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In addition to 4 incorporated towns, Watauga County has numerous
unique communities, each with their own flavor. If you are online,
clicking on the links will take you each town’s Chamber
of Commerce site or other reference site for more detailed information.
BOONE
Boone, incorporated in 1872, is named for Daniel Boone, who
had explored and hunted in the region in the mid-1700’s.
A monument to Daniel Boone has been erected on the site of his
log cabin, which is now a campus landmark of Appalachian State
University.
Boone has emerged as the region’s commercial hub, with
a thriving, diversified economy. Home to Horn in the West outdoor
drama, Appalachian State University, a regional medical center,
numerous art galleries and wonderful shopping, Boone is known
as the “Heart of the High Country.” Historic downtown
Boone is worth a trip in itself. Quaint local shops and restaurants
are anchored by three historic High Country businesses: Farmer’s
Hardware, Boone Drug and the Mast General Store.
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BLOWING ROCK
Blowing Rock began its life as a summer residence for wealthy
southerners, looking for cooler temperatures. Though it has
grown over the years, it still maintains its quaint downtown,
filled with unique shops and fabulous restaurants. Mountain
mansions still dot the ridgeline, mixed with cottages, bed
and breakfasts and modern condos. Home of Moses Cone Manor,
Appalachian Ski Mountain, Blowing Rock Golf & County Club,
the historic Green Park Inn and many other popular destinations,
the area is named after, and is perhaps most famous for, The
Blowing Rock. The Blowing Rock is North Carolina’s oldest
travel attraction since 1933.
BEECH
MOUNTAIN
The highest town in eastern America, the town of Beech Mountain
sits at an elevation of 5,506-feet, and temperatures rarely
exceed 72 degrees. Ski Beech is the southeast’s highest
ski resort, with 15 slopes and 10 lifts, and the Village of
Ski Beech offers shopping, ice-skating and tubing.
Beech Mountain includes a private country club with world-class
mountain golf, tennis, dining and private ski-lodge facilities,
quiet fishing lakes, unique shopping, wonderful restaurants,
community parks, guided hiking trips, sledding and so much
more.
In addition to skiing and golf, Beech Mountain has numerous
opportunities for outdoor enjoyment including fishing, hiking,
sledding and cycling. Lance Armstrong trained on the roads
of Beech Mountain for his comeback on the Tour duPont.
SEVEN
DEVILS
Seven Devils is home to Hawksnest Ski Resort and Golf Course.
In the shadow of Grandfather Mountain, though certainly high
enough to cast its own shadow, Seven Devils is situated directly
between Banner Elk and Boone. Nearby Foscoe is known for its
summertime large flea market and antique district, including
a custom dulcimer shop.
Several area
communities have web sites:
COVE
CREEK
A beautiful rural community with a proud heritage. Home
of the Doc Watson Music Festival and the Doc and Merle Watson
Folk Art Museum, the historic old Cove Creek School was
placed on the National Register of Historic Places in June
of 1998. The second floor and part of the first floor of
the building are leased to provide economic development
space for businesses that will offer new jobs in this rural
area.
VALLE
CRUCIS
Nestled in a picturesque mountain valley, Valle Crucis is
the first rural historic district designated by the state.
Designed to preserve the historic and rural character of
the community, it helps protect the area surrounding the
Mission School Conference Center, a complex of turn-of-the-century
buildings including an 1840’s log cabin. Protected
as well are the Mast General Store, c. 1882, a National
Historic Landmark and Mast Farm Inn, c. 1885, listed on
the National Register of Historic Places.
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