Author: oakcreekcabin

BEST OF – LOCAL TROUT FISHING

 

There are creeks, lakes and ponds all over beautiful high country. Depending on what you are looking for the perfect fishing spot isn’t too far from Oak Creek Cabin.  If you ask the locals where the best trout fishing is they will tell you to head over to the Watauga River. This is one of the farthest spots from our house but it could make for a great family day trip with a fun local park for the kids and The Mass General Store all within close proximity.

Recommended by the locals:
Valle Crucis Park on the Watauga River –  ~30 minutes from the cabin
Species of Fish: Brook Trout, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout
Shore Accessible Only
Address:
2918 Broadstone Rd.
Valle Crucis, NC 28691

Closest spot to our cabin:
Roby Shomaker Park on the North Toe River-  ~5 minutes from the cabin
Species of Fish: Brook Trout, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout
Shore, Pier, & Handicap Accessible
Directions:
Railroad Rd.
Newland, NC 28657

All in-one fishing experience:
Grandfather Trout Farm
Species of Fish: Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Redbreast Sunfish
Address:
10767 Highway 105 S,
Banner Elk, NC 28604828

 

Additional Info on NC trout fishing here:  https://www.visitnc.com/story/uySP/mountain-trout-fishing-in-western-north-carolina

NC Trout Varieties:  https://www.ourstate.com/mountain-trout/

For more details on licenses, catch limits and seasons see the NC Wildlife page here:  https://www.ncwildlife.org/learning/species/fish/trout/trout-fishing

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Local Review – Christmas Trees and Fresh Wreaths at Sugar Plum Farms

We traveled a short distance from Oak Creek Cabin to a family tree farm for the ultimate December Saturday afternoon. When we arrived we were given detailed instructions of what to expect; first load up on the covered hayride to go up the hill and pick your tree, then warm up with some cocoa or hot cider, and finally, do some shopping or visit wreath-making outlet.

 

We actually didn’t need a tree on this visit, but kids love a hayride and the mountains were beautiful so we hopped on and rode to the top. We took some great pictures and had fun admiring all the trees big and small.

When we came back down we all found our way into the main building for some complimentary cocoa and hot cider. While kids enjoyed their drinks, we chatted with the staff. Everyone was incredibly kind and full of Christmas cheer.

Next, we visited the wreath makers. A tiny room filled with the smell of fresh-cut fir. There were several size options and décor available to customize your very own wreath. We picked out a large one for over our mantel. We were happy to pack that wreath and the smell into our trunk to enjoy all season in our home.

The last stop was the Christmas shop. There were rooms full of ornaments, ribbons & bows, homemade jams and unique gifts. Truly something for everyone.  If you are looking for the complete Christmas tree farm experience this holiday season make the trip to Sugar Plum Farms.

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Best Of – Local SNOW TUBING

Check out our list on best snow tubing options in the local area.  Our list contains places within ~30 minute drive of Oak Creek Cabin visiting mountains such as Sugar, Beech, and Appalachian Ski Resort.

What you should know:

  • There are 4 snow tubing options in the area ranging from 15 minutes away to 35
    minutes away from our cabin.
  • All 4 places have conveyer belts to whisk you back up the hill so you can do multiple
    runs.
  • Tubing is for everyone age 3+
  • Hawksnest is the only operation that allows your small children to ride in the tube with you.
     Beech and Sugar Mountain have discounted weekday rates.
     Jonas Ridge offers kids rate and adult rates.
     Advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended for all tubing experiences.

 

Hawksnest – $35 – The largest snow tubing operation in the area with 30 lanes. All participants
must purchase a ticket but little ones can ride in the tube with their parents. ~30 minutes from
the cabin

https://hawksnesttubing.com

 

Sugar Mountain – $33-$40 – They offer both daytime and nighttime tubing under the lights.
Check out the ice skating rink or skiing options as well for an additional fee. The lodge is close
by, so hot cocoa, snacks, and even beers are easy to find after your time in the snow. ~20
minutes from the cabin

http://www.skisugar.com/tubing/

 

Beech Mountain – $32-$38 -This is the newest snow tubing run in the area. The runs are extra
long and have small moguls. While you are there enjoy the other activities at the ski village like
shops, restaurants, and the nearby brewery. Note, the road to the top of Beech Mountain is
very curvy and steep, 4WD is highly recommended. ~35 minutes from the cabin

https://www.beechmountainresort.com/mountain/tubing/

 

Jonas Ridge – Adult $30, Kids $20 – This is the closest most affordable option. They do require
kids to have their own tube but encourage parents to hold onto the tubes of their kids as they
go down the hill. This is a smaller operation but still lots of fun. ~15 minutes from the cabin

https://jonasridgesnowtube.com/

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Best Of – Local Things To Do Fall

Check out our list of fun things to do in the area.  Our list contains places within ~30 minute drive of Oak Creek Cabin visiting cities such as Boone, Banner Elk, Linville Falls, Elk Park, Roan Mountain, Blowing Rock and Grandfather.

Grandfather Mountain – NC largest attraction, amazing biodiversity and scenic beauty that towers 5,946 feet and is 300 million years old!

https://grandfather.com/

Fall Foliage – Enjoy the dramatic displays of fall foliage as you drive the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway

https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/

Altapass Apple Orchard – Apple Picking, Hayrides, Live Blue Grass

https://www.altapassorchard.org/

Harvest Pumpkin Farm in Valle Crucis – Pumpkin patch, corn maze, Hayrides

https://harvestfarmwnc.com/

Apple Hill Alpaca Farm Tours

https://seesugar.com/apple-hill-farm/

Laurels Pumpkin Barn – Pick your own pumpkin

https://laurelspumpkinbarn.com/

Sugar Mountain Ski Lifts – Enjoy the peak fall foliage in an open air ski lift

https://seesugar.com/summer-bike-lift/

Local Festivals

Newland Fall Harvest Festival – Typically the first Saturday in October  (Free to attend)

Sugar Mountain Oktoberfest – Typically the second weekend in October (Free to attend)

Woolly Worm Festival in Banner Elk – Typically the third weekend in October (~$6/adults, $4/children to attend)

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HOW TO START GAS  FIREPLACE?

Warning: Using a gas fireplace can be dangerous.  If you are not comfortable with the steps provided, please do not operate.

Please follow all of the instructions below and be very cautious.  Call or text us with any questions or concerns.

Step 1.  Ensure the fireplace damper is open. Located as you look up the chimney

Step 2.  Ensure the gas line at the back of the fireplace is in the open position.

Step 3.  Light the pilot.  Follow the instructions carefully.

  a.  First turn the Honeywell thermostat to the left of the fireplace to ~75 degrees.

  b. Turn the black knob on right side of the fire place to “Pilot”.

  

  c.  Push and hold down the black knob (Marked OFF, PILOT, ON) with your finger.  Do not use any tools. 

  d.  Push the ignitor button on the front of the fire place x2 or x3 times for the pilot to light.

   e.  Continue to hold down the block knob for at least 1 full minute. It is very important to hold this down for a full minute to properly heat the thermocouple.

 

Step 4. Light the fireplace

  a.  Move the black knob to the “ON” position.  Then use adjust knob for flame intensity.

 

Step 5.  Turn off the fireplace.

  a.  Move the black knob to the “OFF” position.

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Best Of – Local WINERIES, BREWERIES, & BOTTLE SHOPS

Below is a list of our favorite local wineries, breweries and bottle shops.

Linville Falls Winery      —     https://www.linvillefallswinery.com/

Grandfather Vineyard & Winery    —    https://www.grandfathervineyard.com/

Lost Province Brewery in Downtown Boone (Great Pizza too!, 35 mins away)   —    https://www.lostprovince.com/

Peabody’s Wine and Beer Merchant  —    https://www.peabodyswineandbeer.com/

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Best Of – Local THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS

With our own creek and trail the kids should have plenty to do here at Oak Creek Cabin.  If you feel like venturing out here are a few of our favorites.

Easy hiking trials include Elk River Falls and Roan Mountain Riverside Trails.

Tweetsie Railroad – Wild West theme park adventure

https://tweetsie.com/

Mast General Store Annex Candy Shop

https://www.mastgeneralstore.com/vallecrucis

Downtown Banner Elk Tate-Evans Park

http://www.townofbannerelk.org/recreation/town-parks

Downtown Blowing Rock Park

https://www.visitnc.com/listing/XgQQ/blowing-rock-memorial-park

 

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Best Of – Local RESTAURANTS & COFFEE

Don’t feel like cooking? Our area has several great local restaurant options for you to choose from.

Here are a few of our favorites, all are within a 15-minute drive of Oak Creek Cabin.

Best Coffee

Miracle Grounds Coffee Shop – https://www.crossnore.org/miracle-grounds-coffee-shop-cafe/

Best Live Music + BBQ Lunch  (Saturday Lunch Features Live Bluegrass)

Old Hampton General Store and BBQ – https://www.facebook.com/OldHamptonStore/

Best Brunch (Saturday & Sunday)

Kaye’s Kitchen – https://www.kayeskitchen-nc.com/

Best Mexican

Puerto Nuevo – https://www.restaurantji.com/nc/newland/puerto-nuevo-/

Best Family Restaurant

Banner Elk Cafe & Tavern – http://www.bannerelkcafe.com/  

Best Pizza

  (Local)

  The Italian Restaurant – http://www.theitalianrestaurantnc.com/

  (Boone)

  Lost Providence Brewery and Pizza (35 mins) – https://www.lostprovince.com/food

Best Thai & Sushi

Luna Thai & Sushi Restaurant – http://lunathaisushi.com/

Best Trout

The Speckled Trout – https://thespeckledtrout.com/  (30 min drive)

Best Fine Dining

LP on Main – http://louisianapurchasefoodandspirits.com/

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Best Of – Local Things To Do summer

Check out our list of fun things to do in the area.  Our list contains places within ~30 minute drive of Oak Creek Cabin visiting cities such as Boone, Banner Elk, Linville Falls, Elk Park, Roan Mountain, Blowing Rock and Grandfather.

Grandfather Mountain – NC largest attraction, amazing biodiversity and scenic beauty that towers 5,946 feet and is 300 million years old!

https://grandfather.com/

Elk River Falls – Beautiful waterfall with an easy trail just 15 minutes from Oak Creek Cabin

https://www.visitnc.com/listing/74bt/elk-river-falls

Roan Mountain State Park – Nice riverside hiking trails

https://tnstateparks.com/parks/roan-mountain

Mountain Warriors – Offroad UTV adventures

https://www.offroadmountainwarriors.com/

Mountain Glen Golf – Designed by George Cobb Mountain Glen is a beautiful course for all ages and public welcome.  Just 5 mins from Oak Creek Cabin

https://boone-asheville-nc-mountain-golf-course.com/

Linville Caverns

https://www.linvillecaverns.com/

Scotty’s Appalachian Produce  – Fresh local produce

https://www.facebook.com/scottysappalachianproduce/

Wildcat Lake in Banner Elk – Swimming, sunbathing, fishing and boating

https://www.bannerelk.com/members/wildcat-lake/

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brief history of avery county nc

Avery County, located in North Carolina’s Mountain region and bordered in part by Tennessee, was formed in 1911 from parts of Mitchell, Caldwell, and Watauga Counties. Avery was the one-hundredth and final county to be created in North Carolina. The county was named after Col. Waightstill Avery, a Revolutionary War officer and the first attorney general of North Carolina. The earliest inhabitants of Avery County were the Cherokee Indians, followed by German, Scotch-Irish, and English settlers. Newland, the county seat, was incorporated in 1913 and named for William Calhoun Newland, the lieutenant governor of North Carolina from 1909 to 1913. Newland is situated at an elevation of 3,589 feet, making it the highest county seat in the eastern United States. Other communities in Avery County include Banner Elk, Crossnore, Elk Park, and Linville. Lees-McRae College was established in Banner Elk in 1900.

The terrain of Avery County is perhaps its most significant feature and is the basis for its primary industry, tourism. Located in a region known as the “High Country,” it is a very popular destination for vacationers, including hikers, hang gliders, and other outdoor enthusiasts, who flock to the county throughout the year, particularly in the fall and summer, to enjoy the rugged beauty of the region. Several important landmarks draw thousands of other visitors, including the much-visited Grandfather Mountain, Linville Caverns, and Beech Mountain. The Blue Ridge Parkway’s Linn Cove Viaduct, a 1,234-foot curved bridge near Grandfather Mountain, represents one of the most complex engineering feats in the United States. Major events such as the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, Beech Mountain Storytelling and Crafts Festival, and Banner Elk Art Festival are some of Avery County’s most popular annual attractions.

Avery County produces lumber, tobacco, potatoes, and beef cattle. It has been called a “Christmas tree capital” for its supplying of large numbers of the popular Fraser fir variety of tree used for this purpose (and now the official state Christmas tree). The county also produces such minerals as kaolin, mica, iron, and feldspar.

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