Winter Wonderland at the Grove Arcade in Asheville NC

November 21 - January 4, 2015   Winter Wonderland at The Grove Arcade   Asheville's historic downtown arcade displays all the trimmings of the holiday season along with exhibits from the annual National Gingerbread House Competition display, co-hosted with The Grove Park Inn. 

Santa will be visiting the Arcade on Saturdays from noon – 4 PM, November 29 and 30 and December7,14,21 . Photos with Santa will be available for purchase. In addition to the Arcade’s restaurants regular evening hours, many shops will be open until 8:00 PM on Fridays, starting November 28 until December 20.

The Historic Grove Arcade on Battery Hill decks its halls and lights the building for its 2014 Winter Wonderland. Sing holiday carols with the Asheville Symphony Chorus and make holiday ornaments. View the gingerbread houses from Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House competition. Have photos with Santa and listen to holiday stories while enjoying hot cider and refreshments. “It promises to be a memorable evening,” says Darr Conradson, President of Grove Arcade’s Merchants Association.

For a $1 donation to MANNA Food Bank’s Back Pack Program, children make a holiday ornament to decorate a Grove Arcade Christmas tree or to take home. Mountain Made and artists organized by the Asheville Area Arts Council help design and make these ornaments. 

The Asheville Symphony Chorus is the evening’s main event. Over forty chorus members are on hand to celebrate the evening with traditional and contemporary carols. The chorus sings for approximately 45 minutes, finishing with a rousing version of the classic Hallelujah Chorus. “We are so excited to be a part of this celebration, our music will soar in the Arcade-what a thrill!” says Asheville Symphony Chorus’s Cynthia Sprau. All the while, visitors can enjoy cider and cookies.

The Grove Arcade  - Built by E.W. Grove, the visionary and creator of the Grove Park Inn, the Grove Arcade opened in 1929 and thrived until World War II as one of the country's leading public markets. Asheville's historically renovated Grove Arcade has once again returned as a destination featuring the best the region has to offer from fabulous foods to delicious dining and local crafts. The wonderful design and architecture alone are worth a trip to Asheville. Located at 1 Page Avenue, downtown Asheville NC. Some of the Grove Arcade shops, restaurants and galleries include: 

Daily Essentials Asheville barber and beard Fresh Quarter Produce Make Up at Grove Arcade Marc Edwards and Co. Printville Private Mtn. Communities Realty World RENCI Studio Flora Dive The Eye Center The Watchmaker's Shop Wake Foot Sanctuary

Shopping and Galleries
Alexander and Lehnert
Appalachian Strings
Asheville Area Arts Council
Asheville NC Homecrafts
Bath Junkie
Battery Park Book Ex.
Caravans
Enter the Earth
Four Corners Home
Mission at the Grove
Mountain Made
Roberto Coin
Stevenson Rare Coin
Tic-n-Time

Dining and Desserts
Burgerworx
Carmel's Ktchen and Bar
Chorizo
Modesto
Nutz About Fudge
Santé Wine Bar/Tap Room
Thai Tara
True Confections

En Plein Air
The Portico Market on our south end has a variety of vendors; some have been there from day one, others come through occasionally. It is always a thrill to find out what you might find at our truly unique Portico Market.

 

Gingerbread House Competition and Exhibit Opens This Week in Asheville

November 19, 2014 - January 1, 2015   The National Gingerbread House Competition and Display Contestants from across the country bring their architectural masterpieces to The Grove Park Inn in Asheville NC  for display over the holidays. Delight in the imagination shown in these sugar-and-spice creations, strolling through the competition is a sure way to be swept up in the holiday spirit. 

There is no admission charge to view the entries to the National Gingerbread House Competition. In addition to the gingerbread overload, see the beautiful holiday displays throughout and warm by the giant fireplaces in the grand lobby. Pick up a map in the lobby to find the various areas where the entries are displayed.

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.   See current BEST rates and SAVE with online booking

Christmas Tree Lighting in North Wilkesboro

November 21, 2014   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 complete local information on the Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro NC Visitor Guide.

 

A Christmas Carol at The Flat Rock Playhouse

November 20 - December 21, 2014   The Flat Rock Playhouse Presents A Christmas Carol   The words of the Dickens classic come to life. This new, adventurous interpretation of A Christmas Carol takes the famous story and infuses it with laughter, love and a brand new score that celebrates the holiday season. With over a dozen new songs and exciting new characters, this world premier is a Christmas event for the whole family. Tickets are $40.

For 60 years the Flat Rock Playhouse, The State Theatre of North Carolina, has been thrilling audiences with Broadway musicals, comedy and drama. From the Youth Theatre education program to the professional main stage performances, the Flat Rock Playhouse offers some of the best live entertainment in Western North Carolina.  The Theatre is located at 2661 Greenville Hwy in Flat Rock NC. 

Mountain Spirits: Friday Night Wine Tasting

November 14 from 5:30 - 8 PM at  Maggie B's Wine and Specialty Store, 10 C South Main Street, Weaverville NC - FREE - "Highly Rated Wines" Tasting. Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate, Wine Enthusiast - All of these publications rate wines based on many different criteria that help the consumer to find some amazing gems.  This week Maggie B's will be pouring some of those treasures with very high ratings, and very impressive juice. 

Deal of the Week:  5 County Multi-Cheddar - WAS: $19.99/lb. - THIS WEEK: $16.99/lb.

Annual Holiday Parade in West Jefferson this Weekend

November 15, 2014   Annual Holiday Parade   The Holiday parade begins at 3 PM followed by the 1st Annual Light up the Town event starting around 5:30 PM. The Downtown will be lit at dusk with lighted displays and decorations. Businesses will be all decked out for the Holiday season many will also have extended hours to start your Holiday shopping early. 

Food specials and live music at will be offered by downtown restaurants. Visit stores for chances to win prizes. End your evening at the WJ Methodist Church Hensley Hall for Coffee House Live with great entertainment and refreshments beginning at 7:30 PM.

Get links for lodging, attractions and information on the West Jefferson and Jefferson NC Visitor Guide.  

Veteran's Day Events in the NC Mountains

Date:      November 7 - 11, 2014
NC City:  Chimney Rock
Event:      Veteran’s Day Special: Free Admission For Vets to Chimney Rock State Park   Veterans, reservists, retired and active military personnel are our American heroes, so the Park  honors your service with a free visit to Chimney Rock State Park during November 7-11, 2014. Must present military ID or proof of service. Free admission only for military members with ID. Get $2 off per adult and $1 off youth for others in your vehicle, up to 6 people. Military discount on admission available year-round.

Date:      November 11, 2014
NC City:  FRANKLIN
Event:    Veteran's Day Parade   11 AM in downtown Franklin.

Date:      November 11, 2014
NC City:  CHEROKEE
Event:     Veterans Day Celebration   An honors ceremony held at the Cherokee Welcome Center and Fair Grounds.  

Date:     November 11, 2014
NC City: Columbus
Event:    Veteran's Day Celebration    The parade begins at 10:00 AM in downtown Columbus, starting on Mills Street (108). There will be a short Memorial Service at 11:00 AM with a wreath laying ceremony and dove release. Spectators are requested to wear red, white and blue and wave their American flags. (there will be hand flags passed out at the parade). Veterans may wear their uniforms and awards and, if desired, join their branch of service comrades in the Staging Area and march in the parade. Bleachers will be available for disabled vets who are unable to march. 

All Aboard the Polar Express this Weekend

November 7 - 8, 2014 (event continues through January 4, 2014)   The Polar Express at The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad   The 1 ¼ hour round-trip excursion comes to life as the train departs the Bryson City depot for a journey through the quiet wilderness for a special visit at the North Pole. 

Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. Santa will board THE POLAR EXPRESS, greeting each child and presenting them with a special gift as in the story, their own silver sleigh bell. 

Enjoy singing Christmas carols during the trip back. Kids of all ages will believe in the magic of the Holiday season. 

Get links for local lodging, restaurants and information on the Bryson City NC Visitor Guide.  

 

Culinary Weekend Begins Tomorrow in Highlands

November 6 - 9, 2014   Highlands 8th Annual Culinary Weekend   Eat, Drink, and be Merry at this taste-full Annual Culinary event. The Opening Night Gala will be at the Highlands Country Club on Thursday night November 6th. 

On Friday and Saturday enjoy different events and Dinners throughout Highlands and the Sip and Stroll will be Saturday which will take you throughout town and into the unique shops.

Highlands NC accommodations range from historic inns and quaint bed and breakfasts to hotels and cabins. Golf, mountain hiking, biking, canoeing and river rafting are some of the area's main attractions. Highlands is known for the quality of its cultural activities and restaurants and its charming downtown shops. The Highlands Playhouse is an equity theater with four or five productions during the summer season. Highlands NC restaurants are among the finest in Western North Carolina - and that's quite an accomplishment!  

Cherokee Rod Run - a favorite Fall Car Show and Cruise

November 7 - 8, 2014   Cherokee Rod Run   This popular event includes 100's of cars, neatly groomed and highly shined, ready for you to feast your eyes upon. One of the prettiest events in Cherokee. Show and shine, cruise the mountains, enjoy live music and lots of fun.

The car show is held at the Acquoni Expo Center in downtown Cherokee NC. 

Annual Culinary Weekend in Highlands NC

November 6 - 9, 2014   Highlands 8th Annual Culinary Weekend   Eat, Drink, and be Merry at this taste-full Annual Culinary event. The Opening Night Gala will be at the Highlands Country Club on Thursday night November 6th. On Friday and Saturday enjoy different events and Dinners throughout Highlands and the Sip and Stroll will be Saturday which will take you throughout town and into the unique shops.

Get links for lodging and local attractions on the Highlands NC Visitor Guide.