Roaring Gap has a fabulous Donald Ross golf course with far reaching views over valleys and mountains. To arrange a round, please call the Golf Shop (pro: Bill Glenn). They appreciate groups letting them know 1-7 days before you want to play. Your round and cart can be charged on your guest membership account.
Both Lake Louise (400 Laurelwood Circle) and the heated pool (at the main clubhouse) are open for swimming. At the lake, members and guests can use Club canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.
Courts are open, but you must provide your own racquets and balls for tennis; paddles and balls for pickleball are available to use. To reserve a court, please call the front desk. Courts are $10 per day and can be charged on your guest membership account.
Balls and mallets are available to borrow at the Graystone Inn front desk. All-white outfits are not required (but they really get you in the spirit)!
The Club fitness room is open during the day and is located next to the pool at the Graystone Inn Please call Christina McKenzie to book a massage (limited availability): 828 423 6281
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in America. Construction began not far from Roaring Gap in 1935 under the Works Progress Administration. The "Highlands" section of the Parkway offers lots of natural beauty and access to historic towns and cultural sites. Join up with the Parkway a few miles north of Roaring Gap, and drive southwest toward Blowing Rock (90 minutes from Roaring Gap) for the breathtaking views from 4,090 feet above John’s River Gorge.
Stone Mountain State Park is just down the road from Roaring Gap, and boasts a granite dome, waterfalls, rock climbing, and a restored 19th-centure mountain farm homestead site. www.ncparks.gov/stone-mountain-state-park/home For those who want to stretch their legs, the Blue Ridge Mountains have hundreds of miles of hiking trails ranging from "lazy-day walks" to "strenous" climbs. www.blueridgeparkway.org/hiking/ Grandfather Mountain (1 hour 45 minutes from Roaring Gap) is a place of amazing biodiversity and scenic beauty that towers 5,946 feet over the valley floor. Those with more time to explore can experience native wildlife exhibits and the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge that connects two peaks at one mile above sea level. www.grandfather.com
Skull Camp Brewing, offering food as well as craft beers and fun canned wine blends: 2000 N Bridge St, Elkin, NC 28621. Phone: 336 258 8124. www.skullcampbrewing.com Laconia Ale Works, Alleghany County's first brewery, offering a patio with cornhole and board games: 433 N Main St, Sparta, NC 28675. Phone: 336 372 4005. www.laconiaaleworks.com Angry Troll Brewery, with a full pub menu upstairs and an arcade with pool and air-hockey tables downstairs. Address: 222 E Main St, Elkin, NC 28621. Phone: 336 258 2251. www.angrytrollbrewing.com
Golf Grill for breakfast (pick-up) and lunch on Saturday: 336 363 5036
Sparta is a small town about 20 minutes northwest of Roaring Gap on Highway 21. Elkin is the nearest "big town," about 30 minutes southeast of Roaring Gap on Highway 21. Pro Stop, country convenience store for gas and groceries, pizza, beer, wine, etc. 4 minutes from Roaring Gap entrance: 10806 US Highway 21 S, Glade Valley, NC 28627. Phone: 336 363 9000 Becca's Backwood Bean, coffee shop, restaurant and wine bar. 18 minutes from Roaring Gap: 21 N Main St, Sparta, NC 28675. Phone: 336-372-7888 Horizon Bistro, lunchtime sandwiches and salads (open Friday 11-4, Saturday 11-2). 20 minutes from Roaring Gap: 38 S Main St, Sparta, NC 28675. Phone: 336-372-7444 Mis Arados, Mexican and vegetarian-friendly. 20 minutes from Roaring Gap: 403 S Main St, Sparta, NC 28675. Phone: 336 372 1414. Southern on Main, Southern comfort cuisine. 30 minutes from Roaring Gap: 102 E Main St, Elkin, NC 28621. Phone: 336 258 2144