Category: Tours

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

Tail of the Dragon in Western Carolina

Located in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee, the eponymous Tail of the Dragon is considered one of the country’s foremost motorcycle and sports car touring roads by many.

Covering an 11 mile stretch of US 129 in the Smoky Mountains, it is a very exciting road to drive with many curves as its name may suggest. 318 curves in 11 miles. While you can enjoy the Dragon at any time, there are many events throughout the year as well to plan around.

June 17 is the Dragon Rally, a major sports car rally where you can enjoy looking at all the many exotic cars from all over the world as they converge on this 11 mile road.

June 30-July 2 is the Thunder in the Smokies Rally. It is the oldest and largest motorcycle rally in the Smoky Mountains! It is open to all ages and offers a wide variety of shows and bikes to enjoy in addition to the Dragon to ride on.

William Kradel Leave a comment on Tail of the Dragon in Western Carolina Concerts and Events, Festival, Outdoor Fun, Tours

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

Snowshoeing Tours at Sugar Mountain

For many, one of the most exciting parts of a vacation is trying new things! And Sugar Mountain offers what is likely new for many people: snowshoeing tours!

The Snowshoeing season on Sugar Mountain runs from December through March. During the week, snowshoe tours are offered every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 3:00 p.m. On Saturday, they are at 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. 

Both rentals of showshoes and the guided tour by an experienced guide are included. Adult tours are for those who are 12 years or older. Children’s tours are for those ages 8-11. You need to sign up at least fifteen minutes prior to your tour time at the Snowsports School building at the resort.

William Kradel Leave a comment on Snowshoeing Tours at Sugar Mountain Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone, Hiking, Hiking, Outdoor Fun, Skiing, Tours, Winter Activities

Banner Elk and Boone Travel Info for October 15 and 16

This weekend, October 15 and 16, at Banner Elk is the very popular Woolly Worm festival. Also this weekend we have the peak time for viewing the autumn colors of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the area.

Another event running this weekend in the same area is the Valle Fair at Valle Crucis. Both the fair and the Woolly Worm festival open at 9am both days.

All of these events going on at once means this will be a weekend with very high traffic congestion throughout the area. Most of the roads into and in both Banner Elk and Valle Crucis are only two lane roads so there will be heavy delays throughout as the events are very popular.

So make sure to leave much earlier than you’d expect to need to so as to account for the traffic. Also, bring along a lot of patience to get through the traffic. 

William Kradel Leave a comment on Banner Elk and Boone Travel Info for October 15 and 16 Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone, Concerts and Events, Festival, Outdoor Fun, Tours, Vacation Rentals