An Appalachian Summer Festival is a multi- and inter-disciplinary arts festival presenting and producing programs in music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. The festival will forge a unique national identity through artistic excellence, innovative programming, commissioning new works, and educational opportunities.

Outstanding scenery and recreational opportunities make the Blue Ridge Parkway one of the most popular units of the National Park System. "America's Favorite Drive" winds its way 469 miles through mountain meadows and past seemingly endless vistas. Split-rail fences, old farmsteads and historic structures complement spectacular views of distant mountains and neighboring valleys.

The Daniel Boone Native Gardens, located near downtown Boone, N.C., contain an outstanding collection of native Appalachian trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Hundreds of plant varieties provide a progression of blooms throughout the growing season.

Grandfather Mountain is the highest peak in the Blue Ridge mountain range and the only private park in the world designated by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve. Marvel at 360-degree views of mountain ridge after mountain ridge retreating to the horizon and discover sanctuary for the human spirit.

Deep inside of Humpback Mountain lie the Linville Caverns, North Carolina's only caverns. It is said that in 1822 a fisherman noticed trout swimming in and out of the mountain and he began looking for a way to see where they were going. While visiting the caverns you can experience the awe this fisherman felt upon viewing the inside of his discovery.

“When Merle and I started out we called our music ‘traditional-plus,’ meaning the traditional music of the Appalachian region plus whatever other styles we were in the mood to play. Since the beginning, the people of the college and I have agreed that the music of MerleFest is ‘traditional-plus’ and this year’s line-up shows what that is all about.” ~Doc Watson

Mountainhome Music's mission is to celebrate diverse styles of Appalachian performing arts. Mountainhome Music strives to educate and build community through the arts, providing accessible cross-generational experiences.

Annual event held in mid-July in Sugar Grove, NC. This festival started as "Doc Watson Appreciation Day" and now has grown into an all weekend affair. The festival is held at the beautiful Historic Cove Creek School.

Each year, for over 50 years, guests come from all over the world and the United States to visit Mystery Hill. Since there is a variety of things to see and do, no one leaves disappointed. Mystery is a family oriented "edutainment" center that offers fun for children ages 2 to 102. We welcome you to join us at any time of the year.

The Blowing Rock, North Carolina's oldest travel attraction since 1933, is an immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level overhanging Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below. Open all year weather permitting in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

The Riverside General Store is a historic general store and restaurant, offering trail rides, kayak, bicycle, and tube rentals. Campsites on the New River are available. Let us help you plan and cater your next party or corporate event. Open year round.

Meticulously maintained and now listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Tweetsie continues to delight the rail buffs, children and tourists who flock to the cool Blue Ridge Mountains every summer. The appeal of riding an original coal-fired steam train will never die.