Swain Tailgate Farmers Market Calls for Vendors

This year, the Swain Tailgate Farmers Market will operate on a new day and location. The market is now located on old Hwy 19 off of Veteran's Blvd. in the parking lot next to Fred's and Super Saver Foods shopping center (Bryson City). The market will run from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM every Friday from May 7th until Friday October 29th.

I you would like to sell the "fruits of your labor" - home grown and home made foods, pottery, flowers and other woody ornamentals, woodwork, beekeeping (honey) and artwork - then, set up a booth and join the other vendors.There are no start-up or admission fees but potential vendors must agree to Farmers Market policies and submit an application.

You otta be in pictures - or better yet, TV!

May 6, 7AM - 9AM, Main Street, Brevard North Carolina.  The Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce invites all Transylvania County residents to an early morning Block Party. Fox Carolina News anchors Cody Alcorn and Margaret Burnquist will be broadcasting live from Main Street. Enjoy Woody Platt and friends playing at the gazebo, interviews with some of our locals like Marla Cilley of Fly Lady, Mayor Jimmy Harris, Dee Dee Perkins, TDA Chairman, John Candler of Brevard Music Center and Tammy Hopkins of TC Arts, as well as a special cooking demonstration. This is a great opportunity to show the Southeast why Brevard is nominated as America’s Coolest Small Town. So get back to voting at Budget Travel.com and let’s push Brevard back into first place. Don’t just vote! Come in and wake up with our wonderful community! http://www.brevardncchamber.org/

Riverlink Extends Deadline for River Camps

Riverlink, Asheville North Carolina. Registration is still open for RiverLink's Rivercamps! Camps will be held during the weeks of June 14-18 (rising 3rd-5th graders) and July 5-9 (rising 6th-8th graders). Enviroscape Activities include:
~Rafting/tubing trip down the French Broad
~Water games
~Project WET Lessons
~Wetland terrariums
~Macroinvertebrate sampling
~Possible trip to the WNC Nature Center
~A stream clean-up
~Nature Journals
And more!
Go to the  website for more details and a registration form.
Interested in volunteering? Contact our Education Coordinator at education@riverlink.org or 828-252-8474 x111.

Mountains to Sea Trail Needs Volunteers for Big Push Spring Clearance!

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail  “BIG PUSH SPRING CLEARANCE” AIMS AT OPENING SECTIONS OF MOUNTAINS-TO-SEA TRAIL HIT HARD BY STORMS. Volunteers are being recruited from across North Carolina for a week long push to remove timber debris blocking a critical link of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) in northwestern North Carolina. Two task forces of the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (FMST) are organizing the “Big Push Spring Clearance” for May 21-27 in Ashe and Watauga Counties and the public is invited to volunteer during all or part of that week.

A 25-mile section of the trail that was under construction from Horse Gap near Glendale Springs to Bamboo Gap near Blowing Rock was hit by an ice storm on Christmas Day 2009 followed by winter snows. Trees and branches are blocking the trail and in many places trail construction that had taken months to complete was wiped out. Much of the trail parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway, which has been closed until recently and is still digging out.

The Friends’ task forces are aiming to have the section cleared and reconstructed in time for its official state designation and opening in October as part of North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail Month. An additional six miles in Watauga County won’t be rebuilt and opened until 2011.

Only US Forest Service certified sawyers will be able to use chainsaws to help. Volunteers are being sought to support the sawyers by pulling cut debris away from the trail and using hand loppers and pruning saws to cut smaller branches. Participants should bring safety glasses or goggles and appropriate work clothes and shoes.

Volunteers can reserve camping space at the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Julian Price Campground. Reservations should be made no later than May 14. For assistance about camping reservations contact Allen de Hart of the FMST at 919-496-4771 or adh4771@aol.com. Volunteers should bring their own camping equipment and provisions.

For planning purposes volunteers need to register by contacting Jim Hallsey, South Ashe Task Force - leader, at 336-877-8831, jhallsey@skybest.com or John Lanman, Watauga Task Force - leader, at 828-963-6901 or jelanman@charter.net. In addition to the Spring Clearance, the Big Push will include work days on the third Saturday and preceding Thursday in June for the Watauga Task Force. The South Ashe Task Force is having work days on June 10, 11, 12; June 17, 18, 19; July 8, 9, 10; July 22, 23, and 24.

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail is a nearly 1,000 mile long linear state park. The trail corridor goes from Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky National Park to Jockey’s Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks. Approximately half of the trail has been built, almost entirely by volunteers.

Restored Farm House for Sale in West Jefferson North Carolina

PEAK MOUNTAIN PROPERTIES, INC West Jefferson North Carolina. Enjoy country living in this beautifully restored farmhouse/mini farm.Home features white pine floors, exposed beams,the large living room has lots of windows, outside the living room door is a patio. The quaint country kitchen has the original fireplace which has been converted to gas logs , beautiful hardwood floors, wormy chestnut cabinets and all the modern amenities. Rocking chair front porch overlooks the pond area where you can sit, relax and savor the quite. Back porch offers a hot tub and lots of privacy. This great find is only a two minute drive to the New River.Outside offers barn, riding ring, creek,pond, pasture and lovely wooded areas. You must check this one out. Call today for more information or an appointment to view this charming home. $249,900    336-846-7325 ramona@peakmtn.com   B103

Mother's Day in the Mountains: Mother's Day Dinner at the Back Room

May 7-8, The Back Room  Restaurant (at The Flat Rock Wine Shoppe) Bring your mom (because she deserves it) to the Back Room and show her how much she means to you!We will be serving a three course meal for $20.00 on Friday May 7th and Saturday May 8th starting at 5:00pm. Call for reservations. 828-697-6828.   Menu:

Appetizers
Chilled Melon Soup with Pecan Butter Crostini
Oysters Rockefeller
Goat Cheese Tarts over Arugula with Orange Sauce
Entrees
Roasted Rabbit Loin with Strawberries, Figs, and Port Sauce
Coffee Crusted Local Filet Mignon (Three Arrows)
Snow Crab Legs with Risotto Primavera
Herb and Sundried Tomato Stuffed Turkey Tenderloin
Dessert
Truffle Sample Plate With Four Truffles
Strawberry Shortcake
Créme Bruleé
Children's Menu Available

We look forward to taking good care of the whole family!

Decoration Day at WCU's Mountain Heritage Center

April 29, 7PM  Join City Lights at WCU's Mountain Heritage Center auditorium or a reading and book signing with Alan and Karen Jabbour, authors of Decoration Day in the Mountains: Traditions of Cemetery Decoration in the Southern Appalachians, a companion book to the exhibition at the Mountain Heritage Center. Decoration Day is a late spring or summer tradition that involves cleaning a community cemetery, decorating it with flowers, holding a religious service in the cemetery, and having dinner on the grounds. http://www.citylightsnc.com

Interstate 40 IN Western North Carolina Opened Sunday, April 25, AT 6 PM

The stretch of Interstate 40 in Western North Carolina that has been closed by a rockslide since October opened Sunday, April 25, at 6 p.m.

Work will continue in the area through the summer as crews complete stabilization efforts – including the installation of rock bolts and anchor mesh – at five additional sites. Both eastbound lanes are open; however, one westbound lane will be closed for about three miles for this work. Read more...

Riverlink Volunteers needed for French Broard River Festival

April 30 - May 2, Hot Springs North Carolina. Riverlink needs volunteers to represent RiverLink at the  information booth starting at about 10 a.m. Saturday and continuing on Sunday. Most folks pay $75 to get in the door, but if you help us fly the RiverLink flag for a while, you can enjoy the music and festivities for free. Contact  Dave Russell, RiverLink Volunteer Services,  volunteer@riverlink.org 828-252-8474 Ext.118

The French Broad River Festival offers a bigger and better lineup of bands and events than ever before. There will be other cool things as well ... like the biggest mass-start whitewater raft race in the Southeast, a chance to paddle with open canoe legend and three-time World Champion Eli Helbert, good food, prizes, and most importantly -- wonderful people enthused about moving water.

Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Special Collections

The Blue Ridge Parkway Store is fully stocked with 75th anniversary collectibles. Purchase these products and give  a gift to our national treasure.Your gift is two-fold: a financial contribution to Blue Ridge Parkway 75, Inc. and an endorsement of a stewardship ethic leading the Parkway into the future. Pins and medallions are mounted on a card, inside a clear bag tabbed. Educational text on reverse side explains the message and mission of the Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary celebration. The larger products include the message as either an insert, attachment, or sticker. Find everything from mugs to embroidered apparel to limited edition serigraphs. Shop NOW...

Be a Guest of Bent Creek Lodge at MANNA Foodbank's 11th annual Blue Jean Ball

BENT CREEK LODGE  in Asheville North Carolina is a sponsor of this year's Blue Jean Ball and is extending a special invitation open to the first 4 guests who let us know they would like to attend. Please give us a call ( 828- 654-9040) the list of guests needs to be completed by May 14th.

The Blue Jean Ball, held this year on June 5th, has grown to be one of the premier entertainment and fund raising events in Western North Carolina. Last year the money raised from the ball allowed MANNA Foodbank to provide food for more than 307,000 meals. The evening is spent on the banks of the Swannanoa River enjoying music from a variety of bands and food from more than 20 of the best local restaurants in the area.

Bent Creek Lodge offers an incredible Mountain setting and views, fireplace, WIFI and delicious breakfast. Accommodations include 10 distinctly decorated rooms plus a 3 bedroom vacation rental. There are hiking trails on site, large decks and wrap-around porch, whirlpool tubs. $145-$185 per night, $913-$1166 per week.

Give me Land, Lots of Land...

Reduced! Beautiful sloped corner lot in Jefferson Landing's prestigious charter section. Ready to build on with frontage on two streets. $55,900   C201

Reduced, PRIME LOCATION! 6+ acre commercial tract just north of US 221/221B intersection in West Jefferson. City water, sewer and street in place & ready for development. Great visibility and level building site. $525,000 G302     336-846-7325   ramona@peakmtn.com   PEAK MOUNTAIN PROPERTIES, INC

Videos and Reports of Obama Asheville North Carolina Weekend Getaway

Obama Watch - Follow the President and First Lady as they enjoy Ahseville and the Western North Carolina Mountains:

WLOS - ABC Asheville News    Good local coverage!

Asheville Citizen Times - CHeck out the reader-submitted photos.    

Official White House Photo by Pete Souza:

Happy Birthday Heinzelmannchen!

April 24, 10AM - 5PM, Heinzelmannchen Brewery, 545 Mill Street, downtown Sylva North Carolina. Celebrate the Brewery's 6th anniversary with samples of beer and soda and "Your Gnometown Cookbook" taste treats - plus a Prize Drawing. http://www.yourgnometownbrewery.com/

2nd Annual Parkway Playhouse Yard Sale

May 1,  The Parkway Playhouse, 202 Green Mountain Drive, Burnsville North Carolina. Although this "Yard" Sale is on the Parkway Playhouse stage, you can find all kinds of great stuff. Arrive early on Saturday May 1 at the Parkway Playhouse, and you will find the theatre filled with furniture, electronics, golf clubs, kids stuff, purses, and stuff too amazing to include in this notice!

Do you have things you want to sell? Call the Parkway Playhouse at 828-682-4285 or send us an email and we will arrange to pick it up and sell it for you. (Contributions to the Parkway Playhouse may be tax-deductible.) Yard sale shoppers will receive a discount to the first production of the season, the NC Premiere of LEAVING IOWA- the comedy about family vacations which kicks off the Parkway Playhouse's 64th Season with its June 4th opening.


All proceeds from this event will benefit the Parkway Playhouse

Reception and Book Signing

April 29, 6:30 PM - 8PM. WCU Mountain Heritage Center Lobby, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee (near Sylva) North Carolina.  Reception and Book Signing for:Decoration Day in the Mountains : Traditions of Cemetery Decoration in the Southern Appalachians with authors Alan and Karen Jabbour. Free Admission - Tickets are not required. Please bring your instruments for the singing! This event is co-sponsored by the University of North Carolina Press and City Lights Bookstore.

Price Reduced on Mountain View West Jefferson Home

PEAK MOUNTAIN PROPERTIES, INC West Jefferson North Carolina Home for Sale. Quality in EVERY Detail: 3BR/3.5BA home offers exceptional energy efficiency geothermal heat system. Great room with beautiful stone fireplace, master suite on main level, lower level offers den, 2 car garage under. Long-range mountain & mountain views, creek frontage, rocking chair front porch, beautifully landscaped and immaculate. You owe yourself a chance to view this beautiful home. $399,900 C104    336-846-7325 ramona@peakmtn.com

Earth Day 2010 Festival

April 24, 10AM - 6PM, Blue Ridge Community College, Hendersonville North Carolina. ECO (Environmental and Conservation Organization) celebrates the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. The Earth Day festival will include an outdoor solar stage featuring local musicians, storytellers and performance artists, workshops on sustainable gardening and green energy, a water festival, art projects and a green Olympics for kids, a greenway hike, a student short film festival, recycling of household batteries, tree planting, and much more. Get details...

This Week at the Flat Rock Cinema

April 23 - 29, 4PM and 7PM, The Flat Rock Cinema, 2700  Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock North Carolina. "THE THE LAST SONG" starring Miley Cyrus, Greg Kinnear and Liam Hemsworth. An estranged father living in a small Southern beach town gets a chance to spend the summer with his reluctant teen-aged daughter, who would rather be home in New York. He tries to connect with her through the only thing they have in common-music.

All tickets are $6. The Flat Rock Cinema is "friendly bistro cinema, featuring great brews and guaranteed best value. "http://www.flatrockcinema.com/

I-40 Rock Slide Closure - Goodbye and Good Riddance!

The N.C. Dept. of Transportation announced it will reopen the section of I-40 next Tuesday which has been closed for six months following a massive rock slide. The closure has meant fewer customers for businesses along the interstate. Prior to the closure nearly 20,000 vehicles a day had used the affected stretch of interstate. About a mile of the westbound side will be closed through the summer while crews repair other areas of loose rock. Get up-to-the-minute updates from NC DOT on Twitter here...

North Carolina Appliance Rebate - limited time!

April 22  to 25 - or as soon as the allotted rebate money runs out. North Carolina has $8.8 million dollars allocated from the Feds to spend on rebates for energy star appliances. All Energy Star washers, dishwashers,refrigerators and freezers qualify for the rebate. Check your local appliance store for details. In the High Country, Sunrise Appliance & TV has discounts in addition to the rebates. Visit them at http://www.sunrise-appliance.com

18th Annual Taste of the High Country

May 4, 5PM - 7:30 PM, The Broyhill Inn and Conference Center, Boone North Carolina. An annual fund-raiser for Watauga County Habitat for humanity. Taste treats from the area's best restaurants and chefs plus a silent auction. Get tickets from area businesses including  Boone Drugs Stores, Appalachian Auto glass, Broyhill Inn and Conference Center and the Habitat for Humanity Resale Store. http://www.wataugahabitat.org/

The Back Room Goes "Al Fresco"

THE BACK ROOM RESTAURANT (at The Flat Rock Wine Shoppe)  The Back Room is happy to announce outdoor dining! Enjoy the spring while dining on Ally's fine cuisine. If you're thirsty, stop by for a quick drink and snack. Open for lunch and dinner.

The Back Room offers the best wine and beer selection in the area, and LIVE MUSIC. The Back Room music venue features regional and national acts. You can indulge in the extensive beer list, wines by the glass, or choose from our over 600 wines in the Shoppe and enjoy while listening to the music and savoring some of the area's most delectable food! Located just short walk from the Flat Rock Playhouse. Special events plus nightly dinner specials.

Member Blast at Jefferson Landing

April 22, 5PM - 6:30PM, Jefferson Landing, West Jefferson North Carolina. The Villages of Ashe host the monthly Member Blast. Free hors d'oeuvres, select beverages and cash bar door prizes and networking - a real Blast! http://www.AsheChamber.com

2010 Boone Business Expo

April 29, 10AM - 5PM, BOONE MALL, 1180 Blowing Rock Road, Boone North Carolina. Come and see what your local businesses have to offer you!  

April 30 - The Watauga County Economic Development Commission invites you to attend a Lunch & Learn workshop on international business –Noon, Friday, April 30, 2010 at the Appalachian Enterprise Center – RSVP required – lunch provided! Call 264-2225 or email info@boonechamber.com  Hear from representatives of the US and NC Departments of Commerce, how to access them and how they can help NC companies thrive by growing internationally with “Export University.” Discover programs available at ASU. http://www.Boonechamber.com

Survivors Motorcycle Rally in Cherokee

April 23-25, Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds, Cherokee North Carolina. Cherokee Survivors Motorcycle Rally.  Live Bands nightly, tattoos, vendors, contests and games. The Rally is more than 20 years old and draws bikers from all over the United States to experience some of the best biking roads in the country.

This week from Stories of Mountain Folk

April 17, StoriesofMountainFolk.com  - Amy shares a story by Linda Owen Vinson from her book "A Pinch From the Little Brown Jar." Doreyl talks with local entertainer Keith Shuler from Sylva, who sings "Smoky Mountain Days," and then Amy's guest include some Girl Scouts from Swain County and Vera Holland Guise from the Appalachian Homestead Farm & Preserve in Cullowhee. To end the show, The Butterpats from Sherrill's Ford, NC sing"Little Dew Drop." Listen to the show...

Watershed Week at Nantahala Outdoor Center

April 19 - 23  Nantahala Outdoor Center, Bryson City North Carolina.   NOC's Watershed Week - river outposts will participate in a week of environmental projects, both on and off the river. This event is open to the public, and both rafters and paddlers are needed. Volunteers must be at least 8 years of age to raft the French Broad River and signed waivers will be required for all participants. Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Get details...

U.S. Forest Service Buys Catawba Falls Trail Property

Catawba Falls, Old Fort North Carolina. The Foothills Conservancy has announced the sale of the Catawba Falls Trail Property to the US Forestry Service in March. The 88 acre sale will provide long-sought public access to Catawba Falls in Pisgah National Forest near Old Fort. The U.S. Forest Service acquired the combined tracts from Foothills Conservancy for $713,000 using Federal Land and Water Conservation Funds secured by U.S. Congressmen Heath Shuler (D-NC, 11^th District) and David Price (D-NC, 4^th District) in legislation signed into law last December.

“At long last, the public is assured access to Catawba Falls, a natural treasure in McDowell County,” said Tom Kenney, Foothills Conservancy’s land protection director. Companion legislation is pending which will expand Pisgah National Forest’s official boundary to include the newly purchased tract and a portion of the original Catawba Falls tract that remained outside the national forest’s proscribed boundary. Read more...

photo courtesy of Rich Stevenson and the  Foothills Conservancy

64th Running of the Block House Steeplechase

April 17, FENCE,  Tryon North Carolina.  64th running of the Block House Steeplechase. The Block House is the longest running steeplechase in the state of North Carolina occurring continuously since 1947. The National Steeplechase Association sanctions four of the races with total purses reaching $65,000. Two amateur divisions showcasing local jockeys take place after the Carolina First Block House Cup feature race. Tickets are sold in advance to the some 18,000 plus spectators in attendance

Chimney Rock Celebrates Earth Day 40th Anniversary

April 17, Chimney Rock Park,   40th Anniversary Celebration of Earth Day at Chimney Rock  Come Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day with North Carolina State Parks. What could provide more inspiration to care for our valuable natural resources than a fun-filled day in the beautiful setting of Hickory Nut Gorge. Gear up to “GREEN–up” by learning about sustainable practices and how to implement environmental stewardship into your daily routine through demonstrations and presentations.

Austrailian Wine Dinner at The Back Room

April 27, The Back Room Restaurant at The Flat Rock Wine Shoppe, 2702 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock North Carolina. Come and enjoy the cuisine and wines from down under featuring many of the rich and opulent reds, as well as the crisp whites that Australia is known for. Menu - 5 courses and 6 wines:

1st: Lamb Meat Pies with Gravy
2nd: Corsican Salad
3rd: Oysters Kilpatrick
4th: Cola Kangaroo
5th: Lamington Cake

Aperitif starts at 5:30pm, with dinner starting promptly at 6:00pm  Reservations required; please call 828-697-6828

This Week's "Simple Suppers" in Franklin

April 12 - 16, Jer's Kitchen, Franklin North Carolina. Simple Suppers this week:

Chicken Crepes with Asparagus
These got rave reviews from all who ordered them!
Wild Mushroom Quiche
Portobellos, shiitakes, and button mushrooms
serves 2...$12.95    serves 4...$24.00

Remember to call before noon for same day pick-up, or anytime for later in the week.  No emails please..email is not checked daily..  828-524-1960      http://www.jerskitchen.com/

Christopher's Wine & Cheese Offers New Wine Buying Service

Christopher's Wine & Cheese, Corner of Sunset and Main St,  110 Sunset Drive,  Blowing Rock North Carolina. This week Christopher's launched www.onewineonedeal.com – a  Social Buying service for wine set up along similar lines as www.groupon.com – people can ‘opt in’ to a deal on wine (approximately 30-50% off retail) by helping to spread the word among their social circle to take advantage of group buying power. The wineries and distributors who want to get the word out there about the products offered at Christopher's are giving special pricing in exchange for a minimum purchase of 10 or more cases at a time.

The Specials are for 24 hours only.  If the minimum number sells, the deal is on and you receive some fantastic bargains.  If not enough are sold, there’s no deal and no one gets charged for the wine. http://www.christopherswineandcheese.com

Last Weekend to Ski Cataloochee

April 10-11, Cataloochee Ski Area, Maggie Valley North Carolina. Cataloochee will operate today and Sunday, and close for the 2009/2010 season at the end of the skiing session on Sunday, April 11 at 4:30pm. 3 slopes are open from midstation down, Intermediate Lower Omigosh serviced by the Omigosh Double Chairlift, and Beginners Easy Way and Beginners Rabbit Hill serviced by the Easy Way Triple Chairlift on a base of 13”-36” and a machine worked surface with spring conditions. On Saturday there will be one session of skiing, day skiing only from 9am – 4:30pm with a morning or afternoon half day rate also available. Weekday rates will be in effect. Read more...

Yes - There is a FREE Ride!

April 10, 11AM - 2PM,  Smoky Mountain Jet Boats. One day only FREE Ride - From the Almond boat dock you board the boat which takes you out on scenic Lake Fontana. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as your backdrop the ride is fun for all ages. These boats are extremely maneuverable and can spin within their own length. Allow a total time of one hour - you are on the water about 35-40 minutes. http://www.needmore.com/jetboats/ride.html

A Special Night of Music at Poppies in Brevard

April 13, Poppies Gourmet Farmers' Market, 1 market Street, Brevard, North Carolina. A special night of music at Poppies with blues harmonica man, Mark Hummel. Mark Hummel, leader of The Blues Survivors,  has been a major force in shaping and defining the blues harmonica genre. Read more about Poppies Market, their goods and events...

RiverLink Needs Volunteers for Earth Day

RiverLink needs volunteers to sit with some information tables for us - it's also a good opportunity to "people-watch" and meet some nice folks. RiverLink's first official Earth Day Party on Saturday, April 24th. The event is a picnic at  Carrier Park, open to the public and filled with activities for everyone in the family to enjoy. Asheville Hot Air Balloons will be providing FREE hot air balloon rides from 9-11 a.m (weather permitting) RiverLink is partnering with Earth Fare for this event, whose focus is eliminating childhood obesity and promoting healthy snacking. RiverLink links with this message by connecting their communities by greenways along the French Broad River. There will be many other fun activities as well!  For more info contact Dave Russell, Riverlink's Volunteer Coordinator  252-8474, ext. 118

Song Writers in the Round an Up-close and Personal Experience at a Bargain Price or FREE!

April 17, Balsam Mountain Inn, 68 Seven Springs Drive, Balsam (in between Waynesville and Sylva) North Carolina. Stay two nights or more during the April 17 weekend and enjoy the Songwriters Show for FREE! Non-guest or overnighters get the ECONOMIC STUMILUS price of $39 which includes show, Gourmet Buffet and beverage, tax, tip. Grammy Award Winner Leslie Ellis and Grammy Award nominees Casey Kelly, and Todd Cerney will share their creative talents at the "IN-THE-ROUND" songwriters show.

The Balsam Mountain Inn, just off the Blueridge Parkway, is an authentic 100+ year old wooden inn and one of the South's few remaining grand old inns. The Inn offers 50 guestrooms and suites, an award-winning restaurant, meeting and card rooms, library, hiking trails, gift shop and two 100 foot porches with North Carolina-made Troutman Rockers. For Information and TICKETS Call (800) 224-9498 or visit: http://www.balsammountaininn.com/

Hendersonville Log Cabin in Peaceful Mountain Setting

APPLEJACK CABIN  Hendersonville North Carolina. Enjoy short range mountain views in a contemporary and charming Log Cabin with 3 bedrooms and 3 baths plus a bed in the game room. "Set" on the front porch with rockers or relax on large back deck while you grill dinner. Have a game of Ping-Pong or stay connected with your free WIFI.  $125-$145 per day, $750-$895 per week

Battle of the Bands at The Back Room - Flat Rock / Hendersonville

Every Wednesday evening  in April come to The Back Room Restaurant at The Flat Rock Wine Shoppe and have a "Blast" with the Battle of the Bands! join in the fun and see what all the hoopla is all about. Starts at 9:00PM. Flat Rock / Hendersonville North Carolina.

Enjoy our Wednesday Night Dinner Special:  All you can eat crab legs just $19.99 with vegetable and starch.

"Springtacular" Vacation Specials in the Smoky Mountains

GREAT SMOKYS CABIN RENTALS Bryson City North Carolina- 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: March 16 through May 21. 45+ mountain Cabins and vacation rentals offering 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.

Green Thumb Day in the Great Smoky Mountains

Apr 10, Downtown Whittier North Carolina - near Bryson City. Green Thumb Day Celebrates the beginning of spring with area arts and crafts, a heritage and holiday exhibit, flea market, live music, and of course, all the bedding plants and hanging baskets to start the Spring season! For additional details call: 828-497-2393.

$99 April Special on Bryson City Cabins and Cottages

Weeknights throughout April Hidden Creek Cabins in Bryson City North Carolina is offering $99+ specials on 7 of its cabins and cottages. Specials or discounts on other cabins and larger groups may also be available - call for details. Choose from creek side cottages or mountain view cabins with a variety of amenities. Enjoy horseback riding through acres of beautiful mountain scenery or rent a pontoon boat and enjoy a day cruising Fontana Lake. Visit the site for more information: http://hiddencreekcabins.com

Ski in NC this Weekend

April 3-4, Cataloochee Ski Area, Maggie Valley North Carolina. Saturday and Sunday, skiing on 100% of the mountain on 16 out of 16 slopes with two aerial lifts and one conveyor lift operating on a base of 25-98” and a machine worked surface and spring conditions- day skiing only from 9am – 4:30pm with a morning or afternoon half day rate also available. http://cataloochee.com/

April 3, Appalachian Ski Mountain, Blowing Rock North Carolina. Easter Extravaganza  Bring your camera and join the Easter Bunny for pictures on the slopes, two children's Easter Egg Hunts with lots of hidden prizes including a 2010-11 Junior Season Membership, and a special Easter Brunch.

Easter Event: First Annual Llama Caddy Easter Egg Hunt and Festival

April 3, 12PM-5PM,  Sherwood Forest Golf Club, Highway 276 South, Brevard North Carolina.  Fun for the entire family with an Easter Egg Hunt and an up-close and personal meeting with Sherwood's charming Llama caddies. Additional activities include: story time readings, fashion shows by Theophilus, food by HobNob, sweet treats cart by Kiwi Gelato, flower hairdo's by Studio U Salon, chair massages by La Petite Spa, and learn how to Hoola Hoop with KiKi. For details call: 828-275-7266    http://www.llamacaddy.com/golf/

Easter Event: Swain Chamber Easter Egg Hunt in Bryson City

April 3, 1:00PM Swain County Horse Arena and Recreation Area, Bryson City North Carolina. 1st Annual Swain Chamber of Commerce Easter Egg Hunt Two separate egg hunts - Ages 0-4 and 5-10. Find one of three special eggs for each age group and win a prize! 828-488-3681, 800-867-9246

Easter Event: Special Easter Menu at Saluda Grade Cafe

April 4, 11AM-3PM, Saluda Grade Cafe, 40 East Main Street, Saluda North Carolina. New Special Easter Menu!  Shrimp and Grits will be back, Lemon Herb Roast Cornish Hens, as well as an Old Fashioned Mustard Bourbon Glazed Ham and Deviled Eggs. Easter Sunday, Saluda Grade Cafe will be open for lunch only and continue Sunday Suppers (3-7 pm) on all the other weekends in April. http://saludagradecafe.com/