Colorfest Brings a Dash of Paris to Dillsboro NC

October 5 2013   The charming mountain village of Dillsboro NC will have a dash of Paris this Saturday with artists stationed under colorful umbrellas and tents, creating their treasures during the fifth annual  Colorfest: Art and Taste of Appalachia festival.

Visitors attending this FREE festival are encouraged to stroll among painters as they capture hues of fall in the mountains and interact with crafters, authors, growers, chefs and musicians.

Among the featured artists are: Jane McClure of nearby Sylva who captures the essence of the mountains with paintings of barns, cabins, waterfalls and rustic scenes;  Susan Phillips of Hiawassee GA, a detail artist who paints primarily landscapes, and whose  work was recently honored by the Southern Appalachian Art Guild.

Other artists include: Nanci Leigh of Franklin, designer of intricate gemstone jewelry, and  David Ammons of Tuckasegee. Ammons is an expert chair caner who has mastered many forms of weaving over his 30-year career.

Local musicians and street entertainers add music to the festive atmosphere, while restaurants and shops are open to serve the crowds throughout the day.

The festival kicks off at 10 AM. with the unveiling of a Dillsboro mural "On Hallowed Ground", painted by Dillsboro's own Doreyl Ammons Cain. The mural depicts the 1882 founding of Dillsboro. Chief Michel Hicks of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians will be on hand to present the mural, while Cain will share her mural story.

"This mura truly reflects the spirit of Appalachia, revealing its creativity and courage," Cain said.

Colorfest, Art & Taste of Appalachia is produced by the non-profit NC heritage organization Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, in partnership with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and the Jackson County Visual Artists Association.

Funding for the program is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council and the Jackson County Arts Council.

Festival hours are 10 AM to 4 PM. For festival info or lodging, call (800) 962-1911 or go to: www.MountainLovers.com.

For additional local information about events and attractions visit The Sylva NC Guide.

Yancy County Big Fall Flea in Burnsville NC

September 27 - 29     Yancy County Big Fall Flea   Don't miss the Yancey County annual “Fall Flea” sale. If you are looking for furniture you'll find it here. If you need pictures you'll find them by the dozens.  You will find just about anything imaginable: antiques, clothes, pottery, kitchenware and utensils, home decor, furniture, Christmas/seasonal, kids' toys/clothes, books/tapes, eectronics, small appliances, tools, outdoor, sporting goods, jewelry, craft supplies and more.

The nearby Old Timey Festival will take place the very same weekend and is within walking distance to the sale. This event is FREE and open to the public.

Tweetsie Railroad Ghost Train Begins This Weekend

September 27 - November 2, 2013 on Friday and Saturday evenings   Ghost Train Halloween Festival at Tweetsie Railroad Advanced ticket purchase is recommended for this very popular event. The ghastly special events include Ghost Train Rides Exciting Haunted House, Halloween Shows, 3-D Maze, Black Hole™, Trick-or-treating and the Freak Forest.
Tweetsie Railroad, North Carolina's first theme park, takes a trip back into the days of the Old West. Hop aboard the train for an unforgettable three-mile journey through the scenic mountains. Even in today's high-tech world, there's still a place for old-fashioned fun. Tweetsie Railroad is a unique attraction that allows children and families to explore their imaginations and a whole lot more. Be a cowboy, Indian or an engineer and take a ride on historic steam locomotive, Number 12, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Open daily April - October with special events offered.

Find links for more local attraction, lodging and events on the Blowing Rock Visitor Guide
 

Fall Festival Today in Downtwon Little Switzerland NC

September 21-22  Downtown Little Switzerland Fall Festival.   This events features live music, bed races, storytelling, beer and wine tastings, crafts and horse-drawn carriage rides all in charming downtown Little Switzerland. For more information, call 828-765-5289 or 828-766-2601.

Learn more about local events and attractions on the Little Switzerland NC Visitor Guide. 

Live Music at the Classic WIne Seller

Get details at http://classicwineseller.com/

Get links for complete local visitor information
on the Waynesville NC Guide.

Eliada's Corn Maze Open This Weekend in Asheville

September 6 - October 27 -   Eliada's Annual Corn Maze   The maze will open September 6th and remain open each Friday, Saturday and Sunday through October 27th. The maze will open from 4-8 on Fridays, 10-8 on Saturdays, and 11-7 on Sundays.

Eliada’s annual corn maze is a 12 acre maze with 2 unique trails cut out of a field of corn. Accompanying maps with check points help guide you through 4 miles of maze trails. Also cut into the corn field are two Storybook Trails for children. These trails take you on a fun adventure as you read the stories of Spookley the Square Pumpkin and Ciderella and the Little Glass Sipper! Spookley and Ciderella merchandise are also for sale for children and families to continue to enjoy the stories and characters at home.

This year, Eliada is partnering with the Asheville Grown Business Alliance to create a “Love Asheville Give Local” theme in the maze.  A giant heart, with this familiar slogan creates the maze trails and celebrates Eliada as a local charity in the region.  The Asheville Grown Business Alliance’s mission is to support independently owned businesses in the community.

In addition to the corn maze, there are attractions like corn cannons with pumpkin men targets, a cow train, hayride, pumpkin patch, giant sandbox filled with corn kernels, haybale maze, spider-web net climb on, and giant slides.

Founded in 1906, Eliada Homes, Inc. is a non-profit agency serving the children and families of Western North Carolina.

Get links for Asheville lodging, visitor information and other local attractions on the Asheville NC Guide.

NC Mountain Heritage Festival in Sparta

September 21   19th Annual Mountain Heritage Festival   Craft and food vendors line Main Street in celebration of mountain heritage in craft and music. This year's entertainment features Zephyr Lightning Bolts . With demonstrations of the skills of local ancestors and music that mixes local heritage with modern influences, there is something for everyone. Dancers will be kicking up their heels and the Possum Queen will be crowned.

Find links for complete visitor information including cabin rentals on the Sparta NC Guide. 

Chimney Rock State Park Wild Mushroom Walk this Weekend

September 20   Wild Mushroom Walks at Chimney Rock State Park   Mushrooms can be found popping up all over Chimney Rock in the summer and early fall, especially after rainfall. Enjoy a casual Friday hike seeking a variety of fascinating fungi along the Four Seasons or Great Woodland Adventure trail.

Participants will look for some of the estimated 1,000 species of mushrooms that could be growing in the Park. Led by Karen Johnson, member of the Asheville Mushroom Club and the State Parks staff. Limited to 20 people; ask about the signup sheet at the Ticket Plaza when you arrive on the day of the hike. Meet by Grady's Animal Discovery Den in the Meadows. 

Chimney Rock State 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.

Get links for lodging, visitor information and Park details on the Chimney Rock NC Guide

Heritage Weekend with the Southern Highland Craft Guild

September 21-22   Heritage Weekend   is a two-day celebration of traditional crafts and music. The 32nd free festival is sponsored by the Southern Highland Craft Guild and features traditional music, dancing and heritage craft demonstrations. A highlight of the weekend is the 32nd Annual World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition on Saturday, 2:00-3:00 PM. Joe “Colonel Buncombe” Bly will emcee the competition. 

Rutherford County Celebration of the Arts

September 19 - 22    Celebration of the Arts   The Show is held at the at the Foundation Conference & Performing Arts Center at Isothermal Community College. The show is sponsored by the Rutherford County Visual Artists Guild (RCVAG) and supported in part by the NC Arts Council. 2D and 3D artwork in various media including paintings, photography, clay, wood, textiles, glass, metal, and jewelry for recognition, ribbons, and cash awards. In addition to the show, an adjoining gift shop will be selling handcrafted artwork at affordable prices.

A Gala Fundraiser Dinner will be held Saturday night, September 22, followed by the Awards Ceremony. Proceeds from the Gala tickets, silent auction, and sale of artwork will support RCVAG’s non-profit mission to foster the visual arts and fine crafts in their surrounding community.

Get a link for the Celebration of the Arts and other weekend events in the mountains on the NC Events Calendar.

Upcoming Races at the Wilkesboro Raceway Park

September 19   Wilkesboro Raceway Park Races   Test & Tune, Top Street Motorcycle, and True Street Shootouts Gates open at 4 PM on Saturdays with Qualifying at 5.30 and eliminations around 6.30-7.00 PM. General admission on regular races (points races without booked in shows are $10) Booked in events are $15 for adults. Spectators ages 11 thru 15 receive a $5 discount on all events with paying adult. Thursday nights Test and Tunes is still only $10 to watch or race - 6-9:30 PM.

The Wilkesboro Raceway Park is located at 774 Dragway Road in  Wilkesboro NC.

Visit Asheville Gardens this Weekend at The 5th Annual West Asheville Garden Stroll

September 14   5th Annual West Asheville Garden Stroll  This event showcases 15 gardens with this year's Stroll theme, "Garden to Table". Gardens on view will display a variety of gardening styles producing vegetables, fruits, eggs, honey, and flowers for the table. 11 AM to 4 PM, beginning at Hall Fletcher Elementary School , 60 Ridgelawn Avenue, at 10:30 with a short presentation by longtime residents about the role of gardening in the community's history.

Don't miss the Saluda Tailgate Market this Weekend

September 13, 4:30 - 6:30 PM - Saluda Tailgate Market  Grab your basket, put on your hat, and head for the west end parking lot to support local growers. Plan your week's menus around summer produce, mushrooms, eggs, chicken, beef, lamb and Wildflour goodies. Find some plants to enhance your own garden. Eat fresh, support local, and enjoy the small town community.

If you have never met Dawn Jordan, interim Agricultural Economic Development Director for Polk County, please stop by her table at the market this week. Dawn started in July as Lynn Sprague's temporary replacement and is enthusiastic about education, local food, local economies, and resilient communities. In a recent conversation she shared these thoughts: "If you are securing and supporting your local food production you are recession-proofing you economy. You cannot loose when you are spending your food dollars in your community. As demand increases production can increase, and that is a win-win for all." Dawn will be selling passes to the farm tour scheduled for Saturday, September 21 in Polk county in conjunction with the ASAP farm tour Saturday and Sunday the 22nd which includes Henderson county farms as well. This tour supports all of our area farmers by education the public about farm practices, the importance of supporting local food efforts, and familiarizing consumers with growers. You can purchase your $25 car pass at the gate from Dawn or one of the new AmeriCorp volunteers.

Information about the restart of Friends of Ag breakfasts scheduled for 7 AM Wednesday, September 18 will also be available. Dawn owns Restoration Farm, run by an onsite farming family and specializing in heritage breed poultry. They also raise dairy cows, beef and a small production garden. Please stop, give her the warm Saluda welcome, and share your passion for locally raised good food.

Saluda Market Vendors this Week:

• Bow Wowzers, natural dog treats
• Buttercup Cottage/Dan's Garden, marinara sauce, sauerkraut, jams, jellies, relish, vegetables, fruit
• Camp Creek Farm, fresh chicken, rainbow trout, lamb, eggs 
• Carolina Herbs, herbs, potted perennial and annual flowers, produce, eggs 
• Charlene's Garden, a wide variety of vegetables and pork sausage  
• Charles Owens, yellow peaches 
• Clair Ernst, Bluebird Ridge, Zinnia bouquets
• Deepwoods Mushrooms, shitakes and chanterrelles
• Deerwood Nursery,  pork sausage, bratwurst, chicken, eggs 
• Emerald Springs, goat cheese, swiss chard
• Frank Ward, plants for your garden, eggs, apples
• Growater Farm, cabbage, beans, squash 
• High Valley Farms, vegetable plants, herbs, flowering plants, seasonal produce
• James Taylor, seasonal produce
• Kay Farm, potatoes, onions, beans, cucumbers, melons, bok choi, tomatoes, peppers  
• Leap Farm,  all kinds of produce
• Living Herbs, herb plants
• Meanwhile Back in Saluda,  Green Olive Citrus Tapenade
  Black Olive Rosemary Tapenade (new recipe)
  Cheddar Parmesan Garlic Butter
  Herb Bread Dip Mixes
  Cinnamon Lemon Butter 
• Nesbitt Farm, hydroponic lettuces
• Piece O' Cake, brownies, pound cake, sweet treats 
• Randy Case, cabbage, beans, beets, corn, cucumbers
• Red Rooster Farm, plants, vegetables, eggs, blueberries 
• Rose's Best, jams, jellies, spreads, quiches
• Sacred Mountain Herbals, herbal products for body, home, garden, and pets 
• Saucy Susan, Twisted Fork,chutney flavor Green Apple and Lemon Herb Bean Pate' along with pestos
• Sexton Farms, tomatoes, peppers, corn, squash, cabbage, onions, eggs 
• The Farm, Mark and Sharon Searcy, heirloom, hybrid, and roma tomatoes, peppers, okra, potatoes, peaches, apples, squash, kale, lettuce, cabbage  
• Thunder Ridge, seasonal produce
• Vineyards Edge Dairy, flavored and plain goat cheese and feta
• Wendell Pace,  wide variety of seasonal vegetables
• Wildfour Bakery,   Peach Scones with Saluda Market Peaches
  Blueberry Breakfast Braids
  Space Cowboy Cookies
  Vegetable Topped Foccacia
  Carolina Apple Bread
  Stickies, Crackers, Granola, Pizza Crusts & more
• Yielding Branch, micro greens
  
  Get links for visitor information on the Saluda NC Guide.

Macon County Fair Begins Today in Franklin NC

September 11-14   60th Annual Macon County Fair   An authentic agricultural fair featuring crafts, farm animals and festival foods. Held on the Macon County Fair Grounds in Franklin.

Schedule details include:

Wednesday, September 11 9:00 a.m. - Noon...............Judging (Doors Closed to Public)
1:00 p.m. .........................Opening Ceremony, Pavilion
1:00 - 9:00 p.m. ................Doors Open for Public
6:00 p.m. ..........................Market/Performance Hog Show, Show Arena
7:00 p.m. ..........................Pet Show, Pavilion
7:00 p.m. ..........................Poultry Show, Poultry Area
9:00 p.m. ..........................Doors Close to Public

Thursday, September 12 9:00 a.m. ..........................Doors Open to Public
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. ........Fiber Fair, Field
10:30 a.m. ........................Special Needs Livestock Show, Show Arena
5:00 - 6:00 p.m..................Dairy Cattle Show, Show Arena
6:00 p.m. ..........................Cross-Cut Saw Demonstration, Field
6:00 p.m. ..........................Market Lambs, Junior Show, Show Arena
7:00 p.m. ..........................Rabbit Show, Rabbit Area
7:00 p.m. ..........................Entertainment, Pavilion
7:30 p.m. ..........................Goat Show, Show Arena
9:00 p.m. ..........................Doors Close to Public

Friday, September 13 9:00 a.m. ..........................Doors Open to Public
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. .....Preschool Kids Fun Day at the Fair, Field
3:00 p.m. - until ................BBQ Supper, Pavilion
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. .......Kids Pedal Tractor Registration, entrance to
Livestock Barn
4:30 p.m. .........................Entertainment, Pavilion
6:00 p.m. .........................Kids Pedal Tractor Pull, enterance to Livestock Barn
6:30 p.m. ..........................Market Lamb (Costume Contest & Obstacle Course),
Show Arena
9:00 p.m. ..........................Doors Close to Public

Saturday, September 14 9:00 a.m. ..........................Doors Open to Public
10:00 a.m..........................Market Steer Show, Show Arena
Following Steer Show .........Market Steer, Born & Bred Show, Show Arena
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. ............“Best Cake in the County” Registration, Pavilion
11:00 - 12:00 noon ..........."Best Cake in the Country" Judging, Pavilion
12:00 noon ........................"Best Cake in the Country" ContestAuction, Pavilion
1:00 p.m. ..........................Beef Heifer Show, Show Arena
Following Heifer Show.........Feeder Calf Show, Show Arena
2:00 p.m. ..........................Tractor Driving Contest, Field
6:00 p.m............................Entertainment, Pavilion
7:00 p.m. ..........................Market Steer Sale, Show Arena
8:00 p.m. ..........................Market/Performance Hog Sale, Show Arena
9:00 p.m. ..........................Doors Close to Public

Sunday, September 15 12:00 p.m. ........................Horse Show, Horse Ring

Last 2013 Music on the Mountain Concert in Chimney Rock

September 14   Music on the Mountain: Johnson's Crossroad, Flat Creek Stringband   Chimney Rock's 2013 concert series finale features Johnson’s Crossroad and Joe Hallock & the Flat Creek Stringband. Johnson's Crossroad  blends blues, roots-rock, folk, bluegrass and Appalachian Old Time. Enjoy a family-friendly outdoor concert in the Park from noon-3 PM The concert will be powered by the sun by Solar Powered Sound.

Mountain Song Festival at the Brevard Music Center

September 13-14   8th Annual Mountain Song Festival   held in the beautiful covered, open-air auditorium by the lake at Brevard Music Center. This foot-stomping, banjo-picking celebration of bluegrass and newgrass music will feature Steep Canyon Rangers, O'Brian 3 and Carolina Chocolate drops.

Additional performers include:

Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn
The O'Brien 3 featuring TIm & Mollie O'Brien with Rich Moore
Shawn Camp
Shannon Whitworth
Balsam Range

The event supports the Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County and has become a premier southeastern festival drawing 5000 music lovers annually.

Get links for local visitor information and learn more about the Brevard Music Center on the Brevard NC Guide. 

Start your Engines - at the Wilkesboro Raceway Park

September 12   Wilkesboro Raceway Park Races  - Test & Tune   Gates open at 4 PM on Saturdays with Qualifying at 5.30 and eliminations around 6.30-7.00 PM. General admission on regular races (points races without booked in shows are $10) Booked in events are $15 for adults. Spectators ages 11 thru 15 receive a $5 discount on all events with paying adult. Thursday nights Test and Tunes is still only $10 to watch or race - 6-9:30 PM.

Tweetsie hosts Railroad Heritage Weekend

September 8-9   Railroad Heritage Weekend    A unique weekend celebrating the history of the ET&WNC Railroad and Tweetsie Railroad. Enjoy two steam engines at their finest; see historic railway films and much more. Special weekend pass required for selected events. Cherokee dance and demonstrations for all park guests. Open 9 am to 6 pm. 

Tweetsie Railroad, North Carolina's first theme park, takes a trip back into the days of the Old West. Hop aboard the train for an unforgettable three-mile journey through the scenic mountains. Even in today's high-tech world, there's still a place for old-fashioned fun. Tweetsie Railroad is a unique attraction that allows children and families to explore their imaginations and a whole lot more. Be a cowboy, Indian or an engineer and take a ride on historic steam locomotive, Number 12, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Open daily April - October with special events offered.

Get links for complete visitor information on the  Blowing Rock NC Guide

North Carolina Mountain State Fair begins this Weekend in Asheville

September 6-15   North Carolina Mountain State Fair   Held at the WNC Agricultural Center, this is the third largest fair in North Carolina, and it celebrates the heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including agriculture, music, crafts, art, food, entertainment, display of livestock, competitions, and midway amusement rides.

Get a link for details, tickets and schedules for the NC State Fair and other local events on the Asheville NC Guide.

 

End of Summer Trout Fishing Tournament in Cherokee

September 6 - 8   End of Summer Trout Fishing Tournament   $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. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Registration necessary to redeem cash prize.

Get links for local visitor information and lodging on the Cherokee NC Guide.