The Cabin
High Country Festivals
The High Country�s Festival of the Arts, celebrating its 10th season this July, is a whirlwind tour of arts celebrating music, dance, theater, and visual arts, plus fireworks, the Ohio Ballet, the Louisville Orchestra, Emmylou Harris and so much more during the month of July. Named one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. Sponsored by Appalachian State University. July. Admission Charged. ASU Office of Cultural Affairs, Boone, NC 28608
828-262-6084 or 800-841-ARTS
This 30 year tradition in the village of Blowing Rock involves juried art and craft shows featuring pottery, weaving, sculpture, jewelry, watercolor and oil paintings, fabrics, photography and more. Shows from May to October feature 120 exhibitors per show. Call 704.295.7851
Early July finds all of Ashe County gearing up for its annual �Christmas in July� Festival. Enjoy decorated trees, crafts, food, country and bluegrass music, trade shows and more. Get in the Christmas spirit this July! Call 910.246.9550
Welcome to nature on a whole different level. Grandfather Mountain, elevation 5, 964 feet, has been a wildlife sanctuary and nature preserve for over 100 years. The management of the Mountain seeks to steward the property in a way that protects the natural wonder of the geographic landmark AND offers the general public access to its fantastic scenery. Grandfather Mountain is privately owned and receives no government assistance for the care-taking of its resources. Grandfather Mountain was recognized as an International Biosphere Reserve in November of 1992. It's main attractions are: Mile High Swinging Bridge, Wildlife Habitat (bears, otters, deer, cougars, bald eagles, and golden eagles), Nature Museum, hiking trails, and picnicking.
Held the second full weekend in July in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Linville, this authentic Scottish celebration of dance, music, athletic competition and folk culture is considered the best Highland games in North American. Call 704.733.1333
Another fine example of the many great fiddlers� conventions that occur every spring and summer in the central Blue Ridge� the Grayson County Fiddlers� Convention is a well-established event that includes music competitions (in a variety of styles)� concessions� and camping. This two-evening event is a favorite venue for many of the fine local musicians who live in nearby communities. It was featured in the June 1999 edition of National Geographic magazine.
Directions: From Independence take US 21 toward Wytheville. When you come to Comer�s Rock Road (Route 658) at Elk Creek take a left and follow the signs to Elk Creek School on the left. For additional regional information contact Galax-Carroll-Grayson Chamber� 276-236-2184
Held the first week in August since 1958, Mitchell County�s Mineral and Gem Festival attracts thousands of rockhounds. Worldwide dealers offer everything from geodes to gemstones. Take in exhibits, gem cuttings, lectures, field trips to local mines and more. Call 704.765.9483
Avery Arts Council presents this annual arts & crafts extravaganza - FREE admission - Friday Night Street Dance with entertainment, door prizes and more. Saturday's festival features the work of 80 artists & craftsmen with a Children's Corner for little ones. Food, prizes, auctions and more. Fun for the whole family. Newland, NC.
Mitchell County�s annual festival since 1947 is held each June to coincide with the blooming of the 600 acre Rhododendron Gardens atop Roan Mountain. Enjoy beauty pageants, street dances, a golf tournament, and the 10K Rhododendron Run. Call 704.765.9483
See also Festival.
A full weekend in autumn dedicated to the �Woolly Worm.� Enjoy The Friday night �Ball,� Saturday worm races to determine which worm will predict the area�s winter weather, crowning of the Woolly Worm King and Queen, food, crafts, mountain music and more. Banner Elk, NC Call 704.898.5605