the foothills and beyond

2016

2 Explore the foothills and Beyond 2016

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PUBLISHED DAILY
MONDAY - FRIDAY AND SUNDAY
www.morganton.com
301 Collett Street, Morganton, NC (828) 437-2161
Lisa Wall, Editor 828-432-8939
Tyler Barnhardt, Digital Specialist 828-432-8953
Sarina Minton, Retail Sales - 828-432-8960
Whitney Wade, Retail Sales 828-432-8954
Wanda Yount, Retail Sales - 828-432-8957
Emily Martin, Advertising Assistant 828-432-8958

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contents

Contact Us

McDOWELL NEWS THE NEWS HERALD 3

Asheville Pinball Museum
Blind Squirrel Brewery
Catawba River Outdoors
NC Zoo
Lazy 5 Ranch
Emerald Pointe
Ridgeline Trolley
Day Trips
48 Hours of Family Fun
Tweetsie Railroad
Wineries
Lake James State Park
South Mountain State Park

On the Cover:

Andrews Geyser, Old Fort, NC

PUBLISHED DAILY
TUESDAY - FRIDAY AND SUNDAY
www.mcdowellnews.com
136 Logan Street, Marion, NC (828) 652-3313
Scott Hollifield, Editor/Gen. Manager 828-559-4051
Tiffany Coates, Retail Sales 828-559-4048
Whitney Wade, Retail Sales 828-559-4049
Susan Gossett, Retail Sales 828-559-4047
Linda Early, Advertising Assistant 828-559-4046

Lamar Smitherman, Publisher 828-432-8933

Janina Linens, Advertising Director 828-432-8952

Your roadmap to adventure

Whether you are a visitor, a newcomer or a native, you will find
plenty to explore in the Foothills.
Burke, McDowell and surrounding counties are host to small towns
like Old Fort and Valdese, rich in history and vibrant today with
music and festivals throughout the year. Walk the streets, visit the
shops and make a new friend or two.
Natures beauty is in abundance in the Foothills. McDowell and
Burke share the jewel that is Lake James, home to a state park
where rangers host informative and entertaining programs each
weekend.
Miles of hiking trails lead to some of the most beautiful waterfalls
in North Carolina, including the breathtaking Linville Falls. For the
adventurous, there is the rugged terrain of Linville Gorge and, of
course, the famous Brown Mountain Lights may be glimpsed if the
spirits are willing.
And, speaking of spirits, the Foothills are host to a burgeoning
wine and craft beer scene.
Nature, heritage, history and fun, the Foothills have something for
everyone. Enjoy!

To Subscribe Call

828-437-2161 or 828-652-3313

the foothills and beyond

4 Explore the foothills and Beyond 2016

The McDowell House located at 119 St. Marys

Church Road is open for the season. The house
was built in 1812 by Capt. Charles McDowell Jr. It
is believed to be the oldest brick house standing
in the county. Next to the house stands the
Kistler Kitchen, a reconstructed kitchen built on
the site of the original one. Behind the house and
kitchen, there is a kitchen garden beautifully
maintained by the Mimosa Garden Club.

McDowell

House

open

Photo by Tracy
Farnham/The
News Herald

The house will be open from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday

afternoons through the month of October.
Admission is free. The house is also available
for rentals for meetings, weddings, and other
spe-cial events. For more information, contact
Historic Burke Foundation at 828-437-4104.

for the
season

McDOWELL NEWS THE NEWS HERALD 5

Pictured here: Stephanie Hoilman, alumna and Crossnore

Weaver, wearing a poncho handwoven in boucle yarn.

P.O. Box 249 | 100 DAR Drive | Crossnore, NC 28616

(828) 733-4305
info@crossnoreschool.org
www.crossnoreschool.org

6 Explore the foothills and Beyond 2016

Asheville

Pinball Museum

brings back games

of the past
By Donnie Goldman | News Herald Correspondent

Asheville Pinball Museum, located in the heart of beautiful downtown Asheville, is

more than just a throwback to the long lost arcades where many of people spent
their youth. It truly is a museum that cherishes the tradition of pinball machines
and video games.
While the old machines cant compete with the sheer technological superiority of
the modern home game consoles, there is still a market for people who want to feel
the tactile pleasures from slapping the flippers on the side of an old Midway pinball
machine, or toggling the joystick and watching Pac-Man chomp on the little white
pellets. At that thought, Ashville Pinball Museum co-owner T.C. Di Bella smiles.
Theres something addictive about the ringing of the bells and the flashing of the
lights that just drives people nuts, said Di Bella. Its what has people lining up
outside our doors every day, even before we open them. Its satisfying to see that, and
to give them what they want.
Asheville Pinball Museum was started by Di Bella and his business partner, machine
technician and fellow pinball enthusiast John French, in August 2013. The business
immediately took off soon after opening, and hasnt looked back since. Di Bella
received the idea for the business when a friend of his told him about a similar
operation in Seattle, Washington.
Having loved pinball since I was a kid, I immediately fell in love with the idea, said
Di Bella. I knew that the same thing could be a hit here in Ashville. I spoke with my
wife Brandy, who was absolutely supportive. And it just took off from there.
It wasnt long after that until Di Bella met French, who both showed up to buy a
pinball machine from a private owner.
John is the guy that keeps this place running smooth, said Di Bella about French,
who handles all the machine repairs in the back of the museum. A lot of people come
in here from out of state and say This is a great idea. I think I might want to do this
back home. Thats when I tell them that unless you have an in-house technician who
knows how to fix these old machines, youre dead in the water.
Machines like these break down from the wear-and-tear of constant gameplay, and
if youre going to outsource your repairs, youll never make it. Needless to say, John
is the man.
There are more than 30 machines on the floor that are primed and available to play,
ranging from the mid-1960s up through the present day. From classics titles such as
Captain Fantastic and The Wizard (promotional tie-ins to the The Whos classic rock
opera (SET ITAL) Tommy (END ITAL),) The Incredible Hulk (the first superhero pinball
machine,) and Haunted House (which is the first machine to feature double decker
inside play.) In keeping true to its title as a pinball museum, there are also machines
on the floor that trace the interesting history of pinball machines.
We have some of the first ones used as illegal gambling machines during
Prohibition, said Di Bella. They actually paid out the nickels that people fed into
them. Its rare these days to see some of the old pinball machines intact because there
were so many busted beyond repair by G-Men when they raided speakeasies.

While the front of the museum is owned by the pinball machines, the back room is
where more than two dozen classic video games can be found. Any enthusiast will find
the selection to be the very cream of the crop of the video game world, including Joust,
Centipede, Donkey Kong, Q-Bert, Pole Position, and many more. Not only are all the
games available for playing, but many are actually for sale.
One of the aspects of our business model was to sell one machine a month, said Di
Bella. But were actually ahead of the curve and selling, on average, one a machine
a week.
Asheville Pinball Museum is located at 1 Battle Square, Suite 1B, Asheville, N.C. They
are open Wednesday through Friday from 2-9 p.m., Saturday from noon to 9 p.m., and
Sunday from 1-6 p.m. They are closed Monday and Tuesday from machine repairs,
pickups and deliveries. Admission is $13 for unlimited game play.
Contact them at 828-776-5671, info@ashevillepinball.com or on their Facebook page.

Blind

Squirrel
Brewery
has more
on tap than
craft beer
PLUMTREE, NC

McDOWELL NEWS THE NEWS HERALD 7

Morganton
Breweries
Fonta Flora

Fonta Flora Brewery integrates the soul of

agriculture with the artisanship of zymurgy
to create a menagerie of rustic and savory
libations. With an emphasis on seasonal flora,
Fonta Flora brings English tradition and Belgian
inspiration to the Appalachian mountains
of North Carolina. Fonta Flora utilizes local
artists to help conceptualize the notion that
fermentation is yet another medium for creating
art. This uniquely artisan approach to beer
yields a sustainable product filled with culture
from our very own community. The brewery is
located at 317 N. Green St., Morganton, N.C.
Morganton, NC. Visit fontaflora.com for hours
and more information.

Catawba Brewing Co.

What started out as a home brewing operation

in 1994 has now grown to become a staple in
Morganton.
Catawba Brewing Company formerly known
as Catawba Valley Brewing Company has
been churning out delicious beers for the
past 17 years in Burke County.
The county has seen the brewery grow up from
its early days in Glen Alpine to when it moved
to its current home in downtown Morganton
in 2007.
Now, Catawba has two locations in Asheville,
produces more than a dozen brews and is
primed to ramp up production.
Catawba has three locations: 212 S.
Green St., Morganton (828-430-6883;
South Slope, 32 Banks Ave.
(828-552-3934), Asheville;
Biltmore Village, 63 Brook St.,
Asheville (828-424-7290)

By Donnie Goldman | News Herald Correspondent

With the surge in microbreweries and craft breweries springing up all over the country,
North Carolina sometimes gets lost in the confusion. But over the last few years, the
state has had its own burst of growth and has quietly and consistently produced some
of the finest craft beers in the country.
In a state thats becoming known for quiet production of quality beers, one of the
foremost leaders has been one of the quietest. Blind Squirrel Brewery has produced
some of the most delicious and innovative brews in the state. Theyve also managed
to couple their brewery with some of the finest outdoor activities that the state has to
offer, making Blind Squirrel not just a place to enjoy some fine beer, but a must-visit
destination for any vacationer.
Opening its doors in 2012, Cleve and Robin Young, the founders of Blind Squirrel
Brewery, set up shop what was the old T.B. Vance General Store, a building that was
built in 1919 in the town of Plumtree, along the banks of the beautiful North Toe River.
The space accommodates the four separate three-barrel systems that brew the 16
beers that Blind Squirrel has available to the public. There are flavorful standards
such as the American Pale Ale, Amber Ale, Nut Brown Ale and a Cream Ale. Theres
the Irish Stout for the Guinness lover, or the Gose and Hefeweizen for the drinker who
prefers the taste of a pure German beer. And for the more adventurous beer drinkers,
Blind Squirrel has an array of unusual tasting and highly potent beers. The Belgian
Quad tops out at 9.9 percent ABV. The Wee Heavy Scotch Ale sits at 8.5 percent. But
the brewerys crowning achievement is the Halle Blackberry Porter, which tops out at a
whopping 10.5 percent ABV.
While the beer is the main attraction to Blind Squirrel, its by no means all that the
brewery has to offer. Blind Squirrel also serves up some of the finest pub food around.
Using local ingredients from both the Blind Squirrel farm and other farms in and
around the area, Chef Keith Flanders serves up everything from salads and chicken
wings to burgers and pizza. All fresh, farm to table, and guaranteed to match up
perfectly with whatever beer happens to suit ones taste. Blind Squirrel also serves
up an annual Mothers Day buffet brunch in May, and a large Thanksgiving dinner in
November. In 2005, the brewery also started the tradition of hosting an annual Oyster
Bash on the Saturday leading into Halloween. Make reservations to be a part of their
annual clambake.
If hitting the rustic outdoors and taking in the beautiful sights of the local scenery
is your idea of a good time, then the Blind Squirrel has plenty to offer in that area as

well. Theres the zipline tour, with 11 ziplines that let you have a birds-eye view of the
local area. For those afraid of heights, theres the Tubes and Taps tour. Partnering up
with River and Earth Adventures in neighboring Boone, North Carolina, Blind Squirrel
takes visitors a mile and a half up river
from the brewery and lets them drift down
the North Toe River in a tube, while relaxing
with the warm sun and the cool water. The
price of the ticket also includes a 32-ounce
plastic jug, or Growler as they call it,
of visitors beer of choice to enjoy as they
make it back to civilization and, if staying
for a few days, the lodging.

THERMAL CITY
GOLD MINE

Lodging at the Blind Squirrel includes

a five-room Bed and Breakfast, three
single-family cabins, and plenty of outdoor
space for camping. One of the more unique
features in Blind Squirrels lodging is the
Farm Stay cabin. In exchange for 20 hours
of work on the brewerys farm, guests
receive a weeklong stay in a cabin on the
propertys agri-village, where they can
learn and experience first-hand how a
sustainable farm works.
Blind Squirrel Brewery is located at 4716
S. U.S. Highway 19 East, Plumtree, North
Carolina. Lodging is open all week. The
restaurant and taproom are open Friday
from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 11
a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from noon to
4 p.m. For a tour of the brewery, call 828765-BREW (2739). For lodging information
and reservations call 828-765-9696. For
more information, visit the website
at blindsquirrelbrewery.com, or
send questions to
blindsquirrelbrewery@gmail.com.

Thermal City Gold Mine

5240 US 221 Hwy N
Union Mills, NC 28167
828.286.3016

8 Explore the foothills and Beyond 2016

Catawba River

Outdoors offers
camping, fishing, kayaking
Theres still ample space for campers to stop in,
pitch a tent, and drop a line in the water.

Located in Marion, along the banks of the beautiful Catawba River, is

Catawba River Outdoors.
Since 1973, Catawba River Outdoors has offered some of the finest fishing,
camping, and kayaking for both the seasoned outdoorsman and the weekend nature
enthusiasts in Western North Carolina. Among the campers, there are a number of
permanent sites where trailers are set up with all the modern amenities. But theres
still ample space for campers to stop in, pitch a tent, and drop a line in the water.
Owner and operator Eric Adams, who along with his wife Melissa and three sons,
runs the site year round and love seeing the campers file in to get away from the
hectic pace of city life.
We just love seeing people how much people just want to come in to the
campground, pitch a tent, light a fire, and lay back in the open air of nature, Adams
said. And thanks to everyones reviews on social media, this years crop of campers
is already starting to look pretty good.
For just $25 a night, campers can rent a small sight along the fishing pond that sits
right in the middle of the park. Catawba River Outdoors also rents kayaks for the
day for $40 for singles and $50 for tandem kayaks. A short bus ride up river drops
kayakers off and lets them take their time as they float back down to the campsite
through five miles of secluded forest and deep river tranquility. Visitors looking for
something even more leisurely can opt to go tubing instead, which are rented by the
day for $25.

Whether you are

buying or selling,
make sure you have
the right team on
your side!

THE

MARION
AGENCY
We have
knowledgable and
experienced agents
that will assist
buyers, sellers and
investors in Western
NC and The Lake
James Area.

We introduced tube rental just last season and by the end of the season had rented
them out to more than 2,000 visitors, Adams said. Theres nothing along the river
except the tubers and a few kayakers. Theres no Jetskis or motorboats. Nothing but
peace and quiet. Give me the river any day.
Catawba River Outdoors is located at 105 Deerfield Lake Drive in Marion, North
Carolina, 28752. The camp season for temporary campers starts on May 21, 2016
and runs through September 2016, but the camp is open all year long for permanent
residents. For reservations or to inquire about availability, call Eric Adams at 828442-6048. You can also visit the Catawba River Outdoors page of Facebook.

Cindy J. Ledbetter
Broker/Realtor
Property Management

828-442-0034

cindyledbetter@gmail.com

Nc

McDOWELL NEWS THE NEWS HERALD 9

ASHEBORO

ZOO
From staff reports

NC Zoo is one of the most well-respected

and well-maintained zoos in the entire
United States. Attracting thousands
of visitors a year, not just from North
Carolina but from all around the country,
NC Zoo is an experience like no other. It
is a must see for lovers of nature and
animals alike, both young and old.

Residing just south of Asheboro, North

Carolina, on 2,200 acres of land at the
foot of the majestic Uwharrie Mountains,
NC Zoo operates in a manner that is
unique to other zoos around the country
and the world. The zoo itself has 500
acres of land set up as natural habitats
for its animals, letting them roam free in
their enclosures without the use of cages
and bars. All the enclosures and exhibits
are naturally bounded and barricaded
by trees, ponds, rocks, grass and dirt.
Providing not only a safe distance between
the animals in the zoos care and the many
visitors that come to the zoo each day, but
also providing the animals the happiness

that comes with living in enclosures that

represent the truest sense of their
natural habitats.
From the Africa exhibit to the North
America exhibit and the Aviary that
houses more than 3,000 tropical plants
and flowers along with dozens of exotic
birds of paradise, NC Zoo gives visitors
the chance to see the animals play and
live naturally, providing an unforgettable
experience to all who see it.
NC Zoo is located at 4401 Zoo Parkway,
Asheboro, North Carolina. The zoo is open
every day of the year except Christmas
day. Hours of operation are from 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Admission for adults is $15,
$13 for seniors (62 and older) and $11
for children (2-12.) For more information
regarding zoo exhibits and attractions,
call 800-488-0444 or 336-879-7000.
Other information about the zoo can be
obtained by visiting their website
at nczoo.org.

Let the ride be your destination

Maps & gift items available at MACA, 50 S. Main St.;
Visitor Center, 1170 W. Tate St. & Old Fort Visitors Center.
For information about our handcrafted blocks call
828-652-8610 or visit www.mcdowellquilttrail.com.

10 Explore the foothills and Beyond 2016

MOORESVILLE

Lazy 5 Ranch

brings animal
Most people dont think of North Carolina
when it comes to taking a safari to see
exotic animals roam the landscape. But
if a nature excursion is whats on your
agenda but a trip to Africa isnt in your
budget, theres no need to go any further
than the beautiful Lazy 5 Ranch.
Located in Mooresville, North Carolina,
Lazy 5 Ranch offers visitors both young
and old a chance to not only see some of
the worlds most beautiful and unusual
wildlife, but also a chance to engage
them and even feed them. Yes, Lazy 5
Ranch is also a petting zoo that lets
you get up close and personal with the
animals.
Along with the price of admission,
visitors to the Lazy 5 Ranch are welcome
to either drive their car through the
ranch, or for an extra fee, take a wagon
ride through the surroundings with
other visitors who share the same
curiosity about the animals. However,
when it comes to the zebras, it is highly
recommended by the staff that you do

not feed them. Due to the fact that the

zebras are equine and have a top set
of teeth, they will bite. While the Lazy 5
Ranch is open to all visitors, if you are
a North Carolina resident that requires
the assistance of a service animal, it
is recommended that you abstain from
visiting. The animals at Lazy 5 Ranch
see dogs as threats to their safety and
cannot discern whether the dog is tame
and friendly or not.
Lazy 5 Ranch is located at 15100
Highway 150 E., Mooresville, North
Carolina. Hours of operation are Monday
to Saturday from 9 a.m. to one hour
before sunset, and Sunday from 1 p.m.
to one hour before sunset. General
Admission is $11 for adults, $8 for
children (2-11) and $8 for seniors (60
and older.) Admission for wagon rides
(includes animal feed) is $16 for adults,
$8 for children (2-11) and $8 for seniors
(60 and older.) Reservations for wagon
rides can be made by calling the park at
704-663-5100. For general information,
contact info@lazy5ranch.com.

up
close
and personal
From staff reports

A Gem of a Winery
525 Patton Valley Drive,
Nebo, NC 28761
Open Thursday-Sunday
from Noon to 5PM
bellenichowinery.com

McDOWELL NEWS THE NEWS HERALD 11

McDowell Countys
LEADER in Real Estate

Jan Allison
828-442-7156

Jacque Mentink
828-925-9155

Crystal Honeycutt
828-460-8006

Corey Yzquirdo
828-803-2106

Chelsie Poteat
828-460-1879

Tami Newman
828-925-1130

As the top sales offices in McDowell County we can find

you just what you are searching for.We have a wealth of
knowledge of real estate in Western North Carolina, Lake
James, McDowell County and other nearby communities.
Please feel free to search our listings, and when you are
ready to speak with an experienced Realtor contact us so
that you are placed with an agent that fits you!

828-659-3100

32 N Main St Suite A Marion, NC 28752

828-668-4663

25 W. Main St. Old Fort, NC 28762

Visit us at eramountainview.com to learn more!

12 Explore the foothills and Beyond 2016

GREENSBORO

Emerald Pointe
brings a splash
to

summer
From staff reports

With the long hot days of summer rapidly

approaching, figuring out how to beat
the heat is not always easy. But the best
way to cool off for the day is loading
up the car with the family and heading
over to Wet n Wild Emerald Pointe water
park, where visitors can enjoy the day
with some of the best and thrilling water
slides that North Carolina has to offer.
Emerald Pointe is the largest water
park and recreation center in North
Carolina. Located in Greensboro, it
offers more than 36 water rides, water
slides, restaurants and other attractions
designed to make the summer days a
little cooler and to go easy on the wallet.
For the big kids in the group, there are a
dozen huge water slides to take on like
the Riptide Racer, Dr. Von Darks Tunnel
of Terror and the Dragons Den. If relaxing
in a beachside setting is more your
speed, visit any of the five rivers, waves
and pools to lounge in. For the little

ones, there are two kiddie slides that are

built just for them. After a long day of
swimming, theres plenty of places in the
park for the family to sit down, dine and
refuel, places like Uncle Luigis Pizza,
Captain Elis burgers, Crispys Chicken
and plenty of stops for dessert and
snacks. Theres even the Crows Nest,
a place for the adults to cool off with a
cold beer or glass of wine.
Wet n Wild Emerald Pointe is located at
3910 S. Holden Road, Greensboro, North
Carolina. Admission varies from $28.99
for one-time general admission all the
way up to season passes that cap out
at $89.99. Season starts May 21 and
runs until Sept. 5. Hours of operation
are from 10 a.m. to anytime between
5-7 p.m., depending on what day and
what point in the season it is. For exact
times and dates of operations, call 336852-9721 or visit the parks website at
emeraldpointe.com for more details.

HEATING & AIR

FOR YOUR HOME
You can count on Triangle for
your heating and cooling needs
Emergency Heating & Air Service
24/7
Scheduled Service Calls
Preventative Maintenance
Free No Obligation Estimates
We repair most major brands
New System Installations
Handle all required permits & codes
Haul away of your old units
Extended Service Warranties available
Licensed Bonded Insured
QUALITY WORK. CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS. RELIABLE PRODUCTS. ENERGY SAVINGS.

828-432-0025

www.TriangleContractorsInc.com

McDOWELL NEWS THE NEWS HERALD 13

Ridgeline

Trolley
offers plenty

The driver of the Ridgeline Trolley, which services Morganton, poses with the vehicle.

of fun tours
Special to The News Herald

The Ridgeline Trolley, based in downtown Morganton, offers seasonal tours of the area,
including wine tours, fall color tours and the popular Beer, Barbeque and Whiskey
tours. The trolley is also available for private charters, such as weddings, rehearsal
dinners, birthday parties, anniversaries, family reunions and spectator shuttles.
The trolley seats 20 people in a fully heated and air-conditioned environment. The
trolley was built to resemble streetcars of the 1930s, but was actually constructed by
the Chance Trolley Corporation in 1992. With oak wood accents and brass rails, the
trolley is designed to feel comfortable and nostalgic.
For booking information and rates, contact the Burke County Tourism Development
Authority at 828-433-6793.

The Ridgeline Trolley pulls into the station for a quick stop.

MOUNTAIN AREA COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC.

Mountain Area Community Services, Inc. (MACS) provides a full continuum of services for
children, adolescents and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Western
North Carolina. Since 2004, the company has emphasized care and service for all its clients.

SERVING THE DEVELOPMENTALLY CHALLENGED IN WNC

MACS supports the economic, social, physical, intellectual and mental well-being of its clients
through a full range of periodic and Innovations services. MACS provides:
Supported Employment
Specialized Consultative Services
Day Supports
Individual Habilitation/Personal Assistance
Personal Care
Respite
In-Home Intensive Support
In-Home Skill Building
Residential Support/ Alternate Family Living (AFL)
SUPPORTING WNC CAREGIVERS
Caregivers and family members play important roles in the lives
of people with developmental disabilities. MACS therefore offers
support to those vital partners through:
Respite care Moral support
Training
Guidance through social systems
Introduction to community-based networks
for additional assistance

FULLY ACCREDITED, INSURED & SAFE

MACS, Inc. is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation
of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). MACS serves these western North
Carolina counties:
Buncombe
Burke
Haywood
Henderson

Macon
Madison
McDowell
Mitchell

Polk
Transylvania
Yancey

Please call or email any regional office for more information. Ask us how we can serve you better or improve our service to you and your family.
Serving western NC for over 11 years.

Ric Luther President

Rick Zehr Vice President

Marion Regional Office

366 South Main Street , Marion, NC 28752-4527 Local: 828-659-1180 Fax: 828-659-1182 Email: info@macs-inc.org

DAY

14 Explore the foothills and Beyond 2016

TRIPS

Valdese Recreational
Facilities
McGalliard Falls at 1400 Falls Road NW in Valdese offers picnic shelters. Childrens
Park, located just off US Highway 70 on the east side of Valdese, contains a picnic
shel-ter with restroom facilities, a playground area, and a lighted sports field used
for baseball, soccer and softball. A creek meanders along the edges of the park,
encouraging explora-tion by curious youngsters. Rotary Park, located on the grounds
of the Valdese Commu-nity Center on Arnaud Avenue and behind the tennis courts,
has a picnic shelter and out-door grill. The picnic facilities may be rented. Contact the
Valdese Recreation Depart-ment at 828-879-2132 to reserve any of these facilities.

Table Rock Picnic Area

Traveling on N.C. Highway 181 N., turn left on Simpson Creek Avenue and follow
the signs.

Marthas Park

At the corner of College and Collett streets beside The News Herald in Morganton,
Mar-thas Park offers three picnic shelters, approximately 1.4 acres of fenced play area
and a splash pad. Three large shelters may be reserved for two hours for a $50 charge.
Call 438-5350.

Freedom Park
Off Independence Ave. in Morganton, Freedom Park offers four family picnic shelters
with grills, two playgrounds and two basketball courts. No reservations needed. Bring
the family and spread out a quilt on the grass under one of the shade trees in the
30-acre park.

A mother duck and her ducklings enjoy a dip in the cool waters at Steele Creek Park &
Family Campground.| Photo By: Tracy Farnham

Steele Creek Park

& Family Campground
The park, located at 7081 NC Highway 181 in Morganton, offers camp sites for tent
camping, camp sites for RV camping and many activities on our property for all ages
to have a great time outdoors. On-site activities include a water slide, fishing, hiking,
swimming with two diving boards, picnics and miniature golf. Thanks to its size
and acreage, the campground is a perfect place for rallies, events, RV club events,
company picnics, reunions, birthday parties and more. For more information, call 828433-5660 or visit steelecreekpark.com.

Residents and visitors alike take advantage of the benefits of the Catawba Greenway
trail through Burke County. | Photo By: Tracy Farnham

Morganton Greenway System

The Greenlee Ford Road access off Carbon City Road in Morganton offers picnic tables
or there are grassy spots along the 4.4 miles of paved walkway between Greenlee Ford
and the Rocky Ford Access off Lenoir Road/NC Highway 18. River decks and a gazebo
also are along the trail.

Rhonda Silver
REALTOR

Cell 828-442-8585
Office 828-659-SELL
Email rhondarealestate@yahoo.com

rhondasilver1.point2agent.com
35 West Henderson Street Marion, NC 28752

McDOWELL NEWS THE NEWS HERALD 15

Wilson Creek
The 23-mile scenic river beckons nature lovers to fish for trout, swim in mountain
water or canoe downstream. Hiking trails and bike and horseback paths surround
the creek. The river descends 4,900 feet the biggest drop east of the Mississippi.
Wilson Creek runs through the 104-year-old community known as Mortimer. Located
20 miles from Mor-ganton, amenities include restrooms, picnic shelters and a visitors
center. Directions: Follow N.C. Highway 181 for approximately 12 miles. Turn right
on Brown Mountain Beach Road. Go five miles and turn left into the Pisgah National
Forest and then another left into the Visitors Center, which is about four miles into the
forest.

Swimming
Collett Street Pool.

The Collett Street Pools regular hours for the pool begin Wednesday, June 8. Those
hours are Monday through Friday from 1-5 p.m. and 7:30-9 p.m., Saturday from 1-7
p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. The Morganton Aquatics Center, 117 Alphabet Lane, is
open seven days a week with sessions for open swim and lap swim. Call 438-5350 for
costs and hours.

Henderson Mill Road, Bost Road, Piedmont Road, Johns River Road, Adako Road,
Fish Hatchery Road and Pea Ridge Road offer fewer hills. Piedmont Road runs into
NC Highway 18, which has a decent shoulder only a mile or two farther north, which
allows for a network of road riding loops.
The Greenway trail, which at one end connects to Freedom Park, can be accessed
from NC Highway 18 at Rocky Ford, the Catawba Meadows Park off Sanford Drive,
River Village off Sanford Drive or Greenlee Ford Road off Carbon City Road.
Dirt and gravel roads link into Pax Hill Road, Corpening Bridge Road, Playmore
Beach Road, Adako Road.
Craig Creek Road, Edgemont Road, US Highway 90, Forest Road 464, Anthonys
Creek Road, the Globe Road and Roseboro Road can all be made to connect and leave
you with a ride to remember.
Mountain biking trails include Headleys Ridge Loop, Harpers Creek,
Kawana, CC, Table Rock Road and Green Town.
For more information, check out trailfu.com, mapmyride.com
and tablerockcycles.blogspot.com.

Marthas Park in downtown

Morganton provides an
enclosed area for children
and families to unwind and
take a run through the chilly
water at the splash pad. |
Photo By: Tracy Farnham

Mt. Paradise
Waterpark, Inc.
Children cool off at the Jimmy C. Draughn Aquatics and Fitness Center in Valdese.

The Jimmy C. Draughn Aquatics

and Fitness Center
Located at 121 Faet St., Valdese, the centers regular pool hours are Monday through
Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday evenings from
7-9 p.m.; Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.
Call 879-2144 for pricing and information about other activities.

Bike trails
Park at Freedom Park and head up NC Highway 126 to circle Lake James. Mix of smooth
pavement, pleasant scenery, a store or two and motor traffic accustomed to seeing bicycles.
Park at Freedom Park and ride up NC Highway 181. The highway has a respectable
shoulder and smooth pavement. For those who like to climb hills and see great
scenery, the highway takes you to the top of Jonas Ridge or even on to the Blue Ridge
Parkways viaduct.

Pool $500
Pool & Slide $800
Pool, Slide &
Memberships
Putt-Putt $1000 starting
at $125
Huge Waterslide,
2 Pools & Putt-Putt!
BRING THIS AD IN TO RECEIVE
1/2 OFF EVERYTHING PASS!

Coupon valid for 2 passes

Mon-Sat,10-5 Sun, 1-5

16823 Hwy 221 N. Marion
828.756.4085 or 828.652.9893

16 Explore the foothills and Beyond 2016

48 Hours of

Family Fun
Special to The News Herald

Looking for a weekend getaway this summer? Heres a suggested itinerary

that includes a trip back to the wild, wild west, some aerial adventures,
accommodations, a little mystery and much more.

Day 1

Experience the Wild, Wild West. Head to Tweetsie Railroad, North Carolinas first theme
park, as early as 9 a.m. Purchase tickets at the main entrance if you havent already
done so online. Theres plenty for the whole family to enjoy including an authentic
Western town built up around Tweetsie Railroads Main Street. Hop aboard a train
pulled by historic steam engines and experience a three-mile Wild West adventure
through the Blue Ridge Mountains that will bring you back in time to the days of the
frontier. Theres also plenty of other activities like live entertainment, amusement rides
and a Deer Park Zoo to explore.
Lunch at the Park. Grab lunch at one of the on-site dining options at Tweetsie Railroad
including Feed & Seed, Sparkys Southwestern & Barbecue or the Tweetsie Palace
Saloon. If youd rather pack your own lunch, bring it with you to your next destination
High Gravity Adventures. There youre welcome to eat at one of the surrounding picnic
tables or on the open-air observation deck. There are also drinks and snacks available
for sale at High Gravity Adventures.
Take to the Air. Spend the afternoon at High Gravity Adventures which is open for their
spring schedule until 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The parks summer
schedule will start closer to Memorial Day weekend and will be open 7 days a week.
This exciting aerial adventure park is right next door to Tweetsie Railroad and is
perfect for the whole family with challenges fit for adults and little ones as young as
four years of age. In all, more than 75 different challenges make up the course where
guests will be able to climb, balance and swing from heights of 15 to 50 feet in the
air. Youll even get a 20 percent discount on your ticket by showing your same day
Tweetsie Railroad ticket stub.
Hit the Hay. After your action-packed day, enjoy first-class accommodations at Chetola
Resort, an 87-acre resort within walking distance of downtown Blowing Rock. Theres
a restaurant on-site called Timberlake Restaurant, serving up a delicious menu with
Angus bistro filets, seafood, pan-seared duck and tempting house made desserts.
There are also several other restaurants in the area that you could explore here too.

Day 2

Discover Treasures. Start your day sifting through the mine ore at the family-owned
Docs Rocks Gem Mine to unearth beautiful gemstones that come from local gemstone
mines. If you find a special stone, the geological experts on staff will give you the
option to cut the gem on the spot and provide jewelry options. Theres also a fossil
museum on-site where visitors can see a T-Rex skull up close!

Explore Optical Illusions. If you and your family are ready to be amazed, stop by
Mystery Hill, an attraction that has a natural gravitational anomaly and a series of
optical illusions the whole family will enjoy. Mystifying visitors since 1948, this park
entertains guests with the Bubblerama where visitors actually stand inside a giant
soap bubble, a Mystery Platform where your friends shrink before your eyes, and the
Flying Mirror where you learn to fly. Its a unique attraction you dont want to miss!
Sightsee Blowing Rock. Discover the wonder of the Blue Ridge Mountains by visiting
the majestic Glen Burney Falls unique to the Blowing Rock destination. Reach the falls
by hiking the 1.6 mile Glen Burney Trail which was believed to be a Native American
pathway. And, dont miss taking in the scenic mountainside by horseback with VX3
Trail Rides. Create lasting memories with the family while riding in and around
Blowing Rock viewing the abundant beauty with friendly and knowledgeable guides.

Saving Money is Elementary ...

Great rates
+
local agent
=
Value
FARRIS INSURANCE
AGENCY

1101 US-70, Connelly Springs, NC 828-874-3250

406 E Union St, Morganton, NC 828-475-0983

McDOWELL NEWS THE NEWS HERALD 17

Call 828-433-6793 for Rates

MORGANTON, NC

18 Explore the foothills and Beyond 2016

Tweetsie
Railroad
All aboard for a summer of fun

BLOWING ROCK The Tweetsie Railroad historic steam engine locomotives will be
pulling out of the station once again on Friday, April 8 to transport guests along a
three mile Wild West adventure through the Blue Ridge Mountains in Blowing Rock.

In addition to the theatrics on the Wild West train adventure, guest will have the
opportunity to see live entertainment daily throughout the park including Country
Clogging Jamboree, Diamond Lils Can-Can Review and Tweetsie Railroads own
Hopper and Porter.
Guests are encouraged to start planning trips soon and to be sure to check out the
special events taking place during the 2016 season.

David Holt and the

Lightning Bolts in Concert

Sunday, May 29

Listen to old-time music with a new-time jolt, featuring four-time Grammy recipient
David Holt. The shows at noon and 3 p.m. will be filled with humor, stories and
authentic American music.

C hild Grief uppt

du rief uppt

Safe Harb

aiave Care Csuants

There are plenty of activities for the whole family to participate in at North Carolinas
first theme park, from strolling through an authentic western town, traveling on a
historic train, panning for gold and meeting a whole cast of characters from cowboys
and Can-Can girls to Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego. The park also offers amusement
rides, gem mining and the Deer Park Zoo, home to more than 90 animals including
goats, deer, emus, llamas, miniature horses, pigs and more.

Safe Harb

Now through Oct. 30, the park will continue the time-honored tradition of providing
family-friendly entertainment and special events, including Day Out With Thomas, the
July 4 Fireworks Extravaganza, K-9s in Flight, the Ghost Train and much more. Tickets
and Golden Rail Season Passes are available now at tweetsie.com.

McDOWELL NEWS THE NEWS HERALD 19

Day Out With Thomas:

The Ready, Set, Go 2016 Tour

June 10-19

Guests can take a ride aboard Thomas The Tank Engine, all the way from the Island
of Sodor. Sir Topham Hatt will be managing the station to make sure Thomas the
Tank Engine is right on time and available to meet and take photographs with all his
guests. Advanced tickets are recommended.

Fireworks
Extravaganza

Monday,
July 4

Celebrate Americas Birthday with

the High Countrys most spectacular
fireworks display at Tweetsie Railroad.
Take in an evening of entertainment
and park rides until 9 p.m. before
preparing for the big show at 9:30
p.m. Dinner and premium viewing are
area available for those interested in
a VIP experience.

Continued on Page 20

134 West Union St Morganton NC 28655

(828) 433-8777 eramountainviewproperties.com

20 Explore the foothills and Beyond 2016

Continued from Page 19

For more information about the 2016 season at Tweetsie Railroad, visit tweetsie.com
or call 877-893-3874.

Cool Summer Nights

Find Tweetsie Railroad on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Tweetsie or Twitter and

Instagram, at @TweetsieRR.

July 9, 16, 23, 30

Beat the heat and enjoy the cool mountain nights at Tweetsie Railroad with Wild West
entertainment and park rides open until 9 p.m.

Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go

July 15-17

Explore the park with costumed characters from the hit Nickelodeon shows
Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego,Go. Hugs and photos are encouraged.

K-9s in Flight Frisbee Dogs

July 23-31

Be ready to be amazed and entertained by this one-of-a-kind performance by a team

of dynamic dogs doing acrobatic freestyle routines. There will be three shows daily,
including a special evening show at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 23 and 30.

Riders in the Sky

August 6-7

Tweetsie Railroad is a family oriented railroad and Wild West theme park located
between Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina, United States. In addition to
a 3-mile (4.8 km) ride aboard an authentic steam locomotive, the park features
amusement rides and other attractions geared towards families with children.
Photography by Steve Exum, exumphoto.com

Sing along with Americas cowboys, Riders in the Sky, as they perform their wellknown blend of Western music and comedy, at noon and 3 p.m. The quartet has been
together for more than 30 years and won Grammy Awards for Best Musical Album
for Children with the production of Woodys Round Up, from Toy Story 2 and the
companion album for Monsters Inc.

Railroad Heritage Weekend

August 27-28

Celebrate the history of steam locomotives and heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains
with special train rides, tours of the Steam Locomotive Repair Shop, performances by
the Cherokee dancers and crafts from the Tsa-La-Gi Touring Program.
Ghost Train Halloween Festival Friday and Saturday nights, Sept. 23 to Oct 29
Hop aboard the Ghost Train for a haunting ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Every Friday and Saturday night from Sept. 23 to Oct. 29, Tweetsie Railroad will
host a Halloween celebration for the whole family including trick-or-treating, the
Freaky Forest, a Haunted House and more. Ghost Train Halloween Festival has been
named one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.
Advanced tickets are required.
Tweetsie Railroad will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting April 8, and
seven days a week from May 27 through August 21. The park returns to the weekend
schedule from Aug. 22 through Oct. 30, including Labor Day Monday. The 2016 season
ends Sunday, Oct. 30. The parks regular hours are 9 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., but will be
open until 9 p.m. on July 4 for the Fireworks Extravaganza and July 9, 16, 23 and 30 for
Cool Summer Nights.
Daily admission to Tweetsie Railroad is $44 for adults and $28 for children ages 3-12.
Children ages 2 and younger are admitted free.
Tweetsie Railroad is located on U.S. Highway 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock.

Everything
You Need,
Anything You
Want...
... Right Here
in McDowell
County

Brought to you by the

McDowell Chamber of Commerce

828-652-4240

www.shopmcdowell.com

McDOWELL NEWS THE NEWS HERALD 21

Belle Nicho Winery

Wineries

525 Patton Valley Drive, Nebo, NC 28761

828-659-3168
www.bellenichowinery.com
Belle Nicho Winery is located at Howling Dog Farm in the Nebo community of McDowell
County. We are a small farmstead winery adding our own Southern style to our wines
since 2012, reads the Website. During the spring of 2008, Belle Nicho initiated its
first Vineyard Work Day, with friends planting vines and laying mulch. Belle Nicho
produces wine using native, French-American hybrid and vinifera grapes as well as
fruit. Since 2008, the owners have planted Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon,
Cynthiana, Isabella and Seyval Blanc. Belle Nicho has also partnered with other
wineries to purchase grapes for use in wine production. Our wine tastings have been
called fun and unpretentious, and in 2014 and 2015 our wines received gold, silver
and bronze medals from the NC State Fair! reads the Website. Belle Nicho welcomes
visitors to the farm and winery throughout the year to tour the vineyard or relax by
the tasting room. The winery is open from Thursday to Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. We
close for Christmas Day but will be open on December 29 - 31 and on January 1, 2017.
The winery is closed for a winter break between January and the middle of February.
During that period, the winery is open by appointment only for purchase of bottles
of wine.

Lake James Cellars

204 E. Main St., U.S. 70

Glen Alpine, NC 28628
828-584-4551
www.lakejamescellars.com
Lake James Cellars is a family owned and run winery located in the foothills of North
Carolina. Step through the leaded-glass front doors of our restored 1915 textile
mill building, located in Glen Alpine, NC and taste the magnificent flavors of our fine
wines, reads their Facebook page. We have a variety of handcrafted wines - created
from local NC fruits, as well as fruits from around the world. Whether you enjoy a dry
red wine, a dry white wine or a fruity sweet wine, we have wines you will enjoy. You
can visit their gift shop and tasting room as you sample their Lake James Cellars
bottled wine. Enjoy a slower pace of life as you relax on our covered porch with a
glass of wine and wait for the train to come by, reads the Facebook page. Wine
tastings are held during the normal operating hours and no appointment is necessary.
The tastings are $6 (plus tax) and you get to choose any six of the wines and also take
home a Lake James Cellars glass. Be sure to take time to stroll through the aisles of
the Old Mill Antiques located in the same building where you will find a variety of high
quality antiques from over 20 different antique dealers.

DeMariano Vineyards

129 Pierce Road, Nebo, NC 28761

828-738-8188
www.demarianovineyards.com
DeMariano Vineyards is family owned and operated. Mariano DeLuca, the grandfather
of vineyard owner Mario DeLuca, was a winemaker in New Jersey. In 2008, Mario
DeLuca, his wife Margaret and their son and daughter planted the vineyard in
southern McDowell County and named it in honor of Marios grandfather. Mario DeLuca
said he has always wanted to plant his own vineyard and will use some of the same
equipment his grandfather used. Nestled in the foothills at the base of the South
Mountain range in McDowell County is our small but quaint family vineyard, reads
the vineyards Facebook page. The first phase was the establishment of the Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay vines. Each year we create a different line-up
of wine based off of the production of our vineyard, reads the Website. We make a
variety of dry red and white varietals, red blends, rose, and sweet wines. We have a
little something for every type of wine lover!

Sitting: Ann Smith (Administrative Assistant), Mary Jane Boyd, Wendy Bianchini
Standing: Frank Dean, Ken Hollifield, Nancy Hollifield, Crystal Baker, Lee Sisk,
Tammy Dooley, Kathy Rabb and Mike Rabb

Realty Group 1, located in the historic district of downtown

Marion, is a full service real estate company serving the Marion
and McDowell County area for many years. Our experienced
agents specialize in the listing and selling of residential properties,
commercial sales and leasing, Lake James homes and land, farms
and property management. We continually strive to place our
clients interests at the top of the list.

125 South Main Street Marion

828-652-3797 realtygroup1.com

22 Explore the foothills and Beyond 2016

Linville Falls Winery

9557 Linville Falls Highway

Linville Falls, NC
828-765-1400
www.linvillefallswinery.com
Set on a 100-year-old Fraser fir Christmas tree farm at around 3,200 feet in elevation,
Linville Falls Winery officially opened its doors in October 2012. It is located just off
U.S. 221 North near the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Linville Falls community. The
winery features Tuscan architecture and all the winery tours and tastings. Along with
their own vinifera grape Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling wines, Linville Falls Winery
also offers Merlot, Rose and several delicious whites along with specialty wines like
Blueberry and a fortified Cherry Bounce. It also features live music every Saturday
afternoon on the patio, plus lots of specialty events, festivals and weddings. During
the Christmas season, the Red Barn Tree Farm offers choose and cut Fraser firs for
Christmas tree shoppers.

South Creek Vineyard and Winery

2240 South Creek Road, Nebo, NC 28761
828-652-5729
www.southcreekwinery.com

Owners and proprietors James and Mary Rowley purchased South Creek Vineyard
and Winery from founder and original owner Frank Boldon in the summer of 2010,
renovated the 100-year-old farmhouse on the property and relocated from Mocksville
with their dog and three mares to live and maintain their business. South Creek offers
Bordeaux-style wines, event planning and music on the vineyard deck throughout the
summer. Visitors and connoisseurs can enjoy award-winning wines and sunshine on
the deck and can even bring their well-behaved canine companions, as long as they
are on a leash.

Waldensian Heritage Winery

4950 Villar Lane, NE, Valdese, NC 28690
828-879-3202
www.waldensianwinery.com

Silver Fork Winery

5000 Patton Road

Morganton, NC 28655
828-391-8783
www.silverforkwinery.com
In 1992, Larry Kehoe had a vision to start a vineyard in the mountains of western North
Carolina. He planted his first two Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon on roughly
one acre. From there, a budding vineyard grew to 3.5 acres and seven varietals;
Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, Chambourcin,
Tourega Nacional. In 2010, Jennifer Foulides and Ed Wisnieski became apprentices of
grape growing and winemaking under Kehoes mentorship. They planted an additional
1.5 acres of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot and 2 new varietals; Malbec
and Tempranillo, according to the Website. In September, the new owners finished
construction of the winery to welcome the first 2012 harvest. The property spans 32
total acres - five acres of grape vines, rolling hills, wooded trees and two winding
creeks. Silver Creek and White Fork Creek intersect on the property and became the
inspiration for the vineyards namesake. Foulides and Wisnieski added an elegant
tasting room with a wine bar, a deck and patio that offers an impressive view of the
nearby South Mountains. On Saturdays and Sundays, Silver Fork has the Farm to Fork
Eatery, which offers food using organically or locally sourced produce, breads and
cheeses, according to the Website.

The grape-wine process here is mostly natural a year-round cycle that includes
crushing the grapes, fermenting, filtering, blending, bottling and labeling.
No wine is bottled from bulk storage until there is a need or sold until it has at least
one year of aging because to quote an old adage: Life is too short to drink bad wine.
Manual operation of producing quality wines by using Old World techniques, coupled
with some modern equipment and innovations, creates wines that have a true taste
of the grape.

Visitors are welcome to join a conducted tour along with tasting various wines and an
opportunity for purchasing. The Waldensian Heritage Winery is available for parties,
meetings, reunions, wedding events or any scheduled gathering of friends.

foothills community theatre

Quality Local Theater in Marion, NC

20162017 Season to be Announced in July, 2016
See our web site for shows & tickets:
www.fctplays.org

McDOWELL NEWS THE NEWS HERALD 23

Heritage
F U N E R A L S E R V I C E & C R E M ATO RY
Our promise to you:

Celebrating 17 Years of Service to Burke County

n

24 Explore the foothills and Beyond 2016

Lake James
State
Park
offers plethora

of summer
activities
From staff reports

Crowds flock to the beach at Lake James State Park where visitors bronze their
skin, build sandcastles and cool down in the refreshing lake water.

Swimmers
can take
a dip in
Lake James
along the
shoreline at
Lake James
State Park.
A fisherman stands
on the shore of Lake
James and casts
his line. The lake
provides public
access for fishing,
boating or swimming
in designated areas.

Log Cabin Rentals,

Land & Homes for Sale
Hidden Lake
Property Management

Theresa Carr

ACTIVITIES:

Beach swimming:

$5 for adults,

$4 for children ages 3-12.

Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lifeguards on duty
Hiking:

The Holly Discovery Trail,

of a mile

The Mills Creek Loop Trail,

3.6 miles

Picnics:

20 picnic sites along lakeshore

Two large picnic shelters

activities for Burke County residents

and visitors.
Park Ranger Jamie Cameron said a vast
majority of park-goers come to swim at
the beach, but people enjoy the parks
other features as well, such as early
morning and late afternoon hiking.
The Holly Discovery Trail, which opened
to the public last summer, seems to be a
popular park feature.
Its an outstanding, award-winning and
interactive nature trail with 18 different
stations, Cameron said. Its a selfguided trail that teaches children how
to observe the environment with all of
their senses.

First come, first serve basis, or

Cameron said canoe and kayak rentals

are offered from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,
and there are no restrictions on where
boats can enter the water.

With a picturesque view of the

Appalachian Mountain range and 150
miles of mountain-water shoreline, Lake
James State Park offers beautiful scenery
and many family-friendly summertime

Lake James State Park is located at 6883

N.C. Highway 126, Nebo, N.C. 28761. For
more information about special events at
the park, call 828-584-7728 or visit
www.ncparks.gov/lake-james-state-park.

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Get in touch
with nature at
South Mountains
State Park
FEATURES:

Hikers cross a
footbridge on
High Shoals
Falls Loop
trail, one of
several at South
Mountains
State Park.

From staff reports

South Mountains Park Ranger Lance Huss said the park contains 45 miles of hiking
trails and 33 miles of equestrian trails.

High Shoals Falls 80-foot waterfall

45 miles of hiking trails
33 miles of equestrian trails
Equestrian camping facility with 33-stall horse barn
17-mile challenging mountain bike trail
Three picnic areas, one picnic shelter
18 campsites
20 backpacking campsites

Visitors can bring their own horses, he said. There is (also) an equestrian camping
facility with a 33-stall horse barn.
The parks 17-mile mountain bike trail is mainly for people who are looking for a
strenuous and challenging bike ride, Huss said.

With elevations up to 3,000 feet, numerous types of trails and an 80-foot

waterfall, South Mountains State Park has a variety of scenery and activities
for the entire family.
Carved out of the Blue Ridge Mountains and covering more than 18,000 acres,
South Mountains State Park features peaks, knobs and valleys, as well as a
crystal-clear river.

Our mission is to
provide services to
our membership
that will support
economic growth
and encourage
community
involvement.

McDOWELL NEWS THE NEWS HERALD 25

Huss said every weekend on Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer will be
some type of educational program, such as Animals of South Mountains, knot tying
101 and the Beautiful Butterflies program.
Huss said the parks most popular attraction is the High Shoals Falls, where the
Jakob Fork River pours over 80 feet of jagged rock into a large pool of clear water.
South Mountain State Park is located at 3001 S. Mountain Park, Connelly Springs, NC
28612. The hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more information, call 828-433-4772.

Coming together is the beginning.

Keeping together is the progress.

Working Together
Is Success! - Henry Ford

POSITIONING FOR SUCCESS

With a spirit of collaboration and a tenacious drive for innovative

solutions, the McDowell Chamber of Commerce provides a powerful
host of tools and resources for our members and the community.Your
Chamber is invested in the success of McDowell and works to create
opportunities, facilitate economic growth, and promote our area as
an enticing place to live, work, and play.

26 Explore the foothills and Beyond 2016

Foothills Attractions Roundup

Andrews Geyser
Mill Creek Road
Old Fort, NC 28762

Arrowhead Gallery & Studios

78 Catawba Avenue
Old Fort, NC 28762
Phone: 828-668-1100

Blue Ridge Parkway

www.nps.gov/blri
Phone: 800-233-6111

Brown Mountain Lights

NC 181 and NC 183
Linville Falls, NC 28748

Crooked Door Coffee House

Historic Marion Tailgate Market

www.hometownmarion.com
67 West Henderson Street
Marion, NC 28752
Phone: 828-652-2215

Joseph McDowell House

136 US 70
Marion, NC 28752-6200
Email: josephmcdowellhouse@gmail.com
Phone: 828-668-4282

Lake James State Park

Hwy. 126
Nebo, NC 28761
Phone: 828-652-5047
www.ncparks.gov

Linville Caverns

Davidsons Fort Historic Park

Linville Gorge Wilderness Area

www.balkegallery.com
1374 Vein Mountain Road
Nebo, NC 28761
Phone: 828-652-2703

Historic Carson House

www.historiccarsonhouse.com
1805 Highway 70 West
Marion, NC 28752
Phone: 828-724-4948

Historic Downtown Old Fort

25 West Main
Old Fort, NC 28762
Phone: 828-668-4244

Mountain Gateway Museum

www.ncwildlife.org/NewsReleases/092409_
Free_Loaner_Rods_and_Reels_Enhance_
Fishing_Opportunities_at_Old_Fort.htm
102 Water Street
Old Fort, NC 28762
828-668-9259

9440 NC Highway 226-A

Marion, NC 28752
828-765-5289
www.switzerlandcafe.com

19929 US 221 North

Marion, NC 28752
Phone: 800-419-0540
/www.linvillecaverns.com

Don Balke Gallery

www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/momi/main.php
2388 State Highway 128
Burnsville, NC 28714
Email: mount.mitchell@ncmail.net
828-675-4611

Switzerland Cafe

11 N. Main Street
Marion, NC 28752
Phone: 828-652-6216

www.davidsonsfort.com\
Lackey Town Road
Old Fort, NC 28762
Email: davidsonsfort@gmail.com
Phone: 828-668-4831

Mount Mitchell State Park

The Lucky Strike Gold & Gem Mine

www.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/recreation/linville.pdf
Highways 221 and 183
Phone: 828-652-2144

McDowell Arts
Council Association

50 South Main Street

Marion, NC 28752
Email: mcdowellarts@gmail.com
Phone: 828-652-8610
www.mcdowellarts.org

McDowell Quilt Trail

www.mcdowellquilttrail.com

Mountain
Gateway Museum
102 Water Street
Old Fort, NC 28762

Travelers can tour the

McDowell Quilt Trail and see
more than 175 quilt blocks.

Lucky Strike Drive

Vein Mountain, NC 28752
Phone: 828-738-4893
www.luckystrikegoldandgem.com

The Orchard at Altapass

www.altapassorchard.com/
1025 Orchard Road
Altapass, NC 28761
828-765-9531

Information from
mcdowellnc.org

Downtown Lowdown...

McDOWELL NEWS THE NEWS HERALD 27

Family Friday Nights Summer Concert Series

Variety Music ALL Summer Long!

Fireworks Friday Night

Music By: The Tim Clark Band at 7pm

BENTON BLOUNT

Live Music all day featuring: Carson Hill, Pan Jive,
Michael Hefner & Friends,

Day Trips Available

28 Explore the foothills and Beyond 2016

SHERRY BOYD,
M.C.

Adams Bluegrass, LLC Presents:

NO VIDEO OR AUDIO RECORDING

SOUND BY:

A FAMILY FESTIVAL

- 42nd ANNUAL -

BLUE RIDGE SOUND

NORTH CAROLINA STATE

BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

AUGUST 18, 19 & 20, 2016

RICKY SKAGGS &

KENTUCKY THUNDER

1885 US 70 WEST

Grand Ole Opry

(Saturday, 20th)

THE GIBSON BROTHERS

2012-2013 IBMA Entertainer of the Year

(Friday, 19th)

RUSSELL MOORE AND

IIIrd TYME OUT

4-Time - IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year

(Friday, 19th)

DAILEY & VINCENT

2008- 2010 IBMA Entertainer of the Year

(Thursday, 18th)

MARION, NC 28752

Queen of Bluegrass

BALSAM RANGE

THE LITTLE ROY &

LIZZY SHOW

IBMA Entertainer of the Year 2014

(Friday, 19th)

(Saturday, 20th)

RHONDA VINCENT
& THE RAGE

8-Time-IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year

(Friday, 19th)

GOLDWING EXPRESS

DALE ANN BRADLEY

5-Time - IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year

(Thursday, 18th)

Celebrating 25 Years
(Saturday, 20th)

THE CROWE BROTHERS

THE PRIMITIVE QUARTET

Celebrating 40 Years

(Friday, 19th)

(Thursday, 18th)

DRY BRANCH FIRE SQUAD

(Thursday, 18th)

DAVID PARMLEY &

CARDINAL TRADITION

FELLER & HILL AND

THE BLUEGRASS BUCKAROOS

THE GARY WALDREP

BAND

HOT FOOD / CONCESSIONS

(Saturday, 20th)
(Friday, 19th)
(Thursday, 18th)
SHOWTIMES:
Ticket Prices Do Not Include Camping ADVANCE:
AT GATE:
THURSDAY, 12 Noon 10 p.m. (Open stage at 11 a.m.) ..................... $40.00 .................... $45.00
FRIDAY, 12 Noon 11:00 p.m. (Open stage at 11 a.m.) ....................... $40.00 .................... $45.00
SATURDAY, 12:00 Noon 11:00 p.m. (Open stage at 11 a.m.) ............. $40.00 .................... $45.00
3-Day (Weekend Ticket Special) ............................................................... $90.00 ..................... $95.00
Children Ages 7-13, $15.00 per day. ......................................... 3-days $45.00 .................... $50.00
Children Under 7 .........................................................................................FREE with Parent

CAFE SERVING BREAKFAST AND LUNCH!

FOR C AMPING RESERVATIONS PLEASE C ALL 1-800-225-7802

JOE MULLINS &

THE RADIO RAMBLERS
(Thursday, 18th)

FREE CAR PARKING

MUSIC RAIN OR SHINE!
COVERED PAVILION PROVIDED

WE RESERVETHE RIGHTTO REFUSE

ADMISSIONTO ANYONE

PLEASE BRING LAWN CHAIRS

NO HIGH BACK , ROCKERS
OR LOUNGE CHAIRS
Max Size: 39 High 26Wide

(Saturday, 20th)

CUTOFF DATE FOR ADVANCE PRICE - AUGUST 8

LIST OF MOTELS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Security Guards On Duty

NO Alcoholic Beverages, Smoking
or Pets Allowed in Concert Area
Strictly Enforced

NOTHIN FANCY

TO STAY AT THE CAMPGROUND DURING THE FESTIVAL, ALL MEMBERS IN YOUR GROUP MUST EACH PURCHASE A 3-DAY TICKET
Tickets not mailed: processing fee on credit cards: ($3.00 per 3-day ticket, $2.00 per 1-day ticket)

*Order Tickets Online at : adamsbluegrass.com *

For tickets, complete details

and free mailing list, contact:

Adams Bluegrass, LLC

P.O. Box 98
Dahlonega, GA 30533
Phone: (706) 864-7203
www.adamsbluegrass.com

NOTICE!!!
CHAIR POLICY:

FOR 3-DAY TICKET HOLDERS ONLY

All General Admission Seating
PICK UP TICKETS ON
MONDAY AUG. 15,
BEGINNING AT 9:00 AM
AT THE REAR OF THE PAVILLION
PLACE CHAIRS IMMEDIATELY
AFTER PICKING UP TICKETS

Ma CROW AND THE LADY SLIPPERS

All-Female Bluegrass Band

(Saturday, 20th)

NAME
ADDRESS
CITY
Please reserve
at $

STATE
tickets for
each for $

ZIP
(specify day(s))
(Total) NC