Call it ‘diversity’, ‘variety’ or the
next pleasant stop along the way, first-time visitors to The High
Country will enjoy our mixture of rural, small town and urban life.
And if you are returning, you will find some new places to enjoy but
the old mountain hospitality still intact. The center of activity
- the Heart of the High Country - is the county seat of Boone. This
section is devoted to Boone and a sampling of the other towns in our
region.
Town life in the High Country offers a sampling of mountain life from
the stimulating to the serene. Beyond the excitement and bustle of
Boone, you can discover the elegance of Blowing Rock and the recreational
outdoors atmosphere of Banner Elk. There’s the small town atmosphere
of Newland, and the historic downtown and arts community of West Jefferson.
Each community has its own flavor, appeal and things to offer the
visitor.
So join us for this tour of some of the best the High Country has
to offer - we know you’ll have a good time!
Boone offers everything for residents and visitors in the
High Country.
The town can claim the finest in tourist necessities such as shopping,
dining and lodging. From healthcare to financial services, specialty
shops to major chains, Boone offers a comprehensive range of goods
and services. Need an import car mechanic, 24-hour grocery or late
night eatery? If you havent’t visited for awhile, we guarantee
you will be pleasantly surprised just what you can find.
Boone was once a typical small town until Appalachian State University
(better known locally as “App” or ASU”) began to grow
in the 1960s. Now this booming and acclaimed academic institution
adds a zest and enthusiasm to life here.
The downtown is known as the Municipal Service District, part of the
national Main Street Program where merchants and residents fund renovations
and restorations which attract more businesses while keeping the small
-town atmosphere. Visitors will find an intriguing blend of restaurants,
shops and boutiques side-by-side with legal offices and residences.
You’ll find the Jones House here, a center of cultural life in
the community. This lovely Queen Anne-style house dates back to 1910.
Once the home of a prominent local doctor, the Jones House now is
home to an art gallery and hosts many local events.
The university borders the downtown. Here you’ll find Belk Library,
a major research facility. Farthing Auditorium and Broyhill Music
Center are the scenes of great performances during An Appalachian
Summer, the yearly festival of the arts.
Boone is such a popular destination there are times it is congested.
Traffic can get heavy, especially around the traditional rush hour
of 5 to 6 p.m. You do have another option: park your car and ride
AppalCART, our mass transit system. Summer routes cover the downtown,
university and U.S. 321 (Blowing Rock Road).
Boone’s history began around 1800, when Jordan Councill opened
a store on what is now King Street. Then, it was just a rough dirt
wagon road. In 1820, Councill got the right to open a post office
(appropriately called Councill’s Store) and some people began
to build homes and other stores nearby.
In 1849, when Watauga County was created, Boone was picked as the
county seat when the town was little more than a crossroads.
Little remains to remind people of those distant days. The simple
homes and shacks that once lined King Street have given way to attractive
buildings that preserve the charm of the ‘teens and twenties.
All that is in contrast to the modern city that has grown up around
this center.
With so much to enjoy, Boone is a magnet we think will draw you back
again and again.
Boone Area Chamber of Commerce: 828-264-2225.
If you return to Blowing Rock and find most of the town the
way it was, that’s is no accident; folks here know when it’s
best to leave things as they are.
Blowing Rock is a place where people still smile and say hello to
each other on the street. The town is a place where you can sit on
a bench in Memorial Park and watch the world go by or spend all afternoon
window shopping along Main Street. The Fourth of July Parade is still
important, and you will find both patriotism and civic pride without
apology.
Memorial Park is the center of the community. Families can come by
anytime to use the playground equipment (mom and dad can even try
out the swings if they want to). Come on some Sunday evenings and
you’ll hear a live concert in the park’s gazebo.
Off Main Street are two other parks, both worthy of a visit. If you
are headed south on Main Street, turn right on Laurel Lane and follow
the signs; it is a divided and tree-lined lane. The Broyhill and Cannon
parks offer a quiet place to rest and reflect. The two are a study
in contrasts: Cannon Park is sort of rustic and still-wild, while
the park around Broyhill Lake is elegant, a throw-back to the peaceful
days of the late 19th century.
Blowing Rock is renowned for its variety of unique shopping experiences.
Main Street has antiques, art, crafts, imported coffees, rugs, fashions,
flowers, mementos and more. The variety is amazing, the quality high
and the fun unlimited (except by your imagination).
Shoppes on the Parkway, a major outlet mall, is just north of town
on 321. Here you’ll find clothing, crockery, jewelry, and more.
There’s a reason Blowing Rock offers so much to the tourist:
the town has been welcoming visitors for over a century. Spectacularly
situated on the very edge of the Blue Ridge, the town began to attract
summer residents in the 1880s. At the turn of the century, most visitors
spent the summer. Some built beautiful Victorian summer homes, many
of which stand today. Hotels and motels followed, and the tradition
of hospitality has only ripened and improved over the years.
One final hint: Take a ride down 321 south of town. You’ll catch
an incredible view of the John’s River gorge as well as a spectacular
vista looking south to Hickory.
Whether you have a day, week, or lifetime to spend, you’ll find
a lot to enjoy in Blowing Rock.
Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce: 828-295-7851.
As you travel along N.C. 105 south of Boone, there is a bridge
where the Watauga River makes a sharp turn and starts its westward
run towards Tennessee. There, set between high mountains, is a cross-shaped
valley that has borne the name Valle Crucis since the 19th century.
There is no more historic area in the region. Follow the Watauga River
far enough and you will pass the site of the only Native American
village known in this immediate area. Before that, there is the place
where the first European settler of Watauga County, Samuel Hicks,
built a fort during the American Revolution.
That fort and most of the log structures of that day are gone, but
there are many historic buildings that still remain. Valle Crucis
was – and remains – the only rural historic district in
North Carolina. Travel along N.C. 194 and you will pass homes, some
still private and others now housing galleries and other shops, dating
back to the early part of this century and earlier. A true treasure
is the Mast Farm Inn. The main house was built in 1840, and has hosted
visitors practically from the first. An even older log home, dating
back to 1812, has also been lovingly restored.
Not far up the road is another treasure, the Mast General Store. Dating
back to 1883, the store remains an important part of the community,
offering the “real” necessities of daily life, plus much
more.
And look for a dirt track running down to the river from the Mast
General Store; it leads to Valle Crucis Community Park; a beautiful
recreational area with riverfront, a (catch & release) fishing
pond, picnic areas, sports fields, and a walking/running/cycling/skating
trail around the entire complex.
Residents rallied this year to prevent a widening of the main road
through the Community - Broadstone Road - which they felt would have
destroyed its unique charactere and charm.
No trip to the High Country is complete without spending time in the
“Valley of the Cross.” Be sure to enjoy the scenery, heritage,
and especially the friendly people.
At 5,506 feet, Beech Mountain is the highest town in eastern
North America.
That means two things: when winter comes, it’s a great place
to ski. More important right now, however, is that even on the hottest
day of summer, it’s cool on top of Beech Mountain. Even when
it’s steamy in the “lowlands” of 3,000-plus feet, the
temperature stays comfortable here.
The rest of the world seems very distant when you settle down on the
front porch of a rental condo and survey the magnificent view that
is one of Beech Mountain’s trademarks. As the cool summer night
air sends you looking for a sweater, you’ll probably smile at
the thought of how hot it is down in the lowlands.
Beech Mountain is a four-season resort. There are over 5,000 beds
available on top of the mountain. These range from the rustic cabins
to mountain chalets to luxury condominiums. When it’s time to
eat, you can enjoy anything from a deli sandwich to a gourmet meal
by candlelight.
During the days, there are many specialty stores for shopping, a golf
course, horseback riding, tennis, swimming and hiking. There are nearby
canoe and raft runs that are among the best the east offers.
Nightlife is alive and well on the mountain. Whatever your musical
taste, you can find a spot to enjoy an after-hours scene.
There’s another good thing about Beech Mountain. The mountain
is so huge that much of it remains in a natural state, with rich forests
dotted by rolling farm land. It’s only a short drive from the
“downtown” to the country - or resorts. Take your pick!
Our guess is if you spend some time in Beech Mountain, you’ll
want to come back to do some real estate shopping. Or at least book
a slopeside condo for the ski season!
Beech Mountain Area Chamber of Commerce: 828-387-9283.
Nestled in a spectacular mountain valley, Banner Elk has attracted
visitors since the 1840s.
In those days, it was called Banner’s Elk, a name you still hear
among some older residents. The town got its name from an elk, reputedly
one of the last in the state, that was killed by a local hunter.
A college town, Banner Elk is home to Lees-McRae College. A visit
to the college is well worth the time. The old stone buildings are
picturesque, as is the campus itself. Hayes Auditorium hosts a wide
variety of entertainment programs throughout the year.
Banner Elk is a town of wonderful shops and restaurants all run by
some of the nicest people you’ll meet anywhere. You will discover
a unique blend of high-class and rustic existing happily side-by-side.
Spectacular is hardly adequate to describe the magnificent setting
of the town. The early settlers didn’t believe in living on mountainsides;
they looked for valleys. Banner Elk’s valley cuts through lofty
peaks on every side: Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain and Grandfather
Mountain essentially define its boundaries.
If so far you are only a summer visitor to the mountains, you need
to come back to Banner Elk in the winter. The town is conveniently
located between two of the area’s four ski resorts, Ski Beech
and Sugar Mountain. Even if you don’t ski, the mountains are
often snow-covered, adding to Banner Elk’s natural beauty.
Finally, Banner Elk makes an excellent base for folks who want to
explore the natural wonders of Avery County. It’s not far to
Roan Mountain, Grandfather Mountain or Linville Falls.
Avery-Banner Elk County Chamber of Commerce: 828-898-5605.
If outdoor activity is your thing, look no further than the
Village of Sugar Mountain.
Offering more than just great skiing, Sugar Mountain also provides
its visitors with an array of ways to get outside and enjoy the beauty
of the High Country.
One attraction in particular is the summer lift rides on Sugar Mountain.
On weekends, weather permitting, visitors can ride the ski lift to
the 5,300 foot peak of Sugar Mountain. The 40 minuet round trip ride
features a spectacular view of the High Country and runs from July
4 to Labor Day weekend.
If heights aren’t your thing, Sugar Mountain can also be seen
on foot. With numerous trails that wind throughout the Village of
Sugar Mountain, you can see both the brilliant greens of the summer
as well as the vibrant reds and yellows of the fall.
The trails of Sugar Mountain are not just for those on foot. Many
bikers choose the Village of Sugar Mountain for its variety of challenging
and picturesque terrain.
The Village of Sugar Mountain also gives tennis and golf lovers an
opportunity to enjoy their favorite sports in the beautiful mountain
setting. With Sugar Mountain’s golf course, six fast-dry clay
courts and full service tennis pro shop, visitors will never be faced
with the problem of finding something to do.
Whether you come for a day or stay in one of the many comfortable
lodgings the Village has to offer, Sugar Mountain will soon become
your destination for great outdoor fun.
Avery-Banner Elk County Chamber of Commerce: 828-898-5605.
Surrounded by the great peaks of the Southern Appalachians
and Blue Ridge Mountains, the town of Seven Devils, with elevations
reaching 5,200 feet and situated in both Avery and Watauga Counties,
is in the midst of it all. Just a few minutes from Boone, Blowing
Rock, Banner Elk and Valle Crucis, its small town atmosphere, combined
with the convenient location, is the secret of its appeal.
The Town of Seven Devils was incorporated in 1979, while traces of
the area’s history go back to the early 1700s when the land was
settled by pioneering families. The origin of the town’s name
traces back to when it was a resort in 1965. At this time, there was
a rumor about an old man on the mountain who had seven sons as mean
as the devil. People were heard commenting that in the winter, the
mountain was as cold as the devils or as windy as the devil. The founders
wanted a catchy, unique name that would bring attention to the mountain.
They noticed the repeated appearance of the number seven, including
the seven predominant rocky peaks surrounding Valley Creek, as well
as the many coincidental references to devils. Seven Devils seemed
to suggest a frivolous, mischievous resort where people could experience
the temptation of Seven Devils.
These days, Seven Devils is well known for the array of recreational
options the town offers. Whether fishing, horseback riding, hiking,
or caving is your pleasure, the Town of Seven Devils can take care
of your needs. And when winter rolls around, its time to get out the
skis and snowboards and head for Hawksnest Ski Resort, located right
on Seven Devils.
With 12 challenging slopes, eight lanes of tubing and 15 features
in its terrain park, Hawksnest is sure to supply the action you crave.
For a complete list of rates, snow conditions and directions, go to
www.skihawk.com.
The twin cities of Jefferson and West Jefferson lie in the
center of Ashe County.
They are classic small towns, with warm, friendly people - and there’s
always a place to park.
Jefferson was the first to be founded, and is the oldest incorporated
town in the High Country. It started in 1800 as the county seat for
Ashe, which the General Assembly formed the year before. The new town
stood near the base of Mount Jefferson. Both bore the name of Thomas
Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, vice president
and then a political hero along the western frontier. Later that year,
he would win election as president of the United States.
Even as the population of Ashe County grew, Jefferson remained a quiet
place, with relatively few homes and a courthouse. The focus of the
county was, as it still remains, in the rural parts.
Then the railroad came. Overnight, boom towns like Lansing and Todd
grew. Logging meant work and money was relatively plentiful.
All that, however, bypassed the Town of Jefferson. In 1917, a group
of investors founded West Jefferson. Located south and west of Jefferson,
the new community attracted the railroad.
Jefferson went into an immediate decline. West Jefferson became the
economic center of the county, though Todd, a major railroad center,
was larger.
Eventually, the railroad left. Lansing, Todd and other rail towns
shrank to their present size. Fortunately, the Jeffersons soon had
good roads and prospered.
Today, the towns have differences and similarities. The old courthouse
and surrounding buildings in Jefferson are the center of county government.
A shopping center is located there, offering retail stores and services.
The beautiful Ashe County Park and the Foster-Tyson Park is a perfect
spot for an in-town picnic.
West Jefferson’s downtown is busy and active. The old stores
still stand and are full of interesting, dynamic shops. The town’s
stores offer everything from real estate to clothes. The visitor center,
operated by the Chamber of Commerce, offers answers to questions and
a wide selection of brochures.
West Jefferson is home of the Christmas in July festival, an annual
summer celebration of the holiday and the Christmas tree industry.
The event features two days of live music, over 100 art and craft
booths, and the friendliest people you could find anywhere!
The Jeffersons are also the gateway to the region’s two state
parks. Mount Jefferson State Park is located just off Hwy 221. To
the north of Jefferson are the access areas for the New River State
Park.
Just south of West Jefferson, near the community of Beaver Creek,
is St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. This is the home of the famous
fresco of Jesus on the cross by renowned artist Ben Long. A painting
of the Madonna pregnant with Jesus hangs on the sanctuary wall.
Come to the Jeffersons and find what it was that made small-town life
so special. You’ll find that special life alive and well in these
wonderful twin towns.
Ashe County Chamber of Commerce: 336-246-9550
Surrounded by renowned attractions and resorts, the Town of
Newland also attracts, but quietly.
This small municipality of about 700 residents has been the county
seat since Avery County incorporated in 1911, beating out three other
areas for the honor. Newland has the distinction of being the highest
county seat east of the Mississippi.
The fine traditional courthouse, recently renovated, was constructed
in 1913, and overlooks an equally classic town square, bordered by
shops and churches and complete with a memorial to Avery County veterans.
Next to the courthouse, and also built in 1913, is the original jail,
now the site of the Avery Historical Museum. Permanent exhibits at
the museum include the original jail cells, numerous artifacts and
information about Avery County history.
Going west out of town toward Tennessee, plan a Saturday stop at the
Farmers Market, and picnic or hike across the road at the Waterfalls
Park, a unique recreation area sponsored by the Newland Volunteer
Fire Department.
A new Heritage Park, currently under construction, will be a major
attraction when completed, due for sometime next year.
So when you’re driving through town on your way to Roan or Grandfather
Mountains, don’t forget to stop at Newland on your tour.
Avery-Banner Elk County Chamber of Commerce: 828-898-5605
There was time when Todd, nestled on the banks of the New
River on the border of Ashe and Watauga counties, was the largest
community in the region.
It was a logging boom town back then, and the timber trains roared
along the valley. Todd bustled, with many stores and hotels.
Those days are long gone, but Todd remains a too-often overlooked
treasure of the High Country. And while the train is gone - and with
it the bustle - this little community has a lot to offer, starting
with some of the best sites for bicycling, paddlesports and fishing
around.
The old train depot, a part of Todd life since the 1920s, is now home
to Appalachian Adventures outfitters. Up the road, there’s the
old Todd General Store which opened in 1914. The General Store, one
of four historic structures in the community recently painted with
funds raised in the community, is a living reminder of the old railroad
days.
The store features a Friday night traditional mountain music jam which
attracts musicians from hundreds of miles around, and a newly created
park across from the store hosts a summer music series at the ‘depot’
stage set up by the New River.
There’s no community perhaps anywhere that has more scenic approaches
than Todd. No matter which way you choose to get there, you’re
in for a treat. Consider these options:
If you’re in Boone, there are two ways you can reach Todd. The
first is to follow N.C. 194, a state-designated Scenic Byway, north
from its intersection with U.S. 421 (near New Market Center, on the
east end of town; watch for the sign). This route runs through farms
and forests along an 11-mile run to Todd.
The second choice is to turn off U.S. 421 at Brownwood Road. This
is in Rutherwood, about two miles west of Deep Gap and seven miles
east of Boone. Brownwood Road is located next to the office of Brady’s
Roofing Co. and Pro Hardware.
After crossing the construction for the new four-lane Highway 421,
the route returns to beautiful rural Watauga County. First, you travel
up through farms and woods to Brownwood, where a cattle farm fills
a scenic valley. After crossing a large bridge, turn left on Railroad
Grade Road and follow it to Todd.
A word about Railroad Grade Road. This actually follows the route
of the old railroad that once ran here. It runs right along one of
the most beautiful parts of the New River. The scenery is gorgeous
along the ride - a total of about eight miles. Because it is level,
it is a premier family bicycling destination, so watch out for cyclists
as you drive along.
If you’re in the Jeffersons, you can pick up N.C. 194 south of
town, just off N.C. 221 - watch for the signs. 194 is a Scenic Byway
in this area, and it is a very pretty ride. It is also a fairly curvy
road, so watch your speed!
High on the Eastern Continental Divide, Johnson County, Tennessee,
is the eastern-most county in the state.
Mountain City is the county seat, a community rich in history and
the center of commerce for the area. There are many shops and stores
that serve both local residents and visitors. The town has a truly
marvelous setting, as much of Johnson County remains little changed
since pioneer days. Traveling there will reward the visitor with spectacular
scenery – and the added bonus of Mountain City and all it offers
at the end of the road. The county is also a gateway to Watauga Lake.
The place to begin your visit is the beautiful Johnson County Welcome
Center. Conveniently located on U.S. 421 in a lovely log building,
the Center provides information on the many attractions of Mountain
City and the county around it. Their hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday
through Saturday,a nd 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. The telephone number is
423-727-5800.
In 1749, Peter Jefferson (Thomas’s father) stood on Pond Mountain
in what is now western Ashe County and looked west towards this area.
Twenty years later, Daniel Boone and a party of pioneers cut a trail
through here, defining a path that settlers would follow. Some of
those made their home at what would become Mountain City.
Be sure to visit this special town – walk where Daniel Boone
once cut a way through the wilderness.
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