Community Tidbits – Spring ’26
Following you’ll find information on local events and programs, interesting people and a variety of opportunities from innovative organizations and businesses.
Southern Sun Farm Sanctuary Receives Major Gift | Southern Sun Farm Sanctuary is an equine rescue which focuses on abandoned, abused and unwanted horses, ponies and donkeys. The 501(c) (3) organization recently received a $100,000 gift from Ginny Burton of Banner Elk, NC, and Wellington, FL. The donation will enable Southern Sun Farm Horse Rescue to build a new centrally located, nine-stall barn on its existing property adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway, near Glendale Springs.
Ginny Burton, an experienced and avid horsewoman herself, selected Southern Sun Farm due to their excellent reputation in the High Country and a proven track record of saving horses. “My primary experience has been in the show world but John and Ann [Lisk] simply
don’t care about breeding and pedigree, they care about the horses.”
The new facility will be named the Ginny Burton Horse Rescue Barn, in honor of Ginny’s passion for horses, her community and her dedication to give back. Learn more, and find out how you, too, can help at southernsunfarm.com.
Shipley Farms Honored | Late last year, Shipley Farms in Vilas, NC, was named “Farm Family of the Year” at the Watauga County Farm City Banquet for their work in soil conservation.
“Healthy soil is the foundation of the top-quality beef we raise, and we are so proud of our team caring for the land for generations,” notes the Shipley family. They were also recently recognized with a “Lake Friendly Farm Award,” which recognizes agricultural operations
that implement conservation practices to protect water quality, such as reducing erosion, managing nutrients, and creating buffer zones. This designation highlights farmers who demonstrate environmental stewardship, particularly in preventing runoff into local lakes and watersheds. You can see their practices for yourself by signing up for a Cattle Feeding Tour or a Guided Walking Tour at shipleyfarmsbeef.com/book-a-farm-tour.
Reid’s Café Nominated for James Beard Foundation Award | Alek Schober (pictured left), Reid’s talented Food & Beverage Director, was recently named a semifinalist for the 2026 James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Southeast. This noteworthy nomination was bestowed by a guest, who wrote, “I have visited many restaurants from small diners to James Beard award winners, but Chef Alek Schober and Reid’s Café consistently draw me back. Alek, his wife Jessica, Reid’s house manager, and owner Tina Houston (pictured right) have designed a casual, open space that greets each customer with a relaxed, inviting environment.” The guest went on to add, “Alek’s expertise, forward thinking talents, consistency in delivery, and natural insight into delectable tastes and adventurous plating make Reid’s Café a little gem where diners can feast on the seasonal tastes of Appalachia in Western North Carolina and feel a part of it all.” Owner Tina Houston also received a nomination, highlighting her dedication to community, sustainability, and quality, working alongside Chef Schober. Congratulations to Reid’s Café!
Spring at the Banner Elk Book Exchange | The Banner Elk Book Exchange is a community-based, volunteer-run book exchange for Banner Elk and Avery County, operating on a “bring a book, take a book” policy. Located at the Historic Banner Elk School, the Book Exchange is a hub of activity, with educational and literary events taking place throughout the year.
The BE NOW (Banner Elk Night Owl Writers) Writers’ Group welcomes poets, short story writers and novelists to share and enjoy written works on the last Thursday of each month.
Book Discussion Groups are open to anyone interested in participating and discussing literature, every second Tuesday of each month.
For the children in your life who are interested in nature and science, come check out the Explorers’ Room (pictured above), which houses a collection of science-based books, puzzles, games and activities for kids of all ages. Children ages 7-11 are invited to participate in a free monthly, hands-on “Explorers Club,” held on select Tuesday afternoons year-round.
A Lecture Series, hosted by Appalachian State Professor Karl Campbell, will be held on select Tuesday evenings and will feature talks and book signings by several prominent experts and authors, including:
June 9, Karl Campbell, “Senator Sam Ervin: The Humor of a Country Lawyer”
June 23, Tim Silver, Death in Briar Bottom: The True Story of Hippies, Mountain Lawmen, and the Search for Justice in the Early 1970s
July 7, Lee Rankin, Farm Family: A Solo Mom’s Memoir of Finding Home, Happiness, and Alpacas
August 4, Judkin Browning, An Environmental History of the Civil War
See the Book Exchange Calendar for more details at bannerelkbookexchange.com.
FUNdraisers Throughout the High Country | Fine dining, music, dancing, entertainment, auctions, raffles—all for great causes! Support our excellent non-profit organizations by registering to attend their always-delightful annual fundraisers. Space is limited, so plan ahead! Here are just a handful on the horizon…
The WAMY Denim and Diamonds fundraiser will be held on Thursday, May 28 at The White Crow in Banner Elk, NC. “Proceeds help fight poverty in Watauga, Avery, Mitchell and Yancey
counties.” Learn more and register at wamycommunityaction.org.
The Watauga Humane Society Fur Ball Gala returns Saturday, June 13 at the Grandview Ballroom at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone. “Join us for an evening that celebrates the animals, the people who care for them, and the community that makes this work possible.” Learn more and register at wataugahumane.org.
Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge presents their Power of the Purse Luncheon on Thursday, June 25 at the Grandview Ballroom at App State. This year’s speaker is Joan Lunden, “an award-winning journalist, bestselling author, motivational speaker, and advocate for women’s health and wellness.” Learn more and register at facebook.com/WFBlueRidge/.
Avery Humane Society’s FurRaiser will be held on Thursday, June 25 at Appalachian
View in Newland. “Join us for an unforgettable evening of dancing with Mohr Fun Entertainment, gourmet food catered by Stonewalls, Wine Pull, Raffles, and a live auction, all to support Avery County’s animals in need.” Learn more and register at averyhumane.org.
Penland School of Craft will hold its Annual Benefit Auction this summer, August 21 and 22. “This year marks 41 years of bringing together collectors, curators, artists, and friends for a gala weekend in the mountains of North Carolina.” Learn more and register at penland.org/auction.
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s ninth annual Denim Ball (pictured above) takes place on Thursday, Sept. 3, at Camp Yonahnoka at the Linville Golf Club. “The event features dinner, drinks, dancing, and live and silent auctions to raise funds for repairs and improvements at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Blowing Rock.” Learn more and register atbrpfoundation.org.
Gunther Jochl Receives N.C. Tourism’s Winner’s Circle Award | After leading Sugar Mountain Ski Resort for nearly 50 years, owner Gunther Jochl (pictured center) was recently honored with the Winner’s Circle Award during the 2026 Visit North Carolina Tourism Conference. At the ceremony, Mr. Jochl first gave special thanks to his wife, Kimberley,
“who is an integral part of the operation and the success of Sugar Mountain Resort.” He went on to recognize two additional key people, “Erich Schmidinger, who’s been with me at Sugar Mountain for 30 years. And my son, Andrew, who joined us in 2015. It’s all about a great team,” he added.
The Winner’s Circle Award is a celebration of leaders who have made significant contributions to the success and growth of North Carolina’s travel and hospitality industry. Award recipients are nominated by the North Carolina tourism industry and selected by the
team at Visit NC. Learn more at visitnc.com/mountains and skisugar.com.
A New Generation at Brinkley Hardware | Family patriarch A.P. Brinkley opened Brinkley’s
General in Elk Park, NC, in 1903, and there has been a Brinkley at the helm ever since. At its founding, it had a bit of everything that might be needed by an isolated farming community. After World War II, as prosperity returned and electricity came to the region, second generation owner Bill Brinkley saw an opportunity to diversify.
When the store passed to son Steve Brinkley, now 84, he kept the store’s rich history intact while gradually adding to the inventory and updating the infrastructure. Steve Brinkley finally decided to retire, and today, the store continues to be under the Brinkley name—it’s now under the ownership of Taylor Lunsford.
While much will stay the same, Lunsford, who spent many summers of her youth hanging out at the store, will focus on “doing what we need to do to modernize, but keeping the experience and feel the same,” she noted in a recent interview with the Avery Journal. See for yourself what’s new (and what’s old) at Brinkley Hardware, located in downtown Elk Park on Lower Street.
Save the Date: Blue Ride Brutal Returns | Online registration is currently open for the popular Ashe County event, Blue Ridge Brutal, now in its 36th year. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, August 15. The Blue Ridge Brutal Bike Ride takes serious riders through some of the most beautiful scenery in North Carolina. Routes include 100, 70, 50 or 25 miles, and the race begins in front of the Museum of Ashe County History (1904 Courthouse) in Jefferson. Blue Ridge Brutal’s proceeds benefit the group’s scholarship fund for graduating seniors. More information can be found at blueridgebrutal.org and on the event’s Facebook page.
C.A.S.T. for Kids Event on June 6 at Lake Hickory | C.A.S.T. for Kids events are designed
to provide children with special needs (minimum age 6) the opportunity to enjoy a quality outdoor recreational experience through the sport of fishing. “Join us for an unforgettable morning of fishing, boating, and celebrating amazing children!” Events are free for children to attend, and all children leave with their very own fishing equipment. Children must be accompanied by their parent/guardian for the entire event. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited. Sponsorships are also available. Register at castforkids.org/event/lake-hickory/.
Discover Doe River Gorge | Experience Premier Summer Camps for ages 8-18 at Doe River Gorge! Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and only 30 minutes from Newland, NC, Doe River Gorge offers fun and adventure. Explore their beautiful campus with three miles of white-water river, pristine wilderness, an historic railroad, and unsurpassed facilities. “We offer over fifty thrilling activities, hands-on learning, fabulous meals, exceptional staff, lasting friendships, personalized attention and instruction, with a Christ-centered focus.” Registration is now open; for more information, visit doerivergorge.com. The property is located at 220 Doe River Gorge Road in Hampton TN. 423-725-4010
Food Carts for Feeding Avery Families | Earlier this year, Feeding Avery Families (FAF) received a generous donation of shopping carts from Food Lion of Banner Elk. “This thoughtful contribution will greatly support our daily operations and help us serve our neighbors with dignity and efficiency,” notes FAF staff. Food Lion also donated a total of 40,000+ pounds of food in 2025 to the FAF Food Pantry. Last year, Feeding Avery Families provided 600,000 pounds of food to our neighbors in need—enough groceries to create half a million individual meals—with a value of $1.2 million! A large group of volunteers are key to
the mission, having contributed nearly 15,000 volunteer hours in 2025. Learn more about volunteering, and read their 2025 Impact Report at feedingaveryfamilies.org/2025-impact-report/.
The UPS Store Opens in the High Country! | There’s now another option in town to help you with your packing, shipping, printing, shredding, scanning and more! The UPS Store – Grandfather Mountain Shops Banner Elk is locally owned and located at 3990 NC Hwy 105 S in Banner Elk (near Seven Devils, Sugar Mountain and Banner Elk). Your new one-stop “pack
& ship” solution is open seven days a week. They also offer mailbox services with package acceptance from all carriers, a real street address and email or text notification. “Plus, we’ll keep your mail and packages secure until you’re ready to pick them up.” Learn more by scanning the QR code on page 112 in the print issue of CML.
Apple Hill Farm Outpost Expanding | The Apple Hill Farm Outpost is a unique destination that brings the spirit of Apple Hill Farm’s mountaintop alpaca farm right into the heart of Banner Elk. The Outpost offers farm favorites, such as cozy alpaca apparel and yarns, plus an expanded selection of alpaca fiber products and other gifts. Their foods section, highlighting local agriculture, offers fresh goods—meats, cheeses, produce, baked goods, and prepared foods—from local farms and food producers. Stop by this spring—they’re expanding both their offerings and their space as they move into a second building on the property. The Apple Hill Farm Outpost is located at 414 Shawneehaw Ave S, Banner Elk NC.
applehillfarmnc.com/apple-hill-farm-outpost/
Wildlife Conservationist of the Year | Former staff writer Curtis Smalling, whose articles on birding were a favorite of CML readers, has been named “2026 Wildlife Conservationist of the Year” by the North Carolina Wildlife Federation and will be honored by Governor Josh Stein on May 2 at the 61st Annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards.
For over two decades, Smalling has dedicated his career to protecting birds and their habitats across North Carolina. As VP/Executive Director of Audubon North Carolina,
he leads science-based conservation initiatives from the mountains to the coast.
Smalling has protected thousands of acres of critical habitat, launched marsh restoration
projects, and advanced bird-friendly native plant policies statewide. Smalling also launched Audubon’s first Urban Forestry program and serves on national and international bird conservation committees. Through science, partnership, and advocacy, he has become a leading voice for bird conservation in North Carolina.
Keep the “Wild” in Wildlife | This spring, please refrain from feeding deer. According to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, feeding deer can:
– provide food sources that are often less nutritious and that can compromise the animals’ digestive systems; deer are adapted to adjust as their diet changes throughout the year–eating anything they don’t feed on naturally can cause severe illness or even death.
– discourage deer to forage for themselves, which in turn makes them less resilient.
– increase disease risk (which can spread to other deer).
The biggest action High Country residents and visitors can take to encourage healthy deer populations in our area is to keep them dependent on their natural food sources. White-tailed deer by Ken Taylor, courtesy of NCWRC
Tour the Historic Banner Elk School | The historic 1939 stone building in downtown Banner is home to the Town’s Cultural Arts Center and one of the many stops on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails (https://www.blueridgeheritage.com/blue-ridge-craft-trails/). Shop for local arts and crafts at BE Artists Gallery (www.beartistsgallery.com), book tickets for live theatre performances at the Ensemble Stage Theater (ensemblestage.com), “bring a book, take a book” at the Banner Elk Book Exchange (BannerElkBookExchange.com), learn about the Lees-McRae student organization, Common Ground, at commongroundlmc.org, enjoy yoga at Playful Heart Studio, and pick up an extra copy of CML at the CML Magazine “headquarters.” (CMLmagazine.online)
Let Us Hear from You! Have an event or tidbit you’d like to share with CML readers? Send your information to the editor at tamara@NCexplorers.com.