Lees-McRae College, Family Association

Barry M. Buxton, Ph.D.
President, Lees-McRae College
(828) 898-8785
buxtonb@lmc.edu

Kacy E. Crabtree, Ph.D.
Vice President of Academic Affairs
(828) 898-8739
crabtree@lmc.edu

Mitch Marlowe
Interim Dean of Students
828-898-3311
marlowem@lmc.edu

Craig McPhail
Athletic Director
(828) 898-2483
mcphail@lmc.edu

Caroline O. Hart
Vice President of Advancement
(828) 898-8777
hartc@lmc.edu

Ginger Hansen
Vice President for Enrollment Management
(828) 898-8740
hanseng@lmc.edu

Director of the Post Office
Sandy Ramsey
828-898-8748
ramsey@lmc.edu

Director Facility Services
Bill McGowan
828-898-8776
mcgowanb@lmc.edu

Security Director
Debbie Smith
828-898-8756
Cell: 828-260-0505
smithd@lmc.edu

Local Contact Information

Banner Elk Police Department
583 Main St E
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 898-4300

Avery County Sheriff’s Office
300 Shultz Cir
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-3858

Things to do in the High Country

Avery Arts Council, Inc. – 8.4 Miles

77 Ruffin Street (directly behind the Old Hampton Store)
Linville, NC 28646
828-733-0054
Admission: Free
Description: Opportunities for the enjoyment of the arts through education & programming for the people of Avery County.
Months of Operation: Open year round
Days of Operation: Mon-Fri
Hours of Operation: 10 am - 2 pm.
Website: http://www.averycountyartscouncil.org

Banner House Museum - 1.1 Miles

7990 Hickory Nut Gap Road
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-3634
Admission fee
Adult $5/Children under 12 $1.
Description: Experience 19th century history of life in Banner Elk and the High Country in the home of one of Banner Elk’s original settlers. View demonstrations as you wander back in time through the re-created household of the 1870-80s.
Days and Hours Open: Banner House Museum will be open from June 18th to October 11th, Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM.
Website: http://www.bannerhousemuseum.org

Grandfather Mountain – 5.6 Miles

US 221, 2 miles north of Linville and 1 mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 305
828-733-2013
1-800-468-7325 (toll-free)
Admission fee
Adult $15 Children 4-12 $7
Senior 60+ $13 Children under 4 Free
Description: The highest peak in the Blue Ridge and a globally recognized nature preserve. Endless vistas; beautiful mountain scenery and mountain views; the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge; South’s best alpine hiking trails; bears, otters, cougars, eagles and deer in natural habitats; picnicking; nature museum; environmental education; gift shops; restaurant.
Months of Operation: Open year round, winter weather permitting
Days of Operation: Daily except Thanksgiving & Christmas days Hours of Operation: Winter: 9 am - 5 pm; Spring & Fall: 9 am - 6 pm; Summer: 9 am - 7 pm.
Website: http://www.grandfather.com

Linville Caverns, Inc. – 23.4 Miles

Highway 221 N., 18 miles north of Marion or 14 miles south of Linville & only 4 miles south of Blue Ridge Parkway at Linville Falls Village exit
19929 Highway 221 N.
Marion, NC 28752
828-756-4171
1-800-419-0540 (toll-free)
Admission fee
Adult $7 Children 5-12 $5
Senior 62+ $5.50 Children under 5 Free with adult/senior admission
Description: Unique opportunity to see the magic nature created inside our mountains. Stalactite, stalagmite, column, drapery & straw formations, & an underground stream with blind trout, and total darkness are just part of our guided tour experience! Also, we have an outstanding gift shop on the premises.
Months of Operation: Open year round
Days of Operation: Mar-Nov: Daily; Dec, Jan & Feb: Sat & Sun Only Hours of Operation: Mar - Nov (including weekends only): 9 am - 4:30 pm; Apr, May, Sept, Oct: 9 am-5 pm; June 1 - Labor Day: 9 am - 6 pm.
Website: http://www.linvillecaverns.com

Linville Falls – 19.8 Miles

The falls are located at Mile Post 316.3 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, north of where US 221 crosses the Parkway and south of where NC 181 crosses the Parkway.
Admission: Free
Description: Linville Falls is a waterfall located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Trails lead to views of both the upper and lower falls. Forests offer virgin hemlock mixed with other familiar trees such as white pine, oaks, hickory, and birch. A colorful and varied display of wildflowers decorates the trails in the spring. Red and golden leaves in fall beautifully contrast with the soothing green of hemlocks. The falls are open dawn-dusk year round.

Mast General Store – 6.2 Miles

Highway 194
Valle Crucis, NC 28691
828-963-6511
Description: Since 1883, the Mast General Store has been the center of the Valle Crucis community. Once carrying everything from cradles to caskets, it’s still packed with all you’d expect to find in an old-timey country store. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Open daily.
Months of Operation: Open year round.
Hours of Operation: Original Store: Mon - Sat: 7 am - 6:30 pm; Sun: Noon - 6 pm; Annex: Mon - Sat: 10 am - 6 pm; Sun: Noon - 6 pm (Winter hours may vary slightly.)
Website: http://www.mastgeneralstore.com

Ski Beech Mountain – 2.4 Miles

1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy
Beech Mountain, NC 28604
828-387-2011
1-800-438-2093
Description: Beech Mountain is located at an elevation of 5,506 feet.. Ski Beech offers a wide variety of activities year round; these include: Skiing, Snowboarding, Snow Tubing, Ice Skating, Terrain Parks, Mountain Boarding, Mountain Biking and Festivals. Ski Beech offers different rentals and rates throughout the year, Check with Ski Beech for current rates and offerings.
Website: http://www.skibeech.com

Sugar Mountain – 4.3 Miles

1009 Sugar Mountain Drive
Sugar Mountain, NC 28604
828-898-4521
1-800-784-2768
Description: Sugar Mountain is located at an elevation of 4100-5300 feet. Sugar Mountain offers a wide variety of activities year round; some of these include: Skiing, Snowboarding, Snow Tubing, Ice Skating, Festivals, and Summer Chair Rides.
Website: http://www.skisugar.com

Shopping

The Great Train Robbery – 1.3 Miles

2120 Tynecastle Hwy.
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-8645
Description: The High Country’s Greatest Shopping Attraction. Emporium, shops, art gallery, Mountain Sotheby’s International Realty, and dining at The Blackboard Restaurant. Furnishings, gifts, antiques, apparel, and more. Special events, design seminars, entertainment, festivals and shopper packages year-round.
Months of Operation: Open year round
Days of Operation: 7 days Hours of Operation: 10 am - 6 pm: Mon - Sat; 11 am - 4 pm: Sunday.
Website: http://www.thegreattrainrobbery.com

Finders Keepers Antiques – 4.7 Miles

3990 Highway 105S, Suite 5
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-1925
Description: Fine English & European antiques. Bench made reproductions. Gifts & accessories. English and Welsh dressers & sideboards. Pine, oak & mahogany desks, chests, cabinets & presses. Dining room tables, chairs & settees.
Months of Operation: Open year round
Days of Operation: 7 days (less Thanksgiving, Christmas & Easter) Hours of Operation: Mon - Sat: 10 am - 5 pm; Sun: 1 pm - 5 pm.
Website: http://www.finderskeepersnc.com

Alpine Ski Center – 2.5 Miles

3440-B Tynecastle Hwy.
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-9701
Description: Entrances of Ski Beech and Sugar. Rental equipment for skiing & snowboarding. Retail sales of clothing, equipment & accessories. Ski & snowboard rentals. Also, In-Line skates.
Website: http://www.alpineskicenter.com

Edge of the World, Inc. – 0.4 Miles

Tynecastle Highway
Highway 184 PO Box 1137
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-9550
Description: Guided Whitewater Rafting , Kayaking, Rock Climbing & Rappelling Trips; Complete Skateboard & Snowboard Shop.
Website: http://www.edgeoworld.com/bannerelk/home

Fred’s General Mercantile, Inc. – 1.7 Miles

501 Beech Mountain Parkway PO Box 523
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-387-4838
Description: Hardware, birdfeeders, books, kites, sleds, gardening supplies, Christmas trees at Christmas time, fresh apples in the fall, pumpkins for Halloween, toys, crafts, unusual gifts, clothing & mountain gear. Rentals, sales & service of skis & snowboards. Also, retail sales of ski clothing & accessories galore. As Fred says, If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.
Months of Operation: Open year round (Even Christmas Day!)
Days of Operation: 7 days Hours of Operation: Spring, Summer & Fall: 7:30 am - 10 pm; Winter: 7:30 am - 10:30 pm.
Website: http://www.fredsgeneral.com

Erick’s Cheese & Wine Shop – 4.6 Miles

4004 Hwy 105 PO Box 2140
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-9424
Description: Retail wine, cheese, gourmet foods, gift baskets & party trays. Free wine tasting parties every Saturday.
Open year round.
Days of Operation: Mon. – Sat.
Hours of Operation: Jan - Apr: 11am-6 pm; May-Dec: 10 am-6 pm.
Website: http://www.erickscheeseandwine.com

Banner Elk Winery/Villa at the Blueberry Farm – 2.2 Miles

60 Deer Run Lane P. O. Box 1274
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-260-1790
828-260-9090 (Winery) (toll-free)
Description: Banner Elk Winery is the North Carolina High Country's first commercial winery.
The winery not only offers wine for sale but wine tasting and educational tours which include instruction in the various steps and processes on how wine is made.
Open for Wine Tasting and Tours Wednesday through Sunday Noon to 6 p.m.
Website: http://www.bannerelkwinery.com

Boone Mall – 17 Miles

1180 Blowing Rock Rd # E6 Boone, NC 28607
828-264-7286
Description: Boone Mall is the first indoor shopping center in the High Country, located on Blowing Rock Road in Boone, North Carolina. It has two main anchors: Belk and JC Penney, and four junior anchors: Old Navy, T.J. Maxx, Panera Bread and Sears.
Website: http://www.boonemall.com/

Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway – 24 Miles

278 Shoppes on the Parkway Road Blowing Rock, NC 28605
828-295-4444
Description: Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway offers more than 40 outlet stores.
Website: http://www.tangeroutlet.com

Mast General Store

2918 Broadstone Road Valle Crucis, NC 28604
828-963-6512
630 West King Street Boone, NC 28607
(828) 262-0000
Website: http://www.maststoreonline.com/

Dining

Artisanal Restaurant – 2.2 Miles

1200 Dobbins Rd
Banner Elk NC 28604
828-898-5395
Description: The Artisanal Restaurant is a premier fine dining restaurant in the NC Mountains in a rustic, but elegant barn. Chef Bill Greene and staff make beautiful creations with a "farm to table approach". Each recipe is made from scratch in this contemporary atmosphere.
Hours of Operation: Closed Jan-Mid April - Open Mid April - Dec. 31, 5:30-10pm.
Website: http://www.artisanalnc.com

Banner Elk Café – 0.2 Miles

119 Central Way SW
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-4040
Description: The Banner Elk Cafe offers a beautiful courtyard, located directly in the middle of the Lodge Espresso Bar and Pizzeria and a ice cream parlor. Courtyard diners will enjoy being served fare from all 3 restaurants. There is live entertainment on weekends. The Banner Elk Cafe serves a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. A wide range of nightly specials are sure to please any palate. Children's menu available. The Lodge Espresso Bar and Pizzeria offers fare from Espresso, frappes, fruit smoothies, fresh fruit salads, bagels, pastries and delectable desserts.
Hours of Operation: 6am-10pm.

Bayou Smokehouse Grill and General Store – 0.2 Miles

130 East Main Street P. O. Box 2191
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-8952
Description: Shop and Play and Wine and Dine! No place like it in Banner Elk for family food and fun! Great home cooking, deck dining plus pool table and video games! Brunch Saturday and Sunday - 11:30 am to 3 pm. Beer and wine is also sold in our General Store.
Months of Operation: Open year round Days of Operation: 7 days
Hours of Operation: Sunday, Monday-Thursday - 11:30 am- 11 pm Friday and Saturday - 11:30 1m to 12 midnight.

Bella’s Italian Restaurant (In the Food Lion Shopping Center) – 4.3 Miles

3585 Tynecastle Highway
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-9022
Description: A neighborhood great Italian restaurant. Bar serving complimentary snacks.

China House (In the Food Lion Shopping Center) – 4.3 Miles

3581 Tynecastle Highway
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-3533
Description: A Chinese takeout or eat in restaurant with buffet.

Dunn’s Deli – 0.2 Miles

134 W. Main Street, Downtown Banner Elk, near the traffic light, across from the Exxon
PO Box 2512
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-6731
Description: Full-service deli serving fresh made to order sandwiches made using premium meats and cheeses. Great soups and salads, too. Breakfast served daily until 11 AM. Fresh-baked breads daily. Meats and cheeses sold by the pound. Daily specials. Months of Operation: Open year round Days of Operation: 7 days
Hours of Operation: Mon - Fri: 7 am - 7 pm; Sat: 9 am - 6 pm; Sun: 9 am - 5 pm.

Evergreen’s Restaurant & Lounge (Best Western) – 1.2 Miles

1615 Tynecastle Highway
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-4571
Description: Evergreens serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Evergreens offers casual dining for the whole family as well as a Fully Stocked Bar in the Lounge. In the summer months, Evergreens also has poolside tiki bar. It’s the only one in the area.

The Lodge Espresso Bar & Ice Cream Shoppe - 0.2 Miles

119 Central Way SW
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-3444
Description: The Lodge Espresso Bar and Pizzeria offers fare from Espresso, frappes, fruit smoothies, fresh fruit salads, bagels, pastries and delectable desserts.

Louisiana Purchase – 0.2 Miles

397 Shawneehaw Avenue
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-5656
Description: Louisiana Purchase Food & Spirits serves Creole and Cajun cuisine in a fine dining restaurant.
Days and hours: Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 6pm with Sunday Brunch at 11am.
Reservations Preferred.

Mountain Grounds Coffee & Tea Co. – 4.5 Miles

Grandfather Shopping Center
3990 Hwy 105 Suite 10
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-5878
Description: The High Country’s finest coffee house where you can sit and enjoy free wireless internet with a true mountain lodge setting. Gourmet coffee from around the world. Specializing in all espresso drinks, coffee, teas, fresh smoothies and frappes from true Baristas. We’ll even offer brewing advice for all of our products.

Mountain Tavern and Grille – 4.5 Miles

Located in Tynecastle Grandfather Center
3990 Hwy. 105, Suite 6
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-8887
Description: A full service restaurant with extensive menu and wine list. Elegant but cozy setting. Open year round. Complete bar.

Nick’s Restaurant – 4.3 Miles

828-898-9613
Description: American Cuisine and Bar Food.

Painted Fish Café and Beer Bar – 1.4 Miles

2941 Tynecastle Hwy
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-6800
Description: Amazing food inspired by friends and family. The Painted Fish Café has a great ocean atmosphere with an inspiring view of Sugar Mountain.
Hours of operation: Vary, but closed Mondays.

Frontier BBQ– 4.7 Miles

4235 NC Highway 105 South
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-6777
Description: Frontier serves delicious barbeque dinners with all the fixins'.

Puerto Nuevo – 1.3 Miles

2120 Tynecastle Hwy, Ste 3
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-8645
Description: Puerto Nuevo serves authentic Mexican Dishes made fresh daily and provide the best beers from around the world, but some of the best Cerveza.

Scott’s Pizza Place – 1.4 Miles

2951 Tynecastle Hwy.
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-4646
828-898-6469
Description: Scott's Pizza Place delivers and offers, pizzas, calzones, Stromboli, wings, subs, spaghetti, and more.
Hours of Operation: Open Daily at 11am, Saturday and Sunday 3pm, and Closed Tuesdays.

Sorrento’s Bistro – 0.2 Miles

147 Azalea Circle
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-5214
Description: This upscale Italian bistro is open all year serving lunch and dinner with an extensive wine list.
Days and Hours: Closed on Tuesdays.

Stonewalls – 0.2 Miles

344 Shawneehaw Av. PO Box 569
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-5550
Description: Restaurant serving the best in steaks, prime rib, seafood, and an extensive salad bar.
Hours: Open 5pm Daily.

The Frog and the Monkey – 0.2 Miles

128 Banner Rd Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 898-3764
Description: Food Styles, Greek and Mediterranean, Indian/Pakistani, Pizza, Sandwiches, and Vegetarian.
Hours: Open Mon – Sun 11:00 am – 9:00 pm

Tokyo Express – 1.6 Miles

100 High Country Square
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-4121
Description: Tokyo Express is a Japanese hibachi restaurant.

Zuzda Tapas – 0.2 Miles

502 West Main Street P.O. Box
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-4166
Description: Tapas menu has over 100 items, extensive wine list, all ABC permits, and live music.

Local Retailers

Grocery Stores

Dollar General – 0.9 Miles
767 Main Street East
Banner Elk, NC 28604-9241
828-898-8924

Food Lion – 4.3 Miles
3555 Tynecastle Highway
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-6318

Lowes Food 4.8 Miles
4000 NC Highway 105 South
Sugar Mountain, NC 28604
828-898-9565

Pharmacies

Banner Elk Pharmacy – 0.3 Miles
110 Park Avenue
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-4271

Rite-Aid – 4.3 Miles
4059 NC Hwy 105 South
Sugar Mountain, NC 28604
828-898-8971

Cell Phone Retailers

Verizon – 1.3 Miles
16 High Country Square
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-8384

Carolina West Wireless – 1.4 Miles
2043 Tynecastle Hwy
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-5227

AT&T (Boone) (Located in the Boone Mall) – 11.9 Miles
1180 Blowing Rock Road, Boone, NC
828-268-9024

Doctor Offices

Elk River Medical Associates – 0.3 Miles
150 Park Avenue Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-5177

Blue Ridge Health Plus – 0.3 Miles
110 Park Avenue
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-4343

Hospitals

Cannon Memorial - 9.8 Miles
434 Hospital Drive
Linville, NC 28646
828-737-7000

Watauga Medical Center (Boone) – 18.7 Miles
336 Deerfield Road
Boone, NC 28607
828-262-4100

Gas Stations

Banner Elk Exxon – 0.2 Miles
115 Main Street West
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-5210
Description: Services all types of cars in the service bay and is open 6am-11pm daily.

BP - The Pantry – 0.2 Miles
379 Shawneehaw Avenue
Banner Elk. NC 28604
828-898-5318

Shell - Scotchman Store - 0.2 Miles
4520 Tynecastle Highway
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-9808

Shop & Save Exxon – 4.3 Miles
3980 Hwy 105
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-9190 Description: The gas station and store are open Monday-Thursday 6am-10pm. Friday-Saturday 6am-11pm, & Sunday 7am-10pm.

Banks

Bank of America – 0.3 Miles
330 Main Street East
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-5231
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-6pm, and closed Saturday and Sunday.

BB&T
ATM - On the Lees-McRae College Campus at the Cannon Student Center - 0 Miles
191 Main Street West
Banner Elk, NC 28604
Hours of Operation: 24/7

BB&T Bank – 4.3 Miles
4501 Tynecastle Hwy Suite 15
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-9219
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-6pm, and closed Saturday and Sunday.

Fifth Third Bank – 0.9 Miles
1667 Shawneehaw Lane
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-6351
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-6pm, and closed Saturday and Sunday.

Highlands Union – 0.2 Miles
115 Main Street East
Banner Elk, NC 28604
828-898-5100
Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 8am-12pm and closed Sunday.

Banner Elk Lodging
Hotels
Best Western Mountain Lodge	(828) 898-4571
B&Bs/Inns
Azalea Inn B&B	(828) 898-8195
The Banner Elk Inn	(828) 898-6223
The Inn at Elk River	(828) 898-9669
Little Main Street Inn & Suites	(828) 898-6109
1902 Turnpike House B&B	(828) 898-5611
The Perry House B&B	(828) 898-3535
Cabins/Local Rentals
A and W Mountain Rentals & Realty, Inc.	(828) 898-9188
Avery Realty	(828) 898-6223
Banner Elk Mtn. Cabins	(828) 387-1209
Mountain Retreats Realty	(828) 963-6325
Nearby Lodging
Beech Mountain (7 miles)
Archers Inn	(888)827-6155
Beech Alpen Inn	(828) 387-2252
Pinnacle Inn	(800) 405-7888
Top of the Beech	(828) 387-2252
Valle Crucis (8 miles)
Mountainside Lodge B&B	(877) 687-4333
The Baird House	(800) 963-5581
The Mast Farm Inn	(828) 963-5857
The Taylor House Inn	(800) 963-5581
Valle Crucis B&B	(828) 963-2525
Near Boone (10-20miles)
Smoketree Lodge	(800) 422-1880
Best Western Plus Blue Ridge Plaza	(828) 266-1100
Comfort Suites	(828) 268-0099
Country Inn & Suites	(828) 264-4104
Courtyard by Marriott	(828) 265-7676
Sleep Inn	(828) 262-0020
Super 8	(828) 264-4133

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