We are proud to welcome our newest member, Woof Pack Pet Services! They offer dog training, pet sitting and much more!

Puppy Kindergarten is a class for puppies from 4 months – 1 year in age focusing on socialization, problem puppy behaviors.leash walking and 6 of the basic commands.
Basic Obedience is a class for dogs over 1 year in age focusing on learning 12 basic commands with distraction and proper leash walking.
AKC Programs – Dogs do NOT have to be purebred to participate in either program
AKC STAR Puppy Program is for puppies (up to 1 year) who want to get a head start on their Canine Good Citizen skills and work through puppy problem behaviors. At the end of the 6 weeks your puppy will be tested to be enrolled in the AKC S.T.A.R program
AKC Canine Good Citizen is a class for dogs (over 1 year) who are working towards their 10 skills in the Canine Good Citizen Certification.At the end of the 6 weeks your dog will be evaluated to become an AKC Canine Good Citizen.

For more info, visit: http://www.woof-pack.net

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 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.

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Event Location
Farthing Auditorium
733 Rivers Street
Boone, NC 28607

Contact Information
800.841.ARTS

“As complex as it gets, the music remains direct, intensely expressive–with melodic passages that stay in the memory–and reaches a satisfying, powerful climax…” – Chicago Tribune

“…expands the frontier of an emerging style of what might be called American country-classical chamber music.” – The New York Times

As performing and recording artists, composers and interpreters, technicians and stylists, the Punch Brothers featuring Chris Thile have established their place among the most dynamic and talented musicians across contemporary music. These five individuals continue to push the boundaries of possibility while maintaining an unerring devotion to the basic audience experience.

Punch Brothers first came together for the making of the 2006 album, How to Grow a Woman from the Ground, which earned them a Grammy nomination for the song “The Eleventh Reel” and contains a mix of covers and original songs. From there the band began touring and adopted the name Punch Brothers before releasing their second album, Punch, in 2008. Their most recent album, Antifogmatic, includes a set of collectively written material that ventures where no string band has gone before and continues to push the boundaries of their creativity.

More info, visit: http://pas.appstate.edu/schedule/id/punch-brothers

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The mission of Boone Independent Restaurants is to unite the independent restaurants in and around Boone, NC to preserve the individuality of the community served by each member establishment; improve quality, service, and social responsibility of each member restaurant; and ensure the longevity of our member establishments.

Coming to visit Appalachian State is a big step in the right direction!  Whether you’re coming for your first visit through the admissions office or coming back for homecoming to that BIG game where you’ll see people you haven’t seen in years; finding a convenient, comfortable place to stay is important…after all this location will be part of the memory of Parent’s Weekend or Graduation!

Remember when you were in college, how great was it to have a home cooked meal and have Mom do your laundry!  Stay at our house…the perfect way to bring the family together and still be close to the FUN at ASU.

For more info, visit: http://www.goapprentals.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 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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This winter, Beech Mountain will play host to the first USSSA NC State Championship Snowshoe Race on January 7th at 1:00pm. Endurance athletes of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in this unique winter event, to be held the same weekend as Beech Mountain Resort’s Winterfest.

This event will include a recreational and competitive 5k run, a kids snowshoe scramble and a competitive 10k state championship race. The 10k will serve as an opportunity for athletes to qualify for the 2012 U.S. National Snowshoe Championships in Frisco, CO, in Feb.  Previous experience is not necessary to participate and free snowshoe loaners will be available for registrants.

The race will start and finish on the highest peak of the mile-high town and is sure to provide a unique experience with gorgeous views, challenging elevation changes and fun for all participants and spectators.  For more information, please call the Parks & Rec Department at 828-387-3003

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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We’ve got winter Olympians, Sugar Bear, the newest ski & snowboard equipment available for demo, fireworks, great camaraderie, authentic Southern bluegrass music, a chance to win a RIDE snowboard, real-live social networking, and a rail jam complete with prizes and giveaways.

SugarFest is sponsored by the Village of Sugar Mountain Tourism Development Authority and hosted by Sugar Mountain Resort. SugarFest is scheduled for Saturday, December 10th and Sunday, 11th, 2011.

The Highlands at Sugar 828-898-9601 Sugar Mountain Resort Accommodations / Resort Real Estate & Rentals* 800-438-4555 Dereka’s Sugar Mountain Accommodations & Realty, Inc.* 800-545-9475 Sugar Ski & Country Club* 800-634-1320 Sugar Mountain Lodging, Inc. / Sugartop* 800-858-9663 * Up to 30% off your stay at participating lodging agencies

The ninth annual, two-day festival is packed with a long list of winter activities and coincides with Sugar’s 18th Annual Adult Preseason Ski Clinic. Olympic Gold & Silver medalist Diann Roffe and US National Sugar G Champion, Keely Kelleher top the list of the ski clinic’s coaching staff.

Both Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am until 3:30pm, 2012 ski & snowboard equipment will be available for demo. Salomon, Volkl, Nordica, Burton, Head, Never Summer, K2, Atomic, Dynastar, Rossignol, Ride, Line, Fisher and Forum will all be represented. You must have a valid lift/slope ticket as well as a valid driver’s license or credit card in order to demo the equipment. The Sugarfest demo is brought to you by Ski Country Sports.

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 Saturday at 3:00pm. No fee is required to watch Paul’s inspiring on-ice performance. However, if you would like to skate, a valid skate session ticket is required. Sugar’s ice rink is located next to the Dave Nixon Pro Shop adjacent to parking lot D and is open for one hour and thirty minutes sessions from 10:00am until 10:00pm.

With Mother Nature’s cooperation and the newly installed snowmaking machines designated solely for the tubing area, Sugar’s Tubing Park will be open for six sessions each day beginning at 10:00am and ending a 10:00pm.

The entire family will be wowed by the thunderous and spectacular fireworks display at the base of Sugar Mountain Resort, Saturday evening at 5:45pm. Après ski isn’t a thing of the past. Kick off your ski boots, pull up a chair; indulge in some good food and warm drinks while enjoying live bluegrass music by Boss Hawg from 4:00pm until 7:00pm.

Come out and watch or throw down with some the area’s best riders in the RIDE Rail Jam Expression Session at 12:00 noon on Sunday. The winner receives a RIDE snowboard. Additional prizes and giveaways provided by Alpine Ski Center and RIDE Snowboards.

Text “RIDEBOB” to 35350 or visit www.sugarfestnc.com to enter online for your chance to win one of six RIDE snowboards to be given away SugarFest weekend.

And while you’re here why not stay for a night or two! Lodging agencies within the Village of Sugar Mountain offer discounted rates for slope-side and on-mountain accommodations during SugarFest. Winter Value Packages are available too.

For more information please contact Sugar Mountain Resort at 800-SUGARMT.

Plan your High Country Ski Trip! Visit: SkiTheHighCountry.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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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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SUGAR MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT, NORTH CAROLINA Sugar Mountain Ski Resort in North Carolina opens tomorrow; Saturday, November 12, 2011 for skiing, snowboarding and ice skating. Snowmaking began Thursday, November 10th and continues. A manmade powder surface covers the Upper and Lower Flying Mile slopes. The Summit #1 Lift will be in operation to the 3/4′s station. Weekend lift/slope ticket prices will be $25 for a full-day session and $20 for a half-day session. For a real time look at the slopes through the live, streaming web cam please log on towww.skisugar.com/sugarlive.

Sugar’s 10,000 square foot outdoor ice rink also opens tomorrow. www.skisugar.com/skating Sessions are one hour and thirty minutes long and run from 10 am until 10 pm on Saturday. Sunday’s sessions will begin at 10 am and end after the 6 pm session. Ice skating tickets are $15 per session and include skate rental.

Sugar Mountain Sports Shop, located in the Base Lodge will open tomorrow for the season. It features the finest in winter apparel and footwear, quality gift items, and souvenirs.

For more information please call 800-SUGAR-MT or view our website www.skisugar.com for the latest slope and weather conditions. Historical opening and closing dates as well as recorded annual natural snowfall measurements can be found at www.skisugar.com/press/stats.

Also, visit www.skithehighcountry.com for more info on snow skiing in The NC High Country!

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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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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Appalachian State University’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts is holding special lectures for two exhibitions that are currently on display through January 2012.

The first lecture on November 3 at 7 p.m. will discuss the artist and the exhibition, Living in the Light: A Retrospective, displaying a compilation of beloved photographer and former chair of the photography program at Appalachian State University, the late John Scarlata’s work.

On November 9, artist Val Lyle will hold a lecture on her current exhibition, Sanctuary, which emphasizes the aspects of life in the Appalachian mountains. Both lectures are free and open to the public. Call 828-262-3017 or visit www.tcva.org for more information.

Living in the Light: A Retrospective- John Scarlata

November 3, 2011

7-9 p.m.

Turchin Center for the Visual Arts Lecture Hall

*Reception to follow in the galleries

Guest lecturers Jay Phyfer (Professor of photography and digital imaging, Virginia Intermont College), Gil Leebrick (Professor Emeritus and former Director of the Wellington B. Gray Gallery, East Carolina University) and Pac McLaurin (Photography Department, Appalachian State University) joined by close friends of John Scarlata will gather for an in-depth conversation about the artist’s life and his work. Other special guests will include Joe Champagne (Professor of Photography & Digital Imaging Virginia Intermont College), Jackie Leebrick, Ben Garfinkle (Oakland California) and Tom Braswell (Photographer and Interim Gallery Director from Wellington B. Gray Gallery, East Carolina University).   A reception will be held in the galleries immediately following the lecture.

Sanctuary- Val Lyle

November 9, 2011

7-8 p.m.

Turchin Center for the Visual Arts Lecture Hall

Join artist, Val Lyle as she discusses her latest work, Sanctuary located in the Mayer Gallery. This exhibition and installation continues the artist’s exploration about what it means to be a human being in Appalachia which is in its eighth incarnation of the exhibition.

Other Upcoming Events at the Turchin Center

First Friday Reception

November 4

Free and Open to the Public

7-9 p.m.

Presented in conjunction with Downtown Boone’s First Friday Art Crawl, the Turchin Center will be open for all visitors to come and celebrate the current exhibitions as well as welcome a new exhibition by painter, Gabriel Lehman celebrating the opening of his solo exhibition My World opening on November 4.  Painter and installation artist, Val Lyle, will also be in the gallery to talk to guests about her exhibition Sanctuary.

Healing Arts: Yoga in theMayer Gallery

Saturdays, October 15, November 5 & 19

Turchin Center for the Visual Arts

10:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.

$10 per participant

Inside Exhibitions

Free guided tours by one of Turchin’s volunteer docents one Saturday a month on the exhibition of their choice.

Visit www.tcva.org for more information.

Fall Workshops

Turchin Center offers a variety of arts workshops for kids, older teens and adults throughout the year. Visit www.tcva.org for more information on how you can register.

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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Blue Bear Mountain:

“The Way Camping Should Be!”

Blue Bear Mountain is a brand new facility! We offer private, remote, rustic, leave-no-trace Tent and RV camping on 150 acres of pristine, natural land.

The number of camp sites is limited to protect the land and so you can have plenty of room to play and to enjoy the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Come get away from it all at Blue Bear Mountain!

General Amenities

Everyone at Blue Bear Mountain has access to:

• Private Bath Houses with Showers
• Fresh Natural Spring Water
• Trout Fishing
• Miles of Trails

Tent Sites

Some of our back-country tent sites are very remote and require a hike. Equipment delivery is available upon request!

All tent campsites are equipped with:

• Rock Fire Ring
• Picnic Tables
• Level Tent Spots
• Park Grill
• Log Benches

RV Sites

• 50A and 30A Power Hookup
• Easy Site Access
• On-Site Dump Station

Extra Items for Sale

These are some of the things that can be purchased and delivered to your camp site:

• Firewood
• Charcoal
• Lighter Fluid
• And more… just ask, if we don’t have it, we’ll get it for you!

For more information, visit: http://bluebearmountain.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 Association of REALTORS® unites real estate professionals in the community for the benefit of REALTORS® and their clients.

The Association is dedicated to the advancement of professionalism in the industry and is committed to maintaining a high level of ethical business practice.

We at the High Country Association of REALTORS® (hereafter referred to as (High Country Association) and High Country Multiple Listing Service, Inc. (hereafter referred to as “High Country MLS”) are committed to the protection and security of the information provided by the visitors to www.HighCountryREALTORS.org. Your privacy and trust are important to us and we want to honor that trust by advising you of what we do to manage your information.

For more info, visit: http://highcountryrealtors.org

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

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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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Mountain Home Music
Date: August 20, 2011
http://www.mountainhomemusic.com

A Quilter’s Show-A Quilter’s Song

Quilt Show & Dinner at the Meadowbrook Inn – Saturday, August 20th

Concert at the Blowing Rock School Auditorium – Saturday, August 20th

5:00 Quilt Show: Quilters Reva Roark Steward and Noelle Rosenfeld are quilting masters.   Prior to the 8:00 concert, they will display some of their quilts at the Meadowbrook Inn.   Arrive early (around 5:00) to browse and for a preconcert dinner prepared by the Meadowbrook Inn.   Mountain Home Music will provide background music.

One of Reva Roark Steward’s quilts will be raffled off and proceeds will be donated to MHM.

“To see their quilts,” said Joe Shannon, “is like listening to Doc Watson play the guitar and David Johnson playing the fiddle.  You know you’re in the presence of something special.”

8:00 Concert: The Sheets Family, from the Sugar Grove community in Watauga County, plays old-time mountain music, which is fiddle and banjo, ballads and hymns, dancing and yodeling.  Performances include the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the National Folklife Festival, and the Library of Congress.

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

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The Grandfather Mountain Camera Clinic is a two-day seminar that covers the nuts & bolts of making good photographs.

Designed for the enthusiastic amateur, this event brings in working professionals to share tips and techniques for making better photographs.

Admission to the Camera Clinic for photography enthusiasts who are not currently working photojournalists is $50 per person.

A special two-day admission ticket is available for guests who do not plan to attend the clinic. Guests may also purchase tickets for the Saturday night buffet dinner.

CLICK HERE for more information!

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

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