This time of year is a mixed bag of weather… snow, fall, spring and even summer temperatures! If the wooly worm is correct, we will have nice weather and then a cold front coming in to the area. I will have to say, I am as confused as the flowers that are beginning to bloom. The grass is green and the trees are beginning to bud so I am hoping that Spring is on its way.
News around town is we are getting two new restaurants. Bodegas closed and a new fine dining restaurant is on its way. I know they are in the process of hiring and so with much anticipation I am looking forward to another great place to eat in Banner Elk! We also are getting Town Tavern that will be located near the Park… it will be another venue for the area that we really need in town. Good news, it will be open for lunch! By the way, this is the same tavern that is in Blowing Rock.
The other day I went to Crossnore, a place I send people when they visit. It houses children that need a good home. It is funded by the consignment store,miracle grounds coffee and the weaving room. I love the old fashioned looms that they use to weave the capes, sweaters etc. They are made on the premises and then many nice boutiques buy them. You can also see them at the craft fairs in the area. You will love the colors of the yarns and the quality of the products that are made.
While you are there you need to go to the Church on the hill as they house one of the Frescos of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This one is of Jesus and the children. The faces are of the children that were at Crossnore when the artist did the fresco. It is really beautiful.
The Miracle Grounds coffee shop has many flavors of beans so you can have a great cup of coffee. They also have wonderful sandwiches and desserts. You don’t want to miss going there if you are at Crossnore.
I tried the Blind Elk the other night and was quite impressed. They are located where the old Louisiana Purchase was. They have several wines and many many beers… I tried the Peanut Butter and Jelly…it did taste like it. A friend tried the French toast and she loved it.. They have live music on the weekends and food trucks. The most popular is the lobster as the people line up to get the delicious sandwiches. Give it a try!
I know this is a little early to mention but there is a fundraiser May 6th. It will be for Spirt Ride Theraputic Center and will be in Elk River at the Equestrian Center. They are going to have a Kentucky Derby party… wear your big hats, bow ties, seersucker jackets and be ready for mint juleps, bourbon, beer and wine. Live music, raffles, swag bags and a wonderful silent auction will take place. I understand that it will be the “Event of the Season” so get your tickets and have a great time. What better place to watch the derby than in a beautiful barn. Tickets are $65.00.
Grandfather Mountain has lowered its prices. Adults are now $15.00 and that is really good. Check their website for all of the changes. Also they ask that reservations to get in the park should be purchased on line. For locals, April is $5.00 per person and if your are staying locally you get the same deal if you ride with them.
I want to mention Merle Fest will be April 27-30. It is considered to be one of the premier music festivals in the country… I did say country not county. It is in Wilkesboro, NC. There will be four days of bands and 12 stages for them to perform. You can purchase one, three or four day passes.
The annual Easter egg hunt will be April 1st at Tate Evans Park. There will be a magician, free scoop of ice cream from BE scoops and a Bonus Egg.
Americana, the steak house in Roan Mountain, won the Triad award for the Best Steak! I am so happy for them. You will now need to have reservations as the lines are out the door.
That about does it for this month…
Hope to see you soon!