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".