Author: William Kradel

Birdwatching on Grandfather Mountain

In addition to its wonderful scenery and trails, Grandfather Mountain is also home to a large variety of birds to enjoy watching!

Even at the Nature Museum Restaurant many birds can be found out on the bird feeders. Some of the birds which can be spotted include Nuthatches, Carolina Chickadees, and Juncos.

For woodland birds, the Profile Trail offers many opportunities to spot species such as Warblers, Louisiana Water Thrushes, and Scarlet Tangers.

On Black Rock Trail, there are plenty of birds which prefer high elevations. Some of these include Kinglets, Hermit Thrushes, and Magnolia Warblers.

A special event in September is the annual southern migration of a variety of raptor species. Throughout the month, visitors can join trained staff to watch the migration and learn more about the passing eagles, peregrine falcons, and more raptor species.

William Kradel Leave a comment on Birdwatching on Grandfather Mountain Hiking, Outdoor Fun Tags , ,

Whitewater Rafting at High Mountain Expeditions

A very exciting adventure to be had in the Boone area is white water rafting! At Banner Elk, not far from Boone, is High Mountain Expeditions, a white water rafting company who have 30 years of experience with guiding adventurers through the area’s rivers.

The most family friendly river rafting is the Watuga River. The fast moving river is dam controlled so the river is consistent throughout the season.


The course itself is a 3 to 5 hour trip and a deli buffet lunch is provided. Every raft will have a trained guide so it is enjoyable for those even without any rafting experience.


Wilson Creek is a fun river for those who are looking for something fast! Over its 2.5 mile trip, the creek drops 85 feet every mile. Some drops are between 5 and 10 feet. The trip takes 2 to 6 hours and the best time to experience it is in the spring and early summer.


For those who want a truly epic experience, there is the 2 day Nolichucky Rafting Adventure. All meals are provided for beforehand and include many healthy, fresh choices. Travel through the Nolichucky River Gorge is regarded as one of the highest rated whitewater in North America and is considered very unforgettable.

For more information on some of the other rafting adventures you can check out their website https://highmountainexpeditions.com

William Kradel Leave a comment on Whitewater Rafting at High Mountain Expeditions Banner Elk, Outdoor Fun, Whitewater Rafting Tags , ,

Retro 80’s weekend coming to Beech Mountain

Starting on February 20th and through the weekend, is Retro 80’s weekend at Beech Mountain. The main event throughout all the days is retro skiing on the mountain with 80’s ski apparel. There are also many other activities throughout the weekend. A few highlights are below.

At night on Thursday the 20th, to start it off is a kick-off band and 80’s prom at Frazier’s Tavern and Grill. This runs from 9-11pm.

On Friday, the events kick off at 3:45pm at the top of the summit with an 80’s ski apparel parade. From 6:30-8pm there is cosmic sledding for kids 12 and under at the Beech Mountain town hall. At the Beech Mountain Brewing Co. Taproom and Grill at 8pm is live music with the band Same As it Ever Was.

Events start earlier on Saturday. From 9-10:30am is a pancake breakfast at the Buckeye Recreation Center. At 5-7pm is an 80’a Kids Karaoke and Apparel contest at Brick Oven.

Sunday does not have any specific events planned however the skiing in 80s apparel will still be going on.

These and many more events make for the 80s retro weekend a very exciting event to look forward to. 

William Kradel Leave a comment on Retro 80’s weekend coming to Beech Mountain Concerts and Events, Outdoor Fun, Skiing Tags ,

2020 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

On Grandfather Mountain this July will be the 65th annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games!
Running from July 9-12, the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games at MacRae Meadows is a very entertaining event combining traditional Highland games with a mountain flair.

To start it off on July 9, at 2pm is a very delightful wine tasting event at the Best Western Mountain Lodge in Banner Elk.

At 4:30, at MacRae Meadows, will begin the traditional Scottish entertainment and Celtic music. At 7 will be The Bear: Assault on Grandfather. This is a 5 mile foot race climbing from Linville up to the summit of Grandfather Mountain, a 1,568 foot climb
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Friday July 10 starts off at 9am at MacRae Meadows with a series of preliminary athletic activities. Sheep herding and music and dancing competitions will begin then too.

These will continue throughout the day and starting at 6:30pm through 11 will be a Celtic rock concert at MacRae Meadows. For another unique highland musical option is the Scottish Country Dance Gala at Appalachian State University.

On Saturday July 11, starting at 7:30am will be plenty of competitions such as track and field, piping, drumming, Scottish dancing, and many more. At 6:30pm will be Celtic Jam at MacRae Meadows.
Finally, on Sunday July 12, starting at 8am, a Scottish cultural village will open. Also on Sunday will be a Children’s Border Collie demonstration.

These and many more events are things to look forward to at the 2020 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. 

William Kradel Leave a comment on 2020 Grandfather Mountain Highland Games Banner Elk, Concerts and Events, Outdoor Fun Tags ,

Hiking on Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain from the Blue Ridge Parkway

Grandfather Mountain is most well known for its mile high swinging bridge which provides a wonderful view of the surrounding mountainside. The bridge is not the only place to get great views however, there are plenty of other trails that you can take to see other perspectives!

Grandfather Mountain offers a wide array of types of trails such as calm strolls through the forests. There are also more demanding trails which require cables and ladders, the views though are quite spectacular
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An example of the trail offerings is Nuwati Trail. A 1.2 mile trail through an old logging road. An easy but somewhat rocky trail, the path will take you through strands of Bigtooth Aspen trees, a stream, and ends with a view of the Boone Bowl.

Another example is the Daniel Boone Scout Trail is a 3 mile trail which starts at the Tanawha Trail and ascends 2,000 feet to the summit of Calloway Peak which is the highest point in the Blue Ridge Escarpment. It is a strenuous trail with in-place ladders and cables to help through particularly steep areas. 

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Blowing Rock Winterfest January 23-26

The last week of January provides a great deal of excitement at Blowing Rock as it is the annual Winterfest at Blowing Rock!

On Thursday January 23, at the Front Porch Eats is a wonderful buffet of frozen treats. Included is the WinterBEAST! A very unique sundae with waffles, bananas, syrup, shaved chocolate, your choice of ice cream topped with sprinkles. 

Also on Thursday at 4pm is the start of the tomahawk throwing contest. Taking place over 3 days, you can enjoy watching the tossing while also enjoying beer from the Appalachian Mountain Brewery on Friday and Saturday.

On Friday January 24 there is much relaxing to be had with events such as the Ice Stroll and WinterCraft, an outdoor handmade market. In the evening they also will be playing jazz and at the Blowing Rock School auditorium will be a Friday Night Concert.

On Saturday January 25 there hayrides in downtown Blowing Rock throughout the day. Starting at noon, in memorial park there will be an ice carving demonstration. In the evening they will have bonfires and s’mores at the Chetola Resort.

On Sunday January 26 the main attraction will be the WinterPaws Dog Show at the Blowing Rock Elementary School Gym.

These events and much more can be found at https://blowingrockwinterfest.com/event/winterpaws-dog-show/

William Kradel Leave a comment on Blowing Rock Winterfest January 23-26 Blowing Rock, Outdoor Fun Tags , ,