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.

Battle of Swannanoa Gap this Weekend at Davidson's Fort Historical Park

March 23 - 24    Battle of Swannanoa Gap   This historic event is presented by the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 379 and the 22nd North Carolina, Company.  Admission is $7.00, Children under 12 years are FREE.

Battle re-enactments take place at 2:00 PM each day and the event is open from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Throughout the day there will be various period demonstrations and displays including women fashions and show along with period cooking demonstrations.
 

Davidson's Fort was built in 1776 by North Carolina Militia soldiers for the defense of settlers against the Cherokees and was the site of many violent conflicts between Native Americans and European settler. Today, Davidson’s Fort is owned and operated by a nonprofit organization, Davidson’s Fort Historic Park, Inc. and is maintained and restored by volunteer staff and private funding.

The Legend of Tom Dooley Performed in Wilkesboro

July 12 - 14   Tom Dooley: A Wilkes County Legend The Performance recounts the famous 1860's lovers' triangle tale that became one of the nation's first highly publicized crimes of passion. Performed at the Fort Hamby Amphitheater, the drama brings to life the romance, jealousy, and mystery surrounding the murder of Laura Foster. In this visually stunning portrayal, audience members are treated to the sights and sounds of frontier NC-from the cannon blast of the Civil War to the fanciful tune of a "mollasy boilin' " dance.  Additional Dates: July 20-21.

Get a link and details for The Tom Dooley performance and other local events on the Wilkesboro NC Visitor Guide.

Wagons Hoooo!

June 26 - July 4   The 55th Wagon Train The annual Western North Carolina Wagon Train will begin in Andrews and trek along unused roads in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Saddle up to ride and explore the area in and around Andrews and the Valley River valley with the nation's oldest wagon train. Camp in a grassy meadow, ride in a town parade, dance in the moonlight and more.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad hosts Pioneer Weekend

June 9-10    Pioneer Weekend at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad   This special event train departs from the historic Bryson City depot  at 1 PM. Travel along the Tuckasegee River to Dillsboro for a 2 hour layover on Saturday and 1.5 hour layover on Sunday. Enjoy special presentations and old style demonstrations of a true pioneer camp presented by noted story tellers and reinactors of the time period!

Get a link for Pioneer Weekend and other local information on the Bryson City NC Visitor Guide

NC Heritage Events this Weekend

April 28      Pioneer Day   - An  annual celebration of mountain heritage in Old Fort NC. The one-day festival features mountain music in the amphitheater, craft demonstrations such as weaving, black smithing and pottery turning, See Hit or Miss engine displays and vendors displaying and selling their wares. This all  day event is held on the Mountain Gateway Museum grounds in downtown Old Fort. A get a link for Pioneer Day on the NC Events Calendar

April 28     Historic Johnson Farm Festival   The Historic Johnson farmhouse and outbuildings located in Hendersonville NC  will be open for touring. There will also be live entertainment, demonstrations, wagon rides, children's activities, farm animals and food.

5th Annual Celtic Adventure Weekend in Asheville

February 3-5    5th Annual Celtic Adventure Weekend  A  Dream weekend for lovers of all things Celtic. Celebrate the Scots-Irish heritage of Western North Carolina with dance, literature, food, drink and music. McPeake takes the stage Friday night with a blend of Irish traditional, folk, acoustic and country music.

On Saturday afternoon, attendees will enjoy the music and stories of Scottish songwriter and guitarist Colin Grant-Adams. Back by popular demand this year, Gaelic Storm blows in with another raucous, crowd-pleasing performance.

The event is hosted by the Grove Park Inn, with lodging packages available. Get a link for the Celtic Adventure Weekend, the Grove Park Inn and other Asheville information HERE.

56th Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

July 7-10 the 56th Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games One of the oldest and best known Summer festivals in the mountains, the Highland Games and Gathering of Scottish Clans includes  traditional dancing, piping, drumming, athletic achievement, music and Gaelic culture.

Pow Wow in Cherokee includes Dancing Competition

June 24 - 26   36th Annual Cherokee Pow Wow  This annual event includes three days of authentic Indian dancing, drumming and tribal regalia. Experience a colorful expression of energy and reverence as people of all ages from across the country gather to watch and participate. Cherokee culture is brought to life in ancient Cherokee legends, history, traditions, songs, dances, ceremonies and fascinating period regalia.

Voted a Top 20 Event by Southeastern Tourism Society 2009. Gates open at 5 p.m. Friday, 12 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Friday and Sunday admission is $5 per person; Saturday is $10, children under 6 free. Grand entries are at 7 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. Sunday.Held at the Acquoni Expo Center, 1501 Acquoni Road in Cherokee NC

Last Chance for Ramps!

May 1 the Waynesville Ramp Festival will be held at American Legion Field from 12 noon until... with live music & entertainment. The festival's feature is food with ramps, raw or cooked, plus ham and eggs, meatloaf, baked beans, potatoes, cornbread and more. The festival includes a craft show.

Ramps have a long and colorful history in the Appalachian mountains. Valued for centuries as an early spring tonic after a long winter without fresh fruits and vegetables, they are now the centerpiece of dozens of fundraiser festivals held from North Carolina to Pennsylvania. Growing wild in areas throughout the Appalachians, ramps frequently occur in patches of hundreds (or even thousands) of plants growing in rich soil of maple-beech-hemlock hardwoods. If you are in doubt as to the plant’s identity, trust your nose for positive verification. They have a unique odor and taste which most  people describe as a pleasant combination of onion and garlic.

The ramp leaves, like typical ephemerals, appear rapidly in early spring and survive for a relatively short time. They wilt and disappear quickly once the dense forest canopy of broad leaves has formed. The bulbs will naturally persist much like young onions or scallions, with the base somewhat swollen but not a true bulb.They are often referred to as "rampscallions".

Find a variety of ramp recipes here...