The Blue Ridge Dinner Theater is owned and operated by Dick and Linda Copus of Winner’s Circle Restaurant & Steakhouse and former owner’s of Greenfield Restaurant. Dick and Linda have been in the restaurant business since 1990. The opening of the Blue Ridge Dinner Theater has given them the opportunity to take their restaurant experience to the next level by combining good food and good entertainment!

With the conception of the Dinner Theater, Dick and Linda strive to offer name-brand as well as local entertainment to Ashe County. It is their wish to provide something unique and different to the High Country that will bring more visitors to our area.

The Blue Ridge Dinner Buffet is included in your ticket price and provided by Winner’s Circle Restaurant & Steakhouse and is the same great buffet you new and loved at Greenfield Restaurant. You’ll have  your pick of mouth-watering entrees and side items including pan-fried chicken like Grandma used to make, roast beef, baked ham, real homemade mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, homemade biscuits and gravy. And you’ll not want to miss the homemade baked apples and cobblers. Buffet meal also includes coffee, tea, and water. Soft drinks sold separately.

Although our mailing address is 9331 Hwy. 16 S., West Jefferson, we are actually located in the small town of Glendale Springs at the old Mountain Music Jamboree.

For more info, visit: http://blueridgedinnertheater.com!

The High Country Host is a regional travel promotion organization.  For more information on accommodations, attractions, dining or shopping in the area please visit www.mountainsofnc.com or call 800-438-7500.

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The slopes of the North Carolina High Country are turning vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow this month and area festivals offer great ways to enjoy the season.  The range of elevations in the area make it a premiere location to watch the leaf change and the mix of small towns provides an eclectic offering of autumnal events.

The Boone Heritage Festival October 8 celebrates Appalachian and Daniel Boone heritage with 18th century living history demonstrations, craft vendors, music jam sessions and storytelling.  Located at Hickory Ridge Homestead, the event will feature make-and-take crafts including dipped candles, cornhusk dolls and scarecrows.

The weekend of October 8-9 brings the cry of “yodel lay he ho” to the High Country during the 21st Annual Sugar Mountain Oktoberfest.  The event, at Sugar Mountain Resort, mixes Bavarian and Appalachian culture and is a great experience for the whole family.

The Valle Country Fair, October 15 in Valle Crucis, is an overgrown church bazaar set in the center of one of the most picturesque valleys in North Carolina.

That same weekend is when one of the High Country’s most well-known events takes place.  The 34th Annual Woolly Worm Festival will be held in Banner Elk October 15-16.  Crafts, festival foods and the Woolly Worm caterpillar races predicting the coming winter’s weather make this a must-see event!

The 6th Annual Valle Crucis Punkin Festival will be October 22.  The Punkin Festival benefits local organizations and offers Punkin Sack Races, Punkin Bowling, crafts and music.

The Ghost Train Halloween Festival at Tweetsie Railroad is safe, scary fun for the whole family.  Gates open at 7:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday evening in October.  Visit the Haunted House, Freaky Forest, 3-D Maze and take a journey on the Ghost Train – if you dare!

Many other events occur throughout the month of October including the Todd New River Festival, art crawls in Boone and West Jefferson, Halloween festivals in Blowing Rock and at Grandfather Mountain, special programming at area state parks and natural areas and opportunities to enjoy bluegrass and mountain music at Crouse Park in Sparta.

For ticket information, times and more information on all High Country events please visit the High Country Host website, www.mountainsofnc.com.

North Carolina’s High Country provides the best vacation experience in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  The area includes 100 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway and many popular tourist destinations including Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Linville, Sparta, West Jefferson and Wilkesboro.

The High Country Host is a regional travel promotion organization.  For more information on accommodations, attractions, dining or shopping in the area please visit www.mountainsofnc.com or call 800-438-7500.

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Underground Railroad Hike
Saturday, October 8th
Time 2:00 pm, meet at picnic area

Traverse the history of Mount Jefferson with a ranger as he travels back in time to the days of the Underground Railroad. Participants will experience the folklore and history surrounding Mount Jefferson as you hike along the mountain ridge

Vista Viewing
Sunday October 9th
Time 2: 00 pm, meet at the 2^nd Overlook

Enjoy a view of three states while learning the oral tradition associated with Mount Jefferson and its surrounding mountains.  This program is weather dependent.  Participants are encouraged to wear winter attire.

Fairies & Gnomes Houses Building
Saturday October 15th
Time 2:00 pm, meet at picnic area

Come up on the mountain and use your imagination and natural materials to build woodland creature house. Each person or family will build a small house for an imaginary small creature.

Night Hike
Saturday Night 15^th
Time 7:30 pm, meet at park Office

Are you looking for an adventure after dark? Come on up to Mt. Jefferson for a breathtaking night hike. Meet the park ranger for a 1mile hike along the ridgeline out to Luther Rock. Bring a small flashlight and wear sturdy shoes. Parts of this hike are considered strenuous and hiking at night can be physically challenging.

Children must be closely supervised. Park Office (336) 246-9653

Fall Colors Hike
Sunday, October 16^th Time 2:00 pm, meet at picnic shelter

Take some time this fall and enjoy the spectacular change of season. Come up to the picnic area and meet a park ranger for a hike into the autumn season. Bring your cameras and questions as we will be looking at the spectacular fall color. Meet at picnic area. Bring appropriate shoes or boots

The Legend of Tom Dooley
Saturday, October 22^rd
Time 2:00 pm, meet at picnic shelter

Join a Western North Carolina native as he relives the last days of the North Carolina legend, Tom Dooley. Did Tom Dooley murder Laura Foster in the Shadows of the Blue Ridge? The infamous story will be accompanied by songs to include the “Ballad of Tom Dooley.” Participants should meet at the Park Picnic Shelter

Vista Viewing
Sunday, October 23rd
Time 2:00 pm, meet at the 2^nd Overlook

Enjoy a view of three states while learning the oral tradition associated with Mount Jefferson and its surrounding mountains.  This program is weather dependent.  Participants are encouraged to wear winter attire.

Fall Colors Hike
Saturday, October 29^th
Time 2:00 pm, meet at picnic area

Take some time this fall and enjoy the spectacular change of season. Come up to the picnic area and meet a park ranger for a hike into the autumn season. Bring your cameras and questions as we will be looking at the spectacular fall color. Meet at picnic area. Bring appropriate shoes or boots.

Mt. Jefferson Geology
Sunday October 30th
Time 2:00 pm, meet at picnic shelter

We will seek out a treasure of knowledge. Several types of geological formations will be seen on this mountain hike. Metamorphic formations and intrusive quartz are located on the trail. We will also dig into the connections that exist between the soil and plants. Join us on this fall season Geo hike. Bring appropriate shoes or boots.

For more information or directions, Call (336) 246-9653

For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.

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Black Bears
October 9th, 2011
Visitor Center
2:00 pm

Join a park ranger at the US Hwy 221 Access Visitor Center on Sunday October 9th, for this informative program. Black bears can be found throughout a large portion of NC. They often make the news when they pass through a populated area. This program will separate the facts and myths about black bears. Meet at the Visitor Center auditorium at 2:00 pm.
Call the park office for more information. 336-982-2587 (982)

River Otters
October 16th, 2011
Visitor Center
2:00 pm

Join a park ranger at the US Hwy 221 Access Visitor Center on Sunday October 16th for this informative program. You will learn about the Otters and their habitats. Call the park office for more information. 336-982-2587 (981)

Fall Color Hike
October 22nd 2011
Visitor Center
2:00 pm

Join a park ranger for a fun filled hike along the Hickory Trail at the 221 Access Area of New River State Park. You will see some of the wonderful colors of gall and discover some of the amazing things that live in the park. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring a bottle of water, as we will be hiking just over a mile. Call the park office for more information. 336-982-2587 (810)

Tree ID Hike
October 23rd 2011
Wagoner Access
2:00 pm

Join a park ranger at the Wagoner Access for a short hike. We will learn the basic trees of New River. Be prepared to walk one mile.  Call the park office for more information. 336-982-2587
(811)

For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.

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HIGH IN NORTH CAROLINA’S BEAUTIFUL BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS on the banks of the pristine New River, there is a day devoted to WORLD-CLASS BLUES.

The setting is wonderfully scenic. Picture a glorious mountain meadow on the edge of a lively river… Now picture a beautiful summer day and hundreds of blues fans dancing in the green grass to the music of living legends. You have just conjured up the NEW RIVER BLUES FESTIVAL now in it’s 9TH year. On SUNDAY SEPT. 4, 2011 THE NEW RIVER BLUES FESTIVAL promises to out-do its past success.

The NEW RIVER BLUES FESTIVAL is unique in this Appalachian setting where Bluegrass and Old Time Music reign. The driving forces behind this one-of-a-kind musical gathering are Rob “Hound Dog” Baskerville and Penny “Queen Bee” Zamagni of the internationally acclaimed blues band, The King Bees. Residing in Todd (a nearby village on the New River where the first few fests were held) Baskerville and Zamagni were eager to bring their over 24 years of experience backing up blues greats here and abroad to this unique setting.

Calling upon friendships established through the years with some of the most revered names in blues, The King Bees have offered talent line-ups that rival many major blues festivals in the US and Europe. Fans have loved not only the performances, but also the picturesque surroundings on the banks of the New River a few miles north of Boone.

For more info, visit: http://newriverbluesfestival.info

For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.

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Located in Blowing Rock, Boone, App Ski Mtn, and Banner Elk. We have luxury and budget cabins in the Boone/ Blowing Rock areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Our cabins are close to all the activties in the area. You can ski at one of the three resorts, snow tube at the Eastern United States largest tube runs, spend a day at Tweetsie Railroad, go whitewater rafting, horseback riding, golfing, fishing, hiking, canoeing and you are close to Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Linville, Jefferson and many other mountain towns.

Located halfway between Boone and Blowing Rock, our office is in the gray building at Mystery Hill.

Stop by our office and meet the friendly staff who can assist you in your vacation needs. The Blue Ridge Mountains are calling you to explore the high country so come on up and visit us soon!

When coming to Boone, Blowing Rock or any place in the High Country of NC, consider our Log Cabins, Chalets, and vacation rentals.

We want to provide the best selection and service for your vacation cabin needs in the North Carolina High Country. We have cabins in the Boone and Blowing Rock areas. Our number one goal is to make sure you are satisfied and have a pleasant trip. Our mission is to do anything we can do to make your stay more enjoyable.

For more information, visit: http://www.witsendrentals.com

For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.

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The Appalachian Philharmonic is coming to the Ashe Civic Center on Saturday, February 12th. 

The performance will begin at 7:30pm.  Under the direction of James Allen Anderson, The Appalachian Philharmonic is the Hayes School of Music premiere student/faculty ensemble. 

The Ashe Civic Center, located in West Jefferson, North Carolina, is a performing arts venue which hosts theatre, music, dance and community events. The facility is home to the Ashe County Little Theatre and managed by the Ashe County Arts Council.

The Ashe Civic Center exists to enrich, unite and promote Ashe County. 

For ticket information please contact the Ashe Civic Center at 336-846-ARTS, http://www.ashecivic.com/

4th Annual Hometown Christmas celebration on Friday, November 26th!

Early bird shopping, costumed characters walking around downtown, lighting of the community Christmas Tree at 5pm in the Backstreet Park!

Also, don’t forget about the Ashe County Holiday Market!

Looking for a great gift idea for the holidays? Plan to attend the Ashe County Farmers’ Market annual “Holiday Market” during the months of November & December! Crafters will be on hand with a wonderful selection of handmade arts & crafts.

You will have 4 opportunities to attend this year! November 20^th, 26^th, 27^th & December 4^th. Each day will be open from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. The market will be held on the backstreets of downtown West Jefferson.

For more information please contact the Ashe County Farmers’ Market at info@ashefarmersmarket.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce at 888-343-2743. Also visit: http://www.ashechamber.com

For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.

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BEGINS NOVEMBER 23rd!

11/23– 12/30
Tree Fest – Ashe County Arts Council
Decorated trees, ornaments, holiday crafts, gifts and miniature paintings
Opening Reception – 12/5 2pm – 4pm

11/27
Early Bird Shopping – Historic Downtown West Jefferson
Rudolph, Santa’s Elves & Mrs. Claus will be visiting with downtown shoppers 3:00pm til Santa Claus arrives on an antique fire truck
BackStreet Park 5:15 pm
Community Christmas Tree Lighting Hot Chocolate Candy Canes Caroling 

11/28, 12/5 & 12/12
Mistletoe Market – Ashe County Farmer’s Market
Handmade gifts for Christmas… scarves, hats, jewelry, jellies, baked goods, wreaths, roping

11/28
Christmas in Lansing – Downtown Lansing
As darkness falls luminaries will decorate downtown and light the way to the live walk through nativity

For a full schedule, visit: http://www.visitwestjefferson.org/christmas-north-carolina-westjefferson.html

For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.

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His voice has been described by Dirty Linen magazine as “one of those pure warm Scottish voices one never tires of listening to”. He was the 2004 Scots Trad Music Awards Songwriter of the Year and a 2008 nominee for Scots Trad Music’s Singer of the Year.  For seven years he was the front man for the legendary Scottish group the Old Blind Dogs. On Thursday November 19^th, Jim Malcolm brings his witty style and one-man show to the intimate setting of River House Inn in Ashe County for a special concert and dinner.

Jim Malcolm will be stopping in for this special evening as part of a tour that started in Austin, TX and ends in Alexandria, VA, and will feature a tribute to the music of Robert Burns, celebrating the 250^th anniversary of the poet’s birthday. With Jim’s sense of history and his lighthearted approach to the music, the evening will be a perfect blend of music, mirth and good food. Jim is hailed world-wide as one of Scotland’s best performers and is described as “utterly authentic yet completely modern and accessible.” Jim has been a featured artist in the past at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and appeals to a wide range of music enthusiast. To learn more about the artist visit www.jimmalcolm.com!

Of course whenever there is an event at River House you know it will be something special. When you combine River House’s top quality food and hospitality with an international recording artist, you know it will be an evening that you don’t want to miss.  Cost of the dinner (including gratuity) and concert is $50 per person and a cash bar will be provided. The evening starts at 6pm with a set by Jim, followed by dinner and then Jim’s tribute to Robert Burns. River House will also be featuring their “Wine Down Thursday” special. For more information and to make a reservation contact River House by calling 336-982-2109 or visit the web site, www.riverhousenc.com. Reservations are required and seating is limited. This special evening is being presented in association with Celtic Force Enterprises.

For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.

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For info on The High Country Host, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.

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August 14th from 5-8pm in beautiful downtown West Jefferson, NC!

Join the throngs of people who flock to historic downtown West Jefferson to visit the shops and galleries for an Open House beginning at 5 p.m. Free music, entertainment and refreshments will be served to “crawlers” and much merriment is guaranteed!

For more information, visit: www.ashechamber.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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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.

READ MORE!

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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Source: Jefferson Post

Ashe social studies teacher top in state

Post Photo/Jesse Campbell Social studies teacher Terry Williams will be around for students while he can still make a difference.

Williams has recently been chosen as this year’s recipient for the North Carolina Social Studies Teacher of the Year award. Each year, the North Carolina Council for Social Studies reviews peer recommendations in an attempt to choose the educator who has left the most profound impact on the lives of his or her students.

“I was just totally shocked when I found out,” said Williams who discovered that he had been selected for the award through a letter from the president of the governing council.

“It truly was a humbling experience for me,” he said.

Williams would later travel to Greensboro to accept the award on Feb. 13 and credits his success as an educator to the staff and administration he works with at Ashe County High School along with the support he has received from the school board and Superintendent Donnie Johnson.