Graduate Studies

Information about Appalachian and Boone

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The town of Boone is located in the northeast 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.mountainsofnc.com/arts.shtm

The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts

Featuring nationally-renowned artists, as well as student work.

http://www.turchincenter.org/

Downtown Boone Gallery Crawl

A community event happening the first Friday of every month.

http://visitboonenc.com/cvb-calendar.html?event=1869

Rosen Outdoor Sculpture Competition

A national juried competition featuring large-scale contemporary sculpture.

http://www.rosensculpture.org/exhibition.php4?competitionsid=19

Appalachian Performing Arts Series

A rich array of theater, music and dance performances throughout the academic year.

http://www.pas.appstate.edu/

Appalachian Summer Festival

An annual, multi-disciplinary arts festival celebrating the summer in Boone.

http://www.appsummer.org/

Theater and Dance Performances at the Valborg Theater

Featuring the best of student performances throughout the academic year.

http://www.theatre.appstate.edu/performances/index.html

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.

http://www.brcac.org/

Jones House Community Center

A historic house dedicated to preserving the culture of Boone.

http://www.joneshousecommunitycenter.org/

Outdoor Recreation

General information:

http://visitboonenc.com/

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.cs.unca.edu/nfsnc/recreation/wncwaterfalls/linvillefalls.htm

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/archive/blri/ncmap.htm

Hebron Rock Colony

Hiking and swimming along the waterfalls.

Grandfather Mountain

Hiking, as well as walking along a mile-high suspension bridge.

http://www.grandfather.com/

The Greenway Walking Trail

Jogging, walking and cycling.

http://www.townofboone.net/departments/public_works/parks/parks.html

Mt. Mitchell

Hiking on the highest peak east of the Mississippi.

http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/momi/home.html

The New River

Canoeing, kayaking and fly- fishing.

http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/neri/home.html

Skiing and Snowboarding

http://www.skinorthcarolina.com/

On-campus Intramural Sports

Volleyball, basketball and many more.

http://www.urec.appstate.edu/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=5

Watauga Parks and Recreation

http://www.wataugacounty.org/parks/

Community Service

ACT (Appalachian and the Community Together)

A student organization joining volunteers to local causes.

http://www.act.appstate.edu/

Hospitality House

Helping homeless people in the Boone area get back on their feet.

http://apps.grassroots.org/shelter_links/667.shtml

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

High Country Conservancy

Dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the area.

http://www.highcountryconservancy.org/community/news.php

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!

http://www.woollyworm.com/

MerleFest, (North Wilkesboro)

Celebrate local bluegrass and Americana music.

http://www.merlefest.org/

New River Festival

Experience mountain music, local crafts and traditional food.

http://www.ashechamber.com/calendar.html

Wine Country tours (Yadkin County)

Sample varieties from the up-and-coming North Carolina vineyards.

http://www.ncwine.org/events.html

Graduate Student Organizations

Graduate Student Association Senate (GSAS)

Celebrating and improving graduate education at Appalachian.

http://www.gsasenate.appstate.edu

Social Order of Graduate Students (SOGS)

A cross-disciplinary student organization for social networking.

http://www.sogs.appstate.edu

Useful Links

Ray's Boone Weather

Local, accurate forecasts for many High Country locations.

http://www.booneweather.com

Mountain Times

A community paper featuring local news and events.

http://www.mountaintimes.com/

High Country News

Another community paper featuring local news and events.

http://www.hcn.org/

Shout magazine

'Nightlife magazine and social handbook' for the town of Boone.

http://shoutmag.net/index.php