4th of July Weekend Event: Independence Day Events at Chimney Rock Park

July 1 - 4    4th of July Independence Day Events at Chimney Rock Park   July 2-4, 11-4pm, bring your kids for a free climb on the climbing tower in the Meadows. $5 Hot Dog Meal Special from the "Rolling Rock". Appalachian Mountains native and craft artist Nora Mosrie will be giving demonstrations on corn husk, paper and natural materials crafting. Picnic, hike, rock climb, or check out Grady (the resident groundhog) and his live friends at Grady’s Discovery Den.
CHIMNEY ROCK PARK is named for the Chimney Rock, a 500 million-year-old giant granite monolith overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge. Visitors are awed by the breathtaking view that spreads 1200 vertical feet beneath them and 75 miles across the Carolinas. The state- owned park, located in Chimney Rock North Carolina, encompasses 1,000 acres, including the Chimney itself and Hickory Nut Falls. Chimney Rock Park is the natural fulfillment of your trip to the mountains. The Park, located 25 miles southeast of Asheville North Carolina, offers the best of the mountains in one place: spectacular long range mountain views, hiking trails for all ages, a 404-foot waterfall, and variety of special events throughout the year.

4th of July Event: Fireworks Extravaganza at Tweetsie Railroad

July 4  Fireworks Extravaganza at Tweetsie Railroad.  Celebrate Independence Day - and Tweetsie’s 54th birthday! - with family-friendly fun and engine #12 at Tweetsie Railroad Theme Park.  Watch as the High Country sky is illuminated with a dazzling fireworks display, and this year promises to be better than ever.

The park will remain open until 9:00 p.m. with an optional Chuck Wagon Dinner in the Hacienda from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm and fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m.

Parking is $5 per vehicle. Golden Rail Season Pass holders park for free!  This is typically the most well-attended and most spectacular fireworks display in the High Country.  Tweetsie Railroad is located at 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane in Blowing Rock NC.

4th of July Event: Watch FIreworks from a boat on Lake Lure

Get the "best seat in the house" for this year's spectacular Lake Lure Fireworks Display. Lake Lure Tours, Inc. is taking reservations for seating on their tour boats to watch the fireworks on the lake Monday, July 4th. Boats will depart at 8pm on Monday, July 4th and will return to the Marina around 10:30pm. Each seat is $25.00 and we will accept reservations up until 6:00pm on the day of the fireworks event.

The Beach at Lake Lure will close at 6:00pm, but will reopen for fireworks at 8:00pm. There will be no swimming once the beach reopens, but there will be concessions available. To make your reservation or get additional information, call (877) 386-4255 or (828) 625-1373.

4th of July Weekend Event: Freedom Festival Arts & Crafts Show

July 2 - 3   Freedom Festival Arts & Crafts Show   The Blue Ridge Artists and Crafters Association, a local nonprofit crafters group located in Haywood County, is sponsoring the Freedom Festival Arts & Crafts Show.  9 AM - 5 PM  Saturday and Sunday.  One of the longest-running shows in the area, the Freedom Festival is an indoor show with approximately 50 crafters, free parking, free admission, and food available.The Festival is held on the Haywood County Fairgrounds, 758 Crabtree Road in Waynesville NC.

4th of July Getaway in Sapphire Valley-Cashiers area

Welcome to the Hampton Inn and Suites - Your Private Mountain Retreat where you will enjoy beautiful and comfortable rooms and suites with modern convenience in a quaint mountain setting. Amenities include: Choice of (as available at time of booking) Standard king or queen rooms, as well as king and queen studios and suites with microwave and mini-fridge. 

All rooms have free wireless Internet access, coffeemaker, hairdryer, iron and ironing board. Complimentary hot breakfast and beverages; indoor pool; fitness room; Business Center and meeting facilities; mountain views! Activity Packages available.

Hike the area's many trails and see incredible views and wondrous waterfalls throughout "The Land of Waterfalls".  Go gem-mining, horseback riding or simply visit one of our fine antique or art dealers, or any of the other businesses in the charming area towns. The Ski Sapphire snow ski resort is also nearby.  10% discount for AARP and AAA!
Hampton Inn and Suites- Sapphire Valley

NC 4th of July Event: the Legend of Tom Dooley live Performance

June 30 - July 3   Tom Dooley: A Wilkes County Legend   The Wilkes Playmakers puts on "Tom Dooley: A Wilkes County Legend" each year to commemorate the local folk legend. Tom "Dooley" Dula was a former confederate soldier imprisoned as authorities searched for the truth. Dula was later tried, convicted, and hanged for the murder. Years later, he still is getting recognition with The Kingston Trio song "Hang Down Your Head Tom Dooley"  and interest from history buffs. Ticket sales begin May 1st. Wilkesboro NC

4th of July Weekend Event: Cashiers Mountain Music Festival

July  2 - 3   3rd Annual "Cashiers Mountain Music Festival"  This special event has quickly become one of the most popular music festivals in the Southeast.  This year nationally known and regionally loved Balsam Range will be the headlining act for day one  while NC bluegrass legend Doc Watson will close out the festival on day two, accompanied by David Holt.
In addition to the top-notch performances everyone will enjoy, there will be delicious food and beverages available, a kids zone, a car show, a vendor area for local area merchants to display and sell their wares, and an arts and crafts show.As always, a fireworks display will mark the end of the festival after Watson’s Sunday night performance with the spectacular display.

Purchase tickets online by July 1 and save $5.00 over the regular gate admission. Click here for a complete schedule.

Summer Stay and Play Special in Lake Toxaway

Stay 3 or more nights through August 31 and receive either a Free tubing trip for 2 at Headwaters Outfitters, or,  receive a $40 credit to Earthshine towards zipline, high ropes or wall climb.  Choose from 5 cabins on  a private nature setting of 7 acres with nature trails, waterfall pond, creek. Fully equipped kitchens, AC, gas fireplaces and private porches.
Each cabin has a  nature-themed decor and all are appointed with unique antiques suitable to the rustic surroundings.   Cabins at Seven Foxes

The  cabins are located  in Lake Toxaway, "the Land of the Waterfalls", near Cashiers, Sapphire Valley, Brevard and Highlands - a cool place to beat the summer heat!

NC 4th of July Event: Maggie Valley's Annual Red, White and Boom

July 1 - 4   Red, White and Boom in Maggie Valley NC.  Grab the  blankets and chairs and head to the Maggie Valley Fairgrounds for this annual celebration! Enjoy a weekend of family fun, games, food and live entertainment with a dazzling display of fireworks launched over the festival grounds.

Buy tickets online HERE.  Find a Full Assortment of Amusement Rides including 14 Mechanical rides, Fun House, 30ft Caged Ferris Wheel, 100ft 3 Lane Hard Slide, Rio Grande Train Ride,  Zamperlla Hot Air Balloon Ride. 3 Inflatable Attractions:  30ft Tree House Slide, Toddler Town and Extreme Obstacle Course.

The Event includes Live Music & Entertainment Daily; MC/DJ Provided by Sound Entertainment; Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase; Craft and Food Vendors; Kids Toys and Novelty Vendors.

Fireworks displays at 9:45 PM on both Sunday, July3rd and Monday, July 4th.

Summer in the Smokies Special July rates from $79*

Enjoy this affordable resort-like Mountain Inn with Two restaurants, 27-holes of championship golf, spa services, pool, tavern, pro shop, indoor and outdoor banquet space - AND pristine mountain views. Complimentary Country Breakfast Buffet. One mile to downtown Waynesville NC.  *some restrictions apply, check for details.

The Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa

 

Asheville's Family Farm Tour takes you Back to the Farm

June 25 - 26   Asheville hosts  The Family Farm Tour   For one weekend every summer, the gates and barns of 41 WNC farms open to the public for the Family Farm Tour. The Tour includes many  farms that don’t normally allow visitors.

To access the Tour you purchase  an ADMISSION BUTTON which admits your vehicle and all its occupants for one price during the two-day self-guided driving tour. Learn how food grows, taste farm-fresh treats, interact with farm animals and meet the community’s food producers. The Family Farm Tour is coordinated by Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP).

For the 2011 Tour, ASAP has created a Family Farm Tour Photo Contest. Take your camera with you on the tour. That stunning image you capture could win one of three top Photo Contest prizes: a day pass to Biltmore and $15 in Asheville City Market Bucks. Read how to enter your photos on the Photo Contest page.

Pow Wow in Cherokee includes Dancing Competition

June 24 - 26   36th Annual Cherokee Pow Wow  This annual event includes three days of authentic Indian dancing, drumming and tribal regalia. Experience a colorful expression of energy and reverence as people of all ages from across the country gather to watch and participate. Cherokee culture is brought to life in ancient Cherokee legends, history, traditions, songs, dances, ceremonies and fascinating period regalia.

Voted a Top 20 Event by Southeastern Tourism Society 2009. Gates open at 5 p.m. Friday, 12 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Friday and Sunday admission is $5 per person; Saturday is $10, children under 6 free. Grand entries are at 7 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. Sunday.Held at the Acquoni Expo Center, 1501 Acquoni Road in Cherokee NC

3rd Annual Taste of Downtown Sylva this weekend

June 25   3rd Annual Taste of Downtown Sylva  takes place from 2 PM - 5 PM.   Enjoy a stroll through Downtown Sylva tasting delectable samples of food from Sylva's great restaurants and drinking great wine from Papou's and Ales from Heinzelmannchen.  Tickets can be pre-purchased for $15 (adults) and $7 (youth ages 12 and under) at above listed participating merchants starting June 3rd. Cash or check only please. A limited number of tickets are available so reserve your ticket today.

Nantahala Cabin Available 4th of July Weekend

Nantahala cabin "The Sassafras Breeze" is still available for the fourth of July weekend. Regular rates apply with , no minimum stay required. This contemporary log cabin is only minutes away from Nantahala River Rafting and walking distance to trout fishing.

Enjoy on site hiking trails and the spacious, covered, elevated rear porch with a long range mountain view. Central H&A, locally crafted furnishings, full kitchen, W&D, flat screen satellite TV+DVD. Sleeps 6. $150 per night, $750 per week. Visit THE CABINS AT LONG BRANCH more details and photos. 

Hendersonville's Blue Note Grille Restaurant begins new menu this week

 Blue Note Grille Restaurant located at 114 N. Main Street in Hendersonville NC has announced a new menu for the Flavors of The Blue Note. The Historic Downtown Hendersonville  restaurant serves lunch and dinner plus special wine dinners and wine tastings. "After", the dessert lounge, is the perfect night spot for after dinner coffee, after dinner cocktails and decadent desserts and cheeses.

The Blue Note Grille offers the best wine and beer selection in the area and live music featuring regional and national acts and a popular open mic night. At the Blue Note, you can indulge in the extensive beer list, wines by the glass, or choose from our over 600 wines in the Shoppe and enjoy while listening to the music and enjoying the new menu:

Lunch Menu / Late Night

Soups
♪ Our own traditional Louisiana Style Gumbo. Available as Chicken and Sausage or Seafood
3.95 cup 4.75 bowl
♪ Soup du Jour. 3.25 cup 4.00 bowl

Salads
♪ Simple Salad: Organic field greens, fresh carrot, local tomatoes with a choice of Citrus Vinaigrette or Creamy Vidalia Onion Dressing. $3.95
♪ Traditional Caesar Salad: Small $3.95 Large $5.95
Add Chicken: $3.00    Add Shrimp: $4.50    Blackened Chicken: $ .25 extra
♪ Fresh Organic Baby Spinach Salad with dates, Greek feta cheese crumbles
finished with Balsamic Vinegar reduction and organic local honey. $7.95

Starters
♪ Three-Bean Hummus with roasted garlic and fresh herbs. Served with fresh bread. $4.95
♪ Warm Gouda and Pimento Cheese Dip with fresh bread. $5.95

Entrees
♪ Basic Burger. Local freshly ground beef, lettuce, tomato, onion, on a multi-grain bun. $ 9.00
♪ Dave’s Way Burger. Local freshly ground beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion,
smoked country bacon on a multi-grain roll. $ 10.00
♪ Traditional Fish and Chips. Fresh beer battered flounder filet, fried crispy
and served with homemade steak fries. $7.95
♪ Classic B.L.T. Smoked country bacon, lettuce, tomatoon freshly baked bread
with a touch of mayonnaise. $6.95
♪ Blue Note Chicken Walnut Salad: Served on freshly baked bread
or available as a salad. $ 6.50
♪ Ooey Gooey. Homemade pimiento cheese, baked on freshly baked bread
$6.00 Add bacon. $ 1.50
♪ Veggie Flat Bread Wrap. Greek Flat Bread filled with seasoned pan seared
vegetables and our own home made three bean hummus. $ 6.50
**All sandwiches are served with pasta salad or sweet potato home fries
(home fries $.25 extra)

Desserts $5.00
♪ Granny’s Cobbler of the Day
♪ Southern caramel custard
♪ Bread Pudding with spiced Rum Sauce
♪ Shot in the Dark Chocolate Mousse

Dinner Menu

Soups
♪ Our own traditional Louisiana Style Gumbo. Available as Chicken
and Sausage or Seafood  3.95 cup   4.75 bowl

♪ Soup du Jour    3.25 cup   4.00 bowl

Salads
♪ Simple Salad: Organic field greens, fresh carrot, local tomatoes with a choice of Citrus
Vinaigrette or Creamy Vidalia Onion Dressing. $3.95

♪ Traditional Caesar Salad: Small $3.95 Large $5.95
Add Chicken: $3.00   Add Shrimp: $4.50    Blackened Chicken: $ .25 extra
♪ Fresh Organic Baby Spinach Salad with dates, Greek feta cheese crumbles
finished with Balsamic Vinegar reduction and organic local honey. $7.95

Starters
♪ Pan-fried Béchamel Shrimp Cakes served with field greens finished with scallion
and white wine sauce. $3.25 cup   $4.00 bowl
♪ Three-Bean Hummus with roasted garlic and fresh herbs. Served with fresh bread. $4.95
♪ Pan-seared Beef Tips, mushrooms, peppers and onions. $6.95
♪ Grilled marinated N.C. Shrimp on Fresh Rosemary Skewers. Served with Blue Note
Layered potatoes with citrus butter sauce. $6.95
♪ Warm Gouda and Pimento Cheese Dip with fresh bread. $5.95

Entrees
♪ Chicken Picatta. Pan sautéed chicken breast with a lemon caper butter sauce. Served with
garlic herb an gel hair pasta and sautéed vegetables. $13.95
♪ Chicken Marsala. Pan sautéed chicken breast, fresh garlic and mushrooms, flamed with
Marsala wine and a touch of cream. Served with garlic and herb angel hair pasta
and sautéed vegetables. $14.95
♪ Flounder Almandine with a browned butter sauce. Served with aromatic
wild rice and vegetables. $14.95
♪ Grilled Fresh Vegetable Medley. Served over a mélange of quinoa, freshly shucked corn
and black-eyed peas. Finished with a basil infused olive oil. $10.95
♪ Grilled N.Y. Strip Steak topped with crumbled Gorgonzola Cheese. Served with
Blue Note Layered Pota toes and sautéed vegetables. $17.50
♪ Surf & Turf. Grilled petit filet mignon and grilled fresh shrimp on a rosemary skewer.
Served with Blue Note Layered Potatoes and fresh vegetables. $21.95
♪ Grilled Molasses Pork Medallions with Blue Note Layered Potatoes over
wilted spinach and caramelized onion. $10.95

Desserts $5.00
♪ Granny’s Cobbler of the Day
♪ Southern caramel custard
♪ Bread Pudding with spiced Rum Sauce
♪ Shot in the Dark Chocolate Mousse

Take a Hike: Cool Off on the Beech Mountain Trails.

You already know Beech Mountain has cool winter skiing, but did you know it's also one of the COOLEST places in the NC Mountains to escape the summer heat? There are lots of summer activities on Beech Mountain including the regular Summer Guided Hikes.
June 21 hike:  Upper and Lower Pond Creek Trail - Experienced guides explain the flora and fauna of the various seasons on hikes over some of the 23 miles of maintained trails on Beech Mountain.

Classic Cars today in Old Fort

June 19   OLD FORT   Classic Car Show   Bring your car, truck, or motorcycle to downtown Old Fort today from 1-5 PM. The event is  free and sponsored by Route 70 Cruisers.

Route 70 Cruisers is a group of car enthusiasts formed to cruise and enjoy cars with family, friends and fellow enthusiasts. The group also does fund-raising for  a variety of  charitable organizations such at the American Cancer Society and for local churches and individuals in need.

Father's Day Weekend Events: Dads can visit Chimney Rock Park Free

June 18-19  Father's Day at Chimney Rock Park  Give Dad a special memory with a visit to Chimney Rock Park - FREE with the purchase on another adult admission. Click HERE for a coupon.  Enjoy nearly 1,000 acres of scenic beauty, hike to the 404 foot tall Hickory Nut Falls and see one of the best views in Western North Carolina from the top of the Chimney Rock. 

Find more Father's Day Weekend events here

Last Minute Specials: Ashevile Cabins and Luxury Vacation Rentals

June's Sizzling Discounts from Carolina Mornings - All last minutes reservations secured and departed between June 14-30:

Black Bear Alpine Valley View Little Knotty Pine Save $25/night or $250/week (for 5 or more days)! $100 off any 5 nights! Stay 3 nights and get the 4th Free! Landmark Cabin Wilderness Haven Hidden Pond $25 off each night! Stay 4 nights and receive 1 Free! $100 off any 3 nights or more! Red Wolf Mountain Sunshine Leatherwood $100 off any 3 nights or more! $50 off a 2 night stay or $100 off a 3 night stay! $100 off any 3 night rental! Rainbow Ridge Among The Clouds Buck Horn $100 off a 4 night stay! Save $25/night or $200 for 4 or more nights! $100 off any 3 night stay!

Call 855.398.0712 to book or search more rental options.

Summer Days and Summer Nights Events at Tweetsie Railroad

Enjoy a visit from Dora the Explorer™ and her cousin Go, Diego, Go!™ June 24-26, and don’t miss Tweetsie at twilight with the theme park's new event, Cool Summer Nights, July 2, 9 and 16. The park will stay open until 9:00 PM and feature rides, live music, a chuck wagon dinner and even a special train show.

Tweetsie Railroad's  July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza will bring people from near and far to celebrate Independence Day, and  families are invited to join Barney™ as he sings and dances to his favorite songs July 15-17. Guests can truly experience the ‘dog days of summer’ when the amazing, gravity-defying K-9s in Flight Frisbee® Dogs jump, flip, catch and dive July 23-31.

Visit Tweetsie.com to purchase tickets and for more information on these and other great events this season.


June 18: March of Dimes Day at Tweetsie.  North Carolina’s first theme park and the March of Dimes are teaming up this Saturday, June 18 for a special day at Tweetsie in support of healthier lives for babies and their families. One dollar from each paid admission that day will be donated to the March of Dimes.  Direct donations can be made through the March of Dimes/Tweetsie Railroad partner web site at marchforbabies.org/tweetsie.


Download Tweetsie’s Frontier Outpost. Ready for a new addition to our 3-D paper train series? Well…this time it’s not a train! Get started today and visit Tweetsie.com to download the Frontier Outpost along with a few of Tweetsie’s famed cowboys and Indians.

TWEETSIE RAILROAD was North Carolina's first theme park and today still manages to blend fantasy, nature technology into a fun and educational experience for kids of ALL ages. Hop aboard the train and let good ol' number 12 take you on an unforgettable three-mile journey through the scenic mountains. You'll arrive transported back into the days of the Old West. The Park is located in Blowing Rock NC

Father's Day Weekend Events: Lake Lure Fireworks and Summer Celebration

June 18 - Summer activities kickoff at Lake Lure with the Begin the  Summer Celebration and Fireworks on the Beach in Lake Lure. The fun-filled evening begins with a delicious Beachside Cookout offering a variety of favorites including:Low Country Boil, Roasted Chicken or Grilled Steak with hot dogs for the kids. The Tiki Bar will be serving cold drinks, beer and wine.

Music with a DJ, dancing and family games happen continuously from 5 PM - 9PM. Enjoy an old-fashioned drive-in style movie with popcorn and hand-scooped ice cream and a bonfire marshmallow roast. The spectacular fireworks display  over Lake Lure begins at 9:20 PM. The event is open to the public and includes free parking.Treat Dad to a special night of fun!

Spend Father's Day Weekend on the Links

June 18    "Meet Me in the Smokies" Open Golf Tournament   This is the second annual "Meet Me in the Smokies" open golf tournament with a portion of the proceeds to go to the Sequoyah National Junior golf Program. Sponsored by the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce. The tournament will be held at the   Sequoyah National Golf Club   at 79 Cahons Road in Whittier NC.

Asheville Inns offer Gas Rebates and Restaurant Discounts

From May 23, 2011 through August 31, 2011  These 9  Asheville area B&Bs are providing discounts to help with the high cost of gasoline this summer. Guests will receive $15 back on any two night midweek (Sun–Thurs) booking at participating inns:A Bed of Roses
Carolina Bed & Breakfast
Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast
1889 WhiteGate Inn & Cottage
1899 Wright Inn
Beaufort House Inn
1847 Blake House Inn
The Reynold's Mansion Bed & Breakfast Inn
Honey Hill Inn & Cabins

PLUS discounts at participating restaurants. Book at the inns listed above and receive 15% off food when dining at any of these participating restaurants:
The Market Place
Avenue M
Vinnie’s Family Italian Restaurant
Fig Bistro
Cucina24
Limones
Carmel’s
Rezaz
Zambra Wine & Tapas

   Get details and check for availability HERE

Flat Rock Playhouse offers Summer Music on the Rock Concerts

June 12 - 17    Flat Rock Playhouse Music on the Rock  The Music of ABBA.  The Summer Music on the Rock Concerts offer audiences a variety of music of well-known artists performed by exceptional singers and musicians. The Flat Rock Playhouse is located at 2661 Greenville Highway in  Flat Rock  NC - just south of Hendersonville

Father's Day Brunch or Beach in Lake Lure

June 19 Treat Dad to a LAVISH Sunday Brunch at The Veranda Restaurant located just inside The 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa. The Inn is famous for its Sunday Brunch featuring breakfast items, entrees, sides, salads, appetizers, fresh-baked breads and desserts. Brunch is served every Sunday from 10:30am until 2:30pm and also features a Bloody Mary Bar from 12:00pm until 2:30pm.  The 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa is located at 2771 Memorial Highway in Lake Lure| NC.

If the Beach is more Dad's style,  spend the day at The Beach at Lake Lure and relax under the sun, float on the water, build sand castles with your children, or picnic with friends and family. Enjoy a day of simple pleasures on the Beach at Lake Lure. For a soaking good time visit the water park, a place which can bring out the kid in all of us with soaking games, a water slid, and the water wars. Admission to the water park is included in the admission price of the beach.
Adults - $8
Seniors - $7
Children (4-12) - $6
Children under 4 - no charge when accompanied by an adult. Open seven days a week from 10:00am until 6:00pm (weather permitting).

Father's Day at Biltmore - Dads Visit FREE

June 19  for  Father's Day at Biltmore bring Dad for a FREE visit to Biltmore.  Minimum purchase of one adult or youth ticket is required. Pick up Dad's free ticket at Biltmore's Reservation & Ticket Center. Save even more with an online ticket purchase: If another adult is visiting with Dad, buy their ticket online at a discount off the regular gate price.
BILTMORE is known as "America's Castle", was built in 1895 by George Vanderbuilt and is preserved and maintained today by his descendants. With interior square footage over 4 acres, 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, 43 bathrooms and an impressive collection of art and period furnishing it is one of the East's most popular attractions. Once a working dairy farm, the 8,000 acre estate now includes a winery; trails, gardens & grounds to explore; an Equestrian Center, River Bend Farm; a luxury Inn and a variety of dining venues; and the newest addition, Antler Village. Plan on spending at least one entire day or more to fully enjoy all that Biltmore has to offer.

Father's Day Golf at Asheville's Reem Creek Golf Club

Carolina Mornings' FREE Discovery Pass includes access to Reems Creek Golf Club in Asheville, a signature course epitomizing the elegance and history of true Scottish Golf. Attempt a hole-in-one under the backdrop of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains while you sharpen your skills on a variety of terrains and elevations. One tee time per night stay in any Carolina Mornings vacation rental is included.
Carolina Mornings offers 70+ Asheville NC Cabin and Luxury Vacation Rentals with amenities including mountain views, fireplaces, hot tubs, Pet Friendly and more

Cruise the Smokies this Weekend

June 10 - 12   "Cruise the Smokies" Spring Cherokee Rod Run   is the Southeast's premiere Rod Run. Take a scenic drive through the beautiful smoky mountains with more than 800 of the nation's hottest looking classic cars . The Rod Run begins at the Acqouni Expo Center, 1501 Acquoni Road in Cherokee NC.  Gates will be open from 9 AM. to 5 PM. on Friday and Saturday, and 9 AM. until noon on Sunday.


Spectator admission is $5 each day of the event and is free for children age six and under. Registration for the event is open to pre-1972 vehicles or highly modified late model vehicles. Vehicle registration is $35 at the event.  Registered vehicles are eligible to win cash prizes.

Cool off with a 5 Mile Race on Beech Mountain

June 10 - The  Cool 5 Race & Fun Run   is a 5 mile race and a 1.5 mile fun run on COOL Beech Mountain NC. The race course will be above 5000 feet in elevation. Participants will enjoy Beech's "cool" summertime temperatures while enjoying scenic vistas all along the way. There will be a Pre-Race Pasta Dinner on Friday, 5:30-8:30 PM with motivational speaker, music, games and activities for the family.

Arts and Crafts in the Mountains this Week

Summer activities in the NC mountains are in full swing now and that includes one of mountains' favorite natural resources: local art and craft. Outdoor festivals, gallery shows and art walks offer visitors the opportunity to see the remarkable creativity and hand work or 100s of mountain artisans. Purchase fine art or mountain crafts and take a part of the beautiful western North Carolina mountain back home with you!

June 10 -   BREVARD NC Transylvania County Handcrafter's Guild Show Locally handcrafted artwork on display and for sale under the big tent at Brevard College.

June 10 - WEST JEFFERSON NC  West Jefferson Gallery Crawl  Over a dozen galleries in historic downtown West Jefferson participate in the 11th Annual Gallery Crawl. Extended gallery hours are from 5:00 - 8:00 PM

June 10 - July 2 WEST JEFFERSON NC  Shadow of the Hills Art Exhibit The annual member exhibit by the Blue Ridge Art Clan is featured in The Gallery of the Ashe Arts Center. The show will feature the work of over two-dozen local painters with the artists’ reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday evening, June 10 in conjunction with the first Gallery Crawl of the season.
June 10 and 11 -  TRYON NC   The Foothills Craft Fair at the Blue Ridge Barbecue and Music Festival. A juried fine arts and crafts festival along the banks of the Pacolet River during the annual Blue Ridge Barbecue Festival. The popular show is attended by 15,000 - 20,000 visitors each year.

June 10 - 12  in SPRUCE PINE, BURNSVILLE NC Toe River Arts Council Studio Tour Various studios across Yancey are open Friday From 12-4 and Saturday 10-6. Reception on Friday from 5 to 7 at the Spruce Pine Toe River Arts Council Gallery.

June 11 in WAYNESVILLE NC   Appalachian Lifestyle Celebration Protecting and preserving mountain history through a heritage themed festival. A full day celebration of traditional mountain craft, food, and entertainment. Demonstrations of Appalachian life skills & crafts, storytelling, mountain music & clogging, home-style food vendors. 10am–5pm Main Street.
June 11 in  BLOWING ROCK NC   Art in the Park  Begun in 1962 Art in the Park now includes over 90 artisans at each juried show. Art in the Park’s high standards and professional jury attract artisans from all over the Southeast to exhibit in a series of six shows, May through October. The quality of work exhibited draws thousands to the mountains each month.

June 11 in  BRASSTOWN NC   Gala and Benefit Art Auction will be held at the John C Campbell Folk School at 5:00 PM. This special evening will give attendees the opportunity to support the Folk School by bidding on pieces of art and craft of the highest quality. Attendees will also enjoy delicious Southern fare, drinks, and live music as they peruse the sundry items available for the bidding.

June 11 in OLD FORT NC   Turtle Island Pottery Open House A Full house of individually handcrafted functional wares, art pottery and sculptures. Turtle Island Pottery is located off Bat Cave Road in Old Fort.


June 11 - 12 in  ASHEVILLE NC   River Arts District Studio Stroll  More than 140 working artists open their studios to the public for two days of festivities. Painters, potters, sculptors, weavers, photographers, jewelers, woodworkers, great food & more......all in revitalized old factories and warehouses along the French Broad River, just minutes from downtown

For additional information about Arts and Crafts in the NC Mountains click here

Equestrian Events: Tryon and Blowing Rock Horse Shows

June 8 - 12    83rd Annual Tryon Riding & Hunt Club Horse Show  Bring a picnic with your lawn chair and enjoy fresh summer breezes while watching some of the finest equestrian competition in the area. Held at The Foothills Equestrian Center, 3381 Hunting Country Road in  Tryon NC.

June 9 - 12   Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show - Saddlebred   One of the oldest horse show events in the country and a Blowing Rock tradition since 1923. Come and see the Glitz and Glamour, the Chrome and Polish, of the fancy, high stepping American Saddlebred! Held at the Blowing Rock Equestrian Preserve, 1500 Laurel Lane in Blowing Rock NC. 

What's better than Dinner and a Movie?

The answer is: An Appalachian Evening and an Appalachian Dinner.  And you can get both at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center. The Center's Appalachian Evening series begins for the season on June 25. The popular  summer concert series offers an ever-changing schedule of bluegrass, folk and old-time mountain music by award-winning artists - quality entertainment for the entire family in the historic Stecoah auditorium, rich in cultural heritage.

Enjoy an Appalachian Dinner prior to the show with omplete dinners served family style at two seatings — 5:00 and 6:15 pm — in the Stecoah dining room. Dinner features the down-home goodness of traditional Southern Appalachian mountain cuisine, using the freshest local produce available. Reservations required. Lighter fare is also available in the main building.
An Appalachian Evening  and Dinner continues to be a favorite with locals and visitors alike. For more information on 2011 performers, check out the calendar of events. Printable AAE schedule.  Tickets are on sale now. Purchase at the Center, by phone or order online. Tickets for individual performaces can be purchased here. For season tickets, go here.