Stories of Mountain Folk for 5-26-12

May 26, 2012 Stories of Mountain Folk Podcast by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia

Storytelling: Amy shares a childhood memory of "Doodlebug, Doodlebug."  Music: "Duets" by Banjo Mania

Creative Corner: Poet Terry Michelsen visits with Doreyl to talk about her new book, "Soaring on Wings of Words." Music: "A Stor Mo Chrol" by the Asheville Muses

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy talks with Jeff Price, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee, about his ability as a natural artist. Music: "Cherokee" Native American Flute.

Apple Butter: Join Krista as she introduces Bradley Adams, a member of the Freight Hoppers Band, and talks about his music heritage. Music: "Shelvin Rock" by the Freight Hoppers

Down Another Road: Judy's guest is Tommy Case once more, as she continues with the history of the historical Pisgah Forest Pottery in Arden. Music: "Darling Cora" by John Analo Phillips, an old Appalachian song

Closing Song:  "Little Satchel" by Blue Ridge Rounders.

CLICK HERE to listen to the Podcast

Memorial Day Weekend Event: Weaverville Roots Festival and Commemorative Ceremony

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 and find more local information on the Weaverville NC Visitor Guide

Memorial Day Weekend Event: Highlights of Asheville Beer Week

Asheville celebrates its fourth Beer City USA victory with an 11 day extravaganza featuring its exceptional craft brew culture.  Asheville Beer Week , May 24 - June 3  includes everything from special dinners to the "Sink It and Drink It" mini-golf putting crawl. Here are some of the Week's highlights:

 - Now in its third year, the Beer City Festival  hosts to 32 breweries from across the country. On Saturday, June 2, you can sample new brews, try out some local food and enjoy live music. Tickets are available at Barley's Taproom and Brusin' Ales until May 31.
- Take a course in brewology. Join local columnist and beer diva, Anne Fitten Glenn, at Barley's Taproom for Beer 101. Get a lesson in beer styles, brewing, beer history and more. The event takes place Friday, May 25, from 4 to 6PM.

 - Asheville's oldest brewery meets America's oldest brewery. Join Leah Wong Ashburn and Jennifer Yuengling at Highland Brewing Company for an event highlighting the next generation of family-owned breweries. It takes place Thursday, May 31 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM.

- Sample the exceptional Razor Wit , a Highland Brewing Company beer, was just featured on Esquire.com's Best Beers of 2012 list.

-  Mystery Unveiled: A new brewery is coming to town, but who is going to be? Head over to Wedge Brewing Company on Thursday, May 31, from 6:30 - 9:00 PM for the big reveal.

- District 12 release party: Asheville Brewing Company in downtown Asheville will roll out their new Hunger Games themed "District 12 Ale" for the first time. This free event takes place Wednesday, May 30, starting at 5:00 PM

Get a link for Asheville Beer week, Asheville Breweries and local information on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide

Last Minute Memroial Day Weekend Rental: West Jefferson Mountain View Cabin

Panoramic mountain Views - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 6. Private setting but only minutes to downtown. Covered deck with rockers, fireplace, HDTV. $145 - $180 night, $825 - $1035 week. Get more details , photos and availability

Memorial Day Weekend Event: 2nd Annual West Jefferson Run

May 26   2nd Annual West Jefferson 5K / 10K Run  Enjoy Memorial Day weekend in historic West Jefferson. This is a chip timed race through the streets and hills surrounding beautiful West Jefferson located at the base of Mt. Jefferson in Ashe County. Bring the entire family for a Kids Dash before the race. Free child care will be provided for parents who participate in the race as well. Following the race there will be food & refreshments, free door prizes & live music.

Find more a link for the Run and more Memorial Day Weekend Events on the NC Events Calendar

Last Minute Memorial Day Rental: Maggie Valley Cataloochee Ranch Cabin

Vintage Cabin on Cataloochee Guest Ranch - 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps up to 6. Mountain views, on site horseback riding and hiking trails. Fireplace, deck with mountain view and gas grill. One-of-a-kind rustic style but with all the modern conveniences. Food service available. $225 night.  See photos and availability

Find more last minute Memorial Day Rentals HERE

Memorial Day Weekend Event: Memorial Party in Old Fort

May 26   Memorial Party Celebrate Memorial Day at Sky Island. The day's events include a concert by The David Cody Band, free mini golf for children under 12, a turkey shoot, horseshoe contest and fishing tournament. Food provided by Sonny's Mountain Side BBQ & Beef Burgers. 2 PM, Sky Island Retreat and Campground, Old Fort

Get a link for for this and other Memorial Day Weekend Events on the NC Mountain Events Calendar

Memorial Day Weekend Events: Wheels Through Time Vet's Special

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. The Museum is located 62 Vintage Lane in Maggie Valley NC. Get a link and more information for Wheels Through Time on the Maggie Valley NC Visitor Guide.

Last Minute Memorial Day Rental - Modern Smoky Mountains Cabin

Modern vacation rental in the Smoky Mountains - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 5. Beautiful mountain view in pristine setting. Deck, fireplace, charcoal grill, fire pit, hammock, WIFI. Located between Robbinsville and Bryson City near Fontana Lake. $700 per week.   See rental photos and availability calendar

Get additional Memorial Day Weekend rentals HERE

Foothills Conservancy Hosts Invasive Plant Workshop

June 2 - A free workshop will be held on the front lawn of the Wilson Creek Visitor’s Center  at 9 AM.  Participants will learn how to identify non-native invasive plants that are threatening the ecological integrity of Wilson Creek and how to best manage them. Cost-share incentive programs for management on larger private properties will be presented.

Wilson Creek is a designated Wild and Scenic River Corridor with outstanding resource waters suitable for natural trout propagation.  Many unique natural communities occur along its 23.3 mile riparian area.  It is a popular destination for anglers and outdoors enthusiasts alike.  Invasive exotic plants such as Japanese Knotweed, Kudzu, Oriental Bittersweet, Japanese Spiraea and others are invading these natural communities and threatening the ecological integrity of the river corridor.

Multiple agencies and organizations including the Friends of Wilson Creek, Foothills Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, Western North Carolina Alliance, US Forest Service, NC Forest Service, and NC Wildlife Resource Commission are joining together to address non-native invasive plants within the Wilson Creek Wild and Scenic River Corridor and initiate management efforts.

Volunteers are being sought to assist in management efforts. The June 2 workshop will introduce the project, train participants on the identification of target plants, demonstrate best control techniques, and discuss incentive programs for private landowners.  To register for the event or receive more information, call 828-437-9930 or akota@foothillsconservancy.org.

Last Minute Memorial Day Rentals: Maggie Valley Getaway

Maggie Valley Mountain View Vacation Rental - 2 bedroom, 2 baths, sleeps 4. Hot tub, fireplace 2 master suites, covered deck with gas grill, WIFI. Easy paved access only minutes from golf, Cataloochee Ski Area and other Maggie Valley attractions. $140 night, $725 week.   See rental photos and availability

Find local information on the Maggie Valley NC Visitor Guide

WNC Chefs Challenge for 5-22-12

May 22  WNC Chefs Challenge Knife & Fork vs. Never Blue Tapas Bar and Grill Food and sport combine for the ultimate food fight. The Challenge brings together 14 leading chefs from the region and one secret ingredient in weekly battles each Tuesday from March 20 - May 22.

Diners enjoy six plated culinary creations (three from each team) that incorporate the secret ingredient and score each dish. The votes from the audience and a panel of professional chefs, journalists, and culinary experts are tallied. A winner is announced at the end of the night and continues to the next round of competition.

Get a link for the Chef's Challenge and other Asheville events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide

Step Back in Time Today in Old Fort NC

May 19-20    Spring Muster   Historical interpretation depicting life on the western North Carolina frontier during the 1700s. Enjoy period crafters and demonstrations.  Revolutionary War-era re-enactments performed throughout the day. Held at Davidson's Fort Historical Park.
Events include:  Militia soldiers, weapons demonstrations, Indian traders and craftsmen. South Carolina author Christine Swagger Sutlers will be available for questions and info. Saturday hours are 10 AM - 5 PM, Sunday hours 1 PM - 5 PM. $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for children.


May 19   3 PM - 5 PM   Classic Car Cruise-in   Held the 3rd Saturday of every month. Bring your car, truck or motorcycle to downtown Old Fort. This is a FREE event  Sponsored by Route 70 Cruisers.

Freinds of the Smokies Calls for National Trails Day Volunteers

Volunteer with Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Saturday, June 2nd for  American Hiking Society's 20th National Trails Day / 16th Annual Appalachian Trail Workday

EVENT: America's Largest TRAILgating Party
DATE: Saturday, June 2, 2012
TIME: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
LOCATION: Between Icewater Springs Shelter and Silers Bald AND  NE and SW of Low Gap
MORE: Registration Info and Offical Form HERE

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. 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

Mother's Day Weekend Events: Téada performs tonight at Diana Wortham in Asheville

May 11, 8 PM at Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 S Pack Square in downtown Asheville NC. Téada (meaning "strings" in the Irish language) returns to the Diana Wortham Theatre to belt out the vibrant, traditional music of Ireland that it so deftly plays. 

The band is delighted to announce its newest member, legendary Irish accordion player, singer, and eager storyteller, Séamus Begley. Experience one of the first opportunities to see the band perform with its brand new line-up, right here in Asheville!  Téada's Asheville performance is presented in partnership with The Swannanoa Gathering at Warren Wilson College. 

Last Minute Mother's Day Weekend Getaways

Great location and Peaceful Mountain Views - 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps up to 10. Large deck with dining and gas grill, stone fireplace, ping pong, video games, WIFI,  jetted bathtub. $199 - $325 night, $995 - $1595 week. 10 minutes to  downtown Weaverville NC, 2o minutes to Asheville.     See photos or reserve cabin

  Villa at Sugar Mountain’s Reserve - 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 4. Gorgeous mountain views from the deck, stone gas fireplace, HDTV and WIFI, jetted bathtub, loft. The Reserve offers walking and parking ski access to the Sugar Mountain slopes.   See condo photos or book now 

Sugar Mountain condo with hot tub - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 4. Mountain views at 5200 feet. Individual deck with hot tub, fireplace. Located in the Reserve with community access to the Sugar Slopes. $245-$350 night, $1250 week.    See condo photos or make a reservation

Newer Sugar Mountain Condo with incredible views - 2+ bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps up to 7. Long range mountain views, deck, jetted bathtub,  gas fireplace, upscale furnishings. Locate in The Reserve with walking access to the Sugar ski slopes. $245 - $350 night, $1100 week.       See photos and reservation details

Spectacular mountain views from all rooms - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 8. Wood-burning fireplace, 3 decks on 3 levels to enjoy the views, WIFI. Club privileges.  Great location  in Mariah IV Condos. . $150 - $200 night, $650 - $1400 week. Beech Mountain NC.       See townhome pictures and rental details

Vacation Apartments in Asheville Restored Victorian - 1 bedroom suites, sleeps 2. Walk to downtown Asheville shops and restaurants. Fully furnished suites with modern kitchens, TV, WIFI. Onsite laundry facility. SPECIAL OFFERED May 1-24.      See rental photos or book now

Find more last minute Mother's Day Weekend Rentals 

on the Cabin Availability List

Mother's Day Weekend Event: Art and Gardening, a natural combination

Claude Monet "Monet Painting in his Garden"

May 12-13   3rd Annual Tryon Art in Bloom   Take Mom on a tour of five spectacular local gardens with local artists painting on site. The garden tours are held  in partnership with local garden clubs and proceeds  benefit Tryon Fine Arts Center, Garden & Art Bazaar in downtown Tryon and Landrum.
Downtown Tryon and Landrum will come alive with vendors of plants of all sizes and colors. Proceeds benefit TFAC’s ArtScapes project to bring public art to Tryon,  Landrum and Columbus.

Sunday, May 13, 4:00 PM at the Tryon Fine Arts Center Sculpture Exhibit view sculpture indoors and outdoors by local sculptors of national and regional stature. Enjoy the Landscape Lecture and Garden Party Lecture by Sally Barnet Spanger, Editor of the Garden Clubs of America Bulletin.

Learn more about Tryon the Tryon NC Visitor Guide

Mother's Day Events: Creative Event in the RIver Arts District

May 12   Oh Mother! at the Odyssey Center located in Asheville;s  River Arts District. 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.

Two of WNC's favorite Family Parks offer Special Programs for Mother's Day Weekend

May 12-13   Shutterbugs Nature Photography Workshop at Chimney Rock Park. Capture spring wildflowers, 75-mile views and a 404-foot waterfall with your camera at Chimney Rock. The instructor, Les Saucier, has led nature photography workshops for more than 26 years, participates in many juried shows and has had his work published in numerous books and magazines, including National Geographic. This This 2-day workshop includes classroom time, field time and critique.

May 11-13  Naturalist Weekend  at Grandfather Mountain. Three days filled with guided hikes and special presentations on the birds, wildflowers and nature of Grandfather Mountain. The activities and programs are included with regular admission. Naturalist Weekend is a fascinating collection of programs and guided walks offered to help guests discover more about the diversity of life at Grandfather Mountain.

Get additional information about mountain parks on the NC Parks Guide