Author: William Kradel

Ski Resorts Opening in Boone

Since it is the end of November that means it is finally time for skiing in the Boone area!

While Hurricane Helene caused massive damage to the Boone area, all 3 ski resorts near Boone, Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain, Appalachian Ski Mountain plan on opening on time.

Beech Mountain is located in the nearby town of Banner Elk, about 30 minutes away. Appalachian Ski Resort is located directly beside Boone, about a 5 minute drive.

Beech Mountain plans on opening November 29. Appalachian Ski Mountain plans on opening November 70. Sugar Mountain is about 15 minutes away near Grandfather Mountain.

Sugar Mountain in fact is already open!  The first major event at the mountain is SugarFest between Friday, December 13 and Sunday, December 15. SugarFest has many events for those who don’t ski too, such as food, drinks, and dancing to live music. On Saturday will be a fireworks show at 5:45.

William Kradel Leave a comment on Ski Resorts Opening in Boone Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone, Hiking, Outdoor Fun, Skiing, Winter Activities

What is and isn’t open in Boone and Blowing Rock. 

It has been a few weeks since the devastating Hurricane Helene ravaged the Northeast, especially North Carolina and Tennessee. In the Boone area, many businesses and towns have reopened while some areas are still closed off. So which are they?

Grandfather Mountain will be reopening on October 23 at 9 am. From then forward, the park will be open 7 days a week opening at 9 am with the trails closing at 5 pm and the park at 9 pm.

Blowing Rock, where there are many areas to shop and eat, is fully open with the major highways safe and open for travel. For instance, the Oktoberfest celebration is this Saturday the 26th.

The Blueridge Parkway is closed until at least October 31 and then it will be re examined.

Boone is also fully opened with Appalachian State playing its first home football game since the Hurricane this Saturday against Georgia State

William Kradel Leave a comment on What is and isn’t open in Boone and Blowing Rock.  Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone, Concerts and Events, Festival, Hiking, Hiking, Outdoor Fun, Tours, Vacation Rentals

Outdoor activities in Boone for those with disabilities

The Blue Ridge Mountains have many, many activities to do ranging from hiking, kayaking, climbing and more. Unfortunately, many have health issues which can make it seem like participating in any of these activities near impossible. 
Fortunately, that is where Waypoint Adventure comes in, they provide guided tours for those with physical, intellectual, and emotional disabilities to be able to participate in these activities still.
Climbing can be done either outdoors or at an indoor climbing gym if that’s more convenient. Kayaking can be done either independently or with a member of the household in a tandem kakyak, though there will be a guide there as well.
More information can be found at https://nc.waypointadventure.org/private-lessons/

William Kradel Leave a comment on Outdoor activities in Boone for those with disabilities Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone, Hiking, Hiking, Outdoor Fun, Whitewater Rafting

Symphony by the Lake at Blowing Rock, July 19.

For 36 years, Blowing Rock has hosted an annual Symphony by the Lake every summer, and this year it is taking place this weekend, on July 19th. 

Featuring the Symphony of the Mountains. They began in 1946 as a local orchestra of 27 musicians and today it has expanded to more than 70 professional musicians and performs in Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina.

This year’s theme is “Live From Vienna”. Visitors can bring their own food, beverage, and chairs. There also will be food, fireworks, and other activities. 

William Kradel Leave a comment on Symphony by the Lake at Blowing Rock, July 19. Blowing Rock, Boone, Concerts and Events, Festival, Outdoor Fun

Old Barn Winery

If you are looking to spend a very relaxing and enjoyable day in Boone and the surrounding area, look no further than the Old Barn Brewery in nearby West Jefferson. The Old Barn Winery is a family run winery first started in 1960 and has been running now for four generations. It is located at 2152 Beaver Creek School Road, West Jefferson.

The winery is open on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sundays. Outside of the wonderful wine they have available to try, the Old Barn Winery also has lots of musical performances bands most days. The music variety included jazz, bluegrass, rock, and country. 

For food, they DO allow outside food into the winery. For food they sell, they have a food truck on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays. The food truck includes bbq shrimp cocktails, tuna tacos, chimichurri steak subs, and lobster rolls. No hamburgers or hot dogs.

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Blowing Rock Trout Derby April 6th

This Saturday, April 6, is going to be the 44th annual Blowing Rock Trout Derby in the Boone area!

The Trout Derby has been celebrating the opening of trout season for 4 decades  in Blowing Rock and there are plenty of activities and competitions of all ages!

The picnic shelter at Robbins Pool, 173 Lakeside Dr. Blowing Rock, NC 28605 is the Official Derby Headquarters this year. Favorite nearby fishing spots are Price Lake, Bass Lake, and the Middle Fork Road.

The Classic Tournament starts at sunrise and ends at 4pm. All trout caught in public Watauga County bodies of water are eligible for measuring. No pre registration or entry fees are required.

The Catch and Release starts at 7 am and does require registering at the Official Headquarters. All participants will be given a measuring tape and must take a timestamped photo of their catch in order for it to be judged. All photos must be submitted by 4pm. 

For children 11 and under and those who have limited mobility, there is a special tournament at the local small lake, Lake Mayview, in Blowing Rock itself which will be stocked with trout so everyone can enjoy fishing.

For kids there also will be an art contest with prizes. There also will be free t-shirts for kids at the headquarters.

The Derby is a great time for all and definitely worth a day visiting!

William Kradel Leave a comment on Blowing Rock Trout Derby April 6th Blowing Rock, Boone, Concerts and Events, Festival, Fishing, Hiking, Hiking, Outdoor Fun