Part 1: Best of The North Carolina High Country | Ashe County

After 7 years of living in and loving these Blue Ridge Mountains, I can’t imagine creating a home anywhere else. I mean if the real estate market is made primarily of second homes, you know you’re living in a dream. Wedding clients can attest to the truth in this but when you feel the camaraderie among all your vendors, you know the community and love here is something really unique and supportive. This post feels long overdue on all the things you should be doing if you’re visiting The High Country (me!).

Ashe County

A sunny, free weekend in the summer and I can guarantee this is what I’d be easily coercing friends to do with me. Even to locals, Ashe County can be overlooked, it feels like a hidden gem and no matter where you find yourself, you will always be treated warmly and welcomed like you belong here, too. The “hub” of Ashe County is the artsy downtown of West Jefferson. There are new breweries and twinkle lights and murals painted around every corner making the pace feel slower and less congested than Boone.

Before it gets too steamy (the high in the summer is around 80 so… hot is relative), start the day at Old Orchard Creek Blueberry Farm in Lansing. This place is special - it draws in the best people, it’s my favorite wedding venue I’ve been able to work at and there is something beautiful about picking your own blue jewels.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head back to “downtown” Lansing for Pie on the Mountain Pizza. It’s the best pizza I’ve had in a longggg time with their homemade ranch and garlic crust, my mouth is currently watering. About a mile away is a Molley Chomper Cidery, a small batch, finest craft hard cider you can find. Get the flight to try them all and relax on the porch underneath the old stone school with bocce ball and cornhole.

Heading north we’re sneaking past the NC border to Grayson Highlands where wild ponies are easy to find and the Appalachian Trail crosses. Spend the afternoon or until sunset exploring - it’s a magical place and seeing people experience it for the first time never gets old.

But my favorite activity in the High Country? Floating the New River. I haven’t had air conditioning since living here and sometimes the only thing that can soothe is heading to the cool stream past dilapidated barns, uninterested cows, and the rolling, mostly undeveloped landscape. Bring a cooler with your favorites and disconnect while soaking in all the Vitamin D - the best therapy, prove me wrong. If you aren’t caravanning yourself, there are several outfitters that will pick you up and drop you off!

What have I missed that you love in Ashe County? Are you considering going now? You definitely should add it to the list :)