At Chetola Resort we love supporting local non-profit organizations in our area. Nonprofits encourage civic engagement and leadership, drive economic growth, improve local communities, and strengthen the fabric of our communities.

#GivingTuesday is the global day of giving and is held each year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. #GivingTuesday reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity by encouraging individuals to give to their favorite organizations during the giving season.

We love and appreciate every organization in the High Country but here are a few whose mission speaks to our hearts.

 

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Chetola Resort's Festival of Trees Entry for 2022. Bid on our tree by visiting the Festival of Trees website.


Western Youth Network
(Festival of Trees)

Western Youth Network’s mission is to “transform our High Country community by nurturing and empowering our children so that they live HEALTHY, ENGAGED, and FULFILLED LIVES”. With initiatives like mentoring, after school programs, summer camps, high school success, and community health, Western Youth Network is helping to transform our community and make bright futures possible for the youth in our area.

During the holiday season, Western Youth Network puts on their biggest fundraising event for the year, the Festival of Trees. The Festival of Trees is an annual event where you can tour (and bid on) 100+ trees and wreaths in the High Country community, give to an awesome organization, and participate in 4 amazing events through December 1st! This year WYN is asking for donations on December 1st, 2022 (instead of #GivingTuesday) for their $20k-in-One-Day event!

Our tree at Chetola shares and shows off our love for the local community with ornaments and decor from our favorite local spots. Our tree is available for viewing in the front lobby near the elevators.

Learn more about the Festival of Trees or donate by visiting: https://one.bidpal.net/wynfot2022/welcome

 

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Photo Courtesy of Blue Ridge Conservancy

Blue Ridge Conservancy

Blue Ridge Conservancy is saving the places we love in Western North Carolina. They work closely with state, federal, and private partners to expand the public’s access to land with significant recreational, cultural, and ecological value. Blue Ridge Conservancy has protected over 22,000 acres in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties. 

Middle Fork Greenway, a project of Blue Ridge Conservancy is a multi-use recreational trail that will connect Blowing Rock to Boone and connect residents and visitors to the natural world by giving them a spot to safely get outside and enjoy the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. This project is in the works but could always use more support.

You can be a part of the story. By supporting Blue Ridge Conservancy and Middle Fork Greenway you are helping support land protection projects that ensure our farmlands stay intact, our drinking water stays clean, and our views remain beautiful – forever. Learn more and donate to Blue Ridge Conservancy this #GivingTuesday by visiting: https://blueridgeconservancy.org/donate

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Photo Courtesy of High Country Caregivers

High Country Caregivers

High Country Caregivers strive to keep families together. They are a stand-alone not-for-profit organization dedicated to relatives, respite, and resources for kinship caregivers, and relatives caring for loved ones with life-limiting illnesses and debility. High Country Caregivers offers programs like The Children’s Wishlist, Coach’s Kids, Eyes in the Wild, The Learning Shack, RAPP, Kinship Navigation, and Play Me a Memory.

For the holiday season, High Country Caregivers is seeking sponsors for Christmas Angels. They are seeking sponsorships for children this Christmas season and for $250, you can help give a child a magical Christmas this year.

To learn more and donate to High Country Caregivers visit https://www.highcountrycaregivers.com/

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Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation works to ensure that Grandfather Mountain will continue to be able to preserve the astonishing variety of plants and animals found there, while welcoming thousands of visitors every year. 

Grandfather Mountain is not only one of our favorite spots to visit in the High Country but it is one of the most biodiverse and scenic places in the world. Visitors come from all around to enjoy the marvel of the animals, the plants, the trails, and the mile-high swinging bridge, and deepen their appreciation of nature and stewardship for the mountains. If there is something you’re particularly passionate about at Grandfather Mountain you can donate to different parts of the organization like animal habitats, educational programming, general needs, and field trip scholarships, or enter your own option.

To learn more and donate to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation visit https://grandfather.com/donate/

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Photo Courtesy of Casting Bread Ministries

Casting Bread

Casting Bread Ministries strives to show the love of Jesus Christ in a tangible way by serving the community by feeding people physically as well as spiritually. 

All year round Casting Bread Ministries takes donations of food, hygiene, household goods, and monetary donations to help the local community with their needs. Their wonderful volunteers help with stocking items, client intake, loading vehicles, financial counseling, cooking, cleaning, picking up donations, and more.

To learn more, get involved, and donate to Casting Bread visit http://www.faithbridgeumc.org/get-involved.html

 

We hope you’ll consider donating, volunteering, or getting involved with one of these great organizations this GivingTuesday.

 

 

It’s the most magical time of year in the High Country! It’s Christmas Tree season!

The High Country is known for its beautiful trees (even presidents like our trees!), lovely winter views, and expansive farms with trees as far as the eye can see. A High Country Christmas tree is the perfect addition to your home for the holiday season and what better time to grab your tree than on your holiday visit to Chetola Resort!

If you’re hoping to leave the mountains with a beautiful tree on the roof of your car, here are a few of our favorite tree farms to enjoy during the holiday season:

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Panoramic View Christmas Tree Farm (14 miles from Chetola)

The name of this tree farm says it all. The Panoramic View Christmas Tree Farm does in fact have stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains as you wander through the rows of trees to pick your perfect one. And with complimentary hayrides, a petting zoo, and fresh hot chocolate & apple cider this family-owned tree farm is an adventure the entire family will enjoy. There’s no better way to start your Christmas season than with a tree and winter adventure to Panoramic View Christmas Tree Farm.

Note: This family run farm also runs Clawson’s Christmas Tree Farm which has an even wider variety of trees. If you want lots of trees to choose from, visit them at Clawsons, but if you want the breathtaking views, head up the road to Panoramic.

Frosty's Tree Farm

Frosty’s Choose & Cut (26 miles from Chetola)

Frosty’s Choose & Cut Tree Farm is more than just a tree farm, it’s a Christmas experience for the whole family. Like most farms, Frosty’s has trees, wreaths, and garlands, but a visit to Frosty’s also includes a visit with Santa, tree stump souvenirs, hayrides, food trucks, trolley rides, build-a-wreath, hot chocolate, face painting, Christmas souvenirs, and Old Barn Winery where you can enjoy Christmas wines! You can’t help but feel the holiday spirit and joy after an adventure to Frosty’s Choose and Cut.

Circle C Tree Farms

Circle C Tree Farms (8 miles from Chetola)

A magical Christmas Tree Farm right in the heart of Boone, Circle C Tree Farm is the ideal spot for your annual family search for the perfect Christmas tree. With 7 - 13 foot trees available (with a few smaller ones), these beautiful, giant trees are the best way to bring the Christmas spirit home. With the option to use one of their handsaws, bring your own, or have their staff cut your tree, a visit to Circle C Farm is a special, holiday memory for everyone. 

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C & J Christmas Trees (10 miles from Chetola)

If you’re looking for that Hallmark Christmas tree farm moment with breathtaking mountain views and beautiful trees, then C & J Christmas Trees is your go to for this year's tree. In addition to an array of Christmas trees and panoramic views, at C & J’s you can also enjoy food, hot cocoa, apple cider, wreaths, and more! With everything they have to offer, C&J’s farm is the perfect place for your family to grab their tree this season.

Important Note: GPS directions are not always accurate when getting you to C&J. Follow signs along Bamboo Rd. to get there.

 

The holiday season wouldn’t be complete without a winter getaway to Chetola Resort and a Christmas tree adventure! No matter what tree farm you pick during your stay, you’re guaranteed to come home with a tree atop your car and magical times that will be cherished forever. We can’t wait to be a part of your family’s Christmas traditions and help you make new memories this winter at Chetola Resort!

*We recommend visiting the High Country early in the season, as some Christmas Tree Farms do run low on trees as it gets closer to Christmas.

 

We love spending days outside enjoying the beautiful mountains but some days call for indoor adventures!

Whether traveling with family, friends or even solo, sometimes it can be difficult to find activities for all interests – especially on a rainy or snowy day. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of fun activities for all interests! Read on for a few of our favorite indoor activities around the High Country!

Center45 Climbing

Whether you’ve been climbing for years or want to try out bouldering for the first time, Center45 is the perfect spot for the entire family to experience bouldering. Along with its bouldering walls, Center45 also has a fitness area and a variety of climber training resources. Center45 offers day passes to climb and shoe and chalk rentals.

blowing rock art and history museum

Blowing Rock Art & History Museum

Explore art and discover the history of Blowing Rock at the BRAHM. With various art, history, and sometimes special exhibits for kids, the BRAHM is the perfect indoor activity where the whole family will find something to enjoy. And be sure to check their upcoming events calendar during your visit for things like Yoga at BRAHM, Doodlebug Club, or Afternoon Art.

Photo courtesy of: Docs Rocks Gem Mine

Docs Rocks Gem Mine

Have you ever wanted to learn about the historical geology of the Appalachian mountains and mine for fascinating gems? Then Docs Rocks is the perfect spot for you and your family to experience during your visit to Blowing Rock! In addition to mining for gorgeous gems (that you get to take home), at Docs Rocks, you can also explore their fossil museum (if your kiddo loves dinosaurs, they’ll really like this), and their new indoor paleo putt-putt course! With 3 activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on a winter day at Docs Rocks Gem Mine.

Photo courtesy of Mystery Hill

Mystery Hill

A day of fun and wonder awaits you on a trip to Mystery Hill in Blowing Rock. With 10+ activities like Tomahawk Hill, Prospector Hill Gem Mining, Bull Riding Challenge, Bubblerama, and more, there is an experience for everyone in the family to have fun! With so many fun activities in one stop – Mystery Hill should be added to your indoor fun itinerary!

Photo courtesy of Linville Caverns

Linville Caverns

Experience a subterranean world and the history of the Linville Caverns with a tour of these age-old mountains from the inside! Linville Caverns is open year-round and is always a balmy 52 degrees F (a perfect indoor winter adventure). The caverns are an ideal adventure for everyone as they are accessible for all visitors of any age. Go explore the splendor and wonders nature created "inside a mountain" at Linville Caverns!

Photo courtesy of Turchin Center

Turchin Center

The Turchin Center engages visitors in meaningful experiences with visual arts. With two wings and six different galleries with changing exhibitions of contemporary artwork and local artists, whether you’re an art connoisseur or just a casual observer, there will be something for you to admire. Be sure to check their events schedule for special workshops or talk series during your visit! And if it’s a nice day see if you can spot all the Turchin outdoor sculptures around Appalachian State University’s campus.

Photo Courtesy of High Country Lanes

High Country Lanes

Enjoy 16 lanes of family fun! Take your family, friends, or colleagues and get bowling at High Country Lanes! With food and drinks available onsite, an afternoon or evening of bowling at High Country Lanes is the perfect way to spend the day and have fun with the whole family.

Photo Courtesy of Elwood's Hatchet House

Elwood’s Hatchet House

Boone’s first & only indoor Axe Throwing Tavern, Elmwood’s Hatchet House has 8 axe throwing targets, 2 corn hole lanes, a giant connect four, a pool table, air hockey, pinball, drinks, great food, and fun for everyone! Whether you’re looking for your next favorite snowy day activity or something entertaining for the whole family, an afternoon at Elmwood’s is sure to be a hit!

Photo Courtesy of Mysterium Escape Room

Mysterium Escape Room

Discover the only interactive escape in Boone, North Carolina, Mysterium Escape Room! Mysterium’s Escape Room is made from scratch and the rooms are built in-house which means you’ll have a totally unique experience that you’ve never had anywhere else. Whether you’re an escape room fanatic or looking to try something new, the Mysterium Escape Room is sure to be a fun indoor experience for all!

 

No matter what kind of activity you and your family are looking to enjoy on your next trip to Chetola, this list has lots of fun for everyone to enjoy (and add to your itinerary) for years to come! We can’t wait to see you on your next trip to Blowing Rock!

 

When going on a trip with your family, it can be hard to plan activities that will appeal to everyone’s interests.

We want you to have the best Chetola Resort and High-Country experience possible. To ensure an amazing trip, we’ve put together a few sample winter itineraries to help you and your loved ones plan the best trip ever – no matter your interests.

 

For the adventurous family:

  • Go for a winter hike together to see beautiful mountain views. See our favorite winter hikes here
  • Book an experience at the Chetola Sporting Reserve and choose from archery, clay shooting, or all of the above! Read about a CSR experience here
  • Enjoy a waterfall hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains. See our favorite waterfall hikes here
  • Create wonderful memories with Chetola Fly Fishing! Prepare for your fishing experience here
  • Play in the snow and go skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing with your favorite people. Plan your perfect ski experience here
  • Get your adrenaline pumping and go for a mountain bike ride on one of our favorite High Country Trails. See our favorite trails here
  • Experience what it’s like to fly through the trees on a ziplining adventure with Sky Valley Zip Tours, Hawksnest Ziplining, or High Gravity Zip Tours.

For the family who wants a relaxed getaway:

  • Enjoy a cozy drink or snacks in our new Orvis Shop Lounge
  • Go for a walk around Chetola Lake. Explore our favorite walks in Blowing Rock here
  • Warm-up in the hot tub as a family after spending time outside
  • Ditch the screens and grab a board game to play in the lodge, in your room, or in our new Orvis Lounge
  • Go for a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. See our favorite winter overlooks here. Check Blue Ridge Parkway closures here
  • Experience a walk-through fine art and history at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum. And enjoy a kid-specific exhibit, “Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites” now through February 26, 2022.

For the foodies:

  • Enjoy a delicious meal and dessert at Timberlake’s Restaurant. We are family-friendly; we do highly recommend reservations in advance.
  • On Saturday mornings, visit the Boone Winter Farmers Market for seasonal fresh vegetables, storage crops, locally raised meats, eggs, honey, homemade jellies, jams, baked items, handcrafted skincare, candles, unique crafts, and more!
  • Taste the Chetola’s Staff Favorite High Country eats (besides Timberlake’s Restaurant). Check out all our other top restaurant picks in the area here.
  • Have a “fancy” night in your lodge room or condo with a gourmet dessert and a charcuterie + artisanal cheese board from Timberlake’s Restaurant along with a movie

For those who like to shop til’ they drop:

  • Explore Chetola Resort’s *NEW* Orvis Fly Shop & Lounge for all your fly-fishing and outdoor needs
  • Take a short walk or drive to Downtown Blowing Rock to find unique antiques, art, jewelry, clothing boutiques, and home décor
  • Shop all your favorite designer brands and a few shops unique to the High Country at the Tanger Outlets located right next door to Chetola Resort
  • Take a trip back in time and shop for everything you can think of at the Mast General Store. Explore the one in Boone or the original in Valle Crucis
  • Experience unique shopping in Downtown Boone where they offer antique stores, craft venues, specialty shops, and moreMountain Sporting Clay Course at Chetola

For those who like a little bit of everything:

  • Enjoy s’mores by the lakeside firepit every Friday & Saturday night (weather dependent)
  • Take a trip to The Blowing Rock – experience the towns namesake and breathtaking views
  • Explore Linville Caverns and enjoy walking through an unusual series of underground rooms and passages
  • Climb to new heights and experience bouldering at Center45 in Boone
  • Enjoy a meaningful experience with visual arts at the Turchin Center
  • Reserve an experience with Chetola Sporting Reserve and spend the day shooting sporting clays

For those who never want to leave the Chetola grounds:

  • Make reservations for meals at Timberlake’s Restaurant or make plans to order room service! We serve Breakfast, Lunch, Pub Fare, and Dinner.
  • Get your body moving in our fitness gym or with one of our fitness classes going on during the week!
  • Spend some quality time in your accommodations with a puzzle, board game, or DVD Rental from Highlands Recreation
  • Explore our Kids in Park Track Trail that leads to Bass Lake and see views of Moses Cone Manor!
  • Become a kid again and play on the outdoor playground
  • Test your frisbee skills on our 9-Hole Disc Golf Course
  • Enjoy kid-friendly movie night on Thursday evenings in the Camp Room

 

No matter what you and your family are hoping to do on a trip to Blowing Rock, we’re here to help you have the best winter getaway possible. We can’t wait to welcome you to Chetola Resort this winter!