Friday Night Live Concerts in the Mountains

Date:      July 31, 2015
NC City:  CASHIERS 
Event:     Groovin' On The Green  This concert features Dane Michael Group (Pop/Rock). Live summer music concert with great music in a stunning venue in the beautiful weather. The summer concert series is held every Friday at 6:30 pm at the Village Commons. (Frank Allen Road – Next to the Post Office). FREE event, but tips appreciated.

Date:      July 31, 2015
NC City:  SYLVA 
Events:   Concerts on the Creek -   Robertson Boys Live concerts held every Friday night between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day. The free outdoor performances take place at the Bridge Park Pavilion beside Scott Creek in downtown Sylva on Fridays from 7:30-9:30 PM. All shows are family-friendly, drawing diverse audiences comprised of locals and visitors alike.

Date:      July 31, 2015
NC City:  BREVARD
Event:     Brevard Music Center Performance:  A London Symphony  6:30 PM - Special pre-concert performances one hour before curtain, featuring BMC's students and artist faculty.  7:30 - The Brevard Concert Orchestra—led by conductor Keith Lockhart with violinist Noah Bendix-Balgley—performs Higdon’s blue cathedral, Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy, and Vaughan Williams' A London Symphony. Tickets $15 - $45.

Date:      July 31, 2015
NC City:  HENDERSONVILLE
Event:     Music on Main Street   Blind Lemon Philips / Blues, Funk & Soul The annual Music On Main Street concert series will be held every Friday evening from June through August. Music On Main Street showcases a diverse lineup of musical talents, from jazz, pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music with room to dance. There will also be a classic car show sponsored by the Hendersonville Antique Car Club.  Bring a chair and enjoy the music from 7 PM - 9 PM. Admission is FREE.

Date:      July 31, 2015
NC City:  CHIMNEY ROCK
Event:     Beats, Burgers & Brews at the Old Rock Café at Chimney Rock State Park   Relax outdoors to the beat of bluegrass, Americana, folk, blues or other genres while enjoying a regional craft brew or glass of wine on our riverside deck. Talented local musicians and singer-songwriters liven the scene on Friday and Saturday evenings in July at this popular burger joint in Chimney Rock Village. The Old Rock Café features one of the 2014 Zagat-rated “Must-try Burgers across the Country” with Hickory Nut Gap Meats' 100% grass-fed beef burger. The full menu includes grilled sandwiches, salads and fresh-baked fruit cobbler.

Date:      July 31, 2015
NC City:  CHEROKEE
Event:    Music on the River   Enjoy open-air musical performances by the river Friday and Saturday evenings in downtown Cherokee. Performances include rock n’ roll, blues, jazz, gospel and country, and are staged near local eateries, shopping, and downtown water features with room to dance along.   Friday night:

A36 Band

A36 Band

A36 Band

A36 Band

A36 Band, Saturday night: Eastern Blue Band.  

  

Mountain Spirits: NC Wine and Beer Tastings for the Week of 7-30-15

July 31, 2015 from 5:30 - 8 PM at Maggie B's Wine and Specialty Store, 10 C South Main Street in Weaverville NC:  Thomas Meuneir French White Wine Tasting. Pouring: Ch. Gabaron Blanc Louvetrie Selection Muscadet Moulin de Gassac Picpoul de Pinet Laurent Miquel Albarino.

Deal of the Week: Terraprima White 2012, Spain - Xarel.lo and Riesling grapes "Aromas of fresh white-fleshed fruit such as gooseberries, with floral notes, smoky notes and hints of aromatic herbs. The wine shows complexity and the minerality of this unique terroir." WAS: $16.99, THIS WEEK: $10.99

July 31, 2015 from 5 - 7 PM at Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd. Ste 100 in West Asheville NC: Boulevard Brewing FREE Beer Tasting. Enjoy some new ales in the year round lineup from Boulevard. This a great mix of favorite classics and awesome new releases.

Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale - A long time employee favorite, this saison from Boulevard’s Smokestack Series is one of the best Belgian-style ales brewed in the country. Beginning with a big surge of fruity aromatics and grapefruit-hoppy notes, the flavor of this complex, straw-colored ale tapers off to a peppery, dry finish.

Heavy Lifting India Pale Ale -This is one of Boulevard’s newest beers in it’s year round line up! Heavy Lifting explodes with flavor from a huge helping of five remarkably zesty and piney hops (Centennial, Citra, Amarillo, Topaz and Cascade). Packed with a big, hop forward punch and a huge aroma this beer is stays perfectly quaffable.

Calling IPA - This may be one of the best double IPA’s to emerge this year! The Calling is Boulevard’s most heavily hopped beer ever, bursting forth with unmistakable tropical fruit and pine hop aromas and flavor supported with a slightly sweet malt character, tapering to a crisp, dry finish. This beer is the hop lover’s delight. 

August 1, 2015 from 3 - 6 PM:  FREE Wine Tasting

Classic Wine Cellar, 20 Church Street, Waynesville NC - Wine on Wednesdays - stop by every Wednesday from 4 PM to 8 PM to enjoy unique varietals, regional tastings and more. Free tastings with the purchase of $15 of food or $16 per person.

 

July 31, 2015 from 2 - 7 PM at Table Wine, 1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102, Asheville NC - Free Spanish Wine Tasting. A mixed bag of Spanish wines from all over the country: 2014 Xarmant Txakoli (Basque Region, Spain) – Xarmant means “charming,” and we’re definitely charmed by the wines of the Basque region in Northern Spain. Realize that the language and the culture of this region are quite different than the rest of Spain. 2013 Bodegas Aragonesas “Coto de Hayas” Tinto (Campo de Borja, Spain) – Bodegas Aragonesas is one Northern Spain’s largest cooperatives, and their wines represent some of the best bang for buck you can find in the country. 2012 Entre Suelos Tempranillo (La Mancha, Spain) – This modern styled, fully ripe, and oaked red comes from the blazing hot region of La Mancha in Central Spain. 100% Tempranillo aged for six months in French oak, it is dark in color and full in flavor with notes of mocha, coffee, dark cherry and cassis.

August 1, 2015 from 2 - 5 PM: Asheville  FREE Wine Tasting - Big Spanish Reds. A terrific trio of big Spanish red wines from various parts of the country.  Stop by the store any time between 2 and 5 PM  for "Asheville’s best free wine tasting".

August 1, 2015 from 3 - 7 PM at Appalachian Vintner, 745 Biltmore Avenue Suite 121 in Asheville NC: Saturday Wine Tastings. The tasting is free with a purchase of $10 or more.

July 31, 2015 from  4 - 6 PM at  LaBouteille, 10 N Trade St, Suite A Tyon NC - Complimentary Wine Tastings  every Friday.   The last Saturday of each month 4-8 pm is a 10 beers for $10 beer tasting. Bring a dish of food to share.

August 1, 2015 from  2 PM - 5 PM at The Wine Guy, 555 Merimon Ave and 1200 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville NC - FREE Saturday tastings are a great way to sample new favorites in a casual setting. Sample 4 to 6 new wines. Light hors d’ oeuvres will be served and all wines poured will be specially priced

July 31, 2015 from 6 PM - 8 PM at Brushy Mountain Winery, 125 West Main Street in Elkin NC - Live Performance by  Folk artist Alicia Victoria.  August 1 from 6 PM - 8 PM - Songwriter Chris Jamison Performs. Jamison is a songwriter with a keen sense of hook, and melody and a gift for words and the turn of a phrase. August 6 from 5:30 to 8 PM - Listening Room concert with Angela Easterling. The tasting room is concerted into a listening room for a show with Angela Easterling. The evening includes a meet and greet with a pot luck dinner at 6:30 followed by the show. $10 donation to the artist. Country, Folk and Alternative.


Brusin' Ales, 66 Broadway Street in downtown Asheville NC   Regular service this week.

Tasting Rooms:

Biltmore Winery, located on the Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC. Daily tasting and tours with Estate admission. Special events and tastings throughout the year.

Old North State Winery, 308 North Main Street, Mount Airy NC. Tasting room open seven days a week. Reservations are recommended for tastings and tours.  Sample wines and browse the gift shop featuring wine related and gourmet gift items. Thursdays live music at 8 PM. 

RagApple Lassie, 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane Boonville NC.  Tours are "on demand" noon to six PM daily. Tastings are available noon to six PM daily and include up to 11 varieties of wine.

Calaboose Cellars, 565 Aquone Road, Andrews NC.  Tasting room summer hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from Noon to 8:00. 

Carolina Heritage Vineyard and Winery,  170 Heritage Vines Way in Elkin NC - Open to the public for Tours and Tastings on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 PM to 6 PM and at other times by appointment – call (336) 366-3301 to schedule a time.

Elkin Creek Winery, 318 Elkin Creek Mill Road in Elkin NC,  Open for tastings Thursday through Sunday, 11 AM - 5 PM and other times by appointment. 

Grassy Creek Vineyard and Winery, Tasting Room Drive off of Klondike Road, 235 Chatham Cottage Circle, State Road, NC -  Tasting Room open Wednesday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sundays open 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. June through September: Saturdays open 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

McRitchie Winery and Ciderworks,   315 Thurmond PO Road in Thurmond NC - Tasting Room Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, Sunday 1 PM to 5 PM.

Shelton Vineyards, 286 Cabernet Lane in Dobson NC. Regular tour and tasting is offered daily departing every half hour. This includes a guided tour of the 33,000 square-foot winery with an overview of the winemaking process, a tasting of five wines, and a souvenir wine glass. $5 per person.  Retail hours are Monday-Saturday 10 AN.-6 PM., and Sunday 12 PM - 6 PM (Daylight Savings Time); Monday-Saturday 10 AM-5 PM and Sunday 12 PM-5 PM (Standard Time). Tours and tastings are offered daily. The winery is open every day of the year except New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. A variety of additional special tours are available - reservations are required, see the website for details.

South Creek Vineyard and Winery, 2240 South Creek Road, Nebo, NC  Open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 AM to 5 PM, Sundays from 1 PM to 5 PM through the year until January 1st. Tastings include the glass & are $6, $7 or $10 depending on the wines you choose. Music events are rain or shine and provided to South Creek Customers at no admission fee, unless it is a stated ticketed event.


Wedge Brewing Company, 125 B Roberts St. in the River Arts District, Asheville NC. Micro-brewery regular Hours: Monday to Thursday 4:00 PM till 10:00 PM, Friday 3:00 PM till 10:00 PM. Live music on select dates and outdoor cinema. 

Greenman Brewery, 23 Buxton Ave., Asheville NC. The tasting room is open seven days a week at 4 o'clock, or maybe earlier.

Slightly Askew Winery, 913 North Bridge Street in  Elkin NC - Hours of operation: Thireday - Friday 1 PM - 6 PM; Saturday 12 PM - 6 PM; Sunday 1 PM - 5 PM

Stoney Knoll Vineyards, 1143 Stony Knoll Road in Dobson NC -  Tasting Room Hours: Regular hours March through December - Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Winter hours in January and February - Fridays 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM and Saturdays 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Wine tasting: $7.00, Wine by the glass: $5.00. 10% Case Discount on Regular Prices (includes free wine tasting and glass)

Other Wineries and Vineyards:

Round Peak Vineyard,   765 Round Peak Church Road in Mount Airy NC
Olde Mill Winery and Vineyards,  2742 Simpson Mill Road in Mount Airy NC

Chimney Rock State Park Offers Family Discovery Programs throughout August

August 1-31, 2015  daily at 2 PM    Family Discovery Programs    Meet some of Grady the Groundhog’s woodland friends or possibly the birds of prey, a Red-tailed hawk and Great Horned Owl. These resident animal ambassadors are the stars of the family-friendly programs every day at 2 PM which explain each animal’s role in our ecosystem, how they came to live at the park and lessons on what we can do to help protect wildlife. 

Chimney Rock State Park  -   Standing atop the Chimney Rock, 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 state-owned park, located in Chimney Rock North Carolina, encompasses 1,000 acres, including the Chimney itself  and the beautiful Hickory Nut Falls.  Chimney Rock Park is a "must see" for  any trip to the mountains.  

 

Cherokee Trout Fishing: Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby

July 31  - August 1, 2015    Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby   A free fishing event for children. On day one there will be pre-registering available and guests can enjoy a full day of fun with many attractions and eligibility for prizes at the end of the day. 

On day two there will be four hours available to fish, free breakfast, and lunch will be provided for registered children. Prizes will also be given away worth up to $20,000.00 on the second day (only to registered children)

Also on the second day (Saturday) children will be able to enjoy listening to music, celebrity guests, live animal exhibits, free food and more.

Find links for local information on the Cherokee NC Visitor Guide.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Dinosaur Train™ FInal Weekend

July 31 - August 2, 2015   Dinosaur Train™ at The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad   This event is based on the popular PBS-Kid television series, created by Jim Henson. This adventure filled train ride is packed full with music, stories, entertainment, and activities. 

photos courtesy of Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

This is a round trip excursion with a layover at the Nature's Tracker Area where Dinosaur Train activities will be waiting. T.rex will greet passengers and  be available for photos ops. Dino golf (putt-putt style), temporary tattoos, dinosaur fossil dig, crafts, bouncy house and bouncy slide (weather permitting) and plenty of tasty concessions and retail to purchase will be part of the fun.  All children will receive their very own Nature Trackers Club guidebook and membership card.

The great Smoky Mountains Railroad excursions depart from Bryson City NC. 

Swanannoa Gathering - Guitar Week and Contemporary Folk Week Begins Today

July 26 - August 1, 2015    Swanannoa Gathering - Guitar Week and Contemporary Folk Week  One of the finest programs of its kind anywhere, staffed by some of the world’s best players and instructors.  

New instructors this year include Clive Carroll, Dakota Dave Hull, Bill Cooley, Allen Shadd, Jonathan Brown and Josh Goforth. Classes will be offered in a wide variety of styles ranging from Celtic and bossa nova to jazz and blues.   

Contemporary Folk Week celebrates this 23rd Gathering with another group of great artist/instructors offering a wide variety of classes designed to put music back where it belongs – in your hands.

Brevard Music Center Weekend Concerts

July 24, 2015  Brevard Music Center Performance:  Falling Angel 2:00 PM - Brevard Music Center presents Falling Angel, this season’s Opera in a Box, which is based on the classic, thrilling horror-mystery novel of the same name, by William Hjorstberg.. Tickets $45.

July 24, 2015  Brevard Music Center Performance:  Program of Song  4:30 PM - Brevard Music Center presents it’s talented high school voice students in recital.  FREE event.

July 24, 2015  Brevard Music Center Performance:  Beethoven, Bartók, and Bronfman Pre-concert Talk -  6:30 PM - An informal talk one hour before curtain, conducted by a member of the artist faculty.. 7:30 - The Brevard Music Center Orchestra—led by guest conductor Christoph Konig with pianist Yefim Bronfman—performs Nicolai’s Overture to The Merry Wives of Windsor, Bartók’s Piano Concerto No. 3, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica.”. Tickets $15 -  $45.

July 25, 2015   Brevard Music Center Performance:  Falling Angel  1:00 PM - Pre-opera Talk - An informal talk one hour before curtain, conducted by a member of the artist faculty. 2:00 - . Tickets $45.

July 25, 2015   Brevard Music Center Performance:  Shostakovich 6  6:30 PM - Pre-concert  - Special pre-concert performances one hour before curtain, featuring BMC's students and artist faculty.  7:30 - The Brevard Sinfonia—led by guest conductor Christoph König with violinist Stephan Waarts—performs Respighi’s Belfagor Overture, Korngold’s Violin Concerto in D Major, and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 6.. Tickets $15 - $45.

July 26, 2015   Brevard Music Center Performance:  Soloists of Tomorrow   2:00 PM - Special pre-concert performances one hour before curtain, featuring BMC's students and artist faculty.  3:00 - The Brevard Music Center Orchestra—led by Ken Lam—showcases the winners of the 2015 Jan and Beattie Wood Concerto Competition take the stage to perform with the Brevard Music Center Orchestra. Celebrate the Music Center’s educational mission as we shine a spotlight on some of our most talented young musicians.. Tickets $15 - $45.

July 26, 2015   Brevard Music Center Performance:  Supersonic   7:00 PM   Brevard Music Center’s percussion students and faculty in concert. FREE event

The Brevard Music Center is located at 349 Andante Lane in  Brevard NC.

Blue Ridge Music Center Summer Concerts in Full Swing Featuring the Church Sisters this Weekend

July 25, 2015 Blue Ridge Music Center Concert - The Church Sisters and Pike City Bluegrass. Musical phenoms The Church Sisters and Pike City Bluegrass take the stage this Saturday. These young groups have been heavily influenced by the fertile musical heritage of the Galax area (Grayson and Carroll counties), and are carrying forward those living musical traditions while adapting them with unique and youthful spins.

Twin 18-year-old sisters Savannah and Sarah Church of Galax are known for their angelic, tradition-steeped Blue Ridge Mountain harmonies. They are backed by a band featuring some of the region's best instrumentalists, including guitarist Josh Pickett (No Speed Limit), mandolinist Spencer Strickland (Kenny & Amanda Smith Band, Virginia Luthiers Band), and bassist Jacob Eller (No Speed Limit, Sierra Hull).

photo courtesy of the Blue Ridge Music Center

The Church Sisters are featured in great company with Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, and Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers on the recently released double-disc Orthophonic Joy: The 1927 Bristol Sessions Revisited. The albums are a recreation of the historic 1927 Bristol Sessions, often described as the "Big Bang of Country Music," when the Carter Family and Jimmy Rodgers were first discovered. Click here to read about The Church Sisters in Relish entertainment magazine.

Pike City Bluegrass is a group of young adults from Hillsville who love to pick a variety of music from bluegrass to new grass to gospel. The band is comprised of Karissa Hayden on bass and lead vocals, Becca Miller on fiddle, Tony Hicks on guitar, and Zeb Hicks on banjo. Pike City's accomplishments include first place at the Fries Fiddlers Convention and fourth place at the Galax Old Fiddler's Convention. The group has opened for The Travelers at the Blue Ridge Film Festival at the Historic Buchanan Theatre in Virginia and Ralph Stanley 2 at the Historic Rex Theatre in Galax.

The Blue Ridge Music Center Summer Concert Series is performed rain or shine. You are welcome to bring your own picnic basket (NO ALCOHOL (please) and encouraged to bring a lawn chair. Phone ticket sales through BRPF Office end at Noon on Friday and are available online up to 12 hours before the concert. The Galax Smokehouse serves BBQ, sides and drinks at each concert. Check the website for details about the performers and concerts.

Mountain Spirits: Wine and Beer Tastings for the Week of 7-22-15

July 23, 2015 from  5 - 7 PM at Brusin' Ales, 66 Broadway Street in downtown Asheville NC: FREE Beer Tasting of Uinta Brewing. Uinta Brewing Tasting with Dave Dabill from salt Lake City, UT. Sample five beers, including the new Contrail Witbier:

Contrail Witbier: NEW! "Best of both worlds combining the approachability of many the more common white ales and adds a distinctive floral/spice note provided by the bitter orange peel and coriander that you may find in many craft examples of the style." [5.6% abv]

Hop Nosh: "Bold and refreshing, this IPA combines an abundance of hops with a smooth malt profile." [7.3% abv]

Dubhe: "Toasted, chocolaty dark malts align with an astronomical amount of hops. Named Utah's Centennial Star in 1996, Dubhe (pronounced Doo-bee) illuminates the front of the big dipper from 124 light years away. Dubhe, also known as Alpha Ursae Majoris, is a red giant that appears orange in color and has a mass 4x that of the sun." [9.2% abv]

Birthday Suit: "Cast aside inhibitions and dive into this year's Birthday Suit, a sour abbey ale brewed with plums and an authentic Belgian abbey yeast strain that flaunts complexity and charm. A playful combination of sour tanginess and subtle fruit flavors, this Sour Plum bares it all in honor of Uinta's 22nd Birthday." [7.6% abv]

Cockeyed Cooper: "Launch into the exquisite flavors of bourbon with splashes of vanilla. Watch for currents of dark chocolate and dried fruit. Generous amounts of hops and malts make for a smooth journey from start to finish. Decadent desserts and aged cheeses make superb companions. [11.1% abv]

July 24, 2015 from 5:30 - 8 PM at Maggie B's Wine and Specialty Store, 10 C South Main Street in Weaverville NC:  Summertime Favorites Wine Tasting. Maggie B's will be pouring refreshing whites, and yes, red wines to quench your thirst. These wines will definitely help you enjoy the summertime heat. FREE event. Deal of the Week: Fazi Battaglia Verdicchio - "This wine has a fragrant bouquet of peaches and apples, with a flavorful, fruity and refreshing palate." WAS: $13.99, THIS WEEK: $10.99.

July 24, 2015 from 5 - 7 PM at Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd. Ste 100 in West Asheville NC: DuClaw Brewing FREE Beer Tasting. Enjoy some fresh and unique selections from this great brewery from Maryland. Plus, get a free pint glass with purchase of 6 pack.

Dirty Litte Freak - This medium-bodied, 5.8% abv brown ale is a feast for the senses from its dominant blend of warm, roasted malt, coconut, caramel, and chocolate flavors barely restrained by a gentle hop bite, to its tantalizingly satisfying finish.

Sweet Baby Jesus - This Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter is jet black in color with a tan, rocky head, full body and creamy, luxurious mouthfeel. Its lightly sweet, malty flavor is accented by rich flavors of chocolate, coffee and peanut butter, and balanced by a subtle hop character and moderate 6.5% abv. Sweet Baby Jesus finishes smooth, dry, and roasty with lingering notes of chocolate and peanut butter so savory, you will exclaim its name!

Neon Gypsy - This 6.5% hoppy ale features a medium-bodied and clear with a thin white head and crisp mouthfeel. A vagabond blend of 7 different hops dominates with grapefruit and citrus flavors and aromas, accented by notes of pine, that continue to roam your palate long after its clean, hoppy finish. Disconnect, and you will find your way. 

July 25, 2015 from 3 - 6 PM: Stunning Old World Wines FREE Wine Tasting:

Jordanov, Rkaciteli, Macedonia, 2013 Check out this unique wine from Macedonia! This ultramodern winery is producing some absolutely amazing wines, in very small quantities. This 2013 Rkatsiteli from the Tikves appellation is high in acidity with pleasant floral and spicy characteristics, similar to a Gewurztraminer. Super refreshing! $12.99

Liquid Geography, Mencia Rosé, Spain, 2014 Slightly prickly, super fresh and ripe! Liquid Geography is a project of Alberto Orte (the Iberian master) and Patrick Mata (the liquid geographer). This dry, floral rosé is produced from vines planted in Bierzo at 450-600 m (1,476-1,968 ft) elevation growing in river stone and clay soil. All profits from this wine will go to charity so come show some support and drink some great wine! $12.99

Commanderie de Peyrassol La Croix, France, 2014 The “prestige” cuvée in red, this wine is a blend based on Cabernet Sauvignon with some Syrah in the mix. Harvested from the oldest vines on the estate (35 years average age) and from several prime parcels, the wine is fermented in stainless steel and is then aged in barrel (a mix of foudres and barriques) for a period of twenty-four to thirty months before bottling. A small percentage of new oak is used. A powerful expression of the garrigue of Provence, this is a sturdy wine with compelling aromatics $14.99

July 23, 2015 at 7 PM at Classic Wine Cellar, 20 Church Street, Waynesville NC - Chilean Dinner. $49.99 per person for a four course Chilean Dinner including live music from Folkmoot Chile group. Reservations required.

 

July 23, 2015 from 7 - 9 PM at Table Wine, 1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102, Asheville NC -Seated Wine Tasting – Top Shelf California Wines - 5 an evening of fine wines, intelligent and entertaining discussions, and big savings at our annual Top Shelf California Wines Tasting. You’ll get to sample some of the finer wines from the Golden State at this seated wine tasting. From fresh and zesty whites to rich and creamy Chardonnays and from silky, elegant Pinots to big, full flavored Cabs, you’ll sample some of the finest the Golden State has to offer. $30.

July 24, 2015 from 2 - 7 PM: Asheville  FREE Wine Tasting. Stop by the store any time between 2 and 5 p.m. this for Asheville’s best free wine tasting. This week, pouring a trio of wines from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Stop by, taste, learn, and save every Friday at Table Wine.

July 25, 2015 from 2 - 5 PM:  Free Wine Tasting in Asheville. Stop by the store any time between 2 and 5 for the best free wine tasting in Asheville. This week pouring a surprise lineup of wines from one of California’s top rising star producers.

July 24, 2015 from 3 - 7 PM at Appalachian Vintner, 745 Biltmore Avenue Suite 121 in Asheville NC: Saturday Wine Tastings. The tasting is free with a purchase of $10 or more.

July 24, 2015 from  4 - 6 PM at  LaBouteille, 10 N Trade St, Suite A Tyon NC - Complimentary Wine Tastings  every Friday.   The last Saturday of each month 4-8 pm is a 10 beers for $10 beer tasting. Bring a dish of food to share.

July 24, 2015 from  2 PM - 5 PM at The Wine Guy, 555 Merimon Ave and 1200 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville NC. FREE Saturday tastings are a great way to sample new favorites in a casual setting. Sample 4 to 6 new wines. Light hors d’ oeuvres will be served and all wines poured will be specially priced

Tasting Rooms:

Biltmore Winery, located on the Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC. Daily tasting and tours with Estate admission. Special events and tastings throughout the year.

Old North State Winery, 308 North Main Street, Mount Airy NC. Tasting room open seven days a week. Reservations are recommended for tastings and tours.  Sample wines and browse the gift shop featuring wine related and gourmet gift items. Thursdays live music at 8 PM. 

RagApple Lassie, 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane Boonville NC Tours are "on demand" noon to six PM daily. Tastings are available noon to six PM daily and include up to 11 varieties of wine.

Calaboose Cellars, 565 Aquone Road, Andrews NC.  Tasting room summer hours: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from Noon to 8:00.

South Creek Vineyard and Winery, 2240 South Creek Road, Nebo, NC  Open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 AM to 5 PM, Sundays from 1 PM to 5 PM through the year until January 1st. Tastings include the glass & are $6, $7 or $10 depending on the wines you choose. Music events are rain or shine and provided to South Creek Customers at no admission fee, unless it is a stated ticketed event.


Wedge Brewing Company, 125 B Roberts St. in the River Arts District, Asheville NC. Micro-brewery regular Hours: Monday to Thursday 4:00 PM till 10:00 PM, Friday 3:00 PM till 10:00 PM. Live music on select dates and outdoor cinema. 

Greenman Brewery, 23 Buxton Ave., Asheville NC. The tasting room is open seven days a week at 4 o'clock, or maybe earlier.

Whitewater Junior Olympics at Nantahala Outdoor Center

July 24 - 26, 2015   Whitewater Junior Olympics   Nantahala Racing Club hosts the 2015 Whitewater Junior Olympics on the Nantahala River. This national-level youth event featuring slalom, downriver and freestyle competition as well as just-for-fun on- and off-the-water events such as duckie-cross, SUP free paddle and yard games. Family-friendly and fun for beginner through advanced paddlers,

The Nantahala Outdoor Center has been host to hundreds of thousands of visitors since its inception in 1972. Now a complete Outdoor Outfitter, NOC  offers adventures in the Nantahala river and on the hills and trails of the forest - raft, hike pedal or paddle:

• Whitewater rafting on seven Southeastern rivers.
• World-class paddling instruction in whitewater and flatwater
• International paddling adventure travel
• Shopping for outdoor gear, apparel and souvenirs at the Wesser Outfitter's Store,  NOC Gatlinburg, and NOC at The Grove Park Inn
• A leadership institute for wilderness medicine and river rescue
• Fully-customizable group adventure programs
• Three distinct restaurants at the Nantahala Resort
• Guided activities like fishing, hiking, biking and climbing
• Bike rentals and repairs at the Bike Shop
• Lodging options for all tastes and budgets
• Festivals and events throughout the outdoor season

NOC is a US Forest Service Permit Holder and located at 13077 Highway 19 West in Bryson City NC 

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This Week at An Appalachian Summer Festival in Boone NC

July 21 at 8:00 PM - Broyhill Chamber Ensemble, Works by Beethoven and Schumann performed in the Rosen Concert Hall.

July 22 at 7:00 PM - Weicholz Global Film Series: Twenty Feet from Stardom, shown at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. This 2013 Academy Award-winning documentary spotlights the triumphant and sometimes heartbreaking stories of the back-up singers behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21st Century. These gifted artists reflect on the sacrifices and rewards of a career spent harmonizing with others. Lisa Fisher, one of the featured performers who has appeared on albums by Sting, Tina Turner, and Aretha Franklin, as well as touring with the Rolling Stones, will perform a live concert the following evening. Purchase a ticket to the Lisa Fischer concert (July 23) and receive a complimentary ticket to this film.

July 23 at 8 PM - "Twenty Feet from Stardom's Lisa Fischer and Grand Baton performing in the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. A phenomenal powerhouse....in resplendent vocal shape at 56, she brought down the house in the single best show I've seen in many years." - The New York Times, April 24, 2015 The festival proudly presents Lisa Fischer, one of the featured singers in the 2013 production "Twenty Feet from Stardom," a film that pays homage to unsung heroes of the music industry. Fischer won a Grammy for Best Female R&B Performance for her hit single "How Can I Ease the Pain" and has been on tour with the Rolling Stones, Sting, Chris Botti and Nine Inch Nails. The talented singer has also recorded music with artists including Beyonce, John Scofield and Dolly Parton. Purchase a ticket to this concert and receive a complimentary ticket to Twenty Feet from Stardom (July 22).

July 24 and 25 at 8 PM - In/Visible Theatre presents Without Words at the Valborg Theatre. This production was adapted by Derek Davidson from the book A Man Without Words by Susan Schaller. Language connects us. We use words to ask, express love, argue, and to take our place in human society. Without Words is the story of Idelfonso, a languageless deaf man and Susan, the sign language interpreter determined to help him learn. Experts say someone cannot learn a first language as an adult; Susan and Idelfonso proved the experts wrong. In/Visible Theatre uses dance, drama, sound and silence in this remarkable true story of how language is so much more than words. 

July 25 at 10 AM - 29th Rosen Sculpture Walk. The Walk begins at the Smith Gallery, Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts. To mark the 29th season of the Rosen Sculpture Program, the Rosen Sculpture Invitational features work selected by the Turchin Center's curatorial staff in honor of Martin and Doris Rosen. A variety of artists who have participated in past Rosen exhibitions were invited to submit new work for display on the Appalachian campus. Join the Turchin Center's curatorial staff for an outdoor tour of the featured work from the 29th Rosen Sculpture Invitational, which promises a fascinating perspective on the world of contemporary sculpture.

BUY TICKETS HERE

 An Appalachian Summer at Appalachian State University June 22 - July 31, 2015.  A month-long arts festival that features events in music, dance, theatre, visual arts and film on the campus of Appalachian State University. With award-winning artists from all across the world coming to the High Country in one summer, the festival has become an attraction that appeals to thousands and has been ranked one of the "Top 20 Events in the Southeast" by the Southeastern Tourism Society. There is something for everyone from fine art enthusiasts, to country and bluegrass fans and all those who like a good mixture of both. Get a complete event schedule at the site.

Get lodging and complete local  information on the  
Boone NC Visitor Guide.

Franklin Hosts the 50th Annual Macon County Gemboree

July 23 - 26, 2014   50th Annual Macon County Gemboree   The Second oldest gem and mineral show in the Southeast features dealers from across the United States. Rough and cut gemstones, minerals, lapidary equipment and much more. The event is sponsored by the Franklin Chamber of Commerce and the Gem and Mineral Society of Franklin NC.

Mountain Music: Firday Night Concerts in WNC CIties

July 17, 2015
NC City:  HENDERSONVILLE
Event:     Music on Main Street   Deano and the Dreamers / Oldies  The annual Music On Main Street concert series will be held every Friday evening from June through August. Music On Main Street showcases a diverse lineup of musical talents, from jazz, pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music with room to dance. There will also be a classic car show sponsored by the Hendersonville Antique Car Club.  Bring a chair and enjoy the music from 7 PM - 9 PM. Admission is FREE.

July 17, 2015
NC City:  BREVARD
Event:     Brevard Music Center Performance: Mozart and Bruckner.  6:30 Pre-performance Talk - An informal talk one hour before curtain, conducted by a member of the artist faculty. 7:30 - The Brevard Music Center Orchestra—led by guest conductor Matthias Bamert with violinist Stefan Jackiw—performs Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 and Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4. Tickets $15 -  $45.

July 17, 2015
NC City:  WILKESBORO
Event:     Wilkesboro Open Air Market   Historic Downtown Wilkesboro's popular Open Air Market starting in April and concluding in August.  Events will feature downtown merchants, food vendors, local wineries, musicians, regional farms and produce, arts and crafts, demonstrators, as well as non-profit and civic organizations. Each Third Friday Open Air Market will be themed with live music, children's activities, contests, and more. The Regular Friday markets will happen every Friday and will feature the freshest produce and handmade crafts of the surrounding area

July 17, 2015
NC City:  ASHEVILLE
Event:     Downtown After Five   Free live music entertainment in downtown Asheville.  The celebration is every third Friday, May through September, with the goal of encouraging locals and visitors to enjoy downtown Asheville and support local businesses and entertainers.  The event is located on North Lexington Avenue (between Hiawassee and the I-240 overpass). Food and beer vendors will be available.

July 17, 2015
NC City:  SYLVA 
Events:   Concerts on the Creek -  Lisa Price Band Live concerts held every Friday night between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day. The free outdoor performances take place at the Bridge Park Pavilion beside Scott Creek in downtown Sylva on Fridays from 7:30-9:30 PM. All shows are family-friendly, drawing diverse audiences comprised of locals and visitors alike.

Date:      July 17,  18, 2015
NC City:  CHEROKEE
Event:    Music on the River   Enjoy open-air musical performances by the river Friday and Saturday evenings in downtown Cherokee. Performances include rock n’ roll, blues, jazz, gospel and country, and are staged near local eateries, shopping, and downtown water features with room to dance along. 

July 17 - 18, 2015
NC City:  CHIMNEY ROCK
Event:     Beats, Burgers & Brews at the Old Rock Café    Relax outdoors to the beat of bluegrass, Americana, folk, blues or other genres while enjoying a regional craft brew or glass of wine on our riverside deck. Talented local musicians and singer-songwriters liven the scene on Friday and Saturday evenings in July at this popular burger joint in Chimney Rock Village. The Old Rock Café features one of the 2014 Zagat-rated “Must-try Burgers across the Country” with Hickory Nut Gap Meats' 100% grass-fed beef burger. The full menu includes grilled sandwiches, salads and fresh-baked fruit cobbler.

July 17 - 18, 2015
NC City:  SPARTA
Event:    Alleghany Fiddler's Convention   Traditional mountain music that is sure to get your toes tappin’. 40 to 60 bands and over 200 individual compete each year,  The convention is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains at the Alleghany County Fairgrounds with sites available for camping. The convention is held every year on the weekend of the third Saturday in July. Friday night: AM Superstars, Saturday night: An Evening with Elvis.

July 17 - 18, 2015
NC City:  SPRUCE PINE
Event:     Spruce Pine BBQ Championship and Bluegrass Festival  The event features a sanctioned professional BBQ competition, a wings contest, public tastings, live bluegrass music, a cornhole tournament, championship clogging teams, craft vendors, BBQ equipment and supplies vendors, local food vendors, the Spruce Pine Skedaddle 5K and Fun Run, a kids play-area. 


      

Trout Fishing Tournament this Weekend in CHerokee

July 17 - 18, 2015     Cherokee Dog Day Trout 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. Prize redemption for tagged fish will be at the Water beetle stage, a pavilion next to the Cherokee Welcome Center on US 441. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Registration necessary to redeem cash prize. $11 entry fee. 

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

Alleghany Fiddler's Convention Held this Weekend in Sparta NC

July 17 - 18, 2015   Alleghany Fiddler's Convention   Enjoy Traditional mountain music that is sure to get your toes tappin’. 40 to 60 bands and over 200 individual compete each year at the popular NC event.  The convention is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains at the Alleghany County Fairgrounds which offers sites available for camping. 

The convention is held every year on the weekend of the third Saturday in July in Sparta NC. 

The Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands Begins Tomorrow in Asheville

July 16 - 19, 2015     Semi-annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands  Over 200 exhibitors, craft demonstrations, and live regional music and entertainment bring Asheville's Civic (US Cellular) Center alive with fine traditional and contemporary crafts.

Both levels of the Center offer artisans exhibiting and selling works of clay, fiber, glass, leather, metal, mixed media, natural materials, paper, wood and jewelry.  The Fair  showcases the work of members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild with members living in the mountain counties of nine states from Maryland to Alabama.

Now in its 68th year the juried Craft Fair  offers the heritage of traditional mountain crafts along with the best in contemporary art craft and techniques. Beginning on Friday during each Craft Fair, mountain musicians perform live on the arena stage. Since the first fair in Gatlinburg in 1948, the music of the area has been woven into the fabric of the Craft Fair experience. From old time to bluegrass, this tradition is kept alive today. Visit www.craftguild.org for a complete list of performances.

The Southern Highland Craft Guild is a non-profit, educational organization established in 1930 to bring together the crafts and craftspeople of the Southern Highlands for the benefit of shared resources, education, marketing and conservation. The Craft Fairs are one of the ways in which the Guild fulfills its mission. To learn more about Guild programs, visit www.craftguild.org.

Live Music, Beer and Burgers this Weekend in Chimney Rock

July 17 - 18, 2015    Beats, Burgers & Brews at the Old Rock Café.   Relax outdoors to the beat of bluegrass, Americana, folk, blues or other genres while enjoying a regional craft brew or glass of wine on our riverside deck.

Talented local musicians and singer-songwriters liven the scene on Friday and Saturday evenings in July at this popular burger joint in Chimney Rock Village. The Old Rock Café features one of the 2014 Zagat-rated “Must-try Burgers across the Country” with Hickory Nut Gap Meats' 100% grass-fed beef burger. The full menu includes grilled sandwiches, salads and fresh-baked fruit cobbler.

The Old Rock Cafe is located at 431 Main Street in downtown Chimney Rock NC. For more local dining, cabin rentals and attractions see the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.



 

Folkmoot 2015 Begins this Week in the Western North Carolina Mountains

July 16 - 26, 2015   Folkmoot 2015  Folkmoot USA, North Carolina’s Official International Folk Festival, will kick off this summer’s celebration  at the  Stompin’ Ground in Maggie Valley with the Folkmoot Gala and Performance for Friends of Folkmoot, donors and sponsors. 

On the 17th performances open to the general public begin with The Folkmoot Parade of Nations, a feast of swirling color and excitement, on North Main Street In Waynesville and finishing at the historic Haywood County Courthouse. Additional performances and events are held in a variety of WNC cities though the 26th. 

What to do this Weekend in the Mountain

July 9 - 12, 2015 
NC City:  LINVILLE / BLOWING ROCK
Event:    The 60th Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and Gathering O' Scottish Clans   Join 1000s of Scots in 85 clans decked out in their finest plaid for the annual celebration of Scottish heritage. Live Celtic music, tradition heritage events and Highlands games. A Saturday night Celtic Rock Concert. Admission charged.

Date:      July 11, 2015
NC City:  BLOWING ROCK
Event:    Tweetsie Railroad Cool Summer Nights   Tweetsie Railroad stays open until 9 PM on Saturday nights. The park will feature special train show rides at dusk producing cool summer memories for families and kids of all ages. Cool Summer nights is included in regular park admission.  

Date:      July 11, 2015
NC City:  ASHEVILLE
Event:    Shindig on the Green   Held outdoors at Pack Square Park in the heart of downtown Asheville, this FREE event  was voted the #1 Local Outdoor Concert in the Mountain Xpress "Best of WNC" survey for four years. Bring your instruments, your lawn chair or blanket, family and friends and join the fun eight summer Saturdays. Performances include Long-standing house band The Stoney Creek Boys Bluegrass and Old-Time String Bands, Big Circle Mountain Dancers, Clog Dancers, Smooth Dancers, Ballad Singers and Storytellers. If you love old time Mountain music and Bluegrass this is the place to be.

Date:      July 11, 2015
NC City:  Just north of Boone in Galax VA
Event:    Blue Ridge Music Center Concert - Laurelyn Dossett & Friends with John Hofmann's AcousticA    The Blue Ridge Music Center Summer Concert Series is performed rain or shine. You are welcome to bring your own picnic basket (NO ALCOHOL please) and encouraged to bring a lawn chair. Phone ticket sales through BRPF Office end at Noon on Friday and are available online up to 12 hours before the concert. The Galax Smokehouse serves BBQ, sides and drinks at each concert. Check the website for details about the performers and concerts

Date:      July 11, 2015
NC City:  BRYSON CITY
Event:    Fontana Trestle Train Ft. BBQ & Brews   The Barbeque and Brews Dinner Trains feature locally hand-crafted beer from Heinzelmannchen Brewery and Nantahala Brewing Company. plus slow-cooked authentic North Carolina Barbeque. The train departs Bryson City Depot at 7 PM and travels through the scenic mountain countryside to the Fontana Trestle for a spectacular sunset. The base ticket prices from $69 (adults over 21 only) and includes a souvenir tasting glass with three beer samples and a meal of pulled pork, homemade coleslaw and apple pie. Additional beer will be available for purchase.  

Date:      July 11, 2015
NC City:  MARS HILL
Event:    Hot Doggett 100 Bike Bike Ride   6th Annual Hot Doggett 100 and Devil's Fork Metric Century Ride with the same challenging 100 mile and 100 kilometer closed loop courses as last year. The 100 mile course covers some of the most scenic and lightly traveled roads anywhere in western North Carolina. If you are seeking a challenge, you will find it in the 9,600 feet of ascension on this course.

Date:      July 11, 2015
NC City:  BLOWING ROCK
Event:    Tweetsie Railroad Cool Summer Nights   Tweetsie Railroad stays open until 9 PM on Saturday nights. The park will feature special train show rides at dusk producing cool summer memories for families and kids of all ages. Cool Summer nights is included in regular park admission. 

Date:      July 11, 2015
NC City:  FLAT ROCK
Event:    Historic Home and Garden Tour   The 28th annual (self-guided) tour takes place from 10 AM to 4 PM and includes St. John in the Wilderness Church & Churchyard. Tickets are $25 pre-purchase (no children under ten please), and $30 at each private home on the tour day. Proceeds will support preservation of historic properties in the Village of Flat Rock.

Date:      July 12, 2015
NC City:  ASHEVILLE  
Event:    The Big Crafty returns to the Asheville Art Museum. The event celebrates and showcases the fine wares of over 100 independent indie crafters, artists and makers. The complete line up of participating artists is now available online. This is a free, family-friendly event.  

Date:      July 12, 2015
NC City:  ASHEVILLE
Event:    Sunday Music in the Park    This week presenting Lyric - Soul, R&B.  Free performances by local musicians at Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville. Held from 4  PM - 6 PM and sponsored by the Asheville Downtown Association..

Date:      July 12, 2015
NC City:  BREVARD
Event:   Brevard Music Center Performance: 50 Years of P.D.Q. Bach: As Good As He Ever Was.  2:00 PM PreConcert - Special pre-concert performances one hour before curtain, featuring BMC's students and artist faculty..3:00 - .In his role as “discoverer” of the now classic P.D.Q. Bach, Peter Schickele is acknowledged as one of the great musical satirists. This special, once in a half-century, musical extravaganza will feature the crème de la crème of history’s most justifiably neglected composer. This event is presented by the Brevard Festival Orchestra—led by Ken Lam.. Tickets $15 - $45.