Quick Links NATIONAL PARK SERVICE PRESS RELEASE, MARCH 5 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ROAD CLOSURES BY MILEPOST NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INTERACTIVE MAP Tuesday, March 24 Two-State Stakeholder Briefing Thursday, March 12 High Country Radio's Mark in the Morning on WATA: Community Conversations on the... Continue Reading
"The question isn't what are we going to do. The question is what aren't we going to do?" — Ferris Bueller's Day Off The Watauga Leadership Institute continued its 2026 Spring Cohort with Week 5 programming on Thursday, March 19, building on the momentum from the Week 4, focusing on... Continue Reading
Photos by Martha McGougan Sixteen emerging leaders and a longtime community mentor were among the honorees at the 10th Annual 40 Under 40 Awards, held Wednesday, March 18, at the Appalachian Theatre in Downtown Boone. The milestone evening drew an event-record crowd of more than 200, with past... Continue Reading
Photo of Downtown Boone by Visit NC North Carolina's small businesses are earning their place on the map! The NC Department of Commerce recently recognized 72 businesses across the state as Certified North Carolina Destination Businesses, a designation launched in 2025 by the NC Main Street and... Continue Reading
Locally owned. Community driven. Here to Help®—24/7. At SERVPRO of Watauga & Ashe Counties, helping neighbors recover after fire, water, or storm damage isn’t just our business—it’s personal. As a locally owned and operated restoration company, our team lives,... Continue Reading
The Watauga Leadership Institute continued its 2026 Spring Cohort with Week 4 programming on Thursday, March 5, building on the momentum from the Week 3 focusing on Understanding Community and Thyself. The Challenge Cohort began with the session, “Dr. Street Takes Us Down Other Roads”... Continue Reading
Sixteen members of the High Country business community have been selected as category finalists for the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce 10th Annual 4 Under 40 Awards. This showcase of emerging leaders is presented by Appalachian Commercial Real Estate. Winners will be announced at the event on... Continue Reading
The Watauga Leadership Institute continued its 2026 Spring Cohort with Week 3 programming on Thursday, February 19, building on the momentum from the Week 2 focusing on self-leadership and authentic leadership practices. The day began with the Challenge Cohort session, “Leadership &... Continue Reading
"We are the Ski Capital of the South." The High Country welcomed North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and First Lady Anna Stein for a Winter Olympics–inspired visit this week. Governor Stein highlighted western North Carolina's thriving winter sports industry during a press event at... Continue Reading
The Watauga Leadership Institute continued its 2026 Spring Cohort with Week 2 programming, building on the momentum from the Kickoff Retreat and focusing on self-leadership and authentic leadership practices. The day began with the Challenge Cohort session, “What Does It Mean to Lead... Continue Reading
Over the past decade, the annual 4 Under 40 Awards, presented by Appalachian Commercial Real Estate, have recognized emerging leaders whose work is shaping the future of the High Country. Across four categories, Business Owner, Non-Profit, Education, and Rising Star, these honorees reflect the... Continue Reading
The Watauga Leadership Institute recently hosted a Kickoff Retreat, bringing together 29 local leaders for the 2026 Spring Cohort. The day focused on building a strong learning community while centering on leadership development and community involvement. Throughout the day, participants engaged... Continue Reading
