Easter Event: Easter Sunday Brunch at the Inn at Lake Lure

March 31 - The Annual Easter Sunday Brunch, the Inn at Lake Lure from 10 AM - 3 PM. Enjoy breakfast with applewood smoked bacon, cheese grits and sausage gravy on buttermilk biscuits; appetizers such as bacon-wrapped scallops and grilled shrimp cocktail;  salads including Caesar, antipasto and ambrosia; main courses ofas roast beef, turkey, lamb, haddock and ham; sides from smashed potatoes to green beans to asparagus, new potatoes and fried cabbage; desserts featuring a chocolate fountain with fresh fruits, peach cobbler, ladyfinger pudding and MUCH more.

Adults $29.95, youth 6 - 12 $14.95 and children under 6 free.

Get a link for the Easter Sunday Brunch on the Lake Lure NC Visitor Guide.

Easter Events: Easter Celebration at Lake Junaluska

March 30 - 31   Lake Junaluska Easter Celebration Annual Lake Junaluska 5K & 10K runs will be taking place on Saturday. Come enjoy the beautiful grounds of Lake Junaluska while achieving your personal best. After the race, take your family to the Easter egg hunt. Once the kids have their baskets filled, they can participate in an egg painting contest and other fun Easter activities.

Sunday morning experience Easter Sunrise Service at beautiful Lake Junaluska.

Lake Lure Boat Rentals 52% OFF!

$14 for $29 worth of Lake Lure Adventure Boat Rentals
Two-hour rentals aboard paddleboards or kayaks, or three-hour stints piloting roomy pontoon boats for up to seven people
Groupon Deal limited time remains
See discount details or purchase now 

Lake Lure Adventure Company, 464 Memorial Hwy in  Lake Lure NC 

Choose Between Two Options

• $14 for a two-hour kayak or paddleboard rental (a $29 value)
• $89 for a three-hour pontoon-boat rental for up to seven people (a $240 value)

During two-hour kayak or paddleboard rentals, guests explore Lake Lure's scenic beauty while simultaneously honing sporting skills.

Get information about Lake Lure Lodging, events and attractions on the Lake Lure NC Visitor Guide. 

Easter Event: Chimney Rock Easter Sunrise Service

March 31 -  58th Annual Easter Sunrise Service   Celebrate Easter with song, scripture and spiritual music as a spectacular sunrise ascends over Lake Lure. Chimney Rock’s annual Easter Sunrise Service has become a legendary event in WNC, attracting more than 1,000 early risers from around the Southeast each year. 

This free non-denominational Easter celebration features live instrumental music, spiritual songs and breathtaking scenery. The 58th annual inter-denominational community worship service is a special tradition and a memorable event for the entire family. Guests are invited to eat breakfast at the Old Rock Café and stay to enjoy the Park all day.

Get a link for the Chimney Rock Sunrise Service and other NC Easter Weekend Events on the NC Event Calendar.

Chimney Rock Park is named for a 500 million-year-old giant granite monolith overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge. Visitors are awed by the breathtaking view that spreads 1200 vertical feet beneath them and 75 miles across the Carolinas. The now state owned park encompasses 1,000 acres offers the best of the mountains in one place with spectacular 75-mile views, hiking trails for all ages, a 404-foot waterfall, a variety of special events and much more.

 

Easter Event: Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Celebration on Beech Mountain

March 30   Annual Easter Celebration and Egg Hunt   The event begins at the Buckeye Recreation Center at  9AM and is FREE and Family-friendly. The Egg Hunt is for 12 and under. Spring is in the air and the Easter Bunny is back after the annual appearance on the slopes. 
 
Hop on down to the Buckeye Recreation Center to enjoy games, a visit from the Easter Bunny, the Bunny Hop, a bunny petting zoo, and an Easter Egg Hunt. There is sure to be something for everyone in your family to enjoy. There will be a light breakfast included in the celebration for a donation of your choice. 

Learn more about Beech Mountain NC HERE.

Last Minute Easter Getaways to the Mountains

For more Easter Weekend available cabins and rentals see our Cabin Availability List

  Luxurious Timber Frame Home Rental just outside Asheville - 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, sleeps up to 15. Upscale and spacious with mountain view, covered and open decks, gas grill, huge fully equipped kitchen, fireplace, WIFI, HDTV, pond. $600 night, $3360 week.     See rental photos, details and availability


Beautiful views in the heart of the Smoky Mountains - 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps up to 6. Deck with rockers and incredible long range mountain views, hot tub, charcoal grill, fireplace, pool table, Internet, pet friendly. Great romantic getaway. $170 - $190 night, $1020 - $1140 week.See cabin photos, details and availability 


Lakefront Vacation Home in the Blue Ridge Mountains - 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, sleeps up to 10. Beautiful lake to mountains view, deck with grill, gameroom with ping pong, pool table, foosball, WIFI, Boat dock, guest boat with paddles. Located in a gated community on Lake James near Marion NC. $350 night, $2275 week.    See cabin photos, details and availability 


Walk to downtown Asheville restaurants and galleries - 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, sleeps 4. Restored and renovated for comfort 1920s home with deck and covered porch, HDTV, WIFI. Great Asheville getaway for a weekend or  extended stay. $225 - $270 night, $1195 - $1695 week. See rental photos, details and availability 




Asheville downtown loft rental where the action is - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 5. Upscale furnishings and decor with original art, gas fireplace, WIFI.  Located in the true "heart" of Asheville. $250 night, $1700 week.   See rental photos, details and availability  

 

Great mountain view cabin -  3 bedrooms, 2 baths sleeps up to 8. Two fireplaces, WIFI. Newer cedar cabin located in quiet mountain setting yet close to downtown and the Blue Ridge Parkway.  $175-$195 night, $1000-$1150 week.       See cabin photos, details and availability

Mountain view in gated community - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 6. Open deck and covered porch, fireplace. Located in Grand View Peaks, Nebo - 15 minutes from downtown Marion and Lake James Park.  $135 - $150 night, $800 - $900 week. See cabin photos, details and availability  

 

Stunning views of Grandfather Mountain - 3 bedrooms+, 3 baths, sleeps up to 8.  Deck with hot tub and gas grill, fireplace, foosball and video games, WIFI. Located in Banner Elk NC near High Country attractions and ski resorts. Contact for current rates. See rental photos, details and availability
           
 

Mountain view cottage near the slopes - 1 bedroom +loft, 1.5 baths, sleeps up to 4. Views of Grandfather and Sugar Mountains inside and out, deck with dining area and hot tub, fireplace, gas grill, WIFI. $110 - $300 night, $600 - $1200 week.
                        Check photos and availability    
 


 Chimney Rock Cabin with beautiful sunrise mountain views - 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, sleeps 6. Covered porch with rockers, grill, gas fireplace, firepit, HDTV, WIFI. $120 - $130 night, $835 week. Located between Chimney Rock and Black Mountain.   See rental photos, details and availability 


Bat Cave Creekfront cottage - Located on Rocky Broad Creek only minutes to Chimney Rock Park. 2 bedrooms,1 baths, sleeps up to 6. Creekside deck, fireplace. Contact owner for current rates.    See rental photos, details and availability

Easter Event: Annual Easter Egg Hunt at John C Campbell Folk School

March 30    John C Campbell Folk School Easter Egg Hunt   Bring your little ones to the Open House at 12:45 PM, as the free Easter Egg Hunt begins promptly at 1 PM. Both Adults and children will enjoy live music during the event.

When you arrive, bring your little egg hunters to one of three areas, divided by age: 0-4 years, 5-7 years, and 8 years and older. Please park in the gravel lot across from the Keith House. This provides the egg hunters with plenty of space along with a safety zone.

Get a link for John C Campbell Folk School and the Annual Easter Egg Hunt on the Hayesville NC Visitor Guide.

Easter Event: annual Dillsboro Easter Hat Parade

March 30  Easter Hat Parade through Downtown Dillsboro NC.  This annual favorite Easter Event is led by a fleet of restored antique cars, followed by the many hat contestants and features the Easter Bunny.  The  Easter parade begins in front of the Dillsboro Town Hall on Front Street.

Get your face painted and make your own special hat and come join this delightful parade. Last-minute entrants very welcome.

Awards are announced after the Parade with ribbons given for the Prettiest, Funniest, Largest, Smallest, Most Unusual, Most Easter-like, Best Smelling, Cutest, Most Outrageous, Best In Show and "Poofiest" hats among other unusual categories. There is even a ribbon awarded to the Best Animal in Show;

Come early at 10:30 AM to Dogwood Crafters on Webster Street where you can fashion your own hat. Easter egg hunts (by age group) also start there beginning at 10:30 AM. Registration for the parade starts at 11 AM.


Get a link for details about the Dillsboro Easter Parade and other Dillsboro events and attractions on the Dillsboro NC Visitor Guide.

Last Chance for NC Skiing this Week

Although four of the six NC Ski Resorts and areas ar now closed for the 2012-13 season, there are still a few days left to ski NC as Cataloochee and Sugar Mountain. Fresh natural snow is still falling making conditions for the final days the best in 10 years.

Cataloochee Ski Area will be skiing on 14 trails with 3  lifts on a base of 40 - 60 inches with NEW NATURAL SNOW. Late season rates in effect along with late season schedules: day skiing only from 9 AM until 4:30 PM Monday through Friday,  and 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Saturday and Sunday until the end of the season on MARCH 29..  Tube World is CLOSED for the season.

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort is skiing on 19 slopes with 4 lifts on a base of 25 - 70 inches. Winter weather ha returned and  is predicted to remain through mid week. Six to ten inches of snow is expected through Wednesday. Expect Sugar's slopes to stay open at least through Wednesday, March 27th, maybe longer.  March Madness in effect: 25% off lift ticket, lesson and rental rates EVERYDAY! Tubing is open for sessions from 10 AM - 8 PM. Ice Skating is closed for the season.  2014 Spyder Sample Sale continues through the end of the ski season.

Get a link for all NC Ski Slopes on the NC Ski Resort Guide. 

Biltmore Blooms for the 28th Annual Festival of Flowers in Asheville

March 21 - May 19    Biltmore Blooms  - The 28th Annual Festival of Flowers.  Biltmore's gardens, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, are alive with color as spring arrives. Enjoy special events and the beauty of tulips, azaleas, and countless other flowers during Biltmore Blooms.

photo courtesy www.romanticasheville.com

For the first time, guests will be able to step down into the Winter Garden to enjoy a display of exotic orchids intimately, just as George and Edith Vanderbilt's guests might have. Some of the plants will be the same species that were planned for the Biltmore Conservatory in 1894. Outdoors, enjoy a beautiful progression of blooms from tulips to pansies, azaleas, and much more.

Biltmore tickets TWO FOR ONE SPECIAL - get two days for the price of one to enjoy more of all the wonders Biltmore has to offer during the Festival of Flowers. Enjoy the house and gardens on day one and explore Antler Hill, The Winery and the farm on day two. 


Get a link to learn more about Biltmore and other Asheville Attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guides.

Battle of Swannanoa Gap this Weekend at Davidson's Fort Historical Park

March 23 - 24    Battle of Swannanoa Gap   This historic event is presented by the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 379 and the 22nd North Carolina, Company.  Admission is $7.00, Children under 12 years are FREE.

Battle re-enactments take place at 2:00 PM each day and the event is open from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Throughout the day there will be various period demonstrations and displays including women fashions and show along with period cooking demonstrations.
 

Davidson's Fort was built in 1776 by North Carolina Militia soldiers for the defense of settlers against the Cherokees and was the site of many violent conflicts between Native Americans and European settler. Today, Davidson’s Fort is owned and operated by a nonprofit organization, Davidson’s Fort Historic Park, Inc. and is maintained and restored by volunteer staff and private funding.

Blake Shelton Performs at Harrah's Cherokee

March 23, 7:30 PM - Blake Shelton performs in concert at Cherokee Harrah's new 3,000 square foot event center.  After a steady rise into the front ranks of the country music world, he has emerged as an across-the-board superstar.

Live Concert This Weekend at Asheville's Grove Arcade

March 22 at The Grove Arcade,  The Emory Haynes Band will be performing a free concert from 6 to 8 PM.  Band members include Joe Laughter on guitar and vocals, Buzzy Cannady on guitar, Tim Emory on guitar and vocals, Robby Moore on drums and Wes Farmer on bass. The playlist includes classic rock, easy listening and blues. Visitors might hear songs such as Dock of the Bay, House of the Rising Sun, Stormy Monday, Spooky, Last dance with Mary Jane and more.


Stop by one of the Arcade's restaurants and wine bars  to begin or cap off an evening spent downtown.  Support local businesses and celebrate the change of season's this weekend.

The Grove Arcade is located at One Page Avenue in the heart of downtown Asheville NC.  Get a link for the free concert, The Grove Arcade and other Asheville attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.Built by E.W. Grove, the visionary and creator of the Grove Park Inn, the Grove Arcade opened in 1929 and thrived until World War II as one of the country’s leading public markets. The historically renovated Grove Arcade reopened to the public in 2002 as a destination featuring locally-owned shops, galleries, restaurants and businesses.  A lively and beloved downtown landmark, the Arcade is open daily.  Take the self-guided architectural tour, download the period podcast or view the new stop-motion video produced to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of the Grove Arcade reopening..

Great Smoky Mountain National Park Hiking Series

March 19    Friends of the Smokies Classic Hikes of the Smokies   This hiking series is led by Danny Bernsteinwill  and held on the THIRD TUESDAY of every month beginning in March. In honor of Friends of the Smokies' 20th Anniversary, each hike will highlight a project made possible through funding from Friends.

On the first hike of the season participants will hike to three cemeteries, three waterfalls over approximately 9 miles. There may be some early spring wildlife from frogs to flowers. To register contact Friends’ Waynesville, NC office at (828) 452-0720 or email outreach.nc@friendsofthesmokies.org.

St Patrick's Day at Asheville's Treetops Adventure Park

March 17 from 2 PM - 5 PM Join Asheville Greenworks for an Arbor Day Celebration and the Grand Re-Opening of the Asheville Treetops Adventure Park at the Adventure Center of Asheville. For the 33rd year Asheville will receive the Tree City USA Award from the National Arbor Day Foundation. Volunteers can plant trees on this beautiful property overlooking downtown Asheville, as well as enjoy Buy One, Get One Free passes to the Adventure Park.
Register for the Arbor Day event on the Greenworks Facebook Page HERE

From 10 AM - 5 PM The Asheville Treetops Adventure Park is offering Buy One Get One Deal for walk-ins only. Just mention ARBOR DAY to receive your free pass with the purchase of another pass. Both passes must be used on March 17th. Asheville Treetops Adventure Park is a new Asheville Attraction comprised of 50 unique climbing, zipping, walking, jumping, swinging, and rappelling challenges anchored to over 30 trees and towering poles tucked into a wooded park just minutes from downtown Asheville.  

Asheville Treetops Adventure Park  has four different adventure trails that allow Park Guests the choice to challenge only the obstacles they feel comfortable with.  While you explore the park you will move at your own pace and tackle challenges as an individual, instead of in a group, like the canopy tour experience. The experience has been described as ski slopes in the trees and a true “Jungle Gym” for all ages, strengths, and adventure levels.

The Park's new technology provides security systems allowing attachments and monitors so that guest can explore freely in controlled safety.

A green Trail: offers easier challenges 12 to 15 feet above the forest floor for first timers, younger children, and more timid adventurers. There is no climbing once on the start platform,with  milder and more stable crossings attached to the lower trunks of the trees,  minimal movement and an easy finish back to the ground.

Learn more and get a link for Asheville's Treetops Adventure Park on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide

St Patrick's Day Road Race in Oskar Blues Southeast Brewery in Brevard

March 17    Oskar Blues 4 Miles Road Race This is the 1st annual St. Patty's Day Road Race at Oskar Blues Southeast Brewery. The race begins at 9 AM with a Fun Race following at 9:05 AM. The 4 mile race is a USATF Certified race. Awards will be given to each age group winner.

A portion of proceeds will go to Brevard High School Track and Field. 

Oskar Blues Southeast Brewery is located at 342 Mountain Industrial Drive in Brevard NC.  WNC's newest brewery (opened in December 2012), Oskar Blues' taproom is now open and tours are held daily. Featured brews include Dales's Pale Ale, Mama's Little Yella Pils, Old Chub Scottish Style Ale, G'Knight Imperial Red Ale, Ten Fidy Imperial Stout, Deviant Dales IPA.

Get Your Irish On at Asheville's DIana Wortham Theatre

March 15 -  Intersections Sing Together Series presents Get Your Irish On! A St. Patty's Day party for the entire family. Adults and children alike celebrate the Luck o' the Irish with traditional Celtic songs and music.

The Sing Together Series, led by Beth and Jim Magill, is open to anyone of any age or skill level who enjoys sharing music in a community setting. "Wee" ones can create masterpieces at a craft table and the bar will be open for adults. Seating is limited and advance ticket purchase is highly recommended.

Celebrate St Patrick's Day at Appalachian Ski Mountain

March 17 - St Paddy's Day at ASM.  A fun filled day of park shredding and a shot at winning some great prizes from Grenade and the Alpine Ski Shop.

All ages and abilities are encouraged to sign up for this Jam Session, which will be held in the Appaljack Terrain Park on 4 select features. A short jam session (10-15 minutes) will take place on each feature. The Alpine Ski Shop crew will be on site to award prizes for best trick on each individual feature for both skiers and snowboarders.
Registration is FREE and will be held in the Alpine Ski Shop from 10-Noon. The event will begin around 1 PM.

The only prerequisite is that all participants must wear green!Appalachian Ski Mountain is skiing 12 slopes with 6 lifts on a base of 49 - 93 inches. Get a link for Appalachian Ski Mountain HERE.

Easter Sunrise Service at RagApple Lassie VIneyards

March 31 - An Easter Sunrise Service in the Vineyards at RagApple Lassie will be hosted by Boonville United Methodist Church beginning at 7:00 AM. Looking over a misty meadow watching the sun rise behind Pilot Mountain as an acapella choir sings the glorious songs of Easter is a joyous experience that will remain in your heart for months. 

All are invited and welcome to enjoy the fellowship of nature and worship.  Chairs will be available or you may bring a lawn chair.  Breakfast will follow the service at the Boonville Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

Classic Car Cruise-in this Weekend in Old Fort

March 16    Classic Car Cruise-in   This classic car show is held the 3rd Saturday of every month. Bring your car, truck or motorcycle or just kick back and enjoy the show. This event is held in downtown Old Fort from 3-5 PM.  It's free and sponsored by Route 70 Cruisers. For more information, call 828-442-5135

Mountain Spririts: Jazz and Dinner at The Classic WIne Seller

March 16, 7 PM at The Classic Wine Seller, 20 Church Street in historic downtown Waynesville NC - Live Jazz and Dinner. Listen to jazz vocalist Wendy Jones along with Steve Davidowski on piano, Zack Page on bass and Rick Dilling playing percussion. 

The Classic Wineseller is located just around the corner on Church Street and Main Street in Downtown Waynesville, North Carolina. The Wineseller features over 1100 wine selections within 12,000 bottles plus an extensive selection of beers, champagnes, and ports. These wines are stored in a temperature stable underground showroom and a climate controlled cellar. The Seller includes an extensive collection of hard to find wines including many older vintages which have been collected through the years and stored under optimum conditions. The Wineseller also includes a humidor cigar room and cozy wine tasting bar, plus live music and events on select dates.

Get a link to learn more about the Classic WIne Seller on the Waynesville NC Visitor Guide.

WNC Chef's Challenge for 3/12/13

March 12    WNC Chef's Challenge: Biltmore Village Inn - Chef Jonathan Santiago versus Zambra - Chef Steven Goff.  Dining participants will enjoy six plated culinary creations (three from each team) that incorporate a special ingredient and will score each dish.

The diners' votes are then tallied along with those from a panel of judges and the weekly winners will continue to participate in the competition. Reservations for the WNC Chefs Challenge are $49 per individual, and can be purchased online at http://wncchefschallenge.eventbrite.com. Sales tax, and gratuity ($67.97 total) are included in ticket purchase. Held at the Chestnut Restaurant in downtown Asheville NC.

Grandfather Mountain Resgistration for Critter Crawl is Underway

Registration for the 2013  Grandfather Mountain Critter Crawl 5K began March 1.  There are a total of 500 spaces available for runners and the Habitat Staff hope to have as many people participating as possible. "Last year was the first ever Critter Crawl and we had a little over 100 people sign up," said Habitat Manager Christie Tipton.  "We hope we can really make that number jump this year as word spreads about the event."

The 5K starts in MacRae Meadows at 6:30 PM on Thursday, May 23;  travels up the paved road of the attraction; weaves through the animal habitats and ends at the top parking lot near the Swinging Bridge. 
Many people are familiar with The Bear 5-Mile Run during the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games that takes a similar course but begins down in Linville.  The Critter Crawl is a great race that provides the challenge of the grueling Bear Run with a shorter distance.  Some utilize the Critter Crawl as great practice for the July 5-mile event.

All proceeds from the Critter Crawl go toward the Eagle Habitat Renovation Fund.  The renovations make it possible for Grandfather Mountain to house flighted or partially-flighted eagles in the future that can't survive in the wild for reasons such as eye or neurological damage.

To find out more details about the race or to access the online and paper form registration click HERE.

Wedding Expo this Weekend in Wilkesboro

March 10 - Wilkes Wedding Expo - See the area's finest in everything wedding. View the latest bridal trends during the fashion show featuring gowns and tuxedos from Bridal Traditions. Vendors and services will include catering, planning, photography, DJ and limo service, wedding decor, cakes wedding attire, hair and makeup, videography, jewelry, gifts, rentals, venues and more. Brides-to-be may go and pre-register online. The event is presented by the Wilkes Bridal Association and held at the Walker Center, WCC in Wilkesboro.

Get a link for the Wedding Expo and learn more about Wilkesboro lodging, attractions and events on the Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro NC Visitor Guide.

Grove Park Inn 25th Annual Comedy Classic Weekend

March 8-9   25th Annual Comedy Classic Weekend at the Grove Park Inn Join the Grove Park Inn for two days and nights full of laughter as we celebrate our 25th Annual Comedy Classic Weekend! Friday's show showcases Cy Amundson, Al Jackson, Julie Scoggins, David Crowe and Tom Cotter while Saturday's headliner will be comedianne Caroline Rhea.

Check Grove Park Inn availability and current rates HERE

The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa - The spa and spa services are renowned. The Resort facilities include a scenic golf course, sports complex with pool - tennis - racquetball - training. Onsite restaurants, lounge, bars. A large variety of rooms and suites are available with varying stages of updates with some original Inn antiques. 

Get local attractions, dining and information on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Asheville Hosts the Southern Conference Basketball Tournament

March 8 - 11  2013 Southern Conference Tournament   Downtown will be filled with 50,000+ basketball fans, all enjoying Asheville's shopping, dining and drinking during the course of the tournament. Men's and Women's games will be played at the Asheville Civic Center and UNC-Asheville arena. Visit website or call for game days/times.

Get a link for the Southern Conference Tournament, local lodging and restaurants on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

 

The Flat Rock Theatre Youth Group Performs this week

March 7 - 17   Flat Rock YouTheatre Presents "The Little Theatre"   A story of enduring charm and innocence and tells the tale of an amusing, challenging and odd adventure. In a world moving so fast that an entire month may be lived within a single day, this classic all-ages tale of imagination, whimsy and unrequited love reminds us that - “what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

WNC Chef's Challenge for 3/5/13

March 5 -  WNC Chef's Challenge:  Dough - Chef Brian Ross versus Harrah's Cherokee Resort - Chef Michael Marshall.  Dining participants will enjoy six plated culinary creations (three from each team) that incorporate a special ingredient and will score each dish. The diners' votes are then tallied along with those from a panel of judges and the weekly winners will continue to participate in the competition. Reservations for the WNC Chefs Challenge are $49 per individual, and can be purchased online at http://wncchefschallenge.eventbrite.com. Sales tax, and gratuity ($67.97 total) are included in ticket purchase. Held at the Chestnut Restaurant in downtown Asheville NC.

All Attendees at the March 5th WNC Chefs Challenge will have a chance to win 2 tickets to the Southern Conference Basketball Men's Quarterfinals on Saturday's March 9th Noon & 2:30 PM at the US Cellular Center.

Learn more about the Chef's Challenge and more Asheville restaurants and entertainment on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

NC Ski Slopes in Peak Condition for Weekend Skiing

March 2, 2013 - Only a few weeks are left in the 2013 NC Ski Season and the conditions are great for a weekend of fun skiing, snowboarding tubing or ice skating in the North Carolina Mountains. Natural snow is continuing to flurry making a beautiful "winter wonderland" all weekend.

Appalachian Ski Mountain is open  with 12 slopes and 6 lifts on a base of 52 - 92 inches. Ice skating is open.  BEST CONDITIONS OF THE SEASON.  Recess Wreck Less Tail Jam on 3/2.

Beech Mountain Ski Resort is skiing 15 slopes with 5 lifts on a base of 42 - 82 inches. Ice skating and tubing are open.  March 2, Ryan Ward will play at the Beech Tree Bar & Grille. This Abingdon, VA local will be playing 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM. There is no cover and all ages are welcome.

Cataloochee Ski Area will be skiing from the top of the mountain down on 16 trails with 3 aerial lifts and one conveyor lift on a base of 69 -89 inches. Tube World is open on Friday from 4 PM - 10 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 10 Am - 10 PM - this is the LAST WEEKEND of the season for Tube World. The BIGBIGBIG One Day Season Pass Sale is Sunday, March 3.

Sapphire Valley Ski Area - is skiing on both slopes with 2 lifts and a base of 20 - 46 inches. Call 828.743.7663 for a live report.

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort is skiing on 20 slopes with 7 lifts on a base of 41 - 91 inches.  Ice skating is open. Tubing is open for all sessions. 2014 Spyder Sample Sale continues and runs through the end of the ski season.   BOSS Hawg's live Bluegrass music plays again this Saturday in the Base Lodge between 4 PM and 6 PM. NASTAR at noon this Saturday and Sunday on Big Red.

Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is open with 9 slopes and 2 lifts on a base of 22 - 31 inches. Ice skating is open.

Get links for details on ALL NC ski Resorts and Ski slopes on the NC Ski Resort Guide.

NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail New Book Published

Danny Bernstein, hiking guide author and 2011 MST completer, has just published The Mountains-to-Sea Trail Across North Carolina, a valuable and entertaining new book about the MST. The book, published by History Press, introduces the reader to the spectacular, historic and quirky elements of the North Carolina landscape that hikers see on the trail. 

Read History Press's blog for a great overview of the book, and check out Danny's schedule of book events throughout North Carolina - there is probably one near you (and if there isn't she'd welcome the chance if you want to line one up for her).

If you're in the Asheville or Raleigh area, come out for one of the two "book launches" to hear Danny read from the book, answer questions about the trail and meet Kate Dixon, Executive Director of FMST: 

• Tuesday, March 5th, 6 pm - Diamond Brand Outdoors, 2623 Hendersonville Road, Arden (Diamond Brand will provide anyone in attendance who becomes a member of FMST with a $20 gift card. Refreshments will be provided and attendees can participate in a raffle also benefiting FMST. The event is free and open to the public.)
• Friday, April 5th, 7 pm - Quail Ridge Books, 3522 Wade Avenue, Raleigh (co-sponsored with Great Outdoor Provision Co. and Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail)