The Mountain Times P.O. Box 1815 Boone, NC 28607 Phone: 828-264-6397

The Mountain Times is an award-winning weekly publication that serves Watauga, Ashe, Avery counties as well as the surrounding communities of the northwestern North Carolina High Country. Founded in 1978 by local resident Kenneth Ketchie, it serves a special niche covering community news and entertainment happenings. In 2002, it was purchased by a community-focused newspaper organization, Jones Media, Inc., of Greeneville, Tennessee, and thanks to the vision of this company it remains dedicated to the ideals and character set by the original founder.

In addition to the regular weekly edition, The Mountain Times staff also publishes three seasonal publications, The Summer Times, The Autumn Times and The Winter Times, which serve as visitor guides to the beautiful High Country region.

The Mountain Times Online is an award-winning website (1st place, 2000, 2nd place 2002, National Newspaper Association's Better Newspaper Contest, and 1st place in the North Carolina Press Association's best website 2003) designed to bring our weekly and seasonal publications to the internet, as well as offering special online-only content. It is designed and maintained in house by the Mountain Times Publications Staff.


The High Country
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina's High Country is comprised of Watauga, Avery and Ashe Counties and includes the renowned resort towns of Blowing Rock, Valle Crucis, Banner Elk and Beech Mountain as well as the university town of Boone, home to Appalachian State University.

A diverse biological region, the area includes the globally recognized Grandfather Mountain, which is part of the United Nations biosphere program and home to several endangered species; Pisgah National Forest, which includes the unique and rugged Linville Gorge; the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic roadway; and the Appalachian Trail, to name just a few.

The region has long been a tourist destination, due in no small part to its beautiful scenery and rural yet cultured atmosphere. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the region to enjoy hiking, cycling, rock climbing, whitewater rafting and kayaking, winter snowsports, camping and backpacking.

To learn more about the High Country, visit our seasonal guides:

Summer Times Comprehensive guide to the region, includes complete information about outdoor adventures, auto tours and area attractions and also includes a section about regional information and history. Autumn Times A guide to fall festivals and other activities that happen in the colorful months Winter Times The Winter Times offers information about the four regional ski resorts, including slope conditions, resort stats and weather. The site also includes weekly and yearly features about the trends in winter sports and tips on getting the most out of a trip to the slopes.

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