Spring 2011 - the blue ridge digest
Transcription
Spring 2011 - the blue ridge digest
Blue Ridge & Great Smoky Mountains SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 The Great Race Behind the Scenes at Grandfather Mountain Lost Art Found in Asheville the most widely distributed travel publication in the mountains Discovering treasures on Main Street. Stopping for a picnic along the Parkway. Sipping sweet tea by the lake. It’s a Blue Ridge Day. w w w.V I S I T R o A n o k e VA . C o M · 8 0 0 . 6 3 5 . 5 5 3 5 So many ways to enjoy a perfect Blue Ridge Day. Salem Fair 888.VASALEM www.salemfair.com Historic Roanoke City Market 540.342.2028 www.downtownroanoke.org Vinton Farmers’ Market 540.983.0613 www.vintonva.gov Smith Mountain Lake 800.676.8203 www.visitsmithmountainlake.com Franklin County Commerce & Leisure Services 540.483.9293 www.visitfranklincountyva.org Virginia Museum of Transportation 540.342.5670 www.vmt.org Salem Red Sox 540.389.3333 www.salemsox.com Taubman Museum of Art 540.342.5760 www.taubmanmuseum.org Dixie Caverns 540.380.2085 www.dixiecaverns.com Holiday Inn Tanglewood 540.774.4400 www.holidayinn.com/roatanglewood CRPad1e_2010_4.47x9.75:4.47x9.25 The Blue Ridge Digest SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad W ith 53 miles of track, 2 tunnels and 25 bridges, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a variety of excursions that explore the amazing landscape of Western North Carolina. With the romance and mystique of an era gone by, guests on-board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will enjoy scenic train journeys across fertile valleys and through river gorges in a spectacular region near The Great Smoky Mountains. This section of Western North Carolina offers a wide array of ever changing vegetation and fantastic landscapes. Dating back to the 1800's and located on the south side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Murphy Branch allowed access to one of the most remote and beautiful places in the world. You can learn about the rich history by visiting www.gsmr.com/about/history. php for additional information and historical photographs! You also can view at http:// gsrj.com/greatsmokeypremium. html by selecting the movie photo icon to view an exciting segment on Great Scenic Railway Journeys with Robert Van Camp. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad departs from Bryson City - Schedules, Rates & Upgrades can be found at www.gsmr. com You can complete your experience by staying in a well appointed Presidential Suite overlooking the historic Bryson City Depot or ride the train and raft a river all in one day! A train and rafting combination departs daily from Bryson City. You can ride the Nantahala Gorge Excursion and whitewater raft the full length of the popular Nantahala River. This is a great trip for families wanting to experience the full adventure of the mountains! Call for details or reserve online with Wildwater Adventure Centers at: www.wildwateradventurecenters.com 4/8/10 11:46 AM Page 1 Up Here, The World Is e B a y utifu l p m Si l Discover Mother Nature at her best. Human nature, too. Re-charge. Re-connect. Expand your horizons. Enjoy a new perspective on life. And prepare to be elevated. 25 mi. SE of Asheville in Chimney Rock, NC chimneyrockpark.com • 800-277-9611 Page 3 Page 4 www.blueridgedigest.com GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND JULY 7-10 GAMES The Grandfather Games are considered America’s grandest Games because of the spectacular mountain setting that is so reminiscent of Scotland. T he 56th Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and Gathering of Scottish Clans brings the color of 150 tartan plaids and the clamor of half a dozen bagpipe bands to the North Carolina Highlands Thursday through Sunday, July 7-10. The deep blue peaks of 5,946 foot Grandfather Mountain tower above a grassy green meadow ringed by 160 red, blue, yellow and green striped tents. The color is augmented by thousands of Scots luxuriously costumed in tartan plaids, and the energy is amplified by band parades; piping, drumming and harp competitions; sheep the sounds of bagpipes and kettle herding demonstrations by Scottish drums echoing across the moor. border collies and concerts featurThe Highland Games begin ing a wide variety of Celtic music. Thursday afternoon, July 7, with a On Friday night, the Celtic Jam piping highlights traditional and contemconcert, porary Celtic music at MacRae sheep Meadows and on Saturday night herding the Celtic Rock Concert serves up exhibiencore performances from some tion, the of the higher energy bands. running Adult tickets are $15 Thursday, of “The $20 Friday, $30 Saturday and $15 Bear,” Sunday. Tickets are $5 each day and the for children ages 5-12 with children opening under five free. Tickets are availceremo- able at the field on the day of the nies. event. Events off of the mountain Many are also scheduled and ticket prices people choose to bring a picfor those vary by event. For more nic dinner or buy food concesinformation call 828-733-1333 or sions at the Meadows to enjoy visit online at www.gmhg.org. during the evening events. For lodging and other travel Friday, Saturday and Sunday information, contact North Carolina are filled with competition in heavy- High Country Host at 800-438weight Scottish athletic events; high- 7500 or www.mountainsofnc.com. land dancing competition; bagpipe SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 Blue Ridge Digest Blue Ridge & Great Smoky Blue Ridge Digest. Mountains P.O. Box 1758 Asheville, NC 28802 Phone: (828) 667-1607 www.blueridgedigest.com All articles and information supplied are printed accurately to the best knowledge of the management. The Blue Ridge Digest is not responsible for errors beyond its control. THANKS TO THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY ASSOCIATION FOR THE USE OF THEIR CENTER-SPREAD MAP Publisher: Thomas Hardy Design: Imagewerks Productions Need good design? Call (828) 681-8029 Production Assistant: Beth Gilbert FROM THE PUBLISHER Welcome to the Mountains! Thank you for making your vacation an All-American experience in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain area. Your vacation dollars go further on U.S. soil and by spending time in the mountains, you not only benefit communities and businesses in your own back yard, but avoid flight delays and exchange rates. Now more than ever, Americans are looking for ways to stretch their dollars, spend time with family and friends, reconnect to the wonders of the natural world, and, if only for a moment, take a breath of fresh air. The time you spend in the Blue Ridge Mountain area will provide all of this and more: go whitewater rafting, experience historic and cultural sites, find unique shopping areas, take a hike, taste delicious local foods, and just breathe the clean mountain air. Hopefully this issue of the Blue Ridge Digest will be an aid in planning your trip and a keepsake to remember your vacation in the mountains. Enjoy your stay! Cover photograph by: Christine Anderson SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 The Blue Ridge Digest Wytheville: A Town of History, Heart, and Beauty W ytheville is a small town with a big experience. With Broadway style shows, shopping, historic museums and an animal park, there is something to entertain the entire family! Downtown Wytheville offers unique shopping and dining experiences. The bright colorful entrance of The Farmer’s Daughter gives you a glimpse of the one of a kind experience this downtown boutique offers. On Saturday, June 4, a reenactment of the first formal military act in the area will occur at the Homestead Museum adjacent to the Regional Visitors Center. The re-enactment will demonstrate the transformation of the Wythe Gray’s to the 4th Virginia Infantry of Company A. Beginning at daylight on Saturday, drill and practices will take place to show how the men prepared for battle. A cook will be preparing meals for the troops with foods that would have been available during the time of the Civil War. While in the area, visit the five Civil War markers located in Wythe County describing Toland’s Raid. Mark your calendars now for June 18-25, 2011 and join Wytheville in celebrating the annual Chautauqua Festival. Enjoy workshops for adults in cooking, knitting, and boxing, as well as story times, tea parties and scavenger hunts for the children. While relaxing to nightly entertainment, grab a bite to eat from the multiple food vendors. Choose from Chinese, pizza, Greek and of course, the sweet stuff! Two days of the festival are devoted to a craft show with local and regional crafters displaying their craftsmanship in wood furniture, jewelry, candles, and a variety of other type items. The eight-day festival is jam packed with exciting things to do! You will not want to miss a thing! Wytheville presents the 2011 “After Hours” Summer Concert Series on the first Friday of each month. Listen for the waves as you sing and dance to the beach music in Wither’s Park. The Pleasant Hill Farm offers Red Barn Bluegrass music every Friday night, spring to fall. Start steppin’ as you get up and get down Page 5 to the country, bluegrass, beach and gospel music bands. For the fifth year, West Wind Winery presents their “First Summer Saturday’s Concert.” On the first Saturday evening of each month bands perform different types of music, such as Motown, oldies, jazz and blues. Enjoy this entertainment with a glass of West Wind’s family crafted wine. On July 4, “Josiah’s GrahamFest,” a musical event located at the Major Graham’s Mansion will take place. Rock and roll, country, bluegrass and beach music will be played on two stages with fireworks to conclude the evening. During the music, take a tour of the historic, haunted grounds of the mansion and Barn Beer and { Wine Garden. Join local musicians playing bluegrass, oldies, country and gospel music Ms. Gerta’s House of Music every Tuesday night! Friday and Saturday nights are dedicated to dancing to rock and roll and country music and playing bingo. Wytheville is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia on Interstates 77 and 81. Contact the Wytheville Convention & Visitors Bureau for a free information packet about the area. Visit Wytheville’s website, www.VisitWytheville.com, call toll free, 877-347-8307 or stop at the Regional Visitors Center by following the blue Visitors Center signs from any Wytheville exit. PLENTY WILD. And just civilized enough. Black bears, otters, cougars, deer, even an eagle. Experience them all in natural settings at Grandfather Mountain — without giving up the creature comforts. w w w. g ra n d f a t h e r. c o m } Ridge Living History Museum. Dave Davis, Hickory Ridge Living History Museum founder (1980), returned Southern Appalachian Historical Association in 2009 after years in another career. The visitor now viewing the museum will agree that Mr. Davis’s expertise in historical construction and an eye for landscape aesthetics has graced the site with an aura of reverence for the past. In 2010, visiting descendants of one cabin’s former inhabitants, Tom This year the drama’s and Ellen Coffey, must have sensed season runs June 17th Dave’s diligence too, because they through August 13th stepped up to raise funds to repair the Coffey cabin’s metal roof, damhe outdoor drama, Horn in tion (SAHA). The show is the third is a story of incredible bravery aged during a 2009 ice storm. Famthe West, is produced midoldest in the nation – all three of and hope amongst our founding ily members also donated their skills June through mid-August by which are in the state of N.C. – and ancestors as they forged a way in construction, while building supplinon-profit organization, Southern is the first of such theaters to tell the for a new nation of democracy. ers offered materials at considerable Appalachian Historical Associatale of Revolutionary War days. It What you may not know about discount. The result was not only a Horn in the West is beautiful, new cedar shake shingle that it has the imroof for the Coffey Cabin, but for pressive distinction two other cabins as well. Two others of being the are due to only outdoor get new roofs drama to run this year. this many Hickory years conEnjoy an escape to the mountains... Ridge Living Guaranteed Best Rate when you secutively. welcome to the Hampton Inn Boone. make your reservation at Super8.com. History MuSixty years seum is open of operation Our promise to you includes a clean, comfortable hotel room. In fact, we have Saturday is indeed 94 of them! If you’re traveling with your family, you may opt for a room with two mornings May amazing. Super 8 Boone NC beds. Or, if you’re here by yourself on business, why not book a room with a through Septem2419 Highway 105, The show’s plush, king-sized bed so you can stretch Boone, NC, 28607 ber, and every out and relax? (828) 264-0077 success is 866-539-0036 1075 North Carolina 105, Boone, NC 28607 evening before a testiThe blacksmith shop entertain After a day of adventure, come back to the Horn in the s mony to the young • Free deluxe continental breakfast hotel and go for a refreshing swim in the visitors to Hic ko • Free wireless high-speed ry Ridge West. Volunteer inheated indoor pool, relax in the soothing profound Internet access in all rooms Living Histor y whirlpool. Wake up the next morning and Museum terpreters clothed in • Free local calls enjoy the Free Bright Side BreakfastTM value we before another day of adventure. • Outdoor heated pool period attire welplace on the freedom • Game room come visitors while demonstrating we now possess as traditional, 18th century lifeways. Americans. This 163 Hwy 105 Ext Boone165 Highway 105 Ext Museum admission is by donation; a Boone, NC, US, 28607 Boone, NC 28607 year the drama’s Phone: (828) 262-0020 Phone: 1-828-262-1234 Horn in the West ticket is not reseason runs June quired for entrance to Hickory Ridge. Our Boone, North 17th through August The friendly, helpful Carolina hotel offers all For more information and to staff at the Best Western 13th, every night the comforts of home Blue Ridge Plaza is ready and office, including buy tickets to Horn in the West, except Monday. to ensure a fun-filled free Wi-Fi, Fitness memorable stay in Boone, In preparation for visit www.horninthewest.com or Center, expanded cable North Carolina. Make a TV and a delicious free call (828) 264-2120. Ask about its 60th anniversary reservation today and save! breakfast. the catered Dan’l Boone Inn dinyear, SAHA wanted 818 East King St ner, available on selected eve840 E King Street, Boone, NC the best leadership Boone NC 28607 Reservations: 800-780-7234 1-800-596-2375 for the on-site Hickory nings (reservations required). Celebrates the 60th Anniversary of Horn in the West by Showcasing Living History Museum T We have a place for you TO SLEEP in SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 The Blue Ridge Digest Page 7 Carroll County Welcomes You!!! L ocated in the heart of the Blue Ride Plateau and in the middle of Virginia’s music heritage trail “The Crooked Road”, we are a region steeped in traditions: music, crafts, history, and plenty of outdoor splendors. Whether you are looking for an adrenaline rush or escaping the rush from the every day, there is a destination awaiting you in beautiful Carroll County, Virginia. There are 36 miles of spectacular scenery along the Blue Ridge Parkway including some of the most popular venues along all the parkway; “Ground Hog Mountain Overlook”, “Orleana Puckett Cabin”, “The Blue Ridge Music Center” just to name a few. Exit off of the parkway at MP 199.4 Fancy Gap and head toward the Town of Hillsville to experience many more of Carroll County’s Treasures: Southwest Virginia Regional Farmers Market, Historic Downtown Hillsville, The New River Trail State Park, Crooked Creek Fee Fishing and Wildlife area, 888-785-2781 It’sOurStyle.com Carroll County Office of Tourism Blue Ridge Plateau Regional Visitor Center 235 Farmers Market Dr. Hillsville, VA 24343 "Unto These Hills" 2011 Season Dates: June 3 - August 13 Y Outdoor Drama CHEROKEE, NC ou can feel an ever so slight chill run up your spine. But it is not from the mountain winds shifting their direction in anticipation of the coming dusk, it is from your anticipation of the coming drama. It is the same reaction visitors have had since the first showing of "Unto These Hills" nearly six million tickets ago. But it is also very different from the drama of days past. The show today has been reconcepted to better portray the unique story of the Cherokee from a historical perspective. The new play traces the Cherokee people through the aeons, through the zenith of their power, through the heartbreak of the Show starts at 7:30pm nightly, closed on Sundays Trail of Tears, finally ending, appropriately, in the present day, where the Cherokee people, much like their newly re-scripted drama, continue to rewrite their place in the world. A place based on traditional Cherokee values and modern sensibilities. To purchase tickets: • Call 866.554.4557. • Visit Cherokee Historical Assoc. Box Office at 564 Tsali Blvd., across the street from the Museum of the Cherokee Indian (off Highway 441N) 9AM-4PM, • Visit Mountainside Theatre (during summer season located at 688 Drama Road) 4:00pm until show time. On Our Cover The Devil’s Den Nature Preserve and many more treasures await you in beautiful Carroll County Virginia where many say “Visit for a day. Stay for a lifetime.” The Edith J. Carrier Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in Harrisonburg, VA invites the public to step into a world of natural beauty and serenity. Visitors can walk winding woodland trails landscaped with Virginia native plants and enhanced with botanical gardens and wide expanses of lawns. The arboretum offers a wide range of seasonally appropriate educational and cultural events on site throughout the year. Come appreciate the beauty of nature, protected and captured amidst the hustle and activity of the thriving city of Harrisonburg and the pulse of campus life at James Madison University. Learn about environmental preservation and study one of our most valuable resources: plants and trees. Be a doer and volunteer, or be a dreamer and spread a blanket on our lawns and relax, or be any kind of visitor in between. Open 365 days a year, free, dawn to dusk! Phone (540) 568-3194 www.jmu.edu/arboretum North Carolina's Only Caverns! LINVILLE CAVERNS Located on U.S. 221 between Linville and Marion, NC. Just 3 1/2 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Exit Milepost 317.4, turn left on U.S. 221 toward Linville Falls Village & Marion, NC Page 8 www.blueridgedigest.com Avery County turns 1911-2011 It's a Para de As part of A very County 's Centennial Celebration, the Centennial Coalition is planning a "BIG" thre e day even t to be held in o ur county se at of Newland o n July 29th, 30th, and 31s. A part of the fe st ivities will be a pa rade on Sa tu rd ay, July 31st at 11a.m. Be there! Sunday closes the event with the art orth Carolina’s 100th and festival and last County, Avery County is praise music. celebrating its 100th birthday Avery County is located in the in 2011. And they are inviting everymajestic northwest North Carolina High of North Carolina after the Declaraone to come celebrate their year long Country. Avery was the last county tion of Independence was signed. calendar of events with the official kick Avery County off staring with the 100 day of Summer created in North Carolina above contains 247 square event, where each day beginning June 3500 feet! It miles or approximate4, with our Heritage Festival through ly 152,300 acres of the summer season our visitors will find was named after Colonel Waightstill land. Avery County something on the calendar suggested Avery of Moris bordered by to do. The Grand Celebration event ganton, NC. He Tennessee from the will take place in Newland, July 29, served in the Revowest, and surrounded 30 and 31. Where the town will host lutionary War from by North Carolina bands, mountain dance, story telling, Mascots from Avery County festivals gather counties; Watauga, a county wide parade on Saturday, art 1779 to 1781. festival, quilt display, veterans program, He became the first at Grandfather Mountain’s Swinging Bridge Caldwell, Burke, Attorney General Mitchell, and McDowdog events and civil war re-enactment. ell. Avery County is home to numerous local attractions such as, the Blue Ridge Enjoy a delicious Parkway, Grandfather Mountain, Pisgah homemade breakfast National Forest, Elk Falls, Linville Falls, Linville Caverns, Linville Gorge, and Sugar & Beech Mountain Ski Resorts. Tourism is one of the leading industries in Avery County, generating around $50 million in sales each year. Most of this is in part to two ski resorts, Sugar Mountain Resort and Beech Mountain Elevation 5,506 ft. - Eastern America's Highest Town, nine major golf resorts, Grandfather Mountain, year round outdoor activities, restaurant and lodgBeautiful scenic views ing facilities throughout the county and Christmas tree farms and other shrubbery business account for the county’s second leading industry. Avery County is known for its Fraser Fir trees and over 900 families are active in the business; contact@gladevalley.com shipping trees all over the United States. For more information about Avery Close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, mp 229 Rustic cabin also County and their Centennial Celebra330 Shaw Lane available tion please visit www.averycounty. Glade Valley, NC 28627 com or contact the Chamber of Com- N 800-538-3508 SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 July 2-3, 2011 BRING YOUR THIRST AND DANCING SHOES TO FLOYD, VA The Floyd Fandango Beer & Wine Festival combines the best of both worlds. That's right, Wine Down the Music Trail and the infamous Floyd Fandango will be uniting forces this Festival season for a stellar event. Featuring over 15 wineries from the VA and NC regions and 10 of your favorite microbrews along with amazing entertainment, this is sure to be a one-of-a-kind event! Festival will take place at the beautiful festival venue, Blue Cow Pavilion, which is located at milepost 170.5 off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Need more info? Log on to www.floydfandango.com merce at 1-800-972-2183 or email to events@averycounty.com The Avery County Chamber of Commerce is located at the intersection of Highway 105 & Highway 183 in Banner Elk, North Carolina. SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 The Blue Ridge Digest Discover the mountains of Western North Carolina! Best Hiking Trails Near Asheville, NC E Hikes waterfall Within xperience the beauty of nature in 15 minutes of Asheville mountains older than the North * Asheville Urban Trail American continent. Nestled in the * Botanical Gardens at Asheville Pisgah National Forest, Asheville offers * Carolina Mountain Trail * Mountains-to-Sea Trail easy access to unlimited transcenden* Rattlesnake Lodge tal experiences in the natural world. * Riverside Cemetary Listen to the chatter of birds as you relish endless views from the highest ridgelines this Hikes Within 45 minutes of Asheville side of the Mississippi River. Soak up the * Black Balsam Knob sounds and smells of dense life-filled forests, * Craggy Gardens find waterfalls and wade in shallow rivers. * Devil's Courthouse Asheville is the perfect place to home * Dupont State Forest * Great Woodland Adventure base your next hiking adventure. You can * Green Knob Lookout Tower get an early start at a bed & breakfast or * Hickory Nut Falls Trail hotel. After a long day of exploring the * Laurel River Trail woods, satisfy your thirst and hunger in * Mount Mitchell * Mount Pisgah the world’s only Foodtopian Society. * Pink Beds Trail Hiking trails in the Asheville area are * Waterrock Knob great for all hiking experience levels, and all * West Ridge-Graybeard Loop boast amazing views and mountain scenery. For more info about Asheville, contact: Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau 36 Montford Ave. • Asheville, North Carolina 28801 TOLL FREE 877.GO.TO.AVL Hikes Within 90 minutes of Asheville * Big Fork Ridge Loop * Boogerman Trail * Crabtree Falls Loop Trail * Deep Creek Loop Trail * Graveyard Fields Trail * Max Patch For detailed information about these & other hikes, log on to: www.ExploreAsheville.com Page 9 Bedford: The Town They Left Behind O n June 6, 2011 the National D-Day Memorial will celebrate its ten year anniversary. To commemorate this milestone event, on Friday, June 3, 7PM -11PM, the National D-Day Foundation will host a special showing of the film Bedford: The Town They Left Behind. The film will take place outdoors at the Memorial as a fundraising event. Guests may purchase a combination movie and dinner ticket or a movie ticket for the film only. “During World War II, men from all over the United States went into combat, but it was Bedford, Va., that earned D-Day's most chilling distinction: the country's highest losses per capita. For more information on ticket sales, call 540-586-3329. The National D-Day Memorial will once again launch its “Flames of Memory” project for the 67th Anniversary of D-Day in 2011, on Saturday, June 4 at 8:30PM. The “Flames” are luminaries, hundreds of which will be placed along the Necrology Wall on the night of June 4th in tribute to the D-Day fallen as well as others who have served our country. Each luminary costs $20 or 6 for $100; all gifts are tax-deductible and all proceeds benefit National D-Day Memorial operations and other programming at the Memorial. Luminaries can be purchased in honor or memory of anyone, D-Day veteran or not, and businesses or organizations are welcome to purchase quantities. Please call 540-5863329 for more information. On Monday, June 6 you can spend the 67th anniversary of D-Day at the National D-Day Memorial where valor, fidelity, and sacrifice are honored every day. Pay tribute to those soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in Normandy 67 years ago and honor those veterans who lived to fight another day. There will be a ceremony at the site and tours throughout the day. For more event details visit www.dday.org Page 10 www.blueridgedigest.com SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 Salem that morning and travel to Cumberland, Md., that evening. The event’s main sponsors are Hemmings Motor News and Coker Tire. They were also involved as sponsors of the Hemmings Challenge in 2007-2010 in Branson, MO.; Rogers, Ak.; Springfield, MO.; and Bowling Green, KY. The Great Race was started in 1983 by Tom McRae and was sponsored by Interstate Batteries. It takes its name from the 1965 movie, The Great Race, which starred Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, he Great Race, Natalie Wood and Peter Falk, America’s premier old which was a comedy based on car rally, is coming start – and hopefully finish – one that most people never get to see the real life 1908 automobile race to Harrisonburg, Virginia, Monminute apart if all goes according while driving my 94-year-old car.” from New York to Paris. In 2004, day, June 13, and is expected to to plan. The biggest part of the Over the years, the Great Race Tony Curtis was the guest of the bring up to 100 antique automochallenge other than staying on has stopped in hundreds of cities Great Race and rode in his car biles downtown for a lunch stop. time and following the instructions big and small. “We have been to from the movie, the Leslie Special. The event, which starts in is getting an old car to the finish Austin, Nev.; Fayetteville, Tenn.; The Great Race gained a Chattanooga and finishes in line each day, organizers say. Twin Falls, Idaho; Corning, N.Y.; huge following from late night Bennington, Vt., is free to the public The first car is expected to Hayes, Kan.; and many others in showings on ESPN when the and will be just part arrive around noon and between,” Stumb said. “When network was just starting out in of the day’s activities. This year, another car will arrive each the Great Race pulls into a city it the early 1980s. The first entrant, Additional details will minute for the following becomes an instant festival. We a 100-year Curtis Graf of Irving, Texas, is still follow in the coming hour and a half. The cars have seen as many as 40,000 a participant today and will be months and could old Velia will remain parked to people at stops, like in Huntington racing a 1932 Ford this year. include a local car show. allow spectators to visit Beach, Calif., and Sioux Falls, S.D.” will be For more information, Harrisonburg Tourism with the participants and In years past, the drivers and go to www.greatrace.com and Visitor Services, the participating to look at the cars. It is navigators vote on their favorite or contact Brenda Black at City of Harrisonburg common for kids to climb stop. Harrisonburg was an in the race! brendab@harrisonburgva. and Harrisonburg in the cars for a first-hand overnight stop on the 2005 Great gov or call Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance are look. Cars range in age from 1911 Race. The stop in Harrisonburg Tourism and Visitor Services helping with the plans. to 1969, with most having been will be on the third day of the 540-432-8940 The Great Race, which was manufactured before World War week-long event. It will begin in www.HarrisonburgTourism.com run coast to coast for 25 years II. For the first time, a 100-year-old from 1983-2007, is not a speed car will be participating in the race race, but a time/speed/distance – a 1911 Velia owned by Howard rally. The vehicles, each with a and Doug Sharp of Fairport, N.Y. heatre he Rex T s Market t t a d a Ro driver and navigator, are given g, mer Jeff Stumb, from Huntsville, Ala., Crooked he Shoppin alax Far ic of the State Park • G Jams • Unique nts including t s u M precise instructions each day that has competed in the Great Race il e e a v r E T l im r T ia e New Riv egrass and Old s • Annual Spec detail every move down to the several times in his 1916 Hudson. n Blu modatio tion! Weekly d Accom iddler’s Conven second. They are scored at secret n a “I love this country and wanted g in F Din ld O amous check points along the way and to see every corner of it,” Stumb World F are penalized one second for each said. “And I love old cars. So the 888-217-8823 or 276-238-8130 second either early or late. As in Great Race has been a way for me www.visitgalax.com golf, the lowest score wins. Cars to see places in the United States Great T Race! Best Pick in Virginia for… SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 The Blue Ridge Digest Page 11 Chimney T Rock It's Worth the Climb! C himney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park represents the best of the North Carolina mountains in one place. Surrounded by the towering cliffs of Hickory Nut Gorge, the Park offers some of the most amazing views found anywhere. From atop Chimney Rock, an ancient monolith soaring 1,200ft above the valley floor, guests can see more than 75 miles across Lake Lure, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Carolina Piedmont. With unique hiking trails, the Park has something for everyone including the family-friendly Great Woodland Adventure trail with 12 discovery stations along the way. More adventurous hikers will want to take the Outcroppings and Skyline trails for some of the most unique views of the Park. Fido! Bring ney Chim pet is Rock dly! frien Along with the Chimney, the Park’s other star attraction is 404 ft. Hickory Nut Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River and featured in the blockbuster movie “The Last of the Mohicans.” Chimney Rock also offers guided rock climbing lessons for beginner to advanced climbers. The Old Rock Cafe offers tasty sandwiches and snacks to get you fueled up for your hike. Souvenirs of your trip can be picked up at Cliff Dwellers Gift Shop. The Park offers discounts for groups, and is pet friendly. Chimney Rock was recently named #3 for scenic views in a national poll of Southern Living Magazine readers and is one of the most visited attractions in North Carolina. Check chimneyrockpark.com for all the details on guided hikes, educational programs and signature special events. Rates: $12 for Adults, $5 for youth age 6-15, children under 6 are free TENNESSEE TOURISM’S T3 CAMPAIGN MAKES FINDING TRAVEL DEALS FUN he Tennessee Department of Tourist Development has launched a new promotional campaign to highlight travel deals and specials throughout the state. Tennessee Travel Tuesdays (T3) is a fun way for tourists and locals to enjoy the many attractions Tennessee has to offer. How it works: Tourism partners from across the state will submit deals that meet specific criteria, including 50% discounts and buy-one-get-one-free specials. These cost-saving incentives will be promoted through the department's social platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and via e-mails and weekly SMS text messages. The T3 deals will be posted each Tuesday on www.tnvacation.com/t3. BOONE, NC A Peak Experience. Discover adventure in the Boone area of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge. From hiking to rock climbing, ziplining to whitewater rafting, cycling to horseback riding, and everything in between, the Boone area has something for all ages and abilities. Visit our website to plan your adventure today. ExploreBooneArea.com | 800-852-9506 Page 12 www.blueridgedigest.com The North Carolina Arboretum Announces Spring Flower Shows including classes and question-and-answer sessions, will provide useful information for all skill levels. T he North Carolina Arboretum invites visitors to discover blooms in abundance at this spring’s plant shows. The events celebrate the beauty of the season and offer inspiration for garden enthusiasts. Educational programming, Events for spring 2011 include: Dahlia Tuber Sale & Mum Plant Sale— Saturday, May 14 A wide variety of dahlia tubers and chrysanthemum rooted cuttings featuring cultivated varieties will be The charm of yesterday… the convenience of today. Be sure to visit: Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre Fort Chiswell Animal Park Big Walker Lookout Beagle Ridge Herb Farm & Flying Flowers Wolf Creek Indian Village New River Trail State Park Red Barn Bluegrass • Wineries Numerous Historical Museums & Mansions Unique Shops • Antique Malls • Artisans Musical Events • Festivals wytheville virginia www.visitwytheville.com • Free Visitors Guide call 877-347-8307 • cvb@wytheville.org available for purchase. Learning from Dahlia and Mum Society experts, visitors can uncover the secrets of how to produce plants with show quality blooms. Varieties will include traditional favorites as well as the latest cultivars to start the growing season. This year’s sale will also feature heritage tomatoes, zinnias, and marigolds. Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society— Saturday and Sunday, May 28-29 The annual AshevilleBlue Ridge Rose Society Exhibition features awardwinning roses of every color and size. Experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about selection, care and history of these elegant garden plants. A sale will be held in conjunction with the exhibition, which will include rose plants, fertilizer, and soil amendments. Shows and events are free for Arboretum Society members or with the standard parking fee ($8 per personal motor vehicle). Visitors are also encouraged to explore the Arboretum’s kaleidoscope of spring color, 65 acres of cultivated gardens, ten miles of hiking and biking trails, and engaging exhibits. The mission of The North Carolina Arboretum is to cultivate connections between people and plants. For more information, call (828) 665-2492 or visit www.ncarboretum.org. SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 Commemorative Community Quilt Exhibit Coming to Parkway Communities Throughout history, quilt-making has been viewed as a communitybuilding activity as well as a form of communal creativity. The Blue Ridge Parkway Commemorative Community Quilt Project created on the occasion of the Parkway’s 75th Anniversary provides a visual and lasting reminder of the region’s relationship with the Parkway and how the Parkway inspires us all! The finished quilt celebrates the positive role that the Parkway plays in our lives and its ability to bridge the area’s urban and rural life with the preservation of the region’s rich natural and cultural resources. The Parkway region is rich and diverse and the final quilt is as well. Looking at the finished work of art, the purpose of the quilt becomes apparent. As each square portrays an individual community’s expression or identity, it inherently compliments adjacent squares, all of which are bound together by threads of community. Greater awareness of these relationships and continued understanding and collaboration is its message for our region. Finished quilt features contributions from over 20 Parkway communities. Assembled and finished by Ginny Benson. For the exhibition schedule contact Leesa Brandon at Leesa.Brandon@ncdcr.gov or at 828.271.4779 x 3420. SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 The Blue Ridge Digest is Found in Asheville, NC July 21-24 The 64th Annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands F or four days each July and October, the Civic Center in Asheville, NC comes alive with fine traditional and contemporary crafts. Over 200 craftspeople fill the two levels of the center selling their works of clay, fiber, glass, leather, metal, mixed media, natural materials, paper, wood and jewelry. The Fairs, a local tradition since 1948, showcase the work of members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Having been accepted into the Guild through a rigorous jury process, these craftspeople are the best of the best in the Appalachian region. Membership is open to artists living in the mountain counties of nine states from Maryland to Alabama. The Fairs also feature craft demonstrations and, beginning on Friday, local musicians share their love of traditional and bluegrass mountain music live on the arena stage. Virginia Highlands Festival in Full Color! “Impressions of the Highlands” is the theme for the 2011 Virginia Highlands Festival, which will be held July 23 through August 7, in Abingdon, Virginia. Abingdon, nestled in the mountains of Southwest Virginia, is an area of natural beauty that is rich in history and tradition. The festival began in 1948 and, over the years, has grown and flourished into one of the top tourist events in North America. The Virginia Highlands Festival offers 16 days of family entertainment with music, juried fine arts and photography exhibits, a juried arts and crafts show, and an antiques market with vendors from all over the South. The Unlike any other fair, the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands is an experience, a place to show off the talent and innovation of Guild members. It is diverse: crafts rooted in Appalachian traditions are featured along with the work of contemporary artists, reinventing their medium to accommodate the modern world and to reflect their view of it. The Fair focuses on the process of craft, often lost in a highly mechanized and digital world, the work of the hand – iron is hammered to become a fireplace tool, splints of white oak are harvested to become a basket. This theme is reflected in the scheduled demonstrations as well as the individual craft booths. Visitors interact with highly-trained craftspeople Antiques Market features 45,000 square feet of antiques with many unique and hard to find pieces including jewelry and furniture. Also enjoy, home and garden tours, a Colonial Faire, a Creative Writing Day with nationally known writers, and fun events and workshops for the kids. Visual and performing artists, including special performances at the Barter Theatre, will take the stage, and guided tours, nature walks and field trips to the great outdoors, along with workshops, lectures, and more will offer something for everyone. Visit www.vahighlandsfestival.org for more information and a complete schedule of events, or call the Festival Office at 276-623-5266. Page 13 selling their work and sharing a bit about their process and inspiration. Asheville, NC, nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains, provides the perfect backdrop for the Craft Fair. Long known as an arts and crafts destination, Asheville offers architectural charm, eclectic restaurants and a wide variety of lodging. As an organization, the Guild has been serving artists in this area since 1930. Asheville Civic Center, 87 Haywood St. in downtown Asheville, NC. Adults $8, children under 12 free. Group discounts available Additional information. For info and entertainment schedule for the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands, visit http://craftguild. org/ or call 828-298-7928. Page 16 www.blueridgedigest.com SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 ummertime Fun S in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Tourist towns enjoy saying that families just love them, but Pigeon Forge has proof. E arlier this year, TripAdvisor, which describes itself as the world’s largest travel website, ranked Pigeon Forge as America’s No. 4 most popular family destination. It was a new poll, and Pigeon Forge’s reputation earned the destination known as “The Center of Fun in the Smokies” a coveted Travelers’ Choice Award. Warm-weather months are peak family time, and Tennessee’s most visited attraction, Dollywood, always offers something special. Its Festival of Nations continues through May 2, KidsFest is from June 17-August 7 and Barbeque & Bluegrass runs August 19-September 5. A big opportunity to see Dolly herself is May 6, when Pigeon Forge salutes her with the Dolly Parton Homecoming Parade. Scores of other attractions entertain families, too. Zorb Smoky Mountains offers the New Zealand “sport” of globe-riding, MagiQuest has multiple activities under one roof, WonderWorks challenges mind and muscle in its upside-down world and the Parkway is lined with go-cart tracks, miniature golf courses and Spin City, a classic roller rink. Pigeon Forge also has a history lesson that kids enjoy – the Old Mill, a gristmill that has been operating since 1830. Kids can meet the miller, learn how the mill works and then enjoy fritters, Did You Know? Large Rvs can travel and enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway and that there is adequate parking at Parkway scenic views and attractions? WNC Quilt Trails Milestone: 200th Block Goes up! pecan pies or sandwiches made with flour ground at the mill next door at the Old Mill Restaurant. History also comes to life at the Titanic Museum Attraction, where the tragedy of the world’s most famous passenger ship is told through the stories of the passengers’ lives. Deciding where to stay in Pigeon Forge presents a pleasant challenge. There are 10,000 hotel, motel, condo and cabin rooms in this little town of only about 6,000 residents, so families have an array of choices. A special treat this year is the Pigeon Forge Family Challenge, a promotion that Pigeon Forge is conducting to find its first realityshow stars. Details of the Family Challenge and all aspects of visiting Pigeon Forge are available at MyPigeonForge.com or by calling toll-free to 1-800-251-9100. RV Service in the Mountains needed? Todd’s RV Fletcher, NC I-26 exit 44 Ask for Phil Brown (828) 651-0007 T he Western North Carolina Quilt Trails organization reached a landmark milestone with the hanging of its 200th quilt block on April 15. The block was attached to the front of Mitchell High School during a 2 p.m. public ceremony. It was designed and constructed by Mitchell High students, and pays tribute to the historic Little Poplar Schoolhouse on campus. The students created a vibrant design featuring the burgundy schoolhouse in the forefront and the high school’s purple and gold colors in the background. The 8-foot wooden square joins the Bakersville Quilt Trail, one of nine trails showcasing clusters of the 200 quilt blocks in various regions of Mitchell and Yancey counties. “We hung our first three blocks in January 2006, and nobody dreamed we would reach this milestone by early 2011,” said Barbara Webster, executive director of WNC Quilt Trails. “But once we got involved, we realized these are more than just quilt blocks. They tell the story of the site. They give voice to the land and buildings, as well as the people who came before us.” Tours of the Little Poplar Schoolhouse were provided by members of the Mitchell High Retired Teachers Association. For more information on the WNC Quilt Trails, call (828) 682-7331 or Barbara Webster at barbara@starforestquilts.com . SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 Page 17 Discover the Best of Regional Craft (near Blue Ridge Parkway - Milepost 120) Jewelry: Barbara Joiner Spend the Day, Night or Weekend The Blue Ridge Digest in the Roanoke Valley of Virginia W hat will you find? At Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 120, you will find the Mill Mountain Overlook home to the Roanoke Star, a 1949 historic landmark 100 feet tall and shines every night. The overlook captures the beauty of the Valley in an urban setting and is a fantastic vacation picture spot. Just a short walk from the Roanoke Star is the Discovery Center, a nature center, and Mill Mountain Zoo, which is open every day from 10:00 - 5:00 p.m. The Zoo Choo train runs seasonally. Just 10 minutes from Mill Mountain is the bustling atmosphere of downtown Roanoke, and the Historic Farmers’ Market area full of shops, restaurants and museums of art, history and science. The Valley is also a great stop for rail fans. The O. Winston Link Museum allows you to experience America’s steam locomotive era through Link’s acclaimed photography of 1950s life along Allanstand Craft Shop at the Folk Art Center Milepost 382 Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC Open Daily 9am-6pm | 828-298-7928 the Norfolk and Western Railway. Rail artifacts, interactive displays and films compliment the dramatic black and white photography. Just 6 blocks from the Link Museum and the Farmers’ Market is the Virginia Museum of Transportation exhibiting nearly 60 pieces of rolling stock including the Class J611 and 1218 steam engines. On a much smaller scale inside the former freight station view the one of a kind O gauge train layout with over 600 feet of track and up to 7 trains traveling the scenic model layout. See for yourself what makes the Roanoke Valley a perfect stop along your scenic mountain journey. Contact the Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau for more information or ask our Travel Information Specialist at the Visitor Information Center open daily 9:00am – 5:00pm at 101 Shenandoah Ave., NE Roanoke VA 24016. (800) 635- 5535 or www.visitroanokeva.com The Southern Highland Craft Guild is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. Free Guide Available for Civil War Enthusiasts T he Guide to Virginia's Civil • 1862 Peninsula Campaign War, a tabloid newspaper, • Shenandoah Valley offers descriptions of all the - Avenue of Invasion Virginia Civil War Trails sites plus • 1861-65 Northern Virginia a comprehensive calendar of Civil • 1864 Lee vs. Grant War-related events. Each of three • 1865 Lee’s Retreat annual editions also includes feature Many sites along the trail are stories and news updates. accessible to the public for the first 2010 Virginia Civil War time, and each encourIRGINIA’S IVIL AR ages you to park the car and Trail's state map is your guide to exploring 388 "leave the present behind!" sites in Virginia associYou can pick up a copy Flight ated with our nation's of the Guide to Virginia's Civil to Fre edom greatest drama. Ten War at any of Virginia’s Welbreathtaking trails come Centers or selected localeach marked by the regional visitor centers and Civil distinctive "bugle-logo" War sites throughout Virginia. signs - lead travelers through the For additional free info, call toll free, historic Virginia countryside for a 1-888-CIVIL WAR or an electronic first-hand encounter with the people version of the paper can been seen at and places of America’s past: www.civilwartraveler.com/virginia. Vol XVI II INFO V GUIDE TO C W BY REGI ON B AT T L E F I E L D S Central Virgin ia 3–13 Tidew ater 15–19 Valley & Moun 22–29 tains Southside 30–32 & S I T E S North ern Virgin ia 33–37 CALENDAR Fall Event Highlightss 14 ~ DRIV ING TOUR Overland Camp aign 12–13 Peninsula Camp aign 15–16 Lee’s Retrea 30–31 t ON THE www. S~ WEB CivilW com/E arTraveler. AST/V A W Virgin iaCivilWar.o rg Slaves fin d refug hen Virgin ia left the Union a circum 17, 1861, ference on April few realize five weeks of 1.3 acres. d that events miles and within in Hamp help chang covere ton Roads d 63 e the war’s When sachus a conflic the Civil would very purpo etts, had Monro t betwe War erupte e quickl se already en the helped clarify d, Fort y becam states into from gained Ameri end Maryl Union ea ca’s within a war to and’s secessi fame when he ment follow the Confe symbol of the That chang concept of freedo massiv onist moveing the deracy. e walls e was made m. Scott detaile the Federa April 19 The fort’s and heavy with the possible Baltim ls were ordnan U.S. ore riot. becaus able to Navy and d Butler to work of one ce combi e pre-war maintain Fort Monro Navy’s ability move aggres ned with coastal to re-sup contro Confe the lower e at will sively agains the U.S. l derate ply the Confe made it Chesapeake defense fort fortific t nearby guardi derates impossible on Old ations. Butler ng to seize fort after Point Comf Bay -- Fort for intend Old Point Monro Virgin ed to act upon his ort. The fort, e ia secede Com1861, Fort immed orders d. By located iately when Monro Monro was built just outsid e. He recogn he arrived e was overflo mid-May Northern between e Hamp at Fort volunt Penins named 1819 and wing with ton, eers. ula, border ized that the for Presid 1834 and The rapid Virgin ed by the ent James Rivers came the was ia increa , was a promp James Monro se of Union largest perfect ted Gen. and York e. It bemoat-encirc against tificati avenue forces on in Gen. Benjam Winfield the Confe of approa led, stone Scott to derate mond, 412 guns, North Ameri ch in Frank forassign capital about 80 ca. Desig comm Fort Monro lin at and Butler Richmiles west. at Fort his politic to assum e’s mason ned with Monro Butler, He could al ambiti e ry walls e on May an astute tory and ons fulfill had , corpul 18, 1861. lawyer soon initiat with a stunni ent, crossand ambiti ng vicFedera ed an effort eyed, bald l contro ous politic to l of the ian from Monro area around expand Map e. Masof Virg Fort inia, e at Fo page s 20–2 1 rt Monro e Page 18 www.blueridgedigest.com Historic Hendersonville, NC Continues the Family Fun in 2011! Garden Jubilee Festival May 28 & 29 10:00 am - 6:00 pm Historic Downtown Hendersonville (Sixth Avenue-Caswell Street) Animals are Prohibited The 17th Annual Garden Jubilee Festival is a spectacular two day festival held on Memorial Day weekend. Gardening is one of America's favorite pastimes and the mountains provide a healthy environment for growing a vast variety of flowers and plants. Garden Jubilee is the ideal festival for passionate gardeners searching for the perfect plants and unique lawn & garden accessories and arts & crafts. This is a great opportunity for beginner gardeners to speak with the experts at the garden clinics and gather tips and advice. Garden Jubilee offers over 200 vendors selling handmade arts and crafts, plants and items to enhance your outdoor living area. Local and regional nurseries will be selling 1000's of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and hard to find plants on every block of the festival. There will also be delicious food to satisfy any appetite in the food court. Located at the Visitors Information Center, 201 South Main Street, the Lowe's Expo will offer garden clinics, plants, a hands-on kids clinic and beautiful displays. Nationally known lawn and garden product specialists will be giving one-on-one advice. Contact them Henderson County Travel & Tourism: 828-693-9708 • 800-828-4244. For lodging, schedules, or area information visit www.historichendersonville.org SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 Bring a chair and enjoy an evening of live music from 7:00pm-9:00pm. The Hendersonville Antique Car Club hosts six classic car shows in conjunction with Music On Main Street during the concert season. For more information about the classic car shows or the Hendersonville Antique Car Club call (828) 696-4168 or (828) 388-0671. Music On Main Street June 10 - August 19 Every Friday Night / 7:00-9:00PM Visitors Information Center 201 South Main Street Downtown Hendersonville, NC Admission is free Audiences will once again be treated to one of Hendersonville’s favorite summertime events at the 13th Annual Music On Main Street concert series. Music On Main Street is the premier outdoor concert series held every Friday evening from June 19 through August 19 at the Visitors Information Center, located at 201 South Main Street in Downtown Hendersonville, NC. Music On Main Street provides a quality family-oriented event, showcasing a diverse lineup of regional musical talents, from pop, oldies, beach, rock, to contemporary music. Put on your dancing shoes and head to Music On Main Street for some good toe tapping music, where there is a dance area in front of the stage. Street Dance July 11 - August 15 Every Monday Night Visitors Information Center 201 South Main Street 7:00-9:00PM / Free Admission Music and dance are inherent in Appalachian culture, handed down for generations. The Street Dance has been part of that tradition in downtown Hendersonville for over 90 years. Enjoy mountain heritage bluegrass music, square dancing and clogging every Monday evening from July 11 through August 15. The Street Dance comes alive with people square dancing and clogging to various bands playing traditional bluegrass music. Bring a chair and sit back, relax and enjoy mountain heritage music and dancing from 7:00-9:00PM. SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 The Blue Ridge Digest OPPORTUNITIES TO GO "BEHIND THE SCENES" BOOKS YOU GOTTA READ Wild North Carolina Discovering the Wonders of Our State's Natural Communities By David Blevins and Michael P. Schafale C elebrating the beauty, diversity, and significance of the state's natural landscapes, Wild North Carolina provides an engaging, beautifully illustrated introduction to North Carolina's interconnected webs of plant and animal life. From dunes and marshes to high mountain crags, through forests, swamps, savannas, ponds, pocosins, and flatrocks, torsDavid CenterBlevins and Michael Schafale coereveal Musuem)in words and photographs Unruh Drive patterns of the landscape natural , VAthat 24141 will help readers see familiar places in a new way and new places with a sense of familiarity. Blevins and Schafale provide nature enthusiasts of all levels with the insights they need to dersvalue Festivalthe state's natural diversity, the reasons plants 2 highlighting - 3, 2009 and animals are found where they are, as well as the challenges of conserving these special places. Order this wonderful book & others: www.uncpress.unc.edu Page 19 AT GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN V isitors have the opportunity to go behind the scenes of Grandfather Mountain's Animal Habitats. Behind the Scenes habitat tours give the public an opportunity to see where Grandfather's cougars and otters sleep, learn about what it takes to care for all the animals year-round, observe a training session, and learn why the wildlife call Grandfather Mountain their home. Each tour takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes. There is no age limit but small children must be carried if they are not capable of walking on their own. Participants must be able to walk up and down steep terrain, wear closed-toe hiking or work boots, dress in layers and be willing to sign a waiver of liability. The cost for the Behind the Scenes habitat tour is $30 per participant ($25 each for annual pass holders). Admission to the park is purchased separately ($15/adult and $7/child Children visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway will be able to participate in the Jr. Ranger program. The program is designed for children 12 years of age and younger and they can become an official Blue Ridge Parkway Junior Rangers! Junior. Ranger materials and more information are available at Parkway Visitor Centers. ages 4-12 years old). Sign up for Behind the Scenes tours upon arrival at the Nature Museum. To insure there is space available when you plan to visit, phone 828-733-8715 for a reservation. Please allow 24 hours for a response. The tours take place rain or shine (unless there is thunder and lightning) on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and on Sundays at 1 p.m. Holiday weekends include a tour at 1 p.m. on Friday and two tours a day (10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.) on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Grandfather Mountain is a 600acre scenic attraction and nature preserve located near Linville, NC on US Highway 221, one mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 305. Photo by jurvetson/ flicker.com The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate the nature park in the public interest, and participate in educational and research activities. All proceeds from the sale of tickets and souvenirs go toward caring for and presenting Grandfather Mountain in a manner that inspires good stewardship in others. For more information phone 800-468-7325 or plan a trip at www.grandfather.com. Radford’s Visitors Center 540-267-3153 (located inside Glencoe Musuem) 600 Unruh Drive Radford, VA 24141 Learn to Walk on Water! Outfitters Tangent 5202 3 540/7 1- www.VisitRadford.com Chili Fest & Hilly Chili 5k feel the burn! May 21 Cabin Days/Ingles FarmApril 30-May 1, Ma y 29-30, June 18-19, July 3-4 Mountain Lodging | Food | Fun NORTH CAROLINA ASHEVILLE, NC Asheville East KOA-Exit 59 off I-40 big rigs & tenters welcome. Wooded sites, with pool, lake & river fishing. 800-562-5907 or (828) 686-3121 2708 Hwy 70E, Swannanoa, NC 28778. www.ashevilleeastkoa.com. Asheville West KOA-Exit 37 off I-40 Something for everyone, RV's, tenters, cabins. In foothills, wooded sites, hiking trails, pool. (800) 5629015. 309 Wiggins Rd., Candler, NC 28715. www.ashevillekoa.com Carolina Fabric Outlet - Largest selection of dress fabric and upholstery in North Carolina. Exit #64 I-40. Black Mountain. 828-669-2400. Mast General Store - located downtown Asheville at 15 Biltmore Avenue. Restored to its 1940s heyday, this store features old-time housewares, jellies, clothing, shoes, travel gear, over 500 old-fashioned candies and an expansive outfitters shop. 828-232-1883 www.mastgeneralstore.com Shoji Spa & Lodge - Relax at Asheville's only outdoor hot tub spa. Reap the benefits of the cold plunge, unwind in our sauna and rest in the Lodge. Specializing in couples massage. 2500 ft. above stress level. www.shojiretreats.com. By appt. only. (828) 299-0999. BALSAM, NC Moonshine Creek Campground S. at Balsam exit on US 23-74. Left at Balsam, 1/2 mi. RV & tent, full hookups, hot showers. Quiet, cool & secluded on rambling creek. AAA. Box 10, Balsam, NC 28707. (828) 586-6666. moonshinecreekcampground.com BANNER ELK, NC Smoke Tree Lodge - 12 miles south of Boone on Hwy 105. Nestled at the foot of Grandfather Mtn. Condo-apts, heated indoor pool, ESPN, Jacuzzi, saunas. (800) 422-1880. www.smoketree_lodge.com BEECH MOUNTAIN, NC Beech Mountain Chalet Rentals - 405 Bch Mtn Pkwy. Featuring chalet and condo rentals. Fully equipped kitchens, FP, TV, linens, pet friendly. www.coolbeechmountain.com. (800) 368-7404. (828) 387-4231. M/C, Visa & Discover. Condominium And Chalet Rentals - By the day, week or month - kitchens, full linens, fireplaces, whirlpools, country club access (golf, tennis, heat. Pools, family activities) Coolest locations in south. Call 1-800-692-2061 or 828/387-4251. 503 Beech Mtn. Pkwy. (next to Fred’s General Mercantile) Beechwood Realty. BLOWING ROCK, NC Alpine Village Inn - 297 Sunset Dr. Quaint cozy rooms & suites in the heart of town. AC, CCTV, & phones, Wi-Fi complimentary. Some fireplaces & Jacuzzi. Pet friendly rooms. www.alpine-village-inn.com (828) 295-7206. Chetola Resort - Magnificent views, 87 acres, Lodge, Condos, Bob Timberlake Inn. Fitness Center, Restaurants, Orvis Endorsed. N. Main St., Blowing Rock, NC 28605. www.chetola.com (828) 295-5500 or (800) 243-8652. Hemlock Inn & Suites - 134 Morris St. Downtown Blowing Rock. 1/2 mile to Parkway. Open year round. Walk to shops and restaurants. (828) 295-7987. www.hemlockinn.net. Homestead Inn - 153 Morris St. Downtown. Open all year. Affordable rates. Immaculate rooms. Fire/jacuzzis/efficiencies (828) 295-9559. www.homestead-inn.com. Jenkins Rentals - The finest rental homes, cabins and condos in the Blowing Rock area. Hot tubs & Mtn vews available. www.jenkinsrentals. com. (800) 438-7803. Mystery Hill. - 129 Mystery Hill Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605. Family fun center. Feel the strange pull. Hall of Mystery artifacts. Museum open all year. 828-263-0507. info@mysteryhill-NC.com Village Inns of Blowing Rock-No Smoking, Wi-Fi/Breakfast. Suites/ Cottages/Rooms. Some Pet Friendly Rooms. (828) 295-3001 Mountain Villa Motor Lodge - Hwy 321 South, Boone NC. Quiet location with excellent view. Jacuzzi, cable, pool & many other amenities. Rates $70 and down. (800) 525-5861. NC High Country Host Visitor Center- 1700 Blowing Rock Rd., Boone, NC 28607. (800) 438-7500. www.mountainsofnc.com BOONE, NC BREVARD, NC Riverside Log Cabins - 129 Mystery Hill Ln, Blowing Rock, NC 28605. 828263-0507. One and two bedroom units. Riversidelogcabins.com. Open all year. Close to attractions. An Appalachian Summer Festival, July, 2011 – Annual worldclass,multiarts festival at Appalachian State University. Call 1-800-841-ARTS or visit appsummer.org. Best Western Blue Ridge Plaza Hwy 421 Boone. 5 mi from the Parkway. Brand new! Indoor pool, gift shop, micro/fridge & coffee maker in every room. Cont. breakfast, suites with fireplace/jacuzzi. (888) 573-0408. www.bestwesternboone.com. Foscoe Rentals - Cabins, Condos and Vacation homes centrally located to Boone, Banner Elk and Blowing Rock. (800) 723-7341 www.foscoerentals.com Hidden Valley Motel- Birds, blooms and butterflies in the Foscoe Valley. Hwy 105 south between Boone and Banner Elk. Call 828/963-4372. www.hiddenvalleymotel.com or email: jim@hiddenvalleymotel.com. KOA Kampground - From Boone, 194N 3 miles. Left on Ray Brown Rd. 1 mile. Beautiful view. Rec room, mini golf, laundry. 123 Harmony Mtn. Lane, Boone, NC 28607. 828-264-7250. Inn at Brevard - Lodging, dining, cocktails. B and B. European cuisine. 15 antique furnished rooms. Breakfast. 315 E. Main St., Brevard, NC 28712. www.theinnatbrevard.com (828) 884-2105. brevard@theinnatbrevard.com. BRYSON CITY, NC Historic Fryemont Inn Lodging & Dining - From $62.50 PP incl. breakfast & dinner. Great Food, Full Bar, Big Pool! 800-845- 4879 www.fryemontinn.com BURNSVILLE, NC Alpine Village Resort - 1 & 2 bedroom condos. Great views. Tennis, heated pool/summer, cable TV, special golf fees. 3 miles west of Parkway, exit Buck Creek Gap Hwy. 80. No pets. 828/675-4103. BRP Milepost 342 Ridgetop Cabins- Family vacation hideaway in the NC mountains. Secluded cabin rentals with fireplace on the BR Pky. (Milepost 342 between Mt. Mast General Store - located down- Mitchell and Little Switzerland) on trout pond. Kitchen, fireplace, deck, 3800 town Boone on King Street. Built in 1913 and 1917, Old Boone Mercantile feet. Pets welcome. The Hubbards. features old-time housewares, jellies, For brochure, write 493 Ridgetop Lane, clothing, shoes, travel gear, over 500 Burnsville, NC 28714 or call old-fashioned candies and an expan- (828) 675-5511. www.ridgetopnc.com sive outfitters shop. 828-262-0000 www.mastgeneralstore.com CHEROKEE, NC Your Listing COuld be HERE! Call (828) 667-1607 Oconaluftee Indian Village - Share the rich history & traditions of the Cherokee at this replica of a Cherokee community of the 1750s. May thru Oct. SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 The Blue Ridge Digest Page 21 Mountain Lodging | Food | Fun CHIMNEY ROCK, NC LaKE TOXAWAY, NC LITTLE SWITZERLAND, NC Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park – 40 min. SE of Asheville, exit milepost 384.7. Come for the views. Discover infinite possibilities. Spectacular fall foliage, hiking, rock climbing instruction, special events, workshops and more! 26-story elevator inside mountain. Pet friendly. Open all year. Live it up! 800-277-9611 chimneyrockpark.com Greystone Inn: Four Diamond Country Inn on shore of NC's largest private lake. Incredible cuisine, golf, spa & more. 800-824-5766. www.greystoneinn.com Big Lynn Lodge - AAA Historic Country Inn. Scenic views of mountains, valley & Blue Ridge Parkway. One of the few old fashioned places that gives you lodging & meals (evening & breakfast) for one low package price. 3200 ft elev. 1 1/4 mile E of Parkway. Exit at Spruce Pine, on NC 226A near milepost 331. Open April 15 to Nov. 5. 40 units. PO Box 459. (828) 765-4257; 1-800-654-5232 LINVILLE, NC Grandfather Mountain Grandfather¹s lofty heights offer guests opportunities for rejuvenation, excitement and family memories in a natural haven that will endure forever. Blue Ridge Cabins - Fletcher Marvel at 360-degree views from the MP388.8. South. Rustic cabins with Mile High Swinging Bridge, stand modern amenitites. 9 miles from downtown Asheville. 828-654-0539 or eye-to-eye with native wildlife in natural habitats and interact with our 877-902-2246. www.mybrcabin.com friendly, knowledgeable staff. Two . miles from Viaduct; one mile from Parkway. Take Linville Exit, MP 305 to US 221. Open daily 8 am to dusk Mountain View Lodge & Cabins- (weather permitting in winter). $15/ MP 256 - Secluded B&B lodge plus adult; $13/senior 60+; $7 child 4-12; five duplex cabins w/kitchenettes, full under 4 free. www.grandfather.com bathrooms, linens furnished. Genuine Phone 828-733-4337 or 800-468-7325.. North Carolina hospitality for a relaxing “get away”. See local wildlife up close! Open all year. Great for large families & group retreats. Smoking Linville Caverns - 19929 US 221 N. outside only. MC/VISA. Pet friendly! Marion. 4 miles South of Parkway, MP 336-982-2233 or 800-903-6811. 317. NC's ONLY show cavern. www.mtnviewlodge.com 800-419-0540. www.linvillecaverns.com. FLETCHER, NC GLENDALE SPRINGS, NC LINVILLE FALLS, NC HENDERSONVILLE, NC Mast General Store - located downtown Hendersonville at 527 N Main Street. Built in 1905, this store features old-time housewares, jellies, clothing, shoes, travel gear, over 500 old-fashioned candies and an expansive outfitters shop. 828-696-1883 www.mastgeneralstore.com Linville Falls Lodge & Cottages BRP Milepost 317.4, US 221S 1 mile to Rt. 183, left. Restaurant (ABC permit), Walk to falls & gorge. www.linvillefallslodge.com (800) 634-4421. Parkview Lodge - Milepost 317.4 500 ft. south of Parkway on US 221. Private Guest Rooms, one bedroom suite and secluded cabins Make your Lodging, Dining and available. Color TV, Swimming Pool, Theatre RESERVATIONS! Crafts, Wine & Beer Shop. Free conwww.historichendersonville.org Open tinental breakfast with guest room. 7 days a week, the Visitors Information Open All Year. 828-765-4787; Center, 1-800-828-4244. 210 S Main 1-800-849-4452. Street, Hendersonville, NC. BEST IN THE MOUNTAINS! BEST GREEK SALAD Stone Tavern Restaurant | Asheville, NC Emerald Village - Real mines, mine tours, & gem mining. Other free displays: railroad, music museum, wildlife. MP334. 828-765-6463. www.emeraldvillage.com Switzerland Cafe & General Store MP 334 1/4 mile of the Parkway. Lunch and weekend dinners. Souvenirs and picnic items. Call 828-765-5289. www.switzerlandcafe.com Jonathan Creek Inn & Maggie Valley Villas - MP 455.7 AAA 3 Diamond Rated. Creekside and Hot Tub Rooms, Creekside & Mountain View Villas, Indoor Heated Pool, Children’s Play Area. 1-800-577-7812. www.jonathancreekinn.com Maggie Valley Area Lodging Association - Affordable motel rooms, cabins, cottages or vacation rentals. Visit our wbsite www.visitmaggie.com to find your perfect home away from home in the mountains. McDOWELL COUNTY, NC McDowell Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center - Shopping & food near center. Free coffee & area info. Clean restrooms. From Parkway MP 317, 24 mi. S on US 221. From MP331: 15 mi S on NC226. (828) 652-4240. MITCHELL COUNTY, NC Switzerland Inn And Chalet Restaurant - A little bit of Switzerland in NC. Fantastic mountain views, rooms, suites, cottages, dining, shopping, tennis. Located directly on the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Little Switzerland exit near Parkway Milepost 334. Little Switzerland, NC 28749. (828) 765-2153 or (800) 654-4026. www.switzerlandinn.com Mitchell County, NC - Exit milepost 331. Gem mining, gem & mineral shops, specialty mineral & gem festival, rhododendron festival, indoor ice skating rink, white water rafting, Appalachian Trail. For more information, call 1-800-227-3912 or 828-765-9483. MAGGIE VALLEY, NC MOUNT AIRY, NC Abbey Inn Motel - Closest Maggie motel to Pkwy & Cherokee. 5 mi. Smoky Mtn. views from 4,200' high. FREE in-room coffee, phone, fridge, HiWi/cable TV/ HBO. Some kitchens. Picnic area, grills. Quiet & secluded on 2 wooded acres. Near all attractions. Pets possible. V, MC, D. www.abbeyinn.com (800) 545-5853. Pilot Knob Inn -Tobacco barn cabins & honeymoon suites, whirlpools, fireplaces on 100+ acres, lake with boating & fishing, Pilot Mtn 1 mile off Hwy 52. Full breakfast and sauna. (336) 325-2502 www.pilotknobinn.com Boyd Mountain Log Cabins - Secluded 130 acres near Maggie Valley, Authentic cabins, fireplaces, AC, cable, WIFI. Choose n cut Christmas tree farm, trout fishing, hiking. (828) 926-1575. www.boydmountain.com Secluded Valley RV Campground - 8 miles North Spruce Pine on 19E. 5 miles from Blue Ridge Parkway. 30 & 50 amp full hookups, children & pets welcome, level & spacious sites. (828) 765-4810. NEWLAND, NC Mountain Lodging | Food | Fun SPARTA & GLADE VALLEY, NC VALLE CRUCIS, NC Mast General Store - Est. 1883 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this authentic general Alleghany Inn - 341 N. Main St., Sparta, NC 28675. 64 Rooms - Free store located in a pastoral setting features clothing, camping gear, shoes Wireless Internet - Cable TV 60+ Chan, Guest Laundry - Restaurant on & boots, housewares, unique gifts, and over 500 old-fashioned candy site. 888) 372-2501 Reserve online: favorites. Hwy. 194, 828-963-6511. www.AlleghanyInn.com Also visit other locations along the Blue Ridge Parkway and in GreenNeed a break from BRP Detour? ville, SC and Knoxville, TN. Stop for wine tasting at MP248. www.maststore.com. 3 miles to winery on NC18. Sparta lost/confused? (800) 233-1505. gas nearby. www.thistlemeadowwinery.com. Mast General Store - located Glade Valley B&B – Near MP 229. downtown Waynesville at 63 N Main Our modern, beautiful log home is Street. Built in the 1930s, this store surrounded with all the beauty of features old-time housewares, jellies, the Blue Ridge Mountains. All rooms clothing, shoes, travel gear, over 500 have private baths, some with jacuzzi old-fashioned candies and an expantubs. Our breakfasts are all homesive outfitters shop. 828-452-2101 made and plentiful. www.gladevalley.com www.mastgeneralstore.com 800-538-3508 See our ad on page 8. WAYNESVILLE, NC . The Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa - MP 445. Surrounded by majestic mountains and the Blue Bear Den Creekside Cabins - On Ridge Parkway, this resort has been the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 324.8. welcoming visitors to a casual and All amenities, jacuzzis, decks, firerelaxed mountain lifestyle since the places. For 2 to 10. www.bear-den. 1920s and features stunning views com (828) 765-2888.Res. recmd. from all of the 115 rooms, 27-holes of Donald Ross golf and two upscale restaurants. 800-627-6250 Bear Den Campground - On the www.thewaynesvilleinn.com Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 324.8. Complete facilities, serving the south for over 41 years. www.bear-den.com (828) 765-2888. Scenic beauty. SPRUCE PINE, NC TENNESSEE Peak Mountain Cottages & Retreat Center--On 300 acres, 7 miles N of Pkwy. Room to play or relax. Hiking trails, clear mtn streams. 460 Rabbit Hop Rd near Penland. Individuals, families or groups up to 25. www.peakmountaincottages.com 828-765-9559 GATLINBURG, TN Ski Mountain Chalet & Condo Rentals - 1-6 bedroom units, hot tubs, jacuzzis, pool tables, kitchens, fireplaces, privacy. (800) 824-4077. www.skimtnchalets.com Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a premier place for birds. The crest of the Smokies towers nearly a mile above the foothills, creating a range in elevations and a variety of topographies that provide a diversity of habitats and microclimates for birds. Your Listing COuld be HERE! Call (828) 667-1607 VIRGINIA ABINGDON, VA Abingdon Convention & Visitors Bureau - 355 Cummings St., Abingdon, VA 24210. 276/676-2282; 800-435-3440. I-81, Exit 17 - Barter Theatre, Art, History, and More! www.abingdon.com/tourism. FANCY GAP, VA Skyland Lakes Golf Club - Right on Parkway at milepost 202.2. New 18 hole public course. Beautiful scenery. Motel & golf packages available. (276) 728-4923. FISHERSVILLE, VA Antique Expo - 400 dealers exhibiting in halls, barns, tents & outside twice yearly.May 6-8 and October 7-9, 2011. Augusta Expoland. I-64, exit 91. (434) 847-8242. www.heritagepromotions.net. FLOYD, VA Blue Ridge Restaurant, Inc. - E. Main St., Floyd, VA (540) 745-2147. For good home-style cooking try our daily specials. We are open early with gravy biscuits, hot cakes, country ham, and eggs every day. HARRISONBURG, VA The Village Inn - 1 mile south of I-81, Exit 243, on US 11. American Automobile Association Three Diamond Award. (540) 434-7355, toll free reservations-1-800-736-7355. www.shenandoah.org/villageinn LEXINGTON, VA. Stonewall Jackson House - 8 E. Washington St. Home of the famous Confederate general before the Civil War. Guided tours, garden and museum shop. (540) 463-2552. LOVE, VA. Royal Oaks - Cabins, chalets, store, gifts, deli, weddings. Near MP16 on parkway. Upscale lodging, hot tubs, fireplaces, equipped kit, bedding/linens. Beautiful views atop the BR Mtns. www.vacabins.com. (800) 410-0627. LURAY, VA. Allstar Lodging - 100+ unique cabins or B&B's. Hot tubs, frplc, kitch, riverfront/mountains, hiking, canoeing, fishing, near Luray, VA. 866-7807827 www.allstarlodging.com. MEADOWS OF DAN, VA Primland Resort - 2000 Busted Rock Road. Resort Lodge, Fairway Cottages, Mountain Homes. Spectacular views. Golf. Spa. Dining, Outdoor activities. 276.222.3800 www.primland.com NATURAL BRIDGE, VA Natural Bridge Zoological Park I-81 Exit 180A. Rt 11 North. Largest Chateau Morrisette. - 287 Winery and most complete collection of birds Rd., SW Floyd, VA 24091. MP 171.5. and animals in Virginia. Elephant Breathtaking vistas, award-winning rides, white tigers, cougars, giraffes, wines and memorable dining. (540) zebras, bears, baboons, monkeys, 593-2865. www.thedogs.com Flamingos, pet & feed tame deer, Ilamas, goats and mini donkeys. Safari Hotel Floyd - 120 Wilson St, Floyd, gift shop, modern restrooms, free VA. (540) 745-6080. www.hotelFloyd. parking, free picnic pavilion.Open daily com. Unique lodging off MP165 with 9am-7pm. March-November. Group themed rooms and located downtown rates. Fun for the whole family! www. Floyd. Don't miss visiting this unique naturalbridgezoo.com. 540-291-2420. town and hotel! SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 The Blue Ridge Digest Mountain Lodging | Food | Fun Natural Bridge - US 11 & 130, MP 45.6 & 61; I-8 Exits 175, 180. See the immense natural wonder. Nature park, Indian village, caverns, wax museum, haunted house, dinosaur kingdom. Hotel, great food. 800-5331410. www.naturalbridgeva.com Roanoke Valley - Milepost 120. Experience the largest family destination on the Blue Ridge Parkway featuring outstanding museums and attractions, shopping, restaurants and a wide variety of hotels and B&Bs. Follow signs to Visitor Center with Free Travel Guides.(800) 635-5535. RADFORD, VA SALEM, VA Radford Visitor’s Center-Rt 8 to I-81 Exit 109 “Find It in Radford”-surrounded on 3 sides by the New River & overflowing with history www.visitradford.com. 540-267-3153 Come and visit Salem, Virginia that is only twenty minutes from the parkway. Take the walking tour of our historic downtown featuring quaint antique shops and restaurants. Stay for a while in one of our hotels or B&B’s and attend one of our many athletic events including NCAA National Championships in football, basketball and softball. Salem is also the home of the Salem Red Sox, advanced Class “A” affiliate of the Boston Red Sox playing their games in spacious and comfy Lewis Gale Field. ROANOKE, VA Bent Mountain Lodge B & B - 9039 Mtn View Dr, Copper Hill, VA 24079. MP 136. 10 sts, pri baths, wedding venue. (540) 651-2525. www.bentmountainlodgeandbreakfast.com. BEST IN THE MOUNTAINS! Chinese food: Peking Restaurant in Wytheville, VA SHENANDOAH CAVERNS, VA Page 23 WAYNESBORO, VA Cabin Creekwood- 2 miles from Parkway MP 13.6. Year-round, Shenandoah Caverns - 4 great attracquiet, secluded.Fully furnished aftions for one price. Only Va. cavern fordable mtn cabins (540) 943-8552. with elevator & closest to I-81 (exit 269). Also see spectacular floats in Ask RV Service in the America's Parade Float Hall of Fame for Mountains needed? and experience the new Yellow Barn, Phil a whimsical agricultural experiTodd’s RV Brown Fletcher, NC I-26 exit 44 ence. Open all year. 888-4CAVERN www.shenandoahcaverns.com (828) 651-0007 Don't Miss the Gatlinburg's Craftsman's Fair This Year! V oted one of the south’s most popular summer events, gatlinburg readies itself for the 36th Annual Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s fair. Over 180 craftspeople will be exhibiting and demonstrating their crafts at the Gatlinburg convention center this July 15 through 24. During these dates the Gatlinburg Convention Center transforms into an enormous multilevel community of craftspeople from all over the U.S. The 36th Annual Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair will host some of the country’s finest artists and craftsmen that offer their unique art for sale. This year. the fair offers such a wide variety of talent and handmade products for their visitors to enjoy. They take great pride in the quality level of our craftspeople. Each craftsman is juried for quality and unusual skill. About 80% of their participants are perennial favorites who are returning, however new exhibitors join the show every year so there is always something new, exciting and fresh July 15 thru 24, 2011 for their guests to look forward to. For those attending this summer’s event, give yourself plenty of time to see all that the show has to offer. When it’s time for a break, you can relax and enjoy the country, blue grass and gospel music of dennis lee and band and keith longbotham and band. Make your plans now to attend the 36th Annual Summer Craftsmen’s Fair... July 15 thru 24. Hours are 10am to 6pm daily and 10am to 5pm on sundays. Music shows are 12, 2 and 4pm daily 12 and 2pm on Sundays and are included in the admission cost ($6 for adults and children 12 and under free. Group rates available). For additional info: 865/436-7479 or visit at www.Craftsmen fair.com The Blue Ridge Digest can be found at these regional visitor’s centers! GEORGIA Blairsville/Union County Chamber 78 Blue Ridge Ave. • Blairsville, GA 30514; (706) 745-5789 • www.blairsvillechamber.com Ellijay Visitor Center 205 Craig St.; PO Box 505 Ellijay, GA 30540; (706) 635-7400 www.gilmerchamber.com Fannin County Chamber of Commerce 3990 Appalachian Hwy. Blue Ridge, GA 30513 • (706) 632-5680 www.blueridgemountains.com Rabun County Welcome Center 232 Hwy 441 North, POB 750 Clayton, Georgia 30525; (706) 782-4812 www.gamountains.com/rabun Toccoa Welcome Center 901 E. Currahee St. P.O. Box 577 Toccoa, GA 30577; (706) 866-2132 Blue Ridge Mtn Stop Visitor Center 4220 Blowing Rock Blvd • Lenoir, NC 28645 • (828) 754-5400 Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 208 W. Howard St. • Boone, NC 28607; (800) 852-9506 • www.VisitBooneNC.com Brevard Chamber of Commerce 175 E. Main St., POB 589 BRD Brevard, NC 28712; (800) 648-4523 www.visitwaterfalls.com Bryson City Chamber of Commerce 210 Main Street • Bryson City, NC 28713; (800) 867-9246 • www.greatsmokies.com Burke County Travel & Tourism 102 E. Union St., Courthouse Square Morganton, NC 28655; (828) 433-6793 Caldwell County Visitor Center 1909 Hickory Blvd. SE Lenoir, NC 28645; (828) 726-0616 Towns County Visitor Center Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce 1411 Jack Dayton Circle 202 U.S. 64, POB 238 BRD Young Harris, GA 30582 (706) 896-4966 • www.mountaintopga.com Cashiers, NC 28717; (828) 743-5191 www.cashiers-nc.com NORTH CAROLINA Alleghany Co. Chamber of Commerce 58 S. Main, POB 1237 BRD Sparta, NC 28675; (800) 372-5473 www.sparta-nc.com Cherokee County Visitor Center 805 W. US 64 Murphy, NC 28906; (828) 837-2242 www.cherokeecountychamber.com Andrews Chamber of Commerce 345 Locust St. • P.O. Box 800 Andrews, NC 28902 • (877) 558-0005 www.andrewschambercommerce.com Cherokee Visitor Center P.O. Box 460 • 498 Tsalis Rd. Cherokee, NC 28719; (800) 438-1601 www.cherokee-nc.com Ashe County Chamber & Visitor Center 1 N. Jefferson Ave, P.O. Box 31 West Jefferson, NC 28694 (336) 846-9550 • www.ashechamber.com Clay County Chamber of Commerce 388 Business Hwy 64 Hayesville, NC 28904; (828) 389-3704 www.claycounty-nc-chamber.com Avery County Chamber of Commerce 4501 Tynecastle Hwy • Unit 2 Banner Elk, NC 28604; (800) 972-2183 www.banner-elk.com/ Davie County Chamber of Commerce 135 S. Salisbury St., Mocksville, NC 27028-2337; (336) 751-3304 - www.mocksville.org Balsam Gap Information Center US 23/74 (just east of Parkway) Waynesville, NC 28786; (800) 334-9036 Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce 425 Porter St. Franklin, NC 28734; (888) 439-park • www.franklin-chamber.com Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce 403A Beech Mountain Parkway Beech Mtn, NC 28604; (800) 468-5506 www.beechmtn.com Gaston County Visitor Center 620 Main Street • Belmont, NC 28012 Black Mountain Chamber of Commerce 201 E. State St., Black Mountain, NC 28711; (828) 669-2300 Blowing Rock Visitor Center 7738 Valley Blvd. • PO Box 2445 Blowing Rock, NC 28605; 877-750-4636 www.visitblowingrock.com Greensboro Area Visitor Center 2200 Pinecroft Rd. • Suite 200 Greensboro, NC 27407; (800) 344-2282 www.VisitGreensboroNC.com Haywood Chamber of Commerce 22 Walnut St. • Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 456-3021 Hendersonville Visitor Center 201 S. Main St., POB 721 BRD Hendersonville, NC 28793; (800) 828-4244 • www.historichendersonville.org Hickory Metro CVB 1960 13th Ave Dr. SE Suite A Hickory, NC 28603 800-509-2444 • 828-322-1335 www.hickorymetro.com Hickory Visitor Center 1055 Southgate Parkway SW Hickory, NC 28602 (828) 328-6111 www.hickorymetro.com Hickory Nut Gorge Information Center 2926 Memorial Hwy. Lake Lure, NC 28746 Highlands Chamber of Commerce 269 Oak St., POB 404 BRD Highlands, NC 28741; (828) 526-2112 www.highlands-chamber.com Jackson County Chamber of Commerce 773 W. Main Street • Sylva, NC 28779; (800) 962-1911 • www.nc-mountains.com Jonesville Welcome Center 1503 NC Hwy 67W Jonesville, NC 28642 • (336) 526-1111 Madison County Visitor Center 635-4 Carl Eller Road Mars Hill, NC 28754; (828) 680-9031 www.visitmadisoncounty.com Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce 2511 Soco Road, POB 279 Maggie Valley, NC 28751; (800) MAGGIE-1 • www.maggievalley.org McDowell County Visitor Center 1170 W. Tate St. • Marion, NC 28752; (828) 652-4240 • www.McDowellNC.org Old Fort Visitor Center 25 W. Main Street • Old Fort, NC 28762 (888) 233-6111 • www.mcdowellnc.org Piedmont Triad Visitor Center 700 NC Hwy 700 Pelham, NC 27311; (800) 388-9830 Polk County Visitor Center 20 E. Mills Street Columbus, NC 28722; (800) 440-7848 Rutherford County Visitor Center 1990 US Highway 221 S Forest City, NC 28043; (800) 849-5998 www.rutherfordtourism.com Smoky Mountain Host of NC, Inc 4437 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734 (800) 432-4678 • www.visitsmokies.org Statesville Tourism Dev. Authority PO Box 1109, 111 Depot Lane Statesville, NC 28687; (877) 531-1819 www.visitstatesville.org Wilkes County Chamber of Commerce 717 Main St., PO Box 727 BRD N. Wilkesboro, NC 28659; (336) 838-8662 • www.wilkesnc.org Yadkin Valley Visitor Center 116 East Market St. • Elkin, NC 28621; (336) 526-1111 • www.yadkinvalley.org Yancey County Chamber of Commerce 106 W. Main St. • Burnsville, NC 28714; (800) 948-1632 • www.yanceychamber.com TENNESSEE Anderson County Visitor Center 115 Welcome Lane • Clinton, TN 37716; (800) 524-3602 • www.yallcome.com Clairborne Co. Chamber of Commerce 1732 Main St., Suite 1 Mitchell Co. Chamber of Commerce Tazewell, TN 37879; (423) 626-4149 79 Parkway Rd • Spruce Pine, NC 28777; www.clairbornecounty.com (800) 227-3912 • www.mitchell-county.com Coker Creek Visitor Center 12197 Hwy. 68 • Tellico Plains, TN 37385 Mount Airy Visitor Center (423) 261-2286 200 N. Main St. • Mt. Airy, NC 27030; (800) 948-0949 • www.visitmayberry.com Elizabethton Visitor Center 500 19E Bypass; POB 190 NW NC Visitor Center Elizabethton, TN 37644; (423) 547-3850 2121 East US Hwy 421 • North WIlkeswww.tourelizabethton.com boro, NC 28659 • (336) 667-1259 NC High Country Host Visitor Center 1700 Blowing Rock Rd. • Boone, NC 28607; (800) 438-7500 • www.mountainsofnc.com Erwin/Unicoi Co. Chamber of Commerce 100 S. Main St., POB 713 BRD Erwin, TN 37650; (423) 743-3000 www.valleybeautiful.org SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 The Blue Ridge Digest Page 25 The Blue Ridge Digest can be found at these regional visitor’s centers! Greene Co. Partnership/COB 115 Academy St. Greeneville, TN 37743; (423) 638-4111 www.GreeneCountyPartnership.com Appomattox Visitor Center 214 Main Street. PO Box 246 Appomattox, VA 24522; (434) 352-8999 www.TourAppomattox.com Lexington Visitor Center 106 E. Washington St. Lexington, VA 24450; (540) 463-3777 www.lexingtonvirginia.com Salem Visitor Center 1001 Boulevard @ Civic Center Salem, VA 24153; (888) 827-2536 www.visitsalem.com Historic Jonesborough 117 Boone St. Jonesborough, TN 37659; (423) 423-753-1010 • Toll Free: 866-401-4223 www.historicjonesborough.com Bedford Visitor Center 816 Burks Hill Rd • Bedford, VA 24523; (877)-HiPeaks • VisitBedford.com Loudoun County Tourism 112 South Street • Leesburg, VA 20175 (800) 752-6118 • www.visitloudon.org Johnson City Visitor Center 603 E. Main St. Johnson City, TN 37605; (423) 926-2141, www.johnsoncitytn.com Blacksburg Visitors Center 103 Professional Park Dr. SE Blacksburg, VA 24060 (540) 382-4010. (877) FOR-GUIDE www.montgomerycc.org Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center 16430 Booker T. Washington Hwy. #2 Moneta. VA 24121 • 540-721-1203 www.visitsmithmountainlake.com Luray/Page County Chamber 18 Campbell Street. Luray, VA 22835; (540) 743-3915 - www.luraypage.com Johnson County Welcome Center 716 S. Shady St. (Hwy. 421S) Mountain City, TN 37683; (423) 727-5800 jcwc@preferred.com Blue Ridge Visitor Center 2577 JEB Stuart Highway Meadows of Dan, VA 24120 276-694-6012 Kingsport Visitor Center 151 E. Main St., POB 1403 BRD Kingsport, TN 37662; (423) 392-8820 www.kingsportchamber.org Buena Vista Visitor Center 595 E. 19th St. • Buena Vista, VA 24417; (540) 261-2880 • buena-vista.va.us.com Loudon County Visitor Bureau 1075 US Hwy 321 • Lenoir City, TN 37771 (888) 568-3662 • www.visitloudoncounty.com Oak Ridge Visitor Center 102 Robertsville Rd • Suite C Oak Ridge, TN 37830; (800) 482-7821, www.visit-or.org Pigeon Forge Dept. of Tourism 1159 N. Parkway, POB 1390 BRD Pigeon Forge, TN 37868; (800) 251-9100 mypigeonforge.com Rogersville/Hawkins County C of C 107 E. Main St., Ste.100 Rogersville, TN 37857; (423) 272-2186 Scott County Visitor Center 12025 Scott Highway Helenwood, TN 37755 • (800) 645-6905 Smoky Mtn Visitor Center 3540 Line Drive • Kodak, TN 37764 (865) 932-3696 Townsend Visitor Center 7905 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy Townsend, TN 37882 VIRGINIA Carroll County Visitor Center 243 Farmers Market Rd Hillsville, VA 24343 (888) 785-2782 (276) 730-3100 www.visittheBlueRidge.com Charlottesville Visitor Center 610 East Main St Charlottesville, VA 22902; (434) 293-6789 or (434) 970-3641 www.pursueCharlottesville.com Culpeper Visitor Center 109 S. Commerce St. • Culpeper, VA 22701 • (540) 825-8628 www.visitculpeperva.com Danville Visitor Center 645 River Park Dr • Danville, VA 24540; (434) 793-4636 • www.visitdanville.com Discovery Center 215 Church Ave., Room 303 Roanoke, VA 24016 (540) 853-1236 Front Royal Visitor Center 414 E. Main St. • Front Royal, VA 22630; (800) 338-3576 • www.discoverfrontroyal.com City of Galax Tourism Department 110 East Grayson St. • Galax, VA 24333 276-238-8130 www.visitgalax.com 1908 Courthouse Welcome Center 129 Davis St Suite 204 Independence VA 24348 (276) 773-2471 Greene County Economic Development & Tourism 8315 Seminole Trail, Suite 2 Ruckersville, VA 22968 Abingdon Visitor Center 335 Cummings St. • Abingdon, VA 24210; (800) 435-3440 • www.abingdon.com/tourism Harrisonburg Visitor Center 212 S. Main Street Harrisonburg, VA 22801 • (540) 432-8935 www.harrisonburgtourism.com Smyth County Visitor Center 408 Whitetop Rd., Chilhowie, VA 24319 (276) 646-3306 • VisitVirginiaMountains.com Lynchburg Regional Information Center 216 12th St. at Church St. Staunton Travel Information Center Lynchburg, VA 24505; (800) 732-5821 1290 Richmond Rd. (I-81 Exit 222) www.discoverlynchburg.org Staunton, VA 24401 • (540) 332-3972 www.VisitStaunton.com Madison County Visitor Center Staunton Visitor ’s Center 110A N. Main St., Madison, VA 22727 35 South New Street, Staunton,VA 24401 (540) 948-4455 • www.madison-va.com 540-332-3971 • www.VisitStaunton.com Martinsville Visitor Center 54 West Church St. • Martinsville, VA 24112 Virginia Tech Visitor Info Ctr. Southgate Drive (0480) VisitMartinsville.com Blacksburg, VA 24061;(540) 231-3548 Nelson County Visitor Center www.vt.edu/whereweare/visitor-center.com 8519 Thomas Nelson Hwy., Lovingston, VA 22949; (800) 282-8223 Western Highlands Visitor Center www.Nelsoncounty.com 241 W. Main St. • Covington, VA 24426; (540) 962-2178 • www.alleghanyhighlands.com Orange Co. Visitor's Center 122 East Main St. • Orange, VA 22960 (877) 222-8072 • www.visitorangevirginia.com Patrick County Chamber of Commerce 20475 JEB Stuart Hwy • PO Box 577 Stuart, VA 24171; (276) 694-6012 www.patrickchamber.com Piedmont Crossroads Visitors Ctr 135A Wood Ridge Terrace Gordonsville, VA 22942 Prince William Visitor Center 200 Mill St. • Occoquan, VA 22125 703-491-4045 • ticctr@aol.com Pulaski County Visitor Center 4440 Cleburne Blvd • Dublin, VA 24084 540-674-4161. www.pulaskicounty.org Radford Visitor Center 600 Unruh Dr. • Radford, VA 24141 (866) 605-6442 • www.visitradford.com Roanoke Visitor Information Center 101 Shenandoah Ave., NE Roanoke VA 24016 • (800) 635-5535 www.VisitRoanokeVA.com Rockfish Gap Visitor Center 130 Afton Circle Afton, VA 22920; (540) 943-5187 www.augustabusiness.org Winchester-Frederick County CVB 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Rd. Winchester, VA 22601 • (877) 871-1326 www.visitwinchesterva.com Wytheville CVB 975 Tazewell Street Wytheville, VA 24382; (276) 223-3355 Toll free (800) 446-9670 www.visitWytheville.com WEST VIRGINIA West Virginia Welcome Center 37 Washington Court at US 340 Harpers Ferry, WV 25435; (866) -HELLO-WV • www.hello-wv.com KENTUCKY Cumberland Gap Nhp Visitor Center US 25E South • Middlesboro, KY 40965 (606) 248-2817 Your Listing COuld be HERE! Call (828) 667-1607 Page 26 www.blueridgedigest.com www.blueridgedigest.com SUMMER 2010 SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 WATCH and FOR DETOUR ON BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY asons to visit Roanoke rginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains T 17. 17 18. 18 19. 19 20. 20 21. 21 22. 22 he Blue Ridge Parkway is closed to all walls are severely deteriorated due to settlement traffic from Milepost 241 at Wildcat and the effect of freeze-thaw cycles over the Rocks Overlook to Milepost 245 at Basin past 75 years. This project rehabilitates and Cove Parking Overlook until Spring 2011. reconstructs the most deficient wall sections. Detourfun traffic signage will direct Parkway The Blue Ridge Parkway is recognized Chocolate treat at Salem family at the 23 visitors around the closure area via NC worldwide as an international example of Chocolatepaper Salem Fair – July 1 - 11 Route 18 and US Highway 21. Upon landscape design achievement. Designed and Visitor Center – of the first phase of construction, Nature Center at the Discovery completion built to provide a leisurely recreational driving 24 openadditional daily – 9am – Center – Milepost 120 closures and detours will follow experience and showcase the scenic resources 5pmbetween (101 Shenandoah Milepost 218 near Cumberland of the central and southern Appalachian Their natural water park Ave,Knob NE, 24016) and Milepost 240.7 near Doughton Mountains, this section of Parkway displays at Smith Mountain Lake Park. The short detours will permit visitors the historic rock walls that line the motor road. 25 Get your RED (Regional to experience the Parkway Constructed during the late 1930s, these rock Entertainment Discount) Card community Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor life and scenic beauty of the surrounding walls are now an important historic Parkway Center – Milepost 115 countryside. Project work is scheduled to resource. Though built in the rustic style used A hot dog all the way at the be complete in the Summer of 2012. throughout other American national parks, Check out their web site for more ideas – Roanoke Wiener Stand The Historic Stone Guardwall Reconstruction the walls have become a significant feature www.visitroanokeva.com or stop by the Visitor Project will involve 28 miles of the Blue Ridge that defines the visual and historic character Take in a movie at their locally Information Center at 101 Shenandoah Ave., NE Call (828) 298-0398 for most current Parkway (Milepost 217 to Milepost 245) that of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This project will owned and operated Grandin and let them know which reason updates or check the National Park contain 32,000 linear feet of historic rock restore the structural integrity and historic Theatre in Grandin Village brought you to town. Service Website at: www.nps.gov/blri masonry walls. A significant portion of the appearance of this important cultural resource. Sequoyah (1776-1843) Father, Soldier, Silversmith, Statesman and Creator of the Cherokee writing system Handmade Cherokee Baskets • CDs • Jewelry Handmade Native American Pottery Prints by Cherokee Artist Donald Vann ...and more unique gifts from which to choose! OPEN YEAR ROUNd Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm • Sun Noon - 5pm (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) Nominal Admission Fee • Group discounts Operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians - Tennessee’s ONLY Tribally-Operated Historical Attraction. SEQUOYAH BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM Hwy 360 - P.O. Box 69 Vonore, Tennessee 37885 423-884-6246 www.sequoyahmuseum.org Located in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee on the shores of beautiful Tellico Lake, 37 miles south of downtown Knoxville. CAMPING the The charm of yesterday… & Chattanooga Chickamauga of today. Blue Ridgethe convenience National Military Park Parkway?Animals from far away The park includes three historLookout Mountain, TN History and heritage from yesterday Point Park commemorates the Scenic drives, handcrafted wine soldiers who fought in the 1863 Mansions, gardens, butterflies Civil War battles for Chattanooga. battlefields of Orchard Knob, Outdoor recreationThe everywhere Artisans, antiques -shoppers Lookoutbeware! Mountain and portions of Music, festivals, even a barn dance Ridge are all comMissionary Lore, legend, a little romance ponents of the National Park. Musical theatre to make you smile A slower pace, relax awhile Camping Blue Ridge A charming town, a friendly way Parkway brochureYouismight even see a First Lady ic homes. Brotherton House marks the spot where the Union line was broken, Snodgrass House served as a Union field hospital, and Cravens House served as a Confederate field hospital. Experience History, visit today! available at regional visitor centers or may be downloaded at http://www. blueridgeparkway.org and select “Camping” under www.nps.gov/chch/index.htm the “What to Do• Section” www.visitwytheville.com Free Visitors Guide call 877-347-8307 • cvb@wytheville.org wytheville virginia SPRING/ SUMMER 2011 The Blue Ridge Digest HENDERSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA A FUN & FAMILY FRIENDLY DESTINATION! A Cool Place to Bring the Kids and the Grandparents, Too! Vacation Planning Information: www.historichendersonville.org 800.828.4244 Page 27 In 1750 it was impossible to visit what is now known as Western North Carolina without encountering the Cherokee. For the well traveled it still is. 800.438.1601 cherokee-nc.com At the south entrance of the Blue Ridge Parkway and mouth of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park discover the history, culture and traditions of a civilization older than the Inca, Maya, Egyptians and Romans through song, legend, art, dance and ceremony. Visit historic sites, enjoy cultural festivals, camping, tubing, wading, picnicing, hiking mills, a pioneer village, cultural attractions, art galleries, nostalgic shops and motor lodges, birding, waterfalls, water family fun parks, petting zoos, the painted bear trail, more than 30 miles of untamed trout, waters, Harrah’s Hotel and Casino and the new 18-hole Robert Trent Jones golf course managed by Troon Golf.