Start and end your holiday gift shopping in one day! The Fall Boone Handmade Market will be held at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts on December 4, 2011 from 1-5 p.m. This event is presented by the Arts Management Organization (AMO), an active Appalachian student club and is sponsored by Appalachian State University’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts. Over ninety emerging and established artists of the High Country will be selling their locally homemade goods at this indoor arts market.

These local artists will be selling everything handmade from delicious sweet treats to jewelry, sculpture, pottery, various arts and crafts and more. This is a great opportunity to support your community, buy locally and add unique handmade gifts to your holiday shopping list! All vendors accept cash and checks and some of the vendors are able to able to accept credit cards. This event not only supports the High Country’s local art scene, but acts as the club’s main fundraiser to support similar art events that the club hosts on campus and around town.

VENDOR LIST

(as of November 10, 2011)

· A Little Art Here, A Little Art There (Sara Zagar)

· æTanner Photography (Ashley Tanner)

· after emily (Nikki Burris)

· Angelique Designs (Angi Covington)

· Apotheosis Herbal (Sara Leverett)

· Appalachian Mountain Knits (Merima Friedman)

· Aquarian Gems (Francine Barr)

· arudegirl (Susan Westphal)

· Bee Kind Family Farm (Jaime Cool)

· Bentley Originals (Teresa Bentley)

· Blue Ridge Botanicals (Lindsay Dicker)

· Bluebird Knits (Jill Maynard)

· Brookdell (Constance Dellinger-Brooks)

· By Meleah (Meleah Printz)

· Caffaknitted Designs (Katie Boyette)

· Caravan Botanicals (Jaimee Smith)

· Cathey Purvey (Cathey Purvey)

· Catwalk Pottery (Loretta Link)

· Celtic Dolphin Studios (Darla Sargeant)

· Cloister Honey (Sarah Young)

· Creations b y Sheila (Sheila Eckard)

· Critter Crafts – Spay-Neuter Committee Watauga Humane Society (Amy Carson)

· Dandy Dots (Catharine Milner)

· DogsKin Studio (John Peters)

· Elkland Art Center (Lexie Danner)

· Fatlighter Woodworks & MillerMark Pens (Gary Michael Barker)

· Fig and Honey/Hoopla Hoops (Anna Johnson)

· Finders Keepers (Brittne L. Cope)

· Fireflies (Jordan Stokes)

· FireWorx Pottery (Mark Murrey)

· Full Harbor and Fallow Fleet (Austin Saylor)

· Glendora’s Box (Glenda Stewart)

· Ineke’s Textural Expressions (Ineke Thomas)

· Jacob Ford Ceramics (Jacob Ford)

· JL Merrill Metalworks (Julie Louise Merrill)

· KAL Asymmetry Glassworks and Knitworks (Kelly Loughlin)

· Lauragami (Laura Miller)

· Layne Quilts A Little (Mareva Layne McDaniel)

· Leather & Copper (Chelsea Brendle)

· lovely Crafts (Doreen Cox)

· Luna Fae Designs (Brenda Jackson)

· Meg Parker (Meg Parker)

· Mountain Knit Wit and Candles (Mary Ferrell)

· National Art Education Association Student Chapter (Elizabeth Lauer)

· One+Tutu (Pamela D Allen)

· Outcasts & Exiles (Thomas Andrew Edmonds)

· Owl Handmade (Lindsey Sutphin)

· Payton-Alexis (Payton Brown)

· Pika Mountain (Torrey Tye)

· Poco Piu Mosso (Lindsay Scarborough)

· RagBags (Pam Washer)

· ReflectSpirit: Healing Art for Sustainable Wellness (Maloo Murrey)

· Salt Designs (Leanne Salt)

· Salvage Garden (Rebekah Epling)

· Shed Studios (Jonathan Smith)

· Sign Language (Sherry Markovitch)

· Silver & Stones (Judy Goodwin)

· Simple Bright Moon (Abby White)

· Southern Charms Jewelry (Laura Beth Surber)

· Tea and Leaf (William Mitro)

· The Quilting Biddys (BR Hoffman & Barb Elyea)

· Thompson Pottery (Brandon Thompson)

· Traveling Troubadour (Cody Maddox)

· Tyler Deal Artwork (Tyler Deal)

· Wild Creation (Anna Casebere)

· Windwalker Mountain Handcrafts (Dana Cox)

· Yellowfin Jewelry (Marta Toran)

· Alexandra Bradley

· Amber C. Brown

· Amber M. Dillingham

· Beck Long

· Courtney Evers

· Don Haywood

· Elizabeth Skinner

· Emily Meisner

· Emily Vanderlinden

· Gail Pillars

· Janes Richard Foley

· Joseph Duffer

· Justin Leitner

· Kathryn Copley

· Kelley Wolcott & Marty McCormick

· Laura Arbogast

· Lauren Bennett

· Marybeth R. Whalen

· Meagan O’Connor

· Megan Goble

· Samantha Jeanne McCalip

· Shelly Crandall

· Tiffany Christian

AMO’s Mission

The Arts Management Organization seeks to promote professionalism and networking within arts fields by increasing the awareness of the arts on Appalachian State University’s campus and in the community. This organization is open to Appalachian State University students and community members inspired by the arts and other expressive forms. Members seek to enrich the knowledge and appreciation of the arts for all who are involved.  The objectives of AMO are: to create an environment in which to learn and shareprofessional practices; to enhance the lives of artists and students by promoting all forms of art within Appalachian State University and surrounding community by providing opportunities; to provide educational opportunities for participating students; and to create lasting partnerships with other campus organizations.

About the Turchin Center

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 – 8 p.m., Friday. The Turchin 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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November 25th, 2011, Memorial Park, 828-295-5222

Join us for the Downtown Boone Art Crawl on the first Friday of every month!
Shop, mingle and meet local artists from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at our shops and galleries and stay late for live music, food and drinks at one of our many fine restaurants.

For more info and to download a brochure, visit: http://boone-nc.org/artcrawl2011

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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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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The first hints of autumn are in the air and Grandfather Mountain is preparing for the vibrant colors that are sure to follow.  In an effort to help visitors experience all of the beauty that the High Country has to offer, Grandfather Mountain provides many opportunities for guests to learn more about the amazing transformation that overtakes the forest in fall.

“We are seeing lots of color change already for this early in September. The trees are looking healthy with lots of leaves, so I’m very optimistic that this will be a good season,” said Director of Education Jesse Pope. “The peak viewing time in the higher elevations will likely be around the first two weeks in October.”

Grandfather Mountain has ideal conditions for leaf looking due to a wide range in elevation, which allows visitors to see the changing leaves over a greater number of weeks.  On the weekends of October 8-9 and October 15-16 Grandfather’s Interpretive Rangers and Naturalists will offer “The Colors of Grandfather” guided walks at 1 p.m. These hikes will lead guests through woodlands populated by many different species of hardwoods, provide an opportunity to learn more about the phenomenon of leaf change, and answer questions about Grandfather’s unique ecosystem.

Grandfather is a great destination for leaf looking, not only because its high peaks are a good vantage point for looking out across the color on the hillsides below, but because the mountain hosts such a tremendous variety of plant life.

In addition to the planned programming inside the park in October, fresh fall color photos are posted daily throughout the month on the Mountain’s website, Facebook page and Twitter account. These postings include up-to-date reports on leaf looking conditions, helpful tips for visiting the area in fall and the best routes for finding the brightest trees.

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

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

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

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For more information, visit http://tweetsie.com!

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 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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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.

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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.

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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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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.

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Sarah Pinnix is a highly sought after blogger, speaker, social media expert and founder of HighCountryMomSquad.com and RealLifeBlog.net. Sarah and her team are gearing up for yet a fourth round of “Talk of the Town” Social Media Marketing Workshops…to be held once again at The Broyhill Inn & Conference Center on the campus of ASU.

The series will kick off with a FREE introductory session on Tuesday, March 15th at 9am. The first three rounds were huge successes where local & area businesses came to the workshops and learned how to effectively use social media to promote their products and services.

Doug Uzelac, General Manager of The Broyhill Inn & Conference Center and host of the workshop series states, “Social Media Marketing is such a fast growing segment and it is the Broyhill Inn’s pleasure to be to be able to host these very informative sessions.  I would greatly recommend folks that have an interest in increasing their social media knowledge to attend.”

Vicki Stevens, Marketing Manager for the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System adds, “The Talk of the Town series provided phenomenal insight to the world of social media and assisted our organization in establishing a new presence with our audience. I highly recommend the series!”

Mast General Store also comments, “The Talk of the Town Series helped us understand the power of social media and how we might use it to start a conversation with our customers. We found the interaction with Sarah, Boomer, and Scott to be informative and refreshing and also enjoyed brainstorming ideas with our fellow classmates. Our Facebook page has grown by leaps and bounds – surpassing all of our expectations, and it is a ready resource to convey timely happenings.”

Barbara Kelley from My Sister’s Kitchen adds, “Attending the social media workshops put on by Talk of the Town has been the most worthwhile professional development time I’ve spent all year. Each session was practical, hands-on, and relevant; Sarah, Scott and Boomer taught me exactly what I needed to know. Before I ever left the Broyhill Inn after each session, I was able to implement what I’d learned — on my own computer for my own website. I can already see a significant up-tick in traffic to my website as a result of utilizing what I’ve learned during these last six months. Thanks so much!”

These workshops cover such hot-button topics as Website Design & Development, Search Engines, Blogging, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Analytics and much more.

Success stories abound as attendee, Mast General Store has over 11,000 people on their Facebook page. Also, The NC Christmas Tree Association is experiencing online traffic growth on their site and the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System is setting up multiple Facebook pages, writing social media policies and growing followers on Twitter.

Learn more about Sarah Pinnix and her team of coaches and speakers at the workshop series. Visit: http://www.talkofthetownworkshop.com/speakers-and-coaches

For more information and to register for the upcoming sessions, please visit: http://www.talkofthetownworkshop.com/workshop-dates/

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

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King St., between Hardin St. (Dan’l Boone Inn) and Water St. (county courthouse)

(Lineup is at 9am at Horn in the West; parade starts at 1oam).

Note: several municipal parking areas in town provide ample one-hour parking, with metered spaces available on Queen St.

Downtown Boone Development Association Mission Statement

The mission of the association is to improve the Municipal Service District of Boone by encouraging property owners to maintain, improve and beautify downtown; providing more cultural events; promoting “smart commercial development”; encouraging transportation and parking improvements; and encouraging greater involvement of all property owners, professionals, and stakeholders in the district.

Funding for the DBDA comes from two major sources; taxation and private funding. Visit: http://boone-nc.org/

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

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Mandie and the Cherokee Treasure Premieres in Blowing Rock!

After filming at locations throughout the High Country, including Tweetsie Railroad, Mandie and the Cherokee Treasure will premiere at Blowing Rock School on November 6 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Approximately one third of the motion picture, which is based on the popular Mandie children’s book series, was filmed at Tweetsie Railroad in April 2010 including scenes in the park’s Old West Town and Tweetsie’s historic steam engine No. 12.  Set at the turn-of-the-century, the movie is filled with rich history about Mandie’s Cherokee Indian heritage and life in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, which made Tweetsie Railroad an ideal setting.

“There were several reasons we chose to film at Tweetsie Railroad,” stated Joy Chapman, one of the film’s producers.  “Tweetsie offered so much that fit in perfectly with the Mandie stories including the scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the authentic Main Street and an early 1900’s steam locomotive.  In addition, the Mandie book series is geared towards children and perfect for family reading, and it doesn’t get more family-friendly than Tweetsie Railroad!” 

Several of the film’s stars will attend the November 6 premiere which benefits Blowing Rock C.A.R.E.S., a non-profit organization helping local families in need of food, non-perishable items and clothing.  Attendees are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items.  Tickets are available for purchase at Blowing Rock School (828-295-3204) for $8 each.

Both the first movie in the Mandie series, Mandie and the Secret Tunnel, and Mandie and the Cherokee Treasure will be available for purchase at the premiere, and drawings will be held to win autographed photos of the film’s cast, including Lexi Johnson as Mandie. 

The Mandie books, authored by the late author Lois Gladys Leppard, have been charming the hearts of young readers for almost 20 years and over seven million copies are in print.

Check out the website at: http://www.mandieandthecherokeetreasure.com

For the 33rd year the town of Banner Elk has welcomed both old and new friends to the annual Woolly Worm Festival.

This family event co-hosted by the Avery County Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Organization of Banner Elk welcomes more than 23,000 people to the community to make family memories and also to win the prestigious title of predicting the High Country weather and the chance to win the $1000 bounty.

Visit: http://www.woollyworm.com

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

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Get the feeling you’re not in Carolina anymore when the old Land of Oz theme park springs to life this fall for the annual Autumn at Oz celebration.

The 17th edition of Autumn at Oz takes place Oct. 2-3 atop Beech Mountain in the High Country of North Carolina.

Over the years, visitors from near and far have made pilgrimages to see the wizard and take a leisurely stroll with their favorite characters along the park’s iconic yellow brick road.

Autumn at Oz begins with a hayride or shuttle from the Town of Beech Mountain up to the enchanted forest. Once there, attendees are treated to live music, a tour of Dorothy’s House, a mini Oz museum, dance troupes, souvenir vendors and face painting. A highlight for many is the panoramic view from the Judy Garland Memorial Overlook Gazebo, from which they follow, follow, follow the 44,000 yellow bricks that wind around the mountaintop.

Along the way, there are visits with the Tin Man, Dorothy, Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, Professor Marvel, Auntie Em, Uncle Henry, Glinda the Good Witch and the Wizard. The Wicked Witch of the West is also on hand with her Winkie guards and flying monkeys.

“We encourage fans of all ages to come dressed as their favorite Oz character and enjoy a nostalgic stroll through this unique place in time,” says event coordinator Cindy Keller.

The top of Beech Mountain, at 5,506 feet, is an ideal place to venture over the rainbow. Its rock outcroppings and gnarly, windswept trees inspired the creation of the Land of Oz theme park, which operated from 1970-1980.

“The elevation and elements have provided us an environment unlike any other,” Keller says. “We have huge boulders, ancient trees and giant ferns. It really is an enchanted forest.”

Autumn at Oz has three sessions daily. The sessions are at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Tickets are $16.50 in advance and $20 at the event, if not sold out. Advance tickets are available online, and total ticket sales will be limited this year for the first time ever.

Children age 2 and under are admitted free, and the property is not wheelchair accessible or accommodating to large strollers.

Discount tickets are available to nearby Grandfather Mountain, and folks are encouraged to stay on Beech Mountain and make a weekend of it.

For info or tickets, call (800) 468-5506, or visit: http://www.autumnatoz.com.

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Art in the Park was created in 1962 by a handful of area artists and craftspeople to showcase local talent. 46 years after its start, Art in the Park is host to 90 artisans at each show. Some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting and more.

Art in the Park’s high standards and professional jury attract artisans from all over the Southeast to exhibit in a series of six shows, May through October. The quality of work exhibited draws thousands to the mountains each month.

Art in the Park is planned and administered by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber emphasizes the arts focus of this event. The town and area businesses are enthusiastic and participate with Art in the Park, and the public eagerly anticipates each season.

For more information, visit: http://www.blowingrock.com/artinthepark

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

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3rd Annual High Country Beer Fest

Labor Day Weekend
Saturday, September 4th, 2010
3pm – 7pm

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.

The music line-up for the 2010 Beerfest is coming together. Get ready to hear these great local bands:

• Whiskey Smugglers
• Swift Science
• Henhouse Thieves
• Soul Benefactor 
For more information, please visit http://www.hcbeerfest.com or http://www.broyhillinn.com/events/beer

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

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

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