Summer Times 2025

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WHAT’S INSIDE

HIGH COUNTRY TOWNS.............................. PAGE 6

HIGH COUNTRY HIKING............................. PAGE 26

FISHING IN THE HIGH COUNTRY .............. PAGE 38

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES........................... PAGE 42

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN....................... PAGE 43

HIGH COUNTRY ATTRACTIONS................. PAGE 45

MYSTERY HILL........................................... PAGE 47

BRAHM ....................................................... PAGE 48

TUBING ....................................................... PAGE 52

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY ............................. PAGE 54

FARMERS MARKETS.................................. PAGE 56

HIGH COUNTRY GENERAL STORES........... PAGE 59

PICKLEBALL............................................... PAGE 63

BLOWING ROCK CHARITY HORSE SHOW. PAGE 66

SYMPHONY BY THE LAKE......................... PAGE 69

HIGHLAND GAMES..................................... PAGE 70

HORN IN THE WEST................................... PAGE 73

ROCK CLIMBING........................................ PAGE 74

SCENIC BYWAYS........................................ PAGE 78

SUMMER EVENTS......................................PAGE 80

GOLFING IN THE HIGH COUNTRY ............. PAGE 85

SUMMER CONCERTS.................................. PAGE 98

APP THEATRE........................................... PAGE 100

LEES-MCRAE SUMMER THEATRE............ PAGE 104

ENSEMBLE STAGE....................................... PAGE 106

ASHE COUNTY LITTLE THEATRE.............. PAGE 108

ZIPLINING.................................................. PAGE 110

MOUNTAIN BIKING................................... PAGE 113

HIGH COUNTRY CYCLING ......................... PAGE 115

HIGH COUNTRY PARKS............................. PAGE 119

MOTORCYCLE RIDES................................. PAGE 123

CHRISTMAS IN JULY ................................. PAGE 124

HIGH COUNTRY CAMPING........................ PAGE 126

PARKING.................................................... PAGE 130

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION....................... PAGE 131

WATERFALLS............................................. PAGE 133

WATAUGA LAKE........................................ PAGE 134

HIGH COUNTRY HOST............................... PAGE 135

ARTS IN THE HIGH COUNTRY................... PAGE 136

DISC GOLF................................................. PAGE 139

AREA CHAMBERS..................................... PAGE 141

HIGH COUNTRY BEER FEST...................... PAGE 145

WINERIES AND BREWERIES.................... PAGE 146

BURNSVILLE IS OPEN................................ PAGE 150

AREA RESTAURANTS................................ PAGE 153

2025 Summer Times Staff

PUBLISHER

Gene Fowler

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Moss Brennan

SALES MANAGER

Mark Mitchell

EDITORS

Jamie Shell, Nathan Ham, Jerry Snow

DESIGN

Darla Allen, Rebecca Portis

CIRCULATION MANAGER Jeff Winebarger WRITERS

Katie Allen, Aaron Barlow, Zach Colburn, Nick Fogleman, Christian Gardner, Derek Halsey, Francisco Hernandez, Julie Sullivan SALES

William Becker, Savannah Beal, Teresa Laws, Landon Reed

Grandfather Mountain’s Swinging Bridge is a popular summer attraction in the High Country.

Photo by Todd Bush

summertimes WELCOME TO IN THE

HIGH COUNTRY

The High Country welcomes you to summer 2025 — an important one for many in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

This summer, our majestic mountains and vibrant communities invite you to experience the perfect blend of refreshing climate and abundant sunshine that creates our legendary outdoor adventure and relaxation atmosphere. For many local businesses that lost critical revenue during October, typically our busiest tourism month, when Hurricane Helene swept through the area, your visit this summer represents hope and recovery.

Whether you’re a longtime visitor or discovering our mountain paradise for the first time, you may notice some changes. Certain hiking trails and side roads continue to undergo restoration, some beloved businesses have relocated or closed, and recovery work continues. Even with the devastation and years

of recovery ahead, the High Country spirit shines brighter than ever.

High Country summers are magical, and our Summer Times guide is your comprehensive companion to experiencing the best of everything we offer. Available in both print and digital formats at www.highcountrync.com, this thoughtfully curated publication inspires and provides practical information for your mountain adventures.

The 2025 Summer Times includes detailed coverage of:

• Must-visit attractions and activities

• Local galleries

vWeekly music events

• Theater productions and cultural events

• Prime hiking destinations for all skill levels

• Blue Ridge Parkway highlights and hidden

gems

• Golf courses with spectacular views

• Family-friendly entertainment options

However you choose to use your Summer Times guide, we’re deeply grateful for your presence and support of the High Country during this important season of rebuilding and celebration.

Mountain Times Publications comprises four weekly newspapers serving Ashe, Avery, and Watauga counties, plus an online publication and many special publications in between. The staff includes four reporters, two editors, and one executive editor to cover nearly 1,000 square miles of mountain communities. The main newsroom is based in Boone.

– Executive Editor Moss Brennan

High Country Towns The place to be in the summer

BY MOSS BRENNAN

Summer is a popular time in Watauga, Ashe, and Avery counties. The weather is beautiful, events and festivals are aplenty, and adventure awaits. This year, the summer is a bit different. Even though it’s been months since Hurricane Helene swept through the area, some places are still building back.

Other businesses are looking to this summer as a determining factor for remaining open, as the revenue lost from one of the busiest months of the year — October — was immense. When you stop by a business in any of the following communities, make sure to support them as the region continues to recover.

Ashe County

^ JEFFERSON

Jefferson, the county seat of Ashe County, is home to roughly 1,600 residents within the town limits. The town was first founded in 1799 and was named after then-Vice President Thomas Jefferson. The town was initially called “Jeffersonton” for a short period of time and originally encompassed approximately 50 acres of land.

Now, Jefferson is home to the Ashe County Courthouse, Ashe County Park, the Ashe County Law Enforcement Center, as well as numerous restaurants, shops, and stores. The town also has the restored 1904 Courthouse on the National Register of Historic Places. The old courthouse is currently home to the Museum of Ashe County History, next to the Jefferson Police Department.

] WEST JEFFERSON

The bustling downtown area of West Jefferson is one of the most popular destinations in Ashe County. West Jefferson currently has around 1,300 residents who live within the town limits and has a wide variety of shops, art galleries, local restaurants, and much more that attract tourists. The Ashe County Arts Council calls West Jefferson home, as does the Ashe County Cheese Plant, West Jefferson Park, and the local office of the New River Conservancy.

West Jefferson was first incorporated in 1909 and saw much of its growth and popularity increase due to the Virginia Creeper Railroad, which passed through downtown. West Jefferson has numerous events in the downtown area throughout the year. In addition to concerts throughout the spring and summer months, the Christmas in July festival

and the Ole Time Antiques Fair in September are two of the largest annual events in Ashe County.

^ LANSING

Lansing was the third and final town in Ashe County to be incorporated officially. The town of about 130 residents was first incorporated in 1928 and was another major stop along the Virginia Creeper railroad, along with West Jefferson, Todd, and the community of White Oak. The town has significant historical significance to the area as there are currently five places in the town that are included in the National Register of Historic Places: The Old

FILE PHOTO

James “Dawg” Wood is pictured here playing his fiddle in downtown West Jefferson.

Lansing School, Perry-Shepherd Farm, Miller Homestead, Clark-Miller Mill, and the Lansing Historical District. The population of Lansing within its town limits has dropped throughout the years after the railroad industry ceased in the county. The 1960 census showed 278 people lived in the town, while the most recent census in 2020 showed just 126 town residents.

] GLENDALE SPRINGS

Located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Glendale Springs is most well-known for the fresco painting at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and the Glendale Springs Inn & Restaurant, where President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore once dined after a visit to Ashe County in 1998. The Glendale Springs Inn was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. In addition to its easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Glendale Springs is near the New River and offers some beautiful opportunities for enjoying nature.

^ FLEETWOOD

Fleetwood is located between West Jefferson and Deep Gap and is another of the many small communities in Ashe County that offer easy access to the New River. Whether you want to kayak, canoe or float down the river, areas between Fleetwood and Todd off of Railroad Grade Road

are popular places to get into the water. Fleetwood is also home to a new fire department on U.S. 221.

] GRASSY CREEK

The community of Grassy Creek lies right on the state line between North Carolina and Virginia. Grassy Creek is home to The Old Store and features the Grassy Creek Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. As you will notice driving through the area, much of the land in Grassy Creek is used for growing Christmas trees.

^ CRESTON

Creston is in the northwest corner of Ashe County. It is home to Worth’s Chapel, a church that was constructed in the early 1900s and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. A drive through Creston brings you close to the Tennessee state line in one direction. Creston is also home to the Riverview Community Center, which holds numerous community events throughout the year and is home to a local fish fry every other week.

] LAUREL SPRINGS

Laurel Springs is right on the border between Ashe, Alleghany, and Wilkes counties. The town offers quick and easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and is home to several family-owned businesses. The Thistle Meadow Winery is open in the spring, summer, and fall months.

Thistle Meadow Winery offers tours, tasting events, and an online store to order products if you live outside of the area.

^ TODD

Todd is a small community shared by Watauga and Ashe counties, nestled in a bend of the South Fork of the New River.

Todd has a rich history that dates back nearly 6,000 years. According to the Todd Community Preservation Organization, that is when the earliest human activity in the area occurred.

For more recent history, look to the Todd General Store. Before a devastating fire destroyed it in 2021, it was the oldest functional business in Ashe County.

As for recreation, the New River — one of only a few rivers in the U.S. to flow North — is the main attraction in Todd, especially in the summer.

Go fly fishing, kayaking or tubing with one of the several river outfitters in the Todd area, such as RiverGirl.

Anyone wanting to explore independently should check out Green Valley Community Park. The park features playground equipment, playing fields, a paved walking track, a picnic shelter, restrooms, a canoe ramp, hiking trails and access to the New River.

Todd is one of the smaller communities in the High

TOWNS

Country. It is a close-knit community. Be sure to check it out to connect with nature (and friendly locals).

Avery County

] BANNER ELK

The mountain town of Banner Elk lies between two major ski attractions and has grown from a tiny hamlet to a town offering year-round amenities and memorable vacations for the entire family.

Banner Elk is home to Lees-McRae College, a small, private, four-year coeducational liberal arts college founded in 1900 and is affiliated with Presbyterian Church U.S.A., with more than 900 students from more than 20 states and countries. The old stone buildings, some of which are currently being renovated and restored, are nestled across campus to make for a photographer’s delight.

The town hosts numerous shops and restaurants and stays abuzz with activities and events.

Visitors can picnic or walk in the town park, hear live music in the park during summer or at various venues throughout the year, enjoy exquisite shopping, or simply relax by the Mill Pond and stay in one of the inns after dinner in a fine restaurant.

Banner Elk is in the heart of the High Country’s many attractions, and just a short drive will take you to numerous natural settings where you can relax and revel in nature’s beauty, from slopes to hiking trails to wineries and waterfalls.

Banner Elk also offers many cultural happenings, with a celebrated summer theater program by Lees-McRae College and numerous art festivals by some of the area’s galleries and artisans.

Visitors are encouraged to return to Banner Elk in the fall each year for its Woolly Worm Festival, which attracts close to 20,000 people annually on every third weekend in October.

Cutting between the peaks of Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain, and Grandfather Mountain, the town’s topography provides natural definition and gentle undulation through its boundaries.

For more information or a calendar of events, call Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce at (828) 898-8395, or visit www. bannerelk.org.

^

BEECH MOUNTAIN

At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is the highest town in Eastern North America. That means two things: When summer comes, it’s a great place to go biking as the ski resort offers a bike park. Even on the hottest summer day, it’s cool atop the mountain peaks. Watauga and Ashe counties share the town.

Even when it’s steamy in the “lowlands” of 3,000-plus feet, the temperature stays comfortable.

PHOTO BY TODD BUSH

The Mile High Fourth celebration in Beech Mountain and Banner Elk is always highlighted by a phenomenal fireworks show.

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER

Banner Elk Police Department leads the parade through downtown on July 4.

UPDATE:

TOWNHOMES AT BROOKSHIRE CONTINUES TO PROVIDE NEW CONSTRUCTION OPTIONS IN THE HIGH COUNTRY

“An innovative community where sunrises and sunsets are exquisite, and stars are the only sounds at night. ... homes are contemporary and innovative. The grounds are safe and pristine. It is a community with a happy heartbeat and visionary professionals.  From reservation to closing, my experience was seamless.  This is an oasis tucked on the top of a mountain.”

Beth C.

When looking for a mountain getaway, we were so excited to find Townhomes At Brookshire – great location, mountain views, new construction, perfect size – and we were not disappointed! We were so pleased with the process from contract to construction to closing.  The team was easy to work with, responsive, and professional.  Our home is well-built and the property well-maintained.  We appreciate the partnership and guidance from everyone involved.”

Excitement continues to build in Townhomes At Brookshire as the completion of the second phase, totaling 131 homes, pushes forward in summer 2025; and the opening of Phase three late in 2025 offering the same popular townhouse designs as well as larger homes planned.

Townhomes At Brookshire has created a neighborhood difficult to replicate, but allows those homeowners the feeling of community and peaceful enjoyment.

Located 4/10ths of a mile on the left past the Appalachian State University soccer fields off Brookshire Road and within close proximity to the Greenway and Booneshine Brewing the location is ideal for most residents in and around Boone.

Developers Rick Miller (Owner of Miller Properties Inc.), Patrick Morgan (with Keller Williams High Country), Chris Hodges (Owner of Chris Hodges Construction, LLC), Dan Nguyen

Sue D. and Lynn T.

and Bryan Pitts partnered to purchase the 95.12 acre property in January 2020 for the project. Miller said he and his partners had recognized for years that there was a need in Watauga County for this type of housing.

“The project is designed and marketed to serve individuals and families who seek moderately priced housing that is convenient to town, parks and amenities,” according to the project’s proposal.

Morgan said the project was created to assist individuals at all stages of life. Those looking to buy their first home, those retiring and anyone who would like a home where outside maintenance is provided.

“It’s our attempt, although hard because of pricing in our area, at trying to make a more affordable housing project,” Morgan said. Prices start in the $300s; with options available for two and threebedroom homes with and without garages.

“I’ve loved living in the Townhomes At Brookshire community for the past two years. It’s perfectly located close to town, but it still feels like you are in the countryside. I’ve seen it grow in amenities and landscaping, both of which add value and beauty to the community. I’m so thankful to call it my home.”

Savannah S.

Approximately 15% percent of the 95.12 acre property will be developed. New Construction contracts for phase 2B are being accepted for meadow sites and lots with views. Reservations for Phase three are expected late summer 2025 but you can inquire currently and be notified when the release takes place.

The best way to learn more about this project and availability is to call Patrick Morgan at: (828)-773-2960 or visit www.townhomesatbrookshire.com.

The rest of the world seems distant when you settle down on the front porch of a rental condominium and survey the magnificent view that is one of Beech Mountain’s trademarks.

Beech Mountain is a four-season resort with more than 5,000 beds available on top of the mountain. These range from rustic cabins to mountain chalets to luxury condominiums.

When it’s time to eat, you can enjoy anything from a deli sandwich to pizza to a gourmet meal by candlelight.

During the day, there are many specialty stores for shopping, such as a golf course, horseback riding, tennis, swimming, and hiking. In warmer weather, there are nearby canoe and raft runs that are among the best offered in the Eastern United States, while in the cool of winter, there are skiing and snowboarding opportunities, as well as the town’s very own sledding hill near the town hall. Nightlife is alive and well on the mountain. Whatever your musical taste, you can find a spot to enjoy an after-hours scene.

There’s another good thing about Beech Mountain: The mountain is so large that much of it remains in a natural state, with rich forests dotted by rolling farmland. It’s only a short drive from the “downtown” area to the country or resorts. Take your pick.

For more information, visit www.beechmtn.com.

] CROSSNORE

Crossnore is a town steeped in educational history. The town is home to Marjorie Williams Academy, founded by doctors Eustace and Mary Martin Sloop.

The Sloops traveled the steep dirt trails in isolated mountain valleys to bring medicine to the people and convince farmers to let their children come to school. Because of poverty and distance, the Sloop school in Crossnore eventually took in boarders and built dormitories to accommodate them.

It gained a national reputation for its effectiveness in changing lives and breaking the cycle of poverty, moonshine, and child marriages among mountain families. Mary Martin Sloop eventually put these tales to paper in her autobiography “Miracle in the Hills,” which has since been used as the basis for a drama of the same name that takes place each summer in present-day Crossnore.

The Sloops built a school, hospital, dental clinic, and, eventually, a boarding school to give children the basis for an improved life. They brought to Avery County the first electricity, telephones, paved roads, and boarding schools. Through the Sloops’ advocacy, public schools flourished in Avery County.

Today, Williams Academy carries on the work of the original school and has reclaimed the educational foundation beneath its commitment to give hurting children a chance for a better life. The school’s teachers enable it to meet not only the special needs of Crossnore residents but also the needs of area students who live at home and whose educational needs are best met at Crossnore.

The school is also home to Miracle Grounds Coffee Café & Creamery, a working vocational classroom featuring specialty coffee drinks, homemade snacks, sandwiches, milkshakes, ice cream, Wi-Fi, and more.

Crossnore is famous for its Independence Day parade and celebration, and the town’s Meeting House is home to the Crossnore Jam, a series of gatherings and concerts by local musicians on the first Friday night of the summer and fall months.

For more information, visit www.crossnorenc.com.

^ ELK PARK

The town of Elk Park borders the state of Tennessee and offers a unique visiting experience. From the old-time feel of Brinkley’s Hardware Store to the additional Lower Street antique shops and classic mural wall, Elk Park takes visitors back to a simpler time.

The town’s original thoroughfare, Lower Street, and many businesses originated when Elk Park hosted a train depot for the old East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad, better known as Tweetsie. Elk Park thrived due to the industry and remained vibrant after the trains stopped running through town.

In 2013, Elk Park opened its new town hall facility to the public, adjacent to its town park, which was named after longtime former mayor Lucille Winters.

Elk Park is also the home of Trosly Farm and The Liar’s Table Restaurant. Owners Amos and Kaci Nidiffer were named 2020 North Carolina Small Farmers of the Year by NC A&T State University Cooperative Extension.

For more information, call Elk Park Town Hall at (828) 733-9573.

] LINVILLE

The community of Linville is located just south of the intersection of U.S. 221 and N.C. 105 in Avery County. It was founded in 1883, designed by Samuel T. Kelsey of Kansas, and named for William and John Linville, who were reportedly killed by Cherokees in 1766.

The East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad passed through the community from 1916 through 1940, when a major flood washed away the tracks. The old rail route later became N.C. 105 in 1956.

Linville has three country clubs in the area: Eseeola, Grandfather Golf and Country Club, and Linville Ridge, all open from late spring to early fall.

A number of local tourist areas within a short drive share the Linville name, including the Linville River and majestic Linville Falls, Linville Caverns on U.S. 221, and the Linville Gorge wilderness area.

Visitors considering making Linville a part- or fulltime home can visit Linville Land Harbor, where units are available for sale or rent in a cozy community featuring its own golf course, tennis and pickleball courts and amenities.

Several residents reside at Land Harbor part-time, while others stay year-round to enjoy the beauty of the area’s four seasons.

Perhaps the most popular tourist attraction housed in

Linville is Grandfather Mountain.

The Grandfather Mountain attraction offers picturesque views during all four seasons, animal habitats, and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge.

Grandfather Mountain State Park offers hiking trails and backcountry camping opportunities.

^ NEWLAND

Newland is the highest county seat east of the Mississippi River, at 3,589 feet. It was incorporated in 1913 as the county seat of the newly formed Avery County. Its original name was “Old Fields of Toe” because it is located in a broad, flat valley and is at the headwaters of the Toe River.

Newland was a mustering place for Civil War troops. Toe is short for “Estatoe,” an Indian chief’s daughter who drowned herself in the river in despair because she could not marry a man from another tribe.

A town of approximately 700 residents, Newland succeeded over three other areas for the honor of county seat. The recently renovated courthouse, originally constructed in 1913, overlooks a classic town square, bordered by shops and churches and complete with a memorial to Avery County veterans.

Adjacent to the courthouse building is the original jail, which has been converted into the Avery County Historical Museum. Exhibits in the museum, which is free to visit, include the original jail cells, numerous artifacts, and information about the history of Avery County.

During the summer and fall months, visitors can check out the farmers market that meets on Saturday mornings outside of Newland Elementary School, and visitors traveling out of town can picnic or hike at Waterfalls Park, a unique recreation spot sponsored by the Newland Volunteer Fire Department. Just outside of Newland is Mountain Glen Golf Club. The club consists of an 18-hole golf course, t TOWNS FROM PAGE 12

TOWNS ON PAGE 16 u

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER

A look back through downtown Newland at the crowd for the town’s Fourth of July celebration in 2024.

t TOWNS FROM PAGE 14

a clubhouse with a large upstairs dining facility for special events or occasions, a pro shop, a snack bar, a driving range, a golf shed, and a putting green. Another popular location near town is Heritage Park, which houses the Avery County Cooperative Extension office and community building and hosts everything from rodeo events on weekends during the summer to concerts and functions. The location also serves as the permanent home for the county’s annual Agriculture and Heritage Fair each September.

Newland hosts an annual Christmas parade downtown, and decorations adorn the town, reflecting the area’s rich Christmas tree industry.

With a number of restaurants and boutiques downtown, Newland is a prime destination for dining and shopping or just to stop in on a visit to nearby Roan Mountain, Tenn., or Grandfather Mountain.

For more information, visit www.townofnewland.com.

] SUGAR MOUNTAIN

If outdoor activity is your thing, look no further than the village of Sugar Mountain.

Offering more than great skiing, Sugar Mountain also offers its visitors an array of ways to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the High Country.

The Village of Sugar Mountain provides plenty of outdoor adventure and relaxation for family summer trips, whether it’s a day or a week. Located at 5,300 feet elevation, enjoy cool breezes and spectacular views from a variety of vacation rentals, ranging from mountaintop condos to log cabins.

The village owns and operates the public golf and tennis club, which is a local favorite. Voted the No. 2 short course in the U.S.A., the 18-hole course has immaculate greens and plenty of mountain views. Green fees start at just $15. The friendly pro shop and Caddyshack Café round out the perfect golf day.

Next door, play on six tennis courts, meticulously maintained with fast-drying, Har-Tru clay. Men’s, women’s, and mixed play “friendly’’ can be found every day of the week. Tennis lessons are available.

Another local’s favorite is the annual summer music series, Grillin’ & Chillin’. Enjoy live bands every Wednesday evening while watching the sunset over the Blue Ridge. The free concerts take place on the big outdoor deck at the village’s golf and tennis club, and food is available from the Caddyshack Café.

At Sugar Mountain Resort, the ski slopes become home to a network of downhill mountain bike trails and scenic lift rides. On most summer weekends (Friday-Sunday, Memorial Day Weekend and July through Labor Day Weekend), ride the lift up to the summit and race down 1,200 feet in elevation to the lodge. For a more relaxing option, take a leisurely round-trip scenic chairlift ride to the top for panoramic views.

Located adjacent to Grandfather Mountain and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest, the Village of Sugar

Mountain provides plenty of other adventures, including the alpine coaster, gem mining, whitewater rafting, and hiking. Unwind at 25 restaurants within five miles and plenty of galleries and boutiques to browse.

Whether you come for a day or stay in one of the many comfortable lodgings the village offers, Sugar Mountain will soon become your destination for great outdoor fun.

For more information, visit www.seesugar.com.

Watauga County

^ BLOWING ROCK

Don’t be fooled by the small size of Blowing Rock — there’s enough natural beauty for a lifetime in the just threesquare-mile town.

The town’s name comes from the rocky cliff overlooking Johns River Gorge, where it is said the winds blow so hard that light objects falling from the rock float back up, almost like a boomerang.

Anyone wishing to experience the phenomenon and learn about the town’s rich Indigenous history can visit the attraction on The Rock Road.

The small portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway within the town’s limits includes beautiful hikes and views like those at Moses Cone Manor and Julian Price Park. Visitors can find the same beauty off the Parkway at Bass Lake Trail and Broyhill Park.

For those seeking educational enrichment, the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum is a year-round museum that houses exhibitions and programs celebrating and remembering the Appalachian region’s culture, history and traditions displayed throughout time in the High Country. The museum is just moments away from the bustling sidewalks of downtown Blowing Rock

Numerous shops, restaurants, and hotels line the picturesque sidewalks, with options ranging from casual to high-end for all accommodations.

From hiking to gallery viewing to enjoying a spa day at the hotel, Blowing Rock crams a lot into its small stature.

For more information, visit www.blowingrock.com.

] BOONE

Boone is the county seat of Watauga County and is affectionately known as “The Heart of the High Country.”

Boone is the hometown of Appalachian State University, the sixth-largest school in the N.C. public university system with more than 20,000 students. With the mix of students, tourists, and easy-going locals, there’s something for everyone in Boone.

Downtown Boone hosts a unique collection of local boutiques and businesses. For funky, handpicked, secondhand clothes, head over to Anna Bananas on King Street. For an exceptional shopping experience at a family-owned and operated business since 1924, check out The Shoppes at Farmers. There, you can find anything from jewelry to art, toys, and more.

Tired of shopping? Kick back at one of Boone’s many

breweries, many of which host live music and events in the evenings. Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Booneshine, and Lost Province Brewing Co. are a few local favorites for a brew and a bite to eat.

The Jones House, a historic home turned local cultural center in downtown Boone, also hosts live music on weekends. It features musicians of all genres, from jazz to bluegrass and everything in between. In June 2023, the Jones House was one of three stages set up for the inaugural Boonerang Music Festival, which will again take place this June.

For those interested in Boone’s bluegrass traditions, check out the Doc Watson “Man of the People” statue located on King Street. Doc Watson was a famous guitarist and bluegrass musician who was born in Deep Gap, just outside of Boone. During his active years, Watson won seven Grammy awards and a Lifetime Achievement award. Though he passed away in 2012, his celebrity and spirit are alive and well in Boone.

Downtown Boone has started the Howard Street Revitalization project, so if you stop by Boone, make sure to swing by a business on Howard Street, despite the construction you’ll see.

Boone is the place to be for shopping, good food, good music, and definitely good times.

For more information, visit www.townofboone.net.

^ SEVEN DEVILS

Seven Devils sits between Banner Elk and Boone. Moments away from Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and Valle Crucis, it is the perfect place to stop and rest amidst the mountains.

How did it get its name? According to the Seven Devils website, “The founders wanted a catchy, unique name that would bring attention to the mountain. They noticed the repeated appearance of the number seven, including the seven predominant rocky peaks surrounding Valley Creek and the many coincidental references to ‘devils.’ ‘Seven Devils’ seemed to suggest a frivolous, mischievous resort where people could experience the temptation of Seven Devils.”

TOWNS ON PAGE 22 u

PHOTO BY TYLER GRAVES/BLOWING ROCK TDA Downtown Blowing Rock is full of great shopping and blooming flowers.

...the Village of Blowing Rock

Sugar Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, and Beech Mountain surround the elevated town. For those looking for adventure, take a trek to Otter Falls. The trail is a 0.6-mile hike to the falls; in total, the hike is 1.2 miles, including the way back. The trail encourages those going to the falls to bring furry friends to hike alongside.

The town is growing with new additions, such as plans for a new community center and trails. The new trail would connect existing trails, Otter Falls and Peak Mountain Trail, and would end near the Seven Devils Resort Club. Separate plans to create a trail that connects Bear Paw State Preserve to the town and bike trails are also in the works.

The town of Seven Devils was established in the 1960s. It has continued to adapt and grow while maintaining a commitment to its community.

For more information, visit www.sevendevils.net/.

] VALLE CRUCIS

Just off N.C. 105 south of Boone, Valle Crucis offers simplicity and serenity in a pastoral riverside community. The valley contains the site of the only known Native American village in the immediate area. The first European settler of Watauga County, Samuel Hicks, also built a fort in the area during the American Revolution.

Today, the community offers several historic inns, restaurants, art galleries, farms, and churches that provide service and comfort to all who enter. The Episcopal Church has played a role throughout the community’s history. An Episcopal bishop entered the community in 1842 and provided its name, Latin for “Vale of the Cross.”

The Valle Crucis Conference Center, on the National Register of Historic Places, stays busy with retreats for numerous groups, and Crab Orchard Falls is a short hike from the conference center. The original Mast General Store provides a central gathering space in the community, as it has since 1883. Just down the road is the Mast Store Annex, which opened about 25 years later. Behind the annex is a gravel road to the Valle Crucis Park, a recreational area with walking paths, riverfront, picnic areas, sports fields and live music during the summer.

For more information, visit www.vallecrucis.com.

^ FOSCOE

Tucked between Boone and Banner Elk is the unincorporated community of Foscoe. Although small, it is packed with opportunities to shop, dine, and explore.

Shopping includes antiques at Front Porch Antique Market, souvenirs and other items at Bear Creek Traders, ceramics and porcelain at Maggie Black Pottery, and custom blades at Winkler Knives. Interested in outdoor fun? Check out Foscoe Fishing Company or pan for gold with the

Greater Foscoe Mining Company.

Soups, sandwiches, sweets, and more are on offer at The Dog House Café, while at Country Retreat, Family Billiards, burgers, and a shooting pool are on the menu. Foscoe is also home to some of the most gorgeous mountain scenery in the High Country, including the famous profile views of Grandfather Mountain.

For more information, visit www.foscoenc.com.

High Country snapshot

Census data for Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties

Ashe County

POPULATION

• Ashe County: 27,266 (2024 Census Estimate)

GEOGRAPHY

• Land area in square miles, (2020): Ashe County, 426.26

• Persons per square mile, (2020): Ashe County, 62.3

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or higher (% age 25+), 2019-23: Ashe County, 87.5%

• Bachelor’s degree or higher (% age 25+), 201923: Ashe County, 22.4%

INCOME

• Median household income, 2019-23: Ashe County, $50,827

• Percent of persons below poverty level: Ashe County, 15.3%

CRIME

• Ashe County’s 2023 index crime rate: 1,182.2 per 100,000

• North Carolina 2023 index crime rate average rate: 2,589.7 per 100,000

• Ashe County 2023 violent crime rate: 141.7 per 100,000

• North Carolina 2023 violent crime rate: 412.8 per 100,000

Avery County

POPULATION

• Avery County: 17,811 (2024 estimate)

GEOGRAPHY

• Land area in square miles, 2020: 247.51

• Persons per square mile, 2020: 72

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or higher (% age 25+), 2018-22: 86.4%

• Bachelor’s degree or higher (% age 25+), 201822: 21.9%

INCOME

• Median household income, 2019-23: $57,657

• Percent of persons below poverty level: 11%

CRIME

• Avery County’s 2023 index crime rate: 1,216.4 per 100,000 residents

• North Carolina 2023 index crime rate average rate: 2,589.7 per 100,000 residents

• Avery County 2023 violent crime rate: 12.6 per 10,0000 residents

• North Carolina 2023 violent crime rate: 412.8 per 100,000 residents

Watauga County

POPULATION

• Watauga County: 54,997 (2024 Census Estimate)

• Town of Boone: 19,811 (2023 Census Estimate)

GEOGRAPHY

• Land area in square miles, 2020: Watauga County, 312.44; Boone, 6.31

• Persons per square mile, 2020: Watauga County, 173.1; Boone, 3,024.7

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or higher (% age 25+), 2019-23: Watauga County, 92.4%

• Bachelor’s degree or higher (% age 25+), 201923: 47.7%

INCOME

• Median household income, 2019-23: $50,827

• Percent of persons below poverty level: 15.3%

CRIME

• Watauga County’s 2023 index crime rate: 1,034.6 per 100,000

• North Carolina 2023 index crime rate average rate: 2,589.7 per 100,000

• Watauga County 2023 violent crime rate: 89.0 per 100,000

• North Carolina 2023 violent crime rate: 412.8 per 100,000

PHOTO BY MOSS BRENNAN

Thousands attend the annual Fourth of July Parade in downtown Boone.

High Country hiking post-hurricane edition

BY DEREK HALSEY

On Sept. 27, what equated to a bomb going off devastated the High Country,

The two days of rain before the Hurricane hit had saturated the ground. More than 30 inches of additional rain resulted in a thousand-year flood in a matter of hours that washed many of the trails away.

Landslides washed out hundreds of miles of roads. During the flood, every small creek and stream turned into a river. Most electric power was out, Wi-Fi was cut off, telephone towers were shut down, and roads were blocked. All in the storm zone experienced what a dystopian future might look like.

Now, as housing and the restoration of jobs continue to be priorities, bringing back tourism is paramount as well. Even in the areas where perfectly fine roads once existed, the early post-storm rescue efforts literally involved the use of mules, horses, and helicopters.

That means that if those inhabited areas were in bad shape, then the popular hiking trails and nature areas and the fishing rivers and streams were in bad shape as well. In recent months, the fishing guides, groups, and organizations focused on hiking trails and forest maintenance have been working hard to get things flowing again.

The good news is that these Blue Ridge Mountains and the overall Appalachian Mountain chain have experienced a lot while on the surface of the Earth for the past 300 to 400 million years. While there are woods, rivers, and streams that have been changed forever, those waterways are still flowing, and the forests are growing and being renewed.

Right off the bat, the world-famous Blue Ridge Parkway, from Grandfather Mountain Park exit at milepost 305 all the way to Mount Mitchell, the highest mountain east of the Rocky Mountains, and further down the roadway to milepost 380, is still closed all the way to the milepost 380 mark. There are still over 50 landslides along the Blue Ridge Parkway pathway, so the repairs will need some time to be completed.

To keep up with the closures and openings on the Blue Ridge Parkway, please go to www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/ roadclosures.htm.

The good news, however, is that a lot of the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area is open, yet some important access roads are still closed.

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in and around the towns of Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk, and while you may have to walk around some downed trees and more on occasion, many adventures are still to be experienced.

Most of the trails mentioned below can be easily found on GPS, Google Maps, and similar apps. As always, when you hike in and on these mountains, know your physical limits, be prepared for many scenarios on the trail because mountain weather can change on a dime, and learn the simple rules when dealing with wildlife such as bears or the occasional timber rattlesnake in the more rural areas.

One good place to start for the beginning hiker is the Greenway Trail. Built for hikers, walkers, and bikers, there are sections of the Greenway Trail located in Blowing Rock, Boone, and Banner Elk. Mostly flat and in an urban setting, a newer segment of the Greenway Trail is being constructed that connects Blowing Rock to Boone. Called the Middle Fork Greenway and built by the Blue Ridge Conservancy, the six-mile-long, 10-foot-wide trail is an exciting addition to the region that continues to expand.

For those who seek more adventurous hiking, the Elk Knob State Park Trail is a two-hour romp up to the summit of Elk Knob Mountain, just a short drive from Boone. The trail leads to fabulous views extending into nearby states, with many other peaks on the horizon.

The Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) open sections will be your connection to access many of the best trails in the High Country. The Deep Gap exit on the BRP is found east of Boone on Rt. 421. Once on the BRP and heading south, the roadway will feature white posts found on the side of the road that are numbered mile markers to be used for reference.

At milepost 294 on the Parkway, for example, you will find the Moses Cone Manor. The preserved farmhouse and 1,000-plus acres of surrounding land were turned into a park many years ago after being donated by the Cone Family. There you will find a 2.5-mile former horse carriage trail that will take you to a climbable fire tower that overlooks Boone.

If you continue driving about a half of a mile further south on the BRP, you will find the RT. 221 exit to Blowing Rock. Once you turn onto the exit, you will also see a sign for Shulls Mill Road. If you stay on Shulls Mill Road for about .7 tenths of a mile, you will come across a metal fence with a wooden gate next to it, located beside a small dirt parking lot found just past the one-way exit road for Trout Lake. This is the excellent Rich Mountain Carriage Trail.

About three miles in length, the Rich Mountain Carriage Trail is a moderate hiking and running trail that takes you through a Wizard of Oz-type of forest to the left, then it winds up to the top of the mountain where you will find a more prairie-type of landscape, and eventually you will come around to a wonderful view. Then, the circle of the trail will

PHOTO COURTESY OF NPS

A visitor enjoys the view from the raised boardwalk, installed to preserve the fragile ecosystem, at Rough Ridge.

take you back down to where you began your hike. If you wish to walk more, there is also a lower, downhill extension of the trail that leads to Trout Lake, which features an easy walk at the end that goes back up to your vehicle.

Back on the BRP and heading south, look for the Rough Ridge Trail parking lot on your right. This is a very busy trail in the summer months and can be crowded, yet the views are exceptional. However, there is another way to utilize the Rough Ridge Trail for more experienced hikers.

If you park in the Rough Ridge parking lot and then walk along the side of the Parkway for a quarter-of-a-mile further to the south, you will find milepost 301 right before you cross a short section of the viaduct. You will see a rock wall on the right at the end of the viaduct. Along the side of the rock wall, a trail will follow the cliff wall up the mountain to the famous Ship Rock geological formation. You do not need ropes to make this trek. Once you are at the very top of the trail, turn right, and that summit trail will eventually head downhill and connect with the Rough Ridge trail, which will return you to the parking lot. The views are fantastic, and this route will be a lot less crowded for those willing to get off the easier Rough Ridge trail.

At milepost 305 on the BRP, you will find the turnoff to another section of Rt. 221, which leads to the Grandfather Mountain Park attraction and the resort town of Banner Elk.

The Grandfather Mountain Nature Park, Preserve, and Swinging Bridge require an entrance fee to explore the

mountain’s top and walk on the famous Mile High Bridge. There are trails at the Grandfather Mountain Nature Park. For more information and to reserve tickets for the attraction, please go to grandfather.com.

The land surrounding the Nature Park belongs to the state of North Carolina. For more information on hiking and camping opportunities on state park land, visit www.ncparks. gov/state-parks/grandfather-mountain-state-park.

For more experienced hikers, however, there is another demanding yet adventurous uphill trail that leads to various peaks on Grandfather Mountain: the famous Profile Trail. A couple of years ago, a brand new parking area and building were built for the Profile Trailhead, and it is located on Rt. 105 in Banner Elk. The Profile Trail is marked as strenuous as it will take most of the day to complete, so be sure to research the trail online so you know what to expect regarding clothing, unexpected weather, and how early in the day to begin the trek. For the experienced hikers, however, it is a great trail to conquer.

Back on the BRP at the Grandfather Mountain exit at milepost 305, the first parking lot on your left will be for the Beacon Heights Trail as you continue heading south. Considered one of the “Coolest Short Trails in the East,” the Beacon Heights Cliff Trail takes only a quarter of a mile of walking to reach the top. Once you are on the trail, you will see signs for two other trails, so just pay attention to the signs and stay on the Beacon Heights Trail.

Jim’s Corner

Once near the peak, you will find a stone bench. Go straight to the bench for a cool and easy view, but the better vista happens when you take a left at the stone bench. After turning left, you will hike up a short set of natural rock stairs leading to a flat cliff with spectacular views. From there, you can see Grandfather Mountain to the left, Wilson Creek Gorge in the middle, and the dual elbow-shaped mountains to the right known as Hawksbill Mountain and Table Rock Mountains that overlook Linville Gorge.

Unfortunately, at the end of the Beacon Heights Trail parking lot are the gates that close off the BRP for the next 80 miles.

For a magnificent hiking side trip, however, you have an amazing option that is not far away. Set your GPS for the Carver’s Gap parking lot, which is the staging area for the Roan Mountain Grassy Balds Trail. It is located about 20 miles from Grandfather Mountain on the North Carolina-Tennessee border. A part of the Appalachian Trail, the Roan Mountain trails are unique and spectacular, representing the largest stretch of grassy balds found in the whole Appalachian Mountain chain. Climbing to over 6,000 feet, the views, the rare plants and flowers, and the different terrains found on the path are worth the effort.

For some impressive trails down in Wilson Creek Gorge that avoids the BRP, you will take the aforementioned RT 221 at the Grandfather Mountain exit off the BRP and

BeSuretoVisitBOTHLocations!

Fishing in the ‘Hollers and Hills’

BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER

When it comes to the beloved sport of fly fishing in the High Country region, technique can be more important than anything else. Depending on which type of person you are, fly fishing is a pastime that participants will find to be either challenging or soothing. Anglers looking for trout and other species are drawn to the High Country region, which is packed with an endless number of picturesque rivers and streams.

Even after devastating Hurricane Helene, the rivers in these parts are filled with beautiful Brown and Rainbow trout, to name a couple, but the small streams that stretch in the “hollers and hills” also hold a treasure fish of their own being vastly spread with the great Speckled trout, specifically known as the Native Brook trout.

The High Country is well known for babbling brooks and meandering streams, but it also plays home to many beautiful lakes, some along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Many waterways received damage from the massive storm that took place in September of 2024, but many areas are still accessible, and the state of North Carolina continues to work to stock its various areas.

According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission, In January 2025, mountain region fisheries management and production staff began assessing all Hatchery Supported and Delayed Harvest locations across the region to determine if they could be safely accessed by hatchery staff and anglers in 2025. Those assessments consider whether each location is in an active disaster recovery area, has major stream damage impacts, has parking and access infrastructure damage, and whether the location can safely be accessed by stocking trucks and anglers. NCWRC are working closely with local and county governments to ensure that they are open to visitors and anglers. The assessment information will be used to develop a list of Hatchery Supported and Delayed Harvest locations that are fully open, partially open, or fully closed for the 2025 season. NCWRC will also continue to assess locations that become open during the year.

Here is the list of Public Mountain Trout Waters not being stocked currently:

Delayed Harvest Trout Waters: Mill Creek (McDowell County), North Toe River (Mitchell County), and Cane River (Yancey County). Hatchery Supported Trout Waters (not currently being stocked): Elk River (Avery County), Little Buck Creek (McDowell County), North Fork Catawba River (McDowell County), (Rocky) Broad River (Rutherford and Henderson counties), Swannanoa River (Buncombe County),

(Big) Hungry River (Henderson County), North Pacolet River (Polk County, and Wilson Creek (Caldwell County).

With a slew of impressive mountains surrounding us, including some of the highest peaks found east of the Rockies, many rivers, streams and creeks originate and flow off of these summits. As a result, due to the natural conditions found in our waterways, trout fishing is still of a very high quality here in the High Country. In fact, the trout fishing sport and industry has become one of the biggest businesses in the area. Whether you’re new to the sport of fishing or a longtime angler, you can venture off and wet a line on your own terms and take your time catching some fish, but also any angler can be guided by one of the many knowledgeable professionals the HC area has to offer. Outfitters offer an easy set up and trip to the hidden creeks and streams for a perfect day of casting.

Compared to the typical rod, reel, and can of worms form of angling that many of us learned to do as children, fly fishing has distinct differences. Depending on the species and fishing conditions. A spinning reel or bait caster reel is used to cast live bait or artificial lures to trick, catch, and bring in a variety of freshwater fish breeds, including bass, bluegrass, crappie, catfish and much more.

“The High Country offers some of the greatest fly fishing in the state of North Carolina. We have a large amount of free stone rivers and spring creeks winding through these beautiful mountains and they are full of hungry fish. Brook Trout are most abundant in isolated, high-altitude headwater streams where the water is free of pollution and rich in oxygen.” said local outfitter Greyson Stafford of Deep South Co. “We have a passion here to see other people enjoy the outdoors as much as we do. Whether you are looking to get into fly fishing or an advanced angler, we will share our experiences and expertise with you.”

Fly fishing, however, is not necessarily a more refined approach to fishing, but can be considered more precise due to the behavioral nature of a trout. As a result, trout fishing requires a different kind of fishing system that is both easy to learn and fascinating to experience. The trout found in this region are a variety of fish that require certain environmental

conditions to survive.

First of all, trout are fish that prefer colder waters to dwell in. They belong to a species that struggles in midsummer water

PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER

Tessa Strickland with her huge trout catch.

Patrick Buchanan fly fishing the North Toe River.

that is excessively hot. Even though North Carolina is in the South, the High Country’s altitudes provide the cooler waters that trout need to thrive. Because of this, the three types of trout found in North Carolina are the brown, rainbow and native brook, all which do well in the cooler waters of local rivers, creeks and streams, the majority of which have their beginnings on the summits of the neighboring mountains.

For trout, the ideal water temperature range is between 45 and 70 degrees fahrenheit. Originating in the streams of the Pacific Northwest, the rainbow trout was successfully introduced into the waters of North Carolina starting in the 1880s. The brown trout, a species that was introduced from Europe and Asia, is another example of human introduction. ‘The smaller species of trout that is native to the eastern U.S. and Canada is the brook trout.

Because brook trout are native to the area, many anglers value and appreciate them more than might be thought from first impressions. Currently the state of North Carolina, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission regularly stocks many rivers across the state.

Smaller trout eat a lot of aquatic insects. Older trout consume terrestrial and aquatic insects, but they also eat smaller vertebrates like crawdads, fish and smaller animals. Being the big brutes of the trout world in North Carolina, brown trout can consume larger fish than the other species. Trout also eat flies.

Fly fishing rods, reels, and baits are thus required to catch trout due to their peculiar feeding habits. The artificial lure, which is at the center of the trout fishing system, is made to resemble the aquatic, terrestrial, and avian species that trout love to eat.

Generally referred to as trout flies, many of these artificial lures are small and handmade. “Flies” are made from different materials to create a furry fly that will land just so on the surface of the water, prompting a strike from a waiting trout. The unique construction of the fly rod and reel is what allows a floating artificial fly lure to settle perfectly on top of the water. The fly fishing fisherman learns to forcefully yet gracefully throw a longer-than-usual rod back and forth in the air in order to release enough fishing line to reach the area where the trout are hiding.

Fly fishing as an activity is quite enjoyable to most, especially since it typically takes less than a day to learn how to use fly fishing rods, reels, and baits. Because fly fishing adds a completely new dimension to the fishing experience, many beginning fly fishing anglers quickly discover a passion for the activity. To get started, visit an area trout farm. The farm operator sells fishing equipment to help ensure a prize catch, and nearly all offer cleaning and preparation services. Elsewhere, the numerous fly fishing outfitters found

here in the High Country are helpful for people who wish to take the leap and discover a great new way of interacting with nature that will last a lifetime. They not only sell equipment, but they can also teach you how to fly fish for trout and direct you to the greatest, most secluded waters where the huge trout reside. This region is wonderful for vacations, visits, and residence for a variety of reasons, and the sport of fishing is just one such motivation.

] DEEP SOUTH CO. OUTFITTERS

deepsouthcooutfitters.square.site (828) 260-5963

] DUE SOUTH OUTFITTERS

duesouthoutfitters.com (828) 355-9109

] ELK CREEK OUTFITTERS

www.ecoflyfishing.com (706) 957-5864

] FOSCOE FISHING

www.foscoefishing.com (828) 963-6556

] HIGH COUNTRY GUIDE

www.flyfishthehighcountry. com (828) 386-6216

] MOUNTAIN TROUTFITTERS

www.mountaintroutfitters.com (828) 387-6534

For details on fishing restrictions, go to NCWildlife.org. Note that in 2025, hatchery supported trout waters are only open to fishing until July 31. For those interested in booking a guide, or finding the proper equipment you may need, here is a list of outfitters local to the High Country region.

t HIKING FROM PAGE 27

follow it to Old Jonas Ridge Road. There, you will turn left, and eventually, hopefully, you will be able to cross the closed-off BRP. If you go two miles past the BRP Old Jonas Ridge Road, you will see a white church on your left at a big curve. Beside the church is a gravel road that goes straight at the turn. That is Forest Road 464, aka Pineola Road. Once on Forest Road 464, you will see the trailhead for Big Lost Cove Cliffs on the left a couple of miles in, and three miles farther, you will see a small parking lot on the right for the Little Lost Cove Cliffs trail. The latter is a shorter hike, but both of these moderately difficult trails lead to outstanding cliff-top vistas.

Do some research online, and you will find many other trails, waterfalls, and more on this same Forest Road 464 road as it goes deeper into the Wilson Creek Gorge area.

To get to the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, you will have to stay on RT 221 and go past the Old Jonas Ridge Road turn off and keep going ten miles or so until you turn left at RT. 183. At about .7 tenths of a mile on RT. 183, you will find a gravel road on the right with signs leading you to Wiseman’s View and Linville Falls. This will be RT. 1238, aka Old Route 105. The first parking lot on the left is for two trails showing you different views of Linville Falls.

If you stay on Route 1238 for almost exactly four miles past the Linville Falls parking lot, however, you will see the sign for the Wiseman’s View parking lot on the left. Turn left there, and you will find a short, wheelchairaccessible paved walkway leading to a special view of Linville Gorge. The vistas seen there will simply take your breath away.

RT 1238 to Wiseman’s View is a gravel mountain road that

requires an all-wheel drive vehicle. The heart-stopping sights at Wiseman’s View are very much worth the effort.

Linville Gorge, a 12-mile-long gorge, has difficult trails. It is not advised for beginner hikers.

For hikers who are up for the task, explore the east side of Linville Gorge, follow RT 221 south to RT 181, and turn left. A few miles further on RT 181, turn onto Ginger Cake Road (turn onto the second Ginger Cake Road sign). Once on Ginger Cake Road, hikers will quickly see Table Rock Road veering off to the left, and that is where you want to go.

That road eventually turns to gravel, and while that famous road, unfortunately, is blocked before you can turn onto the section of Table Rock Road that leads to the Table Rock Trail parking lot, the road opens up to the Hawksbill Mountain Trailhead and the Spence Ridge Trailhead, which are both great gateways into the Gorge. But, it is a long side trek to get from there to Table Rock Mountain or the Chimneys Trail. Still, the Hawksbill Mountain summit trail is spectacular all on its own and about a mile long straight up from the parking lot.

Volunteers are needed to help clear the pathways. Wild South, a non-profit group, works on Linville Gorge specifically, the Mountain to the Sea Trail Section 4 Task Force, mountainstoseatrail. org, and the G5 Trail Collective www.g5trailcollective.org.

Before you visit the High Country or plan a hike, make sure to check if it’s open, as even eight months later, the impacts of Hurricane Helene are still being felt.

For news on trail openings and closures, go to tinyurl.com/ NCTrailUpdates.

Dawson Turbyfill fly fishing the North Toe River.

Feeling sick?

Get urgent medical care TODAY in Watauga and Avery. If your condition is not life-threatening, all four of our primary care offices provide same-day appointments for illness or injury, such as sore throats, ear pain, allergies, bug bites/stings, strains, sprains, fever and the flu. Office hours may vary.

Schedule a same-day appointment AppInternal Medicine (828) 386-2746

Rough it in the High Country through outdoor adventures

BY KATIE ALLEN

As summer unfolds in the North Carolina High Country, visitors can experience adventure and relaxation. Whether floating down a river, hiking scenic trails, or unwinding with a locally crafted drink, the region offers endless ways to soak in the season.

Nothing beats the summer heat like a float down one of the High Country’s rivers. The New River and Watauga River provide the perfect setting for tubing, with calm waters, mountain views, and an escape from the summer sun. Local outfitters, including High Mountain Expeditions, Appalachian Tubing Company, RiverGirl Fishing, and Wahoo’s Adventures, offer rentals, making it easy to enjoy a stress-free day on the water.

While Beech Mountain is famous for skiing, summer brings its own set of adventures. Beech is an outdoor lover’s paradise with miles of hiking and biking trails, disc golf courses, and scenic overlooks. Visitors can also enjoy local eateries, charming boutiques, and seasonal festivals that showcase the town’s mountain charm.

From the towering peaks of Grandfather Mountain to the serene paths along the Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking in the High Country is a must for summer visitors. Popular trails like Rough Ridge, Linville Falls, and Elk Knob offer breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and varying difficulty levels for all hikers.

For those looking for a high-flying adventure, ziplining offers a thrilling way to take in the beauty of the mountains. Several adventure parks in the region feature exhilarating zipline courses, rope bridges, and treetop views, providing an

unforgettable experience for thrillseekers.

After a day of exploring, relax with a cold craft beer or a glass of locally made wine. The High Country has several award-winning breweries and wineries, offering everything from hoppy IPAs to smooth, mountaingrown reds. In West Jefferson, Old Barn Winery provides a unique wine-tasting experience in a beautifully restored barn. Guests can sip handcrafted wines while enjoying views of rolling vineyards and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Other popular spots include Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Booneshine Brewing, Grandfather Vineyard & Winery, and Linville Falls Winery, each offering a perfect setting to unwind and enjoy the mountain scenery.

Grandfather Vineyard and Winery features live music throughout the summer months from local groups. The calendar of Music in the Vineyard events can be found on their website at https:// grandfathervineyard.com/events/

Whether you prefer a secluded backcountry campsite or a fullservice campground, the High Country has options for every camper. Cool summer nights, crackling campfires, and breathtaking sunrise views make camping here an unforgettable experience. Popular spots include Julian Price Campground, Grandfather Mountain, and the Linville Gorge Wilderness.

The High Country is the ultimate summer destination with adventure at every turn. Whether you’re tubing down a river, hiking to a mountain peak, or sipping wine at a historic barn, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the season.

PHOTO COURTESY APPALACHIAN TUBING COMPANY

Go “rollin’ on the river” courtesy of one of several tubing and water recreation locations, such as Appalachian Tubing Company.

Nature preserved Grandfather Mountain an attraction for all ages

“Take a course in good water and air; and in the eternal youth of Nature you may renew your own. Go quietly, alone; no harm will befall you.”

- John Muir

BY JULIE SULLIVAN

Among High Country landmarks, perhaps no place more typifies the sentiment of the great conservationist Muir than Linville’s Grandfather Mountain. Muir, nature connoisseur and founder of Sierra Club, upon visiting the great mountain in 1898 while ill with a cough, wrote his wife saying, “The air has healed me. I think I could walk 10 miles and not be tired.”

Muir is one among many notable visitors to Grandfather Mountain, whose name was derived from pioneers who recognized the face of an old man in one of the cliffs. Many vantage points reveal different faces, so there is no one official profile of the mountain, but the most popular can be seen from the community of Foscoe, seven miles north of Linville and 10 miles south of Boone on N.C. 105.

Grandfather is among the most recognizable and visited attractions in the state of North Carolina for myriad reasons. From its unique and lovable animal habitats to the opportunities for visitors to experience hands-on opportunities to get up close and personal with nature in a summer climate that beckons tourists to escape the heat of the lowlands to the cooler climes of a mile-high elevation, Grandfather Mountain combines the thrill of experiencing the fun of the great outdoors with educational experiences with no equal.

Although the mountain makes its own statement with its inhabitants and majestic beauty, its caretakers, the staff and employees that maintain and operate the attraction, are in a class by themselves.

Grandfather features unique hiking trails and pathways for visitors of all ages seeking a time to venture out and grow closer with nature, but may have varying degrees of difficulty when it comes to reaching one’s destination.

From the Wilson Center to the Mile-High Swinging Bridge and Top Show to the vast array of environments and wildlife habitats, there’s something for everyone at the mountain.

Grandfather Mountain is perhaps best-known for two facets of the attraction: the Mile-High Swinging Bridge and its wildlife habitats. The Mile-High Swinging Bridge,

America’s highest suspension footbridge, was built to give visitors easy access to the breathtaking view from Grandfather Mountain’s Linville Peak. The suspension bridge spans 228 feet and an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation, and is a highlight of any trip.

Grandfather Mountain’s wildlife habitats are a mustsee for any visitor, featuring a variety of animals found in a habitat most like its natural surroundings outside of captivity.

Throughout the decades, Grandfather Mountain has attracted visitors from all walks of life. The mountain welcomes all comers through its gates to, as Muir so eloquently described, “take a course in the eternal youth of Nature.”

Grandfather Mountain has attracted visitors throughout the centuries, from French botanist Andre Michaux to country legend Johnny Cash. The mountain is hundreds of millions of years old, yet timeless. When you stand on a cliffside looking toward the horizon, you feel as though you’re in another world, another time and place.

Whether you’re a frequent visitor to Grandfather or simply wish to experience nature at an elevated level for the first time, Grandfather Mountain offers something for everyone that few locations can boast.

Grandfather Mountain hosts various events for the Summer 2025 season, so it’s never too late to book your next adventure!

You can do anything from walking across the Mile High Swinging Bridge, visiting a Daily Program presented by park educators anytime through Nov. 9, or even partaking in the guided 30-minute Rhododendron Rumble stroll.

In 2025, Daily Programs will feature an extended schedule, giving more opportunities to attend talks both during and outside of the summer season!

Intermediate trails like Woods Walk, Black Rock Trail, and Grandfather Loop are excellent options for first-time park visitors. They offer manageable distances and moderate difficulty without being overly strenuous.

Infamous trails such as the Grandfather Trail and the Daniel Boone Scout Trail are more strenuous, but they offer easy access from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Calloway Peak, situated at 5,558 feet, is the highest point of Grandfather Mountain. Grandfather Trail takes you there, albeit not without a challenge.

Not interested in any of the morning or hiking programs? No problem. Starting on May 30, Grandfather Mountain hosts a series of Twilight Hikes and Naturalist Programs, where you can explore the night-life of the beautiful trails through guided tours. Registration opened on April 1, so make sure you secure tickets now before they sell out for the remainder of the season!

Plan to visit and explore what Grandfather has to offer! Whether you’re looking for a challenge or a way to de-stress, Grandfather Mountain has a plethora of options for you to consider. Information regarding ticket sales and the 2025 event calendar can be found at https://grandfather.com/ event-calendar/

PHOTO COURTESY GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN

The Mile-High Swinging Bridge is one of the region’s most picturesque and popular sites to visit in the High Country.

Entertainment aplenty across the High Country

BY KATIE ALLEN

As the temperatures rise in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the opportunity for adventure in the High Country expands. From historic amusement parks to zipline courses, the region offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a thrill or a step back in time, these High Country attractions should be at the top of your summer itinerary. One of North Carolina’s most beloved attractions, Tweetsie Railroad, is a family-friendly theme park packed with nostalgia and excitement. Climb aboard for a ride through the scenic hills, complete with interactive cowboy and outlaw performances. The park also features carnival-style rides, live entertainment, and gem mining, making it a must-visit destination for families with young children. Enjoy various special events during the summer months, including Day Out with Thomas, Fourth of July fireworks, and frisbee dog shows. For more information and tickets, visit the Tweetsie Railroad website at https://tweetsie.com/.

Mystery Hill offers a mind-bending experience unlike any other. Step inside the mysterious Gravity Room, where water flows uphill, and people stand at seemingly impossible angles. Beyond the illusions, guests can explore handson science exhibits, test their skills at ax-throwing, and visit Tomahawk Hill, a tribute to Appalachian heritage. After a day of discovery, stop by Front Porch Eats, next door, for a tasty snack or treat. It also boasts the largest selection of old-timey glass bottle sodas in the High Country. With its unique blend of science, history, and fun, Mystery Hill is an engaging destination for curious minds of all ages.

No trip to the High Country is complete without a visit to Grandfather Mountain and its famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. Spanning 228 feet and

suspended over a breathtaking gorge, this bridge provides panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors can also explore hiking trails, wildlife habitats, and the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery for an educational look at the region’s natural wonders.

The Alpine Coaster in Banner Elk is a must-visit for an adrenaline rush. This gravity-powered ride lets visitors control their speed as they zoom down a twisting track through the mountain landscape. The coaster operates in all seasons, but the summer months provide the perfect backdrop of lush greenery and stunning views.

Mountain biking enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Beech Mountain Bike Park. Offering professionally designed downhill trails, scenic cross-country routes, and lift-assisted biking, this park is a haven for riders of all skill levels. Equipment rentals and lessons are available, making it easy for beginners to join the fun.

For those looking to take their adventure to new heights, ziplining is a thrilling way to experience the High Country’s breathtaking scenery. Several locations offer guided zipline tours that take riders soaring over forests, valleys, and rivers. Whether you’re soaring for the first time or are a seasoned ziplining pro, this adventure guarantees an exhilarating ride through the breathtaking High Country landscape. Check out Hawksnest Zipline in Seven Devils, as well as High Gravity Zipline and Sky Valley Zip Tours in Blowing Rock.

From family-friendly attractions to extreme outdoor thrills, the High Country is the ultimate summer destination for adventure lovers. Whether you’re looking to step back in time at Tweetsie Railroad, defy gravity at Mystery Hill, or soar above the treetops on a zipline, there’s no shortage of excitement in this mountain paradise.

PHOTO COURTESY TWEETSIE RAILROAD Tweetsie Railroad near Blowing Rock is a family-friendly attraction offering train rides and fun for the entire family.

PHOTO COURTESY WILDERNESS RUN ALPINE COASTER Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster near Sugar Mountain offers the thrill of a ride down a mountain assisted by gravity, in addition to a climbing tower.

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The enduring wonder of Blowing Rock’s Mystery Hill

BY NICK FOGLEMAN

Since 1948, Mystery Hill has defied gravity and provided visitors with lasting memories shared with family. When guests step inside, they have the opportunity to experience a number of different attractions.

The centerpiece of the attraction, the Natural Gravitational Anomaly, is where gravity appears to play tricks on the visitors. Balls roll uphill, water flows the wrong way, and balance becomes unreliable.

“It’s got a little science behind it, and a little bit of trickery,” said Jordan Justice, who manages the site. “The gravitational anomaly is the most popular for sure.”

But Mystery Hill is more than its famous gravitational oddity. “We’ve got something for everyone,” Justice said.

Mystery Hill features other attractions for a day of fun, including gem mining at Prospector Hill. Guests receive their own flume and dig through buckets of sand and stone to uncover stones they can keep.

Tomahawk Hill offers tomahawk throwing, which has been upgraded with new targets and expanded lanes. “It’s kind of like mini golf, but with axes,” Justice said. Visitors can also take a ride on the Mechanical Bull Ride Challenge and get their picture taken at the Old Timey Photo Parlor.

Mystery Hill is also home to two museums. The historic Dougherty House, built in 1903, offers a glimpse into early Appalachian life and honors the founders of nearby Appalachian State University. The

Native American Artifacts Museum houses a privately owned collection of more than 250,000 pieces.

“One is the home of the founders of App State, built in 1903, the Dougherty House, and then we have the Native American artifacts,” Justice said. “They were all collected by one couple down in Hickory, North Carolina. You get to walk through, and it’s just amazing to see.”

Justice said the team plans to return to seven-day operations in the summer.

“We’re working on training now,” Justice said.

Since 1948, Mystery Hill has remained in continuous operation.

“We get families who say, ‘I came here with my grandparents, and now I’m bringing my grandkids,’” Justice said. “It’s fun to see people and meet people from all walks of life.”

Mystery Hill is located just outside Blowing Rock, N.C. For hours, ticket pricing and event updates, visit www. mysteryhill.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MYSTERY HILL

Mystery Hill’s 1903 Dougherty House Museum is a noteworthy, historic 1898 home featuring authentic insight into 19th-century life in the mountains.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MYSTERY HILL

Mystery Hill is a great place for family fun.

BRAHM a community hub for art and history

BY NICK FOGLEMAN

Tucked just off Main Street, the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum is steadily redefining what it means to be a regional museum. BRAHM maintains a dual mission: to steward the past while inspiring contemporary creativity throughout the Appalachian region.

“Every time you come, it’s a unique experience,” Executive Director Stephan Dragisic said. “The museum has multiple changing exhibition spaces, and on average, they change two to three times a year.”

With rotating exhibitions, BRAHM offers visitors a mix of regional art and history, bringing together the roots of the High Country with the vision of contemporary artists.

“We certainly want to tell the history of Blowing Rock because 2.4 million visitors come and visit the town every year,” Dragisic said. “We also want to share artists who are living and working in this area and those who have been inspired by this area. We want to make sure that they’ve been inspired to look a little bit closer, engage a little bit more, understand a little bit more of the story.”

This year’s headline exhibitions include:

• Considerations: An Installation by Sarah Vaughn — through Aug. 10

• MaryLou Higgins: Sibyline Faces — June 7 to Nov. 15

• DaingerField & The Tonalist Instinct — May 31 to Oct. 19

• André Keys Connel: Pattern & Procession — June 28 to Dec. 27

• Arlee Mains: Remembering Watauga — June 28 to Jan. 3

• Jack Boul: Land, City, Home — Aug. 30 to March 7

• Patrick Dougherty — Nov. 15 to May 17

This summer’s centerpiece, DaingerField & The Tonalist Instinct, explores the work of artist Elliot Daingerfield and his connection to the landscapes of the Tonalist movement.

“Tonalism is a distinctively American school, and it’s a response to the modernism of the late 19th century, early 20th century,” Dragisic said. “Daingerfield was not exclusively a tonalist, but he had tonalist tendencies in some of his works, and for the exhibition, we will introduce people to many other artists that they have not experienced.”

Another ongoing installation, Considerations by Sarah Vaughn, features 3,148 hand-crafted stones as a tribute to transformation and time.

Arlee Mains: Remembering Watauga presents folk-style scenes of Appalachian life based on Mains’ childhood memories. Each painting is paired with a recording of the artist’s reflections.

“She was not painting like some of our artists,” Dragisic said. “She is painting memories of her youth and we know about these specifically because she wrote about each one of the paintings, so we’ll have someone who’s going to record those descriptions that she made.”

The exhibition Jack Boul: Land, City, Home offers a unique glimpse into a unique summer camp for Jewish boys in the Blue Ridge. Boul, a Washington, D.C. artist and teacher, was sent by his wife to check on their son and ended up teaching art at the camp. His resulting works capture a powerful mix of personal and cultural history.

“This will be a beloved exhibition for the museum,” Draigisic said.

BRAHM’s commitment to community continues with a participatory project marking the anniversary of Hurricane Helene. In partnership with WFDD and Appalachian State University’s Special Collections, the museum will create a digital time capsule of memories from the storm.

“We’re partnering with WFDD and App State’s Special Collections to create a digital time capsule,” Dragisic said. “Not only as an opportunity to capture history, but a chance for folks to, not close a door, but maybe to move over a threshold.”

Later this year, Patrick Dougherty will showcase large-scale environmental sculptures made from woven sticks alongside black-andwhite photographs. A North Carolina native, Dougherty is internationally recognized for his immersive natural installations.

“What is truly amazing about Patrick’s work is the scale and the size of them in the landscape,” Dragisic said. “I think this is a hallmark moment for BRAHM to have this exhibition.”

With annual attendance reaching 24,000, BRAHM is emerging as a cultural destination where Appalachian heritage meets contemporary art and storytelling.

“We want to make sure that we’re creating a space where artists are thriving, not only here in a museum, but also in the community,” Dragisic said. “And we’re looking to engage with the community in a number of ways and have conversations around what the museum means for them, and what do they want to see from the museum going forward?”

PHOTO

The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum has been a historical and cultural hub for the past 14 years.

BY JULIE SULLIVAN AND JAMIE SHELL

WTake in High Country sights and sounds through tubing and water adventures

ant to feel relaxed while coasting through the cool waters? Want to work together with others to navigate the twists and turns of beautiful rivers? Want to traverse scenic hiking trails?

You can book river tubing, kayaking, and canoeing rides for the New River through High Mountain Expeditions, an outpost located in Boone!

Situated right off of Highway 105, High Mountain Expeditions does way more than just tubing. They have qualified white water rafting guides to help you navigate through numerous well-loved rivers in the High Country such as the Nolichucky River, Watauga River and Wilson Creek.

All rafting adventures have the Banner Elk outpost as the meeting point, while tubing has the new river outpost as its meeting point.

You can book caving expedition adventures as well! You’ll trek 2 miles inward through Worely’s Cave, where you’ll crawl, shimmy and climb your way across the cave’s landscape. The attraction is known for its rocky terrain and astonishing underground rivers.

High Mountain Expeditions also offers hiking tours through the Appalachian Trail. You can customize your trail by duration, difficulty, and sights you’ll see. The Appalachian Trail is a public 2,000+ mile path that courses through and past the High Country, passing through 14 states.

If you’re worried about safety, High Mountain Expedition stands by their claim of having “the best guides in the industry,” according to their website.

All guides are trained on CPR, First Aid, Swift Water Rescue, and many more qualifications. Many within the staff have also earned their Emergency Medical Technicians and Wilderness First Responder certifications. You can rely on them to stay alert while you have fun!

The organization formed in 1986, taking in families and thrill seekers alike to create an experience unlike any other. With a variety of adventures to choose from, you cannot choose wrong. There is something for everyone!

To find booking prices for all attractions and adventures, go to High Mountain Expeditions’ homepage located here: Boone NC Outdoor Adventures | Rafting, Tubing & Caving

While the High Country draws tourists for the beauty of the mountains and the serene experience of traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway, others are drawn to the natural waterways that run through its valleys.

For those exploring our rivers and streams for the first time, or even rediscovering them for the thousandth, local adventure companies such as Wahoo’s and River and Earth Adventures additionally offer unique adventures for all demographics.

From gentle floats down the New River

to pulse-pounding whitewater rafting adventures, these businesses offer a variety of unique way to explore the waterways of the High Country.

For more than four decades, Wahoo’s has served the outdoor recreational needs of the High Country community. Founder and owner Jeff Stanley started Wahoo’s after spending his college years enjoying the water as a hobby and went on to help start outdoor programs at Appalachian State University.

The company offers a variety of water and land activities at different locations around the High Country. They also offer extreme rafting on Wilson Creek. Check out their website for a full list of information on what they offer and booking information.

Wahoo’s has outposts on the New River in Ashe County, as well as the Nolichucky and Watauga rivers in Tennessee. The company offers campgrounds and accommodations on the New and Watauga rivers, as well as hot showers, changing rooms and restrooms at each of its outposts.

By locating these full-service outposts in strategic locations, Stanley says customers can avoid long bus rides that sometimes come with water adventures.

By locating these full-service outposts in strategic locations, Stanley shares that customers can avoid long bus rides that sometimes come with water adventures.

Wahoo’s central office is located at 3385 US Hwy. 321 in Boone. For more information call 1-(800) 444RAFT, (828) 262-5774 or click to www. wahoosadventures.com.

With a focus on outdoor adventure and education, River and Earth Adventures has outposts in Vilas, Todd, Marshall and Elizabethton, Tenn., and a presence on the New, Watauga and French Broad rivers. Offering the full gamut of water activities, River and Earth also offers environmental education programs, caving, hiking, rock climbing and gem mining.

For the truly bold with the proper experience, the company will also take

FILE PHOTO

In the heat of summer, one way to keep cool is tubing on a river.

a group of experts down the 5.5-mile Watauga Gorge when water levels permit, tackling class three, four, and five rapids.

River and Earth provides guided tours, rentals, guide services, and assistance for those who own their own equipment.

River and Earth’s main office is located at 5578 US Hwy. 421 in Vilas. For more information on the company’s adventures, call (828) 355-9797 or click to www. raftcavehike.com.

The oldest river in the Western Hemisphere, the New River’s headwaters are formed by the convergence of two rivers near the small community of Weavers Ford in Ashe County. A number of campgrounds and river guides dot the shores of the river’s south fork, and New River State Park offers camping, hiking, fishing, and educational programs on the river’s ecology.

In Avery County, running along a North Carolina Scenic Byway from Banner Elk to the small town of Elk Park, the Elk River’s rapid flowing waters are a sight to behold. Near the town of Elk Park, the river crescendos in a beautiful display at majestic Elk River Falls, near the North Carolina-Tennessee. While this spectacular, 50-foot waterfall is breathtaking and can be safely enjoyed from the shore, visitors are cautioned against jumping from the falls into the plunge basin below, as many fatalities have occurred there over the years.

LINVILLE RIVER

Flowing from its headwaters near Tynecastle, the Linville River turns into a cascading waterfall near the community of Linville Falls before forming the heart of the breathtaking Linville Gorge. Visitors to the area will want to make a stop at the Linville Falls Visitor Center at Blue Ridge Parkway mile marker 316 for a short hike to stunning views of the 150-foot falls.

With its headwaters near Newland in Avery County, the North Toe River runs for miles through a gorgeous valley on a scenic stretch of U.S. Hwy. 19E in western Avery County. It passes by several small communities and campgrounds on its way to Spruce Pine in Mitchell County.

In Watauga County, Bass Lake, part of Moses Cone Memorial Park, is encircled by an extremely east .8-mile walking trail. The trail offers scenic views and a pleasant stroll and connects to a more extensive network of carriage trails for more ambitious hikers.

Encircled by a 2.7-mile trail, Price Lake is located at mile marker 297 on the

Blue Ridge Parkway. With Canoe rentals available, as well as campsites nearby, Price Lake is a beautiful spot for a day trip or an overnight excursion.

Beginning in Tynecastle and running along NC 105 to Valle Crucis, the Watauga River eventually empties into Watauga Lake in Tennessee. The river has hidden

swimming holes and calm areas for tubing and trout fishing, and there are several parks and campgrounds where the public can enjoy its beauty

PHOTO COURTESY EXPLORE BOONE

Tubing on area rivers is an exhilarating and refreshing experience during summers in the High Country.

PHOTO COURTESY ZALOO’S CANOES

Individuals and families can enjoy a float down the New River with single tubes, or connect multiple people together for a group tubing experience.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Winding through America’s mountain heritage

BY JAMIE SHELL

Often referred to as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway extends 469 miles along the southern Appalachian mountains. The Parkway winds through various landscapes and communities, connecting the past with the present and preserving the region’s rich culture.

When Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina, the Parkway was not spared The National park Service has identified landslides across approximately 200 miles of Parkway in North Carolina, stretching from the Virginia-North Carolina

boundary to beyond Mount Pisgah, south of Asheville. The landslides range in scale and scope, as some slides occurred above the Parkway, some below, some taking out portions of the road, and some less obvious, but compromising the integrity of the road or drainage systems.

Since Helene, the NPS has cleared mountains of debris, conducted hundreds of facility and resource assessments, and reopened over 310 miles of the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina. In both states, widespread treefall, erosion, trail, and culvert damage occurred , and many historic and non-historic structures were heavily damaged. The work

to restore the Parkway is complex and some areas will take years to repair and fully reopen.

“As with our surrounding communities,

we have made significant progress, but the Parkway’s path to permanent repair and recovery will be a long one,” said Superintendent Tracy Swartout. “The

Appalachian Furniture Mattress Gallery

PHOTO COURTESY NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

Price Lake, at milepost 296 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is popular for hiking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking.

damage to the Parkway is unprecedented in its nearly 100-year history. We ask our many neighbors and visitors to remain patient as we work to reopen sections of the park as quickly as possible.”

The highest concentration of overall damage occurred from the Linville Falls area near milepost 317 south to Mount Mitchell State Park near milepost 349. Along with the destruction of park facilities near Linville Falls, including the visitor center, picnic area comfort station, and portions of the campground, park teams have documented over four dozen landslides and other storm-related natural and cultural resource damage in those 38 miles of Parkway alone.

Due to the storm damage, conditions on park roads and trails are evolving. Visitors should plan carefully for any trip along the Parkway, consult the park’s online road status at www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/ roadclosures.htm, and share travel plans with others in advance.

The NPS is also planning several repaving projects throughout the summer and into the fall, so always check to make sure the section is open and don’t travel on

closed parts of the Parkway.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is owned and managed by the National Park Service. Unlike traditional national parks, the Parkway is an “elongated park” protecting a long stretch of landscape from Virginia to North Carolina. Rather than having distinct boundaries, the Parkway is designed to protect and present the surrounding area beyond the shoulders of the road.

The northern entrance begins in Shenandoah National Park near Waynesboro, Virginia, and meanders south toward the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in southwestern North Carolina. The original intention for the Parkway was to connect both national parks.

Driving along the Parkway, visitors will enjoy numerous overlooks, picnic areas, hiking trails and campgrounds. Some of the popular attractions in the High Country include the Linn Cove Viaduct, Linville Falls and Moses Cone Manor.

The Parkway was built under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal initiative in the 1930s. By 1966, the majority of the Parkway was completed, except for 7.7

miles at Grandfather Mountain. By 1982, the final section was built and after nearly 50 years of construction, the Parkway was completed.

Visitors should note that in Virginia the

section from U.S. Route 220 to Adney Gap at milepost 121.4 to 135.9 will be closed until further notice. In North Carolina,

At milepost 304.4, the Linn Cove Viaduct glides along the side of Grandfather Mountain overlooking the Appalachian Mountains. At 1,243 feet long, this bridge marked the completion of the Blue Ridge Parkway in 1982.

High Country Farmers Markets

BY AARON BARLOW

Many of us have anxiety about where our food comes from. Farmers markets are a great way to ensure your grocery products are healthy, fresh and local. Have a question about an ingredient? There’s a great chance the farmer who grew it is right there, ready to answer. There’s a good chance you’ll make a new friend.

High Country farmers markets are filled with countless berries and delicious jams in the summer. You’ll see the vibrant reds of tomatoes, peppers, and apples and the leafy greens of lettuce, spinach, and kale. You’ll discover countless types of honey and sample cheeses. There’s a good chance you’ll end up following your nose as irresistible aromas weave themselves through the stalls.

Even if you go to the market without a list, you’ll have plenty of fun just pursuing it. You’ll hear live music and experience the joys of the local community. Most farmers markets offer artwork and crafts in addition to produce. Some sell body-care products and apothecary goods. Keep your eyes open and who knows what you’ll find. Pick a farmers market that fits with your schedule and make a day of it!

WATAUGA COUNTY FARMERS MARKET

Founded in 1974, the Watauga County Farmers’ Market has long been a cornerstone of Boone’s community. With over 60 vendors, the market offers an impressive range of goods. Fresh-baked bread, locally raised meats, and seasonal produce are sure to make your stomach growl. Local artists sell paintings and crafts made from wood, metal, leather, wool, jewels and other materials. Entertainment comes in the form of children’s events and live music each week. Two food trucks are always on-site. The market is open from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday from April to November and can be found at the Daniel Boone Parking Lot by Horn in the West. For more information,

visit: www.wataugacountyfarmersmarket. org/.

BLOWING ROCK FARMERS MARKET

Open from noon to 6 p.m. every Thursday from May to October, the Blowing Rock Farmer’s Market is perfect for late risers or those without free time on the weekends. You’ll find fresh fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, and other goods from regional and local vendors. It’s conveniently located on Blowing Rock’s Sunset Drive, outside Antiques on Sunset. For more information, call (828) 372-9500.

KING STREET FARMERS MARKET

The King Street Farmers Market is outside the Watauga County Social Services building and hosts over a dozen vendors. It is powered by Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, a women-led organization that promotes sustainability and accessibility in the High Country’s food system. Open from May to October on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., this market was designed with working-class families in mind. Local, organic goods and crafts abound. For more information, visit www.brwia.org/ksm.html or call (828) 386-1537.

BEECH MOUNTAIN FARMERS MARKET

Hosted the first Friday of the month, June to October, from 2 to 6 p.m., the Beech Mountain Farmers Market truly feels like an event. Expect a DJ, giveaways and a beautiful view. Fresh organic produce, honey, baked goods, plants, microgreens, gourmet dog treats, and farm-raised beef are among the goods sold. The market is located in the parking lot across from Fred’s General Mercantile. For more information, visit beechmtn.com/visit/farmers-market/.

AVERY COUNTY FARMERS MARKET

The Avery County Farmers Market prides itself on serving local farmers, promoting

PHOTO COURTESY OF AVERY COUNTY FARMERS MARKET

The Avery County farmers market offers high-quality produce to both locals and tourists alike.

PHOTO BY NICK FOGLEMAN

The Watauga County Farmers Market is a popular local event on Saturdays.

ethical standards and teaching the public how awesome local food can be. Expect to see all sorts of local fresh fruits, vegetables and meat. The market is open from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursdays. It is located behind the Banner Elk Volunteer Fire & Rescue and beside the Historic Banner Elk School. If you see white tents, you know you’ve made it. For more information, visit www. averycountyfarmersmarket.net/ or call (828) 733-8270.

ASHE COUNTY FARMERS MARKET

Around 50 vendors sell their goods at the Ashe County Farmers Market, but don’t worry about getting lost - you can find an interactive market map on their website. There is plenty of local produce, lovingly-made crafts, and delicious treats to

be found. The market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. It’s located in the heart of downtown West Jefferson. For more information, visit ashefarmersmarket.com/.

HIGH COUNTRY FOOD HUB

Consider the High Country Food Hub if you know exactly what you want and are strapped for time. Also powered by Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, this online farmers market allows you to order fresh produce, meat, dairy, bread, cut flowers, body care products and more from home. You can arrange pickups in Boone, West Jefferson, Deep Gap or Todd on Wednesdays. You can arrange pickups in Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and Newland on Thursdays. For more information, visit https://www. highcountryfoodhub.org/ or call (828) 4120834.

USFS Road 63 at milepost 367.6 will be closed until further notice as well.

Sections of the Parkway may close due to inclement weather or construction, but closures are rare in the summer months. The National Park Service website keeps an updated list of road sections and facilities that are open or closed.

Starting at milepost 217.3 in Alleghany County all the way to milepost 330.9 in Mitchell County, the Parkway offers visitors a grand tour of the High Country. From hiking to camping and the surrounding attractions, the Parkway is a unique way to experience nature. Beginning north and traveling south, this comprehensive guide will highlight the most popular and notable attractions along the way.

At milepost 258.7 in Ashe County is the Northwest Trading Post. This historic building in Glendale Springs is a great rest stop for visitors. Built in the 1950s, it was intended to provide travelers along the Parkway with information on the mountains of North Carolina and sell local merchandise. The shop offers a selection of regional arts and crafts, other souvenir items, and food and drink.

The Lump overlook is about 10 miles down the road from the Trading Post. This natural round hill rises prominently above the Parkway. For a short walk, visitors can hike up to the top for outstanding views of Yadkin Valley. There, visitors will also find a sign that commemorates the tragic story of Tom Dooley. His story became the subject of the famous murder ballad that folk musicians have played for decades. Continuing south, you will come upon the exit to Deep Gap and Highway 421. This exit will take you toward the town of Boone. This small mountain town is home to Appalachian State University. Here you will find plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining and more.

Staying on the Parkway, you will see a variety of scenery. The drive weaves in and around the mountains, taking you from views that extend for miles to trees

and foliage that tower over the road.

The next major exit is at the intersection with Highway 221. Here, you can travel north toward Boone or south toward Blowing Rock. Smaller and quieter than Boone, Blowing Rock is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience mountain life.

Sticking to the Parkway, one of the major attractions is just a few miles from Blowing Rock. Moses H. Cone Manor is a historic estate that preserves and presents the legacy of Moses Cone. Cone has played an important role in North Carolina’s history as a textile entrepreneur, conservationist and philanthropist.

The mansion, known as Flat Top Manor, was built in 1901 as a summer retreat for Cone and his wife, Bertha. The bright white 20-room mansion sits atop a hill overlooking Bass Lake and downtown Blowing Rock.

The family donated the estate to the National Park Service in 1949. This attraction is free and open to the public and offers a variety of hiking trails for visitors to experience the beauty of the Appalachians.

The next notable stop is Julian Price Park at milepost 297. The name comes from the park’s former owner who bought the 4,200 acres as a recreational retreat for his employees. After his death, the park was donated to the National Park Service in 1946.

Price Lake is the central attraction in this park. Visitors can go canoeing, fishing, or hiking around the lake. There is also a primitive campground where they can stay to spend a night under the stars.

Continuing farther down the Parkway, visitors will be able to drive along the eastern side of Grandfather Mountain. This was the last section of the Parkway to be completed and took years of negotiating and planning.

Grandfather’s owner, Hugh Morton, opposed the construction, as it would threaten the delicate ecosystem on the mountain. Once Morton and the architects reached an agreement, they designed a one-of-a-kind bridge that

PHOTO

COURTESY OF AVERY COUNTY FARMERS MARKET

It’s easy to lose count of all the fruits and vegetables available at the Avery County Farmers Market.

t PARKWAY FROM PAGE 55

flows in unity with the landscape.

The bridge, known as the Linn Cove Viaduct, marked the completion of the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is marked at milepost 304 and is a popular attraction, as its breathtaking views draw thousands of visitors each year.

After cruising past Grandfather Mountain, there is an exit point to U.S. 221 that heads toward Linville. Driving this curvy mountain road will take you past the entrance to the Grandfather Mountain attraction, where you can experience the western face of Grandfather from the famous mile-high swinging bridge. There is a fee to enter the park, and more information can be found online at www. grandfather.com.

Staying on the Parkway, visitors will come upon the Linville Falls area at milepost 316. This stop includes a visitor center, hiking

trails, a campground and a picnic area. Hikes in this area venture in and above Linville Gorge. Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Linville Gorge is an incredibly unique landscape.

Continuing south, the Parkway winds through the mountain town of Spruce Pine. At milepost 331, the Museum of North Carolina Minerals is open to visitors year-round. Here, you can learn about the history of mining in the area and explore the hundreds of minerals and gems on display.

The Parkway continues for another 140 miles, where opportunities for overlooks, hiking, picnic spots, and camping are abundant. Cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway is truly a one-ofa-kind experience. The diverse ecosystem that surrounds the Parkway is a beautiful sight to take in.

PHOTO COURTESY NPS

This aerial photo shows the extensive damage to the Blue Ridge Parkway caused by Hurricane Helene near milepost 401, south of Bent Creek Gap.

Stop and shop High Country general stores

BY KATIE ALLEN

Nestled in the heart of North Carolina’s High Country, general stores have long served as staples of mountain life. More than just retail spaces, these stores act as community hubs, offering a mix of essentials, local goods and a sense of nostalgia that transports visitors back in time.

Over the years, society has progressed and continues to move away from the past. These days, shopping is often done online. Many stores have everything you could ever want and in every color, but they lack something—a sense of community.

General stores populated many rural towns in the U.S. before the car’s

introduction; many folks bought most of what they needed in these establishments. People would gather and socialize at the general stores and barter with the owner for their goods. This is still true for the communities in the High Country, where owners know everyone’s names and customers can purchase goods from local vendors.

Being a big part of the communities, these general stores often offer goods not carried in other stores as well as community events. Summer is one of the most popular times for these events and seasonal goods and local general stores offer many. The following are a few of the general stores that offers a myriad of products to customers,

Fred’s General Mercantile on Beech Mountain carries a myriad of supplies and operates by its motto: “if we don’t have it, you don’t need it.”

FRED’S GENERAL MERCANTILE, BEECH MOUNTAIN

community. It includes a grocery store, hardware store, and a deli as well as seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Since 1979, Fred’s General Mercantile has been a staple in the Beech Mountain

PHOTO BY KATIE ALLEN

t GENERAL STORES FROM PAGE 59

Located atop Beech Mountain, Fred’s General Mercantile has been a cornerstone of the community since 1979. Living up to its motto, “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it,” Fred’s offers everything from groceries and hardware to ski rentals, firewood, clothing and souvenirs.

The store’s deli serves hot meals and a variety of beverages, making Fred’s a popular stop for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re stocking up for a ski trip or grabbing last-minute essentials, Fred’s remains a trusted resource in the High Country. For more information, visit fredsgeneral.com, call (828) 387-4838 or email fred@fredsgeneral.com.

For more information about the general store and its activities, visit their website at https://fredsgeneral.com/, give them a call at (828) 387-4838, or email them at fred@ fredsgeneral.com.

GOOBER PEAS COUNTRY STORE, BOONE

Goober Peas Country Store is a onestop shop for local meats and cheeses from the surrounding area. Visitors can also purchase various gifts and other goods, such as local jams and jellies and farmfresh eggs.

During the summer and into the fall, Goober Peas hosts various food trucks and holds weekend barbecues where patrons can enjoy food and good company. The store also has a new vendor from Caldwell County that supplies it with cookies, fried cakes, cupcakes, and pies.

Anyone wanting to contact the store should reach out via Facebook, phone at (828) 3861017, or drop by the store.

PROVISIONS ON SUGAR

Tucked into Sugar Mountain, Provisions on Sugar is a cozy stop for locals and tourists. Owned by Keely and Phillip, the shop carries a wide selection of locally made gifts from across North Carolina, including home decor, wellness products and unique food items. While browsing, visitors can enjoy one of 50 snow cone flavors, making it a sweet stop in more ways than one.

For more information, visit facebook.com/ ProvisionsSugarMtn, stop by 110 Sugar Mountain Drive in Sugar Mountain or call (828) 387-6565.

Visit your local general store to see what they may offer during the summer, or just drop by to say hello.

PHOTO COURTESY PROVISIONS ON SUGAR

Provisions on Sugar makes chocolate strawberry jam, and sells it in the store..

Pickleball showing immense growth in the High Country

BY ZACH COLBURN

Combining the skills and techniques of tennis and table tennis, pickleball is a sport for all ages and experience levels.

Regardless of the experience level, the sport is growing in popularity in the High Country.

As a beginner-friendly game, pickleball consists of two teams on either side of a net slightly smaller than a tennis net. Players use paddles to rally a polymer ball. It is an indoor and outdoor sport that can be played in singles or doubles.

The Watauga Community Recreation Center has multiple levels of classes, teams and available courts for the sport — two outdoor courts and four indoor courts.

The courts are first-come, first-served. To use the indoor courts, you need a membership or a day pass. For those who are coming solo, teams rotate at the end of a game for all-inclusive fun.

In addition, the WCRC recently completed the construction of two

The Summit Pickleball, which opened in Fall 2023, has become a popular spot for those who want to participate in the sport indoors.

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toutdoor pickleball courts, which are available to the public.

Seasonal teams and classes are available and updated weekly on the WCRC website.

For those interested, personal lessons are also available, which can be as specific as needed. Personal lessons range from honing skills to learning new ones. Classes include beginners 101, intermediate clinics, and an advanced class.

For more information on pickleball at the Watauga County Recreation Center, visit www.wataugacounty. org/App_ Pages/Dept/ParksRec/ home.aspx.

In addition to what Watauga Community Recreation Center offers, residents and tourists can play the sport at The Summit, located at 278 Industrial Park Drive in Boone.

The Summit, which opened its doors in September 2023, is a member-based indoor facility that offers free beginner

clinics and clinics for intermediate and advanced players. It also offers more than 60 clinics and round robins throughout the year, as well as tournaments and leagues to accompany event hosting.

The Summit offers four different tiers of memberships, ranging from bronze (which is free but has a higher charge for open play along with any reservation made), all the way to Platinum, with Open Play and Gold in between.

To learn more about The Summit, call (828) 532-5442, or visit https:// thesummitpb.com/.

To find more about pickleball in Boone and in the high country, visit https:// pickleballboone.com/

Ashe County Parks and Recreation also offers indoor pickleball at Family Central, which is located at 626 Ashe Central School Road, Unit 16, in Jefferson.

The three painted courts, designed for all ages, are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 to 10 a.m. for advanced

players and from 10 a.m. to noon for intermediate and beginners.

For more information, visit https:// www.asheparks.com/pickleball.

In Avery County, three different places offer pickleball — Avery Rock Gym,

Williams YMCA of Avery County and Mountain Glen Golf Club, which has outdoor facilities.

Avery Rock is free to the public, while the Williams YMCA and Mountain Glen are members only.

PHOTOS BY ZACH COLBURN

A group of Appalachian State University students enjoy a nice game of pickleball at the Watauga Community Recreation Center courts.

PICKLEBALL FROM PAGE 63

Charity Horse Show

Blowing Rock’s time honored tradition

BY NICK FOGLEMAN

Atime-honored summer tradition returns this summer as the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show, one of the longest continually running horse shows in the country, begins its summer season at the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve.

First held in 1923 near the old Green Park Hotel, the show changed venues over the decades before settling permanently at the current location, once a nine-hole golf course. The Broyhill Preserve now

spans 25 acres of show rings, barns, and grandstands adjacent to 27 miles of carriage roads in Moses Cone Memorial Park.

“There is a really interesting history here,” Mardi Sumrell

The event brings together tradition and competition in a show that draws hundreds of riders and spectators for more than 100 years.

“Horses come from all over the region,” Sumrell said. “Anywhere from Florida,

PHOTO COURTESY BLOWING ROCK CHARITY HORSE SHOW

The Saddlebred Show features elegant riders making their way through the show ring.

North Carolina, and Georgia — all over.”

The event is divided into three segments:

• Saddlebred Show: June 5 to 8

• Hunter/Jumper I: July 23 to 27

• Hunter/Jumper II: July 30 to Aug. 3

Sumrell estimates that the events will bring more than 550 horses to the area.

“There’s a circuit of horse shows,” Sumrell said. Funds from the event go towards the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show Foundation, a nonprofit that supports organizations like Saddlebred Rescue Inc., Apps State Equestrian, Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Rotary Club and Watauga Humane Society.

A 2012 study by Appalachian State University estimated the event generates more than $7.7 million annually for the local economy.

“Half of our proceeds go to the Rotary Club and the board distributes the rest to other organizations,” Sumrell said.

Tickets are available only at the gate, with cash or a check. Admission includes access to shaded grandstand bleachers. Box seats are typically reserved in advance by sponsors. Vendors will sell everything from handmade jewelry to riding apparel, and food options will be available on-site.

COURTESY OF BLOWING ROCK CHARITY HORSE SHOW

The Hunter/Jumper show features hundreds of horses making their way through obstacles.

M AY 17 • JUNE 14 • JULY 12 ER 6

Symphony by the Lake

a summer highlight

STAFF REPORT

The ever-majestic Symphony by the Lake at Chetola will return on Friday, July 25, bringing a night of music, fireworks, and community celebration to Blowing Rock.

Hosted by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, the annual event will feature a Celtic-themed performance by the Symphony of the Mountains Orchestra, set against the backdrop of Chetola Lake.

The evening’s program will include Celtic favorites such as O Danny Boy, Lord of the Dance, and Highland Cathedral, bringing listeners through the musical traditions of Ireland and Scotland. Pieces like American

Frontier and God Bless America will also be performed in honor of the Armed Forces and the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

After intermission, five-time Grammy nominee cellist Dave Eggar and his trio, Bristol Lightning, will join musicians for a collaboration with the Symphony of the Mountains. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display over Chetola Lake.

General admission tickets will go on sale on May 1. Event organizers encourage early purchases, as tickets typically sell out quickly. Guests are invited to bring blankets and picnic baskets; Chetola Resort will also offer food and beverages.

“We’re excited to bring the community together once again for this iconic event,” said Robin Miller, CEO of the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. “The Celtic theme adds a fresh and magical twist to an already unforgettable evening.”

Symphony of the Mountains, founded in 1946 as a community orchestra, has since grown into a fully professional ensemble

serving Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia and Western North Carolina.

Under the direction of Conductor Cornelia Laemmli Orth, the orchestra focuses on entertaining audiences, educating young musicians, and enriching communities through outreach programs.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit symphonybythelake.com.

PHOTO COURTESY BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Fireworks illuminate the sky after the conclusion of a previous Symphony by the Lake.

PHOTO BY LUKE BARBER

The symphony is conducted by music director Cornelia Laemmli Orth.

BY KATIE ALLEN

Despite Helene’s impact, GMHG set to entertain this summer

Each July, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games transform the High Country into a hub of Scottish heritage, drawing upwards of 40,000 attendees and competitors from around the world. What began in 1956 as a single-day event has grown into one of the largest Scottish clan gatherings in the world. This year, 109 family societies will be set up along MacRae Meadows, continuing the tradition of sharing history, family heritage and a sense of community.

As always, the athletic competitions remain a centerpiece of the Games. Athletes will compete in the caber toss, hammer throw, and sheaf toss, demonstrating their strength and skill in these traditional Scottish events.

“We have some pretty unusual, but very competitive, very skilled athletic events,” said Steve Quillin.

These competitions continue to be a highlight of the event, attracting crowds excited to see the impressive displays of strength and skill.

The Atlantic International Championship, held annually, features top dancers from Canada, New Zealand and Scotland. Piping enthusiasts can look forward to another elite contest, with past competitors like Nick Hudson making their mark on the world stage.

“One of the competitors last year went on to win the gold medal at the Northern Meeting in Scotland,” Quillin said. Hudson competes at Grandfather every year and didn’t win in 2024 prior to winning in Scotland, showing how strong the competition is at Grandfather.

For those looking to dive deeper into Scottish history, the Scottish Cultural Village continues to be a must-visit. Presentations range from historical events to the evolution of Scottish fashion, offering an in-depth look at the culture that has

and fabricationshop,aswell as the largest slabyardinthe High Country.

FILE PHOTO

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games will return for its 69th annual event this July at MacRae Meadows.

shaped so much of the Games’ traditions.

The Games’ impact extends beyond MacRae Meadows, giving a major boost to the local economy.

“You can tell when the Games are happening. Downtown areas are packed, businesses are booming,” Quillin shared.

Visitors come from across the country and beyond, with attendees regularly traveling from 35 to 40 U.S. states and international locations like New Zealand, Scotland, and Australia.

Despite its long-standing structure, the Games still face logistical hurdles.

“Since we’ve had a Highland Games every year since 1956, except during COVID, we’re fortunate that the structure of the event remains consistent,” Quillin said. “But we do deal with challenges, from changing suppliers to weatherrelated damage.”

Hurricane Helene’s presence last fall left its mark on the event space. In addition to a number of trees taken down at MacRae Meadows and MacRowdy that required cutting and removal, the Games also faced repair and replacement to the

campground electrical system, as well as road repairs at Gate 2 and the entry to its Chieftain parking area. Perhaps of greatest significance was the washing out of the Old Yonahlossee Road to a third of its previous width, a key access point for shuttles.

While the damage was significant, repairs are underway, and a volunteer work week is planned to help restore the site before July. Quillin assured that the event will proceed as planned, with all necessary accommodations in place.

The 2025 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games will run from July 10 to 13, starting with the beloved Torchlight Ceremony on the opening evening as clan representatives declare their presence on the mountain.

“We conclude on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. with a really neat, organically grown closing ceremony,” Quillin said. “We cram a lot into those four days: athletics, dance, piping, concerts, and other exciting activities.”

Attendees can expect traditional Scottish fare, live music and an immersive cultural experience.

“It’s a great day out,” Quillin said. “Bring a folding chair, a small cooler and settle in for a weekend of Scottish tradition at its finest.”

For those who come back year after year, the Games are more than just an

event—they are a tradition that keeps Scottish heritage alive and brings people together.

For more information, visit www.gmhg. org.

PHOTO COURTESY GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES

Despite the devastation from Hurricane Helene in September 2024, the resilience and pageantry of the annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games will again be on display this summer.

JUNE 28-JULY 26, 2025

6.28 AMOS LEE

6.29 ROSEN-SCHAFFEL COMPETITION & WINNER’S RECITAL

7.1 FILM: TOUCH

7.3 SUMMER EXHIBITION CELEBRATION

7.3 CELEBRATING OUR COUNTRY AND COMMUNITY THROUGH MUSIC

7.6 RANKY TANKY WITH VERY SPECIAL GUEST MS. LISA FISCHER

7.8 FILM: ARZE

7.9 TESSA LARK (VIOLIN) , JOSHUA ROMAN (CELLO), AND EDGAR MEYER (DOUBLE BASS)

7.11 JOAN OSBORNE AND LISA LOEB

7.12 ROSEN SCULPTURE WALK

7.13 HEATHER HEADLEY WITH WESTERN PIEDMONT SYMPHONY

7.15 FILM: HOW TO MAKE MILLIONS BEFORE GRANDMA DIES

7.16 PEABO BRYSON

7.19 ALONZO KING LINES BALLET

7.22 FILM: THE LAST JOURNEY

7.23 THE 5 BROWNS

7.26 PINK MARTINI FEATURING CHINA FORBES

ON SALE

Horn in the West a local tradition

BY MOSS BRENNAN

Every year, a special part of Boone returns to the past and brings to life frontiersman Daniel Boone and the mountain settlers of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Horn in the West play follows the journey of brave pioneers navigating the challenges of the wilderness. The show is filled with thrilling action, incredible music, and a powerful story of hope and perseverance told through dancing, music, action and fight scenes. It is a must-see adventure for everyone.

Horn in the West, produced since 1952 by the Southern Appalachian Historical Association, allows the audience to witness the struggle of the early settlers of the Blue Ridge Mountains to preserve their freedom

during the years before and during the American Revolution. The drama highlights those settlers who came to the region seeking escape from British tyranny.

According to the show, Dr. Geoffrey Stuart, a prominent British physician, comes to the Colony of Carolina to study the dreaded disease smallpox. He brings his wife, Martha, and their teenage son, Jack. The ties that bind the Stuart family and the small pioneer community grow through hardship and danger, house-raising and romance.

As the Southern Appalachian Historical Association prepares for its 73rd season of preserving and celebrating regional heritage, the organization is calling on the community for renewed support.

While the production is family-friendly, please be aware that a few scenes feature loud noises, including gunfire.

SAHA sustained an estimated $15,000

in lost revenue due to Hurricane Helene’s impact in 2024 and is seeking sponsors and members to help ensure its legacy continues.

The 2025 season performances will take place on the following dates:

• July 10, 11 and 12

• July 17, 18 and 19

• July 24, 25 and 26

• July 31

• Aug. 1 and 2

All tickets are general admission and are $30 each. The box office is open on show days. Horn in the West is located at 591 Horn in the West Dr., Boone, NC 28607.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.horninthewest.com.

PHOTO BY DAVID UTTLEY COMPELLING STORY COURTESY SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

The Horn in the West has been produced since 1952.

PHOTO COURTESY SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

The Horn in the West production is popular for locals and visitors alike.

Climb to new heights in the High Country

BY MOSS BRENNAN

When visiting the High Country in the summer, it’s not hard to miss the incredible green scenery around you. With mountains reaching high peaks, many are curious and hope to see an up-close view of the area.

Something unique about climbing is that there is no wrong age to start. Climbing is something that young people can be introduced to in a safe environment.

Since August 1998, Boone’s Rock Dimensions adventures have been widely popular with both tourists and locals. This establishment allows visitors to follow guides on rock climbing and reach the top of some of the most beautiful natural areas.

The PCIA-certified climbing guides are dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable climbing program for all their clients. Rock

Dimensions also holds camps for children ages 8-16 to begin their life in the climbing world, with a five-day camp that takes participants through the ins and outs of climbing.

Here are some local climbing spots in the area. As with everything since Hurricane Helene, do your research before heading out to climb.

HOLLOWAY MOUNTAIN

Holloway Mountain is just minutes away from Boone down NC 105 in the Foscoe area. It’s also a great spot for new climbers as it offers a variety of routes at different levels. Due to its proximity to town, it can be crowded at times, but with 10 routes that range from easy to difficult, it’s guaranteed to be a fun trip.

To get there from Boone, take NC 105 to Foscoe and take a left on Church

Road. Drive a short distance and then take another left on Holloway Mountain Road before turning left onto Holloway Mountain Road, which turns from a paved to an unpaved road. A small cut out for parking will be on the right.

THE CHIMNEYS OF LINVILLE GORGE

The Linville Gorge was formed by the Linville River, which now meanders some 2,000 feet below the gorge’s rim. This wilderness area is part of Pisgah National Forest. The gorge offers breathtaking views, a variety of climbing options, exciting rappels, and for a unique recreational experience, an exhilarating Tyrolean Traverse, which involves crossing across a chasm between two high points connected by rope.

Primitive camping suitable for groups

is available about a quarter mile from the parking lot and picnic area. In the summer, the Linville Gorge is a nice break from the heat and humidity of the Piedmont. Meanwhile, Fall brings an array of colors to the forest, in addition to perfect camping weather. In Spring, the rhododendrons and mountain laurels are in beautiful bloom.

WILSON CREEK AREA

Wilson Creek begins its journey from the top of Grandfather Mountain and flows into the Johns River 23.3 miles downstream. Surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest, the creek makes its way through some of the oldest rocks in the southern Appalachians. The climbing is scenic and exposed, with views of Grandfather and Grandmother Mountains. Primitive camping is available along the forest service roads near the climbing access.

Clim bing ,R appellin g&C av ing

Climbing AdventureCamp

PILOT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

Pilot Mountain rises 1,400 feet above the surrounding Piedmont area near Winston-Salem, with an elevation of 2421 feet. Pilot Mountain’s Big Pinnacle is a highly visible knob, seen standing solid as a mountain of rock that has withstood the elements that eroded the foothills around it. The mountain, which was recognized as a National Natural Landmark in 1976, is a part of the ancient Sauratown Mountain Range. Climbing sites are located on the Little Pinnacle.

There are fairly primitive group campsites available for $1 per person and a family campground with more modern facilities for $12 per site. Both campsites contain a table and grill and fire pit area. Call the park for reservations and information.

ROCKY FACE PARK

Rocky Face Recreational Area is an Alexander County park located in Hiddenite, NC. Formerly a rock quarry in the early 1900s, the mountain offers a south-facing rock face with climbing

opportunities for various levels of ability. In May 2012, the recreational area opened to the public as a county park, and climbing became a major activity.

Rock Dimensions facilitates rock climbing programs at the park during the annual Spring RockyFest and the Fall Rock Climbing Festival and with Scout troops and other groups throughout the year. The best seasons for climbing are Fall, Winter, and Spring. For Scouts and other groups wishing to camp, an easy backcountry site has been established, with reservations required.

For your next rocky adventures, visit rockdimensions.com or call (828) 2653544.

ADDITIONAL LOCAL CLIMBING COMPANIES

Center 45, Boone NC (Indoor Climbing) 828-386-1550 center45.com

Edge of the World, Banner Elk NC (828) 898-9550 edgeoworld.com/summer

PHOTO COURTESY ROCK DIMENSIONS

Ropes and safety equipment are a necessary part of having a fun, safe day rock climbing.

Take the “Scenic” route A look at High Country Scenic Byways

BY JAMIE SHELL

North Carolina’s 62 scenic byways showcase the state’s natural beauty while promoting conservation efforts and offering travelers a glimpse into local history and culture across diverse landscapes from mountains to coast.

The byways allow motorists to experience a bit of the state’s history, geography and scenery while raising awareness for protecting and preserving these treasures.

The N.C. Department of Transportation carefully selects the byway routes as safe and interesting alternatives to the faster pace and commercial areas found along major highways and interstates. Travelers get to know North Carolina’s people and communities and see the diverse beauty the Tar Heel state has to offer — from the high

peaks of the Appalachian Mountains to the fertile hills of the Piedmont to the marshes, sounds and beaches of the Coast Plain.

In the High Country, several byways offer peak viewing opportunities, whether it is the greenery and lush vegetation and historic sites during the summer months, or even a return trip in the fall to see the kaleidoscope of autumn colors and leaves on a leisurely drive in the backcountry.

The byways traverse major thoroughfares of rural communities in some cases, while others take travelers through less-traveled roads. Following the byways, motorists will see some of North Carolina’s most breathtaking scenery, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the fertile plains of the Piedmont to the crystal blue coast shores. The routes are clearly marked with N.C. Scenic Byways signs, and motorists are

encouraged to follow maps and route descriptions carefully.

NC Department of Transportation notes that portions of some routes are not suitable for various types of vehicles, and also states that a few routes may be briefly interrupted by commercial or municipal areas. In such cases, the scenic byway may temporarily end, but directions are available to help drivers resume the route. Additionally, keep in mind during travels that some byways experienced minor to major damage due to Hurricane Helene’s path through the region in September 2024, and travelers may wish to check on road conditions through NCDOT prior to scheduling that leisurely drive.

N.C. Scenic Byways vary in length from 1.5 to 170 miles and in character from curvy mountain roads to ferry rides across coastal sounds. If following the byways in reverse

order from the descriptions given, please keep in mind that the directions will be used in reverse order as well.

The following are several NC Scenic Byways that traverse through the High Country of Avery, Ashe and Watauga counties.

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

The Blue Ridge Parkway is often referred to as the original “scenic byway.” The Federal

FILE PHOTO

Mission Crossing Scenic Byway takes drivers from Vilas in Watauga County to Elk Park in Avery County.

Highway Administration recognizes its 252 miles in North Carolina as an “All American Road.” The route provides spectacular mountain and valley vistas, quiet pastoral scenes, sparkling waterfalls, and colorful flower and foliage displays.

Construction began in 1935 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal program. The last mile was completed around Grandfather Mountain during President Ronald Reagan’s administration. An effort of 52 years, nine presidents, and $130 million resulted in the 469 miles that connect the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

MISSION CROSSING

Mission Crossing byway guides motorists through Avery and Watauga counties along NC 194 through North Carolina’s ski country and along the northern range of the Roan Mountains in Pisgah National Forest before descending into the Watauga River Valley, the name of which is derived from the Native American word for “beautiful water,” and ending in the community of Vilas.

Before leaving the valley, visit the Mast Farm Inn and Mast General Store, an authentic general store that opened in 1882. Established in 1812, the farm is one of the best preserved 19th-century farms in Western North Carolina and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

After leaving Valle Crucis, notice the unusual barn on the right as you climb out of the valley. The Baird Barn, built in the late 19th to early 20th century, is an excellent example of a transverse crib barn.

LITTLE PARKWAY

Little Parkway byway begins at the intersection of US 221 and NC 105 in Linville. Follow US 221 (Blowing Rock Hwy.) for 18.5 miles to the intersection with US 321 Bus (Main Street) in Blowing Rock where the byway ends. The route is not recommended for recreational vehicles or buses.

Little Parkway traverses through Avery, Watauga, and Caldwell counties. Built in 1889 by men and mules as a toll road, It is also known as Yonahlossee Trail (one of many privately owned roads in the state). It winds its way along the side of Grandfather Mountain and served as the link between Blowing Rock and Linville before the completion of the Blue Ridge Parkway in

1987.

Linville, established in 1883 and designed by Samuel T. Kelsey of Kansas, is located on the Linville River. South of Linville are Linville Falls and Linville Gorge. All were named for William and John Linville, who were killed below the falls by Native Americans in 1766. The upper and lower falls, accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway, are 12 feet and 90 feet tall, respectively. Linville Gorge is among the nation’s largest gorges and is located in one of the wildest uninhabited areas in the Eastern United States.

While traveling from Linville to Blowing Rock, watch for signs marking the Eastern Continental Divide, an invisible line that separates the waters flowing to the Atlantic Ocean from those flowing to the Gulf of Mexico.

NEW RIVER VALLEY BYWAY

The New River Valley Byway begins at the intersection of US 421/US 221 and NC 194 in Boone. Follow NC 194 north for 17.8 miles to the intersection of NC 194 and US 221 in the Baldwin community where the byway temporarily ends. Turn left

onto US 221 and follow for 3.5 miles to the West Jefferson town limits. Continue on US 221 for another 4.5 miles through West Jefferson and Jefferson to the intersection of US 221 and NC 16/NC 88. Follow NC 16/NC 88 straight for another 3.1 miles to the intersection of NC 16 and NC 88. (This section is not part of the designated scenic byway.) Continue straight on NC 88 for 10.1 miles to continue the designated byway to the intersection of NC 88 and NC 18 in Laurel Springs, where the byway ends.

Venturing through Watauga and Ashe, the New River Valley Byway allows motorists to experience some of the most beautiful mountain scenery and the largest concentration of Christmas tree farms in the state. The route travels north from Boone to Laurel Springs through the Stone Mountains, which form a common boundary between North Carolina and Tennessee.

The byway bends and turns as it crosses mountains and over rivers and streams through the New River Valley. As you travel on NC 194 along what was once called the “Old Buffalo Trail,” imagine buffalo herds using this route as a migration path like

they once did. The route provides access to areas popular for hiking, white water rafting, and canoeing.

US 421 SCENIC BYWAY

The US 421 Scenic Byway travels across Watauga County through the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering sweeping views of the valleys, woodlands, and mountains between the towns of Deep Gap and Boone. It also runs near the former home of multiple Grammy Award winner and cultural icon Doc Watson.

Near the beginning of the route, you will see where the Blue Ridge Parkway crosses US 421 on a bridge covered with native stones to reflect the beauty of the area. As the byway ascends the ridge toward Boone, the home of Appalachian State University, motorists are provided with panoramic views of Snake Mountain and Elk Knob, which are a part of the Amphibolite Range. Along the way, motorists can view the area’s hardwood and mixed forests, horse and cattle farms, and a number of Fraser Fir Christmas tree farms. Watauga County

PHOTO BY DEREK HALSEY

The Blue Ridge Parkway is among one of the most breathtaking of the Scenic Byways in the High Country

Festivals to check out this summer

BY NATHAN HAM

Beautiful summer weather brings festival goers to all corners of the High Country. From mid-June through the end of August, there are many weekend events that offer fun and entertainment.

If you are a fan of jazz music, the High Country Jazz Festival is the place to be. From June 13-15, various performances are scheduled to take place across several locations in Watauga County, including the Appalachian Theatre, the Jones House, and the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum. A full schedule of events and ticket pricing information can be found at www.apptheatre.org/highcountryjazzfestival.

The following week will see the return of Boonerang in downtown Boone. The music festival is scheduled to take place June 19-22, with a huge list of performers and a guaranteed large crowd of music fans. The free festival features different stages on Depot Street, Howard Street, and King Street and select performances at the Appalachian Theatre as well. The list of performing artists and a state schedule can be found online at boonerangfest. com. Mountain Times and the Watauga Democrat are sponsors so be on the lookout for the official guide a week before the festival.

An Appalachian Summer Festival kicks off a month-long list of events on June 28 before closing on July 26. Some of the events include musical performances from Amos Lee (June 28), Joan Osborne & Lisa Loeb (July 11) and Peabo Bryson (July 16). A full schedule and ticket information are available online at appsummer.appstate.edu/ events.

In Ashe County, the annual Christmas in July Festival returns July 4-5 in downtown West Jefferson. The two-day event will feature food, crafts, vendors, and music. Music schedules and vendor lists can be

found at www.christmasinjulyfestival.com/.

The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games will bring athletes from all over the globe to Linville from July 10 to 13. Track and field events, dance competitions, music competitions, and much more will greet the eager fans who make the trek to Grandfather Mountain for the annual games. Visit gmhg.org for event guides, ticket information, and a schedule of events.

The Doc & Rosa Lee Watson Music Fest typically occurs in Sugar Grove. Due to the area sustaining damage from Hurricane Helene, this year it is taking place on July 11 at the Appalachian Theatre. The event will feature music by Scythian, The Kruger Brothers and Charles Welch. Ticket information is available at www. docwatsonmusicfest.org/. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show starting at 7 p.m.

Two more summer events are set to take place in Ashe County. The 54th annual Ashe County Fiddlers Convention is set for July 25-26. The convention happens each year at Ashe Park in Jefferson. Youth and adult competitions offer cash prizes to the top performers, as well as fun pickin’ and grinnin’ in jam sessions throughout the day. The fiddlers convention is sponsored by the Ashe County Arts Council. More information can be found at https:// ashecountyarts.org/fiddlers-fest/.

The inaugural Fly Around Music & Arts Festival will be happening in Lansing, tucked away in the northwestern corner of Ashe County. The festival, set to take place Aug. 1-2 with events at the Lost Province Center for Cultural Arts and the Old Orchard Creek General Store, is in its first year and is being held to “celebrate Appalachia’s natural beauty and rich musical traditions while raising funds to support the recovery from the historic floods from Hurricane Helene.” Musicians and event schedules can be found at https:// flyaroundfest.com/.

Follow the Avery Journal Times, the Ashe Post and Times, and the Watauga

Democrat for updates on summer festivals and other events.

PHOTO COURTESY SKIP SICKLER, GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION Nik Aston tosses the caber during the 2024 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

FILE PHOTO

Scythian will perform at the Doc & Rosa Lee Watson Music Fest.

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BIG HORSE CREEK BYWAY

In Ashe County, Big Horse Creek Scenic Byway highlights rural life in the beautiful mountains of Ashe County. The county was once known as one of North Carolina’s “lost provinces,” a remote, inaccessible county cut off from the rest of the state by the Eastern Continental Divide, where, it was said, the only way to get there was to be born there. As the byway begins, notice the peaks (4,710 feet elevation) of Phoenix Mountain to the east. Just as the rugged mountains close in with their densely wooded terrains, the byway gives way to the verdant pastures along the creek bottoms that extend up the bluffs. This rustic countryside is a short distance from undisturbed natural areas such as Pond Mountain and the Cherokee National Forest.

The byway parallels Big Horse

Creek all the way into the town of Lansing and crosses it again in numerous locations, making it a great place to cruise with the windows down to enjoy the sound of the rushing water. Occasionally, the road rises and follows the ridge above the creek, where travelers can witness spectacular views of the narrow valleys with farmhouses, farm animals, old barns, and country churches.

The hillsides feature mixed forests with intermittent pastures and Christmas tree farms. The byway also offers a snapshot of culture through the renowned songwriting and performances of former folk music artist Ola Belle Reed, a National Heritage Fellowship award winner originally from the New River Valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

For more information on North Carolina’s Scenic Byways, visit www. ncdot.gov/travel-maps/traffic-travel/ scenic-byways/Documents/nc-scenicbyways-guidebook.pdf

PHOTO COURTESY NCDOT

Little Parkway byway begins at the intersection of US 221 and NC 105 in Linville.

18 Holes in the High Country Golfing on some of North Carolina’s best courses

BY HARRIS PREVOST

North Carolina’s tourism slogan for many years was “Variety Vacationland.” The state boasts a great coastal region, rolling hills, urban piedmont and the majestic mountains. In the winter, you could walk in the ocean in the morning, play 18 holes in Pinehurst, and ski that night in the High Country. Variety is the perfect description of the High Country’s eight public courses, each with its own memorable holes, awaiting local and visiting golfers in Ashe, Watauga, Avery and Mitchell counties.

Courses will first be divided into courses open to the public, then semi-private courses open to the public under certain conditions, usually staying at the club’s/resort’s lodging facilities. Also, I will briefly mention the region’s famous private courses. For the private courses, find a member, make friends with him, and have him invite you to play his course! It will be worth your effort. These courses all rank among North Carolina’s best.

Be sure to look up each of the courses to get more information about green fees, location, phone numbers, etc. and for most, see photography of the courses. As a reminder, Hurricane Helene damaged many facets of the High country, golf courses included, so if you have any questions on the condition of the course, make sure to call beforehand.

Public Courses

MOUNTAIN AIRE GOLF CLUB

There is a private club named Mountain Air in Burnsville, but our Mountain Aire is in Ashe County, just south of West Jefferson. A four-lane divided highway, US 421, then US 221, takes you from Boone to West Jefferson. A turn left on a side road before West Jefferson takes you there. Mountain Aire is the third oldest course in the High Country behind only Linville and Blowing Rock. The course began as West Jefferson Golf Course in 1949 thanks to the effort of a local farmer who wanted a golf course for the community. It was a true “cow

pasture golf course” with greens being small circles of grass mowed a little lower than the fairways. The Adams brothers from Boone— Austin, Sam and Tom—learned to play golf at Mountain Aire. Austin became a great amateur player, Sam a PGA Tour winner and Tom serving as a longtime head golf professional. The three brothers are major owners of the Boone Golf Club. They make me wish I learned to play golf at Mountain Aire!

When the farmer died, Carl Hagel, a casual golfer who built wooden frames for windows, purchased Mountain Aire in 1971. The course has been in the family ever since. In 1985, Carl’s son Mark expanded the course to 18 holes, using Dennis Lehman, who helped design Jefferson Landing, as his designer. In 1998, some holes were replaced

with new ones on different parts of the property, and the course has continued to improve each year. Mountain Aire is now under the supervision of Mark Hagel’s sonin-law, Philip Shepherd.

One of the new holes is the third, Mountain Aire’s signature hole. It is the most dramatic hole in the High Country, if not Eastern America! The tee shot to the 468 par 4 drops over 200 feet in elevation, and if you hit your tee shot a little left, the drop is even more. The landing area is very narrow. If the wind is blowing hard, this is the most intimidating tee shot in the state. It is also one of the most beautiful. You feel like you are on top of the world, looking out at the surrounding mountain ridges. Shepherd says the hole is “either your favorite or least favorite.”

For the longer hitters, Mountain Aire has two drivable par fours. The ninth is 305 yards long from the very elevated regular tees. A great drive will be a birdie, one a little right or short is in a pond, and a little left is in the trees. The 13th is a 275-yard par 4 with a creek 15 yards in front of the green. The course is well-kept, and its greens are relatively small. Thus, accuracy is important here.

To experience a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, a fun course to play and that intimidating tee shot on the third hole, call Mountain Aire’s pro shop at 336-877-4716 or reach them at MountainAire.com to set up your tee times. Their street address is 1396 Fairway Ridge Road, approximately 30

PHOTO COURTESY MOUNTAIN AIRE GOLF CLUB

Mountain Aire Golf Club is a picturesque course in Ashe County.

minutes from Boone.

BOONE GOLF CLUB

One of Boone’s greatest citizens, Wade Brown, began dreaming of a golf course in 1940. After several false starts, which turned out to be blessings in disguise, Brown’s dream was realized in the summer of 1959.

The success of the Blowing Rock Country Club and the Linville Golf Club inspired brown’s quest to provide a golf course for Boone. Potential “false start” locations for the course included Tater Hill, land from Rivers Street up to the former Broyhill Inn & Conference Center (derailed by World War II), the Councill property behind the Lutheran church and Earth Fare (property would have been leased) and the Bolick property on U.S. 421 South where the landfill is.

One property always in the back of Brown’s mind was the Neal Blair farm. Despite being told the property was not for sale, Brown persisted, and, five years later, he got the Blair farm and the surrounding property he needed. Next, was the critical factor of financing the purchase of the property and building the course, and Brown’s close friend, banker Alfred Adams, also one of Boone’s greatest citizens, made it happen.

Ellis Maples, who learned his trade from Donald Ross beginning when he was 14 and ending when he completed Ross’s final

course, was chosen to design the course. Boone’s greens show a strong resemblance to Ross’s famed Pinehurst #2.

Boone is 6,686 yards from the tips and 6,018 from the regular tees, and it plays to a par 71. It’s not a long course, but its greens defend the course well. Boone’s collection of par 3s averages 199 yards and is as strong and well-designed as any in the state. It’s par 5s average 556 yards, and they aren’t too shabby, either!

Drivable risk/reward par 4s are a delight to galleries watching PGA Tour events and are fun to play for the rest of us. Boone has three. It’s uphill ninth is reachable for the big boys. It is 333 yards from the back and 299 from the regular tee. The risk is a creek fronting most of the green, deep to the left and out-of-bounds to the right.

The 12th is a downhill dogleg left that is reachable with a high tee shot over some white pines. Not high enough or long enough and you may be playing for a bogey. The 15th is a 300-yard carry from both tees.

Either carry the wide creek in front of the green, or hit one just short and bounce over (if the ground is hard).

My most intimidating shots are not with a driver, but with irons. The tee shot on the 192-yard 16th must be right or you could be in your pocket. Actually, you won’t be in your pocket; your ball will be history. A marsh is in front of the green and deep, really deep, rough and briers are immediately to the right. The swamp is also to the left.

My other intimidating shot is the second to the 18th green. It usually is hit from a downhill, sidehill (sloping away from you) line to an elevated, sloped, narrow green that is challenging to putt. A pond on the left catches balls that are the slightest bit offline. This is one of the better finishing holes in the High Country’s 18 golf courses.

To experience one of the finest sets of par three holes in North Carolina, call the pro shop at 828-264-8760. Visit boonegolfclub. com for more information.

WILLOW CREEK

Dr. Jim Lyons, a Miami surgeon who lived in Blowing Rock in the summers, wanted to build a development in the area and include a golf course. He purchased the Willow Valley property off N.C. 105, and it had room for a nine-hole par three course. By coincidence, Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame architect Tom Jackson was doing some renovation work at nearby Hound Ears. Lyons told Jackson he wanted holes that vary in length, that have water features come into play, some bunkers and a hole or two over 200 yards. Jackson delivered.

In 1973, Willow Creek opened for play, and it has turned out to be an undiscovered gem. The course has some challenging and fun holes. Three holes are longer than 200 yards, and taken as a whole, the nine holes average 182 yards from the tips. Several sets of tees make Willow Creek’s holes enjoyable for all levels of golfers. Five of the nine holes have water hazards.

t GOLF FROM PAGE 85

PHOTO BY TODD BUSH

Sugar Mountain Public Golf Course is extra colorful in May with rhododendrons in bloom.

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

Watauga’s Paul Taylor follows up on his tee attempt on the 14th hole during a match at Boone Golf Club.

Willow Creek is well designed with imaginative, scenic holes, and it is well maintained. Simply put, it is a good, fun course to play! The course is open from midApril through October with tee times from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Often, you can just show up and play. Green fees are very reasonable. Carts are available, but the course is not hard to walk. If you want to play 18 holes, just use a different set of tees the second time around to add variety.

Willow Creek’s greens are relatively small, so accuracy is the key to a good round. Since 75% of the shots in a round of golf on a regular course are from 160 yards in, there is a lot of golf to be played at Willow Creek. As you develop and refine a winning short game, there is a lot to learn.

Willow Creek’s 221-yard 9th hole (from the tips) will hold its own on any course in America, and it gets my vote for both the most intimidating tee shot and signature hole. The green is guarded by a small pond in its front-left that winds around to the left side. A shot that lands six yards left of the green ends up in the pond, and out-ofbounds is 15 yards from the green to the right. The green is only 31 feet wide. A par on this hole will make your day!

If time is a factor in whether you can play, or if price is a factor, or if long, hard holes beat you up, you can enjoy a relaxing round at Willow Creek. Call ahead to the pro shop at 828-963-6865 and get ready to have a great day. If you are looking for a place to spend the night, Willow Creek is part of the Willow Valley Resort, so overnight lodging is available. There are lots of “Willow Creek” golf courses, so Google “Willow Creek Golf Course in Boone, NC” for more information.

SUGAR MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB

The Sugar Mountain course is a municipal course, owned by the village of Sugar Mountain. How it came to be is a story involving several twists and turns.

The land was originally part of the 16,000 acres sold to Hugh MacRae that included Linville Resorts and Grandfather Mountain. In 1952, MacRae died and left the Sugar Mountain/Flat Top Mountain property to his grandson, George MacRae. In 1969, George and his wife, Chessie, began developing Sugar as a four-season destination with ski slopes, tennis and golf. They included three partners in their group.

They only had 60 acres at the base of Sugar for a golf course, so it had to be an

executive course, but they wanted to also have a championship course. They selected Francis Duane to be their architect. Duane was senior project manager for Robert Trent Jones Sr., and later a partner in course design with Arnold Palmer.

The MacRaes promised Duane that if he designed the executive course, he could design their championship course, which was to be called Grouse Moor and located on top of Flat Top Mountain, where the Linville Ridge golf course is today.

A perfect storm of bad luck hit the MacRaes in 1974, the year their executive course opened: bad economy, high inflation and interest rates, gas rationing, warm winter and little skiing, and no one buying real estate. As a result, the MacRaes had to declare bankruptcy, and the bank foreclosed.

One of the MacRaes’ partners leased the course until he died.

The village of Sugar Mountain wanted to buy it, but it was too young a town to take on debt, so the Sugar Mountain Ski Resort purchased it until the town could buy it back.

Sugar, like Willow Creek, is a perfect niche golf course for the player who doesn’t have time for a five-hour round or doesn’t enjoy playing 500-yard par 4s. While Willow Creek is a par three course, Sugar is an executive course with nine par 3s, eight par 4s and one par 5. It measures 4,443 yards from the tips and 4,071 from the regular tees, and is par 64.

Surprisingly, despite Sugar’s short yardage, it has only one drivable par 4, its ninth hole. The hole is slightly uphill and is 259 yards

from the back tee, 239 from the regular tee. There is no trouble on the hole, so it is no risk/all reward. Fire away.

There is one hole, though, that is worth a shot just for fun. The sharply downhill 321-yard (back), 288-yard (regular) tee shot on the fifth hole has to be perfect. There is water in front and dense woods bordering both sides of a fairly narrow fairway. There are risk/reward shots, and then there are risk/reward shots, if you go for the green on No. 5. But, hey, if you are having a fun round with your buddies, hit your score ball and drop another and have at it just for fun.

Sugar holds the distinction of probably having the shortest par five around, only 394 yards. Don’t let the hole fool you. It is a SEE GOLF ON PAGE 88 u

PHOTO BY ADDISON RUDICILE

Avery High School golfer Payton Spencer hits a tee shot during a tournament at Mountain Glen Golf Club in Newland.

steeply uphill dogleg right that plays much longer than its yardage. The second shot is a bear with a narrow opening to the green and creeks left and right.

Head professional Tom McAuliffe, who is also one of North Carolina’s top golf writers, says the 212-yard 13th hole has the course’s most intimidating tee shot and also ranks as its signature hole.

“There is no margin for error, left or right,” McAuliffe said. “There are bunkers front and left, and anything right ends up in the ‘Valley of Death,’ where there is no escape. The green has a lot of movement and is not easy to putt. It’s the toughest birdie on the course. I’ll take a par every time and not look back.”

The culture at Sugar is one of a “downhome feeling.” Guests are treated like old friends and are in for a treat once they tee off the first hole. The greens are as good as any in the High Country, and that’s saying a lot. To set up an enjoyable day of golf with friends, call McAuliffe at 828-898-6464.

MOUNTAIN GLEN GOLF CLUB

The idea to build Mountain Glen arose from a devastating fire in January 1961 that destroyed one-third of the town of Newland. Local leaders felt something needed to be done to spur economic growth in Avery County.

They knew large manufacturing was not an option because of Avery’s rough winters and isolated location. They looked four miles down the road at Linville and saw their answer: Build a golf course and develop the property around it for second homeowners. They formed the Avery Development Corporation and sold shares of stock to raise money for the project.

Thanks to great leadership and a generous landowner, Todd Lecka, Mountain Glen would become a reality. George Cobb, who first designed Quail Hollow in Charlotte, the Augusta National Par Three Course and, locally, Hound Ears, was the architect. Cobb later designed Linville Ridge. The back nine was built first, and it opened in July 1964. The front nine opened a year later.

Mountain Glen has been one of the most popular courses in the area. It plays 6,523 yards from the back tees and 5,968 yards from the regular tees. The signature hole

is the beautiful, downhill, 186-yard 12th hole. The view from the tee shows Hump Mountain in the background.

Mountain Glen’s hardest hole is the 411-yard dogleg left 11th hole. The hole isn’t particularly long, except that from 200 yards in, it is steeply uphill. Also, the tee shot must be very accurate. A little left and you are blocked by trees; a little right and you are in the trees. Being above the pin on its sloped green is not a good idea. Mountain Glen’s greens get really fast later in the summer. I rate No. 11 as one of the top five hardest holes in the High Country.

Now to drivable par 4s.

First, the mortals have two opportunities. The 291-yard sixth (265 yards from the regular tees) is a tempting drive. Fade your drive, and you are in a pond. Hook it and you might have a shot, you might be blocked by a pine tree or you might be out-ofbounds. Going for it is worth the gamble, though.

The 16th is slightly downhill and 313 yards from the regular tees and 339 from the back. Aim right and hit a draw on the downside of a hill, and you’ll be sitting pretty. Get double-crossed and hit a fade,

and you’ll be in your pocket. Out-of-bounds is right off the fairway.

And then there’s David Forbes. Forbes takes it back as far as John Daly and is twice as strong. Forbes has driven every par four at Mountain Glen except the 11th. On the “short” par 4s, such as the 339-yard 16th, he drives it with a 3 iron. Forbes is more than a long hitter. He holds the amateur course record with a 63 from the tips.

My most intimidating tee shot? It’s a toss-up between the 11th and the 17th. No. 17 is a dogleg right with two huge oak trees down the right side of the fairway and a row of white pines bordering the left side. The fairway slopes left into the pines. The best shot is a high fade over the first oak or a low fade under its branches. A tee shot left of the first oak has to be perfect or you are in the pines where the sun never shines.

Call Mountain Glen at 828-733-5804 to set up a tee time and to appreciate what it took for David Forbes to drive all but one of their 10 par 4s. If Sam Foster answers the phone, you are talking to someone special. He served as head pro for more than four decades and holds the course record with a 62. Before coming to Mountain Glen, Foster

was assistant pro at Grandfather Golf & Country Club in season and an assistant at Augusta National in the offseason.

LINVILLE LAND HARBOR

Linville Land Harbor is a 48-year-old, 1,000-acre residential resort that is, by far, the largest in Avery County with 1,400 homes. It is designed around a 48-acre lake visible from U.S. 221, three miles south of Linville.

Land Harbor was created by the Robbins brothers — Grover, Harry and Spencer — who also brought to the High Country Tweetsie Railroad, Hound Ears, Beech Mountain, Land of Oz and the Elk River Club. The original idea was to build a recreation resort for short-term or extendedstay vacationers who used their campers or RVs to live in. Back in the 1960s and early ‘70s, campers were the rage.

The RV lots made up 1,510 of the 1,933 lots, with homesites making up most of the rest. Later on, people wanted to spend more time at Land Harbor, so many of the RV lots were combined to provide an additional 500 building lots.

The Land Harbor property belonged to a

lumber company in the early 1900s. In 1923, 5,000 acres of that property was purchased by Howard Marmon, an engineering genius whose parents took him to the Eseeola Lodge when he was a boy. Apparently, Marmon had health problems when he was young, and being in the mountains healed him. He came back to build a second home.

In 1909, Marmon built the car that won the first Indianapolis 500. The following year, 61 of the nation’s official speed records were owned by Marmon cars. Amelia Earhart rode in a Marmon in her New York City ticker-tape parade, and supposedly, Bonnie and Clyde used the speedy car to outrun the police after their bank robberies. Marmon was good friends with Harvey Firestone, Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. They came for visits and fished in the lake Marmon built, which is now the Land Harbor Lake.

Mr. and Mrs. Marmon left their estate to their nephew, and when he died, he put it in a trust to benefit the hospital, library and airfield in Avery County. Warren Buffett now owns the Marmon Company. Part of the Marmon property was developed into a nursery, and that is the property that is Land Harbor.

Land Harbor was a subsidiary of Carolina Caribbean, owned for the most part by developers of Beech Mountain and the Robbins brothers. Carolina Caribbean, like Sugar Mountain, was a victim of the turbulent ‘70s and had to declare bankruptcy in 1975. A bank took over the property and decided it was in the best interest of the resort’s property owners to sell them the property.

The first nine holes of the Land Harbor Golf Club were designed by architect Tom Jackson in collaboration with local golf hero Ernie Hayes. It measures 2,950 yards and plays to a par 36. It is a delightful nine with smallish greens and well-placed hazards. The course is in excellent shape.

The 463-yard first hole is a great start. It is downhill with a sharp dogleg left and a creek running down the left side of the fairway. The creek crosses the fairway at a sharp angle about 120 yards out and forms a pond to the front left of the green. The small, undulating green has a very narrow opening with trouble all around the green. If you go for the green in two, you’d best have your “A” game right out of the chute.

The 273-yard par 4 sixth is drivable, but dangerous. The fairway narrows considerably the closer you get to the green. Houses and out-of-bounds are on the right, and left is not a nice place to be. Go for it for fun, lay up for score.

The 141-yard slightly downhill seventh is one of the prettiest on the course. It has a beautiful view of Grandfather Mountain in the background.

Land Harbor was originally going to be an 18-hole golf course, but some of the best property for the second nine was sold to try to avoid bankruptcy. All that was left was 23 acres of rugged, unusable property. The Land Harbor POA didn’t think it was possible to design nine holes on the property, but asked Ernie Hayes if he could give it a try. After numerous failed attempts, he came up with a route.

The back nine is 1,927 yards long and is a par 33. The longest par 4 is 335 yards and the shortest 196 yards. The course plays up hills and down into valleys and around the mountainsides.

Most par 4s are doglegs. Several are

drivable, but Land Harbor rules forbid going for the green because of safety concerns.

The 196-yard par four 18th can be two wedges, but you need to respect this hole. A tee shot a little right will be off the world. I double bogeyed the hole. If you think outside the box, forget the standard driver-of-the-tee par 4s and understand the limitations of a 23-acre nine-hole layout, the back nine actually is a lot of fun. Its holes are like no other.

The signature hole on the back nine has to be no. 17. It is a 112-yard par three that is straight up, like 45 feet straight up. You can’t see the pin. If you are short, back down it comes. If you are a little right, off the world it goes. A par is a nice score. A plaque on the tee names the hole “Ernie’s Revenge” in appreciation for his creating nine holes that no one thought could be built.

Land Harbor has been private until recently, but now it is open to the public. My advice: Play the course. The front side is pretty neat, but the back side is simply something you have to experience for two reasons — because you’ll never see holes

like this anywhere else, and secondly, to appreciate the genius of Ernie Hayes. Call the pro shop at 828-733-8325.

GRASSY CREEK

Grassy Creek Golf & Country Club is located in Spruce Pine in Mitchell County, the southernmost county in the High Country. It is named for neighboring 6,684feet tall Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak in Eastern America. It is in this picturesque setting of mountains, rolling hills, valleys, rivers and streams, that we find Grassy Creek.

The golf course site played a role in the Revolutionary War victory that formed our country. A thousand American patriots, called the Overmountain Men, helped turn the momentum of the war to the Continental Army’s side. British major Patrick Ferguson’s devastating march through the South had to be stopped, and mountain men ranging from as far as Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee joined forces with Western North Carolina patriots to stop Ferguson. They succeeded in a surprise attack on the British at Kings Mountain, near Charlotte.

Their pathway to victory is now a National Historic Trail and Grassy Creek is on that trail. On September 28, 1780, the Overmountain Men camped at Grassy Creek, which back then was a plantation with plenty of water for the horses and room for campsites.

Mitchell County is the gem and mineral capital of North Carolina, with at least 247 different gemstones and minerals discovered in the mines that dot the county landscape. Some mines have the purest quartz crystal on earth, which is used to make computer chips. Some of the quartz in the form of a derivative called feldspar is not pure enough for computer chips, but when ground up, it produces a beautiful white sand. Clifford Roberts, a co-founder of Augusta National and The Masters with Bobby Jones, was a summer resident at Grandfather Golf & Country Club and he heard about the sand, had it tested, and replaced all the sand in Augusta National’s bunkers with “Spruce Pine sand.” After the viewers saw the new, white sand while watching the Masters on television, they were amazed at the beauty of its contrast with Augusta’s green fairways. The rest is history. Just about every great golf

course in the country, and all the courses in the High Country, now have Spruce Pine sand in their bunkers. Golf courses in Saudi Arabia even use it.

In the mid-1950s, a group of civicminded businessmen decided the county needed a golf course. The Grassy Creek site had water and a gentle rolling terrain that was perfect for a golf course. In fact, it used to have one. Preceding Grassy Creek was a rudimentary nine hole course with sand greens that was abandoned years earlier. The property then became a dairy farm. Civic leaders secured a 99-year lease on the property, and all chipped in one way or another to make a nine-hole course a reality.

In the early 1960s, they decided their course needed to be 18 holes, so they hired New England golf course architect John Van Kleek to build a second nine. In the early 1930s, Van Kleek was hired by the immortal Bobby Jones to design his namesake golf course in Atlanta.

The 18-hole Grassy Creek is only 6,277 yards long from the back tees, but it defends itself well. On many holes, drives not positioned correctly make approach shots a stiff challenge. If you miss one of the small

poa annua grass greens at Grassy Creek, getting up and down for a par isn’t likely to happen. An example is the 298-yard 16h hole. It is a slight dogleg right with a huge oak tree guarding the right side of the hole. Play too far left to avoid the tree and there is trouble. The sloping green is difficult to putt. A par on the 385-yard uphill and sidehill fourth hole is quite an accomplishment! Because the course is so strategic, it is best to play it several times to figure out where to hit it, and where not to hit it. All the while, playing Grassy Creek is a fun and rewarding experience.

The course is located on NC 226 between Spruce Pine and the Blue Ridge Parkway (near Little Switzerland). US 19-E gets you to Spruce Pine. Green fees at Grassy Creek are very reasonable. Call the pro shop at 828-765-7436 for a tee time and a good time.

Semi-Private Clubs

There are two, Jefferson Landing and Beech Mountain.

JEFFERSON LANDING

Jefferson Landing is a semi-private club located in the pastoral rolling hills of Ashe County, bordering cow pastures, Christmas tree farms and tributaries to the New River.

Creek’s 7,175 yards is first.

The most intimidating tee shot for me is on the 376-yard eleventh hole. A river crosses the fairway at a sharp angle from right to left, with the right much farther away. I have to decide whether to gamble and carry the creek on the left side into a narrow landing area with a driver, or lay up in the narrow right corner of the fairway.

A 230-yard tee shot down the narrow right side gives me a short iron in. A hooked or pulled drive leaves me in the river. This is a classic risk/reward tee shot. The risk could be a probable triple bogey, the reward an easy par or birdie. The hole is 450 yards from the tips and 376 from the regular tees. There is a reason this is a great risk/reward hole!

The 227-yard (181 from regular tees) 17th is a beautiful hole from an elevated tee. The view ahead at the clubhouse and up at Mt. Jefferson is spectacular. A creek running in front of the green adds to the beauty … and the challenge. Pray for a par here. This is Jefferson Landing’s signature hole in my book.

Jefferson Landing has an excellent practice range and putting green, and unique to just about every course in the state, a neat four-hole short course practice area or play area just for fun.

To experience hitting a very challenging

members and their guests, and also guests of the club staying overnight in its lodge or in the club’s rental program with members’ residences. The clubhouse, club facilities and the golf course are all first class. Staying and playing at Jefferson Landing is a great experience!

BEECH MOUNTAIN CLUB

Beech Mountain’s golf course is another of Spencer, Harry and Grover Robbins’ golf contributions to the High Country. Others are Hound Ears and the Elk River Club, both private, and Linville Land Harbor.

Grover quietly purchased 10,000 acres, 7,300 acres on Beech Mountain and 2,700 acres in the valley where the Elk River Club now stands. His slogan was “9,000 families on 10,000 acres.” Grover built the ski slope and airport in 1967. The airport is now a part of the Elk River Club, which the Robbins brothers also developed.

A development of this magnitude required more investment capital, so Grover set up the Appalachian Development Corp. that attracted 40 initial investors. Later, when he added a development in the Virgin Islands, he changed the name of the company to Carolina Caribbean.

Robbins chose Atlanta architect Willard Byrd to design two golf courses at Beech Mountain, one for recreational play and one

role in the design of several High Country courses.

Byrd’s recreational course would be built first. The front nine opened in 1969 and the back nine two years later. Tragedy struck Beech Mountain about this time. Grover Robbins died of cancer in 1970. Without his vision and leadership, Carolina Caribbean began to unravel. The organization began taking on more projects than it could handle. At their peak, they had 11 planes they used to fly in prospective property buyers. They had to sell a lot of property to keep all their projects going. Unfortunately, the economy tanked, inflation was rampant, interest rates were 18 percent, there was gas rationing and several of their property owners in the Virgin Islands were robbed and killed while playing golf. The bank foreclosed in early 1975.

All the company’s properties were sold to pay off its debts. The second course, which was under construction, was never completed. It was included in the property purchased by the Eagles Nest development. Tweetsie Railroad bought the Elk River Club property, including the airport. The Land of Oz and ski slopes were sold to a mortgage company, and Land Harbor was sold to its POA.

The Beech Mountain golf course and a

The golf course is on the backside of Beech Mountain, around 4,500 feet in elevation, and its panoramic views stretch into Tennessee and Virginia. The course plays to 6,225 yards from the back tees and 5,743 from the regular tees. Because of the up-and-down terrain, it plays longer than its yardage. Needless to say, there are a number of spectacular holes on the course.

Two in particular are the 394-yard eighth hole with beautiful views of mountain ridges located in three states. The 10th tee is located to the right of the clubhouse, which is perched on a ridge, and that means the tee shot has a dramatic drop in elevation. The tee shot is exciting, to say the least.

Beech Mountain is a private club open to its members, and their guests, and those staying in lodging on the mountain that offers golf privileges for its guests.

Note: If you plan on staying on Beech Mountain and want to play golf, make sure that the place you stay offers golf packages.”

Private Clubs

The beautiful mountain terrain in the High Country is perfect for world-class golf courses. All seven private courses are highly ranked among North Carolina’s top 100 courses. Grandfather Golf & Country Club is ranked second in the state by the North Carolina Golf Panel, only behind the historic Pinehurst #2 courses, site of numerous national championships. The Elk River Club is also ranked in the Top 10. Business North Carolina magazine publishes the NC Golf Panel annual rankings in its annual April golf issue. Private courses are for their members and guests, but sometimes the clubs donate their courses for charitable fundraisers. Sign up to play in those tournaments! Your entry fee goes to a good cause and you get to play a great course you might not get to play otherwise. Win-win on your part!

Golf in the High Country began in 1895 with Linville Golf Club’s predecessor course, called Tanglewood. The golf course inspired the building of private second homes. Tanglewood was nine holes to begin with, and each hole had a name, not a number. The course was later expanded to 14 holes. In 1926, Linville opened its Donald Ross-designed present course, and eight years later Tanglewood was abandoned.

The Linville Golf Club, combined with

its Eseeola Lodge, originally built in 1892, has a rich history in North Carolina golf circles. It has hosted a number of important statewide and region-wide golf tournaments, and all who play the course love it. Linville, the granddaddy of golf in the region, inspired the development of many of the other great courses in the High Country. Linville’s third hole, a 472-yard par four that crosses a creek twice, is considered one of the finest par 4 holes in the country. A number of its holes have dramatic views of Grandfather Mountain in the background. In the winter of 2023-24, some renovations were done on some of the holes. Early reports about the changes are very positive. There is something about Linville and its rich tradition that makes it one of the most beloved golf courses in the state. The golf course and the lodge are now both private and are open only to members and their sponsored guests.

Blowing Rock Country Club is the oldest existing course in the High Country. The course began as the nine-hole Green Park-Norwood Golf Course in 1916, with a $15,000 construction budget. It was based out of the Green Park Inn, which was built in 1891, and it has gone through several variations over the years. Several of the holes circled around the hotel with the first hole being across the street. They weren’t designed by a golf course architect. The second nine holes, plus renovations to the first nine, were completed in 1926. The course owner, the Blowing Rock Development Company, contracted with one of the all-time great golf course architects, Seth Raynor, to design and build a “new” 18-hole course. Unfortunately, Raynor died a year before its completion and his assistant Charles Banks put the finishing touches on the course. That is one story. There are two others: One is that the great Donald Ross, whose headquarters was based in Pinehurst, designed the new course. He was in Linville designing its course around the same time. The second theory is that Blowing Rock was created by both architects.

In 1939, the Blowing Rock Country Club became an entity that was formed to lease the course from its owners, and in 1941 it built a clubhouse, and the club changed the routing of the course to begin and end at the clubhouse instead of the Green Park Inn. In 1952 a routing change was requested which resulted in a DOT bridge built over US 321

• Chemotherapy

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• Geriatrics

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for golfers playing the then sixth hole.

In 1973, the Blowing Rock Country Club formally purchased the course and its facilities from the Blowing Rock Improvement Company. The next year it hired South Carolina golf architect Tom Jackson to design four new holes to replace the four holes around the Green Park Inn that included the bridge over US 321. Unfortunately, a disastrous fire in September 1974 totally destroyed the beautiful clubhouse. Golf course improvements took a back seat for the next ten years while the club rebuilt and paid for the new clubhouse.

Tom Jackson restarted his design work for the four new holes in 1985, and in 1988 the new holes were in play. Three existing holes were also renovated as part of the process. In the mid-1990s, the abandoned bridge over US 321 was finally torn down. Kris Spence, a noted North Carolina restoration golf course architect was later hired to bring the course back, as much as possible, into conformance with Seth Raynor’s original design in time for

its 100th anniversary. Blowing Rock today reflects Seth Raynor’s design, and it is truly a gem to play. The course isn’t long by today’s standards, but with its creativity and challenging greens, it defends itself very well against low scores.

An unusual feature of the course is that it has five par 3s. Three stand out: The second hole is steeply uphill with a challenging green to reach in the first place, and then just as challenging to putt. On the back side, #s 15 and 16 are back-toback downhill par 3s with the second one around 200 yards long. Out-of-bounds is very much in play along the right side of both holes with drop-offs and trouble along the left side. Big numbers can sneak up on you on both holes with a stray tee shot! The course is always in excellent shape.

The Hound Ears Club was the first of four local golf courses built by the Robbins brothers—Grover, Spencer and Harry. The other three are Linville Land Harbor, Beech Mountain and top 10 in NC ranked, the Elk River Club. The Robbins had a profoundly positive impact on the area that will carry on for decades. They founded Tweetsie Railroad, Ski Beech (Mountain)

and the Land of Oz. In the early 1960s, they saw the popularity of the Boone, Blowing Rock and Linville courses and felt the demand in the area was strong enough for another course. They chose a site in the rural Shulls Mill area, five miles south of Boone, which in the early 1900s was a commercial center of the area due to the railroad. Spencer was working at the Pine Needles golf resort in Pinehurst at the time and he felt what they had and how they ran their business would work in the Boone area. They did Pine Needles one better by adding a small ski slope to fill in the gap when the golf course was closed in the winter. The Hound Ears development had a Bavarian theme.

The Robbins hired George Cobb to design their course. Cobb was a highly respected designer who did a lot of design work for Augusta National. Hall of Fame golf instructor Bob Toski was the club’s first professional. Their second was Bob Kepler, Ohio State golf coach who worked with Nicklaus, Weiskopf and Ed Sneed. Most of the golf course is located in the flat bottom land of Shulls Mill. The Robbins brothers didn’t have a plan for the course

to be part of a development, but it was so popular that people wanted to live there. The course is just over 6,000 yards, so it is a fun course for men and women, young and old. The beautiful 110 yard, 70 feet straight down 15th is Hound Ears’ signature hole, A creek and bunker in front of the green. A bogey here can sneak up on you. Speaking of beautiful, the par 5 sixth hole’s first shot is from an elevated tee to a tight fairway, which is a problem, but the big problem is keeping your eye on the ball. In the distance is an incredible view of rugged Grandfather Mountain! The 18th is a 414-yard lastminute dogleg with a creek along the right side. Too far right, and you are either wet or have trees blocking your second shot. The creek runs in front of the green and to the left of it, which is another opportunity to hit your ball into it! Nothing less than two precision shots will do. Director of Golf Peter Rucker’s favorite hole is the 500-yard par 5 12th. A large pond along the left side comes into play for both first and second shots. The green is elevated and challenging. Why would anyone want this challenging hole to be their favorite? Rucker has double-eagled it twice!

Linville Ridge has some of the most beautiful views of any golf course in America. It sits atop Flat Top Mountain where the views are 360 degrees. Linville Ridge’s prized scenic view is of Grandfather Mountain. Several area courses look up at Grandfather, but Linville Ridge is eyeballing it face-to-face. In fact, Linville Ridge’s par 5 13th hole is the highest elevation hole in Eastern America. The 15th hole looks faceto-face from tee to green with Grandfather on the left and straight ahead, Linville Gorge and the mountains on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge. This hole has to be one of the most beautiful in America, and the par 3 16th is not far behind. The vertical drop from tee to green lets you brag to your friends that you hit an eight iron 190 yards!

Linville Ridge has more than pretty views. It was well designed by George Cobb, the original designer of Quail Hollow in Charlotte, Hound Ears near Boone

Mountain, so moving dirt was not a problem. The problem was the infinite number of large and smaller rocks that needed to be cleared, the many, many springs and streams throughout the property that required piping, and the jungle-like rhododendron thickets totally covering the property. Like Linville and Linville Ridge, the 16,000-acre property was owned by Hugh MacRae in the late 1800s and early to mid-1900s. Upon MacRae’s death, grandson Hugh Morton inherited Grandfather Mountain, Morton’s cousin George MacRae inherited Flat Top (Linville Ridge) and Sugar Mountain, and Hugh Morton’s sister Aggie inherited the valley where the champion golfer built the course of her dreams. Grandfather’s construction cost was beyond her means so she enlisted the help of her brother Hugh, and the two of them realized they needed more help, so they brought in longtime friend John Williams from Tulsa, OK, and a summer resident of Linville, who did have the financial

another, that each hole had to be unique. She also wanted some holes designed with specific views of Grandfather Mountain. She chose Ellis Maples to design her course. Ellis’s father, Frank, was Donald Ross’s construction superintendent, and Ellis worked for Ross beginning at age 14. Ellis’s first mountain course was Boone. Aggie and her brother Hugh insisted the course have a lake so, unique to area golf courses, Grandfather has a 35-acre lake that plays a major role on its finishing hole in addition to being a major source of recreation and scenic beauty. Bob Kletcke, Grandfather’s first and longtime pro, was also co-head professional at the Augusta National Golf Club, home of The Masters golf tournament. Tee shots on the par 5 sixth hole and par 4 eighth look directly into the face of Grandfather Mountain. You never get tired of those views! In 1978, Grandfather added a second 18 holes, an executive course called Mountain Springs. It’s 7th hole, a short par three, is made up of a tee and green and a huge boulder field in between. There is no hole like it in the state! Grandfather leadership is constantly looking for ways to make the 7,000-yard

yards. Diamond Creek is both a golf course and an experience, and the experience is no accident. Every effort is made and every detail is taken care of to ensure golfing members and their guests are warmly engaged with every need met. It doesn’t hurt Diamond Creek to also have one of the nation’s best clubhouses in addition to a great golf course and well-trained, helpful staff!

Diamond Creek’s founders were John McNeely, former head golf professional at Grandfather Golf & Country Club, and Wayne Huizenga, now deceased, but former owner of the Miami Dolphins, Blockbuster Video, Waste Management and AutoNation. John provided the vision and Wayne the financial backing. They worked great together. Their partnership was a handshake agreement. John McNeely has recently retired from Diamond Creek, but he maintains a summer home in the area.

Diamond Creek is the only High Country golf course designed by Tom Fazio, considered one of the finest golf course architects in the history of the game. A

few years ago, 13 of Fazio’s courses were ranked in Golf Digest’s “Top 100 Courses In America.” Fazio said, “The common thread in my courses is nothing physical, it’s enjoyability. If I make a course fun, exciting, fair and a test of skills without being overly difficult, I have succeeded. I want to hear someone say about my course, ‘I can’t wait to come back and play.’” That would be the case for Diamond Creek.

John McNeely said, his vision for Diamond Creek is enjoyability and relaxation. “Diamond Creek is a way of life,” he said. “Golf is just a part of it. It’s how you live up here. Everything we do, we try to create that way of life from the minute someone arrives at our gate. We want the pace here to be relaxing. The golf course doesn’t require starting times; you are never rushed during a round of golf.” Caddies are required, and they are extremely well-trained and add to the experience.

And then there’s the course. It starts out with some tough holes so you need to bring your ‘A’ game right off the bat. There are many great holes to talk about, but we’ll

look at one on each side. The 450+ yard, par 4, ninth is a beautiful hole with the clubhouse in the background. You have no choice but to hit two great shots to reach the putting surface. On the back side, the 175yard downhill par three 17th with a small creek around the green is a challenge, but the 100-foot waterfall as a backdrop makes golf somewhat irrelevant! Indeed, Diamond Creek is an unforgettable experience!

The Elk River Club was the Robbins brothers’ last of the four golf clubs they developed, the other three being Hound Ears, Beech Mountain, and Linville Land Harbor. Elk River is a wonderful test of golf and is ranked in the top ten of North Carolina golf courses. It is the only Jack Nicklaus-designed course in the area and one of the very few golf courses in North Carolina that has its own private airport. Harry and Spencer Robbins felt there was room in the High Country for another high-end planned resort community. They found the right property on the backside of Banner Elk and just past the road leading to Beech Mountain. The Nicklaus-designed course took two years to build and was dedicated in 1984 with legendary UNC

basketball coach Dean Smith joining Nicklaus in an exhibition golf game. Nicklaus said in his dedication remarks that the water features, rolling hills and flat areas pretty much designed the course themselves. Back-to-back hurricanes Frances and Ivan, in September 2004, turned Elk River into the Amazon River, resulting in major damage that closed the course until the next September. The club used that time to renovate the entire course with Nicklaus’ help and make it even better. When asked what Elk River had given him the most pleasure, Spencer Robbins smiled and responded, “Seeing the end result. We started out with a plan on paper and it worked out exactly as planned. Our goal was to create a development that would have a positive impact on the area without destroying the natural environment. And the people here are some of the finest you could ask to be associated with. I have made many lifelong friends.” Indeed, Spencer’s lifelong friends have become lifelong friends of the High Country. The club’s members have been very generous benefactors to Avery County and its people.

Elk River has some of the most beautiful

and challenging holes in the High Country. Its first hole, a long par four with a pond on the left side of the fairway, requires a long, accurate drive right out of the chute. The par 5 sixth, a dogleg right with water on both sides of the fairway, is both beautiful and deadly. Hooks and slices on #6 equal double-bogeys. Sometimes you can see bald eagles flying around the mountain in the background. The dogleg right ninth is a bear: Elk River is on the right off the tee, then in front of you for your second shot. The green defends the hole really well! On the back, #s 11, a slight dogleg left. A creek to the right of the green and then in front of it makes for nothing less than a really precise second shot. The steeply downhill 14th, around 450 yards long, has a creek just off the green’s left side and along the fairway’s left side. The 17th is a short but deadly par 4 where the second shot is over a pond, and it seems to play longer than its actual yardage. Often, that means loss of ball, and a double bogey if you are lucky. The 18th is a long par five with Elk River running in front of the green. Par 5 18th holes are a great design feature for a golf course because of risk/reward opportunities.

Summer Concerts a chance to experience local music scene in High County

BY JERRY SNOW

The High Country has a lot of live music options in the Summer. Here’s a look at what some of the region’s venues have to offer:

JONES HOUSE

The Town of Boone’s 2025 Summer Concerts at the Jones House Cultural Center is a Friday night tradition that features local and regional talent.

The concert series will run from June 6 to Aug. 29, with concerts starting at 5:30 p.m. each Friday on the lawn of the Jones House (604 W King St.).

On Doc Watson Day (Aug. 15), the concert will begin at 5 p.m.; the music lineup will include a mix of bluegrass, oldtime, folk, Americana and jazz.

“We love being able to bring free live music to the community each summer,” said Brandon Holder, Cultural Resources Coordinator for the Town of Boone. “It’s a way to celebrate local talent, support the arts, and bring people together in the heart of downtown.”

All concerts are free and open to the public. The audience is encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic under the shade trees.

Jones House Summer Concert Schedule

• June 6: Beppe Gambetta / Clay Lunsford & Matthew Weaver

• June 13: JazzFest: Herb Stephens

PHOTO COURTESY OF JONES HOUSE Summer Concerts at the Jones House kicks off on June 6 and runs through Aug. 29.

Quartet

• June 20: Boonerang • June 27: Will Easter / Midlife Trip

• July 4: Watauga Community Band in the July 4th Parade

• July 11: Redbud / Sammy Osmond and the No-Hellers

• July 18: Daniel Sherrill / The New Quintet

• July 25: Danny Platt / Loose Roosters

• Aug. 1: Noan Partly / Lazybirds

• Aug. 8: Fern Hill / Pickin’ Thistles

• Aug. 15: Doc Watson Day with The Wilder Flower / Tim Stafford & Thomm Lutz / Asheville Mountain Boys

• Aug 22: Belleville Rendezvous / Blue Ridge Gathering

• Aug 29: Rick Ward / Mary Greene / Sarah Kate Morgan & Leo Shannon

TOWN TAVERN BLOWING ROCK

The Town Tavern Blowing Rock (1182 Main St.) hosts live music regularly. Late shows are performed inside and early shows are on the outdoor patio. For more information visit www.towntavernbr.com/ live-music-and-events-blowing-rock-nc.

Town Tavern Blowing Rock Live Music schedule 2025

• June 1: Miller & Pardue (4 p.m.)

• June 6: Shelby Rain Moore Band (9 p.m.)

• June 8: Shawn Brown (3 p.m.)

• June 13: Pressley Laton (9 p.m.

• June 15: Billy King (4 p.m.)

• June 17: William Massey (5 p.m.)

• June 20: Matt Bizzell Trio (9 p.m.)

• June 22: Cameron Nesbitt (4 p.m.)

vJune 24: Kevin Smith (5 p.m.)

• June 27: Breaking Point Band (9 p.m.)

• June 29: New River Overlook (4 p.m.)

• July 1: Mackenzie Marie (5 p.m.)

• July 4: Bandam (9 p.m.)

• July 6: William Massey (4 p.m.)

• July 8: Matt Estes (5:30 p.m.)

• July 11: Mystic Vibration (9 p.m.)

• July 13: Mackenzie Marie (4 p.m.)

• July 15: Bob Trice (5 p.m.)

• July 18: Shelby Rae Moore Band (9 p.m.)

• July 20: New River Overlook (4 p.m.)

• July 22: Kevin Smith (5 p.m.)

• July 25: Brice Hensley Band (6 p.m.); Casey Zac (9 p.m.)

• July 29: Matt Bizzell (5 p.m.)

BLOWING ROCK’S BROYHILL PARK

Broyhill Park (173 Lakeside Dr.) will host its Monday Night Concert Series in the gazebo at Broyhill Park July 1 through July 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The free concert is open to the public. The music

format will include jazz and country. Lawn chairs and blankets are recommended. The lineup will be released at blowingrock. com/monday-night-concert-series.

BLOWING ROCK’S CONCERT IN THE PARK

The annual Blowing Rock Concert in the Park Series is held on Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m., starting on July 13 in Memorial Park (1036 Main St.), and running through Oct. 5. The Alair Summer Concert Series is a food drive

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER

Robbins Amphitheater was packed out for Pressley Laton during the Banner Elk Concerts in the Park.

for the Hunger and Health Coalition. The community is encouraged to donate canned food or monetary donations when they attend a concert. Learn details about it at 3333boone.com/series/alair-summerconcerts-blowing-rock.

SUGAR MOUNTAIN OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Sugar Mountain Resort will host live music on Wednesdays from June 4 through Aug. 27 for free at Sugar Mountain Golf Club Deck (1054 Sugar Mountain Dr.). There will also be a Labor Day show on Sept. 1 by Tanya & The Roadrunnerz. The weekly shows are scheduled from 5:30 to 9 p.m. For more information, go to SeeSugar.com/ summer-concerts.

Sugar Mountain Outdoor Summer Concert Series

• June 4: Lucky Stripes Orchestra

• June 11: Opal Moon

• June 18: The Johnson Brothers

• June 25: Pressley Laton Band

• July 2: Slow Burn

• July 9: Chasing Phoenix

• July 16: Dave Brewer’s Foscoe Four

• July 23: Classic Highway

• July 30: Fortune 5

• Aug. 6: Kids In America 80s Dance Party

• Aug. 13: Smokin’ Joe Band

• Aug. 20: DJ Pete with Welter Entertainment

• Aug. 27: The Collective BANNER ELK SUMMER CONCERTS

The Banner Elk Summer Concerts in the Park series at Tate-Evans Town Park Amphitheater will run on Thursdays from June 26 through Aug. 14. The free concert series will include oldies, country, funk and soul music. Shows begin at about 6:30 p.m. Food and adult beverage vendors

will be selling their products. Pets are not allowed. The concerts are familyfriendly; lawn chairs and blankets are recommended.

2025 Banner Elk Summer Concert in the Park series:

• June 26: Adam Church Band

• July 3: The Rewind: A Tribute to the 80s

• July 10: 70’s Kids

• July 17: Funkupation

• July 24: The Johnson Brothers

• Aug. 7: The Collective

• Aug. 14: The Extraordinaires BEECH MOUNTAIN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

The concert series will begin on June 14 and run through Aug. 9 at Beech Mountain Resort (700 Beech Mountain Pkwy). The theme is country music and shows start at about 7 p.m.

Beech Mountain Summer Concert Series

• June 14: The Red Clay Strays

• July 18: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit with Grace Bowers & the Hodge Podge, Boy Named Banjo, Susto Stringband, Ashes & Arrows, Holler Choir, Adrian & Meredith, The Ain’t Sisters

• July 19: Lake Street Dive with the 502s, The Wilder Blue, Jon Stickley Trio, The Wildmans, If Birds Could Fly, Goldpine, Taylor Winchester, David Lamotte, Adam Bolt

• Aug. 9: Charley Crockett with 49 Winchester

MUSIC IN THE VALLE

Music in the Valle will be held weekly from May 30 through Sept. 5 on Fridays from 6 p.m. to dusk at Valle Crucis Community Park (2892 Broadstone Rd.).

2025 Music in the Valle Summer Schedule

• May 30: Will Easter

• June 6: Soul Benefactor

• June 13: Sammy Osmond & the NoHellers

• June 20: The Lucky Strikes Orchestra

• June 27: Rakish

• July 4: Funkupation

• July 11: The Rewind

• July 18: Jeff Little Trio

• July 25: Drew Foust & The Wheelhouse

• Aug. 1: Midlife Trip

• Aug. 8: Loose Roosters

• Aug. 15: Big Daddy Love

• Aug. 22: The Burnett Sisters Band

• Aug. 29: Dave Brewer’s Foscoe Four

• Sept. 5: Ballads from Deep Gap: A Tribute to Doc Watson

ASHE COUNTY CONCERT SERIES

Backstreet Park Concert Series is held

on most Fridays from June through the end of August.

The Backstreet Park Concert Series, hosted at Downtown Backstreet Park (2nd Ave.) in West Jefferson, will begin on June 6, starting at 5:30 p.m. with a performance by Wayne Henderson & Friends and run through the end of August. For more information, go to ashechamber.com/ events.

Backstreet Park Concert Series

• June 6: Wayne Henderson & Friends

• June 20: Crooked Road Ramblers

• June 27: Whitetop Mountain Band

• July 18: Those Three Guys

• July 25: The Lucky Strikes

• Aug. 1: Wild Mountain Magic

• Aug. 15: Rock Bottom Bluegrass Band

• Aug. 22: Kelly and Ian Snider

• Aug. 29: Mountain Laurels

COURTESY OF BROYHILL PARK

The Broyhill Park gazebo will host live music on Mondays in the month of July.

Iconic Appalachian Theatre of the High Country a destination for entertainers

BY JERRY SNOW

Appalachian Theatre of the High Country (559 W King St.) is the centerpiece of Downtown. The venue was built in 1938, and a $10 million renovation turned the 20,000-square-foot structure into a premier performing arts destination.

The posh theatre now has more than 600 cushioned, permanent chair seats and hosts concerts, plays, films and community events.

The community benefits from the group of locals who developed the idea of restoring the building, which sat as a vacant eyesore for more than a decade — better than ever before.

According to apptheatre.org, the group to save the theatre was spearheaded in 2011 by John Cooper, founder of Mast General Store. The group helped raise support for the purchase, renovation, and restoration of the theatre.

In October of 2019, the Appalachian Theatre opened again.

The nonprofit organization offers more than a dozen events every month for residents of the High Country. Most require reserved seating. Some movies at App Theatre are free, but most cost $6.

App Theatre’s summer 2025 lineup will include a wide range of talent.

CATHERINE RUSSELL

GRAMMY Award-winner Catherine Russell, a blues and jazz singer, will perform on June 13 starting at 7:30 p.m. Premium seats cost $38 and standard seats are $32.

BIG BAND

On June 14, the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band will put on a show starting at 7:30 p.m. as part of the High Country Jazz Festival. The Dizzy Gillespie Big Band is led by Gillespie alumnus, executive director and producer, and bassist John Lee. Premium seats are $44 and standard seats are $36.

BALSAM RANGE

Bluegrass band Balsam Range will perform at App Theatre on June 27, starting at 7:30 p.m. Premium seats are $35 and standard seats are $28.

“We don’t get to Boone, NC (the town that gave us Doc Watson) often enough,” the group posted on its Facebook Page. “Come be with us then!”

JOHN DENVER TRIBUTE

A Tribute to John Denver, by Ted Vigil, will be the live entertainment at App Theatre on July 10 starting at 7:30 p.m. Vigil is “the country’s number one John

Denver tribute artist,” according to the Theatre’s website. Standard seats are $29.90 and premium tickets cost $37.36.

DOC & ROSA LEE WATSON

The Doc & Rosa Lee Watson MusicFest will be held at the Appalachian Theatre on July 11, starting at 7 p.m. Gold seats are $61.91, Silver seats are $51.24, and Bronze seats are $40.56. Charles Welch, Scythian and The Kruger Brothers will perform. Learn more about it at docwatsonmusicfest. org.

RAGTIME SOCIETY ORCHESTRA

Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra

PHOTOS COURTESY OF APP THEATRE

Appalachian Theatre of the High Country was vacant for 12 years, underwent a $10 million renovation, and re-emerged as the centerpiece of Downtown Boone in 2019.

The Theatre hosts concerts, plays, films and community events.

Ted Vigil will pay tribute to music legend John Denver (pictured) with a performance in Appalachian Theatre on July 10.

will perform at App Theatre on July 12 starting at 7:30. The Orchestra bills itself as “the country’s leading Ragtime Music Orchestra.” Tickets to see the Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra are $25 each ($15 for students).

VISITORS

The Field Trip Series gives students an opportunity to experience the 87-year-old Art Deco Theatre. App Theatre’s Behind the Scenes Tours give students a guided tour of the facility and include a historical documentary. The experience is tailored based on grade level.

“Delighted to host Cranberry Middle School for a screening of ‘The Outsiders’ to culminate their literary unit on the famous novel,” The Theatre posted on Facebook on April 17.

A standard tour is free for attendees and lasts a minimum of 45 minutes.

For a virtual tour of Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, visit www.apptheatre.org/virtual-historytour

In addition to its website (apptheatre.org), App Theatre updates the community on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AppTheatre) and Instagram (@apptheatre).

Bluegrass band Balsam Range will perform at the App Theatre on June 27.

The Doc & Rosa Lee Watson MusicFest, hosted by the Appalachian Theatre, is scheduled for July 11.

Delighted to host Cranberry Middle School for a screening of ‘The Outsiders’ to culminate their literary unit on the famous novel,” App Theatre posted on Facebook on April 17.

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Lees-McRae Summer Theatre presents exciting new season for summer 2025

BY JAMIE SHELL

Lees-McRae Summer Theatre, the beloved professional theatre series hosted by the college each summer, returns for the 2025 season with an exciting line-up of three new productions to celebrate 40 years: “Nunsense,” “The Cottage,” and “1940: A New Musical.”

The season opens with “Nunsense,” which was performed from Sunday, June 1, through Wednesday, June 4. The musical-comedy follows the Little Sisters of Hoboken convent as they attempt to raise funds to finance the burial of sisters accidentally poisoned by the convent cook. “Nunsense” will be a pay-whatyou-can production, and all proceeds will support Lees-McRae Summer Theatre. All

production showings will be held at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church.

From Sunday, June 22, through Saturday, June 28, “The Cottage” will debut on the Lees-McRae Summer Theatre stage in Hayes Auditorium. In a break from tradition, this comedy is a straight play that follows the affair of two lovers secretly meeting in the English countryside. As their spouses arrive, however, a hilarious web of secrets begins to unravel. “The Cottage” is not suitable for children.

The final production of the 2025 season will be “1940!,” which will show in Hayes Auditorium from Friday, July 18, through Thursday, July 24. Set right here in the High Country at Mast General Store, against the backdrop of the recently ended Great

Depression, storytellers and musicians gather to spin yarns and sing songs. This is the latest mountain musical from the team who brought us “From the Mountaintop: The Edgar Tufts Story” and “The (W) right Sister,” Lees-McRae Summer Theatre Director Janet Barton Spear, John Thomas Oaks, and Tommy Oaks.

“Banner Elk has met the challenge of Helene and is moving forward. Most everyone had doubts about if we would recover in a timely manner, and although some areas will take years to fix, we have learned how to recover,” Speer said. “LeesMcRae Summer Theatre is back to three shows. ‘Nunsense’ and ‘The Cottage’ are tried and true belly-laugh comedies. ‘1940!’ is a new musical view of the famous storytellers

in our area who faced their own major flood. We invite you to laugh and learn with our three productions. Laugh with the nuns and the everso-funny British and learn how our founders taught us the way to weather the storm.”

For more information, visit https://www. lmc.edu/community/summer-theatre/index. htm.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Lees-McRae College is a private, residential college that awards baccalaureate and graduate degrees. At nearly 4,000 feet—the highest elevation of any campus on the East Coast—the college celebrates its location through distinct programming. An emphasis on

experiential education inspires students to learn by doing and gain broad knowledge through study across disciplines. To provide continuing education opportunities for all, the college also offers bachelor’s and master’s programs online and in surrounding communities. Throughout 2025, the college is marking its 125th anniversary and celebrating the continued growth and success the college has enjoyed since its founding in 1900.

For more information, visit www.lmc.edu or call 828-8985241.

GRAPHICS COURTESY LEES-MCRAE COLLEGE

LMC Summer Theatre returns for a trio of shows, including a new production entitled “1940: A New Musical.”

Ensemble Stage performances are a delight for all

BY JERRY SNOW

The 16th year of Ensemble Stage, a professional theatre group, will begin on June 13 with a production of “The Smell of the Kill” and run until the final performance of “A Banner Elk Christmas: Holiday Musical Variety” on Dec. 10.

The production moved into the Historic Banner Elk School (165 Azalea Circle SE) in 2017.

Artistic Director Gary Smith is the Artistic Director, and helped prepare the stage before its first production in the facility was held on June 16, 2017.

“We strive (to put) on a quality product each and every time,” Smith told the Avery Journal-Times in April of 2025. “We owe it to the town, as they have believed in us for so long.”

Lisa Lamont is the Managing Director.

Single performance tickets for the 2025 season are $30 for adults, $28 for seniors/ military and $12 for children (16 and under). Season tickets can be purchased online.

The Historic Banner Ek School seats 99.

The mission of Ensemble Stage is:

• To provide residents, and visitors, a broad range of live theatrical presentations of the highest possible quality at an affordable price.

• To inspire, challenge and nurture the imagination and social skills of youths and adults through theatre-based educational programs.

• To be an active part of the cultural growth of our community through

collaboration with residents, local businesses, and other not-for-profit organizations.

Since its inception in 2010, the Ensemble Stage has produced more than 100 shows, hired at least 300 performers, and employed 60-plus designers.

Ensemble Stage serves as a bridge between educational and professional theater, and has established an affiliation with Appalachian State University’s Department of Theatre & Dance, according to the organization.

Ensemble Stage works with the University’s Theater Department to ensure that every student gets to audition, participate in play readings, be a crew member, and play a role in a professional production before graduating. Ensemble Stage has employed App State faculty members as designers, vocal coaches, choreographers, and directors.

The Ensemble Stage is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation.

Ensemble Stage 2025 schedule

• June 13-22: “The Smell of the Kill”

• June 28 , July 12, July 26, Aug. 9: “Alice in Wonderland”

• July 18-27: “Bakersfield Mist”

• Aug. 15-24: “Alive and Well”

• Sept. 12-21: “A Red Plaid Shirt”

• Oct. 24-25: “Death of a Doll” and “The Lost Soul” of the Hitchcock Radio Hour series.

• Dec. 5-10: “A Banner Elk Christmas”

To learn more about upcoming shows, visit www.ensemblestage.com, call (828) 414-1844 or email info@ensemblestage.com.

IMAGE COURTESY OF ENSEMBLE STAGE

The Love List was previously performed by Ensemble Stage.

PHOTO BY TODD BUSH

The 99-seat Hahn Auditorium at Ensemble Stage in Banner Elk is often filled to capacity for top-flight performances throughout the year. 106

Taking the Stage Ashe County Little Theatre

BY FRANCISCO HERNANDEZ

The Ashe County Little Theatre has brought stories to life on stage for decades. With a diverse lineup of performances, the community theatre troupe captivates Ashe and the rest of the High Country with everything from lighthearted comedies and gripping dramas to thought-provoking plays.

The year began with the theatre’s production of Jack Sharkey’s “Who’s on First?” in March and will continue with cult classic “Little Shop of Horrors” June 26-28 at the Ashe Civic Center in West Jefferson.

“Little Shop of Horrors” is set in Skid Row, a down-on-its-luck neighborhood.

Plant assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles upon a new plant breed he calls “Audrey II” after his coworker, whom he has a crush on. Backed by a talented cast, Ashe County Little Theatre promises to deliver a vibrant and unforgettable take on this iconic show.

For years, this volunteer community theater group has given performers space to showcase their talents. It also offers valuable opportunities for those who prefer behind-thescenes roles, from lighting design and costuming to directing and more.

Whether you’re eager to take the stage or simply enjoy an evening at the civic center as an audience member, mark your calendars for Ashe County Little Theatre’s upcoming productions: “The Christians”, scheduled for Aug. 14-17, and “New Wendy in Neverland”, scheduled for Dec. 4-7. Auditions will be announced at a later date.

For more information on show schedules, casting information, or how to get involved, visit the Ashe County Little Theatre’s website at https://www.ashecountylittletheatre.org.

PHOTO BY MARTIN SEELIG COURTESY OF ASHE COUNTY LITTLE THEATRE

“Who’s on First?” cast. Left to right: Stephen Banks, Cassondra Greer, Sommer Ray, Michael Howell.

PHOTO BY MARTIN SEELIG COURTESY OF ASHE COUNTY LITTLE THEATRE

Cassondra Greer and Sommer Ray during one of the many scenes in “Who’s on First?”.

Ziplining through the High Country

BY JULIE SULLIVAN

Regardless of whether you are a newcomer or an Appalachian native, it’s hard to ignore the vast landscapes that surround the High Country when you come up the mountain.

Luckily, there are ways to travel the dips and valleys that mark our home. Ziplining is a famous and wellloved tourist attraction in the High Country, and one park does it best: Sky Valley Zip Tours.

Located in Blowing Rock and Boone, Sky Valley Zip Tours was founded by owner Jack Sharp in 2012. The park includes three major zip line attractions: the Canopy Tour, Night Flight and the Whistle Pig Kid Zip.

The three-hour Canopy Tour includes 10 ziplines to traverse from, a swinging bridge and a cliff rappel/ jump. Participants are driven up the trail in ATVs, all the way up to the ridgelines. One of the course’s zip lines

ranges across 1,600 feet of valley from 300 feet above the ground; that one is Big Momma.

The Night Flight has the same first five zip lines as the Canopy tour and the cliff jump section, but there is one stark difference: you zip through the lines at night!

The Whistle Pig Kids Zipline is a great choice for families to join in on the fun. The park includes seven zip line courses for kids to glide on while parents can watch from the tables and shade.

June through August is the attraction’s peak season, according to Operations Manager Steve Moize.

“The Canopy Tour is perfect for first-time zippers! Our guides explain everything and guide you through the whole tour in groups no larger than 10 people so it’s very safe, fun and rewarding,” said Moize. At the very last line, you’ll pass over a small waterfall!

Discounts are offered to individuals such as Military,

Locals, Police and first responders, as well as larger groups and private parties.

For more information, visit skyvalleyziptours.com/booknow

Elsewhere in the region, Hawksnest Zipline lies approximately 10 miles outside Boone. Originally a ski resort and golf course, this outfitter has worn many hats since opening in 1964. Hawksnest ski season officially ended in 2008 when it switched its focus to creating the East Coast’s largest snow tubing park. Shortly after, in 2009, it added a zipline course to its resume. Here, there are three different ziplining trips to choose from: the Hawk Tour, the Eagle Tour and the Do It All Tour.

The Hawk Tour is the most popular option for visitors. For two hours, adventurers will travel on 11 cables for a total of 1.5 miles through the sky. This more scenic route

PHOTO COURTESY STEVE MOIZE | SKY VALLEY TOURS

A zipline experience can provide breathtaking views.

is a great option for families and first-time zipliners.

Participants must be at least five years old, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For this tour, riders cannot weigh more than 250 pounds, and there is no weight minimum.

The Eagle Tour takes about two hours to complete as participants will be soaring through nine cables for a total of three miles. This tour features two cables that are more than 2,000 feet long and a suspension bridge. It is recommended that adventurers on this tour have some zipline experience and are relatively physically fit. At certain points, participants will be zooming around 200 feet above the ground.

Finally, the Do It All Tour combines the Hawk and Eagle Tours for a total of 20 cables, four mega zips and three swinging bridges. This four-hour trip is an exciting adventure for visitors looking for a thrilling experience through the High Country.

Both the Eagle Tour and the Do It All Tour require participants to be at least eight years old and a minimum of 80 pounds. Riders cannot exceed 220 pounds.

Hawksnest Zipline requires reservations for each trip. To make a reservation, visit www.hawksnestzipline.com or call (828) 963-6561.

Another thrill-seeking adventure awaits at High Gravity Adventures. This adventure park is jam-packed with opportunities for fun in the air. The park officially opened in 2015, and the Aerial Adventure Park was completed. In 2017, the High Altitude Zip Line Tour was added. The park currently has four different adventures to choose from: zip, climb, swing or combine them all for the ultimate adventure.

The two-hour zipline tour travels across five cables with one 70-foot freefall. This adventure starts off slow and builds in speed as you go. If speed is not on your agenda, no worries. High Gravity has a slow-moving rappel option for those who want it.

Purchase of the zip tour will also give participants access to the ground-level Ninja Course. Participants must be 7 years or older and weigh a minimum of 75 pounds. The maximum weight for this course is 265 pounds.

The Aerial Adventure Park has two options: Foothill Park and Zipline and Blue Ridge Park. Both parks give participants access to the Ninja course as well.

The Foothills Park is ideal for young adventurers. The park features 13 aerial obstacles and three kid-friendly zip lines. The ticket supplies kids with two hours of adventure time. This park is open to children ages 4 and older. All participants must have a minimum reach height of 5’3” or be accompanied by a guest who does.

The Blue Ridge Park goes the extra mile with 64 obstacles and four rappels. For three hours of fun, guests can traverse swinging logs, sky bridges, spiderwebs and more. Participants must be 7 years old or older and have a

PHOTO COURTESY STEVE MOIZE | SKY VALLEY TOURS

Sky Valley Zip Tours offers rides for thrill seekers who want to slide through lush High Country landscapes.

PHOTO COURTESY STEVE MOIZE | SKY VALLEY TOURS

reach height of 6’1” or be accompanied by a guest who does.

The final attraction is the three-person giant swing, which is exactly what it sounds like. At four stories tall, three people are harnessed into the giant swing for a wild ride. Each ticket includes two swings, and participants must be at least 48 inches tall.

If you can’t pick just one adventure, do not fret. High Gravity offers the Ultimate Adventure package that bundles it all together for a chance to zip, climb

and swing. Age restrictions and weight requirements apply and vary depending on the attraction.

For more information on High Gravity Adventures, call (828) 201-2507 or visit www.highgravityadventures.com.

Come fly through the High Country this summer with any one of these local outdoor adventures. As with all outdoor activities, visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and often required to wear closed toed shoes. The mountain weather can be unpredictable and change on a dime. Be prepared for anything and bring layers or rain gear depending on the forecast. t ZIPLINING FROM PAGE 111

FILE PHOTO

The Hawk Tour and Eagle Tour are two of the zipline adventures offered by Hawksnest, with the Eagle Tour being more adventurous and extreme.

Mountain Biking adventures in the High Country

BY ZACH COLBURN

The High Country has become a prime territory for mountain biking; surrounded by miles of trails that offer some of the best mountain biking experiences in the region, there is something for everyone — regardless of level of experience.

The Boone Greenway Trail is an ideal starting point for true beginners. It offers a single-track trail as well as an assortment of smooth and leisurely paved riverside paths. However, it is a popular spot for people to picnic and walk, so make sure to pay attention.

For those looking to make the step up, Rocky Knob Parks is one of the most popular mountain biking destinations in the area. Located just a few miles from downtown Boone, right off U.S. 421, this park features more than eight miles of trails that wind through forested hills.

The trails are well-maintained and offer a variety of difficulty levels, ranging from beginner-friendly to challenging for even the most experienced riders.

Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park has five main trails: The 1.6-mile Rocky

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

A young bike rider works on his jumps while at the Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park’s paved pump track.

Branch Trail loop, the 1-mile Middle Earth Trail, th nearly 4-mile Boat Rock Loop, the downhill PBJ Trail, Ol’ Hoss, plus more than a dozen side trails and connectors and four separate skills areas.

Rocky Knob also offers a state-of-theart paved pump track near the parking lot with several different types of ramps and small hills, making it ideal for getting some air and trying out different bike tricks. It’s also a good introduction for new riders, both young and old, to get acclimated to what they could see on the trails.

Other options offering a similar difficulty level are Beech Mountain Resort’s “Emerald Outback” trail system and a course at nearby Sugar Mountain Resort. Both resorts feature chairlifts to take riders to the top of their bike parks, and each location has specific operating hours. Check skisugar.com and beechmountainresort.com/summer for more information.

For those looking for a more

challenging experience, trails in Pisgah National Forest near the Wilsons Creek Wild & Scenic River Area offer some of the region’s most technical and difficult mountain biking terrain. The steep climbs and rocky descents will test even the most experienced riders.

Some others near Ashe County include the Virginia Creeper Trail: Green Cover to North Carolina Border.

Several local outfitters also offer guided tours and lessons for those looking to improve their mountain biking skills. These tours are a great way to explore the area and learn from experienced riders who know the trails well.

Local businesses to check out include Headquarters Bike and Outdoor (Sugar Mountain), Boone Bike and Touring (Boone), Action Cycle Sports (Boone), Hill River Cycles (Fleetwood), Rhoddie Bicycle Outfitters (Blowing Rock), Stamey’s Cycle Center (Boone) and Magic Cycles (Boone).

In addition to experiencing mountain biking individually, the High Country is also home to the Watauga High and

Regardless of age and experience, there’s something for everyone when it comes

High Country.

Watauga Middle School Bike Teams, which compete in the North Carolina Interscholastic Cycling League.

Lees-McRae College in nearby Banner Elk also fields a cycling team that competes in Division I mountain biking during the fall and spring seasons. The college has also hosted the Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships on its campus.

t BIKING FROM PAGE 113

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

to mountain biking in the

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

he Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park, which is located off Highway 421 just before you enter Boone, has quickly become one of the top biking destinations for locals and tourists alike.

Summer means cycling season kicks into high gear

BY ZACH COLBURN

With so many steep mountains and different types of terrains, the High Country has become a hotbed for competitive, well-conditioned cyclists to compete in several different events during the summer months.

However, one beloved cycling event recently made the difficult decision to cancel its summer race.

Below is a list of a few of the more wellknown events:

BOONE GRAN FONDO

The Boone Gran Fondo will be held on Aug. 3, and individuals who register by July 8 will receive a custom pro-level jersey crafted by Suarez Clothing.

Boone Gran Fondo will feature three scenic and challenging courses with twists and turns through wooded climbs and descents.

The three courses feature a 94-mile route, a 57-mile route, and a 24-mile route, each with various timed sections. The 94-mile route will have four timed sections, the 57-mile portion has three, and the 24-mile portion has one.

The event is part of the Gran Fondo National Series (the nearby Asheville Gran Fondo will take place on July 20).

The Boone Gran Fondo is an open course, so riders must obey traffic laws. The Watauga Pioneers Mountain Bike Team will maintain the aid station.

To learn more, visit www. granfondonationalseries.com/gran-fondoboone

BLUE RIDGE BRUTAL

The Ashe County-based Blue Ridge Brutal will take place on Aug. 16. It will include a grueling 100-mile cycling race and several other timed events.

The Blue Ridge Brutal also offers 70, 50, and 25-mile timed races and an e-bike

division for each race. Each takes the rider through the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains and many hills.

Registration, which is $95, began at the beginning of March. Because Blue Ridge Brutal’s proceeds benefit its scholarship fund for graduating seniors through the Ashe Advantage Project (501c3), no refunds will be issued after July 19.

Rest stops are offered along all routes (varying from seven for the 100-mile race to just one for the 25-mile race.

All rides start and finish at Jefferson Town Hall at 8 a.m. Prior to the ride, all riders will receive a goody bag.

All riders are required to wear a cycle helmet at all times. It is also each rider’s responsibility to ensure their bike is in good working condition and capable of completing whichever ride they attempt.

The routes are clearly signed and mapped out with ridewithgps.com. Where possible, volunteers will be present at major turns. In addition, each rider will be provided with a map showing all four routes and listing all turns, with the distance between each and the cumulative total. Route maps are available at blueridgebrutal.org.

All riders must obey North Carolina traffic laws and keep a careful watch for motor traffic; they’ll be provided with a chip supplied by Start 2 Finish, LLC. The chips will be attached to the bike (details will be provided at registration). The finish times will be published on this website after the ride.

Riders exceeding nine hours will not receive a finish time, and E-bikes will be chip timed separately.

For more information, call (336) 846-9550 or email info@blueridgebrutal.org.

BLOOD, SWEAT AND GEARS

Considered “the North Carolina High Country’s premier cycling event”, according to bloodsweatandgears.org, the organization

Blood, Sweat and Gears, which has become a High Country Tradition, will not be held this

to the current road conditions used for the event.

recently made the tough decision to cancel this summer’s event. The event normally takes place in late June.

“The North Carolina Department of Transportation has informed us that they cannot ensure road conditions will be suitable or safe in time for the event,” according to a statement from the BSG Events team on their website. “In a recent email, division engineers shared that several routes have missing asphalt and/or broken shoulder sections that are currently gravel

and awaiting repair or resurfacing.”

The affected roads were Mast Gap Road, Mountaindale Road, Beaver Dam Road, Silverstone Road, Highway 67, Muddy Branch Road/Peak Road, Three Top Road, Meat Camp Road, and Pottertown Road.

“These roads make up a significant portion of the BSG routes, including some of the most scenic and challenging stretches our riders have come to love,” said the BSG

PHOTO COURTESY OF BLOOD, SWEAT AND GEARS

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Cycling is a major sport in the High Country.

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Events Team “Given the scale and scope of these road issues and the uncertainty around when they will be resolved, the BSG Board believes it would be irresponsible and unsafe to proceed with the event this year.”

Those who have already registered are automatically deferred to the 2026 BSG ride. Other options available involve requesting a full refund or donating their registration fee.

The 2025 cancellation marks the fourth time in the last six years that the event has not occurred. It was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 and again two years ago due to flooding in Valle Crucis.

Future updates on the race can be found at bloodsweatandgears.org.

PHOTO BY MOSS BRENNAN

The Boone Gran Fondo, which features three scenic and challenging courses, is scheduled to take place on Aug. 3.

FILE PHOTO

Cyclists line up for the start of a previous Blue Ridge Brutal.

Local parks a

great way to have fun in

the sun

BY MOSS BRENNAN

Whether you and your family are avid hikers or not, there are opportunities to explore and enjoy the wildlife and nature of the High Country.

Clawson-Burnley Park is located at the Boone Greenway and is accessible from the greenway parking lot. It features two large pavilions covering multiple tables and numerous smaller shelters covering single picnic tables. There is a gazebo next to the Clawson-Burney wetlands, a great spot to look for deer and other wildlife. Along the wetlands is a short gravel walking trail with educational signage.

Sitting atop Horn in the West Drive, Daniel Boone Park is a hotspot for cultural and community activities. It is home to the stunning Daniel Boone Gardens,

which contains more than 200 varieties of native North Carolina trees, shrubs and wildflowers. Strawberry Hill overlook is a great place to see a stunning view of Boone. On Saturday mornings from April to November, the Watauga County Farmers Market takes place near the location. This is a must if you value fresh produce, locally sourced foods, and unique handmade art.

The iconic Horn in the West amphitheater sits at the heart of Daniel Boone Gardens and, in the summer season, presents the Horn in the West drama. For families with young children, Boone Jaycees Park has a playground for your kids to explore!

Just a hop, skip and a jump from the hustle and bustle of King Street in Downtown Boone, you can find Junaluska Park. The park has basketball courts, a playground, a large field, picnic shelters and

a walking trail with stunning views of the woods and mountains. It’s not unlikely to see deer out at this park.

Right off U.S. 321, between Boone and Blowing Rock, you will find Sterling Creek Park. It is a part of the Middle Fork Greenway, which connects Boone to Blowing Rock via the Greenway Trail, so you can easily access the greenway from this park. At this park, you can grab a coffee at Birdie’s Coffee & Treats Food Truck and sit along the New River at a bench or picnic table, or try your hand at fishing in the river.

Boone Gorge Park is a newer park that is still in the process of becoming the newest recreation area along the Middle Fork Greenway. The property features 2,000 feet of frontage along the Middle Fork New River and will be known as Boone Gorge Park. In addition to the public access and

recreational opportunities provided by the property, protecting this portion of the river is hugely important because it is located just upstream of Boone’s primary source of drinking water, according to the BRC.

Remember to stop by Valle Crucis Community Park to enjoy walking paths and a fun playground for children. On summer evenings, the park hosts various bands for Music in the Valle.

Beech Mountain has a vast network of hiking and mountain biking trails – perfect for elevating your sense of adventure and fine-tuning your harmony with nature.

Over 26 miles of hiking and bike trails around the mountain offer visitors focused perspectives of wildlife, waterfalls, and

PHOTO BY HOWARD NEUFELD

A look at a tributary to the New River at the Boone Greenway.

breathtaking scenery. There are trails for all abilities and ages, winding through wooded hideaways and lush, open balds.

Waterfalls Park in Avery County’s Newland features multiple cascades that

create a 50-foot waterfall. Picnic tables are available for a nice meal by the water.

The Ashe County Park features picnic shelters, a disc golf course, a trout pond, a skate park, baseball fields, basketball and volleyball courts, tennis courts, playgrounds, trails and more.

Members of Valle Crucis Community Park got to enjoy Ashes and Arrows week ahead of the official opening of the Music in the Valle opening concert.

PHOTO BY LEILA JACKSON COURTESY BRC Boone Gorge Park on the Middle Fork Greenway.

PHOTO BY SUE WASSERMAN

A photo of Waterfalls Park in Newland.

t LOCAL PARKS FROM PAGE 119

Taking in the views on a motorcycle ride

BY CHRISTIAN GARDNER

The North Carolina High Country, filled with mountainous ranges and ridges, offers some of the most sought-after riding routes in the country. Some motorcyclists like taking on challenging curves and mountain roads that are plentiful and spread out across northwestern North Carolina.

Ashe, Watauga, and Avery counties have magnificent views for riders to enjoy on their trips through the High Country during the summer months.

The Ashe County Chamber of Commerce debuted the Devil’s Stairs in 2022, which covers 118 miles of highway in Ashe, Allegheny, and Watauga counties in North Carolina, stretching all the way into Johnson City, Tennessee. The ride starts and ends in a big loop in downtown West Jefferson, a loop featuring more than 167 curves that takes riders nearby to at least 30 restaurants and 40 lodging locations in the area - if one should decide to stop and grab a bite to eat or like to stay overnight. The Devil’s Stairs also takes riders through Laurel Springs and Scottsville and Allegheny County, as well as into Trade, Tenn.

It also includes scenic routes in Boone, Todd and through Appalachian State University’s campus and some scenic stretches of highway along the New River. Along with the Devil’s Stairs, another loop to consider is the 124-mile “Post Office Loop,” which makes stops at several townships in Ashe County that have post offices, including Lansing, Laurel Springs, Todd, Warrensville, Creston, and Crumpler.

If these rides are not challenging enough, there are

four other roads that will take you on a longer, adventurous drive where you will need an entire day to complete without consideration of stopping for an overnight stay along the routes.

Skulls Gap covers 175 miles, and it will take riders from West Jefferson to Mouth of Wilson, Va., into Chilhowie and Saltville, Va., as well as going through Glade Spring and Damascus, Va., and on into Tennessee. Riders will travel through Butler and the Doe River Valley in Tennessee before returning to North Carolina and coming out, New, Sugar, Grove and Vilas.

“The Crumpler” begins in West Jefferson and covers 309 total miles. This loop takes riders through Virginia into West Virginia. This route goes through Crumpler in Ashe County and into Crumpler, W. Va., a small town west of Princeton, W. Va.

Not to leave out the cyclists another route that many might like to take is called “Paint Bank” that covers around 346 miles. This ride takes travelers through Tazewell, Va. across West Virginia before crossing back into Virginia near Paint Bank and New Castle. It travels south to Roanoke, Floyd, and eventually returns to Hillsville and Galax, Va.

“The Lansings” ride is considered the longest trip, covering 400 miles. The journey takes riders through Lansing in Ashe County and all the way up through Southwest Virginia to Lansing, West Virginia. The loop circles back through Hillsville, Galax, and the Mouth of Wilson, Va., before circling back on into Ashe County.

For more information and GPS directions for all of these rides, visit www.devilstairs.com

Christmas in July returns July 4-5 in downtown West Jefferson

BY NATHAN HAM

West Jefferson is the place to be this Independence Day holiday for the annual Christmas in July Festival.

On Friday, July 4, and Saturday, July 5, the downtown area will be full of food, vendors, live music, and much more.

This holiday tradition has been going on for over 35 years in Ashe County and will be sure to be another fun, memoryfilled festival for those who attend. The first festival was held in 1987 and has been held every year since, except for a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Christmas in July Festival celebrates Ashe County, a leading producer of Christmas trees, and the mountain heritage that generations have showcased through arts, crafts, and local entertainers who are representative of the region. Christmas in July is a nonprofit organization comprised of many unpaid volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the year to host a fun, safe, family-friendly event for the entire community and those visiting Ashe County.

This year will be no different as there will be a lot of activities during the festival, including craft vendors, local street shops open, a farmer’s market, and restaurants offering special refreshments or desserts.

Also make sure to have your wish list ready as Santa and Mrs. Claus will be walking around enjoying the festivities.

Many of the craft vendors will offer handcrafted original artwork, woodworking, jewelry, pottery, glasswork, and more. Typically, over 100 vendors are present for the two-day festival each year.

Food vendors will have plenty to offer, whether you want a tasty funnel cake, Philly Cheesesteak, or something simpler like a hamburger or hot dog.

For a complete list of craft and food vendors and the weekend music schedule, you can visit the festival’s website at ChristmasInJulyFestival.com and follow along on Facebook and Instagram at ChristmasInJulyFestival.

Make sure to watch out for the official Christmas in July guide in the Ashe Post and Times closer to the festival.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Special Occasion Band performed at Christmas in July last year.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Presley Barker opened the musical performances in 2024.

Sleeping under the stars Camping in the High Country

BY AARON BALOW

The High Country is known for its breathtaking scenery. You can appreciate it during a hike or drive, but sitting in it during a quiet, starry night is something altogether different. If you’ve never been camping in the area before, you’re in for a treat.

Of course, camping means something a little different to everybody. Luckily, the High Country has as many campsites as there are different types of campers. There are remote, primitive sites deep in the woods. There are spacious clearings with modern facilities and social events. And there is plenty in between. The only constant is guaranteed memories. So reserve a cabin or pack your tent or RV, and get ready to camp!

BUCK HILL CAMPGROUND

Established in 1970, Buck Hill Campground has a long history of serving campers in Avery County. The North

Toe River flows through the campground, giving campers immediate access to kayaking, tubing, and fishing. Nearly 70 RV sites and 10 cabins are available. A catch-and-release pond, playground, basketball court, pickleball court, and game room are also available.

For more information, call (828) 766-6162 or visit www. buckhillrvcampground.com.

GRANDFATHER CAMPGROUND

Located near Grandfather State Park, Grandfather Campground is perfect for anybody who wants to be a short drive or hike from breathtaking views. Plenty of hiking trails around the area mean that campers will have plenty to explore. RV hookups, tent campsites and cabins are all available. This campsite is open year-round, so if you can’t make it in the Summer, consider later in the year!

For more information, visit www.grandfatherrv.com or call (800) 788-2582.

PHOTO BY SKIP SICKLER, COURTESY OF GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATION Roasting marshmallows is a camping tradition.

HONEY BEAR CAMPGROUND

Honey Bear Campground is a family-friendly campground located just over four miles away from downtown Boone. Cabins are available for rent, as well as tent and RV sites. Amenities include a full-service coffee shop, fishing pond, swings, and bathhouse. Throughout their May 15 to October 31 season, they host special events, including BBQs, karaoke, cornhole tournaments, haunted trails and zombie paintball. For more information, visit www.honeybearcampground.com.

BOONE KOA HOLIDAY

While KOA campgrounds can be found across the United States, this site has the unique distinction of being the highest east of the Mississippi at an altitude of nearly 4,000 feet. Boone KOA is located 15 minutes from downtown Boone. Tent sites, RV sites and cabins are all available. You’ll have no lack of things to do, with amenities including mini golf, a pool and arcade games, in addition to more traditional camping activities like hiking and fishing.

For more information, call (828) 264-7250 or visit www.koa. com/campgrounds/boone/

FLINTLOCK CAMPGROUND

Flintlock remains a pleasant campground as it enters its 55th year as a family-owned and operated business. Campers will have access to amenities including a bathhouse, Wi-Fi,

FILE PHOTO

There are plenty of benches and fire pits for marshmallow roasting opportunities at Blue Bear Mountain Camp. FILE PHOTO

Camping is one of many great activities to do in the High Country to get connected with the great outdoors.

Hayes Auditorium, Broyhill Theatre

June 1–4

The nuns try to save the day in this hilarious and heavenly musical comedy revue! AMEN!

*Nunsense, presented in partnership with and performed at the Banner Elk Presbyterian Church, is a “pay-whatyou-will” production, with all proceeds benefitting Lees-McRae Summer Theatre. Donations for this production are taken at the door only.

June 22–28

Romance, mistaken identities, and maybe a little murder combined in this uproarious hit Broadway comedy!

At The Cottage love triangles have four sides!

July 18–24

right here in the High Country, this fresh mountain musical brings authentic music and genuine stories from our “greatest generation” to the stage.

electricity and water, laundry services, a play area, and more. Plenty of shade and a gentle stream make this a picturesque site in the High Country. Flintlock is located 10 minutes from downtown Boone.

For more information, call (828) 963-5325 or visit www. flintlockcampground.com.

BLUE BEAR MOUNTAIN CAMP

Open year-round, Blue Bear has something to offer every type of camper. There are car-accessible tent and RV sites, as

well as camps deeper in the woods if you’re willing to take a hike. Aesthetically striking stargazer domes and cabins are available for rent if you want a little more comfort. While you’re there, take a 20 minute drive to Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park or visit Elk Knob State Park. Blue Bear is located 8 miles north of downtown Boone in Todd, NC.

For more information, call (828) 406-4226 or visit www. bluebearmountain.com.

NEW RIVER STATE PARK CAMPGROUND

Located at the border of Ashe and Alleghany counties,

New River State Park is perfect for those who love fishing, swimming, kayaking and tubing. Several campsites are available, including paddle-in sites that provide a unique sense of privacy. The New River is home to the Hellbender, the largest salamander in the U.S. and a protected species. Wildflowers and pleasant hills dot the landscape around the river. Hiking trails remain partially open in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

For more information, call (336) 982-2587 or visit www. ncparks.gov/new-river-state-park.

Parking options in the High Country

BY NATHAN HAM

While visiting the High Country this summer, knowing where to park to explore the area can be one of the first things you discover upon arrival. Parking can be difficult depending on holiday events and busy weekends, particularly in downtown Boone. However, with numerous parking lots and street parking available, areas should be available to park your car for a stroll through town.

King Street in Boone has metered parking and is convenient to several shops, restaurants, and the Appalachian Theatre. Meter parking is available for up to two hours before the meter expires. It costs $1 per hour, and you can pay with coins or credit cards.

The largest parking areas in downtown Boone are located on Depot Street and Queen Street. These paid parking lots allow up to eight hours of parking if you plan to spend a lot of

time walking around and checking out what the town offers. Kiosks are located in these lots to pay at, and a ticket will be printed out that you simply place on the dashboard of your vehicle to avoid receiving a parking ticket.

Parking in downtown Boone is enforced Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All parking is free on Sunday and on holidays.

Parking in Blowing Rock is free in the public parking areas, while some private lots cost money.

When visiting Ashe County, downtown West Jefferson offers three large public parking lots and street parking. Street parking and lot parking are all free in West Jefferson and offer close access to plenty of shops, antique stores, restaurants, Ashe County Cheese, and the Parkway Theater.

Most parking in Avery County is also free.

FILE PHOTO

Many towns have EV chargers available at parking spots.

Public Transportation in the High Country

BY FRANCISCO HERNANDEZ

For regions like the High Country, public transportation provides accessible and sustainable options for residents and visitors.

Typically, affordable, or even free, public transit ensures that people from various socioeconomic backgrounds can travel without transportation being a barrier to mobility. From the elderly and low-income individuals to students, public transportation can be vital in completing daily tasks.

In Watauga County, AppalCART, short for Appalachian Regional Comprehensive Transit, is the primary provider of public transportation, serving Boone and the county.

With in-town bus services, the

community can enjoy fare-free rides to locations along the fixed routes. For those who want to access the bus service but live or are staying outside the town limits, making AppalCART’s Rural services part of the commute will help keep you connected to Boone. AppalCART also provides Paratransit Services for individuals with disabilities. The buses also have bike racks, making it convenient for passengers to combine cycling with public transit for their commutes.

Avery County Transportation, also known as ACT, has been serving the community since 1981. It offers demand-response transit services both within the county and to nearby areas.

Operating Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., ACT

requires passengers to schedule their rides in advance by contacting the transportation office. This service helps residents access essential destinations such as medical appointments, shopping centers, and other important services.

In Ashe County, the Ashe County Transit system serves the community by offering both fixed-route van services and demand-response transportation. The fixed routes run on weekdays and connect key areas like West Jefferson and Jefferson, serving destinations such as schools, medical facilities, and shopping areas. Demand-response transportation requires passengers to schedule their trips in advance by calling the Ashe County Transit System.

PHOTO COURTESY APPALCART

Boone’s AppalCART is working toward an electric fleet.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ASHE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION Ashe County Transportation vans parked.

est. 1898

Summer in the mountains a great time to discover area waterfalls

BY KATIE ALLEN

The High Country region of North Carolina is home to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Among its many outdoor treasures, the region boasts an impressive collection of waterfalls, each offering a unique experience for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers. From towering cascades to secluded woodland falls, here’s a look at six must-visit waterfalls in the High Country.

Linville Falls is one of North Carolina’s most iconic waterfalls, located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This multi-tiered waterfall plunges into the rugged Linville Gorge, known as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” A network of trails offers several viewpoints, from the Upper Falls’ gentle flow to the Lower Falls’ powerful drop, where the water crashes into the rocky gorge below.

In the town of Seven Devils, Otter Falls is a hidden gem nestled within a lush rhododendron-filled forest. A short but steep trail leads visitors to the falls, where water cascades over rock ledges before pooling below. Unlike larger waterfalls, Otter Falls offers a quiet, secluded atmosphere, making it perfect for a peaceful hike for families or beginners.

Crab Orchard Falls, located on the Valle Crucis Conference Center property, features a series of cascading streams flowing over moss-covered rocks. The moderate hike to the falls takes visitors through a scenic forest before arriving at the picturesque setting, ideal for picnicking or relaxing beside the soothing

sounds of rushing water.

Laurel Creek Falls, also known as Trash Can Falls, is a popular swimming hole near U.S. 321. Water tumbles over smooth rock formations, creating a small but powerful waterfall that feeds into a deep pool. This spot is especially great for cooling off in the hot summer sun. It also gets very busy on nice days. Cars parking in any no parking zone will be towed.

Green Mountain Creek Falls, easily accessible from Highway 221, is a stunning roadside waterfall flowing over a series of rock ledges. The water gently spills down mossy boulders, creating a picturesque scene perfect for photographers or travelers passing through the area. Its easy access makes it one of the most convenient waterfalls to visit in the High Country.

Elk River Falls, near the town of Elk Park in Avery County, is approximately 50 feet tall and one of the most dramatic waterfalls in the region. Its wide curtain of rushing water crashes into a deep pool, drawing sightseers and swimmers alike. While the falls are beautiful, the strong currents can make swimming dangerous, so visitors should exercise caution when exploring the area.

The High Country’s waterfalls offer scenic beauty and outdoor adventure, whether hiking through the woods or enjoying a quick roadside stop. Grab hiking boots, pack a camera, and explore these breathtaking natural wonders.

For more information on all the area waterfalls, visit highcountryhost.com/nc-highcountry-waterfalls.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Otter Falls, located in Seven Devils.

PHOTO BY KATIE ALLEN

Linville Falls is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers and visitors alike.

Watauga Lake a spotlight destination for fun and sun

BY JULIE SULLIVAN

Known for its cool, crystal-clear waters that glisten in the sun, Watauga Lake is a beloved spot by many locals and vacation lovers.

Watauga Lake was created in 1948 by the Tennessee Valley Authority, and is technically a man-made reservoir alongside the creation of the TVA Dam to control flood waters. It spans between Johnston and Carter counties and is accessible only through large stretches of winding mountain roads. It boasts an elevation of 1,929 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest reservoirs in the TVA.

If you’re able to traverse the beautiful winding highway, many activities await you at this hidden gem.

The lake is 16.2 miles long, with depths of over 300 feet during peak conditions. You can boat, fish and swim around the rejuvenated waters. Launching your boat onto the water only requires a small service fee of $5 or less, and you can also find lodging at several campgrounds located near the reservoir. You can rent marinas and boats through the Watauga Lake’s information page.

The lake’s shoreline stretches approximately 106 miles and is largely undeveloped, preserving its natural beauty. Overall, Watauga Lake covers about 6,430 acres, with 16.2 miles of length and depths exceeding 300 feet. Its elevation of 1,929 feet makes it one of the highest major reservoirs east of the Mississippi River.

Not interested in getting in the water? No problem!

You can still enjoy time by driving up roads to access many overlooks. The Appalachian Trail, a 2,000+ mile path that cuts through 14 states, is located near the lake’s southwestern tip.

On weekends from April through September, you can drive to the Stateline Drive-In Theatre to watch movie features with friends or family! Tickets are listed on the organization’s homepage.

The lake was formed when the town of Butler was intentionally flooded in the 1940s to create the lake. The former town, known to locals as “Old Butler,” is memorialized in the current Butler (Tenn.) museum, the only nearby town adjacent to Watauga Lake. Situated at the bottom of the reservoir and two miles away from the SR-67 bridge, you can find lodging throughout the small town’s motels.

The lake is a sight to behold year-round, with mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers during the late spring (May and June). The summer months provide ideal boating and swimming conditions with water temperatures around 75 to 80 degrees. The fall foliage provides a landscape popping with color around the lake, while winter snow blankets the lake’s shores in white.

For lodging details or more information, visit www. wataugalaketennessee.com.

As with many areas in the region, Hurricane Helene caused immense damage, so make sure to check your route before heading to Watauga Lake.

PHOTO BY BRENT MOORE

Watauga Lake is one of the region’s natural beauties for locals and visitors alike.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Watauga Lake offers recreation opportunities that include boating and swimming.

BY MOSS BRENNAN

TLooking for visitor information? Head to High Country Host

he beautiful summer landscape and multiple exciting destinations in the High Country offer many adventures for those traveling.

With the High Country a popular destination in the summer, a stop or call to the High Country Host regional welcome center is a must, especially to make sure your plans are still able to happen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. They can help you plan your day trips so you’re not spending hefty chunks of your vacation in the car. It provides event and trip planning information for Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Blowing Rock, Boone, West Jefferson, Wilkesboro and Sparta.

The North Carolina High Country Host operates the Official Regional Welcome Center, a comprehensive hub of services located between Boone and Blowing Rock. Nestled within view of part of the area’s portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 291, the Welcome Center offers more than just maps and brochures. It provides coupons, upcoming event handouts, and travel counselor support, as well as clean public restrooms and an area to walk your pets. The center, housed in (but not affiliated with) Appalachian Ski Mtn.’s visitor kiosk, is your one-stop destination for all your travel needs.

For more than 40 years, High Country Host has represented destinations in

five counties, including the towns of Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, West Jefferson, Wilkesboro and Sparta.

During that time, they answer questions from thousands of visitors each year. The most common question is “What’s going on today?” High Country Host keeps a weekly calendar of all events in the area, which can be found at highcountrycalendar.com.

High Country Host also offers insider information and updates many visitors won’t find anywhere else. In addition to helping you plan day trips with travel time in mind, High Country Host can advise on which hotels and lodging facilities have vacancies.

Some of the other places High Country Host suggests to people include Linville Caverns, Apple Hill Far, and Grandfather Mountain.

The visitor center staff can also advise on group size limits at various establishments, and whether you can walk in on the day of your visit or need to book several days in advance.

The High Country Host Official Regional Welcome Center is located at 6370 U.S. Highway 321 South in Blowing Rock, N.C. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call (828) 264-1299 or (800) 438-7500 or visit highcountryhost.com.

PHOTO COURTESY HIGH COUNTRY HOST

The High Country Host official regional welcome center is located on U.S. 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock and has information for all of your trip needs.

Carlton Gallery Exploring the ARTS in the High Country

Owner/Artist Toni Carlton says “These

BY JERRY SNOW

There are many artistic outlets open to the public in the High Country.

Watauga County

The Watauga Arts Council (wataugaarts.org), formed in 1981, hosts artistic events, educates children, and assists artists. The WAC works with Downtown Boone to provide monthly First Friday Art Crawls, which give artists the opportunity to showcase and sell their work. The non-profit organization also hosts classes, workshops, and studios.

The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts has more than 6,000 square feet across its six galleries.

The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM) has 10 galleries, five rotation exhibitions and covers about 25,000 square feet. The BRAHM promotes Southern Appalachian history, hosts exhibitions, collections, discussions and art camps for kids.

The Appalachian Theatre, Boone Sunrise Rotary and Appalachian State University’s Jazz Studies program will present the 4th Annual High Country Jazz Festival June 13-15 in Boone and Blowing Rock. To learn more about jazz in the High Country and this music festival, go to apptheatre.org/ highcountryjazzfestival.

The Town of Boone and the Jones House Cultural Center will partner with the Watauga Arts Council and the Watauga County Cultural Resources Department to present the free, annual Boonerang Music & Arts Festival in Downtown Boone, which takes place June 19-22 this year. There will be more than 30 acts performing at Boonerang.

The Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, the ECRS Stage at South Depot, the Mast General Store Stage at North Depot, the Jones House and Espresso News (BACR / 641 RPM Stage) will host shows during the Downtown Festival.

Boonerang is held annually in June, and serves as a homecoming to artists and anyone else with a connection to Boone.

Ashe County

The Downtown West Jefferson Gallery Crawl visits more than 15 galleries in an open house setting. The galleries, studios, and businesses showcase a variety of art mediums, including original artwork, sculptures, pottery, photography, and handmade crafts. It’s a chance to meet the artists and shop. The gallery crawls take place from 5-8 p.m. on the second Friday of each month from June to October, as well as on the first Friday of December.

The Ashe County Chamber will host its annual, free, family-friendly musical celebration, the Coolest Corner Ashe Bash, at the Government Complex (across from Bojangles) in Jefferson on June 7 (6 p.m.). All High Country residents and visitors to the region are invited. This year’s concert will include Scythian, and Darin & Brooke Aldridge. Food vendors will be on site beginning at 5 p.m. and the music will begin at 6 p.m.

The Ashe County Arts Council is exhibiting “This Od House, This Old Town,” through July 1. The Ashe County Arts Council is located at (303) School Ave. in West Jefferson, and can be reached by email (info@ashecountyarts.org) or by calling (336) 846-2787.

The Luthiers exhibition is planned for July 3 to July 28 and the Ashe County Studio Tour is July 29 through Aug. 3; the Women’s Artist Masters is scheduled for Aug. 7 through Aug. 30; and the Inspired By My Favorite Literature will be Sept. 4 through Oct. 7.

Local and regional artisans who specialize in building and repairing stringed instruments—like guitars, banjos, and dulcimers—will be featured along with their instruments during the

exhibition.

The Studio Tour Artists Gallery Exhibit, which starts on July 30, will give participants a chance to see the studios in the communities of Crumpler, Laurel Springs, Todd, Creston, Warrensville, Lansing, West Jefferson, and Jefferson.

The Women Artist Masters is a group exhibit being hosted by the Ashe County Arts Council Aug. 7 through Sept. 2. Inspired by My Favorite Literature is open to submissions and starts on Sept. 4.

Avery County

Art on the Greene will be held four times this year at Historic Banner Elk School (185 Azalea Cir. SE), starting on Memorial Day weekend (May 2425), July 5-6, Aug. 2-3 and Aug. 30-31. Proceeds from the show will go toward restoring Banner Elk School, which was built in 1939.

The Art Cellar Gallery, established in 1993, showcases works by established and emerging artists from the region. The Gallery is holding an exhibition for the work of Jason Hatcher and Justin Rothshank through June 14. The Art Cellar will host Kathy Myers Reece and Erin Hughes, Nathan & Mariela Favors June 25 through July 19, with the Open House set for June 28 from 4-6 p.m.; Tony Griffin and Ben Long will be exhibited June 23 through Aug. 16, with the open house June 26 (4-6 p.m.); and William and Noyes Capehart will be featured Aug. 20 through Sept. 13, with the opening on Aug 23 (4-6 p.m.).

Carlton Gallery, which was founded in 1982, specializes in fine arts. Carlton

Carlton Gallery

SPRING GROUP EXHIBITION

Sculpting Silence – Exploring Abstract Realms May 24 – July 15

Opening Reception May 24, 2-5

MID-SUMMER GROUP EXHIBITION

Nature’s Palette: Landscapes Across Mediums July 26 – September 15

Opening Reception July 26, 2-5 AUTUMN

GROUP EXHIBITION

Synchronization – Shared Artistic Pathways

October 11 – November 15

Opening Reception October 11, 2-5

For information on 2025 Workshops please call 828-963-4288 or visit www.CarltonGallery.com

is hosting Sculpting Silence – Exploring Abstract Realms through July 15.

Carlton’s Mid-Summer Group

Exhibition will open Nature’s Palette: Landscapes Across Mediums on July 26 from 2 to 5 p.m.

GALLERIES IN THE HIGH COUNTRY

Appalachian State Arts Corridor

423 W King St., Boone

Art Mart & Academy

377 Shadowline Dr., Boone

Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff

374 Industrial Park Dr., Boone

Common Good Co.

685 W King St., Boone

Elizabeth Rawls Art

865 Ravens Ridge Cir., Boone

Fall creek wood

661 W King St., Boone

Hands Craft Gallery

543 W King St., Boone

Jones House

604 W King St., Boone

Kyle Keeter Fine Arts

456 Tracy Cir. Apt. A, Boone

Let’s Be Artsy

2348 Hwy 105, Heritage Ct. (Ste. 8), Boone

Looking Glass Gallery

219 College St., Boone

Nth Degree

683 W King St., Boone

The Schaefer Center

733 Rivers St., Boone

Turchin Center

423 W King St., Boone

Watauga Arts Council

377 Shadowline Dr., Boone

Web of Light

174 Depot St., Boone

Wes Waugh / Bear Trail Studio

436 Grand Blvd., Boone

ArtWalk

1087 Main St. #1, Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum

159 Ginny Stevens Ln., Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery

7539 Valley Blvd., Blowing Rock

Bolick and Traditional Pottery

1155 Main St., Blowing Rock

Crown Gallery

1153 Main St., Blowing Rock

Edgewood Cottage

115 Ginny Stevens Ln., Blowing Rock

Martin House Gallery

1098-12 Main St., Blowing Rock

Morning Star Gallery

1151 Main St., Blowing Rock

Reinhart Fine Art

1153 Main St., Blowing Rock

Ron’s Oil Paintings

536 Astor Cook Rd., Blowing Rock

Rock Galleries of Fine Art

1153 Main St., Blowing Rock

Southern Highland Craft Guild, Mose Cone Manor

MP 294, 6570 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Blowing Rock

Rivercross Made in USA

3595 NC-194, Sugar Grove

Acorn Gallery

103 Long St., West Jefferson

Ashe Arts Center

303 School Ave., West Jefferson

A Designers Touch

Lauren Fine Art Gallery

303 School Ave., West Jefferson

Ashe Custom Framing & Gallery

105 S Jefferson, Ave., West Jefferson

Catch Light Gallery

118 N Jefferson, Ave., West Jefferson

Doe Ridge Pottery

125 Burley Ave., West Jefferson

Florence Thomas Art School

10 S Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson

The Liar’s Loft

134 S Big Horse Creek Rd., Lansing

Mountain to Seat Creations

607 S Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson

Original Only Gallery

3 N Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson

RT Morgan Art Gallery

120 N Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson

Barn Quilt Headquarters

1086 Friendship Baptist Church Rd.,

Jefferson

Kosinski & Douglas Studio

410 McConnel St. #202, Jefferson

Art Cellar Gallery

920 Shawneehaw Ave., Banner Elk

Banner Elk Artists Gallery

185 Azalea Cir., SE, Banner Elk

Carlton Gallery

10360 NC-105, Banner Elk

Cindy Michaud Art

112 Clubhouse Dr., Banner Elk

Clark Gallery

393 Shawneehaw Ave., Banner Elk

The Drawing Room

112 Clubhouse Dr., Banner Elk

It’s All About the Art

163 Shawneehaw Ave., Banner Elk

Linda Sheppard Fine Art

2780 Tynecastle Hwy, Suite D, Banner Elk

Moonstar Gallery Inc.

112 Clubhouse Dr., Banner Elk

Salley Nooney Gallery

7137 NC-194, Banner Elk

Studio 140 at Sorrento’s Art Gallery

140 Azalea Cir. SE, Banner Elk

Tatum Galleries & Interiors

5320 NC-105, Banner Elk

Wildflowers Fine Art Pub

112 Aldridge Park, Banner Elk

Anvil Arts Studio

9600 Linville Falls Hwy, Linville Falls

87 Ruffin Street Gallery

87 Ruffin St., Linville

Cindy Williams Gallery

3990 NC-105 Suite 5, Linville

Holden Arts & Crafts

4312 Linville Falls Hwy, Newland

Avery A&H Fair

661 Valle Rd., Newland

Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery

205 Johnson Ln., Crossnore

Crossnore Weavers & Gallery

205 Johnson Lane, Crossnore

Disc golf grows in the High Country

BY NATHAN HAM

Disc golf has become a popular outdoor recreation activity in the High Country. The sport has come a long way in the region since one of the earliest courses came to fruition in Ashe County, opened nearly 20 years ago. Now there are courses available in Todd, North Wilkesboro, Sparta, Beech Mountain, Blowing Rock and Roan Mountain, Tennessee, just to name a few.

The High Country Disc Course, located at Ashe Park in Jefferson, offers 20 holes of disc golf. Throughout the two-mile course on every hole, concrete and platform rubber decked tee-pads and easy-to-spot DiscCatcher baskets have been installed. The INNOVA-designed course is free and open to the public throughout the year. The course features over 1,500 feet in elevation change, a water hazard, open holes and holes scattered throughout a wooded course.

For more information on the course, visit udisc.com/courses/ashe-county-park-wllg.

Another course growing in popularity is at Wahoo’s Adventures in Todd. The course is free for Wahoo’s Adventures guests and $5 per person for visitors. If you want to do something else while you are there, Wahoo’s also has canoeing and tubing opportunities available. The course features nine holes that each have both long and short tees. It also has a warm-up hole for players to get ready to tackle the course.

Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock has a nine-hole course with three practice holes. This private course is reserved for Chetola residents and guests only. For more information, call (828) 295-5535 or visit the resort website at www.chetola.com.

For additional information, visit https:// wahoosadventures.com/new-river-outpost/.

In Avery County, Beech Mountain Resort offers a disc golf course for all ages and skills. The course features 18 holes designed into the mountain landscape. Players can walk the course for free, or they can take a scenic lift ride for $12 to tee off

from the summit. If you do not have your own discs, you can rent three discs for $10.

For more information, call 1-(800)-4382093 or visit www.beechmountainresort.com/ summer/disc-golf/.

Wilkesboro has two disc golf courses available to play. Just a short drive down the mountain, you can visit Rolling Pines Disc Golf Course, an 18-hole course located just off of Old Highway 421 and Peace Street near downtown Wilkesboro. The course is free and open to the public from dawn to dusk each day.

For additional course information, visit https://wilkesboronc.org/rolling-pines-discgolf-course.

If you want another challenge in Wilkesboro, try the Highland Hills Disc Golf Course. The nine-hole course is considered very hilly, wooded and challenging in terrain. The course is located just off U.S. Business 421 near downtown North Wilkesboro. Course info and updates can be found at https://udisc.com/courses/ highland-hills-wmMW.

In neighboring Alleghany County, the Sam Brown Park Disc Golf Course is near Sparta. The course, created in 2021, is not for the faint of heart, with a lot of steep terrain and walking required. The 18-hole course is considered to be very fun but very challenging.

Course details can be found at https://udisc. com/courses/sam-brown-park-LL7p.

FILE PHOTO

The High Country Disc Golf Course, located at Ashe Park in Jefferson, is one of the most popular courses in the region.

A group of disc golfers getting in a quick round at Ashe Parkregion.

PHOTO COURTESY CHETOLA RESORT

Chetola Resort’s disc golf course circumnavigates throughout the resort property.

Area Chambers of Commerce support the High Country

BY MOSS BRENNAN

The North Carolina High Country is a popular destination for first-time visitors, returning friends and fulltime residents. As part of its mission, area chambers in Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties strive to serve all individuals and businesses who find their way to our corner of the world.

From “After Hours” business events to annual dinners recognizing excellence from individuals and member businesses, area chambers of commerce are threads that connect people and foster cooperation and companionship across a wide range of the region. The Chambers also stepped up to help the community in a big way in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, raising funds for the community and acting as donation centers.

The following are chambers of commerce that serve High Country counties.

ASHE COUNTY

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Ashe County, home to both the towns of Jefferson and of West Jefferson, is just about as far as you can go in the High Country before entering Southwestern Virginia. The county is considered, in many respects, a step back in time to the way the Appalachian Mountains used to be. The chamber can direct travelers through the scenic and sparsely populated area of Christmas tree farms and rugged mountain landscapes, while offering a wide selection of brochures and maps.

Address: 01 N. Jefferson Ave., Suite C, West Jefferson, NC 28694

Phone: (336) 846-9550

Online: www.ashechamber.com

AVERY COUNTY

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Avery County Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is conveniently located in the Shoppes at Tynecastle at

the intersection of N.C. 105 and N.C. 184. The center offers information on lodging, dining, attractions, shopping and other businesses in Avery County.

Address: 4501 Tynecastle Highway, Unit No. 2, Banner Elk, NC 28604

Phone: (828) 898-5605 Online: www.averycounty.com

BANNER ELK

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Located in the heart of town, the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce in Avery County promotes the area as a unique place to live in, work and visit. Information on area lodging, dining, shopping and more is available Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and all the time by visiting www. bannerelk.org.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership association that stands as the unified voice of the business community, seeking to connect members and enhance relationships.

PHOTO COURTESY BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER

The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce is located at 132 Park Ave, Blowing Rock.

t CHAMBER FROM PAGE 141

Address: 100 W. Main St.,

Banner Elk, NC 28604

Phone: (828) 898-8395

Online: www.bannerelk.org

BEECH MOUNTAIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Whether you’re looking for a North Carolina mountain vacation full of adventure, or just a few days to relax and breathe the fresh mountain air, Beech Mountain, at an elevation of 5,506 feet, will give your soul something to smile about. Beech Mountain, which straddles both Avery and Watauga counties, offers plenty of

activities and attractions for the whole family to enjoy, but also plenty of peace and quiet for a relaxing and rejuvenating time.

Address: 403-A Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC 28604

Phone: (828) 387-9283

Online:

www.beechmountainchamber.com

BLOWING ROCK

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Blowing Rock is considered one of the crown jewels of the Blue Ridge. Its chamber of commerce knows this tight-knit community as no one else, and its representatives are always willing to

PHOTO COURTESY ASHE COUNTY CHAMBER

The “Coolest Corner” of North Carolina made it to Merlefest with two booths. One at The Shoppes and the other at The Walker Center. Pictured from left to right: April Colvard, Ashley Geercken, Flattop, Natalie Lea, and Executive Director Kitty Honeycutt.

share this knowledge with visitors. Aside from general information, lists of camping and fishing sites, and brochures, the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce also has a generous stock of menus from the town’s many eateries.

Address: 132 Park Ave., Blowing Rock, NC 28605

Phone: (828) 2957851

Online: www. blowingrockchamber. com

BOONE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is one of the High Country’s most active, with both a dedicated membership and an overall commitment to the betterment of the area as both a vacation destination and business hub. Located in the heart of Boone, the chamber is an ideal place to stop for information on area activities, brochures and maps of the community.

Address: 579 Greenway Road Suite 101, Boone, NC 28607

Phone: (828) 2642225

Online: www. boonechamber.com

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Avery County Chamber of Commerce, located in the Shoppes of Tynecastle, serves Avery County residents and businesses through multiple programs, from After Hours to sponsoring the annual Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival.

High Country Beer Fest brings out brewery lovers , which takes place Aug. 23

BY MOSS BRENNAN

Every year in August, more than 1,500 people descend on Watauga County for the annual High Country Beer Fest.

The event takes place at the High Country Fairgrounds and features more than 40 breweries serving their hand-crafted creations of ales, lagers, pilsners, pints, porters, IPAs, stouts, sours, saisons, and other alcoholic concoctions. As of publication, more than 20 breweries have already confirmed for the 2025 festival.

Three bands will also perform throughout the festival, and free fermentation seminars where attendees can learn about fermented foods from around the world.

High Country Beer Fest is a fundraising event for Ivory Tower, Inc., a nonprofit that supports Fermentation Sciences at Appalachian State University. The event raises between $40,000 and $60,000 for the program each year, and the funds have been used for scholarships and research grants, staffing, equipment, and more.

Along with raising funds for the program, the event also gives back to the community through local organizations. In 2024, they donated to Partners! Canines, which saves more than 1,000 shelter dogs and puppies yearly from euthanasia through rescue and transport efforts.

Over the past 17 years, High Country Beer Fest has donated over $30,000 to local charities.

Festival organizers also encourage safety at the festival. There is plenty of free parking at the fairgrounds, and attendees are allowed to leave their cars overnight and pick them up by noon the next day. The festival also offers reduced-rate tickets for designated drivers. There is also a shuttle that transports attendees from App State’s campus to the festival grounds.

High Country Beer Fest is a 21-and-up event due to alcohol consumption. No children will be admitted.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit hcbeerfest.com/.

Look for Mountain Times Publications’ Beer and Wine Guide, which is published right before the festival.

Thousands of people attend Beer Fest every year.

PHOTO COURTESY HIGH COUNTRY BEER FEST

Attendees can sample lots of different beers at the festival.

PHOTO BY LUKE BARBER

Among the approximately 45 breweries at the High Country Beer Fest in 2024 was Red Oak Brewery based out of Whitsett, NC.

Grab a drink in the High Country

BY MOSS BRENNAN

When the weather is nice, especially on a Saturday or Sunday, one of the best activities is to head to one of the many wineries and breweries in the High Country. Like many businesses in the area, wineries and breweries suffered from lost business during a peak season due to Hurricane Helene.

“We just need people in the area. We need the word out that the High Country is back open,” said Dylan Tatum of Grandfather Vineyard in a Facebook post.

Supporting one of the businesses in the summer, as well as all other local businesses, will help the area continue to recover from the devastating storm.

So grab a glass or bottle, sit back, relax, and enjoy a drink in the beautiful High Country of North Carolina.

BEER

Appalachian Mountain Brewing Co.

www.amb.beer/

163 Boone Creek Drive, Boone

Appalachian Mountain Brewing Co. was founded in 2011 by cousins Nathan Kelischek and Chris Zieber. AMB is one of the first breweries in Boone and quickly garnered a name for itself. They are known for their award-winning beers, ciders, and delicious wood-fired pizzas. You can find their canned beers and ciders in many stores and restaurants in the area. They also have a location in Mills River, North Carolina.

Booneshine

www.booneshine.beer/ 465 Industrial Park Dr., Boone

Booneshine is a restaurant and beer garden in Boone. Since 2015, the business has been brewing its iconic beers and ciders. Partnering with local businesses and farmers, it provides fresh and quality tasting experiences.

Parallel Brewing Co.

www.parallelbeer.com/ 114 Clement St Boone

Located within walking distance of App State’s campus, Parallel Brewing Company is one of the newer breweries in Boone. They brew a variety of unique IPA’s to meet anyone’s preferences. You can visit their recently opened tasting room to try out their continually rotating lineup of beers.

Lost Province

www.lostprovince.com

130 North Depot Street, Boone

PHOTO BY LUKE BARBER

Appalachian Mountain Brewing Co. hosts an annual Flannel Fest at both locations.

PHOTO COURTESY KETTELL BEERWORKS

Kettell Beerworks was founded in 2010.

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t DRINK FROM PAGE 146

Lost Province Brewing Company has a brewpub in downtown Boone as well as a taproom at Hardin Creek just off of U.S. 421 in East Boone, which serves as the primary production facility for the business. They also have a taproom at Coyote Kitchen — a popular allergyfriendly restaurant in Boone. Lost Province was at the forefront of expanding the beer scene in the Boone area. They recently won one gold medal, one bronze medal and an honorable mention at the 2024 NC Brewers Cup Competition.

South End Brewing Co. southendbrewing.com/ 747 W King St., Boone

Another of the newer breweries in Boone is South End Brewing Co. The flagship South End brewery opened in Greensboro in 2019, and in 2023, South End Brewing Co. was brought to Boone, where it all began. South End Brewing Co.’s journey began when Aram Kevorkian took a brew class at Appalachian State University and he shared his passion for brewing with his family. The two locations are home to craft beer, a liquor bar and a full resaurant.

Blowing Rock Brewing Co. blowingrockbrewing.com/ 152 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock Brewing Co. opened in historic Blowing Rock in 2013. Today, their brews are sold in retailers and restaurants statewide. They have won gold, silver, and bronze awards for excellence in the Carolina Championships of Beer Awards.

Kettell Beerworks kettellbeerworks.com/

567 Main St E, Banner Elk Kettell Beerworks was founded in 2010 and was recently bought by Joe and Susan Royall. This family-owned brewery prides itself on being one of the only breweries in Avery County

and offers a wide array of beer, pizza, pretzels, and a game room. Combining a family-owned brewery with the community that surrounds it to create an atmosphere where everyone that steps through the door and sips the beer feels like they are a part of the Kettell Beerworks family

Beech Mountain Brewing Co. www.

beechmountainbrewingco.com/ 1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain

Beech Mountain Brewing Co. is located in the village of Beech Mountain Resort and is open to the general public. It has a cozy ski resort atmosphere with a large fireplace and is a social hub perfect for winding down after a day on the mountain. Recently, they introduced the Red Baron Room, a 1914 speakeasy-style bar serving cocktails.

WINE

Grandfather Vineyard and Winery

grandfathervineyard.com/

225 Vineyard Ln, Banner Elk

Owned and operated by the Tatum family, Grandfather Vineyard and Winery sits on 10+ acres, five of which are the vineyards where FrenchAmerican hybrid grapes grow. Since its inception in 2011, the business has worked with growers from coast to coast to bring its patrons a wide selection of wines.

Banner Elk Winery https://www.bannerelkwinery. com/

135 Deer Run Ln, Banner Elk Banner Elk Winery opened in 2006 and, according to its website, is the most acclaimed winery in the High Country, having won numerous international and local awards. You can purchase their wine by the bottle on their website or visit in person for a luxury tasting experience. It is also the first commercial winery built in Avery and Watauga counties.

PHOTO COURTESY GRANDFATHER VINEYARD AND WINERY

Grandfather Vineyard and Winery sits on 10+ acres.

Old Barn Winery and Vineyards oldbarnwinery.com/ 2152 Beaver Creek School Rd, West Jefferson

At Old Barn Winery and Vineyards, grapevines grow alongside Christmas trees. The land these vines grow on has been passed down for four generations. Old Barn Winery offers a wide variety of red, white, and rose wines. Experience downtown West Jefferson via the Old Barn Winery trolley at no cost. The trolley makes stops at Ashe County Cheese and

Old Barn Winery. Eagles Nest Winery eaglesnestwinery.net/ 1965 Old Beech Mountain Road, Elk Park

Eagles Nest Winery is a great place to enjoy world-class wine beside an outdoor fireplace while enjoying stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Eagles Nest offers annual memberships and day passes, which provides access to wine tastings, chef-prepared meals, and live music.

PHOTO COURTESY OLD BARN WINERY Grapevines grow alongside Christmas trees at Old Barn Winery.

Beech Mountain Brewing Co. is located in the village of Beech Mountain Resort and is open to the general public.

Lost Province Brewing Co. Head Brewer Adam Cranford holds up the gold medal-winning Kingslayer.

STAFF REPORT

TBurnsville

Come for the day, stay for the lifestyle

ucked into the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Burnsville, North Carolina is more than just a destination—it’s an unforgettable experience. This resilient community recently weathered Hurricane Helene and came out shining.

“There’s a misconception out there,” said Elaine Mann, Yancey Chamber Director, “that Western North Carolina was wiped off the map by Hurricane Helene. Burnsville is 100% open, 100% strong, and ready to share our warmth and hospitality with every visitor.”

At the center of downtown stands The NuWray Hotel, a true gem of North Carolina history. Built in 1833, the NuWray

is the oldest continuously operating hotel in the state. After a three-year renovation, the restoration preserves the charm and heritage of this iconic structure while adding the modern amenities today’s travelers expect— making it the perfect place to anchor your visit. Other lodging options include the cozy Carolina Country Inn, the truly Southern Terrell House Bed & Breakfast, and a wide variety of charming vacation rentals with incredible mountain views—all offering exceptional value compared to busier, more expensive tourist areas.

Downtown Burnsville is walkable, inviting, and alive with Appalachian flavor. As you stroll Main Street, you’ll discover gems like Something Special Gift Shop,

PHOTO COURTESY YANCEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Burnsville NC: An overhead view of downtown Burnsville.

Monkey Business Toy Store, and Mountain Time on Main, alongside boutiques and independently owned businesses. For art lovers, Toe River Arts Gallery and Hearth Glass & Gallery — established in 2022 by Keikichi Littleton where creativity in glass art is not only cultivated but also celebrated and marketed — showcase the craftsmanship and vision of regional talent in a county with more artists per capita than any other in the U.S.

Hungry? Stop by Appalachian Java for coffee and breakfast, Carriage House for a cozy lunch or dinner, Live Oak for Appalachian-inspired dishes, or enjoy a relaxing al fresco meal at Garden Deli or Snap Dragon. End your day with a craft beer at Homeplace Beer Co., a community favorite with frequent live music and events.

Burnsville’s cultural heartbeat is the Parkway Playhouse, North Carolina’s oldest continually operating live theater, offering a full season of performances that spotlight homegrown talent and storytelling.

Nature lovers will find plenty to explore. Burnsville is a gateway to Yancey County’s vast outdoor adventures— hiking trails with panoramic views, horseback riding, and stargazing at the Mayland Earth to Sky Park, home to the Bare Dark Sky Observatory and a new planetarium.

Plan your trip around one of Burnsville’s signature events: the Toe River Arts Studio Tour (June 6–8), when area artists open their studios to the public, or the Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair (August 1–2), a celebration of Appalachian craftsmanship held on Burnsville’s picturesque Town Square.

Whether staying a day, a week or longer, Burnsville offers small-town charm, natural beauty, and heartfelt hospitality—all without the big-city price tag. Shop, eat, stay, and play in Burnsville today!

For more information, visit YanceyChamber.com or stop by the Visitor Center at 106 West Main Street, Burnsville, NC.

PHOTO COURTESY YANCEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE At Homeplace, you will find plenty of lagers, table beers, hoppy american, and malty english beers.

PHOTO COURTESY YANCEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Events, like the Crafts Fair, are abundant in Burnsville.

YOUR GUIDE TO EATING & DRINKING IN THE HIGH COUNTRY!

Family Billiards: ATradition of ExcellenceSince1996

Countr yRetreat Family Billiards& Grill is convenientlylocated in Foscoe -8miles southofBoone andBlowing Rock off highway 105 (next to theDollar General), and8miles northofBannerElk andLinville. Thissummer Family Billiards is celebrating29years in operationasthe High Countr y’sonlypoolroom, featuring 10 professional pooltables. Family Billiardsisafamilyfriendlynon-alcohol recreational destination as well as afull service restaurant &grill. Theyhostweekly handicappedpooltournaments forthe more dedicated poolplayers of alllevels, as well as catering to recreational andfirst time poolplayers.Thegrill operatesfrom 11 am -8pmMondaythrough Saturday.The diningareaincludes acovered frontporch forthose wishingtoeat outside.Family Billiardsisclosed on Sundays.

Family Billiards& Grill’s poolroomand

pooltables have always been considered as topnotch andare maintained in immaculatecondition,but theirmain businessistheir qualityfood &beverage operation, of whichclosetohalfof whichistake-outorders. The majority of regulars come fortheir quality, consistent andaffordablefood offerings, although many have neverplayedpoolhere. The room features numerous large screen TV’s generallyfeaturing sports or weather during thedaytime andsportingeventsat night. Chef BrianAndersonpreparesdaily specials Monday throughFriday, which virtuallyalwayssellout.FamilyBilliards is asmall operation that caters to and depends largely on theirloyal following of regulars,but ever yone is welcome as a family friendlyrecreationIentertainment anddiningoptionfor localsaswellas touristsvisitingthe highcountry

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