Horn in the West, Open-air theatre in Boone, US.
Horn in the West is an open-air theatre in Boone, North Carolina, built into a natural hollow surrounded by forested Appalachian hills. The stage faces a hillside covered in trees, so the surrounding woodland becomes part of the setting for every performance.
The theatre opened in 1952, making it one of the oldest running outdoor dramas in the American Southeast. From the beginning, the story of Daniel Boone and the struggles of early settlers during the Revolutionary War period gave the productions their shape.
The production draws on stories passed down in Appalachian communities, bringing them to life through performance in a setting that mirrors the landscapes those stories describe. For many local families, attending a summer show here has been a regular tradition for decades.
Because the shows take place outside, evenings in the Appalachian hills can turn cool even in summer, so a light layer is worth bringing. Getting there a bit early gives you time to walk the grounds before the performance starts.
On the grounds sits the Hickory Ridge History Museum, where original log cabins from the colonial period have been kept standing for visitors to walk through. Interpreters in period clothing demonstrate everyday tasks, turning the museum into a hands-on extension of the evening show.
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