Volunteers needed for Riverlink projects

RiverLink, the local non-profit working to revitalize the French Broad River as a destination to live, work and play, is seeking volunteers to serve as team leaders on a variety of projects in the River Arts District on Thursday, Oct. 7. A large group of volunteers from the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), who are coming to Asheville as part of their annual Rendezvous, which includes a service project. RiverLink is charged with putting the hands of these volunteers to work Thursday afternoon.

The volunteers will, among other things, be clearing debris from the French Broad River, clearing an overgrown vacant lot, a variety of litter cleanups and invasive weed control. RiverLink is seeking some team leaders willing to come for a boxed lunch at noon and receive instructions and assist the volunteers with their tasks. The day's work should end at about 5 p.m. Team leaders are asked to bring their gardening tools, labeled with their names.

Interested volunteers are asked to please RSVP to RiverLink's Dave Russell at 252-8474, ext. 11 or dave@riverlink.org.

Mountain Brews News

North Carolina boasts the largest number of craft breweries in the American South, with more than 20 brewpubs and 20 packaging breweries  The North Carolina Brewer's Guild  (NCBG) is a not-for-profit organization comprised of brewers, vendors, retailers, and craft beer enthusiasts focused on promoting North Carolina beer. Members of the NCBG offer a variety of tastings, pairings and community events  including:

Oct 1 from 5 PM - 8 PM Heinzelmannchen Brewery will be offering delicious samples from Day by Day Cafe at their brewery on the back street of downtown Sylva NC. Heinzelmannchen brews light and refreshing German beer made with wholesome grains, fresh hops & no preservatives. All beers are keg conditioned and non-filtered, making them smooth and lighter in body.

Oct 2  from 5 PM - 8 PM Local Microbreweriers join forces to support the Arts at the  The Bascom  in Highlands NC. Breweries participating in the art and music celebrating are Heinzelmannchen Brewery, Craggie Brewing Co, French Broad Brewery and Nantahala Brewing Co.  Celebrate the arts while enjoying great hand crafted beers!

Sept 30 from 5 PM - 7 PM Brusin' Ales Thusday Tasting. Sampling Abita Brewing Co. beers with Arnaldo and Ralph from Abita on-hand to answer questions. We're drinking to Save Our Shore this week.  ABITA "Save Our Shore" Imperial Pilsner: "This Abita Beer is a message in a bottle...a distress signal for the troubled waters of our Gulf Coast. For every bottle sold Abita will donate 75¢ to the rescue and restoration of the environment, industry and individuals fighting to survive this disastrous oil spill. 

Asheville's Grove Arcade Celebrates American Craft Week

The kick-off for Asheville's celebration of American Craft Week takes place Friday, October 1 at the Grove Arcade from 4:30 PM to 5 PM., immediately preceeding the first downtown Artwalk for the 2010 season. Join craft artists, gallery owners and members of the creative community for a proclamation by Jan Davis, insights from HandMade in America and light refreshments.

Participating Arcade galleries include Asheville NC Home Crafts, Alexander & Lehnert, Fine Arts Gallery of the Carolinas and Mountain Made.  Come for the kick-off and stay to enjoy refreshments and great local art and crafts. In celebration, the Arcade is hosting on-going craft demonstrations in Suite 143 to meet and talk to Arcade Artists.  Get details and a schedule here...

American Craft Week in WNC is the largest regional celebration happening in the country. Festivals, open studios, exhibits, workshops, demonstrations and more are happening. Get a list with links and details of participants.  In celebration, the Arcade is hosting on-going craft demonstrations in Suite 143. Meet and talk with Arcade Artists working in glass, pottery and floor cloths. From October 1 – 10, Asheville NC Home Crafts is offering craft demonstrations. The schedule can be accessed here.

American Craft Week brings together individuals, small businesses and organizations from all fifty states in recognition of the countless ways handmade objects enrich our daily lives and contribute to our national aesthetic and economy.

Weekly Bluegrass Music Jams at Marion's Historic Train Depot

Every Thursday night, weather permitting, the toes start tapping at the Bluegrass Music Jam  in charming downtown Marion NC. The year around live musice takes place at Marion;s restored historic train depot from 7 PM - 9 PM. -The Jam is open to all musicians with no pre-scheduled performers. Bring your chairs or blankets to this fun, free event.

Marion Blue Ridge Inn offers 7th night FREE!

Get away this fall to  THE INN AT BLUE RIDGE and choose any of the 12 large rooms with private deck, mini-fridge and continental breakfast included. 2 PET FRIENDLY rooms are available or stay in the 3 bedroom 2 bath suite with fireplace, full kitchen, private entrance. The Inn is Adjacent to Linville Falls Mountain Club Golf Course with public play, and only 5 miles to milepost 317 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Rooms rates are $79-$100 night, the Suite $210, with the 7th night FREE.

History and Heritage are alive and well and living in...Marion?

Sept 29   Marion welcomes the Overmountain Victory Trail Celebration, an historical interpretive program featuring members of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association on the grounds of the Historic Joseph McDowell House. Learn about the owner of this historic site and his involvement in the Battle at Kings Mountain. Admission is Free

The Joseph McDowell House is an historic home, c. 1780-81, listed on the Commemorative Driving Route for the National Park Service Overmountain National Historic Victory Trail.

Got Apple?

North Carolina is the 7th largest apple-producing state in the nation and Henderson County is the largest apple-producing county in North Carolina (about 65% of the NC production). From late August and early September through the end of October Apples are harvested on local NC Orchards. In additional to selling the best, freshest apples on the planet, many of the orchards are open for tours and events and offer a variety of handmade treats and gifts, like fried apple pies, canned goods, apple butter, apple cider, jellies, jams, sauces, chow chow and homemade baked goods.

JH Stepp Farm's Hillcrest Orchard has been inviting guests to pick their own apples for 40 years at their orchard in Hendersonville NC. Tours and activities are offered as well as The Market at Hillcrest, a rustic gift shop offering visitors a variety of unique gifts and delectable food items.

Meet "Grandma Lyda" at Lyda farms and stroll through the farmyard where you'll see donkeys, goats, geese, ducks and chickens. Lyda farms is a 5th generation Hendersonville family farm and apple orchard located in the beautiful North Carolina Mountains near Asheville. The Market at Lyda Farms, open from June through November offers a large variety of locally grown produce, such as blueberries, cabbage, cantaloupe, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, peppers,potatoes, tomatoes, squash, sweet corn, turnips, and watermelon.

Enjoy a varitey of fun activities at Grandad’s, a 70 acre family farm located in Hendersonville NC. Pre-picked or pick-your-own apples, a pumpkin patch, 5 acre corn maze, the Fun Train and Grandad’s Barnyard Corral will keep kids of all ages busy. At Grandad’s Barn and Country Store, you will find a great selection of fall harvest decorations, apple peelers, apple bakers, and other apple gifts.

Visit Coston Farm and Apple House in the autumn for pre-picked fresh apples, plus everything you need to decorate for the fall season, including pumpkins, gourds, corn shocks, hay, and indian corn. You can also find other unique fall decorations in the Gift shop. Enjoy a memorable pick-your-own-experience at Coston Farm with the NC mountains as a back drop.

Creasman Farms is a third-generation family-owned farm with approximately 35 acres in apples and  a "pick your own" orchard.  Visit the animals and get a taste of life on a real working farm.

At Justus Apple Orchard  find U Pick or We Pick Apples, Blackberries, Pumpkins and Peaches. The Apple House Bakery features our famous Fried Apple Pies, Delicious Cobblers and Apple Cider Donuts! Enjoy a weekend Tractor ride to and from the Orchard, sip a cup of Fresh Apple Cider on the big covered porch and shop for your favorite Jam, Jelly and Preserves.

Mountain Fresh Orchards  grows 16 varieties of apples on 12-acres of orchards and invites you to visit their roadside fruit and vegetable stand located in Hendersonville in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina.

Historic Saluda Restaurant Celebrates Re-opening

The Historic Ward's Grill located at  24 Main St.in downtown Saluda, NC has re-opened to the great delight of all who have ever been there. In celebration of the recent re-opening  The Lonesome Road Band kicks off a new Friday night fall and winter music series, "Let the Good Times Roll" on October 1. The popular acoustic group's haunting, bluegrass inspired harmonies stir the souls of even the most mundane listeners. Tickets are $20 and include dinner and a drink. Doors open at 6 PM for dinner - for reservations call 828-749-2321. 

NC Real Estate for sale: West Jefferson Home in great location

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 L104   336-846-7325  PEAK MOUNTAIN PROPERTIES, INC

Grove Park Hosts The Local Showcase Dinner

On September 30 a unique event highlighting local farmers and artists begins its regular monthly schedule. The Local Showcase Dinner - a collaborative effort by the Grove Park Inn, Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), River Arts District and UNCA - will feature food from Hickory Nut Gap and Jolley Farms and art from River District Artists John McKah and Mark Henry, as well as a student exhibit from the UNCA Art Department.

The event begins with a reception at 5:30 PM followed by an optional dinner seating in Grove Park's Blue Ridge Dining Room. There is no entry fee and the locally inspired menu will feature entrees ranging from $12 - $31.

Hey Day Volunteers Needed at the WNC Nature Center

Help support the WNC Nature Center by donating your time. The Friends of the WNC Nature Center host the 34th annual Hey Day on Saturday, October 9th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hey Day offers for the whole family with music on the main stage, as well as clogging, balloon sculpting and storytelling. Children's activities and educational programs abound with the Pee Wee Mine, cake walks, face painting, pumpkin painting, arts and crafts and games.

How you can help: Volunteer to facilitate a wide range of activities and logistics during the event. You can volunteer for the whole day or just the morning or afternoon. Also needed are volunteers to help decorate the WNC Nature Center on Saturday, October 2nd in preparation for the fall themed festivities.

All volunteers are invited to the first ever Hey Day Pre-Party Event & Orientation (details will be provided once you register)! Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and must register by Monday, Sept. 27. To register,  click on the following link: www.volunteermatch.org or send an email to americorps@wildwnc.org.

NC Mountains-to-seaTrail offers October events for bikers, hikers and paddlers

Whether you like to hike, paddle,  bike or go on a scavenger hunt, North Carolina’s third annual Mountains-to-Sea Trail Month in October will offer those opportunities and more to outdoor enthusiasts. “Wilderness areas, waterfalls and wonderful fall color are on the agenda,” said Kate Dixon, executive director for Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST), which organizes the statewide event.

The Carolina Mountain Club, which maintains 140 miles of the MST, has organized a package of day hike options ranging from easy to strenuous. Each hike will be led by a volunteer familiar with the route. Activities in the mountains will kick off on October 2 with the official designation of a 25-mile trail section along the Blue Ridge Parkway as part of the nearly 1000-mile MST.

In the Triad, there will be family friendly hikes at Alamance County’s new Shallow Ford Natural Area north of Burlington on October 9. Some of the trails will eventually connect to the MST. On October 24 there will be a fall foliage hike on Greensboro’s Laurel Bluff Trail.

In the Triangle world renowned alpinist and videographer Conrad Anker, who has twice climbed Mt. Everest, will make a presentation about his adventures as part of a Great Outdoor Provision Company fundraising event for the MST on October 19.

In addition there will be a family oriented Clues on the Neuse Scavenger Hunt on the MST in Smithfield October 10. On October 23 volunteers can be part of history by helping build the final section of the MST at Falls Lake. For their hard work volunteers will be rewarded with a cookout. There will also be a workday October 16 for the Eno River Trail, which will connect to the MST.

In Eastern North Carolina the very first event of MST Month will be the Paddle the Neuse River on October 1. One of the last events will be the Showdown at Black Creek, a 125 mile out and back bike ride for experienced cyclists organized by North Carolina Bike Club and Randonneurs USA.
The Mountains-to-Sea Trail runs from Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains, through the Piedmont and Triangle to Jockey’s Ridge on the Outer Banks. Nearly 20 people have completed the entire route. Each year thousands hike or bike various sections of the trail. Earlier this year President Obama and Mrs. Obama walked part of the MST near Asheville.

Lake Lure is Ready for Some Football!

Your game is playing at Legends Pizza and Pub in Rumbling Bald Resort -  Every Game, All Season. Enjoy the best college and pro football action on 7 large-screen HD TV's along with great food and drink specials.

ESPN SATURDAY COLLEGE GAMEDAY - OUT OF MARKET GAMES INCLUDED!
FOOD SPECIAL: $8.95 - Fried Chicken Plate w/mashed potatoes and gravy. 1 to 8 p.m. (dine in only)
DRINK SPECIALS: Iced Bucket of Beer - 4 for $10.00, House Margarita -$5.00, Draft Beer of the Day - $2.25

NFL SUNDAY TICKET - ALL NFL GAMES AVAILABLE
FOOD SPECIAL: All-you-can-eat Tacos. Chicken & Beef - $7.95, 1 to 8 p.m. (dine in only)
DRINK SPECIALS: Iced Bucket of Beer - 4 for $10.00, House Margarita -$5.00, Draft Beer of the Day - $2.25

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL SPECIALS
$5.95 Food Specials - 6 to 9 pm. (no /take out) Choose (1) from:
6 Legends Wings / Chicken Quesadilla / 3 BBQ Sliders
Oriental Chicken Salad / Philly Steak Sandwich
!! $2.00 Hot Dogs from 8:30 p.m. to half time !!
Beer Bucket Specials - 6 for $12.95 / 4 for $8.95 or Select $2.25 drafts
Plus $4.00 Shooters all night! Jagermeister / Bruised Crown Royal / Lemon Drops / Cuervo Gold

Legends is open daily! Call 828-694-3032 for additional information. Click here to Print Driving Directions!

Lake Lure Golf Resort Home for Sale - $299,000!

Beautiful mountain view 3 BD / 3.5 BA 2000+ sq ft Resort home on Golf Course that has just been remodeled and is waiting for you! Located on .93 acres at Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure you will have access to all the amenities and 2-18 hole Golf Courses. 3 pools, rec center, tennis courts, putt putt golf, basketball, volleyball, beach on Lake Lure and much more to offer. Don't wait too long.  Dreamfinders Realty and Vacation Rentals, Inc.

Paula Deen at Cherokee NC Harrah's

Sept 25, 4:30 PM Paula Deen and her famous "Hey, ya’ll!" can be seen at the newly finished event center at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel. The queen of Southern cooking will present a cooking demonstration from one of her most recent cookbooks, share stories about her journey to stardom, and answer audience questions. This December the hotel and casino will unveil Paula Deen’s Kitchen, a restaurant and adjoining gift shop, where diners can nosh on Southern comfort favorites and purchase cookbooks, kitchen wares, and other gourmet treats. Tickets are $15 to $40, and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or by calling 1-(800) 745-3000. Harrah's Cherokee Casino and Hotel is located at 777 Casino Dr., Cherokee, NC

Foorhills Conservancy Celebrates 15 years

Oct 3 from 1PM - 4PM join the Foothills Conservancy in celebration of 15 years Saving the Places You Love in the Blue Ridge & Foothills. Admission is FREE and the fun includes Foot-stompin' Music, Silent & Kid's Auction, Wildlife Displays, Windshield Tour and More! Presentations will be at 2:30PM. Get Directions  to the Wilson Creek Visitor Center or additional information at:  828-437-9930 or  info@foothillsconservancy.org

The Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, a regional land trust, is dedicated to working cooperatively with landowners and public and private conservation partners to preserve and protect important natural areas and open spaces of the Blue Ridge Foothills region, including watersheds, environmentally significant habitats, forests and farmland, for this and future generations. The Conservancy, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, serves eight counties: Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Lincoln, McDowell and Rutherford.

RiverLink Organizes Annual North Carolina Big Sweep

RiverLink Press Release

submitted by Dave Russell, RiverLink Volunteer Outreach Coordinator

North Carolina Big Sweep, the annual cleanup of the French Broad River organized by RiverLink, takes place on Saturday, October 2, from at 9 AM -1 PM. this year. The annual the cleanup is concentrating on the section from Hominy Creek Park to Jean Webb Park. David Donnell of the Asheville Outdoor Center has graciously offered to host the cleanup orientation and lend canoes for volunteers to use to pick up trash in the water.

North Carolina Big Sweep, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that plans and coordinates the statewide Big Sweep. North Carolina Big Sweep was founded as Beach Sweep in 1987 by Dr. Lundie Spence of the North Carolina Sea Grant College Program. In 1989, the public-private partnership officially became Big Sweep, the nation's first statewide waterway cleanup. Since its founding, North Carolina Big Sweep has had almost 290,000 volunteers and collected over 9.8 million pounds of trash from our environment in North Carolina.

Volunteers are meeting at 9:00 a.m. at the Asheville Outdoor Center located at 521 Amboy Rd for cleanup orientation, receive cleanup supplies and then divide up into teams to clean up the French Broad River. RiverLink is coordinating and sponsoring this cleanup with the Asheville Outdoor Center and 1-800-Got-Junk, who is picking up collected trash.

For more information, contact Dave Russell at Riverlink by phone at 252-8474, ext. 11, or e-mail dave@riverlink.org.

NC Real Estate for sale: Mini Horse Farm in West Jefferson area

Mini horse farm ready for the horses! This beautiful property offers a immaculate 2BR/2BA home with gorgeous red oak hardwood floors, ceramic tile in bathrooms and foyer. Whirlpool bath in master bedroom. Covered rocking chair front porch to enjoy the beautiful mountain and pastoral views. 5+ acres with a large portion of fenced pasture. All this and only 5 minutes from West Jefferson and just around the corner from Mtn. Aire Golf Course. A great location offering privacy yet all the convinces of in town living. $375,000  F103 Call  336-846-7325  PEAK MOUNTAIN PROPERTIES, INC

Tsali Trails News

Tsali Trails Undergoing Renovation

submitted by Bryson City Bicycles

Tsali is the fortunate beneficiary of federal stimulus money for trail renovation this fall and winter. Work is already underway and will address the 27 miles of single-track trail. The two main initiatives are to install positive drainage in those swampy spots that continually bog down and to clear brush; 10' high and 4' wide. The renovations will not alter trail surface or width (except in drainage repair areas) but the trails will likely appear wider due to brush clearing. During the renovations, which are slated through December, there will be signage informing trail users which trails are open/closed and trails will always be open on weekends. For more information, contact the District Ranger Office at 828-479-6431.

Tsali Use Fee: Don't forget, there is a use fee for the Tsali trails, $2 per person per day. There is also an annual pass for $15 that you can purchase at the Cheoah Ranger District Office or at Bryson City Bicycles. 85% of the money collected goes directly into maintaining the Tsali trails.

photo courtesy of http://www.mtbikewnc.com

"Autumn High Tea" Fund Raiser for Catch the Spirit of Appalachia

On Sunday, September 26th, from 2-4pm, Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and Country Traditions are teaming together to present the Dillsboro shop’s inaugural “Autumn High Tea”.  For just $7.50, you will be entertained for a full afternoon. In addition to refreshments there will be book discussions and signings.

The modern high tea is closely related to afternoon tea. Even in England, where having afternoon tea is traditional, a high tea is usually for special events only. High tea as it is now used occurs on weekends, at parties, or on special occasions. The recent switch to the use of high tea in the US, which occurred in the 1950s, comes primarily from the word “high” being used as a synonym for elegant or formal.

Catch the Spirit of Appalachia is a group of dedicated Western North Carolina individuals who are holding local memory in place by saving,  sharing and passing on the remnants of local memory.

Country Traditions is located in a 1885 Victorian home at 78 Front Street in Dillsboro North Carolina. For more information, call  828-586-1600.

Mamma Mia! Thatsa Some Spicey Grove Arcade

Sept 15, 6PM - 9PM the Grove Arcade Merchants host An Italian Evening at the Arcade. The adventure begins with a reception with cash bar and fabulous Italian-themed entertainment including a special presentation by the Asheville Symphony with conductor Daniel Meyer; Venetian Jugglers; an Italian Dance Performance by the Asheville Ballet Conservatory; Live Sidewalk Sketching & Fresco Demonstration by the Fine Arts League of the Carolinas; and Strolling Italian Characters from the Montford Park Players.

A limited number of tickets are being sold for a Sunset Rooftop Tour with a champagne toast. See Asheville and the beautiful surrounding views as you have never seen it ... and as E.W. Grove hoped you would! Following the reception enjoy a delicious repast with friends in the Arcade's historic halls. The meal will feature the delectable cuisine of Italy and will showcase the talents of the Arcade's chefs as well as the bounty of Western North Carolina. Wine is included with dinner. Tickets are $75 per person.  Sunset roof tour tickets are an additional $25.  To register visit the website or call 252-7799 x 303 to reserve and bring a check to the Grove Arcade, Suite 270, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. For additional information, email or call 828-251-1616. Must be 21 years of age to attend. The Grove Arcade is located at One Page Avenue, Asheville North Carolina

This weekend in the NC Mountains

This weekend NC Mountain Events and Festivals are going strong with dozens of exciting activities for all interests. Remember September in the NC Mountains as warm days and cool nights bring the promise of fall. Savor pristine mountain trails and the serenity of quiet woods. The summer crowds are gone and the intense greens and blues begin to give way to fall's exciting colors. And you'll find exceptional specials and discounts on vacation cabin rentals and mountain inns in September.

10 - 19   ASHEVILLE  North Carolina Mountain State Fair
10 - 12   SPRUCE PINE  area   Live Music and More - the Historic  Orchard at Altapass
10   LAKE LURE   Pickin’ On The Meadows  
10   WEST JEFFERSON   West Jefferson Gallery Crawl 
10 - 11   BURNSVILLE  Carolina Mountains Literary Festival 
10 - 12   MAGGIE VALLEY   Thunder in the Smokies
10 - 12   CHEROKEE   Cherokee Survivors Motorcycle Rally
10 - 12  WEST JEFFERSON AREA  the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 75th Anniversary Festival
10 - 12   SPRUCE PINE   5th Annual Native American Pow Wow
11   SALUDA   Annual Town BBQ
11   COLUMBUS   12th Annual Green Creek Heritage Festival
11   HIGHLANDS   Highlands Motoring Festival
11   BLOWING ROCK   Art in the Park
11   MAGGIE VALLEY   1st Annual Chestnut Saturday
11   WAYNESVILLE   Barrel Race Exhibition
11 - 12   BLOWING ROCK  Railfan Weekend
11- 12   ASHEVILLE    Carolinas Dahlia Society Annual Show 
11 - 12   BRYSON CITY   Tsali Challenge Triathlon 

RiverLink Celebrates World Rivers Day

September 26 the public is invited to join RiverLink  in celebration of World Rivers Day. Take a canoe trip on the French Broad, enjoy a potluck luncheon and participate in the Neighborhood Big Draw. The celebration starts at 10:30 a.m. at the RiverLink Sculpture and Performance Plaza, 119 Riverside Drive, just across from the Cotton Mill Studios. Revelers are encouraged to drop off a covered dish, lawn chairs, a picnic blanket and perhaps a bottle of celebratory bubbly at the Sculpture Plaza starting at 10:30. At 11:00, the Asheville Outdoor Center will shuttle party-goers upstream to the AOC, where for a $10 donation ($5 goes to RiverLink), they'll canoe downstream to the Plaza. At 1:00, lunch begins while RiverLink Executive Director Karen Cragnolin gives a short speech on the River District and its history. Everyone is invited to take part in RiverLink's "Neighborhood Big Draw, The River: This Is Where I Live!" and draw a river or local Asheville scene. RiverLink will provide supplies for The Neighborhood Big Draw, a national non-profit annual event designed to promote drawing and build community, aimed at getting everyone drawing. World Rivers Day, a worldwide celebration of waterways, is observed the last Sunday of September. Established in 2005, it highlights the value of rivers and increases public awareness while encouraging river stewardship.

Wine Events at The Flat Rock Wine Shoppe

September 10 from 5PM to 7PM head to The Flat Rock Wine Shoppe (on the outskirts of Hendersonville NC) for a Spanish and Argentine wine tasting. Carrie Arrowood and the Naughty Pillows will provide the music. No reservations are needed, just bring a friend and get a great start to the weekend! Enjoy "two for one appetizers" from 4:00 PM -9:00 PM. Matt Kunkleman will present the wines.

Coming up Tuesday September 28th at The Back Room: New Zealand Wine Dinner. Aperitif starts at 6:30pm with dinner starting promptly at 7:00pm. Reservations required so don't hesitate -  the last wine dinner sold out very quickly!!! Please call 828-697-6828 for more information.

Asheville's Lexington Avenue shuts down just for LAAFFs

Once a year the city shuts down Lexington Ave in downtown Asheville for the Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival (LAAFF). The all day, all local, all original street fair has grown to be the largest independent street fest in the southeast! The annual FREE end-of-summer celebration includes wild street performers, unique artwork and a wide variety of music. Three blocks of N. Lexington Ave in downtown are completely filled with all local art, food, beer, music and random acts of creativity. September 5 from 11 AM - 9 PM.

WNC Nature Center Excursion

Join the WNC Nature Center for one of its most popular excursions, NC Elk Experience: the Rut Season. Two trips are offered: Tuesday, September 7 or Thursday, September 16 from 3 PM to 8 PM. Enjoy a one-hour presentation at the Nature Center on elk ecology and biology and then take a ride to Cataloochee Valley to see them in person! The fee is $20.00 per person ($18.00 for members). Tickets are sold on first come-first served basis. Snacks are served in the vans. Guests may elect to drive their own vehicles at a reduced rate ($10.00 per person).  Please contact Keith Mastin, Education Curator, to purchase tickets or for more information at 828-298-5600, ext 305.

Labor Day Weekend Events in the NC Mountains

3       BOONE Friday Art Crawl
3       SWANNANOA Swannanoa Shindig
3       TRYON 125th Birthday Celebration
3       TRYON Rogers Park Summer Tracks Concert Series
3       ASHEVILLE Pickn’ and Poetry on the Porch
3 - 4  LAKE JUNALUSKA 40th Annual Smoky Mountain Folk Festival
3 - 5  ASHEVILLE Mustangs at the Mansion
3 - 6  ASHEVILLE Labor Day Beach Music Weekend 2010
3 - 6  HENDERSONVILLE North Carolina Apple Festival
4       TODD (near West Jefferson) Labor Day Concert in Todd
4       WAYNESVILLE Block Party
4       BREVARD Transylvania Farm Fair
4       BREVARD 2nd Annual Founders Day Fair
4       MURPHY 10th Annual Heritage Walk & Festival
4       ASHEVILLE Shindig on the Green
4       LAKE LURE Labor Day Beach Party
4       FLAT ROCK Summer Music Series in Flat Rock
4       TRYON 5th Annual FENCE Dancing Under the Stars
4 - 6 CHIMNEY ROCK Labor Day at Chimney Rock Park
4 - 5 HIGHLANDS Village Square Art & Craft Show
4 - 5 FRANKLIN Inspirations Labor Day Festival
5      ASHEVILLE Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival (LAAFF)
5      WEST JEFFERSON New River Blues Festival
5 - 6 BEECH MOUNTAIN Mile-High Kite Festival
6      LITTLE SWITZERLAND Labor Day Barbeque and Covered Dish Picnic
6      MARION Labor Day Concert

Waynesville Golf Resort from $89

The Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa  is offering an end of summer "Beat the Heat" Golf Package from only $89 a Night. The 3 day 2 night  Package includes:
*Accommodations for Two Nights
*Complimentary Room Upgrade Upon Check-in
*$50 Resort Credit to be used towards golf, pro shop, dining or spa services
*Complimentary Breakfast for Two
**Two night minimum stay required. Room upgrades based on availability. Resort credit issued upon arrival in the form of a gift card. Credit must be consumed during stay and cannot be combined with other discounts or applied toward nightly rate.       Book this Package

The Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa is surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains on one side and the Blue Ridge parkway and Balsam Mountains on the other. This spectacular golf resort is only minutes from Asheville, NC and an easy drive from Raleigh, Charlotte and Atlanta. Breathe in the fresh air and relax by the tranquil mountain backdrop while enjoying the fantastic dining, golfing, and spa services which makes this the perfect golf retreat.

A Two Million Dollar Licnese Plate

Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains Park

submitted by Holly @ Friends of the Smokies

Have you seen one of those green license plates with a black bear lately and wondered what that was all about? Well, that handsome plate is now worth over $2 million in support of our Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park has now raised a grand total of $2,051,320 through its specialty license plate program in North Carolina. The Smokies specialty plate program began in late 1999.

"The $2 million mark represents a considerable milestone in the Smokies plate program in North Carolina," said Dale Ditmanson, Superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. "Almost anywhere you go in the park in North Carolina, these tag funds are making a positive difference for both park resources and park visitors. We sincerely appreciate everyone involved in this program's success."

Friends of the Smokies has utilized the plate funds to help protect black bears, elk, and other wildlife; to educate tens of thousands of North Carolina school children; to protect Fraser fir trees and hemlock trees from harmful exotic insects; to improve backcountry trails; to create exhibits for the new Oconaluftee Visitor Center now being built near Cherokee; to support volunteer programs; and much more.

"Reaching $2 million in sales doesn't happen overnight," said Stephen W. Woody, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Friends of the Smokies. "We thank everyone involved, from the park staff to the State of North Carolina to the people in the tag offices and all of the drivers. Of course, our work to help the Smokies is far from over. We have many more opportunities to preserve and protect the park and enhance the visitor experience, and we hope North Carolinians will continue to support the Smokies license plate for many more years to come."

The Smokies plate is available any time from any local North Carolina license plate agency office. Of the extra $30 annual fee for the specialty tag, $20 goes to Friends of the Smokies to support projects and programs on the North Carolina side of the park. More information is available online at www.FriendsOfTheSmokies.org or by calling (828) 452-0720.

Flat Rock Summer Music Series Continues this Labor Day Weekend

September 4,  6:00PM-8:00PM,  Summer Music Series in Flat Rock continues at Little Rainbow Row's back deck-corner of Greenville Hwy & W. Blue Ridge Rd, Flat Rock North Carolina. The event is free, just bring a chair. The weekend featuring regional artists The Swayback Sisters. Hailing individually from Asheville, North Carolina, these "sisters" decided to join forces & create a diverse musical experience for themselves as well as their audiences. While each Sister is proficient in her songwriting & crafty guitar work, the real treat is the blending of their voices in three-part harmony.

Labor Day Weekend at the Back Room Restaurant in Flat Rock

Sept 3 at  The Back Room Restaurant at the Flat Rock Wine Shoppe  - Book Signing! The Back Room is proud to present Alexia Jones Helsley, who will talk about her new book; "A History of North Carolina Wine" The author will arrive at 4:30 pm Friday September 3rd.  We will be serving "two for one" appetizers from 4-9pm. If you care to stay for dinner don't hesitate to make a reservation. Please call 828-697-6828.

There will also be a Pink Floyd/Led Zeppelin tribute show is  this Friday starting at 9:00pm. Let Steven and Eric and special guests transport you back to your youth with this fun show.