Nort h Carolina's
HighMountain Country Vacation Planner
Banner Elk ~ Beech Mountain ~ Blowing Rock Boone ~ Jefferson ~ Newland ~ North Wilkesboro ~ Sparta Spruce Pine ~ West Jefferson ~ Wilkesboro North Carolina’s High Country Host Discover Heritage Treasures Here!
Deep within the mystical Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina you’ll discover heritage and cultural treasures that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Treasures that off er authentic cultural travel experiences, such as the mountain music that is unique to the region, authentic Appalachian craft , ancient Cherokee heritage, and centuries-old farming traditions. Discover these treasures and you’ll know why the region bears a national badge of honor: the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. Visit www.blueridgeheritage.com to learn more about the treasures you may uncover on your visit here.
Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Blue Ridge Parkway, MP 384, 195 Hemphill Knob Rd., Asheville 828-298-5330 www.blueridgeheritage.com
2 800-438-7500 Mountain Vacation Planner Chambers of Commerce Contents & Tourism Bureaus Birding, Backpacking & More . . . . . 4 Alleghany County Chamber & Visitor Center Touring the High Country ...... 6 58 S. Main St, Sparta Create Your Memorable Journey . . . 7 800-372-5473 • www.sparta-nc.com See our ad on page 42 Drive Times ...... 13 Ashe County Chamber & Visitor Center High Adventure ...... 16 01 N. Jefferson Ave, Ste. C, West Jefferson Performing Arts ...... 20 888-343-2743 • www.ashechamber.com Accommodations ...... 24 See our ad on page 42 Map ...... 28 Avery County Chamber & Visitor Center 4501 Tynecastle Hwy, Unit #2 Create a Family Tradition ...... 40 Tynecastle Shopping Center, Banner Elk Events of the High Country ...... 43 800-972-2183 • www.averycounty.com Directory ...... 47 Beech Mountain Chamber/TDA Blue Ridge Parkway ...... 53 403-A Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain ______800-468-5506 • www.beechmtn.com www.beachmountainchamber.com Host Members Blowing Rock Chamber & Visitor Center 7738 Valley Blvd, Blowing Rock Arts & Entertainment ...... 21 877-750-4636 • www.blowingrock.com Banks ...... 52 Blowing Rock TDA Campgrounds ...... 25 PO Box 47, 28605 • Blowing Rock Chambers of Commerce ...... 52 877-750-4636 • www.blowingrock.com Conference Centers & Retreats . . 25 See our ad on page 42 Day Trips ...... 48 Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Events & Activities ...... 46 208 Howard St, Boone Family Fun & Attractions ...... 49 800-852-9506 • www.boonechamber.com Fishing ...... 5 Mitchell County Chamber & Visitor Center Golf Courses ...... 5 79 Parkway Maintenance Rd, Spruce Pine Horseback Riding ...... 15 800-227-3912 • www.mitchell-county.com Orchards, Farms & Wineries . . . . 40 Northwest NC Rest Area/Visitor Center Real Estate ...... 48 2121 E. Hwy. 421, North Wilkesboro Recreation & Relaxation ...... 5 336-667-1259 • www.nwncvisitorcenter.com Recreational Activities ...... 48 The Village of Sugar Mountain Restaurants ...... 50 251 Dick Trundy Ln, Sugar Mountain Rock Climbing ...... 15 828-898-9292 • www.seesugar.com Scenic Drives & Tours ...... 19 Watauga County TDA Services ...... 51 815 W. King St, Ste 10, Boone Shopping ...... 22 800-852-9506 • www.exploreboonearea.com Spas ...... 25 See our ad on page 23 Tourism Development Assoc ...... 13 West Jefferson TDA Whitewater Rafting, Canoeing . . . 15 01 S. Jefferson Ave, West Jefferson Winter Sports Equip ./Attractions . . 18 866-607-0093 • www.visitwestjefferson.org Wilkes County Chamber of Commerce 717 Main St, North Wilkesboro 336-838-8662 • www.wilkesnc.org www.explorewilkes.com On the cover: Rafting photo courtesy of High Mountain Expeditions, Rhododenron's on Grandfather courtesy of Grandfather Mountain , The Linn Cove Viaduct by Hugh Morton , Skiing photo courtesy of Sugar Mountain Ski Resort www.mountainsofnc.com 3 North Carolina’s High Country Host Birding, Backpacking, And Bicycling, Backwaters More! hether your idea of outdoor recreation is observing the nesting habits of a Dark-Eyed Junco, floating down the world's second oldest river inW an inner tube, marveling at the scenery from a difficult par 3, challenging yourself with steep ascents that inspired Lance Armstrong’s return to cycling, or experiencing the backcountry in one of our many state parks, the High Country has something for you. Photo by Jesse Pope Five Audubon Society Important Bird Areas are located in the High Country along with 24 stops on the NC Birding Trail. Birders gather in the fall at Phoenix Mountain, near West Jefferson, and at Mahogany Rock, near Sparta, to watch the southern migration of many species of hawks. Still others enjoy expanding their birding knowledge on an early morning's walk around Valle Crucis Park with the area's local Audubon representative. With elevations ranging from 6,000 feet atop Grandfather Mountain to the depths of the Linville Gorge, ornithologists will find species not seen this far south – more than any other Eastern mountain destination. Miles of hiking trails cover varied terrain throughout the High Country, from long-range views at state parks like Mount Jefferson and Stone Mountain to blueways leading into the New River State Park. If you’re looking for more of an adrenaline rush, take flight and zip through a canopy of trees and across valleys on the Hawksnest Zipline. Zippers as young as five will enjoy new perspective on their mountain vacation. Feel the rush and cool off with a whitewater rafting trip on the Watauga River (perfect for families) or the Nolichucky River with its Class II-IV rapids. Cyclists take on the challenge of many century rides scheduled throughout the year including the Blue Ridge Brutal 100, the Bridge to Bridge Incredible Challenge, Blood, Sweat, and Gears, and the Assault on Mount Mitchell. For mountain bike enthusiasts, the Dark Mountain trails in Wilkes County have terrain perfect for beginners and challenging single-track routes for more experienced riders. Photo by Todd Bush Adventure doesn't end in the winter. Hikes along mountain trails expose long- range views not visible at any other time of year. The Blue Ridge Parkway is an ideal venue for cross country skiing or snowshoeing. Experience snow tubing at Hawksnest, the largest tubing resort on the East Coast. With dynamic ski runs, creative terrain parks, and outdoor ice skating at three premier ski resorts – Appalachian Ski Mountain, Sugar Mountain, and Beech Mountain – the High Country is truly the Ski Capital of the South. Come and elevate your next adventure in North Carolina's High Country!
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Recreation & RiverGirl Fishing ➤ Horseback Riding Relaxation Company Fly-fishing lessons, wade trips, Clear Creek fishing boats, kayaking, canoeing ➤ Guest Ranch Fishing and tubing the New River, custom Rustic luxury resort with rod building and educational Elk Creek Outfitters spectacular view. Horseback trips of the New River by fisheries riding, hayrides, fishing, hiking, Professional guide service biologist/conservationist Kelly tubing, whitewater rafting, special providing full-day float trips, McCoy, owner. Monthly river children’s activities, cookouts, line wilderness walk trips, fly- clean-up of the New River. dancing. All lodging, meals and fishing schools and overnight 4041 RR Grade Rd, 28684 ranch activities included in rates. trips for trout, musky and Todd • 336-877-3099 100 Clear Creek Dr, 28714 smallmouth bass. www.rivergirlfishing.com Burnsville • 800-651-4510 1560 Hwy 105, 28607 www.clearcreekranch.com Boone • 828-264-6497 See our ad on page 15 www.ecoflyfishing.com ➤ Golf Courses Foscoe Fishing Dutch Creek Trails Company & Boone Golf Club Offering horseback rides on Outfitters Located on Fairway Drive, just beautiful mountain trails. off Hwy 321 S. One of the South’s Horseback rides leave every Located in the heart of Foscoe two hours starting at 10 a.m., and surrounded by more than outstanding championship courses. April–November. Open Monday–Saturday. 300 miles of creeks and streams, 793 Rubin Walker Rd, 28679 we offer local wade trips as well to the public. 433 Fairway Dr, 28607 Vilas • 828-297-7117 as float trips down the renowned www.dutchcreektrails.com South Holston and Watauga rivers. Boone • 866-532-4653 www.boonegolfclub.com 8857 Hwy 105 S, 28607 Category continued on Page 15 Boone • 828-963-6556 www.foscoefishing.com Mountain Aire See our ad on this page Golf Club Foscoe Fishing Co. Public golf course. Discover the & Outfitt ers Grandfather challenge, savor the breathtaking Trout Farm views of our championship Our three trout ponds are stocked course. Located in unspoiled to the brim with Rainbow Trout. Ashe County just 30 minutes No license needed and you only from Boone. We feature pay for what you catch. We supply spectacular views, reasonable rod and reels, bait and towels, ice rates and a friendly atmosphere. and bags. Something for the whole 1104 Golf Course Rd, 28694 8857 Hwy 105 S, Boone family! Open year-round and no West Jefferson • 336-877-4716 reservations required. www.mountainaire.com 828-963-6556 10767 Hwy 105 S, 28604 See our ad on this page www.foscoefi shing.com Banner Elk • 828-963-5098 www.grandfathertroutfarm.com
Mountain Aire Golf Club Mountain Aire Golf Club is an unbelievable place to golf and live. Th is well-maintained public course is located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in Ashe County, just 25 miles from Boone. 18 holes of changing elevations and spectacular views will make this one of your favorite places to visit. 336-877-4716 • www.mountainaire.com • 1104 Golf Course Rd, West Jeff erson
www.mountainsofnc.com 5 North Carolina’s High Country Host Touring the North Carolina High Country
Spend a day or more touring the places that make the High Country spectacular. The tours below are listed according to category, north to south. General Store Tour Arts & Crafts Tour › Northwest Trading Post, Glendale Springs Plan your tour around performances at the › Mast General Store, Valle Crucis Blowing Rock Stage Company, An Appalachian › Fred’s General Mercantile, Beech Mountain Summer Festival, Forum Arts & Lecture Series, and ASU Performing Arts Series. Trail guides Heritage Tour are available for purchase. Plan your tour around events like the Grandfather › Northwest Trading Post, Glendale Springs Mountain Highland Games, Wilkes Heritage Festival, › The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, Boone the Cove Creek Heritage Festival or the Avery › Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff, Boone Heritage Festival . › Parkway Craft Center, Blowing Rock › Old Wilkes Jail, Wilkesboro › Carlton Gallery at Creekside, Foscoe › Tom Dooley: A Wilkes County Legend, › Crossnore Weavers & Gallery, Crossnore North Wilkesboro › 1904 Ashe Courthouse, Jefferson Back to Nature Tour › Mountainhome Music, Boone › The New River, runs throughout the › Appalachian Heritage Museum, Blowing Rock High Country › Indian Artifacts Museum, Blowing Rock › Shady Grove Gardens & Nursery, Vilas › Mast General Store, Valle Crucis › Daniel Boone Native Gardens, Boone › Mineral & Gem Museum, Spruce Pine › Grandfather Mountain, Linville › Linville Falls, Linville › Emerald Village, Little Switzerland › Linville Caverns, Marion › The Orchard at Altapass, Little Switzerland › Christmas Tree Farms, throughout the High Country Frescoes Tour › The Orchard at Altapass, Little Switzerland › St . Mary’s, West Jefferson › Mineral & Gem Museum, Spruce Pine › Holy Trinity, Glendale Springs › Emerald Village, Little Switzerland › St . Paul’s, Wilkesboro › Sloop Chapel at The Crossnore School, Crossnore Photo by Kim Hadley Kids’ Tour › Foggy Mountain Gem Mine, Boone › Fun ‘N’ Wheels, Boone › Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock › Mystery Hill, Blowing Rock › Grandfather Mountain, Linville › Linville Caverns, Marion › Emerald Village, Little Switzerland › The Orchard at Altapass, Little Switzerland
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Create Your Own Memorable Journey... A MOUNTAIN JOURNEY LIKE NO OTHER... A MOUNTAIN JOURNEY LIKE NO OTHER... high country of north carolina high country of north carolina
What is it about these mountains that visitors find so captivating?
Maybe it’s the majestic peaks of one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Or the allure of the magnifi cent Blue Ridge Parkway winding its way through our unique small towns. Join us and create your own memo- rable journey. the drive. No visit to the North Carolina Mountains would be com- plete without including America’s Favorite Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are 125 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway located right here in the High Country. Don’t miss the Linn Cove Viaduct, the Parkway Craft Center, Linville Falls, Doughton Park, and an abundance of scenic overlooks. the destinations. Your High Country Journey takes you to the towns and communities of Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Beech Mountain West Jefferson, Wilkesboro, and Valle Crucis. the fun. For a trip back to yesteryear, visit the original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis. Take a ride through the Old West on an historic steam engine at Tweetsie Railroad. Cross a Mile High Swinging Bridge and see wildlife in their natural habitats at Grandfather Mountain. Savor a world class performance or tour a magnifi cent contemporary art exhibition at Appalachian State University. the comforts. From quaint bed and breakfasts to rustic cabin rentals, lodging choices in the High Country are plentiful. Take a break from your High Country Journey with a stay at The Broyhill Inn and Confer- ence Center, Comfort Suites and Fairfi eld Inn in Boone. Chetola Resort and The Bob Timberlake Inn are located in the quaint mountain village of Blowing Rock. 800-438-7500 www.HighCountryJourney.com www.mountainsofnc.com 7 high country of north carolina A MOUNTAIN JOURNEY LIKE NO OTHER...
Ahhh . . . Ashe County! The Broyhill Inn & Beech Mountain Grandfather Mountain Exhale...You’re in Wilkes Tweetsie Railroad Chetola Resort The Coolest Corner of North Carolina Conference Center at Blowing Rock Come to relax or elevate your vaca- Find a haven for rejuvenation, excite- Forty miles of biking/ hiking trails, Wild West theme park adventure fea- West Jefferson - Jefferson - Todd Memorable experiences & remarkable Beautiful mountain resort with accom- tion with an abundance of outdoor ment and family memories in a place wineries and vineyards, MerleFest, turing a steam-powered train ride, Glendale Springs - Lansing service; hotel, restaurant, weddings, modations in Chetola Lodge, The Bob opportunities. where wonders never cease. and N.W. Speedway racing. shopping, live entertainment, and rides. meetings and events all under one roof. Timberlake Inn and spacious condos. Ashe County Chamber of Commerce 336-846-9550 | 888-343-2743 800-951-6048 800-468-5506 800-468-7325 | 828-733-4337 336-838-8662 800-526-5740 or 828-264-9061 800-243-8652 www.ashechamber.com www.broyhillinn.com www.beechmtn.com www.grandfather.com www.explorewilkes.com www.tweetsie.com www.chetola.com
Historic Downtown Fairfi eld Inn & Suites Banner Elk Boone, NC Mast General Store Blowing Rock An Appalachian West Jefferson Comfort Suites Summer Festival Visit Banner Elk, North Carolina. Whether you are seeking romance, “All the country stores are satisfying to Enjoy the views, explore the Parkway Imagine... A Different Destination! Nestled in the shadow of the ma- The best in music, dance, visual arts Stay & Play in the Heart of the relaxation or recreation, the Boone visit, but one of them, the Mast Store, shop, dine and relax at area spas and Art • Antiques • Heritage Music jestic Blue Ridge Mountains. and fi lm throughout the month of July. High Country! area has something for everyone. is a destination” - Charles Kuralt accommodations, all at a great value! Ashe County Cheese Fairfi eld Inn & Suites: 828-268-0677 866-607-0093 Comfort Suites: 828-268-0099 800-852-9506 828-963-6511 877-750-4636 800-841-ARTS (2787) www.VisitWestJefferson.org www.hgmhotels.com www.banner-elk.com www.ExploreBooneArea.com www.maststorevallecrucis.com www.blowingrock.com www.appsummer.org Create Your Own Memorable Journey... A MOUNTAIN JOURNEY LIKE NO OTHER... A MOUNTAIN JOURNEY LIKE NO OTHER... high country of north carolina high country of north carolina
What is it about these mountains that visitors find so captivating?
Maybe it’s the majestic peaks of one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world. Or the allure of the magnifi cent Blue Ridge Parkway winding its way through our unique small towns. Join us and create your own memo- rable journey.
the drive. No visit to the North Carolina Mountains would be com- plete without including America’s Favorite Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are 125 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway located right here in the High Country. Don’t miss the Linn Cove Viaduct, the Parkway Craft Center, Linville Falls, Doughton Park, and an abundance of scenic overlooks.
the destinations. Your High Country Journey takes you to the towns and communities of Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Beech Mountain West Jefferson, Wilkesboro, and Valle Crucis.
the fun. For a trip back to yesteryear, visit the original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis. Take a ride through the Old West on an historic steam engine at Tweetsie Railroad. Cross a Mile High Swinging Bridge and see wildlife in their natural habitats at Grandfather Mountain. Savor a world class performance or tour a magnifi cent contemporary art exhibition at Appalachian State University.
the comforts. From quaint bed and breakfasts to rustic cabin rentals, lodging choices in the High Country are plentiful. Take a break from your High Country Journey with a stay at The Broyhill Inn and Confer- ence Center, Comfort Suites and Fairfi eld Inn in Boone. Chetola Resort and The Bob Timberlake Inn are located in the quaint mountain village of Blowing Rock. 800-438-7500 www.HighCountryJourney.com Mountain Vacation Planner
Tourism Blowing Rock TDA Watauga County TDA Development Blowing Rock is a time-honored Advertising and promoting Associations vacation destination in the Blue tourism in Watauga. Come stay, Ridge Mountains with family- play, eat and shop. Beech Mountain TDA owned retail shops, unique 815 W King St, Ste 10, 28607 restaurants, charming resorts and Boone • 800-852-9506 Tourism Development Authority inns, homegrown cultural events www.exploreboonearea.com chartered for the advancement and plenty of space to discover See our ad on page 23 of tourism in the community of the outdoors. Explore natural and Beech Mountain. Responsible cultural heritage in this storybook West Jefferson TDA for marketing, advertising, public village, where you’ll enjoy mountain Authorized by the NC General relations and visitor relations. festivals, close proximity to exquisite Assembly in 2005 and responsible 403-A Beech Mountain Pkwy, for administering West Jefferson’s landscapes, hiking and skiing. occupancy tax proceeds for tourism. 28604 PO Box 47, 28605 01 S Jefferson Ave, 28694 Beech Mountain • 800-468-5506 Blowing Rock • 877-750-4636 West Jefferson • 866-607-0093 www.beechmtn.com www.blowingrock.com www.visitwestjefferson.org
Drive Times to the High Country
Asheville, NC...... 1 hour, 30 minutes Winston-Salem, NC...... 1 hour, 30 minutes Charlotte, NC ...... 2 hours Greensboro, NC...... 2 hours Greenville/Spartanburg, SC. . . . 3 hours Photos by Todd Bush – www.bushphoto.com Bush by Todd Photos Knoxville, TN...... 3 hours Columbia, SC...... 3 hours, 15 minutes Raleigh, NC...... 3 hours, 15 minutes Fayetteville, NC ...... 3 hours, 45 minutes Atlanta, GA...... 5 hours Charleston, SC...... 5 hours, 15 minutes Wilmington, NC...... 5 hours, 15 minutes
13 North Carolina’s High Country Host Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain’s pristine wildlife and sweeping vistas rejuvenate mind and spirit. Rising 5,946 feet, Grandfather is recognized as one of the world’s most diverse nature preserves. Be exhilarated by the altitude and panoramic views from the Mile High Swinging Bridge; stand eye-to-eye with bears, cougars, ott ers and eagles in natural habitats. Dine in the restaurant or fi nd a scenic picnic spot, browse the nature museum, wander the trails, go behind the scenes of the animal habitats, visit with knowledgeable naturalists, and stop for a treat at the fudge shop. Fill your day with family memories at Grandfather Mountain, where wonders never cease.
Open all year, weather permitt ing. US Hwy 221, one mile from Blue Ridge Parkway, MP 305, Linville 800-468-7325 • 828-733-4337 www.grandfather.com
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➤ Horseback Riding (Cont.) Valle Crucis Farm ➤ Rock Climbing Weddings, cabin rentals, horseback Leatherwood riding, carriage and pony rides. Footsloggers Mountains – Guided There's plenty to do seven days Sharing in your outdoor adventures Trail Rides a week! In all 4 seasons, we are a since 1971, Offering the finest Enjoy the amazing beauty of perfect getaway all year round. apparel, hiking equipment and the Blue Ridge Mountains 4365 NC Hwy. 194 S, 28691 footware, paddle shop and maps. from horseback riding NC! Valle Crucis • 828-963-5399 Visit our on-site climbing tower Ride seasoned trail horses and www.vcfarm.com and shop online. Located in experience the outdoors in a Boone and Blowing Rock. relaxed, unhurried manner. 139 South Depot St, 28607 Boone • 828-262-5111 512 Meadow Rd, 28624 www.footsloggers.com Ferguson • 336-973-5044 leatherwoodmountains.com Rock Dimensions Climbing Guides Rock climbing and rappelling with Professional Climbing Instructors Clear Creek Guest Ranch Association (PCIA) certified instructors. No experience Nestled in a quiet necessary. Caving trips, summer valley, Clear Creek camps and 40', multi-sided Guest Ranch off ers outdoor climbing tower. Located old charm and at Footsloggers Outfitters. 131-B S Depot St, 28607 modern comfort on Boone • 828-265-3544 acres of beauty. Fish in www.rockdimensions.com the trout pond, ride horses and take a ➤ Whitewater Rafting, hayride. Heated pool, Canoeing & raft ing, tubing, Adventure Guides children’s activities, 1-866-USA-Raft cookouts and picnics USA Raft is an experienced, by the river, and more. value oriented whitewater rafting Rates include meals outfitter on the spectacular Nolichucky, French Broad and served family style. Watauga rivers. Also offer family One-, two- and float trips for ages 4+, guided three-bedroom units 25% caving and rock climbing trips. available, and groups DISCOUNT! Our quality guides are known up to 50 welcome. April-May • Sept.-Nov. for safety and fun and our Excluding Thanksgiving riverside outpost has hot showers Senior citizen discounts. and a cabin that sleeps 12. No experience is necessary. 800-651-4510 • 100 Clear Creek Dr • Burnsville, NC 2 Jones Branch Rd, 37650 www.clearcreekranch.com • Near Mt. Mitchell Erwin • 866-USA-RAFT www.mtnadventureguides.com
High Mountain Expeditions Guiding you up the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge, into the deepest gorge east of the Rockies and over fast rushing whitewater. An experienced guide service, off ering whitewater raft ing in Class I-IV rapids on the Nolichucky and Watauga rivers, plus caving expeditions. Tours for all ages and abilities. Boone and Banner Elk, NC 800-262-9036 • 828-264-7368 www.highmountainexpeditions.com
www.mountainsofnc.com 15 North Carolina’s High Country Host High Adventure! Photo Courtesy of Sugar Mountain CourtesyPhoto of Sugar
eeking outdoor adventure on your next vacation? The High Country of North Carolina is a prime destination. Our mountainous five-county region provides numerousS options, ranging from soft adventure to extreme pulse‑pounding fun. Grandfather Mountain is one place that offers both. Families can interact with native animals in their natural habitat, tour the nature museum or take a walk across the famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge atop Grandfather Mountain’s signature peak. Thrill seekers are pleased to learn that Grandfather’s rugged back country features hiking trails through dense forests up to rock-faced peaks. Hiking is also available at several places along the Blue Ridge Parkway, as well as in the Linville Gorge, the largest gorge east of the Mississippi. The Town of Beech Mountain – Eastern America’s highest town at 5,506 feet – maintains 20 miles of hiking trails and 51 miles of cycling routes. In fact, while climbing the steep ascent of Beech Mountain, legendary cyclist Lance Armstrong decided to launch his comeback from cancer that led to seven Tour de France titles. In winter, the High Country transforms into the Ski Capital of the South. Three premier ski resorts – Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain – are located within a 30-mile radius. Each offers dynamic ski runs, creative terrain parks and outdoor ice skating. Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain have tubing parks as well. Meanwhile, Hawksnest Tubing Park, with its 20 lanes, is the largest tubing operation on the East Coast. Other popular High Country pastimes include: whitewater rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking and fly-fishing. Elevate your next adventure in North Carolina’s High Country.
Photo Credits: Mountain Biking: Sugar Mountain, Bear: Grandfather Mountain 16 800-438-7500 Mountain Vacation Planner
Cherokee Nantahala River and Earth Adventures Outdoor Center Adventures, Inc Experience adventure! Guided Family friendly whitewater Guided wilderness adventures whitewater trips through the rafting on the Nolichucky River! and eco-education. Whitewater spectacular 3,000 ft Nolichucky Experience the deepest river gorge rafting, caving in a wild cave, Gorge. Class III and IV rapids. east of the Mississippi with "One canoes, tubes, climbing, kayaks, Also, family float trips for children of the Best Outfitters on Earth." whitewater paddling school and Since 1972, NOC has been the ages 5 and up, mountain biking, guided hikes! Adventures offered industry leader in whitewater year-round. Organic and local riverside camping, hot showers, rafting on 7 southeastern rivers. family-style BBQ and pizza food in our lunches. Guide owned NOC's Outpost features a sauna, and operated. Visit our gem mine. restaurant on-site. Est. 1979. clean changing rooms and a free Also call for shuttle services for 2000 Jonesborough Rd, 37650 photography slide show of your trip. weddings and other gatherings! Erwin • 423-743-7733 4 Jones Branch Rd, 37650 1655 Hwy. 105, 28607 cherokeeadventures.com Erwin • 800-232-7238 Boone • 866-411-RAFT www.noc.com www.raftcavehike.com High Mountain See our ad on this page Expeditions Offers whitewater rafting on Nantahala Outdoor Center the Nolichucky and Watauga rivers, hiking and caving. Quality Rated “One of the Best adventure trips with excellent Outfi tt ers on Earth” by equipment; comfortable, National Geographic well-maintained vehicles; and Adventure. Raft the professional guides noted for their Nolichucky River and skill and experience. experience the deepest 1380 Hwy 105 S, 28607 Boone • 800-262-9036 river gorge east of the highmountainexpeditions.com Mississippi. NOC’s river outpost features a sauna and See our ad on page 15 clean changing rooms. 800-232-7238 • www.noc.com
Zaloo's Canoes
Off ering canoeing, kayaking, tubing and camping. Take a 2 hour Canoe Ride to New River State Park! Try out our 2-7 hour day trips and canoeing camping trips from 2-5 days. Get $2 OFF with this ad, Monday-Friday (excludes holiday weeks).
1-800-535-4027 • 336-246-3066 • www.zaloos.com Located on Th e New River on Hwy. 16, 0.5 mile South of Hwy. 88 in Jeff erson
www.mountainsofnc.com 17 North Carolina’s High Country Host
Wahoo’s Adventures Ski Rentals at Fred’s Hawksnest Snow Rafting, canoeing, kayaking, A Beech Mountain tradition for Tubing hiking and caving with the 37 years. Renting skis, snowboards With more than 20 lanes of snow original outfitter of the High and ski clothing. Carrying a tubing, Hawksnest is the largest Country. Two-time “Outfitter of complete line of ski accessories, snow tubing park on the East the Year” by P.P.A. outdoor clothing and all your Coast with 4 different tubing areas. mountain needs. 2058 Skyland Dr, 28604 3385 Hwy 321, 28607 501 Bch. Mountain Pkwy, 28604 Boone • 800-444-7238 Seven Devils • 800-822-4295 Beech Mountain • 828-387-4838 www.hawksnesttubing.com www.wahoosadventures.com www.fredsgeneral.com See our ad on this page Zaloo’s Canoes Winter Sports Ski Beech Area’s oldest, largest, friendliest Attractions outfitter since 1976. Zaloo’s Eastern America’s highest elevation offers canoe and innertube trips. ski resort. Enjoy snow sports Appalachian Ski Mtn, Inc such as skiing, snowboarding, Specializing in canoe camping at Skiing since 1962. Ten slopes with refrigerated ice skating, and snow three state parks along 26 miles of 2 terrain parks. Quad chairlifts, tubing as well as shopping and the New River. Open April to Oct. double chairlift, conveyor lift dining. We have 7 chair lifts, the 3874 Hwy 16 S, 28640 and handle pull lift. Open 7 only high speed lift in the South, Jefferson • 800-535-4027 days a week the Friday before and 100% snowmaking. Group www.zaloos.com Thanksgiving to late March/early rates available. Our town sits over See our ad on page 17 April. Night skiing starts the night a mile above sea level and offers 9 after Thanksgiving. Refrigerated restaurants and a town sledding hill. outdoor ice arena with 3 sessions 1007 Beech Mtn Pkwy, 28604 Winter Sports daily. Ski, snowboard, clothing and Beech Mountain • 828-438-2093 helmet rentals. Group and private www.skibeech.com Equipment lessons and SKIwee children’s Rentals program. Bavarian-style base lodge with restaurant, ski shop, gift shop. PO Box 106, 28605 Beech Meadows Blowing Rock • 800-322-2373 Ski Shop www.appskimtn.com Beech Meadows is Eastern America’s highest ski shop at an elevation of 5,125 ft. We offer a Hawksnest full line of ski and board rentals as well as ski clothing and accessories, Zipline & Snow Tubing all at the area’s lowest prices. We With 4 diff erent areas offer one stop check-in: keep your skis for your entire stay. No extra and 20+ lanes of snow charge for night skiing. Located at tubing, Hawksnest the top of Beech next to town hall. is the largest snow Reservations accepted. 405 Beech Mountain Pkwy, 28604 tubing park on the Beech Mountain • 828-387-4777 East Coast. Snow www.skibeechmeadows.com tubing lanes sizes vary from 350 feet for the Ski Country Sports litt le ones to 1000 feet A ski shop that’s totally in length for the more committed to serving you with quality products and personal adventurous. service. Our shop offers the best in ski equipment, apparel Hawksnest also off ers one of the longest zip and accessories. Full-service line tours on the East Coast. With 10 diff erent maintenance and repair. Also cables in our zip line tour you will ride over trees, offering rafting trips during through trees, over lakes and creeks. Located in warmer weather. 3149 Tynecastle Hwy., 28604 Seven Devils, between Boone and Banner Elk. Banner Elk • 800-528-3874 www.skicountrysports.com 2058 Skyland Dr., Seven Devils 800-822-4295 • www.HawksNestTubing.com
18 800-438-7500 Mountain Vacation Planner
Blue Ridge Parkway Association 500+ member travel promotion association dedicated to promoting the entire Blue Ridge Parkway area. Produces the annual Blue Ridge Parkway Directory and Travel Planner. Sugar Mountain ➤ Scenic Drives & Tours PO Box 2136, 28802 Ski Resort Asheville • 828-670-1924 Ski, snowboard, tube, ice skate and Blue Ridge National www.blueridgeparkway.org snowshoe day and night at North Heritage Area Carolina’s largest winter resort! Serving the mountains and 100% snowmaking on 115 skiable Virtual Blue acres; 1,200 ft vertical rise; 20 trails foothills of North Carolina, Ridge Parkway from beginner to expert; 7 lifts; preserving, interpreting and ski and snowboard school for all developing the cultural and natural Offering an all-inclusive source ages and abilities; ski, snowboard, heritage of the region. for Blue Ridge Parkway travel ice skate and helmet rentals; Sugar Blue Ridge Parkway, MP384 information, maps, books, videos, Mountain Winter Sports Shop; 195 Hemphill Knob Rd, 28803 photography prints, souvenirs, winter value packages and group Asheville • 828-298-5330 apparel and much more. Whether rates. Access is convenient, just off you are planning a trip to the Hwy 184 in the Village of Sugar www.blueridgeheritage.com Mountain. Summer activities See our ad on page 2 Parkway or looking for that special include scenic lift rides, hiking, gift for your favorite Parkway mountain biking and Oktoberfest. enthusiast, visit our website! 1009 Sugar Mountain Dr, 28604 PO Box 1157, 28607 Banner Elk • 800-SUGAR MT Boone • 828-265-4026 www.skisugar.com www.virtualblueridge.com See our ad on this page
Sugar Mountain Ski Resort Comfortably tucked away within the breathtakingly, beautiful Appalachian Mountains lies the cozy yet rugged, resort of Sugar Mountain. With every activity winter comes alive! It’s as easy as breathing the crisp mountain air while snowshoeing through the woods, coasting one of several groomed and lighted tube runs, enjoying a skate session on our 10,000 square foot outdoor ice rink, or as adventurous as whisking down North Carolina’s only double black diamond slope; Whoopdedoo. Sugar Mountain Ski Resort is conveniently located off Highway 184 within the Village of Sugar Mountain. 1009 Sugar Mountain Dr, Sugar Mountain 800-SUGARMT (784-2768) 828-898-4521 • www.skisugar.com
www.mountainsofnc.com 19 North Carolina’s High Country Host ThePerforming Arts erforming artists have entertained generations of travelers to the High Country. In 1952, the Daniel Boone Amphitheater began hosting the “HornP in the West” outdoor drama every summer in Boone. Four years later, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games were founded, bringing together dancing, piping, drumming, athletic achievement, music and Gaelic culture in the meadows beneath the High Country’s most famous mountain. Nowadays, visitors still enjoy the “Horn in the West” drama and the Highland Games, along with a bounty of other artistic performances. Wilkesboro’s Merlefest, an internationally renowned bluegrass and folk music festival, draws huge crowds for four days each April. Mountain Home Music provides old-fashioned bluegrass music and there are plenty of Wild West shows and performances at Tweetsie Railroad.
For a detailed list of performances and venues, go to www visitnchighcountry. .com .
An Appalachian Summer Festival Escape the heat and fi ll your High Country vacation with An Appalachian Summer Festival! A month-long multi-arts festival, Appalachian Summer provides endless entertainment for your family every July. Heading into its 27th season, the festival holds to its mission of providing the best in music, dance, theatre, visual arts and fi lm. Take advantage of our vacation packages with area hotels and resorts and plan a weekend getaway to the mountains! 800-841-ARTS • 828-262-4046
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Fe Aspen Santa Goldsmith Lynn By Photo www.appsummer.org • 423 West King St., Boone
Parkway Craft Center M C M Discover the fi nest in traditional and contemporary craft s at Parkway Craft Center, one of fi ve Southern Highland Craft Guild shops. Parkway Craft Center represents artists living in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views, educational demonstrations and a unique shopping experience. March 15 – Nov. 30, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. 828-295-7938 • www.craft guild.org • MP 294, Blue Ridge Pkwy, Blowing Rock
20 800-438-7500 Mountain Vacation Planner Photo Kim Hadley by
Arts & Downtown Boone Museum of Ashe Entertainment Development Assoc. County History, Inc Established to improve the central Non-profit organization An Appalachian business district of Boone by established to preserve the 1904 Summer Festival encouraging improvement to Ashe County Courthouse. Experience the arts at a higher properties, improve pedestrian 301 E. Main St, 28640 altitude! Appalachian State access, provide cultural and civic Jefferson • 336-846-1904 University’s major summer events, improve parking and www.ashehistory.org attraction features the finest music, encourage greater involvement. theater, dance, visual arts and film. PO Box 362, 28607 Trade Mill Boone • 828-262-4532 ASU Office of Arts and Cultural Trade Mill is an 18th century Programs, 28608 Horn In The West water-powered grist mill operating P.O. Box 32045 in Trade, Tennessee. “Where old is Boone • 800-841-ARTS The nation’s third oldest outdoor new again.” www.appsummer.org historical drama telling the story of 228 Modock Rd, 37691 See our ad on page 20 the Revolutionary War in Western Trade, TN • 423-727-3007 North Carolina. Open at 8 p.m. Ashe County Frescoes nightly, except Mondays from mid- Turchin Center Foundation June through mid-August. for the Visual Arts 591 Horn in the West Dr, 28607 Dedicated to the protection and Visual arts come to life at preservation of these great works Boone • 828-264-2120 www.horninthewest.com Appalachian State University’s of art by Ben Long. premier art museum! Acclaimed 201 River Knoll Dr, 28640 exhibitions, lectures, special events Jefferson • 336-982-3261 Mountain Top Promotions and workshops for all ages. Free www.ashefrescoes.org admission; guided tours available. Fine art and fine craft shows in www.tcva.org. ASU Performing Arts Banner Elk, at The Great Train 423 W King St, 28608 Featuring the finest in touring Robbery in May, June, July, Boone • 828-262-3017 performances annually, from September and the Christmas www.turchincenter.org September–April. World-class jazz, Show at the Boone Mall. All shows opera, theater, dance, world music. have handmade artists from all over the country selling their wares Wilkes Heritage 423 W King St, 28607 Museum, Inc Boone • 828-262-4046 in a two-day show. Charitable www.pas.appstate.edu organizations also represented. A private, non-profit organization 193 Hemlock Dr, 28622 located in Wilkes County, Crossnore Weavers Elk Park • 828-733-0675 dedicated to the preservation of & Gallery the rich history and heritage of Mountainhome Music Wilkes County. Wilkes Heritage Watch hand weavers at work and Appalachian musicians, dancers, Museum, Inc, operates and see their fine textiles and wearables. maintains the Wilkes Heritage Shop for fine crafts and art produced storytellers and poets. Appalachian Museum, Old Wilkes Jail and by local artisans. All proceeds benefit tradition includes celtic, old-time, Robert Cleveland Log Home. All the children of Crossnore School, bluegrass and African American Inc. National Register of Historic forms of artistic expression. of these sites are museums open Places. A working museum. New PO Box 572, 28607 to the public, Tuesday–Saturday, “Suffer the Litttle Children” fresco Boone • 828-964-3392 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Admission charged. by Ben Long, IV, in Sloop Chapel www.mountainhomemusic.com 100 E Main St, 28697 on campus. Wilkesboro • 336-667-3171 205 Johnson Ln, 28616 www.wilkesheritagemuseum.com Crossnore • 800-374-4660 www.crossnoreweavers.org
www.mountainsofnc.com 21 North Carolina’s High Country Host
Shopping Doncaster/Tanner Incredible Toy Outlet Company, Inc Blue Ridge Parkway For more than 75 years, Doncaster Specializing in quality toys for all Foundation has introduced beautiful, quality ages. Thomas™ trains, Playmobil®, A portion of purchase from the fashion to women across the puzzles, games, science, art and Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation country. The styling is classic outdoor. Open year‑round. online store helps to support and timeless, yet is inspired by 3411 Hwy 321 S, 28605 efforts to protect, preserve and international trends and has a truly Blowing Rock • 828-264-1422 enhance the Blue Ridge Parkway. modern flair. At the Doncaster/ www.incredibletoycompany.com Thank you!Share the Journey® Tanner Outlet, the collections are Mast Store’s Old 717 S Marshal St, offered in sizes 2–24 at significant savings off the original price. Boone Mercantile Ste 105B, 27101 This circa 1913 emporium Winston-Salem • 336-721-0260 537 N Main St, 28605 Blowing Rock • 828-295-4200 is brimming with old-time blueridgeparkwaystore.com housewares and candies, comfortable clothing, quality Boone Drugs, Inc Fred’s General outdoor gear and custom-fit Your local, independent Mercantile footwear for all mountain seasons. pharmacies since 1919. Find 11 “Purveyor of fine quality 630 W King St, 28607 locations in the High Country. goods.” At Fred’s you find a Boone • 828-262-0000 Visit our original, Boone Drug little of everything – hardware, www.mastgeneralstore.com Company and Old Tyme Soda birdfeeders, books, kites, sleds, See our ad on this page Fountain, in downtown Boone. gardening supplies, toys, crafts, unusual gifts, clothing, ski fashion Parkway Craft 345 Deerfield Rd, 28607 Center See our ad on page 20 Boone • 828-264-3055-(store) and accessories for sale and rental 877-319-0767 and much more. Come for the view... leave with a www.boonedrug.com 501 Beech Mountain Pkwy, piece of our heritage. This grand 28604 manor is home to a showcase of the best crafts from a 9-state region. 9-5 Carlton Gallery Beech Mountain • 828-387-4838 www.fredsgeneral.com daily, March 15-Nov. 30. Original art that opens our hearts MP 294, Blue Ridge Pkwy, 28605 and lifts our spirits! The most Blowing Rock • 828-295-7938 established fine art gallery in the www.southernhighlandguild.org/ area celebrates 28 years in business. parkwaycraft.html Paintings, giclees, photography, pottery, jewelry, fiber art, wood, glass, garden sculpture, musical Mast General Store Instruments and more by over 200 artists. Workshops in painting, drawing, collage and expressive arts. 10360 Hwy 105 S, Unit 2, 28604 Banner Elk • 828-963-4288 www.carltonartgallery.com Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff A partner in your artistic journey, Cheap Joe’s Outlet is home to art supplies, inspiration, instruction, knowledge and good ol’ fashioned Step into way back when. A destination since fun. 6 days/week, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. 374 Industrial Park Dr, 28607 1883, the Mast General Store in Valle Crucis Boone • 800-227-2788 supplies its neighbors and visitors with all they www.cheapjoes.com need for life. Be sure to stop by the Mast Store Annex, once a competing general store, it now DeWoolfson Down off ers outdoor gear, traditional fashion, and over Manufacturers and merchants of the finest down and silk bedding 500 old-fashioned favorite candies. products. Largest selection of imported linens and duvet covers. Experience a bygone era at a downtown Located 8 miles south of Boone emporium–Mast Store's Old Boone Mercantile and Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock. in downtown Boone. 9452 Hwy 105 S, 28604 Banner Elk • 800-833-3696 Hwy 194, Valle Crucis • 828-963-6511 www.dewoolfsondown.com 630 W King St, Boone • 828-262-0000 www.mastgeneralstore.com
22 800-438-7500 Mountain Vacation Planner Boone Area Visitors Bureau
Photos by Todd Bush
With beautiful fall colors, three winter ski resorts and cool summer temperatures, our mountains are always in season. Each season has its own natural att ractions, its own outdoor adventures and its own festivals and celebrations. Th e Boone area off ers a variety of lodging options including bed & breakfast inns, resorts and spas, national hotel brands and mountain cabins. Whether you are seeking romance, relaxation or recreation, there is something for everyone in the “Heart of the High Country.”
800-852-9506 • ExploreBooneArea.com
www.mountainsofnc.com 23 North Carolina’s High Country Host Accommodations in the High Country Bed & BreakfastS and Country Inns Rates # of Rooms Pool Whirlpool Fireplace Allowed Pets WiFi Access Handicap (Non)Smoking Air Conditioning Banner Elk The Banner Elk Inn B&B & Cottages, Inc. $110- 828-898-6223 • 828-487-8263 $250 12 w f z @ - Non j 407 Main St. East • Banner Elk www.bannerelkinn.com Banner Elk Winery and Inn 828-898-9090 •828-898-1790 $189- 8 Non 60 Deer Run Lane • Banner Elk $389 w f @ - j www.bannerelkwinery.com The Inn at Elk River 828-898-9669 $105- 875 Main St. West, Hwy. 194 $150 8 f @ Non j P.O. Box 2516 • Banner Elk www.elkriverinn.com Valle Crucis Area The Baird House 828-297-4055 • 800-297-1342 $139- 1451 Watauga River Rd. $179 7 w f @ Non Valle Crucis www.bairdhouse.com Lazy Bear Lodge B&B 828-963-9201 • 828-773-4289 $145- 5 Non 315 Lazy Bear Trail • Vilas $160 w f @ - j www.lazy-bear-lodge.com The Mast Farm Inn 828-963-5857 • 888-963-5857 $100- 14 Non 2543 Broadstone Rd. • P.O. Box 704 $399 w f @ j Valle Crucis • www.mastfarminn.com Mountainside Lodge Bed & Breakfast $120- 828-963-4006 • 877-687-4333 $190 4 f @ Non j 1709 Broadstone Rd. • Banner Elk www.mountainsidelodgebb.com Taylor House Inn 828-963-5581 • 800-963-5581 $84- Historic Valle Crucis, Hwy. 194 S. $224 9 f @ Non j P.O. Box 618 • Banner Elk www.taylorhouseinn.com
24 800-438-7500 Mountain Vacation Planner
Accommodations Honey Bear Camp Broadstone Campground Open year-round to organized ➤ Campgrounds 75 wooded sites, many stream groups for retreats, meetings front. Tent sites $20 and up. Full and conferences. Spring and fall Bear Den Family hook-ups, cable TV. Fishing and offer adventure programs such Campground hiking trails. Cabins also available. as Alpine Tower, ropes courses, 229 Honey Bear Campground Rd, etc. In winter, facilities available 400 acres 144 campsites. Tents 28607 to RVs, full hook- ups, modern for ski groups. Summer camp Boone • 828-963-4586 has three 2-week-long residential bathhouses, hot showers, sand honeybearcampground.com beach lake. Log campin’ cabins, sessions for academically fishing, canoes, recreational gifted youth in grades 4-9. Also areas, playgrounds, basketball Linville Falls Trailer available for weddings receptions, courts, trading post, LP gas, Lodge & Campground family reunions, dinner parties, firewood, ATM, nature trails, RV etc. Room for 100 to dine, 35 full hook-up sites. Primitive accommodations for 88 in rentals, mountain villa rentals. tent sites. Water & electric tent Located in the heart of the bunkhouse style. ASU Office of sites. Cabin rentals. Beautiful trees Conferences & Institutes, 28608 WNC High Country attractions. and flowers, nice showers and March 1–November 30. Boone • 828-963-4640 bathhouse, playground. April 25– www.campbroadstone.com 600 Bear Den Mountain Rd, Nov.1. Cabin open all winter. 28777 717 Gurney Franklin Rd, 28647 Spruce Pine • 828-765-2888 Linville Falls • 828-765-2681 Valle Crucis www.bear-den.com www.linvillefalls.com Conference Center The Valle Crucis Conference Boone KOA Vanderpool Center is a year-round retreat Campground Campground facility serving a wide range of church, family reunions, schools, 138 sites, $28-up, pull thrus, 37 full hook-up sites with 20, 30 & colleges and other non-profit store, laundry, hot showers, full 50 AMP service. Camp store, ice, groups of 12 to 150. Affordable hook-ups, games, mini-golf, ice cream, RV supplies, cable & cabins. Take Hwy 194 N three Wi-Fi. 7 miles north of Boone on rates include all meals. Located on miles, turn left on Ray Brown Highway 421. 430 acres of mountain and valley Road. Go one mile. 120 Campground Rd, 28692 land with trails, waterfalls and 123 Harmony Mtn. Ln, 28607 Vilas • 828-297-3486 streams in historic Valle Crucis, Boone • 800-562-2806 vanderpoolcampground.com right up the road from the Mast www.koa.com/where/ General Store. nc/33145.htm 146 Skiles Way, 28691 ➤ NON-Profit Valle Crucis • 828-963-4453 Conference Centers Flintlock Family www.highsouth.com/vallecrucis Campground & Retreats 118 sites, store, stream, laundry, ➤ Spas hot showers, full hook-ups, Blowing Rock camping, cabins, playground. Conference Center The Spa at 171 Flintlock Campground Dr, 28607 This year-round retreat and Chetola Resort Boone • 888-850-9997 conference facility serves a wide Massage therapies, beauty www.flintlockcampground.com range of institutions. With 51 treatments, facials, skin care hotel rooms, 3 cottages and techniques, Vichy shower. Premier Grandfather 124 additional youth lodge line of spa and skin care products. Campground beds, BRCC can host up to Relaxation area, Jacuzzi, sauna, nail 250 individuals. Offering seven treatments. Open to all. 125 sites, $18–$29. Open all year. meeting rooms, fireplaces, Store, laundry, hot showers, full PO Box 17, 28605 outstanding dining facility, Blowing Rock • 800-243-8652 hook-ups, cable TV, primitive tent seasonal pool, indoor/outdoor sites, 7 cabins with full bath and www.chetola.com adventure-based program See our ad on page 27 kitchen, handicapped accessible, equipment, gymnasium and pets welcome in campground. beautiful grounds. 142 acres on slope of Grandfather PO Box 2350, 28605 Mountain, borders Watauga River. Blowing Rock • 828-295-7813 125 Riverside Dr, 28604 www.brccenter.org Banner Elk • 800-788-2582 www.grandfatherrv.com
www.mountainsofnc.com 25 North Carolina’s High Country Host
Bed & BreakfastS and Country Inns Rates # of Rooms Pool Whirlpool Fireplace Allowed Pets WiFi Access Handicap (Non)Smoking Air Conditioning Boone • Blowing Rock Area Bob Timberlake Inn at Chetola Resort $218- 828-295-5500 • 800-243-8652 $377 8 I w f @ - Non j 500 N. Main St. • Blowing Rock www.bobtimberlakeinn.com Lovill House Inn 828-264-4204 • 800-849-9466 $129- 6 Non 404 Old Bristol Rd. • Boone $219 f @ j www.lovillhouseinn.com West Jefferson • Ashe County Buffalo Tavern Bed and Breakfast 336-877-9080 • 877-615-9678 $89- 4 Non 958 W. Buffalo Rd. $159 f @ j West Jefferson www.buffalotavern.com Cabins, Condos, Chalets Rates Pool Whirlpool Fireplace Allowed Pets WiFi Access Handicap (Non)Smoking Air Conditioning Banner Elk • Beech Mountain • Sugar Mountain A and W Mountain Rentals & Realty Inc. 828-898-9188 • 828-898-9177 Varies w f z @ - Non j 486 Main St. • P.O. Box 2445 Banner Elk • www.AandWrentals.com Beech Mountain Chalet Rentals 828-387-4231 • 800-368-7404 $75- Both 405 Beech Mountain Parkway $180 I w f z @ - Beech Mountain • www.gobeech.com Beech Mountain Slopeside Rentals 828-387-4251 • 800-692-2601 $75 Both 503 Beech Mountain Parkway & up I w f z @ - Beech Mountain www.beechwoodrealty.com Blue Ridge Village 828-898-9737 • 800-438-6493 Varies Both 3781 Tynecastle Highway • Banner Elk I w f @ - j www.festivaresorts.com
26 800-438-7500 Mountain Vacation Planner
Fall Creek The Broyhill Inn Vacation Rentals & Conference Center
336-877-3131 fallcreekvacationrentals.com
Nation’s Inn Experience our elevated mountainous retreat at 3,535’. Enjoy beautiful Boone, NC, as you retreat, eat and meet in the High Country. Utilize our 20,000 sq. ft . full service conference center facility. Newly renovated lodging which includes free continental breakfast in the Jackson Dining Room. Our philosophy is simple, our guests Locally Owned and Operated become our friends, and these friends return to stay each 107 Beaver Crk School Rd. year for both leisure occasions and business travel. West Jeff erson Appalachian State University, 775 Bodenheimer Dr, Boone 800-801-3441 www.nationsinn.com 800-951-6048 • 828-262-2204 • www.broyhillinn.com
4 Seasons Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock Vacation Rentals Sitt ing on 87 acres and & Sales surrounded by a 3,600-acre natural park, accommodations are off ered in Chetola Lodge, Condominiums and the Bob Timberlake Inn. Th e Spa at Chetola 370 S Main St, Jeff erson 866-207-4837 Resort features massages, 4seasonsvacations.com facials, beauty treatments and nail services. Exceptional dining is off ered in the historic Manor House Restaurant. Chetola is an Orvis Endorsed Fly-Fishing Lodge and features a variety of half and full day fi shing excursions. Value priced packages available year-round. 500 N. Main Street • Blowing Rock 800-CHETOLA (243-8652) or 828-295-5500 www.chetola.com
www.mountainsofnc.com 27 North Carolina’s High Country Host The High Country Mountain Vacation Planner
The High Country Drive times on page 30.
DETOUR ROUTE 45-60 Minutes Drive Time
Closed Parkway Section MP 217- MP 244 828-298-0398 for Updates North Carolina’s High Country Host
Cabins, Condos, Chalets Rates Pool Whirlpool Fireplace Allowed Pets WiFi Access Handicap (Non)Smoking Air Conditioning Banner Elk • Beech Mountain • Sugar Mountain Charlie's Beech Mountain Realty & Rentals 828-387-4291 • 800-845-6164 Varies I w f z @ Both j 3445 S. Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mountain • www.mrbeech.com Dereka's Sugar Mountain Accommodation Center $85- 828-898-9475 • 800-545-9475 $270 I w f z @ - Non j 106 Sugar Mountain Dr. • P.O. Box 382 Sugar Mountain • www.staysugar.com Linville Cabin Rentals 828-898-5848 Varies Both P.O. Box 2341 • Banner Elk w f z @ - j www.linvillecabinrentals.com The Pinnacle Inn Resort 828-387-2231 • 800-405-7888 $62- 301 Pinnacle Inn Rd. $195 I w f @ - Non Beech Mountain www.pinnacleinn.com Sugar Mtn. Resort Accommodations 828-898-9746 • 800-438-4555 3390 Tynecastle Highway Varies I f @ Both j P.O. Box 758 • Banner Elk www.staysugarmountain.com Blowing Rock • Boone • Deep Gap
Anderson Realty and Rentals, Inc. $120 828-262-0043 • 184 N. Water St., #13 & up I w f z @ - Non j Boone • www.rentourcabins.com Appalachian Ski Mtn. Lodging 800-322-2373 • 828-295-7828 $175- Both P.O. Box 106 • Blowing Rock $225 f @ www.appskimtn.com
Around the Bend $135 954-570-9256 • 238 Lazy Bear Trl • Vilas & up w f @ Non j www.vacationhomerentals.com/37417 At Your Wits End Vacation Rentals 828-264-3535 • 800-774-3493 $85- Non 111 Mystery Hill Ln. • Blowing Rock $375 w f z @ - j www.witsendrentals.com Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals 828-295-7400 • 800-237-7975 $100 Non 8100-3 Valley Blvd. • P.O. Box 2424 & up I w f z @ - j Blowing Rock • www.blueridgerentals.com BooneRentalCabins.com 828-264-1000 • 800-334-5605 Varies Non P.O. Box 1339 • Boone w f j www.boonerentalcabins.com
30 800-438-7500 Mountain Vacation Planner
Cabins, Condos, Chalets Rates Pool Whirlpool Fireplace Allowed Pets WiFi Access Handicap (Non)Smoking Air Conditioning Blowing Rock • Boone • Deep Gap Highland Hills Motel & Cabins 828-264-2277 • 800-948-5276 $135- 2748 Highway 105 S. • Boone $350 I w f z @ - Both j www.highlandhillscabins.com Holton Mountain Rental 828-264-3644 • P.O. Box 3075 480 Highway 105 Ext. • Boone Varies w f @ Non j www.holtonmountainrentals.com Hound Ears Rentals 828-963-4301 • P.O. Box 188 $235- Non 328 Shulls Mill Rd. • Boone $440 I f @ - j www.houndears.com Leatherwood Mountains 336-973-4142 • 877-736-8686 Varies Non 512 Meadow Road • Ferguson I w f z @ - j www.leatherwoodmountains.com Mountainaire Inn and Log Cabins $69- 828-295-7991 • P.O. Box 407 $295 w f @ Non j 827 N. Main St. • Blowing Rock www.mountainaireinn.com Riverside Log Cabin Rentals 828-264-3535 • 800-774-3493 111 Mystery Hill Lane Varies z @ - Non j Blowing Rock www.witsendrentals.com Swiss Mountain Village 828-295-3373 • 888-785-1188 $100- Non 2324 Flat Top Rd. • Blowing Rock $150 f @ www.swissmountain.com Willow Valley Resort 828-963-6551 $90- Both P.O. Box 1782 • Boone $150 I w f @ www.willowvalley-resort.com Yonahlossee Resort Accommodations $79- 828-963-6400 • 800-962-1986 $499 I w f z @ - Non j 226 Oakley Green • Boone www.yonahlossee.com Fleetwood • Glendale Springs • Jefferson • West Jefferson • Laurel Springs 4 Seasons Vacation Rentals & Sales See our ad on page 27 336-246-2700 • 866-207-4837 $100- Non 370 S. Main St. • P.O. Box 414 $295 w f z @ - j West Jefferson www.4seasonsvacations.com
www.mountainsofnc.com 31 North Carolina’s High Country Host
Cabins, Condos, Chalets Rates Pool Whirlpool Fireplace Allowed Pets WiFi Access Handicap (Non)Smoking Air Conditioning Fleetwood • Glendale Springs • Jefferson • West Jefferson • Laurel Springs Cabins on Laurel Creek LLC 336-207-7677 $115- Non 188 Ola Long Rd. • Laurel Springs & up f z j www.cabinsonlaurelcreek.com Fall Creek Cabins 336-877-3131 See our ad on page 33 Varies Non P.O. Box 190 • Fleetwood w f @ www.fallcreekcabins.com Fall Creek Vacation Rentals 336-877-3131 See our ad on page 27 Varies Both P.O. Box 190 • Fleetwood w f @ j www.fallcreekvacationrentals.com Fleetwood Falls, Inc. 336-877-1110 $105 Non 3108 Railroad Grade Rd. • P.O. Box 128 & up w f j Fleetwood • www.fleetwoodfallsinc.com Mountain View Lodge & Cabins 336-207-7677 $135- 164 Mountain View Lodge Dr. $165 w f z Non j Glendale Springs www.mtnviewlodge.com On the Windfall 704-975-3058 $120- Non 2822 Little Windfall Rd. $250 w f z @ j Lansing • www.onthewindfall.com Linville • Newland • Spruce Pine Area Bear Den Creek Side Cabins 828-765-2888 $65 Non 600 Bear Den Mountain Rd. & up w f z - j Spruce Pine • www.bear-den.com Valle Crucis • Foscoe • Sugar Grove Area Foscoe Rentals 828-963-8142 • 800-723-7341 $100- Non 133 Echota Parkway • Boone $450 I w f z @ - j www.NCMountainVacations.com Grandfather Cabins 828-963-7275 • 800-788-2582 $49- Non 125 Riverside Dr. • P.O. Drawers 2060 $120 f z @ - Banner Elk • www.grandfatherrv.com Linda's High Country Rentals 828-963-8425 • 828-963-0561 $100- Non 417 Clubhouse Dr. • Banner Elk $150 I w f z www.LindasRentals.net
32 800-438-7500 Mountain Vacation Planner Fall Creek Cabins
Our two-story, cedar log cabins feature secluded, natural sett ings on a unique 78-acre parcel of land which off ers a rushing trout stream, a meandering creek with footbridges, waterfalls, hiking trails and picnic areas. Each cabin features: two bedrooms and two full bathrooms, wireless Internet, a fully equipped kitchen, washer/dryer, reading/sleeping loft , all linens, a picnic table, campfi re pit and a stone fi replace (wood included). On the covered porch there is a full-size hot tub, rocking chairs, swing, and gas grill. Our secluded cabins are ideal for honeymooners, romantic get-a-ways, or family vacations. Our tranquil sett ing is just east of the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance near Deep Gap, centrally located between the towns of Boone, Blowing Rock, West Jeff erson, and Wilkesboro. Call for reservations, free color brochure, and information. 336-877-3131 • www.fallcreekcabins.com
www.mountainsofnc.com 33 North Carolina’s High Country Host
Cabins, Condos, Chalets Rates Pool Whirlpool Fireplace Allowed Pets WiFi Access Handicap (Non)Smoking Air Conditioning Valle Crucis • Foscoe • Sugar Grove Area Mill Ridge Vacation Rentals 828-963-4900 • 828-963-4925 $95- Non 229 Clubhouse Dr. • Banner Elk $242 I w f z @ - j www.millridgeresorts.com Smoketree Lodge 828-963-6505 • 800-422-1880 $55- Both Hwy. 105 S. • P.O. Box 1998 $120 I @ j Banner Elk • www.smoketree-lodge.com Songbird Cabin 828-964-6322 Varies Non P.O. Box 429 • Sugar Grove w f z @ www.songbirdcabin.com Valle Crucis Log Cabin Rentals 828-963-7774 Varies Non 3657 Broadstone Rd., Hwy. 194 S. w f z @ j Valle Crucis • logcabinrentals.com Hotels, Motels & Inns Rates or Out) (In Pool Whirlpool Fireplace Allowed Pets WiFi Access Handicap Breakfast (Non)Smoking Banner Elk • Beech Mountain • Linville 4 Seasons at Beech 828-387-4211 $64- Yes Both 608 Beech Mountain Parkway $429 w f z @ - Beech Mountain • www.4seasons.beech.net Best Western Mountain Lodge See our ad on page 37 $79- 828-898-4571 • 877-877-4553 $179 Out z @ - a Non 1615 Tynecastle Hwy. •Banner Elk www.bestwesternbannerelk.com Eseeola Lodge 828-733-4311 • 800-742-6717 Varies Out Non 175 Linville Ave. • P.O. Box 99 • Linville f @ - a www.eseeola.com Blowing Rock • Boone • Foscoe Alpen Acres Motel 828-295-7981 • 888-297-7981 $50- Out Non 318 Old US Hwy. 321 • Blowing Rock $150 f @ a www.alpenacres.com Best Western Blue Ridge Plaza See our ad on page 35 $69- 828-266-1100 • 888-573-0408 $199 In w f z @ - a Both 840 E. King Street • Boone www.bestwesternboone.com
34 800-438-7500 Mountain Vacation Planner
The Village Inns of Blowing Rock Stylish mountain luxury in distinctive properties as unique as the village of Blowing Rock itself. Th e Hillwinds Inn, the Ridgeway Inn and Village Inn are well-appointed, and off er complimentary continental breakfast, wine tasting and aft ernoon snack reception. Choose from deluxe rooms, suites and cott ages, some with fi replaces, Jacuzzis and more. Pet-friendly rooms available. Each inn is steps from the shopping and dining of Main Street. High Country Host Special – 10% off lowest available rate. Use HCH as a promo code. Reservations: 800-821-4908 • www.thevillageinnsofb lowingrock.com
Holiday Inn Express of Boone Wake up in generously sized sleeping rooms with upscale delights: stylish mountain décor, granite counter tops, well-defi ned work area and spacious sleek bathrooms. Th ese renewing enhancements promise to banish on-the-road weariness and rejuvenate you for work or play...aft er the hot breakfast bar...you can take on your mountain adventure. www.expressboone.com 828-264-2451 • 888-SEE-MTNS • 1943 Blowing Rock Rd., Boone
Best Western Country Inn Hampton Inn Blue Ridge Plaza & Suites 1075 Hwy 105, Boone 840 E King St, Boone 818 E King St, Boone 828-264-0077 888-573-0408 828-264-4234 800-HAMPTON 828-266-1100 www.countryinns.com/boonenc www.hamptonboone.com bestwesternboone.com
La Quinta Sleep Inn Super 8 Motel 165 Hwy 105 Ext, 163 Hwy 105 Ext, Boone 2419 Hwy 105 S, Boone Boone 828-262-0020 800-560-5942 828-262-1234 www.sleepinn.com 828-264-4133 www.super8boone.com
www.mountainsofnc.com 35 North Carolina’s High Country Host
Hotels, Motels & Inns Rates or Out) (In Pool Whirlpool Fireplace Allowed Pets WiFi Access Handicap Breakfast (Non)Smoking Blowing Rock • Boone • Foscoe Broyhill Inn & Appalachian Conference Center 828-262-2204 • 800-951-6048 $79- Non 775 Bodenheimer Dr. • Boone $149 @ - a www.broyhillinn.com See our ad page 27 Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock 828-295-5500 • 800-243-8652 $125- P.O. Box 17 • Blowing Rock $372 In w f @ - a Non www.chetola.com See our ad page 27 Comfort Suites 828-268-0099 • 888-854-5959 $59- 1184 Hwy. 105 • Boone $229 In w @ - a Non www.hgmhotels.com See our ad page 37 Country Inn & Suites 828-264-4234 • 800-456-4000 $69- 818 E. King Street • Boone $249 In w f @ - a Non www.countryinns.com/boonenc See our ad page 35 Fairfield Inn & Suites 828-268-0677 • 866-871-7425 $59- 2060 Blowing Rock Rd. • Boone $229 In w @ - a Both www.hgmhotels.com See our ad page 39 Hampton Inn Boone 828-264-0077 • 800-948-5276 $89- 2748 Hwy. 105 S. • Boone $199 In w f @ - a Non www.hamptonboone.com See our ad page 35 Hemlock Inn 828-295-7987 $79- 131 Morris St. • P.O. Box 422 $189 @ Non Blowing Rock • www.hemlockinn.net See our ad on page 39 Hidden Valley Motel 828-963-4372 8725 Hwy. 105 South • Boone Varies @ Non www.hiddenvalleymotel.com See our ad on page 39 Hillwinds Inn 828-295-7660 • 800-821-4908 Varies Non P.O. Box 1809 • Blowing Rock w f z @ - a www.thevillageinnsofblowingrock.com Holiday Inn Express 828-295-4422 $74- In Both 8412 Valley Blvd. • Blowing Rock $184 z @ - a www.hiexpress.com
36 800-438-7500 Mountain Vacation Planner
Hotels, Motels & Inns Rates or Out) (In Pool Whirlpool Fireplace Allowed Pets WiFi Access Handicap Breakfast (Non)Smoking Blowing Rock • Boone • Foscoe Holiday Inn Express of Boone 828-264-2451 • 888-SEE-MTNS 1943 Blowing Rock Rd. • Boone Varies Out Non www.expressboone.com w f @ - a See our ad page 35
LaQuinta Inn Suites 828-262-1234 $79- 165 Highway 105 Ext. • Boone $189 In w f z @ - a Non www.lq.com See our ad on page 35 Meadowbrook Inn 828-295-4300 • 800-467-6626 $89- P.O. Box 2005 • Blowing Rock $400 In w f @ - a Non www.meadowbrook-inn.com Mountain Villa Motor Lodge 828-264-6166 • 800-525-5861 $79-& 2240 Blowing Rock Rd. • Boone Under Out w - Both www.mtvillamotorlodge.com
Best Western Comfort Suites Mountain Lodge
Nestled inin the the heart heart of of the HighHigh Country, Country, off ering a a greatgreat location location close toto areaarea activities. activities. EvergreensEvergreen’s restaurant restaurant and lounge, year-round, year-round, heated outdooroutdoor pool, pool, Th e Platinum Award-Winning Comfort Suites in game room,room, picnic picnic area area Boone combines style, comfort and hospitality. and guest laundry. laundry. One One From the large fi replace and overstuff ed leather of the closestclosest hotels hotels to to couches in the lobby to the carvings on the Grandfather Mountain Mountain staircase, the meticulous details make you feel like & ski resorts.resorts. Pets Pets you are in the lap of mountain luxury. Amenities welcome. include complimentary breakfast bar, fi tness 1615 Tynecastle Hwy, room, whirlpool suites and many others. Banner Elk Banner Elk 888-854-5959 • 1184 Hwy 105, Boone 828-898-4571877-877-4553 bestwesternbannerelk.com www.hgmhotels.com
www.mountainsofnc.com 37 North Carolina’s High Country Host
Hotels, Motels & Inns Rates or Out) (In Pool Whirlpool Fireplace Allowed Pets WiFi Access Handicap Breakfast (Non)Smoking Blowing Rock • Boone • Foscoe Red Carpet Inn Boone 828-264-2457 •800-443-7179 $48- In Non 862 Blowing Rock Rd. • Boone $145 w z @ - www.bookroomsnow.com Ridgeway Inn 828-295-7321 • 800-821-4908 Varies Non P.O. Box 1809 • Blowing Rock w f @ - a www.thevillageinnsofblowingrock.com
Sleep Inn See our ad on page 35 $59- 828-262-0020 • 163 Highway 105 Ext $189 Out @ - a Both Boone • www.visitboone.com
Super 8 Motel See our ad on page 35 $59- 828-264-4133 • 2419 Hwy. 105 S. $149 In @ - a Both Boone • www.super8boone.com The Village Inn See our ad on page 35 828-295-3380 • 800-821-4908 Varies Non P.O. Box 1809 • Blowing Rock w f z @ - a www.thevillageinnsofblowingrock.com Yonahlossee Resort Accommodation 828-963-6400 • 800-962-1986 $79- In Non 226 Oakley Green • Boone $499 w f z @ - a www.yonahlossee.com Jefferson • West Jefferson Best Western Eldreth Inn See our ad on page 39 $56- 336-246-8845 • 800-221-8802 $85 @ - a Both 829 E. Main Street • Jefferson www.bestwestern.com/eldrethinnatmtjefferson Jefferson Landing Lodge & Golf 888-292-2310 • 336-982-4652 $109- Out Non Hwy. 16/88 • Jefferson & up w f @ - www.jeffersonlandingclub.com Nation's Inn See our ad on page 27 336-246-2080 • 800-801-3441 $79- Both 107 Beaver Creek School Rd. $106 z @ - a West Jefferson • www.nationsinn.com Wilkesboro • North Wilkesboro Holiday Inn Express of Wilkesboro 336-838-1800 • 800-HOL-IDAY $69- Out Both 1700 Winkler St. • Wilkesboro $99 z @ - a www.hiexpress.com/wilkesboronc Mountain City, Tennessee Americourt Hotel 423-727-7311 $69- 450 Dotson Ln. • Mountain City, TN $99 Out f z @ - a Both www.americourthotels.com/ hotel_mountain_city Mountain Vacation Planner
The Inn Hidden Valley Motel at Elk River Almost as good as a visit to Grandma’s. A tiny Mom & Pop motel in Foscoe Valley between Boone and Banner Elk. Featuring birds, blooms and butt erfl ies in a country garden. Centrally located Th e Inn at Elk River is to area att ractions and the ski slopes. nestled in the heart of 828-963-4372 • www.hiddenvalleymotel.com the Blue Ridge 8725 NC Hwy. 105 S., Boone Mountains of North Carolina with eight individually styled rooms. Private baths, Fairfield Inn & Suites decks with mountain views, and fi replaces create the comfortable elegance of this Williamsburg style inn. 875 Main St. West, Banner Elk 828-898-9669 www.elkriverinn.com
One of Boone’s newest hotels. Always fresh, always clean, our rooms are full of thoughtful amenities including a well-lit work desk, coff eemaker, hairdryer, and iron & ironing board. Enjoy our exercise room, complimentary Centrally located in the continental breakfast and indoor pool. Meeting village of Blowing Rock, NC space to accommodate groups. We guarantee that Hemlock Inn you will be 100% satisfi ed. A Blowing Rock Tradition 2060 Blowing Rock Rd, Boone • 866-871-7425 828-295-7987 828-268-0677 • www.hgmhotels.com www.hemlockinn.net
Best Western Eldreth Inn Escape to Jeff erson, NC near Mt. Jeff erson State Park, Ashe Cheese Factory, and the New River. Come and enjoy the breath-taking mountain views, warm country hospitality and all the amenities needed for a relaxing getaway. Complimentary breakfast, daily newspapers and high speed Internet. 800-221-8802 • 336-246-8845 • Hwys 221 & 88 • 829 E. Main St., Jeff erson www.BestWestern.com/EldrethInnatMtJeff erson
www.mountainsofnc.com 39 North Carolina’s High Country Host Orchards, Farms Create a & Wineries Appalachian Evergreens, Inc Offering mail-order wreaths, Family Tradition choose-and-cut trees and a full range of fresh Christmas greenery wholesale. PO Box 2750, 28607 Boone • 877-266-1609 www.appevergreens.com
Apple Hill Farm Mountain view farm featuring alpacas, llamas, goats, donkeys and horses. Guided walking tours Saturdays at 2 p.m., May 16– Oct. 10. Private, group and school tours year-round. Christmas on Apple Hill Farm from Nov.-Dec.; 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Photo by Todd Bush – www.bushphoto.com Bush by Todd Photo 400 Apple Hill Rd, 28604 Banner Elk • 828-963-1662 www.applehillfarmnc.com The High Country is home to a large variety of farms, orchards and wineries. Enjoy a sunny Ashe County Farmers' Market afternoon lingering at a wine tasting, touring a A covered open-air market family-owned vineyard, or even learning to make located on the Backstreet in your own wine. At a local flower farm and nursery, West Jefferson. Fresh, locally grown produce, nursery plants, pick an armful of fresh flowers or have a bouquet homemade baked goods and picked just for you. Visit with local farmers and handmade crafts. vendors at nearby farmers’ markets where you’ll Backstreet, P.O. Box 41, 28607 West Jefferson • 336-877-4141 find homemade crafts, freshly-baked bread and www.ashefarmersmarket.com home-canned goodies, garden plants, as well as Benny Parsons locally produced fruits, vegetables, meats and eggs. Rendezvous Ridge In winter, dozens of Christmas tree farms welcome Winery & Racing Museum A wine tasting room and racing families from far and wide to find the centerpiece museum dedicated to NASCAR for their holiday celebrations. These farms not only legend Benny Parsons. Benny supply the tree but offer many experiences such as Parsons Rendezvous Ridge with wine maker Mark Terry petting zoos, wagon hayrides, hot cider and cocoa, offers 5 varieties: Reisling, Barrel crafts, wreaths and local goods sure to make the trip Fermented Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, BP’s Blush and Merlot. memorable. The High Country’s higher elevation www.bennyparsons.com. is the perfect environment for the ever-popular 172 Benny Parsons Rd, 28665 Fraser fir, recognized as the “Cadillac of Christmas Purlear • 336-973-7375 www.rendezvousridge.com trees” because of its deep green color, memorable fragrance and densely packed needles that remain Big Ridge Tree Farm fresh on the tree long after it is cut. Choose the Choose-and-cut Christmas trees. Quality Fraser firs, 6'-9' and up to 4' perfect tree right from the field where it grows, and tabletops. Handmade wreaths and the farmhands will cut, bale and load it for you. garland. Refreshments, crafts, tree stands. Free bailing and loading. Whether you are searching for the perfect Christmas Free hayrides. Open daily starting the weekend before Thanksgiving. tree, the freshest local produce, or a new favorite School & church groups welcome. wine, you can get in touch with the land and those 762 George Eggers Rd, 28604 who work with it in the NC High Country. Banner Elk • 828-963-5151 www.bigridgetreefarm.com
40 800-438-7500 Mountain Vacation Planner
Coffey's Orchard at Farm Tour Sugar Plum Farm Coffee Grounds & Nature Walk 100-acre choose-and-cut tree Small Century Farm sells apples Walking tour of working farm. Learn the production of and fall produce. Call ahead. Fall Christmas tree farm. 70-minute Christmas trees. Large Christmas weekday agri-education group tour includes local history, 3/4- and gift shop. Many handcrafted tours and year-round fiber arts mile hike, shearing demonstration, tree ornaments made by programs. Fall weekend wagon 48-ft long suspension bridge, mountain people. Tours, hayrides, rides/corn maze. blueberry operation, views of catered food, building for outings. 833 Ridge Rd, 28607 Grandfather, Snake and Elk Knob Agri-tainment and hiking trail. Boone • 828-964-2645 mountains, passive solar energy. 1263 Isaacs Branch Rd, 28664 Adults $8. Children $5. Weekends. Plumtree • 828-765-0019 Cornett Deal 12 minutes east of Boone. www.sugarplumfarm.com Christmas Tree Farm 711 Old Glade Rd, 28618 Choose-and-cut farm open Deep Gap • 828-264-5738 Thanksgiving weekend and www.swingingbridgefarm.com Thistle Meadow the following weekend. Trees Winery up to 11 ft, wreaths, hayrides, The Historic A winery that allows you to see refreshments, tree shaker, tree drill Orchard just how wine is made daily and machine, stands and local crafts. at Altapass how you can make wine to your 142 Tannenbaum Ln, 28692 Historic orchard astride the Blue taste. Visitors welcome. Vilas • 828-964-6322 Ridge Parkway. Stories of early 102 Thistle Meadow, 28644 www.cdtreefarm.com settlers and Revolutionary War, Laurel Springs • 800-233-1505 hayrides, music on weekends, crafts, www.thistlemeadowwinery.com Cross Ridge apples. Seasonal, 7 days a week. Christmas Tree & 1025 Orchard Rd, 28777 Horse Farm Spruce Pine • 888-765-9531 Watauga County Christmas tree and horse farm with www.altapassorchard.com Christmas Tree Fraser fir trees up to 18'. Easy access, Association dogs welcome on leash. Hayrides, NC Christmas Tree Involved in choose-and-cut wreaths, garlands, tabletops and tree Association days when shoppers may go to accessories. Restrooms. Free bailing Promotional and educational Christmas tree farms, select a and assistance loading. Located off association for growers of NC Christmas tree and have it cut Sherwood Rd. Christmas trees. for them. Cross Ridge Farm Rd, 28692 577-3 George Wilson Rd, 28607 971 W King St, 28607 828-297-2255 Boone • 800-562-8789 Boone • 828-264-3061 www.crossridgefarm.com www.ncchristmastrees.com wataugachristmastrees.org Daniel Boone Native Gardens Shady Grove Gardens Watauga County Featuring a collection of North & Nursery Farmers’ Market Carolina native plant material in Fresh mountain-grown specialty Watauga County Farmers’ an informal landscape design, for cut and wedding flowers market is located at Horn in the education and preservation. See by the bucketful. Perennial West. Every Saturday morning the Wrought Iron Gates made plant nursery. Wedding site, May-October and Wednesday by Daniel Boone VI, a direct hayrides, bird watching, tours, mornings from mid-June through descendent of the great pioneer workshops, views. mid-September. Daniel Boone. Seasonal operation. 904 Will Isaacs Rd, 28698 Horn Ave, Horn in the West, Available for outdoor weddings. Zionville • 828-297-4098 28607 651 Horn in the West Dr, 28607 www.shady-grove-gardens.com Boone • 828-355-4918 Boone • 828-264-6390 wataugacountyfarmersmarket.org www.danielboonegardens.org
Photo by Kim Hadley www.mountainsofnc.com 41 North Carolina’s High Country Host
Blowing Rock TDA Legendary Views. Extraordinary Value. Explore Blowing Rock and experience legendary views, exquisite waterfalls and hiking trails that will take you to the peak of the Blue Ridge. See uncommon birds and foliage. Catch trout in a cool stream. Relax and unwind at one of our nearby spas. Forage at local shops and outlets. Refl ect at one of our many cabins, bed and breakfasts, resorts or inns. Th ere’s a lot to do, fortunately it’s all at an extraordinary value in Blowing Rock. 877-750-4636 (INFO) • Blowing Rock • BlowingRock.com
Fiddle Around in Ashe County
Ashe County is an aesthetic experience in art and adventure. From our rolling mountainsides fi lled with Christmas trees to the majestic New River, to hiking on Mount Jeff erson— there’s plenty to see and do. Art can be found in abundance in our Arts District, and the Churches of the Frescoes provide world-class European- style paintings in 100-year-old missionary chapels. In addition, traditional mountain music fi lls the air just about every weekend of the year somewhere in the area. Ashe County is fi lled with interesting sites, sounds and experiences. Enjoy! Ashe County Chamber & Visitors Center 01 N. Jeff erson Ave., Ste. C, West Jeff erson 888-343-2743 • www.ashechamber.com
Alleghany County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center If you enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’ll love Alleghany County. Our back roads still wind through pastoral splendor. Our vistas will take your breath away. Th e New River will steal your heart and Sparta bustles with small-town hospitality. 58 S. Main St., Sparta • 800-372-5473 • www.CoolSparta.com
42 800-438-7500 Mountain Vacation Planner 2011-2012 Events of the High Country This is a sampling of the many May 14, June 11, July 16, October-April happenings across the High Aug. 13, Sept. 10, Oct. 1. Appalachian State University Country. For more events and Art in the Park Performing Arts Series information, visit our calendar at A juried art & craft show A collection of performances including theatre, jazz, comedy, www.mountainsofnc.com/. featuring 100 artists. orchestral, and popular artists. Blowing Rock Boone • www.pas.appstate.edu Events In A Series www.blowingrock.com/ artinthepark November-December April 1, May 6, June 3, Choose and Cut July 1, Aug. 5, Sept. 2, June -August Christmas Trees Oct. 7, Nov. 4, Dec. 2, Jan. Horn in the West An old-fashioned family The nation’s 3rd oldest tradition! Select your tree 6, Feb. 3, March 3 outdoor drama tells the story fresh in the field. Many farms Downtown Boone Art Crawl of Daniel Boone and the offer hayrides, handmade Stroll to galleries along King Revolutionary War. Boone crafts, and more to get your Street, meet artists, listen to holiday season started with a music, and enjoy a meal www.horninthewest.com memorable experience. with friends. Throughout the Boone June 9-12, July 26-31, High Country www.boone-nc.org Aug. 2-7 www.ncchristmastrees.com Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show A pri l 2011 The longest continuously- running outdoor horse show in April 2-3 the country. Blowing Rock Trout Derby Blowing Rock 2-day fishing event with blowingrockequesterian.com prizes for biggest fish in separate age categories. July-august 828-295-4636 Concert Series in Blowing Rock MAY-OCTOBER Tate-Evans Park Farmers' Markets Throughout Starts at 6:30 p.m. each the High Country Thursday night. Call 800-438-7500 for specific Downtown Banner Elk locations & hours. Holiday markets during July-august November-December. Sunday Sunset Concert Series May 13, June 10, July 8, At Fred's Gazebo. August 12, September Beech Mountain 9, October 14 April 13-17 Downtown West Jefferson July 1-september 5 Blue Ridge Wine Scenic Lift Rides & Food Festival Gallery Crawl. Enjoy Grand wine tasting, openings, demonstrations, A breathtaking 45-minute seminars, wine maker's new artists, and the creative round-trip lift-ride with dinners, parties and the Fire atmosphere. 5 p.m.-8 p.m. majestic scenery. 828-898-4521 on the Rock Chef Challenge. West Jefferson Sugar Mountain Blowing Rock www.AsheCountyArts.org www.skisugar.com/liftrides www.blueridgewinefestival.com
www.mountainsofnc.com 43 North Carolina’s High Country Host
April 28-May 1 May 30-June 12 July 1-2, 5-11, 13-17 MerleFest Remarkable Tom Dooley: A Wilkes An Americana music Rhododendron Ramble County Legend celebration since 1988, Join the staff naturalists at The true story of Tom hosted by Doc & Richard Grandfather Mountain for Dula – love, murder, and Watson in memory of special activities designed to the hanging of a man many Eddy Merle Watson. help you get the most from believe to be innocent. Wilkesboro this beautiful sight. Wilkesboro www.merlefest.org Linville 336-838-PLAY www.grandfather.com J u n e 2011
June 3-12 Day Out With Thomas™: The Celebration Tour 2011 Spend the day with your favorite No. 1 engine celebrating his 66th birthday. Blowing Rock www.tweetsie.com July 2 25th Annual Christmas June 24-26 in July Festival Trade Days An all-day festival filled with A Festival of Appalachian arts, arts, crafts, music, Civil War crafts, culture and history. Also re-enactors, food and fun. featuring Appalachian music West Jefferson April 29 & dance and a Native 336-846-9196 Opening Day – American pow-wow. Tweetsie Railroad Trade, TN July 3 Even in today’s high-tech 48th Annual world, there’s still a place for June 26 Roasting of the Hog old-fashioned fun. Tweetsie 87th Annual Singing Pork, smoked turkey, and Railroad is that place. on the Mountain all the fixin's along with Blowing Rock All-day gospel singing, church music and fireworks. www.tweetsie.com bazaar, and dinner on the Beech Mountain grounds in the meadow at the www.beechmtn.com M ay 2011 base of Grandfather Mountain. www.grandfather.com/planning_ July 7-10 May 7 your_visit/events/singing.php 56th Annual Grandfather 7th Annual Shine Mountain Highland Games to Wine Festival J u ly 2011 Scottish athletes, dancers, Live entertainment, art, bagpipe parades, Celtic music wine and food along with July 1-31 and a spectacular setting the 4th Annual Culinary makes this the best highland Chef Challenge. An Appalachian Summer A month-long arts festival games in America. North Wilkesboro Linville downtownnorthwilkesboro.com presenting and producing programs in music, theatre, www.gmhg.org May 14-15 dance, film and visual arts. Naturist Weekend at 800-841-ARTS July 8-9 Grandfather Mountain Boone MusicFest in Sugar Grove Join us for guided hikes www.appsummer.org A favorite of fans of bluegrass, and special presentations old-time, and Americana music. on the birds, wildflowers July 1-4 Performers include Doc and and nature of Grandfather Independence Day Richard Watson, the Kruger Mountain. Included with Celebration Weekend Brothers, and more. regular admission. Games, live music, and Sugar Grove Linville the Main Street Parade! www.covecreek.net/wordpress www.grandfather.com Blowing Rock • 828-295-5222
44 800-438-7500 Mountain Vacation Planner
July 15-16 Oc to b e r 2011 Alleghany Fiddlers Convention October 1-31 The best in traditional Ghost Train® mountain music in Halloween Festival competition. This festival’s high-energy Sparta entertainment has made it www.alleghanyfiddlers.com the most popular Halloween celebration in the High Country. July 15-17 Blowing Rock Fine Arts and Master August 28-31 Craft Festival North Carolina Gem & www.tweetsie.com A one-of-a-kind juried art Mineral Festival. An indoor October 1 and craft festival filled with festival featuring gem, jewelry Brushy Mountain nationally and internationally and mineral dealers from across Apple Festival known artisans. the country. 800-227-3912. Music and dancing at four Banner Elk Spruce Pine stages, arts and crafts, food, and a www.averycounty.com celebration of mountain apples. July 22 September 2011 North Wilkesboro Symphony by the Lake www.applefestival.net Summer traditions. Call for September 3 information, 828-295-7851. 4th Annual High Blowing Rock Country Beer Fest An annual celebration of Augus t 2011 great craft beer from around the region and the world August 6 coupled with educational 29th Annual Crafts on the Green sessions involving beer Local arts and crafts day held making and food pairings. at the Gazebo at Fred's General Boone October 1-2 Mercantile. www.hcbeerfest.com Autumn at OZ Party Beech Mountain Visit the Land of OZ and stroll www.beechmtn.com September 4 down the Yellow Brick Road Beech Mountain's Annual with all of the characters. Mile High Kite Festival Beech Mountain Two kite club demonstrations. www.beechmtn.com Free kites to the first 200 kids. Beech Mountain October 8 www.beechmtn.com Annual Todd New River Festival September 10 Featuring local crafts, mountain Kidfest at grandfather music, food and fun. mountain. A day designed Todd to get kids excited about the www.toddnc.org August 16-18 nature and culture of the NC October 8-9 5th Annual Native mountains through fun and 21st Annual Oktoberfest American Pow Wow entertaining activities. Guided Grab your beer stein, put on Native American dancing, hikes, games, storytellers, your lederhosen, and head to drumming, flint knapping, music and fun. Included Sugar Mountain Resort for this music, and storytelling as well with park admission. traditional celebration. as craft vendors and food. Linville Sugar Mountain Wilkesboro www.skisugar.com/oktoberfest September 17 August 20-21 Mountain Heritage Festival October 15 Fine Arts & Master Craft A celebration of mountain 33rd Annual Valle Festival. A one-of-a-kind life with demonstrators, crafts, Country Fair juried art and craft festival food, dance, and music. A slice of Americana with 135 filled with nationally and Sparta juried fine art & craft booths, internationally known artisans. www.sparta-nc.com/heritage mountain music, hot-out-of-the- Located at the Banner Elk kettle apple butter, freshly- Elementary School. pressed apple cider & more. Banner Elk Valle Crucis 800-972-2183 www.vallecountryfair.org www.mountainsofnc.com 45 North Carolina’s High Country Host
October 15-16 November 25-26 January 2012 34th Annual Woolly Christmas in the Park & Worm Festival Lighting of the Town “Woolly worm” caterpillars race Music, games, Santa, and hot January 26-29 for the honor of predicting the WinterFest coming winter's weather. Crafts, chocolate on Friday, parade on Saturday. Polar Plunge, Chili festival food, kids' activities & fun. Challenge, ice carving, Banner Elk Blowing Rock 828-295-5222 entertainment www.woollyworm.com and more! October 22 December 2011 Blowing Rock 6th Annual Valle Crucis www.blowingrockwinterfest.com Punkin Festival December 10-11 A kid-friendly festival featuring 9th Annual Sugarfest punkin carving, old-fashioned A two-day festival packed games, music, food and crafts. with a long list of winter Valle Crucis activities including an adult www.punkinfestival.com ski clinic, consumer demos, tubing, skating, live music, and a fireworks display. November 2011 Sugar Mountain November 25 www.seesugar.com/tourism/ Traditional opening day sugarfest for Ski & Snow December 31 Sport Resorts. New Year Celebrations Throughout the High Country Fireworks at Ski Slopes. www.skithehighcountry.com
Events & Activities MerleFest MusicFest ’n Grandfather Committed to producing a high-quality, Sugar Grove Mountain Highland diversified, American roots based Bluegrass musicians perform musical experience that attracts a on the grounds of the Historic Games broad audience and reunites guests, Cove Creek High School in Sugar One of America’s premier supporters and performers in an annual Grove. Food, souvenirs, CDs and Highland Scottish celebrations celebration of Americana music. more. CCP&D sponsors this featuring the largest clan gathering PO Box 120, 28697 festival as well as, Farm Heritage in the world. Behold this truly Wilkesboro • 336-838-6267 Days in September. Highland celebration of Celtic Ticket info • 800-343-7857 PO Box 344, 28679 culture and competition at www.merlefest.org Sugar Grove • 828-297-2200 MacRae Meadows on Grandfather www.covecreek.net Mountain the second Saturday in July and every thing around it. PO Box 1095, 28646 Linville • 828-733-1333 www.gmhg.org
46 800-438-7500 Mountain Vacation Planner Directory of the Linville Caverns High Country See inside a mountain... NC’s only show cave. Half-hour guided tours Grandfather into a natural limestone cavern Family Fun & Mountain featuring stalactite and stalagmite Attractions One of the highest peaks in the formations and an underground Bo's Bodacious Family Blue Ridge. Inspirational views, stream. Open daily from March Entertainment Mile High Swinging Bridge, native through November and weekends wildlife, picnicking, hiking. Open from December through February. Where the fun begins! all year, weather permitting. 19929 Hwy 221 N, 28752 1115 Blowing Rock Blvd., 28645 PO Box 129, 28646 Marion • 800-419-0540 Lenoir • 828-754-9000 Linville • 800-468-7325 www.linvillecaverns.com www.bosfamilyfun.com www.grandfather.com See our ad on this page See our ad on page 14 Go Blue Ridge Card/ Mast General Store Smart Destinations Hawksnest Zipline Established in 1883, the Mast In partnership with the Blue Ridge Zipline riding is an exciting and Store carries most everything National Heritage Area, we hope safe experience for the entire you’d need for life in the past the Go Blue Ridge Card turns your family. The zipline course will operate year-round, weather century and most of this one. visit to this amazing destination On the National Register of into a lifelong memory. permitting. Reservations required. 85 Merrimac St, Ste. 2, 02114 2058 Skyland Dr, 28604 Historic Places. Boston • 617-848-4269 Seven Devils Hwy 194, 28691 www.smartdestinations.com/ 828-963-6561, 800-822-4295 Valle Crucis • 828-963-6511 blueridge www.hawksnestzipline.com www.mastgeneralstore.com See our ad on page 18 See our ad page 22
Linville Caverns Complete your High Country vacation with a view “inside” a mountain! North Carolina’s only show caverns off er the opportunity to view nature at work. See amazing stalactite and stalagmite formations, the underground stream with native trout, our Bott omless Pool and perhaps even one of our hibernating bats!
Open daily, March–November; weekends only, December–February. Hwy 221 North, Marion 800-419-0540 • 828-756-4171 www.linvillecaverns.com
www.mountainsofnc.com 47 North Carolina’s High Country Host
Mystery Hill ➤ Day Trips Fun! Mystery Hill explores the relationship of science, optical Hickory illusion and natural phenomena Furniture Mart in a hands-on entertainment Visit the nation’s leading home center. Mystery House, furnishings resource. Shop 100+ Appalachian Heritage Museum, factory outlets, stores and galleries, Native American Artifacts representing 1,000 premier Museum. Log cabins for rent. manufacturers of fine furniture, 129 Mystery Hill Ln, 28605 accessories, oriental rugs, art, Blowing Rock • 828-264-2792 lighting and more. Everything www.mysteryhill-nc.com you need under one roof. Consolidated shipping worldwide. Mon.–Sat., 9 a.m.–6 p.m. and Tweetsie Railroad Sun., 1 p.m.–5 p.m. The ultimate North Carolina’s first family furniture destination. ➤ Recreational theme park with a fun-filled train 2220 Hwy 70 SE, 28602 Activities ride aboard the historic train Hickory • 800-462-MART known as Tweetsie. Tweetsie www.hickoryfurniture.com Foggy Mountain Railroad has amusement rides The Soap Shed Gem Mine for all ages, live entertainment, Gem mining, gemstone cutting gem mining, deer park, shops and A handcrafted soap business started in a backyard shed. and goldsmith on-site; the finest restaurants. Open Friday–Sunday in colored gems from around in May; seven days a week from Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains of NC. With the world! Memorial Day through mid- 4416 Hwy 105 S, 28607 August; Friday–Sunday, from more than 130 varieties, The Soap Shed now offers one of the largest Boone • 828-963-4367 mid-Aug. - Oct., 9 a.m.–6 p.m. www.foggymountaingems.com 300 Tweetsie RR Ln, 28605 varieties of handcrafted soaps available in the US. Blowing Rock • 800-526-5740 179 Meadow View Rd, 28777 Fun ‘n’ Wheels www.tweetsie.com Spruce Pine • 877-404-7627 See our ad on this page Open daily, Memorial Day www.soapshed.com through Labor Day, from 10:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m. Go carts, Nas-Kars, Bumper Kars, Kiddie Tweetsie Railroad Kars, Kiddie Ferris Wheels and video games. Fun for all ages! 2788 Hwy 105 S, 28607 Boone • 828-262-3780 www.funandwheels.com
Real Estate Ashe High Country Realty, Inc Your real estate connection to the North Carolina mountains, Ashe County and West Jefferson. North Carolina’s original family theme park where Visit Ashe County, your natural choice for living in the Blue Ridge families can explore their imaginations. Be a cowboy, Mountains of North Carolina. cowgirl or train engineer. Pan for gold or visit deer 7 S Jefferson Ave, 28694 and goats in the Deer Park. Hop aboard a historic West Jefferson • 800-729-0735 steam locomotive for a fun-fi lled Wild West journey. www.ashecountyrealestate.com Enjoy amusement rides, good food, shopping and Bear Creek at live entertainment. Linville 9 am-6 pm, Fri.-Sun. in May. 7 days a week, Beautiful gated community with Memorial Day -Aug. Fri.-Sun. late-Aug-Oct. cottages, homesites, town homes and custom homes. 300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605 100 Black Bear Trail, 28646 Linville • 828-733-5767 800-526-5740 • 828-264-9061 • www.tweetsie.com www.bearcreekatlinville.com
48 800-438-7500 Mountain Vacation Planner
Beechwood Realty Foscoe Realty Owner/Broker Jim Brooks has & Development 37 years experience on Beech Developers of the High Country’s Mountain and watched it develop best planned community, from the beginning. Through the Echota. We offer luxurious years he has played a vital role in condominiums, townhouses and the community’s development. single-family homes central to Let him show you the Beech Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Mountain real estate market. Elk. Featuring Adirondack homes, 503 Beech Mtn. Pkwy, 28604 four-season pool, fitness center, Beech Mtn. • 800-692-2061 on-site fishing, conservation www.slopeside.com easement and clubhouse. 133 Echota Pkwy, 28607 Blue Ridge Realty & Boone • 800-333-7601 Investments – Boone www.echotanc.com Serving buyers since 1981, is the exclusive broker for Sunalei Homes & Land Preserve, Boone Fork Camp, Cross Magazine Creek, Autumn Chase and Raven High Country’s most established Cliff. Representing choice building real estate magazine, serving Ashe, lots, condos and private homes in Avery and Watauga counties Yonahlossee Resort and throughout for 25 years. Local and national the Boone/Blowing Rock area. distribution. Complete listing 2277 Hwy 105 S, 28607 inventories on website. Boone • 877-962-1986 PO Box 1325, 28607 www.blueridgerealty.net Boone • 828-264-6865 Chetola Resort homeandlandhighsouth.com Real Estate Logs America, LLC Home ownership in NC’s premier Come see why folks are enjoying resort community. Condominium their Logs America log homes. The Headwaters at homes offer the ultimate in luxury From design and manufacturing to Banner Elk and amenities. One- to four- turnkey construction and everything Gated mountaintop community bedroom units. Fitness center, spa, in between, we are 100% local and located just outside Banner Elk. boating, fishing, indoor pool and proud of it. Please call and make Homes and condominiums, much more. an appointment to see our quality lakeside trails, tennis, swim, P.O. Box 17, 28605 product and workmanship firsthand. fishing, fitness center, movie Blowing Rock • 888-480-9962 9649-1 Hwy 105 S, 28604 theater, clubhouse with www.chetola.com Banner Elk • 800-564-8496 panoramic, long-range mountain Fleetwood Falls, Inc www.logsamerica.com views. Refresh your spirit at the source. Come to a quiet place, a residential Sugar Mtn Resort 312 Shawneehaw Ave, 28604 resort community nestled in the Banner Elk • 866-200-3290 mountains along the New River. Accommodations www.headwatersnc.com Enjoy nature trails along streams, & Sales waterfalls, lakes. Fish, swim, Offering land, homes, condos, The Real Estate Book tube, bicycle in peaceful setting. investment, development and Chalets for sale and lots available rural properties in the Sugar The Real Estate Book is the for building. As on-site general Mountain area. Find us at the time nation’s largest and most widely contractors and real estate brokers, and temperature sign at Sugar recognized real estate publication, we can custom build to suit and Mountain. MLS/ Realtor. both in print and online. handle property management. Rentals online. PO Box 2048, 28607 3108 Railroad Grade Rd, 28626 3390 Tynecastle Hwy, 28604 Boone • 828-295-6436 Fleetwood • 336-877-1110 Banner Elk • 800-438-4555 www.realestatebook.com www.staysugarmountain.com www.fleetwoodfallsinc.com The Sterling Company Real estate sales within the High Country area. Specializing in residential resort properties. P.O. Box 990, 28646 Linville • 877-778-1800 www.thesterlingcompany.com
www.mountainsofnc.com 49 North Carolina’s High Country Host
Outback Steakhouse With every meal, dish and bite taste two uncompromising ingredients: big bold flavor and awesome quality. Fresh, never frozen chicken, fish and USDA Choice, grain-fed beef, aged to perfection. Our delicious croutons Restaurants Kentucky Fried Chicken are handmade and take two hours Chick-fil-a to prepare. We do all this because Located beside the High Country quality made-from-scratch meals Serving the original Chick-fil-A Host Visitor Information Center rule at Outback. We live it every day. sandwich. Indoor playground. on Blowing Rock Rd, this KFC 8280 Valley Blvd, 28605 Open 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday features all-you-can-eat and drink Blowing Rock • 828-295-6283 through Saturday. Closed Sundays, buffet and carryout maintained by www.outback.com Thanksgiving and Christmas. a friendly, professional staff. 2082 Blowing Rock Rd, 28607 1668 Blowing Rock Rd, 28607 Peddler Steak House Boone • 828-264-4660 Boone • 828-264-4405 www.chick-fil-a.com Offering quality cuisine in a Makoto’s Japanese relaxing atmosphere. Featuring Dan’l Boone Inn Steakhouse & Sushi Bar gourmet soup, salad bar, lobster, Restaurant crab legs, salmon, swordfish, tuna, Since 1981, we have provided chicken and, of course, steak. Serving family-style since 1959, a facility for a unique dining the Dan’l Boone Inn serves When only the best will do. experience. Makoto’s offers a rare 1972 Blowing Rock Rd, 28607 throughout the year. Please call for combination of exceptional food seasonal hours and price. Boone • 828-264-4433 prepared by entertaining expert www.peddlerofboone.com 130 Hardin St, 28607 chefs in a relaxing atmosphere. Boone • 828-264-8657 Chefs perform their culinary magic www.danlbooneinn.com at your table, or for more intimate dining enjoy the sushi bar. Named Frasers Restaurant & Pub 2006 Small Business of the Year. A full-service restaurant located 2124 Blowing Rock Rd, 28607 in downtown West Jefferson. Blowing Rock • 828-264-7976 Sandwiches & salads for lunch and www.makotos-boone.com steaks & seafood for dinner. All ABC permits. Manor House 108 S Jefferson Ave, 28694 Restaurant at Chetola Pepper’s Restaurant West Jefferson • 336-246-5222 Located in the magnificently Pepper’s has served great food www.frasersrestaurant.com restored 1846 Estate house. in the High Country since 1975. Specialties include Jack Daniel’s Sandwiches, homemade desserts, The Gamekeeper Steak, Sesame Crusted Scottish fresh seafood and steaks. New bar Restaurant Salmon and homemade desserts with live entertainment now open. Modern mountain cuisine. Menu daily. Online reservations. 240 Shadowline Dr, Unit 4, changes daily with the freshest local Breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday 28607 produce and seasonal meats and brunch (limited hours in Winter). Boone • 828-262-1250 fish. Outdoor dining with great P.O. Box 17, 28605 www.peppers-restaurant.com view. All ABC permits on premises. Blowing Rock • 800-243-8652 Across from the Yonahlossee Inn. www.chetola.com The Red Onion Cafe 3005 Shulls Mill Rd, 28607 Boone • 828-963-7400 A locally owned restaurant in www.gamekeeper-nc.com Old Hampton Store operation since 1985. The menu Located in the heart of Linville, is designed to please the whole Glidewells Old Hampton Store, circa 1920, family and we use only the freshest features BBQ on homemade ingredients. The varied menu Enjoy a casual meal in our sourdough bread, NC pottery, offers salads, sandwiches, wraps, comfortable surroundings, at our homemade jelly, pickles and apple pizza, pasta and steaks. Our wine bar, fireside in our dining butter, country ham & cheeses, famous artichoke dip and Horace rooms or on our outside patio. freshly ground cornmeal & grits, cookie are two specials that keep Lunch or dinner (brunch on the and country crafts. Come visit for our customers coming back! weekends). All ABC permits. old timey country fun. 227 Hardin St, 28607 1182 Main St, 28605 77 Ruffin St, 28646 Boone • 828-264-5470 Blowing Rock • 828-295-9683 Linville • 828-733-5213 www.theredonioncafe.com www.glidewellsrestaurant.org www.oldhamptonstore.com
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Stick Boy Bread Co Appalachian State Leisure Publishing Co. Baked breads, steaming University Publishers of Blue Ridge Country cappuccinos, delicious cinnamon Small classes, an emphasis on Magazine, the Blue Ridge Parkway rolls and decadent chocolate undergraduate instruction and Guide and other advertising and tortes. The best part is that an atmosphere that fosters caring publishing projects. everything is made right here relationships between students PO Box 21535, 24018 at the bakery using the best and faculty have characterized this Roanoke • 800-548-1672 ingredients and methods. “This is university since its founding. www.blueridgecountry.com the real thing. We promise – and PO Box 32127, 28608 we promise that you will be able to 828-262-2179 Visitors Center Miller Industries, Inc taste the difference.” Boone • www.appstate.edu Services provided include: 345 Hardin St, 28607 Boone • 828-268-9900 vinyl siding, vinyl replacement AppalCART windows, shower doors, storm www.stickboybread.com Watauga County’s public windows, glass and mirrors. transportation authority, 1134 W King St, 28607 Woodlands Barbeque offering free bus service in the Boone • 828-264-8824 Featuring chopped and sliced Boone area, Monday through beef, pork, ribs and chicken. Saturday, and county-wide van Mountain Times Wide selection of sandwiches and service Monday through Friday. Publications Mexican daily specials. All ABC 274 Winklers Creek Rd, 28607 permits, wide-screen TV. Carry- Check our website for High Boone • 828-264-2278 Country news, events, visitor out service and catering available. www.appalcart.com Kitchen closes at 9 p.m. Sunday– information, employment, housing Thursday, 10 p.m. on Friday and Blue Ridge Electric information, restaurants, lodging, Saturday. Live entertainment. shopping, outdoor adventures, Membership Corp maps, weather and more. PO Box 1043, 28605 One of the largest electric 474 Industrial Park Dr, 28607 Blowing Rock • 828-295-3651 cooperatives in North Carolina. www.woodlandsbbq.com Boone • 828-264-6397 It serves 75,000 customers across www.mountaintimes.com northwestern NC. Our service Services area includes Caldwell, Watauga, News & Observer Ashe, Alleghany and parts of Publishing Co Appalachian Wilkes, Avery and Alexander. Newspaper in Raleigh. Regional Healthcare PO Box 112, 28645 215 S McDowell St, 27602 System Lenoir • 800-448-2383 Raleigh • 800-849-5839 www.blueridgeemc.com Appalachian Regional Healthcare www.newsobserver.com System is committed to promoting health in the High Country by enhancing quality of life and Bryce Holder CPA, PA Print Distribution simply making life better. Our services include: tax Service 336 Deerfield Rd, 28607 planning, individual and Provides brochure distribution Boone business tax services, audits of service for tourist attractions in 828-262-4100, 800-443-7385 homeowner associations, non- Western North Carolina, Eastern www.apprhs.org profit organizations and others, Kentucky, East Tennessee and bookkeeping and payroll services. Southwest Virginia. 820 State Farm Rd, Ste F, PO Box 355, 37659 28607 Jonesborough • 800-752-9972 Boone • 800-456-3595 www.printdistribution.com www.bryceholder.com SkyLine Membership Corp Charter Full-service telecommunications Communications cooperative, Skyline and SkyBest Cable TV serving Watauga Communications, offer local and Avery counties, as well as service, voice mail, custom calling portions of Ashe, Caldwell and services, dial-up and high-speed Carter (TN). Services include: Internet, long distance, business basic tiers, premium channels, systems and networking solutions. pay-per-view and local ad sales. 755 George Wilson Rd, 28607 PO Box 759, 28694 Boone • 866-472-2200 West Jefferson • 800-759-2226 www.chartercom.com www.skyline.org
www.mountainsofnc.com 51 North Carolina’s High Country Host Photo by Haley Smith by Haley Photo
Todd Bush ➤ Chambers Blowing Rock Commercial photography for the of Commerce Chamber of Commerce High Country and internationally. A year-round resort. Breathtaking Also, scenic and lifestyle prints Alleghany Chamber mountain views and cool breezes and digital files available for your of Commerce & await you. Perched atop the Eastern business and home. Order online. Visitors Center Continental Divide, we are known 2989C Tynecastle Hwy, 28604 See our ad on page 42 for our quaint shops, fabulous dining Banner Elk • 828-898-8088 58 S Main St., 28675 and charming accommodations. www.bushphoto.com Sparta • 800-372-5473 www.sparta-nc.com 7738 Valley Blvd., 28605 VistaGraphics, Inc Blowing Rock • 800-295-7851 Ashe County Chamber www.blowingrock.com Publisher of the High Country & Visitor Center Visitor’s Guide and multiple other 01 N. Jefferson Ave, 28694 visitor guides throughout the Boone Area Chamber West Jefferson • 888-343-2743 of Commerce Mid-Atlantic region. www.ashechamber.com 1264 Perimeter Parkway, 23454 See our ad on page 42 Our mission is to advance Virginia Beach, VA • 800-422-0742 economic prosperity and www.visitorsguidenetwork.com Avery County encourage public/private Chamber of cooperation that will broaden the Commerce economic base and enhance the ➤ Banks quality of life in our community. Visit “one extraordinary 208 Howard St, 28607 Branch Banking & Trust neighborhood,” the Balcony of the Boone • 800-852-9506 Full-service bank with locations Blue Ridge, also known as Avery www.boonechamber.com throughout the High Country. County. Contact us for information 971 Blowing Rock Rd, 28607 on lodging, dining, recreation, festivals and events or relocation. Mitchell County Boone • 828-264-0821 Chamber of Commerce www.bbandt.com 4501 Tynecastle Hwy, Ste #2, 28604 11 Crystal St, 28777 Banner Elk • 800-972-2183 Spruce Pine • 800-227-3912 High Country Bank www.averycounty.com www.mitchell-county.com Revolutionizing the way residents of the High Country will forever Beech Mountain do their banking. It involves bank Area Chamber of Wilkes County employees who concentrate on Commerce Chamber of Commerce serving their neighbors by providing Eastern America’s highest town – 717 Main St, 28659 a full range of financial services. elevation 5,506'. Summer temps North Wilkesboro • 336-838-8662 149 Jefferson Rd, 28607 rarely exceed 72 degrees. Home of www.explorewilkes.com Boone • 828-265-4333 Ski Beech – the finest ski resort in www.wilkesnc.org www.highcountrybank.com the Southeast. Enjoy hiking, fishing, tennis, miniature golf, biking and LifeStore Bank golf. Discover our country inns, People have put their trust in lodges, chalets, restaurants shops LifeStore Bank for nearly 70 and a general mercantile that years. Located in Ashe, Alleghany serves as the center of town life. A and Watauga counties, we are mountain of things to see and do! committed to providing you with 403-A Beech Mountain Pkwy, personal service you can depend on. 28604 21 E Ashe St, 28694 Beech Mountain • 828-387-9283 West Jefferson • 800-723-4718 www.beechmtn.com
www.golifestore.com beechmountainchamber.com Bush by Todd Photo
52 800-438-7500 Mountain Vacation Planner From Work Program to Nature's Playground
The 470-mile Blue Ridge Parkway was conceived during the Great Depression as a scenic link between the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. It was implemented out of a need to put people to work during the Great Depression, but 75 years later it is a treasured outdoor playground that offers citizens of America and the world an escape from their everyday labors. Although the Blue Ridge Parkway may sound like a narrow strip of landscaped roadside, it is actually an elongated National Park. An endless variety of wayside parks and recreation areas are located along its length, where travelers can stop to stretch their imaginations, along with their legs. Beginning where the Virginia/North Carolina state line crosses the Parkway at milepost 217, one hundred miles of road wind past eight wayside parks before heading south from the High Country at the Linville Falls Community. Starting quietly with relaxing walking trails and picnic tables at Cumberland Knob in the north (where the first shovel was turned for the Parkway 75 years ago) and building to the thundering torrent of a ninety-foot waterfall crashing into the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area in the south, wayside parks in the North Carolina High Country can stimulate your senses for a day or for a lifetime. History buffs can imagine pioneer life at the Brinegar Cabin or walk in the footsteps of a 19th Century textile baron on the expansive Cone Estate. Horses are welcome at Doughton and Moses Cone Parks, while boat rentals and trout fishing await at Julian Price Lake. Varied walking paths take you to places such as Fox Hunters Paradise, Jumpingoff Rocks, the Cascades and Beacon Heights. Still others allow exploration under and around the amazing Linn Cove Viaduct (the elevated highway that tiptoes across the flank of 6,000-foot Grandfather Mountain) or climb to Rough Ridge and look out across the foothills falling away 4,000 feet towards the Piedmont. Started 75 years ago to bring work and economic opportunity to the remote coves of the Southern Appalachians, the Blue Ridge Parkway is now our country’s most visited National Park. No visit to the North Carolina High Country is complete without time spent along “America's Favorite Drive.”
Historic postcard images courtesy of the National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway www.mountainsofnc.com 53 2011-2012 PRSRT STD North Carolina’s U.S. Postage Paid Permit 192 High Country Host Boone, NC 28607 1700 Blowing Rock Road Boone, NC 28607 800-438-7500 • 828-264-1299 www .mountainsofnc com.
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