Mountain Spirits: Wine and Beer this week, December 29

Dec 30, 5 PM - 7 PM Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100 in Asheville NC.  Imperial Stouts - taste some big, rich Imperial Stouts or "Imperial Russian Stouts".  Learn how the style was started back in the 18th century as you taste some of the most highly rated exaples of the style. If you have never experienced this style for yourself, this tasting is for yo.  Dec 31, 3 PM - 6 PM    Sparkling Wines for the New Year - Come kick off New Years Eve early at Hops & Vines with three great sparking wines that will get you in the spirit of New Years. Pick up a bottle or two for you New Years Eve celebrations and get 10% per bottle, Champagne flutes will also be 15% off this Saturday.

Dec 31, 4 PM - 7 PM  at Table Wine, 1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102, AAA Travel Center in Asheville NC. Truffles and Bubbles - ALL DAY New Year's Eve Tasting. Small family estate sparkling wines and small-batch handmade truffles. The bubbles will be poured all day long with great by the glass prices on all of them, and Barb and Les Norman of Blue Moon Chocolatier will join in from 2 to 5. You'll have the chance to "try before you buy" six sparkling wines and two different types of truffles.

Dec 31, 1-4 PM,  Calaboose Cellars, 565 Aquone Road, Andrews NC. Customer Appreciation Day - stop by the Calaboose for a complimentary glass of wine and some snacks as a thank you from the Warden and the Warden's wife.

Now through - Dec 31 - Deck the Halls  - 13 Surry County wineries and several local hotels and restaurants are participating in the 2nd annual event. Purchase a Deck the Halls passport, from November 12 through December 31 and receive complementary wine tastings from all 13 participating Surry Wineries, a collectable holiday ornament from each winery, a commemorative wine glass, invitation to 2 food & wine pairing weekends with live music, plus other great events at Surry Wineries during the holiday season.


Thanksgiving Weekend through December 31 - Yadkin River Wine Trail is once again hosting its Holiday Wine Tour. Visit five wineries: RagApple Lassie, Sanders Ridge, Divine Llama, Cellar 4201 and Flint Hill for the price of one ticket. Included is the tasting of five wines and a signature collector's ornament from each winery. $40.00 per couple or $30.00 individually. Tickets are available at each of the wineries and can be reserved by calling any of the wineries direct.

Dec 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.

Dec 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.

Dec 31,  12 PM - 6 PM RagApple Lassie, 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane Boonville NC - Grey Matter, a duo playing original jazz, will be here Saturday, Noon to Six, for your listening pleasure, lunch will be available in The Back Door Café, Saturday and Sunday, for your eating pleasure, your favorite team will be playing on the TV for your watching pleasure, and our awesome wines will be available for your tasting pleasure

Dec 31,   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.

Dec 31, 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.

Dec 31  , 4 PM - 8 PM  PM at Falderal Winery, 131 3rd Ave, Hendersonville NC.   Beaujolais Nouveau and limited-run Thanksgiving wines plus hors d'oeuvres. Nov 19   Free tasting -  Regular Saturday wine Tasting from 11 AM - 5 PM

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.

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".
South Creek Vineyard and Winery, 2240 South Creek Road, Nebo, NC

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

New Year's Eve Events: New Year's Celebration on Sugar Mountain Ski Resort

December 31, Sugar Mountain Ski (and golf) Resort, Sugar Mountain Village NC -  A New Year's Celebration Mountain Style featuring live music by The Johnson Brothers. The general public is invited, free of charge, to the torch light parade and fireworks at midnight. A fee as well as reservations for the indoor festivities are required and should be made as early as possible by calling 828-898-4521 x233.

Get a link for Sugar Mountain New Year's Events,  Skiing and other 

Sugar Mountain NC information HERE

New Year's Eve Rentals: Sugar Mountain Ski Villa Available for New Year's Eve Weekend

Villa at Sugar Mountain’s Reserve - 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 4. Gorgeous mountain views from the deck, stone gas fireplace, HDTV and WIFI, jetted bathtub, loft. The Reserve offers walking and parking ski access to the Sugar Mountain slopes. 245-$350 night, $1100 week.  

Confirm rental availability and see photos

Get information about Sugar Mountain Skiing HERE

New Year's Eve Events: FREE New Year's Celebration in Historic Downtown Marion

December 31   New Year's Celebration   Ring in the New year with music, food, carriage rides and more in downtown historic Marion. Downtown businesses will be open with their own form of entertainment including the McDowell Arts Council at 50 S. Main Street. where you can enjoy "the oldies" and a dance floor for a little toe tapping!  This is a free event on Main Street with street vendors and musicians providing entertainment for all ages

Ski Competition on Sugar Mountain

December 28   USSA Holiday Slalom and Giant Slalom Competition  Slalom and giant slalom races for licensed USSA racers. Juniors 1-6, and Masters. Registration follows USSA procedures. No registrations on race day. 9am start at Sugar Mountain Ski Resort.

Sherlock Holmes at the Flat Rock Cinema

Flat Rock Cinema, 2700 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock NC:  Now Playing (December 23- 29)  Sherlock Holmes. Hours: Fri, Sun-Thu 3:30, 7:00 ; Sat (Christmas Eve) 12:00, 3:30.  Tickets are $7 for all shows. Reservations are recommended, but not required, for most weekend shows.

The Flat Rock Cinema is a friendly "bistro cinema featuring great food, cocktails and local brews."

Get a link for the Flat Rock Cinema and Flat Rock NC Information HERE

Christmas Event: Mrs. Claus in Beech Mountain this Weekend

December 24     Breakfast with Mrs. Claus   Join Mrs. Claus at the Buckeye Recreation Center in Beech Mountain NC for breakfast and Christmas stories by the fire. Feel free to bring last minute letters to submit to Santa!

Last, Last Minute Christmas Cabins and Vacation Rentals

Mountain getaway with creek - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 8. Nestled on 13.6 acres in the peaceful woods at a 4000 ' elevation. Stone fireplace, deck with dining and grill, WIFI. Minutes to downtown Waynesville and Smoky Mountains Attractions. $100 - $125 night, $500 - $750 week.      See Cabin photos and rental availability

 Stay 2 nights get the 3rd FREE - valid Dec 12, 2011 trough March 15, 2012. Modern log cabin - 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 6. Deck with mountain views, gas grill, campfire area, gas fireplace, game room with air hockey, foosball. $165 night, $1100 week. See Cabin photos and rental availability

 Vacation log home with long range mountain views - 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps up to 9. Deck, covered porch, grill, fireplace, Internet, rec room with pool table and TV, jetted bathtub. Great location near the Slopes and all High Country attractions. $260-$425 night, $1400 - $2750 week. See Cabin photos and rental availability

Family-sized Vacation Rental - 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 10 - 12. Hot tub, game room with ping pong, air hockey, wet bar. WIFI. Fireplace, HDTV, gourmet kitchen, Large covered porch with great mountain view, charcoal grill. $310 night, $1495 - $1695 week.         Get details

Special on Maggie Valley vacation rental - $550 per week! Reserve now for skiing at Cataloochee. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 5. Fireplace, large deck with grill. $100 - $125 night.    Get rental details and availability

Contemporary Cabin nestled in Pisgah Forest - 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, sleeps up to 10. Wrap-around deck with short range wooded mountain views. Free-standing wood fireplace, gas grill, WIFI. Located in Barnardsville, just south of Mars Hill. $150-$210 night, $1000-$1200 week.  See Cabin photos and rental availability

Peaceful wooded setting in convenient location - 1 bedroom, 1 bath, sleeps up to 4. Modern chalet style rental with deck, gas grill, HDTV, WIFI and loft. Walk to the Mountains to Sea Trail access or drive a few minutes to the Parkway. 5 minutes to downtown Asheville. $140 night, $799 week.   See Cabin photos and rental availabilityr

Authentic modern log cabin - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 8. Peaceful wooded setting in 78 acres with hiking trails, waterfalls. Hot tub, covered deck with gas grill, wood-burning fireplace, WIFI, picnic table, campfire ring.  Located 15 minutes to Boone or Wilkesboro. $215 night, $1075 week.  Check photos and rental availability

Leatherwood Mountain large vacation rental - 4 bedrooms, 5 baths, sleeps up to 10. Lots of room for your group to spread out with 5 fireplaces, 2 full kitchens, rec room with pool table and TV, living room and gathering room. Deck with short range mountain views and built-in pool.  Check photos and rental availability

Mountain views from all rooms - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 4.  Deck with mountain views and hot tub, fireplace, WIFI. May also be rented as a 1 bedroom.  $159-$279 night, $973-$1603 week.    Check photos and rental availability

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.        Check photos and rental availability

Vacation apartment walk to Biltmore Village - 2 bedrooms, 1 bath sleeps 4. Duplex 2-story rental with flat screen TV, WIFI, neat and comfy. Easy walk to Biltmore village restaurants, shops. 10 minute drive to downtown Asheville. $85 night, $560 week.    Check photos and rental availability

The Cabins at Long Branch  - 40 acres of private mountain wilderness with trout stream, secluded but close to activities. 2 bd cabins-each sleeps six, Full kitchen, fireplace, central H&A, handcrafted furnishings, deck with rockers, grill, motorcycle accessible. $125 nt (through 9-30), $750 week.  See photos and availability

Vacation Rental with WOW views - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 8. Three outdoor porches and over 800' of decking to enjoy all the WOW views. Fireplace, Gas grill.  $250 - $300 per night, $1650 per week.  Check availability

Find more Last Minute Christmas Getaways HERE

Heinzelmannchen Brewery Holiday Party and Last Minute Gifts

December 24 - Stop by Heinzelmannchen Brewery, 545 Mill Street in historic Downtown Sylva, NC from 10 AM to 5 PM for their annual Holiday Party. Enjoy samples of recipes from Your Gnometown Cookbook and Heinzelmannchen ales/sodas.

Last Minute gifts available from Heinzelmannchen:

Gifts to Go:  Your Gnometown Cookbook and 2 pint glasses $21 (33% discount!)
Baskets & Gifts: This gift basket contains 2 Heinzelmannchen pint glasses, set of 12 Heinzelmannchen coasters and 3 deelicious dips, ready to go for $30.  We also have others to choose from less and more expensive. Make your shopping easy!

And don't forget Wunderbar Wednesdays - Traditional flavor Growler Fills only $10 All day, every Wednesday.

Holiday Hours: Monday - Friday, Dec 19 - Dec 23 & Dec 26 - Dec 30 - 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec 24 & Dec 31 - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Always closed on Sundays

Winter Hours: January 2 - March 18, 2012 Monday's & Tuesday's - By chance or By Appointment (you can have you birthday or special event here) Wednesday's - Saturday's - 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.  Always closed on Sundays.

If you're in Asheville next week don't miss LaZoom and ZaPow Last Minute Bash and Joy Ride

December 23   LaZoom and ZaPow Last Minute Bash and Joy Ride 7 PM - 11 PM at ZaPow Gallery, 21 Battery Park Ave. Suite 101 in Asheville NC. The event features The Krektones on The Bus and DJ Laura in the house, along with Free French Broad Wee Heavier & Ice Cream from The Hop.

Joy Ride: Leaving from ZaPow at 8:00, 9:00 & 10:00PM. Climb aboard the LaZoom Bus and The Krektones will rock you around town with their styling surf swagger. At ZaPow, A Last Minute Christmas Bash: Killer affordable art that is perfect for last-minute Christmas gifts. DJ Laura (you might have heard her grooves at The Southern) will be spinning her dance floor vinyl.

New Year's Eve at Fontana Village

Fontana Village Resort will ring in the New Year with a Dinner Party, Live Music, Fireworks and a Lodging Special.
The New Year's Eve Dinner Party at the Resort's Mountain View Bistro offers seatings at 6:30, 7:30, 8:45 and 9:15 with a variety of sumptuous selection of appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts. A cash bar will be available throughout the evening. The price is $50 for adults, $25 for children and includes party favors, champange toast at midnight, tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

Revelers may attend the New Year's Eve Party only for $15.00 at the door

The New Year's Eve Party Package includes: Dinner at the Mountain View Bistro; Live Music in the Events Hall featuring the Caribbean Cowboys and a midnight champagne toast; Fireworks at midnight on the Village Green; Sunday Morning Breakfast awt the Mountain View Bistro. The Package is $62, all inclusive.

Lodging Special: Book your Lodge room or cabin for Saturday Night and get Friday or Sunday night at 50% off the published rate. Reservations required.

Fontana Village Resort  offers a range of accommodations: Lodge rooms and suites, cabins. RV and tent camping. Resort amenities include a conference space, WIFI, 2 restaurants, a lounge, the General Store, gift shops, outfitters, pools, marina, massage and fitness center,  bike shop, horseback riding and walking trails.   

Check for best rates and get lodging details

What to do this Weekend: Dec 16-18 from Christmas Music to Classic Car Shows

Dec 16   BREVARD   4th Friday Gallery Walks  An evening of Art, Wine and Food in Downtown Brevard every 4th Friday of the month, from May through December. 5 PM -9 PM.   Get a link for details

Dec 17   FRANKLIN   Ricky Skaggs a Skaggs Family Christmas   From carefree fun to traditional or contemporary sentiments, you'll hear cheerful instrumental work on "Deck the Halls" and outstanding harmony on "Hangin' Round the Mistletoe." For old-fashioned family values sung with tuneful sincerity, A Skaggs Family Christmas has it by the stocking full.  Get a link for details

Dec 17   CHEROKEE   A Holiday Homecoming   at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee. From 10 am - 1 pm there will be demonstrations of old-fashioned crafts, live music, refreshments, and walking tours. Make a corn shuck doll, buzz button, and cinnamon ornaments. From 1-3 pm there will be an old-time acoustic jam session focused on holiday music. Get a link for details

Dec 17   HENDERSONVILLE   Henderson County Crafters Association Craft Show   The Henderson County Crafters Association will host a craft show at the Blue Ridge Mall. Fri and Sat 10 am-9 pm & Sunday 1-6 pm

Dec 17   BEECH MOUNTAIN   Santa visits Beech Mountain   Santa will visit Fred's Gazebo for fun and picture taking, 4-5 p.m. Afterwards, there will be the Christmas tree lighting at the Chamber office, 5-6 p.m. Hot cocoa, cider, and cookies will be served.  Get a link for details

Dec 18   ASHEVILLE   Swannanoa Solstice  The annual performance of A Swannanoa Solstice. Headlined by world renowned musicians Al Petteway, Amy White, and Robin Bullock playing guitar, mandolin, fiddle, Appalachian dulcimer, piano, harp, and world percussion, these performances are enhanced further by the voices and talents of special guest musicians, storytellers, dancers, and host Doug Orr. Gather with family and friends for one of the two performances offered to accommodate ticket demand for this holiday tradition.  Get a link for details

Dec 18   ASHEVILLE   USDAA Dog Agility Trials  The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina will host a United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA) agility trial. Spectators are welcomed to attend and admission is free. Over 150 purebred and mixed bred dogs, from throughout the southeast, will compete at various levels of difficulty.  Get a link for details

 

Dec 18   ASHEVILLE   Asheville Symphony Presents Holiday Pops  Enjoy the glowing voices of the Asheville Symphony Chorus under Michael Lancaster and the Asheville Symphony Children's Chorus under Timothy Wilds. This Holiday Concert has become a favorite of Asheville audiences over the years.  Get a link for details

Dec 18   OLD FORT  Classic Car Show   Bring your car, truck, or motorcycle. Downtown Old Fort, 1-5 p.m.; free. Sponsored by Route 70 Cruisers. For more information, call 828-442-5135.  Get a link for details

Mountain Spirits: Wine and Beer this week, December 15, 2011

Dec 15,  6 PM -8 PM  FrenchBroad Chocolate Lounge, 10 S Lexington Ave.,   Downtown Asheville NC  Holiday Pairing with Pisgah Brewing Company. Enjoy a pint of Valdez Stout and two Valdez truffles for ONLY $6 while mingling and listening to the live, original, electronic, soul/jazz/dub music of Ben Hovey.  Prepackaged Valdez bottles and boxed truffles will be available for purchase as scrumptious holiday gifts for the beer and chocolate lover! The lounge will be open to the public with complimentary tastes of the chocolate and beer until 8:00 PM (or, until they run out) in addition to the regular delicious treats on the FBC menu!  French Broad Chocolate Lounge, one of Asheville's favorite dessert spot.

Dec 16, 5 PM - 7 PM Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100 in Asheville NC.
Seasonal winter ales keep rolling in as the weather gets colder, so we'll be tasting some big beers for the winter season . Dec 17, 3 PM - 6 PM  Argentinian Wines & True South Catering: We will be sampling three delicious, crowd-pleasing wines from Argentina that will be sure hits at holiday parties. We will also be offering samples by local caterer True South Foods that are great spreads for parties, such as their "El Diablo Pimento Cheese" or "Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Spread."

Dec 16, 4 PM - 7 PM  at Table Wine, 1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102, AAA Travel Center in Asheville NC. Friday Winedown - California Central Coast: tasting  92 point rated Pinot Noir. The lovely Anne Kaufmann of The Country Vintner will join us to pour these wines   $5/person, Free for Grape Nuts  Dec 17, 2 PM - 5 PM  FREE wine tasting: "Try Before You Buy" tasting featuring 4 great and affordable wines. Dec 23 - 11 AM - 7 PM  Christmas Eve eve All Day Tasting: Try 8 wines for free and try not to lose your mind listening to Christmas music!

Now through - Dec 31 - Deck the Halls  - 13 Surry County wineries and several local hotels and restaurants are participating in the 2nd annual event. Purchase a Deck the Halls passport, from November 12 through December 31 and receive complementary wine tastings from all 13 participating Surry Wineries, a collectable holiday ornament from each winery, a commemorative wine glass, invitation to 2 food & wine pairing weekends with live music, plus other great events at Surry Wineries during the holiday season.


Thanksgiving Weekend through December 31 - Yadkin River Wine Trail is once again hosting its Holiday Wine Tour. Visit five wineries: RagApple Lassie, Sanders Ridge, Divine Llama, Cellar 4201 and Flint Hill for the price of one ticket. Included is the tasting of five wines and a signature collector's ornament from each winery. $40.00 per couple or $30.00 individually. Tickets are available at each of the wineries and can be reserved by calling any of the wineries direct.

Dec 16, 7-10 PM at The Classic Wineseller, 30 church Street, Waynesville NC. Friday Night Live - Now inside the Wine Bar for the winter. This week enjoy Jared Teague and a holiday sing-a-long. The Two dimensional suitcase with the Wineseller's own Megan Smith.

Dec 17 at 1- 4 PM  Asheville Wine Market, 65 Biltmore Ave, Asheville NC. Free WIne Tasting: Holiday Wine Selections: Join  Tom Leiner for this exciting tasting of wines from four differnt countries. Geared for the Holiday Season, these wines are delicious, affordable and ready to perform at your home or office party

Dec 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.

Dec 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.
Dec 17,  2 PM - 6:30 PM   Appalachian Vintner, 2-B Huntsman Place, Asheville NC   Asheville's Best Wine Tasting

Dec 17,  12 PM - 6 PM RagApple Lassie, 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane Boonville NC - Listen to popular vocalist, Lisa Woods, visit with friends, relax, have lunch in The Back Door Cafe, sample RagApple's great wines, and check out the RagApple Lassie special collection of great holiday gifts. FREE gifts with the purchase of each case of wine between now and December 31st. Throughout December, RagApple Lassie will be open every day except Christmas Day

Dec 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.

Dec 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.

Dec 17  , 4 PM - 8 PM  PM at Falderal Winery, 131 3rd Ave, Hendersonville NC.   Beaujolais Nouveau and limited-run Thanksgiving wines plus hors d'oeuvres. Nov 19   Free tasting -  Regular Saturday wine Tasting from 11 AM - 5 PM

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.

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".
South Creek Vineyard and Winery, 2240 South Creek Road, Nebo, NC

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

Star-gazing in Asheville - Tis the Season

Tonight will be a perfect night for stargazing. AB-Tech Institute for Climate Education has provided an update on what you may see in the sky tonight - assuming the clouds don't get in the way. Check out the prime locations for stargazing in Asheville as recommended by Explore Asheville, the official website of the Buncombe County Tourist Development Authority.

According to A-B Tech, mid-December brings one of the most unique meteor showers that we get to see throughout the year, the Geminid Meteor Shower. Although viewing conditions won’t be perfect for viewing in Western North Carolina, the mild conditions may make it worth the effort.

We’ll likely see some cloud cover with the bright Waning Gibbous moon tonight (just past full at 90.5%). We may also see the development of some fog in the valleys overnight, but if you venture outside after 10:00 tonight, set out a blanket, make yourself comfortable and give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness, you may get a glimpse of a few meteors. Point your feet toward the East, and look toward the constellation Gemini (see the sky map below). Viewing is always best if you can get to an area without city lights, but we’re expecting mostly cloudy skies tonight. So, a special trip away from any lights may not be worth the effort if the clouds do set in.

Most meteor showers are produced as the Earth crosses the debris path left by a comet. However, the Geminid Shower is unique because it’s created from the dusty debris left by a near-Earth asteroid named 3200 Phaethon.

Credit: Dr. Tony Phillips, NASA Science News

For more detailed information on the Geminid Meteor Shower from NASA Science News, click here.

Christmas in the Country Special - $550 week

Special on Maggie Valley vacation rental - $550 per week!  Reserve now for Christmas or skiing at Cataloochee Ski Area.  season. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 5. Fireplace, large deck with grill. East access year around. Santa comes early with this price!

Check rental availability and see photos

See more cabin rentals available for the Christmas holiday HERE

Ricky Skaggs Christmas Performance at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

December 17  Ricky Skaggs a Skaggs Family Christmas  From carefree fun to traditional or contemporary sentiments, you'll hear cheerful instrumental work on "Deck the Halls" and outstanding harmony on "Hangin' Round the Mistletoe." For old-fashioned family values sung with tuneful sincerity, A Skaggs Family Christmas has it by the stocking full.  The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts is located at 1028 Georgia Road in
Franklin, NC.

Get  a link for A Skaggs Family Christmas and more Franklin NC events and information.

Christmas Event: Tryon Annual Christmas Parade

December 14    Town of Tryon's Annual Christmas Parade -  The Parade begins at 4 PM. Come and join the merriment of the Christmas season with The Town of Tryon's annual Christmas parade. The parade begins at the Methodist Church parking lot and winds its way downtown, thrilling children along the way and ending with a visit to Santa.

Four NC Ski Resorts and Areas are Open for the 2011-2012 Season

This weekend four of the six NC Ski Areas and Resorts are open for the 2011-2012 season.  After several false starts and the best efforts of the snow making machines, Mother Nature finally brought the requisite consistent cold temperatures this week.

Skiing in North Carolina has always required man-made snow. Each year the Ski Areas add to or upgrade their snowmaking capabilities. But even state-of-the-art snow machines can't do it all. A minimum of 36 to 48 hours of below freezing temperatures are need to properly prepare the slopes to begin building a usable snow surface. The last two years in NC have seen record early cold weather allowing longer ski seasons than usual with earlier starts and skiing well into March.


This weekend Cataloochee Ski Area, Sugar Mountain Resort, Beech Mountain Ski Resort and Appalachian Ski Mountain are all open for day time skiing on 40-60% of their slopes and bases of 6 inches to 45 inches. Sugar Mountain is host to the annual SugarFest and Appalachian is celebrating its official 50th season opening. Sapphire Valley Ski Area is hoping to open on December 17 and Wolf Ridge Ski Resort has not yet announced an opening date.

Get links for all NC  Ski Areas and Resorts and 

information about NC Skiing and winter sports HERE

Holiday Lodging Special in Highlands NC

Fire Mountain Inn, Cottages and Treehouses in Highlands NC is offering 
two Holiday specials:

Stay 2 nights receive a 20% reduction - promo code 2Nights20

or

Stay 3 nights and the third night is FREE  - promo code 3Nights33

Reserve Online and enter the appropriate promo code to receive your Holiday Special. These special offers apply to all accommodations and are valid any day of the week through December 31, 2011.

Fire Mountain Inn, Treehouses, Cabins - 15 accommodations at a 4000+ foot elevation with incredible mountain views. Inn and Treehouse guests enjoy a full complimentary breakfast and cabin guests may choose fireplaces, hot tubs, full kitchens. Packages are offered.    Check availability and read reviews

Last Minute Smoky Mountains Christmas Cabin

Mountain cabin with view of Jonathan Creek - 1+ bedrooms, 1.5 bath, sleeps up to 6. Newer log cabin with vaulted ceiling and stone fireplace. Wrap-around deck with charcoal grill, 42"TV, CD player. $95 night, $550 week. Book NOW for a Christmas Getaway or Ski vacation at Cataloochee Ski Area.

Confirm rental availability

Get more information about Waynesville and the Smoky Mountains HERE

Find mor cabins and rentals available for Christmas HERE

Christmas Event: Christmas at Connemara this weekend in Flat Rock

December 10    Christmas at Connemara -  The Carl Sandburg Home, National Historic Site is decorated in the same manner  the Sandburg's did with traditional decorations, holiday music and programs. This free festive celebration will honor Carl Sandburg and the family holiday tradition of music. Take a leisurely stroll of the grounds and have fun with a visit the goat barn.

Musicians and storytellers will perform traditional holiday stories and music. Hot cider and cookies will be served.  Young visitors will find many opportunities for participation in storytelling, sing-a-longs and a vintage ornament activity station. The house will be decorated with poinsettias and a traditionally decorated Christmas tree throughout December until January 6th, 2012.

Get a link for Christmas at Connemara and other
Flat Rock NC events, attractions and visitor information HERE

Saluda Hometown Christmas Celebration this Weekend

December 9-10    Saluda Hometown Christmas   A Christmas celebration throughout this charming little town. Enjoy live music, holiday refreshments and merchants "open houses". The event ends with a services at the Saluda Presbyterian Church.
Friday evening festivities begin at 6 PM with the city-wide open house. The Christmas tree lighting is at 7 PM in Veterans Park and the Ecumenical Service Saluda Presbyterian Church begins at 8 :30 PM.

Saturday events begin with a Children’s Workshop at Saluda Fire Department from 9:30 AM - 1 PM. At 2 PM the FIRST Saluda Christmas Parade marches down Main Street.

Music Venues from 6 PM - 8 PM:

• Cathy Jackson Realty & Top of the Mornin’
  (across bridge)- Suzuki Players - Strings
• Saluda Community Library - Blue Ridge Flute Ensemble -
  Suzanne Haskell & Friends
• Saluda Police Department - Cass Haskell and Larry Keith - Guitar and Base
• Purple Onion - Robert Seiler - Keyboard
• Heartwood - Montreat Duo - Ben Smith and Karen Entzie - Cello and Violin
• Evening Shade Pottery - Kyle and Cassidy Sorenson - Guitar
• Historic Thompson’s Store & Ward’s Grill - Sonya Monts - Dancer’s Extension
• Saluda Grade - Skeezik - Celtic Ensemble - Alan Dillman and Friends
• M. A. Pace - Joah and Daphne Bickley - Strings
• Somewhere in Time - James Metcalf and the Green River Boys
• Macon Bank - Todd Neel and Friends - Old Time Music
• Joni’s Artisanal Wine & Beer - Frank Beeson - Guitar
• Wildflour Bakery and Café - Cat and Friends - Vocal
• Saluda Inn & Wine Cellar (Greenville St.) - Naughty Pillows - Harmonic Trio
• Christmas Tree Lighting at Veteran’s Park -7:00pm
• Saluda Presbyterian Church - 8:00 - Sophie Young, Grace Lauer, and
  Zoe Parsons - Violin Trio - 8:30 - Ecumenical Service 

Get a link for the Saluda Hometown Christmas and other
Saluda events, lodging and visitor information HERE

Christmas Event: Home for the Holidays from The Flat Rock Playhouse

December 5 - 22   "Home for the Holidays" is presented in a Two-act concert with humor, warmth and high-spirited yuletide excitement. You can expect a new look at old holiday standards sprinkled with a handpicked selection of new material by contemporary composers and lyricists. An audience participation number, a few historical carols with a twist and a novelty number or two reflecting current views of the holiday will add variety and freshness to the traditional favorites.

Home for the Holiday is performed by a quartet of multi-talented and well-seasoned performers comprised of Broadway veterans and new Flat Rock Favorites.  Conceived and co-written and by director Michael Marotta and Musical Director Edward Reichert, this concert is the result of years of collaboration by two old college chums who have spent many happy holidays celebrating this most wonderful time of the year on concert stages. 8 PM performance times with matinees at 2 PM wed and Sat.   Performed at the NEW DOWNTOWN VENUE, 125 South Main Street in Hendersonville NC.

Get a link for the Flat Rock Playhouse and other Flat Rock NC attractions here. Find information about Hendersonville NC HERE