This summer at Grandfather Mountain brings a brand new event, offering participants unique and new opportunities on the Mountain.  The First Annual Grandfather Mountain Campout July 27-29, is an all-weekend event hosted by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation.

During this campout, guests can spend up to three days and two nights camping in MacRae Meadows between organized events all over the Mountain.  Grandfather’s education and interpretive staff will be present in the camp area to assist novice campers, answer questions and even offer campfire treats and activities.  The campsite will be safe, cater to all levels of camping experience and welcomes families, couples, and solo adventurers throughout this weekend of wonder.

These opportunities are included in the price of registration: “Night Adventures,” “The Wonders of Bees” children’s program, a climate and weather program,  a tree and shrub walk and an orienteering workshop.  Also included in the registration price is “A Bug’s World” children’s program, a clouds and weather program,  a butterfly program, “Nature Near the Swinging Bridge” and several campfire and evening gatherings.  There are also additional, more in-depth activities like “Grandfather’s Attic Hike” and Behind the Scenes habitat tours, available at an additional charge.

Campout participants also get the added bonus of extended hours on Grandfather.  Campers receive access to the park’s overlooks, Woods Walk picnic area and walking trail and the Mile High Swinging Bridge in the morning starting 30 minutes prior to sunrise and in the evening from closing time to 30 minutes after sunrise, allowing for incredible and rare scenic photo opportunities.

Registration for the Grandfather Mountain Campout begins May 1 on www.grandfather.com.  Registration forms must be printed and mailed in.  Those who wish to resister for a guided hike and/or a Behind the Scenes Tour must be sure their registration is received by July 25.  Registration for the Campout must be received by July 27.

Campsites are $30 per night for participants or $25 per night for annual pass holders.  Admission to the park is not included in the campsite fee.  Those who attend multiple days of the campout should keep their admission receipt to receive discount admission into the park the following days of the event.  For questions about registration please call 828-733-4326.

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park sustainably in the public interest, provide an exceptional experience for guests, and inspire them to be good stewards of the earth’s resources.  For more information, visit www.grandfather.com or call 800-468-7325.

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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Appalachian State University’s Arts Management Organization (AMO) and the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts (TCVA) Community Outreach Program are working together to present the Annual Spring Draw-a-thon on Saturday, April 28 from 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.

The Spring Draw-a-thon is a free campus and community event that celebrates and promotes drawing, creativity, spontaneity and artistic collaboration. Students, professors and local artists (of all levels and ages) are invited to gather at TCVA, classroom 3200 to draw from life models during an all day event with the goal of creating a casual, fun atmosphere that is open to the curious novice, the devoted expert and every level in between. Participants are invited to be involved in the entire event or drop in as their schedule allows.

Attendees will have the option of drawing from live models (who will pose in rotation throughout the event) or working on personal sketches and drawing projects of their own designs. This event will include a special model session that will be “all audience friendly” with costumed models and a portrait drawing session on Saturday afternoon from 1– 3 p.m. A complete schedule can be found below.

To further promote and celebrate the vibrancy of our artistic community, these drawings will be put on temporary display in Appalachian State University’s Department of Art in Wey Hall. Email amo.asuart@gmail.com for more info.

Draw-a-thon Schedule
Saturday, April 28 from 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, classroom 3200

9 a.m.              Ceremonial “Kick off”
9:15 a.m.         Drawing begins! (breakfast from Mountain Bagels, Boone Bagelry, and AMO)
12 – 1 p.m.      Break for lunch
1 – 3 p.m.        “All Audience Friendly” Model Session (costumed models)
3 – 6 p.m.        Model Sessions
6 – 7 p.m.        Pizza Dinner (provided by Hungry Howie’s and AMO)
7 – 11 p.m.      Model Sessions
11 p.m.            Event wrap-up

Sponsors
Organizational and program support is being provided by AMO and the TCVA Community Outreach Program. Community sponsors include: Hungry Howie’s Pizza, Mountain Bagels, Boone Bagelry, Cheap Joes and Art Mart. Each of these local businesses has graciously donated food or supplies for the event. A special thanks, as well, to volunteer faculty members from Appalachian’s Department of Art.

About AMO
The Arts Management Organization is a university recognized club that seeks to promote professionalism and networking within the arts fields by increasing the awareness of the arts on Appalachian State University’s campus and in the community. For more information, please email amo.asuart@gmail.com or visit www.appamo.webs.com.

About TCVA
The Turchin Center is located at 423 West King St., in Boone, NC. Hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday, and Noon – 8pm, Friday. The center is closed Sunday and Monday and observes all university holidays. There is no admission charge, although donations are gratefully accepted. For additional details about the Turchin Center or the upcoming exhibition program, please call 828-262-3017 or visit www.tcva.org.

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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SUGAR MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT, NORTH CAROLINA Sugar Mountain Ski Resort in North Carolina opens tomorrow; Saturday, November 12, 2011 for skiing, snowboarding and ice skating. Snowmaking began Thursday, November 10th and continues. A manmade powder surface covers the Upper and Lower Flying Mile slopes. The Summit #1 Lift will be in operation to the 3/4′s station. Weekend lift/slope ticket prices will be $25 for a full-day session and $20 for a half-day session. For a real time look at the slopes through the live, streaming web cam please log on towww.skisugar.com/sugarlive.

Sugar’s 10,000 square foot outdoor ice rink also opens tomorrow. www.skisugar.com/skating Sessions are one hour and thirty minutes long and run from 10 am until 10 pm on Saturday. Sunday’s sessions will begin at 10 am and end after the 6 pm session. Ice skating tickets are $15 per session and include skate rental.

Sugar Mountain Sports Shop, located in the Base Lodge will open tomorrow for the season. It features the finest in winter apparel and footwear, quality gift items, and souvenirs.

For more information please call 800-SUGAR-MT or view our website www.skisugar.com for the latest slope and weather conditions. Historical opening and closing dates as well as recorded annual natural snowfall measurements can be found at www.skisugar.com/press/stats.

Also, visit www.skithehighcountry.com for more info on snow skiing in The NC High Country!

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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Celebrate Halloween with the creatures of the Grandfather Mountain Animal Habitats Saturday October 29th. Join in the first ever “Beary Scary Halloween” festivities and help the Mountain raise funds for renovations on Grandfather’s eagle habitat.

“We wanted to create a fun event that would give kids a chance to be more involved in the animals’ day and provide us with the opportunity to raise awareness about the improvements that we hope to make to our eagle habitat,” said Christie Tipton, habitat manager.

Halloween activities take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and are included with regular admission. Kids in costume will get in at half price.

The day begins at 10 a.m. with Halloween-themed crafts in the Nature Museum. At 10:30 a.m. kids can go trick or treating in the animal habitats, which will be decorated in mummy, werewolf, ghost and graveyard themes.

At 11 a.m. Naturalists will meet by the Mildred the Bear statue in the Nature Museum to lead an interactive program titled “Going Batty for Bats.” Participants will learn all about bats and their importance to the environment.

Prepare to be captivated by ghost stories at 11:30 a.m. in the Nature Museum Auditorium. Local storytellers Maggie Christenbury and Owen Gray will lead scary tales to thrill the whole family.

At 12:30 p.m. kids get a chance to compete in a costume contest and vote on their favorite costume worn by the animal habitat staff. Voting takes place in the Nature Museum lobby.

Immediately following the costume contest, guests have a unique opportunity to participate in the animal enrichments by decorating pumpkins and other treats that will later be given to the animals. An enrichment is anything different that can help to break up the animals’ day such as a scent, a new toy or a treat.

Join the Mountain’s Naturalists in the Nature Museum at 1 p.m. for the “Creepy, Crawly Critters!” program. Participants will learn about creatures of the night, creatures that bite and other spooky animals.

At 2 p.m. the Habitat Staff will begin the animal enrichments. Meet at the deer overlook to watch the animals enjoy their decorated treats.

The last of the day’s programming will take place in front of the fudge shop at 2:45 p.m. An “Owl Encounter” allows guests to meet and learn about the spooky night prowlers that can be found in the High Country.

Throughout the day guests can learn more about the eagle habitat, special programs offered by habitat staff and additional opportunities to get involved on the Mountain. For more information, contact the habitat staff at 828-733-8715.

Grandfather Mountain is a globally recognized nature preserve famous for its 360-degree vistas, native wildlife habitats and Mile High Swinging Bridge. The attraction is located on US Highway 221, two miles north of Linville, NC, and one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 305.

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park in the public interest and participate in educational research activities.

For more information phone 800-468-7325 or plan a trip at www.grandfather.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 Valle Crucis Punkin Festival marks its sixth year in 2011. It was founded in 2006 as a kid-friendly event tied to the harvest season. Although it is a small festival, it is big on fun – starting with the name. The organizers chose the name “simply because it’s a lot more fun than pumpkin.”

Kids are invited to participate in all kinds of old-fashioned games like Apple Bob (bobbing for apples hanging from a string), Hoop-La (can you hook the ring?), Punkin Sack Races (try to do that without laughing), and Dog Bowl In (get the ball to stay in one of the dog bowls). Everyone can get their face painted and enjoy food, of course. In addition, kids and their parents have an artistic outlet to carve their Jack ‘o Lanterns with no muss and no fuss. Festival volunteers “cut and gut” the pumpkins for you! Proceeds from the day go to the Western Youth Network (WYN), a non-profit group serving youth and families in Ashe, Avery, and Watauga Counties and the Valle Crucis Elementary School Parent Teacher Student Association. That leads right into one of the event’s theme: Carving for a Cause.

Kids will need a parental permission form completed in order to participate. Click HERE to download a PDF version and fill it out before the festival so you can join in the fun right away.

The festival is staffed by volunteers from WYN, Appalachian State University, Valle Crucis Elementary School, and the Mast General Store.

For more info, visit: http://www.punkinfestival.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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Howie Neufeld, Ph.D.
Professor of Plant Physiology
Appalachian State University

This has been an interesting week in the mountains. Beginning on Friday, the temperatures dropped, and the winds picked up.

Jesse Pope, chief naturalist up on Grandfather Mountain, reports that on Saturday winds reached 60 mph with gusts up to 74 mph.

Luckily, for most trees, they were still holding on to their leaves quite tightly, so even though some were blown off, most are still there, and if we don’t get more wind storms like that one, they should turn color quite nicely in the next two weeks.

READ THE ENTIRE REPORT

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

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The High Country Beer Fest is the annual celebration of great craft beer from around the region and the world. Come sample craft beers, club beers, and delicious food in the beautiful high country of North Carolina. Educational seminars will cover all aspects of beer, brewing, and pairing food and beer.

This is an educational event! While loads of fun, we ask that you please don’t drink and drive! $10 per ticket for Designated Drivers.

We provide a local taxi service, Tipsy Taxi, to drive you home in case there is any doubt about whether it is safe for you to drive.

High Mountain Expeditions offers a variety of outdoor activities including whitewater rafting, hiking, and caving. At High Mountain Expeditions there is an activity for every member of your group or family!

The High Country of Western North Carolina is one of the most biologically and geographically diverse regions in North America. Carved by some of the world’s oldest rivers, the Blue Ridge Mountains provides the perfect backdrop for some of the East Coast’s best hiking, caving, mountain biking, kayaking and whitewater rafting.

Please browse their web site to see a detailed list and descriptions of all the outdoor activities we offer. They can help you plan the perfect outdoor experience, so contact by email or call and speak to one of their reservation specialists today!

The team at High Mountain Expeditions invites you to join us in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains on one of their many outdoor adventures.

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

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July 23rd-24th: Banner Elk, NC

This celebratory arts and crafts show will be held near the Banner Elk Town Hall on Culver Street in beautiful downtown Banner Elk, NC.

This event will be patroned by seasonal residents, locals, and tourists visiting the high country of North Carolina to celebrate Banner Elk’s 100th anniversary of incorporation.

Banner Elk is situated within the High Country of North Carolina, which is home to numerous country clubs, resort communities, and seasonal tourist attractions.

This event is being promoted through the Town Hall and should have a great turnout. Get Directions

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

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Jan Karon, author of the best-selling Mitford books, lived in Blowing Rock when she began the series, and many places around the town will remind readers of familiar landmarks in the books. So the answer to the question, “Is Blowing Rock Mitford?” seems to be yes.

When Karon hosts Mitford Days June 2 – 4 in Blowing Rock, the question will certainly be answered. Karon will particpate in luncheons, lectures and interviews on Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4, and there will be Mitford-centered events all around town and at the Hayes Performing Arts Center during Mitford Days. 

Here are daily highlights of Mitford Days:

Thursday, June 2: Trolley Tours of Mitford; “An Evening with Father Tim,” readings of excerpts from the Mitford series, 7:30 p.m., Hayes Center, starring Stephen Ware, actor from the hit play “Journey to Mitford;” special offers from downtown merchants.

Friday, June 3: Trolley Tours of Mitford; Lecture with Karon, Hayes Center, 10:00 a.m.; luncheon with Karon, Chetola Resort, 11:30 a.m. (menu entirely from the Mitford Cookbook); “An Evening with Father Tim,” 7:30 p.m., Hayes Center (features a live interview with Karon); special offers from downtown merchants.

Saturday, June 4: Trolley Tours of Mitford; Lecture with Karon, Hayes Center, 10:00 a.m.; luncheon with Karon, Chetola Resort, 11:30 a.m.; “An Evening with Father Tim,” Hayes Center; special offers from downtown merchants.

For a full schedule of events and ticket prices, visit mitforddays.com or blowingrock.com.  For details about events at the Hayes Center, visit hayescenter.org.

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

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Source: High Country Mom Squad

Are we ready for Summer Camp yet? My kids are getting really excited about camps around Boone, NC! We’ve compiled a great list here to get you started looking for Summer opportunities for your kids! We have listed overnight camps, day camps, soccer camps, tennis camps, Parks and Rec camps, science camps, adventure camps, horse camps, and lots more for girls and boys!

This page will grow as more information comes in about 2011 Summer Camps. Please contact Sarah if you know of a camp, or would like yours listed. Premium Camp listings are available, contact Sarah@highcountrymomsquad.com to inquire.

For details, visit: http://www.highcountrymomsquad.com/summer-camp-for-kids-2011/

MAKOTO’S Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar is Celebrating 30 Years! 

Makoto’s has been serving the High Country since 1981 with traditional Japanese food and quality customer service.  Come out and enjoy a fantastic dining experience.

Watch as expert chefs perform their tableside culinary magic. Filet Mignon, Scallops, Shrimp and Ribeye Steaks prepared in their own incomparable way.

The service at Makoto’s is quite unique. You are served by both a chef and a waiter. Your food is cooked right at your table and served in an enjoyable Japanese tradition.

Makoto’s offers a rare combination of exceptional food prepared by expert (and entertaining) chefs in a relaxing atmosphere, all at reasonable prices. Enjoy the experience of Makoto’s.

For more, visit www.makotos-boone.com!

 North Carolina’s High Country, known as the Ski Capital of the South, is home to three premier resorts -  Appalachian Ski Mtn, Beech Mtn Resort and Sugar Mtn Resort. All are located within a 30-mile radius, making the High Country a favorite destination of families, couples and adventure-seekers. North Carolina has the highest mountains east of the Rockies and caters to skiers of all abilities. Away from the slopes, there’s plenty to see and do in Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk.

Visit: www.SkiTheHighCountry.com!

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

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High Country Host Visitor’s Center Holiday Open House!

Tuesday, December 7th from 10am - 4pm!

We are located at 1700 Blowing Rock Road, Boone, NC (Next to KFC)

Come and go and enjoy Holiday snacks with your High Country neighbors!

Please share in the Season of Giving by bringing an unwrapped child’s Christmas gift or a check made payable to Santa’s Toy Box!

No RSVP is required; all are welcome as 2010 comes to an end and we look forward to 2011 in the Beautiful High Country of North Carolina!

For more information contact The High Country Host at 1-828-264-1299!

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

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Win a one-night stay at the Inn at Crestwood in Boone, NC and 2 tickets to the Mountain Home Music concert!

Be the 75th person to answer this question correctly and you will WIN!  All answers need to be emailed to highcountrycontests@gmail.com to qualify!

Question: What North Carolina River located in the High Country is said to be named after an Indian princess who drowned herself after losing her lover?

The Winner gets a one-night stay at the Inn at Crestwood in Boone, NC and 2 tickets to the Mountain Home Music concert!

The Inn at Crestwood is nestled in the mountains of Boone, North Carolina.  Crestwood is definitely a place to come and relax and get-a-way from the daily grind.  Each guest room, suite and cottage at Crestwood is uniquely designed with the ultimate mountain experience in mind. They featuring private terraces, whirlpool baths, gas-log fireplaces; amenities such as afternoon wine & cheese, continental breakfast, turn down services and more. You can enjoy unforgettable panoramic views, distinctive dining, celebrated local art and relaxing spa services all in one harmonious setting.  For more information about the Inn at Crestwood visit their website: www.crestwoodnc.com 

Mountain Home Music holds concerts throughout the year featuring the tradition sounds of the area!  Musicians, dancers, storytellers and poets come together to delight you with sounds of Appalachian music. The Appalachian tradition includes Celtic, old-time, bluegrass, dulcimers and African American forms of artistic expression.  When you attend a Mountain Home Music concert, fun can be had by people of all ages, couples or families.  For more information about Mountain Home Music and upcoming events please visit their website: www.mountainhomemusic.com

Disclaimer:  The Mountain Home Music concert tickets are through September 2011.  You will need to call and make your reservation with Crestwood first to see if there is any availability for the evening of a Mountain Home Music Concert!

The Winner will be contacted via Email from High Country Host to get their contact information.  The Winner will be mailed the Give-A-Way Package!  Included in your package will be the Inn at Crestwood’s information and a Fall and Winter Schedule for the Mountain Home Music concerts!

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 West Jefferson and nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge, Mountain Aire is an established, public course offering 18 holes of well-maintained fairways, complimented by the natural, rugged beauty of the Appalachians.

In addition to offering a challenging round of mountain golf, Mountain Aire also “plays” the backdrop for a beautiful golf community called Fairway Ridge.

So whether you are simply interested in a great round of golf… or looking for a NC Golf Course Home, home site, townhome or Resort Living In Western North Carolina with spectacular views of the golf course and surrounding mountains, we invite you to browse our website to get more information. For tee times call the golf shop at (336) 877-4716 or book online.

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

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

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Late night skiing is available this winter in the High Country. Appalachian Ski Mtn. in Blowing Rock hosts nine Midnight Blast Weekends from now through February 20th.

On Fridays and Saturdays of these special weekends, night skiing begins at its usual 6 p.m. time, but stays open an extra two hours until midnight. Best of all, these extended hours are offered at no additional cost.

“With challenging economic times, people looking for a good value will discover that this is the best ticket value that we offer, at a time that is actually convenient,” said Appalachian Ski Mtn. General Manager Brad Moretz.

Appalachian is the only ski area in the Southeast region offering late-night skiing this winter.

For info, visit www.AppSkiMtn.com or call (828) 295-7828.

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

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Complete information on skiing and winter sports in the North Carolina High Country is just a mouse click away thanks to the re-launch of SkiTheHighCountry.com.

The redesigned and upgraded website now features everything skiers need to know about the High Country’s three ski resorts – Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort – as well as key info on the snow tubing park at Hawksnest Resort.

Visitors to SkiTheHighCountry.com can access live webcams for real-time conditions, view trail maps, check rates and hours of operations, receive details on ice skating, and browse accommodations. There’s also a dining guide and an overview of activities away from the slopes.

Photo galleries of each resort, featuring the work of award-winning photographer Todd Bush of Banner Elk, are included.

The site was created by Big Boom Design of Asheville and is produced and maintained by North Carolina High Country Host.

High Country Host is a tourism marketing organization that promotes travel to North Carolina’s High Country, a five-county region anchored by the popular towns of: Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Blowing Rock, Boone, Linville, Sparta, West Jefferson and Wilkesboro.

To view the new site, go online to www.SkiTheHighCountry.com.

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

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Tourists interested in the North Carolina High Country have a dynamic new resource for visitor info thanks to a redesign and upgrade of High Country Host’s website, www.MountainsofNC.com.

The new site contains information on lodging, attractions, festivals, shopping, restaurants, heritage events and outdoors activities. There is also a blog, calendar of events, a section for specials & deals, High Country maps and a downloadable vacation planner.

“This new site pulls together all the key information visitors need to plan a trip to the High Country,” says Millie Barbee, executive director of High Country Host. “And, it is user-friendly. There are multiple ways to navigate the site to quickly find what you’re looking for.”

This new site was created by Big Boom Design of Asheville, using a Joomla platform. It incorporates the latest in website technology, including advanced search engine optimization.

“Our desire was to build a site that’s easy to navigate and brings as much information above the fold and to the surface as possible,” said Boomer Sassmann of Big Boom Design. “It’s a well organized second-generation website that also incorporates social media aspects such as YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and Flickr.”

The look and feel of the website will change quarterly to match the four distinct seasons that draw visitors to the High Country.

“If this were a traditionally built  website, we wouldn’t be able to do that,” Sassmann says, “but because of this Joomla content management system, it is easy to change the look without altering the content.”

To view the new site, go online to www.MountainsofNC.com.

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Don’t just take our word for it. Hear what others are saying about the benefits of joining The High Country Host…

“High Country Host does an excellent job of attracting visitors to our area through its marketing. Just as importantly, they do a great job of helping our visitors find lodging, shops, places to eat, and things to do to make their visit a success. Happy customers come back and they also tell their friends to come. All types of businesses need to be part of HCH’s marketing and service efforts.”
-Harris Prevost
Grandfather Mountain

“High Country Host’s ongoing efforts to attract visitors to our area has been remarkable. Through the creation and distribution of a resourceful guidebook, to the development of and continued achievements in the High Country Host website, to co-op advertising and joint marketing opportunities, Chetola enjoys the continued benefits of our marketing partnership with High Country Host.”
-Kent Tarbutton, Proprietor
Marcia Field, Marketing Director
Chetola Mountain Resort

“We are thoroughly satisfied members of High Country Host. Your organization far outshines any other similar service in Boone in promoting our bed & breakfast to visitors. As far as we’re concerned, we cannot afford NOT to be members! Thank you and your excellent staff for serving us since 1997.”
The Baird House
-Tom & Deede Hinson

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

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The High Country Host now has its own YouTube Channel!

To see more High Country Videos, please visit: youtube.com/nchighcountry

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

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A familiar face has returned to the North Carolina High Country Host.
 
Millie Barbee, the Host’s executive director from 1994-2000, was named to that post for a second time on Oct. 1.
 
Barbee retired from the Hickory CVB three years ago and was residing in West Jefferson when this opportunity presented itself. She will continue living in West Jefferson as she assumes the role held most recently by Karin Moss, who is now executive director of the Dale Earnhardt Foundation in Mooresville.
 
“I love being back,” Barbee said. “I always stayed in close touch with the organization and I have a great love for the High Country.”
 
Barbee will work three days a week. Her main priority will be to guide the tourism marketing organization through a restructuring brought on by the economic downturn.
 
“It is wonderful to be able to turn to Millie as we navigate these tough times,” said Jerry Lamonds, president of High Country Host. “She has experience in the job and a history of building consensus among our members. This is positive news as we begin to shine the spotlight on High Country tourism for the coming year.”
 
Looking ahead, Barbee plans to continue many primary functions of the Host, including producing an annual visitors guide, maintaining a website for tourist information, operating the visitor center in Boone and working with area TDAs and chambers of commerce on advertising and marketing initiatives aimed at travelers. Barbee will also be involved with next year’s 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway and its marketing opportunities for the High Country.
 
“With the cooperation of the chambers and the TDAs, we have a wonderful opportunity to move forward in creative ways,” Barbee said. “There is such a wealth of knowledge in the tourism industry here. We have a lot of experience we can bring together to chart new directions.”
 
Barbee said it is important to promote all aspects of the High Country tourism industry, including: lodging, shopping, restaurants, attractions, festivals, events, retail and outdoor fun.
 
“We’re seeing the early signs of improvement in the industry,” she said. “I think we’re at a turning point, but marketing has to be continuous. Our competition is strong.”
 
For info on High Country Host, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.

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Grab your beer stein, put on your lederhosen and head to Sugar Mountain Resort for the 19th annual Oktoberfest celebration Saturday & Sunday, October 10 & 11, 2009. The weekend is packed with activities from 10:00am until 5:00pm. Admission and parking are free!

Over 40 artisan’s and craftspeople open their stands at 10:00am each day. A sampling of this year’s vendors include: chair canning, wooden toys, oil paintings, stain glass, handmade furniture, dolls, copper art, ceramics, honey, beeswax candles, bird houses, and much more.

Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage and a panoramic view of the surrounding area from the mile and a half long chairlift ride to Sugar’s 5,300 ft peak. Everyone, even mountain bikers are welcome to ride the lift.

The children’s activity center, located in the Ski School Play Yard will keep the young ones entertained each day from noon until 4:00pm. A $7 fee per child/per day includes hay rides, a chance to meet Sugar Bear and Sweetie Bear and several Airwalk stations. Cotton candy, popcorn, caramel apples, homemade cookies and drinks are also available in the children’s activity center. All ages are welcome to participate.

An Oktoberfest isn’t complete without the sounds of an Oom Pah Band. From noon until 4:00pm both Saturday & Sunday the Harbour Towne Fest Band, guarantees to bring the sounds, dances and enthusiasm of Bavaria to Sugar Mountain. The 15 piece band will enthusiastically play the sounds of Germany’s Bavaria!

Bavarian cuisine, including Bratwurst, Knackwurst, German Potato Salad, Sauerkraut and pretzels will be available starting at 11:00am both Saturday & Sunday. To help wash it down, an ample supply of authentic Bavarian beverages will be flowing all weekend long. If Bavarian cuisine’s not your preference; hot dogs, hamburgers, soda, cotton candy, kettle corn, caramel apples, and other festive foods will be on hand.

Rain or shine, the festival will go on! For additional information, please call Sugar Mountain Resort’s administrative office at: (828) 898-4521.

ARTS & CRAFTS
Local artisans and craftsmen will show their wares at the ninteenth Sugar Mountain Oktoberfest, on the Sugar Mountain ski area grounds, October 10 & 11, 2009. A wide variety of items from food to ironworks will be available for purchase to the public. Vendors interested in obtaining a booth should contact the Sugar Mountain administration office at (828) 898-4521. The two-day fee for a 12′ by 12′ display area is $90. The festivities will run from 10:00am ’til 5:00pm Saturday & Sunday

Grab your beer stein, put on your lederhosen and head to Sugar Mountain Resort for the 19th annual Oktoberfest celebration Saturday & Sunday, October 10 & 11, 2009. The weekend is packed with activities from 10:00am until 5:00pm. Admission and parking are free!

Over 40 artisan’s and craftspeople open their stands at 10:00am each day. A sampling of this year’s vendors include: chair canning, wooden toys, oil paintings, stain glass, handmade furniture, dolls, copper art, ceramics, honey, beeswax candles, bird houses, and much more.

Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage and a panoramic view of the surrounding area from the mile and a half long chairlift ride to Sugar’s 5,300 ft peak. Everyone, even mountain bikers are welcome to ride the lift.

The children’s activity center, located in the Ski School Play Yard will keep the young ones entertained each day from noon until 4:00pm. A $7 fee per child/per day includes hay rides, a chance to meet Sugar Bear and Sweetie Bear and several Airwalk stations. Cotton candy, popcorn, caramel apples, homemade cookies and drinks are also available in the children’s activity center. All ages are welcome to participate.

An Oktoberfest isn’t complete without the sounds of an Oom Pah Band. From noon until 4:00pm both Saturday & Sunday the Harbour Towne Fest Band, guarantees to bring the sounds, dances and enthusiasm of Bavaria to Sugar Mountain. The 15 piece band will enthusiastically play the sounds of Germany’s Bavaria!

Bavarian cuisine, including Bratwurst, Knackwurst, German Potato Salad, Sauerkraut and pretzels will be available starting at 11:00am both Saturday & Sunday. To help wash it down, an ample supply of authentic Bavarian beverages will be flowing all weekend long. If Bavarian cuisine’s not your preference; hot dogs, hamburgers, soda, cotton candy, kettle corn, caramel apples, and other festive foods will be on hand.

Rain or shine, the festival will go on! For additional information, please call Sugar Mountain Resort’s administrative office at: (828) 898-4521.

ARTS & CRAFTS
Local artisans and craftsmen will show their wares at the ninteenth Sugar Mountain Oktoberfest, on the Sugar Mountain ski area grounds, October 10 & 11, 2009. A wide variety of items from food to ironworks will be available for purchase to the public. Vendors interested in obtaining a booth should contact the Sugar Mountain administration office at (828) 898-4521. The two-day fee for a 12′ by 12′ display area is $90. The festivities will run from 10:00am ’til 5:00pm Saturday & Sunday

For more information, please visit: http://www.skisugar.com/oktoberfest

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

Stay Connected!