Category: Banner Elk

Autumn at Grandfather Mountain

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Grandfather Mountain. Not only is the temperature perfect, but the fall colors are absolutely gorgeous. Fortunately, there are multiple events themed around the season for all to enjoy in addition to the normal trails. 

September 30 through October 8 is the Fall Color Ramble. These are short guided tours by members of the staff who give guests the chance to learn about the different species of plants and animals native to Grandfather Mountain while hiking through the forested mountain. 

On September 30 is the Creatures of the Night event which takes places from 6:30-9:30 and is a guided tour focused on visiting some of the mountain’s animals’ habitats at night to observe them such as bears and elk.

On October 14 is the All Day Fall Color Ramble. Taking place between 10 am and 3 pm, there will be many guided nature walks as well as naturalists talks throughout the day to learn about Grandfather Mountain in the autumn. 

These and other activities, such as hiking to the Mile High Swinging Bridge, are even more breathtaking in autumn so this is a great time to go visit Grandfather Mountain. 

William Kradel Leave a comment on Autumn at Grandfather Mountain Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone, Hiking, Hiking, Outdoor Fun, Tours

100 Years of Doc Watson in Boone August 18 and 19

This weekend in Boone, starting August 18, is very special as they will be celebrating 100 years of Doc Watson.

Doc Watson had a residence in nearby Deep Gap and made frequent visits to Boone. To honor the legendary 7 time Grammy winner the town has hosted an annual Doc Watson Day Concert.

On August 18, starting at 5:30 PM at the Jones House in Boone, there will be a concert by many local musicians and bands such as Laura Boosinger and The Mustard Cutters.

Admission is free and downtown parking meters are free after 5. You do need to bring your own lawn chairs and blankets.

On Saturday, August 19, the events start at 11 AM with a lecture entitled “Deciphering Doc Watson” which includes a blend of music, film, and family anecdotes. Later that evening at 7:30 is a concert with a blue-grass band, the Appalachian Road Show.

William Kradel Leave a comment on 100 Years of Doc Watson in Boone August 18 and 19 Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone, Concerts and Events, Festival, Outdoor Fun, Tours

Highland Games on Grandfather Mountain

This July 6-9 is the return of one of the most popular events in the Boone area: the annual Scottish Highland Games! So what are some of the exciting events going on throughout the events going on during the week?

Throughout the week, there will be many games and other athletic activities. These include the caber toss, hammer throw, archery competitions, track and field, and also Highland Dance competitions.

There will be a very wide variety of music during the celebrations as well. Throughout each of the days, music ranging from Rock, Bluegrass, and Celtic music. There also will be multiple music competitions during the week you can watch. For instance, there are Piping, Fiddle, and Celtic Harp tournaments.

Other activities you can find during the event include many Scottish arts and crafts going on for those of all ages. There are also various children’s activities. There’s also whiskey tasting. This and much more can be found at the Highland Games from July 6-9 at Grandfather Mountain.

William Kradel Leave a comment on Highland Games on Grandfather Mountain Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone, Concerts and Events, Festival, Outdoor Fun

Blowing Rock Trout Derby

To celebrate the opening of Trout season in the Boone area, April 1st is the 43rd annual Blowing Rock Trout Derby! There are many different activities for those of all ages and skill levels to enjoy.

The Classic Tournament starts at sunrise and ends at 4 pm. For this tournament, you catch trout in any Public body of water in Watuga County and bring it in for measuring at the Blowing Rock Clubhouse. The small lake in Blowing Rock itself is reserved for children under 11 and those with disabilities. A valid fishing license is required for this tournament.

There is also a Catch and Release Derby which starts at the Blowing Rock Clubhouse at 7:30 am and ends at 4 pm. For this derby, you are given a measuring tape to measure your catches, and then take a timestamped photograph of them. All public water in Watauga, Ashe, and Avery county will be permitted with single hook artificial lures only. Fishing licenses are required here as well.

At 4:30 pm, prizes will be awarded to different categories of winners in both tournaments.

Mayview Lake in Blowing Rock will be set aside for children under 11 and those who are disabled to fish for trout as well.

William Kradel Leave a comment on Blowing Rock Trout Derby Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone, Fishing, Hiking, Hiking, Outdoor Fun, Tours

MerleFest 2023

With spring right not far away in Boone, that also means the 35th annual MerleFest is right behind as well!

This year, MerleFest will take place from April 27-30. There will be music over 4 days from over 60 different performers! A couple examples of the bands and performers are:

On Thursday, Rock band The Black Crowes. Also playing Thursday is Yasmin Williams who is a finger-style guitarist using a harp guitar.

Friday has some very exciting bands such as the Black Opry Revue and Peter Rowan’s Bluegrass Band.

Saturday’s lineup includes, amongst others, the bluegrass band Della Mae and The Waybacks.

On Sunday, Pete and Joan Wernick entertain with their banjo playing. Also playing is local band Pretty Little Goat.

William Kradel Leave a comment on MerleFest 2023 Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone, Concerts and Events, Festival, Outdoor Fun

Live Music at Sugar Mountain in January

With the skiing season underway, what are some of the events going on at the resorts? At Sugar Mountain they have multiple bands lined up to play music throughout January.

On January 14, the Smokin’ Joe Randolph Band plays at Sugar Mountain from 4pm through 7pm. They play a wide variety of blues, rockabilly, surf, swing, and soul music.

On January 21, the Classic Highway Band visits from 4pm through 6pm. They are a Boone band who specialize in classic rock, blues, and soul music from the 60s-80s.

William Kradel Leave a comment on Live Music at Sugar Mountain in January Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone, Concerts and Events, Outdoor Fun, Skiing, Winter Activities