Author: William Kradel

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. 

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

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 , ,

Fishing in the Boone Area 2020

For fishing enthusiasts, the Boone area is rich in a wide variety of places to fish. You can visit https://www.ncwildlife.org/ to get info on regulations for fishing in the area. 

Just outside the pristine town of Blowing Rock is Bass Lake. Lined with rhododendron and mountain laurel, the lake offers a 1.7 mile loop which is great for fishing and hiking.

Another fishing spot which is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway is Price Lake. In addition to its plentiful fishing spots, they also offer fishing tackle rentals and sell bait. You can also rent canoes and kayaks to take out onto the lake when you want to take a break.

Also near the Blue Ridge Parkway is Trout Lake. In addition to fishing, Trout Lake also has a 1 mile  pathway with plenty of wildlife. The lake is set in a hemlock-dominated cove forest with ancient conifers and thickets of rhododendron which makes it a wonderful place to enjoy a day of fishing. 

William Kradel Leave a comment on Fishing in the Boone Area 2020 Blowing Rock, Boone, Hiking

Luke Combs’ “What You See is What You Get Tour” coming to Appalachian State May 2, 2020

As part of his 2020 tour highlighting his new album, the country music star will be performing at Appalachian State’s Kidd Brewer Stadium this May!

Combs, who is from Charlotte, went to Appalachian State in college so he is honoring it by making it the venue of his first outdoor stadium show. This should make the concert a very special and festive spectacle.

In addition, special guests Ashley McBryde and Drew Parker will be featured as well. Put together, it should be an incredibly fun night for those of all ages to enjoy. 

William Kradel Leave a comment on Luke Combs’ “What You See is What You Get Tour” coming to Appalachian State May 2, 2020 Boone, Concerts and Events