Valentine's Day Weekend Events: Classic Romance at the Grove Park Inn

February 10-12   Classical Romance for Valentine's 2012 at Asheville's  Grove Park Inn offers a romantic getaway including an evening of stargazing on the terrace of this historically romantic resort at the Starlight & Chocolate Party. You'll also enjoy dinner in one of the Inn's restaurants, a "Spicy" cooking seminar, dance instruction and a Valentine's Dance, which offers the perfect place to fall in love all over again (or for the first time). Lodging packages available.
The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa - The spa and spa services are renowned.  Resort amenities includes a scenic golf course, a sports complex with pool - tennis - racquetball  and training. Enjoy onsite restaurants, lounge, bars. Choose from a  large variety of rooms and suites, varying stages of updates with some original Inn antiques.

Valentine's Day Weekend Events: Chimney Rock ParkValentine BOGO Tickets

February 8-14 -  Valentine's Chimney Rock Park BOGO (buy one get one free) Tickets.  Nothing says "I love you" like a romantic day at Chimney Rock with breathtaking views and pristine trails.  The good folks at Chimney Rock Park are offering a sweet deal to buy one regularly-priced adult ticket and get one free for Valentine's Day from Feb. 8-14.

Walk hand-in-hand on a beautiful hike to the base of the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls. Top off the perfect day with a tasty lunch at the Old Rock Cafe. Click here to download this special coupon. Coupon must be presented to the Ticket Plaza at the time of purchase.

Valentine's Day Weekend Events: Heinzelmannchen Brewery Chocolate and Beer Pairing

February 11, 2-5 PM, Heinzelmannchen Brewery, 545 Mill Street in historic downtwon Sylva NC - Chocolate and Beer Pairing.  Just in time for Valentine's Day,  Maleah and Denise from Chocolate-m.d. (aka Mother,Daughter; Milk,Dark; made differently) share their delectable chocolates at the Brewery location. The chocolates will be paired with Heinzelmannchen Ales for a delightful tasting.  Chocolate-m.d will also have their chocolates available for purchase ( cash/checks only). 

Get a link for Heinzelmannchen Brewery and more
Sylva NC information HERE

Valentine's Day Events: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Valentine Express

February 11, 11 AM, Bryson City NC - The Peanuts^™ Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown Excursion and Valentine Sweetheart Train, a special event.  The train departs at 11 AM and will travel along the Tuckasegee River to Dillsboro NC for a 1 ½ layover. Special Valentine's activities include crafts, photo ops, snacks and more.  This is a fun-filled outing for the whole family.

Get a link for the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad and other
Bryson City Attractions and events HERE

NC Mountains Valentine Event: Valentine Weekend at RagApple Lassie Vineyard

RagApple Lassie Vineyard's Valentine Weekend http://www.ragapplelassie.com/new/content/view/23features live romantic music both Saturday and Sunday, wine tasting in chocolate dipped wine glasses, wonderful imported chocolates for sampling and purchasing from Blue Ridge Chocolate Shoppe, AND Romantic VALENTINE LUNCHES by reservation.

Choose between two four course lunches - menus shown below - perfectly paired with a different wine for each course. Seatings at 12 noon and 2:00 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED (there is still some seating available). $35.00 per person plus tax and gratuity.

Menu One:  Give me LOVE

Cheddar Cheese, Fig jam and crackers with RAL Chardonnay

Beaufort Shrimp with Kaleidoscope Gold

Tenderloin of Beef and truffle dusted duchess potatoes with Cabernet Sauvignon

Peach Tart with Boonville Blanc

Menu Two:  Give me Romance

Creamy Brie, pears and almonds with Pinot Gris

Shrimp Bisque with Viognier

Lamb Chops and fresh asparagus with Syrah

Double Chocolate Terrine with Rockford Red

RagApple Lassie's Kaleidoscope Red was top on the list of Ed Williams' News & Record 'Uncorked' recommended wines for Valentine.  As quoted by Ed Williams in his article, "This wine is just like good sex....teasing the palate with a hint of sweetness and a promise of spirit in its long lingering finish!  Try it - you'll love it

RagApple Lassie Vineyard is located at 3724 RagApple Lassie Lane in Boonville, NC - near Mount Airy and Wilkesboro.

NC Valentine's Weekend Event: Naturalist Meetup Party

The Compleat Naturalist is hosting a Naturalist MEETUP FREE party, Friday Feb. 11, 6:00-7:30pm. Celebrate the end of the week with drinks and snacks. Stop by and stay for the whole time or leave when you wish. This week we are focusing on the geology of the Southern Appalachians. For "show & tell," Hal will have a display of a portion of our extensive rock and mineral teaching collection, and will talk a little bit about our upcoming Rock and Mineral ID Class. Bring your naturalist stories and ideas to share! Please email if you plan to attend or if you have questions: Laura@compleatnaturalist.com

Join the  new Compleat Naturalist Meeup Group to be notified of upcoming events. Meet other nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, naturalists, and similarly inquisitive minds. The Compleat Naturalist Shop is located at  2 Brook Street, Historic Biltmore Village,  Asheville NC.