A mainstay of western North Carolina tourism is making a transition from attraction to a portion of a foundation. Grandfather Mountain, Inc., announced Sunday that the attraction famous for Mildred the Bear and the Mile High Swinging Bridge is now an arm of the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. It’s a non-profit corporation established to preserve Grandfather Mountain, operate
the nature park in the public interest, and participate in educational and research activities. All proceeds from the sale of attraction tickets and souvenirs will be reinvested in the mission of the foundation.