April in the High Country is a season of renewal, from Easter blessings and the Easter Bunny to spring festivities, the Farmers Market, and quiet moments on the mountain. There is beauty and activity all around. The month serves as a gentle buffer before the bustling May calendar in our region. Here in our private community, Elk River Club members are counting down the days until the May opening of our beloved Signature Golf Course. Its restoration and revitalization are best experienced in person, and it won’t be much longer! In today’s post, we’re sharing a spring sampling of activities that are sure to fill your days with fresh mountain joy.
Spring Shopping and Dining in Downtown Banner Elk
Downtown Banner Elk recently released an updated “Shop, Dine & Unwind” map highlighting area restaurants, shops, attractions, and more. This “Banner Elk Mile” is filled with local charm and plenty of dining options. Download your copy online or look for it around town. Speaking of shops, we hear The Silver Spur will soon be opening (across from the fire station), with a variety of western clothing, accessories, hats, jewelry, and more. April is an ideal time to take advantage of smaller crowds and support favorite downtown restaurants serving up so much local goodness.
Fresh Produce and Local Wares
The Avery County Farmers Market opens in late April on Thursdays from 3–6 PM. What a wonderful resource for grass-fed meats, farm-fresh vegetables, award-winning honey, fresh flowers, handmade soaps, wood cutting boards, plants, and more. They are located near the Historic Banner Elk School behind Banner Elk Fire & Rescue (follow their Facebook page for special events and updates).
Education Meets Adventure at Grandfather Mountain
The flora and fauna of Grandfather Mountain are active in the spring, making it an ideal time for an educational visit. A few possibilities include:
- Keeper Talks kicked off in late March and are a daily occurrence. In the environmental wildlife area, park educators talk about the habitat animals and oversee enrichment.
- Peaks and Profiles spotlight the mountain’s weather, climate, and flora and fauna.
- Animal Encounters feature off-display educational animals at the habitat path above the otter habitat (select dates).
- Random Acts of Science in the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery focuses on native plants and animals, weather instruments, minerals, tiny organisms, and more.
Paddle Board on Price Lake
The serene waters of Price Lake at Julian Price Park are inviting you for a visit! Rentals for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards resume on April 3 (Friday-Sunday) on this 47-acre lake, with an expanded schedule in late May. Beyond the water, there are several hiking trails, from easy to strenuous. We recommend the Price Lake Trail, an easy 2.7-mile loop around the shoreline of the lake, accented by low-growing evergreens and seasonal visits by ducks and loons.
All Aboard at Tweetsie Railroad
If you’re searching for a family-friendly activity this month, Tweetsie Railroad opens on weekends beginning April 4. Nestled between Boone & Blowing Rock, the railroad has been delighting families since 1957. Activities range from amusement rides to train rides, live entertainment, Deer Park Zoo, gem mining, arcade games, dining, shops, and more.
We’re looking forward to these and many more spring memories as Opening Day approaches in our close-knit community.