I’ve got a few blogging goals. Okay, I’ll be honest, I’ve got a lot of blogging goals. What I’m most excited about right now though, is making time each month to share some info about different small businesses in our community. This week marks the first ever small business spotlight, and I’m excited to feature the Appalachian Theatre. I speak for all of us at the Horton when I say that we are absolutely thrilled to see this project come to fruition. We can’t wait to watch the Appalachian Theatre grow, and we’re so excited to see what this business will do for downtown Boone.
From the past…
The theatre was built in 1938 and operated for 70 years before closing its doors in 2007. The Appalachian Theatre was most likely the first art deco building constructed in Watauga county. The original front facade looked almost identical to the current facade. The face of the building was renovated with great care to honor its history. The theatre had roughly 997 seats when it opened its doors in 1938. Builders Hamby and Winkler cleverly sought to avoid a venue tax imposed on places with 1000 or more seats, so they kept it just under 1000. Not only were films screened at the theatre, but a variety of old time musicians and bluegrass legends found their way to the stage as well over the years. Think Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, and even Doc Watson!
…to the future.
The theatre has a whole host of things planned for the community. From a fabulous opening night performance on October 14th (that I whole-heartedly enjoyed) featuring John McEuen and the String Wizards to movie screenings and comedians, there’s something for everybody. Sam Bush is even coming to town at the end of November!
These days the theatre operates as a certified 501c(3) non-profit organization. Thanks to a dedicated, passionate, small staff and committed board of trustees, the theatre is truly ushering in a new era for downtown Boone. The economic growth alone is expected to be outstanding.
The theatre also plans to be a community hub. There are plans for a large community room upstairs, complete with a prep kitchen. This will be an ideal space for special events, conferences, meetings, wedding receptions and more.
The show must go on!
Historic preservation is crucial to understanding and retaining our heritage. I’m honored to be a part of a community that values preservation and conservation. As a local, who often finds herself either working, studying, or socializing downtown, there’s something really special about throwing on a coat and walking a hop skip and jump down the street to catch a show. What a treat. Also, there’s something so special about the sweet novelty of being able to have an entire date night, complete with a show, right in the heart of downtown Boone.
Learn more about the Appalachian Theatre
The Appalachian Theatre’s website has a wealth of information on the history of the theatre. I was just scratching at the surface with this blog post. I encourage you to check out their site to learn more about the theatre from its early days, to visions for the future. Their website has it all. Perhaps my favorite thing? Checking out all of the historic photos of the theatre and downtown Boone.
Don’t forget to check their lineup. As I mentioned above, Sam Bush will be performing at the end of the month, and we know tickets will go fast! Grab a couple of tickets and make a weekend out of it. Book a stay with us at the Horton, and go out and enjoy the show! The theatre is just a short walk from the hotel.
Author: Megan Biddix
Source: Appalachian Theatre Website
