitheatre was built to accommodate The Horn in the West, the nation’s oldest Revolutionary War drama, and it presents the perfect backdrop as the actors portray their characters in the expansive amphitheatre. Six days out of the week, actors stride across the stage in articulate costumes, transporting the audience members back to the 1700’s with gun fights, Indians, romantic drama and a story that tells the history of our nation. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, audience members can also eat a home-style dinner, catered by Dan’l Boone Inn, that Daniel Boone himself would’ve thoroughly enjoyed, under the dining canopy or at the many picnic tables beneath the trees. With the actors bringing Daniel Boone and his cohorts to life, and the natural setting that the amphitheatre brings, it may just feel like you, too, are part of the community that is fighting for their freedom.

CLASSIC LUNCH

cool setting

Red Onion: Over the last 33 years, Danny has been doing lunch classically with customers returning regularly year after year.

Café Portofino: A vintage setting that used to be the old Tweetsie train depot. This restaurant has a unique charm with a surprising menu.

fairway Café: A true “venue” within Boone city limits, the Fairway Café boasts one of the most scenic views of any restaurant in Boone along with world-class cuisine by Michael.

NEW CHEF

BIG SPACE

great breaKfast Boone Bagelry: A breakfast staple of the High Country. A tradition and a destination, their bagels are second to none.

CASA RUSTICA: Chef Monte Weber returns to his hometown to pay homage to founder Peter Pedroni by updating and improving the legendary restaurant’s menu of Pedroni family favorites.

COOL VIEW

WATER WHEEL CAFE: Great for large groups, events, meetings or just a nice relaxing meal.

Serving Breakfast and Lunch all day.

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Summer Scene I

Art in the Park

n 1962, Art in the Park was developed to showcase local talents. that were cultivated and refined in the High Country. Today, it has evolved into an event notorious in the art world as hosting 90 different artisans every show who are some of the best local and regional artists in their crafts. This 55-year tradition will give you a closer look into what the heritage and culture of the mountains has been and is becoming with artistic masterpieces of all kinds, including painting, photography, woodwork, glasswork and so much more. People travel from all over the state to be a part of this beautiful showcase of art and talent. This is a fun, upbeat and awe-inspiring summer event that will leave you amazed by the artistic abilities that have culminated in the place that we call home.

June 10 July 15 Aug 12 Sept 9 Oct 7

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Music on the Veranda at Green Park Inn

he Green Park Inn stands tall with beautiful architecture, and this summer, the Music on the Veranda concert series returns to the High Country. Every Sunday at 5 p.m., a different band will set up on the veranda, which is connected to the Inn’s bar, The Divide Tavern. The veranda is furnished with rocking chairs that are perfect to lounge in during a live concert. People bring their own lawn chairs and gather around, enjoying the warm afternoon weather and beautiful setting, in excited anticipation for the band to begin playing. Local bands of all kinds play on the veranda, serenading community members with amazing and unique music that accompanies a perfect Sunday afternoon.

RESTAURANT

INSIGHTS

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June 2017

green park inn MUSIC ON THE VERANDA June 4 • BanDam

July 16 • Hardy Woodsmen

June 11 • The Harris Brothers

July 23 • The Harris Brothers

June 18 • The Neighbors

July 30 • TBD

June 25 • The Harris Brothers

Aug 6 • The Harris Brothers

July 1 • Independence Day Celebration – The Neighbors

Aug 13 • The Neighbors

July 2 • Shelby Rae Moore Band

Aug 27 • Flat Fives Jazz Quintet

July 9 • The Harris Brothers

Newly RemodelED Speckled Trout Restaurant: Completely renovated and rebranded, the new owners bring life back to the historic corner of Main Street and US-221 in downtown Blowing Rock.

Aug 20 • BanDam

4 diamond rating Gamekeeper: With ten consecutive years of the AAA Four Diamond Award, Gamekeeper has an exotic menu that fits its name. In a stunning location on Shull's Mill Road

Music on the Lawn at the Inn at Ragged Gardens L

Shelby Rae Moore

awn chairs abound on the lawn outside of the Inn at Ragged Gardens in Blowing Rock.With children laughing and playing, families and couples set up their lawn chairs and blankets across the lawn to enjoy a different band every Friday at 5:30 p.m. that plays beneath the towering tree that stretches high into the evening sky.With a cash bar close by, audience members can enjoy a relaxing glass of wine as they are serenaded by the talented band of the week. While residents are not allowed to bring outside food or drinks to the concerts, there will be plenty offered for purchase during the performances.

Out of the Blue

Jonathan Birchfield

Soul Benefactor

Lucky Strikes

Supatight

music on the lawn June 2 • Supa Tight June 9 • Shelby Rae Moore June 16 • Soul Benefactor June 23 • Drive South

Klee and Mike Show

The Harris Brothers

Drive South

June 30 • The Harris Brothers July 7 • Lucky Strikes July 14 • Jonathan Birchfield July 21 • Soul Benefactor July 28 • Harris Brothers

Aug 4 • Smokey Breeze Aug 11 • Klee and Mike Aug 18 • Soul Benefactor Aug 25 • Out of the Blue

Movies in the Park T

he sun has set. It is dusk on a warm Thursday evening, and Memorial Park is beautiful.All across the park, there are lawn chairs, blankets and families sitting close to one another as the family-friendly movie, a part of the Movies in the Park series, begins to play around 8:30 or 9 p.m. As it is projected onto the giant screen that has been set up in the park, excitement bubbles in the air and everyone’s attentions are grabbed for the next hour and a half to two hours.

Snacks and drinks cover the ground, surrounding the families that have settled in for a free movie that everyone of all ages will enjoy.

June 29 • July 6 • July 13 • July 20 • July 27 • August 3 OPEN LATE

HISTORICAL

Six Pence Pub: An authentic English pub nestled on Main Street, Six Pence stays open until 2 a.m. no matter what, serving drinks and food into the late night.

Green Park Inn: This Victorian-style Inn has been around for over 125 years. The dining room is an elegant setting for the Chestnut Grille with a modern, casual menu and live music nights

Awesome View

Canyons: With an extensive menu, Canyons offers people of all tastes impressive food with an impressive view to match. Best bar for sunset drinks before a night out on the town.

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Summer Scene Lees-McRae Summer Theatre

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ust in time for this season of Lees-McRae Summer Theatre, Broyhill Theatre has undergone multiple renovations, including updated floors, paint and brand new Joseph / Amazing theatre seats that will make audience members much more comfortable as they Technicolor Dreamcoat • June 25-July 2 watch talented performances throughout the summer. As the audience members Million Dollar Quartet • July 12-16 find their seats in the expansive auditorium, the stage stretches out before them, the ceiling-to-floor length curtain hiding the beautiful backdrop for each perfor- Legally Blonde: The Musical • July 28-Aug 4 mance, keeping the audience in suspense. The audience members flip through their playbooks, mumbled conversation filling the silence of the auditorium. A hush falls over the crowd as the time for the performance approaches and singing, dancing and acting blast through the theatre, leaving the audience members in awe.This season, the Lees-McRae brings you a variety of different musicals – a bible story developing in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, the tale of four legendary musical artists occurring in Million Dollar Quartet and the story of a young girl who overcomes all obstacles in Legally Blonde: The Musical. Whatever your style is, the Lees-McRae Summer Theatre is sure to deliver!

Contains Strong Language

Saturday Kids Series

Ensemble Stage

F

or the first time since it was founded, Ensemble Stage will be performing its summer season in Banner Elk, moving from its original location of Blowing Rock. It has recently found its permanent home at the Historic Banner Elk School and has, thus far, sold over 20,000 show tickets – a number that will just continue to rise! As audience members file into their seats, the The Star Spangled Girl • June 16-24 lights go out and the curtains open, revealing an incredible stage where talented Mary and Myra • July 7-15 actors stride and deliver their lines with ease. Ensemble Stage will be performing a variety of different productions for the community, including The Star Switzerland • July 29-Aug 6 Spangled Girl and The Art of Murder.With such a variety of productions, audi- Art of Murder • Aug 18-28 ence members can expect to laugh, cry and think hard about solving that mystery throughout the 2017 En- Kids Series - The Tales of King Arthur • July 8 & Aug 6 semble Stage summer season.

Kids Series - Rapunzel • June 24 & July 22

RESTAURANT

INSIGHTS

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High Country Magazine

June 2017

Newly RemodelED

live music

STONEWALLS: With new owners, Scott and Tim, comes a new, unique and modern look for this restaurant as it provides top-quality food in downtown Banner Elk.

Banner Elk Café: Banner Elk’s Best Kept Secret offers a quaint atmosphere where it fills people with not only food but with a summer array of live music in the early evenings.

The Extraordinaires

The Dave Calvert Collection

Soul Benefactor

The Flying Saucers

Concerts in the Park

W

Buick MacKane

ith blankets, lawn chairs and an excited crowd, the Concerts in the Park at Tate-Evans Park are the perfect way to spend a Thursday evening. Grouped around the sheltered stage, people of all ages settle in Wolf Creek for an evening of socializing and listening to a different band each week. Kids run around behind the stage, giggling and shouting, as residents set up their coolers that are hauling food and drinks of any and all kinds. The Concerts in the Park are renowned through the town as being the event of the week where everyone can conjoin, catch up and spend a relaxing evening being part of the community as the band plays at 6:30 p.m., providing people with just the right kind of music to dance to as the sun sets.

Roadrunnerz

concerts at Tate-evans park 2017 June 22 • Buick Mackane

July 27 • The Flying Saucers

June 29 • Soul Benefactor

Aug 3 • Roadrunnerz

July 6 • The Extraordinaires

Aug 10 • Sharkedelics

July 13 • TBA

Aug 17 • Wolf Creek

July 20 • Jocassee with Wilson Braxwell & Hope Harvey

Aug 24 • Dave Calvert Collective

FORUM Series

P

erformances ranging from renowned symphonies to incredible singers, FORUM at Lees-McRae brings a variety of culturally enriched and engaging acts to the High Country. With a beautiful campus, and the newly renovated Broyhill Theatre with comfortable, brand new seats, Lees-McRae College is a perfect location in the High Country to spend an evening. FORUM offers some of the best high-quality performances for the community, including evenings featuring the Western Piedmont Symphony Orchestra, The Joe Gransden Big Bang and The Broadway Boys, three acts that the community is already buzzing with anticipation for.

Three Redneck Tenors • June 19 Double Grand • June 26 Western Piedmont Symphony Orchestra • July 3 Vivace • July 10 Scotch, Soul, and Rock and Roll • July 17 The Joe Gransden Big Band • July 24 Barbra and Frank: The Concert That Never Was • July 31 The Broadway Boys • Aug 7

Three Redneck Tenors

Double Grandé

Western Piedmont Symphony Orchestra

Vivace

The Joe Gransden Big Band

Barbra and Frank

The Broadway Boys

Scotch, Soul, Rock and Roll

DELIGHTFUL LUNCH

COOL BAR

BEST Destination

Reid’s Café: This café is a true treat with fun, intricate presentations of food and a cool atmosphere that makes this location not just your regular lunch joint.

Louisiana Purchase: Now serving 32 years, the Louisiana Purchase has only continued to get better with bartenders that skillfully prepare your drinks with the time and care necessary.

EAT CROW: Between Boone and Banner Elk, this drive takes you to the most authentic preparation of lunch by a chef known for his attention to detail.

June 2017

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Summer Scene Todd Summer Concert Series A blanket or a lawn chair will suffice for the Todd Summer Concert Series this summer. Cook Park will be loaded with people set up all around the lawn from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday evening, milling about and socializing with one another after a long week of awaiting the concerts.The evening air will be full of laughter and conversation as kids run around in the grass and the band sets up to play for the next two hours. Food and drink are always available for purchase during this relaxing evening of being in downtown Todd with friends and family, rain or shine.

Amantha Mill

Lucky Strikes Orchestra

King Bees

todd summer music series 2017 June 24 • Amantha Mill July 4 • King Bees July 8 • Wayne Henderson & Helen White July 15 • Melissa Reaves

Wayne Henderson

Strictly Strings

Beech Mountain Summer Sunday Sunset Concert

July 29 • Lucky Strikes Orchestra Aug. 5 • Strictly Strings Aug. 20 • Worthless Son-in-Laws

Melissa Reaves

Worthless Son-in-Laws

fred's gazebo music series 2017 July 9 • The Cockman Family

July 16 • The Mountain Home Bluegrass Blues Every Sunday in July and August, the July 23 • Strictly Clean and Decent gazebo outside of Fred’s General July 30 • Amantha Mill Mercantile in Beech Mountain will be surrounded by people of all ages, Aug. 6 • Thistle Dew featuring Rhodyjane Meadows and Lonny Finley waiting with anticipation and excitement for the band to play. Lawn chairs will be set up around the stunning gazebo as the band gets ready to play at 6:30 p.m. Everyone, adults and kids alike, will be enjoying the soft summer air, the sun beginning to set, the perfect ending to a beautiful, warm weekend.As the band plays from the gazebo, the audience members find themselves being serenaded by the music while also enjoying time well spent being part of the community.

The Cockman Family 28

High Country Magazine

The Mountain Home Bluegrass Blues June 2017

Strictly Clean and Decent

Thistle Dew

CARLTON GALLERY 1SZSP`ObW\U !#GSO`a Chetola Symphony The Symphony by the Lake at Chetola Resort is in its 30th year this season with music by Symphony of the Mountains, conducted by Cornelia Laemmli Orth.

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May 27 – July 15 - Opening Reception: May 27, 2-5pm

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Mary Dobbin, Connie Winters, Gina Stumpf, Helen Farson

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July 22 – September 15 Carlton Gallery’s 35th Anniversary Celebration: July 22, 2–5 pm July 28, 2017! Concert theme: Oh the Places You’ll Go! General Admission Tickets $40 for adults in advance/$50 at the gate. $15 for children under 12 years of age.

Call the Blowing Rock Chamber office: 828.295.7851

The Farmers’ Markets

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Andrew Braitman, Kevin Beck, Egi Antonaccio 1"*/5*/(4 t $-": t (-"44 t 4$6-1563& t 800% t '*#&3 "35 t +&8&-3: Located 10 Miles South of Boone on Hwy. 105 Grandfather Community

56&4%": 4"563%": t 46/%": t Call or check our website for workshop dates XXX DBSMUPOHBMMFSZ DPN t DBSMUPOHBMMFSZ!DBSMUPOHBMMFSZ DPN

The Farmers’ Markets throughout the High Country are a perfect way to get involved and support local community members and their livelihoods.

Watauga Farmers Market - Horn in the West Saturdays 7:00 to Noon Blowing Rock Farmers Market - Park Avenue, downtown Blowing Rock - Thursday afternoons from 4–6 p.m.

Banner Elk Farmers Market - Old Banner Elk Elementary School - Thursday afternoons from 4:30–7:00 p.m

Banner Elk Art Shows

Returning for another year, the Fine Arts and Master Crafts Festival brings amazing artistic talent to the High Country for people of all ages throughout the community.

July 14-16 and August 11-13 Historic Banner Elk Elementary School • 185 Azalea Circle • Show Hours: Friday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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CROSSNORE

fine arts gallery

Summer Scene Newland RiverWalk Music Series Every Friday night, from 6-9 p.m., the Riverwalk Park will be flooded with residents of the High Country as they set up lawn chairs and blankets and settle in for three hours of music. There isn’t a bad seat in the house, as the band is playing from a stage where they can easily be seen from all directions.

Children and adults of all ages alike will be dancing, dogs will be playing and everyone will enjoy being able to soak in the setting sun and the jamming music that is played weekly. The genre of the bands is limitless, ranging from R&B and rock to country and beach to big band and oldies. Regardless of the kind of music you like, you will find what you’re looking for during these Newland Riverwalk Concerts.

NEWLAND RIVERWALK MUSIC 2017 June 23 • The Dave Calvert Collective June 30 • Johnson Brothers July 7 • Asheville Aces July 14 • Rick Strickland Band July 21 • Blue Country

Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery features regional and local artists whose works help support the mission of Crossnore School & Children’s Home. We are the exclusive dealer of Ann Melton pewter designs and sculptures and one of two dealers for Craven Handbuilt Pottery.

Stop for a visit on campus or online at www.crossnoregallery.org.

The Dave Calvert Collective

Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery 205 Johnson Street Crossnore, NC 28616 (828) 733-3144 info@crossnore.org www.crossnoregallery.org

Asheville Aces

Soul Benefactor 30

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June 2017

5/16/2017 8:37:06 AM

July 28 • Soul Benefactor Aug 4 • Swing Set Aug 11 • Lucky Strikes Aug 18 • Songwriter’s Showcase

Johnson Brothers

Rick Strickland Band

Lucky Strikes

Christmas in July

31st Annual The Christmas in July Festival in West Jefferson includes a wide array of activities, including arts and crafts, live music, a farmers’ market, street dances and performances and fun for all ages.

Friday and Saturday June 30 and July 1 Friday from 3:00 to 10:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. On the streets in Downtown West Jefferson. FREE

The Blowing Rock Shagging Show Shagging at The Blowing Rock involves a bunch of beach music dancing, a variety of food, including hamburgers and hotdogs that are sold on site, and an entire lineup of music, including the Original Drifters.

In-home health care for short and long-term needs

August 12 - Rain or Shine - Tickets on Sale June 15 The Blowing Rock - Call 828-295-4812 for Tickets

Summit Crawl & Classic Car Cruise-In The Summit Crawl is a fun, competitive event via foot to Sugar Mountain’s 5,300’ peak. In addition, the Classic Car Cruise-In will be showcasing a bunch of classic cars for your viewing pleasure.

Saturday, July 1, 10m - Online Registration Open Anytime or Register in Person, Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm Entry Fee includes a T-Shirt and Downhill Transportation

Compassionate care from trusted health-care professionals Locally owned and operated since 2003

When you need a helping hand Appalachian Home Care, LLC 7883 NC Hwy. 105 S., Suite E Boone, NC 28607 apphomecare.com info@apphomecare.com (828) 963-8233 June 2017

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Going the Greenway B

Bustling highways and byways carry motorists through a myriad of fun towns, interesting landscapes, and historical destinations. The roads are well developed and convenient for automobiles, but what of pedestrians and cyclists, moms with strollers, joggers and any one else who wants this experience outside of a car? Fifty years ago, the stretch of U.S. 321 between Blowing Rock and Boone was a two-lane road small and safe enough to walk alongside to either town, to cross and visit with a friendly neighbor, or to cast a line and fish, allowing time to enjoy the now hidden beauty of the Middle Fork of the New River. Today, that road is a fastpaced conduit to the High Country for slews of students, tourists, and summer residents seeking mountain adventures and cooler temperatures. Rounding the sharp curves like Formula One racers, drivers intently keep their eyes on the road, not on the primeval scenery surrounding it. The reconstruction and widening of the highway in the late 1970’s made transportation more efficient, but the daily lives of locals living along the two-lane road were drastically changed forever, or so it seemed. Twenty years later in the 1990s, a group of High Country residents with a common goal came together; they wanted a safe way to walk or bicycle between Boone and Blowing Rock, to regain the lost solidarity of their community, and the ability to connect with the natural world around them. And with nationwide demand for greenway trails and footpaths in populated areas rising, the Middle Fork Greenway Association (MFGA) eventually formed in 2000.

Since 2013, the MFGA has been a part of High Country Pathways, Inc., which specializes in trail development and access to rivers. Their aim is “to plan, develop and steward” a network of trails connecting the towns and communities of the High Country. In 2014, they partnered with Blue Ridge Conservancy to drive the Middle Fork Greenway initiative. The mission of the Blue Ridge Conservancy is to “work with willing landowners and local communities to permanently protect land and water resources with agricultural, ecological, cultural, recreational, and scenic value in Northwest North Carolina… [and] to expand public access to that protected land.” And, it is their “hope that the Middle Fork Greenway will provide a safe and alternative way to transport from Boone to Blowing Rock.” To date, the Blue Ridge Conservancy has protected over 20,000 acres of land in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Watauga, Wilkes, Mitchell and Yancey Counties. They are currently working with landowners along the Middle Fork River to identify the best route for the Greenway and have recently, with the help and support of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund, purchased 12 acres of riparian corridor between Middle Fork Road and Niley Cook Road for the project.

STORY BY Davin Underwood PHOTOGRAPHY BY Mariah Angelo

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The

Middle Fork Greenway June 2017

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This map shows the progress and momentum of the Middle Fork Greenway. The yellow line shows completed greenway, the green line shows the next section to be developed as well as the NC DOT constructed trailhead in Blowing Rock, the easement given by Appalachian Regional Healthcare System at the new Foley Center, and the locations of the three Middle Fork Greenway pocket parks.

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These are not the only organizations taking a part in the movement. Appalachian Regional Health Care Systems allowed a 2,000 linear foot easement through the Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge. The Town of Boone and The Town of Blowing Rock are in partnership, as well. In 2014, The Town of Blowing Rock highlighted the Middle Fork Greenway as one of its top ten priorities and The Town of Boone provides leadership and funding support. The Tourism Development Authorities of Watauga County and Blowing Rock are on board with the agenda, because with the installation of the Middle Fork Greenway the High Country’s tourism industry will increase. Brad Moretz, owner of App Ski Mountain, believes the installation of the MFG “standing as a tourist attraction, itself, will complete a high concentration of attractions between Boone and Blowing Rock.” More visitors staying longer and inherently spending more money will boost the local economy by creating more jobs and revenue.

The Middle Fork River is a trout stream and trout fishing generates $300 million dollars annually in western North Carolina. The MFG will provide access to the river for every one of all ages and abilities, which will not only increase the money spent on trout fishing, it will bring more of it to the High Country. The winter season could see an increase, too; the MFG will provide a primitive and Narnia like winter setting for cross-country skiers to test their abilities at the snow covered landscape. But as much as area visitors will love it, the “locals will benefit most,” says Brad. He affirms “it will enhance the lifestyles of the people living here, by providing fantastic healthy activities.” The partnerships of organizations and people with a desire to preserve and protect the integrity of the land and natural resources of the High Country is forging the way for this pedestrian and cycling path, turning people like Anne Burgess’ dreams into reality. Growing up in the Middle Fork River area, Anne re-

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is providing a great deal of support with funding and right of ways. In 2016, their statewide contingency fund awarded the Middle Fork Greenway $145,000 for a 90-foot pedestrian bridge crossing over the Middle Fork River and onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. members when the “four-lane” was built, curtailing the ties of her community. As one of the frontrunners of the MFG, Burgess has been a proponent of the Middle Fork Greenway since the beginning and has seen the projects’ growth for seventeen years.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is providing a great deal of support with funding and right of ways. In 2016, their statewide contingency fund awarded the Middle Fork Greenway $145,000 for a 90-foot pedestrian bridge crossing over the Middle Fork River to facilitate a link to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The MFG will also provide a connection to the Mountains to Sea Trail.

Hiking, too, generates money for the local economy by providing the visitors, and, again, most importantly the residents, with varied recreational opportunities. The Virginia Creeper Trail sees over a 130,000 users yearly and brings in $2.5 million in that same time. NC-DOT is also installing guardrails and building parking lots for the trail.

They have already completed the trailhead parking lot

This map breaks the greenway down into 6 different section to help with planning.

The Middle Fork Greenway team is working with the Town of Boone to the north, Town of Blowing Rock to the South and Watauga County in the center.

A Blue Ridge Conservancy celebration at High Gravity Adventures with Brad Wilson of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and Bryan Gossage of NC Clean Water Management Trust Fund who funded the purchase of 12 linear acres to connect Tweetsie Railroad to existing easements on Niley Cook Rd.

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in Blowing Rock and 200 feet of the actual trail. They have also provided space under the Grady and Reba Moretz bridge to accommodate the future trail and are integrating the MFG into their plans for replacing the Aho Road bridge. The $160,000 of Recreational Aid Funds and those donated by the Watauga County TDA made it possible for this to happen. The bridge is projected for completion in 2017.

Since most of the land encountered along the river’s path is privately owned, the most desirable route for the MFG requires the help and support of the local landowners. Luckily, there are families like the Whiteners who are giving back to their community by sharing their land; they donated 3.7 acres for Sterling Creek

COACHING

Park, one of the Greenway’s pocket parks.

These private donations, whether land or money, are absolutely crucial; they provide an incentive for public grants and government funding. Local businesses, like ZAP Fitness, take a big step up by footing the bill for all administrative costs of the MFG. 100% of donations go toward the development of the greenway.

Zika (Zee-ka) Rea, founder of ZAP Fitness, is happy to help. As she is a cyclist, Zika needs a safe place to ride and enjoy her bicycle. She says that “while there is a lot opportunity for being outdoors in the High Country, there is no where to ride a bike.” She knows the MFG will “serve as a destination ride for cyclist.”

A one-mile section was completed

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Goldmine Branch Park will be developed with a parking area, river access, and shelter during the next phase of Middle Fork Greenway construction.

Crossing & Underpass @ Tweetsie

Leaving Blowing Rock Road to enter Park Service Land along the Middle Fork

Trail along Blowing Rock Road heading toward Boone

The projected MFG will run alongside the U.S. 321 in some places, near the Blowing Rock Water Plant Want and Aho Road are shown here.

The NC-DOT is working with the Blue Ridge Conservancy to construct guardrails and landscaping that will flank the Greenway creating a “safe lane” for pedestrians and cyclist to travel between Boone and Blowing Rock. The top left rendering is the before and after of the bridge and trail to go under the U.S. 321 box culvert at the Northern end of Tweetsie Railroad. It will extend the existing trail another mile, connecting it to Goldmine Branch Park at Niley Cook Road.

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The 1.3 mile section on the Blowing Rock end. The MFG team is working with the Town of Blowing Rock to raise the funds needed to construct this section of trail. Access is secured and preliminary engineering and designs have been done through funding from a block grant through Appalachian District Health Department. and opened in two phases, the last in Oc- it will provide a “safe lane” for the comtober 2014, due in large part to Tweetsie munity to traverse the landscape by foot Railroad and Mystery Hill, as they own or bicycle. The parks will be populated land over which some of it crosses. It with picnic tables and interactive learning goes through the culvert under 321 and kiosks highlighting the local ecological histhrough Sterling Creek Park. Along with tory and native plant and animal species.

As can be seen, extensive planning, Payne Branch Park, and Goldmine Branch Park, the three pocket parks have land se- fund raising, and collaborating with a mulcured through easements held by Watauga titude of organizations and landowners is County and will offer users a place to take necessary. Wendy Patoprsty (Pata-pursea break and an opportunity to engage with tea) should know. She is part of the Blue a neighbor or to make new friends. When Ride Conservancy and serves as Director completed the MFG will be a 6.5-mile pe- of the Middle Fork Greenway Project, and destrian highway, a linear park, starting in is certainly the right person for the job. She Blowing Rock at the Shoppes on the Park- believes “if you build and develop commuway with sidewalk connections to Chetola nities around cars, there will be a lot more and Downtown Blowing Rock. This “living learning laboratory,” will follow the route of the headwaters of the Middle Fork River, eventually connecting to the Boone Greenway for a total of over 12 miles of walking/cycling path. Allowing access for educational class outings from grade school to college, it will feature the three pocket parks, 10-foot wide asphalt, boardwalks and The Middle Fork New River in front of Mystery Hill offers a beautiful view from bridges, and access to the the Middle Fork Greenway - especially since New River Conservancy sidewalks, trails, and area planted native vegetation throughout this section in 2016. attractions and best of all, 38

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cars and roads; but if you build around people, there will be a lot more green space, and places for people to connect to the land.” Intuitively, if there are fewer cars, there will be less air and noise pollution in the area and more physical movement among the community members, thus promoting healthier lifestyles and decreased health problems. Wendy told me, “for every $1 invested in a greenway, there is a $3 return on investments in health benefits.” That is a good thing, since the leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease and cardiovascular activity is a necessary weapon against it. “…Standing as a legacy project for our region, our hope is that the Middle Fork Greenway will provide a safe and alternative route between Blowing Rock and Boone,” she said. Eventually becoming the main artery for various spur trails linking communities throughout the area together again, the MFG will be a “game changer… elevating the area” as a pedestrian friendly destination. As change is inevitable, Wendy urges to “have planned changed as opposed to unplanned change” when it comes to developing communities for people in the High Country, because based on the rural area it is important to “frame ourselves in western North Carolina as a unique opportunity for This map shows the green line of trail that is completed and ready to be enjoyed. the orange line shows the next section of trail to be developed.

The MFG team is working with Watauga County to secure the funds needed.

The Watauga TDA just committed $440K toward this section and final engineering and designs are currently underway.

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Thanks to the generosity and support of Tweetsie Railroad and Mystery Hill, residents and visitors have been enjoying the competed one-mile section since it’s opening in October 2014. It begins at Sterling Creek Park, 3.7 acres donated by the Whitener family, and runs north to Middle Fork Road. The MFG will be a linear park affording it’s users with healthy activities and opportunities to connect with their landscape. people to live here, to grow here, to grow families, and to grow businesses.” The MFG will raise property values, as trails are the number one amenity homebuyers cite when they are considering moving to a new community, again helping the local economy to thrive on it’s natural beauty.

And the green corridors along the trail will help to filter and buffer run-off from the U.S. 321 racetrack, helping to stabilize a key tributary of the ancient New River.

The next section of the Middle Fork Greenway is almost “shovel ready.” With the surveying and preliminary engineering being completed, this 1.3 mile section, section one in Blowing Rock, will require over $2,000,000 in construction costs and is the section where the MFG will connect the town with the Blue Ridge Parkway and with the Mountains to Sea Trail, and also the Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge Acute Care Facility. Land access has been secured and permitting approved, construction will soon be underway once funding is achieved. The development of the most recent 12-acre land acquisition is also well underway with funding from Watauga Tourism Development Authority, final engineering and designs are advancing and fundraising is ongoing. Subject to approval of grant funding, construction teams will be soon be ready to break ground on this section, as well. This section will extend the completed section running through Mystery Hill, Tweetsie, and Sterling Creek Park for about another mile to Niley Creek Road.

Fundraising in an attempt to draw awareness and gain private donations is a key factor in the success of the MFG. Even with over $810,000 raised already, private funds are still needed to leverage state grants that will help to pay for the numerous costs associated with such an endeavor. Per-

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is providing a great deal of support with funding and right of ways. In 2016, their statewide contingency fund awarded the Middle Fork Greenway $145,000 for a 90-foot pedestrian bridge crossing over the Middle Fork River and onto the Blue Ridge Parkway.

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Donations are critical in acquiring state funding, but with the help and support from over 80 businesses and organizations, a common vision shared by a group of locals who appreciated a time lost due to encroaching suburbia, is rapidly coming to fruition. mits, site preparation, box culverts, retaining structures, design plans, landscaping, surveys, and of course, land acquisition are expensive and having the opportunity and ability to use state money allotted for such projects would be a well deserved reward for the hard pioneering work that has been invested in the MFG project. There are many ways to donate and many strategies for donor recognition and acknowledgement are being prepared currently. From donor wall recognition to benches, trees, and even naming rights for the entire Middle Fork Greenway.

Guided by a master plan, the Middle Fork Greenway is being built section by section as land is secured, designs are engineered, and funding is acquired. Donations are critical in acquiring state funding, but with the help and support from over 80 businesses and organizations, a common vision shared by a group of locals who appreciated a time lost due to encroaching suburbia, is rapidly coming to fruition. With the Blue Ride Conservancy and High Country Pathways spearheading its development, in partnership with the three local governments it traverses, the MFG will stand as a prototype greenway for the future development of pathways like it, not only in the High Country, but nationwide, as well. Pedestrian and cyclist highways are a necessity in the overall healthy growth of communities and allow safe passage between destinations, not only for cyclist, but for drivers, too. While at the same time generating revenue, increasing property values, and enhancing the lives physically and mentally of everyone involved. Imagine being able to walk between Boone and Blowing Rock along one of the oldest river systems in the world, that has carved its path through rock that dates back 1.1 billion years. It will one day be possible, just as it possible now to walk from the NC mountains to it’s coast. And as it will one day, too, be possible to walk the entire eastern seaboard on the East Coast Greenway, a developing trail system linking many cities from Canada to Key West.t

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Second-Home Community in Banner Elk Thriving Again

By Jesse Wood

A

fter purchasing The Lodges at Eagles Nest in foreclosure senting at least half of all development growth in Avery County, in 2013, the Cornelius-based Waterfront Group has me- according to Avery County Tax Administrator Phillip Barrier. thodically resurrected the now 1,700-acre development When the Waterfront Group purchased the property, Eagles Nest had about 60 properin Avery County. Located ty owners. “Right now, we a short drive from downhave 330 property owners town Banner Elk, this diand are pushing about 100 verse property features homes [either built or in dancing meadows with the planning phase],” said 360-degree views, 2,500 Jeremy Handysides, sales feet of Elk River frontage, and marketing manager and a ridgeline comparable for the Waterfront Group. to the mile-high eleva“And that’s just in about 3 tion of neighboring Beech ½ to 4 years.”

Mountain.

In resurrecting Eagles In 2016, Eagles Nest Nest, the Waterfront Group was the fastest growing, is following in the vision fastest selling second-home that John Turchin, the community in North Carooriginal developer of The lina. Last year, Eagles Nest Lodges at Eagles Nest, saw had 78 sales totaling $12.8 when he bought the propmillion – the latter repreSoon to be completed Equestrian Center 42

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June 2017

erty more than a decade ago: a counter to the traditional second Nest River Club. Not originally apart of the Turchin-inspired Eagles Nest, the Waterfront Group purchased property with home, golf course communities that dot the High Country.

Turchin envisioned Eagles Nest as a “giant camp” for adults, 2,500 feet of the Elk River across the street from the developtheir families and guests – a place that resembled a national park ment’s main entrance off of N.C. 194. Promotional materials and emphasized the active, outdoor-adventure lifestyle rather describe the Elk River as “one of the most coveted trophy trout than a country club. “We just kind of ran with that same theme fishing waterways on the East Coast.”

The River Club has several rental cabins along the river and and multiplied it by 10 times,” said Derek Buchanan, general manager and sales manager for Eagles Nest Realty and a Banner this 2,500-foot section of river is only open to guests who are renting a river cabin or Elk native. those who have purThis summer, the chased a home site or long-awaited equestrian home within the Eagles facility in what’s known Nest development. In as the West Bowl of addition to the Elk RivBeech Mountain will be er being stocked with finished. This bowl is trout, the River Club also part of Eagles Nest prophas three fishing ponds erty. A centerpiece of the stocked with fish. Along facility, the barn features with a bait-and-tackle 12-rentable stalls. The shop and reclaimed-barnnew center, of course, wood lockers for storing will complement the fishing equipment, the miles of exclusive horseRiver Barn facility has a back riding trails along bar and lounge for live the property that are lomusic and much more. cated within the bowl.

The northern portion Another new outdoor of Eagles Nest didn’t examenity is the Eagles The River Club Barn on the banks of the Elk River June 2017

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With an elevation peaking at nearly a mile high, Eagles Nest offers some of the best views in the High Country. The craftsmanship of the homes and amenities is also amazing. Below is a map of Eagles Nest, which spans 1700 acres with entrances near Banner Elk and on the “backside of Beech Mountain.”

The Sportsman Lodge

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ist until Waterfront Group came to town.

To the north is The Sportsman’s Lodge – with its indoor/outdoor kitchens, spacious fireplace, poker and pool tables and a massive deck overlooking the High Country to the north. On the deck, live concerts are frequent during peak season.

Also within the North Pavilion Area, is the equestrian center, a paintball course, multi-use ball field, a sports court, band stage, dog park, snow tubing/sledding hills, walking trails, a playground, archery/air rifle range, fire pit, a woodland trail system for ATVs, horseback, hiking and riding and a helipad.

The Great Camp area features a cigar and wine bar, teepee village, amphitheater, barbecue pavilion, the Great Lawn, a playground, primitive camping, horseshoes, disc golf and ropes course, a hiking trail network, archery, climbing tower and the Toy Barn. Luxury teepees are spread out in nature in a camping-like setting in the Great Camp area. These teepees feature king-size beds, refrigerators, coffee makers, etc. and each comes with its own full bathhouse.

The Toy Barn is filled with all kinds of games and sporting equipment for property owners and guests to rent and play with on the meadow, known as the Great Camp Field. Every weekend, an Eagles Nest coordinator plans games, hikes and other activities to engage the children if the parents want to relax. The Toy Barn will even serve as a small convenience store, and a food truck will be on site everyday providing burgers, hot dogs, chicken and more – until the restaurant is built near the BBQ Pavilion. The Great Camp Grill restaurant will break ground

later this year. “That’s the whole concept,” Handysides said. “We are trying to make it so you don’t have to leave the mountain.”

The Waterfront Group

The Waterfront Group was founded by Mark and Will Adkins in 1994.

Born in Huntington, W.V., the Adkins twins graduated with business administration degrees in 1989 from Coastal Carolina. After working with the same successful land company for about 5 years, they decided to go into business for themselves. Today, the Waterfront Group is the Southeast’s most successful land development and second-home marketing company, according to the company’s website profile.

The Waterfront Group has been involved in about 350 developments.

Current developments include Chinquapin in Cashiers, Ocean Club Estates in Sunset Beach, Lake Laceola in Georgia, Sunalei Preserve, which borders Elk Knob State Park and was recently purchased, Sweet Grass in Blowing Rock, which is nearly complete, and, of course, The Lodges at Eagles Nest in Banner Elk. Prior to the recession, Waterfront Group primarily started developments from scratch. “The normal course of business,” as Will Adkins said, “was to buy a large tract, put everything in ourselves and have our stamp on it from A to Z.” But when the Great Recession arrived, the Waterfront Group adapted with the times and started saving other developments like Eagles Nest that were already in default or were on the verge of defaulting. “In the case of Eagles Nest, almost 1,000 acres of undeveloped land came with the purchase,” Adkins said. “61 development lots were platted and developed, and we’ve since added 400 more acres buying land around it.”

The brothers had their eye on Eagles Nest even before it went into foreclosure – just, like any other developer, to see what the competition was doing, according to Adkins. “It was really hard to get into Eagles Nest even after the bank had taken it. I wouldn’t equate it to Fort Knox, but it was a little tough to get into,” Adkins laughed.

But he eventually made it in with Elliott Harwell, Waterfront Group’s Vice President of Acquisitions and Developments, through one of the older

The Amphitheater

TeePee Village

BBQ Pavillion June 2017

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Eagle Park Cottages

Eagle Nest North Amenity Area

Eagle Park Cottages 46

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If you want the privacy of a home on 12 acres or you would prefer to live next to neighbors in more of a “village” format, the Eagles Nest community has a perfect home spot for you. The northern portion of Eagles Nest was raw land and undeveloped until the Waterfront Group purchased the property.

This area features open hills, rolling meadows and wonderful views. existing trails. “We got to the Great Camp area and got to the top of the mountain, and I said to Elliott, ‘We have got to get this one. There’s nothing else like it,’” Adkins recalled, noting that he and Harwell had 40 years of land development experience throughout the Southeast by then and nothing else compared to this property.

The Waterfront Group was able to acquire the Eagles Nest development for about one-tenth of the investment that was originally put into the property. The bank involved in the foreclosure told the Waterfront Group that $77 million was invested into the Eagles Nest development prior to economy collapsing during the Great Recession, and the Avery County Tax Office said that the property sold for $6,846,500 in 2013.

Adkins estimated that the Waterfront Group has invested anywhere between $12 to $15 million in infrastructure, planning, construction and so forth.

“Hats off to John. I always hate to see somebody lose anything. But he had a good vision and a unique vision, and obviously the wherewithal to put that vision on the ground, for a few years anyway. If things would have remained somewhat normal, I would’ve never had the chance to get involved with Eagles Nest,” Adkins said. “In the eight or nine states that I’ve been blessed to develop in, I’ve seen nothing that lays out as well as Eagles Nest for development.”

Since taking over the development, the Waterfront Group has added 400

adjoining acres to the original 1,300 acres of Eagles Nest. They built 6.5 miles of road to join the existing 3.5 miles.

They’ve tripled the amount of trails for outdoor adventure, such as hiking or four-wheeling. Plus, they’ve added more common areas, several new neighborhoods and performed numerous renovations on existing infrastructure.

New “neighborhoods” include The Village Cottages, The Farms, and Sunset. The Village Cottages are maintenance free, move-in-ready cottages from $400,000s that were planned to promote community. The Farms is a neighborhood that exists amidst a meadow and rolling hills. The new Sunset lots are all platted with southwest exposure for views of gorgeous sunsets. And they are all selling quickly.

The Waterfront Group developed the River Club and cabins along 2,500 feet of the Elk River, across the street from the southern entrance and new front office. The northern portion of Eagles Nest, which includes the North Pavilion with The Sportsman Lodge and equestrian center, was all raw land before the Waterfront Group purchase. Soon, crews will be breaking ground on the restau-

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he Waterfront Group, which purchased The Lodges of Eagles Nest during foreclosure a few years ago, is spreading its wings with the million-dollar renovation of the former Sunrise Shopping Center.

Renamed the Eagles Nest Marketplace, the shopping center is located at the edge of Banner Elk and at the base of Beech Mountain Parkway. The center used to house establishments like Zuzda restaurant before closing in 2016.

While all future tenants haven’t been announced, Eagles Nest Realty offices will be housed in the shopping center, and plans also call for two restaurants, one described as “high end” and another in the coffee-house style for breakfast and lunch.

A market stocking local food and beverages and other convenience items will operate in the shopping center. In the back of the center, a furniture store will complement the woodshop within the Eagles Nest maintenance area inside the development, where much of the fine woodworking inside the realty office was built.

Renovations for this 20,000-square-foot facility began last fall. The old Zuzda space was expanded by knocking down interior walls, which will create more space for a sports bar with big screen TVs on one end of one of the two restaurants. Currently, Eagles Nest is engaged in talks with other potential tenants for difNew sign at the Eagles Nest Market Place ferent businesses to occupy other spaces within the shopping center.

The renovations serve at least three purposes, according to Eagles Nest officials: to give Eagles Nest a presence in the Town of Banner Elk; to clean up a dated property; and to offer convenience to nearby residents.

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The Market Place is located at the intersection of Main Street and the Beech Mountain Parkway just west of Banner Elk.

The Eagles Nest Marketplace is nearly finished. The former Sunrise Shopping Center at the base of Beech Mountain and the edge of downtown Banner Elk. The newly-renovated 20,000-square foot facility will house two restaurants, a local market, a furniture store, Eagles Nest Realty office and other tenants to be determined.

rant in the Great Camp area.

Another related project is a complete redevelopment of the Sunrise Shopping Center off of the Eagles Nest property.

The shopping center is located at the foot of Beech Mountain Parkway, a few blocks from downtown Banner Elk. The first thing to open in the shopping center is Eagles Nest Realty office. Other tenants include two new restaurants, a market with local food-and-beverage products and more. On the backside of the shopping center, a furniture store is planned. This will complement the woodshop within the Eagles Nest maintenance area inside the development.

As you can see, the Waterfront Group is in it for the long haul. The Adkins brothers even bought one of the original homes in Eagles Nest at the top of the mountain on a 10-acre lot. The brothers share it with their families as they alternate visiting the property. Adkins said that they currently have plans to remodel this home and then build a bigger house on Eagles Nest in the future. “We are planning on making substantial investments long term,� Adkins said.

Will Adkins is even the president of Eagles Nest Property Owners Association. “It takes a lot of time and effort and the budget here is just south of a million. It has a lot of moving parts

Eagle Nest Residence and is not something you take on for fun,� he said. “But I do it because I am passionate about this place.�

This long-term mentality was one of the things that kind of sealed the deal for P.J Anson, CEO of the Florida-based STS Aviation. Anson is in the process of building a home in Eagles Nest. He was looking to buy property in Eagles Nest about a decade ago, but fortunately, avoided the inflated pre-recession prices, when

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properties were selling for sev“You really get to know your neighbors and Throughout each stop, Anson wondered if the good times eral times more than they still that forces you to socialize and creates a would continue after all of the do today, Anson said. marketing was said and done.

As prices came back to whole community, which is so hard in a During his visit to Eagles Nest, earth, the community of Anvacation community. The amenities are Anson was assured. son’s former vacation home “Will Adkins, who I spoke near Lake James started to important, too, and, another part for me was with briefly, shared with me turn into more of a retirebeing closer to fly fishing, river rafting and the that this neighborhood was ment – rather than vacation – community. After the hous- mountain life with the skiing and restaurants going to be where he was going crash, Anson returned to and bars and all of that.” P.J Anson ing to live and that he was building his dream home here the High Country and began and that his kids were going looking for a new place for a vacation home, one in a more active community. In visiting gat- to grow up here,” Anson said. “That really hit home for me. ed developments in the High Country, Anson said the salesmen How often do you see a developer building his own dream home were pulling out all the stops – helicopter fly-ins with hundreds in the development and planning to be here many, many years. of pounds of stone crab – to impress potential homebuyers. That’s certainly a huge buy-in that you never see.”

The Rock Work of Eagles Nest The stonemasons working at Eagles Nest over the past decade have produced some immaculate craftsmanship. The rock walls bordering the property are visible along the highway near the Elk River (bottom left), and you can see some of the work at the old Sunrise Shopping Center, which has been renamed the Eagles Nest Marketplace because of the extensive renovations completed by the new owners, Waterfront Group. In the pictures above, masons chisel the stone and stack it at the Boulder Park, located in the middle of Eagles Nest.

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The Team

From left to right

Ben Knight Edwin Wong Mary-Sue Street Sebastian Barreto Alison Wick Heather Bender Malcom Ewing Holly Greene Erica King Derek Buchanan.

The elevation, a bustling community, the outdoor lifestyle and the plethora of amenities were, of course, the other draws to Eagles Nest. He mentioned the cooler temps and bountiful budget for social events on Saturday evenings during the summer, where the whole community gets together, listening to the band and drinking cocktails, while the children play. “You really get to know your neighbors and that forces you to socialize and creates a whole community, which is so hard in a vacation community,” Anson said. “The amenities are important, too, and, another part for me was being closer to fly fishing, river rafting and the mountain life with the skiing and restaurants and bars and all of that.”

Anson said that homeowners he’s spoken to that happened to buy property here prior to the recession are glad to see new homes being built and their values subsequently increasing. For several years up until recently, new homes weren’t being built in the development – and the original property owners didn’t know

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if that would ever be the case again.

Currently, however, about 40 homes are in the planning or construction phase. Contractors and carpenters are a regular sight. The front office is bustling with activity from prospective buyers and renters inquiring about property. This summer, the BBQ grills will be hot. The kids will be playing in the fields, and the adults – perhaps with a cocktail in hand – will be dancing to Saturday night band.

Eagles Nest is back. t To learn more about The Lodges at Eagles Nest in Banner Elk, click to http://eaglesnestatbannerelk.com. Ready-to-move-in homes, lots and rentals are available at Eagles Nest. The community is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains just a quick drive from downtown Banner Elk, Beech Mountain and the greater High Country.

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Connector Road To Beech Mountain?

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he Eagles Nest community is still hopeful that a connector road between Beech Mountain and the second-home community in Avery County will eventually be built.

In 2014, Elliott Harwell with the Waterfront Group, the company that owns Eagles Nest, appeared before the Beech Mountain Town Council to request a connector road near Buckeye Lake on the north side of the development. The request was eventually withdrawn as at least one council member, at the time, stated that he wouldn’t entertain a gated connector road. The potential cost to the town for providing police and fire services to Eagles Nest also must be considered.

Eagles Nest is now hoping to build a connector road at the top of the mountain, though the town hasn’t received a recent request, according to Beech Mountain Town Manager Tim Holloman.

The Eagles Nest development has a peak elevation of about 5,250 feet and the top of the mountain is part of the same range as Beech Mountain. In fact, Eagles Nest and Beech Mountain are just separated by a few hundred yards at the top. Other property owners might be situated in between, though, complicating matters further.

P.J. Anson, a resident of Eagles Nest, stated that without the connector road the Town of Beech Mountain is losing his

family’s business some of the time because of the extra driving.

Instead of just being able to zip across the mountain, Eagles Nest residents must drive down the mountain to the north or south entrances and back up to the top of Beech either along the backside of Beech or up Beech Mountain Parkway, which begins at the edge of downtown Banner Elk. “It’s a big deal,” Anson said. “I know [the Eagles Nest community] would love to have access to Beech Mountain through that connection up top and everyone is hopeful that connection will happen. Then we can go to Beech Mountain to ski and eat at restaurants.”

Whenever the topic previously came up, High Country Press reached out to Fred Pfohl, owner of Fred’s General Mercantile and former council member. Pfohl noted that he thought a connector road was an “excellent idea” and noted that Eagles Nest doesn’t have the golf or tennis courses (which are located on Beech Mountain) that usual gated communities build.

“I think the pros outweigh the cons,” Pfhol said. “We are not flourishing on Beech Mountain and haven’t done much to bring new businesses or whatever. So we need to take care of what we’ve got and make sure everyone survives and can prosper. It’s going to take people shopping in town and taking advantage of what we have to offer, which is a heck of a lot.”

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Holston Camp & Retreat Center

By Jan Todd

R

oasting marshmallows, singing around the campfire, and short sheeting the bunks of fellow campers may seem like fond memories from days gone by. In a world where technology and entertainment comes at us fast and furiously, a chance to unplug, unwind, and truly connect with nature and other people is a rare and welcome opportunity. Holston Camp and Retreat Center in Banner Elk offers such an experience for people of

all ages.

Nestled in the mountains in the shadow of Sugar Mountain, Holston Camp has offered summer camp for kids, a retreat center for churches of various denominations, affordable accommodations for snow skiers, and group facilities for family reunions, clubs and businesses since 1959. Generations of campers have rested their heads and nourished their souls on this 150-acre property surrounding Wildcat Lake.

Worship Point is a beautiful spot overlooking Wildcat Lake where campers go for morning worship after breakfast.

Since 1959, Holston Camp has offered summer camp for kids, a retreat center for churches of various denominations, affordable accommodations for snow skiers, and group facilities for family reunions, clubs, and businesses.

Today, summer campers enjoy adventures such as rock climbing, fishing, zip lines over the lake, paint ball, horseback riding, mountain biking, canoeing, swimming and hiking. Holston operates as a traditional, small group camp where the counselors take time to get to know the kids, and the kids get to know one another. Both weekly overnight camps and day camp options are offered during June and July. During the rest of the year, the facilities and activities are available for retreats and other groups.

A Legacy of Traditions

" That’s a big part of our camp, bringing kids together in a safe place to have a transforming experience in their lives."

– Jim Austin, Director

The camp began as conference grounds for the Holston Presbytery, a group of churches in Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina. For several years in the mid-1950’s, members of those churches, along with some local people from Banner Elk, cleared roadways and built cabins and a dining hall. Hard work was mixed in with scenic hikes to the top of Sugar Mountain and nearby trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Evenings were spent around the campfire and in lodging provided by the Grandfather Home for Children on the adjacent property.

“Sweat equity” became part of the legacy of Holston Camp, as the property expanded and improved over the years. Jim Austin, Director at the center since 2015, remarked, “We always have some project going on around here. Different churches and work groups June 2017

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take on responsibility to restore campsites, renovate, or build new structures as needed.” Even the summer camp programs include some work around camp as part of the curriculum. “We have a time set aside for camp beautification each day,” said Austin. “It gives every kid a sense of ownership of the camp, and teaches good stewardship.”

The typical day at camp hasn’t changed much in the past few decades.

“We start with breakfast at the dining hall, a huge feast prepared by Miss Peggy, who has been serving “mighty good eating” to campers for the past thirty years. Breakfast is followed by morning worship and a message at Worship Point, a beautiful spot overlooking Wildcat Lake. We do a little work around camp, then a couple of activities like swimming or hiking, depending on the group. We have a hot lunch, then a rest period, then more activities. After dinner we have another worship time around the campfire, and have s’mores, singing, and a fun program.”

“Just being together is probably the most important thing in building relationships among the kids”, Austin continued. “That’s a big part of our camp, bringing kids together in a safe place to have a transforming experience in their lives. Maybe it’s a skill, or a physical

The final week of the 2017 summer camp is themed “Survivor Camp” where all campers in the program will be placed in the Rustic Camp and assigned to Tribes, competing in mental, spiritual and physical challenges.

Older campers stay in the “Rustic Camp,” an area deep in the woods where the sites have outdoor bathhouses, cooking huts, and screened-in cabins where campers sleep in ENO hammocks.

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challenge, or a spiritual experience. We present a love for everyone, and a love for God’s creation.”

Campers are encouraged to look for beauty in nature. At one area of the camp, interesting findings are displayed and explored. An old hornets’ nest, a bird feather, or an animal skeleton, give kids an opportunity to learn about nature and the world around them. Jim Austin’s background is in art, and he encourages camp kids to draw. “Whether it be a flower or a weed or something else in nature, the act of drawing it causes the kids to see it in a different way.”

For the camp’s fiftieth anniversary in 2005, Mary Gilmer compiled a book, “Our Hearts Belong,” with camp history, a directory of key individuals, and memories submitted by various campers.

Angel Sheffield, a camper who became a staff member, wrote the following: “I was working at camp as a volunteer in 2002 and we had vespers (worship service) in the Upper Meadow. I decided to walk back on my own, sans flashlight, rather than taking the van back to Main Camp. That night, on that short walk, I saw one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.

Like heaven come to earth. There were so many fireflies in the Land O’Goshen, it was like walking through the sky. Stars in a clear sky above, stars floating all around me. I had to stop and catch my breath in awe of the amazing beauty God had put there that night, just for me.”

Encounters such as Sheffield’s are shared by many of Holston’s campers, and have produced a legacy of camp experi-

The younger campers, stay in the “Main Camp” which is a cluster of cabins in the main area of the campground near the Dining Hall, Camp Store, Craft Hut and Campfire area.

“Camp is about connecting with other people. In the evening, the kids go into their cabins,” Austin said, “and they’re talking to the other kids and to their counselors about their issues, and they’re connecting.”

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ences treasured by generations. Campers come back year after year, then often serve on the staff, and then send their own kids to Holston.

Some Holston Camp traditions have stood the test of time. Every Thursday night is “Dance Night,” where all campers come together, dress in crazy costumes, and dance. Favorite games over the years include Capture the Flag, and Raccoon Hunt, a nighttime game where the kids use flashlights to find the “Raccoon,” a person wearing a reflective mask and hiding in the woods.

Other traditions have evolved with changing culture. For instance, in early days of camp, items on the “Do not bring” list included radios, comic books, playing cards, firearms, and fire crackers. Today’s list prohibits electronics and cell phones, eliminating distractions from the outside world so that campers can “plug in” to nature instead of video games.

An emphasis on conservation and environmental awareness has evolved as an important part of camp curriculum in recent years. “With global warming and the depletion of some of our natural resources, it is important to teach young people about these things,” remarked Austin. “I am encouraging the counselors to incorporate this into their teaching.”

Elementary school aged kids stay in the area known as “Main Camp,” a cluster of cabins near the Dining Hall, Camp Store, Craft Hut, and Campfire area. The cabins each house 14 campers and two counselors.

Depending on the age group, these campers may be taken off-site for activities such as gem-mining, tubing, and hiking.

Older campers stay in the “Rustic Camp,” an area deep in the woods where the sites have outdoor bathhouses, cooking huts, and screened-in cabins where campers sleep in ENO hammocks. Adventure outings are offered to kids in grades 8 and up, including canoe and white water overnight trips, multi-day hikes on the Appalachian Trail, caving, mountain biking and other off-site experiences. Holston Camp provides all the gear necessary for these trips.

While on site at Holston, the older campers prepare some of their own meals on a wood fired grill.

In a world where technology and entertainment comes at us fast and furiously, a chance to unplug, unwind, and truly connect with nature and other people is a rare and welcome opportunity.

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Today, summer campers enjoy adventures such as rock climbing, fishing, zip lines over the lake, paint ball, horseback riding , mountain biking, canoeing, swimming and hiking.

Today’s “Do Not Bring” list prohibits electronics and cell phones, eliminating distractions from the outside world so that campers can “plug in” to nature instead of video games.

"Just being together is probably the most important thing in building relationships among the kids.”

“We find that the younger kids aspire to graduate to “Rustic Camp,” said Austin.

“It’s definitely more challenging, and gives the kids an opportunity to grow and develop new skills.”

In the summer of 2017, the final week of camp is themed “Survivor Camp.” All campers in this program will be placed in the Rustic Camps and assigned to “Tribes,” competing in mental, spiritual, and physical challenges. They’ll learn tricks for surviving in the woods, and Tribes will earn rewards for completed challenges.

Summer campers most often don’t know one another until they get to camp.

“Sometimes kids come with a friend or sibling, and request to stay in the same cabin,” said Austin. “Others come by themselves, but it doesn’t take long for them to make friends with other campers. Camp is about connecting with other people. In the evening, the kids go into their cabin, and they’re talking to the other kid and to their counselors about their issues, and they’re connecting. It’s a faith community, where people are finding that they have common ground. They’re removed from their everyday world, and come to a different sort of environment.”

Lifelong relationships often begin at

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At one area of the camp, interesting findings are displayed and explored. An old hornets’ nest, a bird feather, or an animal skeleton give kids an opportunity to learn about nature and the world around them.

“We have a time set aside for camp beautification each day,” Jim Austin, director at the center, said. “It gives every kid a sense of ownership of the camp, and teaches good stewardship.”

summer camp, and Holston Camp has fostered years of friendships and several marriages. In the book, “Our Hearts Belong,” Tricia Holyfield shared: “After ten years as a camper, in 1995 and 1996 I got to be part of the staff, lifeguard then counselor. Those two summers were probably the best summers of my life. I’ve never laughed so hard nor had so much fun as I did then. Not only did I meet amazing friends, but I even met my future husband. One of my greatest memories of our wedding reception is when several of our camp buddies gave a rowdy rendition of the camp song!”

Dan Royall and his wife Kathryn Willis met while volunteering in the kitchen at camp. “It took us until the last night of camp to realize . . . ,” he wrote, “We’ve been together ever since.

The shared experience at camp makes for a powerful bond, and few things surpass the beauty of stars on Wildcat Lake.”

Some campers have even returned to have their weddings along the shores of Wildcat Lake, and Holston Camp has begun offering the space as a wedding venue for former campers as well as the general public.

Multi-Purpose Facilities

When summer camp is not in session, the camp facilities are available for many activities, including weddings and receptions. “Directors Hall” by the lake provides indoor meeting or reception space for up to 80 people. Various other fellowship halls around the camp are designed for smaller groups.

Because Holston operates as a traditional, small group camp, the counselors take time to get to know one another and the kids, also, get to know one another.

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2nd Annual Wildcat Lake Music Festival

BLOWING ROCK ESTATE JEWELRY Featuring Distinctive Antique & Estate Pieces Celebrating 30 Years of Business

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2:00 pm - 10:00 pm Diamonds, Colored Stones & Engagement Rings are our Specialty

167 SUNSET DRIVE in BLOWING ROCK (one half block off Main St) 828-295-4500

• Games and prizes for kids!

• Horseshoes, Bocci Ball, and Cornhole tournaments.

• Activities include: hiking, swimming, canoe/kayak, paddle boards, and fishing.

• Please, no pets.

• No alcohol served.

• Bring lawn chairs and/blankets.

• Food vendors will be present.

• Package rates for lodging and camping can be at www. holstoncenter.org

Admission:

July 28-29, 2017

$10–Adults; $5–Ages 12-6 Ages 5 and under FREE!

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Made possible by a generous donation from Eagles Nest Realty and Mountain Community Bank.

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Great Music in the Beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains

June 2017

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The Tree House, in Rustic Camp, was built in 1980 and has been a favorite spot for camp meetings and sleepovers.

13-acre Wildcat Lake has one side open to the public, with a beach, picnic tables, and a lifeguard in the summer. The opposite side of the lake is used by Holston Presbytery Camp.

Clemmer Dining Hall accommodates up to 150, and is set up to serve buffet styled meals. It can also be used for group gatherings and community meetings. The dining hall has two large fireplaces, and is decorated with collages of summer camps over the years. It is used each year for a Community Thanksgiving feast, and for local club meetings, boy scouts, and church gatherings.

The Guenther Lodge is the most-used building on camp, with bedrooms and baths for approximately 45 guests. The Lodge has a kitchen, so groups renting have the option to make their own meals if they’d like.

The rooms have either full sized or twin beds, some with private baths and others sharing hall baths. The Lodge has meeting areas with fireplaces, plus“Sarah’s Rocking Porch,” a huge screened in area positioned over Wildcat Creek, where guests can relax and enjoy the sounds of the babbling brook and birds in the woods.

“We have all kinds of groups stay with us,” said Austin. “We have one family who have a large reunion every year, for the past thirty years! They stay in the lodge and go golfing and shopping and hiking every day.

We also have several quilting groups who rent the space and turn the lodge into a big sewing shop for a week. Then, of course, we have church retreats and that kind of thing. We have such a unique area up here, with swimming holes, hiking, and beautiful scenery.”

Groups staying at Holston can merely use the facilities as lodging, or can take advantage of activities such as zip-lining, paintball, rock climbing, and lake fun. The camp has trained facilitators who can assist or lead the groups in team building exercises or other curriculum. “Miss Peggy,” the camp chef, is available all year round to prepare meals, as desired, for groups using the camp.

Holston Camp is hoping to add more lodging options to the property. “Other than Guenther Lodge, most of what we have is cabin or dorm type housing, with bunks or hammocks. That doesn’t necessarily fit the format that everyone needs,” said Austin. “So we’re looking at building family sized cabins, with more traditional vacation home layouts, on a portion of the camp that is currently undeveloped.”

Stover’s Store carries t-shirts, camp supplies, snacks and sundries for the campers.

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Campers come back year after year, then often serve on the staff, and then send their own kids to Holston.

Lifelong relationships often begin at summer camp, and Holston Camp has fostered years of friendships and several marriages.

Community Outreach

The staff at Holston Camp is eager to offer more year-round use of the facilities. Last summer, Holston hosted the first Wildcat Lake Music festival. There was a dinner on Friday night, followed by a day of music and festivities, with six bands on the stage down by the lake.

The event served as a fundraiser and an awareness-builder for the camp. This year it will held on August 11th-12th.

Austin said, “We’re looking into opening up the facilities for different community programs, like Bingo, birthday parties, that sort of thing. We’re looking at having a Forest Kindergarten, a program

where the kids have school outdoors. We saw a program like this in Little Rock, Arkansas, and are looking at having something like that here. The kids spend about 80% of their time outdoors during the school day. We’re considering school field trips during the school year as well.”

Austin concluded, “This is a beautiful place, and we really want people to use it.” t For more information about Holston Camp and Retreat Center, visit www.holstoncenter.org or call 844-465-7866. The camp is located at 6993 Hickory Nut Gap Road in Banner Elk.

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Welcome Back SUMMER GUIDE

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PLACES TO DINE THIS SUMMER

Six Pence

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.

A Taste of England here in Blowing Rock

Restaurant & Pub

BANNER ELK CAFÉ banner elk. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Great food, ranging from eggs benedict to big, juicy burgers.

For the healthy and weight conscience we offer grilled mahi and chicken sandwiches, salad bar, and homemade daily specials. Dinner nightly offering: Ribs, Steaks, Fish and always fresh and creative specials! n 828.898-4040. www.bannerelkcafe.com.

See ad on page 70

Featuring British & American Fare

Inside Our Dining Room or Outside on our Beautiful Patio

Dining: Sunday - Thursday , 11:30 am - 10:30 pm Friday and Saturday until Midnight

BOONE BAGELRY BOONE. Boone’s oldest bagel shop locally owned and operated since 1988, serves 14 types of freshly baked bagels and a wide variety of menu items including vegetarian and gluten free.

Boone Bagelry is a full-service restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch all day. We are conveniently located on King Street in downtown Boone with patio dining available. Delivery service available. Support local. Taste local. Enjoy local. n 828.262-5585. www.boonebagelry.com. See ad on page 72

Full Bar (open until 2am)

20 Beers on Draught focused on Imports and Micro Brews

Courteous and Friendly Staff

CAFÉ PORTOFINO BOONE. A local favorite, Café Portofino is the place to meet, eat and enjoy a good time with friends. It’s located in a 100-year-old railroad repair station, used by none other than Tweetsie Railroad. Completely modernized, with a friendly open kitchen, cozy dining room, bar and outdoor seating, this is the place to chow down on 5-star meals, without the 5-star price. The menu is an eclectic mix of sandwiches, pastas and steaks. Café Portofino offers daily culinary specials and fresh seafood as well. (“Like” us on Facebook to see daily specials.) Their extensive wine &

828.295.3155 } } 1121 Main Street, Blowing Rock, N.C. June 2017

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beer list and all ABC permits compliment any dining experience. Come see what the Boonies already know! n 828-264-7772. www.cafeportofino. net. See ad on page 75

Canyons

E N J O Y L O C A L Q U A L I T Y, F L AV O R & F R E S H N E S S Since 1981 we have pledged an ongoing commitment to serve local farm fresh foods and support our beloved community. We are honored to call the High Country our home.

www.CRCateringCo.com | 828.406.7721 www.CasaRustica1981.com | 828.262.5128

FAIRWAY CAFE & VENUE

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Blowing Rock. Located just off of the scenic, winding highway 321 in Blowing Rock, this historic restaurant and bar is well known all over the High Country for its spectacular and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, its scrumptious southwestern choices and unique takes on classic American food or dishes.

All dishes on the menu are freshly prepared in house with the finest ingredients available. Canyons in Blowing Rock regularly offers a wide variety of seasonally fresh items, so ask about the fantastic nightly specials in addition to the daily menu selections. Every Sunday, enjoy a delicious brunch accompanied by live jazz music. Canyons also offers a diverse selection of domestic and imported wines and a large selection of beers chosen to complement the items on the menu. Just ask a member of the friendly staff for a recommendation, or try something new. n 828-295-7661. www.CanyonsBR.com.

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CASA RUSTICA BOONE. Conveniently located right off of Highway 105, Casa Rustica offers some of the finest Northern Italian-American cuisine in the High Country accentuated by a cozy, fireside atmosphere. Dishes on the menu from the crisp salads to the scrumptious pastas are adapted from old family recipes that have been handed down for generations. The chefs and owners at Casa Rustica are also committed to offering local beef in their cuisine and proudly offer homestyle meals made with love and meticulous care.

Casa Rustica’s extensive wine list FAIRWAY CAFE & VENUE

is updated every 30 days to include interesting vintages and new organics for guests to try. Enjoy live jazz every Thursday night and classical guitar every Sunday. The restaurant also features a full bar and fantastic drink selections to delight even the pickiest patron. n 828-262-5128. www.casarustica1981.com. See ad on page 66

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CHESTNUT GRILLE AT GREEN PARK INN BLOWING ROCK. Taking local and sustainable to new heights, the Chestnut Grille restaurant maintains its own 1/3 acre garden on site, which supplies the kitchen with a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs throughout the summer and fall seasons. We offer contemporary American fare that’s unique, yet familiar, in a warm, and casual setting. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free guests will find the menu, and our chef very accommodating. We offer an extensive and thoughtful wine list along with a selection of seasonal and local craft beers.

Located just inside the Green Park Inn. Listed on the National Historic Register. Patio dining is offered seasonally.

Live piano music in our lobby Friday and Saturday nights, year round, and live music on the Veranda, seasonally. n 828-414-9230. www.greenparkinn.com. See ad on page 69

C.R. Catering boone. C.R. Catering Co. is Casa Rustica Restaurant’s sister company. We are pleased to offer the High Country’s finest gourmet catering for events on and off site.

We provide fresh, distinctive food and quality service for each and every event. We are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions, and regularly prepare vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan meals.

North Carolina’s freshest seafood and the finest locally grown vegetables appear regularly on our custom designed catering menus. Want a family favorite included in your menu? No problem! We can customize any item for your special event. Need the perfect space to accommodate your catering needs? We can serve 25 to 150 guests on-site with ease. Give us a call. n 828-406-7721. www.CRCateringCo.com. See ad on page 66

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DIVIDE TAVERN & RESTAURANT BLOWING ROCK. Located in the lobby of the Historic Green Park Inn, the Divide Tavern sits directly astride the Eastern Continental Divide. Long a gathering place for Captains of Industry, Heads of State, and celebrities from authors to actors, the Tavern offers unique pub fare, as well as chef designed pub classics. Experience a less formal dining alternative while still enjoying delicious fare, all set in the ambiance of a bygone era. Local, craft and draft beers, seasonal and specialty cocktails offer guests a tempting twist

828.295.5505 | chetola.com June 2017

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alongside classic cocktails. We also offer an impressive selection of wine by the glass, or the bottle. Enjoy live Sunday music on the veranda (seasonally) and live piano in the lobby Friday and Saturday nights, year round. n 825414.9230. www.greenparkinn.com.

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EAT CROW BANNER ELK. Eat Crow is a wonderful little cafe specializing in fresh baked, delicious goods including a large variety of baked pies and cakes.

These delectables are offered by the slice, or you have the option to order a whole one to take home and enjoy.

We also offer fresh made sandwiches at lunch time that can not be compared to any other “sandwich shop” in the area. Since we know life can be very hectic, for your convenience we prepare whole meals and fresh soups daily that are ready for you to take home and heat up for your family. These entrees vary daily. We are always creating something delicious!

All sandwiches are served on farmhouse or whole wheat bread. Choices of sides include fresh fruit, firecracker coleslaw or chips. We are open Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and are located near Foscoe on Hwy. 105 between Boone and Banner Elk. n 828-963-8228. See ad on this page

The Eseeola Lodge linville. Guests enjoy breakfast and dinner daily as part of their accommodations package, but all High Country visitors are welcome to enjoy the finest cuisine. Spend a leisurely morning with us, or grab a quick bite on your way out for the day. Either way, an outstanding breakfast awaits you each morning in our dining room. Then enjoy lunch at the Grill Room in the Linville Golf Club, where resort casual wear is appropriate for daytime meals. For the evening meal, select your choice of seven me68

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ticulously prepared entrees crafted

by Chef Patrick Maisonhaute at the helm of your culinary experience. The menu changes daily, and also offers an extraordinary seafood buffet every Thursday evening with seatings at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. Reservations are required, and gentlemen are required to wear a coat for the evening meal. n 800-742-6717. www.eseeola.com.

See ad on page 71

fairway cafe & venue boone. Not just for golfers! The Fairway café is located at the Boone Golf Course with a beautiful view of the course with an inside dining room or outdoor patio seating. The public is welcome to come enjoy the local fare.

The menu is extensive with an array of salad selections, a half of dozen sandwich choices, hot dogs anyway you like them and hamburgers from the classic to the fancy. The spacious indoor area features a beautiful 32 foot handcrafted maple bar. Our venue is also perfect for any FAIRWAY of life’s memorable CAFE & moments. Ideal for VENUE cocktail parties, fundraisers, wedding events and anniversary parties. The Fairway Venue features clean minimal lines, stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, and views of the beautiful North Carolina Mountains. We have full ABC permits and can seat about 100 inside and roughly 40 on the outside patio. Looking to accommodate even more? A tent can be set up if needed. Come check us out! n 828-264-0233. www.CRCateringCo.com. See ad on page 66

F.A.R.M. CAFÉ boone. In May 2012, F.A.R.M. Cafe opened its doors with our mission to build a healthy and inclusive community by providing high quality & delicious meals produced from local sources, served in a restaurant where everybody eats, regardless of means. Our Feed All Regardless of Means meals are nutri- REAL. GOOD. FOOD.

tious and delicious! Some meals include items with meat, some are vegetarian and/or vegan. Our menu changes daily and is served by our volunteers and staff. F.A.R.M. Cafe tries to have something for everybody each day, so we also always have gluten free and dairy free items. Our daily menu can be viewed at www.farmcafe.org/menu or on Facebook or Twitter. We are located in beautiful Downtown Boone. n 828-386.1000. www.farmcafe.org.

See ad on page 71

We offer more than just accommodations…

Come dine with us!

Gamekeeper Blowing Rock. You haven’t fully experienced the region until you’ve dined at The Gamekeeper. It’s a true gourmet restaurant, with the perfect blend of upscale elegance and simple mountain charm. The Gamekeeper is famous for Southern favorites - ultimate in comfort food - prepared with creativity and originality, offered through an evolving seasonal menu that blends the traditional with the exotic, satisfying both the meat lover and the vegetarian.

Housed in a 1950s stone cottage, The Gamekeeper is an upscale restaurant that offers an eclectic mix of Southern foods and mountain cuisine, offering a selection of unique meat dishes 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. www.Gamekeeper-NC.com. See ad on page 70

THE LOCAL BOONE. a place to enjoy a fresh meal, crafted in-house from local High Country ingredients. Serving traditional southern favorites, she-crab soup and shrimp & grits, as well as grass-fed beef burgers, specialty sandwiches, unique tacos, wood-fired flatbreads & pizzas, quinoa bowls,

& Chestnut Grille

Divide Tavern

Thursday - Sunday evenings from 6pm - 9pm Reservations recommended.

Serving food & drinks seven nights a week!

Opens at 5pm

WE ARE PROUD AND EXCITED TO INTRODUCE CHEF SAM “FRY” BEASLEY,

AS WELL AS NEW MENU SELECTIONS AND PREPARATIONS, SUCH AS:

From the Grille…

RIB EYE

FRIED CHICKEN

SHRIMP & GRITS

Sweet tea brined and buttermilk battered chicken breast, mashed Yukon potatoes, pan gravy

Herb sauteed shrimp over a bed of cheddar grits, lemon-butter pan sauce, bacon crumble

From the Tavern…

Watauga County grown Cascade hops-rubbed & grilled rib eye, bourbonpeppercorn demi-glaze

THE CUBAN SANDWICH

MAC-N-CHICKEN

FISH & CHIPS

Roast pork, ham, Swiss

Macaroni pasta, house cheese sauce, roasted chicken, bacon & sriracha

Batter-fried cod, house cut chips, tartar sauce, lemon & malt vinegar

cheese, house pickles, and mustard on ciabatta bread

www.greenparkinn.com 828.414.9230 9329 Valley Boulevard, Blowing Rock

Follow us on social media!

Facebook.com/GreenParkInn Instagram & Twitter: @thegreenparkinn June 2017

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The Banner Elk Cafe &

The Lodge Espresso Bar & Eatery Fresh Coffees, Salads, Pastas, Pizza, Burgers & Steaks, and Seafood Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner | open 7am daily, 7 days a week

828-898-3444 or 898-4040

Seafood Lover Night Every Friday...Join us for Chef’s specials...everything seafood!

Live music from local musicians Friday and Saturdays on the Patio, 6–10pm

The Banner Elk Cafe & Lodge offer a truly unique dining experience. The two restaurants are connected by beautiful outdoor and covered patios. We offer our guests so many choices with the ability to order from both menus not matter where you sit. Complete with coffee shop, full bar and the largest outdoor dining pavilion in the high country.

Great setting for large groups and family gatherings. Ice Cream Parlor is open seasonally May–October.

WE’RE SERIOUS ABOUT GOOD GRUB A A A FO UR D IA MO ND R ATING SINCE 20 07

restaurant

bar

& CATERED EVENTS

O U T D O O R D I N I N G • B A R / L O U N G E • C AT E R I N G • P R I VAT E F U N C T I O N S BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA (8 2 8) 9 6 3 -74 0 0 R E S E R VAT I O N S R E CO M M E N D E D 70

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steaks, seafood and plenty of glutenfree and vegan choices. The Local also features 20 taps, serving mostly local and regional beers, as well as national favorites. At The Local you can enjoy drinks & appetizers while relaxing on comfortable leather couches in the lounge, play a game of billiards, or watch your favorite sports event on large flat screen TVs. The Local is also the place to be for Live music performances on Friday and Saturday nights.

Experience Local. Open Daily 11am.

Sunday Brunch 11am-4pm. n 828-2662179. www.TheLocalBoone.com. See ad on page 73

Proper BOONE. Located in an old jailhouse build in the late 1800s, Proper offers a charming atmosphere both inside and out. Featuring one of the best brunches in the High Country, guests can enjoy freshly made desserts, locally-sourced ingredients and souther comfort cuisine. Collard greens, sweet potato casserole and homemade meatloaf are only a few of the wonderfully comfortable foods one can enjoy at Proper. n 828-865-5000. www.propermeal.com.

See ad on this page

One Nibble and Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Hooked.

T

he winds are fair, so plot a course for our famous seafood buffet every Thursday evening. If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t made this scrumptious feast one of your weekly traditions, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high tideâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;er, timeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;you did so. Ĺ&#x2DC; (VHHROD FRP

Red Onion CafĂŠ Boone. Established in 1985 as one of the classic restaurants in Boone NC, the Red Onion CafĂŠ opens daily at 11am and serves continuously to hungry guests well into the evening.

The Red Onion CafĂŠ has created its niche in the High Country for more than 30 years by offering customers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere and an extensive menu at affordable prices. The cafĂŠ has something for every member of the family, including burgers, sandwiches, wraps, pizza, pasta, fish, steak and delicious homemade desserts.

Look for weekly dinner specials and the kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menu items as well. The Red Onion CafĂŠ also offers several of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top beer and wines to compliment any meal as well as friendly staff

Homestyle Southern Cooking with a modern, seasonal slant

Feed All Regardless of Means REAL. GOOD. FOOD. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wall Street Journal Says Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Must-Stopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;?

Trip Advisor Review

The F.A.R.M. Cafe is revolutionary and delicious!

Yelp Review

Open Monday - Saturday: 11:30am - 9:00pm Sunday: 11:30am - 3:00pm

142 S. Water St.|Boone NC 28607 828-865-5000|www.propermeal.com

RESPECTABLE. CORRECT. GENUINE

617 W. King St., Boone 828.386.1000 Monday - Friday 11:00 am until 2:00 pm www.farmcafe.org June 2017

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)0634 .PO 4BU BN QN 4VO BN QN

Booneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Original Bagel Shop Since 1988 Serving Breakfast and Lunch All Day Espresso Coffee Bar 14 Varieties of Freshly Baked Bagels Vegetarian & Gluten Free Options Available Featuring Deli Sandwiches, Fresh Salads, Home made Flavored Cream Cheeses, Omelettes, Pancakes, French Toast, Burgers, Gyro

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on hand to assist with your choices from the extensive menu. The outside patio is perfect for a comfortable outdoor lunch or for a cozy dinner on warm evenings. n 828-264-5470. www.theredonioncafe.com. See ad on page 73

LOUISIANA PURCHASE FOOD & SPIRITS BANNER ELK. Louisiana Purchase has been Banner Elkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier restaurant and wine bar since 1984. Made to order elegance. Chef owner Patrick Bagbeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menu evolves with the changing seasons, and will always include all the favorites. All ABC permits and the largest wine list in the area. Open Monday to Sunday 5:30 p.m. untilâ&#x20AC;Ś Reservations suggested. n 828-963-5087 or 828-898-5656. www.louisianapurchasefoodandspirits.com. See ad on page 75

REID'S CAFE & CATERING BANNER ELK. At Reid's Cafe & Catering we offer seasonal menus customized for every occasion, specializing in locally sourced and handcrafted foods. We believe in the importance of bringing  those you love together through food and conversation. We value the handmade and fashion from scratch details as small as the aioli and dressings we use, to house made focaccia and pastries, slow roasted meats and naturally fermented pickles. We avoid industrially grown and processed foods. This translates throughout our planning process to include v a r i e d menu possibilities ranging from traditional favorites to ethnic flavors from around the world. We love the intentional, the specific, the well-cared-for. n 828-268-9600. www.reidscateringco.com. See ad on this page

six pence pub Blowing rock. In 2001 Six Pence opened in Blowing Rock, North Caro72

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June 2017

lina and has been a Blowing Rock staple for visitors and residents alike ever since. Known all over the Restaurant & Pub High Country for establishing itself as a fine example of British fare, the friendly staff, delicious food and extensive beer and wine selection make this local watering hole a local favorite. From traditional British favorites like Shepherd’s Pie and fish and chips to American-style burgers, house made soups and salads, this eatery and bar alleviates everyone’s hunger pains and provides a unique dining experience right on beautiful Main Street.

Who knew that one could find such exceptional British cuisine in the heart of the High Country? The pub now proudly features a new patio so guests can choose to sit outside and enjoy their meals and enjoy the beautiful views of Main Street. Or step inside to the air conditioned interior to beat the heat this summer season. n 828-2953155. www.sixpencepub.com. See ad on page 65

Six Pence

Speckled Trout Blowing Rock. Kitchens are often described as gathering places, the heart of a home. We like to think of The Speckled Trout in a similar sense. Located in downtown Blowing Rock- on the corner of Main Street and 221- is the newly renovated and reinvented restaurant and bottle shop. We explore the roots of Appalachian food and beverage culture, and recreate it in our kitchen by preserving and reviving ingredients of our local heritage. Menus are more than a list of ingredients; they show how people live and what they value. And as the seasons change, so does our menu. You can now fill up on fresh mountain trout, soup beans and hoecakes, and wash it down with local farm beer or fresh Rose. Join us at The Speckled Trout for a taste of heritage and hospitality so often felt in the Blue Ridge Mountains! n 828-295-9819. www.thespeckledtrout.com. See ad on page 74

Over 33 Years in Boone!

CASUAL SOPHISTICATION

CAJUN CHICKEN FETTUCINI • PESTO • CHICKEN FAJITAS WRAP SOUTHWESTERN WRAP • CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD • LASAGNA LOW COUNTRY SALMON • CHICKEN PESTO PIZZA TUSCAN RED PEPPER CHICKEN BOURBON GLAZED CENTER CUT RIBEYE ARTICHOKE DIP WITH TOASTED GARLIC FRENCH BREAD SOUP & QUICHE OF THE DAY...

Outdoor Covered Patio Dining 227 HARDIN STREET IN BOONE

We have Wi-Fi!

828/264.5470 redonionboone.com

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER June 2017

SEVEN DAYS A WEEK High Country Magazine

73

STONEWALLS

The High Countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premier Steak & Seafood Restaurant Serving Daily from 5pm Brunch 10am-2pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday 4IBXOFFIBX "WF 4PVUI t #BOOFS &ML t TUPOFXBMMTSFTUBVSBOU DPN

BANNER ELK. The High Countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier steak and seafood house since 1985. Enjoy your favorite steaks, prime rib, chicken or baby back rib entrĂŠe or choose from the extensive seafood selection or daily specials. Serving daily from 5:00 p.m. in a casual, family-friendly dining atmosphere. Also serving Brunch 10am-2pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. All ABC permits. n 828-898-5550. www.stonewallsresturant.com. See ad on this page

timberlakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RESTAURANT AT CHETOLA RESORT BLOWING ROCK. On July 28, 2012, Chetola officially opened Timberlakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant in the historical building, with a menu inspired by worldrenowned North Carolina artist and designer Bob Timberlakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culinary favorites. The restaurant features three dining rooms, an intimate wine room

Kitchens are often described as gathering places, the heart of the home.

We like to think of The Speckled Trout in a similar sense.

Newly renovated and reinvented restaurant and bottle shop.

We explore the roots of Appalachian food and beverage culture and recreate it in our kitchen by preserving and reviving ingredients of our local heritage.

Menus are more than a list of ingredients; they show how people live and what they value.

Sunday - Wednesday 11am-10pm Thursday-Saturday 11am-11pm / Closed from 3 to 5 pm

922 Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 | 828.295.9818 www.thespeckledtrout.com

info@thespeckledtrout.com 74

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June 2017

and waterfront dining on the Patio.

The charming and warmly outfitted Headwaters Pub is just inside Timberlakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main entrance. Bob Timberlake, who is known for creating things of exceptional artistry and imagination, used his deeply rooted love of food as the impetus behind the distinctive menu. From Mesquite-dusted shrimp and salads of mountain-grown spinach, to Carolina-raised trout and roasted Carolina quail, each dish will be one worth savoring. A mouth-watering array of brick-oven pizzas, tender Angus beef filets, seafood, poultry, and an inspired selection of health and wellness dishes will also tempt palates of all tastes. n 828-295-5505. www.chetola.com. See ad on page 67

vidalia Boone. Centrally located on King Street in downtown Boone, Vidalia is a casual, upscale restaurant featuring

â&#x20AC;&#x153;creative American cuisine.â&#x20AC;? Featuring creative menu items for lunch and dinner, it offers daily specials, various events, wine tastings and special nights.

Famous menu items include the apple and gorgonzola salad, shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles and mushroom ravioli, with finishing choices like stone ground grits and cheddar mac nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cheese. All of these choices come to you from the culinary mind of Chef Samuel Ratchford, who also owns the restaurant with his wife Alyce. Taking pride in the local community, the restaurant is proud to offer various local ingredients and choices to patrons who are looking to try local fare. Vidalia holds all ABC permits and has an extensive wine list which routinely features over 60 different wines which can be expertly paired with meals by the staff, a large selection of craft beers, martinis, whiskeys, scotches and cordials. Vidaliaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. www.vidaliaofboone.com. See ad on page 68

water wheel cafĂŠ

BOONE. Welcome to the Water Wheel CafĂŠ, featuring Boone Bagelry bagels.

Find us on Highway 105 in Boone â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just look for the monumental Water Wheel in our parking lot! We are locally owned and operated our location offers a lodge-like feel with an impressive rock fireplace, a spacious open floor plan, and cozy booth seating. Our Culinary Team developed The Water Wheel Cafe menu to feature many of the Original classics we are known for, as well as new and exciting menu items that will win you over. We also offer a coffee bar with Espresso drinks. We look forward to serving you. n 828-262-1600. www.bbwaSee ad on page 72 Ken's ads.qxp_Half Page 5/31/17 12:41 PM Pageterwheelcafe.com.

1

828-264-7772 3JWFST 4USFFU r #PPOF

Follow us on facebook for our daily food and drink specials

Indoor or Outdoor Dininďż˝ XXX DBGFQPSUPĂąOP OFU

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TIME FOR GOOD TASTES. Louisiana Purchase.

Always Fresh.

Always Delicious.

RAISE YOUR SPIRITS.

IN THE HEART OF BANNER ELK Featuring French, Creole & Cajun Cuisine SERVING DINNER:

Tuesday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saturday, Opening at 6:00 p.m.

RESERVATIONS REQUESTED: 828/ 963-5087

or

828/ 898-5656

Wine Spectatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award Of Excellence 1990 through 1995 Wine Spectatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Of Award Of Excellence 1996 through 2016

June 2017

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Photo by Todd Bush

The Art Cellar Gallery Begins 25th Season ďż˝

Celebrating Appalachian Art & Artists

Photo by Todd Bush 76

High Country Magazine

June 2017

Michael and Pam McKay sit amongst fine art, sculpture and other three-dimensional works in glass, clay, wood and stone, their dream of promoting artists having come true over the past 25 years.

W

hat a difference a generation makes. When Banner Elk native Pam McKay started The Art Cellar Gallery & Framemakers in 1993, the display and work space totaled 1,200 square feet and was located in an actual cellar. Her husband, Michael McKay, joined the enterprise the following year, and together they have created a showcase for top regional artists, all while raising two sons and spending countless hours supporting arts education throughout the High Country.

Today, as The Art Cellar begins its 25th year, the business has grown to more than 4,000 square feet of light-filled exhibition space and framing workshop over three

Photo by Dot Griffith

levels. The gallery specializes in fine art, sculpture and other three-dimensional works in glass, clay, wood and stone. The in-house frame shop has framed over 20,000 works.

Most important of all: the McKays’ dream of promoting the work of Appalachian artists has become a reality. The Art Cellar’s lineup this season includes High Country art luminaries like David Birmingham, Norma Murphy, Gregory Smith, Noyes Capehart and Herb Jackson.

In addition, the gallery will feature emerging artists from the area whose work may grace collections of the future – the next 25 years, as Pam observes.

Visitors to the gallery will be able to

enjoy exhibitions, artist talks, book signings and other special events from June 1 through October, all of them free and open to the public.

It turns out that getting to know art enthusiasts and collectors in the High Country is a huge – and enjoyable -- part of running the gallery. “It is even better when clients and collectors get to meet and interact with the artists themselves,” Pam says. “You never know which artist might pop in for a visit. Attending the gallery’s opening receptions for the artists or for the artists’ talks is a perfect opportunity to learn not only about the finished works of art but about the creative process and how technique melds with vision to create June 2017

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Michael McKay and Pam McKay attended the Folk Fest in Atlanta due to their deep appreciation for art. beautiful new works.”

She adds: “After 25 years we have become very close with many of our patrons.

We are also celebrating our friendships with clients throughout the region, ever aware of our good fortune in being able to help enhance their lives and homes with fine art and framing. It’s a very enjoyable profession.”

The first show of the season, called The Throwback Exhibition, is homage to the first year Pam opened The Art Cellar Gallery’s doors: Norma Murphy, Gregory Smith and Tom VanNortwick, plus select pieces of Folk Art. (That show runs June 1-24.)

The McKays don’t just display and sell art; they collect it for themselves as well.

“For us, collecting is as much of a thrill as placing a piece in someone else’s collection. We live with art we love.”

For Pam and Michael McKay, nurturing the business has meant a rare opportunity to pursue fulfilling careers in the fine arts while remaining in the place they love:

In 1993, Pam McKay started The Art Cellar Gallery & Framemakers with the display and work space totaling 1,200 square feet and being located in an actual cellar.

the North Carolina High Country. Not all “locals” are so lucky.

“When we graduated from Appalachian State in the late ‘80s, everyone left to start a career,” Pam says. “We were able to stay and make a living, and make a difference. Art has always been my passion, and the gallery allows me to share that.”

Both owners are Appalachian State University graduates, Pam with a degree in art marketing and production, and Michael with a business degree from the Walker School of Business. Longtime Yosef Club members, they were also founding donors to the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts and have supported the Turchin Center in a host of other ways since its inception; Pam has served on the Turchin’s advisory board, and The Art Cellar Gallery has both loaned and borrowed art work, consulted on exhi-

Mike McKay and Wiili admire art together. Getting to know art enthusiasts and collectors and part of running the gallery.

78 H i gin h the C o High u n t rCountry y M a g is a zai huge, ne Juneenjoyable, 2017

bitions, and helped develop and promote events hosted by the museum.

She has also contributed to the wider arts community at the university, serving on the art advisory board and the interior design advisory board, and as a consultant on design portfolios and presentations in the Interior Design Department.

In addition, both owners have been involved with art education and events in the local grade and high schools, as well as exhibitions at Cannon Memorial Hospital and Lees-McRae College.

In 1998, Pam McKay and Jim Sudduth, a well-known folk artist, posed together in Fayetteville, Alabama. Even after all this time, Pam McKay still enjoys getting to know artists throughout the region.

Despite its small beginnings, The Art Cellar is beginning its 25th year and has grown to more than 4,000 square feet of light-filled exhibition space and framing workshop over three levels.

Photo by Todd Bush

“For us, collecting is as much of a thrill as placing a piece in someone else’s collection. We live with art we love.”

– Pam McKay Pam sees her family’s work in the larger context of the entire High Country arts community, including artists, galleries and more.

“We so respect our fellow art dealers in the area and are proud to be a part of that facet of the arts in the High Country,” she said. “We are continually proud to jointly promote the arts of our region. This reciprocal relationship with our area galleries and arts organizations creates an art destination worthy of its reputation.

“Western North Carolina is one of the top art-rich regions in the country, with Asheville, Penland School of Crafts, Appalachian State University and an amazing concentration of art-

around the gallery in the midst of original art and sculpture, and getting to know artists and their intense focus and discipline.

The McKay family actually lived on the top floor of the gallery building at first, but as the gallery expanded they moved along.

Today the “family” includes two special staff members who both make unique contributions to the success of the business. Sarah Myers is the gallery director, having joined The Art Cellar in 2010. Her work involves making sure that any purchase from The Art Cellar Gallery reaches buyers with complete documentation.

She helps provide appraisals and other professional services and continually updates her knowledge of fine arts by studying the lives and works of the gallery’s artists.

Armed with such deep appreciation, she can help clients select works that will maintain their appeal and their value for many years to come. And she can guide clients to works that complement an existing collection rather than being added haphazardly. After all, the work of many of The Art Cellar Gallery’s stable of artists increases in sophistication Mason McKay and Morgan McKay spent their early – and value – as it is grouped together years toddling around the gallery in the midst of in a sort of visual timeline of developoriginal artwork and sculpture, and getting to know ment. When it comes time to sell, doartists and their intense focus and discipline. ists of all mediums. Their contributions are markers on the art map of our country.

From traditional and folk arts to nationally known abstract painters and glass artists, there’s an incredible range of talents right here where we live, work and play.”

During all those years of intensive involvement in the arts, the couple raised two boys, who were able to grow up surrounded not only by the area’s natural beauty, but also in an environment where artistic expression was taken seriously.

Both boys spent their early years toddling

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Today, the McKay “family” consists of (left to right) Mason McKay, Michael McKay, Pam McKay, Sarah Myers, Robert Hancock and Morgan McKay. Together, they all work to make unique contributions to the success of the business and promotion of local artists.

80

Over the past 25 years, The Art Cellar has hosted artwork by a wide array of artists throughout the High Country. Pictured above are some of the artists in the gallery of The Art Cellar.

H i g h Cwhose o u n t work r y M has a g afound z i n e its home June 2017

nate or gift a piece of art, accurate documentation can be crucial.

Also on the staff is Michael McKay’s nephew Robert Hancock. He is the gallery’s framer.

Rob came to Lees-McRae College in 2006 from Roanoke, Va., and earned his Certified Picture Framer diploma in 2013. He specializes in museum conservation and preservation techniques for the many original pieces of art the gallery frames. He is a genius at finding new and beautiful ways to frame art. Frame repair and custom mat design are his specialties.

Rob “can build anything,” and has created frames for all sorts of personal treasures, from antique lace to signed collectors books to muchloved sports jerseys and valuable flags. He has even built box frames with backlighting, so that special works of art can be viewed in totally new ways. His love of tinkering, plus technical skills and imagination, have resulted in unique addons to the original works of art.

Over the last 25 seasons, the staff has seen how trends in framing and mats change, just as fashions change. One decade the trend may be toward understatement and subtlety; at other times there is more glitz and glamour. And there are regional differences as well. What looks great on art hung in a Miami condo may be all wrong in the more rustic setting of the mountains. Today a lot of buyers want to use the tactile beauty of aged barn wood for frames, for example, but Rob says that even something as simple as unfinished wood from a barn may conceal a lot of technical considerations. The secret is marrying the right look with the right materials to best preserve and protect works of art for many years.

There’s one other aspect of Rob’s work that intrigues the gallery’s clients: he can be called on

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The in-house frame shop has framed over 20,000 works. Trends in framing have changed and developed over the years, with today’s trend centering around aged barn wood. to reach the hardest-to-reach walls to hang art. Many homes in the High Country boast soaring ceilings and tall stone fireplaces, all of which make for exciting architecture but may be difficult for art installation. It takes a special touch to climb so high while holding heavy, bulky art works…and then get the positioning just right.

Rob thrives on the challenge.

Part of what all the Art Cellar staff – from the owners to the gallery director and the framer – have learned is the changing nature of art in the lives of buyers. As a whole generation of art lovers has matured along with the gallery and frame shop, parents have become grandparents, young children have become adults with

The Art Cellar Gallery celebrates 25 years of being in the heart of the High Country, and the McKays look forward to celebrating another 25 years with artists both past, present and future throughout the community. families of their own, and passing an art collection along to future generations often requires some guidance. A beloved piece of art may form an important part of a family’s memories in a certain house, and such intangibles go far beyond dollars and cents.

Important advice from the entire staff: sunlight is the worst enemy of fine art works, so decisions on frames, mats and even glass can affect the longevity of any purchase. They all know that works of art brought in from other sources for new frames may also need other work too, to stop deterioration from inappropriate materials as well as to restore some of the original luster.

The learning curve of a quarter century has been an inspiring process for Pam McKay and the rest of the crew.

Home Photography at its Best Local Photographer

TODD BUSH Has 25 Years Experience in Showcasing Custom Home Photography for

Contractors, Real Estate Agents, Interior Designers Suppliers & Vendors

COMMERCIAL and AREA SCENIC PHOTOGRAPHY bushphoto.com | 828-898-8088 | banner elk nc 82

High Country Magazine

June 2017

2017 Exhibition Schedule The Art Cellar Gallery & Framemakers 25th Anniversary Season The Art Cellar Gallery & Framemakers invite the public to enjoy this season-long lineup of important High Country art events. All events are free.

Robert Hancock, the gallery’s framer and nephew of Michael McKay, “can build anything” and has created frames for all sorts of personal treasures. Sarah Myers, armed with a deep appreciation of art and the process of creating, can guide clients to works that complement an existing collection.

“The Art Cellar Gallery boasts a tremendous and ever-changing stable of artists,” says Pam. “This is a very special relationship to experience with an artist. To be the face of their representation is a job the gallery staff takes very seriously.”

The joy is contagious.

“We continue to push the envelope and present the most amazing artwork and talent available, while preserving and presenting the rich artistic heritage of our region.” t

Throwback Exhibition, June 1-24 Featuring the work of longtime gallery artists Gregory Smith, Norma Murphy and Tom VanNorwick, plus folk art that ties the lyrical past to the lively present. Throwback welcome back party Saturday, June 3, from 4-6 p.m.

Paintings & Drawings of Herb Jackson June 29 - July 29 Spotlighting the work of abstract artist and North Carolina Award winner Herb Jackson. In 2015 Jackson received the North Caroliniana Society Award for extraordinary contributions to North Carolina’s cultural heritage. Artist talk and book signing Sunday, July 2, from 2-4 p.m.

Life on Canvas, Noyes Capehart Retrospective, Aug. 2-26 A retrospective exhibition of Noyes Capehart’s complex and layered artworks. His shadowy, cryptic messages are often embedded in the evocative landscapes.

Artist talk and book signing Sunday, Aug. 6, from 2-4 p.m.

Artist Invitational, Featuring emerging artists from the area Aug. 28 – Oct. 21 An exciting opportunity to see the work of promising regional artists whose work merits wider recognition.

Gathering of the Artists, Saturday, Sept. 2, from 4-6 p.m.

Conversations with Bill Dunlap … future event tentatively scheduled for Aug. 13, from 2-4 p.m. Please contact Gallery for current information.

For a complete listing of events this season visit www. artcellaronline.com, or call 828-898-5175. The Art Cellar Gallery & Framemakers is located on Hwy. 184 (192 Shawneehaw Ave.) in Banner Elk. The gallery is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays by appointment.

20 Years in Review, Tony Griffin Retrospective, July 13 – Aug. 12 A look back at the figures and landscapes of classically trained artist Tony Griffin.

Artist reception Saturday, July 15, from 4-6 p.m.

G A L L E R Y

June 2017

&

F R A M E M A K E R S

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Apple Hill Farm

BY jan todd

I

t was love at first sight when they locked eyes at the Kentucky State Fair. As Lee Rankin gazed into his enormous, gentle eyes, she melted, feeling unconditional adoration and sensing that her life had changed forever. At that moment, she decided she must have him. Or at least some like him.

Perhaps even a whole herd.

Thus began Lee’s dream to own an alpaca farm. Some thought her crazy. After all, Lee was a single mom with a two year old son, Will. True, she had a soft spot in her heart for animals, but she had never lived on a farm. Her father was a banker 84

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at a brokerage farm where she grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, and her family’s lifestyle was quite suburban.

At the time of her first alpaca encounter, Lee had recently published a cookbook, “Cookin’ Up a Storm: The Life and Recipes of Annie Johnson.” Annie was Lee’s childhood nanny and lifelong friend.

While promoting the book, Lee had visited Blowing Rock on two occasions for book signings. She had been so enamored by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains that the High Country became her first choice for the farm of her dreams.

“Even though I didn’t know anyone in the area, I drove down to North Carolina and started looking for a place. I wanted something with at least ten acres of farmable land and a mountaintop view. I decided that if I found a property that I just couldn’t say “no” to, then that was it. We’d move.”

As destiny would have it, Lee found just the place, at the peak of Valle Mountain in a community called Matney, about halfway between Valle Crucis and Banner Elk. The forty-acre property had a contemporary styled home, and had once been a thriving apple farm. Woods had grown

Lee Rankin is the owner/operator of Apple Hill Farm, raising alpacas, llamas, Angora goats, chickens, horses, a pig, and a variety of dogs.

Gumby, the alpaca (below) loves to pose for pictures during farm tours. Photos by Jan Todd up around most of the apple trees, but there was a small orchard right in front of the house. Lee and toddler Will moved in the fall of 2001.

Lee spent the first couple of years doing research, clearing some pasture land, and building the main barn and a chicken coop. The first animals she added were not alpacas, but chickens. “We still had some work to do to get ready for the alpacas, but I was ready to get started and wanted to introduce myself to one type of animal at a time. I wanted American Dominique chickens, a heritage breed that dates back to the 1880’s. They were not very common, though, and I finally found a breeder in Ohio. At the time, there was a shipping ban on all chickens. So I went to visit a friend in Cincinnati, and told her I was kidnapping her to go on a chicken run! We drove up to the breeders and loaded a rooster and five hens into my dog crate, and drove the whole squawking mess back to North Carolina in my SUV. That was one long trip.”

Initially, Lee let the chickens roam the pasture during the day. “The rooster, Richard Randoph Esmeralda, would take the “girls” out for a walk in the orchard. If the chickens June 2017

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The spacious barn provides shelter for the animals during inclement weather, and houses a gift shop with alpaca yarn, fresh farm eggs, and handmade gifts. Photos by Lonnie Webster Mojo and Frosty, the two wounded alstrayed too far, the rooster would squawk was dead by the shelter, two were in the and get them to come back. He was a very barn, and Millie was barely alive over by pacas that made it to the barn, were sent demanding guy.” However, hawks and the the wood line. The electric fence was com- to a large animal hospital in Knoxville. “I farm dogs proved to be a threat to the chick- pletely destroyed. All of the alpacas were visited them ever few days, and brought ens, so Lee had to resort to keeping them in badly mauled. Two died while I was wait- them branches from the apple trees,” remembered Lee. “They loved those.” a pen for their protection. The chickens lay ing for help to arrive.”

Sadly, Frosty died colorful eggs, which evafter three weeks at eryone on the farm enjoys the hospital. When it and are also available for was evident that Frosty sale to the public. wasn’t going to make it, During her second Lee quickly purchased year, Lee purchased five another alpaca to be with alpacas, including three Mojo. “Alpacas are herd adults, a baby, and twoanimals and don’t like to month old Millie that be alone, so I made sure needed to be bottle fed.

Mojo had a new friend However, a few months after we lost Frosty.” later, tragedy struck. Lee After such a heartcame home one mornbreaking loss, some may ing after running some have given up. Lee perseerrands to find that her vered. “I still had Mojo,” herd had been brutally she said. “He survived, so attacked by a mountain I had to go on for him.” lion. “In broad daylight!”

Lee sent the alpacas she described. “One of to another breeder to the alpacas was lying in board while she redethe driveway, another Alpacas are native to the mountains of Peru, and are well 86 High Country Magazine June 2017 suited for the climate in the High Country of North Carolina.

Apple Hill Farm has a small grove of apple trees that grow in the orchard across from the barn. The trees provide snacks for the animals. signed the farm to protect them from other attacks. “It was a terrifying time,” she reflected. “From what I was told, I knew the mountain lion would be back. So we had to be prepared. I mean, here I was, living alone with a young child! We had a guy from out West who trained us on how to handle it if we saw something. We had an “open door policy” on the property. If you had your car here, the doors had to be open. Every vehicle had doors open, just in case we spotted the lion and had to jump in for safety.”

Animals on Patrol

Alpaca breeders in the Western United States, where mountain lions are prevalent, were great resources for Lee. It was from them that she learned better ways to protect her alpacas. “Mountain lions, though now very rare, are native to our area,” said Lee. “They’ve been here much longer than I have, and so we had to figure out ways to live with them. We don’t want to be the type of farmers that go out and kill or try to remove predators. They’re part of the ecosystem, and so we needed to figure out how to protect our animals within that ecosystem.”

“We added a couple of llamas to the herd.

Predators will look around to see what’s the largest animal in the field. Llamas are about twice the size of alpacas, about three hundred pounds, and they act as guardians,” explained Lee. “So just the presence of Harley and Basil, the llamas, is enough to deter predators.”

It’s interesting to watch the llamas in the field with the alpacas. Most of the time, Harley and Basil are positioned like sentries, on opposite sides of the pasture looking in different directions, keeping guard.

For additional defense, Lee added a pair of donkeys to the farm. Around the perimeter of the alpaca field is the donkey pen, about ten feet wide, similar to a moat around a castle. “Donkeys are very territorial,” Lee explained. “So if anything comes near the donkeys, they’ll stomp and bray. If an animal gets into their pen, the donkeys will kick, trample and bite.” The donkeys’ behavior is part of their nature; they haven’t been trained to protect or defend.

Springtime and early summer often mean babies on the farm! The alpacas and Angora goats are bred for offspring to be sold or raised on the farm. Photos by Lonnie Webster June 2017

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To transfer the alpacas from one pasture to another, Lee ties guide ropes between the fields. Photos by Jan Todd “The donkeys are part of our natural ture. They are nocturnal, so they sleep a young farm animals.

Bonnie, one of the Pyrenees, stays in the alarm system,” Lee continued. “They bray, lot during the day but stay alert at night. and then all of the dogs perk up to see Their thick coats make them appear even field with the female goats. “She’s fascinatwhat’s going on. The dogs have different larger, and also make them well suited to ing to watch,” said Lee. “If there is a threat, barks. They have a casual bark that says, the harsh climate of the High Country. she’ll run around the field, barking in dif“Hey, there’s something out there some- Great Pyrenees can be very aggressive with ferent places, to make is sound like there is where”, and then another bark entirely for predators, but are also very gentle with a whole pack of dogs in that field.”

“There’s something right on the other side small, helpless animals due to their guardof the fence.” That’s when I sit up in bed. ian nature, so they can be trusted with the If I have six dogs barking, Apple Hill Farm is open that’s like a six alarm fire. to the public every day durUsually, the barking will ing the summer and limited take care of the intruder, hours throughout the year, but sometimes I have to go but it didn’t start out as a out and investigate.” tourist destination. “InitialLee doesn’t worry ly, the plan was to breed, too much anymore about show, and sell alpacas,” remountain lion attacks vealed Lee. “We didn’t even . “Since we know that think about having people they’re here, and nothing come out to the farm to more has happened, we tour and visit. But after know that our deterrents the mountain lion attack, work.” Other predators are people started showing up. more common, including They had heard about what coyotes, possums, foxes, happened, and came out to skunks, weasels, and bears. see where we were. EveryThere are several dogs one was interested in the alon the farm, including pacas, so we began offering some Great Pyernees, extours of the farm.” cellent guard dogs by naThe tour business grew, Bonnie, one of the farm’s Great Pyrenees, lives in the pen with the 88 High Country Magazine June 2017 female Angora goats to provide protection from predators.

Animals on Parade

Alpaca shearing day is the first Saturday of June each year, with the public invited to experience this fun-filled day on the farm.

Photos by Lonnie Webster and the farm added a store to market the alpaca yarn, fresh eggs, local crafts and honey. There’s quite a demand for products made from alpaca fiber. It is naturally hypo-allergic, as it does not contain lanolin, a substance in sheep wool that causes irritation in some people. Alpaca fiber is very soft to the touch, and has a hollow core which means that it insulates without being too hot. It wicks moisture away

from the skin, making it an ideal material for hiking socks, sweaters, and hats.

Apple Hill uses a service in Weaverville, NC to process and spin the fleece from the annual shearing of their alpacas.

The farm also sells their own as well as other yarn, primarily from alpacas and llamas, all sourced either from American or fair trade markets. “Fair trade means they’re paying a fair wage, and treating

their people responsibly,” said Lee. In addition to the regular tours, the farm hosts several events. “Shearing the alpacas is always a big deal,” said Lee. “That happens in early June. We have an open house event then, and the public comes out to watch. Then, we have several “Knitting with the Alpacas” events in the summer and fall, where people are invited to bring their knitting projects, sit under the apple trees,

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Alpaca fiber is hypoallergenic, extremely soft, and very warm. It’s luxurious yarn is well suited for knitting scarves, sweaters, hats, and socks. Shannon Logel (center) models a hat and scarf made from alpaca fiber. Photos by Lonnie Webster and enjoy the alpacas while they knit.”

During the Christmas holidays, the farm is in full swing with locally grown table top trees and wreaths, pony rides, and animals decked out in festive wear. And for the Fourth of July, some of the animals join in the Banner Elk Independence Day Parade. Knox, one of the guardian dogs, pulls a wagon carrying Pickles the Pig, and the llamas walk in the parade.

Sharing the farm and animal stories with the public, via tours, events and social media, helps educate people and bring awareness about the importance of local farms in our community. At Apple Hill, each of the animals have unique personalities and stories, and the tours serve to enlighten guests about the care of the animals.

While most of the animals on the farm have a “job,” whether it be to provide fiber, lay eggs, or protect, some have been added to the farm purely for enjoyment or education.

For instance, included in the menagerie of animals are two horses.

Several years ago, Lee’s son Will had been riding horses at a facility in Valle Crucis. There was one horse named Hannah, and she and Will had a special relationship. “Anytime he was around, her face would get really soft,” Lee recalled. “We had planned to add horses to the farm, and wanted to buy Hannah when the time was right. Hannah got sick with pneumonia, and the vet said if she didn’t start eating grass, she was going to die. So I offered to bring her on.

This horse was 150 pounds underweight, hadn’t had her shots, had pnemonia, and 90

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oh! She was pregnant! So it was really a rescue purchase.”

When it was time for the foal to be born, Lee and Will had sleep overs in the barn. “We both got to witness the birth, which was really special. The night she was born, there was a full moon, so we called her Luna.”

Through the experience with Hannah, Lee became interested and got in-

volved in Horse Helpers of the High Country rescue organization. This past year, she hosted a photo shoot at the farm for a fund-raising calendar to support the mission. The calendar is for sale in the farm’s gift shop, and the presence of Hannah and Luna give the farm’s tour guides the opportunity to talk about the rescue organization to the public.

Will Rankin, Lee’s son, grew up on Apple Hill Farm and graduated from high school this year.

Expanding the Family, Expanding the Tours

The more the farm has grown, the more help has been needed to run the place. During the early years, Lee had a caretaker living in an apartment in the barn. Farm workers were hired to help with farm chores including mowing and landscaping, fence repair, and animal care. Then, as the tour business expanded and the store was opened, even more workers were required.

Luckily, the farm is positioned between Lees McRae College and Appalachian State University, and Lee found the college students to be ideal additions to traditional farm staff. Not only did their hours and availability coincide nicely with the needs of the farm, but their educational backgrounds and interests brought new direction and insights to the farm.

Brianne Harris began working at Apple Hill in 2011 during her senior year as a Psychology major at ASU. “I’ve always loved animals, and have held several jobs working with animals. Initially, at Apple Hill, I was working part-time, with the horses and ponies. Then I moved on to working in the store. I took on more and more responsibilities, including social media, managing the website, ordering supplies, scheduling the staff. I tell people that I’m the “Chief Everything Officer.”

While at ASU, Brianne always expected to stay in the area after graduation. “I grew up just north of Durham, in Creedmoor. I always loved the mountains, and we used to come up on vacation when I was a kid.

I’ve been to Autumn at Oz, many times, and Tweetsie. The first time I went to Banner Elk,

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Lee Rankin has rescued several horses, and is active with the Horse Helpers of the High Country. Photo by Lonnie Webster with guardian dogs, because new things can when I was 7 or 8, I told my parents that this be a threat. So when we had to bring a new is where I wanted to live when I grew up.” person on to work at the farm, I knew it Brianne said that while many students would be difficult for Badger. He wouldn’t fall in love with the mountains and would want the new person to come into the field love to stay, it doesn’t always work out. or touch the goats. When we hired Eric, a “Lots of times students have very specific new employee, I took him up to the pasture dreams, and want things to work out a cera few times, and brought food for Badger. tain way. But finding a job up here sometimes So every time Badger saw Eric, he’d get requires thinking outside the box. Those of treats, and eventually began to associate us who are open to different things, open Eric with treats. So then Badger was perto what God has in store, are more likely to fectly fine with Eric going into the field and stay. While in school, I expected to pursue working with the goats.” a career in Psychology and Counseling. So Brianne is now focusing on animal eneven though things have turned out differrichment on the farm. She explained, “The ently, I’m happy doing what I do.” animals all live in a great place, and the farm Brianne feels like she uses her psychology provides an awesome life for them. But, for degree every day. “It is interesting to see how example, the alpacas all eat out of hay feedmuch it applies. In school, I concentrated on Stitch, the alpaca ers. They graze some, but most of their food principals of learning and behavior modificais from the feeders, which isn’t really the tion. In my job, I use this both with people and with the animals. If there is a behavioral issue with an animal most natural way for alpacas to eat. I read about a farm in Alaska where the farmers actually bury hay in the snow during the wingoing on, I can figure out why it is going on.”

She continued, “For instance, we had a guardian dog named tertime. Alpacas are native to Peru, where there are harsh winters Badger. He was very sensitive to new things, and that’s common with a lot of snow, and they have to dig to find their food. So we’re The llama (far left) acts as a guardian animal for the alpacas. Miniature horses (right) frolic in the field on a warm spring day. Photos by Jan Todd

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considering doing that.”

“Mr. Pickles, the pig, gets his breakfast in a bowl,” Brianne continued. “But his dinner is sprinkled over the hay, because pigs love to forage for their food. It gives him the chance to root around, and instead of slurping down his food in thirty seconds, it takes him about thirty minutes.

He loves it, and chirps around having a good old time.”

Eric Rayfield is a relatively new employee at Apple Hill Farm. Eric earned his undergraduate degree in Wildlife Biology at Lees McRae and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree at Appalachian. “Eric is incredible,” said Lee. “I learn something new from him every time I see him. He’s great on tours, teaching everyone about the birds and the bees,” she joked.

Actually, Lee was serious. Eric’s thesis for his Master’s program is about the population genetics of bumblebees, and he is an avid bird enthusiast as well. “Whether it is on the tours or with my co-workers, anytime the opportunity arises, I like to “nerd out” and tell them every possible detail about plants in the garden, or bees, native wild plants or birds we might see,” said Eric.

Thanks to Eric, Apple Hill Farm plans to add a naturalist tour this summer. “We

have trails through the woods all over the farm, and I’ve been out scouting for plants and birds to include on a walking tour,” said Eric. “We’ll have one walk geared especially for kids. I used to work at the Carolina Raptor Center down in Charlotte, and we had kid-friendly tours that I loved leading.

We’re also thinking about having tours for groups like the Audobon Society. We actually have some rare birds up here. I’ve seen Scarlet Tangers, Rose Breasted Grosbeaks, Peregrine Falcons, and Pine Siskins. So we’re planning to reach out to birdwatchers and other naturalist groups.”

Lee is excited about what Eric, and each one of the farm employees, bring to the table. She considers employees, farm guests, and of course, the animals as part of her “family.” Whether it be for a few moments or for a lifetime, Lee connects with people who come to the farm. Sharing a laugh over the baby goats jumping for joy in the pasture, sipping a cup of coffee while watching the alpacas quietly graze, or engaging in conversation while knitting in the orchard, Lee builds relationships that can be enlightening and even healing.

Eric echoed the sentiment experienced

by Lee and many of the people who stop

Lee Rankin of Apple Hill Farm by. “Being on this farm is therapeutic. Just being around the animals, in these beautiful surroundings, you start de-stressing.”

Lee summed up the essence of the Apple Hill Farm experience, “This is just too good not to share.” t For more information and farm and tour hours, visit applehillfarmnc.com or call 828-963-1662.

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The High Country’s

Mack Brown

College Football’s Gentleman, Championship Coach & ESPN’s Master Analyst

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Mack Brown gives the famous University of Texas "Hook 'Em Horns" gesture following a Longhorns victory while he was their head coach.

T

hroughout his childhood and early adult years a mystical spirit called destiny permeated in the life of William Mack Brown. The old adage reveals that when destiny calls, one feels obligated to answer.

And answer he did as Brown was destined to coach and help young athletes become better players and better people while also helping them win at the game of football and the game called life.

The North Carolina High Country resident retired in 2013 after 40-plus years coaching college football. Feats during his 30 as a head coach included a whopping 244 wins, a national championship, two conference championships, two National Coach of The Year awards and deserved credit for improving the football fortunes of four universities (Appalachian State, Tulane, North Carolina and Texas).

Brown quickly shot up the coaching ranks as a specialist with wide receivers, and his game knowledge and a reputation as one of the game’s top recruiters continually opened doors to better coaching opportunities for him. Simply put, Brown became one of the hottest commodities in the college coaching profession and he lived the nomadic life of a college football coach for years as he got one job after another.

Brown not only wowed recruits, but he brought zenith enthusiasm to each program he coached. Whether he was speaking at booster functions, talking to his players, chatting with the media, visiting with young children or whoever, Brown’s down-home wit, wisdom and genuineness is energetic, engaging and contagious. His passion for football and for people is clearly evident. Brown is one of the classiest, most positive and friendliest individuals anyone could meet. He seems to always find a silver lining in any situation and his ability to make friends of strangers is almost legendary. And establishing stability in programs of which he was the head coach was his trademark.

With all of the success on the field, the primary emphasis remained the same with Brown’s teams – maintaining a high level of achievement in the classroom. Eighty percent of his players at North Carolina received their degrees and he increased the pace at Texas, as more than a third of his players regularly earned 3.0 grade point averages.

And many of his players went on to professional playing careers providing further proof of his recruiting genius. In the drafts during Brown’s time as a head coach, the National Football League (NFL) picked 108

BY TIM GARDNER of his student-athletes, and he had a player selected in 28 straight drafts. He has had 20 players (16 from Texas and four from UNC) selected in the first round in the last 16 drafts of his coaching career. And during those last 16 years, Brown had 71 players selected in the draft with 55 (77.5%) of those coming in the first four rounds.

Brown commented about his favorite aspects of coaching: “Getting to know a player and his family from the recruiting process and watching that young person grow athletically, academically and as an adult from the time you signed him to the time he leaves as a senior is most rewarding. And it’s a joy to stay in contact with the players and their families after their college careers end. I stay in touch with so many of them on Facebook.

I also get Christmas cards from many of my former players and many come to visit me periodically.

“Having close relationships with my former assistant coaches, other staff people and foremost, my players, and keeping those relationships for the rest of my life is what I like best about coaching.”

Since retiring from coaching, Brown has continued to stay busy in college football as a color commentator and studio analyst for ESPN’s broadcasts. But when he’s not on the road as one of the college game’s top goodwill ambassadors, Brown and his lovely wife,

“I simply want to be thought of as an honorable man who gives every ounce of energy and passion that I have in my endeavors and that I have done things the right way.”

– Mack Brown

Sally, are often relaxing at their home near Grandfather Lake in the Linville community of Avery County. The Brown’s built a new home here after they lost their previous one to fire in 2014. More about that later in this story, but first it will focus in chronological order of the serendipity football career of one of the game’s most noted personalities along with more of his quotes about past and current sports happenings.

Early Life

Mack was born as the middle of three children (he has two brothers, Mel and Watson) on August 27, 1951 in Cookeville, Tennessee to Melvin and Katherine Brown. Mack attended Putnam County High School there where he was a three-sport star athlete. His family had a long history with football. His grandfather, Eddie “Jelly” Watson, a standout athlete at Tennessee Tech, went on to become one of the winningest football coaches in Middle Tennessee High School prep football.

And Mack’s brother, Watson, also had a long football coaching career, including as a head coach at six colleges or universities. In fact, Watson ended his coaching career at his and Mack’s hometown school, Tennessee Tech.

Mack was a three sport star for the Putnam County Cavaliers, playing not only football, but also basketball and baseball. But he was most noted for his football-playing exploits there. Possessing good speed, strength and toughness, Mack more often than not ran right through opposing players. He was a major component to the 1967 Putnam County team that was undefeated and finished the year ranked second in Tennessee and was generally considered the best public high school team in state. Following his senior season of ‘68, he was named First Team AllMid-State, The Nashville Tennessean's Most Valuable Regional High School Player, Most Valuable Player of the Cystic Fibrosis Bowl in Chattanooga, All-State by the Knoxville Journal, United Press International and Associated Press All-State as well as to the Prep All-American Team.

The rich family football heritage and a wholesome, Christian upbringing helped forge and further develop Mack as a player, coach and human being.

Collegiate Playing Injury Expedites Iconic Coaching Career

Following high school, Mack signed to play for Vanderbilt University, where Watson already was a standout player. Mack had wanted to play at the University of Alabama,

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ranked Florida State (55-21). The Tigers also recorded their first win over Alabama (20-10) since 1970. LSU lost 21-20 to third-ranked Nebraska in the Orange Bowl.

Appalachian State Provides First Head Coaching Job

In just his tenth season of full-time coaching and only 32 years old, Brown became a head coach, taking over the Appalachian State University program. His then-Division I-AA Mountaineers finished with their first winning record in four years – 6-5 over-all (4-3 in the Southern Conference) during his one season (1983) at the school.

The highlight of his Appalachian State tenure was leading the Mountaineers to Coach Mack Brown (middle) tutoring players Jeff Wilson and a 27-25 upset win at Division One Wake Andre Crawford in Appalachian State's then-Conrad Stadium in 1983.

Forest in his first game as head coach.

“That was really a special game for but it was important to him to play alongside Watson. Mack endured a knee injury while playing for the Commodores and later transferred our program,” Brown recalled. “It may have been the biggest win for to Florida State, where he lettered twice and graduated with a bache- Appalachian State at that time in its rich history. That day (September lor’s degree in education in 1974. He later received a graduate degree 3) also had added special meaning for our family as Watson was head coach at the University of Cincinnati and his team upset the defending from Southern Mississippi University in 1976.

Brown played running back for Vanderbilt and Florida State. In national champions Penn State on the road.”

Kicker Billy Van Aman kicked a 54-yard field goal on his first coltwo seasons at Vanderbilt, Brown had 364 yards on 82 carries and one touchdown. He also had seven catches for 50 yards and another touch- legiate attempt and also booted a 29-yard field goal late in the third down for the Commodores. At Florida State, Brown had 31 rushing quarter to give App a 20-17 lead. Wake Forest more than doubled attempts for 98 yards and 10 catches for 76 yards. His playing career ASU in total yards (502-247), but the Mountaineers defense recovprematurely ended in 1972 due to another injury he sustained. It was ered five fumbles by the Demon Deacons. And ASU Linebacker Joel then that Brown began his coaching career on the way to fulfilling his Carter scored two touchdowns on interceptions, including a 48-yard life's calling – initially as a student coach for the Seminoles wide receiv- return on his first pick.

The offensive standouts on that Appalachian State team included ers and junior varsity during the 1973 and '74 seasons. quarterback Randy Joyce, who threw for 1,564 yards and six touchHe was hired in his first full-time coaching post as the wide receivdowns, along with running backs John Settle and Alvin Parker. Settle ers coach at Southern Mississippi University for three seasons (1975, rushed for 638 yards and four touchdowns on 135 carries, and later '76 and '77). That was followed by a one-year stint (1978) in the same became the first undrafted running back in NFL history to rush for post at Memphis State University.

Brown then joined the coaching staff at Iowa State University for more than 1,000 yards in a season while playing for the Atlanta Falthe 1979 season, again as wide receivers coach. He was promoted cons. Parker finished with 489 yards and eight touchdowns on 122 to offensive coordinator for the 1980 and '81 seasons. The Cyclones carries for the Mountaineers in ’83.

Defensively, Appalachian State was led by middle guard Cedric made appearances in the national rankings both seasons. And behind Brown's prolific play-calling, Iowa State broke 17 school and Big 8 Felton, who had 128 tackles (76 solos; 52 assists) with four for loss.

Conference records and produced league leaders in rushing and total Felton also had two fumble recoveries and two quarterback sacks. offense. Iowa State scored 108 more points in 1980 than it did the Carter followed in most season tackles with 125 tackles (79 solos; previous season. In 1981, the Cyclones began the season at 5–1–1 and 46 assists). He had a defensive-best four fumble recoveries, five tackrose to number 11 in the Associated Press (AP) national poll. Iowa les for loss, three quarterback sacks and the two interceptions. Nose State tied fifth-ranked Oklahoma 7–7 and defeated eighth-ranked guard Chris Patton added 73 tackles (37 solos; 36 assists) with five tackles for loss and four quarterback sacks. And defensive back James Missouri 34–13.

Brown became offensive coordinator at Louisiana State Univer- Howard contributed 72 tackles (48 solos; 24 assists) and eight pass sity (LSU) in 1982, helping the Tigers reverse their fortunes from the deflections.

While at Appalachian State, Brown helped foster a mentality with previous year (3-7-1) to achieve one of the truly banner seasons in a fan base that grew into one of college football’s most passionate on their rich history. They finished with an 8-3-1 record, an 11th national any level. ranking and were Southeastern Conference (SEC) runners-up.

“I loved coaching at Appalachian State and had a wonderful year The turnaround happened in large part to Brown’s coaching of there,” Brown noted. “It’s one of the best places I’ve ever worked with quarterback Alan Risher, who threw for 1,834 yards with 17 touchsome of the finest people you’ll ever find. I’m forever grateful for the downs and only eight interceptions. Risher completed 63.7% of his pass attempts. He only had thrown 14 touchdowns in the previous opportunity to coach at App State as I am for all the other jobs I’ve two seasons combined before Brown was hired and began calling had. My staff and I made some improvements to the Mountaineers plays. LSU won at 4th ranked Florida (24-13) and routed seventh- program, and had Oklahoma not offered me the offensive coordina96

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Mack Brown (wearing headphones) confers with assistant coaches and a Tar Heels player as North Carolina's head coach.

it’s been a good move as the Mountaineers have won a lot of games since entering the FBS and played in, and won, their second straight bowl in 2016. I’m extremely happy for ASU and I hope its FBS success will continue.”

Boomer Sooner

tor’s position and paid me about five times more than I was making at Appalachian State, I would have remained there as coach.”

When asked if he foresaw that Appalachian State might eventually move up to major college football’s top level—the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), Brown replied that he did, although he had reservations then

about the move. “I didn’t like the idea when it first originated,” Brown stated, “and I asked the top ASU administrative people that since the school had won national championships on the lower level, why would they want to jump up where the competition is so much tougher and the resources needed to remain on that level were so much greater. But so far

During his one season with legendary coach Barry Switzer and the Sooners (1984), Brown helped Oklahoma achieve a final national ranking of third and a 9-2-1 record.

Brown's offense was especially productive because of a potent running game which accounted for 2,376 yards for the season, a 216 yards per game average. And he helped the Sooners develop their best passing attack in years as he coached quarterbacks, Danny Bradley, a first team Big 8 Conference choice, and Troy Aikman, an eventual three-time Super Bowl champion quarterback with the Dallas Cowboys.

The Sooners tied Nebraska for the conference championship, and faced five ranked opponents. They included: a 42-10 win at

B R I D A L | C U S T O M | E S T AT E

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17th-ranked Pittsburgh: a tie (15-15) against top-ranked Texas; a 17-7 win at then topranked Nebraska; a 24-14 win against thirdranked Oklahoma State and its superstar running back Barry Sanders; and a 28-17 Orange Bowl loss to fourth-ranked Washington. Those last three Oklahoma opponents finished the season ranked in the nation's Top 10.

First Major College Head Post Came At Tulane

Brown's second head coaching position came at Division One Tulane University in 1985.

Despite a slow start (a 1–10 record in his first year), Brown's Green Wave made gradual improvement, compiling a 4–7 record in 1986, and in '87, a 6–6 record that earned that team a berth in the Independence Bowl, only Tulane's fifth bowl game in the previous 40-plus years. The Green Wave lost to Washington 24-12 in the bowl.

The Green Wave set school records for total offense and points. Tulane ranked 11th nationally in scoring, averaging 32.5 points per game. The top offensive leader on Brown’s Tulane teams was Quarterback Terrence Jones, who passed for a stellar 2,551 yards and 20 touchdowns in ’87. Jones had a sterling 60.2 passing completion percentage (192 of 319 attempts) and he also ran for 383 yards and eight touchdowns that season.

Brown’s top running backs were Marvin Allen, who scored ten touchdowns in ’87 and Melvin Adams. Defensive backs Mitchell Price and Thurston Harrison were among Brown’s key defensive players during his Tulane tenure.

Brown also served as Tulane’s athletics director his last two years and was credited for helping restore the school’s athletics image after a point shaving scandal which led to the shutdown of the men's basketball program.

Tulane’s bowl berth and Brown’s previous success in his coaching assignments helped propel him for a return to the Tar Heel State as a head coach—this time at the University of North Carolina.

Hark the Sound of the Tar Heels

Brown became chieftain at North Carolina in late 1987. Brown's first two UNC teams (1988 and ’89) finished with identical 1–10 records, the worst two seasons that the Tar Heels have suffered in modern times.

However, the next two years saw Brown’s Tar Heels earn a relatively quick return to respectability. In 1990, the Tar Heels finished 6–4–1. By comparison, North Carolina had won only seven games in the previous three 98

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Mack Brown gestures to Longhorns fans as he enters Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium before another pivotal game. years. Included in the 1990 record was a tie of Georgia Tech that proved to be the Yellow Jackets' only non-win that season en route to a share of the national championship. In 1991, the Tar Heels finished 7–4, narrowly missing a bowl bid.

Success for the Tar Heels got better again the next season. They came in second in the Atlantic Coast Conference. And with a victory over Mississippi State in the Peach Bowl, they finished the 1992 campaign at 9–3. The Peach Bowl was the program's first bowl appearance in six years, and its first bowl win and first appearance in a final Top 25 poll in a decade.

Brown then coached the Tar Heels to four consecutive bowl games, including UNC's only two New Year's Day bowl games in more than half a century (or three, if one counts the 1992–93 Peach Bowl, which was played the day after New Year's to avoid a conflict with the Sugar Bowl).

The Tar Heels were ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 every week from October 1992 through the start of the 1995 season.

They finished in the final rankings in four out of five years, including two straight appearances in the Top 10. They also won 10 regular-season games in 1993 and 1997, only the second and third times ever the Tar Heels accomplished that feat.

At UNC, Brown’s prowess for signing top high school players flourished. From his 1997 squad, defensive end Greg Ellis (Dallas Cowboys), linebacker Brian Simmons (Cincinnati Bengals) and defensive tackle Vonnie Holliday (Green Bay Packers) earned All-America recognition and were selected among the first 19 picks in the 1998 National Football league (NFL) Draft.

Along with that trio of first-rounders, Brown also helped develop several other Tar Heels standouts. Marcus Jones, a consensus first-team All-America defensive tackle, earned ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1995. Corey Holliday, the leading receiver in Tar Heels history, played professionally the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dwight Hollier, who made more than 500 tackles during his Tar Heels career, also played in the NFL. Natrone Means, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in his final two seasons at UNC, went on to lead the San Diego Chargers to Super Bowl XXIX and the Jacksonville Jaguars to the 1996 American Football Conference (AFC) title game.

Quarterbacks Jason Stanicek and Mike Thomas combined to rewrite Carolina’s passing and total offense records. Cornerback Thomas Smith came to UNC in 1989 and departed as a first-round pick of the AFC Champion Buffalo Bills. Running back Leon Johnson, one of the premier all-purpose offensive threats in ACC history, played eight seasons in the NFL. Also, cornerback Dré Bly, a three-time All-American who recorded an ACC-record 20 interceptions during his career, played 11 seasons in the NFL. And Freddie Jones, a second-round draft choice of the San Diego Chargers in 1997, was one of the NFL’s top pass-catching tight ends and played eight seasons in the NFL. Brown helped spearhead various facilities improvements and an expansion to Kenan Stadium and he was known for recruiting high school players from the state of North Carolina as a top priority. Brown said his in-state recruiting philosophy was that “you can’t possibly win nationally until you learn to win at home. And you had to recruit at

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Leading the Texas Longhorns

Coach Mack Brown moments before being interviewed by ESPN color analyst and his future and current sportscasting colleague, Kirk Herbstreit, at UNC's Kenan Stadium. home first. And if we couldn’t dominate recruiting in our own state, then we weren’t going to be successful.

“I remember when I first became UNC’s coach I learned that Clemson had approximately 44 players from North Carolina and we had only around 14. I knew we could not let roster numbers that widely different continue, so our staff began working very hard to get the top players in the state. We also got the North Carolina High School Athletics Association to allow us to start hosting its state championship games in Kenan Stadium. So we made a lot of inroads in helping us get the state’s best high school players and those efforts helped us improve our football fortunes.”

At the end of the ‘97 season, Brown resigned at UNC and accepted the head coaching job at the University of Texas. Brown’s 69 wins at UNC tie him with legendary coach Bill Dooley for the second-most in its history.

“I had an absolute ball coaching at UNC,” Brown said. “Some of the happiest times of my life were spent there. I’m so proud that a program that struggled the first two years I was there was built into one that was consistently good and could compete successfully with any team in college football for the several years prior to when I left to coach at Texas.”

Mack Brown’s Notable Accomplishments • • • • • • • • • • • •

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Head coaching record: Overall 244–122; Bowls13–8 1 National Championship (2005) 2 Big 12 Conference Championships (2005 and 2009) 6 Big 12 South Division Championships (1999, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2008 and 2009) Paul "Bear" Bryant National Coach of The Year Award (2005) Bobby Dodd National Coach of The Year Award (2008) Twice Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year (2005 and 2009) Compiled 20 consecutive winning seasons Coached teams to 18 consecutive bowl game appearances American Football Coaches Association President (2013) Coached in five postseason all-star games-Japan Bowl, Hula Bowl (twice) and East-West Shrine Game (twice) 2013 Recipient of the General Robert “Bob” Neyland Trophy— named for the late University of Tennessee coach and awarded annually by the Knoxville Quarterback Club for contributions to collegiate athletics High Country Magazine

June 2017

As he did at Appalachian State, Tulane and North Carolina, Brown restored pride in a Texas program that had dipped below its usual standards and brought it back to its status of one of college football's most consistently elite programs.

The Longhorns managed at least 10 wins just three times in the 15 years prior to Brown being named coach, but Brown did so nine times in his 16 seasons, including a streak of nine consecutive that is the one of the longest in National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) history.

Under Brown's direction, Texas won nine of its last 13 bowl games and had a 10-5 bowl record overall, including a Texas record streak of 12 consecutive bowl appearances. In the 15 years prior to Brown’s arrival, Texas went to eight bowls, winning only two. The 10 bowl wins give Brown the most in Longhorns history, passing legendary coach Darrell Royal’s eight. Additionally, the streak includes a BCS National Championship, another BCS championship game appearance and three BCS Bowl wins.

The Longhorns finished the season ranked in the nation's Top 15 in 10 of his last 15 years, which included a string of 10 straight. They also had seven Top 10 finishes and five Top Five rankings. Prior to Brown's tenure, the last time Texas had finished the year in the Top 10 was 1983.

The 2005 season was the most sterling in Brown's career – going a perfect 13-0 and leading the Longhorns to a national championship.

Led by quarterback Vince Young, Texas defeated their early opponents easily, including a decisive 45–12 victory over Oklahoma in the "Red River Classic Game." With the win, Texas started the season 5–0 for the first time since ‘83. That had been the last time the Longhorns had national title hopes, but they failed to win the title by being upset by Georgia in the Cotton Bowl after going 11-0 in the regular season.

Following a win over previously undefeated Texas Tech, Texas moved into first place in the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) standings for the first time since its creation. However, the following week Texas fell back down to number two in the BCS poll, while USC moved back into the top spot. Both teams won all their remaining games, with USC and Texas remaining in the one and two BCS slots respectively.

The teams played in the BCS National Championship Game at the 2006 Rose Bowl in game-for-the ages. Texas and USC were the only two unbeaten NCAA Division I-A (now FBS) teams, and the game marked the first time two teams averaging more than 50 points per game had met. Their combined 53-game win streak was an NCAA record for teams playing each other and the game was also the first to have teams ranked first and second in every iteration of the BCS standings.

The game featured USC's two Heisman winners (Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart) as well as a Heisman finalist in Young. In a contested game throughout, Texas eventually defeated the Trojans 41–38, on a fourth-down game-winning touchdown run by Young in the final minute. It marked the Longhorns first national championship in 35 years.

Brown’s 12 consecutive seasons of at least nine wins are a University of Texas first, as are his three back-to-back 11-win campaigns (2001-02, 2004-05, 2008-09), nine 10-victory seasons in a row, and three 12-win seasons (2005, ‘08, ‘09). His Longhorns claimed or shared the Big 12 South Division title in six of his last 16 years and played in four conference championship games, winning two.

Brown’s Longhorns featured a Heisman Trophy winner (Ricky Williams), two runners-up and a third-place finisher, 54 All-Americans, 73 first-team All-Big 12 selections, five Big 12 Offensive Players of the Year, six Big 12 Defensive Players of the Year and 12 Big 12

Freshman of the Year honorees.

Offensively, Brown’s Longhorns set an amazing 138 school records and featured the school’s only 3,000-yard passers (Colt McCoy, 2007, ‘08, ‘09; Young, 2005; Chris Simms, 2002; and Major Applewhite, 1999), 2,000-yard rusher (Williams, 1998), 1,000yard receivers (Quan Cosby, 2008 and Jordan Shipley, 2008 and ’09; and Roy Williams, 2002 and ’03; Kwame Cavil, 1999; and Wane McGarity, 1998; and 1,000-yard passer/rusher (Young, 2004 and ‘05) in a season.

Defensively, Brown transformed a unit that led the nation in total defense (236.2 yards per game) defense in 2001. Texas led the Big 12 in scoring defense three times, in total defense seven times and four of the Brown's five years, and rushing defense seven times and five of his last seven seasons. In '08, Texas led the nation in sacks and then tied for second in '09, a season in which it also led the nation in turnovers gained and interceptions.

Brown compiled a 158-48 record at Texas, including a 98-33 Big 12 tally. Following his resignation as coach at Texas, Brown became a Special Assistant for Athletics there, and he still continues in that role, maintaining an office on campus and living in his second home near the university when he’s not staying at his Linville residence.

ESPN Football Color Analyst

Brown also joined ESPN in 2014 as a college football studio analyst on College Football Countdown, and he contributes to halftime and postgame shows for regional and Saturday night national games.

In these roles, Brown provides play-byplay accounts and his opinions and analysis during games and of teams, players and coaches as well as occasionally about the state of college football, the NCAA and other related topics.

“I thoroughly enjoy my work with ESPN,” Brown declared. “It’s a full-time commitment and requires a lot of traveling as well as much preparation such as studying about the teams you’re covering, their strengths, various alignments, formations, favorite plays, tendencies and all other pertinent information that I may use while providing color commentary or offering my observations from the studio.”

Family and the Brown’s Civic Contributions

A devoted family man, Mack and his wife of 25 years (the former Sally Jessee) have four children – two from Mack’s previous marriage – Katherine and Barbara – and two from Sally’s previous marriage – Matt and Chris.

This picture of The Mack Brown Family was taken in the Summer of 2016 at Eseeola Lodge in Linville, NC. From left-to-right: Tyler Jessee, Chris Jessee, Caroline Jessee, Laura Jessee, Marshall Wilson, Bailey Wilson, Barbara Wilson, Truett Wilson, Mack Brown, Sally Brown, Matt Jesse, Mack Ryan, Katherine Ryan, Luke Ryan, and Janie Ryan.

Mack and Sally have six grandchildren.

Mack and Sally met while he was UNC’s head coach. She has an architectural design degree from the University of CaliforniaBerkeley and has worked as a house builder and a land developer. Ironically, Sally had never attended a football game when she and Mack met. But she soon learned the game from her husband, became an avid fan and developed close relationships with Mack’s assistant coaches, their wives, the rest of his staffs and his players. She enthusiastically involved herself in various football team activities at UNC and Texas. And a list of the civic, community and other worthwhile causes she and Mack have been involved in might fill this entire magazine.

Overcoming House Fire and Ending Remarks

A fire at the Spillway Drive home of Mack and Sally on August 27, 2014 was a total loss and all that was left standing were two chimneys.

The fire was reported late that night and when firefighters arrived on the scene flames were visible from the roof of the 3,000 to 4,000 square foot house. Despite a valiant effort, firefighters were unable to save the home.

The Browns were not home when the fire erupted, so thankfully no one was injured in the fire. However, they had moved scores of college football memorabilia Mack had collected during his long sports career from a home they own in Austin and all those items and as well as their other personal belongings there were destroyed in the fire.

“My family and I deeply appreciate the thoughts and prayers of so many people about the loss of our house,” Brown said.

“It was a devastating deal to endure. But we are most grateful that no one was physically hurt or killed in the fire and we have moved forward from it. Ironically, the fire was on my birthday, and a tragedy such as having your house and many of your belongings burn up will give you a new perspective on life and make you more thankful for what you still have."

Brown gave a most fitting answer when asked what he wants his college football’s and life’s legacy to be. This story concludes with his succinct remarks: “I simply want to be thought of as an honorable man who gives every ounce of energy and passion that I have in my endeavors and that I have done things the right way.”t - Tim Gardner is a journalist who makes his home in the North Carolina High Country. Tim’s articles have appeared in magazines, newspapers, and online web sites for national, regional, local and specialty publications, including the High Country magazine for nearly the past decade. *Thanks to the Mack and Sally Brown Family and the Athletics Communications Departments of the following universities for providing photographs and other information used in this article: Vanderbilt; Florida State; Southern Mississippi; Memphis State; Iowa State; Louisiana State; Appalachian State; Oklahoma; Tulane, North Carolina; and Texas.

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Where's Phil?

Parting Shot...

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Phil Came, Phil Saw, Phil Flushed Out Poverty

P

overty is a nationwide issue, and one that oftentimes goes unnoticed and unacknowledged. It’s an issue in communities that you would never expect it to be. One of these communities is that of the High Country.

The local poverty rate in our area is 25.3%. This means that more than one out of four people in our community suffers from poverty.

Whether that seems like an alarming number or not, poverty is an issue in our community that people need to be made aware of and that needs as much effort from us to decrease for our friends, families and neighbors.

WAMY Community Action, Inc. is an organization that supports Watauga, Avery, Mitchell and Yancey counties in an effort to help impoverished community members get back on their feet and pursue being independent. WAMY has been around the High Country for more than 50 years, doing anything and everything that it can to meet the needs of the community and provide assistance to those who will benefit the most from it. It is geared towards constantly working to fill the gaps that exist in the area that other social services cannot fulfill and in which several of our fellow community members fall.

One of these areas is poverty, and Ashley Cook, Development Director of WAMY, was determined to do something important and unique for the community in order to raise awareness and money for the issue of poverty in our home.

“I just thought a lot, and then all of a sudden, it hit me,” Cook said.

“And toilets and poverty have one thing in common. Everyone knows about them, but nobody talks about them!”

So, bringing a toilet into the High Country that would cause people to think about, talk about and take action against poverty was the number one goal that WAMY set out to achieve.

With this in mind, WAMY created Phil Flushing, a well-to-do, friendly toilet who came all the way to the High Country from Flushing, NY. His life story shares similar aspects with those of the people he came to help. He grew up as the oldest of two with a single mom 104

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who constantly worked hard to provide for the two of them. Because of this, Phil came to the High Country having seen and experienced the terrible things that poverty can do to someone’s life – it can make everything more difficult than it should be.

“I had been mulling Phil over for a couple of years, and it took off once we started working with it,” Cook said. “Phil definitely just took on a life of his own.”

Using Phil as the mascot for the fundraiser, WAMY involved businesses from all over the High Country, inviting them to take part in “flushing out poverty,” Phil’s slogan throughout the fundraiser, in the High Country. Beginning on May 1, Phil would visit a business a day – with the exception of weekends. In order for the business to get Phil out of its yard and to another business, it would be required to pay $75. However, it could choose which business to hit next with Phil and his determination to decrease the poverty rate. If the business paid $100, it was then exempt from seeing Phil’s smiling face in its yard again.

“Having a toilet in front of a business was just different enough to be funny and grab people’s attentions,” Cook said. “That’s what we were aiming for – raising awareness of poverty in our communities.”

The amount of community support that arose when Phil arrived in the High Country was incredible. Businesses from all over wanted to be a part of it and were excited for Phil to come visit their business and inform them, their staff and their customers about poverty, what it can do and how everyone in the community can help.

Because of the fundraiser, as well as all of the hard work WAMY does daily, WAMY will be able to continue to help impoverished families in our home. This will result in not only saving money for community members – WAMY saves local government and tax payers $18,000 a year by getting families out of poverty and off of public assistance – but it will also result in improving and saving the lives of those who are suffering from poverty.

Katie Benfield

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