Located inside the Appalachian State University campus, the Turchin Center For The Visual Arts was opened in 2003, and named after its benefactors Robert and Lillian Turchin. Comprising a well-equipped lecture hall, 2 charming sculptured gardens and 6 galleries, this center boasts a choc-a-bloc calendar of events each season. Though admission is free, donations are heartily encouraged.
Not far from the original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, lies the Boone branch. Selling everything from clothes, sports equipment, local products and coffee, the store is a great example of traditional businesses before corporations took over.
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park preserves the extensive country estate of its namesake, a noted conservationist whose dedication to the preservation of the region's natural heritage drove him to plant the white pines, hemlock hedges and apple trees that form a part of the estate. Several carriage, horse-riding and hiking trails traverse the expanses of the 3600-acre (1457-hectare) estate, centered around the majestic Flat Top Manor. Open seasonally, the historic manor is now the home of the Parkway Craft Center, which showcases the work of regional artists and hosts quilting, glass-blowing, weaving, pottery and other craft demonstrations. Visitors can also fish for bass and trout at the estate's artificial lakes, or join in a guided tour of the manor.
Step in the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum and travel back in time. Nestled in the great outdoors of the Horn in the West, the history museum gives intriguing insights into the lives of people who lived in the 18th century. Witness period furniture, blacksmith shed, spinning, and candle-making equipment used in the period. Here, tour guides are dressed in period clothing and offer a fantastic journey through history, especially during the Revolutionary War.
Doc's Rocks Gem Mine is an antique geology store in Blowing Rock. The historic store and fossil museum aims to educate visitors about the intriguing geology of the Appalachian Mountains. When in town, pay a visit to this exciting attraction and learn more about the formation of the majestic mountains and the rocks that form its terrain. The stunning fossil museum is home to rare fossils, minerals and gemstones collected from all over the country along with toys, specimens, puzzles, candy, souvenirs, and other memorabilia that are sure to delight the little ones.
Flat Top Manor, also known as the Moses H. Cone Mansion is a manor house in Blowing Rock, which is also one of the city's leading attractions, frequented by nearly 230,000 visitors each year. Built in 1901 by Moses H. Cone, the house features a total of 23 rooms and used to be a symbol of luxury during its time. A prime example of Neo-Colonial architecture, the building is open to the public for guided tours around the home and the surrounding estate.
Doc's Rocks Gem Mine is an antique geology store in Blowing Rock. The historic store and fossil museum aims to educate visitors about the intriguing geology of the Appalachian Mountains. When in town, pay a visit to this exciting attraction and learn more about the formation of the majestic mountains and the rocks that form its terrain. The stunning fossil museum is home to rare fossils, minerals and gemstones collected from all over the country along with toys, specimens, puzzles, candy, souvenirs, and other memorabilia that are sure to delight the little ones.
Part of Appalachian State University, this venue hosts a variety of live music events throughout the year.
The Holmes Center at the Appalachian State University in Boone is a source of entertainment for the small town. Concerts, plays, blood drives, sporting events, feasts, meetings and more take place here, thus, making the venue a multi-purpose one. Though Boone is a small town, the kind of events that take place here are usually large scaled, thus, making the Holmes Center a significant landmark to the city. To know more about the venue, visit their website.
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park preserves the extensive country estate of its namesake, a noted conservationist whose dedication to the preservation of the region's natural heritage drove him to plant the white pines, hemlock hedges and apple trees that form a part of the estate. Several carriage, horse-riding and hiking trails traverse the expanses of the 3600-acre (1457-hectare) estate, centered around the majestic Flat Top Manor. Open seasonally, the historic manor is now the home of the Parkway Craft Center, which showcases the work of regional artists and hosts quilting, glass-blowing, weaving, pottery and other craft demonstrations. Visitors can also fish for bass and trout at the estate's artificial lakes, or join in a guided tour of the manor.
One of Lenoir's most iconic structures, Fort Defiance was built in 1792 by General William Lenoir as his family home. This plantation home reaches a maximum of 40 feet (12 meters) in height, featuring two blocks, sloping roofs, short square windows and 3 chimneys. In 1965, the house and the surrounding estate was donated to the Historical Society of Caldwell, who opened it to the public for guided tours. It currently functions as a house museum.