Banner Elk My Hometown 2022-23

my 2022-2023 BANNER ELK hometown The High Country is a great place to visit ... and a better place to live!

Retail ∙ Entertainment ∙ Restaurants ∙ Events ∙ Recreation ∙ Important Numbers Real Estate ∙ Organizations ∙ Chambers of Commerce ∙ Civic Groups ∙ Education

Page 2 • Mountain Times Publications BANNER ELK MY

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Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Welcome to Banner Elk — The Place to BE

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have lived most of my 73 years in Banner Elk and have seen it grow and change over those years in numerous ways. However, the character of Banner Elk, the heart of Banner Elk, has not changed. It is the place I want to BE. It is my hometown and I want to share it with you.

I am a third-generation resident of Banner Elk. My roots are deeply embedded in our beautiful mountains.

My grandfather brought his bride to live in Banner Elk in 1910 at the request of Reverent Edgar Tufts, the founder of Lees-McRae College. He established a hospital and served the medical needs of the area his entire life, as did my father and brother. I live within sight of my grandfather’s home and the home where I grew Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce President David L. Tate up. This is the place where I was meant to BE. vorite activities is serving as welcome our many visiAs the President of the one of the volunteer hosts tors to my hometown and Banner Elk Chamber of at our Welcome Center. On answer questions about Commerce, one of my faMondays, I am honored to my favorite place to be. In

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fact, the slogan written on our shirts at the Welcome Center is, “Just BE.” Just being in Banner Elk is a pleasure for me, as it is for our full-time residents, part-time residents and our many visitors throughout each season of the year.

Banner Elk, situated in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, has four distinct seasons to enjoy. Our elevation cools the air and helps people who live off our mountain to escape the summer heat. The magnificent colors of our mountains in the autumn are an attraction that draws people from far and near. Once the leaves fall from the trees, our cold weather can decorate the trees with rime ice, which is fog frozen around each little bare branch.

Snow-covered mountains are also a regular treat.

Spring is a beautiful time of rebirth with many flowering shrubs and wildflowers greeting the warming temperatures.

Each season provides different activities to enjoy.

Summer brings moderate temperatures making golf, hiking, cycling or just sitting around an outdoor fire a distinct pleasure. Fall is a perfect time to take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway south of Grandfather Mountain to enjoy the dramatic autumnal colors of our mountains. Banner Elk sits between the two largest ski resorts in the South for those who like skiing, snowboarding and other snowy pursuits. Springtime hiking trips to Linville Gorge, Grandfather Mountain or Roan Mountain are always a bountiful feast of beauty.

Banner Elk offers the widest array of dining experiences in the High Country.

Chinese, Cajun, Vietnamese, Italian, Mexican cuisine are all excellent and readily available. If you want a salad or a unique sandwich or prime rib, you can find the best in Banner Elk. Lees-McRae College is a

fully accredited institution of higher learning with many programs of study offered, including nursing, wildlife rehabilitation and theater arts. Lees-McRae College has a nationally ranked cycling team and offers a variety of other sports.

In addition to the musical and dramatic play productions provided by the college, Ensemble Stage Company offers a full season of professional productions in their own theater, located in the Cultural Arts Center in the Historic Banner Elk School. You can also find the BE Artist Gallery, the Banner Elk Book Exchange, Avery Community Yoga and the Banner Buckhead Photography Studio in the Historic Banner Elk School.

Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, Banner Elk is the place to BE. Sincerely, David L. Tate President, Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce

Welcome to Banner Elk and Avery County: Small Town, USA

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anner Elk is an exceptional example of small town USA we have to offer here in Avery County.

It has the prestige of being a college town that is home to Lees-McRae College which is a vital part of this small mountain community. It

flourishes with a rich local culture, a diverse population of visitors, full and part–time residents. People come here to visit from all walks of life to enjoy the beauty of our mountains, all the many outdoor recreational activities, to include our first-class ski destina-

tions and some of the finest dining in the High Country.

The Avery County Sheriff’s Office considers it an honor and privilege to serve this community and Avery County. As we take on the mission to provide public safety, we want to ensure that everyone who visits Avery County will

have a safe and enjoyable experience in the High Country.

As the Sheriff of Avery County, I want to extend a warm welcome to all of the many visitors who make Avery County a vacation destination every year.

Mike Henley Avery County Sheriff Avery County Sheriff Mike Henley

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Wednesday, December 28, 2022 BANNER ELK MY

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 3

Avery County: What can we do for you?

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elcome to Avery County, a jewel in North Carolina’s crown!

The county, nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, consists of eleven charming small towns worth exploring: Anne Winkelman Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Crossnore, Elk Park, Linville, Linville Falls, Newland, Pineola, Plumtree, Seven Devils and Sugar Mountain. There are no more than two stop lights in any of our towns.

Airports at our disposal are Asheville Regional Airport, Avery County Airport, and Tri-Cities Airport, with Charlotte International Airport only a couple of hours away.

We proudly boast of our four-season climate where spring, summer and fall offer amazingly pleasant temperatures and winter offers moderate winter weather, suitable for winter sports. Excellent skiing and snowboarding can be found at both Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain resorts.

For those enjoying outdoor activities, we offer hiking, biking, rafting, fishing, tubing (snow and water), golfing, horseback riding, ziplining, swimming and skiing. Also, enjoy arts and

crafts festivals, art galleries, shopping, excellent food/ restaurants, wineries, and breweries.

Avery County hosts amazing festivals, such as SummerFest in June, juried Fine Arts and Master Crafts, Oktoberfest, Sugarfest and our famous Woolly Worm Festival. The area now offers a certified Bare Dark Sky Observatory and the first NC Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster.

From Grandfather Mountain you can walk across a one-mile-high swinging bridge, have lunch and enjoy the awe-inspiring view from an elevation of 5,964 feet.

Not only that, but you can visit Grandfather Mountain’s wildlife habitat where you

will see otters, eagles, elk, deer, black bears, cougars, and more. Visit Grandfather’s Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, which includes a dozen interactive exhibits that connect to the mountain’s 16 natural communities, weather, climate and natural history. New outdoor learning spaces include an amphitheater among the trees and a pavilion. Inside, an ADA-accessible theater, classrooms and new food service facilities will extend the park’s capacity for hosting events.

Avery County celebrates a rich history, much of which can be learned at our Avery County Historical Museum, located at 1829 Schultz Circle in Newland, the county seat. Other museums in the

county include the Banner House and Beech Mountain Museum. If you happen to be a railroad enthusiast, you can visit the lovingly restored Linville Depot and Caboose #505 (of Tweetsie Railroad fame) with the Avery County Historical Museum.

Cultural events are offered through Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk. Several of our communities offer free music concerts through the summer months as well.

If you can’t find enough to do above ground, visit the naturally awesome Linville Caverns on Highway 221, just north of Marion.

See amazing stalactite and stalagmite formations, a bottomless pool, underground stream with native trout and

more.

Health and wellness options are provided by the Williams YMCA, Ballad Health, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare System.

When visiting in the area, we invite you to drop by the Avery County Chamber of Commerce at Shoppes of Tynecastle, 4501 Tynecastle Highway, Suite #14, Banner Elk, or call us at (828) 898-5605. We will be more than happy to answer your questions and advise you on things to do. We love visitors!

Again, we thank you for visiting Avery County and invite you to come back soon.

Anne Winkelman Executive Director, Avery County Chamber of Commerce

Welcome to Banner Elk: A special kind of town

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anner Elk is special. No one comes here that doesn’t want to stay. You might have already read the information shared in this publication by the two Chambers of Commerce Banner Elk about the Mayor area’s Brenda Lyerly beautiful scenery, seasons and amenities.

Now let’s delve into what the Town of Banner Elk has done to make the downtown so inviting and special.

We had an historic

elementary school built in 1938-1939 by the WPA, which closed in 2011 when a new school was built.

This school is in the heart of downtown. With lots of community effort, this rock schoolhouse was transformed into the Cultural Arts Center. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017. It now houses BE Artist Gallery, Banner Elk Book Exchange, Carolina Mountain Life Magazine Corporate Office, Avery Community Yoga Studio, Buckhead Photography Studio, Common Grounds, and Ensemble Stage. The Ensemble Stage is a 99-seat theatre space converted

from the old school auditorium. Gary Smith and Lisa Lamont secure professional actors, and this stage company has a huge following.

The frontage of the school is a large field, which faces the main road into town.

This area is used for the famous Woolly Worm Festival the third weekend of each October. Next October will be the 46th year for the Woolly Worm Festival.

There are also four Art on the Greene festivals each summer on weekends of Memorial Day, The Fourth of July, the first weekend in August and Labor Day. Other events can be scheduled through the Banner Elk Town Hall. This area

has also made available more space for badly needed downtown parking.

There is more work to be done on the school grounds.

The plans are to add a road from Town Hall to the Historic Banner Elk School.

This will add more accessibility and more parking.

One of the biggest events of the year is our Fourth of July Parade and Celebration. Come gather with us on Main Street for a one-of-akind parade that could only be found in Banner Elk. The day ends in the park with a Duck Race and old-fashioned lawn games.

Tate-Evans Town Park is enjoyed by people and animals of all ages. There

are many miles of walking/ biking paths, a dog park, two children’s playgrounds, workout equipment, and a stream for the children to play in. There are also pavilions available for outdoor gatherings. The park also has an amphitheater. Every Thursday evening in summer there is a free concert with great bands, a dance stage and wonderful food trucks. Bring your own chair and enjoy. That amphitheater is also used for outdoor movies and other events.

“A Small Town Christmas” comes to Banner Elk the first weekend in December.

The town park is lit with luminaries and holiday light displays all around the track.

There is a train to ride you around that track so you won’t miss anything.

Speaking of Christmas, on Friday evening of the Small Town Christmas weekend, there is a lighting of the Christmas tree at the Corner on Main. Everyone gathers around the tree with hot chocolate and cookies and listens to Christmas Carolers until the tree is lit. After the tree lighting, everyone heads over to the Ensemble Stage for a Holiday Musical Variety Show. How much more Norman Rockwell could this be?

Can you now see why Banner Elk is special?

Brenda Lyerly Banner Elk Mayor

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Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Welcome to our outstanding education system!

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ocated in the picturesque town of Banner Elk, Banner Elk Elementary School is one of five elementary schools within the Avery County School System. It is the most recently constructed elementary school in the county and was opened in 2011. The building is a state-of-the-art facility with an administration, faculty and staff who are dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience for all students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.

Banner Elk Elementary School works very closely with our local civic organizations. For example, Kiwanis supports our Terrific Kids’ program and the Woolly Worm Festival.

The school also receives tremendous support from the High Country Charitable Foundation for the book exchange program and the

after-school program. These are just a few examples that BES is truly a community school and is supported by local businesses and community members.

In addition to a caring and capable staff, Banner Elk Elementary has a very active Parent Teacher Organization. The PTO, along with school and county staff, ensure that students have very diverse opportunities to learn including the designation as an “Arts A+” school that integrates the arts with curriculum. BES was recognized in December 2019 as having achieved the distinction of “Exceeding Academic Growth” for the 2018-2019 school year.

As a result of outstanding programs and support for all students, enrollment at BES has steadily increased year after year. Technology is woven into all aspects of the curriculum. The Avery County School System was

the first school system in North Carolina to deploy the “1 to 1” initiative. Our “1 to 1” initiative continues to provide students in kindergarten through twelfth grade with computers to support technology requirements expected within the current and future workforce.

When students complete the fifth grade at BES, they will go to one of Avery County’s two middle schools, Cranberry Middle School or Avery Middle School. Following middle school, students then transition to Avery High School.

All of these schools are excellent places for any child to achieve their utmost potential. Avery County is consistently in the top-five percent for the graduation rate in North Carolina.

As a result of our visionary Board of Education and county government, Avery County High School

received a $22 million expansion and renovation to ensure all students have access to modern, innovative facilities.

In addition to all Avery County’s schools being extraordinary, the community itself is very welcoming and offers true southern hospitality from our local community members. It is a beautiful place with outstanding people, breathtaking views, and something for everyone. If you are new to the area or considering joining our community, we welcome the chance to showcase everything that Avery County has to offer.

For more information about our world-class school system and Banner Elk Elementary School, please visit our website at www. averyschools.net.

Very truly yours, Dr. Dan Brigman Superintendent, Avery County Schools Avery County Schools Superintendent Dr. Dan Brigman

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Lees-McRae College: Banner Elk’s Hometown Institution

Lees-McRae College President Dr. Lee King

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Dear Readers, Lees-McRae College is proud of our hometown relationship with Banner Elk and Avery County.

The college takes very seriously its important role in strengthening the local economy and contributing to the social and intellectual vitality of the

community.

This year, with the acquisition of the Grandfather Home for Children property as our new South Campus, Lees-McRae is preserving and stewarding this important local asset to protect it for future generations.

Also this year, we have embarked on a $35 million

renovation of our historic campus buildings to bring new life into these iconic properties, all of which are a unique fixture in the character of our local community.

Lees-McRae is a gem in the national higher education landscape, and our location in Banner Elk is among our strongest, most

unique assets.

We welcome you to our community and invite you to learn about all the many things that make Lees-McRae College such a special place.

Sincerely, Lee King President, Lees-McRae College

Wednesday, December 28, 2022 BANNER ELK MY

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 5

Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory

Attractions and Activities

Apple Hill Farm Contact Person: Lee Rankin Email: applehillfarmnc@gmail. com Address: 400 Apple Hill Rd., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-963-1662 Website: http://www.applehillfarmnc.com Banner Elk Book Exchange Contact Person: Donna Dicks Email: dbdicks@skybest.com Address: 357 Old Turnpike Rd, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-6667 Website: http://www.bannerelkbookexchange.com/ Elk River Club Contact Person: Toni Littleton Email: toni@elkriverclubnc.com Address: 1000 Clubhouse Dr., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-9773 Fax: 828-898-6118 Website: http://elkriverclubnc. com/ Ensemble Stage Contact Person: Lisa Lamont Email: info@ensemblestage.com Address: 182 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-414-1844 Website: http://www.ensemblestage.com/ Epic Nature Tours Contact Person: Paul Laurent Email: info@epicnaturetours.com Phone: 931-452-9254 Website: http://www.epicnaturetours.com Description: Guided Birding & Nature Tour Company — We offer guided birding tours in the High Country of NC, throughout the US, and to Costa Rica. We also offer nature education programs for schools, community groups, and more!

FORUM at Lees-McRae College Contact Person: Elizabeth Roberts Email: forum@lmc.edu Address: P.O. Box 649, Banner Elk,

NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-8748 Website: https://www.lmc.edu/ community/forum.htm Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation Contact Person: Sarah Lowery Email: sarah@grandfather.com Address: 2033 Blowing Rock Hwy., Linville, NC 28646 Phone: 828-733-2013 Fax: 828-733-2608 Website: http://www.grandfather.com/ High Mountain Expeditions Contact Person: Bill Leonard Email: info@highmountainexpeditions.com Address: 3149 Tynecastle Hwy., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-264-7368 Fax: 828-262-0572 Website: http://www.highmountainexpeditions.com Holston Presbyterian Camp and Retreat Center Contact: Jim Austin Email: info@HolstonCenter.org Address: 6993 Hickory Nut Gap Rd, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 844-465-7866 Website: http://www.HolstonCenter.org Sugar Mountain Resort, Inc. Contact Person: Kim Jochl Email: marketing@skisugar.com Address: 1009 Sugar Mountain Dr, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-4521 Website: http://www.skisugar. com Wup D Doo’s Contact Person: Luke Barrow Email: None Address: Phone: 541-606-6894 Website: None Description: A retail coupon book featuring BE businesses in the tourism sector.

Banking and Investments Fifth-Third Bank Contact Person: Kathy Boone Email: Katherine.boone@53.com

Address: 1667 Tynecastle Hwy., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 898-6351 Website: https://www.53.com First Community Bank Contact Person: Mike Clark, Branch Leader Address: 115 Main St. E., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-5100 High Country Wealth Management Contact Person: Jeff Davis Email: jdavis@highcountrywealth. com Address: 1900 Tynecastle Highway, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-3993 Fax: 828-898-3996 Website: http://www.highcountrywealth.com

Education Lees-McRae College Contact Person: Blaine Hansen (VP Planning & External Relations) Email: hansenb@lmc.edu Address: 191 Main St., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-5241 Fax: 828-898-8814 Website: http://www.lmc.edu/ Mayland Community College Contact Person: Melissa Phillips Email: mcphillips@mayland.edu Address: 785 Cranberry St., Newland, NC 28657 Phone: 828-733-5883 Fax: 828-733-8877 Website: http://www.mayland. edu/

Health and Fitness AMOREM (Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc.) Contact Person: Brittany Bonn, Director of Development Email: bbonn@amoremsupport. org Address: 137 Moonstruck Lane Boone, NC 28607 Phone: (828) 754-0101 Website: amoremsupport.org Appalachian Home Care, LLC Contact Person: Ellen Harrell

Email: ellen@apphomecare.com Address: 7883 NC Hwy. 105 S., Unit E, Boone NC 28607 Phone: 828-963-8233 Website: www.apphomecare.com Beech Mountain Club Contact Person: Brian Barnes Email: beechgm@yahoo.com Address: 114 Clubhouse Road, Beech Mountain, NC 28604 Phone: 828-387-4208 Fax: 828-387-2204 Website: https://beechmtn.club/ Dogwood Primary Care Contact Person: Jason Crawford, MD Email: dr.crawford@dogwoodprimarycare.com Address: 3990 NC Highway 105 South, Suite 1, Sugar Mountain, NC 28604 Website: www.dogwoodprimarycare.com High Country Caregivers Contact Person: Jacob Willis Email: Info@highcountrycaregivers.com Address: 895 State Farm Rd, #400B, Boone NC. 28607 Phone: 828-832-6366 Website: https://www.highcountrycaregivers.com Life Care Center of Banner Elk Contact Person: Aubrie Bunton Email: aubrie_bunton@lcca.com Address: 185 Norwood Hollow Rd., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-5136 Fax: 828-898-8426 Website: http://lifecarecenterofbannerelk.com Williams YMCA of Avery County Contact Person: Trey Oakley Email: treyo@ymcaavery.org Address: 436 Hospital Drive, Linville, NC 28646 Phone: 828-737-5500 Website: http://ymcaavery.org/

Builders and Home Improvements A.T.T.I.C. Design, LLC Contact Person: Bob Mann Email: adesign@skybest.com

Address: 200 Park Ave., Suite B, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-8244 Website: http://atticdesign.net/ Avery Rent-All Contact Person: Jimmy Greene Email: jimmy.greene@boonerentalsinc.com Address: 1829 Tynecastle Hwy., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-6301 Website: http://www.boonerent-all.com Dianne Davant & Associates Contact Person: Amanda Clopton Email: Angela@Davant-Interiors. com Address: 5111 Hwy. 105 S., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-9887 Website: http://www.davant-interiors.com/ J.A.C.K.S. Glass and Mirror Contact Person: Kevin Williams Email: kevin@jacksglassnc.com Address: 65 Orchard Lane, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-733-9600 Website: http://www.jacksglassnc.com/ Isley Construction Co, Inc. Contact Person: Roy Isley Email: isleyconstruction@yahoo. com Address: 4236 Linville Falls Hwy., Newland, NC 28657 Phone: 828-898-7544, 828-7334209 Website: http://www.isleyconstruction.homesandland.com/ Mountain Construction Enterprises Contact Person: Mark Kirkpatrick Email: mark@mountainconstruction.com Address: 1345 Poplar Grove Rd., Banner Elk, NC 28607 Phone: 828-963-8090 Website: http://www.mountainconstruction.com/ Mountain Craft Builders Contact Person: Bill Tuck Email: btuck@mac.com Address: 142 Teaberry Trail, Beech Mountain, NC 28607

Phone: 828-260-0013 Website: https://www.houzz.com/ pro/mtncraft/mountain-craftbuilders-inc New Lifestyles Carpet One Floor & Home Contact Person: Art Scurlock Email: art.carpetone@gmail.com Address: 2862 Tynecastle Hwy. (Hwy. 184) Postcode: 28604 City: Banner Elk Phone: 828.528.4013 Website: http://www.newlifestylescarpet1bannerelk.com/ Sky House L.L.C. Contact Person: Jeff Pell, General Contractor Email: office@skyhousecompany. com Address: 2874 Tynecastle Highway, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-3717 Website: https://www.skyhousecompany.com/ Sky House L.L.C. is a custom construction company serving the fine homebuilding and remodeling market in the High Country of North Carolina. We specialize in technically ambitious, architecturally driven projects that other builders often shy away from. We are trusted by discerning customers because we understand that their vision, no matter how challenging, takes priority over all other considerations.

VPC Builders Contact Person: Matt Vincent Email: vpcbuilders@gmail.com Address: 2059 Tynecastle Highway, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-295-0707 Fax: 828-832-3882 Website: https://www.vpcbuilders.com/

Lodging

Banner Elk Mountain Cabins Contact Person: Marsha Ruppard Email: bannerelkmtncabins@ gmail.com Address: P.O. Box 1981, Banner Elk, NC 28604 SEE DIRECTORY ON PAGE 6

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DIRECTORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Phone: 828-387-1209 Website: http://www.bannerelkmtncabins.com Best Western Mountain Lodge Contact Person: Shannon Maness, Gen. Mgr. Email: shannonmaness81@gmail. com Address: 1615 Tynecastle Hwy., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828- 898-4571 Website: http://www.bestwesternbannerelk.com Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals Contact Person: Casey Ellison, Gen. Mgr. Email: Info@BlueRidgeRentals. com Address: 2464 US Highway 421 South, Boone NC 28607 Phone: 800-237-7975 Website: https://www.blueridgerentals.com/ Description: Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals is the High Country’s premier choice for luxurious vacation rentals in the Banner Elk, Eagles Nest, Beech and Sugar Mountains, Valle Crucis, and Boone areas.

Offering over 350 properties from 1-8 bedrooms, many of our homes have features such as a hot tub, beautiful views, game tables, firepit, and so much more! Let our friendly Reservation Specialists help you book your dream vacation today!

Carolina Cabin Rentals, Inc. Contact Person: John White Email: Inquiries@CarolinaCabinRentals.com Address: 197 Old US Highway 321, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 Phone: 828-295-6000 Website: http://www.carolinacabinrentals.com/ Cornerstone Cabins and Lodge of Banner Elk Contact Person: Ray & Kim Schrader Email: ccabins@att.net Address: 64 Cornerstone Cir., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-3115

Website: https://cornerstonerentals.com/ Little Main St. Inn & Suites Contact Person: Phil & Lori Dean Email: Littlemainstreet@gmail. com Address: 607 E. Main St., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-6109 Website: http://littlemainstreet. com/ Mountain Retreats Realty Contact Person: Diane Martin Email: diane@ncmountainretreats.com Address: P.O. Box 2437, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-6325 Fax: 828-898-7664 Website: http://www.ncmountainretreats.com/ Sugar Mountain Ski and Country Club HOA, Inc. Contact Person: Hope Harvey Email: info@sugarmountain.com Address: 100 Sugar Ski Dr., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-9784 Website: http://www.sugarmountain.com The Azalea Inn Contact Person: Terri McNay Email: info@TheAzaleaInnBB.com Address: 140 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-260-9528 Website: https://theazaleainnbb. com/ The Lodge at River Run Contact Person: Bobbie Parks Email: thelodgeatriverrun@gmail. com Address: 2981 Banner Elk Hwy., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-4709 Website: https://thelodgeatriverrun.com/ The Old Greer House Contact Person: Claire Kimmel Email: kimmel@skybest.com Address: 1688 Balm Hwy., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-2843 Website: https://www. theoldgreerhouse.com/ White Wolf Lodge & Holy Smokes BBQ

Contact Person: Trisha Moore — GM Email: wwlodge3363@gmail.com Address: 3363 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-387-4200 Website: www.whitewolflodge.org

Municipal Town of Banner Elk Contact Person: Rick Owen Email: manager@townofbannerelk.org Address: 200 Park Ave, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-5398 Website: http://www.townofbannerelk.org Town of Banner Elk TDA Contact Person: Craig Distl, PR representative Email: CraigD411@gmail.com Phone: 704-466-3744 Town of Seven Devils TDA Contact Person: Debbie Powers Email: townfinance@sevendevils. net Address: 157 Seven Devils Road, Seven Devils, NC 28604 Phone: 828-963-5343 Website: http://sevendevils.net Nonprofit Organizations (Community) Avery County Chamber of Commerce Contact Person: Anne Winkelman Email: info@averycounty.com Address: 4501 Tynecastle Hwy., Suite #2, Banner Elk, NC, 28604 Phone: 828-898-5605 Website: https://averycounty. com/ Description: An Avery County organization whose goal is to support, promote, and attract businesses for the advancement of the County.

Avery County Habitat for Humanity Contact Person: Jillian Rosato Email: jillian@averycohfh.org Address: P.O. Box 1016, Newland, NC 28657 Phone: 828-733-1909 Website: http://www.averycohfh. org/ Avery County Humane Society Contact Person: Bruce Malfatone

HOMETOWN

Email: averyhumaneed@gmail. com Address: P.O. Box 1213, Newland, NC 28657 Phone: 828-733-2333 Fax: 828-733-9937 Website: http://www.averyhumane.org Banner Elk Garden Club Contact Person: Jeni Davis Email: glennandjeni@gmail.com Address: P.O. Box 248, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-260-4323 Fax: N/A Website: N/A Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC in Avery County Contact Person: Michelle Pellersel Email: AMY@BBBSWNC.org Address: PO Box 82, Spruce Pine NC 28777 Phone: 828-518-0099 Fax: 828 253-5403 Website: https://www.bbbswnc. org/ Description: We are working to ensure every child in WNC has an enjoyable, long-term relationship with a caring adult who believes in them and sees their potential.

We select and match mentors with children facing adversity and provide ongoing activities, training and support services for both families and volunteers to foster a successful match relationship and a lasting connection.

When matched with their Big, Littles gain a role model, a friend and access to new experiences through which they build higher aspirations for their lives. These relationships provide them with the support they need to achieve academic improvement, growth in self-confidence and development of life skills, and reward mentors with the experience of being an integral part of that young person’s success.

In four decades, we have served more than 14,000 children and believe that in each one there is a special spark that can lead them to become positive, productive citizens of our community and the world.

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Feeding Avery Families Contact Person: Dick Larson Email: feedingaveryfamilies@ gmail.com Address: 500 Pineola St., Newland, NC 28657 Phone: 828-783-8506 Website: http://www.feedingaveryfamilies.org/ High Country Breast Cancer Foundation Contact Person: Irene Sawyer Email: irene@hcbcf.org Address: P.O. Box 1029, Blowing Rock, NC 28607 Phone: 614-928-6544 Website: http://highcountrybreastcancerfoundation.org/ High Country Caregivers Contact Person: Jacob Willis Email: Info@highcountrycaregivers.com Address: 895 State Farm Rd, #400B, Boone NC. 28607 Phone: 828-832-6366 Website: https://www.highcountrycaregivers.com/ Hospitality House of Northwest North Carolina Contact Person: Todd Carter Email: info@hosphouse.org Address: P.O. Box 309, Boone, NC 28607 / 338 Brook Hollow Rd., Boone, NC 28607 Phone: 828-264-1237 Fax: 828-265-2541 Website: http://www.hospitalityhouseofboone.org/ Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk Contact Person: Ann Swinkola Email: agswinkola@skybest.com Address: P.O. Box 2321, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-9044 Website: https://www.facebook. com/BEKiwanis/ Reserve II at Sugar Mountain HOA Contact Person: Bill Carfagno Email: Reserve2hoa@aol.com Town of Banner Elk Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Contact Person: Nancy Owen Email: nowen@townofbannerelk. org Address: 200 Park Avenue, Banner Elk, NC 28604

Phone: 828-898-5398 Website: https://www.bannerelk. com/ Town of Seven Devils Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Contact Person: Debbie Powers Email: townfinance@sevendevils. net Address: 157 Seven Devils Road, Seven Devils, NC 28604 Phone: 828-963-5343 Website: http://sevendevils.net The Greater Banner Elk Heritage Foundation/Banner House Museum Contact Person: Meredith Olan Email: bannerhousemuseum@ yahoo.com Address: 7990 Hickory Nut Gap Rd., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-3634 Fax: 828-898-3634 Website: http://www.bannerhousemuseum.org Sugar Mountain Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Contact Person: Mary Kate Litchfield, Tourism Development Coordinator Email: tda@seesugar.com Admin: admin@seesugar.com Address: 251 Dick Trundy Lane Sugar Mountain, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-9292 Fax: 828-898-9293 Website: https://seesugar.com/ Description: The TDA promotes vacations to the Village of Sugar Mountain – home to public golf course, public tennis club, ski resort, summer mountain biking, scenic lift rides, vacation rentals and much more. Discover four seasons of fun things to do on their helpful online travel guide at SeeSugar.com.

WAMY Community Action Contact Person: Melissa Soto, Executive Director Email: info@wamycommunityaction.org Address: 723 Cranberry Street, Newland, NC 28657 Phone: 800-571-9269 Website: https://www.wamycomSEE DIRECTORY ON PAGE 8

Wednesday, December 28, 2022 BANNER ELK MY

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 7

950 Equestrian Drive Watch spring bloom from the gorgeous panoramic views in this home’s living room.

5579 Eagle’s Nest Trail Copperleaf Lodge is a bright beacon of light in the dead of winter.

181 White Eagle Trail Witness the beautiful colors of fall mirrored in the sunset from the highest point in The Village.

131 Meadowlark Lane As the ultimate spot for entertaining and outdoor fun, this home is ready to party all summer long.

THE BEST HOMES IN BANNER ELK, YEAR ROUND OUR H OMES A RE B U ILT TO G E T Y O U T H RO UG H N OT O NLY THE FOU R SE AS ON S, B U T Y OU R LI F E Whether it’s skiing down the powdered snow on Sugar Mountain in the winter or spending those last sweet moments of summertime apple picking at the orchard, Banner Elk always has the best activities. At Engel & Volkers, we don’t just work here - we build our lives here. We love our hometown, and it’s our passion to help you find your dream life nestled in the mountains, too. From beautiful custom-built homes sitting on acres of land to modern and luxurious condominiums just minutes from downtown, we are sure to have your perfect fit. Contact us today to discuss all your real estate needs.

Engel & Völkers Banner Elk 610 Banner Elk Highway . Banner Elk . NC 28604 . +1 828-898-3808 Learn more at bannerelk.evrealestate.com

©2022 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

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DIRECTORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 munityaction.org/

Churches Banner Elk Presbyterian Church Contact Person: Alisa Ballard Email: admin@bannerelkpresbyterian.org Address: 420 College Dr., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-5406 Fax: 828-898-7615 Website: http://bannerelkpresbyterian.org/ Banner Elk United Methodist Church Contact Person: Rev. Theodore “Ted” Henry Email: THenry@wnccumc.net Address: 486 College Dr., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-974-3699 Website: http://bannerelkumc. org/

Real Estate Anderson Mountain Realty & Rentals, Inc. Contact Person: Wendy Raines Email: andersonmountainrentals@gmail.com Address: 184 N Water St #13, Boone, NC 28607 Phone: 828-963-4091 Website: www.rentourcabins.com Antler Realty Contact Person: Jim Edsall Email: jim@antlerrealty.net Address: 146 Shawneehaw Ave, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-3111 Fax: 828-898-2393 Website: http://www.antlerrealty. net Banner Elk Realty Contact Person: John Davis, III Email: davisjd@skybest.com Address: 161 Silver Springs Drive, Suite #2, Banner Elk, NC 28604; P.O. Box 336, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-9756 / Cell: 828260-1550 Fax: 828-898-4898

Website: http://www.bannerelkrealty.com Bear Real Estate Contact Person: Kim Hyatt Email: kim@bearrealestate.com Address: 120 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk, NC 28604 P.O. Box 2498, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-260-5338 Website: https://www.bearrealestate.com/ Blue Ridge Realty and Investments Contact Person: Todd Rice and Bill Acceto Email: info@brri.net Address: 110 Main St. Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-737-3100 Website: http://blueridgerealty. net/ Dereka’s Sugar Mountain Realty, Inc. Contact Person: Dereka Plyler Email: resv@staysugar.com Address: 106 Sugar Mountain Dr., Sugar Mtn, NC 28604 Phone: 800-545-9475

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Fax: 828-898-8620 Website: http://www.staysugar. com/ Eagles Nest Realty, LLC Contact Person: Mary Sue Street Email: mstreet@eaglesnestrealtyllc.com Address: 51 Eagles Nest Trail, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 800-770-9311 Website: http://eaglesnestatbannerelk.com/ Elkheart Properties, LLC Contact Person: Cinda Holsombach-Ebner Email: bannerelkheart@gmail. com Address: P.O. Box 1101, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 904-377-8107 Website: https://elkheartllc. weebly.com/ Elk River Property Owners Association, Inc. Contact Person: Bob Littleton Email: elkriverpoa@elkriverpoa. com Address: 643 Banner Elk Hwy., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-9791 Fax: 828-898-4856 Website: http://www.elkriverpoa. com/ Elk River Realty, Inc. Contact Person: Rick Foster/Spencer Robbins Email: rick@elkriverclub.com Address: 539 Banner Elk Hwy., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-9777 Website: http://www.elkriverclub. com/ Engel & Volkers Banner Elk Contact Person: Jami Prince Email: Jami.Prince@evusa.com Address: 610 Banner Elk Highway, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-3808 Website: bannerelk.evusa.com/en/ The Farm at Banner Elk Contact Person: Mark Lehmann Email: thefarmbenc@skybest.com Address: Dobbins Rd./Farm Loop Rd., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-4416 Website: http://www.thefarmatbannerelk.com/ Harry Berry Realty, Inc.

Wednesday, December 28, 2022 Contact Person: Harry Berry Email: harry.hbrealty@gmail.com Address: 3812 Cleveland Street, Hollywood, FL 33021 Phone: 954-816-6521 Fax: 954-862-3087 Website: www.harryberryrealty. com/ Premier Sotheby’s International Realty Contact Person: Sarah Whitfield and Paige Taylor Email: paige.taylor@premiersir. com Address: 3990 US Hwy. 105 South, #3, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-5022 Fax: 828-898-3695 Website: http://www.premiersothebysrealty.com Silver Springs Farms, LLC Contact Person: George Meyer Jr. & Bev Payne Email: bev@skybest.com Address: 600 Old Turnpike Rd., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-6896 Website: http://bannerelkhomes. com The Summit Group of the Carolinas Contact Person: Allison Phillips Email: summitgroup@skybest. com Address: 415 Shawneehaw Ave, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-3500 Website: www.summitgrouprealestate.com Sugartop Resort Condominium Association Contact Person: Dennis Lacey Email: sales@sugartop.com Address: 303 Sugar Top Dr., Sugar Mountain, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-5226 Fax: 828-898-8627 Website: http://www.sugartop. com/

Restaurants, Breweries & Wineries Aramark- Lees McRae Dining Contact Person: David Masonoff Email: masonoff-david@aramark. com Address: PO Box 116, Banner Elk, NC

Phone: 828-898-8088 Website: http://www.aramark. com Banner Elk Cafe and Lodge Espresso Bar and Eatery Contact Person: Les Broussard Email: skifamily04@charter.net Address: Hwy. 184, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-4040 Website: www.bannerelkcafe.com Banner Elk Winery & Villa Contact Person: Emily Billings Email: emily@bannerelkwinery. com Address: 135 Deer Run Ln., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-9090 Website: http://www.bannerelkwinery.com Banner Elk Winery & Villa is the original and most celebrated winery in North Carolina’s High Country. Quality wine, beautiful scenery, and warm hospitality; it’s a perfect place to relax, host an event or to just get away for the day. Stop in for a tasting year round, open daily from noon until 6 p.m.

Bayou Smokehouse and Grill/ Bayou Store Contact Person: Winston & David Ammann Email: bayouwinston@aol.com Address: 130 Main St. E., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-8952 Website: https://www.facebook. com/BayouSmokehouse/ BE Scooped Contact Person: Bailey Webb Email: bescoopednc@gmail.com Address: 144 Azalea Circle SE, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-504-0684 Website: https://www.bescooped. com Carolina Barbeque Contact Person: Dave Calvert Email: dcalvert509@gmail.com Address: 500 Pineola St, Newland, NC 28657 Phone: 828-737-0700 Fax: 828-737-0708 Website: http://www.carolinabbqnewland.com/ SEE DIRECTORY ON PAGE 10

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 9

DIANNE DAVANT & ASSOCIATES EXCELLENCE BY DESIGN SINCE 1979

DIANNE DAVANT MOFFITT, ASID MARGARET HANDLEY, ASID PAMELA MCKAY, PRISCILLA HYATT COUNCILL, ASID

ASID

BANNER ELK, NORTH CAROLINA 828.963.7500 STUART, FLORIDA 772.781.1400 WWW.DAVANT-INTERIORS.COM

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DIRECTORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 Cut and Cured Contact Person: Hayden Breckenridge (Owner) Email: hayden.breckenridge@ cutandcurednc.com Address: Mobile Food Truck Website: https://cutandcurednc. com/ Description: We are a mobile food vendor offering delicious steam bagel sandwiches and beautifully designed charcuterie boards.

Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria, Inc. Contact Person: Jimmie Accardi Email: famousbrickoven@yahoo. com Address: 402 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604 Phone: 828-387-4000 Website: https://www.famousbrickoven.com/ Description: Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria isn’t just a pizza place, it’s a destination all on its own! Along with the best pizza in western North Carolina, there’s an unbeatable selection of beers, a full bar, sandwiches, salads, desserts and more. The menu has Greek and Italian influences, and all meals are hand-crafted. This family-friendly destination has indoor and outdoor seating, free live music on Thursdays and Fridays in the summer, seasonal outdoor movies, an arcade and a mini-golf course with enough skills challenges and photo ops to please the whole family. Located adjacent to the Town’s free sledding hill, the restaurant is the go-to spot for an after-sledding hot chocolate or cup of espresso. Dog lovers will be happy to know that pets are welcome at the outdoor seating area.

Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria is a Count On Me NC certified business Genuine Foods Contact Person: Jennifer Calloway, Chief Program Officer Email: campusdining@genuinefoods.com Phone: 844-436-3663 Website: https://www.genuine-

campusdining.com/ Description: At colleges, universities, and boarding schools around the country, Genuine Foods is re-envisioning the campus dining experience. Our food and our approach challenge the status quo by responding directly to evolving tastes and preferences. We adapt to the changing foodservice landscape, imagine new possibilities, and meet the challenges of operationalizing “The Vision.”

Mother Ocean Market Contact Person: Sam Kosik, Owner Email: sam.momavl@gmail.com Address: 4501 Tynecastle Hwy #2 Banner Elk, NC Phone: 828-231-5607 Description: Fresh Seafood Market , Gourmet Grocery Store, Sandwiches, soups and sides (limited seating) Reid’s Cafe and Catering Co. Contact Person: Tina Houston Email: reidscateringco@gmail. com Address: 4004 Highway 105 S. Ste.8, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-9200 Fax: 828-268-9600 Website: www.reidscafeandcatering.com Sips Soda Shop Contact Person: Brent Ramsey Email: sipssodashop@gmail.com Address: Mobile Business/Food Truck Phone: 828-467-1016 Fax: n/a Website: facebook.com/sipssodashop.nc Sorrento’s Italian Bistro, Chef’s Table, and Barra in Banner Elk Village Contact Person: Nicole Palazzo Email: trickynkky@yahoo.com Address: 140 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-5214 Website: http://bannerelkvillage. com/ Sorrentos This Italian Bistro is a family run business and has been serving Italian dishes since 1983 to locals and travelers to the quaint town in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Sor-

rento’s Italian Bistro has evolved into an eclectic gourmet Italian restaurant. Now third generation family chefs, Nicole and Anthony Palazzo, continue the family recipes and have added their own new exciting dishes that are featured on our nightly specials.

Chef’s Table Chef’s Table Restaurant of Banner Elk offers an eclectic menu featuring American, Italian, and Japanese dishes. Casual yet upscale atmosphere, the restaurant is perfect for a family dinner or a night out with friends including a late night sushi menu. Available for catering and private parties as well.

Barra Sports Bar and Lounge offers a little bit for everyone in downtown Banner Elk at the Village Shops including pool, karaoke, live music, cigars, a late night bar and sushi menu, weekly specials and more!

Throughout the year Barra also hosts art, beer and wine festivals and much more.

Prime 21 The newest addition to Banner Elk Village! Luxury steakhouse with a small, gourmet menu, top-knotch cocktail bar and speakeasy.

Stonewalls Restaurant Contact Person: Scott Garland Email: scottgarlandevents@ yahoo.com Address: 344 Shawneehaw Ave, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-5550 Website: http://www.stonewallsrestaurant.com

Retail Shops Art Galleries & Artists The Art Cellar Gallery Contact Person: Mike and Pam McKay Email: info@artcellaronline.com Address: 920 Shawneehaw Ave, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-5175 Website: http://www.artcellargallery.com/ Established in 1993 in the Western North Carolina Mountain community of Banner Elk, The Art Cellar Gallery has continued to offer the

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artwork of the area’s most beloved artists, reaching throughout the Southeast and nationally to present an exciting variety of works in a broad range of styles and mediums. From primitive to realistic, impressionistic to abstract, the gallery features fine quality artwork by both established and emerging artists that is unlike anywhere else in the Southeast.

The Art Cellar Gallery provides our clients with a relaxed and comfortable exhibition space in which to select art which becomes treasured additions to their collections, large or small. We also provide corporate and private consulting and placement as well as purchase on approval and payment options. Our in house Frame Shop offers museum quality conservation framing services, consultations, and other specialty custom framing services.

BE Artists Gallery Contact Person: Dick Larson Email: art@BEartistsgallery.com Location: Rooms 4 and 5 Cultural Arts Center / Historic Banner Elk School, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-260-5389 Website: www.beartistsgallery. com/

Garden Centers & Flower Shops Callista Flower Co. Flowers, Home Goods & Gifts Contact Person: Kristi Turbyfill, Owner Email: hello@callistaflowerco.com Address: 441 Shawneehaw Ave, Banner Elk NC 28604 Phone: 828-742-1818 Website: https://www.callistaflowerco.com/ Mountaineer Garden Center Contact Person: Sara & Allen Gregory Email: mgcinc1986@yahoo.com Address: 1735 Tynecastle Hwy., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-5219 Fax: 828-898-5196 Website: http://mountaineergardencenter.com/

Home Furnishings

Wednesday, December 28, 2022 Charlotte’s Web General Store / Ridge Leatherworks Email: downhomeboone@gmail. com Address: 3422 Hwy 105, Boone, NC Website: https://charlottes-web-general-store.myshopify.com/ Southern Market Contact Person: Susan McCulloch Email: thetwistedtwigantiques@ gmail.com Address: 2780 Tynecastle Hwy, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 619-964-0038 Website: http://www.thetwistedtwigantiques.com/ The Twisted Twig Antiques and Accents Contact Person: Susan McCulloch Email: thetwistedtwigantiques@ gmail.com Address: 2780 Tynecastle Hwy, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 619-964-0038 Website: http://www.thetwistedtwigantiques.com/

Jewelry Hardin Fine Jewelry Contact Person: Susan Hardin Email: hardinjewelry@gmail.com Address: 920 Shawneehaw Ave, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-4653 Website: http://www.hardinfinejewelry.com/

Linens DeWoolfson Down Contact Person: Sarah Smith Email: info@dewoolfson.com Address: 9452 NC Hwy. 105 S., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 800-833-3696 Website: http://www.dewoolfsonlinens.com

Pet Supplies and Services My Best Friend’s Barkery Contact Person: Erika Siegel Email: esiegel@mybestfriendsbarkery.com Address: 176 Shawneehaw Ave, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-5625 Website: http://www.mybestfriendsbarkery.com/

Signs The Sign Shop Contact Person: Bill Dicks Email: thesignshop@skybest.com Address: P.O. Box 426, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-4437 Fax: 828-898-7586

Specialty Food and Wine Avery County Farmers Market Contact Person: Waightstill Avery Email: averyfarms3@gmail.com Address: P.O. Box 190, Plumtree, NC 28644 Phone: 828-733-5052 Website: http://www.averycountyfarmersmarket.net

Window Treatments Appalachian Blinds & Closet Company/Carolina Shutter Company Contact Person: Greg Seiz Email: gregs@carolinawindowfashions.com Address: 1852 Highway 105, Suite 3, Boone, NC 28607 Phone: 828-264-1395 Fax: 828-264-3587 Website: https://www.appblinds. com/

Apparel BJ’s Resort Wear Contact Person: Sally Breslaue Email: salbres@aol.com Address: 145 Main St., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-4229

Services Accounting and Billing Services Cardfollow, LLC Contact Person: Foster Sube/ Owner Email: foster@cardfollow.com Phone: 864-800-3735 Description: Merchant Service Provider Patty’s Billing Services, Inc. Contact Person: Patty Robinson Email: patty@pattysbillingservices.com Address: P.O. Box 2102, Banner SEE DIRECTORY ON PAGE 11

Wednesday, December 28, 2022 BANNER ELK MY

DIRECTORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-260-5991 Straightline Processing Contact Person: Marc Mataya Email: marc@straightlineprocessing.com Mailing Address: 2215 Hassell Place, Charlotte, NC 28209 Phone: 704-491-1213 Website: https://www.StraightlineProcessing.com Description: Credit card processing merchant services, and self-owned online CRM system called PayMyInvoice.com that can optionally synchronize to Quickbooks Online.

Auto Sales Ross Chrysler Jeep Dodge Contact Person: Richard Miller Email: rmiller@rossauto.com Address: 2282 Hwy. 105 South, Boone, NC 28607 Phone: 828-264-2875 Website: http://rossauto.com

Car Washes Banner Elk Car Wash Contact Person: Matt Bagley Email: bannerelkcarwash@ outlook.com Address: 1944 Tynecastle Hwy., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-719-7462 Veteran and family owned, BECW is the premier fresh water car wash in Avery County to get your ride shining again. Our underbody wash will blast the salt away.

Environmentally friendly as well!

Cleaning and Restoration Highland Pro Clean, Inc. Contact Person: Andrew Johansen Email: highlandproclean@gmail. com Address: 136 Asa St, Newland, NC 28657 Phone: 828-733-5089 Website: http://www.highlandproclean.com Description: We are a second generation, family-owned and operated business that has

been serving the High Country and surrounding areas since 1978. We at Highland Pro Clean are proud to provide you with quality Window Cleaning, Gutter Cleaning, Exterior House & Deck Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Mold Cleaning services! We are open seasonally April — November.

Visit us on our website to learn more.

Marcus’ Cleaning Service LLC Contact Person: Marcus Zellers Email: info@marcuscleaning.com Address: 518 Cole Hollow Rd., Newland, NC 28657 Phone: 828-733-3093 / 828-5281209 Website: http://www.marcuscleaning.com/ Marcus’ Cleaning Service is a family business that has been operating since 1998. We are a member of the Better Business Bureau as well as the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce. Residential window cleaning is our specialty. We also do gutter cleaning.

ASK ABOUT THE 26% BIOMASS TAX CREDIT Nothing makes a home cozier than a wood burning stove. They look great and they produce heat for your living room, family room, dining room, or kitchen. Buck Stove offers a wide selection of Wood Burning Stoves in various styles and sizes, proudly designed and produced right here in the USA.

Model 91

Financing Available 274 Oak Ave., Spruce Pine, NC

828-765-5557

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Computer Services Highland Mapping, Inc. Contact Person: Laura Wilson Email: mail@highlandmapping. com Address: 395 Shawneehaw Ave, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-7720 Website: http://www.highlandmapping.com/

Electrical Utility Mountain Electric Cooperative, Inc. Contact Person: Joseph A Thacker III, General Manager Email: mtninfo@mountainelectric. com Address: 1373 Elk Park Hwy., Newland, NC 28657 Phone: 828-733-0159 Fax: 828-733-3213 Website: http://www.mountainelectric.com/

Events and Entertainment The Barn at Cornerstone Contact Person: Kimberly Schrader

Mountain Times Publications • Page 11

Email: ccabins@att.net Address: 64 Cornerstone Circle, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-260-1125 Website: https://www.thebarnatcornerstone.com/

Heating & Air Conditioning Avery Heating and Air Conditioning Contact Person: Scott Boyles, Owner Email: info@averyheating.com Address: 1600 Linville Falls Highway Linville, NC 28646 Phone: 828-733-5842 Website: https://www.averyheating.com/ Boone Heating and Air Conditioning Email: booneheating@bellsouth. net Address: 164 Mr. Bish Blvd., Boone, NC 28607 Phone: 828-268-1125 Website: www.booneheatingandair.com/

Insurance Fortner Insurance Agency, Inc. Contact Person: Tim Ganley Email: pharris@fortnerinsurance. com Address: 156 Main St. E., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-6366 Website: http://www.fortnerinsurance.com/ LifeStore Insurance Services Contact Person: Linda Gilleland Email: lgilleland@golifestore.com Address: 148 Highway 105 Extension, Boone, NC 28607 Phone: 828-264-2626 Website: https://www.lifestoreinsurance.com/

Landscape and Tree Care Avery Landscape and Paving Contact Person: Joe Theys, Owner Email: joe@averylandscapeandpaving.com Address: 635 Little Horse Creek SEE DIRECTORY ON PAGE 12

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BANNER ELK MY HOMETOWN

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Grab a drink in Banner Elk

BY LILY KINCAID

LILY.KINCAID@ AVERYJOURNAL.COM For those looking to indulge in fine wines, craft beers or other unique brews in Avery County, look no further than the Banner Elk area. The town’s facilities provide something to please everyone, from casual drinkers wanting an afternoon

DIRECTORY CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 Rd. Newland, NC 28657 Phone: 919-818-2698 Website: https://averylandscapeandpaving.com/ Description: Landscape design, landscape contracting, brick and stone paving for patios and walkways Hunter’s Tree Service, Inc. Contact Person: Tony & Judy Hunter Email: trees@htsinc.biz Address: 1731 Beech Mountain Road, Elk Park, NC 28622 Phone: 828-733-3320 Fax: 828-733-0023 Website: http://www.hunterstreeserviceinc.com

Lawyers and Attorneys Blue Ridge Advocacy Center Contact Person: Tom McMurray Email: tom@appalachianmediation.com Address: PO Box 2171, Banner Elk, NC 28604 Phone: 828-386-1116 Fax: 828-386-1119 Website: http://www.appalachianmediation.com John M. Wright, Attorney Contact Person: John M. Wright Email: johnmwrightattorney@ gmail.com

away from home to connoisseurs looking for a full-blown experience.

Kettell Beerworks Purchased by Mark and Yumiko Ralston in 2017, Kettell Beerworks is a family-operated business that offers a family-friendly atmosphere. The name “Kettell” itself is a family name, originally meaning kettle or cauldron.

Kettell Beerworks categorizes their beers in tiers. First Tier beers are for easy drinking, being the lowest on the scale in alcohol by volume and international bitterness units. Rollcast, a German Kolsch style ale; Vonderbier, a contemporary Munich style lager; Copper Elk, an American amber ale; and Velvet Panda, an oatmeal stout, are the First Tier beers.

Second Tier beers are slightly higher in ABV and IBUs. These include the Supernova IPA, a low-bitterness fruity brew, and Nymphomaniac, a Belgian-style ale. Last are the Third Tier Beers, which have the highest ABV and offer unique, bold flavors. Crabby Louie, an imperial IPA, and The Speak Easy, a Bourbon

Address: 139 Main Street East, Banner Elk NC 28604 Phone: 828-898-9761 Fax: 828-898-9761 Website: http://www.johnmwrightattorney.com/

Phone: 828-260-3301 Website: http://www.cynthiaviola.com/ Instagram: @cynthiajviola Description: Cynthia was born and raised in Boone and started her Photography business while at Lees McRae 15 years ago. She is a bit of a wanderer and currently shoots all over the country as needed, but maintains Banner Elk as home base. Her style is best described as free-spirited with bright, bold, true-to-life colors.

She is LGBTQ celebratory and so happy to capture every love story as it unfolds.

Mailing Address: 2331 Tynecastle Hwy., Banner Elk, NC 28604 Email: wrapsboxship@gmail.com Phone: 828-898-9696 Fax: 828-898-7649 Website: N/A Description: Description: WRAPS Box & Ship is Banner Elk’s packing and shipping specialist! Official drop off site for UPS & FedEx with pre-paid labels. We also pack and ship your items via the most cost effective method. Business Services are also offered, including fax, email, print, scan, laminate and Notary Services.

Printing and Mailing Services

Storage Facilities

Varsity Promo Group Contact Person: Samantha Warren Email: Samantha@varsitypromo. com Phone: 704-579-0314 Website: https://varsitypromo. dcpromosite.com/ Description: We provide Promotional Products, Branded Apparel, Printing for businesses of all sizes.

If you need to put your brand on items for special events, customer giveaways or to sell from your shop, we are here to help you succeed.

Wraps Box & Ship Contact Person: David Bixby / Owner & Hope Harvey / Managing Partner

Storehouse Storage (formerly Banner Elk Storage) Contact Person: Yvonne Bailey Cantrell Email: bannermanor@bannerelkselfstorage.com Address: 161 Silver Springs Dr. & 10675 Hwy. 105, Banner Elk, NC Phone: 828-898-5896 Website: http://www.bannerelkselfstorage.com/

Magazines Carolina Mountain Life Magazine Contact Person: Babette McAuliffe Email: livingcarolina@bellsouth. net Address: P.O. Box 976, Linville, NC 28646 Phone: 828-737-0771 Website: http://www.carolinamountainlifemagazine.com/

Marketing & Web Design Deckard & Company Contact Person: Brian Deckard Email: hello@deckardandcompany.com Phone: 941-462-4546 Website: https://highcountrydigitalmarketing.com/ Description: We are a boutique marketing agency specializing in digital and social marketing!

Photography Cynthia Viola Photography Contact Person: Cynthia Viola Email: cynthia@cynthiaviola. com Address: Banner Elk, NC

PHOTO COURTESY KETTELL BEERWORKS

SEE DRINK ON PAGE 13

Telecommunications and Internet

Skyline Membership Corporation Contact Person: Brent Keith, Business; Paige Phillips, Customer Service; Karen Powell, Public

Kettell Beerworks also offers pretzels, pizza and wings.

Relations Email: inquiries@skybest.com Address: 16 High Country Square, Hwy 184, Banner Elk, NC 28604 & 217 Wilson Drive, Boone, NC, 28607 Phone: 828-898-1350 Website: http://skybest.com/

Wells & Water Quality Water Quality Lab and Operations, Inc. Contact Person: Paul Isenhour, Laboratory Manager Email: waterqualitylabs@yahoo. com Physical Address: 1522 Tynecastle Highway Banner Elk NC 28604 Phone: (828) 898-6277 Website: www.wqlabs.com Well Doctor, LLC Contact Person: Samantha Bumgarner Email: well.doctor@yahoo.com Address: P.O. Box 1420, Mount Pleasant, NC 28124 Phone: (704) 909-9258 Website: http://www.welldoctor. biz Description: No water? No problem.We come out and give a free estimate and offer same day service. We also specialize in water filtration and Hydrofracking. Call anytime, we are open 24/7.

Individual Members Aspbury, Jenny

Benbasat, Albert & Joan Brewer, Sara Brubaker, Mary Jo and Dan Coutts, David & Linda Dolab, Sharilynn & Charles File, Mark & Soyars, David Gorum, Lisa & Chuck Hahn, Bud & Silva Hansen, Susan Hendrix, Dan & Elizabeth Holt, Brenda Krege, Roy & Marion Lester, Charles & Nancy Lott, Tommy & Sherry Lyerly, Brenda McLendon, Jerry & Kathleen McNamee, Laura Newman, Dick & Joyce O’Connell, Paul & Susie Olan, Meredith and Tony Ormond, Linda & Gene Petcoff, Thomas & Sally Privatte-Robinson, Sandra Reynolds, Roy & Cathy Schaffel, Nancy Schaffer, Carol Seitz, William & Carol Seymour, Tamara Silver, Ted & Berns, Carol Simmons, Nancy & Stephen Snow, Roseanne Solomon, Sandy Finci Swinkola, Jim & Ann Tate, David Testani, Bob & Sandy Watts, Mary Williams III, John & Linda Zimmer, Larry & Chris

Wednesday, December 28, 2022 BANNER ELK MY

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 13

DRINK CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

barrel-aged Baltic Porter, fall into this category.

Additionally, Kettell Beerworks offers seasonal ales: Oktoberfest, a traditional, full-bodied Marzen lager, and Alpine Rush, their crisp winter ale.

Kettell Beerworks is located at 567 Main St. E. in Banner Elk. The taproom is open from noon to 8 p.m. on Wednesday through Saturday. For more information, call (828) 898-8677 or visit https://kettellbeerworks. com/.

Banner Elk Winery and Villa In 2005, Banner Elk Winery and Villa became the first commercial winery to open in Avery County.

Founded by Angelo Accetturo and Richard Wolfe, the winery is located on property that used to be a blueberry farm. Wolfe, the original winemaker, passed away in March 2022. Even after he left the position of head winemaker, he would

PHOTO COURTESY GRANDFATHER VINEYARD AND WINERY

Freshly picked grapes at Grandfather Vineyard and Winery.

come around often, said Emily Billings, tasting room manager at the winery. Wolfe is a huge part of their history and the entire staff misses him dearly, she said.

The winery offers a blueberry wine to pay tribute to the property’s original use, but they offer more familiar varietals as well, including marechal foch, seyval blanc, cabernet sauvignon and golden muscat. Most of their stock is dry wines, particularly reds, and they keep four flavors of sangria year-round.

In the summertime, they serve their apple orange cinnamon sangria chilled and in the winter, they

Grapes on the vine at Banner Elk Winery and Villa.

serve it warm as a mulled wine. Made with grapes from their vineyard as well as local grapes, Banner Elk Winery has produced many award-winning wines, from the state level all the way to the international level.

Along with wine tastings, patrons of Banner Elk Winery and Villa can enjoy a glass of wine indoors or outdoors at its covered seating area, the fire pit or one of the gazebos around the pond that’s on the property.

There’s live music every weekend, after hours events with the wine club and once a month, and the winery also offers yoga before opening.

PHOTO COURTESY BANNER ELK WINERY AND VILLA

PHOTO COURTESY BANNER ELK WINERY AND VILLA

Some of the wines that are offered at Banner Elk Winery and Villa.

Banner Elk Winery and Villa is located at 60 Deer Run and is open from noon to 6 p.m. every day except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. To learn more, call (828) 260-1790 or visit http://www.bannerelkwinery.com/.

Grandfather Vineyard and Winery A family-owned business, Grandfather Vineyard and Winery’s history is just as rich as the drinks it offers.

Through the Tatum family’s passion for all parts of the process, from working in the vineyard to making the wine to running the business, the winery has expanded into a staple of the community.

There’s plenty to do at the winery, from the tasting room, which is open daily during regular hours. There’s live music at the winery Thursday through Sunday, and a food truck is set up there Friday through Sunday.

All service is outdoors and the establishment is dog

friendly.

At any given time, Grandfather Vineyard and Winery offers anywhere between 25 and 30 different wines.

These include dry whites and roses, dry reds, sweet wines, bubbles, specials and on-tap wines.

Grandfather Vineyard and Winery is open from noon to 6.pm. Monday through Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The establishment is closed on Tuesdays from December 1 to May 15.

PHOTO COURTESY GRANDFATHER VINEYARD AND WINERY

Grandfather Vineyard and Winery offers outdoor seating at the front porch and pavilion.

Page 14 • Mountain Times Publications

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Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Hunting for homes in the High Country

A guide to real estate in Banner Elk

BY LILY KINCAID LILY.KINCAID@AVERYJOURNAL. COM Real estate in Banner Elk has become a booming business over the past few years, partly due to the area’s status as a beautiful and beloved destination to settle down.

Full of rich history, with a strong sense of community woven throughout, it’s no wonder that Banner Elk’s population has been growing steadily over the years. With plenty to do and wonderful weather year round — for those who don’t mind snow, that is — the area is alluring to tourists, as well

PHOTO COURTESY ENGEL & VÖLKERS

A 2015 home available for sale in The Lodges at Eagles Nest. as families and individuals looking to find something more permanent.

The area is home to the ideal residence for both outdoor enthusiasts and city dwellers.

A place in or near downtown Banner Elk provides the sense of a typical small-town suburban environment, while places farther away from town can provide a more isolated, rustic environment.

The following is a list of only a few out of the many real estate brokers in the Banner Elk area. To learn more about the current real estate market in Banner Elk and to find a realtor that’s sure to fit your specific needs, call the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce at (828) 898-8395.

Bear Real Estate 120 Azaela Cir. SE (828) 260-5338

bearrealestate.com If you’re looking for a place in Beech Mountain, Banner Elk, Sugar Mountain, Blowing Rock, Valle Crucis, Elk River, Newland or Crooked Creek, Bear Real Estate may be able to help out. The company’s staff of well-trained realtors are ready to help you find your mountain dream home.

Eagles Nest Realty 51 Eagles Nest Lane (866) 399-5016 eaglesnestatbannerelk.com If you’re searching for a newer home with a stunning view, one of the homes in Eagles Nest may be a good option. Most of the homes have been built recently, and the homes in the development sit along a mountainside, overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains landscape.

Banner Elk Realty

161 Silver Springs Drive (828) 898-9756 bannerelkrealty.com Banner Elk Realty has over four decades of experience working in the local real estate market. As the oldest real estate company in Banner Elk, the company is well-prepared to help you find your perfect new High Country home.

Engel & Völkers 610 Banner Elk Highway (828) 898-3808 bannerelk.evrealestate.com If you’ve got your heart set within the Elk River Club or the Banner Elk area, Engel & Völkers is more than happy to help. The company’s realtors are equipped to help you find a home to fall in love with, allowing you to indulge in the area’s rich culture.

Antler Realty

146 Shawneehaw Ave. South (828) 898-3111 antlerrealty.net Antler Realty’s team is seasoned with experience in the real estate market, ensuring that they will help you find the home of your dreams. Their customer-focused approach means that they look for deals that work out in both the buyer and seller’s favor.

Ogle Realty 444 S. Beech Mountain Pkwy.

(828) 789-9426 oglerealty.com With years of experience in the High Country, Ogle Realty is prepared to find the best fit for every buyer. Its supportive team prioritizes the needs of the customers, whether they’re buying or selling, making it one of the many great real estate options in the area.

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 15

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Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Lees-McRae College: An educational trailblazer STAFF REPORT EDITOR@AVERYJOURNAL. COM A source of entertainment in Banner Elk, Lees-McRae College is a four-year school for higher education, located only minutes from one of the most popular ski resorts in North Carolina, Beech Mountain Resort.

Lees-McRae strives to “educate and inspire students to approach life and work from a creative, collaborative and critical perspective in preparation for diverse careers and environments,” according to the college’s mission statement.

While it began informally as a multigrade school in 1900, the college was not officially founded as being an institute for higher education until 1931, after the death of its founder, Rev. Edgar Tufts in 1923.

“Lees-McRae’s impact

LMC President Lee King addresses volunteers as they prepare to depart for worksites throughout Avery County on Mountain Service Day in 2019.

on the entire High Country, especially Banner Elk and Avery County, is significant,” said Lees-McRae President Lee King. “The economic impact of nearly 1,000 students is very meaningful to the com-

munity, and our athletic, theatre and community service programs enhance the quality of life of the region.”

Today, Lees-McRae offers dozens of programs of study, broken up into

FILE PHOTO

majors, minors, online and in-person classes and in 2018, added its first graduate program for teaching. Additionally, nestled in the heart of the High Country, LeesMcRae offers Outdoor

PHOTO BY MICHAEL HARDY

The Rev. Edgar Tufts founded Lees McRae College.

Recreation programs that highlight the rich culture of the area, including a

Ski Industry Minor that was first introduced to the college in fall 2019.

Numbers to know in Banner Elk and Avery County COMPILED BY LILY KINCAID LILY.KINCAID@AVERYJOURNAL.COM The following is a list of important area phone numbers for your convenience: Fire, Rescue, Police and Emergency: 911 Town of Banner Elk/Banner Elk Town Hall: (828) 898-5398 Avery County Chamber of

Commerce: (828) 898-5605, (800) 972-2183 Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce: (828) 898-8395 Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce: (828) 387-9283 The Avery Journal-Times newspaper: (828) 733-2448 Banner House Museum: (828) 898-3634 Banner Elk Police Department: (828) 898-4300

Banner Elk Fire Department: (828) 898-4623 Banner Elk Exxon: (828) 898-5210 Lees-McRae College: (828) 898-5241 Avery County Sheriff’s Office: (828) 733-2071 Avery County Schools: (828) 733-6006 Cannon Memorial Hospital: (828) 737-7000

Mountain Electric Cooperative: (828) 733-0159 Williams YMCA of Avery County: (828) 737-5500 Beech Mountain Resort: (828) 387-2011 Beech Mountain Police Department: (828) 387-2342 Beech Mountain Fire Department: (828) 387-4612 Sugar Mountain Resort: (828) 898-4521

FILE PHOTO

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 17

High Country cuisine: Where to eat in Banner Elk

BY LILY KINCAID LILY.KINCAID@ AVERYJOURNAL.COM Banner Elk is a hub of cuisine in the High Country, offering options for all tastes and cravings. Visitors and locals alike don’t have to look far to find their next favorite dinner spot, whether they’re looking for fine dining or a casual but delicious burger.

Some restaurants in the area are open seasonally, so call or check online to see their full hours of operation and menu details.

Artisanal 1290 Dobbins Rd. (828) 898-5395 Artisanal offers a prix fixe menu, with three courses and six or more selections for each course. Reservations are required and are made by calling the restaurant. The fixed price of $95 per guest includes upscale options such as yellowfin tuna tartare, duck two ways and bone in kurobuta pork chop, and the experience is sure to impress.

Banner Elk Cafe and Lodge 324 Shawneehaw Ave. S

(828) 898-4040 If you’re not quite sure what you’re in the mood for, Banner Elk Cafe and Lodge’s large menu of pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, wraps, salads and more is sure to have something to satisfy. Additionally, the Cafe offers breakfast daily until 11 a.m. The establishment also serves specialty coffee, espresso, smoothies, craft beer, wine and cocktails.

Barra Sports Bar 140 Azalea Cir SE (828) 898-7727 Barra Sports Bar is a wonderful venue to watch

your favorite team, enjoy a beer and simply hang out.

The establishment offers the main bar, a karaoke lounge, a mini stage, a tequila bar, a pool room and an outside fire pit.

Bayou Smokehouse and Grill 130 Main St. E (828) 898-8952 This Texas-Louisiana style restaurant and bar offers a variety of dishes for those wanting to try something a bit different than the typical mountain cuisine.

PHOTO COURTESY BELLA’S BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

Bella’s Breakfast and Lunch open in spite of snowy weather SEE EAT ON PAGE 18 a few years ago.

Voted best pet supply store in Avery County!

Apparel, Accessories, Collars & Leashes Frozen Raw & Freeze Dried Foods High Quality Dog & Cat Food

176 Shawneehaw Ave. 828-898-5625 mybestfriendsbarkery.com Mon - Sat 10 - 6 Sun - Closed

Homemade Dog Treats & USA Sourced Treats Toys for Training & Play Holistic Supplements DIY Pet Wash

Pruning & Shaping Hazardous & Dead Tree Removal Stump Grinding • View Enhancement Bucket Truck • Land Clearing

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Page 18 • Mountain Times Publications BANNER ELK MY

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Wednesday, December 28, 2022

EAT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Bayou Smokehouse and Grill makes gumbo, shrimp creole, po’boys and other delicious Cajun staples.

Bella’s Breakfast 142 Main St E (828) 898-2594 A local favorite, Bella’s Breakfast and Lunch opened in the heart of Banner Elk in 2017. Serving breakfast must-haves such as pancakes, waffles, omelets and grits, Bella’s embodies the small-town dining experience. Their lunch menu includes burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, french fries, onion rings and more.

Bella’s Italian Restaurant 3585 Tynecastle Hwy. (828) 898-9022 For those looking for a nice dining experience with delicious food that won’t break the bank, Bella’s Italian Restaurant is a good contender. Bella’s offers authentic Italian-American cuisine for lunch and dinner and a family-friendly but relaxed atmosphere.

BE Scooped 144 Azalea Cir. SE (828) 504-0684 BE Scooped is a family-owned ice cream parlor located in the heart of downtown Banner Elk, perfect for those looking for a quick sweet treat. The restaurant also has a food truck that serves its delicious ice cream at events throughout the year.

Bodegas Kitchen and Wine Bar 488 Main St. W (828) 898-7773 Bodegas Kitchen and Wine Bar offers Caribbean-inspired dishes and

FILE PHOTO

Bodegas Kitchen and Wine Bar offers Caribbean-inspired cuisine, a full bar and outdoor seating during the summer months.

tapas-style dining, making it perfect for lunch, a casual night out with friends, date nights or family dinners.

Its unique tacos, rice bowls and sandwiches are sure to please those with a craving for something new.

Cam Rahn Bay 110 High Country Square Authentic Japanese and Vietnamese cuisine meet at Cam Rahn Bay. If you’re looking for fried wontons, spring rolls, lettuce wraps, yakisoba, pho or just about anything in between, Cam Rahn Bay might be your next dinner destination.

Chef’s Table at Sorrento’s 140 Azalea Cir SE (828) 898-1940 Chef’s Table offers an eclectic menu of American, Italian and Japanese dishes,

prepared by an award-winning chef and served in a casual but upscale atmosphere. The meals are prepared with local farm-fresh ingredients and paired with regional wines, making it a dining experience not worth missing.

China House 3581 Tynecastle Hwy. (828) 898-3533 When it’s good old-fashioned Chinese food you’re craving, China House is your place. They offer soups, fried rice, lo mein, spring rolls, dumplings, crab rangoons and all the works.

Fred and Larry’s Coffee Shop 3591 Tynecastle Hwy. (828) 367-2110 Fred and Larry’s offers a variety of specialty coffees and drinks, which is updated

often and includes seasonal specials. Additionally, the relaxed-atmosphere coffee shop hosts open mic nights on Fridays and Saturdays.

LP on Main 171 Main St E (828) 898-5656 Louisiana Purchase on Main offers a menu of madeto-order North Carolina seafood, local meats and produce. With unique ingredients such as lobster gravy, sweet potato crisps and pecan tartar, the restaurant provides a dining experience like no other.

Mountain Grounds Coffee and Tea Company 3990 NC-105 #10 (828) 783-9069 Mountain Grounds’ menu features locally roasted Hatchet Coffee from Boone, house-made breakfast and

lunch items, fresh-baked pastries from Stick Boy Bread in Boone, selections from Shanti Elixirs Jun Tea in Asheville and Adagio loose leaf teas.

Highlander’s Grill and Tavern 4527 Tynecastle Hwy. (828) 898-9613 From enjoying the game and grabbing a drink to going out for a fun date night, Highlander’s casual atmosphere and friendly staff is sure to impress. Start with one of the restaurant’s many appetizers and then dig into one of their many menu options.

The Pedalin’ Pig 4235 NC-105 (828) 898-7500 The Pedalin’ Pig’s Banner Elk location opened in 2014, bringing gourmet ingredi-

ents prepared with High Country style to the area.

Their menu boasts a variety of pork-based dishes, but also includes chicken, turkey and vegetarian options.

Reid’s Cafe and Catering 4004 NC-105 #8 (828) 898-9200 Established in 1999, Reid’s Cafe and Catering has been a landmark of the High Country for decades.

The restaurant has seasonal menus to ensure that all of the ingredients are as fresh as possible, and they try to avoid industrially grown or processed foods.

Sorrento’s Italian Bistro 140 Azalea Cir SE (828) 898-5214 Sorrento’s is a family-run restaurant that has been operating in Banner Elk since 1983. Serving genuine Italian dishes which have been passed down through the generations, the family takes a great deal of pride in their work.

Stonewalls Restaurant 344 Shawneehaw Ave. S (828) 898-5550 Opened in 1985, Stonewalls is locally owned and operated. The menu includes only the finest cuts of beef available, including prime rib, sirloin, rib eye, New York strip and filet mignon Additionally, Stonewalls also serves fine wines, seafood and fine olive oils and balsamics.

Valle de Bravo Mexican Restaurant 4501 Tynecastle Hwy. (828) 898-4949 Valle de Bravo has served the Banner Elk area for 10 years. With a large menu of Mexican cuisine, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Wednesday, December 28, 2022 BANNER ELK MY

The High Country’s Premier Steak & Seafood Restaurant • Dinner nightly from 5pm • Martini & Meatloaf Mondays with $7 house martinis and comfort food specials • Tuesday – Specialty burger night • Wednesday – 25% off bottles of wine • Private room available • “Avery County Chamber Business of the Year”

The High Country’s Best Choice for Event Catering • Creativity, passion and culinary excellence

HOMETOWN

The High Country’s Best Vacation Rentals • One main lodge and three cabins with mountain views

• Parties of all sizes

• Up to 6 bedrooms available

• In-home catering

• Event barn, picnic pavilion, open field, meandering streams, and ponds all onsite

• Fully insured and licensed • Largest mobile kitchen in the High Country

• Located in the heart of Sugar and Beech Mountains, with proximity to all High Country attractions • Pet-friendly

Mountain Times Publications • Page 19

The High Country’s Best Space for Gatherings • Vacations, weddings, family reunions, church events, and business retreats • Newly built barn with 1,700 sq. ft., and 18-ft. high ceilings • Barn equipped with a complete catering kitchen • 1,750 sq. ft. outdoor pavilion with fire pit • Lodge and cabin rentals • Fields, streams, and ponds

Page 20 • Mountain Times Publications BANNER ELK MY

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Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Places of worship in and near Banner Elk

COMPILED BY LILY KINCAID LILY.KINCAID@AVERYJOURNAL.COM The following is a list of churches and houses of worship located within Banner Elk and across Avery County.

• Aaron Baptist Church • All Saints Mission • Altamont United Methodist • Arbor Dale Presbyterian • Avery United Methodist • Banner Elk Church of Christ • Banner Elk Presbyterian • Banner Elk Seventh-Day Adventist • Banner Elk United Methodist • Beech Mountain Baptist • Belview Baptist Church • Big Meadows Baptist • Chapel in the Woods • Chestnut Dale Baptist • Church of Jesus Christ

PHOTO COURTESY MARK FILE

Banner Elk Presbyterian Church is located at 420 College Dr. SW in Banner Elk.

• • • • •

Church of the Savior Crab Orchard FWB Cranberry Baptist Crossnore Baptist Crossnore Presbyterian

• • • • •

Curtis Creek FWB Elk Mountain FWB Elk Park Baptist Elk Park Christian Elk Park United Methodist

• Emmanuel Baptist • Faith Baptist • Fall Creek Baptist • Fellowship Baptist • Fellowship Presbyterian • First Baptist Church • Forest Home Community • Fletcher Presbyterian • God’s Blessing Church • Greater Joy Fellowship • Green Valley Baptist • Harmony Baptist Church • Heaton Christian • Henson Creek Baptist • Ivey Heights FWB • Jehovah’s Witnesses • Jonas Ridge Baptist • Linville Falls Community Church • Linville Evangelical Methodist • Matney Liberty Christian • Midway Holiness Church • Minneapolis Baptist • Minneapolis Christian

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Minneapolis Methodist Mt. Calvary Baptist Mt. Pleasant Baptist Mountain View FWB Newland Christian Newland Presbyterian Newland United Methodist Open Door Baptist Pineola Baptist Pineola Church of God Pineola Presbyterian Pleasant Hill Baptist Plumtree Presbyterian Powdermill Baptist The Ridge Christian Roaring Creek Baptist Roaring Creek FWB St. Bernadette Catholic Stamey Town Baptist Sugar Mountain Baptist Yellow Mountain Baptist Vale FWB Victory Baptist Walnut Grove Presbyterian

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Wednesday, December 28, 2022 BANNER ELK MY

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 21

Banner Elk offers plentiful opportunities for community service

BY LILY KINCAID LILY.KINCAID@AVERYJOURNAL. COM Banner Elk and the surrounding area are known for a lot of things, but perhaps one of the most long standing and prevalent reputations of the area is its numerous charitable groups and individuals. For those looking to join a civic group in the area, the very active Kiwanis and Avery County Rotary chapters of Banner Elk may be of interest.

Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk An extremely active group in the community that strives to serve area children, the Banner Elk Kiwanis Club meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 11:45 a.m. in Miller Commons on the Lees-McRae College campus. Interested

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Avery County Rotary Club often holds charity breakfasts such as this one, in which the proceeds benefitted Crossnore Communities for Children in Avery County. individuals are welcome to join the club for lunch. To learn more or to fill out a membership application, visit www. bannerelkkiwanis.org.

Avery County Rotary Club Dedicated to actively serving

the community through fundraising and service projects, the Avery County Rotary Club meets at noon on Thursdays in the Linville Room at Cannon Memorial Hospital. To learn more about the group or to inquire about joining, email

averycountyrotary@gmail. com or visit http://averycountyrotary.wix.com/home.

Area organizations Along with Kiwanis and Rotary, there are a number of nonprofit organizations in Avery County dedicated to a variety of causes. Whether you’re interested in volunteering with organizations that deal with hunger, poverty or affordable housing, there are plenty of opportunities to be involved in charitable and selfless work in the community.

Listed alongside each organization is the cause each supports.

• Avery Association for Exceptional Citizens (Adults with disabilities) • Avery County Educational Foundation (Educational opportunities) • Avery County Habitat for Humanity (Affordable housing)

• Avery County Historical Museum (Historic preservation) • Avery County Humane Society (Animal care and adoption) • Avery County Shrine Club (Children) • Banner House Museum/ Greater Banner Elk Heritage Foundation (Historical preservation) • Beech Mountain Community Club (Community group) • Children’s Hope Alliance (Children) • Disabled American Veterans Chapter 87 (Veterans organization) • Feeding Avery Families (Hunger) • High Country Caregivers Foundation (Care for the elderly) • High Country Charitable Foundation (Philanthropy)

• High Country United Way (Philanthropy) • MAY Coalition (Economic empowerment) • Move with Compassion Ministry (Hunger, clothing) • New Opportunity School for Women (Economic empowerment) • OASIS (Abuse and sexual assault) • Reaching Avery Ministry (Hunger, clothing) • VFW Pat Ray Post 4286 (Veterans services) • Volunteer Avery (Community service) • Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge (Economic empowerment) • WAMY Community Action (Economic empowerment) • Williams Academy (Children) • Yellow Mountain Enterprises (Adults with disabilities)

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Wednesday, December 28, 2022

Shop and stock up in Banner Elk

BY LILY KINCAID

185 Azalea Cir. SE LILY.KINCAID@AVERYJOURAvery County Farmer’s Market is a great seasonal NAL.COM hub for organic and locally grown produce, jams, Some may be drawn to jellies, honey, eggs and Banner Elk thanks to the more. Open weekly at the rich variety of shopping Historic Banner Elk School outlets and specialty stores throughout the season, in the area. Whether you’re it’s a wonderful chance to looking for handmade soap explore the High Country’s and local produce at the Avdelicious, homegrown and ery County Farmer’s Market homemade food. or some gear for your next Bayou General Store trip to the ski resort, there 130 Main St. E are plenty of options to (828) 898-8952 browse around.

Local goods and gourmet foods abound at the Bayou PHOTO BY LILY KINCAID Antiques and Handmade knives by Raleigh Avery of Avery Knifeworks.

General Store. Stop by to Consignment check out their selection of from statement pieces such with a variety of aesthetics. gifts, fine wines and local Those Were the Days brews as well. as furniture and artwork 3440 Tynecastle Hwy. Banner Elk Shirt Erick’s Cheese and to smaller pieces such as (828) 898-5505 Company Wine Those Were the Days is a cutlery and figurines. When 3175 Tynecastle Hwy. 4004 NC-105 #10 looking for unique pieces 4,000-square-foot antique (828) 898-4007 (828) 898-9424 to decorate your mountain mall with plenty of items If you’re visiting and lookIf you’re looking to buy home, stop by the cottage to ing for a memento of your to match all kinds of niche a unique gift for a loved see what they offer. interests or collections. time in the beautiful town one or a treat for yourself, The mall has a collection of of Banner Elk, Banner Elk browse Erick’s Cheese and records, antique toys, vinShirt Company has styles for Clothing Wine for a variety of fine every season.

Every member tage glassware, furniture, wines and cheeses from of the family can grab a perjewelry and more.

BJ’s Resort Wear The Twisted Twig 145 Main St. W sonalized Woolly Worm Fes- around the world.

Banner Elk Olive Oil Antiques and Accents (828) 898-4229 tival shirt or a gift for a loved 100 High Country Sq. BJ’s Resort Wear offers one from this long-standing and Balsamics 155 Banner Rd. SW (619) 964-0038 high-end women’s clothing family business.

(828) 898-4441 Boasting a stock of oneto ensure that you’re up-toBanner Elk Olive Oil and of-a-king pieces, The Twist- date with the latest trends.

Jewelry Balsamics has everything You can expect friendly staff ed Twig is an antique and you need to take your and good customer service accent store that sells both Hardin Fine Jewelry cooking to the next level. from this boutique that has vintage items and newer 920 Shawneehaw Ave. S With a variety of imported been serving the Banner Elk gifts and decor. With an (828) 898-4653 olive oils, vinegars, herb extensive and eclectic lamp area for more than 30 years.

Hardin Fine Jewelry sells The Dande Lion collection and decades-old one-of-a-kind pieces for every mixes, ceramics and more, 4501 Tynecastle Hwy. # pieces of furniture, a visit to occasion. Their stock features their products are sure to impress. this store is the perfect way 12 pieces crafted from artisans (828) 898-3566 to add some vintage spice to from around the world, with a If you’re looking for the your home. variety of gems and diamonds Home and Garden perfect outfit, complete with to choose from.

Banner Elk shoes and accessories, look Consignment Cottage Banner Elk Soap & no further than The Dande 414 Shawneehaw Ave. S Candle Co. Specialty Foods Lion. This boutique special(828) 898-5733 3221 Tynecastle Hwy. Banner Elk Consignment izes in personal shopping (828) 898-4006 Avery County Cottage offers everything Locally made candles, and has a stock that pairs Farmer’s Market

soaps, bath bombs and mugs are just a few great gift ideas from Banner Elk Soap and Candle Co. Whether it’s for you or for a friend, Banner Elk Soap and Candle Co. has a scent for everyone.

Mountaineer Garden Center Florist and Greenhouses 1757 Tynecastle Hwy. (828) 898-5219 When you’re looking to liven up your yard or home in the spring, step by Mountaineer Garden Center Florist and Greenhouses.

Choose your favorites from a large selection of shrubs, flowers, houseplants, soil and more.

Secret Garden Nursery 1947 Tynecastle Hwy. (828) 387-7623 Marked by the colorful Adirondack chairs out front, Secret Garden Nursery is an essential visit for those with green thumbs.

Offering vibrant flowers, succulents, houseplants and pumpkins and gourds seasonally, they have all you need to brighten up your mountain home.

Creative Interiors 4501 Tynecastle Hwy. Unit 4 (828) 898-9636 If you’ve got the itch to redecorate, Creative Interiors has your back. As an interior design firm and retail shop, the storefront offers furniture, accessories, gifts and other home goods.

Rustik by Underwood 2710 Tynecastle Hwy. (828) 898-9663 Rustik by Underwood sells handcrafted natural wood furniture perfect for

the statement piece you’ve been looking for. They can design custom tables, benches and other furniture to fit any lifestyle and taste.

Avery Knifeworks 2780 Tynecastle Hwy. (828) 850-9250 Locally owned and operated, each blade from Avery Knifeworks is handmade.

The Banner Elk showroom has knives of various sizes and purposes, handmade jewelry, charcuterie boards, cutting boards, leather wallets and more.

Pets My Best Friend’s Barkery 176 Shawneehaw Ave. S (828) 898-5625 Don’t forget your fourlegged friends while shopping. My Best Friend’s Barkery has something for every pet, including food, treats, toys, beds and other products for cats and dogs.

Skiing and Outdoors Outfitters Alpine Ski Center 3150 Tynecastle Hwy. (828) 898-9701 alpineskicenter.com Edge of the World 394 Shawneehaw Ave. S (828) 898-9550 edgeoworld.com Extreme Snowboard and Skis 3071 Tynecastle Hwy. (828) 898-7669 www.extremenc.com Ski Country Sports 3149 Tynecastle Hwy. (828) 898-9786 www.skicountrysports. com

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 23

Meet the municipality of Banner Elk

STAFF REPORT

One of the longstanding burdens of interest for residents of Banner Elk is the The Town of Banner Elk need for workforce housing, has been a population and much like other towns in the tourism center of Avery county, and the market of County for quite some time. both rental and secondary With developmental, infrahomes. Lyerly and town personnel are aware of the structure and commerce potential hindrance and enhancements, Banner Elk are actively working toward remains one of the preemiideas and solutions. nent command posts of not “The biggest concern only the county but Western from our citizens these days North Carolina. seems to be the huge influx Brenda Lyerly took over of home buyers, developers as mayor in 2012 and has and visitors,” she said. “The further cultivated the culture sheer volume of people in and ideals of the mountain town and on our two-lane hamlet town. roads has been a challenge “I appreciate more every in all seasons. There was day how special this town is.

It takes all of us to make the FILE PHOTO a lull in the past where Tate-Evans Park, located adjacent to the Banner Elk Town Hall, features walking trails, playground equipment, picnic shelmerchants and restaurant town into what it is today, ters and an amphitheater that hosts live music during the summer months. personnel could catch their including Council membreath and make repairs and bers, town manager, office region. updates. There are no such One of the flagships of that support, maintenance crew, tors, the historic overlay of 99-seat theater space con“The biggest endeavor in lulls these days.” plan is the signature brick police department, and Ban- the town provides certain verted from the old school the past several years for While noted as a resirestrictions that Lyerly, the sidewalks that make our auditorium.” ner Elk volunteers and citiBanner Elk is the purchase Culture is very important zens,” Lyerly said. “Also, the council, planning board and town so walkable, as well dential concern, Lyerly also from the county of the as it gives a really classy to Banner Elk with respect to added that, “The secondary Banner Elk Fire Department zoning commission must look,” Lyerly explained. “An Historic Banner Elk Elework with. the arts center, Lees-McRae home market people have is striving to make updates While infrastructure offers extra bonus with the brick and build their membership. been generous and helpful mentary School in the heart College, historic buildings sidewalks is that anyone who of Banner Elk, and then unique potential and obstaand theatrical performances. with so many things.”

They are so ambitious that “We have a lot of artists in they have future plans for There exists a level of comcles, a natural balance is also wants to preserve their name determining what it should or their pet’s name or make the area. It helps draw peoa new fire station closer to be and how to make it hapsought after. plexity and unique attributes a memorial can purchase a Town Hall.”

“We want to keep Banner pen,” Lyerly said. “The rock ple into town,” Lyerly noted. to Banner Elk which are speInfrastructure has played Elk with our own personali- brick, have it inscribed and school building was built One specific goal of cific to the town. A notion of request a spot in town for a vital role in both the in 1938-1939 by the WPA. Banner Elk that the mayor balance will continuously be ty,” said Lyerly. growth and the challenges The building was placed outlined is the ambition to addressed by town leaderZoning and ordinances are the brick to be placed. Our of Banner Elk. The town has also viewed as crucial to the winter snowflakes that don on the National Register diversify the businesses in ship and acted upon for the each streetlight in town are a of Historic Places in 2017. recently updated its sewer town which may be on the town in order to maintain best interest of Banner Elk. hit as well.” system and is in the process that personality and keep With lots of community horizon with different merBanner Elk is famous for Culture, heritage and of seeking a location for a effort, the rock schoolhouse enough green space. its hosting of substantial chants in play. charisma also land squarely was transformed into the new well. There currently Banner Elk offers an events such as the Woolly “Banner Elk is blessed on the shoulders of Banner exists plenty of well water Cultural Arts Center. It now with many fabulous restauesoteric backdrop for Avery Worm Festival each October Elk leadership, to which but Banner Elk wishes to houses the BE Artist Gallery, rants, but we are short on County and has pride in its and its Art of the Greene residents and leaders alike be prepped and anticipate a Book Exchange, Carolina personable presentation. events. The next event on shopping opportunities. wish to uphold the inherent Life Magazine’s corporate population growth. AlThe town leaders and its the docket for Banner Elk is We do have several opporvalues of the arts. Many office, The Community Yoga tunities for art purchases, residents have a vision for the Easter event, featuring though the contemporary components of the town Studio, the Buckhead Phothe area and wish to keep the Easter Bunny and egg infrastructure is adequate and we have a couple of gift reach a cultural level unique tography Studio, Common striving toward its goals. and could handle even shops. We would love to see hunt taking place at either to the county and help make Grounds, and the Ensemble more of a variety,” Lyerly “Banner Elk has had a the park or field next to Hismore population due to the master plan for many years. Banner Elk a noticeable accommodation of visistated.

Stage. Ensemble Stage is a toric Banner Elk School.

EDITOR@AVERYJOURNAL.COM

Page 24 • Mountain Times Publications BANNER ELK MY

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2022 Woolly Worm Festival features capacity attendance in downtown Banner Elk

STAFF REPORT

EDITOR@AVERYJOURNAL. COM Thousands flocked to Banner Elk on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 15 and 16, 2022, to partake in some wholesome family fun at the 45th annual Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival.

The weekend’s warm weather paired with the bold oranges, yellows and reds of the peaking fall leaves made for the ideal setting for the festival – something that was demonstrated by the estimated 12,000 guests that attended the festival on Saturday, Oct. 15, alone. Along with all the festivities, tourists got to experience the full autumnal atmosphere of the High Country.

While the exact numbers haven’t yet been finalized, this year’s Woolly Worm Festival seemed to draw in especially large crowds, said Avery County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Anne Winkelman.

“I think it was a very successful weekend,” she said.

“We had the most people that we’ve had since I can remember.”

Like any large event, the Woolly Worm Festival relies heavily on support from the community and help from volunteers, from donations to setting up and tearing down, to running the event itself.

“People are just so generous in this community to help us put this together,”

PHOTO BY LILY KINCAID

Emma Denton from Gastonia was the owner of the winning worm, “Porta Potty,” at the 2022 Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival. Pictured from left to right, back to front is festival mascot Merryweather, Shawn Stricklen, Will Stephenson, Tommy Burleson, Adam Binder, Mary Jo Brubaker, Denton, Merryweather, Emma Price, Evy Hunt and Hannah Cummings.

Mary Jo Brubaker, chair of the Woolly Worm Festival, said. “It’s a wonderful community.”

The Woolly Worm Festival, as well as the folklore behind the woolly worm itself, is enough to bring people from around the world to Banner Elk each third weekend in October.

This year, guests came from as far as California and even England, Brubaker said.

“I thought it went fabulous,” she said. “We had way more people than we had anticipated, and I think everybody was just happy to leave home and get to the High Country for a beautiful weekend.”

The committee adjusted the layout of the festival somewhat to accommodate six additional vendors than

it had in the past, meaning that more than 160 were able to attend in total.

Vendors from the High Country and beyond came to sell jewelry, handcrafted wood pieces, soaps, paintings, prints, leather crafts, glass art and more.

One craft vendor ran out of items on Saturday, and two more ran out of items on Sunday, Winkelman said.

This year’s festival had more food vendors than previous years, Winkelman noted. From traditional fair food, such as corn dogs, funnel cakes and cotton candy, to newer options such as Famous Brick Oven Pizza and Diggy Doughnut, there was a little something for every palate at this year’s festival. Much like the craft vendors, however, two of

the food vendors did so well that they ran out of food before the festival was over.

Banner Elk Garden Club created a stage for the entertainment, and decorated the stage with donations from businesses and community members, Brubaker said. Dave Calvert took care of scheduling the musical acts between both days and making sure the entertainment, which included John and Carrie Greene as ‘Elvis and Dolly,’ went smoothly.

As usual, the highlight of the weekend was Saturday’s final race. While there is always a set of races on Sunday, Saturday’s winning woolly worm is the one that predicts the weather for the upcoming winter. Additionally, the owner of the winning worm gets a $1,000 cash prize.

Tommy Burleson, Avery County’s woolly worm whisperer, performs the reading of the worm each year after the race. According to folklore, each segment of the caterpillar’s body represents one of the 13 weeks of winter. If the band is black, it means that there will be below average temperatures and snow. If the band is dark brown, it means there will be below average temperatures. A light brown band means above average temperatures, and fleck, which means the band is a mixture of black and brown, denotes that there will be below average

temperatures with frost or light snow.

This year’s final race was between worms “Ding Dong Daddy,” “Karl,” “Porta Potty,” “No Snow,” “Twinkle Butt,” “Cheeze-It” and “Willie.” After winning in their own individual heats, each of the worms competed and won in their respective semifinal races to make it all the way to the finals. Ding Dong Daddy was off to a promising start at Saturday’s final race, but by the last few seconds, it was a toss-up as to which worm would finish above all the rest. The worms were neck-and-neck until Porta Potty got a boost of energy and crossed the line, winning the race.

It wasn’t over yet, however. Porta Potty had to go through one final inspection to ensure that he was in fact an isabella tiger moth caterpillar, as any other worm or caterpillar would be disqualified. After passing the inspection from the “Woolly Worm Doctor” Gary Smith, Porta Potty was officially deemed the winner of the 2022 Woolly Worm Race.

Emma Denton, owner and trainer of Porta Potty, came all the way from Gastonia to the festival.

Several of Denton’s friends stood and cheered in the audience after Porta Potty won, expressing a mixture of excitement and disbelief.

Denton was awarded the $1,000 cash prize and, after posing for a few photos, Porta Potty was prepared

to give the weather prediction. Adam Binder held up the champion worm while Shawn Stricklen held the microphone for Burleson as he examined the worm.

Burleson’s reading of Porta Potty was as follows: • Weeks 1-4: Black, below average temperatures and snow • Weeks 5-9: Brown, average temperatures • Weeks 10-11: Light Brown, above average temperatures • Week 12: Fleck, below average temperatures and frost or light snow • Week 13: Black, below average temperatures and snow Each year’s Woolly Worm Festival doesn’t just exist for the fun of the race.

The proceeds from the festival, which is organized each year through the partnership of the Avery County Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk, are funneled right back into the community. The Woolly Worm Festival helps expand and enhance the education and activities for children in Avery County, and it also helps provide support for businesses and organizations in the community through grants and financial contributions.

“The school system will benefit from our grants,” Winkelman said. “We give it all back to the community, and the children will benefit in all of our schools, so it was a success all the way around.”

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 25

Exploring arts and culture in Banner Elk

LILY.KINCAID@AVERYJOURNAL. COM A rich mix of art and culture exists in Banner Elk, ensuring that locals and visitors alike never look too far to find something that suits their interests. People can interact with and explore the culture of the High Country through a variety of different mediums in Banner Elk.

Cultural Arts Center at the Historic Banner Elk School 185 Azalea Circle Located in the heart of downtown Banner Elk, the Historic Banner Elk School is an art hub for the community, hosting many cultural events and programs.

Ensemble Stage Emanating from Hahn Auditorium in the Historic Banner Elk School, Ensemble Stage brings professional performances and phenomenal productions to the community. Ensemble Stage stays busy throughout the year, bringing dramas, comedies, holiday performances, staged radio plays, children’s shows and more to the stage.

Viewers of all ages can enjoy this staple of Banner Elk’s community. To see show dates and get tickets, visit ensemblestage.com.

BE Artists Gallery A group of local artists formed the BE Artists Gallery, which features fine arts and crafts that are for sale. The art within the gallery is by artists who live in and are inspired by the High Country, showcasing the region’s beauty

FILE PHOTO

Historic Banner Elk School now houses a cultural arts center, including Ensemble Stage and BE Book Exchange.

and unique culture through their art. Fabric art, glass works, jewelry, metal works, paintings, photography and ceramics are just a few of the many mediums on display at the gallery. To learn more, call (828) 898-6767 or visit beartistsgallery.com The Banner Elk Book Exchange The Banner Elk Book Exchange is a community-based, volunteer-run book exchange located within the Historic Banner Elk School.

There are books for all ages and the book exchange often holds different types of community events.

To see what events are happening at the Historic Banner Elk School, visit historicbannerelkschool.com.

Theater Lees-McRae Theatre Arts The Theatre Arts program at Lees-McRae College holds three main stage productions each year, along with a number of student-directed productions. Attending productions at LMC is not only a fun way to spend an afternoon, but is also a great way to show community

support for the college and its students.

To see upcoming productions, show dates and to purchase tickets, visit lmc. edu/academics/programs/ theatre-arts/index.htm.

Lees-McRae Summer Theatre When the academic year ends, the students who stay in Banner Elk over the summer start a schedule of summer productions that involve community members as well. The program has been in place since 1985, and allows students within the department to work with a larger pool of actors or try out different roles.

To learn more about the Lees-McRae Summer Theatre, visit lmc.edu/community/summer-theatre/ index.htm.

Art Galleries Along with the BE Artists Gallery, there are six other galleries to enjoy and explore in the Banner Elk area.

Art Cellar Gallery 920 Shawneehaw Lane (828) 898-5157 The Art Cellar Gallery displays paint, clay, glass, stone and wood work of artists

from the High Country and beyond. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Saturday.

Carlton Gallery 10360 Hwy. 105 S (828) 963-4288 carltongallery.com The Carlton Gallery was originally established as a small fiber studio in 1982.

Since then, it has grown to feature more than 150 local, regional and national artists specializing in acrylics, watercolors, mixed media, pottery, sculpture and more.

The gallery is closed on Mondays and open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Clark Gallery 393 Shawneehaw Ave. S

(828) 898-2095 Chris Clark’s gallery features a large selection of both local and national artists. The gallery is active with American auction houses and has a selection of paintings from the 17th century to the present. Its current hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Sally Nooney Gallery 7137 NC Hwy. 194 (828) 963-7347 Sally Nooney is an artist that specializes in both paintings and fused glass art. Many of her paintings feature outdoor landscapes and animals, though she has a series of still life paintings and paintings of “women with attitudes.” Her gallery, which is located between

Banner Elk and Valle Crucis, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Mondays, when it is closed.

Studio 140 at Sorrento’s 140 Azalea Circle SE (828) 898-5214 bannerelkvillage.com/ studio-140 Studio 140 displays the artwork of Angela Accetturo, David Ganegas and Kent Paulette. As an open studio, community members can not only view the artists’ work, but watch the process of the artists creating it. Studio 140 is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Friday and Saturday and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays.

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Page 26 • Mountain Times Publications BANNER ELK MY

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Banner Elk before the Banners

BY MICHAEL HARDY NEWS@AVERYJOURNAL.COM Many of our local communities are named for prominent local families. Most residents and even most visitors know that the name of Banner Elk is tied to the Banner family, but there is a long history of settlement centered around the area that is today Banner Elk, a history that actually predates the Banners themselves and which has other names stamped upon it.

The story of how the Banner family came to the region is a well-known piece of local history. Martin L. Banner traveled into these parts from Forsyth County about 1848; he promptly bought property and built a cabin. He soon became bored with his surroundings and sold out to the Dugger family. Banner then moved on to Carter County, Tenn. Martin eventually returned to area a few years later and settled in the Montezuma community.

In 1856, Lewis Banner, a brother to Martin, moved to the area and purchased 200 acres of land on Elk Creek. He brought with him his five sons and three daughters. They are the ones who gave the name “Banner” to Banner Elk. A post office called Banner’s Elk

The Banner name has a rich history in the town of Banner Elk, but so also does the Hix name. opened on June 16, 1875. Today, Banner Elk is considered one of the premier vacation sites in western North Carolina.

However, there were pioneers in the area prior to the Banners. One of the first was David Hix. About the same time that Samuel Bright was settling down near the present-day site of the Avery County Airport, near Ingalls, David Hix was settling in the Valle Crucis area of Watauga County. His home was surrounded by a palisade wall and was generally known as Hix’s Fort. He was living there with his family, including his two sons, Samuel and David; his two sons-in-law, Thomas and Mikel Asher; two other men named Lucus and

‌

Asher, and a hired woman named Ireland, along with her daughter, Jenny.

Born in Goochland County, Va., about 1719, Hix lived in Surry County, along Peters Creek for eight or 10 years prior to coming to Valle Crucis. A writer in 1885 described Hix as a “man of great strength and power of endurance, a skillful hunter and woodsman, simple in his habits, of a kind and accommodating disposition and possessed of many good traits.”

For a brief amount of time, the group moved further down the Watauga River, living near Dugger’s Iron Works in what is present-day Carter County.

It was here that Jenny was abducted, probably by the Shawnee; she lived for seven

years near the Ohio River and married one of their warriors.

She was later purchased by some “Indian traders” and was eventually able to return to her mother.

Hix lived at Dugger’s Iron Works for maybe a year before returning to Valle Crucis. One source puts him back on the upper section of the Watauga River about 1776 or 1777. As the American Revolution broke out on the frontier as well as in the more populated sections of the Colonies, Hix’s position became more complicated and difficult.

In fact, it is not even very clear where his loyalties actually were. One source considered Hix a Tory, while another considered him to be of a more neutral position. Clearly, Col. Benjamin Cleveland, Patriot leader and legendary foe of Tories in the backcountry, believed Hix was an enemy to the Patriot cause. At one point, Cleveland traveled from Wilkesboro and laid siege to Hix’s Fort. After a few days, Hix believed that Cleveland had retreated, and when the settlers ventured forth, Cleveland ambushed them, killing Hix’s son-in-law Mikel Asher and wounding David Hix. Cleveland’s men then plundered Hix’s Fort.

Hix had additional problems

not connected to the Revolution. In another instance, Hix allowed some cattle drovers to stay at his fort. Moving livestock through the backcountry to reach a market could be an arduous process. However, after the presumed drovers had left the fort, a group came from Wilkes County looking for them. It seems the cattle were actually stolen. The posse caught up with them and killed the cattle rustler, a man named Grimes.

At some point, it appears that the Hix family fled their fort in Valle Crucis. The family came to the area near present-day Banner Elk, presumably at some point during the American Revolution. John Preston Arthur, in his history of Watauga County, tells us that Hix eventually “became uneasy and retired to the wilderness near what is now Banner Elk, where he made camp and supported himself by hunting and making maple syrup and sugar, thus avoiding service as an American or a Tory.” Hix did manage to avoid swearing allegiance to either side during the war. Arthur goes on to tell us that people 100 years ago still plowed up coal “near the Lybrook farm, near the Grandfather Orphanage” and that local people knew the area

as the Hix Improvement, “that being the place here Samuel Hix ‘laid out during the Revolutionary War.’” It is possible that David Hix died in the Banner Elk area in 1792 or 1793. His will, drawn up by a resident from Washington County (now Tennessee), was probated in Wilkes County.

John Preston Arthur tells us that there “were no clearings of any extent at Banner Elk, except those at the Hix Improvement, which was very small, and at Big Bottoms but there were two ‘deadenings,’ one called the Moses Deadening and the other the Lark Chopping.” These last two were probably locations where trees had been cut in such a way where their death was certain, thus opening up new ground for cultivation.

Arthur also tells us that David Hix soon had neighbors: Baker King and Ben Dugger.

There are plenty of Duggers still in the area. Members of the Hix family are also still here in Avery County, but, over time, the name has morphed into the more familiar Hicks. Though there were others seeking to settle in the region well before the 1840s, it would be the Banner family whose name would stick to the community.

A journey through time in Banner Elk COMPILED

BY JAMIE SHELL EDITOR@AVERYJOURNAL. COM The town of Banner Elk boasts a long and rich his-

FILE PHOTO

tory dating back almost two centuries. The following is a sampling of images taking viewers back in time to what made Banner Elk past and present the quintessential American town.

A highway marker placed in Banner Elk honors one of the town’s more widely known citizens, Shepherd Monroe Dugger, who was touted on the marker as ‘educator and humorist.’

FILE PHOTO

Center Theatre opened in Banner Elk in 1949.

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Mountain Times Publications • Page 27

Take a hike in beautiful Banner Elk

BY LILY KINCAID LILY.KINCAID@ AVERYJOURNAL.COM With gorgeous views, a variety of trails and parks and perfect weather for outdoor activities during the warmer months, it’s no wonder that Banner Elk draws so much attention from outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to connect with nature.

Grandfather Mountain is one of the most prominent PHOTO BY SKIP SICKLER | GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION Hiking around the Grandfather Mountain area is a popular outdoor attractions of the activity throughout the year, with varying degrees of difficulty High Country, and it’s just depending on the trail. a short distance away from Grandfather Mountain Banner Elk. Grandfather visit. The state park is home Mountain is home to a dito popular destinations such Stewardship Foundation is an attraction on top verse array of flora and fau- as the Profile Trail, which of Grandfather Mounhas spectacular views and is na, making it easy to discovsure to impress. er something new with each tain, and provides a very

educational encounter with nature. Fan-favorites at the attraction include the Mile-High Swinging Bridge, exhibits with rehabilitated and non-releasable animals and the new Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, which includes an updated museum and classroom space.

To learn more about the attractions at Grandfather Mountain, visit grandfather.com.

To find trail maps and more information about the state park, visit www. ncparks.gov/grandfather-mountain-state-park.

A road trip over the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Linn Cove Viaduct provides a

breathtaking view of the mountainous landscape.

Additionally, many of the overlooks along the way on the parkway are worth stopping at, especially during autumn.

Roan Highlands is a beloved place for nature lovers, just 40 minutes away from Banner Elk over the North Carolina-Tennessee border, hikers can go along a portion of The Appalachian Trail and get a 360-degree view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain both have 18-hole golf resorts while it’s warm, and during the winter, both Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort are hubs for snow

sports such as snowboarding and skiing.

Wildcat Lake is the perfect casual outdoor experience. Its sand beaches and picturesque setting make it the perfect place for a spurof-the-moment outing or a picnic. Lees-McRae College’s historic Mill Pond has a trail around it that people can walk along and observe the birds and wildlife that live in the area.

Whether you’re enjoying the natural beauty of Banner Elk from behind the wheel, on top of the Mile High Swinging Bridge or laid out

by Wildcat Lake, the area allows everyone to connect with nature in whatever way they prefer.

A walk in the Park: Tate-Evans Town Park an ideal destination to spend time with family

BY JAMIE SHELL

events, and the residents of EDITOR@AVERYJOURNAL.COM Banner Elk put it to good use. Whether for daily exercise, family functions or For a time of relaxation, a pet-friendly environment, community congregations, or simply somewhere to take Tate-Evans Town Park serves as a central gathering time to see nature or get a place for the tightly knit little exercise, Tate-Evans Banner Elk community.

Town Park offers myriad While Tate-Evans Park possibilities when it comes provides a setting for a vato personal and family entertainment. riety of familiar, family-oriTate-Evans Town Park ented outdoor activities, is a striking symbol of the including a walking trail, dedication of the town of wading pools, volleyball Banner Elk to providing its court, outdoor grills, picnic residents with the best in tables, picnic shelter, two public services, including playground areas, the park recreation. Rather servalso serves as a venue for a variety of exciting scheduled ing any single purpose, events sponsored by the Tate-Evans Town Park is town, local organizations designed to be used for a and businesses. number of purposes and

Tate-Evans Town Park includes an amphitheatre that plays host to Banner Elk Concerts in the Park each Thursday night beginning in June.

A variety of other festivities are also centered around the park, including the popular “Party in the Park” during the Fourth of July celebration, as well as holiday activities during Halloween and Christmas seasons.

In addition to community events, families often take advantage of the park’s many facilities, which include restrooms open from April to September. Banner Elk families regularly host birthday parties, reunions

and weddings at different sites around the park’s beautiful grounds. Town leaders recognized the popularity of Tate-Evans Town Park and continue to enhance the facility with various construction projects and upgrades, including new public restrooms, seating and picnic shelter on the grounds.

While Tate-Evans Park and its walking trails meander near much of downtown Banner Elk, the most direct entrance is right next to Banner Elk Town Hall, located at 200 Park Avenue.

For more information, call (828) 898-5398, or click FILE PHOTO Tate-Evans Town Park features lush greenery and a greenway to www.townofbannerelk. org/recreation/town-parks. area for visitors to walk and for children to bicycle and enjoy.

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