Boone Archives

Appalachian Culture Day at the King Street Market on March 29th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m

March 25, 2025 The King Street Farmers’ Market will host Senior Day on March 29th 2025 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m at 252 Poplar Grove Rd, Boone. Join us for our last Winter King Street Market of the season to celebrate Appalachian Culture on March 29th, 2025. Local organization, Stateline Resource Station, will be providing an Appalachian Breakfast fundraiser at the demonstration kitchen, swing by to support a local mutual aid and get a yummy breakfast! While you shop for a variety of local goods, foods, and products, enjoy live old time music by Noah Williams and friends!

March 24, 2025 Located on Highway 105 on the outskirts of Boone, The Pottery Lot has been steadily growing as a hub for pottery lovers since opening just weeks before Hurricane Helene. This unique space serves as both a curated gallery featuring local Western North Carolina potters and a community pottery studio where people of all skill levels can come play with clay.

March 18, 2025 Rhode’s Motor Lodge is delighted to announce a new culinary venture in collaboration with esteemed local chef and restaurateur, Andy Long. Chef Long, formerly of the celebrated Over Yonder restaurant in Valle Crucis, will helm the lodge’s on-site dining establishment, aptly named ‘Over Yonder Boone.’ This partnership promises to bring a fresh and authentic Appalachian dining experience to both locals and visitors of Boone. Over Yonder, which opened in 2014, quickly became a cornerstone of the High Country’s dining scene, renowned for its modern take on classic Appalachian cuisine.

March 18, 2025 The Downtown Boone Development Association (DBDA) is excited to welcome nationally recognized business expert Jon Schallert for an Advanced Destination Workshop on Tuesday, March 25 at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country. This opportunity is made possible through the NC Main Street Program, utilizing an economic development grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, which continues to support the growth and success of downtown Boone and its local businesses. Schallert, a leading expert in destination marketing, will provide in-depth training for downtown businesses that is focused on helping businesses transform into consumer destinations.

March 14, 2025 The Watauga County Commissioners, Beech Mountain Town Council, Blowing Rock Town Council, and Boone Town Council have each passed resolutions advocating for continued financial and technical assistance for small businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. This collective action sends a strong message about the importance of supporting the long-term recovery of our region’s business community. By formally appealing to the United States Congress and the North Carolina General Assembly, these local governments have taken an important step in ensuring that businesses have access to the resources they need to rebuild and thrive.

Town of Boone Notices

March 14, 2025 If anyone wishes to have an agenda item considered by the Boone Town Council at one of their upcoming regular meetings scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, 2025, and Wednesday, April 23, 2025, it must be submitted to the Town Clerk by Friday, March 28, 2025, at 5 p.m. AND The Town of Boone is currently soliciting applications from people who would like to serve on the following boards

March 12, 2025 Tweetsie Railroad is gearing up to welcome families back for another season of Wild West Family Fun. The park opens on April 5, and families looking to make the most of their visits can save $10 on a Golden Rail season pass if purchased by March 31. “For generations, Tweetsie Railroad has been a place where families come to connect, explore, and make lifelong memories,” said Chris Robbins, president of Tweetsie Railroad. “Whether it’s a child experiencing their first train ride, parents reliving their own childhood visits, or grandparents sharing the joy with their grandchildren, no one is left out of the fun. We’re excited to welcome everyone back for another season of adventure.”

March 12, 2025 Acclaimed bluegrass musicians Darren Nicholson and Shawn Lane will take the stage at the Jones House Cultural Center in downtown Boone on Saturday, March 15th, for an evening of world-class acoustic music. Before the concert, the artists will offer a free mandolin workshop at 5:00 PM, providing fans and musicians alike the chance to learn from two of the finest pickers in the genre. The ticketed concert begins at 7:30 PM, offering an intimate, up-close experience with these award-winning musicians.

March 7, 2025 Come out to the King Street Farmers Market to show appreciation for our local seniors! Our sponsors, Lifestore Bank, will be tabling the market to provide support for this integral part of the community. We are having a giveaway for our oldest farmers market shopper! If you think that you are the oldest shopper at the market, swing by the manager’s booth to enter to win a King Street Market Tote bag and a $20 gift card. Be sure to stay for a presentation at noon by Lifestore Bank on how to avoid phishing scams.

March 3, 2025 The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has completed its revised spring and summer Delayed Harvest and Hatchery Supported trout stocking schedule following an assessment of impacts from Hurricane Helene. The list informs anglers of all the locations NCWRC will be stocking during the spring and summer, and the “week of” stocking schedule through June. In addition, an online map that displays all stocking locations, and their access status, has been revised.

Public Service Announcement: Town of Boone New Agenda and Minutes Software and Updated Public Participation Guidelines

February 26, 2025 The Town of Boone is currently in the process of updating its agenda and minutes software to ensure that the best delivery of public meeting information is obtained. During this transition, new agendas and minutes for Town Council meetings can be found at www.townofboone.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=1, effective immediately. Past agendas and minutes and current Town of Boone board meeting agendas and minutes are in the process of being transferred and transitioned to the new software. However, for the time being, the public may access past agendas and minutes and current agendas and minutes for Town of Boone boards at www.boonenc.iqm2.com/Citizens/default.aspx.

February 12, 2025 Blue Ridge Energy line technicians and sister crews from neighboring cooperatives are battling icy conditions and downed power lines to restore power to over 2,500 members in Ashe, Watauga and Alleghany counties Wednesday morning. While precipitation has stopped, damage from early morning ice has brought down trees onto power lines, causing damage that is widespread across the cooperative’s mountain service area. Hardest hit areas include northern Ashe County along the Virginia line, eastern Watauga County including the Deep Gap community, and across Alleghany County. Assisting Blue Ridge Energy line technicians are an additional 12 crews – 24 line technicians – from neighboring cooperatives in North Carolina.

February 7, 2025 The Old-Time Fiddler’s Convention returns to Appalachian State University in Boone this weekend and promises to be a fun-filled, foot-stompin’ good time for all involved. Now in its 17th year, the main event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8, at Plemmons Student Union from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A large crowd is expected to attend again this year, including instrumentalists, vocalists and fans of traditional mountain music for which our area is known. A square dance will serve as the official “kick-off” on the evening prior, Friday, Feb. 7, from 5-7 p.m., in the student union solarium. Saturday’s line-up will feature various competitions for adults and youth, including mandolin, guitar, banjo, fiddle, string band and dance, and held in the Summit Trail Solarium. By Sherrie Norris

February 7, 2025. The Watauga Arts Council (WAC) and Blue Ridge Fiber Guild are excited to unveil their brand new Intro to Fiber Workshop Series, launching on March 22nd and running through August 2025. Every fourth Saturday of the month, from 10 AM to 1 PM, participants will be introduced to a variety of fiber arts, including weaving, spinning, felting, knitting, and natural dyeing. These hands-on workshops are designed for beginners and those looking to expand their fiber art skills in a supportive, creative environment. The guild will also be hosting an open house on February 22, 2025 from 10am to noon at the WAC building. You’re invited to meet the instructors and find out about the classes being offered. There will be light refreshments as guild members show examples of what the classes will cover as well as the instructors’ works.

February 6, 2025. Exciting news—Boone has been nominated for USA Today’s Best Small-Town Beer Scene! We’re up against 19 other towns across the country, and your vote can help put Boone on top! This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our amazing local breweries and the vibrant beer culture we have here. Let’s rally together and show everyone why Boone deserves the title! Cast your vote now: Vote Here!

February 4, 2025 Acclaimed Americana songwriter, Alexa Rose, will take the stage at the historic Jones House Cultural Center for an exclusive and intimate concert on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. With only 40 seats available, this evening promises to be a one-of-a-kind musical experience. Born in the Alleghany Highlands of western Virginia and raised in the tiny railroad town of Clifton Forge, Rose’s songs feel like oil paint landscapes of her own life in the mountains, often wringing out beauty from mundanity and exploring timeless topics. Her earnest, well-crafted stylings are a multi-layered merger of old country music and traditional folk songs, colored by rock and roll and mountain soul.

Today marks the launch of High Country Printing and Signs, an innovative printing and signage company committed to transforming the way businesses and organizations communicate through visual design. Led by Josh Moretz, a Watauga County native and industry veteran with almost three decades of experience, High Country Printing and Signs brings fresh ideas and state-of-the-art technology to the table, offering a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses of all sizes.

January 28, 2025. Louisiana-based bands New Orleans Suspects and Tribal Gold are among the acts headlining the 2025 lineup for the Boonerang Music & Arts Festival, taking place June 19-22. The fourth annual street festival and community homecoming features performances on multiple stages throughout downtown Boone. Presented by the Town of Boone and supporting partners, the multi-day event features performances and activities at many downtown locations, arts vending, silent disco, dance stage, vintage clothing market, participatory drum circle, and kids zone — in addition to the array of food, drinks and shopping always available in downtown Boone.

January 22, 2025 Francis T. Borkowski, who served as Appalachian State University’s Chancellor from 1993-2003, died Sunday, January 19, at his home in Valle Crucis following a period of declining health. Better known as Frank, Borkowski was a man of great insight with varied talents, skills and interests. He will long be remembered as an innovative leader who, in one short decade, led ASU through one of its most advanced growth spurts in the school’s history. According to his obituary, compliments of Austin and Barnes Funeral Service, Borkowski’s move from the University of South Florida to ASU offered him “an opportunity to take the reins of an ascendant college while relocating closer to family in the Carolinas.” By Sherrie Norris `

January 22, 2025 A celebration of life to honor the memory of beloved coach, Jack Groce, who died Friday, January 17, at the age of 95, is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, January 24, at Boone United Methodist Church. While everyone deserves to be honored at their time of death, as well as in life, it is perhaps the passing of those who have gone the extra mile — and have had a significant impact on many others —that hits a small community the hardest. Such is the case with the death of the “Coach,” a man whose name was recognized by countless people, whether they knew him or not. A Friday night football game in a local high school stadium could’ve been the closest many people through the years ever came to Groce. But for those who walked the halls of Appalachian High School and later, Watauga High School, played sports on the fields, and especially the one bearing his name, or learned some of life’s greatest lessons under his leadership — both off and on the field — the death of Jack Groce has left a huge hole. By Sherrie Norris `

January 15, 2025. If ever there was a patriot who loved God, country, family and his fellow man, it was Watauga County native Herbert Cleveland Moretz, Jr. Known simply as H. C. by those who knew him best, Moretz died just two months short of his 101st birthday, proving the “dash” between one’s birth and death dates (March 14, 1924 —January 9, 2025) holds great significance; the space of time was one he never squandered. Not only was Moretz a patriot in every sense of the word, he was also Watauga County’s last known survivor of World War II.. By Sherrie Norris `

Police Department is Now Accepting Applications for Spring Session of the Citizens Police Academy

January 15, 2025. Are you interested in learning more about law enforcement to include patrol officer functions, criminal investigations, K9 operations, community policing, or just want to become more familiar with the Boone Police Department in general? Now is your opportunity! The Boone Police Department is now accepting applications for the Spring 2025 session of the Citizens Police Academy (CPA). Class meetings are held at the Boone Police Department each Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The CPA will begin on March 6th, 2025, and will conclude on April 24th, 2025, with a graduation from the program.

Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is Pleased to Announce the Winners of the 2024 Watauga County Business of the Year Awards

January 15, 2025. The winners will be formally recognized Thursday, January 16, 2025, during the 9th Annual High Country Economic Kickoff Luncheon, presented by Highstreet Insurance & Financial Partners. We are excited to share that Thursday’s event is officially sold out. Business of the Year nominations were submitted by Chamber and community members with winners selected by the Chamber’s Business Development committee. The Chamber received over 90 nominations for High Country businesses.

Watauga Economic Development Commission Opens December 2024 Business Snapshot Survey; Submit by January 10th

January 7, 2025. As tracking of real-time conditions for local businesses recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Helene continues, the Watauga County Economic Development Commission has opened its reporting window for its December 2024 Business Snapshot Report. Businesses are encouraged to fill out survey data by using the link below. The survey is open from Thursday, January 2nd at 12:00PM – Friday, January 10th at 4:30PM. The establishment of these monthly reports provides data on the state of business in Watauga County, with a focus on current concerns, performance toward revenue expectations, and ability to meet staffing needs among its core analysis.

January 7, 2025. The Town of Boone was recently awarded $54,932 from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), through the North Carolina Department of Parks and Recreation to fund the southern terminus of the Northern Peaks State Trail (NPST) in downtown Boone. In addition to the RTP award, the Town of Boone and the Downtown Boone Development Association are providing matching funds of $7,689 each, with Blue Ridge Conservancy providing professional trail design. The trail will be constructed at the Rivers House Park at 130 Clay House Drive in downtown Boone, on 13 acres donated to the town by Rachel Rivers-Coffey. Laney Wise, Grants Coordinator/Communications for the Town of Boone: “The Rivers House property just got a whole lot cooler! With this grant and the Accessible Parks Grant the Town of Boone received earlier this year to install ADA-accessible restrooms in the detached garage of the Rivers House, this property is coming to life.

+ More Articles

Appalachian Culture Day at the King Street Market on March 29th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m

A New Community Clay Studio & Local Pottery Gallery Thriving on Hwy 105

Chef Andy Long & Team to Open ‘Over Yonder Boone’ at Rhode’s Motor Lodge in Boone

Downtown Boone Development Association to Host Advanced Destination Workshop with Jon Schallert on Tuesday, March 25

High Country Communities Unite to Support Small Business Recovery

Town of Boone Notices

Tweetsie Railroad Opens for the 2025 Season on April 5

Darren Nicholson & Shawn Lane to Perform at The Jones House in Boone on March 15th

The King Street Farmers’ Market Will Host Senior Day on March 15th From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m

Wildlife Agency Provides Condition of Western NC Trout Waters, Post-Helene

Public Service Announcement: Town of Boone New Agenda and Minutes Software and Updated Public Participation Guidelines

Blue Ridge Energy Crews Battling Ice to Restore Over 2,500 Outages as of 10 am Wednesday

Old-Time Fiddler’s Convention Returns to Appalachian State University This Weekend

Watauga Arts Council Teams Up with Blue Ridge Fiber Guild to Announce “Intro to Fiber” Workshop Series for 2025

Boone Has Been Nominated for USA Today’s Best Small-Town Beer Scene – Vote Now!

Alexa Rose to Perform Intimate Concert at Jones House Cultural Center February 19

Watauga Native Josh Moretz Launches High County Printing and Signs

Music Lineup Announced for Boonerang Music & Arts Festival in June

Appalachian State University’s Fifth and Former Chancellor, Frank Borkowski, Dies at 88

Funeral Service Set for Beloved Sports Icon, Jack Groce

H.C. Moretz, All-American Hero and Watauga County’s Last WWII Veteran, Dies at 100

Police Department is Now Accepting Applications for Spring Session of the Citizens Police Academy

Boone Area Chamber of Commerce is Pleased to Announce the Winners of the 2024 Watauga County Business of the Year Awards

Watauga Economic Development Commission Opens December 2024 Business Snapshot Survey; Submit by January 10th

Town of Boone Awarded Grant for Northern Peaks State Trail and Rivers House Park