Superbowl Haiti Benefit at the Flat Rock Cinema

Feb 6, 4:00, pre-game, Flat Rock Cinema, 2700 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock North Carolina. Enjoy the SUPERBOWL on an 18-foot HD screen. We ask for a $5 donation to be made to the Red Cross by clicking HERE so we can register you and reserve your seat, but you can donate as much as you wish at the event. Doors will open at 4:00 for pre-game shows and the kick-off is at 6:25. Our snack bar will be open and we'll serve our full menu, including beer and wine. Seating is limited so please register now to guarantee your seat. http://www.flatrockcinema.com/

Recreational Race Series This Afternoon at Cataloochee

Jan 31, Cataloochee Ski Area, Maggie Valley North Carolina. Registration begins at 12 noon with racing from 1:30pm until 3pm and race awards at 4pm so dust off those racing skills and test your luck. Individuals race against the clock for the best of two runs. Top challengers in both men’s and women’s age divisions win cool stuff. Cost for racing is $5.00 for two runs. You must be 7 years of age or older to participate. http://cataloochee.com/

Swain County Center for the Arts Presents Original Folk Music

Feb 6, 7PM, Swain County Center for the Arts, Bryson City North Carolina. Singer-songwriters Thea & The Green Man perform a concert of original acoustic folk music. Stellar harmony vocals accompanied by guitar and percussion bring a heart-centered message of love and hope, family and nature to audiences both young and old.  Their lyrics are inspired by Native American imagery, the elements of nature, and the subject of mountains, rivers and canyons. Thea and Chuck, aka The GreenMan, Willhide live in Whittier and have been performing together since 1998.  They blend vocal harmonies with acoustic guitars and world percussion to create a contemporary and timeless sound. A reception for watercolor artist Susan Lingg of Cullowhee, whose paintings will be on exhibit at Swain County Center for the Arts through the end of March. Thea & the Green Man or visit The Swain County Center for the Arts.

Valentine's Day Package in a Romantic Mountain Bed and Breakfast

The Folkestone Inn, Bryson City North Carolina.    Valentine's Package Friday & Saturday nights, February 12 & 13. The package includes two nights room accommodations for two adults with gourmet breakfasts; champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries in your room on arrival; and a four-course, gourmet dinner on Saturday February 13. Rates begin at $375 +tax. Reserve now - this is one of the NC mountain's most popular Inns! 1-888-812-3385

Mountain Bike Race at Fontana

January 30   Fontana Village Resort  North Carolina.   The Icycle 2010  The Icycle Mountain Bike event returns to Fontana this winter. Sponsored by J&W Events, this mid-winter race brings enthusiasts together for a daytime cross-country race and the famous night time downhill. Even the spectators get in on this one with the Chili Dinner and After Party.

Mount Airy Museum offers World's Largest Collection of Any Griffith Memorabilia

Mount Airy North Carolina. The new Andy Griffith Museum open mid-November providing a permanent place for the world's largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia. The half million dollar 2500 square foot museum is located next door to the Andy Griffith Playhouse, a half-mile from the actor's boyhood home, and houses a treasure trove of items collected by Emmett Forrest, a schoolmate and close friend of Griffith. The collection features hundreds of items from the life and career of Andy Griffith in movies, television and music as well as a variety of memorabilia. There are even actual props from The Andy Griffith Show and Matlock given by Andy Griffith himself. http://www.andygriffithmuseum.com/

Willie Nelson Performs at the Asheville Civic Center

January 30, 8:00 PM-11:45 PM, Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, Asheville Civic Center, 87 Haywood Street, Asheville  North Carolina.  Willie Nelson & Family Live in Concert . American country singer-songwriter, author, poet, actor and activist Willie Nelson performs in Asheville. Purchase tickets online.

Blowing Rock Winterfest Offers Something for Everyone!

28-31  BLOWING ROCK North Carolina   Blowing Rock Winterfest 2010   Join the Village of Blowing Rock as we celebrate the fun side of winter at the 12th Annual Blowing Rock Winterfest! From the Chili Cook-Off to downtown hayrides, from the icy Polar Plunge to WinterFeast, there's something for all age groups at Blowing Rock Winterfest

Pickin' and a Grinnin' in Bryson City

Whether you're a picker or a grinner, a local or a visitor you can get your toes tappin' the first and third Thursdays of every month, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson CIty North Carolina. The bi-monthly Community Music Jam generally includes a mixture of professionals, amateurs and learners; and in the Summer — when they usually gather outside under the shade tree — there can be as many visitors as locals. Anyone with a banjo, guitar, mandolin, fiddle (anything unplugged) is welcome.

Larry Barnett of Grandpa’s Music keeps the music flowing and the fun going. Normally, Larry calls out a tune and its signature and the group plays it together. But there’s also an opportunity for anyone to perform a favorite tune for the group. The jam sessions offer a chance for musicians of all ages and levels of ability to share music they have learned over the years or learn the old-time mountain songs.   828-488-3030   http://www.fontanalib.org/brysoncity/

Provided by Postcards from the Smokies

Wunderbar Wednesdays in Sylva

Every Wednesday, Heinzelmannchen Brewery, Downtown Sylva North Carolina. All Growler Fills $6.10
(applies to Basic & Seasonal Fills). Brewermaster Dieter Kuhn and his wife Sheryl Rudd create light and refreshing German beer made with wholesome grains, fresh hops & no preservatives. All beers are keg conditioned and non-filtered, making them smooth and lighter in body.

What's a  Heinzelmännchen?   - gnome-like creatures found in the Black Forest of Germany. They are rarely seen, however always helpful to creatures and people alike. At the Brewery, they keep a watchful eye on the beer at night and take care of any unfinished jobs so Dieter and Sheryl can concentrate on brewing the best beer, keeping their customers happy, and helping their neighbors. http://www.yourgnometownbrewery.com/

Chimney Rock Park Update

Chimney Rock Park, Chimney Rock North Carolina. Elevator Back in Service - the 26-story elevator which whisks you from the parking lot to the Sky Lounge is back in service after a capital improvement project to replace its guide rail brackets and hoist way cables. While the elevator project had been planned for many months, the NC Division of Environment and Natural Resources understands the importance of performing maintenance projects during the off-season. Just a reminder, Chimney Rock Park winter hours are 10am to 6pm with the Ticket Plaza closing at 4:30pm through March 28.  http://www.chimneyrockpark.com

New Visitors' Guide Promotes Rutherford County

The Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority has produced a new visitors’ guide that promotes the legacy of the county’s new logo, “Lake Lure & The Blue Ridge Foothills.”For more information or to order a visitors’ guide, call 800-849-5998 or visit http://www.rutherfordtourism.com

Parkway Playhouse Announces 2010 Schedule

The Parkway Playhouse, established in 1946, is North Carolina’s oldest continually operating summer theatre. 2010 Season productions include:

June 4-12                LEAVING IOWA (NC Premiere)
June 25-July 10       ANNIE
July 23- August7     GUYS AND DOLLS
August 13-22          THE BALLAD OF TOM DOOLEY   (World Premiere)  
August 27- Sept 4   PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 
 
Parkway Playhouse, Burnsville, North Carolina  828-682-4285



  

Walt’s Wine Down Fridays

Jan 22, noon - 7PM, RagApple Lassie Vineyards, Boonville(near Mount Airy) North Carolina. Walt’s Wine Down Fridays – Every Friday, come sample wines, meet and/or be entertained by the famous “Big Walt” McMillan, get a FREE Herd Starter Kit, and special ‘by the glass’ wine prices! http://www.ragapplelassie.com/new/

January Fishing Report from Curtis Wright Outfitters

Winter fishing is a favorite time of year to get out and fish. The main reason is probably the lack of other fisherman. When is the last time you can say you had a whole DH river to yourself? Well this is the time
when it can happen. Most people don't like to go out on the colder days so you can fish and cover water at will.

Gear is always important no matter when you are fishing but it is crucial to have the right clothing in order to make the most of your opportunities on the water. Always layer up. A good wicking base layer, followed by a warm insulation layer, topped with the outer shell can ensure you to be comfortable on even some of the nastiest of days. Another useful article is the chemical hand warmers. They can be put in a variety of pockets to warm any trouble areas.

The fish are still in the DH waters but it can be sure tough to find them now and again. A couple of keys are to find the deeper pools and fish the bottom, or find the troughs in the river and cover every inch. The biggest and most important part of winter fishing is getting deep enough. Your flies should be hitting bottom every couple of casts and if not add more weight. It is said you should change the weight several times before  changing flies. This makes sure the flies are where they need to be. The bottom of the river is a few degrees warmer typically, and the current is much more relaxed. This is where the fish can hang out and wait for dinner to come to them. This is going to be a key factor in most of your winter fishing situations. Nymphs will normally be what are on the menu but, streamers are an excellent way to cover water and also tempt some of
the larger river dwelling residents. White's and Olive's are  favorite colors, but, having a wide variety of colors is definitely beneficial. Don't be afraid to fish two at a time with different color combinations. Try fishing white at the top soyou can see what the action of the fly is.

Most people assume that the Wild Trout Water is done for the season as soon as the first sub-freezing nights string together, but that can be the furthest from the truth. Just like stocked fish wild trout have to eat all winter as well. They just don't eat quite as much. A two nymph rig, dead drifted, can be absolutely deadly. A favorite set up is a medium to large Stonefly followed 18" by a size 16-18 green caddis pupa. On warmer days revert by to a dry dropper combo, but the majority of the days call for subsurface fishing.

Two of the rivers fishing the best this time of year are "The Davidson" and "The Ravens Fork" in Cherokee. Both are home to some enormous trout that will test your new Christmas toy. Neither is a walk in the park, but they are giving up some great cold weather fishing. For those extended sets of cold weather that will eventually freeze over our rivers, with a short jaunt we can be on one of the two, class A tail waters. The South Holston or The Watauga offer year round fishing in 40-44 degree water. The fishing can be spectacular, and inspiring, when the TVA is not generating water.

All things considered we are extremely lucky to have our year round fishery. Proper planning and a sense of adventure can lead you to WNC Winter Wonderland!

Naturalist Series - Winter Trees and Plants at Chimney Rock

Jan 16, 10AM-3PM, Chimney Rock Park, Chimney Rock North Carolina. Winter survival strategies of plants include dormancy, seed cycles, anti-freeze and even physical movements. Join the morning program and afternoon hike to see these plant adaptations in Chimney Rock’s woodlands and fields.

Final Week of "It's Complicated"

Jan 15- 21, Flat Rock Cinema, 2700 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock North Carolina. Come enjoy the final week of the Golden Globe nominated movie "It's Complicated". All tickets are $6. Enjoy lunch or dinner with us. We recommend arriving at least 20 minutes prior to show time if you plan to eat with us or if you have a group of four or more. http://www.flatrockcinema.com/

This Week's Fun at M Squared

M 2 (Squared) Restaurant, 125 West Main Street, Spindale North Carolina (near Rutherfordton)
Tonight: Soup/Sandwich and Beer Tuesday - Come Enjoy a Casual Meal That Won’t Break the Bank! Featuring The Piano Man Himself: Alex Thompson and CHEAP BEER SPECIALS!
Wednesday:  Trivia With Alan at 8:00pm and Half Price Bottled Wine!! ($30 Gift Card Goes to the Most Intelligent Team of the Evening) What a Bargain!
Thursday:  Sushi Night - Call (828) 288-4641 for Reservations (Recommended)
Friday: Weekend Specials TBA and Alex Thompson on Keyboard! $5.00 Martini Night!
Saturday:  Beer Tasting AND Dinner! We are Offering a Six Course Dinner and Beer Pairing for $35.00 Per Person. Dinner Starts at 7:30pm and Reservations are REQUIRED!
Sunday Brunch:  From 11:00am-2:00pm. Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar Begins at 12:00pm. NFL on the Screen and Bluegrass in the Background.  http://www.msquaredrestaurant.com/

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver Perform

Jan 15, 7PM, Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin North Carolina. Doyle Lawson takes pride in a career that's stood at the center of bluegrass and bluegrass gospel for over 40 years. This event will be recorded live. 828-524-1598or Toll Free 866-273-4615. http://www.greatmountainmusic.com/

Winter Specials in Highlands - $39 to $49

Jan 7 - 31, Mountain High Lodge, Highlands North Carolina. Rates begin as low as $39 for a double room $49 for a king room. Rustic charm, genuine hospitality, and casual elegance greet your arrival at Mountain High Lodge. Unwind in one of our comforting rooms and leave the cares of the world behind. Mountain High Lodge is located within walking distance to all festivities and shops. Wireless Internet access is available. http://www.mountainhighlodge.com/

New 'Titilatte Drink' at RagApple Lassie

January 9, RagApple Lassie Vineyards, Booneville (near Mount Airy North Carolina. Join the fun at RagApple Lassie! It's the first Saturday of the new 'Titilatte Drink' blending contest. Be the first to sample the newest drink sensation. Complete details on the website under Events.

FYI: RagApple Lassie has been GREEN long before green was cool! Check out why we think so on our website under "GREEN is our Commitment". And as another facet of green, bring your old Christmas Cards for recycling (they will be sent to the St. Jude's Children's Ranch), you will get our basic $7.00 tasting FREE! http://www.ragapplelassie.com/new/

The Fifth Annual WCU Mountain Dulcimer Week

Jan 7-10,  LAKE JUNALUSKA NC.  The Fifth Annual WCU Mountain Dulcimer Week will be held at the Terrace Hotel at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. There will be beginner, intermediate, advanced, and bowed dulcimer skills courses, Traditional American Folk Hymns, Applications for the One and Half Fret, Ear Training for Dulcimer, History of the Mountain Dulcimer, World Music Exploration, Slow Celtic Tunes, Civil War Tunes and Having Fun with Music Theory. http://www.wcu.edu/5046.asp

It's Complicated in Flat Rock

Now through Jan 14, Flat Rock Cinema, 2700 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock NC. Golden Globe nominated "It's Complicated" is held over a second week at the Flat Rock Cinema. Show times: FRI, SAT, SUN 1, 4, 7; MON-THU 4, 7. The Fat Rock Cinema is a bistro cinema, featuring great brews and guaranteed best value. Reservations are encouraged, but not required, by calling  (828) 697-2463 during our normal box office hours. http://www.flatrockcinema.com/

January Music Schedule at The Purple Onion

January 2010, The Purple Onion, Downtown Saluda NC. http://www.purpleonionsaluda.com/

9 ­  Phil & Gaye Johnson

14  Aaron Burdett

15 ­ Uptown Jazz Quartet

16 ­ Deep River

 21 ­ Shane Pruitt Band

22 ­ Trent Wagler & The Steel Wheels

23 ­ Acme Living Room Orchestra

28 ­ Valorie Miller

30 ­ The Smokey Joe Show

Save on Specialty Tours

Jan 4 - March 26, Biltmore, Asheville NC. Bring your ticket or playbill from a participating local performing arts venue to Biltmore and receive your choice of either a Free Audio Tour or a Buy One Get One Free Specialty Tour, with the purchase of a Biltmore adult daytime admissions ticket. Learn More...    http://www.biltmore.com/visit/current_offers.asp

MYP Martin Luther King Ski Weekend!

Jan 15-18, Lake Junaluska NC. MYP at Lake Junaluska will have Unspoken and 21:03 in concert MLK weekend. Olu Brown, pastor of Impact Church in Atlanta, Ga. (www.impactdcd.org) will be our speaker. Unspoken: The eclectic blend of ethnicity and musical background among the members of Unspoken has combined to create one of the most unique sounds in music today. 21:03: Unlike the scores of teenage heartthrobs before them, this group is cut from an entirely different mold. Total Attention, their head-turning second album, proves that their rise to the top rungs of faith-based R&B wasn't manufactured, but was a direct result of their rock-solid foundation and exponential growth as artists, performers, and ministers. Come join us MLK weekend for some awesome worship & relevant preaching! http://myp.lakejunaluska.com/