Horn in the West Celebrates 60 years!
This weeking June 17, 18 and 19 marks the beginning of the 60th consecuvtive season of the nation’s oldest Revolutionary War drama, “Horn in the West” it will rune from June 17 through August 13 – opend everyday but Mondays with gates opening at 7:30. First weekend those who live in Watauga County get their tickets for $6 each!
On April the 11th, 2001, Dr. Kermit Hunter passed away in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Hunter wrote the script for “Horn in the West” as well as forty other historical productions. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he wrote “Unto These Hills” as his Master’s Thesis under Dr. Paul Greene.
He had been working on a script titled “Wilderness Road” and when asked to write a script for the Boone area, adapted that one into “Horn in the West.”
Dr. Hunter was an eloquent spokesman for the outdoor drama art form. He was an accomplished musician who attended the Julliard School of Music and often composed the scores for his shows. He was also an accomplished indoor theatre playwright and poet. His voice and support of the uniquely American art form that is outdoor drama will be missed dearly. Over 1.4 million people have seen Horn in the West since it opened in 1952. We now have the privilege of keeping Dr. Hunter’s words alive for generations to come.
Don’t miss this amazing outdoor theatre! An establishment and tradition in The High Country!
To learn more, visit: http://www.horninthewest.com/
For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.
Stay Connected!
Beech Mtn Resort to Host USA Cycling’s Mountain Bike National Championships in 2011 & ’12
Beech Mountain Resort has been named host for the 2011 USA Cycling Mountain Bike Gravity National Championships, Sept. 22-25 2011. The popular North Carolina High Country resort has also been awarded the 2012 championship, and is the first resort in the South to host the event. “Beech Mountain Resort realizes the increased popularity in cycling, and the demand for a facility with lift access,” says Ryan Costin, general manager of Beech Mountain Resort, “We are pleased to host Gravity Nationals, while also producing a facility for all Mountain Bike Enthusiast.”The resort will begin construction of the facility in preparation for the championships, which will bring mountain bikers from around the country to the area.
Brevard native Christopher Herndon, 2007 Dual Slalom National Champion, and a Southeast leader in course design, will oversee construction. “We feel confident that Christopher Herndon will design a unique facility ensuring that Beech Mountain Resort will produce an innovative product,” says Costin. Beech Mountain Resort will offer a world-class venue for competitors in a spectator-friendly atmosphere, filled with plenty of family-friendly activities.
Beech Mountain Resort is excited to share this event with the Western North Carolina community, and will soon provide local cyclists with a mountain bike destination in their backyard.
“There is a lot of untapped terrain on Beech Mountain, ultimately providing a unique facility for Gravity Nationals,” said Shaw Brown of Boone Bike and Touring. “We are thrilled Beech is producing a legitimate Mountain Bike facility in the southeast.”
Michael Thomas, a Boone resident and 2008 and 2009 collegiate downhill champion, said: “This will be the first time that the National Championships have ever been held in the South, and it’s a big step forward in the progression of downhill racing here. We have great mountains to ride in, but actual downhill specific trails to ride on have been very limited until now.”
For more info, visit http://www.skibeech.com/
For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.
Stay Connected!
Blowing Rock! The State’s Prettiest Small Town Blooms with June Gardening Events!
June is one of the loveliest, most verdant months in North Carolina’s Prettiest Small Town, and the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce has organized three weeks of garden-oriented events and activities in and around the town to take advantage of nature’s floral bounties.
Gardening Month runs from Sunday, June 12 through Tuesday, June 28, with garden tours, nature walks, seminars, lectures, luncheons, teas, demonstrations and more taking place on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays in that three-week period. Lovers of all things floral who want to avoid the weekend crowds of high-season visitors can come and stay for two or three days and take in Gardening Month events and the local surroundings at a more leisurely pace.
For more information about the many events and activities during Gardening Month in Blowing Rock, visit blowingrock.com/GardeningMonth.htm or call the Visitor Center at 877.750.4636. Tickets for all events may be purchased through the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce at 828.295.7851.
Visit: http://www.visitblowingrock.com
For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.
Stay Connected!
Is Blowing Rock Mitford? Find Out at Mitford Days June 2-4!
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.
Stay Connected!
Craft Enrichment at Appalachian State
Summer Craft Enrichment classes are now enrolling, and the 2011 summer series offers something for everyone. Are you already in the High Country for the summer, and ready to get out and make new connections? Classes in pottery, fiber spinning, and stain glass start in the next few weeks.
Are you a High Country weekend visitor? Beginning in June, you can take Saturday classes in stain glass, glass fusing, or sewing. There are also pottery day and evening classes in June and July, and evening classes in jewelry, quilting, drawing, and painting. There is even a four day mosaics class in August… really, there is a class to fit every schedule!
Whether you are an advanced student or someone who wants to get started on a new hobby, these lively and creative classes are energizing. You will learn alongside fellow artists-at-heart, and have time to explore your creative self while you see where an idea leads. Small classes provide individual attention from faculty who are dedicated professionals, both as teachers and craft artists.
Interested? You can read more about all our summer classes at www.craftenrichment.com!
For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.
Stay Connected!
Frasers in West Jefferson! Your small town place with a big city taste!
Welcome to FRASERS!
Long before the first menu was written or the first lunch was prepared, many hours went into the planning of your dining experience.
In remodeling, we focused on preservation of as much of the original integrity of the 1940′s building as possible. The original tin ceiling and hardwood floors were saved. In Frasers Pub, the brick columns that support the steel roof spans were discovered under layers of plaster and drywall.
The natural wood used throughout the dining room is hemlock, grown and milled right in Ashe County. Much attention went into the details during remodeling.
Frasers Restaurant is located in the beautiful town of West Jefferson, nestled in the mountains of Northwest North Carolina. Our lunches feature fresh gourmet soups, robust salads, signature sandwiches and burgers served on freshly baked buns and breads.
Dinner menu selections include nightly fresh seafood specials, perfectly aged steaks, chicken and pasta creations, appetizers and delicious desserts. Frasers also offers a distinctive wine list, a variety of beers and your favorite mixed drinks in both the restaurant and pub.
For more info, visit: http://www.frasersrestaurant.com/
For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.
Stay Connected!
It’s a Mystery!
Mystery Hill – Each year, for over 50 years, guests come from all over the world and the United States to visit Mystery Hill. They are all compelled to come for various reasons; “My mother came here as a child,” “I remember coming here with my Grandfather,” “I drove by this place and just had to come and see what the mystery really was,” “I just can’t get this place out of my mind.” No matter what the reason, they come back time and time again, bringing relatives and friends to experience the mystery of our “crooked house.” People do remember the remarkable defiance of gravity, where you can see a ball roll uphill, and where folks are pulled from an upright position to an uncanny standing angle of nearly 45°. This strange phenomenon has been amusing and puzzling visitors to Mystery Hill for generations. Since there is a variety of things to see and do, no one leaves disappointed. Mystery is a family oriented “edutainment” center that offers fun for children ages 2 to 102. We welcome you to join us at any time of the year.
To Learn More, Visit: http://www.mysteryhill-nc.com/
To request a free High Country vacation guide, call (800) 438-7500 or go online to: www.MountainsofNC.com.
NC’s Only Show Cavern – Linville Caverns!
Located at the southern gateway to western NC’s High Country region, Linville Caverns is an ideal destination for visitors of all ages. The beauty of our mountains is echoed within Humpback Mountain and visitors are invited to explore the splendor and wonders nature created “inside a mountain”.
Linville Caverns was opened for public touring in 1937. Since that time many upgrades to the pathways and lighting system have enhanced the safe touring experience that now exists. Courteous and experienced guides take you into the subterranean world, giving you the history of the caverns and allowing you to view the grand work of nature. We invite you to visit often and experience the beauty of these age-old mountains from the inside
Visit: LinvilleCaverns.com!
For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.
Stay Connected!
Winter Sports in The High Country!
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.
Stay Connected!
Your Christmas Tree is waiting for you!
North Carolina ranks second in the nation in live Christmas tree production. Here in the North Carolina High Country it is truly an electrifying time of the year! There are thousands of acres of Christmas trees. Sure there’s holly and mistletoe but a Christmas tree is a must have during the holiday season! Christmas trees bring happiness and cheer to the faces of children throughout the nation. Maybe its time to start your family tradition, after all, the holiday season is quickly approaching!
The Watauga County Christmas Tree Association helps promote and educate the public about Christmas trees and their local growers. They also work closely with the Choose & Cut tree farmers to ensure top-quality products and a wonderful experience for their customers. Christmas tree farms send their trees throughout the Carolinas for purchase each year and also have individual sales through their Choose & Cut programs!
There are twenty-nine Choose & Cut farms in Watauga County. Each Choose & Cut Christmas tree farm is a little different. All twenty-nine Choose & Cut farms provide Fraser Fir Christmas trees and a select few provide Canaan Fir and White Pine Fir Christmas trees. If you are planning to decorate with garland or wreaths this holiday you can find these items and even a few Christmas shops at some Watauga County Choose & Cut farms. Some farms have put the idea of family first into your Christmas tree hunt experience by having animals, hayrides, sled and pony rides! For more information, or if you have any questions about the Watauga County Christmas Tree Association, please contact them at 828-264-3061
READ THE ENTIRE PRESS RELEASE!
For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.
Stay Connected!
Recent Comments