Whitewater Junior Olympics on the Nantahala River

photos courtesy of www.noc.com

July 29 - 31, 2016    Whitewater Junior Olympics   Nantahala Racing Club hosts the 2016 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 Whitewater Junior Olympics are a great opportunity to meet young paddlers and families from around the country and get inspired about whitewater. Ages 18 and under.

For more information, visit www.nantahalaracingclub.com 

Get local information on our Bryson City NC Visitor Guide.

Blowing Rock Horse Show Hunter-Jumper Division Begins Today

July 26 - August 7, 2016    Blowing Rock Horse Show  Hunter / Jumper division I. The 90th annual Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show is one of the oldest horse show events in the country and has been a Blowing Rock tradition since 1923. 

Admission is charged. This year several new Classics including Pre Green Incentive Classics are being introduced both weeks along with Classics for Children, Adults, Ponies and Juniors.

The Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show is held at The Equestrian Preserve,  1500 Laurel Lane in Blowing Rock NC. 

Franklin NC Hosts 51st Macon County County Gemboree this Weekend

photo courtesy www.discoverfranklinnc.com

July 28 - 31, 2016     51st 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.

Get links for local rentals, restaurants and attractions on our Franklin NC Visitor Guide. 

Blue Ridge Music Center Concert - Carlene Carter & the Reed Island Rounders Tonight

July 16, 2016   Blue Ridge Music Center Concert - Carlene Carter & the Reed Island Rounders    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

Carlene Carter is the daughter of country music legends June Carter and Carl Smith. Carlene’s own career started in the late 1970s when she went to England to record her acclaimed self-titled debut album (with Graham Parker and the Rumour). She has co-written songs for Emmylou Harris (“Easy From Now On”) and The Doobie Brothers (“One Step Closer”). She came home to country in the 1990s with hits like “I Fell in Love,” “Come On Back,” “Every Little Thing,” and her own shows on VH1 and TNN. In 2014, Carlene returned even closer to home with a tribute to the timeless music of her historic family titled Carter Girl.

photos courtesy of Blue Ridge Music Center

The Reed Island Rounders are not your typical string band. Drawing from the lonesome hollers of West Virginia, the lively traditions of Kentucky’s fiddlers, Blue Ridge Mountain styles, and now the North Carolina sounds from Round Peak to the Piedmont, the Rounders weave archaic with sophisticated, soulful with foot-stomping, and romantic with down-to-earth. Since 1993, when Billy Cornette (guitar and vocals) and Betty Vornbrock (fiddle and vocals) teamed up to compete at fiddler’s conventions, the band has been sharing foot-stomping dance tunes, romantic waltzes, chilling ballads and more with audiences. Kirk Sutphin (banjo and fiddle) rounds out the band.

The Blue Ridge Music Center is located at 700 Foothills Road in Galax, VA at Milepost 213 on The Blue Ridge Parkway, Just north of Boone NC

Mountain Spirits: Beer and Wine Tastings and Events for the Week of 7-13-16

Heinzelmannchen Brewery, 545 Mill Street in Sylva NC - WUNDERBAR WEDNESDAYS - Every Wednesday they offer Traditional Growler fills in our Gnomler (1/2 gallon) or German Growlers for only $10 (Save $2 per fill) – it's Wunderbar! Live Music with Henry Wong. 6-8 PM. Thursdays, July 21 and 28 and August 11 and 25. Acoustic originals, German, folk songs and more

Brusin' Ales, 66 Broadway Street in downtown Asheville NC    No special events this week, just lots of great beer.

July 15, 2016 from 5:30 - 8 PM at Maggie B's Wine and Specialty Store, 10 C South Main Street in Weaverville NC:   Southern Italy Wine Tasting. Southern Italy has been producing wine for over 4000 years.  The rich soil and temperate climate are perfect for grapes. Maggie's will be pouring:Vecchia Torre Vermentino, Vellevo Pecorino, Levano Rosso, Valle dell’Acate Frappato
 

Don't forget to ask about The Deal of the Week

July 15 - 22, 2016 at various times - Asheville Brewing Company, 675 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville NC: Movies - "The Jungle Book" and Popstar". Come enjoy Asheville's Favorite Dine-In Theater.  All tickets are just 3 bucks for all shows. The theater section is equipped with all the fancy digital sound and picture quality you've come to expect from the full price theaters...even 3d! As you can imagine, tickets go quickly. Please come early for tickets (you can even buy them one day in advance). You can come yourself, send your favorite uncle Buck, or your dear old grandma, but tickets must be purchased in person.     Monday pizza special and Thursdays $10 growlers.

July 15, 2016 from 5 - 7 PM at Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd. Ste 100 in West Asheville NC:  FREE Beer Tasting - Gose Beer. Westbook Key Lime Gose: Westbook's classic Gose infused with delicious flavors of key lime pie. Hi-Wire Gose: An Asheville favorite does a traditional take on the German Gose style, in a can. Come check it out, this beer is limited. Anderson Valley Brewing Briny Melon Gose: Briny Melon Gose boasts a thirst-quenching tartness that is perfectly balanced by subtle watermelon flavors and aromas. Gentle additions of sea salt create a refreshing harmony between the acidity and fruity sweetness leading to clean, dry finish.
 
July 16, 2016 from 3 - 6 PM:  FREE Wine Tasting - (Brand new wines)  Lima Vinho Verde - A new clean crisp slightly citrusy and effervescent wine from Portugal $8.99/btl.   Gouguenheim Malbec-Bubbles - the latest entire from Gouguenheim a all Malbec sparking! $11.99/btl.   Honoro Vera Rose - A bright fresh Rose with notes of fresh cut watermelon, strawberry and cherries... this makes the perfect summer sipper! $9.99/btl. 10% off all featured wines Saturday. 

Check out dates for homebrewing classes.

July 16, 2016 from 3 - 7 PM at Appalachian Vintner,  745 Biltmore Avenue Suite 121 in Asheville NC -   FREE WINE TASTING with a purchase of $10 (per person) or more every Saturday. The patio is now ready to roll! Beat the crowds on the slope, grab a drink (draft or wine) at the bar and hit the relax button in one of the comfy chairs. Every Sunday and Monday is $1 off full pours of draft beer DAY. Choose from 20 taps pouring the best craft beer available.

Wine Wednesday - $1 off wine by the glass and no corkage on bottles over $20.

July 16, 2016 at  Shelton Vineyards, 286 Cabernet Lane in Dobson NC: Summer concert featuring Ken Knox Company playing Carolina beach music. Hospitality tents are available for the concerts, perfect for office parties, reunions or just getting a few friends together at the Shelton at Sunset Concerts. Day of concert all tickets will be $25 at the gate.   Regular tour and hours in effect.
 

July 15, 2016 at Old North State Winery, 308 N Main St in Mount Airy NC - Time Sawyer performs 8 PM - 11 PM.   July 16 - Lauren Light performs 8 PM - 11 PM. The Tasting Room and winery tours are available 7 days a week. Contact the winery for times and appointments.

July 15, 2016  7 PM at  Classic Wine Cellar, 20 Church Street, Waynesville NC - Joe Cruz performs the music of the Beatles, Elton John, Sting, James Taylor, Chicago. Piano, vocals.
 
July 16, 2016 at 2 - 5 PM - Taste a Case with David Cohen Purchase wine for as low as $10 per bottle by the case. Buy by the case, three different wines. Taste before you buy.

July 16, 2016 from 7 - 10 PM - Jazz Night w/pianist Michael Jefry Stevens, vocalist Teri Roiger, bassist John Menegon.  Steinway Artist Michael Jefry Stevens (piano), NYC vocalist Teri Roiger and NYC bassist John Menegon perform jazz standards and original music. Call 828-452-6000 for reservations. Four course dinner and music package, $34.99 per person plus drinks. . 
 
WOW: Wine on Wednesdays - Every Wednesday enjoy FREE tasting with DINNER purchase. The kitchen is open from 5-8pm. Reservations accepted by calling 828-452-6000.

 

July 15, 2016 from 4 - 7 PM at Table Wine, 1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102, Asheville NC- A free wine tasting featuring a Sauvignon Blanc Showdown.  Stop by and get your weekend off to a good start with one of the best free wine tastings in Asheville.  With the dog days of summer upon us, there's nothing quite like a good glass of super crisp, tart and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc to cool off. All of the featured tasting wines are on sale the day of the tasting: take 10% off if you mix any 3, 15% off if you mix any 6, or 20% off if you mix any 12.

July 16, 2016 from 2 PM - 5 PM: Try Three For Free Wine Tasting showcasing some awesome Austrian wines.  Table Wine has been flipping out over some of the Austrian wines tasted recently, and is excited to share some of the favorites with you this Saturday.  You'll get to sample two different versions of Gruner Veltliner, Austria's most important grape variety, along with a super juicy and delicious Zweigelt, a great alternative to Pinot Noir..

June 15, 2016 from  4 - 6 PM at  LaBouteille, 10 N Trade St, Suite A Tyon NC - Complimentary Wine Tastings  every Friday.  Last Saturday of the month , 12 -7 pm 10 beers for $10  beer tasting.

July 15, 2016 from 6 PM - 8 PM at Brushy Mountain Winery, 125 West Main Street in Elkin NC - Live Performance by Larry G Davis.
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July 16, 2016 -  Folk, rock and funk with artist Travis Griggs performing live from 6 to 8 PM. 

 

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

Fireworks Display in the Mountains Celebrating the 4th of July

Date:      July 2, 2016
NC City:  BLOWING ROCK
Event:     Independence Day Festival   Free events all day in downtown Blowing Rock including the Main Street Parade, live music, a horseshoe tournament with cash prizes, watermelon eating contest, face painting, cloggers, a sing-along, bluegrass concert and more. The day concludes with a fireworks display at the Blowing Rock Country Club at 9:30 PM.

Date:      July 2, 2016
NC City:  BEECH MOUNTAIN 
Event:     47th Annual Roasting of the Hog and Mile High 4th of July   Celebrate Independence Day at this Beech Mountain annual event. The hog is roasted all day to perfection and cut up right in front of the crowd. With music, moon pies, games, and fireworks, this is a family affair that you won’t want to miss. The roasting will begin at 5;30 PM and the fireworks at dark.  

Date:      July 2, 2016
NC City:  CHEROKEE
Event:     July 4th Fireworks    Enjoy a brilliant display of fireworks over the Acquoni Expo Center as we celebrate Independence Day. Though admission to the 4th of July Powwow is by ticket only, viewing of the fireworks is free to the public and spectators are encouraged to watch from the parking lot. 

Date:      July 1 - 5, 2016
NC City:  LAKE JUNALUSKA
Event:     Independence Day At Lake Junaluska  A spectacular weekend of activities for a family-friendly celebration featuring live music by the award-winning bluegrass band Balsam Range and the Lake Junaluska Singers, a hometown-style parade and activities on the water such as a boat race and family Olympics. The barbecue lunch includes bouncy houses, face painting, balloon art and bluegrass music. A fireworks show over the lake begins immediately following the Lake Junaluska Singers’ July 4th performance, around 9:30 PM. 

Date:      July 3 -  4, 2016
NC City:  LAKE LURE
Event:     4th of July Celebration at Lake Lure  July 3 offers a Beach Bonfire and Marshmallow Roast. Then on the 4th enjoy a day and evening of family fun and activities from 8 Am until 10 PM. The Boardwalk Arts and Crafts Sale includes the works of local artists and crafters displaying along the Lake Lure boardwalk near the members' marina. There will also be a Kids Zone at the Beach, Fire truck rides and temporary tattoos, Bingo at the Pavilion and a golf cart parade. The Beach Cookout, Tiki Bar at the Cabana and Ice Cream at the Cabana all open at 11 AM.   Take a fireworks cruise or stay on land and watch the Color Guard and Fireworks display. The remarkable display over Lake Lure is considered one of the most spectacular anywhere in the mountains.

Date:      July 4, 2016
NC City:  BOONE
Event:     Boone 4th of July Parade and Celebration  The Annual downtown Boone 4th of July Parade begins at 11 AM on Kings Street. Following the parade, join the Mayor of Boone for refreshments at the Jones House Community Center located in the heart of downtown Boone. The evening festivities at Clawson/Burnley Park off of Hunting Hills Lane start at 7:00 PM with live music and fireworks by Zambelli begin at 9:30 PM.  

Date:      July 4, 2016
NC City:  SYLVA 
Events:   Concerts on the Creek -  4th of July Celebration with Joe Lasher Jr and Groovetown and FIREWORKS.    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 4, 2016
NC City:  BRYSON CITY
Events:   Freedom Fest   Enjoy an old-fashioned street festival in charming downtown Bryson City. This annual Fourth of July celebration begins with the Rotary Club Firecracker 5K and continues with local artisans and crafters, a full day of local entertainment, festival foods, and fun events including a Watermelon Eating Contest, and a Hula Hoop-off. Explore Kids' Street where you'll find a bouncy house and more. From 6-9 PM there will be more music and kids games at Riverfront Park.  
 
Date:      July 4, 2016
NC City:  ASHEVILLE
Event:     Ingles 4th of July Celebration in Pack Square  Enjoy live music from some of Asheville's most popular bands along with a variety of family activities. The event begins at 2 PM with the Ultimate Air Dogs and live music at 4 PM and concludes with an amazing fireworks display from 9:30 PM to 10 PM. 

Date:      July 4, 2016
NC City:  BLOWING ROCK
Event:     Fireworks Extravaganza at Tweetsie Railroad   The Park stays open until 9 PM for one of the most popular annual events in the High Country. Enjoy all the usual Tweetsie fun and a fireworks extravaganza under the stars after the Park closes. An optional dinner and fireworks at the Hacienda is available including a special chick and BBQ buffet with all the Trimmings. 

Date:      July 4, 2016
NC City:  BRYSON CITY
Event:     Freedom Train - The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad   Celebrate Independence Day on the Freedom Train at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Ride the Fireworks Freedom Train and view one of the largest and most spectacular fireworks displays in Western North Carolina. The train departs at 8 PM, but you can arrive early to enjoy live music, local crafts and the downtown Freedom Fest. 

Date:      July 4, 2016
NC City:  WILKESBORO and NORTH WILKESBORO
Event:     July 4th Fireworks   The annual fireworks display at North Wilkesboro’s Memorial Park will at 9:00 pm after the parade. Fireworks display sponsors are the Wilkes Law Enforcement Officer’s Association, the Wilkes Journal-Patriot and the governments of Wilkesboro, North Wilkesboro and Wilkes County.  

Date:      July 4, 2016
NC City:  BANNER ELK
Event:     Annual 4th of July Parade and Celebration  The parade heads down Main Street and ends with a Party in the Park. Nine bands perform at various spots throughout the weekend and Banner Elk hosts an arts and crafts show all four days. Other options include Lees-McRae summer theatre and scenic chairlift rides to the skybar on Beech Mountain. These events are part of the "Mile High 4th of July" weekend-long celebration at Banner Elk and Beech Mountain.

Date:      July 4, 2016
NC City:  FRANKLIN
Event:     4th of July Fireworks in the Park   Food, Games, Cornhole Tournament, Kid’s Fun Land, entertainment and fireworks at dark. Donations accepted and appreciated at the gate. Free shuttle services from Franklin High School beginning at 5 PM until after the fireworks display Presentation of colors at 9:20 and fireworks begin at 9:30. 

Date:      July 4, 2016
NC City:  RUTHERFORDTON
Event:     July 4th Freedom Festival   The fun begins at noon with a walking parade and continues throughout the day with a car/bike show, soap box derby, dunking booth, watermelon eating contest, cornhole, kids area, games, lots of food and more. The fireworks display begins at dark. 

Date:      July 4, 2016
NC City:  BREVARD
Event:    4th of July Festival in Downtown Brevard   Activities include: 5K/10K Firecracker Run, Fine Arts and Craft Showcase, All Star Pet Show, Declaration of Independence Reading, Memorial Flag Raising, Classic Automobile Show, Old Time Fair, day-long music, Kids’ Bike Parade, Hot Dog Eating Contest, inflatables, face painting, children’s activities and end the day with the wonderful July 4th Fireworks.  

Date:      July 4, 2016
NC City:  COLUMBUS
Event:     Annual Fabulous 4th  The celebration begins at 10 AM to 10 PM in downtown Columbus concluding with a fireworks display. the event includes  family fun, food, and entertainment.