Paradise
really does seem a little closer when one
is nestled in the majestic, breathtaking
High Country of North Carolina. The wide
variety of trees surrounding abundant layers
of mountains amidst the deep blue atmosphere
creates a relaxing and invigorating setting.
The High Country is unique in its varied
cultural influences, its mild and enjoyable
climates, its wealth of grand natural attractions,
and its friendly mountain spirit.
Taking
advantage of all the seasons in the High
Country is quite the challenge.
Summer brings
so many wonderful events and activities along
with its mild temperatures. There's always
a refreshing breeze with the altitude, which
will be appreciated as you enjoy your activity
of choice. Hiking one of the hundreds of trails,
fishing, kayaking, playing golf, whitewater
rafting, horse-back riding, and gem mining are only a sampling of what the High Country
has to offer. And there is still the swinging
mile-high bridge to cross at Grandfather Mountain where you can view the baby bears and other
wildlife. One may choose to spend a relaxing
evening at Chetola with the Symphony and fireworks
or a lighthearted musical at The Blowing Rock
Stage Company. There are countless fairs and
festivals, the 4th of July parades, outdoor
music, and the Appalachian Summer Festival
at Appalachian State University. One can never
escape the omnipresent mountains with their
brilliant, fiery sunsets and misty morning
sunrises.
Winter
is one of the most exciting times in the High
Country. With four ski resorts in the immediate
area, locals and tourists alike hope for cold,
snowy weather. Skiing and snowboarding abound
at Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blowing Rock,
Sugar Mountain in Banner Elk, Beech Mountain,
and Hawksnest in Seven Devils. Some of the
area mountains also offer tubing, while Appalachian
has an outdoor ice-skating rink. State of the
art snow-making equipment, excellent facilities,
ski schools, and terrain parks for the advanced
make the High Country ski resorts a memorable
experience. Bright, shining sun on snow-covered
mountains always entices sledding, hiking,
or snowshoeing followed by a cup of hot chocolate
next to a cozy fire.
As
the mountain greenery magically evolves into
reds, oranges, and yellows, the autumn mountains
appear with all their dazzling colors. People
love to travel the beautiful stretch of miles
along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall as
they enjoy the amazing overlook views. There
are many area festivals in the fall as well,
such as the annual Woolly Worm Festival in
Banner Elk, which is held on the third weekend
in October during the peak of the leaf season.
Cooler days, crisp, starlit nights, the smell
of hearth fires, and the soft, gentle whisper
of falling leaves make autumn in the High Country
a special time to embrace.
Once
again, nature awakens with the coming of spring
in the mountains. The cool weather again invites
nature lovers and bird-watchers in search of
that perfect vista. Rivers and streams sparkle
as they beckon the adventurous to take part
in the world-class trout fishing offered by
the High Country. Fields full of vibrant wildflowers
and bits of green amidst the flowering buds,
bring the hope of another marvelous year in
our home in the High County, where paradise
really does seem a little closer.
