Wing DIng at Mountain Made in Asheville

April 2, 5PM - 8PM, Mountain Made Gallery, The Grove Arcade, Asheville North Carolina. First Annual Spring Wing Ding - free and open to the public. Live music from renowned Southern Appalachian music expert and banjo player Wayne Erbsen with Barbara Swell, bestselling pioneer cookbook author and historic food folklorist. In the Appalachian mountains, a "wing-ding" is a lively, fun-packed party filled with good music and eats with people we like. Mountain Made Gallery For information, email Mountain Made or call 828-350-0307

Mountain Made Gallery features the work of over 80 Western North Carolina artisans including beautiful pottery, hand painted silks, jewelry, furniture, original oils-pastels-watercolors, stained glass, textile art, blown and fused glass, iron work, gourds, hand made books, and more.

Blowing Rock Pet Friendly Cabin

Alpine Escape  Blowing Rock North Carolina. Mountain cabin with AC, jacuzzi in master, 2 king beds, porch with hammock, 2 lg decks + gas grill. All linens, stocked kit, WIFI. Family -friendly: high chair, monitor, BOB SUS jogger, gates on stairs, toys, DVDs. Rec room with sleeping, full bath, foosball, TV. PET FRIENDLY. $250-$350nt, $1300-$2000wk

Blowing Rock Trout Derby

April 3-4, Broyhill Park, Blowing Rock North Carolina.  Trout Derby  6AM - 5PM Saturday, Noon -  4PM Sunday. No pre-registration necessary. Public waters only, no ponds. Fishing at Mayview Lake (Broyhill Park) for children 11 and under and persons with disabilities. Fish weighed and measured at American Legion Building on Park Avenue. Trophies & prizes awarded 4:30PM Sunday. Free

Bryson City Cabin Special- Limited Time!

SLEEPING DOG RENTALS  Bryson City North Carolina.  Book a week by APRIL 20 and get a free night.  2 bedroom mountain cabin on 4 acres. Private lake access - rent 4 wheelers, canoes, pontoon boat, fishing gear. Lake and trout fishing, whitewater rafting, nearby casino and gem mining, hiking trails and wildlife.

Easter Event: PeanutsTM - Easter Beagle

April 2-3, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Bryson City North Carolina. The special Easter train adventure eparts from Bryson City to the Nantahala Outdoor Center where refreshments are served. During the layover, children can seek out bunnies carrying brightly colored eggs. Photo opportunities with Snoopy, the Easter Beagle. http://www.gsmr.com/

Last Chance Skiing at Cataloochee

April 3-4, 10-11, Cataloochee Ski Area, Maggie Valley North Carolina. Cataloochee will not operate Monday through Friday, March 29 – April 2 but will reopen for day skiing only on Saturday and Sunday, April 3 and 4 and April 10 and 11. Skiing hours on those days will be from 9am until 4:30PM and weekday rates will be in effect.  http://cataloochee.com/

Easter Event: Easter Extravaganza in Blowing Rock

April 3, Appalachian Ski Mountain, Blowing Rock North Carolina. Join the Easter Bunny on the slopes for pictures, two Easter Egg Hunts and a special Easter Brunch. The Egg Hunts include lots of hidden prizes including a Junior Season Membership, more than 1000 Easter Eggs, and candy. The first hunt begins at 9:30 AM, for skiers and riders ages 6-1, on Appalachian’s Intermediate slope Strudel. After the on-slope Easter Egg Hunt at 11:30 AM, children ages 5 and under can find Easter Eggs on the grassy knoll beside the Appalachian Ice Arena. A raw egg toss contest will begin at 2:00 pm, for participants 12 and older (prizes for longest toss and biggest splash).

Appalachian’s Restaurant will also offer a special a la carte Easter Brunch. http://www.appskimtn.com

Specials and Discounts on Blowing Rock Cabins

At Your Wits End Vacation Rentals Blowing Rock and Boone North Carolina. Choose from 35+ cabins and vacation rentals. Find your perfect cabin between Blowing Rock and Boone - we offer mountain views, water views, fireplaces, WIFI, hot tubs, pool - ping pong - foosball tables, air hockey and more! All prices and sizes with a variety of Specials and Discounts

Quarterfinal Fire on the Rock Competition in Blowing Rock

March 30 - 31  Crippens Restaurant,  Blowing Rock North Carolina  Fire on the Rock Quarterfinal Competition   20 top chefs from the High Country go head-to-head in culinary battles and you decide who goes on to compete in the main event- rate six courses of culinary creativity!  20 top chefs from the High Country go head-to-head in culinary battles. Call to make reservations.

My Own Song at The Flat Rock Playhouse

March 31 - April 25, 2PM and 8PM, Flat Rock Playhouse, Flat Rock North Carolina. Flat Rock Playhouse presents a World Premiere "My Own Song" , staring Las Vegas sensation Clint Holmes, Evening Performances: Wed Sat: 8:00PM  with Matinee Performances: Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun: 2:00 PM. The Flat Rock Playhouse is the State Theatre of North Carolina. http://www.flatrockplayhouse.org/

Easter Event: 55th Annual Easter Sunrise Service in Chimney Rock Park

April 4, 6:30AM, Chimney Rock Park, Chimney Rock North Carolina. 55th Annual Easter Sunrise Service - Celebrate the glory of Easter as our guest at this inter-denominational community worship. This special service will be filled with song, scripture, special music and spectacular sunrise views over beautiful Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge. John Mason, the Park’s featured hammered dulcimer player, will perform.

Chimney Rock and Biltmore Packages - check website for current pricing and SAVE! Private stocked pond - enjoy fishing and swimming or a game of basketball, badminton, volleyball or horseshoes. Take a hike on nearby trails. WIFI, hot tub, paddle boat and rowboat. Mountain Meadows

Party Hardy at Bryson CIty Cork & Bean

March 26, 9PM - until? - Bryson City Cork and Bean, 16 Everett St, Bryson City, North Carolina.   Opening Celebration! Enjoy organic, fair-trade, gourmet espresso and coffees, a select and eclectic list of wines and locally prepared tasty treats to go with everything!  http://www.brysoncitycorkandbean.com/

Purchase by March 31 and Save $10 on Biltmore Tickets

Through March 31, Purchase Biltmore Tickets Online and save $10 on adult tickets. Be among the first to enjoy the Biltmore's newly opened Antler Hill Village. Tickets are valid for visits March 24-June 30. Click here to purchase...

Brevard Philharmonic Marimba Day

March 28,  3:00PM, Porter Center for the Performing Arts, Brevard College, Brevard North Carolina. Maestro Donald Portnoy, Artistic Director/Conductor, the  Brevard Philharmonic and Laura Franklin (marimba) perform the Water Music Suite, Concerto for Marimba and Strings, Suite No. 4 in G major, Op. 61 "Mozartiana”.

Round Peak Vineyards Release Party

March 27, 12PM-6PM, Round Peak Vineyards,765 Round Peak Church Road, Mount Airy North Carolina. Skull Camp's White Wine Release Party. Be the first to try Skull Camp's new "anticipation", as well as 2nd new Skull Camp white blend, "euphoria". Our most popular wine in 2008 is back better than ever! We'll have live music and some special food pairings!  https://www.roundpeak.com 

"Earlybird" Guided Bird Walk and Birdhouse Opening at Chimney Rock

March 27, 9AM-12PM, Chimney Rock Park, Hwy. 64/74 A, Chimney Rock North Carolina.
Early spring in Chimney Rock can be exciting with spring migrants like the Black-throated Green and Black-and-white Warblers singing. Blue-headed Vireos have been moving through the Park for the past couple of weeks as well. Simon Thompson will be your guide on this easy-to-moderate walk. Be sure to stick around for the Grand Opening of our Birdhouse exhibit at 12:30pm.  http://www.chimneyrockpark.com/

Franklin Cabins from $100 per night

Rivendell Cabins, Franklin North Carolina (3 Cabins )Mountain views, fireplaces, hot tubs, DLS, dishwasher, washer/ dryer, central heat/ac, satellite TV, phone, VCR & movies, porch with seating, full kitchens, linens, everything included- just bring your clothes & food and enjoy the beautiful Springtime in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Blind Boys of Alabama Perform in Franklin

March 19, 7:30PM, Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts, Franklin North Carolina.  Blind Boys of Alabama with the Fairfield Four.  Old-time Gospel music circles are often marked by rigid conservatism and the dismissal of popular music. The Blind Boys, by contrast, shun worldliness yet eagerly embrace the world, bringing spiritual music to secular audiences in order to spread their message.

Enjoy Art and Discount Rates in Highlands

Through March 31, Fire Mountain, Highlands North Carolina. Mid-winter offer: 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. Fire Mountain. Fire Mountain has a very interesting collection of mixed media art housed in an Art Gallery as well as in accommodations and on the grounds.

Fire Mountain is a secluded Mountain Retreat with elevations up to 4,000 feet. Accommodations include a sophisticated contemporary Inn, private "Treehouses" and Luxury Cabins - all with long-range mountain views. http://www.firemt.com/

Nature Photography for the Beginner

March 27, Pisgah Center for Nature Education, 1401 Fish Hatchery Road, Pisgah Forest (Brevard area), North Carolina. Photography program teaches the basics of nature photography including how to use general equipment and effective composition. Instructors also cover subjects from landscapes and wildlife to macro photography. Bring your camera—digital or film. Participants spend time in the field. Ages 12 and up. Reserve your space.   Reservations hotline at 828-877-4423.

Toe-Tappin' Bluegrass Music

March 18,  MARION  North Carolina.  Bluegrass Music Jam   Open to all musicians, no scheduled performers. Outdoors (weather permitting), bring chairs or blankets. Free; 7-9pm, Marion Depot, Marion. For more information, call 828-652-2215

Balsam Mountain Inn Show and Buffet

March 20, Balsam Mountain Inn, 68 Seven Springs Drive, Balsam (between Sylva and Waynesville) North Carolina. Show - Buffet and special room rate.  Bill LaBounty - Bobby Tomberlin - Candi Carpenter
Nashville Songwriters IN-THE-ROUND. SAVE with  "All inclusive tickets" offering: The show; Gourmet buffet and beverage, tax, tip - all for $49.40.  Wine, beer, and ABC drinks may be purchased at the table.Buffet starts at 6pm, show at 7:30 - Seating every 15 minutes.

Stay the weekend: Stay TWO nights over the weekend in a regular room for $99 per night including our chef prepared breakfast each morning. http://www.balsammountaininn.com/

The Luck of the Irish in Flat Rock

March 17, THE BACK ROOM RESTAURANT AT THE FLAT ROCK WINE SHOPPE  Flat Rock / Hendersonville North Carolina. Come celebrate "the Luck of the Irish" with us. The festivities start at 5PM with Irish Music, Irish Cuisine (Bangers & Mash, Guinness Stew, Bailey's Chocolate Mousse Pie and more - see the menu). No cover charge.

Jer's Simple Suppers - Take out home-cookin'

March 15-19, Jer's Kitchen, Whistlestop Mall, Franklin North Carolina. Simple Suppers" with a bit o'Irish influence this week:
Shepherd's Pie - ground beef, rich gravy, peas and carrots with a mashed potato topping
Winter Vegetable Puff - carrots, onions, turnips, and potatoes with a creamy sauce with puff pastry
serving 2...$12.95  - serving 4...$24.00
Remember to call in orders before noonish for same day pick-up. Salad and bread can be added on. And to complete your meal, bread pudding with butter rum sauce or this week's dessert, Lemon Curd in a phyllo cup. 828-524-1960
On St. Patrick's Day our lunch special will be Guinness Stew...a great beef stew made with a touch..maybe more than a touch ....of Guinness..     http://www.jerskitchen.com/

Spanish Wine Dinner in Spruce Pine

March 24, Knife and Fork, 61 Locust Street, Spruce Pine North Carolina. Chef Nate is teaming up with Scott Pickett of tryon wine distributors for a special spanish wine dinner. 5 course tapas style (small plates) menu and wines paired with each course. The cost is $45 per person. Call 828-765-1511  for more details and to make reservations. http://www.knifeandforknc.com/

Online Coupon for Free Wine with Dinner

The Harvest Grill at Shelton Vineyards, 286 Cabernet Lane, Dobson (near WIlkesboro) North Carolina. Print this online coupon good through March 31 for a complimentary bottle of wine with the purchase of dinner for two. Must present coupon and cannot be used with any other packages. The Harvest Grill, located on the grounds of Shelton Vineyards, offers upscale dining with a bistro style atmosphere. The Harvest Grill has patio seating as well as an intimate dining room. http://www.sheltonvineyards.com

Eric Taylor performs at the Purple Onion

March 21, The Purple Onion Cafe', 16 Main Street, Saluda North Carolina. Singer-songwriter Eric Taylor brings his intricate blues guitar stylings to Saluda for a special performance. Taylor has headlined at the Newport Folk Festival, played NPR’s “Mountain Stage” and appeared on “Late Night with David Letterman” and “Austin City Limits”. His 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 or reserve them through your Visa or Mastercard by calling the café at 828-749-1179 - http://www.purpleonionsaluda.com

Make a Family Memory with Adventure Packages

USA RAFT - MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE GUIDES    45 Minutes from Asheville North Carolina.  Value-packed Adventure Packages for groups and families:
Special #1: Full day Nolichucky River Gorge with lunch on the river & 1/2 day Worley's Cave and 1 night lodging in Crockett Cabin, Ages 12+. $99.95 per person + tax. No other discounts apply. 4+ people to book. Limited availability. Reservations are required. 1-866-USA-Raft.

Special #2: 1/2 day Lower Nolichucky River & 1/2 day Worley's Cave with 1 night lodging in Crockett Cabin. Ages 8+. $79.95 per person + tax. No other discounts apply. 4+ people to book. Limited availability. Reservations are required. 1-866-USA-Raft.

Beat the winter blues with Cabernet Franc from Shelton VIneyards

Shelton Vineyards, 286 Cabernet Lane, Dobson North Carolina.  Beat the winter blues with Cabernet Franc. Rich black fruit flavors and a unique spice known only to Cabernet Franc. Check out these specials! Cabernet Franc, order 6 or more bottles for $9.99 per bottle. Order a case (12 bottles), for the same low price of $9.99 per bottle and the SHIPPING IS FREE!  http://www.sheltonvineyards.com/

Dupont Forest Road and Trail Closures

Dupont State Forest, Cedar Mountain North Carolina. March 6 until further notice:  As a result of this winter's extreme wet, cold and snow many of the DuPont State Forest roads and trails are in very bad shape. There is ice storm debris littering many trails with clean up of the debris delayed by additional snow and freezing weather. For these reasons the Forest Supervisor has ordered that some trails be closed until conditions improve. Click here for a list of trail closures. The list will be updated on a weekly basis as conditions change.

All forest visitors are asked to abide by the posted trail closures. Many trails that are not closed will have debris in them, so use the trails at your own risk.

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Winter Dining Specials in Murphy

Doyle's Cedar Hill Restaurant, 925 Andrews Rd,  Murphy North Carolina. Winter specials will continue through March:
Mon - Thu: Date night menu - Choose two Entree's and one appetizer from our special menu for only $20!
Tue: Sushi night
Wed: Mug night - Fill your personalized beer stein for only $2.50!
Wed: Buy one get one free lunch entree's - Bring a friend to lunch and they eat free!
Live music every weekend: This Friday- Harmonic melodies with Ted and Zack. Saturday - enjoy Latin guitar with "HONDO"              828.837.3400      http://www.DoylesCedarHill.com

Grove Arcade Goes Green this Weekend

March 13, the Grove Arcade, One Page Avenue, Asheville North Carolina. The Arcade will host a Saint Patrick's Day celebration with live Celtic music from the Tamarind Trio from 2 to 5 p.m. There will be Celtic dance demonstrations, St. Patrick's items for sale, door prizes and a treasure hunt. Will you find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Stroll the halls and enjoy a green (!) beer or an Irish whisky after 2 p.m. while you support downtown Asheville and local businesses. http://www.grovearcade.com/index.php

West Coast Wine Tasting

March 9, 6:30, the Purple Onion, 16 Main Street, Saluda North Carolina. West Coast Wine Tastings with a sampling of eight wines from California, Washington and Oregon chosen by Richard McKinney from Tryon Distributing. Chef Jeremy Edwards will be preparing several delicious small plates to complement the wines. The price for the tasting will be $45 and includes wine, dinner, tax and gratuity. Reservations can be made by calling the Purple Onion at 749-1179. We accept visa and Mastercard. Please call early as seating is limited. http://www.purpleonionsaluda.com/

Motown Meets March Madness in Asheville

March 5-6, The Grove Arcade, One Page Avenue, Asheville North Carolina. Bargains, specials and sales galore will be found throughout the Grove Arcade this Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM.  Groove while you shop to the funky sounds of Motownblue featuring William Stafford - the Arcade's own "singing security guard" performing Saturday,from 3PM. to 6PM. Enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail while you shop deep discounts and think about spring. Free popcorn and a chance to win a $100 Grove Arcade certificate add to the fun. In addition to sales in each Arcade business, the Jazzy Giraffe clearance sale continues in Suite 141 with inventory from the recently closed Biltmore location.

Flat Rock Has Crazy Heart

March  5-11, Flat Rock Cinema, 2700 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock North Carolina. 
Show times for "Crazy Heart": 4:00, 7:00 PLUS 1:00 on Sat, Sun, Wed.  Bad Blake (Jeff Bridges) is a broken-down, hard-living country music singer who's had way too many marriages, far too many years on the road and one too many drinks way too many times. And yet, Bad can't help but reach for salvation with the help of Jean (Maggie Gyllenhaal), a journalist who discovers the real man behind the musician.  http://www.flatrockcinema.com/

Bluegrass and Cloggers in Brevard

March 6  -  MILLS RIVER, near Brevard North Carolina.  A Night of Bluegrass Music   featuring Hazel Creek and the award winning Southern Appalachian Cloggers. Admission is $8 and children under 12 are free. Call 828-674-6741 for more information.

Bluegrass Music Jam in Marion

March 4, Historic Marion Depot, Marion  North Carolina.   Bluegrass Music Jam   Open to all musicians, no scheduled performers. Outdoors (weather permitting), bring chairs or blankets. Free; 7-9pm, Marion Depot, Marion. For more information, call 828-652-2215

Top Chef Meets the Mountains

March 2- 3   Crippens Restaurant BLOWING ROCK  North Carolina.  Fire on the Rock Preliminary Competition   You decide who goes on to compete in the main event- rate six courses of culinary creativity!  20 top chefs from the High Country go head-to-head in culinary battles every Tuesday and Wednesday at Crippens Restaurant. Diners judge a 6-course "blind" meal ( only $39+ per person)  with a secret ingrediant and then decide which chef goes "home". After the preliminary and quarter finals the final 4 chefs go on to compete live on April 17 & 18 at the Hayes Performing Arts Center. Limited seating -call to make reservations.