 Here on the you can gaze out across mountain ridges stretching almost 100 miles to the horizon, play among the clouds, and renew your soul.
Avery County, North Carolina is home to famous mountain peaks like Grandfather, Beech and Sugar. It has the highest county seat in Eastern America (Newland, elv. 3,621 ft.), the highest incorporated town in Eastern America (Beech Mountain, elv. 5,506 ft.), and is known as the "Christmas tree capital of the world."
A visit to the Balcony of the Blue Ridge offers an endless variety of things to see and do, places to stay, eat and shop, unparalleled mountain scenery, and friendly natives to help you enjoy it all.
We invite you to explore the pages of this website to discover more about our enjoyable mountain community, or phone us at 800-972-2183.
Going south on #105 to Linville.
At the stoplight in Linville, turn left to go to Grandfather Mountain. Visit the museum there to see minerals, gems, native plants and trees, birds and wildlife native to Avery County and the high country. Visit the gift shop for souvenirs and have a bite in the museum restaurant. (If the weather clears take a walk across the mile-high swinging bridge and visit the bears, eagles, otters, cougars and deer in their natural habitat.
Return to Linville and go straight on #221, through the light at the intersection of #221 and 181 and on to Newland where you can visit the Avery County Museum. In Newland, turn right and the stoplight and right again at the next stoplight. The Museum is just past the Avery County Court House. It used to be the old jailhouse and houses many items from bygone days. Sure to fascinate all ages.
Return to the intersection of #181 and #221 and turn right to go to Linville Caverns, an active natural limestone cavern where new rocks are growing constantly. The Caverns open daily from 9-4:30 March through November and only on weekends in the winter months.
On your return the Banner Elk you may want to visit Crossnore School, Weaving Room and Blair Fraley Sales Store – a treasure trove of books, toys, jewelry and other items including beautifully woven scarves, hangings, etc.
Going west on # 184 into Banner Elk and up to Beech Mountain
At the light in Banner Elk, turn left, go pass Lees-McRae College and turn right up to Beech Mountain. Stop in at Fred’s General Mercantile and visit the old store which has so much that their sign inside reads, “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.” Children will enjoy the electric train, the toys, and a bite in the downstairs deli.
In Fred’s get directions to the Buckeye Recreation Center, a 22,500 square foot facility housing indoor basketball, volleyball, track and tennis courts, and a kid’s playroom for children under 7. The Center hosts kid’s craft night twice a month and a Friday kid’s night featuring pizza, games and movies.
Going south on #105
Turn left at the stoplight at the intersection of #105 and Broadstone towards Valle Crucis and the Mast General Store. You will come to the annex first and it houses a room filled with candy. There are clothes, outdoor gear and a variety of other items. In the main story, just a little ways down the road, you will find toys, games, clothes, and an array of items from times past.
Return to #105, turn left and go to Boone and the intersection of #105 and #321. Turn right and follow it past Tweetsie Railroad to Mystery Hill where gravity defies the laws of nature and makes for an interesting experience for all ages.
For more information and/or brochures to these places, come inside for a visit.
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Daily
8 to 5 | Ben Long Fresco
Sloop Chapel at Crossnore School | "Suffer, the Little Children," wall-sized fresco by Ben Long tells the story of how Jesus received the children as the crowds surrounded him. Sloop Chapel is open to the public every day from 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. No admission charged.
| For more information call 828-733-4305. |
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Daily
September-May: 9am-5pm June-August: 9am-8pm | Mystery Hill
Defy gravity at Mystery Hill
Located on US Highway 321 between Boone & Blowing Rock | Each year, for over 50 years, guests come from all over the world and the United States to visit Mystery Hill. They are all compelled to come for various reasons; "My mother came here as a child," "I remember coming here with my Grandfather," "I drove by this place and just had to come and see what the mystery really was," "I just can't get this place out of my mind." No matter what the reason, they come back time and time again, bringing relatives and friends to experience the mystery of our "crooked house." People do remember the remarkable defiance of gravity, where you can see a ball roll uphill, and where folks are pulled from an upright position to an uncanny standing angle of nearly 45°. This strange phenomenon has been amusing and puzzling visitors to Mystery Hill for generations. Since there is a variety of things to see and do, no one leaves disappointed. Mystery is a family oriented "edutainment" center that offers fun for children ages 2 to 102. We welcome you to join us at any time of the year.
| For more information call 828-264-2792 |
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Weekly
Thursdays | Cranberry "Bingo"
Old Cranberry High School | Family fun - Consessions $25 for 10 - $ 50 games, 1 - $100 game, 1 - $500 game. Kids 12 & under $10
| Call 828-733-5854
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Wednesday
April 30 | Avery County Golf Classic
| Call 800-972-2183 |
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Saturday
May 10 | YMCA Princess Date Night
Grandfather Golf and Country Club, Linvillle, NC | "This is the second annual YMCA Princess Date Night for girls ages 5 and older featuring a formal dinner and dance. Also welcome are grandfathers and father-figures. This event is open to any resident. Dress code is Sunday best. The cost is $38 per father and $12 per daughter. Tickets and registration must be complete by May 11th. You may register on line at www.ymcaavery.org or come by the YMCA to register. No tickets will be sold at the door the day of the event. This is a great way for fathers and daughters to have a special evening together and form memories to last a lifetime.
| Call 828-737-5500
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Friday
May 16 - 31 | Orchard at Altapass
On the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC | The Historic Orchard at Altapass begins its 100th season as an apple orchard perched atop the Blue Ridge Mountains! Sat, May 17 12:30-2:00 TBA 2:30-4:30 South Bound roars into the Orchard with high-stepping bluegrass. Sun, May 18 12:30-2:00 TBA 2:30-4:30 Randy Flack brings back great stories and entertaining original and country tunes. Wed, May 21 1:45-3:15 Bob Lominac and Tom Sparks strum and sing informally for orchard guests to enjoy. Thurs, May 22 1:45-3:15 The very talented Julia Ann shares her stirring country and gospel songs with visitors. Fri, May 23 1:45-3:15 Herb Green and Herman Coffey pick and sing good ol' fashion mountain bluegrass. Join in. Sat, May 24 12:30-2:00 Linda Davis accompanies herself on the piano and sings country, jazz, bluegrass and gospel favorites. 2:30-4:30 Terry McKinney hosts his mountain opry show. Sun, May 25 12:30-1:30 Glenn Nance and his buddy Lenny Ski are our special guests. Enjoy! 2:00-4:30 Brian Gurl and Friends return with an ultra-talented array of performers. Mon May 26 11:00-5:00 THE ORCHARD CELEBRATES ITS CENTENNIAL AT A VERY SPECIAL MEMORIAL DAY BARBECUE AND COVERED DISH DINNER Come join in the 100th birthday fun with long-time and brand new friends! Admission: Bring a dish large enough for your party and some extra for the musicians. The Orchard provides the barbecue, paper goods, iced tea and water, and the musicians entertain all day in half hour segments. If you cannot bring a dish, dinners cost $10 each. PS - You might bring along a couple of lawn chairs. Wed, May 28 1:45-3:15 Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac gather friends and sing country favorites. Thurs, May 29 1:45-3:15 TBA Fri, May 30 1:45-3:15 Bonnie Schmink brings a bevy of performers for lots of upbeat fun. Sat, May 31 12:30-1:30 Jeff Atkins and his Cole Mountain Cloggers show the fine dancing skills of our local young people. 2:30-4:30 Bluegrass Mix, local folks with an amazing bluegrass sound, join The Orchard's regular music schedule.
| Call (888)765-9531.
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Saturday - Sunday
May 17 - 18 | Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Weekend
Grandfather Mountain | Two days filled with guided hikes and special presentations on the birds, wildflowers and nature of Grandfather Mountain. Included with regular park admission.
| Call 800-468-7325
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