Summer Outings and Adventures in the NC High Country
We often hear from our members and their guests that summer days at Elk River Club hold some of the sweetest moments of the year; what a joy it is when our private mountain community is buzzing with activity! From casting your line into the Elk River to playing a round of golf with longtime friends, that first bite of your favorite dish at the Clubhouse, or heading back to the stables after an afternoon on the trails, these are High Country memories in the making.
Little companions are busy enjoying kid’s camp, the bubblers in the pool, leading the way to their favorite parks and trails, catching fireflies, roasting marshmallows, and chasing after their neighborhood friends. There is much to do in the nearby towns we love as well. In today’s post, let’s touch on a few exciting options for these July and August days.
The month started off with the bang of your favorite Fourth of July celebrations, handmade wares at Art on the Greene, outdoor concerts galore, and Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. As we look into upcoming festivities, there is no shortage of summer fun.
Banner Elk’s ‘Summer of Music’ Continues
The sounds of summer echo throughout our region with Concerts in the Park on Thursday nights, live music at The Village of Banner Elk on Friday and Saturday nights, musical performances at Beech Mountain, Banner Elk Winery, Music in the Vineyard at Grandfather Vineyard & Winery, and still more.
Supporting Local Art and Theatre
Two shows remain in Lees-McRae’s Summer Theatre lineup; Sister Act runs July 25–31, and the Roy Krege Scholarship Show featuring America’s Golden Dream Dancers will be held on August 2. Art on the Greene had a fantastic turnout on the Fourth of July weekend, with more color and handmade wares to come from craft vendors on August 1–2.
Shop, Dine, and Unwind Downtown Banner Elk
Banner Elk’s thriving downtown makes an idyllic backdrop for an afternoon of shopping and dining. From resort wear to fine jewelry, art, candles, books, home furnishings, and even something for your beloved pooch, you’re sure to find whatever you fancy. The Banner Elk website maintains a shopping directory to assist with the process. When you’re ready to refuel, there is everything from laid-back pub food to farm-to-table plates, fine dining, savory pies, and of course, an array of sweets including homemade fudge and hand-scooped ice cream (see their restaurant directory).
Waterfall Hikes and Mountain Drives
When the weather is this lovely, a hike or mountain drive is absolutely in order. As you expand your list of must-see waterfalls beyond the recently reopened Elk River Falls, we have two more natural wonders that may appeal to hikers. The first is Crab Orchard Falls, located behind Johnson Hall on the campus of the Valle Crucis Conference Center, which has seen a surge in visitors in recent years. There are two trails offered, considered moderate to slightly strenuous (total elevation gain 324 feet). The newer trail is described as having a “gentler slope up the mountain.” Linville Falls is about a 35-minute drive from Elk River Club, located on Milepost 316.3 – 317 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are moderate and strenuous hikes to this three-tiered waterfall over the Linville Gorge (known as the “Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians”).
As for mountain drives, the High Country Road Trip map has been recently updated and includes a 50-mile loop full of Blue Ridge beauty from Banner Elk to Blowing Rock to Boone, North Carolina. Featuring 500+ possible stops welcoming visitors — attractions, hikes, shops, galleries, restaurants, charming downtowns, and more. Get your free printed copy online or look for it around town.