The historic community of Valle Crucis invites you to warm up by their firesides on Sunday, December 2nd, 2007 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, and Holy Cross Church.

   Tickets are $10 each and are available from the Mast General Store beginning on October 15th. A limited number are available this year and ticket sales end at 4 p.m. on December 2nd. 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 1st at 9 a.m. (Time change!!) 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 2nd.

   The holiday play The Christmas Bus - The Musical is playing at the Blowing Rock Stage Company in Blowing Rock from November 28 until December 16. It's a perfect treat for young and old. Visit www.blowingrockstage.com for tickets and information.

Stay a little longer....

   An extra special treat awaits those who enjoy the tour and spend Sunday night in Valle Crucis. Enjoy hot chocolate and marshmallows by a warm bonfire with entertainment provided by a Cowboy Poet at the end of the tour. This part of the tour is hosted by River and Earth Adventures and Dutch Creek Trails and is held at the Dutch Creek Trails barn on Highway 194 (just a little passed the Original Mast Store). This part of the tour will require a special ticket purchased from your overnight lodging choice in Valle Crucis.