Mount Jefferson State Natural Area October Programs
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 2nd 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 15th
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 16th 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 22rd
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 2nd 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 29th
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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New River State Park – October Programs!
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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Grandfather Mountain Predicts Stunning Fall Color!
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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Tweetsie’s “Ghost Train” Begins September 30th!
For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.
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2011 RailFan Weekend at Tweetsie Railroad!
For more information, visit http://tweetsie.com!
For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.
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The High Country Beer Fest is this Saturday, September 3rd!
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.
No one under 21 will be admitted to the Beerfest except children < 12 years old when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
ID’s will be checked upon entry.
For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.
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New River Blues Festival at River House Inn: Sunday, September 4th!
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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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.
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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.
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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.
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