Thanksgiving Weekend a Time for Christmas Crafts in the Mountains

Date:      November 25 - December 27
NC City:  WEST JEFFERSON
Event:    Tree Fest and Christmas Miniatures Art Exhibit    Beautifully decorated trees with handcrafted ornaments, holiday crafts, gift items and miniature paintings and photography. The gallery shop is also full of handmade ornaments available for purchase. 

Date:      November 26 - December 24
NC City:  MARION
Event:     Blue Ridge Artisans Show and Sale  features crafts from local artisans, including woodwork, paintings, photography and various Christmas ornaments. The Show is held at the McDowell Arts Council Association Gallery, Main Street in Historic Downtown Marion. 

Date:      November 29 - December 30
NC City:  CULLOWHEE  (near Sylva)
Event:     Hard Candy Christmas Arts and Crafts Show  Mountain Artisans presents the 25th Hard Candy Christmas, Arts and Crafts Show. This mountain Christmas Tradition features original arts and crafts at a great price. Held at the Ramsey Center at Western Carolina University - Free Parking  

Date:      November 29 - December 30
NC City:  FRANKLIN
Event:    Santa's Gift Shop is MV Craft Shows Christmas themed show. Come get in the Christmas shopping mood with festive decorations, music and a jolly atmosphere. In addition to their usual great crafts, the vendors will also display Christmas themed crafts such as decorations, clothing, baked goods and lots of great gifts. Santa himself will also be present to visit with kids of all ages. Along with the craft show there will be a food drive for CareNet. 

Date:      November 30
NC City:  WEST JEFFERSON
Event:     West Jefferson Gallery Crawl   Stroll the streets of an historic mountain town, enjoy the cool mountain breeze while listening to the sounds of street musicians and "popping" in and out of West Jefferson's many galleries. Open House in more than 15 art galleries and studios.

Date:      November 30
NC City:  BLOWING ROCK
Event:     Thanksgiving Kiln Opening at Traditions Pottery   Be present at 10:00 AM to watch the wood kiln be unloaded, and them make your selection. Items in the wood kiln will include work from Bolick’s and from Traditions. With face jugs such as Santas, wizards and cry babies, Rebekah pitchers, candlesticks, sculpted chickens and other traditional wares. Food will be served. Free admission.

Date:     November 30
NC City: BEECH MOUNTAIN
Event:    Holiday Market Craft Fair  This is the 7th annual Holiday Market at the Buckeye Recreation Center held from 9 AM - 3 PM. Spend the day with the family or get your holiday shopping done with the unique  arts and crafts that will be offered by local artisans. There is more to do than just shop at the market. Free samples and craft demos add to the fun along with a cookie decorating station. Santa will be on hand for photos and to hear everyone’s wish list. FREE event. 

Date:      November 30
NC City:  HENDERSONVILLE
Event:     Curb Market Old Timey Christmas  The Henderson County Curb Market Old Timey Christmas includes refreshments, music, carriage rides, holiday gifts and arts & crafts. Come visit the South's most unique Curb Market. All items sold at the market must be either handmade or locally grown.

Get links for these mountain Christmas craft shows and exhibits on the  NC Events Calendar. 
 

Choose and Cut NC Christmas Trees

"Choose and cut" your own Christmas Tree on a North Carolina Tree Farm. Growing and selling Christmas trees is a major industry in the North Carolina mountains. 1,600 growers produce an estimated 50 million Fraser fir Christmas trees on over 25,000 acres in North Carolina. The NC Christmas Tree business is ranked second in the nation in number of trees harvested annually.

Fraser Fir trees represent over 90% of all species grown in North Carolina. Approximately 19% of the Real Christmas Trees produced for the entire United States comes from North Carolina. 

"Choose and Cut" has become an increasingly popular concept, currently supplying 25% of all Christmas trees sold in NC. North Carolina Fraser fir, Balsam fir, Scotch pine and Douglas-fir are among the longest lasting Christmas trees and remain fresh much longer than other species. Lodging and cabin rental specials are available for NC visitors to choose and cut their own Christmas tree.

Here's a list of NC Choose and Cut Christmas Tree Farms - get links for pricing and directions HERE.
A White Christmas Tree Farm - Linville
Cartner Christmas Tree Farm - Newland Christmas Corner - Pineola
Cool Springs Nursery - Boone
Elk River Evergreens - Elk Park
Evergreen Ridge Christmas Tree Farm - Newland
Lil' Grandfather Christmas Tree Farm - Laurel Springs
Little Switzerland Christmas Tree Farm - Little Switzerland
Long Ridge Nursery - Newland
Mistletoe Meadows - Laurel Springs
Mountain Advantage Tree & Landscape - Crumpler
Mountain Memories Tree Farm - Jefferson
R.C. Blackburn Nursery/Reindeer Crossing - Jefferson
Snow Creek Christmas Trees - Bakersville
Sugar Mountain Nursery & Landscape - Newland
Sugar Plum Farms - Plumtree
Sunnyside Tree Farm - Jefferson
The Great Fraser Fir Company - Linville
Tom Millers Tree Farm and Nursery - Laurel Springs
Top of the Mountain Christmas Trees - Glendale Springs
Touch of the Mountains - Elk Park Twin Oaks Christmas Tree Farm - Elk Park
West End Wreaths and Choose & Cut - West Jefferson

Can't get make a trip to the mountains but still want an NC Christmas tree? You may also order NC Christmas trees online direct from North Carolina Tree Farms:
Sugar Plum Tree Farm - North Carolina Fraser Fir Christmas trees, wreaths or decorations. Corporate orders welcome.
Appalachian Evergreens - Blue Ridge Mountain Fraser Firs, wreaths, centerpieces, garlands, Christmas CDs

Cartner Christmas Tree Farm - Fraser Fir Christmas Trees, wreaths and garlands
Cool Springs Nursery - Fraser Fir Christmas Trees, table top trees, wreaths, garlands
Top of the Mountain Christmas Trees - Premium grade Fraser Fir Christmas Trees, wreaths
Try-Lyn Plantation - Wreaths, greenery, swags and centerpieces 

Holiday Events: Dickens Dinners at the Orchard Inn in Saluda

December 7, 12, 14, 20, and 21 at the Orchard Inn, 100 Orchard Lane, off 76, in Saluda NC - Celebrate an Old Fashioned Christmas at the Dickens Dinners at the Orchard Inn in Saluda. Enter the impressive living room with a roaring fire in the fireplace and the beautifully decorated 10-foot Christmas Tree. Taste spiced wine and enjoy the sound of holiday music with Hors d'oeuvres served at 6:30 and dinner beginning at 7 PM.

All guests enter the dining room at the same time so seating is limited. A sumptuous 4-course special holiday meal will include such favorites as: Cream of Butternut Squash Soup with Roasted Pumpkin Seeds and Austrian Pumpkin Seed Oil, Organic Baby Green Salad with Orchard Inn Dressing, Choice of Crispy Duck with Homemade Mango Chutney or Pork Tenderloin Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Rosemary Infused Pears or Local Rainbow Trout Almandine, and a choice of two fabulous desserts.

In between each course, The Orchard Inn's very own Mr. Pickwick (David Riddle) will read from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. After dinner, everyone will move into the candle lit living room to listen to the end of the story and toast to the Spirit of Christmas with a Smoking Bishop (hot spiced wine).

The cost is $59 per person, plus tax and gratuity. After dinner, you may choose to stay in one of the upstairs rooms for only $110. This magical holiday evening at the Orchard's 12-acre mountaintop retreat will be one to remember. Call to reserve your Dickens DinnerL 828-749-5471.  

The Orchard Inn offers 14 guest rooms, some with fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs located in a private and picturesque mountain setting minutes to downtown Saluda.  Emjoy the cultivated gardens and use the private meeting room for groups. Additional features include a library, piano and WIFI. A full breakfast is  included in the room rate. Onsite dining for dinner and drinks is available with reservations. The Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Regular rates from $145.
 
Get links for complete local visitor information on the Saluda NC Guide. 

Christmas and Holiday Events: High Country Lights

November 28 - January 1    High Country Lights   Northwest North Carolina's premier animated light show features over 100,000 lights choreographed to your favorite Christmas tunes on 96.5 FM. This free light show, hosted by Glade Creek Volunteer Fire Department, can be seen nightly starting at 6 PM Thanksgiving through New Year's Day.  6374 Glade Valley Road, Ennice NC 

 

Holiday Event: Christmas Ornament Festival in Burnsville's Town Center

November 23   Christmas Ornament Festival in Town Center   An annual Christmas Ornament Festival featuring one of a kind gift items handmade by local crafters and artisans. Admission is free. The Burnsville NC area is home to hundreds of North Carolina's favorite arts and crafters. This is your opportunity to make your holiday gift giving really special with a handcrafted piece from, the mountains.

Learn more about Burnsville NC HERE. 

Holiday Event: Light Up Downtown in North Wilkesboro

November 22   Light Up Downtown    Annually, Historic Downtown North Wilkesboro kicks off the Holiday Season with the lighting ceremony soon after dusk. Main Street is filled with the lights, joys, smells, and sounds of Christmas. 

Santa will be in the lobby of Wilkes Towers ready for photos with the little ones. Local community groups take part in in providing hay rides, live entertainment, food, crafts, kids activities and more.

Get links for lodging, attractions and visitor information on the Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro NC Guide.

Wild Peonies Perform at The Purple Onion in Saluda

November 24, 6 PM at the Purple Onion, 16 Main Street, Saluda NC - The Sunday evening series presents Wild Peonies.  Wild Ponies feature the dead right, honest songwriting of Doug and Telisha Williams blended with a kick-ass band. Touring in support of their brand new release on Ditch Dog Records, "Things That Used To Shine", The Wild Ponies - Doug, Telisha and drummer Jake Winebrenner - bring energy and charisma along as they perform brilliant new songs as well as some of the old Doug & Telisha favorites.

The doors open for this show at 5:00 PM and seating is limited. The usual dinner menu will not be offered, but pizza and salads are available from 5 - 6 PM and dessert and beverages throughout the show. Admission is $15 per person. Call 828-749-1179 for reservations.

Find links for complete visitor information on the Saluda NC Guide.

Cataloochee Ski Area and Sugar Mountain Resort Open for the 2013-14 Season

November 15, 2013 - Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley is this year the second of the NC Ski Slopes to open for the season. Skiing will be one session only, day skiing from 8:30am - 4:30pm,  on 6 slopes from midstation down with 2 lifts and 1 conveyor lift operating on a 18-36" base and machine groomed surface.

Lift tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for juniors age 5-12 with this reduced continues rate through Sunday. Regular rental rates will apply.

Early season operating hours are in effect:  9 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday;  8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday. A one run refund will be offered. Purchase your lift ticket and make one run and if you are not satisfied after your first run within the first 30 minutes, your money will be refunded.

Sugar Mountain (Ski) Resort began snowmaking with the cool front on Sunday evening and officially opened on November 13, 2013 - making it the first NC Slopes to open for this season. The Resort currently offers 2 slopes with 1 lift on a base of 8 - 32 inches. Ice skating is open for sessions at 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM and 6 PM.

Learn more about Cataloochee Ski Area and all the other NC Ski Slopes on the NC Ski Resort Guide.

Classic Car Show this weekend in Mariont NC - Christmas Cruise for Charity

November 16    Classic Car Cruise-in    This car show and meet is held the 3rd Saturday of every month. Bring your car, truck or motorcycle to downtown Old Fort NC ( this month to Marion).  This is a free event sponsored by Route 70 Cruisers. 

This month is the Christmas Cruise:  Saturday from  9 AM -1 PM. The Cruisers will leave Peebles Parking Lot at 9 AM and cruise to Clinchfield Baptist Church.  There will be Food , Music and Silent Auction items.  The entry fee for the Cruise is a new unwrapped toy or $10.00. All toys will benefit McDowell County Children.

Get links for more mountain weekend events on the NC Events Calendar. 

 

Blue To Black Art Weekend

November 15 - 16   Blue To Black Art Weekend    A self-guided tour of artist's studios from the Blue Ridge Parkway EAST to Black Mountain and Old Fort including an Art Stroll in downtown Black Mountain. This bi-annual celebration of art takes place in May and November.

The event kicks off on Friday Night with AnTHM Gallery at the Monte Vista Hotel featuring a reception for participating artists. The evening will also include an art show from the Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League entitled "Fabulous Fakes". Exhibiting artists interpret famous works of art and will be on display through the New Year. Enjoy “Artini” drink specials, appetizers and live music. This event is free and open to the public.

Get links for complete visitor information on the Black Mountain NC Guide.

Holidar Bazaar at the Historic Carson House

November 15   Historic Carson House Luncheon and Holiday Bazaar   Held at St. John’s Episcopal Church Parish House  from 11:00 AM until 7:00 PM. St. John's Parrish House is located at 289 S. Main Street in downtown Marion. Join members of the Carson House Partners to purchase crafts, baked goods and peruse a white elephant sale. Enjoy a soup and salad lunch from 11:00 AM. - 2 PM.  All of the proceeds from this bazaar go to benefit the Historic Carson House.

Get links for complete visitor information on the Marion NC Guide. 

 

Murphy Hometown Christmas Celebration

November 15 - 16   Murphy Hometown Christmas Celebration   The Celebration begins at 6 PM with a tree lighting ceremony, music and entertainment. Shopping day will be all day Saturday, November 16th, complete with Santa strolling around town and merchants offering incentives to shoppers such as sales, snacks, etc.

Get more local information on the Murphy NC Guide.

Last Chance to see "The Shadow of the Bear" this Fall in Cashiers

this incredible photograph by Jerry Jaynes

October - November: Don't miss "The Shadow of the Bear" a naturally occurring phenomenon from mid October through early November. The Shadow is visible for about 30 minutes daily between 5:30 and 6 PM and can best be viewed from the Rhodes Big View Overlook on U.S. Hwy. 64, approximately 4.5 miles west of Cashiers. The shadow is also visible in late winter from mid February through early March.

Get a link for The Shadow of the Bear and other attractions, lodging and visitor information on the Cashiers NC Guide.

Foothills Holiday Arts and Craft Show this Weekend in Marion

November 9 - 10   Foothills Holiday Arts and Craft Show   The area’s best talent will be showcased for two days of art and crafts including oil, pastel and watercolor paintings, drawings, wood and metal works, textile arts, jewelry and much more. Commercial vendors are not allowed at this event. You’ll find regional artists with unique points of view in their work.

The event will be set up inside and outside the Corpening YMCA and live music will add to the festive atmosphere.

Get links for local visitor information on the Marion NC Guide.

Roll Out the Barrels for The Tryon Beer Fest

November 9   Tryon Beer Fest - Tap into Tryon   The event will be held from noon until 8 PM in the Tryon Depot Plaza. Enjoy a variety of the finest craft beers from around the country, including some local ones. An array of ‘craft’ beers will be chilled, ready for sampling and full servings of beer will be available for sale.  

Authentic German fare will be offered from Occasions Catering including Kielbasas, Bratwurst, Bavarian Sauerkraut, and German Potato Salad. Non-alcoholic beverages and water will also be available. Enjoy fresh baked pretzels from the Bavarian pretzel factory in Greenville.

Live Bavarian music from The Foothills will be played during the day and you can rock out with the Trophy Husbands and an oyster roast in the evening. Limited tickets will be available at the entrance. Admission is cash-only, but tickets can be purchased in advance online.

Get links to learn more about local events, lodging and attractions on the Tryon NC Guide. 

Beech Mountain Resort 5th Annual Season Kickoff Video Premier

November 9, 7:30 PM to 10 PM - 5th Annual Beech Mountain Ski Resort Season Kickoff Video Premier.  An event for all ages who are looking forward to the NC ski, snowboard and winter sports season. See the latest snowboard videos while enjoying great food, drinks and raffles, including a chance to win a season pass to Beech Mountain Resort.

Get up to 50% off last season's gear from boots and binds to boards to outerwear. Take your turn at the spy mini ramp Best Trick Contest and win $100 - no entry fee.

The Season Kickoff will be held at The Boone Saloon, 489 West King Street in downtown Boone NC.

Learn more about Beech Mountain (Ski) Resort and all the NC Ski areas and resorts HERE.

All Aboard for The Polar Express at The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

November 8 - December 29    The Polar Express at The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad  Journey to the North Pole  via the Polar Express to pick up Santa all the while enjoying caroling, cookies, and cocoa - and for those who truly believe; a silver bell just like in the book. Kids of all ages will believe in the magic of the Holiday season.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad welcomed nearly 50,000 passengers last year for this popular annual event. The 1.5 hour round-trip train ride journeys through quiet mountain meadows to the North Pole and Santa Claus. Santa greets each child and presents them their special silver sleigh bell.

Get your tickets early to be assured you don't miss the magic. The Express will run rain or snow, as long as access highways are clear.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is located in downtown Bryson City NC.

Grandfather Mountain Offers "Secret Season" Passes

As the last of autumn’s leaves drop from the trees and fall leaf lookers retreat back to warmer climates, winter’s chill sweeps through the High Country and paves the way for a "Secret Season" on  Grandfather mountain .

Grandfather offers "Secret Season" passes good any time from November 1 through April 30, to experience the wonder of the mountain during the winter at a very affordable price.

The price of an adult pass is $32, which means the pass holder can visit every day for six months at a price less than the cost of two adult tickets. An individual pass for a child between the ages of four and twelve years old, is $18 each. The group pass (good for six people traveling in the same vehicle) sells for $90 and pays for itself on the first visit.

Secret Season passes go on sale November 1 at the Grandfather Mountain entrance gate and are valid until April 30. Winter hours, weather permitting, are 9 AM to 5 PM. The park is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas days.

Grandfather Mountain is a magical place when rime ice covers the surrounding peaks. Opening is delayed until all roads and paths can be cleared of snow and ice, but a phone call to the entrance at 828-733-4337 can confirm the day’s conditions and set the stage for a memorable outing for the entire family.

Learn more about Grandfather Mountain on the NC Parks Guide.

Grandfather Mountain Habitat has a New Eagle

Sitka, a new female bald eagle arrived at Grandfather Mountain on October 16 2013, and was introduced to Griffin, the male bald eagle that has been living in the habitat since May 2013. The female eagle came from the Alaska Raptor Center and has been named after the town where the center is located, Sitka. 

Sitka had suffered an injury to her right wing before arriving at the Alaska Raptor Center and was deemed unable to survive in the wild. Before Sitka was released into the habitat at Grandfather Mountain she received a medical check from Lee Bolt, DVM of Sweeten Creek Animal and Bird Hospital in Asheville, NC, and was found to be very healthy. Sitka's exact age is not known but darker feathers on her head may indicate that she is around five years old.

Sitka’s introduction to the eagle habitat and to Griffin is going very well. As expected the raptor is showing some signs of stress and anxiety but overall the habitat staff members and Dr. Bolt couldn’t ask for a better transition. The two eagles have been observed flying to sit on the same perch with each other...Read more

Grandfather mountain is the highest mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain range at an elevation of 5,964 feet.  The Mile High Swinging Bridge gives visitors easy access to the breath-taking view from Grandfather Mountain's Linville Peak. Grandfather Mountain is a Nature Lovers' favorite offering Wildlife habitats, Nature Walks and Trails, Nature Programs, and a Nature Museum.  The complex natural terrain includes 16 different classifications of natural communities with backcountry trails providing access to all.