NOVEMBER 26, 2009 ISSUE
December at Grandfather Mountain Brings Dollar Days to High Country Residents
Winter views from Grandfather Mountain are expansive and, some regular visitors claim, the most beautiful. Photo submitted
All those that work and reside in the six High Country counties, along with guests traveling in the same vehicle, are invited to visit Grandfather Mountain for $1 during the month of December with proof of local employment or residency.
Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga and Wilkes are the six counties of the High Country, designated by the N.C. High Country Host regional travel promotion organization. The discount is also extended to students of colleges and universities in the High Country and to guests traveling in the same vehicle with those eligible for the December discount.
Proof of residency includes a driver’s license, college ID or local utility bill, and proof of employment can be an employee identification badge or pay stub.
“We are pleased to continue the Dollar Days tradition," said Grandfather Mountain Operations Manager Crae Morton. “Grandfather Mountain would not be what it is without the support of the local community, and we thank everyone for their generosity and good will.”
Due to a shortage of donations and an immediate need at food banks, Grandfather Mountain is adding an extra way for those who work and reside in the High Country to take advantage of Dollar Days.
This December, instead of paying $1 in cash for admission to Grandfather Mountain with proof of local employment or residency, you can choose to donate one to two cans of food per person for Grandfather’s December Food Drive. All donations will be distributed to High Country food pantries.
“The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, a nonprofit corporation, took over operation of the mountain effective November 1,” said Executive Director Penn Dameron. “We are especially aware of how economic conditions have affected the ability of nonprofits to deliver the kinds of services that our communities need.”
Cougars will be among the animals visitors can see in natural habitat exhibits at Grandfather Mountains during December. Photo submitted
Dameron added that many corporations and individuals are not able to make the kinds of charitable donations that they have made in the past and that as a result, food banks all over the country are running low.
“We encourage everyone who wants to take advantage of our Dollar Days offer to donate one or two cans of food as the price of admission. This will double the benefit to the community,” Dameron said.
Many regular visitors believe that winter is the most beautiful season at Grandfather, and what better time to see the beauty than the time of year when traffic has slowed down. Visitors can expect to see 360-degree views that seem to go on forever from the Mile High Swinging Bridge.
Although the bears will be hibernating in December, the mountain has five other animal exhibits where guests can see and photograph cougars, river otters, a bald eagle, a golden eagle and white-tailed deer from close range in their natural surroundings.
The Nature Museum is a cozy place to duck into for a break from the chill. Mildred’s Grill offers homemade vegetable soup and chili, as well as salads and sandwiches, and the gift shop offers many holiday presents suitable for all ages.
Hiking options include the 0.4-mile Bridge Trail that makes a gradual climb from the Hikers' Parking Area to the temporary Top Shop, traversing through rhododendron thickets and past massive rock formations before crossing under the Mile High Swinging Bridge. Also departing from the Hikers’ Parking Area is the Black Rock Nature Trail that runs out a mile and back through northern hardwood and spruce forests.
Those looking for a greater outdoor challenge can hike across the high peaks on the Grandfather Trail. Surveys show that visitors to the mountain who choose to venture out across the ridge tops on the Grandfather Trail report that the hike was the highlight of their visit.
Grandfather Mountain is open every day in December except Christmas Day, weather permitting. The hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with ticket sales ending at 4:00 p.m. For current weather conditions, call the entrance gate at 828-733-4337.
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