Traveling with your pet

Here at A and W Mountain Rentals, we understand how quickly an animal can go from just being a pet, to being a full-fledged member of the family. And what could be better than taking a family vacation to the mountains and being able to take along your four-footed family members? That’s why we offer a number of pet friendly cabins and vacation rentals that allow a small to medium, well-behaved dog to be a member of your group.

A and W Mountain Rentals has more than 20 homes that are pet friendly. If you would like to see a list of our pet-friendly offerings, just click here to go to our “Search by Amenities” page. Once there, simply check the box for “Pets” and search! You can also call us at (828) 898-9188 and ask one of our reservationists about a pet-friendly rental. We’ll be glad to help you find the perfect rental for you and your furry friend!

While you’re looking for that perfect rental, keep the following tips in mind to make traveling with your pet safer and more enjoyable!

The preparation begins before you leave home. Planning ahead is essential to any successful vacation, especially when traveling with a dog:

• Take your dog to the vet a few weeks before you are scheduled to leave. This is a good time not only for a checkup to make sure your pet is up for the trip, but also to update his vaccinations, refill any medicines he needs and make sure he has proper parasite protection for the trip. Vaccinations should be up to date; you will want to have proof of this to take with you on your trip. You also want to make sure that your dog is protected, not only from fleas, but from ticks and mosquitoes as well. Be sure that your pet is protected with a medicine such as Frontline or K-9 Advantix. (Note that ADVANTAGE only protects your pet from fleas. Here in the South, ticks and mosquitoes can be much more dangerous as they can carry far more disease than fleas.) REMEMBER, all dogs are at risk of parasites, since they all have to go outside to do their business!
  



• Fido’s suitcase: The next thing to do is to pack Fido’s doggie suitcase. Be sure to bring some of his/her favorite toys, dog treats, a water bowl, plenty of water for the trip (we read that diluting the local water with water from home can help prevent diarrhea), a food dish, the dog’s normal food (of course), any medications you might need for Fido, dog leashes, doggie clean-up bags, crates, bedspread (quilt, sheets or a blanket) from home, dog tags (rabies and name tag stating address and phone numbers), colored photo and complete description (in case FIDO is lost).
  



• Kennel comfort: Many humane societies recommend that pets in cars/trucks be crated. If your pet requires travel in a kennel, train them before you make the trip. Make sure it’s large enough for the dog to stand, turn around and be comfortable. Purchase this ahead of time. We have read that you should let your pet eat and sleep there before you leave, as well as throw in an old sock (worn by you) so he will become accustomed to the kennel in time for travel. It has also been recommended that a strong mesh crate (the bottom lined with towels) with plenty of food and water be used.
  



• Grooming: It is a good idea to take your dog to the groomers before leaving on your trip. While we have wonderful groomers right here in Banner Elk, your dog may be more comfortable going to a groomer he is familiar with. If you don’t go to the groomers, be sure and bathe your dog right before leaving.
  



• Exercise your dog before you leave. A tired pet will sleep more easily and adapt more readily to new surroundings.

Come Out and Play!

So, you’ve heard all about our great skiing in the High Country, but did you know that we also have a lot of great stuff to do in the summer? In addition to hiking, fishing and rafting, we also have some great golf courses that make the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.

What makes the High Country so perfect for the summer? With warm days and cool nights, summers in the high country are great for enjoying the great outdoors without battling the extreme heat you may find in other areas. Call us today at 828-898-9188 to book your summer rental!

Here are some of the golf courses you can enjoy during your stay:

Beech Mountain Golf Club Course (exclusive)
Beech Mountain Golf Club is a private course located on Beech Mountain, just a few miles from Banner Elk. While this is an exclusive course, A and W Mountain Rentals & Realty has a number of rentals that offer Beech Mountain Club guest access. The Beech Mountain Club maintains that they are “blessed with an 18-hole golf course designed by Willard Byrd stretching over 6,250 yards across beautiful mountain terrain. The golf season typically runs from May through October.” So be sure to ask a reservationist about booking a rental that offers guest access to Beech Mountain Club and enjoy this wonderful private course!

Boone Golf Club
Located just south of Boone, NC is the Boone Golf Club. This golf course features “level to gently rolling fairways, large undulating greens, lush greenery, crisp mountain air, and breath-taking views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.” Come enjoy the game at this beautiful course designed by architect Ellis Maples.

Mountain Glen Golf Club
You can find Mountain Glen Golf Club just outside of Newland, North Carolina (just minutes from Banner Elk). This Golf Club is operated by the Avery Development Corporation and has been open since 1963. Here you can find an “18-hole golf course, club house with large upstairs dinning facility for special events or occasions, proshop, snack bar, driving range, golf shed and putting green.” The course was designed by George W. Cobb, ASGCA.

Sugar Mountain Golf Club

Located just minutes from Boone and Banner Elk, the Sugar Mountain Golf Club was designed by the late Frank Duane. This 18-hole course is open to the public and features 9-par threes, 8 par fours and a single par five. The course is enjoyable for players of all skill levels.

Call A and W Mountain Rentals & Realty today (828-898-9188) and find out more about booking a house, log cabin or condo for your golfing vacation. Remember, summer in the High Country is filled with a dazzling array of recreation and entertainment possibilities. Check out our Things To Do page at A and W Mountain Rentals for more fun stuff!

Congratulations, Casey Drake!!!

A and W Mountain Rentals is proud to announce that our very own reservationist, Casey Drake, will be graduating from Lees-McRae College this Saturday! Way to go Casey! Ya done good!

Things To Do In The High Country In May!

There are some exciting events going on in the High Country for May!

On Tuesday, May 6th there will be a guided hike on the Westerly Hills Trail on Beech Mountain. “All guests, residents and neighbors are invited to hike the trail less traveled. The hike is free. Appropriate clothing and footwear are required. Please leave your pets at home as they may disturb wildlife along the trails. For additional information contact the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce. The group will meet at Fred’s General Mercantile or the trailhead at 8:45 on the day of the hike.

Friday, May 16th through Saturday, May 31st: The Historic Orchard at Altapass celebrates its 100th season as an apple orchard perched atop the Blue Ridge Mountains!
Saturday, May 17th – South Bound roars into the Orchard with high-stepping bluegrass.
Sunday, May 18th – Randy Flack brings back great stories and entertaining original and country tunes.
Wednesday, May 21st – Bob Lominac and Tom Sparks strum and sing informally for orchard guests to enjoy.
Thursday, May 22nd – The very talented Julia Ann shares her stirring country and gospel songs with visitors.
Friday, May 23rd – Herb Green and Herman Coffey pick and sing good ol’ fashion mountain bluegrass. Join in.
Saturday, May 24th – Linda Davis accompanies herself on the piano and sings country, jazz, bluegrass, and gospel favorites. Terry McKinney hosts his mountain opry show.
Sunday, May 25th – Glenn Nance and his buddy Lenny Ski are our special guests. Enjoy! Brian Gurl and Friends return with an ultra-talented array of performers.
Monday, May 26th – The Orchard celebrates its centennial at a very special Memorial Day barbecue and covered dish dinner! Come join in the 100th birthday fun with long-time and brand new friends! Admission: Bring a dish large enough for your party and some extra for the musicians. The Orchard provides the barbecue, paper goods, iced tea and water, and the musicians entertain all day in half hour segments. If you cannot bring a dish, dinners cost $10 each. P.S. You might bring along a couple of lawn chairs.
Wednesday, May 28th – Tom Sparks and Bob Lominac gather friends and sing country favorites.
Friday, May 30th – Bonnie Schmink brings a bevy of performers for lots of upbeat fun
Saturday, May 31st – Jeff Atkins and his Cole Mountain Cloggers show the fine dancing skills of our local young people. Bluegrass Mix, local folks with an amazing bluegrass sound, join The Orchard’s regular music schedule.
Click here for times and more information: http://www.altapassorchard.com/

On Saturday, May 17th and Sunday May 18th, Grandfather Mountain is hosting a Naturalist Weekend. There will be two days filled with guided hikes and special presentations on the birds, wildflowers and nature of Grandfather Mountain. The price is included with regular park admission.

On Saturday, May 24th and Sunday May 25th, The Great Train Robbery in Banner Elk will be hosting an arts and crafts show. The event will feature handmade fine arts and crafts, wines from a private vineyard in Sparta, NC and a wildlife exhibit from Genesis Wild Life Animal Reserve among other things.

On Saturday, May 24th and Sunday, May 25th, Jim & Jennie’s Music Barn and Campground will be hosting their Annual Ramp Festival. The festival will include Bluegrass music and dancing and a menu of ramps, raw or fried with potatoes and all the trimmings. Ramps are a wild, mountain onion, garlic flavored, found only in the higher elevations of the mountains. For recipes using ramps, see www.wild-leeks.com. For details on times and location, call (828) 733-2807.

On Friday, May 30th, Grandfather Mountain will host a Nature Photography Weekend. Come and hear presentations from top Nature Photographers in the evenings and photograph spectacular scenery and native animals during the day. There is an additional cost and online registration at www.grandfather.com.

Don’t forget the Highland Games begin July 10th!!! A and W Mountain Rentals offers many houses and cabins in the area, so call now to reserve yours! (828)898-9188.