Boy Scout Day at Chimney Rock State Park

November 14, 2015    Fall Boy Scout Day at Chimney Rock State Park   Chimney Rock’s Fall Scout Days are among the Park’s most popular annual events. Fall is a beautiful time to seek adventure outdoors and learn more about our natural world.

With ever-changing programs and expert presenters, Park naturalists continue to offer new programs to meet your scouting needs. Scouts will also have the opportunity to earn a patch specific to Chimney Rock State Park by becoming Junior Rangers. Advance registration required. 

The Polar Express Returns to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for Another Season of Christmas Family Fun

November 13 - 14, 2015  (event continues through January 3, 2016)    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 NC  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. 

Learn more about Bryson CIty Cabin rentals, mountain inns and local attractions on our Bryson City NC Visitor Guide.

meet Santa at The Polar Express

Honor Our Veterans at Veterans Day Celebrations and Parades in the Mountains

Date:      November 11 - 15, 2015
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, 2015
NC City:  FRANKLIN
Event:    Veteran's Day Parade   11 AM in downtown Franklin.


Date:      November 11, 2015
NC City:  CHEROKEE
Event:     Veterans Day Celebration    Honor and remember the men and women who have served in the United States armed forces at the Veterans Honoring Ceremony, which takes place at 11 AM with a meal to follow. Both events will be held at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds and are free to the public.

Date:     November 11, 2015
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. 

Mountain Spirits: NC Wine and Beer Tastings and Events for the Week of 11-5-15

November 5, 2015 from 5:30 - 8 PM at Maggie B's Wine and Specialty Store, 10 C South Main Street in Weaverville NC: Oak vs. No Oak Wine Tasting. Which do you prefer: the light, crisp, refreshing style of a wine that hasn't spent time in a wooden barrel, or the rich, woody, full body style that oak can impart? This week taste two different varietals; one that has been aged in oak barrels and the other that has not. Think you don't like wines aged in oak? You might feel differently after the tasting.

Deal of the week: Multi Cheddar Five single layers of traditional English cheese from five different counties in England, sweet aroma with a buttery texture. WAS: $18.99/lb. THIS WEEK: $12.99/lb.

November 5, 2015 - Asheville Brewing Company, 675 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville NC:  - Brews and Brains - Quiz for a Cause. Asheville Downtown Association Benefit Night in The Millroom. Farewell to the Mothership, Part III - Release date 11/5. The last brewed at the original Mothership brewhouse is the Shiva IPA. To make this final brew special, it was dry hopped with Columbus hops and fresh grapefruit was added. Citrus heaven! The beer that started it all is also celebrating the next chapter. Available on draft only at your favorite ABC location or at both the Merrimon Avenue and Coxe Avenue locations. November 6 - 12, Movies at 675 Merrimon: Minons 3D, Friday: 4pm Saturday-Sunday and Wednesday: 1pm and 4pm Monday-Tuesday and Thursday: 4pm; Mission:Impossible Rogue Nation - Friday: 1pm and 7pm Saturday-Sunday: 7pm Monday-Tuesday: 1pm and 7pm Wednesday: 7pm Thursday: 1pm. November 8 - Big Screen Football, Panthers VS Packers

November 6, 2015 from 5 - 7 PM at Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd. Ste 100 in West Asheville NC: FREE Beer Tasting - Lagunitas Brewing Limited.  Don't miss this opportunity to try these awesome limited beers from Lagunitas Brewing Co.: 
Born Yesterday is a newborn version of our re-born Pale, a Newer New Dogtown Pale with a fresh addition … We added some wet, Virgin, lupulin-drenched, un-kilned, whole-cone, fresh-picked-and-rushed-straight-from-Yakima hops for your immaculate reception. This wetter-than-wet beer has 11lbs-per-barrel of Amarillo, Equinox, Simcoe, Citra, Mosaic and Indigenous Catawampus. Whoa! 
Brown Sugga is our winter seasonal 6pk that falls into the realm of "Dangerously Slammable", this brew is especially irresponsible. Brown Shugga...How come you taste so good? 
SUCKS (Brown Shugga' Substitute Ale) This beer is a 'cereal medley' of barley, rye, wheat, and oats. Full of complexishness from the 4 grains, then joyously dry-hopped for that big aroma and resinous flavor.


November 7, 2015 from 3 - 6 PM:  FREE Wine Tasting - Featuring these three delicious reds form Argentina under $14, plus 10% off all wine from Argentina on Saturday. 

November 7, 2015 from 3 - 7 PM at Appalachian Vintner, Wine Tasting, free with the purchase of $10 or more. November 9- $1 off all draft beer noon to 7:30 PM.  November 11 - Wine Wednesday. $1 off wines by the glass.  Almost twenty wines by the glass most of which are organic, sustainable or biodynamic. More flavor, less chemicals, try it your body will thank you.  November 11 - Asheville Veterans Day Sale.

November 7, 2015 at Shelton Vineyards, 286 Cabernet Lane in Dobson NC:  Murder Mystery Dinner. A night of suspense, accompanied by a special meal prepared by Chef Paul. Come out and help solve the murder mystery during this interactive evening at the Harvest Grill. WThe event will be starting off outside with a glass of wine while the actors give the testimony for the evening. Then, participants will move inside to enjoy dinner and solving the mystery.

November 6, 2015  7 PM at  Classic Wine Cellar, 20 Church Street, Waynesville NC - Sheila Gordon performs with Piano, vocals - Pop, jazz, originals.  
November 7 at 7 PM -  Joe Cruz piano and vocals performing music of the Beatles, Elton John, James Taylor, Simon and Garfunkel.

 

November 7, 2015 from 2 - 7 PM at Table Wine, 1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102, Asheville NC - BIG, FREE Tasting - Pre-Thanksgiving Tasting. Sample 10 different wines suitable for turkey and ham pairings and family friendly

November 6, 2015 from  4 - 6 PM at  LaBouteille, 10 N Trade St, Suite A Tyon NC - Complimentary Wine Tastings  every Friday.  November 7 from 12 -7 Free informal beer tasting.

November 7, 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

November 6, 2015 from 6 PM - 8 PM at Brushy Mountain Winery, 125 West Main Street in Elkin NC - Live Performance by New River Drifters.  
November 7 - Sicker and Jones performs live from 6 to 8 PM. A fantastic Piedmont blues duo of Danny Wicker (guitar, vocals) and Mel Jones (harmonica, vocals) came together in musical partnership out of a love for the blues of the Rev. Gary Davis, Blind Blake, Blind Boy Fuller and Elizabeth Cotten.
September 13 - Listening Room Concert with Rae Hering. Meet and greet with a pot luck dinner at 6:30 followed by the show. $10 donation to the artist.

November 4, 2015 at 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.

Round Peak Vineyard,   765 Round Peak Church Road in Mount Airy NC - Tasting Room Open Daily: Sun–Thurs 12 pm–5 pm;  Fri 12 pm–8 pm;  Sat 11 am–6 pm (and until Sunset Jun–Aug); By appt. other times. The Tasting Room is also a cozy place to host your private event. With space for 20-40 people depending on seating, and the ability to cater any type of food or appetizers desired, we can create the atmosphere you'd like. Available any time except the normal business hours that the Tasting Room is open.
 
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: Thursday - 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:

Olde Mill Winery and Vineyards,  2742 Simpson Mill Road in Mount Airy NC

Leatherwood Mountains Annual Barn Dance and Chili Cookoff

photo courtesy of Leatherwood Mountains

November 6 - 7, 2015   Barn Dance and Chili Cookoff at Leatherwood Mountains  Pink Tribute Weekend with Chili Cook Off and Barn Dance with The Rocky Point Band. Head for Leatherwood Mountains Resort for a fun filled weekend of great music and delicious chili.



The covered pavilion will be set up for an evening of dancing. Tickets are $15 and include dinner, music, dance and a raffle ticket to win a Leatherwood Swag Basket. Proceeds go to "Lope for Hope".

Leatherwood Mountains Resort is located in Ferguson near Boone NC. 

Highlands 9th Annual Culinary Weekend - Good Food, Good Drink, Good Friends

November 5 - 8, 2015    Highlands 9th 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 5th. 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.

See Video of Previous Year's Culinary Weekend:

 

Learn more on our Highlands NC Visitor Guide