Welcome to the High Country

North Carolina’s High Country provides the best vacation experience in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our area includes 100 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway and these popular tourist destinations: Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, Linville, N. Wilkesboro, Sparta, Valle Crucis, West Jefferson and Wilkesboro. Visitors enjoy hiking, rafting, arts & crafts, shopping, skiing and the famous Tweetsie Railroad.

I-40 Rock Slide Information

Travelers can still reach Western North Carolina via a number of routes. An official detour has been set up for inter-state traffic. Motorists traveling west to Tennessee should take I-40 West to I-240 West (Exit 53b) in Asheville to I-26 West (Exit 4a). Follow I-26 West from Asheville to I-81 South (Exit 8a) in Tennessee, back to I-40. Eastbound motorists will follow the reverse directions.

A map is available at https://apps.dot.state.nc.us/TIMS/default.aspx.
More information about the I-40 Rock Slide is available here.

Christmas in the Park/Lighting of the Town Nov. 27th

Blowing Rock kicks off the Christmas season with a joyous celebration on Nov. 27. Venture into the village and join the fun in the town park. There will be visits with Santa Claus, caroling, hot chocolate and the ceremonial "Lighting of the Town."

This is a great opportunity to experience the fellowship of Blowing Rock, and browse the many stores and shops along Main Street. For more info, go to www.blowingrock.com or call (828) 295-5222

West Jefferson Celebrates 2nd Annual Hometown Christmas

On Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving, Back Street Park in downtown West Jefferson's becomes a hub for Christmas merriment with the Second Annual Hometown Christmas celebration. Enjoy the lighting of the official Ashe County tree, along with carols, cider and a visit from Santa Claus on an antique fire engine.

For more info, call the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce at (336) 846-9550 or go to www.ashechamber.com.

Christmas Show at Boone Mall Draws Artists from Across the Country

The annual Christmas Show at Boone Mall takes place Nov. 27-29. This popular event attracts artists from all over the country to showcase their handmade work. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (828) 864-7286.

Enjoy Free Guided Hike at Beech Mountain on Nov. 27

The Beech Mountain Parks & Recreation Department will host a guided winter hike on Friday, Nov. 27. The hike takes place on the Wild Iris Trail, which is a moderate hike of 1.6 miles in length. All hikes are led by guides who are familiar with the foliage and fauna unique to Beech Mountain.

The hike begins promptly at 9 a.m. and there is no charge. Participants are required to wear appropriate clothing and footwear, and dogs are not allowed. For more info, visit www.HikeBeechMountain.com, or call (828) 387-3003.

Holiday Fun at the Sparta Christmas Parade on Nov. 28

Downtown Sparta captures the yuletide spirit with its annual Christmas Parade on Main Street. Santa and friends will pay a visit to this picturesque Alleghany County town, adding luster to this special holiday tradition.

Parade begins at 2 p.m. For more information, call (336) 372-6135.

Find Great Gifts at Christmas Craft Fair on Dec. 5

Located at the county fairgrounds in Sparta, this juried craft show allows folks to get a jump on holiday shopping. Artisans from across North Carolina will display avariety of arts and crafts.

Admission is free, and refreshments will be available. For info, call (336) 372-5473.

Warm Your Holidays with the Valle Crucis Fireside Tour

The historic Valle Crucis community near Boone holds the fourth annual Valle Crucis Fireside Tour on Sunday, Dec. 6. The self-guided tour meanders along country lanes to gift shops, galleries, cozy bed-and-breakfast inns, restaurants and churches. At each stop, hosts invite participants in to warm up with holiday treats and fireside hospitality. Hosts will also point out the unique history of this community listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The tour lasts from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and includes stops at: Mast General Store, Baird House Inn, Valle Café, Mast Farm Inn, Dutch Creek Trails, Taylor House Inn, Lazy Bear Lodge, Holy Cross Church and the Valle Crucis Bed and Breakfast.

Tickets are $10 per person, with proceeds benefiting the Valle Crucis Community Park. For tickets or more info, contact Sheri Moretz at (828) 963-6511 or visit www.vallecrucis.com/fireside.

Festival of Lights at Chetola Resort, Dec.1-31

Throughout the month of December, Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock features a spectacular illumination of more than 50,000 holiday lights. The lights attract thousands of visitors each year as folks drive around Chetola Lake to view glittering ice skaters, a nativity scene, a colorful train and Rudolph’s “Holiday Catch,” plus much more.

For more information, call (800) 243-8652, or visit www.chetola.com.

SugarFest at Sugar Mountain Ski Resort is Dec. 12-13

SugarFest is a weekend of pure winter fun at Sugar Mountain Resort near Banner Elk. This seventh annual festival is packed with a host of winter activities, including the Adult Preseason Ski Clinic. The two-day clinic will feature special guest coaches Diann Roffe, an Olympic gold medalist, along with two-time Olympian Krista Schmidinger.

Ski and snowboard equipment from major manufacturers will be available for demo both days, while Olympic silver medalist Paul Wylie will host an ice skating clinic on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. check out the snowball eating contest, followed by a celebration at 5 p.m. to officially begin Sugar Mountain's 40th anniversary season. Cake, ice cream and refreshments will be served, and then grab a seat for a fireworks display at 5:45 p.m.

Don't miss the Edge of the World/Burton Rail Jam Expression Session at noon on Sunday as talented snowboarders pull off some of their best tricks. Later in the day marvel as blocks of ice are transformed into winter works of art.

For more info, visit www.seesugar.com/sugarfest or call 800-SUGAR MT.