Sunday, April 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The live music picnic will begin at 11:00 a.m.  featuring musician Jeff Martin and others.   Some grilled foods (hotdogs and a vegetarian option) will be served until supplies run out.  (Or bring your own lunch and join us at the riverside picnic area).Thanks to Food Lion, Ingles, Lowes Hardware and Walmart for your support of this community event.

The activities begin at noon with a Ranger-led River Ramble.  Please wear close-toed shoes that can be worn in the river and have a change of clothing, as you will get wet.

At 1:00 p.m. River Girl Fishing & Rafting Company will provide a fly fishing demonstration near the riverside picnic area.

At 2:00 p.m. there will be a ranger-led Earth Day sing-a-long for kids in the visitor center.

At 3:00 p.m. there will be a Junior Ranger “animal signs” activity. Participants will be looking for signs of park animals on a short hike starting from the Visitor Center.

From 4:00 p.m. – 6:00pm there will be a movie shown at the visitor center with an earth/sustainability theme. Title TBA.

Also from 1:00pm – 4:00pm, the park will host the following Earth-supporting organizations and businesses to give the public the opportunity to become familiar with their ideas and services.  These include non- profit organizations such as:

Friends of High Country State Parks-The mission of Friends of High Country State Parks is to enhance and perpetuate the High Country State Parks and State Natural Areas for the enjoyment and benefit of all the state’s people.

The Nature Conservancy of NC-The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.  The Conservancy was founded in 1951 and is the world’s leading conservation organization.  Since its inception in 1977, the North Carolina Chapter has protected over 700,000 acres of critically important lands across the state including over 12,000 acres in northwestern NC.  The Conservancy has an office in Boone, NC and we own several nature preserves in the region including our Bluff Mountain preserve in Ashe County near West Jefferson.

The Appalachian Voices (Appalachian Voices is a regional non-profit committed to protecting the land, air and water of the central and southern Appalachian region by working to reduce coal’s impact on the region and advancing our vision for a cleaner energy future. Since the impacts of coal threaten Appalachian states like North Carolina more than any other single source of pollution, we have recently launched our Red, White and Water campaign to mobilize citizens to stand up for their right to clean water.)

The Blue Ridge Conservancy-“Working with willing landowners and local communities to permanently protect land and water resources with agricultural, ecological, cultural, recreational and scenic value in northwest North Carolina.”

The National Committee for the New River-(NCNR) is a multistate non-profit organization focusing on the health and preservation of the New River Watershed.  NCNR uses a 3 pronged approach in safeguarding the New River: Land Protection, Restoration, and Advocacy.  NCNR protects land critical for preserving important wildlife habitat, rare and endangered species, cornerstones of biodiversity, and working farmland along the New River and its tributaries, through voluntary acquisitions and conservation easements.  NCNR works with private landowners to stabilize eroding stream banks, restore riparian buffers to prevent further erosion, and to create healthy riparian habitat for wildlife and aquatic life.  NCNR works to increase citizens’ capacity to defend and protect the New River watershed, working with local citizens to identify and address specific land and water uses activities that threaten the New River’s health, wildlife, and scenery.

High Country Audubon Society covers Avery, Ashe, Alleghany, Watauga, and Wilkes counties and is designed to encourage beginning birders and experts alike to engage in conservation, education, and research for the birds of western North Carolina.

River Girl Fishing & Rafting Company- “At Rivergirl Fishing Company, we love to share the resources and knowledge that are at the core of our passion for fishing and floating down the river.       We offer a wide range of services tailored to the needs of our customers, including fly-fishing lessons, guided fishing trips, kayak, canoe, tube and bike rentals. Need a fishing license? We can provide that too.  Come on by the old train depot in Todd and let us help you enjoy your time outdoors in the splendid wonderland that mother nature offers.  Live. Learn. Fish! “

Riverside Canoe -The Riverside Canoe located on the South Fork of the New River in Crumpler, NC. Riverside Canoe, is a full service outfitter, offers New River canoeing in Northeastern Ashe County. With Riverside Canoe you can begin your adventures canoeing or kayaking on the beautiful south fork along the 26 mile section of the National Wild & Scenic New River.

Florence Thomas Art School-The Florence Thomas Art School is a non-profit art school that provides resources for instruction, exhibition and experience in the fine arts, master crafts and heritage crafts for Ashe County, the region and the world. It has been promoting and preserving the legacy of its founder Florence Thomas, by fostering an environment for creative thought and artistic expression, since 2007.

West Jefferson Chevrolet-  The Cruze Eco on site and they will a representative to discuss its attributes.  (West Jefferson Chevrolet Buick GMC offers a full lineup of fuel efficient cars, trucks, and SUVs.  Our vehicles are designed to meet all transportation needs while being eco-friendly.  General Motors and West Jefferson Chevrolet offer vehicles featuring the latest in fuel saving technologies such as extended range electric vehicles, two-mode hybrids, e-assist, and active fuel management.)

Blue Ridge Electric (who will be giving away CFL light bulbs to the first 50 visitors)

J & S Construction (a certified “Green builder”)-It is our mission at J.S. Construction to provide our clients with unsurpassed quality and availability every step of the way.  Our unique management strategies, scheduling techniques and professional attitudes translate into a seamless construction experience no matter the scope of the project. Whether its New Home construction, Renovations, Decks, or Additions.

B & R Energy Works LLC -Blue Ridge Energy Works has been working in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industry since we formed in 2007.  We offer solar electric, wind electric, and micro hydro electric power systems.  We also offer solar hot water systems and are happy to coordinate with your HVAC contractor to increase your heating efficiency.  We install spray foam insulation to keep your heat where it belongs, inside!

Sunny Day Homes: Sunny Day Homes is a leader in energy-efficient, green building in the High Country; we help homeowners improve the energy conservation of their existing home or help them plan and construct a new home or addition that will be gentle on the planet as well as a healthy place to live and raise kids. You can learn more about us at www.boonegreenbuilders.com or email us at boonegreenbuilders@gmail.com.

Come on out to New River State Park in support of Earth Day and the New River.  Enjoy the day with friends and family while learning a few more ways to be good stewards of our Earth and make some wholesome New River memories.

Call 336-982-2587 for more information.

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.

Stay Connected!

Inspiration and creativity flourish on the beautiful 10-acre campus of Florence Thomas Art School, located along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Glendale Springs, North Carolina,  and just minutes from the New River. Here, visitors can attend half-day to five-day workshops in the fine arts, master crafts, and heritage crafts led by regional and national artisans. Affordable on-site lodging, nearby area attractions and cultural events make this the perfect vacation for individuals as well as families.

One student recently commented: ” The setting of the school and the little touches by the staff create an atmosphere where creativity can really blossom.” Another agreed, adding, ” I feel refreshed, relaxed and blessed for having the opportunity to be here.”

There is something for everyone at all artistic levels. Workshops in painting to weaving are hosted from May to October and include special programming such as Fiber Arts Heritage Craft Week and an Intergenerational Workshop in July.

For more info, visit: http://www.florencethomas.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.

Stay Connected!

The Blue Ridge Dinner Theater is owned and operated by Dick and Linda Copus of Winner’s Circle Restaurant & Steakhouse and former owner’s of Greenfield Restaurant. Dick and Linda have been in the restaurant business since 1990. The opening of the Blue Ridge Dinner Theater has given them the opportunity to take their restaurant experience to the next level by combining good food and good entertainment!

With the conception of the Dinner Theater, Dick and Linda strive to offer name-brand as well as local entertainment to Ashe County. It is their wish to provide something unique and different to the High Country that will bring more visitors to our area.

The Blue Ridge Dinner Buffet is included in your ticket price and provided by Winner’s Circle Restaurant & Steakhouse and is the same great buffet you new and loved at Greenfield Restaurant. You’ll have  your pick of mouth-watering entrees and side items including pan-fried chicken like Grandma used to make, roast beef, baked ham, real homemade mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, homemade biscuits and gravy. And you’ll not want to miss the homemade baked apples and cobblers. Buffet meal also includes coffee, tea, and water. Soft drinks sold separately.

Although our mailing address is 9331 Hwy. 16 S., West Jefferson, we are actually located in the small town of Glendale Springs at the old Mountain Music Jamboree.

For more info, visit: http://blueridgedinnertheater.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.

Stay Connected!

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.

Stay Connected!

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.

Stay Connected!

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.

Stay Connected!

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.

Stay Connected!

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.

Stay Connected!

The Appalachian Philharmonic is coming to the Ashe Civic Center on Saturday, February 12th. 

The performance will begin at 7:30pm.  Under the direction of James Allen Anderson, The Appalachian Philharmonic is the Hayes School of Music premiere student/faculty ensemble. 

The Ashe Civic Center, located in West Jefferson, North Carolina, is a performing arts venue which hosts theatre, music, dance and community events. The facility is home to the Ashe County Little Theatre and managed by the Ashe County Arts Council.

The Ashe Civic Center exists to enrich, unite and promote Ashe County. 

For ticket information please contact the Ashe Civic Center at 336-846-ARTS, http://www.ashecivic.com/

4th Annual Hometown Christmas celebration on Friday, November 26th!

Early bird shopping, costumed characters walking around downtown, lighting of the community Christmas Tree at 5pm in the Backstreet Park!

Also, don’t forget about the Ashe County Holiday Market!

Looking for a great gift idea for the holidays? Plan to attend the Ashe County Farmers’ Market annual “Holiday Market” during the months of November & December! Crafters will be on hand with a wonderful selection of handmade arts & crafts.

You will have 4 opportunities to attend this year! November 20^th, 26^th, 27^th & December 4^th. Each day will be open from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. The market will be held on the backstreets of downtown West Jefferson.

For more information please contact the Ashe County Farmers’ Market at info@ashefarmersmarket.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce at 888-343-2743. Also visit: http://www.ashechamber.com

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

Stay Connected!

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

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

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

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

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

Stay Connected!

BEGINS NOVEMBER 23rd!

11/23– 12/30
Tree Fest – Ashe County Arts Council
Decorated trees, ornaments, holiday crafts, gifts and miniature paintings
Opening Reception – 12/5 2pm – 4pm

11/27
Early Bird Shopping – Historic Downtown West Jefferson
Rudolph, Santa’s Elves & Mrs. Claus will be visiting with downtown shoppers 3:00pm til Santa Claus arrives on an antique fire truck
BackStreet Park 5:15 pm
Community Christmas Tree Lighting Hot Chocolate Candy Canes Caroling 

11/28, 12/5 & 12/12
Mistletoe Market – Ashe County Farmer’s Market
Handmade gifts for Christmas… scarves, hats, jewelry, jellies, baked goods, wreaths, roping

11/28
Christmas in Lansing – Downtown Lansing
As darkness falls luminaries will decorate downtown and light the way to the live walk through nativity

For a full schedule, visit: http://www.visitwestjefferson.org/christmas-north-carolina-westjefferson.html

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

Stay Connected!
    

His voice has been described by Dirty Linen magazine as “one of those pure warm Scottish voices one never tires of listening to”. He was the 2004 Scots Trad Music Awards Songwriter of the Year and a 2008 nominee for Scots Trad Music’s Singer of the Year.  For seven years he was the front man for the legendary Scottish group the Old Blind Dogs. On Thursday November 19^th, Jim Malcolm brings his witty style and one-man show to the intimate setting of River House Inn in Ashe County for a special concert and dinner.

Jim Malcolm will be stopping in for this special evening as part of a tour that started in Austin, TX and ends in Alexandria, VA, and will feature a tribute to the music of Robert Burns, celebrating the 250^th anniversary of the poet’s birthday. With Jim’s sense of history and his lighthearted approach to the music, the evening will be a perfect blend of music, mirth and good food. Jim is hailed world-wide as one of Scotland’s best performers and is described as “utterly authentic yet completely modern and accessible.” Jim has been a featured artist in the past at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and appeals to a wide range of music enthusiast. To learn more about the artist visit www.jimmalcolm.com!

Of course whenever there is an event at River House you know it will be something special. When you combine River House’s top quality food and hospitality with an international recording artist, you know it will be an evening that you don’t want to miss.  Cost of the dinner (including gratuity) and concert is $50 per person and a cash bar will be provided. The evening starts at 6pm with a set by Jim, followed by dinner and then Jim’s tribute to Robert Burns. River House will also be featuring their “Wine Down Thursday” special. For more information and to make a reservation contact River House by calling 336-982-2109 or visit the web site, www.riverhousenc.com. Reservations are required and seating is limited. This special evening is being presented in association with Celtic Force Enterprises.

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

Stay Connected!
    

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

Stay Connected!
   

Source: Jefferson Post

Ashe social studies teacher top in state

Post Photo/Jesse Campbell Social studies teacher Terry Williams will be around for students while he can still make a difference.

Williams has recently been chosen as this year’s recipient for the North Carolina Social Studies Teacher of the Year award. Each year, the North Carolina Council for Social Studies reviews peer recommendations in an attempt to choose the educator who has left the most profound impact on the lives of his or her students.

“I was just totally shocked when I found out,” said Williams who discovered that he had been selected for the award through a letter from the president of the governing council.

“It truly was a humbling experience for me,” he said.

Williams would later travel to Greensboro to accept the award on Feb. 13 and credits his success as an educator to the staff and administration he works with at Ashe County High School along with the support he has received from the school board and Superintendent Donnie Johnson.