Groundhog Day this weekend at Chimney Riock Park

February 2    Grady's Groundhog Day   at Chimney Rock Park. What will Grady predict for the remaining winter weather forecast? Come to Chimney Rock Park and find out while enjoying an educational program on the lives of groundhogs and other woodland critters.

Guided family hikes on the Great Woodland Adventure trail will follow the program at noon and 12:30 PM. Kid’s Groundhog Day crafts will be offered from noon-1 PM. You may also visit the Park website any time to cast your vote on whether or not Grady will see his shadow.

To celebrate Grady’s special day, Chimney Rock Park is offering a discount on membership in Grady's Kids Club, the Annual Pass for youth (ages 5-15), for $8 during February. Enjoy visits to the Park for 18 months, discounts on Park retail, dining and events and savings at favorite area attractions.

Learn more about Chimney Rock Park and Chimney Rock NC HERE.

High Altitude Sweepstakes from the NC TDA

	Every visit to the mountains of western North Carolina is an opportunity to explore – whether it's a hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway, zip lining through towering trees or an opportunity to step back in time. In 2013, indulge your adventurous side with a trip to Asheville and Bryson City. Brace the rapids at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, home of the 2013 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championship, celebrate the 100th anniversary of the historic Grove Park Inn or make a special memory at Biltmore, America's Largest Home. Pack your bags and let the adventure begin. This sweepstakes includes:
	• Two nights of accommodations in a Classic Room at The Grove Park Inn, including a spa day pass for two, signed centennial history book, breakfast in the Blue Ridge Dining Room and name included in the 2013 centennial time capsule • Two nights of accommodations with Great Smoky Mountains Cabin Rentals in Bryson City • Whitewater rafting and wilderness survival training course for four at Nantahala Outdoor Center • Rail excursion for four on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad • Two adult passes for a canopy tour at Navitat Canopy Adventures • Dinner for four at The Fryemont Inn • Two adult tickets to Biltmore • Framed 5"x5" giclée print of a painting by Wendy Whitson • $50 gift certificate to Marketplace Restaurant • $25 gift certificate to The Cottage Craftsman • Tupelo Honey Café cookbook • Two pint glasses from "Beer City USA" • Plus a $500 Visa gift card to help get you here

Celtic Celebration this Weekend at the Grove Park Inn

February 1-2  Celtic Adventure Weekend  Passion, artistry and skill collide during this dream weekend for lovers of all things Celtic. Join the celebration of the Scots-Irish heritage of Western North Carolina with the finest in music, including concerts by Solas and Gaelic Storm. Held at The Grove Park Inn and Spa. Get current rates and availability at The Grove Park Inn

The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa is located at 290 Macon Avenue in Asheville NC.

NC Road Closure Update for US 441

January 27, 2013 - North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory is declaring in a state of emergency for mountain counties affected by a landslide triggered by heavy rains earlier this month. Governor McCrory signed an executive order Wednesday for an emergency declaration covering Graham, Jackson and Swain counties and areas within the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian. McCrory's declaration enables the state and local governments to seek federal emergency assistance and reimbursement for costs incurred as a result of the slide.

US 441 Road Closure:Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have been working with the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) to assess damage to Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) as a result of a January 16 landslide. The FHWA has completed their field survey work, and are now in the initial stage of preparation work to reconstruct the 200 linear feet of road.

This first phase of work will include the stabilization of the slide, removal of landslide debris from the work area, and the completion of a path for construction vehicles to access the section of the slide below the roadway. The work is being coordinated by the FHWA and is expected to begin as early as next week.

While the preparation work is taking place, the design of the road repair is in the development process. The road will be reconstructed as a reinforced full slope roadway. The design will allow for the drainage of water which will protect the road and park resources from future damage. This second phase will begin when the initial site preparation work has been completed. A timeline of completion cannot be determined until the final design has been developed and approved.

“We recognize the importance of Newfound Gap Road to our neighboring communities in our tourism based economy,” said Superintendent Dale Ditmanson. “Therefore we are evaluating all reconstruction options to make sure the road work is completed in a timely but safe and efficient manner.”

The park is moving forward on re-vegetating the three acre debris field with native species to aid in sediment and erosion control. This measure will prevent run off from draining into the Beech Flats Prong stream located just below the slide area.

While the access from Gatlinburg to Cherokee will remained closed during the construction period, Newfound Gap Road has been opened from the Gatlinburg, TN entrance to Newfound Gap, and from Cherokee, NC entrance to Smokemont Campground. Visitors who want to sightsee and recreate in the park will still find opportunities through both entrances.

Get more NC Mountain News on the Mountain News Visitor Guide.

Cherokee Winter Fishing Tournament

February 1  Shiver in the River  Winter fishing tournament in Cherokee for $10,000 in tagged fish in the rivers on the Cherokee Reservation (excluding the 2.2 miles of catch and release waters). Hundreds of specially tagged fish will be stocked in the Cherokee public fishing waters.

When a tagged fish is caught it can be redeemed for cash prizes ranging from $20 to $500 based on the color of the tag. Redemption location and times to be announced. The tournament is open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Registration is necessary to redeem cash prize. 

Get more information about Cherokee NC HERE.

Cherohala Skyway Re-opens with temporary detour around Landslide

The Cherohala Skyway is expected to re-open on Monday, January 28 with a temporary detour. Part of the westbound lane of the road was washed down a 1,000-foot ravine on Jan. 17, forcing the North Carolina Department of Transportation to close the scenic road. The on-site detour route around a closed section of the Cherohala Skyway in Graham County near the Tennessee state line is a temporary fix, but will allow through traffic on the Skyway until the road is permanently repaired.

Get a link for details about the Cherohala Skyway landslide and road closure on the NC mountain News Guide

Icycle Mountain Bike Event at Fontana Village Resort

January 26   The Icycle Mountain Bike Event   Brave the elements and enjoy a day of adventure in the mountains. The Icycle Cross Country Lemans start begins at 11:00 AM in 5 minute waves for Sport, Big Bike, and Beginner categories. Expert and Single-Speed categories start at 1 PM. 

The 7 mile course consists of varied terrain with rocks, roots, creeks, and wide open passing lanes offering some of the finest western North Carolina singletrack. The event takes place at Fontana Village Resort

Fringe Art Festival this Weekend in Asheville

January 24 - 27   Fringe Art Festival  serves patrons of the arts from Asheville and beyond by facilitating the creation and production of avant garde work that may otherwise not find a venue. In past years the artistic mix has included actors, dancers, singers, videographers, painters and musicians, presenting a varied range of interesting work including cross-genre improvisation, Butoh dance, sketch theatre, modern dance, and multi-media performance art.

Grove Park Inn Hosts All That Jazz Weekend

January 25 - 27   Annual All That Jazz Weekend   at the Grove Park Inn. 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 Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa - The spa and spa services are renowned and the resort offers a scenic golf course, sports complex with pool,  tennis, racquetball and training. There are onsite restaurants, a lounge and bars. Accommodations include a large variety of rooms and suites with varying stages of updates with original Inn antiques throughout.  Get current rates and availability for The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa

Get a link for the All That Jazz Weekend on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Military Discounts: Military Appreciation Days at Cataloochee Ski Area

January 24-25  Military Appreciation Days at Cataloochee Ski Area   Cataloochee supports the armed forces by offering a special reduced rate for military personnel and their families . Valid i.d. is required. This special package is only $27 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.

Cataloochee Ski Area is located in Maggie Valley NC. Get a link for Military Days at Cataloochee, local and ski lodging on the Maggie Valley NC Visitor Guide. 

Blowing Rock Winterffest now in its 15th Year

January 24 - 27  15th Annual Winterfest   Join the Village of Blowing Rock to celebrate the fun side of winter at this annual family event. 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.
Blowing Rock North Carolina is just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the North Carolina mountains, and is a storybook village filled with upscale shops and unique attractions. Blowing Rock offers outdoor adventure that ranges from whitewater rafting to skiing, along with fine dining and family restaurants. The range of accommodations includes mountain cabins, bed and breakfasts and ski resorts. You can stay in a Blowing Rock Inn and walk to downtown stores, restaurants and festivals.

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration: Maya Angelou in Boone Tonight

January 22  An Evening with Maya Angelou  The 29th Martin Luther King Commemoration at 7 PM at the Holmes Convocation Center at Appalachian State University. This is a Free event. Maya Angelou is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature, authoring 11 best-selling books, including I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings and her current best seller, Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now.

Appalachian State University - offers a challenging academic environment, energetic campus life and breathtaking location. Appalachian is a liberal Arts college and research center, known for its value and affordability, it enrolls about 17,000 students and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors. Appalachian State University is located at 287 River Street in downtown Boone NC.

Beer Dinner in Sylva NC

January 23, 6 PM at City Lights Cafe, the corner of Spring and Jackson Streets in downtown Sylva NC - Beer Dinner from City Lights Cafe and Heinzelmannchen Brewery with 6 beers and 6 courses for only 60 lucky diners. The courses:

Artisan Bread with the new seasoned dippin' oil
paired with Gopher Ale
Spinach-Apple-Walnut Salad with Honey Balsamic
paired with Ancient Days Honey Blonde
Winter Barley Soup
paired with Big Amber Gnome
Roasted Root Veggies with an Herbed Sauce
paired with Imperial Gnome Ale
Rosemary-Fennel Beef Tenderloin
paired with Gnutty Gnome
Signature Mayan Stout with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
made with Black Forest Stout

 

Car Show Today in Old Fort

January 19  Classic Car Show Bring your car, truck, or motorcycle and be a part of the show or just enjoy the event as a spectator. This FREE car show is held in downtown Old Fort from 1-5 PM.  Sponsored by Route 70 Cruisers.

Landslide causes Closure on US 441 near Cherokee

US 441(Newfound Gap Road) is closed due to a landslide. Two easy alternative routes to Cherokee are available. The most popular detour would be Interstate 40 East into NC, to Highway 276, the Maggie Valley Exit, then west to Sylva, NC, to U.S. Highway 441 and north to Cherokee. Another alternate route would be to travel from west of Maryville on Highway 411. Take Highway 129 through Robbinsville, NC, then east on Highway 19/74 through Bryson City into Cherokee. 


On January 16 the first assessment of the landslide which occurred in Great Smoky Mountains National Park along Newfound Gap Road ( US 441 at Collins Creek) in North Carolina shows that the landslide is approximately 90,000 cubic yards of material or 350-400 feet. It is around the length of a football field and 45-50 feet deep. The slide is still active and an assessment team, made up of Park Staff and Federal Highways employees, observed debris continuing to fall.

The park still does not have an estimated time frame for the road to be open. Federal Highways and park staff are continuing to look at the site to assess options for repair and is hoping to have a rough estimate of a sometime in the next week. Inclement weather is expected over the next few days which may hinder the assessment team.

Further updates on the road condition will follow as details are determined. For Additional information contact: 
Molly_Schroer@nps.gov
Public Affairs Office
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
(865) 436-1203

 

AKC Dog Agility Trails this Weekend in Asheville

January 18-20   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 event is held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd. in Fletcher, NC.

Get a link for the Dog Agility Trials and other weekend events on the NC Events Calendar.

Asheville's Annual Martin Luther King Jr Prayer Breakfast

January 19   Martin Luther King Jr Prayer Breakfast  Asheville’s 32nd annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Grove Park Inn with guest speaker Dr. Tyrone Bledsoe, founder and executive director of the Student African American Brotherhood.

The Brotherhood is a national organization with more than 250 chapters in 40 states whose mission is to help black youth in middle school and high school with support, guidance, and opportunities. The theme of the King Celebration events is “Marching Toward Justice,” and programs throughout the King Holiday observations will address the progress as well as setbacks that have defined the century and a half since President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation took effect on January 1, 1853.

Last Minute Martin Luther King Jr Weekend Getaways

Winter Special $69 night from 1/9 to 2/8. Newer Asheville vacation rental in private setting - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 5. Mountain views, deck, campfire area, Pet Friendly with approval. Only 6 miles to downtown Asheville. 
                  Get rental photos and availability 



 Ski Condo Rental on Sugar Mountain - Winter Ski Special for Mid-week - $175 night between 1/12 and 1/31. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 6. Sugar Mountain Reserve Condo with beautiful mountain views. Deck, fireplace, Internet. Ski Slope access.
          See condo photos, details and availability 


Vacation Rental with mountain views - 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 10. Deck with valley to mountains view, gas grill, 2 fireplaces, pool table and games, WIFI. Great location for Maggie Valley, Waynesville and all Smoky Mountains attractions. $175 night, $1250 week.     See photos and availability 



Vacation home with mountain view - 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, sleeps up to 10. Mountain views form the large covered porch, gas fireplace, grill, game room, garage, WIFI. Pets considered. $130 - $175 night, $1050 week.
                 See rental photos and availability 



 Maggie Valley Mountain View Vacation Rental - 2 bedroom, 2 baths, sleeps 4. Hot tub, fireplace 2 master suites, covered deck with gas grill, WIFI. Easy paved access only minutes from golf, Cataloochee Ski Area and other Maggie Valley attractions. $140 night, $725 week.
                        Get photos and details 


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.  $170 night, $980 week.    See photos and availability 

Find more Last Minute MLK Weekend Getaways,
cabins and vacation rentals HERE

Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa Annual Big Bands Weekend

January 18-20    Annual Big Band and Swing Dance Weekend -  If you love the Big Band Era of music and dance this is the place to be.  Event activities for package holders include dance instruction, an exclusive afternoon tea dance, and two nights full of amazing performances from Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra.

The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa - 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 current rates and availability for The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa


Get a link for the Big Band and Swing Dance Weekend on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Weekend at Cataloochee Ski Area

January 18-2   Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Weekend at Cataloochee Ski Area    Holiday rates will be in effect. In addition to the regular twilight and night skiing schedule of Tuesday through Saturday evenings, there will also be twilight and night skiing on Sunday, January 20. 

Head for Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley NC fo MLK Weekend Holiday and Ski NC.  Enjoy the great skiing that is Cataloochee's specialty. For over 40 years, Cataloochee skiers have enjoyed the best of North Carolina skiing with exciting slopes, winding trails and a friendly, helpful atmosphere making the Cataloochee Ski Area experience unique. Find ski rentals for the MLK Weekend HERE.

Get additional local information for Maggie Valley Lodging, events and attractions on the Maggie Valley NC Visitor Guide.

Black Mountain Center for the Arts Presents Jazz Concert Series

January 17  Jazz Concert Series at The Black Mountain Center for the Arts   This concert features Internationally known Jazz pianist and composer Stevens brings guest artist, bassist Eliot Wadopian, onstage for the January concert. They will be performing acoustic jazz for piano and bass composed by Stevens.

A native of Asheville, Wadopian is a multiple Grammy Award winner, having performed for the past thirty years in the US, Europe and Asia and recorded with many professional ensembles including the Paul Winter Consort.

Get a link for the Jazz Concert Series and other Black Mountain events on the Black Mountain NC Visitor Guide.

 

Car Show Today in North Wilkesboro

January 12    Cruisers in Historic Downtown North Wilkesboro  Antiques, Street Rods, Classics Cars, Pro Street, Muscle Cars, and Motorcycles are all welcome. The event includes foor prizes and entertainment. Admision is FREE. Bring your lawn chair. Come show your classic or just watch and enjoy all of the cars and trucks on display.

There will also be Concessions, 50/50 Drawings, Silent Auctions, and Door Prizes at each cruise-in. Revenue from cruise-ins is donated back to worthy causes in Wilkes County.

Learn more about North Wilkesboro NC HERE 

Mountain Spirits: Live Music this Friday at the Classic Wine Seller

January 11, 7 PM at The Classic Wine Seller - "Friday Night Live" this week features Ben Wilson with vocals, guitar and harmonica. During the winter months, the Friday Night Live concert series is inside the Classic Wineseller.  Angelino’s Piattino Ristorante begins serving dinner at 5:30 PM and the concert begins at 7 PM with $10 per person minimum purchase (includes food, drink, and retail).

The Classic Wine Seller is located at 20 Church Street in historic downtown Waynesville NC. Get a link for details about the Wine Seller and other Waynesville restaurants and entertainment on the Waynesville NC Visitor Guide.

Asheville's River Arts District Second Saturday this Weekend

January 12    River Arts District Second Saturday Asheville’s River Arts District Artists open their studios for a day of family friendly fun, educational experiences, live demonstrations and to share their creations. Visit dozens of artists working in all types of media, available for viewing or purchase.

The River Arts District is open year around with galleries, craft shops and open artist studios. Schedules are available online. Twice a year, every second weekend in June and November, Asheville’s River Arts District opens to the public for two days of festivities known as the STUDIO STROLL. During the Studio Stroll, artists of the River Arts District welcome you into their studios to talk with them, see their latest artwork, watch demonstrations, and experience for yourself the magic hidden inside the time-worn factories which have been reborn as a thriving art center.

This unique neighborhood along the French Broad River is home to more than 165 artists with working studios located in 18 turn-of-the-century industrial buildings. The District also offers a variety of eateries from cafes to breweries.

Get a link for the River Arts District and other Asheville art and crafts galleries and craft shops on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort hosts Septuagenarian Party

January 8, 12 PM in the Last Run Lounge at Sugar Mountain Ski Resort - The Annual Septuagenarian Party wil be held for anyone 70 and older.  Present a photo ID to qualify for complimentary skiing/riding at Sugar Mountain Resort from the Sugar Mountain Resort administration office, located on the second floor of the main lodge building. A season pass will be issued to you for a processing fee of $10. You may also chose to receive a daily ticket at no charge.  Every January Sugar recognizes the wonderful contribution seniors make to the sport of skiing by throwing a party.

Get a link for the Septuagenarian Party and other events at Sugar Mountain Ski Resort on the NC Ski Resort Guide.

Beech Mountain Ski Resort hosts the High Country Nordic Association 3rd Annual Telefest this Weekend

January 9 - 11   High Country Nordic Association 3rd Annual Telefest   Downhill Nordic skiers celebrate the beautiful Telemark turn at Beech Mountain Resort in this annual event. The "telemark", is a dipping, dance-like turn that Nordic skiers can execute, because only their toe is attached to the ski binding.

In its third year, the event is now the leading regional opportunity for "tele-ski" enthusiasts to meet, ski together, improve their skills, and win great prizes. Prizes are provided from a long list of outdoor gear suppliers. Telefest events include a poker run, skinning race (skin-up and race down through gates), beacon search, best costume, switch riding, best tele-trick.

Beech Mountain (Ski) Resort, often referred to as "Ski Beech", is located on Beech Mountain NC in the heart of North Carolina's High Country. Beech is Eastern America's highest ski resort at 5506 feet above sea level. With excellent skiing (day or night), and a charming Alpine Village filled with intriguing shops, tempting restaurants and more Ski Beech offers a winter wonderland of fun and activities for all members of your family or group.

Alpine skiing and snowboarding will appeal to the thrill-seekers and for those looking for something a little tamer, the resort also features ice skating and snow tubing. Snow making is on 100% of the skiing terrain. To round out your fun-filled day, spend some time in one of the charming shops or tempting restaurants.

Get a link for the Nordic Telefest, Beech Mountain Ski Resort and other North Carolina winter sports on the NC Ski Resort Guide.

Biltmore Estate Ticket Special Plus FREE Kids Tickets

January 2 through March 20 Get Biltmore adult tickets for only $35! Youth under 16 admission is FREE with paid adult ticket. Enjoy the best prices of the year to explore Biltmore without the crowds and waiting during the busier times of the year.

Biltmore - America's "Castle" -  was built in 1895 by George Vanderbuilt  and is preserved and maintained today by his descendants. With interior square footage over 4 acres, 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, 43 bathrooms and an impressive collection of art and period furnishing it is one of the East's most popular attractions.

Once a working dairy farm the 8,000 acre estate now includes a winery; trails, gardens and grounds to explore; an Equestrian Center, River Bend Farm, a luxury Inn and the newest addition, Antler Village. Plan on spending at least one full day or more to fully enjoy all that Biltmore has to offer.

 GET DISCOUNTED BILTMORE TICKETS HERE:  Biltmore Estate, Special discounted tickets

Beech Mountain Ski Resort Offers Skiing 101 Throughout January

photo by Kristian Jackson

BEECH MOUNTAIN, N.C. - In conjunction with national Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month in January 2013, the Town of Beech Mountain is offering a basic course.
"Skiing 101 at Beech" is a program that provides one night's lodging, equipment rental, helmet rental, full-day lift ticket, and a beginner skiing or snowboarding lesson at Beech Mountain Resort.

The month-long program is available Monday through Friday to anyone age eight or older. Cost of enrollment is $101 per person, double occupancy required.

"Skiing and snowboarding can be intimidating if you haven't tried them before, so we're offering a learning experience that's easy, safe and fun," says Talia Freeman, marketing director for Beech Mountain Resort. "Additionally, this program provides an affordable entry point for folks who don't want to make a significant upfront investment."

Registering for "Skiing 101 at Beech" is simple. Just contact any of the participating lodging options listed at: www.BeechMtn.com/skiing101 and ask for the Skiing 101 package. The accommodation will book your room and provide a voucher at check-in to be redeemed at the ski resort for a lesson, equipment rental, helmet rental, and lift ticket.

So grab a friend or family member and take advantage of this opportunity to venture into a new sport during national Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month.

Further details are available by calling (800) 468-5506.

First ArtMart of the Year in Old Fort this weekend

January 5  ArtMart  Locally created arts and crafts displayed inside the historic Old Fort Depot. Stop by to chat with the creators of these one of a kind items while you shop for yourself, family or friends. Something for everyone including baskets, paintings, woodwork, wreaths, candles and live demonstrations. Sponsored by Arrowhead Artists and Artisans League.

Find more NC art and crafts events and festivals on the NC Crafts and Galleries Guide.

WinterFest this weekend in Beech Mountain

January 4-6   Winterfest  The town of Beech Mountain and Beech Mountain Resort will present a number of events throughout the weekend. The town of Beech Mountain will host the North Carolina State championship snowshoe race. Some of the weekend's events include the the annual bathing beauty contest, the Village Rail Jam, the Cardboard Box Derby’s Visual Competition, huge sales on apparel and equipment and live music.

Learn more about Beech Mountain NC HERE.

NC Ski Resorts ALL OPEN with great skiing conditions

January 1: 

 - Cataloochee Ski Area is open 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM on 15 slopes with 5 lifts on a base  of 18-47 inches. Tube World will be open from 10 AM to 10 PM. 
 
 - Beech Mountain Ski Resort  is open with 11 trails and 4 lifts on a base of 16 - 48 inches.  Ice Skating is open for all sessions. 

 - Sugar Mountain Ski Resort is open  for all sessions with 14 slopes, 6 lifts and a base of 14 - 54 inches. Ice skating and snow tubing open. 

 - Appalachian Ski Mountain is open with skiing and boarding on 10 slopes with 5 lifts on a base of 20 - 48 inches. Ice Skating open for all sessions.

 - Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is open with 6 slopes and 2 lifts on a base of 30 - 40 inches for skiing, boarding, tubing and ice skating. 

 - Sapphire Valley Ski Area is open on both ski slopes with a base of 16 - 32 inches. Tubing is open.


Get links for ski resort updates and details on the NC Ski Resort Guide.

 

Zachary-Tolbert House MuseumTours in Cashiers

January 4 - 5    The Zachary-Tolbert House Museum   will be open for tours every Friday and Saturday from 11 AM until 3 PM. The grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. Allow time to enjoy the adjacent meadows, nature trails, and scenic woodlands. Take your lunch or a snack and spend several hours.
The House Museum is located at 1940 NC Highway 107 South, two miles south of the Cashiers NC Crossroads (Highway 64 and Highway 107).