Live the Dream STAT: Visitors still flocking to High Country
August 25, 2011, 7:59am
13.6% - Increase in spending by tourists and visitors to Ashe County last year, compared to the year prior. All but two North Carolina reported such increases, with Ashe County's growth the largest in the three-county High Country area.

Ashe County is home to Christmas in July, the Blue Ridge Brutal 100, a fiddler's convention, the New River, outdoor concerts, Mount Jefferson and several other annual happenings.
Tourism spending was also up in Watauga (5.9%) and Avery (5.6%) counties. All three counties together create a great getaway a lucky few also call home.