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Beyond Pilates Winter Wellness 

December 4, 2023 Beyond Pilates, a premier Pilates studio nestled in the heart of Boone, is thrilled to announce its upcoming Winter Wellness Event on December 8th, from 4:30 to 7:00 pm. This event will bring together a diverse array of wellness-based businesses for a transformative evening of rejuvenation and holistic health.The Winter Wellness Event promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience, providing participants with an opportunity to explore various facets of well-being through a carefully curated lineup of activities, demonstrations, and collaborations with local businesses dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle. Highlights of the even include: 

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NEW OWNERS FOR HISTORIC WESTGLOW

November 8, 2023 Westglow Resort and Spa, an iconic Blowing Rock landmark, will soon pass to a new generation of stewards. According to a letter that went out to members on October 31, the legacy that began with Elliott Daingerfield and the Daingerfield family in 1917, continued with Glynda Valentine and then with Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer, continues again as ownership passes to a consortium of Westglow members: Bill Brooks and Dean Bullis, Miriam and Steve Kimsey, Sharon and John McNeely, and Cindy and Cobb Milner. 

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Wire Wrapped: Jessica Russell’s Jewelry Journey

October 20, 2023 There are many arts and craft festivals that take place across the High Country, especially in the summer, and at these events, there are various vendors who are excited to share their creations with others. Anything from drawing, pottery, tie dye, woodwork, jewelry, and more gives consumers lots to explore and appreciate. Ashe County resident Jessica Russell is just one local artist in the area; however, her products are more than just materialistic items – each piece holds a slice of history and a part of her personal story. By Harley Nefe

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Tarpestry: Built in the Blue Ridge

October 12, 2023 With the mountain scenery that surrounds the area and the breathtaking views that can be enjoyed by all, the High Country is a hub for outdoor opportunities. Hiking, camping, and picnicking are just some of the ways nature enthusiasts can experience the environment. And with all of these activities, there is one product available that can take one’s adventure to the next level. Whether you’re going to a live music festival or catching a sporting event at the park, Tarpestry tarps make a statement no matter the occasion. By Harley Nefe

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SouthEnd Brewing Co. boasts original craft beers, elevated pub fare, and fresh cocktails in new King St. home on September 23, 2023

September 7, 2023 BOONE, NC, September 7, 2023 – Nearly a year ago, the Kevorkian family purchased the historic building at 747 W King street with a vision of expanding family-owned, SouthEnd Brewing Co. After six months of renovations, that day is finally here. The Greensboro, NC-based brewery and restaurant is opening its doors in the High Country. The press and public are invited to the grand opening celebration of SouthEnd Brewing Co.’s Boone location on September 23, 2023.

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Samaritan’s Purse Responds To Hurricane Idalia’s Destruction in Florida

September 6, 2023 Before Hurricane Idalia made its way through Florida last week, Samaritan’s Purse was ready and waiting in nearby Georgia to begin picking up the pieces left behind by the quickly-moving storm. Just  as soon as the hardest-hit areas were identified, and it was safe to do so, the response teams of the Boone-based international disaster relief organization — with two tractor-trailers packed with tools and relief supplies, in addition to shower and kitchen trailers — moved in, set up and hit the ground running.  By Sherrie Norris

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SugarTop Resort Opens New Tavern

August 21, 2023  SugarTop Resort on Sugar Mountain recently held a grand opening celebration to launch their new bar lounge at the facility, The Overlook Tavern. SugarTop’s General Manager, Shannon Beaumont, was the chief organizer and hostess of the event. Beaumont said, “We are very excited and proud of this new addition to our resort’s amenities. While primarily the tavern will only be available to our owners and their guests, the venue is also available for lease for local area businesses and organizations for private events. Several local area organizations and civic groups have already reserved it for special meetings or social gatherings.” 

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Yonahlossee Stables: Hoofbeats in the High Country

August 8, 2023 Many counties within the Tar Heel State have been celebrated as the horse country for well over a century. The horse people of the High Country have owned, rode, showed, and enjoyed these four-legged friends for multiple generations. Horses are surely a contender for the title of “man’s best friend,” as animal-human connections like these are rarely seen outside of those formed with dogs and cats. By Peter Morris

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The Mountain Boomer Brings Food, Drink, and Community to the High Country

July 3, 2023 After meeting at App State in 2019 by both being enrolled in the Fermentation Sciences program, Dean Reed of Newland and Willie Olson of Sugar Grove are embarking on a new adventure of bringing quality, tasty ciders to the High Country. Owners, veterans, and cider makers Reed and Olson began being business partners of The Mountain Boomer after realizing that they not only enjoyed each other’s company, but worked well together since completing countless classes, group projects, and brew days. By Harley Nefe

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Farm Fresh: Organic organization cultivates community and fresh fare from the farm

June 26, 2023 Find women doing outstanding work in their field via Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, a female-led organization dedicated to fostering a sustainable and fair food scene in the High Country. To do this, the organization bolsters local producers and creates connections among the community that contribute to knowledge and excitement of eating farm-grown food—ultimately upping the local demand and desire for local fare. By Anna Beth Adcock

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Tickets Still Available for Good Fields Festival on June 24, 2023

June 21, 2023 Celebrate the 150th Year of Shipley Farms on Saturday, June 24th at the inaugural Good Fields Appalachian Food & Farms Festival. The food festival is aimed at raising awareness of the importance of local farms. “Part of the theme of the food festival is that commodity agriculture is not viable in some places,” Gray Shipley said. The festival will highlight the rich agricultural heritage of the region, with top chefs from across the state drawing from Shipley Farms and other local farm products. With the theme “Local Food Elevated,” Good Fields aims to draw attention and support to the decline in family farms and agricultural land in the High Country and across North Carolina. By Kris Testori

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Bolick and Traditions Pottery Hosting Annual Heritage Day and Kiln Opening, Saturday, June 24

June 19, 2023 This time of year sees festivals on every corner in nearly every community, but few compare to the Annual Heritage Day and Kiln Opening at Bolick and Traditions Pottery, just south of Blowing Rock. Scheduled for Saturday, June 24, the event is always anticipated by folks who come from near and far, making their way into the picturesque valley for a day of intrigue, music, storytelling, shopping, good food and fellowship. By Sherrie Norris

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Roast of the Town

June 14, 2023 Josiah Davis knows beans. He and his wife, Meredith, opened Local Lion roastery and coffee shop in Boone in 2012, and Venture Chocolate and Wine shop on King Street in 2022. By Jan Todd

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High Country Adventure 2023 Brings “visit NC Concierge” To Boone

June 2, 2023 A unique Raleigh-based group taking its state-wide tours from the relaxing coast to the breath-taking mountains — inclusive of “invigorating history, exceptional city and peaceful garden tours” —will be making its way to the area in early June for its High Country Adventure 2023.From June 8-11, “visit NC Concierge” will be escorting 30 guests to visit  some of the area’s premiere sites around Watauga, Ashe and Avery counties.

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Outdoor Lifestyle Store Opens on Main Street

May 31, 2023 The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce celebrated the official opening of Rooster Rock Supply Company with a ribbon cutting last week.This is the second business for owners, Toby and Hailey Oliver. They also own Oliver’s on Main in the Southmarke Center. Rooster Rock Supply Company sells clothing and outdoor lifestyle supplies. The store, located inside the former Wells Fargo Bank space at 983 Main Street, utilizes the former bank’s vault as a changing room. By Kris Testori

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High Country Real Estate: High Country Snapshot

May 25, 2023 The High Country is made up of seven counties, a lot of small towns, vibrant communities and an amazing amount of charm and character! It would be impossible to cover every community when looking at Real Estate in the High Country but occasionally, we like to take a look at  some of the larger communities in the area and tell you about some of the real estate that has sold in the past 90 days. Paige Carter, REALTOR, Blue Ridge Realty & Investments, LLC

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Street Maintenance on Facility Street on May 17th; Road Will Be Closed and Water Will Be Affected

May 15, 2023 The Town of Boone Public Works Department wants to make you aware that Faculty Street, beginning at the intersection of Faculty Street and Wintergreen Lane and ending at the intersection of Highland Avenue, will be undergoing street maintenance which will lead to a closure of the road. Street maintenance will begin Wednesday, May 17 at 8:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. Additionally, water service will be off during this time. The following businesses and apartment complexes will affected:

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Burton Photography: Photographers of the Year

May 8, 2023 The timing for Burton Photography could not be better. Just as the business prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary, owners Jonathan and Bonnie Burton were recognized in February as Photographers of the Year during a national conference. By Sherrie Norris

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Boone Drug partners with Casting Bread to provide donation station for Travis’s Lunch Box

April 26, 2023. BOONE, N.C. – April 25, 2023 – Travis Gryder was “living the dream” being an Eagle Scout from Blowing Rock Troop 101, a firefighter/paramedic with Blowing Rock Fire Department, a volunteer member of Watauga Rescue, and one of the founding members of Watauga High School’s Athletes for Good. Travis cared for the wellbeing of others. As an example of Jesus’s love, he did what he could to see that those around him had food. If you went to school or church with Travis, he may have even brought you lunch or a Moon Pie while sharing his smile and the simple, kind words, “You gotta eat!”

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Casting Bread and Blue Cross Blue Shield Launch Pop-up Food Pantry

April 24, 2023 BLOWING ROCK, N.C. – April 24, 2023 – On April 20, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina hosted a pop-up pantry at its new Boone office with food provided by Casting Bread. The two organizations will continue to partner for this initiative monthly through August for anyone who is in need. The new Blue Cross Blue Shield location is at 2640 NC Highway 105, Suite 101, in the bottom-left side of the Graystone Eye building. The office was completed less than a month ago and the grand opening will be held later this week. 

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Dr. John Lang: Caring for Animals Small & Large

April 6, 2023 In the High Country of Western North Carolina, it seems as if veterinary clinics are everywhere, on main throughfares, side streets and throughout the three-county region of Watauga, Ashe, and Avery. However, these statistics aren’t quite what they appear. With the exception on one veterinary clinic, Dr. John Lang’s Linville Animal Hospital, in Banner Elk, all other such services cater only to small animals ranging from Dachshunds and Pomeranians to the larger breeds of Labradors and English Mastiffs, to many of the 42-71 recognized breeds of cats that inhabit homes from Vilas to Deep Gap to Meat Camp. By Peter Morris

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