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In the Spotlight: High Country Venues Offer Beautiful Views for Weddings and Events

By Jessica Isaacs | jessica@highcountrypress.com

When it comes to planning a wedding or any special occasion, choosing and booking an appropriate venue is perhaps one of the most important decisions you will face. It’s also one of the first decisions you’ll need to make.

Each of the area’s venues boasts a stunning view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a unique perspective on what makes a wedding or other event special. The experts behind each one offer a variety of services, as well as the knowledge, experience, and creativity to ensure the festivities go off without a hitch.

The High Country is home to a long list of beautiful places that are great for hosting special events of any kind, and you’ll soon have a chance to learn about them all in one convenient place.

The annual High South Wedding Expo will return to the Boone Mall on March 20, and representatives from the area’s countless popular venues will be on hand to answer your questions and tell you about each one.

The expo is brought to you by the High South Event Professionals — a community of like-minded experts who work together to promote the High Country as the southeast’s premier wedding and special events destination.

Click here to learn more about the expo and what you can expect from this great annual event.

In the meantime, read on to check out our guide to preferred local venues and some important things to note about each one.

Pick up a copy of our 2016 High South Weddings magazine or click through the digital copy to read more about how to choose the right venue for your event.

 

APPALACHIAN SKI MTN.
APP SKI
Appalachian Ski Mtn. provides a unique and scenic location in the Boone / Blowing Rock area for your High Country Wedding. Our professional staff will assist you in making your occasion one to remember. The Catering Department is always available to aid you in the planning of your event. We offer many complimentary services, such as assistance in locating florists, bakers, musicians, rental equipment, and more. Appalachian also offers chairlift service for Wedding ceremonies as well as convenient on-site mountainside lodging. We know that planning an event takes a lot of time and we want to facilitate your needs in every possible way. We look forward to the opportunity to offer you service that is second to none!
828-295-7828 • www.appskimtn.com

BANNER ELK WINERY & VILLA

BE WINERY
A wedding at Banner Elk Winery & Villa is the event of a lifetime. Imagine family and friends surrounded by the majestic High Country mountains in celebration of one of life’s most special occasions. Sites within our winery such as the elegantly rustic Enchanted Barn, the manicured gardens of the Grassy Knoll surrounding the enormous stone fire pit, the blueberry orchard, or the Scenic Vineyard high above the rest of the property ~ each provide a picturesque romantic backdrop to exchange wedding vows. It is the perfect venue for weddings and receptions of all sizes and styles, from the small and intimate to the large and opulent. We have the experience and the expertise to create the wedding of your dreams.
828-898-9090 • www.bannerelkwinery.com

BEECH MOUNTAIN RESORT

Beech Mtn
Beech Mountain Resort offers unique settings, both indoor and outdoor, for your extraordinary day. Take advantage of the ski lifts to the ceremony site, situated at 5,506 feet in elevation. Take a walk in the clouds with the one you love, and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains as you exchange your vows. We have multiple venues that can accommodate up to 400 people.  A variety of wedding planning services, catering options, and choices are also available. Contact us to schedule a tour and start planning your dream wedding at Beech Mountain Resort.
800-438-2093 • www.beechmountainresort.com

THE BLOWING ROCK

BLOWING ROCK
The majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains is a perfect backdrop for your wedding ceremony at The Blowing Rock Attraction. We offer an ideal location for your special day, with the splendor of Grandfather Mountain, Hawksbill and Table Rock being apart of your long-range mountain vista views. We can tailor your event to the size of your party. You may utilize our gardens, patio, footbridge or our observation deck with the feeling of being suspended a thousand feet over the Johns River Gorge. Our mountains in all their glory promises to make your wedding a breathtaking event.
828-295-7111 • www.theblowingrock.com

BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN CLUB

www.MattPowellProductions.com
www.MattPowellProductions.com


Storybook weddings in a storybook setting. At Blue Ridge Mountain Club, we’ll help you make your wedding one you’ll actually remember. With our expansive Great Lawn, gorgeous Pavilion and 50-mile views in virtually every direction, you can marry the man of your dreams in the place dreams are made of. Contact us for more information.
828-295-8667 • www.blueridgemountainclub.com

CHETOLA RESORT

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Blowing Rock’s most celebrated wedding destination sits on 86 acres with spectacular views of the Blue Ridge and Chetola Lake. Chetola Resort, whose history dates back to 1846, offers a variety of indoor and outdoor venues, as well as beautifully appointed lodging, including Chetola Lodge, the Bob Timberlake Inn and spacious condominiums. The resort’s wedding venues can accommodate weddings up to 250 guests. Special spa packages and outdoor adventure activities are also available for the entire wedding party.
828-295-5500 • www.chetola.com

GRANDFATHER VINEYARD & WINERY

Grandfather Vineyard
Grandfather Vineyard and Winery is available for smaller weddings, parties and corporate events. Your guests will delight in the beautiful natural surroundings of the winery and vineyard. The terraced mountain vineyard and winery is nestled right on the Watauga River at the base of Grandfather Mountain. We have a tasting room, a covered outdoor patio and grass lawn for tent space and plenty of parking. Call us for more information about holding an event here.
828-963-2400 • www.grandfathervineyard.com

GREEN PARK INN

GREEN PARK
Opened in 1891, the Green Park Hotel boasts a blend of turn of the century style and genteel hospitality. She is one of the last “Grand Manor Hotels” in western North Carolina. We are proud to host a variety of events including weddings, receptions and rehearsal dinners. We have exquisitely redecorated indoor facilities as well as charming outdoor locations. Our facilities can accommodate groups ranging in size from 20 to 200 guests. The beautiful interior of the hotel lends to captivating photo opportunities for the bridal party. Whether in our library, living room, tavern, or garden patio, guests can capture their special day to remember forever. Our executive chef will treat you to delicious original menus, served to your guests by our friendly and dedicated staff. We welcome the opportunity to give tours of the venue, guest rooms, and our history room.
828-414-9230 • www.greenparkinn.com

HOUND EARS CLUB

hound ears
When it comes to Special Events, Hound Ears Club will exceed your expectations. Hound Ears Club, in an atmosphere of alpine mountain elegance, offers the perfect venue for your wedding related events and rehearsal dinners. Rehearsal dinner parties as large as 80 are comfortably accommodated. Panoramic views overlook our lush mountain golf course, ponds and streams, with the Grandfather Mountain profile towering overhead. World class cuisine, attentive service, and a professional management team, all ensure a lifetime of memories and a very special evening before the big day.
828-963-2123 • www.houndears.com

LEATHERWOOD MOUNTAINS

Leatherwood
Breathtaking views and pastoral valleys with grazing horses set the stage for several hundred of your closest friends. You and your guests will enjoy luxurious accommodations at our very special mountain hideaway. We have a number of different locations to choose from for your perfect mountain wedding and reception.
336-973-5044 • www.leatherwoodmountains.com

SKY RETREAT

Sky retreat
Weddings with a Spectacular View.  Sky Retreat is a 30 acre, all seasons event venue.  Grand Ballroom with an expansive covered porch, log cabins by the pond, grassy knoll with sweeping views for outdoor weddings, Sky Retreat provides a picturesque environment to create memories of a lifetime.  Enjoy the activity and lodging amenity options, such as professional ballroom dance instruction to create the wedding dance of your dreams.
336-973-0444 • www.theskyretreat.com

SMITHMORE CASTLE

smithmore
The Smithmore Castle is a 121 acre private mountain estate located at the top of English Knob in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. The 12,000 square foot mansion has 6 bedrooms and 9 bathrooms. It includes a 10 seat theater with an 80″ screen, a ‘starlight’ bar, Tuscan themed lounge, commercial kitchen and a main dining room that accommodates seating for 20 with a fireplace and ceiling frescos. A 3,000 square foot out-parcel building known as Crown Hall is nestled in the woods below the main house. Crown Hall boasts a commercial kitchen, exercise room, banquet hall, bride’s room, billiards room, separate mens and ladies restrooms and was specifically designed for hosting weddings and receptions.
904-509-5095 • www.smithmore.com

SUGAR MOUNTAIN RESORT

Sugar Mountain
Sugar Mountain Resort offers an exceptional and unique wedding experience. Whisk to Sugar’s 5,300’ peak on the Summit Express high speed, six passenger chairlift for your once in a life-time event. Your mountaintop ceremony will be surrounded by blue skies, green slopes, an abundance of trees, comfortable temperatures, family, friends and nature the way it was intended. After the “I do’s” delight in a reception crafted to your personal preferences. Full-service reception options from pig-pick’in to white table cloth are available. After all, love is everything!
828-898-4521 • www.skisugar

VALLE CRUCIS VINEYARD

Valle Cruis Vineyard
Take a look at the area’s newest and most affordable wedding event venue! Located just above the banks of the Watauga River, Valle Crucis Vineyard offers an updated barn with tent space on 75 acres of mountainside, featuring breathtaking views of the vineyard, river and mountains.  Relax in the comfort of our luxury cabin, included in your reservation. Invite your guests to camp and hike here during their stay. We are dedicated to making your experience unique and unforgettable!
828-406-3135 • www.vallecrucisvineyard.com

WHITE FENCE FARM

White Fence Farm
Simple,  Rustic,  Creative Elegance … Down on the Farm. White Fence Farm offers a quaint wedding venue on 100 private acres just outside of Boone on the NC line. We offer a  Rustic Barn, Farmhouse, Stage,  Vintage Campers, Fully equipped Bathrooms / Kitchen. One of the prettiest Venues in the area. Come and have the stress free wedding you’ve always  dreamed about … with us!
828-964-6767 • www.whitefencefarmrentals.com