Labor Day Event: Paws Fund Raiser

September 4, 7PM - 9PM the 7th Annual  Bryson City P.A.W.S. Wine Tasting and Silent Auction take place at Lands Creek Cabins Harmony Hall. Tickets are only $20. Give us a call for more information or click HERE to download a flyer.
P.A.W.S. Thrift Store  - Rumor has it PAWS Thrift Shop is one of the best thrift shops here in Swain County! The Thrit Store is located at 110 Bryson Walk, Bryson City, NC .  Great bargains for a great cause!

P.A.W.S. has provided financial assistance for 9,000 spay/neuter surgeries. We have adopted out over 2,500 animals and reunited hundreds of lost animals with their people.We are the only shelter in the county, serving 14,000 people. P.A.W.S. Shelter is located at 57 Lemons Branch  Road, Bryson City, NC.

Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary

News from High Country Host
submitted by loraine@highcountryhost.com

As we move into Fall, we want to remind everyone about the beauty of the High Country. Many of you may not know that the Blue Ridge Parkway is celebrating its 75th birthday during 2010 and there will be numerous celebrations along the way. Our senior Travel Counselor, Haley Smith, has written an article we wish to share with everyone. We hope this will inspire you to visit the High Country and enjoy the national treasure that has been labeled "America's Favorite Drive".

The Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary Celebration, 1935 - 2010
By: Haley M. Smith

BRP HISTORY  The Blue Ridge Parkway was conceived during the Great Depression to create jobs and stimulate the economy. The Parkway now connects the Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains national parks and has become known as "America's Favorite Drive." The construction of the Parkway began in September of 1935 at Cumberland Knob near the North Carolina and Virginia state line (at Milepost 217.5). By 1966, the Parkway was more than 95% complete, but it would take another two decades to complete the 7.7-mile "missing link" at Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. The "missing link" is what we now call the Linn Cove Viaduct, which is a free standing part of the Parkway. This key feature was completed in 1987 and completely opened the road for travel of all 469 miles.

Key Facts:
There are 4 National Forests that the Parkway passes through ( George Washington, Jefferson, Pisgah, and the Nantahala)
There are 26 tunnels and 151 bridges on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The longest tunnel is Pine Mountain tunnel at MP 399, 1,320 feet long
There are 275 parking overlooks on the BRP
There are 9 campgrounds on the BRP

DRIVING THE PARKWAY
The Blue Ridge Parkway takes you on an extraordinary journey throughout North Carolina and Virginia. During your drive on the Parkway you will notice an elevation change. The Blue Ridge Parkways has elevations ranging from around 900 feet to over 6,600 feet which provides an amazing back drop for residents and visitors alike. At each mile along the Parkway there is a marked roadside milepost. A little fact that you may what to know before you start your Parkway adventure is that the milepost numbers go up as you go South and down as you go North, as does the altitude. The Parkway is sure to stimulate your senses with all its flora & fauna along the 469 miles. The Blue Ridge Parkway is truly a treasured outdoor playground with recreational opportunities such as the 15 developed picnic and park areas, waterfalls, hiking trails and biking.

NATURE/ WILDLIFE
As you drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway you have to notice all the majestic beauty that surrounds you. Did you know that the Blue Ridge Parkway boasts the most diverse ecosystem in the entire National Park Service system? The Parkway boasts over 14,000 species of plants which includes wildflowers that bloom throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons. There are over 50 different types of mammal species that call the Blue Ridge Parkway home. These range from white-tailed deer, and beavers, to the rarest turtles. Birds are another popular part of the Blue Ridge Parkway's environment. Birders come from all over the world in hopes of catching a glimpse of our feathered friends. Red-bellied woodpeckers, falcons, owls and even North Carolina's state bird the cardinal can be spotted all season long throughout the Blue Ridge Parkway. One hundred and fifty species of birds have been accounted for along the Parkway.

HIGH COUNTRY OF THE BRP
One section of the Blue Ridge Parkway is in the North Carolina High Country. The High Country is proud to feature some of the most photographed, most visited parts of the Parkway including Linn Cove Viaduct, Moses Cone Manor, Doughton Park, Linville Falls and many other picturesque, historic spots. One hundred and twenty-five miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway run though North Carolina's High Country.

75TH ANNVERISARY
All year long, cities and towns along the Blue Ridge Parkway are hosting wonderful events to celebrate the 75th Anniversary. Some of these are, but not limited to, Arts & Craft festivals, music festivals, and wine & food celebrations. This year's celebration of the 75th Anniversary is a wonderful time to discover the many different and unique small-town communities along the Parkway. Visit www.blueridgeparkway75.org for more information about events along the parkway and the past and future history of the parkway!

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BRP
www.blueridgeparkway.org The official website for the Blue Ridge Parkway
www.highcountryparkway.com The Blue Ridge Parkway in the NC High Country
www.brpfoundation.org If you want to take home souvenirs /or stop by one of the visitor centers along the Parkway

Plan your visit today and experience all the great and extraordinary things the Blue Ridge Parkway has to offer!

Real Estate for Sale in Waynesville: Renovated Farmhouse with Retail Store

Country Home with retail store and barn for sale  2-story 3 bedroom 2 bath farmhouse with 1900+ Sq ft retail store building. Barn with 1600+ sq ft on adjoining lot. Beautiful views of farm country, mountains. Perfect for hobby business, antiques, artist. Located about 2 miles from Waynesville and 7.4 miles from Canton, NC. $395,000 United Country-Timberland Investment Properties  828-676-0221

First Asheville Food and Environmental Film Festival - AFEFF

September 22 -25  Slow Food Asheville is one of the sponsors of The VERY First Asheville Food and Environmental Film Festival - AFEFF. Fresh Asheville has put together an impressive line-up of films. Films are only $10 and students tickets are $5. Students enter the discount code STUDENT when purchasing tickets. on September 25th.

FEAST will be doing cooking demonstrations and tastings at the West Asheville Earth Fare in the community room as part of the Family Series part of the AFEFF. The films that will be shown are “Lunch” and “What’s on your Plate?” Both films are about kids and childhood nutrition. They are fun films that will keep kids engaged and promote discussion about healthy food. Go to http://freshasheville.blogspot.com/p/buy-tickets.html for more information or to buy tickets. For a complete schedule and to buy tickets go to http://freshasheville.blogspot.com/p/afeff-schedule_5826.html

Brevard "Path" expands to Pisgah National Forest

Big News About a Little Path
submitted by "The Adventurist"

A new expansion of the multi-use path in Brevard is slated to open in September. This path will allow bikers, walkers, hikers and joggers to go all the way from downtown Brevard to the Pisgah National Forest.

Mostly flat, the new path consists of fine gravel and boardwalk. It will allow folks of all ages and ability levels to get into the forest without ever getting on the road. Ultimately, the path will lead all the way to the Fish Hatchery in Pisgah National Forest.

But for now, folks are plenty excited to the see path extend as far as it does. "We're planning a grand opening ride," says Sam Salman at The Hub at Backcountry Outdoors. "We're thinking about barbecuing, serving some beer. It will be a good time."

Sam advises interested parties to keep an eye on The Hub website, where you can find a full listing of group rides, sales and special events. Or just drop by for a beer at The Pisgah Brewery (Tavern), which features five or six craft beers on tap for thirsty bikers and hikers seven days a week.

The Adventurist is an e-newsletter is produced by the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority. For more information about Transylvania County, please call 1-800-648-4523 or visit www.visitwaterfalls.com.

West Jefferson NC Home for Sale - $279,000

Excellent location for this well-maintained 3BR/3BA home. Large, private yard, covered front porch and open deck on rear. Private setting with the benefits of being close to everything. This home features open living area that is great for entertaining, crown molding, custom built bookshelves in living room. Recent updates include new hardwood floors in living room, kitchen, dining room as well as hallway, ceramic tile in foyer and laundry room, new dishwasher, new microwave and new paint throughout interior. Large family room in basement along with a full bath. Beautiful house, beautiful location. Broker Interest. Childs playhouse in front yard has electricity and is negotiable. $279,000. PEAK MOUNTAIN PROPERTIES, INC. ramona@peakmtn.com 336-846-7325 WEST JEFFERSON NC

James Gregory Performs at Diana Wortham this Weekend

August  27 at 8:00 PM, it's storytelling at its rib-tickling best: Music City Artists presents an evening with comedian James Gregory at the Diana Wortham Theatre.  For over two decades, the unforgettable caricature of the veteran comedian has stood grinning: his shirt un-tucked, his arms outstretched, a carefree welcome to a down-home, hilarious comedy experience. The trademark caricature is the essence of James Gregory's comedy: reflections on life from the front porch. Get details or tickets...

Slow Food Asheville September Fund Raiser
submitted by Bob Bowles

September 18 Gourmet Dinner and Silent Auction. Slow Food Asheville’s September Terra Madre fundraiser, entitled “Mountain Fire,” will offer an opportunity to taste for oneself this intentionally slower lifestyle centered around the sustainable farming and heirloom production techniques being reclaimed by environmentally minded folks worldwide. This year’s Terra Madre fundraiser will be held at Sunswept Farm Conservancy in Spring Creek, Madison County and will include a scratch-made, home-grown, gourmet feast as well as a silent auction of fine, local products and services.

Arrive early to tour Sunswept Farm – a small family farm at its heart, predominantly powered by water and sun, and surrounded by 68 acres of Forever Wild forest land. Try your hand at the antique cider press, preview the crafts and services offered for silent auction, or just relax dangling your feet off the pond dock while enjoying the mountain views. Silent Auction will start at 3pm and dinner will begin at 5:30pm.

Event collaborator, Chef Mark Rosenstein, who founded The Market Place restaurant and has been dedicated to local, seasonal ingredients for the entirety of his 40-year professional cooking career, has designed the menu to be a medieval fantasy of fire-kissed offerings including Slow Roasted Porcetta, Chargrilled Chicken, Woodfired Breads, Riot of Fall Salad, Woodfire baked Ratatouille, Sicilian Cannoli, and Rustic Apple Tarts. The cost for this event is $45.

Visit SlowFoodAsheville.org further information.. For tickets http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/125156 To donate for the auction or to volunteer event help, please email MountainFire@charter.net.

We will need volunteers on the 17th, 18th, and 19th. Please inquire about free or reduced ticket prices in exchange for volunteering.

Beer Battle and Food Pairing in Asheville

August 26 at 6 PM head for Pack's Tavern in Downtown Asheville for the  Blind Eye Beer Battle + Food Pairing! Beers from local, regional and national favorites will be selected and teams of eight will blindly sample, taste and judge two flights of beer styles-Porters and India Pales Ales. Three ounce samples of eight beers of each style-that's 16 beers total, eight porters, eight IPA's-will be provided along with culinary delights to compliment the beers (and cleanse the palate) by Pack's Tavern Executive Chef Edwin French and Chef James Balchak.

The overall favorite beer, based on total scores, will become Pack's Tavern Beer of the Month pint special. As an added bonus, individual judges also have a chance at winning. The top three people who correctly guess the most beer brands blindly, will be awarded prizes from the hosts, including gift certificates and breweriana. **The Top Prize is TWO TICKETS to the Brewgrass Festival courtesy of Bruisin' Ales.**  Cost per person is $30. Pack's Tavern is located at 20 South Spruce Street in downtown Asheville. Make reservations with credit card by calling Pack's Tavern at (828) 225-6944.

FEAST Fund Raiser at the Weinhaus

Aug 28, 5PM enjoy delicious hors d’ouvres made with seasonal local produce and wines at Asheville's Weinhaus. The pairing is a fundraiser for FEAST (Fresh Easy Affordable Sustainable and Tasty),  a hands on group cooking experience using fresh seasonal ingredients with a focus on childhood and family nutrition.  The cost of this event is $10. For more information email cathycleary@gmail.com.  The Weinhaus is located at 86 Patton Ave., Asheville NC.

Labor Day Availability in the NC Mountains includes Canins, Inns, Resorts

Say goodbye to summer with Labor Day Weekend in the beautiful North Carolina Mountains! Make your reservations now to get the "coolest" place to stay. We still have availability!

Here is a sample of our places to stay for Labor Day in the NC Mountains:

Smoky Mountain Cabins at Long Branch on 40 acres in Nantahala Forest - views, nearby trout stream, deck with rockers
Recently renovated Sylva Inn with pool, WIFI, continental breakfast - rates begin at $49 per night!
Asheville cabins and luxury vacation rentals from Carolina Mornings - choose your price and style
Stay in the High Country in Blowing Rock and Boone NC with At Your Wits End Vacation Rentals
Cashiers NC Resort High Hampton Inn offers golf in the mountains, pool, tennis, spa and lake activities

And we're adding more every day until Labor Day!

Rutherford County Photography Contest Deadline Extended to August 31

The Rutherford County Tourism Development Authority announces their first photography contest designed to celebrate the heritage and visual essence of all that Rutherford County has to offer. The deadline for submission of photos has now been extended to August 31, 2010. Submitted photos can show any natural, historical,cultural subject in the area. Photos must depict Rutherford County from a public vantage point and one that a visitor could access as it appears in real life. Photos with a front porch view or those with a porch in them are encouraged but not required as judges are looking for a diverse collection of entries. For a complete list of rules and regulations, entry form and link to Flickr account, visit http://blueridgefrontporch.com. To enter, visit http://blueridgefrontporch.com/photocontest and complete the online form before uploading your photo to the contest’s Flickr account.

It's Getting Easier Being Green in Asheville this Weekend

August 20 - 22  the  Southern Energy & Environment Expo at the WNC Agricultural Center provides the general public an opportunity to see and learn about the practical and presently available options for utilizing clean, renewable sources of energy, protecting our natural environment and working towards a sustainable economy for the region. The Expo is the largest event of its kind in the Southeast. Fletcher, a suburb of Asheville North Carolina.

Designer Showhouse in Historic Flat Rock now open!

Today through August 29 tour the historic Saluda Cottages (c.1836), listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Historic Flat Rock, Inc. presents the first Designer Show House on the historic property for Historic Flat Rock's major fund raising event of the year. Thirteen leading interior designers and two garden centers from North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia are working to transform the interior and the entrances to the house.

The Showhouse hours are 10 AM to 4 PM Monday through Saturday and 1 PM to 4 PM on Sundays. Historic Flat Rock will operate the Cafe Sans Souci and a boutique on the property. Come shop our boutique and dine at our Cafe. Purchase tickets in Hendersonville at the Silver Fox Gallery at 508 North Main Street and at the Henderson County Visitor's Information Center. In Flat Rock tickets are available at the Book Exchange and the Wrinkled Egg. There will also be a limited number of tickets available at the door.

Australian Wine Tasting in Flat Rock

Join the fine folks at The Back Room Restaurant at The Flat Rock Wine Shoppe this Friday, August 20, for an Australian Wine Tasting. Live Music Ellen Trnka , 5 PM - 7PM. If you can't make the tasting stop by for This weeks wine specials -  a few special occasion wines are left.
Make reservations now for the upcoming German Beer and Wine Dinner - Hurry, the dinner is filling up fast for Tuesday August 31.  Check out the menu: 5 courses will be served, complimented by 2 beers and 4 wines. The aperitif starts Tuesday August 31st at 6:30 PM, with the dinner starting promptly at 7:00 PM. Reservations required, please call 828-697-6828.  The Back Room Restaurant at The Flat Rock Wine Shoppe is located at 2702 Greenville HWY, Flat Rock North Carolina - just a few minutes from Historic Downtown Hendersonville.

HandMade in America Launches 50K50 Campaign

HandMade in America has launched a campaign to ensure that our nationally recognized models for growing local economies continue into the next decade. Thousands of American craft artists right here in our mountains play crucial roles in today's American handmade movement, and we want to help their work grow and flourish. To do that, we need your help.

Join The 50K50 Campaign: 50 Days - $50,000. Donate Today and Give A Hand To HandMade. Your contribution to the 50K50 Campaign adds your voice to many others in the American handmade movement. HandMade in America leads the way so that American craft traditions reach the next generation.You may contribute in several ways:
Financial gifts:
Donate Online: Make a one-time or recurring donation online using your debit or credit card. Click on the 50K50 button at top of page. Your financial gift aids our advocacy efforts, numerous arts education activities, existing programs, and supports new, innovative projects for the benefit of regional craft artists.
Donate by Mail: Mail your contribution in check form to HandMade in America, PO Box 2089, Asheville, NC 28802.
Planned giving: Designating a planned gift in your will provides a legacy of sustainable economic development in Western North Carolina.
In-kind Contributions:
There are many important programs and initiatives at HandMade in America to which in-kind contributions may be directed.
Corporate giving:
HandMade in America's corporate partners support our core programs and initiatives through corporate donations.
Volunteer your time:
Make a difference in our community by volunteering your time.

In a world of mass manufacturing and throwaways, HandMade in America celebrates the rich traditions of craft.  We believe in the power of the handmade to transform both individuals and communities. HandMade has led Western North Carolina and the nation in developing a new creative economy based on tradition, respect for the handmade object and cultural heritage.

Duck Invasion on the Rocky Broad

 Aug 21, 11AM, The 1st Annual Red Cross Rubber Duck Regatta - Ducks will be sent down the Rocky Broad river with the winner receiving the grand price of $500 and runner up prizes for the first 25 ducks. Events include games for children, face painting, water balloon toss, free blood pressure clinic, Blood Drive.  Adopt a duck for $5 (Do not have to be present to win!)

You can adopt a duck at the following locations:
Both RBC Locations, Hills Hardware, Scoggins, Medicine Box in Rutherfordton, Big Dave’s, Greenhill Store, Lake Lure Salon and Spa, and at the Chapter House of the Red Cross. Call 828-297-5916 - the race will be held on the Rocky Broad, behind the Lake Lure Town Hall, Lake Lure North Carolina.

2010 Friends Across the Mountains Telethon Tonight

Give now, or tune in tonight to WBIR-TV in Knoxville or WLOS-TV in Asheville  for the 2010 Friends Across the Mountains Telethon.  Over the last 16 years the Friends Across the Mountains Telethon has raised more than $2.2 million to help preserve and protect Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  50+ volunteers will be available tonight to take  pledges & gifts.

Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park assists the National Park Service it its mission to preserve and protect Great Smoky Mountains National Park by raising funds and public awareness, and providing volunteers for needed projects.

Calling all "Yachts" for Riverfest 2010!

August 14 from noon to 6PM - RiverLink's biggest event of the year, RiverFest 2010: Save the French Broad  takes place at French Broad River Park. There is still time to put together a team and a yacht for RiverLink's annual "Anything that floats" raft race, one of the many fun activities at RiverFest. RiverLink will allow day-of registration, and those who do not want to construct a vessel can rent watercraft from the Asheville Outdoor Center on the day of the event.

Because it's heaps of fun,RiverLink encourages everyone to gather coworkers, friends and family members and create a raft for the yacht race. A panel of local celebrity judges will judge them based on criteria such as Fastest, Most Creative, Green Machine Award, Ugliest, Best Theme, Funniest and Rubber Racer. About the only rule is that your craft must float, and it must be removed from the festival grounds upon completion of the race.

Landlubbers will find plenty of fun activities at RiverFest 2010, like the Music Showcase & Competition featuring local great music acts. In between music acts, be entertained by some of the best groups in the Asheville area including Asheville Aerial Arts and Baraka Mundi belly dancers. Local restaurants will be serving up some yummy treats which you will need after some friendly competition in volleyball, bocce ball, badminton, Frisbee golf and the local favorite, corn hole. Don't forget the kids! Kids can ride, skate, walk, run and skip in costume with opportunities to win prizes for most creative, cutest and funniest in the Kids Parade.

Beat the Heat Getaways: Bryson City Cabin with Cool Lake Fun

SLEEPING DOG RENTALS  mountain cabin is located on on 4 COOL acres. Offering private lake access and  4 wheelers, canoes, pontoon boat, fishing gear for rent you can beat the heat of summer with a mountain getaway. Enjoy kake and trout fishing, nearby whitewater rafting, casino,  gem mining, hiking trails and wildlife. Rates are $140 per night, $950 per week.

Sawmill Creek Porch Band Reunion in Bryson City

August 12 at 7PM the Marianna Black Library is proud to present members of The Sawmill Creek Porch Band for a reunion of sorts as part of a summer series of music. This is a reunion performance of one of the mainstay bluegrass bands in Bryson City until their break-up in 2008. Larry Barnett (banjo, fiddle and vocals), Bradley Adams (mandolin and vocals) and Aaron Plantenberg (guitar and vocals) played together as Sawmill Creek Porch Band, recording two cds and playing area venues constantly for almost a decade. All three are still active in the local music scene, but it’s a rare treat to see them play together. Come see some great picking and what all the fuss is about!

The Friends of the Marianna Black Library will be there to provide snacks and refreshments, as well. This program is free and open to area residents and visitors. The Marianna Black Library is located in Downtown Bryson City North Carolina at the corner of Academy and Rector.  (828) 488-3030 

A fish tale about the ones that didn't get away

This week Postcards from the Smokies brings us a story of the fish weirs of yesterday and the mudology of today.  A group of Cherokee youngsters from the Birdtown Day Camp recently had an opportunity to learn the “old way” of fishing weirs in a demonstration conducted by WATR  (the Watershed Association of the Tuckasegee River) followed by a lesson on today's  “mudology ”, the runoff of soil disturbed by developments, road building and bad streamside planting practices.

For centuries the Cherokee used the fish weirs to provide the village's main food supply.  Although fishing with weirs is no longer practiced, many of the stone structures...read more

Whittier Flea Market hosts Heritage Walk

Catch the Spirit of Appalachia is producing their "Traditional Heritage Walk" at Gateway Flea Market in Whitter, NC, from 10am until 3pm on Saturday, August 14. With their mission of "keeping heritage" alive, the local nonprofit is presenting vendors who will be demonstrating their crafts, sharing their knowledge with those who come to this 3rd annual Heritage Day.

“We’re going to have a great time,” says Gail Stillwell Cooper, owner of the Shops at Gateway. “My regular dealers here in the market are joining in the fun, wearing heritage clothing, demonstrating and showcasing their wares. They are as excited as I am about the upcoming festive celebration for Gateway. With Catch the Spirit of Appalachia here with their demonstrators, it makes all of us want to pull up a chair, do a little whittling and tell our heritage stories.”

Located half-way between Sylva and Bryson City, and 4 miles out of Cherokee on US Highways 74 and 441, the shops at Gateway are themselves a fine place to shop. Add in the traditional heritage, and you'll have a great time! Call  828-497-9664 more information.

The Yadkin River Wine Trail Festivals of 2010

The last two festivals in the 2010 series are coming up August 15 Sanders Ridge Vineyard & Winery  and September 19 Flint Hill Vineyards.  The Yadkin River Wine Trail Festivals of 2010 showcases the wines of the five Yadkin River Wine Trail vineyards. Each Festival, complete with great entertainment and the opportunity to purchase foods from the vineyards restaurants, will be held the Third Sunday of each month from noon to 4pm, May through September, at a different vineyard.

A $10.00 Tasting Ticket allows visitors (21 years or older) to sample wines from all five vineyards, enjoy great entertainment, purchase local slow foods while spending a leisurely Sunday afternoon in wine country! Lawn chairs and blankets welcome but no picnic baskets! Participating vineyards are Cellar 4201, Divine Llama Vineyards, Flint Hill Vineyards, RagApple Lassie Vineyards and Sanders Ridge Winery and Restaurant.

Vote for Your Favorite State or National NC Park for a $100,000 grant!

As part of its Live Positively promotion, Coca-Cola is offering a $100,000 grant in an effort to promote national and state parks. Until Aug. 31, you can help support America ’s parks by simply voting for your favorite. The national or state park with the most votes will receive a $100,000 grant from Coca-Cola. Vote as many times as you like. Get more information or VOTE NOW.  There is also a link to vote on the National Parks Foundation Site as well as other information about supporting our National Parks.

As of 8-6-10 Great Smoky Mountains National Park leads all parks by about 14,000 votes with a total of 129,219. Other eligible NC mountain parks are not shown on the "first"page so you must do a search by state to find them. Here's the list and the vote count as of today:

Blue Ridge Parkway - 6067
Pilot Mountain State Park - 755
Hanging Rock State Park - 79
Mount Mitchell State Park - 59
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site - 38
New River State Park - 29
Chimney Rock State Park - 26
Gorges State Park - 15
Lake James State Park - 12
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area - 3

Volunteer Information Sessions at RiverLink - You're invited!

Western North Carolinians (and others) who would like to be involved in restoring the French Broad Watershed as a place to live, work and play, are invited to join the RiverLink team by attending one of two volunteer information sessions on August 11. There's a morning session at 10 a.m. and an afternoon session at 5 p.m. at the RiverLink office, 170 Lyman Street in the River Arts District of Asheville North Carolina.

The information session will detail RiverLink's volunteer positions and those interested will have a chance to fill out a volunteer application. Volunteer Coordinator Dave Russell will be available to answer questions and help everyone find their best fit at RiverLink. RiverLink is leading the way for a greenway system through the French Broad River watershed and is an exciting place with an abundance of opportunities for volunteers. From office work to helping host special events to cleaning litter from local waterways, RiverLink can match everyone willing with a way to help out.

Please RSVP to Dave by calling (828) 252-8474, ext. 18 or via e-mail at volunteer@riverlink.org.

Home for sale in West Jefferson NC only $119,900!

Charming cottage for sale in West Jefferson, NC. Walk to the arts district!! Nicely decorated home for sale is just the right size and location for in-town living. Hardwood floors, master bedroom with walk-in closet, bright & cheery large kitchen. Large pantry AND laundry room. Solid brick home with no exterior maintenance. Fenced in back yard is perfect for children or pets. Broker Interest. If you are looking for a convenient location in downtown West Jefferson, NC this is the home for you. Priced right and ready to move in. $119,900  -  S105.   336-846-7325  PEAK MOUNTAIN PROPERTIES, INC

Mountain View Cabin in Burnsville a great value!

If you're looking for a serene mountain view only 5 easy miles to town Our Mountain Hidaway is the vacation cabin for you. This 3 bedroom 2 bath mountain cabin includes a stone fireplace, hot tub and DSL. The big and little kids will enjoy the game room with pool table and foosball. Take in the view from a wrap-around deck with hot tub, gas grill, rockers, swing. What a great value at $145 night, $850 per week. And it's PET FRIENDLY!

Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event this weekend in Burnsville

Burnsville North Carolina is home to the 54th annual Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair with more than 200 juried crafters displaying nearly every kind of handmade craft imaginable. The popular annual event is attended by 1000s of people and again has been named one of the Southeast's Top 20 August Events by the Southeast Tourism Society. This designated Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Event continues for 2 days and  includes a variety of live music performances - get a complete schedule.  August 6-7 in downtown historic Burnsville.

Path Less Pedaled in Bryson City Tomorrow

The folks from Path Less Pedaled will be riding through Bryson City on their over one year long transcontinental bicycle journey. They will also be sharing a slide show and special presentation relating their amazing journey thus far. The event takes place on Tuesday August 3rd from 6:15 PM - 8:00 PM for this very special FREE presentation. Refreshments provided and the event host is Bryson City Bicycles, 157 Everett St. For more information call  828-488-1988.