2026 Summer Times

FACTORY DIRECT

Discover more than 66,000 square feet of quality furniture at discounted prices. Located near Hickory, North Carolina — an easy and convenient drive from Charlotte, Greensboro, and Asheville.

Showroom Samples · Discontinued · Scratch & Dent · Overstocks

Showroom

Showroom Samples · Discontinued · Scratch & Dent · Overstocks

Showroom Samples · Discontinued · Scratch & Dent · Overstocks

Discover more than 66,000 square feet of quality furniture at discounted prices. Located near Hickory, North Carolina — an easy and convenient drive from Charlotte, Greensboro, and Asheville.

Discover more than 66,000 square feet of quality furniture at discounted prices. Located near Hickory, North Carolina — an easy and convenient drive from Charlotte, Greensboro, and Asheville.

square feet of quality furniture at discounted prices. Located near Hickory, North Carolina — an easy and convenient drive from Charlotte, Greensboro, and Asheville.

Discover more than 66,000 square feet of quality furniture at discounted prices. Located near Hickory, North Carolina — an easy and convenient drive from Charlotte, Greensboro, and Asheville.

Showroom Samples · Discontinued · Scratch & Dent · Overstocks

Showroom Samples · Discontinued · Scratch & Dent · Overstocks

Showroom Samples · Discontinued · Scratch & Dent · Overstocks

INVENTORY IN-STOCK & AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY — NO DELAY! All you need is right here.

Showroom Samples ·

BERNHARDT FACTORY OUTLET

4916 Hickory Blvd, Granite Falls, NC 28630

828.313.0795 • outlet@bernhardt.com •

Hours: Tues – Sat 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

WHAT’S INSIDE

2026 Summer Times Staff

SALES William

EXECUTIVE

ADVERTISING

CIRCULATION

summertimes

It’s a beautiful time of year here in the High Country and we welcome you to our home.

This summer, the High Country mountains and communities are as inviting as ever as they offer cool temperatures, stunning scenery and genuine hospitality that keep people coming back year after year. Whether you’re returning to familiar favorites or exploring the High Country for the first time, you’ll find plenty to discover and enjoy.

From scenic hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway to live music, local art, and a meal at a favorite mountain restaurant, summer here has a way of slowing things down in the best possible way. We hope you find something in these pages that makes your visit a little richer.

Our Summer Times guide is your comprehensive companion to experiencing the best of everything we offer. Available in both print

and digital formats at www. highcountrync.com, this thoughtfully curated publication inspires and provides practical information for your mountain adventures.

The 2026 Summer Times includes detailed coverage of:

• Local Towns

• Blue Ridge Parkway

• Hiking Spots

• Top Attractions

• Summer Festivals

• Art

• Museums

• Sports

• And More!

Make sure to also check out High Country Host, the regional visitor center, while you are here. They can help answer any questions you have. Visit them in person at 6370 U.S. 321 S in Blowing Rock, online at highcountryhost.com/home or call

them at (828) 264-1299.

Thanks for visiting the High Country and enjoy your time. Looking for more special publications related to the High Country? Check out some of our other publications at issuu.com/mtimes. Want to keep up-to-date with what’s happening locally? Visit our news websites at www.wataugademocrat.com, www. ashepostandtimes.com, and www. averyjournal.com.

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

– Executive Editor Moss Brennan

Big Mountains, Small Towns

Discover Watauga, Ashe and Avery County communities

BY MOSS BRENNAN

Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains of northwestern North Carolina, Watauga, Ashe and Avery counties are home to some of the most charming small towns in the state. From the bustling downtown streets of Boone and West Jefferson to the quiet riverside community of Todd and the lofty peaks of Beech Mountain, each town has its own personality, its own history,and its own reasons to visit.

Whether you’re browsing art galleries, floating down the New River, savoring a meal at a locally owned restaurant, or simply taking in a mountain view, the High Country communities are ready to show you what makes the High Country truly one of a kind. Come explore — and while you’re here, make a point to support the local businesses and people who give these towns their heart.

Watauga County

BLOWING ROCK

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit www. blowingrock.com.

BOONE

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

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

Downtown Boone hosts a unique collection of local boutiques and businesses. For funky, handpicked, second-hand clothes, head over to Anna Bananas on King Street. For an

exceptional shopping experience at a family-owned and operated business since 1924, check out The Shoppes at Farmers.

Tired of shopping? Kick back at one of Boone’s many breweries, many of which host live music and events in the evenings. Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Booneshine, and Lost Province Brewing Co. are a few local favorites for a brew and a bite to eat.

The Jones House, a historic home turned local cultural center in downtown Boone, also hosts live music on weekends. It features musicians of all genres, from jazz to bluegrass and everything in between. The popular Boonerang Music Festival returns again this June, continuing to celebrate the area’s deep musical roots.

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

Downtown Boone continues its Howard Street Revitalization project, which is expected to be done this summer. Make sure to swing by a

business on Howard Street and support local shops in the area.

Boone is the place to be for shopping, good food, good music, and definitely good times. For more information, visit www.townofboone.net.

SEVEN DEVILS

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

According to the Seven Devils website, the founders wanted a catchy, unique name that would bring attention to the mountain. They noticed the repeated appearance of the number seven, including the seven predominant rocky peaks surrounding Valley Creek and the many coincidental references to ‘devils.’

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

The town is actively growing, with a new community center and expanded

BLOWING ROCK FRAMEWORKS

AND GALLERY

Serving the High Country since 1994

“Blowing Rock Frameworks preserving your special memories and cherished moments” Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery!

Summer Exhibitions

Rose Kennedy, Rolinda Stotts

Displayed June 13th

Brian Daniels

Displayed July 18th

Lyumndia Tomova, Arlene Daniel

Displayed August 14th

Receptions

June 13th, 2026

3-5 P.M.

July 18th, 2026

3-5 P.M.

August 14th, 2026

3-5 P.M.

“We’re not just brokers. We’re builders, planners, and long-term stewards of the High Country.”

Jay Harrill, CEO of Foscoe Companies

Real Estate, Reimagined as a Complete Experience

Foscoe Realty guides buying and selling.

Foscoe Construction delivers custom homes and large-scale builds.

Foscoe Renovations brings existing properties forward.

Foscoe Development handles land planning and community creation.

Foscoe Rentals for all your vacation rental and property management services.

Foscoe Design shapes both architecture and interiors.

Foscoe Landscaping & Maintenance ensures year round care.

Together, all seven companies form a unified system built to support the full lifecycle of homeownership. This integrated approach is particularly valuable in a market like the High Country, where buyers are often balancing lifestyle, investment, and long-term use. Whether building from the ground up, purchasing within an established community, or maintaining a second home, clients benefit from having every resource aligned under one vision.

Foscoe Realty’s role as both developer and exclusive brokerage for Echota is a clear example of how that model comes to life. Communities like Legacy Ridge reflect a thoughtful blend of design, setting, and livability, offering expansive floorplans, elevated amenities, and a seamless connection to the surrounding landscape .

It’s an approach shaped by experience but focused on what comes next. As the High Country continues to attract new interest, the need for a comprehensive, knowledgeable partner becomes increasingly important. Foscoe Realty’s expansion into Blowing Rock positions the company to meet that demand while staying true to the principles that have guided it for decades.

The new office stands as both a continuation and a commitment. A continuation of a legacy built on trust, and a commitment to helping clients navigate every step of ownership in the High Country. For Foscoe Realty & Development, it’s not just about where you buy. It’s about how you live, build, and invest over time.

To learn more or experience The Foscoe Advantage firsthand, visit us online at FoscoeRealty.com or at our new Foscoe Realty & Development office at 277 Sunset Drive in Blowing Rock.

Whether you’re beginning your search, planning your next build, or exploring long-term ownership in the High Country, the team is ready to guide you through every step.

trail network in development. New trails would connect existing paths, Otter Falls and Peak Mountain Trail, with additional plans to link Bear Paw State Preserve to the town and bike trails also in progress.

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

VALLE CRUCIS

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

Today, the community offers several historic inns, restaurants, art galleries, farms, and churches that provide service and comfort to all who enter. An Episcopal bishop entered the community in 1842 and provided its name, Latin for “Vale of the Cross.”

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

For more information, visit www. vallecrucis.com.

FOSCOE

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

Shopping includes antiques at Front Porch Antique Market, souvenirs and other items at Bear Creek Traders, ceramics and porcelain at Maggie Black

Pottery, and custom blades at Winkler Knives. Interested in outdoor fun? Check out Foscoe Fishing Company or pan for gold with the Greater Foscoe Mining Company.

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

For more information, visit www. foscoenc.com.

Ashe County

JEFFERSON

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

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

WEST JEFFERSON

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

West Jefferson was first incorporated in 1909 and saw much of its growth and popularity increase due to the Virginia Creeper Railroad, which passed through downtown. West Jefferson has numerous events in the downtown area throughout the year. In addition to concerts throughout the spring and summer months, the Christmas in July festival and the Ole Time Antiques Fair in September are two of the largest annual events in Ashe County.

LANSING

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

The population of Lansing within its town limits has dropped throughout the years after the railroad industry ceased in the county. The 1960 census showed 278 people lived in the town, while the most recent census in 2020 showed just

126 town residents.

GLENDALE SPRINGS

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

FLEETWOOD

Fleetwood is located between West Jefferson and Deep Gap and is another of the many small communities in Ashe County that offer easy access to the New River. Whether you want to kayak, canoe or float down the river, areas between Fleetwood and Todd off of Railroad Grade Road are popular places to get into the water. Fleetwood is also home to a fire department on U.S. 221.

GRASSY CREEK

The community of Grassy Creek lies right on the state line between North Carolina and Virginia. Grassy Creek is

home to The Old Store and features the Grassy Creek Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. As you will notice driving through the area, much of the land in Grassy Creek is used for growing Christmas trees.

CRESTON

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

LAUREL SPRINGS

Laurel Springs is right on the border between Ashe, Alleghany, and Wilkes counties. The town offers quick and easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and is home to several family-owned businesses. The Thistle Meadow Winery is open in the spring, summer, and fall months. Thistle Meadow Winery offers tours, tasting events, and an online store to order products if you live outside of the area.

TODD

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

Todd has a rich history that dates back nearly 6,000 years. According to the Todd Community Preservation Organization, that is when the earliest human activity in the area occurred. For more recent history, visitors can explore the community’s deep roots in the railroad era and its enduring connection to the land. As for recreation, the New River — one of only a few rivers in the U.S. to flow North — is the main attraction in Todd, especially in the summer.

Go fly fishing, kayaking or tubing with one of the several river outfitters in the

Todd area, such as RiverGirl.

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

Todd is one of the smaller communities in the High Country. It is a close-knit community. Be sure to check it out to connect with nature (and friendly locals).

Avery County BANNER ELK

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

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

The town hosts numerous shops and restaurants and stays abuzz with activities and events. Visitors can picnic or walk in the town park, hear live music in the park during summer or at various venues throughout the year, enjoy exquisite shopping, or simply relax by the Mill Pond and stay in one of the inns after dinner in a fine restaurant.

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

Banner Elk also offers many cultural happenings, with a celebrated summer theater program by Lees-McRae College

and numerous art festivals by some of the area’s galleries and artisans.

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

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

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

BEECH MOUNTAIN

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

Even when it’s steamy in the “lowlands” of 3,000-plus feet, the temperature stays comfortable. The rest of the world seems distant when you settle down on the front porch of a rental condominium and survey the

magnificent view that is one of Beech Mountain’s trademarks.

Beech Mountain is a four-season resort with more than 5,000 beds available on top of the mountain. These range from rustic cabins to mountain chalets to luxury condominiums. When it’s time to eat, you can enjoy anything from a deli sandwich to pizza to a gourmet meal by candlelight.

During the day, there are many specialty stores for shopping, such as a golf course, horseback riding, tennis, swimming, and hiking. In warmer weather, there are nearby canoe and raft runs that are among the best offered in the Eastern United States, while in the cool of winter, there are skiing and snowboarding opportunities, as well as the town’s very own sledding hill near the town hall.

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

For more information, visit www. beechmtn.com.

Thin Stone Veneer

Our Architectural Series line of premium natural thin stone veneer products produced entirely in the United States.

Wallstone

A complete line of all-natural building stone products mined and processed entirely in the United States. This line includes thin, medium and full-bed wallstones available in multiple styles.

Landscaping Stone

Our line of natural landscaping products includes flagstone, boulders, river rock, weathered fieldstone, and decorative aggregates.

Share the Outdoors

AT THE PEAK OF UNIQUE!

Mountain Emporium is Banner Elk’s newest shopping destination—a fun, ever-changing treasure hunt that’s never boring and truly one-of-a-kind.

Part of the AFD Home / World of Décor family with showrooms and distribution in High Point, North Carolina, our new Banner Elk store offers the most unique mountain décor collection ever assembled. You’ll also find honest wholesale pricing that delivers the best for less—a rarity today. We offer free shipping to our High Point or Orlando, Florida facilities for free customer pickup, or shop online with freight included anywhere in the USA.

Located next to Uncle Lee’s Restaurant and our soon-to-open farm-totable Mountain Donut Shop in the Emporium. Conveniently situated at the new Banner Elk Town Marketplace.

CROSSNORE

Crossnore is a town steeped in educational history. The town is home to Marjorie Williams Academy, founded by doctors Eustace and Mary Martin Sloop. The Sloops traveled the steep dirt trails in isolated mountain valleys to bring medicine to the people and convince farmers to let their children come to school. Because of poverty and distance, the Sloop school in Crossnore eventually took in boarders and built dormitories to accommodate them.

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

Crossnore.

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

For more information, visit www. crossnorenc.com.

ELK PARK

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

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

to the industry and remained vibrant after the trains stopped running through town.

In 2013, Elk Park opened its town hall facility to the public, adjacent to

its town park, which was named after longtime former mayor Lucille Winters. Elk Park is also the home of Trosly

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

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

LINVILLE

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

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

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

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

Perhaps the most popular tourist attraction housed in Linville is Grandfather Mountain. The Grandfather Mountain attraction offers picturesque views during all four seasons, animal

habitats, and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. Grandfather Mountain State Park offers hiking trails and backcountry camping opportunities.

NEWLAND

Newland is the highest county seat east of the Mississippi River, at 3,589 feet. It was incorporated in 1913 as the county seat of the newly formed Avery County.

Its original name was “Old Fields of Toe” because it is located in a broad, flat valley and is at the headwaters of the Toe River. Newland was a mustering place for Civil War troops.

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

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

During the summer and fall months, visitors can check out the farmers market that meets on Saturday mornings outside of Newland Elementary School. Just outside of

Newland is Mountain Glen Golf Club, featuring an 18-hole course, a clubhouse, a pro shop, a snack bar, a driving range, and a putting green.

Another popular location near town is Heritage Park, which hosts everything from rodeo events on weekends during the summer to concerts and functions, and serves as the permanent home for the county’s annual Agriculture and Heritage Fair each September.

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

SUGAR MOUNTAIN

If outdoor activity is your thing, look no further than the village of Sugar Mountain. Offering more than great skiing, Sugar Mountain also offers its visitors an array of ways to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the High Country.

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

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

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

At Sugar Mountain Resort, the ski slopes become home to a network of downhill mountain bike trails and scenic lift rides. On most summer weekends (Friday-Sunday, Memorial Day Weekend and July through Labor Day Weekend), ride the lift up to the summit and race down 1,200 feet in elevation to the lodge.

Located adjacent to Grandfather Mountain and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest, the Village of Sugar Mountain provides plenty of other adventures, including the alpine coaster, gem mining, whitewater rafting, and hiking.

For more information, visit www. seesugar.com.

What to expect from a High Country Summer

BY LORELEI ROBERTS

Winters can be brutal in the High Country, with heavy snowfall blocking roads and harsh storms disrupting daily life. Summers, by contrast, offer some of the most pleasant weather in the Southeast — cool mornings, warm afternoons, and mountain breezes that make the heat manageable

for most visitors.

Temperatures in the High Country are noticeably cooler than much of North Carolina, which is part of what draws so many visitors during the summer months. In Watauga County, June typically sees an average high around 75 degrees and an average low of 54 degrees. July is the warmest month, with an average high near 7778 degrees and an average low of 58 degrees. August cools slightly, with an

average high around 78 degrees and an average low of 56 degrees.

Ashe County sees similar conditions, with a June average high around 77 degrees and an average low of 53 degrees. Avery County, home to some of the region’s highest elevations, tends to run a few degrees cooler, with a June average high near 73 degrees and an average low of 53 degrees.

When planning outdoor activities, it is recommended to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and light layers — mornings and evenings can still be cool even when afternoons warm up. A portable fan and a plan for shady rest stops may help those with a lower heat tolerance.

Bees, butterflies, and ladybugs return to the flowers and forests each summer, but so do mosquitoes, ticks, and ants. Some of these pests can be minimized by cleaning gutters, eliminating standing water, clearing woodpiles, and applying insect repellent when spending time outdoors.

For a look back at recent summers, the average high temperature in

Watauga County in June 2025 was 76 degrees with an average low of 54 degrees. The warmest day that month reached 88.6 degrees on June 24. In Ashe County, the June 2025 average high was 77 degrees with an average low of 53 degrees, while Avery County recorded an average high of 73 degrees and an average low of 53 degrees.

July 2025 brought an average high of 79 degrees and an average low of 58 degrees to Watauga County, with the warmest day reaching 87.4 degrees on July 26. Ashe County’s July 2025 average high was 80 degrees with an average low of 57 degrees, and Avery County averaged a high of 77 degrees with a low of 57 degrees.

No matter your experience level in the mountains, staying hydrated and pacing yourself during warm stretches will go a long way toward enjoying everything the High Country has to offer.

For up-to-date forecasts and local weather coverage, follow the Watauga Democrat, the Avery Journal-Times, and the Ashe Post and Times, or a local weather station.

Knowing where to Park in the High Country

BY NATHAN HAM

Many spots in the High Country are very pedestrian-friendly, so parking may not be the most important thing to consider on a visit to the area.

However, the busiest areas, such as King Street in downtown Boone, Main Street in Blowing Rock, and downtown areas of

West Jefferson and Banner Elk, offer public parking for leaving your car while you explore the area.

In downtown West Jefferson in Ashe County, there are two clearly-marked public parking areas, one just off Backstreet and the other in the area of Main Street and School Avenue, that are just a few steps away from dining and shopping options. There are also angled parking spots in front of shops and

PARKING ON PAGE 33 u

Celebratingover 40yearsintheHighCountry

Full Interior Service with 40 years of experience

Full Interior Service with 40 years of experience

Our Showroom has the Largest Selection in the Area for furniture, Home

Our Showroom has the Largest Selection in the Area for furniture, Home

Accessories, Gifts, Lamps, Pillows & more!

Accessories, Gifts, Lamps, Pillows & more!

Open All Year!

Open All Year!

Mon-Sat 10-5

Mon-Sat 10-5

stores along South Jefferson Avenue, those spots can be tough to get on a busy Friday or Saturday during the spring, summer, and fall.

In Boone, the downtown area has 200 metered parking spots that cost $1.50 per hour, Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Parking in Boone is free on Sundays and on townobserved holidays. Parking meters accept coins as well as credit cards and debit cards. There are also multihour lots where you can pay at the

entrance and exit if you plan to stay in downtown Boone and make a full day of adventures.

Blowing Rock offers free parking along Main Street, and has other public lots available, including at the American Legion, the Rotary Pavilion, Davant Field and a large parking deck at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum.

Most areas in Avery County, including downtown Banner Elk and Newland, offer free street parking. In Banner Elk, parking is also available at Tate-Evans Town Park and the Historic Banner Elk School.

Must See Attractions in the High Country

BY NATHAN HAM

If you want to stay indoors or be out and about in the great outdoors, there are many things you can do to spend and enjoy your time in the High Country.

Whether you want to experience outdoor recreation activities at Grandfather Mountain, play along the New River, or enjoy a peaceful afternoon exploring your artistic desires at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, the opportunities are endless.

Here are just a few of the attractions you can find in the area.

APPALACHIAN THEATRE

The recently-redesigned and remodeled Appalachian Theatre on King Street in downtown Boone returned to its glory in 2019. The theatre has a full schedule of events throughout the year, including live concerts, theatrical performances, movie showings, film festivals and much more. To see a list of what the Appalachian Theatre has going on, check out www.apptheatre.org/.

BEECH MOUNTAIN RESORT

Even though the snow is long gone, Beech Mountain Resort still has plenty to offer during the warmer summer months. Take advantage of their fun mountain biking trails, scenic chairlift rides and their summer concert series. Some of the acts featured in this year’s concert series include Gary

Clark Jr., Turnpike Troubadours, and Lord Huron. Visit www. beechmountainresort. com/ for some fun ideas of things to do this summer at the resort.

BLOWING ROCK ART & HISTORY MUSEUM

The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum opened in 2011 and has been a premier outlet for artwork and educational opportunities in the High Country. BRAHM offers weekly art workshops, numerous special events, live musical performances and rotating exhibits throughout the year. To learn about the current exhibits and classes offered at the museum, visit www. blowingrockmuseum.org/.

DANIEL BOONE NATIVE GARDENS

The Daniel Boone Native Gardens in Boone is three acres of Appalachian native flora, featuring over 200 plant species. The popular garden spot is even used as a wedding venue from May through October. Click to www. danielboonenativegardens.org/ for more information about the gardens.

ELK KNOB STATE PARK

Located on the outskirts of Boone, off of NC 194, is Elk Knob State Park. The

park was established in 2003 and is located at the headwaters of the North Fork of the New River. The park features campsites and hiking trails along with some of the best mountain views in the High Country. For additional information on Elk Knob State Park, visit www. ncparks.gov/state-parks/elk-knob-statepark.

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN

The iconic Grandfather Mountain is one of the most well-known landmarks in the entire country. The mountain is located in Linville off U.S. Highway 221 and about a mile away from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Grandfather Mountain typically has a jam-packed calendar of events and plenty of activities for both adults and children. There are also hiking trails and, of course, the memorable Mile High Swinging Bridge that is a must-visit if you choose to head to the mountain. For a complete list of events and information about

Grandfather Mountain, check out https:// grandfather.com/.

HICKORY RIDGE HISTORY MUSEUM AT HORN IN THE WEST

Experience two unique adventures in Boone with the Hickory Ridge History Museum and the Horn in the West outdoor drama about the Revolutionary War. The museum is proud to display some of the oldest known structures in the area and also depicts how life was for our forefathers. The museum educates people about hearthside cooking, candle making, blacksmithing, fabric spinning and much more. The 74th season of Horn in the West will begin on June 26 and run through the summer. For tickets and additional information about the museum and the outdoor drama, click to www.horninthewest. com/.

SEE ATTRACTIONS ON PAGE 36 u

Special events, such as performances

and Friends,

t ATTRACTIONS FROM PAGE 34

HIGH COUNTRY LANES

Boone’s High Country Lanes is a bowler’s paradise of 16 lanes, food, drinks and more. High Country Lanes also offers a fun outing for birthday celebrations, private parties, corporate events and more. To learn about party packages, hours of operation and more, check out www.highcountrylanes.com/.

LINVILLE CAVERNS

Visit the natural limestone caves of Linville Caverns on U.S. Highway 221 near Marion. Guided tours depart every 10 minutes and are limited to 15 people total, including children. Tickets are sold in person on a first-come, firstserved basis. Linville Caverns operates Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Visit www.linvillecaverns. com/ for more information.

MOUNT JEFFERSON STATE NATURAL AREA

With over five miles of hiking trails, Mount Jefferson State Natural Area is the perfect mountaintop adventure in Ashe County. The mountain is famous for its over 700 plant species. The drive

to the summit is paved and offers some outstanding views at two different overlook areas before reaching the top. For park information, visit www. ncparks.gov/state-parks/mountjefferson-state-natural-area.

MUSEUM OF ASHE COUNTY HISTORY

You can learn a lot about Ashe County history with a short drive to Jefferson to experience the Museum of Ashe County History. The museum features several rotating exhibits, several special events throughout the year and a gift shop. The recent completion of the remodeling of the upstairs courtroom of the museum, which used to be the old Ashe County Courthouse, allows the museum to host special musical guests and speakers. For information on current exhibits and a calendar of events, click to www. ashehistory.org/.

MYSTERY HILL

If you’re into trying to understand the unexplainable, a stop at Mystery Hill between Boone and Blowing Rock is a must. Mystery Hill experiences a

SEE ATTRACTIONS ON PAGE 38 u

“natural gravitational anomaly” where a ball will roll upwards, and water will flow uphill. This hands-on scientific learning spot also offers a Native American artifact museum, gem mining and you can even try your hand at axe throwing at Tomahawk Hill. For additional information, visit https:// mysteryhill.com/.

NEW RIVER STATE PARK

The New River flows and curls through Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany counties before traveling north into Virginia. In Ashe County, you will find the New River State Park and four different river access points to put in your kayaks, canoes, tubes or just get into the water to play around. The park has tent camping sites, trailer and RV sites, showers, picnic shelters, a visitor center and nine miles of hiking opportunities. To learn about the location of each access point and the

amenities that are offered, go to www. ncparks.gov/state-parks/new-riverstate-park.

PARKWAY THEATER

The family-owned movie theater likes to keep everything simple, yet offers a newly renovated sound and projection screen and new seating. Located in downtown West Jefferson, movies are only $6 nightly and $5 for weekend matinees. Drinks are $2 or $3, candy is just $2 and there are three sizes of popcorn buckets available for $3, $5, and $7. The theater accepts cash and checks only. To see what movies are playing, go to http://parkwaytheater. net/.

THE BLOWING ROCK ATTRACTION

As the oldest scenic attraction in North Carolina, The Blowing Rock Attraction offers stunning views 4,000 feet above sea level. Overlooking the Johns River Gorge, the site features

nature trails and an observation tower that offers a view of Grandfather Mountain and the ski slopes.

The attraction welcomes approximately 200,000 visitors each year, with peak months being July and October. The attraction also has ice cream, coffee and gift shops as well as picnic areas for visitors to enjoy. For more information, visit theblowingrock. com.

SUNRISE MOUNTAIN MINI GOLF

Playing the classic game of putt-putt on the side of the mountain has always been fun for visitors and residents alike. Sunrise Mountain Mini Golf in Boone recently completed a full course renovation in 2022 and is located at 1675 NC Highway 105 in Boone.

TWEETSIE

Tweetsie Railroad is open for the 2026 season and is sure to bring delight

to folks of all ages. The Wild West amusement park offers an entertaining locomotive ride, live entertainment, rides, and a petting zoo. Tweetsie features special guests throughout the season, including Thomas the Train and the K9S in Flight Frisbee Dog Show. To reserve tickets and see the calendar of events, visit them online at https:// tweetsie.com/.

WILDERNESS RUN ALPINE COASTER

Banner Elk is home to the exhilarating Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster, a roller coaster that races down approximately 3,160 feet of track at speeds approaching 30 mph. The rider does control the speed, so if you feel the need to slow down, you can simply apply the handbrake to catch your breath. The coaster is open seven days a week. For pricing and additional information, visit www. wildernessrunalpinecoaster.com/.

Reach new heights with a High Country hike

BY JESSE CAMPBELL

High Country hiking elevates the stereotypical mountain vacation with invigorating exercise that culminates in inspiring views, inviting vicarious daydreaming of frontier-day exploration without straying too far from the beaten path, while daytripping through the brush and away from crowded tourist traps.

Hiking’s ease-of-access affords grades of skill and endurance, whether it’s passive walkers seeking a stroll through the Boone Greenway, located at 607 Deerfield Road, or trail-tested climbers at Elk Knob State Park in Todd.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, which snakes along the spine of the ancient mountain region, offers several impromptu side quests and hikes. Motorists looking to stretch their legs can find rejuvenating fresh air under nature’s metamorphosed canopies that end at scenic overlooks of the surrounding foothills. As always, hikers should monitor weather maps or raysweather.com for the mountains’ quickly changing forecasts that portend localized downpours that don’t always materialize on Doppler radars, while other trails capriciously stay bone dry just a few hundred yards away. Packing a hoodie with a disposable and foldable rain poncho is the difference between a dry and comfortable trek and a

soggy devolution that sours you on future High Country outings.

Unlike other popular High Country sports, like tubing and skiing, hiking is free and open to the public. A pair of sturdy hiking boots and an intrepid attitude that doesn’t succumb to the notion of getting a little sweaty unfold multitudes of new adventures without dishing out a ton of inflation-dampened funds. Splurging on hiking poles and boots at several area outfitters, including High Country Outfitters, Footsloggers, or Waypoint Outfitters, can make a mountain excursion turnkey rewarding.

Although dogs are welcome at most High Country trails, owners should leash their furry companions and stay vigilant of unmanaged canines that are itching to spoil your day’s hike by bullying your best friend off the trail. Practicing common courtesy on the narrow-gauge trails when scooching past other hikers keeps the trails friction-free so everyone can clear their minds through a cathartic, therapeutic hike. Trekkers should also avoid the trails in the hours following rain, as slippery rocks and loose gravel hiding under unshelved mud will trip up your fortitude before reaching the first challenging ascent.

Dozens of hiking trails intersect and flank High Country towns and sleepy hamlets to Mt. Jefferson with well-manicured sojourns and planned digressions through the newly blazed Northern Peaks State Park that connects disparate peaks from Howard’s Knob in Boone to Mt. Paddy in Ashe County. Hikers can access the trail at Elk Knob State Park, located at 5564 Meat Camp Road in Todd, or at Paddy Mountain in West Jefferson, which is accessible at the town’s north end atop Radio Hill near the beaconing radio tower.

The New River State Park, accessible at two launch points: 1477 Wagoner Access Road, Jefferson, and 358 New River State Park in Laurel Springs, has hiking and walking trails that parallel the river, where trekkers can watch leisurely canoers and kayakers float by as they reach their daily step goals.

Hikers trying to reach a higher plain and mindset can tackle the Beech Mountain Trail system near Buckeye Lake at 1330 Pine Ridge Road. Depending on your point of origin, the N.C. 105 Watauga-Avery corridor can warm up winter-maligned muscles and lapsed cardio at other nearby trail systems, such as Seven Devils at 825 Skyland Drive and the Profile Trail that sits off the highway at 4198 NC Hwy 105 N in Banner Elk. Hikers hoping to go the extra mile should check out the Elk River trail, which offers quintessential mountain adventure and a picturesque waterfall.

The trailhead is located at 3867 Elk River Road. Grandfather Mountain State Park offers 13 miles of hiking trails to build up for the perfect after-workout selfie on the Mile High Swinging Bridge after getting your cuteness fix at the nearby animal exhibits.

The High Country’s trails are as varied as the people who walk them. Whether you’re after a gentle riverside stroll or a lungburning summit push, there is a trail here that fits. Pack your boots, check the weather, and go find your overlook.

Handmadelocalart Gardensupplies Concreteandyarddecor Annuals,perennials, houseplants,shrubs, trees,herbs, vegetablesandmuch more!

We will transform yourstonesinto familyheirlooms .Weofferlapidary suppliesandlapidar yinstruction. Offeringgroup ratesand militar ydiscounts.

NOWR EGISTERING STUDENTS FORTHE2026SE ASON April1st- October31st 14622Hw y226 S|SprucePine, NC 828.765.2099 |www.riodoce.com

Chasing Waterfalls

High Country cascades draw summer explorers

BY RILEY GLEASON

As summer settles into the High Country, locals and visitors alike are heading to the trails in search of one of the region’s most refreshing attractions: waterfalls.

From roadside overlooks to scenic hikes, Avery and Watauga counties offer a wide range of cascades perfect for day trips, photography, and escaping the summer heat.

One of the most iconic destinations is Linville Falls, located along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Known for its dramatic, multi-tiered drop into the Linville Gorge, the falls can be viewed

from several overlooks along wellmaintained hiking trails. The area draws large crowds in the summer, thanks to its accessibility and breathtaking views. Visitors should note that swimming is not recommended in much of the Linville Falls area due to strong currents and rugged terrain.

In Avery County, Elk River Falls remains a favorite for those looking to get close to the water. The roughly 85-foot waterfall is easily accessible via a short trail and features a wide pool at its base. While it’s a popular spot for swimming and relaxing, visitors are urged to use caution, as the water can be powerful and conditions can change quickly.

Over in Watauga County, Hebron Falls—also known as Hebron Rock Colony—offers a unique and quieter experience. Located near Julian Price Memorial Park, the falls feature a series of cascading streams flowing over large, mosscovered boulders. The moderate hike to reach the falls rewards visitors with a peaceful setting that’s ideal for exploring and photography.

Another popular destination is Glen Burney Falls, located just outside Blowing Rock. The trail leading to the falls winds through a scenic gorge and passes several smaller cascades before reaching the main waterfall. The hike can be steep in sections, but the dramatic views make it well worth the effort.

PLAN BEFORE YOU GO

While many of these waterfalls are accessible to a wide range of visitors, planning ahead is key. Summer weather in the mountains can shift quickly, with afternoon storms creating slick trails and rising water levels. Proper footwear, plenty of water, and attention to posted safety signs are essential.

Parking can also be limited at popular sites, especially on weekends. Arriving early or visiting during the week can help avoid crowds and provide a more enjoyable experience.

A REFRESHING SUMMER TRADITION

Exploring waterfalls has long been a favorite summer tradition in the High Country. Whether it’s a quick stop along the parkway or a hike into the forest, these natural landmarks offer a perfect way to experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

From the powerful drop of Linville Falls to the quiet cascades of Hebron Falls, Avery and Watauga counties provide countless opportunities to get outside, cool off, and take in the scenery that defines summer in the mountains.

Mile by Mile A Guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway Through the High Country

BY JAMIE SHELL

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

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

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

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

A ROAD RENEWED

This is a significant year for the Blue Ridge Parkway, with the most substantial investment in road

improvements in its nearly 100-year history now in its final phase. The work represents the final phase of a more than $100 million project spanning 75 miles of the Parkway, funded through the Great American Outdoors Act’s Legacy Restoration Fund, and includes repaving and rehabilitation along the mainline motor road, as well as repairs to road drainage structures, curbs, walks, shoulders, guardrails, overlooks and signage.

The final phase began in midMarch 2026 and covers sections near Blowing Rock and the Grandfather Mountain corridor, from milepost 291.8 at US 321/221 to milepost 305.1 near Beacon Heights. Visitors should expect intermittent closures in staggered sections throughout the summer, though Cone Memorial Park, Price Lake, Rough Ridge parking, and the Linn Cove trailhead will have uninterrupted access from either the north or south throughout all phases of the project. The full rehabilitation is expected to be complete by fall 2026.

Before any visit, check current road status at www.nps.gov/blri/ planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm.

The National Park Service also plans to remove hazardous, storm-generated tree debris from six areas with elevated wildfire risk along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia.

The project aims to reduce wildfire danger while preserving the visual character of the Parkway by removing burnable organic materials—often referred to as fuels—to protect public safety and natural resources. Scheduled to begin in late summer, the NPS will

remove downed vegetation from just under 3,000 acres of park land in North Carolina and Virginia. According to the NPS, this debris from Hurricane Helene has accumulated in volumes and locations that present a clear wildfire risk to communities, homes and other resources. It also creates safety hazards for emergency responders, staff, visitors and adjacent landowners.

Areas identified as having elevated risk and where removal work will take place, include:

• Galax and Hillsville: 292 acres between mileposts 205–215

• Laurel Springs: 129 acres between mileposts 249–267

• Boone: 769 acres between mileposts 280–300

• Linville Falls: 527 acres between mileposts 310–319

• Little Switzerland: 325 acres between mileposts 324–341

• Asheville: 829 acres between mileposts 374–396

As work takes place in these areas, park visitors and neighbors can expect intermittent traffic delays due to onelane closures. The park aims to complete initial fuel removal work by spring 2027.

Once work begins, the park will use heavy equipment to reduce fuels and remove debris. The park will then target specific areas for revegetation to support forest restoration and natural ecosystem recovery. Parkway leadership, in coordination with Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Appalachian Piedmont Coastal Zone Fire Management staff, the U.S. Forest Service, the NPS Washington Support Office and consultants, has conducted fire risk modeling and field assessments to evaluate debris levels that could lead to unpredictable fire behavior.

Visit parkplanning.nps.gov/ BLRIFuelReduction for further information.

THE PARKWAY’S HISTORY

The Parkway was built under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal initiative, with construction beginning in 1935. By 1966, the majority of the Parkway was complete, except for a 7.5-mile section at Grandfather Mountain. That final stretch presented extraordinary engineering challenges, as the rugged terrain required a solution that would protect the mountain’s

delicate ecosystem. After years of negotiating among conservationists, landowner Hugh Morton, and federal engineers, they arrived at a one-of-akind design: a viaduct that flows in unity with the landscape rather than cutting through it. The Linn Cove Viaduct was completed in 1983, and the full Parkway section opened to through traffic in 1987 — nearly 52 years after construction began.

Visitors should note that in Virginia, the section from the U.S. Route 220 to Adney Gap at milepost 121.4 to 135.9 will be closed until further notice. Always check the National Park Service website for the updated list of road sections and facilities that are open or closed.

A TOUR OF THE HIGH COUNTRY

Starting at milepost 217.3 in Alleghany County all the way to milepost 330.9 in Mitchell County, the Parkway offers visitors a grand tour of the High Country. Beginning north and traveling south, here are the most popular and notable attractions along the way.

At milepost 258.7 in Ashe County is the Northwest Trading Post, a historic building in Glendale Springs built in the 1950s to provide travelers with information on the mountains of North

Carolina and sell local merchandise. The shop offers regional arts and crafts, souvenir items, and food and drink — a great rest stop.

About 10 miles south, the Lump overlook rises prominently above the Parkway. For a short walk, visitors can hike up to the top for outstanding views of Yadkin Valley, where a sign commemorates the tragic story of Tom Dooley — the subject of a famous murder ballad played by folk musicians for decades.

Continuing south, the exit to Deep Gap and Highway 421 leads toward Boone, home to Appalachian State University and plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining and more.

The next major exit at Highway 221 takes visitors north toward Boone or south toward Blowing Rock, a smaller and quieter mountain destination popular with those who want to experience High Country life.

Just a few miles from Blowing Rock at milepost 294 is Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, a historic estate preserving the legacy of Moses Cone — a textile entrepreneur, conservationist and philanthropist of the Gilded Age. The mansion, known as Flat Top Manor, was built in 1901 as a summer retreat for Cone and his wife, Bertha. The bright white 23-room mansion sits atop a hill overlooking Bass Lake and downtown

Blowing Rock. The family’s estate was donated to the National Park Service after Bertha Cone’s death in 1947, and the park is free and open to the public, offering 25 miles of hiking and carriage trails.

The next notable stop is Julian Price Memorial Park at milepost 297. The park’s 4,200 acres were purchased by insurance executive Julian Price as a recreational retreat for his employees. When Price died in 1946, his heirs donated the land to the National Park Service. Price Lake is the central attraction — visitors can canoe, fish, or hike the 2.7-mile loop trail around its shoreline. There is also a campground, the largest on the entire Parkway.

Continuing south, visitors drive along the eastern side of Grandfather Mountain, home to the Linn Cove Viaduct at milepost 304.4. At 1,243 feet long, the concrete segmental bridge curves around the mountain’s face in an engineering marvel recognized internationally for its beauty and environmental sensitivity. A visitor center and hiking trails are located at the south end of the viaduct

Past Grandfather Mountain, the exit to U.S. 221 leads toward Linville and the entrance to the Grandfather Mountain attraction,

where visitors can experience the famous mile-high swinging bridge. There is a fee to enter; visit grandfather.com for more information.

Staying on the Parkway, the Linville Falls area at milepost 316 includes a visitor center, hiking trails, a campground and a picnic area. Hikes here venture into and above Linville Gorge, known as the “Grand Canyon of the East” for its dramatic and unique landscape.

At milepost 331 near Spruce Pine, the Museum of North Carolina Minerals is open to visitors year-round. Here visitors can learn about the history of mining in Mitchell County — the gem and mineral capital of North Carolina — and explore hundreds of minerals and gems on display.

The Parkway continues for another 140 miles south, where overlooks, hiking, picnic spots and camping remain abundant throughout. Cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway is truly a one-ofa-kind experience — and with a major investment in its future now underway, the road ahead has never looked better.

This summer, with fresh pavement underway and the long work of renewal nearing completion, there has never been a better time to take the long way on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Summer a season worth remembering at Grandfather Mountain

BY JAMIE SHELL

Nestled along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Linville, North Carolina, Grandfather Mountain draws visitors year-round to its iconic Mile High Swinging Bridge, wildlife habitats, and sweeping Appalachian vistas.

But summer — with its long days, mountain wildflowers and a packed calendar of special events — may be the season that best captures the spirit of this remarkable place. Whether you’re planning a family outing or a solo adventure, there’s something at Grandfather Mountain this summer worth putting on your calendar Grandfather is among the most recognizable and visited attractions in the state of North Carolina for myriad reasons. From its unique and lovable animal habitats to the opportunities for visitors to experience hands-on opportunities to get up close and personal with nature in a summer climate that beckons tourists to escape the heat of the lowlands to the cooler climes of a mile-high elevation, Grandfather Mountain combines the thrill of experiencing the fun of the great outdoors with educational experiences with no equal.

Grandfather Mountain is perhaps bestknown for two facets of the attraction: the Mile-High Swinging Bridge and its wildlife habitats. The Mile-High Swinging Bridge, America’s highest suspension footbridge, was built to give visitors easy access to the breathtaking view from Grandfather Mountain’s Linville

Peak. The suspension bridge spans 228 feet and an 80-foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation, and is a highlight of any trip.

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

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

“Whether you’ve been to the mountain a million times or are planning your first trip, we have something on our calendar that is sure to inspire exploration and education for you and your family,” said John Caveny, Grandfather Mountain vice president of conservation and education.

GENERAL ADMISSION

The park is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer months. General admission is $25 to $35 for adults (depending on the time of year) and $13 for children ages 3 to 12; children under 4 are admitted free. Online reservations for timed entry are recommended. Visit grandfather.com/tickets for details.

The following is a sample of the myriad activities offered on the mountain during the summer season.

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN

HIGHLAND GAMES — JULY 9–12

The crown jewel of the summer calendar is the annual Highland Games. Celebrating its 70th year in 2026, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and Gathering of Scottish Clans will be held July 9 to 12 at MacRae Meadows on Grandfather Mountain. The games begin Thursday evening with a torchlight ceremony and build across the weekend with athletic competitions, Highland dancing, bagpipe band parades, border collie sheep herding demonstrations, and concerts featuring a wide variety of Celtic music. Adult tickets are $15 on Thursday, $20 on Friday, $30 on Saturday, and $15 on Sunday. Grandfather Mountain’s regular attractions — including the Mile High Swinging Bridge, Wilson Center for Nature Discovery, and hiking trails — remain open during the Highland Games with a regular park admission ticket. For Highland Games tickets and information, visit gmhg.org or call (828) 733-1333.

SUNRISE AT THE SWINGING BRIDGE — AUG. 1

Back by popular demand, Grandfather Mountain is offering a summer sunrise

experience on August 1. This special event — “Sunrise at the Swinging Bridge” — gives guests the rare opportunity to be in the park before regular hours to witness sunrise from the bridge’s lofty vantage point. Admission is $52 for general admission, $33 for children ages 3–12, and $20 for Bridge Club members. Tickets go on sale June 2 at 10 a.m. on Grandfather Mountain’s website and are limited to 150 guests. Gates open at 5:30 a.m., with sunrise at 6:35 a.m. Event tickets include a full day’s access to the park.

JUNIOR NATURALIST DAY — AUG. 8

Junior Naturalist Program activities on August 8 are designed specifically for children ages 5–12, though all ages are welcome. With the recent opening of Yonni’s Clubhouse, young guests can enjoy new critters and activities — including the chance to meet some creatures up close. The program is included with regular park admission.

“Junior Naturalist Day is a perfect example of what we strive to do at Grandfather Mountain,” said Lauren

t GRANDFATHER FROM PAGE 55

Farrell, director of education for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “It’s important to teach kids about conservation so they can feel empowered to take their knowledge home and make a change.”

GRANDFATHER BY NIGHT — JUNE THROUGH SEPTEMBER

The popular “Grandfather by Night” nighttime expedition series returns in 2026 in two formats: a Twilight Hike and a Naturalist Program. Each evening begins at the Mile High Swinging Bridge, where participants can observe sunset and learn about the mountain’s unique twilight and nocturnal wildlife.

“These events really allow guests to experience Grandfather like never before,” said Farrell. “We are excited to offer participants different options to choose the kind of immersive afterhours experience that they prefer.”

Summer and early fall dates include June 12, July 31, August 7, August 14, August 21, August 28, September 4, and September 11. Tickets for each date go on sale on a rolling basis; those needing accessibility accommodations should contact the Grandfather Mountain office at (828) 733-2013.

RAPTOR MIGRATION — ALL OF SEPTEMBER

Throughout September, guests are invited to join the mountain’s naturalists for a Citizen Science Project observing the annual fall raptor migration. Participants can observe the migration daily at Linville Peak, weather permitting, across the Mile High Swinging Bridge. The program is included with park admission.

Grandfather Mountain is located at 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, NC 28646. For a full event calendar, ticket reservations, and program details, visit grandfather.com or call (828) 733-2013.

Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather

free, ADA-accessible viewfinders. Two have already been placed at Half Moon

Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, has prepared an inspiring lineup of events for 2026. Grandfather Mountain will add more events to its lineup throughout the year, including the Grandfather Presents speaker series, Grandfather Glows synchronous firefly viewing events, Grandfather by Night, adult field courses and others.

Roads Less Traveled High Country byways worth every curve

BY MOSS BRENNAN

Roll down the windows, breathe in the mountain air, and let the road do the talking.

North Carolina’s 62 scenic byways wind through some of the East’s most stunning landscapes — from the fog-draped peaks of the Appalachians to the shimmering shores of the Outer Banks — inviting summer travelers to slow down and discover the stories hidden just off the interstate.

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

The N.C. Department of Transportation carefully selects the byway routes as safe and interesting alternatives to the faster pace and commercial areas found along major highways and interstates. Travelers get to know North Carolina’s people and communities and see the diverse beauty the Tar Heel state has to offer — from the high peaks of the Appalachian Mountains to the fertile hills of the Piedmont to the marshes, sounds and beaches of the Coast Plain.

In the High Country, several byways offer peak viewing opportunities, whether it is the greenery and lush vegetation and historic sites during the

summer months, or even a return trip in the fall to see the kaleidoscope of autumn colors and leaves on a leisurely drive in the backcountry.

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

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

N.C. Scenic Byways vary in length

from 1.5 to 170 miles and in character from curvy mountain roads to ferry rides across coastal sounds. If following the byways in reverse order from the descriptions given, please keep in mind that the directions will be used in reverse order as well.

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

US 421 SCENIC BYWAY

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

Near the beginning of the route, you will see where the Blue Ridge Parkway crosses US 421 on a bridge covered with native stones to reflect the beauty of the area. As the byway ascends the ridge toward Boone, the home of Appalachian State University, motorists are provided with panoramic views of Snake Mountain and Elk Knob, which are a part of the Amphibolite Range.

Along the way, motorists can view the area’s hardwood and mixed forests, horse and cattle farms, and a number of Fraser Fir Christmas tree farms. Watauga County is one of the nation’s

top producers of these firs.

BIG HORSE CREEK BYWAY

In Ashe County, Big Horse Creek Scenic Byway highlights rural life in the beautiful mountains of Ashe County. The county was once known as one of North Carolina’s “lost provinces,” a remote, inaccessible county cut off from the rest of the state by the Eastern Continental Divide, where, it was said, the only way to get there was to be born there.

As the byway begins, notice the peaks (4,710 feet elevation) of Phoenix Mountain to the east. Just as the rugged mountains close in with their densely wooded terrains, the byway gives way to the verdant pastures along the creek bottoms that extend up the bluffs. This rustic countryside is a short distance from undisturbed natural areas such as Pond Mountain and the Cherokee National Forest.

The byway parallels Big Horse Creek all the way into the town of Lansing and crosses it again in numerous locations, making it a great place to cruise with the windows down to enjoy the sound of the rushing water. Occasionally, the road rises and follows the ridge above the creek, where travelers can witness spectacular views of the narrow valleys with farmhouses, farm animals, old SEE BYWAYS ON PAGE 60 u

A Mountain Gem

Mountain City, Tennessee, is a little more than 30 minutes away from Watauga Lake (depending on where you are on the lake), making it a short drive away. State Hwy 67 is a winding road that travels alongside Watauga Lake and connects Mountain City to Elizabethton, Tennessee.

Mountain City is the only incorporated municipality in Johnson County and serves as the county seat. At an elevation of 2,418 feet, the town has a total area of 3.3 square miles according to the Johnson County Chamber of Commerce.

According to the Chamber, the town was founded in 1836 and was initially called Taylorsville in honor of Col. James Taylor. In 1885, the name was changed to Mountain City to reflect its location in one of the highest valleys in the state.

Every year in August, the town celebrates the anniversary of the first Mountain City Fiddlers Convention, which was held in 1925. According to the Chamber, it was considered a landmark event in the modern history of Appalachian traditional music, with the musical gathering greatly contributing to the development of the country music genre. The anniversary event is held at the Old Mills Music Park near Laurel Bloomery.

For more information about Mountain City and upcoming events in Johnson County, visit www.johnsoncountychamber.org/

Ranked among the Top 50 Propane Retailers and Distributors nationwide since 2006.

Ranked among the Top 50 Propane Retailers and Distributors nationwide since 2006.

Proudly serving the High Country area. Consider making us your primary propane provider today. Call Now! (423) 727-0005

Proudly serving the High Country area. Consider making us your primary propane provider today. Call Now! (423) 727-0005 www.marshpet.com

4441 US-421, Mountain City, TN 37683

4441 US-421, Mountain City, TN 37683

barns, and country churches.

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

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

MISSION CROSSING

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

Before leaving the valley, visit the Mast Farm Inn and Mast General Store, an authentic general store that opened

in 1882. Established in 1812, the farm is one of the best preserved 19th-century farms in Western North Carolina and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

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

NEW RIVER VALLEY BYWAY

The New River Valley Byway begins at the intersection of US 421/US 221 and NC 194 in Boone. Follow NC 194 north for 17.8 miles to the intersection of NC 194 and US 221 in the Baldwin community where the byway temporarily ends. Turn left onto US 221 and follow for 3.5 miles to the West Jefferson town limits. Continue on US 221 for another 4.5 miles through West Jefferson and Jefferson to the intersection of US 221 and NC 16/ NC 88. Follow NC 16/NC 88 straight for another 3.1 miles to the intersection of NC 16 and NC 88. (This section is not part of the designated scenic byway.) Continue straight on NC 88 for 10.1 miles to continue the designated byway to the intersection of NC 88 and NC 18 in Laurel Springs, where the byway ends.

Venturing through Watauga and Ashe, the New River Valley Byway allows motorists to experience some of the most beautiful mountain scenery and the largest concentration of Christmas tree farms in the state. The route travels north from Boone to Laurel Springs through the Stone Mountains, which form a common boundary between North Carolina and Tennessee. The byway bends and turns as it crosses mountains and over rivers and streams through the New River Valley. As you travel on NC 194 along

what was once called the “Old Buffalo Trail,” imagine buffalo herds using this route as a migration path like they once did. The route provides access to areas popular for hiking, white water rafting, and canoeing.

LITTLE PARKWAY

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

the Blue Ridge Parkway, are 12 feet and 90 feet tall, respectively. Linville Gorge is among the nation’s largest gorges and is located in one of the wildest uninhabited areas in the Eastern United States.

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

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

Little Parkway traverses through Avery, Watauga, and Caldwell counties. Built in 1889 by men and mules as a toll road, It is also known as Yonahlossee Trail (one of many privately owned roads in the state). It winds its way along the side of Grandfather Mountain and served as the link between Blowing Rock and Linville before the completion of the Blue Ridge Parkway in 1987.

Linville, established in 1883 and designed by Samuel T. Kelsey of Kansas, is located on the Linville River. South of Linville are Linville Falls and Linville Gorge. All were named for William and John Linville, who were killed below the falls by Native Americans in 1766. The upper and lower falls, accessed from

The Blue Ridge Parkway is often referred to as the original “scenic byway.” The Federal Highway Administration recognizes its 252 miles in North Carolina as an “All American Road.” The route provides spectacular mountain and valley vistas, quiet pastoral scenes, sparkling waterfalls, and colorful flower and foliage displays.

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

Go with the Flow

Beat the heat on the High Country’s ancient rivers

BY ZACH COLBURN

With the temperature rising, there’s an outdoor activity that serves several purposes.

Tubing is a great way to spend a relaxing summer afternoon (or evening) coasting through the cool waters on the High Country’s gorgeous rivers while taking in the views and potential hiking trails.

The High Country is home to one of the oldest rivers in North America and the Western Hemisphere; oddly enough, it is called the New River.

One tubing option that offers a little bit of everything for river trips is RiverGirl Fishing Company.

Located between Watauga and Ashe counties, RiverGirl is a full-service fishing and rental shop located in the historic crossroads community of Todd. Their goal is to help their customers enjoy the river by providing quality education, equipment and guidance.

They’re also the epitome of one of the High Country’s mottos over the last two years — Mountain Strong.

The company lost nearly everything following Hurricane Helene more than 18 months ago, but they also helped lead recovery efforts during the cleanup.

Renata Dos Santos, of RiverGirl Fishing

alongside her wife, founder Kelly McCoy, knows the road back has been tough, but she remains focused on offering a first-class experience for their customers.

Dos Santos stated that relationships with the community and patrons helped spark the rebuilding process.

“We had lost our entire warehouse and everything that was in it, so last year, we were operational. This year, we still have a lot of structure that needs to be repaired. Like the chimneys need to be repaired and our vans are in desperate need of repair,” Dos Santos said on the state of everything. “But we’re at a place where we can function, and we have a customer base that is very understanding, and they go with the flow. Even though Todd is a small community, we’re very much involved in the long-term recovery of it.

“I’ve always told folks that our No. 1 business is relationship building. It’s not the tubing, it’s not the fishing, it’s not any of those things — those are just the vessels through which we do it, and Helene was like proof of that,” added Dos Santos. “So we were able to reach out to our network via social media, and they showed up in droves to come and help.”

In its 20th year of operation, RiverGirl offers eco-tour trips on the historic New

River, offering opportunities to explore the unique environment, natural beauty, and rich history of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the scenic New River of North Carolina.

The company is led by experienced guides passionate about the environment and outdoor activities, and it promotes sustainable, responsible tourism practices.

In addition to EcoTours and tubing, RiverGirl offers flyfishing, boating (canoeing or kayaking), and biking, with bike rentals for riding on the old railroad lines next to the scenic New River.

RiverGirl also offers season passes that run from April to November, depending on the activity. Reservations are required for each one and are based on availability.

“Kelly just built it from word of mouth and just grew the fleet. Now we have 400 tubes, and we can accommodate 60 people on boats. We’ve got bicycles that we can rent out as well,” said Dos Santos. “We do eco-tours, and this year we’re expanding to do hiking eco-tours

and forage and cooking experience as well — we’ve been big on the education aspect of it.”

They also offer boat storage and shuttling with their season passes, as well as booking for two unique activities — Full Moon Floats and Wind Down Wednesday.

For more information on RiverGirl, visit https://rivergirlfishing.com/ River and Earth Adventures’ mission is to explore, have fun, educate, and share the wonders of the High Country. It has outposts in Todd (6201 Castle Ford Road), Elizabethton, TN (187 Patterson Lane), and Marshall, NC (1995 Barnard Road). They offer canoeing, caving, hiking, kayaking, rafting, and tubing.

“We are excited for an amazing season here in the High Country. We are now officially offering trips on the legendary Nolichucky River and we look forward to hosting our returning guests to a new adventure,” River and Earth Adventures Co-owner Grant Seldomridge said.

The rafting experience takes place along the Watauga River and is appropriate for all skill levels and ages. The trips are some of the longest in the area and feature Class II and Class III rapids. It typically takes about 3 hours and covers more than 6 miles. The experience takes people through more than 18 rapids.

“Tubing is a go at your own pace, more relaxing trip, pack a snack and some beverages of your choice and hit the river for a short as an hour or as long as three. Rafting is a full day River expedition leading in the morning and returning in the early evening. This trip also includes an all you can eat deli style lunch,” Seldomridge said. “You can’t go wrong tubing or rafting. Really just depends on how much time you have to spend on the river and what type of adventure you’re looking to do.”

Seldomridge said his favorite part about running the business is providing

access to the amazing outdoors that the High Country has to offer.

“With years of knowledge we can guide you to the activities that make the High country so great,” Seldomridge said. “If you are visiting the High country for the first time, there’s no better way to experience the outdoors, then floating down a river, hiking a trail or exploring a cave. River and Earth adventures can provide you an unforgettable experience doing any of these activities with top of the line equipment and expert guides.”

For more information and to book a trip, visit raftcavehike.com or call (828) 865-7238.

Bookings for river tubing, kayaking and canoe rides for the New River can be done through the Boone-based outpost High Mountain Expeditions.

Located right off of Highway 105, High Mountain Expeditions offers more than just tubing. They have qualified white water rafting guides to help you navigate through numerous well-loved

rivers in the High Country, such as the Nolichucky River, Watauga River, and Wilson Creek.

All rafting adventures have the Banner Elk outpost as the meeting point, while

tubing has the New River outpost as its meeting point.

Caving expedition adventures are booked as well. Visitors will trek two

miles inward through Worley’s Cave, where they’ll crawl, shimmy, and climb across the cave’s landscape. The attraction is known for its rocky terrain and underground rivers.

High Mountain Expeditions also offers hiking tours through the Appalachian Trail and can be customized by duration, difficulty, and sights to see. The Appalachian Trail is a public 2,000+ mile path that courses through and past the High Country, passing through 14 states.

To find booking prices for all attractions and adventures, visit highmountainexpeditions.com/.

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

From gentle floats down the New River to pulse-pounding whitewater rafting

adventures, these businesses offer a variety of unique ways to explore the waterways of the High Country.

For nearly five decades, Wahoo’s has served the outdoor recreational needs of the High Country community.

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

Wahoo’s has outposts on the New River in Ashe County, as well as the Nolichucky and Watauga rivers in Tennessee.

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

There is also Zaloo’s Canoes, which is situated on the New River in Jefferson. After starting as a small canoe rental

service out of the back of a pickup truck on the side of the road in 1976, Zaloo’s has worked hard over the last 50 years to become one of the oldest river outfitters in the area.

The name comes from the song “Uncle

Jed Say” from the album Happy & Artie Traum.

Zaloo’s offers tubing, kayaking, canoeing and camping at its New River Outpost. For more information, visit zaloos.com/ or call (336) 246-3066.

WILD BIRD GALORE

Hike, float, climb Sip Your summer adventure guide to the High Country

BY ZACH COLBURN

As summer arrives in the High Country (with a few little teases of it over the past month), there is no shortage of outdoor adventures, and something for all ages to enjoy.

Whether it’s floating down a river, hiking scenic trails, or unwinding with a locally crafted beverage, the region offers endless ways to take it all in.

One of the High Country’s rivers is the perfect way to cool off on one of the summer days. The New River and Watauga River offer ideal tubing spots, with calm waters, mountain views, and an escape from the summer sun. Local outfitters, including High Mountain Expeditions, Appalachian Tubing Company, RiverGirl Fishing, and Wahoo’s Adventures, offer rentals, making it easy to enjoy the day on the water.

Beech Mountain offers miles of hiking and biking trails, disc golf courses, and scenic overlooks. Visitors can also enjoy local eateries, charming boutiques, and seasonal festivals that showcase the High Country’s charm and offerings.

From the towering peaks of Grandfather Mountain to the tranquil paths along the Blue Ridge Parkway,

hiking in the High Country is a must for summer visitors. Popular trails like Rough Ridge, Linville Falls, and Elk Knob offer breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and varying difficulty levels for hikers of all levels.

For those looking to take in the scenery from above, ziplining offers a way to see gorgeous mountain views. Several adventure parks in the region offer exhilarating zipline courses, rope bridges, and treetop views, providing unforgettable experiences for thrillseekers.

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

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

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

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

the river”

clients. Rock Dimensions also offers camps for children ages 8-16 to begin their journey in the climbing world, including a five-day camp that takes participants through the ins and outs of climbing.

Some local hot spots include Holloway Mountain, The Chimneys of Linville Gorge, Wilson Creek Area, Pilot Mountain State Park and Rocky Face Park.

For indoor rock climbing, visit Center 45 in Boone. For more information, visit center45.com.

Whether it’s looking to unwind after a long day of exploring or just wanting to take a quick break, there is no shortage of places to relax with a cold craft beer,

hard cider, or a glass of locally curated wine.

The High Country has several awardwinning breweries and wineries, offering everything from hoppy IPAs to smooth, mountain-grown reds. In West Jefferson, Old Barn Winery provides a unique wine-tasting experience in a beautifully restored barn. Guests can sip handcrafted wines while enjoying views of the vineyards and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Other popular spots include Appalachian Mountain Brewery on Blowing Rock Road, Booneshine Brewing

Hello Summer

Sun’s Out. Savings On.

Temps are rising—but your energy bill doesn’t have to. Stay cool with a few simple savings tips.

Keep your thermostat a few degrees higher when you’re away or asleep.

Use the air dry cycle rather than the heat dry cycle on your dishwasher.

Keep curtains or blinds closed during the warmest part of the day.

Use fans to circulate air without relying on air conditioning.

Grilling outside saves energy by keeping cooking heat out of the house.

Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use.

Make sure the dryer hose is tight and not kinked or clogged.

To prevent sediment build up, drain 1-2 gallons from your water heater each year.

Switch to energy-efficient LED lights, these produce less heat and use less electricity.

Replace your air filters regularly, about every two months.

Wash dishes, clothes, and even yourself in cold water.

on the outskirts of Boone, Grandfather Vineyard & Winery, and Linville Falls Winery, each offering a unique setting.

Booneshine Brewing is located adjacent to the Ted Mackorell Soccer Complex. Also, it offers both pre- and postgame celebrations following Appalachian FC matches, the community’s local semi-professional soccer team.

In addition to App FC, another enjoyable sporting event for visitors is the Boone Bigfoots’ college wooden bat league.

The Bigfoots play all of their home games at Jim and Bettie Smith Stadium on the campus of App State University.

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

StaySmartinBlowing Rock

grandfathervineyard.com/events/

For those wanting to get off the beaten path for the night, there are

several secluded backcountry campsites and full-service campgrounds.

Popular spots include Julian Price Campground, Grandfather Mountain, and the Linville Gorge Wilderness.

Be bear Wise in the High Country

BY MOSS BRENNAN

In the High Country, black bears

can be a common sight. From shifting through a trashcan, crossing a road or wandering around in the woods.

According to BearWise, hiking, walking, camping, cycling and fishing in bear country takes special precautions.

While bear attacks are very uncommon and black bears rarely become aggressive when encountered, according to BearWise, it’s best to avoid bears by following these simple steps:

WHEN HIKING

• Be aware of your surroundings.

• Hike in groups and stay together.

• Keep kids within sight.

• Keep dogs on a leash or leave them home.

• Make noise in a thick cover.

• Carry bear spray.

WITH YOUR DOG

• Keep dogs leashed.

• Do not let dogs chase or interact with bears.

• If you encounter a bear while with your dog, back away and leave the area.

CAMPING

• Keep a clean camp.

• Don’t burn food scraps or trash in your fire ring or grill.

• Do not store food, trash, clothes worn when cooking, or toiletries in your

BASIC RULES FOR ANY WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER:

• Never feed or handle a wild animal.

• Leave a young animal alone. Wild parents rarely abandon their young, even if they detect human scent.

• If unsure whether an animal needs help or have questions about wildlife removal: contact the NC Wildlife Helpline, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. — 5 p.m., at 866-3182401 or by email, HWI@ncwildlife. gov, visit the agency’s frequently asked questions

tent. Store in approved bear-resistant containers OR out of sight in a locked vehicle OR suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and 10 feet from any part of the tree. Local storage regulations vary.

• Cook downwind and as far from your tent as possible.

Bearwise.org is a comprehensive resource that offers proven methods to avoid attracting bears.

In August and September, many bears travel extensively, including beyond their home ranges as they search for food, such as berries and nuts, according to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. They are opportunistic eaters, which results in more chances for humans and bears to come in close proximity to each other.

Bears are searching for food up to 20 hours a day during hyperphagia, a significant increase in appetite. They are typically most active at dawn and dusk, and their constant search for food can take them across roads more often. Steps to avoid a vehicle collision with a bear or any wildlife include:

• If driving with a passenger, put them on wildlife watch.

• Always drive at a reasonable speed and follow the speed limit.

• At night, consider driving below the speed limit to give yourself more stopping time, and scan the sides of the road for eyeshine at night.

• Pay extra attention in areas where bushes and trees are close to the road.

• Most insurance companies advise that if you see an animal in the road, honk your horn repeatedly, flash your high beams and try to avoid it if you can do so safely. Do not swerve into another lane or slam on your brakes unless you know you can do so safely.

The NCWRC also recommends community members lock up humanprovided foods, like garbage, birdseed and pet food.

Do not feed or provide medication to bears showing hair loss; it can harm them and may be illegal. In the spring and summer bears shed their thick winter coat and their fur may appear thin or patchy for a time. This is a natural cycle and not a sign of mange or other health concerns. Contact the N.C. Wildlife Helpline (866-318-2401) with any

concerns about wild animals.

Lone cubs are most likely waiting for their mothers to return from foraging. Never handle, feed or move a cub that’s suspected of being orphaned as this puts people and the cub at risk.

Instead, note the location and contact the N.C. Wildlife Helpline (866-318-2401) or the appropriate district wildlife biologist.

Contact the N.C. Wildlife Helpline at 866-318-2401 or your local district wildlife biologist for questions or to report information about a bear incident. For more information on black bears, visit Bearwise.org.

Even natural foods like apple cores teach

to associate people, camps and trails with food rewards.

Your Refined Blowing Rock Getaway:

Friday: Mountain Heights & Fine Dining

Begin your High Country escape by checking into the Westglow Luxury Resort & Spa. a historic manor that once served as the summer estate of artist Elliott Daingerfield. For an elite experience, reserve a manor room with a private balcony, or a guest suite with it's own private entrance well in advance through the official Westglow Resort Portal. Insider Tip: Arrive by 4:00 PM to secure the prime fireside lounge seats at Elliott's Piano Bar. Request a custom curated cocktail while enjoying live music. Afterward, transition seamlessly to Daingerfield's Fine Dining. Ask the sommelier for exclusive, off-menu vintage pairings from their private cellar to accompany your seasonal, farm-to-table dinner as you watch the fog settle over the Blue Ridge peaks.

A curated Summer Weekend Itinerary

Saturday:

A Day of Restoration & Scenic Delights

Awaken to a private, chef-curated breakfast inside the Manor at Westglow before immersing yourself in total rejuvenation. The Westglow Spa is a sanctuary of wellness, but to secure top-tier therapists, you must book your signature massages and world-class facials at least four weeks prior. Insider Tip: Dedicate an hour before your treatments to enjoy the therapeutic whirlpools and saunas in total privacy, as mid-morning yields the lowest foot traffic. Transition directly to the Full-Service Salon for a professional blowout and red-carpet styling. Your evening destination is the ultra-exclusive Restaurant at Gideon Ridge Inn. This is arguably the most coveted reservation in the region; use the Gideon Ridge Booking Engine a few weeks ahead to secure a terrace table exactly 30 minutes before sunset for unparalleled, unobstructed views of the mountain twilight.

Sunday:

Refined Local Flavor & Mountain Charm

Conclude your weekend by experiencing the sophisticated side of High Country culture. Begin your morning at Hellbender Bed & Beverage. Insider Tip: Start the day the local way with one of their famous made-from-scratch biscuits and a fresh smoothie before heading out to explore town. Spend your afternoon strolling through the upscale boutiques, fine art galleries, and manicured streets of downtown Blowing Rock. For lunch, secure a courtyard table at Bistro Roca at Hellbenders. While the atmosphere is relaxed, the culinary execution is world-class. Order their legendary Collard Green Melt: a sophisticated, gourmet reimagining of traditional Southern comfort food that has become a mandatory culinary rite of passage for elite travelers.

Skip the rentals Camp Under the Stars in North Carolina’s

BY JESSE CAMPBELL

Ditch the short-term rental hassle of mindlessly browsing misleading listings of poorly maintained properties while awkwardly crashing with overzealous landlords, and camp in the rejuvenating Appalachian air when visiting the High Country.

There’s never a flashing ‘No Vacancy’ sign in the mountains – only the fading glimmer of twilight that preludes stunning galaxy displays as distant ridges and open valleys offer perfect stargazing vistas while camping in the pastoral wilderness.

Several public campgrounds from Banner Elk to Laurel Springs offer all-day sightseeing in the bucolic countryside, allowing shoppers and climbers a night of comforting solitude while roughing it with the family.

While several High Country expeditions can be cost-prohibitive for budget travelers, camping’s low cost and high-on-the-mountain appeal make Blue Ridge excursions more affordable.

Stay near amenities while resting a spell at scenic and convenient campgrounds scattered throughout the High Country.

Grandfather Campground and Cabins, at 125 Profile View Road, offers easy N.C. 105 access for RVs and singlenight accommodations in the heart of the mountains with the nearby Seven Devils and Banner Elk atriums pumping oxygenized energy in between

High Country

downtime before tackling the day’s next adventure.

For those looking to stay closer to Boone’s nighttime action, you can drive a stake or hook up your grid at the Blue Bear Mountain Camp, which offers car-accessible tent and RV sites without adulterating the pristine mountains and the genuine outdoor experience. Stow away the laptops and tablets between charges and juice up your wanderlust spirit with miles of hiking trails and deep pondside reflections, without the grating traipsing of nearby campers, as the grounds offer low-density accommodations. Click to bluebearmountain.com for more information and availability.

Catch your breath in the thinner mountain air above 4,000 feet at the Boone KOA campground at 123 Harmony Mountain Lane, which juxtaposes nature with top-tier amenities with pull-through RV sites, take a morning constitutional in the campground’s pool - not that you’ll need it with average temperatures hovering around room temperature in the balmy mountain summer - or connect closer with nature at the mini zoo. Click to koa.com/campgrounds/ boone/ for pricing and availability.

171 Flintlock Campground Drive, NC Hwy 105 in Boone, offers convenient access to surrounding mountain towns and hamlets without exorbitant hotel or short-term rental pricing. Family-owned and operated, Flintwood Campground immerses campers with nature without sacrificing travel must-haves when rainy-day doldrums unexpectedly set in with a thunderous and brief clap. Click

to flintlockcampground.com for more information.

Need to get further off the beaten path without sacrificing proximity to sanity and civilization? Ashe County’s New River State Park offers two campground sites along the soothing and tranquil waters at 358 New River State Park Road in Jefferson and at New River State Park Road in Laurel Springs.

For a more authentic mountain tenting, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers backcountry camping at Alleghany

County’s Doughton Park at mile post 239.2 and at Blowing Rock’s adjacent Julian Price Park at mile post 269.9.

Campers should monitor changing weather conditions with mobile apps, bring layered clothing, bug repellent, flashlights with batteries, foldable chairs for maximum relaxation, rain gear, sturdy shoes, a first aid kit, and sunscreen. Expeditious exploration is optional, depending on skill level and tolerance for solitude or close family comfort. Also, don’t feed the growing black bear population in the mountains.

Blowing Rock Furniture Gallery welcomes you to visit our beautiful family owned 20,000 square foot showroom located in the gorgeous mountain village of Blowing Rock, NC.

Our design consultants are available to assist you with all your home furnishing needs, including "house calls" to finish your project.

We set out to be a different kind of furniture store, providing high-quality brandname furniture, competitive pricing, and knowledgeable, well-trained staff.

We are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00am to 6:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00pm to 6:00pm

Mountain bike to new heights

BY NATHAN HAM

If you want an adrenaline rush or just a nice workout with the pedals, mountain biking in the High Country has you covered.

Rocky Knob Park, located off of U.S. Highway 421 in Boone, enters its 15th year of offering multiple trails for riders to enjoy during the spring, summer, and fall months.

The park, which is free to use for all riders, is easily one of the most popular biking areas in the High Country.

Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park has five main trails: The 1.6-mile Rocky Branch Trail loop, the 1-mile Middle Earth Trail, the nearly 4-mile Boat Rock Loop, the downhill PBJ Trail, Ol’ Hoss, plus more than a dozen side trails and connectors, and four separate skills areas.

Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park has five main trails: The 1.6-mile Rocky Branch Trail loop, the 1-mile Middle Earth Trail, the nearly 4-mile Boat Rock Loop, the downhill PBJ Trail, Ol’ Hoss, plus more than a dozen side trails and connectors, and four separate skills areas.

If you are in Boone and want to take advantage of additional natural scenery while riding your bike, be sure to check out the Greenway Trail that follows along the South Fork of the New River.

For the adrenaline junkies, both Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort in Avery County switch from skiing and snowboarding to summer operations, with both mountains offering mountain bike courses. Riders take the chairlift up the mountain and begin their descent back to the bottom.

In Ashe County, the recent 150-acre addition to Ashe Park in Jefferson

includes a new mountain bike skills park with a pump track, dirt ramps, raised boardwalk ramps, and uphill and downhill trail rides. For a real biking challenge through the wilderness, just across the state line between Ashe County and Virginia, begins the Virginia Creeper Trail in the White Top community. The trail is one of the most biked and hiked trails in the southeast and offers 34 miles of challenging trails from the state line and passing through Green Cove, Taylors Valley, Damascus and ending at the trailhead and welcome center in Abingdon, Virginia.

For those looking for a more challenging experience, trails in Pisgah National Forest near the Wilsons Creek Wild & Scenic River Area offer some of the region’s most technical and difficult mountain biking terrain. The steep climbs and rocky descents will test even the most experienced riders.

Several local outfitters also offer guided tours and lessons for those looking to improve their mountain

biking skills. These tours are a great way to explore the area and learn from experienced riders who know the trails well.

Local businesses to check out include Headquarters Bike and Outdoor (Sugar Mountain), Boone Bike and Touring (Boone), Action Cycle Sports (Boone), Hill River Cycles (Fleetwood), Rhoddie Bicycle Outfitters (Blowing Rock), Stamey’s Cycle Center (Boone) and Magic Cycles (Boone).

In addition to experiencing mountain biking individually, the High Country is also home to the Watauga High and Watauga Middle School Bike Teams, which compete in the North Carolina Interscholastic Cycling League.

Lees-McRae College in nearby Banner Elk also fields a cycling team that competes in Division I mountain biking during the fall and spring seasons. The college has also hosted the Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships on its campus.

Cycling season back at full strength, and ready to ride

BY ZACH COLBURN

As the weather begins to warm up, more and more cyclists are hitting the roads to enjoy the weather.

They’re also gearing up for several cycling events that the High Country will host.

With so many steep mountains and different types of terrain, the High Country has become a hotbed for competitive, well-conditioned cyclists competing in several events during the summer months.

This summer will bring back a trio of cycling events to the area, with registration currently underway for each.

Below is a list of a few of the more well-known events

and some info to go along with them:

BLOOD SWEAT AND GEARS

Considered “the North Carolina High Country’s premier cycling event”, according to bloodsweatandgears.org, Blood Sweat and Gears will return to Valle Crucis this summer after having to cancel last summer’s event.

Established in 1998, this year’s event is scheduled for June 27, with registration open until June 24.

Starting and finishing in historic Valle Crucis, home of the Mast General Store, BSG offers incredible scenic views, epic climbs and some of the best cycling that North Carolina has to offer.

BSG showcases the mountain communities of

Watauga and Ashe counties and consists of two routes. A very challenging 95mile route and a 45-mile route that is shorter in mileage but still big on the challenge. Both routes include steep area climbs, but the signature climb of BSG, Snake Mountain, awaits only the strongest riders who accept the challenge of our 95-mile route.

The race’s parent company, BSG Events, Inc., works to develop, promote, and put on recreational cycling events in Boone and the surrounding portions of the High Country.

“We strive to create cycling events that are accessible and challenging for all participants,” BSG said on its website. “Proceeds from these events are redistributed to support local nonprofit organizations and to provide valuable resources for the underserved and unmet needs of the High-Country community.”

Riders can also register as a member

of the BSG VIP Club. The membership is limited to the first 50 riders who register for one of the VIP Club options. Members will receive several special perks reserved exclusively for BSG VIP Club members.

As a VIP Club member, you will receive the following: preferred parking, fast track packet pickup, continental breakfast, and a VIP-only pre-ride rest stop on the morning of the ride, and an exclusive BSG Swag bag filled with awesome swag from our BSG sponsors.

Any racers who registered for last year’s ride but chose not to donate their registration fee or receive a refund will have their registration deferred to this year.

More information and updates on the race can be found at bloodsweatandgears.org.

BOONE GRAN FONDO

The Boone Gran Fondo, sponsored by Capua Law Firm, will be held on Aug. 2; individuals who register by July 3 will

Sweat and Gears, which has become a High Country Tradition, returns this summer after a one-year hiatus due to previous road conditions.

receive a custom pro-level jersey crafted by Suarez Clothing.

Boone Gran Fondo features three scenic and challenging courses with twists and turns through wooded climbs and descents.

The three courses feature 95-, 60-, and 25-mile routes, with each route including various timed sections. The 95mile route has four timed sections, the 60-mile route has three, and the 25-mile route has one.

SEE CYCLING ON PAGE 84 u

The event is part of the Gran Fondo National Series (the nearby Asheville Gran Fondo will take place on July 19).

The Boone Gran Fondo is an open course so riders will need to obey traffic laws. The Watauga Pioneers Mountain Bike Team will be on site, manning the aid station.

Riders will also enjoy a great meal from FizzED, which is located around the corner from the start/finish line.

To learn more, visit www. granfondonationalseries.com/granfondo-boone

BLUE RIDGE BRUTAL

A challenging ride through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, the Ashe County-based Blue Ridge Brutal is set to take place on Aug. 15, featuring a grueling 100-mile cycling race, along with several other timed distances.

Having been going for 36 years, the Blue Ridge Brutal also offers 70, 50 and 25-mile timed races and an e-bike division for each race. Each one takes the rider through the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains and over many hills.

Registration, which is $95, began at the start of March. Because all Blue Ridge Brutal proceeds benefit its scholarship fund for graduating seniors through the Ashe Advantage Project (501c3), we will not issue refunds after July 19.

Rest stops are offered along all routes, varying from seven for the 100-mile race

to five for the 70-mile one, three for the 50-miler, and just one for the 25-mile.

The start and finish for all rides were moved to the Museum of Ashe County History (1904 Courthouse) on Main Street in Jefferson.

Start time is set for 8 a.m. All riders will receive a goody bag prior to the ride. To guarantee a free rider t-shirt included in the pickup bag, all rider registrations must be received by Aug. 1

All riders are required to wear a cycle helmet at all times. It is also each rider’s responsibility to ensure their bike is in good working condition and capable of completing whichever Ride they attempt.

They are also required to obey North Carolina traffic laws and keep a careful watch for motor traffic; they’ll be provided with a chip supplied by Start 2 Finish, LLC. The chips will be attached to the bike (details to be provided at registration). The finish times will be published on this website after the ride. The routes are clearly signed and are mapped out with ridewithgps.com. Where possible, there will be volunteers at major turns. In addition, each rider will be provided with a map showing all four routes and listing all turns, including the distance to each and the cumulative total. Route maps are available at blueridgebrutal.org.

Riders exceeding 9 hours will not receive a finish time, and E-bikes will be chip-timed separately.

For more information, call (336) 8469550 or email info@blueridgebrutal.org.

Motorcycle riding in the High Country provides unforgettable memories

BY JAMIE SHELL

For those who wish to “get their motors running,” perhaps no scenery to hit the open road is as appealing as the highways of the High Country.

Breathtaking views and winding mountain roads make the region a sought-after destination for motorcycle riders — especially when autumn’s color show reaches its peak.

“When you have a beautiful stream running beside the road with beautiful leaves changing and the bright sunshine, it’s amazing,” said Keith Honeycutt.

Honeycutt has served as president of the local Christian Motorcycle Association chapter known as the Peacemakers. He said the views the High Country offers riders are unlike

anything found elsewhere — and the roads deliver an exciting ride full of twists and turns for those looking for something beyond the mundane.

“When you hear folks come here to ride from other areas, a lot of times they say that roads down in the piedmont, on the coast, or wherever are flat, straight, and not really exciting,” Honeycutt said. “Up here in the mountains, it’s totally different.”

One of the most popular destinations for local motorcycle enthusiasts is the Blue Ridge Parkway. For 469 miles — from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Cherokee, N.C., and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park — the Parkway cuts through a sensory delight: a treasure forest of twists and turns, highs and lows, and, of course, grand vistas from more than 200 overlooks. Tired of riding? Many of those overlooks also serve as trailheads, making it easy

to stretch your legs along the way.

The Parkway’s construction, first planned by President Roosevelt in 1935, was a massive undertaking not completed until 1966, with the notable exception of the iconic Linn Cove Viaduct wrapping around Grandfather Mountain, which was finished in 1987. That engineering marvel near Linville in Avery County is a destination in itself.

Honeycutt advises that motorcyclists try to enjoy the Parkway on weekdays rather than weekends when possible. Once the leaves begin to change color in the late summer/early autumn, vehicles and RVs crowd the Parkway on weekends. He also cautions riders to watch for wildlife — deer, turkey and even bears can appear and dart into the highway without warning — as well as take note of gravel and debris on the road after rain.

More information on the Blue Ridge Parkway can be found at www. blueridgeparkway.org.

For a challenging and slow-paced test of

twists and turns, Grandfather Mountain is a must. The winding road to the summit is a treat in itself, but don’t miss the chance to walk across the Mile-High Swinging Bridge — the horizon stretches away in at least three directions. The mountain’s 11 trails offer varying levels of difficulty for riders who want to lace up their boots and explore on foot.

If a leisurely day-trip ride is more your speed, the 19 miles of U.S. 221 between Blowing Rock and Linville is a Sundaydrive treat. Shull’s Mill Road, running from near Blowing Rock through Hound Ears and Foscoe, brings plenty of smiles. You might even spot some distinctive country residences along the way, and for those who don’t mind a stretch of dirt and gravel, a side trip on Old Turnpike Road pays colorful dividends.

Another challenging but picturesque ride in Avery County’s backyard lies on one of North Carolina’s most acclaimed motorcycle roads. Known among riding enthusiasts as the Pineola Python, N.C. 181 runs from Newland south to Morganton —

an uncommon sight to

a 76-mile route featuring 185 curves and an elevation drop of more than 2,200 feet. It is a route that earns its reptilian nickname.

Departing Newland, the road dips south through Linville and Pineola before entering the Pisgah National Forest, where a 13-mile stretch serves up multiple curves

— some tight enough to carry posted speed warnings — along mostly undeveloped woodland. Just before Jonas Ridge, the Brown Mountain Overlook offers a pulloff and a view steeped in local legend:

• Cardiology

• Cardiology

• Chemotherapy

• Chemotherapy

• Endoscopy

• Endoscopy

• Express Care Clinic (Mountain Family Care)

• Express Care Clinic (Mountain Family Care)

• Geriatrics

• Gynecology

• Gynecology

• Hematology and Oncology

• Hematology and Oncology

• Hospitalist Program

• Hospitalist Program

• Imaging Services

• Imaging Services

• Internal Medicine

• Internal Medicine

• Mountain Hearts Wellness Center

• Mountain Hearts Wellness Center

• Obstetrics

on certain nights, mysterious phantom lights have been reported dancing on the mountainside below.

Because much of the route overlaps with state bicycle routes, N.C. 181 features wider paved shoulders than most two-lane mountain roads, providing added comfort for motorcyclists. It is not uncommon on a nice day to find the road dotted with bikes from one end to the other. More information on the Pineola Python is available at www.pineolapython181.com.

Speaking of challenging rides, heading into Ashe County, motorcycle enthusiasts will find another signature destination: the Devil’s Stairs, a roughly 118-mile loop starting and ending in West Jefferson. Based on a local folk tale, the route weaves through the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the ancient New River, offering great pavement, technical curves, light traffic and beautiful mountain scenery.

Rock to Marion.

“There’s not another view that will compare to what we have here,” Honeycutt said. “That also applies for the country roads that zip in and out of the small communities scattered throughout the High Country.”

One route Honeycutt especially enjoys for a relaxed day trip is grabbing lunch in Blowing Rock, making the run to Marion and back on U.S. 221. It’s the kind of ride — unhurried, scenic and rewarding — that the High Country does better than anywhere else.

SAFETY TIPS FOR MOUNTAIN RIDING

Mountain motorcycling is rewarding but demands respect for the terrain and conditions. Honeycutt and other experienced riders offer a few reminders for anyone hitting the High Country roads:

• Obstetrics

• Ophthalmology

• Ophthalmology

• Orthopaedics

• Orthopaedics

• Otolaryngology

• Otolaryngology

• Pediatrics

• Pediatrics

• Podiatry

• Primary Care

• Primary Care

• Rehabilitation Services

• Rehabilitation Services

Highlights along the way include Worth Chapel, the Trade, Tenn., grist mill and scenic overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway. From Shull’s Mill, riders can pick up the Parkway northbound for an excellent 30-mile stretch to N.C. 16. The section along N.C. 88 from Sheets Bridge on the New River to Laurel Springs is lightly traveled with sweeping curves, while N.C. 18 and N.C. 113 roll through local farmland. For riders interested in downloading GPS routes, a variety of Devil’s Stairs options are available at devilstairs.com.

• Watch for wildlife. Deer, turkey and bears are common on and near the roads, especially at dawn and dusk.

• Beware post-rain debris. Mountain roads can carry gravel and sand onto the pavement after a rain, reducing traction through curves.

• Check the weather. Elevations above 4,000 feet can produce quick weather changes. Temperatures at the top of Beech Mountain or Grandfather Mountain may run 10 to 15 degrees cooler than in the valleys below.

• Respiratory Services

• Respiratory Services

• Surgical Services

• Surgical Services

• Urology

A little further south of Avery County, Mount Mitchell thrusts up as the highest peak east of the Mississippi River and, as you might expect, is worth the ride to the top — but only if mountaintop panoramic grandeur is your thing.

• Plan fuel stops. Services are sparse on some stretches of the Parkway and rural county roads. Top off the tank before heading out.

• Urology

• Women’s Health

• Women’s Health

For riders who may not be experienced on mountain roads, Honeycutt recommends a two-day trip along the Parkway from Boone north into Virginia as a good starting point. Other routes he favors include U.S. 421 from Boone toward Mountain City, Tenn.; N.C. 194 — the 26mile scenic byway running through the communities of Newland, Elk Park and Cranberry — and U.S. 221 from Blowing

• Ride on weekdays when possible. Fall weekend traffic on the Blue Ridge Parkway can be heavy with leaf-lookers and slowmoving RVs.

In and around the High Country, great country roads are everywhere. Straightaways are rare, so opportunities to hit the apex of a curve are plentiful. Whether you ride a Bonnie, a Duck, a Hog or a Dresser, motorcycling in Avery, Watauga and Ashe counties is another name for fun — especially in the golden weeks of autumn.

Fishing Heats up across the High Country in the Summer

With summer in full swing, locals and visitors are heading to the water with fishing rods in hand, taking advantage of the High Country’s cool streams, stocked rivers, and peaceful mountain lakes.

Whether you’re a seasoned fly fisher or a first-timer looking for a quiet afternoon by the water, Avery, Ashe and Watauga counties offer some of the best fishing in North Carolina.

WATAUGA COUNTY

Trout fishing is the main draw along the Watauga River, one of the most popular and heavily stocked waterways in the region. Rainbow, brown, and brook trout are regularly stocked throughout the summer, and early mornings and evenings tend to produce the best results as the heat builds during midday.

One of the easiest and most familyfriendly spots is Price Lake in Julian Price Memorial Park, located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock. The lake offers shoreline fishing and calm waters ideal for beginners, and many visitors bring canoes or kayaks to reach quieter spots on the water. Moses Cone Manor’s trout lake, also along the Parkway, is another accessible option for shoreline fishing.

For easy river access close to town, Valle Crucis Community Park on

Broadstone Road sits right along the Watauga River and is a go-to spot for families. Brook, brown, and rainbow trout are all found here, and no long hike is required.

For those willing to work a little harder, the Linville River offers a more rugged experience. Flowing through the Linville Gorge, this stretch is known for wild trout and fewer crowds — a favorite for anyone looking for a quieter day in the woods with a fishing pole.

AVERY COUNTY

In Avery County, Wildcat Lake in Banner Elk is a premier attraction. The 13-acre lake features a fishing dock, white sand beach, and swimming area, and is stocked by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission with bluegill, largemouth bass, and three varieties of trout. Fishing is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk. The lake is located at Hickory Nut Gap Road off NC Highway 184, about 1.5 miles from downtown Banner Elk.

Also in Avery County, Roby Shoemaker Park on the North Toe River in Newland offers shore, pier, and handicapaccessible fishing for brook, brown, and rainbow trout. It’s one of the most accessible public fishing spots in the county.

Coffey Lake on Highway 105 South near Banner Elk rounds out the county’s options, offering shore, pier, and boat access for brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, and redbreast sunfish.

ASHE COUNTY

Ashe County may be the most underrated fishing destination in the High Country, with an extensive network of stocked streams, wild trout water, and New River access points spread across its scenic back roads.

Along county roads, pull-offs offer easy access to fishing holes on Big Horse Creek, Helton Creek, and both forks of the New River. From these spots, anglers are just steps away from casting for trout, smallmouth bass, redbreast sunfish, and rock bass.

The South Fork New River near Todd is one of the most accessible options, with public fishing access at Todd Island Park on Todd Railroad Grade Road. The park sits right along the river and offers bank and canoe access for stocked rainbow, brown, and brook trout, as well as rock bass and redbreast sunfish.

For those looking for a more structured option, the Crumpler Public Fishing Area on Old Field Creek Road offers bank and canoe access for rainbow, brown, and brook trout, and New River State Park has multiple access points along Highway 221 and the Wagoner Access area for smallmouth bass and sunfish in a beautiful riverside

setting.

Big Horse Creek is a standout for trout fishing, with brook, rainbow, and brown trout and multiple parking pull-offs along the road for easy access. Helton Creek is another reliable stocked stream in the northern part of the county.

Fishing licenses for Ashe County can be purchased at Walmart on Mount Jefferson Road in West Jefferson. For a detailed county fishing map, visit the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce at ashechamber.com.

A FEW THINGS TO KNOW

Anyone fishing in North Carolina needs both a valid fishing license and a trout license, which can be purchased online at ncwildlife.org or at local retailers including Walmart locations in Boone and West Jefferson, and Fred’s Mercantile on Beech Mountain. Rules on catch limits and designated trout waters vary by location, so checking current regulations before heading out is always a good idea.

There are also many kids fishing events throughout the communities as well.

Summer weather in the mountains can also change quickly. Afternoon storms and rising water levels after rain can affect fishing conditions, so staying alert and safe near the water is important.

BY TIERNEY DRAKE

With

FWhat better way to appreciate the scenic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains than seeing it from 300 ft above

ZIPLINING & WHITEWATER RAFTING

Choose your Adventure!

Enjoy breathtaking mountain views on our canopy zipline tours or experience the thrill of whitewater rafting through the Nolichucky River Gorge. Create unforgettable memories in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

ground?

Experience the wonders of the High Country through an exhilarating adventure among Appalachian wildlife by indulging in some of North Carolina’s ziplining tours. High Gravity Adventures, located in Blowing Rock, is a family-friendly company that offers ziplining excursions for anyone over seven years old.

On a 1,000-ft express line, participants spend two hours soaring through the treetops, building up to higher, faster lines along the way. The grand finale includes a 70 ft freefall with a smooth, controlled landing.

All guests are required to complete a waiver and attend a short safety briefing beforehand. Participants aged 13 or younger must be supervised by a guardian at all times. Additionally, self-braking is not required, as their guides will brake for you.

High Gravity Adventures also offers ziplining alternatives for ages 4 and older, ideal for individuals seeking beginnerfriendly activities. This one-level aerial park includes balance beams, climbing challenges and low zip lines, perfect for younger children or first-timers.

Hawksnest, located in Seven Devils, provides three zipline tours for guests who are interested in aerial adventures.

Bound for Adventure recently announced the acquisition of Hawksnest Adventures, which was a local, familyowned attraction for the previous 25 years.

“We could not be more excited to welcome Hawksnest Adventures into our family of brands,” said Matt Knott, CEO of Bound for Adventure and founder of River Riders we know today. “Hawksnest has built an incredible reputation for delivering high-quality, memorable outdoor experiences, and their team shares our passion for adventure, guest service, and innovation. Together, we are expanding our ability to connect more people with the outdoors in meaningful ways.”

According to the release, as part of the acquisition, guests can expect continued excellence in service, expanded

adventure across all three brands, and new opportunities to explore unique destinations under one unified vision. Each brand will maintain its distinct identity while benefiting from shared resources, operational expertise, and a collective commitment to safety and environmental stewardship.

At Hawksnest, The Hawk Tour is their most popular option, spanning two hours across the forest. It features 1.5 miles of ziplining, with two cables over 1,500 ft long and two swinging bridges. This tour is perfect for families and first-timers. Participants must be at least five years old, and guests under the age of 12 are to be accompanied by an adult.

The Eagle Tour is Hawknest’s more challenging option. It is approximately three miles of ziplining, with two cables over 2,000 ft, three more over 1,200 ft, and a suspension bridge. Higher and faster than the Hawk Tour, the Eagle Tour is a great option for thrill-seekers and repeat zipliners. Participants must be at least eight years old.

Hawksnest Zipline offers high-flying fun for the young and the young

Hawksnest also offers a “Do It All” package, in which guests experience a four-hour ziplining excursion with all 20 cables from the Hawk and Eagle Tours combined. If you’re looking to take a

risk this summer or seek to enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains and forests from above, consider booking a ziplining tour today.

Pickleball popularity

skyrocketing, expanding in the High Country

BY ZACH COLBURN

Whether you’re a retiree, a college student or a complete beginner, there’s a pickleball court in the High Country with your name on it..

Growing at an exponential rate, pickleball continues to gain popularity, leading to more facilities in the High Country housing the sport.

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

As a beginner-friendly game, pickleball consists of two teams (or individuals) on either side of a net slightly smaller than a tennis net. Players use paddles to rally a polymer ball. It is an indoor and outdoor sport.

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

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

In addition, the WCRC is a year removed from the completion of two outdoor pickleball courts, which are available to the public and can be used year-round.

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

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

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

In addition to what Watauga Community Recreation Center offers,

residents and tourists can play the sport at The Summit, located at 278 Industrial Park Drive in Boone.

The Summit, which opened its doors in September 2023 and just completed some upgrades at the beginning of this year, is a member-based indoor facility that offers free beginner clinics and clinics for intermediate and advanced players. It also offers more than 60 clinics and round robins throughout the year, as well as tournaments and leagues to accompany event hosting.

The facility features six indoor hard surface courts, two dinking kitchens and a bar & lounge area.

The Summit offers four tiers of membership, ranging from bronze (free but with a higher charge for open play and any reservations) to Platinum, with Open Play and Gold in between.

There’s also a College Night every Thursday from 8 to 10 p.m. for $5 with a student ID.

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

Three other places in Watauga County house pickleball courts, including the Deer Valley Athletic Club, which features outdoor courts, lessons, and tournaments.

Beech Mountain Club has nine dedicated courts, a covered pavilion, and IPTPA (International Pickleball Teaching

Professional Association)-certified pros.

Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation also features outdoor facilities.

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

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

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

Starting back in early February, ACPR began offering beginner clinics on the first Friday of each month from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

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

In Avery County, several different places offer pickleball — Avery Rock Gym, Williams YMCA of Avery County and Mountain Glen Golf Club, which has outdoor facilities.

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

Two other facilities — Buckeye Recreation Center in Beech Mountain and Eagles Nest Pickleball Court in Banner Elk — also feature pickleball courts.

Relationships.

BUILT ON IN REAL ESTATE. Trusted

From the shores of Lake Norman...

LUXURY WATERFRONT LIVING WITH REGENCY ON THE LAKE

If you’re searching for high-end lakefront living, Regency on the Lake delivers unparalleled expertise in the Lake Norman real estate market. We specialize in helping you find the perfect waterfront property tailored to your lifestyle.

Tee up in the High Country

18 holes worth the drive

BY HARRIS PREVOST

North Carolina has always been a state of contrasts — ocean to the east, urban piedmont in the middle, and the majestic Blue Ridge rising in the west.

Nowhere is that variety more rewarding than in the High Country, where eight public courses spread across Ashe, Watauga, Avery and Mitchell counties offer some of the most memorable rounds of golf in the Southeast. Whether you’re a scratch golfer chasing a bucket-list experience

Explore.Experience.Enjoy.

Ne stledinthemountainsof Je fferson,NC, re st sanu pscale re so rt communityidealfor we eken d getaways,specialeventsandever yd ayliving. Je ffersonLandingis ag orgeous,gateddevelopmentfeaturing luxuriousaccomodations,finediningandaffo rd ablemembershipoptionstoourgolfandsocialclubs. Book yo uradventuret odaytoexplor,e xperienceandenjoya llthat Je ffersonLandinghas to offer.

Nestledinthemountainsof Jefferson,NC, restsanupscale resort communityidealfor weekend getaways,specialeventsandever ydayliving. JeffersonLandingis agorgeous,gateddevelopmentfeaturing luxuriousaccommodations,finediningandaffordablemembershipoptionstoourgolfandsocialclubs. Book youradventuretodaytoexplore,experienceandenjoyallthat JeffersonLandinghastooffer.

or a casual player looking for a fun afternoon in the mountains, the High Country has a course with your name on it.

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

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

Public Courses

MOUNTAIN AIRE GOLF CLUB

Tucked just south of West Jefferson in Ashe County, Mountain Aire is one of the High Country’s hidden gems — and one of its most historic. It is the third oldest course in the region, behind only Linville and Blowing Rock, with roots going back to 1949 when a local farmer built it for the community. A four-lane divided highway, US 421, then US 221, takes you from Boone to West Jefferson. A turn left on a side road before West Jefferson takes you there. It was a true “cow pasture golf course” with greens being small circles of grass mowed a little lower than the fairways. The Adams brothers from Boone — Austin, Sam and Tom — learned to play golf at Mountain Aire. Austin became a great amateur player, Sam a PGA Tour winner and Tom serving as a longtime head golf professional. The three brothers are

major owners of the Boone Golf Club.

When the farmer died, Carl Hagel, a casual golfer who built wooden frames for windows, purchased Mountain Aire in 1971. The course has been in the family ever since. In 1985, Carl’s son Mark expanded the course to 18 holes, using Dennis Lehman, who helped design Jefferson Landing, as his designer. In 1998, some holes were replaced with new ones on different parts of the property, and the course has continued to improve each year. Mountain Aire is now under the supervision of Mark Hagel’s son-in-law, Philip Shepherd.

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

For the longer hitters, Mountain Aire has two drivable par fours. The ninth is 305 yards long from the very elevated regular tees. A great drive will be a birdie, one a little right or short is in a pond, and a little left is in the trees. The 13th is a 275-yard par 4 with a creek 15

yards in front of the green. The course is well-kept, and its greens are relatively small. Thus, accuracy is important here.

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

BOONE GOLF CLUB

Few golf courses in the High Country carry as much history as Boone Golf Club, a dream more than a decade in the making that has grown into one of the region’s most beloved layouts since opening in the summer of 1959. One of Boone’s greatest citizens, Wade Brown, began dreaming of a golf course in 1940. After several false starts — which turned out to be blessings in disguise — Brown persisted in acquiring the Neal Blair farm and surrounding property he needed. His close friend, banker Alfred Adams, made the financing happen.

Ellis Maples, who grew up learning the craft of course design through his father Frank — Donald Ross’s longtime construction superintendent — was chosen to design the course. Maples supervised construction of Ross’s final

course and carried forward Ross’s design principles throughout his career. Boone’s greens show a strong resemblance to Ross’s famed Pinehurst #2.

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

Drivable risk/reward par 4s are a delight to galleries watching PGA Tour events and are fun to play for the rest of us. Boone has three. Its uphill ninth is reachable for the big hitters. It is 333 yards from the back and 299 from the regular tee. The risk is a creek fronting most of the green, deep to the left and out-of-bounds to the right. The 12th is a downhill dogleg left that is reachable with a high tee shot over some white pines. The 15th is a 300-yard carry from both tees — either carry the wide creek in front of the green, or hit one just short and bounce over if the ground is hard.

My most intimidating shots are not with a driver, but with irons. The tee shot on the 192-yard 16th must be right or your ball will be history. A marsh is in

front of the green and deep, really deep, rough and briers are immediately to the right. The swamp is also to the left. My other intimidating shot is the second to the 18th green — usually hit from a downhill, sidehill lie to an elevated, sloped, narrow green that is challenging to putt. A pond on the left catches balls that are the slightest bit offline. This is one of the better finishing holes in the High Country.

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

WILLOW CREEK

For golfers short on time or looking to sharpen a short game, Willow Creek is one of the High Country’s best-kept secrets — a beautifully designed parthree course that has been surprising first-timers since it opened in 1973. Dr. Jim Lyons, a Miami surgeon who lived in Blowing Rock in the summers, purchased the Willow Valley property

off N.C. 105, which had room for a ninehole par three course. By coincidence, Carolinas Golf Hall of Fame architect Tom Jackson was doing renovation work at nearby Hound Ears. Lyons told Jackson he wanted holes that vary in length, water features, some bunkers and a hole or two over 200 yards. Jackson delivered.

The course has some challenging and fun holes. Three holes are longer than 200 yards, and the nine holes average 182 yards from the tips. Several sets of tees make Willow Creek enjoyable for all levels. Five of the nine holes have water hazards. The greens are relatively small, so accuracy is the key to a good round.

Willow Creek’s 221-yard 9th hole from the tips will hold its own on any course in America — the green is guarded by a small pond that winds around to the left side, and out-of-bounds is just 15 yards to the right. The green is only 31 feet

SEE GOLF ON PAGE 104 u

wide. A par on this hole will make your day!

The course is open from mid-April through October with tee times from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Green fees are very reasonable, and the course is not hard to walk. If you want to play 18 holes, just use a different set of tees the second time around to add variety. Call the pro shop at 828-963-6865. Willow Creek is part of the Willow Valley Resort, so overnight lodging is also available. Google “Willow Creek Golf Course in

Linville Resorts and Grandfather Mountain. In 1969, George and his wife Chessie MacRae began developing Sugar as a four-season destination. They selected Francis Duane — senior project manager for Robert Trent Jones Sr. and later a partner in course design with Arnold Palmer — as their architect. The course opened in 1974.

Sugar, like Willow Creek, is perfect for the player who doesn’t have time for a five-hour round. While Willow Creek is a par-three course, Sugar is an executive course with nine par 3s, eight par 4s and one par 5. It measures 4,443 yards from

the toughest birdie on the course. I’ll take a par every time and not look back.”

The culture at Sugar is one of a “downhome feeling.” To set up an enjoyable day of golf with friends, call McAuliffe at 828-898-6464.

MOUNTAIN GLEN GOLF CLUB

Mountain Glen has one of the most unlikely origin stories in High Country golf — born from a devastating 1961 fire that destroyed a third of Newland and sparked community leaders to think creatively about economic recovery. They knew large manufacturing was not an option because of Avery’s rough winters and isolated location. Looking four miles down the road at Linville, they found their answer: build a golf course and develop the surrounding property for second homeowners. They formed the Avery Development Corporation, secured generous support from landowner Todd Lecka, and hired George Cobb — who designed Quail Hollow in Charlotte and the Augusta

National Par Three Course — as architect. The back nine opened in July 1964, the front nine a year later.

Mountain Glen plays 6,523 yards from the back tees and 5,968 from the regular tees. The signature hole is the beautiful, downhill 186-yard 12th, with Hump Mountain visible in the background. The hardest hole is the 411-yard dogleg left 11th — steeply uphill from 200 yards in, with a tee shot that punishes both left and right misses. Mountain Glen’s greens get really fast later in the summer.

For drivable par 4s, the 291-yard sixth tempts with danger — fade it and you’re in a pond, hook it and you might be blocked by a pine or out-of-bounds. The 16th is slightly downhill at 313 yards from the regular tees. And then there’s David Forbes, who holds the amateur course record with a 63 from the tips and has driven every par four at Mountain Glen except the 11th.

Call Mountain Glen at 828-733-5804 to set up a tee time.

LINVILLE LAND HARBOR

Linville Land Harbor is a golf experience unlike any other in the High Country — not because of its pedigree or

length, but because of what its architect managed to build on terrain most people said was unbuildable. The 1,000-acre

residential resort is designed around a 48-acre lake visible from U.S. 221, three miles south of Linville. Land Harbor was created by the Robbins brothers — Grover, Harry and Spencer — who also brought Tweetsie Railroad, Hound Ears, Beech Mountain, the Land of Oz and the Elk River Club to the High Country.

The property’s history includes a remarkable connection: In 1911, Howard Marmon built the car that won the inaugural Indianapolis 500. Marmon, who had a summer home on the property, was good friends with Harvey Firestone, Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, who came for visits and fished in the lake he built — now Land Harbor Lake. Warren Buffett now owns the Marmon Company.

The first nine holes were designed by Tom Jackson in collaboration with local golf hero Ernie Hayes. It measures 2,950 yards and plays to a par 36, with

smallish greens and well-placed hazards. The 463-yard first hole is a great start — downhill with a sharp dogleg left, a creek running down the left side, and a small, undulating green with a very narrow opening. The drivable 273-yard par-4 sixth is dangerous, with houses and out-of-bounds on the right.

The back nine is where the story gets interesting. Only 1,927 yards on just 23 acres of rugged terrain, it was designed by Ernie Hayes after numerous failed attempts by others. Most par 4s are doglegs, several are drivable, but Land Harbor rules forbid going for the green because of safety concerns. The signature hole on the back is No. 17 — a 112-yard par three that plays straight up, roughly 45 feet of elevation. You can’t see the pin. A plaque on the tee names it “Ernie’s Revenge.” Land Harbor has recently opened to the public. Call the pro shop at 828-733-8325.

GRASSY CREEK

The course at Grassy Creek Golf

Beech Mountain Club’s well-manicured course is one example of the exquisite course

& Country Club sits on ground that played a role in American history long before the first tee was ever built.

Located in Spruce Pine in Mitchell County, the course sits along the route of the Overmountain Men, the patriot

force whose surprise victory at Kings Mountain in 1780 helped turn the tide of the Revolutionary War. On September 28, 1780, those patriots camped at what is now the Grassy Creek site.

Mitchell County is the gem and mineral capital of North Carolina, with at least 247 different gemstones and minerals discovered in the county’s mines. Some of the quartz produced here is so pure it is used to make computer chips. The waste byproduct of that process — a brilliant white sand — caught the eye of Clifford Roberts, cofounder of Augusta National, who had a seasonal home at Grandfather Golf & Country Club in Avery County and knew that Linville Golf Club was already using it. Roberts ordered enough Spruce Pine sand to fill 13 boxcars, and it has lined Augusta National’s bunkers ever since.

In the mid-1950s, civic-minded businessmen secured a 99-year lease on the Grassy Creek site and built a nine-hole course. In the early 1960s they hired New England architect John Van Kleek — who in the early 1930s designed Bobby Jones’s namesake course in Atlanta — to build a second nine.

The 18-hole course is only 6,277 yards from the back tees, but it defends itself well. Small poa annua greens punish missed approaches, and holes like the uphill, sidehill 385-yard fourth demand real precision. The course is located on NC 226 between Spruce Pine and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Call the pro shop at 828-765-7436.

Semi-Private Clubs

JEFFERSON LANDING

Jefferson Landing offers something rare in High Country golf: championshiplevel design in a pastoral Ashe County setting, available to guests who stay overnight at the club’s lodge or member residences. The course was routed by noted Banner Elk architect and land planner Dennis Lehmann and designed by PGA Hall of Famer Larry Nelson. It opened in 1991 and was renovated in 2019. At 7,110 yards, it is the second-

longest course in the High Country behind Diamond Creek’s 7,175 yards.

The most intimidating tee shot is on the 376-yard eleventh hole, where a river crosses the fairway at a sharp angle. Lay up right for a short iron in, or gamble left into a narrow landing area — a hooked or pulled drive ends up in the river. It’s a classic risk/reward hole.

The 227-yard 17th, from an elevated tee with views of the clubhouse and Mt. Jefferson, is Jefferson Landing’s signature hole in my book. Jefferson Landing also features an excellent practice range, putting green and a unique four-hole short course practice area.

Call Jefferson Landing’s pro shop at 336-982-7767 to set up tee times.

BEECH MOUNTAIN CLUB

Perched on the backside of Beech Mountain at around 4,500 feet in elevation, Beech Mountain Club offers panoramic views that stretch into Tennessee and Virginia — a fitting reward for what is also one of the High Country’s most interesting survival stories. The course is another of the Robbins brothers’ contributions to the region. Architect Willard Byrd designed the course, with his land planner Dennis Lehmann helping shape the resort. The front nine opened in 1969, the back nine two years later.

After the bankruptcy of Carolina Caribbean in early 1975, the club’s properties were sold. The Beech Mountain golf course was purchased by its POA, which had to convince a bankruptcy trustee it was the best ownership option, finance the purchase, and get the North Carolina General Assembly to formally incorporate Beech Mountain as a town. Today, the Beech Mountain Club has close to 1,300 members and is a healthy operation. The course plays 6,225 yards from the back tees and 5,743 from the regular tees. Standout holes include the 394yard eighth, with beautiful views of mountain ridges in three states, and the dramatic 10th, where the tee shot drops

sharply in elevation from a ridge next to the clubhouse. Beech Mountain is open to members, their guests, and those staying in lodging on the mountain that offers golf privileges.

Private Clubs

The High Country’s private courses represent some of the finest golf in the American Southeast — courses that reward the well-connected visitor who lands a member invitation. All seven private courses are highly ranked among North Carolina’s top 100. Grandfather Golf & Country Club is ranked second in the state by the North Carolina Golf Panel, behind only the historic Pinehurst #2. The Elk River Club is also ranked in the Top 10. Private courses are for their members and guests, but sometimes the clubs donate their courses for charitable fundraisers — sign up to play in those tournaments. Your entry fee goes to a good cause and you get to play a great course you might not otherwise access. Golf in the High Country began in 1895 with Linville Golf Club’s predecessor course, called Tanglewood. Tanglewood was nine holes to begin with, each hole having a name, not a number. The course was later expanded to 14 holes. In 1926, Linville opened its Donald Ross-designed present course, and eight

years later Tanglewood was abandoned.

The Linville Golf Club, combined with its Eseeola Lodge originally built in 1892, has a rich history in North Carolina golf circles. Linville’s third hole, a 472-yard par four that crosses a creek twice, is considered one of the finest par 4 holes in the country. In the winter of 2023-24, some renovations were done on select holes. Early reports about the changes are very positive. The golf course and the lodge are now both private and open only to members and their sponsored guests.

Blowing Rock Country Club is the oldest existing course in the High Country, beginning as the nine-hole Green Park-Norwood Golf Course in 1916. The course has gone through several variations over the years, most significantly when the Blowing Rock Development Company contracted with noted architect Seth Raynor to design an 18-hole course. Raynor died before its completion and his assistant Charles Banks put the finishing touches on the course. In 1973, the club formally purchased the course and later hired Tom Jackson to design four new holes. Restoration architect Kris Spence was later hired to bring the course back as

closely as possible to Raynor’s original design in time for its 100th anniversary. Blowing Rock today reflects Raynor’s design and defends itself very well against low scores despite not being long by today’s standards. An unusual feature is its five par 3s.

The Hound Ears Club was the first of four local golf courses built by the Robbins brothers. They chose a site in the rural Shulls Mill area, five miles south of Boone, and hired George Cobb to design their course. Hall of Fame golf instructor Bob Toski was the club’s first professional. The course is just over 6,000 yards, fun for men and women, young and old. The beautiful 110-yard, 70-feet-straight-down 15th is Hound Ears’ signature hole. The 18th is a 414yard last-minute dogleg with a creek along the right side that runs in front of and to the left of the green. Director of Golf Peter Rucker’s favorite hole is the 500-yard par-5 12th — a large pond

along the left side comes into play for both first and second shots. Rucker has double-eagled it twice.

Linville Ridge has some of the most beautiful views of any golf course in America, sitting atop Flat Top Mountain with 360-degree views. Linville Ridge’s par-5 13th hole is the highest elevation hole in Eastern America. The course was designed by George Cobb — his last design. Bobby Weed, who designed Michael Jordan’s personal private course in Florida, made excellent renovations in recent years. Linville Ridge is lovingly owned by the Lutgert family from Naples, Florida.

Grandfather Golf and Country Club was “the course that couldn’t be built,” carved out of a valley floor covered in rocks, springs, streams and jungle-like rhododendron thickets. The course was designed by Ellis Maples and is consistently ranked second best in the state. Unique to area golf courses, Grandfather has a 35-acre lake that plays a major role on its finishing hole.

Grandfather added a second 18 holes in 1978, an executive course called Mountain Springs, whose 7th hole features a tee, a green, and a huge boulder field in between — there is no hole like it in the state.

Diamond Creek is the High Country’s newest golf course, opening in 2003, and also the longest at 7,175 yards. It is the only High Country course designed by Tom Fazio, considered one of the finest golf course architects in the history of the game. Founded by John McNeely and the late Wayne Huizenga — former owner of the Miami Dolphins, Blockbuster Video, Waste Management and AutoNation — Diamond Creek is as much an experience as it is a golf course. Caddies are required and extremely well-trained. Among the standout holes: the 450-plus-yard par-4 ninth and the 175-yard downhill par-three 17th, with a 100-foot waterfall as a backdrop. Diamond Creek is an unforgettable experience.

The Elk River Club was the Robbins

brothers’ last golf development, and it remains one of the most celebrated courses in the region. It is the first Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in North Carolina and one of the very few golf courses in the state with its own private airport. The course opened in 1984. Nicklaus said in his dedication remarks that the water features, rolling hills and flat areas pretty much designed the course themselves.

Back-to-back hurricanes Frances and Ivan in September 2004 turned Elk River into the Amazon River, resulting in major damage that closed the course until the following September. The club used that time to renovate the entire course with Nicklaus’ help and make it even better. Spencer Robbins, reflecting on Elk River’s legacy, said the goal was “to create a development that would have a positive impact on the area without destroying the natural environment.” The club’s members have been very generous benefactors to Avery County and its people.

Getting around the High Country

A guide to public transit

BY MOSS BRENNAN

Whether you’re a first-time visitor looking to ditch the parking hassle or a longtime local discovering a new way to get around, the High Country’s public transit systems offer convenient, affordable — and sometimes free — ways to move through the mountains.

Typically, affordable, or even free, public transit ensures that people from various socioeconomic backgrounds can travel without transportation being a barrier to mobility. From the elderly and lowincome individuals to students, public transportation can be vital in completing daily tasks.

In Watauga County, AppalCART, short for Appalachian Regional Comprehensive Transit, is the primary provider of public transportation, serving Boone and the county.

With in-town bus services, the community can enjoy fare-free rides to locations along the fixed routes. For those who want to access the bus service but live or are staying outside the town limits, making AppalCART’s Rural services part of the commute will help keep you connected to Boone. AppalCART also provides Paratransit Services for individuals with disabilities. The buses also have bike racks, making it convenient for passengers to combine cycling with public transit for their commutes.

AppalCART also has North Carolina’s

first double-decker public transit bus, bringing added capacity and a bold new look to Boone’s transit system, according to AppalCART officials. The new vehicle, an Alexander Dennis Enviro500, was officially introduced in July 2025.

The 42.5-foot, 13.5-foot-tall bus seats 88 passengers, more than double the 32 seats on a standard 40-foot bus, and can accommodate more than 100

riders when including those standing.

In Ashe County, the Ashe County Transit System serves the community by offering both fixed-route van services and demand-response transportation. The fixed routes run on weekdays and connect key areas like West Jefferson and Jefferson, serving destinations such as schools, medical facilities, and shopping areas. Demand-response transportation requires passengers to schedule their trips in advance by calling the Ashe County Transit System.

Avery County Transportation, also known as ACT, has been serving the community since 1981. It offers demandresponse transit services both within the county and to nearby areas. ACT requires passengers to schedule their rides in advance by contacting the transportation office. This service helps residents access essential destinations such as medical appointments, shopping centers, and other important services.

Experience the Outdoors visiting area greenways and parks

BY TIERNEY DRAKE

One of the most intriguing aspects of the High Country is its diverse range of wildlife.

With high-elevation forests, scenic mountain views and flowing waterfalls, North Carolina’s greenways and hiking trails are one of the most popular tourist attractions. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker seeking a challenging climb or a casual visitor looking for a peaceful stroll, the High Country has something to offer for everyone.

Green Knob Trail, in Blowing Rock, is a 2.3-mile hike in Price Park. Beginning at Sims Pond Overlook, the trail follows through woods, valleys and meadows, over Sims Creek, complete with a steady incline to the top of Green Knob. Visitors then descend a steep hill with a view of Calloway Peak in the distance. The varied terrain makes this trail perfect for tourists who wish to see an assortment of landscapes in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Otter Falls Trail, located in Seven Devils, is a fairly strenuous hike adorned with picturesque waterfalls. Starting at Skyland Drive, it descends about 230 ft to Otter Falls on Valley Creek, completing a trip of roughly 1.2 miles. The trail is separated into four colored routes, consisting of two loops and two dead end trails. Trails are marked with blue, yellow, orange or red markers on wooden posts.

Boone’s Greenway Trail features a variety of open meadows and dense forests throughout a 4.75-mile trail. Due

to its mostly flat terrain, Greenway Trail is an ideal place for leisurely walks and bike rides in the summer. The route passes by a historic dam site and has benches for resting, as well as picnic facilities.

Tate-Evans Park, located in downtown Banner Elk on Highway 194, includes the Tate-Evans Park with a Greenway walking trail, playgrounds, picnic tables and an amphitheater for the summer live music series.

The park is a striking symbol of the dedication of the town of Banner Elk to providing its residents with the best in public services, including recreation. Rather than serving any single purpose, Tate-Evans Town Park is designed to be used for a number of purposes and events, and the residents of Banner Elk put it to good use. Whether for daily exercise, family functions or community congregations, Tate-Evans Town Park serves as a central gathering place for the tightly knit Banner Elk community.

While Tate-Evans Park provides a setting for a variety of familiar, familyoriented outdoor activities, including a walking trail, wading pools, volleyball court, outdoor grills, picnic tables, picnic shelter, two playground areas, the park also serves as a venue for a variety of exciting scheduled events sponsored by the town, local organizations and businesses.

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

A variety of other festivities are also

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

The Greenway adjacent to the park has about 1.1 miles of paved trails – including a loop inside the park. In addition to a trail for walking your dog, there is a fenced dog park. Walks can be extended through Lees-McRae College campus or down Shawneehaw Avenue (Highway 184) to the footbridge by the Mill Pond.

Hurricane Helene, which struck the High Country in September 2024, damaged portions of the Banner Elk area, including portions of the park, so it is advisable to contact the Town Hall to inquire about the park’s condition prior to planning a visit. The park continues to remain

open, as projects continue to not only return the park to its original beauty, but to also enhance the park with additional infrastructure to ensure its continued significance as an oasis of beauty and pride to the town.

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

Immerse yourself in the High Country’s outdoor scene, whether you’re interested in challenging hiking trails or enjoying a relaxing picnic with family. No matter the reason, embracing the alpine summer is an experience you won’t want to miss. It is one that will leave you with a better understanding and greater appreciation for Appalachian culture and heritage, and ultimately give you a reason to return.

www.perrysgoldmine.com

Peak High Country Adventures

From Mile-High swings to America’s Favorite Drive

BY JAMIE SHELL

When summer settles into the Blue Ridge Mountains of northwestern North Carolina, the High Country does not slow down — it comes alive.

From the ancient peaks of Avery County to the river valleys of Ashe and the college town energy of Watauga, the region offers something for every kind of traveler between June and September. Here is a look at just a few of the more

memorable ways to spend a summer in the High Country.

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN

Standing at nearly 6,000 feet and recognized by the United Nations as a Biosphere Reserve of global importance, Grandfather Mountain is the crown jewel of the High Country. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. during summer months, the park offers the iconic Mile High Swinging Bridge, wildlife habitats featuring black bears, river otters, cougars, bald eagles, and elk, and a full calendar of summer programs and field

Railroad is a blast from the past that takes visitors back to the days of stagecoaches,

courses. On August 1, the mountain hosts a special Sunrise at the Swinging Bridge event (tickets go on sale June 2 at 10 a.m.), and August 8 is designated

Junior Naturalist Day. The park’s Adult Field Course Series runs through the

summer, with topics ranging from foraging to astronomy; individual courses are priced at $35–$40 per adult. Standard admission is $25–$35 for adults and $13 for children ages 3–12. Children under 4 are free. Tickets and reservations are available at grandfather.com or by calling (828) 733-4337.

For four days each July, the grassy meadows below Grandfather Mountain transform into a celebration of Scottish heritage unlike anything else in the American South. The 70th annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games take place July 9–12, 2026, at MacRae Meadows in Linville, featuring bagpipe parades, Highland athletic competition, Celtic music, traditional dance, and the gathering of Scottish clans. Funds raised by the Games help establish scholarships for Avery County High School students. Ticket prices vary by day and package; visit gmhg.org for details. Contact: (828) 733-1333 or admin@gmhg.org.

HORN IN THE WEST

Horn in the West is the nation’s oldest Revolutionary War outdoor drama and one of Boone’s most beloved summer traditions. Presented at the Daniel Boone Amphitheater, performances run Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with gates opening at 7 p.m. The drama brings to life the story of frontiersman Daniel Boone and the Appalachian settlers who fought for freedom during the War for Independence — a fitting tribute as the nation marks its 250th anniversary in 2026. Arriving early allows guests to explore the adjacent Hickory Ridge History Museum and its collection of 18th-century log cabins. For tickets and information, call (828) 264-2120 or visit horninthewest.com.

TWEETSIE RAILROAD

North Carolina’s oldest theme park remains one of the most familyfriendly destinations in the High Country. Tweetsie Railroad offers the

signature Wild West Train Adventure aboard a historic steam locomotive, live entertainment, amusement rides, a petting zoo, and gem mining. During peak summer season, the park operates five days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Daily admission is $65 for adults (ages 13 and up) and $45 for children ages 3–12; children 2 and under are always free. Parking is free. Tweetsie’s July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza is a summer highlight not to be missed. For the full 2026 schedule and tickets, visit tweetsie.com or call (877) 893-3874.

HAWKSNEST ADVENTURES

Perched high atop the Town of Seven Devils just off Highway 105 between Boone and Banner Elk, Hawksnest Adventures offers some of the most exhilarating aerial views in the Southeast. With 20 ziplines stretching

over four miles — including four megazips topping 1,500 feet — riders reach heights above 200 feet and speeds up to 50 mph while soaring above treetops, creeks, and mountain panoramas. Open year-round, Hawksnest is ideal for summer adventurers ages 5 and up (weight limits apply). Tour options and pricing are available at hawksnestzipline.com. Contact: (828) 963-6561 or info@hawksnesttubing. com. Address: 2058 Skyland Dr., Seven Devils, NC 28604.

APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Located at an altitude of 3,333 feet in Boone, Appalachian State University is a thriving educational and cultural hub in the High Country. The campus hosts a wide range of cultural events, including concerts, plays, and art exhibitions,

as well as sporting events that draw enthusiastic crowds. The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, located on campus, is a premier art museum in the region, showcasing contemporary art from regional and national artists.

BLOWING ROCK

The town of Blowing Rock is known for its vibrant downtown area filled with unique shops, art galleries, and eateries. The famous Blowing Rock itself is a natural wonder where visitors can experience the unusual phenomenon of strong winds that seem to blow upwards. The scenic Glen Burney Trail, which leads to a series of waterfalls, is a popular hiking spot, and the nearby Moses H. Cone Memorial Park offers opportunities for strolls amidst beautiful meadows and historic buildings.

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

Dubbed “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic highway that winds through the High Country, offering unparalleled vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The parkway is a gateway to countless outdoor adventures, including hiking, biking, and camping, as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing and picnicking. The fall season along the parkway is particularly spectacular, drawing visitors from all over the country to witness the vibrant display of colors.

Whether you’re watching fireflies from a swinging bridge at sunrise, listening to bagpipes echo through a mountain meadow, or soaring above the tree canopy on a zipline, the High Country has a way of making summer feel as big as the mountains themselves. Plan ahead, buy tickets early for popular events and let the Blue Ridge work its magic.

Art altitude Exploring the High Country’s thriving gallery scene

BY MOSS BRENNAN

The High Country arts scene has a lot to offer.

No summer visit is complete without a stroll through the area’s many galleries, where local painters, sculptors, and photographers showcase work inspired by the landscape right outside the door.

WILKES ART GALLERY

913 C St., North Wilkesboro (336) 667-2841 Wilkesartgallery.org

Founded in 1962 in the parlor of Annie Winkler’s home, the Wilkes Art Gallery has experienced many transformations over the years. The most dramatic of these was the 2004 move into the renovated 1925 North Wilkesboro Post Office building.

“WAG” is a non-profit arts organization that believes art enriches the community and the lives of Wilkes’ residents. WAG offers a variety of classes, workshops, meetthe-artist events, and special outreach projects. WAG hosts exhibitions that offer community members a chance to show their work, and admission is always free. The mission of the Wilkes Art Gallery is to make the diversity, creativity, and critical thinking found in the visual arts more accessible to the greater Wilkes County community by providing opportunities to experience the visual arts in a dynamic, meaningful and personal way and helping to enrich the lives of the participants through experiences that are both educational and therapeutic. It is open Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is closed on Sunday and Monday.

WATAUGA ARTS COUNCIL

377 Shadowline Dr, Boone (828) 264-1789 www.watauga-arts.org

The Watauga Arts Council (WAC) fosters

a thriving, diverse, vibrant, creative community through arts advocacy, education, support, and inspiration. Serving professional and emerging artists, WAC facilitates and provides a structure for arts initiatives that enrich the lives of artists, residents, and visitors alike. Offering art classes for all ages, grant funding to artists and arts organizations, gallery exhibits, community groups, and special projects and events, their work enriches the lives of residents and visitors alike. WAC is open Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed FridaySunday.

TURCHIN CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS

423 W King St., Boone (828) 262-3017 tcva.appstate.edu

The Turchin Center is a dynamic, living, breathing presence in the App State community. The center has been nationally recognized by organizations such as The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, which has supported the center through exhibition grants and through a gift of artworks by the foundation. Building upon its early successes, the center is poised to move forward in making a difference for many years to come within the campus and community through the visual arts. The center presents a challenging and exciting yearround schedule of exhibitions, offering a diverse look at the visual arts and inviting visitors to expand their perspectives through creative and critical thinking. It is open Tuesday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 12 to 8 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed on Sunday and Monday.

TOE RIVER ARTS

269 Oak Avenue, Spruce Pine (828) 765-0520 toeriverarts.org

Toe River Arts, first organized as the Toe

PHOTO COURTESY WAC

“The Art of Jazz: A Painted Response” will be hosted by the Watauga Arts Council through June 30, 2026.

River Arts Council in 1976, was founded to promote and encourage the existing cultural and educational organizations of Mitchell and Yancey Counties, North Carolina. The arts council’s strong focus on arts education preceded the arts in the regular school curriculum. Over the course of 38 years, Toe River Arts has continued to work with Mitchell, Yancey, and Avery County school systems to provide access to arts experiences. The Toe River Arts Gift Shop and Gallery is open TuesdaySaturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

THE POTTERY LOT

5014 NC Hwy 105 S, Vilas (828) 967-0133 www.thepotterylot.com/

The Pottery Lot is a community pottery studio and gallery dedicated to bringing people together through a shared love of clay. Located in the heart of the High Country, The Pottery Lot offers a yearround space for potters of all levels to create, learn, and connect. In addition to its workshops and classes, the studio features a curated retail gallery showcasing the work of many local potters. It is open Monday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday and Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m. To 4 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

STUDIO

140 AT SORRENTO’S

140 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk (828) 898-5214 www.facebook.com/

studio140

Located inside the dining rooms of Sorrento’s, Chef’s Table and Barra restaurants in the heart of Banner Elk, Studio 140 showcases the artwork of painter Kent Paulette. Enjoy the paintings while dining, or feel free to walk inside and view the paintings even if you are not eating there. All paintings are for sale, and staff members are happy to answer questions about the artwork. Paulette, a local artist, is known for bold brushstrokes and bright colors. He works in a studio with a view of the mountains, which provides inspiration. He also conducts live painting demonstrations around town. Find him on the patio at Sorrento’s on Saturday evenings when the weather is nice. When Paulette paints along with live music, it becomes a multisensory experience.

SALLY NOONEY GALLERY

7137 Hwy 194 South Banner Elk (828) 963-7347 www.sallynooney.com

Sally Nooney grew up in the South Carolina low country; where fishing, hunting, and walks in the wild were almost daily activities. Living just minutes from Charleston, she was a frequent visitor to the city, which gave her a love

of history, antiquities, and architecture as well. Sally has painted throughout her life, but decided to seriously pursue her creative talents when she and her husband, Frank, moved to the beautiful North Carolina mountains in 1987. She began placing more emphasis on her fine art paintings in 1996, opening her own gallery and school in 2001. Her attraction to the beauty and form of glass led her to take a class in kiln-formed, fused glass, and by 2012, she had happily added the medium to her creative talents.

RT MORGAN GALLERY

120 N. Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson (336) 246-3328 rtmorganartgallery.com

R. T. Morgan was born in Rome, Georgia in 1960. He majored in art marketing and production at St. Andrews Presbyterian College, Laurinburg, NC and at Appalachian State University, Boone, NC. He apprenticed under a professional sculptor and has maintained a full-time professional artist studio in the Appalachian Mountains since 1986. He creates art in both two and three dimensions. Having worked mainly in stone into the late 1990s, R.T. began working in steel and stainless steel as well as returning to his childhood passion of painting. As a self-taught stained glass artist since 1986, Camille Morgan discovered a world of talent within herself. Making simple sun catchers in her early years, she has now created original door panels, window panels, and even three-dimensional stained glass wall hangings. She finds that she is constantly challenging herself with many new and complex artworks. Her desire is to create more original works has led to the idea that leaded/copper foil glass shouldn’t be just something to hang in a window. Her diversified wall hangings have become a delight for the serious art collector.

NTH DEGREE GALLERY

683 W King St, Boone (828) 919-6919 or (828) 719-9493 tinyurl.com/ysp2uwnd

The Nthº Gallery & Studios is a not-forprofit, member and donation supported art venue in Boone, N.C., which features monthly exhibitions of local and regional contemporary and emerging artists. The gallery’s season spans the entire year with

shows taking place on the first Friday of every month. The space also features six studio rooms and seven (mostly) active artists who use the space to create their own work and also contribute to the operation of the Gallery. Approximately three shows a year are member shows. Shows are held on the First Friday of every month (except for January), in conjunction with the Downtown Boone First Friday Art Crawl. The Nth also holds regular weekly meetings -- open to the public -- from 8-9pm every Monday evening.

MARTIN HOUSE GALLERY

1098 Main St., Blowing Rock (336) 508-2828 www. martinhousegallery.com/

The Martin House Gallery’s mission is to provide a platform for artists to share their unique visions and connect with art lovers and collectors alike. It strives to create an environment where art lovers can come to discover new artists and find their next favorite piece.

Whether you are a seasoned collector or simply looking for a beautiful piece for your home, we have something for everyone. The Gallery’s knowledgeable staff is always on hand to answer any questions and assist you in finding the perfect piece for your collection.

MAGGIE BLACK POTTERY

112-1 Clubhouse Drive, Banner Elk (828) 773-2459 maggieblackpottery. com/index.html

Maggie Black began making pots when she was just six, aided and abetted by an artist sister. She took several life detours before she returned to that early fascination with clay. Her first career, as a geologist, took her to the archipelago of Southern Chile and then to mapping bedrock in the Appalachian mountains of New Jersey. Then she turned to more people-oriented work, with jobs as an Ayurvedic massage therapist at Deepak Chopra’s spa in Massachusetts and cooking for Michael Jackson and his guests at Neverland Ranch in California. Maggie lives in the woods of Foscoe, NC with her husband, wood-worker Bucky Black, and their two sons. Maggie’s pottery has gained an enthusiastic audience at galleries state-wide and at juried craft and music festivals. For the

last ten years she has also been teaching in the same program where she developed her skills at the ASU Craft Enrichment program. It is open Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

JONES HOUSE MAZIE JONES GALLERY

604 W King St., Boone (828) 268-6280 www.joneshouse.org

The Mazie Jones Gallery in the heart of the historic Jones House is named for Mazie Jones Levenson, who grew up in the home and was instrumental in preserving the home as a cultural and community center in Boone. The gallery features monthly rotating exhibits, displaying work from talented local artists, photographers, craftspeople, and historians. During the monthly First Friday Art Crawl, the Jones House will host an art reception celebrating the month’s artist with food and refreshments for all. The gallery is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

HANDS GALLERY

543 W King St., Boone 828-262-1970 @handsboonenc

Hands Cooperative Gallery is owned and operated by a core group of local artists. The gallery features a wide selection of one-of-a-kind handmade artwork, including jewelry, pottery, basketry, woodwork, handmade paper journals, paintings, stained glass, and fiber arts. Along with the member’s work, you can find work by 30 consignment artists. The gallery, which has operated for more than 50 years, is open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. except on Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is also open for First Friday Art Crawls.

FLORENCE THOMAS ART SCHOOL AND GALLERY

10 S. Jefferson Ave., West Jefferson (336) 846-3827 www.florenceartschool. org

Florence Thomas Art School’s mission is to provide resources for instruction, exhibition and experience in the fine arts and heritage crafts for Ashe County and the region. FTAS strives to cultivate a thriving, intergenerational arts community where creativity, connection, and lifelong engagement with the arts are accessible to all in Ashe County

and beyond. It offers a wide variety of art workshops, exhibitions, outreach programs, and community events designed to inspire artists of all ages and skill levels. It is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed on Sundays.

DOE

RIDGE POTTERY

125 Graybeal Ave. West Jefferson (828) 264-1127 www.doeridgepottery. com

Doe Ridge Pottery started in the home of Bob Meier in 1978. In the 1980s, Bob moved his business to King Street in Boone, sharing a parking lot with Daniel Boone Inn. Bob’s work is well known in the High Country and can often be found in local homes, churches and businesses. Mountain scenes, pine trees, and natureinspired artwork adorn this functional stoneware, including dinnerware, mugs, vases, baking dishes, lamps, and more. In 2001 Nathan Fields, known to all as Nate, started an apprenticeship with Meier while pursuing a degree in Recreation Management at Appalachian State University. Nate had experimented with clay in high school in Wisconsin and then Florida, but his love for the art form grew exponentially during his time at Doe Ridge with Bob. Nathan and Ashley Fields, who have called Ashe County home for the past 21 years, purchased Doe Ridge and moved it to Ashe County. It is open from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday, and noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.

CROWN GALLERY

1153 Main St., Blowing Rock (828) 818-0008 crowngalleryusa.com

Crown Gallery features exceptional paintings from nationally recognized and emerging artists. Discover works that inspire in an inviting and elegant setting. The gallery has been designed with a relaxed atmosphere to comfortably view the ever-changing collection.

CROSSNORE FINE ARTS GALLERY

205 Johnson Ln., Crossnore (828) 733-3144 www.crossnore.org

Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery represents regional painters, sculptors, and fine craft persons who want to take part in benefiting the children of Crossnore Communities for Children. The gallery

specifically supports Crossnore’s Youth Independent Living program, which transitions students from foster care to successful independent living, and the Avery campus Student Work Program. The gallery is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CARLTON GALLERY

10360 Hwy 105 South, Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828) 963-4288 www.carltongallery.com

Carlton Gallery is one of the most established fine art galleries in Western North Carolina. The gallery exhibits Paintings, Glass, Wood, Clay, Sculpture, Wearable Fiber, and Jewelry from many local and regional artisans. Painting Workshops, Receptions, and Art Dashes are held during the Spring through Autumn. Carlton Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, or by appointment. Winter hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., beginning on Jan. 1 through April 30, 2026.

BOLICK AND TRADITIONS POTTERY

1155 Main St., Blowing Rock (828) 295-6128 www. bolickandtraditionspottery.com

Established in 1992 after training and inspiration from Janet’s parents (Glenn & Lula Owens Bolick), Traditions Pottery produces a wide range of tableware, drinkware, sculpted face jugs, and seasonal items. All wares are made with clay dug right from the ground and then processed through an old brick mill. All glazes are self-developed and food-safe. Call or email us with any questions. It is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m.

BLOWING ROCK

FRAMEWORKS & GALLERY

7539 Valley Blvd., Blowing Rock (828) 295-0041 www. blowingrockgalleries.com

Since its founding in 1994, Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery, LTD. has become a premier destination for fine art and regional landscapes in the Southeast. Starting with established local artists, the gallery has grown into a core of internationally recognized talents, featuring over twenty-five of

the most accomplished artists in the region. A stroll through our gallery is as pleasing to the first-time visitor as it is to our seasoned collectors. They provide fine art for individual and corporate collectors. Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery also proudly represents a select number of local artists who specialize in local landscape and wildlife art. It is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

BLOWING ROCK ART & HISTORY MUSEUM

159 Ginny Stevens Lane, Blowing Rock (828) 295-9099 www. blowingrockmuseum.org

BRAHM is a hub of artistry and creativity in the heart of the High Country. The Museum is rooted in the creative cultures of Appalachia and seeks to cultivate a community that extends beyond its walls and region, positioning Western North Carolina as a leader in the arts through educational programs, exhibitions, activities and permanent collections. Visitors can visit the gallery’s website and follow @brmuseum on social media to view various videos, artist interviews, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, art lessons geared toward youth and more. For more information, visit www.blowingrockmuseum.org. The Blowing Rock Art & History Museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and till 7 p.m. on Thursdays. The Museum is open on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., May through October. It is closed on Mondays.

BE ARTISTS GALLERY

185 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk (828) 898-6767 www.beartistsgallery. com

The BE Artists Gallery is a cooperative art gallery operating in the Cultural Arts Center at the Historic Banner Elk School in downtown Banner Elk. Members offer their fine arts and crafts for sale, and work together to operate the gallery. It also represents the work of local consignment artists. The BE Artists Gallery and Historic Banner Elk School is one of the newest stops on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails, a major initiative of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. The gallery is by appointment only from January to mid-April.

ASHE COUNTY ARTS COUNCIl

303 School Ave., West Jefferson (336) 846-2787 www.ashecountyarts. org

The Arts Council offers leadership, collaboration & growth through the arts. The ACAC operates two facilities in Ashe County. A historic WPA building, the Ashe Arts Center, in downtown West Jefferson, houses the offices for the Arts Council, The Gallery, & Gallery Shop. The Ashe Civic Center, a 282-seat theatre space, also serves as the home of the Ashe County Little Theatre. These two facilities offer numerous options for arts programming. In addition to offering year-round art experiences in these spaces, Ashe County Arts Council offers programming at other sites such as the public school systems, the Ashe Park, the West Jefferson Farmers Market, and other community spaces. It is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

THE ART CELLAR

920 Shawneehaw Lane, Banner Elk (828) 898-5175 www.artcellaronline.com

Established in 1993 in the Western North Carolina Mountain community of Banner Elk, The Art Cellar Gallery has continued to offer the artwork of the area’s most beloved artists, reaching throughout the Southeast and nationally to present an exciting variety of works in a broad range of styles and mediums. From primitive to realistic, impressionistic to abstract, the gallery features fine-quality artwork by both established and emerging artists, unlike anywhere else in the Southeast. The Art Cellar Gallery provides its clients with a relaxed and comfortable exhibition space in which to select art that becomes treasured additions to their collections, large or small. The House Frame Shop offers museumquality conservation framing services, consultations, and other

specialty custom framing services. It is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment.

ANVIL

ARTS SCULPTURE GARDEN AND GALLERY

9600 Linville Falls Hwy, Newland (828) 765-6226 www.studiosculpture. com

Anvil Arts Studio Sculpture is a unique arts destination featuring the works of Founder Bill Brown as well as a rotating group of regional sculptors working in various styles and mediums. Visitors and collectors can experience a wide range of outdoor sculpture, as well as sculpture and art for interiors, displayed across the grounds, sculpture garden, and indoor gallery space. Visitors can view and purchase 3-D works in metal, glass, clay, stone, as well as 2-D paintings and drawings. Walk-ins at the Linville Falls location are welcome, as are private appointments. It is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from March through October and Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November through February.

Step back in time at Beech Mountain’s award-winning history museum

BY SHWETA MISHRA

Tucked along Beech Mountain Parkway, a small museum has been preserving and sharing the local history of the highest incorporated town east of the Rockies.

The Beech Mountain Historical Society, a volunteer-run nonprofit, operates its museum as both a historical archive and a gathering place.

Open seasonally from mid-June through mid-October and during select winter holidays, the museum has gained national attention, earning a spot among USA Today’s 10 Best Small-Town Museums in 2025 and placing again in 2026. Exhibits trace centuries of life in this steep, rugged mountain destination 5,506 feet above sea level — from early Cherokee presence, the boom of logging and narrow-gauge railroads, the ambitious mid-century development of the Carolina Caribbean Corporation, the rise of Ski Beech and more.

Local Connor Jarrett said he favored the exhibit dedicated to the Land of Oz theme park, which is located a quarter of a mile away. Jarrett is a stage performer and professional Elvis impersonator, kin to the legendary Appalachian storyteller Ray Hicks, whom the museum commemorates, so theatrical history is deeply personal, he said.

“That part means a lot to me personally. I went to the park on field trips as a kid, and later I worked there

for three years and played the flying monkey, Nikko, so that’s something I actually got to experience firsthand,” he said. “The museum has old costumes from when the park opened and old photos. They also have a miniature landscape of the park, which I think is really cool.”

Museum admission and Historical Society membership are free and open, aligning with its aim of making history accessible. Recently, they featured Bob Plott, who presented his latest work, “Southern Appalachian Folkways: Preserving Traditional Arts and Crafts,” a January 2026 release that documents the region’s living cultural traditions through profiles of colorful local artisans.

Plott, an award-winning North Carolina historian and recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, has built a career chronicling Appalachian life. His work blends oral history, firsthand encounters and meticulous documentation of craftspeople, musicians and storytellers across the Blue Ridge. His latest book is part personal narrative delving into the author’s own struggles with sickness and exposé of his interesting friendships. The intimacy of his fieldwork belies its anthropological attention to detail.

One chapter is devoted to artisan Willard Watson of Deep Gap, with whom Plott connected in 1986. His description of arriving at Watson’s property is cinematic in its detail. A peeling yellow sign reads “WOODWORKS WITHIN” and dogs come “bounding and barking” before settling back down.

Then comes Plott’s portrait of the subject of his chapter. “Although he was

chickens and “dancing limber jacks.” They also exchange stories of travel and hardship.

“‘Been to Statesville 19 times,’” Watson says in the transcript, recalling hospital visits with “Old Hen,” his wife. “‘I thought we was gonna lose her, but she pulled through… Folks come here from all around… I had one here last week from the country of Germany!’”

Plott says he received permission from the Watsons to tape their conversations for transcription and didn’t edit or refine the words. For him, these exchanges are the essence of Appalachian folkways. His work isn’t about capturing or curating objects, but about building relationships and preserving language and lived memory in their authentic forms.

From restoring cemeteries to marking old railroad routes along Upper Pond Creek Trail, the Historical Society mirrors

Plott’s embedded, living approach to preserving history. Those trail markers, installed along remnants of a 1920s narrow-gauge logging railroad built by the Whiting Lumber Company, are not just a spectacle.

Over the years, the historical society has organized many community events: museum opening parties, seasonal celebrations, creative outreach efforts like painted “traveling rocks” hidden around town. Even Halloween trickor-treating has become a touchpoint, with the museum serving as a stop for families. Jarrett noted some contextual nuances that locals are sensitive to.

“One thing I will say is that a lot of the photos and stories in the museum come from what we call ‘old Beech,’ where I’m from, about 30 minutes away from the main tourist area. Sometimes the way it’s presented can make it seem like those stories happened up on Beech Mountain itself, when they’re really rooted in the surrounding rural community.”

He continued, “Even with someone like Ray Hicks, it can come across as if he was from the resort side, when he was actually from the Beech countryside. I just think it’s important that distinction is understood, because the history of the countryside and the people from old Beech are a big part of what makes this

area what it is.”

The museum is located at 503 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ BeechMountainHistoricalSociety or email beechhistory@yahoo.com.

Step back

in time at the Museum of Ashe County History

BY JESSE CAMPBELL

While Ashe County was previously known as the Lost Province due to its remote, rugged, and inaccessible locale, history isn’t lost to time at the Museum of Ashe County History in Jefferson.

History buffs and casual purveyors of mountain lore can learn more about Ashe County’s iconic bluffs and hollers at the 1904 museum that once served as the county’s courthouse, which offered as much entertainment as justice on court day, as the benches and balcony provided more juicy gossip and theatrics than the golden age of the silver screen.

Today, the museum presents accolades and facts from the archives through rotating exhibits that bring the county’s bygone era to life. Staff and volunteers curate esoteric relics through clannish donations that elucidate and portray mountain life’s often misunderstood facets, including moonshining, the Virginia Creeper Railroad that streamlined the denudation of mountain timber, war memorabilia, and other arcane episodes of Ashe County’s hardscrabbled evolution.

Restored to its historic incarnation, solely relying on the original available building materials in bringing the aged courthouse back to life, the museum is the clearinghouse for all things Ashe County, a steadfast ambassador of fact over crude mountain stereotypes.

Although folklore, interspersed with superstitious vignettes, also supports

the museum’s displays, the vetted exhibits and impromptu tours by the museum’s dedicated staff preserve Ashe County’s illustrious past.

Appalachian culture diehards can take a piece of the mountains home from the museum’s gift shop without pilfering the priceless artifacts that exemplify Ashe County’s humble beginnings.

While ‘big city’ metros stifle childlike exploration with strict tour guidelines and patronizing handholding, the museum’s open floor plan allows guests to stroll through the restored building as the original hardwood floors creak beneath them, cryptically beckoning them to step back in time to Ashe County’s former glory.

History also comes to life at the museum through other dimensions, as a gavel-swinging judge and bickering lawyers can sporadically be heard from the other side, giving credence to the museum’s haunted reputation. A paranormal team also investigated the former courthouse’s ghostly aura, capturing blood-curdling audio snippets that directly link the exhibits to the county’s earlier eras.

Despite its paranormal streak, the Museum of Ashe County History is a welcome family-themed digression from draining screen time and modern trappings, while engendering a simpler time without misrepresenting the innate hardships of mountain living.

The museum also hosts several engaging community events to connect visitors to the mountains’ humble and persevering beginnings. On June 6, the museum will host the

Ashe County 250th Celebration, featuring kid-friendly activities and information booths highlighting local and national history. Visitors can learn more about life in Revolutionaryera Appalachia and the various trades and crafts of the era. A special pop-up exhibit about the Battle of Kings Mountain, courtesy of the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, will also be available for viewing, according to ashehistory.org.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Click to ashehistory.org for more information.

A light in the mountains

BRAHM’s 15-year journey turning Appalachian Heritage into a living, breathing art scene

BY LORELEI ROBERTS

The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum has become a cultural destination representing Appalachian heritage in the High Country.

‘We’re working on an audience engagement program where we’re learning more about our audience, we’re thinking more about our audience, and this is part of a long-term effort that we have to become a fully accredited museum,” Executive Director Stephen Dragisic said. Elliott Daingerfield was an accomplished artist from Virginia in the late 1800’s. He moved to Blowing Rock in 1889, where he built his first home and studio, Edgewood Cottage, which sits in front of the museum. In this cottage, he plunged himself into his art, giving lectures and studio classes after his wife passed.

Daingerfield would bring students to his Blowing Rock home to teach them about Plein Air art, capturing landscapes in the moment rather than in a studio. He continued returning to Blowing Rock in the summer until his passing in 1932. “They would ride like in a carriage up from Lenoir to paint out in the area, plein air and art has been in Blowing Rock for well all over a hundred years,” Education Center Director Jennifer Garonzik said.

Lamont Hudson, a collector of Daingerfield’s work, attended a Daingerfield Celebration in Blowing

Rock in 1995, where he said: “It’s too bad Blowing Rock doesn’t have an art museum, because, if they did, I would donate my Daingerfield collections.”

One of the founders, Ginny Stevens, heard this and started collaborating and planning the construction of BRAHM.

Since then, BRAHM has become a free admission museum, adding more programs centered around community engagement and having rotating exhibits so guests will never see the same thing twice. This year’s headline exhibitions include:

• Horizon Line: 250 Years of American Landscapes – through Aug. 30

• Silver and Smoke: Photos by George Masa and Ansel Adams – through Oct. 4

• Barbara Grenell: Mountain Tapestries – through Oct. 11

• Field Studies: A group exhibition –through Jan. 9

• Honoring Nature: Early Southern Appalachian Landscape Painting – Oct. 3 through April 2027

The exhibition with the most anticipation, Silver and Smoke, brings together photographs by George Masa and Ansel Adams, as their photographs share values and beauty.

“It pairs the lesser-known photographer George Masa with the renowned photographer Ansel Adams and sees the dialogue of their work,” Marketing and Communications Director Asher Davidson said. “I think a lot of photographers end up thinking if I’m stagnant in one area, there’s not a lot

that I can continue to capture, when in fact if you’re in one place, you can continue to find beauty and stories in it.”

An ongoing installation, Horizon Line: 250 Years of American Landscapes, occupies more than 30 vertical feet of the central wall in the Cannon Gallery. The installation maps the evolution of American landscape painting.

“These are ways that we’re showcasing the community here, or we’re bringing high-quality experiences to the community here in the museum,” Program and Outreach Director Willar Watson said.

Barbara Grenell: Mountain Tapestries displays tapestries illustrating landscapes of Western North Carolina, reflecting the mountainous terrain surrounding Grenell’s studio.

The exhibition Springtide: BRAHM’s Permanent Collection in Bloom is the museum’s permanent collection that reflects the slow unfolding of spring in the High Country.

Later this year, Honoring Nature: Early Southern Appalachian Landscape Painting will bring together work from artists who have traveled throughout Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee, capturing the landscapes as they saw them.

“This is a show that, in part, was at the Asheville Art Museum and we’re embellishing the show with additional

works from artists who were coming from the Midwest post-World War II to paint these views,” Dragisic said. “I think it will remind folks that this area is special and this show will help do that for us.”

BRAHM has an annual attendance of 24,000, making it a staple on Main Street and a community leader known for its involvement and engagement.

“No matter what someone comes to the museum for, we hope it’s going to be done at such a high level that you can appreciate it, you may have a keen interest in the history of the music of the high country, but through an exhibition here, you’ll get a greater appreciation for it,” Dragisic said. “We are a light in the high country for people to come and experience and explore.”

For more information on BRAHM, located at 159 Ginny Stevens Lane in Blowing Rock, and its hours of operation, visit www.blowingrockmuseum.org/.

At Edgewood Cottage, through Sept. 7, the Blowing Rock Historical Society hosts the Artists in Residence program each summer.

The weekly free events offer community members the opportunity to meet High Country artists and view their work all summer long. Visit www. artistsatedgewood.org/a for the full artist schedule and for more information.

A photography primer to Western North Carolina

BY SHWETA MISHRA

The mountains of Western North Carolina, especially the High Country, offer an unusual density of photographic opportunity.

Within a few miles, you can spot both sweeping Blue Ridge panoramas and rich microworlds of flora and fauna — moss, fungi, amphibians, birds.

Miniaturist marvels – macro naturalist photography

In this climate and ecoregion — the temperate rainforest of the Southern Crystalline Ridges and Mountains — the forest floor is as compelling as the skyline. Southern Appalachia is widely considered the salamander capital of the world, with more than 50 species inhabiting cool, damp niches, including lungless salamanders tucked beneath logs, in seepages and along streams, or the “scarlet-spotted newt,” known more accurately as the red eft, the juvenile terrestrial stage of the Eastern Newt. Snapping one of these creatures at close range — its tiny, articulated toes gripping a leaf — turns a casual hike into a study of evolutionary detail.

Macro photography extends to the spectacle of mosses, with roughly 450 species worldwide, some dating back 450 million years. You’ll find a universe of texture in endless shades of green — chartreuse, emerald, jade, mint, olive, lime. Mossbeds cushion rocks and fallen logs and even form literal

furniture — a sofa abandoned in the woods upholstered in lush bryophytes. More than 1,200 species of lichens, a sensory smorgasbord, cling to bark and stone, signaling clean air and ecological stability. For mycophile photographers, scientists speculate this region is home to 20,000 species of fungi, with 200 edible. They emerge in eye-catching waves after summer rains, from smooth, plump red boletes to delicate clusters of honey mushrooms, golden chanterelles, and fan-shaped, cream-colored pheasantbacks with feathery brown patterning.

WINGS AND MOTION: BIRDING AND WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY

For those drawn to movement, the High Country delivers. High-elevation forests are rife with wings — warblers, thrushes, hawks and owls among them. Areas like Grandfather Mountain and Roan Mountain have documented hundreds of species, making them prime ground for bird photography. Butterflies add a seasonal rhythm. Monarchs pass through during their fall migration, peaking from mid-September to early October, nectaring on lavender asters and plumes of goldenrod, with caterpillars eating milkweed along craggy slopes, especially near overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The big picture: panoramas, landscapes and evocative scenes

Iconic imagery here also lies in the distant supine bodies of the land, swelling and falling in a blue haze. A

handful of locations consistently offer strong composition:

• Linn Cove Viaduct – sweeping curvature framed by rugged terrain

• Rough Ridge – boardwalks and rock outcrops for strong foregrounds

• Linville Gorge – deep, dramatic wilderness with iconic overlooks

• Grassy Ridge Bald – open, panoramic summits

• Price Lake – reflections and soft morning light

• Wildcat Lake – a nostalgic mountain lake vibe with white sand beaches

• The Mill Pond – a mix of history (home to the bright red Cheese House), foliage and tranquil waters full of aquatic birds.

Some of the most compelling images are subtler, scenes where the human and natural histories of the mountains overlap: a collapsing barn in fog, a weathered fence line by a Christmas tree farm, an abandoned brick granary tower overtaken by vines, with a feral cat perched on top.

SEASONS OF THE LENS

Spring and Summer – Lush, saturated

and alive. Wildflowers bloom, fungi proliferate and trails become laboratories for macro photography.

Fall – The High Country’s signature color-season from late September through mid-October, when the mountains seem ablaze despite the chill.

Winter – Minimalist and structural, with stark contrasts and long views.

LIGHTING AND TIMING

Macro photography is a patient discipline, rewarding manual focus, small apertures and soft, diffused light. The most dynamic images often emerge in the golden hour and a half before sunset, when low-angle light cuts through clouds and terrain, and foreground elements anchor the composition. Early and late light brings stillness and warmth to the frame, with the potential for fiery, kaleidoscopic sunsets and sunrises.

VOICES BEHIND THE CAMERA

Professional photographers of the area, such as Sallie J. Woodring of Banner Elk, Skip Sickler of Newland, Jerry Greer of Roan Mountain, and Joseph Nitti of Banner Elk, have long expertly

documented the region’s seasonal beauty. But in the High Country, photography isn’t an exclusive club. Anyone who sits on this soil on any old misty day, surrounded by a bed of star moss, watching a creek babble by, rivulets streaming down a collapsing woodshed’s rusty metal patina, droplets studding elderberry and river birch branches, turns into an artist, naturalist, or conservationist. As Mike Woods, a cashier at a Newland gas station, puts it, people here learn to “get out and look at the animals,” and “if they want to shoot something, shoot it with a camera because it’ll last a lot longer.”

Woods reflects that his own mindset changed over time from hunting out of habit to valuing “the relationships you form with animals… more important than the skin.” He points to larger ecological lessons as well. Photography for him becomes a way of noticing what’s missing as much as what remains: He warns that in Appalachia, that balance has often been lost, with native plants pushed aside by development or replaced with ornamentals, leaving gaps in the ecosystem that are easy to overlook unless you’re paying attention. David Carpenter, also known as Shadrack, isn’t a professional photographer either. He’s a plumber in Linville, but he describes roadside pull-offs, overlooks

and backroads vantage points with the fluency of someone who has spent years looking. “There’s one place right under Grandfather, a pull-off a lot of people take a lot of good pictures from… You got the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Linn Cove Viaduct, Wiseman’s View and Brown Mountain, where you can see plum into Charlotte on a clear winter day…” He says that the summit of Hawksbill provides a 360-degree view of Linville Gorge and Pisgah National Park.

PHOTOGRAPHING RESPONSIBLY AND SAFELY

Off-trail exploration requires sensitivity to avoid damaging fragile habitats, trampling rare plants, disturbing wildlife or accelerating erosion. In some cases, misuse has led to closure. A once-popular stretch of Old Yonahlossee Road, known for its cliffside views, was shut down after vandalism and littering — spray paint, broken glass and debris scattered among sensitive plant communities such as galax, painted trillium and doghobble. Avery County commissioners discussed its closure in May 2025. Spring and summer photography also often coincides with peak wildlife activity, especially in crepuscular hours. Snakes may be active along trails and rocky areas, requiring

vigilance, and owls present a more unusual hazard. During nesting season from February through May, species such as the Great Horned and Barred Owls may aggressively defend their young, sometimes striking at the head or hair in low light. Simple precautions like wearing a hat can reduce risk. These birds are federally protected and

ecologically vital, controlling rodent populations and limiting disease spread, so all a photographer can do is take precautions.

As Mike Woods and David Carpenter would tell you, you don’t need a professional lens or a trail map to find something worth photographing here. You just need to get out and look.

Cozy Ideas for rainy Appalachian days

BY SHWETA MISHRA

When the rain evokes some hardto-place sense of pensiveness, look no further than the Appalachian “temperate cloud forest” to luxuriate through the emptychecklist hours.

Deluges in the High Country enfold a constellation of small towns — Newland, Banner Elk, Crossnore, Pineola, Boone and beyond — that offer magical refuge via cafés, galleries, libraries, museums and intimate

Doodl Scott Doodl Scott'

Two-Time Winner: Best Children ’ s Store in Watauga County

community spaces.

In Banner Elk, Mountain Grounds Coffee & Tea Co. promises steaming mugs, locally sourced pastries, and a charming, aromatic ambiance for the rainy-day flaneur. For art lovers, It’s All About the Art Gallery hosts themed community gatherings amid the saturated colors and textures of local art, while nearby wineries like Banner Elk Winery invite sipping within view of mist-covered vines.

Breweries such as Boone’s Appalachian Mountain Brewery fill with trivia teams and live music, while

theaters like Regal Boone Cinema offer celluloid pleasure in a velvety dark room amid the percussion of droplets on the roof. Nearby, King Street’s antique shops

TOYS, GAMES,PUZZLES & MORE FEATURING OUR FAMOUS NAPKINS AND CARDS

and cafés — like Hatchet Coffee and Higher Grounds Coffee — are popular destinations for students, travelers and locals who understand that a rainy day

is an excuse to slow down.

In Pineola, you can nestle at the Pineola Inn and Taproom, where wet afternoons blur into colorful evenings filled with live local music, trivia, billiards, beverages and conversation.

A short drive to Newland, the social heartbeat shifts to the interior of the tavern at Waightstill’s Restaurant, with candlelight reflecting off cut-crystal displays while rain envelopes Cranberry Street like a hazy childhood memory. Mondays at 6 pm and 7 pm, the tavern hosts “Trivia Bang Bang,” presented by Welter Entertainment, which you can enjoy with a meal from the restaurant — either wild-crafted arrangements prepared by chef Kenny Blalock or hearty Southern staples. Nearby eateries like Kaye’s Kitchen offer a view of the quirky town ducks splashing on the banks of the Toe River.

Rainy days aren’t complete without bookworms. In linguistics, the SapirWhorf hypothesis, or principle of linguistic relativity, suggests that the richness of our lived experience corresponds directly to the richness of our language. If you’re a linguaphile intent on savoring “petrichor,” the distinctive scent of rain meeting dry earth, then take your umbrella on a short, vernal stroll next door to the Avery County Public Library. There you can find words spilling as prodigiously as spring clouds. Enjoy free wifi within the sanctum or take flights of fancy with good, tangible, non-pixelated reading material.

In Banner Elk, the stone façade of the historic schoolhouse hides one of pluviophile bookworms’ most delightful secrets: The Book Exchange, a volunteer-run space where you can “bring a book, take a book,” is part library and part community living room, where visitors might stumble into a writers’ group or a children’s literacy program in an idyllic and homey setting.

In neighboring Boone, the Watauga County Public Library’s programming transforms a civic space into a dynamic hub, with rotating offerings including

story times for toddlers, STEM sessions led by students, writing groups, embroidery classes, and Dungeons & Dragons meetups. Summer Mondays bring matinee films; Saturdays might mean coding clubs or gardening forums.

Also in Boone, the Children’s Playhouse builds community by engaging children from birth to age 8 in educational play while offering friendly support to parents and caregivers.

Founded in 2002 by a group of local community members, the Children’s Playhouse serves as an informal “town square” for the High Country, a unique place where out-of-towners and locals, experienced parents and eager firsttimers, and people of all classes are brought together to share the joy of playful learning with their children. Stimulating arts and science-based programs, enticing play areas and exhibits, and informative parenting resources all support this mission.

It is located at 400 Tracy Circle in Boone and is open most days of the week.

Crossnore offers its own understated indoor riches. The historic campus of the Crossnore Communities for Children houses artisan traditions like living weaving museums and hosts seasonal art experiences that connect visitors to the region’s heritage.

For growing families, spaces such as the Rock Gym in Newland and the Blue Ridge Partnership for Children, which operates in Avery, Yancey, and Mitchel Counties, offer respite from cramped quarters. BRPC offers a safe indoor environment for children ages zero to five to exercise their creativity and practice their fine motor skills. As literacy specialist Claire Jiang explains, “We recently opened a playroom in our Newland office. Parents can bring their kids to play here for free during our office hours. There are lots of toys and

books here… It’s a great place to hang out on rainy days!”

“Play and Learn” programming sessions also specifically “give caregivers knowledge about child development and a support network, while the children take part in activities,” said coordinator Sabrina Ehlenberg. Activities include sensory sandboxes with lavender-scented rice, fortbuilding, storytelling, themed stations and educational content such as sleep strategies.

For those seeking something kinetic for grown-ups, Boone offers unexpected indoor energy, too. At Center 45 Climbing, climbers can trade muddy trails for vertical walls, while creative spirits can gravitate toward Boone Blown Glass Studio, where molten glass becomes art in a glowing, furnacewarmed studio. Nearby, Mystery Hill

bends perception with its gravitational anomalies and optical illusions, and the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts offers a quieter, contemplative counterpoint with rotating exhibitions.

The Museum of North Carolina Minerals in Spruce Pine has hands-on exhibits for budding geologists. Visitors can trace mountain formation and 3,000 years of regional mining history in vivid, interactive detail. Set at historic Gillespie Gap, where the Overmountain Men crossed en route to Kings Mountain, the site blends geology with Revolution-era grit. This is a kid-friendly and tactile trip, with a gift shop full of pyrite, quartz, amethyst and polished agate slices, plus tiny carved stone animals and other novelties, to spark kids’ curiosity.

Gem Mountain Gem Mine in Spruce Pine & Burnsville offers family-friendly flume mining with real finds in a weather-safe setup. (You can mine in the rain but must pause if there’s lightning.) On-site experts

identify, facet and polish stones into finished jewelry, with cuts ranging from brilliant and emerald to pear, marquise and antique styles for gems such as garnet, topaz, amethyst, citrine and more.

The Museum of Ashe County in Jefferson, housed in a 1904 courthouse, stitches together immersive displays of Appalachian life through artifacts, photos and living-history events. The centerpiece is a 30-foot “Virginia Creeper” diorama with painstakingly detailed towns built over 6,000 volunteer hours. Deep dives include a Veterans Hall of Honor and Native American artifacts featuring projectile points, pottery and tools.

And for those who prefer dancing in the rain and chasing the rainforest’s myriad rainbows (fog bows, double bows, supernumeraries), then shops like Mast General Store and Footsloggers see a steady stream of visitors picking up rain gear to swap business-hopping for hiking trails.

And that’s just a glimpse!

Sip your way through the High Country

BY MOSS BRENNAN

Few things pair better with a mountain summer than a cold craft beer or a glass of locally grown wine.

The High Country is home to a thriving scene of breweries and wineries, each with its own personality — cozy ski lodge vibes, downtown taprooms, hilltop vineyard views, and everything in between. Pull up a seat, order something local, and let the afternoon take care of itself.

From Boone to Banner Elk to West Jefferson, here’s your guide to the breweries and wineries worth a stop.

WINE

BANNER ELK WINERY

https://www.bannerelkwinery.com/

135 Deer Run Ln, Banner Elk

Banner Elk Winery opened in 2006 and, according to its website, is the most acclaimed winery in the High Country, having won numerous international and local awards. You can purchase their wine by the bottle on their website or visit in person for a luxury tasting experience. It is also the first commercial winery built in Avery and Watauga counties.

EAGLES NEST WINERY

eaglesnestwinery.net/

1965 Old Beech Mountain Road, Elk Park

Eagles Nest Winery is a great place to enjoy world-class wine beside an outdoor fireplace while enjoying stunning views of the Blue Ridge

Mountains. Eagles Nest offers annual memberships and day passes, which provide access to wine tastings, chefprepared meals and live music.

GRANDFATHER VINEYARD AND WINERY

grandfathervineyard.com/

225 Vineyard Ln, Banner Elk

Owned and operated by the Tatum family, Grandfather Vineyard and Winery sits on 10+ acres, five of which are the vineyards where French-American hybrid grapes grow. Since its inception in 2011, the business has worked with growers from coast to coast to bring its patrons a wide selection of wines.

LINVILLE FALLS WINERY

www.linvillefallswinery.com/

9557 Linville Falls Hwy, Newland

Located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Newland, Linville Falls Winery opened for business in 2012. Vineyards planted on the property years before provide a nice supply for the wines made at the property. Linville Falls Winery features around 20 different types of wine and has a calendar full of special events throughout the year, including live music, artisan markets and food trucks.

MILL CAMP WINES AND CIDERS

www.millcampboone.com/ 1584 Tom Jackson Rd, Boone

As one of the newest drinking spots in the High Country, Mill Camp Wines and Ciders opened in 2025. Inspired by the region’s heritage and by the beauty and simplicity of the friendly mountain

the

including

community, the family planted a vineyard and orchard and began crafting wines and ciders that capture the spirit of the Appalachians.

OLD BARN WINERY AND VINEYARDS

oldbarnwinery.com/

2152 Beaver Creek School Rd, West Jefferson

At Old Barn Winery and Vineyards, grapevines grow alongside Christmas trees. The land these vines grow on has been passed down for four generations. Old Barn Winery offers a wide variety of red, white, and rosé wines. Experience

downtown West Jefferson via the Old Barn Winery trolley at no cost. The trolley makes stops at Ashe County Cheese and Old Barn Winery.

THISTLE MEADOW WINERY

www.thistlemeadowwinery.com

102 Thistle Meadow, Laurel Springs

As one of the oldest operating wineries in the area, Thistle Meadow Winery offers around 20 different wines to sample, as well as a full event calendar featuring live music, food trucks and their own wine festival that happens in the fall each year.

BEER

APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN BREWING CO.

www.amb.beer/

163 Boone Creek Drive, Boone

Appalachian Mountain Brewing Co. was founded in 2011 by cousins Nathan Kelischek and Chris Zieber. AMB is one of the first breweries in Boone and quickly garnered a name for itself. They are known for their award-winning beers, ciders, and delicious wood-fired pizzas. You can find their canned beers and ciders in many stores and restaurants in the area. They also have a location in Mills River, North Carolina.

BEECH MOUNTAIN BREWING COMPANY

www.beechmountainbrewingco.com/

1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain

Beech Mountain Brewing Company is located in the village of Beech Mountain Resort and is open to the general public. It has a cozy ski resort atmosphere with a large fireplace and is a social hub perfect for winding down after a day on the mountain. Recently, they introduced the Red Baron Room, a 1914 speakeasystyle bar serving cocktails.

BLOWING ROCK BREWING CO.

www.blowingrockbrewing.com/

152 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock Brewing Co. opened in historic Blowing Rock in 2013. Today, their brews are sold in retailers and restaurants statewide. They have won gold, silver, and bronze awards for excellence in the Carolina Championships of Beer Awards.

BOONDOCKS BREWING

www.boondocksbeer.com/

Founded in 2012 in downtown West Jefferson, Boondocks Brewing was the first licensed craft beer brewery in Ashe County. Starting off as a restaurant

with its brewing equipment in the same building, Boondocks has since grown to two locations with the restaurant and beer garden just up the street from the Boondocks Brew Haus, which serves as the home to the beer making and an event venue with a music stage and rooftop bar.

BOONESHINE

www.booneshine.beer/

465 Industrial Park Dr., Boone

Booneshine is a restaurant and beer garden in Boone. Since 2015, the business has been brewing its iconic beers and ciders. Partnering with local businesses and farmers, it provides fresh and quality-tasting experiences.

GOOFY FOOT TAPROOM AND BREWERY

goofyfoottaproom.com/

523 West King Street, Boone

One of the newest spots in the High Country, Goofy Foot Taproom and Brewery is located in downtown Boone and combines a taproom with a smallbatch brewery. It typically features their own beers along with other local and regional breweries.

KETTELL BEERWORKS

kettellbeerworks.com/

567 Main St E, Banner Elk

Kettell Beerworks was founded in 2010 and was recently bought by Joe and Susan Royall. This family-owned brewery prides itself on being one of the only breweries in Avery County and offers a wide array of beer, pizza, pretzels, and a game room. Combining a familyowned brewery with the community that surrounds it to create an atmosphere where everyone who steps through the door and sips the beer feels like they are a part of the Kettell Beerworks family.

LOST PROVINCE

www.lostprovince.com

130 North Depot Street, Boone

Lost Province Brewing Company has a brewpub in downtown Boone as well as a taproom at Hardin Creek just off

of U.S. 421 in East Boone, which serves as the primary production facility for the business. They also have a taproom at Coyote Kitchen — a popular allergy-friendly restaurant in Boone. Lost Province was at the forefront of expanding the beer scene in the Boone area.

MOLLEY CHOMPER CIDERY

www.molleychomper.com/. 165 Piney Creek Rd, Lansing

While it is a bit off the beaten path in Lansing, a visit to Molley Chomper Cidery is well worth the drive for a little something different. Their ciders are infused with many different fruit flavors.

NEW RIVER BREWING

newriverbrewing.beer/ 833 US Highway 221 Business West Jefferson

NRB has two locations in West Jefferson. Their restaurant features a full beer and food menu, while their tasting room, located roughly a mile away, is a place to hang out and enjoy a beer and a smaller food menu, or bring your own food to snack on.

PARALLEL BREWING CO.

www.parallelbeer.com/ 114 Clement St Boone

Located within walking distance of App State’s campus, Parallel Brewing Company is one of the newer breweries in Boone. They brew a variety of unique IPAs to meet anyone’s preferences. You can visit their recently opened tasting room to try out their continually rotating lineup of beers.

SOUTH END BREWING CO.

southendbrewing.com/ 747 W King St., Boone

Another of the newer breweries in Boone is South End Brewing Co. The flagship South End brewery opened in Greensboro in 2019, and in 2023, South End Brewing Co. was brought to Boone, where it all began. South End Brewing Co.’s journey began when Aram Kevorkian took a brew class at

Appalachian State University and he shared his passion for brewing with his family. The two locations are home to craft beer, a liquor bar and a full restaurant.

Porch swings to fresh preserves, area general stores

welcome summer visitors

BY JAMIE SHELL

When the mountain air cools and the roads fill with out-ofstate visitors and license plates each summer, the High Country’s general stores become something more than just places to shop.

They become intentional destinations — unhurried spots where rocking chairs on front porches are commonplace and a cold drink from a glass-door cooler and a conversation with the owner are just as much on the menu as anything on the shelves.

Long before interstate highways and big-box retailers reshaped our regional and national identity, general stores were the lifeblood of rural communities. In the mountains of Avery, Watauga and Ashe counties, that tradition endures — and summer may be the best time to experience it. Seasonal produce lines the shelves, outdoor events draw neighbors and newcomers alike and the kind of unhurried hospitality that is increasingly rare in modern life remains firmly in place.

The following is a selection of stores throughout the region that embody that spirit.

MAST GENERAL STORE

Original Store: 3565 Hwy. 194, Valle Crucis | www.mastgeneralstore.com

Fred’s Backside Deli, behind Fred’s General Mercantile on Beech Mountain, is a popular gathering place for good conversation and great food.

Annex: 2981 Broadstone Road, Banner Elk (Valle Crucis) | (828) 963-6511

Boone: 630 West King St. | (828) 2620000

No conversation about general stores in the High Country is complete without Mast General Store, whose original Valle Crucis location traces its roots to the 1850s, when it operated as the Taylor & Moore General Store. W.W. Mast purchased a half-interest in the store in 1897 and eventually acquired the whole operation in 1913, lending the store his name and beginning a legacy that now stretches across nine locations from Asheville to Knoxville.

The Valle Crucis store and its nearby annex remain the sentimental heart of the brand. Summer brings a steady flow of visitors drawn as much by the atmosphere as the merchandise — hiking boots and camp gear share floor space

with locally made jams, candy bins and cast-iron cookware. The antique tractor stationed outside the original store, believed to be a 1949 Ferguson that once worked High Country hay fields, has become a landmark and a favorite photo spot for visitors.

FRED’S GENERAL MERCANTILE

501 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain | (828) 387-4838

Fred’s General Mercantile, owned by local legend Fred Pfohl, has served the mountaintop community of Beech Mountain since 1979, and its reputation is summed up neatly in the store’s own tagline: “If they don’t have it, you don’t need it.” The store functions as a onestop resource for residents and visitors — part grocery, part hardware store, part clothing outfitter and full-service deli.

In summer, Fred’s takes on particular

importance as a hub for visitors to Beech Mountain’s extensive network of trails and outdoor attractions. The store is a go-to source for trip-planning information, last-minute gear and a meal from Fred’s Backside Deli, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Fresh and seasonal produce rounds out the grocery offerings, and the staff remains well-versed in what is happening on the mountain at any given time.

OLD ORCHARD CREEK GENERAL STORE

9350 N.C. 194, Lansing | (336) 384-9350 | www.oldorchardcreek.com

One of Ashe County’s newer entries in the general store tradition, Old Orchard Creek General Store in downtown

Lansing offers a full-service espresso bar, herbal tea, pastries, wine, cider and beer, alongside goods and wares from local artisans, books, textiles and live music most weekends. The store is an outgrowth of the Old Orchard Creek Farm operation, which includes blueberry picking, cottage rentals and seasonal events — making it a natural summer destination for families and visitors exploring the upper reaches of Ashe County.

The store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m., making it an ideal morning stop before a day on the area’s scenic back roads or the nearby New River.

TODD MERCANTILE

3899 Todd Railroad Grade Road, Todd | (336) 877-5401 | www.toddmercantile. com

The community of Todd — straddling the Watauga-Ashe county line along the New River — draws cyclists, paddlers and hikers throughout the summer months, and the Todd Mercantile sits squarely at the center of it all. Under new ownership since June 2023, the mercantile continues a country bakery tradition while building on its reputation as a gathering place for locals and a discovery for visitors.

The store is known for its baked goods — including cinnamon rolls with maple cream frosting and sourdough bread — as well as handcrafted gifts from local and American artists, and once-a-month old-time community dances with live music. Hours are Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the store is closed Tuesdays.

PHIPPS GENERAL STORE

2425 Silas Creek Road, Lansing | (336) 384-2382

For those venturing into the small community of Lansing in Ashe County, Phipps General Store remains a must-

stop destination — particularly on Friday evenings, when the store transforms into a living room for the region’s old-time and bluegrass music tradition. Musicians from across the High Country gather weekly for jam sessions that welcome listeners of all ages.

Beyond the music, Phipps offers locally crafted goods including jewelry, pottery and handbags, along with food and beverages available during session nights.

VINTAGE FARMHOUSE

GENERAL STORE

424 E. Second St., West Jefferson | (336) 846-4777

In downtown West Jefferson, Vintage

Farmhouse General Store offers a full-service coffee shop and bakery alongside women’s and children’s clothing, home décor and jewelry. The store is open Monday through Saturday and features a variety of specialty items that reflect the creative spirit of the Ashe County arts community. A dedicated section in the store’s basement — lightheartedly billed as a “man cave” — ensures the whole family finds something worth browsing.

RED BARN FARM SUPPLY & GENERAL STORE

6024 S. U.S. 19E Hwy., Newland | (828) 387-7564

Opened in fall 2024 in the Spear community of Avery County, the Red Barn Farm Supply & General Store

has quickly established itself as a neighborhood resource for both practical and seasonal needs. The store carries fence mending tools, deer hunting supplies, livestock feed and home décor — but summer also brings fresh local mums and other seasonal goods to the shelves, alongside drinks, snacks and baked goods.

The Red Barn also maintains vendor space for community members looking to sell personal goods. Store hours are noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, with half-days on Saturdays.

Whatever draws you to the High Country this summer — the trails, the rivers, the cool mountain air — leave a little room in the itinerary for a front porch stop. The rocking chairs are waiting.

70 years in the mountains

Grandfather Mountain Highland Games returns to MacRae Meadows

BY MOSS BRENNAN

High in the Mountains of Western North Carolina the ancient Celtic spirit beckons.

Answering the call, as hundreds of tartan banners unfurl, are the sounds of bagpipes echoing through the valley, and once again, thousands of kilt-clad Scots make their way to MacRae Meadows for their annual gathering and games.

The long and storied tradition that is the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games returns to MacRae Meadows on Thursday, July 9, continuing through Sunday, July 12.

This marks the 70th year for the beloved and historic celebration of Scottish ancestry and heritage, with the popular festival once again bringing a “wee bit o’ Scotland” to the High Country of North Carolina. Throughout the weekend of events, guests can

take in the awe-inspiring spectacle of traditional Scottish athletic competitions, which includes Scottish heavy athletics, track and field competitions, Highland wrestling and more. In 2025, the two track and field athletes secured the Outstanding Men’s Athlete and Outstanding Women’s Athlete honors. Nick Goard from Aberdeen, N.C., and Veronica Cheechov from West End, N.C., earned the respective titles.

Eric Frasure placed first in four of the seven men’s heavy athletic events and tied in two others during the 2025 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, thereby claiming the top spot overall for the competition.

Kendra Danzer finished first in four of the seven women’s heavy athletic events during the 2025 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, thereby claiming the top spot overall for the competition.

Buy your own gated community!

Additionally, guests can enjoy signature Scottish cuisine, cultural enrichments, traditional and contemporary Scottish music, dancing competitions, the Parade of Tartans and the ever-popular sheep dog herding demonstration. The Highland Games offer a unique experience for the whole family that guests will enjoy regardless of their lineage.

Grandfather Mountain offers a distinct backdrop to these games that is not so different from the original Braemar Gathering that inspired the founders of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games decades ago.

According to Grandfather Mountain Highland Games President Steve Quillin, the seeds of the event were planted in 1954, when Donald MacDonald— then working as a newspaper feature writer in Charlotte—decided to take a vacation to Scotland. While there, he

attended the Braemar Highland Games, an event steeped in tradition and royal attendance. What struck him most was the strong clan presence.

Inspired by what he saw, MacDonald returned home with the program from Braemar and wrote about the event in a series of articles. One of those articles caught the eye of Agnes MacRae Morton, a Linville resident who had long dreamed of hosting a clan gathering on her family’s land.

But it wasn’t just vision that made the Games happen—it was hustle. In 1955, MacDonald saw a notice that the Black Watch Pipe Band was touring the U.S. and scheduled to perform in New York. He contacted them and successfully booked them for a performance at the old Charlotte Coliseum, which seated 10,000. The total cost? $4,400. At the time, MacDonald had about 44 cents to his name.

Undeterred, he hit the streets of Charlotte—wearing a kilt—and sold

tickets himself. He sold out the show, and the profit from that concert became the seed money for the inaugural Games in 1956.

The founders selected August 19 for the first Games intentionally. The date marked the anniversary of Prince Charles

Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) raising his standard at Glenfinnan in 1745, launching the Jacobite Rising. They also chose a Sunday so as not to interfere with local farm work.

To learn more about admission to the 2025 Grandfather Mountain Highland

Games, including parking and shuttle bus information, call 828-733-1333 or visit www.gmhg.org. For lodging and travel information, contact the N.C. High Country Host Regional Visitor Center at 800-4387500 or visit www.highcountryhost.com.

Local Parks a great way to have fun in the sun

BY MOSS BRENNAN

Whether you and your family are avid hikers or not, there are opportunities to explore and enjoy the wildlife and nature of the High Country.

The newest park in Watauga is Rivers Park, which is the future anchor of the Northern Peaks State Trail. The trail begins at the Daniel Boone Monument and is accessed from the sidewalk off Moretz Drive. The park features just under a mile of new trail funded by the Recreational Trails Program and constructed by Nature Trails LLC, providing an easier route to view “Baby,” one of North Carolina’s largest sugar maples. The Town of Boone’s Public Works Department constructed the parking area, and the existing garage is being renovated into an accessible restroom, supported by the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund’s Accessible Parks Grant.

Clawson-Burnley Park is located at the Boone Greenway and is accessible from the greenway parking lot. It features two large pavilions covering multiple tables and numerous smaller shelters covering single picnic tables. There is a gazebo next to the Clawson-Burney wetlands, a great spot to look for deer and other wildlife. Along the wetlands is a short gravel walking trail with educational signage.

Sitting atop Horn in the West Drive, Daniel Boone Park is a hotspot for cultural and community activities. It is home to the stunning Daniel Boone Gardens, which contains more than 200 varieties of native North Carolina trees, shrubs and wildflowers. Strawberry

Hill overlook is a great place to see a stunning view of Boone. On Saturday mornings from April to November, the Watauga County Farmers Market takes place near the location. This is a must if you value fresh produce, locally sourced foods, and unique handmade art. The iconic Horn in the West amphitheater sits at the heart of Daniel Boone Gardens and, in the summer season, presents the Horn in the West drama. For families with young children, Boone Jaycees Park has a playground for your kids to explore!

Just a hop, skip and a jump from the hustle and bustle of King Street in Downtown Boone, you can find Junaluska Park. The park has basketball courts, a playground, a large field, picnic shelters and a walking trail with stunning views of the woods and mountains. It’s not unlikely to see deer out at this park.

Right off U.S. 321, between Boone and Blowing Rock, you will find Sterling Creek Park. It is a part of the Middle Fork Greenway, which connects Boone to Blowing Rock via the Greenway Trail, so you can easily access the greenway from this park. At this park, you can grab a coffee at Birdie’s Coffee & Treats Food Truck and sit along the New River at a bench or picnic table, or try your hand at fishing in the river.

Boone Gorge Park is a newer park that is still in the process of becoming the newest recreation area along the Middle Fork Greenway. The property features 2,000 feet of frontage along the Middle Fork New River and will be known as Boone Gorge Park. In addition to the public access and recreational opportunities provided by the property, protecting this portion of the river is

hugely important because it is located just upstream of Boone’s primary source of drinking water, according to the BRC.

Remember to stop by Valle Crucis Community Park to enjoy walking paths and a fun playground for children. On summer evenings, the park hosts various bands for Music in the Valle.

Beech Mountain has a vast network of hiking and mountain biking trails – perfect for elevating your sense of adventure and fine-tuning your harmony with nature.

Over 26 miles of hiking and bike trails around the mountain offer visitors

focused perspectives of wildlife, waterfalls, and breathtaking scenery. There are trails for all abilities and ages, winding through wooded hideaways and lush, open balds.

Waterfalls Park in Avery County’s Newland features multiple cascades that create a 50-foot waterfall. Picnic tables are available for a nice meal by the water.

The Ashe County Park features picnic shelters, a disc golf course, a trout pond, a skate park, baseball fields, basketball and volleyball courts, tennis courts, playgrounds, trails and more.

u All emergencies: Call 911

u Avery County

Avery County Sheriff’s Office (828) 733-2071

Banner Elk Police Department (828) 898-4300

Elk Park Police Department (828) 733-9573

Newland Police Department (828) 733-2023

Seven Devils Police Department (828) 963-6760

Sugar Mountain Police Department (828) 898-4349

Beech Mountain Police Department (828) 387-2342

Cannon Memorial Hospital (Linville) (828) 737-7000

Avery County Humane Society (828) 733-9265

NUMBERS TO NOTE

u ASHE COUNTY

Ashe County Sheriff’s Office (336) 846-5600

Jefferson Police Department (336) 846-5529

West Jefferson Police Department (336) 246-9410

Ashe Memorial Hospital (Jefferson) (336) 846-7101

Ashe County Animal Control (336) 982-4060

Carolina QuickCare (West Jefferson) (743) 393-0210

u WATAUGA COUNTY

Watauga County Sheriff’s Office (828) 264-3761

Boone Police Department (828) 268-6900

Blowing Rock Police Department (828) 295-5210

Appalachian Regional Healthcare System Police (828) 262-4168

Appalachian State University Police (828) 262-8000

Watauga Medical Center (828) 262-4100

FastMed Urgent Care (Boone) (828) 265-7146

Mercy Urgent Care (Boone) (828) 398-3573

Blowing Rock Medical Park (828) 295-3116

Watauga County Animal Control (828) 262-1672

Watauga Humane Society (828) 264-7865

Animal Emergency Clinic of the High Country (828) 268-2833

Where history comes alive

Horn in the West a favorite summer event

BY SOFIA OKUBO PEVIANI

Before there was a nation, there was a frontier — and Daniel Boone was there to cross it.

Every summer since 1952, the Daniel Boone Amphitheater in Boone, N.C., has brought that world back to life under an open sky. Horn in the West, now in its 74th season, tells the story of the original settlers of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the years before and during the Revolutionary War. Opening June 26, the 74th season marks a milestone double: celebrating Boone’s frontier legacy and America’s 250th anniversary.

Horn in the West brings to life the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone and the hardy mountain settlers of the Blue Ridge Mountains in their struggle to preserve their freedom during the years before and during the War for Independence. The drama highlights those settlers who came to the region seeking freedom and escape from British tyranny. Dr. Geoffrey Stuart, a prominent British physician, comes to the Colony of Carolina to study the dreaded disease smallpox, bringing his wife, Martha, and their teenage son, Jack.

According to the Southern Appalachian Historical Association, in 1951, local citizens sought to create a summer outdoor historical drama to encourage overnight tourists to visit Boone. Kermit Hunter, the first director, wrote the script that fall. By

Dec. 9, 1951, it was completed, and that summer, on June 27, 1952, Horn in the West made its debut.

According to the Horn in the West website, Dr. Kermit Hunter was an American playwright known for more than 40 historical productions and dramas.

On Aug. 28, 1952, the Watauga Democrat reported that the drama had been seen by 46,292 persons from 47 states, Canada, Alaska, the Canal Zone and Hawaii.

“What I think resonates with people is the cause of the history and the connections to a lot of families in this area,” said Charlie Wallin, chair of Horn in the West. “A lot of people you’ll hear will come back, and they’ll say, ‘my parents brought me here when I was a kid, and I wanted to bring my kids back’, or, ‘my parents brought me here as a kid, and I brought my kids, and now I want to bring my grandkids.’”

For first-time audiences, this production of the Revolutionary War is unlike any other. Charlie Wallin said attendees will get much more than simply a reimagination of history.

“You’re going to come expecting a story about a battle and something from the Revolutionary War,” Wallin said. “But you’re going to leave surprised because of the emotions that are brought out and how the effects it had on families in this area and the realness of battle and loss in those battles. I think it’s going to challenge your emotions more than you think.”

Every year is different. Depending on

the year and the director’s imagination, each production is unique. Though the story stays the same, the interpretation renews it.

“Everybody gets a copy of the original script that was written by Kermit Hunter, and then they take it and put their touch on it,” Wallin said. “But in the end, it is their play to do how they want to interpret it.”

This year’s director, David Doersch, has worked with a team of approximately 45 people to put on the 2026 production. Doersch is

a fight director and choreographer who, according to his official website, has crafted sequences grounded in historical reality and compelling to modern audiences. From 2014–2022, he worked with Feld Entertainment as casting director, stunt coordinator, and fight director for two of the largest touring stunt shows in the world: Marvel Universe Live and Jurassic World Live Tour, featuring choreographed fights, motorcycle stunts, pyrotechnics and more.

support this production, year after year.”

“It’s an honor to be entrusted with this production,” Doersch said. “It has such a storied history and has become such an integral part of the warp and weft of this community. I’m excited to collaborate with the company and build something that resonates with both the story and the audiences that

Despite the challenges of housing cast members for 10 to 15 weeks in the area, the show continues to draw crowds — approximately 10,000 people in recent seasons — from church groups and bus tours to families making it a multigenerational tradition.

“We get a lot of church groups and other groups from off the mountain who’ll drive up for the night and drive back in a bus. It’s just interesting to see who we draw and where we draw them from,” Wallin said.

“It’s just to hear their impression of the show that night — it’s always neat to hear, even at intermission, what they’re thinking, especially if they’ve

never seen it before,” Wallin said. “The rewarding part is to see the impact we make on the audience every night.”

The nation’s oldest Revolutionary War outdoor drama returns to the Daniel Boone Amphitheater June 26 through Aug. 8, Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 7 p.m. For more information and tickets, visit www.horninthewest.com.

BRUSHY MOUNTAINPOWERSPORTSSELLS MORE MOTORCYCLES, ATVs ,ANDUTVs THANANYONEELSEINTHEHIGH COUNTRY. HERE’SWHY:

• SALESANDSERVICE FORHONDA,KAWASAKI,AND YAMAHAPRODUCTS

• WEDELIVER TO ANDFROMANYWHEREIN NC,TN, AND VA,FOR SALESANDSERVICE

• NO ADDED“DOC ” FEES- THE PRICEISTHEPRICE!

• NO PRESSUREFRIENDLYCUSTOMERSERVICE

• FAMILYOWNEDANDOPERATEDSINCE1997

Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show

The country’s oldest show

BY LORELEI ROBERTS

Every summer, the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve in Blowing Rock transforms into something Burr Collier describes as “a cross between a circus and a reunion of your closest friends.”

What draws them all back, year after year, is the oldest continuously running annual horse show in the country.

What started as a one-week equestrian game event has become the oldest annual horse show in the country, spanning the summer months.

The Tournament at Green Park was the original Blowing Rock Horse Show, founded in 1897. It was an equestrian games event that was described as “an equine fashion show for the amusement of Green Park Hotel guests” by the Lenoir News Topic newspaper at the time.

Lloyd Tate held the first official horse show in 1923 on the hill behind Green Park Hotel, taking on a more formal atmosphere as an official sporting event.

“It’s basically a cross between a circus and a reunion of your closest friends,” Burr Collier said.

The horse show grew out of the hill

and moved to several locations before settling at The Broyhill Preserve, which was just a golf course. Thomas Broyhill eventually sold the preserve to the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show Association for only $1.

The horse show has run uninterrupted, even during recessions, depressions, bad weather, World War 2, and, more recently, COVID-19. Other shows closed during crises, which is what makes the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show the oldest.

“We have multiple generations of horse lovers and competitors,” Collier said.

The event is divided into three segments:

• Saddlebred: June 4 - 7

• Hunter/Jumper 1: July 21 - 26

• Hunter/Jumper 2: July 28- Aug. 2

Collier estimates the event brings hundreds, if not thousands, of visitors to the region every year.

Funds from the event will go to the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show Foundation. This nonprofit supports App State Equestrian, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Saddlebred Rescue Inc., the Rotary Club, and Watauga Humane Society.

“I love seeing the people that come back from year to year and enjoy catching up with all our friends,”

Collier said. Tickets are only available at the gate with cash or check. Regular admission includes access to the shaded grandstand bleachers, and box seats are reserved in advance by sponsors. Vendors will see riding apparel with food options available onsite. For more information, visit brchs.org.

15th ANNUAL RAIN OR SHINE

All Aboard

Tweetsie Railroad creates a High Country summer soundtrack

BY MOSS BRENNAN

In Watauga County, summer has a soundtrack.

Acouple of times a day, every weekend, a train horn echoes across the mountains — and for generations of families, that sound means one thing: Tweetsie Railroad is running..

The beloved Wild West theme park has been a staple of the High Country since 1957, and it’s easy to see why families keep coming back.

The theme park features fun for all ages, including:

• A three-mile Wild West Train Adventure behind a historic steam locomotive

• Family-friendly live entertainment including Diamond Lil’s Can-Can Revue, Hopper & Porter’s™ Musical Celebration and the Tweetsie Magic Show.

• Amusement rides that young children and adults can enjoy together

• Gold panning and gem mining on Miners Mountain

The Deer Park Zoo, a hands-on petting zoo experience

“Families know what they can count on at Tweetsie Railroad,” said Chris Robbins, President of Tweetsie Railroad.

“A visit here is about time together, familiar traditions, and a familyfriendly experience people have loved for generations.”

The theme park is open ThursdayMonday in June and July before moving to mostly weekends only through October, when the special events typically begin, including the Ghost Train, before ending at Christmastime.

Some of the special events during the summer include:

• Day Out With Thomas (June 12-15 and June 18-21)

• July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza

• K9s IN FLight Frisbee Dog Show (July 25-27 and July 30-Aug. 2)

• Riders In the Ski - America’s Favorite Cowboys (Aug. 8-9)

• Railroad Heritage Weekend (Aug 29-30)

For tickets, event details, and the full 2026 calendar, visit tweetsie.com or call (877) 893-3874.

A Tweetsie Railroad History

The story of Tweetsie stretches back to 1866, when the Tennessee legislature authorized the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad — affectionately nicknamed by mountain locals as the “Eat Taters & Wear No Clothes” railroad. By 1882, 50 miles of narrow-gauge track wound through the rugged Blue Ridge, and by 1919 the line had reached Boone, bringing passengers and lumber in and out of what had been a largely isolated mountain community. Locals took to calling it “Tweetsie” for the shrill whistle that echoed through the hills, and the name stuck.

But changing times caught up with the little railroad. Modern roads drew traffic away, and catastrophic floods in August 1940 wiped out sections of the line. On July 13, 1950, narrowgauge operations ceased for good. Of the original 13 steam engines, only Locomotive No. 12 survived the scrap heap — bouncing from Virginia to the hands of movie cowboy Gene Autry, who planned to ship it to California for films. That’s when Blowing Rock native Grover Robbins Jr. stepped in. He bought the rights to Tweetsie from Autry for $1 and brought the little engine back to the mountains where she belonged. Rebuilt and returned to operation, Tweetsie Railroad opened in the summer of 1957 just a couple of miles from the old Boone station. People came from across the South to hear that famous whistle again — and they’ve been coming back ever since.

Meticulously maintained and now listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Tweetsie Railroad’s No. 12 locomotive continues to delight rail fans, children and tourists who visit the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Farm to mountain

Your Guide to High Country Farmers Markets

BY MOSS BRENNAN

Some of the best mornings in the High Country don’t start at a restaurant or a café — they start at a farmers market.

These weekly gatherings are where locals and visitors alike slow down, strike up a conversation with the person who grew their food, and leave with a bag full of something they didn’t know they needed.

The markets scattered across the region are as varied as the communities they serve. Some draw crowds of hundreds; others feel like a neighborhood secret. But all of them share the same spirit: farmers, makers, and neighbors showing up to support one another — and welcoming anyone who wanders in.

“It’s a time to celebrate local farmers, artisans, and neighbors coming back together after a long winter. We’re excited to welcome both familiar faces and new friends as we kick off another season of fresh food, creativity, and connection,” said Watauga County Farmers Market Director Michelle Dineen Smith as the opening day of the 2026 season neared.

Whether you’re stocking up for a mountain cabin week or just looking for a Saturday morning worth remembering, there’s a High Country market with your name on it.

WATAUGA COUNTY FARMERS MARKET

Founded in 1974, the Watauga County Farmers’ Market has long been a cornerstone of Boone’s community. With over 60 vendors, the market offers an impressive range of goods. Fresh-

baked bread, locally raised meats, and seasonal produce are sure to make your stomach growl. Local artists sell paintings and crafts made from wood, metal, leather, wool, jewels and other materials. Entertainment comes in the form of children’s events and live music each week. Two food trucks are always on-site. The market is open from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday from April to November and can be found at Daniel Boone Park, 591 Horn in the West Drive, Boone. For more information, visit www. wataugacountyfarmersmarket.org.

KING STREET FARMERS MARKET

The King Street Farmers Market is at 126 Poplar Grove Road, outside the Watauga County Social Services building, and hosts over a dozen vendors. It is powered by Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, a womenled organization that promotes sustainability and accessibility in the High Country’s food system. Open from May to October on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., this market was designed with working-class families in mind. Local, organic goods and crafts abound. For more information, visit www.brwia. org/ksm.html or call (828) 386-1537.

HIGH COUNTRY FOOD HUB

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

org or call (828) 412-0834.

BEECH MOUNTAIN FARMERS MARKET

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

AVERY COUNTY FARMERS MARKET

The Avery County Farmers Market prides itself on serving local farmers, promoting ethical standards and teaching the public how awesome local food can be. Expect to see all sorts of local fresh fruits, vegetables and meat. The market is open on Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. It is located at 185 Azalea Circle, beside the Historic Banner Elk Elementary School. If you see white tents, you know you’ve made it. For more information, visit www. averycountyfarmersmarket.net/ or call (828) 733-8270.

ASHE COUNTY FARMERS MARKET

Around 50 vendors sell their goods at the Ashe County Farmers Market, but don’t worry about getting lost — you can find an interactive market map on their website. There is plenty of local produce, lovingly made crafts, and delicious treats to be found. The market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. It’s located in the heart of downtown West Jefferson. For more information, visit ashefarmersmarket.com.

Christmas in July

is the perfect holiday hangout

BY NATHAN HAM

The streets of downtown West Jefferson will be packed this Fourth of July weekend, much like every other year, as one of the most popular festivals in the High Country will return July 3-4.

The two-day event will begin on Friday afternoon with food and live music by Wayne Henderson & Friends at 5 p.m., followed by Pressley Laton, who recently won the 2026 MerleFest Band Competition in Wilkesboro, at 6:30 p.m. The evening closes with music from Hot Sauce from 8-10 p.m.

Saturday kicks off with Ashe County native Taylon Hope taking the stage at 9 a.m. The Jeff Little Trip will follow her, playing from 10:45 a.m. until noon. Enjoy the music of Denim & Plaid from 1-2:15 p.m. and close out the festival with over two hours of music from the Special Occasion Band from 2:45 p.m. until 5 p.m. The night comes to an end with the county fireworks show, beginning at 9:30 p.m. The fireworks can be seen from the downtown area and marks the perfect conclusion to the weekend of events.

Children’s activities will be taking place throughout the day near the Ashe Arts Center, located at 303 School Avenue. You will also be guaranteed to

get a glimpse of Santa and Mrs. Claus as they roam through the streets spreading Christmas cheer.

While the complete vendor list for the festival has not been finalized yet, you can be sure there will be plenty of arts and crafts, delicious food items and lots of nonprofit organizations to support during the festival. Festival organizers say the complete vendor list will be updated as soon as possible, and you can find those online at www. christmasinjulyfestival. com. Also, make sure to visit www. ashepostandtimes.com for updated information.

Your complete guide to everything tourism in the High Country

Something for Everyone

A summer events guide to the High Country

STAFF REPORT

Summer in the High Country is a season unlike any other.

The cool mountain air and blue-sky days are reason enough to visit, but what keeps people coming back — and filling up calendars — is the sheer variety of what’s happening. From Celtic athletics on a mountainside meadow to jazz echoing through a restored Art Deco theater, from outdoor drama under the stars to artists setting up tents along a village green, the High Country puts on a summer that’s hard to match anywhere in the Southeast. Whether you’re planning a long weekend around a specific event or simply want to know what’s happening while you’re here, here’s a look at some of the big events on the calendar this summer.

HIGH COUNTRY JAZZ

FESTIVAL (Boone) June 10–14

The High Country’s summer of music kicks off early with the 5th Annual High Country Jazz Festival, spreading performances across Boone and Blowing Rock over five days. The festival opens June 10 at the Appalachian Theatre with Grammy-winning saxophonist Miguel Zenón and acclaimed Venezuelan pianist Luis Perdomo, and continues through June 14 with headline performances by Spyro Gyra, Wycliffe Gordon, and the Emmet Cohen Trio. Lectures, jazz dinners, rooftop cocktail hours, and a free lawn concert at the Jones House Cultural Center round out the week. For more information, visit apptheatre.org/

highcountryjazzfestival.

BOONERANG MUSIC & ARTS

FESTIVAL

(Boone) June 19–21

Every third weekend in June, downtown Boone transforms into a free, all-ages street festival celebrating the artists, musicians, and community that give this mountain town its character. Boonerang is part homecoming, part block party — with multiple stages within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and breweries, plus a vendor market, kids’ zone, silent disco, and after-parties. This year’s events include Boone’s Got Talent, a Women’s Songwriters Showcase at the Appalachian Theatre, and free shows throughout the weekend. For more information, visit boonerangfest.com.

APPALACHIAN SUMMER

FESTIVAL

(Boone) June 27–August 1

An Appalachian Summer Festival is one of the premier performing arts celebrations in the Southeast, drawing more than 27,000 visitors to Appalachian State University’s campus each summer. This year’s lineup spans music, dance, theater, film, and visual arts, opening June 27 with Grammywinning roots quintet Punch Brothers and continuing through Aug. 1 with performances across genres — from Americana and R&B to Broadway and classical. Events range from major ticketed shows to free community performances. For more information, visit appsummer.org.

ART ON THE GREENE

(Banner Elk) July 4–5, Aug. 1–2, Sept. 5–6

Four weekends each summer, the lawn in front of the Historic Banner Elk School fills with tents showcasing work from more than 60 juried artists and craftspeople. Ceramics, glass, metal, wood, watercolor, oil painting — every show brings a slightly different mix, and all of it is handmade. Admission and parking are free, and the location in the heart of walkable downtown Banner Elk makes it easy to combine with lunch and shopping. For more information, visit townofbannerelk.org.

ART IN THE PARK (Blowing

Rock)

May–October

Dating back to 1962, Art in the Park is one of the longest-running outdoor art shows in the High Country. Now celebrating more than 60 years, the series brings artists and craftspeople to tents along Park Avenue in downtown Blowing Rock for six shows throughout the summer and fall, drawing visitors from across the Southeast to browse pottery, handcrafted jewelry, paintings and more. For more information, visit blowingrock.com/artinthepark.

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN

HIGHLAND GAMES

(Linville) July 9–12

Every July, MacRae Meadows at the base of Grandfather Mountain becomes

a temporary corner of Scotland. The 70th annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games brings four days of Celtic music, Highland dancing, bagpipe parades, traditional foods and athletic competition — including the caber toss, hammer throw and other games of strength and skill. Considered the grandest Scottish gathering in America, the event draws competitors and spectators from across the country. For more information, visit gmhg.org.

DOC & ROSA LEE WATSON

MUSIC FESTIVAL

(Boone) July 17

Deep Gap native Doc Watson is one of the most influential guitarists in American music history, and each summer his community gathers to honor his legacy. The annual Doc & Rosa Lee Watson Music Festival takes place July 17 at the Appalachian Theatre, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. This year’s lineup features The Kody Norris Show, Blue Highway, and The Kruger Brothers — a strong night of acoustic roots

music in a beautiful venue. For more information, visit apptheatre.org.

MUSIC ON THE LAWN

(Blowing Rock) Fridays, May–September

For a more laid-back summer evening, few things beat Music on the Lawn at the Inn at Ragged Gardens in Blowing Rock. Every Friday from May through September, a different local band takes the stage while a local nonprofit shares their work with the crowd. Hundreds of attendees gather on lawn chairs and blankets — no charge, no fuss. This year’s performers include Shelby Rae, Euphoria and Soul Benefactor. For more information, visit ragged-gardens.com/ music-on-the-lawn.

MUSIC IN THE VALLE

(Valle Crucis) Fridays, May–September, 6 p.m. to dusk

Set along the Watauga River on the grounds of Valle Crucis Community Park, Music in the Valle is one of the most scenic concert experiences in the

High Country. Every Friday evening from May through September, local and regional musicians take the stage for an unhurried night of roots music — Americana, bluegrass, old-time, folk and more — while attendees spread out on the grass beside the river. The park sits just steps from the Original Mast General Store, making it easy to combine with an afternoon in the historic village of Valle Crucis. Admission is free; a parking donation of $5–$10 is encouraged to help sustain the park. For more information, visit vallecrucispark.org.

HORN IN THE WEST (Boone)

June 26–Aug. 8, Tuesday–Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

The nation’s longest-running Revolutionary War outdoor drama returns to the Daniel Boone Amphitheater for its 74th season, bringing to life the story of Daniel Boone, the Cherokee people, and the original settlers of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the years before and

during the Revolutionary War. Presented by the Southern Appalachian Historical Association, this year’s production is directed by David Doersch, a fight director and choreographer whose past credits include Marvel Universe Live and Jurassic World Live Tour. Gates open at 7 p.m. For tickets and information, visit horninthewest.com.

BLOWING ROCK CHARITY HORSE SHOW (Blowing

June–August

Rock)

One of the oldest continuously running horse shows in the United States, the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show has been a defining feature of the High Country’s summer since 1923. Held at the Broyhill Equestrian Preserve, the show draws more than 4,000 visitors per event across its saddlebred and Hunter Jumper divisions, bringing hundreds of horses and riders to the mountain each season. All proceeds benefit local charities. For more information, visit brchs.org.

Gladys Knight, Rick Springfield

headline App State’s Summer Festival Lineup

STAFF REPORT

From Grammy legends to boundary-pushing ballet, Appalachian State University’s 42nd annual An Appalachian Summer Festival brings a packed summer of performances to the High Country June 27 through Aug. 1.

Venues across the App State campus will feature various artists June 27- August 1 for a lineup of diverse performances in music, film programming, theatre, dance and visual arts.

Musical performances will feature music from a variety of genres – countryrock and pop-rock, Americana and a capella, R&B and Broadway, plus classical artists like the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.

“Whether you come for the nostalgia, the discovery, or just a perfect summer night out, there’s something here you won’t want to miss — and truly something for everyone,” said Director of Marketing Allison West. “We’ve packed this season with icons, powerhouse voices, and genre-spanning performances — from roots and R&B to Broadway and classical. It’s a celebration of everything we love about summer in the High Country — unforgettable artists, shared experiences, and performances that stay with you long after the curtain falls.”

Discounts are available for select

performances for students, children, and App State faculty/staff.

For more information, tickets and the full schedule, visit www.appsummer.org or call the box office at (828) 262-4046

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Punch Brothers (7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 27 at Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts) — A virtuosic roots music quintet known for pushing the boundaries of acoustic music.

• ARTtalk: “Curating Global Cinema,” Dale Pollock (4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30 at Turchin Center for the Visual Arts) — Get an insider’s look at how this year’s International Film Series lineup was selected — and why global cinema matters

• Calle Malaga (7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30 at Turchin Center for the Visual Arts) — In this global film, an aging Spanish woman rediscovers love and desire as she resists her daughter’s decision to sell her home.

• Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1 at Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts) — A stirring program on the longing for beloved countrysides and pride of cherished folk music.

• 15th Annual Rosen-Schaffel Competition for Young and Emerging Artists and Winner’s Recital (1 p.m. (competition) and 7:30 p.m. (recital) on Thursday, July 2 at Rosen Concert Hall) — Undergrad and graduate collegiate musicians from across the Southeast, selected via a blind adjudication process

this spring, will compete in the final live round of the competition.

• Summer Exhibition Celebration (5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2 at Turchin Center for the Visual Arts) — Engage with visiting artists and fellow arts advocates, enjoy live music and refreshments, and discover the exciting contemporary exhibitions showcased across six galleries by local, regional, national, and international artists.

• Merz Trio (7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7 at Rosen Concert Hall) — an evening of works by Johannes Brahms, Robert Schumann, Clara Schumann, and Ludwig van Beethoven.

• Gladys Knight (7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8 at Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts) — Seven-time Grammy Award winner Gladys Knight has enjoyed #1 hits in Pop, Gospel, R&B, and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television, and live performance.

• ARTtalk: “40 Years of Public Art,” Hank Foreman (4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 9 at Turchin Center for the

Visual Arts) — Step behind the curtain for a series of intimate conversations with this season’s artists about the passions and processes that shape their work.

• Straight No Chaser Beach Bash (7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 10 at Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts) — A male a capella group featuring the captivating sound of nine unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music that is moving people in a fundamental sense… and with a sense of humor.

• 40th Annual Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Walk (10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11 at Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts) — Juror and sculptor Sam Spiczka will lead guests on a guided tour of the 10 sculptures installed along Rivers Street selected for this year’s competition.

• WindSync: Peter and the Wolf (2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 12 at Rosen Concert Hall) — This 45-minute family-friendly show brings classical music to life with an unforgettable cast of characters.

The High Country’s Premier Steak & Seafood Restaurant

• Dinner Nightly from 5pm

• Restaurant of the Year

• Best Restaurant Service of the Year

• Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year

• Steakhouse of the Year

• Seafood of the Year

• Burger of the Year

• Salad Bar of the Year

• Private room available

• Avery County Chamber

• Business of the Year

828-898-5550

The High Country’s Best Choice for Event Catering

• Caterer of the Year

• Creativity, passion and culinary excellence

• Parties of all sizes

• In -home catering

• Fully insured and licensed

• Largest mobile kitchen in the High Country

The High Country’s Best Vacation Rentals

• Best of the Best Lodging 2025

• One main lodge and three cabins with mountain views

• Up to 5 bedrooms with bunk room available

• Event barn, picnic 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

828-260-3673

The High Country’s Best Space for Gatherings

• Event Facility of the Year

• Vacations, weddings, family reunions, church events, and business retreats

• Newly built barn with 1,700 sq. ft., and 18ft. high ceilings

• Barn equipped with a complete catering kitchen

• 1,750 sq. ft. outdoor pavilion with fire pit

• Lodge and cabin rentals

• Fields, streams, and ponds

828-260-3673

• WindSync (7:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 12 at Rosen Concert Hall) — The quintet brings Boone a summery set of classical music with an American accent, inflected with folk, jazz, and minimalism.

• Sentimental Value (7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14 at Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts) — In this intimate exploration of family, memories, and the reconciliatory power of art, two sisters must navigate their complicated relationship with their estranged father.

• ARTtalk: “Innovation in Motion,” Jillian Davis, Co-Associate Artistic Director (4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15 at Turchin Center for the Visual Arts) — Go behind the scenes to discover how Complexions Contemporary Ballet has transformed ballet through creativity and fearless artistry.

• Complexions Contemporary Ballet (7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 16 at Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts) — Complexions Contemporary Ballet explodes onto the stage with boundary-breaking artistry under visionaries Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson.

• Darren Criss (7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 18 at Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts) — Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss will be performing well-known songs featured throughout his wildly eclectic career as both a songwriter and performer, including those from Glee, Starkid, and his Broadway roles.

• The Other Mozart (2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 19 at Valborg Theatre) — This award-winning, Drama Desk-nominated play tells the true, forgotten story of Nannerl Mozart, the genius sister of Amadeus — a prodigy, keyboard virtuoso and composer, who performed throughout Europe with her brother to equal acclaim, but her work and her story faded away, lost to history.

• Sirat (7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21 at Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts) — In this global film, a father (Sergi López) and his son travel to a remote

rave in Morocco’s mountains to search for his missing daughter.

• Rick Springfield (7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 23 at Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts) — Over the past four decades, Grammy-winning singersongwriter-musician Rick Springfield has created some of the finest powerpop of the ’80s, sold 25 million albums, and scored 17 US Top 40 hits, including “Jessie’s Girl,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” and “Human Touch.”

• Happy Birthday (7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28 at Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts) — In this global film, Eight-year-old maid Toha goes to great lengths to ensure that her best friend Nelly, the daughter of her wealthy employer, has a successful birthday party in this poignant debut feature exploring classism, power, and belonging in modern-day Cairo.

• ARTtalk: “Beethoven in the 21st Century,” Calidore String Quartet (4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29 at Turchin Center for the Visual Arts) — Join the Calidore String Quartet for an intimate conversation about their acclaimed Beethoven quartet cycles and the enduring relevance of the master composer today.

• Calidore String Quartet (7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29 at Rosen Concert Hall) — The Calidore String Quartet has been recognized for achieving an extraordinary cohesion of individual artistry and collective expression. The program features the works of Joseph Haydn, Wynton Marsalis, and Ludwig van Beethoven.

• Aaron Diehl (7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 31 at Rosen Concert Hall) — Pianist Aaron Diehl has quietly redefined the boundary between jazz and classical music, building an international career distinguished by a deep sense of musical lineage.

• The Jayhawks (7:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 1 at Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts) — Over the course of four decades and countless memorable live shows, the alt-country, roots-rock band The Jayhawks have soared to

heights few ever achieve while winning the hearts and minds of numerous critics, fans, and peers in the process.

Discounts are available for select performances for students, children and App State faculty/staff.

High Country Sounds

Live music fills the mountains all summer long

BY RILEY GLEASON

The High Country doesn’t have a music problem — it has a scheduling conflict problem.

From May through Labor Day, concerts compete for your attention across three counties, and no single guide could capture them all. Here are the anchors worth knowing about.

AVERY COUNTY

As temperatures rise in the High Country, so does the sound of live music. Throughout the summer months, Avery County comes alive with a steady rhythm of performances, offering residents and visitors countless opportunities to enjoy everything from classical concerts to rock, country, and tribute acts.

At the center of the summer music scene is the FORUM Music Series, a longrunning tradition held at Lees-McRae College. Now in its 40+ year history, the series continues to bring nationally recognized performers to the mountains in an eight-week run from mid-June through early August.

Hosted inside Hayes Auditorium, the FORUM series features a different act each week, with performances ranging from classical crossover and orchestras to high-energy tribute bands. Concerts are typically held on Monday evenings, with two showtimes that give audiences flexibility to attend.

While the FORUM series highlights Mondays, music fills nearly every day of the week across Banner Elk and the surrounding area.

One of the most popular free options is the town’s Concerts in the Park series, held Thursday evenings at Tate-Evans Park. These family-friendly shows feature local and regional bands playing everything from classic rock and funk to country and Top 40 hits, drawing crowds of all ages to relax and enjoy the summer atmosphere.

Weekend nights continue the momentum throughout downtown Banner Elk, where local venues host live musicians on Fridays and Saturdays. From acoustic sets to full bands, these performances create a lively backdrop for both locals and tourists.

Sunday afternoons offer a more laidback pace, with music at local gathering spots and breweries providing a relaxed way to close out the weekend.

Altogether, Banner Elk’s summer music lineup includes dozens of performances between June and Labor Day. From nationally touring acts to hometown favorites, the variety ensures there is something for every musical taste.

The combination of structured series like FORUM and free community concerts makes Avery County a destination for live entertainment all summer long. Whether seated inside an auditorium or enjoying the outdoors, audiences can experience the unique blend of music and mountain scenery that defines the High Country.

For a full schedule of performances and ticket information, visit www. forummusicseries.com.

WATAUGA COUNTY

In Boone, the Jones House Summer Concert Series has long been a beloved

Friday evening tradition on the Jones House lawn. The 2026 series runs from June 5 through August 28, with concerts beginning at 5:30 p.m. each Friday. Spanning genres from bluegrass and old-time to jazz, folk, and Americana, the season highlights the depth and diversity of the High Country’s roots music community. All concerts are free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Also in Boone, the Roots in the Garden concert series returns to Daniel Boone Native Gardens for its fourth season, with five free outdoor concerts running from May through August. This year’s lineup features an All-Carolina roster of artists celebrating the rich musical traditions that have grown out of the Carolina mountains and foothills. Concerts run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, with food, wine, and beer available for purchase. More information is available at danielboonenativegardens. org/music.

Valle Crucis Community Park welcomes locals and visitors to the park to enjoy live music from various local and regional musicians. Fridays from 6 p.m. to dusk, all summer long. Valle Crucis Community Park is next to the Mast Store Annex, near the Original Mast General Store in

the historic village of Valle Crucis. Look for the wooden bear on a tree stump at the driveway entrance & be sure to drive slowly on the gravel road. The park is sustained by visitor donations, and a $5 or $10 parking donation is graciously encouraged.

Kicking off the summer is the Boonerang Music & Arts Festival, set for June 19-21, 2026, in downtown Boone. Presented by the Town of Boone, the free event features performances and activities throughout the day at multiple downtown locations, along with a vendor market, beer garden, food trucks, and a kids’ zone.

ASHE COUNTY

In West Jefferson, the West Jefferson Community Partnership Summer Concert Series returns for its 15th year, offering free, family-friendly shows at Backstreet Park beginning May 22. Concerts run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday evenings and span a wide range of styles, from traditional bluegrass and acoustic mountain music to western swing and old-time. In the event of rain, concerts move to the Farmers Market.

The small riverside community of Todd also hosts its own beloved summer

Fibers, figures and found objects

High Country’s eclectic artists flourish this summer

BY SHWETA MISHRA

The High Country is artsy.

Across hills and hollers, a network of galleries, collectives and individual makers has been shaping a distinctly Appalachian contemporary scene, with summer 2026 poised as a particularly inspired season.

Founded in 1976, Toe River Arts in Spruce Pine is a vanguard of this zeitgeist. Now in its 50th year, the organization represents more than 1,500 regional artists and serves as a rare two-county arts council. The anniversary kickoff in January transformed its gallery into an immersive historical exhibition, tracing its evolution “from an all-volunteer effort meeting at kitchen tables, artists’ studios, churches and schools” into a multi-site nonprofit with galleries in Spruce Pine and Burnsville. This summer, its calendar is packed with public-facing events. The long-running Toe River Arts Studio Tour, historically scheduled for early June, remains one of the region’s most significant economic drivers, drawing collectors into working studios across the mountains. From July 24 to 26, the 50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend will offer free arts programming across two counties, a legacy-focused opening, and a “Visionary Brunch” to unveil a new strategic plan.

Galleries abound in the High Country. It’s All About the Arts Gallery is actively redefining what a small-town gallery can be. Owner Madisun Heape is building a hybrid model that blends exhibition

space, wellness services, makers markets and community programming. “We’re trying to create a community where everyone can network, support each other and learn about artists,” she explains. “When I say ‘we,’ I mean the gallery. I include all my artists because their opinions mean a lot to me. Many of them help me brainstorm ideas. We’re very close, like a tight-knit family.” That collaborative spirit will be visible this summer through a biweekly on-site outdoor market, pairing local art vendors with local farmers, local music, and local crafts.

Nearby, Art Cellar Gallery and Sally Nooney Gallery in Banner Elk continue to showcase regional painters and craftspeople, while 87 Ruffin Street Gallery in Linville adds to the corridor’s density. And Crossnore Weavers and Gallery celebrates fiber traditions in a publicly central and accessible way.

Individual artists across the media diversify the landscape. John Morehead, whose work appears across galleries such as It’s All About the Arts and Mountain Huggers Gallery, is a selftaught assemblage artist who transforms found objects into whimsical fish sculptures. “I don’t do fine art… I do fun art… and mostly fine art,” he says. He stitches together eclectic, intricate found materials — shoehorns, camera parts, scrap metal — into whimsical and fantastical objects that convey local color and the texture of memory. Meanwhile, Jean Whitesides Morehead creates watercolors as well as pencil commissions of flowers, pets, families

Newland painter Matt Crinkley creates a kaleidoscopic

and idyllic seasonal themes.

In Beech Mountain, fiber artists like Dawn Dalgleish carry forward the torch of family heritage. “I work in all sorts of cloth and all sorts of fibers… It’s been in my blood,” said Dalgleish while exhibiting at the Newland Christmas Tree Festival. Dalgleish sells handcrafted tuffets, purses, bags and quilts. Avery County Scribewerks artist Dale Barnett produces custom laser-engraved barn-wood pieces salvaged from Hurricane Helene’s floods, with subjects as varied as mountain wildlife and prayers. And Paul Dunlap of High Ridge Woodworking in Deep Gap has been a full-time woodturner for over 12 years, with roots in his father Rod’s workshop, which shaped his early passion. Woodturning is a woodworking craft that uses a lathe and hand-held tools to cut symmetrical shapes, such as bowls and vases, as the wood rotates. Through study and practice, Dunlap has developed a distinctive, highly refined artistic style of dramatic silhouettes and surfaces with complex knotwork designs.

As of May, Emily Singleton, an Avery County Schools art teacher and mixedmedia artist from Plumtree, has just finished her exhibit in the North Carolina Museum of Art’s teacher exhibition “The Creative Lives of Educators,” which has been on view since November. Her multimedia work, grounded in Appalachian experience, underscores how teaching and professional practice intertwine in rural arts ecosystems. And in Newland, acrylic painter Matt Crinkley is gaining recognition for largescale, color-saturated canvases, with an upcoming fall exhibit at the Wilkes Art Gallery.

More unconventional venues are also contributing to the High Country’s cultural momentum. In Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey Counties, the Freedom Life Ministries fundraiser “Art, Chocolate and Stories” combined silent auctions of visual art with personal narrative exhibits, all to uplift social recovery. Featured artist Kirston Angell, currently

Lees-McRae brings Broadway to the Blue Ridge

BY MOSS BRENNAN

For more than 40 years, LeesMcRae Summer Theatre has delighted and entertained local audiences and summer visitors with high-quality, professional productions.

The company presents a wide range of theatrical works, with a special focus on musicals — from beloved Golden Age classics to the latest Broadway hits, and even original pieces.

The Lees-McRae Summer Theatre was founded in 1985 by Dr. Janet Barton Speer after decades of directing at regional theatres. The goal was simple: Make the audience happier or better people.

The mission now is to produce “quality theatre experiences. We serve audiences who view our productions, students who are training in their craft, and we serve the High Country community as collaborators for the betterment of our area.”

According to the organization, more than 20 college students from across the country are selected each year for the highly respected intern and apprenticeship program. Each student works in their area of interest ranging from performance to props, costumes, lighting, set design, carpentry, and more.

Each year, a special effort is made to discover and showcase local talents, both children and adults. Some locals have worked on dozens of shows, and many children return every year to take more challenging roles.

A special effort is made to discover and showcase local talents, both children and adults. Some locals have worked on dozens of shows, and many children return every year to take more challenging roles.

Planning for the Summer Theatre season begins nearly a year in advance. Both audience and company members provide suggestions for upcoming productions. An advisory committee formed in 1997 to keep a pulse on the taste and desires of the local community.

According to the Summer Theatre program, once the shows are selected and rights secured, a creative team for each production is formed, including music directors, choreographers, and designers. Planning meetings take place over six months before the first rehearsals begin. Between January and May, designs are completed, the productions are cast, and nearly 200 individual contracts are processed. Meanwhile, marketing and ticket sales begin.

This year, Lees-McRae Summer Theatre put on “Moses, The Musical” in mid-May and also “Shrek, The Musical” in mid-June.

From June 30 to July 5, the theater will perform “America 250,” written and directed by Janet Barton Speer with musical direction by Rob Dingman. The following is the show description: “A group of performers are putting together a show to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary on July 4th. Hilariously, they don’t always agree on what America stands for, or what songs should be included. Featuring beloved

patriotic favorites and hidden musical gems, the show is brought to life by a powerhouse vocal cast. You will hear musical arrangements that make the

emotions soar. This evening of singing, dancing, and storytelling offers a fresh,

June 11–16

An unlikely hero, a wisecracking sidekick, a feisty princess, and a band of fairy-tale misfits star in this big-hearted musical journey that delights audiences of all ages. The beloved story bursts to life onstage with big laughs, big songs, and an even bigger hero.

June 30–July 5

Patriotic hits, hidden gems, and big laughs as a troupe of performers struggle to agree on what belongs in a show celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

July 25–31

When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she’s hidden in the last place anyone would lthink to look—a convent. As she helps her fellow sisters find their voices, Deloris rediscovers her own. Sister Act is a feel-good musical comedy based on the hit 1992 film.

t SOUNDS FROM PAGE 162

tradition. The Todd Summer Music Series features six bands performing outdoors in Cook Memorial Park in downtown Todd, at 3865 Todd Railroad Grade Road. The free, family-friendly concerts welcome well-behaved dogs on leashes, and food is available for purchase. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Taken together, the High Country’s summer music calendar stretches from mountain coves to college auditoriums, from free Friday evening shows on town lawns to ticketed performances by nationally touring acts. Whatever your taste, there’s a stage somewhere in these mountains waiting for you.

t ARTS FROM PAGE 163

incarcerated, works with graphite and says that art has been transformative for him. “It’s been a venue for me to be able to be charitable… and helped me to impact others,” he says.

Emerging artists and artistic journeys don’t negate the area’s older legends. Nancy Stroupe Morrison, a former local news publisher turned full-time artist, has worked across watercolor, oil, acrylic, pottery and jewelry. Artists like Pam Brewer have long embodied a

t LEES FROM PAGE 164

entertaining look at America’s journey as we celebrate her 250th birthday.”

From July 25-31, the theater will perform “Sister Act”, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner, and directed by Janet Barton Speer with musical Direction by Rob Dingman.

The following is the show description: “When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the

community-first philosophy. Known for architectural mosaics, Brewer’s projects have often hinged on collaboration, most notably a 2011 lobby mosaic at Banner Elk Elementary created with 125 students. And the late Boone potter Bill Dicks, who founded The Sign Shop in 1972, left an indelible visual imprint across the region with his handcrafted signs, still visible decades later, illustrating how functional craft can become soulful public art woven into daily life. Whether art spearheads renewal or withstands the test of time, the High Country nurtures it.

cops are sure she won’t be found: a convent! Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she rediscovers her own. Sister Act is the feel-good musical comedy based on the hit 1992 film.”

For residents and visitors alike, the Summer Theatre at Lees-McRae College has become a reliable highlight of the season, offering an easy way to spend an evening with live entertainment while supporting the arts in the High Country. For more information on LMC Summer Theatre, visit www.lmc.edu/ community/summer-theatre/.

Ensemble Stage Sets the Stage

for a Summer of Entertainment & Education

BY RILEY GLEASON

As the summer season approaches, Ensemble Stage is preparing to welcome audiences with a dynamic lineup of performances and youth programs in the heart of the High Country.

Housed inside the Historic Banner Elk School, Ensemble Stage has become a cultural cornerstone in Avery County, known for delivering professional-quality theater

in an intimate setting. With a 99-seat auditorium, the theater offers audiences a close, immersive experience that brings every performance to life.

This summer, Ensemble Stage will present a variety of main stage productions, continuing its tradition of blending comedy, drama, and engaging storytelling. Performances will be held in the Hahn Auditorium, where both residents and visitors can enjoy live theater throughout the season.

The 2026 summer season opens with a thriller in which three old friends

reunite after the death of a fourth — a celebrated horror writer — only to have their warm reunion spiral into chaos as unsettling secrets from their pasts

are revealed one by one. The Saturday Kids Series kicks off with a whimsical

literary mashup that sends Alice in Wonderland to the Hundred Acre Wood, where Winnie the Pooh hires her to solve the mystery of Christopher Robin’s disappearance. Later in the summer, a romantic comedy follows two people — a struggling filmmaker and a sharp-witted philosophy teacher — whose chance meeting sparks a love story told across three encounters over four years.

In addition to its main stage shows, the theater will once again host its popular Saturday Kids Series. Family-

friendly performances are scheduled for June 20, July 11, July 25, and August 8, all beginning at 11 a.m. These performances are designed to introduce younger audiences to the magic of live theater, making it an accessible and entertaining experience for all ages.

Tickets for the summer season go on sale May 1, with options for individual performances or discounted subscription packages for those looking to attend multiple shows.

A major highlight of Ensemble Stage’s summer programming is its Kid’s Summer Theatre Camp, scheduled for

June 22–26. Open to children ages 7 to 13, the week-long camp provides a hands-on introduction to the world of theater.

Participants collaborate to create an original production, taking part in acting, writing, costume design, and set creation. The camp concludes with a live performance, giving students the chance to showcase their work on stage.

The program emphasizes creativity, teamwork, and confidence, offering young performers a supportive environment to explore their artistic

interests.

As a nonprofit organization, Ensemble Stage is dedicated not only to performance but also to education and community engagement. Its mission is to enrich Avery County’s cultural landscape while fostering creativity among all age groups.

With a blend of professional productions and youth opportunities, Ensemble Stage continues to play a vital role in the High Country’s summer scene. For tickets, camp registration, and a full schedule of events, visit www. ensemblestage.com.

The Heart of downtown Boone

The Appalachian Theatre of the High Country

BY LORELEI ROBERTS

Built in 1938, the Appalachian Theatre is one of the oldest Art Deco buildings in Watauga County and a landmark on West King Street.

One of the first sights to welcome visitors into Downtown Boone is the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country. For decades, the theatre was a “dollar theater,” known for showing mainstream films at reduced prices.

“Moms and dads love that we brought a live performance of Puppy Pals up here; it gave them something to do with their kids, that’s what we want,” App Theatre Executive Director Suzanne Livesay said. “I like bringing cool things to Boone, and we host about 240 events a year.”

Community members created Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, Inc., to buy the theatre and renovate it. The nonprofit raised $10 million over nearly a decade to restore the building to its original Art Deco brilliance, complete with recreated carpet patterns, restored wall sconces, and a reconstructed neon marquee. The theatre reopened in 2019. The theatre offers more than just movie showings; it now organizes a summer camp for kids.

“We’ll do two weeks of Newsies, like a musical theatre intensive. We’ll have 45 local kids that come and learn it then perform,” Livesay said. “And that’s my jam, I’m a former educator, so I do that every summer.”

The theatre has grown to host music festivals, comedians and free historic tours. Guests walk through the theatre

and the backstage areas while hearing about its history before watching a 15-minute documentary about the evolution of the space with first-hand experiences.

“People love it, it’s a fun way to learn more about our theatre and why it is a staple in the High Country,” Livesay said.

App Theatre’s summer 2026 lineup will have a variety of talent. Here are just a few — with lots more taking place every week — of the performances slated for the upcoming months:

THURSTON HOWELL

Charlotte’s own Thurston Howell will perform a symphony of classic hits on Sunday, July 5. The show will start at 7 p.m. with all seats priced at $25.

THE EMBERS FEATURING CRAIG WOOLARD

The group that

laid the groundwork for ‘Beach Music’ in the Carolinas, Virginias and every beach in between, will visit the High Country on Saturday, July 11. The Embers will perform at 7:30 p.m. with all tickets being $25.

DOC AND ROSA LEE WATSON MUSICFEST

The Doc and Rosa Lee MusicFest will return to the theatre on July 17 at 7 p.m. Gold seats are $55, silver seats are $45 and bronze seats are $35. The Kody Norris Show, The Kruger Brothers, and Blue Highway will perform. Learn more about it at www.docwatsonmusicfest. org.

TOMMY EMMANUEL, CGP: LIVING IN THE LIGHT TOUR

GRAMMY award-winning fingerstyle acoustic guitarist Tommy Emmanuel will make a tour stop at the theatre on Aug. 15, starting at 7:30 p.m. Premium seats are $47, standard seats are $40 and the VIP package is $127.

For a full schedule of upcoming events and to purchase tickets, visit apptheatre. org. The Appalachian Theatre is located at 559 West King Street in downtown Boone.

BeanStalk Community Theatre brings Script to stage

BY TIERNEY DRAKE

BeanStalk Community Theatre has organized a myriad of play productions and beloved musicals in the High Country since 2012 when “Jingle Jury” originated on the stage.

From their very first performance, BeanStalk Community Theatre became the place where members of all ages could experience the thrill of bringing stories to life.

Known for its variety in performances, this community theater enchants High Country residents with comedic productions, family-friendly shows and high-energy musicals. With stories like “Matilda,” “Steel Magnolias” and “Too Many Detectives at the Murder Mansion,” performers of every age, every background and any experience level are encouraged to take part in these classic tales.

This year, the theater’s production of “Southern Hospitality” graced the stage at the historic Appalachian Theatre in March. The theatre troupe is currently preparing for their showing of “The SpongeBob Musical,” which will be available to the public from July 23-25.

“The SpongeBob Musical,” inspired by the television series, is set in Bikini Bottom, where an impending volcano threatens to terrorize the undersea town. It’s up to SpongeBob and his crew to save their home through the power of

optimism and teamwork.

With a stellar ensemble, BeanStalk Community Theatre plans to take the stage by storm with an unforgettable and spirited production of this comedic show, created only 10 years ago. For 14 years, this theatre troupe has given performers the space to showcase their talents. From first-time performers to seasoned professionals, each cast member is given the opportunity to learn and grow from one another.

This local troupe produces three annual productions: a spring play featuring an adult cast, a summer musical that brings children, teens and adults together, and a family-friendly fall play. BeanStalk Community Theatre aims to make theater accessible for everyone, regardless of ability, background or experience level.

Whether you’re interested in stepping into the spotlight or experiencing the magic as an audience member, make sure to mark your calendar

for BeanStalk’s production of “The SpongeBob Musical” this July.

For more information regarding

upcoming performances, the audition process, or to simply show your support, visit www.beanstalknc.com/.

Ashe County Little Theatre brings mountain heart to the stage

BY JESSE CAMPBELL

Ashe County is known for its indomitable mountain spirit.

From banding together to help neighbors dig through mud and water-soaked debris following Hurricane Helene, often standing shoulder-to-shoulder responding to the High Country’s worst natural disaster, to helping neighbors winterize their homes and hosting food drives amid budget uncertainty, the county’s residents know how to spearhead grassroots efforts.

While the Lost Province’s collective resiliency lifts mountains and damps down attitudes in the face of adversity, Ashe County also supports nonprofit initiatives that sustain edifying cultural mainstays, including the Ashe County Little Theater.

Although the county is hundreds of miles away from Broadway, the ACLT knows how to put on a show without deviating from the script, as dozens of aspiring actors edge into character for regular rehearsals and performances after working the standard nine-to-five workday.

Stellar, locally renowned star-studded acts work tirelessly throughout the performance season to put on memorable shows that harness creative prowess and artistic inclinations to capture the pantomime limelight without chimerical or pompous grandeur best reserved for prima donnas who don’t appreciate authentic mountain

theater.

The theater troupe and complementing ensemble are an all-volunteer, nonprofit community theater group based in West Jefferson, North Carolina, established in 1972. It presents plays, musicals, and live performances at the Ashe Civic Center to promote cultural growth and provide entertainment in the local community, according to the Ashe County Arts Council.

From toe-tapping musicals to gutwrenching, iconic performances, the Little Theater puts on shows appropriate for all ages while ingratiating audiences through dedicated casting that encapsulates the spirit of the mountains without spoiling artistic form.

Producing several shows a year, including Disney-acclaimed theatrics such as Shrek and other fan-favorite shows such as Turn Off The Screw and Exit Laughing, the nonprofit volunteers memorize monologues and climactic scenes to keep audiences on the edge of their seats for the next titillating act. Past performances and rival small-town productions nationwide included “Little Shop of Horrors,” “A Christmas Carol,” “Young Frankenstein,” and “Fiddler on the Roof.”

The 2026 seasonal marquee act is “Shrek the Musical” on June 25-26.

“Shrek the Musical brings the beloved fairy tale to life with humor, heart, and unforgettable songs. Packed with adventure and larger-than-life characters, it’s a fun-filled show the

whole family will enjoy,” according to ashecountylittletheatre.org.

Click to ashecountylittletheatre.org

to purchase tickets and season passes. The troupe performs at the Ashe County Civic Center, located at 962 Mount Jefferson Road in West Jefferson.

Chambers of Commerce help make a better High Country

BY MOSS BRENNAN

The High Country is home to several thriving chambers of commerce, each one working in its own way to strengthen the local businesses, residents and communities they serve..

And while their events and programs may differ, their goal is the same: to make the places they call home a little better for everyone.

“Moms and dads love that we brought a live performance of Puppy Pals up here; it gave them something to do with their kids, that’s what we want,” App Theatre Executive Director Suzanne Livesay said. “I like bringing cool things to Boone, and we host about 240 events a year.”

BOONE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is one of the High Country’s largest and most active chambers. It has both a dedicated membership and an overall commitment

to the betterment of the area as both a vacation destination and a business hub. Its mission is to connect business and community partners, to enhance opportunities through advocacy and education, and support continued sustainable economic development within our region.

That mission was clearly seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, when the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation raised more than $1.1 million for impacted businesses.

The Foundation awarded $978,500 in grants to 209 businesses across Watauga, Avery, and Ashe counties. It also paid $206,000 to eight licensed childcare centers in Watauga County in October 2024 to cover families’ tuition for that month.

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is located at 579 Greenway Rd. Suite 101. For more information on its members, programs, scholarships and events, visit www.boonechamber.com.

BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, located at 132 Park Ave, Blowing Rock, aims to promote, protect and improve business through the cultural, social and economic development, growth and sustainability of Blowing Rock while preserving the charm and character of the village.

They do that and more, especially when a business is in need. After a local, wellknown historical restaurant burned to the ground, the Chamber stepped up to help the employees who were immediately impacted.

The Bistro Roca Fire Fund, established by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, provides direct assistance to the restaurant’s staff during this difficult and uncertain time. In just three days, donations poured in from residents, visitors, local businesses, and supporters SEE CHAMBERS

from across the region.

In total, the Chamber raised $129,000 and distributed approximately $2,000 checks to employees to help bridge the gap between jobs, especially during a slow hiring season.

“This has never been just about a building,” said Chamber President/CEO Robin Miller after the fundraiser surpassed $100,000. “It’s about people — neighbors, friends, and workers who have served this community for years. Blowing Rock showed up in a big way, and that support matters more than we can put into words.”

Miller was also recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Carolina Association of Chamber Professionals, a statewide organization dedicated to advancing excellence and professional development for chamber leaders across North Carolina.

According to the Chamber, Miller’s appointment further reflects its commitment to leadership, collaboration and economic vitality at both the local and statewide level.

To learn more about the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce members, programs, scholarships and events, visit www.loveblowingrock.com.

ASHE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Ashe County Chamber of Commerce is much more than just a voice for local businesses. Through numerous partnerships, volunteer activities and community support, the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce has worked tirelessly to promote and serve the county that roughly 27,000 people call home.

For the past six years, the Chamber has organized and hosted a free community concert at the Ashe County Government Complex in Jefferson, dubbed the Ashe Bash. The free, family-friendly show is a way for residents and visitors to come together and enjoy an evening of fun, food and music. This year, the Ashe Bash will take place on June 6 and feature opening act Fireside Collective, followed by The

Kruger Brothers for the main event.

The Ashe County Chamber of Commerce has also taken the lead in sponsoring the Blue Ridge Brutal. This grueling cycling race will challenge even the most durable and experienced riders. Cyclists can choose from the 25-, 50-, 70-, or 100-mile routes that lead them through a beautiful mountain landscape while also challenging their endurance, with several steep climbs and downhill sections throughout the county. The race typically features well over 300 riders each year.

Young residents in Ashe County are major beneficiaries of the Chamber’s work each year. The Ashe Advantage Project, organized by the Chamber, helps provide scholarship opportunities for Ashe County High School seniors, Ashe Early College seniors, and homeschooled students who are preparing to enter a college or university. In 2025, the Ashe Advantage Project awarded 17 scholarships to students that totaled $25,500.

The Business and Community Development Committee of the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce offers a special Ashe County Young Professionals program that brings together some of the brightest young minds in Ashe County. Each month, young professionals ages 21 to 45 meet to discuss community and social issues that impact the High Country, improve networking skills, and plan events that benefit the county.

To learn more about Ashe County Chamber of Commerce members, programs, scholarships and events, visit www.ashechamber.com.

AVERY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

When it comes to increasing exposure for one’s business, few alternatives provide more value from investment than joining a local chamber of commerce. Across Avery County, the Avery Chamber has thrived for decades through its relationships with member businesses and its partnerships with area organizations to enhance life and business in the county and region.

Avery County Chamber of Commerce boasts several networking events and initiatives that connect businesses with

customers and with one another, from After Hours events for members to cosponsoring the annual Banner Elk Woolly Worm Festival and summer arts events, the Avery Chamber provides opportunities for business owners, nonprofits and others to mingle and find commonality in community, whether it be similar service industries, clientele, or simply shared vision for what continues to make Avery great.

Victoria Bowman, executive director of the Avery Chamber, fosters this attitude of growth and desire for all businesses countywide to experience success. Since assuming the director role in August 2025, Bowman assessed how the Chamber served its members and sought innovative ways to maximize member benefits and experience.

“When you have a membership of more than 400, it’s hard to apply a personalized touch to all these businesses, right? So one of my big research projects was trying to divide more into the different industries. For example, what do my tourism businesses need versus what my infrastructure or my commercial businesses need? What do those brand new businesses need versus those veterans? What is important in the northern part of the county versus midcounty versus southern Avery County, because all those demographics are so different. The Chamber has to constantly work at understanding needs a little more in those buckets than necessarily completely individualized. We did that a lot through open forum and feedback … I just wanted to make sure that I was taking all shapes and sizes into consideration.”

The Avery Chamber’s mission is to connect and support the diverse businesses, organizations, and community of Avery County through education, workshops and events that inspire an engaged, thriving community. It is a 501(c) (6) nonprofit, membership-based business association serving the community in Avery County and the surrounding regions. The Chamber’s programs and services focus on the three overarching priorities of connecting, supporting and inspiring.

For more information on the Avery Chamber of Commerce, including programs, membership, scholarships and service opportunities, call Bowman at (828) 898-5605 or visit www.averycounty.com.

BANNER ELK

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Over the decades, the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce has played an instrumental role in fostering economic growth and supporting the small businesses that define the town’s character. From its humble beginnings when the Tate family, the Banner family, and more first settled in the community centuries ago, the Chamber has grown over the years from a small group of concerned business owners to evolve into a dynamic organization that represents hundreds of members.

These businesses span a wide array of sectors, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, and professional services, all working together to create a thriving local economy.

One of the Chamber’s most significant contributions is its dedication to community programs that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. The Chamber organizes popular events throughout the year, such as the community’s widely popular Summer Concerts in the Park, a weekly event at Tate-Evans Town Park that brings talented groups of all genres together for the dulcet tones of live music on Thursday nights, the Banner Elk Christmas Parade, which brings the whole town together to kick off the holiday season, member After Hours events to provide connecting opportunities for area residents and businesses, and more.

Additionally, the Chamber supports local schools, hosts educational seminars for business owners, and promotes tourism in the region, ensuring Banner Elk remains a prime destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce is located at 100 Main St W, in Banner Elk. For more information, visit bannerelk.org.

YOUR GUIDE TO EATING & DRINKING IN THE

2024 Restaurant of theyear and Steakhouse of theyear

Family Billiards: ATraditionofExcellenceSince1996

Country Retreat Family Billiards & Grill is conveniently located in Foscoe - 8 miles south of Boone and Blowing Rock off highway 105 (next to the Dollar General), and 1.8 miles north of Banner Elk and Linville. This summer Family Billiards is celebrating 29 years in operation as the High Country’s only pool room, featuring 10 professional pool tables. Family Billiards is a family friendly, non-alcohol recreational destination as well as a full service restaurant & grill. They host weekly handicapped pool tournaments for the more dedicated pool players of all levels, as well as catering to recreational and first time pool players.The grill operates from 11am - 8pm Monday through Saturday. The dining area includes a covered front porch for those wishing to eat outside. Family Billiards is closed on Sundays.

Countr yRetreat FamilyBilliards& Grill is convenientlylocated in Foscoe -8miles southofBoone andBlowing Rock off highway 105(next to theDollar General), and8miles northofBannerElk andLinville. Thissummer FamilyBilliards is celebrating29years in operationasthe High Countr y’sonlypoolroom, featuring 10 professional pooltables. Family Billiardsisafamilyfriendlynon-alcohol recreational destination as well as afull service restaurant &grill. Theyhostweekly handicappedpooltournaments forthe more dedicated poolplayers of alllevels, as well as catering to recreational andfirst time poolplayers.Thegrill operatesfrom 11 am -8pmMondaythrough Saturday.The diningareaincludes acovered frontporch forthose wishingtoeat outside.Family Billiardsisclosed on Sundays.

Family Billiards & Grill’s pool room and

FamilyBilliards& Grill’s poolroomand

pool tables have always been considered top notch and are maintained in immaculate condition. Their main business is their quality food & beverage operation, of which, close to half is take-out orders. The majority of regulars come for their quality, consistent and affordable food offerings, although many have never played pool here. The room features numerous large screen TV’s generally featuring sports or weather during the daytime and sporting events at night. Chef Brian Anderson prepares daily specials Monday through Friday, which virtually always sell out. Family Billiards is a small operation that caters to and depends largely on their loyal following of regulars. Family Billiards is a family friendly recreation, entertainment, and dining option for locals as well as tourists visiting the high country.

pooltables have always beenconsidered as topnotch andare maintained in immaculatecondition,but theirmain businessistheir qualityfood &beverage operation, of whichclosetohalfof whichistake-outorders. The majority of regulars come fortheir quality, consistent andaffordablefood offerings, although many have neverplayedpoolhere. The room features numerous large screen TV’s generallyfeaturing sports or weather during the daytime andsportingeventsat night. Chef BrianAndersonpreparesdaily specials Monday throughFriday, which virtuallyalwayssellout.FamilyBilliards is asmall operation that caters to and depends largely on theirloyal following ofregulars,but ever yoneis welcomeas a family friendlyrecreationIentertainment anddiningoptionfor localsaswellas touristsvisitingthe highcountry.

FISHSPECIALSEVERYFRIDAY

10 Professional Po ol Tables

SALADS AND GRILLED CHICKEN!

Staying Safe in the High Country outdoors

BY MOSS BRENNAN

The High Country’s trails, rivers and peaks draw visitors from across the region every summer — and for good reason.

But the same rugged landscape that makes this area so spectacular can turn unforgiving in a hurry if you’re not ready for it.

Don’t let wearing the wrong clothes,

bringing improper gear or not knowing where you are going mess up your summer fun. Follow these safety tips from the National Park Service and other organizations to keep your High Country visit safe.

BEFORE YOU GO

• Do you research and know the difficulty of the trail before you go. This is especially true if you are a newer hiker or not the most athletic.

• Let people know your plan. Make sure someone who is not on the trip with you knows where you are going and when you plan to be back. If they don’t hear from you in a reasonable amount of time after you were supposed to get back, they can call authorities to make sure you are OK.

• Be prepared. Check the weather beforehand and make sure you are wearing the right clothes and shoes.

WHAT TO BRING

The following are the 10 essentials to bring on a hike, according to the National

Park Service.

1. Navigation (map, compass, & GPS)

2. Sun Protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, & hat)

3. Insulation (jacket, hat, gloves, layers, & rain gear)

4. Illumination (flashlight or headlamp; your phone does not count)

5. First-Aid Supplies (first-aid kit; ensure supplies are not expired)

6. Fire (matches, lighter, & fire starter)

7. Repair Kit and Tools (duct tape, knife, screwdriver, & scissors)

8. Food (nutritious snacks that do not require cooking)

9. Hydration (water & water treatment supplies; at least 1 liter per 2 hours of hiking)

10. Emergency Shelter (tent, tarp, bivy sack, or space blanket)

• Call or text 911 if you are lost, sustained traumatic injuries from a fall, or experiencing a medical emergency.

• If you find your way out or your situation changes, call 911 again to update rescuers.

• Hike with at least one other companion.

• Always tell someone your intended travel plans and return time.

• Pack extra food and plenty of water.

• Assume the weather will change — bring sun protection, rain gear, and extra layers for sudden cold.

• Bring a cell phone charging battery pack.

• Bring multiple headlamps in case your activity takes longer than planned.

• Make sure everyone is wearing appropriate footwear for traction and to help avoid ankle injuries.

Avery County’s Linville-Central Rescue — which conducts multiple rescues of injured or lost hikers every summer, has the following tips for hiking in the High Country and what to do if something happens:

• Collect all your trash. Leave a trail more pristine than you found it.

For more safety tips, visit www.nps.gov/ articles/hiking-safety.htm.

ADVERTISER INDEX

Mountain Art & Furnishings MOUNTAIN

AT THE PEAK OF UNIQUE

Banner Elk’s newest shopping destination offering the most unique Mountain Decor Collection ever Assembled!

As part of the AFD Home and World Of Décor Family we are an established Art Furniture and Décor Manufacturer since 1989 with showrooms and Distribution facilities in the Furniture capital of the world High Point, NC. We have opened this local showroom due to our love of the area and our ability to offer the most unique Mountain Designs. You will love our everyday honest Wholesale pricing with even additional Trade discounts to support our Local Designers, Builders, Landscapers and Architects. We truly can help with your design projects whether it’s a local Home build or a major Hotel or Restaurant , allow us to show you all that we can do to make your projects better, with higher quality goods and often times for a surprisingly big savings.

Located in downtown Banner Elk at 500 Main Street West in the Banner Elk

Marketplace at the intersection of Main St, (hwy 194) , Beech Mountain Parkway (184) and the Banner Elk Hwy (19E) 828.898.1770

Shop Wholesale at our facility or visit WWW.MOUNTAINEMPORIUM.COM with pricing that includes freight anywhere in the continental USA