HC Visitors Guide Fall 2018

High Country Press

Visitor Guide F R E E Fall 2018

Boone • Blowing Rock • Banner Elk

The Official Guide for

THINGS TO DO

And Where To Go… This Autumn!

Hiking - SHOPPING - Eating

Attractions Adventures High Country North Carolina’s

Mountains

There’s no better place if you want to learn to ski. But, sometimes, you just need to flop on an inner tube and let gravity do all the work. We get that. 800.852.9506 ExploreBoone.com

Stay A Few Days With A Rental . . . Or A Lifetime with Your Own Condominium or Townhome

Echota is a community of elegantly crafted, mountain-style condominiums, townhomes and custom homes. Families from all over the Southeast are already enjoying the maintenance-free luxury of Echota with ridgeline views of Grandfather Mountain or the Watauga River Valley. Properties starting from the $200s for breathtaking views and outstanding value – plus innovative features. Come have a look today.

Foscoe Rentals offers Log Cabins, Condos, Townhomes, Vacation Homes for a Mountain Vacation for Any Season.

Visit our Sales and Rental Offices located at Hwy. 105 South near Foscoe ... between Boone and Banner Elk. Call 800-333-7601 to arrange a visit or 800-723-7341 for rentals. Or visit our website at: www.EchotaNC.com for more information. v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e a u t u m n 2 0 17

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Contents Things To Know

4

Helpful Information

Fun Things To Do

10

Outdoor Adventures

13

High Country Area Map

18

Fall Festivals

20

Parkway Hikes & Sights

23

Restaurants

26

Wineries & Breweries

40

Town Information

42

Shop & Retailers

44

High Country Hiking

54

Vacation Stops No To Be Missed

Whitewater Rafting • Fishing • Climbing • Canoeing • Caving & More

An Overview Of The High Country

Annual Autumn Celebrations and Events Throughout the High Country

Favorite Stops And Hikes Along The Blue Ridge Parkway

A Broad Range Of Dining Opportunities

Taste the Grapes and Hops of High Country Vineyards & Breweries

Useful Information about Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk

A Compilation Of Neat Shops, Businesses and Boutiques

Overviews And Directions To The Region’s Favorite Hikes

High Countr y Press Publications

Visitor Guide

Cover Photographer Todd Bush

Ken Ketchie PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Todd Bush’s studio is in Banner Elk, NC. His photographs have been published on book covers, posters, cards, calendars and in numerous magazines.

Todd is available for advertising assignments and offers thousands of royalty free and rights managed stock photography images available for download.

Visit www.bushphoto.com Todd with Jasper & Dalia 828.898.8088

Debbie Carter ART DIRECTOR EDITING Hailey Blevins photography - Pictures in this issue are from our photo files and include photos from Todd Bush, Randy Johnson, Ken Ketchie, Jim Morton, as well as submitted pictures.

High Country Press Publications P.O. Box 152, Boone, NC 28607 www.HCPress.com (828) 264-2262

For More Information VISIT US ONLINE

For what’s going on right now in the High Country. Check out our website to see what’s happening while you’re here in the mountains.

2

BooneNCinfo.com THE HIGH COUNTRY

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www.BooneNCinfo.com

Stay and Play Right in the Middle of the High Country with Skiing, Hiking, Tubing, Ice Skating & More

Come Back to

Sugar this Winter!

Take Advantage of Our Winter Value Packages

Stay & Play at North Carolina’s Largest Winter Resort!

The Village Of

SUGAR MOUNTAIN Visit Our Website

www.SEESUGAR.com 828-898-4521

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Things To Know Parkway • Eating Out • Chambers of Commerce This visitor guide includes all the information you will need to make the most out of your vacation time in the High Country. Don’t miss out on all the wonders the area has to offer! Let us help you discover the High Country this fall.

Drive the Parkway — Take our word for it. It’s a place that, no matter how many times you see it, you’re always ready to revisit and explore it further. This guide highlights a few of the not-to-miss stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and if you ask anyone on the street, they’ll tell you the same—it’s the one thing you have to do while you’re here. Go out for a drive and you’ll see exactly why it keeps us coming back. See page 23.

LOTS OF DINING OPPORTUNITIES — Go out to eat! You’re on vacation, after all.

There are more than 200 local restaurants in the High Country waiting for you to be their guest, so go to a few you’ve never tried before. Check out any of the ones mentioned in this guide and you’re guaranteed to find great food, a unique atmosphere and friendly faces. See page 26.

Parking Does Exist — It may not look like it at first glance, but keep your eyes open and follow the signs and you should find public parking close to your destination. Look for Blowing Rock’s parking deck and in Downtown Boone, public parking on the north side of the business district.

VISIT THE MAST GENERAL STORE — It’s the real deal for history buffs. The original store in Valle Crucis has been here since 1882, and it’s probably the oldest piece of our unique history.

Admire the building and then step inside; it still has everything you could possibly need. See ad on page 45.

Chambers of Commerce

n BOONE: 264-2225 • 870 W. King Street, Suite A

Open Mon.-Fri. 8:30-4:30 • www.boonechamber.com

n BLOWING ROCK: 295-7851 • 132 Park Avenue

Take A Hike — Its what we do up here in the mountains. It’s a combination of the solitude and the adventure of twisting trails along an array of mountain landscapes. It’s never knowing what’s around the next bend. We’ve even compiled some of our favorite places for your benefit, starting on page 54.

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Open Mon.-Fri. 9-5 • www.blowingrockncchamber.com

n BANNER ELK: 898-8395 • 100 West Main St. Open Mon.-Sat. 9-4 • www.bannerelk.org

n BEECH MOUNTAIN: 387-9283 • 403-A Beech Mtn Pky. Open Mon.-Sat. 9-5 • www.beechmtnchamber.com

n AVERY-BANNER ELK: 898-5605 • 4501 Tynecastle Hwy. Unit 2. • Open Mon.-Sun. Various Hours www.averycounty.com

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HIGHER EDUCATION in The High Country Education in the High Country is important for the community. Future leaders and innovators can pursue their education, and the schools have a huge impact on the local economy and culture.

A

ppalachian State University, founded in 1899, is one of the 16 universities in the University of North Carolina system, enrolls approximately 18,000 students of various identities, beliefs, values and practices, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors. It is known for its low student to teacher ratio and the notorious football team that represents the school’s thriving spirit.

Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk was opened in 1900 and has a beautiful campus with multiple programs of study that students enrolled can participate in, ranging from Criminal Justice to Cycling Studies. Along with this, Lees-McRae has also instated the New Opportunity School for Women, the purpose being to improve the educational, financial and personal circumstances of lowincome women in the High Country.

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute has served more than 200,000 students in 50 years of service. The Watauga Campus in Boone is a satellite location of the Caldwell Campus in Hudson. The Watauga Campus now features six buildings and the most beautiful view of the Blue Ridge that anyone can find in the CCC&TI college program.

Mayland Community College, one of 58 institutions in the North Carolina Community College System, is located on the Avery/Mitchell county lines right outside of Spruce Pine.

This community college has been serving Mitchell, Avery and Yancey counties for over 40 years. The open-door admission policy allows students as young as 14 to participate in the Early College High School and as senior as octogenarians in the Continuing Education Program.

Ready to reach new heights?

VISIT US TODAY WWW.LMC.EDU

Your Future Elevated | Banner Elk, NC | 828.898.5241 6

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EAT SHOPexplore WE ARE SO MUCH MORE THAN A CHILDREN’S HOME.

Eat lunch at Miracle Grounds Coffee Shop & Cafe, Cafe browse in the Blair Fraley Sales Store, Store Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery, Gallery and Crossnore Weavers.

Weavers Finally, spend a quiet moment in Sloop Chapel, Chapel featuring the Ben Long Fresco, Suffer the Little Children.

Feel free to explore on your own or contact us for a guided tour.

CROSSNORE school & children’s home

P.O. Box 249 | 100 DAR Drive | Crossnore, NC 28616-0249 (828) 733-4305 | info@crossnore.org | www.crossnore.org

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Interesting Data & Facts Weather - Population - Land Area

Population & Land Area Avery County Population: 17,689 Land area: 247.1 sq. miles

Watauga County Population: 52,906 Land area: 312.6 sq. miles

Banner Elk Population: 1,067 Land area: 1.9 sq. miles Elevation: 3,701

Beech Mountain Population: 320 Land area: 6.6 sq. miles Elevation: 5,505 feet

Highest Temperature in Watauga/Avery

Boone Population: 18,130 Land area: 6.13 sq. miles Elevation: 3,333 feet

Blowing Rock Population: 1,237 Land area: 3.05 sq. miles Elevation: 3,566 feet

Newland

Lowest Temperature in Watuaga/Avery

Population: 688 Land area: 0.7 sq. miles Elevation: 3,606 feet

- 32 degrees – Jan. 21, 1985 atop Grandfather Mtn. - 31 – Jan. 21, 1985 in Banner Elk - 26 – Jan. 10, 1982 in Banner Elk - 26 – Jan. 30, 1966 atop Grandfather Mountain - 24 – Jan. 21, 1985 in Blowing Rock - 24 – Jan. 21, 1985 in Boone - 22 – Jan. 24, 1963 atop Grandfather Mountain

Seven Devils Population: 197 Land area: 2 sq. miles Elevation: 3,944 feet

Biggest One-Day Snowfall in Watauga/Avery

22 inches in Banner Elk on March 13, 1993 20 inches atop Grandfather Mtn. on March 22, 2001 19 inches in Boone on Jan 27, 1998 18 inches in Banner Elk on Feb. 7, 1922

25.1 inches on Grandfather Mtn. on Jan. 31, 1998 24 inches in Blowing Rock on March 13, 1993 22.5 inches on Grandfather Mtn. on Jan. 10, 1996

Pet Friendly

in the

Watauga Humane Society

312 Paws Way, Boone, NC 828-264-7865 Open Tues-Sun 12:30-5pm, Closed Mon The Watauga Humane Society offers pet adoptions for dogs and cats of every ages.

Along with this, it has a wide array of other animals for adoption, such as guinea pigs, hamsters, bunnies and rats. There are two cat rooms that visitors can go into to get to know the cats and kittens, as well as opportunities to walk the dogs through the back trails by the humane society.

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98 degrees – June 21, 1948 in Banner Elk 98 – June 26, 1916 in Banner Elk 98 – June 26, 1948 in Banner Elk 97 – August 9, 1944 in Banner Elk 97 – August 12, 1925 in Banner Elk 96 – July 10, 1936 in Boone 94 – June 29, 1936 in Boone 93 – June 28, 1952 in Boone 93 – June 30, 1936 in Boone

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High Country

Avery Humane Society

279 New Vale Rd., Newland, NC 828-733-2333 Open Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 12-4pm Avery Humane Society is located behind the Ingles in Newland, and it has both cats and dogs of all ages available for adoption. There are multiple cat rooms, as well as dog-viewing rooms and puppy rooms. Not only this, but they also have rodents available for adoption, including three gerbils who are looking for loving homes. Avery Humane also participates in the New Leash on Life program.

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Fun Things To Do Looking For Something Different?

FOGGY MOUNTAIN GEM MINE

BOONE. At Foggy Mountain Gem Mine, the friendly staff does all the hard work for you. Simply purchase a bucket filled with gemstone ore from local and non-local mines and sift the material in their covered flume area. More than 40 different minerals may be found at Foggy Mountain mine, and gemstone quality ore is guaranteed in every bucket. n 828-963-4367. www.foggymountain-

tourmaline and more. The Greater Foscoe Mining Company also offers gem cutting right on the premises. n 828-963-5928. www.

facetsofffoscoe.com. See ad on page 11

MYSTERY HILL

BLOWING ROCK. The house that defies physics, Mystery Hill, is a gravitational anomaly. Here you’ll stand at a 45-degree angle, see balls roll uphill and witness other inexplicable phenomenon. In the Hall of Mystery, you’ll find puzzles, hands-on experiments and optical illusions. Mystery Hill is open seven days a week! n 828-264-2792.

gems.com. See ad on page 5

FOSCOE MINING COMPANY

FOSCOE. Located about 8 miles from

Boone on N.C. 105, the Greater Foscoe Mining Company is open from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Sifting through rock and dirt, you’ll find precious and semi-precious gems, such as emeralds, sapphires, rubies, topaz, amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, green

www.mysteryhill-nc.com. See ad on page 10

sugar creek gem mine

banner elk. We consider our staff to be among the best in the industry. Some began their mining careers 40 years ago. Our staff members are historians, jewelers, geologist, silversmiths, gem-

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ologist, and their enthusiasm for gemstones is truly contagious. n 828-898-GEMS. www.SugarCreekGemMine.com See ad on page 17

TWEETSIE RAILROAD

BLOWING ROCK. Since 1957, Tweetsie Railroad has been creating memories and offering a family friendly Wild West adventure.

An interactive experience of music, entertainment and tradition rich in American history, Tweetsie is fun for the whole family. For more than 50 years, visitors have ridden the tracks on the historic Number 12 locomotive on a three-mile adventure including a stop at a historic western fort. Hop on board for Tweetsie’s Wild West adventure! The park also features live shows, over a dozen carnival rides, gift shops and an animal park.

Tweetsie Railroad has many places to eat at the park. Don’t miss the Ghost Train Halloween Festival every Friday and Saturday throughout October! Plus Tweetsie Christmas returns this year for weekends beginning November 23 through December 29. n 1-877-TWEETSIE. www.tweetsie.com. See ad on page 12

FRIDAY• SATURDAY • SUNDAY through October 28 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY NIGHTS September 21–October 27 7:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m. tweetsie.com 877-TWEETSIE (877-893-3874) 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane • Blowing Rock, NC 28605 12

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Check Out These...

Outdoor Adventures

The Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock. The Blowing Rock is North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction, established in 1933. It’s an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level and overhanging Johns River Gorge, 3,000 feet below. The current of air flowing upward from The Rock prompted the Ripley’s “Believe-It-Or-Not” cartoon about “the only place in the world where snow falls upside down.” Visible from “The Rock” down the gorge to the southwest are Hawksbill Mountain and Table Rock.

To the west are Grandfather Mountain (the highest peak in the Blue Ridge chain) and Mount Mitchell (the highest peak east of the Mississippi) Legend tells of a Chickasaw maiden and her lover, a Cherokee brave, who leapt from the cliff and was returned by a gust of wind. The Blowing Rock is open all autumn from

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8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. n 828-295-7111. www.theblowingrock.com. See ad on page 16

grandfather mountain

linville. Nature on a whole different level. When life is pulling in all directions, take time to slow down and find yourself — on the highest peak in the Blue Ridge.

Marvel at 360˚ views from the Mile High Swinging Bridge, laugh at bears and otters in natural habitats, and let our knowledgeable staff help you find your own personal adventure at one of the world’s most environmentally diverse nature preserves. n 800-468-7325. www.grandfather.com. See ad on this page

GRANDFATHER TROUT FARM

BANNER ELK. When’s the last time your family went fishing? At Grand-

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Even the smallest of us can be part of something very big.

Seems like we’re all drawn to nature. And whether it’s childlike wonder or an adult sense of discovery, you’ll find it here, in abundance. w w w . g r a n d f a t h e r. c o m

VERY BIG

GRANDFATHER® MOUNTAIN WONDERS NEVER CEASE

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Art: Frank Ruggiero

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Check Out These... Outdoor Adventures father Trout Farm, we make it simple and easy. With 3-pond sizes abundantly stocked with NC Rainbow Trout, you can watch the excitement on your kids’ faces when they land their first fish. Be sure to bring your camera or you may use ours. Grandfather Trout Farm is literally a North Carolina Attraction in and of itself! You may bring your own or we will fit you with the size you need.

All bait and tackle are furnished at no charge. We supply you with a bucket, towel, net and gear for your fishing experience. Don’t worry if you’ve never fished a day in your life, we’ll be happy to help you get started! NO FISHING LICENSE REQUIRED! Ideal for large groups and families with children. After you’re done, the staff will clean and pack your catch for you, and you just pay for what you catch. n 828-963-5098. www.grandfathertroutfarm.com.

See ad on page 12

HAWKSNEST ZIPLINE

SEVEN DEVILS. Hawksnest Zipline offers 20 cables that total nearly four miles of cable riding. Whiz through the air with legs dangling above picturesque views of the High Country. You’ll receive on site guidance; then, zip off for a unique adventure. The zipline experience can be made even greater by sharing it with friends. A zipline outing is a great way to grow closer to your team while having a great time in the mountains, hiking and zipping through the course. So bring the whole gang for some action-packed, high-flying fun! n 828-963-6561. www.hawksnestzipline.com.

See ad on page 15

High GRAVITY ADVENTURES

BLOWING ROCK. “High Gravity Adventures Zip Line & Aerial Park specializes in unique active outdoor recreation activities for ages 4 & up. Let their guides

Zip. Climb.

Swing. Explore!

Adventures for Ages 4+ Challenges for Teens & Adults!

SAVE NOW!

10% OFF Coupon applies to individual tickets only;

215 Tweetsie Railroad Lane Blowing Rock, NC 28605

Use Coupon Code "HCPVGF" when creating your online reservation.

highgravityadventures.com | 828-266-0544 14

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largest

snowtub

ing park

iplines in

in south

east

• Lanes are 400-1000 ft long • 3 moving carpet lifts • 100% snowmaking • Lighting on all lanes • Open mid-Nov to mid-March

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE!

z longest e of the

the us

On

• Over 4 miles of ziplines • 20 cable runs • Heights over 200 ft • Open year ‘round • Reservations recommended

Come fly With Us!

Off Hwy 105 Between Boone & Banner Elk in Seven Devils

828.963.6561 | HawksnestTubing.com | HawksnestZipline.com

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Check Out These... Outdoor Adventures take you through a zip line tour in the trees and across a valley; experience their 70 ft free fall; explore their aerial adventure park with rappelling stations and 75 elements that you swing between, balance across, and climb through; or take the plunge on their 45 ft tall Giant Swing! The adventure is all up to you. n 828-386-6222. www.highgravityadventures.com.

See ad on page 14

ROCK DIMENSIONS CLIMBING GUIDES

BOONE. Based in downtown Boone, at the location of the 40’ outdoor Climbing Tower. Fun for families and all ages!

No experience necessary! Half-day and full day Rock Climbing trips with experienced, certified guides. “Tower to Rock” program combines a two-hour lesson at the outdoor climbing tower with a halfday trip out on real rock. Guided Caving trips reveal the hidden underground

world of a natural limestone cave. The challenge course, located in Blowing Rock, has a zipline exiting off of the top level, and a giant swing on the second level. Explore your Vertical World! The Discovery Course is a playground, obstacle course, adrenaline rush all wrapped into one structure that allows individuals to choose which activities and paths to take as they make their way up to the third level platform with the dual Zipline exit.

Discover your limits on the High Ropes/ Challenge Course, with exciting Zipline and Giant Swing exits! Trips are instructional and fun, with all equipment provided. Explore your Vertical World!

And visit our store for all your climbing equipment needs - The High Country’s Climbing Headquarters. n 828-265-3544 or 888-595-6009. www.rockdimensions.com. See ad on page 15

View NC from 4K feet above sea level Open Daily: April - December Thur - Mon: January - March The Blowing Rock is an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level, overhanging Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below. The phenomenon is so called because the rocky walls of the gorge form a flume through which the northwest wind sweeps with such force that it returns light objects cast over the void.

Planning a Wedding or Special Event? Make it a breathtaking event for your special day.

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“Enjoy the Legend” NORTH CAROLINA’S OLDEST TRAVEL ATTRACTION, SINCE 1933

423 The Rock Road, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 828.295.7111 • TheBlowingRock.com

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Prospect for your very own North Carolina Gemstones!

Sugar Creek Gem Mine makes prospecting for gemstones fun and enjoyable for all ages– from the amateur to the advanced rock collector. For beginners, we have a knowledgeable staff that will guide you through the process, and the advanced miners will appreciate our first-class equipment. You’ll find many take-home treasures to last a lifetime.

We guarantee you’ll find precious gemstones in every bucket!

Fun for the whole family!

3045 TYNECASTLE HWY • BANNER ELK www.SugarCreekGemMine.com

828-898-GEMS

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Cool Fall Road Trips

Check out green coded official scenic byways

Travel the High Country’s Designated Scenic Roadways Hwy 194 & 88: From Boone to Laurel Springs

WATUAGA LAKE

★ ★ Little

Fish Springs

Milligan

18 miles through Watauga & Ashe Counties

It starts in Boone at the New Market Shopping Ctr. You’ll first pass the Meat Camp community.

Turn left on Meat Camp Road and travel 5.5 miles to visit Elk Knob State Park. Then, retrace your route back and turn left on 194 toward Todd. The byway route temporarily ends at the intersection with Hwy 221. Head north to Jefferson and Mt. Jefferson to pick up the byway at the intersection of Hwys 16 and 88. Follow Hwy 88 to Laurel Springs.

321

Begin driving where Hwys 421 and 194 converge in Vilas. Follow Hwy 194 into Valle Crucis and out of the valley. You will come to a triple S curve, in front of the Sweet Retreat B&B. Continue through Matney and eventually, you’ll arrive in Banner Elk, home of Lees-McRae College. Then, continue your drive along the winding road to Elk Park - site of the 60-foot Elk Park Waterfall.

RO

LI

N

SE ES N

A

EN

H

C

T

RT O

Hwy 194 Valle Crucis Loop 17 miles through Watauga & Avery Counties

A

E

321

N

Beech Mountain

19E

194

F

★

Banner Elk

Elk Park

Take Hwy 221 south from Blowing Rock; you’ll pass a Parkway turnoff and a quaint park. Later, you’ll pass under a huge rock that hangs over the road. Look up for a view of the Linn Cove Viaduct on the face of Grandfather Mountain. Past another Parkway entrance, you’ll arrive at Grandfather Mountain. The byway ends in Linville at the intersection of Hwys 221 and 105.

184

Sugar Mountain 105

Newland 221

Hwy 221 from Blowing Rock to Linville

18 miles through Watauga & Avery Counties

Sugar Grove

ille

Linv

Crossnore 194 221

B 221

Linville Falls

181

TODAY’S HCPress.com NEWS NOW

For What’s Happening in Boone, Banner Elk & Blowing Rock 18

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To: Mountain City, Tennessee

221

221

Jefferson

88

West Jefferson

16

Laurel Springs 88 16 194

Trade

221

Glendale Springs

Zionville

Fleetwood

Todd 421

Meat

Camp 194 221

Vilas

p

194

Valle Crucis

★

Boone

OLD

421

105

D

2 7 1

Cascades Trail milepost 271.9

Moses Cone Manor

Foscoe

E

Ga

221 321

105

Seven Devils

ep

De

221 421

A

he r Gr an df at in Mo un ta

PRICE LAKE

221 3 0 4

2 9 3

BASS LAKE

C

2 9 0

★ Blowing BYPASS

Thunderhill Overlook milepost 290.3

321

BUSINESS

321

To: Wilkesboro and Winston-Salem

* MAP NOT TO SCALE *

Rock

Blowing Rock to Boone Distance: 8 miles Estimated Time: 12 minutes

Linn Cove Viaduct milepost 304

Banner Elk to Boone

BooneNCinfo.com

To: Lenoir and Hickory

THE HIGH COUNTRY

Distance: 18 miles Estimated Time: 28 minutes

Banner Elk to blowing rock Distance: 24 miles Estimated Time: 39 minutes

www.BooneNCinfo.com

SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR PLACES TO HIKE: Located on Map By Letter ( D ) ROUGH RIDGE TRAIL: Easy walk to an outstand( A ) PRICE LAKE TRAIL: 2.4-mile loop around ing view of Linn Cove Viaduct. SEE PAGE 22 lake. Level trail, easy hike. SEE PAGE 22 ( B ) LINVILLE FALLS: 1.6-mile loop begins at Visitors Center. SEE PAGE 56

( E ) GRANDFATHER PROFILE TRAIL: An entry point to a challenging trail system. SEE PAGE 57

(C ) MOSES CONE TRAIL SYSTEM: 25 miles of easy trails for all ages. SEE PAGE 21

( F ) ELK RIVER FALLS: A short walk to the 60-foot falls and swimming hole. SEE PAGE 56 v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e a u t u m n 2 0 17

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Check Out These...

Fall Festivals & Events

S

et you eyes to the hills as the vibrant colors of fall come to life in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our little slice of heaven boasts the most perfect atmosphere for harvest season fun, and you definitely don’t want to miss this year’s festival lineup. Visit a new one this year, return to your old favorite or try them all.

Either way, good times are in your future.

oktoberfest AT sugar mountain

Ghost Train HALLOWEEN Festival

Fridays and Saturday NIGHTs Sept. 21 - OCT. 27. Ghosts and ghouls abound at Tweetsie’s Ghost Train Halloween Festival. Daytime visitors can still enjoy everything they know and love about the park, and can expect the unexpected when the sun sets and the Halloween Festival comes to life. Ride the Ghost Train, which runs every half hour, and follow monster hunters as they try to uncover rumors of terrifying creatures that roam these mountains. The festival features fun that’s safe for all ages. Tickets are limited, so get yours online now!

For more information, visit www.

Tweetsie.com or call 877-893-3874.

All aboard!

Bratwurst, German style potato salad and apple strudel, all paired with barrels and barrels of Spaten beer straight from Bavaria. Hot dogs, burgers, soft drinks and other festive foods will be on hand, too. Dance along to the 15piece Harbour Towne Fest Band and bring the kids to the ski school play yard. Parking, shuttle service and admission are free. Fun takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. For more information, visit www.skisugar.com or call 828-898-4521. Ein Prosit!

BOONE HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Oktoberfest AT SUGAR MOUNTAIN RESORT

October 13-14. Herald in the changing season at Sugar Mountain Resort’s annual Oktoberfest! Ride the new high-speed six-seat Summit Express chairlift. Enjoy traditional German foods like Knockwurst,

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October 14. Celebrate Appalachian heritage with 18th century living history demonstrations, craft vendors, music jam sessions, children’s activities, live music and storytelling. The Southern Appalachian Historical Association and the Town of Boone will present the festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. among the beautiful outdoor wooded setting of the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, 591 Horn in the West Drive, where eight original log cabins and outbuildings transport the visitor to another time. Admission is free. For more information,

VALLE CRUCIS COUNTRy FAIR

visit www.booneheritagefestival.com or call 828-264-2120.

Valle Country Fair

October 21. Ring in the glory of the harvest season amidst the natural wonders of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Valle Crucis at the 39th annual Valle Country Fair. The fun carries on all day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the fields along N.C. Highway 194 across from Holy Cross Church and the Valle Crucis Conference Center. Admission is free and ample parking is available in the adjacent field at $10 per car, $25 per small bus or van and $50 per large bus or motor coach. Enjoy the fair’s famous Brunswick Ste, chili, BBQ, fresh baked goods, homemade jams and jellies and apple butter made while you watch. Shop juried handmade arts and crafts and tape your feet to all-day live music or sit back and listen to the storytellers. Featured exhibitors donate 10 percent of proceeds to the event’s charitable work, which supports various nonprofits in the community. To learn more, visit www.vallecountryfair.org or call 828-963-4609.

PICTURED ABOVE: Scenes from the annual Valle Country Fair brought together all of the flavors, sights and sounds of the season.

Fall Festivals 2018 october

13 Todd New River Festival, Cook Memorial Park, Todd 13-14

Oktoberfest, Sugar Mountain Resort

14

Boone Heritage Festival, Boone

20 Valle Country Fair, Valle Crucis Conference Center 20-21

Woolly Worm Festival, Downtown Banner Elk

27

Blowing Rock Halloween, Downtown Blowing Rock

31

Boone Boo, Halloween, Downtown Boone

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Check Out These... Fall Festivals & Events WOOLLY WORM FESTIVAL

GHOST TRAIN AT TWEETSIE BOONE HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Woolly Worm Festival IN BANNER ELK

October 20-21. Head out to downtown Banner Elk for the annual Woolly Worm Festival, which will feature worm races, crafts, food, rides and all sorts of fun for the whole family. The festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Of course, race your woolly worm while you’re there! Saturday’s race offers up a $1,000 prize followed by a $500 prize at Sunday’s race. All proceeds support local schools, businesses and tourism in Avery County. For more information, visit http://www.woollyworm.com/or call 828-898-5605.

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WOOLLY WORM FESTIVAL

Blowing Rock Halloween Festival

v i s i t o r ’s g u i d e au t u m n 2 018

October 27. Visit the town of Blowing Rock for family-friendly Halloween fun all afternoon. Prizes will be awarded for the costume contest and for the scavenger hunt. Events begin at 3 p.m. and include spooky stories and creepy crafts, air walks in Memorial Park, games and a fun house in the recreation center, hay rides through town starting at Memorial Park, a Monster March parade, trick-or-treating, costume contest and moonlight scavenger hunt at Broyhill Park. For more information, visit www.blowingrock.com/ halloween or call 828-295-5222.

Discover...

The Blue Ridge Parkway

T

he Blue Ridge Parkway meanders for 469 miles that run north and south from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina. Along the 108 mile stretch that goes through the High Country, there are 33 hiking trails, four major lakes and ponds, three gorgeous waterfalls and more than 40 scenic overlooks that climb as high as 5,640 feet above sea level. Mileposts are marked for easy traveling, so you’ll always know where to go. With a little planning, the parkway can make getting from point A to point B an unforgettable journey.

Cascades Trail – Milepost 271.9

2 7 1

The Cascades Trail is named for the waterfall it leads to, but the trail itself is worth the visit. Part of the E. B. Jeffress Park, the Cascades Trail is a self-guided interpretive trail with twenty interpretive plaques, labeling tree species of the Blue Ridge. Leaving the parking lot, the trail turns from paved to gravel and from there follows the crest of a cliff. The trail is a 1.2-mile loop with Cascade Falls being the halfway point. The falls can be viewed from above or below at observation platforms. Moderate

Moses Cone Manor – Milepost 294.6

2 9 4

Named after the post-Civil War textile entrepreneur, conservationist and philanthropist, Moses Cone, this Victorian mansion exemplifies the resort home tradition in the High Country. From

3 0 2 Linn Cove Viaduct

Photo by Lonnie Webster

March 15 to November 30, the estate is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as an arts and crafts center. A network of trails that winds the 3,500-acre Moses Cone Park is open year round. All trails are gentle grade and great for larger groups with children. Easy to moderate

Boone Fork Trail – Milepost 296.4

2 9 6

The Boone Fork Trail differs from most parkway hikes in two ways. The first is that the majority of the trail is in the woods, where tumbling streams and rock outcroppings replace typically grand vistas. The second is its length. At 4.9 miles, the Boone Fork Trail is longer than most, and slightly strenuous. But given adequate time to complete and a picnic lunch, it is one of the most beautiful hikes in the area, with several stream crossings, rhododendron tunnels and open grasslands. Strenuous

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Discover...

The Blue Ridge Parkway THE LINN COVE VIADUCT - Opened in 1987, it’s a 1,243 foot long S-Curve built from the top down, utilizing 153 concrete segments weighing nearly 50 tons each.

3 0 4

Price Lake – Milepost 297.2

Just one mile south from the Boone Fork Trail, Price Lake is ideal for larger groups or those looking for something a little less strenuous. The 2.4-mile loop around the Price Lake is suitable for hikers of any level. Views of Grandfather Mountain can be seen from several points along the trail, which runs primarily along the lake’s shore. EASY to Moderate 3

Wilson Creek Overlook – Milepost 302

24

Rough Ridge is one of the most easily accessed vistas along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Tanawha Trail is actually more than 13 miles long, spanning from Price Park to Beacon Heights, but the section from the parkway to Rough Ridge is a short 1.5 miles with great views as close as 0.6 miles from the parkway.

The trail follows a ridge crest and leads to boardwalks where 360-degree views give visitors a birds eye view of the High Country. Moderate to 3 Strenuous

0 2

If you looking for grandiose, long-range views directly from the parkway then this is the overlook. High above the waters of Wilson Creek, which originates on Grandfather Mountain, this overlook is the perfect opportunity to witness first-hand why they call it the High Country. Look out beyond the surrounding mountains and the lowlands unfold themselves into the piedmont of North Carolina. On perfectly clear days, visitors have reported sighting the Charlotte skyline.

2 9 7

Tanawha Trail to Rough Ridge – Milepost 302.8

3 0 2

Linn Cove Viaduct – Milepost 304.4

0 4

Even if it’s your first visit to the High Country, you’re more than likely familiar with the Linn Cove Viaduct. As the final piece of the parkway, the Viaduct was put in place in 1987. It is known as “the world’s only bridge built from the top down,” meaning it was airlifted into place using specialized construction helicopters and cranes to avoid defacing the mountain with heavy equipment. For no other reason than to marvel at the engineering feat, the Viaduct is a must stop along the parkway.

Grandfather Trail to Calloway Peak – Milepost 305.1 Price Lake v i s i t o r ’s g u i d e au t u m n 2 018

At 5,964 feet, Calloway Peak is the tallest point of the entire Blue Ridge

3 0 5

3 0 2 Mountain Range. It is part of Grandfather Mountain, which has several other high altitude peaks including MacRae Peak (5,939 feet). Calloway can be accessed via multiple trails, including the Grandfather Mountain Trail, which is one of our favorites for its boulder formations and beautiful evergreen forests. And, it’s only a short distance from the parkway. Just travel south on the Blue Ridge Parkway to the US 221 intersection at Milepost 305. Take 221 South for one mile to the entrance of Grandfather Mountain. The Grandfather Trail begins at the highest parking lot opposite the Linville Peak Visitor Center. Strenuous

Beacon Heights via Tanawha Trail – Milepost 305.2

ROUGH RIDGE BOARDWALKS The boardwalk is just a 0.6 mile walk from the Parkway Overlook, a trail follows a ridge crest that leads to boardwalks where 360degree views give visitors a birds eye view.

which Mt. Mitchell and the Linville Gorge are visible. From the parking lot, walk across a SR 1513, which parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enter the woods where the sign says TANAWHA TRAIL BEACON HEIGHTS 0.2. The path climbs to a junction point for Tanawha and Mountains-to-Sea Trails. Follow trail signs marked Beacon Heights Trail to the right. EASY

3 0 5

Beacon Heights is a popular parkway destination for its spectacular views of Grandfather Mountain and minimal distance.

A mere 0.7 miles round trip, this leg-stretcher leads to a south-facing exfoliated dome from

Hike and Wine Packages

$199 for 2 Nights Beechmtn.com v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e a u t u m n 2 0 17

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Great Places to Eat...

Local Restaurants BAYOU SMOKEHOUSE & GRILL

BOONEDOCK’S

BANNER ELK. Banner Elk’s own Cajun connection serves up Louisiana favorites like gumbo and po’ boys and authentic Texas cuisine such as smoked Beef Brisket BBQ and chicken-fried steak. Cocktails, wine and over 75 beers (10 on tap). Free wireless. Sundays feature Brunch. Dog friendly deck and free Corn Hole games on the lawn! n 828.898.8952. www.bayousmokehouse.com. See ad on page 27

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 35

WEST JEFFERSON. Boondocks Brewing was founded in 2012 with a mission to provide a fresh, unique and engaging destination for residents as well as visitors to Ashe County. We are a locally owned and employee run small business that is Dedicated to Excellence and Committed to our Community. We are Ashe County’s first and only commercially licensed Craft Beer Brewery and we brew small batches of hand crafted beers.

With 2 locations in downtown West Jefferson, Boondocks Brewing offers full service dining, one of the State’s best Craft Beer selections, off-site catering, customized special events, private parties and brewery tours. Boondocks Brewing’s Tap Room & Restaurant is our main location with the High Country’s best Craft Beer selection and an extensive and diverse menu with both inside and covered outside full service dining areas. The patio is pet friendly.

Open 11:00 am 7 days a week. n 336-246-5222. www.boondocksbeer.com. See ad on page 31

T h e Wo o d l a n d s BARBEQUE & PICKIN’ PARLOR

A Legend in the High Country S I N C E

1 9 7 7

-JWF &OUFSUBJONFOU /JHIUMZ t /P $PWFS All ABC Privileges

FULL CATERING SERVICE (828) 295-3395

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Great Places to Eat...

CAFĂ&#x2030; PORTOFINO

BOONE. A local favorite, CafĂŠ Portofino is the place to meet, eat and enjoy a good time with friends. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. CafĂŠ Portofino offers daily culinary specials and fresh seafood as well. (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Likeâ&#x20AC;? us on Facebook to see daily specials.) Their extensive wine & 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 this page

Local Restaurants EAT CROW

BANNER ELK. Eat Crow is a wonderful little cafe specializing in fresh baked goods including a large variety of baked pies and cakes. We offer them by the slice or 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;sandwich shopâ&#x20AC;? in the area. â&#x20AC;¨â&#x20AC;¨Since we know life can be very hectic, for your convenience we prepare whole meals and 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.

Sides are fresh fruit, firecracker coleslaw or chips. We are open Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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

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v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s g u i d e au t u m n 2 018

Best Tasting Show In Town

Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar

2124 Blowing Rock Road Boone, NC 28607 828 264 7976 www.makotos-boone.com

WINGS • BURGERS • CHEESE STEAKS NC BARBECUE • SALADS • WRAPS

OUTDOOR PATIO LIVE MUSIC kids N TVS IO IT IN P F A E T D menu 19 HIT BEERS ON NS F A R C L A N ECTIO REGIO 10 LOCAL & 30 BOTTLED BEER SEL OCK R G N I W R E O V L O B AND WNTOWN BR.COM T - D75O00 • WWW.TOWNTAVERN E E R T S N I A 1182 M 828-295-

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EAT CROW EAT PIE

Great Places to Eat...

Local Restaurants

EAT CAKE EAT PIE EAT CAKE EAT PIE EAT CAKE

Delicious Sandwiches

(Served on our homemade bread)

and are located near Foscoe on Hwy. 105 between Boone and Banner Elk. n 828-963-8228. See ad on this page

Elevations

Banner Elk. We named our welcoming tavern and grill Elevations for two reasons â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for all of the high country beauty that surrounds us and for the caliber of our delicious, inventive cuisine. True to our surroundings, our rustic mountain retreat is complete with antler chandeliers, cozy stone fireplaces, and live edge wood tables. Guests can choose to dine on classics like our pan-seared mountain trout, tortilla crusted crab cakes, steamed mussels, Big Island ribeye, beef tenderloin, and pair them all with a bottle from our wine cellar. They can even book our private room for parties, family gatherings, and whatever other special occasions come their way. Join us on the mountain soon for plenty of rustic charm and elevated cuisine. n 828-898-3990. www.elevationstavernandgrill.com. See ad on page 36

1JFT t $BLFT Dinner Entrees & Soups To Go British Specialties Upon Request

$BUFSJOH

4FSWJOH %JOOFS 5XJDF .POUIMZ Call or Check our Website for Dates & Menu

828.963.8228 www.eatcrownc.com

'BCVMPVT #SJUJTI $IFG 0XOFS

Dominic& Meryle Geraghty

Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 4:00 pm Lunch Served 11am - 3pm 9872 Hwy. 105 S. in Foscoe

F.A.R.M. CAFE

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 meals are nutritious 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 32

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v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s g u i d e a u t u m n 2 0 17

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Great Places to Eat...

Local Restaurants GAMEKEEPER

Booneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Donate-What-You-Can Community Cafe â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where Everybody Eatsâ&#x20AC;?

Feed All Regardless of Means REAL. GOOD. FOOD.

617 W. King St. (across from Mast General Store) www.farmcafe.org

Great Daily Specials

BLOWING ROCK. Housed in a 1950â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stone cottage, you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fully experienced the region until youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve dined at The Gamekeeper. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a true gourmet restaurant, with the perfect blend of upscale elegance and simple mountain charm. The staff is top notch and very attentive. 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. Much quality and care goes into each dish, from the selection of the freshest ingredients to the wood fire preparation and the exquisite presentation. It is perfection for even the most discerning palate! The restaurant is located off Shulls Mill Road near Yonahlossee Resort. n 828-963-7400. www.Gamekeeper-NC.com. See ad on page 39

Re t ro 50' s A tmo sphere

"Best Little Diner in the High Country!"

Serving Breakfast All Day Daily Specials Homemade Soups & Salads Burgers & Sandwiches Old Fashioned Banana Split & Shakes Assorted Bottle Beers

265-1344

)XZ JO #PPOF t /FYU UP $PNGPSU 4VJUFT

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v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s g u i d e au t u m n 2 018

Delicious, Unique, Scratch-Made Items Breakfast All Day Lunch from 10:30 am Great Food & Portions at Great Prices!

COME & GET YOUR SUNSHINE ON! Open: 6:30am-2pm Monday to Friday 7am-3pm Saturday & Sunday 1675 Hwy 105, Boone • 828-262-5400 • www.sunrisegrillboone.com v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e a u t u m n 2 0 17

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Great Places to Eat...

Local Restaurants LOST PROVINCE

BOONE. Opened in August 2014, Lost Province Brewing Company is downtown Boone’s only brewery and is a destination microbrewery and gastropub for anyone that frequents this area. We brew authentic and innovative craft beer and serve savory wood fired fare. As a small, family owned and operated business, we are committed to our community and environment and strive above all to provide an experience of gracious hospitality for all of our guests. We have live music Friday and Saturday evenings starting at 8pm in a relaxing atmosphere that is friendly for all. At Lost Province, you can truly Find Yourself Here. n 828.265-3506. www.lostprovince.com. See ad on this page

Makotos

BOONE. Dining at Makoto’s Seafood and Steakhouse of Japan is a unique experience. During your visit, a waiter will guarantee you a pleasant dining time. If you’re lucky, your personal chef will provide a little free culinary entertainment while cooking your dish right in front of you. Makoto’s also offers a lunch and dinner sushi bar. n 828-264-7976. www.makotos-boone.com. See ad on page 29

11 Rooms and Suites and 2 Cottages

Pedalin’ pig

banner elk & BOONE. Two locations - same great menus! Utilizing local produce, meats smoked nightly, homemade desserts and made-from-scratch sauces, the Pedalin’ Pig is a unique place to grab a non-traditional meal. Offering three different sauces to go on a variety of meats, the Pedalin’ Pig is open seven days a week with locally crafted beers, local wines and a full bar. Try out old favorites like pulled pork, ribs and pork rinds or go for something a bit more unconventional, like barbeque tacos and bacon corn muffins! n Banner Elk: 828-898-7500 & Boone: 828-355-9559. www.thepedalinpig.com. See ad on page 37

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HOURS:

Featuring Boone Bagelry Bagels

Monday - Saturday 6:00am - 5:00pm Sunday 7:00am - 3:00pm

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

Espresso Coffee Bar serving locally roasted coffee Gourmet Lunch Menu Breakfast Served All Day Check Out Our Menu Online at: bbwaterwheelcafe.com HOURS: Mon - Sat. 6:00 am - 3:00 pm Sun. 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

t '3&& %&-*7&3: t )PNF PG UIF 'BNPVT #BHFMJDJPVT OLD DOWNTOWN LOCATION

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Free Delivery!

AT THE 105 WATERWHEEL

(SBEVBUF -BOF t www.bbwaterwheelcafe.com

Over 33 Years in Boone!

CASUAL SOPHISTICATION

CAJUN CHICKEN FETTUCINI â&#x20AC;¢ PESTO â&#x20AC;¢ CHICKEN FAJITAS WRAP SOUTHWESTERN WRAP â&#x20AC;¢ CHINESE CHICKEN SALAD â&#x20AC;¢ LASAGNA LOW COUNTRY SALMON â&#x20AC;¢ CHICKEN PESTO PIZZA TUSCAN RED PEPPER CHICKEN â&#x20AC;¢ BOURBON GLAZED CENTER CUT RIBEYE ARTICHOKE DIP WITH TOASTED GARLIC FRENCH BREAD SOUP & QUICHE OF THE DAY...

Outdoor Covered Patio Dining )"3%*/ 453&&5 */ #00/& t redonionboone.com

We have Wi-Fi!

828/264.5470

SERVING LUNCH & DINNER

SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s g u i d e a u t u m n 2 0 17

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Great Places to Eat...

Local Restaurants

pepperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Boone. Serving up fresh, deli-style sandwiches and a wide range of dinner entrees, Pepperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is a High Country favorite. The restaurant is decorated with items from the original opening location in 1975 and the atmosphere is laid-back. Save room for the famous original Pepperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s carrot cake! n 828-262-1250. www.peppers-restaurant. com. See ad on page 30

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 page 31

RED ONION CAFĂ&#x2030;

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

BOONE. The Red Onion Cafe has created its niche in the High Country for over 34 years by offering a welcoming atmosphere and an extensive menu at affordable prices. The Red Onion Cafe has something for every member of the family, including burgers, sandwiches, wraps, pizza, pasta, fish, steak and delicious homemade desserts. The Red Onion Cafe also offers several of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top beer and wines to compliment any meal. n 828-264-5470. www.theredonioncafe.com. See ad on page 35

ELEVATIONS T AV E R N A N D G R I L L

We named our welcoming tavern and grill Elevations for two reasons â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for all of the high country beauty that surrounds us and for the caliber of our delicious, inventive cuisine. True to our surroundings, our rustic mountain retreat is complete with antler chandeliers, cozy stone fireplaces, and live edge wood tables. Guests can choose to dine on classics like our panseared mountain trout, tortilla crusted crab cakes, steamed mussels, Big Island ribeye, beef tenderloin, and pair them all with a bottle from our wine cellar. Join us on the mountain soon for plenty of rustic charm and elevated cuisine.

A Casual Fine Dining Experience r /$ 4PVUI #BOOFS &ML /$ XXX FMFWBUJPOTUBWFSOBOEHSJMM DPN )0634 .POEBZ m 5IVSTEBZ BN m QN 'SJEBZ 4BUVSEBZ BN m QN 4VOEBZ BN m QN 36

v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s g u i d e au t u m n 2 018

n style with a gourmet flair souther

Banner Elk Location:

Boone Location:

4235 Hwy 105 South Banner Elk, NC 28604 ..................

2968-A Hwy 105 Boone, NC 28607 ..................

828.898.7500

828.355.9559

ThePedalinPig.com v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e a u t u m n 2 0 17

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Great Places to Eat...

Local Restaurants

STONEWALLS

BANNER ELK. The High Country’s premier steak and seafood house since 1985. Enjoy your favorite steaks, prime rib, chicken or baby back rib entrée or choose from the extensive seafood selection or daily specials. Our salad bar is a destination!

Serving daily from 5:00 p.m. in a casual, family-friendly dining atmosphere. Also serving Brunch 10am2pm Sundays. All ABC permits. n 828-898-5550. www.stonewallsresturant.com.

See ad on page 33

the High Country’s true 1950’s-style classic diners. From platters to burger baskets and from temptations to shakes, Troy’s provides a long-list of American diner favorites. For a trip down Memory Lane, go to Troy’s with that high school sweetheart of yours or take the entire family to experience the good ol’ days again. n 828-265-1344. www.troys105diner.com. See ad on page 32

VIDALIA

BOONE. Vidalia is a casual, upscale restaurant featuring “creative American cuisine.” It offers daily specials, various events, wine tastings and special nights. Vidalia holds all ABC permits and has an extensive, 60-plus bottle wine list, craft beers, martinis, whiskeys, scotches and cordials. Vidalia’s menu changes twice a year to keep it seasonal and practices farmto-table food, using local vendors as much as possible. n 828-263-9176. www. vidaliaofboone.com. See ad on page 37

sunrise grill

Boone. Family owned and operated breakfast and lunch restaurant located in the heart of Boone on Hwy 105.

We strive to provide delicious, varied and creative comfort food in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Many of our menu items are true Sunrise originals.

Unique offerings you will not find anywhere else. n 828-262-5400. www.sunrisegrillboone.com. See ad on page 33

TOWN TAVERN

water wheel café

BLOWING ROCK. The Town Tavern is a sports bar and restaurant located on Main Street in historic downtown Blowing Rock. Open every day for lunch, dinner. We have 19 flat screen TV’s to catch the game. The Town Tavern has the largest outdoor patio dining area in the High Country that looks over the bustling scene of Blowing Rock’s Main Street. Since opening its doors in 2013, The Town Tavern Blowing Rock has quickly become a staple of the Blowing Rock community and a favorite of locals and travelers alike. n 828-295-7500. www.towntavernbr. com. See ad on page 29

TROY’S 105 DINER

BOONE. Troy’s 105 Diner is one of

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

Find us on Highway 105 in Boone – 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. wwwbbwaterwheelcafe.com. See ad on page 35

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Wineries

in the

High Country

Local Wine Industry Earns Distinguish AVA Destination

I

n November of 2016 the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau made the establishment of the Appalachian High Country American Viticultural Area (AVA) official by placing it in the Federal Register.

An AVA is a federal desAmerican ignation bestowed upon Viticultural unique grape growing reArea gions. Think wine meccas, Sonoma and Napa valleys in California.

Those were among the first grape growing regions in the U.S. to earn that distinction and today are well known throughout the world. For bottles of wine to feature the coveted AVA label, 85 percent of the grapes must be grown locally, within the AVA boundaries.

The Appalachian High Country AVA spans

2,400 acres in eight counties: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell and Watauga in North Carolina; Carter and Johnson in Tennessee; and Grayson in Virginia. By last count, more than 20 vineyards existed with about 71 acres of typically cold-hardy variety grapes like Marquette, traminette, seyval blanc, cabernet franc, vidal blanc and Frontenac.

Two of the most popular vineyards locally with the AVA distinction are the Grandfather Vineyard Winery and the Linville Falls Winery. Both have beautiful tasting rooms and outside patio and seating areas. And both feature live music on weekends and all kind of treats for an afternoon of fun and leisure enjoying their award winning wines. Well worth the visit!

AVA

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Grandfather Vineyards

BANNER ELK. Grandfather Vineyard was founded in 2003 when Steve and Sally Tatum, in need of a hobby, planted a small block of wine grapes for some home winemaking. After a few years they realized the High Country had a similar climate as many of the famous grape growing regions around the world. In 2005 Steve and Sally tripled the size of the vineyard.

Since then their adventure has grown into Grandfather Vineyard and Winery, the first producing winery in Watauga County that is producing world class wines! Dylan Tatum, Steve and Sally’s son, is the Winemaker and General Manager. Grandfather Vineyard is a terraced mountainside vineyard located at the base of Grandfather Mountain right on the Watauga River. At the bottom of the vineyard is the tasting room and winery. They’re open Monday - Saturday: Noon to 6pm. Sunday: 1pm - 5pm. n 828-963-2400. www.grandfathervineyards. com. See ad on page 40

LINVILLE FALLS WINERY

NEWLAND. Family owned and operated, Linville Falls Winery is the culmination of a life-long passion for wine by owner, Jack Wiseman. Wiseman has dreamed of growing grapes and opening a winery for more than 25 years, and now he and his family invite you to their state of the art tasting room on a 40 acre farm with its staple grapes Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon, blueberries and raspberries. The winery is perfectly situated at 3200 feet with warm days, cool nights and their microclimate terra produces a wine unique to the region with complex flavors creating award winning wines. Visit our Tuscan-inspired winery where you can taste our delicious High Country wines. We’re open for tastings 7 days a week from 12 pm – 6 pm. n 828.765.1400. linvillefalls-winery.com.

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MORE info

on: BooneNCinfo.com

A Trip Through The High Country

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BOONE

he Town of Boone serves as the seat of Watauga County and is home to Appalachian State University. The town acquired its name from the famous pioneer and explorer Daniel Boone, who on several occasions camped within the present city limits as he traveled through the area on his way to Kentucky in the late 1700s.

Through the years, Boone has become the hub of commerce in the North Carolina High Country area, offering virtually

everything a resident or visitor can desire. Boone has long been a favorite vacation destination, beginning in the 1880s when Southerners came here to escape the summer heat. Today, Boone is recognized by travel journalists as an “ultimate outdoor adventure destination” in the Southeast. The Town of Boone was incorporated in 1872 and its current population is 17,186. At 3,333 feet, Boone has the highest elevation of any town of its size east of the Mississippi River.

blowing rock

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he Town of Blowing Rock is only three square miles, yet is home to more than 100 shops, about two dozen restaurants and nearly 20 hotels and inns. Blowing Rock was named “Prettiest Small Town in North Carolina” in a poll of in-state travel professionals and writers, and in 2008 the town was named a “Favorite Southern Destination” by readers of Southern Living. Its

Main Street and adjacent Town Park has been a tourist destination for more than 100 years.

Known as “the Crown of the Blue Ridge,” this quaint mountain village sits astride the Eastern Continental Divide at a cool elevation of 3,500 to 4,000 feet above sea level and has a permanent year-round population of approximately 1,425. It was incorporated in 1889.

seven devils

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even Devils is centrally located between Boone, Blowing Rock, Sugar Mountain, Banner Elk and Beech Mountain. It is a perfect stopping and lodging place during your visit to the High Country and boasts an elevation of up to 4,800 feet. It is certainly a beautiful town and its gorgeous mountain views are second-to-none. Many peaks can be seen from Seven Devils, including Grandfather Mountain, Hanging Rock Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain, Mount Rogers, Howard’s Knob, Rich Mountain, White Top Mountain, and 42

others. Separating Grandfather Mountain and the Town of Seven Devils is N.C. Highway 105 located on the valley floor between the two. This highway provides easy access to the town, which is known for its wide array of outdoor activities. The central location of Seven Devils puts it very close to a number of attractions and recreational opportunities. Located right in town is the Hawksnest Zipline and the Hawksnest Snow Tubing Resort. Visit Seven Devils today!

You will be glad you did. It will likely be a great experience you will not soon forget.

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sugar mountain

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he Village of Sugar Mountain was incorporated as a township in 1988, and has grown easily into the perfect resort destination in the North Carolina High Country. The four-seasons resort community debuted in 1968, anchored by the south’s flagship winter ski resort. Today, Sugar Mountain is known for its spring, summer and fall activities, too. The fabulous golf course opened for play in 1974.

The par-64 layout maximizes every view, every mountain brook and every stand of rhododendron and forest on the 60-acre site.

The tennis at Sugar is just as spectacular. Six courts, meticulously maintained of fast-dry, Har-tru clay, are wildly popular from May

through October. And, like the golf, the tennis facilities are open to everyone, either on a pay-as-you-go basis, or economical season pass options. Perhaps Sugar Mountain’s greatest allure, however, is its location. Central to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the heralded resort towns of Blowing Rock, Boone, Banner Elk and Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain is arguably the perfect spot for every High Country adventure.

Hundreds of condominiums, town homes, chalets and cabins are available to visitors at very affordable prices. Discover a rare place of tranquility, beauty and great times. All that and more waits just for you on Sugar Mountain. Come share our world!

banner elk

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Lees-McRae College he Town of Banner and features a lively arts Elk is a beautiful and cultural scene, commountain town away plete with an intimate from the busy crowds pedestrian shopping where one can still have district of upscale bouaccess to the finer convetiques and outstanding niences found in larger restaurants. The town metropolitan areas. LoPhoto by Todd Bush was first settled in 1825 cated in Avery County, and incorporated in it is surrounded by some of the highest mountains east of the Rock- 1911. Today, it has a population of about ies, including Grandfather Mountain and 1,000 full-time residents. Banner Elk sits Beech Mountain. Banner Elk is home to at 3,739 feet above sea level.

SEVEN DEVILS COME. RELAX. ENJOY. STAY...

for a weekend,a season, or a lifetime!

For a Brochure or Information:

828/963-5343 • www.SevenDevils.net Ad Sponsored by the Seven Devils Tourism Development Authority

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Check Out These...

Shops & Retailers

anna banana’s

BOONE. A fine consignment store located in the heart of downtown.

With new fashions everyday, this thrifty store truly has something for everyone! Shopping here is like a treasure hunt – you never know what you will find. Shoppers can find designers at discounted prices and enjoy a fun atmosphere everyday. Fashionistas and shopaholics alike should come in and check it out! n 828-865-2000. Ad on page 50

CARLTON ART GALLERY

FOSCOE. Originally opened as a weaving studio in 1982, the gallery itself is as beautiful as the artwork inside. This unique building holds a large and varied selection of fine art and handmade crafts by more than 300 local, regional and nationally recognized artisans. Step inside and see why Carlton Gallery has become one of the best-known galleries in the Southeast. It’s a chance to take an authentic piece of the High Country back home. n 828-963-4288. www.carltonartgallery.com. See ad on page 46

BAYOU GENERAL STORE

BANNER ELK. Browse eclectic! Find locally made jams, jellies and jewelry, Texas & Louisiana gourmet, hot sauces, cigars, unique gifts and Ashe County Cheeses. Wines include selections from North Carolina wineries, and other unique, yet inexpensive, offerings. Beer lovers are invited to “Mix Your Own Six-Pack” from over 140 American Craft and Import beers. n 828-898-8953. See ad on page 27

DEWOOLFSON

BOONE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL EMPORIUM

BOONE. Inside Boone Rock-NRoll Emporium you will hear some great rock-n-roll tunes, see posters on the walls, and thumb through the racks filled with your favorite rock t-shirts. You’ll also love the latest fashions in dresses, tops and jewelry. There is something for everyone in the family. Everything from used books and retro collectible toys to tobacco accessories. n 828-865-ROCK. See ad on page 52

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FOSCOE. When you spend onethird of your life sleeping, a quality down pillow, comforter and/or feathered bed is one of the best investments for a rejuvenating, restful sleep. DeWoolfson imports a variety of fabrics and goose down fills from Eastern Europe, supplying European-influenced down and products and fine linens to the world’s most comfortable sleepers. Custom comforters and the other products are made to order and shipped within 24 to 48 hours all over the world.

DeWoolfson also stocks one of the largest selections of luxury European linens found anywhere – from France, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, and other locales. These include well-known names such as Abyss and Habidecor, Matouk, Sferra, Yves Delorme and many more.

Good night and sleep tight. n 828-963-4144. www.dewoolfson.com. See ad on page 47

The Original Store & The Annex in Historic Valle Crucis (828) 963-6511 Downtown Boone (828) 262-0000 • M A S T S T O R E .C O M • Waynesville • Hendersonville • Asheville • Winston-Salem, NC • Knoxville, TN • Greenville • Columbia, SC

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Check Out These... Shops & Retailers

Shops & Retailers

thing in between - Erickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inventory is hand picked for your enjoyment. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for, Erickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will special order. And we offer discounts on quantity purchases, too. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re planning an intimate evening with your friends, a special party, need the perfect gift, or want help in making selections for your wine cellar that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll enjoy for years to come - Erickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is the place! n 828-898-9424. www. erickscheeseandwine. com. See ad on page 50

DOE RIDGE POTTERY

BOONE. All of Bob Meierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work is made on site and is fully functional stoneware. It is food safe, dishwasher, oven and microwave safe. We work to successfully blend an â&#x20AC;&#x153;Old Timeâ&#x20AC;? Professional Pottery Skill Set with a Contemporary Design Aesthetic. Stop by for a visit and watch pottery being made. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re located in Downtown Boone. n 828-264-1127. See ad on page 48

Erickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cheese & Wine

Banner Elk. Erickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cheese & Wine Shop has been a favorite stop in Banner Elk for over 37 years. From the distinctive, collectible wines youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find in Erickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s temperature controlled fine wine room, to highly rated wines for under $10 a bottle, and every-

FREDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GENERAL STORE

BEECH MOUNTAIN. A 39 year legend, no trip to Beech Mountain is complete without a visit to Fredâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your one-stop shopping spot with everything needed to make your visit complete, including groceries, clothing, accessories and footwear. Stop by

CARLTON GALLERY 1SZSP`ObW\U !$ GSO`a

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Amy Sullivan, Dottie Leatherwood & Paul Hastings October 6-November 15 - Opening Reception, October 6, 2-5 pm Holiday Open House - November 23 & 24 Winter & Small Works Exhibition - November 23-April 30 Tour de Art - 4th Saturdays, June-November 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 46

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FROM OUR HOME

to yours

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© 2006-2018 DEWOOLFSON Down Int’l., Inc.

              ®                  

Photo courtesy of Yves Delorme

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Shops & Retailers the expanded deli for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Fred’s can pack a picnic for that special outing or arrange any of the menu items to go. n 828-387-4838. www.fredsgeneral.com. See ad on page 48

GOODWILL

BOONE. When you shop at and donate to your local Goodwill, you find great items and help provide job placement and training opportunities for people in your community! Looking for greater variety than what you find on your average department store shelves? Most Goodwill® stores introduce more than 2,000 new items onto the sales floor each day. Last year, sales from Goodwill stores funded employment training, job placement services, financial education, youth mentoring and more to 36 million people in the United States

Fred’s General

Mercantile Co.

36 years of business Beech Mountain

If we don’t have it ... You don’t need it

Check Out Our New Fall Merchanise Arriving Daily!

Grocery • Deli • Clothing • Hardware • Gifts Books • Maps • Wildbird Supplies Hiking Supplies • Footwear 828-387-4838

Open from 7:30 am to 10pm every day #FFDI .PVOUBJO 1BSLXBZ r #FFDI .PVOUBJO /$ www.fredsgeneral.com 48

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e n i F 's a n a n a B a Ann Consignment.

ame brand n â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s n e m d n a n e Wom count. fashions at a dis

><9_> T A IL. REGULAR RE

Anna Bananaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is a MUST

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Shops & Retailers and Canada. www.goodwill.org n 828-264-4174. See ad on page 51

HAPPY PLACE

BOONE. Step back to the 60s & 70s!

When you walk through the door, the incense, music and tie-dyes will take you on a trip back to peace, love and happiness. All thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s left to do is smile, smile, smile. n 828-264-0196.

See ad on page 52

INCREDIBLE TOY COMPANY

BLOWING ROCK. Want to know where can you go to feel like a kid again? The Incredible Toy Company, of course! Specializing in educational and creative toys for infants to adults, The Incredible Toy Company carries wooden toys, Playmobil, Thomas, dolls, games and puzzles, and your first purchase is always gift-wrapped for free! n 828-264-1422. www.incredibletoycompany. com. See ad on page 48

in Boone!

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lucky penny

ERICKS CHEESE & WINE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The High Countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest selection of foreign & domestic cheeseâ&#x20AC;?

Saturday Wine Tastings 1:00 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 5:00 pm â&#x20AC;&#x153;BEER CAVEâ&#x20AC;? t (MVUFO 'SFF 1SPEVDUT (JGU #BTLFUT 1BSUZ 5SBZT $VTUPN 8JOF 0SEFSJOH 1SPGFTTJPOBM $FSUJmFE )FMQGVM 4UBGG Grandfather Center (next to the ABC store) Junction NC 105 & NC 184, Banner Elk t FSJDLTDIFFTFBOEXJOF DPN 50

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BOONE. Lucky Penny offers innovative, free-spirited clothing at an affordable price. From modern, artistic musicians to the individualistic college student, Lucky Penny carries clothing and accessories that inspire our shoppers to be confident and cool, no matter the circumstance. In addition to clothing, we sell distinctive candles, shoes, gifts, denim, and handpicked jewelry created by female artists from across the United States.

We work closely with our vendors to provide unique and different clothing options for our customers. From the inside out, Lucky Penny seeks to provide brands that help our shoppers become their most courageous and beautiful selves. Check out the Lucky Penny blog at n www.luckypennyboone. com. 828-264-0302. See ad on page 51

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New Arrivals Every Week!

LUCKYPENNYBOONE.COM

MAST GENERAL STORE

BOONE & VALLE CRUCIS. The Mast General Store in historic Valle Crucis is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Both it and the Mast Store in downtown Boone are packed with everything you need for modern life, including shoes and boots, rocking chairs, cast iron, country gourmet food, traditional fashions, outdoor gear and old-fashioned candy. n Boone 828-262-0000. Valle Crucis 828-963-6511. www.mastgeneralstore.com.

See ad on page 45

RIVERCROSS MARKET

STORE HOURS

Mon-Thurs 10-6pm Fri-Sat 10-7pm Sun 12-5pm

VALLE CRUCIS. Rivercross Market is located next to the Original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis and features a wide collection of handmade pottery, jewelry, artwork, wood

693 West King St. r

STY L E FOR

L E SS

BOONE | 237 Boone Heights Dr & 128 Crossing Way WILKESBORO | 1001 Gateway Ave WEST JEFFERSON | 1291 Mount Jefferson Rd Mon-Sat 9am-8pm | Sun 1-6pm

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Check Out These... Shops & Retailers working, photography and more from local artists and craftsmen. Open daily, see ad for hours. n 828-963-8623. www. rivercrossmadeinusa.com. See ad on page 49

Kitchen, Boone’s only entirely vegan restaurant. And for the best in craft beer and fine wines, visit Benchmark Provisions on our lower level n 828264-8801. www.shoppesatfarmers.com. See ad on back page

SHOPPES AT FARMERS

BOONE. The Shoppes at Farmers is a one-stop shopping experience featuring gifts, jewelry, apparel, fashion accessories, home decor, toys, novelties and more. Our store is comprised of multiple vignettes in the old Farmers Hardware building in historic downtown Boone. Owned by the same family since 1924, we feature an eclectic collection of local artisans and experienced retailers who strive to offer fresh and unique merchandise you won’t find in the big box stores. Our 100 year old 3-story building is also home to Neighborhood Yoga studio and Kindly

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village jewelers

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boone. Village Jewelers is a family passionate about providing treasured heirlooms and helping love blossom.

Offering new and antique jewelry, we can’t wait to share our passion with you. We want to make this your most loved jewelry purchase ever made.

With almost 140 years of combined experience in the fine jewelry industry, our team offers peace of mind and confidence in providing the very best service available. n 828-414-9888. www.villagejewelersltd.com. Ad on page 53

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Shops & Retailers

custom

JEWELRY design

fine

JEWELRY

expert

JEWELRY repair

Blowing Rock beside Food Lion

Downtown Boone across from Post Office

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Discover...

High Countr y Hiking

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he High Country is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a seemingly endless supply of hotspots for hikers and campers of every level. Whether you’re seeking solitude in the tucked away corners of the map or a scenic stroll that’s suited for your whole family, you’ll find it here in the High Country. Here are just a few of our favorites.

Elk River Falls

secluded area. It may take some turning around to find it, but if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, you won’t be disappointed.

As one of the High Country’s most popular waterfalls, you can expect a crowd on good weather days. But it’s worth it to catch a glimpse of the impressive 60-foot falls. The falls are a quarter-mile walk from the parking lot.

From Boone, take Highway 105 South toward Banner Elk. Turn right onto Highway 184, and then turn left onto Highway 194. At the intersection of 19E, turn right. In 1.3 miles, make a sharp right onto SR 1303. Follow signs leading to the falls, making a left onto Elk River Rd.

Heading south on Highway 181, make a left onto Brown Mountain Beach Road.

Continue for 5 miles, passing the offroad area, and make a left on SR1328.

Pass the commercial campground. The road will turn to gravel and there will be several parking places.

Linville Gorge/Falls

Hebron Rock Colony

Hebron Rock Colony offers a beautiful, long slope of giant boulders, great for crawling, jumping and climbing. The river cascades down the rocks, creating numerous small waterfalls in between dozens of little swimming holes.

To access the falls, do not park on Old Turnpike Road off of Old Shull’s Mill Road. You will get towed! Park at Julian Price Memorial Park picnic area off of the Blue Ridge Parkway in between mileposts 296 and 297. To reach the popular summer hotspot, hike from the parking area about 1.5 miles on the Boone Fork Trail, where you will come out above the falls.

Harper Creek Falls

Harper Creek Falls is part of the Wilson Creek Gorge, which is a beautiful,

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The Grand Canyon of the East, Linville Gorge is as remote and pristine as it gets. Linville Falls can be viewed from a distance by hiking the moderate Erwin’s View Trail, which begins at the Visitor Center and is a 1.6-mile roundtrip.

The Linville Gorge Trail and connecting trails within the gorge are recommended for highly experienced hikers only. These trails, often climbing and descending the V-shaped walls of the gorge, are very strenuous.

To get to the Linville Gorge Visitor Center, take Highway 181 South to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Turn south on the Parkway and drive a few miles to the left turn for the Linville Falls parking area. The Linville Gorge Trail can be accessed at several locations along its western edge. Take US 221 South to Highway 183. Then turn left onto SR1238 (Kistler Memorial Highway).

Trailheads are marked by parking areas on the left. Overnight camping

Hikers on the Table Rock Trail at Linville Gorge

in the Linville Gorge requires a permit Friday to Sunday, from May 1 to Oct. 31. For a permit, call the Grandfather District Ranger at 828-652-4841.

Profile Trail – Grandfather Mountain

Spectacular views and challenging terrain await at Grandfather Mountain. The Profile Trail to the top is 3 miles long and rises more than 2,000 feet in elevation.

The first mile is fairly easy, but the trail becomes more challenging quickly after that. While hiking and camping at the Grandfather Mountain State Park is free, users of the wilderness facility must register and carry a valid permit, which may be obtained at the Profile Trail trailhead parking area.

To reach the Profile Trail entrance, take Highway 105 South

from Boone for about 12 miles.

Parking is on the left, about 5 miles past Foscoe.

Upper Creek Falls

Upper Creek Falls could be called nature’s playground. A swimming hole, complete with a rope swing, is located above the falls, and natural rock slides are found at several points below the falls. The waterfall itself is over 30 feet high, and continues for another 50 feet. The trail leading to the upper falls is less than 1 mile, but strenuous. Crowds are usually small, but sometimes loud.

Photo by Todd Bush

Take Highway 105 South from Boone. Turn left onto Highway 181 South. After crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway and passing signs for Table Rock, the parking lot for Upper Creek Falls is on the left.

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Calendar of Events OCTOBER 2018

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1 The Fantastic Fall Color Ramble, Grandfather Mountain, 828-963-9522 2 Red White and Bluegrass Jam, La Quinta Inn & Suites, 828-963-3546 4 Blowing Rock Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market, Park Avenue, Blowing Rock, 828-298-7851 www.blowingrock.com/farmersmarket 4 - 6 p.m.

4 Avery County Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market

Old Banner Elk Elementary School, 828-434-

0026 www.averycountyfarmersmarket.net

4:30 - 7 p.m.

5 Music On The Lawn, The Best Cellar at the Inn at Ragged Gardens, 5:00 p.m. with Possum Jenkins, Blowing Rock 828-295-3466, www.ragged-gardens.com 5 Brushy Mountain Apple Festival, Main Street, North Wilkesboro, 336-921-3499 5 Shovels and Rope, The Schaefer Center, 828-262-4046 6 Linville Falls Winery, 9557 Linville Falls Hwy. Linville Falls, NC, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Music by the Cahoots, linvillefallswinery.com 7 Linville Falls Winery, 9557 Linville Falls Hwy. Linville Falls, NC, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Music by the Bearwallow, linvillefallswinery.com

Mountain Home Music , Three Generations of Music - Old and New, Harvest House, www.mountainhomemusic.com 6 The Knob and the Bonk, Lost Province B rewing Company, 828-265-3506 6 Blowing Rock Art in the Park, Park Avenue, Blowing Rock, 828-295-7851 7 Blowing Rock Music Festival, Gates open at 10am. Rain or Shine. Entertainers from 12 noon until sunset. Fireworks (weather permitting), Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and BBQ sold on site. Coolers are welcome.

The Blowing Rock, 828-295-7111 7 Concert in the Park, Memorial Park, Blowing Rock, 828-295-7851 12 Music On The Lawn, The Best Cellar at the Inn at Ragged Gardens, with Harris Brothers, Blowing Rock 828-295-3466, www.ragged- gardens.com 12 Blowing Rock Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Market, Park Avenue, Blowing Rock, 828-298-7851 www.blowingrock.com/farmersmarket 4 - 6 p.m.

13 Linville Falls Winery, 9557 Linville Falls Hwy. Linville Falls, NC, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Music by the Broken Angels, linvillefallswinery.com

THE Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Playhouse The High Countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Only Nonprofit Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum

Experience ART Thomas Sayre: White Gold August 11 - November 10 Houck Medford: Coming Home to Cotton August 18 - November 3 Painting Ladies: The Remarkable Students of -TTQW\\ ,IQVOMZĂ&#x2026;MTL August 25 - November 17

159 Chestnut St. Blowing Rock, NC 28605 (828) 295-9099 | www.BlowingRockMuseum.org

@brmuseum

0QFO 5VFTEBZ 4BUVSEBZ "ENJTTJPO $ QFS QFSTPO

Rain or Shine Fun for Babies and Kids up to age 8

See page 18 for more information about upcoming area festivals.

5SBDZ $JSDMF #PPOF t t HPQMBZIPVTF PSH

Photo: Houck Medford. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jody, the regional John Deere mechanic, Houck Farms, Cameron, SC,â&#x20AC;? c. 2000s. Digital photograph. Courtesy of the artist.

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Mountain Home Music: The Best of OldTime Mountain Music, Blowing Rock School Auditorium, www.mountainhomemusic.com 13 Todd New River Festival, Cook Memorial Park, Todd, 828-964-1362 13-14 Oktoberfest, Sugar Mountain Resort, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 828-898-4521 14 Linville Falls Winery, 9557 Linville Falls Hwy. Linville Falls, NC, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Music by the Shelby Rae Moore, linvillefallswinery.com 16 Red White and Bluegrass Jam, La Quinta Inn & Suites, 828-963-3546 19 Maranon & Street Party, Jimmy Smith Park, 828-268-6280 19 North Carolina Symphony, The Schaefer Center, 7:00 p.m. 828-262-4046 20 Valle Country Fair, Valle Crucis Conference Center, Valle Crucis, 828-963-4609 20-21 Wooly Worm Festival, Banner Elk, 828-898-5605 27 Blowing Rock Halloween, Blowing Rock, 828-295-5222 27 Indoor Concert: Alice Gerrard and Friends, The Jones House, , Boone, 828-268-6280 27 A Beary Scary Halloween, Grandfather Mountain, 828-963-9522 28 Mountain Home Music: Bobby McMillon and Glenn Bolick, Harvest House, www.mountainhomemusic.com

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Boone Boo, Downtown Boone, 828-268-6283

NOVEMBER 2018 2

First Friday Art Crawl, Downtown Boone, shop, mingle and meet local artist from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

6 Red White and Bluegrass Jam, La Quinta Inn & Suites, 828-963-3546 8 Stephen Stills & Judy Collins, The Schaefer Center at App State University, 7:00 p.m.

828-262-4046 14 Ballet Folklórico de México, The Schaefer Center, 828-262-4046 19 North Carolina Symphony, The Schaefer Center at App State University, 7:00 p.m.

828-262-4046 20 Red White and Bluegrass Jam, La Quinta Inn & Suites, 828-963-3546 23 Christmas in the Park and Lighting of the Town, Memorial Park, Blowing Rock, 828-295-5222 24 Mountain Home Music: A Celtic Christmas, Harvest House, www.mountainhomemusic.com 24-1/28 Festival of Lights, Chetola Resort, 800-243-8652 29-12/2 4th Annual Festival of the Trees, Chetola Resort, 800-243-8652

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Regularly Scheduled

Recurring Events

App State Home Football Games Oct. 20: VS. Louisiana, Family Weekend Nov. 17: VS. Georgia State, Black Saturday Nov. 24: VS. Troy, Senior Day

tweetsie ghost train

Ashe County Arts Council 303 School Avenue, West Jefferson 336-846-2787, www.ashecountyarts.com Oct. 4: John McCutcheon Oct. 12: October Gallery Crawl Oct. 22-27: Missoula Children’s Theatre Residency Nov. 3: Hayes Chamber Artists in Concert Nov. 16-17: Madrigal Dinner Nov. 29: Two on Tap Holiday Show Nov. 30: Holiday Christmas Crawl

Oct. 27: Spooky Stories and Creepy Crafts Nov. 13: Coffee with the Curator Nov. 15: TAC talk: The Edible South

BRAHM Blowing Rock, 828-295-9099 www.blowingrockmuseum.org Oct. 4: TAC Talk: White Gold featuring Thomas Sayre Oct. 5: Gentle Yoga Oct. 6: Cork & Canvas Oct. 7: Annual Alexander Arts Lecture Oct. 9: The Maker’s Table Oct. 18: Scholars and Scones: Apple Tasting with Moretz Mountain Apples Oct. 23: Coffee with the Curator

Ensemble Stage Banner Elk, 828-414-1844 www.ensemblestage.com Oct. 5-14: John Posey’s Father, Son & Holy Coach Oct. 26-27: Frankenstein Nov. 24-25: It’s a Wonderful Life Farmers’ Markets Watauga County Farmers’ Market Horn in the West, Boone, 828-355-4918 www.wataugafarmersmarket.org Saturdays through Nov., 8 a.m. - noon Ghost Train Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, 800-526-5740 Opens at 7:30 Oct. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, and 26-27

ensemble stage

Tweetsie Christmas Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock, 800-526-5740 Nov. 23-24 and 30Dec. 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, and 28-29

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SCHAEFER CENTERPRESENTS THE

...

2018-19 SEASON

Friday, October 5 SHOVELS & ROPE with special guest Indianola Friday, October 19 NORTH CAROLINA SYMPHONY Thursday, November 8 STEPHEN STILLS & JUDY COLLINS Wednesday, November 14 BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DE MÉXICO Wednesday, February 13 HERBIE HANCOCK Tuesday, February 19 DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM Friday, April 5 THE WORLD OF MUSICALS All Events: 7pm, Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Box Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9-5

800-841-ARTS(2787) • 828-262-4046 TheSchaeferCenter.org

Turchin Center for the Visual Arts Seven galleries Changing exhibitions Contemporary art National, international & regional art Join us for our Winter Exhibition Celebration

Admission is always FREE

Artist credits (left to right): Adair Freeman Rutledge, Dana Fritz and Rachel Stevens

December 7, 2018 6-10 pm

423 W. King St, Boone, NC • tvca.org • turchincenter@appstate.edu • 828.262.3017 v i s i t o r ’ s g u i d e a u t u m n 2 0 17

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Parkway Destinations Linn cove viaduct You see it from afar as you approach it on the Parkway, and soon you’re gliding through the air as you cross this engineering marvel, built to protect the fragile slopes of Grandfather Mountain. It’s fun to drive across a number of times, and the views are awesome.

price lake A 47-acre lake with lots of private fishing spots and campground on its shore, Price Lake offers canoe rentals and a 2.3-mile hike that hugs the shoreline. Rangers present programs in an amphitheater, and all its amenities make Price Lake a great place to spend a few hours.

price picnic grounds It’s one of the largest picnic areas on the Parkway, encompassing a beautiful valley with streams and open fields just begging to be played on. Four trails run through here.

Bathrooms, ample parking, trash cans and grills are all available for free.

CONE MANOR

Photo by Tommy White

A stately manor will transport you back in time when a rich entrepreneur ruled this roost. The 23-room, more than 100-year-old summer palace is dazzling, and the 3,500acre Moses Cone Park has 25 miles of handbuilt carriage trails, one of which leads to the graveyard of its original owners.

Bass Lake Not accessible by the Parkway but part of the Parkway, this is a locals’ favorite. Many walk their dogs on a trail that runs around the beautiful lake, and the spot offers great views of the Cone Manor and access to the trails leading up to it. Free parking and new toilet facilities are available. Bass Lake is off Highway 221, a short drive north from Main Street in Blowing Rock.

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LARGE TRACTS! mountains4sale.com

Mountain Land C O M P A N Y

828-263-2340 Acres

County

Price

Acres

County

416

Wilkes

$1,334,465

159

Caldwell

$421,000

404

Wilkes

$1,341,221

149

Wilkes

$643,100

398

Wilkes

$1,125,000

130

Watauga

SOLD!

329

Cleveland & Rutherford

$963,100

109

Caldwell

$203,000

223

Wilkes

$1,200,000

108

Ashe

$441,000

$481,000

81

Ashe

$399,000

177

Rutherford $1,221,000

64

Watauga

$253,100

164

Alexander

$541,000

45

Ashe

$233,333

Acres

County

Price

807

Wilkes

$2,111,000

71

Caldwell

$231,000

Alexander $1,909,400

53

Wilkes

$199,900

184

Wilkes

Price

MAJOR PRICE REDUCTIONS! 454

Acres

County

Price

155

Ashe

$691,000

52

Wilkes

$103,200

134

Ashe

$1,448,000

34

Wilkes

UNDER CONTRACT

129

Wilkes

$387,500

25

Wilkes

$113,000

96

Wilkes

UNDER CONTRACT

18

Wilkes

$68,000

Paul Breden Mountain Land Company Broker/Owner 15784 U.S. Hwy 421 S. 828-263-2340 Deep Gap, NC 28618 Email: buymountainland@gmail.com v i s i t o r â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s g u i d e a u t u m n 2 0 17

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