Keepin' it in the Short-Grass

Diamond Creek - The High Country's only National Golf Club,
Diamond Creek was designed by Tom Fazio. In 2007, Diamond Creek
was rated by Golf Digest Magazine as the 4th best golf course in North
Carolina. It also was recently rated by Golf Digest as the 2nd best new
private golf course in America. Located in the heart of Banner Elk, it
features one of the finest clubhouses in America. As good as golf gets.
Call 828-898-1800 for information on this five-star course. (private non equity)

Grandfather - Designed by Ellis Maples, Grandfather Golf and
Country Club golf courses combine exquisite scenery and difficult &
varied shot making. In 2007, it was rated by Golf Digest Magazine as the
3rd best golf course in North Carolina and is consistently ranked among
America's top 100 courses. Call 800-781-4151 or
www.grandfatherclub.org. (private equity)

Linville - The Linville Golf Club was designed by Donald Ross.
Opened in 1928, it is the “Granddaddy of the High Country Courses”.
Truly a treat to play. Call (828)733-4363 for tee times and more information.

Linville Ridge - The area's only true mountain-top club plays 6,746
from the tips. Designed by George Cobb, the Blue grass course is real
mountain golf. Call 828-898-5533 for information or
www.linvilleridge.com. (private equity)

Elk River - Located in Banner Elk, this course was designed by Jack
Nicklaus. The par 72 course measures 6,755 yards from the tips. Two
distinct nines and a beautiful clubhouse are the keynotes here. Call 828-
898-9773 or www.elkriverclub.com. (private equity)

Hound Ears - Located on Shull's Mill Road, this 18 hole course was
designed by George W. Cobb. Many of the holes play beside or across
one of the region's many trout streams. Call 828-963-5831 or
www.houndearsclub.com. (private equity)

Olde Beau - This 800-acre property features over 1,000 ft. of elevation
change from start to finish. One Golf Digest rater called Olde Beau
“One of the prettiest places you'll ever play.” Located near Sparta, it is
only four miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway. 18 holes w/ cart $47 weekdays;
$62 weekends and holidays. $35 after 2pm. Call 336-363-3333 ext.
10 or www.OldeBeau.com. (public)

Mountain Glen - Less than 15 minutes away from Elkmont, this par 72
course was designed by George W. Cobb. One of, if not the nicest, public
courses in the area, it plays 6,723 yards from the tips. Weekend and
weekday price w/ cart is $50, twilight price is $25. Call 828-733-5804 for
information. (public)

Boone - One of the premier public courses in the High Country has just
completed a major revision. The friendly staff is eager to showcase the
grand design now that the renovations are done. 18 holes w/ cart from
$45 to $57. Twilight rates from $35 to $45 after 2pm. After 5pm $23
includes cart. Call 828-264-8760 for tee times and availability.
www.Boonegolfclub.net. (public)

Mount Mitchell - 420 acres of beautiful property along the South Fork
of the Toe River, twisting through the shadows of the Black Mountains
and Mount Mitchell. The club boasts a full-service restaurant and an
exceptional 19th hole, carrying all ABC permits. Easily accessed from
the Blue Ridge Parkway on Hwy. 80 about 40 minutes south of
Grandfather Mountain. 18 holes w/ cart $44 to $85. Call 828-675-5454
for tee times. www.mountmitchellgolfresort.com. (public)

Beech Mountain - High on Beech Mountain, this par 72 course was
designed by William C. Byrd. Price w/ cart is $64 on weekends and
weekdays. Call 828-387-2372 or www.beechmtnclub.org. (private non equity)

Mountain Springs Golf (Grandfather Golf & Country Club) -
Adjoining Grandfather Golf Course, this is an executive length course of
3,222 yards of golf, par 59. Mountain Springs also was designed by Ellis
Maples. Contact information same as Grandfather. (private equity)

Land Harbor - Located outside Linville, this 3.5 star course opened in
1970. Designed by Tom Jackson and Ernie Hayes, the course plays 5,153
yards from the tips, par 69. The greens fees include a cart and are $40
on weekends and weekdays, and $27 for twilight golfing. Call 828-733-
8325 or www.linvillelandharbor.org. (private non-equity)

Sugar Mountain - Although not a place for your 460cc drivers (4,500
yards, playing to a par of 64), Sugar Mountain is anything but short in
the eyes of the golfing public. The clubhouse has been recently completed
and Pro Ken Worthington returns to take charge of instruction at
Sugar Mountain. Players can walk the course daily for $14 after 3pm in
the spring, and after 4pm throughout the summer and fall. 18 holes w/
a cart from $32 to $40. Twilight rates at 3pm from $25 to $32. Call 828-
898-6464 for more information or www.SeeSugar.com. (Public)

Willow Creek - This executive length par three golf course is located
in Boone. An easy “short-game polish up” course with a length of 1,663
yards, Willow Creek was designed by Tom Jackson. Including cart, weekends
and weekdays cost $16 for nine holes. Call 828-963-6865 for more
information. (public)

There are many ways to enjoy spending time on the surplus of rivers,
creeks and lakes that Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties have to offer.
Activities that can offer individual challenges or fun for the entire family
include whitewater rafting, canoeing, tubing, river boarding, kayaking,
swimming and fishing.

LAKES

Watauga Lake - The 3rd cleanest lake in America, Watauga Lake
offers numerous activities including boating, camping, fishing, hiking,
horseback riding, hunting, lodging, picnicking, water sports and wildlife
viewing. With a total of 106 miles of shoreline, 13 different species of
game fish call the lake their home. “Watauga” is a Native American term
meaning Beautiful Waters. For more information on location, boat
rentals, marinas, fishing and camping visit http://www.tennesseelakeinfo.com
com/watauga/.

Wildcat Lake - Offering swimming, fishing, canoeing and family fun,
this beautiful lake is only minutes away from The Lodges at Elkmont.
Wildcat Lake is part of the Parks & Recreation Department of Banner
Elk, usage is free of charge. From the entrance to The Lodges at
Elkmont, turn right on Hwy 194 and then Left onto Hwy 184 at the stop
light in Banner Elk. Follow 184 until you get to the mill pond and turn
right onto Hickory Nut Gap Rd. Wildcat Lake will be on your right just
past Grandfather Home.

WHITEWATER PADDLING SPOTS NEAR BANNER ELK

Boone Fork, Julian Price Park to Watauga - class III-IV (V+), 4.5 mi. long

Catawba River- North Fork, Linville- class IV-V (V+), 2.5 mi. long

Elk River, Route 1326 to Route 1305- class IV-V, 8.4 mi. long

Elk River, Route 130 to Bridge above Sone Mtn Church Tennessee-class IVV
(V+), 4.8 mi. long

Elk Creek, Route 1162 to Route 268 Bridge-class I-II, 8.4 mi. long

Gragg Prong River, Roseboro to Lost Cove Creek- class IV-V, 1.6 mi. long

John's River, Route 1328 to Route 1438-class I-II, 6.5 mi. long

Linville River, Linville Falls to Lake James-class IV-V+, 16.4 mi. long

Lost Cove Creek, Main-class: Blank, 8 mi. long

North Harper Creek,Wilson Creek Tributary-class IV-V (V+), 9 mi. long

North Toe River, Plumtree to Bush Rd./Rt. 19E-class II, 10 mi. long

Steels Creek, to confluence with Upper Creek-class II-III, 6.6 mi. long

Thunderhole Creek, Globe Rd. to Upton-class III+, 3.5 mi. long

Upper Creek, Raven Cliff Gorge to FR 982-class III+ (IV), 17 mi. long
Watauga River, SR 1557 to NC 105-class II-IV, 2 mi. long

Watauga River, NC Route 105 Bridge to US Route 321 Bridge-class I-II,
12 mi. long

Watauga River, US Route 321 Bridge to Route 1200-class II-III, 4 mi. long

Watauga River, Guys Ford Bridge to Watauga Lake-class IV-V, 4.9 mi. long

Wilson Creek, Upper Wilson-class IV, 5 mi. long

Wilson Creek, Route 1328 Bridge to National Forest sign-class II-III,
5 mi. long

Wilson Creek, National Forest sign to parking area above Brown Mt
North Beach-class III-IV+ (V), 1.9 mi. long

Wilson Creek, Below Brown Mt Beach to Johns River-class I-II (III),
4mi. long

Yadkin River, Route 268 Bridge to Route 1137-class I-II, 19.9 mi. long

FISHING NEAR BANNER ELK

For Owners and Guests of The Lodges at Elkmont:
Fish for Brooke Trout in your backyard in gorgeous Shawneehaw Creek.
Of course no guide needed here.

Other Fishing Locations:
AsheCounty

Helton Creek (Virginia state line to N. Fork New River) - Classified as
Delayed Harvest Trout Waters.

Big Horse Creek (SR1361 bridge downstream to Mud Creek at SR
1363) - Classified as Wild Trout/Catch & Release Artificial Lures Only
Trout Waters.

Avery County

Cranberry Creek - Boundaries of Wild Trout Waters. Headwaters to
U.S. 19E/NC 194 crossing.

Elk River (Lees-McRae College property, excluding the millpond) -
Open to public fishing. Classified as Catch and Release/Artificial Flies
Only Trout Waters.

Elk River - Upper Hatchery Supported Trout Waters boundary
changed to SR 1305 crossing immediately upstream of Big Falls.

Gragg Prong (including tributaries) - Classified as Wild Trout Waters.

Webb Prong (including tributaries) - Classified as Wild Trout Waters.

Watauga County

Beaver dam Creek (From confluence of Beaver dam Creek and Little
Beaver dam Creek to the mouth of an unnamed tributary adjacent to the
intersection of SR 1201 and SR 1203). - Open to public fishing and classified
as Hatchery Supported Trout Waters.

Watauga River - The lower boundary is now the steel bridge at
Riverside Farm Road. Classified as Wild Trout Waters.

Watauga River - The upper boundary is now the SR 1557 bridge.
Classified as Delayed Harvest Trout Waters.

Watauga River (from SR1114 to the NC 94 bridge at Valle Crucis) -
Open to the public fishing. Classified as Delayed Harvest Trout Waters.

**Be Sure to Contact NC Wildlife Resource Commission to obtain a North Carolina
Fishing Permit as well as information regarding fishing regulations during each season

Appalachian Angler: Located at 174 Old Shulls Mill Rd. in Boone.
Offering expert guiding on wading and floating trips down the Watauga
and South Holston Rivers, Appalachian Anglers has been committed to
the conservation, sporting and admiration of native fish species for over
twenty years. They will ensure that fishermen of all ages, beginners to
experts have a “quality fishing experience.” Call for reservations and
information to the fly shop (828)963-8383 or the Guide Service at
(828)963-5050 or simply visit www.appalachianangler.com.

Appalachian Challenge Guide: Full service guide company offering
an array of adventures for the entire family with activities such as whitewater
rafting, backpacking, rock climbing, rappelling and caving expeditions.
Call for more information: (828)898-6484 or visit location in
Banner Elk at the intersection of Hwys 105 and 184.
www.insidenc.com/mountain/Appchallenge.htm.

Edge of the World: This company specializes in outdoor adventures
including rafting, climbing and canoe trips. There is also an onsite snow board
shop that carries high quality outdoor equipment and clothing.
Call (828)898-9550 or visit location at 1137 Hwy 184, Banner Elk.
www.edgeoworld.com.

Extreme Raft & Guide Service: The High Country's only outfitter
specializing in Rip boarding (river boarding) and whitewater rafting expeditions
on the Watauga and French Broad Rivers. Located at 3071
Tynecastle Hwy. in Banner Elk. Call for info (828)898-7669 or visit
www.extremenc.com.

Foscoe Fishing Company & Outfitters: Endorsed by Orvis, this fly
fishing guide service and retail fishing supply center is located at 9400
Hwy. 105 S., in Foscoe. Guided wading and floating trips available for
many of the creeks and rivers in Avery and Watauga counties, as well as
tail waters of the Watauga and South Holston in North Carolina and
Tennessee. (828)963-6556 or visit www.foscoefishing.com.

High Mountain Expeditions: Caving, hiking, kayaking, mountain
bike tours, waterfall tours and whitewater rafting. Visit the Boone location
at 1380 Hwy. 105-S or call 1-800-262-9036.
Visit www.highmountainexpeditions.com for more info.

Lost Cove Trekking: One of only a handful of guides with special
permit to operate in Pisgah National Forest. Guided trips featuring backpacking,
hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking and whitewater rafting.
Located in Banner Elk and open year round. Call (828)898-9885 or visit
www.lostcovetrekking.com.

River and Earth Adventures, Inc.: Whitewater rafting, kayak
instruction, caving and hiking, ECO-education, canoeing: guided and
overnights. Located in Valle Crucis only a short drive down Hwy. 194
from Elkmont.
Call (866)411-RAFT for more info. or visit www.raftcavehike.com.

Appalachian Trail - Feeling fit? Try conquering North Carolina's
entire 88-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail (frequently referred to as
the AT) this summer. The AT is the Nation's longest marked footpath,
covering approximately 2,175 miles and touching 14 states along the
Eastern Seaboard. Designated in 1968, the Appalachian Trail is recognized
as America's first National Scenic Trail. Easily accessible from the
High Country. To learn more details about the Appalachian Trail,
including access points and requirements for hiking, visit www.appalachiantrail.
org.

Camp Broadstone - Located in Valle Crucis, this campground is part
of ASU's outdoor programming and can be used for a number of different
activities. Contact the camp at (828)963-4640 to find out about team building
programs, school and/or corporate adventures, meetings,
retreats, weddings or even specific special events. Camp Broadstone also
offers a residential summer camp during June and July for gifted youth.
www.campbroadstone.com.

Grandfather Mountain - Containing 11 different hiking trails,
Grandfather Mountain is one of the most recognizable mountain formations
in the east. All trails can be accessed from within Grandfather's
gates, entrance fee is $14. There are two trails (the Profile and Daniel
Boone Scout Trails) that can be accessed from outside of the entrance
gate; they each require the hiker to have a $5 hiking permit that can be
obtained from the Exxon/McDonald's store at Tynecastle Shopping
Center, less than ten minutes from The Lodges at Elkmont. Information
about each of Grandfather's hiking trails can be obtained by going to the
visitor's center or going online to www.grandfather.com. Call (800)468-
7325 to inquire about opening hours each season and accessibility.

Linville Falls - Located at milepost 316.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway,
the falls are only a short drive from Elkmont. Hiking around the falls
invites visitors to experience not only the falls but also some of the
breathtaking views of Linville Gorge and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Linville Gorge for hiking and fishing is a must do in the High Country.
Bring fishing equipment, native and stock trout are abundant. Call for
more info. (828)765-7818 or go to www.nps.gov/blri/linville.htm.
**Go to Amazon.com or any online bookstore to find a number of great titles that
focus on tales, directions, tips, restrictions, motivation and history of hiking and
camping in the mountains of North Carolina.

The Louisiana Purchase - Located in downtown Banner Elk at 397
Shawneehaw Ave., this hidden jewel of a restaurant offers fantastic
Cajun, French and Italian cuisine. They also offer an extensive wine list
to accompany dinner, served Tuesday thru Saturday beginning at
5:30pm. Reservations are recommended and can be set up by calling
(828)898-5656. More information online at
www.louisianapurchase.com. The Boss's favorite place.

The Gamekeeper - Located on Shull's Mill Road in Boone, between
The Lodges at Elkmont and downtown Boone, The Gamekeeper is a
true gourmet restaurant that is highly acclaimed by both locals and travelers
alike. The Gamekeeper is famous for combining Southern Comfort
Food with an exotic and creative flair to produce a dining experience of
its own kind. During the summer, The Gamekeeper bar is open at 5pm
nightly, while dinner begins at 6pm Mon.-Fri. and at 5:30pm on
Saturdays. For reservations (recommended) and more information call
(828)963-7400 or visit the web site www.gamekeeper-nc.com.

Morel's - One of the best fine dining experiences in the High Country.
This French style bistro features a very intimate dining room that offers
food that is nothing short of extraordinary. It is located in the heart of
Banner Elk and serves dinner Tuesday thru Sunday from 6pm-11pm.
Reservations recommended. Call (828)898-6866.

Zuzda - This tapas-style dining restaurant offers an experience unlike
anything else in the High Country. Featuring over 70 items on the menu
to satisfy any and every particular taste, Zuzda also has a full service bar
that serves the full menu late into the night. This is one restaurant that
everyone should experience. Zuzda is open for dinner every night beginning
at 5pm. Reservations recommended. Call (828)898-4166. Another
Elkmont favorite.

Eseeola Lodge - Located on Linville Ave. in Linville, gourmet international
cuisine sets this fine dining restaurant apart from others in the
area. Open from May to October for dinner, all week from 6:30pm-9pm.
Jacket required for gentlemen and dining is by reservation only. Call
(800)742-6717 or visit www.eseeola.com.

Dunn's Deli - Delicious deli sandwiches, soups and salads. Breakfast
served daily and Boar's Head Meats sold by the pound. Located adjacent
to “the stoplight” at 134 Main St. in Banner Elk. Open Monday thru
Friday from 7am-7pm; Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 9am-5pm. Call
(828)898-6731 or visit www.perryhouse.com for more info.

The Blackboard - An elegant bistro that offers a unique blend of
French-American cuisine, the Blackboard also features a lively bar, live
entertainment, great wines and a Sunday brunch special. Located adjacent
to the Great Train Robbery Emporium. Open Tuesday thru
Saturday for dinner from 6pm-10pm; Sunday brunch is from 11am-3pm
weekly. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling (828)898-
2321 or visit www.theblackboardbe.com.

Bella's - Neighborhood Italian Restaurant features traditional cuisine
from soup and salads to various pizzas, pastas and Italian dinner dishes.
Open daily for lunch from 11am-2:30pm and for dinner from 4pm to
9pm. Located across from the Food Lion and beside the Subway in the
Tynecastle Hwy Shopping Center. (828)898-9022.

The Best Cellar at Linville - Great atmosphere specializing in fresh
seafood, aged beef, rack of lamb, duck and homemade desserts. Whether
you are looking for a hot spot for lunch or pairing a delicious dinner dish
with a wine off of the extensive list, The Best Cellar is an excellent
choice. Located in Linville, hours are 11:30am-2pm for lunch daily and
5:30pm-9pm for dinner Monday thru Saturday. Reservations are recommended.
Call (828)733-4747.

Artisanal - An original and elegant location to experience American
fine dining. Each recipe is made from scratch in this contemporary
atmosphere. Reservations are recommended. Serving dinner Tuesday
thru Saturday from 5:30 till 10:00pm. Call for reservations (828)898-
5395. Located at 4501 Tynecastle Hwy in Banner Elk.

Sorrento's Bistro - An Italian bistro, Sorrento's offers authentic hand tossed
Italian style pizza, carne, veal, eggplant, chicken and seafood. Full
service bar and a Sunday brunch available. Sorrento's serves lunch
beginning at noon Wednesday thru Sunday and they serve dinner
Wednesday thru Monday beginning at 4pm. They do accept reservations.
(828)898-5214.

Beech Haven Restaurant - Home Cooking, Beech Mountain style.
Located at 444 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Haven opens at 7am all
week for breakfast. Lunch Buffet is served Monday thru Friday. Call
(828)898-9484 for more information.

Bayou Smokehouse and Grill - Down-home cookin' in the form of
southern comfort food and a large deck for outdoor dining make the Bayou a great place for family and friends. The restaurant has a full service
bar and entertainment such as pool tables and video games. Serving
food daily from 11:30am to 11pm, until 12am on weekends. Bar open
until 2am. Located at 130 East Main St., downtown Banner Elk. Call
(828)898-8952 or visit www.bayousmokehouse.com.

Banner Elk Café & Lodge - Serving breakfast to dinner and everything
in between, the Banner Elk Café & Lodge has something for everyone.
Soups, sandwiches, burgers and even specialty pizzas & pastas.
Located on Tynecastle Hwy. across from Banner Elk Elementary School.
Delivery available after 5pm daily. Open from 7am-10pm during the
week and from 7am-11pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Call
(828)898-4040.

Jackalope's View - Located at the Archer's Inn on Beech Mountain,
Jackalope's View accommodates any craving from delicious and fresh
seafood or elegant wild game to a full service bar with an excellent view
year round. For guests who enjoy wine more than a cocktail there are
over 300 selections of wine stored in three cellars. Jackalope's is opened
daily from 5pm-9pm. Reservations are recommended. Call (828)898-
9004 or go to www.archersinn.com.

The Corner Palate - Indulge in culinary artistic masterpieces as you
dine casually with eclectic lunch and dinner menus paired with an extensive
wine list. The Corner Palate also features a large sushi bar every
weekend and presents various live music performances from local musicians.
Lunch is served from Friday thru Tuesday between 11:30am-4pm.
Dinner is served in the dining room Wednesday thru Saturday from
4pm-9pm and dinner is served at The Corner Bar Grill (adjacent to the
dining room) nightly from 4pm -10pm.

Art Cellar Gallery - Located at 920 Shawneehaw Avenue in Banner
Elk, the Art Cellar Gallery offers guests a variety of media and styles of
fine art. Call (828)898-5175 for more information, as well as openings
and events or check online at www.artcellaronline.com .

The Decorative Collection - This store offers a variety of chairs, sofas
and love seats constructed from sturdy lumber. Worthy of mention: the stressless Ekornes chairs of Scandinavia are available in assorted styles.
Located at 4501 Tynecastle Hwy. in Banner Elk, The Decorative
Collection can be reached at (828)898-7844 or at www.ekornes.com.

Erick's Wine and Cheese Shop - Choose from a distinctive collection
of various retail wines, cheeses, gourmet foods, party trays and gift baskets.
An experienced and knowledgeable staff make Erick's one of the
premier specialty shops in Banner Elk. Saturday wine tasting from 1-
4pm. Located at 1873 Tynecastle Hwy. right beside the ABC store. Call
(828)898-9424 or visit www.erickscheeseandwine.com.

Finders Keepers Antiques - One of the area's finest antique shops
features some of Great Britain and France's most desirable antiques, artifacts
and reproductions. Located at 3990 Hwy. 105 S., in Banner Elk.
Reach them at (828)898-1925 or www.ktti.com/finderskeepers

Fred's General Mercantile - This general store is located in Beech
Mountain and carries hardware, bird feeders, books, kites, sleds, gardening
supplies, Christmas trees at Christmas time, fresh apples every fall,
pumpkins for Halloween, toys, crafts, unusual gifts, clothing and mountain
gear. They also operate a rental and retail sales and services ski and
snow boarding department. Fred says “If we don't have it, you don't need
it.” Open year round, seven days a week. Hours of operation: Spring,
Summer & Fall: 7:30am-10pm; Winter: 7:30am-10:30pm.

Great Train Robbery - This place has it all! An emporium, shops, an
art gallery, furnishings, gifts, antiques, apparel, auctions, design seminars
and a coffee shop. Located beside Lowe's at 2110 Tynecastle Hwy. in
Banner Elk. Call (828)898-8645 or check out www.thegreattrainrobbery.
com.

Hardin Fine Jewelry - Offering diamonds, unique gems and special
gifts; this fine jewelry store also houses an elegant jewelry showroom featuring
rare, precious and semi-precious gemstones. Location is 920
Shawneehaw Ave. in Banner Elk. (828)898-4653.

Health Connection of Avery County - Stay in shape and live a long
and healthy life with the help of the vitamins, minerals, supplements,
homeopathic medicines, herbs, organic foods and more. 2945 Tynecastle
Hwy., Banner Elk. Call (828)898-8482 or visit www.healthconnectionofaveryco.
com.

Mast General Store - Original store located in Valle Crucis down the
road from The Lodges at Elkmont on Hwy 194. This National Historic
landmark has been the center of the Valle Crucis community since 1883.
Packed with everything you'd find in an old-timey country store, there is
also room for modern toys and comforts such as outdoor clothing and
accessories. Open year round. Hours of operation: Monday thru
Saturday 7am-6:30pm; Sunday 12 noon-5pm. (Winter hours may very).
There is also a location in Boone on King St.

Yellow Cat Gallery - Paintings and photography of The Blue Ridge
Mountains as well as the Glens of Scotland. Resident artist and photographer
Shirley Gray MeNeil owns and operates the gallery and will gladly
customize any photo into a one-of-a-kind portrait. Located on Hwy.
184 in Linville Falls.

Call (828)766-6284 or visit www.yellowcatgallery.com.

Banner Elk Winery - The first commercial winery built in Avery and
Watauga counties, locally grown grapes are processed into excellent
wines that reflect unique characteristics of the growth conditions in the
high country of North Carolina. Located just a couple of hundred yards
away from the entrance to The Lodges at Elkmont, the winery is open
for tasting Wednesday thru Sunday from 12pm-6pm in the summer;
12pm-5pm in the winter. Contact the winery at (828)898-9090 or visit
online www.bannerelkwinery.com.

Blue Ridge Parkway - This 470-mile linear national park stretches
from the Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park. The Parkway (as the locals call it) has many stopping
points along the way including the Linn Cove Viaduct, Linville Falls and
Linville Gorge. (All in Avery County) Driving and sightseeing on the
Parkway is free of charge, although fees are charged for the use of campsites
and facilities. Open year round, weather permitting in the winter. A
must see year round.

Brown Mountain Lights - One of the oldest and most mysterious legends
surrounding the Blue Ridge Mountains is that of the Brown
Mountain Lights. The early history of this phenomenon is unclear,
although there have been more recent investigations that have uncovered
entirely new theories. One thing is for sure, The Brown Mountain Lights
are a mysterious occurrence that is definitely worth experiencing during
a dark night in the High Country. There are several vantage points that
can be accessed from different areas of the High Country. For more
information on The Brown Mountain Lights, as well as directions to the
most common viewing sites visit www.brownmountainlights.org.

Grandfather Mountain - Recognized around the world as a nature
preserve, as well as the highest peak in the Blue Ridge, this attraction has
lots to offer for everyone. Encompassing gorgeous mountain scenery and
amazing views, Grandfather Mountain boasts the South's best alpine
hiking trails. Test your courage on the Mile High Swinging Bridge, or
connect with nature as you enjoy watching bears, otters, cougars, eagles
and deer interact in their natural habitats. Also offered; picnicking, a
nature museum, environmental education, gift shops, and a restaurant.
Open year round, winter weather permitting. Days of operation: Daily
except Thanksgiving and Christmas days. Hours of operation: Winter
8am-5pm; Spring and Fall 8am-6pm; Summer 8am-7pm. Call for more
information (800)468-7325 or visit www.grandfather.com.

The Greater Foscoe Mining Company - Located 15 minutes from
The Lodges at Elkmont on Hwy. 105, The Greater Foscoe Mining
Company offers fun for the entire family. Mine for emeralds, sapphires,
rubies, topaz and more. Daily mining from 9am-6pm, also feature onsite
gem cutting and custom jewelry creations for the lucky miner who
strikes it rich! Call (828)963-5928 or visit www.facetsoffoscoe.com.

Linville Caverns - See cave formations of stalactite, stalagmite,
draperies, columns & straw as well as an underground stream inhabited
by blind trout. Experience “total darkness” within the caverns during a
guided tour. Gift Shop on premises. Marion. (800)419-0540 or
www.linvillecaverns.com.

Mystery Hill - Located in Blowing Rock, this “mysterious” house sits
on a 45 degree angle. Visitors can watch a ball roll uphill. The hall of
mystery contains various hands on experiments and puzzles. Also, there
is an Appalachian Heritage Museum on location. Open year round,
seven days a week. Hours of operation: June-August 8am-8pm; Sept.-
May 9am-5pm. (828)264-2792 or www.mysteryhill-nc.com.

The Orchard at Altapass - First planted by the Clinchfield Railroad
Company in 1908, The Orchard at Altapass has mountain apples, live
mountain music, craft demonstrations, butterfly rearing, hay rides, storytelling
and homemade apple and pumpkin fudge. Open from 10am to
6pm on Monday and Wednesday thru Saturday; 11am-6pm on Sundays
in September; 10am-6pm on Sundays in October; and open Tuesday
beginning mid-September-October. Located in Little Switzerland, call
for more info. (828)765-9531 or visit www.altapassorchard.com.

Tweetsie Railroad - Located at 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, just off
Hwy 321 in Blowing Rock. North Carolina's original family oriented
theme park offers fun and enjoyment for children of all ages and adults
as well. Step back in time to the Wild West as soon as you enter the property
and experience a 3-mile mountainous train voyage and “witness
cowboys fighting off renegade train robbers.” Also available are exciting
country fair rides and arcades, music and entertainment and plenty of
delicious things to eat. May 4 through May 20: Open Fridays, Saturdays
and Sundays, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. May 25 through August 26: Open
seven days a week, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. July 4th until 9:00 pm for the
Fireworks Extravaganza. August 31 through November 4: Fridays,
Saturdays and Sundays (and Labor Day - Monday, September 3), 9:00
am to 6:00 pm. Also open Friday and Saturday nights October 5 through
November 3 for the 2007 Ghost Train Halloween Festival. Gates open
7:30 pm. Contact Info.- (877) TWEETSIE for ticket order line or
(828)264-9061 www.tweetsie.com.

The Art of Massage - Conveniently located on Hwy. 105 across from
the entrance to Hawksnest Ski Resort, The Art of Massage offers a combination
of Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage to release stress from the
body and enjoy an escape from a fast-paced lifestyle. Call for appointments
seven days a week (828)963-5266 or visit www.jilliansartofmassage.
com.

Ashi Therapy - Located at 238 Main St. in Downtown Banner Elk,
Ashi Therapy is a holistic alternative healing center that specializes in
traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, natural facelifts and much
more. Call (828)898-5555 to schedule an appointment or visit
www.ashitherapy.com.

The Riverside Spa at Linville - Indulge yourself in a full body massage
for a day, or go to beautify yourself with a facial or a professional
waxing. Located in Linville at 3618 Mitchell Ave., The Riverside Spa at
Linville will happily take care of your ailing body. Call for appointments
(828) 773-4445.

Serenity Day Spa - Located at 4501 Tynecastle Hwy. in Banner Elk,
Serenity day spa features products and services that range anywhere
from facials and massage therapy to waxing and laser spray tanning. To
find out more information or reserve a spot at Serenity Day Spa call (828)
898-3550 or visit www.relaxatserenity.com

Avery County Historical Museum - Housed in the old Avery
County Jail in Newland, this museum preserves and displays significant
information, photographs and artifacts about people, events and places
that make up the history of Avery County and the surrounding areas of
the Toe River Valley. Open Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday 11am-3pm.
(828) 733-71111 or www.averymuseum.com.

Crossnore Weavers & Gallery: A Working Museum - Located in
Crossnore just south of Newland. These artisans specialize in original
hand-woven scarves, rugs & blankets made from chenille, cotton & wool.
Visitors can watch weavers craft beautiful and intricate designs before
their very eyes. Also, choose from a variety of fine home furnishings and
discover other intriguing Appalachian crafts. (828) 733-4660 or
www.crossnoreweavers.org.

Appalachian Ski Mountain - The High Country's first ski resort has
been opened since 1962. Featuring 10 slopes, two terrain parks and a
panoramic outdoor ice arena, App Ski Mountain has something for
everyone. For information on seasonal openings and rates call (828)295-
7828 or visit www.appskimtn.com.

Hawksnest Ski Resort - Located in Seven Devil's, right off of Hwy.
105 south, Hawksnest is one of the area's premier ski resorts. Hawksnest
offers 12 ski trails and has tubing as well. They also have late-night skiing
on the weekends with live entertainment. For seasonal openings and
ticket info. call (828)963-6561 or visit www.skihawk.com.

Ski Beech Ski Resort - Just up the mountain from Banner Elk on
Beech Mountain Parkway you will find Beech Mountain Ski Resort. Ski
Beech Resort is the highest ski area in Eastern North America. Ski Beech
features 15 slopes and there are various restaurants and shops within
close proximity of the resort area. Call (800)438-2093 or go to
www.skibeech.com.

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort - Located off of Tynecastle Hwy, Sugar
Mountain ski Resort offers 19 trails and a terrain park for the more experienced.
Sugar also features tubing in the winter, as well as hiking and
biking in the summer season. For hours of operation and rates call

(828)898-4521 or visit www.skisugar.com