Boone My Hometown 2025-26

Welc e to B ne

As Mayor Pro Tem of Boone, I’m excited for the opportunity to welcome you to my hometown. Boone is an incredible place, con rmed by our recent recognition as our country’s “Best Mountain Town” in Travel + Leisure magazine. Much of that is due to our many residents, small businesses, panoramic views, and the community we’ve fostered right here in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

We’re more than a mountain town. We’re a place characterized by service, where neighbors help neighbors, folks are quick to share a smile, a robust nonpro t community brings sel ess caretaking, and a thriving university community helps fuel a vibrant economy. As you walk our streets, you’ll be amazed at local institutions like F.A.R.M. Cafe, an organization dedicated to feeding anyone, regardless of means, where you may enjoy a locally sourced lunch right in our downtown.

And while the Blue Ridge Parkway will likely be a must-stop for any person passing through Boone, our town o ers a parks system that can deliver views ready to compete with any postcard. We boast areas like Clawson-Burnley Park, with one of the largest public stretches along one of the oldest rivers in the world – the New River (the irony is not lost

on me) – or Daniel Boone Park, where native gardens, a historical drama, and an arboretum share space.

Boone has long been viewed as a pioneering town, one that’s not afraid to be a trailblazer, much like our namesake, Daniel Boone. We aim to be known as a town that believes in community, stewardship of our region, and showing up for each other. So come blaze that trail with us and see what makes our home so incredible. Help spread joy,

www.boonechamber.com

patronize local Boone businesses, tip your servers well, and respect the amazing, awe-inspiring environment that is our Appalachian Mountains and wildlife.

I’ve lived in Boone my entire adult life, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be. So, welcome to the newcomers, those with deep roots, students, those who come every year, and everyone in between. See the best mountain town for yourself!

Dalt Ge ge Mayor Pro Tem

VISITOR INFORMATION

BOONE/WATAUGA TOURISM www.exploreboone.com

HIGH COUNTRY HOST

highcountryhost.com/home

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY www.blueridgeparkway.org

LOCAL EVENTS

www.highcountrync.com

BOONE IS ON THE MAP

Accolades for the growing town

Travel + Leisure 2025

Best Small Mountain Town

USA Today’s 2025 No. 3 Best Small Town Beer Scene

USA Today’s 2025 Runner-up for Best Small College Town

Our State Magazine’s 2025

Top Coolest Mountain Town

To Visit in NC This Summer

2024 “Tree City USA” recipient

Southern Living’s 2023

“Top 50 Best Small Towns In The South”

USA Today’s 2023

No. 8 Best Small Town for Adventure

Welc e to B ne

The Heart of the High Country

Whether you are a newcomer, visitor, local resident, retired person, business owner or student, there is something for you here in Boone. e High Country o ers a quality of life that is unique to many regions in the State of North Carolina. Combined with year-long opportunities for outdoor recreation, our economic viability, technology infrastructure, and diverse business community truly make the Boone area a destination where you can work and play.

Boone My Hometown will help you get to know us as a community devoted to our local residents and serving the needs of our guests. e stories in this publication are prepared by journalists who have witnessed the growth of our area over generations.

eir perspectives will help deliver tales of our everyday treasures in a way that connects to your perspectives.

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce sta is there to help the community.

We encourage you to visit Boone and enjoy our majestic community. e streets are lled with quaint restaurants, art galleries, and retail shops that combine a strong local business spirit with brands that resonate regionally and nationally.

If you need any assistance with your business or family relocation, retirement planning or vacation itinerary, just give us a call — we’re here to make you feel at home in the High Country. If you are a local resident, we thank you for continuing to support business interests that help fuel our community.

Together, we can continue to experience all that makes the Boone area a great place to work and live while extending a warm welcome to visitors, which will help further grow our economy and notoriety.

We can be reached at (828) 264-2225. For more information on the Boone Chamber, visit www.boonechamber.com.

Enjoy!

David Jacks President/CEO

Boone Area Chamber of Commerce

WELCOME TO BOONE

y r h et n

BY MOSS BRENNAN

Tucked away in the mountains of Western North Carolina is the town of Boone — the largest municipality and county seat in Watauga County. Home to Appalachian State University, thriving local businesses, and a resilient community with deep Appalachian roots, Boone o ers a unique blend of collegetown energy and mountain heritage.

Boone is surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes that turn into a canopy of golden colors in the fall. is natural beauty, combined with its vibrant culture and strong sense of community, makes it an exceptional place to call home.

Boone was incorporated in 1872 and acquired its name from the famous pioneer and explorer Daniel Boone, who hunted and camped in the area.

Boone has the highest elevation (3,300 feet) of any town with a population greater

than 10,000 east of the Mississippi River. e altitude contributes to mild summer weather — an escape from the heat and humidity of the greater South. In the fall, the landscape explodes with hues of red, yellow and orange as the leaves change color. Winter snowfalls create picturesque scenes, while spring brings blooming rhododendrons and other owers.

“Boone is the intersection of life’s greatest joys: outdoor recreation, rich arts and culture, the pursuit of education at all levels, a yearround tourism destination and a tight-knit community,” said Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Director of Communications Emma Faulkner.

Travelers can access Boone via U.S. 421, U.S. 321 and U.S. 221, making it easy to travel to and from. e Blue Ridge Parkway — a scenic mountain road and national park that

The following information is compiled from the U.S. Census Bureau, Explore Boone, Watauga County, the N.C. Department of Commerce and N.C. State Bureau of Investigation

POPULATION

Population, 2023 Census Estimate: Boone, 19,811; Watauga County, 54,748

GEOGRAPHY

Land area in square miles: Boone: 6.31; Watauga County, 312.56

Persons per square mile: Boone, 3,024.7; Watauga, 173.1 Elevation: 3,333’

CRIME

Watauga County’s 2024 index crime rate: 815.9 per 100,000 Watauga County 2024 violent crime rate: 79.1 per 100,000 Watauga County 2024 property crime rate: 736.8 per 100,000

AVERAGE

TEMPERATURE (Fahrenheit)

Spring: High 61; low 39

Summer: High 77; low 58

Fall: High 63; low 42

Winter: High 44; low 25

OTHER

2025 property tax rate (per $100 valuation): Boone, 40 cents; Watauga, 31.8 cents

Boone Fire Town Limits: ISO Class 1 (best rating for fire protection)

Boone Fire Rural District: ISO Class 2/9E

minutes or less of Boone.

traverses 469 miles in North Carolina and Virginia — also passes through the county. e parkway o ers majestic views of the mountains with multiple entrances within 20

Multiple neighborhoods are within walking distance of downtown Boone, which o ers a mix of college town culture, mountain heritage, arts, and commerce.

Diverse businesses,

restaurants, shops and boutiques line King Street, o ering many unique items and storefronts. During the summer, visitors can hear music from the lawn of the Jones House downtown or attend one of the popular

festivals — like Boonerang or Buskers Fest — on King Street.

One of the town’s greatest amenities is AppalCART, a free transportation

service around Boone, with additional routes in the county available for a small fee.

e town also actively supports the local agricultural sector, with weekly farmers markets in two locations during the spring and summer and a winter market from December to March. Retailers provide year-round access to locally grown and raised produce and products.

Community spirit is what helps de ne Boone.

Nothing showed this community spirit better than how everyone came together a er the devastation Hurricane Helene brought to the town and surrounding area in September 2024. From businesses opening up their doors to support other businesses and displaced community members to restaurants and chefs cooking free meals for volunteers, emergency services personnel and anyone else in need.

e community response showed just how special it is to live in Boone and the High Country — a place where neighbors become family, especially in times of need.

Whether you’re visiting family, here for vacation, or considering a move, you’ll discover why so many people are proud to call Boone their hometown.

B ne Real Estate Live in a True Hometown

BY LESLIE EASON, NC REALTOR®

Aer several intense years of record demand, Boone’s Real Estate market has settled back into a steady, balanced market rhythm — much like the pace of life locals love here. Boone o ers that rare trifecta: natural beauty, a deeply rooted sense of community, and a true four-season lifestyle. Excellent schools, endless outdoor recreation, and the presence of Appalachian State University give the town a year-round energy that appeals to everyone from young families to retirees to second-home seekers.

Since Boone is the educational, commercial, and medical hub of the High Country, there is a larger percentage of full-time residences and neighborhoods. is contrasts with the High County overall, where second homes predominate the Real Estate market. e shi toward remote work during the COVID era also increased the number of homebuyers relocating here full-time, trading bigger cities for authenticity, nature, and breathing room.

2025 MARKET OVERVIEW

Boone has returned to a balanced real estate market—similar to pre2020 conditions—where opportunities are relatively even for both buyers and sellers.

e year-to-date median price for a single-family home in Boone is $611,500, and $456,019 for condos and townhomes—both slightly higher than in 2024. Sales price is averaging about 97% of list price. A ordability remains a challenge for rst-time buyers, university professionals, and incoming hires at local companies. Pricing becomes more accessible outside of Boone in northern and western Watauga County and into nearby Ashe County.

e number of home sales is down notably from 2024. e slow start a er Hurricane Helene contributed, but the larger driver is economic uncertainty and buyers sitting on the sidelines—or being priced out altogether. As a result, homes are taking nearly a month to go under contract. is increase in time on market, plus more new listings this year, has resulted in higher inventory than we have seen in ve years. Not all homes are performing the same. Well-maintained, updated listings priced correctly are still moving quickly, sometimes with multiple o er. Older or overpriced homes are sitting—and right now the median days on market for active (not under contract) homes is 83 days. We’re also seeing more price reductions on homes listed high “just to see” if they’ll get it.

Pricing trends are expected to remain stable or see slight appreciation into 2026. A meaningful interest rate drop below 6% could unlock “interest rate jail,” prompting more sellers to list and boosting both supply and demand.

e strongest showing and contract activity occurs May through October, with September typically the highest closing month, re ecting

summer viewings and o ers. However, the market now remains active throughout the year.

BOONE’S NEIGHBORHOODS & SURROUNDING AREAS: A DIVERSE AND HIGHLY LOCALIZED HOUSING MARKET

Boone o ers a remarkably diverse mix of homes — from classic farmhouses with acreage to cozy woodland cabins, modern mountain retreats, and condominiums catering to university students and second-home buyers. Unlike many areas of the country, Boone does not have sprawling, cookie-cutter subdivisions. e mountain terrain creates a network of winding roads and small clusters of homes, resulting in neighborhoods with distinct personality and no two homes exactly alike.

Because of this layout, micro-location matters. Sun exposure, elevation, winter road access, and school district can all vary dramatically within just a few miles — which is why working with a local REALTOR® is essential when exploring Boone and the surrounding High Country.

In-Town Boone

Within Boone town limits, you’ll nd established neighborhoods near Appalachian State University, just o King Street, and behind Earthfare Market. Roads such as Deer eld, Bamboo, and Poplar Grove branch into numerous side communities — with Poplar Grove even crossing Hwy 105 and winding through scenic mountain terrain all the way to Shulls Mill Road.

Boone-to-Blowing Rock Corridor

Highly desirable neighborhoods sit just outside Boone along Aho Road and Friendship Church Road, crossing seamlessly toward Blowing Rock via Sampson and George Hayes Roads. ese areas o er a central location between both towns. Continue along Sampson Road to reach the Continental Divide and the entrance to Blue Ridge Mountain Club, one of the region’s most sought-a er luxury communities.

South Toward Banner Elk

Heading south on Highway 105, Shulls Mill leads to Hound Ears Club, a private, resortstyle golf community. On the right, Echota o ers one of the area’s larger and more planned condominium communities, popular with second-home owners.

North & West: Todd, Vilas, Sugar Grove & Zionville

Moving north and west of Boone brings quieter, more rural charm — with wide views, pastoral settings, river access, and a more relaxed pace of life. Todd, Vilas, Sugar Grove, and Zionville are popular with buyers seeking lower pricing, space, privacy, and a more traditional feel.

KEY TIPS & STRATEGIES FOR BUYERS: BE PREPARED &

STAY PROACTIVE

Boone’s market rewards prepared buyers who are ready to act. Here’s how to position yourself for success:

• Get Fully Pre-Approved — Not Just “Pre-Quali ed.”

Sellers expect a true loan pre-approval or proof of funds with your o er — not just stated income. Working with a local or High Countryexperienced lender makes the process smoother and more competitive. Even for second-home buyers “in no rush,” you must be nancially

ready when the right opportunity hits.

• If a Home Meets Your Needs, Don’t Wait.

While some listings linger, the best homes still move fast — and occasionally above asking. Many buyers lose out by assuming they have time or waiting on a possible price drop. If the home checks your boxes, chances are it’s attracting others too. Hesitation is costly in this market.

• Start Early & Work with a Local REALTOR®.

Even if you’re just exploring, start with a Realtor® now. ey can provide local insight, real-time MLS alerts, and help you understand values before you’re ready to act. NOTE: New nationwide rules now require a signed buyer agency or showing agreement before homes can be shown — virtually or in person — but this can be for a short time period or speci c properties if you are not yet ready to commit to an agent.

• Explore Virtually First.

Not in town yet? Request video or live virtual showings. It’s a fast way to eliminate mismatches — or identify a must-see — before you travel.

• Visit Boone Early in the Process. Even before the “perfect listing” appears online, visit in person to learn the lay of the land. Knowing neighborhoods, road access, terrain, and lifestyle di erences ahead of time allows you to move quickly when the right home hits the market.

APARTMENTS AND RENTAL PROPERTIES IN BOONE

Boone’s rental market is tight, and dominated by student rentals. Finding long term rentals takes some research. To explore rentals in Boone, try these resources:

The year-to-date median price for a single-family home in Boone is $611,500, and $456,019 for condos and townhomes—both slightly higher than in 2024. This home that was for sale is located on

Boone o ers a remarkably diverse mix of homes — from classic farmhouses with acreage to cozy woodland cabins, modern mountain retreats, and condominiums catering to university students and second-home buyers. This home that was for sale is located on Cherry Drive.

1. Rental Management Companies: Search for “Long Term Rentals Near Boone” online to nd a variety of property management companies.

2. Facebook Groups: Facebook groups such as “Watauga County in the Know” or “High Country Homes for Sale & Rent” have become extremely helpful resources to nd rentals not in management programs.

3. Vacation Rentals: Some owners of

vacation rental properties are now open to renting their homes for longer periods of time. You can look at AirBnb.com and VRBO. com, and also check with local vacation rental companies.

Leslie Eason, MBA is a REALTOR® with Keller Williams High Country Realty and the owner of the Leslie Eason Real Estate Team. She and her team have helped over 700 buyers and sellers in Boone and the High Country. Contact: leslie@easonteam. com, 828-484-4811.

A bright fut e

Emerging leaders highlight growing community

BY DAVID JACKSON President/CEO, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce

A class of 16 emerging leaders and a longtime industry and community mentor were among the honorees at the 9th annual 4 Under 40 Awards.

is year’s nalists embody the traits of community leadership by shaping young minds in classrooms, stabilizing and growing businesses in the a ermath of Hurricane Helene, driving the missions of local nonpro ts, and providing talent, energy, and insight to established local businesses. While this annual showcase honors these emerging leaders as the next generation of community advocates, their current impact on key issues and projects more than demonstrates their abilities and passion for serving the High Country.

but for their unwavering commitment to people—their students, customers, clients, and neighbors. e evening’s program was designed to provide inspiration, hope, and the knowledge that the future of our community is in capable hands.

“ e two traits that stood out the most about this year’s class of honorees are their desire to continue learning and their level of activity toward important community projects,” said David Jackson, president/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. “ ese leaders are curious about how to connect community betterment to their professional interests, and that inspires them to constantly survey ways to engage with important projects and ideas. It goes without saying that each one of these honorees have been active in the recovery e orts from Hurricane Helene, and they were ready to serve in that moment because of the skills they have developed and their desire to nd a

Over 60 nominees were considered in the pool of nominees. is year’s nalists stood out not just for their accomplishments,

genuine way to impact their own backyards. e event was made possible thanks to the sponsorship support of Appalachian Commercial Real Estate.

Additional event support was provided by Beech Mountain Resort, Kid Cove, and the High Country Young Professionals.

BUSINESS OWNER:

ELISHA BROWN, BOONE BAGELRY

Along with her husband Clark, Elisha Brown has been the owner of Boone Bagelry since November 2023. Prior to ownership, Elisha and Clark ran all daily operations of the restaurant since 2018 but Elisha has been an employee of Boone Bagelry since 2009. Elisha has over 20 years of experience in restaurants and hospitality. In that time, she focused her e orts in front of house management while honing her skills in leadership, e ciency, productivity, organization, and time management. With a degree in Psychology from Appalachian State University, Elisha has combined her education with her learned skills to successfully run an established business in downtown Boone.

Since January of 2021, Elisha has also served as Secretary for Boone’s Tourism Development Authority. Along with her fellow board members Elisha helps make decisions for the town that will bring in visitors and needed revenue for Boone’s businesses. She hopes to continue working in the community to help make decisions to maintain Boone’s small town charm while also supporting visitors, students, and locals.

Outside of work, Elisha enjoys seeing live music with her husband and friends, playing with her dog, gardening, and

reading. She loves visiting with family down the mountain whenever possible.

Elisha is passionate about sustainability, a ordable housing, and community connections. She hopes to pursue these passions with her downtown business and future endeavors.

Additional nalists in the Business Owner category were Erica Brinker, e Speckled Trout, Cody Critcher, Bigfoot Builders, and Declan Nishiyama, Mountain Dev. Read more about these nalists here.

EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL: JUSTIN CARVER, BANNER ELK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Born and raised in the High Country of North Carolina, Justin Kyle Carver has dedicated his career to shaping the future of

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education in his community.

A distinguished NC Teaching Fellow Scholar, he graduated from Appalachian State University in 2007 with a degree in Elementary Education. His teaching career began at Newland Elementary School, where he spent four years making a meaningful impact in the classroom.

Eager to expand his in uence in education, Justin pursued a Master’s Degree in School Administration from Appalachian State University, graduating in 2012. His leadership journey began as Assistant Principal at Avery Middle School (2011-2014), followed by serving as Principal at Cranberry Middle School (2014-2017). Since 2017, Justin has proudly led Banner Elk School, where his passion for innovation and student success continues to thrive.

teacher. Together, they are raising their three children— atcher (11), Maggie (9), and Deacon (6)—with the same commitment to education and excellence that de nes their careers.

A visionary leader, Justin is relentless in his pursuit of ensuring that every student is challenged, valued, and experiences a meaningful education. His enthusiasm for learning, leadership, and school spirit is unmatched. When he’s not shaping the future at BES, you’ll nd him passionately supporting Appalachian State football and meticulously planning life around Duke Basketball games.

For Justin, education is more than a job—it’s a calling, a passion, and a lifelong commitment to making Banner Elk School the best it can be.

Beyond his professional achievements, Justin is deeply rooted in family and community. He met his wife, Whitney Carver, at Newland Elementary, where she is a dedicated Kindergarten

Additional nalists in the Education Professional category were Brittany Bolick, Blowing Rock School, Dr. Brandy Hadley, Appalachian State University — Walker College of Business, Savannah Stanbery, Appalachian State University — O ce of

Alumni Engagement. Read more about these nalists here.

NON-PROFIT BUSINESS

PROFESSIONAL:

JESSICA YATES, THE CHILDREN’S COUNCIL OF WATAUGA COUNTY

Jessica Yates is a native to the High Country, graduating from Appalachian State University with a Bachelors in History, Secondary Education. A er teaching High School and Middle school for a few years, she developed an interest in supporting our youngest learners. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Birth to Kindergarten Education from UNC Greensboro and transitioned to a career in early childhood education. With over ten years of experience as an early childhood educator in the High Country and surrounding areas, Jessica eventually joined the Children’s Council of Watauga County as a home visitor in the Parents as Teachers program. She now serves as the Family Services Program Director at the agency, where she leads a team of ten sta members overseeing eight distinct programs. Additionally, Jessica is the secretary of the Watauga Education Foundation and co-chairs the Policy and Prevention Committee for the Watauga Compassionate Communities Initiative. Jessica’s career has been profoundly shaped by her greatest achievement, her daughter Makayla. e experience of motherhood has taught her invaluable lessons about the importance of supporting children and families in the community.

Additional nalists in the Non-Pro t Professional category were Kayla Lasure, Hunger and Health Coalition, Seth Moore,

W.A.M.Y. Community Action, and Karina Romero, AppHealthCare. Read more about these nalists here.

RISING STAR: CHELSEA HELMS, STITCH DESIGN SHOP

Chelsea Helms is a Project Manager in the Commercial Architecture Studio at STITCH Design Shop in Boone. Chelsea obtained her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and her Master of Science in Building Science, both from Appalachian State University. A true mountaineer, Chelsea felt the call to “boonerang” back to teach at App State for 8 years a er diverse professional experience in design and construction management. Chelsea is a North Carolina Registered Interior Designer and a professional member of IIDA. When she is not practicing design, you might nd her on a trail in the woods or riding bikes with her family.

Additional nalists in the Rising Star category were Anneliese

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omae Elias, Watauga County Immigrant Justice Coalition, Justin Kearley, NC O ce of Rural Health, and Billie Shilling, Hampton Inn of Boone. Read more about these nalists here.

RESPECT YOUR ELDER AWARD:

HARRY DAVIS

e evening also included the annual Respect Your Elder award, which was presented to Dr. Harry Davis, a longtime professor at Appalachian State University and Dean of the North Carolina School of Banking.

“ ere are so many people to thank for this and so many friends that made their way here tonight to be a part of this evening. Last year, this award was presented to Dr. Ken Peacock, posthumously. If my name is ever in the same sentence with a leader like him, that is an incredible honor for me,” Dr. Davis said.

Dr. Davis is a distinguished leader in banking and economics, serving as Professor of Banking and Economist for the North Carolina Bankers Association. He has held the role of Professor of Finance and former Chair of the Department of Finance at Appalachian State University, where he has shaped the eld of nance and mentored future industry leaders. His quarterly economic forecasts are widely respected and regularly featured in prominent media outlets, making him a trusted voice on banking and economic issues across the nation.

“ e opportunity to educate and mentor aspiring members of the banking profession is something that means a great deal to me,” said Dr. Davis. “I have dedicated my career to helping young people nd their paths in this industry, while also working to

provide guidance to banks and their leaders as I am able. I’ve been fortunate to work with some inspired and capable people over the years, many of whom have gone on to have great careers. It makes me proud to see their continued accomplishments and successes. Many of these folks will have the opportunity to come to Boone for the North Carolina School of Banking, which I’m proud to have helped bring here. Being recognized with this award means I must have made a connection or two along the way, and that is what being an educator is all about.”

A revered consultant and advisor, Dr. Davis has played a vital role in the establishment of numerous banks and continues to serve on the Board of Directors for LifeStore Bank, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to enhancing the banking sector. He is a current member and past Chair of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Dr. Davis has served on numerous community non-pro t boards during his time in the High Country.

“It’s amazing to see how former students and colleagues of Dr. Davis light up when his name is mentioned,” said David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. “Not only has he been a thought leader in the banking industry and a trusted economist within our region, but he has also impacted thousands of students during his time as a professor, which may be his greatest accomplishment. e number of his former students that have risen to positions of in uence within the industry is remarkable, and they are quick to point out the support he provided as a foundational moment in their careers. e Boone Area Chamber of Commerce has been extremely fortunate to have Dr. Davis serve our organization for so many years. He is o en the voice of reason and calm when we talk about our uctuating economy. His sense of humor brings welcome levity to complex conversations. We join the host of others in recognizing Dr. Davis for his accomplishments and look forward to our continued work with him in the future.”

Business, C munity

partnerships continue to grow in Boone

BY MOSS BRENNAN

Boone’s business community continues to grow and evolve with the ever-changing landscape.

In the challenging months following Hurricane Helene, many local businesses faced economic loss, weakened infrastructure and a limited workforce. Yet, Boone and the High Country as a whole have shown remarkable determination and creativity to bounce back stronger than before.

New ventures, partnerships, and projects have taken shape across the region, re ecting the creativity and collaboration that de ne Boone. Ribbon cuttings, grand openings, and community celebrations this year have symbolized not just individual business growth, but the reopening and renewed energy of the region as a whole.

Over the last year, many major projects have either started or been completed in the area. e long-awaited Howard Street revitalization project broke ground a er decades of conversation on how to improve that downtown corridor. It is scheduled to nish up in mid

to late 2026.

ere have also been many new businesses opening or expanding in downtown and beyond. A er opening in 2019, the Horton Hotel is expanding on King Street. e hotel acquired a building just 25 yards from the current location and has turned it into eight additional hotel rooms, a gym and wellness facility, a sauna, and a versatile, exible space for business meetings, gatherings or special events. e expansion, called e Hodges Reserve, is located at 589 West King Street.

Other businesses are also expanding, as Venture Chocolate and Wine is expanding its space, and the popular breakfast spot Melanie’s has expanded to Howard Street in a larger space. Taking over the

From BUSINESS page 31

building where Melanie’s was formerly will be Chai and Chutney, a new venture from the owners of Mint Indian Cuisine. Other new businesses opening on King Street include e Social, Daniel and the Dog (within the 1850 Hotel), Comeback Shack, Mo’s Cloud Cafe and Fries and Friends.

Other businesses also celebrated grand openings over the last year — either opening for the rst time or reopening a er sustaining damage from Hurricane Helene.

Some of the businesses that had been under construction that celebrated their grand opening include e Pottery Lot, e 1850 Hotel, Home2Suites and AMOREM.

Businesses that reopened a er closing due to Hurricane Helene include River Birch Sauna, First Horizon Bank and Walmart (main store and produce section).

Other ribbon cuttings celebrated by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce include:

• Mountain Community Bank

• Skyland Furniture & Mattress

• Pinnacle Storage

• Stepping Stone of Boone

• Hunger and Health Coalition

• Alexander Dennis Double Decker Bus

• Schuster Physical erapy

• Apotheca Cannabis Dispensary

• Pearl’s Kitchen + Tiny Market

• Gilded Age Antiques

• Kids Play Space at Hospitality House

• AppHealthCare Mobile Health Services

• High Country Radio

• Juniper James Bridal

Many partnerships have also led to the local business growth. In Boone, Over Yonder and Rhode’s Motor Lodge came together

to keep the popular restaurant’s legacy going. In January 2025, the restaurant, formerly located in Valle Crucis, announced it was closing due to Hurricane Helene’s e ects on the local economy. Over Yonder opened in June 2014 and is located in the former homestead of the Taylor family, who were one of the founding families of Valle Crucis.

ree months later, Rhode’s Motor Lodge announced a new culinary venture in collaboration with esteemed local chef and restaurateur Andy Long, formerly of the celebrated Over Yonder restaurant. Long took the helm of the lodge’s on-site dining establishment, named “Over Yonder Boone.” Rhode’s Motor Lodge opened in October 2023.

Another local partnership that has helped the community thrive is the one between Valle Crucis School, Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute and the Valle Crucis Conference Center. When Hurricane Helene destroyed the old Valle Crucis School, various organizations stepped up to ensure that students still had somewhere to learn while their new school was being built.

While students were going to those separate locations, the new Valle Crucis School was completed, with students returning for the rst time together on Oct. 22, 2025.

CCC&TI, which has provided a scholarship to each Valle Crucis middle school student who completed the 2024-25 school year at their campus, has also expanded its Watauga Occupational Training Facility by adding 10,000 square feet of instructional space. e addition enables CCC&TI to provide more training opportunities in a variety of skilled trade programs, which are enrolling for the fall

See BUSINESS on page 35

semester.

e lower oor of the expansion has been dedicated entirely to skilled trades training and will provide more space for programs like plumbing, HVAC, and residential wiring. e additional space will enable the college to o er more sections of training courses in

high-wage, high-demand programs, aiming to increase the number of skilled workers in these elds.

In spite of Boone and the High Country as a whole getting hit hard by Hurricane Helene, and even COVID before that, the business community continues to grow through partnerships, expansion and new visions.

Cmunity aw ds

honor those who make the High Country a better place

BY BOONE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Nine local leaders and businesses were recognized at the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Spirit of Boone celebration for not only for their professional achievements but also for their resilience, community-minded leadership, and the dependable ways they have helped Boone rise, rebuild and move forward in the year since Hurricane Helene.

ALFRED ADAMS AWARD FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MOUNTAIN BIZWORKS

e Alfred Adams Award for Economic Development recognizes individuals and/or organizations who have worked for the orderly growth and development of Boone and Watauga County. Adams served as a local banker and prominent community organizer. He provided in uence on many Chamber committees in the organization’s formative years. is award is sponsored annually by Foscoe Companies.

Since its founding in 1989, Mountain BizWorks has emerged as a leading force in advancing entrepreneurship and economic resilience in Western North Carolina. As a U.S. Treasury-certi ed Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), the organization provides

tailored coaching, classes, and exible nancing to small businesses, especially those underserved by traditional lenders. From 2024 to the spring of 2025, Mountain BizWorks issued over $41.4 million in loans and $6.7 million in grants to support business growth, innovation, and retention across the region.

Within just 10 days of Hurricane Helene, Mountain BizWorks launched the WNC

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3148Hwy.105SouthBoone,NC28607 828-264-5650 2340 TynecastleHighwayBannerElk,NC28604 828-898-5660

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Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund, initially backed by the State of North Carolina, Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Golden LEAF Foundation. To date, almost $50 million in recovery funds have been issued across Western North Carolina, preserving nearly ten thousand jobs and keeping vital businesses operating throughout the High Country and beyond. To further bolster recovery, through their Rural Rebuilding Together Grant Fund, Mountain BizWorks partnered with the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation to contribute an additional $400,000 toward the “Hope for the High Country” Business Resiliency Disaster Grant Program, expanding capacity grants speci cally to small businesses in rural downtown communities across Avery, Ashe, and Watauga counties.

What sets Mountain BizWorks apart is its steadfast local focus. Decisions are made by people who live and work here, and their inclusive, mission-driven approach ensures support reaches the entrepreneurs who need it most, from women and immigrants to rural and BIPOC business owners. With this blend of innovative services, unwavering local commitment, and disaster recovery leadership, Mountain BizWorks is a profound engine of economic vitality and resilience throughout the region.

KATHY CRUTCHFIELD

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

ASHLEY GALLAHER

e Boone Area Chamber of Commerce presents the Kathy Crutch eld Citizen of the Year Award annually to an individual who exempli es a sel ess work ethic while impacting and supporting a broad array of community partners. e award is presented annually by Beech Mountain Resort.

Opened in the summer of 2023, Zionville Ramp Company quickly became an eclectic third space and safe haven for local teenagers and skaters of all ages. More than just a skatepark, it fosters creativity, connection, and community for people across the High Country.

When Hurricane Helene struck, owner Ashley Gallaher transformed that same space into the Stateline Resource Station, which became a lifeline for Watauga’s most impacted residents.

Within days, ZRC’s warehouse and parking lot were repurposed into a distribution hub, serving over 1,200 families in 3 di erent states with emergency supplies like food, water, generators, clothing, and repair materials. e station also worked to meet unconventional needs — from gas cards for commuters to other forms of exible support that helped neighbors bridge gaps during recovery. She also helped launch Brittany’s Fund Recovery Grant Program, which continues to provide critical support.

In recognition of her leadership, Ashley was honored with the Dogwood Award by then North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein for her outstanding e orts during recovery.

On New Year’s Day 2025, a er three months of service as a resource station, Zionville Ramp Company reopened as a skatepark. is fall, the space will expand with the opening of Blake’s Backyard, honoring the memory of a beloved ZRC skater and friend. Created as a lasting tribute, this new area re ects the Ramp’s commitment to being a safe, welcoming place for all.

Ashley’s ability to turn a private business into a public good and her dedication to community service truly embody the spirit of Boone, making her a most deserving recipient of this year’s Kathy Crutch eld Citizen of the Year Award.

SUE WILMOTH AWARD FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF TOURISM BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY FOUNDATION

e Sue W. Wilmoth Award for the Advancement of Tourism is named a er the former Chamber Director, who used her in uence in tourism promotion to capitalize on the region’s natural resources while balancing progress with preservation. e award is sponsored annually by Home 2 Suites of Boone.

In North Carolina, tourism tied to the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2023 generated approximately $1.39 billion in visitor spending within its communities. e Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, a longstanding steward of America’s most iconic scenic route, exempli es forwardthinking leadership and regional resilience. Since its inception in 1997, the Foundation has invested over $24 million to enhance cultural heritage, visitor experience, and educational programs.

In response to Hurricane Helene, the Foundation stepped up with critical recovery e orts. Alongside the Blue Ridge Rising economic revival plan, they recently secured a $750,000 grant from Dogwood Health Trust to support community recovery and strengthen tourism infrastructure. In tandem, they received an ARC-funded $5.13 million investment aimed at enhancing tourism, workforce development, and trail improvements across 22 Parkway-adjacent counties, a legacy-building strategy that also addresses post-Helene reconstruction needs.

e Foundation has made tangible improvements right here in the High Country. eir multi-million-dollar exterior restoration of Flat Top Manor, the historic Cone Manor, stands as the most extensive repair in its 120-year history, thanks to donor contributions in partnership with the National Park Service. Beyond the manor, they’re nishing construction of a new paved walkway from the parking area to Bass Lake’s loop trail, creating an accessible path that opens this scenic loop to visitors of all mobility levels.

rough these e orts, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has woven recovery, innovation, and preservation into a uni ed strategy welcoming visitors back to refreshed communities and revitalized landscapes. eir forward-thinking approach ensures the Parkway continues to be an economic and cultural lifeline for communities throughout the High Country.

BEN SUTTLE SPECIAL SERVICES AWARD

WESLEY SMITH

e Ben Suttle Special Services Award is named for the former Boone Town Councilman and recognizes the spirit of volunteerism in the community. is award is presented annually by Appalachian State University.

When disaster strikes, some people rise to the front lines — not for recognition, but out of unwavering commitment to community. Wesley Smith exempli es that spirit. As Chair of the Watauga LongTerm Recovery Group and Director of Missions for the ree Forks Baptist Association, which serves 31 churches, Wesley mobilized resources and volunteers with relentless compassion during Hurricane Helene recovery.

Within days of the storm, Wesley coordinated emergency distribution e orts, working closely with local churches, pastors, and community members to ensure essential supplies reached those who needed them most. He organized meals through Baptist on Mission and helped distribute and serve food to residents, volunteers, and neighboring communities. His dedication also took him directly into the hardest-hit areas —spending nights at Valle Crucis School mucking out ood-damaged spaces, repeatedly stepping into di cult and exhausting conditions to help neighbors recover.

Wesley’s leadership extended beyond immediate relief. He understood the detailed needs required to establish the Watauga Long-Term Recovery Group and helped connect key leaders to the right roles to lead subcommittees and engage meaningfully with the community. His strategic vision and hands-on e orts created a coordinated, compassionate response that strengthened community ties and ensured no one was le behind.

rough his tireless service, Wesley embodies what it truly means to build hope and resilience in the face of hardship. His unwavering dedication makes him a natural and inspiring recipient of the Ben Suttle Special Services Award.

BAKER/JONES WOMAN OF THE YEAR

NANCY CRAWFORD

e Baker-Jones Woman of the Year award is named for longtime Chamber volunteers Gillian Baker and Susan Jones. is award honors an inspiring member who exempli es the qualities of

leadership, mentorship, and community involvement. is award is co-sponsored annually by UNC Health Appalachian and Blue Ridge Energy.

Nancy Crawford is a dynamic leader whose commitment to advocacy, community, and beauty has made a lasting impact on

the High Country. As a Licensed Medical Esthetician at Dogwood Primary Care + Medical Aesthetics, Nancy combines her expertise in skincare with a genuine desire to help individuals feel radiant in their own skin. rough personalized treatments and a welcoming approach, she fosters an environment where clients can embrace their beauty and well-being.

Nancy is committed to upli ing others beyond her professional role. In the a ermath of Hurricane Helene, she played a pivotal role in supporting a ected community members, particularly Spanishspeaking residents. Nancy provided translation services, facilitated access to essential resources, and connected individuals with housing and aid, ensuring that no one was le behind during recovery e orts. Her dedication to fostering inclusivity extends to her involvement with Q’Pasa Appalachia — Avery, an organization focused on supporting the Latino community in the region. She also serves on the board of Girls on the Run, where she supports e orts to inspire con dence, health, and leadership in young girls across the High Country. Additionally, Nancy contributed signi cantly to the success of the Boonerang Music and Arts Festival, particularly the inaugural Boonerang International Festival. rough her volunteer e orts, she helped organize and promote cultural exchanges, enriching the festival’s o erings and strengthening community ties.

Nancy’s e orts continue to inspire and upli those around her, exemplifying the qualities celebrated by the Baker/Jones Woman of the Year Award.

WADE BROWN AWARD FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

e Wade Brown Award for Community Involvement is the Chamber’s oldest award, dating back to 1979. Named a er the rst recipient of the honor, this award recognizes a signi cant contribution through community engagement. e award is sponsored annually by W.A.M.Y. Community Action.

Ben Loomis has emerged as a dedicated advocate for a ordable housing in Watauga County, working as a full-time electrician and serving as the Board Chair of the Watauga Community Housing Trust (WCHT). Under his leadership, the organization has made signi cant strides in addressing the region’s housing challenges. In 2023, WCHT launched the First Home Fund, a community-driven initiative that successfully raised over $50,000 to purchase a home in the historic Junaluska community. is project not only preserved a piece of local heritage but also provided a pathway to permanent, a ordable housing for a community member. Following careful renovations, the home has now been sold, marking a major milestone in WCHT’s mission and creating a lasting impact for the new homeowner.

Beyond fundraising, Ben played a central role in the renovation e orts. e home was restored with a focus on sustainability, utilizing materials like cellulose insulation to enhance energy e ciency and reduce environmental impact. In addition, Ben partners with Appalachian State students through initiatives like the Solar Decathlon, encouraging work-based learning opportunities while also leveraging their extra hands to support ongoing renovation projects. is approach aligns with WCHT’s mission to create homes that are both a ordable and environmentally responsible.

Ben’s commitment extends to community engagement and advocacy. He has actively participated in discussions with local government o cials, including presenting updates to the Watauga County Board of Commissioners, to raise awareness about a ordable housing needs and solutions. rough his unwavering dedication

and leadership, Ben Loomis exempli es the spirit of community involvement, making him a deserving recipient of the Wade Brown Award.

DAN MEYER PARTNERSHIP AWARD THE SUMMIT PICKLEBALL

e Dan Meyer Community Partnership Award recognizes a

community leader for their e orts to bring multiple parties together for a common cause. Meyer served as President/CEO of the Chamber for 12 years before retiring in August of 2016. e award is sponsored annually by LifeStore Bank.

Co-owners Crystal Smith and Grant Williams envisioned e Summit Pickleball in Boone as more than just a state-of-the-art facility, they set out to create a space for wellness and collaboration. A er Hurricane Helene, that vision expanded to meet a new community need. e Summit Pickleball in Boone emerged as a steadfast pillar of hope, transforming its courts into a dynamic disaster relief hub, embodying the essence of community partnership.

Within days a er the hurricane, e Summit swi ly suspended its operations and opened its doors to serve as a central drop-o point for hurricane relief supplies. e facility became a lifeline and a hub for donations, which came in from across the country, and for local partnerships with Watauga County High School, volunteers, and other donation centers, including Stateline Resources and Cornerstone Summit Church. Together, these e orts helped ensure that essential items such as food, clothing, and medical supplies reached those who needed them.

Beyond serving as a collection point, e Summit played a crucial role in coordinating e orts to ensure that resources reached the most a ected areas. eir commitment to facilitating connections and providing a space for collaboration was instrumental in the region’s recovery e orts.

is award recognizes e Summit Pickleball not only for their

immediate response to the crisis, but also for their ongoing dedication to community engagement and partnership.

EVERGREEN AWARD FOR SUSTAINABILITY MOUNTAINTRUE

e everGREEN Award for Sustainability is presented to a business, organization, project, or person who has furthered the inclusion and

Angela McLean of Movement Mortgage held theseventh annual High CountryTop 50 eventto celebratethe area’s toprealtors.McLeanstarted theevent,whichtookplace on May 21 at Firerock Station, to recognizeexcellencein therealestate industry in Averyand Watauga counties.

Data from theHighCountry Associationof Realtors Multiple ListingServicesdetermines the50 topvolumeproducersinsales from 2024. McLean has been amortgageoriginatorfor more than 20 years in theHighCountry.She workswithmany realtors andhighlightedtheimportanceofhaving good relationshipswiththem.

“Ifwedon’t do ourjob on thefrontend,whichis trulyapprovingacustomer, they couldbedriving around all weekendwithsomeone whomight not be approved fora loan.Soit’simportant to have a good reputation withtherealestatecommunity,” McLean said McLean said shestartedtheevent because

1. TraciArtus -RealtyOneGroup Results-Boone

2. JessicaAuten -Premier Sotheby’s InternationalRealty- Banner Elk

3. Mary Baker -Keller Williams High Countr y

4. MorganBeck-Herdklotz -Premier Sotheby’sInternational RealtyBanner Elk

5. Samantha Ben eld -Keller Williams High Countr y

6. Sarah Berr y -Keller Williams High Countr y

7. EmilyBish -FoscoeRealty& Development

8. TreyBoggs -FoscoeRealty& Development

9. Hope Caroselli -BlueRidgeRealty& Inv. Boone895

10. Burr Collier -James B. Collier

11.Linda Cramblit -BlueRidgeRealty& Inv. -BannerElk

12. Matt de Camara -Boone Real Estate

13. Madison Doble -Keller Williams High Countr y

realtors in Watauga andAvery County helpdrive theeconomy andbefore theHighCountry Top 50, they didn’t have an eventwhere they were recognized.

“ ey don’treallyhaveanevent like this at all like whereeverybodycangettogetherand come together andcelebrate. Imean, they might have thingsin their owno ces, butasawhole,thisis theonlytypeofanevent like this,” McLean said. McLean said that shewas lookingforward to the fellowship andseeingpeopletogethercelebrating “ParticularlywithHelene, Ifeellikewehave even moreof areasontocelebrate.Justseeingthe smiles on people’s faces andthe good timesthat they have,I mean,theyneed to do this moreo en,” McLean said.

e event’stheme this yearandin2024wascasino. Brittney Tensi, whoisinchargeofmarketing forthe event, said realtors “rollthe dice everyyear in real estate, so we want to make sure they canwin

14. EanFaison -Storied Real Estate

15. Joel Farthing -Boone Real Estate

16. Shyllene Fecteau -Appalachian Properties

17. PeterFoote -Engel &Volkers Banner Elk

18. BrandonFreyer -Keller Williams High Countr y

19. Jaco Gerbrands -Allen Tate Real Estate -Blowing Rock

20. Cindy Giarrusso -BlueR idge Realty &Investments BeechMountain

21. Leah Grove -FoscoeRealty& Development

22. Justin Hackler -Boone Realty

23. JayHarrill -FoscoeRealty& Development

24. John Heinlein -BlueRidgeRealty& Inv. -BannerElk

25. MargaretHolder -Keller Williams High Countr y

26. GloKearns -RE/MAXRealtyGroup

27. Ronald Kent -EXP Realty LLC

28. MargoLenmark -Allen Tate Realtors Boone

29. Christy Lombardozzi -Keller Williams High Countr y

30. Sarah Long -828Real Estate

31. Corrinne Loucks -828Real Estate

bigtonight.”

Rick FosterofElkRiverRealty—whichisalso asponsor—has attendedthe event everyyearand said he looksforward to networking.Realtor Amy Pepinhas attendedtheeventmultiple timesand enjoys gettingtomeetnewpeople.She said she enjoys workingwithpeople, whichisone of her favorite aspects of beingarealtor.She said she even has clientswhohave become closefriends shetravels with.Realtor LindaCramblitsaidshe lookedforward to having funand gettinga break from work e eventproceedsfrom casino chipsand additional food anddrinksales went to theChildren’s CouncilofWatauga. AccordingtoChildren’s CouncilFundraisingand Outreach CoordinatorVirginiaFord,the councilprovidesvarious resources tosupportlocal children, parents, caretakersand theearly educationworkforce.

32. Robert Novacek -Blowing Rock Properties, Inc

33. Lauren Packard -Keller Williams High Countr y

34. AmyPepin -Premier Sotheby’s InternationalRealty- Banner Elk

35. Rick Pifer -Hound Ears Real Estate

36. Stacie Pineda -Stacie Pineda Real Estate Group

37. Virginia Powell -Blowing Rock Real Estate,LLC

38. Nick Presnell -Storied Real Estate

39. JenQuattlebaum -FoscoeRealty& Development

40.Mike Quinto -Keller Williams High Countr y

41. Benjamin Ray -Client First Of e High Countr y

42. JonathanRivers -Premier Sotheby’s InternationalRealty- Banner Elk

43. DerekRowley -Premier Sotheby’s InternationalRealty- Banner Elk

44. Allison Schoen -Eagles Nest Realty LLC

45. Trac ySimms -BlueRidgeRealty& Inv. -BannerElk

46. Christopher Spangler -Allen Tate Real Estate -Blowing Rock

47. SusanStelling -EXP Realty LLC

Angela McLean Senior Loan O cer, Movement Mortgage

774 EKingStreet, Suite1A, Boone,NC,28607 NMLS #826818

(828)964-0260 angela.mclean@movement.com

48. ScottWarren -Boone Realty

49. Roxanne Weavil -RE/MAXRealty Group

50. Sarah Whit eld -Premier Sotheby’s InternationalRealty- Banner Elk

1. BlueRidgeMountainClub- Blue RidgeMountainClub

2.CarlsonTeam-Allen Tate Blowing Rock

3. Elk RiverRealty-Elk RiverRealty

4.Leslie EasonRealEstate-Keller Williams High Countr y

5.Linville Ridge-Premier Sotheby’s InternationalRealty-LinvilleRidge

6. Mountain ElevationRealtyGroupKeller Williams High Countr y

7. MountainLifeRealty-Keller Williams High Countr y

8.RezvaniProperty Group- Keller Williams High Countr y

9. Stee le Garrett Team-Premier Sotheby’sInternational RealtyBlowingRock

10. VincentTeam-BerkshireHathaway -Vincent

PurchaseLoans –Primaryhomes,secondhomes &investmentproperties

DSCRLoans –Canbegreatforrealestateinvestorsusingrentalincome

ConstructionLoans –Buildfromthegroundup

FHA,VA &USDA*Loans –Flexible,affordableoptionsbackedbyexperience

First-TimeHomebuyerPrograms –Guidanceforyourfirstbigstep

RenovationLoans –Financeyourupdates &upgrades

ManufacturedHousingLoans –Canbe asmartsolutionforfactory-builthomes

SeniorLoanOfficer |NMLS826818 (828)964-0260

angela.mclean@movement.com lo.movement.com/angela.mclean

integration of sustainable development principles. is annual award is sponsored by Mast General Store.

MountainTrue has been a steadfast advocate for environmental stewardship in the High Country for a decade, seamlessly integrating sustainability into both its mission and daily operations. Late last year, the organization intensi ed its commitment through a series of impactful initiatives that not only addressed immediate environmental challenges but also laid the groundwork for long-term ecological resilience.

A er Hurricane Helene, MountainTrue mobilized quickly, launching the MountainStrong Recovery Fund, which raised nearly $60,000 less than a month a er the storm. ese funds facilitated the deployment of chainsaw crews to clear debris, well-testing kit distribution, restore access to homes, and initiate broader cleanup e orts in parks and public spaces. Moreover, MountainTrue partnered with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to establish a river debris cleanup program, aiming to remove debris from over 150 miles of river across Western North Carolina, including the Watauga River. ese initiatives not only addressed immediate post-storm challenges but also fostered community engagement and preparedness.

MountainTrue’s advocacy also extended to legislative arenas, where it championed policies aimed at reducing stormwater pollution, repairing rural septic systems, and securing state trail designations. ese initiatives are pivotal in promoting sustainable development and ensuring the protection of natural resources for future generations.

rough these multifaceted e orts, MountainTrue exempli es the integration of sustainable development principles into community engagement, environmental restoration, and policy advocacy.

ELIZABETH YOUNG AWARD FOR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AMY AND MIKE FORRESTER

e Elizabeth Young Award for Community Leadership is presented to a person or organization whose leadership has been pivotal to maintaining the health and vibrancy of the community. e award recognizes leadership that rises above the work of any one business or agency to unite and mobilize business, government, nonpro t, and civic partners toward an improved quality of life for the entire community. is award is sponsored annually by High Street Insurance.

Amy and Mike Forrester have transformed FizzEd into more than just a restaurant; they’ve cultivated a vibrant community hub that re ects their deep commitment to Boone’s well-being. Since opening in February 2024, FizzEd has become a gathering place where the community comes together to celebrate, connect, and support one another. e Forrester’s vision was clear: to create a space that is welcoming, inclusive, and full of energy, a place where everyone feels at home.

eir dedication to the community was especially evident during the a ermath of Hurricane Helene. In the face of widespread devastation, Amy and Mike opened FizzEd’s doors to provide hot meals at no charge to rst responders, linemen, and anyone else in need. FizzEd was also among the rst to use gi card donations as

See COMMUNITY on page 49

a means to provide for the community, raising over $16,000 and feeding over 1,000 people in the rst two weeks a er the storm. In the months that followed, they received donations from all over the world to feed the community, covering the cost of over 3,000 hot meals. eir sel ess actions were recognized when they received the Dogwood Award from then Attorney General Josh Stein, who commended them for using their resources to help neighbors and keep sta employed during the crisis.

Beyond their hurricane relief e orts, the Forrester’s have consistently used FizzEd as a platform to support local initiatives and foster community engagement. ey host a variety of weekly, monthly, and specialty events, including trivia nights, open mic sessions, and live music, creating a lively atmosphere that draws people together. eir events o en highlight the work of local nonpro ts, businesses, and producers. rough their leadership and unwavering dedication, Amy and Mike Forrester have exempli ed what it means to be pillars of the community. For their exceptional leadership and commitment to the collective well-being of the community, the Chamber is proud to present the Elizabeth Young Award for Community Leadership to Amy and Mike Forrester.

alongside other out tters to encourage tourism.

2024 BAKER/JONES WOMAN OF THE YEAR: TALIA FREEMAN

Past community award winners played key roles in Hurricane Helene recovery

BY BOONE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Previous Spirit of Boone community award winners played key roles in helping the High Country recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, showcasing why they were honored in the rst place. Here’s where they are now:

2024 Kathy Crutch eld Citizen of the Year: Tina Houston Tina has continued to make an impact in the High Country this past year. She opened Pearl’s Kitchen + Tiny Market in Valle Crucis, bringing a new local dining option to the community, and partnered with Lowe’s to support regional recovery e orts. On November 26, Lowe’s distributed 3,000 family-style anksgiving meals prepared by Reid’s Cafe & Catering Co. in Banner Elk, part of a regional initiative that fed more than 12,000 people across Asheville, Banner Elk, Boone, Marion, and Weaverville. Tina’s e orts show how local businesses can drive both economic revival and meaningful community support.

2024 EVERGREEN AWARD FOR SUSTAINABILITY:

RIVERGIRL FISHING COMPANY

RiverGirl Fishing Company has been at the center of recovery e orts in the High Country and has reached every corner of Western North Carolina. Owners Kelly McCoy and Renata Dos Santos organized debris cleanup, distributed rewood, generators, and food, and coordinated volunteers to support neighbors in need. e business represented the High Country at Governor Stein’s announcement of a $30 million small-business grant program and later joined First Lady Anna Stein for #WNCOpenForBusiness Week, leading a New River canoe tour

Talia has been instrumental in Beech Mountain’s recovery and growth as a year-round tourism economic driver for the region during a time of recovery. e 2024-2025 ski season was incredibly successful, bringing over 200,000 visitors and employing more than 400 seasonal workers. Building on this momentum, she played a pivotal role in the 2025 Beech Mountain Summer Concert Series, which featured sold-out headliners like Jason Isbell & e 400 Unit, Lake Street Dive, and Charley Crockett. is year’s series was the most successful to date, drawing large crowds and signi cantly boosting the local economy.

2024 Alfred Adams Award for Economic Development: Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute

When Valle Crucis School students were displaced due to the ooding of their building, CCC&TI quickly opened its Watauga Campus to host 120 middle schoolers, while the Valle Crucis Conference Center welcomed the younger grades, bringing much-needed stability during a time of uncertainty. Building on that partnership, CCC&TI’s Foundation has now guaranteed scholarships covering up to ve semesters of tuition for all current Valle Crucis middle school students — o ering them a thoughtful bridge from disruption to opportunity.

2024 ELIZABETH YOUNG AWARD FOR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP:

LINDSEY

SULLIVAN

Lindsey continues to advance workplace wellness across the High Country through her leadership with AppHealthCare and the STABLE Workplaces initiative. STABLE — standing for Sta Training and Business Leadership for Evolving Workplaces — serves as a one-stop hub for local employers to access tailored sta training and resources, including bystander training, naloxone awareness, and support for

creating Recovery Friendly Workplaces. rough AppHealthCare’s innovative outreach, including its new mobile health unit that brings services directly to businesses and underserved areas, Lindsey is helping ensure that vital health resources are accessible to every corner of the community.

2024 WADE BROWN AWARD FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: COME BACK SHACK

A locally founded favorite, Come Back Shack continues to give back through regular fundraising nights that support area nonpro ts and local partners. A er Hurricane Helene, they quickly mobilized to provide meals for community members in need. is past year, they expanded their footprint with a new downtown Boone location, o ering another spot for locals and visitors to enjoy while staying true to their tradition of community care.

2023 ELIZABETH YOUNG AWARD FOR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP: LISA COOPER

Lisa Cooper and Mast General Store have expanded the Mountain Strong Helene recovery initiative into a powerful force across Western North Carolina. rough apparel and sticker sales, the campaign has raised more than $160,000, with donations supporting clean water and resilient forests through MountainTrue, small business recovery via the Boone and Asheville Chambers, housing equity through BeLoved Asheville, arts and creative economy in the River Arts District, teaching resources at Valle Crucis School, and Main Street revitalization in Spruce Pine. Under Lisa’s leadership, Mast has shown

how a community-rooted business can leverage its history and reach to strengthen the entire region.

2023 EVERGREEN AWARD FOR SUSTAINABILITY: APPALCART

AppalCART continues to lead in eco-friendly regional transit. is year, they unveiled North Carolina’s rst public double-decker bus — an Alexander Dennis Enviro500 that sits 13.5 feet tall and carries over 100 passengers — e ectively doing the work of two buses while cutting fuel use by about 25%. Fully grant-funded, the bus launched on the high-demand Pop 105 route, o ering e cient service from Appalachian State to downtown Boone. Carrying more than 1.7 million riders annually, AppalCART remains a backbone of transportation in the High Country, showing how bold, sustainable transit solutions can sustain a community.

2023 DAN MEYER COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AWARD: BROADBAND EXPANSION WITH BLUE RIDGE ENERGY, SKYLINE/SKYBEST, AND WATAUGA COUNTY

When Hurricane Helene hit, the ber network built by Blue Ridge Energy, SkyLine/SkyBest, and Watauga County became a critical lifeline, keeping residents, businesses, and emergency responders connected during recovery e orts. What started as a proactive investment in unserved communities turned into essential infrastructure for crisis communication and coordination. Today, the partners continue working together to expand access across Watauga, strengthening both day-to-day connectivity and the region’s ability to weather future challenges.

BY ZACH COLBURN

When it comes to outdoor activities in Boone, there’s no shortage of options.

And the best part is, a lot of them can be done yearround, regardless of the weather forecast.

Below are just a few popular activities, including some year-round options, available in Boone where residents can enjoy them.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

e Boone Greenway Trail is an ideal starting point for true beginners. e Greenway o ers a single-track trail as well as an assortment of smooth and leisurely paved riverside paths. However, it is o en crowded with people walking or running the trail.

For those looking to make the step up, Rocky Knob Park is one of the most popular mountain biking destinations in the area. Located just a few miles from downtown Boone, right o U.S. 421, this park features more than 11 miles of trails that wind through forested hills.

e trails are well-maintained and o er a variety of di culty levels, ranging from beginner-friendly to challenging for even the most experienced riders.

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

areas.

Rocky Knob also o ers a state-of-the-art paved pump track near the parking lot with several di erent types of ramps and small hills, making it ideal for getting some air and trying out di erent bike tricks. It’s also a good introduction for new riders, both young and old, to get acclimated to what they could see on the trails.

SKIING

With the beginning of ski season approaching, several facilities

across the area are gearing up for the season.

Appalachian Ski Mtn. in the Boone/Blowing Rock area is a place that will see an in ux of tourists each ski season.

Formerly known as the Blowing Rock Ski Lodge, it was the rst ski area in Northwestern North Carolina and the second-oldest ski area in the state.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding on one of the 12 slopes, ASM also o ers an ice skating rink as well as Ski and Snowboard

A skier competes in the Southeast U.S. Winter Games – Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding for Special Olympics.

From ADVENTURE page 55

rentals and clothing rentals.

To learn more about Appalachian Ski Mountain, visit https:// appskimtn.com/.

HIKING/PARKS

Hiking and parks in Boone o er plenty of options for any level of activity, and the Boone Greenway is at the top of the list.

is fully accessible trail is either paved or gravel, and mostly at. e Greenway welcomes walkers and runners, cyclists and wheelchairs, strollers and hikers. It follows and crosses the South Fork of the New River through open meadows and colorful forests.

e trail may be a little tame for serious hikers intent on high adventure, but it’s perfect for novice hikers, families, or anyone wanting to sample the beauty of the Boone Area without going to extremes. Dogs must be on a leash (and picked up a er), and rollerbladers and bikers should yield to walkers and runners.

It will one day connect to the Middle Fork Greenway, a multiuse recreational trail being developed to link Blowing Rock to Boone. is trail will provide residents and visitors of all ages with safe and healthy access to the natural world while protecting the environment and strengthening our local economy.

e Middle Fork Greenway is a Blue Ridge Conservancy project in partnership with the Town of Blowing Rock, Town of Boone and Watauga County.

Clawson-Burnley Park is sandwiched between the South Fork of the New River and the Boone Greenway. Two picnic shelters and

several dispersed picnic tables can be found at the park. ere is also a short gravel walking path alongside the Greenway, which winds around a thriving wetland with educational signage.

e trailhead at the opposite, most rural end of the Greenway, beside the Boone Wastewater Treatment Plant, is easy to reach from U.S. 421. Head east on U.S. 421 out of town past the New Market Shopping Center and the N.. 194 intersection. Turn right just before the New River Bridge on New River Hills Road. Curve around with the river and turn le across a low-water bridge at Casey Lane. Parking is on the right.

e most urban part of the Greenway can be accessed near the Watauga Community Recreation Center.

TUBING

Whether it’s on the river during the warm summer months or on the slopes in the winter months, the activity of tubing can take place all over Boone.

e New River is one of the oldest and most prestigious rivers and High Mountain Expeditions o ers the unique opportunity to oat this pure, clear, free- owing river. Water temperatures are inviting and o er relief from the hot summer sun.

e water depth ranges from two to eight feet, making the New River the perfect river tubing trip for all family members, ages three and up.

Tubing options can be found at Wahoo’s Adventures, Rivergirl Fishing Company, Appalachian Tubing Company and Boone Outdoor Adventures.

During the winter months, both Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain Resorts o er snow tubing, and you can even snow tubing at the largest snow tubing park in the Southeast, Hawksnest. Hawksnest o ers up to 30 lanes, 400 to 1,000 feet long, with tubing in four separate park areas.

PICKLEBALL

Growing at an exponential rate in popularity, Pickleball has found a big home in Boone, which is evident by the indoor and outdoor options of the sport.

e recently constructed pickleball courts at the Watauga Community Recreation Center give residents the opportunity to participate in the sport during the outdoor season, in addition to the four indoor courts.

e outdoor courts are rst-come, rst-served. To use the indoor courts, you need to sign a list in advance. e indoor courts are free with a membership, or are available for use with a day pass. For those who are coming solo, a rotation of teams happens at the end of a game for all-inclusive fun.

e Summit is a member-based indoor facility that o ers free beginner clinics and clinics for intermediate and advanced players. ey also o er more than 60 clinics and round robins throughout the year, as well as tournaments and leagues to go along with event hosting.

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

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

WATAUGA COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER

e Watauga Community Recreation Center o ers a variety of physical activities, both indoor and outdoor.

Indoors, paying members can enjoy the bene ts of the WCRC pool and indoor splash pad, a full tness center, multiple courts for basketball and volleyball, and an indoor walking track.

In addition to pickleball courts, residents can enjoy the outdoor perks of 26 multi-purpose athletic elds, tennis courts, and the Boone Greenway Trail, which can be accessed from the parking lot.

B ne Events

offer loads of entertainment

BY ZACH COLBURN

There’s no shortage of regular family-friendly events that take place in Boone on an annual basis. According to Mark Freed, the Town of Boone’s Director of Cultural Resources, some events even take place every week.

Two events that Freed mentioned were a weekly drum circle on the lawn of the Jones House on Wednesday evenings, starting at 6 p.m.— weather and daylight permitting.

Another event to take place at the Jones house is a weekly old-time jam session on ursday nights from 7 to 10 p.m.

“People should check it out because it is a free and informal way to experience some of the musical traditions of the area,” Freed said of the old-time jam session. “People who come to play are not paid; rather, they come to play for the enjoyment of sharing the tunes — they sit in circles and talk about the tunes and the weather. e public is welcome to come and join in playing or just to listen.”

FIRST FRIDAY

Starting at 5 p.m. on the rst Friday of each month, new exhibits are featured during an art reception at the Jones House.

“People should come see local artists and artist collectives display their work — plus free snacks and drinks,” said Freed.

During the evenings of every rst Friday of the month (except January), downtown comes alive with the First Friday Art Crawl. Along with the exhibits at the Jones House, art exhibits and wine tastings take place in various downtown shops and restaurants.

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BOONERANG MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

SUMMER CONCERTS ON THE LAWN

From June to August, free weekly concerts start at 5:30 p.m. on Fridays in what has become a weekly summer tradition at the Jones House.

“It was the rst in the area, which now features many regular weekly free outdoor concerts,” said Freed. “ e Jones House helped start the trend, and it remains one of the best for listening to music, in addition to being downtown near restaurants and nightlife.”

e Jones House also plays host to the annual Doc Watson Day concert, which honors the life and legacy of western North Carolina’s most beloved atpicking guitarist and folk icon. Established in 2011 following the unveiling of the Doc Watson statue on King Street, Doc Watson Day is a Boone tradition, celebrating the profound impact of Watson’s music, values and Appalachian roots. Other venues in town also host Doc Watson Day events, including the Appalachian eatre.

Taking place the third full weekend in June, the Boonerang Music and Arts Festival is a free-to-attend downtown street festival that o ers something for everyone, celebrating the arts, food, drink, and music with Boone Connections.

e fourth annual festival is scheduled to take place June 19-26, 2026.

e event features performances and activities throughout the day at multiple downtown locations, including street stages on South and North Depot Streets and a stage at the Jones House. e festival continues to grow each year as it brings together community members from all over.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

EVENTS page 62

e Jones House Cultural Center is a hub for many holiday events as the community comes out for the holidays.

Freed stated that “people should come out to experience the smalltown feel for our community events.”

Most recently, the Jones House served as hosts for Boone Boo! — a downtown Trick-or-Treating festival that took place on Oct. 31.

e central part of King Street closes to accommodate trickor-treaters and to make room for some surprise guests and performances.

Spooky music, in atables, and plenty of costumes and treats are always part of the annual downtown Halloween event.

e 2025 Boone Holiday Parade is slated to take place on Dec. 13, starting at 6 p.m. on King Street.

2025 is the second year that the holiday parade will take place at night. e town also hosts a tree lighting during the December First Friday event.

A parade with oats, cars, marchers, and performers to help get everyone into the festive mood as they light up downtown Boone. Before and during the parade, observers can enjoy free hot chocolate and treats on the Jones House lawn; then stick around until the end to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus.

e annual Buskers Fest returned this past September a er being cancelled last year due to Hurricane Helene.

A free, family-friendly festival, packed with live music, hands-on art, ra es, and plenty of local eats, is an open-air celebration of the arts put on by the Town of Boone and the Watauga Arts Council.

e annual Town of Boone 4th of July Parade and celebration takes

place to celebrate Independence Day, with free parking in townowned lots, with the parade starting at 11 a.m.

In addition to oats and plenty of celebrations of patriotism, parade-goers can come hang out on the Jones House lawn for free refreshments, including watermelon, lemonade, and cake from Stick Boy Bread Company. ey can also remain on the lawn for the 1872 Award Presentation.

e day concludes with an annual reworks display at ClawsonBurnley Park on the Boone Greenway at dusk.

OTHER EVENTS

Around Boone, plenty of other events take place throughout the year — o ering fun for all.

Make sure to check out the weekly Watauga County Farmers Markets at Horn in the West on Saturdays from April to November or the King Street Market on Tuesdays from May to October at 126 Poplar Grove Connector. e Winter Farmers Market takes place from December to March at 252 Poplar Grove Rd on Saturdays.

Each summer, Beech Mountain Resort hosts a summer concert

series that brings musicians from all over to the top of the Mountain for great music. Bands performing at the music series in the past include Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Lake Street Dive, Charley Crockett with 49 Winchester and e Red Clay Strays. Many times the concerts sell out.

Another great weekly event in the summer is the Music in the Valle at Valle Crucis Community Park. Located in Valle Crucis, the park presents free concerts every Friday in the summer featuring local and regional bands. e park just asks for donations to continue its operations.

Appalachian State University also has plenty of events that take place throughout the year — from student performances and nationally recognized artists to a free speaker series and free events in the student union.

A highlight of what the university o ers is the Appalachian Arts series, presented by Appalachian State University. It enriches the region by presenting world-class performances that support the university’s teaching mission and enhance the quality of life across the High Country and beyond. For more information on the events it puts on each year, visit schaefercenter.appstate.edu/appalachian-arts/.

Living in a college town

BY MOSS BRENNAN

When fall arrives in Boone, the mountain town transforms. Students ood King Street, game day tra c snarls the roads, and the energy of 18,000 college students mingles with mountain air.

Downtown Boone sits right next to Appalachian State University’s campus, and the connection is impossible to miss. From the shops on King Street selling App State T-shirts and other goodies to the tra c football game days bring, the university’s presence shapes daily life here.

Founded as Watauga Academy in 1899 and later known as the Appalachian State Teachers College, the university is now one of the largest schools in the UNC collegiate system.

As of fall 2025, App State has an enrollment of 21,758 students — a 1.1% increase over fall 2024. However, not all of them are in Boone. e Boone campus enrolls 18,124 students — the fewest in the last ve years.

e other students are located at the App State Hickory Campus (523) and through the university’s online programs (3,216).

But App State o ers more than just student energy — it brings cultural and educational opportunities that many small mountain towns don’t have. e university hosts public lectures, author readings, and educational forums throughout the year, many of them free and open to the community. ese include the University Forum Lecture Series, Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series, and numerous timely and informative events organized by faculty and students.

Art and music lovers bene t too. e university features exhibitions and workshops in the visual arts, a performing arts series with world-renowned visiting artists, and productions from the university’s highly acclaimed Hayes School of Music and Department of eatre and Dance. e university also hosts a nationally recognized summer arts festival and cra workshops for all ages.

Living in Boone also comes with a pastime that many love: college football. When App State has a home football game, Boone lls up as people from all over travel up the mountain to watch the Mountaineers on the gridiron. e football team is one of 17 varsity teams at the university and has seen success over the years. In 2022, ESPN’s College Gameday television program came to App State for the rst time in the school’s history, drawing national attention to Boone and bringing an electric atmosphere to town.

e football team is under new direction as head coach Dowell Loggains took over the reins in 2025.

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Meeting needs:

Health care in Boone grows with the community

BY MOSS BRENNAN

As with many small towns, health care in Boone is always working to improve as the needs of the community change.

For Boone, Watauga County and the immediate surrounding area, Watauga Medical Center is the main hospital. Located at 336 Deer eld Road, WMC has been recognized with multiple awards in recent years. UNC Health Appalachian operates the hospital and many area practices.

In January 2025, Nathan Nipper took the reins as UNC Health Appalachian’s president and CEO. Nipper joined UNC Health Appalachian in December 2022 and has worked as a health leader for nearly three decades. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and a Master of Business Administration and Master of Health Administration from Georgia State University. Nipper also completed an administrative residency at Floyd Medical Center in Rome, Ga.

UNC Health is a state entity and an a liated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprising nearly 20 hospitals and more than 900 clinics, along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM).

WMC is one of ve UNC Health hospitals across North Carolina that have been recognized for providing top maternity care by the U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News named the hospitals as “High Performing” for maternity care, which is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of the U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual study.

In December 2024, Watauga Medical Center earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from e Leapfrog Group, an independent national

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Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 performance measures re ecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them.

Earlier in 2024, Becker’s Hospital Review listed Watauga Medical Center as one of the top ve hospitals for cardiology care in North Carolina.

e rankings were based on patient outcome data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services provider analysis and inpatient hospital reviews from 2020 through 2022.

e region also bene ts from the rst Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program, which came about through a partnership between OASIS Inc. and UNC Health Appalachian, developed in response to longstanding gaps in services for survivors of sexual assault. e core of the new SANE program lies not in technology alone but in its approach to care. Nurses are trained in trauma-informed communication, which is not typically included in traditional nursing education or law enforcement training.

bracelet to wear for up to 10 weeks a er delivery.

e hospital has also recently introduced a new initiative to help new mothers have the safest and healthiest start to their postpartum journey.

72 patients who give birth at WMC will now receive an “I Gave Birth”

While most women recover from childbirth without complications, it’s essential to recognize that emergencies can happen, o en outside the hospital setting, according to UNC Health Appalachian. e bracelet serves as a gentle, daily reminder for new mothers to monitor their

An aerial view of Watauga Medical Center in Boone.

From HEALTHCARE page 70

health and be aware of common postpartum warning signs. To learn more about the program, visit youtu.be/xgWXuXQd-d0.

To view all of UNC Health Appalachian’s locations in and around

Boone, visit www.unchealthappalachian.org/locations/.

Boone also has private providers, including Appalachian Primary Care, Mountain Laurel Family Practice, Hopscotch Primary, High Country Community Health, AppHealthCare, and the Hunger and Health Coalition Free Clinic.

A f st tim s’ guide to Boone

BY EXPLORE BOONE

Known as the Heart of the High Country, Boone is perfectly positioned to o er endless mountain adventures and aweinspiring experiences just a short drive (or hike) away from your accommodations. Here’s a must-do guide for your rst visit to Boone:

KING STREET

Historic downtown Boone is where visitors and locals alike gather over locally-roasted co ee, peruse the shelves of a centuries-old general store, meet up for a movie at the historic Appalachian eatre, and listen to the sounds of many genres owing into King Street. e very rst stop any traveler should make is at the downtown Boone visitor center, located a short walk up Grand Boulevard, behind the Jones House Cultural Center. From there, enjoy a free concert at the Jones House, browse the wares of local cra speople at several art galleries, and enjoy a wide range of culinary creations at various restaurants. Make sure you pay a visit to our local music legend, Arthel “Doc” Watson, memorialized in bronze at the corner of Depot and King Streets. If you time it right, the entire community will be paying homage to this seven-time Grammy Award winner during Doc Watson Day.

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY

e Boone area section of America’s Favorite Drive o ers some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States. Spanning from around mile marker (MM) 270 to just past MM 317, there are countless hiking trails and scenic overlooks to be enjoyed. Some of

the most popular hiking trails in our area include Beacon Heights, Rough Ridge, and Linville Falls. For leisurely adventurers, Moses Cone and Julian Price Memorial Parks are laid-back alternatives. Make a stop at Grandfather Mountain to learn about our Appalachian ecosystem, view several wildlife habitats, and cross the iconic MileHigh Swinging Bridge. Make sure to visit the Blue Ridge Parkway website for the most up-to-date road closures. #Preserve eAwe: Stick to clearly marked trails and avoid crowded areas to help preserve our stunning, but delicate, ecology for future generations!

FARMERS MARKETS

e rst settlers of the Boone area were mostly isolated from the rest of North Carolina, emphasizing the necessity of growing crops and cultivating the rich soils of mountain valleys. Fast-forward 100 years and you can still nd some of these farms selling fresh produce year-round at one of our seasonal farmers’ markets. From March through November, the producer-only Watauga County Farmers Market exempli es the neighborly spirit Boone is known for, amidst live music and the smell of fresh cheese biscuits dri ing on the cool mountain breeze. For those who can’t make Saturday mornings, the King Street Market runs from May through October on Tuesday a ernoons in downtown Boone. During the snowier months of December through March, the Boone Winter Market supplies residents and visitors with an indoor connection to a wide variety of local goods.

THRILLING ADVENTURES

Calling all adrenaline junkies! If the 40-foot climbing tower downtown didn’t tip you o , the Boone area is home to a world of thrills and exciting excursions. Spend a day on the rapids with one of our whitewater ra ing out tters, zoom down the side of a mountain on NC’s rst alpine coaster, or race along the treetops and across wild ower- lled meadows with a zipline adventure. Avid mountain bikers will want to head to Rocky Knob for a challenging progression trail system and freshly-paved pump track.

APPALACHIAN STATE

With a student population greater than Boone’s local population and university classrooms just steps from downtown, this state college is hard to ignore. So, don’t! App State’s rolling campus has abundant green space, a beautiful creekside park (Durham Park) perfect for picnics, and its very own Nature Preserve complete with hiking trails leading to wind turbines. Enjoy performances from internationally touring acts at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts or revel with fellow football fans at the southeast’s most picturesque stadium, Kidd Brewer. Fun Fact: Nationally recognized bands like Rainbow Kitten Surprise and the Jonathan Scales Fourchestra got their start at Appalachian State’s Hayes School of Music.

DAN’L

BOONE INN

We have heard countless stories of folks making a trip to Boone speci cally for this southern, family-style dining experience, and there’s a good reason. Dan’l Boone Inn resides in one of the town’s oldest buildings; built rst as a family home, then serving as Boone’s rst hospital, eventually repurposed to house college students, and nally becoming the landmark restaurant we all know and love in 1959. A er a day lled with adventures, sit down to a glass of sweet tea, plates reminiscent of grandma’s nest porcelain, and large serving bowls over owing with crispy fried chicken garnished with every country-style side you can think of. We guarantee you won’t leave hungry.

SKI AREAS

Boone is the preferred place to eat, play, and stay for those who love to spend their days on the slopes at nearby Beech Mountain Resort, Sugar Mountain Resort, and Appalachian Ski Mountain. Due to our high elevation and location in northwest North Carolina, Boone enjoys an average yearly snowfall of around 30 inches. If winter sports aren’t your thing, scenic chairli rides and mountain bike trails are also available at Beech and Sugar during the summer months.

BOONE GREENWAY

Just minutes from downtown, the Boone Greenway provides a beautiful, fully accessible, and relaxed escape into nature. Surrounded by lush forests and picturesque mountain peaks, the paved trail follows the sparkling South Fork New River for about two miles. Along the customizable trail system, you’ll encounter three bridges, a historic site, man-made wetlands, and multiple picnic areas. #Preserve eAwe: We share this natural space with a plethora of wildlife, from whitetail deer to salamanders and even river otters. Do your part to keep wildlife wild by observing animals from a distance and keeping food or other garbage out of reach.

ABOUT EXPLORE BOONE

Explore Boone is the Watauga County District U Tourism

From FIRST page 77

Development Authority (WCTDA), a local tourism development authority, operating jointly with the Boone Tourism Development Authority, authorized by the state (North Carolina) and local government (Watauga County) to promote travel, tourism, and corporate travel, sponsor tourist-related events, and activities, and nance tourism-related capital projects in Boone and the unincorporated areas of Watauga County, North Carolina. For more information, visit www.exploreboone.com.76

B ne’s P ks: Where community and nature connect

BY NICK FOGLEMAN

The Town of Boone draws residents and visitors for its community feel, mountain heritage and access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Within the town limits, the town continues these traditions by supporting local parks and recreation opportunities.

“ ese are our community gathering spaces aside from schools and the churches,” Mark Freed, Boone’s Director of Cultural Resources, said. “ e parks are really a central place, and we’re fortunate to have some really great ones here in the high country and in Boone.”

Boone is home to a variety of parks lled with green spaces, recreation equipment and events.

Freed said Daniel Boone Park is Boone’s most active park, celebrating the area’s culture, history and cra smen. e park hosts the Watauga County Farmers Market every Saturday from April through November and is home to the Hickory Ridge Homestead and the Horn in the West outdoor drama, held each summer at the Horn in the West Amphitheater.

Recent improvements include resurfaced parking areas,

new accessibility pathways, and upcoming upgrades to the amphitheater, including the public restrooms. e Daniel Boone Native Gardens, also located within the park, continues to promote native plant conservation and public education.

Across the street, Boone Jaycee Park o ers a family-friendly green space with playground equipment, picnic shelters and easy access for visitors.

e Clawson-Burnley Park, known for its wetlands and wideopen elds, serves as the site for community races and Boone’s annual Fourth of July reworks. e park also connects directly to Boone’s Greenway Trail.

“People come out to enjoy the Greenway on a regular basis,” Freed said.

e Town is currently working to revitalize the Rivers House Park. e park is one of Boone’s most historic and includes the historic Rivers House, once home to Rachel Rivers Co ey whose family founded the Watauga Democrat. e town, in partnership with the Blue Ridge Conservancy, is developing hiking trails and public amenities, including restrooms converted from the site’s old garage.

“It’s been really cool to see some things happening with that property,” Freed said.

Rivers Park is also slated as the trailhead for the Northern Peaks Trail, a regional hiking route planned to connect to Ashe County. Visitors can also stop by to enjoy the historic park and the sugar maple tree known locally as “Baby.”

Downtown, the Jones House Cultural Center remains a

cornerstone of Boone’s cultural life. e property provides public restrooms, shaded picnic areas, a solar-powered shelter for phone charging, and a steady lineup of concerts and art exhibits.

Nearby, North Street Park o ers a pocket green space featuring a community garden and a small playground. e Junaluska Park, just up the road, adds basketball courts, playground equipment and shaded lawns popular among neighborhood families.

Just outside of town, the Howard Knob Park o ers panoramic views of downtown Boone and the surrounding Blue Ridge

Mountains. e six-acre site features picnic areas, restrooms, and wooded trails, and is currently under construction.

e $2.1 million project will add accessible trails, a redesigned overlook, expanded parking, shelter upgrades and a garden. Once completed, the park will be part of the Northern Peaks Trail. Another park coming soon to the area is the Boone Gorge Park, o of Jordan V Cook Road. e park is a project of Blue Ridge Conservancy and is part of the Middle Fork Greenway. is park, the closest to Boone o of Jordan V Cook Road,

From PARKS page 80

will include parking, restrooms, a timber frame pavilion, approximately one mile of trail, a boardwalk, wetlands, and river access, all within a natural setting. e area is also a popular river access.

“Boone Gorge Park on the Middle Fork Greenway will be more than just a place to walk or ride — it’s an investment in our community’s health, economy, and quality of life. It connects neighbors, supports local businesses, and gives families a safe, beautiful space to enjoy the outdoors together,” said Braxton Eggers, Chairman of the Watauga County Board

See PARKS on page 82

e MFG will one day connect Blowing Rock to Boone with a hiking, walking, bicycling trail, with parks scattered along the 6-mile corridor. e MFG is a project of Blue Ridge Conservancy in partnership with Watauga County and the towns of Blowing Rock and Boone.

Freed said Boone takes pride in balancing history, sustainability and accessibility in its park projects.

“We try to preserve as much as we can, from the natural history to the cultural resources to our historic buildings,” he said.

See PARKS on page 84 of Commissioners.

Boone’s parks play a vital role in both local life and tourism. Freed said visitors o en arrive seeking museums and history, which Boone provides through its historic walking tours, free concerts, festivals and community events like Boone Boo and the town’s parades.

“We have locals that come out to enjoy these places,” Freed said. “And we de nitely see visitors because they want to be part of the hometown experience.

Reimagining H d S eet:

Boone’s long-awaited downtown revitalization underway

BY NICK FOGLEMAN

Aer decades of discussion and planning, the Town of Boone has begun the long-anticipated renovation of Howard Street. e historic corridor has long served as a local commercial hub, highlighting the town’s history, food and culture.

“It’s a very exciting project,” Downtown Boone Development Coordinator Lane Moody said. “Depending on who you ask, it’s either been 30 or 80 years, and it’s exciting to see it come to fruition.”

e project includes major utility and design upgrades, including new pedestrian and bike lanes, updated street lighting, more than 8,500 square feet of brick hardscaping, landscaping and the burial of overhead utilities.

Infrastructure improvements include 1,500 feet of new water mains, 1,200 feet of upgraded sewer mains, and nearly 1,400 feet of new stormwater piping, featuring 36 inlets and manholes to

enhance drainage and reduce ooding. ese upgrades aim to equip the street for long-term business success.

e Boone Town Council approved the design scope and fees in 2015, followed by additional lighting and engineering plans in 2018. e town secured a $9.7 million USDA loan in 2021, and a er nalizing easements in 2023, the project went to bid on July 10, 2024. A ceremonial groundbreaking was held on April 14, 2024.

“We have a 450-day construction contract,” Moody said. “So we’re looking at completion in July 2025, and of course there are opportunities for weather delays, but hopefully summer.”

e street will be converted to one-way tra c, with ADAaccessible sidewalks and new lighting. e project also includes underground conduit for future electric vehicle chargers. Moody said the new design will mirror the downtown aesthetic, including

See STREET on page

black streetlight poles and decorative features for seasonal events.

“It’s really to create a cleaner, safer, and more pedestrian- and bicyclefriendly corridor that’s going to enhance that area,” Moody said. “We’ll have additional banners, planters and Christmas decorations. It will beautify that area signi cantly.”

While construction may cause temporary disruption, Moody encouraged residents and visitors to continue supporting local businesses.

“I would always just continue to encourage people to love all those businesses,” she said. “ e construction isn’t easy, and it’s particularly tough in that area. But the lack

A new duct bank will house all the overhead utilities, creating a safer area and enhancing community opportunities.

From STREET page 86

of pedestrian infrastructure really shows why this project is so important.”

M&M Construction, a Banner Elk-based company, serves as the contractor for the project.

“ ey’ve been great to work with,” Moody said. “It’s nice because they’re local.”

Howard Street’s history traces back to 1913, when the eastern portion was established with the annexation of E.S. Co ey’s “Appalachia” subdivision. By 1915, local advertisements were already calling it Howard Street. e western portion developed in the 1920s as warehouses and shops clustered near the Linville River Railway, forming what became known as Boone’s “second main business street.”

Boone Town Council member and historian Eric Plaag notes that

Howard Street may have been named for either Benjamin Howard, a frontier cattle farmer and Loyalist-turned-Patriot whose name also lives on in Howard Knob, or for Howard Cottrell, the grandson of Calvin Jones Cottrell, who reportedly named the street a er purchasing its rst lot in 1913.

Howard Street wasn’t paved until 1948, a er years of complaints from the Chamber of Commerce and then Watauga Democrat editor Rob Rivers, who called the muddy roadway “deplorable” and demanded it be surfaced to support Boone’s growing business district.

“Here we are 77 years later, starting work once again to make Howard Street beautifully paved and as smooth as a oor,” Plaag said at the groundbreaking. “It only seems right and tting that our residents and visitors should enjoy a visually appealing and safe streetscape worthy of their patronage—once again bringing joy to the folks who have occasion to use downtown Boone’s second most important avenue.”

BY MOSS BRENNAN

TChamb F ndati continues to grow and give back

he Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, was established to foster the development and welfare of Boone and the greater Watauga County area.

With a mission to manage and distribute funds and resources that upli the community, the foundation has stepped up in challenging times to support the businesses and the community as a whole.

It was the vision of several community leaders to use the funds raised by this organization to address critical issues like access to childcare for working parents, attainable housing for the growing workforce, and professional development and services for our small businesses.

care providers in partnership with e Children’s Council of Watauga County.

Since September 2024, the BACCF has raised a total of $1,149,500 for Helene-related disaster support. ese grants have helped provide shortterm support for the small business community throughout the High Country.

As of mid-October, the BACCF has distributed more than $1,282,00 to more than 200 businesses in Watauga, Ashe, and Avery counties through multiple rounds of funding. It also provided $206,00 for October 2024 tuition payments made to local licensed early childhood development centers and in-home

While immediate recovery from Hurricane Helene is essential, the Foundation also addresses long-standing issues that impact the community. Housing support, childcare development, workforce stability, and economic vitality are central to the Foundation’s ongoing initiatives. In collaboration with the Watauga County Housing Trust, the Early Childhood Development & Education Fund, STABLE Workplaces, and the Watauga Housing Council, BACCF is creating sustainable solutions that will continue to bene t the High Country for years to come.

e Foundation is led by a dedicated board of directors composed of local residents, business leaders, and educators. eir

See CHAMBER on page 89

combined expertise and deep-rooted connection to the community shape the strategy behind the relief e orts.

To learn more about the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, visit our website www.boonechamber.com/

foundation. For information about the High Country Business Resiliency Disaster Grant, visit this page www.boonechamber. com/hope-for-the-high-country. For more information, contact Ethan Dodson, Foundation Development O cer, at ethan@ boonechamber.com.

BY NICK FOGLEMAN

AChild C e Supp t Expands in Boone as state faces ongoing crisis

s North Carolina faces a worsening child care crisis, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and local partners are stepping up e orts to expand access, improve quality and stabilize the industry in Watauga County.

e Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation (BACCF) was established to address critical community issues such as access to child care, attainable housing and professional development for small businesses. Its rst major project was the Watauga County Childcare Study, which provides a detailed look at the county’s child care system.

e report emphasizes the long-term bene ts of investing in early childhood education. It notes that 90% of brain growth occurs before kindergarten, making early experiences essential for improving mental and physical growth. Studies have shown that there is a 7–13% annual return on early education through better health, education and employment outcomes. is impact is heightened by the tourism, educational and health care industries’ reliance on young families and workers.

e report found that Watauga County faces a severe shortage

of a ordable, high-quality child care options, mirroring a statewide trend. Since that report, the foundation has rapidly expanded its fundraising and programming.

In August 2025, the chamber announced its intention to host an annual October campaign for early childhood initiatives, aiming to raise money to cover October childcare tuition for early childcare workers in Watauga County.

“Childcare workers do some of the most important work in our communities. ey are teaching and fostering growth in our next generation of leaders. Yet too o en, their work goes unseen and underappreciated,” said Halee Hartley, owner of Kid Cove. “Locally, we’re in a prime position to change that by recognizing the value of childcare workers, honor their commitment, and ensure they receive the respect, pay, and support they truly deserve.”

e announcement came a year a er the Chamber distributed $206,000 to eight licensed child care centers in Watauga County to cover families’ tuition for the month in the a ermath of Hurricane Helene.

See CHILD CARE on page 91

“ is tuition reimbursement has been such a gi to us,” one family said. “Being able to give a little more was what we wanted to do a er such a di cult event for our community and helped li our spirits in the process.”

e foundation also announced it has fully funded the Pathways to Accreditation Program run by the Children’s Council of Watauga County for another year. Currently, 19 local childcare programs are enrolled in Pathways to Accreditation.

“Pathways to Accreditation is an innovative way to support our early childhood education programs in growing the quality of their centers,” said Elisha Childers, Executive Director of e Children’s Council of Watauga County.

In the past year, the program provided direct support to

See CHILD CARE on page 92

center directors and 61 lead teachers, who served 530 children, bene ting from their professional growth.

“Supporting the workforce behind our workforce has been a staple priority of the foundation since its inception,” said David Jackson, president and CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. “If we can provide this type of assistance in Watauga County, even for a month, perhaps this will show leaders around the state what the impact could look like in the other 99 counties.”

In April 2025, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce was recognized as a 2025 Champion of Childcare alongside local Representative Ray Pickett. e award honored the Chamber’s continued advocacy e orts and direct community support, including emergency tuition coverage provided to Watauga County childcare centers in the a ermath of Hurricane Helene. e report noted the ongoing challenges in the county. As of 2023, Watauga County had 34 licensed child care facilities, employing 193 workers and serving 913 children. e study found that the average cost of full-time child care is $900 per month, consuming 11–21% of a family’s income, higher than the federal a ordability benchmark of 7%. Child care workers in Watauga County earn an average of $30,600 annually, below the county’s average wage of $44,500.

e Watauga County Childcare Study outlines a framework to strengthen the system, including increasing workforce development through career pathways, scholarship and educator

support; building partnerships to increase funding; expanding availability through home-based and employer-supported

centers; and forming a local Child Care Leadership Council to coordinate advocacy and funding.

e Boone Area Chamber Foundation continues to raise

DirectorofPhilanthropy

OurMission: To partnerwit hfamilies andcommunitiestoprovide thedisadvantaged the suppor tandtools they need tobecomeself-sufficient.

funds through its Early Childhood Education & Development Fund while also advancing projects in housing, workforce development, and small business recovery.

For more information or to contribute to the foundation and its mission, visit boonechamber.com.

Get to kn the t n of B ne

There are many functions in every town, no matter how big or small.

Many community members may not interact with every aspect of town government, but they play critical roles. Here are some of the many key departments in the town of Boone that those moving to the area — or even just visiting — should know.

BOONE POLICE DEPARTMENT

e Boone Police Department is made up of more than 40 sworn o cers and 1 civilian employee. e department has an annual operating budget of approximately $6 million. e department has started a new Community Care Program in partnership with the Mediation and Restorative Justice Center. is initiative embeds a social work program within the police department to better meet the needs of the

community. Daniel Duckworth is the chief of the department. You can follow the department on Facebook @Town of Boone Police Department. If you need our assistance, BPD is dispatched through the Watauga County Communications Center at (828) 264-3761, which is the non-emergency number. e department can also be reached at (828) 268-6900. For all emergencies, call 911.

BOONE FIRE DEPARTMENT

e Boone Fire Department is a full-service emergency services agency. e department provides comprehensive re protection, emergency medical rst responder services, hazardous materials response services, and technical rescue services. It also serves as the town of Boone’s emergency preparedness coordinating agency. It also enforces state re codes through annual re inspections and construction

inspections, conducts re investigations, and provides public re and injury prevention education programs for the general public and businesses. e Boone Fire Department provides these services for the town limits of Boone and the surrounding rural district, covering a total of 40.5 square miles. To accomplish all this, the department operates out of three re stations. In 2024, the Boone Fire Department responded to more than 3,000 calls — including 163 on Sept. 27, 2024, during Hurricane Helene. e Boone Fire Department is rated as “Class 1” in the town limits and a “Class 2/9E” in the rural re district. BFD can be reached at (828) 268-6180, which is the non-emergency number. For all emergencies, call 911.

BOONE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Boone Public Works consists of employees who both install and repair Boone’s infrastructure. Some employees are employed within the General Fund budget, and complete maintenance for ve bridges; resurfacing, patching, snow removal, leaf pickup and sweeping for 43+ miles of streets; new construction, replacement, mowing and snow removal for 18+ miles of sidewalk; maintenance and mowing for 5+ miles of green ways, plus six parks, maintenance and mowing for Boone Cemetery; maintenance and repair, plus new installations for approximately 213 parking meters, seven pay-stations and 10 electric vehicle charging stations downtown; maintenance and repair for approximately 250 vehicles and pieces of equipment; leaf and debris pickup for our citizens; and new construction plus replacement and maintenance for approximately 10% of stormwater infrastructure throughout town.

e other employees are employed within the Water and Sewer Fund budget and complete maintenance and repair for approximately 103 miles of water mains ranging in size from 2 inch to 24 inch in diameter, plus approximately 800 re hydrants; maintenance and repair for approximately 100 miles of sewer mains ranging in size from 4 inch to 30 inch in diameter, plus approximately 2,327 manholes; read approximately 6,700 water meters each month for billing purposes; maintenance and mowing at seven water tanks totaling 6.1 million gallons of storage for treated water; perform maintenance and mowing for seven water pump-

stations and 10 wastewater pump-stations; provide safe drinking water to Federal and State requirements from three surface water intakes and the Ricky L. Miller Water Treatment Facility, plus treat both Boone and Appalachian State University’s waste water to federal and State requirements at the Jimmy Smith Wastewater Treatment Facility before discharging back to the New River. Public works can be reached via email at publicworks@towno oone.net or by telephone at (828) 2686230 or the emergency phone at (828) 268-6250.

PLANNING AND INSPECTIONS

e Planning and Inspections Department assists the Boone Town Council and appointed boards and commissions in managing growth and promoting public health, safety, and general welfare through the formulation of plans, policy recommendations, as well as the administration of the Town’s Uni ed Development Ordinance (UDO), North Carolina State Building Codes and various other codes and statutes. Its goal is to provide the very best service to customers in the community. It also aims to develop strategies that guide growth in a manner that preserves and enhances both the natural and built environments, while creating a community of lasting value. Provided on the Department’s website — www.

towno oone.net/pi — are links on a variety of topics intended to assist residents, business owners, and visitors on topics relating to land use, subdivision, building, inspection services, and development information in general.

e Planning and Inspections Department is located in the lower level of the Downtown Post O ce, located at 680 West King Street, Suite C. Limited free parking for customers of both the Post O ce and the department is available on Linney Street. Planning and Inspections can be reached via email at planning@ towno oone.net or by telephone at (828) 268-6960.

CULTURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

e Town of Boone’s Cultural Resources Department helps oversee historic properties, hosts programs, and serves as a community resource. Housed in the Jones House Cultural Center in downtown Boone, the Cultural Resources department includes three full-time employees and several part-time event workers. In addition to the Jones

House, the Cultural Resources Department helps work with groups and programming at the Daniel Boone Park, Rivers Park and North Street Park. Cultural Resources oversees programming at the Jones House and other special events in town. Some of these programs and events include historic tours

of downtown Boone, Summer Concerts at the Jones House, Boone Junior Appalachian Musicians, Boonerang Music & Arts Festival, Doc Watson Day, the July 4th parade and reworks, Boone BOO!, Festive First Friday and the Solar Tree Lighting, and the Holiday Parade.

For more information about the Cultural Resources Department, visit www.joneshouse.org or call (828) 2686280. For more information on the town of Boone, visit www. towno oone.net/.

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CLASSICSTONE WORKS

“ WHERECOUNTERTOPSARECRAFTED AND TILEDREAMSCOME TO LIFE”

WHAT BEGAN AS A SMALL TILE INSTALLATION BUSINESS HAS GROWN INTO A TRUSTED NAME IN THE HIGH COUNTRY, WITH CLASSIC STONE WORKS PROUDLY SERVING THIS COMMUNITY FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS. TODAY, WE ARE A FULL-SERVICE COUNTERTOP FABRICATOR AND TILE SHOWROOM, BUILT ON DEDICATION, CRAFTSMANSHIP, AND HEART.

AT OUR LINVILLE FACILITY, YOU’LL DISCOVER MORE THAN JUST COUNTERTOPS AND TILE, YOU’LL FIND A CREATIVE HUB FULL OF INSPIRATION. FROM OUR EXPANSIVE SLAB YARD TO OUR WARM AND WELCOMING SHOWROOM, WE OFFER EVERYTHING FROM TIMELESS CLASSICS TO BOLD, MODERN DESIGNS.

BUT FOR US, IT ’S NEVER JUST ABOUT THE MATERIALS IT ’S ABOUT BRINGING YOUR VISION TO LIFE WITH CARE, GUIDANCE, ANDGENUINE PASSION FOR WHAT WE DO. EVERY PROJECT IS PERSONAL. EVERY CLIENT IS FAMILY. EVERY DETAIL MA ERS.

THAT ’S WHY, FOR GENERATIONS,FAMILIES, DESIGNERS, AND BUILDERS ALIKE HAVE TRUSTED CLASSIC STONE WORKS WITH THEIR HOMES, THEIR STYLE, AND THEIR STORIES

BUT FOR US, IT ’S NEVER JUST ABOUT THE MATERIALS. IT ’S ABOUT BRINGING YOUR VISION TO LIFE WITH CARE, GUIDANCE, ANDGENUINE PASSION FOR WHAT WE DO. EVERY PROJECT IS PERSONAL EVERY CLIENT IS FAMILY EVERY DETAIL MA ERS

THAT ’S WHY, FOR GENERATIONS,FAMILIES, DESIGNERS, AND BUILDERS ALIKE HAVE TRUSTED CLASSIC STONE WORKS WITH THEIR HOMES, THEIR STYLE, AND THEIR STORIES.

SINCERELY, ERIC & DEBBIE GUINN

Civic Clubs & Int est Gr ps

BY MOSS BRENNAN

The following are some of the clubs, organizations and nonpro ts in the Boone area.

• American Legion Post 130 Search “Watauga American Legion Post 130” on Facebook

• Appalachian Chorale music.appstate.edu/academics/ ensembles/choirs

• Appalachian Shrine Club appshriners.org

• Blue Ridge Hiking Club blueridgehikingclub.org

• Book Bunch Club arlibrary.org/watauga

• Boone Area Cyclists booneareacyclists.org

• Boone Area Lions Club e-clubhouse.org/sites/boonenc

• Boone Optimist Club danielbooneoptimist.com

• Boone Running Club facebook.com/groups/ boonerunningclub

• Boone Sunrise Rotary Club boonerotary.org

• Daughters of the American Revolution Daniel Boone Chapter www.ncdar.org/ DanielBooneChapter_ les/

• High Country Pride facebook.com/HighCountryPride

• Watauga Parks and Recreation www.wataugacounty.org/app_pages/ dept/parksrec/home.aspx

• Junaluska Heritage Association www.junaluskaboone.org

• Kiwanis Club of Boone www.facebook.com/ KiwanisofBooneNC#

• Loyal Order of Moose 1805 www.mooseintl.org/location/1805boone/

• Military O cers Association of America (High Country Chapter) hccmoaa.org/

• Toastmaster’s Club 1387766.toastmastersclubs.org

• Watauga Book Brewers arlibrary.org/watauga-book-clubs

• Watauga Community Band wataugacommunity.band

• Watauga County Historical Society

wataugacountyhistoricalsociety.org

• Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge womensfundo heblueridge.org

• Watauga Gun Club wataugagunclub.com

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

• Boone Area Chamber of Commerce boonechamber.com

• Downtown Boone Development Association downtownboonenc.com

• High Country Association of Realtors highcountryrealtors.org

• High Country Writers highcountrywriters.org

• High Country Young Professionals www.boonechamber.com/hcyp

NONPROFITS

• American Red Cross (Blue Ridge Chapter) redcross.org/local/north-carolina/ greater-carolinas/about-us/locations/ blue-ridge-piedmont.html

• Appalachian & the Community Together (ACT) act.appstate.edu

• Appalachian eatre apptheatre.org

• Appalachian Voices appvoices.org

• Back to School Festival www.back2schoolfest.org

• Blue Ridge Conservancy blueridgeconservancy.org

• Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture brwia.org

• Casting Bread Ministries www.increasefoodsecurity.org/

• Children’s Council of Watauga County thechildrenscouncil.org

• Children’s Hope Alliance childrenshopealliance.org

• e Children’s Playhouse goplayhouse.org

• F.A.R.M. Cafe farmcafe.org/index.html

• Girls on the Run of the High Country gotr.appstate.edu

• Habitat for Humanity wataugahabitat.org/home

• Harmony Lanes harmonylanes.org

• High Country Area Agency on Aging highcountryaging.org

• High Country Caregivers highcountrycaregivers.com

• High Country Pathways highcountrypathways.org

• High Country United Way highcountryunitedway.org

• Hope Pregnancy Center choosehope.org

• Hospitality House hosphouse.org

• Hunger and Health Coalition hungerandhealthcoalition.com

• Mountain Alliance mountainalliance.org

• OASIS Inc. oasisinc.org

• Parent to Parent Family Support Network parent2parent.appstate.edu

• Quiet Givers quietgivers.org

• Resort Area Ministries (828) 264-6605

• Samaritan’s Purse samaritanspurse.org

• Southern Appalachian Historical Association horninthewest.com

• SmileOn ADG smileonadg.org

• Special Olympics Watauga County www.facebook.com/ SpecialOlympicsWCNC

• Spirit Ride erapeutic Riding Center spiritridenc.org

• Watauga Compassionate Community Initiative wataugacci.org

• Watauga County Arts Council www.watauga-arts.org

• Watauga County Community Foundation nccommunityfoundation.org/ communities/northwestern/wataugacounty

• Watauga County Humane Society wataugahumane.org

• Watauga County Rescue Squad wataugarescue.org

• Watauga Education Foundation wataugaeducationfoundation.org

• Watauga Opportunities, Inc. woiworks.org

• Western Youth Network westernyouthnetwork.org

• W.A.M.Y. Community Action wamycommunityaction.org

• Wine to Water winetowater.org

BOONE hmy et n

Numbers of Note

•Fire, Rescue and Police (emergency) 911

• Boone Police Department (non-emergency) (828) 268-6900

• Boone Fire Department (non-emergency) (828) 268-6180

• Watauga County Sheriff’s Office (non-emergency) (828) 264-3761

• App State University Police (828) 262-8000

• Boone Town Hall (828) 268-6200

• Boone Planning and Inspections (828) 268-6960

• Boone Public Works (828) 264-6230

• Health Dept. (AppHealthCare) (828) 264-4995

• Watauga Medical Center (828) 262-4100

• Watauga County Public Library (828) 264-8784

• Watauga County Schools (828) 264-7190

• Blue Ridge Energy (828) 264-8894

• New River Light & Power (828) 264-3671

• Watauga Parks & Rec (828) 264-9511

• Appalachian State University (828) 262-2000

• Caldwell Community College (828) 726-2200

• Boone Area Chamber of Commerce (828) 264-2225

• High Country Host (Visitor Center) (828) 264-1299

• Boone Tourism Development Authority (828) 266-1345

• Watauga Democrat (828) 264-6397

• The Mountain Times (828) 264-1881

WHEREEVERYPARTOFYOUMATTERS

742-1018