Asheville Downtown Art Walk this Weekend

June 1   Asheville Downtown Gallery Association Art Walk   Enjoy the fine art and craft of the Asheville Downtown Gallery Association and see on of the reasons Asheville has been voted #1 small city in the country by the readers of American Style Magazine 2 years running. 25 downtown venues participate with a complete Downtown Gallery Guide and a map available at any participating downtown gallery, the Chamber of Commerce, or Pack Place.

NC Mountain Getaway this weekend 6-1-12

Quiet mountain setting 10 minutes to downtown Asheville  - 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 6. Modern log cabin in peaceful setting with mountain views, covered and open deck with rockers, gas grill, fireplace, WIFI, pets considered. $200 - $225 night, $1575 Week.  Available this weekend.   See cabin photos and make an online reservation

Get links for Asheville restaurants and attractions HERE

Ride with Thomas the Tank at Tweetsie Railroad

June 1-10   Day Out with Thomas the Tank at Tweetsie Railroad Hop aboard with Thomas the Tank Engine as he chugs through the Blue Ridge Mountains. During Thomas' visit, children will have the opportunity to meet and take pictures with Sir Topham Hatt, listen to Thomas and Friends storytelling, and enjoy activities in the Imagination Station. Advance tickets are suggested as this event frequently sells out. 

Tweetsie Railroad, North Carolina's first theme park, takes you on a trip back into the days of the Old West. Hop aboard the train for an unforgettable three-mile journey through the scenic mountains. Even in today's high-tech world, there's still a place for old-fashioned fun. Tweetsie Railroad is a unique attraction that allows children and families to explore their imaginations and a whole lot more. Be a cowboy, Indian or an engineer and take a ride on historic steam locomotive, Number 12, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Open daily April - October with special events offered. 

Find more local information on the Blowing Rock NC Visitor Guide 

FREE Live Music on the Creek in Sylva NC

June 1   Concerts on the Creek   The Vinyl Brothers Big Band (www.thevinylbrothers.com) plays classic rock and soulful hits, The Asheville based ensemble of 10 friends features a five member brass section. Sylva native and trumpet player, Tim Gillespie says the group performs songs people are used to hearing.

Their female vocalist is Terri Lynn Queen, also a native of Sylva. Queen sings the hits of such legends as Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and Gloria Gainer. Concerts on the Creek are held at the Bridge Park Pavilion in downtown Sylva from 7:30 - 9:30 PM on Friday nights beginning Memorial Day weekend and continuing through the end of July.

Get a link for the Concerts on the Creek and other Sylva NC visitor information HERE

Go on Safari in Asheville!

May 31, 6 PM - 9 PM   Mountain Safari at the WNC Nature Center   This is a one-of-a-kind social adventure. Dress in your best safari gear and party with the animals.  Tickets are available online.  The evening festivities include live entertainment, special animal encounters, auction and raffle, plus great food and drink.

The evening's entertainment includes live music on stage by Aaron Wood with The Ends and Sunshine and the Bad Things. Included in the admission is a variety of  food and drink generously donated by Cafe Azalea, Chili's, Edna's of Asheville, Fig Bistro, The Marketplace and Ultimate Ice Cream. Come early to get a limited release bottle of Rufus Red Ale thanks to Asheville Brewing Company in honor of the Year of the Red Wolf!

The auction and raffle will raise funds for projects at the Nature Center including  a permanent butterfly exhibit, new visitor center and new animal exhibits. Some of the featured auction and raffle items are beautiful prints of the Center’s animals and one of a kind framed paw prints. 

Western North Carolina Nature Center is a living museum of plants and animals native to the Appalachian region whose mission is to increase public awareness and understanding of all aspects of the natural environment of Western North Carolina through hands-on and sensory experiences. WNC Nature Center strives hard to meet the needs of their adopted 'critters' and the community. Each year they welcome 100,000 visitors, 30,000 of which are school children attending the Nature Center in conjunction with their classroom curriculum. 
 
Get a link for the Mountain Safari and the WNC Nature Center on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Blue Ridge Music Center Opens its 2012 Season

Harold Mitchell

June 1   WBOB "Afternoon Jamboree" Reunion at the Blue Ridge Music Center - Radio host Harold Mitchell and musical friends reprise this popular live radio show on the BRMC stage. “Afternoon Jamboree” featured some of the man time, bluegrass, and gospel musicians during its 30+ year run on Galax’s WBOB AM. 3pm.

$10 admission, $5 students and seniors, children 12 and under free. The Blue Ridge Music Center in located Just north of Boone NC in Galax VA.

"The Spitfire Grill" Opens this Week at the Flat Rock Playhouse

May 30 - June 24  Flat Rock Playhouse Presents "The Spitfire Grill" Based on the award-winning film by Lee David Zlotoff, this new American musical, with a score tinged with Bluegrass and Folk, is unlike any before it. Evening performances are Wed-Sat 8:00 at PM, and Matinees are Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun at 2:00PM.

Get a link for the Flat Rock Playhouse and other local information on the Flat Rock Visitor Guide

Memorial Day Event: Memorial Day at the Orchard

May 28   Memorial Day Celebration at the Orchard  and Covered Dish Picnic. Open to the public, live music all day is free. The stage area fills up quickly, so you might want to bring lawn chairs. Admission for the meal is a dish to share OR $10 per meal. The Orchard provides traditional mountain barbecue, water, iced tea and paper goods.

Live music all day, storytelling and hayrides at the historic Orchard at Alta Pass. The Orchard is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway between Spruce Pine and Little Switzerland.

New River Celtic Music Festival Today in Grassy Creek

May 27      New River Celtic Music Festival   features an afternoon of exceptional music at River House. Enjoy some of the region's best Celtic musicians as you sit back and take in the sights and sounds of the river and the mountains. There will be food and drink available. Bring your chair or blanket.

Get a link for the Celtic Music Festival and other NC mountain events HERE

Banner Elk Herb Festival this Weekend

May 26-27    Banner Elk Herb Festival   The Herb Festival will feature fantastic spring herbs, great local bands, lots of arts and crafts vendors, farmers market items, a kid zone and  thousands of herb plants for sale.

Find additional local information on the Banner Elk Visitor Guide

Memorial Day Weekend Event: Block Party Tonight in Waynesville

May 26   Downtown Waynesville Block Party   Downtown comes alive at night. Bring your dancing shoes and a chair and head to Main Street for an evening of live music featuring oldies and goldies, bluegrass, country rock, and more. Children's area, eats and treats, downtown restaurants stay open.

Get local information on the Waynesville NC Visitor Guide

Memorial Day Weekend Event: Military Special FREE Admission to Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum

May 25-27     Wheels Through Time Memorial Day Celebration   This annual event is held to honor members of the American Military and their service to the United States of America. All those who are currently enlisted or who have served are admitted to Wheels Through Time free and provided with a complimentary two-year membership to the museum. Wheels Through Time is proud to join in this national day of honor and contemplation for all those who have given so much of themselves to our collective well-being. WELCOME TO ALL VETS!

Get a link for Wheels Through Time and other local events on the Maggie Valley NC Visitor Guide

Memorial Day Weekend Events: NC heritage at the Weaverville Roots Festival

May 26-28       Weaverville Roots Festival   A three-day celebration of the culture and heritage of Weaverville, NC. On May 26 Heritage Day will fill the downtown and park areas with music, demonstrations, food and other entertainment. On  May 27 the town will celebrate its Tree City USA status with Arbor Day activities and ceremonies in the nature park, plus entertain visitors with gospel music and other sacred music. On Memorial Day, May 28th, the town roots will be celebrated by honoring those heroes who gave their lives for freedom as well as those heroes who live in the area. There will also be a commemorative ceremony at Lake Louise.

Get a link for the Weaverville Roots Festival and other local information on the Weaverville NC Visitor Guide

Memorial Day Weekend Event: Miner's Heritage Day

May 26    Miner's Heritage Day  The event features a treasure hunt, hikes, live music and mine tours. Kids tour the mines free of charge. Free treasure hunt featuring minerals and crystals as prizes. Black Light Mine Tour in the Bon Ami Mine at 9 PM. Admission for that tour: $15/adults; $10/seniors and children, free.

The event is hosted by Emerald Village located at 387 McKinney Mine Road in Little Switzerland NC. Get a link for Miner's Heritage Day and other local information on the Little Switzerland Visitor Guide.

Last Minute Memorial Day Weekend Rentals: Brevard Vacation Rental

Sunset mountain views - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 6. Mountain views, wood-burning  fireplace, deck, gas grill, HDTV, DVD, WIFI, Pet Friendly with dog run. 5 minutes to downtown Brevard. $150 - $275 night, $850 - $1300 week.  See Rental photos and availability

Memorial Day Weekend Events: White Squirrel Festival in Brevard

May 26-28   White Squirrel Festival   Get ready to go nuts! The Festival is host to an opening “Memorial Day Parade.”  White Squirrel Photo Contest, white squirrel tours, and plenty of nutty fun for the entire family.  Events include 14 free, live concerts and the running of the popular Squirrel Box Derby.  This festival was voted  "Best Spring Music Festival in Western North Carolina" by the readers of the Asheville Citizen Times. 

Get a link for the White Squirrel Festival and local information on the BREVARD NC VISITOR GUIDE

Memorial Day Weekend Event: Asheville Beer Week

May 24 - June 3:  The first ever Asheville Beer Week includes ten days of celebrating beer and Beer City, USA, and will culminate at Asheville's third Beer City Festival on June 2. The Week will offer many different styles of beer and variations on those styles; beer pairings with a smorgasbord of delicious foods; an opportunity to learn about and explore beer in all its delectable complexity; and, most of all, a week of  fun drinking beer in the brewery-centric mountains of Asheville, NC.

The Beer Week events will include seminars, tastings, dinners, and special activities with "beer celebrities" from around the country and the world. More than 40 breweries are slated to appear at Beer City Festival already. Organized by a beer-loving bunch of regional beer industry folks, Asheville Beer Week will offer a variety of events and include as many bars, restaurants and breweries as possible.

Get a link for Asheville Beer Week and other local events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Memorial Day Weekend Events: Hendersonville Garden Jubilee Festival

May 26 -27  19th Annual Garden Jubilee Festival   The Garden Jubilee Festival offers over 200 vendors selling thousands of plants, arts and crafts, garden talks and clinics, garden accessories, and food. The festival covers 8 blocks of Main Street from Sixth Avenue-Caswell Street. Downtown from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM both days. The festival is always held during the Memorial Day weekend.

Get details and a link for the Festival on the Hendersonville NC Visitor Guide

Last Minute Memorial Day Weekend Rental: Asheville Area Cabin

Great mountain view cabin -  3 bedrooms, 2 baths sleeps up to 8. Two fireplaces, WIFI. Newer cedar cabin located in quiet mountain setting yet close to downtown and the Blue Ridge Parkway.  $175-$195 night, $1000-$1150 week.   See cabin photos and availability calendar  

Find additional Memorial Day Weekend Cabins and vacation Rentals HERE

Memorial Day Weekend Events: 12th Annual Mountain Sports Festival in Asheville

May 25-27     12th Annual Mountain Sports Festival   Experience Springtime in Asheville, NC at the 2012 Mountain Sports Festival. Bring your family and friends to Carrier Park for the outdoor music & sports event of the year!  Start your summer off with 3 days of outdoor sports, live music and beer.

Get more Asheville information and a link for the Mountain Sports Festival on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Last Minute Memorial Day Rental: Waynesville Luxury Cabin

Vacation rental on a 400 Acre Mountain Ranch - 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, sleeps 10. Luxury cabin with incredible views in all directions. Fireplace and firewood, deck with gas grill, HDTVs, video games, WIFI, golf and ski privileges optional. $1950 - $2100 week.   See cabin photos and availability calendar

Find local information on the Waynesville NC Visitor Guide

FREE Concert Tonight in Maggie Valley

May 20   Maggie Valley Concert Series  Live outdoor concert by the Haywood Community Band. Bring a blanket or a chair, picnic supper and enjoy the beautiful Maggie Valley sunset. Free and open to the public.

The concert begins at 6:30 PM at the pavilion adjacent to the Maggie Valley Town Hall. The theme for this concert will be"Our Favorites," and will include music from Phantom of the Opera, Falling in Love with Love, and Symphonic Beatles.

Find local information on the Maggie Valley NC Visitor Guide

9th Annual Monford Music and Arts Festival Today in Asheville

May 19      9th Annual Monford Music and Arts Festival  The largest one day free music and arts festival in WNC. The event is held on two streets- Montford and Soco- with over 100 vendors of art, crafts, plants and food.  Two stages offer non stop entertainment from 20 groups and a children’s area. Located down from Asheville Visitors Center in Historic Montford with on street parking and bike corral. Held rain or shine.

Nunsense Opens this week at the Flat Rock Playhouse

May 17- June 10   Nunsense   A musical comedy that is downright "habit-forming!” Winner of four Outer Critics Circle Awards including Best Off-Broadway Musical with its original New York production, this hilarious international hit continues to play to sold-out audiences of all faiths around the world. The Little Sisters of Hoboken are having a fundraiser to bury the sisters accidentally poisoned by the convent cook.

The play has been updated with new jokes; additional lyrics; two new arrangements; and a brand new song, this zany musical is an unforgettable night of entertainment.  Evenings Wed-Sat 8:00PM, Matinees Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun 2:00PM

The Flat Rock Playhouse is located at 2661 Greenville Highway in Flat Rock NC, just outside Hendersonville. Get a link for the Flat Rock Playhouse and other local information on the Flat Rock Visitor Guide.

Highlands Hosts Collective Food and Wine Festival this Week

May 17-19   Collective Food Wine and Food Festival Wine lovers from all over come together to celebrate the annual Collective Spirits wine festival. Indulge in private wine dinners, grand wine tastings, a gala dinner, live and silent auctions, a culinary sampling by local chefs, and symposiums conducted by leading wine specialists. All proceeds benefit exhibition and education programs of The Bascom, a nonprofit center for the visual arts.

During Collective Spirits 2012, The Bascom will showcase a number of exhibitions including Chicks: It’s All Gone to the Birds; Green Art – Tracy Kirchmann Celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Studio Glass Movement; and an outdoor installation of ceramics by Alex Matisse.

Get local information on the Highlands NC Visitor Guide

Mother's Day Weekend Events: Art Safari in Weaverville

May 12-13   Weaverville Art Safari A free, self-guided tour of artists' home studios in the scenic area surrounding the villages of Weaverville and Barnardsville, North Carolina. Weaverville is located just 10 minutes north of Asheville. Visitors are granted direct access during Safari weekends to the home studios of a wide variety of local artists and a few visiting artists. The Art Safari will be preceded, as usual, by a gala preview party & silent auction on Friday night, May 11.
 

Find local information on the Weaverville NC Visitor Guide

Mother's Day Weekend Event: Waynesville's Annual Spring Festival

May 12   Whole Bloomin' Thing Spring Festival   The Festival promotes and showcases local growers (farmers) and artists. You'll find lots of plants and herbs, handicrafts, food, entertainment, and kid's activities. FREE event.  This is the tenth anniversary of Haywood County’s premier spring festival, kicking off the growing season with beautiful flowering baskets, vegetable and herb starts, berry bushes, and potted ornamental plants to jumpstart your garden.

Live music and entertainment will be provided throughout the day by local musicians and dancers, including Chris Minick, Frog Level Philharmonic (Dixie Land Jazz), Marshall Ballew, The Ross Brothers with the J Creek Cloggers, Raq Shuraka Dance Co. (belly dancing), and Caleb Burress.

This year, you can take home a little piece of Frog Level history. The tin tiles from the Water Street Cottage will be salvaged, embellished by local artists and sold at the Merchant’s Association booth.

Mother's Day Weekend Events: Wilkesboro area events

May 11-12  Mother's Day Book Sale  Another great sale brought offered by the Wilkes Friends of the Library. Hours are 9 AM - 7 PM Friday,  9 AM - 5 PM Saturday. The Sale will be held in the Old Key City Office Building located at 503 C Street, North Wilkesboro NC (corner of 5th and C Street).

May 11, 3 PM - 5 PM at Michael's Jewelry, 900 N Main Street, North Wilkesboro NC.  Flossie Johnson Book Signing   Ms Johnson will be promoting her latest cookbook,  "Save The Fork",  a collection of her favorite desserts.  Great Mother's Day Gift!  All cookbook proceeds will benefit Hospice of Wilkes.

May 12, 10 AM - 5 PM     Day of Wine and Roses   Savor the small of the roses in full bloom. Enjoy a glass of Raffaldini wine as you take a complimentary tour of the gardens surrounding the Villa Raffaldini. This event will be held rain or shine.  Ronda, NC.

May 12    3rd Annual Wilkes Amazing Race   The Race combines mental and physical challenges with a host of fun and wacky team competitions. Teams of two will enjoy a county-wide adventure, whiles visiting many of the tourist destinations, with the hopes of winning the ultimate prize! The day ends with a fun social gathering of food and entertainment. Proceeds go to the Samaritan's Christian Ministry of Wilkes. Their mission is "to feed the hungry of Wilkes County."

May 12    Wilkesboro Dragway Race Park  Every Saturday night  Classic Gear Jammers, Top Street, Carolina Gassers and Jet Car plus points race #5. Wilkesboro Raceway Park is located 6 miles west of wilkesboro on Hwy 421. 774 Dragway Road, Wilkesboro,NC

May 12, 10 AM - 5 PM    Daniel Boone Day at the Whippoorwill Village in Ferguson NC. Come for a family day of fun and history. Tour the Historic buildings and enjoy crafts, music, food, art, and demonstrations. Wilkes Acoustic Folk Society will be performing 11 AM-5 PM  For Admission: Can food item for Samaritan's Kitchen or an donation for relay for life.

May 12     Black Cat Station Open House  Black Cat Station is home of a large "H.O." Scale Model Railroad operating many trains at one time

May 12    Cruisers at Historic Downtown North Wilkesboro -  Antiques, Street Rods, Classics, Pro Street, Muscle Car and Motorcycles welcomed....Door Prizes and Entertainment.  Free Admission .. Bring your lawn Chair

May 13   Mamma Mia! Mother's Day Celebration   Raffaldina Vineyards celebration of all mothers on this special day. All mothers will receive a complimentary "Lady's Kiss" cookie and wine tasting of our Frizzante wine paired with a Baci di Dama, or "Lady's Kiss," cookie. Bring a picnic or create one yourself from our fully-stocked deli. Ronda NC.

May 13, 12 PM - 6 PM    Mother's Day at MenaRick Vineyard and Winery -  All Mothers will receive a complimentary tasting at MenaRick Vineyard! Bring Mom and spend some time together on the patio overlooking the glorious views of the vineyard. Ronda NC.

May 13, 10 AM - 2 PM   Mother's Day at Leatherwood Mountain   Treat your mom on Mother’s Day!  Get a special -10% discounted guided trail ride for all Moms.  Make sure to call ahead to book your trail ride. Special brunch offered from 10 AM – 2 PM .

Weekend Getaway in the NC Mountains for 5-11-12

Mountain view cabin in Buck Mountain -  4 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps up to 11. Porches with beautiful mountain vistas, rockers, WIFI and guest computer, satellite TVs and lots of peace and quiet! Community trails and fishing pond.  $125 night, $650 week.  Located 7 miles fro the North Wilkesboro-Wilkesboro NC area,  an easy drive from Charlotte and Greensboro - surprise Mom with a weekend to remember. See cabin photos make an online reserviation
Get information for local dining and attractions on the Wilkesboro NC Visitor Guide

Mother's Day Weekend Events: Waterfall Tour in Brevard

May 12 - 13      DuPont State Forest Tour de Falls    Tour DuPont State Forest by bus during this special event. Cars and buses are normally not allowed in the forest, but provided during the Tour for those who may not be able to do the usual hiking, biking or horseback riding activities.

The 12 mile tour by shuttle bus includes four spectacular sites in DuPont State Recreational Forest: Triple Falls, High Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Lake Julia. Volunteers will be on each bus and at each stop to provide information about the history of the area and the efforts to protect the historical and natural resources within this 10,400 acre fore

Buses will leave the event parking area approximately every 30 minutes from 9 AM until 2:30 PM. Visitors may get off the bus at each stop to take photos and explore the area. The tour takes 3 hours or longer, depending on how much time is spent at each stop.

A donation of $6 for ages 6 to 17 and $12 for ages 18 and up is requested and may be made by cash or check - credit card processing is NOT available. . Buses are not handicap-accessible and pets are not allowed on the buses.

Learn more about Dupont State Forest and the Brevard area on the Brevard NC Visitor Guide.

May 10-13   LEAF - Lake Eden Art Festival     LEAF is one of the treasured traditions for families and friends across the southeast. Held annually at at Camp Rockmont in Black Mountain, a weekend at LEAF is the equivalent of going on a year-long multi-cultural music, arts, dance, and outdoor adventures journey to "recharges your batteries". A few aspects that make LEAF popular is the family friendly atmosphere, the diverse sampling of arts and music, the beautiful setting, and the intimate size.

Find local information on the Black Mountain NC Visitor Guide

Cherokee Mother's Day 5K

May 12 at the Acquoni Expo Cente in Cherokee NC. Mother's Day 5K - Registration  from at 11:00 AM– 11:30 AM and the Walk/Run begins at 12:00 noon. The Silent Auction is from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Communities, Churches and Groups are encouraged to participate. Create a group costume or shirts and bring the most group members. Registration fee is $10 for adults, $5 for kids (12&under) & Elders (59+)

Registration fee includes shirt and medal. Proceeds from the event will go towards the Cherokee Dialysis Support Group.

2nd Saturday River Arts District Studio Stroll for Mother's Day Weekend

May 12   2nd Saturday Studio Stroll in the River Arts District  A day of artist demonstrations, classes, open studios and fun. Spend the day hopping from studio to studio, stop for refreshment at one of the many dining experiences including the District's brewery. 80 or more artists will be open - just look for the open studio signs. 

While visiting the River Arts District stop by the Odyssey Center for Oh Mother! at the Odyssey Center, a celebration of Mother's Day at the center for ceramic arts. 10 AM - 6 PM all day events include a  Raffle to win a piece of art by Michael Parry; Delicious Refreshments; Over 40 featured Artists; Gifts for Mom complete with flowers and wrapping. Live music by Maggie and the Romantics.

Get links for the Studio Stroll, Oh Mother, the River Arts District and other Asheville events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Last Minute Mother's Day Rental in Asheville

Vacation cottage on a horse farm - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 6.  Hot tub, fishing pond, wood-burning fireplace, gas grill, Video games, WIFI, row boat for guest use. Watch the horses graze and relax with nature.  Check cottage photos and confirm availability

Get a list of available rentals for Mother's Day Weekend

Mother's Day Weekend Event: Franklin Annual Gemboree

May 11-13   11th Annual Mother's Day Gemboree Gem show featuring dealers from across the United States. You'll find fine jewelry, Rough and cut gemstones, minerals, fossils and lapidary equipment. The 3 day event is held from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Macon County Community Building in downtown Franklin NC. 

Get a link for the Mother's Day Gemboree and other local information on the Franklin NC Visitor Guide.

Brevard Music Center First Monday Concert Series: Georgia Woodwind Quintet

May 7, 12:30 PM The Brevard Music Center First Monday Concert Series will be performed at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd at 22 Fisher Road in Brevard NC. The Georgia Woodwind Quintet will present music from the early and middle 20th Century — including works by Paul Taffanel, Gordon Jacob, Vincent Persichetti, and Amy Beach.

Georgia Woodwind Quintet is a resident faculty ensemble in the University of Georgia School of Music. Since its founding in 1967, the quintet has maintained an active schedule performing woodwind chamber music from the early quintets of Danzi and Reicha to twentieth-century compositions. The quintet champions new compositions for woodwinds. It has sponsored seven Symposia for New Woodwind Quintet Music at the University of Georgia since 1978 and recorded a compact disc of winning compositions from past Symposia entitled Twigs: Winning Compositions from the University of Georgia Symposia for New Woodwind Quintet Music by ACA Digital Recordings, Inc.

The members have various connections with the Brevard Music Center and the area. Flutist Angela Jones-Reus, most recently principal flute of the Stuttgart Orchestra, is an alumna of the North Carolina School of the Arts. Clarinetist D. Ray McClellan, most recently principal clarinet of the United States Marine Band, gave a master class at the Music Center in 2010. The other three members of the group are all alumni of the Music Center. Oboist Reid Messich, co-principal oboe of the Iris Chamber Orchestra, attended the Music Center every summer during high school before attending the Curtis Institute of Music. Bassoonist Amy Marinello was a student at the Music Center while in college at Louisiana State University. Hornist Jean Martin-Williams also attended the Music Center as a high school student and is now a member of the Artist Faculty.

For the 2011-2012 season, the Georgia Woodwind Quintet is focusing on a recording of works by Gordon Jacob, Amy Beach, and Paul Taffanel. Their concert in May will include portions of these works, as well as other engaging standard pieces of the woodwind literature.

Get more local information on the Brevard NC Visitor Guide.

The Flat Rock Theatre Music on the Rock Series Features the Music of Abba

May 8-11   Music on the Rock Series: Abba Returns  The 10 concert 2012 series produced by The Flat Rock Theatre offers a celebration of music form country to pop to Sinatra. The Series is performed at the "Playhouse Downtown", located at 125 South Main Street in historic downtown Hendersonville NC

ArtsMart Today in Old Fort

May 5   ArtsMart  Locally created arts and crafts displayed inside the historic Old Fort Depot. Stop by to chat with the creators of these one-of-a-kind items while you shop for yourself, family or friends. Something for everyone including baskets, paintings, woodwork, wreaths, candles and live demonstrations. Sponsored by Arrowhead Artists and Artisans League.

Wilkesboro Area Cabin Rental

Cozy Cabin 3 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway - 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, sleeps up to 6. Private setting with mountain views, free-standing fireplace, large deck, hot tub, picnic table, hammock, small pet friendly. $125-$145 night, $730-$840 week.  See cabin photos and confirm availability 

Find local information on the Wilkesboro - North Wilkesboro NC Visitor Guide

Wine and a 5K in North Wilkesboro this Weekend

May 5    8th Annual Shine to Wine Festival   An event featurig some of the best wine North Carolina has to offer as well as live music, art and food. Freeport Jazz is back by Popular Demand. Amazing artist and galleries in the downtown area. Hotel Packages are available which include shuttle service.

May 5    Dreams & Kitestrings - 5K Family Walk/Run    The race starts between  8 and 8:30 AM  on the Greenway behind the Express YMCA. The mission of Dreams and Kitestrings is to provide women and children the wings to soar by providing financial assistance to help achieve their education, athletic, and career aspirations. 

Find links for these events and more local information on the North Wilkesboro - Wilkesboro NC Visitor Guide

Tryon Art Trek this weekend

May   4-6    Art Trek Tryon   Approximately 40 artists in Tryon, Saluda, and Columbus, NC and Landrum, SC open their studios to the public. Trekking begins on Friday evening, May 4, and continues through Sunday, May 6. Saturday studio hours are 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday hours are 12 noon to 4 pm. 

Enjoy dining at sponsoring restaurants. An Art Trek Guide is your road map to the artistic community and is available from Trek Base Upstairs Artspace gallery located in downtown Tryon. The guide provides an image of each artist’s work, directions to their studio and road maps of each community. Four area maps identify major roads and artist locations.  MAPS are are also available at artist's studios.

Get a link for Art Trek in Tryon and other local information on the Tryon NC Visitor Guide

Mountain Spirits: Wine and Beer Events this week 5-3-12

May 5-6    Vineyards of Swan Creek Wine and Cheese Festival   Ronda, NC. Join the Vineyards of Swan Creek as each vineyard pairs one of their wines with a unique, local cheese from the Ashe County Cheese Factory.  The Vineyards of Swan Creek include Raffaldini Vineyards, Dobbins Creek Vineyard, Shadow Springs Vineyard, and Laural Gray Vineyard.

May 5, 11 AM - 3 PM - Whines and Vines and Wines, A benefit for the McDowell Animal Shelter. Woof! 20% of bottle purchases will be donated to the shelter. For the animals sake, please join us. Adoptable Dogs will be available. Music on the vineyard deck by Freddie Bradburn.

May  4 - 5, 11 AM - 5 PM The Days of Wine and Posies at Winehouse & Greenhouse at South Creek  Get your flowers at Banner Greenhouses (they are right across the street) and then join South Creek for the wine. You must be 21 or older to attend this event.  South Creek Vineyards and Winery is located at 2240 South Creek Road in Nebo NC.

May 5, 9:30 PM - Altamont Brewing Co.  1042 Haywood Road, Asheville NC.   Supercross Superfunk Cinco de Mayo with The Fritz! Free Event. Watch the last Supercross race of the season and get down with the sounds of Asheville funk band The Fritz.



May 4,  5 - 7 PM   Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100 in Asheville NC.  FREE beer tasting: Spring Seasonals - great thirst quenching beers perfect for your next grill out or float down the river. Highland Brewing Razor Wit - This Belgian-style Wit, or “white” ale, is an unfiltered wheat beer brewed with traditional ingredients and a Highland twist. ; Highland Brewing Little Hump Spring Ale This American Pale Ale is meticulously handcrafted for full floral hop aroma and flavor. Brewed with grains from America's heartland ; New Belgium Somersault - Somersault is a fun roll around on the tongue, while requiring only the minimum of palate gymnastics. Currently on Tap at the bar: Stone Ruination DIPA $5 pints and French Broad Kolsch $4 pints.   May 5 , 3-6 PM - FREE Wine Tasting: Edgebaston Wines from Stellenbosc, South Africa - Edgebaston "The Honey Pot" 2011 - This fresh white wine comes from a family run vineyard in South Africa's Stellenbosc region; Edgebaston "The Pepper Pot" 2010- This red wine is a blend of 46% Syrah, 46% Mourvedre, and 8% Tennat; Edgebaston "The Berry Box" 2010- This grenache based blend is arriving on a ship from South Africa this week.

May 4, 4-6 PM at  Table Wine, 1550 Hendersonville Road, Suite 102, Asheville NC -  Friday Winedown -  White and pink wines from France   Rick Bowman from Bordeaux Fine and Rare will  pour 7  wines new to the store.  From Bordeaux to Gascogne to the Rhone Valley, you’ll sample a couple whites, a couple of new and fresh dry rosés and some delicious reds.  Even better, all of the wines come from small, family owned and operated wineries where the production levels are small, but the prices are more than fair.  The tasting will conclude with a real “Wow Wine”, but it’s a surprise!  $5 per person.

May 5, noon to 6 PM, RagApple Lassie Vineyards, 3724 RagApple Lassie Lane, Boonville NC - Saturday Music Salons are back and will continue through the end of the year. The 2009 Chardonnay has been released with FREE tastings this weekend. The Back Door Cafe will be open from noon to 4 PM to feed all hungry tummies. To quote one customer: "the sandwiches are divine!" And of course, RagApple Lassie wines will be available for tasting.

May 4,  4 PM - 7 PM  LaBouteille, 10 N Trade St, Suite A Tyon NC - Complimentary Wine Tastings every Friday.  - The last Saturday of each month 3-5 pm is a 10 beers for $10 beer tasting. Bring a dish of food to share.

May 5,   2 PM - 5 PM  The Wine Guy, 555 Merimon Ave and 1200 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville NC. FREE Saturday tastings are a great way to sample new favorites in a casual setting. A local distributor will pour a few new wines from their portfolio. No reservations required and there will be special pricing on the wines sampled. 

May 5, 12 PM - 5 PM at Vino Vino Wine Market, 178 Weaverville Rd., Asheville NC. Every Saturday anytime between 12:00 and 5:00pm enjoy a sampling of wines from around the world. A 10% discount on each of the wines we are featuring.

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. Hours of operation are: Monday-Wednesday 11am-6pm, Thursday-Saturday 11am-9pm, and Sunday 12pm-6pm. Sample wines and browse the gift shop featuring wine related and gourmet gift items.

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. Closed for the winter - re-open March 22, 2012Tasting room summer hours: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from Noon to 5:00. This week check out the "Warden's White".

South Creek Vineyard and Winery, 2240 South Creek Road, Nebo, NC

Daily Tastings at Wedge Brewing Company, 125 B Roberts St. Asheville NC. Micro-brewery regular Tasting room hours: Monday - Thursday 4 PM - 10+ PM; Friday 3 PM - 10+ PM; Saturday and Sunday 2 PM - 10+ PM.

Daily Tastings at Greenman Brewery, 23 Buxton Ave., Asheville NC. The tasting room is open seven days a week at 4 o'clock, or maybe earlier

Motorcycle Rally this Weekend in Maggie Valley

May 4-6   Thunder in the Smokies Spring Rally  Kickstart your bike and head for Maggie Valley to ride in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy Tour Rides, Music Concerts, Bike Builders, Bike Games, Bike Show, Prizes, Vendors and much more during the three day rally!

All bikes and ages welcomed. Gates are open  11 AM - 11 PM on Friday, 9 AM - 11 PM on Saturday and 9 AM - 4 PM on Sunday.

Get a link for the Spring Rally and other local information on the Maggie Valley Visitor Guide.

"Home-away-from-Home" vacation Rental in Flat Rock

Flat Rock Vacation Rental - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 6. Shady backyard with firepit and picnic table, game room with foosball, fireplace, WIFI and guest computer, pet friendly. $87-$100 night, $640-$699 week.    

 See rental photos and availability

Flat Rock Playhouse "Our Show of Shows" starts this week

 May 3 - 20      Flat Rock Playhouse presents "Our Show of Shows"   From 1950 to 1954, millions of viewers tuned their television sets to NBC for a 90-minute sketch-comedy show starring Sid Caesar, Carl Reiner, Howard Morris and Imogene Coca. The writers were Mel Brooks, Neil Simon, Michael Stewart and Mel Tolkin and the show was called "Your Show of Shows."

The show changed television forever and influenced every television comedy that came after it. Flat Rock Playhouse is pleased to revisit some of the greatest comedy skits ever written as the classic television series comes to life in this all-new stage production. World Premiere.  Wed-Sat evenings 8:00PM, Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun Matinee 2:00 PM.

Get a link for the Flat Rock Playhouse ad other local information
on the Flat Rock Visitor Guide