NC High Country Group Tour Itinerary | Ben Long Frescoes

The NC High Country Group Tour Itinerary | Ben Long Frescoes is a one or two day tour that focuses on visiting the five Ben Long frescoes located in the small mountain towns of the High Country and includes a few other must see attractions in the region.  Step-on guide service and planning assistance is available through the High Country Regional Visitor Center. This is a great tour itinerary for church groups visiting Samaritans Purse and the Billy Graham Library.  Here is the full itinerary:

>>BEN LONG FRESCO GROUP TOUR HANDOUT

Day 1

• RUMPLE MEMORIAL CHURCH FRESCOES
  Blowing Rock
  The two newest frescoes to join the trail were unveiled in the spring of 2025! One is a depiction of the 23rd Psalm while the other depicts The Good Shepherd. Handicap Acc. (45 mins) FREE/DONATION
  
  
• MAST GENERAL STORE
  Valle Crucis
  Visit a historic mountain general store built in 1883. Warm up and play checkers by the pot-bellied stove or shop for unique mountain gifts.  Enjoy a cup of coffee for a nickel! There is even a unique scavenger hunt. (1.5 hrs) FREE
  
  
• SLOOP CHAPEL FRESCO
  Crossnore
  “Suffer the Children” is located on the grounds of the Crossnore School for Children. Children from the school served as models for this inspirational piece. (20 mins) FREE/DONATION
  
  
• CROSSNORE WEAVERS & GALLERY
  Crossnore
  Next door to Sloop Chapel, visit a working weaving studio.  The studio preserves the Appalachian art of hand-weaving, gives an economic opportunity to women, and supports the Crossnore Communities for Children through the sale of beautiful hand-woven goods in the gallery. (40 mins) FREE
  
  
• DAN’L BOONE INN
  Boone
  After viewing the frescoes, enjoy a “family style” traditional mountain meal.  Menu includes fried chicken, country style steak, country ham biscuits, stewed apples, & more.  Handicap Acc. (1.5 hrs) 

Day 2 

• HOLY TRINITY CHURCH FRESCO
  Glendale Springs
  “The Last Supper” is depicted in this small mountain church.  There is a 24/7 audio description and history of the frescoe that you can push a button to play when you enter the church. (30 mins) FREE/DONATION
  
  
• ST. MARY’S CHURCH FRESCO
  West Jefferson
  Features “Mary Great with Child,” “John the Baptist” and “Mystery of Faith.” There is a button on the wall you can push as you enter the church to hear a short description of the frescoes and their meanings. (45 mins) FREE/DONATION
  
  
• OH RESTAURANT
  Downtown West Jefferson
  Visit the historic 1917 West Jefferson Hotel and view sketches of the Ben Long frescoes before having dinner in the newly renovated restaurant featuring Appalachian Fare. Handicap Acc. (2 hrs)
  
  
• ASHE COUNTY CHEESE FACTORY
  Downtown West Jefferson
  Visit NC’s first cheese factory! Watch cheese being made in the factory viewing room. Visit the cheese shop for fresh cheese curds,fudge and old-fashioned candy. Handicap Acc. (1 hr)
  
  
• 1849 ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH FRESCO
  Downtown Wilkesboro
  Two frescoes depicting St. Paul the Apostle’s time of conversion and while writing the Epistles in prison can be found here. Handicap Acc. (30 mins) FREE/DONATION