Brevard Music Center Monday Concert Series

October 3 at 1:30 PM The Brevard Music Center will open the 2011-12 season of its First Mondays concert series featuring artist faculty from the Brevard Music Center.  Concerts are held at the First United Methodist Church of Brevard located at 325 N. Broad Street on the first Monday of each month (except January) through May. The concerts are free and open to the public as a way of sharing music with the community throughout the year.

The concert October 3 features violinist J. Patrick Rafferty and guitarist Stephen Mattingly. The duo will present works by J.S. Bach, Manuel deFalla, Maurice Ravel, and others. J. Patrick Rafferty has been hailed for his "exciting performances" and his "subtle and imaginative ideas about the music." Rafferty's solo credits include concerto performances with the symphony orchestras of Milwaukee, Dallas, Cincinnati, and St. Louis. Mr. Rafferty served as Concertmaster of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Associate Concertmaster of the Dallas Symphony, and Concertmaster of the Dallas Bach and Fine Arts Orchestras. As recitalist and chamber musician, Rafferty has performed in New York, Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and many other cities. Mr. Rafferty is currently Associate Professor of Violin at the University of Louisville and a member of the artist faculty of the Brevard Music Center, where he is concertmaster of the Brevard Music Center Orchestra.

Guitarist Stephen Mattingly has been warmly received by audiences throughout North America and Europe as a soloist and with the Tantalus Quartet. His recording of Franz Schubert’s guitar chamber music was released under the auspices of the Presser Foundation. In addition to his performing career, Stephen is the Director of Classical Guitar Studies at the University of Louisville. Mattingly earned degrees from the Eastman School of Music, the Hochschule für Musik in Dortmund, Germany, and Florida State University, where he completed a Doctorate in Music and was a Visiting Adjunct Professor. Since 2010 Stephen has served as President of the Louisville Guitar Society.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to Beech Mountain and the Autumn at OZ Party

October 1-2    Autumn at OZ Party  - A nostalgic tour of our Land of Oz. Walk down the yellow brick road, visiting all the characters in the Wizard of Oz. Music, food, and crafts are also along your way. Guests are encouraged to wear something "Ozzie" and bring their photos and treasures to add to the event.

The yellow brick road encircles the two pinnacles of Beech Mountain at elevations to 5506 feet. A limited number of tickets will be offered and are available on line at www.autumnatoz.com. Group discount tickets available for 15 or more people, Sunday October 2.  Beech Mountain NC

A Weekend full of Arts and Crafts in the NC Mountains

Oct 30 - Oct 1 NORTH WILKESBORO Brushy Mountain Apple Jam  -  A large variety of arts & crafts, food and entertainment. Friday: starts at 6pm; Saturday: 9am-5pm. Live entertainment at the corner of 10th and Main Streets. Sponsored annually by the ...read more

Oct 1 - BLOWING ROCK Grand Opening of the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum  -  The Blowing Rock Art and History Musem will be opening its doors to the public at 10 AM. on October 1, 2011. with a ribbon cutting. At 10:30 a Guided Tour kicks off the day's ...read more

Oct 1  - BLOWING ROCK   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 ...read more


Oct 1 - ASHEVILLE Asheville Downtown Galleries Walk - Take a self-guided tour and explore the diversity of art in downtown ...read more

Oct 1 - OLD FORT ArtsMart -  Locally created arts and crafts displayed inside the historic Old Fort Depot. Stop by to chat with the creators of these one of a kind items while you shop for yourself, family or friends. Something for everyone including ...read more

Oct 1 - BREVARD Forest Festival Day   - More than 50 traditional craftsmen, exhibitors and entertainers gather at the Cradle of Forestry to celebrate our forests and forest heritage. Highlights include: live music, wood carvers, weavers, blacksmith, and a John G. Palmer Intercollegiate Woodsmen’s Meet. This lumberjack-style event is ...read more


Oct 1 -  MARION Mountain Glory Quilter's Show   - Annual show by Mountain Glory Quilter's Guild featuring quilts for sale and show. Heritage Festival Mountain Arts and crafts; Traditional mountain music, craft demonstrations; food and ...read more


Oct 1 - MARS HILL Heritage Festival - Downtown Mars Hill and the Mars Hill College Campus hosts Mountain Arts and crafts; Traditional mountain music, craft demonstrations; food and ...read more


Oct 1 - WAYNESVILLE   Art After Dark  -  Stroll downtown Waynesville's many galleries and art studios the first Friday of each month, May thru December. Watch demonstrations and enjoy artist receptions, music and ...read more

Oct 1-2  - WAYNESVILLE  Haywood Open Studios Tour and Gallery Exhibit  - The 6th Annual Haywood Open Studios Tour encourages participants to visit studios throughout Haywood County, introducing them to the wide range of artists and craftsmen who work and live in our mountain community. A Gallery 86 exhibit features artwork of each participating artist. FREE EVENT


Oct 1-2  - BRASSTOWN Fall Festival at the John C Campbell Folk School  - is one of the largest and most popular events of its type in the region, Fall Festival is a celebration of our rich Appalachian heritage. Fine craft, craft-making demonstrations, music and dance performances, kids' activities, tasty food, and a visit to the school's Craft Shop and History Center make Fall Festival a great way to  ...read more.


Oct 1-2 HENDERSONVILLE Art on Main  -Art on Main is a fine arts/fine crafts show held in Historic Downtown Hendersonville. Downtown is transformed into a giant outdoor art gallery featuring the finest artists & artisans from the southeast. Art on Main attracts ...read more

Mountain Spirits: Wine and Beer this week, September 29

September 30, 4 Pm - 7 PM Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100 in Asheville NC. Brown Ales, Perfect for the changing seasons: Bell's Best Brown - A smooth, toasty brown ale, Best Brown Ale is a mainstay in our fall & winter lineup.; Duck Rabbit Brown - An American brown ale brewed with loads of hops from start to finish (it’s hoppy and beautifully bitter).; Avery Ellie's Brown - This beautiful, deep russet brew has the sweet and somewhat nutty character of Barrett's shop dog and best friend, for which it is named. October 1, 3 PM - 6 PM Free Wine Tasting: Gouguenheim Wines by Valle Escondido Mendoza, Argentina: Gouguenheim Cabernet Sauvignon 2009- The Gouguenheim wines from Mendoza, Argentina are some of our best selling wines in the shop; Gouguenheim Syrah 2008 - Another reason for the success of Mendoza as a region is the extreme temperature shift from day to night, and the late onset of winter;

September 30, 4 PM - 7 PM at Table Wine, 1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102, AAA Travel Center in Asheville NC. Friday Winedown -  Seven 90+ point rated wines with an average cost of about $17/bottle. See you at the tasting bar, and special guest Mike Kolker will be in-house to help  pour. $5 per person, free to Grape Nuts. Oct 1, 2 PM - 5 PM - Free wine tasting of 4 new wines at Table Wine every Saturday.

October 1, 3 PM - 8 PM at Appalachian Vintner, 2-B Huntsman Place in Asheville NC - Asheville's "Best" Wine and Beer Tasting: (FREE) Elizabeth Spencer Special Cuvée Mendocino Sauvignon Blanc- This certified organic Sauvignon Blanc is so balanced it will make your head spin! Spencer Graham and his wife Elizabeth are both wine industry buffs; Hamilton Russell Vineyards Hemel-En-Aarde Valley Chardonnay- Hamilton Russell Vineyards, one of the most southerly wine Estates in Africa and one of the closest to the sea; 06' Maison Louis Jadot Vosne-Romanée- Not from the greatest producer, not from the greatest vintage, but from one of the greatest vineyards in all of Burgundy, if not all of France; Corrina Rayment Expatriate Shiraz- Expatriate Shiraz was sourced from 65 year old vines yielding a meager 1 ton per acre of fruit; 05' Domaine Albert Mann Riesling Grand Cru Schlossberg- From the importer- “Aromas of baked apple, candied lime peel, honey, and brown spices mark the 2005 Riesling Schlossberg more of its vintage than its variety or site. Appalachian Vintner will be closed next Saturday, October 8th in honor of Charles' marriage to his lovely fiancé Michelle.

October 1 , 11 AM -  5 PM at Falderal Winery, 131 3rd Ave, Hendersonville NC. A rotating selection of wines, all made on the premises.

Sept 30, 6 PM at The Classic Wineseller, 30 church Street, Waynesville NC. Friday Night Live - Live music and wine. Oct 5 from 5:30- to 7:30, WOW - Wine on Wednesday:  5 wines plus hors d'oeurves. $8.00

October 1  at 7 PM  Asheville Wine Market, 65 Biltmore Ave, Asheville NC.  Join Tim Peters of Empire Distributing for an informative tasting of four autumnal wine selections. Four wines from producers that own their own vineyards: 2010 Caposaldo Pinot Grigio; Veneto, Italy; 2010 Peter Lehmann Layers White, Adelaide, Australia; 2009 Caposaldo Chianti DOCG, Tuscany, Italy ; 2008 Peter Lehmann Shiraz; Barossa Valley, Australia. Special tasting prices: 10% off the bottle and 15% off by the case, mix or match unless already discounted via a special price or sale price.

September 30, 6 PM - 8 PM, at Divine Wine, 1011 Tunnel Road East Asheville NC . Friday Wine Tastings - complimentary tastes of special wines and beer, along with an assortment of hors d’oeuvres. Each week we celebrate with a different theme and a few surprises.


September 30, 4 PM - 7 PM LaBouteille, 10 N Trade St, Suite A Tyon NC - Complimentary Wine Tastings every Friday. The last Saturday of each month 3-5 pm is a 10 beers for $10 beer tasting. Bring a dish of food to share.

October 1  RagApple Lassie, 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane Boonville NC -  Be wowed by Nita B & Bucky Jazzy Blues Duo, playing and singing the blues of Mississippi, New Orleans, and Harlem's Cotton Club. Noon to Six.  And remember, The Back Door Café serves lunch each Saturday and Sunday from Noon to Four!!

October 1,  2 PM - 5 PM  The Wine Guy, 555 Merimon Ave and 1200 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville NC. FREE Saturday tastings are a great way to sample new favorites in a casual setting. Every week we sample 4 to 6 new wines. Light hors d’ oeuvres will be served and all wines poured will be specially priced.


October 1,   12 PM - 5 PM at  Vino Vino Wine Market, 178 Weaverville Rd., Asheville NC. Every Saturday anytime between 12:00 and 5:00pm enjoy a sampling of wines from around the world. A 10% discount on each of the wines we are featuring.

Tasting Rooms:

Biltmore Winery, located on the Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC.  Daily tasting and tours with Estate admission. Special events and tastings throughout the year. Enter Biltmore's Wine Sweepstakes ( until Sept 30, 2011) - for a chance to win a prize pack of NC Biltmore wines and wine accessories worth $200*

Old North State Winery, 308 North Main Street, Mount Airy NC. Hours of operation are: Monday-Wednesday 11am-6pm, Thursday-Saturday 11am-9pm, and Sunday 12pm-6pm. Sample  wines and browse the gift shop featuring wine related and gourmet gift items.

RagApple Lassie, 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane Boonville NC   Tours are "on demand" noon to six PM daily. Tastings are available noon to six PM daily and include up to 11 varieties of wine.

Calaboose Cellars, 565 Aquone Road, Andrews NC. Tasting room summer hours: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from Noon to 5:00. This week check out the "Warden's White".

Daily Tastings at Wedge Brewing Company, 125 B Roberts St. Asheville NC. Micro-brewery regular Tasting room hours: Monday - Thursday 4 PM - 10+ PM; Friday 3 PM - 10+ PM; Saturday and Sunday 2 PM - 10+ PM.

Daily Tastings at Greenman Brewery, 23 Buxton Ave., Asheville NC.  The tasting room is open seven days a week at 4 o'clock, or maybe earlier

NC Mountains Leaf Report: Grandfather Mountain advanced color at the top

It's officially fall and time to follow the progress of the incredible NC mountains leaf color. There are already noticeable changes in a variety of areas while green still dominates at 80% - 90%. in most lower elevations.

According to Howie Neufeld, Ph.D., Professor of Plant Physiology at Appalachian State University, "If I had to make a guess right now, I would predict a slightly earlier peak to the fall foliage colors this year in the mountains, with perhaps the weekend of October 7-9 being the peak in the Boone/Grandfather area, and maybe the next weekend further south around Asheville. In the Highlands/Cashiers area, you can often expect colors to peak at around the same time as in Boone, or just slightly afterward. In the Smokies, colors will peak in early October at the higher elevations, and then work their way down slope, with a delay of about 5 days for every 1,000’ drop in elevation."
Neufeld reports that on Grandfather Mountain, "color is very pronounced on the heath balds and rock outcrops. Above 4,500’ color is quite advanced, and on the eastern and lower flanks of Grandfather (the side facing the Blue Ridge Parkway) there are one or two ridges with excellent color already. You can get a great view of this from the Beacon Heights parking lot, and also on the rock outcrops at Beacon Heights (take the short trail to the top for spectacular views). Species displaying the most right now include sugar and red maples which initially turn yellow and then convert to an orange/red hue."

The leaf reports will help you determine where to go in the NC Mountains whether you are already in the mountains or just planning your trip. Western North Carolina has one of the longest leaf seasons in the country thanks to varying elevations and climate conditions.

44th Anbual Bascom Lamar Lunsford Festival this Weekend

October 1  Bascom Lamar Lunsford Festival An all-day festival celebrating music and dance traditions of the southern Appalachian mountains. The event is the second oldest folk festival in western North Carolina and was named in honor of cofounder Bascom Lamar Lunsford, a musician and folklorist who dedicated his life to collecting and promoting the music of the region.

The festival, which is now in its 44th year, features music and dance performances, jam circles, and a ballad and story swap. The daytime concert takes place on the Upper Quad of the Mars Hill College campus from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with an 11 a.m. performance by the Bailey Mountain Cloggers and a 1-3 p.m. Ballad and Story Swap. Admission to the daytime performances is free. The evening concert in Moore Auditorium begins at 7 p.m. Join us in celebrating the rich cultural traditions of the Southern Appalachians!

Star light, Star bright - how many stars can you see tonight?

September 30  Astronomy Star Party at Lake James Park.  Telescopes and binoculars provided for viewing the night sky, but bring your own if you have them. Folding chairs also recommended. Meet in the field next to campground parking lot at the Catawba River Area of Lake James State Park at 7:00 p.m. Park gates close at 8 p.m. Register by calling the park office at 828-584-7728. Free event.

Lake James State Park is located in Nebo NC, a few minutes from Marion. Get lodging and area information HERE.

NC Corn Maze: Fodder Trot Trail Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch on Sparta NC

September 10 through October 31 -   Fodder Trot Trail Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch   A 7-acre corn maze  laid out in the design of the New River. With 4 different puzzles to solve within the maze, this is a family-fun adventure.

Bring your flashlights and find your way through the maze in the dark! There is also a pumpkin patch on-site for pumpkin picking beginning in October. Hayrides, picnic areas, corn hole games, fire pits, a giant slide, concessions and much more are a part of the fun.  Open Saturdays in Sept until 7PM, in Oct until 9PM. Open  Sundays 2 PM to 6 PM.
Sparta North Carolina is located in northwest North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains between the New River and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Sparta and all of Alleghany County offers scenic vistas, an unspoiled landscape and friendly folk.  Find Sparta cabins, lodging and information here.

Brushy Mountain Apple Festival and Jam this weekend in North Wilkesboro

September 30 - October 1   Brushy Mountain Apple Festival and Jam   A large variety of arts & crafts, food and entertainment. The Apple Jam is Friday  at 6 PM, and the one-day Festival is Saturday  9 AM - 5 PM.  You'll find apples, apples and more apples form local farms. Sponsored annually by the Brushy Mountain Ruritan Club on the 1st Saturday of October since 1978.

The streets of downtown North Wilkesboro, NC are filled with over 425 arts and crafts, 100 food concessions, 4 different music stages consisting of Blue Grass, Country, Folk, Gospel, and Appalachian Heritage. Local crafts are highlighted such as woodcarving, chair making, soap making, pottery throwing, and quilting - all a part of the Applachian Heritage.  Hear the Appalachian dulcimers as you stroll the Festival and enjoy the beginning of the fall season.

Enter this year's Photo Contest, "The Snapshot Contest". Prizes to be awarded in two categories consisting of  - Color and Black & White: 1st Prize $100, 2nd Prize $ 50, 3rd Prize $ 25, 4th, 5th, and 6th Prizes $15 each. CLICK HERE for contest rules

Boat Tours in Lake James State Park

Sept 26    Wildlife of Lake James Boat Tour   Join Park Ranger Clay Veasey for an interpretive boat tour in search of wildlife along the shores of Lake James. Participants are limited and must be age 7 or older. Please call the Park Office at (828) 584-7728 to register. Suggested items to bring include water,  sunscreen, binoculars and a towel or cushion for seating. Meet at the Paddy’s Creek Area office, 2 PM

Sept 29    Lake James Canoe Excursion   Join Park Ranger Nora Coffey for a leisurely afternoon paddle along the shores of Lake James. Please bring water and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Canoes, paddles and life jackets provided. Participants limited and paddlers must be age 7 or older. Pre-registration is required. Call the park office at (828) 584-7728 and meet at the new Paddy’s Creek Area office at 5 p.m. Free.

Lake James State Park  is an NC State Park tucked away in rolling hills at the base of Linville Gorge, just outside Marion NC. Lake James is a 6,510-acre lake and  the centerpiece of Lake James State Park. Scenic vistas of the Appalachian Mountains and a variety of recreational  and educational activities are offered. 

Mountain Biking News

Bryson City Bycycles  is offering huge price reductions on the  rental fleet bikes! Stop by and see what is in stock at great prices.  And, if you want new bikes, ALL 2011 hardtails are on sale for 10% off and full suspensions for 15% off. The remaining stock of Kona Kahunas, Big Kahunas, and the 2+2, along with Marin Pioneer Trails, Pine Mountains, and Nail Trails are SUPER CHEAP. Don't expect them to last long.

Saturday, October 1st, from 7 AM - 1 PM  Bryson City Bicycle  hosts the 3rd annual Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day at Deep Creek. Call or come by to register your 6-16 year  The National Park Service will again host the event and help with rules of the park.

The event is FREE! There is a maximum of 25 spaces available, so participation will be on a first come first serve basis. Pre-registration is required. Event schedule:

9:00 am - 10:00 Check-in, helmet fitting, safety check on bikes

10:00 am - 12:00 Ride Deep Creek Trail

12:00 - 1:00:Refreshments and bicycle skill-building games

1:00Event concludes. Parents pick up participants

All participants get snacks, beverages, a goody bag and their name entered into a drawing for prizes.

Tour the Falls of Dupont Forest by bus

Septmber 24-25  Tour de Falls  Enjoy a 12 mile tour by shuttle bus to four of DuPont State Forest's spectacular sites: Triple Falls, High Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Lake Julia.
Tour de Falls offers  families or those with limited hiking abilities a chance to see the beauty of DuPont Forest and  spectacular waterfalls without the long hikes usually required to visit them. Visitors are encouraged to take short hikes to enjoy the beauty of the falls and lake, all of which provide scenic backdrops for family photos. Volunteers will be on each bus and at each stop to provide information about the history of the area and our efforts to protect the historical and natural resources within this 10,400 acre forest. Light refreshments will be available in the lodge overlooking Lake Julia, which is the last stop on the tour.

DuPont State Recreational Forest is located near Brevard, spanning both Henderson and Transylvania counties. The parking lot for the tour is located just up the road from the High Falls access area at 1300 Staton Road in Cedar Mountain, NC (N35E11.356', W082E 37.425'). Advance reservations are
not taken. A donation of $6 for ages 6 to 17 and $12 for ages 18 and up is requested by cash or check (no credit cards. Buses are not handicap-accessible. Dogs are not allowed on the buses.
The event is sponsored by Friends of DuPont Forest,  a non-profit organization working to enrich the recreational experience and preserve the natural resources in DuPont State Recreational Forest.

Mountain Spirits: Wine and Beer this week, September 22

In a proclamation praising North Carolina’s wine and grape industry, Gov. Bev Perdue has declared September 2011 as Wine Appreciation Month in North Carolina. Governor Perdue urges consumers, restaurants and retailers to help support our growing wine industry by promoting North Carolina wines throughout September. So come on by and visit any (or all) of these shops, vineyards and breweries to celebrate Wine Appreciate Month!

September 23, 4 PM - 7 PM at Table Wine, 1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102, AAA Travel Center in Asheville NC. Fundraisr for Annimal Compassion Network  - $5 gets you a taste of 5 wines that give back. The mission of the Annimal Compassion Network is to help end the euthanasia of healthy, adoptable pets in our community by finding lifelong, stable and loving homes for companion animals in need. you will have the chance to sample the 6 wines that give back all year long!  Every time we sell a bottle of one of these wines, we give 10% of the proceeds back to Animal Compassion Network.  So far, we've raised over $600 for this awesome community organization, and we hope that we can keep helping them to help the small creatures of the world.  To learn more about the wines that give back, click here.  Sept 24, 2 PM - 5 PM - Free wine tasting of 4 new wines at Table Wine every Saturday.

September 23, 5:30 Pm - 8 PM at Maggie B's Wine & Specialty Store, 113 N. Main St. Weaverville NC. Benefit Wine Tasting for Friends of Madison County Animals - a jewelry sale while we will be pouring different “animal friendly” wines to taste.  Maggie B’s will also be donating 10% of the proceeds from the wine tasting to this wonderful organization.


September 23rd , 4 PM -  8 PM at Falderal Winery, 131 3rd Ave, Hendersonville NC. We're celebrating the much-anticipated cooler weather and shorter days with a sneak peak of our new fall wines. The focus is on reds, but of course, we'll also have white and sweet options. Light hors d'oeurvres will be included and you're welcome to just come hang out, enjoy a glass or two of wine and relax (we just got a new couch and it is oh-so-comfy). Cost is $6 per person and includes 5 wines.


September 23, 4 Pm - 7 PM Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100 in Asheville NC.  Full Sail Brewing Company - Original Session - with the bright red label, is a classic all-malt pre-Prohibition style lager that reminds us of what American lagers used to taste like. It's flavorful, refreshing, and has a touch of that import-style taste. (Which, once upon a time, you didn't have to buy an "import" to get.) Oh, and it comes in a stubby, 11-oz bottle like your grandpa used to buy. Session Black - Short, Dark, and Drinkable and four time Gold Medal Winner including the 2009 GABF; Full Sail Amber Ale - Amber is a sweet, malty, medium-bodied ale with a spicy,floral hop finish.; Full Sail IPA - has a full, malty body and there’s even a hint of fresh citrus to it.  Sept 24, 3 PM - 6 PM Free Wine Tasting:   Spanish Reds (Spain's three most import grapes) - Sancho Baron Rioja 2008- We love Rioja! And you probably will too;  Honoro Vera Garnacha 2010- From the maker's of one of our favorite Spanish reds, "Juan Gil," comes this great value Garnacha; Tarima Monastrell - Also know as Mourvedre in France, Monastrell is a grape we are seeing more and more out of Spain.

Sept 23, 6 PM at The Classic Wineseller, 30 church Street, Waynesville NC. Friday Night Live - Live music and wine. September 28 from 5:30- to 7:30, WOW - Wine on Wednesday:  5 wines plus hors d'oeurves. $8.00

September 22  at 7 PM  Asheville Wine Market, 65 Biltmore Ave, Asheville NC. Wines from France’s most famous appellations. The Loire Valley, Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux and the Rhône Valley have had outstanding vintages over the last few years and we have selected only the most beguiling wines for this tasting. Wines of individuality and expression of origin will be our focus. Bread, cheese and wine- $25.00 per person.   Sept 24 -  Free Saturday Tasting: Join Jean-Philippe for an informative tasting of four of his personal selections. As a native of France, Jean-Philippe is personally and professionally committed to empowering the small estate producers of his home country - 2010 Domaine de Ballade; Côtes de Gascogne, France Ripe fig, green fruit, grapefruit and melon flavors turn to more subtle star fruit and herbal notes on the finish. From Gascogne in the southwest, to Burgundy, the Rhône Valley, and on to the Ventoux, this will be a fun tasting of four unique, small estate wines.

September 23, 6 PM - 8 PM, at Divine Wine, 1011 Tunnel Road East Asheville NC . Friday Wine Tastings - complimentary tastes of special wines and beer, along with an assortment of hors d’oeuvres. Each week we celebrate with a different theme and a few surprises.


September 23, 4 PM - 7 PM LaBouteille, 10 N Trade St, Suite A Tyon NC - Complimentary Wine Tastings every Friday. The last Saturday of each month 3-5 pm is a 10 beers for $10 beer tasting. Bring a dish of food to share.

September 24 RagApple Lassie, 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane Boonville NC - Enjoy the music of popular band, Mood SwingZ, playing everything from the old vocal Jazz classics to the always popular beach tunes to classic pop – Noon to Sixl And remember, The Back Door Café serves lunch each Saturday and Sunday from Noon to Four!!

September 24, 9 AM - 6PM  Round Peak Vineyard, 765 Round Peak Church Road, Mount Airy NC.  2nd Annual Harvest Festival  - Help the Round Peak staff pick grapes then make wine! A great chance to see every aspect of the harvest, from picking grapes to de-stemming, crushing, and adding the yeast to the must. Help us start picking at 9 am, and we’ll be done in time to have lunch and taste wines.


September 24,  2 PM - 5 PM  The Wine Guy, 555 Merimon Ave and 1200 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville NC. FREE Saturday tastings are a great way to sample new favorites in a casual setting. Every week we sample 4 to 6 new wines. Light hors d’ oeuvres will be served and all wines poured will be specially priced.


September 24,   12 PM - 5 PM at  Vino Vino Wine Market, 178 Weaverville Rd., Asheville NC. Every Saturday anytime between 12:00 and 5:00pm enjoy a sampling of wines from around the world. A 10% discount on each of the wines we are featuring.

Tasting Rooms:

 

Biltmore Winery, located on the Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC.  Daily tasting and tours with Estate admission. Special events and tastings throughout the year. Enter Biltmore's Wine Sweepstakes ( until Sept 30, 2011) - for a chance to win a prize pack of NC Biltmore wines and wine accessories worth $200*

Old North State Winery, 308 North Main Street, Mount Airy NC. Hours of operation are: Monday-Wednesday 11am-6pm, Thursday-Saturday 11am-9pm, and Sunday 12pm-6pm. Sample  wines and browse the gift shop featuring wine related and gourmet gift items.

RagApple Lassie, 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane Boonville NC   Tours are "on demand" noon to six PM daily. Tastings are available noon to six PM daily and include up to 11 varieties of wine.

Calaboose Cellars, 565 Aquone Road, Andrews NC. Tasting room summer hours: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from Noon to 5:00. This week check out the "Warden's White".

Daily Tastings at Wedge Brewing Company, 125 B Roberts St. Asheville NC. Micro-brewery regular Tasting room hours: Monday - Thursday 4 PM - 10+ PM; Friday 3 PM - 10+ PM; Saturday and Sunday 2 PM - 10+ PM.

Daily Tastings at Greenman Brewery, 23 Buxton Ave., Asheville NC.  The tasting room is open seven days a week at 4 o'clock, or maybe earlier

NC Arboretum hosts Heritage Crafts Celebration

Sept 24-25  Heritage Crafts Weekend The North Carolina Arboretum celebrates Southern Appalachian traditions during Heritage Crafts Weekend. The event, now in its fifth year, features craft demonstrations, plant sales and musical performances in the Heritage Garden, Baker Exhibit Center and Education Center.
Vitally important to the region’s craft heritage is the close relationship between crafts and the plants used in their production. Much of the fiber, color and artistic expression of mountain craft arises from the character and nature of plants.

The Arboretum's Heritage Garden showcases plants used in the multi-million-dollar craft industry of Western North Carolina, including those used for handmade paper and brooms, baskets and dyes. Visitors can explore the many plants that support crafts, understand how they are grown, prepared and used, and appreciate their value to the industry.

Turn Back the Clocks with Old time fun, Mountain Style this weekend

September 24    Todd Timber Town Day   Set your clocks back 90 years as the village of Todd steps back to a time when the valley was a boomtown piled high with lumber, populated by lumberjacks and filled with the dirty cinders from the coal-fired Virginia-Carolina Railroad. Events include tours led by guides in period costume from the 1920s as well as authentic, unplugged mountain music from the era. Todd, NC

September 24    Curb Market and Old-timey Day   The Henderson County Curb Market is the South's most unique Curb Market. This special event includes music, sausage & ham biscuits cooked on a old timey wood stove, antique displays and more. All items sold at the market must be either handmade or locally grown Henderson County. Hendersonville NC

September 24     Old Timey Fall Festival  A Fall Festival to honor, preserve, protect, display, educate and share the rich Yancey County culture, history and heritage. An antique tractor/car/truck parade kicks off a day of music & entertainment, arts & crafts, Old Timey demonstrations, food & drinks, games & activities, wagon rides, and more. Burnsville NC

Hop Aboard the Great Pumpkin Patch Express

All Aboard for the 5th Annual PEANUTS™ Pumpkin Patch Express. Returning to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for 2011! The excursions, which are themed after Charles M. Schulz's classic story "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," will be departing from the Bryson City Depot.

DEPARTURES:

October 7-9, 14-16, 21-23 & 28-30

• Fridays at 3:00pm Departures
• Saturdays & Sundays at 11:30am and 3:00pm departures

Guests will hear a narration of Schulz's "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" as the train travels to the Pumpkin Patch. Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted and have a photo opportunity with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. Activities to enjoy at the Great Pumpkin Patch will include: campfire marshmallows, a coloring station, temporary tattoos, trick-or-treating, bouncy house, giant slide, hayrides and live musical entertainment. Don't forget to wear your Halloween costumes! Each child will also select their own pumpkin from The Great Pumpkin Patch to take home.

• Crown Coach Class*: $66 Adults, $38 Children     (ages 2-12) under 2 ride at $10.00.  *Includes Climate Controlled, Souvineir Tumbler with FREE refills on beverages ALL DAY and a light snack item.
• Coach Class: $53 Adults, $31 Children (ages 2-12) under 2 ride complimentary.

BOOK NOW ONLINE!  

or Call 800-872-4681 for more information and reservations.

*All ticket fares subject to 4% Historical Preservation Fee
New in 2011 we're working with local merchants & restaurants to include valuable money saving coupons.  Each family attending the Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Event will receive a grab bag of goodies and coupons valid thru 12/31/2012.

Special offer for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: Available for Pumpkin Patch reservations booked prior to September 23, 2011.

Purchase 4 Pumpkin Patch tickets for any date during the month of October 2011 and receive 2 FREE excursion ticket vouchers for the Nantahala Gorge Excursion valid January 14, 2012 to March 31, 2012.

ONLINE BOOKINGS ONLY PROMO CODE: PUMPKIN2

Nantahala River Whitwater Rafting Enthusiasts Party

September 23-25     Guest Appreciation Festival   at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)  This is considered the grandaddy of all rafting and outdoor gear sales along with  the party that brings together outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes to share friendships and rafting adventures. There's a packed entertainment schedule featuring live music and even storytelling, paddling club events, the gear swap and paddling video shows. If you love the Nantahala River, whitewater rafting, kayaking and the great ourtdoors,  this is THE place to be!

Need lodging in the Bryson City NC area?
Check out these great cabins and mountain Inns  near the Nantahala River:

Mountain Vista Smokies Cabin - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 6. Beautiful mountain view, fireplace, deck with charcoal grill, hammock, media center. $100-$120 night, $650 week. Get availability and details

Cozy mountain view cottage - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 9. Rustic feel with modern amenities. Covered porch and deck with great mountain views and gas grill. Stone fireplace and fully equipped. $105 - $160 night, $735 - $935 week.         details and availability


Mountaintop cabin with great views - 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 6. Hot tub, loft with pool table, HDTV, fireplace, massive window to enjoy the great view, Internet, Pet Friendly. $150 - $190 night, &900 - $1140 week.
                                       Find availability and details



Make memories in this pet-friendly cabin - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 8. Hot tub, fireplace, community playground. Close to white water rafting and Nantahala river activities.           Check rates and availability


Sleep Inn Bryson City - guest rooms include coffee makers, hair dryers, irons, ironing boards , WIFI and cable television with free HBO. Complimentary continental breakfast, seasonal outdoor pool, coffee and tea. Great location in the heart of Smoky Mountains Attractions.
                                   Get current rates and dates


Hemlock Inn Bed and Breakfast - 22 guest rooms and 3 cabins. Complimentary full family-style breakfast. Rustic mountain lodge with wonderful mountain views. Dinner optional. Gift shop, wedding facilities.
                                     Get rates and availability

Remember September: Discounts and Deals on cabins, mountain inns

Temperatures have dropped and the beginnings of the fall leaf color can be seen in the North Carolina mountains. September is a great time for a visit to the mountains and many cabins and mountain inns are offering specials:

September Special - 10% off!

Creekside Adirondack Chalet Log home fishing retreat. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 8. Huge stone fireplace, creekside trout fishing,  pool table, sauna bath house, deck with grill, WIFI, video games. $125 night, $750 week      Check availability and pictures          Hayesville 

September Special - $72 Deluxe Queen; $82 Preferred King Suite

(Sunday - Thursday).  Newly renovated, locally owned and operated. Guest rooms and suites some with jacuzzi tub, fridge, microwave. Rates includes hot breakfast and WIFI. Pet friendly and some smoking rooms.   Mountain Inn and Suites in Flat Rock NC      Get lowest current rates

Fall and Winter Special - $540 per week* 

2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, sleeps up to 6. Community amenities include lake, canoe, picnic area. Screened porch, fireplace, gas grill.  *see restrictions and details of special offer.  Lake Lure area    Check details and availability

September Special -  $85 night, $600 week.

3 bedrooms 2 baths, sleeps up to 8.  Wonderful mountain views, game room with air hockey, fireplace, large deck.  2 acres, easy access. Murphy NC  Get details 

Find more specials and discounts, including Military discounts HERE

Mountain Heritage Festivals this weekend

Sept 16-18 in BRYSON CITY the 10th Annual Railfest   A celebration of Railroading in North Carolina and preservation of Mountain History. Ride on a visiting steam locomotive! Listen to a wonderful blend of Bluegrass and Folk Music and enjoy the Mountain Craft Fair, Children's talent competition and 20 + vendors. The visiting locomotive Lehigh Valley Coal Co. engine # 126 will be providing special Caboose train rides throughout the weekend.

Sept 17 in  YADKINVILLE (near North Wilkesboro)   35th Annual Yadkin Valley Harvest Festival  All-day family festival featuring live music - country, rock, gospel, bluegrass and pop - on two stages, agricultural displays, a farmers' market, artist demonstrations, blue ribbon competitions, a petting zoo and relay races for the kids, art, crafts and food vendors, carriage rides and more. Don't miss the popular Yadkin "Idol" competition!

Sept 17 in SPARTA  the  17th Annual Mountain Heritage Festival Craft and food vendors line Main Street in celebration of mountain heritage in craft and music. This year's entertainment features Wayne Henderson and Helen White. With demonstrations of the skills of local ancestors and music that mixes local heritage with modern influences, there is something for everyone. Dancers and the Possom Queen contest and Crowning.

Sept 17 - 18  in ASHEVILLE the  31st Annual Heritage Weekend   A free festival sponsored by the Southern Highland Craft Guild features traditional music and dancing, storytelling and heritage craft demonstrations. A highlight of the weekend is the 30th Annual World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition.

Take a Hike - in the Greak Smoky Mountains

October 4, 2011  Explore Cataloochee Valley on Guided Hike with expert Danny Bernstein. This is a moderately difficult 6.5 mile hike with a total elevation gain/descent of 1,500'. It features trail improvements by the Trails Forever crew. Time permitting, hikers will also visit the elk herd in Cataloochee Valley. Space is limited. Contact Friends of the Smokies to register for the Little Cataloochee Trail hike. Email: grtsmoky@bellsouth.net or call 828-452-0720.

November 1, 2011 - Road to Nowhere Hike. You won't find costumed ghouls or pre-recorded shrieks on the Friends of the Smokies' November hike, but you will trek along a trail called "The Road to Nowhere" and explore a dark, 365-foot tunnel. Hiking enthusiast and author Danny Bernstein Hiking North Carolina's Blue Ridge Heritage, will lead this 9.4 mile hike. The hike is moderate in difficulty and has a total elevation gain/descent of 1,370 feet. SAVE THE DATE NOW- MORE SPECIFICS SOON- VERY LIMITED SPACE!

Sponsored by Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Since 1993, Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization, has raised more than $34 million to support educational programs, historic preservation projects, conservation of natural and cultural resources, and wildlife research and protection in the Smokies.

BECOME A FRIEND - 

Membership in Friends of the Smokies pays for itself.  Visit our membership benefits page to save in the Smokies when you stay, play, eat, or recreate.  And Friends memberships make great gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, or stocking stuffers. There is also also  a great little line of merchandise for your online shopping pleasure!

Mountain Spirits: Wine and Beer this week, September 15

In a proclamation praising North Carolina’s wine and grape industry, Gov. Bev Perdue has declared September 2011 as Wine Appreciation Month in North Carolina. Governor Perdue urges consumers, restaurants and retailers to help support our growing wine industry by promoting North Carolina wines throughout September. So come on by and visit any (or all) of these shops, vineyards and breweries to celebrate Wine Appreciate Month!

 September 15, 5-7 PM, Brusin' Ales, 66 Broadway Street, Asheville NC. Pre-Brewgrass Tastings: Blue Point Brewing, Toasted Lager, Hoptical Illusion, Rastafarye, Pale Ale, Blueberry Ale. September 16 5-7 PM: Pisgah Brewing, Vortex II Imperial Stout Bottle Release. Also, sampling: ESB , Solstice, Cosmos (2008 vintage), Vortex II

September 15, 5 PM - 7 PM at Table Wine, 1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102, AAA Travel Center in Asheville NC. Ladies Night and Pizza Party - $10/Lady, $8 for Grape Nuts RSVP and pre-payment required please. Sample 6 wines and pizza from Marco's Friday Winedown - $5.00, free to Grape Nuts.Sample 8 wines and light appetizers. Greece and Southern Italy - Mike Tiano from Haw River Wine Man will pour wines from his portfolio as we taste a delicious set of wines from Greece and Southern Italy. Skouras White Blend Peloponnese, Greece; Sigalas Asirtiko/Athiri Santorini, Greece; Colli dell Murgia Erbaceo Puglia, Italy. Sept 10, 2 PM - 5 PM - Free wine tasting of 4 new wines at Table Wine every Saturday.

Sept 15, 6 PM at The Classic Wineseller, 30 church Street, Waynesville NC. Celtic Rock Live - The origins of this band stem from the members' desire to be a part of something truly different and special. Traditional celtic instruments are used in exciting new ways. September 21 from 5:30- to 7:30, WOW - Wine on Wednesday: Wines of Argentina. 5 wines plus hors d'oeurves. $8.00

September 16, 4 Pm - 7 PM Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100 in Asheville NC. Pumpkin ales are here now but will be gone by Halloween, so come taste these full flavored fall beers before they disappear like a ghost (pun intended).  Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale  Like a pyramid for a pharaoh, we set out to make a bold monument for The King of the Pumpkins;  Dogfish Head Punk - A full-bodied brown ale with smooth hints of pumpkin and brown sugar;  Shipyard Pumpkinhead - is a crisp and refreshing wheat ale with delightful aromatics and subtle spiced flavor.  Sept 17, 3 PM - 6 PM Free Wine Tasting:  House WhiteHouse Red - A inviting red blend with a fruit forward aroma and flavor, cherries and licorice on the nose with a medium body and oaky finish; Rainier Ridge Merlot - This wine is fruit forward with hints of raspberry and blackberries. - A well balanced California white blend perfect for cooler weather and spicy food; 

September 16, 6 PM - 8 PM, at Divine Wine, 1011 Tunnel Road East Asheville NC . Friday Wine Tastings - complimentary tastes of special wines and beer, along with an assortment of hors d’oeuvres. Each week we celebrate with a different theme and a few surprises.


September 16, 4 PM - 7 PM LaBouteille, 10 N Trade St, Suite A Tyon NC - Complimentary Wine Tastings every Friday. The last Saturday of each month 3-5 pm is a 10 beers for $10 beer tasting. Bring a dish of food to share.

September 17  1 PM - 4 PM  Asheville Wine Market, 65 Biltmore Ave, Asheville NC.   Free Saturday Tasting: Join Michael Boyko for an informative tasting of four North Carolina wines sure to fit lots of menus and occasions during the upcoming fall season. Join in the tasting of one of our own NC winery's offerings during September, the official month for recognizing North Carolina's vintners and winemakers  The cast of characters:Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot

September 17 RagApple Lassie, 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane Boonville NC - Nita B & Bill Buck Jazzy Blues will entertain you with the music of New Orleans earliest joints, all the way up Mississippi through St. Louis and Chicago to Harlem's Cotton Club! Come, enjoy a wonderful afternoon of wine tasting and jazzy blues - Noon to Six. And remember, The Back Door Café serves lunch each Saturday and Sunday from Noon to Four!! This weekend we will have some absolutely divine Liquid Gold, (Pinot Gris grape juice) just for you to taste -FREE!

September  17  5 PM - 8 PM at Shelton Vineyards, 286 Cabernet Lane, Dobson NC. Summer Concert Series: Band of OZ.  Advance tickets may be picked up at the winery until the Friday before the concert until 6pm for $25. Tickets will be available at the gate for $30 on the day of concert. Food will be available for sale, or you may bring your own. Regular tour and tasting is offered daily departing every half hour. This includes a guided tour of our 33,000 square-foot winery with an overview of our winemaking process, a tasting of five wines, and a souvenir wine glass.  $5 per person.

September 17, 11 AM - 6PM and AFTER...at Round Peak Vineyard, 765 Round Peak Church Road, Mount Airy NC.  Sangria & Music Saturday  - Live music from 1 pm - 4 PM. Hang out, listen to live music, and try the unique Sangria.

September 17,  2 PM - 5 PM  The Wine Guy, 555 Merimon Ave and 1200 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville NC. FREE Saturday tastings are a great way to sample new favorites in a casual setting. Every week we sample 4 to 6 new wines. Light hors d’ oeuvres will be served and all wines poured will be specially priced.


September 17,   12 PM - 5 PM at  Vino Vino Wine Market, 178 Weaverville Rd., Asheville NC. Every Saturday anytime between 12:00 and 5:00pm enjoy a sampling of wines from around the world. A 10% discount on each of the wines we are featuring.

Tasting Rooms:

Old North State Winery, 308 North Main Street, Mount Airy NC. Hours of operation are: Monday-Wednesday 11am-6pm, Thursday-Saturday 11am-9pm, and Sunday 12pm-6pm. Sample  wines and browse the gift shop featuring wine related and gourmet gift items.

RagApple Lassie, 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane Boonville NC   Tours are "on demand" noon to six PM daily. Tastings are available noon to six PM daily and include up to 11 varieties of wine.

Calaboose Cellars, 565 Aquone Road, Andrews NC. Tasting room summer hours: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from Noon to 5:00. This week check out the "Warden's White".

Daily Tastings at Wedge Brewing Company, 125 B Roberts St. Asheville NC. Micro-brewery regular Tasting room hours: Monday - Thursday 4 PM - 10+ PM; Friday 3 PM - 10+ PM; Saturday and Sunday 2 PM - 10+ PM.

Daily Tastings at Greenman Brewery, 23 Buxton Ave., Asheville NC.  The tasting room is open seven days a week at 4 o'clock, or maybe earlier