Our county was named after Colonel Waightstill Avery of Morganton, NC. Colonel Avery served in the Revolutionary War from 1779 until 1781. He became the first Attorney General of North Carolina after the Declaration of Independence was signed. The town of Newland, at 3,589 feet in elevation, is the highest county seat in eastern America. It's original name was "Old Fields of Toe" because it is located in a broad flat valley and is at the headwaters of the Toe River.

The Courthouse is included on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Original Courthouse built in 1913. (Shown in side view.)

A natural wonderland, with a rugged terrain and a unique climate, our home straddles the eastern continental divide at 4,000 about feet above sea level. The Blue Ridge Parkway snakes through our backyard combining nature and
the human achievement of the Linn Cove Viaduct.

Some might say summer is the time to be in the Carolina mountains and we agree. But, when the summer splendor is gone, the rich colors of fall are followed by harvesting of fraser firs and downhill skiing. Then the glory of spring is with us again. The folks of Avery County know this is the place to be anytime!

Avery County is located in the northwest North Carolina High County. It contains 247 square miles or approximately 152,300 acres of land. It is bounded on the north by the state of Tennessee and Watauga County; on the east by Watauga, Caldwell and Burke counties; and one the west by Mitchell county and the state of Tennessee.

Temperatures in Avery County average ten degrees cooler than in cities like Asheville and Charlotte. The average high temperatures are in the seventies in the summer and in the thirties in the winter. The highest temperature ever recorded at the US Weather Service reporting station on Grandfather Mountain was 83 degrees in August, 1983, and the lowest was minus 32 degrees in January, 1985.

The average winter snowfall is 58 inches. This combined with artificial snow made at the ski resorts keeps the slopes covered from mid-November through March. Average rainfall is 57 inches. This combined with the snowfall keeps the land plush and mountain streams full.

Avery County is governed by a five member board of county commissioners which hold office for four years. A county manager is responsible for day to day county operations. Newland, the county seat, is governed by its town council. The five members of the council are elected for two year terms. The town's chief executive is an elected mayor. The mayor supervises the work of the different departments of the town's government. A town clerk, assisted by the mayor, is responsible for daily operations. Other townships in the county govern the same way.

Tourism is the leading industry in Avery County, generating $51 million in sales each year. The South's highest ski slopes, nine major golf resorts, and scenic Grandfather Mountain attract visitors year 'round to support a wonderful variety of outdoor activities, quality restaurants and lodging facilities.

Hiking trails offer natural experiences not found anywhere else in Eastern America. Choices range from descents into gorges or alpine ascents to mountain peaks to Blue Ridge Parkway leisure trails or the rugged Appalachian Trail. Often they lead to many of the area's natural landmarks such as Linville Falls. Whether a gentle forest stroll or a challenging climb, the excitement and rewards are the same.

Avery boasts the finest collection of both private and public golf resorts in the South.The public is invited to enjoy the courses at Beech Mountain Golf Club, Mountain Glen Golf Club and Sugar Mountain Golf Club. Private clubs include Elk River Club, Grandfather Golf and Country Club, Linville Land Harbor, Linville Golf Club, and Linville Ridge Country Club.

The best combination of mountain golf courses and ski slopes in the South plus the highest average land elevation in Eastern America plus spectacular panoramic views make Avery the natural real estate choice for retirees or a second home!

Beech and Sugar Mountain offer the finest skiing for the winter months. Each resort operates many runs catering to the beginner as well as the most advanced and offers a complete skiing experience. Night skiing is available for those enthusiasts who just can't get enough.

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort

Natural landmarks such as Wiseman's View provide an awesome look into Linville Gorge, "Eastern America's Grand Canyon." A paved walkway makes it easily accessible. Elk River Falls is one of several beautiful waterfalls, which includes Wilson Creek Falls and Linville Falls.

Mountain handicrafts are prized possessions because of their fine workmanship and creative design. The county has a strong tradition in crafts ranging from pottery, quilts and other woven works to art toys, jewelry and furniture. Avery craftsmen show their work in open studios, shops, and local crafts festivals.

HORTICULTURE

Christmas tree and ornamental shrubbery growing is the county's second leading industry, generating $30 million in sales currently and is expected to grow year by year. Over 900 families are active in the business, shipping more Fraser firs and ornamental shrubbery than any other county in the southern United States.