The High Country Host Blog

Archive for July, 2009

Source: Jefferson Post

Ashe County Bluegrass and Old Time Fiddlers Convention expands to two days this year, and there is a new Website to provide information. Go online to www.ashefiddlers.com to learn more, including details for the upcoming event.

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of The Jeffersons, the fiddler’s convention is celebrating its 39th year, with exciting new changes to complement the history of this event. The convention is planned for Friday, July 31, gates opening at 3 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 1, gates opening at noon, at Ashe County Park in Jefferson.

Convention organizers have sought musician input as they updated the convention with its first ever 2-day event, the addition of camping, revised rules and some new judges. There are also added cash prizes in the Youth Division, and over $3,400 in prize money for convention competitors.

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For lodging and other travel information, contact North Carolina High Country Host at 800-438-7500 or visit: www.mountainsofnc.com.

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VALLE CRUCIS – Constructed in 1909 of locally harvested chestnut, maple, and pine, the Mast Store Annex, located on Broadstone Road in Valle Crucis, is celebrating its first 100 years July 16-18.

The building was constructed as a competing general store by R. L. Lowe of Banner Elk and opened under the name of the Watauga Supply Company. It was purchased one year later by C.D. Taylor and his son-in-law Dr. Henry Baker Perry and was re-named the Valle Crucis Company. It carried a myriad of lines including suits, brogans, tools, piece goods, and the like. Although it was competition for the nearby Taylor and Mast General Store (later the Mast General Store), its lines were also complementary.

Regardless of the official name, it became known locally as the Farthing Store because it was managed by Aubyn Farthing, who later owned the business outright.

In addition to items for purchase, the store also housed the Valle Crucis Post Office until Aubyn was forced to retire as postmaster in 1963. In the time between its operation as a general store and becoming the Mast Store Annex, the building also served as an antique store and a storage area.

Today visitors can see the authentic rolling ladder that was used by Mr. Farthing to fetch items off the top shelves and evidence of an “old-time theft deterrent” just above the front door. Be sure to ask about the Valle Crucis Post Office moving back and forth between the Mast Store and what is now the Mast Store Annex.

In celebration of 100 years of service to the community, the Mast Store Annex will offer small ice cream cones on Thursday, July 16 for just 100¢ and on Friday, July 17, stop by around 2 p.m. for cake and punch, while supplies last. There will also be other promotions into the weekend.

For more information, call the Mast General Store Annex at 828-963-6511.

For lodging and other travel information, contact North Carolina High Country Host at 800-438-7500 or visit: www.mountainsofnc.com.

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Enjoy this video tour of The High Country in NC!!!

For lodging and other travel information, contact North Carolina High Country Host at 800-438-7500 or visit: www.mountainsofnc.com.

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Gem mining has played a vital role into shaping the history of the mountains of North Carolina. Today, you too can share in that experience in our clean, safe, family friendly environment. At Foggy Mountain Gem Mine we do all the hard work for you. Simply purchase a bucket filled with gemstone ore from local and non-local mines and sift the material in our covered flume area. Over forty different minerals may be found at our mine, and gemstone quality ore is guaranteed in every bucket. Emeralds, sapphires, rubies, aquamarine, tourmaline, garnet, amethyst, citrine, smoky quartz, topaz, and many others are waiting to be discovered! We supply all of the necessary equipment and provide assistance throughout the entire process to ensure that you find all of your precious stones. Fun for kids of all ages! We are handicap accessible and provide assistance to those with special needs.

For more information, visit: FoggyMountainGems.com!

For lodging and other travel information, contact North Carolina High Country Host at 800-438-7500 or visit: www.mountainsofnc.com.

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