Welcome to Boone, NC, The High Country
and Hampton Estates

When you decide to live in Hampton Estates you will become a part of the community of Boone and The High Country. From the highest peak and the deepest gorge east of the Mississippi , to the second oldest river in the world, the High Country is not a land of mediocre proportions. The "New River," is actually the second-oldest river in the World--second only to the Nile. In 1998, President Clinton designated the New River as an American Heritage River on a ceremony on its banks in the High Country. Hampton Estates overlooks the New River and has easy access to the county's newest park on the river.

"Intellectual and eclectic, rugged and refined are words that define the High Country. The towns of Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk burst with culinary sensations, art galleries and music festivals, all set in the rugged beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. From mild to wild, there is something for everyone tucked in the hillsides of the High Country." (Charlotte Observer 5/14/04 )

Boone is the Heart of the High Country and the premiere "quality of life" community of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Consistently ranked as one of the "Best Small Towns in America ," Boone is a bustling university town and the center of tourism and commerce for the region. Known for its excellence in health care, education, shopping and the arts, Boone offers a palate of opportunity surrounded by four seasons of changing scenery. Boone is the county seat of Watauga County in northwestern North Carolina and has a land area of 321 square miles and adjoins Tennessee. Elevations range from 2,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level. Boone has an area of about 4 square miles and an average altitude of 3,333 feet above sea level; as a result some refer to Boone as the Kilometer High City.

Every season in the High Country provides some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable, making it hard to stay inside. Summer yields a lush green landscape and blooming rhododendron. With high temperatures in the seventies and nights cool enough that you may want a sweater, Summer provides ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors both day and night. Fall brings an explosion of color and a little nip in the air that signals the approach of ski season and the holidays. Winter's blue skies are crisp and crystal clear. Before the snow even falls the ski resorts are offering plenty of outdoor activities thanks to the latest in snow-making equipment. Spring skiing has become a common occurrence here and precedes the burst of spring color from the wildflowers that decorate our hillsides and gardens.

With four seasons to enjoy, Boone and The High Country offer excellent recreation, education, health care, employment and enjoyment opportunities for every member of the family and for every lifestyle.

Recreation
The High Country is abundant with outdoor activities. Our area has some of the country's finest Golf courses and is nationally known for the quality of local resorts, some of which have been established here since the beginning of the last century. The New River , nearby Watauga Lake and surrounding rivers and streams are a haven for those who enjoy fun on or in the water. For those that prefer land-based excitement, there are many scenic trails and roads winding throughout the High Country along the Blue Ridge Parkway and up and down Grandfather Mountain , Carolina's top scenic attraction. Whether climbing to the top of Grandfather Mountain , descending into Linville Gorge, or floating down the New, each of our natural wonders offers unbelievable views and an unforgettable experience that will satisfy the curiosity of beginners and provide ample challenges to even the most advanced adventurer. In the winter, the High Country turns into a winter wonderland that provides excellent skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and tubing conditions. Area ski resorts include Appalachian Ski Mountain, Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain, and Hawksnest. For a more relaxing outdoors experience or for your regular exercise program you can enjoy the Greenway Trail System that links all parts of Boone and the new Watauga County Park on the New River. The Greenway is within easy walking distance from Hampton Estates.

Education
Education is a very important part of the high country. Watauga County Public Schools consistently rank among the top public school systems in North Carolina. Hampton Estates is located in the Hardin Park School district which is one of six schools in the High Country named a " School of Excellence." Watauga County High School students' SAT scores rank well above state and national averages as well. For those preferring a private preparatory school, Boone has Appalachian Christian Academy. Collegiate education is available at Appalachian State University, the state's third largest university, which was named "College of the Year" by Time Magazine for 2001 and continues to win accolades each year. In nearby Banner Elk there is Lees-McRae College , a four year private institution. Additional educational opportunities and continuing education are provided by both Mayland Community College and Caldwell Community College.

Health Care
Quickly becoming a major regional medical center, Boone's professional medical community and Watauga Medical Center offer excellent health care. The desirability of the life style in Boone has attracted talented professionals from all over the United States. The Medical Center has joined with the neighboring Avery medical system to consolidate operations and improve the level of care and specialists available to all in the community. Nearby in Winston Salem is the Bowman Gray Medical Center , the Wake Forest Medical School facility, and in Durham is the world famous Duke University Medical Center.

Employment
Boone and Watauga County consistently boast one of the lowest unemployment rates in the southeast and has the 2 nd lowest unemployment rate in the state. Appalachian State University , IRC, Watauga Medical Center and Charleston Forge are among the largest employers in Watauga County. Bob Dole cited the Boone/ Blowing Rock areas as "one of the most dynamic economies in the state". This bustling economy is due largely in part to thriving year round tourism and a major state university. Watauga County is also a great place for entrepreneurs states Mike Wagoner, President of the Boone Chamber of Commerce. "These people can put their businesses anywhere but come here because there is elbow room and they have the quality of life advantage that we offer because of our proximity to mountains and rivers." For those who must fly in conjunction with their work, Charlotte , Triad (Winston Salem/Greensboro) and the Tri-Cities ( Johnson City , TN ) airports are all less than two hours from Boone and provide the traveler an opportunity to pick the best flight arrangements considering destination and budget.

Community Events
From banjos to violins, dosie-does to pirouettes, local storytellers to Neil Simon plays, and hand-thrown pottery to towering steel sculpture, the High Country offers a unique blend of traditional and modern culture. Community events are a large part of what makes the High Country so unique. In addition to the normal community events sponsored by local organizations, there are annual festivals that celebrate each season and the richness of culture in the High Country. Appalachian State University provides a stream of cultural events throughout the year. Music festivals include an Appalachian Summer Festival, Boone Bluegrass festival, Doc Watson MusicFest, Joe Music and the new Blue Ridge Celtic Festival. Winterfest and the Woolly Worm Festival have both been named one of the "Top 20 Events in the South East" by the SouthEast Tourist Society. All summer long, the Jones House in Boone and Art in the Park in Blowing Rock provide local talent an opportunity to display their skills. The annual Highland Games is the largest gathering of the Scottish clans outside of Scotland and take place each July in McRae meadows at Grandfather Mountain.

Local Attractions
Hampton Estates is located just minutes from popular local attractions such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, Grandfather Mountain, Tweetsie Railroad, Mystery Hill, Roan Mountain State Park and The Blowing Rock. Grandfather Mountain is the home of many wildlife habitats, breathtaking views, and numerous hiking trails. The history of the High Country is preserved and displayed through the Appalachian Heritage Museum and the Horn in the West, outdoor drama. If art peaks your interest, the Turchen Center and numerous art galleries are good choices. The High Country is filled with unique shops featuring antiques and local crafts. The Tanger Outlets in Blowing Rock have over 35 brand name outlets. Other popular stops for shopping include the Boone Mall, the Wilcox Emporium and the Mast General Store in downtown Boone and historic Valle Crucis. Main Street in Blowing Rock and King Street in Boone offer a stroll through our small town streets where you will encounter your neighbor's window shopping, going to dinner or to hear live music.

Dining
The High Country has more certified chefs per capita than any other area of North Carolina. Crippen's, the Game Keeper, Inn at Ragged Garden , Wildflower, Louisiana Purchase , and the Best Cellar are among the finest restaurants the High Country has to offer. For a more traditional family meal experience you should visit The Dan'l Boone Inn which is famous for its home-cooked meals. For more adventurous tastes there are restaurants featuring a variety of ethnic cuisine including Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Cajun and Indian.