The Highland County Fair means many different things to many different folks in our majestic, mountain community: the end of Summer, the culmination of livestock projects, nostalgia, family tradition, celebration, relaxation, volunteerism, you name it…
Since the early 1950’s, our community has pulled together to host one of our iconic events – the Highland County Fair. Locals volunteer to work food stands, drive golf carts to pick-up and deliver parking guests to the fairgrounds, serve on committees, help and encourage youth, and so much more. Some even volunteer throughout the entire year just to see this annual goal through to fruition. It is at the heart of our community.
The annual Highland County Fair kicks off with the Highland County Horse Show, a portion of the festivities that elders the Fair’s history. English and Western riders from around the community and the region bring their equine friends to the fairgrounds and compete in classes, such as Cloverleaf Barrels, Youth Horsemanship, Over Fences, and Pleasure and Gaited classes. (In yesteryears, the Horse Show was the main event of the Fair and took place on Saturday. It began around 9 am, took a break for lunch and dinner, and in some years, lasted until close to or after midnight!)
Festivities continue on Wednesday with events like the Fair Parade on Wednesday, the Demolition Derby on Thursday, the Tractor and Diesel Truck Pull on Friday, and the Truck Pull on Saturday. Other favorites including the Hog & Cattle Show (Wednesday), the Goat & Sheep Show (Thursday), the Kiddie Show, Sheep Costume Contest & Obstacle Course, and the Little Switzerland Cloggers show (Friday), and the Dog Show, Cornhole Tournament, and Bluegrass Show (Saturday).
To see a full Schedule of Events including new, annual featured events, CLICK HERE!
Of note for families, Wednesday night is “Family Night” and offers a reduced rate of $6.00 for “Ride All Night” wristbands, and on Saturday, there is a matinee ride time from 1 – 5 pm when wristbands are only $10. (Normally, “Ride-All-Night” wristbands are $15 each.)
Of course, one can always have fun at the Fair on a modest budget by taking in the arts & crafts, baked goods, educational, sewing, and photography exhibits in the Elementary Gym, enjoying the free live entertainment throughout the fairgrounds, AND one can spend a mere 25 cents per card on games of Bingo. (The latter is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat multiple times throughout the evening!) And of course, you can enjoy yummy fair food, such as chicken patties, hamburgers, steak subs, ice cream, onion rings, and french fries, while enjoying the attractions.
Also, if you plan to attend multiple nights of the Fair, purchase a Season Ticket for $25. You can buy this ticket at the gate during the event or at any pre-sale locations, which include Blue Grass Mercantile, Brightway Exxon, Fast Break, Lightner’s Electrical, Stonewall Grocery, and Rexrode’s Country Store. Season Tickets went on sale August 7. (Regular daily admission is $10 for ages 15 and up. Kids under 15 are free!)
But… as an adult… we have to say the best thing about the Highland County Fair is the opportunity to turn into a kid again! Come out to the Highland County Fair, grab some cotton candy, ride the Ferris Wheel, and take in one of the oldest small county fairs in the state of Virginia!
Highland County offers gorgeous views on hiking trails; however the lack of cell service on the more remote trails can be a bit intimidating. Rest assured. Pre-planning and safe hiking practices can lower the risk of potential issues and reduce your worry during excursions.
Here are a few pieces of advice for anyone planning a trail adventure:
HIKE #1: MCDOWELL BATTLEFIELD TRAIL
Take a trail through history when you hike the same grounds the Civil War soldiers did during the Battle of McDowell. This approximate two-mile hike is an easy to moderate excursion that will take hikers to the top of Sitlington Hill for an expansive view. There’s not much shade on this hike so be prepared with necessary sunscreen, water, and other provisions and protection.
Trailhead: From Monterey, travel east on Rt. 250 over Jack Mountain heading towards McDowell. Pass through the town of McDowell, and continue another two miles (approximately) to the parking lot and trailhead, which is located at the start up Shaw’s Ridge. (Still on Rt. 250 east).
Additional Tip: Stop in the Highland County Museum before your hike to learn more about the historic happenings that took place on the hill.
HIKE #2: LAUREL FORK PROPOSED WILDERNESS AREA
Laurel Fork is definitely a remote location; however with some of the most diverse scenery and old growth forests in the state of Virginia, it’s something all nature lovers should see. At approximately 4,000 feet, this adventure offers a cool break from high temperatures of other locales. And for the advanced hiker and adventurer, trails within the Laurel Fork area can be combined for a multi-day backpacking excursion. (Definitely exercise good communication if you decide on the backpacking option!)
Trailhead: From Monterey, travel west of town on Rt. 250 over Monterey and Allegheny mountains. A short distance past the Virginia/West Virginia border, turn right onto WV28. Then, turn right onto FR106 and travel .4 miles, left onto FR60 for .3 miles, right onto FR142 for .2 miles, and finally, park at the Locust Spring Picnic Area. You will see the trail head for the Locust Spring Run Trail at the bottom right of the picnic area.
For more detailed information, we recommend visiting the Laurel Fork profile on HikingUpward.com.
HIKE #3: HIGHLAND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
Approximately three to four miles east when traveling on Route 250 out of Monterey is a pull off on the right at the top of Jack Mountain. Upon further inspection, you will see a gravel road, which leads to the Highland Wildlife Management Area. (Click on the link for usage fees!) When you travel this road (AKA: Sounding Knob Road), you’ll find a small piece of the larger 14,000+ acre area that includes diverse habitats, a plethora of wildlife, and a variety of views – an area where you can customize the length and features of your hike! As always, be aware of wildlife such as snakes, bear, fox, and more. These critters are usually fairly elusive but are present, nonetheless.
Trailhead: From Monterey, travel east on Rt 250 up Jack Mountain and look for a gravel pull off area labeled “Sounding Knob Road” at the top of the mountain. Drive in, decide on a hiking area, find a parking spot, and enjoy!
For more info, visit the Highland Wildlife Management Area profile on the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website.
OTHER HIKES
For other hiking recommendations, contact the Highland County Chamber of Commerce or check out the “Hike Highland” Facebook group page, which was created by a local resident.
Our beloved Blue Grass Cabin features a fully-furnished kitchen perfect for meal prep. With its open concept, one can prepare a locally-sourced meal in the kitchen while visiting with family and friends who may be perched at the adjacent dining room table or kicking it back on the couch.
Now the question is: In a county so plentiful with local foods, where is the best place to find the succulent selections? Pick one (or a combination of!) our six picks for locally-sourced food and find all you need for a homegrown meal while you’re visiting our Blue Grass Cabin!
The Highland Farmers’ Market opens in late-May and runs through mid-October. (Usually the last market of the season is Hands & Harvest weekend.) So that means, on Friday evenings from 3:30 to 6:00 pm, you can drive to The Highland Center on Spruce Street in Monterey to shop a selection of seasonal produce, meats, baked goods, maple syrup, and other locally-raised and locally-made foods. (And sometimes there’s even an arts and crafts vendor or two sprinkled in!)
To stay up-to-date with Highland Farmers’ Market news, follow them on their Facebook page, which also features the occasional fun giveaway or a delicious recipe!
Big Fish Cider Co. is a microcidery located on Spruce Street in Monterey, Virginia. (If you get lost in the complex town of Monterey, just look for the BIG trout behind the Monterey Courthouse!) Local Cidermaker Kirk Billingsley and his crew create uniquely-flavored ciders using locally-grown apples and traditional techniques. Additionally, their cider is available in a range of off-dry to semi-sweet blends and seasonal offerings. (One of our favorites is Church Hill Blush!)
The Big Fish Tasting Room is open Fridays from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and Saturdays from 2:00 to 7:00 pm. Stop by and see which selection tickles your taste buds the most! (And if you happen to be free on a Friday, visit between 5:00 and 7:00 pm. There’s usually a jam session featuring local bands and musicians!)
In the mood for a sweet treat? The Curly Maple has you covered! In addition to carrying locally-sourced products, such as meats and maple syrup, this former general store turned coffee shop/eatery/grocery stop is also home to one of the county’s most beloved bakers – Melissa Moyers, who is famous county-wide for her culinary talents.
On any given day, you can handpick your favorites from a selection of cookies, cakes, and candies. Recent creations are presented with rustic elegance in an old antique display, which was donated by Dorothy Colaw Shepherd, a cherished 92-year-old lady who visits the establishment for coffee every morning. (Sit down and talk with her. She doesn’t know a stranger, and she can tell some great Highland County stories! As do her compadres that sit with her! )
One thing Highland County is know for besides that iconic maple syrup is their delectable Allegheny Mountain Trout, which is available at the Virginia Trout Company on route 220 north approximately 4-5 miles from Monterey. Here you will find a selection of whole, filleted, or smoked trout that you can bring back to Blue Grass Cabin and pop in the oven or throw on the grill.
While you’re there, gander at the fish swimming in ponds fed by a natural stream that flows right out from under the mountain. This is a great activity for kids and families! You can even feed the fish or toss in a line and catch your own! (Just bring your own pole.) The guys at the Virginia Trout Company will even clean your catch for you!
Sugar Tree Country Store and Sugar House is a small retail and wholesale store located just off route 250 in the village of McDowell. Owned and operated by Glenn and Fern Heatwole and family, the store stocks a variety of pure maple products, jellies, honey, candles, hand-crafted toys, baskets, pottery, and many other products (including homemade Apple Butter!) If you love old general stores, this is a great one to explore!
The Heatwoles gather “sugar water” from local sugar maple trees growing at elevations of 3,000 to 4,000 feet. After collection, they bring the “water,” or sap to the sugar house, which is located behind the store, for boiling and syrup creation. Want to know more about the process? Ask them! They love answering maple questions! (Just don’t plan your visit on a Sunday as they close to observe a day of rest and spend time with their family.)
An Extra Tip! Sugar Tree Country Store is located next to the Highland Historical Society! Visit two attractions in one trip!