I just can’t believe that fall is here again… seems like we just started summer. The trees are changing the color of their leaves and the air is now brisk at night. You may say it is sweater time and that means a coolness in the air. It is the perfect time to start a fire down by the river in the fire pit and grab a light blanket and enjoy the sights and sounds of the out doors.
We are still having music at the wineries and other venues. I really love this time of the year as the mountains come alive in the fall. Take in the fall foliage, or the cool mountain temperatures, and the weekend of activities from 10am-5pm daily at Sugar Mountain for the “Oktoberfest”, October 8-9. The celebration has admission, parking and shuttle service for free.
Live Bavarian music is performed by a 15 piece Habour Towne Tent Band. German and American Food will be served. There will be arts and crafts, hayrides, corn hole, pumpkin bowling and of course playtime with Sugar and Sweetie Bear. The Summit Express chair lift will be open so you can have a wonderful time seeing the view of the mountains.
Of course, I need to mention the Wooly Worm Festival. That will be the third weekend in
October and so plan on coming out to see the worms race up the string for cash prizes. There will be a huge craft fair, food, rides and live entertainment. All proceeds are given back to the community to enhance schools and children programs.
That same weekend of the Wooly Worm is a wonderful craft and food event in Valle Crucis. They make Brunswick Stew in a Huge Cast Iron Pot. I hear it is wonderful. I plan on going there myself this year. It seems I don’t get out of the Lodge till later but this year I am going to treat myself and leave after breakfast. I hope some of you will be able to follow me …..”down the yellow brick road” better yet the winding road.
Don’t forget our mountain apples. They are everywhere! We have great apple houses and fruit stands. Speaking of fruits and now vegetables, we have a great new farmers market in Elk Park. I just love it and they make breads, chocolates, pesto, jams, and sell grass fed meats, fresh eggs. Oh they make pizzas with their bread dough and homemade sauces. You know me, I just rave about things I am excited about and this is one of those places that I really love!
We said goodbye to Dunns Deli this month. They have been here for over 30 years and we are sad to see them go. I really loved their reuben sandwich! I wish them the best in their ventures ahead.
If you want a great sandwich in Banner Elk, there is the Ham Shop which sells New York size sandwiches. There are new owners there now and I understand from guests that the sandwiches are great!
Mexican Food is coming back to BE. It will be where the Painted
Fish was located…for those that remember them.
We also have the Blind Elk which is a wine and Beer Bar… It is really popular and they have different food trucks all of the time. I plan on trying it very soon.
As you can see, we are always changing in Banner Elk. I hope you will come experience the mountains and The Lodge at River Run.
Bobbie