The historic community of Valle Crucis invites you to warm up by their firesides on Sunday, December 7th, 2008 from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. This tour meanders along country lanes to gift shops, galleries, bed and breakfast inns, restaurants, cabins, and churches where hosts will provide you with refreshments and hospitality throughout the afternoon.

   This year's stops include the Mast General Store and Annex, the Baird House Bed and Breakfast, Valle Crucis Log Cabin Rentals and Sales, Valle Crucis Bed and Breakfast, the Lazy Bear Lodge, Mast Farm Inn, the Taylor House Inn, the Valle Cafe, Mountainside Lodge B&B, Holy Cross Church, Valle Crucis Log Cabin Rentals, Dutch Creek Trails and River and Earth Adventures, and the Inn at Little Pond Farm.

   Tickets are $10 each and are available from the Mast General Store beginning on October 10th. A limited number are available this year and ticket sales end at 4 p.m. on December 7th. All proceeds benefit the Valle Crucis Community Park. Those wishing to purchase tickets in advance may send a check made out to Valle Crucis Park in care of Sheri Moretz, Mast General Store, Highway 194, Valle Crucis, NC 28691. Please include 50¢ extra over the cost of the tickets for mailing.

Make a weekend of it...

   There are many holiday and seasonal activities to participate in. You can choose and cut your own Christmas tree at many local farms - some offer hot chocolate and other treats for an added experience. They will be happy to bale your tree and help you tie it to your car or SUV.

   The Downtown Boone Christmas Parade is on Saturday, December 6th at 11 a.m. Join others in the High Country to welcome the most popular man of the season, Santa Claus, as he rides down King Street in Boone. The time of the parade is subject to change depending upon athletic events at Appalachian State University. Call the Downtown Boone Development Association for further information (828-262-4532).

   The Original Mast General Store will have live bluegrass and Appalachian music most weekends during December. Saturdays music is scheduled for 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and on Sundays from noon until 2 p.m. You can also visit with Santa at the Little Red School House from noon until 3 p.m. on December 7th.

   The holiday play A High Country Christmas Carol - The Dickens classic comes to life on stage in a re-telling set against the backdrop of the NC Country. It’s a wonderful family tradition in the making. The show runs from December 5 until December 14. Visit www.blowingrockstage.com for tickets and information.

    This event is co-sponsored by ExploreBooneArea.com and the Watauga County TDA.