Newland, Avery County NC - Grand Celebration July 29,30 and 31st, 2011

Avery County is North Carolina's 100th County and is having it's 100th Birthday and Newland NC - the county seat is having a Grand Celebration July 29, 30th and 31st, 2011. 

Friday - July 29th, 2011  from 4pm till Dark - Art Festival, Live Entertainment,
Kidz Area, Cruz-In, Sock Hope featuring The Tams and Fire Works !!

Saturday July 30th, 2011 10am to 8pm - Art Festival, Live Entertainment,
* 11:00am Parade of Decades
* Veterans Program and Civil War Encampment
* Dog Daze of Summer
* Historical Tours
* Quilt Show

Sunday July 31st, 2011  10am to 2pm - Praise Bands, Art Festival, Closing Ceremony

More Info about Avery County NC
Need more to do while staying in Avery County? Visit the storied peaks of Grandfather Mountain. View the majestic vistas from Sugar Mountain, Seven Devils, and Beech Mountain – known as some of the High South’s most popular playgrounds! Stop by Banner Elk the quaint one red light town, and home of the World Famous Woolly Worm and Art Festivals and visit its winery and the many shops along the way, hike the Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville Gorge and Elk River Falls.


With the highest county seat in North Carolina (Newland,elv. 3,589 ft.) and the highest incorporated town east of the Rockies (Beech Mountain, elv. 5,506 ft.), Avery County is the place to come to clear your head, connect with family and friends and get above the rush of daily life.

Avery County, recognized as the premier Ski destination of the South and frasier fir Christmas tree capital of the world makes coming to the High Country, in winter the perfect family family getaway. Avery County is also home to the 13th Annual Blood Sweat and Gears bike ride coming up in two weeks. More information is available here



See more info at  http://www.averycounty.com/  or call 828-898-5605

Wooly Worm Festival - Banner Elk NC This Weekend 10/16 & 17

Wooly Worm Festival
Banner Elk NC
This Weekend - 10/16 & 17, 2o10
Saturday 10/16/10 9am-5pm
Sunday 10/17 10 9am - 4pm

For the 33rd year the town of Banner Elk has welcomed both old and new friends to the annual Woolly Worm Festival.

This family event co-hosted by the Avery County Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Organization of Banner Elk welcomes more than 23,000 people to the community to make family memories and also to win the prestigious title of predicting the High Country weather and the chance to win the $1000 bounty.

Some changes and additions from last year’s festival continuing through this year; opening the gates at 9:00 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday and the expansion of the kid’s area in the park. There was special music on Sunday by the John Schuffler Band and local family pricing as well on Sunday.

For more info about the Wooly Worm Festival - check the website.

Grandfather Mountain NC

I feel so very blessed to be a native North Carolinian !! I have lived at the foot of the Blue Rige Mountains most of my life and Grandfather Mountain has been kind of a "fixture" to me..

When traveling to Beech Mountain from Hickory NC via "curvy" NC 181 or up Hwy 321 ~ ~ ~ through Blowing Rock, I am able to view "Grandfather" on opposite sides of his profile....

Over the years, I have witnessed Grandfather clothed in frozen snow capped splendor, arrayed in beautiful golden fall foilage or ablaze with rhododendrum's purple majesty.. Grandfather Mountain is like an old friend....

It's been many, many years since I have walked across Grandfather's Mile High Swinging Bridge or visited the Black Bear Habitat but maybe....... this summer. I hope you will visit this glorious natural wonder ... Check out all these great Grandfather Mtn Events...

Daily Naturalist Programs

June - Aug
Grandfather Mountain naturalists present a special nature program each day during the summer. The one-hour programs are scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and are included in the price of admission.
800-468-7325

The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble
June 1-14
Our staff naturalists can't wait to share their excitement for the showy rose-lavender Catawba Rhododendron that blooms its way up Grandfather’s slopes throughout the month of June. Join us for special activities designed to help you get the most out of this memorable sight.
800-468-7325

National Trails Day Volunteer Project
June 6
Come help us maintain Grandfather's trails and let the backcountry rangers share their knowledge of and passion for Grandfather Mountain. Free admission for volunteers.
828-737-0833

85th Annual Singing On The Mountain
June 28Alwaysthe fourth Sunday in June
All-day gospel sing and fellowship held in MacRae Meadows. Host group The Greenes welcome The Primitive, The Cockman Family, The Melodyaires, Jubilee, Four Anointed, The Gospel Enforcers, Michael Combs, Naomi & The Segos, and George Hamilton IV with George Hamilton V and Tim & Roddy Smith. The Rev. Freida Hartley Hobson will bring the message. Free admission. Camping (without hookups) available on the field.
800-468-7325

54th Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
July 9-12
Brawny athletes, delicate dancers, noisy bagpipe band parades, rocking Celtic music and a spectacular highland setting makes this colorful celebration of Scottish culture the best highland games in America. Admission charged.
828-733-1333

The Bear: Assault on Grandfather
July 9
A five-mile road race that climbs 1,568 feet in elevation from Linville to the summit of Grandfather Mountain. Part of Highland Games. Admission charged.
828-263-5207

The Grizzly Bike Ride
July 10
The Grizzly is a beautiful and challenging route with 7000 feet of climbing in 65 miles. Part of Highland Games. Admission charged.
828-263-5207

The Grandfather Mountain Marathon
July 11
Billed as "America's Toughest" marathon. Part of Highland Games. Admission charged.
828-263-5207

Grandfather Mountain Amateur & Professional Camera Clinic
Aug. 15-16
Top photographers gather to share on the nuts & bolts of making good photographs. 2009 speakers include Bill Fortney, John Chastain, Duane Hall and Melissa Southern. Free to working press, additional cost for non-professionals. Seating is limited, so pre-registration is required. Online registration begins July 15.
800-468-7325
Rods in the Park Classic Car, Truck & Vintage Bike Show
Aug. 2009
Over 45 classes from Antique pre-30's through 1989 cars, trucks, vintage bikes and road tractors. MacRae Meadows. Admission charged. Call 828-963-2723 with questions or to register.
828-963-2723 Email for more information.

Kidfest Sept. 12
Guided hikes, games, storytellers, music and fun. Included with park admission.
800-468-7325

39th Annual American Girl Scout Day
Sept. 19
All Girl Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free with proof of membership. Discount admission for other family members. Staff naturalists provide free nature programs throughout the day.
800-468-7325

Bridge-To-Bridge Incredible Challenge Bike Ride
Sept. 20
This 102-mile bike ride departs the Lenoir Mall and makes its way uphill to the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Registration fee.
828-726-0616

Find out more info on Grandfather Mountain