Page Title

Attractions, Festivals, and
Other Things To Do

Before starting out on your adventures, try checking

The Mountain Times
Ashe County edition

for local information about interests and activities. It is free and
available at any service station, restaurant, etc.
Click on the name of the place/event to link to its website, if there is
one available.

Bluegrass music every Friday night 7:30 - until!!! Local musicians
have Shin Dig! Go to end of our gravel rd. take right 1st farm and
store on left, about 1/4 mile. Great Music, donations accepted.

Ashe County, NC

Ashe County is located in the Northwestern corner of North Carolina
atop the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is a place of scenic views, small
towns, and welcoming people. Visitors come here for the serenity of
mountain cabins and the spirit of shared community. They come to
hike the hills, canoe the New River, and fish trout from spring fed
streams. If you're looking to find elbow room and a slower pace of
life, night skies filled with a million stars instead of the glow of
streetlights, and to hear the music of whippoorwill and hoot owl,
then Ashe County awaits you!

Blowing Rock, NC

Blowing Rock is a quaint village nestled within the Blue Ridge
Mountains of North Carolina. Seventeen ski resorts are located just
outside Blowing Rock.

The Blowing Rock

It is said that a Chickasaw chieftain, fearful of a white man's
admiration for his lovely daughter, journeyed far from the plains to
bring her to The Blowing Rock and the care of a squaw mother. One
day the maiden, daydreaming on the craggy cliff, spied a Cherokee
brave wandering in the wilderness far below and playfully shot an
arrow in his direction. Find out the ending to this delightful legend
of The Blowing Rock by visiting its website.

The Blue Ridge Parkway

Visit our own page about The Parkway as well as the Parkway's
official page.

Boone, NC

Boone is located in the northwest corner of North Carolina, in the
heart of the Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachian Mountains are
considered to be some of the oldest mountains in the world. Boone
has received many accolades: "The Firefly Capital of the World."
"One of the 100 Best Small Towns in America." "Best Mountain
Town. The air is clearer, drier and 10 degrees cooler. 3,300 feet
closer to heaven, the views are longer and life is slower.

Doughton Park

Over 30 miles of hiking trails criss-cross Doughton Park, ranging
from modest strolls to all-day outings. Horse trails, fishing, camping,
picnicking, lodging and a restaurant are also offered at Doughton
Park, located at milepost 241 of the Blue Ridge Parkway (in
Alleghany County,) near Laurel Springs and Ashe County.

Frescoes at The Church of the Holy Trinity and St, Mary's

St Mary's, in West Jefferson, and the Church of the Holy Trinity, in
Glendale Springs, hold some of Ashe County's greatest treasures:
the Frescoes by artist Ben Long.

Grandfather Mountain

The Mile High Swinging Bridge is named for its elevation above sea
level (5,300 feet). The bridge is 228 feet long and spans a chasm that
is 80 feet deep. Grandfather has seven environmental habitats for
black bears, bear cubs, river otters, cougars, bald eagles, golden
eagles, and white-tail deer. Grandfather Mountain has been privately
owned by the same family since 1885. Hugh Morton (age 82)
inherited the Mountain from his grandfather, Hugh MacRae, in 1952.
Elevation: 5,964 feet. The highest peak, the Calloway Peak, is the
highest point in the Blue Ridge mountain range extending from
Pennsylvania to north Georgia. Mount Mitchell, elevation 6,684 feet,
is the highest peak in the Black Mountains and the highest point in
Eastern America. The Blacks are a spur range off the Blue Ridge.
Located on US 221, one mile south of the intersection of US 221 and
the Blue Ridge Parkway and two miles north of Linville, North
Carolina.

Grayson Highlands/Mt. Rogers Recreation Area

Grayson Highlands, originally named Mount Rogers State Park, was
established in 1965. The community overwhelmingly supported this
park, beginning with a fund-raising effort for land acquisition and
continuing with the donation of items on exhibit in the visitor center.
Many areas in the park are named after early settlers. Camping,
fishing, hiking, horseback riding. Hike and see all the beautiful wild
ponies. Great day trip / picnic

Horn in the West

Kermit Hunter revolutionary drama, Horn in the West is a tale of
triumph and tragedy, joy and heartbreak, all set in the context of the
forging of America. Enjoy the compelling story of Daniel Boone and
the intrepid settlers of America in their journey westward. Fallow the
Stuart family as they discover something special about themselves
and the people who strove to overcome adversity and spark the fire
of a nation. You are surrounded by majestic 200-year old oaks and
entertained with story, song and dance under the stars.

Julian Price Memorial Park

Located at milepost 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this park is the
largest of the parkway's many recreational facilities. Julian Price Park
features numerous hiking trails varying in length and difficulty, a
camping area, picnic grounds and canoe rentals. During the
summer, interpretive programs are also often held in the Price Park
Amphitheater.

Linville Caverns

Deep beneath Humpback Mountain, nature has sculpted a veritable
masterpiece in stone. Toiling many centuries, slowly moving ground
water has been the primary artist for this creation of underground
labyrinths. The water dissolved out an incredible series of rooms
and passages, and created spectacular formations. The cavern was
discovered in the 1800's by men intrigued by the mystery of fish
swimming out of the mountain. Since then, extensive research has
been done to acknowledge the history, folklore, geology and biology
of Linville Caverns. One can only marvel at the endless information
this underground wonder has to offer. The mystery is still alive.

Magic Mountain Mini Golf

A challenging and fun-filled course set on a mountainside amidst the
beauty of nature and waterfalls. Mine for your own gems in NC
enriched ore. All equipment provided. Boone, NC
828-265-4653

The Mast General Store

Nestled in a secluded mountain valley, you'll discover spectacular
foliage, rustic countryside and a place Charles Kuralt calls, "... a
destination." That place is the Mast General Store in the rural
historic district of Valle Crucis. Since 1883, we've been outfitting the
Appalachians with traditional mercantile goods, comfortable
clothing, rugged footwear and quality outdoor gear for all mountain
seasons. When in the North Carolina High Country, we invite you to
warm up by our potbellied stove, mail a letter at our antique post
office and discover for yourself why... some times are just too good
to leave behind. Another Mast General Store is also located in
Boone, NC.

Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

Located near Julian Price Park at milepost 294 on the Blue Ridge
Parkway, this beautiful 3,600 acre park features the splendid Cone
Manor House, erected at the turn of the century. The previous home
of the Cone family now houses an official Blue Ridge Parkway craft
and information center. The grounds also include numerous trails
for hiking and horseback riding, streams and lakes and several
historic orchards which are in the process of being partially
restored. Another site with info about Moses Cone.

Mount Jefferson State Park

Covering 539 acres, Ashe County's Mount Jefferson State Park is
relatively undeveloped, but offers many adventures for hikers who
are interested in enjoying some of the High Country's most scenic
trails, including Mount Jefferson's famous Rhododendron Trail. The
park includes several picnic tables, each with a fantastic view of the
surrounding three states (North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee),
along with numerous sights of interest for naturalists, botanists and
birders.

New River State Park

Located in two counties (Ashe and Watauga), this 26- mile stretch of
the New River has been designated as a National Wildlife & Scenic
River area. The park offers great canoeing, and numerous spots for
picnicking, fishing and tubing. Two campgrounds are located inside
the park, specifically designed for "canoe camping". See also our
site for the New River Area and this site

Valle Crucis

Discover our historic inns, bed and breakfasts, and churches. Locate
cabin rentals and restaurants. Find out about activities, camps, and
places for retreats for from one to one hundred. And visit what
Charles Kuralt called "a destination," the original Mast General
Store. The General Store is now joined by other shops, studios, and
galleries featuring locally made pottery, rustic furniture, original art,
and more all in Valle Crucis. Links to individual home pages are
provided for complete information.

Virginia Creeper Trail

The Virginia Creeper Trail goes from Abingdon to Damascus and on
up to Whitetop Station. The trail is approximately 34 miles long, with
Damascus being the middle point. The VCT is open to bicycles,
horses and foot travel. If you are biking, I would suggest you split
the ride up into two days of "out and back" rides. See our page on
The
Virginia Creeper Trail. And there are two others: VCT and Creeper
Trail.

Stone Mountain State Park

Located in Wilkes County approximately seven miles southwest of
Roaring Gap, this 600-foot granite dome has become one of the
area's most popular climbing destinations. In addition to camping
and picnicking, the 13,000-acre park also accommodates over 17
miles of trout streams and eight miles of trails perfect for hiking and
horseback riding. Four beautiful waterfalls are easily accessed on
the park's well-maintained trails. For further information, call (336)
957-8185. Another site is Stone Mountain

Roan Mountain State Park

Located just across the North Carolina border in Roan Mountain,
Tennessee, this beautiful park sits just beneath the 6,285-foot peak
of its namesake. The park features cabins, camping, a seasonal
restaurant, picnicking, grills, four pavilions for large groups, seven
hiking trails, a swimming pool, and a variety of seasonal activities,
including horseshoes, volleyball, badminton and much more.

Tweetsie Railroad

Visit North Carolina's first theme park, and take a trip back into the
days of the Old West. Hop aboard the train for an unforgettable
three-mile journey through the scenic mountains; but watch out for
train robbers! Tweetsie Railroad also has amusement rides for all
ages and live entertainment throughout the park. Be sure to watch
the musical show and Can-Can girls at the Palace Saloon. Walk
down Main Street, and chat with the cowpokes and gunslingers.
Enjoy riding the chair lift to Miner's Mountain, where you can pan for
gold and stroll through the Deer Park. Plan on spending the day!

OTHER SITES:

Appalachian Trail
Ashe County Cheese Factory
Bicentennial Bike Trail
Daniel Boone Heritage Trail
Iron Mountain Bike Trail
Jefferson Landing Golf
Mountain Aire Golf
Todd General Store

Skiing and Bike Shuttles

Hawksnest 800.822.4295
Sugar Mountain 800.784.2768
Beech Mountain 800.438.2093
Appalachian Ski Mountain 800.322.2373

Virginia Creeper Trail & Surrounding Area Shuttles & Rentals:

The Bike Station 866.475.3629
Adventure Damascus
Blue Blaze Shuttle
More info: Damascus Town Hall ~ PO Box 56 ~ Damascus, VA 24236
~ 540.475.3831

Gone Fishing

Never needed a license while fishing right around the cabin. But if
you want to go fishing in the trout stocked creeks you will need one.
Check out our fishing information page!

Fees:

Non-resident: 1 day=$15 / 3 days=$25
Non resident basic fish, trout, game lands=$50/yr
Kids under 16 do not need a license
Licenses can be purchased at W.J. Hardware in West Jefferson,
Wal-Mart, or
White Top Laurel Fly Shop & Guide

Good Eats

Shatley Springs Family Style Dining ~ 336.982.2236 ~ 5-6 miles from
cabin --From cabin go back as if you're going home, take a left at
horse barn on old 16N. Go about 2 miles, then take a right on Shatley
Springs Road. Go about 2 miles. Shatley Springs is on the right. ~
Live music, small shops ~ Reorder some biscuits & country ham
before you finish, have ham biscuits the next morning for breakfast!

Daniel Boone Inn ~ 421N in Boone ~ 336.264.8657

Smokey Mountain BBQ ~ On Main Street in West Jefferson ~ Good,
clean place to eat ribs, chicken and BBQ ~ 336.246.6818

Woodlands BBQ ~ 321 S. Blowing Rock ~ live picking, good BBQ &
wings, Pub