Asheville Entertainment: Benji Hughes w/Wayne Robbins & the Hellsayers

May 9 doors open 8PM Asheville, Grey Eagle. Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, Benji Hughes spends much of his time masterminding his blend of inventive rock and ballads. At times earnest, at others whimsical, Benji is equally adept at keyboards and guitar. He loves beer but he loves women even more. Underneath his thick mane of strawberry blond hair and beard is a versatile singer/songwriter, full of heart. His music collection -- spanning everything from The Crystals, Merle Haggard, and Kinky Friedman to Talking Heads, The Cars, and Slayer --is as wild as his gracious exterior. For more info or tickets: 185 Clingman Ave, Asheville 828-232-5800 info@theGreyEagle.com

Montreat College: Lecture and Book Signing

May 11 7PM Gaither Chapel on the Montreat College campus, Black Mountain. Dr. Bill Forstchen, New York Times best-selling author and long-time Professor of History at Montreat College, will give a lecture and host a book signing for his latest bestseller, One Second After. Admission is free, the event is open to the community, and copies of One Second After will be available for purchase after the lecture. One Second After is set in Montreat, NC and the Swannanoa Valley and chronicles the plight of United States citizens after a powerful weapon known as an Electro Magnetic Pulse (EMP) is detonated in the atmosphere, destroying or disabling electronic equipment across the nation. One Second After has climbed to #11 on the New York Times bestseller list since its release in mid-March 2009.

For more information about this event, contact Sandi Chamberlain at Montreat College by email, schamberlain@montreat.edu, or by dialing 828.669.8012, ext. 3621.

Montreat College is a Christ-centered liberal arts institution with its main campus for four-year traditional students in Montreat. The accelerated School of Professional and Adult Studies program has campuses in Asheville, Charlotte, and Black Mountain, with courses being taught in Cherokee, Murphy and other NC locations.

Black Mountain: Braidstream Mother's Day Performance

May 10 2:30 PM Black Mountain. A very special performance, on the grounds of the Black Mountain Inn on Mother's Day. Bring a picnic lunch, dessert provided by the Black Mountain Inn,and handcrafted wine offered by Lake James Cellar.
From Celtic to Native American and Baltic, from classical to the edge of jazz and beyond, Braidstream is an eclectic mix of musical styles, backgrounds and cultures coming together to create a whole greater than the sum of it’s parts. With flutes, hammered dulcimer, guitar, sitar, cello and vocals, these internationally recognized artists meld classical and modern forms into an exciting weave that defies categorization.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to Treat Mom to something Special!!!
Braidstream has been performing together professionally since 1985 and has been featured on HGTV at Christmas at the Biltmore Estate. For reservations, please call 828 669 6528.

Ticket Info: $20. Adv.Purchase $25 day of event/children $10.00 (under 10 no charge)

Ashe County event: HOBO DAY

May 9 7:30 AM until Lansing. Check out this community-wide yard sale at the Creeper Trail Park behind the LVFD Building. There is no set-up fee and spaces are available on a first come first serve. Do bring you own tables, chairs and tents. Breakfast will be available at Lansing Volunteer Fire Dept. Building after 7am. Proceeds from the breakfast will go towards supporting the future Lansing Medical Clinic. Lunch will be available for purchase from the LVFD. Visit the open-air Art Gallery and Sidewalk sales throughout the town. Artists, Vendors, Troubadours, Storytellers, Singers, Musicians, and any Creative Performance Artists are welcome. For more information call Frenchy at 336 877 2929 or Brenda at 336 384 9141 or visit the web-site at http://www.lansingnc.com.

Art News: Art School Open House

May 3 1PM-4PM Glendale Springs. The Paul and Florence Thomas Memorial Art School hopes you’ll join us for refreshments as we announce the full 2009 season of more than 35 classes in the fine arts and master crafts. Located at 242 Trading Post Road in Glendale Springs. www.FlorenceArtSchool.org

Parks Event: Wildflower Day at the Parkway

May 23 Asheville area, The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, located at Parkway Milepost 384 will be the site for Wildflower Day at the Blue Ridge Parkway. Music, traditional dance, a guided Discovery Walk and other hands-on activities will be included. It's a great way for kids and their families to get out into nature and learn about the plants blooming around them. The high definition movie, "Blue Ridge Parkway, America's Favorite Journey," will be shown on the half hour, and the gift shop will be open with books, educational gifts and edible and scented products from local farms.

Dupont Forest: Tour de Falls

May 9-10 Brevard, Dupont Forest. The Friends of DuPont Forest will again sponsor the Tour de Falls, a 12 mile tour by shuttle bus to four of DuPont Forest’s most spectacular sites: Triple Falls, High Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Lake Julia. Visitors are encouraged to bring their cameras, take short hikes, or just enjoy the beauty of the falls and lake, all of which provide beautiful backdrops for family or scenic photographs. Easy-to-enter shuttles will run from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m, allowing visitors the chance to enjoy each site for as long as they like. Three of the sites have shelters with picnic tables and benches. The Cedar Mountain Fire Department Auxiliary will operate a concession stand in the parking area where tickets for the tour are available.

A $10 per person donation is requested. The tour generally takes about 2 hours, depending on how long participants choose to spend at each stop. http://dupontforest.com

Lake Lure: Lure of the Dragons

May 16 - 9AM to 6PM Lake Lure. Enjoy a day of family fun when the Dragons roar at the regional children’s charity fundraiser festival, “Lure of the Dragons.”

A dragon boat is a 30-foot long canoe that holds ten paddlers, one drummer and one steerperson. The boat is “dressed out” with an authentic Chinese dragon head and tail and scales along the sides. A winning team is not necessarily the strongest team, but rather the team that paddles in sync to the beat of their drummer and has the best stroke technique.

This is the second year of the Lake Lure event. At least twenty teams of 10 paddlers, one drummer, and a steerperson will be racing on the Rocky Broad River at Morse Park (town park) in Lake Lure. There will be food, exhibits, entertainment, and a huge inflatable playground for the kids. Free parking and admission.

Lake Lure Dragon Boat Racing is a nonprofit public charity, dedicated to improving the quality of life and future of children in Rutherford, Polk, Henderson, and Buncombe counties.

Art News: Region-wide event at The Folk Art Center

May 22 - 6PM, May 23 - 9AM-noon. Asheville, The Folk Art Center. Learn about the historic Craft Revival period in Western North at a free, region-wide event featuringJ eff Biggers and an interactive workshop. The event launches Western Carolina University's online digital collection on the historic Craft Revival. The Saturday Interactive Workshop will allow visitors to use the Craft Revival website as a research tool. Staffed interactive workstations will provide opportunities for participants to try out the website in a variety of ways. These include:

• K-12 teacher station to facilitate the use of lesson plans and resources
• Research station using the website to identify objects
• Digital station to outline basic scanning techniques
• Scavenger hunt station where participants will solve research questions

Registration for the Interactive Workshop begins Saturday, May 23rd at 9 am. Teachers who wish to receive CEU credit should pre-register by contacting Norma Bradley at 828-298-8555 or normabradley@mindspring.com.

This event is sponsored by Western Carolina University’s Hunter Library in partnership with HandMade in America and the Southern Highland Craft Guild.

Mount Airy: All-ages Jam Session

May - every Thursday evening, Andy Griffith Playhouse, Mount Airy. 7-10 pm.
every Saturday morning, Downtown Cinema Theatre, Mount Airy. 9-11am.

Hot Springs: Bluegrass Music Jam

May - every Friday night at Paddlers Pub in Hot Springs. 7:30 pm. Madison County Arts Council. 828-649-130

Travel News: US Travel Association Responds to Swine Flu Concerns

April 28 - Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, today issued the following statement:

"Travelers, like all citizens, should heed the advice of experts when determining how best to manage health concerns. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Swine Influenza (swine flu) should not discourage people from traveling to or within the United States.


"We recommend that government officials treat this issue and any forthcoming statements with care and caution. We must address the situation with measured, pragmatic responses so as not to cause panic and negative consequences to the economy if health risks are not imminent.


"Recent health concerns, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Avian flu, provide useful guidance as governments, opinion leaders and travelers consider the appropriate response to swine flu.


"We stand ready to assist the U.S. government and health experts in any way necessary to communicate critical information to travelers. The U.S. Travel Association has contacted all relevant agencies with an offer to help in any way needed, and will soon begin posting updates on www.ustravel

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Filled with Rare Creatures

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its panoramic views, winding hiking trails and natural beauty. But thanks to a continuing study, the park is now known for its bio-diversity. According to the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI), there are 16,570 species in the park, including 6,129 species that are new to the Smokies and 890 species new to science.

Bluegrass night with Canyon Creek

April 30 The Back Room at Flat Rock Wine Shoppe. The Asheville group picks and sings with the best. Friday May 1: Wink Keziah and his band Delux Motel 9:00pm www.winkkeziah.com Saturday May 2: The Leigh Glass Band 9:00pm www.myspace.com/leighglassmusic 828-697-6828 www.flatrockwineshoppe.com

Italian Wine Dinner

April 28th The Backroom at Flat Rock Wine Shoppe. Italian dinner with
the Mike Guggino Trio. Ally's feast begins at 5:00pm with the
music starting at 6:30pm. No Cover!828-697-6828 www.flatrockwineshoppe.com

GSMNP Celebrates 75 Years

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park celebrates its 75th Anniversary with a year-long series of events, hikes, music performances and festivals. Check out the complete schedule of 75th anniversary events in Bryson City and surrounding North Carolina communities. Information on all 2009 events is available on the Park's 75th anniversary web site.

For more information on the event, call the Chamber at 828-488-3681 or 800-867-9246.

Bluegrass In Wilkes

May 9 from 12 pm - 10 pm Wilkesboro. Welcome to the 2009 Third Annual Bluegrass in Wilkes Festival. Friends of Rendezvous Mountain have worked diligently to bring together great bluegrass bands for your enjoyment. Food and beverage vendors will be at the festival as well as crafts. Proceeds from Bluegrass in Wilkes will be used exclusively to make further improvements to the trails for hikers, bikers, and horses in the Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest and promote the educational mission of the forest. To learn more about us and Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest got to friends of rendezvous mtn. We know you will enjoy the Bluegrass in Wilkes Festival in Wilkes County. Thank you for your continuing support. Enjoy! http://www.bluegrassinwilkes.com/

Hi-Yo-Silver! The Lone Ranger Rides Again!

May 23, 24, 30 & 31 and August 22, 23, 29 & 30. Bryson City Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Join the fun as America's favorite hero The Lone Ranger and his faithful companion Tonto save the day! An exciting event with cowboys, horses, a train robbery, western themed activities and live musical entertainment at the depot.

Heritage Fest at Riverfront Park

May 22-23 Bryson City. t all starts Friday night with local gospel talent. Saturday entertainment is a varied as the region ranging from a highlands pipe and drum corps to classic country and bluegrass. In addition to music, the festival offers local arts and crafts, food, games for the kids and fun for the whole family!

A Bad Year for Tomatoes

May 9 Mount Airy at Andy Griffith Playhouse.This comedy (not about the recent salmonella scare!) is a play about a Hollywood actress named Myra who leaves Hollywood, rents a small cottage in Vermont, and settles down to write her autobiography - she thinks! Needless to say, she gets anything but her much wanted privacy and has to deal with nosy neighbors and all sorts of the crazy characters that live in this small town. http://www.surryarts.org

MayFest

May 8-10 Pilot Mountain. Each Spring on Mother’s Day weekend Pilot Mountain hosts the annual Mayfest. The celebration begins on Friday and draws to a close on Sunday afternoon. Main Street is blocked off to motor traffic to accommodate an array of arts, crafts, and food vendors in addition to live entertainment. http://www.townofpilotmountain.com/mayfest.htm

Strawberry Jam Festival

May 15th and 16th Bryson City. Darnell Farms celebrates this luscious berry May 15th and 16th with the Strawberry Jam Festival. Enjoy strawberry desserts while you listen to the area's best musical talent. Darnell Farms is just east of Bryson City on the Tuckasegee River. 828-488-3681

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

May 2, 2009 at 7:30pm Mount Airy at the Blackmon Amphitheatre located across from The Andy Griffith Playhouse. Admission is $10.00. For More Info. Please visit www.surryarts.org or call 336-786-7998

Strawberry Picking Time In The Mountains

May is the start of the season. There's nothing better than mountain grown strawberries and mid-May is the start of the season. Come and enjoy - pick your own if you want, or let the growers do the work.

Smokies’ Summer Stillwater Fishing Season Starts Saturday

May 2 7AM Almond near Bryson City. With Fontana Lake filling up right on schedule, the season’s first big fishing event gets underway at 7 a.m Saturday May 2 at the Almond Boat and RV Park near Bryson City, NC. The 16th Annual Bass Tournament and Barbecue will feature music, food, raffle prizes, and huge cash prizes for the tournament winners! All proceeds benefit the West Swain Volunteer Fire Department. To register, contact Jim at Almond Boat and RV Park 828-488-6423; Casey at Smoky Mountain Lakes and Marine 828-488-2424; or stop by Clampitt Ace Hardware in downtown Bryson City 828-488-2782.

Antique Rolls Royce Cars

May 2 from 10 am to 12 noon in Downtown Mount Airy. Featuring around 50 Antique Rolls Royce's from (1907-1926). Come Downtown to see these Beautiful Antique Cars that will line one side of the Street on Main Street in Mount Airy.

"Lying in State" Dinner Theatre

April 30 Mount Airy at Cross Creek Country Club. -786-7998 or 800-286-6193.! For More information please visit: www.surryarts.org

7th Annual Midnight at the Oasis

May 3 7PM - 11PM Blowing Rock. Meadow Brook Inn - Celebrating 31 years of Service, Information and Shelter. Heavy Hors D'oeuvres, cash bar, dance to the music of Latitude. $30 per person, call for tickets: 878-264-1532.

First Fridays Art Stroll

May 1 Hendersonville. Join your neighbors and friends in strolling along Historic Downtown Hendersonvile and visiting the many art galleries in the area on the first Friday of each month through December.For additional information, please contact Lee Henderson-Hill, Executive Director, Downtown Hendersonville, Inc. at (828) 697-2022.

37th Annual Mayfest

Date: May 2, 2009 Time: 10:00 a.m. Rutherfordton
Enter your vehicle today! MayFest has food, arts, crafts, live entertainment, great bands & wonderful children's activities.

Fresh Local Art and Produce (FLAP) Market

Date: April 28, 2009
Time: 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
A lively combination of the best parts of an art show and farmers market.

Dining Out for Life

April 30 Weaverville. Blue Mountain Pizza (55 North Main Street Map) and Stoney Knob Cafe (337 Merrimon Avenue Map) are among the 90 restaurants taking part in this year’s Dining Out for Life. On Thursday, April 30, both restaurants will donate 20% of their gross sales from lunch and dinner to the Western North Carolina AIDS Project. All diners can also enter a drawing to win a cruise, spa or dining out package. For more information and a full list of all participating restaurants, visit www.diningoutforlife.com/asheville

Blue Ridge Parkway Receives $13.3 Million

The Blue Ridge Parkway, portions of which run through Asheville, was awarded $13.3 million in federal stimulus money. The Blue Ridge Parkway will use the funds for repairs including reconstructing historic stone guard walls, removing vegetation and hazardous trees and repairing trails.The money is part of the $750 million allocated to more than 750 projects at national parks across the United States.

Endless Summer’s Event – Filled Kickoff

May 1-3, Lake Lure. Events Pair with Rutherfordton’s MayFest to Draw Music Lovers, Families, Anglers and Cyclists.
May 1 - The Little River Band
May 1 - A Night at the Races Kentucky Derby Party
May 2 - Gears & Gables Bike Race
May 2 - 18th Annual Rush for the Gold
May 2 & 3 - Olympiad Fly-Fishing Masters Tournament

Blue Ridge Parkway Closings- Boone area

The Blue Ridge Parkway will be closed for construction in two areas until fall of 2009: (1) from MP 269.8 Phillips Gap to MP 271.9 Cascade Park Overlook; and (2) MP 285.0 Bamboo Gap to MP 288.0 Aho Gap.
For more information contact the Parkway at 828/271-4779 x239.

Italian Wine Dinner

April 28 5:00pm Flat Rock. Italian dinner with
the Mike Guggino Trio. Ally's feast begins at 5:00pm with the music starting at 6:30pm. No Cover! Please call 828-697-6828 for more information.
Thanks, Dave
www.flatrockwineshoppe.com

AB-Tech’s Culinary Team Wins Regional Competition

Asheville-Buncombe Technical (AB-Tech) Community College won the American Culinary Federation’s Southeast Regional Hot Food Competition this month. The winning team included Michael Aanonsen, Shannon Ginn, Steven Goff, Anna McClintock and Travis McCloud. The team was coached by Charles deVries, CEPC.The team will compete for the national title in Orlando this July. This is AB-Tech’s third trip to the National competition.

Wine Tasting

April 25 Hops & Vines, Asheville. Exciting New Wines from Down Under! Join us for a tasting of one white and three reds from Australia perfect for spring and easy on the wallet! Exciting New Wines from Down Under! 828-252-5275

Free homebrew tasting

April 24th, 4-7p.m. HOPS N Vines, Asheville. This Friday come by Hops & Vines and try some home-brewed beer! I encourage anyone who is a homebrewer or meadmaker to bring in samples to share with others. You don't have to bring homebrew or be a homebrewer to taste, but if you got 'em, bring 'em. We've had fun with these tastings in the past and I am looking forward to this week. I am bringing an IPA, Milk Stout and Saison. Hope you enjoy! 797 Haywood Road 828-252-5275

Second Annual Spruce Up Bryson City

April 25 1:30 p.m. Bryson City. Organized by the Green Women. meet at the Swain County Administration Building in Bryson City arrive wearing long pants, sturdy shoes, old clothes and be ready to pick up trash a meal for all volunteers will follow
come help make a difference in our community

Weekend Specials at Nantahala Village

Thirteen Moons at Nantahala Village Join Us This Weekend For Our Chef’s Wonderful Specials We have something for everyone Join us for Sunday Brunch or Dinner!

April 24th Special Vegetarian Selection “Foggy Gorge” Stuffed Portabella Mushroom
over cheese grits and roasted tomato and cucumber relish. Chef’s Special Entrée Herb Encrusted Pork Tenderloin with peach salsa and chocolate mole

April 25th Special Vegetarian Selection Sesame and Orange Glazed Tempeh with jasmine rice and grilled greens Chef’s Special Entrée Wild Mushroom and Ramp Stuffed Filet Mignon with burgundy veal glaze

April 26th Sunday Brunch Buffet 10:30am – 2:30pm
* Atlantic Smoked Salmon and Bagel Bar with Capers,Red Onion and Cream Cheese
* Fresh Seasonal Fruit and a Selection of Gourmet Salads
* Omelet Station made to order by our Chef
* Danish Pastries and Muffins
* Waffle Bar with Warm Maple Syrup, Whipped Butter, Berry Compote
* A Fantastic Soup du Jour
* Grilled Chicken and Penne Pasta with Portabella Cream Sauce
* Fresh Carved Turkey with Peach Salsa
* Braised Vegetables with Home Fries
* Sensational Homemade Dessert Buffet

Featuring Cranberry Orange Bread Pudding with Vanilla Cream Anglase
Adults $11.95 ~ Children 5-11, $6.95 ~ 4 and under FREE

Camp New Hope to hold fundraiser

April 25 8 a.m.-3 p.m Join these great folks at Family Central from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. for a huge benefit yard sale, live music, NASCAR items, hot dog lunches and bake sale! Camp New Hope is a nonprofit operation run by generous people with caring hearts. Children and their families who visit the camp are not your average vacationers. Each of them has a child or children with terminal illnesses or severe disabilities. The camp is offered completely free of charge to these families whose lives are consumed with medical bills, surgeries and doctors visits. It is not just free of charge, but the hope of camp owners and volunteers is that these ‘get-a-ways’ are as free of worry as possible. Most times it's the only chance families have to gather together with their precious children. The fundraiser this Saturday will offer the public a glimpse of what goes on at Camp New Hope, and it will also give everyone a chance to meet some of the loving volunteers that make it all happen. Please come out and help make a difference in the lives of these terminally ill children and their families! For More information about the Camp New Hope fundraiser please call director Randy Brown at 704-796-6641

www.NCFarmFresh.com

Interest in buying locally grown fruits, vegetables and meats continues to grow as consumers look to support local growers and find foods that haven’t traveled very far from the field to the table? To tap into this growing trend, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is ramping up its efforts to help shoppers find locally grown farm products in their area through promotions and updates of the department’s NCFarmFresh.com Web site. The Web site is as a tool where consumers can search for retail farms, roadside stands, farmers markets, community-supported agriculture operations, nurseries, retail garden centers and more! Listings can be searched by the type of commodity being sold, by county or by region. “Farmers who market their products directly to consumers are encouraged to sign up now so they won’t miss this marketing opportunity,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “this will be a simple and easy way for farmers to promote their products and potentially increase their sales. Best of all, it is free and easy to do.”

Farmers can register their farms by logging on to NCFarmFresh.com and following the links on the home page. They may also contact NCDA&CS at (919) 733-7887 for more information or assistance.

Doc Watson in Concert May 15th

May 15, at 6 PM West Jefferson area. The West Jefferson Lions Club proudly presents our very own Legendary Doc Watson at Mountain Music Jamboree in Glendale Springs on May 15, at 6 p.m. Tickets are for sale in advance or at the door (seating is limited). $25 buys you great entertainment and a hot dog dinner with all the trimmings, potato salad, slaw, dessert and a drink. The event is a fundraiser for the Club’s projects for the blind. For more information call 336-982-8288 or 336-8javascript:void(0)46-7215.

Blue Ridge Parkway Closure Update

The Blue Ridge Parkway is open to Mount Mitchell from the northern access only via highway 80. All southern Parkway access (from Asheville) will be closed into the spring of 2009 due to a retaining wall failure. To reach the park from Asheville, take I-40 E. to 70-E at Old Fort. Take 70 to 80-N to the Parkway. Head south on the Parkway to state highway 128 (Mount Mitchell State Park road).

The restaurant is expected to reopen for the season on May 15.

Exhibit by Penland School of Craft

April 2 - July 8 Sparta Teapot Museum. This exhibit reflects the work of this center for craft instruction and education in the mountains of North Carolina. Open Thursday through Saturday. (336) 372-7238 cgrant@teapotmuseum.org

TrailFest

April 25 Hot Springs. A celebration of the world famous Appalachian Trail. Activities include: Friday: Dinner and movie at Bluff Mountain Outfitters. Saturday: Music from bluegrass to jazz, a variety of food, hiker games, chili cook off, Hiker trivia, local artists and crafts people, Appalachian Trail Conference display booth, famous duck race and more!(828) 622-7162 bluffmtn@hotspringsbroadband.org

Spring Poker Run

April 25 9AM - 1 PM Sparta. Motorcycle riders enjoy a ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains while competing for the best hand. $10 per hand or 3/$25. $5 for any rider not playing a hand. Hot dog lunch included. (336) 372-2846 domestic_abuse@mail.com

Spring Art Safari Tour

April 25-26, 2009 -  Weaverville. Self-guided tour of 53 various artists' studios tucked away in the countryside communities of Weaverville, Barnardsville, and Alexander. info@weavervilleartsafari.com

Ramps Cookout Weekend

April 25-26 Robbinsville. Saturday - rompin-stompin bluegrass concert at Stecoah Valley Center. Sunday - Cookout at Rescue Squad Building, featuring various dishes with ramps. (828) 479-3790 info@GrahamCountyTravel.com

Pioneer Day

April 25 Old Fort. Annual celebration of mountain heritage. The one-day festival features mountain music in the amphitheater, craft demonstrations such as weaving, black smithing, and pottery turning, "Hit or Miss" engine displays and vendors displaying and selling their wares. All day; Mountain Gateway Museum.(828) 668-9259 terrell.finley@ncmail.net

Historic Johnson Farm Festival

April 25 10AM-4PM Hendersonville. The Historic Johnson farmhouse and outbuildings will be open for touring. There will also be live entertainment, demonstrations, wagon rides, children's activities, farm animals and food. Adults $6, Students K-12. $4 - Preschool free. (828) 891-6585 jfarm@henderson.k12.nc.us

Greening Up the Mountains

April 25 Sylva downtown. A free festival celebrating the arrival of spring. info@downtownsylva.org

Demo Daze

April 25-26 Bryson City Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) Imagine spring training and opening day all in one weekend! All boats in NOC's demo fleet will be available for free test paddling. Pool rolling, free instruction clinics and specials on '09 gear round out the weekend. (888) 905-7238

Thunder in the Smokies

April 24-26 Maggie Valley Motorcycle Rally, bike games, bike shows, vendors, music (828) 246-2101

Growing in the Mountains

April 24-25 Asheville Over the past fourteen years the last weekend in April has become synonymous with the Blue Ridge Horticulture Association's Growing in the Mountains plant sale. This will be the third year Growing in the Mountains has been held at the Asheville Farmers Market. This year is no exception in that a wide array of outstanding plants will be offered for sale. Available plants will include: herbs, hostas, Japanese maples, annual flowers, hanging baskets, native azaleas, and conifers.

Explore Life on Lake James event

April 25 11 a.m. to 5 p.m Lake James. Join us for Earth Day on Saturday for our second Explore Life on Lake James event. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., you’ll be able to enjoy a wide array of lake activities that will give you a tantalizing taste of what owning a getaway on Lake James is all about.

* 9 a.m .- Hike the Camp Lake James Trail - Take a morning stroll with the Camp staff. Meet at the Social Hall, grab a cup of coffee, and hit the trails.

* 11 a.m .to Noon - Meet the Builders - Builders will be on hand at the Camp Lake James Social Hall to answer any questions you may have about your future lake retreat.

* 12:30 to 5 p.m.- Open Homes - Tour some of our completed homes in 1780, meet neighbors and talk with some of the talented builders that work on Lake James. Please remember to check out our two rental cabins that will open to tour.

* Noon to 5 p.m.- Boat and Camp Tours - Enjoy a boat tour of Lake James or a tour of our lake adventure center, Camp Lake James.

* 1 to 4 p.m.- Hug a Groundhog - Meet the Director of Carolina Mountain Naturalists and his furry and feathered friends. Learn about the surrounding area's natural habitat and get your chance to pet a groundhog.

* 2 to 3 p.m.- Habitat Building - Help our Camp Lake James staff build bird and squirrel houses, as well as a turtle platform for our very own Doc's Pond. You can also pick up plans to build your very own animal habitat to put at your home.

Food will be available for purchase at the Camp Lake James Canteen until 5 p.m. Alas, it’s a little too chilly, yet, so the pool will not be open.

If you have any questions or need any more information about Crescent Communities on Lake James, please contact us at (866) 375-0065.

Magazine Ranks Asheville as Top Art Destination

AmericanStyle magazine readers ranked Asheville as the #2 city in the Top 25 Arts Destinations for Small Cities.

Wendy Rosen, publisher of the magazine, remarked on the impact local artists have on their community. “Remember the vital roles played by artists during the last recession. They moved in to dying Main Streets, shuttered factories and warehouse districts, and converted them into galleries and art scenes.

Thirteen Moons Restaurant Early Bird Special

Nantahala Village Resort Bryson City. Early Bird Specials Tuesday thru Saturday
5:00pm – 6:00pm $13.95
Chef’s Daily Homemade Soup
or
Our Signature House Salad
or
Caesar Salad

Entrees
Thirteen Moons Signature Slow Roasted Prime Rib 8 oz. Cut to Order
Grouper “Meuniere”
All Natural Chicken Roulade
Dijon and Rosemary Roasted Chicken Alfredo
*Also available with Plum Tomato Pomodoro Sauce

All Entrees Accompanied by our evenings Fresh Vegetable Preparation, Choice of One Side Dish and Freshly Baked Bread

*Please no substitutions or sharing

The Mountain Television Network

The Mountain Television Network, the High Country's only local television station,
is very proud to announce the launch of our new website www.MTN18.com where you can now watch all of our MTN programs in high television quality 24 hours per day, every single day, at the exact same time as the programs are broadcast on our television channels.

With this exciting News, MTN is now able to reach every single person in the High Country and beyond,as MTN now broadcasts on all of the following:

1) Channel 18 on Charter cable throughout all the counties of the High Country.

2) Channel 18 on Skyline cable throughout Watauga, Avery, Ashe, and Allegheny counties.

3) Channel 24 over the air to 12 Counties in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee.

4) On our new website www.MTN18.com to every person in the High Country no matter what television system they have.

5) On our new website to every part-time resident, tourist, potential visitor, and potential buyer anywhere in the World.

Ashe County Member Blast

April 23 5PM-6:30PM West Jefferson. River House Country Inn & Restaurant. This is the first of its kind networking and social event for the Chamber and promises to be a very special affair! We hope that each Chamber member attending would be able to bring a door prize representing their business to be given away through drawings during the evening. AND we would ask that all consider participating in a new 50/50 drawing for cash prizes – 50% to the winning ticket holder & 50% to be applied to the Chamber’s expenses! Be sure to locate our Intern, Donna Pollard, to purchase your tickets: $1 per ticket; or $5 for 6 tickets. There will be food and drink and plenty of merriment for all, so don’t be late. 336-982-2109

Spring Migration Birding Walk and Presentation

April 18, 8am Free Admission
The walk will highlight area birds and will be led by Scott Haas of the United States Forest Service. The presentation will follow the walk and will include topics such as bird gardens, natural pest control, and more!
Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center, 828-479-3364, www.stecoahvalleycenter.com

First Annual Celebrate Earth Environmental Fair

April 18, 10am – 5pm, Riverfront Park Free Admission You don’t want to miss this entertaining and educational event that is designed to encourage environmental responsibility and stewardship! 828-488-3681, chamber@greatsmokies.com

Fontana Village Spring Hike Week

April 19 – 23
Join the Fontana Outdoors staff for a full week exploring some of the most beautiful mountain trails in the southern Appalachians. Learn about the indigenous flora and animals with our staff and curl up next to the fire in the evenings to trade tales of the day from your adventures!
800-849-2258, www.fontanavillage.com

Fontana Village presents Hiyak Festival

April 17 – 19
Grab your packs and kayaks as we celebrate the Appalachian Trail and Cheoah River. Enjoy the live music, educational lectures, geocache events, trail maintenance and more! 800-849-2258, www.fontanavillage.com

Oconaluftee Indian Village opens for its 2009 season

May 1 Cherokee. Oconaluftee Indian Village opens for its 2009 season. The year is 1759, and it is a time of rapid cultural change, prompted by the influence of the British and their contemporary lifestyle. As a Village guest, you are invited to immerse yourself in Cherokee's past to gain an understanding of how it shaped their rich traditions and culture.

Asheville Ranked #6 for Best Place for Business & Careers

Forbes released the winners of its annual ranking of the Best Places for Business and Careers, and Asheville ranked in the top 10. The city ranked #6 in the list of Best Metros. Neighboring Raleigh took the #1 spot.

Mason Jennings at Grey Eagle

April 23 Asheville Doors open at 8PM show starts at 9PM. Tickets: $15 advance/$18 day of show. Singer/songwriter Mason Jennings is one of the best-kept secrets in pop music. In his adopted home of Minneapolis his shows draw 3,000 fans. He was hand-picked by music supervisor Randall Poster to perform two Dylan songs, "The Times They Are a-Changin'" and "The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll," in Todd Haynes' acclaimed I'm Not There, both on the soundtrack album, and lip-synched by Christian Bale in the movie. 828-232-5800

Blazing Bluegrass Bonfire

April 18 6:30 PM Ottis Cook Memorial Gospel Music Park, Golden Valley, NC. It’s the Blazing Bluegrass Bonfire! The hot bluegrass and bluegrass-gospel of J. Max McKee, the Golden Valley Crusaders and more, come to you from the front-porch stage of the Ottis Cook Music Park. Then you can join the open jam session -- no registration required! Come to listen – stay to jam!

Music lovers won’t want to miss this hand-clapping, toe-tapping evening -- while several bonfires will be there to keep the audience warm. The music park kitchen will be serving up hot dogs and hamburgers as a fundraiser for fire and rescue.

This is the last Bonfire this Season -- Hats, T-shirts, stadium blankets and other specialty items bearing the Ignite the Night logo are ON SALE with deep discounts, and will be at the Bonfire. Cash or Check only. Click Here to view samples of merchandise.
Ticket Cost: $10.00 (Food sold separately) Kids under 12 in Free

Wine Tasting - Fla Rock Wine Shoppe

April 25 4-6pm Flat Rock. We will have live music and hors d'ouevres.
It is time for those perfect wines for outdoor grilling
and get togethers with friends. Please call 828-697-6828 for more information.
www.flatrockwineshoppe.com

Free Wine Tasting

April 18th from 3-6 pm Asheville, Hops and Vines, New Arrivals for Spring!
Join us and our friend Josh from The Country Vintner this week to taste four new arrivals to the shop!
2007 Bonci Verdicchio "Carpaneto" Castelli dei Jesi, Italy - A great alternative to Pinot Grigio, this Verdicchio shines with aromas and flavors of citrus, pineapple, almond, and jasmine all offered up in a textured, medium-bodied white. $11.99
2008 Fire Road Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough, New Zealand - Bright green apple, grapefruit, melon, and tropical fruits make this wine summer-sipping perfection. $11.99
2008 Cono Sur Pinot Noir "Vision" Colchagua Valley, Chile - One of the great Pinot Noir values in the world, this wine is sourced from a vineyard originally planted in 1968, making the vines older than about 95% of the Pinot Noir grown in California. It offers up a bright, spicy nose of red and black cherry, earth, spice, and cocoa. $14.99
2008 Terra Andina Carmenere Central Valley, Chile - Just a great all around red for any day, meal, or party. It is a soft, spicy wine, with notes of raspberry and blueberry. This is a very friendly carmenere with no hard edges. $8.99 (yes, that's right!) 797 Haywood Road, West Asheville 828-252=5275

Free beer tasting

April 17th, 4-7p.m. Asheville. Hops and Vines. Terrapin Brewing - was founded by Spike and John - two homebrewers that had a passion for great craft beer and wanted to share it with the world. Come this week and taste their flagship beer along with some of their seasonal creations.

Blue Ridge Parkway Closings

The Blue Ridge Parkway has sent out reminders that the Parkway will be closed for construction in two areas nearby until fall of 2009: (1) from MP 269.8 Phillips Gap to MP 271.9 Cascade Park Overlook; and (2) MP 285.0 Bamboo Gap to MP 288.0 Aho Gap. For more information, contact the Parkway at 828/271-4779 x239.

Gem Valley to reopen May 1

May 1 Jefferson. Gem Valley, the only gem mining operation in Ashe County, has announced its grand re-opening for May 1. The Gem Valley NC Mine is a family business and one of North Carolina's newest attractions and is the only public gem-mining/gold-panning facility in the beautiful mountains of Ashe County, NC! Located at the historical mine of Ore Knob, you can find us at 2489 Little Peak Creek Road off of Highway 88 in Jefferson/Laurel Springs (look for the signs). Gem Valley is only minutes away from the Blue Ridge Parkway and one of the oldest rivers in the world, the "New River." If you like gem mining, you'll LOVE Gem Valley!

Celebrate Earth Day this Saturday

April 18 9AM - 1PM West Jefferson. It's time for Earth Day once again. This year there will be a celebration in Ashe County! Please stop by the Ashe County Farmers Market this Saturday. Besides the obvious benefits of visiting our great Farmers Market, there will also be lots of additional activities going on: Earth-saving tips & info, face painting for the kids, recycle art projects for kids of all ages; several different groups will be there to share info about their organizations, and much more. For more information about this event or New River Earth Institute (NREI) call 336-846-1042 or 877-1860.

Home Show this Saturday!

April 18 10AM-4PM The Spring Home Sweet Home Show and Service Fair will be held at Ashe County High School, and will feature more than 100 exhibitors. Both breakfast and lunch will be catered by the Winners Circle Restaurant, and a 60-inch Mitsubishi HD/LCD TV will be given away as a door prize! Parking and admission will be free. Call Main Street Marketing for more details at 828-263-0095.

Ashe County Chamber Member BLAST

April 23 5 to 6:30 p.m West Jefferson. Mark your calendars for the first ever Ashe County Chamber Member BLAST, coming up on Thursday at River House Country Inn and Restaurant! There will be door prizes, a raffle, networking, socializing and plenty of food and drink for all! Watch for more news soon!

Poor Man's Wine Dinner

May 1 7PM Waynesville Classic Wine Seller and Chef's Table. Great wines of value and great food from chef Josh, $29+ per person. 20 Church Street 828-452-6000

Tweetsie Railroad will open for the 2009 Season on May 1, 2009

May 1 Blowing Rock There are a lot of great things in store when you visit Tweetsie Railroad! Three exciting rides have been added to the Country Fair, and our newest section, The Hacienda, is the setting for many of our Special Events. 1-800-526-5740

Locomotion Trail

West Jefferson (in Ashe County) welcomes the Locomotion Trail. The Trail's total distance is a mile, and provides distance markers every 1/5 of a mile. The artworks used as markers are permanently affixed in the sidewalk, along with the brass plaques that have the Locomotion Trail Symbol on them. Incidentally, the artworks were created by different local artisans. For more information and a complete calendar of events go to www.townofwj.com (click on non-seasonal events for info on the Locomotion Trail).

Black Mountain PICK UP LITTER DAY

May 2 Black Mountain. We are part of the annual state-wide effort. In the interest of keeping our town as clean and litter-free as possible, and in the interest of ENHANCING OUR TOURISM, will you please come and participate in this community effort? Former Town Hall parking lot, 102 Montreat Road, across from Police Dept. and Fire Station 9 a.m., Saturday May 2nd Free juice and donuts (compliments of Ingles)
Safety Vests, orange bags and latex gloves provided Satisfaction and Camaraderie -- guaranteed! Please call Pam at our Town Hall (669-8732) or Bronte Lamm (669-4560) if you are planning to participate.

Cabin Fever - New Products and Specials

Good through April 20. Blowing Rock Our NEW "Life Is Wine" shirts have arrived. We have added them to the "Wine-Os Corner" on our site and they are ready to ship!
Four great new tees will debut this weekend at the Blue Ridge Wine And Food Festival here in Blowing Rock. If you are planning to be in town, you are in for an action packed weekend of WINE, FOOD, AND FUN that kicks off on Thurs. with the "Uncork The Festival" party, Winemaker Dinners, Seminars and Classes, not to mention the Grand Tasting under the big top...don't miss the "Fire On The Rock" chef's challenges as well. Check it out:
Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival
Look for CABIN FEVER at the Grand Tasting Tent on Saturday!
Here is the Coupon Code required to take 10% OFF EVERYTHING (regular, sale and clearance prices!) from now through April 20, 2009.
ENTER COUPON CODE EM10 on the 'view cart' page when checking out!

Growing in the Mountains Plant Sale

April 24-25 Asheville Over the past fourteen years the last weekend in April has become synonymous with the Blue Ridge Horticulture Association's Growing in the Mountains plant sale. This will be the third year Growing in the Mountains has been held at the Asheville Farmers Market. This year is no exception in that a wide array of outstanding plants will be offered for sale. Available plants will include: herbs, hostas, Japanese maples, annual flowers, hanging baskets, native azaleas, and conifers.
(828) 253-1691

Simon Says Guided Bird Walk Early Arrivals

April 19 9AM - 12PM Chimney Rock Park Spot spring migrants like Black-throated Warblers, Black-and-white Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers and Blue-headed Vireos.. World-traveled ornithologist and birding expert Simon Thompson is your guide on this easy- to- moderate walk. $19; $3 for Annual Passholders; $8 for ages 6-15; free for Gradys Kids Club Members. visit@chimneyrockpark.com (828) 625-9611

Country Music Legend"Gene Watson"

April 18 7:30 PM Maggie Valley Eaglesnest Theater info@eaglenestnc.co
(828) 926-9658

Cherokee Night at Mars Hill

April 18 Paying tribute to the culture and history of the Cherokee People in an evening of traditional storytelling, music, and dance. Highly respected Cherokee Elder Walker Calhoun is the evening's song and dance traditions of his culture alive. The Raven Rock Dancers will also be performing. Traditional crafts will also be demonstrated from 6-7PM $10 donation. (828) 689-1571

5th Annual Bark in the Park

April 18 11AM - 3PM Chimney Rock goes to the dogs for this special event dedicated to our canine companions. Agility demonstrations, rescue organizations, contests and lots more will keep you and your pup busy.

Grand Opening of Thirteen Moons Restaurant

April 14 Bryson City - Nantahala Village. Chef James Reaux is proud to announce the opening of his Lounge and latest restaurant, “Thirteen Moons”. He has created a spectacular new dining venue for the area. Thirteen Moons will officially open for dinner service tonight starting at 5:00.
Hours of Operation as follows:
Breakfast Tuesday - Saturday 7:30 am – 10:30am
Dinner Tuesday - Saturday Starting at 5pm
Sunday Brunch $11.95 10:30am – 2:30pm
Closed on Monday

Please call for reservations and stop in to the Nantahala Village Resort to see the wonderful addition of this new restaurant.
9400 Hwy. 19 West, Bryson City 828-488-2826

Jer's Weekly Specials

FRANKLIN
THIS WEEK'S SIMPLE SUPPERS:

HAM & ASPARAGUS CREPES
Baked Honey Ham, Steamed Asparagus, & Gruyere Cheese rolled in Jerri's Homemade Crepes, topped with a Light Cream Sauce & Pineapple Salsa.
For 2 people: $10.95, For 4 people: $20, For 8 people: $38

CREOLE BLACKENED CHICKEN
Grilled Chicken Breast breaded in Creole Blackening, served over Grilled Zucchini & Brown Rice, topped with Sauce Español.
For 2 people: $10.95, For 4 people: $20, For 8 people: $38

VEGETABLE QUICHE
Grilled Zucchini. Sauteed Spinach, Mushrooms, Onions, Peppers, SunDried Tomatoes & Fresh Basil baked in a savory quiche.
For 2 people: $10.95, For 4 people: $20, For 8 people: $38

We're Open Mon. to Sat. 11-5
At the Antique Mall in Whistle Stop
1281 Georgia Road Franklin, NC 28734 www.JersKitchen.com

The River Lodge Bed and Breakfast

CULLOWHEE (near Dillsboro & Sylva). Seasonal discount packages available. Mid-week specials during Jan, Feb, March. 800+ft riverfrontage, mountain views, 6 acres, balconies, porches, patio. Large goldfish pond and waterfall on property. $145-$240.

20th Annual Spring Herb Festival

May 1-3 Asheville The Southeast's largest selection of herb plants. Over 20,000 herb lovers come to the WNC Farmers Market each spring to enjoy this popular event.

United States Dog Agility Association Trial

May 8-10 Fletcher 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.

DuPont State Forest Tour De Falls

May 9-10 Tour DuPont State Forest by bus. Cars and buses are normally not allowed in the forest. The buses will be available at the Buck Forest Access Area on DuPont/Staton Rd. to take visitors to High Falls, Triple Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Lake Julia, sponsored by Friends of DuPont Forest.

New 2009 Visitor & Business Guide now available!

The 2009 Ashe County Visitor & Business Guide is now available in
the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center and many other
places throughout the county!

Ninth Annual Professional Women’s Seminar

April 16 Ninth Annual Professional Women’s Seminar

Get ready to laugh and learn at this exciting event put on by Wilkes Community College and the Small Business Center! Featuring sessions on “Laugherobics”, and “Live, Laugh and Love”, there will also be a luncheon and door prizes. Click here for more information or call the college: 336-846-3900.

Frasers offers special Easter menu

April 12, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m Frasers Restaurant will be featuring a special Easter buffet lunch on Sunday, Frasers offers special Easter menu, offering assorted fresh fruit, salads and toppings, a carving station featuring prime rib and honey-drizzled Virginia ham. In addition, there will be fresh filet of salmon and breast of turkey. The meal will be topped off with fresh vegetables and accompaniments such as freshly baked breads and a homemade variety of holiday desserts. Reservations are suggested by calling 336-246-5222.

Grandfather Mountain becomes newest state park

Gov. Beverly Perdue has signed legislation that allows Grandfather Mountain to become North Carolina's newest state park. Perdue's signature recently finalized an agreement to create Grandfather Mountain State Park and protect its nearly 2,500 undeveloped acres. The heirs of company founder Hugh Morton will continue operating the Grandfather Mountain tourist attraction, including its nature center and "mile-high" swinging bridge. The state also will gain a conservation easement on 749 acres of the property. The state parks system is coordinating an interim management plan with the Morton family for the backcountry property and its 12 miles of trails. The property lies in Watauga, Avery and Caldwell counties, and contains the headwaters of both the Watauga and Linville rivers.

New River Winery opens for tours

April 11 New River Winery Patio will open for the season on April 11, 2009 from noon until 5 p.m., weather permitting. The winery will be open for tastings and tours. New River Winery is located at the old Lansing School in Lansing. Visit their website at www.newriverwinery.com.

Easter at Nantahala Village

April 12 10:30 - 3:00 Thirteen Moons Restaurant at Nantahala Village. Easter Brunch exceptional buffet including smoked salmon, shrimp cocktail, omelet station, waffle bar, prime rib, Atlantic salmon, grilled pesto chicken, penne pasta carbonara, spring salad and extensive homemade deserts.For reservations: 828-488-2826

CLOSE OUT SALE!

Waterfall Drives and Hikes in Transylvania County Book
This 37 page full color book is available at the Chamber of Commerce for $4 each. If you are interested in purchasing any of these books, please call the Chamber at 883-3700 or come by the office.

Free Wine Tasting

April 11th from 3-6 pm Brooklyn Brewing Co. The Wines of Mendoza, Argentina!

Join me this week to taste three wines from the region of Mendoza, Argentina. South American wines are noted for their high quality and low prices. Each of these is perfect for everyday drinking. 828-252-5272 797 Haywood Road, West Asheville.

Free beer tasting

April 10th, 4-7p.m. Brooklyn Brewing Co. This week's tasting will be centered on two fantastic beers. The Brooklyn Local 1 and Local 2. Brooklyn Local Beers are brewed at their original facility in Brooklyn, NY. They closely model a Belgian style Triple and Double respectively. Any fan of Belgian beer or “Belgian-style” beer should definitely check these beers out. 828-252-5272 797 Haywood Road, West Asheville.

Asheville Airports Receives Funding for Improvements

Good news for travelers flying in and out of the Asheville Regional Airport! The airport received $7.5 million in economic recovery funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.The funding will be use to make renovations to the A-Gates and security checkpoints. Renovations will be complete by spring 2011.

Shindig at the Clear Creek Ranch

April 26, 6PM Parkway Playhouse is having a shindig at Clear Creek Ranch. There'll be ribs, chicken and all the fixins'. $50 per person ($25 tax deductible). RSVP by April 22 info@ParkwayPlayhouse.com RSVP soon! Space is limited.
Parkway Playhouse
PO Box 1432
Burnsville, North Carolina 28714
828-682-4285

Swain County Business After Hours

April 9 5-7PM Hosted by Harrah's Casino and Hotel in Cherokee. Featuring great food, door prizes and entertainment. 828488-3681

Birding Day

April 9 8AM Bryson City. Land trust for the Little Tennessee - a great day of birding!www.ltlt.org for more info

Blueridge Wine and Food Festival

April 16-19 Blowing Rock 16-19 BLOWING ROCK Blue Ridge Food & Wine Festival. Enjoy wine tastings, seminars, cooking classes, wine makers' dinner and much more! Grand Tasting event at Chetola Resort and Fire on the Rock Chef's Competition at the Hayes Center. (828)295-7851 http://www.blueridgewinefestival.com

54th Sunrise Service atop Chimney Rock

April 12th, 2009 Gates open at 5am and close at 6am for the 6:30am service....No fees charged. Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park Guests are welcome to enjoy the Park for the day. Celebrate the glory of Easter as our guest at this non-denominational community worship. This special service will be filled with song, scripture, special music and spectacular sunrise views over beautiful Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge.

John Mason, the Park's featured hammered dulcimer player, will perform. Arrive early, dress warmly and bring a flashlight.

For more information call 1-800-277-9611

John C. Campbell Folk School Annual Easter Egg Hunt

April 11, 2009 1:00 p.m Sharp! Arrive Early This event is free and held at the Open House. An annual favorite for kids the Saturday before Easter, bring your children at 1:00 p.m. to hunt for filled Easter eggs. There will be three areas for egg hunting, divided by age: 0-4, 5-7, and 8 & older.

The Nantahala Rafting Season is Now Underway

April signals the beginning of whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River. From now through October, more than 200,000 paddlers will ride the eight mile course that snakes through the scenic Nantahala Gorge just west of Bryson City. With its Class II and III rapids, the “Nanty” is a family river, suitable for just about every generation (children must be at least seven years old or at least 60 pounds). Yet it’s challenging enough for the US Olympic Kayaking Team, which often trains there.

Boone Business EXPO

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 22nd Annual Boone Business EXPO at the Boone Mall from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. Booth spaces are still available by contacting Ginny Campbell at 264-2225 or ginnycampbell@boonechamber.com. The chamber is offering a $10.00 discount for applications made and paid by April 15, 2009. What a great way to showcase your goods and services.

Boone Business After Hours for April

April 23, 5 to 7 pm. Hosted by the Watauga Eye Center on 150 Market Hills Dr. in Boone. MUST RSVP to Wysteria White at 264-2225 or info@boonechamber.com by 12 noon the day of the event in order to receive a name badge.Cost is $3.00 and a business card

Thirteen Moons Restaurant Easter Brunch

April 12 Easter Brunch. Thirteen Moons restaurant at the Village will be opening on Easter Sunday for a spectacular grand brunch from 10:30 - 3PM. 9400 Hwy 19 West, Nantahala Village, Bryson City 828-488-2826. ClimbEveryMountain.com

Celebrity Serve Dinner for Hospitality House fund raiser

April 17, 5-9PM. The Manor House Restaurant at Chetola Resort, Blowing Rock. 100% of proceeds donated to "Giving Hope a Hand" campaign. Multi-course gormet dinner $28+tax&tip

"Tuesday's With Jon"

Oil Paining Classes by Jon Houglum
April 7, 14, 21, 28 Franklin
$25 per class. Morning - 9am - 12 noon and evening 5pm - 8pm. Open to non-members. Call Uptown Gallery at 828-349-4607 for more details. Start on any date.

Easter Sunrise Service at Chimney Rock

For 54 years, folks have been getting out of their warm beds before the crack of dawn to trek to Chimney Rock to experience Easter on our mountain. This year's celebration is Sunday, April 12. Gates will be open from 5 to 6am for the 6:30am service. Remember to arrive early, dress warmly and bring a flashlight. The service features scripture, song and fellowship with the grand finale being the spectacular sunrise over Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge.

Ashe Chamber Beautification Awards program

Deadline April 20

The Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for facilities and recreation spaces that have enriched our community. Qualifications include:

-- New / Addition / or Remodeling Project that has contributed to the beautification of Ashe County.
-- Attractive Design
-- Fit to Surroundings
-- Landscaping
-- Utilization of Available Space
-- Environmental Impact
-- Project was completed (or substantially completed) during the period from April 1, 2008 through April 1, 2009.

Click here for more details!

ClimbEveryMountain.com

Gingko Tree Gallery Celebrates 15th Birthday

Gingko Tree Gallery in Black Mountain is celebrating its 15th birthday with specials up to 100% - yes, 100% off sales. The Party is this Saturday April 4th from 10am-4PM for our 15 year
anniversary special. Join us TOMORROW and you will have a discount on your custom framing.
Up to 100% off. Thank you for your business for the past 15 years
Gingko Tree Gallery
photography and custom framing
128 Broadway Street
Black Mountain, North Carolina 28711
828-669-7721
www.artistwithcamera.com
ClimbEveryMountain.com

Friends and Neighbors Night

April 10 5PM until. $25 per person + tax & gratuity, Groups of 4 or more. Soup or salad, entree, desert. Reservations honored. Chef's Table, Classic Wine Seller. ClimbEveryMountain.com

Brevard / Transylvania Business After Hours

April 14, 5:30 PM We look forward to seeing you there. Join us to make new business contacts at BUSINESS AFTER HOURS. Location: 96 South Broad Street, Brevard. The food for th event is being catered by the Falls Landing and the Kiwi Gelato Cart will be there. Please RSVP by 4/9 at 883-3700 - reservations required.

Hickory Furniture Mart Saturday Sale

This Saturday April 4 2009 ONLY. $100-$500 off . Visit www.HickoryFurniture.com for details

British Car Show & Gathering

April 18 from 10 am - 6 pm at Shelton Vineyards. For More information please call: 336-366-4724 or visit www.sheltonvineyards.com http://www.climbeverymountain.com/nc_events_calendar.htm

Tartan Day in Mount Airy at the Mount Airy Museum

April 6, 2009 The Mount Airy Museum of Regional History and the Scottish Heritage Society of the Blue Ridge will celebrate Tartan Day in Mt. Airy at 12:45 in the museum courtyard. Tea, Scottish shortbread and soda bread will be served and Mayor Jack Loftis will read the “Tartan Day in Mount Airy” Proclamation. The Museum will be open from 12:30-2:30 for visitors to tour and view the exhibit featuring Scottish memorabilia and regalia. This event is Free to the Public. http://www.climbeverymountain.com/nc_events_calendar.htm

75 on the 75th Hike

April 4 Trails to hike - Turkey Pen Ridge/Schoolhouse Gap to Scots Mt trailhead/Bote Mt/Finely Gap Fontana Dam. 828-498-2122
http://www.climbeverymountain.com/nc_events_calendar.htm

Summer Guided Hikes

Apr. 7, 2009 8:45 am Beech Mountain. (828) 387-3003
http://www.climbeverymountain.com/nc_events_calendar.htm

Knobscorcher Mountain Bike Race

Apr. 4 Compete in the Southeastern Regional Championship (SERC's) second qualifying race. Held at the Tsali Recreation Area. (888) 905-7238
http://www.climbeverymountain.com/nc_events_calendar.htm

FENCE Horse Trials

April 4-5. Carolina Starz Horse Show. Join us for this wonderful equestrian event. Admission is free. Tryon. (828) 859-9021 http://www.climbeverymountain.com/nc_events_calendar.htm

Asheville Downtown Galleries Art Walk

Apr. 3, 2009 5:00 pm & Apr. 4, 2009 5:00 pm. Take a self-guided tour and explore the diversity of art in downtown Asheville. (828) 258-0710.http://www.climbeverymountain.com/nc_events_calendar.htm

8th Annual Diversity Celebration

Appalachian State University in Boone. April 7, 2009 3-9PM. Features the 13th annual Unity Festival. http://www.celebration.appstate.edu.
http://www.ClimbEveryMountain.com