BOONE — Howard Knob Park has reopened after a nearly $2.2 million upgrade, capped by a horseshoe-shaped overlook that opens the peak’s panoramic views to visitors of all abilities for the first time.
LINVILLE — For four days each July, the plaintive skirl of bagpipes fills the meadows each day (and night, at the camps). Men in tartan kilts … Read moreThrough rain and reverence: Grandfather Mountain Highland Games celebrate 70 years of Scottish heritage
Editor’s note: This article features news and photos from past editions of the Watauga Democrat. Read moreThis week in the archives: Population increase, a new town question, firefighters return home
HIGH COUNTRY — Gov. Josh Stein has signed a sweeping update of North Carolina’s winter sports law that will make it a Class 1 misdemeanor to s… Read moreNew ski safety law shields resorts, adds skier duties and criminal penalties
VALLE CRUCIS — Established in the wake of Hurricane Helene, Mast Store’s Mountain Strong Fund awarded donations resulting from the sale of Mou… Read moreMast Store’s Mountain Strong Fund reaches $238K in donations to support Hurricane Helene relief
BLOWING ROCK — A food pantry operating out of Rumple Church in Blowing Rock has expanded its reach across Watauga County with a new mobile pantry. Read moreMobile pantry delivering food to rural Watauga communities
VALLE CRUCIS —The colors, flavors, sights and sounds of harvest season in the Blue Ridge Mountains come together on Oct. 17 when the Valle Cou… Read more48th annual Valle Country Fair set for Oct. 17
BLOWING ROCK — What began as a farmers market stand built on a surplus of backyard eggs has grown into a downtown Blowing Rock storefront. Read moreColorful pasta business finds new home, new name on Blowing Rock’s Main Street
WATAUGA — In late June, student volunteers rebuilt decks, replaced roofs and floors, and cleared storm debris for some of Watauga County’s mos… Read more'Restoring safety, dignity and hope': World Changers repair High Country homes
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WATAUGA — Even in rural mountain counties where residents enjoy a slower pace of life, cell phones are an unavoidable must for locals staying … Read moreA High Country How-to-Guide: Staying connected ahead of Carolina West Wireless transition
BOONE – The Boone Town Council kicked off the first meeting of July by honoring Dr. Elizabeth “Bettie” Bond’s contribution to the community an… Read moreTown Council honors Bettie Bond for her years of service
WNC — The North Carolina Emergency Management Helene Disaster Case Management (DCM) Program … Read moreNorth Carolina’s Helene disaster case management program extended through Jan. 22
BLOWING ROCK – The Blowing Rock Town Council will convene Tuesday, July 14, at 6 p.m. in Tow… Read moreBlowing Rock council to weigh Green Hill Road speed limit cut, land-use items July 14
HIGH COUNTRY — Five local high school students participating in Blue Ridge Energy’s Leadersh… Read moreLocal students win Washington Youth Tour experience
BOONE — Appalachian State University’s storied legacy of solar vehicle racing marked a new m… Read moreApp State’s Team Sunergy unveils Autumn — its next-gen solar racing vehicle
BOONE — Three candidates have filed to run for the Watauga County Soil and Water Conservatio… Read moreThree candidates file for Watauga County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor
BOONE — App State Football returners Aiden Benton, Colton Phares and Tyriq Poindexter received Preseason All-Sun Belt recognition from the lea… Read moreTrio of Mountaineers receive preseason All-Sun Belt recognition
MILLERS CREEK — Mother Nature wreaked havoc on the Wilkes County Moonshiners’ schedule this past week as a trio of contests was either cancele… Read moreMoonshiners split light week on the diamond
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Tristan Salinas, a 2023 Watauga High graduate, was among a group of position players and pitchers to be selected to the N… Read moreSalinas named to NECBL Honor Roll, squares off with former teammate
BOONE — Carver Tierney delivered once again on Sunday night with his club’s season hanging in the balance. Read morePostseason-bound: Tierney’s late goal sends App FC into USL2 playoffs
BOONE — Music continues at the Jones House Summer Concert Series this Friday, July 17, with … Read moreJunior Appalachian Musicians and regional bluegrass group performing on July 17 at the Jones House
Editor’s note: This article features news and photos from past editions of the Watauga Democrat. Read moreThis week in the archives: Population increase, a new town question, firefighters return home
BOONE — The Roots in the Garden series will welcome Asheville-based Holler Choir to Daniel B… Read moreNext Roots in the Garden concert features Holler Choir on July 16
BOONE — For more than 20 years, the annual Doc and Rosa Lee Watson Music Festival took place… Read moreDoc and Rosa Lee Watson Fest returns to App Theatre on July 17
The Blowing Rock Pasta Company, previously known as Mystic Pasta, celebrated its opening wit… Read moreBlowing Rock Pasta Co. celebrates opening with ribbon-cutting
HIGH COUNTRY — Mast General Store donated more than $60,000 to land trusts across the Southe… Read moreMast Store, guests donate more than $60K to land trust partners
BOONE — An Appalachian Summer Festival, Appalachian State University’s annual multidisciplin… Read moreDarren Criss bringing Broadway, pop and star power to App Summer
BOONE — BeanStalk Community Theatre is diving headfirst into summer with its upcoming produc… Read moreBeanStalk Community Theatre bringing 'The SpongeBob Musical' to the App Theatre July 23–25
BOONE — An Appalachian Summer Festival, Appalachian State University’s annual multidisciplin… Read moreComplexions Contemporary Ballet bringing athleticism and rock energy to App Summer
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN — The long and storied tradition that is the Grandfather Mountain Highl… Read moreHighland Games set to return to Grandfather Mountain’s MacRae Meadows July 9-12
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA — The North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Community R… Read moreApplication for WNC Multi-Family Housing Construction and Repair Program now open
LINVILLE — Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mount… Read moreGrandfather Mountain mourns the loss of Yonnie the black bear
HIGH COUNTRY — Local leaders in Ashe and Watauga counties, among others across Western North… Read moreLocal leaders back Stein's call for federal government to recommit to Helene recovery
HIGH COUNTRY — Andrew Brooks is running for the N.C. District Court Judge District 35, Seat 01. Read moreBrooks running for District Court Judge in District 35
LENOIR — The Annual Membership Meeting of Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation will be… Read moreBlue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation to hold annual membership meeting June 25
