Weekend Events in the NC Mountains

29 - May 2   WILKESBORO  Merlefest  Four day Americana music festival beginning the last weekend starting with Thursday in April spread all over the Wilkes Community College campus hosted by Doc & Richard Watson in memory of Eddy Merle Watson since 1988.

30 - May 2   MAGGIE VALLEY  Motoring the Blue Ridge Parkway Exhibit Opening  Wheels Through Time (WTT) Transportation Museum opens a year-long exhibit entitled Motoring the Blue Ridge Parkway. Heralded as the "Smithsonian of Motorcycles", the museum is regarded as one of the world's premier destinations for motorcycle and transportation history, touted by its visitors as an "American cultural experience".  

30 - May 2   LITTLE SWITZERLAND  Blue Ridge Discovery Weekend   Join the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and Discovery Place of Charlotte for an unforgettable weekend on the Parkway.

30 - May 2   ASHEVILLE   21st Annual Asheville Herb Festival    The Southeast's largest selection of herb plants. Over 20,000 herb lovers come to the WNC Farmers Market each spring to enjoy this popular event.

30 - May 2  BRYSON CITY   2nd Annual Horace Kephart Days   Celebration of the lifework of Horace Kephart, noted writer, who was involved in the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Parks -  hikes, music, book signing, re-enactment and more

30 - May 2  HOT SPRINGS   13th Annual French Broad River Festival  This annual festival has grown steadily from a one night benefit party on the banks of the French Broad to an all weekend family festival featuring some of the best music in the area and a number of outdoor events in celebration of this beautiful river and setting.

For more events, check out the Events Calendar...    

Bryson City Celebrates American Legend Horace Kephart

April 30 - May 2  Bryson City North Carolina.   2nd Annual Horace Kephart Days   Celebration of the lifework of Horace Kephart, noted writer, who was involved in the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Parks -  hikes, music, book signing, re-enactment and more.

Mother's Day Lodging: Stay 3 Nights, get the 4th Free for Mother's Day

GREAT SMOKYS CABIN RENTALS - Bryson City North Carolina. Mother's Day and "Springtacular" Vacation Specials! Stay 3 Nights, Get the 4th Night Free!
Choose from 45 cabin and vacation rentals with  1-4 Bedrooms, 1-3 baths,  mountain & water views, satellite TV & HDTV, seclusion, fire pits, PET FRIENDLY & pet-free, motorcycle accessible, jetted tub or shower, game rm, pool table, air hockey, foosball, gas grills, washer & dryer, full kitchens, swing set, fenced yard, phone, WIFI, DLS. $85-$245 nt, $585-$1,595 wk. Springtacular Specials may not be used with other discounts or combination of discounts. Valid for Bookings During Spring Mid Season ending 5/2. 

Marianna Black Library Hosts Poetry Slam Tonight in Bryson City

April 29, 6:30PM, Marianna black Library, Bryson City North Carolina.April is National Poetry Month and the Marianna Black Library will host a Poetry Slam, featuring Ms. Janet Smith's Fifth Grade class from the Mountain Discovery Charter School.

Poetry written by the students is already on display at the library and each student will read his or her poem out loud during the Poetry Slam. The poetry will them remain on display into the month of May. This Poetry Slam is open to the public, please come hear what these fifth graders have to offer. For more information, call the library at 828-488-3030 or visit www.fontanalib.org/brysoncity

Spring Fever at The Immaculate Baking Company

The Immaculate Baking Company, Flat Rock North Carolina. The Creative Cookie:Feed your Soul. They're all aflutter at IBC. It’s spring and tons of new treats are ready for launch: Cinnamon and Crescent Rolls, Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Supreme Cookies with huge chunks of amazing stuff. To share the excitement, they're offering to send out a sneak peek package to the first three folks who make the correct guess to the following question: Who is the artist featured on our brand new, gluten free Chocolate Chunk cookies? Hint: she’s already in our snack cookie lineup! Enter your guess here. http://immaculatebaking.com/

Interstate 40 IN Western North Carolina Opened Sunday, April 25

Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Event: Budbreak Wine Festival

April 29 - May 1, Mount Airy North Carolina, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 229. A unique experience, with emphasis on wine education, including food and wine pairing, fine art exhibits, great music, and for those participating, a wine judging contest. The event is co-sponsored by the Mount Airy Rotary Club in cooperation with the Mount Airy Downtown Business Association, and The Mount Airy News. Find details here...

 Wine and Dinner Pairings are featured on Thursday and Friday at The Harvest Grill at Shelton Vineyards, Twenty One and Main, and Cross Creek Country Club. Local vineyards participating in the Pairings include Round Peak Vineyards, Old North State, McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks and Shelton VIneyards.

22nd Annual Merlefest - An Americana Music Festival

April 29 - May 2,   Wilkesboro Community College, Wilkesboro North Carolina.   Merlefest  -  Four day Americana music festival beginning the last weekend starting with Thursday in April spread all over the Wilkes Community College campus hosted by Doc & Richard Watson in memory of Eddy Merle Watson since 1988. Performances by over 100 artists on 15 stages. The award-winning lineup represents a group of artists who have
collectively earned over 20 Grammy Awards, 46 International Bluegrass Music Awards and 4
Americana Music Association Awards, among many others. Get details...

What to do this Weekend in the NC Mountains

Weekend Events and Lodging:
23 - 25  MAGGIE VALLEY  
Thunder in the Smokies   
Find Maggie Valley Lodging

23 - 24  RUTHERFORDTON  
Arts in April - "Paint Out"
Find Rutherfordton Lodging
                                             
23 - 24   CHEROKEE  
Cherokee Survivors Motorcycle Rally
Find Cherokee Lodging

23 - 24   ASHEVILLE  
Growing in the Mountains 
23 - 25  
U Dog Agility Association Trial 
Find Asheville Lodging

23-25     BOONE  
Spring Alumni Weekend 
Find Boone Lodging

24   OLD FORT   
Pioneer Day
Find Lodging near Old Fort

24   SYLVA  
Greening Up the Mountains Festival  
Find Sylva Lodging

24   ROBBINSVILLE   Ramp Festival Dinner and Concert
Find Robbinsville Lodging

24   HENDERSONVILLE  
20th Annual Johnson Farm Festival 
Find Hendersonville Lodging

24   SPRUCE PINE   
6th Annual Blacksmith Festival  
Find Spruce Pine Lodging

24   CHIMNEY ROCK  
5th Annual Bark in the Park 
Find Lodging in Chimney Rock

24 - 25  LAKE LURE   
2010 Olympiad Flymasters Tournament
Find Lake Lure Lodging

24 - 25    TRYON  
Dressage at FENCE 
Find Tryon Lodging
              

Earth Day "Matching Funds" from Nature Conservency

The Nature Conservancy, protecting nature, preserving life. "Today on the 40th anniversary we celebrate a sea of life. We cheer for the wonder of our natural world, for all the plants, animals and natural communities now protected and for what's to come as we work to expand the scope, scale and pace of lasting conservation action. HAPPY EARTH DAY!" - Mark R. Tercek, President and CEO, The Nature Conservancy.

When you use this special link to give today, your gift will be matched dollar–for dollar, meaning it will go twice as far to further our conservation efforts! Give today and double your impact.

Discounts offered at Linville Falls Cabins

HUMPBACK HOLLOW CABINS  in Linville Falls North Carolina. Military discount of 10% - Midweek Discounts for off season- Discount on full-week stays. Check the site for details. Choose from 3 charming cabins with fully equipped kitchens, playground, covered porches, grills, fire pit, decks, horseshoes. Linens, morning coffee provided. Linville Falls, Linville Gorge, Grandfather Mountain very nearby. Summer & winter sports and activities abound!

Historic Farm Festival in Hendersonville

April 24   Historic Johnson Farm, 3346 Haywood Road, Hendersonville North Carolina.  The 20th Annual Johnson Farm Festival  with over 20 old-time crafts and living history skills will be exhibited, and live music and entertainment will be on the main stage and boarding house porch all day. Get details and read more....

Cozy Cabin in Robbinsville

THE CABIN IN THE WOODS  Robbinsville North Carolina.   Secluded efficiency cabin in a peaceful wooded setting with 1 queen bed & full sofa bed. Large screened porch, AC, BBQ, TV/DVD/VHS, phone, books & maps, built in 2004 and squeaky clean! Close to whitewater, hiking, biking, fishing, water sports & more. $50 night, $275 week.

Ramp it up to Celebrate Spring in Robbinsville

April 24 ROBBINSVILLE  Ramp Festival Dinner & Concert. Celebrate the spring arrival of ramps in the mountains. Appalachian Dinner served family style and features one of Western North Carolina’s favorite wild foods  - ramps - and includes fried catfish, fried potatoes and ramps, fresh greens, pintos, sweet corn a la Leigh, ramp hushpuppies, cheddar biscuits, ramp cornbread, fresh raw ramps on tables, apple stack cake, iced tea and coffee. Two seatings at 5:00 & 6:15 pm - reservations are required. The Festival Concert will start at 7:30pm and feature The Barn Cats, a Bryson City based bluegrass trio.

Jam in Marion

April 22  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

Got Choo-Choo? You will in 10 Days!

April 30, Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock North Carolina. Tweetsie Rialroad opens for the 2010 season on April 30.  If you can't wait until April 30, here's your chance to make your own Engine No.12 with our 3-D paper train locomotive set. The famed Engine No. 12 will be the first in a series of FREE 3-D paper trains. Collect them all, and enjoy Tweetsie's 2010 season! Click here to get your set...    cut-out, fold, glue - enjoy!

The East Coast Chamber Orchestra at The Porter Center

April 23, The Porter Center, Brevard College, One Brevard College Dr, Brevard North Carolina. The East Coast Chamber Orchestra (ECCO) brings a youthful and exhilarating performance to Brevard College’s Porter Center for Performing Arts. The spirited performance will include a wide variety of classical music with works by Corelli, Warlock, Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky. Read more...

Take a Hike

April 20, 10AM, Lake James State Park, Nebo (near Marion) North Carolina. Hike to Sandy Cliff Overlook. Join Park Ranger Clay Veasey on a leisurely hike to one of the Parks most beautiful vistas, Sandy Cliff Overlook. Easy level hike approximately .5 miles roundtrip. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Get more information about Lake James Park...

Rafting, Caving and Lodging - all for $79.95 - $99.95!

USA RAFT - MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE GUIDES  Rafting and Caving Special Packages:
Package 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.

Package 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.

USA Raft offers the closest whitewater rafting to Asheville and Boone North Carolina. Join us for whitewater rafting adventures on the French Broad, Nantahala, Watauga and Nolichucky Rivers. "Mild to Wild" Whitewater Rafting with half and full day guided trips. USA Raft provides everything you will need for your rafting trip - just bring a change of clothes and be ready to have fun and get wet!

Watch the Birdie!

April 18   Chimney Rock Park, Chimney Rock North Carolina.    Simon Says Bird Walk: Spring Birding   The birds are singing and the wildflowers are in bloom. This is the time of the year when learning the bird songs can really help you find the birds. American Redstarts and Hooded Warblers are easy to see along the Hickory Nut Falls trail where several pairs of Scarlet Tanagers and Wood Thrush also nest every year.

Sunday - Concert Series at Green Creek Winery

April 18, Green Greek Winery, Collumbus North Carolina Chardonnay Rosso Concert Series at Green Creek Winery Another fabulous afternoon of great music and wonderful company. Trent Wagler and the Steel Wheels are based out of Virginia. They have an incredible sound that is a very unique blend of Americana Blue Grass & folk. You don't want to miss it. Seating is limited, so call now for more information or to purchase tickets 828-863-2182. Also inquire about discounts on ticket prices for the series.

Growers Market Fund-raiser in Dillsboro

April 17 Dillsboro North Carolina.  Appalachian Growers Market A unique fair celebrating farmers and growers. There will be an open-air plant and produce market. Crafters and artisans will be demonstrating and selling. And there will be plenty of music, local food, beer and wine too. This all-day event is a fund-raiser for the Monteith Farmstead Restoration Project, our community effort to restore the historic Monteith farmhouse as the Appalchian Women's Museum and Monteith Community Park.

The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music

April 16- 18  Chimney Rock Park, Chimney Rock North Carolina.   Hammered Dulcimer Music with John Mason Chimney Rock's featured entertainer, John Mason, plays the hammered dulcimer. Learn more about this unique instrument and listen to John's beautiful music and funny stories.

7th Night FREE at Marion Inn near the Parkway

THE INN AT BLUE RIDGE , Marion North Carolina. 12 Large rooms, private decks, mini-fridge, continental breakfast included. 2 PET FRIENDLY rooms. 3 bd 2 bath suite with fireplace, full kitchen, private entrance. The Inn is Adjacent to Linville Falls Mountain Club Golf Course with public play and only 5 miles to milepost 317 on The Blue Ridge Parkway.. Rooms $79-$100 night, Suite $210, 7th night FREE.

Bluegrass Music Jam in Marion

April 15, downtown 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. For more information, call 828-652-2215

It's for the BIRDS!

Through May 10, Grove Park Inn,  Asheville North Carolina -  Decorated Birdhouse Competition Display  10th Annual Decorated Birdhouse Competition - Winners will receive cash and prizes valued at over $3,000. Download an entry form and start building today! All entries in the competition will be on display from April 10-May 10, 2009. Contestants also have the option in this year's contest to donate their birdhouse to benefit Habitat for Humanity.

Cataloochee Season-end Summary

Cataloochee Ski Area, Maggie Valley North Carolina. Cataloochee is now closed after a wonderful run for the 2009/2010 season spanning six months and 117 days of Great Skiing and Riding in the Great Smokies.  2009/2010 was the 5th consecutive season of over 100 days of skiing and riding, and first time ever to ski or ride into the second week of April!

Season passes are on sale for the lowest price of this year and next now through August 31. You can purchase your pass one of three ways, online, over the phone with a credit card or in person.  Pass pricing will go up on September 1. Save now -  the 2010/2011 season is less than 4, 896 hours away! http://www.cataloochee.com

April Lodging Special in Highlands

April 8 - May 6, Mountain High Lodge, 200 Main Street and Highlands Suite Hotel, 205 Main Street, Highlands North Carolina. Mountain High Lodge : $59 based on a Double Room. Highlands Suite Hotel:  $99 based on a Deluxe Two-Room Suite - Ask for a Free Upgrade!!  (Two-night minimum on the weekends.) Weekday Special, valid April 11 – May 6, 2010: Stay 2 Nights, get the 3rd Night FREE! (Valid on Sunday through Thursday stays only.) Spend your time hiking, fly fishing, viewing waterfalls, shopping, and dining at one of the award winning restaurants in the area. Enjoy the complimentary wine and cheese social every evening! http://www.highlandssuitehotel.com/   http://www.mountainhighlodge.com/

Waynesville Bed and Breakfast offers quiet comfort and upscale convenience

OAK HILL ON LOVE LANE  Downtown Waynesville North Carolina. "All the service and amenities of a fine hotel in the quiet comfort of a B&B". This charming Inn, formerly an historic home, offers high end beds and bedding, gourmet breakfast, wireless internet, flat screen TVs, fireplaces in every room, locally produced all-natural soaps and lotions. $150-$235 per night

Wine Tasting in Waynesville

April 21, 7PM, The Classic Wineseller, 20 Church Street, Waynesville North Carolina. A night of great wine, food and friends. Special guest Brie Conway of Anderson Conn Valley Vineyards presents Cabernet Sauvignon Reserves and more. Limited seating so RSVP as soon as possible -828-452-6000 or info@ClassicWinseller.com. $25 per person with discounts if purchase made.  http://classicwineseller.com/

Official Opening: Wine Tasting on the Patio

April 15 , Doyles Cedar Hill Restaurant, 925 Andrews Rd, Murphy North Carolina. Come celebrate spring with the official patio opening ribbon cutting, followed by a first-class wine tasting with Mutual Distributing.  Enjoy the best of the spring wines, with a fully catered dinner buffet and live musical entertainment!   Call for reservations: 828 837-3400

Cabin on the Lake near Fontana

CABIN ON THE LAKE  Robbinsville North Carolina.  Fully stocked, personal items only needed, we even supply the coffee. Located 9 miles south of Deals Gap & close to many area attractions. Large yard with creek to enjoy plus Hot tub. $140 nt, $876.50 wk, +cleaning fee.

Go Fish!

April 10-11, Fontana Village Resort. Fontana Dam, North Carolina.  Fontana Classic Bass Tournament  Anglers will  compete for the prize money in this Smoky Mountain classic -this year’s purse is $5000 with first place garnering $2000 in prize money. Fontana Village Marina will be hosting the event with family fun and entertainment both days. Get details at http://www.fontanavillage.com/

RiverLink Picnic in the Park

April 24, Carrier Park on Amboy Road, Asheville North Carolina. Grab your picnic blanket, and get ready for a day of healthy snacks, fun in the sun, and awesome activities for everyone in the family to enjoy! Join RiverLink on the 24th of April from 9 a.m. to 2 p. m. for a day of celebrating the Earth! In the past, RiverLink has been all over the watershed at various Earth Day events.

Earth Fare will be joining the picnic party, providing healthy snacks and information on the importance of a healthy eating and snacking! FREE Hot Air Balloon Rides courtesy of Asheville Hot Air Balloons, A nature walk, The Friends of the WNC Nature Center will bring some creatures, Bike Parade, A plant exchange and more. Get more information and event details...

Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Event: Cradle of Forestry 2010 Season Opening

April 10, 9AM-5PM, Cradle of Forestry, NC Highway 276, four miles south of Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 412 and 14 miles north of Brevard North Carolina. Old time Plowing and Folkways: watch heritage activities such as spinning, wood carving, hearth cooking and interact with a local family plowing the garden with a tem of horses. See the 1915 Climax locomotive and close the day with live traditional music. http://www.blueridgeparkway75.org/

Riverfront Bus Tour in Asheville

April 15, noon -2PM, RiverLink Riverfront Bus Tour meets at City Hall in downtown Asheville at noon.  The RiverLink Bus Tours answer questions about Asheville's past and future. This is an opportunity to see the improvements that have occurred and hear what is coming over the next several months and years to make our rivers better places to work, live and play. You will learn some local history and visit some streets and neighborhoods you have never seen before.  Registration required:  Register online at www.riverlink.org   or call 828-252-8474 ext. 118

Go Fly a Kite!

April 10, Ragapple Lassie Vineyards, 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane, Boonville (near Mount Airy) North Carolina.  Come Fly a Kite in the meadows of RagApple Lassie Vineyards to welcome the advent of a new growing season and while here, join the Annual Blessing of the Vines (2:00 P.M.) in the vineyards and the opportunity to make all the grape vine wreaths you want (all day-noon to six) while being entertained by the lifting sounds of Trip Rogers' Celtic Band AND enjoying the awesome wines of RagApple Lassie! http://www.ragapplelassie.com/new/

Find Your Fountain of Youth at The Grove Arcade

April 10, The Groove Arcade, One Page Avenue, Downtown Asheville North Carolina. "Fountain of Youth" extravaganza. The Arcade will offer activities to help keep you youthful both inside and out. Yoga, Nia, exercise and dance demonstrations will take place with audience members invited to participate ... or not.  This event features great shopping deals, drawings, demonstrations and more. A detailed schedule can be found on the Arcade's calendar.

Blowing Rock Vacation Rentals from $99 nt & $250 wk

A Plus Mountain Rentals  Blowing Rock and Boone North Carolina. Choose from 45 Luxury Blueridge Mountains Rentals with mountain views, pools, fireplaces, WIFI, hot tubs & all amenities. Large or multiple units for Groups, Weddings, Church Retreats, Reunions. PET FRIENDLY. $99-$1000 nt, $250-$5000 wk

Ski NC for one more weekend

April 10-11, Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley North Carolina and Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blowing Rock offer one last weekend of skiing. Appalachian is hosting  Melt Down Games  to say goodbye to winter with a big melt-down celebration! A full weekend of crazy events you won't see any other time of the year, with lots of splashes, snow, sun, and skin. Cataloochee will be day skiing all slopes at weekday rates. http://www.cataloochee.com/

25th Annual Festival of Flowers at Biltmore

April 3 - May 16, Biltmore, 1 Approach Road, Asheville North Carolina. Biltmore’s 25th Annual Festival of Flowers opens with more than 100,000 tulips. The stunning floral displays across the estate celebrate the majesty of Frederick Law Olmsted’s legacy. Floral décor will focus on iris, fleur de lis and silver, all symbolic of the 25th anniversary. Enjoy live music daily at the Winter Garden in Biltmore House and the Conservatory, as well as daily seminars at A Gardener’s Place. The restaurants at Biltmore will feature special silver anniversary menu items, drinks and desserts, with the Winery offering a commemorative Festival of Flowers Wine, wine programs and children’s activities on Saturdays and Sundays. Buy Tickets here...

Brevard Lodge offers Mountain Top Retreat

BRADLEY CREEK LODGE AND VACATION RENTALS Brevard North Carolina.  A mountaintop retreat - 2 bd 2 bath lodge suites or 2 bd guest cottage. Waterfalls, fire pit, screened gazebo, stone Celtic meditation area, large observation deck, porches, game room, conference area. $140 night, $840 week. Perfect for family reunions, corporate retreats, groups.

Easter Event: Easter Brunch in Brevard

April 4, The Quarry Restaurant and Piano Bar, 14 S. Gaston Street, Brevard North Carolina. Brunch 11-4 Dinner 4-9. Eggs Florentine, Eggs your way, Omelet your way, French Toast, Caesar Salad, The Quarry Salad, Pecan Encrusted Trout Chicken Picatta Shrimp Scampi, Stuffed Leg of Lamb, Three Seed Encrusted Ahi Tuna, Certified Black Angus Filet Mignon, Chicken Marsala.  http://www.thequarryrestaurant.com

Easter Event: Easter Dinner at The Back Room Restaurant

April 2-3, THE BACK ROOM RESTAURANT AT THE FLAT ROCK WINE SHOPPE, 2702 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock North Carolina ( outskirts of Hendersonville). Easter Dinner - $20.00!  3 course meal with children's menus available.

Appetizers             

Grilled Asparagus with Hollandaise sauce and Quail Eggs
Shrimp Cakes with Avocado Salsa and Roasted Red Pepper Aioli
Mixed Green Salad with Berries and Toasted Macademia Nuts
Entrees
Mint Crusted Rack of Lamb
Poached Halibut with Pea Basil Pesto
Pasta Primavera
Honey Mustard Fried Chicken
Dessert
Key Lime Pie
Berry Mousse
Peanut Butter Chocolate Torte

Reservations suggested: 828-697-6828