Blood Sweat and Gears Fund Raiser

The 10th Annual Blood Sweat and Gears - Saturday, June 28, 2008. Start Time 7:30am at the Valle Crucis School

"It's a great area for riding, very hilly, but I'd say it's the best area for training in the whole of the United States." –– Lance Armstrong on Boone, NC Cycle Sport (June 1998)

A demanding route, which showcases the mountain communities of Watauga County, North Carolina; highlights of the route include a 21 mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a strenuous climb over the 4,500 foot gap at Snake Mountain, and a 10 mile "flat" on old US 421.

A 50 mile "Half Century" is available for those who prefer the sanity of a challenging, but shorter route. Both rides are fully supported with aide stations and SAG support.

Proceeds from the ride will benefit the Jeremy Dale Fisher Fund and The Russell Fund, established by the Watauga County Chapter of the American Red Cross , which provides assistance to local families that are displaced by fire, flood or similar disasters.

Learn More

Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder will be at the Farthing Auditorium at Appalachian State University, June 28 at 8PM.

An Appalachian Summer Festival Event - Call 828-262-4046
Tickets are $25 / $18 / $15 / $10 / $5 Visit Farthing Seating Chart to view seats.

Ricky Skaggs is well on the way to showing the world that "country rocks, but bluegrass rules!" By age 21, he was already considered a "recognized master" of bluegrass, but his career took him in other directions, catapulting him to popularity and success in the mainstream of country music. Now the road has brought him back to where it all began - bluegrass music.

The all-star lineup of Kentucky Thunder includes Andy Leftwich (fiddle), Cody Kilby (lead guitar), Mark Fain (bass), Darrin Vincent (baritone vocals, rhythm guitar), Paul Brewster (tenor vocals, rhythm guitar) and Jim Mills (banjo).

Farthing Location

84th Annual Singing on the Mountain

84th Annual Singing on the Mountain at Grandfather Mountain.

The "Singing" is a day-long gathering held out-of-doors in a meadow at the base of Grandfather Mountain. Music begins at 8:30 a.m. and continues throughout the day, with a break at mid-day for the sermon. Many families bring lawn chairs and picnics and make a day of seeing old friends and enjoying performances by top Southern Gospel groups.

This All-day gospel sing, church bazaar, and dinner-on-the-grounds held at the base of Grandfather Mountain. Features nationally known Korean evangelist and broadcaster Dr. Billy Kim and top singing groups.

For info visit Singing on the Mountain or call 800-468-7325

What's Happening in the High Country

So when and where is something happening in the High Country?
Every week, Everywhere!

From Boone to Blowing Rock, from Foscoe to Banner Elk, from Valle Crucis to Sugar Grove... we have it all Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Fun for the family or fun for one!

Looking to do some Trout Fishing? You are all but guaranteed to catch your limit at GrandFather Trout Farm. Do a little Canoeing, or Hiking and Backpacking? It is all here for you!

Something a little more exciting? How about Ziplining through the air at 50 Miles per hour? Try Screamtime Zipline

More into the Performing Arts? How about Hayes Center Performing Arts Center.
Art Festivals, Wine Festivals, Wolly Worm Festivals and more!

Come visit us and experience true Mountain Hospitality!

Thomas the Tank Engine at Tweetsie

Big Fun for the Kids at Tweetsie Railroad - May 30 - June 8, 2008

Have a Day out with Thomas the Tank EngineLocation: Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing RockTelephone: 800-526-5740Thomas the Tank Engine pulls the train at Tweetsie!
See Sir Topham Hat, have your picture made with Thomas and more!

Learn more at www.tweetise.com

Meet the New Upper Watauga Riverkeeper

Meet Donna Lisenby the new Upper Watauga Riverkeeper on Saturday, May 24th at The Mast General Store Annex in Valle Crucis, North Carolina. She will be available to answer questions and give much more information from 11 a.m. -3p.m. during the kickoff event to the Take it Outside series at the Annex.

From the headwaters on the slopes of Grandfather Mountain to the Watauga Lake Dam on the Tennessee border, the Upper Watauga River is one of Western North Carolina’s treasures. The Watauga, a Cherokee word meaning “beautiful river,” begins its westward flow to the Gulf of Mexico in Watauga County, North Carolina. A fast growing area in the Carolina Mountains, Watauga County is experiencing increased development that could impact the future of the Upper Watauga River. Unmonitored, this development could cause higher flooding events and more intense low water droughts. In the past, the health of the river was left to chance, but that is about to change with the addition of a Riverkeeper to protect the future of the Upper Watauga River.

Donna Lisenby comes to her new position as the Upper Watauga Riverkeeper from a similar position on the Catawba River, which flows through North and South Carolina. Donna, a South Carolina native and Clemson University graduate, is committed to “building sustainable relationships between people and Earth.”

Donna began her mission as the Catawba Riverkeeper in 1998 with responsibility for all 300 miles of the river. Along with a network of trained volunteers, she monitored water quality and enforced environmental laws, among other tasks. Being the voice of the Catawba had many challenges but did not go unnoticed. Donna was named as the “1999 Guardian of the Environment” by The Charlotte Observer and received three “Best of Charlotte” awards for “Best Effort to Improve the Environment.”

Learn more here

Come Visit the Farmers Market

I love going to the farmers Market on Saturday mornings.

The Watauga Farmers market has been in operation since 1974, and is located at the Horn In The West in Boone, North Carolina. Horn in the West can be acccessed from either 321 across from Blockbuster or from 105 bypass next to First Citizens Bank.

Once you go you will be hooked and you will see why the market is a direct link between our local farmers and the consumer.

The variety of fresh veggie's, Goat Cheese, fresh baked breads and muffins as well as Local Crafts make this a trip worth the time!

The members of the farmers' market are proud of the high quality products they sell.

We hope you will enjoy coming to the market as much as we do!

The market is open from 8:00AM to Noon

Saturdays - May 3-October 25, 2008

Wednesdays - June 18-September 10, 2008

For more information please visit: http://wataugacountyfarmersmarket.org/

Springtime in the High Country

SPRINGTIME IN THE HIGH COUNTRY

Life in the High Country is "Springing" into action and the action will be Non -Stop all summer long!

Check out all of the great events and start planning your adventure now!

ART IN THE PARK - Saturdays - 10:00A to 5:00P - May 17th, June 14th, July 19th, August 16th, September 13th, October 4th. Learn More

SUNDAY CONCERT in THE PARK SERIES --
Cans and Pans
May 18, 2008
4 - 5:30 PM
Memorial Park Downtown
Great warm weather with the sounds of the Caribbean! The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce is delighted to present the Ashe County High School Steel Drum Band, “Cans and Pans,” at Sunday Concert in the Park. Free to the Public.

Grandfather Mountain's Naturalist's Weekend
Date: May 17th and 18th

Location: Grandfrather Mountain
800-468-7325
A collection of programs and guided walks presented to help guests of Grandfather Mountain discover "nature on a whole different level."
More information

HORSEBACK RIDING

Celebrating their 81st anniversary this year! Home of the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show, America's oldest continuous running horse show, held July & August each year. Located adjacent to Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and has easy access to 26 miles of carriage trails. Nightly horse boarding with 430 permanent stalls. Guided trail rides. Open year round.

Fire on the Rock - Chef's Challenge Blowing Rock

There is always something happening in Blowing Rock!

“Fire on the Rock” Chef’s Challenge is a battle of the area's best chefs who will duke it out on Saturday, April 12th and Sunday April 13th in an "Iron Chef" style competition.

Each team will be given a "secret ingredient" that must be used in their culinary creations. There will be 3 judges including one celebrity chef to be determined in the future.

The Blowing Rock Fire & Rescue Departments will be facilitating the event. Local firemen have always been community-minded and are excited about getting involved with the Blue Ridge Wine Festival through management of the event while providing fire watch protection during the competition. The fire department will be selling t-shirts with proceeds benefiting local fire and rescue services.

Location:

Hayes Performing Arts Center

Admission: Only $10

Tickets are available Online or at the door

What is there to do in the High Contry?

So when and where is something happening in the High Country?
Every week, Everywhere!

From Boone to Blowing Rock, from Foscoe to Banner Elk, from Valle Crucis to Sugar Grove... we have it all Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.
Fun for the family or fun for one - Skiing, Ice Skating, Rafting, River Trout Fishing, Pond Trout Fishing, Canoeing, Hiking, Shopping, AppState Performing Arts Center, Hayes Center Performing Arts, Art Festivals, Wine Festivals, Wolly Worm Festivals, Highland Games, and more.
Enjoy just relaxing or taking in the sights? We have breath-taking vistas around every corner from the Blue Ridge Parkway to Grandfather Mountain.
Scroll down to view links to just a few of the many things to do.

Come visit us and experience true Mountain Hospitality!