March 9, 2023 It’s not often that I get to interview a mascot, but today was an exception. In this exclusive interview, learn more about some of Hutch’s shenanigans as well as his goals for the Watauga Humane Society. Follow him on Facebook to see where his latest adventure will take him. By Kris Testori
March 1, 2023 Coyote Kitchen & Lost Cantina is excited to announce that they’re completing some major interior renovations and have expanded the existing restaurant located at 200 Southgate Drive, Boone NC. The expansion adds new seats and gives the restaurant more of an open concept feel. They’ve also added a new full bar, which will have over twenty Lost Province beers on tap and a creative craft cocktail menu. The bar and expanded section of the restaurant will be open for business Friday, March 3, 2023.
February 27, 2023 The combined talents and skills of local photographers Jonathan and Bonnie Burton have long been acknowledged and respected in the High Country and far beyond — their work displayed on walls of homes and businesses throughout Boone, across the United States and abroad. It came as no surprise to many that the couple was recently named Photographers of the Year during the annual (High School) Senior and Youth Sports National Conference, also known as SYNC, held in Orlando, Fla. By Sherrie Norris
February 9, 2023 Mast General Stores in Valle Crucis and Boone continue their commitment to supporting its food security partner, the Hunger and Health Coalition, by donating $1 for each pound of bulk candy purchased the weekend before Valentine’s Day, February 11 and 12.
February 3, 2023 Sharon Crisman, a marketing professional, purchased Christopher’s Wine and
Cheese in 2013. She said she didn’t know anything about wine at the time, but has enjoyed
learning the industry, developing her own taste for wine, and forming friendships with customers
over the years. She renamed the shop to Sunset & Vine in 2017, moved to a new building and
expanded the business. By Jan Todd
January 31, 2023 With ringing in the new year, there is a lot of focus on resolutions – especially when it comes to wellness and its eight dimensions: financial, vocational, intellectual, social, environmental, spiritual, emotional, and physical. And there is a locally owned Avery County yoga studio that believes in the holistic and multidimensional approach to wellness and strives to provide an inclusive safe space for people of all ages. By Harley Nefe
July. 26, 2017. On Wednesday September 6, The Avery Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting and open house event for Rustik by Underwood from 5 p.m.- 8 p.m. Complimentary beer, wine, and appetizers were provided. Toni Gualt won the raffle prize. Rustik by Underwood is located at 65 Orchard lane, Banner Elk N.C. By Kate Herman – Photos by Ken Ketchie
July. 26, 2017. Peabody’s has collaborated with craft brewers from all over the country in order to produce Peabody’s line of beers: The Blendiculous and the Cocktail series. Offered exclusively at Peabody’s, these beers combine the brewer’s recipe with ideas from Peabody’s. Peabody’s serves as a pioneer and granddaddy of collaborative beers with various breweries. By Kate Herman – Photos by Ken Ketchie
Aug. 3, 2017. If you’re a beer or wine lover of the High Country and you haven’t stopped by Peabody’s for one of its weekly tastings, you’re truly missing out. But there’s never been a better time to make your first visit — or return as a Peabody’s regular — than this August. In addition to holding tastings each Tuesday and Saturday this month, Peabody’s Beer & Wine Merchants is gearing up for a week-long series of tastings in celebration of this year’s High Country Beer Fest, which is set for Saturday, August 26 at the High Country Fairgrounds. By Bailey Faulkner
July 27, 2017. It isn’t hard to see that the High Country has grown significantly over the last few decades. New businesses open, buildings are constructed and visitors from around the country make the trip up the mountain each year, but few have seen the High Country evolve quite like “Lil” Jack Anderson and his family at Banner Elk’s Resort Real Estate & Rentals, which just reached its 35th anniversary this May. By Bailey Faulkner – Photos by Ken Ketchie
Mar. 05, 2017. Last Wednesday, March 1, Booneshine Brewing Company celebrated the release of their first canned beer. The release has already been a major hit for this growing brewery, which was completely sold out of the 16 oz 4 packs in just two days. By Cramer Lewis
Oct. 25, 2016 Hailed by many as the best lunch in the High Country, Eat Crow Café not only serves up fresh and delicious soups, salads, and sandwiches, it also offers catering services, custom-made orders, classic English specialties, and frozen take-home items. As a small-scale bakery, Eat Crow mixes up all sorts of sumptuous pies, cakes, tarts, and other confectionaries, as well as, savory pies, special order breads, and the daily sandwich bread. By Davin Underwood
Sept. 2, 2016. “Recreate yourself.” David Gindlesperger, owner of Curiosity Consignment Mega Warehouse, says that’s the secret to success. “Change when you need to and reinvent.” That’s how he built his business, which is growing by leaps and bounds, and that’s also what he does with the one-of-a-kind pieces in his shop. By Jessica Isaacs. Photos by Ken Ketchie.
July 20, 2016. The variety of lodging options and luxury amenities combined with a pristine natural environment make the perfect recipe for your next mountain getaway, whether you’re crossing the country to get here or just driving down the road. Story and Photos by Jessica Isaacs.
March 25, 2016. Beautiful imagery is more than just a business for husband-and-wife duo Jonathan and Bonnie Burton. Individually, they’re talented, educated, expert photographers with remarkable technical skills. Together, as Burton Photography, they’re an impressive force of creativity that uses true artistry to explore life’s most precious moments.
By Jessica Isaacs. Photos by Burton Photography.
March 16, 2016. Sometimes, laughter really is the best medicine. It can lighten our hearts, lift our spirits and cheer us up; but for local photographer Ellen Gwin, it makes the difference between a good shot and the perfect shot. This Appalachian alumna and High Country native seeks to bring out the best in the world around her, always chasing natural light and the warm, candid moments that make life’s most important occasions so special. When she’s behind the camera, something beautiful is in the works. By Jessica Isaacs.
March 8, 2016. Just a quick flight of stairs down from Main Street and its upstairs neighbor, TazMaRaz Boutique, Ugga Mugga is tucked quietly into the hub of the village’s popular shopping district. The open space houses her fully-equipped commercial kitchen and a welcoming retail space, which features a colorful environment, the chef’s favorite tunes in the air and an elaborate display of fresh-baked goodies. By Jessica Isaacs.
March 4, 2016. A background in the performing arts and a passion for Mother Nature’s greatest treasures have come together for floral designer Fuschia Moss, who creates unique, dramatic and breathtaking arrangements for weddings and special events in the High Country. By Jessica Isaacs.
March 1, 2016. In today’s fast-paced world of instant gratification, some things just aren’t made with the same quality and care that they used to be. That’s why Charlie and Joy Travis have made it their mission to bring back the fine art period of jewelry making. Step into the gallery today and you’ll enter a world of creativity, quality and care, where old and new things meet in a beautiful and interesting way. By Jessica Isaacs
Feb. 24, 2016. For more than two decades now, downtown Boone has been home to one of the best formalwear shopping experiences in the Carolinas. Wedding parties, prom goers and shoppers from all walks of life have found “happily ever after” in this one-of-a-kind store. Then again, with access to exclusive designers, countless options and matchless service, how could they not? By Jessica Isaacs. Photos by Ken Ketchie.
Feb. 19, 2016. Something beautiful happens when our loved ones inspire us to follow our dreams. That’s what happened for Kelly Williams, who has turned her love for furniture, history, romance and all things vintage into a family owned and operated business — A Bushel and a Peck Vintage Rentals. The littlest crewmember may be small, but she’s mighty when it comes to encouraging, energizing and uplifting her parents. After all, she’s the reason they work as hard as they do. By Jessica Isaacs.
Jan. 15, 2016. Are you hungry for good food, drinks and entertainment? Do you like to support your local nonprofits? Look no further. You can actually have it all! This month’s P.A.S.S. charity event at The Local restaurant in Boone will feature the F.A.R.M. Café at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 26. By Kaitlan Morehouse and Jessica Isaacs
Jan. 22, 2016. Snow Toys is a boutique ski shop located in the heart of Banner Elk, and its hands-on, above-and-beyond service will make all the difference when you hit the slopes. The shop recently moved to a bigger and better storefront, the folks there are ready to help you get a great start to a winter adventure. By Jessica Isaacs
Dec. 9, 2015. Want to find incredible gifts for the loved ones on your list this year? Do your holiday shopping at Lilian Jade: A Fine Consign in Boone to find one-of-a-kind, storied pieces that are just as special as the people in your life. The store is now celebrating the one-year anniversary of its grand opening with extended holiday hours and specials, creating for you a one-stop-shop for chic, high-quality items that are perfect for unique and thoughtful Christmas gifts. By Jessica Isaacs. Photos by Ken Ketchie.
Oct. 13, 2015. Looking for a local restaurant to call your favorite? There’s a new café in town that’s ready to take you in! After 17 years of service to the High Country, the folks behind Reid’s Catering Co. in Banner Elk bring you Reid’s Café, which boasts a beautiful new space, a great wine list and an ever-changing menu that features all of your traditional homemade favorites. By Jessica Isaacs. Photos by Ken Ketchie.