February is the Month for Celebrating Love!

Not that we don't believe in loving all year long, but when it comes to an official telling-your-honey-I-love-you time, February is it. We are honoring Valentine's Day for the entire month at Carolina Mornings!

Asheville is known for it's beautiful scenery, amazing local restaurants and a plethora of places to say "I Love You." Whether you want to scream it from the rooftop of a romantic getaway home or whisper it during the symphony, Carolina Mornings has the home away from home that you need to share your love in just the right way. In addition to our Month of February Packages, we are extending our love to you: Enjoy an EARLY CHECK IN AND LATE CHECK OUT on us! Save $120! *Some restrictions may apply.

Massage Specials:
Celebrate love and romance by sharing the blissful experience of massage with your loved one! A 60 minute couple's session with complimentary aromatherapy and chocolate dipped strawberries. Both relaxing and refreshing, it is the sweetest deal in town! Save $20 off our Couple's Massage.
Or for an antidote to the cold winter days, try the Hot Stone Massage. This blissful experience applies deep penetrating heat using hot volcanic basalt stones, releasing aches and muscle spasms, and increasing circulation. We are offering the 90 Minute Hot Stone Massage for $95, another $20 savings.
Perhaps you would rather have a dozen roses awaiting your arrival? Maybe rose petals scattered through your vacation cabin, or chocolates on your pillow... if you have another idea, we can usually make your wish come true! Let us help you plan your romantic weekend.

Call 828.398.0712 to take advantage of these great packages!

NC Mountains Valentine's Specials: Valentine Gift Pack from Asheville Tourists Baseball

Asheville Tourists Baseball Valentine's Gift Pack Special is available now until February 14th for your baseball fan valentine. Gift Pack includes 5 Box Flex Vouchers good for 68 games AND a Tourists baseball cap. A $77 value, for just $39!

Lodging Discounts for Western Carolina University (WCU) Parents

For Parents who are visiting W.C.U. for the "First Time" for Orientation, Open House or Move-in Day, a 10% discount will be applied to a one night stay and a 15% discount will be applied to a 2 night stay. Be sure to mention this offer when calling to make your "First Time" reservation, You'll be glad you did.

The River Lodge Bed and Breakfast in Cullowhee is an elegant Smoky Mountain bed and breakfast lodge with 800+ feet riverfrontage on the Tuckasegee River. Enjoy the beautiful scenery from  balconies, porches or the  patio. Western Carolina is just minutes away so parents can take a break in front of the massive stone fireplace or energize for the busy day with a full gourmet breakfast. Check out the virtual tour here...

NC Valentine's Specials and Packages: Romantic Lakeview Cottage

You and your Valentine can wake up to a spectacular lake view at Fox Hollow, a luxury lakefront Cottage. Enjoy your morning coffee with complimentary homemade bread by the fireplace in your master suite - "on a scale of 1-10, this is a 12". The cottage is perfect for several couples or families, yet very romantic for two. Decorated in the signature rustic elegance found among all four of our Lake Glenville cottages, the main level of the cottage provides all any guest could desire with cathedral ceilings, hardwood floors and stone fireplaces. Lake Glenville - Cashiers NC area.

NC Valentine's Day Specials: Love Lane is a Perfect Location for Romance

Grab your Valentine and head for Waynesville NC and the most romantic address in the mountains: Love Lane! From 2/12 - 2/14 guests celebrating at Oak Hill on Love Lane will be pampered with chocolate strawberry tuxedos at turn-down service, decadent breakfast, commemorative photo and additional goodies for a romantic stay! And if you're into skiing, Cataloochee slopes are only a few minutes away.

OAK HILL ON LOVE LANE offers high end beds and bedding, gourmet breakfast, wireless internet, flat screen TVs, fireplaces in every room, locally produced all-natural soaps and lotions and so much more.

NC Mountains Valentine Events: Chocolate Cook-off is Sweets for the Sweet

January 12  Bryson City NC hosts the  4th Annual Chocolate Cookoff  for Valentine's Day Weekend.  The decadent competition takes place at the Bryson City Presbyterian Church from 2 PM to 4:30 PM with proceeds benefiting Bryson City's Marianna Black Library.  Sample entries from some of the best chocolatiers in the Smoky Mountains and other NC Mountain areas.

NC Valentine's Day Specials: Romance in the Smoky Mountains

Valentine Cabin Specials: A half dozen roses are included for FREE for guests of The Cabins at Long Branch. For visitors who wish to have a hand in planning their own valentine weekend we will procure and place in the cabin the flowers or candy that they select. Other flowers arrangements from $35 and gourmet candies from $15 to $75 are available. Reservations and payment for romantic dinners also available. Get complete information when the booking is made. Nantahala area of the Smoky Mountains. Winter rates from $99 per night!

NC Mountains Valentine Event: Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown Excursion and Valentine Sweetheart Special Event Train

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is pleased to announce the PEANUTS™ Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown Excursion and Valentine Sweetheart Special Event Train.  The "Lover-ly Locomotive will depart the Bryson City NC historic train depot on Saturday, February 12th, at 11:00am and travel along the Tuckasegee River to Dillsboro for a 1 ½ layover.

Passengers will be joined by Charlie Brown, Lucy and Snoopy for old fashioned Valentine’s Day fun based on the popular television episode titled by the same name. Festivities for  Be My Valentine passengers include listening to the narrated story, great photo ops and creating a Valentine for that special someone. Standard adult tickets are $49.00 and children two and up are $29.00. Upgrade to the fantastic Family First Class package! Choose one of the four first class luncheon options and receive a gift amenity and souvenir tumbler with unlimited soda, coffee or tea drink refill. Adult ticket prices $92, Child (2-12) $54, Infants (2 and under) $20.

If you’re looking to enjoy a special Valentines date with your sweetie try the Adult First Class for a romantic afternoon! Choose from one of our four delicious lunches served by a private car attendant. Receive a special gift amenity and souvenir tumbler with unlimited soda, coffee and tea refill. In addition enjoy a specialty dessert and long stemmed rose. Tickets for Adults are $92. Advance tickets are recommended, as seating is limited.

Get details or additional information here...

NC Mountains Super Bowl Event: 2nd Annual Super Bowl Party benefits the Red Cross

The Flat Rock Cinema will will host the 2nd annual Super Bowl party to benefit  the Henderson County Chapter of American Red Cross on Sunday, February 6, 2011, sponsored by Morris Broadband in HD on the big screen. Admission price is a minimum donation of $5 at the door with all proceeds going to Red Cross. Doors open at 4:00 for pre-game show. Kick-off is at 6:30. Our full menu, including food, beer, wine and cocktails will be available. Seating is limited so reservations are required by calling (828) 697-2463. Please visit www.FlatRockCinema.com for driving directions and our complete food and beverage menu (no outside food or drinks allowed).

Great Winter Value at Asheville Mountain View Bed and Breakfast

Asheville's BENT CREEK LODGE is nestled on its own incredible mountain setting with views, fireplace, WIFI, delicious breakfast. 10 distinctly decorated rooms plus a 3 bedroom vacation rental. There are hiking trails on site, large decks and a wrap-around porch and whirlpool tubs. Winter Getaways are the best value and a chance to see more of the mountains, play in the snow or enjoy winter sports.


Winter and Midweek Rates now available, save up to 28%
Restructured  rates this year give you significant savings for stays during the off season from January 2nd to April 1st and mid-week stays, without having to ask for a Special. Check each rooms pricing on the Rooms and Rates page. Visit when we aren't as busy and save!


Winter Last Minute Special - save another 10%!
Save 10%; Book a room the day before or the day of your stay and get the Last Minute Special for an additional 10% off our already reduced Winter and Midweek rates. At this rate rooms start at $90/night. The Last Minute Special is good for a one or two night stay! (a third night would be at regular price) Click on the "Check our Last Minute Special" link to check for availability. Call or email to see if a one night stay is available on the weekends. BENT CREEK LODGE is located in Asheville North Carolina.

NC Mountain Valentine Special: Romance at Asheville's Cabin Cove Farm

Enjoy a Complimentary for Valentine's Day a box of chocolates, a bouquet of flowers, and cheese and crackers when you stay at Cabin Cove Farm a contemporary log home with mountain view, fireplace, hot tub and WIFI. This cozy cabin is only a few minutes outside downtown Asheville with lots of privacy just  perfect for a couple ready for Valentine romance. Discounted 2-day Biltmore tickets are also available.

Valentine Day Special in the NC Mountains: $50 off a couple full day fishing trip

Book a full day trip as a couple with Curtis Wright Outfitters for the week of February 14-19th and receive $50 off the cost of the trip. Choose from Wade or Float fishing in the Asheville area with a professional fly fishing guide showing you some of the best spots that Western North Carolina has to offer. All of your gear and flies are provided, so you only need to bring your desire to relax and catch fish, and for this special, your Valentine. Get details here...

Valentine's Day Specials in the Mountains: Romantic Cabins in Lake Toxaway

Enjoy a romantic mountain getaway with your Valentine and take 20% off the nightly rate during Valentines Weekend.  2 night minimum required. Chocolate & Wine upon your arrival. Cuddle up by the fireplace or visit nearby waterfalls, parks and fine dining at Lake Toxaway, Cashiers or Highlands.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Cabins at Seven Foxes places you in "The Land of Waterfalls", near Gorges State Park, Pisgah National Forest and Dupont State Forest, an area where you will discover extronary scenic vistas...beautiful waterfalls...hiking trails to challenge you...mountain streams for catching trout...colorful wildflowers to relish...nature to brighten your day and more! 

Set in a 7 acre setting, all five cabins are private, have their own personality and are beautifully appointed with a rustic wildlife theme - fully equipped kitchens, satellite tv, gas fireplaces, a/c, electric heat, private porch with gas grill, all linens, hottub at Deer and more. Spacious grounds include family swing area, picturesque pavilion overlooking a barnyard meadow, nature trails with fun surprises, playhouse, waterfall pond, creek & treehouse.  Perfect for a family gathering or small wedding as they are private yet an easy stroll form one another.

We offer you a comfy retreat for families or couples who want to escape from the fast lane & ease away the tensions of your fast paced life. Open year round & pet friendly! Cabins at Seven Foxes in Lake Toxaway NC

"Sylva Skates" Phantom Funraiser for Mill Street Improvements

Submitted by Julie Sylvester, Downtown Sylva Association

It’s been a century or so since anyone’s ice skated on Scotts Creek, but the Downtown Sylva Association thinks its a tradition that should be revived – at least in spirit! The DSA and the Town of Sylva have announced plans for a “Sylva Skates” ice skating party on Scotts Creek, February 5, 2011. There’s only one caveat: if the creek doesn’t freeze the whole thing’s called off!  The “event” is a phantom fundraiser to benefit continued improvements to public spaces in the Mill Street area of Sylva.  Click here for the full invitation.

The DSA and the Town of Sylva are applying for a grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Main Street Program to make improvements to Mill Street. Assuming Sylva is awarded the grant, property owners on Mill St. who contribute funds toward the grant would have their contributions matched by the state, and could then apply those funds toward upgrades to their buildings.

Funds from the “Sylva Skates” ice skating party will be applied to a separate fund to be used to improve public spaces in the same area. Donations received on or before February 5th could be matched by the state of North Carolina. The “Sylva Skates” fundraiser was inspired by a century-old photograph, donated by Teresa Beck for publication in the 1987 book “The History of Jackson County”, which showed Sylva residents skating on a frozen Scotts Creek.

For more information, visit the Downtown Sylva Association website at downtownsylva.org.

Asheville Fringe Arts Festival this Weekend

January 20 - 23   ged for the  Asheville Fringe Arts Festival , a city-wide festival bringing new and challenging art to Asheville’s audiences. Held in downtown Asheville, each participating venue plays host to a variety of performers, assuring an interesting mix to challenge and delight audiences. Find our more about the Fringe Arts Festival and other Asheville Events and attractions...

Ashe Arts Center Celebrates Martin Luther King Day

The Ashe County Arts Council is sponsoring a community celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King at 7 PM today, Jan. 17 at the Ashe Arts Center in West Jefferson.

The featured performer for this event will be Mike Wiley, an actor based in North Carolina who has performed over 10 years in theatre, film and television.  He will perform excerpts from The Parchman Hour commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Freedom Riders. In 1961, the original 13 riders boarded a bus in Washington, D.C. bound for New Orleans via Mississippi and Alabama. Over the course of the next three months, approximately 300 other riders took up the mantle and followed the path of those first brave few. Many were arrested and instead of posting bail, chose to serve sentences in one of the most brutal prisons in the south, Parchman Farm, proving the Freedom Riders and the movement to desegregate interstate travel would not be deterred. The Parchman Hour is a celebration of bravery and a call to action through remembrance.

Other highlights of the celebration will be students and community members reading essays, speeches and tributes highlighting the message of Dr. King and his teachings of peace, unity and equality in society. Special music will be presented by a community chorus under the direction of Diane Bryan-Leeper.

The Ashe Art Center is located at 303 School Ave, West Jefferson NC.

Special Events at the Blue Note Grille in Hendersonville NC

Shake off the wintertime blues at the Blue Note Grille with great entertainment and award winning food. Downtown Hendersonville is undergoing construction , but the Blue Note is open, and parking has  not been a problem. Use the convenient 1st avenue spaces or parking lots, after local business hours.

January 25 at 6:30 PM - Italian Wine Dinner:
1st Course: Insalata di Mare
2nd Course: Proscuitto Wrapped Melon
3rd Course: Italian Peasant Soup
4th Course: Francesco’s Veal Marsalla
5th Course: Candied Orange Cannoli
$60.00 per person (including gratuity)  Call for Reservations  ((828)697-6828)

Opening on Monday, February 14th, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
for A Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner

The dinner includes:

1 bottle of Champagne or Red Wine (per couple)
Your Choice of:
Brie and Crab Stuffed Oysters
Exotic Cheese Plate
House Salad
Francesco's Chicken Marsalla with Angle Hair Pasta
or
Filet Medallions
The Blue Note signature Espresso Shot-in-the-Dark Chocolate Mousse
or
Fruit Parfait
For your listening and dancing pleasure: Ellen Trnka
$45.00 per person (excluding tax and gratuity)
Call today for reservations 828.697.6828
 
NEW - Open for Sunday Brunch
on February 6th, from 10:30 until 2:30

Chef John has been working on a special menu, that will offer some regular menu items and new and tempting ones that will soon become your favorites. Check out this new adventure in dining on Sundays in downtown Hendersonville. The Blue Note Grille is located at 114 N Main Street in Historic Downtown Hendersonville.

Saluda Grade Cafe' Winter Warm-ups

Saluda Grade Café is open all winter long so if it snows call ahead to make sure, but we usually open just for fun!  We have warm cozy specials to draw you in out of the cold!  No need to get cabin fever!  

Don't forget Super Bowl Sunday is February 6.  We are having our 2^nd Annual Football Celebration!  We will have the Big Game on more than one television and there will be loads of yummy food too!  No cover charge but plenty of ice cold beverage and spicy hot wings! Call us for more info or email us for a copy of the menu!  saludagrade@hotmail.com

Saluda Grade Café is now also taking reservations for Valentines Weekend!  We have special menus for all weekend...Friday thru Monday!  Last year's Valentines Weekend was so romantic and incredible (you should see how romantic candlelight and snow make the restaurant!) we decided to expand it and Open on Monday evening for Dinner too!  There will be a Special Dessert Menu all weekend!  Yummy Molten Lava Cakes, Chocolate filled Cream Puffs dipped in Dark Chocolate, Champagne with Fresh Raspberries, Strawberries with Zabaglione, and so very much more!  Make reservations now to treat your loved ones!  Last year, we even had several large parties of friends getting together just to celebrate! (They treated each other to Champagne and Raspberries and the Chef added in some Chocolate dipped Strawberries!)  Valentine's Day is for everyone...Married, Dating, Single, Mom, Dad, Son or Daughter, Best Friend or Coworker!  On Monday night each couple will receive a special Valentines Surprise!  Book your reservations now!  Call 828-749-5854 or email saludagrade@hotmail.com. Visit our website at saludagradecafe.com.   Slauda Grade Cafe' is located at 40 Main Street, Saluda NC.

Fire and Ice Winterfest this weekend in Waynesville

Jan 15  head for Waynesville NC and the  2nd annual Fire & Ice Mountain Winterfest  Enjoy the Ice Carving Competition, the Iron Chef Demonstrations, Artisan Demonstrations and Segway tours complete with a fashion show.  There is something for everyone at the Fire & Ice, a mountain winterfest. All events take place at the Waynesville Inn from 3PM -7:30 PM.

WINTER SALE in Waynesville at Brookside Mountain Mist Inn

Come experience the magic of the Smoky Mountains in the winter. BROOKSIDE MOUNTAIN MIST INN is having a Winter Sale from January 14th through March 31.  All rooms are $119 - 139 with a two or more night stay (excluding Feb. 11 - 14th). Please call toll free 1-877-452-6880 and ask for this special to reserve your room today! Stay for the weekend of January 15th for Haywood County's Fire and Ice Winter Festival. The Inn is  located right across the street from the festival event.
BROOKSIDE MOUNTAIN MIST INN is one mile to Waynesville shops, restaurants. Flat screen TV's w/cable, renovated baths , horseshoes, croquet, patio/dining overlooking the Balsam Mountains, brook on property, spa robes, hairdryers, 3 course gourmet breakfast, beveragess & snacks, wine available, in-room massage, deck & fireplace overlooking mountains.

Valentine's Wine & Roses Getaway Package for Lake Lure

Make this year's Valentine Day really Special: don't just "go out", have a getaway. Why spend a hurried evening trying to find a restaurant when you can experience a "Valentine’s of Wine and Roses” weekend getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Lake Lure. Enjoy a romantic dinner and dancing at Luna del Sol Restaurant, watch eyes light up as your room includes a half-dozen red roses and a special bottle of Lake Lure wine from Rockhouse Vineyards. Special spa appointments are also available, and all guests take home commemorative wine glasses to recall this special night at the setting for the romantic movie “Dirty Dancing.”

Valentine's 2011 Wine & Roses Weekend Getaway Package is available  February 11th to 15th 2011and includes:
Two nights Resort lodging for two,
Romantic dinner for two at Luna del Sol Restaurant
Complimentary gift of wine and roses for the cupid couple
Package Price: Special getaway package prices start at just $268 plus tax, per couple.

Get details about Lake Lure and this Package here...

Beech Mountain Ski Getaway near Slopes

A BIT OF HEAVEN  is a 3 BD, 2 BA mountain view vacation rental 1/2 mile from Ski Beech. Game room with pool table, fireplace, fully equipped kitchen. Use of Beech Mountain Club facilities (pool, golf, tennis) in season. $100-$200 night, $650-$1200 week - This rate includes ALL fees and taxes

Beech Mountain Winterfest this weekend

Jan 8 - 9   Beech Mountain ski Resort in Beech Mountain NC hosts Winterfest Weekend. Enjoy live music, Monster Energy Bathing Beauties Downhill Swimwear Competition, big air contest, village rail jam, cardboard box derby, food cookouts, demos, ski beech sports sale. The Weekend begins at 10AM with this year's new event a Chili, Chowder, Soups and Stews Cook Off. The final awards ceremony for Sunday's events, will be held at 4:30 p.m. at the Beech Tree Bar and Grille. Registration for each event starts at 9 a.m. the day of the event in the Group Sales Office. Get details for Winterfest Weekend...


Beech Mountain NC,  perched atop the Blue Ridge Mountains, is Eastern America’s highest town. Winter at Beech Mountain is home to one of North Carolina’s premier ski resorts, Ski Beech. Enjoy Alpine skiing and snowboarding as well as snow tubing and ice skating. Modeled after an Alpine Village Beech Mountain offers a variety of restaurants, shops and activities for all ages. Get more Beech Mountain information.

Ski Events this Weekend in the NC Mountains

Jan 7 BLOWING ROCK Fresh Friday 2 at Appalachian Ski Mountain Fresh Fridays, as always, will sport a low-key, relaxed jam session format, where riders can hit the new setup as many times as they want, in any order they want, just like a normal day of riding with friends.

Jan 8 - 9 BEECH MOUNTAIN Beech Mountain ski Resort in Beech Mountain NC hosts Winterfest Weekend. Enjoy live music, bathing beauty, big air contest, village rail jam, cardboard box derby, food cookouts, demos, ski beech sports sale.

Jan 8 SUGAR MOUNTAIN The 16th annual National Winter Trails Day The event offers children and adults new to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing for FREE. Discover the fun and fitness of snow sports. Snowshoe rental and guided tours are free. Guided tours are available every hour from 9am until 4pm

Jan 8 BLOWING ROCK Ladies Park Night at Appalachian Ski Mountain a terrain park area with features specifically designed for learning and progression that will be open to ladies only. We want women of all ages and abilities, both ski and snowboard, to get together and ride in a laid-back environment among friends

Ski Getaways in the NC Mountains

NC Ski Resorts offer the highest mountains east of the Rockies and the most convenient location for Floridians to ski. Whether you're a beginning or advanced skier, snowboarder, snow tuber or ice skater the North Carolina Mountains have a ski area you will enjoy.

There are seven Ski resorts or areas in Western North Carolina including Appalachian Ski Resort, Beech Mountain Ski Resort, Cataloochee Ski Area, Sapphire Valley Resort, Hawksnest Ski Mountain, Sugar Mountain Ski Resort and Wolf Ridge Ski Resort. All ski facilities have equipment for snowmaking to maintain adequate snow bases. Each are has its own unique views, activities and pricing. Many also include snowboarding, ice skating, snow tubing and other winter sports.

Happy New Year