BANNER ELK • NOVEMBER 14-DECEMBER 26
The High Country is known for its Christmas tree farms, but it also has a reputation for being a hospitable place to raise alpacas. Apple Hill gives walking farm tours, starting every half hour, during the holiday season. Afterward, you can shop for gifts made from the fiber of the animals you’ve met.
Tours through December 13: Friday-Sunday,10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tours after December 13: Wednesday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Admission $5-7, depending on age. (828) 963-1662. applehillfarmnc.com.
WEST JEFFERSON • NOVEMBER 21
West Jefferson is always charming, but this annual event makes it downright festive. Go for the town’s parade at 3:00 p.m., and stay for the annual Light Up the Town event at 5:30 p.m. It includes extended downtown business hours, restaurant specials, live music, and luminary displays.
5:30 p.m. Free admission. (866) 607-0093. visitwestjefferson.org.
BLOWING ROCK • NOVEMBER 27
Christmas in the Park attracts droves of people from across the state. Enjoy music, hot drinks, hayrides, and visits with Santa in the park overlooking downtown.
2-8 p.m. Free admission. blowingrock.com.
BLOWING ROCK • NOVEMBER 27-JANUARY 31
This drive-thru light display features Rudolph catching a fish in Chetola Lake and other kid-friendly characters. The exhibit is free to the public and electrifies each evening around dusk.
5:30-9 p.m. Free admission. (828) 295-5500. chetola.com.
BEECH MOUNTAIN • NOVEMBER 28
This crafts market, held annually at the Buckeye Recreation Center, features local crafts, kids activities, games, and prizes.
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. (828) 387-4236. beechrecreation.org.
BANNER ELK • DECEMBER 5
Head into downtown Banner Elk for this unique night parade, which features sparkling floats and Santa in a fire truck, gliding through the darkness.
5:30 p.m. Free admission. bannerelk.org.
BOONE • DECEMBER 5
Line up along King Street to see this hometown parade, and go by the Jones House Community Center afterward for a holiday reception.
11 a.m. Free admission. downtownboonenc.com.
BEECH MOUNTAIN • DECEMBER 19
The holiday tradition of burning a Yule log can be traced back to mid-winter festivals in northern Europe. They are, as they were then, considered representations of health and productivity. This Beech Mountain rendition, held at the town sled hill, includes a resident guitarist, s’mores, hot cocoa, cider, and hayrides.
5-8 p.m. Free admission. (828) 387-3003. townofbeechmountain.com.
BLOWING ROCK • DECEMBER 18-20
This Ensemble Stage holiday variety show, modeled after classic Andy Williams and Bing Crosby Christmas television specials, has become a local favorite. Join residents for singing, dancing, sketches, and holiday cheer.
Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m. Sunday, 2 p.m. Admission $9-18, depending on age. (828) 414-1844. ensemblestage.com.
SUGAR MOUNTAIN • DECEMBER 31
If you’re interested in hors d’oeuvres and champagne toasts, you should make reservations for this celebration several weeks in advance. But even spontaneous folks who decide to welcome 2016 in the High Country are invited to attend the torch light parade and watch the fireworks display that will rain over snow-covered slopes at midnight.
Torch light parade, 11:45 p.m. Indoor admission $25-80, depending on package. Parade and fireworks admission free. (828) 898-4521, x233. skisugar.com.
The NC High Country encompasses Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, West Jefferson, Wilkesboro, and the small towns of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you need help planning your holiday getaway, contact the High Country Host Visitors Center. Travel counselors can provide you with upcoming holiday events, Choose & Cut Christmas Tree packages, and insider reviews. You can even get help finding a Choose & Cut farm that offers hayrides, hot chocolate, and a custom-sized garland!
You can reach the High Country Host at (828) 264-1299 or view detailed holiday event information and package deals at MountainsofNC.com.
In North Carolina, spring brings the scent of fresh-cut grass and memories of helping Dad mow the lawn.
Nostalgic burger joints are like time machines, delivering something extra special that keeps us coming back.
This tiny city block in downtown Greensboro once had a gigantic reputation. Not so much for its charbroiled beef patties — though they, too, were plentiful — but for its colorful characters and their wild shenanigans.
In the 1950s, as Americans hit freshly paved roads in shiny new cars during the postwar boom, a new kind of restaurant took shape: the drive-in. From those first thin patties to the elaborate gourmet hamburgers of today, North Carolina has spent the past 80 years making burger history.
