Summertimes 2014

timesYOUR 2014 SUMMER GUIDE TO THE HIGH COUNTRY www.HighCountryNC.com

Summer in the

BLUE RIDGEMOUNTAINS

Visit

LOCAL TOWNS

Bike or Hike the

TRAILS

BOONEBANNER ELK

BLOWING ROCKWEST JEFFERSON

and all of theHigh Country

FREE

THE MOUNTAIN TIMES SUMMER GUIDE PAGE 32014

THE MOUNTAIN TIMES SUMMER GUIDEPAGE 4 2014

Table of Contents An Appalachian Summer Festival ............82Art Activities .............................................88Art Galleries ..............................................84Arts & Crafts Workshops ........................ 104Ashe County .............................................. 56Blowing Rock ............................................ 43Blowing Rock Art & History Museum ...... 92Blowing Rock, The .................................... 55Blue Ridge Parkway ...................................71Breweries ................................................. 103Calendar ................................................... 117Camping .................................................... 50Chambers of Commerce .............................. 8Climbing ....................................................40Cycling ....................................................... 47Daniel Boone Native Gardens ....................61Disc Golf .................................................... 54Downtown Boone ...................................... 34Farmers Markets .................................... 102Festival of Tables ...................................... 96Fishing ....................................................... 36Frescoes ..................................................... 94Golf ............................................................ 53Grandfather Mountain ..............................48High Country Host ...................................... 8Highland Games ....................................... 73Hiking ........................................................ 23Horses ....................................................... 58Linville Caverns ........................................ 64Mountain Biking ....................................... 46Music Festivals ..........................................80Mystery Hill ..............................................60Numbers of Note ......................................... 6Outdoor Concerts ...................................... 78Parkway Craft Center .............................. 105Pet Page .....................................................30Pet-friendly Places .....................................31Restaurants ............................................. 106Shopping ................................................. 107Sugar Mountain ........................................ 65Theater ...................................................... 74Towns of the High Country ........................13Tweetsie Railroad ..................................... 66Valle Crucis ............................................... 33Walking ..................................................... 45Water Sports ............................................. 24Wineries .................................................. 100Ziplines ......................................................38

The American red squirrel, or pine squirrel, is shown here defending its territory on the Tanawha Trail. They love conifer cone seeds and generally thrive in forests like these but have started to move into the hardwood forests. They have a red, rusty, fur coat and are common in the High Country.

PHOTO BY ROB MOORE | MTNSNAPSHOTS.SMUGMUG.COM

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in the Mountains

Law Enforcement Watauga County

Watauga County Sheriffs Of ce

(828) 264-3761

Boone Police Department(828) 268-6900

Blowing Rock Police (828) 295-5210

Appalachian Regional Healthcare System Police(828) 262-4168

Appalachian State Police(828) 262-2150

Ashe County

Ashe County Sheriffs Of ce(336) 846-5633

Jefferson Police(336) 846-5529

West Jefferson Police (336) 246-9410

Avery County

Avery County Sheriffs Of ce(828) 733-2071

Banner Elk Police (828) 898-4300

Elk Park Police Department(828) 733-9573

Newland Police Department(828) 733-2024

Seven Devils Police Department

(828) 963-6760

Sugar Mountain Police (828) 898-4349

Beech Mountain Police (828) 387-2342

Health CareWatauga Medical Center (Boone) (828) 262-4100

Blowing Rock Hospital (828) 295-3136

Cannon Memorial Hospital

(Linville)(828) 737-7000

Ashe Memorial Hospital (Jefferson)(336) 846-7101

FastMed Urgent Care (Boone)(828) 265-7146

AppUrgent Care (Boone)(828) 265-5505

Animal ControlWatauga County Animal Control(828) 262-1672

Watauga Humane Society(Boone)(828) 264-7865

Animal Emergency & Pet Care Clinic of the High Country (Boone)

(828) 268-2833

2014 Summer Times StaffGene Fowler Jr.

Publisher

Frank RuggieroEditor

Charlie PriceAdvertising Director

Rob MooreProduction Chief

Johnny HayesLayout Artist

Meleah BryanCreative Services Director

Andy Gainey

Circulation Manager

Sam Calhoun, Christina Call, Jesse Campbell, Jeff Eason, Caroline Harris,

Allison Haver, James Howell, Anna Oakes, Adam Orr, Heather Samudio, Jamie Shell

and Sandra Shook

Writers

Rex Goss, Mark Mitchell,

and Leigh Ann Moody

Sales

Marianne Koch, Kristin Powers

Creative Services

Theres summer, and theres High Country summer.

We prefer the latter and think you will, too. Call it a hunch.

Whatever your taste, summers in the North Carolina High Country are, simply put, perfect.

Its a place were happy to call home, and summertime is a season we welcome with open arms and windows.

Whether its taking a hike along the Blue Ridge Park-way or the shop-lined streets of area towns; casting a line on the New River or a bid on some local artwork; or sharing smores around the camp re or ice cream in West Jefferson, the options are many.

2014s Summer Times is here to help, delivering comprehensive, fact- lled rundowns of area attractions, activities, restaurants, galleries, music, theater and all the High Country has to offer.

And since new events and things to do are always cropping up, be sure to grab a copy of The Mountain Times for up-to-date information on whats happening in the High Country.

Till then, welcome to your summer in the mountains.

Sincerely,Frank RuggieroEditor

On the front: The New River meandering through the High Country is a magnet for those who love the great outdoors.PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ROB MOORE

in the Mountains

Numbers of Note


Getting it right in the High Country has never been easier.

Youve reached the peak of Western North Carolina tour-

ism with the new HighCountryNC.com.With more than a dozen professional

journalists on staff and more than 125 years of continually serving the High Country, we are in the unique position of providing unparalleled regional tourism content to both our locals and to our out-of-area visitors, Mountain Times Publications publisher Gene Fowler said.

We are investing in digital infrastruc-ture that will keep us at the forefront, providing the amassed content our team

of outstanding staff has created.Established in May 2014, HighCoun-

tryNC.com incorporates the efforts of the largest media group serving the North Carolina High Country. Drawing on more than a century of local tourism promotion and press, HighCountryNC.com is the ultimate, all-inclusive re-source for High Country tourism tradi-tions, events and happenings.

Were here to help you get it right with the High Countrys authoritative source for all things recreation and tourism in our area.

From hiking, bed and breakfasts, golf, snowsports, outdoor adventure, ne and casual dining to everyday living, HighCountryNC.com is the de nitive re-source for these activities and more for

visitors, tourists and guests. Whether its your rst visit to our mountain home, or youve decided to make our home yours, HighCountryNC.com brings together the inside scoop on the best places to see and things to do the next time you explore North Carolinas High Country.

HighCountryNC.com is a valuable clearinghouse for content and context that you cant nd anywhere else, Mountain Times Publications executive editor Tom Mayer said. No one has covered our area from a seasonal-pub-lication perspective with more content in the past 20 years than Mountain Times Publications, and this endeavor will serve only to enhance that award-winning coverage that our readers have come to expect.

Mountain Times Publications has beenat the forefront in showcasing the best of the best in the region for more than a century. That mission, expanded with the launch of the Summer Times print publication in the late 1990s, was fol-lowed by the introduction of the Autumn Times and Winter Times publications. Together, these publications have won multiple awards for content and design. Now, Mountain Times Publications is taking the lessons learned along the way to get it right with the launch of High-CountryNC.com.

We invite you locals and visitors, alike to start your journey by clicking to www.HighCountryNC.com.

Welcome to your website. We hope you love it, too.

Love at First SiteBY JAMIE SHELL AND ADAM ORR

HighCountryNC.com raises the bar on tourism in Western North Carolina


The High Country Host

The warm breezes of the sum-mer season serve as beacons to a multitude of people from all over the region to the High

Country surrounding Boone. For many of these tourists, this summer

will be their rst visit to the solace of the cooler summer nights; however, for others it is the continuing of a family tradi-tion. Whatever the circum-stance, the High Country Host Visitor Center is prepared and capable to assist travelers according to their needs and wants.

The 2014 Mountain Vaca-tion Planner, a helpful guide to visiting the High Country, is now avail-able thanks to High Country Host Visitor Centers marketing director, Candice Cook. We also have regional and state maps available for people free of charge and keep an up-to-date list of events at the counter at all times, she said.

Cook said that the list of events, as well as lists of places to stay, eat, shop and

play are available on the organizations website, which is mobile-friendly.

When people call, we either refer them to the website, offer them a vaca-tion planner or invite them to come check out the center, Cook said.

During the busy summer months, the center will serve 100 to 150 people a day.

Whether a visitor has a planned itinerary or has no idea what

they want to do while vacationing, the staff of the High Country Host is there to accommodate and help them plan an enjoyable stay. Last summer, with

ongoing roadwork, both entrances to the center were

blocked, and Cook remembers people mostly having to call instead of coming inside. Hopefully, with the road work complete, we will be able to see and help more people visiting the High Country, she said.

The High Country Host is open for business from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. For those who miss the centers

operating hours or would like to take the technological approach can nd a plethora of information at highcoun-tryhost.com and the High Country Host Facebook page.

For more information, stop by the High Country Host Visitor Center at 1700 Blowing Rock Road in Boone (next to KFC), or call (828) 264-1299 or (800) 438-7500.

BY ALLISON HAVER

The High Country Host Visitor Center is located on Blowing Rock Road in Boone, across from Burger King.

FILE PHOTO

High Country Chambers of Commerce ASHE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Ashe County, home to the Jeffersons (West Jefferson and Jefferson, that is), is just about as far as you can go in the High Country before entering Southwest-ern Virginia. The county is considered, in many respects, a step back in time to the way the Appalachian Mountains used to be. The chamber can direct travelers through the scenic and sparsely populat-ed area of Christmas tree farms and rug-ged mountain landscapes, while offering a wide selection of brochures and maps.

1 N. Jefferson Ave.West Jefferson, N.C. 28694(336) [email protected]

AVERY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Avery County Chamber of Com-merce Visitor Center is conveniently located in the Shoppes at Tynecastle at the intersection of N.C. 105 and 184. The center offers information on lodging, dining, attractions, shopping and other businesses in Avery County.

4501 Tynecastle Highway, No. 2Banner Elk, N.C. 28604(828) [email protected]

BANNER ELK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Located in the heart of town, the Ban-ner Elk Chamber of Commerce promotes

the area as a unique place to live in, work and visit. Information on area lodging, dining, shopping and more is available Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and all the time by clicking to www.bannerelk.org.

100 W. Main St.Banner Elk, N.C. 28604(828) [email protected]

BEECH MOUNTAIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Whether youre looking for a North Carolina mountain vacation full of ad-venture, or just a few days to relax and breathe the fresh mountain air, Beech Mountain, at an elevation of 5,506, Of-

fers plenty of activities and attractions for the whole family to enjoy, but also plenty of peace and quiet for a relax-ing and rejuvenating time. The Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce is here to help.

403-A Beech Mountain ParkwayBeech Mountain, N.C. 28604(828) [email protected]

BLOWING ROCK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Blowing Rock is considered one of the crown jewels of the Blue Ridge.

Its chamber of commerce knows this

SEE CHAMBERS, PAGE 12


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Wine Country

SEE WINERY, PAGE 101

BY CHRISTINA CALL

The beautiful scenery paired with the different varieties of wineries in the region makes High Country wine

tasting a destination, not just a stop along the way.

According to the N.C. Depart-ment of Commerce, North Carolina is ranked as a top- ve destination for wine travelers and enthusiasts, where visitors can enjoy more than 100 wineries and 400 vineyards.

In fact, North Carolina is one of the only regions on earth that supports every major type of grape grown in the world.

GRANDFATHER VINEYARD & WINERY

One winery the High Country has to offer is Grandfather Vineyard & Winery, which opened in May 2011.

Grandfather Winery is a terraced

mountainside vineyard at the base of Grandfather Mountain right on the Watauga River in Foscoe. At the bottom of the vineyard is the tasting room and winery.

Steve and Sally Tatum started planting grapevines in their back-yard in 2003, which led to Watauga Countys rst winery. They opened the winery with the help of their son, Dylan Tatum, who studied viticulture and enology at Surry Community College and business and entrepreneurship at Appala-chian State University.

Grandfather Winery prides its self in being a community-based winery and vineyard. We always try to keep it local and try to support the community that supports us, Dylan Tatum said.

According to Tatum, Grandfather bought more fruit from Watauga and surrounding counties than ever before this year about 10 tons

of locally grown fruit, to be more speci c.

The family is also always trying something new. For instance, the winery is currently in production of 100-percent Watauga-grown sparkling wines and hard ciders, Tatum said.

Another way Tatum says Grand-father is supporting the community is by helping with Appalachian State Universitys Fermentation Science program.

Appalachian State doesnt have a winery on site, so the students come here, he said. Dr. Seth Cohen and Dr. Stephan Sommer bring the students here to see all aspects of the industry from picking the grapes to the bottling of the wine. ASU even helped create a wine we named Scholar, and part of the proceeds go back to the universitys program.


The winery also likes to give back to the community and visitors by providing a charismatic environment and delicious wine, according to Tatum.

The tasting room offers a variety of white and red wines, and guests keep their wine glass as a memento.

Live music is offered at the winery on some Sundays during the summer. It is a perfect time for people to get a bottle of wine, sit by the river and listen to music, Tatum said.

Summer hours are noon to 6 p.m. Mon-day through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Grandfather Vineyard and Winery isnt the only place in the High Country for wine production. Several other award-winning wineries offer unique options.

Many visitors create their own tour of High Country wineries, visiting and sam-pling from all nearby sites, which is an ac-tion Tatum encourages. We see each other as synergy, not competition, Tatum said.

For more information, visit www.grandfathervineyard.com, or call (828) 963-2400.

LINVILLE FALLS WINERYLinville Falls Winery is located on U.S.

221, north of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Its slogan is Elevate your taste in wine.

Nestled in the lower end of Avery County is a tasting room on a 40-acre farm, with its primary grapes Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon, blueberries and raspberries.

Family owned and operated, Linville Falls Winery is the result of a life-long pas-sion for wine by owner Jack Wiseman.

Tasting room hours are Wednesday through Monday, from noon to 6 p.m. The

tasting room is closed on Tuesdays. Live music is offered every Saturday, from 3 to 6 p.m., during peak season.

Linville Falls is also available for weddings, receptions and banquets. For more informa-tion, visit www.linvillefallswinery.com.

BANNER ELK WINERY & VILLABanner Elk Winery & Villa is located

in Banner Elk and is the High Countrys

original winery. It also serves as a bed and breakfast.

Winery tastings are offered year round, from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sun-day. Tastings are $7 per person.

Banner Elk Winery also offers private tast-ings for parties of 10 or more with advance scheduling of at least one-week notice.

Vineyard tours are offered May through October at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday and cost $12 per person.

Banner Elk Winery also offers roman-tic packages, wedding opportunities and adventure packages. For more informa-tion, call (828) 260-1790, or visit www.bannerelkwinery.com.

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Laurel Springs, Thistle Meadow Winery offers individualized tours, which include tastings of wines made from grapes grown around the world.

Thistle Meadow Winery creates a wide variety of red, white and blush/sweet wines.

Thistle Meadow Winery is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 246. Winery hours during the summer are Monday through Saturday, from noon to 4 p.m., and Sunday, from 2 to 4 p.m.

For more information, call (800) 233-1505, or visit www.thistlemeadowwinery.com.

Grandfather Vineyard & Winery offers a vast array of wines, includ-ing its Dixie Classic Fair award-winning wine, Legacy. Legacy is a winemakers blend of 25 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 25 percent Cabernet Franc, 25 percent Merlot and 25 percent Zinfandel.

PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Linville Falls Winery invites you to elevate your taste in wine.

WINERY FROM PAGE 100 Want to Go?

BANNER ELK WINERY & VILLA60 Deer RunBanner Elk, N.C. 28604(828) 898-9090www.bannerelkwinery.com

GRANDFATHER VINEYARD & WINERY

Vineyard LaneBanner Elk, N.C. 28604(828) 963-2400www.grandfathervineyard.com

LINVILLE FALLS WINERY9557 Linville Falls HighwayNewland, N.C. 28657(828) 765-1400www.linvillefallswinery.com

THISTLE MEADOW WINERY102 Thistle MeadowLaurel Springs, N.C. 28644(800) 233-1505www.thistlemeadowwinery.com

WATAUGA LAKE WINERY6952 Big Dry Run RoadButler, Tenn. 37640(423) 768-0345www.wataugalakewinery.com


BY ANNA OAKES

The High Countrys farm-ers, growers, producers and artisans nd a way each week to bring their fresh bounties to

your table, with multiple farmers mar-kets in the area.

Area growers and producers have plenty to offer this summer, including tomatoes, squashes, cucumbers, greens, apples, honey, peppers and much more. Youll also nd locally raised, grass-fed beef, chicken and pork; pastas, pastries and bread; jams, jellies and cheeses; and arts and crafts from local artisans.

WATAUGA COUNTY FARMERS MARKET

Saturdays through October, 8 a.m. to noonSaturdays through November, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.591 Horn in the West DriveBoone, N.C. 28607(828) 355-4918www.wataugacountyfarmersmarket.org

BLOWING ROCK FARMERS MARKETThursdays, May 29 through mid-October, 4 to 6 p.m.Park Avenue, Blowing Rock,

N.C. 28605(828) 295-7851

ASHE COUNTY FARMERS MARKETSaturdays through Oct. 25, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.Holiday markets: Nov. 22 and 29; Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Backstreet, West Jefferson, N.C. 28694

(910) [email protected]

AVERY COUNTY FARMERS MARKETAt Lees-McRae College Tate Lawn, Banner Elk:Thursdays through September, 5 to 7 p.m.

At Avery County Cooperative Extension, Newland:Fridays through September, 4 to 6 [email protected]/averycounty-

farmersmarket

JOHNSON COUNTY FARMERS MARKET

Saturdays through October, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.110 Court St.Mountain City, Tenn. 37683(423) [email protected]

Area growers and producers have plenty to offer this summer at the Watauga County Farmers Market, including tomatoes, squashes, cucumbers, greens, apples, honey, peppers and much more. PHOTO BY ANNA OAKES

The Ashe County Farmers Market features an enclosed vendor area, as well as a covered section.

PHOTO BY HEATHER SAMUDIO

Buy fresh and local at farmers marketsMarket TipsThese tips will help make the most out of your farmers market shop-ping experience.

Arrive early for the best selec-tion.

No pets, except service animals. Carry small bills. Its easier for

vendors to make change. Ask. Learn about unfamiliar

varieties and even how to prepare them.

Use large, reusable bags or bas-kets. Eliminate the need for plastic or paper bags.


BY ANNA OAKES

Asheville may be the top beer city in the Southeast, but the Boone area is brewing its own craft beer scene.

Soon to join the small community of breweries in the area will be Lost Prov-ince Brewing, opening up in downtown Boone at 130 N. Depot St. A family business of Andy, Lynne, J.P. and David Mason, the brewpub will serve beer brewed on site, as well as wood- red pizza. The business is aiming for an August opening date.

Appalachian Mountain Brewery is now in its second year of operation after be-coming the rst brewery to open in Boone since the Cottonwood brewpub closed more than a decade ago. AMB offers more than a dozen brews on tap and donates a portion of proceeds to area nonpro ts. The taproom also plays host to live music and yard games.

The brewery and taproom are located at 163 Boone Creek Drive and are open Mon-days through Thursdays from 4 to 11 p.m., Fridays from 3 to 11 p.m., Saturdays from 1

Last years High Country Craft Food and Beverage Festival boasted hundreds of craft beer varieties and a capacity crowd. The festival will return in 2014 at a new location.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Breweries growing in Boone areaBeers to You!

SEE BREWERIES, PAGE 104


BY FRANK RUGGIERO

When High Country adven-ture meets the arts, what do you get?

Whitewater crafting, obviously. But for those looking to sport their creativity, one of the most artisti-cally adventuresome places to do so is Appalachian States Turchin Center for the Visual Arts.

With a full lineup of workshops for all skill levels, the Turchin Center is paint-ing a picture of summer fun.

Registration and pricing information can be found at www.tcva.org/work-shops or by calling (828) 262-3017.

Workshop

Schedule

JUNQUE JOURNALSMay 31, 1 to 4 p.m.Instructor: Wendy JessenParticipants will create a journal,

sketchbook or scrapbook out of recycled items. http://tcva.org/workshops/id/1287

GOLD LEAF & ACRYLIC PAINTINGJune 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Instructor: Beth AndrewsParticipants will explore the com-

bination of metallic leaf with acrylic paint. http://tcva.org/workshops/id/1318

TUESDAY AFTERNOON LANDSCAPESJune 3, 10 and 17, 1 to 4 p.m.Instructor: Tara BelkLearn the basics of color mixing and

brushwork, plus easy-to-master tech-niques for painting landscapes. http://tcva.org/workshops/id/1342

CAPTURING THE ESSENCE OF WATER

June 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Instructor: Raney RogersLearn how to paint waters many different

surfaces. http://tcva.org/workshops/id/1312

SALT GLAZINGJune 30, July 1, 2 and 5, 9 a.m.

to 4 p.m.

Instructor: Lisa StinsonThis course will focus and explore

various methods of glazing for a salt and reduction kiln. http://tcva.org/workshops/id/1338

SALT GLAZINGJune 30, July 1, 2 and 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Instructor: Lisa StinsonThis course will focus and explore

various methods of glazing for a salt and reduction kiln. http://tcva.org/workshops/id/1338

INTRO TO ENCAUSTICSJuly 7 & Sept. 20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Instructor: Greg HowserParticipants will learn how to make

encaustic wax, mix colors, apply it to the surface, make textures, cover a drawing, create incising ne lines and fuse the wax. http://tcva.org/work-shops/id/1320

PLEIN AIR PAINTING GETTING STARTED

July 12, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Instructor: Kim AbernethyEnjoy a day of painting on location

while learning some of the basic princi-ples involved in creating art outdoors. http://tcva.org/workshops/id/1306

DISCOVERING YOUR INNER ARTISTJuly 21 to 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Instructor: Debbie ArnoldUsing painting, drawing and collage

techniques to expand and strengthen ones intuition. http://tcva.org/work-shops/id/1309

MIXING IT UP: MIXED MEDIAJuly 28 to 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Instructor: Vae HamiltonThis workshop will cover working with

acrylic paints, photo transfers and multi-media expanding creative imagery. http://tcva.org/workshops/id/1330

PAINTING BOTANICALSJuly 31, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Instructor: Raney RogersParticipants will paint the beauty

of owering subjects in abstract and detailed ways. http://tcva.org/work-shops/id/1332

BEGINNING ACRYLICSAug. 4 to 6, 1 to 3 p.m.Instructor: Anne WelchParticipants will learn basic tech-

niques of acrylic painting with an emphasis on landscape. http://tcva.org/workshops/id/1289

STUDIO FIGURE DRAWINGAug. 11 to 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. & Aug. 15, 9 a.m. to noonInstructor: Tim FordThis course will focus on drawing

and painting the human gure from live models. http://tcva.org/work-shops/id/1315

PAINTING ANIMALSAug. 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.Instructor: Raney RogersLearn how to capture expression in

wildlife and present them in a natural setting. http://tcva.org/workshops/id/1327

About the Turchin Center

The Turchin Center is located at 423 W. King St. in downtown Boone. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Friday. The Turchin Center is closed Sunday and Monday and observes all Appalachian State University holidays. There is no admission charge, although donations are accepted.

For more information, call (828) 262-3017, or visit www.tcva.org.

Turchin Center workshops allow par-ticipants to explore their artistic side.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TURCHIN CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS

BEER FESTIVALS AND TASTINGSPeabodys Wine and Beer Mer-

chants offers regular beer tastings at its retail location on N.C. 105 in Boone, while Glug on King Street also carries a wide selection.

Beer tasting festivals have been a grow-ing success in the High Country in recent years, with the High Country Craft Food and Beverage Festival (for-merly High Country Beer Fest) leading the way. The festival typically takes place around Labor Day Weekend. For more information, visit www.hcbeerfest.com.

SugarBrew returns to Sugar Moun-tain Resort on Saturday, Aug. 2, from noon to 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 online and $35 at the event. Visit www.sugar-brew.com, or call (800) SUGAR-MT.

Bikes, Brews n Views takes place at Beech Mountain Resort July 18 through 20, with the beer tasting on Saturday, July 19. While youre there, check out the dual slalom and downhill mountain bike competitions.

to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 10 p.m.For more information, visit www.appa-

lachianmountainbrewery.com, or look the brewery up on Facebook.

Blowing Rock Brewing Company debuted Blowing Rock Ale several years ago and last year opened the Blowing Rock Ale House at the former Maple Lodge on Sunset Drive in Blowing Rock. The venue offers eight rooms and a full pub and is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays. For more information, visit www.blowingrock-alehouseandinn.com.

In Ashe County, Boondocks Brewing Tap Room & Restaurant is located at 108 S. Jefferson Ave. in West Jefferson, offering small batches of handcrafted beers, as well as more than 30 craft beers with a strong focus on North Carolina brews. The tap room is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Check out www.boondocks-brewing.com for more information.

In the Alpine Village at Beech Mountain Resort, Beech Mountain Brewing Co. has the capacity to brew up to 100 gallons per day and is open year round to serve skiers, snowboarders, mountain bikers and other resort visitors. Beech Mountain Brewing Co. is open Thursday through Sunday. Call (800) 438-2093 for hours of operation.

BREWERIES FROM PAGE 103

Arts and Crafts at the Turchin CenterLets Get Crafty!


BY JEFF EASON

The Blue Ridge Parkway is craftier than you might think.

Home to the Southern High-land Craft Guild, Moses Cone

Manor in Moses Cone Park offers a variety of arts and crafts demonstrations through-out the summer and autumn months.

Demonstrations take place in the screened in portion of the front porch of Cone Manor from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., unless otherwise noted, and are closed for lunch at the demonstrators discretion.

This seasons schedule of crafters includes Lin Oglesby ( ber, yarn plying, knitting, crocheting) May 23 to 26, Jeff

McKinley (glass blowing) May 30 to June 1, Debbie Littledeer (paper, lithography) June 5 to 8, Beth Zorbanos (natural materials, corn shuck) June 5 to 8, David Crandall (wood, dove-tail box construc-tion) June 12 to 15, Judi Harwood (mixed media, drum making) June 16 to 22, Lynn Jenkins (clay, raku) June 21 to 27, Jay Pfeil (paper, etching) June 28 to 30, Ellie Kirby (paper, block printing, book design) July 1 and 2, Sandy Adair ( ber, tapestry, weaving), July 1 and 2, Ron-nie McMahan (wood carving) July 7 to 10, Lee Entrekin (wood carving, Native American utes) July 11 to 14, Jack Rog-ers (wood carving, wood turning) July 16 to 20, Allen Davis (woodworking) July 24

to 27, Lynn Jenkins (clay, raku) July 28 to Aug. 1, Anne Freels (natural materials, corn shuck dolls) Aug. 2 and 3, Charlie Patricolo ( ber, doll-making) Aug. 4 and 5, Sandy Adair ( ber, tapestry weaving) Aug. 8 to 10, Betty Fain ( ber arts, quilt-ing) Aug. 8 to 10, Lee Entrekin (wood carving, Native American utes) Aug. 15 to 19, Lynn Jenkins (clay, raku) Aug. 20 to 26, David Crandall (wood carving, dove-tail boxes) Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, Lee Entrekin (wood carving, Native American utes) Sept. 4 to 7, Judi Harwood (mixed

media, drum making) Sept. 8 to 14, Lynn Jenkins (clay, raku) Sept. 13 to 19, Tom Gow (wood carving, cottonwood bark carving) Sept. 20 to 23, Jeff Neil (wood

carving, Shaker box construction) Sept. 24 to 26, Bill and Tina Collison Sept. 27 to 29, Allen Davis (woodworking) Oct. 2 to 5, Marc Tickle (glasswork, kaleidoscopes) Oct. 6 to 8, Jeff McKinley (glass blowing) Oct. 9 and 10, Jack Rogers (wood carv-ing, wood turning) Oct. 11 to 16, David Crandall (wood carving, dove-tail boxes) Oct. 17 to 19, Lee Entrekin (wood carving, Native American utes) Oct. 20 and 21, Lin Oglesby ( ber arts) Oct. 22 to 27, and Sandy Adair ( ber arts, tapestry weaving) Oct. 25 and 26.

For more information, call the Parkway Craft Center at (828) 295-7938. For more on the Southern Highland Craft Guild, visit www.southernhighlandguild.org.

Home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild, Moses Cone Manor in Moses Cone Park offers a variety of arts and crafts demonstrations throughout the summer and autumn months. PHOTO BY JEFF EASON

Parkway Craft Center: Demos on the Porch


Specialty Beers - Visit our new BEER CAVE

Wines from the affordable to the rare &collectable

Unique cheese from around the world

Incredible chocolates

Expanded selection of gourmet specialty foods, condiments & oils

Gluten-free products

Exclusive distributor for LArrigo Olive Oil

Gift baskets & party trays, wine & dining accessories

Custom wine ordering

Grandfather CenterNC 105 & NC 184, next to the ABC storeBanner Elk, NC / 828.898.9424erickscheeseandwine.com

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The High Countrys largest selection of foreign and

domestic cheeses, hand cut

Saturday Wine Tastings1:00 - 5:00 pm

Treat yourself! Youre on vacation, after all, and the High Country has some of the most eclectic shopping this side of the Blue Ridge.

From one-of-a-kind, local retailers to well-known national brands, theres a bargain waiting for just about anyone.

BooneShopping in downtown Boone isnt

just about the merchandise. Its about the experience, Downtown

Boone Development Association director Pilar Fotta said.

I think sometimes people forget how many wonderful shops we have downtown and all the great things you can nd downtown, she said. This is our home, and downtown Boone is the heart of our home.

With a variety of stores offering everything from apparel to that perfect bottle of balsamic vinaigrette, downtown Boone is the perfect partner for holiday shopping, so come with an empty car trunk. It wont be empty for long.

For a list and map of downtown Boone retailers, ip to pages 34 and 35.

BOONE MALLBoone Mall, located at 1180 Blowing

Rock Road, offers a bounty of indoor shopping, including big name stores and local landmarks alike.

Blowing RockBlowing Rock offers a variety

of unique shopping experiences downtown, as well as at the Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway, featuring 30 brand name and designer outlet stores.

For more information on Blowing Rock shopping experiences, including a complete and comprehensive listing of stores, visit www.blowingrock.com, or ip to page 34 for a map and some Blowing Rock shopping highlights.

Banner ElkFrom clothing and souvenirs to pro-

duce and birding supplies, the Avery County town of Banner Elk features an eclectic variety of shopping, nearly as unique as its name.

West JeffersonAll along West Jeffersons colorful

Jefferson Avenue, customers will nd an array of gifts and seasonal wares.

From antiques, collectibles and hand-brushed paintings to a multitude of styles of clothing and jewelry, downtown West Jefferson will satisfy any taste not only during summertime, but throughout the year.

For a list of local merchants and a map of businesses, along with a calendar of events, contact the West Jefferson Business Association or the Ashe Chamber of Commerce at (336) 846-9550 or www.ashechamber.com.

Fat Cats Music & Video is an independent record store, located on Rivers Street in Boone.PHOTOS BY FRANK RUGGIERO

Shopping for Summer


Homemade Soups& Desserts

Kids Eat FREE All Day Wed Large Parties Welcome Reservations Accepted Adjacent Tap Room with

Billiards & Games

Extensive Wine List Large Selection of Craft

Beers All ABC Permits Daily Culinary &

Beverage Specials

970 Rivers Street, Boone, NC828-264-7772 www.CafePortofino.net

A Favorite of High Country Locals

Follow us on Facebook & stay up to date on special events and daily specials!

OPEN ALL DAY TUESDAY-SUNDAYLive Dining Music Every Thursday 6-9 p.m.Live Dining Music Every Thursday 6-9 p.m.

Closed on MondaysClosed on Mondays

Open Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m-5 p.m.9872 Hwy. 105 S. in Foscoe (across from Mountain Lumber)

EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT PIE EAT

EAT CAKE EAT CAKE EAT CAKE EAT CAKE EAT CAKE EAT CAKE EAT CAKE EAT CAKE EAT

Dominic & Meryle Geraghty

SANDWICHES

Pies Cakes Shepherds Pie Steak & Ale PieChicken Pot Pie English Specialties (on request)

Gourmet To Go Catering

(Served on our homemade bread)

Fabulous British Chef/Owner

Reservations RecommendedDinner Served on Thursdays -- Twice a Month

828.963.8228 www.eatcrownc.com


Loaves & FishesRestaurant and CateringCountry Gourmet

13 YEARS13 YEARS

HOURS:HOURS: Tues.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.,Saturday 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

(828) 733-5812(828) 733-5812Located on Hwy 221, close to Linville Falls Winery & Crossnore Academy

176 Maple Street, Crossnore, NC

Take Homemade Take Homemade CasserolesCasseroles

Truly Homemade Truly Homemade Whole DessertsWhole Desserts

Catering forCatering forall events

Appetizers:Appetizers:The Savory AveryThe Savory Avery - our homemade pimento cheese dip servedwith fresh warm pita chipsViking chipsViking chips - homemade potato chips w/balsamic glaze andbleu cheese crumbles.Many more unique appetizers!Many more unique appetizers!Gourmet Burgers, Salads, Sandwiches, Fresh Vegetables & Dinner SpecialsGourmet Burgers, Salads, Sandwiches, Fresh Vegetables & Dinner Specials


10% OFFENTIRE BILL

* Excludes alcohol* Not valid with other offers * Expires 9/21/14

10% OFFWITH COLLEGE ID

* Excludes alcohol* Not valid with other offers * Expires 9/21/14

Come and try our new menu items!

HOURS:MON-THURS: 11AM-10 PM

FRI & SAT: 11AM-11PMSUN: 11AM-9:30 PM

Call for Take Out828-265-1674

New Market Center

www.dosamigosmexicanrestaurant.net

Home Pool Table Repairs, Recovery & Move & SetupCues, Lights, Covers & Complete Billiards Accessories

SEAF

OOD

LUNC

H

SEAF

OOD

LUNC

H

SPEC

IAL E

VERY

FRID

AY

SPEC

IAL E

VERY

FRID

AY

Famou Louis Roc Hous

BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER

Corner of Burke, McDonald & Avery CountiesHOURS: Closed Tuesdays Mon, Wed, Thurs: 6 am-8am

Fri, Sat: 6 am-8:30 pm Sun: 6 am-7 pm

(828) 765-270223175 Linville Falls Hwy. Linville Falls, NC


421 Blowing Rock Road Across from Convocation Center828-386-1216 www.tapproom.com

DAILY BEER & FOOD SPECIALS

ALL GAMES

BEST DRAFT SELECTIONIN BOONE

FIND US FOR SPECIALS!

ALL WEEKEND

Chinese, Japanese,Sushi & Thai

100% No M.S.G.

Mon-Thurs: 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.Fri-Sat: 11:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m.Sunday: 11:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

240 Shadowline Dr., AA3 + AA4 - BooneInside Harris Teeter Shopping Center

828-386-1170 828-386-1179

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

1348 Hwy 105 South, Boone 828-262-5128 casarustica1981.com

Catering of All SizesItalian and American Cuisine Since 1981

Reservations Recommended

Serving theHigh Country for

33 Years!

BOONES

ITALIAN RESTAURANT

AuthenticRestaurant&Catering


828.264.5470

The Red Onion

www.theredonioncafe.com

227 Hardin Street, Boone, NC 28607

Unique and varied menu offerings that youll want to experience again and again!

Dine in the cool mountain air, rain orshine, on our covered outdoor patio!

OUTDOOR SEATING - PET FRIENDLY

BURGERS

SANDWICHES

PIZZA

SALADS

PASTA

STEAKS

CHOPS

SEAFOOD

ALL ABC PERMITS

5 West Main StreetWest Jefferson, NC 28694

336.846.2121Open Tuesday-Saturday

for Lunch & DinnerOpen Sunday for Brunch

Dinner on Sundays starting in June

www.thehoteltavern.com

Find us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/thehoteltavern

Discover the scenic splendorof paradise on Beech Mountain Nestled on the Banner Elk side of Beech Mountain

2489 Beech Mountain Parkway, Banner Elk | 828-898-9004

www.archersinn.com

Open for Dinner5pm - 9pm

7 nights a week

Now ServingBreakfastEvery Day

7:30am - 11am

Brunch onSundays

10:30am - 2pm

Reservationsare recommended.

Book online or call.

American Local Farm-to-Tablewith European Cuisine Influence

Chef Anthony Burton

PAPA JOES IS NOWSERVING BREAKFAST!

Caterings,specialty cakes

and breads, dessertsCall and let us help with

your next event!

828-295-3239

8062 Valley Blvd. Blowing Rock, NC 28605 828-295-3239

IndulgeBakery

Come enjoy yourbreakfast, lunch &dinner favoritesat great prices.


828-264-46602082 Blowing Rock Rd Boone, NC 28607

www.cfarestaurant.com/boone/home at Chick-fil-A of BooneFollow us on

The vivid blooms of the pink-shell azalea, a rare plant species now fl owering on the Blue Ridge Mountains, can be found on sections of the Tanawha Trail and Grandfa-ther Mountain. The blooms come out well before the leaves and attract bees and pollinators.

PHOTO BY ROB MOORE


GREATER BANNER ELKHERITAGE FOUNDATION

Banner House Museum

presents

7990 Hickory Nut Gap Road | Banner Elk, NCwww.bannerhousemuseum.org | 828-898-3634

Give us an hour and we will give you 150 years!

from mid-June to mid-October | Tuesday-Saturday 11AM to 4PMFinal daily tour begins at 3:15PM

Admission: $5 adults $1 children

DOCENT GUIDED TOURS

828-898-5175 | Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm | www.artcellaronline.com

JIM CHAPMAN

IS IT STILL...LIFE? TWO VIEWS FORM AND MYSTERYJune 11 - 28

Reception June 13, 4-6pm

JOSEPH CAVE &RICHARD OVERSMITH

July 2 - 26Reception July 11, 4-6pm

HERB JACKSON

July 30 - August 23Reception August 1, 4-6pm

920 SHAWNEEHAW AVENUE (HWY 184) BANNER ELK, NC

GabrielOfieshTrunk

Shows

BANNER ELK NC

JULY 24 - 27

G A L L E R Y & F R A M E M A K E R S

GRANDFATHERMOUNTAIN

NURSERY GARDEN CENTER AND LANDSCAPING(828) 963-5025 1466 Hwy 105 Banner Elk, NC 28604

WWW.GRANDFATHERLANDSCAPING.COM

The Garden Goddess

TheresaFoxx

Proud to be aLocal Woman-owned

Business

Servingthe HighCountry

since 1976

Great Landscapes take Knowledge & Experience while Extraordinary

Landscapes take Passion & Vision

WE HAVE IT ALL!


COMPILED BY SANDRA SHOOK

May 24KIDS TRIATHLON: The High Country Kids Triathlon will be held beginning at 10 a.m. May 24 at Watauga Parks and Recreation in Boone. Swim is in the pool and the bike and run are on the Green-way Trail. There will be three age groups: 8 and younger, swim 50m, bike 1 mile and run .5 mile; 9 to 12 age group, swim 100m, bike 3 miles and run 1 mile; and 13 to 18 age group, swim 200m, bike 4 miles and run 1.5 miles. Prizes and refreshments follow the race. Proceeds will bene t the Watauga Swim Team. Entry forms are available at parks and recreation or register online at http://active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=2126094. Call (828) 964-9378 for more information.

FUNDRAISER: Watauga Lake Win-ery, 6952 Big Dry Run, Butler, Tenn., is holding a fundraiser for the Fisher House Foundation from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 24. The event is open to the public and there is no charge to attend. There will be arts and crafts vendors on the lawn, music, a silent auction, hot dogs, ham-burgers and more. Proceeds from food purchases, silent auction and a 50/50 will bene t the Tennessee Fisher House Foundation. Bring a blanket and enjoy the day. Fisher House provides lodging at no charge to families of veterans who are having treatment at VA hospitals across the country. For more information, call (423) 768-0345 or (423) 768-3633.

TRAIL WORK DAYS: Every Saturday now through the middle of November (except Sept. 13), staff and volunteers will meet at the Summit Trailhead at Elk Knob State Park at 9 a.m. and work until about 3:30 p.m., weather permit-ting. Tools are provided, but volunteers should wear close-toed shoes and bring work gloves, lunch and water. Most of the time will be spent building a new one-mile loop trail, the Beech Tree Trail, although the work may include some re-pair work on the Summit Trail. The next workday is May 24. For more informa-tion, call (828) 297-7261.

5K WALK: The inaugural Paws For Cause Doggie Fun Walk and 5K Run will take place May 24 in Newland. All funds raised will go to support the Avery

County Humane Society. Participants can run in the 5K with or without their dogs, or they can walk with their friends and pets in the Doggie Fun Walk. Regis-trants can set up their own fundraising page and are encouraged to invite friends and family to join in raising money for the cause. Those interested can also pick up a registration and fundraising form at the ACHS. Prizes will be awarded to top fundraisers, as well as top nishers in the 5K. All well-behaved dogs are welcome. Participants must be 18 years of age or have the signature of a guardian. To sign up, visit runsignup.com/Race/NC/New-land/PawsForACause. Follow ACHS on Facebook at AveryCountyDoggie5kan-dWalk or at www.averyhumane.org/catalog/dogrun.php.

May 25CONCERT: A Memorial Day Salute with David Johnson and the Studio Band sponsored by Mountain Home Music will be held at 7:30 p.m. May 25 in Watauga County; location to be announced. Tick-ets are $20 in advance, $22 at the door. For more information, visit http://www.mountainhomemusic.com.

May 30CONCERT: Mountain Home Music will host The Fire and Passion of Scotland with North Sea Gas at 7:30 p.m. May 31 in Watauga County, with the location to be announced. Admission is $20 in advance or $22 at the door. For more information, visit http://www.moun-tainhomemusic.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY: A Nature Pho-tography Weekend will be held May 30-June 1 at Grandfather Mountain in Linville. Learn from top nature photog-raphers. Presentations are planned in the evenings, while participants photo-graph scenery and native animals during the day. Enter your best shots from the weekend into an informal contest, with winners announced Sunday. Call (800) 468-7325 or visit grandfather.com/events/nature-photography-weekend-2/ for more information.

RESTAURANT WEEK: A Blowing Rock Restaurant Week will be observed May 30- June 6. There will be a variety of three-course meals for $15 to $30 at

participating restaurants. Call (828) 295-7851 for more details.

May 31CONCERT: Summer sunset concerts at Beech Alpen Inn at 700 Beech Mountain Parkway at Beech Mountain will be of-fered on Sundays, May 31-July 20. The outdoor pavilion creates a spot to enjoy some food, drinks, tunes and sunsets. The concerts start at 5 p.m. and there is no fee to attend. Call (828) 387-2252 for more information.

EMERGENCYFEST: The Watauga County Fire ghters Association will host the 11th annual EmergencyFest at the Raley Hall parking lot at Appalachian State University in Boone. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 31. The free event will feature re ght-ers and emergency personnel from the area giving demonstrations and meeting with the public. For more information, contact Jim Landis at (828) 406-0911.

TRAIL WORK DAYS: Every Saturday now through the middle of November

SEE CALENDAR, PAGE 118

The Linville River provides some of the best trout fi shing in the High Country, so make sure to bring your waders.PHOTO BY ROB MOORE

Your Summer Times Calendar


(except Sept. 13), staff and volunteers will meet at the Summit Trailhead at Elk Knob State Park at 9 a.m. and work until about 3:30 p.m., weather permit-ting. Tools are provided, but volunteers should wear close-toed shoes and bring work gloves, lunch and water. Most of the time will be spent building a new one-mile loop trail, the Beech Tree Trail, although the work may include some re-pair work on the Summit Trail. For more information, call (828) 297-7261.

June 5TASTE OF AVERY: A Taste of Avery will be held at 6 p.m. June 5 at the Best Western Mountain Lodge. Admission is $30. Taste the specialties of more than 20 Avery County restaurants and farm markets. Live music will be provided by Steve Fearey, acoustic guitarist. There will be a cash bar by local wineries and breweries. For more information, visit http://www.averycounty.com.

LAND OF OZ TOURS: Enjoy a tour through the old Land of Oz theme park at Beech Mountain on Fridays, June 6, 13, 20 and 27. Start in Auntie Ems house, and experience all of the thrills that Dorothy does as she makes her way down the yellow brick road. Tours leave at 11a.m. and 2 p.m. There is a $10 admission fee. For more information, call (828) 387-9283.

June 7CANOE RACE: The 33rd annual New River Canoe Race will be held June 7 in Jefferson. Starting at Zaloos Canoes, this family friendly canoe and kayak race is organized by Friends of High Country State Parks, and proceeds go to the ve area state parks. The cost to enter is $10 per person or $25 for a family oat. Boats can start any time between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. For more information, visit friendsofhcsp.wordpress.com.

CONCERT: Mountain Home Music will present Old Time Music East and West in concert at 7:30 p.m. June 7 in Watauga County, with location to be announced. Admission is $20 in advance or $22 at the door. For more information, visit www.mountainhomemusic.com.

SYMPOSIUM: The second annual horticultural symposium sponsored by

Appalachian State Universitys College of Arts and Sciences, will be held June 7. The theme is Designing Your Gar-den; the daylong event is designed for local gardeners and homeowners. The program runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes continental breakfast, catered lunch, free parking, and tour of the Dan-iel Boone Native Gardens. Preregistra-tion is required. Registration online by April 30 is $59 per person. Registration after April 30 is $70. Seating is limited to 100 participants. Registration deadline is June 2. Register online at http://conferences-camps.appstate.edu or mail in registrations to Horticultural Sympo-sium, Appalachian State University, P.O. Box 34042, Boone, NC 28608.

5K RUN: Hunters Heroes Memorial Run and Celebration will feature 5K and 10-mile runs from Boone to Blowing Rock beginning at 8:30 a.m. on June 7. The post-run celebration will take place at Blowing Rock Memorial Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The events will bene t Rob Ellerbe David, son of fallen Major Ryan Scott David, whose National Guard MAFF7 airplane crashed while ghting wild res out west two years ago. For more information, contact Emily Greer at [email protected].

June 9TORCH CLUB: The High Country Torch Club has scheduled its meetings for 2014. They are held at 11:30 a.m. at the Sagebrush Steakhouse in Boone. Up-coming gatherings include June 9, with Robert Schneider, Why Galileo Mat-ters: Re ections at 450; July 14, with Stuart Omans, Happy 450th, Shake-speare; Aug. 11, with Wayne Clawson, Sam Levenson; Sept. 8, with Herbert Hash, When All Hell Breaks Loose; Oct. 13, with Loretta Clawson, May-ors of Boone; and Nov. 19, with Peter Petschauer, Mystery of the Lost Plane. For more information, call Bettie Bond at (828) 264-4275.

June 14ART IN THE PARK: Blowing Rocks free seasonal outdoor arts and crafts celebration, Art in the Park, is under way each month through Oct. 4. The next show is June 14. The juried art event fea-tures nearly 100 ne arts vendors located next to the American Legion Hall on Wallingford Street and takes place from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more informa-tion, call (828) 295-7851.

MINE TOUR: A Black Light Mine Tour will be held at 8 p.m. June 14 at the Emerald Village in Mitchell County. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for stu-dents. Reservations are recommended. For more information, visit http://www.emeraldvillage.com.

CONCERT: Mountain Home Music will sponsor a a concert featuring the Gos-pel with Elements of Country, R & B, and Soul with the Junaluska Gospel Choir at 7:30 p.m. June 14, at a place to be an-nounced. Admission is $20 advance, $22 at the door. For more information, visit http://www.mountainhomemusic.com.

BLUEGRASS: The seventh annual Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony will be held at 7:15 p.m. June 14 at the Stone Center for the Performing Arts in Wilkes County. Ad-mission is $35. The event will highlight inductees Roy Acuff, Jeff Little, Wayne Henderson, Dave Macon, Green Grass Cloggers, Ward Elle and Dock Walsh and the Carolina Tar Heels. There will be performances by Jeff Little, Elkville String Band, David Johnson, Wayne Henderson, John Doubler, Eric Ellis, Green Grass Cloggers, Jonah Horton, Scott Gentry, Ward Eller, Devin Huie and Scott Freeman. For more informa-tion, visit http://www.wilkesheritage-museum.com.

ART RECEPTION: An free art recep-tion featuring the artist exhibits of the month and sponsored by the Watauga County Arts Council will be held at 5:30 p.m. June 14 at council facilities located at 377 Shadowline Drive, Boone. For more information, visit http://www.watauga-arts.org.

COMMUNITY YARD SALE: A com-munity yard sale will be held beginning at 9 a.m. June 14 at Beech Mountain. Vendor spaces are available for $10. Every year, Beech Mountain residents empty their closets and garages for the sale. The yard sale will take place in the meadows across from town hall, behind the Brick Oven Pizzeria. Call (828) 387-9283 to register for a space or for more details.

June 21CONCERT: Mountain Home Music will feature a concert An Americana Eve-ning with Robin and Linda Williams at 7:30 p.m. June 21, at a location to be

announced. Tickets are $20 in advance, $22 at the door. For more information, visit www.mountainhomemusic.com.

COOL 5: A Cool 5 Race will be held beginning at 9 a.m. June 21 beginning at town Hall on Beech Mountain. There is a registration fee. An annual race started in 2006, the Cool 5 Race is a fundraising effort for differing com-munity projects. Visit www.beechrecre-ation.org for details.

June 22SINGING ON THE MOUNTAIN: The 90th annual Singing on the Moun-tain will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. June 22 at Grandfather Mountain. The Singing is a daylong gospel sing and fellowship featuring a dozen top gospel groups and sermon from a well-known speaker. Held out-of-doors in a meadow at the base of Grandfather Mountain, music begins at 8:30 a.m. and continues throughout the day with a break at midday for the sermon. Many families bring lawn chairs and picnics and make a day of seeing old friends andenjoying performances by top Southern gospel groups.

June 28BIKE RIDE: The Blood, Sweat and Gears 100-mile ride will be held June 28. The BSG is a challenging to strenu-ous full English century 100-mile loop ride, starting and ending at the Valle Crucis Elementary School, approxi-mately 5 miles south of Boone. The route roughly circles Boone through the outskirts of Watauga County, the heart of North Carolinas High Country. For more information, visit http://blood-sweatandgears.org/.

CONCERT: Mountain Home Music will feature a concert Piano Man of the Blue Ridge with the Jeff Little Trio at 7:30 p.m. June 28, at a location to be announced. Tickets are $20 in advance, $22 at the door. For more information, visit www.mountainhomemusic.com.

June 31RHODODENDRON RAMBLE: A Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble will be held June 1-16 at Grandfather Mountain in Linville. Special programs designed to help visitors get the most out of the memorable sight of Catawba rhododendron blooming up the moun-


CALENDAR FROM PAGE 117


tains slopes in early summer will be presented. Staff naturalists offer pro-grams and guided walks daily at 1 p.m. All events are included in the price of admission. Call (800) 468-7325 or visit grandfather.com/events/the-remark-able-rhododendron-ramble-2/ for more information.

June 24SPEAKER: North Carolina Secretary of Transportation Tony Tata will speak to the public in Blowing Rock on June 24 as part of the Outside the Rock series. The event will take place at 4 p.m. in the community meeting room of the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum and is free and open to the public. Tata will speak about the new North Carolina Strategic Transportation Investments Law (House Bill 817), which goes into effect July 1, 2015, and its possible im-pact on the High Country. Afterward, he will answer questions from the public.

July 4FINE ART SHOW: An Independence Day Fine Art and Craft Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 4-6 at the old Banner Elk elementary school. More than 75 artisans will showcase their work. Admission is free.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY: The 28th annual Christmas in July Festival will be held in downtown West Jefferson July 4-5. July 4 features bluegrass, old time, gospel and country music, a street dance and food vendors from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. July 5 brings the full festival to life with arts and crafts, Civil War reenactments, food, music and more from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit http://christmasinjuly.info.

TWEETSIE: Tweetsie Railroad will host a colorful Fireworks Extravaganza July 4. For more information, visit www.tweet-sie.com, or call (877) 893-3874.

PARADE: The traditional Banner Elk Fourth of July Parade will begin at 11 a.m. on July 4th and will line up at the Lees-McRae College library on the LMC campus.

CONCERT: Mountain Home Music will feature a concert Bluegrass and Brass featuring the Mountain Home

Music Boys and the King Street Brass at 7:30 p.m. July 4, at a location to be announced. Tickets are $20 in advance, $22 at the door. For more information, visit www.mountainhomemusic.com.

July 5FOURTH OF JULY: A 4th of July festi-val with a parade will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 5 in downtown Blowing Rock. There will be an adult horseshoe tournament with prizes, a water balloon toss, watermelon eating contest, face painging, climbing town and bounce obstacle course, as well as entertainment. The parade will be at 2 p.m. There will be reworks at 9:30 p.m. at the Blowing Rock Country Club. In addition, there will be a free Sunday park dance from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

MINE TOUR: A Black Light Mine Tour will be held at 8 p.m. July 5 at the Em-erald Village in Mitchell County. Admis-sion is $15 for adults, $10 for students. Reservations are recommended. For more information, visit http://www.emeraldvillage.com.

CONCERT: A free concert on the lawn will be held at 5 p.m. July 5 at Freds General Mercantile at Beech Mountain. Concerts are held weekly on Saturday through Aug. 2. For more information, visit http://www.beechmtn.com or call (828) 387-4838.

July 12CONCERT: Mountain Home Music will sponsor a concert featuring Old Time Fiddle and Dance with Rodney Sutton at 7:30 p.m. July 12, at a place to be an-nounced. Admission is $20 in advance, $22 at the door. For more information, visit www.mountainhomemusic.com.

ART RECEPTION: An free art recep-tion featuring the artist exhibits of the month and sponsored by the Watauga County Arts Council will be held at 5:30 p.m. July 12 at council facilities located at 377 Shadowline Drive, Boone. For more information, visit http://www.watauga-arts.org.


GARDENS: Daniel Boone Native Gardens second annual Fairy Day in the Gardens will be held at 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 12. The gardens is located 651 Horn in the West Drive in Boone. Admission is free, with the option to pay the $2 entrance donation to the gardens. For more information, visit http://daniel-boonenativegardens.org/fairy-day-pd-31.php.

July 19HERITAGE DAY: The greater Ban-ner Elk Heritage Foundation will hold a Heritage Day Celebration on July 19. The day will begin at 9 a.m. with a free bus tour of historic Banner Elk, sponsored by Lees-McRae College. Tours of the Ban-ner House Museum will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also, traditional music, craft displays and demonstrations are planned at the Banner House Museum from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. Starting at 1 p.m., the celebra-tion will move to Tate Evans Park with musical entertainment by The Corklick-ers, cloggers, Amantha Mill, Rhody Jane. There will be in atables at the park for children. AC Pride (The old Banner Elk elementary school) will have an antique quilt display from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A small donation for the preservation of the quilts will be asked. For more information, call (828) 898-3634.

MINE TOUR: A Black Light Mine Tour will be held at 8 p.m. July 19 at the Em-erald Village in Mitchell County. Admis-sion is $15 for adults, $10 for students. Reservations are recommended. For more information, visit http://www.emeraldvil-lage.com.


ART IN THE PARK: Blowing Rocks free seasonal outdoor arts and crafts celebra-tion, Art in the Park, is under way each month through Oct. 4. The next show is July 19. The juried art event features nearly 100 ne arts vendors located next to the American Legion Hall on Wallingford Street and takes place from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more information, call (828) 295-7851.

July 22HORSE SHOW: The 91st annual Blow-ing Rock Charity Horse Shows American hunter and jumper I division will be held July 22-27 at Mayview Park. The horse show is among the oldest continually operating horse shows in America. More Information: http://www.blowingrock-horses.com.



A white-tailed deer has a stare-off with the photographer in Julian Price Park at Bee Tree Creek.

PHOTO BY ROB MOORE


Its chamber of commerce knows this tight-knit community as no one else, and its representatives are always willing to share this knowledge with visitors. Aside from general information, lists of camp-ing and shing sites, and brochures, the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce also has a generous stock of menus from the towns many eateries.

132 Park Ave.Blowing Rock, N.C. 28605(828) [email protected]

BOONE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Boone Area Chamber of Com-merce is one of the High Countrys most active, with both a dedicated member-ship and an overall commitment to the betterment of the area as both a vacation destination and business hub. Now at a new location in downtown Boone on King Street, the chamber is an ideal place to stop for information on area activities, brochures and maps of the community.

870 W. King St., Suite A, Boone, N.C. 28607(828) [email protected]

Now WelcomingPublic Play

Well-Maintained 18 Hole Rates from $35

2 Uniquely Different 9s Food and Beverage AvailableFor more information call us or visit our website

828.733.8325LinvilleLandHarbor.com

2 Miles South of Linville on 221GOLFCLUB

CHAMBERS FROM PAGE 8

Boone Area Chamber of Commerce president Dan Meyer hosts the cham-bers annual Spelling Bee for Grown-Ups, a fundraiser for local education efforts.

PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO


July 25SYMPHONY: The Symphony by the Lake at Chetola in Blowing Rock will be held July 25. A reworks nale will also be featured. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., opening bands begin at 5:45 p.m. and the sym-phony at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $32.50 for adults and $14 for children younger than 12. For more information, call the Blowing Rocket Chamber of Commerce at (828) 295-7851.

HOME TOUR: St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Churchs 55th annual fundrais-ing Tour of Homes in Blowing Rock will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 25. Admis-sion. For more information, call (828) 295-7323.

July 26CONCERT: Mountain Home Music will sponsor a concert, Two Sides of Celtic at 7:30 p.m. July 26, at a place to be an-nounced. Admission is $20 in advance, $22 at the door. For more information,

visit www.mountainhomemusic.com.


July 29GEM SHOWS: The Grassy Creek Gem Show July 29-Aug. 3 is outdoors at the Parkway Fire Department in the Grassy Creek area of Spruce Pine. The N.C Mineral, Gem and Jewelry Festival July 31-Aug. 3 is directed by the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce and is held at the Pinebridge Coliseum, 70 Pinebridge Way, Spruce Pine.

July 31ANTIQUE SHOW: The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum sill sponsor an Art and Antiques Weekend event July 31-Aug. 3 at the museum. View hundreds of beautiful antiques and art pieces. For more information, call (828) 295-9099.

Aug. 2CONCERT: A free concert on the lawn will be held at 5 p.m. Aug. 2 at Freds General Mercantile at Beech Mountain. Concerts are held weekly on Saturday through Aug. 2. For more information, visit http://www.beechmtn.com or call (828) 387-4838.

Aug. 9BIKE RIDE: The Blue Ridge Brutal Bike Ride with 100-, 75- or 57-mile treks will be held Aug. 9 in Ashe County. Registration fee required. For more information, visit http://blueridgebrutal.org/.

CONCERT: Mountain Home Music will feature a concert with The Dixie Dawn Band and the Day the Outlaws Came to Town at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9, at a location to be announced. Admission is $20 in advance, or $22 at the door. For more information, visit www.mountainhome-music.com.

ART RECEPTION: An free art recep-tion featuring the artist exhibits of the month and sponsored by the Watauga

County Arts Council will be held at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at council facilities located at 377 Shadowline Drive, Boone. For more information, visit http://www.watauga-arts.org.

Aug. 16CONCERT: Mountain Home Music will feature a concert, Bluegrass Attack with the 23 String Band, at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 16, at a location to be announced. Admission is $20 in advance, or $22 at the door. For more information, visit www.mountain-homemusic.com.

Aug. 17 MUSIC: A concert in the park will be held at 4 p.m. Aug. 17 at Memorial Park off Main Street in Blowing Rock. Bring a chair or blanket to enjoy this free concert Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy this free concert by Blowing Rocks own Mountain Radio with blues, bluegrass and more. The American Legion Hall is the backup venue in case of inclement weather. American Legion Hall is the backup venue in case of inclement weather. For more information, call (828) 295-7851.

The Watauga River is just one way to cool off while visiting the High Country.PHOTO BY ROB MOORE



Advertisers Index 4 Seasons Vacation Rentals & Real Estate Sales 41, 56A-1 Mountain Realty 57Abingdon Olive Oil Company 20Anna Bananas 34Antiques on Howard 35Antiques on Main 54Appalachian Regional Healthcare System 73Art Cellar, The 116Artists Theatre, The 56ArtWalk 34Ashe Civic Center 50Ashe County Arts Council 56Ashe County Bluegrass & Old-Time Fiddlers Convention 65Ashe County Chamber of Commerce 57Ashe County Cheese 52Ashe County Farmers Market 56Ashe High Country Realty 37SkyLine SkyBest 38Avery County Humane Society 30Bandanas Bar-B-Que & Grill 109Banner Elk TDA 68Banner House Museum 116Barking Rock, The 88Basils Fresh Pasta & Deli 106Best Western Eldreth Inn 5Blackberry Creek Mattress 65Bleu Moon Productions 75Blowing Rock Art & History Museum 94Blowing Rock Brewing Company Ale House & Brewery 67Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce 18Blowing Rock Frameworks & Gallery 11Blowing Rock Furniture Gallery 81Blowing Rock Market 62Blowing Rock Produce & Provisions 107Blowing Rock, The - 10Blue Ridge Mountain Club 19Blue Ridge Realty & Investments/Sunalei Preserve 3Bos 55Bolick and Traditions Pottery 43Buffalo Tavern 57Bumgarner Camping Center 58Cabin Fever 43Cabin Store, The 76Caf Porto no 108Capones Pizza 34Carlton Gallery 84Casa Rustica Restaurant 111Cha Da Thai 35Char 35, 111Chestnut Grille 88Chick- l-A 113Christmas in July Festival 94Cilantros Mexican Grill & Cantina 34Clark Gallery 99CoBo Sushi Bistro and Bar 35Cooks Sporting Goods 114Country Gourmet, The 52Country Retreat Family Billiards 110Crossnore School, The 93Dande Lion, The - 10Dewoolfson 91Dianne Davant Interiors - 123Doe Ridge Pottery 76Dos Amigos- 110Downtown Boone Development Association 35

Eat Crow 108Edge of the World 26Ericks Cheese & Wine 107Everything Has a Story 56Famous Louises Rock house 110Festiva Hospitality Group/Blue Ridge Village Resort 44Fleetwood Max General Store 56Florence Thomas Art School 61Foggy Mountain Gem Mine 61Footsloggers 90Foscoe Companies -124Foscoe Fishing Company 18Foscoe Rentals 97Fuller & Fuller 84Gaines Kiker Silversmith/Goldsmith 14Gilded Lily by Patra, The 79Glen Burney Grocery 63Grandfather Campground & Cabins 23Grandfather Mountain 12Grandfather Mountain Nursery Garden Center & Land-scaping 116Grandfather Trout Farm 31Grandfather Vineyard & Winery 77Green Park Inn 42Greenhouse Crafts 56Gregory Alans Unique Gifts & Home Furnishings 67Hardin Fine Jewelers 116Hawksnest Zipline 114Hearthstone of Boone 41Hemlock Inn 42Hendricks Construction 98Heritage Hall 45Hickory Furniture Mart 82HighCountryNC.com 46, 49, 55, 67Honey Hole, The 57Hotel of West Jefferson 122Hotel Tavern, The 112Hound Ears Club 28Incredible Toy Company, The 87Jackalopes The View Restaurant 112Jenkins Rentals 103Jims Corner Furniture 57Joy Bistro 109Kincaid Factory Direct Outlet 48Land Source 115Leatherwood Mountains 100Lees-McRae Summer Theatre 81Libbys 48, 57Lililu on King 38Linville Falls Winery 99Linville Land Harbor 12Little Horse Creek Farm 30Loaves & Fishes 109Logs America 93Lucky Penny 34Magic Cycles 90Makotos 113Mast General Store - 2Mast Mobile Pet Care & Acupuncture 30Melanies 106Mellow Mushroom 69Monkees 83Mountain Aire Golf Club 72Mountain City Antiques & Collectibles 78Mountain Dog and Friends 31

Mountain Home & Hearth 16Mountain Jewelers 99Mountain Land Company 69Mountain Out tters 50Mountain Sothebys International Realty 63Mountaineer Landscaping Inc. 99Mustard Seed, The 21My Best Friends Barkery 30Mystery Hill 18Nations Inn 5New River Building Supply & Lumber Company 100Nicks Restaurant & Pub 110Noble Kava 34Old World Galleries 18Olde Time Antiques Fair 54On the Same Page 87Originals Only Gallery 57Papa Joes 112Parker Tie Company Inc. 56Past & Present Antiques & Artisan Shoppes 56Perrys Gold Mine 14Pet Place, The 30Petal Pusher Designs & Gifts 56Proper 34Rams Rack Thrift Shop 34Red Onion, The 112RedTail Mountain Resort 70River & Earth Adventures 9RiverCamp USA 45Rivercross 98Rock Dimensions 90Rooster Ridge Stairlifts 82Rose Mountain Butcher Shop 57Seven Devils 44Six Pence Pub 108Sky Valley Zip Tours 72SML 44Southern Highland Craft Guild 98Stick Boy Bread Co. 106Stick Boy Bread Co. Kitchen 106Sugar Mtn Lodging Inc. 44Sugar Ski & Country Club 44Sugar Top Resort Sales 44Tanner Womens Apparel & Accessories 43TAPP Room, The 111Taste Grill 111Tatum Galleries and Interiors 77These Were the Days 44Timberlakes Restaurant at Chetola Resort 109Tis the Season For All Seasons 57Trolly Stop, The 34Tweetsie Railroad 58Valle Crucis 33Village Inns of Blowing Rock, The 42Village Real Estate 39VisitWestJefferson.org 5Wahoos Adventures 25Watauga Lake Winery 84Watauga Lakeshore Resort 27Watauga Medical Center 23Westglow Resort & Spa 10Woodlands Barbecue & Pickin Parlor, The 108Woof Pack Pet Services 30Zaloos Canoes 27


T h e H i g h C o u n t r y s

E s c a p eE s c a p eCool breeze, beautiful views, close to downtown

West Jefferson and the New River.

Relax with us and enjoy the sights andsounds of the mountains.

INDOOR SWIMMING POOL CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST WI-FI

Currently Hotel of West Jefferson203 Hampton Place Court, West Jefferson, NC 28694

Phone 336.846.4000 Fax 336.846.4045

COMING SOON

Ashe Countys Newest and Largest Hotel


Our Towns

Boone is a town where old and new mix, and visitors are made to feel like part of the family.PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO

The towns and communities that make up the High Country are diverse and quaint, vibrant and pictur-esque, offering visitors amenities aplenty, from dining, lodging and shopping to top-notch entertainment and nightlife.

Watauga County Boone

No matter which activity draws you to the High Coun-try, its likely that youll end up in Boone at some point during your visit.

Boone is the hub of Watauga County, the gathering place for people of all walks of life, whether resident or visitor, student or retiree, socialite or seeker of peace and quiet.

The town is home to Appalachian State University, one of the 17 colleges and universities that makes up the University of North Carolina system and draws about 17,000 students. Interest in the school boomed after the Mountaineers football team won three consecu-tive NCAA Division I national championships in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The universitys presence helps create a young and friendly vibe throughout the town. Just make sure not to cross anyone by mispronouncing the name: Its App-uh-latch-un.

Adjacent to the university is King Street and the sur-rounding area, one of the towns best shopping destina-tions. One-of-a-kind stores and eclectic boutiques dot the landscape, interspersed with legal of ces and and a diversity of restaurants to suit almost any taste. Depart-ing from downtown, big-box stores and other shopping areas ensure that residents and visitors lack nothing in the way of modern conveniences.

But Boone has an eye on its past, too.Named for the pioneer and explorer Daniel Boone, the

town dates back to about 1800, when Jordan Councill opened a store on what is now King Street. In 1820, he opened a post of ce, and other homes and stores began to spring up nearby.

When Watauga County was created in 1849, Boone was picked as the county seat.

It remained a typical small town until the university began to grow in the 1960s.

A relic of Boones storied past, the historic Jones House Community Center, is located right on King Street. The house was built in 1908 and was given to the town in the early 1980s. Today, the home is a go-to source for art and community functions.

Boone is a town where old and new mix, and visitors are made to feel like part of the family.

For more information, visit www.townofboone.net.

Blowing RockBlowing Rock manages to cram a mountain of beauty

and fun into just three square miles.The towns name comes from an immense cliff over-

looking Johns River Gorge, where the winds whip in such a way that light objects thrown over the rock oat back to their owners. Anyone wishing to experience the phenomenon rsthand can visit The Blowing Rock attraction to experience the towns namesake and the Native American legend that surrounds it.

For another dose of history, visit the renovated and restored Green Park Inn, a site on the National Register of Historic Places that has been a hotel since 1882. After closing due to age and the recession in May 2009, the building was purchased a year later by Irace Realty Associates and immediately underwent a complete overhaul.

While clinging to the small-town charm and Southern graciousness of its past, Blowing Rock also includes nearly 20 hotels and inns and more than 100 shops.

Find a place to park early in the morning and spend the rest of the day on foot, exploring the shops and parks of downtown. Clothing, antiques, home furnish-ings, mementos and delicious treats will ll your shop-ping bags and your stomach as you examine the towns treasures. Make sure to visit Tanger Shoppes on the

SEE OUR TOWNS, PAGE 14

Welcome to your High Country vacation!

But its more than that. A trip to the

Blue Ridge Mountains is a veritable getaway, an escape to nature that area residents are lucky enough to call home.

The town of Blowing Rock is named after an im-mense cliff overlooking Johns River Gorge, where the winds whip in such a way that light objects thrown over the rock fl oat back to their owners.

PHOTO BY CHRISTINA CALL


Parkway on U.S. 321 to nd name-brand items at outlet prices.

The benches in Memorial Park at the center of Main Street make the perfect spot to settle down with sweet tea or lemonade and watch the world go by. The less-traveled Broyhill Park down Laurel Lane paints the perfect summer scene, complete with a shady gazebo and glistening pond. The trails surrounding Moses Cone Memorial Park and Bass Lake offer another scenic stroll.

The picturesque town of Blowing Rock is the perfect place to have an active summer vacation or to relax and do nothing at all.

For more information, visit www.blowingrock.com.

Valle CrucisJust off N.C. 105 south of Boone, Valle

Crucis offers simplicity and serenity in a pastoral riverside community.

The valley contains the site of the only known Native American village in the immediate area. The rst European set-tler of Watauga County, Samuel Hicks, also built a fort in the area during the American Revolution.

Today, the community offers several historic inns, art galleries, farms and churches that provide service and com-fort to all who enter.

The Episcopal church has played a role throughout the communitys history. An Episcopal bishop entered the community in 1842 and provided its name, which is Latin for the Vale of the Cross.

The Valle Crucis Conference Center, on the National Register of Historic Places, stays busy with retreats for numerous groups, and Crab Orchard Falls is a short hike from the conference center.

The original Mast General Store provides a central gathering space in the community, as it has since 1883. Residents appreciate the store for its post of ce, morning news and coffee, while visitors can also nd gifts, apparel and souvenirs.

Just down the road is the Mast Store Annex, which opened about 25 years later. Behind the annex is a gravel road to the Valle Crucis Park, a recreational area with walking paths, riverfront, pic-nic areas and sports elds.

Dining highlights include Simplic-ity at the Mast Farm Inn and the 1861 Farmhouse Market, formerly the Ham Shoppe, which boasts some of the best sandwiches in the High Country.

For more information, visit www.val-lecrucis.com.

Todd Todd is a town so nice its claimed by

both Watauga and Ashe counties.The communitys main thoroughfare,

A tuber fl oats on the Watauga River in scenic Valle Crucis.PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO

OUR TOWNS FROM PAGE 13


New, FineNew, FineEstate JewelryEstate Jewelry

&

GAINES KIKERGAINES KIKERSilversmith / Goldsmith

Working Studio and Gallery

132 Morris Street - Blowing Rock828.295.3992

Specializing in Custom Design


Railroad Grade Road, is popular with bicyclists and walking tours as it winds along with the New River, one of the few in the world that ow north.

The Todd General Store is an old-fashioned mercan-tile that dates back to 1914 and was built in anticipation of the Norfolk and Western Virginia Creeper railroad. Todd was the last stop of the route and got much of its supplies from the train.

Today, the store offers dinner, bluegrass, book sign-ings and demonstrations.

The Todd Mercantile features the work of local artists and crafters, as well as mountain honey and other local goods, while also hosting monthly square and contra dances, with traditional mountain music by local per-formers.

The ever-crafty Elkland Art Center, known for its colorful parades and environmentally conscious puppet shows, offers summer workshops and programs for those with a air for creativity.

The river itself provides plenty to do, from canoeing and kayaking to excellent shing. Several companies, including RiverGirl Fishing Company and Wahoos Ad-ventures, have outposts near Todd to provide gear and instruction for anyone interested in hitting the river.

For more information, visit www.toddnc.org.

FoscoeNestled between Boone and Banner Elk is the unin-

corporated community of Foscoe. But dont let its size fool you. The community is

brimming with shopping, art, dining and outdoor fun. Shopping includes mementos and more at Bear Creek Traders, treats, snacks and other tail-wagging goodies for your furry friends at Mountain Dog & Friends and the luxurious linens of Dewoolfson Down.

If youre shopping for outdoor fun, cast a line with Foscoe Fishing Company, or pan for gold with the Greater Foscoe Mining Company.

Hungry? Sample some home-cooked Southern good-ness at the Foscoe Country Corner and Deli. Some of the High Countrys nest gourmet sandwiches and baked goods await at Eat Crow, while burgers, billiards and family fun are on cue at Country Retreat Family Billiards.

Foscoes also home to one of the views that made Grandfather Mountain famous the ridgelines iconic pro le of an old man reclining.

Seven DevilsFrom elevations of some 5,200 feet, the town of Seven

Devils straddles both Watauga and Avery counties.From many areas in the town, one has views of

Grandfather Mountain, as well as Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, Rich Mountain and Mount Rogers

in Virginia.Seven Devils is just a few minutes from Boone, Blow-

ing Rock, Banner Elk and Valle Crucis and can be found off N.C. 105.

One of the smaller towns in the region, Seven Devils began life in the 1960s as the Seven Devils Resort, and, in 1979, the resort became incorporated as the town.

How did it get its name? According to the Seven Devils website,The L.A. Reynolds Industrial District of Winston-Salem, N.C., formed the resort in 1965 and the founders were met with the challenge of naming the resort. At this time there was a rumor about an old man on the mountain who had seven sons as mean as the devil. People were heard commenting that in the winter the mountain was as cold as the devils or as windy as the devil.

The founders wanted a catchy, unique name that would bring attention to the mountain. They noticed the repeated appearance of the number seven, including the seven predominant rocky peaks surrounding Valley Creek, as well as the many coincidental references to devils. Seven Devils seemed to suggest a frivolous, mischievous resort where people could experience the temptation of Seven Devils.

In the 1960s, the town grew with a golf course, ski slope, lake, riding ground and camping area. After the resort venture experienced nancial trouble, the town was incorporated.

The annual Todd Liberty Parade showcases the mountain hamlets artistic side.PHOTO BY FRANK RUGGIERO

OUR TOWNS FROM PAGE 14



While the golf course and ski slope have been closed for a number of years, Hawksnest has become one of the towns centerpieces.

Among the attractions at Hawksnest (www.hawksnest-resort.com) are ziplining year-round and snow-tubing in the winter. For more information and events at Seven Devils, visit www.townofsevendevils.org.

Summertimes 2014

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