by Madison V. Fisler
Dec. 27, 2013. The High Country has so many exciting events to offer its community and visitors, especially as the blustery New Year’s season is already upon us. 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.
Weekend-Long Events
Check out what’s playing this week at the movies and read the movie review of Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues here.
Festival of Lights: Chetola Resort’s annual Festival of Lights will continue through the holidays until Jan. 26. The “Festival of Lights” features thousands of brilliant illuminations weaving throughout the resort. As you drive around scenic Chetola Lake, view illuminated ice skaters, “Rudolf” catching a big fish, strolling carolers and many more captivating holiday scenes all done up in lights.
Christmas Story Walk: The Downtown Boone Development Association and the Watauga County Library are once again partnering to bring a special Holiday StoryWalk to Downtown Boone for the month of December. Pages of the StoryWalk will be displayed in the store windows of downtown businesses. The StoryWalk begins at the library then moves down Depot St. and back up W. King St. Participants are encouraged to visit Youth Services at the Library to pick up their map. If the Library is not open families can still enjoy the StoryWalk by following the directional signs attached to the story book pages.
GOTR Registration: Local girls in grades 3 through 8 are invited to participate in Girls on the Run of the High Country (GOTR). Registration for the spring session is open now at www.gotr.appstate.edu . The program will begin the week of Feb. 3, 2014. For more information about Girls on the Run of the High Country, visit www.gotr.appstate.edu to learn more.
Carlton Gallery: The 31st Winter Group Exhibition continues as Carlton Gallery celebrates this beautiful holiday season. Gallery owner, Toni Carlton, extends an invitation for everyone to visit and enjoy fine art in a “Small Works” exhibition featuring original artwork in all mediums, styles and price ranges in a stress free environment with attentive service. To view the article on this event, click here.
Friday, Dec. 27
Lions Club Dance: For a great time, fellowship and clean family fun, come listen and/or dance to the music of a different band every Friday night from 7:30-10:30p.m.
Children’s Playhouse: Come spend quality family time exploring our art activities, pretend vet clinic, climbing wall, dress-up area, ball pit and more! $5 per person admission or buy a membership for the whole family for $100 per year. Open play hours are 10-5 Tuesday-Fridays and 10-3:00 on Saturdays.
Saturday, Dec. 28
Come Write-In: This community challenges writers to be accountable to their art, to finish projects, and to communicate with one another in order hone their crafts. In order to achieve this goal, we meet every Saturday at 3rd Place for a write-in session. Bring a mug. Coffee and tea will be provided. Open to students and the community.
Jazz Brunch: Come enjoy a lovely brunch at Canyons in Blowing Rock from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with live music from Todd Wright. Reservations recommended for parties of five or more. For more information or for reservations please call 295-7661.
Bonfire and Hayride at Beech Mountain: Our Yule Log Celebration starts at 6 pm on Saturday, December 28th (weather permitting). Sip some hot chocolate or cider and warm yourself by the Famous Brick Oven bonfire pit. Then, board a hay wagon and tour Beech Mountain by starlight! Please park in the Sledding Hill Parking lot and remember to dress warm for this free outdoor event.
Live Eagle Band: Come enjoy the tunes of the Live Eagle Band at Famous Fast Eddies Casual Cafe. Music will play from 8-11pm. Great food and drinks throughout the evening.
Boss Hawg Live at Sugar Mountain Resort: Enjoy the acoustic sounds of North Carolina High Country bluegrass from 4:00-6:00pm.
Sunday, Dec. 29
Music at the Chestnut Grille: The Todd Wright Quartet will perform from 4 to 8 p.m. onDec. 29 in the Chestnut Grille at the historic Green Park Inn, as part of the Music on the Veranda Winter Series. The Green Park Inn is located at 9239 Valley Boulevard. in Blowing Rock. For more information, call -828-414-9230