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!