North Carolina's High County, Ashe County, and West Jefferson

The Bed and Breakfast Store

2011-04-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

The Bed and Breakfast Store online catalog is now published! Check it out at www.thebedandbreakfaststore.com and see for yourself. Doc, the Innkeeper at Buffalo Tavern, decided to produce a catalog that would only feature quality items found at top-notch bed and breakfasts. The catalog has a small number of items now, but will grow larger over time and Doc finds merchandise that is good enough to be in the store! Keep checking back!

The Bed and Breakfast Store!

2011-01-09T10:43:00.000-08:00

Doc is pleased to announce that very soon his online store will be open! The web site is www.thebedandbreakfaststore.com and will feature only items found at quality bed and breakfasts. It will be unique and one-of-a-kind! Keep checking back. You'll love what we have to offer!

The Fall Has Arrived and Almost Left!

2010-11-18T17:59:00.000-08:00

Well, it's beginning to look like winter here in our mountains of NW North Carolina. But not to worry...there's lots to do here then too. Have you considered cutting your own Christmas tree with our Choose n Cut program here in Ashe County? Our stores are open and have lots of great country Christmas things to purchase! Our ski slopes in Watauga and Avery Counties will be opening soon! And Buffalo Tavern Bed and Breakfast is here to welcome you "home" after a cold winter day with our usual warmth. Fireplaces included! Could we interest you in a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of wine to warm you up?

The Season Has Arrived!

2010-05-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

Our wonderful spring season has arrived in the mountains of NW North Carolina! Everything is green, the flowers are beginning to bloom, and as the "ole" times tell me, it's time to bring out the potted plants! It's also time to make your reservations for spending time in the High Country. Rooms and availability fill quickly during this season. Don't miss your opportunity to come visit Ashe County!

We are GEARING up to Welcome YOU!

2010-03-11T05:02:00.000-08:00

Coffee Houses in West Jefferson and Ashe Habitat for Humanity

2009-11-19T07:24:00.000-08:00

If you haven't had the chance to visit Bohemia or West Jefferson Coffee House, don't miss out on some wonderful coffee, snacks, and hometown atmosphere when in town. Suzy and Terry at Bohemia and Julie at West Jefferson are great hosts! This winter watch for our Mystery Nights (Who done it?) hosted at the two coffee houses and as a benefit for Ashe County Habitat for Humanity! Loads of fun for all!

FALL AND WINTER IS SPECTACULAR!

2009-10-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

If you think that you wouldn't enjoy the mountains of Ashe County during the winter, think again! They are beautiful and awesome covered in white! West Jefferson is alive and busy. Restaurants are serving up great food. We are here to welcome you. Come to Ashe County this winter and enjoy our hospitality and experience our mountains.

#1 Bed and Breakfast in Ashe County

2009-06-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

I was pleased to learn that the Mountain Times' People's Choice Awards selected Buffalo Tavern as the #1 Bed and Breakfast in Ashe County. It was a surprise and certainly welcome. I know that we have some fine establishments in Ashe County and I am excited that Buffalo Tavern was so recognized. Doc, Innkeeper

A PERFECT DAY IN ASHE COUNTY FOR MY GUESTS!

2009-02-19T11:10:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to write a little article about a perfect day in Ashe County for my guests. It will be published on ILOVEINNS.com; they asked me to write it. I thought I would put it here on my blog....A PERFECT DAY!

Filled with pristine green forests of Fraser firs and towering Appalachian mountain peaks, Ashe County, tucked in the far northwest corner of North Carolina, is the perfect destination for some time away. Once known as the “Lost Province” and a favorite hunting place of pioneer Daniel Boone, Ashe County, with West Jefferson and Jefferson as its largest towns, is now a thriving and vibrant community of arts, antiques, adventures, and activities.

Located just 6 ½ miles northwest of West Jefferson and directly in the middle of Ashe County is a quaint and rustic old farmhouse known now as Buffalo Tavern Bed and Breakfast. Built in 1872 and having served as a way station for travelers coming from Tennessee to Jefferson in the days of horse-drawn travel, the Tavern still serves guests who enjoy the peace of these enchanting mountains. The area, known as the Buffalo Community, still thrives as its own special area of the county.

Spending a perfect day in the area is easy! After a full country breakfast at Buffalo Tavern, prepared and served by Doc, the Innkeeper, guests should head to downtown West Jefferson where they will find many small shops and over a dozen art galleries, filled with many works produced by local artists. A visit to Sally Mae’s Emporium, located on Jefferson Avenue, is a must as it is filled with hundreds of fascinating local antiques and artifacts. During the spring through fall seasons, the local farmers’ market is open.

The four-stop-light downtown area is totally walkable. While there, visit Ashe County Cheese Factory. It is the only cheese factory in the entire state of North Carolina and has been in continuous operation since 1930. Be sure to sample! When finished exploring, stop by Bohemia Coffeehouse, on Jefferson Avenue, or West Jefferson Coffee House, located on Back Street, and have a latte while viewing more artwork and hearing the sounds of country music in the background.

On the way out of town, plan a stop at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church on Beaver Creek School Road. This tiny white church boasts three of the famous frescoes painted by artist Ben Long. Just to sit in the back of the church and gaze at these beautiful and inspiring wall paintings is worth an extra 30 minutes! If you have time, there are also more frescoes at the Holy Trinity Church in Glendale Springs, south of town.

When you leave the church, turn left and head back to Jefferson Avenue. Make a quick right and then a quick left turn on US 221 and you’ll see Mt. Jefferson, towering straight ahead. The mountain, a stop on the “Underground Railroad” during the 1800s, sits majestically at nearly 5000 feet. The Mt. Jefferson State Park has two overlooks which have panoramic views of the county and, at the top, a picnic area and hiking trail for those who wish to experience the beauty of this mountain and the area. It’s a great place to stop for a bring-your-own picnic lunch!

Guests should always keep their eyes open while traveling for some of Ashe County’s “Barn Art.” Known as the Barn Quilts Project and located throughout the county, residents and artists have painted unique and one-of-a-kind art on the sides of barns. Each has its own personal touch. Without a doubt, they are beautiful!

A visit to Ashe County wouldn’t be complete without exploring the New River, one of the oldest rivers in the country. The River is 320 miles long and flows northward into Virginia and West Virginia. After leaving Mt. Jefferson, turn right and head through Jefferson to Rt. 16 south. You can see Zaloo’s Canoes on the right. Here you can gently canoe on the River for a relaxing afternoon and really know that you are in the country!

When you are finished, dry off and head back to Buffalo Tavern to get refreshed (and take a nap) before your evening out. Having dinner at Fraser’s or Matthew’s 102 North is a treat! Each restaurant boasts fine dining at reasonable prices. Both have their own unique atmosphere, Fraser’s being modern and comfortable with Barbara and Nigel as the owners, and Matthew’s 102 North, a Rod Stewart-type eatery with a cabin feel. For a sports bar atmosphere, visit Black Jack’s on Jefferson Avenue. Excellent Italian fare can be found at Brickstone Pizza and Pasta in downtown.

To top off your evening, why not stop by Good Ole Days ice cream parlor, next door to Brickstone, and order a double scoop ice cream cone of your favorite flavor! Now that’s a way to finish a wonderful meal in Ashe County!

That’s the perfect day in West Jefferson and Ashe County, North Carolina. And Buffalo Tavern Bed and Breakfast, with Innkeeper Doc, is your home-away-from-home for a relaxing break in the stunningly-beautiful mountains of northwest North Carolina!

Welcome to our little corner of America.

02/19/2009

January 20, 2009; Inauguration Day

2009-01-21T20:19:00.000-08:00

I, along with millions and millions of Americans, watched the transition of power in these United States. It happened peacefully, without incident. What a great country we live in!

Regardless of our political affiliation, President Obama is our leader and I, for one, respect how he has energized and returned hope to us. I penned a little poem about Inauguration day:

America cried today,
Not for pain or sorrow,
But for hope, for promise,
Tomorrow.

Tomorrow, God said, has come
To these United States;
A new beginning, a new era,
Ours to take.

Here's the President's Inauguration speech. It defines us. And does a great job at that!

Inaugural Address
By President Barack Hussein Obama
My fellow citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you've bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors.
I thank President Bush for his service to our nation -- (applause) -- as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we, the people, have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears and true to our founding documents.
So it has been; so it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost, jobs shed, businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly, our schools fail too many -- and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable, but no less profound, is a sapping of confidence across our land; a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this America: They will be met. (Applause.)
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas that for far too long have strangled our politics. We remain a young nation. But in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness. (Applause.)
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted, for those that prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated, but more often men and women obscure in their labor -- who have carried us up the long rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life. For us, they toiled in sweatshops, and settled the West, endured the lash of the whip, and plowed the hard earth. For us, they fought and died in places like Concord and Gettysburg, Normandy and Khe Sahn.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions, greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week, or last month, or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions -- that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America. (Applause.)
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of our economy calls for action, bold and swift. And we will act, not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We'll restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions, who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short, for they have forgotten what this country has already done, what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage. What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them, that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.
The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account, to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day, because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched. But this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control. The nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity, on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart -- not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good. (Applause.)
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers -- (applause) -- our Founding Fathers, faced with perils that we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man -- a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience sake. (Applause.)
And so, to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born, know that America is a friend of each nation, and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity. And we are ready to lead once more. (Applause.)
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with the sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort, even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we'll work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet.
We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense. And for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken -- you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you. (Applause.)
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West, know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. (Applause.)
To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist. (Applause.)
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders, nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the role that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who at this very hour patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages.
We honor them not only because they are the guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service -- a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves.
And yet at this moment, a moment that will define a generation, it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all. For as much as government can do, and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends -- honesty and hard work, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism -- these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.
What is demanded, then, is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility -- a recognition on the part of every American that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world; duties that we do not grudgingly accept, but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship. This is the source of our confidence -- the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny. This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed, why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall; and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served in a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath. (Applause.)
So let us mark this day with remembrance of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At the moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words to be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."
America: In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America. (Applause.)

I have hope for America.
Doc, Innkeeper

You are Here: Home > The Briefing Room > The Blog

ASHE COUNTY'S HABITAT FOR HUMANITY IS OFFICIAL

2008-10-20T17:15:00.000-07:00

Ashe County finally has its approval to be an official Habitat for Humanity chapter (county). The approval was given on or about October 1, 2008.

"Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. Habitat seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make a decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. People of all backgrounds, races, and religions build houses together in partnership with families in need."

There have been more than 250,000 homes buit around the world! Now Ashe County will have the chance to build homes together for families who need good, affordable housing!

Habitat is NOT a giveaway program. Families who are selected must participate fully in the process, including giving a lot of sweat equity to their project and others. Families must qualify too.

Habitat needs your help and donations. Contact Brian "Doc" Adams, 336-877-9080, and he will put you in contact with the right people. Doc will also be able to arrange for a speaker to come to your organization or club to discuss Ashe County's Habitat for Humaity.

Thanks! Happy Building!

Doc

Sharing My Carpenter!

2008-07-01T08:27:00.001-07:00

I promised that I would share information about EXCELLENT craftsmen who I have used here in Ashe County. I have another one to share with the public, a master carpenter by the name of Rick Caine.

Rick did all the remodeling at my place from last summer through this past spring. He changed a bathroom out to a storage room, built a deck on the side of the house, remodeled an old summer kitchen and (broken down) storage area into my sleeping area with bathroom and closet (It's my "Cabin in the Woods."), and then remodeled another bedroom, middle room, and bathroon into a beautiful suite. This is not to mention the many other little projects Rick did along the way as we saw things that had to be done.

Rick is an honest and intersted master carpenter with some great ideas! He can be trusted to do a great job for you too.

Call Rick at 336-977-2112. You won't be disappointed!

Christmas in July

2008-06-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

Next Saturday, July 5, Ashe County and West Jefferson celebrate Christmas in July. Don't miss it!

"Christmas in July is a one-day-only, free-admission event featuring the very best in traditional mountain music and handmade crafts from throughout the Northwest Mountains of North Carolina.. Nowhere else will you find such an excellent array of food, fun and festivities for the entire family than at Christmas in July! We are one of the best, old-fashioned summer festivals in the south, drawing more than 20,000 visitors in one day, with more than 20 mouth-watering food vendors, juried crafts, fantastic children’s activities, foot-stompin’ bluegrass music and more!"

Plan to join us here in the beautiful mountains of NW North Carolina for Christmas in July!

About Ashe County:One Tank Trips...From Raleigh

2008-06-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

The Raleigh Chronicle, Raleigh, North Carolina published this fantasic article about Ashe County and West Jefferson on June 6, 2008. It's a great article and I thought you might like to read it!

WEST JEFFERSON, NC - As I’m driving into West Jefferson, NC, on Hwy 221, the first things I notice are clear blue skies and the lack of tail-lights on the two-lane road. My window is down and a mountainside of aromatic Fraser fir trees sneaks in. On my right, a small herd of buffalo grazes on the hillside beside a serene lake.

I feel like checking to see if this is a leftover set from Last of the Mohicans. But my directions offer no reference to the movie, but just that I’m headed into Ashe County, which is wedged into the upper-most northwestern corner of North Carolina, bordering Tennessee and Virginia. It’s been a 3-hour drive from downtown Raleigh, but well worth it as the Friday afternoon air is sweet with blossoms and plants waking up to a late mountain spring. The high clouds to the east, hovering over the Blue Ridge Parkway, are headed out of the area. To the west, only a spectacular sunset awaits as I make the turn off the highway and head toward downtown West Jefferson.

I search for dinner and find myself torn between Frasers – an upscale bistro style restaurant with a lively pub – and the choice of driving out to the Glendale Springs Inn – a beautiful turn of the century farmhouse serving a full dinner menu and a large selection of wine.

It’s still early, however, so I park the car and settle into a smart little café called T. Gray’s. A jazz trio is melting the air and the place is filling up with singles. Clearly, this is one of the local watering holes.

Other options for nightlife include Frasers Pub, also with live music – usually classical guitar or R&B – or a little place called Bohemia, where you can get a local wine to go with your bluegrass or Celtic music – a pleasantly surprising number of choices for a town of this size.

Then there’s the question of “where to stay?” One choice is Buffalo Tavern Bed & Breakfast, a quaint four-bedroom inn with a beautiful view of Bluff Mountain. Managed by a retired professor, innkeeper “Doc” Adams keeps guests entertained with stories amidst the opulence of this 100-plus year-old waystation sitting on an old buffalo trail. Another is River House Country Inn, featuring along a mile of riverfront on the New River surrounded by 180 acres of mountains and hiking trails.

The inn has eight beautiful rooms, with three additional spacious cabins close by, and all include a plentiful breakfast in the price of the room.

To fill your weekend with activities, there are many options around Ashe County. The best hiking is Mount Jefferson State Park, which looms high above the area with an elevation of 4,400 feet.

Be sure to check out the Summit Trail and the Rhododendron Trail for breathtaking overlooks. These hikes are rated moderate to strenuous but the views are worth the effort!

You can also visit another state park, this one at the river level. The New River State Park has a first-class, brand-new Visitors Center loaded with exhibits and things to do.

Here you’ll enjoy the beauty of out-of-the way rugged hillsides, pastoral meadows and bucolic farmlands that surround the river.

The New River flows 320 miles north through Virginia and into West Virginia, and a float trip up the river provides beautifully scenic vistas.

Etched into the valleys prior to the formation of the Appalachian Mountains, and was dedicated as a National Scenic River in 1976. The New River is said to be about 300 million years old – the oldest river in America – second only to the Nile as the oldest river in the world.

Within Ashe County, the river is split into two branches; the North Fork and the South Fork. Of these, the South Fork is the most developed for recreational use. Because of its shallow, gentle waters, the South Fork of the river is ideal for canoeing, kayaking and tubing, while the North Fork is a more wild and undeveloped section of the river, preferred by some of the more experienced canoe enthusiasts.

Higher water levels occur during May and June, and August and September are low-flow, lazy floating months. Six outfitters, such as Riverside Canoe and Tube Rentals, offer canoes, kayaks and inner tubes.

On weekends at the Riverside General Store, owner Bryan Morrison provides plenty of good food, music and down-home camaraderie on the banks of the New River.

One Tank Trips is a monthly column about road trips to great destinations within a gas tank’s range of Raleigh.

Send us your ideas for future trips or stops along the way we shouldn’t miss to onetanktrips@raleighdowntowner.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jack Glasure is Chief Marketing Officer at French/West/ Vaughan and can be contacted at jglasure@fwv-us.com.ON THE WEB: For more on Ashe County and the surrounding area, visit the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce website:http://www.ashechamber.com

Hey LOOK! It's the Ninth Annual Gallery Crawl in West Jefferson!

2008-06-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

Be sure NOT to miss one of the five upcoming Gallery Crawls in West Jefferson. They take place the second Friday of each month from June through October. That's June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, and October 10. Gallery Crawls run from 5 till 8 p.m. and feature "new, creative, and innovative works by Ashe County's leading artists." To quote from the Ashe County Arts Council's newsletter, "Each gallery will give visitors an opportunity to meet artists and see a first-hand look at the array of artistic talent that's here in Ashe County." This is the ninth year of Gallery Crawls! Admission is free; refreshments and in-gallery promotions abound.

Galleries featured include Acorn, Ashe Arts Center, Ashe Custom Framing, Backstreet Beads, Bohemia, Broomfields, Originals Only, River Rock, RT Morgan Art, Smart, Spin a Yarn...Weave a Web, Stephen Shoemaker Studio, and Tin Roof.

Be sure to plan to be in West Jefferson this season for our Gallery Crawls.

When You Find A Good Professional, Keep 'Um!

2008-05-19T17:59:00.000-07:00

Having lived in Ashe County a little less than two years, I have had my chance to run through the list of people who don't really understand the meaning of "showing up" and/or getting the job done. However, I now know some good folks who do show up and fix the plumbing or beautify the property or remodel your home, room, or deck. So, periodically, I want to share with my blog readers the names of some of those who have done the job and who do show up and take seriously the meaning of professional! I think it important!

Need landscaping done? Need someone to test your lawn and soil? Need someone to help you get your property ready for building? I have the man....Call Jason Roark, Gradescapes LLC at www.gradescapesllc.com or phone 1-828-406-9293. He'll do the job right! He's done a great job for me!

Have a great week!

Doc

Ashe Chamber's First Accommodations Road Show!

2008-05-06T16:40:00.000-07:00

Today, I had the pleasure of participating in the Ashe Chamber of Commerce's "Accommodations Road Show." The Chamber realized, as did many members who were involved in the accommodations business, that many of us had not seen other properties in the county. Sometimes, we have requests that we cannot fill and need to gladly recommend someplace for a potential guest to stay while in our beautiful Ashe County. It was a great success; we all learned about properties and will certainly be able to recommend! Thanks, Ashe Chamber!

The road trip took us in some absolutely pristine and stunning areas of the county with beautiful, majestic mountains, valleys, lush and green, plowed fields ready to be planted for spring, old barns and barn art, and pretty white churches dotting the countryside. Ashe County is a jewel in North Carolina and should not be missed!

Come "Fiddle Around in Ashe County" with us.

It was a good day.

Doc

The Birds of Ashe County and The Giving Tree

2008-05-01T06:02:00.000-07:00

I put some bird feeders out last week and, of course, bought some bird seed...three kinds of it. I really didn't know what kind of seeds certain birds may enjoy, so I just made a selection. I assumed they had their likes and dislikes. Anyway, it's now out and the birds are having a feast!

One of the places I put a specially-built feeder, a little house without walls but a roof, was on the stump of a very old tree that was in my front yard. That old tree was sort of like the story from the children's book, The Giving Tree. How many years had its beauty given happiness to people who could marvel at its enormous size and stately look!

Sadly, I had to have that beautiful tree cut down last year; it was getting rotten and a huge limb had fallen very close to my house. But I asked the folks who cut it down (It took three days!) to leave the stump, a large one at that! It was sort of like that giving tree.

So today the birds are sharing in the feast of the bird feed I put out for them in the Giving Tree bird feeder. They can rest safely on that old stump in the little house and know that probably someone is watching them and enjoying it as much as the beauty the old tree once had for all of us who sat on the front porch and marveled.

Have a great day! Plant a tree. Feed a bird....

Doc

MerleFest is Back!

2008-04-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

The annual MerleFest is taking place this weekend on the campus of Wilkesboro Community College, about 25 miles from West Jefferson. It's a music festival that draws thousands and thousands of folks each year. Areas like Ashe County and, indeed, the whole High Country benefit from MerleFest each year with people staying in our area, eating at our restaurants, and shopping at our excellent stores in between attending the Festival. Check it out at www.merlefest.org Come to MerleFest next year and enjoy four days of spectacular venues and musical delights! Doc

Antique Shopping in Ashe County??

2008-04-19T18:44:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share a personal experience about buying some antiques for my place in furnishing a new room. I spent quite a bit of time at Antiques on Main in West Jefferson, wandering around the store(s) and gazing at all the merchandise there. Of course, it's kind of an overload sometime, so many times I have to return and look again to see what I might have "missed" the first time around. But when I went to Antiques on Main, I found such friendly and helpful folks. And even now I can just stop in and see Woodie, the owner, and chat with him and/or his other local friends about our Ashe County, its history, or whatever. I don't have to buy anything! We have many businesses in Ashe County like that. Come visit us and see for yourself!!! Have a great week next week! Doc

Ever Heard of Bluff Mountain??

2008-04-17T12:33:00.000-07:00

Ashe County is lucky to have within its borders a most interesting mountain, Bluff Mountain. Twenty five hundred acres on the moutain is owned by the Nature Conservency; they control the access to the summit and a large portion of the moutain. It is possible for guests to make a reservation and hike the moutain with a guide provided. There is a nominal fee. The hike is of medium difficulty and about 2 miles. The guide provides a most interesting opportunity to learn about the many, many types of flora there are on Bluff. There are 19 spots where the guide provides a talk and information. I am told that there are 11 distinct ecologies on the mountain---11! There is a 2 acre fen at the top of Bluff.
Soon, Bluff Mountain will be turning back to green and in the fall, orange and red and yellow and all those spectacular colors of autumn. Plan a trip to the area soon!
Take a moment to look up Bluff Moutain with your favorite search engine and you will see that this mountain is one of the most unique in the entire Appalachian chain. I can look at Bluff Mountain from my front porch! Doc

It's the Hospitality CAFE!

2008-04-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

The Ashe Chamber of Commerce and its Tourism Development Committee hosted the first Hospitality CAFE on April 7. It was a great success! Designed to promote Ashe County, the CAFE's purpose was met. As a proud member of the Ashe Chamber, I am placing a link here to the information and some pictures of the event... Enjoy! Doc

http://www.ashechamber.com/enews232.htm

Springtime's Almost Here...

2008-04-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

If you haven't had the chance to see our Ashe County springtime, you're missing something special. Today it's windy and cool, but the grass is green and some flowers are sprouting out of the ground. Our High County and Ashe County, once called "The Lost Province", is a great place to be spending some time. If you don't know much about Ashe County and would like to learn more, check these sites, www.ashecountydirectory.com, www.ashechamber.com, or www.visitashecounty.com. I use these sites all the time to learn more about the activities and happenings and special places in West Jefferson, Ashe County, and North Carolina's High County! Doc

My First Blog!

2008-04-11T19:01:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone. I just returned from a Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII) conference in Anaheim, California. During the conference it was suggested that we start a blog. I thought that it would be a good idea to blog my thoughts now and then on the High Country and the happenings in our area for all those who visit me here. So, stay tuned for more! It's going to be great to be a "blogger"! Doc