Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Labor Day Weekend Sale at In the Hole Golf




** Offer Expires 9/7/11 at 11pm MST. Limited to 1 promotion per customer. Promotions cannot be combined with any other offers. Due to manufacturer restrictions, select products are not eligible. These products include, but are not limited to certain items from Callaway, TaylorMade, Nike, Cobra, Loudmouth, Bat-Caddy, Tour Links, Tour Striker, and Puma. Not valid on previous orders, or backorders.

Labor Day Weekend Event: Inspirations Labor Day Festival

September 3-4    Inspirations Labor Day Festival   Southern Gospel singing with The Inspirations, The Primitive Quartet, The McKameys  and other groups performing old-timey gospel music.
The Primitive Quartet has been traveling and singing gospel music for thirty-seven years, and they count it a joy and privilege to spread the gospel through song. The quartet sings four-part harmony and plays their own instruments (mandolin, banjo, fiddle, guitars and acoustic bass). Old-timey southern gospel from their mouths to your heart!

The Inspirations are truly in a class by themselves. The group has sold well over a million records, been awarded numerous Singing News Fan Awards, and have charted more than 60 hit songs. The Inspirations sing from the heart, and they are true to their southern gospel quartet roots. They are The Inspirations, and they are truly an American treasure.

If there is one word that describes The McKameys, it is 'sincere.' The members of this southern gospel singing group are sincere in their love for the Lord, sincere in their love for the music they sing, and sincere in their need to spread the Word to others through song. The McKameys let their light shine through such fan favorites as "I've Made Up My Mind," "Roll that Burden on Me," "I Will Trust You, Lord" and "God on the Mountain."


The Festival takes place at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts , a 1,500 seat state-of-the-art facility presenting the finest in performing arts to the surrounding towns. Performances include passion plays, musical productions, professional drama troupes, dance and choral festivals, recitals, and various genres including country, bluegrass, gospel, pop, contemporary Christian, and more. The stunning architecture, technical facilities, and impeccable acoustics provide the highest professional standards for both the audience and the performers. The Center is located at 1028 Georgia Road in Franklin NC.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Hayes Performing Art Center Labor Day Weekend Performances

Sept 2, 3 at 7:30 PM - Sept 4 at 2PM, I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change will be presented at the Hayes Performing Art Center "Everything you have ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit."

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change is a musical comedy with book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro and music by Jimmy Roberts. It is the second-longest running Off Broadway musical. The musical was nominated for the Outer Critics Circle Award as Outstanding Off-Broadway musical in 1997.

The cast for the two-act production includes Patrick Ratchford, Susan Roberts, Dan Brunson and Lisa Bradley. Technical staff for the production include Billy Ensley, director/choreographer; Ellen Robison, music director; Jennifer Hamilton, stage manager; and Jamey Varnadore, costumer.

Discount tickets for $5 off ticket prices are available to you as one of our VIP patrons. Just call the box office at 828-295-9627 and ask about our World Class Friends Club. The Hayes Performing Arts Center is located at 152 Jamie Fort Rd., (off Hwy 321) , Blowing Rock, NC

Labor Day Weekend Events: Chimney Rock Labor Day Specials and Events

September 3 and 4 - Leave your labors behind and enjoy a carefree day at Chimney Rock Park with your family and friends. Enjoy a picnic, hike or rock climb, or check out Grady's Animal Discovery Den. From noon to 4 PM bring the kids for one free climb on our climbing tower in the Meadows.

When you get hungry, check out the weekend special: a grilled hot dog, bag of chips and 20-oz. soft drink or bottled water for only $5 +tax. There will be grilling next to the Rolling Rock food trailer near Cliff Dwellers Gift Shop. Appalachian Mountains native Nora Mosrie will demonstrate crafting beautiful flowers or paper from corn husks Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM - 3 PM.

Labor Day Weekend Sale at Alpine Ski Center - 4 days only!

September 2 - 5 ONLY. Alpine Ski Center - Ski and Snowboard Eye Opener: Ski and boot clearance 30% - 70% off; Snowboard clearance 30% - 70% off all last year's boards, bindings and boots; Winter fashion clearance 30% - %70 off women,  men  and kids' apparel - Choose from a large selection of carryover, jackets, pants, shells and fleece. Burton Clothing samples - 30% - 50% off styles you won't find anywhere else.

2011-2012 Snowboard and Ski Packages - lowest priced packaging of the year. 17 NEW ski/binding and pole packages for men and women. 14 NEW snowboard/binding packages for men and women. Located at 3150 Tynecastle Way, Banner Elk NC.

Labor Day Weekend Events: Firecracker Jazz Band at Summer Tracks

Sept 2, 7 PM, Rogers Park, Tryon NC -  Summer Tracks: Firecracker Jazz Band.  The concert is FREE, but a voluntary donation at the gate is encouraged. Giardinis wood fired pizzas, water and soft drinks will be for sale.

The Firecracker Jazz Band  revitalizes the energy of the roots of Jazz. Combining the sounds of Dixieland and New Orleans, they pay homage to greats such as Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong and Bix Beiderbeck. People of all ages respond to the upbeat styles of Firecracker, featuring stride piano, trumpet, tuba, trombone, guitar, banjo and drums.

The six band members are Je Widenhouse (trumpet and cornet), Earl Sachais (trombone), Andrew Fletcher (piano), Hank Bones (guitar, banjo), Russ Wilson (drums) and Rick Neiman (tuba). Je Widenhouse did time in the 90’s with the Squirrel Nut Zippers. Earl Sachais has performed with the Tommy Dorsey Band and has backed Barbara Streisand and Sammy Davis Jr. Hank has played for The Platters and Bill Haley’s Comets. Russ Wilson drives the band’s energy in the style of Gene Krupa. Rick Neiman has performed with The Guy Lombardo Band and The Henry Mancini Orchestra.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Labor Day Weekend Events: 65th Annual North Carolina Apple Festival

September 2-5   North Carolina Apple Festival  This favorite annual festival comes alive in downtown Hendersonville with a street fair on Historic Main Street including entertainment, arts & crafts, apple products, children and youth activities, special exhibits, food and the King Apple Parade on Labor Day.

The Annual Apple Festival has been a Labor Day Tradition for 65 years. Henderson
County is home to more than 200 apple growers and the state of North Carolina is the 7th largest apple producing state in the Union. The festival kicks off North Carolina's Apple season with breakfasts, a street fair and a parade celebrating "all things apple".  Download the North Carolina Apple Festival brochure with details of all events here.

The festivals includes a variety of special events
hosted by
community partners including pancake breakfasts, car shows, apple recipe contests and a gem and mineral spectacular. Children will be delighted with Rides, Inflatables and more in the Family Fun Zone.

The King Apple Parade begins at 2:30 PM on September 5 and is one of the highlights of the North Carolina Apple Festival. At the parade there will be professional floats, bands, youth groups, antique cars, fire trucks and many others participating in this event that is expected to draw over 60,000 individuals. The parade is a “spectacular finale” to the annual North Carolina Apple Festival. 

Labor Day Weekend Events: Smoky Mountain Folk Festival

September 2-3   40th Annual Smoky Mountain Folk Festival -    Two evenings filled with hundreds of talented artists providing the best in Smoky Mountain Music and Dance. The "Open tent" begins at 5 PM on Friday and Saturday, and the Main Stage Show follows at 5:30 PM until…

The Festival features a huge variety of mountain music and dance including
fiddlers, banjo players, string bands, ballad singers, buck dancers, square dance teams as well as the wondrous sounds of dulcimer, harmonica, jew's harp, bagpipes, spoons, saws, and folk ensembles of all sorts. Get a schedule here.

Tickets available at the Junaluska Administrative Office, Haywood County Arts Council & at the door. Stuart Auditorium, Lake Junaluska.
The Smoky Mountain Folk Festival is held annually Labor Weekend in Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska, NC.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Labor Day Weekend Events: Blue Ridge Music Center Next Generation Youth Concert

September 3, The Blue Ridge Music Center - Next Generation Youth Concert with three of the hottest youth bluegrass bands: The Snyder Family Band, Loose Strings and Adam McPeak and Mountain Thunder will perform.
Snyder family
The Snyder Family Band

These groups demonstrate that the traditional music of the Blue Ridge has a strong footing with the younger generation. Alumni Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) from Galax and Sparta will make a special appearance. The concert is FREE thanks to public support through the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation - Your stewardship in action. These bands will dazzle and inspire! Bring the whole family.

The Snyder Family band features Samantha Snyder on fiddle, Zeb Snyder on guitar, father Bud Snyder on bass and mother Laine Snyder on some harmony vocals. Originally from Lexington, NC, Samantha started playing music at three years old and Zeb at seven. Since that time they have won numerous awards for their stellar musicianship including a fiddle hand crafted by luthier, Jimmy Edmonds and a guitar made by Wayne Henderson at the 2007 Jimmy Edmonds Homecoming. This year both Samantha (now 12) and Zeb (now 16) won first place ribbons in bluegrass fiddle and guitar categories at the Old Fiddlers Convention in Galax.

Hear the Snyder Family here.

Adam McPeak & Mountain Thunder
are a six member bluegrass band featuring hot picking and powerful singing. They can be heard competing at most conventions in the VA/NC region. The group began when mandolinist Adam decided at age 13 to lead a band. Before that he had started out making appearances with his father's band, The McPeak Brothers. Adam says he is the only McPeak since his dad's generation to play music, and he feels honored to be the one to carry on the family tradition.

Watch Adam McPeak & Mountain Thunder here.

Loose Strings is an all-girl bluegrass band
from Galax, VA which has performed all across the South. The wonderful music these ladies and their band make grew out of their strong friendships. Their love of music will be very evident on stage! 

Hear Loose Strings here

The Next Generation Youth Concert is Saturday, September 3rd and starts at 7pm. Seating opens at 5:30pm. Admission is free! Bring a lawn chair, a picnic and your friends. Smokehouse BBQ available on concert nights. The Blue Ridge Music Center is located at milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Save on advance tickets! Info and tickets are available online at www.blueridgemusiccenter.org or by calling (276) 236-5309. No pets or alcohol in the amphitheater.

The Music Center has only one more evening concert this season (Sept 10th) at the foot of beautiful Fisher Peak (only 10 miles from Galax). The Blue Ridge Music Center is open 9-5 seven days a week through October 30. Come see the free, new Roots of American Music museum and sit awhile in our covered breezeway and listen to Mid-Day Mountain Music from 12-4pm daily. There is no fee for Visitor Center activities.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Mountain Music: Saturday Night Concerts

There is always pickin', singin' and toe-tappin' somewhere every weekend in the mountains - and most of it is FREE!  The local and regional talent is as good as you'll find anywhere, carrying on a centuries-old musical heritage. So head for a town square, favorite  pub or nearby back porch and get into that ol time mountain music!

Aug 26 - 27   BOONE    Music on the Mountaintop is a one of a kind, ecologically driven large-scale music festival, offering first class entertainment as well as educational awareness on current environmental issues. It will take place at the Grandfather Campground in Foscoe. Headlined by Sam Bush. 

Aug 27   BRYSON CITY   Music in the Mountains - Free Concerts   The Barefoot Movement   Every Saturday night from June through Oct, enjoy a FREE concert in Bryson City at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Train Depot from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Sit in one of the old church pews on the covered depot deck or bring a lawn chair to enjoy the show.  

Aug  27  BLOWING ROCK    Mountain Home Music Series:  A Bluegrass Musical Review: Dave Haney and Company  - Now in its 18th year, this music series is dedicated to the proposition that, in the words of founder Joe Shannon, "our local music here is as good as any in the world."

Aug 27   ASHEVILLE   Shindig on the Green   A joyously spontaneous celebration of traditional and old-time string bands, ballad singers, storytellers, big circle mountain dancers and cloggers.  Stage show and informal jam sessions.


Friday, August 26, 2011

7th Annual Hickory Nut Olympiad in Lake Lure

August 25 - 28   Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad   is a 3-day family sports festival. Opening Night events include Lighting of the torch, water ski show, fireworks, family run, food, ice cream and much more at Lake Lure. Events for both hard core athletes and fun-seeking weekend warriors.

Three races in three days include
10K Dam Run, Lake Lure Sprint Triathlon and Race to the Rock. Each race provides gold,
silver and bronze medals to winners and a 2011 Commemorative Olympiad T-shirt to the first 100 athletes registered. The Trathlon includes the 500m lake swim, a challenging 16.9 mile bike course and concludes with the 5k run, a steady but reasonable uphill that winds up a beautiful valley paralleling Bald Mountain Golf Courseto finish downhill at the beach at Lake Lure.
Additional events include the Open lake Swim, a Junior Olympiad, Kayak and swim sprints, and Team tournaments for Golf, Pickle Ball, Tennis, Dragon Boat Races, Corn Hole Toss and Horseshoe.

August 28    5th Annual Race to the Rock   Take the challenge - the 5th Annual Race to the Rock, part of the 7th Annual Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, NC. The Park's winding entrance road averages a 7% grade uphill climb for the 5K run and the end of the 25-mile bike race, but the views from the finish line are well worth the effort! This is the ONLY TIME you can run or bike up to Chimney Rock. Medals for top finishers are awarded in all age groups. Registration is $35 in advance online or $40 walk-up.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Cherokee hosts the 6th Annual Festival of Native Peoples and Cherokee Art Market

August 26 and 27 - 6th Annual Festival of Native Peoples and Cherokee Art Market at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds in Cherokee, NC.  The festival is a gathering of tribes from the Americas to celebrate Native culture. The event includes raditional dancing, food and craft vendors.

Indigenous tribes from across the Americas gather for the sixth Annual Festival of Native Peoples this weekend. Considered the finest showcase of native dance, song and art in the southeast, the event honors the collective history, customs and wisdom of some of the oldest documented tribes.

Among featured performers this year are the
Totonac pole flyers of Mexico who thrill audiences as they fly from a ninety-foot pole in a spectacle of swirling color in honor of the sun and the Totonac calendar.

Gates open Friday at 1 PM. and Saturday at 11 AM with performances throughout the day and into the evening. Adult admission $10; children six and under are free.

Lodging in or near Cherokee NC:

Dancing Stones Log Cabin is an 1800s restored mountain view log cabin with gas fireplace, AC, waterfall fountain, plenty of rocking chairs, cable TV/ DVD, full kitchen with microwave & coffee pot. Sleeping loft with 1 full-sized bed. Located on the Cherokee Indian Reservation near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. $75 per  night, $450 per week

Cabin retreat near Cherokee and the Great Smoky Mountains -  3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 6. Great view of a mountain stream from the hot tub. Fireplace, WIFI, video games, swing set. Located on a rushing creek with a beautiful view of the distant mountains. $125 night, $750 week.           Get details


Cherokee Mountain Retreat - 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, sleep up to 9. Hot tub, fireplace, WIFI, video games, deck with gas grill. Gated community with easy, paved access. Rates from $155 night, minimum 3 nights.    Check availability and photos


Chestnut Tree Inn Cherokee -  Guest rooms with coffee makes, cable TV.  Indoor and outdoor pools, Internet, complimentary breakfast, fitness room, room service, onsite restaurant.  Rates from $67.   Get current rates and details



River's Edge Motel - 21 recently remodeled guest rooms with coffee maker, some with balconies overlooking the Oconaluftee River. WIFI, pet friendly. Located in the heart of Cherokee.   Check rates and availability



Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Pre - Labor Day Weekend Smoky Mountains Inn Discount

Special deal from Wednesday, August 24th until Thursday, September 1st. Two nights for the price of one during your getaway in a standard room or 50% off the second night in a suite,  in either the  Bed & Breakfast or Boutique Hotel:

Mountainview: A stay in a Queen Bedroom, with private bath and private balcony with long range mountain views for only $129 for 2 nights.

Forest Edge: A stay in our new room featuring a Queen size bed, fireplace and patio for only $160 for 2 nights. This room also includes refrigerator, microwave, convection oven, breakfast table and flat screen TV with Netflix, Internet Radio and a Wii console.

Alpine Suite: A stay in our Suite featuring a King Bedroom with separate sitting room, private bath and private roof-top balcony with views of the mountains and surrounding forest for only $255 for 2 nights. Enjoy the Alpine decor as you sit in your private sitting room with fireplace. Breakfast can be served in room at no extra charge.

The Overlook: A stay in our new Suite featuring a King size bed, Jacuzzi for two, fireplace, steam shower for 2 and private balcony with mountain views for only $300 for 2 nights. This suite also includes a refrigerator, microwave, convection oven, breakfast table and flat screen TV with Netflix, Internet Radio and a Wii console.

The Chalet Inn,  the closest B&B and Boutique Hotel to the main entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a AAA 3 Diamond rated property, offers guest room and suites, some with fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs, private entrance, balcony. Full breakfast included. 22 acres with  trails, pond, lawn games, guest grill.   Check rates and availability

Monday, August 22, 2011

Railfan Weekend Celebrates Tweetsie Railroad's Past

Take a ride back in time September 10-11 at Tweetsie Railroad’s Railfan Weekend . Both of Tweetsie’s steam locomotives will be in full operation, and on September 10 Historice Tweetsie Engine #12 will team up with #190 for a “doubleheader”, pulling the train on a Wild West adventure. All park guests can enjoy Cherokee dance, craft and weapons demonstrations, and guests with Railfan Weekend passes can also take advantage of special activities, exhibits and tours that highlight Tweetsie Railroad’s historic past as an operating railroad and as North Carolina’s first theme park.

Tweetsie is offering a special Railfan Weekend price for both days of railroad entertainment:
$48 (ages 13+) and $33 (ages 3 through 12) Call our Ticket Office to purchase yours: 877-TWEETSIE (877-893-3874)


Lodging near Tweetsie Railroad:

 
Blue Ridge For Rent offers 40+ Luxury Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals with mountain views, pools, fireplaces, WIFI, hot tubs & all amenities. Large or multiple units for Groups, Weddings, Church Retreats, Reunions. PET FRIENDLY.





Vacation home rental with view of Appalachian Ski Mountain - 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps up to 12.   Hot tub with mountain views, gas fireplace, wrap-around deck with gas grill, kids play area, WIFI. Only 3 miles to the slopes! $1200 week, $3600 month.   Check availability




 
Authentic hand-hewn log cabin rental - 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, sleep up to 9. Wood-burning fireplace, 2 covered decks with winter mountain view, charcoal grill.   Walk to downtown Blowing Rock.   Get current rates and availability



 
Mountain view cabin rental - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 8. Rock your cares away on the covered porch  overlooking the Blue Ridge mountains. Gas fireplace, WIFI, phone, charcoal grill. $190 night, $985 week.      Check photos and availability

Sunday, August 21, 2011

The Blue Ridge Music Center presents Virginia Bluegrass

On Saturday, August 27th,  enjoy an evening with long time Grand Ole Opry member Jesse McReynolds, of "Jim and Jess fame" and his Virginia Boys.

Jesse McReynolds
Jesse McReynolds
A bluegrass music icon and innovator, known for his virtuostic, cross picking technique on the mandolin, Jesse has remained at the forefront of the bluegrass scene for over 60 years and still going strong. He is a multiple Grammy nominee and award winner and in 1993 Jesse McReynolds was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor. In 1997, he and his brother were presented with the National Hertiage Fellowship Award - highest folklife honor in the United States. Don't miss this renowned band's return to Galax!



Also featured in this exciting double-bill event will be mandolin builder singer and picker, Gerald Anderson and his band showing us just how good hand-crafted instruments can sound as he and his band kick off the first set of the evening. Seating opens at 5:30pm. Tickets are $15 or save $2 per ticket if you purchase by Aug 22nd. Bring a lawn chair, a picnic and your friends. Smokehouse BBQ available on concert nights. Buy tickets here.


The Blue Ridge Music Center is located at milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Save on advance tickets! Info and tickets are available online at www.blueridgemusiccenter.org or by calling (276) 236-5309. Bring the whole family. Picnic food is permitted. No pets or alcohol in the amphitheater. The Music Center has evening concerts every weekend all summer through mid-September at the foot of beautiful Fisher Peak (only 10 miles from Galax). Concessions are available on concert nights. Lawnchairs and blankets recommended.  The Blue Ridge Music Center is open 9-5 seven days a week through October 30.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Chubby Checker tonight at Harrah's in Cherokee

August 20 at 7:30 PM Harrah's Cherokee presents Chubby Checker, the King of the Twist. Checker has been twistin' the night away for over 3 and a half decades, experiencing a recent resurgence in popularity with "Knock Down the Walls" topping the charts in 2007. His signature hit, “The Twist”,  was the #1 song on the charts once in 1960, and again in 1961 – the only song ever to achieve this feat.


Harrah's Cherokee Casino and Hotel - The 21 story hotel offers 1108 guest rooms including hair dryers, coffee makers and 42-inch HDTVs.  There are eight suites in the Mountain Tower, 21 suites in the Soco Tower and 78 suites in Creek Tower. The 21st floor of suites in Creek Tower opened in April 2011. Common amenities include indoor swimming pool,  fitness room, free parking, onsite restaurants. Restaurants include Paula Deen's Kitchen and the Lobby Cafe. Casino action ranges from brand-new games and slots to dazzling favorites like Digital Blackjack and Baccarito. Rates from $79.          Check current rates and availability

Friday, August 19, 2011

What to do this Weekend: NC Mountain Events August 19 - 21

Aug 18 - 20   MARION   37th Annual NC State Bluegrass Festival   This year's Festival features Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys, Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, The Primitive Quartet, Bobby Osborne & the Rocky Top X-press, Jesse McReynolds & The VA Boys, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Lonesome River Band, Darren Beachley & Legends of the Potomac, Darrell Webb Band, Goldwing Express, Russell Moore & IIIird Tyme out, The Crowe Brothers, Barry Scott & Second Wind, Balsam Range, Next Best Thing, Bartley Brothers, Rye Holler Boys, The Troubadours, and Darin & Brooke Aldridge. Tickets will be available at the gate or  in advance by calling 706-864-7203. Event is "rain or shine" with performances under covered pavilion. Cafe serving breakfast and lunch, hot food and other concessions available. Bring your lawn chairs, no alcohol, smoking or pets in the performance area.

Aug 19   NEWLAND   The Newland River Walk Concert Series   6 PM - 9 PM   A variety of music and entertainment in a family atmosphere. Bring your blanket, pop-up tent, table, chairs, cooler or whatever, for a family picnic while enjoying the summer long series.  Located at the Newland River Walk Band shell (adjacent to Lowes parking lot).

Aug 19   WEST JEFFERSON  Back Street Park Summer Concerts   Free summer concert series held every 3rd & 4th Friday nights May - September, 5:30pm - 7:30pm. Bring your chair, blanket or picnic and enjoy the sounds of traditional local bluegrass, folk and country music. Rain location is the Farmer's Market or the Arts Center.

Aug 19   HENDERSONVILLE  Music on Main Street Concert Series  Every Friday evening from June - August . The event feature " oldies rock, beach music, variety and top 40 music. Bring a chair and enjoy the FREE  music.

Aug 19     ASHEVILLE    Downtown After 5  Now in its 23rd year, Downtown After Five begins its summer season and continues each third Friday of the month May - September. The  new location for 2011 is  Lexington Avenue at I-240, allowing a more environmentally responsible venue through the use of compostable cups, plates and utensils. Free live music and dancing starts at 5 pm with food and drink available for purchase.

Aug 19   NEWLAND   Classic Car Show - a part of the Avery County Centennial Celebration.  6 PM - 9 PM. The events includes music and is free and open to the public.

Aug 20   BRYSON CITY   Music in the Mountains - Free Concerts   Carolina Bluegrass Boys   Every Saturday night from June through Oct, enjoy a FREE concert in Bryson City at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Train Depot from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Sit in one of the old church pews on the covered depot deck or bring a lawn chair to enjoy the show.

Aug 20   BLOWING ROCK    Mountain Home Music Series:   A Quilter's Show–A Quilter's Song  Now in its 18th year, this music series is dedicated to the proposition that, in the words of founder Joe Shannon, "our local music here is as good as any in the world."

Aug 20   TRYON   Tryon Gallery Trot   Enjoy great art, plus shop in downtown Tryon.  The event includes strolling musicians, performers, and vendors. All galleries will either host opening receptions for new exhibits, or host late hours. Other local merchants and restaurants will be open as well.

Aug 20   LAKE JUNALUSKA   Blue Ridge Breakaway  An adrenaline pumping ride through country lanes, scenic byways and the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina with four routes for riders of different skill levels. WNC's newest ride offers cyclists of all ages and abilities great routes and ride support, based out of the facilities at Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center. The ride is put on by the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce and features scenic byways, small country roads and a beautiful stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway

Aug 20   CHIMNEY ROCK   Get the "Buzz on Bees"   More than one third of the world's food supply, including fruits and vegetables, depends on honeybees for pollination. Even your home garden and flowers wouldn't make it without them! Learn more about how our survival depends on honeybees, why they are disappearing and how you can help by joining us at the Park on Saturday, August 20 from 11am-3pm. Observe enclosed live bee hives, learn the basics of beekeeping and bee-friendly backyards, dress up to win the bee costume contest and bring home a variety of local honey products! Kids' activities will be offered too. No additional charge with paid admission.

Aug 20   TODD   Todd's Free Summer Music Concert Series  Musical legend Doc Watson headlines the fun afternoon at Cook Memorial Park.  Free summer music series has become a tradition in historic Todd over the last decade. The Series  features some of the best known musicians in the region and a range of musical genres from blues to bluegrass to country. Bring a blanket, or a chair.

Aug 20   ASHEVILLE   Shindig on the Green   A joyously spontaneous celebration of traditional and old-time string bands, ballad singers, storytellers, big circle mountain dancers and cloggers.  Stage show and informal jam sessions.

Aug 20   WILKESBORO   Candle Light Ghost Tours  An evening of tales, mystery and haunts. Learn about the ghosts that haunt the old buildings of downtown Wilkesboro. Visit a cemetery where Civil War Soldiers are buried, stand in the jail cell where Tom Dooley spent his last days and listen to the stories of the haunted Smithey Hotel. Tours start at 7:30pm.

Aug 20   BEECH MOUNTAIN   Summer Guided Hikes  - Wild, Wild Westerly Hills    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.

Aug 20  BEECH MOUNTAIN  Dancing in the Streets at Town Hall  Three street dances will be held for the  Summer  of2011 with a DJ playing music for all ages from the 1940s and up. Dancing  is on a sanded surface at a cool elevation of 5065 feet in the mountains, so bring a jacket.

Aug 20-21   BANNER ELK   Fine Arts and Mastercrafts Festival of Avery County  International and mountain fine artists and master crafters handcrafting ,iron works portrait paintings, glass blowers and demonstrations. Juried annual event.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Labor day Events: 2nd Annual GReat Smoky Mountain Lake Party

Sept 2 - 5 at Fontana Village Resort - The second annual LakeAlooza Lake Party on Fontana Lake. Live music on the docks of the Marina on Saturday afternoon by "My Highway" band. Saturday night, the 3rd, enjoy live entertainment in the Recreation Hall and fireworks on the Green.

Fireworks Saturday night on the Village Green. Lake games and competitions for all ages. Lunch cookout at the Marina. Prizes, innertube races, party deck, food and entertainment. Free admittance to Stone Creek Pool and Lazy River on Saturday and Sunday.

Fontana Village Resort -  is a year round destination resort in the Nantahala Forest, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Village offers a range of accommodations, including Lodge rooms  and suites, cabins and RV & tent camping on Cheoah Lake.

Amenities include conference space, WIFI, restaurants and lounges, General Store, gift shops, outfitters, pools, marina, massage and fitness center, mountain bike shop, horseback riding, on-site trails for biking and hiking. Dining options includes the Mountview Bistro and the Wildwood Grill plus the Pitstop fast fare for guests or travelers on the go.

The Fontana Marina, located on the beautiful 30 mile long Fontana Lake, has an assortment of different watercraft rentals and equipment available. The Marina's ship store offers a complete line of tackle, light groceries and snacks and anything else guests might need for a perfect day on the water.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Waynesville Vacation Rental on a Mountain Farm

For some of us, it just doesn't get any better than this! If you love the mountains and/ or have dreamed of living on a farm, you can have both - at least for a while...
EMERALD GATE FARM offers a Vacation on a 13 acre mountain Farm! 4 bedrooms 3 baths, sleeps  up to 10. The Main floor unit has 3 bedrooms,  and the NEW finished basement unit includes a bedroom - kitchen - living area with a separate entrance. You will love the mountain and pond view from the huge wrap-around deck.

Go fishing in the trout ponds, explore the gardens and creeks and get back to nature on the hiking trails. Private and secluded but only 3 miles to route I-40. WIFI. Fresh eggs, fruits, veggies. PET FRIENDLY.  Private and secluded location between Waynesville and Maggie Valley,  only 3 miles to route I-40.

WOW tonight in Waynesville

August 17 - WOW:  Wine On Wednesdays tonight at the Classic Wineseller, 20 Church Street in Waynesville NC. Tonight's WOW features the wines of the Delas Vineyard with special guest Tom Leiner. % wines plus hors d'oeuvres - $10.00. 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM.

Stay in a Waynesville NC Mountain Inn:


Andon-Reid Inn Bed and Breakfast
- 5 spacious guest rooms with fireplace,  private bathroom, luxurious robes and special individual amenities. Full breakfast included, WIFI, lobby fireplace and TV, pool table. Check rates and book online


Grandview Lodge Bed and Breakfast - 
11 deluxe, country rooms with private baths and full breakfast and a 2-bedroom, 2-bath cottage with full kitchen. Onsite dining, Fireplace, piano, grill WIFI. Wedding facilities. Recently renovated 1890's farm style home on 3 acres. Rates start at $79.  Check availability