Asheville Hosts International Children's Film Festival

November 4-13  The 3rd Annual Asheville International Children's  Film Festival.  The Festival (AICFF) is a family film festival with value affirming culturally diverse cinema. By using media as a tool to stimulate critical thinking, the goal is to promote intelligent dialogue through the introduction of inspiring stories, exhilarating adventures and pure cinematic joy.

AICFF is the largest children’s film festival in the Southeast with a 10-day extravaganza of more than 70 films from 25 countries.Festival events will include: An opening night gala, pancake breakfast, workshops, school field trip film experiences, Family Support Network of WNC film screenings. Get more Asheville NC events, lodging and visitor information HERE.

Descendant of Pocahontas presents "wild edibles and traditional medicinals" lecture

November 13, 2 PM - 4 PM at the NC Cooperative Extension Office, 130 Ammons Dr., Morganton NC.  Armchair Hike on the Wild Side with Pocahontas descendant IIa Hatter offers information about wild edibles and traditional medicinals! "There's "food underfoot" if we recognize what our Mothers and Grandmothers gathered to feed their families in hard times. They knew what to gather in season for medicines they would need if illness struck. Many a meal was flavored with wild herbs and spices."

IIa Hatter is an interpretive naturalist, artist, wildcrafter, and gourmet cook with more than 25 years experience teaching the cultural heritage of native plants. The presentation will include something "wild and scrumptious" for all to sample.

The presentation is hosted by The Foothills Conservancy in cooperation with The NC Cooperative Extension. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door with limited seating. Purchase tickets online HERE.

Anthony Bourdain comes to Asheville

November 5 at 5 PM , the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium at the Asheville Civic Center hosts  World-traveling chef, author of Kitchen Confidential and host of television's No Reservations, Anthony Bourdain for a foodie event extrodinaire'. The evening begins with a lecture, Q&A and book-sigining by Bourdain followed by a VIP Dinner at Curate.

Cúrate chef and co-owner Katie Button of the popular downtown Asheville hotspot has created a special Spanish-themed menu in celebration of Tony Bourdain's recent travels to Spain.

VIP tickets for "No Reservations: An Evening with Anthony Bourdain" are still available and include:

• Post-show meet & greet/book-signing with Anthony Bourdain
• Premium seating for Anthony Bourdain's talk and Q&A at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
• Access to a private VIP after party at Cúrate, bar de tapas, in downtown Asheville,
immediately following the show, featuring: Traditional and modern tapas by Cúrate, bar de tapas; Spanish wines and beer; Access to cash liquor bar.

Get a link for this and other  

Asheville NC Events, Lodging and visitor information HERE

NC Halloween Events: Ashe County Farmer's Market hosts Annual Children's Halloween Celebration

October 29   Annual Children's Halloween Celebration  -  Annual Halloween Event at the Ashe County Farmer's Market on the Backstreet in downtown West Jefferson. Trick-or-Treaters will find lots of safe Halloween fun from 5:30 PM to 8 PM. Take a ride on an antique fire truck and have a photo taken to remember this year's Halloween costumes. The Market will be selling hot dogs and soft drink during the event. Get a link for this Halloween event and other West Jefferson events, lodging and visitor information HERE.

Asheville's Moogfest Begins Today

October 28-30   Moogfest  is three extraordinary days of music, featuring amazing music and bands, exhibitions, installations, films, workshops, and discussions... all celebrating the spirit and expansive vision of Bob Moog.

Moogfest celebrates Bob Moog’s legacy as a sonic pioneer, the common theme of the festival’s rich array of musical offerings.  Performers use a wide range of Moog instruments – the Minimoog Voyager, the Little Phatty, the Etherwave Theremin, Moogerfoogers, and the Moog Guitar – but are not  limited to only Moog instruments.  Instead, artists will be chosen for their role in creating unique and groundbreaking musical experiences that embody the essence of Bob Moog’s visionary and creative spirit.

In addition to unique concerts by renowned performers of all kinds, Moogfest offers opportunities to engage with the artists in panel discussions, question and answer sessions, and workshops.  There will also be interactive experiences for the audience to explore their own musical creativity with a variety of Moog instruments.  The festival also offers visual art exhibitions, installations, and film screenings throughout the weekend.

Get a link for Moogfest and other 

Asheville NC events, lodging and visitor information HERE.

NC Halloween Events: Bryson City Halloween Parties

Oct 28, beginning at 10 PM  - Tuckasegee Tavern Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween Party featuring Solito for ages 21 and up. The Tavern is located on Depot Street in  Bryson City, NC   828-488-9880


Oct 29 beginning at 9 PM - the Fryemont Inn Costume Party featuring Relic for ages 21 and older. The Inn is located on Fryemont Street in Bryson City NC  828-488-2149

Oct 29 beginning at 6 PM - Nantahala Brewing’s Witch’s Brew Halloween Party for  21 and older.  828-488-BEER

Happy Halloween from Appalachian Vioces

Submitted by Willa Mays, Executive Director Applachian Vioces

This weekend you may be on the lookout for ghosts and goblins lurking on your doorstep, just waiting for a generous helping of sugary snacks. Halloween brings spooky outfits, haunted houses, and cheap scares, but the truly terrifying spots -- like mountaintop removal mine sites -- are scary all year round

In the spirit of Halloween, Huffington Post published an article called “The 10 Scariest Real Places in America.” Wondering about the number one scariest locale? Downhill from strip mining operations in West Virginia. Whether it’s the toxic coal slurry, the flooding, or the constant threat that forceful blasting will send a chunk of flyrock through your roof, living near a mountaintop removal site is indeed a scary thought.

When you are handing out candy to pirates and princesses this year, consider giving a gift to Appalachian Voices. We promise you won’t get any tricks from us! In fact, we might just return the treat. If you give $35 or more, we’ll send you our new Appalachian Voices tote bag!

To give (and get) a Halloween treat, go to AppalachianVoices.org/tote.

Happy Halloween!

Willa Mays

NC Halloween Event: Candle Light Ghost Tours

October 28    Candle Light Ghost Tours  An evening of tales, mystery and haunts. Learn about the ghosts that haunt the old buildings of downtown Wilkesboro NC. Visit a cemetery where Civil War Soldiers are buried, stand in the jail cell where Tom Dooley spent his last days and listen to the stories of the haunted Smithey Hotel. Tours start at 7:30pm. 

Get a link for Candle Light Ghost Tours and other 

Wilkesboro NC events, lodging and visitor information HERE

Friends of Panthertown last scheduled workday for the season

The leaves in Panthertown are particularly spectacular this autumn season, and the daytime temperatures in the valley are pleasantly warm. Join The Friends of Panthertown this Saturday for an fun day in the woods to maintain the Mac's Gap trail in Panthertown Valley.  This is the last regularly scheduled trail work day of the season. Your next opportunity to volunteer on the trails won't be until early next year. To volunteer. R.S.V.P. on our Facebook event page.

Volunteers will meet at the Salt Rock Gap trail-head at 9:30 AM and the group will hike in to help maintain and prune nearby trails on the western portion of Panthertown Valley. Trail tools and instructions will be provide and new volunteers are always welcome. Fall is a beautiful time of the year in "the Yosemite of the East" for a fun day of giving back to this very special place. Trail volunteers are asked to pack a lunch, bring plenty of water, wear good shoes, and bring a pair of work gloves if you have them. Hiking will be less than 5 miles on easy to moderate trails and the day will finish by 3 PM.

Visit The Friends of Panthertown Valley Calendar of Events for up to date information about special events and volunteer opportunities in Panthertown Valley. Learn more about giving back to Panthertown by becoming a member or by volunteering at one of our trail work days.

Friends of the Smokies reports color still visible in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

 submitted by Holly Scott, Marketing Director, Friends of the Smokies

While the leaves have peaked in many park areas, color is still visible.  And fall is a great time for donning some layers and hitting the trails of the Smokies.  Temperatures are mild, and you can take in the sun's valuable Vitamin D before the REALLY short days begin.

Preparedness is the key to hiking in any season.  There are some great free resources online for locating trail information in the Smokies.  Be sure that wherever you hike, you take along a paper map of your route.  GPS devices, apps, and smartphones are terrific resources, but are not so user friendly if a battery dies, there is torrential rain, or you have an unforseen emergency and your companions (don't hike alone!) are unsure of how to operate your technology.

Visit  trail info websites,  call ahead (865-436-1200) or check the park's website to find out about road or trail closures, bear warnings, or even special programs in the park that could make your trip even more unforgettable!

When I hike, I always start by getting suggestions from other people about the area of the park I want to see.  Next, I consult my "little brown book" and map to read a description of friends' trail recommendations and gauge the elevation gain or loss.  (I also enjoy getting tidbits from History Hikes of the Smokies so that I can "Wow" my friends with fun facts!)  Sometimes I surf online to get info that may be timely about where I'm going.  And before I leave home, I check with the park to up my odds that most of my day's surprises will be pleasant.

For a more information and a

link to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park click HERE

The Compleat Naturalist hosts "Tree Teams" event

October 27  The Compleat Naturalist hosts a "Tree Teams" specimen sorting event with DLIA.  Discover Life in America (DLIA) is the non-profit organization overseeing the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Attendees will  assist with the sorting of specimens collected in a study of arthropods and other invertebrates in high elevation beech forests.
This is a great opportunity for people with all backgrounds to learn first hand  about arthropods. A rare St Lawrence tiger moth in its even rarer caterpillar form have already been found and there is excitement about what else may be found at this event.

You do not need a science background; just come with sharp eyes and a willingness to learn (like any good naturalist!).  This event is free, but notification of attendance is requested, so please call (828) 274-5430 with confirmation. 

The Compleat Naturalist is located at 2 Brook Street, Historic Biltmore Village in Asheville NC. 

NC Halloween Event: The Great Pumpkin Patch Express - Last Weekend

October 28-30   For the last time this season the  PeanutsTM - The Great Pumpkin Patch Express  Chugs out of Bryson City NC and into Halloween Fun. Kids should puy on their Halloween costumes and join Charlie Brown, Lucy and Snoopy at The Great Pumpkin Patch for photos and an opportunity to select their own pumpkin.

Activities include hayrides, live musical entertainment, story telling, a hay bale maze, the bouncy horse, apple cider and campfire marshmallows, Peanuts products at the gift shop, face painting, a petting zoo and, of course, Halloween trick or treating. 

Get a link for The Great Pumpkin Patch Express and other Bryson City events, lodging and visitor information.

NC GreenTravel Initiative Launched

The N.C. Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach has recently launched its new NC GreenTravel Initiative.  The website provides a wealth of resources on such topics as recycling, energy conservation, and on green meetings as well as contact information for additional green travel technical assistance.  One of the key components of the new website is the guidelines to be recognized as a sustainable tourism business by the NC GreenTravel Initiative Recognition Program, North Carolina’s first statewide sustainable travel recognition program.

Similar to comparable programs in other states, to participate, applicants complete a self-administered grading form, which is then returned to Tom Rhodes, the NC GreenTravel Initiative specialist.  Tourism businesses will then receive a score based on the various sustainable practices they indicate they have implemented.

There is no cost for North Carolina tourism businesses to participate in the three-tiered recognition program and it is currently open to all lodging, restaurants and parks across the state.  Other tourism sectors will be added as the program grows.  For more information on the NC GreenTravel Initiative website or recognition program, contact Tom Rhodes at the N.C. Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach.  For more information on sustainable tourism, contact Alex Naar at (252) 737-1346.
  

Shakespeare on Trial with Free Pre-show at Diana Wortham Theatre

October 27 - Free pre-show for Shakespeare on Trial ticket holders and the public!  Experience a free pre-show concert featuring poet, storyteller, musician and singer-songwriter  PM, prior to Shakespeare On Trial at 8:00 PM.  Click here for video preview of Shakespeare on Trial.

The appearance by these Nova Scotia artists, along with Shakespeare on Trial writer and actor Jeremy Webb, is part of a cultural trade mission between the North Carolina Presenters Consortium (NCPC) and the Atlantic Presenters Association in Canada. Their October 23-30 tour is made possible by the Culture and Heritage Department of Nova Scotia Communities.

The Diana Wortham Theatre is located at 2 S Pack Square in Asheville NC

Have you Heard the latest "Stories of Mountain Folk"?

October 15—In this segment, Amy introduces the show with a song by the Ubunlu Dillsboro Choir , "Bismilah;"Doreyl interviews Hank Shuler, potter from Franklin, and they talk about the upcoming ColorFest in Downtown Sylva on October 22. Then, we learn more about the Ubunlu Choir and their Community Song Leader Tom Tyre (from Franklin). During this last part of the show, we hear the choir sing "Aleluia," "Belle Mama ," and "Ateh Malkuth

October 22—The little voices of the Butterpats open this fun show with "Get Along Little Doggies," then Doreyl interviews two wonderful artists: Tadashi Torii, glass blower, and Cornia Pia, acrylic artist--both from Sylva; Amy's guest is Bob Plott who discusses the history of the official North Carolina state dog, the Plott Hound Dog. Closing out the show is another small voice from the Cockman Family, singing "The Ballad of Ole Blue."

Stories of Mountain Folk is a weekly podcast filled with local color and mountain heritage you won't get anywhere else. It's guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a little of the  "mountain magic" that is our heritage in your soul. Listen anytime at:  http://www.storiesofmountainfolk.com/.

Stories of Mountain Folk is a production of Catch the Spirit of Appalachia.

What to do this weekendin the mountains, 10/21-23

Oct 21-22  BLOWING ROCK Tweetsie's Ghost Train Hallween Festival Guests of all ages will experience thrills, chills and a frighteningly good time. Friday and Saturday nights, 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm

Oct 20 - 23 ASHEVILLE Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands One of the largest and most notable craft fairs in the southeast, held twice annually at the Asheville Civic Auditorium. Enjoy exhibitors, demonstrations and entertainment.

Oct 20-23 BLACK MOUNTAIN Lake Eden Arts Festival ( LEAF) A weekend celebration of world folk arts: music concerts, dancing, handcrafts, healing arts, poetry, kidventures and workshops.

Oct 21-22   BRYSON City Inspirations Fall Festival Southern Gospel singing with The Inspirations and other popular groups

Oct 21 - 22 WILKESBORO Candle Light Ghost Tours  An evening of tales, mystery and haunts. Learn about the ghosts that haunt the old buildings of downtown Wilkesboro.

Oct 21-22 PISGAH FOREST Shock in the Corn A Haunted Corn Maze that's sure to give you Thrills and Chills! Hosted by the Blue Ridge Corn Maze.

Oct 21 - 22 FRANKLIN 15th Annual Pumpkin Fest - Hayrides and treats for the kids on Friday. A Street festival along Main Street with crafters, Famous Pumpkin Roll, Live Music all day, Pie Eating Contest, Games, Costume Contest and Parade along with Food on Saturday.

Oct 21-23 BRYSON CITY PeanutsTM - The Great Pumpkin Patch Express A favorite annual event at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. Join Charlie Brown, Lucy and Snoopy and select your own pumpkin. Enjoy hayrides, live musical entertainment, story telling, hay bale maze, bouncy horse, apple cider, peanuts gift shop, face painting, petting zoo and trick or treating

Oct 21-23 CHEROKEE $10,000 "Rumble in the Rhododendron" Fly Fishing Tournament In partnership with the NC Fly Fishing Team, EBCI Fish and Wildlife Management and the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, this two man team event will be held on the 2.2 miles of catch and release waters in Cherokee. $10,000 in prize money.

Oct 21-23 FLETCHER (ASHEVILLE) Fall Harvest Days - Antique Engine & Tractor Show The largest show in Western North Carolina featuring crafters, demonstrations, farm tools, antique engines, antique tractor pulls & swap meet.

Oct  21-23 FLETCHER (ASHEVILLE) Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair Exceptional educational workshops and demonstrations, hands-on opportunities, a variety of livestock shows, and a large assortment of terrific vendors.

Oct 21-23 PISGAH FOREST Stingy Jack's Pumpkin Patch Annual Fall Festival An Amazing Jack-O-Lantern Adventure and Festival! Enjoy hayrides, live music, corn maze and Stingy's Twilight Trails. Purchase tickets online

Oct 22 SYLVA Colorfest, Art of the Blue Ridge Regional artists of painting, sculpture, glass art, clay, paper art, fiber art, canning, fine art jewelry, wearable art, outdoor art, fine pottery, wood carving, ceramics and fine furniture all demonstrate their creation techniques on this colorful day in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Oct 22 VALLE CRUCIS 6th Annual Valle Crucis Punkin Festival A kid-friendly festival featuring no-muss, no-fuss punkin carving, old-fashioned games like Punkin Sack Races, Punkin Bowling, and Apple-Bob, crafts, and music. Come out and see why "Punkin" is so much more fun than pumpkin.

Oct 22-24 SPARTA Fodder Trot Trail Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch A 7-acre corn maze laid out in the design of the New River. With 4 different puzzles to solve within the maze, this is a family-fun adventure.

Oct 22-24 MAGGIE VALLEY Clogging Hall of Fame Competition National clogging team and individual competitions.

Scenic Drives for NC Fall color in the Mountains

One of the best way to enjoy the NC  fall color is to take a scenic drive. Everyone knows about the incredible Blue Ridge Parkway with its breathtaking overlooks, picnic areas and hiking trails. At this time of the year 1000s of mountain residents and visitors travel the Parkway to enjoy the experience of fall leaf color. But the Parkway isn't the only scenic drive available. If you're lucky enough to be in the NC mountains during the next two weeks, check out these alternative scenic drives:

Cherohala Skyway is much like the Blue Ridge Parkway with its winding views and overlooks. Completed in 1996 this scenic drive winds up the North Carolina mountains to a height of 5390 feet and descends into the Tellico Plains of Tennessee for a total of 36 pristine miles. The Skyway is a favorite in motorcycling and sportscar circles. Access the Cherohala Skyway from Santeetlah Gap in Robbinsville NC.

Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway winds through Pisgah Nation Forest on old settlement roads past mountain peaks and cascading waterfalls. The Cradle of Forestry is located 11 miles from the southern entrance of the byway. Stop for a visit to enjoy a hands-on exhibit or hike an interpretive trail and experience the wonders of the forest first hand. Access the Forest Heritage Byway (276) at the intersection of 64 and 280, just outside Brevard NC.

South Mountain Scenic Byway travels through cornfields and apple orchards, and into North Carolina's Civil and Revolutionary War past. The terrain is rolling foothills and the rich farmlands of the Piedmont Valley. Stop at South Mountains State Park  to see High Shoals Falls, a waterfall dropping 80 feet, and more than 40 miles of trails through one of the state's most rugged parks.   Take a side trip to Cherry Mountain and its 5604 foot summit in Yancy county or the Cherry Bounce Trail  in Rutherford County.   Access the South Mountain Scenic Byway (226) at the North end in Marion NC or at the southern tip in Metcalf.

New Found Gap Road begins at Cherokee NC (441) and traverses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for 33 miles to Gatlinburg TN. The Road excludes commercial traffic an offers unforgettable views of the various peaks in the Smokies, a vast variety of trees, flowers, and wildlife; campgrounds and picnic areas. Visit the Sugarlands Visitor Center for information about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enjoy the "walkways" or stop at Campbell Overlook, which offers arguably the best vistas in the Park. Mt. LeConte, the 3rd largest peak in the Smokies,  rises to 6,593 feet in front of you.

Pacolet River Byway begins at the South Carolina Border at Tryon NC (176) crossing the Pacolet River several times following a parallel of the Saluda Grade railroad line. Stop by Pearson's Falls for a short hike through the natural forest to the falls.

Upper Yadkin Way is a scenic adventure through the northern foothills along the Yadkin River with pastures and farmlands and the Yadkin Valley, home to many of the areas vineyards.  Accesses at the intersection of Blowing Rock or at the route’s eastern terminus is near the W. Kerr Scott Reservoir in Goshen at the intersection of N.C. 268 and Resevoir Road (S.R. 1178)

Get a link and maps for more North Carolina scenic Byways from US-Parks.com N.C. 268 and U.S. 321 near Lenoir and

The Compleat Naturalist Hosts "In Celebration of Waterfalls"

October 21, 7 PM at the Cathedral of All Souls Parish Hall in Biltmore Village, Asheville NC. In Celebration of Waterfalls - A special program and party with naturalist and writer, George Ellison, and Clemson botanist Dr. Tim Spira.  Tim is author of the recently-published book, Wildflowers and Plant Communities of the Southern Appalachians, and George is author of numerous writings on the natural history of the area, including the Nature Journal High Vistas. column in the Asheville Citizen-Times, and the book

The two have teamed up to create a one-of-a-kind illustrated program about our mountain waterfalls and the rare plants that survive in the special habitat of the waterfall spray zone.  This is a beautiful time of year to explore the many waterfalls of our area.  This program will help you enjoy them even more.

Afterward walk a block to The Compleat Naturalist for a party and book signing with our speakers.  Tickets are $10, with all the proceeds going to benefit the non-profit group Discover Life in America.  Participants can attend the store event without attending the program, but a ticket will be required. For more information, call 828-274-5430. The Compleat Naturalist is located at 2 brook Street in Asheville NC.

NC Fall Leaf Color Peaking at mid elevations

This year's color predictions are coming true right before our eyes. Some of the most brilliant colors and widespread palettes in years are now showing thoughout the 3000 - 4000 elevations.

Make last minute reservations with plenty of cabins still available for the rest of October and the first week in Novmeber. There are dozens to choose from in all styles and price ranges. Click here for an updated list.

Noted local photographer Hellen Moss Davis captures the morning glow on the Blue Ridge Parkway in this photo taken yesterday,

New Grant for RiverLink's French Broad Paddle Trail

RiverLink's French Broad River Paddle Trail just got one step closer to reality. The non-profit was awarded a grant in the amount $78,890 toward river access in Marshall, signage, and tools and materials for construction of campsites. The goal of the Paddle Trail is to allow overnight camping at a series of campsites along the French Broad River. Spaced about 8 miles apart, the sites will feature paddle-in, paddle-out camping at primitive campsites and a few amenities at the improved campsites. Currently there are no facilities for free overnight camping on the French Broad. RiverLink is pleased to be leading this exciting project and future amenity for the region.

RiverLink has been working on the paddle trail in idea form since 2007. In 2010 the non-profit began the planning efforts with the assistance of an eight-member advisory board made up of long time river advocates and paddlers from the region, including Will Leverette, Steve Hendricks, Gordon grant and Ed Maggart. RiverLink also worked with a landscape architect intern, Scott Ogletree from Clemson University, to assess the trail, and research existing paddle trails around the country.

The grant came from the North Carolina Trails Program, under the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Parks and Recreation. The Recreational Trails Program funded $75,000 for access and campsite construction, while the Adopt-a -Trail Program has funded $3,890 for trail signage.

The French Broad River Paddle Trail will serve to protect the river as a resource for recreation, environmental stewardship, education, and economic development. The trail will build long-term partnerships with local governing agencies and private landownersto make the French Broad River accessible and memorable for residents and vacationers. As we move forward with the development of the trail there will be opportunities to assist in the trail design, and construction. Please let RiverLink know if you are interested in helping with the project by visiting the website or emailing:  nancy@riverlink.org

Fontant Village Resort Fall Events and Updates

Fontana Village Resort - offers a range of accommodations: Lodge rooms and suites, cabins. RV & tent camping. Amenities include conference space, WIFI, 2 restaurants, lounge, General Store, gift shops, outfitters, pools, marina, massage and fitness center,  bike shop, horseback riding,  trails.  Check rates and availability

Oct 28-29   Hauntober Weekend -  Events and activities kids of all ages including haunted trail hikes, face painting, pumpkin carving, ghost tours and hayrides.

November 24-27   A Fontana Family Thanksgiving Celebration - An old fashioned celebration of family and friends. Entertainment and activities for the entire family. Click Here for the Holiday Events and Chef Ecklund's classic holiday menu.
Fontana Village Resort has announced additions to  their "Member Benefits" program including opportunities for:
-Bonus nights at the Lodge for 50% off the rack rate - some restrictions apply
-15% off marina craft rentals-50% off mountain bike rentals Sun - Thur, 15% on Fir-Sat
-Discounts for Massage and golf cart rentals
-Referral Bonus nights
-Discounts on local attractions
-Coupons for special events and meals
-Special events exclusive for Members

The Memberships are offered through RCI Global Point, a vacation club program, and requires the purchase of a membership and other restrictions.

Fontana Village Resort is located at 300 Woods Road in Fontana Dam NC - near Robbinsville NC.

NC Mountain Cabins available for October Peak Leaf Season

Find dozens of NC Cabins and Vacation Rentals with October availability. At the time of posting these vacation rentals had 3 or more nights available in the month of October. Check with the individual owners or property managers to verify up-to-date-availability. Click HERE for the entire current list.


Contemporary Log Cabin with hot tub - 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 8. Mountain view, hot tub, pool table, air hockey. grill, fireplace, covered porch and open deck. Located in Arrowhead Mountain just 10 minutes from downtown Murphy.
                                   Learn more

Nantahala Lake home rental with dock- 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, sleeps up to 12. Fish and ski boat,  paddle boat, canoe, and two kayaks  available. Private dock, covered decks, gas grill, pool table, fireplace, WIFI. $290 - $375 night, $1600 - $4400 week.   
                        see photos and availability 

Sherwood Forest vacation rental - 2 bedroom, 3 bath fully-furnished, outdoor eating areas, decks to enjoy the mountain view. WIFI. Amenities: hiking trails, pool, golf,  5 lakes, pond, activities. Secluded but only minutes to Brevard's Music Center, shops. $750-$900 week.
                         See photos and availability

 Vacation Home with panoramic views - 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 6. Wrap-around deck to enjoy the incredible views, gas grill, stone fireplace, gourmet kitchen, 46"flat screen TV. Close to golf and Cataloochee Ski Area. $189 night, $1099 week. 
                         See photos and availability

Mountain Vista Smokies Cabin -  2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 6. Beautiful mountain view, fireplace, deck with charcoal grill, hammock, media center. $100-$120 night, $650-$750 week.
                           Get availability and details


 Wolf Ridge Sunset mountain views - 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps up to 12. Wrap-around decks, fireplace, game room with pool table and air hockey. $235-$440 night, $1645 - $3080 week.
                      Get rental details and availability


Contemporary Blue Ridge mountain vacation rental - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 4. Covered porch and deck with mountain views, Fully equipped kitchen. $117 - $150 night, $775 week.
                        Get rental details and availability


Two-story log cabin with hot tub - 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, sleeps up to 8. Hot tub, gas log stone fireplace, covered deck with charcoal grill, picnic table and porch swing. Pets considered. $160 night, $1000 week.
                            See photos and availability


Newer cabin with short range views - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 8. Hot tub, covered deck with gas grill, HDTV, Internet, onsite hiking trails.
        Check cabin availability and contact for current rates



  Make memories in this pet-friendly cabin - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 8. Hot tub, fireplace, community playground. Close to white water rafting and Nantahala river activities.
                           Check rates and availability 

Click HERE for the entire current list 

with dozens of available cabins and rentals

The Friends of the Nature Center hold Raffle and Howl-O-Ween

The Friends of the Western North Carolina (WNC) Nature Center are holding a raffle in celebration of Halloween. Raffle packages include three Diamond Brand packages (each approximately $300 in value), tickets to The Magnetic Field, LaZoom Comedy Tours, artwork  and more!

Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. Tickets will be available for purchase at Howl-O-Ween; you can also purchase tickets at the Friends office at the Nature Center or call Suzanne at 828-298-5600 ext. 319. Raffle winners will be drawn on Halloween.  Get details on the specific packages HERE.

Howl - O - Ween

October 22 10:00 AM- 7:00 PM -  Come visit the WNC Nature Center's 43-acres during the warmth of the day and in the cool of the evening. Late hours are for this one day, just for all you ghouls and gals! In addition to what you'll always find at the WNC Nature Center, we'll also have arts and crafts, food, pumpkin painting, face painting, trivia contests, animal presentations and treats for the kids.
The costume contest for all ages will begin at 5:00 PM at the barn, so come dressed for the occasion!

Give a Special Treat This Halloween:
Adopt a Gray Wolf  for Your Favorite Trick-or-Treater!

photograph courtesy Tony Dills

Adoption packages start at $25. Every Wild Parent will receive an adoption certificate, a fact sheet, a wolf book, and a photo of one of the Nature Center's gray wolves. When you adopt at the $50 level, you'll also receive a plush grey wolf. And, as a special treat for the holiday, we'll include a unique Friends of the Nature Center Halloween card for you to personalize.  Give a spooky cool gift this year for Halloween! The wolf's howl may sound a little eerie to some, but here at the Friends of the WNC Nature Center, we think the song of the wolf (and coyote) is an awesome sound!

The WNC Nature Center is open 7 days a week 10 AM - 5 PM and located at 75 Gashes Creek Road in Asheville  NC. Find a link for this attraction and more Asheville NC attractions, lodging and information HERE.

NC Fall color "the Best in Years"

"This year has been a real guessing game with respect to how brilliant and intense the colors will be, but based on the drive I took on Saturday, I’d say this year’s colors rank 9 on a scale of 10, where 10 is the best it can be. So, if you want to see some great fall foliage, this is the year to do it!" said Howie Neufeld, Ph.D. and "The Fall Color Guy" - also Professor of Plant Physiology at Appalachian State University in Boone NC.

This weekend there is an abundance of color at elevations between 3000 and 4000 feet - Along the Blue Ridge Parkway between Linville and Little Switzerland, at Mount Mitchell State Park, dirving south towards Pisgah - are a few examples. Elevations above 4000 feet have peaked and are loosing leaves while most elevations below 3000 feet are still dominantly green and should reach peak in the next 10 days. Get links for updated reports and photos for NC Fall color HERE.

15 Things to do this weekend in the Mountains

1. Enjoy the incredible NC Fall Leaf color (not to mention the fall-blooming wildflowers). Some areas at mid elevation are predicted to be hitting peak this weekend. Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway and you'll find abundant color somewhere along the way. Get links for NC Leaf reports HERE.

2.  22nd Annual Leaf Looker's Gemboree   Franklin is considered the Gem Capital of the World. This gem show offers fine jewelry, rough & cut gemstones, minerals, fossils and more. Fri & Sat 10am-6pm, Sun noon - 5pm at the Macon County Community Building. Get a link for this event and other Franklin NC events, lodging, map and information
3.  Stecoah Valley Harvest Festival   A wide variety of fall-themed events including an old-fashioned bonfire and a visit from Civil War era soldiers on patrol from their nearby camp; a 5K run and a "One Mile Fun Run", mountain music and dancing feet, hit and miss engines, antique tractors and the corn-grinding exhibit, local artists offer their handmade crafts and foods for sale and demonstrations. Vendors also offer BBQ, hot dogs, hamburgers, Indian tacos, ice cream and drinks. The Country Fair features competition and exhibits of jams, jellies, pies, cakes, quilts, needlework and much more. There's even flat foot dance instruction and bed turning of antique quilts. Get a link for this event and other Robbinsville NC events, lodging, map and information
4.  Big Rigs Antique Truck Show   Big rigs and antique trucks rumble into Cherokee October 14-16 for the 6th Annual Big Rigs and Antique Trucks Show, where truck enthusiasts of all types gather to show off their custom and original truck restorations, trade stories and ideas, compete for prizes and raise money for The Hope Chest for Women, which provides educational resources and limited financial assistance to women in Western North Carolina with breast and gynecologic cancer. Get a link for this event and other Cherokee NC events, lodging, map and information

5.  21st Annual Bryson City Chili Cookoff   What's better than enjoying some chili on a crisp October Saturday? For $5 sample chili from some of the best cooks in the area in 3 categories: red, white and veggie. It's a festive event with entertainment, decorated booths and costumed cooks. Cast a vote for your favorite chili to win the People's Choice Award. Get a link for this event and other Bryson City NC events, lodging, map and information

6.  22nd Annual APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL   Main Street. Live mountain music & dance, craft & demonstration booths, apples, cider, fresh fried pies and other apple delicacies. 10am-5pm. Get a link for this event and other Waynesville NC events, lodging, map and information

7.  33rd Annual Valle Country Fair   The Valle Country Fair is an overgrown church bazaar set in the center of one of the most picturesque valleys in the North Carolina mountains at the peak of the fall color season. All monies raised go to fund High Country organizations which serve people in need.  Enjoy 150 juried fine arts and crafts booths, fresh apple cider, and great local food and drinks. Get a link for this event and other Valle Crucis NC events, lodging, map and information

8.    Fall Leaves Arts & Crafts Show   One of the longest-running shows in the area, the Fall Leaves show is an indoor show with approximately 50 crafters, free parking, free admission, and food available. The show is located in the Haywood County Fairgrounds at 758 Crabtree Road, Waynesville, NC 28785 near Lake Junaluska. The Event is sponsored by The Blue Ridge Artists and Crafters Association, a local nonprofit crafters group located in Haywood County. Get a link for this event and other Waynesville NC events, lodging, map and information

9.   The Wooly Worm Festival  Named and revolving around the reverence for the legendary winter weather forecaster of the High Country, the Woolly Worm Festival is held on the grounds of the historic Banner Elk School.  Events include woolly worm races, arts, crafts, food, music, and dance, this event provides loads of fun for the entire family.  Get a link for this event and other Banner Elk NC events, lodging, map and information

10.  5th Annual Tryon Arts and Crafts Fall Festival    The 4th year celebrating artists of the region. Explore and enjoy juried arts and crafts, craft demonstrations, live entertainment, food vendors and a children's craft corner. The festival is free and open to the public. Get a link for this event and other Tryon NC events, lodging, map and information

11.   2nd Annual Day in the Country at Green Creek Equestrian Park   A family picnic and a day of equestrian fun in the country, beginning at 8 am. The equestrian community is invited to participate in this informal day of field trials. All ages and levels are welcome. There will be lots of prizes and surprises. Spectators also are welcome! Admission is $5 per car load. All proceeds benefit the Green Creek Equestrian Park. The event takes place in Columbus NC.

12. HardLox  Jewish Food and Heritage Festival    Great traditional Jewish food, Israeli dancing, crafts, a Kids Zone, klezmer music and lots more. Have your name written in Hebrew, discover the Torah, learn about Jewish holidays and festivals, and join in the singing and dancing. Every Jewish organization in the Asheville area will be represented with many providing interactive educational opportunities to learn about our people and our Jewish heritage and culture. Get a link for this event and other Asheville NC events, lodging, map and information

13.  Classic Car Show   Bring your car, truck, or motorcycle. Downtown Old Fort, 1-5 p.m.; free. Sponsored by Route 70 Cruisers. For more information, call 828-442-5135 or visit route70cruisers.com. Get a link for this event and other Old Fort NC events, lodging, map and information

14.  Fodder Trot Trail Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch   A 7-acre corn maze  laid out in the design of the New River. With 4 different puzzles to solve within the maze, this is a family-fun adventure. Bring your flashlights and find your way through the maze in the dark! There is also a pumpkin patch on-site for pumpkin picking beginning in October. Hayrides, picnic areas, corn hole games, fire pits, a giant slide, concessions and much more are a part of the fun.  Open Saturdays in Sept until 7PM, in Oct until 9PM. Open  Sundays 2 PM to 6 PM. Get a link for this event and other Sparta NC events, lodging, map and information

15.  Maggie Valley Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Show   Maggie Valley's largest gathering of crafters for the year. Get a head start on your holiday shopping. Artisans from all over the Southeast will be in attendance. Live entertainment & great food. Get a link for this event and other Maggie Valley NC events, lodging, map and information