About Watauga County, NC

If you are thinking of buying property in the Boone and Blowing Rock areas of Watauga County but are confused about all the different areas, and their relationship to one another …. you are not alone.

The High Country and the greater Boone area is broken down into many smaller unique communities that can be confusing to anyone not familiar with the area.I spent the better part of my first year here just trying to get a real feel for the lay of the land.

This is just an overview describing a little bit about each pocket. Let me also issue a disclaimer...this is not scientific data, just my personal take of what I know from living and working in real estate in the area. It is by no means a scientific account. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me.

Deep Gap - Referring to the area along 421 going from Boone towards Wilkesboro roughly from the light at Old 421 to the Parkway Bridge. Deep Gap I believe is mostly in the Parkway School District. Approximate elevation is 3200’.

Fleetwood - Borders Deep gap and refers to the area between Boone and Ashe County on Hwy 221. As a general rule, home prices drop some once you start going out that way but Boone is still 15-25 minutes away depending on where you are. West Jefferson is within 20-30 as well. Elevation drops a little below 3000’ in most places. Primarily in the Ashe County school district.

Green Valley - Is the general area from Boone out 194 to Todd. (Meat Camp is another community about half way in between the two towns.) Pretty pastoral views and lots of open spaces. Green Valley has it's own school district. Elevation varies but is usually over 3000’.

Valle Crucis - Switching to the other side of town, Valle Crucis is the area tucked in Between 105 on the far side of Boone towards Banner Elk. Really really pretty pastoral setting, lots of creeks and rivers, sort of joins with the Vilas area as you get closer to the 421 side. Valle Crucis is definitely prime real estate and the home prices reflect that. Lower elevation than most of the areas because (as if you can't tell by the name) it's in the Valley. Valle Crucis has it's own school district.

Vilas - This one is a real grey area. If your going out 421 towards Tennessee, Vilas loosely refers to the area from the edge of Boone to where 321 and 421 split off at Skateworld. It also follows 194 out and blends with Valle Crucis. School districts include Valle Crucis and Cove Creek. Elevation varies.

Sugar Grove - At the Skateworld (it's a weird landmark I know) 321 and 421 split off. Take 321 and the Sugar Grove area is the last stop before you get to Tennessee. Bethel is another community out that way. Lots of wide open spaces. Elevation is generally higher than Boone, 3500’ and above. Bethel and Cove Creek School Districts depending on where your at. 35-45 minutes from Boone.

Zionville - Take the 421 split at Skateworld to get to Zionville and it's the last stop before you get to Tennessee. Mabel is another community out there and is also the name of the School District. It is a beautiful, beautiful area, one of my favorites, and there are some great buys there because its remoteness. The same can also be said for Sugar Grove and Bethel, all 35-45 minutes from Boone and average of 3500’ in elevation.

I hope this helps demystify the "High Country" a little for those of you who are looking at buying property or just vacationing in the area.

Feel free to check out my Blowing Rock NC page on Facebook for lots of pictures and fun things to do when you come to visit!

Fall's winding down here in the Blue Ridge High Country of North Carolina. The leaves weren't quite as brilliant as in years past and the peak was a little early (probably because of all of the rain we've had this year).

I thought I'd post up a few pictures to commerate this beautiful and fleeting time of year.

This cozy 2 bedroom cabin is a rental powerhouse! All furniture is included in the sales price and it currently rents for $175 a night. What an amazing investment! An opportunity to have a unique mountain getaway for yourself and have the peace of mind that it already has a solid vacation rental history.

Features include everything that you'd expect from a mountain cabin: open floor plan in the living room and kitchen with tongue and groove ceilings and a beautiful large stone fireplace. Each bedroom suite has a bathroom with a shower as well as a large whirlpool tub. Outside is great for entertaining: the front porch is covered and looks out over the serene partially wooded lot. There is also an open deck out back great for dining/grilling out and relaxing in the hot tub.

The cabin is located right over the line in Ashe County which is on the Wilkesboro (east) side of Boone. It takes 15 minutes to get from the house into Boone and only 10 minutes to hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Boone is home to Appalachian State University and known for it's stunning views and wide range of outdoor activities. From hiking to skiing and fishing to rafting, there's never a shortage of things to do or see.

Though the cabin lends itself nicely to being a second home that can be rented out on the side, it would also work great for a retired couple that wants to downsize or a small family. Come and see what the wonderful High Country area of North Carolina has to offer!

Please feel free to contact me directly for more information on this property. 828.719.9171

It's always surprising when the first leaves start to fall in the beginning of September. The summer isn't hot enough here in the Blue Ridge Mountains for it to be much of a reprieve but still, that first breath or cool crisp fall air brings with it a deep sense of nostalgia. A time to reflect on what's been accomplished in the past year and focus on what's left to be done before battening down the hatches for the winter ahead.

September has become my favorite month of the year. Though weather patterns are still a little unpredictable because of the tropics, the temperature is that perfect 71 degrees with a little bit of breeze and just enough chill in the air to make you want to make a cup of tea and sit outside. Another thing about September is that it's actually one of the slower months here in the High Country. After the kids go back to school, tourism hits a standstill until the leaves start turning in October.

Fall in the Boone/Blowing Rock area is bustling with things to do. First, and perhaps most notably to some is Appalachian State Football kicking off. The first game of the season is today actually. The mountaineers didn't take home the title last year, but prior to that, they were the National Champs three years in a row! Can't wait to see what this season holds.

The third weekend in October brings the annual Wooly Worm Festival in Banner Elk. Historically according to local folklore, woolly worms have been used to forecast the winter weather. In a nutshell, the length and severity of the winner depends on the coloration of the worm that wins the Wooly Worm Race. It's like our very own groundhog. In addition to worm race, there is also a 5k run and tons of great local food and craft vendors and activities for the kids. I can't wait till mine is old enough to go and enjoy the festivities.

The Boone Art Crawl is a fun event that happens year round on the first Friday of each month. It's a great opportunity to walk around down town Boone and browse local galleries and shops. Some restaurants like Vidalia on King Street offer a wine tasting and specials on bottles. The Turchin Center on ASU's campus will also be open to the public and have local art on display.

The Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad takes place October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31, and November 1st. Gates open each evening at 7:30 p.m. In addition to the Ghost Train and regular Tweetsie attractions, there is trick or treating for the kids, a 3D maze, a black hole and scary shows at the Tweetsie Saloon. Fun for kids of all ages.

This is just the tip of the iceberg as far as fun fall activities in the High Country. There is so much to do and see in general in this area but something about this time of year makes you want to get out there and take advantage of every day whether you're a local or just passing through. Feel free to contact me with any questions if you're in the area.

I am excited to have just joined Active Rain and wanted to introduce myself. I am Candi Catoe and have resided in Banner Elk, NC for 15 years. Along with my real estate firm I own a small inn and restaurant, am married, and have two children ages 10 and 9. We are blessed to live in Banner Elk and NC Mountains. This is the perfect balance of resort town, scenic beauty, cool restaurants, and outdoor activities. We live in a safe environment with fabulous neighbors. I am a member of the High Country Association of Realtors, an associate member of the Asheville Association of Realtors, both local Chambers, the Tourism Development Authority and Restaurant Association.

I specifically enjoy the service aspect associated with real estate; preliminary searches, assistance with finding the perfect area, inspections, contracts etc. When not busy with work I enjoy hiking, horsebackriding, and schlepping my kids to soccer, gymnastics, tennis, etc.

I look forward to meeting new folks through Active Rain, if anyone ever needs anything in the High Country or Asheville area, do not hesitate to ask!