Take a Hike: Riverlink's free guided nature walks

Riverlink's March guided nature walks theme is "On the Lookout for Amphibians". The Walks series is a program designed to share the beauty and splendor of the region along the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay.

Groups will meet at the RiverLink office, located at 170 Lyman Street in the River Arts District, at 3:00 PM on March 17. Part 1 of each day will consist of a presentation outlining common species of amphibians found in the area, and defining characteristics of each. There will also be an audio presentation on frog and toad calls.

Part 2 of the day will consist of a drive over to Bent Creek Experimental Forest to go on the hunt for these beautiful creatures. Be prepared to get dirty while searching through the leaf litter on the hill sides and in the streams. Care will be given to leave the forest floor unaltered, and to safely release each salamander where it was found.

 

These outings are free and open to the public. They are designed to be beneficial and of great interest to beginners and experts alike. The nature walks will extend through August, with a new theme each month.

Last Chance NC Ski Lodging

The recent cold snap has allowed NC Slopes to do more snowmaking and extend the viable ski season for another couple of weeks.  Cataloochee, Appalachain, Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain are all still open and ready for  the last skiing and tubing of the 2011-2012 season. There is a variety of ski lodging available, some with specials and discounts offered. Get a complete list HERE.

Newer Sugar Mountain Condo with incredible views - 2+ bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps up to 7. Long range mountain views, deck, jetted bathtub,  gas fireplace, upscale furnishings. Locate in The Reserve with walking access to the Sugar ski slopes. $245 - $350 night, $1100 week.  See rental photos and availability

BIG vacation home with BIG views - 7 bedrooms, 5 baths, sleeps up to 17. Gourmet kitchen, fireplaces, gameroom with pool table, jukebox, pinball, video arcade games, 9 HDTVs, WIFI, large hot tub. 180 degree mountain views.   $375 - $425 night, $2400 - $2795 week. Sugar Mountain.    See rental photos and availability


Special on Maggie Valley vacation rental - $550 per week! Reserve now for skiing at Cataloochee or Spring in the mountains. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 5. Fireplace, large deck with grill. $100 - $125 night.  See rental photos and availability


Upscale Sugar Pointe Vacation Home - 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 8. Hot tub, deck with dining and gas grill, fireplace, HDTV and WIFI, pool table, fire ring. Minutes to the ski slopes, golf, tennis and community hiking and biking trails. $200 night, $1400 week. Sugar Mountain NC.  See rental photos and availability


Beautiful sunsets at this mountain cottage - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 4. Beautiful pasture to mountains view, covered deck with grill and hammock, fireplace, WIFI, lots of peace and quiet. Located minutes to shops and restaurants. $219 night, $1025 week. Blowing Rock NC.  See rental photos and availability

Get more Lodging near NC Ski Slopes HERE.

March Madness on the NC Ski Slopes Includes New Snow

March 5 Sugar Mountain Sk Resort March Madness  begins today and runs through the end of the season, Sugar offers up to 25% savings on lift tickets, rental equipment, and lessons. Some restrictions apply.
Beginning Monday, March 5, Cataloochee Ski Area will operate from 1 PM until 10 PM, Monday through Friday and 8:30 AM until 4:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday, through the end of planned daily operations for the season on Sunday, March 25. During the late season operating schedule,  twilight and night skiing will be Monday through Friday and day skiing only on Saturdays and Sundays. New snow was made last night as temperatures dropped.


March 5, Beech Mountain Ski Resort will operate the day session only, extending session hours from 9 AM to 6 PM, while offering the best-valued lift ticket in the area. An all day ticket, running 9 hours, will be offered at only $30. Half-day sessions will run from 9 AM  to 1 PM, and 1 PM to 6 PM, for the low price of $20. Prices and hours will remain in effect for the remainder of the season.   50% off everything in all retail locations including FLOW, Arbor, Grenade, Atomic, Billabong, and Scott.  Fresh snow!

March 5  March Madness begins at Sugar Mountain Ski resort with  25% savings on lift tickets, rentals and lessons. Temperatures are in the teens, it's snowing and snow making continues to add more coverage to the slopes. With 3-4 inches of new natural snow and more snowkmaking, conditions are good  for Spring skiing.  The Sugar Mountain Sports Shop continues to sell all 2012 and older Spyder samples at 30-60% off retail.

Both Wolf Ridge Ski Resort and Sapphire Valley Ski Slopes are now closed for the season.

Brevard Music Center First Monday Concert Series, March-2012

March 5. 12:30 PM, The  Brevard Music Center First Monday Concert Series presented at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd at 22 Fisher Road in Brevard NC.  The Blair String Quartet.: The Program includes
WEBERN • Langsamer Satz
SCHUBERT • Quartet No. 14 in D minor, D. 810, "Death and the Maiden"

The Blair String Quartet has been praised for combining "technical expertise and emotional fire." The Washington Post calls them simply "a marvelous ensemble." Following a contemporary music concert at Rice University, the Houston Post stated, "The Blair String Quartet is a composer's dream." Widely acclaimed in performances across the country, the Quartet has enhanced its national reputation through appearances at the Library of Congress, the Kennedy Center, New York's 92nd Street Y and Merkin Concert Hall.

In April of 2012 the Blair Quartet will perform at Weill Hall in New York City, which will include a premiere of Michael Hersch's quartet, Images from a Closed Ward. Some of their residencies have been at the Aspen Music Festival, the Sedona Chamber Music Festival, and Dartmouth College, as well as appearances at the Colorado Music Festival, the Meadowmount School of Music, the Sewanee Music Festival, Music Mountain in Connecticut and the Maverick Concert Series in Woodstock, New York. They have been the Quartet-in-Residence for the Classical Fellowship Awards competition of the American Pianists Association, and the Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival.

The Blair Quartet has received grants and awards from the National Endowment for the Arts , the Southern Arts Federation, the Tennessee Arts Commission and Chamber Music America's C. Michael Paul Residency Program. The Blair String Quartet is in residence at the Blair School of Music of Vanderbilt University. The members of the ensemble are Christian Teal and Cornelia Heard, violins, John Kochanowski, viola, and Felix Wang, cello.  

Get a link for the Brevard Musice Center First Monday Series
and more Brevard NC events HERE

Get Lucky on St Patrick's Day

This year for luck on St. Patrick's Day, skip the rabbit's foot and . . . 

 Adopt A (lucky) Rabbit!

You can choose from either of the WNC Nature Center's two rabbits - Pogo and Slate

  

Pogo, a Holland lop-eared rabbit, and Slate, a Flemish giant rabbit, live at the Center's Educational Farm, where guests have the opportunity to visit them and learn about the similarities and differences between the two.

(Size is the first obvious difference. Holland lop-eared rabbits average 3-4 pounds, whereas when Slate is full grown, he may end up weighing 14 or more pounds!) 

In return for your adoption, you'll receive an adoption certificate, a fact sheet, a Zoobook, and a photo of your rabbit. Plus you'll be assisting the Friends to provide resources to support the WNC Nature Center and its work to inspire guests while educating them on Southern Appalachian animals, such as these rabbits and many more.

Adopt at the $50 level, and you'll receive a (lucky) plush rabbit toy!

 

You'll also be celebrating St. Patrick's Day in a very unique way!  We're pretty sure you'll be the only lucky rabbit Wild Parent at the party.

Click here to adopt a rabbit today!

Mountain Spirits: Wine and Beer this week, 3- 2 -12

March 3, 5 - 7 PM Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100 in Asheville NC. FREE beer tasting: Nantahala Brewing Company Bryson City, NC - check out a favorite brewer in NC and taste these fine crafted ales that have made their way to Hops and Vines as one of their best selling growler line ups: Noon Day IPA; Bryson City Brown; Sticky Dog Stout.   March 4, 3-6 PM - FREE Wine Tasting: Li Veli Organic Wines from Italy & Raw Shakti Chocolate - taste three wines from Italian wine producers, Li Veli. Li Veli grows certified organic grapes and all workings within the cellar are environmentally friendly. Li Veli "Orion" Primitivo 2009: Primitivo is a wonderful, ancient grape from Italy, named for it early ripening; Li Veli "Passamante" Negroamaro 2009: Negroamaro is the main grape variety planted by Li Veli, and is named for it's deep purple-black color; Li Veli "Primonero" 2009- This wine is a blend of the two varietals previously mentioned, Primitivo and Negroamaro. Recieve 10% off these wines from 3-6 this Saturday.

March 3 , 7-10 PM,  Classic Wine Cellar, 20 Church Street, Waynesville NC -  A Special Night of original music  written and performed by Chris Minick. Enjoy a special Spanish Tappas menu and Mable Alice Rum Cake. 

March 3,  4-7 PM at Table Wine, 1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102, Asheville NC - Friday Winedown, 545 wine tasting - 5 great new wines from Italy from Barbera to Grisola! You get to sample 5 wines for $5, free for Grapenuts.  March 4, 2-5 PM - FREE Wine Tasting:    March 5, 7-9 PM   2010 Pinot Noirs From Patricia Green Cellars,  545 wine tasting. Winery co-owner Jim Anderson will be in-store to pour these wines which are always some of the highest rated Oregon Pinot Noirs.  RSVP and pre-payment required - limited to 40 participants.

March 3,  4 PM - 7 PM  LaBouteille, 10 N Trade St, Suite A Tyon NC - Complimentary Wine Tastings every Friday.  Feb 25 - The last Saturday of each month 3-5 pm is a 10 beers for $10 beer tasting. Bring a dish of food to share.


March 4,   2 PM - 5 PM  The Wine Guy, 555 Merimon Ave and 1200 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville NC. FREE Saturday tastings are a great way to sample new favorites in a casual setting. Sample 4 to 6 new wines. Light hors d’ oeuvres will be served and all wines poured will be specially priced.

March 4, 12 PM - 5 PM at Vino Vino Wine Market, 178 Weaverville Rd., Asheville NC. Every Saturday anytime between 12:00 and 5:00pm enjoy a sampling of wines from around the world. A 10% discount on each of the wines we are featuring.

March 4   , 3 - 6 PM   at Falderal Winery, 131 3rd Ave, Hendersonville NC.  Home Wine Making Class - Learn the ins and outs of home wine making. For beginners or experienced home winemakers wanting to brush-up on their skill. The event fee includes a tasting, bottle of wine and 10% off all wine making supplies.

Tasting Rooms:

Biltmore Winery, located on the Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC. Daily tasting and tours with Estate admission. Special events and tastings throughout the year.

Old North State Winery, 308 North Main Street, Mount Airy NC. Hours of operation are: Monday-Wednesday 11am-6pm, Thursday-Saturday 11am-9pm, and Sunday 12pm-6pm. Sample wines and browse the gift shop featuring wine related and gourmet gift items.

RagApple Lassie, 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane Boonville NC Tours are "on demand" noon to six PM daily. Tastings are available noon to six PM daily and include up to 11 varieties of wine.

Calaboose Cellars, 565 Aquone Road, Andrews NC. Closed for the winter - re-open March 22, 2012Tasting room summer hours: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from Noon to 5:00. This week check out the "Warden's White".

South Creek Vineyard and Winery, 2240 South Creek Road, Nebo, NC

Daily Tastings at Wedge Brewing Company, 125 B Roberts St. Asheville NC. Micro-brewery regular Tasting room hours: Monday - Thursday 4 PM - 10+ PM; Friday 3 PM - 10+ PM; Saturday and Sunday 2 PM - 10+ PM.

Daily Tastings at Greenman Brewery, 23 Buxton Ave., Asheville NC. The tasting room is open seven days a week at 4 o'clock, or maybe earlier

Take a Hike: Foothills Conservancy Special Spring Hike

March 10 - The Foothills Conservancy is hosting a special Spring hike to the Bottomless Pools, Pool Creek and Cane Creek Mountain. Reservations required - limit of 20 participants.

Meeting Time: 10:30am
Meeting Place: Back parking lot area between the Lake Lure Inn and the business/office building to the left immediately along US Hwy 74-A/64 at Lake Lure
What to bring: Lunch, water, sturdy hiking shoes, and an outdoors jacket/coat.
Hike Length: 2.5 to 3.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate-to-Strenuous
Estimated Completion/Back to Parking by 1:30pm
Put on your hiking boots and join Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina for a special Spring hike in the Hickory Nut Gorge along Pool Creek, including an opportunity to view the unique, privately-owned Bottomless Pools, as well as portions of Cane Creek Mountain that the conservancy acquired for Chimney Rock State Park. Tom Kenney, Foothills’ Land Protection Director, will guide the moderate-to-strenuous, 3-hour hike. Enjoy the day as you learn about Foothills Conservancy’s continuing efforts to preserve nearby land and protect Pool Creek. Call 828-437-9930 or e-mail info@foothillsconservancy.org for details & registration.  Hike will proceed rain-or-shine unless heavy rain or stormy weather occurs.

Christopher O'Riley Performs in Asheville

March 3, 8 PM at the Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 S Pack Square in Asheville NC - Pianist Christopher O'Riley. Brilliantly entertaining piano playing from the host of NPR's From The Top. Christopher O'Riley presents a whole range of repertoire, including works celebrating virtuoso pianist-composer Franz Liszt, O'Riley's centenary commemorative arrangement of film composer Bernard Herrmann's Psycho soundtrack, as well as the very latest from his own reimaginings of songs by Radiohead, Elliott Smith, Tori Amos, and others. Catch Christopher O'Riley, one of America's leading pianists, for one night only.   Get a link for the Diana Wortham Theatre HERE.

Click here to listen to Christopher O'Riley interviewed by Duncan McFadyen of WCQS 88.1 FM.

 

Grandfather Mountain's Guided Hike Season

Four Featured Hikes headline Grandfather Mountain's 2012 Guided Hike Season. The Guided Hike Series, now in its second year, has four pre-planned hikes to showcase the wonderful scenery and wildlife of the mountain. The hikes are scheduled for May, June, July and August and offer opportunities to explore Grandfather’s backcountry while learning about the ecology and history of the Mountain.
The Series begins with the half day “Spring to MacRae” hike over 0.9 miles, using cables and seven ladders to gain almost 600 feet in elevation. The second hike, the “Ridgeline of Diversity”, is 2.4 miles, traversing large boulders, climbing ladders and gaining 700 feet in elevation. The “Grandfather’s Attic” hike is a challenging endeavor involving a trek to Attic Window Peak and Indian House Cave over the most rugged terrain on the mountain. The Series concludes with the “Nature on the Edge” hike, showcasing the resiliency of plants and animals in the adverse conditions of the mountain. Throughout the journey, interpretive rangers will discuss the needs for habitat and point out signs of survival.

Get more details about Grandfather Mountain's Hike Series and other mountain events HERE.

NC Trout Fishing: The WNC Fly Fishing Trail

The first and only fly fishing trail in the United States, the WNC Fly Fishing Trail, is located in Jackson County and features some of the best trout waters in the Great Smoky Mountains. Follow the Trail to find 15 excellent spots for catching each type of trout. Complimentary maps are available from the Jackson County Tourism Authority. Get a link HERE.

1). SCOTT CREEK
The Stretch: Roughly 10 miles from headwaters near Balsam down to Sylva.
Access Point(s): Parking and access available via several pull-off areas along U.S. 23/74
Type of Water: Hatchery Supported
Available Fish: Brown, Rainbow
Numbers or Size?: Numbers
Noteworthy: Stretch also includes North Fork Scott Creek and Buff Creek, which are very scenic

2). SMALL STREAMS: Moses Creek, Mull Creek, Rough Butt Creek, Chastine Creek, Piney Mountain Creek. The Stretch: Collection of small streams in eastern Jackson County, below Blue Ridge Parkway
Access Point(s): Via Moses Creek Rd (SR 1740) & Caney Fork Rd (SR 1737), avoid posted land
Type of Water: Wild Trout
Available Fish: Brook, Rainbow
Numbers or Size?: Numbers
Noteworthy: Mountainous terrain, includes several large waterfalls

3). CANEY FORK   The Stretch: Roughly 10 miles from East Laporte Park to headwaters at fork of Mull Creek and Piney Mountain Creek
Access Point(s): Access via Caney Fork Road (SR 1737), avoid posted land
Type of Water: Undesignated
Available Fish: Rainbow, Brown, occasional Brook
Numbers or Size?: Numbers
Noteworthy: Respect private land owners

4). TANASEE CREEK   The Stretch: Roughly 2-3 miles from Tanasee Creek bridge up to headwaters
Access Point(s): Parking and access available at bridge on Tanasee Creek Road (SR 1762)
Type of Water: Wild Trout
Available Fish: Brown
Numbers or Size?: Both
Noteworthy: Very scenic stretch in the Nantahala National Forest

5). PANTHERTOWN CREEK   The Stretch: Entire stream, roughly 3 miles
Access Point(s): Parking and access at end of Breedlove Rd (SR 1121), with 2-mile walk to creek Type of Water: Catch & Release Single Hook Artificial Lure
Available Fish: Brook
Numbers or Size?: Numbers
Noteworthy: Located in Panthertown Valley, which is known as the “Yosemite of the East” because of its bowl shape and rocky bluffs

6). RAVEN FORK (Cherokee Trophy Water)   The Stretch: Starts at Blue Ridge Parkway bridge near Cherokee and goes north for 2.2 miles
Access Point(s): Parking & access via several pull-off areas along Big Cove Road; paths run along stream
Type of Water: Catch & Release Fly Fishing Only
Available Fish: Golden, Rainbow, Brown, Brook & Donaldson trout
Numbers or Size?: Both
Noteworthy: This stretch is also called Cherokee Trophy Water and fish of 20-30 inches are common; Cherokee annual permit and daily permit required

7). WHITEWATER RIVER   The Stretch: Roughly 2-3 miles from Hwy. 107 down to the South Carolina state line
Access Point(s): Parking and access along N.C. 107, a few miles south of Cashiers
Type of Water: Wild Trout
Available Fish: Brook, Brown and Rainbow
Numbers or Size?: Numbers
Noteworthy: Flows into Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi

8). SCOTSMAN and FOWLER CREEKS into CHATTOOGA RIVER   The Stretch: Roughly 2-3 miles of each stream flowing down into the Chattooga River
Access Point(s): Access available via Whiteside Cove Rd (SR 1107) or Bullpen Rd (SR 1100) in Nantahala National Forest
Type of Water: Wild Trout with Natural Bait
Available Fish: Brown, Rainbow
Numbers or Size?: Numbers (creeks), Size (Chattooga)
Noteworthy: The movie Deliverance was filmed on the Chattooga River

9). WEST FORK TUCKASEGEE RIVER   The Stretch: From small reservoir at Thorpe Power House upstream several hundred yards
Access Point(s): Parking and access available both sides of N.C. 107 near Thorpe Power House
Type of Water: Hatchery Supported
Available Fish: Brown, Rainbow
Numbers or Size?: Numbers
Noteworthy: Although hatchery supported, this has nice concentration of stream-raised fish

10). TUCKASEGEE RIVER (East Laporte Park to NC 107 Bridge)  The Stretch: Roughly 2-3 miles from park to bridge
Access Point(s): Parking and access available at East Laporte Park and pull-off areas along Old Cullowhee Road
Type of Water: Hatchery Supported
Available Fish: Rainbow, Brook and Brown
Numbers or Size?: Numbers
Noteworthy: East Laporte Park has picnic tables and public restrooms

11). SAVANNAH CREEK   The Stretch: About 10 miles from headwaters in Pumpkintown into Tuckasegee River
Access Point(s): Parking and access available via several pull-offs along U.S. 23/441
Type of Water: Hatchery Supported
Available Fish: Rainbow, Brown
Numbers or Size?: Numbers
Noteworthy: Access limited the closer you get to the Tuckasegee River

12). TUCKASEGEE RIVER (NC 107 Bridge to Dillsboro park)   The Stretch: Roughly 4-5 mile stretch from bridge to the riverside park in Dillsboro
Access Point(s): Parking and access available via numerous pull-offs along North River Road
Type of Water: Delayed Harvest
Available Fish: Brook, Brown and Rainbow
Numbers or Size?: Both
Noteworthy: Best place to achieve the Tuckasegee Slam (catch all three species in one spot)

13). GREENS CREEK   The Stretch: About 3-4 miles from Macon County line to Savannah Creek
Access Point(s): Various places along Greens Creek Road (SR 1370)
Types of Water: Wild Trout, Undesignated, Hatchery Supported
Available Fish: Rainbow, some Brown
Numbers or Size?: Numbers
Noteworthy: Portion of the creek flows through the Nantahala National Forest

14). TUCKASEGEE RIVER (in Dillsboro)   The Stretch: About 1 mile from Dillsboro park through town
Access Point(s): Various places between park and Best Western River Escape Inn
Type of Water: Hatchery Supported
Available Fish: Rainbow, Brown
Numbers or Size?: Size
Noteworthy: Includes two lodging options: Best Western River Escape Inn and Dillsboro Inn

15). LOWER TUCKASEGEE RIVER (Barker’s Creek Bridge to Whittier)   The Stretch: Roughly 8-10 miles from bridge to Whittier
Access Point(s): Parking and access via pull-offs and businesses along U.S. 19/74 freeway
Type of Water: Hatchery Supported, Undesignated
Available Fish: Rainbow, Brown
Numbers or Size?: Size
Noteworthy: The stretch is also home to smallmouth bass

Take a Hike: Spring for Free Guided Hikes: Hickory Nut Falls in Chimney Rock Park

March 3  -  Spring for Free Guided Hikes: Hickory Nut Falls    Forget those winter blues and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine at Chimney Rock.  Enjoy a free guided hike to the tallest waterfall on the east coast, Hickory Nut Falls, at an incredible 404 feet. Along the way, see how spring’s approach is changing the Park’s diverse scenery.

Note: If Hickory Nut Falls trail is closed due to ice melt at the falls, hike will be held on the Four Seasons trail. Meet the trail guide for the hike in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts at 1 PM.  Get information for Chimney Rock NC HERE

Southern Conference Basketball Tournament this week in Asheville

March  2-5     Southern Conference Basketball Tournament  Watch your favorite SoCon team on the court this week in Asheville, a city with a special love of B-ball. While you're in Asheville plan extra time for some R&R  at great restaurants, galleries and downtown nightlife.

The Tournament promises to be a great experience for athletes, faculty, students, parents, alumni and all the visiting  fans. Men and Women's games will be played at the Asheville Civic Center and UNC - Asheville Sports Arena.

25th Anniversary Heritage Classic DanceSport Championships

February 28 - Mar 3   25th Anniversary Heritage Classic DanceSport Championships 2012   This dance competition offers $112,000 in cash awards and scholarships. The Heritage Classic is a World Pro/Am Dancesport Series event. The Heritage Classic has been voted "Competition of the Year" for three successive years. General admission tickets are available.  Get a link for the DanceSport Championships here.

The event is held at the Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa in Asheville NC.  The spa and spa services are renowned and the Resort facilities include:  scenic golf course, sports complex with pool - tennis - racquetball - training, on site restaurants, lounge, bars. The Inn offers a large variety of rooms and suites, varying stages of updates with some original Inn antiques.    Get the best rates for the Grove Park Inn Resort HERE 

Take a Hike: The Birds of Paddy's Creek at lake James Park

February  26   The Birds of Paddy's Creek  Join Park Ranger Earl Weaver and hike to identify birds found around Paddy’s Creek and Lake James. Easy hike, 1 mile. Bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at the Paddy’s Creek bridge parking lot of Lake James State Park at 10 a.m. For more information, call 828-584-7728.

Fire on the Rock Chef's Competition in Blowing Rock

February 28    Fire on the Rock in Blowing Rock NC - Chefs from local restaurants will battle head-to-head in exciting single elimination battles every Tuesday and Wednesday at Crippen's Restaurant. You, the diner, judge a six course "blind" menu created around a secret ingredient. Prepaid reservations are required.

"Grill or be Grilled" is the slogan in this annual diner-judged food competition that began in 2005 during the inaugural year of the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival in Blowing Rock, North Carolina with just six chefs. This year's competition includes sixteen chefs who vie for the grand prize of $2500 and the coveted "Red Chef Jacket".

The competition is waged in brackets, with winners meeting winners every Tuesday and Wednesday until the grand final on April 11. Weekly winners as well as voting statistics are posted online. The event has become exceptionally popular and advanced reservation are recommended. Get a link for Fire on the Rock and other Blowing Rock events and information HERE.

Mountain Spirits: Wine and Beer this week, February 23 2012

Feb 25-26   Third Annual Yadkin Winter Reds Event sponsored by the Town of Yadkinville and Yadkin County Tourism Development Authorities. Yadkin Winter Reds Event 2012 will include 7 wineries  featuring their 'Winter Red' (2 oz. pour) paired with a small serving of a tasty food item. Ticket prices for the weekend are $20.00 per person. Each ticketholder will be assigned to a starting winery where they will receive their souvenir glass and a map. New to this year's event will be a Sunday Brunch offered at the Third Branch Cafe inside the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center. Tickets are $10.00 per person. Lodging packages are available, please see www.visityadkin.com to see all the specials available at this time. Tickets are available at the Yadkin County Visitors Center (The Chamber office), on-line at www.visityadkin.com or by phone at 1-877-4YADKIN.

February 25-26 -  RagApple Lassie, 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane Boonville NC -Tthe second half of the 2012 Yadkin Reds event -  RagApple Lassie is pairing its Zinfandel, the only North Carolina estate grown Zin, with Tenderloin Spears dipped in a blue cheese cream sauce and chocolate dipped bacon for dessert!   Plus, the Blue Ridge Chocolate shop will also be available with their divine Belgian chocolates for your tasting.
RagApple Lassie's wonderful wines are available for tasting Noon to Six DAILY; The Back Door Café serves divine lunches on Sat and Sun, Noon to Four

Feb 24, 5 - 7 PM Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100 in Asheville NC - Free Sierra Nevada tasting and pint night - Be the first to sample new canned products from Sierra Nevada, soon to open a location in WNC. These beer are fresh in from their Chico brewery and there should be a keg of SN Hoptimum Imperial IPA on draft. Can Conditioned Sierra Pale Ale; Tropedo IPA : Hoptimum Double IPA     Feb 25, 3-6 PM - FREE Wine Tasting: Italian Wines from the Piedmont and Tuscany - Beni Di Batasiolo Gavi 2009: This classic dry white wine comes from Italy's critically acclaimed Piedmont region located in northwestern Italy; Monte Antico Toscana 2007: This baby Super-Tuscan is a blend of 85% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Merlot, which are organically grown on prime Tuscan hillsides; G.D Vajra Langhe Rosso 2008- Also from the premier Peidmont region of Italy, this organic red blend is made by Barolo producer G.D Vajra.

Feb 25, 1-6 PM at  Appalachian Vintner, 2-B Huntsman Place, Asheville NC - Asheville's "best Pot Luck" - All natural hot dogs and veggie burgers will be provided and you bring own accoutrement, serving/eating utensils and plates. Pre-moving wines sale and the Great American Wine Spectator give away.

Feb 24 , 7-10 PM,  Classic Wine Cellar, 20 Church Street, Waynesville NC -  Dinner and live music with Marshall Ballew and a special Spanish Tappas menu and Mable Alice Rum Cake.  Feb 27,  7-9 PM - Ukulele Night: Enjoy the Ukulele Tour

Feb 24,  4-7 PM at Table Wine, 1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102, Asheville NC - "545" tasting - You get to sample 5 wines for $5, free for Grapenuts. Full bodied, rich red wines that don't break the bank. Feb, 25, 5 PM - Winedown with Steve Mills: some of the best Spanish wines  - FREE tasting.

Feb 24,  4 PM - 7 PM  LaBouteille, 10 N Trade St, Suite A Tyon NC - Complimentary Wine Tastings every Friday.  Feb 25 - The last Saturday of each month 3-5 pm is a 10 beers for $10 beer tasting. Bring a dish of food to share.


Feb 25,   2 PM - 5 PM  The Wine Guy, 555 Merimon Ave and 1200 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville NC. FREE Saturday tastings are a great way to sample new favorites in a casual setting. Sample 4 to 6 new wines. Light hors d’ oeuvres will be served and all wines poured will be specially priced.

Feb 25, 12 PM - 5 PM at Vino Vino Wine Market, 178 Weaverville Rd., Asheville NC. Every Saturday anytime between 12:00 and 5:00pm enjoy a sampling of wines from around the world. A 10% discount on each of the wines we are featuring.

Tasting Rooms:

Biltmore Winery, located on the Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC. Daily tasting and tours with Estate admission. Special events and tastings throughout the year.

Old North State Winery, 308 North Main Street, Mount Airy NC. Hours of operation are: Monday-Wednesday 11am-6pm, Thursday-Saturday 11am-9pm, and Sunday 12pm-6pm. Sample wines and browse the gift shop featuring wine related and gourmet gift items.

RagApple Lassie, 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane Boonville NC Tours are "on demand" noon to six PM daily. Tastings are available noon to six PM daily and include up to 11 varieties of wine.

Calaboose Cellars, 565 Aquone Road, Andrews NC. Closed for the winter - re-open March 22, 2012Tasting room summer hours: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from Noon to 5:00. This week check out the "Warden's White".

South Creek Vineyard and Winery, 2240 South Creek Road, Nebo, NC

Daily Tastings at Wedge Brewing Company, 125 B Roberts St. Asheville NC. Micro-brewery regular Tasting room hours: Monday - Thursday 4 PM - 10+ PM; Friday 3 PM - 10+ PM; Saturday and Sunday 2 PM - 10+ PM.

Daily Tastings at Greenman Brewery, 23 Buxton Ave., Asheville NC. The tasting room is open seven days a week at 4 o'clock, or maybe earlier

Rennie Harris Puremovement's this Weekend in Asheville

February 23-24, 8 PM at the Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 Pack Square in Asheville NC.    Under the direction of Dr. Rennie Harris, hip-hop dance ambassador to the world, Rennie Harris Puremovement travels to Asheville this week on its 20th anniversary tour before heading to Egypt, Israel, the Palestinian Territories, and Jordan this spring.

Puremovement is one of only four dance companies selected to represent 2012 DanceMotion USA, a tour designed to share the USA's rich dance culture with international audiences. Don't miss the movement, music, and magic of this revolutionary modern dance company this week.  Get  tickets here.

 

Read a feature article about Rennie Harris Puremovement in the Asheville Citizen-Times.

 

Back to the 80s at Beech Mountain this Weekend

February 24-26  Retro 80s at  Beech Mountain NC. Enjoy a fun-filled trip back to the 1980's including:

-Lodging specials from $80.80 per night

-$19.80 restaurant dinner deals

-80's DJ for Saturday's Railfest

-Facebook 80's ski garb contest

-Live 80's bands each night!

Daily Ski Rental Specials:

*$19.80 adults, $10.80 children, $27.80 snowboards at Fred's General Mercantile (828) 387-4838 (Fred's also has bandanas 3 for $8.80)

*Friday 24th - $10.80 Skis, $15.80 Snowboards at Beech Meadows Ski Shop (828) 387-4777

*Saturday/Sunday 25-26 - $16.80 Skis, $24.80 Snowboards at Beech Meadows Ski Shop (828) 387-4777

Find Beech Mountain Lodging at:

The Pinnacle Inn - suites, or one and two bedroom condominiums - complete with full kitchens, cozy living rooms, fireplaces, cable TV, and telephone (some with washer/dryer). Facilities: indoor heated pool, 2 hot tubs, steam room, dry sauna, exercise room, recreation area with ping pong, pool table, electronic games, 2 tennis courts, miniature golf, shuffleboard, playground, meeting room.  Get rates and check availability

Archer's Mountain Inn - 15 guest rooms with complimentary breakfast, fireplace, porch (some with mountain view), some with microwave and mini fridge. 5 vacation cabins. On site restaurant and lounge. Seasonal packages offered.  Event facilities.  See lowest rates and availability

Get more Beech Mountain Lodging and ski information HERE

Take a Hike: Hike Paddy's Creek Trail in Lake James Park

February 25   Hike the Paddy's Creek Trail   Join Park Ranger Earl Weaver for a nature hike on the Paddy’s Creek Trail. Moderate hike, 2 miles roundtrip. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Meet at the Paddy’s Creek Area office of Lake James State Park at 10 AM. For more information, call 828-584-7728.

Get a link for this hike and more Marion NC area events HERE

National Truffle Fest in Asheville this Week

February 23-25     National Truffle Fest - Experience a variety of truffle taste treats, presentations and seminars and a benefit auction. From gourmet truffle and wine dinners to the Chef's Gala you can immerse yourself in everything truffle. The event is held at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Asheville NC. 


The Grand Bohemian Hotel - guest rooms and suites. On site restaurant and lounge, room service, fitness center, business center, ballroom, WIFI, Pet Friendly. Located in Biltmore Village near the entrance to Biltmore. Get the best current rates for the Grand Bohemian Hotel HERE