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WINTER 25/26

Carolina Mountain Life

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4 — Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

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6 — Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

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BOONE This winter, our community is ready and waiting to welcome you to Boone! Our charming hotels, shops, restaurants, and iconic family-friendly attractions are open. Our historic downtown streets and scenic vistas are dusted with freshly fallen snow. Cozy lodging options near three unique ski resorts make it easy to experience snowy fun. Take your pick from skiing, ice skating, tubing, and more. Can you feel the Blue Ridge Mountains beckoning? If so, come. Explore Boone.

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What’s Inside: 16.......... Winter Life

By Karen Rieley

26.......... Live and Ski in Dixie By Tom McAuliffe

40.......... Blowing Rock Art and History Museum Celebrates 15 years By Keith Martin

44.......... Knitting Is Trending

By Tamara S. Randolph

COVER PHOTOGRAPH While researching her article on Knitting (pg. 44), Tamara Randolph came across these colorful skeins and hanks of yarns, handspun by The Daisy Studio (Brasstown, NC), at the Southern Highland Craft Guild retail location on the first floor of Moses Cone Manor in Blowing Rock.

53.......... High Country Radio Marks 75 Years “On the Air” By Keith Martin

56.......... Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ Sojourn in Banner Elk By Carol Lowe Timblin

73.......... Good Works Guide By CML Staff

84.......... No Tough Love, Just Love Tough By Pan McCaslin

97.......... Digital Balance By Libby Whyte

100........ Still Sizzlin’: The Joy of Cookbooks By Gail Greco

106........ Winter Restaurant Guide By CML Staff

Cultural Calendar with Keith Martin . . . 35 Art Remarks . . . 42

winter! Book Nook with Elizabeth Baird Hardy . . . 51

Notes from Grandfather Mountain . . . 58

Blue Ridge Explorers with Tamara S. Randolph . . . 61 Trail Reports . . . 62

Wisdom and Ways with Jim Casada . . . 69

Hardy on History with Michael C. Hardy . . . 71

Community and Local Business News with Steve York . . . 86 Local Tidbits . . . 94

Boomer Vision with Estelle Brewer . . . 99

Recipes from the CML Kitchen with Meagan Goheen . . . 110

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 — 9

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Carolina Mountain Life

PUBLISHER’S NOTE TM

A publication of Carolina Mountain Life, Inc. ©2025 by Carolina Mountain Life Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the Publisher. Babette McAuliffe, Publisher & Editor in Chief Deborah Mayhall-Bradshaw, Design Director Kathy Griewisch, Account Manager Meagan Goheen, Marketing Manager Tamara S. Randolph, Managing Editor Keith Martin, Cultural Arts Editor Contributors: Estelle Brewer, Rebecca Cairns, Jim Casada, Brennan Ford Morgan Ford, Gail Greco, Elizabeth Baird Hardy Michael C. Hardy, Annie Hoskins, Tom McAuliffe Pan McCaslin, Karen Rieley, Carol Lowe Timblin Libby Whyte, Doug Winbon, and Steve York.

Share us with a friend! CML is published 4 times a year and is available by subscription for $35.00 a year (continental US) Just let us know which season to start with and send check or money order to: Carolina Mountain Life, PO Box 976, Linville, NC 28646

The vibrant colors on the cover evoke the changing seasons to me. At the base of the image, you have autumn hues with mellowed yellows and ambers. Then you move into a cooler palette for winter, and finally to gentle shades of violet hinting at the coming spring season, when wood violets pop up all over our forests. For me, winter always draws me outside to the local trails, even when the temps hit the low teens and the ground makes a crackling sound as my hiking boots hit the frozen tundra. With leaves spread like a fertilizing blanket and the frozen, barren trees covered in a mystical frost, my walks are simply magical. I feel extremely blessed to live where four distinct seasons greet me with all their wonder. The storehouse of memories about each season makes me smile. Images of my children and grandchildren building their wonky looking (but perfect) snowmen, and their snow angels of different sizes stretching out on the ground like they are holding hands. “Mom, look at my snow angel and can we make snow cream now?” I said, “Of course—just get the white snow!” The time when our teenage twins double-dog-dared their older sibling to run up the driveway in his boxers during a blizzard. I found out about that escapade when he came in frozen and begging for hot cocoa. The carrots we went through one year when they had basically all of February away from school due to heavy snow. The snowmen kept losing their noses—I always wondered if the deer enjoyed those at night. Snow days have become remote learning days. But my daughter manages her kids’ instructional time so well, they still have ample daylight to play outside and enjoy an occasional “snow day.” When I asked my kids what memories they have, my older son said, “I loved the blizzards, when we lost power and had no worries except to play in the snow, go to the hill in the back yard and sled for hours, and then go inside to read a good book by the window light or flashlight at night.” My brother remembered having sword fights with icicles—that I do not recommend at all. He loved snowball fights with me, because he was faster at making a snowball that could literally fly! CML staff chimed in with stories of snow forts, ice skating and cross-country skiing. They also added all the wonderful memories of being inside by the home fire, doing puzzles, playing board games and rewatching the same fun movies again and again. Our issue is packed with ideas of where you can create memories for you and your family—inside museums, theatres, art galleries, Linville Caverns, an indoor playhouse, the local YMCA. Take a stroll outdoors and enjoy the winter precipitation, or go skiing or snowboarding, tubing, ice skating or searching for your new favorite trail. Isn’t that what growing up is all about? Creating memories. What are some of your favorite winter memories as a child? Let us know by emailing cmlbabette@ gmail.com. Here’s to the Best of the Season – Inside and Out.

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CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 — 13

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Behind the Curtain

Meet More of Our Contributors: Gail Greco Gail’s Best TV Food Journalism award from the prestigious James Beard Foundation for producing/hosting her PBS-TV series Country Inn Cooking “was an incredible honor,” she says, especially competing with Julia Child. But judging Watauga County Farmers’ Market’s apple pie contest (2023, pictured left) “was just as sweet.” Her hard-news career blossomed into: features writer and editor for well-known lifestyle magazines; journalism professor at State University of New York; and author of 17 cookbooks. She often declares, “Writing about my hometown’s vibrant character, rich traditions, abundance of fresh local foods, and the High Country’s talented and giving folks is personally satisfying and enormously meaningful.”

Tom McAuliffe Next April, Tom enters his 26th season as Sugar Mountain’s Golf Director and contributing editor to CML. “Once ski season is over, we will re-dedicate our restored and enhanced public facility at Sugar Mountain Golf Club following Hurricane Helene’s devastation,” he assures. “Meanwhile, I’m proud to contribute to our magazine’s continuing coverage and unsurpassed print record of the ‘Day Our Earth Stood Still’ (Helene’s arrival, September 27, 2024).” He adds, “Think Snow.”

Pan McCaslin Moving to the High Country of North Carolina over a decade ago, Pan quickly learned the High Country ethos from those whose families helped develop and care for the Blue Ridge Mountains and from those who are drawn to the mountains today for refreshment, rest, and connections. Stories of survival, care for others, hardship and compassion drew Pan to capture moments of encouragement for others. With a background in nursing, counseling and theology, Pan has contributed to seven books of daily meditations and most recently to In the Beginning was the Word, an anthology of writings by Valle Crucis Writers. Pan’s professional work focuses on supporting non-profits and clergy wellness. She and her husband live on Beech Mountain. CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

Chetola Festival of Lights

Winter Life . . .

Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery and Crossnore Weavers at Crossnore Communities for Children

By Karen Rieley

inter in the High Country is synonymous with snow and a mecca for skiers, snowboarders and snow tubers. Beech Mountain, at 5,506 feet in elevation, averages around 80 inches of snow per year, earning it the title of “The Snow Capital of the Southeast.” Sugar Mountain averages 50-70 inches of snow per year. Appalachian Ski Mountain receives an average of 40-60 inches of natural snowfall per year; however, its significant snowmaking capabilities ensure a deep, reliable snow base regardless of natural snowfall. Towns like Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk receive around 30-40 inches annually. And there’s more than snow and skiing in the High Country for residents and visitors of all ages and interests. This directory lists some of the winter activities for you and your family to enjoy. Be sure to check websites and social media for each listing to find addresses, days and hours of operation, costs, age restrictions, advance reservation requirements, post-Helene updates, and other specifics, as well as town and venue websites for additional offerings.

Festivals

Blowing Rock WinterFest is back January 22–25, 2026! Four days of frosty fun fill the town as families and friends come together to celebrate the season. The festivities begin Thursday night with WinterFeast, a ticketed culinary showcase where local restaurants serve up their best winter dishes. On Friday evening, downtown transforms into a sparkling gallery of Artisan Ice

16 — Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

Sculptures, perfect for a festive stroll while browsing the town’s charming shops and restaurants. Saturday brings the thrill of the Polar Bear Plunge at Chetola Resort & Spa, where brave souls dive into icy waters—costumes encouraged for a shot at the coveted Golden Plunger Award. Later that morning, spice things up at the Rotary Chilly Chili Challenge, supporting local non-profits and sampling bold recipes until the pots run dry. In the afternoon, head to The Speckled Trout for the WinterFest Beer Garden, where local beer, cider, and wine flow from 1–4 p.m. The celebration wraps up Sunday with the beloved Winter Paws Dog Show at the Blowing Rock Gym, a heartwarming finale that proves WinterFest is truly for everyone—two-legged and four-legged alike. Other highlights include steaming hot chocolate, cozy hayrides, and live Ice Sculpture Carvings that bring winter magic to life. For details, visit blowingrockwinterfest. com or call 828-295-7851. “Don’t hibernate. Celebrate!”

Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock’s Festival of Lights takes place at Chetola Lake beginning at dusk, with close to 30,000 holiday illuminations creating a Winter Wonderland through January 25. As you stroll around Chetola Lake, view glittering ice skaters, a Nativity scene, a colorful train, Rudolph and much more. The Festival of Lights is a High Country tradition, free and open to the public. Chetola.com/eventscalendar Additional Holiday Festivities are offered in each of the High Country’s towns.

Holiday decorations and twinkling lights are especially magical against a background of snow in the High Country. Check out the parades, along with festive Christmas tree and art exhibits.

Attractions

Apple Hill Farm in Banner Elk features alpacas, llamas, donkeys, horses, pigs, angora goats, dogs and more! Visit this mountaintop alpaca farm and connect to what matters—yourself, your family and a real family-owned, working fiber farm. Take the 60-minute guided tour and leave with a smile on your face and memories to share. Public tours are offered Wednesday-Sunday until January 3, 2026, then Wednesday through Saturday through Memorial Day. Expanded hours are available for private tours. All tours require advance reservations. applehillfarmnc.com, 828-963-1662 Crossnore Communities for Children has something for everyone—eat, shop, and explore all they have to offer while also supporting the mission of Crossnore Communities for Children. Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery represents regional painters, sculptors, and fine craft persons. Enjoy these beautiful pieces and pick one to take home. Crossnore Weavers is a living museum, preserving the Appalachian art of handweaving, while promoting Crossnore’s work through the sale of beautiful hand-woven goods. You can also shop online at crossnoreweavers.com. Miracle Grounds Coffee Shop and Café is a sweet spot to purchase fine coffee, specialty drinks, breakfast, lunch, or dessert. Enjoy tasty treats for a

Post Office at the Original Mast General Store

great cause. The Blair Fraley Sales Store is the largest resale shop in the High Country and offers gently used goods to locals and visitors alike—find your next treasure! E.H. Sloop Chapel is well known for its powerful fresco masterpiece, Suffer the Little Children, by Benjamin F. Long, IV, one of only four master fresco artists in the world. The Chapel is open for viewings daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located at 100 DAR Dr. in Newland, profits from all retail shops go back into the work of Crossnore Communities for Children. When you shop with Crossnore, you help provide hope and healing so children can thrive in their schools, homes, and communities. Learn more at crossnore.org. Earth to Sky Park, a venture of Mayland Community College, is an environmental educational park for those interested in learning about the natural world. Located in Burnsville, the Park includes the Bare Dark Sky Observatory for stargazing and the Arthur Planetarium, featuring a variety of programming for all ages. The park is open in the winter on Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5 p.m., with select Friday dates for special programming. The Earth to Sky Park is an IDA certified dark sky site and there is 24-hour access to the parking area for stargazing. Please note that overnight camping is not permitted. mayland.edu/esp, 828-4707584 Grandfather Mountain in Linville features the Mile-High Swinging Bridge. Weather permitting, the swinging bridge is the perfect spot to take in the endless winter vistas and capture the snowcapped mountains. Afterwards, head down to the

Farm Tours at Shipley Farms Inset: Apple Hill Farm

Wilson Center for Discovery, and the animal habitats, where you can see how otter, cougars, elk and eagles stay busy during the winter months. “Sunrise at the Swinging Bridge” celebrates the beginning of 2026 on January 1 from a mile high. Sunrise is at 7:38 a.m., and park gates open at 6:30 a.m. To help warm up on a likely cold winter’s morning, the mountain will offer a complimentary hot beverage bar and doughnuts for sunrise guests in the Top Shop building from 6:30-8 a.m. grandfather.com/event/ Hero’s Axe House at Shoppes of Tynecastle in Banner Elk/Seven Devils, is a premier axe throwing venue with unique projected axe throwing targets. Hero’s hosts axe throwing birthday parties, bachelor/ bachelorette parties, team-building events, company events, and a variety of other special occasions. Plus, its custom-built trailer, “MACK,” brings the excitement of axe throwing to you—at festivals, parties, corporate events, and more throughout North Carolina and the surrounding areas. Open Friday, 5:30-9:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 1-9 p.m. Schedule updates are posted on their Facebook page. herosaxehouse@gmail.com, 828-898-HERO Linville Caverns, located in Marion at the southern gateway to the High Country, are the only show caverns in North Carolina. With a constant year-round temperature of 52 degrees, this is a perfect place to visit on a cold and windy winter day! See the winter hibernation of granddaddy long-legs and unique limestone formations. One of North Carolina’s natural wonders, Linville Caverns is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including trout, insects and bats, as well as rock

Arthur Planetarium at Mayland Earth to Sky Park

formations and an underground stream known as “The Bottomless Pool.” The Bottomless Pool is over 250 feet deep! The Caverns are open during the winter on weekends only, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., returning to five days a week in March. Bring a raincoat or a coat with a hood—the cave tends to drip! linvillecaverns.com, 828-756-4171 Original Mast General Store was named in the early ‘70s to the National Register of Historic Places as one of the finest remaining examples of an old country general store. Nestled in a secluded mountain valley, you’ll discover a place that Charles Kuralt called “...a destination.” Mast General Store in Valle Crucis has been “Outfitting the Appalachians” since 1883 with traditional mercantile goods, comfortable clothing, rugged footwear and quality outdoor gear for all mountain seasons. Warm up by the potbellied stove, mail a letter at the antique post office, and discover why some times are just too good to leave behind. The Mast Store Annex is just two-tenths of a mile down the road on highway 194— don’t miss their massive candy collection. mastgeneralstore.com, 828-963-6511 Shipley Farms: Join the Shipley Farms team for a guided tour to learn what makes their products stand out, and see first-hand how responsible farming practices make all the difference for their animals, the environment, and even the flavor of their beef. Travel back in time through Shipley’s history of farming in the Appalachians and learn about how it’s been done for over 150 years! Guided Walking Tours take place continued on next page CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

Kids’ Lessons at App Ski Mountain

More!

Outdoor Climbing at Rock Dimensions in Boone

Snow Tubing at Sugar Mountain, photo by Todd Bush

Wednesday and Saturday at 11 a.m.; guided Cattle Feeding Tours are held Wednesday and Saturday at 4:40 p.m. Book your tour at shipleyfarmsbeef.com/book-a-farm-tour.

Sugar Creek Mining Company in Banner Elk at the base of Sugar Mountain lets you experience the thrill of prospecting for your very own authentic gemstones. You’re guaranteed to find precious and semiprecious gemstones in every bucket. The expert staff will set you up on the heated flume line and then help you pan for gems and identify them. If desired, expert gem cutters can cut your rough gemstone and set it into a piece of jewelry. Sugarcreekgemmine.com, 828-898-GEMS The Blowing Rock in the town of Blowing Rock is an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level, overhanging Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below. It is also North Carolina’s oldest tourist attraction and is deemed by Ripley’s Believe It Or Not as “The only place in the world where snow falls upside down.” Enjoy the endless winter views and read the legend behind the attraction. Weather permitting, The Blowing Rock is open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., so call ahead during inclement weather. Theblowingrock. com, 828-295-7111 Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster in Banner Elk is the first alpine coaster in the NC mountains. Each cart accommodates one or two people. The track’s length of 3,160 feet includes three circular loops (you do not go upside down), a series of waves and several twists and turns for plenty of excitement. Fun for all ages, this thrill ride reaches

18 — Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

up to 27 mph at the control of the rider. Open daily, Monday through Thursday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. wildernessrunalpinecoaster.com, 828-898-7866

Ice & Snow ICE SKATING

While others are skiing or snowboarding on the slopes, you and your children may enjoy ice skating. Appalachian Ice Arena on Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blowing Rock has a refrigerated outdoor ice floor and is fully lighted for skating under the stars seven nights a week. It is the only ski area in North Carolina with a Zamboni to scrape the ice floor on its ice skating rink. Sugar Mountain Ski Resort’s 10,000-square-foot refrigerated ice rink has the added advantage of a being located next door to restaurants, retail stores and other amenities. SLEDDING Sledding is the easiest and most accessible winter activity for all ages. It can be done almost anywhere there is a hill and public property—an inexpensive plastic sled will do—and snow in the High Country is almost certain throughout the season! The Town of Beech Mountain offers the only municipal sledding hill in the southeast. Designed for kids, ages 12 and under; parents or other responsible adults are allowed on sleds with preschoolers. Located across the street from the Visitor Center

and behind the Brick Oven Pizzeria, it can be accessed from Bark Park Way, adjacent to a large pay-per-hour parking lot. Strawberry Hill by Boone Jaycee Park is located next to Horn in the West at 527 Oak St. in Boone. The hill is wide, offering lots of different runs and plenty of space to spread out. There are smaller hills for the little ones in the playground area. TUBING If snow tubing is more your speed and comfort level, you have several great choices in the High Country. All offer sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, plenty of lanes, snowmaking, plus moving carpet lifts to quickly transport you back to the top. Check out Beech Mountain Resort; Hawksnest in Seven Devils with four different tubing areas and up to 30 lanes of fun; Sugar Mountain Resort located on the Sugar Mountain Golf Course with 700-ftlong tubing lanes, snowmaking and lights for night tubing; and Jonas Ridge Snow Tubing in Jonas Ridge, North Carolina, with 400-ft. long slopes that are steep and fast. CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING Cross-country, or Nordic skiing, can be a lot like walking on skis, but proficient skiers stride and glide with ease and speed. The flat terrain is best for novices, and there’s plenty along the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially on Moses Cone Park’s 25 miles of broad carriage paths. Other Parkway sites include the Price Lake Trail; the Grandfather Mountain portion of the road near Linville for easy skiing across the Linn Cove

Snowshoeing and Nordic Skiing

Wilson Center for Discovery at Grandfather Mountain

Viaduct; the trails at Linville Falls; Roan Mountain, a place for serious Nordic skiers; Beech Mountain’s well-maintained trails and Emerald Outback Trail System; Elk Knob State Park, where cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter recreation are a main attraction for many; and the Greenway Trail in the town of Boone. KIDS’ CAMPS & LESSONS There is nothing more exhilarating than hitting the slopes in the winter! Skiing is not only fun, it’s also great in so many ways for you and your little adventurers. Skiing builds confidence, and the balance and coordination needed increases body awareness. It’s also great exercise helping to improve flexibility, strength and overall wellbeing. There are several camp options in the High Country offering ski lessons for children. Appalachian Ski Mountain’s SKIwee and Cruiser Camp programs are designed to teach beginning skiers, ages 4-10, and snowboarders, ages 7-12. The SKIwee program is for first-time and beginner skiers only and is offered daily. The Cruiser Camp program is for first-time and beginner snowboarders only and is offered on weekends and holidays. appskimtn.com Beech Mountain Resort offers several kids’ camps. Snow Kamp has everything you need to keep your little ones, ages 3-5 years old, entertained while you enjoy the slopes. Its daily program offers winterthemed activities, including art, games and more. Snowboard Learn to Ride for ages 6-12 offers hands-on lessons from expert

instructors, making snowboarding fun and easy. Traxx Ski is a specialized ski program for children ages 6-12. Also, Ski & Ride School offers hourly lessons for ages 4 and older. beechmountainresort.com Sugar Mountain Ski Resort’s Children’s Snowsports School includes Sugar Bear Ski and Polar Bear Snowboard schools to teach skiing to children, ages 5-10, and snowboarding to children, ages 7-14. skisugar.com WINTER HIKES & WALKS The winter can be a great time to hike in the NC Mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway and in the North Carolina State Parks. The lack of humidity in the air and leaves on the trees can create endless crystal-clear views. Sometimes you can have the trails all to yourself and you can hear the sounds of winter. A few well maintained trails with great view opportunities are: Bluff Mountain Trail, Doughton Park, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 238.5, 7.5 miles; Elk Knob Summit Trail, Elk Knob State Park, 1.9 miles; Flat Top Mountain Trail, Moses Cone Park, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 294, 6 miles; Stone Mountain Loop Trail, Stone Mountain State Park, Wilkesboro, 4.5 miles; and Rich Mountain Trail, Moses Cone Park, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 294, 3 miles. Boone Greenway Weekly Nature Walks occur every week on Tuesday until Dec. 30. Friends of the Blue Ridge (High Country Chapter) offers free guided community hikes. Meet at 10 a.m. at the Watauga Community Rec Center main entrance for the 3-mile Greenway and Kennedy Trail

Replay Arcade at the Village of Banner Elk

loop. Registration is suggested. Facebook. com/highcountryfriends, 800-228-7275

More Fun and Games

Pottery Night Out at The Pottery Lot on Hwy 105 near Boone, NC, is an open-studio session with no formal instruction, perfect for curious beginners and seasoned makers alike. Everything is provided: clay, glazes, firing, and studio time. Make a mug, planter, or a little mountain keepsake at your own pace while you unwind in a friendly, community studio setting. Just passing through? No problem—finished pieces can be mailed to you after firing. Come solo, bring a friend, and get your hands in the clay! All levels are welcome every Monday, 6-8 p.m. thepotterylot.com Replay Arcade is the go-to destination for parties, corporate events, and simply kicking back with friends. Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere buzzing with excitement, laughter and the unmistakable sound of games being conquered. Replay Arcade has curated a collection of both classic and cuttingedge games, ensuring there’s something for every kind of gamer. From retro arcade classics that’ll transport you back in time to the latest games that’ll blow your mind, they’ve got the whole spectrum covered. Come on over, grab a controller, and let the good times roll at Replay Arcade. bannerelkvillage.com/replay-arcade continued on next page CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

The Children’s Playhouse Turchin Center

Tee 2 Green

New Marker at Museum of Ashe County History

Rock Dimensions Tower, next to the Footsloggers store in downtown Boone, stands about 40 feet tall and has more than 4,000 square feet of varying climbing terrain to accommodate both beginners and seasoned veterans. The “Tower to Rock” program combines a tower experience with climbing out on real rock, all in one day! Staff belays as well as belay classes and certification opportunities for belaying at the tower are also offered. rockdimensions.com/ climbing-tower/ Tee 2 Green Indoor Golf, in the Shoppes on the Parkway, Blowing Rock, offers a round of golf in a warm, comfortable environment. Play more than 1,000 courses (and counting) from all around the world, all in beautiful realistic graphics of the most famous courses you can name off the top of your head as well as our own local courses, like Blowing Rock Country Club, Boone Golf Club, Grandfather, and Diamond Creek. Enjoy watching a game while enjoying beer and wine from self-service taps and lounge seating. Tee2greenindoorgolf.com Williams YMCA of Avery County has something for everyone! Visitors can get a day pass and access everything the YMCA has to offer, including the indoor swimming pool with water slides and aerobics classes, a wide variety of group exercise classes, the Wellness Center with cardio and strength machines, basketball courts, indoor batting cages, golf simulators, drop-in childcare and more! If you’re staying longer, ask about YMCA membership opportunities. Also, check out the Y’s newest local facility, A.M.Y. Wellness Foundation YMCA of Mitchell County, in Spruce Pine, NC. ymcaavery. com

20 — Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

Ben Long fresco in Blowing Rock

Museums, Galleries, Art Trails & Workshops MUSEUMS

Appalachian State University’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts in Boone offers free admission to six galleries featuring rotating exhibitions and permanent collections. Visitors are invited to enjoy guided Gallery Conversations, ARTtalks, and Drop-In Artmaking sessions. Current and upcoming exhibitions include: “Contributing Structure through April 4”; “Telling of the Bees: Jake Eshelman” through April 4; “Dear Body of Water: Gretchen Ernster Henderson” through May 2; the “23rd Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition and Exhibition” through May 2; the “39th Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition” through May 10; and the “Campus Arts Corridor,” with installations on view through August 7, 2026. Admission is free. The galleries are closed on Sunday and Monday. tcva.appstate.edu, 828-262-3017 The Avery County Historical Museum in Newland is housed in the old county jail. The museum collects, preserves and displays information, photographs, audio, video and other artifacts about people,

events and places that make up the history of Avery County, North Carolina, and the surrounding Toe River Valley area. The museum is on the National Register of Historic Places. averycountymuseum.org Banner House Museum is unheated and closes for the winter season; however, history minded people can learn more about 19th century life in Banner Elk and the High Country by using the museum’s free cellphone application walking tour highlighted on the website’s Calendar of Events page. bannerhousemuseum.org/calendar/, 828-898-3634 Beech Mountain History Museum is run by the Beech Mountain Historical Society and operates seasonally with both permanent and rotating exhibits. The collection includes early life on Beech Mountain; chronicles on its earliest known visitors, the Cherokees; logging, milling and railroads on the mountain; and the Beech Mountain Music exhibit, with a featured area highlighting local storyteller Ray Hicks. Call 828287-4478 to learn about special hours during the ski season. BRAHM (Blowing Rock Art and History Museum) in Blowing Rock lives by four powerful words: curate, preserve, educate, inspire. It offers free admission, dynamic changing exhibitions and a growing permanent collection plus educational programs and activities. The Patrick Dougherty: Pilgrimage exhibition runs through May 17, 2026. The acclaimed environmental sculptor has transformed landscapes around the world for more than four decades with his immersive, building-sized stickworks.

Workshops at the Pottery Lot

Ashe County Arts Council Gallery — artwork by M. Holmes

During the Winterfest weekend in Blowing Rock (January 23-24), head to BRAHM for Cork & Canvas where you can paint in a relaxed atmosphere, with inspiration from A.Y. Jackson’s work, “Smart River (Alaska).” Each participant goes home with a finished work of art. All materials, including canvases, acrylic paint, brushes, and aprons, are provided. A trained instructor will lead you step-by-step. Wine, beer, and light snacks are complimentary. Online ticket purchase is required in advance of the event, and several sessions are offered throughout the Winterfest weekend. blowingrockmuseum.org, 828-295-9099 Building Sweet Futures: Gingerbread Competition at Chetola in Blowing Rock is presented by The Children’s Council of Watauga County. Handmade original gingerbread creations will be on display throughout the Festival of Lights at beautiful Chetola Resort. thechildrenscouncil.org/ events.html The NC High Country Fresco Trail throughout the High Country includes a selection of frescoes painted in small mountain churches in the 1970s by artist Ben Long, a North Carolina native. Follow the trail to see the following: 1849 St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Fresco, downtown Wilkesboro; Holy Trinity Church Fresco, Glendale Springs; St Mary’s Church Fresco, West Jefferson; and the fresco at Sloop Chapel, Crossnore. The two newest frescoes to join the trail were unveiled in the spring of 2025 at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church in Blowing Rock. One depicts the 23rd Psalm while the other depicts The Good Shepherd. rumplechurch.org/fresco

Carlton Gallery

Mica Gallery in Bakersville

The Museum of Ashe County History, housed in Jefferson’s historic 1904 courthouse, preserves and interprets the rich history and culture of Ashe County, NC, and the surrounding region. Artifacts, photos, and interactive displays educate the public about life in the Southern Appalachians. View exhibits such as The Virginia Creeper Railroad, Veterans Hall of Honor, Music and Moonshining, Native Americans, Ashe County’s Timber Industry, Education in Ashe County, Local Furniture and Craftsmanship, the 1904 Courtroom, the Ashe County Victory Garden, the Ore Knob Copper Mine and Ashe County’s First Century. The museum hosts several events throughout the year, such as educational lectures, living histories, live music, and more. ashehistory.org, 336-846-1904

region is the Blue Ridge Craft Trails website: blueridgeheritage.com/blue-ridge-crafttrails. You can also visit our local Arts Councils’ websites, including Ashe County Arts Council, Watauga Arts Council, Toe River Arts, the Cultural Arts Council of Wilkes, and the Johnson County Center for the Arts in Mountain City, TN.

Wilkes Heritage Museum is a private, non-profit organization located in Wilkes County, NC that is dedicated to the preservation of the rich history and heritage of Wilkes County. The museum operates and maintains the Wilkes Heritage Museum, Old Wilkes Jail, and Robert Cleveland Log Home. All of these sites are museums open to the public. Wilkesheritagemuseum.com, 336-667-3171

BAKERSVILLE Mica Gallery in Bakersville, NC, is a cooperative gallery of fine crafts and contemporary craft, showcasing the work of its artist members whose creative lives have been nurtured by the energy of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Mica Gallery is located just 15 minutes from Penland School of Craft, 20 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, one hour from Boone, NC, and one hour from Johnson City, Tennessee. The Penland School in Bakersville is home to Penland Gallery.

ART GALLERIES Visiting the many art galleries, admiring the creativity of local artists in the High Country, and participating in art workshops and other indoor events is a great way to come in from the cold during your winter stay. One of the best resources for finding listings and details of all art venues in the

In North Carolina: ASHE & WATAUGA COUNTIES The Ashe County Arts Council houses a popular gallery with rotating exhibits, and the Watauga County Arts Council features a gift shop offering local arts/crafts, four galleries and classrooms filled with arts workshops, classes, music lessons and “Arty Parties.”

BANNER ELK In downtown Banner Elk check out the Art Cellar Gallery, Mountain Hugger Gallery and the BE Artists Gallery (open on select weekends and by appointment continued on next page CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

Chili Cookoff at Blowing Rock Winterfest

More!

through the winter months). Near Banner Elk, on Hwy 105 heading toward Boone, you’ll find It’s All About the Art Gallery, and Carlton Gallery near Grandfather Vineyard & Winery. Carlton Gallery features a spirited collection of artwork in all mediums with more than 150 local, regional and national artists. Just east of Banner Elk, on the road to Valle Crucis, stop and peruse the Sally Nooney Gallery. BOONE Hands Gallery is a cooperative of local artists, and The Pottery Lot is a community pottery studio and gallery focusing on clay, and more. First Friday Art Crawl is a monthly celebration of art and culture, February through December, 5-8 p.m., in downtown Boone, primarily along King Street. Local businesses, organizations, and artists come together to showcase creativity through various art-related festivities, inviting the community to celebrate Boone’s vibrant artistic spirit. Mazie Jones Gallery in the 1908 Jones House Cultural Center in downtown Boone features local and regional artists in changing monthly exhibits. CROSSNORE Crossnore Weavers & Gallery, “A Working Museum,” offers visitors an opportunity to watch hand weavers at work and shop their fine crafts and art produced by local artisans. All proceeds benefit the children of Crossnore Communities for Children. crossnore.org/crossnore-weavers/ LINVILLE FALLS If local sculpture is your interest, check out Anvil Arts Studio Sculpture (by appointment). studiosculpture.com

22 — Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

Johnson County Center for the Arts

VALLE CRUCIS Filled with a collection of items handmade in the U.S., Rivercross Made in the USA features pottery, paintings, jewelry, woven works, and more. There’s even a cool collection for kids! Rivercross is located next to the Original Mast General Store in the heart of Valle Crucis. facebook.com/rivercrossmadeinusa/ In Tennessee: MOUNTAIN CITY Johnson County Center for the Arts is a comprehensive art center serving the residents of Johnson County and surrounding communities and visitors to the area who are seeking authentic Appalachian artwork as well as meaningful events and enrichment experiences. With a primary focus on young artists, the local art community, and Appalachian culture, the objective is to provide a place for artists of varying ages, abilities and interests to flourish by offering a venue to showcase, sell and encourage growth and learning.

Reading &Education Programs

Winter is the perfect time to cozy up with a book. The Banner Elk Book Exchange operates on a “Bring a Book, Take a Book” policy, and has a huge collection of current titles, plus great spaces for reading, working on puzzles, and kids’ activities. The

Jams at the Jones House

Appalachian Regional Library System is known for its wonderful collections, librarians and special programming throughout the year. Visit the Ashe County Public Library in West Jefferson, the Watauga County Library in downtown Boone, and the Wilkes County Library in North Wilkesboro. The Toe River Valley Regional Library provides outstanding resources, experiences and opportunities to Avery and Mitchell counties, with branches in Newland, Bakersville, and Spruce Pine. BannerElkBookExchange.com, ARlibrary.org, amyregionallibrary.org The Children’s Playhouse in Boone provides children from birth to age eight with an enriching, educational play environment while at the same time offering their parents and caregivers friendly support in the important job of raising children. Children pretend, build, paint, create, romp, stomp, and sing together. Children’s Playhouse features Sunday Funday every third Sunday of the month through February 2026. goplayhouse.org, 828-263-0011

Music, Live and Indoors

Check out the many restaurants, breweries and wineries mentioned throughout this issue to find live music, from jazz to traditional mountain jams, all season long. Also, check out this issue’s Cultural Calendar for winter and early spring concert performances. The Blue Ridge Music Trails website is your guide to the traditional music of the

Appalachian Theatre

North Carolina mountains and foothills. You’ll find a complete listing of events, including listening and playing opportunities, at blueridgemusicnc.com. Old-Time Jam at the Jones House occurs every Thursday evening from 7-10 p.m. at the Jones House Cultural Center in Boone. Join local and visiting musicians and bring your banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin— or whatever old-time acoustic instrument you have—and spend a few hours playing along with fellow musicians of all skill levels and backgrounds. On warm evenings, circle up on the Jones House lawn and porch; on cooler evenings, move the things indoors to the parlor and galleries. Guests and visitors are welcome to observe and enjoy the music but are asked to be respectful of the musicians. joneshouse.org/jam, 828-2686280

Theatre

When the weather turns blustery and cold, a matinee or night at the theatre may be in order. Check out the offerings around the region, such as the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, several groups at Appalachian State University (Department of Dance, Hayes School of Music, and the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts); Ashe County Little Theatre in West Jefferson; Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA; BeanStalk Community Theatre and Blue Ridge Community Theatre in Boone; CoMMA in Morganton; Ensemble Stage and Lees-McRae College performances in Banner Elk; and the Walker Center in Wilkesboro, among many others. See this

New Year Celebrations

edition of CML’s Cultural Calendar for a complete listing of upcoming productions and contact information for each theatre. If the “Big Screen” is more your style, check out one of our area’s restored historic theaters showing both new movies and classics—you’ll step back in time when you visit the Parkway Theater in Ashe County, and the Appalachian Theatre in Boone.

New Year Celebrations

Ringing in the New Year is extra special in the High Country with most communities and some venues hosting celebrations. Typically, nearby state parks (Grandfather and Elk Knob) have first day hikes as well. Check their websites for details. At Appalachian Ski Mountain on New Year’s Eve, you can ski or snowboard at a holiday price. Slopes close at 11:30 p.m. for the Torchlight Parade & Fireworks display. Anyone on the property can watch the show from the balconies or lodge—even the parking lot has a wonderful view. appskimtn.com Beech Mountain Brewing Co. hosts its biggest party of the year on December 31 at Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Taproom & Grill (18 and older). DJs kick off the night, and the Red Baron Room Speakeasy becomes a Silent Disco with wireless headphones and rotating sets. Music on the main stage begins at 9:30 p.m. with Ashes & Arrows. Outside, a live DJ keeps the Village moving alongside a lineup of food trucks.

Fireworks light the sky at midnight. Expect drink specials and a photo booth throughout the evening. beechmountainresort.com/ event Grandfather Mountain provides guests a rare opportunity to experience sunrise at the mountain outside of regular operating hours and on a holiday. Sunrise is at 7:38 a.m., Jan. 1, 2026, and Grandfather’s gates will open at 6:30 a.m. Due to safety regulations, participants may only visit the Mile High Swinging Bridge area during the event. To warm up on a cold winter’s morning, the mountain will offer a complimentary hot beverage bar and doughnuts for sunrise guests in the Top Shop building. Admission includes an entire day’s access to Grandfather Mountain, grandfather.com, 828-733-2013 Sugar Mountain invites everyone, free of charge, to an alpine torch light parade at 11:45 p.m., followed by a fireworks show over the mountain at midnight to ring in 2026. The indoor festivities take place in the Last Run Lounge from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., and require reservations and the admission price includes hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast at midnight and live music by The Collective. Skisugar.com/events/, (828) 8984521 ext. 261 The Blowing Rock

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Photo by Todd Bush

To Live and Ski in Dixie By Tom McAuliffe

Courtesy of Appalachian Ski Mountain

s the nation celebrated the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps Monday, November 10, both Sugar and Beech Mountains let loose a prodigious snowmaking display as the winter’s first arctic clipper arrived just hours before. While Beech Mountain’s show proved more a systems check, Sugar Mountain Resort fittingly greeted the first alpine riders Tuesday, November 11, Veterans Day. You could say the High Country ski industry had survived a multi-front five-year war of its own, not only maintaining the status quo, but miraculously growing to new heights through the COVID years and Hurricane Helene, which changed the mountain landscape forever. Chalk up another “first resort open” for Sugar Mountain and its owner Gunther Jochl, who set the precedent for November openings with his arrival to Avery County in 1976. And while “purists” deride each early opening, even his competitors cheer the early press. Alpine riders love it. “We’re not here just to sell lift rides,” Jochl intoned some years ago. “We’re in the ski business.” The folks at Beech and Appalachian Ski Mountain are ready to join the fray Thanksgiving week, and command impressive snow making arsenals too. The three family-owned ski resorts are giants in their own right, attracting tens of thousands of riders annually and delivering upwards of $300 million in direct and indirect spending region wide. Together they generate a synergy of competition that drives each to innovation and refinement. This is the kind of ‘war’ where everyone wins, especially the winter sports enthusiasts of Dixie.

LMC Ski and Snowboard Coach Aaron Maas earned the U.S Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association Coach of the Year Award for 2024. (Aaron is also chief brewer for Beech Mountain Brewery.)

26 — Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

Sugar Mountain Resort

Sugar Mountain: A Decade of Refinement The transformation at Sugar, founded in 1969, began in earnest in 2014, thirtyeight years after a young ski instructor and Munich-trained mechanical engineer first walked onto the property in 1975. As capital partner Dale Stancil gave Jochl plenty of rein, the resort grew. Featuring the area’s biggest vertical drop of 1,200 ft. from the peak of its “Flying Mile” the resort developed legions of fans. By 2014, the resort belonged to Jochl, and a comprehensive campaign to modernize the resort began. First came “Gunther’s Way,” the most significant new slope addition in the High Country in decades. The high speed detachable six-seat “Summit Express” followed and in the ensuing years every lift was replaced, including new detachable lifts for Oma’s Meadow, formerly known as Big Red, and Easy Street, perhaps the longest beginner/intermediate terrain in the High Country. A new fixed lift for intermediate run “Big Birch” was the final piece of the mountain puzzle. More than $25 million in expenditures marked the last decade, as Jochl celebrates his 50th season on the mountain next November. Beyond what is visible to riders, Jochl notes “money went into automatic systems, pumps and snowmaking. All to make our ski season more dependable.”

Photo by Todd Bush

Photo by Sam Dean

Photo by Todd Bush Photo by Sam Dean

Beech Mountain

Sugar Mountain Resort Sugar Mountain Resort

Jochl has surrounded himself with leaders of many seasons at Sugar, most notably wife Kim, an eight-year member of the US Alpine Ski Team, and former World Junior Champion in the Combined. Kim’s twin, Krista, the perennial ambassador for Sugar Mountain, competed in two Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway and Alberta, Canada. The twins’ brother, Erich Schmidinger, a champion racer in his youth, works hand in hand with his brother-in-law, Andrew Jochl, a mechanical engineer in his own right, to provide the boots on the ground for the mammoth enterprise. “They are a strong team from an operational standpoint,” the senior Jochl said. “They complement each other well.” Ski School Director Len Bauer enters his 40th season at Sugar, 36 years as the man in charge. Bauer brings a unique perspective to his longevity at the resort with this year’s recruiting class of new ski and snowboard instructors. “We have an exceptionally strong group of instructors and that’s particularly rewarding to me,” Bauer said, adding that “eight of our new candidates for instructor went through our Sugar Bear Ski School as children,” a program catering to kids between four and ten years of age. Adding more experience, Blowing Rock’s Doug Washer returns for his 43rd consecutive year to Sugar’s Ski and Snowboard School. As the ski boom continues with no end in sight, Bauer’s experience is more important than ever.

And while Sugar was last to the party with internet booking and Radio Frequency Identification embedded in each lift ticket, the newly renovated ski rental area offers streamlined spaces, lockers, and clothing rentals. “It will be smoother than it was,” Jochl allowed, noting that half-a-million-dollar investment he expects it to be. And antithetical to lifers like Bauer, the management of the rental operation is in the hands of affable Dexter Brewster, a twenty-something mountain bike enthusiast in the summer and a rider in winter. “He’s a great guy with a lot on his plate,” Jochl said of Brewster with muffled understatement. “He fits in well within our organization.” Another notable improvement at Sugar will be lighting for night skiing, necessitated by downed light poles wrought by Hurricane Helene. “We brought in portable lights last season,” Jochl noted. “The new permanent LED lights are better now and skiers will see the difference.” So as always it seems, Sugar is ready for another banner year, including its popular NASTAR weekends and the 20th Edition of the Sugar Mountain Ski and Snowboard Adult Race League held Monday nights beginning January 5 and concluding February 9. “Gunther has built a team,” wife Kim said, who, as marketing director and the de facto face of the resort, concluded, “We are a dedicated team.”

Beech Mountain

The Ascendancy of Beech Mountain When the Costin family came into ownership of the Beech Mountain Ski Resort in the ‘80s, the once shimmering winter sports showplace was in distress. The alpine village, designed by architect Claus Moberg and brought to life by the Robbins Brothers in the late ‘60s, was in disrepair. It took a full generation to bring the echoes of ‘Edelweiss’ into earshot once again when Ryan Costin was handed the family jewels in 2008. Fresh out of Western Colorado’s Resort Management program, young Costin implemented all the right moves in a calculated campaign to return the patina to a faded jewel. In that span of time, water and compressed air delivery systems were modernized to deliver the goods to a growing fleet of snowmaking guns. Snow grooming equipment was upgraded, and as time and capital permitted, the picturesque village received much needed repairs and paint. Over time, the 1967 vintage chairlifts were replaced with new fixed-grip chairs. Terrain Park areas were integrated into the traditional downhill slopes, and the hip vibe of the early ‘70s returned. The Beech Mountain Brewery took an honored place in the mix, including the 5506’ Bar and its breathtaking view from the top of the slope complex which caught the eye of a new generation of Beech Nuts. Continued on next page CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

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Photo by Sam Dean

Beech Mountain Beech Mountain

An intriguing relationship developed between the resort and LeesMcRae College (LMC) in Banner Elk, which fifty years earlier was home to national championship ski teams. That relationship waned in the ‘80s but has re-emerged in a new collaboration with the school. Costin fostered a Tourism & Resort Management program at LMC, providing classroom space in the main Lodge, and christening the facility in the name of Dr. Thomas Brigham, arguably the father of southern skiing. “Doc” Brigham would leave his mark on Beech, Sugar Mountain, and later, Snowshoe, West Virginia. Hannah Sheets takes over as director of ski and snowboard instruction where she’s worked throughout her high school years. Haley Lowman takes over Beech’s large rental program that features skis and boards by Rossignol and a new Wintersteiger tuning machine. Hunter Thompson heads retail in the village while Kenneth Stanford oversees Pete’s Way, the newly christened terrain park. Kenneth’s dad Mike heads the Beech Mountain ski patrol with a dual role in customer service. Multi-talented marketing director Talia Freeman has proved herself a leader for more than a decade in a role that includes developing young talent. “We’ve put together a great mix of men and women in what was predominantly a male-dominated industry,” Costin said.

Along with the addition of the college curriculum, Aaron Maas, who had already made his name as the chief beer maker for the Beech Mountain Brewery, was handed coaching duties for the revitalized LMC ski and snowboard team in 2016. LMC racers would qualify for the nationals in five of the next seven seasons. After winning ten individual national titles, and 25 visits to the podium, the programs were elevated to Varsity status from club level. Scholarship money flowed to recruit better racers and Coach Maas earned the U.S Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association Coach of the Year Award for 2024. And to top the year off, Maas returned for the season’s first snowmaking with a medal from the Great American Brew Festival for his prized Vienna Lager. You could say he’s on a roll. Visitors to Beech this winter will enjoy “Flex” ticketing, first introduced at App Ski Mountain. Half-Day, Day, and Full-Day tickets are available for sessions of 4, 8, or 12 hours. Once you pass your first lift gate your session begins, a crowd-control technology proved viable with the advent of Radio Frequency ID cards. Gone is the cumbersome lift ticket check at the loading station. Sixteen years ago, Costin drew up his first one-year plan followed by a five-, ten-, and then a 20-year plan. “It never stops; there is always something to do to keep up, to get better,” he said. “It’s an Olympic year and interest will never

be higher. This summer we made cosmetic improvements to all exteriors of our buildings. The village takes a beating each winter and it’s a full-time job. But the look is fresher.” Some might say the patina has returned to stay. App Ski Mountain: Leader in Innovation With his auspicious debut in 1962 as The Blowing Rock Ski Lodge, entertainment empresario Bill Thalheimer knew he was onto something. Following the record snows of 1960, winter recreation in the Blue Ridge Mountains was in for a major transformation. While opening to great fanfare, the ‘downs’ outnumbered the ‘ups’ and by 1968 Thalheimer’s dream was in the hands of a group of creditors who nominated local lumberman Grady Moretz (Thalheimer’s largest creditor) to stabilize the pioneering ski enterprise. Rebranded Appalachian Ski Mountain, few could foresee the phenomenal success story in the making. Grady brought hands-on management and discipline to the resort along with ski patroller/instructor Jim Cottrell, whose French-Swiss Ski College was bent on teaching the South to learn to ski. Grady’s wife Reba built a ski shop/retail success as she kept a firm hand on Continued on next page CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

Courtesy of App Ski Mtn

“Best Kept Secret in the High Country”

Featuring Many Ski Brands – Available for On-Slope Demos

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

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30 — Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

expenses and bookkeeping. Snowmaking over skiable terrain grew more prodigious each year. A family-friendly vibe and unrivaled snow levels from its ever-growing snow making systems, a school-based field trip offering, and college P.E. credits derived from the French-Swiss Ski College weekend programs vaulted App Ski Mountain to newfound viability. In 1997 Grady passed the mantle of general manager to his son Brad. Daughter Brenda and husband John Speckmann picked up where Reba left off. Two years later, App Ski Mountain became the last of the state’s resorts to welcome snowboarders to the mountain. Today the mountain is arguably the premier terrain park provider in the state. Once empowered, gangs of volunteers with shovels and welding gear added features for park rats on skis and snowboards. Things are more sophisticated today, with a Park Pro 400 PistenBully guided by park director Chris Jones. Cutting his teeth on Beech Mountain, Jones has made his mark at Mammoth Mountain, CA, and was behind building the spectacular features at the X-Games. Under the direction of Moretz, along with original park rat Drew Stanley, App Ski Mountain was the first to institute a park pass test to ensure a modicum of park etiquette and safety. And a new pilot program from ‘Precision Approach Sports’ provides a light display at the top jump on Appal Jam. It measures the riders’ speed displaying a green (G0) or red (NO) light to prevent over or undershooting the landing area. The display captures video footage the rider can then download on a phone or via e-mail. “We want to give kids an outlet to maybe someday compete at a national level,” Moretz explained. App Ski Mtn. was first to introduce on-line bookings, now setting arrivals in five-minute intervals to smooth out the process. “We went to the interval approach—it’s like a golf teetime—during COVID to space our customers apart,” Moretz said. “But it worked so well, even in our peak times, we’ve kept it in place.”

Courtesy of App Ski Mtn

And they were first to introduce the ‘flex ticket’ so your ski session time begins when you do. Their Midnite Blast session, with slopes open to midnight on weekends and holidays, makes the ‘flex’ ticket more versatile and valuable than ever. As part of the Southern Division of the National Ski Patrol, ASM’s ski patrol was named Outstanding Alpine Ski Patrol, with Kim Davis named Outstanding Patroller. Jim Cottrell’s retired now, having turned the reins of French-Swiss over to the Moretz family and directed by Frenchman Benjamin Marcellin. But his teaching philosophy remains. “Give me three days and you will always come back, prepared for all types of snow conditions,” he promised. And as the founder of Special Olympics in Alpine Sports in the South, Cottrell can point to the success of thousands of exceptional students over the decades. But the bottom line at App Ski Mountain is snow making. Moretz can bury his slope network under three feet of snow in a little over 24 hours. “You can never have enough snowmaking,” Moretz said. “Every year we’re dedicated to increasing our capacity and you can see it in the finished product.” Few in the neighborhood can argue with that. App Ski Mountain: appskimtn.com Beech Mountain Resort: beechmountainresort.com Sugar Mountain: skisugar.com

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

from November 21 to March 15 8:30 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. 828-818-0052 | appskimtn.com

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Lightwire Theatre's DinoLight at Ashe Civic Center

“The Weather Outside is Frightful,” But the Arts are so Delightful!

Dozens of Shows, Hundreds of Performances on the Winter Schedule By Keith Martin

The newly rebranded APPALACHIAN ARTS series supports Appalachian State University’s teaching mission by presenting world-class performances that bring classroom learning to life, while contributing in a significant way to quality of life for residents across our region and the cultural landscape of the High Country and beyond. Their four winter/early spring offerings include the Margo Price: Wild at Heart Tour on February 14. Price has created a lane where independent-minded, insurgent country music can exist and thrive alongside the mainstream. Now she’s back with an exquisite, timeless album that reconnects with her roots. At its core, Hardheaded Woman is about that furious instinct to never waver—especially when our values and future are so clearly on the line. Less than a week later, on February 20, Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance takes to the Schaefer stage. For over 50 years, they have merged the spirit and energy of the country’s finest early-career dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding and emerging choreographers. Founded by Alvin Ailey in 1974, this universally renowned company embodies his pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people. Rhiannon Giddens is guaranteed to sell out on April 18, so get your tickets early. She imbues her brand of folk music with miles-deep historical roots and contemporary sensibilities, pursuing an authentic understanding of the country’s musical origins through art. A two-time Grammy Award and Pulitzer Prizewinning singer and instrumentalist, MacArthur “Genius” grant recipient, and composer of opera, ballet, and film, Giddens centers her work around the mission of lifting up people whose contributions to American musical history have previously been overlooked or erased. The series concludes on April 24 with Etienne Charles: Earth Tones, presented in partnership with the

Pathways to Resilience QEP, a five-year climate literacy initiative at App State. The Trinidadian trumpeter and composer has dedicated his recent works to highlighting the voices of marginalized peoples in the Americas. He broadens his scope with his latest composition, Earth Tones, a multimedia jazz performance featuring original compositions that draw attention to people and regions that are, or soon will be, severely affected by climate change. TheSchaeferCenter@AppState.edu Recently named the Carolinas’ “Finest Theatre” by over 4,000 readers of Carolina Country magazine (beating out the Blumenthal PAC in Charlotte and the Durham PAC), the APPALACHIAN THEATRE OF THE HIGH COUNTRY (ATHC) is a non-profit, independent hub for entertainment in downtown Boone. They have the most extensive and diverse programming schedule in our region with 239 unique events last season. One year ago, they announced the creation of their Metropolitan Opera HD Live Series and The Met’s inaugural Boone broadcast season was a major hit. The second season continues December 28 with Umberto Giordano’s Andrea Chenier, followed on January 10 and 25 by Vincenzo Bellini’s bel canto opera Puritani and Mozart’s The Magic Flute, then a Valentine’s Day performance of Cinderella by Jules Massenet on February 14, and Wagner’s transcendent meditation on love and death, Tristan und Isolde on March 21. For the third year in a row, audiences are invited to ring in 2026 during New Year’s Eve @ App Theatre on Wednesday, December 31. The noon family-friendly countdown to the new year features a 75th anniversary screening of Disney’s Cinderella (1950). Following the film, the party continues with a countdown to a mock New Year’s Eve celebration that includes a photo booth, party favors, sparkling cider toast, and a balloon drop. Charlotte’s own Thurston Howell, Your Premier Yacht Rock Spectacular takes to the stage at 8 p.m. to begin a festive evening that includes dancing, party favors, photo booth, a live viewing of the Times Square Ball Drop, and a midnight champagne toast. January 9 brings Stevie Mac to the App Theatre for a “Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks Experience,” followed on January 23 by the Django Reinhardt Birthday Celebration with Boone’s Page Brothers performing the late “Gypsy Jazz” pioneer’s music. Events the following month include a Broadway in Love concert of memorable tunes from the Great White Way on February 6, Continued on next page CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

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It may be icy cold or snowy over the winter months, but the many cultural offerings on our local stages will warm you up both inside and out. The following is an overview of performing arts offerings on the schedule from January through mid-April 2026, including events at our area colleges and universities, all of which are listed alphabetically. PLEASE REMEMBER that all performances, dates, and times are “subject to change,” especially in inclement weather for artist and patron safety; you are strongly encouraged to contact the box office for the most current information. See you at the theatre!

Rhiannon Giddens at Appalachian Arts

Are You Ready for It? A Taylor Experience at App Theatre

photo by Ebru Yildiz

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Peter Pan at Barter Theatre

the return of Tuba Skinny—the “Big Easy Award” winner for Best Traditional Jazz Band—on February 20, followed by an encore bagpipe performance by the popular The Red Hot Chili Pipers (not Peppers) on February 26. The popular BooneDocs Film Festival is a two-day juried showcase of short-form documentary films celebrating life in Appalachia on February 27 and 28. In March, the contemporary folk duo Rakish takes to the stage on the 15th with the family fun action-packed show Puppy Pals LIVE on March 20 with adopted and rescued dogs “performing spectacular stunts and breathtaking feats.” Finally, the much anticipated Are You Ready for It? A Taylor Experience on March 29 recaps the magic of Swift’s recent Eras Tour. In addition, dozens of movies will be screened this winter and spring, including the very cleverly titled KnitFlix series (see the “Knitting is Trending” article elsewhere in the magazine). AppTheatre.org The vibrant ASHE COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL and the picturesque Town of West Jefferson have programmed a wide variety of events across two beautiful venues from now through April… and beyond. Their popular and well-attended Ed Perzel Chamber Music Series has four concerts on the winter schedule beginning on January 25 with the Appalachian State Faculty Ensemble. They are followed by the Galvin Cello Quartet on February 15, the Erinys Quartet on March 29, and the Terra String Quartet on April 19. At the ASHE CIVIC CENTER, the long-awaited return of The Kruger Brothers takes place on January 31 - February 1. The internationally acclaimed trio continues to captivate audiences with their innovative and heartfelt approach to acoustic music. On February 26, The Tannahill Weavers, one of Scotland’s premier traditional bands, bring their lively Celtic sound back to Ashe County. The Civic Center’s family-friendly highlight arrives on March 12 with Lightwire Theatre’s DinoLight, a glow-in-thedark adventure that combines puppetry, dance, and technology into a visually stunning performance for all ages. The Ola Belle Reed Songwriters Retreat returns April 10 - 12, offering creative collaborations with celebrated instructors Cathy Fink, Susan Cattaneo, and Matthew Parsons. AsheCountyArts.org Paul Elliott’s comedy Exit Laughing is the next offering at ASHE COUNTY LITTLE THEATRE in the intimate Ashe Civic Center from March 26 - 29. When the biggest highlight of your

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life for the past thirty years has been your weekly card night out with the girls, what do you do when one of your foursomes inconveniently dies? If you’re three southern ladies from Birmingham, you do the most daring thing you’ve ever done. You “borrow” the ashes from the funeral home for one last card game, and the wildest, most exciting night of their lives begins with a police raid, a stripper, laughs, and a whole new way of looking at all the fun you can have when you’re truly living. AsheCountyLittleTheatre.org BARTER THEATRE, “The State Theatre of Virginia,” has announced their entire 2026 season (17 shows!), but let’s focus on the four productions being mounted over the winter and early spring months. Their main theatre, the Gilliam Stage, will premiere resident playwright Catherine Bush’s adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ The Three Musketeers from March 14 - April 4. This action-packed adventure follows the friendships of young D’Artagnan and his band of swashbuckling Musketeers as they fight to protect the ones they love from the evil Cardinal Richelieu. Bush’s take on J. M. Barrie’s novel Peter Pan opens on March 24 with Wendy and her brothers playing make-believe in their nursery. Then one night, a young boy named Peter Pan and his fairy friend Tinkerbell whisk them away to a Neverland filled with lost boys, pirates, a man-eating crocodile, and adventures you will never forget. Across the street in Barter’s Smith Theatre, Quinton Cockrell’s Trains runs from February 13 - 28. It takes place in 1919 when an angry mob in Corbin, Kentucky, drove 200 Black citizens from town on railcars. This world premiere is the first work to be fully developed through Barter’s Black Stories Black Voices initiative. Opening on March 21 is Pickleball by actor/playwright Jeff Daniels. In America’s fastest-growing game, there’s no place for apologies or excuses, but there is a lot of room for comedy. When four below-average players have an opportunity to compete in a local tournament, they must learn to overcome their limitations and dig deep to find the greatness that lies within. BarterTheatre.com The next show by BEANSTALK COMMUNITY THEATRE will be the laugh-out-loud farce Southern Hospitality by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Jamie Wooten, a trio of writers collectively known as Jones Hope Wooten. The Futrelle Sisters are in trouble again. This time, their beloved hometown of Fayro, Texas, is in danger of disappearing and it’s up to the sisters to save

Blizzard at CoMMA

photo by Emmanuel Burriel

Metropolitan Opera's The Magic Flute

The many offerings by the CITY OF MORGANTON MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM (CoMMA) include Georgette Jones and a tribute to her parents, George Jones and Tammy Wynette, as she relives the golden era of country music on January 23, followed on February 7 when Drum Tao: The Best explodes on stage with powerful and athletic drumming that blends traditional “wadaiko” (Japanese drums) with modern energy and theatrical flair. On February 20, Cirque Flip Fabrique performs their newest work, Blizzard, which takes audiences on a crazy, poetic and gentle journey in the dead of winter, performed by a talented cast of Canadian acrobats. A sequel titled Menopause the Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’ brings hot flashes, mood swings, and memory lapses to CoMMA on February 24. Five years after their chance encounter in a department store, we set sail for high jinks on the high seas in a hilarious and heartfelt look at the joys of menopause… and friendship. Direct from Rome, Italy: The Three Italian Tenors is a unique musical event on March 6 featuring original arrangements to universally loved Italian songs and tenor arias, presenting memorable melodies and themes performed by a trio of Italian tenors. The national tour of Broadway’s Tony and Grammy Awardwinning musical Kinky Boots stops in Morganton for one night only on March 30. Based on actual events, it chronicles the journey of an unlikely pair who discover that you can change the world when you change your mind. The show features a score by Cyndi Lauper, book by Harvey Fierstein, and original direction and choreography by Jerry Mitchell. On April 17, the Jazz Legacy Project presents Billie Holiday: God Bless the Child. Her unique vocal approach and advanced sense of rhythm made Holiday one of the most important and influential vocalists in music history, blazing a trail for women and African Americans that paved the way for future generations. CommaOnline.org The DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE AND DANCE AT APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY continues its 2025-26 season with three productions in the Valborg Theatre on their Boone campus, beginning with oh to be pure again by Kira Rockwell from

Kinky Boots at CoMMA

February 25 - March 1. During one hot Texas summer at a charismatic Christian camp, an idealistic counselor works to shepherd the senior girls’ cabin along their journey to make an authentic connection with something bigger than themselves, only to be confronted with disillusionment of her own faith. From March 25 - 29 is the Spring Appalachian Dance Ensemble, a popular semi-annual concert featuring faculty and students showcasing their talents in choreography and performance. The lineup includes original choreography by faculty members Emily Daughtridge, Regina Gulick, Sherone Price, and Chris Yon, along with four student choreographers creating new works with eight different pieces being performed every night. Their mainstage season concludes April 15 - 19 in a rare collaboration with the Hayes School of Music on Once Upon a Mattress with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Marshall Barer. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s 1835 fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea,” it tells the story of Princess Winnifred, who must prove her sensitivity by sleeping on twenty mattresses with a pea hidden underneath. The beloved musical is well known for its catchy tunes and comedic and family-friendly nature. TheatreAndDance.AppState.edu There are two productions onstage in the DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE AND DANCE AT EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY in Johnson City. From March 5 - 8, Christopher Chen’s Passage examines colonialism and how power and societal imbalances affect personal and impersonal dynamics. The cult classic CARRIE: The Musical examines bullying, social isolation, consequences of religious extremism, parental abuse, and the struggle for acceptance in a society that ostracizes those who are different. Based on the Stephen King novel with music by Michael Gore, lyrics by Dean Pitchford, and book by Lawrence D. Cohen, it runs April 15 - 19 in the Martin Center for the Arts Bert C. Bach Theatre. ETSU.edu/cas/theatre LEES-MCRAE COLLEGE in Banner Elk and their Performing Arts Department are producing the classic Southern comedydrama Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling, based on his experience with his sister’s death. Running from February 12 - 15, this comedy-drama takes place in the late 1980s at an in-home beauty parlor where a group of women regularly gather. The continued on next page CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

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it from extinction but, as usual, their plans to do so quickly go haywire. The story is a testament to Southern strength and ingenuity… and a recipe for total hilarity. Performances run March 12 - 14 at the Appalachian Theatre. For info, visit BeanStalkNC. com, but for tickets go to AppTheatre.org

Puppy Pals LIVE at App Theatre

The Tina Turner Musical at ETSU

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Old Crow Medicine Show at MerleFest Inset: Scouting America Dance Merit Badge

bond among a group of Southern women in Louisiana is just as the title suggests: “female characters are as delicate as magnolias but as tough as steel.” Next up is a whimsical, musical tale for all ages titled A Year with Frog and Toad with book, music, and lyrics by Willie Reale, based on Arnold Lobel’s beloved children’s books. The plot follows two great friends—the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad—through four fun-filled seasons with performances from April 23 - 26 in Hayes Auditorium. www.lmc.edu/theatreshows The MARTIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS AT ETSU is bringing three national tours to campus beginning with Meredith Willson’s The Music Man from January 26 – 28. There’s trouble in River City when a fast–talking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian in this six–time Tony Award–winning musical. Riverdance 30: The New Generation will follow on February 17 - 18 with its fusion of Irish and international dance and music. Its Grammy award-winning music and infectious energy has made Riverdance a global cultural sensation. Next up is TINA – The Tina Turner Musical on February 28 - March 1, written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall. The show captures the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the “Queen of Rock n’ Roll” and is set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, including her 12 Grammy Award-winning chart toppers. ETSUMartinCenter.org MERLEFEST honors the legacy of NC music legend Doc Watson while celebrating and uplifting the next generation of talent. It takes place from April 23 - 26 on the campus of Wilkes Community College. Their line-up includes 14-time Grammy winners Alison Krauss & Union Station and the Old Crow Medicine Show; “The Show” is a longtime festival favorite whose ties to its founding legend Doc Watson trace back to the turn of the millennium. Also on the bill are West Virginia singer/songwriter Charles Wesley Godwin, hard-driving Southern rock stalwarts Blackberry Smoke, decorated flat picker and vocalist Molly Tuttle, the Steep Canyon Rangers, The Creekers, Trey Hensley, and many, many more. MerleFest.org The multiple award-winning PIONEER PLAYMAKERS AT WATAUGA HIGH SCHOOL in Boone have announced their 2025 spring production: Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical with shows from March 26 - 28. This Tony Award-winning version of his whimsical fantasy story is “a captivating masterpiece

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from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life.” With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world. onthestage.tickets/watauga-highschool-theatre-department The WILKES PLAYMAKERS at Benton Hall Community Arts Center in North Wilkesboro open their 2026 season with an ‘80s themed Bingo production on January 24 followed by a dramatic Murder Mystery event from February 12 - 15. They mark the 250th Anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with a streamlined theatrical version of her masterpiece Pride and Prejudice and its themes of manners, courtship, and relationships. The story revolves around Elizabeth Bennett, who navigates societal pressures and her own prejudices while dealing with the enigmatic Mr. Darcy. The play captures the essence of the original novel, highlighting the characters’ struggles and growth as they confront their feelings and societal expectations. Performances run from March 13 - 15, and 20 - 22. WilkesPlaymakers.com In closing, grateful thanks to SCOUTING AMERICA, the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared for Life.” They recently announced the creation of a Dance Merit Badge (joining the existing art, music, and theatre badges) while stating, “Dancing is a fun and exciting way to express yourself, stay active, and connect with others. Every style of dance—from hip hop and ballet to cultural and partner dances—has its own rhythm, history, and story to tell. You’ll learn how to move safely, warm up properly, and understand what makes every dance unique. You’ll explore different styles of dance, learn about famous dancers, and even perform your own routine. Whether you’re new to dancing or already love it, this badge will help you build confidence, creativity, and coordination while having a great time moving to the beat.” Since its inception in 1910, more than 130 million young men and women have participated in Scouting America’s youth programs, led by more than 35 million adult volunteers. Bravo, scouts… we salute you!

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215 Boone Heights Dr., Boone • 960 Main Street, Blowing Rock CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Spring 25 — 27 bbandminteriors@gmail.com • www.thebeeandtheboxwood.com • 828.386.6212

Portrait of George Bireline, featured in BRAHM’s Artists in Profile: Portraits by Allen Weiss exhibit

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum Celebrates 15 Years By Keith Martin 2026 BRINGS LANDMARK EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS

ne of the better known and most frequently used acronyms in the High Country is BRAHM, which locals know immediately as The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. 2026 will mark the Museum’s 15th year, along with the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with a year-long exploration of the American landscape—its power, its contradictions, and its evolving role in art and society. Executive Director Stephan Dragisic oversees this vibrant organization’s mission “to curate, preserve, educate, and inspire.” Rooted in the creative cultures of Appalachia, BRAHM aims to cultivate a community that extends beyond its walls and region, positioning Western North Carolina as a leader in the arts. The 25,000-square-foot Museum opened its doors on October 1, 2011. Located off Main Street in Blowing Rock, BRAHM provides cultural enrichment by promoting the arts and history through educational programs, exhibitions, and activities. The permanent collection of more than 600 objects includes works by Elliott Daingerfield, Maud Gatewood, Elizabeth Bradford, Mark Hewitt, and other American impressionist and post-impressionist artists. Each year, BRAHM welcomes 24,000 visitors free of charge to experience 25 changing exhibitions. BRAHM also has an outreach education program that encourages arts education in local schools, daycares, and senior centers.

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Dragisic says, “2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years yet for BRAHM. The Museum’s exhibition calendar explores the American landscape in all its depth and diversity, not just as a place, but as an idea that continues to shape who we are as a nation.” Rather than presenting a single narrative, BRAHM’s exhibitions will consider the landscape as a site of beauty and inspiration, and also of memory, conflict, and change. Throughout 2026, visitors will also encounter intimate depictions of the Blue Ridge Mountains, works that meditate on regional identity, and images documenting shared topographies in media as varied as black-and-white photography and tapestry. Alongside these, bold contemporary interventions will challenge inherited notions of land and place. From the celebratory to the ominous, the idealized to the abstract, the year’s programming will chart the many ways artists have engaged with the American landscape as both muse and mirror. Through this exhibition, visitors will gain a multifaceted reflection on how our understanding of land continues to shape—and be shaped by—the American experience. Offerings will range from rich narratives rooted in the High Country to broader artistic movements and moments shaped by the national landscape. Featured exhibitions will highlight artists who are actively defining their creative voices in the present, as well as

those whose contributions are just now being defined. For those interested in a more indepth experience of the exhibitions, BRAHM will host programming to support and expound on the stories being told at the Museum. Curator WilsonRhodes, notes, “Our goal is not just to celebrate 250 years of American art, but to further enrich it by inviting fresh perspectives, experimenting, and asking hard questions about our relationship to land and place. Visitors will see the American landscape in all its forms—idealized and abstracted, wild and industrial, celebratory and ominous—spread across every corner of the Museum.” The new winter and early spring exhibitions include Patrick Dougherty: Pilgrimage through May 17. It is the first of its kind devoted to the artist’s sculptural practice. Known for his immersive, building-sized stickworks created in collaboration with local communities around the world, Dougherty here turns inward, presenting monumental vessels, masks, and wall-mounted forms that retain his signature presence while adapting to a gallery setting. At the heart of the exhibition are more than 150 pairs of work gloves signed by the volunteers who helped build his projects over four decades—an homage to the collective spirit that animates his ephemeral art. Horizon Line: 250 Years of the American Landscape opens on February 28, a sweeping salon-style installation occupy-

Director Stephan Dragisic

ing over 30 vertical feet of the Museum’s central atrium wall. This ambitious presentation brings together works ranging from early 19th-century romantic vistas to modernist abstractions and contemporary responses to our evolving environment. Displayed en masse across two floors, the installation will be accompanied by digital interpretive materials that provide access to and context for each work, including those installed high in the rafters. Current exhibitions continuing into 2026 include Eric Serritella: Abscission and Jack Boul: Land, City, Home. Boul (1927–2024) was a painter, printmaker, and sculptor whose work captured the quiet rhythms of life in urban, agrarian, and domestic landscapes. This exhibition also highlights Boul’s connection to Camp Catawba in Blowing Rock, where he first encountered the Blue Ridge Mountains’ beauty—a setting that informed his sensitivity to place and atmosphere. Opening on January 10 is The Studio Mirror: Allen Weiss & The Artists of North Carolina followed on February 28 by Springtide: BRAHM’s Permanent Collection in Bloom. Further ahead, visual arts enthusiasts can look forward to two openings on May 9: Silver & Smoke: George Masa & Ansel Adams and Barbara Grenell: Mountain Tapestry. The late summer/early fall exhibitions include Cherokee Basketry by Contemporary Women Artists beginning August 8 and

finally, Honoring Nature: Early Southern Appalachian Landscape Painting scheduled from October 4 to mid-2027. Dragisic says the Museum is not only looking at history, but also toward the future, citing that “bold goals for the next decade include achieving accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums. Accreditation represents the gold standard in our field, and earning it will affirm BRAHM’s commitment to education, public service, and the care of our collections. It’s an exciting step toward our continued growth and national recognition.” He adds, “At our 15th anniversary on October 1, we’ll mark the moment with a joyful community celebration and a special gathering of our founders. But we’re also using the occasion as a springboard to the future, laying the groundwork for our 25th anniversary and beyond. “BRAHM’s story has always been one of community, imagined and built by visionaries, sustained by supporters, and inspired by artists,” Dragisic explains. “As we look toward our 15th anniversary and the exhibitions of 2026, we’re celebrating not just how far we’ve come, but how far we can go together.” BRAHM invites CML readers to find out everything going on at the Museum by visiting their website at BlowingRockMuseum.org or by following them on social media @BRmuseum on Facebook and Instagram.

The new 2026 Blowing Rock Community Calendar is now available at Town Hall, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. The latest edition was created in partnership with BRAHM to celebrate the Museum’s 15th Anniversary in 2026, and features beautiful and varied works from the Museum’s permanent collection. These free calendars are produced by the Blowing Rock Tourism and Development Authority each year and include municipal information and local public event dates.

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ART REMARKS

Southern Highland Craft Guild's Folk Art Center

Ashley Roberts Sheryak and Her Mural at Sugar Mountain

ART REMARKS

By CML Staff

This winter, explore new galleries, scout out larger-than-life murals, take a daytrip along the Blue Ridge Craft Trails, view nature’s amazing “sky exhibits” through the lens of an astrophotographer, learn about recent efforts to support our local artisans, and find numerous opportunities to purchase and enjoy unique mountain art and crafts. Southern Highland Craft Guild: Celebrating 95 Years of Craft & Community in Southern Appalachia With a creative community of juried members spanning over nine states, the Southern Highland Craft Guild fosters opportunities for makers to build, market, and maintain their creative livelihood through continuing education, retail outlets, and mentorship. The Guild helps all members achieve their goals, provides them with the resources to refine and sell their craft. The Southern Highland Craft Guild is headquartered at the Folk Art Center in Asheville, NC, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, with an additional retail location at Moses Cone Manor in Blowing Rock. For over six decades, the Guild and the National Park Service have opened the Moses Cone Manor to the public each spring, offering a sampling of regional works, including turned bowls, ceramic tableware, woven garments, hand-dyed yarns (including what you see on the cover of this issue) and other handmade crafts, displayed in several rooms on the first floor of the Manor. Throughout the regular season, which begins in mid-April, you’ll also enjoy craft demonstrations on the front porch while soaking up the beautiful mountain views. During the months of January, February and March, consider a day trip to the Folk Art Center, located just an hour and 20 minutes from Linville, NC, at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Center is open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and free craft demonstrations take place in the lobby of the Folk Art Center from March through the end of the year,10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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The Aurora Borealis over Beech Mountain, by Todd Bush

The Southern Highland Craft Guild is an advocate for high quality craftsmanship and goods made, sold, and curated in the Southern Highlands. Since 1930, the Guild has served as a visionary advocate to help generations value the design and function of traditional and modern crafts. southernhighlandguild.org New Mural Unveiled at Sugar Mountain Ski Resort This past fall, acrylic artist and muralist Ashley Roberts Sheryak completed her large-scale winter forest scene on the side of the Sugar Mountain Summit Express parking garage at the popular ski resort. What was once a bland, metal building was transformed into a scene of beauty that guests to the ski mountain can enjoy. “Painting a mural on a 1,724 square-foot corrugated metal wall has been one of the most challenging and humbling experiences I’ve had as a muralist so far,” shared Roberts. The mural was finished just in time for Sugar Mountain’s Oktoberfest. “I am so incredibly grateful to Sugar Mountain Resort for the opportunity to bring their vision to life.” Watch a video of the entire process on her Instagram reel at instagram.com/ashleyroberts.art/. You can find more of Roberts’ murals at Mountain Grounds Coffee & Tea Co., Blind Elk Tap Room, and other locations in the High Country. A Good Time for Astrophotography Nature’s nighttime art has amazed humanity for millennia. Cold, clear nights provide some of the best opportunities for us to witness our universe’s creativity, and for photographers to capture the beauty of out-of-this world comets, auroras, stars, planets and galaxies. In late October, local photographer and astrophotographer Todd Bush headed up Grandfather Mountain where he hoped to capture Comet Lemmon traveling through the sky above the High Country. “I loaded up Sherpa style to perch at the Swinging Bridge and ended up photographing the Milky Way and Bridge” (pictured on pg. 44). While witnessing the Milky Way galaxy glowing over the Mile High Swinging Bridge, he also captured multiple images of Comet Lemmon. More recently, our area has enjoyed rare opportunities to view the Aurora Borealis, as the

Nathan Favors, a woodturner in Bakersville, NC, was featured at the Hickory Furniture Mart

Southern Highland Craft Guild’s Folk Art Center

Crossnore Weavers at the Hickory Furniture Mart

Hickory Furniture Mart Partners with Blue Ridge Craft Trails to Support Western NC Artists After Hurricane Helene Last November, the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) partnered with Hickory Furniture Mart for its annual Fall After Market Sale. The collaboration marked the first time local Western North Carolina (WNC) artists located along the Blue Ridge Craft Trails (BRCT) were featured during the Mart’s sale. This new initiative had a vital purpose: to directly support WNC artists whose livelihoods and studios were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Eleven artisans and furniture makers located along the Blue Ridge Craft Trails were present to sell their handcrafted works of art, including Carolina Farm Table, Catawba Artisan, Crafted Glory, Crossnore Weavers, Dacey Porcelains, Kelsey Schissel Ceramics, Markey & Sons Woodcraft & Carving, Mike McKinney Woodturning, Nathan and Mariella Favors Woodturning, Pure Ritual, and Susan Roath Stained Glass. Wood carving and fabric weaving demonstrations were a big draw throughout the event. “These trails are home to over 4,000 working craftspeople, many of whom carry on generations-old traditions in wood, clay, fiber, glass, and metal,” noted event organizers. “Through education, advocacy, and connection, BRNHA ensures that these cultural traditions continue to thrive. We are proud to collaborate with them in bringing a selection of these skilled artisans and furniture makers to Hickory for this joint support effort celebrating over a year of strength and rebuilding, following

one of WNC’s most devastating natural disasters.” hickoryfurniture.com, blueridgeheritage.com New Issue of Blue Ridge Craft Trails Magazine Hits stands The newest issue of the Blue Ridge Craft Trails Magazine is now available for art and craft enthusiasts. This is the second issue of the recently launched publication, which shines a spotlight on craft throughout western North Carolina, including right here in the High Country. Over 300 artists and galleries are listed to guide visitors and craft admirers along the Blue Ridge Craft Trails. Inside the latest issue, celebrate John C. Campbell Folkschool in Brasstown; learn about Qualla Arts and Crafts, which is one of the oldest and most successful Native American craft cooperatives in the country; read stories of WNC artists and organizations transcending the challenges brought on by Hurricane Helene; and use the magazine as a guide to find artists, galleries, and craft destinations throughout Western North Carolina. You’ll find hard copies of the publication in galleries all over the region, or link to an online version at blueridgeheritage.com/ blue-ridge-craft-trails/. Penland Gallery Offers an Online Shopping Experience Sometimes the iffy winter weather prevents us from getting out and about, but that doesn’t mean you can’t shop for fine art and crafts. The Penland School of Craft in Bakersville, NC, has an online SHOP, offering nearly all the artwork available in their Lucy Morgan Gallery for purchase and shipping across the country. “The SHOP features works by over one hundred and fifty artists affiliated with Penland School, along with additional curated exhibitions from the FOCUS Gallery available online throughout the year,” shares the Penland team. You’ll find jewelry, pottery, mixed media, blown glass, textiles, and other works, with new pieces added frequently; their online shop is open year-round, 24/7 at penland.org/shop. This season, you can also visit the Penland campus in person to see the Lucy Morgan Gallery. They’re open for last minute holiday gift shopping through December 20, and will reopen in the new year on January 8 with special winter hours. continued on next page CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

ART REMARKS

sun’s solar wind particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field and put on the show we call the “northern lights.” “So much in the natural world is encouraging,” Bush shares, “and worthy of witnessing or photographing to share with those who may not be present when you see something fascinating... things like vast expanses and mighty mountains. But the sky is indeed special. Home to soaring birds, clouds, and transiting celestial objects, the sky is like a movie screen of activity—everchanging.” Learn more about Todd Bush’s work at bushphoto. com. You’ll also find some of his astrophotography images at BE Artists Gallery in Banner Elk (BEartistsGallery.com). To get a personal glimpse of some of this winter’s sky marvels, consider star gazing opportunities at Mayland’s Earth to Sky Park in Burnsville, NC. mayland.edu/esp

The Milky Way Galaxy over the Mile High Swinging Bridge, by Todd Bush

Mountain Hugger Co. in Banner Elk

Now is also a great time to research and register for Spring craft workshops at the Penland School of Craft. There are at least seven workshops running from March 1 through April 24, including “Explorations in Weaving,” “Clay Vessels,” and “Papermaking in Layers.” For hours of operation, participating gallery artists, workshop descriptions, and the online SHOP, visit penland.org. Inside the Red Caboose: Mountain Hugger Co. The historic red caboose in Banner Elk recently became home to the town’s latest photo and art gallery, Mountain Hugger Co., featuring photography by acclaimed photographer Dr. Joseph Nitti, as well as work by other local artisans. “For me, photography has always been about exploration, curiosity, and the unknown,” notes Nitti. “It’s about going ‘Out There’ beyond the easy, beyond the obvious, off the beaten path. It’s about finding unique moments in wild places, and capturing them the way I experience them—raw, honest and real.” Stop in to browse an impressive selection of local and international photography— a variety of Nitti’s images are available in many sizes, including cards. The gallery also sells Mountain Hugger t-shirts, hoodies, caps and other gift items. View current hours of operation at bannerelk.com/members/mountain-hugger-gallery/

44 — Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

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Yarns and finished works at Apple Hill Farm Outpost

Knitting Is Trending! By Tamara S. Randolph

F u n

a n d

F r i e n d s h i p

“Where’d ya get that hat?” hear this question a lot once the cold weather arrives, and I don my favorite hand-knitted cap that I purchased years ago at the Watauga Arts Council Gallery. I was so inspired by that hat, I decided to sign up for one of the Council’s knitting workshops (the woman who knitted my hat was the instructor), and along with a small group of eager participants, I learned a valuable skill that will stay with me through life. Today, knitting and a variety of other “fiber arts” are popular activities, and whether you enjoy crocheting, needle felting, sewing, weaving, macramé, embroidery, quilting or cross stitch, you’re in good, and growing, company. Knitting and crocheting have become especially popular in the High Country, and I find myself surrounded by family members, students I teach at Appalachian State, and friends from all walks of life who are enthralled with yarn hobbies. I recently picked up my needles again following a long hiatus, so I decided to tap into our thriving knitting community to learn more about the broad appeal of yarn handicrafts and some of the latest opportunities for emerging knitters.

Sharing the Love Abigail McDonald is an App State senior majoring in Apparel Design and Merchandising. She considers herself somewhat of an ambassador for yarn hobbies, having begun crocheting in High School during COVID. “When I came to App State, I joined the Knitting

46——Winter Winter25/26 25/26CAROLINA CAROLINAMOUNTAIN MOUNTAINLIFE LIFE

t h r o u g h

and Crochet Club on campus.” One of her friends in the Club inspired her to pick up a pair of knitting needles and she has been knitting non-stop ever since. The Knitting and Crochet Club currently consists of about 15-20 students from a wide range of majors—Science, English, Accounting, Art, Apparel Design and Merchandising, and even Construction. “We’re a very diverse group made up of all types of people,” says McDonald. One aspect of knitting that appeals to her most is the ability to create something almost anywhere at any time. “I don’t like being sedentary. I like to continue to do something with my hands— other than scrolling on my phone—even when I’m sitting.” Back in her hometown, McDonald shares her love of knitting with her family. “I use knitting as a connection point with my grandmother; she knits a lot. I got my sister-in-law into it, too,” and she also likes to demonstrate knitting for her curious young cousins, “planting the seed of interest” for the next generation. This winter, knitters of every stripe can join McDonald and other members of the Knitting and Crochet Club at The Appalachian Theatre on King Street to participate in KnitFlix, a relaxed movie night where the lights stay a bit brighter than usual so people can knit, crochet, stitch, or craft while enjoying a popular film on the big screen. All are welcome—simply bring your latest project and the tools you need. You’ll find the movie choices and select dates for January through April at apptheatre.org.

F i b e r

A r t s

“Casting On” with Community Knitting communities come in all shapes and sizes, as another local knitter, Susan Walker, has discovered. She was first inspired by knitting magazines some 20 years ago, lured by the “intricate cables and beautiful colorwork.” She followed up her initial interest with a beginner knitting class. Now a seasoned knitter, Walker finds the repetition in knitting to be soothing and meditative, and although she frequently knits alone at home, she also enjoys it as a social activity to share “not only with fellow local knitters but on social media with Instagram, Zoom, Discord and Ravelry (an online knitting forum with patterns, groups and designers).” Walker has participated in knitting workshops and events, both nationally and internationally, that focus on knitting and natural fibers and yarns and she says there are companies who even offer Knitting Tours. “I have met many like-minded people from all over the world.” Today Walker often knits with a local group of 13 “mostly older women,” and a second group in Black Mountain where “the crowd is 20s to 40s with quite a few men.” She adds that You-Tube videos can be helpful for beginners, as can “knit alongs” at yarn stores “where you knit the same project within a certain period.” Over on Beech Mountain, Dr. Cynthia Macri crafts with members of The Crochet Corner, a private knitting and crochet group sponsored by Beech Mountain Club. “The Knitting and Crochet Corner’s mission is to give back to the High

Knitting Group at Unwound Yarn in West Jefferson

Country communities,” Macri explains, “in appreciation of the beauty, climate, and activities that entice us to return every year. We use our love of the craft to make items of use to the community.” Their gift items have included “shawls for the graduates of the New Opportunity School for Women; hats and scarves for Hospitality House; and baby items, mostly blankets, for the Avery Pregnancy and Resource Center in Newland.” She adds, “When Grandfather Home still existed, we provided the older children with afghans that they could call their own.” Dr. Macri says the Club’s core group is always there to “help one another with design and color ideas or with technical issues. We also enjoy just getting together each week to chat and to share.” She finds that producing something you’ve made by hand is deeply satisfying, and “that others in need can use the item to their benefit adds to that sense of satisfaction. It just feels good to know that I am making a difference, no matter how small, in another person’s life.” Seeking Out the Experts So, you’re hooked on the idea of learning to knit or crochet, or to take your projects to the next level, but where do you begin? According to the knitters I spoke with, we have numerous fiber artisans and experts in the High Country, and some of them even operate their own yarn stores. In West Jefferson, Unwound Yarn is a great starting point for both new knitters and long-time yarn lovers looking

A sweater in progress, by Susan Lee Walker

for supplies, guidance and perhaps a little crafting camaraderie. Mo Purl owns the popular Ashe County yarn shop, formerly located in Blowing Rock. “I was offered a very unique opportunity in 2024 when the previous owner of Unwound, Colleen, found out the building was being sold and that we had lost our lease,” Purl shares. When the owner decided to retire, she offered the store to Purl, who had served as the store’s manager. “Despite my anxiety about becoming a business owner at 20, I knew I was making the right decision. Colleen had fostered a tight-knit community of crafters who saw Unwound as more than a store, but a sanctuary.” Today, the relocated store continues to be a popular destination for knitters and crocheters of all experience levels. In addition to a large and loyal knitting group that meets weekly, Purl offers affordable private lessons ($25/hr., materials included) for beginners who want a one-onone experience. “The goal of the private lesson is to get you to a point where you recognize terms and stitches by yourself, so you can continue to learn.” Unwound Yarn also carries “bags and organizers, decorative stitch markers and stitch stoppers, and all the yarn you could want. We also offer gift cards (physical and digital) along with handmade knit and crochet items made by the regulars of the store!” In downtown Banner Elk, head to Apple Hill Farm Outpost where you’ll frequently find owner Lee Rankin in the new Fiber Arts Room knitting colorful samples—socks, shawls, cowls and other creations—to display in the shop. Rankin,

Lee Rankin knitting a Cowl for the Apple Hill Farm Outpost

an expert knitter, took up the craft soon after she founded Apple Hill Farm, a mountaintop alpaca farm in Banner Elk. She quickly started a knitting group and says that’s how she really learned to knit, “when people came in for help.” The Fiber Arts Room at the Outpost is bursting with alpaca yarns in every color, along with high-quality knitting, crochet, and needle felting kits and supplies. “We have the largest selection of alpaca yarn in the High Country, including yarns from our own alpacas,” says Rankin. Groups of knitters and crocheters are flocking to the Outpost to enjoy its cozy atmosphere. “We have knitters who come and congregate here; they sometimes even bring their lunch,” says Rankin. “Anyone is welcome to come.” She adds, “The fun thing to me is for people who have been knitting longer than me, older and younger, to sit here and try to figure it out together. It’s just these precious moments of knitting.” In all my conversations with yarn enthusiasts—young, young-at-heart, beginners and experts—the reasons to take up knitting and crocheting are many. Yarn crafts can stimulate the brain, soothe the soul, serve as a social outlet, and bring friends and family together, all while allowing you to create tangible goods and gifts that are unique, fashionable, and functional. Resources for Knitting and Crochet Enthusiasts on next page . . .

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

Resources for Knitting and Crochet Enthusiasts Apple Hill Farm Outpost applehillfarmnc.com/apple-hill-farm-outpost/ 414 Shawneehaw Ave S, Banner Elk NC Unwound Yarn unwoundyarn.com 129 Burley Ave, West Jefferson, NC (located in the Ole Burley Market) Chix with Stix chixwithstixknit.com 1340 Morganton Blvd Lenoir, NC

TURCHIN CENTER

FOR THE VISUAL ARTS — Six Galleries — Free Admission — Contemporary Art — Changing Exhibitions 423 WEST KING STREET | BOONE, NC Open Tuesdays - Saturdays Gretchen Ernster Henderson, IMBIBE Rain on Garden Statue at Fallingwater, PA, 2024

A Likely Yarn alikelyyarn.com 213 Pecan St SE, Abingdon, VA Watauga Arts Council watauga-arts.org 377 Shadowline Drive, Boone, NC Ashe County Arts Council ashecountyarts.org 303 School Ave., West Jefferson, NC, Forence Thomas Art School florenceartschool.org/workshops/ 10 S Jefferson Ave, West Jefferson, NC Toe River Arts toeriverarts.org 269 Oak Avenue, Spruce Pine, NC KnitFlix at The Appalachian Theatre apptheatre.org 559 West King St., Boone, NC Carolina Fiber Fest (celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026) carolinafiberfest.org March 13-14, NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh, NC Southeastern Animal Fiber Festival (SAFF) saffsite.org October 23-25, WNC Agricultural Center, Fletcher, NC

48 — Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

The Consignment Cottage Warehouse

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Proof for full-page ad scheduled to run in CML’s Winter 25/26 issue. (same as Autumn ‘23 ad, with top circular photo replaced)

47 49

Bring a Book, Take a Book

at the Historic Banner Elk School We offer books to swap, magazines, WiFi, puzzles, book discussion groups, music jams, and children’s programs throughout the year. Stop by and see us this season!

Open All Year Tuesday-Friday 10-4 Saturday 1-4 (May - October) For a full schedule of events, visit: www.bannerelkbookexchange.com

50 — Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

D.D. and Lillie Dougherty, around 1905, with Howard's Knob in the background, photo courtesy of Doris Perry Stam

By Elizabeth Baird Hardy In 2024, Appalachian State University celebrated 125 years of education and history. Yet few of the over 21,700 current students or the over 150,000 alumni around the world know the surprising story of the university’s origins or of the remarkable family that is central to that story. Founders Plaza, located near the entrance to campus, features statues honoring D.D. (Dauphin Disco) Dougherty, his wife Lillie, and his brother B.B. (Blanford Barnard); these three individuals are largely responsible for the bustling institution that exists today. As the first president of the university, who held the position for over half a century including the metamorphosis from Appalachian State Teachers’ College to Appalachian State University, B. B., or “Blan,” is often the better known of the Dougherty brothers. However, D.D., known as “Dauph,” and his wife Lillie were critical to the creation of the school and to founding the legacy that continues today. Their story, the story of the founding of Appalachian State University, and the story of the community they helped shape, is told in D.D. Dougherty, Lillie Dougherty, and the Early Years of Appalachian State University, by Doris Perry Stam (McFarland, 2024). Recently honored with two awards from the North Carolina Society of Historians, including the prestigious “President’s Award,” the book is part of McFarland

By Elizabeth Baird Hardy

family, depicting the people and places that figure large in this story. In addition to chronicling a valuable history, the book also tells a fascinating story, bringing to life the events of the past with an engaging narrative that makes the Doughertys as real to the reader as they surely were to those who knew them. There are also plenty of surprises, even for those who may know the general history of the University and its founders. Stam herself was “surprised and delighted to learn what a scholar ‘Dauph’ was, how respected” he was by peers who regarded him as the college’s initial leader. Although he passed away in 1929, his influence continued to guide the University as Lillie and Blan managed its business and academic affairs for the following decades. While Lillie Dougherty passed away in 1945 and D.D. died nearly a century ago, their impact continues to resonate through their educational vision, a vision honored through Stam’s diligent work. In addition to preserving this educational legacy in print, Stam has also graciously donated documents, photographs, transcripts, and artifacts to the Special Collections Research Center’s Appalachian Collection at Appalachian State University to preserve them for the future. The initial kick-off and celebration events for the book and the University’s birthday were, unfortunately, hampered by Hurricane Helene, but Stam is delighted by the awards from the North Carolina Society of Historians and looks forward to sharing more of this story, a story that “shows the foundation that Appalachian should be proud of.” To learn more about D.D. Dougherty, Lillie Dougherty, and the Early Years of Appalachian State University or to order a copy, visit mcfarlandbooks.com.

Continued on next page CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

BOOK NOOK

A Legacy of Learning: Doris Perry Stam’s D.D. Dougherty, Lillie Dougherty, and the Early Years of Appalachian State University

Publishing’s Contributions to Southern Appalachian Studies collection. In addition to continuing this important series of books focused on Appalachia’s history and culture, this volume preserves pieces of the past that might otherwise vanish. Stam, directly descended from D.D. and Lillie Dougherty, felt that she was “compelled” to begin researching and chronicling this history “because no one else was, and it was going to be lost.” Combining extensive research into records and archives with unique perspectives drawn from oral histories, interviews, letters, and other resources available exclusively to her, Stam has woven an incredible story revolving around the first thirty years of what is today Appalachian State University. In fact, one of her biggest challenges was deciding what to keep and what to cull from the mountains of materials she has collected. Originally, she had aimed to cover the University’s first century, but focusing on just those first thirty years proved to be more than enough for one volume. While she hopes to eventually publish more of that history, Stam has created an incredibly valuable piece of scholarship that preserves not only the history of the University and the people who created it, but also the history of the entire area. In order to understand how remarkable the Doughertys and their accomplishments were, it is crucial to understand the world into which they were born in the decade after the Civil War, a world with limited access to resources, including educational opportunities. It is also crucial to understand the families and influences that shaped these individuals who went on to shape the educational and social landscape of the region. Stam’s volume paints a clear picture of Dauph, Lillie, their families, and their time, illustrated beautifully with photographs, many of which are unique to the

Book Nook

Continued . . .

OTHER TITLES FOR YOUR WINTER READING LIST Michael’s Journey from Caterpillar to Butterfly Jocelyn M. Lacey, Author | Haley McManigal, Illustrator Jan-Carol Publishing, Publisher In Michael’s Journey, our main character Michael begins the journey of a lifetime, starting out as a friendly caterpillar who is figuring out his place in the world. As he seeks out old friends following his metamorphosis, he realizes he is different in some important ways. But while those differences are scary at first, he finds he can still fly high and thrive. Michael makes new friends and travels to beautiful sights—including The Blowing Rock, Grandfather Mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge, and points along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The book’s message to young readers (ages 5-8) is that “Every one of us is a beautiful and unique creation in our own way,” and reminds children to “embrace your differences in what makes you who you are!” Children’s book Author Jocelyn Lacey is a native of Johnson City, TN, and now lives in Blowing Rock, NC. She has written four other award-winning books, including Pierre the Peacock, Coral’s First Sleepover, What Do Police Officers Do? and An Angel Named Johnia. “Our area still has a long way to go and that is why I am donating 20 percent of my book sales of Michael’s Journey from Caterpillar to Butterfly to Hurricane Helene relief, rebuilding and recovery.” Find Lacey on Instagram @hapigirl10, and learn more about her books at jancarolpublishing.com and amazon.com. The Monster of Midtown David Raines, Author Independent Publishing In this realistic thriller about a homicide detective’s thirteen-year pursuit of a diabolical serial killer, The Monster of Midtown introduces two unforgettable characters: a gritty, compassionate homicide detective and a villain that promises to surpass all others in the annals of crime novels. As the protagonist pursues an endless trail of clues, he’s continually frustrated by dead ends. Will he ever track down the “Monster”? One reviewer writes, “It’s a cat and mouse chase with a bit of a love story thrown in for comfort.” Author David Raines borrows from life experience as a 33-year retired veteran of the S. Florida fire service, where he investigated fire causes and origins, including some intended to cover up murder. Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. How I Got You Your Ounce: A Pot Dealer’s Journey Through American History Nan K. Chase and “Jimmy X,” Authors, with David Belmont BookBaby, Publisher Best known for her books on Asheville history, gardening and architecture, author and CML Contributor Nan K. Chase puts on her investigative reporter hat and works with researcher David Belmont to craft this true story of “Jimmy X” and his life with cannabis. “Jimmy X and I wrote this book to describe an amazing stretch of American history and cultural life,” says Chase. “You’ll learn how Jimmy X, who spent a 53-year career as a retail pot dealer in New York City, was able to sell $30 million of weed—four to five tons—while hiding in plain sight. How I Got You Your Ounce also gives an insider’s perspective about why legalized marijuana hasn’t met expectations.” Available at local bookstores and online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

52— Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

High Country Radio Marks 75 Years “On the Air” By Keith Martin WATA Radio Control Booth, 1950s. Image courtesy of the Palmer Blair Collection, Digital Watauga Project. | Current WATA Studio 2025, courtesy High Country Radio.

WATA C o m m e m o r a t e s I t s A n n i v e r s a r y f r o m a N e w B r o a d c a s t H o m e

t 7 a.m. on Sunday morning, September 24, 1950, radio station WATA began regular broadcasts from above the bus terminal located at the northwest corner of South Depot Street and present-day Rivers Street in Boone, NC, with a call sign that represents the county in which it is based. Coincidentally, that location is now the site of the Beasley Media Center at Appalachian State University. The local Merchant’s Association placed a full-page ad in The Watauga Democrat that read, “Congratulations and Welcome to Boone’s New Radio Station WATA…” stating that it was on the air from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and affiliated with the world’s largest network, the Mutual Broadcasting System. It boasted of providing access to the Associated Press News Service with foreign correspondents overseas, local news coverage, and radio’s greatest entertainment features, while inviting residents to listen to the upcoming World Series “exclusively over WATA and the Mutual Network.” Now in its 75th year, the station is celebrating its diamond anniversary from their beautiful, newly renovated

broadcast home at 1126 Blowing Rock Road in Boone with upgraded facilities and equipment and a new logo design. According to the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, the grand opening wasn’t just about a new location, but “a celebration of growth, renewed purpose, and the power of connection… where community news and stories continue to find a home with clarity, trust, and heart. It has long been the High Country’s heartbeat, from delivering trusted local news and weather to offering beloved music and programs tailored just for our region. With stations like WATA (local news, talk, and sports), Classic Hits 100.7, Highway 106’s country music, and Pulse Boone’s contemporary pop, all curated under the Curtis Media Group’s umbrella… it’s Boone’s voice on air.” In 2009, Curtis Media Group bought High Country Radio and all five of its area stations; in addition to WATA, these include WZJS, WMMY, WXIT, and WECR. General Manager Erica Lackey is leading their flagship station and the transition “back to its roots with a greater emphasis on local programming, including segments on local arts, education, business, and community

news.” One of these initiatives is their monthly “non-profit-a-thon” during which each charity has their mission and message highlighted, gets to discuss who they are and what they do, all while giving the local community a chance to support them. Bootleg Beginnings of Local Radio Writing on the history page of the Appalachian Theatre’s website, Dr. Gary Boye tells the true story of a tenant in the historic building broadcasting live from the stage over WDRS (Dacus Radio Service), operated by Kermit Irvin Dacus. Unfortunately, his radio station was a bootleg outfit that operated without the proper Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license. In October 1943, federal agents busted Dacus for his operation and charged him with violating the Federal Communications Act of 1934 by exceeding the wattage allowed by law along with some overtly commercial broadcasting. Tipped off by stations in Norfolk, VA, and Chicago, IL, whose signals were disrupted by WDRS, the FCC agents Continued on next page CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

barged into Dacus’s studio with a warrant and took away a transmitter, various other equipment, as well as files and recordings. Dacus paid a hefty fine and spent several years on probation, eventually returning to selling radios, but never again to broadcasting programs. This federal intervention ended live radio broadcasts from the Appalachian stage. Broadcasting Through Blizzards, Floods, and Hurricanes

Erica Lackey, General Manager, Curtis Media Group. Photos by High Country Radio

Ribbon Cutting/Dedication of the new High Country Radio Studios, August 28, 2025.

— ESTABLISHED 1903 —

A hallmark of High Country Radio is reliability. For those who live within the range of WATA’s broadcast signal, it has become their lifeline during the weather-related challenges that hit the region with increasing frequency. Most recently, the station’s resilience was tested during Hurricane Helene when 20 inches of rain flooded their former building, leaving eight inches of sludge in their studios once the waters receded. Lackey and her operations manager Mark Norris arrived at the station at 5:15 a.m. to find their broadcast towers down, but had their transmitter up and running 45 minutes

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later through various relay systems. In between live segments, they moved all their key equipment off the floor and above the rising floodwaters. For the next two weeks, they originated local news programs that guided listeners to sources of assistance on behalf of FEMA, the NC Governor’s Office, and even the White House, who asked Norris to broadcast information about federal relief efforts. Over a year later, visitors stopped by the station’s tent at Boonerang to thank them for their efforts. One person said that her road washed out and they had no power or water but listened to WATA on their radio, saying “Once I heard your voice, I just knew everything would be alright.” Happy anniversary, WATA. Special Thanks to Dr. Gary Boye and Dr. Eric Plaag for their assistance with this article.

Apple Hill Farm Store

“Get back in touch with what's real.” Largest selection of alpaca yarns & accessories in the High Country. Winter Hours: Wed - Sat 10-4; Sun - Tues by appt. Banner Elk, NC | (828)963-1662 www.applehillfarmnc.com

Boone’s Donate-What-You-Can Community Cafe “Where Everybody Eats” 617 W. King Street Across from Mast Store Lunch Mon-Fri, 11-2

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Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ Sojourn in Banner Elk By Carol Lowe Timblin L to R: Hemlock Trail | Representatives from Preserve Mecklenburg, Inc., visit the Rawlings Cottage, photo: Carol Timblin | The Yearling, published 1938 by Charles Scribner’s Sons

hen Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings visited Banner Elk in the fall of 1936, she had already achieved national acclaim as a writer of short stories and was a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize for her 1933 novel South Moon Under. Despite everything that was going well for Rawlings, she was experiencing writer’s block. Though she had recovered from a bad fall from a horse at her Cross Creek farm in rural Florida, she was still suffering from a bout with malaria. Renting a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina presented a rare opportunity for her to recuperate and focus on writing. As the keynote speaker at a School of English at Blowing Rock in July (also attended by Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind), she had learned about some rental cabins offered by Lees-McRae College in nearby Banner Elk. The cottage where Rawlings stayed featured a living room with wormy chestnut paneling and a stone fireplace, a small kitchen, a bedroom, and a bathroom. In a letter to her Aunt Ida, she describes it as “a small new modern cabin, immaculate, handmade furniture, fireplace, electric light, electric stove, and water heater, gorgeous mountain view, town is a quarter mile away, another cabin within calling distance—all for $15 a month.” Rawlings arrived at the cottage on September 18 and left around November 7, according to “Letters Written

56 — Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

from Banner Elk” by Lisa Kerr Dunn (The Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Journal of Florida Literature, 2019). The timing of her visit allowed her to experience the splendor of autumn and the seasonal cold weather. Rawlings planned to work on a short story and a novel about a young boy—ideas she was developing and had already discussed at length with Maxwell Perkins, her editor at Scribner’s. The “Orphan” Boy Soon after she arrived in Banner Elk, Rawlings contacted Grandfather Orphanage (later named Grandfather Home for Children) about hiring a boy to do chores. Dale Wills, a 12-year-old who had lived at the orphans’ home near the cottage for several years, was chosen for the job. During her stay at the cottage, Rawlings and Dale forged a strong friendship during visits, which often extended into the evening hours. He chopped wood (swinging the axe like a man), played with the dog, and performed other tasks. She talked about life in rural Florida, and he told stories about Edgar Tufts, the college president, who kept a hunting preserve at the orphanage for visitors and paid the orphan boys for killing snakes. Rawlings was especially interested in studying the habits of the deer in the pens, which she would later use in her new novel. Dale also explained why his mother had placed her four children in the orphanage after his father had

abandoned them. Rawlings wanted to adopt Dale, but learned his mother lived in Bristol, TN, and visited him occasionally. Besides, the orphanage frowned on the idea of adoption at that time. Though her dream of adopting Dale did not come true, Rawlings featured him in a two-page story called “A Mother in Mannville,” published in the Saturday Evening Post at year’s end. According to Banner Elk author Mary Dudley Gilmer, who wrote Marjorie Rawlings in the Mountains: The Story Behind “A Mother in Mannville,” the story was published as fiction, but almost everything in the story was factual and centered around Dale, the orphan called “Jerry” in the story. She also patterned “Jody,” the main character in The Yearling, after Dale and a neighbor boy at Cross Creek. Published in 1938, The Yearling won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction the following year and became a hit movie starring Gregory Peck and Jane Wyman in 1946. Today the classic is known around the world. Life at the Cottage During her time in Banner Elk, Rawlings wrote letters to relatives and friends and maintained a healthy correspondence with her editor. She also took long walks toward Hanging Rock and to the top of Blood Camp Ridge. The locals she met became inspirations for some characters in her stories. She also walked

Original stone fireplace, photo by Carol Timblin

Above: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings at her typewriter, courtesy of the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Society, and the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida. | Stamp: Copyright U.S. Postal Service | Inset: “A Mother in Mannville,” cover illustration from an edition published by Arista

from the cottage over the Hemlock Trail to the Banner Elk Hotel, where she enjoyed a well-balanced, homecooked lunch every day. (The mile-long trail runs from the college’s South Campus to the Mill Pond today.) Work kept Rawlings quite busy in Banner Elk, but she took time to travel to Chapel Hill and Asheville. At the request of Perkins, Rawlings visited noted author F. Scott Fitzgerald at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville. According to writer Michael Joslin (“Escape to Banner Elk,” Our State Magazine, September 2008), she found Fitzgerald “overwhelmingly attractive.” He autographed a lunch menu and placed it in a copy of The Great Gatsby, his gift to her. She read the book for the second time and wrote to Fitzgerald expressing an interest in continuing their friendship. He did not reply. Reunion with Dale Wills After Rawlings returned to Florida, she and Dale exchanged letters a few times but lost touch during World War II. In 1946, Rawlings rented a house in Blowing Rock so she could revise “A Mother in Mannville.” She and her husband, Norton Baskin, drove to Banner Elk to see the place that had inspired her story. Gilmer states in her book that Rawlings found the cottage “abandoned and overgrown,” and the bridge over the river at Hemlock Trail washed out by the

1940 flood. She did not inquire at the children’s home about Dale because “no news could be bad news.” Her revised story was published in the Saturday Evening Post in 1947 and was adapted to the film, The Sun Comes Up, in 1949. The magazine also included an interview with Rawlings in which she mentioned Dale Wills. He saw the story and got in touch with her. After their reunion, they continued to see each other several times a year at her Cross Creek farm until her death at age 57 in 1953. After completing high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Idaho during the war. He married and had children. Rawlings was elated when the Willses named their daughter “Marjorie Dale.” Cottage Became a Family Home Eventually, the cottage served as the home of Harrison and Edna Baldwin for half a century. Harrison, who worked at Lees-McRae College, built additions on each end of the structure to accommodate their family of six children. After his death in 2002, Edna, a staff member of Grandfather Orphanage for many years, lived in the cottage until she passed away in 2022. Members of The Marjorie Rawlings Society visited the cottage in the spring of 2002 during their conference in Asheville, where Gilmer gave a speech about Rawlings’ stay at the cottage. The

society also erected a granite monument near the Hemlock Trail entrance, which reads: “Rawlings wrote the first draft of her Pulitzer Prize winning novel, The Yearling, at this location. Her famous short story, “A Mother in Mannville,” featured Dale Wills, a boy at Grandfather Home. Both stories are popular MGM movies.” Hurricane Helene damaged the marker and the trail in 2024, but both have been repaired. The cottage withstood the storm but remains vacant today. Members of Preserve Mecklenburg, Inc. visited the site in 2025, with the recommendation that Lees-McRae College repurpose it as a retreat for seminars and special events in the future. What was the significance of Rawlings’ sojourn in Banner Elk? Writer Michael Joslin summed it up in his article in the August 23-24, 2006, edition of The Avery Journal-Times: “The house, the trail, and the stone monument remain to mark Rawlings’ sojourn in Banner Elk, as do Lees-McRae College, Grandfather Home, and the most endearing reminder, her writing. Her Hemlock Hill escape proved invaluable to her creative career, as well as unusually rich for her personal life.” “I don’t know how anyone can live without finding some small place of enchantment to turn to.” ~ Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

G R A N D FAT H E R N OT E S

Grandfather Mountain Hawk Watch Recap 2025 The results are in from Grandfather Mountain’s annual Hawk Watch for 2025. Staff and volunteers at Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, came together during the month of September for a vast citizen-science project to count and identify the numerous species of raptors during their annual journey to warmer climates. Raptors are birds of prey, such as hawks, eagles, owls and vultures. While some raptors remain in place during winter, most travel south, where food is more abundant. Grandfather Mountain is one of more than 300 Hawk Watch sites officially designated by the Hawk Migration Association of North America. This year saw the second-highest tally on record, with a total of 7,250 raptors recorded overhead. The average monthly total for Hawk Watch over the last 10 years is 4,909. Broadwinged hawks were the most-counted species, as they have been since the mountain’s first Hawk Watch in 2008. The year with the most birds observed from the park was 2015, when 10,723 were spotted that September. “There were only two days in September where cloud and fog cover prevented us from holding a count,” said Will Bennett, research coordinator for the Grandfather Mountain

Stewardship Foundation. “The prime weather conditions throughout the month provided us with more days to collect data, which makes this year’s Hawk Watch stand out compared to rainier Septembers in the past.” Grandfather Mountain is a prime spot for viewing this phenomenon because it sits along the eastern escarpment of the Appalachian Mountains, and its rocky peaks generate strong thermal uplifts and allow excellent visibility. Aside from offering quite a show, Hawk Watch serves an important purpose; the annual counts from Grandfather Mountain and other locations help track hawk populations and migration routes over time and contribute to this growing body of research. The goal is to accumulate a large set of data over an extended period for researchers to examine the birds’ migratory patterns and what external factors, such as climate change, may be affecting them. When it comes to conservation projects like this one, long-term data (input from Hawk Watch sites) is key in being able to better understand what issues these species are facing. To learn more about Hawk Watch at Grandfather Mountain, visit www.grandfather.com/hawk-watch.

Winter Notes ...

58 — Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

Photos courtesy of Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

Photo by Leslie Restivo

The Quieter Season Grandfather Mountain’s long winter season (NovemberMarch) brings some of the most spectacular moments to the nature park and preserve. Visit during the “quieter season” for more opportunities for magical, solitary mile-high experiences. You’ll also avoid the crowds that you normally find in summer months. The park is open every day in winter, except Christmas Day, weather permitting. A few reasons why now is the perfect time to visit: Cooler temperatures bring out the animals’ personalities in Grandfather’s wildlife habitats. Clear days without the haze of summer means that visitors enjoy the longest views in the Blue Ridge. On select days, you may get a glimpse of the Charlotte skyline, more than 80 miles away, or postcard scenes of trees covered in ice and snow. Mildred’s Grill and the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery are the perfect places to warm up! While you dine, watch winter birds outside on the feeders. Milder days during this season are still usually quieter days, making for some of the best hiking opportunities of the year. grandfather.com/winter-visits/

Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

The nonprofit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation strives to inspire conservation of the natural world by helping guests explore, understand and value the wonders of Grandfather Mountain. For more information, visit www.grandfather.com. CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

G R A N D FAT H E R N OT E S

Meet Leroy the Bald Eagle! Grandfather Mountain has welcomed a new member to the eagle habitat: Leroy, a bald eagle who is beaming with character. Leroy arrived at the mountain in July. He came from Wild Heart Ranch, an Oklahoma wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center. Their staff discovered he had an injury to his left wrist that prevented the normal range of motion required for sustained flight. Due to this, Leroy could not be released back into the wild and was in need of a new home. Leroy is believed to be a young eagle—approximately 4 to 5 years old—due to some remaining brown feathers in his head. While staff are still learning Leroy’s personality, it was quickly obvious that he is very chatty. He shares his habitat with the park’s other resident eagle, Griffin, and the two are getting along just as the habitat staff had hoped. Leroy has been added to Grandfather’s Adopt-an-Animal program, with each adoption helping to enrich the lives of the habitat animals living at the mountain. Learn more at www. grandfather.com/adopt.

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Reasons to Love the Season By Tamara S. Randolph

n New Views of Nature When leaves are on the ground instead of on the trees, we can see things that we can’t see at other times of the year. Expansive winter views invite us to explore our surroundings. Take a hike and what do you notice? Textured tree trunks with shelf mushrooms and green-tinted lichens clinging to them. Wildlife tracks in the mud and snow. It’s easier to observe certain animals, too, such as deer, turkey, rabbits, and numerous birds—Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Dark-eyed Juncos, and Nuthatches, to name just a few. n Snow Days! You don’t have to be a school student to love having a few “snow days” each year. Here in the mountains and foothills, we may see anywhere from 16 to 100 inches per year, depending on elevation and climatic conditions. Invest in a good pair of snow boots, snowshoes or skis and get outside to play in the white stuff! While you’re at it, catch some flakes on a black glove or mitten and look closely at the intricate structure of each unique snowflake. Consider snow a great gift from nature, remembering that the snowpack feeds our streams and rivers with clean water while nourishing the soil and supporting the Blue Ridge region’s diverse ecosystems.

n Star Shows While the warmer months may be a more comfortable time to view the skies on a clear night, winter can be the best season for stargazing. That’s because atmospheric conditions are generally calmer. Locally, you’ll find excellent star- and galaxy-gazing opportunities at Mayland Community College’s Earth to Sky Park in Burnsville, and Appalachian State University’s Dark Sky Observatory (DSO), about 20 miles northeast of Boone. Both offer knowledgeable staff/volunteers and high-quality telescopes. (facebook.com/ EarthToSkyPark; facebook.com/DarkSkyObservatoryAppState/) n Nature’s Ice Sculptures From the time we were kids, icicles have amazed us. Their simplistic beauty results from a combination of melting, freezing, and gravity—typically on days when the air is below 32°F, and sunlight directly hits the snow- or ice-covered area. “Frost columns,” also known as “frost pillars” or “needle ice,” form on the ground when the temperature of the soil is above freezing and the air temperature at ground level is below freezing. This usually happens at night when seeping groundwater, pulled to the surface by capillary action, comes in contact with the colder air. The water freezes and grows into columns of straight, stringy ice, lifting soil particles and small rocks up as they grow. n Cozy Meets Creative While winter can be a great time to get outside and enjoy nature, many of us prefer spending more time indoors, especially on the coldest days. Carve out

some creative time this winter and bring a little nature inside with an art or craft project. Invite the youngsters in your life to join you! Terrariums, phenology journals, pinecone bird feeders, and tree cookie drink coasters are just a few ideas (a retired Christmas tree, such as our native Fraser fir, makes just the right-sized cookie slices—all you need is a handsaw). Winter is also a great time to learn a traditional nature-based hobby, such as papermaking, whittling or knitting. n Spring Peepers Calling We don’t usually get to see these special little frogs, even in the warm months. While spring peepers (Pseudacris crucifer) prefer to stay hidden, their joyful noises offer proof of their existence! Unlike many amphibians, spring peepers can be active through the winter months and at the first sign of a warm spell—perhaps late February—these vocal critters start calling for a mate, their bell-like “peeps” becoming an amplified chorus announcing that spring is near! n Early Bloomers By the end of February, many of us are beginning to look forward to more color. Seeing those early signs from nature that spring is on its way makes us excited to spend more time outdoors. A variety of native wildflowers burst through the cold ground in late winter, including trout lilies, blue violets, hepatica, and trailing arbutus. Many other southern Appalachian species begin popping up in March. Tamara Randolph is a certified NC Environmental Educator and Blue Ridge Naturalist.She leads a monthly “Explorers’ Club” for kids at the Banner Elk Book Exchange (BannerElkBookExchange.com) CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

BLUE RIDGE EXPLORERS

It’s true that winter is not everyone’s favorite season. It’s generally darker, with fewer hours of sunlight. The temperatures can range from cold to colder to “my toes are frozen.” And color seemingly disappears from the landscape. But look a little closer, widen your perspective, and you’ll find SO many reasons to love the season. Here are just seven of them!

Howard Knob, courtesy of Blue Ridge Conservancy

Trail Reports TRAIL REPORTS

By CML Staff

e ene along th Hurricane Hel er Damage from r Trail, photo by Christy Park pe ee Cr ia Virgin

Does your family enjoy hiking, biking, rock climbing, paddling, fishing, horseback riding, road tripping, and exploring our region of the world? Follow our “Trail Reports” in each issue for some of the latest developments related to trails, parks and public lands, and to learn about opportunities throughout the area. New Projects Along the Virginia Creeper The Virginia Creeper Trail is an iconic landmark and an important economic and cultural anchor for many local communities, including Damascus and Abingdon, VA. In early December, a special groundbreaking took place in Damascus, a.k.a. “Trail Town USA,” to celebrate the kickoff of the reconstruction of the upper (eastern) half of the Virginia Creeper Trail between Damascus and Whitetop Station. The ceremony was hosted in partnership with Kiewit Infrastructure South Co., who was recently awarded a contract by the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest to lead the full rebuild of the Virginia Creeper Trail following the extensive damage from Hurricane Helene. Many local contractors are expected to be hired through Kiewit to work on various aspects of the project, which is slated to be completed by late 2026. While the eastern section of the trail will remain closed through the rebuild, the western section of the trail, a 17-mile stretch deemed “Start to the Heart” (Abingdon to Damascus), continues to be open to hikers and cyclists. Bike outfitters provide full rental and shuttle services from Damascus to the Abingdon trailhead. Near the Virginia Creeper Trailhead in Damascus, visitors will notice a new welcome arch and an updated welcome center. There’s also a new mural in the town park—painted by artist Heidi Nisbett—that pays homage to the Creeper Trail and its importance to recreationists and the entire region. “It was an absolute joy returning to this cozy, friendly trail town to bring some art to Town Park,” notes Nisbett. “This mural is on the back of the public restrooms and faces the famous Virginia Creeper Trail, giving bikers a colorful addition to their rides. This has been my most trafficked mural location yet, and I loved getting to interact with so many kind people while I worked.” You can find more of Nisbett’s murals along the “Damascus Art Trail” (visitdamascus.org/art-trail/). For updates on various Virginia Creeper projects, go to visitdamascus.org and The Virginia Creeper Trail Conservancy’s Facebook page. A new reconstruction-related website is being launched by Kiewit this winter at www.vacreepertrail.us/recovery/.

62 — Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

Blue Ridge Conservancy Works to Save Howard Knob in Boone for Recreation and Public Access After 30 years of effort, Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) has secured a purchase contract for 74 acres on the north and east side of Howard Knob, the peak overlooking Boone. This property adjoins the existing 5-acre park owned by Watauga County, and the purchase will protect the land forever and provide public access for nature-based recreation, including hiking and rock climbing. “Saving Howard Knob has been a top priority of Blue Ridge Conservancy since day one,” says Eric Hiegl, BRC’s Senior Director of Land Protection and Conservation Planning. “Land conservation projects have their own time schedule and happen when the time is right. Luckily for us the time to Save Howard Knob is now.” In the 1990s, Appalachian State students and community members attempted to buy the property to protect the iconic mountain from development and allow access to the land and climbing boulders. Although the effort was unsuccessful at that time, the group founded Watauga High Country Land Trust to “Save Howard’s Knob.” That group, renamed High Country Conservancy, merged with the West Jefferson-based Blue Ridge Rural Land Trust in 2010 to become Blue Ridge Conservancy. Since that time, BRC has protected almost 26,000 acres over seven counties in northwest North Carolina. Learn more at blueridgeconservancy.org and donate to the project at blueridgeconservancy.org/howardknob. Note: Howard Knob County Park is closed and currently undergoing renovations to make the park accessible to all users. Improvements will include a new overlook, picnic shelter renovations, accessible trails, ADA parking, and a tranquility garden. Take a “Detour of Discovery” with Help from the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation While most of the Blue Ridge Parkway has reopened in the High Country following Hurricane Helene, some sections of the Parkway continue to be temporarily closed for essential repaving, maintenance, and repairs due to the hurricane’s impacts. In those areas where the Parkway is closed, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation invites you to chart your own course to nearby destinations—no need to pause your exploring! “Our Detours of Discovery experiences are designed to connect you with the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of the communities just beyond the park’s edge,” says the Foundation team. “Come visit Spruce Pine, Little Switzerland, Burnsville, and other points of interest, and help them rebound from Hurricane Helene.” During the day, you can hike, shop and dine in and around these three small towns; then in the evening, be “wowed”

New mural in Damascus, VA, by Heidi Nisbett

MountainTrue River Cleanup along Middle Fork New River

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation's Newsletter Hiking Tips

Attention Hikers: What to Do if You Get Lost In late 2025, multiple search and rescue groups responded to a 911 call from some hikers who were lost in the forest. When the rescuers took the call, coordinates were established based on the hikers’ location at the time of the 911 call. Teams were then sent out to offer support and get hikers back to safety. However, when the rescuers arrived, the hikers were no longer there. Eventually, the hikers were found; however, changing locations had made it more difficult and time consuming for crews to locate them. The primary safety message from search and rescue professionals is to “stop, stay calm and stay put.” To help you remember what to do in case you’re lost, they offer the acronym S.T.O.P., which highlights several key steps for managing the situation and increasing the chances of being found quickly. Stop: As soon as you realize you may be lost, stop, stay calm, stay put. Think: Go over in your mind how you got to where you are. What landmarks should you be able to see? Observe: Get out your compass and determine the directions

courtesy of MFG

based on where you are standing. Do not walk aimlessly. If you are on a trail, stay on it. As a very last resort, follow a drainage or stream downhill that may ultimately lead to a trail or road. Plan: Based on your thinking and observations, come up with some possible plans. If you are not confident in the route, then it’s always better to stay put; If it’s nightfall, you are injured or you are near exhaustion, stay in place. Prior to setting off on a hike, it’s important that you give someone exact details of where you are going, the trail you plan to follow, when you plan to return, the vehicle you are driving (and where you plan to park) and how many people will accompany you. Note that cell reception might not be available in remote areas. For additional trail tips, visit the U.S. Forest Service’s webpage at fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost. Volunteers Lend a Hand Along the Middle Fork Greenway Fall was a busy time along the Middle Fork Greenway in Boone and Blowing Rock, with several volunteer groups helping to protect and restore sections of the Middle Fork New River. In November, the Appalachian State Native Plant Society planted 400 livestake plants near the Tweetsie Railroad portion of the Middle Fork Greenway. A livestake is a cutting from a dormant tree or shrub planted directly into the ground. Come spring, the new roots take hold, grow into a larger plant, and help stabilize the river bank by holding the soil in place. As part of this fall project, the student group planted elderberry, silky dogwood, ninebark, silky willow, and black willow. “This vegetation will begin to fill in the river banks to protect water quality for aquatic organisms,” say the Middle Fork Greenway team, “and people will enjoy fresh clean water for generations to come as they visit the Middle Fork Greenway.” In a separate autumn project, volunteers with MountainTrue completed a river cleanup along the Middle Fork New River. MountainTrue is dedicated to monitoring and protecting the quality of our region’s waterways, and one way in which they do this is through their River Debris Cleanup Program. Since Hurricane Helene ravaged our region, MountainTrue volunteers, Riverkeepers, and crew members have removed more than 4 million pounds of debris from rivers and tributaries across western North Carolina. Volunteer projects are ongoing along the Middle Fork Greenway, and new volunteers are always welcome. Learn more at Facebook.com/middleforkgreenway/. Find volunteer opportunities with MountainTrue at mountaintrue.org.

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

TRAIL REPORTS

by the Milky Way at a certified “dark sky” observatory and planetarium located at Mayland’s Earth to Sky Park. Other stops might include the Museum of North Carolina Minerals, and the Overmountain Victory Trail; the Toe River Arts Council; the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce; Blue Ridge Boutique Hotel; and the Penland School of Craft. The Parkway Foundation has created a page on their website that offers maps of various “Detours.” “Use our ‘Detours of Discovery’ to design your own path through this beautiful area and hit the road!” Maps are available at DetoursofDiscovery.com, and check out these other websites when planning your trip: discovermitchellnc.com, exploreburnsville.com, discoversprucepinenc. com, destinationmcdowell.com. The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is the primary fundraising partner, 501(c)(3), for the Blue Ridge Parkway that supports initiatives and programs along the 469-mile route, protecting cultural history, and engaging the next generation of public land stewards. You’ll find updates on the Foundation’s initiatives, programs, events, and milestones in their quarterly newsletter, The Scenic. Join their mailing list at brpfoundation.org/about/publications/. (Note: In addition to the sections that are temporarily closed for maintenance, other sections of the Parkway are occasionally closed in winter due to severe weather. For Parkway closures, visit nps.gov/ blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm, or download the National Park Service App.)

Middle Fork Greenway Livestaking project,

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SANTA at The Rock NORTH CAROLINA’S OLDEST TRAVEL ATTRACTION, SINCE 1933 beginning WINTER HOURS: 9 till 5, weather permitting November 29, Saturdays and 432 The N o12:00 r ttillh3:00C a r o l i n a’s O l dRock e s tRoad, Tr a Blowing v e l A tRock, t r a cNC t i o28645 n, Since 1933 Sundays C R I T T E R F R I E N D LY 828.295.7111, TheBlowingRock.com

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Linville Caverns

19929 US 221 North, Marion, NC 28752 Between Linville & Marion, just 4 Miles South of the Blue Ridge Parkway Open Winter Weekends (weather permitting) Dec-Feb | Open Daily Mar-Nov

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66 — Winter 2023/24 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

Graystone Lodge, Ascend Hotel Collection

2419 NC-105, Boone, NC • www.GraystoneLodge.com • 828-264-4133

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La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Boone University 165 Hwy 105 Ext. Boone, NC (828)262-1234 www.LQBoone.com

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Indoor Winter Recreation in Days Gone By By Jim Casada had been gathered, hulled, dried, and cracked in the preceding weeks. Everyone recognized that this difficult task, requiring care to avoid getting bits of hull among the nut meats and infinite patience, would ultimately be worth all the tedious effort. It bore fruitful promise of all kinds of culinary wonders in forms such as cookies, applesauce cakes laced with nuts, date and walnut bars, and various other delicacies. There seemed to be fewer evening options that were pretty much an exclusively male province, but even if this was the case idle hands were a non-starter. Among the many activities enjoyed either at my boyhood home or that of friends and relatives, prominent male pursuits included simple whittling; the same pursuit taken to a higher level in carving of animal figures and the like; hulling mast from Chinese chestnuts located on our land that would be used in a scrumptious cornbread dressing; sharpening knives, scissors, and other tools requiring a razor edge; simple leatherwork; repairs to household equipment or hand tools; making sure there was firewood and kindling in ready supply for the cook stove; gun cleaning (to me the smell of Hoppe’s #9 gun oil has always enjoyed pride of place above Chanel #5 or any other hoity-toity perfume); tying trout flies; and making wood toys such as flutter mills and gee-haw whimmydiddles. That’s quite a list, and on reflection maybe mountain males had about as many tasks to address in an evening as the womenfolks. One commonplace aspect of evening handiwork was some type of entertainment to relieve any hint of tedium that might otherwise have intruded. At the simplest level, this might be nothing more than casual conversation, but the setting also provided wonderful opportunities for the timeless and treasured mountain tradition of storytelling. Often humor, family history, tales of grand hunting or fishing excursions, or local social events figured in these verbal interchanges. So did what in fairness can only be described as local gossip. Shrewd parents utilized the evening togetherness to inquire about how their children’s school work was progressing. Then there was the dominant theme in the background of indoor activity during cold weather—music. Continued on next page CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

W I S D O M A N D WAYS

Depending on how you consider the matter, mine was a childhood of stark deprivation or manifold blessings. That’s because I grew up in a home that lacked a television set. In retrospect I consider the absence of the sometimes aptly described “boob tube” a singular benison if not an outright godsend. That’s because the activities that filled the void of countless chilly evenings turned passive, couch potato idleness into meaningful and often joyous productivity. When it came to in-home entertainment during the winter months my family read, sometimes enjoyed talk fests with relatives or neighbors, listened to the radio, or pursued a variety of relaxing pastimes that resulted in the production of some useful item or perhaps food for the family table. Our hands-on activities amounted, in effect, to playing while working. Evening pursuits were many and varied, but arguably the most productive of them were pretty much the exclusive preserve of my mother, who was joined in due time by my sister. They encompassed activities such as quilting, knitting, crocheting, sewing, macramé, basket making, decoupage, crafting wreathes and other household decorations, fashioning corn shucks into dolls, and more. Spinning at home had pretty much gone the way of dodos, passenger pigeons, and ivorybill woodpeckers, but my paternal grandmother sometimes talked of it. Then there always seemed to be something involving food to fill up any gaps in evening routine that so much as hinted at idleness, and here was a realm where there was no dividing line between male and female, young and old. Everyone joined in such efforts. A prime example involved peeling apples that had been carefully stored in the root cellar at harvest time and waited in cool, dark storage until needed. Sessions of apple peeling meant that a savory pot of apple sauce, redolent with the aroma of spices, would be part of meals the next day. Or maybe there were dry October beans, still in the hull, to be shelled. Sometimes, especially when it was bitterly cold and any outside work involving bare hands was sheer torture, corn for the livestock would be forcefully removed from cobs and readied for feeding poultry and any hogs that had not been butchered weeks earlier during November’s hog-killing time. One food-related task that was truly an “all hands on deck” undertaking involved picking meats from black walnuts that

Peelin’ apples Always a societal glue binding folks living in the hills and hollows of Appalachia together, music might take the form of voices blending to sing Gospel songs or traditional ballads, but a more commonplace source of musical entertainment in the roughly two-generational era immediately preceding the onslaught of television on the home scene involved radio

programs. The 1930s and 1940s are often described as the “Golden Age” of radio, but in the High Country that wonderful time extended through the 1950s and on into the early 1960s. Most families owned a radio, and they could receive broadcasts from powerful stations such as WCKY in Cincinnati, Ohio, where country music singer and host played tunes broadcast by what he proudly proclaimed was “50,000 watts of pure power.” Then there was the Louisiana Hayride on KWKH in Shreveport, a launching pad for stars ranging from Hank Williams to Elvis Pressley, Kitty Wells to Jim Reeves. Add the best-known of them all, Nashville’s WSM, home of the Grand Ole Opry, and there was musical joy at the push of a button and twist of a dial. Along with this grand potpourri of music there were serial programs such as the Amos ‘n Andy Show, Gunsmoke, Death Valley Days, and the Lone Ranger. Alas, such warm memories of cold weather activities are for the most part just that—memories. But maybe a somewhat worn and grizzled codger can be forgiven for looking back with longing to the productive togetherness of winter evenings without number. We have lost most of what they offered to technological umbilical cords such as Smart phones, television sets, and even the computer screen I’m staring at while writing these words. It was arguably a simpler and more satisfying time. If nothing else, such recollections of a world we have largely lost are a means of uplifting one’s soul and stirring admiration for the sturdy folks and their stellar work ethics who were our forebears. To learn more about Jim Casada’s books and related writings, or to subscribe to his free monthly e-newsletter, visit his website at www.jimcasadaoutdoors.com.

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Inset: A map showing the entire “Black Bear Trail.” (Michael C. Hardy) | Above:The Daniel Boone Trail marker in Zionville. (Michael C. Hardy)

Named Highways in the High Country

mountain areas of North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Travelers from down east could easily visit the mountains for vacations. The road would also intersect with another proposed route: The Crest of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Every so often, a marker bearing the likeness of Daniel Boone would be placed in prominent spots, designating the trail. Rich secured 400 pounds of metal from USS Maine, a battleship that sank during the Spanish-American War in 1898. This metal was mixed with other metals and cast into tablets at the Iron City Foundry in Bristol, Tennessee. The first marker was dedicated in North Wilkesboro in 1917. Since the funding for each marker was raised locally, it took time for markers to be placed. Rich soon decided that the highway should not be just local to the mountains, but trans-continental. Boone Trail Highway markers were placed in Newton, Massachusetts, Pike’s Peak, Colorado, and San Francisco, California. There were markers in Boone, Blowing Rock, and Sugar Grove in Watauga County and Newland, Linville, and Banner Elk in Avery County. All three markers in Avery County have disappeared. The markers in Blowing Rock and Sugar Grove/Cove Creek survive. Adding confusion to the Boone markers is another set honoring the pioneer. These were not placed to designate a motor route or modern highway but were placed by the Daughters of the American Revolution to mark the actual trails that Boone used to move from his home on the Yadkin River to Fort Boonesborough in Kentucky. This project began in 1912. Local sites marked were at Cook’s Gap, Three Forks Baptist Church, the courthouse in Boone, Hodges Gap, Graveyard Gap, and Zionville. Each marker Continued on next page CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

71 69

HARDY ON HISTORY

We zoom around these days, pretty unaware of the roads beneath us. We just drop an address into maps on our phone, hit start, and off we go, trusting in technology to get us from point A to point B. Yet a hundred years ago, there were not only no street names, but largely not even any numbered roads. It was not until 1921 that North Carolina began numbering highways and not until 1926 that a numbered highway system was adopted by the United States. Prior to this time, many of the major routes in between cities and towns were named. The Lincoln Highway was the first transcontinental highway in the United States. The idea was created in 1912, and the route ran from New York City, through Chicago, Salt Lake City, and ended in San Francisco. The Dixie Highway was planned in 1914, beginning in Chicago (and later the upper Michigan Peninsula) and ending in Miami. It ran through Marshall, Asheville, and Hendersonville in western North Carolina and was marked by a bronze plaque featuring Robert E. Lee sitting astride Traveler. This should not be confused with the Lee Highway, named for Robert E. Lee. That route stretched from Washington D.C., through the South, ending in San Diego. It ran through Bristol, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. The High Country had two named highways: The Black Bear Trail and the Boone Trail Highway. The Boone Trail Highway was the concept of Joseph Hampton “Hamp” Rich. He grew up in Davie County, surrounded by Daniel Boone lore. Rich was fascinated with Boone as a trail blazer. Undoubtedly influenced by word of the other highways being developed, in October 1913 in Wilkesboro, he founded The Boone Trail Highway and Memorial Association. The idea was to create a graded highway that followed the path of Boone through the

By Michael C. Hardy

Blue Ridge Parkway at Gillespie Gap, Photo courtesy US Park Service

In the late 1800s, the Linville Improvement Company set out to build a graded road from Blowing Rock to its new resort town, Linville. The toll road was eighteen miles long and from twelve to fourteen feet wide and named the Yonahlossee Turnpike. It was all hand work to build this road, which was declared to be the finest road in all of western North Carolina. In 1924, Hugh McRae of the Linville Improvement Company helped create the Black Bear Trail at a meeting in Morganton. The trail began in Quebec, Canada, ran through Montreal and into the United States, passing through the Adirondacks, Catskills, and Alleghenies. Continuing south, the route passed through Gettysburg, Washington, D.C., and Natural Bridge. After passing through Sparta, and Boone, the route picked up the Yonahlossee Turnpike in Blowing Rock. It split in Blowing Rock, with part of it continuing south to Lenoir, Morganton, and Kings Mountain. Another part passed by Grandfather Mountain and Linville, while yet another route passed through Boone, Newland, Marion, Asheville, Lake Lure, and Chimney Rock. Eventually, all of these routes reunited in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The Black Bear Trail eventually ended in Miami. The Black Bear Trail was still being discussed in newspapers in the 1960s. While we still have named highways in 2026, like the Dr. Mary Martin Sloop Highway through Pineola and Crossnore in Avery County or the W.R. Winkley Highway, which is Hwy 105 from Boone to the Avery County line, these are memorials to certain important people. We no longer consciously follow along the Black Bear Highway or the Boone Trail Highway, trying to reach our destinations.

An up-close image of the Boone Trail Highway marker in Cove Creek. (Michael C. Hardy)

consisted of a bronze plaque, usually affixed to a rock or boulder that bore the simple inscription “Daniel Boone’s Trail from North Carolina to Kentucky 1769[.] Marked by the Daughters of the American Revolution[.]” Only the markers in Boone and Zionville survive. The Crest of the Blue Ridge Highway was designed as a scenic, 350-mile toll road connecting Marion, Virginia, to Cornelia, Georgia. It was the idea of the director of the North Carolina Geological and Economic Survey, Col. Joseph Pratt. The road was designed to pass through Boone, Blowing Rock, Grandfather Mountain, Linville, and on to Asheville. Portions of the road between Altamont in Avery County and Spruce Pine in Mitchell County were graded and surfaced with sand-clay or gravel and partially opened when World War I shut down the project. It was later reborn during the Great Depression as the Blue Ridge Parkway. Portions of the original road can be found along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Gillespie Gap.

72 — Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

See the beauty. Taste the tradition. Feel at home. SUNSET DRIVE • BLOWING ROCK (One Block Off Main Street) Restaurant: 828-295-3466 Serving Dinner Inn: 828-295-9703 Music on the Lawn Fridays May–October Ragged-Gardens.com

Good Works Guide By CML Staff Appalachian Theatre of the High Country

Banner Elk Fire & Rescue

Making Our Mountain Communities Better for One and All

ur High Country region depends on a variety of non-profit organizations to serve and support the people, places, animals and environments that are most in need. We have an abundance of effective organizations that rely on support from neighbors and businesses to realize their missions. Our Good Work Guide includes just some of these noteworthy organizations—and the list keeps growing! This season, consider learning more about the groups that inspire you and see how you can contribute to their “Good Work.”

prepared with all that they need, regardless of their circumstances. Working hand in hand with local schools, they seek to bridge the gap for students with economic needs. anneskids.com

the umbrella of Avery Association for Exceptional Citizens and provides jobs that can be scaled to the unique abilities of their workers. 828-733-2944, yellowmountainenterprises.org

Appalachian Theatre of the High Country is a historic 629-seat, 1938 Art Deco theatre for live entertainment and film located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 828-865-3000, apptheatre.org

Avery Connect, an initiative of Elk Park United Methodist Church, empowers high school students of Avery County to thrive as community members by building relationships to support vocation exploration through tools, connections, and mentors. Averyconnect.org

American Red Cross (Blue Ridge Chapter) in Boone is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education in our area and beyond. 828264-8226, redcross.org

Ashe County Arts Council is committed to promoting the arts as a hallmark of an active, engaged community. 336846-2787, ashecountyarts.org

AMOREM is a hospice and palliative care provider in Ashe, Burke, Caldwell, and Watauga counties, specializing in palliative medicine, hospice care, advanced cardiac care and grief support. 828-754-0101, amoremsupport.org AMY Wellness Foundation, based in Spruce Pine, works collaboratively to find preventative, up-stream, and innovative solutions to alleviate health disparities to transform lives in Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties (AMY). 828-592-4082, amywellnessfoundation.org Anne Ministries offers free and confidential pregnancy support services and recovery support services for those suffering from a past abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss in a Christ-centered environment. 828-742-1973, anneministries.com Anne’s Kids give all children the security and excitement of going to school fully

Appalachian Voices is a leading force in Appalachia’s shift from fossil fuels to clean energy, healthy communities and 21st-century local economies. 828-2621500, appvoices.org

Ashe Food Pantry leads the fight to end hunger in the surrounding community by acquiring and distributing food to those who seek aid. Their vision is “No one should go hungry.” 336-846-7019, AsheFoodPantry.org Ashe Really Cares has been providing food, clothing, and essentials for lowincome residents in Ashe County for 25 years. 336-846-5234, ashereallycares.com A Simple Gesture provides a simple, convenient way to help end hunger in the High Country. Supporters get a bag and fill up that bag every two months with non-perishable items; on a designated day their team picks up the bags. 828-2621628, hungerandhealthcoalition.org/asimple-gesture-1 Avery Association for Exceptional Citizens (Yellow Mountain) serves adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities living in Avery County. Yellow Mountain Enterprises is an adult day vocational program that operates under

Avery Community Foundation, the local affiliate of North Carolina Community Foundation, brings together generous people and connects them to causes and organizations they care about, with a focus on inspiring lasting and meaningful philanthropy in the state’s rural communities. nccommunityfoundation.org/affiliate/ avery-community-foundation Banner Elk Book Exchange offers opportunities to bring books and exchange them for the same number of different books. In lieu of a book to exchange, patrons can make a small donation. An academic tutoring program and other literacy programs are also offered through the Book Exchange. bannerelkbookexchange.com Banner Elk Fire & Rescue’s volunteer firefighters protect life and property in the communities of Banner Elk, Sugar Mountain, Elk River, Diamond Creek, Eagle’s Nest, Tynecastle, The Farm, Balm, and Lees-McRae College. 828-898-4623, banner-elk-volunteer-fire-rescue.square.site/ Blair Fraley Sales Store is the largest resale shop in the High Country, operated by Crossnore Communities for Children. Generous friends donate quality new and used goods, all to benefit the children in Continued on next page CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

BRAHM

Crossnore Communities’ care. 828-7334228, crossnore.org/blair-fraley-sales-store/ Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM) promotes visual arts and history and celebrates the rich heritage of the mountains. Member support and donations allow BRAHM to offer quality programming, arts education, community outreach, and first-class exhibitions. 828295-9099, blowingrockmuseum.org Blowing Rock Cares’ mission is to help provide basic non-perishable food to families and individuals in Watauga County and to supplement county services. 828532-3323, blowingrockcares.com Blue Ridge Conservancy partners with landowners and local communities to permanently protect natural resources with agricultural, cultural, recreational, ecological and scenic value—the organization has protected over 25,000 acres in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey Counties. 828-2642511, blueridgeconservancy.org Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation creates a spirit of stewardship to address the challenges faced by this national treasure. With your help, the organization can ensure cultural and historical preservation, natural resource protection, and educational outreach—now and for future generations. 336-721-0260, brpfoundation.org Blue Ridge Partnership for Children serves and supports the children, parents, and childcare providers of Avery, Mitchell and Yancey counties. 828-733-2899, blueridgechildren.org Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture (BRWIA) helps build an equitable, sustainable High Country local food system by supporting producers and cultivating community connections that educate,

74 — Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

Crossnore Communities for Children

inspire, and increase the demand for local food. BRWIA also operates The High Country Food Hub, a year-round online farmers’ market. 828-386-1537, brwia.org, highcountryfoodhub.org Boone Area Lions Club, now in its 89th year of serving the community, provides vision and hearing screenings, supports those in need of eye exams and vision correction, and collects eyeglasses, hearing aids, and cell phones for distribution to those in need worldwide. e-clubhouse.org/ sites/boonenc/ Casting Bread’s mission is to increase food security within the High Country. In their free client-choice Market, people choose foods they want, rather than a preselected box. Meals served in the Café are prepared using food from the Market and seek to model healthy eating habits. 828783-3510, increasefoodsecurity.org Children’s Council of Watauga County works to build a strong foundation for children’s learning and development by strengthening families, the early childhood system, and the wider community. 828-262-5424, thechildrenscouncil.org Community Care Clinic/HHC Free Clinic is a community-supported medical clinic that provides free primary care, mental health and behavioral health services; select specialty services; and health education to low income, uninsured people. 828-265-8591, ccclinic.org

personal and social consequences of substance abuse and violence. 828-733-6006, dare.org/north-carolina/ Elk River Helping Hands’ mission is to provide essential support to those in need due to catastrophic events within the High Country community. They believe that everyone deserves a helping hand during their toughest times, and they strive to make a positive impact in their lives. 828898-1725, elkriverhelpinghands.org Ensemble Stage Theatre is a professional theatre in Banner Elk dedicated to culturally enriching the lives of residents and visitors by providing a broad range of live, high quality theatrical presentations at an affordable price. 828-414-1844, ensemblestage.com F.A.R.M. Cafe builds a healthy and inclusive community by providing high quality meals produced from local sources, served in a restaurant where everybody eats, regardless of means. 828-386-1000, farmcafe.org Feeding Avery Families (FAF) in Avery County is dedicated to eliminating hunger by providing supplemental food assistance to those in need. Their mission is achieved through monetary and food donations, and a committed group of volunteers. 828-783-8506, feedingaveryfamilies. org

Crossnore Communities for Children creates healthy futures for children and families by providing a Christian sanctuary of hope and healing. 828-7334305, crossnore.org

Foscoe Home Team consists of a group of passionate volunteers who are dedicated to relief, recovery, and restoration for those affected by Hurricane Helene; their storm-relief store continues to serve hundreds of people every week. foscoehometeam.org

D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is a collaborative program in which local law enforcement and local schools join to educate students about the

GAPs (Giving at Potlucks) is a growing grassroots “movement” of local women in Avery and Watauga counties who gather to share a meal, build friendships, and

High Country Caregivers

support charitable causes that are unique to each community; they raise awareness and provide funding to select 501(c)3 organizations that serve each chapter’s county. givingatpotlucks.org Girls On the Run after-school program for 3rd-8th grade girls is centered around selfesteem enhancing lessons and uplifting workouts, based in Watauga, Ashe, Wilkes and Avery counties. 828-262-7557, gotr. appstate.edu Grandfather Community Foundation is a foundation organized by members of Grandfather Golf & Country Club to provide emergency funds for team members, scholarships for Avery County High School students, and grant assistance for nonprofits serving Avery County. grandfathercommunityfoundation.org Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation was established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park sustainably in the public interest, provide an exceptional experience for guests, and inspire them to be good stewards of the earth’s resources. 800-4687325, grandfather.com/foundation/ Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with people in need to build and renovate decent, affordable housing in Avery County (828-733-1909, averycohfh.org), Watauga County (828-268-9545, wataugahabitat.org), and Ashe County (336-846-2525, ashehabitat.org). Habitat for Humanity ReStores in Boone and Newland are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories, building materials and more to the public at a fraction of the retail price. habitat.org/restores Hebron Colony has been helping men and women break the bondage of

addiction through a Christ-centered approach to substance abuse treatment. 828-963-4842, hebroncolony.org

serves as the fiscal agent for donations in Ashe and Yancey counties. 828-2652111, highcountryunitedway.org

High Country Audubon Society encourages beginning birders and experts alike in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Watauga and Wilkes counties to enjoy birds and birdwatching and to engage in conservation, education, and research for the benefit of the birds of western NC. highcountryaudubon.org

Holston Camp and Retreat Center in Banner Elk has hosted summer camps for kids since 1959. Now a year-round facility, today’s campers play together and explore creation, try new activities, build community, and develop physical, social, psychological, and spiritual skills. 844465-7866, holstoncenter.org

High Country Breast Cancer Foundation has an all-volunteer board where 100% of the money donated or raised goes to those in need who have been impacted by breast cancer in the NC High Country. 614928-6544, hcbcf.org

Homestead Recovery Center is a recovery community where all people can improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. 828-355-9943, homesteadrecoverync.org

High Country Caregivers provides advocacy, support, and education for kinship caregivers and their families. 828-8326366, highcountrycaregivers.com

Hospice and Home Care of the Blue Ridge in Spruce Pine provides exceptional care and services to individuals facing a life-limiting illness, giving patients and their family members the support and education needed to understand their illness. 828-765-5677, hospiceblueridge.com

High Country Charitable Foundation, Inc. has the mission of helping the Avery County, NC, community by providing for neighbors and animals in need. 828-8983810, highcountryfoundation.org High Country Children’s Foundation provides essential support and aid to families in the High Country through annual toy drives, hurricane relief efforts, and financial donations. Highcountrykids.org High Country Community Health provides quality, patient-centered, culturally appropriate, affordable and compassionate dental care and medical services, with locations in Boone, Newland, Morganton, Elkin, and Valdese. Highcountrycommunityhealth.com High Country United Way serves Avery, Watauga, and Mitchell counties with the mission of uniting people and resources to improve lives in the High Country. High Country United Way also

Hospitality House of NW North Carolina serves seven counties and helps those in crisis, poverty and homelessness rebuild their lives using housing, prevention, nutrition and myriad supportive programs and services. 828-264-1237, hosphouse. org Humane Societies and animal rescue organizations provide food, shelter, medical care and lots of love to homeless animals as they work to find permanent, loving homes for them. Avery Humane Society—828-733-9265, averyhumane.org; Watauga Humane Society—828-264-7865, wataugahumane. org; Ashe Humane Society —336-9824297, ashehumanesociety.org; Mitchell County Animal Rescue—828-765-6952, mitchellcountyanimalrescue.org Continued on next page CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

Banner Elk Book Exchange

Hunger and Health Coalition’s mission is to be a resource for individuals and families within our community who are struggling to provide themselves with basic needs. 828-262-1628, hungerandhealthcoalition. com Johnson County Center for the Arts in Mountain City, TN, serves to empower the local community and brings residents and visitors together through teaching, encouraging and supporting a variety of artistic forms and experiences. 423-4603313, jocoartcenter.org Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk Foundation is dedicated to helping the youth in our community. Over the past 40 years, the service organization has given out over a million dollars in grants to support organizations that focus on youth. bannerelkkiwanis.org Lees-McRae Summer Theatre provides top quality, professional theatre in the Blue Ridge Mountains, specializing in big stage musicals including Broadway classics and newer hits, plus some outstanding original works. Their season runs from late June through early August. lmc.edu/ community/summer-theatre/ Linville Central Rescue Squad is an allvolunteer rescue squad serving the people of Avery County by responding to accidents; medical emergencies; wilderness, mountain and water rescues; searches for lost or missing people; and calls to assist county EMS and fire departments. 828733-2346, linville-centralrescue.org

Linville Central Rescue Squad

supporting the long-term recovery efforts post-Hurricane Helene in Watauga County (wataugaltrg.org), Avery County (averyltrg. com), Ashe County (ashecountyrecovery. com), Mitchell County (mitchellcountync. gov/helene-response-resources) and Yancey County (mymountainrecovery.org). Mediation & Restorative Justice Center works to reduce the physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by unresolved conflict, litigation, and incarceration by providing mediation, alternative sentencing, and other restorative processes that increase the respect, peace, productivity and safety in the communities served. 828-264-3040, mrjc.us Medi Home Hospice/Health—Hospice Care Charity, Inc., is a foundation created by Medical Services of America dedicated to improving quality of life for the terminally ill, their families, caregivers and friends. The Foundation works to raise awareness of hospice and provides funds to enrich the lives of hospice patients in need. 1-800-845-5850, msahealthcare. com/hospice-care Mountain Alliance for Teens provides free service and adventure trips after school and on weekends for high school students. 828-263-1770, mountainalliance. org Mountain Mermaids Collective supports the development of an inclusive, diverse, and sustainable arts community in Western North Carolina. mtnmermaids.org

Linville Volunteer Fire Dept. proudly serves and protects the citizens of Avery County through fire protection and emergency services. 828-733-2188, linvillevfd@ gmail.com

Mountain True & Watauga Riverkeeper are dedicated to protecting, preserving and restoring the Watauga and Elk River watersheds “because everyone has a right to clean water.” 828-406-2429, mountaintrue.org

Long Term Recovery Groups are collaborative organizations dedicated to

NAMI High Country supports those living with mental illness as well as their families

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and loved ones. They strive to increase public understanding of mental disorders and give hope to those experiencing them. 828-278-9293, namihighcountry.org New River Conservancy is dedicated to protecting and preserving the New River Watershed and its inhabitants across three states. 336-846-6267, newriverconservancy.org OASIS, Inc. (Opposing Abuse with Services, Information, and Shelter), founded in 1978, is dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault in Watauga and Avery Counties. 828-264-1532, oasisinc. org Parent to Parent Family Support Network provides free support, caring connections, information and hope to families who have a premature baby, a child with a disability, an emotional or behavioral challenge, a mental illness, or a chronic health condition, or to families who are grieving the death of a child. 828-262-6089, parent2parent.appstate.edu Pisgah Legal Services pursues justice by providing legal assistance and advocacy to help low-income people in Western NC meet their basic needs and improve their lives. 800-489-6144, pisgahlegal.org Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary is one of the most successful, longest existing facilities for horses in the U.S. which seeks to provide as natural an environment for the horses as possible. 336-984-4252, horsesofproudspirit.org Quiet Givers Inc. serves the people of Watauga, Ashe, and Avery counties in the NC High Country; the organization is a source for people to find out about specific needs in the community and help meet needs through creative ways to change the reality of local people who are genuinely struggling. quietgivers.org

Samaritan’s Purse

Reaching Avery Ministry (RAM) has served Avery County for over 30 years through their Ram’s Rack Thrift Store and Emergency Food Pantry in Newland. 828733-5095, facebook.com/RAMsRackofNewland/ Resort Area Ministries is an ecumenical organization providing ministries/services to the residents of, and tourists to, the High Country. RAM’s Rack Thrift Shop in Boone provides financial support for RAM and also provides clothing at no charge to those in need working with other nonprofits. 828-264-6605, facebook.com/resortareaministryRAM/ Samaritan’s Purse stands ready to respond at a moment’s notice whenever and wherever disaster strikes. They specialize in international disaster relief, meeting critical needs for victims of conflict, disaster, famine, and epidemics throughout the world. 828-262-1980, samaritanspurse.org Scooter’s Underdogs is a nonprofit animal rescue based in Elk Park, North Carolina, dedicated to filling the gap in Avery County. Since 2021, the organization has rescued over 700 displaced cats and dogs, providing them with life-saving care. Scooter’s also supports the community through a free pet tag program, a free doghouse initiative, a low-cost spay/ neuter program, and a free pet food pantry. Scootersunderdogs.org, facebook.com/ ScootersUnderdogs/ Southern Sun Farm Sanctuary is a horse rescue located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC, with the mission of providing a safe, secure place for abandoned, abused, neglected or unwanted equines; they also work to find them loving forever homes. 336-977-8966, southernsunfarm.com Spirit Ride Therapeutic Riding Center is committed to helping children with

disabilities and other health concerns achieve their full potential through equine related therapeutic and educational activities. 828-278-7464, spiritridenc.org The Children’s Playhouse in Boone engages children from birth to age eight through enriching educational play while at the same time supporting their parents and caregivers in the important job of raising children. 828-263-0011, goplayhouse. org The Jason Project/ “The Grandfather Project” is a program for at-risk kids suffering from mental problems and/or drug addictions. The program also seeks to assist any special kids who are struggling with adversities, including family, school, or other personal problems or challenges. 828-765-6561 THRIVE Appalachia provides teens opportunities, connections, and hands-on learning experiences; they help youth explore their gifts and talents, cultivate new skills, and connect with exciting opportunities in high-quality classes with professionals in their field. thriveappalachia.org Volunteer Avery County finds resources to aid families and individuals who do not qualify for public assistance. VAC also matches volunteers with opportunities to help within the community. 828-7370718, volunteeravery@gmail.com, averycountync.gov/departments/volunteer_avery_county.php WAMY Community Action’s mission is to partner with communities and families to provide the disadvantaged with support and the tools they need to become selfsufficient. 828-264-2421, wamycommunityaction.org

through arts advocacy, education, support, and inspiration. 828-264-1789, watauga-arts.org Western Youth Network (WYN) is a relationship-focused resource for at-risk youth in the High Country. Through prevention and intervention programs, WYN specializes in providing youth with the tools they need to reach their potential and discover their place in our world. 828-264-5174, westernyouthnetwork.org Williams YMCA of Avery County and the new A.M.Y. Wellness Foundation YMCA of Mitchell County serve the community in the areas of Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. The “Y” strives to help create a community where people can live healthy; all youth can be safe and reach their potential; and the elderly have support to live quality, independent lives. 828-737-5500, ymcaavery. com and 828-520-9101 (Mitchell County) Wine to Water is an international nonprofit organization committed to building a holistic, community-based model by supporting the life and dignity of all through the power of clean water. 828355-9655, wtw.org Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge is a collective giving organization formed to make a positive impact on the lives of women and girls in the High Country through grant making, advocacy, and community building. 828-2644002, womensfundoftheblueridge.org If you know of a local nonprofit that serves our region and should be included in our annual guide, please email CML’s Managing Editor at tamara@seymourcc.net.

Watauga Arts Council fosters a thriving, diverse, and vibrant creative community continued on next page CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

MORE GOOD WORKS...

Military Surplus

The not-for-profit Chambers of Commerce, Tourism Development Authorities, and Visitors’ Centers in our region provide excellent information and support to visitors, residents and businesses in our communities.

Knives • Tools Camping & Sporting Goods

• Abingdon Visitors Center: visitabingdonvirginia.com

• Ashe County Chamber of Commerce: ashechamber.com • Avery Chamber of Commerce: averycounty.com

• Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce: bannerelk.org • Banner Elk TDA: bannerelk.com

• Beech Mountain TDA: beechmtn.com

• Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce: • blowingrockncchamber.com

• Boone Chamber of Commerce: boonechamber.com • Boone TDA: exploreboone.com

• Burnsville-Yancey Chamber of Commerce: • yanceychamber.com

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• Elkin TDA: exploreelkin.com

• Caldwell County Chamber of Commerce: • caldwellchambernc.com • Damascus Trail Center: visitdamascus.org, • visitdamascus.org/damascus-trail-center

• Johnson County, TN, Chamber of Commerce: • johnsoncountytn.org • McDowell Chamber of Commerce: • mcdowellchamber.com

• McDowell TDA: destinationmcdowell.com

• Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce: • mitchellcountychamber.org

• Northwest NC Visitor Center: • wilkeschamber.wixsite.com/nwncvisitorcenter • Morganton Chamber of Commerce: • downtownmorganton.com • Sugar Mountain TDA: seesugar.com

• West Jefferson TDA: visitwestjefferson.org

• Wilkes County Chamber of Commerce: wilkeschamber.com

78 — Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

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Smart Savings Tips for a Cozy Winter Comfort at home doesn’t have to mean high costs. Here are a few tips to help you SAVE! Install a programmable HVAC thermostat. Turn off lights that aren’t being used. Wash dishes and clothes in cold water. Replace your air filters regularly, about every two months. On sunny days keep your curtains drawn. In the winter months take advantage of the warmth from natural light. Block drafts around doors or windows by replacing weatherstripping or with a rolled-up towel. Wait until your dishwasher is full before starting a wash cycle. Prep meals for the week and store leftovers in the freezer. Bake with glass or ceramic pans. Don’t peek in the oven while baking! (also a good baking tip!)

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Patrick Dougherty: Pilgrimage On view at

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. NEXT to Uncle Leeʼs Restaurant in downtown Banner Elk at the intersection of 184 & 194

Classic Stone Works

Countertop Fabricator & Tile Showroom

"Come visit us and see why generations of clients have been trusting us with their homes, their style, and their stories." —Eric & Debbie Guinn

1710 Linville Falls Hwy, Newland, NC 28657 | Please call 828.737.0040 | www.classicstoneworksinc.com

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Left: Mollie Bolick, Executive Director of HRC, and Katlynd Taylor, LEAD Case Manager, conducting overdose reversal trainings along King St. on Overdose Awareness Day, 2025

No Tough Love, Just Love Tough N

o Tough Love, just Love Tough best describes the mission for Homestead Recovery Center, (HRC) an effective peer-led program that offers support, resources and compassion for people affected by substance use in the High Country, recognizing that the most effective solutions for recovery come from within the communities most impacted by substance use. “All of our staff are people with lived experience—meaning we have personal experience with substance use disorder and/or mental health challenges, and often previous involvement with the justice system—demonstrating to our clients that we understand the difficulties of recovery and modeling that a different way of life is possible,” shared Mollie Bolick, Director of Homestead Recovery Center (HRC). “We serve a resilient population and our staff are honored to get to be with, and support them, through complex life circumstances.” A project of the Mediation and Restorative Justice Center (MRJC), a 501c3 organization founded in 1993 to provide mediation and restorative justice services, today Homestead Recovery Center serves as an access point for peer-led recovery in Watauga and Avery counties. Through a collaboration between Bolick and Marisa Cornell, Executive Director of the Mediation and Restorative Justice Center, a vision for a way to broaden the success of restorative processes to meet a broader

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range of community needs was born, expanding into current day services. In 2020, Bolick’s jail-based initiative, Recovery on the Inside, was adopted by MRJC alongside a new program, Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD). Together, these two initiatives became the flagship programs of what would evolve into MRJC’s Homestead Recovery Center and its peer-led services. Peer-led approaches recognize that people with lived experience understand the barriers, the language, the culture, and the realities of recovery in ways that traditional systems often cannot. “We are closest to the solution because we are closest to the problem,” Bolick shared. “Our staff are not outsiders looking in—we are people who have walked these roads ourselves, who know what it feels like to lose hope, and who know what it looks like to rebuild a life. That shared experience creates trust, and trust is what makes recovery possible.” By elevating the voices of those with lived experience, HRC not only provides services, it builds community—one where healing is not prescribed from the outside, but grown from within. HRC currently offers key programs that provide support, trust, and resources. In partnership with the Watauga County Sheriff ’s Office, Recovery on the Inside, housed at the Watauga County Detention Center, offers pretrial diversion before sentencing, reentry planning, peer

By Pan McCaslin

support, and linkage to care at release for those who choose to engage with the program. 120 individuals were served by this program during 2024. Watauga LEAD (Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion) provides intensive case management for clients who are at risk of justice system involvement because of underlying substance use or mental health challenges. Katlynd Taylor, Watauga LEAD case manager, shared, “We meet our clients where they are. We know we cannot help everyone, but we can invite people in and provide unconditional care and support, knowing we can’t control the outcome.” The LEAD program also offers peer support, recovery support, financial support for treatment and supportive living, linkage to clinical services, outreach, advocacy, and transportation. In 2024, 255 individuals were served through the LEAD program. Peer Services are open to anyone in the community to help provide a supportive space to meet basic needs and work toward achieving wellness and recovery goals. Services include: Full day center offerings including showers, laundry facilities, a full kitchen, and living room space. Basic supplies include clothing, food, hygiene, and overdose prevention supplies and education. The day center also facilitates all HRC groups, meetings, training courses, and events. Participants checked in to Peer Services 4,049 times in 2024. A workforce development program,

HRC Staff

The Reentry Service Station, assists people reentering the community after incarceration or other gaps in employment. Key services include critical document assistance (i.e., obtaining IDs and copies of Birth Certificate or Social Security Cards), transportation, financial assistance for items such as work boots or uniforms, and peer support. 63 individuals were served by the Reentry Service Station in 2024. The Homeplace Recovery Housing program provides the only recovery housing in Watauga County. Prior to its opening, individuals seeking supportive living during recovery were forced to relocate outside the county, often leaving behind their families, children, and community ties. With two NC Association of Recovery Residences (NCARR) accredited homes—a men’s residence (capacity nine) and a women’s residence (capacity six)— participants can recover in their homeplace, surrounded by familiar people and support networks. Residents share responsibility for household care, develop independent living skills, and receive ongoing peer support and case management to help connect them to employment, education, healthcare, and community resources. The Avery RV (Recovery Vehicle) is a community-based initiative involving mobile peer support, case management, and court advocacy services in Avery County to support individuals dealing with substance use who may face barriers to access treatment.

Staff and Family at July 4th Parade, 2025

In rural communities, many calls to law enforcement stem from challenges such as poverty, mental health, substance use, intimate partner violence, and homelessness. In partnership with the Town of Boone Police Department, the Community Care Program was launched in 2024 to provide a full-time social worker assigned to the police department. This professional serves as an onsite resource and co-responder with law enforcement. The program will expand in 2026 to include a co-response team of a designated officer and peer support specialist for response to social need calls. HRC does not endorse or require any single model of recovery, recognizing recovery is not one-size-fits-all and that everyone needs the space, time, and support to discover what works best for them. What remains universal, however, is the need for connection and community. To support this, HRC provides a welcoming hub where multiple recovery pathways are honored and accessible. The center hosts 12-Step meetings, SMART Recovery groups, peer support circles, and health and wellness programming, while also assisting with transportation to treatment and other services. Rather than prescribing a specific route, HRC walks alongside individuals as they shape their own path toward healing. Both MRJC and Homestead Recovery Center are primarily funded by grants and foundation awards. When asked how the community could help support the

recovery work, both Bolick and Cornell agreed: their greatest need is financial support. Financial contributions allow for flexibility to respond when something unplanned happens, bridge the gaps when grants are paused or delayed, and cover essential expenses that may fall outside of program budgets. Leadership emphasized that most importantly, financial donations allow HRC to stay ready and responsive—to keep the doors open and supportive services available when the community needs them most. During 2024, 1,212 peer support sessions were held, 306 case management sessions were held, and 1,730 overdose reversal kits were distributed. Educational offerings can be found in the 2024 Annual Report at homesteadrecoverync.org, as well as ways to donate or otherwise get involved to support recovery services in Watauga and Avery counties. Substance use and addiction continue to deeply impact individuals, families, and entire communities—disrupting relationships, housing stability, employment, health, and often leading to legal involvement. From its inception, Homestead Recovery Center has taken a collaborative, community-rooted approach to addressing these challenges. Staff and volunteers work side-by-side with law enforcement, social services, healthcare partners, and local recovery networks to ensure that all people have access to compassionate support, practical resources, and pathways for a self-directed life. CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

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Community & Local Business News

Avery County Sheriff’s Office and LiveWell Avery Release New Video to Help Community Members Access Sheriff’s App The Avery County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with LiveWell Avery, recently released a new video explainer to help residents better understand and use the Sheriff’s mobile app. First launched in March 2024, the Avery County Sheriff NC app has quickly become a vital tool for community connection, with several updates and new features added since its debut. Available for free on both Apple and Android devices, the app provides an all-in-one platform to keep Avery County citizens informed, engaged, and safe. The new video walks viewers step-bystep through the app, highlighting how to download it and showcasing features like “Submit a Tip,” “Contact Us,” school safety resources, inmate search, and community news alerts. The video emphasizes how simple it is for residents to access essential resources directly from their phones, making safety and communication more convenient than ever. The video also features an interview with Avery County Sheriff Mike Henley, who underscored the importance of using technology to strengthen community ties. “It’s a way to disseminate information fairly rapidly. It gives us an ability to put information out—everything from scams to wanted persons, and weather alerts. It’s just a good way to communicate with our community and that’s in a nutshell what the app’s about,” said Henley. He added that beyond safety, the app is helping build stronger relationships between law enforcement and citizens by offering a direct, user-friendly line of communication.

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Since its launch, the app has continued to expand its offerings, now including a sex offender registry, job postings within the Sheriff’s Office, resources for Hurricane Helene recovery, and tools for addiction help and crime prevention. Parents can also directly reach school resource officers, while residents have quick access to updates on missing persons, most wanted individuals, and emergency alerts. With its built-in links to social media channels and a growing list of features, the app has become an essential tool for staying connected with local law enforcement. LiveWell Avery, a community-driven initiative launched by Avery County Government to connect residents with essential health and wellness resources, collaborated with the Sheriff’s Office to produce the new explainer video, ensuring residents of all ages can easily understand and access the app. The Sheriff’s App Video Explainer is now available online through the Avery County Government YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@averycounty7011. You may also download the Avery County Sheriff NC App directly from the Apple App or Google Play Store. Photo: A screen capture from the new explainer video highlights the Avery County Sheriff NC app’s easy-to-use homepage and features designed to keep citizens informed and connected.

Elk River Helping Hands Looking Ahead In early September of 2024, a small group of Elk River Club residents announced the formation of a charity to assist mountain residents in times of crisis. Elk River Helping Hands, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was barely up and running when

Hurricane Helene created one of the worst-ever natural disasters in our region. “Suddenly, instead of having one or two situations a week that we wanted to help, now we had hundreds at one time,” says Jim McDaniel, president of the organization. “Amazingly, within a short period of time, people started making significant contributions to Elk River Helping Hands, and we got boots on the ground very quickly after the storm.” In short order, this fledgling group founded by McDaniel and Bill Carter, a former Secret Service agent who was also an attorney for the Rolling Stones, began aiding folks across the area. The all-volunteer organization set up shop at Banner Elk Town Hall and in other small towns in the area and began by giving cash to people with significant losses so they could buy food, gas and necessities. Just over a year later, it’s clear Elk River Helping Hands has made an impact on those in need in the NC High Country. It has donated around $1.5 million to over 300 families and individuals, purchased vehicles for several people in dire need of transportation, bought and donated new mobile homes to three displaced families, and also covered the costs of funerals. Other efforts include buying appliances and furniture, helping with private bridge repairs and paying for medical services. McDaniel says the average grant has been about $5,000. “We have a wonderful group of volunteers who have taken it upon themselves to go out and meet people who need help. Many of the people we’ve helped have been referred to us by first responders.” In addition to McDaniel and Carter, the charity’s board members include Lisa Brown, Marlow Carter, Mike Cromer, Greg Feldman, Toni Littleton, Martha Laura Miller, Nancy Owen and Karen Parks. With a year under its belt, McDaniel says Elk River Helping Hands plans to continue its mission of providing essential support to residents facing crises. It will continue raising money through events like the concert series it hosted, which brought national recording artists John Oates, Jimmy Fortune, Jim Lauderdale and bluegrass stars Darin & Brooke

. . read all about it!

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BRIGHT Eyes: Dry Eye Center & Eye Spa Expands Advanced Eye Care for the High Country Winter in the High Country brings dry indoor heat, brisk wind, and long hours on screens—conditions that leave many people with red, irritated eyes. BRIGHT Eyes – Dry Eye Center & Eye Spa, led by award-winning optometrist Dr. Mandy Rights, is a boutique specialty clinic blending integrative medical care with spa-like comfort. Dr. Rights has practiced in the region since 2017 and founded BRIGHT Eyes in 2024 to bring specialtylevel eye care access to the High Country. The practice focuses on ocular surface disease—dry eye, blepharitis, Demodex, meibomian gland dysfunction, styes, allergies, and ocular rosacea—and provides a suite of modern treatment options. Patients of all ages receive thorough evaluations and individualized plans that may include Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), Radiofrequency (RF), microcurrent lid toning (DMSt), thermal gland expression, red light therapy, punctal plugs, professional lid and lash cleaning, and regenerative therapies such as serum tears or amniotic membranes. Personalized at-home

routines and coaching further support long-term success. BRIGHT Eyes also offers non-surgical ocular aesthetics safe for the delicate eyelid and under-eye area—addressing lid laxity, puffiness, impaired blinking, and lash thinning while protecting the ocular surface. For patients who struggle with traditional contacts or have corneal irregularities like keratoconus, the clinic fits custom scleral lenses. Its myopia management program includes orthokeratology (Ortho-K) and other evidence-based strategies to protect children and teens from the long-term risks of progressive nearsightedness. The retail shop at 703 W. King St. in downtown Boone carries doctor-approved at-home eye care essentials: eye drops, heat masks, lid & lash cleansers, supplements, eye-safe cosmetics, contact lens supplies, and more. BRIGHT Eyes is North Carolina’s only clinic of its kind—integrating a Dry Eye Center, Eye Spa, and Specialty Vision & Contact Lens Center under one roof, with more subspecialties coming soon. “Your eyes deserve more than temporary relief. Our goal is lasting comfort and clarity,” says Dr. Rights. To help new patients get started, BRIGHT Eyes offers a complimentary 10-minute consultation to identify which of their specialized services are right for you. Contact 828-2379393 or visit brightdryeyespa.com.

Early Learning Center Opens at Williams YMCA On October 1, the Williams YMCA celebrated the grand opening of the Hugh Chapman Early Learning Center. This grand opening comes one year after its original ribbon-cutting ceremony, following a delay in opening, as the YMCA shifted its operations to provide immediate Hurricane Helene relief services to the Avery and Mitchell County communities. The Hugh Chapman Center was temporarily used to store extra relief supplies through January 2025, further delaying the YMCA from scheduling its required state daycare licensing visit. With the facility up and running, the Y will be able to care for even more young people, which benefits the entire community. “[We asked] a number of our larger employers in Avery County, ‘What are the greatest needs you see in our county?’” recounted Trey Oakley, Williams YMCA CEO. “Two obvious things came up— workforce housing and affordable childcare. . . That’s where this project started.” The Hugh Chapman Early Learning Center serves two- to five-year-olds in Avery County with full-day daycare— with qualified staff and space to serve as many as 45 children daily. The Williams

YMCA Child Care Director, Jessica Sullins, shared, “We are so excited to open our doors. We believe this is a great opportunity for families in our area to have access to trustworthy and educationallyenriched child care, inclusive and open to all.” Although Hurricane Helene impacted the operational timelines for the project, this facility, now opened, is anticipated to help bridge a critical gap in local childcare for families in our area. Find updates at ymcaavery.com and at facebook.com/ williamsymcaavery/.

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Aldridge to Banner Elk. “It’s heartening that there are so many people who are willing to help,” McDaniel says. “We plan to continue to raise capital and help people in need as long as we can.” elkriverhelpinghands.org Photo: Avery County resident Betsy Ross received a vehicle purchased by Elk River Helping Hands at Everett Chevrolet in Morganton. Handing her the keys was Neil Parsons of Everett Chevrolet (photo by Barry Grubbs).

Plans Underway for a New Wildlife Rehabilitation Complex at Lees-McRae College Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk is in the early stages of developing its new Continued on next page CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

Wildlife Rehabilitation Complex on the college’s South Campus off Hickory Nut Gap Road. The new complex will be several times larger than the existing building and will include a large clinic, auditorium for public programs, classrooms, and the conversion of an existing barn to an outdoor pavilion. The Ambassador animals (that cannot be released into the wild) will have much larger homes located along a future greenway and open to the public. This expanded center will help support a very popular and quickly growing program at the college, which attracts students from across the country. The current May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center annually treats 1,500+ injured and orphaned wildlife patients from the western part of NC. Lees-McRae anticipates completing the project within a few years, depending on fundraising efforts. Follow their progress at lmc.edu. Photos courtesy of Mark File and LeesMcRae May Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

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Community & Local Business News . . read all about it!

Discover Mountain Emporium… a Mountain Treasure in Banner Elk Nestled in the picturesque heart of Banner Elk, Mountain Emporium is not just a store; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the Eouse family’s passion for these majestic mountains and the vibrant community they proudly call home. For over 35 years, their company, Art and Frame Direct, based in High Point, North Carolina—renowned as the Furniture Capital of the World—has crafted stunning furniture collections for some of the nation’s leading retailers. Their creations can be found under the AFD Home and World of Décor brands, in addition to exclusive lines for the PGA Tour, Kathy Ireland, Jaclyn Smith, and Grizzly Adams, among others.

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They also take pride in designing furniture and lighting for restaurants and hotels, including the breathtaking Epic Chophouse in Eagles Nest. As their company founder, George Eouse, transitions into semi-retirement, he has felt a strong desire to give back to the community. And this has led to the birth of Mountain Emporium. The staff of Mountain Emporium invites you to join their growing family of satisfied customers. They encourage you to plan your visit, enjoy a delightful lunch next door at Uncle Lee’s Asian Bistro, and immerse yourself in the best selection of mountain home décor that will leave you smiling. And, as word is spreading about Mountain Emporium, they say they’re incredibly grateful for the support and frequent visits from their patrons. With fresh shipments arriving weekly, they also offer affordable custom manufacturing of a diverse array of lighting, vanities, tables, and décor tailored for interior designers and contractors. Mountain Emporium is a truly unique shopping experience. With wholesale pricing on mountain furnishings and unique mountain art, you’ll discover more than just products; you’ll uncover a warm and welcoming community spirit. To quote their staff, “Mountain Emporium of Banner Elk is at the Peak of Unique! Come see us soon—we can’t wait to welcome you!” Located at 500 Main Street West at the intersection of Hwy 184 and Hwy 194, next to Uncle Lee’s, Mountain Emporium is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 828-898-1770 or visit mountainemporium.com.

Carolina Mountain Life TM

...wishes everyone a wonderful winter!

Bridging Adventure & Design: Beanstalk Bridges Beanstalk Bridges is a recreation design and build firm based in Western North Carolina, known for creating outdoor structures that spark adventure, inspire imagination, and blend into the landscape. Specializing in treehouses, catenary bridges, and nature-integrated playgrounds, each project combines artistry, practical engineering and a deep respect for the environment. Beanstalk Bridges is a trusted partner for residences, HOAs, and public parks across the Southeast. At the heart of Beanstalk Bridges’ work is a commitment to craftsmanship and the natural world. Their structures are thoughtfully designed to complement each site’s unique terrain, using durable, low-maintenance materials such as black locust timber. The result is a portfolio of installations that feel organic, welcoming, and long lasting. These structures enhance their settings rather than interrupt the natural beauty around them. For residential clients, Beanstalk Bridges creates backyard escapes that foster play. Custom treehouses perched among the branches, family-friendly play areas shaped from natural forms, and handcrafted footbridges that tie a property together all become meaningful extensions of each family’s lifestyle. For HOAs and community developments, the company designs signature amenities that elevate shared spaces and bring neighbors together. Nature focused playgrounds, interactive climbing features, and scenic pedestrian bridges enrich the daily experience of the community and become gathering places for all ages.

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Bridging Adventure & Design

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CML Recognizes Writers and Historians Honored by the North Carolina Society of Historians The N.C. Society of Historians’ (NCSH) annual awards ceremony was held in November at the Wilkes Heritage Museum in Wilkesboro. At the celebration, several of CML’s writers received awards for their contributions to recording North Carolina’s history. Carol Lowe Timblin, who penned “Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings’ Sojourn in Banner Elk” in our current issue, received a Journalism Award of Excellence for an article that ran in our Spring 2025 issue, “Tracing Your Roots at the Highland Games.” Timblin said, “Attending last year’s Grandfather Mountain Highland Games was not only a wonderful experience, it helped me trace my family all the way back to Scotland.” Also receiving two Awards of Excellence was CML’s Wisdom and Ways

columnist, Jim Casada, for his books Fishing for Chickens: A Smokies Food Memoir and Celebrating Southern Appalachian Food: Recipes and Stories from Mountain Kitchens (co-written with Tipper Pressley). CML columnist and historian Michael C. Hardy received an Award of Excellence for his book, Aviation in North Carolina, a History, which was reviewed in our Summer 2025 Book Nook column. Hardy has received numerous awards over the years and was named “Historian of the Year” by the NCSH in 2010. In this issue’s Book Nook column, CML writer Elizabeth Baird Hardy reviews Doris Perry Stam’s book, D.D. Dougherty, Lillie Dougherty, and the Early Years of Appalachian State University, which won an NCSH Award of Excellence in the Book category. In addition, Stam took home the prestigious “President’s Award,” having been personally selected by the current NCSH president as the sole 2025 recipient of this special recognition. Finally, we want to recognize awardwinning filmmaker E. Kelley St. Germain of West Jefferson, NC. In Elizabeth Hardy’s Big Picture Show column in our Autumn 2025 issue, she reviewed the documentary “Money on a String,” written and directed by St. Germain, and produced by Appalachian Memory Keepers. Germain’s work documenting the role green beans played in Ashe County’s agricultural heritage has earned him and his team numerous awards in recent months, including an NCSH Award of Excellence. Since 1941, the North Carolina Society of Historians has presented annual awards of excellence to recognize those individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of North Carolina. “Our award winners embody the spirit of discovery and dedication that keeps North Carolina’s history alive,” said Maxine McCall, President of the North Carolina Society of Historians. “Their work ensures that future generations will continue to learn from and be inspired by the stories that shaped our state.” Learn more at northcarolinasocietyofhistorians. com. | Photo: Author and CML Contributor Carol Lowe Timblin receives an NCSH Award of Excellence.

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For public parks, schools, and municipalities, Beanstalk Bridges offers fully customized recreation and access solutions guided by safety, longevity, and the needs of diverse users. From immersive play environments and low-impact pedestrian bridges to elevated tree decks and adventure pathways, Beanstalk Bridges’ team delivers site-specific designs that support outdoor learning, exploration, and environmental stewardship. With a growing portfolio throughout the Southeast, Beanstalk Bridges is recognized for its thoughtful design process, expert craftsmanship, and ability to transform natural landscapes into memorable destinations. Every project begins with a vision. Beanstalk Bridges brings that vision to life with structures that honor nature, invite adventure, and stand the test of time. beanstalkbridges.com

Specializing in custom treehouses, catenary bridges, and nature-integrated playgrounds. A trusted partner for residences, HOAs, and public parks across the Southeast.

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Community & Local Business News . . read all about it! All Creatures Great and Small… High Country Animal Helpers By Steve York The phrase “all creatures great and small” is believed to borrow inspiration from Biblical Old Testament passages in both Psalms and Proverbs proclaiming the sanctity of all of God’s creatures large and small. More recently, there is the PBS television series entitled All Creatures Great and Small based on James Herriot’s books about his life as a veterinarian in 1930s Yorkshire, England. Whatever the literary reference, this sentiment is often linked with mankind’s responsibility towards the compassionate care for the animal kingdom. And, nowhere is this sentiment more in practice than with the dedicated humane societies and animal rescue organizations here in the High Country, all of which rely on charitable funding, food donations and— in many cases—animal-loving volunteers. Locally, four of these organizations include Scooter’s Underdogs in Elk Park, the Watauga Humane Society in Boone, the Mitchell County Animal Rescue (MCAR) in Spruce Pine, and the Avery Humane Society in Newland. These operations and their staff devote much of their lives to the rescue, sheltering, feeding, medical needs, spaying, neutering, and adoption of animals who—through no fault of their own—are often in desperate need of short and long-term care. And, since hurricane Helene, that desperation has greatly increased.

Scooter’s Underdogs, managed by Ellie Lecka and Brandy Boone, operates by appointment only and is primarily focused on critical rescue and injury needs,

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with the aim of returning animals to their original homes. However, when necessary, they seek shelter and medical care via other local services. And, when out-of-state adoption is possible, they’ve transported animals as far away as Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Michigan and across the Carolinas. Because Avery County has no animal control program, Scooter’s Underdogs tries to help fill that gap. Since 2021, they have rescued over 700 displaced cats and dogs, including over 160 as of October 2025. Beyond rescue efforts, they support a free pet tag program, a free doghouse initiative, their “Neuter Scooter” spay/neuter transport to a low-cost clinic in Johnson City, and a free pet food pantry. Scootersunderdogs.org, FB@ ScootersUnderdogs

The Watauga Humane Society (WHS) was founded as far back as 1969. Then, in 2011, they merged with Watauga County Animal Care and Control and have continued to expand their animal care support since then. Today their 14-acre, comprehensive animal care campus has become a community hub for all-things-animal-lover and is one of only about twelve open admission no-kill shelters in the state, housing nearly 150 cats and 40 dogs at any given time. And they note that their current longest sheltered pet has been living on campus for more than 300 days. Through their contract with Watauga County, they are able to house stray, surrendered, and seized companion animals. They also offer low/no cost vaccine clinics and spay/neuter services to the community as well. To help raise funds, the WHS operates the Bare Bones Boutique, a volunteer-managed thrift store in Boone that raises nearly $50,000 annually to benefit

the mission of the Watauga Humane Society. Their annual fundraiser, the Fur Ball, is held in late summer. wataugahumanesociety.org

Mitchell County Animal Rescue (MCAR), in partnership with local law enforcement, has been able to rescue hundreds of animals from hoarding, neglect, and abuse cases. That includes 1,221 animals under their care in all of 2024. They accept animals of all breeds, all ages, and in all conditions. And they do not euthanize healthy, adoptable animals; nor do they euthanize animals due to space limitations. Working closely with local vets, they’ve created the Have Mercy Fund for shelter animals with special medical needs, plus their Community Care Spay/ Neuter Fund to make surgery affordable. MCAR has an active community outreach effort, plus a pet food bank for lowincome community needs. In addition, unlike many animal care centers, they provide a TNR (trap, spay/neuter, vaccinate, and return) program for feral cats that are to be returned to their area. MCAR’s Valentine’s Day “Surf & Turf” fundraiser allows all the animals at the shelter to have an extra special Valentine’s Day this season. “Will you help sponsor a steak dinner for our pups and a fishy feast for our kitties?” Learn more at mitchellcountyanimalrescue. org. The Avery County Humane Society, begun in 1978, opened its current location in 2012 on New Vale Road just behind Newland’s Ingles/Roses center. Their programs include “low to no cost” spay and neutering for the pets of Avery residents, as well as providing an animal food pantry for families in need, plus volunteer and

community service initiatives. And their special Avery Rescue Readers program invites children to come in and actually read to cats being sheltered at the facility. Their shelter—which welcomes around 1,500 visitors each year—can house about 95 animals at a time and has provided adoption services for over 8,100 animals since opening their current location. They’ve also helped reunite more than 100 lost pets with their families each

year. Their primary annual fundraiser, or FurRaiser, takes place in late summer. averyhumane.org In closing, and with the hope to inspire community support for these organizations, we offer this refrain from the hymn written by Cecil Frances Alexander: “All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful: the Lord God made them all.”

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Community & Local Business News . . read all about it! HCCF’s Jim Ferguson presents a grant to Feeding Avery Families’ Executive Director Bonnie Clark and Program Manager Vanessa Benavides Phillips

High Country Charitable Foundation… providing shelter from the storm. By Steve York “We’re here to help! That’s our purpose and our message,” said High Country Charitable Foundation (HCCF) Chairman, President and Founder Jim Ward during closing comments with Carolina Mountain Life magazine regarding the foundation’s 2025 charitable grant distributions. With the need for help being greater than ever following Hurricane Helene, the HCCF distributed $317,500 to 33 Avery County charitable organizations on September 11, 2025. That was just days before the anniversary of the storm. As many witnessed, the devastation from Helene rendered many people homeless, many businesses unable to operate, many properties severely damaged, many animals in need of rescuing, and many of the local charitable organizations overwhelmed with the urgent need for major financial support. Currently operating with a board of 12 members, HCCF has consistently provided that support year after year. “We started this foundation to fill a void for Avery County,” Ward noted. “But, in the beginning, we never anticipated that something like this hurricane would create such a demand. The national charities are great, but their resources are spread out all over the country. Whereas our foundation is focused specifically on Avery County. Our grants go directly to legitimate local charitable organizations because they’re in the best position to know who needs help, and because they

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Deputy Allen Ingram of the Avery County Sheriff’s Office at the HCCF Grant Awards Event in September

Barry Blake, Bob Moss and Jim Ferguson present a grant to Volunteer Avery’s Ruth Shirley

are able to make sure the funds are properly distributed,” added Ward. To further the foundation’s agenda, the beautifully designed 610 Party Barn— just across from the entrance to Elk River Club in Banner Elk—was created in 2022 as both a social event gathering place and a means for helping to fund HCCF’s charitable causes. “Those of us who have second homes in these golf course communities have been blessed with good fortune; to be able to live in this beautiful mountain setting, to enjoy the rich variety of recreational and natural attractions, and to prosper. At the same time, there are many throughout Avery County who are not as fortunate. So, we created the High Country Charitable Foundation because we felt the inspiration to ‘give back’ to the community that has so blessed us,” said Ward. “The Party Barn turned out to be a real blessing in disguise when the hurricane hit our area,” Ward continued. “Basically, most all the local restaurants were closed. Aside from the storm damage to their kitchens and dining areas, they’d lost electricity and had no way to cook or maintain food refrigeration. But we had generators at the Party Barn. So, we hired the group from Sorrento’s to come cook and prepare food for people. We ended up serving around 6,000 meals over about six weeks. And anyone who came to the Party Barn was able to get a hot meal. It was a life-saving blessing for many,” he added. According to HCCF Executive Secretary Whitney Styles, in addition to hurricane relief donations their foundation helped purchase a refrigerated van for Newland-based Feeding Avery Families

so that they could pick up food from local stores who donate, and then deliver that food to people in rural communities who may not have suitable transportation into Newland. In addition, HCCF grants helped purchase a van for the Mitchell County Animal Rescue to help with the overflow of animals from the Avery County Humane Society, per a contractual agreement between the two organizations. Styles also noted that HCCF typically provides some grants around Christmas time for such causes as the Avery County Sherriff’s “Shop with a Cop” event plus Reaching Avery Ministry’s “Operation Christmas Avery County.” For the latest annual fundraising event, HCCF raised a total of $500,000, distributed the $317,500 to designated charities in September, and held the balance as a reserve for emergency and unexpected needs. “HCCF has very little overhead, so we’re able to ensure maximum funding to qualified charities. And we do all the bookkeeping homework to make it as easy as possible for donors. We check each recipient charity and make sure they have the proper 501(c)(3) tax documentation,” Ward emphasized. Founded in 2015 by Ward and a small group of local residents, the HCCF has since provided over $4 million in ongoing grants to a growing number of 501(c) (3) organizations. As such, the HCCF is ranked as one of the largest charitable foundations in all of western North Carolina. By any measure, and no matter the weather, HCCF and its 610 Party Barn are always here to help provide Avery County with shelter from the storm. Learn more and access their quarterly newsletters at highcountrycharitablefoundation.org.

At High Country Charitable Foundation’s 610 Party Barn

PHOTO BY TODD BUSH

HCCF’s 2025 Grants HCCF’s 2025 grant recipients cover a comprehensive list of Avery County charitable organizations who are committed to uplifting the quality of life for everyone in this area. Their services fulfill a variety of needs including education, food access, legal support, healthcare, animal welfare and recreation. Grants were distributed to Appalachian Literacy Initiative, Avery Association for Exceptional Citizens “Yellow Mountain Enterprises,” Avery Connect, the Avery County DARE Program, Avery County Habitat for Humanity, Avery Humane Society, Banner Elk Book Exchange, Banner Elk Fire & Rescue Foundation, Blue Ridge Partnership for Children, Broken Wheel Ministries, Community Care Clinic, Ensemble Stage Theatre, Feeding Avery Families, the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, High Country Caregivers, Hill Learning Center, Holston Center, Hospitality House of Northwest NC, Hunger & Health Coalition, Mediation & Restorative Justice Center, Mitchell County Animal Rescue, Mountain Alliance for Teens, OASIS, Parent to Parent Family Support Network, Pisgah Legal Services, Reaching Avery Ministry (RAM), Scooters Underdogs, Special Olympics Avery County, Spirit Ride Therapeutic Riding Center, The Jason Project “The Grandfather Project,” Volunteer Avery County, WAMY Community Action and the Williams YMCA of Avery County. The foundation’s support ensures that their impact will continue, particularly as Avery County builds resilience in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

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Here we share the winning woolly worm’s coloration and prediction for this winter…

Denim’s Our National Color...

Take a Stroll Through Banner Elk

48th Annual Woolly Worm Race Results

2025 Valle Country Fair Sets Record

Last October, the popular fall festival Valle Country Fair in Valle Crucis, NC, shattered its attendance record, with fairgoers numbering more than 12,200 people from at least 23 different states. “The fair is a testament to our community coming together to pull off this massive undertaking, with helpers coming from as far away as the west coast to join our dedicated local volunteers,” said organizers. “We are thrilled that every dollar, every penny raised at the VCF goes back into our community.” vallecountryfair.org

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This year’s official winner of the 48th Annual Woolly Worm Festival was Maribel Murphy from Indiana, with her winning worm named “Billy.” The firstplace caterpillar earned Maribel a $1,000 cash prize! Each year, the winning woolly worm gets to forecast the upcoming winter weather based on the colors of its body segments. There are 13 body segments in a Woolly Worm and 13 weeks in the winter season. Each segment of the Woolly Worm corresponds to that week’s weather. continued...

Special Events at Beech Mountain

Join Catalyst Sports at Beech Mountain Ski Resort for the 44th Annual Adaptive Ski Week taking place January 27–30. The oldest adaptive ski clinic in the country is celebrating over four decades of inclusive mountain experiences. This “Learn to Ski & Snowboard” event brings together expert instructors, dedicated volunteers, and participants from across the Southeast for four days on the slopes.

Banner Elk is a winter wonderland this time of year, and offers unlimited fun for visitors to the area. The town’s latest Holiday Stroll Map highlights shops, restaurants and activities happening in the heart of Banner Elk. If you can’t be here to pick up your copy over the holidays, head to bannerelk.com, where you can download a map and access a list of Banner Elk restaurants and an events calendar by scanning a QR code.

“So true,” 200 diners at Camp Yonahnoka in Linville might have proudly proclaimed. Dancing in all manner of the iconic indigo-cotton weave, from blue jeans to wrangler jackets, they were best-dressed for a uniquely High Country gala this past September—the Denim Ball. Wearing what some fashion designers indeed playfully call our national color, ball guests celebrated the legacy of North Carolina textile magnate Moses H. Cone (and wife Bertha) for bringing worldwide recognition of denim manufacturing to the U.S. (from 1891). At this, the 8th Denim Ball hosted annually by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, guests and sponsors raised more than $230,000 for ongoing maintenance of the 3,500-acre Cone family estate, Flat Top Manor in Blowing Rock. Some 250,000 visit this destination on the National Register of Historic Places each year, many wearing denim, too! - Contributed by Gail Greco Pictured above: Maureen and David Moses; brpfoundation.org

• Week 1-4 – Black: Snow and belowaverage temperatures. • Week 5 – Fleck: Light snow or frost, with below-average temps. • Weeks 6-10 – Brown: Average temperatures. • Week 11 – Fleck: Light snow or frost, with below-average temps. • Weeks 12-13 – Black: Snow and chilly, below-average temperatures. Learn more at Woollyworm.com.

For over 40 years, Beech Mountain Resort has hosted the event, with continued support from the Costin family and a strong network of adaptive sports programs across the Southeast. Through generous sponsors and volunteers, this event has become a cornerstone of adaptive winter recreation—providing the instructors, equipment, and resources needed to open the slopes to everyone. catalystsports.org/adaptiveskiweek

In early March, join the crew at Beech Mountain for a day of skiing, snowboarding, and making a difference at the Resort’s annual Runs for Buns event, taking place March 6-8. Last year’s Runs for Buns event raised more than $112,000 for the Colon Cancer Coalition. Awards are given for most ski runs, most snowboard runs, top fundraising team, and most spirited team. Food and music events take place throughout the three days, with the main event on Saturday, March 7. Learn more at coloncancercoalition.org and beechmountainresort.com/event/runs-for-buns-2026/

T Neighbors Helping Neighbors...

“That’s the reason why Blue Ridge Energy was founded in 1936 and remains at the heart of all we do,” says the Blue Ridge Energy team. That spirit of cooperation and dedication to raising everyone’s quality of life is also the inspiration behind the company’s community improvement program, Operation Round Up®. When you join Operation Round Up, your contributions help provide food, clothing, shelter, health care and other vital community services that benefit people in need throughout the energy provider’s service area.

“Que” Joins Banner Elk Police Dept.

K-9 Que, a two-year-old Labrador Retriever, is a highly trained police dog specializing in narcotic detection, article searches, and tracking missing persons. K-9 Que and her handler, Officer Logan Blair, recently completed an intensive certification course through the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association. “This addition strengthens our ability to keep the community safe,” said Chief Kevin Hodges. “K-9 Que will be an invaluable resource not only in criminal investigations but also in search and rescue operations and community outreach.”

New Valle Crucis School Now in Session

The new Valle Crucis School project was recently completed and the building opened its doors to students in late October. Before Hurricane Helene, students were holding classes in the old school building, but were displaced by Helene’s destructive floodwaters. To continue the school year, classes had to be split among four temporary locations. The new building reunites the school’s elementary, middle, and kindergarten students under one roof. On opening day, the community marked the return of approximately 400 students to a single campus for the first time in over a year. The new campus includes individual and exploratory classrooms, a gym, a cafeteria, and outdoor spaces, including a sunken courtyard and vegetable gardens.

prevent heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S. You’ll find an abundance of Healthy Eating and Lifestyle topics at heart.org, the American Heart Association’s informative website. For those here in the High Country with heart-related issues, the UNC Healthcare Appalachian system includes Heart and Vascular Centers committed to providing you with diagnosis and treatment of heart and vascular disease close to home. With three locations in Watauga, Ashe, and Avery counties, it has never been easier for patients to access comprehensive intervention and diagnostic services. unchealthappalachian.org

Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Wins Meaningful Medal

Your contribution also helps keep your neighbors warm in winter by assisting those having trouble paying their electric bill. As a voluntary contributor to Operation Round Up, you choose to have your monthly electric bill rounded up to the next highest dollar amount. Your monthly contribution could be as little as a penny, but never more than ninety-nine cents. That small amount, combined with other contributors’ amounts, makes a huge difference in the lives that it touches. blueridgeenergy. com/community/operation-round-up

Beech Mountain Brewing Co. recently took home a bronze medal that it won at the 2025 Great American Beer Festival, held in Denver, CO, last fall. The Brewery’s Red Baron Vienna Lager stood out among hundreds of entries from top breweries nationwide. “This award is a testament to our team’s dedication to brewing authentic, balanced beers that reflect the spirit of the mountains and the community we love,” shares Head Brewer Aaron Maas (pictured below). Visit Beech Mountain Brewing Co. this winter and raise a glass to the Red Baron and its brew team—the Taproom & Grill has a freshly renovated space and updated menu this season. beechmountainbrewingco.com

Have a “tidbit” you’d like to share with CML readers? Email our Managing Editor at: tamara@seymourcc.net

Y Focusing on Heart Health Y

February is American Heart Month, which is observed every February to raise awareness about heart disease and promote heart-healthy living. Established by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, it encourages people to take steps to

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Digital Balance A Guide to Less Screen Time By Libby Whyte

ave you ever been in a restaurant and looked around to notice that most everyone is sitting at the table looking at their phones? I was recently at a concert, my favorite band was opening for a big name musician. We were late getting to the venue, finding spots in the back that overlooked the crowd. As the band finished their third song, my husband nudged me and I noticed that nearly every single person in the crowd stood still with their arms outstretched videoing the concert. I left the show thinking, “I wonder if these people will ever watch that 50-minute opening.” Screen Time is a hot topic this year. It seems like every few weeks there is another study depicting the dangers of extended screen usage. Both on your mental health and physical wellbeing. As a young mom, I’ve searched for ways to limit our family’s screen time, yet not entirely cut ourselves off from helpful technology. Perhaps you will find a few tips and tricks in here to implement into your life. Especially if you are feeling run down and overwhelmed by the many screens overtaking your life in the 21st century. Practical ways to limit your screen time: We have a transistor radio in our kitchen! Listening to the radio while cooking and cleaning has not only helped me keep my phone out of my hands but also keeps me up-to-date with local events, news and weather. There’s a reason why a radio used to be everyone’s prime source of entertainment. Go to your ‘screen time’ settings on your phone and limit your apps. Using

social media is a great way to keep up with family and friends far away but I often get sucked into the dreaded ‘doom scroll.’ Changing the settings to simply cut off the app after a certain amount of time helps me not waste away watching random videos. You can do this for any application on your phone! Special movie nights are a big deal in our house. My family used to have “movie night” on Sunday evenings complete with pizza and a VCR tape picked out by one of us kids. You might not want to fully return to the Stone Ages and dig through storage for your VCRcompatible television, but hosting a special movie night once or twice a week can make movies an event again. Often they can free you up for an evening of reading, outside walks under the stars or a board game championship! Have you ever looked at how many photos are on your smartphone? My husband has always been an avid film photographer and I recently started using his camera to capture our life. Something about knowing that the film roll has a limited amount of frames gives each click a sense of rareness. Consider picking up a point-and-shoot film camera, or even a digital one with a limited SIM card. Home phone lines are attainable again! We absolutely adore having a home phone. I love that when it rings, there are only a handful of my favorite people who will be calling. It will soon teach our son how to memorize phone numbers and have polite conversations over the phone. It also eliminates the thousands of junk calls I get in the year. You can easily look up some new tech-

nology that allows you to have a home phone number through your WiFi router. If this option is not available for you now, stay tuned—a company that provides this service might be coming to the High Country shortly! Find a designated spot for your cellphone at home. Our wireless charging pad is where my phone lives for most of the day and all night. This helps me not have my phone in hand while visiting the restroom and folding the laundry. Be sure to turn your phone on airplane mode at night to give yourself a break. One thing that has helped my general overload of information during my social media time is pairing down the people I follow. If they aren’t counting positively toward my mental health then I unfollow. Simple as that. Unplugging for an afternoon is a great way to give yourself a break. Living in the backcountry makes it a lot easier for us to unplug since cell service is so scarce. Taking up a hobby like fishing, hiking or simply reading—with a nice view and no screen nearby—will help you reset! Just make sure someone knows where you are and for how long. I hope that these tips help you become better aware of your time on screens. But even more, that by limiting outside voices, you would learn to romanticize your life as it is. The old is becoming new again. People are valuing quality over quantity and in-person relationships over influencer culture. That’s a trend I can get behind. Libby Whyte is a personal nutrition specialist, you can contact her at libwhyte@gmail.com.

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Want to help Western North Carolina rebuild after Hurricane Helene? We’ve made it easy! The Foscoe Home Team is a local, grassroots, nonprofit providing free resources to everyone in the community following Hurricane Helene. Foscoe Home Team is rooted in the belief that community, compassion, and collaboration are essential to storm recovery, and your donation will fuel our efforts to rebuild stronger.

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Alex Kohler

828-260-3306 atkohler@compudocnc.com

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828RECOVERS.ORG

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“Take care of You, with Us!” In the Historic Banner Elk School playfulheartstudio.com

Dinosaur Days?

Efficiency or Isolation? By Estelle Brewer

Everything Under One Woof! • Apparel, Accessories, Collars & Leashes • Frozen Raw & Freeze-Dried Foods • High Quality Dog & Cat Food • Homemade & USA Sourced Treats • Toys for Training & Play • Holistic Supplements

828.898.5625

176 Shawneehaw Ave. Downtown Banner Elk NC www.mybestfriendsbarkery.com

Try Our Self-Wash Service! Leave the bath time mess to us. Our self-service facility is perfect for any size, age or breed.

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

V I S I O N

more confident ordering gifts online. I realize the intent of these online services is to increase efficiency and boost the bottom line. However, I am certain that it cannot be as cost-effective as intended. Why? I’m aware that many of my friends order two sizes of the same garment when sizes are uncertain. Of course, one is always returned. Now wouldn’t it be more efficient to employ a knowledgeable clerk to advise the customer who is trying on the garment onsite thereby eliminating the returning step. (I’m sure extra warehouse help is hired for the holiday “returning gifts” season!) Perhaps one of the biggest causes of today’s isolation is our convenient church-on-line services. I understand that we needed to keep in touch with our church families during the pandemic and that online services were very important. However, now that things have returned to normal, many folks are sacrificing fellowship with a church family for the convenience of internet services. Congregants are no longer roaming around trying to find a church family that suits them and making new friends in the process. They merely surf the internet when they need spiritual food. But the internet can supply only one type of sustenance. What about the need to serve? There is no substitute for the spiritual growth you receive when you are present to serve others. I know I sound like an extinct species. But due to my advanced age and hard-earned wisdom, I feel compelled to help identify and therefore correct some of our current isolation issues. I also feel an urgent need to encourage the senior citizens of our species to grow more comfortable with the online-style of living. One particularly important skill to master is navigating the medical portals. We must become proficient at making appointments, viewing test results, and asking questions of our medical providers on these sites. We should learn to use the internet to arrange meet-ups (the modern term for visiting), to reconnect with old high school friends, and to learn about new classes or events to attend IN PERSON. So, although we frequently roam and bellow (and will continue to do so), we must also adapt. We must evolve. Let’s take a lesson from the dinosaurs and adapt to avoid extinction! Sorry. Gotta go check my email now.

B O O M E R

As any kindergartener knows, the days of dinosaurs are over. The time when the huge animals roamed the earth and bellowed their warnings is over. Sometimes I feel like one of those ancient creatures. I roam and bellow too. With heavy feet I am trudging through check-out lines and parking lots. I am a lone figure navigating the wilds of grocery store-sanctioned gas stations. (Where is that attendant?) My food is becoming more and more difficult to acquire due to QR codes in my favorite eating spots. I bellow for assistance at the “efficient” self-help check-outs. Experts say that one of today’s biggest societal problems is isolation. OK. Let’s look at some factors contributing to that condition. Beginning with the self-checkouts at the grocery stores. Gone are the days when a nice young man or woman would help you to your car with your purchases. In that time of helping, crossgenerational conversations were shared. Some might even say that a relationship could be built on habitual trips to the store. Each party felt good about themselves as courteous conversations were enjoyed and explored. Not to mention the helpful advice often offered by the checkout clerk on her/his experience with a particular product you purchased or a special recipe tip for its preparation. I feel that I am a part of the family at my grocery store. I know the butchers by name. Years ago, a friend of mine complained to her mother about how she never got the same quality cut of meat that her mother always seemed to secure. When she asked her mother what her secret was, she simply replied, “I know the butcher’s name.” I also know the produce manager’s name and consequently my tailgate trays are legendary. We need human connections. I understand the challenges of today’s economy in the service industries. But I must admit that my usually generous nature is somewhat strained when a screen is shoved at me to choose a tip when I have ordered online, picked up my own order, retrieved my own condiments, and am expected to clean my own table. There is no question that waitstaff interactions are important to regulars at eating establishments. I know. I am bellowing about my food. Frequently I find myself roaming around the internet to communicate. Thanks to the help of my grandchildren, I feel much

Still Sizzlin’

Yvonne Finne and molasses cake

The Joy of Cookbooks By Gail Greco

Original watercolor by Dottie Greco

“Oh gosh,” my sister-in-law thought, looking over her wedding-gift cookbooks. “Beautiful, but this means making all the recipes.” Conversely, my own sister’s cookbooks open only when the cooking mood strikes; some with droolworthy photography decorate her coffee table! My cookbooks are bookmarked for recipes I’m salivating over; for my food-writing research; and for reveling in another author’s passionate foodie spirit. Reasons vary why cookbooks endure in our kitchens and our hearts. Industry trackers reflect cookbook sales being up following the pandemic and holding: up 35 percent overall as of last year, reports The Washington Post, and up 80 percent for baking cookbooks alone, announces Publishers Weekly, with young adults comprising 28 percent of the cookbookbuying market. So, with cooking blogs, websites, e-readers, foodie videos, what’s still cooking the books? Bookseller Patrick Strickland (FireLight Book & Candle shop, Blowing Rock) observes, “Digital screens inundate us with constant popups, distracting our cooking focus. Using a cookbook is calming, instilling confidence and selfexpression,” he grins, pointing to Samin Nosrat’s award-wining Salt Fat Acid Heat, “a credible cookbook that’s as appetizing as soul-nourishing.” Mindy Oakley of Boone stores such restorative books bedside, dreaming of weekly menus: “Cookbooks are warm, cozy, overflowing with possibilities. Cooking’s a lifelong practice,” one she’s

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been at since age 18, with The Joy of Cooking among 45 books now in her collection. (‘Joy...’ is the second best-selling cookbook after Betty Crocker’s Picture Cook Book; other classics include: Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking, HalfBaked Harvest, and the Moosewood Cookbook, revolutionary 50 years ago with its plant-based cuisine, still relevant today. Deep Gap collector Yvonne Finne (see Crocker cookbook open in her photo) cherishes her family keepsake cookbooks that come “with loving handwritten messages. Cookbooks are trustworthy unlike many online recipes that are untested, inaccurate. My kids know when getting me a gift, it’s a cookbook,” she smiles. Maybe a local one: Lee Rankin’s Cookin’ Up a Storm chronicles the cultural foods of Annie Johnson, who helped raise Rankin (owner of Apple Hill Farm, Banner Elk), or Dawn’s Early Light: Wise and Wickedly Fun Family Recipes (Dawn Sullivan, Boone). By satisfying our longing for connection and desire to support our hometowns, community fund-raising cookbooks are steady sellers, such as Our Blue Ridge Kitchens Recipe Book by Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture. The 2025 edition includes Finne’s recipe for Aunt Belle’s Molasses Cake. “I’ve baked it 100 times and not changed a thing,” she proclaims. The Blowing Rock Museum of Art & History is currently considering producing its own community cookbook celebrating its 15th anniversary. Some cookbooks read like novels, such as Deep Run Roots, by TV celebrity

chef Vivian Howard (Kinston, NC). A frequent High Country visitor, she recently spoke about her southern-cooking memoir at an Appalachian State University luncheon. Recipes from the World of Tolkien, another story-based how-to (about the Hobbit) is FireLight’s “most popular cookbook.” At Watauga County Public Library, a Cook the Books group discusses mystery books containing accompanying recipes they then cook and share. Adult Services Manager Ingrid Hayes tells CML, “Watauga Library has 376 cookbooks, 10 checked out weekly, new ones always arriving.” For a taste of local culinary history, App State’s Special Collections Center has nearly 2,000 Appalachia cookbooks. Sorghum apple stack cake anyone? Imagining aromas, tastes, textures sends us on a sensory journey for certain cookbooks, many available at area gift/ specialty shops (see list). Oakley bought a camping book from Mast General Store. “But, I’m not going camping,” she laughs. “I browse it, fantasizing cooking over fire someday.” Natural-food activist and author Michael Pollan writes, “Trying something new helps us find ourselves; reason for coming into the kitchen.” Recipes can offer kind challenges, be eye-opening. In an Ina Garten cookbook, I discovered a less laborious risotto method, hands-free in the oven! Ironically, websites contribute to cookbook sales. Eat Your Books (eatyourbooks.com) records indexes from all

Mindy Oakley

your cookbooks (wow!) to search recipes quickly, making cookbooks even more appealing! Some sites sell accompanying eponymous cookbooks: Love & Lemons was hailed by Bon Appétit Magazine as “The most beautiful we’ve ever seen.” Oakley has The Smitten Kitchen and my favorite is Sally’s Baking Addiction. Online apps address technical shortcomings such as recipe screens timing out. Oakley agrees digital has its place, but she’s unswerving, affirming what many cookbook devotees espouse, “They can never replace my cookbooks.” Ever-evolving food trends spawn new cookbooks. Currently: sourdough breads, charcuterie boards, sheet-pan meals; small appliance gadgets, such as air fryers, instapots, and—just catching on—countertop grain mills, already with a cookbook, The Essential Home-Ground Flour Book, available at BE Natural Market in Boone. The world’s second largest book publisher, HarperCollins, asked me to develop a cookbook responding to the trend among the career-minded seeking healthier after-work happy hours with tea and savories. Watauga Library carries this book, and encourages borrowing all their cookbooks, despite some returning à la food smudges; we cookbook lovers don’t mind at all. We eat, so long live the cookbook! Frequent CML contributor Gail Greco is a former adjunct professor of magazine writing at the State University of New York, and author of 17 cookbooks, her latest: Afternoon Tea is the New Happy Hour (2023).

You’ll find an assortment of cookbooks at our local booksellers, shops, libraries and book exchanges, including: Apple Hill Farm Outpost | 414 Shawneehaw Ave S, Banner Elk NC applehillfarmnc.com/apple-hill-farm-outpost/ Banner Elk Book Exchange | 185 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk, NC bannerelkbookexchange.com BE Natural Market | 273 Boone Heights Drive, Boone, NC, benaturalmarket.com Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture | Winter Farmers’ Market at Watauga County Agricultural Conference Center, 252 Poplar Grove Rd, Boone, NC highcountryfoodhub.org, Cornerstone Books | 1894 Blowing Rock Rd, Boone, NC cornerstoneboone.com Dancing Moon Earthway Bookstore | 553 W King Street, Boone, NC thedancingmoon.com FireLight Book & Candle | 110 Sunset Dr., Suite 1, Blowing Rock, NC firelightcandle.com Huzzah Books | 114 Clement Street, Boone NC huzzahbooks.com Mast General Store | Original Mast General Store (Valle Crucis) at 3565 Hwy 194 S. Sugar Grove, NC, and Mast General Store (Boone) at 630 W. King Street, Boone, NC mastgeneralstore.com Neaco | 1053 Main Street, Blowing Rock, NC, neaco.com Tatum Galleries | 5320 NC-105, Banner Elk, NC, tatumgalleries.com The Bee & the Boxwood | 215 Boone Heights Dr., Suite 300, Boone, and 960 Main St., Unit 1, Blowing Rock, NC thebeeandtheboxwood.com Timber and Twine Company | 163 Shawneehaw Ave S, Banner Elk, NC timberandtwineco.com Watauga County Public Library | 140 Queen St., Boone, NC arlibrary.org/watauga And don’t forget our local thrift stores! Many have a great selection of used cookbooks.

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Avery County’s Dining

Catering

The High Country’s Premier Steak & Seafood Restaurant

The High Country’s Best Choice for Event Catering

• • • • • • •

Dinner nightly from 5pm Offering both indoor and outdoor dining Live music Friday & Saturday nights Private room available Locally owned and operated “Avery County Chamber Business of the Year” Restaurant & Steak House of the Year, 5 years running

828-898-5550

344 Shawneehaw Ave. South, Banner Elk stonewallsrestaurant.com

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• • • • • •

Creativity, passion and culinary excellence Parties of all sizes In-home catering Fully insured and licensed Largest mobile kitchen in the High Country Caterer of the Year, 5 years running

828-898-5550

344 Shawneehaw Ave. South, Banner Elk stonewallsrestaurant.com

Best

DINING | CATERING LODGING | EVENT VENUE

Event Venue

Lodging

The High Country’s Best Vacation Rentals • • • • • •

One main lodge and three cabins with mountain views 1-4 bedrooms available Event barn, outdoor pavilion, open field, meandering streams, and ponds all onsite Located in the heart of Sugar and Beech Mountains, with proximity to all High Country attractions Pet-friendly Lodging Property of the Year

828-898-3115

64 Cornerstone Cir, Banner Elk cornerstonerentals.com

The High Country’s Best Space for Gatherings • • • • • • • •

Vacations, weddings, family reunions, church events, and business retreats Newly built barn with 1,700 sq. ft., and 18-ft. high ceilings Equipped with a complete catering kitchen Climate controlled barn 1,750 sq. ft. outdoor pavilion with fire pit Lodge and cabin rentals Fields, streams, and ponds Event Venue of the Year, 5 years running

828-898-3115

64 Cornerstone Cir, Banner Elk thebarnatcornerstone.com

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104 — Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Special Events & Catering: Corporate Events, Weddings, VIP Dining Parties

Dine | Shop | Play | Stay BannerElkVillage.com

The Village, where there’s something for everyone!

Your premier destination for dining, entertainment, lodging, and live events. 140 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk, NC

in the heart of Downtown Banner Elk

Call 828.898.5214 | Email Sorrentoscatering@gmail.com | bannerelkvillage.com

Winter Restaurant Guide n Stonewalls 344 Shawneehaw Ave S, Banner Elk, NC 28604 828.898.5550 | stonewallsrestaurant.com “This Banner Elk favorite blends mountain charm with elevated cuisine—think dry-aged USDA prime ribeye, Duroc pork chops, housemade desserts, and fine wines in a cozy, lodgeinspired setting.”

n Jack’s 128 Pecan 128 Pecan St SE, Abingdon, VA 24210 276.698.3159 | 128pecan.com “Whether you’re in the mood for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, you’ll find options that satisfy, from our signature burgers to seafood plates that bring a touch of the coast to the mountains of Virginia.”

n French Quarter 130 Main Street East, Banner Elk, NC 28604 828.898.8952 | Bayoubannerelk.com “Have you tried our menu yet? This pecan crusted North Carolina Trout with braised collards is the best bite in town, but don’t just take our word for it, come taste for yourself. French Quarter is Banner Elk’s new hot spot for delicious bites, craft drinks and late-night scene with DJ and dancing.”

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n Carolina BBQ 500 Pineola Street, Newland, NC 28657 828.737.0700 carolinabbqnewland.com “Our goal is to provide quality food, atmosphere, service and experience to every customer, every time.”

n Williams Deli & Bakery 101 High Country Square #28 Banner Elk, NC 28604 828.898.2300 | williamsdeliandbakery.com “Hump day or Carolina Italian Day? Choose: Hot Honey Ham, Capocollo, Salami, Provolone Cheese, Mayo, Oil & Vinegar, Onion, Lettuce, and Tomato on a Fresh Baked Italian Roll.”

n Sorrento’s Italian Bistro 140 Azalea Circle SE, Banner Elk, NC 28604 828.898.5214 bannerelkvillage.com/sorrentos-italian-bistro/ “An elegant progression of flavor, only at Sorrento’s! Begin with artfully crafted appetizers, indulge in a refined entrée, and end on a sweet, unforgettable note. Every course is a celebration of taste and timeless Italian elegance.”

n Bayou Banner Elk 130 Main Street East, Banner Elk, NC 28604 828.898.8952 | bayoubannerelk.com “This is what perfect afternoons look like— good food, good vibes, and a cold drink in hand. Who’s down for burgers and beers this weekend?”

n Cellucci’s Italian Restaurant and Bar 2855 Linville Falls Hwy, Pineola, NC 28662 828.733.1401 | celluccis.com “We offer savory, tasty appetizers, perfectly cooked pastas, pizzas, and hearty specialty dinners. All are made with the very best ingredients available. Our sauces are prepared fresh daily in our kitchen.”

n Stick Boy Kitchen 211 Boone Heights Drive, Boone, NC 28607 828.265.4141 | stickboybread.com/kitchen “We offer breakfast plates, bagels, soups, sandwiches and salads all made with the same singular focus on quality ingredients, freshness and creativity that Stick Boy is known for. Don’t worry, if you are looking for baked goods, coffee and smoothies, we have it all! Stop by and get some real food.”

FINE FOOD, FRIENDLY SERVICE, GREAT ATMOSPHERE—YOU’LL FIND IT ALL AT OUR HIGH COUNTRY RESTAURANTS THIS WINTER!

n Lost Province Brewing Company 130 N Depot Street, Boone, NC 28607 828.265.3506 | lostprovince.com

n Pearl’s Kitchen 3595 NC-194 unit 2, Sugar Grove, NC 28679 828.963.2882 | pearlskitchennc.com

“We brew award winning beer on site, and we are famous for our wood fired pizza. We’re proud to host local, live music on Friday and Saturday nights!”

“Fresh foods & unique market finds. Pastries, soups, salads, snacks, and sandwiches are all made with local ingredients. Stop in for coffee and tea, too.”

n Chef’s Table 140 Azalea Circle SE, Banner Elk, NC 28604 828.898.5214 bannerelkvillage.com/chefs-table

n Fred’s Backside Deli 501 Beech Mountain Pkwy Beech Mountain, NC 28604 828.387.4838 | fredsgeneral.com

“Indulge in this exquisite offering. Local North Carolina Rainbow Trout pan sautéed and topped with lemon caper butter, served with mashed potatoes, asparagus.”

“Serving breakfast, sandwiches, homemade soups and salads, beverages, including beer and wine, and freshly made desserts. The classic Reuben is always a good choice.”

n Banner Elk Café, The Lodge and The Tavern 324 Shawneehaw Ave S Hwy 184 Banner Elk, NC 28604 828.898.4040 | bannerelkcafe.com

n The Pedalin’ Pig 2968-A Hwy 105, Boone, NC 28607 828-355-9559 4235 Hwy 105 South, Banner Elk, NC 28604 828-898-7500 8304 Valley Blvd, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 828-295-3651 | thepedalinpig.com

“The place to BE in downtown Banner Elk. Always something good being served up. Try our Lodge Stuffed Crust Pizza with handmade dough and cheese curd-stuffed crust. Also serving pasta, salads, breakfast, coffee, fresh baked goods and more. Practically everything you need in one location.”

n Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria 402 Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mountain, NC 28604 828.387.4209 | famousbrickoven.com “Featuring handcrafted dough and fresh ingredients, all to make world class brick oven pizzas.”

n Gamekeeper Restaurant 3005 Shulls Mill Rd, Boone, NC 28607 828.963.7400 | gamekeeper-nc.com “Salmon Cakes, our newest starter! Crafted with Atlantic salmon belly, lump blue crab, shaved fennel, pickled green tomato, and finished with a bold Cajun remoulade. A perfect bite of coastal indulgence.”

n The Best Cellar 203 Sunset Drive Blowing Rock, NC 28605 828.295.3466 ragged-gardens.com/best-cellar-restaurant

great food!

“We bring a fresh gourmet flair to some smoky down south favorites. We got them fresh ribs and fixings so come get em!”

“Marinated Tuna in olive oil, light soy, lemon and fresh ginger; seared and garnished with cucumber-ginger slaw and wasabi crema.” Continued on next page

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Gather for a Good Time!

n Gideon Ridge 202 Gideon Ridge Rd, Blowing Rock, NC 828.295.3644 | gideonridge.com “Indulge in the perfect blend of flavors at Gideon Ridge. Come savor the experience. Your taste buds will thank you.”

The Banner Elk Cafe and The Lodge Espresso Bar & Eatery Are Under One Roof!

Located in the Heart of Banner Elk

Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

n Bistro Roca 143 Wonderland Trail Blowing Rock, NC 28605 828.295.4008 | bistroroca.com “Include us (and these duck wings) in your weekend plans. Perfect as an app or entree!!”

n Cobo Sushi Bistro and Bar 161 W Howard Street, Boone, NC 28607 828.386.1201 | cobosushi.com “SUSHI LOVE! See you this week!”

n Casa Rustica 1348 NC-105 , Boone, NC 28607 828.262.5128 | casarustica1981.com “Good food tastes even better when it’s shared. Gather at Casa Rustica—because every meal is worth celebrating!”

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Daily Drink & Food Specials Expansive Menu Indoor & Outdoor Dining Large Bar with Comfortable Seating ...and a Warm Fireplace! Trivia | Live Music

828-898-4040

Schedule & Specials: Facebook, Instagram and at www.bannerelkcafe.com

INTELLIGENT CHOICES FOR THE COMMON CRAVING

AFTER ALL, LIFE IS SHORT AND TIME REALLY DOES FLY

Gideon Ridge Inn Lunch: 11 AM to 3 PM. | Dinner: 5 PM to 10 PM. Sunday Brunch: 11 AM to 3 PM.

10 wonderfully comfortable bedrooms with evening turndown service Serving Dinner Tuesday - Saturday from 5:30pm - 8pm Reservations Required Dining & Cocktails Alfresco and the view...

143 Wonderland Trail, Blowing Rock, NC 28605

202 Gideon Ridge Road, Blowing Rock, NC, 28605

gideonridge.com / 828-295-3644

bistroroca.com / 828-295-4008

A N

A D V E N T U R E

I N

F I N E

D I N I N G

gamekeeper-nc.com

ADVANCE RESERVATIONS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

3005 SHULLS MILL ROAD BETWEEN BOONE & BLOWING ROCK | (828) 963-7400 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

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R E C I P E S

From CML’s Kitchen

Photos & Recipes by Meagan Goheen

INGREDIENTS 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature) 1 cup brown sugar ½ cup sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla 1 TBSP molasses 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp kosher salt 3 cups old fashioned oats 2 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp ginger 1 tsp cardamom ½ tsp allspice ½ tsp cloves ½ tsp nutmeg ½ tsp black pepper Maple Cream ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature) 2 cups confectioners’ sugar 2 TBSP whole milk 2 TBSP maple syrup 2 tsp vanilla ¼ tsp salt DIRECTIONS: Cookie Dough Whip butter until smooth, add brown and white sugar and mix until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add eggs, vanilla and molasses and mix to combine.

Chai Spiced Oatmeal/Maple Cream Pies

In a separate bowl stir together the flour, baking soda, salt, all the spices and oats until well combined. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until combined. Cover and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare baking sheets by lining with parchment paper. Scoop chilled dough using a 1/5 TBSP (medium scoop) or shape by hand into 1.5 inch balls. Place dough balls 2 inches apart on a prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-11 minutes. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Maple Cream Mix butter with an electric mixer until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar, milk, maple syrup, vanilla and salt and mix for 2 minutes until light and creamy; add more milk if it is too thick. Assemble Be sure the cookies are completely cooled before assembling.

110 — Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

Scoop a small dollop of frosting onto the bottom of one cookie, press a second cookie on top and sandwich it together. Enjoy!

Acorn Squash 2 acorn squash 1 TBSP olive oil 1 tsp salt ½ tsp freshly cracked pepper Toppings Pomegranate seeds Microgreens Optional - fresh cubed pineapple

R E C I P E S

INGREDIENTS 2 pork tenderloins, about 2 to 2 ½ lbs total 2 tsp salt 1 tsp freshly cracked pepper 1 TBSP Chinese five spice 1 TBSP olive oil 1 large shallot, diced 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 TBSP rice wine vinegar 1 - 20 oz can crushed pineapple 1 cup fresh cranberries 1 jalapeno, de-seeded and sliced 3 TBSP brown sugar 1/3 cup soy sauce 1/3 cup hoisin sauce 1 TBSP grated fresh ginger

Pineapple & Cranberry Shredded Pork Tenderloin with Stuffed Acorn Squash

DIRECTIONS: Pork Tenderloin Season pork with salt, pepper and Chinese five spice.

R E C I P E S

Sear pork, each side, on high until browned*** *Dutch oven, cook at 225 degrees for 8 hours. | Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 8 hours or cook on high for 4 hours. | Pressure cooker: Pressure cook for 45 minutes; when done, allow pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes. To your Dutch oven, slow cooker or pressure cooker add pork, then add: shallots, garlic, crushed pineapple, cranberries, jalapenos, brown sugar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce and ginger. Cook according to your cooking method preference. Shred pork and add back to the pot for 30 more minutes to combine with juices. Acorn Squash Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up.

Made with love! Cut squash in half from tip to stem.

Scoop out seeds and stringy bits. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place squash flesh side down.

Bake for 40-45 minutes depending on the size of your squash. The flesh should be easily pierced with a fork. Assemble Stuff your acorn squash with shredded pork, top with desired toppings and enjoy!

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SUSHI BISTRO AND BAR Tuesday-Saturday Dine-In: 4pm - Close | TOGO: 4pm - 8pm

161 Howard Street, Boone 828-386-1201 | www.cobosushi.com

WINTER CLOTHING & SHOES Columbia • Merrell Wolverine • Wigwam • Camelbak Seirus • Sherpani • Turtle Fur Sorel • Life is Good

Ski & Snowboard Rentals Information Available Online

Fred’s Backside Deli Open Daily

Celebrating 46 Years! Come visit us at Eastern America’s Highest Town “Open Every Day Since 1979”

501 Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mountain, NC www.fredsgeneral.com

112 — Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

LUNCH BAKERY | CATERING

EAT, DRINK, BE SOCIAL... Lunch • Dinner • Full Bar Tues-Sat, 11am-9pm

828.898.2300 NC 184, High Country Square Plaza Banner Elk, NC

Pantone colors: 1817C brown 350C dark green 458C yellow 377C lt green 251C purple

128 Pecan Street Abingdon, Virginia (276)698-3159

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OUR SPONSORS: 64.............Alerion Estate Management 25.............Alpine Ski Center 30,31........Alpine Ski Shop at Appalachian Ski Mountain 81.............Amorem 49.............Amy Brown CPA 34.............Appalachian Arts 24 ............Appalachian Ski Mountain 34.............Appalachian Theatre of the High Country 54.............Apple Hill Farm Store 113...........Apple Hill Farm Outpost 96.............AppOrtho 32 ............Ashe County Chamber of Commerce 96.............Ashe Memorial Hospital 47.............Avery County Chamber of Commerce 78.............Avery Heating & Air Conditioning 104...........Azalea Inn 50.............Banner Elk Book Exchange 108...........Banner Elk Café, Lodge & Tavern 83.............Banner Elk Realty 34.............Banner Elk Shirt Company 105...........Banner Elk Trading Co. 91.............Banner Elk Winery & Villa 4...............BannerElk.com 83,105......Bayou 113...........BE Natural Market 89.............Beanstalk Bridges 14.............Beech Mountain Brewing Company 28.............Beech Mountain Resort 33.............BeechMtn.com 80.............Beyond Pilates 109...........Bistro Roca 10.............Blair Fraley 4...............Blowing Rock Winterfest 79.............Blue Ridge Energy 67.............Blue Ridge Propane 80.............BRAHM 83.............Bright Eyes 54.............Brinkley Hardware 4...............Carlton Gallery 108...........Casa Rustica Restaurant & Catering 78.............Cellucci’s Italian Restaurant 105...........Chef’s Table 81.............Classic Stone Works 112...........COBO Sushi Bistro & Bar 70.............Comb’s Carolina Properties Real Estate 98.............Compu-Doc 103...........Cornerstone Cabins & Lodge 48.............Coyote Kitchen

49.............Creative Interiors by Darlene Parker 10.............Crossnore Communities for Children 10.............Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery 10.............Crossnore Weavers 2...............Dewoolfson 3...............Dianne Davant Interiors 10.............E.H. Sloop Chapel 8...............Explore Boone 7...............Elevated Land Realty 50.............Faraway and Forever 54.............F.A.R.M. Cafe 14.............First Chair Coffee Shop 12.............Footsloggers 65 ............Fortner Insurance 98.............Foscoe Home Team 112...........Fred’s General Mercantile 83.............French Quarter 109...........Gamekeeper 109...........Gideon Ridge Inn 67.............Glen Davis Electric 115...........Grandfather Mountain 60.............Grandfather Vineyard 67.............Graystone Lodge 32.............Gregory Alan’s Gifts 44.............Hardin Fine Jewelry 25.............Hemlock Inn 49.............Hero’s Axe House 82.............High Country Pain Relief 55.............High Country Caregivers 49.............Highlanders Grill & Tavern 93.............Hunter’s Tree Service 49.............Impeccable Pooch 113...........Jack’s 128 Pecan 68.............La Quinta 64.............Laura Redd Interiors 45.............Lear Group Real Estate 96.............Life Care Center of Banner Elk 83.............Life Store Insurance 60.............Lighthouse Wine & Liquor 66.............Linville Caverns 6...............Linville Falls Winery 48.............Lost Province Brewing Company 116...........Mast General Store 10.............Miracle Grounds 11,49........Morgan-Keefe Builders 80.............Mountain Emporium 45.............Mountain Grounds Coffee & Tea Co. 34.............Mountain Jewelers 99.............My Best Friend’s Barkery

thank you!

114 — Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE

78.............Pack Rats 54,49........Peak Real Estate 98.............Playful Heart Studio 98.............Premier Pharmacy 104...........Prime 21 Steakhouse 104...........Primo Italian Fine Dining 78.............Purser Home Solutions 70.............Ram’s Rack Thrift Shop 105...........Replay Arcade 14.............Rivercross Made in the USA 68.............Root Down Hair Studio 49.............Salon Suites at Tynecastle 5...............SeeSugar.com 112...........Shipley Farms 49.............Shooz & Shiraz 49.............Shoppes of Tynecastle 6...............Ski Country Sports 49.............Sky Mountain Nail Bar 98.............Skyline/Skybest 68.............Sleep Inn 104...........Sorrento’s Bistro 113...........Stick Boy Bread Co 32.............Stitch Dwellings 102...........Stonewalls Restaurant 102...........Stonewalls Catering 25.............Sugar Mountain Resort 6 ..............Sugar Ski & Country Club 98 ............Sunset Tees & Hattery 103...........The Barn at Cornerstone 39.............The Bee & The Boxwood 72.............The Best Cellar 66.............The Blowing Rock 93.............The Christy Group 46.............The Consignment Cottage Warehouse 47.............The Dande Lion 72.............The Inn at Ragged Gardens 65.............The Pedalin’ Pig BBQ 50.............The Shoppes at Farmers 104...........The Village of Banner Elk 5...............The Village of Sugar Mountain 65.............Timber & Twine 49.............Truist Financial 48.............Turchin Center for the Visual Arts 96.............UNC Health Appalachian 45.............Unwound Yarn, Crafts & Gifts 49.............Valle de Bravo Mexican Grill 60.............Village Jewelers 49.............Walgreens Pharmacy 55.............Wealth Enhancement Group 113...........Williams Deli & Bakery 68 .........YMCA of Avery County 49.............Yoga828 65.............Zema Realty Group

Come for the fun. Leave

Folks come to Grandfather Mountain for all sorts of reasons — from a family getaway to the thrill of the Mile High Swinging Bridge. But after a day on the mountain, and in the interactive Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, everyone leaves inspired.

g ra n d fa t h e r. co m

Inspired.

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN ®

Wonders Never Cease

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE Winter 25/26 —

VISIT THE

Wilson Center for Nature Discovery

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116 — Winter 25/26 CAROLINA MOUNTAIN LIFE