Blowing Rock
High in the Blue Ridge Mountains atop the Eastern Continental Divide at 4,000 feet, rests the village of Blowing Rock. More than 100 years ago the village was the summer destination of the affluent and the artistic, seeking relief from the summer heat of the flatlands. Today, as a year-round destination, Blowing Rock still has that air of gracious living and attracts visitors from across the country to enjoy each distinct season in its own special way. Summer brings outdoor art festivals, music, Appalachian museums,the historic sites of the Blowing Rock and Tweetsie Railroads Old West theme park. In winter, skiers have access to four major ski areas within a few miles, Fall brings the parade of leaves and is a favorite time to hike the ancient Indian trails of the area. Cultural events are plentiful. Everything from Neil Simon to Shakespeare are presented year-round by the Blowing Rock Stage Company and ASU's continuing performing arts series.

Visiting the area often changes to residency as visitors are reluctant to leave the peaceful energy of the mountains. They quickly discover that it's also a great place to raise a family. Blowing Rock Elementary school is one of the finest in the area and the consolidated High School is consistently ranked as one of the best in the state.

Visit the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority website for more information about the area.

Boone
Historic Boone is just minutes away and is the home of Appalachian State University and has been named one of the "Best Small Towns in America." The University provides many cultural and educational opportunities including Appalachian Summer Festival, one of the most popular events in the area, offering the finest performing artists, music, theater and art. Outdoor concerts and juried art shows are prevalent throughout the year, golfers enjoy several public courses, and nature lovers hike the many trails, canoe, white water raft and explore ancient caves.

There is something for everyone in the High Country but at the end of the day, just sitting back and marveling at the grandeur nature has created in this special place is the greatest reward of being here.

Visit the Boone Convention & Visitors Bureau for more information about the area.

Area Medical Facilities
Just because you are in the mountains, doesn't mean you will not have access to some of the finest medical facilities in the country.

Watauga Medical Center in Boone is a 117-bed primary and secondary care hospital, a Cancer Center, a Kidney Dialysis Center, Home Health Care Center, Wellness Center, Critical Care Center and Outpatient Imaging and Laboratory Diagnostic Center and Cardiology Center. It also provides a 24-hour staffed emergency room.

Blowing Rock Hospital is a community hospital that can meet all medical needs everyday, 24-hours a day. It offers complete Emergency Services, Acute Hospital Care, Extended Care, Adult Day Care, a Surgical Center and Rehabilitation Services.

Charles A. Cannon, Jr. Memorial Hospital serves permanent and seasonal residents by providing hospital primary care, physician's services, extended health care, restorative care, home care and behavioral health services.The hospital is a 70-bed state-of-the-art facility that specializes in acute care, psychiatric care, rehabilitation, child birthing, diagnostic services and emergency medicine.