Meet Up In Wilkesboro, NC
We’ll start our morning in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, “where the mountains begin”.
Stop #1 - Leatherwood Mountain Resort or Whippoorwill Academy Village
We’ll begin our day at either Leatherwood Mountain Resort or Whippoorwill Village Academy. *On July 10, 17 and August 7, the tour will start at Leatherwood Mountain Resort where we’ll hear from a member of the Overmountain Victory Trail who will tell us all about the Overmountain Men who would have marched nearby on their way to The Battle of King’s Mountain.*On the July 31 tour, we’ll participate in a guided tour of historic Whippoorwill Village where several 18th & 19th century buildings have been saved, moved and restored, including Daniel Boone’s hunting lodge. Regardless of the date, we’ll enjoy a fabulous meal together for lunch outside in the fresh Carolina backcountry air.
Stop #2 - Historic Fort Defiance House Tour
In 1780, the name Fort Defiance belonged not to the house that currently stands, but to a fort not far from this location. William Lenoir resided in the fort and had joined the Patriot militia under Benjamin Cleveland. As the Overmountain Men traveled down the Yadkin River Valley on their way to Kings Mountain, they stopped in the area of the fort to make camp on the night of September 28th. Some believe that the men may have camped in a grove of trees located behind the historic house. William Lenoir kept a journal during the campaign and gained notoriety after the Battle at Kings Mountain for his accounts.
When the house was finished in 1792 William Lenoir decided to keep the name Fort Defiance for his new home. The house has over 300 pieces of original furnishings and historic household items.
Stop #3 - Hickory Ridge Living Museum
Located in Boone, the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum is a series of six historic 18th & 19th century log cabins, each representing different aspects of life in the back country during the settlement period of the colonial era. Find out what life was like when the Western North Carolina high country was first being settled. Educators and tour guides will lead us in an immersive experience through these six historic cabins, complete with artifacts and furnishings. Hickory Ridge History Museum strives to recreate the atmosphere of a small mountain community (i.e., Fraser’s Ridge) to show guests about the daily lives of our colonial ancestors.
Staffed with historic interpreters in period clothing, Hickory Ridge History Museum’s series of authentic, historic cabins give visitors a glimpse into the past and a feeling for the daily lives of early mountain settlers.
Stop #4 - The Blowing Rock
The Blowing Rock, North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction, is a rocky outcropping near the village of Blowing Rock. The Blowing Rock sits at 4000 feet above sea level overlooking Johns River Gorge.
The prevailing wind blows through the gorge toward The Blowing Rock. There, at the end of the gorge, the wind’s path of least resistance is up the steep slopes surmounted by the outcropping, resulting in a nearly vertical and typically strong wind.
The legend of the Blowing Rock is that a Cherokee brave leapt from the rock into the wilderness below, only to have a gust of wind return him to his lover on top of the rock and it is from this location that it is said that snow falls backwards. Your camera will be busy on this stop!
Stop #5 - Grandfather Mountain Winery
We’ll travel to Grandfather Mountain Winery on the banks of the Watauga River to enjoy a glass of wine of your choosing in a souvenir glass. The ultimate afternoon delight down by the water!
Stop #6 - Dinner at Dan'l Boone Inn
For over 50 years, Dan’l Boone Inn has been serving Boone and the high country delicious homecooked meals, just like you remember at Grandma’s house. Their family style meals begin with a salad. Three meats and five vegetables are served along with biscuits, preserves, dessert and a beverage.
Stop #7 - Horn In The West Outdoor Drama
Get ready for another exciting trip back in time at America’s longest running Revolutionary War drama, Horn In The West. We will travel to the 18th Century North Carolina high country at the time when the 13 colonies threw off British rule to establish the United States of America.
The play pays tribute to the courage and determination of the early settlers who came to the Blue Ridge Mountains seeking freedom and escape from British tyranny. The story tells of the lives of these mountain people during the turbulent years of the War for Independence, including the legendary Daniel Boone, for whom the town is named.
Since 1952, Horn in the West has offered thrilling outdoor entertainment to generations of Americans. Loved by young and old alike, Horn in the West is located in the heart of Boone, North Carolina in the beautiful 35-acre Daniel Boone Park.
