* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Blue Ridge Explorer The Official eNewsletter of Blue Ridge National Heritage Area January 2007 www.blueridgeheritage.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Winter is a magical time in the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. Whether you are a hardy outdoors type seeking adventures on the ski slopes or perhaps a winter hike to the top of the highest peak east of the Mississippi, or if you're more inclined to curl up at the lodge with a good book in front of the fireplace, you'll find something to love in the North Carolina mountains! * * * * * * TO SKI OR NOT TO SKI Confessions of a Fireside Observer... The ski resorts of Western North Carolina attract thousands of visitors each year. Some come to ski downhill or cross-country, others to snowboard, tube, sled or ice skate. Others prefer to view the snow through a picture window at the lodge while hunkered down in front of a roaring fire, hot drink in one hand, a good book in the other. Whatever your preference, Western North Carolina ski resorts have something for everyone in the family. Ski areas are generally open from Thanksgiving through the end of March with groomed slopes for skiers of all ages and abilities. All offer classes, individual season passes, and the Gold Card unlimited access to all ski facilities. The seven major ski resorts within the region include: • Appalachian Ski Mountain, in Blowing Rock http://www.appskimtn.com/ • Cataloochee Ski Area, in Maggie Valley http://www.cataloochee.com/ • Sapphire Valley Ski Area, between Brevard and Cashiers http://www.skisapphire.com/ • Ski Beech, near Boone, the highest ski area in Eastern North America http://www.skibeech.com/ • Hawksnest Golf & Ski Resort, near Banner Elk http://www.skihawk.com/ • Sugar Mountain Resort, in Banner Elk http://www.skisugar.com/ • Wolf Ridge Ski Resort, 30 min. north of Asheville http://www.skiwolfridgenc.com/ Scaly Mountain Outdoor Sports Park, in far western North Carolina, near the Georgia border, is a family-oriented resort offering snow tubing only. http://www.scalymountain.com/ To learn more about the ski opportunities in the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, go to: http://www.skinorthcarolina.com/ * * * * * * THE "STICK SEASON" Some of the locals call winter in Western North Carolina the "stick season" because the leafless trees seem to stretch their bare branches - their sticks - into the frosty air. Though some bemoan the passing of the glorious leaves of autumn, "stick season" is a favorite for many hikers, because the views from the mountaintops are simply spectacular. At no other time of year is the air so clear or the vistas so dramatic, and as an extra treat, hikers often encounter the exquisite rime ice that shimmers from the "sticks" at higher elevations. Numerous hiking clubs in the area host guided hikes along the myriad trails that lace through the mountains. Visit our Web site for information about favorite hiking trails: http://www.blueridgeheritage.com/OutdoorAdventures/OutdoorActivities/hiking.html Click here for list of the major hiking clubs and general information and news about winter hiking in the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area: http://www.hikewnc.info/index.html * * * * * * WINTERFEST IN BLOWING ROCK Western North Carolina winter-lovers look forward to this annual event where concern about snow and cold weather give way to three days of celebration sure to warm the cockles of the heart. This year's Winterfest is Jan. 25-28 and kicks off with "Winterfeast," a dinner of culinary delights from the fine restaurants in the area. Throughout the weekend, there will be free hot chocolate and hayrides, a play, children's activities, and of course, shopping. Other special events include the Frosty 5K Run, the "Polar Plunge" into Chetola Lake, the Chili Challenge cookoff and tasting, an ice carving contest, and wine tasting and auction. Musical performances are scheduled throughout the festival, and bonfires will light the night. For more details, click here: http://www.blowingrockwinterfest.com/ * * * * * * COZY PLANNING Author J.B. Priestley said that a good deal of the pleasure of travel lies in the "cozy planning" that takes place by the fireside months ahead of the journey. January is the ideal time to start planning your warm weather trip to the mountains of Western North Carolina. The website of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area is the perfect place to begin. At www.blueridgeheritage.com, not only will you find a rich resource about the history and heritage of the area, but also an incredible array of links to everything from National Parks and Forests, scenic byways, and outdoor adventure opportunities to museums, music, craft and Cherokee highlights that will make your vacation truly special. On our Visitor Information page, you will find links to every Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Office in the region, as well as the three "Host" groups, all of whom can help you decide where to stay, eat, and play. Blue Ridge Website: http://www.blueridgeheritage.com/ Visitor Information Page: http://www.blueridgeheritage.com/visit/visitorinformation.html * * * * * * TIME FOR A GOOD BOOK Fireside at the lodge après-ski, curled on a couch with a cozy blanket, or nestled in a favorite armchair, readers find winter the perfect time to dive into a good book. Many Western North Carolinians are participating in a region-wide reading program called "Together We Read," in which they read one book chosen by the group as that year's selection. This year's book is a fascinating and thought-provoking novel, "Saints at the River," by Ron Rash, professor at Western Carolina University. A tragic accident in a Wild and Scenic River in Southern Appalachia brings to public scrutiny the long and bitter conflict between those who work to protect the pristine river and those who encourage development. Values and traditions of Southern Appalachia are woven into the story, giving readers a glimpse into modern-day life in the region. "Together We Read": http://www.togetherweread.org/ * * * * * * * * * * This eNewsletter is provided by the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. You have previously expressed an interest in the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. We hope you will enjoy these periodic advertisements about the what to see and do in the beautiful North Carolina mountains. Visit the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Web site for more information. Blue Ridge National Heritage Area 3 General Aviation Drive, Fletcher, NC 28732 Subscription Information: You are subscribed as %%EMAIL%% Please click here to unsubscribe: %%HYPERLINK:Opt_Out#SPOPTOUT#SPOPTOUT#%%