WinterFest 2019

Through Sunday, January 27th

Winter Plunge Sale Event 2nd Annual

120 Maple Rd. at Hwy 321 & Sunset Dr. in Blowing Rock • (828) 434-5240

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PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL Artisan Ice Sculptures constructed more than a dozen ice sculptors for local businesses during WinterFest 2018. The creatings were displayed in front of the businesses all weekend.

Welcome to

WinterFest Don’t hibernate, celebrate!

For the 21st consecutive year, Blowing Rock is welcoming visitors to its annual WinterFest celebration.

The slogan for 2019 is “Don’t hibernate, celebrate!” It’s our way of saying you need not wait for warm weather to enjoy what the High Country has to offer. In fact, there are things you can do in January that you can’t do in June, such as walking in

a winter wonderland, watching folks jump into a freezing lake, skiing and watching talented individuals craft beautiful ice sculptures in Memorial Park.

Since 1998, the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce has presented WinterFest as a way for the people of the Southeast to enjoy honest-to-good-

ness winter fun. This year, WinterFest takes place from Thursday, Jan. 24, to Sunday, Jan. 27. The four days will contain loads of fun events for the entire family. Highlights of the celebration include the Polar Plunge at Chetola Lake, the Beer Garden, the Rotary Charity Chili Cook-off, WinterFeast, the Wine Tasting and Auction, WinterPaws Dog Show, ice carving and snowmaking events, “Shop Til You Drop” merchant specials and much more. New to the WinterFest lineup this year is the High Country K-9 Keg Pull

benefitting local rescue organization PARTNERS! Canines.

WinterFest, which has been named a AAA “Top Pick” and a Top 20 Event by the Southeastern Tourism Society, is organized by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and presented by Hendrick Luxury Group and The Spice & Tea Exchange of Blowing Rock.

For more information, visit blowingrockwinterfest.com or call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851.

Thursday, January 24, 2019

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MOUNTAIN

LIVING

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Immerse yourself in WinterFest Ice carving, BRAHM, art and hands-on activities

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ant to experience winter in a more immersive way? Children and adults will have several opportunities to learn more about winter weather and arts with several hands-on activities over WinterFest weekend.

Friday, Jan. 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 26 from 12 to 4 p.m., visitors of all ages can take part in hands-on ice carving with carver Kathleen Gallagher. Stop by Memorial Park to try your hand at creating a polar bear from a block of ice. Hand chisels and safety goggles will be provided.

Also on Saturday in Memorial Park, Brad Panovich, chief meteorologist at WCNC-TV in Charlotte, will lead a snowmaking demonstration from 11 a.m. to noon. Learn how snow is made and then play in the pile!

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum is also hosting several creative winter-themed art

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAHM The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum promotes visual arts, history and heritage of the mountains through educational programs, exhibitions and significant permanent collections.

experiences over the weekend.

On Thursday at 10:30 a.m., preschool age children and a parent/guardian are invited to Doodlebug Club, a fun educational

art program focused on basic art skills. (Space is limited and cost is $5. Call (828) 295-9099 or email jennifer@blowingrockmuseum.org to reserve a spot.)

On Friday from 4 to 6 p.m., or Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, adults can create art in a relaxed atmosphere facilitated by trained art instructors at Cork

& Canvas. Each participant goes home with a finished work of art inspired by a famous work. All materials, including canvasses, paint, brushes, and aprons, are provided. Wine, beer and light snacks are complimentary. Cost is $45 and online ticket purchase is required in advance of event.

Finally, another free art experience is on Saturday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. with Arctic Art for kids. No reservations required.

Admission to the museum is free for everyone. Current exhibitions at BRAHM include “Outsiders: The Inside Story of Folk Art,” “Farm, Forage, Feast: High Country Foodways,” “Gail Haley’s Jack Tales: New Acquisitions to the Collection” and a piece from the Rosen Sculpture Competition. For more information or to reserve your spot for one of the winter art classes, visit www.blowingrockmuseum.org or call (828) 295-9099.

A tasteful event ... and auction WinterFest offering wine tastings and auction

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s the 2019 Blowing Rock WinterFest begins on Jan. 24, among the live music, shopping and dining opportunities and the infamous Polar Plunge, there will plenty of tastings to enjoy during the weekend.

There will be a special Wine Tasting & Auction event and auction on PHOTO COURTESY OF METRO Jan. 26 hosted by the Blowing Rock Downtown Blowing Rock will feature a WinterFest Sip and Stroll Chamber of Commerce at the Green event where shoppers and visitors can visit various stores which Park Inn that is considered a great will also offer up some libation on Jan. 25. time for a great cause.

For those coming to WinterFest on Jan. 25, downtown Blowing Rock will feature a WinterFest Sip and Stroll event where shoppers and visitors can visit various stores which will also offer up some libations.

The Sunset & Vine wine shop will host a series of wine tastings in the heart of Blowing Rock. Located at 150 Sunset Drive, the venue will feature wine tastings on Friday, Jan. 26, from 5 to 7 p.m., and on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 1 to 6 p.m.

There is no cost for the wine tastings on Friday, and Saturday they are $10. In addition to the tastings, on Friday from 4 to 5 p.m., Danny Sanford will present a seminar on “Grapes That You’ve Never Heard Of”; cost for this is $15. More

information can be found at www. blowingrockwine.com and (828) 414-9111.

On Jan. 26, the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce will host a distinctive wine tasting and live auction that will feature many unique items from the wine enthusiast world. Up for bid will be 25 lots of hard to find wines and experiences, including travel packages. The cost for the event is $30, with the wine tasting beginning at 3 p.m. and the auction beginning at 5 p.m.

The auction benefits the Rotary Club of Blowing Rock. All of this will take place at the Green Park Inn located at 9239 Valley Blvd in Blowing Rock. More information can be found at www.blowingrockwinterfest.com and (828) 295-7851.

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Thursday, January 24, 2019

PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL The 2018 WinterFest charity proceeds were distributed to local nonprofits in March 2018 From left to right: Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce President Charles Hardin, Western Youth Network’s Executive Director Jennifer Warren, Hospitality House’s Director of Development Todd Carter, Mountain Alliance’s Rachel Whitner, Middle Fork Greenway Project Director Wendy Patoprsty, Blood, Sweat and Gears Ride Coordinator Scott Nelson, Boy Scout Troop 100’s Sam Copenhaver, Director at Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation Jennifer Brown, Blood, Sweat and Gears board member Sherie Pitts and Blowing Rock Market owner David Barker.

What to do

WinterFest 2019 schedule of events THURSDAY, JAN. 24, 2019 10:00 AM Shop ‘Til You Drop Jan. 24 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Downtown Blowing Rock, Main Street & Beyond Free Admission at BRAHM Jan. 24 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, 159 Ginny Stevens Lane

10:30 AM Doodlebug Club at BRAHM Jan. 24 @ 10:30 am – 11:30 am $5 Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, 159 Ginny Stevens Lane

5:30 PM WinterFeast (Sold Out) Jan. 24 @ 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm $40 Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort, 185 Chetola Lake Dr.

FRIDAY, JAN. 25, 2019 7:30 AM Pancake Breakfast Jan. 25 @ 7:30 am – 1:30 pm Sunny Rock Eggs and Things, 8146 Valley Blvd.

10:00 AM Shop ‘Til You Drop Jan. 25 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Downtown Blowing Rock, Main Street & Beyond Free Admission at BRAHM Jan. 25 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, 159 Ginny Stevens Lane

10:30 AM WinterFashion Show Jan. 25 @ 10:30 am – 2:00 pm Advance $35 / Door $40 Passed hors d’oeuvres, mimosas & spritzers; cash bar available Evergreen Ballroom at Chetola Resort, 185 Chetola Lake Dr.

4:00 PM Cork & Canvas Jan. 25 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm $45 Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, 159 Ginny Stevens Lane Wine Seminar Jan. 25 @ 4:00 pm- 5:00 pm $15 Sunset & Vine, 150 Sunset Dr. Hands-on Ice Carving Jan. 25 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Memorial Park, Downtown Blowing Rock Sip & Stroll through Downtown Stores Jan. 25 @ 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm…

Downtown Blowing Rock Hot Chocolate from the Winter Warmer Project Jan. 25 @ 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Lawn, 132 Park Ave.

5:00 PM WinterFest Ice Stroll Jan. 25 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm…

SEE SCHEDULE ON PAGE 6

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Custom Blends • Herbs • Spices Exotic Salts • Sugars • Fine Teas

1087-Main Street, Unit 4 | Blowing Rock, NC 828-372-7070

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SCHEDULE

Sunny Rock Eggs and Things, 8146 Valley Blvd.

8:00 AM

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

Estate Jewelry

Downtown Blowing Rock WinterCraft: An Outdoor Handmade Market Jan. 25 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm The Mountain Thread Company Courtyard, 1098 Main St. Wine Tasting Jan. 25 @ 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm FREE Sunset & Vine, 150 Sunset Dr.

5:30 PM Music on the Lawn Jan. 25 @ 5:30 pm — 8:30 pm FREE The Inn at Ragged Gardens, 203 Sunset Drive

6:30 PM Jazz at WinterFest Jan. 25 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm Green Park Inn, 9239 Valley Blvd

7:00 PM

FEATURING DISTINCTIVE ANTIQUE & ESTATE PIECES

828.295.4500 | 167 SUNSET DRIVE IN BLOWING ROCK (One half block off Main Street across from school)

Bonfire, S’mores & Entertainment Jan. 25 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Chetola Lake, 185 Chetola Lake Dr.

SATURDAY, JAN. 26, 2019 7:00 AM Breakfast Special Jan. 26 @ 7:00 am – 2:00 pm Southern Comforts, 870 Main St.

7:30 AM Pancake Breakfast Jan. 26 @ 7:30 am – 1:30 pm

Be sure to visit The Blowing Rock

Polar Plunge Registration @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am at Chetola Lodge, 2nd floor foyer Advance $35 / Door $40 Viewing @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am at Chetola Lake is FREE 185 Chetola Lake Dr.

10:00 AM Shop ‘Til You Drop Jan. 26 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Downtown Blowing Rock,Main Street & Beyond Free Admission at BRAHM Jan. 26 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, 159 Ginny Stevens Lane Hayrides Jan. 26 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm FREE Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, 132 Park Ave. Cork & Canvas Jan. 26 @ 10:00 am — 12:00 pm $45 Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, 159 Chestnut St. Silent Auction & Raffle Jan. 26 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm American Legion, 333 Wallingford Rd. 11:00 AM Snow Making Demo with Meteorologist Brad Panovich Jan. 26 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm FREE SEE SCHEDULE ON PAGE 7

©

SHAGGING AT THE ROCK June 22, 2019 2pm - 8pm Silk Groove The Holiday Band featuring Wayne Eullis as Elvis The Tams

“Enjoy the Legend”

6TH ANNUAL BLOWING ROCK MUSIC FEST September 14, 2019 1pm - 8pm

Rock Road, Blowing Rock NC 828.295.7111 • TheBlowingRock.com

Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers

N o r t h C a r o l i n a’s O l d e s t Tr a v e l A t t r a c t i o n , S i n c e 1 9 3 3

Jeff Little Trio • Soul Benefactor

Winter Hours: January - March • Thursday - Monday 9am - 5pm Summer Hours: April - October • Open Daily 8:30am - 7pm Weather Permitting

The Harris Brothers

Wayne Henderson • Shelby Ray Moore Band The Neighbors • Charlie Carpenter Cecil Palmer • Mitch and Masten

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Jan. 26 @ 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm FREE Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, 159 Ginny Stevens Lane

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

Memorial Park, Downtown Blowing Rock Hot Chocolate from the Winter Warmer Project Jan. 26 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Lawn, 132 Park Ave.

3:00 PM Wine Tasting & Auction Jan. 26 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Auction begins @ 5:00 pm Advance $30 / Door $35 Green Park Inn, 9239 Valley Blvd

11:30 AM

6:30 PM

Rotary Charity Chili Cook-off Jan. 26 @ 11:30 am – 2:00 pm $8/$5 Blowing Rock School, 165 Morris St. High Country K-9 Keg Pull Registration @ 11:30 pm – 12:30 pm Races @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Outside American Legion, 333 Wallingford Rd.

Jazz at WinterFest Jan. 26 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm Green Park Inn, 9239 Valley Blvd

7:00 PM Bonfire, S’mores & Entertainment Jan. 26 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Chetola Lake, 185 Chetola Lake Drive

SUNDAY, JAN. 27, 2019 7:00 AM

12:00 PM Hands-on Ice Carving Jan. 26 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Memorial Park, Downtown Blowing Rock Ice Carving Demonstrations Jan. 26 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Memorial Park, Downtown Blowing Rock

1:00 PM Winter Beer Garden Live music and spirits tastings Jan. 26 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm Advance $30 / Door $35 Outside American Legion, 333 Wallingford Rd. Wine Tasting Jan. 26 @ 1:00 pm — 6:00 pm $10 Sunset & Vine, 150 Sunset Drive Arctic Art at BRAHM

PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL

Breakfast Special Jan. 27 @ 7:00 am – 2:00 pm Southern Comforts, 870 Main St

Hayrides are a popular option for visitors to Blowing Rock.

Heavenly hayride

10:00 AM Shop ‘Til You Drop Jan. 27 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Downtown Blowing Rock, Main Street & Beyond

11:00 AM Sunday Brunch Jan. 27 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Foggy Rock Eatery & Pub, 8180 Valley Blvd.

12:00 PM WinterPaws Dog Show Registration @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Show @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm $5 Blowing Rock School, 165 Morris St

Tour Blowing Rock from behind a tractor

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lways a crowd favorite, visitors can enjoy a tour of downtown Blowing Rock, including all of the town’s WinterFest decorations, from atop a bale of hay.

The free hayrides are available starting at 10 a.m. and running about every 10 minutes from the Blowing Rock Chamber

of Commerce at 132 Park Ave. in downtown Blowing Rock, behind the Blowing Rock Market.

The hayrides are considered one of WinterFest’s must-do events!

For more information, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851.

Grand Opening!

JAZZ ATat theWINTERFEST Green Park Inn 4TH ANNUAL

Featuring the Todd Wright Jazz Quartet

THE MOST INCREDIBLE TOY STORE EVER! INCREDIBLE

Friday January 25th and Saturday January 26th 6:30pm – 9:30pm Join us for Jazz with dining at our Chestnut Grille Reservations Required 828-414-9230

OPEN: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm 3411 Hwy 321 South • Blowing Rock, NC Between Boone & Tweetsie 828.264.1422

Chestnut Grille

ESTD. 1882

Divide Tavern

9239 Valley Blvd Blowing Rock, NC 28605 828.414.9230 | www.greenparkinn.com

Robin Walker, Trina Dunn, & Danny Matkins Welcome You!

We Welcome Women, Men, & Kids

WE OFFER: Color Highlights • Perms • Waxing Facials • Diamond Dermabrasion Slimming System Non Evasive

GRAND OPENING SPECIALS 1 Process Color

Kids Cuts

Only $39.95

from 1pm - 4pm

Only $9

Rock Paper Scissors Salon Monday-Friday 9am-6pm | Saturday 9am-2pm 334 #2, 105 Bypass | Boone, NC 828.297.HAIR

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Freezin’ for a reason Community members to take chilly dive into Chetola Lake for charity

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ndividuals will brave a dip in cold waters in order to raise money for charity during the annual WinterFest Polar Plunge.

The event takes place on Jan. 26 at Chetola Resort Lake — located at 185 Chetola Lake Drive in Blowing Rock. “Plungers” will leap into the lake during the winter temperatures, with all proceeds going to benefit the Western Youth Network and the Hospitality House.

Day-of registration and checkin begins at 8 a.m. in the Chetola Boardroom with participants gathering in the indoor pool area at 9:30 a.m. for a safety speech.

Plungers then will take the annual march to Chetola Lake with jumping commencing at 10 a.m.

Pre-registration online is encouraged at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/registrationto-plunge-at-blowing-rockwinterfests-2019-polar-plungeevent-tickets-50396045930.

SEE PLUNGE ON PAGE 10

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

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PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL People dress up in all manner of costumes or lack thereof for 2018’s polar plunge.

PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL Over 100 plungers will break the first rule of Chetola Lake during Blowing Rock WinterFest, as they jumped into the lake as part of Polar Plunge.

PLUNGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Day-of registration will take place in the Boardroom on the second floor of Chetola.

Registration is $35 per person in advance or $40 the day of. The event is free for spectators.

Returning as the event’s emcee is WBTV News Anchor John Carter. Participants often dress in costumes for the event. Polar Plunge Queen Joan Hearn will hand out the “Golden Plunger” award for the best costumes.

Participants and observers can enjoy

the Polar Plunge brunch from 10 a.m. to noon in the Timbers Room at Timberlake’s restaurant at Chetola. The brunch will feature a special brunch menu, drink specials and a live feed of the Polar Plunge, according to Allison West, Chetola’s marketing and public relations manager. A regular breakfast menu will be provided from 7:30 to 10 a.m.

Brunch fees are $22 for adults and $16 for children 12 years of age and younger.

Gratuity and drinks are not included in the fee. As limited seating is available for live feed viewing, reservations are accepted.

Reservations can be made by calling Chetola at (828) 295-5505.

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PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL The 2018 Blowing Rock WinterFest ice sculpture at SouthMarke.

WinterFest 2019 I

Shopping, sipping and ice sculptures

f you are shopping in downtown Blowing Rock on Friday, Jan. 25, don’t be surprised if you happen upon a sculpture made entirely of ice.

Shopping is a big part of the WinterFest weekend and there is ample time to get some in.

The continuous “Shop Til You Drop” event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24, through Sunday, Jan. 27, with all local businesses taking part.

Friday, Jan. 25, will be the highlight of the shopping weekend as downtown businesses will take part in the Sip and Stroll event, where select shops offer snacks, beverages and other specials to shoppers from 4 to 7 p.m. In addition, the second annual WinterCraft: An outdoor handmade market, it will showcase work from local artisans in the courtyard SEE STROLL ON PAGE 12

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PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL The ice sculpture at the Spice and Tea Exchange at the 2018 Blowing Rock WinterFest.

Locally owned & operated with 19 Years Experience in the High Country

WINTERFEST

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STROLL CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

of the Martin House shops at 1098 Main St., Friday from 5 to 8 p.m.

Shoppers will also encounter magnificent ice sculptures in front of select businesses from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25.

The sculptures will be the work of Nathan Moran, owner of Artisan Ice Sculptures, and his team of sculptors. Moran is an award-winning ice sculptor with more than 13 years of experience.

For those who want to see a master ice carver in action, Moran and his team will host ice-carving demonstrations in Memorial Park from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26.

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851 or visit www.blowingrockwinterfest.com.

FROM THE BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE A map of ice sculpture locations for the 2019 Blowing Rock WinterFest.

“Greatest Wines You’ve Never Heard of” Dinner to benefit Buffalo Cove Outdoor Education Center with Fine Wines Trading Company

Thursday, January 24th, 2019 $69 per guest, excluding tax and gratuity 6:45pm arrival, dinner begins promptly at 7pm - RECEPTION -

N.V. Antucura “Cherie” Sparkling Rosé - ONE -

Brick & Mortar Vin Clair White Blend with Frisee and Bacon Salad sherry vinaigrette, white cheddar, toasted peanuts, green onions, orange supremes 10% of our dinner pricing and wine sales from the evening will be donated to Buffalo Cove Outdoor Education Center www.buffalocove.com

- TWO -

Alpha Box and Dice Grenache with Pork Belly & Spaetzle lusty monk spaetzle, ham consommé, turnip greens

- THREE -

Le Mistral “Joseph’s Blend” with Braised Beef Short Rib Ragu tomato, crooked creek grits, romano vinaigrette dressed micro greens

Restaurant and Wine Bar

831 W. King St (Across from the Courthouse) 828.263.9176 | www.vidaliaofboonenc.com

- FOUR -

Klinker Brick “Brick Mason” Red with Chocolate Chiffon Cake chocolate mousse, powdered sugar, strawberries

Reservations Required

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LOCALLY-OWNED AWARD-WINNING • TRUSTWORTHY

Est. 2000

The High Country’s Premier Locally-Owned Pet Store • Expert Nutrition and Care Advice Self-Service Pet Wash Nail Trimmings and Ear Cleanings 100% Guaranteed Dog and Cat Food

The Pet Place Shops at Shadowline Boone, NC 28607 828.268.1510

HUGE JANUARY Everyone wins at Rotary SALES EVENT! PHOTO BY ANNA OAKES Chefs from many different restaurants put their chili cooking skills to work in the name of charity on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, at the Blowing Rock School gym.

Charity Chili Challenge F ood is central to celebrations of all kinds, and at WinterFest, chili is a signature dish.

Back for another year at Blowing Rock’s WinterFest and perfect for those looking to warm up after the Polar Plunge is the Rotary Charity Chili Cook-off, taking place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26, at the Blowing Rock School Gym. “It’s a comfort food. Everyone loves chili in the winter,” said Loni Miller of the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. “And in the South and North Carolina, everyone has a different take on it. There are no two chilis alike — that’s pretty fun for people.”

Whether you like your chili with beans or no beans, there should be plenty of different options to go around at this year’s version of the Rotary Charity Chili Cook-off, so named because 13 of the area’s nonprofits will partner with restaurants and individual chili chefs to vie for your dollar “vote” in their tip jars. The chili with the most tips in its jar is declared the winner, and all nonprofits will take home the money donated to them. Rotary Club of Blowing Rock provides all volunteers to run the event.

“The cool thing about it is every single nonprofit that

comes ... they get exposure, (and) they get to tell people about what they do in the community,” Miller said.

As of Jan. 11, confirmed nonprofits and chili makers included the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, partnering with the Restaurant at Gideon Ridge; Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, partnering with The Gamekeeper; Western Youth Network, with the Blowing Rock Ale House; Watauga County Habitat for Humanity, making their own chili; OASIS, partnering with the Meadowbrook Inn; High Country Breast Cancer Foundation, with Twigs; Watauga Humane Society, with Bistro Roca; Middle Fork Greenway and Coyote Kitchen; Casting Bread Ministries, making their own chili; Hospitality House and the Famous Toastery; LIFE Village and The Red Onion; the Children’s Council of Watauga County, partnering with The Cardinal; and SmileON ADG, with chili made by Barry Houck.

Tickets will be sold at the door and are $8 for adults (12 and up), $5 for kids (5 and up) and free for kids younger than 5. The Lucky Ones will provide live music.

For more information, call (828) 295-7851 or visit www.blowingrockwinterfest.com.

EVERYTHING in the Store at Reduced Prices!

Appalachian Furniture Mattress Gallery 2550 HWY 421 NORTH • BOONE, NC 28607 828.297.5055 • VISIT US ON FACEBOOK

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Photos around WinterFest

PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL Jerry and Sandra Meyer of Blowing Rock dance at the WinterFeast after-party on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at Chetola Resort.

PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL Todd Carter, all dressed up, prepares to take the Polar Plunge on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018.

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Photos around WinterFest

PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL Due to weather, an enclosed tent was set up at The Best Cellar for the WinterFest Beer Garden.

PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL Seth Park, executive chef of Bistro Roca, at the WinterFest dinner event on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at Timberlake’s.

WINTERFEST

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WinterFeast

PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL Scores of restaurants offerw their culinary excellence at the 2018 Blowing Rock WinterFeast.

Providing buffet-style bliss for food enthusiasts

B

lowing Rock is home to many unique restaurants, each boasting menus of signature items, making the task of choosing where to eat a difficult one.

But those attending WinterFest won’t have to stress over culinary decisions, thanks to the annual WinterFeast, a buffet-style restaurant crawl held at Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort on Thursday, Jan. 24.

The event will have three seatings at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m.

Introduced last year, in order to alleviate the crowd of people in the bar waiting for tables, Chetola made more room in the bar where guests can enjoy live music, a cash bar and warm beverages while they wait.

At the main event, guests can enjoy small plate selections prepared by the area’s best chefs to satiate every taste and appetite, and with 13 different restaurants, the opportunities seem endless. This is a “cruise style” seating event, so it cannot be guaranteed that all parties will sit together.

Finally, guests can participate in the Post-Feast Party in the Appalachian/ Blue Ridge Room of Chetola featuring desserts, more entertainment and more beverages.

Participating restaurants this year include The Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop, The Ridgeline, The Best Cellar, The Chestnut Grille at the Green Park Inn, Bistro Roca, Restaurant at Gideon Ridge, Row-

land’s Restaurant at Westglow, The Town Tavern, The Table at Crestwood, Storie Street Grille, Six Pence Pub, Twigs and Outback.

WinterFeast is sponsored by The Spice & Tea Exchange of Blowing Rock, which will provide a selection of hot teas for the after party.

Restaurants providing dessert at the Post-Feast Party include Timberlake’s Restaurant and The Backstreet Bakery.

Tickets are $40 and do not include gratuity or drinks. As of Jan. 7, the 6:30 seating was already sold out. This event usually fully sells out in advance, so contact the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851 to inquire about any remaining tickets.

save the date.

Check our “Coming Events” section.

WE’RE ONLINE

Thursday, January 24, 2019

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

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

Pet friendly rooms available.

The Hillwinds Inn: 828.295.7660 The Ridgeway Inn: 828.295.7321 The Village Inn: 828.295.3380

www.TheVillageInnsOfBlowingRock.com

FILE PHOTO Folks sample food and beverages at the first WinterFest Beer Garden event at the Best Cellar.

WinterFest pints await at beer garden Bringing warmth to the cold

Freedom to go M anywhere this Winter.

New 2019 Jeep Rubicon

2282 Hwy 105 South Boone, NC • (828)264-3626

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ore than 20 vendors will be on hand outside the American Legion building from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26, for the annual WinterFest Beer Garden.

Sponsored by The Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop, visitors can sample many different types of beer from local and regional breweries. Food will be available for purchase from The Speckled Trout and Betty’s Biscuits.

On the back deck of the Legion building will be regional distillers sampling their spirits and live music by Handlebar Betty.

Each attendee will received a commemorative WinterFest pint glass, while supplies last.

Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door, and you must be 21 or older with a valid ID to sample beer. For those who prefer not to sample, individual pints can also be purchased for $5 each. For more information or to reserve your tickets, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851 or visit www.blowingrockwinterfest.com. An up-to-date list of beer and spirits providers can also be found there.

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Sunny Rock and Foggy Rock to host breakfast Start the day off right with two of Blowing Rock’s favorite eateries Two of Blowing rock’s favorite restaurants, Foggy Rock Eatery and Pub, and Sunny Rock Eggs and Things, located next to each other on Valley Boulevard, will participate in WinterFest with a couple of breakfast events to start Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 26 and 27, off right.

Saturday, will see Sunny Rock Eggs and Things host an all-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The cost is $5 for Tim’s Outstanding Pancakes served with one side of link sausage or bacon. The event is dine-in only and no sharing is allowed. For more information, call (828) 414-9636.

Sunday, Jan. 27, will see the morning festivities at Foggy Rock Eatery and Pub kickoff with a Sunday Brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Along with the fabulous brunch specials will be beverage specials. For more information, call (828) 295-7262.

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WinterFest and all that jazz High County jazz at the Green Park Inn From Jan. 24 to 27, Blowing Rock WinterFest will be in full swing and among the many activities scheduled will be the WinterFest Jazz at the Green Park Inn. The historic and beautiful Green Park Inn, located at 9239 Valley Blvd., in Blowing Rock features a wonderful original oak dance floor in its Chestnut Grille in the Grand Ballroom — and that is where the music will take place. Performing this year’s Jazz at WinterFest will be the High Country’s ambassador of jazz, Todd Wright.

Wright will be throwing down with his amazing jazz quartet on Friday and Saturday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dinner reservations are required and are available from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. A special menu is prepared for those seatings.

More information can be found at www.greenparkinn.com/chestnutgrille and by calling (828) 414-9230.

FILE PHOTO Saxophonist Todd Wright, the High Country’s ambassador of jazz.

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Thursday, January 24, 2019

WinterPaws a WinterFest crowd favorite Pooches strut to raise money for Watauga Humane Society

PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL Around 65 different furry friends took park in the annual WinterPaws dog show on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, at the Blowing Rock School Gym.

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Ending the WinterFest festivities with a woof, the ninth annual WinterPaws Dog Show is a crowd favorite.

People may participate in the event with their furry companions from 1 to 3 p.m. on Jan. 27 at the Blowing Rock Elementary School gym. Doors for the event open at noon. Or folks can just come out to see the cutest dogs around!

For participants with dog(s), registration at the door begins at noon with a $5 entry fee per category. Categories include: most unique looking mix of breeds, most clever dog trick, cutest looking dog in the world, best winter fashion wear and dog that most resembles its owner.

On average, 25 pet-owners bring their dogs — many of which will participate in multiple categories. The winner of each category will receive a prize, as well as go

on to compete for the title of best in show.

Spectating is $5 for adults and free for children younger than the age of 12. A crowd of approximately 250 people attend the event each year. All proceeds raised at the event benefit the Watauga Humane Society, our local nonprofit that serves the needs of approximately 2,000 abandoned animals each year.

Attendees can expect the event to also have pizza for sale, soda and bottled water, shirts and entertainment provided by the High Country Cloggers. There will be shelter dogs on-site for adoption as well.

To register a dog in the show, register at the door or pick up a registration form in advance at the Humane Society and bring it with you.

For more information, contact Anne Moell at annemoell@juno.com.

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PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL Nine-year-old Allie Bertrand of Boone, along with her dog George, who won ‘Best in Show’ at the WinterPaws dog show on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018.

Thursday, January 24, 2019

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Welcome to Winterfest!

Let our caring and experienced staff make our independent retirement community your new home.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Abby Hemp races to the finish line with her dog Huckleberry at a previous year’s K-9 Keg Pull.

High Country K-9 Keg Pull races its way to WinterFest Event benefits animal rescue efforts

P

rep your pups.

The fourth annual K-9 Keg Pull, an event that benefits Todd-based animal rescue Partners! Canines, will make its way to Blowing Rock’s American Legion Building during WinterFest on Jan. 26.

Dogs of all sizes are matched up with empty beer kegs, which will be mounted on sleds and snowboards.

Keg size will be determined by weight. From there, participating dogs will race down the approximately 100-foot course to the finish line.

Races will begin at 1 p.m. and go until 4 p.m. depending on the number of competitors.

“It’s silly and funny, and a great fundraiser,” K-9 Keg Pull Founder Lynn Smith said.

Half of the proceeds from the event will go to Partners! Canines, which has physically transported 900 animals from shelters, mostly dogs, and aided in the transport of 400 more dogs just this year.

In between races, Melissa SEE K-9 ON PAGE 23

PHOTO COURTESY OF HIGH COUNTRY K9 KEG PULL Furry friends are the stars during the annual K-9 Keg Pull.

163 Shadowline Drive | Boone, NC | 828-264-1006 800-333-3432 | www.appalachianbrianestates.com

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Shhhh ... WinterFest hosts silent auction

23

Proceeds benefit Mountain Alliance

B

rought to you by Mountain Alliance, the Blowing Rock WinterFest Silent Auction & Raffle takes place Saturday, Jan. 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Come to the Blowing Rock American Legion behind the Police Station on Wallingford Street and bid on the many beautiful items, packages and gift certificates donated by area retailers and businesses.

Prize pick up is later that day. After you bid and wait for prize pick up, you can enjoy the Winter Beer Garden and High Country K-9 Keg Pull taking place that afternoon outside the American Legion.

You will find items ranging from lodging at area SEE AUCTION ON PAGE 24

Present this ad to receive your collectible Blowing Rock H-D Poker Chip

BLOWING ROCK HARLEY-DAVIDSON 1179 Main Street | Blowing Rock, NC 828.414.9876 PHOTO BY THOMAS SHERRILL More than 181 items were available for auction during the 2018 WinterFest Silent Auction and Raffle at the Blowing Rock American Legion Hall.

K-9 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

McKinnon of Woof Pack Pet Services in Boone will provide entertainment by way of dog tricks.

Spectators are also welcome to bring their dogs to the keg pull.

“Doggie-related prizes,” based on size category, will be awarded for Overall Fastest, Overall Slowest, Oldest Dog and Youngest Dog. Pet Place in Boone donated prizes, along with various shops in Blowing Rock that provided gift certificates.

Furry friends don’t have to feel left out of the nearby beer garden either — non-alcoholic dog beer will be provided by Woof Pack.

Preregister online for the K-9 Keg Pull at highcountryk9kegpull.weebly.com from now until 10 a.m. Jan. 25. Day-of registration will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Pre-registration and day-of registration are the same price at $15. For a race packet with a T-shirt included, registration is $30.

Smith said people have started to approach her asking for race training advice. Smith advises having the

participating dog pull become accustomed to pulling something behind them, preferably if the object makes a noise.

The keg pull is something that Smith believes will continue growing.

“I see it as an event that will grow as large as the Woolly Worm, I’m hoping,” Smith said.

For now, Smith hopes to raise $3,000 to $4,000 and have 75-100 participating dogs. The second year had the largest attendance thus far with 50 participating dogs. Frigid temperatures during 2018’s keg pull affected event participation, so

Smith is looking forward to a larger turnout.

Partners! Canines Executive Director Eva Hyatt said the cost associated with transporting one dog is approximately $25, but can cost up to $50 if medical issues are prevalent — which they often are. Keg pull participants and spectators have the chance to donate to Partners! Canines by sponsoring one dog transfer or a whole transfer.

For more information about Partners! Canines, visit www.partnerscanines.org, its Facebook page @ PARTNERSCanines and its Instagram @partnerscanines.

Two “yappy hour” events will precede the keg pull at Stella Blue’s Pawtique from 5 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 24. Attendees can enjoy beer or wine while their furry friends tag along.

The store is located at 110 Sunset Drive in Blowing Rock.

Bistro Roca will host the second yappy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 25. The restaurant is located at 143 Wonderland Trail in Blowing Rock.

Blowing Rock WinterFest will run from Jan. 24-27. For more information about the winter-themed events, visit blowingrockwinterfest.com.

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Thursday, January 24, 2019

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PHOTO BY ANNA OAKES Corinna Dietrich models a blouse, floral pants and jacket from Almost Rodeo Drive at a fashion show in Blowing Rock in 2017.

Warming up the runway at

WinterFashion

G

ather your girlfriends for a ladies’ brunch and sneak peek of 2019 trends at the WinterFest WinterFashion Show in the Evergreen Ballroom at Chetola Resort on Friday, Jan. 25.

Doors open at 10:30 a.m. with

passed brunch hors d’oeuvres, mimosas and spritzers and a cash bar available, followed by the runway show at 11:30 a.m.

As of Jan. 7, at least a dozen retailers from downtown Blowing Rock and Tanger Shoppes on the

Parkway will be participating either on the runway, with displays in the room or with raffle and/or gift bag items. Retailers will showcase the finest women’s and men’s apparel and

AUCTION

goodies from your favorite shopping stops.

Last year the auction had more than $20,000 worth of items from more than 200 businesses, so there is truly something for everyone.

Proceeds from this fundraiser go directly to Mountain Alliance, which provides Watauga County high school-aged youth with a safe and supportive environment in which they can develop an increased sense

of self and their place in the community, a passion for lifelong learning, and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Mountain Alliance recognizes these attributes as essential qualities of active and engaged citizens. The organization is a community of high school students, teachers, professionals, outdoor and adventure-based educators, and supportive local leaders and citizens.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

hotels and inns, spa day packages, packages to area parks, massage and wellness certificates, outdoor adventures, fly fishing lessons, theater subscriptions, art work by local artists, gift certificates to area restaurants, and many, many more. In addition, buy raffle tickets for baskets of

SEE FASHION ON PAGE 25

Thursday, January 24, 2019

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FASHION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24

accessories with a focus on winter evening fashions and how to transition to daytime spring looks.

During intermission, Canvas Beauty Bar will present a seminar on evolving your hair and makeup styles from winter to spring.

Teresa Godwin from the Banana Republic Factory Store will serve as emcee of the runway show, providing her insight and expertise on emerging and continuing trends in fashion for the upcoming seasons. Expect plenty of versatile looks that can transition seamlessly from day to evening.

Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door. The event is scheduled to last until 1:30 p.m.

Chetola Resort is located at 185 Chetola Lake Drive in Blowing Rock. For tickets or more information, call the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851 or visit www.blowingrockwinterfest.com.

PHOTO BY ANNA OAKES Meris Gant wears a bold floral print blouse, denims and platform shoes from Almost Rodeo Drive at the WinterFest Fashion Show in 2017.

PHOTO BY ANNA OAKES Marianne Hall is ready for summer in this ensemble from Tanner-Doncaster.

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Your source for local news.

Thursday, January 24, 2019

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Thursday, January 24, 2019

Awards galore!

Blowing Rock honored by numerous outside agencies

Y

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

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

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

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

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

Of Blowing Rock, USA TO-

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

DAY said, “Those looking for a mountain escape have been coming to Blowing Rock since the 1880s. Today, this North Carolina village sits directly on

the Blue Ridge Parkway and serves as a gateway to adjacent Pisgah National Forest.”

“We were excited just to be nominated, so to see Blowing

Rock in the Top 10 is fantastic.

Blowing Rock is fortunate in its location, which provides so much opportunity for enjoying the beauty of Appalachian

wilderness. From hiking to trout fishing, climbing to cycling, this town has a backyard where you can do it all. And the close proximity means that when you’re done, there are plenty of shops, restaurants and inns nearby for town-oriented activities and relaxation,” said Amanda Lugenbell, assistant director of the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority.

Here’s a short list (compiled from a much longer list) of recent awards and honors Blowing Rock has received from folks who don’t even live here. Blowing Rock was named: • Business Insider’s Best Small Town in North Carolina.

• North Carolina’s Prettiest Small Town by a panel of Southeastern travel journalists, beating out places such as South Port and Southern Pines.

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

• Favorite Mountain Destination by Our State magazine.

• Best Mountain Town by Blue Ridge Country magazine.

• Best Day Trip by The Winston-Salem Journal.

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

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

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Blowing Rock One of the Most Desirable Home Towns in the Southeast

D

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

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

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

There are many neighborhoods and pockets of homes that might not be obvious when driving or walking around town.

Several of them are noted below. If you are interested in learning more about the market or seeing some properties, be sure to check with a local Realtor.

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

While Blowing Rock is the highest priced real es-

tate area in the N.C. High Country, prices are just now approaching pre-recession levels and have not been inflated as in other parts of the country. The median single family sales price is $349,000 and average sold price this year is $402,417. This is still somewhat lower that the average pricing in 2008.

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

There is limited new construction in Blowing Rock and the High Country. The area does not offer large developments with similar homes or large construction companies.

This is part of the charm of the area. Versus 2017, there are more new custom homes available, another sign of a healthy market.

TYPES OF PROPERTIES Luxury Homes Blowing Rock is perhaps best known for its gorgeous mountain homes, both newer and historic.

Blowing Rock homes have graced the covers of magazines and attracted buyers from all over the world.

These homes can be found in town in the Mayview and Laurel Park neighborhoods, as well as in nearby gated neighborhoods such as Timber Creek and Firethorn.

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

Condominiums Condos generally offer a less expensive way to enter the market while relieving the owner of home maintenance worries. For in-town Blowing Rock, some of the

condo developments offer the ability to rent the condos to vacationers, making them a good investment.

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

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

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

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

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

A strong and growing segment of the Blowing Rock Real Estate market is second homes that can also be used as vacation rentals to help pay for the cost of owning and maintaining the home.

There are several excellent vacation rental management companies in the area that can manage the entire process.

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

tion rentals are allowed in that location.

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

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

Highway 221 South: There are several neigh-

borhoods on either side of Highway 221 headed south, some offering great Grandfather Mountain and St. Johns River Gorge views.

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

321 North (toward Boone): One of the largest residential areas in this direction is Appalachian Ski Mountain, with many mountain and log homes close to skiing. This is a popular location for vacation rentals. Also along 321 are the luxury gated communities of Firethorn and Timber Creek, as well as the log home community Friendly Mountain Acres.

Blue Ridge Parkway North: There are several established neighborhoods with mid-range to high end homes along this

route. This general area is referred to on maps as the Aho area and includes the neighborhoods of Sorrento, Greystone, Blackberry, Goshen, Summit Park, and Brown Stone Ridge, to name a few. Some of these neighborhoods are in the Boone zip code but are considered the Blowing Rock area from a Real Estate standpoint.

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

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

When you are visiting, think about also making Blowing Rock your home!

For the Roster of local Realtors, go to www.highcountryrealtors.org.

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