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The Lodge on U.S. 321 brings an upscale setting and a broad selection of beer and wine to a former gas station site
The Lodge, a new wine shop in Blowing Rock, has a wide selection. (Photo: Tony Mecia/The Mountain Ledger)
For months, people driving along Valley Boulevard in Blowing Rock watched a new building take shape on the site of the former Scott's gas station. Now they can finally see what's inside.
The Lodge, a wine and beer shop that opened in September, has an upscale, custom-built interior, a dramatic fireplace and an elk named “Scotty” — a nod to the former gas station.
And, of course, lots of wine.
The idea came from owner Marlon Carias, a software entrepreneur who wondered during the pandemic why he had to drive to Boone to find the kind of wine selection he wanted.
He envisioned something along the lines of Peabody's Wine & Beer Merchants, the Boone institution known for its extensive selection.
So he bought the Blowing Rock property, discovered the existing building needed to be demolished and started from scratch.
The project took longer than expected, with construction delays. Even the refrigeration equipment took longer than expected, prompting The Lodge to open on Sept. 25 with unrefrigerated beer.
"We just got to do it," said Bennett Larson, who helps run the shop. "Throw the door open."
The Lodge has a fireplace and tasting area. It has been holding wine tastings on Wednesdays. (Photo: Tony Mecia/The Mountain Ledger)
Larson, who previously worked for six years at Blowing Rock's Sunset & Vine, is helping shape the selection.
His philosophy: Carry the recognizable labels customers expect, but make room for discoveries.
That means familiar brands such as Caymus and The Prisoner alongside wines from Ukraine and Arizona. Among the more unusual offerings are wines made by Maynard James Keenan, lead singer of the rock bands Tool and A Perfect Circle, who also operates a winery in Arizona.
Larson is especially enthusiastic about finding bottles in the $15-to-$20 range that taste considerably more expensive.
"There's so many of them in the world that are unbelievable and drink way better than 15 to 20 bucks," he said.
The beer selection follows a similar philosophy, mixing domestic staples, local craft beers and unusual European imports.
The Lodge also hopes to become a gathering spot, advertising guided wine tastings, meet-the-maker events and seasonal tastings.
Larson says The Lodge isn't trying to duplicate nearby Sunset & Vine, which specializes in boutique wines and tastings, or Food Lion, which carries more conventional selections.
Instead, it hopes to offer something closer to a Total Wine in variety, but with the character of an independent shop and a more distinctive setting.
Larson believes Blowing Rock has plenty of potential customers, including second-home owners accustomed to specialty wine shops in larger cities.
So far, he says, the response has been enthusiastic, with curious residents stopping in after watching the lengthy construction project.
And now that the shelves are stocked, he's looking forward to expanding the selection further.
"We want to be different," Larson said. "There's plenty to go around."
THINGS TO DO
Thursday night App State football game, Hitchcock Radio Hour in Banner Elk, Tweetsie Ghost Train, antiques fair in West Jefferson, artisan market in Linville
THURSDAY
“App State football vs. James Madison,” 7 p.m., at Kidd Brewer Stadium, 270 Stadium Drive, Boone. The Mountaineers host James Madison in a Sun Belt Conference matchup during Appalachian State's Family Weekend.
“Drawing the Wind: The Art of Mark Nystrom,” 6 p.m., at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, 159 Ginny Stevens Lane, Blowing Rock. A special evening event focusing on artist Mark Nystrom and his work, which explores the relationship between natural forces and visual art.
FRIDAY
“Guided Gallery Tour at the Turchin Center,” 4 p.m., at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, 423 W. King St., Boone. Explore the galleries with a guided tour of current exhibitions at Appalachian State University's visual arts center. A drop-in artmaking activity is also listed for 2 p.m.
FRIDAY-SATURDAY
“The Hitchcock Radio Hour,” 7 p.m., at the Historic Banner Elk School, 185 Azalea Circle SE, Banner Elk. Ensemble Stage presents a theatrical tribute to Alfred Hitchcock, using the style of an old-fashioned radio drama to bring suspenseful stories to life.
“Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad,” 7-10:30 p.m., at Tweetsie Railroad, 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock. The popular Halloween attraction features a spooky nighttime train ride, Haunted House, Freaky Forest, trick-or-treating, live entertainment and amusement rides. Tickets include one reserved Ghost Train ride, and advance purchase is recommended. $65 for ages 13 and older, $45 for ages 3-12, free for children 2 and younger.
SATURDAY
“Fall Celebration at Elk Knob State Park,” 1-3 p.m., at Elk Knob State Park, 5564 Meat Camp Road, Todd. Celebrate autumn with hot apple cider, a campfire, s'mores, candy bags for children and Halloween-themed crafts at the amphitheater near the Summit Trail parking lot. Costumes are encouraged, and a costume contest with prizes starts at 2:30 p.m. Free.
“West Jefferson Olde Time Antiques Fair,” 8 a.m.-8 p.m., in downtown West Jefferson. Browse vendors selling antique furniture, vintage glassware, coins, quilts, refurbished antiques and other collectibles at this outdoor antiques fair in the heart of the mountain town.
“Wordkeepers,” 3:30 p.m., at the Ashe Arts Center, 303 School Ave., West Jefferson. A gathering centered on the written and spoken word, offering an afternoon option for those interested in poetry, storytelling and creative writing.
“Carolina Comedy Magic Parlor,” 7-8:30 p.m., at Mysterium Escape Adventure, Boone. An intimate, 20-seat magic performance combines comedy, sleight of hand, audience participation and close-up illusions. With spectators sitting just feet from the action, the show offers an alternative to a conventional concert or theater performance.
SUNDAY
“Artisan Market at the Red Barn,” noon-5 p.m., at Linville Falls Winery, 9557 Linville Falls Highway, Newland. Spend a fall afternoon browsing artisan vendors at the winery's Red Barn. Auggie's Pizza will serve food from noon to 5 p.m., and Red Umber Jazz performs from 2-5 p.m.
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🎵 Live music this weekend
FRIDAY
“Josh Meloy at Appalachian Mountain Brewery,” 6 p.m., at Appalachian Mountain Brewery, 163 Boone Creek Drive, Boone. Singer-songwriter Josh Meloy brings live music to the popular Boone brewery.
“Wayne Henderson, Herb Key & Friends,” 7 p.m., at the Museum of Ashe County History, 301 E. Main St., Jefferson. Acclaimed guitarist and instrument maker Wayne Henderson joins Herb Key and other musicians for a courthouse concert featuring traditional mountain music.
“Pressley Laton — Wandering Kind Album Release Concert,” 7:30 p.m., at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, 559 W. King St., Boone. Boone musician Pressley Laton celebrates the release of her new album, Wandering Kind, with a hometown performance. The album officially comes out the following week, giving concertgoers an early chance to hear the new songs.
“Charles Ellis Trio,” 7:30 p.m., at the Ashe Arts Center, 303 School Ave., West Jefferson. An evening performance by the Charles Ellis Trio.
SATURDAY
“William King at Banner Elk Winery,” 1-5 p.m., at Banner Elk Winery, 60 Deer Run Lane, Banner Elk. Myrtle Beach, S.C.-based country singer-songwriter William King performs an afternoon of live music.
“Live music at Linville Falls Winery,” 2 p.m., at Linville Falls Winery, 9557 Linville Falls Highway, Newland. The City Dirt Band provides the afternoon's entertainment at the family-owned winery, where visitors can enjoy mountain scenery and locally produced wines.
“Steep Canyon Rangers,” 7:30 p.m., at the Appalachian Theatre of the High Country, 559 W. King St., Boone. The Grammy-winning North Carolina bluegrass band performs songs from its 15th studio album, Next Act, which marks a return to its traditional bluegrass roots. Part of the Mast Store Americana Music Series. (It’s listed as sold out, but there is a waiting list for tickets.)
REAL ESTATE WATCH
$3.6M Banner Elk retreat offers 17 acres, waterfalls
(Photos: High Country MLS)
A luxury mountain home in Banner Elk’s gated Lodges at Eagles Nest community offers sweeping Blue Ridge views, waterfalls and plenty of privacy. Built in 2023, the home at 416 Spring Winds Drive is listed for $3,599,000.
Size: 3,473 sq. ft. on 17.23 acres, with three bedrooms, three full baths, two half-baths and a two-car garage.
Inside: Floor-to-ceiling windows, chef’s kitchen, stone fireplace and Restoration Hardware furnishings. Sold fully furnished.
Outside: Covered deck with fireplace and hot tub, plus waterfalls, a pond and long-range mountain views.
Extras: Access to hiking trails, pickleball, tennis, restaurants and Eagles Nest Winery. Short-term rentals allowed. HOA dues are $6,060 a year.
Listed by Chris Cornett of Elevate Land & Realty Banner Elk.
LOCAL NEWS OF NOTE
First snow, Boone apartments, spelling bee winner
First snow: The season’s first snow fell Saturday, Oct. 17, along the Blue Ridge Parkway and atop Mount Mitchell, creating an unusual combination of snowflakes and colorful fall foliage. (Watauga Online)
Apartment complex questioned: Boone Town Council members questioned the need for a proposed 332-unit apartment complex on the N.C. 105 Bypass, citing roughly 600 previously approved apartments that have yet to open and concerns about an oversupply of student housing. (Watauga Democrat)
Spelling champ: Blowing Rock School eighth-grader Audrey Bovenzi won the Watauga County Schools spelling bee on Oct. 16, correctly spelling “solidarity” in the 11th round to claim the district championship. (Watauga Democrat)
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