Asheville Tourists Baseball Announces Family Fritos Fridays

This summer, at the Asheville Tourists Baseball first Friday home games in May, June, July and August, FRITOS® brand is giving special baseball experiences to select lucky families. Attend a FRITOS® Family Friday game when randomly selected families will participate in ballpark activities such as: perform PA Announcer duties, be a co-radio broadcaster or even get to toss out a ceremonial first pitch.

Bring your empty FRITOS® bag or pick up a bag at the McCormick Field concession stands. Show the FRITOS® bag at the stadium store during FRITOS® Family Friday games to get 10% off Asheville Tourists merchandise. Offer good one per person, discount not good on sale merchandise or combined with any other discount.

Get an Asheville Tourists Game Schedule and team details here.

Mountain Brews News: Old Hickory Brewery Tasting Tonight

April 29 at 5 PM at Appalachian Vintner 2011 Irish Walker Barleywine RELEASE Party.   Olde Hickory Brewery has been hand crafting artisanal malt beverages since 1994,  making them one of the oldest breweries in the state. Years of brewing experience allow OHB to be among  the most well made and exciting bottlings made in the Carolina's. Many believe their Irish Walker could be one of the most dynamic English Style Barleywinesin the country. Its the tawny port of brews, and ages like one too. Add that to a well hidden abv, vintage dated, waxed finished bottle and you have a beer geeks dream.

In addition to the 2011 Appalachian Vintner will be re-releasing a few select bottles of 2010 Irish Walker, signed by the brewmaster Steven Lyerly and tapping a ¼ barrel of 2010 as well. Steve, Joe and the gang will also have a few of their other beers on hand to sample too!

Appalachian Vintner is located at 2-B Huntsman Place in Asheville NC.

Mountain Brews News: Heinzelmannchen Brewery Food Pairing in Sylva

.May 6 from 5 PM - 8 PM Food & Beer Pairing with City Lights Cafe in downtown Sylva NC. Heinzelmannchen Brewery welcomes the latest addition to downtown Sylva's array of terrific eating establishments, City Lights Cafe. The Cafe is located in the City Lights Bookstore at3 east Jackson Street.

Stop by the Brewery  in downtown Sylva for a pairing of Cafe appetizers with Heinzelmannchen beer samples and then take a stroll around town at Sylva After Dark.   Enjoy a night of arts, dining, music, refreshments, shopping and more the first First Friday of each month, May-December from 6:00 PM -9:00 PM. 

Mountain Brews News: Beer Tasting Tonight in Asheville

April 29, 5 PM -7 PM at Hops and Vines enjoy a free of Natty Greene's 2011 Pro-Am Winner "Bat Cave Dave's Weizenbock" brew!  David Keller, a local homebrewer from Bat Cave and a member of MALT, the Asheville Homebrew club, won Best of Show at the Battleground Guild Brewer's competition in Greensboro in the fall of 2009. The grand prize was a brew session at Natty Greene's Brewery where the beer would be brewed on a commercial system and sold by the brewery to the public. This past December, the beer was brewed by David and Mike Rollinson, the head brewer at the Natty Greene's Restaurant.

The beer is a Weizenbock which is a strong German ale with a very high percentage of wheat. Over 60 % of the grain bill was German wheat.  Batdave's Weizenbock was designed as a Schneider Aventinus clone. The BJCP guidelines describe this style as a strong, malty, fruity, wheat-based ale combining the best  flavors of a dunkleweizen and the rich strength and body of a bock. Not exactly a summer drink but try it now before the weather really gets hot.

Hops and Vines offers over 300 beers, with an emphasis on US microbreweries and European imports and is located at 797 Haywood Rd. Ste 100,  West Asheville, NC.

Annual Passes Available for Grandfather Mountain

Treat yourself to the experience of a lifetime - anytime. Visit 1 day or all 365 days to enjoy the wonders of Grandfather Mountain. An annual pass gives you those wonders at a wonderful discount, to be enjoyed any day and every day - for one full year from the date of purchase.  Individual passes sell for $40 per adult and $17 per child.  But for an affordable $150, the group pass lets the passholder share the memories with five guests per visit!   Read more about Grandfather Mountain's annual passes...

Upcoming Event at Grandfather Mountain

May 13   Audubon Spring Bird Count

Hosted by High Country Audubon, participants will be birding at various locations around Grandfather Mountain, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Grandfather Mountain State Park. Please contact Jesse Pope (828) 733-4326 or Bob Cherry to participate.

May 13 - May 15 Naturalist Weekend

Joins us for three days filled with guided hikes and special presentations on the birds, wildflowers and nature of Grandfather Mountain. Included with regular admission.

May 30 - Jun 12 The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble

The rose-lavender Catawba Rhododendron blooms its way up Grandfather’s slopes from late May - mid June and our naturalist are eager to share what they know about the showy shrub!  Included with regular admission.

Special Benefit Performance at Diana Wortham Theatre

Asheville's Diana Wortham Theatre presents: A Special Benefit Performance for the Diana Wortham Theatre featuring a VIP Reception and Show. At 7 PM enjoy a delightful reception with sparkling wine, desserts and music by the Sara Fields Jazz Trio. The reception is followed at 8 PM by a mystifying presentation by Craig Karges, an artist whose performance defies description.

Come see why millions of audience members have been astounded by Craig Karges and his mental feats of phenomena!

VIP Ticket = $75 ($35 of which is a tax deductible contribution) includes the 7pm VIP reception and orchestral seating.

Performance Only at 8pm with Balcony Seating = $50 ($20 of which is a tax deductible contribution)

The benefit evening is sponsored by The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa and by Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.

                         CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Diana Wortham Theatre is located at 2 South Pack Square in Asheville, NC

Great Smoky Mountains Opens Restored Appalachian Clubhouse to Public Use

Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson has announced that the Park’s newly-restored Appalachian Clubhouse is now available for public day-use rental. The rustic frame building is located about 9 miles from Gatlinburg TN, in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park adjacent to the Elkmont Campground.


“We expect the Clubhouse to be a really popular option for people organizing events such as weddings, family reunions or even business meetings and retreats.” Ditmanson said, “It offers guests a chance to hold a large event within a peaceful and scenic, natural setting.” The Appalachian Clubhouse is an historic structure constructed in 1934and now rehabilitated by the National Park Service to its original appearance with the addition of electricity and indoor plumbing.


The building was used a gathering spot by lessees and guests of the Appalachian Club whose members built rustic cabins nearby to serve as weekend or summer retreats in the years before the Park was created. “The restoration of the Clubhouse was never intended upgrade it to modern standards, but its rustic atmosphere could be appealing for groups looking for an alternative to a hotel conference room,” Ditmanson continued. “As an historic building it lacks some modern amenities such as bright lights, heating and air conditioning, and a full kitchen. Our Park Historic Preservation Crew did an outstanding job of bringing the structure back to life, and we
are excited about the opportunity for the public to see and enjoy their handiwork.”

The 3,000 square foot, one-story Clubhouse features a large, open meeting hall about 25’ by 60’ in size with exposed wooden beams and massive stone fireplaces at each end that are equipped with gas logs. It is lighted by period-type fixtures suspended from the ceiling and with wall-mounted sconces. French doors along the entire east side open onto a broad, roofed porch overlooking the forest and a small creek. It is equipped with folding chairs, round dining tables and rectangular buffet tables. There is a caterer’s kitchen that has countertops, electrical outlets and a sink where food can be kept warm or served, but it has no cooking facilities or refrigerator. Newly built restrooms located just a few yards from the building accommodate both Clubhouse users and hikers using nearby Jakes Creek and Little River Trailheads. Both facilities are fully accessible.


The Clubhouse is available for use from April 1 - November 15. and  is rented on a daily basis for  use from 10:00 AM through 8 PM. The rental fee is $400 per day, Monday through Thursday, and $600 per day Friday through Sunday. Group size is limited to 96 people. Reservations and more information including a map and photographs are available at www.recreation.gov and entering “Appalachian Clubhouse” in the “Park or Facility name” box.

Asheville Hosts 22nd Annual Herb Festival

April 29 - May 1  the  22nd Annual Asheville Herb Festival  is hosted by the  WNC Chapter of the NC Herb Association/ The Festival represents a wide variety of herbalists and herb businesses in North Carolina: herb growers and vendors, natural gardening and landscaping specialists, and makers of herbal ointments, balms, soaps, teas, medicines, and other products.

You'll be able to find herbal medicines, holistic treatments, herbal soaps and shampoos, gourmet cooking herbs, cookbooks and organic gardening information. Herb lovers from across the Southeast attend the  Festival to enjoy some of the best herbs, plants, products, literature, and herb talk in the southeast. Master Gardeners and experts from the Buncombe Count Extension Service will be on hand during the festival to answer gardening questions.

Your Chocolate Easter Bunny - the inside scoop

Whether you eat the ears or the feet first, there's no wrong way to eat a chocolate Easter bunny!  The popular melt-in-your-mouth tradition comes in a variety of flavors -  white chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate - and  according to the National Confectioners Association over 90 million chocolate bunnies are produced each year for the holiday. A staple in kids' and adults' Easter baskets alike, chocolate Easter bunnies can be found  in all shapes and sizes, too, and some are even filled with other rich delights like caramel, marshmallow or chocolate creme!

• Ninety million chocolate bunnies are made for Easter every year
• Seventy six percent of chocolate bunny lovers say they eat the ears first (me, too!)
• Adults and children say they are more likely to share their chocolate and candy on Easter than on other days of the year

Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina Membership Drive

submitted by Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina

Catawba Falls by Rich Stevenson

Join the Foothills Conservancy during April and be entered into a drawing for two tickets to the Foothills Wine Festival 11am-5pm on May 14, 2011 at the Inn at Glen Alpine. Help save the places you love in the Blue Ridge & Foothills of North Carolina.

Are places like the South Mountains, Linville Gorge, Lake James, Wilson Creek, Catawba Falls and Chimney Rock important to you? Do you believe clean water is critical to the health of your family? Is the loss of farmland that produces local food a concern to your community? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then join hundreds of others who support Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, your local land trust working to preserve and protect the natural resources in the Blue Ridge and Foothills.

Membership in the conservancy comes with no obligations but plenty of benefits including invitations to hikes and outings to beautiful places and special events throughout the year, regular newsletters, and, for those interested, volunteer opportunities. The biggest benefit of membership by far is the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping to leave a legacy of protected lands and waters across our beautiful region.

Our members are the backbone of our organization. They care deeply about preserving our region’s beauty, open spaces and natural resources. Over the last 15 years, Foothills Conservancy has helped protect more than 45,000 acres across the Blue Ridge Foothills, including new public state park and wildlife lands that benefit the region’s economy.

Join Foothills Conservancy during this month (April) and be entered into a drawing for two tickets to the Foothills Wine Festival 11am-5pm on May 14, 2011 at the Inn at Glen Alpine.  Make your tax-deductible contribution TODAY. Join at www.foothillsconservancy.org or call 828-437-9930. 

Easter Weekend Events: Weekend Wine Tastings

April 23 4PM-7PM Asheville’s Best Wine & Beer Tasting at Appalachian Vintner. Free Wine Tastings every Saturday and Wednesday. This Saturday features: the Scott Family Group Ponga Sauvignon Blanc- Marlborough, New Zealand. The iconic Silver Fern of New Zealand is called “Ponga” by the country’s indigenous Maori people; Mulderbosch Chenin Blanc Steen op Hout- 100% Chenin Blanc from vineyards in the Western Cape; Apaltagua Envero Gran Reserva- 100% Carmenère from vines over 50 years old. Apaltagua Winery, located in the prestigious Apalta region in Chile's Colchagua Valley, specializes in one distinguished, but lesser known, grape varietal - Carmenère; Intipalka Ico Valley Tannat- 100% estate grown Tannat from Perú! Intipalka means “Valley of the Sun” in Quechua, the language of the ancient Incas.

And in honor of Passover - BEER! Appalachian Vintner is located at 2-B Huntsman Place in Asheville, NC.

April 23, 3-6 PM at Hops & Vines Free wine tasting, Wines from Italy. Riff Pinot Grigio 2009- This wine originates in the foothills of the Dolomites in the eastern Alps; Ajello Majus Grillo Catarratto 2007- This white wine from Sicilia IGT is a blend of 70% Grillo, which gives the wine big full body, and 30% Catarratto which balances the wine with acidity and crispness; Li Veli Primonero 2008- From the Salento IGT in Italy, this full bodied dry red wine is a blend of Salento's two most representative indigenous grapes, Primitivo and Negromaro. Hops and Vines is located at 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100 in Asheville, NC.

April 23   RagApple Lassie Vineyards extending the opportunity for you to make Grape VineWreaths since the wind and rains of last weekend sort of spoiled the pleasure of being outside creating your own unique decoration.  Plus, Keary Reid will be there to entertain you with perennial favorites on his magic keyboard, RagApple Lassie will offer awesome wines for tastings, and The Back Door Café will be open for lunch (Noon to Four).

On Easter Sunday the tasting room is closed.  BUT Easter Sunday Morning, you are cordially invited to join the Boonville Methodist Church in the RagApple Lassie Vineyards for a 6:30 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service followed by Breakfast in the Fellowship Hall of the church.  All are welcome and we can tell you that watching the sun rise over Pilot Mountain while sitting in the vineyard listening to an Acappella choir sing the traditional Easter Anthems is an awesome experience you will not soon forget!


April 23, 1 to 4 PM Free Tasting at the Asheville Wine Market. Join Rick Bowman and  terrific values from around the wine world: 2010 Riebeek Cellars Sauvignon Blanc; Swartland, South Africa- This medium-sized winery on the western coast of the Cape Province of South Africa sources its grapes from the fertile Riebeek Valley and the slopes of the mountain; 2010 Bodega Virgen de la Sierra Yasa Blanco; Calatayud, Spain - Just a delight to drink, get it while it is here. A lovely bouquet of fresh almond blossoms and delicate citrus and honey greets the nose; 2009 Fossalta di Piave Resonata Nero d'Avola; Sicilia, Italy - This wine is produced from high density vineyards (vines are trained on “alberello” bush vines) located in the provinces of Agrigento and Caltanissetta in southern and central Sicily. 2009 Red Heads Studio Yard Dog Red; South Eastern Australia - 60% Petit Verdot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot) Deep ruby color.

Catch the Spirit of Appalachia Announces Fund Raising Raffle

Raffle Opportunity Established for the “Mary Jane Queen Memorial Scholarship”

Submitted by  Amy Ammons Garza, Co-Founder Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, Inc.

Established in memory of Mary Jane Queen by “The Queen Family” and Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, the ongoing Mary Jane Queen Memorial Scholarship will provide $500 for deserving graduating students from rural Jackson, Macon, Haywood and Swain counties in North Carolina. An application for the scholarship is available in the high schools of these four western NC counties,  and online at www.spiritofappalachia.com.

To help in providing the funds for this scholarship, a “Beginner’s Quilt Basket Raffle” has been compiled and is available at City Lights Bookstore, 3 Jackson Street, Sylva, NC. If you would like to be a part of this scholarship that will encourage the youth of these four counties to remember and cherish our traditional musical heritage, please stop by and purchase a raffle ticket: $1 each or six for $5. Drawing for the basket will be at 3pm at the Patchwork Folk and Fabric Festival on June 4, 2011 at the Jackson County Recreation Center in Cullowhee, NC.

Mary Jane Queen — Balladeer & Musician

Born on February 20, 1914 on Brown Mountain in the Caney Fork Community of jackson County, NC, Mary Jane Prince was one of eleven children of Jim and Clearsie Prince. Growing up she learned and cherished the musical traditions her family passed on to her, singing the old time ballads and playing the banjo. Living on the land, working with her hands, raising 8 children, making her own music, this woman of the mountains has been a true inspiration for countless people, sharing her time and talent with others. “Keep on keeping on” was her motto. Mary Jane and her family won numerous awards for their music: Charlotte Folk Music Society, 1992; Asheville Mountain Dance and Folk Festival, 1992; NC Folk Heritage Award, 1993; WCU Mountain Heritage Award, 1999; Brown Hudson Folklore Award, 2001; National Folk Heritage Fellowship Award, 2007.

Asheville Tourists Baseball kicks off Thirsty Thursdays

The Asheville Tourists Baseball Team resumes a fan favorite, Thirsty Thursdays and $1 beer. Everyone's favorite time of the year, $1 beer. The perfect combination of beer and baseball is back. So gather up that loose change sitting around the house and get your dollars ready as the Asheville Tourists swing into 2011.

Wednesday April, 20th  the Asheville Tourists are hosting their first Education Day of the season against the Lakewood Blueclaws starting at 11:05am. Also, that morning we are extending an offer to all of our local businessmen and businesswomen. $5 box seats to anyone that comes up to the box office and provides a business card. Enter promo code BUSINESS online to receive the pricing as well. The team will be anxious to have everyone cheer them on as they play against the Lakewood Blueclaws.

Saturday April, 23rd the Asheville Tourists will be battling with the Lakewood Blueclaws. So to help battle this lingering cold weather the first 1,000 fans that enter McCormick Field will receive a So-Cozy blanket sponsored by Pepsi. Get here early as the gates open up at 6pm and be one of the first to receive your So-Cozy blanket!

Easter Weekend in the NC Mountains offers Springtime Activities

Spring has sprung with color and fun along the Blue Ridge Parkway, throughout the Great Smoky Mountains and in the NC High Country. Gather your family, friends, sweetie or just your own adventurous spirit and "head for the hills" to celebrate Easter and the re-birth of the mountains. You'll find fun and outdoor activities in every community in Western North Carolina.

In Asheville the 17th annual spring plant sale, sponsored by the Blue Ridge Horticulture Association, will be held at the Western North Carolina Farmers Market April 22-23. In addition to locally grown plants of all kinds being for sale again this year, many handmade decorative and functional items for the garden will also be available.  Just "down the road" in Flat Rock you can Spring Into the Park with A Family Fun Day at the Sandburg Home.  Watch performances by Asheville's  Poetry Alive! and enjoy storytelling, kid-friendly house tours and activity stations. Young visitors will receive a schedule and activity guide upon arrival. This festival is part of national Junior Ranger Day, an event to encourage youth to learn about America's National Parks and how they belong to them too!

Find Smoky Mountain fun in Bryson City with the Swain County COC Easter Egg Hunt where you can meet the Easter Bunny on the day before Easter! Two separate egg hunts are planned, one for infants-age4 and one for ages 5-10. Find one of three special eggs for each age group and win a prize! The Egg Hunt will be held at the Swain County Horse Arena Grounds. Or if you love trains, PeanutsTM - Easter Beagle will be chugging along April 22 and 23.  The train departs from Bryson City and travels to the Nantahala Outdoor Center where refreshments are served. During the layover, children can seek out bunnies carrying brightly colored eggs. The excursion includes photo opportunities with Snoopy, the Easter Beagle.

Begin Easter Sunday in Chimney Rock at the 56th Annual Easter Sunrise Service at Chimney Rock Park  The Inter-denominational community worship is filled with song, scripture, special music and spectacular sunrise views over beautiful Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge. John Mason, the Park’s featured hammered dulcimer player, will perform. Arrive early, dress warmly and bring a flashlight. Continue the day with Easter Sunday Brunch at the Lake Lure Inn & Spa  and an Easter event at the Old Edwards Inn in Highlands NC.

Find more NC Easter Events here...

Earth Day in Asheville with RiverLink

Riverlink needs additional volunteers for the  Earth Day Extravaganza on Saturday, April 23 from 10 AM - 2  PM at the RiverLink Performance and Sculpture Plaza (119 Riverside Drive, across from Warehouse Studios). There will be  a volunteer invasives battle going on, and  help is needed in the following areas:

* A make-your-own rain barrel clinic -- RiverLink will provide all the parts and tools and help homeowners assemble their own rain barrels for $30. We'll also have rain barrels for sale ($50) and barrels to take home ($15).

* Neighborhood Big Draw - We will have mountains of art supplies, canvas and paper available for kids and adults to draw or paint a scene of the River or the River Arts District.

* Computer and electronics recycling - We're inviting the public to bring old computer equipment, cell phones and other electronic devices for recycling.

* Swap meet - Reduce the clutter around your house by bringing it for trading with others. We'll have some tables set up, but have no Dumpster service, so be prepared to haul away what you don't swap.

* Free hot dogs for kids!

* We'll also have white pine seedlings to give to the first 50 kids who show up to plant in their own yards!

Volunteer or,  if you can't, just hang out and celebrate Earth Day.  Contact RiverLink Volunteer Coordinator Dave Russell at 252-8474, ext. 11, or by e-mail at dave@riverlink.org.  Check out the Blog at http://theriverwhisperer.blogspot.com/

NC Easter Weekend Events: Tryon's 65th Block House Steeple Chase and Block House Bash

April 22 at 6:30 PM 2011 Block House Bash:  Jennifer Breaux Howe's painting, The Run, will be available for auction along with an unique opportunity to go behind the scenes with the riders, owners and trainers on race day. This package includes viewing stand credentials, parking pass, two meal tickets in the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club Hospitality tent, and a course walk with the 2010 Carolina First Block House Feature race winner, Richard Boucher. The Event includes Heavy hors d'oeuvres and Cocktails and is located at the Depot Room in Tryon NC. $50 per person, reservations required (deadline April 18) 828-859-6109

April 23  65th Block House Steeple Chase  ushers in spring with picnics, sundresses, elegant hats, tailgating and the excitement of thoroughbreds thundering on the track. The Block House is the longest running steeplechase in the state of North Carolina occurring continuously since 1947. 18,000 to 20,000 people attend the Block House Races annually.  The National Steeplechase Association sanctions four of the races with total purses reaching $65,000.

An amateur division showcasing local jockeys takes place after the Carolina First Block House Cup feature race. The day also includes a varied, equestrian learning experience from Carolina Carriage Club as well as Paso Fino demonstrations to the Old Tryon Foot Beagles and Green Creek Hounds. Tickets may be purchased online, over the phone @ 828-859-6109, with a credit card or print the order form and mail, 289 S. Trade St. Tryon NC 28782, or fax, 828-859-5598, to the TR&HC office.

Little Tennessee Land Trust Announces Two Riverfront Acquisitions

submitted by Jill Wiggins, Little Tennessee Land Trust (LTLT)

view of Cowee Mound, photo by Ralph Preston

This spring LTLT is celebrating two new riverfront acquisitions on the Little Tennessee. The newly acquired six-acre parcel at the confluence of Lakey Creek with the Little Tennessee River has a gravel "beach" where eight whooping cranes rested several years ago during their spring migration north. LTLT looks to this site to improve public access to the river, complementing two sites recently constructed farther downstream on NC Needmore Game Lands by the Wildlife Resources Commission.

Upstream at Pott's Branch across from the Cowee Mound, LTLT protected another floodplain subdivision lot between NC Hwy 28 and the Little Tennessee River. This acquisition, adjacent to nine floodplain RV lots LTLT purchased in February 2010, will provide an excellent place for the public to safely pull off of the highway and view the Mound. LTLT plans to construct an educational kiosk at the site in the coming months. The kiosk will have panels in both English and Cherokee and tell the history of the Mound and the Cowee settlement, one of the largest Cherokee towns during the 1700s.

City Lights Bookstore Celebrates Cafe Opening

City Lights Cafe  is now open: with an official celebration this weekend. The new downstairs neighbors for City Lights Book Store, City Lights Cafe , is now open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with espressos, crepes and more (including free Wi-Fi).

Fast, yummy, and healthy fare is served 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mon-Sat., and Sundays 9:00 - 4:00 . The Grand Opening Celebration will be this weekend, April 15-16, complete with a free raffle for a gift basket. Friday night will feature live music by local musicians Liz and AJ Nance, and on Saturday Jimmy Galloway will play. Artwork on the walls this month is by Matt Liddle, of the WCU art department.

City Lights Bookstore and City Light Cafe are located at 3 East Jackson Street in Sylva, North Carolin.

RiverLink Hosts Earth Day Event

April 23 from 10 AM - 2 PM RiverLink will host an Earth Day Extravaganza at the RiverLink Performance and Sculpture Plaza, 119 Riverside Drive, across from Warehouse Studios in Asheville NC. The event focuses on recycling, reusing and reducing. "For years, RiverLink has had a presence at other Earth Day events, and last year we decided it was time to host our own celebration," said RiverLink's Dave Russell. "We have a full slate of earth-friendly activities set up."

Activities scheduled for the day:

   * A make-your-own rain barrel clinic -- RiverLink will provide all the parts and tools and help homeowners assemble their own rain barrels for $30. We'll also have rain barrels for sale ($50) and barrels to take home ($15).

    * Neighborhood Big Draw - We will have mountains of art supplies, canvas and paper available for kids and adults to draw or paint a scene of the River or the River Arts District.

    * Computer and electronics recycling - We're inviting the public to bring old computer equipment,  cell phones and other electronic devices for recycling.

    * Swap meet - Reduce the clutter around your house by bringing it for trading with others. We'll have some tables set up, but have no Dumpster service, so be prepared to haul away what you don't swap.

    * Free hot dogs for kids!

    * We'll also have white pine seedlings to give to the first 50 kids who show up to plant in their own yards!

Located in Asheville's River Arts District, RiverLink is a regional organization spearheading the economic and environmental revitalization of the French Broad River watershed as a destination where everyone can work, live and play. For more information on the event, contact RiverLink Volunteer Coordinator Dave Russell at 252-8474, ext. 11, or by e-mail at dave@riverlink.org.

Appalachian Vintner holds Slow Food Fundraiser

April 16th 4PM-7PM Appalachian Vintner holds a Farm to Table Tasting benefit for Slow Food Asheville. The event will showcase the wealth of amazing talent in the local Asheville area food community. There is a $20 donation at the door with all proceeds to benefit Slow Food Asheville.

Participants in the event include  Simple Bread, Sour Grapes, Victor Chiarizia Cheese, Take the Cake, Looking Glass Creamery, Colin's Creatures, Jack's Nut Butters, Farm & Sparrow, Chuck Blethen Viticulture.

Appalachian Vintner is located at 2-B Huntsman Place in Asheville NC. (828) 505-7500

Hayes Performing Art Center Grand Re-Opening

The Hayes Performing Arts Center announces its grand re-opening. The 2011 slate of shows offers a wide variety of performing arts allowing the best opportunity to sustain financial success. With the support of the public the Arts Center will succeed with its continuing efforts to provide the High Country with live theatre and performances. Support the arts, be entertained, and go see a show! CLICK HERE to see show listings with more descriptions, photos, videos, and ticket prices.

The Arts Center fell into challenging financial times with the economic downturn and has spent the past year repositioning with fund raising, financing, marketing and programing task forces. The mission of the Arts Center is to promote the advancement of cultural arts and humanities in Blowing Rock and the North Carolina High Country. Contribute to the future of the Center through Volunteer and financial support opportunities or a mini sports auction.   The Hayes Performing Arts Center is located on Jamie Fort Road, just off US 321 in Blowing Rock NC.

April 15 - Chuckleball, an hilarious Off-Broadway hit musical sports parody, performs during the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival.

April 16 - 17 Fire on the Rock Semi finals and finals of the The Blue Ridge Wine Festival’s interactive culinary experience.

~ 2011 Season ~  

(Other negotiations are pending and shows are still being added)

Thu - Sat., June 2 - 4  Jan Karon Lectures and An Evening with Father Tim (FUNDRAISER)

Sat. & Sun., June 18 & 19  DePue Brothers Band (bluegrass/rock & roll)

Fri. & Sat., June 24 & 25  Mr. Broadway (Broadway cabaret)

Fri. - Sun., July 8, 9 & 10  Late Nite Catechism (one-woman comedy)

Sat. & Sun., July 16 & 17  USO Liberty Bells (touring troupe for U.S. military)

Sat. & Sun., July 23 & 24  Vocaldente (German a cappella group)

Fri. & Sat., July 29 & 30  Chuckleball (off-Broadway musical sports parody)

Fri. & Sat., August 5 & 6  The Bronx Wanderers (50s & 60s tribute show)

Sat. & Sun., August 13 & 14  Jeri Sager (Broadway cabaret)

Sat., August 20  Rhythmic Circus (tap, dance, percussion, and music)

Fri. & Sat., August 26 & 27  Daniel Rodriguez (classical/Broadway/patriotic)

Sat. & Sun., September 10 & 11  Taylor 2 (contemporary dance, an adjunct of Paul Taylor Dance)

Sat., September 17  Plastic Musik (innovative percussion ensemble)

Sat., September 24  Sally Mayes (Broadway cabaret)

Sun., September 25  Commedia Cinderella (children's theatre)

Sat., October 8  Katona Twins (acoustic classical guitar)

Fri., October 21  Lonesome River Band (bluegrass)H

Heinzelmannchen Brewery Celebrates 7 Years

Heinzelmannchen Brewery has announced its Magical Year of Beer Special in celebration of seven years in business in downtown Sylva NC.  With seven believed to be a magical number, the Brewers will be offering seven specials April 11-17th as a special thank-you to their customers:

Root Beer or Birch Beer Floats $2.77 

Lusty Monk Mustard $5.77 

Wickles (16 oz jars) $4.77 

Dips $2.77 

T-shirts $14.77 

Cooler Bags $7.77 

Your Gnometown Cookbook $17.77

And as always Wunderbar Wednesdays get your growlers filled with any Traditional flavors on tap for $7.00!

Heinzelmannchen Brewery was opened in 2004 by German-born Dieter Kuhnand his wife Sheryl Rudd. Dieter's childhood and family experiences growing up in Heidelsheim near the Black Forest of Germany lead to his interest to becoming a brewer. The Brewery is not a Brewpub but focuses solely on providing ales for take-home growler glass containers or kegs. A variety of tastings, pairings and community events offer samples to the public.

The Brewery's ales include Ancient Days Honey Blonde Ale, Gopher Ale, Middleworld Brown Ale and Black Forest Stout and are sold in 2-liter take-home growler glass containers, and 5-gallon or 15-gallon kegs. In addition to the ales Heinzelmannchen brews old-fashioned Root Beer and Autumn Red Birch Beer. The ales are also available on tap at a select restaurants and pubs close-by in Sylva, Dillsboro, Franklin and Waynesville. As well as in Robbinsville, Fontana Dam, Maggie Valley, Sapphire Valley, Hendersonville and the Asheville area.

Heinzelmannchen Brewery is located at 545 Mill Street in Downtown Sylva NC.

NC Mountain Homes: $249,900 in Lake Lure

Dreamfinders Realty and Vacation Rentals, Inc.  Lake Lure Mountain View Golf Course Home for Sale $249,000 - WOW! This is a beautiful 3 bedroom 2.5 bath 2050 square foot Resort home on a Golf Course. Recently that remodeled and ready for immediate occupancy! This NC mountain home is located on .93 acres at Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure.  This home offers access to all the Resort amenities including two18 hole Golf Courses, three pools, recreation center, tennis courts, putt putt golf, basketball, volleyball, the beach on Lake Lure and much more!  Get more information about this Lake Lure home for sale here or call  828-625-9998

Harmon Field in Tryon Hosts The KingPup Radio Show Log Cabin Music Series

The KingPup Radio Show is a worldwide syndicated radio program hosted by musicians Phil & Gaye Johnson showcasing the traditional music and artists of the Carolna Blue Ridge. If you are a Folk, Old Time Bluegrass, or Acoustic Americana musician or fan make plans to attend any of the series performances:

April 10 - Michael Reno Harrel, Jack Lawrence
May 8 - West End String Band, Chompin at the Bit
June 12 - Carolina Blue, Sanctum Sully

July 10 - Georgia Crackers, Homespun

August 14 - Hickory Flat, Quarterhouse
October 9 - SC Broadcasters, Deep River

Admission is Free but DONATIONS ARE WELCOME. Harmon Field is located at 1 Harmon Field Road in Tryon, NC. Directions - From I-26, take exit 67, NC 108 west toward Tryon. When the road makes a Y, follow the signs to US 176, toward Saluda, to the right onto Harmon Field Rd. Harmon Field will be on your right.

An Evening of Stars the Red Carpet Event in Burnsville

Yancey County United Fund Hosts An Evening of Stars

submitted by Connie Downey, New View Estates 

YOU are the star this Thursday, April 14 at An Evening of Stars the Red Carpet Event.  The event will take place at the red-carpeted, paparazzi-greeted Burnsville Town Center at 7 p.m..  The tickets are on sale now for only $5 in advance at the Burnsville Town Center and $10 at the door.  Desserts (including sugar-free), coffee, and entertainment are included.  There will be an opportunity to mix & mingle with the communitys best prior to the Academys style event recognizing area non-profits, community leaders, and volunteers.  A silent auction will also be stirring up bidding wars, so bring your check books!

The beneficiaries of this celebratory, cornerstone event include: Yancey County Committee on Aging, Grahams Childrens Health Center of Toe River, Yancey County Special Olympics, 4H & 4H Friends, Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center, Reconciliation House, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts, Yancey Residential Service, Shortbus Studio, & Hawthorne House, Yancey County Literacy Council, Toe River Arts Council, Children's Advocacy Center of Yancey County, EnergyXChange, Parent-to-Parent Family Support Network, and the Parkway Playhouse.

The host, Yancey County United Fund (YCUF),  is promising a fun, elegant, and entertaining evening full of glamour and glitz…bling and zing. The evening will be a fun tribute to the Yancey County non-profit agencies, volunteers, and community leaders who all help make our community so special. It's a 'can't miss' event for Yancey County.

April Performances at The Diana Wortham Theatre

April 8 at 8 PM: Destino has entranced audiences world-wide, from the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, the 2008 Miss America Pageant, and at the Egyptian embassy. Destino enthralls by combining the romance of opera with gospel, soul and pop selections delivered via it two award-winning, classically trained professional tenors, pianist, and violinist - everything from Ave Maria to the Beatles' Yesterday.

April 9 Wave Enterprises presents "Speaking Truth to Power: A Permanent State of War" An evening of thoughtful commentary with an investigative journalist and historian, and a former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer, as guest speakers.

April 15 & 16 Community Choreography Project presents Hand Me Down, Bestowing Our True Inheritance Through Life, Lessons and Legacy An exceptional evening of colorful dance, uplifting music, and engaging story.

April 17 Jazz Series 2011: Don Vappie & The Creole Jazz Serenaders Banjo virtuoso Don Vappie, born in New Orleans and descended from a long line of New Orleans musucians, leads his Creole Jazz Serenaders.

April 21 - 23 Bioflyer Productions, LLC presents FOOTLOOSE the Musical! FOOTLOOSE is one of the most explosive movie musicals ever, bursting onto the live stage with exhilarating results - a fun outing for the entire family.

April 28 & 29 If You Give A Mouse A Cookie and other story books Part of the Mainstage School Show Series and presented by Theatreworks USA, these performances are open to public, private, home charter or magnet school students and their teachers.

The Diana Wortham Theatre is located at 2 South Pack Square in Asheville, NC.

Get on the Bus! and see Asheville's French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers

The next RiverLink Bus Tour will be Thursday, April 14, when the public is invited to tour the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers with RiverLink. The Tour offers answers about Asheville's past, present and future: What is the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay Plan and what does it hold for Asheville's future? What are the plans for the old Cotton Mill down on Riverside Drive? How did the Flood of 1916 change the river area landscape?

The tour departs from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce parking area (36 Montford Avenue). We ask that guests arrive at about 11:45 so the tour can start promptly at noon. This is an opportunity to see the improvements that have occurred and hear what is coming over the next several months and years to make our rivers better places to work, live and play. You will learn some local history and visit some streets and neighborhoods you have never seen before.

This tour is free for RiverLink members. Non-members cost $15 per person. Lunch is not provided but you can bring your own. Reservations are required. Go to www.riverlink.org to make your reservation online or call 828-252-8474 ext. 11. 

Asheville Tourists Baseball Knows How to Throw a Party

The Ashveille Tourists Baseball Team announces Birthday Parties now available at McCormick Field. You want to throw your child the best birthday party ever, but don't want the hassle of set up, cooking food, baking the cake and then cleaning it all up

Tourists birthday coordinator J.T. Chadwel will take care of everything from the food to the fun and the cleanup, leaving you to celebrate with the kids and the Tourists! There are two different packages to choose from, both are turn key and no hassle for you the parent. Contact  J.T. Chadwel  at (828)258-0428 or email him, to book your  party.

The Home Run Birthday Party
The Home Run Package provides the following:

General Admission seating

A hot dog & soda for everyone in the party

A delicious cake from Sam's Club

A balloon, baseball & sharpie for the birthday child

Picture opportunity with Ted E. Tourist

Public Announcement & Scoreboard Recognition

Special birthday song from Ted E. Tourist & Friends

Party Invitations with Tourists logo

A minimum of 10 people are required for all birthday party packages. You get all of that for just $14 per person.

The Grand Slam Birthday Party

The Grand Slam Package provides the following:

Box Seating

Slice of pizza & soda for everyone in the party

A delicious cake from Sam's Club

A balloon, baseball & sharpie for the birthday child

Picture opportunity with Ted E. Tourist

Public Announcement & Scoreboard Recognition

Participation in the "play ball" promotion

Interactive game ticket & party favor for each person in the party.

Party Invitations with Tourists logo

A minimum of 10 people are required for all birthday party packages. You get all of that for just $17 per person.

Sweet Violet Chocolate Lounge Opens today in Hendersonville

Jesse Roque, Executive Chef and Owner of Never Blue, is pleased to announce that the long awaited Chocolate Lounge, known as Sweet Violet, will be opening its doors on Saturday, April 2. Located in the back room of the Never Blue restaurant, Sweet Violet will feature handmade chocolates, specialty desserts, a handpicked selection of Scotch, and access to the full bar in Never Blue. Sweet Violet is catering to diners in the restaurant who might want to linger over dessert or drinks, as well as patrons who just want to stop in for chocolate or an after dinner cocktail.

For the Spring months, Sweet Violet is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, with dessert service beginning at 5pm. This summer, expect to see earlier hours, with the doors opening at 12noon.

Never Blue buys local and organic products from community farms, helping to support the commonwealth of agriculture in western North Carolina. The restaurant is located at 119 So. Main Street in Hendersonville NC.

Foolish Things to do thing weekend in the Mountains

April 1 at Heinzelmannchen Brewery First Friday Event: great food from The Villages at Sapphire paired with Heinzelmannchen beer samples from 5-8 p.m. AT the brewery on the back street of downtown Sylva - No foolin!

April 1  Asheville Downtown Galleries Walk begins the season's self-guided tour this weekend. Browse through more than 20 Asheville art and craft galleries in a festive atmosphere.

April 1-2   Waynesville's  Quilters Quarters  celebrates its 4th Birthday with sales, fat squares and refreshments.April 1-2   Tryon's Fool Festival  A variety of fun and foolish events including a street dance and dance contest, Tryon's Talent Show, Outhouse, Stroller Race and the Trashion Show.

April 2 Asheville's Artisan Bread Bakers Festival -  Local bakers offer samples, demonstrations and workshops in this highly popular annual event

April 2   Brevard's   Sesquicentennial Bluegrass Gospel Concert   Transylvania Heritage Museum presents the Cockman Family with Soul Vision performing Bluegrass gospel

April 2    6 Hours of Warrior Creek Bike Race - Watch riders challenge themselves at the newest and toughest course in the W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir trail system at this2nd Annual event in Wilkesboro NC


April 2-3   Bryson City hosts  SERC-US Cup East Series #2    The Series continues on arguably the most famous trail system in the East.  The course is fast and flowing with plenty of climbing - a classic mountain bike event.

April 2 - 3   Blowing Rock's  Trout Derby  is a FREE event with NO pre-registration necessary. 6 AM -5PM Saturday, Noon -4PM Sunday. Public waters only, no ponds.

Find details and more NC events and festivals here...