Blowing Rock My Hometown 2018

2018 my BLOWING hometown scenic beauty and gracious,

ROCK

comfortable mountain living

Retail ∙ Entertainment ∙ Restaurants ∙ Events ∙ Important Numbers Utilities ∙ The Chamber of Commerce ∙ Civic Groups and Much More!

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BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

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Thursday, June 28, 2018

Welcome to Blowing Rock

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BLOWING ROCK HISTORICAL SOCIETY An Aerial view of Mayview Manor in Blowing Rock.

Blowing Rock: A look back at history

BY THOMAS SHERRILL thomas.sherrill@mountaintimes.com

The town of Blowing Rock was chartered and incorporated on March 11, 1889, with “Uncle Joe” Clark serving as the town’s first mayor.

Prior to becoming a town, the village, sitting between 3,500 and 3,600 feet above sea level, was already a summer destination for visitors seeking to beat the heat of the lowlands.

The population spurt of note came during the Civil War, when many men sent their families to the mountains to seek refuge from war-torn areas of the Confederacy, joining them in their new homes after the war ended in 1865.

By the late 1800s and early 1900s, Blowing Rock had established itself

as a summer resort community and the people who lived here full time established comfortable hotels, inns and cabins for the “cottagers” who returned every year.

In the early half of the 1900s, downtown Blowing Rock suffered through two devastating fires, which destroyed many of the buildings on Main Street. Not only did these fires lead to the establishment of a fulltime fire department in the town, but convinced store owners to rebuild using brick and stone instead of wood.

Many of those classic stone buildings are standing today, helping to give the downtown area its rustic mountain charm.

Children in Blowing rock attended the local K-12 school until 1965, when all of the high school students merged

into the newly-constructed countywide Watauga High School in nearby Boone.

Today, Blowing Rock School serves students from kindergarten through 8th grade.

TODAY Approximately 1,250 people live year-round inside Blowing Rock town limits, with that number swelling by five or six times during the summer season, which traditionally goes from Memorial Day weekend to the end of October.

The economy of Blowing Rock is most definitely tourism driven, with tens of thousands of visitors coming to the area each year to enjoy the culture, scenery, shops, restaurants and attractions of Blowing Rock.

About our cover The “Blowing Rock,” the rock formation shown on our cover, is what defines our home town. Not only is the formation North Carolina’s oldest tourist attraction, it is home to two music festivals — the beach music festival Shagging at the Rock in August and the Blowing Rock Music Festival in September. Myriad Western North Carolina peaks, such as Table Rock, Mount Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain, are visible from the Blowing Rock.

— Photo by Jeff Eason

I would like to welcome our visitors and summer residents to our fine town of Blowing Rock. I was raised in Blowing Rock and left to pursue my career in the early ‘80s, and I made the decision to return five years ago to take over and renovate an old family business.

Our town has seen many changes through the years. In 2018, we will see the opening of U.S. 321 as a four Sellers lane road, the opening of the Mayview Plaza located at the entrance of Laurel Lane which recognizes the local attractions that have been the driving force for our tourism industry and the revitalization of Memorial Park located on Main Street.

In addition, we have many new businesses that have opened to serve our visitors and local residents.

In 2018, there are many events planned for Blowing Rock: Art in the Park, movies in the park, Independence Day festivities, Symphony by the Lake at Chetola, St. Mary’s tour homes, the Blowing Rock Horse show and monthly exhibits at the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM) in addition to many other events throughout the High Country Once again, welcome to all of you that make our town a special place to visit and call home.

Charlie Sellers Blowing Rock Mayor

About this publication Now in its seventh year of publication, the multiaward winning “Blowing Rock: My Hometown” is a partnership venture between The Blowing Rocket and the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce.

While we’re proud of the North Carolina Press Association honors the publication has earned, our real source of pride comes from our intent to help visitors learn about our area, whether those visitors are here for a weekend stay, a summer retreat, retirement or a family relocation destination.

Working with the chamber of commerce is a similar honor as we help to promote that organization’s vision to “promote, protect and improve business through the cultural, social and economic development, growth and sustainability of Blowing Rock, while preserving the charm and character of the ‘village.’”

The chamber of commerce is governed by a board of directors composed of business members from a variety of business types and individual member representatives. There are several standing committees, including economic development, events, finance, business support, membership and community and government.

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BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

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PHOTO SUBMITTED Blowing Rock Memorial Park is one of the most popular destinations for visiting families.

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Blowing Rock honored by numerous outside agencies

Y

ou don’t have to live in Blowing Rock to appreciate it … and that’s the point.

Every year, Blowing Rock is recognized by a number of outside organizations and publications for its beauty, activities and overall friendliness.

In April, Southern Living magazine named Blowing Rock as one of “The South’s Best Small Towns In Every State 2018.”

“This cool mountain town is named for the famous Blowing Rock, where you can drop a handkerchief and it will either float away or blow right back to you because of an unusual air current,” Southern Living said of Blowing Rock.

May saw Blowing Rock was named one of the 10 best Small Southern Towns in a USA TODAY reader poll for the second straight year.

Of Blowing Rock, USA TODAY said, “Those looking for a mountain escape have been coming to Blowing Rock since the 1880s. Today, this North Carolina village sits directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway and serves as a gateway to adjacent Pisgah National Forest.”

“We were excited just to be nominated, so to see Blowing Rock in the Top 10 is fantastic. Blowing Rock is fortunate in its location, which provides so much opportunity for enjoying the beauty of Appalachian wilderness. From hiking to trout fishing, climbing to cycling, this town has a backyard where you can do it all. And the close proximity means that

when you’re done, there are plenty of shops, restaurants and inns nearby for town-oriented activities and relaxation,” said Amanda Lugenbell, assistant director of the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority.

Here’s a short list (compiled from a much longer list) of recent awards and honors Blowing Rock has received from folks who don’t even live here. Blowing Rock was named: • North Carolina’s Prettiest Small Town by a panel of Southeastern travel journalists, beating out places such as South Port and Southern Pines.

• One of America’s Prettiest Winter Towns by Travel+Leisure magazine.

• Favorite Mountain Destination by Our State magazine.

• Best Mountain Town by Blue Ridge Country magazine.

• Best Day Trip by The Winston-Salem Journal.

• Platinum award for Art in the Park/ Best Arts/crafts Show, Gold award for Best Main Street and Silver awards for Best Arts Town and Best Shopping in the 2013 Blue Ridge Country’s “Best of the Mountains” readers poll. Winners were selected from candidates in Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama.

• A 2013 “Great Places in North Carolina” Award from the North Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Association for Blowing Rock’s Main Street area.

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Important Numbers In Blowing Rock (All numbers in the 828 area code, except where noted.)

Any Emergency ........................................................................................................ 911 Blowing Rock Police Department (non-emergency) ...........................295-5210 Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue (non-emergency) ............................... 548-2800 Blowing Rock Plus Urgent Care ................................................................ 572-4706 Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce .................................................... 295-7851 Blowing Rock Post Office ........................................................................... 275-8777 Blowing Rock Sewer Plant ......................................................................... 295-5226 Blowing Rock Water Plant ......................................................................... 295-5225 Blowing Rock Town Hall ..............................................................................295-5200 Grover Robbins Pool Complex .................................................................. 295-5224 Parks and Recreation ................................................................................. 295-5222 Blowing Rock School ...................................................................................295-3204 Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge .............................................................386-3300 Harriet and Charles Devant Medical Clinic ...........................................386-3350 Village Pharmacy ......................................................................................... 295-3482 U.S. 321 Widening Hotline ...........................................................................964-3260 High Country Council of Governments .................................................. 265-5434 High Country Workforce Development Board ..................................... 265-5434 Blue Ridge Energy .........................................................................................758-2383 High Country Host/ASM Welcome Center .............................................438-7500 Appalachian Energy .................................................................................... 295-9563 Blue Ridge Energies ...................................................................................... 754-9071 Carolina West Wireless .................................................................. (336) 973-5000 Charter Business ............................................................................... (800) 314-7195 Skyline Membership Corporation .............................................................963-1350 Wireless Center/Verizon Wireless ...........................................................406-4040 Blowing Rock Art and History Museum ..................................................295-9099 Moses Cone Memorial Park ....................................................................... 295-3782 Linn Cove Visitors Center ......................................................................... 348-3400 PHOTO BY REAGAN DELLINGER — COMPILED BY REAGAN DELLINGER

Moses Cone Manor in Blowing Rock.

Breathtaking mountain scenery and 4 seasons of exciting outdoor recreation opportunities Appalachian State University, award winning public schools, highly educated work force Entrepreneurial culture and a tradition of innovation Uncrowded and safe, with green sustainable business and practices Regional commercial center just 2 hours from international airports Up to 1 gig broadband available

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BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Blowing Rock’s

Art in the Park

BY SYDNEY WOLFORD sydney.wolford@mountaintimes.com

Art in the Park, hosted by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, is a gathering of more than 90 fine arts and crafts booths on Park Avenue in downtown Blowing Rock.

It takes place once a month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on a select Friday from May to October. Artists from all over the region converge on Blowing Rock to feature their woodwork, pottery, jewelry, photography and more.

A free shuttle service from the parking lots at Food Lion and Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway is oered on Art in the Park Saturdays.

There will be free parking available as well.

The remaining dates in 2018 are July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8 and Oct. 6.

For more information, call (877) 295-7851.

FILE PHOTO Art lovers wander from booth to booth during Art in the Park 2017.

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BLOWING ROCK

One of the Most Desirable Home Towns in the Southeast

BY LESLIE EASON, REALTOR leason@boone.net

D

o you love to visit Blowing Rock? Are you curious about making Blowing Rock your home or your second home? Here is some Real Estate information for you!

Blowing Rock offers a wide variety of properties with prices ranging from condos in the $150,000 range to homes well into the multi-millions. For free standing homes, the pricing is understandably higher in-town and when big views are involved.

Versus the rest of the nation, where inventory is extremely tight, the average time on market in the Blowing Rock area is about 130 days, which is typical of most resort and second-home markets. This gives buyers a little breathing space when looking for homes or planning a visit, although homes less than $400,000 with views sell very quickly.

There are many neighborhoods and pockets of homes that might not be obvious when driving or walking around town. Several of them are noted below. If you are interested in learning more about the market or seeing some properties, be sure to check with a local Realtor.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

MARKET SNAPSHOT Blowing Rock is enjoying a very healthy Real Estate market with sustainable growth (see chart). In Real Estate terms, it is a balanced market, with benefits for both buyers and sellers. Versus 2017, inventory has tightened somewhat (-16.2 percent), driving up pricing modestly. However, there are currently twice as many listings available than have sold so far this year, indicating a good inventory for buyers.

While Blowing Rock is the highest priced real estate area in the N.C. High Country, prices are just now approaching pre-recession levels and have not been inflated as in other parts of the country. The median single family sales price is $349,000 and average sold price this year is $402,417.

This is still somewhat lower that the average pricing in 2008.

Condominiums are seeing good gains, with volume up 24.9 percent more than last year. The majority of the current available inventory is in Chetola Resort and also there is new condo inventory is Blue Ridge Mountain Club.

There is limited new construction in Blowing Rock and the High Country. The area does not offer large developments with similar homes or large construction companies. This is part of the charm of the area. Versus 2017, there are more new custom homes available, another sign of a healthy market.

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TYPES OF PROPERTIES Luxury Homes Blowing Rock is perhaps best known for its gorgeous mountain homes, both newer and historic. Blowing Rock homes have graced the covers of magazines and attracted buyers from all over the world. These homes can be found in town in the Mayview and Laurel Park neighborhoods, as well as in nearby gated neighborhoods such as Timber Creek and Firethorn.

For buyers looking to build a custom home, this area boasts some excellent builders and offers many options for land purchases.

Condominiums Condos generally offer a less expensive way to enter the SEE HOMES ON PAGE 9

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HOMES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

market while relieving the owner of home maintenance worries. For in-town Blowing Rock, some of the condo developments offer the ability to rent the condos to vacationers, making them a good investment.

Condo developments include Royal Oaks, Glen Burney, Village on the Green and Chetola Resort, which also boasts a hotel, fine dining restaurant and spa. There are some nicer condos with views in the Mayview area of Blowing Rock as well as in the Blue Ridge Mountain Club (noted below).

Coming soon are 23 luxury condos called Chestnut at Blowing Rock, with great views of Moses Cone and Grandfather Mountain. These condos will include two-car garages below.

Second Homes More than half of the homes sold in Blowing Rock are second homes.

Buyers look here to escape the summer heat or live here for half of the year.

With Charlotte a two hour drive and Raleigh/Durham three hours away, the high country is a convenient escape for buyers from North Carolina, as well as a season destination for buyers from Florida. Many buyers purchase a second (or third) home in Blowing Rock with plans to make it their retirement home.

A strong and growing segment of the Blowing Rock Real Estate market is second homes that can also be used as vacation rentals to help pay for the cost of owning and maintaining the home. There are several excellent vacation rental management companies in the area that can manage the entire process.

Note that vacation/short term rentals fewer than 30 days are not allowed within town limits and in some subdivisions. If you are looking for a home that can also be used as a vacation rental, be sure to ask your Realtor whether vacation rentals are allowed in that location.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Total sales volumes of single family homes has risen 5.5 percent this year.

AREAS OF TOWN In Town Blowing Rock: The town of Blowing Rock is known for its grand homes along Main Street and in historic Mayview and Laurel Park as well as cottages around Ransom Street. There are also condominium developments such as Royal Oaks, Glen Burney, and Chetola Resort.

In Town Across 321: Cross Highway 321 (Blowing Rock Boulevard) to Echo Park, Green Hill Road, Wonderland Woods and areas surrounding the Blowing Rock Country Club and Golf Course. There is a wide variety of home styles and sizes in these quiet neighborhoods.

Highway 221 South: There are several neighborhoods on either side of Highway 221 headed south, some offering great Grandfather Mountain and St. Johns River Gorge views.

These include Misty Mountain, Fair Mountain Acres, Saddle Hills and Sweetgrass, a newer development with trails and a lake.

321 North (toward Boone): One of the largest residential areas in this

direction is Appalachian Ski Mountain, with many mountain and log homes close to skiing. This is a popular location for vacation rentals. Also along 321 are the luxury gated communities of Firethorn and Timber Creek, as well as the log home community Friendly Mountain Acres.

Blue Ridge Parkway North: There are several established neighborhoods with mid-range to high end homes along this route. This general area is referred to on maps as the Aho area and includes the neighborhoods of Sorrento, Greystone, Blackberry, Goshen, Summit Park, and Brown Stone Ridge, to name a few. Some of these neighborhoods are in the Boone zip code but are considered the Blowing Rock area from a Real Estate standpoint.

Also in this direction is the Blue Ridge Mountain Club (BRMC), a newer and impressive development with timber frame homes and many lots available.

BRMC offers trails and amenities and just broke ground on their new clubhouse and gym.

When you are visiting, think about also making

Blowing Rock your home!

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BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

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Blowing Rock’s

Departments and Officials

BY CARTER NORTH

The current elected officials holding office in Blowing Rock are as follows: The Mayor is Charlie Sellers and the town council is made up of Albert Yount (mayor pro term), Sue Sweeting, Doug Matheson, Jim Steele and Virginia Powell. blic The regularly scheduled public meeting of the commissioners takes place at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month in Blowing Rock Town Hall.

Ed Evans is the Blowing Rock town manager and he is assisted in his duties by n, finance officer Nicole Norman, town clerk/tax collector Hilarii Hubner, planning director Kevin Rothrock, planning and zoning support specialist Tammy Bentley, building inspector John Warren, payroll administrator Tonda Spear and receptionist Linda Steen. They can all be reached by calling (828) 2955200.

Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation is led by director Jennifer Brown with help from assistant director Autumn Goheen and landscape specialist Chris Pate. They

can be reached by calling (828) 295-5222.

The Blowing Rock Police Department is led by Chief Tony Jones with help from Capt. Aaron Miller, Lt. Daniel White and officers Deyton Turpin, James Holman, Caleb Hildebran, Mike Fox, Darin Church and Bobby Canter. The BRPD adminis ministrative assistant is Sharon Va VanDyke. The department can b be reached by calling (828) 295-5212.

The Blowing Rock Public Works Department is led

by Mike Wilcox and Matt B Blackburn with help from cr crew leader Mark Presnell, fleet mechanic Steve Norris and others others. T They can be reached by calling (828) 295-5200.

Tim Everhart is senior plant operator of the town’s water and sewer operation.

The water plant can be reached by calling (828) 295-5225 and the sewer plant can be reached by calling (828) 295-5226.

Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue is led by Chief Kent Graham with help from Deputy Chief Matt McGuire. For non-emergency communications, the department can be reached by calling (828) 295-5218.

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BLOWING ROCK’S FINEST

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Clubs, Nonprofits and Civic Organizations in Blowing Rock (All phone numbers are in the 828 area code, except where noted) American Legion Hall ................................................................................... 295-5222 American Red Cross (Watauga County Chapter) ...............................264-8226 Appalachian Women’s Fund ..................................................................... 264-4002 Blowing Rock C.A.R.E.S (Children Are Really Extra Special) ................ 406-8737 Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce ..................................................... 295-7851 Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show ...........................................................295-4700 Blowing Rock Civic Association ..................................................................295-3199 Blowing Rock Community Foundation .....................................................295-3048 Blowing Rock Historical Society ................................................................. 295-6114 Blowing Rock Art and History Museum ...................................................295-9099 Blowing Rock Young Professionals Boy Scout Troop 101 Girl Scout Troop 02252 Blowing Rock School PTO Blowing Rock Garden Club Blowing Rock Community Library ............................................................ 295-7000 High Country Jazz Society .........................................................................264-6860 Blowing Rock Women’s Club Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation ..................(866) 308-2773 or (336) 721-0260 High Country United Way ............................................................................. 265-2111 Blowing Rock American Legion................................................................... 295-5222 Middle Fork Greenway Association .......................................................... 264-3754 Rotary Club of Blowing Rock ...................................................................... 963-7717 www.blowingrockrotary.org Watauga Humane Society ......................................................................... 264-7865 Dylan’s Hearts ....................................................................................(336) 365-2334 O.A.S.I.S. (Opposing Abuse with Shelter, Information and Service) ......264-1532 Habitat for Humanity ..................................................................................268-9545 Hospitality House ..........................................................................................264-1237 Watauga Arts Council ..................................................................................264-1789 Western Youth Network ...............................................................................264-5174 Wine to Water ............................................................................................... 355-9655 Samaritan’s Purse ........................................................................................ 262-1980

FILE PHOTO Blowing Rock’s American Legion Hall is used for everything from wedding receptions to the annual Rotary Club Charity Auction. It is rented through Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation by calling (828) 295-5222.

NOT JUST HORSING AROUND Blowing Rock’s Charity Horse Show Foundation has been preserving traditional horse sports in the town since 1923. Shows benefit nonprofit and charitable organizations.

The foundation’s website reads “uninterrupted by recessions, depressions, foul weather, or even World War II, the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show has survived one national and regional crisis after another.”

Detailed information on the show and how to attend can be found by clicking to https://brchs.org/.

Youth flourish at Blowing Rock School

BY LUKE WEIR luke.weir@mountaintimes.com

Blowing Rock’s one and only school continued its longstanding tradition of excellence during the 2017-18 school year.

For three years running, a faculty member at Blowing Rock School has won Watauga County Schools’ Teacher of the Year distinction. Terri Hodges was named the Watauga County Teacher of the Year for 2018, following her colleagues Eve Parsons and Martha Trimble, who received the award in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The school had a first-class showing at the 2018 North Carolina Science and Engineering Fair March 23 at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.

Every Blowing Rock School student who went to the fair won at least one SEE YOUTH ON PAGE 13

PHOTO COURTESY OF WATAUGA COUNTY SCHOOLS Newly named Watauga County Teacher of the Year Terri Hodges, center, celebrates at Blowing Rock School with some student high fives. From left, Christian Hamilton, Sam Brandon, Axel Abu, Piper Harrison, Sarah Scheurer and Emma Knight.

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FILE PHOTO Blowing Rock School is located on Morris Street and serves students in grades K-8.

YOUTH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

award at the state level.

Blowing Rock School enrolls students in Kindergarten through eighth grade, like all elementary schools in the Watauga County Schools system, removing the need for a separate middle school in Blowing Rock.

The school typically has about 350 total students, equal to about 39 students in each grade.

There are two teachers per grade for

Celebrating 36Years

kindergarten through fifth grade, and eight educators teaching sixth through eighth grade.

The Blowing Rock School district includes Blowing Rock, Aho, Blackberry and Shull’s Mills and other surrounding communities.

Patrick Sukow is the principal of Blowing Rock School, located at 165 Morris Street downtown in Blowing Rock. For more information, call the school at (828) 2953204, or visit online at www.wataugaschools.org/br.

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FILE PHOTO Blowing Rock Methodist Church is one of the area’s ‘seasonal’ churches, open during the warm weather months only. It was first opened in 1900 by Dr. Charles Waller and his wife, Edith. Dr. Hal Warlick is the current minister.

Churches serving Blowing Rock Blowing Rock Methodist Church Summer only 1314 Main St., Blowing Rock 295-6207 Blowing Rock Refuge Church Blowing Rock Community Building Clark St., Blowing Rock Sundays at 10 a.m.

773-6750 Church of the Epiphany Catholic Church Summer only 163 Galax Lane 264-8338 FaithBridge United Methodist Church 194 Aho Rd., Blowing Rock 295-8333 First Baptist Church of Blowing Rock 350 Sunset Dr., Blowing Rock 295-7715 First Independent Baptist Church 350 Sunset Dr, Blowing Rock, NC

28605., Blowing Rock 295-7715 Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church 1218 Main St., Blowing Rock 295-7675 St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church 140 Chestnut Dr., Blowing Rock 295-7323 St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 5570 Blowing Rock Blvd., Lenoir 295-4750 The Temple of the High Country 1043 W. King St., Boone 264-8364 St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country Catholic Church 259 Pilgrims Way, Boone 264-8338 Sandy Flats Baptist Church 1776 Hwy. 221 S., Blowing Rock 964-0534

FILE PHOTO St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church in Blowing Rock is nestled in a beautiful part of the town.

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Finding your health care in Blowing Rock

BY KAYLA LASURE kayla.lasure@wataugademocrat.com

While the Watauga Medical Center is located in Boone, Blowing Rock has facilities to take care of your families health care needs right in your hometown.

Five facilities in Boone — all becoming operational in 2016 — offer medical services for the people of Blowing Rock.

These facilities include Blowing Rock Medical Park PLUS Urgent Care, The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge, The Harriet and Charles Davant, Jr. Medical Clinic and The Village Pharmacy.

BLOWING ROCK MEDICAL PARK PLUS URGENT CARE Blowing Rock Medical Park is a division of Caldwell Memorial Hospital. The medical park consists of family and geriatric medicine as well as services in gastroenterology and PLUS Urgent Care.

People can visit Blowing Rock Medical Park when in need of flu/pneumonia vaccines, family medicine, gastroenterology consults, hearing tests, industrial and occupational medicine, onsite lab/x-ray, sports physicals and sick visits for children/adults.

PLUS Urgent Care offers a place for people to go when their regular doctor’s office is closed or when waiting for a doctors visit could take longer than expected. A benefit of visiting PLUS Urgent Care is that people don’t have to be a patient of Caldwell Physicians to use this facility and also don’t need to make an appointment.

People who visit PLUS Urgent Care can expect to be seen FILE PHOTO SEE HEALTH ON PAGE 17

Blowing Rock Medical Park is located at 8439 Valley Blvd. in Blowing Rock.

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BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

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The South Carolina Broadcasters

Jeff Little Trio

Also Featuring: Wayne Henderson, Strictly Clean and Decent, The Neighbors, Shelby Rae Moore Band, Soul Benefactor, Dave Braun Band, Charlie Carpenter, and more...

432 The Rock Road Blowing Rock, NC

Tickets on Sale July 14th GATES OPEN AT 8:30 AM: $30.00: July 14 through September 9, $45.00: September 10 through September 15, $10.00: Children 12 and under (No Refunds)

PURCHASE TICKETS AT The Blowing Rock Attraction 828.295.4812, 828.295.7111 or Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce 828.295.7851

ESTD. 1882

TheBlowingRock.com | 828.295.7111 | BRockAttraction@bellsouth.net

View NC from 4K above sea level l

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

432 The Rock Road | Blowing Rock, NC 28605 | 828.295.7111 | TheBlowingRock.com

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

Thursday, June 28, 2018

HEALTH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

for the following: colds, the flu, sore throats, minor infections, minor cuts/burns/scrapes, headaches, sprains, strains and other minor things. PLUS Urgent Care does not provide care for major medical emergencies.

THE FOLEY CENTER AT CHESTNUT RIDGE COMPLEX This medical complex in Blowing Rock is home to The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge, the Harriet and Charles Davant, Jr. Medical Clinic and Boone Drug’s Village Pharmacy.

The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge is designed for patients who no longer need to be placed in a hospital, but aren’t ready to safely return to their homes.

The Foley Center provides onsite physicians, skilled nursing staff, short and longterm care, rehabilitation services, memory support as well as assisted living and palliative care. The center prides itself on having a “neighborhood concept,” with private and semi-private bedrooms, a rehabilitation gym, six living rooms and community dining areas.

The Harriet and Charles Davant, Jr. Medical Clinic is a 4,375-square-foot facility that provides post-acute care.

The clinic is a member of Appalachian Regional Medical Associates and provides care for patients over the age of 18. It provides convenient internal medicine services to the community of Blowing Rock.

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BLOWING ROCK HEALTH CARE FACILITIES Blowing Rock Medical Park PLUS Urgent Care Address: 8439 Valley Blvd., Blowing Rock Phone: (828) 295-3116 Hours: Medical Park: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Urgent Care: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge Address: 621 Chestnut Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock Phone: (828) 386-3300 Hours: Open 24 hours The Harriet and Charles Davant, Jr. Medical Clinic Address: 623 Chestnut Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock Phone: (828) 386-3350 Hours: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Village Pharmacy Address: 625 Chestnut Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock Phone: (828) 295-3482 Hours: Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

FILE PHOTO The Harriet and Charles Davant Jr. Medical Clinic is located on the campus of The Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge.

FILE PHOTO Village Pharmacy is located at the Foley Center at Chestnut Ridge.

The Village Pharmacy is a Boone Drug location in Blowing Rock. Not only is this location a full service pharmacy, but people can also use it for UPS shipping, fax and copy services, a drop off for Mountaineer Cleaners and a place to get greeting cards and household supplies.

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Thursday, June 28, 2018

Tweetsie to celebrate steam engine’s 75th anniversary

BY SYDNEY WOLFORD sydney.wolford@mountaintimes.com

Tweetsie Railroad, which features two steam locomotives, will celebrate engine No. 190’s 75th anniversary during Railroad Heritage Weekend on Aug. 25 and 26.

“It’s a part of North Carolina’s history,” Tweetsie marketing director Cathy Robbins said.

Robbins said that Tweetsie’s heritage has been an important part of the park’s identity ever since they brought the original Tweetsie engine, No. 12, back home. The train originally ran from Johnson City, Tenn., to Boone.

In the upcoming months, Tweetsie will display fireworks on July 4, feature Nickelodeon’s Spongebob Squarepants and Patrick Star from July 13 through 15, and host Grammy award-winning musicians, Riders in the Sky on Aug. 11 and 12.

Tweetsie’s popular Ghost Train will feature Halloween shows and trick-ortreating. The special event will run on Fridays and Saturdays from Sept. 21 to Oct. 27. Advance tickets are required and go on sale starting July 2.

To enjoy the park for the holidays, Tweetsie Christmas will run on Fridays and Saturdays from Nov. 23 to Dec. 29.

The park will open from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Advance tickets are required and go on sale starting Aug. 6.

General daytime admission is $45 for adults, $30 for children (ages 3-12) and free for children 2 and younger.

Tweetsie Railroad is located on U.S. Highway 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock. For more information visit Tweetsie.com or call (877) 898-3874.

FILE PHOTO Tweetsie’s engine No. 12 used to travel from Johnson City, Tenn. to Boone and is a part of the park’s Railroad Heritage Weekend on Aug. 25 and 26.

Come let us show you samples and swatch cards to get you started! Our knowledgable employees can answer any questions you have about Sashco products.

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Thursday, June 28, 2018

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

Doc’s Rock is a western North Carolina based gemstone mining operation specializing in local gemstones.

Doc’s Rocks is also an educational based gem mine teaching the Geneology of the Appalachian Mountains.

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7TH ANNUAL MINING FOR A PURPOSE FORMERLY KNOWN AS MINING FOR A CURE

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Open 7 days a week all year round Heated indoor flume in the winter Geologist on staff Recognized by the NC Board of Education Rock hound tours available all summer Fossil Specimens Mineral Specimens Wide variety of loose faceted gemstones Wide selection of gem cutting rough And So Much More!

OCTOBER 6th, 2018 RAISED & DONATED OVER $73,769 TO DATE

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100% DONATED DIRECTLY TO CANCER PATIENTS VIA THE EMERGENCY FUND!

SPONSORED BY; DOC’S ROCKS GEM MINE 111 MYSTERY HILL LANE BLOWING ROCK, NC 28605 • (828) 264-4499 • WWW.DOCSROCKS.NET

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

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Discover

Thursday, June 28, 2018

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BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Take a

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Blue Ridge Parkway getaway

BY JAMIE SHELL editor@averyjournal.com

For those wishing to escape the bustle and activity that can at times make Blowing Rock feel less of a getaway than usual, the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina offers a great opportunity to experience the beauty of creation without a long-distance drive from home.

The Blue Ridge Parkway weaves through vibrant and engaging communities. Many visitors to the Parkway include visits to unique destinations in their journey.

Extending for 469 miles along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains through North Carolina into Virginia, the Parkway was commissioned during the Franklin Roosevelt presidency in the mid 1930s, and was not fully completed until the construction and opening of the Linn Cove Viaduct, located near Grandfather Mountain in Avery County, in 1987.

The Parkway features many natural wonders and sights that make the journey unforgettable.

In addition to the destinations along the Parkway itself, the road meanders through historic towns offering fascinating exploration of the heritage and culture of the region along the way.

A popular stop along the Parkway path near Blowing Rock is Moses H. Cone Park, located at milepost 294. In addition to adjacent Julian Price Lake (named for an insurance executive who made his fortune in the first part of the twentieth century, as well as the only lake on the Blue Ridge Parkway where paddling is allowed), the majestic 4,200acre area comprises the largest developed area set aside for public recreation on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

While at Moses Cone estate, visitors can check out the Parkway’s official craft center at Flat Top Manor and watch mountain handicraft demonstrations. The estate includes a family cemetery to explore, as well as carriage and apple barn, in addition to a system

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BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY FOUNDATION The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is the primary and professional fundraising organization for the Blue Ridge Parkway. The role of the Foundation is to identify and cultivate the constituency of the Blue Ridge Parkway for philanthropic support. The Foundation only provides funding for those projects that enhance the quality of the visitor’s experience and have lasting value.

In recent years, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has provided much needed funding for projects at Bass Lake and Julian Price Park.

For more information, contact the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation at (866) 308-2773, or click to www.brpfoundation.org.

FILE PHOTO Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, with its trails, views and craft center, is one of the biggest attractions on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

FILE PHOTO One of the ways to enjoy the great outdoors of the Blue Ridge Parkway is to rent a boat for a leisurely float at Julian Price Lake, located at Milepost 297.

of carriage trails for a unique Parkway experience. Cone Park provides opportunities to walk along a nature trail or picnic in one of more than 100 picnic sites on the property. Visitors can camp under the starts at the Parkway’s largest campground and, on a seasonal basis, enjoy interpretive programs in a 300-

seat amphitheater or an evening campfire program.

Visitors can view the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains from Flat Rock, located near Grandfather Mountain at Milepost 308. A short distance to the south will take visitors to Milepost 316 and Linville Falls Recreation Area, where trails and overlooks to

Linville Falls and Linville Gorge are available.

Visitors are allowed to drive the Parkway free of charge, but commercial vehicles are prohibited without approval from Park Service Headquarters.

In all, Blue Ridge Parkway offers nine campgrounds, as well as fishing opportunities in one of 13 lakes for those possessing the appropriate Virginia or North Carolina fishing license.

Weather conditions, particularly in the late fall and through the winter months, have a major effect on travel across the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway is not maintained by road crews in the winter, and sections pass over especially high elevations and through tunnels that are often impassable and closed from late fall through early spring. Conditions can change quickly in the higher elevations of the High Country where the Parkway passes, so drivers are encouraged to check ahead on if the Parkway is open to traffic.

For more information about the Blue Ridge Parkway, click to www.blueridgeparkway.org.

PARKWAY WONDERS JUST OUTSIDE BLOWING ROCK’S WINDOW The heart of no town lies closer to the Blue Ridge Parkway than does Blowing Rock. Downtown Blowing Rock is less than five miles from the Southern Highland Craft Guild Center at the Moses H. Cone Estate (closer, if you walk from Bass Lake).

Some of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s greatest assets are closer to Blowing Rock than anywhere else.

The Thunder Hill Overlook, with its majestic views and wonderful hiking trails are located at Parkway Milepost 290.3. On July 4, you can see a number of fireworks displays from the vantage point of Thunder Hill.

At Milepost 294, you will find the Southern Highland Craft Center and Moses Cone Memorial Park. The park features 25 miles of carriage trails for hiking and horseback riding, 16-acre Trout Lake, 22-acre Bass Lake, observation tower, and Flat Top Manor.

Julian Price Memorial Park, with its lake and fabulous campground, is found at Milepost 297.

It includes a boathouse where visitors can rent kayaks, canoes and small rowboats.

There are also plenty of overlooks and picnic areas on the Blue Ridge Parkway that are only minutes from Blowing Rock.

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Thursday, June 28, 2018

Watering Hole in Blowing Rock

The Hillwinds Inn 828.295.7660

The Ridgeway Inn 828.295.7321

The Village Inn 828.295.3380

The Village Inns of Blowing Rock are Hillwinds Inn, Ridgeway Inn and The Village Inn. Conveniently located just steps from the shops and restaurants of Blowing Rock.

Each of the three inns offers a complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon reception. Accommodations include deluxe rooms, suites and cottages.

Pet friendly rooms available.

www.TheVillageInnsOfBlowingRock.com

FILE PHOTO The Robbin’s Pool at Broyhill Park in Blowing Rock is the only outdoor public-use swimming pool in Watauga County.

Thursday, June 28, 2018

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PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL Moon, a Thai and Sushi restaurant at 7179 Valley Blvd. in Blowing Rock, opened in early June.

A restaurant for everyone is in Blowing Rock Whether you are looking for that special fine dining establishment to impress your date, a quirky pub that offers dozens of different beers on tap or traditional Blue Ridge Mountain barbecue and cole slaw, Blowing Rock’s got it all.

With more than 30 restaurants to choose from, you can eat out in Blowing Rock once a day for an entire month and never hit the same place twice.

Here’s a handy guide of all of Blowing Rock’s restaurant choices, their locations and phone numbers: The Best Cellar 203 Sunset Dr. (828) 295-3466 Bistro Roca 143 Wonderland Tr. (828) 295-4008 Blowing Rock Ale House and Inn 152 Sunset Dr. 414-9600 Blowing Rock Market 990 Main St. (828) 414-9322 Blue Ridge Bites and Brews 1132 Main St. (828) 434-8415 Chestnut Grille at Green Park Inn 9239 Valley Blvd.

(828) 414-9230 Divide Tavern and Restaurant 9239 Valley Blvd.

(828) 414-9230 Foggy Rock Eatery and Pub 8180 Valley Blvd.

(828) 295-7262 The Gamekeeper Restaurant 3005 Shull’s Mill Rd.

WINTER HOURS During winter months, many restaurants in Blowing Rock go to a shorter-hours schedule, so make sure to call ahead to make sure they’re open.

(828) 963-7400 J&M Produce and General Store & Grill 117 Shore Dr. (828) 268-4109 Mellow Mushroom 946 Main St. (828) 295-3399 Moon Thai Sushi 7179 Valley Blvd.

(828) 414-9905 New Public House and Hotel 293 Sunset Dr. (828) 295-3487 Outback Steakhouse 8280 Valley Blvd.

(828) 295-6283 Papa Joe’s Italian American Restaurant 8062 Valley Blvd.

(828) 295-3239 The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge Inn 202 Gideon Ridge Rd. (828) 295-3644 The Ridgeline 8960 Blowing Rock Rd. (828) 414-9922 Rowland’s at Westglow Resort and Spa 224 Westglow Circle (828) 295-4463 Savannah’s Oyster House 155 Sunset Dr.

(828) 414-9354 Six Pence Pub 1121 Main St. (828) 295-3155 Southern Comforts 870 Main St. (828) 295-7114 Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop 922 Main St. (828) 295-9819 Storie Street Grille 1167 Main St. (828) 295-7075 Subway 8433 Valley Blvd.

(828) 295-7827 Sunny Rock Eggs and Things 8146 Valley Blvd.

(828) 414-9636 The Table at Crestwood 3236 Shull’s Mill Rd. (828) 963-6646 Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort 185 Chetola Lake Dr. (828) 295-5505 The Town Tavern 1182 Main St. (828) 295-7500 Twigs 7956 Valley Blvd.

(828) 295-5050 Village Café 146 Greenway Ct. (828) 295-3769 Woodlands Barbecue and Picking Parlor 8304 Valley Blvd.

(828) 295-3651

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BRAHM showcases unique exhibits

BY COLIN TATE colin.tate@mountaintimes.com

Since opening its doors in October of 2011, the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum has helped promote visual arts, history and heritage of the mountains through educational programs, exhibitions and permanent collections.

During the past seven years, the museum has featured prominent exhibitions including “The Blowing Rock,” “Curious Collections of the Carolinas,” “North Carolina Treasures,” “Art Among Friends” and more.

Current Exhibits include “The Village of Blowing Rock: Exploring our History,” “Etchings & Lithographs of American Life, 1905-1943,” “Handcrafted: North Carolina Clay,” “The Way Watauga Works,” “Ten Years of Appalachian State Ceramics” and “Rosen Sculpture Competition.”

Upcoming exhibits will feature “Coming Home to Cotton” from Aug. 18 to Nov. 3 and “Thomas Sayre: White Gold” from Aug. 11 to Nov. 10.

Not only does the museum feature elaborate exhibits, it also offers a documentary series, lectures and craft opportunities for adults. For example, “Cork & Canvas” offers participants the opportunity to create

art in a relaxed atmosphere facilitated by various local artists and art instructors.

Wine, beer and light snacks are included.

“Cork & Canvas” will be offered Aug. 11.

For children, the museum holds Afternoon Art Club every Tuesday from 3:304:30 p.m. and provides creative art-making activities for children ages 6-10. Also, the Doodlebug Club meets every Thursday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. for fun, educational arts for preschool-age children.

The museum also offers a Summer Concert Series. This year’s series will feature Ken Frazelle and Jodi Burns on July 22, Cane Mill Road on Aug. 19 and Alexa Rose on Sept. 9. For ticket prices and purchase information, visit blowingrockmuseum. org.

Museum hours run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, and the museum is open from noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays between the months of May and October. The building is closed to the public on Mondays.

Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and $4 for students. Admission is free for active military, children four and younger and BRAHM members.

For more information, call (828) 2959099, or visit blowingrockmuseum.org.

IMAGE SUBMITTED The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum will be feature numerous new exhibits this summer, along with classes and activities for adults and children.

Thursday, June 28, 2018

Personal Customized Computers System Optimization Virus Removal Hardware Software

BLOWING ROCK MY HOMETOWN

and

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Business PC & Network Management System Designer Maintenance Support

196 Boone Heights Drive, Boone, NC 28607 • (828) 264-0959 • dougnet.biz

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Thursday, June 28, 2018

An ‘event-full’ place Blowing Rock has celebrations all year long

BY THOMAS SHERRILL thomas.sherrill@mountaintimes.com

A few decades ago, Blowing Rock was known primarily as a summer destination. About 1,000 people lived year-round in Blowing Rock and its surrounding neighborhoods and life during the other three seasons was relatively uneventful.

Not anymore. If anything, Blowing Rock has become an “event-full” place, with annual festivals and get-togethers occurring all year long.

Get your hands on a calendar and a pen, because you’re going to need them.

Here’s a sampler of what you can expect during a typical year in Blowing Rock:

WINTERFEST For four days each January, Blowing Rock invites the rest of the world to come and play in its winter wonderland. Events such as the Polar Plunge at Chetola Lake, the delicious WinterFeast dinner, the chili cookoff, wine tasting and auction, hayrides and ice-carving competition make Winterfest one of the top visitor draws of the entire year, enticing families to visit us again and again.

BLOWING ROCK’S BIRTHDAY Each year in March, local residents get together at Town Hall and celebrate Blowing Rock’s birthday.

First incorporated in 1890, the town celebrated its 128th birthday in 2018.

During the celebration, the presentation of new historic markers takes place and distinctive plaques are given to buildings and places that have made our town so special all these years.

TROUT DERBY No town celebrates the opening of trout season like Blowing Rock. Each year in

FILE PHOTO Foggy and rainy conditions greeted more than 140 jumpers, many in costume, who took park in the WinterFest Polar Plunge in January 2018.

April the town invites new and experienced anglers to take part in the Blowing Rock Trout Derby, held at Broyhill Lake, Bass Lake, Trout Lake, Price Lake and on the Middle Fork of the New River. Trophies and other prizes are awarded for first fish caught, biggest fish, and other categories.

It’s the perfect way to start a new hobby or keep up with an old one.

EASTER FESTIVAL Some of Blowing Rock’s annual events are aimed at giving our youngest citizens a chance to have fun and enjoy themselves. The Blowing Rock Easter Festival features fun and games at the Parks and Recreation building, a chance to have pictures taken with the

Easter Bunny, and a giant Easter egg hunt in Blowing Rock Memorial Park.

SAVOR BLOWING ROCK Formerly the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival, Savor Blowing Rock is a four-day foray into the world of fine dining, wine, brews and cocktails. Now held in Blowing Rock in early May, Savor has become one of the largest such events in the state.

The festival, presented by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, features the Grand Tasting, wine and food workshops, live music events and much more.

ART IN THE PARK For more than 55 years, Art in the Park has been Blowing Rock’s monthly

gathering of between 80100 artists along Park Avenue in downtown between May and October. During the height of the summer season, Art in the Park features nearly 100 artist booths and is visited by almost 7,000 people looking for that one of a kind gift or keepsake. Free shuttle services from parking lots at Tanger and Food Lion in Blowing Rock is offered during the event. Art in the Park is presented by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce.

honey and bakery products from Watauga and the surrounding counties.

In conjunction with Art in the Park weekends, the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce hosts a number of free concerts in Blowing Rock Memorial Park the Sunday after Art in the Park. These shows always attract a crowd and feature everything from steel drum bands to Oktoberfest bands. Shows start at 4 p.m.

the longest continuously running annual horse show in the eastern half of the country, running strong for more than 90 years. This event brings horse lovers to town for three weeks each summer and the usually quiet Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve becomes its own little town filled with competition and pageantry.

The first week in early June features Saddlebred competition, while the final two weeks in July and August are devoted to Hunters and Jumpers.

FARMERS MARKET

CHARITY HORSE SHOWS

JERRY BURNS DAY

The Blowing Rock Farmers Market is held on Park Avenue from 4-6 p.m. every Thursday between May and October. Enjoy some of the finest vegetables, meat,

Named one of the Top 10 hunter shows in the country by the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame, the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show is home to

Every June 19, folks gather at the Edgewood Cottage on the corner of Ginny Stevens Lane and

CONCERTS IN THE PARK

SEE EVENTS ON PAGE 31

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Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show

PHOTO SUBMITTED The Pleasure Driving competition is one of the favorites during the annual Saddlebred competition at the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show.

Blowing Rock Estate Jewelry Distinctive Antique, Estate & Fine Jewelry • Quality Diamonds & Colored Stones • Family Owned Since 1988

167 Sunset - 1/2 Block Off Main St., Blowing Rock, NC

828-295-4500

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Explore

Thursday, June 28, 2018

SUNSET DRIVE

Not antiques – Handtiques! es!

We partner with American artists to offer unique, handcrafted items made with pride in the USA. We carry a diverse assortment of items including pottery, jewelry, cutting boards, bar ware, locally-milled soaps and even clocks made from upcycled vinyl LPs! Our selection is fluid and you’ll find new items each time you visit.

Come in and see us – you’ll be glad you did!

Everything made in the USA!

We’re open year-round!

110 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 828-295-7001 W Handtiques.com

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ARTISAN TEAS: ICED OR HOT • GIFTS • GOURMET TREATS

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FASHION SHOW Going strong for more than 40 years, the Blowing Rock Charity Fashion Show and Luncheon is an annual fundraiser, formerly for the Blowing Rock Hospital, now for the Folet Center at Chestnut Ridge. The event is held during the summer at Blowing Rock Country Club.

COMMUNITY DAYS The Blowing Rock Community Foundation hosts several fundraising events each summer including a golf tournament, tennis tournament and the Groovy Nights talent show. Proceeds from the events go toward local nonprofits and college scholarship funds for students from Blowing Rock.

ROTARY AUCTION The Blowing Rock Charity Auction is held each August at the American Legion Hall. The event features both a live and silent auction with hundreds of items up for bid. Proceeds from the event go toward local causes.

BLOWING ROCK MUSIC FESTIVAL

FILE PHOTO From left, Kayla Maness, a volunteer with Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation, paints a patriotic flower on the face of Lauren Shelton in Memorial Park. Lauren was attending Blowing Rock’s Fourth of July celebration with her parents, Susan and Tommy Shelton, from their home in Graham, NC.

EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

Main Street to remember Jerry Burns, the longtime editor of The Blowing Rocket who passed away in 2010, through a telling of stories about the rich and colorful history of the town. Known as “Mr. Blowing Rock,” Burns embodied the spirit of the village and his love of its history and legacy.

FOURTH OF JULY It has been said that Blowing Rock’s Fourth of July celebration is something out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Held on the weekend closest to the holiday, the festivities include an old-fashioned horse shoe pitching competition, live bluegrass music, games for the kids, a dance in the park and a parade down Main Street.

Fireworks lovers can either see them at Blowing Rock Country Club.

ARTISTS-IN-RESIDENCE For the last several years, the Blowing Rock Historical Society has hosted a summer artists-in-residency program at the Edgewood Cottage on Main Street in downtown Blowing Rock from late June through the end of July During that time, folks are invited to stop by the cottage and meet with the different local artists and discuss their work and techniques. You might even find that perfect piece of art for your home. The cottage is the former home and studio of American impressionist Elliott Daingerfield.

MOVIES IN THE PARK During the summer months when the kids are out of school, the Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation Department holds its Movies in the Park series in Memorial Park on Thursday nights in June and July. Enjoy a free family-friendly movie with the kids in a beautiful outdoor setting.

MONDAY NIGHT CONCERTS Presented by Amy Marie Productions and Blowing Rock Parks and Rec, the Monday Night Concert Series takes place at Broyhill Lake on Monday evenings in July.

The free concerts start at 7 p.m. with a rain location at the American Legion Hall.

hosts a Tour of Homes in July, with bus tours taking visitors on informative and entertaining tours of five or six of Blowing Rock’s most breathtaking residences. The event also features a big bazaar on the front lawn of the church. Money raised by the Tour of Homes is used to fund many worthwhile projects in Blowing Rock.

SYMPHONY BY THE LAKE Summer just wouldn’t be summer in Blowing Rock without the astounding Symphony by the Lake at Chetola, held the last Friday of July. This event brings world-class music to an outdoor stage at Chetola Resort. Regularly attracting several thousand music lovers to a beautiful picnic setting for food, great live music and fireworks.

ART AND ANTIQUES SHOW HIGHLAND GAMES The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games are held the second weekend of July in the shadow of Grandfather Mountain itself. The annual gathering of the Scottish clans sees thousands take part in traditional games, dancing, music and numerous instructional seminars. So grab your kilt and bagpipes and join in the fun.

TOUR OF HOMES Blowing Rock has no shortage of beautiful homes, some of them a little more off the beaten path than others. St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church annually

The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum hosts a three-day antique show the first weekend of August. The show features high-end antiques from all over the Southeast, as well as other special event.

MEMORIAL DAY Blowing Rock never forgets to remember Memorial Day. More than 100 people gathered in Blowing Rock Memorial Park to hear veterans’ stories of how they made it home after defending our freedoms, even as some of their comrades did not.

The event is complete with a community singing of patriotic songs.

The Blowing Rock will be the site of the fifth annual Blowing Rock Music Festival in September. With a mix of Americana, folk, blues, rock, jazz and soul music, there is something for everyone.

HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL The Blowing Rock Halloween Festival is another of those events where you’ll wish you were a kid again. The Blowing Rock Parks and Rec will host trick-or-treating with the downtown merchants, a monster march of costumes, a scavenger hunt by Broyhill Lake and much more. For the past several years, a haunted house in the Blowing Rock School auditorium has been one of the focal points of Halloween in the Village.

THANKSGIVING KILN OPENING Traditions Pottery and Bolick Pottery, both located in the Blackberry community just south of Blowing Rock, host two great kiln openings a year: one in the middle of the summer and one on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Folks come from miles around to watch the beautiful pottery being removed from the special wood-fired kiln and then scrap like they’re at sale at Macy’s to get their favorite pieces. The day also includes live music, storytelling and plenty of crafts.

FESTIVAL OF TREES The annual Festival of Trees at Chetola Resort during the holiday season is a fundraiser for the Western Youth Network.

Come and bid on a variety of pre-decorated Christmas trees and wreaths, donated by the High Country Association of Christmas Tree Growers and decorated by local businesses and organizations.

SEE EVENTS ON PAGE 33

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Thursday, June 28, 2018

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Mountain Times Publications -

33

Music in the Village of Blowing Rock

BY SYDNEY WOLFORD sydney.wolford@mountaintimes.com

From bluegrass to opera to tango, there’s no shortage of live music in Blowing Rock. Restaurants and outdoor venues across town offer chances to listen to incredible local talent.

Woodlands Barbeque Restaurant has live music daily at 6 p.m. with The Neighbors on Tuesday and Thursday, Gene Goforth on Wednesdays and Saturdays and Phil Stinson on Fridays.

The Inn at Crestwood highlights local talent on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. now until Oct. 11.

The Mountain Laurels, Handlebar Betty, Folk and Dagger, Jimmie Griffith, Red Leg Husky and Analog Poets will perform during the series.

FILE PHOTO Music in the Park is held in Memorial Park monthly from July 15 to Oct. 7.

The Best Cellar on Sunset Drive is no stranger to a concert series. Fridays

from now until Oct. 12, The Inn at Ragged Gardens holds an outdoor

concert series, “Music on the Lawn.” Performers, like the Harris Brothers,

Soul Benefactor and Shelby Rae Moore Band, play from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

They invite a different nonprofit every week to educate the audience about their cause as well.

Blowing Rock’s Town Tavern also utilizes local talent for its live music frequently throughout the week. Performance dates and times vary. Visit http://www.towntavernbr.com/live-music-andevents-blowing-rock-nc/ for more information.

For more outdoor music in Blowing Rock, check out the Monday Night Concert Series. Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation and Marie Young Productions hosts the free concerts at 7 p.m. at the Broyhill Park gazebo at 173 Lakeside Drive.

The concerts drew inspiration from the Farm

House Inn and Restaurant, which featured singing servers.

Summer concerts will be Amy Marie Young, Krista Wells Atwood and Matt Primm on July 2, jazz guitarist Andy Page on July 9, tango singer Federico Eiguchi on July 16, opera performer David Brian Clark on July 23 and Amy Marie Young, Krista Wells Atwood and Matt Primm on July 30.

Following Art in the Park on Sundays, the Town of Blowing Rock offers a free outdoor concert series at 4 p.m. in Memorial Park on Main Street.

Upcoming concerts include horn band Swing Set on July 15, soul singer Ashley Heath on Aug. 12, Appalachian Reggae group Rastacoustic on Sept. 9 and swing band The Starlighters on Oct. 7.

EVENTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

HOMETOWN HARVEST SUPPER For the past few years, Blowing Rock has hosted one of the best potluck dinners the world has ever witnessed. The Hometown Harvest Supper takes place at Blowing Rock Fire Station No. 1 on Valley Blvd. the second weekend in November.

Complete with cake decorating contest, this is a true taste of what small town living is all about. The event is also used as a fundraiser and food drive for local food banks trying to fill their shelves before Thanksgiving.

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK Blowing Rock wastes little time starting the holiday season.

Each year the town celebrates its Christmas in the Park and Lighting of the Town celebration on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

And it hosts its annual Christmas parade the next day on Saturday.

Christmas in the Park features fun, games, hot chocolate and cider and plenty of live music in Memorial Park. Get in the hol-

FILE PHOTO Some of the finest musicians in the area perform with the Symphony of the Mountains during the annual Symphony by the Lake at Chetola Resort.

iday spirit just a little early this year by spending it in Blowing Rock.

NEW YEAR AT ASM Celebrate New Year’s Eve with some nighttime skiing at Appa-

lachian Ski Mountain. The event includes a special holiday menu, torchlight parade and fireworks

at midnight.

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Thursday, June 28, 2018

High Country Host

BY REAGAN DELLINGER reagan.dellinger@mountaintimes.com

The High Country Host, located on the corner of U.S. 321 and Edmisten Road, just north of downtown Blowing Rock, is an information center that has served Watauga County and surrounding counties in Western North Carolina for more than two decades.

High Country Host supplies visitors and tourists with brochures and maps detailing various attractions, lodging facilities and restaurant information as well as information on other destinations in our area.

The High Country Host also provides valuable information for people looking to relocate to our area.

The home of High Country Host also serves as the Appalachian Ski Mountain welcome center. In addition the the information that High Country Host offers, the welcome center has a gift shop and available parking for automobiles, buses and RV’s.

For more information, call High Country Host at (828) 438-7500, or visit highcountryhost.com.

BY REAGAN DELLINGER The High Country Host Welcome Center is located on the corner of U.S. 321 and Edmisten Road, just north of downtown Blowing Rock.

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35

Parade pictures from Blowing Rock

PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL The rat king from Studio K’s presentation of ‘The Nutcracker,’ at the Blowing Rock Christmas Parade on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017. Many of the dancers in the show take part in the annual parade.

FILE PHOTO Participants walk in the parade during 2016’s Blowing Rock Fourth of July Celebration.

PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL Barbara ‘Bobby’ Ball, the Blowing Rock ‘town clown’ who rode up and down Main Street in her final Christmas parade. Ball is retiring her clown act after the 2018 Fourth of July parade.

PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL The WNC Oasis Shriners held their Spring Ceremonial, induction of new members and parade to Blowing Rock on Friday, June 1, and Saturday, June 2. The Shriners parade took place along Main Street on Saturday with all manner of vehicles, bands and much more. The Shriners hold an annual parade in Blowing Rock.

FILE PHOT0 Watauga High School’s Marching Pioneer band always provides spirited holiday tunes for Blowing Rock’s annual Christmas parade.

PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL One-year-old Barrett Spencer meets Grizz, the mascot for the High Country Grizzlies, during the Blowing Rock Christmas Parade on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017.

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Thursday, June 28, 2018

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