The Daily Grind & Wine - An Andrews Gathering Place

The Daily Grind & Wine  in downtown Andrews North Carolina has become known as  the "Cheers" of this charming mountain town. Both locals and visitors gather in the friendly atmosphere complete with a handcrafted Celtic bar and live entertainment. Breakfast, lunch, wine tasting and evening events make The Daily Grind and Wine a "Must see" when visiting Andrews. 1060 Main Street, Andrews North Carolina.

Andrews NC Offers affordable Cabin rentals in Pristine Smoky Mountain settings

Collett Creek Cabin is an inviting 2 bedroom 2 bath Smoky Mountains log cabin secluded in a pristine 167 acre area. In the Heart of the Smoky Mountains adjoining the Nantahala National Forest it is only 2 miles to Andrews North Carolina. Enjoy the 40' deck with hot tub and gas grill overlooking the creek. A fully  equipped Kitchen, W&D, queen sleeper sofa and cozy furnishing give you all the comforts of home. Hiking trails on site! $100 night, $600 week

HandMade in America's 'Craft, Architecture & Design Expo' Travels to Andrews

The traveling exhibition from HandMade in America's 'Craft, Architecture & Design Expo', recently held at the NC Arboretum in Asheville NC, will be on display during the months of July and August at The The Valleytown Cultural Arts and Historical Society in Andrews North Carolina. The exhibition will be open Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, and Sundays 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM.

The Craft, Architecture & Design Exhibit Opening  is Saturday, August 7th, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM and will include an intro to Craft Expo by Jenny Moore of HandMade in America. Also featured is Why Craft? Why WNC? talk by Anna Fariello on the history of WNC crafts. Exhibit reception following.

VALLEYTOWN CULTURAL ARTS  provides a facility for the community to have performing and visual arts entertainment and enrichment. In the years since it's 1986 opening, the Valleytown Cultural Arts and Historical Society has provided innumerable arts events for community enjoyment. The Valleytown Cultural Arts and Historical Society  is located on the Corner of Chestnut and Third Streetsin Andrews North Carolina.

Even Hogs, Cruisers, Choppers and Geezerglides need a NC Mountain Vacation!

The TWO WHEEL INN is located in Graham County in Western North Carolina about 2-1/2 miles south of Robbinsville North Carolina. Convenient to the Tail of the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, Moonshiner 28, and many other area roads, the motel currently has 17 motel rooms and a one-bedroom apartment each with a full kitchen and dining room. All the motel rooms have an attached, secured garage for your motorcycle(s). Each room has a small refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, direct TV, and wireless internet.

The grounds are complete with a covered pavilion, picnic tables, barbeque grills, guest laundry facilities, bike wash area, and a fire pit. The rates are reasonable, and if reserving for a large group, a discount will be provided. For more information email  info@twowheelinn.com  or call  828-479-4248.

Keep the Shiny Side Up! 

Spruce Pine's 53rd NC Gem Fest begins today

July 29 - Aug 1 53rd NC Mineral and Gem Festival offers aisles and aisles of glittering gems, jewelry, minerals, fossils and more. Special exhibits and mining tours to real mines where you can keep what you find! Celebrating the most important mining district in the world, Spruce Pine, NC and the longest running Festival of its kind in the world. Located in Spruce Pine North Carolina.

Have some doggone good fun at Tweetsie

July 31-August 8 at Tweetsie Rialroad in Blowing Rock North Carolina  Celebrate the Dog Days of Summer at Tweetsie  with K-9's in Flight Frisbee® Dogs. The high energy performance showcases a team of dynamic dogs in acrobatic freestyle routines. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis with show times of 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. All shows included with regular price admission.


TWEETSIE RAILROAD, North Carolina's first theme park, takes you back into the days of the Old West and old-fashioned fun. Hop aboard with Locomotive Number 12 for an unforgettable three-mile journey through the scenic mountains. Tweetsie is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Announces Raffle for North Carolina Log Cabin

On July 27 2010 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina announced the 1st Annual Smoky Mountain Cabin Raffle. A limited number of raffle tickets will be available for purchase through the October 7, 2010 deadline on our specially created event website at www.LogCabinRaffle.org   The Grand Prize Drawing will take place on October 14, 2010 and will be open to the public.

The Smoky Mountain Cabin Raffle will also include bonus drawings throughout the three-month event. Buy your ticket(s) EARLY for a chance to win the bonus drawings which include a one-week stay at a cabin provided by Hidden Creek Cabins, a Whitewater Rafting trip for 4 down the legendary Nantahala River provided by Paddle Inn Rafting and a $1,000 cash prize drawing.

This beautiful Smoky Mountain Cabin, located in Bryson City North Carolina, is a fully furnished 2 bedroom 2 bathroom Log Cabin with custom hardwood floors, granite countertops, hot tub, pool table and a rocked fireplace.

Raffle participants can give back while also having the exciting chance to win a beautiful custom log cabin in the Smoky Mountains. Proceeds from the 1st annual Smoky Mountain Cabin Raffle will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina in its continued effort to recruit, screen, train and support caring adults who want to make a difference in the life of a child.

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Summer Concert Series in Banner Elk

July 29  enjoy  Concerts in the Banner Elk Town Park  every Thursday evening in July and August when the community of Banner Elk gathers in the town park for a summer concert. Performers range from bluegrass to beach, to country, to top 40, to blues, to jazz, to Motown, to big band. This weeks performers are The Dallas Reese Trio.

Find a Bit of Heaven on Beech Mountain North Carolina

A BIT OF HEAVEN is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath mountain view vacation rental located1/2 mile from Ski Beech on Beech Mountain. Game room with pool table, fireplace, fully equipped kitchen. Use of the Beech Mountain Club facilities (pool, golf, tennis) in season is included. Beat the heat and the economy with low summer rates: $100-$120 per night, and $650 per week. This rate includes ALL fees and taxes!

4th Annual Beech Mountain Barn Dance

July 31   Beech Mountain North Carolina presents the  4th Annual Beech Mountain Barn Dance.  Put on your boots, buy a cowboy hat, tie a bandanna around your neck and join the crowd for live music, dancing, and Prairie Fair food. $15.00 per person. Tickets are available at the Beech Mountain Chamber of Commerce and at the door.

Blowing Rock and Boone Cabin Rental Specials

At Your Wits End Vacation Rentals  Find your perfect cabin between Blowing Rock and Boone -  offering mountain views, water views, fireplaces, WIFI, hot tubs, pool - ping pong - foosball tables, air hockey and more!  All prices and sizes. 

Almost Heaven: WHAT A VIEW AND WHAT A DEAL! Don't let this special pass you by. Minutes from downtown Boone. 5000 feet up on Rich Mountain and you can feel the COOLNESS! Great views of NC/TENN and VA mountains, . Stay Friday and Saturday at the SPECIAL rate of $155 a night and get a 3rd night for $100! Or stay Sunday through Thursday nights for ONLY $125 a night, plus taxes and fees. 3 Nights stay required to get this price. Offer good thru September 30, 2010. Book Now!!!!! No other specials apply. Get details on this and other Summer Specials

86th Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show 2010

July 27 - Aug 1, Aug 4 - 8   Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show   continues with the Hunter/Jumper competition. The Saddlebred portion of the show was held June 09th - 13th. The Hunter/Jumper portion of the show will be held July 28th- August 1st & August 4th-8th. Steeped in tradition, this event has consistently attracted annual exhibitors from all over the United States and several foreign countries. It has the distinction of being recognized as the oldest continuous outdoor horse show in America.   Blue Ridge Parkway 75,  Milepost 291  Blowing Rock North Carolina.

What to do this Weekend in the NC Mountains

Special events and Festivals are literally "everywhere" during the peak of the summer season in the Western North Carolina Mountains. Check these out or visit the Events Calendar for details:

July 22 - 31   ASHEVILLE   Biltmore Summer Evening Concerts
July 23 - 25   ASHEVILLE  32nd Annual Bele Chere Festival 
July 23   BLOWING ROCK   Blowing Rock Symphony by the Lake
July 23   BREVARD   Brevard’s 4th Friday Gallery Walks 
July 25   BREVARD   Songcatchers Music Series
July 24   BRYSON CITY   Music in the Mountains 
July 23 - Aug 1   BRYSON CITY  Day Out With Thomas
July 22 - 25   FRANKLIN / NANTAHALA   Macon County Gemboree   
July 23    HENDERSONVILLE   Music On Main Street Concert Series
July 24   LITTLE SWITZERLAND   Geneva Hall Square Dances
July 24   NEBO  MTA Triathlon at Lake James
July 24   OLD FORT   Blue Ridge Traditions, Kruger Brothers Concert
July 24   ROBBINSVILLE   An Appalachian Evening 
July 23   SPARTA   Quilters Guild Show  
July 23 - 24  SPARTA   Blue Ridge Mountain Fair 
July 25   SPARTA   Annual VFW Car Show   20 Classes of vehicles
July 23   TRYON  Rogers Park Summer Tracks Concert Series
July 23 - 24   TRYON  (Saluda, Columbus, Mill Spring and Green Creek Art Trek Tryon 
July 23   WAYNESVILLE   Mountain Street Dances
July 24   WILKESBORO   Singing In The Foothills  

Military Discounts for Mountain Cabins and Getaways

We've found dozens of discounts on NC mountain cabins, rafting and activities to provide our Military members and their families some well-earned R and R. We have discounts just for Military HERE and we also have great Specials and Seasonal Discounts for everyone HERE.

AB's Fly Fishing Guide Service   FREE, yes free, Full Day Wade Trip. In a show of appreciation for the men and women who have recently served and sacrificed in Iraq and Afghanistan, AB's Fly Fishing Guide Service is offering a free day of fly fishing on the Tuckasegee River. This offer includes all equipment and lunch.

RIVENDELL CABIN  FRANKLIN NC 20% DISCOUNT for active duty and Veterans with ID. Mountain views, hot tubs, fireplaces, DLS, dishwasher, washer/dryer, central heat/ac, satellite TV, phone, VCR & movies, porch with seating, full kitchens, linens.

Paddle Inn Rafting 10%+ military discount. Riverside camping and rafting on the Nantahala River.

CATALOOCHEE MOUNTAIN CABIN MAGGIE VALLEY. $100 off weekly rental for active duty military and their family. 3 bd, 2 bath log cabin in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. PET FRIENDLY, fireplace, WIFI, large deck, hammock. Community pond, picnic area, volleyball.

RUGBY CREEK CABINS WEST JEFFERSON, JEFFERSON. We offer a 10% military discount. Beautiful long range mountain views. Full kitchens, jacuzzi/hot tubs, TV& DVD, gas/charcoal grills, ALL linens. PET FRIENDLY. BRING YOUR HORSE or rent one! Secluded/private settings only 20 min.

Find more Military Discounts here...

Enter The "Smoky Mountain Soul" Sweepstakes - hurry, ends soon!

Win a great getaway in The "Smoky Mountain Soul" Sweepstakes. Would you like to cool off this summer in a spot filled with scenery, adventure, and soul-stirring arts? Here's your chance! The North Carolina Division of Tourism is giving away a trip to North Carolina's Smoky Mountains, including a week-long class at the John C. Campbell Folk School (including meals and lodging), three nights of hotel accommodations, tickets for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and a Cherokee cultural experience of your choice! Hurry, though… the sweepstakes ends July 31.

Enter to win

Have a BIG time in Asheville this week

July 23-25  Asheville North Carolina hosts the  32nd Annual Bele Chere Festival, the Southeast's biggest outdoor free festival. The event features nine stages of great music, three food courts, a children's area, and a full spectrum of the finest handmade arts and crafts in downtown Asheville.

Stay in a charming downtown Asheville Bed and Breakfast for easy access to the Bele Chere Festival as well as Biltmore, the Blue Ridge Parkway and dozens of other attractions and outdoor activities. The ABERDEEN INN  offers a serene view of the mountains surrounding Asheville from a large wraparound porch! Enjoy a full gourmet breakfast with all home baked breads. Complimentary beverages including wine, beer and soft drinks are always available along with WIFI. Pay for 6 nights get the 7th night FREE. $120-$195 night

Open Studio Tours in Art Trek Tryon

Take the  Art Trek Tryon   and explore the art of the foothills through the work of many artists from Polk County and Landrum. Studios will be open to the public free of charge.The art encompasses most forms and styles including painting, woodturning, ceramics, fabric art, metalsmithing, indoor and outdoor sculpture. You can visit a one room studio or an artist's house to separate buildings, all devoted to studio or gallery space. Many studios enjoy great mountain views. View a Slide Show here. The Event  is July 23 - 24  in Tryon North Carolina and the surrounding towns of  Saluda, Columbus, Mill Spring and Green Creek.

Upcoming Music Events in Western North Carolina

The hills are alive with the sound of music, as usual! Here are just a few of this week's upcoming events:

July 21 - 25 SPRUCE PINE / Little Switzerland Live Music and More - the Historic Orchard at Altapass Live music and mountain dancing, storytelling and hayrides, arts and handwork demonstrations and more. Every week, Wed-Sun. The Orchard is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 328.3.

July 22 BANNER ELK Concerts in the Banner Elk Town Park Every Thursday evening in July and August the community of Banner Elk gathers in the town park for a summer concert. Performers range from bluegrass to beach, to country, to top 40, to blues, to jazz, to Motown, to big band.

July 22 MARION Bluegrass Music Jam Open to all musicians, no scheduled performers. Outdoors (weather permitting), bring chairs or blankets. Free; 7-9pm, Marion Depot, Marion.

July 23 TRYON Rogers Park Summer Tracks Concert Series The Concert Series is back with a great line up of first class performances and a summer of wonderful evenings under the stars. Gigi Dover Band, Bob Sinclair

July 23 WAYNESVILLE Mountain Street Dances Both local residents and tourists enjoy these FREE old-fashioned mountain hoedowns which began in the 1950s with live mountain music and dance demonstrations by local clogging teams. Dances are held in front of the Haywood County Courthouse and begin at 6:30 p.m. and last until 9:00 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket; limited bleacher seating is available. Professional mountain musicians perform along with a clogging team. Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Event, 443

July 23 BLOWING ROCK Blowing Rock Symphony by the Lake Sit by the lake in the cool mountain breeze and watch the swans drift by. Bring a picnic or sample delicious cuisine prepared by Chetola’s chef. Immerse yourself in the delightful sounds of the Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra resounding through the mountains as the evening slips into night. The spectacular fireworks at the end of the night illuminate the mountains and will take your breath away. Blue Ridge Parkway 75 event, Milepost 291

July 23 HENDERSONVILLE Music On Main Street Concert Series The 12th annual Music On Main Street concert series will be held every Friday evening from June 11 through August 27, 2010. Music On Main Street featuring " oldies rock, beach music, variety and top 40 music. Bring a chair and enjoy the music, admission is free.

Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Event: Brevard Songcatchers Series

July 18 in Brevard, North Carolina the Songcatchers Music Series is in its seventh year showcasing acoustic music with roots in the Southern Appalachians and the musicians who nurture the tradition of passing this heritage on to others. Concerts begin with a 30-minute opening act by local musicians. After a short break, the featured performer will begin. Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Event, Milepost 410.

Concerts take place in the sunny outdoor amphitheatre at the beginning of the Forest Festival Trail. The amphitheatre and trails are wheelchair accessible. Picnics are welcome, as are chairs between rows of amphitheatre seating. If raining, concerts are moved inside and held in the Forest Discovery Center. Admission for this event is $6.00 for adults 16 years of age and older and $3.00 for youth under 15 years of age, and America the Beautiful and Golden Age pass holders.

What to do this Weekend in the NC Mountains

July 15 - 17 ASHEVILLE - Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival is the 4th Annual Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival and will be anchored by HBO and Comedy Central veteran Jake Johanssen.
July 15 - 18 ASHEVILLE - The Crafts Fair of the Southern Highlands  is four Days of fine traditional and contemporary crafts.
July 16 HENDERSONVILLE -  Music On Main Street Concert Series is the 12th annual Music On Main Street concert series will be held every Friday evening through August.
July 16 - 17 BOONE - High Country Music Fest is the Boone area’s premier bluegrass festival welcomes music fans for this two-day event. Camping is available, more information is at the festival website.
July 16 - 17 SPARTA - Alleghany County Fiddler’s Convention  Come to compete or just to enjoy the music. Band, instrument, dance and vocal competition on stage and informal jams back stage throughout the day and into the evening.
July 17 BLOWING ROCK -  Blowing Rock’s Art in the Park  was created in 1962 by a handful of area artists and craftspeople to showcase local talent.
July 17 GRASSY CREEK- Eighth Annual River House Winefest  offers nine North Carolina wineries provide wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, a large buffet lunch to the tunes of four bands, always starting off with traditional mountain music
July 17 LITTLE SWITZERLAND -  Geneva Hall Square Dances have  been going on in the little village for over 20 years. We welcome visitors and tourists to join us.
July 17 ASHEVILLE - Shindig on the Green  is a celebrated mountain tradition which showcases the region’s rich heritage
July 17 SPRUCE PINE -  Toe River Storytelling Festival  Each year at least five tellers, the likes of David Holt, share their stories and the laughter can be heard across the river into downtown Spruce Pine.
July 17 ROBBINSVILLE -  An Appalachian Evening  Experience award-winning bluegrass, folk, and old-time mountain music performances in the historic old school auditorium at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center.

Find more NC Events and festivals here...   

Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Event: High Country Music Fest

July 16 - 17   High Country Music Fest  is the Boone area’s premier bluegrass festival . The 2 day event welcomes music fans with traditional mountain music. Camping is available, more information is at the festival website. Hear the Appalachian region’s favorite bands there, including Doyle Lawson, The Grascals, Surefire, Southern Accent, Alan “Big Al” Johnson and friends, and more.   Blue Ridge Parkway 75 event, milepost 285

Cool Little Switzerland Cottage beats the heat for $100 per night!

WHISPERING CREEK COTTAGE  is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Little Switzerland North Carolina. The cozy cottage includes a creek on site, large full kitchen with dining area and nice sized living room. It sleeps 4 adults. You will love the heart-of-pine floors, the sound of rain on the tin roof, fireplaces in each bedroom, large front porch and original artwork throughout. $100 per night, $600 per week

Visit Little Switzerland and the Historic Orchard at Altapass

Live Music and More - the Historic  Orchard at Altapass  is a favorite mountain tradition for both locals and visitors. Every week from Wednesday through Sunday you'll find live music and mountain dancing, storytelling and hayrides, monarch butterfly raising, naturalist tours and birding walks, arts and handwork demonstrations, book signings and more. The Orchard is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 328.3 near Little Switzerland North Carolina.

All Aboard for Summer Fun at Tweetsie Railroad!

July at Tweetsie Railroad
With a visit from Dora and Diego and some high flying dogs in store, Tweetsie is the place to be in July. Mark your calendar now for these exciting events:

• Nickelodeon's Dora and Diego will visit the park July 16 - 18
• The amazing K-9's in Flight Frisbee Dogs will perform three shows daily July 31 - August 8

As always, all of Tweetsie's special events are included park admission: Adults $32; Kids (ages 3-12) $22; age 2 & under free!

Build Engine #190 The Yukon Queen!

Tweetsie Railroad announces the third paper train in this season's series of 3-D Locomotive Sets! Our historic Engine #190, The Yukon Queen – in her 50th year taking Tweetsie guests on an adventure-filled ride – is now available free for download.

Weaverville Bed and Breakfast offers Asheville Visitors Affordable Comfort

DRY RIDGE INN   located 10 minutes north of downtown Asheville North Carolina offers TV, DVD, AM/FM CD, King beds and private baths. Enjoy a full hot breakfast, different each morning. The Inn is surrounded by one acre of land in a quiet, safe small town with attractions and shops. Rates start at $99 per night! Specials and Packages are offered. Discount Biltmore tickets and more!

Woodworking Featured at Today's 2nd Saturday in Weaverville

July 10 Weaverville North Carolina - 2nd Saturdays -Vance Birthplace: "Traditions in Woodworking" 19th century woodworking traditions. Featured artists including Bob Bradley, woodturner from Weaverville; Bob Weisgerber, furniture maker from Burnsville and Barry Russell and Charles Farrar, wood turners from Kannapolis who will provide both traditional and contemporary woodworking pieces.
The Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace is a North Carolina Historic Site located at 911 Reems Creek Rd.
Weaverville, North Carolina.

Mountain View Home for Sale

What a breath-taking view of Grandfather Mountain to the west and Wilkesboro/Brushy Mountains to the southeast! Get the feel of soaring over the Blue ridge with these views. This West Jefferson home for sale features a huge living room and kitchen area, 2 large bedrooms and a fireplace with beautiful stone hearth. A covered porch overlooks the layered mountains from a wooded setting enhanced by attractive landscaping. All this just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, priced to sell, completely furnished and in very good condition. Click here for details...

336-846-7325,  ramona@peakmtn.com   PEAK MOUNTAIN PROPERTIES, INC

Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 event welcomes award-winning bluegrass band this weekend

July 10 at An Appalachian Evening The Lonesome River Band will perform on the Grand Old Stage at 7:30 PM.   LRB’s most recent album,  No Turning Back,  has garnered several nominations from the International Bluegrass Music Association. Band member banjo-picker Sammy Shelor is an inductee of the Virginia Music Hall of fame.

An Appalachian Evening was named a Top 20 event by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2008 and is a featured event in the Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary community spotlight. The series features a traditional Appalachian dinner served family-style and a mountain roots musical performance every Saturday evening through August 28. Performances begin at 7:30pm in the recently restored historic air-conditioned auditorium, seating capacity 340. Dinner seatings are at 5pm and 6:15pm; reservations are required and can be completed by phone (828-479-3364), in-person at the Stecoah Gallery, or on the website at www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.

Come early and shop for fresh local produce and art at the Stecoah Tailgate Market from 4pm to 7pm each Saturday before the show. Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center is located at 121 Schoolhouse Road in the Stecoah community off Hwy 28 between Bryson City and Fontana Dam. Located in a restored 1926 schoolhouse, it has become a gathering place for cultural events and community workshops since its renovation in 1996. Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center is a non-profit corporation that serves the people of Stecoah and Graham County through programs and services that benefit all members of the community, by preserving and promoting the Southern Appalachian mountain culture and through the restoration of the
historic old Stecoah School to its original role as the center of the community.

Teacher Appreciation Special at Waynesville Inn

Brookside Mountain Mist Inn in Waynesville North Carolina is offering a Teacher Appreciation Special!  We want to show our teachers just how much we appreciate them. From June 16th - August 15th we are offering all teachers who stay with us complimentary chocolate-covered strawberries upon arrival and 1/2 off your massage! We think teachers are the best and we want to help give the teacher in your life a summer of fun and relaxation here in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. Just bring your school ID and we'll do the rest! Call us, toll free, at 1-877-452-6880 to reserve your room today!

Waynesville Home in the Hills of Cataloochee for Sale!

Waynesville Home for Sale  on over one acre of landscaped property overlooking VIEWS of the Great Smokies. This special home has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 2760 square feet, hardwood floors, 2 family rooms and large potting shed/workshop with utilities for gardening & hobbies. Easy paved access in The Hills of Cataloochee near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Offers considered! Listed for $296,900. Contact Julie Lapkoff, Mountain Fever Real Estate.

"Cool" Mountain Cabin 15 minutes to Downtown Waynesville

CATALOOCHEE MOUNTAIN CABIN  is a spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath log cabin in the beautiful Smoky Mountains just outside Waynesville north Carolina. Located on a 1+ acre lot at 3,300 ' elevation it is only 15 min to downtown Waynesville. Emjoy wooded mountain views, a cozy fireplace, WIFI, large deck and a hammock. There is a community pond, picnic area, and volleyball. We are PET FRIENDLY!  $175 per night, $800 per week.

Shall we Dance?

July 9 in downtown Waynesville North Carolina kick up your heels with  Mountain Street Dances.  Both local residents and tourists enjoy these FREE old-fashioned mountain hoedowns which began in the 1950s with live mountain music and dance demonstrations by local clogging teams. This year we are celebrating the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 75th Anniversary.Dances are held in front of the Haywood County Courthouse and begin at 6:30 p.m. and last until 9:00 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket; limited bleacher seating is available. Professional mountain musicians perform along with a clogging team.   Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Event, Milepost 443.

Highlands - Cashiers Chamber Music Festival Begins this Weekend

July 9 - Aug 24  Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival  begins its 29th season with an Opening Gala Concert on July 9 at the  Martin Lipscomb Performing Arts Center in Highlands North Carolina. The performance features William Ransom, piano: The Attacca Quartet  Chopin/Schumann Bicentennial Celebration. The 2010 season offers 25 concerts Fridays - Mondays. Get complete details...

Win a Free Week In Highlands North Carolina!

HIGHLANDS RENTALS offers 4 cabins and cottages from which to choose: cozy Stone’s Throw log cabin less than ½ mile to Highlands or our quaint mountain Lakeview Cottage w/ beautiful view of Lake Sequoyah or our contemporary Mountain View Cabin tucked in the woods with 10 acres or Middle Creek Cabin, a true getaway. Picture tours, seasonal prices & availability calendars on our website, as well as an opportunity to win a FREE WEEK in Highlands!

14th annual Mountains in Bloom Festival in Highlands

July 8 -11  in Highlands North Carolina - Mountains in Bloom is a 4 day garden festival featuring a magnificent tour of mountain gardens, a flower show and photography competition, a home and garden market, and a garden-themed lecture by a top speaker. Over 1,000 garden and nature lovers from all over the U.S. attend the festival with proceeds to benefit The Bascom, a nonprofit visual arts center that recently completed a six-acre, $13 million campus.

Hike the Smokies Challenge

Join Great Smoky Mountains National Parks’ Reward Yourself - Hike the Smokies Challenge in 2010.  The challenge is to record your mileage, even if it is the same trail day after day. When you have “hiked” 100-miles, 250-miles, and 500-miles, bring your mileage record to one of the three visitor centers to receive your mileage pin and be recorded in the “Hike the Smokies” 2010 web records. Mileage record books will be distributed at Sugarlands, Cades Cove, and Oconaluftee visitor centers for $1.00 per booklet.

A video podcast, Day Hiking and Wildlife, associated with the recently launched program "Reward Yourself - Hike the Smokies Challenge", is now available for viewing. The podcasts are part of a series on hiking safety and inform the viewer of wildlife behaviorand regulations to be followed by Park visitors

Music in the Mountains Evening Concert Series

MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS  is a FREE Concert Series on  Saturday Evenings from June-Oct. Regional talent is showcased in a relaxed, outdoor venue located in the heart of historic downtown. Bring a chair or blanket and settle in for an evening of great music from 6:30 - 8:00PM, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot, Everett Street, Bryson City North Carolina.  Here is this season's Performer schedule:

July 10: Big House Radio (2010 winner of Battle of the Bands)
July 17: Jakleg (local favorites, acoustic blues)July 24: The Caribbean Cowboys (perfect summer band)
July 31: Carolina Bluegrass Boys (need I say more?)
August 7: The Rye Holler Boys (incredibly talented local group)
August 14: Lee Knight (laid back acoustic sounds featuring Cherokee flute & more)
August 21: Vertigo Jazz Project (who doesn’t like jazz?)
August 28: Smoky Mountain Melodies (local couple; great country standards)
September 4: The Rib Tips (unique bluegrass sounds – excellent fiddle)
September 11: The Heaven Seekers (an evening of gospel to mark the 9/11 anniversary)
September 18: The Rye Holler Boys (our locals can’t get enough of these guys)
September 25: Larry Barnett and Friends (Grandpa’s Music owner & music instructor)
October 2: Big House Radio (2010 winner of Battle of the Bands)
October 9: Mountain Dew-It, Boogertown Gap (one of a kind folk, bluegrass, & country sounds)
October 23: The Barn Cats (local group featuring mandolin, fiddle, banjo & guitar)
October 30: Elvis (Chris Monteith brings “The King” back to life in style)

This Week at the Back Room Restaurant in Flat Rock

Make your taste buds happy tonight at The Back Room's Tuesday Burger night. Build your own burger (beef, chicken, or vegetarian) with all the trimmings. $7.00. Not in the mood for a burger? How about a 3 course meal for $20?
Wednesday is BBQ Night -  build your own plate $11.99
Thursdays enjoy Prime Rib (as only Ally can do) $14.99 with vegetable and starch.
Fridays  buy one appetizer and get one free. Buy two get two free 4-9pm (make a meal) from 4-9 PM. The Bar is open as late as 2:00 AM with drink specials!

This week's music schedule:
July 6th 6:30pm Eric Congdon - Eric returns for some entertaining dinner music. Many instrumentals, along with a bit of singing, with awesome guitar licks!
July 7th 7:30pm Dinner Music with Heath Patrick followed by Open Mic Jam starting at 9:00pm
July 8th 8:30pm HIT - Featuring Tony Campbell, Heath Patrick and Isaac Wells
July 9th 9:00pm Jazz The Ripper - a young band from Asheville creating their own style of music
July 10th 9:00pm Every Mothers Dream a fresh brand of roots music

The Back Room Restaurant at The Flat Rock Wine Shoppe is located at 2702 Greenville HWY, Flat Rock North Carolina

Aye Laddie - Let the Games Begin!

The 55th Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games begin July 8 and continue through the 11th. The Games and "Gathering O' Scottish Clans" begin with a picnic, Torchlight Ceremony & Sheep Herding. Enjoy four days  filled with traditional ceremonies, competition in heavy-weight Scottish athletic events; highland dancing; bagpipe band parades; piping, drumming, and harp competitions; sheep herding demonstrations by Scottish border collies; and concerts featuring a wide variety of Celtic music.

4th of July in the Mountains: Lake Lure Events

1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa celebrates Independence Day with an All-you-can-eat-Barbeque Buffet at The Veranda Restaurant from 5PM - 9PM on July 4th. The buffet includes pulled pork, smoked chicken and all the fixins. If an outdoor picnic is more your style head for The Beachcomber next to the Beachside Grill for burgers, dogs and live music. Music begins at 2PM and the fun and fireworks continue until 11PM. The 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa is located at 2771 Memorial Highway, Lake LureNorth Carolina   http://www.lakelure.com/

4th of July in the NC Mountains: Bryson City Barbeque

 Independence Day Weekend BBQ  at Thirteen Moons  at The Nantahala Village Resort, Bryson City North Carolina.  The fun starts at 6PM July 3rd on the deck with live music, full bar and an All-American Menu. Only $9.95!

Cold Station

Carolina Cole Slaw
Garden Green Salad
Italian and Bleu Cheese Dressing
Charcoal Grill Station
Hickory Grilled Chicken
All American Hamburgers and Hot Dogs
Butter Basted Corn on the Cobb
Homemade Dessert
Homemade Apple Pie with Sugar Crust
Cherry Crumble Pie Original Recipe Cookies

4th of July in the Mountains: Chimney Rock Park Special Events

Chimney Rock Park is kicking off the summer with a 4th of July celebration including a cookout on the Sky Lounge patio, music with  hammered dulcimer player John Mason and a meet and greet with some of the Park's critters. Grab a hot dog, chips and a drink on the patio Saturday, July 3rd through Monday the 5th for just $5 (tax included). On Saturday, stop by Grady's Discovery Den between noon and 2pm to get an up-close-and-personal look at native snakes, turtles and even an opossum.

On July 4th after your day at the Park, head over to Morse Park Meadows at Lake Lure  for fireworks, food and fun.

4th of July in the NC Mountains: Red, White and Blue Wine Tasting

Celebrate Independence Day some great All-American wines - red, white, and rose! Not only are they delicious, but these wines also sport festive packaging, making them a perfect choice for the occasion! Hops and Vine is hosting a wine tasting July 3 from 3PM - 6PM. Featured Wines:
Lucky Star Chardonnay- Ripe golden apple and Anjou pear flavors are balanced by citrus notes and a smooth, creamy finish. This unoaked Chard is a huge crowd pleaser and the perfect bottle to take to the party or pair with lighter fare.
Charles & Charles Rose- Imagine a pool full of late season wild strawberries and raspberries with some sage, rose petals and a bucket full of watermelon Jolly Ranchers thrown in. Then imagine diving in. That’s pretty much what it’s like as you stick your nose in a glass of the 2009 Charles & Charles rosé. Charles & Charles Red- This 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah has a brooding nose of blackberry, cranberry, tobacco, and sweet oak. The fruit carries through on the palate along with chocolate covered blueberries on the finish. Great texture, smooth tannins, and a long finish make this wine a steal for under $15.
Hops and Vines is located at 797 Haywood Rd. Ste 100, West Asheville, North Carolina  http://www.hopsandvines.net