Tate-Evans Park

Throughout my childhood I spent so much time at this park. I always remember of thinking of it as the park in the middle of the mountains. What I never noticed as a child was how every single aspect of this park was planned out and put there for a reason. Likewise before studying the photographic image I had never thought about how we construct a image and its affordances and constraints. One thing I really want to point out in this image is that while we have this beautiful park there is a huge ugly pipe in the middle of the photograph. It is part of the necessity of the planning of the park, just like the frame is a necessity of an image. We sometimes want to forget it is there but it is a necessary part of an image and still has meaning. #appalachianechoes

This barn is a classic example of the stereotypical Appalachia. This barn is just on the side of the path and appears to be untouched and on the verge of crumbling. It makes me stop and think about this rustic stuck-in-time image that Appalachia has and how much is Appalachia trying to preserve this image? How I framed this photo I wanted it to look like you just stumbled upon it on a path in the middle of Appalachia. In reality it is the middle of a park right next to workout equipment. It is amazing how as the photographer I can choose and manipulate what my audience sees. #appalachianechoes

Appalachia where friends and families come together in the great outdoors. The outdoors surround this picnic shelter where the sky meets the mountains and the mountains meet the grass. When taking this picture I stopped and thought to myself, Appalachia, a nice cool warm summer day with the mountains in the back perfect for some instagram worthy photos with my friends and family. This is the stereotypical appalachia captured in this image. #appalachianechoes

Ah, the good ol’ deer head mounted with pride. This reinforces the stereotype that every Appalachian is a hunting hillbilly who just wants to shoot stuff. This deer head is found at the front and center of a small town amphitheatre displayed for all to see and awe. In taking this picture I stopped and thought to myself, “Really? This is what we are showing off to the world?” It just surprised me that Banner Elk would reinforce the stereotype of hunting hillbillies as the face of the local amphitheatre. #appalachianechoes

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Banner Elk Travel Guide

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This is the headstone of Banner Elk, North Carolina. This elk has been in the town forever, but this past year the elk has been refurbished and installed as the centerpiece of the town. This elk frames Appalachia in the sense of this small town pride in the mountains. In the background you can see the historic elementary school and rolling mountains and once again the North Carolina pride of the state flag surrounding this elk even though about 100ft to the right there is another flagpole with the same flags raised high and proud. This is where every child in this town went to school in this picturesque location but as time rolls on is Appalachia move on too? #appalachianechoes

The Greene

The Greene is just one of the places to see in Banner Elk, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?

Yellow brick road Beech Mountain, North Carolina

Land of Oz

Enjoy a fun-filled day at Land of Oz during your visit to Beech Mountain. Discover the area's mountain views, or seek out its ski slopes.

Banner Elk, North Carolina highway road street in city town by Sugar and Beech Mountain ski resorts with view of Grandfather Mountain State Park in sunny morning ridge peak

Beech Mountain Resort

Hit the slopes in Banner Elk with a visit to Beech Mountain Resort. Discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area, or enjoy its hiking trails.

Grandfather Vineyard & Winery

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Grandfather Vineyard & Winery during your travels to Banner Elk. Discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area, or enjoy its hiking trails.

Grandfather Mountain

Walk the Mile High Swinging Bridge, hike along one of the many trails and visit the nature museum at this remarkable mountain near Linville, North Carolina.

Elk Statue

Learn about the local history of Banner Elk with a stop at Elk Statue.

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The Lodge at Banner Elk

1615 Tynecastle Highway Banner Elk NC

4 Seasons at Beech Mountain

608 Beech Mountain Pkwy Banner Elk NC

The Highlands at Sugar

2173 Sugar Mountain Drive Banner Elk NC

Smoketree Lodge

11914 Highway 105 Banner Elk NC

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