Groundhog Day at Chimney Rock

February 2   Grady's Groundhog Day at Chimney Rock State Park. What will Grady predict for the remaining winter weather forecast? Come to Chimney Rock Park and find out while enjoying an educational program on the lives of groundhogs and other woodland critters. Guided family hikes on the Great Woodland Adventure trail will follow the program at noon and 12:30 PM. Kid’s Groundhog Day crafts will be offered from noon-1 PM. You may also visit the Park website any time to cast your vote on whether or not Grady will see his shadow.

FInd local lodging and visitor information on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.

 

Valentine Weekend Events: RagApple Lassie VInyards Divine Valentine Lunch

February 15 - RagApple's Divine Valentine Lunches return this year.  Landscape Artist Craig Richards and Renown Author Hunter Darden will also be showcasing their work on Saturday.  Bring your special 'someone' and come for a four-course wine lunch. Each of the four courses will be paired with a different RagApple Lassie wine and you may choose between two different menus.

Reservations are required with seatings available for noon, one and two PM. The cost is $35.00 per person. Call the winery at 336-367-6000 for further details, questions or reservations. As usual, the RagApple Lassie Wine Tasting Bar will be open from noon to six. Popular pianist, Freddie Casstevens, will be entertaining throughout the afternoon.

Menu One: Give Me Romance

Hors d'oeuvre Selection with Kaleidoscope Gold

Chicken Classic Gumbo with Viognier

Low Country Shrimp and Grits with Chardonnay

Apple Galet Smothered in Carmel Cream with Boonville Blanc


Menu Two:  Give Me Love

Hors d'oeuvre Selection with Kaleidoscope Gold

Spring Salad with Toasted Pecans, Goat Cheese, and Cranberry Vinaigrette with Pinot Gris

Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions & Dauphinoise Potatoes with Merlot

Chocolate Mousse and Salted Caramel with Kaleidoscope Red

Ragapple Lassie Vineyards is located at 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane in Boonville NC in the Yadkin Valley between North Wilkesboro and Mount Airy.

Mountain Spirits: Round Peak Vineyards Announces New Release of Skull Camp WInes

Round Peak Vineyards sold out of most of the Skull Camp Wines last summer or Fall but are now announcing the return of their favorites and the release of a new semi-dry Skull Camp wine. Skull Camp anticipation, euphoria, and confusion will be back on the tasting menu February 1. The others, including the new obsession, inspiration, and temptation will be released at our St.Patrick's Day Spring Fling on March 15.

• Skull Camp anticipation - a delicious blend of un-oaked Chardonnay and Muscat, 1.5% residual sugar (RS)
• Skull Camp sublime - our very popular, slightly sweet white blend, 1% RS
• Skull Camp euphoria - the return of our award-winning blend of Traminette and Muscat, 2.5% RS
• Skull Camp confusion - a semi-dry rose, 2.5% RS
• Skull Camp infatuation - semi-dry lightly oaked red blend, 2.5% RS
• Skull Camp obsession - Ken's new favorite, a new fruity read wine at 2% RS

To compliment the traditional semi-dry wines, Round Peak is introducing some new sweeter Skull Camp wines with over 3% residual sugar (RS). Skull Camp inspiration and temptation will be released at St.Patrick's Day Spring Fling on March 15, and two other new Skull Camp sweet wines will be introduced at festivals this year.

• Skull Camp inspiration - a sweet white wine
• Skull Camp temptation - a sweet and fruity white wine

In addition, there are several new Round Peak wines that will be released this Spring or early Summer:

• 2013 Chardonnay - this un-oaked Chardonnay was fermented in stainless-steel tank. It it crisp and refreshing and sure to be a favorite
• 2013 Dry Rose - this wine is a white Sangiovese with a pale pink blush, very different from our 2012 version, is more of a white than a rose
• La Petite Vendange - LPV is back. A delightfully crisp blend of unoaked Viognier and Chardonnay from our 2013 harvest.
• 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon - We think this may be our best Cab Sauv yet.
• 2011 Sangiovese - we've missed this wine and eagerly await its return.

Going, Going... (soon to be) GoneL  Last call for some of the Vineyard's most popular wines... these wines won't be around for very much longer. Get them now, while you still can.

2013 Viognier - only 9 cases left!
2013 Chardonnay -- 24 cases left
2008 Nebbiolo - 24 cases left

Round Peak Vineyards is located  at I-77 exit 100, just minutes from Mount Airy NC. Get a link to learn more about Round Peak Vineyards and other local wineries and attractions on the Mount Airy NC Visitor Guide.

Celtic Weekend at The Grove Park Inn in Asheville

January 30 - February 2   Celtic Weekend at the Grove Park Inn   Passion, artistry and skill collide during this dream weekend for lovers of all things Celtic. Join them as they celebrate the Scottish-Irish heritage of Western North Carolina with the finest in music.

In addition to the feature concerts with Seven Nations and Gaelic Storm, other weekend activities include Scottish Border Collie sheepdog trial demonstrations, Celtic vendors, a cooking demonstration, chair massages, guided history tours, and live Celtic music throughout the In.

The Omni Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa- Renowned spa, scenic golf course, sports complex with pool, tennis, racquetball, training. Onsite restaurants, lounge, bars. A large variety of rooms and suites, varying stages of updates with some original Inn antiques. Facilities can accommodate business conventions, family reunions or just a quiet romantic getaway.   Book online for the lowest rates and Best Price Guarantee.

Get complete local visitor information on the Asheville NC Guide.

Cataloochee Ski Area Hosts Crescent Ski Council Race Series

January 25 - 26   Crescent Ski Council Race Series   Cataloochee Ski Area is hosting its first race weekend with the Crescent Ski Council Race Series this Saturday and Sunday. CSC Racing holds a series of races throughout the southeast every season attracting an average of 150 of the Southeast's best ski racers and their families each weekend.

Upper Omigosh and Alley Cat will be open ONLY TO RACERS on both Saturday and Sunday mornings. Alley Cat will also be closed Sunday afternoon for NASTAR public racing. Take advantage of this opportunity to come out and watch this exciting race and also try your hand at NASTAR.

Get a link for Cataloochee Ski Area and other mountain attractions on the Maggie Valley NC Visitor Guide.

Asheville Hosts 7th Annual WInter Warmer

January 25   7th Winter Warmer Beer Festival   This popular festival will be held this year on the main arena level of the Civic Center. Get rid of the winter blahs at this favorite event with great food and great brews. Enjoy live music and sample the best beer from more than 35 North Carolina and Southeast breweries. This event has sold out the past 5 years, so get your tickets ASAP.

Get a link for the Winter Warmer Beer Festival and other Asheville events and attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide. 

15th Annual Winterfest in Blowing Rock NC

January 23 - 26   15th Annual Winterfest   Join the Village of Blowing Rock to celebrate the fun side of winter at this annual family event. From the Wine Auction, ice carving and Live Bluegrass, to the Chili Cook-Off, Winter Paws Show, Fashion Show, Kids' Activities and the Polar Plunge in Chetola Lake, there's something for everyone.

New this year is the Chillin' with the King Bees Blues Concert and Cocoa and Canvas st The Blowing Rock Art and History Museum.

Get links for Blowing Rock NC cabins and rentals, events and local attractions on the Blowing Rock NC Visitor Guide.



 

Cataloochee Ski Area Offers Military Appreciation Days

January 23-24     Military Appreciation Days at Cataloochee Ski Area   Cataloochee supports the armed forces by offering a special reduced rate for military personnel and their families . Valid i.d. is required. This special package is only $27 per person and includes a 1 1/2 hour lesson, lift ticket for either day, twilight or night skiing and rental equipment.  The combined savings is $56 per person over Cataloochee's regular rates.

Get links for details about Military Appreciation days and other local events and attractions on the Maggie Valley NC Visitor Guide. 

Remembering Dr Martin Luther King Jr

Martin Luther King Day Peace March and Rally

January 20  Asheville's  Annual Peace March and Rally  celebrating Martin Luther King Jr Day will take place beginning 11:30 AM at St. James AME Church at Martin Luther King Boulevard and Hildebrand Street and continuing to City-County Plaza in Pack Square Park.

There will be a Candlelight Service at 6:00 PM at Nazareth First Baptist Church. All the days events are FREE and open to the public.

Learn more about Asheville events and lodging on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide. 

Enjoy a Great MLK Holiday Weekend of Skiing and WInter Sports on the NC Slopes

With the arrival of a new cold front and more snowmaking the NC slopes and ski resorts are anticipating great conditions of a holiday weekend of winter fun.  NC skiing, snowboarding, tubing and ice skating will be open at Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blowing Rock, Beech Mountain Resort on Beech Mountain, Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley, Sapphire Valley Ski Area and Frozen Tube Park (open Firday at noon) in Sapphire Valley, Sugar Mountain Resort on Sugar Mountain and Wolf Ridge in Mars Hill.

Additional tubing parks are Hawksnest between Banner Elk and Boone on Seven Devils, Tube World in Maggie Valley, Jonas Ridge Tubing Park between Blowing Rock and Linville, Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center (tubing and ice skating) south of Highlands and Moonshine Mountain in Hendersonville.

Temperatures will be in the 20s with natural snowfall in most areas so bundle up and drive with care. Check online or by phone for last minute conditions.

Slope conditions and updates as of January 17:

Appalachian Ski Mountain is OPEN  - 12 slopes with 6 lifts on a base of 40 - 75 inches.

Beech Mountain Ski Resort is OPEN  for skiing and boarding on 14 slopes with 5 lifts on a base of 34 - 60 inches.

Cataloochee Ski Area is OPEN  - 17 slopes with 5 lifts on a base of 49 - 59 inches for day and night skiing.

Sapphire Valley Ski Area - re-opens today at noon. Base of 18 - 42 inches.   Frozen Falls Tubing re-opens today.

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort  is OPEN  - 18 slopes with 6 lifts on a base of 41 - 90 inches for day and night skiing and boarding. Ice Skating is open. Tubing is open on 6 lanes.

Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is OPEN -  11 slopes with 4 lifts on a base of 35 - 55 inches for day and night skiing and boarding. Tubing is open. .

Get links for details about all NC Ski Resorts and Areas on the NC Ski Resort Guide. 

Grove Park Inn hosts the Big Band and Swing Dance Weekend

January 17-19   Big Band and Swing Dance Weekend at the Grove Park Inn   An annual weekend of great Big Band and Swing Dance music. This is a "don't miss" weekend for those who treasure the Big Band era of music and dance. Event activities for package holders include dance instruction, an exclusive afternoon tea dance, and two nights full of amazing performances. Other weekend offerings include guided history tours, a cooking demonstration, chair massages, and live themed music throughout the resort.


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

Get a link for the Big Band Weekend and the Omni Grove Park Inn on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

33rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr Prayer Breakfast at The Grove Park Inn in Asheville

January 18   Martin Luther King Jr Prayer   Asheville’s 33rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast will be held in the Grand Ballroom of the Grove Park Inn with guest speakers Dawn Porter, founder of Trilogy Films and director of Gideon’s Army, and Travis Williams, featured in the film as one of three public defenders who dedicate their lives and careers to seeking justice for those most in need.

The theme of this year's King Celebration will feature events about how to bring justice to America’s criminal justice system.

The Breakfast is hosted by The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County and held at 8:30 AM in the Grand Ballroom at the Grove Park Inn and Resort.

Get a link for the Prayer Breakfast and the Grove Park Inn on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Classic Car Cruise-in this weekend in Old Fort

January 18   Classic Car Cruise-in   Held the 3rd Saturday of every month. Bring your car, truck or motorcycle. Downtown Old Fort, 3-5 PM. A free Sponsored by Route 70 Cruisers.

Route 70 Cruisers is a group of car enthusiasts who came together with a common goal. To cruise, enjoy  cars and enjoy being with family, friends and cruisers with the same common interest. They believe that cars were made to be driven and enjoyed.

Find more weekend events on the NC Event Calendar.  

 

AKC Dog Agility Trial in Asheville

January 16-19   American Kennel Club (AKC) Dog Agility Trial   The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina is hosting an American Kennel Club Dog (AKC) dog agility trial. Spectators are welcomed to attend and admission is free. Over 300 purebred dogs, from throughout the southeast, will compete at various levels of difficulty.

The event is held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd. in Fletcher, NC.

Get a link for the Dog Agility Trial and other MLK Weekend events on the NC Events Calendar.

Cataloochee Ski Area Offers Special $29 Learn to Ski and Snowboard Package

Cataloochee Ski Area is now offering a special $29 Learn to Ski and Snowboard Package available only at www.liftopia.com every non-holiday Monday through Friday in January. This special $29 package can ONLY be purchased at liftopia.com and includes a day or twilight lift ticket, full set of ski or snowboard rental and 1 ½ hour lesson any non-holiday Monday through Friday for the month of January.

Located in Maggie Valley NC,  Cataloochee is North Carolina's First Ski Area, and usually the first NC Ski Area to open for the season. Catalochee offers Smoky Mountain Skiing, Riding and Tubing with 16 lighted slopes including the Cat Cage Terrain Park. With a variety of terrain for beginners to experts alike and over 4,000 sets of snowsports equipment, the Cataloochee experience offers something for everyone. 100% snowmaking, 16 lighted slopes including 1 terrain park, 2 advanced, 5 intermediate & 6 beginner; 5 lifts including 1 triple chair lift, 1 quad chairlift, & 3 conveyor lifts; and 6 lanes of snowtubing fun! PSIA school instruction.

Learn more about NC Skiing and snowboarding on the NC Ski Resort Guide. 

Great Skiing this Weekend in the NC Mountains

Find links for ALL NC ski resorts and slopes along with current conditions, weather forecast, trail maps, ski rentals and more on the NC Ski Resort guide.

Appalachian Ski Mountain is  skiing and boarding on 8 slopes with 5 lifts on a base of 40 - 70 inches for day and night sessions. Special events:  1/10 -  K2 Pop This! / Fresh Friday 2 ,  1/10 - Burton Riglet Park Tour,  1/11 - Burton Ladies Park Session .

Beech Mountain Ski Resort is  skiing and boarding on 14 slopes with 5 lifts on a base of 35 - 60 inches.Special events:  1/11 - Winterfest Rail Jam;  1/11-12  Winterfest;  1/12 - Cardboard Box Derby.

Cataloochee Ski Area is  skiing and boarding on 9 slopes with 5 lifts on a base of 42 - 74 inches for day and night sessions. Tube world is open Friday 4 PM - 10 PM, Saturday 10 AM - 10 PM, Sunday 10 AM - 6 PM

Sapphire Valley Ski Area - is skiing on 2 slopes and a base of 13 to 27 inches beginning at noon today, 1/10 .  Frozen Falls Tubing will open at the same time.

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort  is  skiing and boarding on 18 slopes with 5 lifts on a base of 42 - 85 inches for day and night skiing and boarding. Ice Skating is open. Tubing is open on 6 lanes. Special events:  1/12 - High Country Junior Race Series Giant Slalom. 

Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is  skiing and boarding on 10 slopes with 2 lifts on a base of 35 - 50 inches for day and night skiing and boarding. Tubing is open.

Wolf Ridge Ski Resort Ticket Special

  
$17 for one lift ticket, good Monday–Friday (up to a $39 value)
$27 for one lift ticket, good on Sunday (up to a $54 value)
$62.99 for four lift tickets, good Monday–Friday (up to a $156 value)
$99 for four lift tickets, good on Sunday (up to a $216 value)
Skiing for One or Four on Mon - Fri or Sun at Wolf Ridge Ski Resort (Up to 60% Off)

Mountain Spirits: Free Wine and Beer Tastings at Hops and Vines

January 10, 5 PM - 7 PM:  FREE Beer Tasting. Ballast Point Brewing Company - Happy days.  Fresh Ballast Point beer is back, so Hops and Vines is offering a tasting while they're fresh and still stocked, pun intended.

The Tasting includes:
Sculpin IPA is a great example of what got us into brewing in the first place. After years of experimenting, we knew hopping an ale at five separate stages would produce something special. The result ended up being this gold-medal winning IPA, whose inspired use of hops creates hints of apricot, peach, mango and lemon flavors, but still packs a bit of a sting, just like a Sculpin fish. 7.7% 70 IBU's
Dorado Double IPA immediately hooks you with massive hops that never stop. Mash hopping, kettle hopping and dry hopping makes this beer a serious hop lover’s prize catch. It’s an amazingly drinkable, award-winning beer that’s as beautifully balanced as it is big. 10% 90 IBU's
Calico Amber Ale takes its inspiration from traditional English ESBs. Four types of malts give it a bold complexity, and our proprietary yeast strain lends it a fruity, madeira-like richness. However, it’s the American hops that give this ale a distinct bite and floral aroma that have earned it just about every major beer medal.

January 11, 3 PM - 6 PM:  A new selection of wines at Hops and Vines:
Jovino Pinot Gris -Excellent example of what Oregon’s finest cool climate white varietal and handcrafted wines can deliver. The nose waifs out of the glass with herbacious-ness and fresh-cut green grass. The body is medium-plus with a slight perception of effervescence, making it clean and refreshing. Obvious ripe premium fruit source finishing with crisp acidity.

Gascon Malbec - This hand-harvested Malbec displays aromas of blackberry, plum, and a hit of mocha. This elegant wine has dark fruit flavors framed by plush tannins. Finely integrated characteristics of black pepper and maple combine to create a long, velvety finish.

Sant'Evasio Barbera d'Asti - Cantina Sant' Evasio represents modern winemaking from long standing traditions. The name comes from the chapel on the hill built in the 18th century, later destroyed in WWII. Barbera is their trademark grape and continues to represent outstanding value in today's times. This version from the town of Asti, is a deeply colored, bright red wine showing classic black cherry fruit with light ash, juniper berry and classic flavors.

And 10% off all featured wines on Saturday.

Hops and Vines is located at 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100 in Asheville NC

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort Hosts National Winter Trails Day

January 11   National Winter Trails Day - Winter Feels Good   The 19th annual National Winter Trails Day is back at Sugar Mountain Resort. The event offers children and adults new to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing for FREE.

Discover the fun and fitness of snowsports. Guided tours are available on the hour beginning at 9 AM. The program includes a forty-five minute tour and snowshoe rental. Adult tours are for 12 years or older. Children's tours are for 8 - 11 years old. Sign up at least 15 minutes prior to your tour time at the Ski/Snowboard School.

Get a link for mor details about National Winter Trails Day on the NC Ski Resort Guide.

Find local lodging, ski condos and area attractions on the Sugar Mountain NC Visitor Guide.

Appalachian Ski Mountain Hosts Burton Riglet Park Tour

January 10   Burton Riglet Park Tour   ASM will host 2 stops for the Burton Riglet Park Tour 2013-14, a mobile product demo and mini-snowboard park geared towards introducing children as young as 2 to the sport of snowboarding.

A custom children’s learning terrain area will be provided at the base of ASM and Burton Snowboard experts will be offering a free “introductory terrain park experience” for children ages 2 to 6. Registration is FREE and will be held in the Alpine Ski Shop throughout the day.

There will be 2 main sessions of park orientation in the Riglet Terrain Park – from 10 AM -12 noon, and from 1 PM – 3 PM. The overall experience should last around 30-45 minutes for each child.

Get a link for the Burton Park Tour and other Appalachian Ski Mountain events on the NC Ski Resort Guide.

Find ski lodging for Appalachian on the Blowing Rock NC Guide.