Category: Outdoor Fun

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 , ,