Easter Weekend Events: Appalachian Trail Founders Bridge Festival

April 3-5, 2015     Appalachian Trail Founders Bridge Festival    Enjoy trail-steeped speakers sharing their experiences, a vendor village staffed by industry representatives, skills clinics, as well as some great product giveaways and door prizes and live music nightly.

This is a free event, appropriated for all ages. Whether you're an experienced through hiker, casual adventurer or new to the Trail this Festival offers something for everyone.  Festival events include hiker-themed games, movies, lectures and prizes.

The Festival is held at  Nantahala Outdoor Center's  (NOC) main campus, the Nantahala River Outpost,  located in far Western North Carolina on US Highway 19. 12 miles from Bryson City NC and on the south side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, nestled in the Nantahala Gorge. If you are on a Rapid Transit rafting/train excursions, the meeting place is in Bryson City at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot.

Beer and Cheese Pairing at City Lights Bookstore

April 1, 2015    Beer and Cheese Pairing at City Lights Bookstore    Come enjoy the terrific beer from Heinzelmännchen Brewery paired with the amazing cheeses from Looking Glass Creamery.There will also be some other cheeses available for pairing. Tickets $15 by March 31 and $20 on April 1. Limited to 25 folks! City Lights is located at 3 East Jackson Street in historic downtown Sylva NC.

Easter Weekend Events: Annual Easter Hat Parage in Dillsboro NC

April 4, 2015   Annual Easter Hat Parade   Come at 10:30 AM to make a hat (Dogwood Crafters on Webster Street) – or bring your own. Get your face painted.  Meet the Easter Bunny. The Egg hunts begin on Webster Street, every half hour by age group beginning at 10:00 AM.  

Registration begins at 11 AM. The Parade starts from Dillsboro Town Hall at 2:00 PM. Antique cars from the Old Timers Model A Club will lead the parade. Calling all ladies, gentlemen, children and dogs. Grab your hat and join in the fun during Dillsboro’s delightfully unpretentious annual Easter Hat Parade. 

Find links for complete local information on the Dillsboro NC Visitor Guide. 

 

Nantahala Outdoor Center hosts NRC Whitewater Open this Weekend

March 28 - 29   NRC Whitewater Open at NOC   Open to all ages with entrance fees of $25 (Downriver), $55 (Slalom). This national-level event hosted by Nantahala Racing Club. Pre-registration: Sign up online by March 25 to avoid late fees. Onsite registration: March 27, 2 - 4 PM at Big Wesser BBQ and Brew. Visit NantahalaRacingClub.com for event details and schedules.

NOC is located in Bryson City NC.

 

Mountain Spirits: WIne Tasting at Appalachian Vintner in Asheville

March 28, 3 PM - 6 PM at Appalachian Vintner, 745 Biltmore Ave., Suite 121 in Asheville NC: Advintage Distributing Tasting. Enjoy the weekly tasting, this Saturday with Advintage Distributing. Originally from Charleston, SC, Advintage has newly expanded their territory to North Carolina, now providing access to new brands of wines and beer that have not yet been available in the state of North Carolina. Truly exciting stuff!

Not only that, but the folks at Appalachian Vintner are tremendously impressed with their portfolio so far, so come and share some new experiences in wine tasting.

Turning Wine Back Into Water: Another reason to love this new distributor: they are doing some good in the world. Advintage is part of an initiative called Reverse Miracle. Working in conjunction with Water Missions International, they donate clean water systems to Indonesia and Peru. For more information on the good stuff they do, visit their site.

And there's more news and events from Appalachian Vintner:

15% off cases of ALL in stock and Special order wine all day every day. Everyday is a wine sale at Appalachian Vintner.  They offer deep discounts daily on all in stock wines when purchased by the half or full case, plus a huge selection of wines discounted by the single bottle. Special orders also welcome.

IPA Day is the last Saturday of the month. ALL hoppy beers are on SALE. This is a great time to stock up on your favorite hoppy beers.

Appalachian Vintner hosts Private Events. With an 80 foot bar, seating for 40+ and a standing room capacity for 200+, couches, 20 tap lines, wines by the glass and more..... Custom events are always available.

Easter Events: Annual Easter Egg Hunt

March 28, 2015   Fletcher Easter Egg Hunt  This annual Easter Egg Hunt is held at the Fletcher Community Park for children ages walker to 11 years old. The event is filled with eggs and fun with the Easter Bunny and sponsored by Fletcher Parks and Recreation. 

Fletcher is a suburb of Asheville NC. 

WNC Orchid Society Show this Weekend in Asheville

March 28 - 29   WNC Orchid Society Show   The WNC Orchid Society will host its annual show at The North Carolina Arboretum. The popular juried plant show will also feature award-winning orchid vendors, many of whom are nationally recognized growers and hybridizers. Rare and unusual plants, specialty lighting and orchid supplies will be available for purchase. Admission: Free with parking fee admission ($8 per vehicle). 

Meltdown Games at Appalachian Ski Mountain this Weekend

March 28 - 29, 2015   Meltdown Games / Neff Beech Bash    Appalachian Ski Mountain's classic end of the season celebration. Enjoy a full weekend of crazy events you won’t see any other time of the year, with lots of snow, sun, and skin. All events are free with your ski ticket purchase. Take your best shot at tons of prize categories. Registration will be going on all day in the Alpine Ski Shop. 

Welcome Spring with Foodie Events and Restaurant Specials in Waynesville NC

March 26, 2015 with additional weekend events through March 29   Melange of the Mountains    5 PM - 7 PM. Chef participants will prepare tastings of their favorite recipes and showcase or compete for recognition and awards. 

The gala evening event will extend into a weekend itinerary filled with an array of specialty dinners, culinary demos, and tastings hosted by Melange of the Mountains participants. Events such as Farm to Table, Hops to Tap, Sip and Stroke, dinner on the Mountain, Champagne & Caviar, Five Course Candlelight Dinner, Wine Pairings will take place throughout the county. 

Admission: Tickets are $35 for Chamber Members, $40 for Non Chamber Members, $60 for VIP ticket upgrade. The opening event is held at Laurel Ridge Country Club, 788 Eagles Nest Road in Waynesville NC. Dinners and weekend events are held at various locations throughout Waynesville and Haywood County. 

Wildwater Nantahala Makes additions for 2015

From property renovations to new activities to lodging options, Wildwater Nantahala is ready for an exciting year in 2015. Wildwater takes pride in providing the best in outdoor adventures as well as the best facilities and offerings for  guests.

The Nantahala Rafting Center got a facelift over the winter months including a new roof, bathroom upgrades and a new covered deck for shade on sunny days and shelter on rainy days. Enjoy the  beautiful Mountain View off of the front porch.

A new “Group Camp” lodging option is now available at Falling Waters. Bring your group to the Falling Waters property across the street from the Nantahala Rafting Center and have a private campsite that includes tent platforms, kitchen w/sink, stove and refrigerator, outdoor dining area, fire pit, hot showers, and bathrooms. You bring the tents, sleeping bags, towels and cooking/eating supplies. The Group Camp will handle 30+ guests and will be available starting in May. Book NOW for your choice of dates.

The NEW KidZip at Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours will offer ziplines and adventure park elements for kids 4-12 years old with a continuous cable, no clipping/unclipping.  Wildwater is one of the first companies in America to build a zipline course specifically for kids.  The KidZip opening event is scheduled over Memorial Day Weekend, but again, book in advance to be assured of availability. 

At Nantahala Jeep Falls1 an additional Jeep® has been added to the Wildwater Jeep® Tour fleet. Take a ride up into the beautiful Nantahala Community region with one of the NOC tour guides. Waterfalls, history, and scenic vistas are a part of this journey.

For complete details read NOC's Wildwater Blog, 

Fontana Village Resort Hiker Haze

March 25 - 26, 2015    Hiker Haze at Fontana   Open to all AT hikers and weekend trail adventurers. Whether you’re coming in off the trail for a couple of “Zero Days” or visiting the Smokies for a weekend in the forest, plan on being at Fontana Village Resort for its second annual Hiker Haze Event. There will be plenty of fun and entertainment scheduled. Check the website for the most up-to-date schedule of events. 

Fontana Village Resort - offers a range of accommodations: Lodge rooms and suites, cabins. RV and 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.   Check rates and availability

Classic Car Cruise-in Today in Old Fort

March 21, 2015  Classic Car Cruise-in   This classic car show is held the 3rd Saturday of every month. Bring your car, truck or motorcycle or just kick back and enjoy the show. This event is held in downtown Old Fort from 3-5 PM.  It's free and sponsored by Route 70 Cruisers. For more information, call 828-442-5135 
 

Davidson's Fort Hosts Revolutionary Way Days

March 21 - 22, 2015   Revolutionary War Days   at Davidson's Fort   This event showcases the reconstructed militia fort of 1776 that guarded North Carolina's frontier during the American War for Independence. Civilians, merchants and militia demonstrate life in the colonial era.

Davidson's Fort is located at Lackey Town Road in Old Fort NC .  Admission: $5 per person, $2 per child 6-10 and under 6 free.

Asheville Amadeus Festival a Week of Mozart

March 17 - 22, 2015   Asheville Amadeus Festival 2015    Enjoy a week-long festival celebrating and exploring the life and works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The Asheville Symphony will be joined by world renowned pianist Emanuel Ax, the Brentano Quartet with Hsin-Yun Huang, the Asheville Lyric Opera and more extraordinary musicians for this remarkable week of Mozart. 

Concerts and events include: Opening night with the Brentano Quartet; Deconstructing Mozart combining a plated lunch inspired by Mozart’s home country of Austria and prepared by Isa’s executive chef with Mozart’s iconic Serenade No. 13 and exploration of Asheville Symphony Executive Director David Whitehill collection of music letters; Mozart’s The Impresario performed by the Asheville Lyric Opera (debut); Pianoforte: Homages to Mozart; Emanuel Ax in Recital; Mozart Family Concert featuring the Blue Ridge Orchestra; "Amadeus" performed by NC Stage and Asheville Community Theatre; Asheville Amadeus Finale Concert with the Asheville Symphony.


Events and concerts will be held at a variety of venues and times in Asheville NC so check the website for details, reservations and to purchase tickets.  

Tickets Now on Sale for An Appalachian Evening Summer Concert Series

Individual Concert Tickets Now On Sale for the 2015 ‘An Appalachian Evening’ Concert Series at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center. Again this year An Appalachian Evening, the summer concert series, is presenting a crowd-pleasing lineup of bluegrass, blues, folk and old-time mountain music by award-winning artists.

The series begins on June 27 with the return of crowd favorite The Special "C", Special Consensus. This group played at the Center for the first time last season and the consensus was to have them back. Also returning are crowd favorites Kruger Brothers, The Snyder Family and Balsam Range. And on Saturday, August 8, the series will bring back blues great Mac Arnold and Plate Full O' Blues. Mac brought down the house last year.

Save $50 With Season Tickets. Season tickets are only $150 + tax for adults and Students (k-12 just $50 + tax. That's a savings of 25% (adults) and 50% (students) over the cost of individually purchased tickets. Click HERE to Purchase Season Tickets. 

Individual tickets vary from $15 to $25 for adults and $10 for students (K-12) for any of the 10 individual concerts. Click HERE to Purchase Individual Tickets. 

The 2015 Season Concerts Include:

June 27 -  The Special Consensus  Winners of two IBMA awards in 2014 - Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year and Instrumental Recorded Event of the Year.

July 4 -  Buncombe Turnpike   Buncombe Turnpike plays a variety of heartfelt tunes ranging from traditional and contemporary bluegrass to gospel and handcrafted originals.

July 11 - Town Mountain    Winners of two 2013 IBMA Momentum Awards including Performance Band of the Year.

July 19 - The Snyder Family Band    Two talented generations join for high-energy bluegrass.

Balsam Range performs

July 25 - The Walking Roots Band    A roots-music sound, performed with combinations of guitar, banjo, mandolin, harmonica, violin, acoustic bass, and accordion.

August 1 - Balsam Range    Winner IBMA 2014 Entertainer and Vocal Group Of the Year.

August 8 -  Mac Arnold and Plate Full O' Blues    Nominated for best Traditional Blues Male Artist at the 2012 Blues Music Awards.

August 15 - The Jeff Little Trio   Distinctive and fast guitar-style piano with fiddle and guitar accompaniment.

August 22 - Henhouse Prowlers     Music inspired by the roots of bluegrass while branching out into a sound uniquely their own. From lightning fast picking to sentimental ballads.

June 29 - The Kruger Brothers    Internationally famous eclectic acoustic trio.

Tax-deductible donations are needed and appreciated.  Your tax-deductible donation to the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center annual General Fund campaign will help meet the on-going costs of operations and help assure the continuation of the important programs at the Center. Your support to help defray these general costs is greatly needed and very much appreciated… won’t you help the Center today? Donations may be made by check or credit card.  DONATE HERE.


Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center  is located at 121 Schoolhouse Road in Robbinsville NC. In addition to live concerts the Center offers pre-concert dinner and snacks in the cafe, craft and artisan workshops and education programs, a art and crafts gallery shop and special events and festivals.

Take a hike and Create a Journal at Chimney Rock State Park

March 14, 2015   Naturalist Niche: Creating a Nature Journal A nature journal allows you to explore your relationship with the great outdoors by providing a place for interpreting observations and thoughts. Nora visual artist with over 30 years’ experience in developing and leading educational programs for folks of all ages, will demonstrate how to create a journal you can use to document your discoveries in the natural world. Advance registration required. 

Our State Magazine Weekend in Highlands NC

March 13 - 15, 2015    Our State Magazine Weekend    Experience Highlands NC from an insider's viewpoint. A Learn and Live Weekend hosted by Our State Magazine and open to the public. Admission: $1475 per couple or $975 single held at The Old Edwards Inn. Two nights lodging, dinners, excursions and more are included.  
Book at Old Edwards HERE. 


Old Edwards Inn and Spa - accommodations include champagne arrival, evening turndown, 24-hour business center, 24-hour Butler’s pantry with Dove Bars, fresh fruit and non-alcoholic beverages. Room service, concierge, WIFI. Full onsite Spa services, onsite restaurant, planned events. Located in downtown Highlands.   
Check for best rates and availability

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort Competition and Celebration

March 8. 2015
Event: Richard T. Trundy Memorial Sugar Cup Competition A giant slalom competition for participants with at least an intermediate or above ability level. 100% of all entry fees goes to the American Cancer Society in memory of Sugar Mountain's former Director of Operations, Richard T. Trundy. 
 
Event: Sugar Bear's Birthday Celebration   Join Sugar Mountain Resort's resident mascot, Sugar Bear and his friends for a fun birthday celebration. Activities include the Great Bear Race, a magic show, special treats, cake and ice cream. For additional details, please contact the Sugar Bear Ski School.  

Find links for lodging and Sugar Mountain Ski Condos on the Sugar Mountain Visitor Guide. 

 

Tweetsie Railroad Opens for the 2015 Season on April 15

 

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 more Blowing Rock NC Attraction
on our Blowing Rock Visitor Guide

Mountain Spirits: Old World Wine Tasting

March 6, 2015 from 5:30-8:00 PM at Maggie B's Wine and Specialty Store,  10 C South Main Street in Weaverville NC:   FREE TASTING.  Old world wines refer primarily to wines from Europe. The old world style is much more subtle and soft, and follows a traditional and terroir based wine making technique. This week enjoy classically made wines and stop in next Friday to taste new world wines and the difference.

Maggie B's Deal of the Week: San Daniele Mortadella "Rich in flavor and suave in texture, Mortadella is a perfect anchor to any Italian sandwich." WAS: $11.99/lb. THIS WEEK: $7.99/lb.

Get links for complete local information on the Weaverville NC Visitor Guide. 

Southern Cinference Basketball Tournament Comes to Asheville NC

March 5 - 9, 2015   2015 Southern Conference Tournament   Downtown will be filled with 50,000+ basketball fans, all enjoying Asheville's shopping, dining and drinking during the course of the tournament. Men and women's games will be played at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena and Kimmel Arena on the UNCA campus. Visit website or call for game days and times. 

Need lodging in Asheville for this event? Visit the Asheville NC Visitor Guide