What To Do This Weekend in the Mountains

Date:       October 16 - 17, 2015
NC City:  BLOWING ROCK
Event:     Ghost Train Halloween Festival at Tweetsie Railroad   Advanced ticket purchase is recommended for this very popular event. Fun for the whole family this ghastly special event admission includes: all the nighttime activities in the park - the ride on the Ghost Train, trick-or-treating for the kids, Haunted House, Tweetsie Palace Spooktacular, the rides in the Creepy Carnival, and the attractions in "The Boneyard” section, featuring the Black Hole, 3-D maze, and the “Freaky Forest.” 

Date:      October 16 - 18, 2015
NC City:  BRYSON CITY 
Event:     Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express   The PEANUTS gang return the the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Pumpkin Patch for this annual family fun favorite. The excursions, which are themed after Charles M. Schulz's classic story "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," will be departing from the Bryson City Depot and arriving at the Pumpkin Patch. Event activities include campfire marshmallows, a coloring station, temporary tattoos, trick or treating, bouncy house, hayrides and live musical entertainment. Two trips per day at 12 PM and 3:30 PM.

Date:       October 16 - 18, 2015
NC City:   ROBBINSVILLE
Event:     Annual Harvest Festival    Mountain traditions come alive at the annual Harvest Festival in beautiful Stecoah Valley at the Cultural Arts Center on the grounds of the historic Stecoah School. The former community school was built in 1926, and today is the home of the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center, an organization dedicated to preserving Southern Appalachian mountain culture. Tickets for the Saturday evening concert are on sale now  -  Admission-adults $25.00 Students k-12 $10.00.  Performing this year will be The Cleverlys. The Sunday afternoon concert is free.  

Date:       October 16 - 18, 2015
NC City:   FRANKLIN
Event:     Annual Leaf-Lookers Gemboree    An Annual Gem Show with dealers from all over the southeast. Rough and Cut Gems, minerals, fine jewelry, supplies, beads, door prizes, dealers, exhibits and demonstrations. Adults: $2; Under 12 Free. Watch for $1 off coupons in local newspapers. Sponsored by Franklin Chamber of Commerce and Gem & Mineral Society of Franklin

Date:      October 17, 2015
NC City:  DILLSBORO
Event:    ColorFest, Art and Taste of Appalachia   Autumn's colors and flavors take center stage  during this popular annual festival. This arts and food event fills the sidewalks of Dillsboro with a variety of mountain artisans demonstrating their skills, plus food vendors serving up a taste of the North Carolina mountains.  Local musicians and street entertainers add music to festivities, while restaurants and shops are open to serve the crowds throughout the day.  10 AM - 4 PM.

Date:      October 17, 2015
NC City:  LITTLE SWITZERLAND
Event:     Black Light nighttime Mine Underground Tour   Black Light is the common name for ultraviolet light because it is invisible to human sight. Be amazed by the bright colors in the Bon Ami Mine revealed with short-wave ultraviolet lights. Bon Ami Mine is one of the few places in the world where you can visit an underground mine at night and see brightly flowing fluorescent Hyalite Opal and other rare minerals. No reservations needed. Admission: $15/adults; $10/students and seniors

Date:      October 17, 2015
NC City:  ASHEVILLE
Event:     Asheville Art in the Park   The finest handcrafted art in the area is on display and for sale at Pack Square in downtown Asheville. Nationally known artists exhibit at this event and the best part is- they are local. Muddy Knees Design and Production is proud to once again offer local artists the opportunity to connect with the public in Asheville‘s Pack Square Park. This is the last October show for 2015.

Date:      October 17, 2015
NC City:  VALLE CRUCIS
Event:     The Valle Country Fair   Enjoy an old fashioned County Fair at the peak of fall color leaf season. Activities include crafts, food, mountain music, 150 juried fine art and crafts booths, an activity area for kids, freshly pressed apple cider , Hot-out-of-the-kettle apple butter, Homemade jams & jellies, Brunswick stew, chili and barbecue. 

Date:      October 17 - 18, 2015
NC City:  MAGGIE VALLEY
Event:     Maggie Valley Fall Arts and Crafts Festival  Come and spend the weekend at this annual art and crafts event enjoying the panoramic view of the mountains in Maggie Valley.  A variety of fine handmade crafts created by artisans from throughout the Southeast including furniture, jewelry, knitting, pottery, quilted items, painted shirts, floral arrangements, leather work, scroll work, crochet, soaps and plenty of Food Vendors will be serving all your favorites. There will also be chainsaw demonstrations.

Date:      October 17 - 18, 2015
NC City:  BANNER ELK
Event:     Wooly Worm Festival   The 38th Annual Festival includes the infamous wolly worm "waces" along with live entertainment, arts and crafts, food vendors and amusement rides.  A family-oriented weekend and one of the most popular NC mountain annual events. Admission is $5.00 for Adults, $3.00 for Children 6-12, Free for 5 and under.

Date:      October 17 - 18, 2015
NC City:  BLOWING ROCK / LINVILLE
Event:     The Colors of Grandfather Mountain   A guided walk led by Grandfather Mountain's education staff takes guests out onto the trails of Grandfather to discuss fall color. Topics include the reasons trees change color and the different forces that affect fall color. The different species of trees around the trail will be identified. “The Colors of Grandfather” will visit various locations around Grandfather Mountain to showcase a spectacular contrast of stunning autumn hues. The programs begin at 1 PM each Saturday and Sunday and are included with regular admission. For more information about “The Colors of Grandfather,” call 800-468-7325  

Date:      October 17 - 18, 2015
NC City:  ASHEVILLE
Event:     North Carolina Chrysanthemum Society Annual Show    A popular annual judged show presents hundreds of chrysanthemum blooming in vibrant and varied colors. The exhibits will be judged by Accredited National Chrysanthemum judges and strict NCS standards  highlight the exceptional variety in size, shape and color of these popular fall flowers.

Date:      October 18, 2015
NC City:  CHIMNEY ROCK
Event:     Naturalist Niche: Simon Says Fall Birdwalk at Chimney Rock State Park   Now is the perfect time to start preparing for winter birding. Grab your binoculars and field guide to join world-traveled birding expert Simon Thompson for an early look at which of our feathered friends are staying around for winter. Limited to 15; advance registration required. Call 800-277-9611 to reserve your spot. 

          

Ole Smoky Tractor Club Spring Fest in Maggie Valley

June 1-2  Ole Smoky Tractor Club Spring Fest  Educational Antique Tractor and Engine Show with Parts Vendors; Flea Market with Crafts; Tractor rides for kids throughout the day. A parade of 30 tractors drive through Maggie Valley on Friday and Saturday. Concession food provided by the Ole Smoky Tractor Club. 8 AM -6 PM.The event is free and open to the public.

Get a link for The Tractor Fest and other local information on the Maggie Valley NC Visitor Guide

NC Gold Festival Today in Old Fort

June 1-2   NC Gold Festival   An annual event featuring gold exhibits, gold mining techniques and demonstrations, treasure and scavenger hunts, geo-caching and gold panning. The events also includes a variety of vendors including arts and crafts and raffles.

The Festival is hosted by the nonprofit North Carolina Gold Foundation to promote, educate, preserve and celebrate the state's gold heritage. The Festival is held at the Mountain Heritage Museum in downtown Old Fort NC.

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 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 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

Greening Up the Mountains this weekend in Sylva

Date: April 28   Greening up the Mountains   - This annual spring festival, named for the way the “spring green” creeps up the mountainsides, is a celebration of the local economy, sustainability, and traditional heritage crafts.

Three full music stages will feature local bands, children’s performances, and heritage dance, along with the annual Youth Talent Show and more. Storytelling, face painting, an inflatable slide, the recycled materials Superhero Costume Contest, volunteer projects and more.This year’s event also hosts the annual Greening Up the Mountains 5K Run, sponsored by the Jackson County Recreation and Parks Department, and for the first time ever, a cornhole tournament which will raise funds for local charities.


Get a link for Greening up the Mountains and other local events on the Sylva NC Visitor Guide

Barbeque Expo In Henderson County

April 21     Henderson County Barbeque Expo A family festival with vendors, BBQ cooking competitions, children's activities, arts & crafts, and entertainment.

The event includes The King BMX Stunt Show with a day of High Flying Fun. Sponsors by Ingles. The King BMX Stunt Show has been featured at a number of State Fairs, pro football half time shows and other large events around the country.

The Circle C Racing Pigs are joing the festivities this year. This attraction is sure to be fun for all ages as pigs and more race for the ultimate prize…. an Oreo cookie.

The event will be held on the grounds of Hendersonville High School,  311 8th Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC

Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival Starts Today in Blowing Rock

Holly Soukup 2012 winner

 April 11-15   Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival   Enjoy wine tastings, seminars, cooking classes, wine makers' dinner and much more. New this year is the Grillin' and Chillin' event. The Grand Tasting event is downtown and special guest this year is Teresa Guidice!

This year's events include:
April 11   Fire on the Rocks Chef's Challenge:  Experience the best culinary show you've ever tasted!  The Chef's Challenge is a battle between the area's best-known chefs. Diners judged the preliminary events and now at the finals too! Dine on 6 amazing courses at the finale. Finale dinner will be held at Crippen's Restaurant. Reservations are required. 828.295.3487.

April 12,  6 PM  Uncork The Festival:  A Taste of Ethiopia and South Africa, A Benefit for Wine to Water at Crestwood Resort and Spa.  Take a tour of Ethiopian and South African  with  sights and flavors, using the expertise of area businesses Climbing the Walls, Events by Elizabeth Ashley, The Gamekeeper, The Table at Crestwood and Wine to Water in a sublime collaboration of floral design, decor, food and wine. The atmosphere of Crestwood will be transformed  with the colors, tastes and aromas of these culturally distinct regions. Palates will come alive with the rich and bold flavors of an array of tapas-style food and complimentary tastings of 6 different wines, and senses will be heightened as guests journey through these two countries without leaving the High Country. Guests will be greeted with a complimentary Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival souvenir wine glass. Music by Scott Smith will complete the evening's festivities.

April 12-13  Wine Seminars and Cooking Classes:  An easy, laid-back atmosphere make these festival favorites. Ttwo days of seminars and classes this year offer you  more options and times. Held across town in several different locations, a class is always close by. Topics include Wine and Chocolate, Wine and Cheese, Wine and food/Spices, Hidden Treasures/ Best Values, Pasta and Wine, Cooking to chocolate and more.

April12-14   Wine Makers' and Vintner's Dinners:  Area restaurants team up with  wineries to create Vintners' Dinners.  Prix Fixe menus will showcase the best pairings the chef and vintner have to offer.  Nine restaurants participate.

April 13   Grillin' and Chillin': New this year, The Blue Ridge Mountain Club offers a true taste of North Carolina. North Carolina is famous for its barbeque, and here  you can get it in the most authentic way.  A whole hog pig pickin', barbequed chicken and all the fixins, including banana pudding.  And to go with this fabulous meal, enjoy a selection of North Carolina wines, North Carolina craft-made beers and music by some of the area's best artists. Your ticket price will include tastings of the North Carolina wines and craft beers. Full glasses and bottles of wine will be available for purchase from the vendors.

April 14, 2-6 PM - The Grand Tasting:    The Grand Tasting is the centerpiece of the Blue Ridge Wine & Food Festival. Located in the heart of Downtown Blowing Rock under the main tent.  The tasting showcases an assortment of wines from North Carolina wineries as well as from vineyards around the globe. Find new favorites among international, domestic and NC vintages.  

April 14, 7 PM  VIP Charity Wine Gala:  The Gala celebrates the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival in style. Area wine lovers, foodies and dignitaries alike will gather at the elegant Broyhill Furniture Showroom for an entertainment-packed evening including a performance by the North Carolina Shakespeare Festival and music by Old Gold Jazz Trio of the Wake Forest University School of Music.

Additional Festival Events include: Bartenders' Brawl, Barrels of Fun, Flights and Bites, Cork and Canvas at the BRAHM, Coffee Cupping Sessions, Sunday Champagne Brunches and a variety of Musical performances.

Get a link for the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival and other Blowing Rock Information HERE.

Asheville hosts the World's Only Film Festival Exclusively for Action Films

April 12-15    ActionFest 2012 The world's only film festival devoted exclusively to action films. ActionFest celebrates the genre by showcasing the latest and the best in action cinema from all over the world for four wild days at The Carolina Asheville, 1640 Hendersonville Road in Asheville NC..
The festival will open with the Regional Premiere of Solomon Kane, and close with the highly anticipated Cannes selection, Wu Xia. Honorees will be legendary stuntman Mickey Gilbert with the Lifetime Achievement Award, MMA pioneer and Haywire star Gina Carano with the “Chick” Norris Best Female Action Star Award, and J.J. Perry with the ActionFest Fight Choreographer of the Year Award.

Get a link for Action Fest and other Asheville events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

8th Annual Tour De Lure Bike Ride Today in Marion

April 7      8th Annual Tour De Lure Bike Ride  Two rides one for the "hard core" cyclist and a fun ride begin at 9 AM.  The Dewey Hughes Memorial Ride is a challenging one, beginning at Marion's YMCA traveling through rolling farmlands, up Stone Mountain, around Lake Lure, through Chimney Rock and returning to Marion for a total of 67 miles.

The Fun Ride begins at the same time and place (same fees), but takes you on an exciting 25 mile course through rolling hillsides and farmlands. Applications available online or at the Corpening YMCA in Marion. Free Spaghetti meal for participants after the ride.

Appalachian Trail Bridge Festival this Weekend in Bryson City

April 6-7   Appalachian Trail Bridge Festival    Enjoy trail-steeped speakers sharing their experiences, a vendor village staffed by industry representatives, skills clinics, as well as some great product giveaways and door prizes and live music nightly. The event is held annually at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

The Appalachian Trail crosses the Nantahala along NOC's Founder's Bridge,  at  Wesser Campus - a popular spot for hikers to rest up for the challenging climb ahead.  Jennifer Pharr Davis, current record-holder for fastest through hike of the Trail, will be one of the event presenters.

In addition to speakers, this year's schedule includes some must-take Wilderness Survival skills clinics, an edible plants hike with a local botanist and certified outdoor leader, and an exciting packraft demo and head-to-head race from Alpacka Rafts on the Nantahala River.

Get a link for the Festival and other Bryson City events on the
Bryson City NC Visitor Guide

Asheville's 8th Annual Artisan Bread Festival This Weekend

March 24  8th Annual Asheville Artisan Bread Festival Local artisan bakers showcase their bread in an all-day event at A-B Tech. The event begins with a bread tasting and sale at the Magnolia Building from 10 AM to 2 PM. Hands-on workshops and lectures will take place from 9 AM to 6 PM at the same location.

Highlands hosts Annual Chili Cook-off this weekend

March 10,  6:30-9:30 PM   Highlands Annual Chili Cook-off:  Held at the Highlands Community Building. If you would like to enter as a competitor and fire up your best chili recipe, bake your best batch of cornbread, or or your family's secret salsa recipe, call 828-526-5841 - space is limitedt. Prizes will be awarded for The Hottest, Most Traditional, Most Unique, and Best Table Presentation, plus for Best Cornbread and Best Salsa.

Get a link for the Chili Cook-off and other Highlands NC information HERE

National Truffle Fest in Asheville this Week

February 23-25     National Truffle Fest - Experience a variety of truffle taste treats, presentations and seminars and a benefit auction. From gourmet truffle and wine dinners to the Chef's Gala you can immerse yourself in everything truffle. The event is held at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Asheville NC. 


The Grand Bohemian Hotel - guest rooms and suites. On site restaurant and lounge, room service, fitness center, business center, ballroom, WIFI, Pet Friendly. Located in Biltmore Village near the entrance to Biltmore. Get the best current rates for the Grand Bohemian Hotel HERE

17th Annual Bluegrass First Class in Asheville this week

February 16-19    17th Annual Bluegrass First Class  Enjoy some of the best bluegrass acts in the country rocking out all over the hotel, all weekend. Lineup includes - Friday: Dailey and Vincent (2  days), Rhonda Vincent and The Rage, Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out, The James King Band. Saturday: Dailey and Vincent, The Seldom Scene, Lonesome River Band, Junior Sisk and Ramblers Choice featuring Wyatt Rice on guitar.

The event is held this year at Asheville's Crowne Plaza Resort, a year around facility with 274 rooms and suites on 125 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Facilities include onsite dining and room service, convention facilities, golf, tennis, indoor pool, fitness and business centers, some pet friendly rooms and WIFI. Specials and online discounts are offered - get details here. 

Asheville Hosts 20th Annual "All That Jazz Weekend"

January 27-29 20th Annual All That Jazz Weekend  -  Another spectacular weekend of "All Things Jazz" with special performances by The John Pizzarelli Quartet on Friday evening, Jessica Molaskey & Aaron Weinstein Trio on Saturday evening and a special Saturday afternoon concert with the Lenore Raphael Duo featuring Herman Burney.

This event has earned national recognition as one of the premiere jazz festivals of the Southeast. Evening and afternoon concerts in the Grand Ballroom along with fun activities and live music throughout the rest of the resort make this a weekend that will satisfy even the most discriminating jazz enthusiast.

The event is held at The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa with packages available, Package price: $124.75 (average per person, per night), based on 2 night stay* The spa and spa services are renowned, scenic golf course, sports complex with pool - tennis - racquetball - training. Onsite restaurants, lounge, bars. A large variety of rooms and suites, varying stages of updates with some original Inn antiques.

Get a link for All That Jazz and the Grove Park Inn HERE

What to do this Weekend: Dec 16-18 from Christmas Music to Classic Car Shows

Dec 16   BREVARD   4th Friday Gallery Walks  An evening of Art, Wine and Food in Downtown Brevard every 4th Friday of the month, from May through December. 5 PM -9 PM.   Get a link for details

Dec 17   FRANKLIN   Ricky Skaggs a Skaggs Family Christmas   From carefree fun to traditional or contemporary sentiments, you'll hear cheerful instrumental work on "Deck the Halls" and outstanding harmony on "Hangin' Round the Mistletoe." For old-fashioned family values sung with tuneful sincerity, A Skaggs Family Christmas has it by the stocking full.  Get a link for details

Dec 17   CHEROKEE   A Holiday Homecoming   at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee. From 10 am - 1 pm there will be demonstrations of old-fashioned crafts, live music, refreshments, and walking tours. Make a corn shuck doll, buzz button, and cinnamon ornaments. From 1-3 pm there will be an old-time acoustic jam session focused on holiday music. Get a link for details

Dec 17   HENDERSONVILLE   Henderson County Crafters Association Craft Show   The Henderson County Crafters Association will host a craft show at the Blue Ridge Mall. Fri and Sat 10 am-9 pm & Sunday 1-6 pm

Dec 17   BEECH MOUNTAIN   Santa visits Beech Mountain   Santa will visit Fred's Gazebo for fun and picture taking, 4-5 p.m. Afterwards, there will be the Christmas tree lighting at the Chamber office, 5-6 p.m. Hot cocoa, cider, and cookies will be served.  Get a link for details

Dec 18   ASHEVILLE   Swannanoa Solstice  The annual performance of A Swannanoa Solstice. Headlined by world renowned musicians Al Petteway, Amy White, and Robin Bullock playing guitar, mandolin, fiddle, Appalachian dulcimer, piano, harp, and world percussion, these performances are enhanced further by the voices and talents of special guest musicians, storytellers, dancers, and host Doug Orr. Gather with family and friends for one of the two performances offered to accommodate ticket demand for this holiday tradition.  Get a link for details

Dec 18   ASHEVILLE   USDAA Dog Agility Trials  The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina will host a United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA) agility trial. Spectators are welcomed to attend and admission is free. Over 150 purebred and mixed bred dogs, from throughout the southeast, will compete at various levels of difficulty.  Get a link for details

 

Dec 18   ASHEVILLE   Asheville Symphony Presents Holiday Pops  Enjoy the glowing voices of the Asheville Symphony Chorus under Michael Lancaster and the Asheville Symphony Children's Chorus under Timothy Wilds. This Holiday Concert has become a favorite of Asheville audiences over the years.  Get a link for details

Dec 18   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.  Get a link for details

Classic Car Show this Weekend in Old Fort

November 19   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

Old Fort Cruise-Ins are now held on the 3rd Saturday of each month, weather permitting. The event is held on Railroad Strett at the Gazebo in "Downtown" Old Fort.

Let's Do Lunch - Bryson City Chilli Cookoff Today

October 15   21st Annual Bryson City Chili Cookoff   What's better than enjoying some chili on a crisp October Saturday? For $5 sample chili from some of the best cooks in the area in 3 categories: red, white and veggie. It's a festive event with entertainment, decorated booths and costumed cooks. Cast a vote for your favorite chili to win the People's Choice Award. Get a link for the Chilli Cookoff and other Bryson City NC events, lodging and information HERE.