Tweetsie Opens Season with Second Installment of 3-D Train Sets

Tweetsie Railroad, 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane, Blowing Rock North Carolina. The family-favorite attraction is starting off a season of sun and fun with great news:  "Tender",  the second installment of the 3-D paper train set is available for download . Tweetsie is best known for historic steam locomotives, and now they are just a click away! Make your own Engine No. 12 and 190, Tender, passenger cars and even Tweetsie’s Ghost Train with a FREE 3-D paper train locomotive set. Collect and create them all, and enjoy Tweetsie anytime, anywhere! Sign up for the Tweetsie newsletter to be the first to know when the next train is ready.

AmeriCorps Project Conserve extends application deadline

AmeriCorps Project Conserve Now accepting applications for 2010 – 2011 positions! The application deadline has been extended to June 16th. Foothills Conservancy through Project Conserve seeks to fill a full-time communications and outreach position. The Americorp member will serve 1700 hours during an 11 month term, from September 2010 through July 2011. For details click here...

Memorial Day Weekend in the Mountains

Memorial Day Weekend in the Western North Carolina Mountains offers dozens of activities and festivals for all ages and interests. It's not too late to find a mountain cabin or bed and breakfast for a North Carolina getaway:
Memorial Day Weekend Mountain Events:

28  FLAT ROCK  Wine Tasting at The Flat Rock Wine Shoppe
28 ASHEVILLE Pack Square Park Grand Opening
28-29 BRYSON CITY Heritage Festival

29-30 BREVARD White Squirrel Festival
29-30 ASHEVILLE Asheville-Blue Ridge Rose Society Exhibit
29-30 MAGGIE VALLEY 6th Annual Vettes in the Valley
29-30 HENDERSONVILLE 17th Annual Garden Jubilee Festival
30 HIGHLANDS Village Square Art & Craft Show
31 FLAT ROCK Carl Sandburg Folk Music Festival

Lodging availability for Memorial Day Weekend:

Rivendell Cabins (3 Cabins) Mountain views, hot tubs, fireplaces, DLS, dishwasher, washer/dryer, central heat/ac, satellite TV, phone, VCR & movies, porch with seating, full kitchens, linens, everything included- just bring your clothes & food. $100-$130 nt, $475-$675 week

OAK HILL COUNTRY INN. The Oak Hill Country Inn is a 2-story, frame, late Victorian Regional Queen Anne style house. The Inn is named for its location, situated on top of a hill and surrounded by century-old oak trees. A beautiful mountain view can be seen from nearly anywhere on the property! $100-$130 per night.

MOUNTAIN VACATION RENTALS. (65+) Trillium homes offer access to Trillium's 18 hole 4.5 star golf course with 4,000' elevations, PLUS all club amenities. From 1-6 BD, 1-5.5 BA rentals, mountain views, water views, frplc, ht tubs, WIFI. $205-$858 nt, $900-$3920wk.

A PLUS MOUNTAIN RENTALS (45+) Luxury Blueridge Mountains Rentals with mountain views, pools, fireplaces, WIFI, hot tubs & all amenities. Large or multiple units for Groups, Weddings, Church Retreats, Reunions. PET FRIENDLY. $99-$1000 nt, $250-$5000 wk

MOUNT MITCHELL VACATION RENTALS Hemlock Chalet, 12th Tee Lodge - Mountain views and river views. 3-4 BD, 1-3 BA. WIFI and fireplaces. Fully-equipped kitchen, gas grill, linens, Cable TV, PET FRIENDLY, riverfront, mountain view or on the golf course. $850 - $1050 TOTAL cost.

Click here for more available Cabins, Inns, B&Bs

Parkway Playhouse Begins 64th Season

Season Tickets are now on sale for the Parkway Playhouse's 64th Season and individual tickets will be available on May 27, 2010. The Parkway Playhouse's 2010 season features a world-premiere musical , a blockbuster family musical, side-splitting look at the lost art family vacation, a musical-comedy treasure, and a witty romantic comedy based on one of the most popular books of all time. Parkway Playhouse 2010 Season Passes are $90 and include 5 admissions (one for each production) and 2 additional guest passes. Season Passes can be purchased at the Parkway Playhouse website, or by calling 828-682-4285. Season Passes will be on sale through June 12.

North Carolina Mountain Home for Sale with Incredible Long-range views

Grandfather Mountain to the west and Wilkesboro / Brushy Mountains to the southeast. Get the feel of soaring over the Blue ridge with these views, they are truly breathtaking. Home features huge living room & kitchen area, 2 large bedrooms,fireplace with beautiful stone hearth. Covered front porch overlooking the layered mountains,wooded setting with attractive landscaping. All this just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, priced to sell and in very good condition. $225,500 !    336-846-7325   ramona@peakmtn.com     PEAK MOUNTAIN PROPERTIES, INC  S107

This Week at the Back Room Restaurant

May 25 - 29, The Backroom Restaurant at The Flat Rock Wine Shoppe 2702 Greenville HWY, Flat Rock (south Hendersonville) North Carolina:
Tuesday, May 25th 6:30pm Dinner music featuring Steve Whiteside
Wednesday May 26th 7:30pm Dinner Music followed by Open Mic Jam Starting at 9:00pm
Thursday, May 27th 8:30pm Nate Currin
Friday, May 28th 9:00pm Not A Sparrow
Saturday, May 29th 9:00pm Johnson's Crossroad

May 28, 5-7PM. Wine Tasting with music provided by Carrie Arrowood and hors d'ouevres by Ally. We are still tasting the wines and will have more details soon. Bring your friends and enjoy the wine on the patio or indoors with Carrie Arrowood on the piano.

 New Nightly Drink Specials!  $1.00, $2.00, and $3.00 Beers!

Asheville Wins Beer TItle

Asheville North Carolina takes the top honors in BeerCity USA 2010 poll. The votes are in and counted and Asheville emerged as the clear winner with 7389, 38.8% of  the 19,040 votes cast. Last year's tie with rival Portland Oregon is now a thing of the past thanks to the spirit of local beer enthusiasts.  The BeerCity USA poll coincided with American Craft Beer Week and ended with an outpouring of votes for the relatively smaller city of Asheville North Carolina. Read more about the BeerCity USA Poll...

There are 9 breweries in Asheville, NC according to the Brewers Association’s directory of U.S. Breweries.

• Asheville Brewing Co, 77 Coxe Ave., Asheville, NC 28801 Microbrewery
• Asheville Pizza and Brewing, 675 Merrimon, Asheville, NC 28804, Brewpub
• Craggie Brewing Co., 197 Hilliard Avenue, Ashville, NC Microbrewery
• French Broad Brewing Co., 101-D Fairview Rd., Ashville, NC Microbrewery
• Green Man Brewing Co 23 Buxton Ave., Asheville, NC 28801 Microbrewery
• Highland Brewing Co 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste H, Asheville, NC 28801 Regional brewery
• Lexington Avenue Brewing - The LAB PO Box 7303, Asheville, NC 28802 Brewpub
• Oyster House Brewing Co./Lobster Trap Restaurant, 35 Patton St., Asheville, NC 28801 Brewpub
• Wedge Brewing Co., 129-B Roberts St., Ashville, NC Microbrewery

Memorial Day Weekend Event: Strawberry (Short) Cake Walk!

May 29, 9:30-AM - 11:30 AM, North Asheville Tailgate Market, UNCA campus on the lower leve, Asheville North Carolina.  $1 Just like the good ol'days-win something yummy for a buck!  Donate a dish or walk and win. Cost per walk is $1. Walk as many times as you like for a chance to win something delicious! All ages are welcome. Funds raised will go to the market and Slow Food Asheville's educational programs.

A note about the goodies for the walk - We are taking food donations for the walk - If you would like to make something to contribute to the walk, please include strawberries as an ingredient. It is our way to celebrate strawberry season! You can bring cake, jam, pie, or anything you like, including strawberry shortcake! It is also your way to let people know about you, your blog, or your dish. Please include at least a note card about the dish and any additional information you wish to provide!

To learn more about our programs and other events, please visit www.slowfoodasheville.org

WNC Chefs Challenge 2010 continues

May 25, Asheville North Carolina.  WNC Chefs Challenge 2010  Every Tuesday evening local chefs compete and diners judge. The dinners begin at 6:30 p.m. at The Flying Frog Café, which is downstairs from the Frog Bar & Deli, located on the corner of Battery Park Avenue and Haywood Street in downtown Asheville. This week's competition: Corner Kitchen VS. Sunset Terrace, Grove Park Inn

Give me Land, Lots of Land - in the North Carolina Mountains

This undisturbed large parcel of land is known locally as the Johnasie Rock. Isolated for over 100 years, this tract has now been made accessible. Located minutes from West Jefferson. 251+ Acres...... This is the most outstanding large parcel of undisturbed land in Ashe County. Unmatched long range views of Mount Rogers, Va and other well known Blue Ridge peaks. There are many panoramic views from all aspects of this property. $5,111,000   M203  336-846-7325  ramona@peakmtn.com    PEAK MOUNTAIN PROPERTIES, INC

The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music - again!

As spring turns into summer in the Western North Carolina mountains, silent stages and empty community centers are reborn with everything from  pickin' and grinnin' to Frederica von Stade's Carmen. Most of us know that everything is better in the mountains, and music is no exception. From now through late fall the toes will be tapping in 3/4 time and more in every mountain city.

Bryson City's "Music in the Mountains" begins its 2010 season on June 5 and continues every Saturday night from 6:30PM - 8PM at the historic downtown train depot. The opening concert "pickin" by Dusk Weaver will surely leave you "grinnin"  - and looking forward to more. The Bryson City concerts are free - just bring your favorite lawn chair. Click here for a complete schedule.

Photo courtesy of "Postcards from the Smokies" - get your FREE email postcards here...

Last Day to Vote for Asheville, Beer City USA

Asheville is currently ahead of Portland by a "nose" so if you haven't voted yet, do it now! Only one vote per IP address so pass the word. Help make Asheville North Carolina the sole winner of the title, Favorite Beer City USA. Last year's vote ended in a statistical tie between Asheville and Portland Oregon. BeerCity USA 2010 is a chance for local beer communities to express their enthusiasm and support for their local breweries and local better beer bars, restaurants, stores and distributors. Most of us know understand the value of buying local for food. Shouldn't it be the same for beer?  VOTE NOW

Direct, non-stop Flights from Tampa to Asheville

Nonstop flights between Asheville and Tampa are now available. Flights from Asheville Regional Airport  to Tampa will depart at 2:09 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and at 1:27 p.m. on Sunday. Flights from Tampa to Asheville will depart at 11:49 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and at 11:07 a.m. on Sunday.

The summer routes are offered by AirTran Airways who has also increased their nonstop direct flights from Orlando from three to four per week. It's never been easier for Florida to visit the mountains!

Happy 100th Birthday Little Switzerland!

Visit the unique community of Little Switzerland North Carolina as they celebrate their 100th birthday.  Special events take place there throughout the summer.  On the McDowell History site, listen to stories describing how this small tourist colony was born.  You'll also enjoy listening to to railroad tales and stories not told in history books. Read more McDowell County History...

Pottery Artist holds Open House and Ribbon Cutting

May 23, noon to 5PM, Pincu Pottery, 80 HWY South, Bryson City North Carolina. Join owner & artist Elise Delfield for an afternoon of studio tours and fantastic refreshments featuring Yellow Branch Pottery & Cheese. ALL TOOLS 10% off! Register for a Friday Night Goes to Pot class and bring a friend for free!  Up to 4 people (meaning 2 pay, 2 for free!) These specials are only available on Sunday during the Grand Opening!

What to do this Weekend in the NC Mountains

Things to do in the North Carolina Mountains offer something for everyone! From Goat festivals to Wine Festivals, race your Kayak or your bike or just kick back and enjoy the view this weekend in the mountains:
20-23   ASHEVILLE Biltmore's Antler Hill Village Grand Opening
21-22   HIGHLANDS 2010 Collective Spirits Wine Festival
21-23   TRYON Progressive Show Jumping at FENCE
21-23   Chimney Rock Hammered Dulcimer Music with John Mason
21-23   Columbus, Landrum and Tryon Art in Bloom - County-wide Festival
22        OLD FORT Spring Muster! At Davidson's Fort Historic Park
22        CHIMNEY ROCK Spring Girl Scout Day with Optional Camping
22        LAKE LURE Annual Rocky Broad River Tiki Tumble Race
22        SPINDALE (near Rutherfordton) Spindale Dairy Goat Festival
22        ASHEVILLE 7th annual Montford Music and Arts festival
22-23   ASHEVILLE Kenilworth Artists Association Open Studio Tour
22-23   TRYON Art in Bloom
23        Chimney Rock Simon Says Guided Bird Walk - Breeding Birds
23-24   ASHEVILLE Grovewood Gallery’s 11th Annual Charity Sale

RiverLink Announces a New Blog

May 20, Asheville, North Carolina. RiverLink, the non-profit organization that speaks up for the French Broad River and her tributaries, has added another voice - the River Whisperer blog.  "RiverLink and its supporters are the voice of the French Broad River, and the River Whisperer blog is just another voice we will use to carry on our mission to make the river a place for everyone to live, work and play," explained  executive director Karen Cragnolin.

A glance at the most recent five blog entries currently appearing at www.theriverwhisperer.blogspot.com reveals a variety of posted topics. Two deal with a Swannanoa River kayak trip by RiverLink Volunteer Coordinator Dave Russell and his daughter and the illegal dumping they encountered. A mainstay on the blog is the French Broad River fishing forecast from fishing guide Chris Manderson, as RiverLink and Manderson try to get the word out about the world-class smallmouth bass fishing in the river.

Updated at least three times a week, usually with accompanying photographs, the blog is primarily authored by RiverLink staffers Russell and Cragnolin. Additional authors may be named soon. Comments to the blog's posts and suggestions for RiverLink are welcomed at the site.

Grand Opening for Biltmore's Antler Hill Begins Today

May  20 - 23   Asheville North Carolina.
Biltmore's Antler Hill Village Grand Opening    Join the party as we officially open Antler Hill Village— with toe-tapping live music and fun demonstrations. Experience more of Biltmore's story at our newest gathering space located where estate families socialized a century ago.

Is Asheville Your "Favorite Beer City USA"

Now through the end of American Craft Beer Week on May 23 you can help make Asheville North Carolina the sole winner of the title, Favorite Beer City USA. Last year's vote ended in a statistical tie between Asheville and Portland Oregon. BeerCity USA 2010 is a chance for local beer communities to express their enthusiasm and support for their local breweries and local better beer bars, restaurants, stores and distributors. Most of us now understand the value of buying local for food. Shouldn't it be the same for beer?  VOTE NOW

Asheville currently offers 10 microbreweries,  a rocking beer tour, a world-renowned specialty beer store and five annual beer festivals. Need more? Check out the complete scoop on Asheville’s beer scene. 

Seafood Wine Dinner at the Back Room

May 25, The Back Room Restaurant at The Flat Rock Wine Shoppe, 2702 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock North Carolina. Tomas Meunier from France will be presenting the wines for our dinner. As usual we will serve six wines and a five course meal.The aperitif starts at 6:30pm, with dinner starting promptly at 7:00pm Tuesday May 25th. See Menu Caution! - your mouth will water. 

It's Tailgate Time in the Mountains

This month "Tailgate" Markets have opened up for the season in most mountain communities. Shopping the markets is a great way to meet local folks  and give your food dollar directly to the person who grew your food.  Look for produce, meat, cheese, eggs, bread, flowers, plants, crafts, and more. The early spring markets’ tables will display a variety of greens, radishes, peas, asparagus and  spring fare. Find baked goods, preserves such as jellies and dressings. The more diverse markets now carry prepared foods such as mustards, frozen meals, pasta, kimchi, and tempeh too. For those who want to grow their own food, many markets offer plant starts.  Get a list of 79 Markets throughout Western North Carolina here.

Vote for The Mountains-to-Sea Trail

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail is in the running to be one of the "Top Ten Natural Wonders of North Carolina" in a contest sponsored by Land for Tomorrow - the big partnership of nonprofits and governments that supports conservation.  The contest is getting a lot of publicity, and Land for Tomorrow will make a big deal about the winners - promoting them in the Legislature and in media statewide. Click here to VOTE.

Lodge Restaurant Grand Opening

May 22, The Lodge Restaurant, Scenic Wolf Resort, 1915 Wolf Ridge Road, Mars Hill North Carolina.  Formerly The Lodge Steak and Ribs Restaurant, the Lodge Restaurant is NOW OPEN Friday and Saturday evenings, from 4:30 until 9 PM. Join us for our Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, May 22nd with LIVE MUSIC and family-style dining. No reservations are necessary. http://www.scenicwolfresort.com/

North Carolina Mountain Chalet for Sale - $212,500!

This charming chalet will have you relaxed and enjoying your surroundings. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, open kitchen with lots of cabinet space. Beautiful heart pine flooring throughout, massive stone fireplace in living room, sliding glass door off the living room heading out to a large wrap-around deck that will have you enjoying family & friends on those weekend cookouts. Master bedroom has a full bath & his & her closets. Lots of windows everywhere to enjoy the beautiful views.Close to Mountain Aire Golf Course yet offers plenty of privacy. When you visit this one, you will not want to leave. $212,500 D103. 336-846-7325 PEAK MOUNTAIN PROPERTIES, INC ramona@peakmtn.com

Local Brewery Celebrates American Craft Beer Week

May 17 - 20, Heinzelmannchen Brewery, 545 Mill Street, Sylva North Carolina. Your gnometown brewery of Sylva celebrates Craft Beer Week with:

Monday, May 17 Heinzelmannchen Brewery will offer their Imperial Gnome Ale and Big Amber Gnome all week, while it lasts.  $12.10 for a growler fill

Tuesday, May 18 enjoy dinner at Mill & Main (Downtown Sylva) - they'll be serving a steak marinated in Heinzelmannchen's Big Amber Gnome with a pint of Big Amber Gnome - YUMM! They are located at the intersection of Mill & Main just down the same block from the brewery. 828.586.6799

Wednesday, May 19 - Wunderbar Wednesday - Growlers of Traditional, Seasonal & Stout only $6.10 - now that's a deal!

Thursday, May 20 join us at Spring Street Cafe in Downtown Sylva for a pork dish marinated in Big Amber Gnome - HMM! HMM! Located at the intersections of Spring Street and Jackson Street - 3 blocks from the brewery. 828.586.6700

Check out happenings across the state of NC at http://www.ncbeer.org and across the nation at http://www.americancraftbeerweek.org

WNC Chefs Challenge 2010

May 18, 6:30 PM , Competitions at the Flying Frog Cafe,1 Battery Park Ave, Asheville North Carolina -  Asheville Final at the Expo Center on the WNC Agricultural Grounds. The weekly heats for the WNC Chefs Challenge take place every Tuesday, starting May 18. Fourteen chefs will pair off in head-to-head and will have access to the same pantry, but will be given a secret ingredient the day of the event that must be featured in their culinary creations.

You decide the winner using the same guidelines as a professional food critic! Attendees will enjoy three fantastic creations from each chef, without knowing which chef has created each dish, and will score the dishes to determine who advances to the final competition. Tickets to these culinary events are only $39 per guest (not including drinks, tax, and gratuity).  Make Your Reservations For The Weekly Challenges Here!

The final  two chefs will battle it out on Saturday, August 14, in an Iron Chef-style competition during the WNC Magazine  Asheville Wine & Food Festival Grand Tasting held at the Expo Center on the WNC Agricultural Grounds Campus near the Asheville Regional Airport.

Asheville Restaurant needs your vote TODAY!

ONE DAY VOTING 5/15/10 - Help Asheville restaurant Sunny Point Café win the title of “America’s Best Breakfast” on Good Morning America - ONE DAY VOTING 5/15 - CLICK HERE

 Sunny Point Café offers breakfast, lunch or dinner, with local flavors that come through in creative and delecious dishes with their famous breakfast menu served all day. Enjoy  handmade desserts and al fresco dining on the patio.

A Walk on the Wild Side in the Foothills

May 17, Pearson's Falls, 2748 Pearson Falls Rd, Saluda North Carolina. On Mondays this spring Master Naturalists Melissa Le Roy and Tracie Hanson lead guided tours along the trail to the falls.  On May 17, learn about the trees that give this Glen the distinguised designation as a "Deciduous Climax Forest." On May 24, when you leave you will be able to identify the many varieties of fern that reside at Pearson's Falls. This is a rare opportunity to reconnect with and understand the rich and unique offering of flora and fauna contained on this wonderful local attraction. Each tour is expected to last two hours. Space is limited, so call today to register. Admission is a $5.00 donation for non-Tryon Garden Club members. For more details or to register call 828-749-3031.

Pearson's Falls is a botanical preserve comprised of 268 acres of native forest, spring-fed streams and a
moderate 1/4 mile trail to a 90 ft. waterfall. There are over 200 species of fern, flowering plants, algae and mosses in the wildflower preserve. It is a quiet and personal place, filled with the special spirit of things as they should be...

Free Marketing & Technology Class in Andrews

May 17, 6PM - 7:30PM, Andrews Valley Initiative, 985 Main St. Andrews North Carolina.  Free Class from HandMade in America: Online Marketing, Technology, Sales, & Arts Business Growth. The classes will start at 6:00pm every third Monday of the month. Andrews Valley Initiative 985 Main St Andrews NC

Weekend Today Show Features Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Events: May 16, between 8AM and 9 AM - NBC TV's Weekend TODAY show host Jenna Wolfe and her crew visited the Blue Ridge Parkway April 26, 27, and 28 to film the Parkway experience as part of a series about America's favorite roadways. Legendary Route 66 and the Pacific Coast Highway, or Route 1, are also included in the series which will highlight the Blue Ridge Parkway Story. To see additional pictures View the Weekend TODAY Web Album Here.

Vocal Artist Serpentine Arborvitae in Black Mountain

May 22,  7:30 PM, Black Mountain Sanctuary, 80 High Top Colony Road, Black Mountain North Carolina. A magical evening at Black Mountain Sanctuary with vocal artist Serpentine Arborvitae. Surrounded by sentinel trees, under the stars and by firelight. the concert will be featuring music from the "HUMAN ANGEL" project and gems from Serpentine's roots in jazz.  Refreshments will be served. There are limited chairs so please bring a cushion or folding chair if possible.

Annual Rocky Broad River Tiki Tumble Race

May 22, 3147 Memorial Hwy Lake Lure, North Carolina  (Behind the Geneva Riverside Tiki Motel on the Rocky Broad River). Fun in the sun beginning with the Advanced Kayak Race. Great prizes and all levels of kayakers welcome. Bring any boat, raft or floatable to compete in the “Any Ole Boat” race. There will be prizes for most creative, most spirited and others. The third race is the Rubber Ducky Race. Buy your rubber duck at the Tiki Bar and enter the race that starts at 4pm. Great prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Proceeds benefit the Lake Lure Youth Center. For details: http://www.genevarivermotel.com/

Volunteers Needed by LTWA

Little Tennessee Watershed Association (LTWA) needs volunteers to help with their 2010 Fish Sampling. Volunteers need to be 12 years old or older and reasonably fit. Sampling occurs 3 to 4 days per week from May to August. You can choose the days you are able to help out. Call 369-6402 or email info@ltwa.org for more information or to sign up.

Children's Book Party at City Lights in Sylva

May 15, 1PM - 3PM, City Lights Bookstore, 3 East Jackson St., Sylva North Carolina. Local children’s author Janice Falk will be at City Lights for a special children's playtime event based on her picture books about Mango the Cat. Mango is an adventurous orange tabby cat, and there are currently two books in the series: Mango and the Purrfect Plan and Mango and the Flat Green Cat. The party at City Lights will give kids the chance to meet the author as well as play games, including a fishing booth, bean bag toss, and Pin the Tail on Mango. Refreshments and prizes will be provided! (Parents are asked to accompany their children.) For more information call City Lights at 828-586-9499 or visit  http://www.citylightsnc.com/

Take Mom to Mother's Day Brunch in Western North Carolina

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Bryson City North Carolina. May 8 Treat Mom to the Mother’s Day Gourmet Brunch Train - an exceptional gourmet brunch served by your car’s private attendant as you travel in comfort and style aboard First Class vintage dining train cars while enjoying the amazing landscape of Western North Carolina. For tickets, info or reservations: 1-800-872-4681

The 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa Lake Lure North Carolina. Mother's Day Brunch at the Veranda Restaurant including breakfast foods, salads, appetizers, entrees and desserts.

Lakeview Restaurant at Rumbling Bald Resort Lake Lure North Carolina. Mother's Day Brunch - shrimp, salmon, prime rib, chocolate covered strawberries, wine specials and more. 11AM-3PM, Adults $24.95+ / under 12-$12.95

Sunset Terrace at the Grove Park Inn Asheville North Carolina. “Three for Thirty” prix fix Mother’s Day Brunch includes Appetizer, entrée and dessert. Hours: 10AM – 3PM Cost: $30+

Season's Restaurant, Highland Lake Inn Flat Rock North Carolina. Mother's Day Brunch May 9 - Soups, salads, fresh vegatables, breakfast items, entrees, deserts. $34.95 Adults / $16.95 Children under 12

Doyles Cedar Hill Restaurant Murphy North Carolina. Mother's Day Brunch - Brunch menu 12 to 3, Supper 12 to 5

The Waynesville Inn Golf Resort and Spa Waynesville North Carolina. Mother's Day Brunch -May 9, 11:30AM - 2:30 PM. Adults - $24.95, Children 6-12 - $14.95, Under 6 years old - FREE

Riverlink Calls for Oil Spill Clean-up Supplies

RiverLink is asking citizens to bring used (but clean) towels and bedsheets, toothbrushes, paper towels, soft scrub brushes, rubber gloves, extension cords, kennels for dogs or cats, dish soap (such as blue Dawn) and Pepto Bismol for collection and donation. Though the oil spill may be capped and contained in the near future, the cleanup effort will be ongoing. RiverLink asks the public to think of this effort on shopping trips and perhaps pick up an extra bottle of Dawn or roll of paper towels.

Donations can be dropped off at the Riverlink office at 170 Lyman Street in Asheville's River Arts District. Business hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday thru Friday. For more information, contact RiverLink's Volunteer Coordinator Dave Russell at (828) 252-8474, ext. 118, or (828) 545-9099.

Mother's Day in the Mountains: Weekend Festivals and Events

Chimney Rock Park Mother's Day Special, May 8- 9. Bring mom to the Park Mother's Day weekend and her ticket is on us! Buy one regularly-priced adult ticket and receive the same for free. Click here to download this special coupon. Coupon must be presented to the Ticket Plaza at the time of purchase. Valid May 8 and 9, 2010.

Camp Lake James Nebo/ Marion North Carolina. Mom's Day (and night) Off. We take care of the kids with activities while Moms relax. May 8-9.

Biltmore Asheville North Carolina. Moms Visit Free on May 9. We're honoring mothers with free admission on Mother's Day, May 9. Minimum purchase of one adult or youth ticket required. Pick up Mom's free ticket at Biltmore's Reservation & Ticket Center.

WNC Nature Center Asheville North Carolina. Mother's Day Welcoming - The first one hundred moms through our gates will receive a free flower, gift from the Friends of the WNC Nature Center organization. Bring Mom for lunch and a day in the comfort of nature.

Mother's Day Juried Arts & Crafts Bazaar  Asheville North Carolina. Downtown Market, 45 S. French Broad Ave. The Downtown Market will present its first Mother’s Day Juried Arts & Crafts Bazaar. Select artists and crafters from the southeast will present beautiful spring art, garden treasures and all things “Mother”.

9th Annual Mother's Day Gemboree Franklin, North Carolina. May 7-9. Make Mom sparkle with a day of gems!. Gem show featuring dealers from across the United States. Rough & cut gemstones, minerals, lapidary equipmen, more! Sponsored by the Franklin Chamber of Commerce

A Mother's Day Show at Harmon Field, Tryon North Carolina.  It's a Mother's Day celebration horse show at Harmon Field. Enjoy a delicious, buffet-style catered meal and top-notch horse show. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit St. Luke's Hospital Foundation. 828-894-2693

THE FOLK ART CENTER Asheville North Carolina. Mother's Day Weekend at the Folk Art Center. May 8, 10am to 4pm Fiber craft demonstrations and hands on activities Sunday, May 9, 1PM and 3PM, 11th Annual Fashion Show of Wearable Art.

This Week at the Back Room Restaurant

May 4-8, THE BACK ROOM RESTAURANT (AT THE FLAT ROCK WINE SHOPPE) We will be tasting wines from around the world. Find the perfect wines for the dog days of summer!Friday May 7th from 5-7pm. Live music with Carrie Arrowood, and hors d'ouevres by Ally.
Tuesday, May 4 6:30 Dave Desmelik
“An unpretentious approach to songwriting and performance, gritty and generic without being predictable, Desmelik’s songs show an excellent range.” –americana-uk.com
Wednesday, May 5 7:30pm, Dinner Music with Steve Whiteside
followed by Open Mic Jam @ 9:00pm
Thursday, May 6 8:30pm Seth Shumaker of Wellhouse
Friday, May 7 9:00pm Chalwa
Chalwa was formed in the rich musical city of Asheville, NC in 2006. The band has enjoyed great success touring the east coast with their own blend of reggae and just released their first LP self-titled, Chalwa.
Saturday, May 8 9:00pm The Kickin Grass Band
The Kickin Grass Band takes the stage, and suddenly you’re captivated by pure, strong voices telling true‐to‐life stories spiced with innovative bluegrass instrumentation.

New Nightly Drink Specials! $1.00, $2.00, and $3.00 Beers!

Bye, Bye Birdie

Some things just have to be shared! This update came from Lenna at RagApple Lassie Vineyards and reminds us that small miracles can bring big joys and that we all share one home.

This spring has been beautiful and very welcome after the winter of 2010! And we can report that our baby birds have left the nest!!!

A mother wren built her nest this year in the wreath on the door that is most used at our house. So of course, we put up a big sign directing traffic to another door, limited our use of the room which limited clothes washing, removing garbage, etc. etc. But as of Friday, April 30th, five baby birds, with brand new flying feathers had all flown away!

So for the moment, life at home is now back to normal!

However, the winery is another story! We have had great fun greeting new visitors and welcoming old ones to the joys of RagApple Lassie! So come join the fun, sample awesome wines, and spend a leisurely afternoon basking in the ambiance of RagApple Lassie.

Life Music every Saturday, noon to six!

Rainbows and joy
Lenna

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Mother's Day in the Mountains: Bryson City Lodging Special

GREAT SMOKYS CABIN RENTALS - Bryson City North Carolina. Mother's Day "Springtacular" Vacation Specials! Stay 3 Nights, Get the 4th Night Free! No other discounts or combination of discounts may be used. Valid for Bookings During Spring Mid Season ending 5/21

1-4 BD, 1-3 BA. Mountain & water views. Satellite TV & HDTV, Seclusion, fire pits, PET FRIENDLY & pet-free, motorcycle accessible, jetted tub or shower, game rm, pool table, air hockey, foosball, gas grills, washer & dryer, full kitchens, swing set, fenced yard, phone, WIFI, DLS. $85-$245 nt, $585-$1,595 wk.

A Bridge over UN-troubled Water

With the Tennessee Valley Authority's 1944 completion of the 480 foot Fontana Dam a 10,230 acre reservoir began providing electricity and flood control from the waters of the Little Tennessee River. The reservoir, now known as Fontana Lake, is 29 miles long with 240 miles of shoreline 90% of which is owned by either the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or the US Forest Service.

The lack of development has resulted in recreational opportunities for those who seek a natural splendor unencumbered by careless crowds and intrusive construction. Fontana provides great recreational water activities such as boating, knee-boarding, water-skiing and some of the best Pike and Bass Fishing anywhere.

The 2000 mile Appalachian Trail crosses the reservoir atop the dam as it winds  north to a Maine conclusion. The hot showers available at the trail shelter, maintained by TVA, have led grateful hikers to dub it the Fontana Hilton.

 The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad departs from Bryson City on its 44-mile Nantahala Gorge Excursion, crossing the reservoir via a 791-foot long bridge 100 feet above the sparkling waters.
Read more about Fontana here...

Photo provided by Jennifer Wilson and Postcards from the Smokies  - click to see more