Chimney Rock Park hosts Dulcimer Workshop

September 22    Hammered Dulcimer Workshop at Chimney Rock Park   Learn to play the “only American instrument” using traditional strumming and flat-picking techniques in a fun and relaxed environment. John Mason, acclaimed hammered dulcimer artist who has toured the Southeast for 30 years and been the Park’s featured musician, will teach you all about this traditional folk instrument.

John guarantees you’ll be able to play at least one full song by the end of the workshop. It’s a great family-friendly activity for beginners and intermediates. A limited number of instruments are available.k for the Dulcimer

Get a link for the dulcimer workshop and other Chimney Rock Park events on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.

7th Annual Artisan Bread Bakers Festival in Asheville

April 2 in Asheville Local bakers offer samples, demonstrations and workshops at the Artisan Bread Bakers Festival.  This highly popular 7th annual two-part event begins with a bread tasting and sale at the Greenlife Grocery in downtown Asheville from 10am to 2pm, along with hands-on workshops and lectures from noon to 6pm.
A separate ticket is required for each session. Tickets can be purchased for $10 each, before or during Festival. A limited number of tickets will be available for 'free' with the purchase of a loaf of bread at the Bakers' Showcase on the day of the Festival.

Asheville's North Carolina Arboretum hosts WNC Orchid Society Show

March 26 - 27  head for Asheville NC and the  WNC Orchid Society Show.  Thousands of orchids fill the Education Center in this annual American Orchid Society judged show. The event also features orchid plants and supplies for sale by world class vendors. Educational classes will be offered throughout the weekend, and WNC Orchid Society members are available to answer questions and provide orchid-growing advice.

The North Carolina Arboretum is located at 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way in Asheville NC.

Bryson CIty Bicycle offers FREE Classes

FREE and open to the public, Bryson City Bicycle  (BCB) offers a monthly education class to teach different aspects of bicycle maintenance, repair, and adventure.  Classes are held on the first Tuesday of each month from April through October from 6:30 - 7:30pm.  Snacks provided.  Attendees receive a 10% discount on any purchase the night of the event.

Arts & Crafts Antique Show and Conference at the Grove Park Inn

February 18 - 20   Asheville NC hosts the Arts & Crafts Antique Show and Conference.  Recognized for its dedication to the education of the collector, this special weekend blends informative talks with an immense show of furniture and collectibles. Providing inspiration is The Grove Park Inn’s own rich Arts & Crafts tradition, which lives on throughout the resort, from the Old Hickory rockers to the Roycroft chandeliers.

NC Valentine's Weekend Event: Naturalist Meetup Party

The Compleat Naturalist is hosting a Naturalist MEETUP FREE party, Friday Feb. 11, 6:00-7:30pm. Celebrate the end of the week with drinks and snacks. Stop by and stay for the whole time or leave when you wish. This week we are focusing on the geology of the Southern Appalachians. For "show & tell," Hal will have a display of a portion of our extensive rock and mineral teaching collection, and will talk a little bit about our upcoming Rock and Mineral ID Class. Bring your naturalist stories and ideas to share! Please email if you plan to attend or if you have questions: Laura@compleatnaturalist.com

Join the  new Compleat Naturalist Meeup Group to be notified of upcoming events. Meet other nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, naturalists, and similarly inquisitive minds. The Compleat Naturalist Shop is located at  2 Brook Street, Historic Biltmore Village,  Asheville NC.

Photography Workshop at Chimney Rock Park

Oct 23 - 24   Chimney Rock Park offers the  Shutterbugs Nature Photography Workshop   The Park is the perfect backdrop for capturing amazing photographs. Take advantage of this information-packed 2-day clinic with noted WNC photographer Jeff Miller. Jeff’s photography has been featured in many regional, state and national publications.

The RiverLink Bus Tour Open to the Public

October 21 The RiverLink Bus Tour departs from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce parking area . The public is invited to tour the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers with RiverLink and witness their magic firsthand.

This is an opportunity to see the improvements that have occurred and hear what is coming over the next several months and years to make our rivers better places to work, live and play. You will learn some local history and visit some streets and neighborhoods you have never seen before.

The tour is free for RiverLink members, non-members pay $15 per person. Lunch is not provided but you can bring your own. Reservations are required  online or call 828-252-8474 ext. 11.

Riverfront Bus Tour in Asheville

April 15, noon -2PM, RiverLink Riverfront Bus Tour meets at City Hall in downtown Asheville at noon.  The RiverLink Bus Tours answer questions about Asheville's past and future. This is an opportunity to see the improvements that have occurred and hear what is coming over the next several months and years to make our rivers better places to work, live and play. You will learn some local history and visit some streets and neighborhoods you have never seen before.  Registration required:  Register online at www.riverlink.org   or call 828-252-8474 ext. 118

Nature Photography for the Beginner

March 27, Pisgah Center for Nature Education, 1401 Fish Hatchery Road, Pisgah Forest (Brevard area), North Carolina. Photography program teaches the basics of nature photography including how to use general equipment and effective composition. Instructors also cover subjects from landscapes and wildlife to macro photography. Bring your camera—digital or film. Participants spend time in the field. Ages 12 and up. Reserve your space.   Reservations hotline at 828-877-4423.