The High Country Host is pleased to welcome The Town of Seven Devils as a new member!

Seven Devils is a beautiful mountain town in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. It began life in the 1960s as the Seven Devils Resort and it is not difficult to understand why it was considered a resort. In 1979, the resort became the Town of Seven Devils. Fortunately, becoming a Town did not diminish the resort-like qualities of Seven Devils. It is today every bit as beautiful as it was in those early years.

Seven Devils is very much a residential community. At the foot of the mountain on Highway 105 and at Tynecastle one finds some thriving businesses. The necessities such as grocery stores, hardware, gasoline, restaurants, and medical care are only a short drive away and very convenient to the town. It is comforting to know that first-class facilities are located nearby, but not within one’s backyard or view. The heart of Seven Devils is located on the “mountain.” Although commercial activity is found on the mountain at the Hawksnest facility, it is recreational in nature. Aside from Hawksnest, the only visible commercial activity is Town Hall, the Seven Devils Resort Club, and the occasional construction of new homes.

For more info, visit: http://sevendevils.net/history.aspx

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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As the new year approaches, the Holiday Inn Express Wilkesboro is very excited to welcome  Laura Virto as the new Director of Sales for the hotel.  Laura possesses over eighteen years of proven successful sales and marketing experience along with an incredible enthusiasm, contagious to all those that meet her.

Prior to joining the Holiday Inn Express, managed by Coakley & Williams Hotel Group, Laura held the position as the Director of Membership for the Cascade Highlands Regional Tourism Association, where she was first introduced to the Wilkes County market.  Her love and appreciation for the area, now home,  combined with her commitment to providing exceptional customer service, is sure to take our team to the next level.

To contact Laura regarding hotel rooms, meeting space and  tourism, please call, 336-838-1800.  We look forward to another year working together to make Wilkesboro a destination of choice!

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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High in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, between the towering peaks of Grandfather Mountain and the quaint towns of Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk, you will find this historic treasure of the South. Valle Crucis, with its steep wooded mountains, has been isolated away from the busy world, and rightfully placed on the National Historical Register.

The Valle Crucis Bed & Breakfast embraces this historical community with majestic view of the River Run Horse Farm, and blends today’s finest amenities for a mountain experience you won’t soon forget. Only minutes from local attractions and dining in Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock, we are located in the heart of what the high country has to offer.

Come and relax in one of our uniquely decorated guest rooms or spacious themed suites. Select from a suite with Jacuzzi tub and King bed for those more private occasions or a room in our main bed and breakfast with a Queen bed and front porch views that will take your breath away.

To learn more, visit: http://vallecrucisbandb.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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North Carolina Ski Areas Association (NCSAA), Banner Elk, NC Purchase your North Carolina Ski Areas Association Gold Card and ski or ride at any of the six North Carolina ski areas this winter season.

Gold Card holders may ski or ride at any North Carolina Ski Resort during any session regardless of holiday or weekend rates. Only 100 Gold Cards are available at a cost of $795 each winter season. They sell quickly.

North Carolina ski areas include Cataloochee Ski Area, Sapphire Valley Ski Area, Beech Mountain Resort, Appalachian Ski Mtn., Wolf Ridge Ski Resort, and Sugar Mountain Ski Resort.

For more information or to purchase a gold card, please go online www.goskinc.com/goldcard. Or call 828-898-4521 Monday through Friday from 8am 4pm.

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 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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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Welcome to Meadowsweet Gardens, a beautifully restored farmhouse nestled in the serene Blue Ridge mountains – the perfect venue for any occasion, from weddings to week-end getaways.

Meadowsweet was built in 1895 by Scottish immigrant Joe Campell. Surrounded by lovely gardens with a mountain stream in the backyard flowing into the pond, the serenity and peace will put one at ease.

Feel free to sit in the garden house or on its porch and enjoy the fountain or gaze at the butterflies. Stroll through the gardens and rest in the shade garden by the stream or simply sit by the pond and meditate.

All rooms have double beds, sitting areas with plenty of books to browse or read, and full baths. Please call for rates and availability.

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

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

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Vacation Paradise awaits you in Leatherwood Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountain Resort.

Imagine your own private luxury home rental amid thousands of acres of lush Blue Ridge Mountain forests during your North Carolina Mountain Vacation.

Our Blue Ridge Mountain Resort offers premier equine facility with luxury accommodations for your horses and miles of scenic trails that wind through the pristine wilderness.  Once Leatherwood Mountains gets in your soul, you may never want to leave.

HERE YOU’LL FIND…

Mountains like God made them
Peace and quiet
Miles of horseback riding & hiking trails
Hidden homes
Pristine wilderness
A premier equine facility
Many more stars
Friendly folks

AND YOU WON’T FIND:
Traffic, noise, crowds, or pretensions
For an active North Carolina Mountain Vacation, you can hike, take a trail ride, bring your own horse and ride the trails, go fishing, or play volley ball.

For an inactive vacation, you’ll find plenty of quiet and natural beauty.

For civilization, it’s 30 minutes away from Boone, Blowing Rock, and Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

Amenities include creeks, lake, swimming pool, stable facilities, restaurant, tennis courts.

For more info, visit: http://www.leatherwoodmountains.com

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

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Make the Taylor House Inn, our Valle Crucis, North Carolina bed and breakfast, your home base to visit the area attractions that have been attracting settlers and travelers alike, for nearly 200 years. Guarded by some of the highest peaks of southern Appalachian, the Valle Crucis stretch of Watauga River Valley retains an air of simplicity lost to most places generations ago.
Taylor House Inn is a bed & breakfast known for offering romantic getaways, hosting fabulous family reunions, corporate retreats, and some of the best weddings in Valle Crucis.

With the surrounding majestic valley scene, it is the perfect place to spend some quality time as well as to host an outdoor event. As the new owners of this B&B, we invite you to recapture a wonderful time with us in beautiful Historic Valle Crucis; experience a place that reminds one of times past, a place where moments of solitude are as abundant as the rivers and streams that give life to the surrounding hills. We feel fortunate to be part of such a powerful place and would like to extend our hospitality to help share the magic of Valle Crucis and other area towns such as Banner Elk.

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

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

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SugarFest kick starts the winter season with a weekend of pure winter fun! Sponsored by the Village of Sugar Mountain Tourism Development Authority (TDA) and hosted by Sugar Mountain Resort, SugarFest will be held December 11th and 12th, 2010.

The eighth annual two-day festival is packed with a long list of winter activities and coincides with Sugar’s 17th Annual Adult Preseason Ski Clinic which 1994 Olympic Gold & 1992 Olympic Silver medalist Diann Roffe, two-time (1992 & 1994) Olympian, Krista Schmidinger, and 2010 US National Super G Champion Keely Kelleher top the list of this season’s coaching staff.

Both Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am until 3:30 pm 2010 ski & snowboard equipment will be available for demo from Salomon, Volkl, Nordica, Burton, Head, Never Summer, K2, Atomic, Dynastar, Rossignol, Ride, Line, Fisher and Forum. You must have a valid driver’s license or credit card in order to demo the equipment.

Watch 1992 Olympic Figure Skating Silver Medalist, Paul Wylie dazzle us with his amazing talent followed by an on ice skating clinic and a meet and greet session Sunday at 3pm on Sugar’s ice rink located next to the Dave Nixon Pro Shop adjacent to parking lot D.

With Mother Nature’s cooperation Sugar’s Tubing Park will be open. Both ice skating and tubing activities will be open for two-hour sessions beginning at 10 am and ending a 10 pm.

“Ready, get set, go!” is what you’ll hear if you enter the snowball eating contest at 3:00 pm on Saturday, December 11th. You’ll have two minutes to eat as many tasty snowball look-a-likes as your stomach can stomach!

Be sure to bring the whole family to watch a thunderous and spectacular fireworks display at the base of Sugar Mountain Resort, Saturday evening at 5:45 pm. After a hard day of skiing and snowboarding there’s nothing better than good food, warm drinks, and fun music. Come dance and/or listen to live bluegrass music by Boss Hawg from 4:00pm until 7:00pm.

Don’t miss the Edge of the World/Burton Rail Jam Expression Session at 12 noon on Sunday as talented snowboarders pull off some of their best tricks. Later in the day marvel as blocks of ice become beautiful winter works of art.

And while you’re here why not stay for a night or two! Lodging agencies within the Village of Sugar Mountain have come together to provide discounted rates for slope side accommodations during SugarFest.

SugarFest is a great time to enjoy winter! For more information please contact Sugar Mountain Resort at 800-SUGAR MT.

Visit: http://www.seesugar.com/tourism/sugarfest/

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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Saturday, Otober 23rd: The Valle Crucis Punkin Festival marks its fifth year in 2010. 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 for the day go to the Western Youth Network (WYN), a non-profit group serving youth and families in Ashe, Avery, and Watauga Counties. That leads right into one of the event’s theme: Carving for a Cause.

For more info, visit: http://www.mastgeneralstore.com/punkin/index.cfm

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

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This summer many families are searching for unique ways to experience an affordable summer vacation or a weekend getaway. Even honeymooners are looking for alternatives to expensive trips. One solution—stay closer to home and explore North Carolina. And one beautiful option is Fall Creek Cabins, nestled in the mountains near Boone and Blowing Rock.

“There are so many activities in our area that are free or reasonably priced,” said Tim Thompson, who with his wife, Beverly, owns Fall Creek Cabins. Located off U.S. 421, the private log cabins are true vacation homes with hot tubs, fireplaces, fully-equipped kitchens, and covered porches with rocking chairs and a gas grill. “Most of our guests enjoy hiking, viewing the many spectacular waterfalls nearby and exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway from Linville Falls & Gorge to Doughton Park,” Mrs. Thompson said. “Others choose to try tubing, kayaking, canoeing or biking.”

Many who stay at Fall Creek Cabins return year-after-year because of its seclusion, its family-friendly feel and the personal and high-quality service provided by the Thompsons. The 78-acre property features eight cabins, some with creekside settings, others with mountain views. A state-stocked trout stream runs through the property. Hiking trails have been marked off and lead through the woods and to a waterfall. Campfire rings (including firewood), complete with seating, offer a place for the whole family to gather, as well as a private picnic table. “Many customers are now looking for affordable accommodations that allow families the ability to make “home-cooked” meals, enjoy “on site activities”, and promotes “quality family time”, which makes staying at Fall Creek Cabins so much more attractive”, said Mr. Thompson. With digital TV and high speed wireless Internet now being offered the Thompsons immediately added these features for their guests to have as well. “We were so excited to now be able to offer Internet and digital TV in order to meet the needs and requests of our many customers” said Mrs. Thompson.

One look at the Fall Creek Cabins online guest book reveals the many happy memories of guests. “We absolutely loved everything about the place,” one woman wrote. “As you probably saw in my thank-you note to you, we will recommend the place to all of our friends.” Another woman said, “The cabin and grounds were more beautiful than we could have imagined.” A honeymooner praised the Thompsons for meeting a special request — a bed of pink rose petals to greet them upon arrival.

To help make the vacation experience more affordable, the Thompsons offer specials throughout the year, including free nights . Information on those and about the cabins is available online at www.fallcreekcabins.com and www.fallcreekvacationrentals.com. They also offer discount tickets as well as bonus tickets to some attractions during certain times of year.

“We have already teamed up with Tweetsie Railroad (www.tweetsie.com) as part of their Lodging Partner’s Program and also offer discount tickets Grandfather Mountain (www.grandfather.com) ,” Mrs. Thompson said. “For our customer’s convenience, the discount tickets are in the cabin upon arrival.” Because the cabins are located centrally, it’s easy to get to the different attractions. There are golf courses, antique shops, and places to go horseback riding or rafting not far away as well.

And being close is what it’s all about in today’s economy. By staying in North Carolina, you’ll not only save on gas and transportation, you may just find some hidden gems you’ve never experienced before.

See Fall Creek Cabins on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Fleetwood-NC/Fall-Creek-Cabins-Secluded-Log-Cabin-Vacation-Rentals/104389026265406?ref=ts

Visit us at www.fallcreekcabins.com Winter Review/Blog on Fall Creek Cabins: http://aladdintravel.com/meteorologist-calling-for-snow-head-to-fall-creek-cabins.html

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

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Meetings, conferences, weddings, parties, signature events and much more!

Businesses, agencies, and educational professionals interested in goal setting, budget planning, and team building will discover a kind service, relaxed atmosphere, exquisite cuisine, comfortable accommodations and fully equipped conference facilities. The Broyhill Inn’s distinctive environment allows guests to be away from the distractions of the business environment and to focus exclusively on the free flow of ideas and business strategies. Productivity coupled with relaxation is the formula for success.

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