Cataloochee Ski Area Offers Law Enforcement Days

February 2-3   Law Enforcement Days at Cataloochee Ski Area   Cataloochee supports the law enforcement by offering a special reduced rate for law enforcement personnel with valid i.d. and their families. The special package is only $25 per person and includes a 1 1/2 hour lesson, lift ticket for either day, twilight or night skiing and rental equipment. The combined savings is $56 per person over Cataloochee's regular rates. Get a link for Cataloochee Ski Area HERE.

Maggie Valley Lodging near Cataloochee Ski Area:

Maggie Valley rental with easy access - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 6. Covered porch with short range mountain views, wood-burning fireplace, charcoal grill, WIFI. Easy paved access, minutes to Maggie attractions. PRICE IS TOTAL, includes cleaning and all taxes.  $163 night, $931 week.    See photos and get rental details


Less than 5 minutes to Maggie Valley and Cataloochee Ski Area - 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, sleeps up to 6.  Porch with mountain view, charcoal grill and the sounds of nearby Jonathan Creek. WIFI, Pet Friendly. $89 - $100 night, $475 - $500 week.   Get photos and see rental details


Family-sized Mountain Lodge - 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps up to 12.  Decks with beautiful long-range mountain views. 10 minutes to Cataloochee Skiing and other Smoky Mountain Attractions. Fireplace, Hot tub, Internet, game room with foosball, pool, darts.  $422 night, $1995 week. Get photos and rental details


** WINTER SPECIAL**Modern log cabin in convenient location - 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 6. Wrap-around deck and mountain views, gas grill, large wooded lot with campfire area, gas fireplace, game room with air hockey, foosball, board games. $165 night, $1100 week.  See photos and get rental 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. Easy access year around. Get photos and see rental details


Vacation rental on stocked trout stream - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 8. Newer cabin located on 2 creeks. Easy paved access and only 3 minutes to Cataloochee Ski Area - walk to shopping and restaurants. Gas fireplace, covered wrap-around porch, charcoal grill, bike. $129 - $199 night, $899 - $999 week.   Get photos and see rental details

Get Find additional Maggie Valley Lodging HERE

Valentine's Day Weekend Events: Heinzelmannchen Brewery Chocolate and Beer Pairing

February 11, 2-5 PM, Heinzelmannchen Brewery, 545 Mill Street in historic downtwon Sylva NC - Chocolate and Beer Pairing.  Just in time for Valentine's Day,  Maleah and Denise from Chocolate-m.d. (aka Mother,Daughter; Milk,Dark; made differently) share their delectable chocolates at the Brewery location. The chocolates will be paired with Heinzelmannchen Ales for a delightful tasting.  Chocolate-m.d will also have their chocolates available for purchase ( cash/checks only). 

Get a link for Heinzelmannchen Brewery and more
Sylva NC information HERE

February Music and Events at The Purple Onion

February 2 - Nikki Talley  - a voice that harkens back to the Appalachian roots from which she was born, and shores up on the edgesof contemporary southern rock, country, blues, and jazz

February 4 - Taylor Moore Band  - singer with guitar pyrotechnics, original songwriting Ray LaMontagne-meets-Rod Stewart vocal stylings

February 9 - Calico Moon - their sound is a seamless blend of roots, country and pure mountain soul

February 11 - Lonesome Road Band - fabulous bluegrass as this Hendersonville-based band returns

February 16 - Alan Barrington - The Charlotte Observer says:"Barrington offers nicely crafted folk-pop along the linesof David Wilcox or Pierce Pettis."

February 18 - Gigi Dover & The Big Love - her many fans here know to expect a musical, magical evening under her spell

February 23 - Chuck Brodsky  - "With insight and good humor, he has taken these life experiences and distilled them into old fashioned story songs brimming with wit and compassion." -New York Times

February 25 - The Bad Popes - original material as well as choice covers ranging from Graham Parsons and Willie Nelson to The Beatles and The Ramones

Monday and Tuesday Nights (excluding 2-7-12)  through the Winter enjoy a variety of board games.  It's evolving. It's casual. It's impromptu and it's fun. Play one of the Onion's games or bring your own. Whether you are a scrabble aficionado or a chess master or just looking for entertainment and camaraderie, there will be a fire in the wood stove, something hearty in the soup pot, weekly slider specials, oysters on the half shell, and beer and wine specials.

The Purple Onion is located at 16 Main Street in historic downtown Saluda NC. GEt a link for the Purple Onion and other Saluda restaurants, shops and information HERE

5th Annual Celtic Adventure Weekend in Asheville

February 3-5    5th Annual Celtic Adventure Weekend  A  Dream weekend for lovers of all things Celtic. Celebrate the Scots-Irish heritage of Western North Carolina with dance, literature, food, drink and music. McPeake takes the stage Friday night with a blend of Irish traditional, folk, acoustic and country music.

On Saturday afternoon, attendees will enjoy the music and stories of Scottish songwriter and guitarist Colin Grant-Adams. Back by popular demand this year, Gaelic Storm blows in with another raucous, crowd-pleasing performance.

The event is hosted by the Grove Park Inn, with lodging packages available. Get a link for the Celtic Adventure Weekend, the Grove Park Inn and other Asheville information HERE.

Valentine's Day Events: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Valentine Express

February 11, 11 AM, Bryson City NC - The Peanuts^™ Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown Excursion and Valentine Sweetheart Train, a special event.  The train departs at 11 AM and will travel along the Tuckasegee River to Dillsboro NC for a 1 ½ layover. Special Valentine's activities include crafts, photo ops, snacks and more.  This is a fun-filled outing for the whole family.

Get a link for the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad and other
Bryson City Attractions and events HERE

Mountain Spirits: Wine and Beer this week, January 26

Jan 27, 5 - 7 PM Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100 in Asheville NC - Olde Hickory Brewing, Hickory NC Beer Tasting:  Death by Hops - Winner of the first Olde Hickory ProAm. Ruby Lager - A deep amber hue invokes a refreshing taste in this smooth brew; Appalachian Ale - Originally brewed for Peabody's bottle shop in Boone, NC this smooth drinking "American Blonde" has quickly become one of our favorites at the store.  Jan 28, 3-6 PM - FREE Wine Tasting: La Playa Wines from Chile. La Playa Chardonnay "Un-Oaked" 2011- La Playa's estate is found on the sandy beach-like banks of the Tinguiririca River in Chile's Colchagua Valley;  La Playa Cabernet Sauvignon 2010- La Playa is sustainably grown and committed to respecting the environment;  La Playa "Block Selection" Carmenere 2009 - Hand picked from La Playa's most selective block of grapes, and aged in French and American Oak for 12 months, this is a wonderfully rich and complex Carmenere.

Jan 27, 7 PM until,  Classic Wine Cellar, 20 Church Street, Waynesville NC - Friday Night Live music with Michael Pilgrim and his friends performing with his jazz mandolin

Jan 27, 4 - 7 PM at Table Wine, 1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102, Asheville NC -First Winedown of the year welcomes Sour Grapes Distributing and company co-founder and partner Devon Price to the store for a sampling of nine wines from all over the world.  Cost is $5/person or free if you're a Grape Nut.  Jan 21, 2-5 PM - FREE Weekly Wine Tastings: Sample Four Artisan Wines - a "Try Before You Buy" tasting featuring 4 great and affordable wines.  February 9 - There are 20 spots left for the wine and chocolate tasting, featuring six wines (average retail of $30) paired with six different handmade truffles from Blue Moon Chocolatier.  RSVP and pre-payment are required, and this one is filling up fast, so call  at 828.505.8588 to reserve your spot for this seated tasting.

Jan 27, 6 PM - 8 PM, at Divine Wine, 1011 Tunnel Road East Asheville NC . Friday Wine Tastings - It’s not just a tasting, it’s a party and you’re invited. Complimentary tastes of special wines, along with an assortment of hors d’oeuvres. Be sure to try the weekly special wines by the glass, or a cold, frothy, draft brew from the bar.

Jan 27,  4 PM - 7 PM  LaBouteille, 10 N Trade St, Suite A Tyon NC - Complimentary Wine Tastings every Friday. Jan 28 - The last Saturday of each month 3-5 pm is a 10 beers for $10 beer tasting. Bring a dish of food to share.

Jan 28, 3 PM   RagApple Lassie, 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane Boonville NC - Wine and Cheese Pairing: Chef Jeff Taylor, formerly of the Homestead in Timberlake, will tantalize your taste buds. Enjoy sampling  six Ragapple Lassie wines  each paired with the perfect cheese!   Awesomely good, plus wonderfully educational. Call 1-866-RagApple for reservations. $20.00 per person; Wine Club members, $15.00.

Jan 28,   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. Sample 4 to 6 new wines. Light hors d’ oeuvres will be served and all wines poured will be specially priced.

Jan 28, 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.

Jan 28  , 11 AM - 5 PM  PM at Falderal Winery, 131 3rd Ave, Hendersonville NC.  Free tasting -  Regular Saturday Wine Tasting with all wines made on the premises.

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. Closed for the winter - re-open March 22, 2012Tasting 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

Asheville Hosts 20th Annual "All That Jazz Weekend"

January 27-29 20th Annual All That Jazz Weekend  -  Another spectacular weekend of "All Things Jazz" with special performances by The John Pizzarelli Quartet on Friday evening, Jessica Molaskey & Aaron Weinstein Trio on Saturday evening and a special Saturday afternoon concert with the Lenore Raphael Duo featuring Herman Burney.

This event has earned national recognition as one of the premiere jazz festivals of the Southeast. Evening and afternoon concerts in the Grand Ballroom along with fun activities and live music throughout the rest of the resort make this a weekend that will satisfy even the most discriminating jazz enthusiast.

The event is held at The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa with packages available, Package price: $124.75 (average per person, per night), based on 2 night stay* The spa and spa services are renowned, scenic golf course, sports complex with pool - tennis - racquetball - training. Onsite restaurants, lounge, bars. A large variety of rooms and suites, varying stages of updates with some original Inn antiques.

Get a link for All That Jazz and the Grove Park Inn HERE

Chase Away the Winter Blues at the Tryon Fine Art Center

January 28 - TFAC (Tryon Fine Art Center)  brings together players living in the area to play a nonstop night of music from 4:00 in the lobby and on the Main Stage. Proceeds will benefit the TFAC Arts in Education programs.

The evening's performers include Daryl Ryce, Shane Pruitt Band, Rudy Blue Shoes Wyatt, Asheville’s Dr. Blues, and more. Food and drink will also be available. Music will start in the lobby when the doors open at 4:00pm. Concerts on the Main Stage begin at 4:30 PM and will end about 10:30 PM.  Ticket prices are $35 for General Admission and $65 for the VIP Lounge. Beer, wine and food will be available for purchase.  For more information, call Tryon Fine Arts Center at 828-859-8322 ext. 213.

The Tryon Fine Art Center is located at 34 Melrose Ave in Tryon  N. Get a link for the Art Center and other Tryon NC attractions HERE.

Winter NC Cabin and Vacation Rental Specials

Cozy Winter Special - Stay 2 or more nights and get 3rd night free or stay 2 or more nights and take 25% off the nightly rate. 5 cabins set in a private 7 acre setting,  Fireplaces, hot tub, grills, PET FRIENDLY.  $165-275 night, $1040-$1730 week. Lake Toxaway NC, near Cashiers NC and Highlands NC
              See details and cabin photos


Last minute Winter deal - $65 night - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 6. Wooded, scenic setting only  minutes to Murphy NC. Fireplace, porch with charcoal grill, WIFI, fully equipped kitchen. 30 minutes to Nantahala or Ocoee rafting. See cabin photos and check rental availability

Winter Special - $482 per week, $69 per night. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 5. Mountain views, deck, campfire area, Pet Friendly with approval. Only 6 miles to downtown Asheville NC    See special details and check availability

Winter Special - 15% discount or stay 2 nights, get 3rd FREE during Jan, Feb, Mar. 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps up to 5. Large master suite with private deck and hot tub. Deck overlooking gardens and trout pond. WIFI. Asheville NC. $195-$250 night, $1165-$1280 week. See cabin photos and availability

14th Annual WinterFest in Blowing Rock

January 26-29  -  Winterfest. Join the Village of Blowing Rock NC to celebrate the fun side of winter at the 14th Annual Winterfest. From the Wine Auction, ice carving and Live Bluegrass, to the Chili Cook-Off, Kids' Activities and the Polar Plunge in Chetola Lake, there's something for everyone.

January 27  -  Winterfest Family Night. is held in conjunction with Blowing Rock’s annual Winterfest, and will highlight several unique and fun events including: Late night skiing 5pm – Midnight; Special Late Night Ice Skating 10pm-Midnight; Roasting Smore’s; Snow play zone; The Sanctuary Massage Stations 5-8pm; Special Learn to Ski/Snowboard package deal; 50th Celebration Golden Scavenger Hunt Part 3 (Items 21-30).

Get a link for WinterFest and other Blowing Rock NC events HERE

Groundhog Day at Chimney Rock Park

February 2, 10 AM - noon at Chimney Rock Park - Grady's Groundhog Day Prediction.   Will Grady give the same prediction as Punxsutawney Phil? Or will he daringly give his own prediction about winter’s claim on the weather?

Join Emily Walker, Chimney Rock’s Education Specialist, near the Classroom on the Meadows for a nature program on the life of groundhogs and the Groundhog Day tradition. Then eagerly watch as Grady emerges... if Grady sees his shadow, it means we have six more weeks of winter weather ahead—but if not, then spring is around the corner!

After the prediction, a Park trail guide will lead a one-hour guided hike starting at 11:15 AM at Cliff Dwellers Gifts.

To celebrate Grady’s special day, Chimney Rock Park is offering a discount on membership in Grady's Kids Club,  (the youth version of the Park's Annual Pass) for youths ages 6-15, for $8 during February.  For only $0.67 a month, kids will get unlimited visits to the

Hickory Nut Falls

Park for an entire year, discounts in the Park and deals at other area attractions. Offer valid February 1-29, 2012.

Chimney Rock Park and Old Rock Cafe will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through March 2012. Winter hours are Thursday - Monday from 10 AM to 6 PM with the Ticket Plaza closing at 4:30 PM. Call 828-625-9611 to check opening status in the event of inclement weather. The Park is undergoing major capital improvement projects this winter, resulting in discounted winter rates and trail closures. Read more at HERE.

Get a link for Chimney Rock Park
and other Chimney Rock NC information HERE

Last Minute Deal: Boone Rental Special: $100 Weekday

Elegant cabin by the lake - 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 8. Community hiking trails, lake for fishing and swimming. Fireplace, game room. Located in Fleetwood Falls between Boone and West Jefferson. $150 - $200 night.

Get cabin details, photos and availability
Get Boone NC information HERE

Mountain Spirits: Wine and Beer this week, January 19

Santé Wine Bar, The Grove Arcade, Asheville NC - NOW serving wine on tap. Stop in Santé Wine Bar and ask what's on tap.  Santé has joined a growing number of restaurants and drinking establishments that have kegs of wine behind their bars and are pouring wines by the glass from a tap.  The trend is not a new one, but its time has come as wineries, restaurants and consumers discover that the wines are good and there are economic and environmental benefits to kegs.  Keg wines are fresh and delicious - try them for yourself. Jan 20, 5-8 PM - Live at the Grove Arcade: a new series featuring free local music taking place the third Friday of January, February and March with Motownblue performing this Friday.


Jan 19, 5 - 7 PM, Brusin' Ales, 66 Broad Strteet, Asheville NC - Pale Horse Brewing - get a little taste of the Pacific Northwest. Hillbilly Blonde: A crisp, refreshing, light ale suitable for any occasion.; Hopyard Dog IPA: Brewed with a well balanced blend of malts and Cascade hops, Hopyard Dog IPA has an authoritative but pleasant bite; Pale Horse Export Stout: Obsidian in color with deep garnet hues, aroma and flavor carrying hints of coffee and chocolate, Pale Horse Export Stout is a carefully crafted balance between smooth sweetness and smoky hop bitterness.; Pale Horse Winter Seasonal (Heavy Scotch Ale): A deep lustrous brown with hints of woodsmoke, cedar and dark fruits such as raisins and plums in the aroma.


Jan 20, 5 - 7 PM Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100 in Asheville NC. Duck Rabbit Brewing: The self proclaimed "Dark Beer Specialist" is the featured brewery with tastings of their new Limited Release Baltic Porter along with some favorite year round offerings. Duck-Rabbit Porter is very dark in color. This robust porter features a pronounced flavor of roasted grains reminiscent of dark chocolate; Duck-Rabbit Milk Stout is a traditional full-bodied stout brewed with lactose (milk sugar); Duck-Rabbit Baltic Porter is deep, rich and velvety soft. A full blooded roasty character is balanced by complex alcohol notes. Jan 21, 3-6 PM - Affordable, Fine Rhone Wines: Ferraton Cote du Rhone Blanc 2009- Many of us drink less white wine in the wintertime, but this white wine from the Rhone Valley in Southern France has enough body and depth to cozy up to on a cold evening;  Domanie Couroulu Vin de Pays de Vaucluse 2009- Domaine Couroulu owns vineyards just outside the Vacqueyas appellation in the Southern Rhone Valley; Saint Cosme Cote du Rhone 2010- Saint Cosme is located north of the village of Gigondas. Its wine intensely aromatic with notes of smoked meat, wild raspberry, and black peppercorn, is a structured powerhouse with finesse.

Jan 20, 7 PM until,  Classic Wine Cellar, 20 Church Street, Waynesville NC - Friday Night Live music with Ed Kelly and Chris Minick performing popular music and original compositions.
Jan 20, 4 - 7 PM at Table Wine, 1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102, Asheville NC - 545 Tasting - Blind Grenache Tasting: From France to Spain to California, Grenache is one of the most prolific grape varieties in the world.  4-7 PM - Friday Winedown - With Sour Grapes Distributing: Sample 8 wines from all over the world with light palate cleansers. Sour Grapes' focus is on naturally made wines from small family owned and operated wineries. $5 per person, free for Grape Nuts.  Jan 21, 2-5 PM - FREE Weekly Wine Tastings: Every Saturday a"Try Before You Buy" tasting featuring 4 great and affordable wines.

Jan 20, 6 PM - 8 PM, at Divine Wine, 1011 Tunnel Road East Asheville NC . Friday Wine Tastings - It’s not just a tasting, it’s a party and you’re invited. Complimentary tastes of special wines, along with an assortment of hors d’oeuvres. Be sure to try the weekly special wines by the glass, or a cold, frothy, draft brew from the bar.

Jan 20,  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.

Jan 21, 4-8 PM at Appalachian Vintner, 2-B Huntsman Place, Asheville NC - Free wine tastings Saturdays and Wednesdays.

Jan 21,   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. Sample 4 to 6 new wines. Light hors d’ oeuvres will be served and all wines poured will be specially priced.

Jan 21, 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.

Jan 21  , 4 PM - 8 PM  PM at Falderal Winery, 131 3rd Ave, Hendersonville NC.  Free tasting -  Regular Saturday wine Tasting from 11 AM - 5 P. From 3-6 PM Home Wine Making Class - learn the ins and outs of home winemaking plus a free tasting.  5:30 - 7:30 PM -  Hoops n Wine: Hooping Hearts, an Asheville-based nonprofit hoola-hooping company promoting heath hearts. Falderal will provide the wine as participants "hoop". Limited clas size so RSVP. $10 cost with some proceeds benefiting Hooping Hearts.
Jan 23, 6 PM at  The Purple Onion, 16 Main Street, Saluda NC - An exploration of some of California's most affordable cuvée: begin with three whites which include blends of Gewürztraminer, sauvgnon blanc and chardonnay as well as some of the Rhône's exotic white varieties, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier. The four reds which follow feature the Rhone varietals grenache, syrah and mourvedre and the fab five Bordeaux varieties. (That's cab, merlot, cab franc, petit verdot and malbec not King, Rose, Webber, Jackson, and Howard). The price for the tasting will be $45 and includes a taste of seven wines listed below and a buffet of hors d'oeuvres and artisan cheeses chosen to pair well with the wines. Reservations can be made by calling the Purple Onion at 749-1179.

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. Closed for the winter - re-open March 22, 2012Tasting 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

Run, Spot, Run!

January 20-22    American Kennel Club (AKC) Dog Agility Trial   The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina is hosting an American Kennel Club Dog (AKC) dog agility trial. Spectators are welcomed to attend and admission is free. Over 300 purebred dogs, from throughout the southeast, will compete at various levels of difficulty.

The Trials will be held at The Western North Carolina Agricultural Center located at 1301 Fanning Bridge Road in Fletcher, suburb of  Asheville NC. 

Military Discounts for NC Skiing

January 20-21    Military Appreciation Days at Cataloochee Ski Area   A special package is only $25 per person and includes a 1 1/2 hour lesson, lift ticket for either day, twilight or night skiing and rental equipment, The combined savings is $56 per person over Cataloochee's regular rates. Package price is good for day skiing from 9am until 4:30pm, twilight skiing from 1pm until 10pm, or night skiing from 6pm until 10pm. And if rental and lessons are not required, the lift ticket price will be $15 per person.

Military Discounts for Maggie Valley Lodging:

The Alamo Motel and Cottages  MAGGIE VALLEY.  10% Military Discount. Pet Friendly & FREE PET SITTING. Fridge, microwave, coffee pot, Gas Grills, Picnic Tables, WIFI, Motorcycle Accessible, Gift Store, Quaint and Homey offering both Cottages and motel rooms. Regular rates begin at $45 per night.

 

Cataloochee Mountain Cabin MAGGIE VALLEY. $100 off weekly rental for active duty military and their family.  3 bd, 2 bath log cabin in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. PET FRIENDLY, fireplace, WIFI, large deck, hammock. Community pond, picnic area, volleyball.

Specials and Winter Discounts
for Maggie Valley Rentals:

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. Easy access year around. See rental photos and availability




Pet-Friendly Cabin Rental - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to6. Screened porch, wood-burning fireplace, pillowtop beds, nearby creek, charcoal grill, WIFI. Easy drive to downtown Maggie or Waynesville. $100 night, $550 week  through May 24, 2012.  Check availability and see cabin photos

Get additional Maggie Valley Information HERE

Remember Martin Luther King Jr and the Dream

Winter events at the WNC Nature Center

The Western North Carolina Nature Center is a living museum of plants and animals native to the Appalachian region. Its mission is to increase public awareness and understanding of all aspects of the natural environment of Western North Carolina through hands-on and sensory experiences.And there are plenty of experiences at the Center during the winter months.

Petting Area Hours Will Vary During the Winter - If meeting the sheep and goats at the contact yard is a stop you don't want to miss when you visit, call ahead (828-298-5600 ) or check the board in the lobby when you come in to see when the petting area will be open.

Nibbles with Nibbles plush toy

February 2, Ground Hog Day at the Center presents Carlton Burke's program about groundhogs  at 2:00 PM. Explore the folklore of this native rodent species with stories and song, and meet live groundhogs, including Nibbles, the Nature Center's own Animal Ambassador.  Celebrate Ground Hog's Day in a special way: Adopt Nibbles, the Nature Center's groundhog,  in honor of Groundhog  Day!

Being a "Wild Parent" to Nibbles is great - she's cute, she's a Nature Center star, she'll let you know when to put away your winter clothes and bring out your spring clothes. Plus, she won't keep you up all night since we'll take care of feeding her for you. The Nature Center's  Wild Parent adoption packages begin at $25 and include an adoption certificate, a photograph of Nibbles, an invitation to the annual Wild Parents Day event at the Nature Center, and more. Adopt at the $50 level and a cute plush groundhog will be included in the package.   

Wild Walks begin in February - Wild Walks is a "behind the scenes" tour of the Nature Center.  If you've ever been curious about what happens behind the STAFF ONLY doors in the Appalachian Station, now's your chance to find out! Starting in February, the Friends of the WNC Nature Center will be offering a special look into the care of the Nature Center animals.  Dates and Times TBA $50 for adults / $25 for children (no strollers).

The WNC Nature Center four-day wildlife rehabilitation workshop will be held February 18-19 & 25-26, 2012 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. The workshop is designed to educate those with or without prior rehabilitation experience to care for orphaned or injured small mammals, birds and reptiles. Workshops include lecture, demonstration and hands-on experience about all aspects of animal rehab, including feeding, housing and general medical care. Speakers will include state and federal licensed rehabilitators, wildlife vets, Nature Center staff, and more!

photo by Jessica Krippel

Nature photographers - professional and budding alike - are invited to share their very best glimpses into life at the WNC Nature Center by submitting photographs to the monthly photography contest.  Every month, a winner will be featured in the WNC Friends of the Nature Center Wild ENews.  Submissions are open to anyone, any age, and any experience level. Your photo should be from within the WNC Nature Center grounds, and can feature any of the animals and landscapes. Please include your name when submitting, so   proper credit to the artist can be attributed.  Submissions for February will be due Tuesday, January 31and should be sent  to Jill Sharp at americorps@wildwnc.org  Remember to specify in your email that your photo is for the contest.  Unselected photos will be under consideration for future months.

The WNC Nature Center is located at 75 Gashes Creek Road in Asheville NC. Operating hours are: 7 days a week 10 AM - 5 PM with admittance until 4:30. Get a link for the WNC Nature Center and other Asheville NC Attractions HERE.

Dinner Deal for Diana Wortham Theatre Patrons

Dining before or after a performance at Diana Wortham Theatre has gotten easier and more affordable. And now, with your Theatre ticket you can take advantage of the new DWT Dinner Deal Program and create your own dinner-and-a-show evening. These deals are offered from restaurants who advertise in the Theatre's Mainstage Series playbill and currently include:.

Storm Rhum Bar & Bistro ( 125 South Lexington Ave) and Bistro 1896  ( 7 SW Pack Sq)  - Show your ticket on the day-of-show and get 15% all food purchases.

Upcoming January Mainstage Performance opportunities include The DePue Brothers Band on January 19th, Susan Werner & David Wilcox on January 21, and Selected Shorts: Lots of Laughs with host Isaiah Sheffer on January 28.

Get a link for The Diana Wortham Theatre and more
Asheville NC Information HERE
Diana Wortham Theatre is located at  2 S. Pack Square - Asheville, NC  - 828.258.4530

Mountain Spirits: Wine and Beer this week, January 12

Jan 12, 5 - 7 PM, Brusin' Ales, 66 Broad Strteet, Asheville NC - Free tasting with Kevin Fox of Heavy Seas Beer, Baltimore MD. Loose Cannon: "Burnished gold with a rich citrus hop aroma, it is wonderfully drinkable with a big hop flavor; Black Cannon: "The style is an oxymoron but this ale is an extension of our Loose Cannon style brewed with black malt; Hang Ten: "A classic German-style weizen bock, slightly cloudy and bursting with flavor. It will benefit with aging up to two years; Smoke On The Water: "A rich dark porter with added complexity from subtle smoked malt.

Jan 13, 5 - 7 PM Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100 in Asheville NC. Founders Brewing Founders take over! We have Founders Double Trouble Imperial IPA and Founder Porter on tap. $5 and $4 a pint, samples free!   Jan 14, 3-6 PM - Spanish Wines: Bodegas LAN Wines and Pagos de Eguren Tempranillo. Pagos de Eguren Tempranillo 2007;  LAN Rioja Crianza 2006;   LAN Rioja Reserva 2005

Jan 13, 3-7 PM at Appalachian Vintner, 2-B Huntsman Place, Asheville NC - Asheville's "Best Wine Tasting": Haw River Wine Tasting - Mike Tiano from the Haw River Wine Man  and his partner Jim Stock import wine from small family estates, directly to Burlington, NC. Their portfolio represents the best from each corner of the Italian countryside. Molto Bene! Vecchia Torre Vermentino; Garofoli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo “La Meriggia”;  Tenuta Canale Merlot di Toscano;  Venturini Baldini Lambrusco; 

Jan 14, 2 - 5 PM at Table Wine, 1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102, Asheville NC - Free "Try Before You Buy" tasting featuring 4 great and affordable wines.

Jan 13, 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.

Jan 13,  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.

Jan 14,   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.

Jan 14, 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.

Jan7  , 4 PM - 8 PM  PM at Falderal Winery, 131 3rd Ave, Hendersonville NC.   Free tasting -  Regular Saturday wine Tasting from 11 AM - 5 P. From 3-6 PM Home Wine Making Class - learn the ins and outs of home winemaking plus a free tasting.

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. Closed for the winter - re-open March 22, 2012Tasting 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

Asheville Cabins and Luxury Vacation Rentals

Carolina Mornings is Asheville's premier Vacation Rental Company. With more than 80 Asheville Cabins and Luxury Vacation Rentals from which to choose, you're sure to find the perfect Asheville getaway.

Carolina Mornings offers an exceptional selection of the finest vacation home rentals in the Asheville NC area. Whether you choose to stay in a captivating Blue Ridge Mountain chalet, a Smoky Mountain log cabin, an elegant downtown loft or a luxury vacation villa located at the center of Historic Biltmore Village, you will be showered with free exclusive activities, personal attention, exceptional service and superior amenities. These vacation rentals offer spectacular mountain views, hot tubs, fireplaces, WIFI, pool tables, pet friendly environments and more.

In addition to a great selection of Asheville area rentals and first class customer service, Carolina Mornings includes their own package of local activities and mountain adventures, called the Mountain Discovery Pass.If you're looking for an active vacation with the great outdoor experiences the Asheville area offers, the Discovery Pass will provide opportunities for FREE  ski lift tickets, golf, whitewater rafting, Asheville Trolley Tours, Lake Lure Cruises and more.

And bargain hunters are not forgotten at Carolina Mornings. From Spa and Biltmore vacation packages to select rental specials, you can enjoy a great mountain vacation without sacrificing the budget. You'll find  free nights, restaurant gifts certificates , Military discounts and more. See  Current Cabin Discounts, Packages.

           

Carolina Mornings is located at 44 Merrimon Ave. Suite Two, Asheville NC. Call toll free 855-597-7354 to speak directly to a member of their friendly and knowledgable team.

DePue Brothers Band Performs in Asheville

January 19 at 8:00  PM at The Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 south Pack Square in Asheville NC - The powerhouse DePue Brothers Band takes the stage.  Like Leahy, which has performed several times at the DWT, the DePue brothers offer the thrill of experiencing the high energy of a family united by its musical virtuosity. This iconic family is a classically trained phenomenon - joined by symphonic friends, including percussionist Don Liuzzi of the Philadelphia Orchestra - all in a vivid, high caliber blend of bluegrass, classical, rock, folk, and blues. Don't miss it! 

Get a link and more information for the Diana Wortham Theatre HERE

Cataloochee Ski Area Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr Weekend

January 13-16   Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Weekend at Cataloochee Ski Area    In addition to regular twilight and night skiing schedule of Tuesday through Saturday evenings, there will also twilight and night ski on Sunday, January 15.

Located in Maggie Valley NC,  Cataloochee Ski Area is North Carolina's First Ski Area and in recent years the first NC Ski Area to open for the season. Catalochee offers Smoky Mountain Skiing, Snowboard Riding and  Snow Tubing at Tube World.  Cataloochee offers 16 lighted slopes including the Cat Cage Terrain Park. With a variety of terrain for beginners to experts alike and over 4,000 sets of snowsports equipment, the Cataloochee experience includes something for everyone.  PSIA school instruction Intro to Skiing or Riding lesson is FREE with all ski and snowboard rentals any non-holiday Monday through Thursday.

Get a link for Cataloochee Ski Area and other
Maggie Valley attractions and lodging HERE

The Incredible B.B. King Performs in Asheville

January 14    B.B. King Performs in the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium at the Civic Center  in downtown Asheville NC.  Universally hailed as the reigning king of the blues, the legendary B.B. King is without a doubt the single most important electric guitarist of the last half century.  The Asheville Civic Center is located at 87 Haywood Street in Asheville NC.

Ladies Park Night Tonight at Appalachian Ski Mountain

January 7  Ladies Park Night At Appalachian Ski Mountain a special terrain park area is constructed with features specifically designed for learning and progression that will be open to ladies only. Women of all ages and abilities are welcome, for both ski and snowboard, to get together and ride in a laid-back environment among friends. Appalachian Ski Mountain is located in Blowing Rock NC.

FREE Snowshoeing at Sugar Mountain Ski Resort

January 7   17th annual National Winter Trails Day at Sugar Mountain Ski Resort. The event offers children and adults new to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing for FREE. Discover the fun and fitness of snow sports. Snowshoe rental and guided tours are free. Guided tours are available on a first-come first-serve basis at 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3 pm and 4pm.

The program includes a 45 minute tour and snowshoe rental. Adult tours are for 12 years or older. Children's tours are for 8-11 year olds. Sign up at least 15 minutes prior to your tour time at the Ski/Snowboard School.

Get a link for National Trails Day and other 

Sugar Mountain NC events HERE

Mountain Spirits: Wine and Beer this week, January5

Jan 5,  4:30 - 7 PM  Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100 in Asheville NC. Homebrew night is held every first Thursday of the month. This group consists of homebrewers that share their homebrew, experience and suggestions with other brewers. Homebrewers are encouraged to bring in two bottles of your beer, cider or mead to share with others. Jan 6, 5-7 PM   21st Amendment Brewing Company.  Come check out the latest craft brewery out of San Francisco, CA to distribute in NC. All of their packaged beer comes in stylish cans, and enviromentally friendly packaging.  BREW FREE! OR DIE IPA;  BACK IN BLACK (Black IPA);  BITTER AMERICAN (seasonal release)  Jan 7, 3 PM - 6 PM   Spanish Wine and Raw Shakti Chocolate  - This week, we will be pairing up again with local, organic, Raw Shakti Chocolate. Come sample their Chocolate varieties alongside three Spanish wines, including the new wine of the month, a wonderful and affordable new Tempranillo.
Vivanco Rioja Blanco 2010; Senda 66 Tempranillo; Conde de Subirats Cava Brut.


Jan 7, 3-7 PM at Appalachian Vintner, 2-B Huntsman Place, Asheville NC  - Asheville's "Best Wine Tasting"  Enjoy a tasting of great values from Tryon Distributing. Chehalem Chemistry White; Tintero Elvio Langhe Rosso; Writer's Block Pinot Noir; Aviva Vino Bula Montsant Red. Special pricing during the tasting.

Jan 6, 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.

Jan 6,  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.

Jan 7,   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.

Jan7, 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.

Jan7  , 4 PM - 8 PM  PM at Falderal Winery, 131 3rd Ave, Hendersonville NC.   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. Closed for the winter - re-open March 22, 2012Tasting 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