Last Chance to Visit Grandfather Vineyard!

As the first winery and vineyard in Watauga County, Grandfather Vineyard has made the headlines! 

Owned by Steve and Sally Tatum, Grandfather Winery has been around since 2003 and has become a much appreciated part of the High Country. With 16 different wines to taste and enjoy, Grandfather Winery can be a great evening activity. You are welcome to book an appointment for a group visit, or come upon your own idea. Are you looking for a venue to host a wedding? Grandfather Winery might be the perfect place with the romantic setting, picturesque views, and calm sounds of the Watauga River. Their season ends October 31st, so make sure to book now!

For tickets and information, visit http://www.grandfathervineyard.com/!

Fall Festivals This Season!!!!

Join in the fun at Honey Bear Campground!!

Every year, Honey Bear Campground hosts it's fall festival. The campground offers spots to pitch tents, park an RV, and enjoy the season!

Hop on the hayride throughout the campground as it takes you over to the pumpkin patch! Pick the perfect pumpkin to take back to your site, join in carving activities, and get ready to sit down and watch a movie on the lawn. Stroll through the spider maze, and check out the local vendors. At night, take the big kids to the Haunted Hillbilly Hunting event, but be prepared to be scared! 

For more information, visit http://www.honeybearcampground.com/catalog/ and plan your trip!

Check Out the Valle Country Fair!!

An annual festival that hosts 10,000 visitors, the Valle Country Fair is the event to attend!! It feels like autumn here with freshly pressed apple cider, hot out-of-the-kettle apple butter, live music and crafts from all over the high country! 

The festival only happens one day out of the year, so make sure to visit! October 19th, the third Saturday of the month, from 9am-4pm near the Valle Crucis elementary school! For more information, visit http://www.vallecountryfair.org/index.html!

Woolly Worm Festival is Baaaackkk!!!

Ready for action? It's back!!!! The 36th Annual Woolly Worm Festival!!! Believe it or not, last year over 20,000 people traveled to Banner Elk, NC to watch these furry creatures race up the Woolly Worm Wall.

Woolly Worm Judging Can Be Hard!

Worm trainers nurse their pets year round in preparation for the event. The fastest woolly worm can win their owner up to $1000! But how did this all start? Back in the 70's, Jim Morton photographed the little worms for his magazine, as they're known to predict the winter weather. After he did, he realized there was no event held to officially recognize which worm would be the predictor for the season, and then, the Woolly Worm Festival came to life!

Don't worry, there are many things to do at the festival. 140 vendors from all over the area setup booths with arts and crafts native to the High Country. Come on down to Banner Elk October 19th and 20st, or snatch a cabin for the weekend, and watch these critters crawl! For more information on times and even how to race a woolly worm, visit the website www.woollyworm.com!

One of the Most Beautiful Times of the Year

With the open mountain ranges, the clear air, harvest sunsets, no one can resist the High Country during the changing of the leaves. The colorful season usually starts in October and only lasts but a few weeks. When the cool fronts mosey in, the leaves all start to paint themselves in deep reds, oranges, and golds. Long range views from the parkway and cabins give for a Norman Rockwell vision of autumn, something truly beautiful that makes it worth the while.

The High Country has been featured in literature all over the world for this surreal time of year, and many majestic events and festivals take part in making it as beautiful as possible. So make your plans now, as it's still warm enough for hiking, outdoor activities, and the parkway and Grandfather Mountain are open!

Ski Season Is Here!

It's the High Country's time to shine! The season for winter sports is here, and looks to be a good one!

Known to be the best place for skiing and snowboarding in North Carolina, we have three wonderful resorts that are on the ball winter-long. If you're staying up in the Boone/Blowing Rock area, check out App Ski Mountain! You'll find ice skating, group lessons, awesome terrain parks and all you need for the family trip!

If you're staying in the Seven Devils/Sugar Mountain area, you know where to go! Sugar Mountain Resort has 20 slopes to choose from, along with a full resort at the top of the mountain. Book Sugar Top Condo and we'll guarantee you'll love your stay! If you're looking for some other fun winter activities, check out Hawks Nest Resort and give a go at some tubing! Located in Seven Devils, a great opportunity for the family.

Finally, the well-known Beech Mountain Resort will be open all season. Featuring local artists in the ski lodge, a huge skating rink and many events, you won't be disappointed.

So make sure to book your stay and get out on the slopes!

People You Know! Vol. 5

Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson

March 3, 1923 - May 29, 2012

     Singer, songwriter, guitarist, legend of bluegrass, folk, country, blues, and gospel... Doc Watson is an image in the High Country, and will always be a part of it.

     Born in Deep Gap, North Carolina, Doc was a native to the area. As he lost his vision at a young age, he was driven to keep going, to become something. After some hard labor work on his father's farm, Doc was able to obtain his first guitar, a Martin D-18. Over time and experimentation with other instruments, Ralph Rinzler suggested Watson stick to the guitar and banjo, where he would probably have a better chance at higher success. 

     Famous for his use of flatpicking and fingerpicking styles, Watson became one of bluegrass's most endured artists, and stayed at the top through 8 Grammys among handful of other awards.

     Doc passed this past May, and the whole community felt it. He'll forever be part of the High Country, and there are many tributes to him around town.

Doc Watson sculpture, on the corner of King and Depot Streets in Boone. The plaque on the bench reads "Just one of the People".

Watch Woolly Worms Wiggle!

So what's Banner Elk's biggest event of the year? The Woolly Worm Festival. Believe it or not, thousands of people drive in from all over the east coast to watch these furry creatures race up the Woolly Worm Wall, as participants train these worms year-round for the event. The Saturday winner will receive a $1000 cash prize, and the Sunday winner, $500.

Don't worry, there are many things to do at the festival. 140 vendors from all over the area setup booths with arts and crafts native to the High Country. Come on down to Banner Elk October 20th and 21st, or snatch a cabin for the weekend, and watch these critters crawl! For more information on times and even how to race a woolly worm, visit the website www.woollyworm.com