All those that work and reside in the six High Country counties, along with their accompanied guests, are invited to visit Grandfather Mountain for $1 during the month of April with proof of local employment or residency. 
The special April Dollar Days $1 admission is offered to residents and those working in the six counties represented by the NC High Country Host regional travel promotion organization:  Mitchell, Avery, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany and Wilkes.  The discount is also extended to students of colleges and universities in the High Country and to guests traveling in the same vehicle with those eligible for the April discount.  Please present a drivers’ license, college ID, or local utility bill as proof of High Country residency.  An employee identification badge or pay stub can be used to show employment at a High Country business.
“Grandfather Mountain is blessed with wonderful goodwill from its neighbors and Dollar Days is one small way we like to express our appreciation,” said Mountain President Crae Morton, “It really starts to get pretty on the Mountain in April and we take pleasure in having local residents enjoy Grandfather Mountain as the leaves and the flowers are returning.”
Many regular visitors believe that April is a great time to visit Grandfather to enjoy the initial signs of warmer weather.  The first wildflowers have just been spotted on the Mountain’s Profile Trail and thousands more are on their way.
The bears in the Wildlife Habitats have emerged but could possibly be in and out of their dens if cold weather comes along.  Five other animal habitats contain cougars, river otters, a bald eagle, a golden eagle and white-tailed deer that can be photographed from close range in their natural surroundings.
This season of the year also provides a great opportunity to pick up some food from Mildred’s Grill, located in the Nature Museum, and take it to one of the Mountain’s 100 picnic tables.
The month of April will mark the start of planned construction on Grandfather’s Top Shop.  The old building, in place since 1961, will be demolished and replaced by a new, more functional building that will be completed by spring 2009.
The new building will no longer be visible from Highway 105 and will offer elevator access to the Swinging Bridge area.  It will still house a gift shop and restrooms but will also offer more educational and interpretive elements.
During the construction process a temporary top shop will be in place for a small retail area and to house the Mountain’s communications equipment.
Due to the construction, no trails will be able to be accessible from the Swinging Bridge parking lot.  All hikers will need to park at the Black Rock parking area, below the switchbacks to the summit, and hike out from there.
Spring will also bring the completion of a new fudge shop located between the nature museum and animal habitats.  Visitors will be able to watch Fudge Maker Anita Wilson, who in the past made all the fudge behind the scenes in Mildred’s Grill, prepare the delicious product right before their very eyes.  In addition to the new fudge shop having a kitchen and a prep area, the building will also have a counter display, one restroom and seating inside and outside under a covered deck. Not only will the new building be larger and provide more entertainment for visitors, it will also be green in Grandfather's attempt to reduce its carbon footprint. The building will have a solar water heating system that will consist of solar thermal panels on one side of the roof that will heat the water within them. The water will then be transferred down to a 120 gallon tank and the water can then be used by Wilson and her staff when it comes out of the sinks. The water will also be used to radiantly heat the building's new bamboo floor.
The old fudge shop has been moved to the Woods Walk area, just up from the Mountain's entrance gate. Tom Wolfe, the woodcarver, who has been at the Top Shop for many years will use the old fudge shop as a new wood shop. From that area, Wolfe will be able to continue to showcase art and entertainment with his traditional craft.
One good way to get some fresh air during a visit to Grandfather is to walk on the Black Rock Nature Trail that runs out a mile and back through northern hardwood and spruce forests.  This trail is marked with interpretive signs that give hikers a better idea of the significance of the nature around them.
People looking for a greater outdoor challenge can hike across the high peaks on the Grandfather Trail.  Surveys show that visitors to the mountain who choose to venture out across the ridge tops on the Grandfather Trail report that the hike was the highlight of their visit! 
The $1 admission price also extends to the trails, with permit outlets selling hiking permits to High Country residents and workers for $1 in April.  Hikers are encouraged to take care on Grandfather’s rugged ridge trails and to be prepared for severe weather changes before setting out.
The Mountain will be open every day in April, weather permitting. The hours of operation April 1 through April 11 are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with ticket sales ending at 5 p.m. Starting April 12 hours extend from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. with ticket sales ending at 6 p.m.  For current conditions, phone the Entrance gate at 828-733-4337.