Featuring: Sparta Roaring Gap Piney Creek Laurel Springs Glade Valley Ennice Independence, VA Neighboring Communities A PUBLICATION OF THE ALLEGHANY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.CoolSparta.com SPARTA ALLEGHANY C OUNTY AND THE B LUE R IDGE 2013 COMPLIMENTARY COPY
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Featuring: Sparta
Roaring GapPiney Creek
Laurel SpringsGlade Valley
EnniceIndependence, VA
Neighboring Communities
A PUBLICATION OF THE ALLEGHANY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.CoolSparta.com
Important Numbers..................................20, 46Laughter is the Best Medicine.......................28Dining & Catering............................................ 30Catering • Coffee Shops • Delis • Restaurants •
Real Estate and Construction....................... 32Architects • Building Supplies • Cabinetry &Woodworking •Construction, General Contractors& Renovations • Electricians & Plumbers •Excavating & Hauling • Heating & AC Equipment •Home & Condo Developments & GatedCommunities • Land Surveying • ManufacturedHousing • Nurseries, Landscaping & Fencing •Painting • Real Estate Agencies & Auctioneers • Siding • Well Drilling • Windows • Wood Stoves •
Services Directory.......................................... 38Accounting, Bookkeeping & Tax Services •Advertising, Marketing & Media • Architects • Art Classes • Attorneys •Automotive Parts &Services • Banks & Financial Services • BusinessConsultation & Counseling Services • Child Care •Cleaning Services & Property Care • Computer &Technology Services • Employment Services •Equipment & Event Rental • Funeral Homes • Hair Care, Salons & Related Services • Heating Oil /Propane • Insurance • Medical, Health & Fitness •Nursing Homes & Residential Care • Painting • PetCare • Photography & Framing • Printing & GraphicDesign •Tanning, Massage & Spa Services •Transportation & Limousine Services • Utilities • Web Development • Wedding & Event Planning •Wedding & Event Venues •
Take A Break From The Interstate...............47
County Map...................................................... 50Cover photography by Blue Ridge Graphics.
Alleghany Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center58 South Main St. P.O. Box 1237 Sparta, NC 28675
Welcome to the Sparta Magazine, a visitor and business guide for those interested inour community. Sparta is a small town located in the center of Alleghany County. With acounty population at a little over 11,000, it is never referred to as overcrowded butinstead as a vibrant, friendly community. Visitors are awed by the beauty of AlleghanyCounty and the relaxed lifestyle. Along our roads you are likely to spot Christmas trees,cattle farms, and spectacular views.
Produced annually by the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce, this guide offers the readerinsight on what our county has to offer, whether you are coming for a visit or looking torelocate. Use it as a guide to lodging, dining, or just to learn more about our community.
Each year we spotlight artists and their talents in the magazine. This year’s featured artistsare basket weavers, Pat Sexton and Katheryn Abernathy. Check out the Artist Corner onpage 21.
All of the businesses and organizations provided in this guide are members of theAlleghany Chamber of Commerce and we take comfort in knowing these members pro-vide the utmost customer service and have the best there is to offer in Alleghany County.On pages 10, 14 and 28, you will find a spotlight on some of our members.
With lots to offer, we hope you will enjoy your visit to Alleghany County and please stopby our office on Main Street to say hello.
Ashley WeaverAssistant Executive Director
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WELCOME TO SPARTA, N.C.
Welcome To Alleghany County & Sparta
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EXPLORE
Arts & HeritageOrganizations
Alleghany Arts CouncilP O Box 962, Sparta NC 28675336-363-2312 / [email protected]
Almost anytime is a good time to visit Alleghany County and Sparta and the surrounding area.Summer and fall, the New River beckons sportsmen as well as families canoeing downstream.Opportunities for outdoor adventure abound along the Blue Ridge Parkway and at New River andStone Mountain State Parks. During the year, festivals and celebrations offer added excitement.The following list is an overview of events and special activities. Since this calendar is preparedmonths in advance, for events scheduled for a specific date it is always wise to go to our calen-dar at CoolSparta.com, call the number listed with the event or call the Chamber at 800-372-5473 or 336-372-5473 to confirm dates, times and details before making your plans to attend.
RECURRING EVENTS
Crouse House Pickers: Come to listen or sit in on this informal bluegrass and old-time musicjam. 6p each Monday at Crouse Park.
Historic 1908 Courthouse Jam: Every Wednesday beginning at 6:30 p in Independence, VA.Local musicians jam in this historic setting. 276-773-2471
Alleghany Jubilee: Dance or listen to local bands performing traditional mountain music everyTuesday and Saturday beginning at 7p. 25 N. Main St. 336-372-4591
Blue Ridge Music Center: Weekend concerts and special programs June through mid-October,Parkway Mile Post 213. BlueRidgeMusicCenter.org 276-236-5309
Saturday Music in the Park: Bring a lawn chair or blanket to spread on the lawn of CrousePark, Sparta, June 8- Aug. 31. Check for details CoolSparta.com 800-372-5473
EVENTS CALENDAR
Empty Bowls: Feed your soul as well as your body. Come and support a hunger free commu-nity at the annual Empty Bowl fundraiser. Supports Solid Rock Food Closet. April 29 11a-2p.Call for location - 336-372-2695.
Summer Jamboree: There are many special activities Memorial Day through August calen-dared later in the year. Check the Chamber's online calendar at CoolSparta.com or drop by theVisitors' Center, 58 South Main, for a Summer Jamboree Calendar. Our foyer is always open.
Memorial Ceremony & Parade: Saturday, May 25. Courthouse lawn ceremony at 1p, paradefollows.
Wine Festivals: Amateur winemakers showcase their talent at the ThistleMeadow Winery inLaurel Springs, Sunday, May 26, 12n-5p. In the fall, the annual Wine Tasting features area vint-ners, Sunday, Oct. 6, 12n-5p. www.ThistleMeadowWinery.com 336-359-2995 or 800-233-1505
Studio Tours: Local artisans and craftspeople open their studios to demonstrate their handi-work: June 14-16 and Oct. 18-20. Details at NCMountainArtsAdventure.com
The New River Shrine Club Annual Duck Race: June 22 at 12noon, Una’s River Bottom,Sparta 336-657-0582.
Mud Sling: See how far the big trucks can go through the sea of mud at the CountyFairgrounds, 1521 US 21 North, June 22 and Aug. 3. Call 800-372-5473 or check the calendarat CoolSparta.com for times.
What’s Happening
EVENTS
Lawn Mower Racing: Locals experience NASCAR thrills on a small-er, less expensive scale. Races held at the County Fairgrounds. Call800-372-5473 for dates.
Go Skate Day 2013: Saturday June 22, 11a until. Live music, dra-mas & skateboarding competition. Sponsored by the Razors EDGESkatepark & Youth Ministry. skaterazorsedge.com 336-657-0858
July 4th: The Fourth of July parade winds down the Independence, VA, Main Street at 10a onThursday, July 4. Everyone is invited to Sparta, NC, Thursday evening, July 4, to tailgate atAlleghany High School beginning at 6p and stay for fireworks at dusk. Music provided.Concessions available. Sparta's Parade celebrating the nation's independence is held Saturday,July 6, beginning at 2p. 800-372-5473
Alleghany Fiddlers Convention: The best of traditional mountain music in competition, July19-20 at the County Fairgrounds, 1521 US 21 South, Sparta. AlleghanyFiddlersConvention.com
Craft, Car and Quilting Weekend: This triple event weekend offers something for every-one. The Alleghany Quilters' Guild Show is at the Black Building of the County Fairgrounds,1521 US 21 North ,Friday & Saturday, July 26-27, 10a-4p (336-372-5838). The Blue RidgeMountain Fair at Crouse Park (2 blocks behind the Courthouse) in downtown Sparta Friday, 3-6p, & Saturday, 9a-5p (336-657-0421). The VFW Car Show in the NAPCO parking lot, 120Trojan Ave., Saturday, 7a-4p (336-372-5573).
Mountain Heritage Festival: Some 100 food and craft vendors and demonstrators spreadout on Main Street for this celebration of mountain life Saturday, Sept. 21, 10a - 4:30p. Musicand dance entertainment. Sparta-NC.com/heritage 800-372-5473
Mountain Foliage Festival & Grand Privy Race: Saturday, October 12, 9a-4p. Arts & craftsvendors and bluegrass music at the historic courthouse in Independence, VA. Kids' activitiesinclude pony rides, pumpkin painting and inflatable slides. Privy racing begins at 11a on Main St.276-773-3703
Hillbilly Comedy & Variety Show: The Sparta Auditorium hosts this annual show of local talent Saturday, Oct. 19, beginning at 7p. 336-372-4591
High Country Lights: Thanksgiving through New Years Day, over 100,000 lights will be cho-reographed to sixty minutes of music at Glade Creek Fire Department on Glade Valley Road,6.4 miles from its intersection with US 21 and 5.3 miles from the intersection with NC 18. Thelights will be running every night, Sunday through Thursday from 6p-10p and Friday andSaturday from 6p-11p. www.highcountrylights.com
Christmas in the Mountains: Beginning Nov. 16 and continuing until Dec. 24, local farmsopen their fields to let visitors choose the perfect Christmas tree to be fresh cut, baled andsecured to their vehicle for the ride home. www.Sparta-NC.com/choose
Christmas Parades march down Sparta's Main Street, beginning at 2p on Saturday, Nov. 28,and down Independence's Main Street, Saturday, Dec. 7, beginning at 3p.
The Singing Christmas Tree will perform Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6, 7 and 8 at 7pat First Baptist Church, 202 South Main Street, Sparta. No admission is charged, but reserva-tions are recommended. 336-372-8446
The annual Christmas Craft Fair: Find a special handmade gift, Saturday, Dec. 7, 9a-4:30p,in the Black Building at the County Fairgrounds. 336-372-5838
For more events throughout the year, check our calendar at CoolSparta.com or call 800-372-5473 or 336-372-5473.
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FEATURED MEMBERS
Featured Members…a
Soulcraft, art and communityRobin Cater is a whirlwind of energy. She and her husbandDaniel opened Cater Pots in 2000. Three years ago she helpedestablish the successful NC Mountain Arts Adventure Springand Fall Studio Tours. When potter Will Fenandez moved tothe area, their shared love of folk music turned into perform-ing gigs.
"I've always loved to a sing," she explained, "but I had put mymusic aside." Cater, who moved to the mountains in 1995 towork on her brother-in-law's farm, got a call from an old friendto play at her wedding. Deciding she had neglected music toolong, she replaced her old guitar and began practicing.Fernandez played the djembe, an african drum played muchlike bongos, and the duo, know simply as Robin and Will, started playing at library concertsand for music night at the River Rock Grill.
Cater's instincts served her well in 2000 when she opened the studio. "The hardest thingto do was to leave that paycheck, but in my heart and soul I knew I was ready to go full timewith pottery." And, again they served her well when she and others encouraged a studio tour.
Local artists had seen successful studio tours in other communities and they began dis-cussing how to bring that experience to thiscommunity. "We had all marketed our-selves and felt we knew best how to mar-ket a tour," she recalls. A group of artistsstarted meeting at the Backwoods Bean todo just that. In 2012, the tour completed its third, most
successful season, but it is a growing, evolv-ing effort, as is Cater Pots and the Robinand Will gigs.
Author - Bob Bamberg, Executive Director
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MOUNTAIN LIFE
Advocacy Trade & Support Groups
Alleghany Christmas Tree AssociaionP.O. Box 85, Laurel Springs NC 28644336-372-5597www.alleghanycta.com
Alleghany CommunityFoundation73 13th Ave. NE Hickory NC 28601828-328-1237www.nccommunityfoundation.org
Alleghany Council on Aging85 E. Whitehead St., Sparta NC 28675336-372-4640www.alleghanyseniorcenter.com
Alleghany County Democratic PartyP O Box 231, Sparta NC 28675336-372-2591www.ncdp.org
Alleghany County HomeBuilders Assoc.PO Box 489, Sparta NC 28675336-657-7610www.alleghanyhomebuilders.com
Alleghany County Republican PartyP O Box 652, Sparta NC 28675336-372-2012www.alleghanygop.org
Alleghany Rifle AssociationP O Box 986, Sparta NC 28675336-372-5686www.alleghanyrifleclub.com
Better Business Bureau ofNorthwest NC500 W. 5th St., Suite 202Winston Salem NC 27101336-777-8348 bbb.org
Friends of Alleghany Library122 N Main St., Sparta NC 28675336-372-5573 www.NWRL.orgSee our ad on page 14.
High Country Health Care Systems81 W, Doughton St., Sparta NC 28675336-372-2102www.highcountryhomehealth.org
Miles Job Fund565 S. Main St., Sparta NC 28675336-372-5646www.jobfund.org
Northern HighlandsChapter Friends of the BRP12 Hickory View Drive, Sparta NC [email protected]
Finding your place in the Blue Ridge"Are you Santa Claus," the youngster asked retired King, NC dentist Sam Simmons as
he dined on an outdoor deck overlooking Little River.For Simmons, who has let his white hair and beardgrow unabated, it's not an unheard of question. "Yes I am," he replied. The boy responded with a list
of questions about Santa and Sam leaned in closer andanswered each one very believably.
Simmons's wife Julia, a psychotherapist, leaned backand wondered, "Where is this coming from?" Laterboth would admit that the spontaneous answerswere one more step in the evolution of the retireddentist into the mythical Claus who dons a red suit tobe Santa at Christmas and now summers in the BlueRidge Mountains surrounding Sparta, NC. This newrole has let Simmons express his love of children in anew and more direct way.
For Julia, a Brit who met Simmons while he was stationed with the U.S. Air Force inEngland, the move to the mountains has led to a blossoming of her artistic bent. Julia's
graphic illustrations have evolved into anew language to express complex con-cepts and relationships that is valuable tothe consulting partnership with her sister,Pat Bird. Their venture, Dialogue Matters,focuses on strengthening organizationalcommunications in businesses, churches,families, etc. Whether teaching, consultingor leading their monthly book discussiongroup, Julia's wall-sized text and graphicillustrations are front and center for thelearning process.
Since moving up the mountain full time,the couple has helped establish aMoravian congregation and Julia hashelped found Alleghany Lives!, a suicideand depression prevention non-profit.Their new life among these old hills isfilled with new challenges and opportuni-ties as part of a vital community of nativesand fellow newcomers.
Author - Bob Bamberg, Executive Director
Sam and Julia pose in front of one ofJulia's graphics for a book discussion
Thistle Meadow Winery102 Thistle Meadow, Laurel Springs NC 28644336-359-2995 800-233-1505www.thistlemeadowwinery.comSee ad on page 19.
Wood Stoves
G&B Energy1017 N. Main St., Sparta NC 28675336-372-4443www.gbenergy.comSee ad on page 34.
Stout's Country Hearth593 Andrews Ridge Rd.,Sparta NC 28675336-372-5400See ad on page 15.
GOVERNMENT SERVICE NUMBERS
Alleghany County Library (336) 372-5573 • Dept. of Social Services (336) 372-2411Register of Deeds (336) 372-4342 • Drivers License (336) 372-6442
Public Transportation (336) 372-8747 • Alleghany County Aministration (336) 372-4179Town of Sparta (336) 372-4257 • County Planning Office (336) 372-2942
Sparta Town Zoning (336) 372-4257
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ARTIST CORNER
Daisy Fields Baskets, Pat Sexton1822 Memorial Park Dr. Sparta, NC 28675 336.372.3007 [email protected]
President and founding member of Little RiverGallery co-op, Pat has lived in Alleghany County withher husband Cliff since 1987. A nurse since 1970, shefirst studied her art in a class under the "Basket Lady,"Jessie Hill, some 20 years ago. More than just a hobby,her baskets rise to art as she is challenged to weavefrom new materials - reed, hardwood splints, pineneedles, waxed linen, cotton cord, cane, paper, youname it. Her patience and creativity shows as sheweaves in other media - ceramic, gourd, burl, birch,willow, yucca, bleached kudzu, walnut and betel nutshells, and copper.
Pat now teaches basket weaving and nursing at Wilkes Community College and attends theNC Basket Weaving Convention each March to improve her skills. She takes pride that mostof her baskets showcase her unique patterns. She finds basket weaving relaxing, even whencreating her seemingly tedious miniature baskets.
For Pat, baskets are a living art form and are available at Little River Gallery, 33A North MainStreet, Sparta.
High on a hill, snuggled against the serene Blue RidgeMountains, can be found Mountain Jazmin Baskets ona small farm that Kathryn Abernathy shares with herhusband, Dan, the talent behind "A Bird in Hand . . ."by Dan. Lush pastures, wild flowers, brightly coloredsong birds, fall leaves and snow, inspire each of hercreations. "Just the joy of seeing the beauty of themountains and God's creation surrounding me allowsme the peace to design," she says. Though new in her
craft, Kathryn is passionate about each basket she lays hands on.Nine years ago, she agreed to take a basket weaving class under friend Pat Sexton, just to
have enough students to make the class. She was hooked. "Basketry is a constantly evolving artform. Watching it take on its shape and personality is so exciting. Having done some writingand painting in the past, for me, baskets are far more rewarding," she proclaims." Hiking thehills, working in the garden or serving an elegant dinner, you can use an appropriate basket.Color, shape, textures, it's all there not to mention aesthetics and practicality. You can neverhave enough baskets,"
Laughter is the best medicineA visit with musicians Agnes and Ernest Joines always
involves lots of laughter. Agnes will start the ball rollingwith a humorous observation, and straight-man Ernestwill chime in with supporting evidence between kneeslapping and cackles. Mountain music and a humorpeculiar to these hills were born in an earlier timewhen much of life was filled with tedious work. Anyand all daily happenings were mined for a laugh andacting silly was an entertainment art form. Musicbrought joy and was the area's only art form.
Today, nobody carries both those traditions forwardbetter than Ernest and Agnes Joines. Their particular brand of mountain humor is ondisplay the third Saturday in October when they put on the Hillbilly Comedy Show, afundraiser for a local charity. It's a mix of live performances, comedy skits, and lip-synced tributes to famous singers. Someone always dons a grocery sack and plays theunknown comic. (I suspect it's Ernest.) It's down-home good natured fun and theyalways host a crowd of several hundred.
But their real contribution to mountain heritage happens every Tuesday and Saturdaynights at the Alleghany Jubilee, the old Spartan movie theater that has been trans-formed into traditional music and dance venue. They draw from a staple of authenticmountain bands that offer a blend of old time, bluegrass and country. And if a band'snot available, Ernest will whip out his mandolin and call four or five other musiciansand you'd think they'd been playing together for years.
Except for a year in Pennsylvania, these childhood sweethearts have always lived inthese mountains and have played with or know just about every musician in the area.The Jubilee has a crowd of regulars who can clog, square dance, flatfoot - you nameit. They are all like family. Most nights Ernest is playing on stage, but Agnes is happy torun the concession stand, cackling throughout the night at any of the week's mishaps,and be the official greeter and hugger for everyone that comes through the door.
If you are in Sparta, you won't find a more authentic mountain musical experience.When the Jubilee opened its doors in 1994, admission was $4 and it hasn't gone up apenny since.