Concerts on the Creek Series Begins Tonight in Sylva NC

May 31    Concerts on the Creek - Rye Holler Boys Live concerts held every Friday night between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day. The free outdoor performances take place at the Bridge Park Pavilion beside Scott Creek in downtown Sylva on Fridays from 7:30-9:30 PM. All shows are family-friendly, drawing diverse audiences comprised of locals and visitors alike.

Get a link for the Concerts on the Creek and learn more about local restaurants, events and attractions on the Sylva NC Visitor Guide.

Cherokee Trout Fishing Tournament this Weekend

May 31 - June 2  Cherokee's Memorial Holiday Trout Fishing Tournament  This fishing event is a tagged fish tournament with a total purse of $10,000. A tagged fish can be redeemed for its corresponding prize value by turning in the tag to the prize distribution booth located at the Artists Row on Aquoni Road across from the Kentucky Fried Chicken.

All persons fishing during the tournament must possess and have on their person while engaged in fishing both an event permit and a valid Tribal fishing permit. An enrolled member’s enrollment card shall serve as his/her fishing permit.

Get more information about Cherokee NC HERE.

Ole Smokey Tractor Festival in Maggie Valley

May 30 - June 1  Ole Smokey Tractor Club Spring Farm Fest   See the Parade of 30 + tractors drive through the Town of Maggie Valley on Friday & Saturday. Food vendors are onsite for your dining pleasure. Education Antique Tractor & Engine Show with Parts Vendors; Flea Market with Crafts; Tractor rides for kids throughout the day. Farm Equipment Auction. All ages. The event is held at the Maggie Valley Fairgrounds.

Learn more about Maggie cabins and rentals, events and attractions on the Maggie Valley NC Visitor Guide.

Annual NC Gold Festival this Weekend in Old Fort NC

May 31 - June 1   NC Gold Festival   This annual event, features gold exhibits, gold mining techniques and demonstrations, treasure and scavenger hunts, geo-caching, gold panning, numerous vendors including arts and crafts, raffles, Friday night kicks off the festival.

The Festival is held on the grounds of Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. Friday hours are from noon until 8:00 pm and Saturday 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM.

Annual Memorial Day Picnic at the Historic Orchard at Alta Pass

May 27   Memorial Day at the Orchard and Covered Dish Picnic   Live music all day, storytelling and hayrides at the historic Orchard at Alta Pass. Open to the public, live music all day is free. The stage area fills up quickly, so you might want to bring lawn chairs.

Admission for the meal is a dish to share, ENOUGH FOR YOUR FAMILY AND 4 MUSICIANS, or $12 per meal. The Orchard provides traditional mountain barbecue, water, iced tea and paper goods.

Highlands NC Annual Village Square Craft Show

May 26-27   Village Square Craft Show   Annual Memorial Day Weekend art and crafts show in downtown Highlands. The show features fine art and whimsical folk art, plus high-quality crafts such as fine wood work, metal work, quilts, birdhouses, and twig furniture. As usual, you will find one-of-a-kind baskets, pottery, and jewelry. The show has over 65 vendors.

Get a link for the Village Square Craft Show and other Highlands events, attractions and lodging HERE.

Winemaker's Festival Today

May 26    Thistle Meadow Winemaker's Festival Taste what Thistle Meadow Winery and other area wineries have to offer, browse craft vendors and learn more about making your own wine. Live music. Free admission. Wine tasting is $5 and includes complimentary glass. Hours ar noon to 5 PM.The WInery is located in Layrel Springs NC.

Memorial Day Weekend Event: Maggie Valley Spring Rally

May 24-26    Maggie Valley Spring Rally    Memorial Day Weekend Concerts and Entertainment, Vendor Village, Bike shows, BBQ, Area Tours, Cold Beverages. The Ride VIP tent and much more. Open to the public with all welcome. Held at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 3374 Soco Road in Maggie Valley, NC

Learn more about Maggie Valley NC HERE. 

Asheville Beer Week Begins this Saturday

May 25 - June 1   Asheville Beer Week  The 2nd Annual event offers eight full days of celebrating all things beer in Asheville NC. The week of events will include tastings, dinners, beer education, keynote speakers, and other beer-related fun (and nonsense). Asheville Beer Week culminates with Asheville’s 4th Annual Beer City Festival on June 1, where dozens of breweries (and plenty of live music) are slated to appear on Roger McGuire Green.

Head for Asheville NC and find out why it's called Beer City USA!

Last Minute Memorial Day Rental: Cataloochee Ranch Cabin in Maggie Valley

Vintage Cabin on Cataloochee Guest Ranch - 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps up to 6. Mountain views, on site horseback riding and hiking trails. Fireplace, deck with mountain view and gas grill. One-of-a-kind rustic style but with all the modern conveniences. Food service available. Located minutes to downtwon Maggie Valley. From $225 per night.    See cabin photos, details and rental availability

Learn more about Maggie Valley NC HERE.

Memorial Weekend: Celebrate Mountain Heritage at Fontana

May 25   3rd Annual "A Time to Remember" A celebration to honor the people of Western North Carolina who gave up their homes, land and way of life so that World War II could be won. Hosted by Fontana Village Resort, The Proctor Revival Organization and GREAT (Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team).

As a Time to Remember month concludes, join the celebration at the dance hall at Fontana Village Resort on May 25 from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM and and bring the 50's to life. The "Asheville Gentlemen" a 7 piece Swing Band will be performing. They will be joined by the Kennesaw State University Swing Dance Association on Sat. night. Join in the fun by taking part in beginners swing dance instruction both Fri. and Sat. prior to the Asheville Gentlemen. Friday's schedule will be from 7:00pm to 9:00pm with instruction and CDs.

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

Memorial Day Weekend Events in the Mountains

Kick off the Holiday Weekend on Friday with live music concerts, art and crafts and a classic car cruise in.  Get links for these events and a complete list of Memorial Day Weekend events on the NC Event Calendar.

May 24   Cruising the Square   Come cruise the square in Burnsville like we used to do. Bring your hot rod, your bike, or your old trusty truck and show off automotive history. On July 5th, enjoy the fireworks show too.  BURNSVILLE

May 24   RiverMusic Concert Series  Enjoy performers StephaniesID (Indie Pop), Mary Frances & The Dirty Classics (Dirty Organ Soul), Molli Parti (DJ). This is a Series of five Friday nights of live concerts by the French Broad River in the River Arts District of Asheville, NC. RiverLink has teamed up with Heira Productions to assemble a top-notch mix of quality national acts and local favorites.  ASHEVILLE

May 24   Backstreet Park Summer Concert Series  Free summer concert series held every 3rd and 4th Friday nights from May-August, 5:30pm - 7:00pm. Bring your chair, blanket or picnic and enjoy the sounds of traditional, old time, and bluegrass music for ages. Rain locations: the Farmer's Market or the Ashe Arts Center.  WEST JEFFERSON

May 24   4th Friday Gallery Tour An evening of Art, Wine and Food in Downtown Brevard. Every 4th Friday of the month, from May through December. 5-9 PM.  BREVARD

May 24   White Squirrel Festival  special evening concert Friday night by Jupiter Coyote and Sol Driven Train. This concert opens the 11th annual Festival. The concert is 7 PM to 11 PM on the main stage in Downtown Brevard at the corner of W.Main and Caldwell St.  BREVARD

Date: May 24-25   Swain County Heritage Festival This two day festival has it all. Friday night entertainment is loaded with local talent featuring an emphasis on old time gospel music. Saturday entertainment is classic country and bluegrass, clogging and Indian hoop dancing. In addition to music, the festival offers local arts and crafts, food, games for the kids, a log-sawing contest and fun for the whole family. The event takes place form 6 PM - 9 PM Friday and 10 AM to 6:30 PM on Saturday at Riverfront Park on Mitchell Street.  BRYSON CITY
 
May 24-26    Maggie Valley Spring Rally   Memorial Day Weekend Concerts and Entertainment, Vendor Village, Bike shows, BBQ, Area Tours, Cold Beverages. The Ride VIP tent and much more. Open to the public with all welcome. Held at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 3374 Soco Road in Maggie Valley, NC.  MAGGIE VALLEY

Last Minute Memorial Day Weekend Nantahala Cabin Rentals

Nantahala cabins on 40 acres bordered by a trout stream - 2 bedrooms, sleeps up to 6. Stone gas log fireplace, outdoor grill, large porch with rockers, central H&A, locally crafted furnishings, full kitchen, W&D, flat screen sat. TV+DVD.   $125 night,  $750 week. 

Each cabin sleeps six, no extra charge for sleeping bags on the porch or for kids on pallets. Perfect for 2 or more family's gatherings. Rent one or both. Regular rates apply.   See cabin photos and availability details

Last Minute Memorial Day Weekend Cabin Rental in Bryson City

Log Cabin Rental in the Smokies - 2 bedrooms, 2 bath, sleeps 4. Deck with rockers, picnic table, firepit, fireplace, central heat and air, jetted bathtub, onsite hiking to waterfall. Secluded wooded setting requires 4X4. $125 night, $750 week.   See cabin photos, details, availability

Learn more about local NC attractions, restaurants and lodging on the Bryson City NC Visitor Guide.

Memorial Day Weekend: Swain County Heritage Festival in Bryson CIty NC

May 24 - 25   Swain County Heritage Festival   This two day festival has it all. Friday night entertainment is loaded with local talent featuring an emphasis on old time gospel music. Saturday entertainment is classic country and bluegrass, clogging and Indian hoop dancing. In addition to music, the festival offers local arts and crafts, food, games for the kids, a log-sawing contest and fun for the whole family.

The event takes place form 6 PM - 9 PM Friday and 10 AM to 6:30 PM on Saturday at Riverfront Park on Mitchell Street in Bryson City NC.

Memorial Weekend: White Squirrel Festival in Brevard NC

May 24-26   White Squirrel Festival   Go Nuts in Downtown Brevard NC, "Where Music Meets the Mountains". Two days of free, live music and nutty family fun with a special evening concert Friday night by Jupiter Coyote and Sol Driven Train. This festival is considered one of the best Spring music festivals in the mountains.

The Festival includes more than 16 free concerts, with headliners Acoustic Syndicate and Shannon Whitworth. This anniversary year's event promises to be even bigger and better than ever - with the Memorial Day Parade, Annual Squirrel Box Derby, white squirrel guided tours, white squirrel exhibit, children’s village and white squirrel photo contest.

Also back this year is the Annual 5K/10K White Squirrel Race/Competitive Walk, along with a 1-mile kids' fun run. Find out why the White Squirrel Festival was voted "Best Spring Music Festival in Western North Carolina".

Mountain cabins are still available for the Memorial Day Weekend and in the Brevard NC area.

Memorial Day Weekend Events: The Blue Ridge Music Center opens for the 2013 Season

May 25 - The Blue Ridge Music Center will kick-off the 2013 Summer Concert Series on Memorial Day Weekend in Galax, just north of Mount Airy and Boone NC.

"For centuries, music-making has been a big part of family life in the Blue Ridge and these traditions passed down from one generation to the next," says Erynn Marshall Program manager for the Blue Ridge Music Center. Family music, along with support from local music teachers and programs like JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) that provide after school music programs, have fostered a vibrant music scene in Galax and other nearby communities. Many local children and teens are very accomplished players, compete in fiddlers conventions and win many awards for their musical gifts. The Blue Ridge Music Center will be celebrating this cultural heritage on May 25th, when many of the region's remarkable young musicians will be showcased in special events at TradFest.

Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of events including an instrument petting zoo (please touch the instruments), a kids' singing and art workshop, jamming and a 3 PM concert featuring some of the best youth bands and musicians in the Blue Ridge including: the New Spring Valley Boys, Old-Grass, Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) and other guests. "We'll even teach you how to square dance so bring the whole family for this exciting day of music and show your support for these wonderful young artists who are the next generation of great mountain musicians. You might even be inspired to take up playing an instrument yourself." states Erynn.

Detailed Schedule of  TRADFEST! Events:

Youth Jam (breezeway) 12-2:30 PM.  All welcome, including the young at heart. Free
 
Instrument Petting Zoo - 12-5 PM.Try out a variety of stringed instruments for fun and get tips on how to play from musicians from the Blue Ridge Music Makers Guild. Free.

Crankie Ballad Workshop

Elizabeth LaPrelle

(classroom) 1:30-2:30pm. Crankies are artwork on scrolls that you can wind to tell the story of a song or tune. Kids will have great fun with this creative art project and get to sing at the same time with Anna Roberts-Gevalt and Elizabeth LaPrelle. Free. Reserve in advance.

Trad-is-Rad Youth Concert and Squaredance: New Spring Valley Boys / Old Grass / Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM). (mainstage) 3 pm. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets $5.

 
Concerts are made possible with the support of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and National Park Service. The Blue Ridge Music Center is located at milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway only 10 miles from Galax, Virginia and 20 miles from Mount Airy, North Carolina. Music Center hours: 10am-5pm open everyday after May 23rd. Bring a picnic, folding chairs, your friends and the whole family! No alcohol or pets. Smokehouse BBQ available on concert nights. The Blue Ridge Music Center has mainstage concerts every weekend through August in the outdoor amphitheater at the foot of beautiful Fisher Peak. Also enjoy free Mid Day Mountain Music 12-4 PM daily and the free Roots of American Music museum.

 

Maggie Valley Concert Series opens the 2013 Season this Sunday

May 19, 6:30 PM    Maggie Valley Concert Series     Live outdoor concert by the Haywood Community Band. Bring a blanket or a chair, picnic supper and enjoy the beautiful Maggie Valley sunset. The theme for this concert will be, "From the Library," and will feature memorable music from the past, including Over the Rainbow, Strike Up the Band, and All Shook up. The event is FREE and open to the public.

The concerts are performed on the third Sunday of the month from May through October at the Maggie Valley Pavilion next to the Maggie Valley Town Hall.

Candle Light Ghost Tours in Wilkesboro

May 18    Candle Light Ghost Tours   Come out for an evening of tales, mystery and haunts at the Candle Light Ghost Tours. Learn about the ghosts that haunt the old buildings that make up downtown Wilkesboro NC. Visit a cemetery where Civil War Soldiers are buried, stand in the jail cell Tom Dooley spent his last days, and listen to the stories of the haunted Smithey Hotel. Tickets will be sold on the Courthouse lawn at the museum and at the Wilkesboro Open Air Market the Friday before. Tours start at 8 PM

The Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. is located in the newly restored 1902 Wilkes County Courthouse and celebrates it's unique heritage as it seeks to preserve the past of Wilkes County. Since it's official opening in November 2005, the Wilkes Heritage Museum, Inc. has contributed to the education and culture of the county's present and future. Through a collection of artifacts and images, numerous stories of early settlement, military history, industry, agriculture, medicine, communication, education, entertainment, and transportation are told.

Highlands 3rd Annual Fly Fishing Tournament

May 17-19    The 3rd Annual Fly Fishing Tournament    Held on area rivers in and around Highlands. Proceeds benefit the Town of Highlands Scholarship Fun.

Learn more about Highlands NC HERE. 

Saluda Arts Festival this Weekend

May 18 - The Saluda Art Festival - This year's festival includes nearly  90 artists and craftspeople, lively and award winning music, the children's art tent, several art and craft demonstrators and delicious food from our local restaurants.

A highlight of the Festival is the dedication to artist Johnny Waddill who graciously permitted the festival's organizers to use his painting to brand the Saluda Arts Festival. He died on March 1, 2013, and to honor Johnny Waddill's love for art, the Saluda Business Association is dedicating the 10^th Annual Saluda Arts Festival to his memory. There will be a special exhibit displaying his work during the festival at the Saluda Center, 64 Greenville St., Saluda, NC. The Saluda Center will also be open as a "comfort station" for festival goers. 

Entertainment Schedule

 (McCreery Park Pavilion) 

11am- Magician and TV personality, Jack Roper, will entertain the audience. 
11am - Spring Concert from the Dancer's Extension at Saluda School
Students from The Dancer's Extension will perform their Spring Concert.
12pm - Sol Driven Train - Children's Concert
1pm - Clay Ross Band, guitarist, vocalist, composer, and songwriter with Brazilian-style rhythms.
3pm - Sol Driven Train, versatile 5-piece band, based in Charleston, SC, features rotating lead vocalists, and multi-instrumental talent spread across horns, strings, and percussion.

Music for the Saluda Arts Festival is funded by the Polk County Community Foundation's Saluda Fund Grant. This grant is a major reason that the Saluda Arts Festival can bring high-caliber, talented musicians to the festival each year.

Demonstrations
Watch artists paint landscapes, forge metal, weave, make jewelry, and more. 

Children's Art Tent

Children will experiment and unlock their creativity at the "Children's Art Tent"--supervised instruction, face painting, and surprises. Located at the Shelter in McCreery Park.  

Food

Enjoy a variety of delicious choices from local restaurants and at the festival site. Saluda Grade Caf?, Jose's Wood Fired Pizza, and Thompson's Store & Ward's Grill will be serving food. 

Youth Performances  

The Dancer's Extension annual spring concert is scheduled for Saturday, May 18 at 11AM.  The concert will take place at the Saluda School Auditorium and admission is FREE!  This is held in conjunction with the Saluda Arts Festival. Please park in the bus parking area behind the school. 

Parking

Parking is available along Main Street, at the Saluda School back parking lot, the Saluda Presbyterian Church on Carolina St., Saluda Methodist Church on Greenville St, the First Baptist Church on Henderson St., the west end public parking lot (across the bridge), and the Saluda Fire Department on Greenville St. Shuttle transportation will be available.

Naturalist Weekend at Grandfather Mountain

May 17-19   Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Weekend   This year's special weekend at Grandfather Mountain  includes a Naturalist's Nightwalk at 7:30 PM on Friday. A fascinating collection of programs and guided walks offered to help guests discover more about the diversity of life at Grandfather Mountain.

All programs and guided walks offered as part of the Naturalist’s Weekend are included in the price of admission. Those who plan to attend for both Saturday and Sunday should keep to their receipt on Saturday and present that for discount admission on Sunday. 

Chimney Rock Park Hosts Spring Girl Scout Day and Camp-out

May 18 - 19   Spring Girl Scout Day and Optional Camp-out   The annual spring program not only has a day of fun and educational programs but also the rare opportunity to camp beneath the stars at Chimney Rock Park.

Scouts can participate in a variety of education and enjoyable nature programs including Wildflower Watercolor, Wilderness First Aid, Spectacular Spiders and Touch-Me-Not , an introduction to some of the misunderstood and often unknown threats that can be found lurking in the forest or our own backyards.

The Park will also be opening the 32-foot Climbing Tower exclusively to Girl Scouts from 1:30-3:30 PM.  The cost is $2 per person (all ages) to attempt the32-foot Climbing Tower; be sure you sign up when you register. A reservation time will be given to each troop prior to the event.

Price and Registration Info:

Day Program
- Scouts: $14 includes admission, all programs and one patch per scout. This rate has been reduced due to the closure of the Hickory Nut Falls trail. 
- Parents: 1 adult per 10 scouts is required and admitted at no cost; $10 per additional adult when registered with the group; otherwise adults are $12 each. 
- Additional Youth (ages 5–15): $4.50 per youth when registered with group; otherwise $6 each.

Overnight Option  
- Scouts/Additional Youth (ages 5 to 15): $8 each 
- Adults: One adult per 10 youth is required and camps at no cost; additional adults $8 each 
Campers are responsible for bringing their own tents and all camping supplies. We provide rock fire rings and firewood. For more information on camping, please email education@chimneyrockpark.com.

FREE Chimney Rock Admission for Mothers

May 11 - 12 at Chimney Rock Park -  BOGO Deal for Moms

Treat mom to a family outing at the Park Mother's Day weekend, May 11-12, and get mom's admission for free with purchase of a regularly-priced adult ticket for only $12. Download the coupon from the  Chimney Rock Park website for the "buy one, get one free" admission for mom or grandma and present to the Ticket Plaza at time of purchase.

Save the date for Father's Day weekend June 15-16 and enjoy this same special for dad and grandpa!

Get a link for Chimney Rock Park and other Chimney Rock NC attractions HERE.

Saluda Tailgate Market Opens for the Season Today

May 10 - Spring has Sprung in Saluda NC and that means it's Tailgate Market time again. Grab your basket and hat and make your way down West Main to the Saluda Tailgate market. Welcome in the first spring produce, greet  neighbors and visitors alike, and hug your farmers.

They have been planning through the winter and working their soil through the early spring cold days in anticipation of your visit to the market. Come see what they have to offer and celebrate spring. Make your shopping list and plan to pick up some starter plants for your own gardens.

The Market is open every Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 PM, May through October.

Get links for Saluda restaurants, attractions and more events on the Saluda NC Visitor Guide. 

Mother's Day Weekend Events: Annual Airing of the Quilts

May 11   Annual Airing of the Quilts   Springtime has always meant that it was time for spring cleaning and the "Airing of the Quilts" and other bed linens. The tradition is still honored in Macon County. Locals participate by hanging quilts made by mom, grandma, or the other special women in life, on porch railings, fences, businesses and more.

Visitors are encouraged to travel all around Macon County looking for the quilts that are "airing", as well as for the quilt blocks that are a part of the Macon County Quilt Trail. Downtown Franklin will be alive with quilts and have a special celebration from 10 AM - 4 PM.


Get a link for the Airing of the Quilts and other Franklin Mother's Day Weekend events on the Franklin NC Visitor Guide.

Mother's Day Weekend Event: Spring Festival in Waynesville

May 11   The Whole Bloomin' Thing Spring Festival   The 11th Annual Festival, is held in the Historic Frog Level. This is Haywood County's premier spring festival, kicking off the growing season with beautiful flowering baskets, vegetable and herb starts, berry bushes, and potted ornamental plants to jumpstart your garden.

Local artisans will offer a wide range of nature-inspired gifts and crafts- from baskets and birdhouses to soaps and stemware, pottery and jewelry to metal sculptures and flower planters, and dozens of other handmade creations.

Enjoy fresh cheese, homemade preserves and jellies, BBQ and burgers, veggie wraps, ice cream and desserts will be available all day long. Live music and entertainment will be provided throughout the day by local musicians and dancers. The events takes place from 9 AM - 4 PM.

Learn more about local lodging, restaurants and events on the Waynesville NC Visitor Guide.

Vote for Asheville in the 2013 USA Beer City Poll

The 2013 Beer City USA poll has officially started and this year Asheville is in the running to hang on to the title, which it has held four years in a row. The poll will run from Monday, May 5 through Friday, May 10 and the winner will be announced on May 13. You may vote once per IP address.

According to Examiner.com, the "BeerCity USA poll highlights the spirit of support local, small town and big city Americans generate on behalf of their communities. BeerCity USA is not a measure of beer quality, number of breweries, volume of beer enjoyed nor any kind of 'best-of-show' measurement."

Vote for Asheville Here

Mother's Day Weekend Event: A Mother's Love 5K Run in Franklin

May 11   A Mother's Love 5K Run   Mother/Female 5K race entry fee is $10 - Race t-shirts to the first 50 racers. Father/Male 5K race entry fee is $15. Race t-shirts to the first 50 racers. Children (12 and under) entry fee is $5. Race t-shirts to the first 25 children racers. For additional information contact Dave Linn at bringingit2life@yahoo.com. Registration forms available at the Frankln Chamber of Commerce.

Get information about Franklin lodging, restaurants and attractions HERE.

Mother' Day Weekend Events: Days of Wine and Posies

May 10 - 11   Days of Wine and Posies  Once a year South Creek VIneyards and Wineries joins with neighbor Banner Greenhouses for an exceptional event. Browse and choose fancy flowers and then head across the street to enjoy some fine wine!

It's also National Wine Tourism Day - Mention Wine Tourism Day at the South Creek Tasting Bar and get 10% off all bottle purchases. Additional local wineries will be participating.

Get more Mother's Day events on the NC Event Calendar.

RiverLink Launches the French Broad River Overnight Camping Paddle Trail

Join   Asheville Adventure Rentals  from 1 to 5 PM on  Saturday May 11, 2013, to help RiverLink celebrate the launch the French Broad River Overnight camping Paddle Trail and their new interactive online map.  

The event is a fun filled day of games and workshops designed to illustrate how to utilize and access the free no reservation required overnight camping sites.  Start the day with a  float down  the river. RiverLink will demonstrate their new online map and offer a variety of  beers for sale from Asheville Brewing Company and Altamont Brewing. 

Bring the whole family and make it a day of great food from food trucks, a corn hole tournament  and ice cream from the Hop. You can even win raffle prizes  thanks to generous  donations from Blue Heron Whitewater, ENO, Second Gear, Mast General Store, Fifth Element Massage and  others.

The event begins at 407 Riverside Drive, Asheville NC, at the base of the Pearson Bridge, just south of  the By Water

NC Mountain Crafts Today in Old Fort

May 4   ArtsMart    Locally created arts and crafts are 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. There is something for everyone including baskets, paintings, woodwork, wreaths, candles and live demonstrations. This event is sponsored by Arrowhead Artists and the Artisans League. 

Learn more about NC crafts on the NC Galleries, Artists and Crafts Guide. 

Rhododendron and Azalea Show this Weekend in Asheville

May 4-5    54th Annual Rhododendron and Azalea Show   Presented by the American Rhododendron Society, SE Chapter, this yearly judged event features hundreds of blooms. Spring and summer blooming rhododendrons and azaleas some of the weekend favorites.

The North Carolina Arboretum is home to the National Native Azalea Collection, and visitors are encouraged to explore the collection, located along Bent Creek, representing nearly every species native to the United States.

Get a link for the Rhododrendon and Azalea Show and the NC Arboretum on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.  

Mountain Spirits: Weekend NC Wine Festivals

Date: May 4
NC City: Mount Airy
Event: Budbreak Wine Festival This popular spring event celebrates the breaking of buds on vines across the state by bringing together 17 wineries for a street festival in charming downtown Mount Airy. Sample wines, listen to live music, view art and crafts by local artisans and enjoy the taste treats in the 13 Bones Food Tent.

Date: May 4-5
NC City: Ronda
Event: Vineyards of Swan Creek Spring Wine Release Join the Vineyards of Swan Creek and taste their spring releases along with a complimentary food sampling. Noon - 5 PM, $25 per ticket. The Vineyards of Swan Creek include Raffaldini Vineyards, Dobbins Creek Vineyard, Shadow Springs Vineyard, and Laural Gray Vineyard.  

 

Annual Herb Festival this Weekend in Asheville

May 3-5   24rd Annual Asheville Herb Festival   The WNC Chapter of the NC Herb Association represents the incredibly wide variety of herbalists and herb businesses in North Carolina: herb growers and vendors, natural gardening and landscaping specialists, and makers of herbal ointments, balms, soaps, teas, medicines, and other products. 

Join more than 25,000 other herb lovers to celebrate the 24rd annual Asheville Herb Festival. Again this year environmentally sensible rain barrels will be available, and Master Gardeners, experts from the Buncombe County Extension Service, will be on hand during the festival to answer gardening questions.

Get a link for the Herb Festival and other Asheville events, attractions and lodging on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.