OCTOBER 29, 2009 ISSUE
Grandfather Mountain Introduces Secret Season Pass
Pass Allows Locals To Enter Attraction for Reduced Rate Over Next Six Months
Grandfather Mountain is announcing its Secret Season Pass, which allows locals to enjoy the mountain between November 1 and April 30 for reduced rates. The term “secret season” refers to the winter months when traffic at Grandfather Mountain slows down, and vistas such as these can be witnessed without deafening crowds. Photo on left by Hugh Morton; photo on right by Helen Hopper
Whether it’s for the opportunity to see wildlife in the snow or the chance to enjoy endless vistas cleared out by winter’s chill, Grandfather Mountain’s Secret Season Pass is a treat for those who live and work in surrounding areas. The pass, good November 1 through April 30, is a very affordable way to experience the mountain without the crush of summer crowds.
Passes cost $25 for an adult, which means the pass holder can visit every day for six months at a price less than the cost of two adult tickets. An individual child’s pass, for those ages four to 12 years old, is $15 apiece. The group pass—good for six people traveling in the same vehicle—sells for $65 and pays for itself on the first visit.
The term “secret season” refers to the winter months when traffic at Grandfather Mountain slows down. Secret Season Pass holders are rewarded not only with the sensation of being on top of the world, but also with the sensation of having it all to themselves. It is a time that employees cherish because of the crystal blue skies, endless vistas, abundance of wildlife and on occasion, the breathtaking sight of the mountains covered in snow.
No matter how hectic things might be at the office, watching the birds on the feeders outside the windows of Grandfather’s Nature Museum restaurant is always a rejuvenating time out. The restaurant is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., serving homemade vegetable soup, chili, salads and sandwiches. Many local businessmen and women have discovered that Grandfather Mountain’s restaurant is a unique setting to take associates for lunch, while others stop in regularly for breakfast on their way to work. The private dining room is also available for meetings.
Another great opportunity while visiting the park during the winter is to visit the attraction’s gift shops. Many holiday presents for all age ranges can be found among the dozens of memorable items and collectibles stocked in the gift shops especially for the winter months.
Construction on Grandfather Mountain’s new Top Shop near the Mile High Swinging Bridge is still under way and will hopefully be completed in early 2010.
Secret Season Passes go on sale Sunday, November 1, at the Grandfather Mountain entrance gate or by mail at P.O. Box 129, Linville, NC 28646. Winter hours, weather permitting, are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visitors can check on current weather conditions in winter by calling the entrance gate at 828-733-4337. The park is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas days.
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