17th Annual Bluegrass First Class in Asheville this week

February 16-19    17th Annual Bluegrass First Class  Enjoy some of the best bluegrass acts in the country rocking out all over the hotel, all weekend. Lineup includes - Friday: Dailey and Vincent (2  days), Rhonda Vincent and The Rage, Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out, The James King Band. Saturday: Dailey and Vincent, The Seldom Scene, Lonesome River Band, Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice featuring Wyatt Rice on guitar.

The event is held this year at Asheville's Crowne Plaza Resort, a year around facility with 274 rooms and suites on 125 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Facilities include onsite dining and room service, convention facilities, golf, tennis, indoor pool, fitness and business centers, some pet friendly rooms and WIFI. Specials and online discounts are offered - get details here. 

What to do on Valentine's Day

February 14  Valentine's Wine and Chocolate Event The Wine Studio Asheville

February 14  The Lettermen in Concert Franklin

February 14  4-course Valentine Dinner at the Orchard Inn, Saluda

February 14  Valentine's Dinner at the Saluda Grade Cafe

February 14  Valentine's Special for 2 ribs, Green River BBQ, Saluda

February 14  Valentine's Chimney Rock Park BOGO Tickets  Chimney Rock

Valentine's Day Event: Wine and Chocolate

February 14, 5 PM - 8 PM:  Valentine's Wine and Chocolate Event   Begin your Valentine's Day celebration with wine, chocolate and other goodies, hosted by Jessica and Carah of The Wine Studio of Asheville and Slow Food Asheville. Drop in as a prelude to your evening or while waiting for those reservations to sample great wines and local Raw Shakti Chocolates.The Wine Studio is located at 169 Charlotte Street in Asheville, NC

Last Minute Romantic Mountain Getaways for Valentine's Day in Bryson CIty

Soak your cares away with the magic of the mountains - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 5-7. Hot tub with mountain view, game room with ping pong, pool, foosball. Deck with gas grill, picnic table and fire pit. Pets considered. Located near Almond SW of Bryson City.   $125-$60 night, $1750-$960 week.  Go to cabin photos and availability calendar


180 degrees of beautiful mountain views - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 6. Deck with hot tub, dining and gas grill. Covered porches, fireplace, jetted bathtub, hammock, pets considered. $160-$200 night, $960-$1200 week.  See photos and cabin availability



Log cabin by the creek - 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, sleeps 4. 3 cabins to choose from. Fireplace, hot tub, charcoal grill, HGTV, WIFI. Secluded location only 2 miles to Bryson City. $95 - $150 night, $570 - $900 week.  SPECIAL  - Book two week nights and get a third FREE, good through 4/30/12.      get availability and rental photos


Spectacular view and all the extras - 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps up to 8. Amazing views from inside and out. Hot tub, game room with pool table, gas log fireplace, gas grill, Internet. $160 - $200 night, $960 - $1200.   see cabin photos and availabilty

Get more Bryson City cabins and vacation rentals HERE

Mountain Dulcimer Concert Today in Bryson City

February 12 , 3 PM - 4:30 PM:  Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer Concert -  Free concert.  Featuring two of the country's finest players of the Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer, Lois Hornbostel and Ehukai Teves performing a spirited traditional Southern Appalachian, Celtic, Hawaiian, and other World Music performed at the Swain County Center for the Performing Arts, 1415 Fontana Rd. in Bryson City.

Annual Chocolate Cook-off Today in Bryson City

February 11    Annual Chocolate Cook-off   Feel good inside and out! Taste samples of the area's chocolatiers best chocolate confections and help support the local library. $6 admission with children under 6 free. Held at the Bryson City Presbyterian Church on Everett Street. Vote for the People's Choice Award for Best Overall Chocolate Dish. Get a link and more Bryson City NC information HERE.

Mountain Inn Winter Specials $69-$79 per night

Mid-winter Specials $69 Sun-Thurs, $79 Fri-Sat until 3-31. Spacious King or Queen rooms, - or suites that offer a microwave and mini-fridge.

Mountain view rooms available. FREE hot breakfast, indoor pool, exercise room, meeting & laundry facilities. Cashiers / Sapphire Valley NC.

Call 828-743-4545 and ask for the Winter Valley Special.   See Inn photos and details here

At The Hampton Inn and Suites- Sapphire Valley you'll find beautiful, comfortable rooms and suites with all the modern conveniences. Inn amenities include: a choice of standard king or queen rooms,  king and queen studios, and suites with microwave and mini-fridge.

All accommodations have free WIFI Internet access, coffeemaker, hairdryer, iron and ironing board. Enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast and beverages; an indoor pool and whirlpool; exercise room; Business Center and meeting facilities; and, of course, beautiful mountain views!  

There are also year-around Activity Packages available.

 

8th Annual Beloved Miniatures Show at American Folk

February 10 -  8th Annual Beloved Miniatures Show at American Folk   Opening Reception. Just in time for Valentines Day, 12 of American Folks artists and potters will present work no bigger than 8 x 10 for painters, no bigger than 6 inches tall for potters. “Our folks create small works for this show all year long, and begin sending them in January. We love those little containers coming our way in the dark days of winter….it warms & excite us” says Betsey-Rose Weiss, owner of American Folk.

Get a link for the Miniatures Show and other Asheville NC events HERE

Last Minute Romantic Mountain Getaways for Valentine's Day

It's not too late to treat your Sweetie to a romantic mountain getaway for Valentine's Day. Whether you choose a weekend getaway or a Valentine's Day weekday holiday, you can still find a variety of rentals from secluded mountain cabins to exciting downtown lofts to mountain view ski condos.

At the time of posting these rentals indicated at least 3 consecutive days availability for Valentine's Day or the weekend before Check with the individual owners or property managers to verify up-to-the minute availability.
Find a complete list here

 

Valentine's Day Weekend Events: Classic Romance at the Grove Park Inn

February 10-12   Classical Romance for Valentine's 2012 at Asheville's  Grove Park Inn offers a romantic getaway including an evening of stargazing on the terrace of this historically romantic resort at the Starlight & Chocolate Party. You'll also enjoy dinner in one of the Inn's restaurants, a "Spicy" cooking seminar, dance instruction and a Valentine's Dance, which offers the perfect place to fall in love all over again (or for the first time). Lodging packages available.
The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa - The spa and spa services are renowned.  Resort amenities includes a scenic golf course, a sports complex with pool - tennis - racquetball  and training. Enjoy onsite restaurants, lounge, bars. Choose from a  large variety of rooms and suites, varying stages of updates with some original Inn antiques.

Romantic Mountain Getaway for Valentine's Day: View of Grandfather Mountain

Log home rental with spectacular view from Elk Ridge - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 6. Warm and welcoming inside and out with beautiful sunsets on the deck and starlit skies from the hot tub. Stone fireplace with gas logs, plush king bed, porch swing and rockers, gas grill, WIFI. Gated community with seasonal pool, trails, horseback riding, tennis. Pet Friendly.. $179 - $200 night, $1,074 - $1,200 week. Located between Boone and Wilkesboro.    See cabin photos and get availability

Do Tell StoryFest in Hendersonville this Weekend

February 11-12   Do Tell StoryFest   3rd annual Festival Held at the Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown Theatre, listen to stories from rhymes to folk tales to history to modern personal stories from the region's best performers.

The Saturday festival concert features renown storyteller and singer Michael Reno Harrell.Harrell is an award winning songwriter, as well as a veteran storyteller and entertainer from the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Michael's  stories are familiar and razor sharp with a point. His brand of entertainment appeals to a diverse audience.

Other StoryFest participants include:

David Novak is a remarkable speaker with a background in theatre arts including Shakespeare, clowning, creative dramatics, playwriting, and directing.
Sherry Lovett has been a storyteller for twelve years starting when she was a middle school teacher.Karen-Eve is an international storyteller, Henderson County native,  former General Manager of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and is the creator and director of Do Tell festival.
Vixi Jil  known as Sister Silly Goose has been reading, writing, and telling ancient Celtic faerie tales, as well as old timey mountain Jack tales for over 27 years.Candler Willis is a multi-talented renaissance man who time shifts between the 19th and 21st century!Elena Miller a winner of the prestigious national Freeman Tilden Award, began performing at age 12 and continues on to today.
Ronnie Pepper has 22 years experience working as an educator of young children and is now Director of Henderson County Head Start Centers.
Gwenda LedBetter has taught and told stories for fifty years, beginning her work in Asheville’s  Pack Library and in "Tales from the Red Rocker "on WLOS-TV.

Get a link for StoryFest and other
Hendersonville NC events and Attractions HERE.

Valentines Specials at Westglow Resort and Spa

Experience the romance of Westglow as you rekindle your love for Valentine's Day. Named "best for Romance and #1 Romantic Restaurant in Western NC by Open Table, this luxury boutique resort is the perfect setting for love and romance.

Come for your romantic dinner or indulge in a Valentine's all-inclusive romance package. Choose from:

*Romantic Valentine's Dinner for 2

*Overnight all-inclusive romance package for 2

*15% off mid-week day luxury spa packages

*An instant gift Card for your Sweetie

Westglow Resort and Spa offers guest rooms including the use of all luxury spa resort amenities and a complimentary breakfast. The all-inclusive spa vacation packages include accommodations, 3 gourmet meals daily, access to all health spa amenities including the fitness center and fitness classes, and morning nature hikes with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Westglow Resort & Spa is a top-rated luxury destination spa where personal service is an honored tradition. Our elegant Greek Revival mansion, once the home of renowned artist and author Elliott Daingerfield, is a perfect place to find renewal of the mind, body, and soul.

Get lowest current rates and make reservations HERE

Valentine's Day Weekend Events: Chimney Rock ParkValentine BOGO Tickets

February 8-14 -  Valentine's Chimney Rock Park BOGO (buy one get one free) Tickets.  Nothing says "I love you" like a romantic day at Chimney Rock with breathtaking views and pristine trails.  The good folks at Chimney Rock Park are offering a sweet deal to buy one regularly-priced adult ticket and get one free for Valentine's Day from Feb. 8-14.

Walk hand-in-hand on a beautiful hike to the base of the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls. Top off the perfect day with a tasty lunch at the Old Rock Cafe. Click here to download this special coupon. Coupon must be presented to the Ticket Plaza at the time of purchase.

Diana Wortham Theatre New Dinner Deal

Enjoy a golden opportunity to treat yourself to a three course dinner before the show. Indulge in a 3 course, prix fixe menu for $30 by showing your Diana Wortham Theatre ticket on the day of the show.

Posana Cafe is the perfect start to a sparkling night on the town! Enjoy our daily wine special, a $5 glass of red or white wine, our made-to-order sodas with homemade syrups and organic sweeteners, or relax with one of our unique specialty cocktails. Come before the show and dine from a menu that hits all the right chords, starting with our famous Kale Salad, to our delectable dessert menu.

Upcoming Wortham Theatre Performances

• The Importance of Being Earnest • Aquila Theatre Company, Friday, February 3
• Macbeth • Aquila Theatre Company, Saturday, February 4
• Solas • Friday, February 10
• Cosi Fan Tutte • Asheville Lyric Opera, Friday & Saturday, February 17 & 18
• Rennie Harris Puremovement • Thursday & Friday, February 23 & 24

For tickets and more information, call the box office at 828.257.4530 or visit www.dwtheatre.com. The Diana Wortham Theatre is located at 2 South Pack Square in Asheville NC

Mountain Spirits: Wine and Beer this week, February 2

Feb 2 , 5 - 7 PM, Brusin' Ales, 66 Broad Strteet, Asheville NC - New Belgium Brewing Fort Collins, Colorado: Trey from New Belgium Brewery, Fort Collins, CO serves up  a special line-up, including the new seasonal, Dig Pale Ale, with Sorachi, Nelson Sauvin, Cascade and Centennial hops, and two beers from the Lips of Faith Series, Biere de Mars and the new (and yummy) Cocoa Mole - Dig Pale Ale "Unearth your bottle-opener because this Pale Ale is something you can Dig;  Belgo IPA "When we set out to brew, we use imagination and salvation to guide us- not necessarily style guidelines. It's the Belgian way.  Lips of Faith: Biere de Mars "Again in 2012, we are pleased to offer one of our favorite harbingers of spring, Biere de Mars.  Lips of Faith: Cocoa Mole "Say Hola to a spiced up ale full of cocoa and ancho, guajillo, chipotle peppers.

February -  RagApple Lassie, 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane Boonville NC - SUPERBOWL SPECIAL: Stock your cellar with RagApple Lassie wines for Super Bowl XLVI and if the total score is less than 40 or greater than 65, bring your original receipt dated before kick-off time, and get your original purchase duplicated FREE! For case purchases only, 7 points in either direction wins one bottle of wine!

Feb 3, 5 - 7 PM Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100 in Asheville NC -  Free beer tasting and pint night - Foothills Brewing Co. Winston-Salem, NC: Torch Pilsner; Hoppyum IPA; Peoples Porter; Sexual Chocolate.   Feb 4, 3-6 PM - FREE Wine Tasting:  South African Deals - Felicite Pinot Noir 2011- Made by Newton Johnson family run Vineyards, and produced naturally with respect for the environment, Felicite Pinot Noir is a great wine at a great price;   The Wolftrap Red 2010- This South African take on a Rhone style red is a blend of 65% fruity, juicy Syrah, 32% spicy Mourvedre, and 3% Viognier which is added for balance and brightness. The Wolftrap White 2009- This lovely white wine is a blend of Viognier, Chenin Blanc, and Grenache Blanc.

Feb 4, 4-8 PM at  Appalachian Vintner, 2-B Huntsman Place, Asheville NC - Asheville's "best Wine Tasting" Dan Davidsen from Millennium Beverage will be pouring at the wine bar: Post House Blueish White; Van Duzer Vintner's Cuvee Pinot Noir; Anglim Winery Cerise; Anglim Winery Central Coast Syrah; Post House Blueish Black; Free wine tasting.

Feb 3 , 7 PM until,  Classic Wine Cellar, 20 Church Street, Waynesville NC - Friday Night Live music with GReg Kidd and Chris Minick, tow local favorites performing favorites as well as originals.

Feb 3, 4 - 7 PM at Table Wine, 1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102, Asheville NC - "545" tasting - You get to sample 5 wines for $5. The  focuse is on the Portugal this Friday - there are more incredible wine values coming out of this country than any other these days.   Feb, 2-5 PM - FREE Weekly Wine Tastings: Sample Four Artisan Wines - a "Try Before You Buy" tasting featuring 4 great and affordable wines.  February 9 - There are 2 spots left for the wine and chocolate tasting, featuring six wines (average retail of $30) paired with six different handmade truffles from Blue Moon Chocolatier.  RSVP and pre-payment are required, and this one is filling up fast, so call  at 828.505.8588 to reserve your spot for this seated tasting.

Feb 3, 6 PM - 8 PM, at Divine Wine, 1011 Tunnel Road East Asheville NC . Friday Wine Tastings - It’s not just a tasting, it’s a party and you’re invited. Complimentary tastes of special wines, along with an assortment of hors d’oeuvres. Be sure to try the weekly special wines by the glass, or a cold, frothy, draft brew from the bar.

Feb 3,  4 PM - 7 PM  LaBouteille, 10 N Trade St, Suite A Tyon NC - Complimentary Wine Tastings every Friday. 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 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.

Feb 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.

Feb4  , 11 AM - 5 PM  PM at Falderal Winery, 131 3rd Ave, Hendersonville NC.  Free tasting -  Regular Saturday Wine Tasting with all wines made on the premises.

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

Valentine's Day Special: Cozy Mountain Cabin with Roses for your Sweetie

Imagine arriving at a new, comfy modern cabin and finding a dozen roses with a personalized note to your valentine! Relax and cuddle up in front of the floor to ceiling, stacked stone, gas log fireplace or snuggle in a quilt on the covered porch as you enjoy the view and the sounds of nearby rushing streams.

The cabin is secluded on 40 acres of private mountain wilderness perfect for a romantic getaway. Amenities include a Big Screen - Satellite TV, DVD player, all new appliances, central heat and air, vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, wide plank flooring, full size washer and dryer, handcrafted furnishings, a large bathroom with double sinks. There is hiking and fishing onsite  - everything you need for the perfect romantic mountain escape. Located in the Heart of Nantahala Forest between Bryson City and Andrews NC.

This Valentines Special is available Valentines Day or the weekends before and after. If the FREE Roses are not enough you can arrange for gourmet candies or a romantic dinner for two in town. Get more photos and details online HERE or. Call   662 773 3099. Only two cabins available.

Cataloochee Ski Area Offers Law Enforcement Days

February 2-3   Law Enforcement Days at Cataloochee Ski Area   Cataloochee supports the law enforcement by offering a special reduced rate for law enforcement personnel with valid i.d. and their families. The special package is only $25 per person and includes a 1 1/2 hour lesson, lift ticket for either day, twilight or night skiing and rental equipment. The combined savings is $56 per person over Cataloochee's regular rates. Get a link for Cataloochee Ski Area HERE.

Maggie Valley Lodging near Cataloochee Ski Area:

Maggie Valley rental with easy access - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 6. Covered porch with short range mountain views, wood-burning fireplace, charcoal grill, WIFI. Easy paved access, minutes to Maggie attractions. PRICE IS TOTAL, includes cleaning and all taxes.  $163 night, $931 week.    See photos and get rental details


Less than 5 minutes to Maggie Valley and Cataloochee Ski Area - 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, sleeps up to 6.  Porch with mountain view, charcoal grill and the sounds of nearby Jonathan Creek. WIFI, Pet Friendly. $89 - $100 night, $475 - $500 week.   Get photos and see rental details


Family-sized Mountain Lodge - 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps up to 12.  Decks with beautiful long-range mountain views. 10 minutes to Cataloochee Skiing and other Smoky Mountain Attractions. Fireplace, Hot tub, Internet, game room with foosball, pool, darts.  $422 night, $1995 week. Get photos and rental details


** WINTER SPECIAL**Modern log cabin in convenient location - 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 6. Wrap-around deck and mountain views, gas grill, large wooded lot with campfire area, gas fireplace, game room with air hockey, foosball, board games. $165 night, $1100 week.  See photos and get rental details


Special on Maggie Valley vacation rental - $550 per week! Reserve now for skiing at Cataloochee. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 5. Fireplace, large deck with grill. Easy access year around. Get photos and see rental details


Vacation rental on stocked trout stream - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 8. Newer cabin located on 2 creeks. Easy paved access and only 3 minutes to Cataloochee Ski Area - walk to shopping and restaurants. Gas fireplace, covered wrap-around porch, charcoal grill, bike. $129 - $199 night, $899 - $999 week.   Get photos and see rental details

Get Find additional Maggie Valley Lodging HERE

Valentine's Day Weekend Events: Heinzelmannchen Brewery Chocolate and Beer Pairing

February 11, 2-5 PM, Heinzelmannchen Brewery, 545 Mill Street in historic downtwon Sylva NC - Chocolate and Beer Pairing.  Just in time for Valentine's Day,  Maleah and Denise from Chocolate-m.d. (aka Mother,Daughter; Milk,Dark; made differently) share their delectable chocolates at the Brewery location. The chocolates will be paired with Heinzelmannchen Ales for a delightful tasting.  Chocolate-m.d will also have their chocolates available for purchase ( cash/checks only). 

Get a link for Heinzelmannchen Brewery and more
Sylva NC information HERE

February Music and Events at The Purple Onion

February 2 - Nikki Talley  - a voice that harkens back to the Appalachian roots from which she was born, and shores up on the edgesof contemporary southern rock, country, blues, and jazz

February 4 - Taylor Moore Band  - singer with guitar pyrotechnics, original songwriting Ray LaMontagne-meets-Rod Stewart vocal stylings

February 9 - Calico Moon - their sound is a seamless blend of roots, country and pure mountain soul

February 11 - Lonesome Road Band - fabulous bluegrass as this Hendersonville-based band returns

February 16 - Alan Barrington - The Charlotte Observer says:"Barrington offers nicely crafted folk-pop along the linesof David Wilcox or Pierce Pettis."

February 18 - Gigi Dover & The Big Love - her many fans here know to expect a musical, magical evening under her spell

February 23 - Chuck Brodsky  - "With insight and good humor, he has taken these life experiences and distilled them into old fashioned story songs brimming with wit and compassion." -New York Times

February 25 - The Bad Popes - original material as well as choice covers ranging from Graham Parsons and Willie Nelson to The Beatles and The Ramones

Monday and Tuesday Nights (excluding 2-7-12)  through the Winter enjoy a variety of board games.  It's evolving. It's casual. It's impromptu and it's fun. Play one of the Onion's games or bring your own. Whether you are a scrabble aficionado or a chess master or just looking for entertainment and camaraderie, there will be a fire in the wood stove, something hearty in the soup pot, weekly slider specials, oysters on the half shell, and beer and wine specials.

The Purple Onion is located at 16 Main Street in historic downtown Saluda NC. GEt a link for the Purple Onion and other Saluda restaurants, shops and information HERE