High Country

  • Blue Ridge Parkway: MP 216.9 to MP 337


Winding mountain roads lead to the charming High Country villages of Blowing Rock and Valle Crucis. Skiers and snowboarders know the way to this winter recreation wonderland and its towering peaks by heart.

High Country North Carolina yields its many secrets with each bend of its winding roads. Linn Cove Viaduct, the last section of the Blue Ridge Parkway to be completed, is a soaring drive to the sky near Grandfather Mountain, where nature is preserved and fun is limitless.

Small town fascinations are many here. Magnificent church frescoes are found in Glendale Springs. Valle Crucis is home to Mast General Store and old-fashioned shopping fun. Television fans flock to Mount Airy, Andy Griffith’s birthplace. Beech Mountain and its resort community offer winter sports as well as warm weather activities. The arts reign supreme in the village of Blowing Rock. Music, outdoor drama and traditional crafts spin the story of this rugged area all along the way.

Events

SPRING

  • Art in the Park. May 15, June 12, July 17, August 14, September 12, October 3. Blowing Rock. Juried arts and crafts. (828) 295-7851.
  • Naturalist Weekend. May 15-16. Grandfather Mountain. Guided hikes and special presentations on the birds, wildflowers and nature, (828) 733-4326.

SUMMER

  • 86th Annual Singing on the Mountain. June 27. Grandfather Mountain. Day-long gathering held out-of-doors.
    (828) 733-2013.
  • Blowing Rock Symphony by the Lake. July 23. Blowing Rock. Sit by the lake, bring a picnic, sample cuisine by Chetola’s chef. (828) 295-4636.
  • Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. July 8-11. Linville. Scottish dance, music, athletics. (828) 733-1333.

FALL

  • Mountain Heritage Festival. September 18. Sparta. Celebration of craft and music. (800) 372-5473.
  • Autumn at Oz Party. October 2-3. Beech Mountain. Meet the characters from Oz. (800) 468-5506.
  • Valle Country Fair. October 16. Valle Crucis. Crafts, apple butter, entertainment. (828) 963-4609.
  • Woolly Worm Festival. October 16-17. Banner Elk. Crafts, Food, Entertainment, and Woolly Worm Races. (828) 898-5605.

Area Links