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Weekend Roundup: 27 Things To Do This Weekend in the High Country; Check ‘em Out & Make Plans: Aug. 3-5

Compiled by Rebecca Gitlen

Aug. 2, 2012. The High Country has so many wonderful events to offer its community and visitors. Check our site every Friday for something new and exciting to look forward to while you’re watching the hour hand crawl to 5 o’clock. Find live music down the street, explore a nearby town’s local secrets or try out a new square dancing class. There’s always something fun to do in the High Country.

The Not-to-Miss Events

SugarBrew

Sugar Mountain Resort brewed up another fun, mountain festival. On Saturday, Aug. 4, SugarBrew is the place to be. General admission and parking are free. Sample an array of craft, import and domestic beer and wines. Listen to live music performances by local favorites The King Bees, The Johnson Brothers and Soul Benefactor. Satisfy your appetite with a selection of good ‘ole American style summer-time food. Enjoy ski-lift rides to Sugar’s 5,300 ft. peak and fresh mountain air. 

When: Saturday, Aug. 4, noon to 6 p.m. 
Where: Sugar Mountain Resort, 1009 Sugar Mountain Drive, Sugar Mountain
More info: 828-898-4521 or www.sugarbrew.com/

Appalachian Rollergirls vs. Carolina Bootleggers

The last Appalachian Rollergirls (ARG) home bout is Saturday, Aug. 4 at the George M. Holmes Convocation Center at 7 p.m. ARG will take on the Carolina Bootleggers from Raleigh. ARG is anticipating this bout to be one of the closest bouts on their 2012 schedule. 

When: Saturday, Aug. 4, 7 p.m.
Where: Holmes Convocation Center, ASU campus

Live Music


Concerts at the Jones House: Steve Kruger and Doug Sharkey, Crooked Road Ramblers & Sheets Family

Multi-instrumetalists Steve Kruger and Doug Sharkey will start the concert at 5 p.m. The Crooked Road Ramblers are a driving old-time string band, featuring master fiddler, Kilby Spencer. Keeping with the old-time string band traditions, The Sheets Family will finish the evening, with a set starting at 7:30 p.m., after a First Friday Exhibit reception in the Jones House at 6:30 p.m.

When: Friday, Aug. 3, 5 p.m.
Where: Jones House, 604 West King Street, Downtown Boone
More info: 828-262-4576

Music in the Valle: Dashboard Hula Boys

The “Music in the Valle” Concert Series starts in June and continues each Friday evening through August at The Valle Crucis Community Park. Admission is free; bring a chair or a blanket and family & friends.

When: Friday, Aug. 3, 7 p.m.
Where: Valle Crucis Community Park, 2918 Broadstone Road, Historic Valle Crucis, Banner Elk
More info: 828-963-9239    

The Tams at the Newland Riverwalk Summer Concert Series 

The Tams are known for such hits as “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy,” “What Kind of Fool,” “I’ve Been Hurt” and “Untie Me.” “What Kind of Fool” hit #1 on the Billboard charts, and #6 on the R&B charts. While “Be Young, Be Foolish” only hit #26 on the Top 40, the single sold over 1,000,000 copies, sending it to Platinum status. Check the schedule for rock and roll, 70s and 80s jam bands or Southern rock and blues. Vendors with hot dogs, pizza, sodas, water, desserts and more will be selling weekly.

When: Friday, Aug. 3, 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Riverwalk, adjacent to Lowes Parking Lot, Newland
More info: 828-260-3205 and the schedule

Friday Night Bluegrass

Visit the Todd General Store and recapture a time when life was simple and genuine.  Meet the mountain folks and listen to talks of the railroad days as well as bluegrass every Friday.

When: Friday, July 20, 6:30 to 9:15 pm.
Where: Todd General Store, 3866 Railroad Grade Road, Todd
More info: 336-877-1067 

Sound Traveler at Zuzda and MK’s Southern Cooking

Sound Traveler, known locally as Avery County based artists Bob and Patty Tatum, will be performing their special brand of classic rock, pop, folk and country at MK’s Southern Cooking (formerly Glidewells) in Blowing Rock and Zuzda in Banner Elk this weekend.

When: The performance at MK’s Southern Cooking will take place on the patio from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, and the performance at Zuzda will last from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Friday.
Where: Zuzda, 502 Main Street West, Banner Elk; and MK’s, 1182 Main St., Blowing Rock

Todd Summer Music Series: Amantha Mill

Amantha Mill has honed their sound and performance to include musical types from traditional Bluegrass to Swing, Cowboy, Country, and Americana/Roots. There is something in each show that will satisfy everyone. Each member of Amantha Mill has a long history in their particular musical instrument and vocal talent. When joined, it all comes together to form tight harmonies and an explosive, energetic sound that pays tribute to Mountain Music Heritage. Bring a chair or blanket and the whole family and relax by the creek while you enjoy the performance of a true mountain treasure. 

When: Saturday, Aug. 4, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Cook Memorial Park, Todd
More info: www.toddnc.org or 828-964-1599

Mountain Home Music: Bluegrass: The Early Years, Vol. II

“Bluegrass the Early Years, Vol. II” will feature music from the founders of bluegrass—Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, and the Stanley Brothers—plus the music of second-generation players, including the Osborne Brothers, J.D. Crowe, Larry Sparks, and others. Leading the musical history will be Dave Haney (guitar/mandolin), Lisa Baldwin (guitar), Ronnie Swan (bass fiddle), David Johnson (fiddle and dobro), and Eric Ellis (five-string banjo). Both David Johnson and Eric Ellis are members of the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame.

When: Saturday, Aug. 4, 8 p.m.
Where: Meadowbrook Inn, 711 Main Street, Blowing Rock
More info: 828-964-3392       

Fred’s Sunday Summer Concerts: Strictly Clean and Decent

Fred’s concerts present a plethora of great Bluegrass and Country music by accomplished local musicians. Fred’s General Mercantile on Beech Mountain will host Fred’s Summer Sunday Concerts on five Sundays: July 8 to August 5 at 6:30 p.m. Some seats are provided, but bring a chair or blanket just in case. 

When: Sunday, Aug. 5, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Fred’s General Mercantile, Beech Mountain
More info: 828-387-4838

Sunday Jazz Brunch with Todd Wright & Friends at Canyons

Todd Wright, an Ambassador of Jazz for western North Carolina, joined the Appalachian State University music faculty in 1990. As Director of Jazz Studies he has been responsible for conducting Jazz Ensembles I and II, teaching courses in jazz improvisation, jazz history, jazz piano, jazz tunes and coaching combos.

When: Sunday, Aug. 5, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Canyons, 8960 Highway 321, Blowing Rock
More info: 828-295-7661 

 Local Best Seller

High Country Festival of the Book — SOME EVENTS ALREADY SOLD OUT!

From Friday, Aug. 3, to Saturday, Aug. 4, authors, publishers, booksellers and more will gather at the Meadowbrook Inn in Blowing Rock for the first annual High Country Festival of the Book. While its main goal is to celebrate art and literature, the festival’s events range anywhere from a Civil War Symposium to a “Make Your Own Book” workshop for children. With many of the events open to the public for free and many renowned authors on-hand for topic panels and special presentations, the inaugural High Country Festival of the Book is shaping up to be a local best seller.

When: Aug. 3-4, Schedule 
Where: Meadowbrook Inn, Blowing Rock
More info: 828-264-8784 

Food/Community Appreciation

High Country Farm Tour

Do you know who grows your food? There is a good chance you might not, but on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 4 and 5, you will have the chance to meet several of the local farmers who provide food for your tables. The sixth annual High Country Farm Tour, presented by Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture (BRWIA), is a tour of 22 local farms in Watauga, Ashe and Caldwell counties that runs from 2 to 6 p.m. on both days.

When: Aug. 4-5, 2 to 6 p.m. 
Where: On 22 local farms, Details
More info: farmtour.brwia.org/

Todd Ruritan BBQ Fundraiser

Come hungry and bring a Friend. For pork BBQ, coleslaw, baked beans, desert and a drink the cost is $8. A children’s hot dog plate with all the fixings and a drink is $5. Eat in or take out. All proceeds from the BBQ Fundraiser go to support the Todd Community projects. 

When: Saturday, Aug. 4, 4 to 7 p.m.
Where: South Fork Baptist Church, 157 South Fork Baptist Church Road, Todd
More info: 828-964-1362

 Arts and Crafts

First Friday Art Crawl

On Friday, Aug. 3, downtown Boone businesses will participate in the monthly First Friday Art Crawl. Per usual, this month’s installment will feature free food, drinks, and music along with work and exhibitions from local artists. And as always, locals and tourists young and old are invited to attend and enjoy the Friday night fun.

When: Friday, Aug. 3, 5 p.m. until 
Where: Downtown Boone
More info: click here

BRAHM Art & Antiques Weekend Event

The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum will host its sixth annual Art and Antiques Show beginning with a Preview Party on Thursday, August 2. Vendors from across the East Coast will bring a variety of items, such as porcelain, fine and folk art, antique furniture, jewelry, silver and more. This will be the first year the show, which attracts around 800 visitors each year, will be held at the Museum.

When: Aug. 3-5: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Where: Blowing Rock Art and History Museum, corner of Main and Chestnut streets, across from Rumple Presbyterian Church
More info: 828-295-9099 ext. 3001 or 828-295-9099

31st Annual Crafts on the Green

Approximately 85 vendors from all over the mountains will have their crafts and art work available for your purchase. This annual event is located at a cool 5056-foot elevation. Food vendors will be selling, too.

When: Aug. 4, 9 am to 4 p.m.
Where: Fred’s General Mercantile, Beech Mountain
More info: 828-387-4838

Gallery Reception for “Musings on Duality”

Come view the art and meet the artists at the exhibit’s reception held on the scenic grounds of the Avery Arts Council behind the Old Hampton Store and 87 Ruffin Street Gallery. There will be light refreshments and beverages. The arts and crafts for sale are all local and handmade.

When: Saturday, August 4, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Avery Arts Council Gallery, Linville
More info: 828-733-0054
 
Theater

Show Boat

Show Boat is one of the finest examples of American Musical Theatre and, indeed, it is the grandaddy of the genre,” said Janet Speer, artistic director of Lees-McRae Summer Theatre. Written in 1927, Show Boat still has messages that resonate with us today and of course it has songs like “Old Man River” and “Make Believe” and “Bill” that are timeless. “It is a history lesson with song and dance and it shows us our glorious past in a delicious way,” Speer said. 

When: Friday, Aug. 3 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 4 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 5 at 2 p.m.
Where: Hayes Auditorium, 191 Main Street, Banner Elk
More info: About, Tickets

Alice in Wonderland: A Participation Play for Children

“Children will play trees in the forest, wickets in the Queen of Heart’s croquet game and various other roles,” said Director Suzanna Ziko, who also plays Martha Stuart in “Horn in the West.” Ziko is excited for children and parents alike to be a part of this familiar story. Alice will be played by 11-year-old Emma Tzotschew. Although her co-stars are adults, Emma will be joined on stage by other youth as they make their way through Wonderland.

When: Saturday, July 21 at 10:30 a.m. and every Saturday until Aug. 4
Where: Horn in the West, Boone
More info: 828-264-2120

Fit to Kill

“Fit to Kill” Runs Through This Sunday, and the audience is loving this one. Maybe it’s because the show is not your typical theatre fare, especially for a resort-type area. It’s not some heart-warming or farce type comedy (though there is humor in it). It’s gritty and suspenseful with lots of twists and plenty of, “oh, my gosh! did that just happen?” moments.

When: Aug. 3-4 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 5 at 2 p.m.
Where: Blowing Rock School Auditorium, located at 160 Sunset Drive in Blowing Rock
More info: www.ensemblestage.com or 828-414-1844

Go Play Outside

1st Annual Blue Ridge Parkway Family Camp and Naturalist Day

Naturalist Day includes music by the Martin Laurel Band and programs like the Beginning Birding Hike, Basic Nature Photography, Park Smartz Trivia and a Star Party with the Greensboro Astronomy Club. All programs are free and open to the public. Volunteer opportunities will be available.

When: Aug. 3-5, Schedule
Where: Julian Price campground, Milepost 297
More info: 828-963-5911

Free Booze Tasting

Peabody’s Wine & Beer Merchants Tasting

Peabody’s offers the High Country’s Largest & Finest selection of Wine & Beer, Wine Accessories, Cigars, Fine Cheeses, Luscious Chocolates, Gourmet Foods, Great Service, Party, Wedding and Event Planning, Cellar Stocking and Consultation and much much more. At Peabody’s Wine & Beer Merchants you can experience serious wine and beer with not so serious faces. Be sure to taste what’s on the Cruvinet. The wines are delicious and tastings are free.

When: Saturday, Aug. 4, 12 to 5 p.m.
Where: Peabody’s Wine & Beer Merchants, Boone
More info: 828-264-9476

The Markets

Avery County Farmers Market

The Avery County Farmers Market is a cooperative of area farmers that produce freshly grown, organic and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables, fresh bread, homemade jams and jellies, herbal products, crafts, maple syrup, fresh eggs, potting plants, ornamentals, seedlings and much, much more.

When: Saturday, July 21, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: 170 Linville Street, between CVS and the Department of Social Services building, Newland
More info: 828-789-9246 or 828-733-8274     

Watagua County Farmers’ Market

The market has so many things to love: fresh and nutritious local foods, beautiful handmade crafts, face-to-face interactions with the farmers who grow your food, scrumptious breads, jams, jellies and cheeses made by community members, meat and eggs from local farmers and of course the friendly social atmosphere of “Boone’s Town Square.” 

When: Saturday, July 21, 8 a.m. to noon
Where: Horn in the West parking lot, Boone
More info: 828-355-4918 or 828-264-3424 

Ashe County Farmers’ Market

Every Ashe County Farmers’ Market customer has that particular vendor that keeps them coming back for more but it’s the market’s diversity that makes it one of the best in the area. Click here for a list of vendors along with profiles so you can get to know not only your favorite but maybe find a new must see vendor.

When: Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., April to Oct.; and Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., July to Sept.
Where: Backstreet in downtown West Jefferson
More info: ashefarmersmarket.com

Movies

Be sure to check out our listings for cinema showtimes and movie trailers at the Regal Boone Cinema 7 too! It’s the only place where you can see ALL the trailers and showtimes for every movie playing in Boone all on one page! 

 

Editor’s note: Want your event to be added to our Weekend Roundup next time? Email rebecca@highcountrypress.com.

Things to Do This Weekend logo by Debbie Carter.