New Meaning for "Good to Go" in Franklin

March 1-5, Jers Kitchen, Whistle Stop Mall, 1281 Georgia Road, Franklin North Carolina. This week's simple suppers at Jer's Kitchen:
Pork Roast  - Old-fashioned pork roast with gravy and roasted potatoes
Baked Salmon - with pineapple chutney over brown rice
serving 2-$12.95, serving 4-$24.00
828-524-1960    http://www.jerskitchen.com/

Cheese and Beer Pairing - Why Local is the BEST!

March 5, 5PM-8PM, Heinzelmännchen Brewery, 545 Mill Street, Downtown Sylva North Carolina. Enjoy artisan cheeses from Yellow Branch Farm in Robbinsville with Heinzelmännchen Beers.  Yellow Branch Farm & Pottery is owned and run by friends Bruce DeGroot and Karen Mickler.  They grow basil and peppers for their cheeses and raise their cows on their property.  Bruce runs the farm and Karen makes beautiful pottery. Stop by Friday to check out a wonderful combination of locally produced favorites that you can bring to your table at home.  http://www.yourgnometownbrewery.com and   http:// www.yellowbranch.com

Sample Wine and Food Pairings

March 6, 12AM - 5 PM, Raffaldini Vineyards, Ronda (near WIlkesboro) North Carolina. A special pairing of Raffaldini Wine with cuisine from 21 & Main Restaurant. Enjoy a complimentary pairing of bacon wrapped lamb with re wine-tomato chutney gorganzola with Raffaldini's hearty red Oenotria 2008 . http://www.raffaldini.com/

Migratory Waterfowl on Lake James

February 27, 10AM, Lake James State Park, Nebo North Carolina. Join Park Ranger Earl Weaver for an interpretive boat tour on the migratory waterfowl that can be seen on Lake James. Space is limited and pre-registration is required to participate! Please call the Lake James State Park Office, 828-652-5047 to register, no later than noon on February 26th. Please dress appropriately for weather conditions and bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at the park office at 10:00 a.m.

Love is in the Air in Flat Rock

Find romance and adventure this week at the Flat Rock Cinema, 2700 Greenville Hwy • Flat Rock, North Carolina:
DEAR JOHN show times - Feb 26th - Mar 4th 4:00, 7:00
PG-13 - A soldier home on leave falls for a conservative college girl. Instead of returning home to her, he reenlists after the attacks on September 11th, 2001. Time and distance begin to take a toll on the young lovers
THE YOUNG VICTORIA show times - Feb 27th, 28th, Mar 3rd (Sat, Sun, Wed) 1:00
The early years of the monarch Queen Victoria's rule and her legendary romance and marriage to Prince Albert.
http://www.flatrockcinema.com/

See The Dixie Swim Club in Highlands

Feb 25-28, Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center, Highlands North Carolina. Highlands Community Players present The Dixie Swim Club, a comedy-drama by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope & Jamie Wooten and Directed by Rick Siegel.  Evenings: 7:30 p.m. Matinees: 2:30 pm. Ticket Sales:
Subscribers: Thursday & Friday the week before the opening performance.
General public: Saturday the week before the opening performance, and at the door one hour before each performance as available.   828-526-8084    http://highlandscommunityplayers.org/

Mid-Winter Special in Highlands

February 20 thru March 31, Fire Mountain Inn, Cabins & Treehouses, Highlands North Carolina.  Stay 2 nights and get the 3rd night FREE! This special offer is valid for any accommodation and includes complimentary wine and cheese in your accommodation upon arrival. 800-775-4446   http://www.firemt.com/

Wilkesboro has Hairspray

Feb 25, 6:30PM-9:30PM, The Walker Center, Wilkes Community College, 1328 S. Collegiate Drive, Wilkesboro North Carolina. Hairspray is about a big girl, with big hair, a big heart, and a big dream. Hairspray is based on the popular New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters, who served as a creative consultant for the musical comedy. The production features an original score by Academy Award nominated Marc Shaiman, who co-wrote the music and lyrics for the acclaimed animated musical South Park: Bigger, Longer, & Uncut, and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. http://www.walkercenteronline.org

Classic Cars in Old Fort

Feb 21, Downtown Old Fort, North Carolina.  Bring your car, truck, or motorcycle or just come to see all the oldies but goodies. Downtown Old Fort, 1-5 p.m.; free. Sponsored by Route 70 Cruisers. For more information, call 828-442-5135 or visit http://www.route70cruisers.com.

Radio! in Marion

Feb 19-21, FTC (Foothills Community Theatre) Main Street in Marion in McDowell Arts and Crafts art center, Marion North Carolina. Radio! Musical Revue, presented in the style of live radio broadcasts in the '40s, trace the early days of radio and track the influence of Gospel, spiritual and Blues music both on pop culture and later musical styles from swing to rock and roll and folk. Evening performances at 7:30 pm and a Sunday matinee at 2:30 pm. 828- 659-7529

Golden Romance Sweepstakes

The sweepstakes ends February 28, 2010.The North Carolina Division of Tourism is offering another Getaway Sweepstakes. Enter to win a trip to Golden Valley in the Blueridge foothills with spectacular views, unmatched privacy, and the exquisite romance of ancient mountains and lakes. The package includes:

• Three nights at Golden Valley Getaways’ Summit Lodge, a luxurious 4,000-square foot cedar log home with stunning mountain views and an extensive set of amenities
• A romantic flight tour of Rutherford County’s scenic wonders, including Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills. You’ll also get lunch at the infamous 57Alpha Café, and a beautiful “NCFlyPorts” gift basket
• A 90-minute traditional Swedish Massage for two at Lake Lure’s Rumbling Bald Resort and Spa
• A $50 shopping voucher
• A $500 travel voucher       
  
    Enter To Win!
  (one entry per email address)

ToeTapping Good Old Mountain Music

Feb 19, 7PM-11PM, The Rocket Building, Downtown Old Fort North Carolina. Every Friday night since 1986 folks gather to hear and play bluegrass and traditional mountain music. Nobody's paid, everyone's welcome and coffee and sodas are still just a quarter! There is no charge for admission, but donations are accepted. Old Fort Mountain Music is run by volunteers and proceeds from the  concession stand keep the show in operation. Homemade pies and cakes are still 50 cents a slice and there is no alcohol or smoking. http://www.oldfort.org/music/

Weekly Jam Sessions in Mount Airy

Every Thursday Evening, Andy Griffith Playhouse, 218 Rockford St., Mount Airy North Carolina. Come enjoy an all-ages Jam Session, every Thursday from 7:00 to 10:00 PM, The Jam is FREEand open to the public. Jam sessions are also held every Saturday from 9:00 - 11:00AM. at the Downtown Cinema Theatre (142 N. Main St., Mount Airy), followed by a live WPAQ (740 AM ) radio broadcast of the Merry-Go-Round program. For information contact the Surry Arts Council at (800) 286-6193.

Walt's Wine Down Fridays

Feb 19, noon to 6PM, RagApple Lassie Vineyards, 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane, Boonville (near Mount Airy) North Carolina. Come sample awesome wines and tasty morsels handmade by Walt personally! One dollar discount on all glasses of wine. Take an extra 5% discount on case purchases and 5% discount on bottle purchases in multiples of three! http://www.ragapplelassie.com

Bryson City Cabin

STONEWOOD CABIN Stonewood Cabin is filled with character, convenience and charm. Equally suitable for couples, family or friends. PET FRIENDLY & kid friendly. Great location nestled on the side of a mountain only 2 miles to the Nantahala River and close to area attractions. 2BD 2BA plus sleeping loft - can accommodate 8 people. $100 - $150 night, $700-$875 week

3rd Annual Chocolate Cookoff

Feb 20, Bryson City Presbyterian Church, Everett St., Bryson City North Carolina. Area chocolatiers compete for prizes and you get to sample these delectable goodies all made from scratch. Fundraiser for the Friends of the Marianna Black Library. Judging begins at 1PM and the delectable goodies will be open to the public at 2 pm for tasting and selecting the People’s Choice Award. Entry application & contest information

Second Sunday Lunches Begin at Laurel Ridge

Feb 14, 12:30PM, Laurel Ridge Camp. Conference and Retreat Center, 124 Pendry Dr, Laurel Springs, North Carolina. Second Sunday meals will now be offered as lunches; you're welcome to come up early and worship with the Mountain Laurel Moravian Fellowship or just come for lunch and an afternoon on the mountain. February 14th treat your Valentine to a special meal of baked salmon with lemon and a dill mustard sauce, popcorn shrimp, baked potato, maple glazed carrots, garden salad, rolls and pecan pie. At just $10 a person, this all-you-can-eat meal is a bargain that's sure to put a smile on anyone's face! Call the office  to make your reservation  336-359-2951 or toll free 888-831-5922   http://www.laurelridge.org/

Save BIG on Early Rafting Reservations

Now until March 15, Mountain Adventure Guides. Incredibly low pre-season rates are available now and are good for any date all season long! Rafting season is March 1st through November 1st. Unlike most outfitters, we do not charge more on weekends or holidays. Simply choose a date to "lock-in" our low pre-season rates. You can then make changes up to 30 days before your trip without penalty. The required deposit at the time of making your reservation is only $5 for Half Day Trips and $10 for Full Day Trips!  To take advantage of this deposit program, just call 1-866-USA-Raft to make your reservation.  http://www.mtnadventureguides.com/

Early Booking Rewards for Family Reunions

Now until March 31, Fontana Village Resort, 50 Fontana Rd, Fontana ( N of Robbinsville) North Carolina. Book you family or friends reunion before March 31 2010 and receive your choice of the following:

• Meet & Greet Social at the Lodge at check-in with beverages adn snacks
• one day recreation passes for everyone in your family
• guided group hike in the Great Smoky Mountains
• up to 15% off your lodging if staying Sun - Thurs
• stay 6 nights and receive the 7th night free
  http://www.fontanavillage.com/

The Grove Arcade offers Sweet Deals for Valentines

Feb 12- 13, The Grove Arcade, One Page Avenue, Asheville North Carolina. The Arcade will be bursting with sales, specials, gift ideas and more to help you show your sweetie just how much you care. A few of the events and specials include:
“Kissing to the Chimes” - on the stroke of 5 p.m. on Friday or Saturday,give your sweetie a kiss just as more than a hundred clocks chime at Tic-n-Time in the North Arcade.
Restaurant Row, on the Arcade's Page Avenue side, features a wide variety of cuisines and atmospheres and there is no shortage of sweets to tempt from Kamm's dark chocolate custard, handmade fudge in special packaging at Nutz about Fudge to sweetheart cakes from True Confections.
special fashion and jewelry show at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 13, focusing on the art of romance.
Live romantic music from James Rogers on the Arcade’s antique piano
Jazzy Giraffe is having its biggest sale ever in Suite 141 in the Arcade, right around the corner across from True Confections. You will find great inventory at incredible savings with all seasons will be represented from 25-70% off.
Shop and Win - To show their appreciation for your patronage, the merchants are sponsoring prize drawing during the weekend. Any visitor spending $25 or more in any shop or restaurant on Friday will be entered into a drawing for a beautiful Arcade gift basket. Visitors spending $25 or more in any shop or restaurant on Saturday will be entered into a drawing for a $250 Grove Arcade gift certificate. http://www.grovearcade.com

Romance in the Vineyards

Feb 13 and 14,noon to 6PM, RagApple Lassie Vinyards, 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane, Boonville (near Mount Airy) North Carolina. Taste red wines from chocolate rimmed wine glasses. Sample world famous Belgium chocolates and get great tips for pairing Chocolate with Wine. Have the opportunity to create your own custom box of Belgium Chocolates. Saturday, February 13th, Darlene Caudle, aka Patsy Cline, will romance you with her renditions of Patsy Cline. On Valentine's Day Sunday, February 14th, listen to to Bill Mann playing smooth romantic jazz on the tenor, alto or soprano saxophones. 336-367-6000   http://www.ragapplelassie.com

Beaucoup Blue Performs at the Purple Onion Cafe'

February 21, 6:30 doors open, The Purple Onion Cafe', downtown Saluda North Carolina. The Purple Onion Café is proud  to present Beaucoup Blue, the Americana Philadelphia-based duo of David and Adrian Mowry. Father and son have performed their roots based music nationally and internationally, bridging many gaps in American music with their soulful mix of traditional and contemporary styles. “Beaucoup Blue is riveting and haunting, with that kind of beauty you can still hear long after the last note fades away. Hear for yourself two generations coming together for the common good of great music.” For more information, go to www.beaucoupblue.com.

The performance starts at 7 o’clock and the doors open at 6:30. Tickets are $15 per person and seating will be limited. You may purchase them by visiting the café at 16 Main Street in Saluda orreserve them through your Visa or Mastercard by calling the café at 828-749-1179. http://www.purpleonionsaluda.com

Wines for Valentine's

February 13, 3PM-6PM, Hops and Vines, Asheville North Carolina. Bring your special valentine to Hops and Vines for chocolates, wine tasting and our Wine Lover's Wine Sale!!.
Sant Evasio Brachetto D'Acqui - This wine derives from the brachetto grapes cultivated on the hills of San Nicolao and Acqui Terme. It shows bright cherry and strawberry flavors and is more floral than others, giving it an added dimension. $18.99
Chocolate Box Shiraz-Australia has certainly made Syrah its own, even bestowing it with a new name: Shiraz. In the warm, dry climate of Australia this noble grape, responsible for some of the grandest wines of France, produces an intense, unique expression that is distinctly Australian.  $16.99
Ass Kisser Red Blend - A beautifully balanced blend of two classic old varieties. Intense varietal fruit - plenty of body and well matched by the sweet oak and fine tannins. $10.99  

Back Room Restaurant Valentine Dinner Bargain

Feb 12-13, The Back Room Restaurant at the Flat Rock Wine Shoppe, 2702 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock North Carolina. Yes- you can find the BEST for the BEST PRICE. The Back Room is a favorite for locals and the visitors who are lucky enough to discover it. The Valentine's Day Dinner is only $40 for two and includes three course meal and champagne:
Appetizer: Crab Cakes, Brillat Savarin Cheese, or House Salad
Entree: Prime Rib, Wild Caught Raspberry Salmon, or Chicken Marsala
Dessert Platter to share.

Robbinsville Mountain Lodge has availability for Valentine's Day weekend

Snowbird Mountain Lodge, 4633 Santeetlah Road, Robbinsville North Carolina. Celebrate Love on Valentine's Day Weekend at Snowbird Lodge. Rooms still available. Cupid strikes on Valentine's Day Weekend at Snowbird. You and your valentine will arrive on Friday to find flowers and something sweet in your room. Delight in the warmth of the crackling fire and the savory meals from Snowbird Mountain Lodge. For more information call 800-941-9290 or 828-479-3433 or visit:  http://snowbirdlodge.com/

Valentine's Dinner at Fontana

Feb 12-14, 5:30PM-8PM, Mountain View Bistro and Bear's Den Lounge, Fontana Village, Robbinsville North Carolina. Valentine's Dinner - Start with soup or salad, entree choice of trout, filet, pork or chicken with asparagus and roasted potatoes, finish with  creme brulee, chocolate lave cake or chocolate-dipped strawberries. Valentine cocktails include a Godiva chocolate martini, passion fruit-mango daiquiri and pomegranate martini. http://www.fontanavillage.com/dining/mountview_bistro

Valentine's Day Special at Brevard Cabins

APPALACHIAN HAVENS  Brevard North Carolina. Stay two nights, get the third for free. Two 2 BD, 2BA cabins with mountain view,  water view, fireplaces and roomy porches. Rustic elegance decor. Lake, pool, tennis court, gym and country club privileges. Hiking Trails. On 2.5 acres only 10 miles outside Brevard.

3rd Annual Valentine's Weekend Getaway in Brevard

February 12-15, Brevard and Transylvania County North Carolina. Follow your heart to the mountains or...spend the LOVE-liest STAYCATION  in Transylvania County. "Sweetheart Dance" and "Dancing with our Stars," dance to the rhythms played by ballroom DJ - Roger Buckner. Vote for your favorite "Dancing with our Stars" including this year: Isaac Allen, Kody Kinsley, Marty & Glenn Ingram, Mark Thompson, & Sonia Arnold. Pros: Gillian Hillman, Carol Henderson, Kristen Pangle, & Lee Starr.  For a complete weekend schedule...

Superbowl Sunday in Lake Lure

Feb 7, Rumbling Bald, Lake Lure North Carolina. GOLF - FOOTBALL - FOOD. What could be better?  Golf after 12 pm, Buffet 5:30 to 8:30 pm.
SUPER BOWL PARTY FOLLOWING GOLF- Game Kicks off at 6:00 PM Eastern Every golfer receives the following:
9 holes with cart at Bald Mountain Golf Course
Pizza and Wing Buffet during game - 6 TV's for viewing the Super Bowl
1-4 players - $25.00 per player Space is limited to the first 100 guests!!!!
Please reserve your spot by Thursday February 5th!  Call: 877-628-9728 for Tee Times

Bud Light Draft Beer - $2.00 during game and great mixed drink specials!
Pizza Buffet Only - $11.95 (+ tax) at Legends from 5:30 to 8:30 pm.
Call: 828-694-3015 for more information and reservations http://rumblingbald.com/

Berea College Bluegrass Band

Feb 5, 7:30PM, Community Room, Keith House, John C Campbell Folk School, Brasstown North Carolina. The Berea College Bluegrass Ensemble was founded in the fall of 1999 to give Berea College students with background or potential in bluegrass music an opportunity to play in a "working" bluegrass band with weekly rehearsals, performances, travel, etc. Members are selected by audition, and typically remain with the group until they graduate from Berea College. Members also earn academic credit for each semester of participation in the group.

Dance with the Stars in Boone

February 6, 6:30PM-11:30PM, The Broyhill Inn, 775 Bodenheimer Drive, Boone North Carolina. 2010 Hospitality Ball Presents Dancing with the Stars! Join emcee Tina Turner - or is it Gwen Dhing? You decide. Dance contest, silent auction and music by the Todd Wright Band. $75 per person  ($50 tax deductible within the law). The event is semi-formal (black-tie optional)
To purchase tickets call 828-264-2733. http://www.hospitalityhouseofboone.org/index.htmhttp

Groundhog Day at Chimney Rock Park "Postponed"

February 2, CHIMNEY ROCK  North Carolina.   Grady the Groundhog's Weather Prediction at Chimney Rock Park. Due to lingering snow and ice in Chimney Rock, we are canceling the Groundhog Day event scheduled for Tuesday, February 2. Re-scheduling the event is planned.