Tryon Christmas Strol this Friday

Dec 3 at 5 PM head for Tryon NC and the Best Ever Annual Downtown Tryon Christmas Stroll. Visit Trade Street businesses for hot drinks and treats and watch performances of Dance Dynamics, the Community Chorus and Tryon Presbyterian Choir, Tryon First Baptist Bell Choir, Tryon Methodist Choir, Polk County High Band and surprises from 5 to 7:30 PM.

• Lori Corda and Ride With Daddy Band at Nina Simone Plaza between 5 & 7 PM
• Christmas tree lighting by old St Luke's Thrift Shop plaza at 5:45
• Visit Santa at the North Pole from 6 to 7:30
• Bonfire with marshmallows, caroling and merry making begins at 7:30 at Bravo/Thompson on Palmer Street (below Trade)

Navitat Canopy Adventures Winter Tours

Winter Weekend Tours will be available on weekends in December, January and February at Navitat Canopy Adventures. Navitat Canopy Adventures takes guests on a thrilling and educational adventure high in the trees of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Fast, smooth zip lines stretch high above the forest floor; artfully crafted platforms nest seamlessly in large beautiful native trees; and sky-bridges span forest sections teeming with life. Navitat Gift Certificates are available for Holiday giving.

Navitat Canopy Tours is located at 242 Poverty Branch Road, Barnardsville NC - just 20 minutes north of Asheville.

Enjoy a Holiday Getaway at Asheville's Bent Creek Lodge

BENT CREEK LODGE in Asheville NC offers an incredible mountain setting and views, fireplace, WIFI and delicious breakfast. Choose from 10 distinctly decorated rooms plus a 3 bedroom vacation rental. Hiking trails on site, large decks and wrap-around porch and whirlpool tubs make this a perfect mountain getaway. Rates are $145-$185 per night, $913-$1166 per week.

Christmas Shopping Update from Asheville's Grove Arcade

Downtown Asheville's Grove Arcade is a spectacular setting to celebrate the holidays and this year you can purchase locally grown, fresh-cut Fraser fir Christmas trees on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stop by and let Steven Tingle help you find the perfect tree from his family farm in Cruso. Tingle will be selling from the Portico Market at the corner Battery Park and O.Henry Avenue.

Brother Wolf Rescue is teaming up with the merchants of the Grove Arcade to provide a special holiday Gift Wrapping service for downtown shoppers this season. Bring your gifts to the Arcade on Saturday, December 11, and Saturday, December 18, from noon until 5 p.m. and have them wrapped for a nominal fee. The Arcade is providing the materials, and Brother Wolf is providing the talented wrappers. All proceeds will benefit Brother Wolf Rescue, a local organization dedicated to the rescue of animals of all sorts who need our help to survive.

Winter Wonderland Continues a display of entries from the National Gingerbread House Competition, live holiday music on the weekends, photos with Santa and special family events.

Suite 143 is the site of a special exhibition of artwork submitted for the Mountain Express holiday cover art contest. Entries will be displayed from December 1 to 19 with an opening reception taking place Friday, December 3, from 6 to 7 p.m. Artist Jason Probstein is working in Suite 143 creating beautiful handmade blown glass ornaments, a perfect holiday gift or memento of a trip to Asheville. Children attending the December 3 will receive a beautiful handmade glass candy canes created by Probstein as a souvenir of this event.

At Make Merry on December 4 and Make Merrier on December 18, you won't want to miss the Noon performances of a dramatic reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas that are sure to become a family tradition.

The Historic Grove Arcade is located at One Page Avenue in Asheville North Carolina

Franklin Cabins offer affordable Holiday Getaway

Rivendell Cabins offer 3 Cabins, mountain views, hot tubs, fireplaces, DLS, dishwasher, washer/dryer, central heat/ac, satellite TV, phone, VCR & movies, porch with seating, full kitchens and linens. Everything is included- just bring your clothes,  food and Holiday Spirits. $100-$130 night, $475-$675 per week  Check out their discounts on mining, shopping, foods.   Read the Rivendell Cabin Blog.

Annual Christmas Parade in Franklin NC

Nov 28 enjoy the Annual Franklin Christmas Parade. Franklin Business and Organizations participate to bring the  Annual Christmas Parade through Downtown Franklin NC. Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with floats, music and more! The parade ends with the entrance of Mr & Mrs. Santa Claus.

Happy Thanksgiving

What to do Today in the Mountains

TRYON   Presents of Art Holiday Shopping Extravaganza at Upstairs Artspace   Presents of Art is a holiday shopping extravaganza of fine craft by southeastern artists featuring jewelry, ceramics, fiber, glass and metal, to name a few. Gift wrap is available at no charge.

WAYNESVILLE   Holiday Open House   A holiday tradition on Main Street. Enjoy the sights, scents & sounds as the holiday season begins in festively decorated shops & galleries

OLD FORT   Classic Car Show   Bring your car, truck, or motorcycle. Downtown Old Fort, 1-5 p.m.; free. Sponsored by Route 70 Cruisers. For more information, call 828-442-5135

MARION   Marion Christmas Parade  Annual festive event marking the beginning of the Christmas season.

NEBO  (Marion)   Hike to Paddy's Creek Trail  Explore  one of the park’s newest trails with Park Ranger Earl Weaver. Easy level hike of about 2 miles round trip. Meet at the office of the new Paddy's Creek area at 2:00 p.m. Free; for more information, call Lake James State Park, 828-652-5047.

WAYNESVILLE   Sunday Concert Series featuring "Pisgah Jazz Ensemble"     Enjoy the exciting and relaxing tones of the "Pisgah Jazz Project."  Haywood County Public Library  Auditorium

"Cut your own Christmas Tree" Specials at the Waynesville inn Golf Resort & Spa

Holiday Mountain Memories Package features a "cut your own Christmas tree experience". Make your next Christmas a very merry one by taking advantage of a unique Holiday Mountain Memories package. The package features accommodations for one night, Waynesville keepsake ornament, and North Carolina's best "cut your own Christmas tree experience". Christmas Tree Farm Package includes:

• One night accommodations for two adults (children stay free)
• $35 voucher towards your Christmas tree at Boyd's Tree Farm
• Waynesville, NC keepsake ornament
• Hot "High Country" breakfast buffet
• Complimentary room upgrade upon arrival

The Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa    offers two restaurants, 27-holes of championship golf, spa services, pool, tavern, pro shop, indoor & outdoor banquet space and pristine mountain views. 

National Gingerbread Competition at the Grove Park Inn

November 17 - January 2 the 18th National Gingerbread House Competition takes place at The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa with additional displays at the historic Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville. Hundreds of gingerbread houses crafted in 20 different states made their way to Asheville for competition and holiday display. Judges have picked winners and you can see the houses at both locations now through January 2.

Free Community Viewing Days are Monday-Thursday only. Resort Guests may view the display at anytime. "Stories of Gingerbread” Guided Tours allow you to go behind the scenes and get details about the construction of unusual entries and the workings of the judging, competition and display itself. Hour-long tours offered Wednesday-Saturday at 9am and 3pm Adults - $10 Children 12 & under - $5.

With “Baking Memories” Gingerbread Cookie Workshops you will ump into the spirit of the gingerbread season with this newest activity offering! Participants will be able to create their own gingerbread cookie masterpieces with the help of our Grove Park Inn chefs and staff. Workshop offered Wednesday-Saturday at 10:30am and 1:30pm Just $10 per participant, includes a sweet take-home treat.

photos by Peak Productions for The Grove Park Inn

Homebrew Tasting tonight at Hops and Vines

Homebrew Tasting Nov 19 from 5 PM - 7 PM at Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100, Asheville NC. This is a great opportunity to taste new and interesting beers from many different people. You don't have to be a homebrewer or know what homebrew is to attend, just bring an open mind and palate. Homebrewers please bring in a bottle or two to share with others (mead and cider makers welcome). We also be giving out samples of Olde Hickory "Death by Hops" IPA. Enjoy three of Hops and Vines homebrewed beers...IPA, Pale Ale, & Munich Dunkel.

Mountains to Sea Trail adds 25 new miles in the High Coutry

Hikers out to complete the Mountains-to-Sea Trail have 25 new miles of trail to travel thanks to the steady, hard work of volunteers in the Watauga and South Ashe task forces. It is a beautiful stretch of trail along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Boone, West Jefferson and Wilkesboro. Hikers will experience breathtaking views, deep woods and pastures, and occasional historic structures along the parkway.

Section 14 of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail extends from U.S. 321 at Blowing Rock to U.S. 421 at Deep Gap. It features some of the most recently built footpath along the statewide trail. Variety distinguishes this stretch of the MST: deep forest walks, rolling pastures, stone outcroppings, and stop-and-stare, long-range views of the Yadkin River Valley and distant mountain ridges. Read more...

The section of trail, between US 421 and NC 16, is under construction and expected to be complete by October 2010. Until the trail is finished, the trail is along the shoulder of the Blue Ridge Parkway through an area of beautiful views, deep woods and pasture. The trail passes through EB Jeffress Park. No camping available in this section. Read more...

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail stretches 1,000 miles from Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains to Jockey’s Ridge on the Outer Banks. Today, more than 500 miles of footpath are built. With temporary connectors on back roads and state bike routes, people can now hike across the state. Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail brings together volunteers and communities to help build this simple footpath across North Carolina. Donations of time and money are essential to the maintenance and completion of the trail. Find our how you can help here.

Enjoy Sylva NC Beautiful Fall Weather at a local Bed and Breakfast

The River Lodge Bed and Breakfast   in Cullowhee ( near Sylva) has 800+ feet riverfrontage, balconies, porches, patio. Rustic elegance at its best! Large goldfish pond and waterfall on property. It's the perfect location for  a visit to Western Carolina University. Enjoy rustic elegance at its best with many special amenities from the massive stone fireplace to the handmade twig beds to the gourmet breakfasts. Everything about The River Lodge is a delight to the senses. Affordable prices from $135-$240 and Seasonal discount packages available. Mid-week specials during Jan, Feb, March.

Community Harvest Dinner Thursday in Sylva

Enjoy a special meal for a special cause at the Community Harvest Dinner hosted by Papou's at 414 W. Main St. in Sylva NC. This will be an evening of Great Food, Great Beer, Fine Wines and Raising Funds for The Community Table.

Annie's Bakery, Yellow Branch Cheese Farm, Mill & Main, Papou's and Heinzelmannchen Brewery have combined their talents to offer you a three course meal paired with beer and wine, on Thursday, November 18 from 6 - 9 pm at Papou's. Tickets are $30 each or 2 for $50 and available at Annie's, Mill & Main, Papou's and the brewery. Here is the scrumptious menu:

Appetizers: Yellow Branch Farm Cheese, Annie's Pumpkin Hummus, Bread and Olive Tray
Entree: Mill & Main's Tenderloin Medallions and salad
Dessert: Annie's Mousse-filled Chocolate & Pastry Dessert Cups
Each course will be paired with a wine from Papou's and a Heinzelmannchen Beer!

The Community Table is a nonprofit organization serving nutritious meals to our neighbors in need in Jackson County, NC since 1999. We are open for dinner on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 4-6 at 127 Bartlett Street in Sylva. Everyone is welcome! Help raise funds to move  The Community Table to their new location.

Star Light Star Bright - lots of Stars to see this night!

Nov 19   Head for NEBO NC (near Marion and Linville) for the Astronomy Monthly Star Party. Telescopes and binoculars will be set up for viewing the night sky, but feel free to bring your own. Members of the Catawba Valley Astronomy Club and the Cleveland County Astronomical Society will be there also. Call the Lake James State Park Office at (828) 652-5047 for program registration. Meet in the Paddy's Creek Area main parking lot at 5:30 p.m. Park gates are locked at 10:00 p.m. and remain locked for the duration of the program.

River District Artists Studio Stroll this weekend

Nov 13 - 14  come to Asheville NC for the River District Artists Studio Stroll.  During the Studio Stroll, artists of the River Arts District welcome you into their studios to talk with them, see their latest artwork, watch demonstrations, and experience for yourself the magic hidden inside the old factories and warehouses along the French Broad River

Saturday Wine Tastings in the Mountains

The Western North Carolina mountains offer some of the best wine shops in the Southeast. Many host regular Saturday wine tastings or special events with food pairings. Here are samples of the samplings:

Nov 13,  4PM-8PM -  Asheville’s Best Wine & Beer Tasting at The Appalachian Vintner:
Ricardo Santos Sémillon- Mendoza. Ricardo Santos has demonstrated a life-long commitment to the Argentinean wine tradition, particularly in regards to Argentina’s great varietal—Malbec. The wine has an intense yellow color with delicate, fruity aromas. The flavor is grassy with a fruity acidity and no oak. Shelf $14.99 Tasting $13.49
Tenuta Canale Rosso Toscano “Pergolato”- Tuscany, Italy.  In wine terms, it is considered the rough Italian equivalent of the French vin de pays designation. A blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, think of it as a “Super Tuscan” at a bargain price. Shelf $7.99 Tasting $7.19
Altesino Rosso di Altesino IGT Toscana- Altesino has always been an innovative leader. Plum, cherry & cedar aromas follow through to a medium body, with soft, silky tannins and a dreamy texture thats clean and focused. Shelf $14.99 Tasting $13.49
Tezza Valpolicella Ripasso Ma Roat- Vento, Italy. Flavio, Vanio & Frederico are the third generation to farm these vines. Their Great Grandfather, Giovanni planted the vineyards in the early 1960's. Velvety texture, spiced fruit produced without the use of oak. Try it with fresh mushroom risotto, hearty winter squash soup or black truffle & parmigiana reggiano polenta. Shelf $13.99 Tasting $12.59


Nov 13  3-6PM Hops and Vines in West Asheville: Lo Duca Wines, Italy
Lambrusco - A soft, light, semi-sweet red wine, naturally carbonated the way the original Lo Duca family blend has always been. Pares great with turkey and cranberry sauce, a Thanksgiving tradition for us!
Montepulciano de Abruzzo - A dry, rich, robust wine with subtle flavors of cherry and cedar with a smoothness reminiscent of the fine montepulciano grapes used to make it.
Pinot Noir -a smooth rich Pinot with berry and spice flavors in the finish. A great wine for Thanksgiving or any holiday event.

Follow our blog "off the vine" for the latest updates on new wines, beer, homebrewing events, travels and much more. Feel free to leave your comments, recommendations and brewing adventures.

Nov 13,  noon - 5 PM - FREE wine Tasting at
The Cottage Craftsman in Bryson City NC
We feature fine wines from 17 boutique wineries in North Carolina and the Blue Ridge region. You’ll find wine for everyone’s palate – from muscadine to merlot. Enjoy the contemporary fine art and craft gallery and browse the market of specialty foods while you sample wines.

'The Polar Express' Boards in Bryson City

Nov 11 - 14   'The Polar Express'  comes to life when the train departs Bryson City  NC for a journey to a special North Pole. Read along with the magical story and meet Santa. Enjoy holiday caroling, hot cocoa, a special treat and a memento for the children. Daily departure times vary. Ticket price includes admission to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum! Event runs through December 23.

A Taste of Compassion in Asheville

Nov 11 head for Asheville and a Taste of Compassion .  Music by One Leg Up and wine and hors d’oeuvres provided by local restaurants during the Asheville-based Animal Compassion Network’s seventh annual event. Guests can bid on more than 200 items, including concert and theater tickets and designer pet supplies, during a silent auction. Proceeds help the no-kill organization foster, spay and neuter, and find homes for pets.

Biltmore Offers Veterans Day Special

Get Biltmore Tickets at 25% off November 11-14. Veterans save 25% of regular daytime admission. Please purchase tickets at Biltmore's Reservations & Ticket Center.

BILTMORE, America's "Castle", was built in 1895 by George Vanderbuilt and is preserved and maintained today by his descendants. With interior square footage over 4 acres, 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, 43 bathrooms and an impressive collection of art and period furnishing it is one of the East's most popular attractions. Once a working dairy farm the 8,000 acre estate now includes a winery; trails, gardens & grounds to explore; an Equestrian Center, River Bend Farm, a luxury Inn and the newest addition, Antler Village. Plan on spending at least one full day or more to fully enjoy all that Biltmore has to offer.

NC WineriesHost Holiday Tours

Nov 13   SURRY COUNTY   The Very Surry Wineries Holiday Season Kickoff   From Nov 13th through Dec 31st, the 10 wineries of Surry County are co-hosting a massive wine tour. For a single low price, you can get a passport to visit all 10 wineries at your leisure over 7 weekends to do a wine tasting and collect a unique holiday ornament at each one. On Nov 13th each winery will have live music to kick off the event. Tickets are limited to 100 individuals, and can be bought at any of the participating wineries.  

Ski NC this weekend!

Cooler mountain temperatures and snow makers worked together to allow the opening of two of Western North Carolina's Ski areas this weekend. Cataloochee Ski Area and Sugar Mountain Resort opened this morning with several inches of new snow. Day ski sessions are available at both areas with limited slopes and lifts operating.

Christmas at Biltmore

November 5 through January 2 Biltmore offers its annual Christmas magic. Enjoy America's largest home decorated with dozens of Christmas trees, hundreds of wreaths, bows, and poinsettias; miles of evergreen garland; thousands of ornaments, tinsel, and beading; and a magnificent 35-foot Fraser fir with the largest ornaments you've ever seen. It's a classic symbol of Christmas in a way you've never experienced. Organ music fills the grand Banquet Hall and First Floor during Christmastime to imbue guests with an elated holiday feeling.

Annual Fall Celebration at the Mission Farm

November 13, 11 AM - 3 PM at the Mission Farm in Hiawassee Basin join the Annual LTLT (Little Tennessee Land Trust)  Fall Celebration in the Hiawassee Basin. The day includes live music, activities for kids, a hayride, a nature walk, Native and mountain cultural demonstrations, and our annual conservation award presentation. All activities are FREE for the entire family, including a delicious cool-weather meal of cornbread, chili and dessert.

The Mission Farm lies on the Hiwassee River in Cherokee County, and is accessible off of US 64, 0.6 mile west of the Clay County line. Macon County residents can reach the farm by traveling west on US 64 through Hayesville; residents of Graham, Swain, and Jackson counties can follow US 19 West through Andrews, take a left on NC 141 South to Peachtree, and then follow US 64 East approximately one mile.

Fall Leaf Color Continues in Lower Elevations

Nov 2 Color Update:  In the High Country of Boone, Blowing Rock and Jefferson, most of the leaves have fallen off. Some red maples are still turning brilliant red, but they are mostly restricted to urban trees.

In the foothills around Kerr Scott Lake outside of Wilkesboro, the colors should still be pretty this coming week. The Pisgah National Forest in this area has some good color that should hold up for the beginning part of the week. A lot of oaks, hickories, sourwoods, some maples and sassafras are showing nicely. For long-range views, the Blue Ridge Parkway still can’t be beat; look for the colors at lower elevations and not along the roadway itself.

Down toward Asheville, colors are also past their peak at the high elevations on the Parkway, but in the metro area, there is still plenty of color - mostly yellows with a smattering of reds from oaks reaching their peak this week. So, if you still haven’t made it to the mountains, plan to travel now. The same can be said further south toward Brevard, and  the maples and oaks are still making a good color show along the roads.


Farther south towards Cullowhee and Highlands, the situation is also very similar. At the higher elevations, the trees have passed their peak, while at lower elevations there is still some color, with the oaks contributing more this week, and the maples fading.

Great Smoky Mountains Leaf Color Report:  Colors are past peak at mid to high elevation areas of the park and most trees have dropped their leaves. At low elevation, many areas are past peak, however there are still areas of color to be found in the foothills.

Have an Art Full Weekend in the Mountains

Fall is filled with Fine art and craft in Western North Carolina! With the holidays not far away, why not shop for gifts from the best artists and craft makers? Check out these weekend art and craft events:

Nov 5   Friday Art Crawl The Art Crawl features local and regional artists of all genres ranging from traditional crafts, pottery, paintings, metalwork, jewelry and glasswork to music and live entertainment. Boone NC.

Nov 5  Waynesville's "Art After Dark"  More than a dozen galleries and studios remain open till 9pm offering demonstrations, special showings, refreshments and music. Waynesville NC

Nov 6   Western North Carolina Pottery Festival The annual festival celebrating the pottery of Western North Carolina takes place along Front Street. Downtown Dillsboro NC.

Nov 6 the Annual Blacksmith & Fine Craft Auction If you have holiday shopping in mind, the Blacksmith & Fine Craft Auction is the perfect place to start. Brasstown NC, near Andrews, Murphy NC

Nov 6-7  Fall Art Safari Visit studios and galleries in the town of Weaverville and the surrounding rural areas. he tours are free and open to the public. Weaverville NC
   

This Week's Events in Ashe County

Ashe County is known for art, music and some of the friendliest folks around. See for yourself at this week's events:

DINNER & BLUEGRASS every Friday through Thanksgiving at Todd General Store. Dinner at 6pm, bluegrass at 7pm.

FAIRIES & GNOMES, House Building. Saturday, Nov. 6 at 2pm at the Mt. Jefferson State Natural Area picnic area. Come up and use your imagination and natural materials to build a woodland creature house. Call 336-246-9653 for more info.

LARRY PENNINGTON & ALAN MASTIN MEMORIAL FESTIVAL Saturday, Nov. 6 at 4pm at Mountain Music Jamboree in Glendale Springs. Great bands - Whitetop Mountain Band, Creek Junction, Carolina Travelers. Food available.

MT. JEFFERSON GEOLOGY ROCKS, House Building. Sunday, Nov. 7 at 2pm at the Mt. Jefferson State Natural Area picnic area. Visitors will observe several types of geological formations on a nature hike of the Rhododendron Trail. Learn about metamorphic formations and intrusive quartz. Call 336-246-9653 for more info.

BEN WAKEMAN SINGER/ SONGWRITER AT RIVER HOUSE'S SUNDAY SALON in Grassy Creek. Sunday, Nov. 7 beginning at 4pm; hors d'oeuvre at 5pm, 4-course chef's choice menu at 6pm. Call 336-982-2109 for reservations. CLICK HERE for info about Ben Wakeman.

Asheville Tourists T-Shirt Sale $8.99 until Friday

Fall Special! Fans, the Tourists are getting a "new look"! Now is your chance to take advantage of our fall specials taking place from now until 12 noon on Friday, Nov 5.

ALL regular T-shirts including mens tees, womens tees, and kids tees are only $8.99!
Polo shirts are just $19.99 (Reg. $45)!
All hoodies and sweatshirts are also on sale for as low as $19.99 (Reg $39.99 and above)!
Doing some early holiday shopping? Our baseballs make excellent stocking stuffers. They are usually $6/each, but are only $1.99 during this limited time sale.

Order online now by visiting the Tourists Trap. For more information, you may contact a Tourists staff member at (828) 258-0428 ext. 200.

We Still Have Game Worn Jerseys Available!
Fans, the Tourists still have some 2010 game worn jerseys for sale. There is still a large selection of home, away, and batting practice jerseys. There are also a few red alternate jerseys. For more information, call Brent at (828) 258-0428 ext. 200.

Grandfather Mountain's 5th Annual Winter Weather Contest

Make Your Winter Weather Prediction And WIN! Enter the E-Club Winter Weather Contest and WIN a day at Grandfather Mountain for your family! The person who comes closest to predicting the actual 2010-2011 winter temperature and snowfall totals will receive a day pass for six to Grandfather Mountain with lunch at Mildred's Grill included. So get out your crystal ball and make your prediction today! Read more about it.

All Aboard - It's Time for the Polar Express

Nov 5 - 7  'The Polar Express'  comes to life when the train departs Bryson City NC for a journey to our North Pole. Read along with the magical story and meet Santa. Enjoy holiday caroling, hot cocoa, a special treat and a memento for the children. Daily departure times vary. Ticket price includes admission to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum! Event runs through December 23.