About Boone, North Carolina
The town of Boone is located in the northwest corner of North Carolina, nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains about 3,300 feet above sea level. The local population is just below 13,500. The region is nicknamed 'The High Country' for its mountainous terrain. The University is very much a part of Boone and the regional community. Appalachian' s students enjoy the excitement of a mid-sized university environment, as well as the small-town feel of Boone and its unique culture.
For the outdoor enthusiast, Boone boasts fantastic mountain views in all seasons with a wide variety of recreation opportunities. The region is also steeped in local Appalachian history and culture. Residents experience this culture through local music, theater and art exhibitions around the region. The High Country is truly one of North America's treasured regions. For Appalachian students, it is theirs to discover.
Click here for Regional Maps and Directions to Appalachian
Follow the links below for information on activities and events in the area:
- Arts and Culture
- Outdoor Recreation
- Community Service
- Local Festivals and Events
- Graduate Student Organizations
- Useful Links
Arts and Culture
General information:
http://www.highcountryhost.com/attractions/arts-entertainment-and-festivals
The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts
Featuring nationally-renowned artists, as well as student work.
Downtown Boone Gallery Crawl
A community event happening the first Friday of every month.
http://boone-nc.org/artcrawl2011
Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition
A national juried competition featuring large-scale contemporary sculpture.
http://www.rosensculpture.org/exhibition
Appalachian Performing Arts Series
A rich array of theater, music and dance performances throughout the academic year.
Appalachian Summer Festival
An annual, multi-disciplinary arts festival celebrating the summer in Boone.
Theater and Dance Performances at the Valborg Theater
Featuring the best of student performances throughout the academic year.
http://www.theatre.appstate.edu/performances
Art in the Park (Blowing Rock)
A series of juried arts and crafts shows in downtown Blowing Rock.
http://www.blowingrock.com/artinthepark.php
Hayes Performing Arts Center (Blowing Rock)
A first-class venue offering professional theater and educational programs for the area.
Jones House Community Center
A historic house dedicated to preserving the culture of Boone.
http://www.joneshousecommunitycenter.org/
Outdoor Recreation
General information:
http://www.highcountryhiking.com
Blue Ridge Parkway
Scenic drives, as well as hiking and camping.
http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/
Linville Falls
Hiking and camping along the waterfalls.
http://www.linvillefalls.com/hiking.html
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
Hiking, fishing and horseback riding.
http://www.blowingrock.org/mosescone.html
Julian Price Park
Camping, hiking and canoeing.
http://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/upload/color%20PRICE%20PARK.pdf
Hebron Rock Colony
Hiking and swimming along the waterfalls.
Grandfather Mountain
Hiking, as well as walking along a mile-high suspension bridge.
The Greenway Walking Trail
Jogging, walking and cycling.
http://www.townofboone.net/departments/public_works/parks.php
Mt. Mitchell
Hiking on the highest peak east of the Mississippi.
http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/momi/main.php
The New River
Canoeing, kayaking and fly-fishing.
http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/neri/main.php
Skiing and Snowboarding
http://www.skinorthcarolina.com/
On-campus Intramural Sports
Volleyball, basketball and many more.
Watauga Parks and Recreation
http://www.wataugacounty.org/main/App_Pages/Dept/ParksRec/home.aspx
Community Service
ACT (Appalachian and the Community Together)
A student organization joining volunteers to local causes.
Hospitality House
Helping homeless people in the Boone area get back on their feet.
http://hospitalityhouseofboone.org/
Hunger and Health Coalition
Providing grocery items, medical prescriptions , and basic healthcare to those in need.
http://www.hungercoalition.com/
Habitat for Humanity
The local chapter of Habitat.
http://www.wataugahabitat.org/
High Country United Way
The local chapter of United Way.
http://www.highcountryunitedway.org
Blue Ridge Conservancy
Dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the area.
http://blueridgeconservancy.org/
Local Festivals and Events
Watauga County Farmer's Market
Fresh, local produce sold every Saturday during the summer months.
http://www.wataugacountyfarmersmarket.org/
Woolly Worm Festival (Banner Elk)
A local tradition, not to be missed!
MerleFest, (North Wilkesboro)
Celebrate local bluegrass and Americana music.
New River Blues Festival
Experience mountain music, local crafts and traditional food.
http://www.riverhousenc.com/events.htm#blues
Wine Country tours (Yadkin County)
Sample varieties from the up-and-coming North Carolina vineyards.
http://www.visitncwine.com/calendar
Graduate Student Organizations
Graduate Student Association Senate (GSAS)
Celebrating and improving graduate education at Appalachian.
Social Order of Graduate Students (SOGS)
A cross-disciplinary student organization for social networking.
Useful Links
Ray's Boone Weather
Local, accurate forecasts for many High Country locations.
Mountain Times
A community paper featuring local news and events.
High Country Press
Another community paper featuring local news and events.
Nightlife Scene
Information on the nightlife for the town of Boone.
