NC Ski Resorts Open for the 2012-13 Season

With NC Ski Slopes reliant on snowmaking machines rather than natural snow for a sufficient skiing base, the weather always determines opening times for the NC Ski Resorts. The recent cold snap has allowed snowmaking and four of the six NC Ski areas now have enough accumulation for skiing and tubing.

Current NC Ski Updates:

November 30: Cataloochee open 3/4 to the top with 7 trails, 2 lifts and a base of 14 - 36 inches.
November 30: Sugar Mountain Ski Resort is open to the top with 5 slopes, 2 lifts and a base of 13 - 40 inches. Ice skating and snow tubing open.
November 30:  Beech Mountain Ski Resort is open for the 2012-13 season with hours 9 AM - 10 PM.
November 30:  Appalachian Ski Mountain is for the 2012-13 season with hours 9 AM - 10 PM.  
November 30: New opening day for Appalachian Ski Mountain - first 100 guests at the Ticket Window FREE ski tickets. Ice skating will open at noon.
December 1-3: Appalachian Ski Mountain celebrates its 50th anniversary with $5 lift tickets for daytime skiing.

Find links for all NC Skiing, boarding and snow tubing, including a ski resort locator map, on the NC Ski Resort Guide.

Asheville Author Debuts Short Stories

November 30th at 6:30 PM at City Lights Bookstore, 3 East Jackson Street in Sylva NC - Asheville, author Amy Willoughby-Burle will visit City Lights Bookstore to read from and sign her new collection of short stories, Out Across the Nowhere.

Ron Rash says of her book, "These stories give a reader the vivid language and compelling narratives that are the trademark of the best short stories. Out Across the Nowhere is an astonishing debut."

To reserve a copy or for more information call City Lights Bookstore at 828-586-9499. 

Get a link for City Lights Bookstore and learn ore about Sylva events on the Sylva NC Visitor Guide.

NC Christmas Events: Moravian Mountain Christmas Festival

November 30  Moravian Mountain Christmas Festival   Come for the day, overnight, or the entire weekend. Enjoy sounds of the season, shop for that "traditional" Christmas present. Registered participants receive a coupon for 10% off the purchase of a Christmas Tree at Lil' Grandfather Choose & Cut Tree Farm (coupon required).

Music, crafts, good food and good fellowship will ring in the season with a resounding "Tra, La, La, La, La" for your entire family.

The Event is held at Laurel Ridge Camp, Conference and Retreat Center, 124 Pendry Dr., Laurel Springs, NC

NC Holiday Events: Hard Candy Christmas, Arts and Crafts Show

November 23 - 24   Hard Candy Christmas Arts and Crafts Show  will be held at the Ramsey Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee NC, 45 miles southwest of Asheville. Mountain Artisans presents the 25th Hard Candy Christmas, Arts and Crafts Show. This mountain Christmas Tradition features original arts and crafts at a great price.

Mountain Artisans include 100+ crafters promoting traditional mountain crafts through two annual shows. A wide selection of heritage crafts are featured including goat milk soap, pine needle baskets, white oak baskets, hand tied brooms, chainsaw sculpture, doll craft, leather craft,  cotton woven rugs and works by master jewelers.

NC Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies this Weekend

Date:      November 23
NC City:  BLOWING ROCK
Event:     Christmas in the Park and Lighting of the Town   Free Live music, caroling, hot chocolate, cider, bonfire,  visits with Santa and the lighting of the Town Christmas Tree. 12 PM - 8 PM.
 

Date:      November 23
NC City:  HENDERSONVILLE
Event:    Holiday Downtown Lighting Celebration   See Historic Downtown Hendersonville come alive with Santa lighting the community Christmas tree and ushering in the Christmas Season. Featuring entertainment, storytelling, and holiday good cheer. 

Date:      November 23
NC City:  FRANKLIN
Event:     Tree Lighting Ceremony   Downtown Franklin hosts a Candlelight Service on the Square with the lighting of the town Christmas Tree. Enjoy live music and free hot cider and cookies.

Date:      November 23 - December 24
NC City:  WEST JEFFERSON
Event:     6th Annual Hometown Christmas   Come to historic downtown West Jefferson and enjoy the Festival of Trees at the Ashe Arts Center, participate in the handmade and home-grown Holiday Market at the Farmer's Market and stroll the streets and galleries of the historic downtown area, all dressed up for the Christmas season. To kick the holiday season off right, the lighting of the Community Christmas Tree is on November 23 when Santa and friends arrive in a an old-fashioned fire engine and hand out treats to all the children.

Date:      November 24
NC City:  HIGHLANDS
Event:     Olde Mountain Christmas Tree Lighting   Main Street is closed to traffic so you can walk leisurely down the street and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and fresh baked cookies as you wait for the for the lighting of the Town Christmas tree located in front of the United Methodist Church. Santa and all his helpers will be there to meet with kids to hear their wish list.
   

National Gingerbread House Competition and Display begins this week at Asheville;s Grove Parks Inn

November 20 - January 2   The National Gingerbread House Competition and Display   Contestants from across the country bring their architectural masterpieces to The Grove Park Inn for display over the holidays. Delight in the imagination shown in these sugar-and-spice creations, strolling through the competition is a sure way to be swept up in the holiday spirit.

There is no admission charge to view the entries to the National Gingerbread House Competition. In addition to the gingerbread overload, see the beautiful holiday displays throughout and warm by the giant fireplaces in the grand lobby. Pick up a map in the lobby to find the various areas where the entries are displayed.


The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa -  The resort  and spa services are renowned, and recreational activities include a scenic golf course,  sports complex with pool,  tennis, racquetball and training facilities. The are multiple onsite restaurants and  lounge areas. A large variety of rooms and suites are offered with varying stages of updates and some original Inn antiques.   Check current rates and availability

NC Holiday Events: The Grove Arcade becomes a Winter Wonderland

November 20 - January 2    Winter Wonderland at the Grove Arcade For the seventh year, the Arcade will display entries from the National Gingerbread House Competition and beautiful holiday décor in a Winter Wonderland setting.

Visitors to the building will notice new flocked trees on the spiral staircases, a beautiful tree and lighted antique deer vignette in the West Arcade entry and much more. Shop the Arcade's shops and galleries for the perfect holiday gift.

Learn more about the Grove Arcade and other Asheville NC Attractions on the Asheville NC visitor Guide.

NC Holiday Events: Foothills Holiday Arts and Crafts Show in Marion

November 17-18   Foothills Holiday Arts and Crafts Show   Find unique gifts during this year's pre-Thanksgiving arts and crafts show in Marion at the YMCA. The area's best talent will be showcased for two days including oil, pastel and watercolor paintings, drawings, wood and metal works, textile arts, jewelry and much more. Commercial vendors are not allowed at this event.

You'll find regional artists with unique points of view exhibited in their work. Vendors will be set up inside and outside the Corpening YMCA. Enjoy live regional music during the show. The Arrowhead Artists and Artisans League of Old Fort and the McDowell Arts Council have partnered to bring you this special event. Show Hours are Saturday, November 17th between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. Sunday hours are 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm.

Learn more about Marion NC HERE.

Beech Mountain Ski Resort Celebrates 45 Years of Skiing with improvements in equipment and new Staff

BEECH MOUNTAIN, NC - The 2012 winter marks a milestone ski season at Beech Mountain Ski Resort. The resort celebrates 45 years since its christening in 1967, when it became the highest ski area east of the Rockies at 5,506 feet in elevation.

Beech Mountain Resort is offering specials and incentives throughout the winter in honor of its anniversary, including a $45 learn-to-ski package the entire month of January.

Although this is a landmark season to recognize the past, general manager Ryan Costin also has the resort focused on its future. Costin will continue a four-year revamping of Beech Mountain Resort's snowmaking department. The resort's recent purchase of six more SMI Super PoleCat automated snow guns, brings the total to 30. These state-of-the-art machines now combine with more than 100 smaller guns to provide the best snowmaking capacity in the resort's history. Several of the 30 high-tech guns have been re-positioned for use earlier in the season to boost snow coverage on popular runs like Upper Shawneehaw and Robbin's Run.

On the personnel side, key moves this winter include the addition of Ric Wilkerson as director of freestyle terrain, and Dean Blanton as ski school director. Wilkerson, who previously worked for Appalachian Ski Mountain, is known for creating excellent terrain parks. Blanton, meanwhile, is a former educator and principal who brings that
organizational background to the resort's growing ski school operation.

Skiers and snowboarders will also notice new shops in the resort's alpine village, a new high-tech grooming machine for the slopes, and a fresh coat of black paint on all chairlift towers.  "We're really focused on the details," Costin said. "We continue to improve our product year over year."

For complete information on skiing and snowboarding at Beech Mountain Resort, visit: www.beechmountainresort.com or call (800) 438-2093.

Last Minute Thanksgiving Mountain Cabins and Getaways

Private and Peaceful Riverview Cabin

Mountain cabin on the river - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 5. Large deck with panoramic view of the Nottley River and mountains beyond, hot tub,  picnic table, fireplace, firepit, gas grill, WIFI. $85 - $90 night, $475 - $500 week. Murphy NC.   See cabin photos, details and availability 

Get Murphy map, links to nearby attractions and restaurants on the Murphy NC Visitor Guide

Chalet-style Cabin with Mountain Stream

Murphy mountain chalet with stream and pond - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 6. Stream, pond and gazebo in a park-like setting. Wrap around deck, gas grill, gas log fireplace, WIFI. $85 night, $495 week. See cabin photos, details and availability

Get information about Murphy NC including nearby attractions and a Map of Murphy

Vacation in a "Castle" near Murphy

Unique "Castle" in the mountains - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 4. Feel like a king or queen or recall your Celtic heritage, but with all the modern conveniences. Mountain view, hot tub, gas grill, fireplace, jetted bathtub, upscale linens, WIFI, Koi pond. $155 night, $930 week. Murphy NC.  See rental photos, details and availability

Saluda NC Celebrates Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday, now in its third year, falls between black Friday and cyber Monday on Thanksgiving weekend. As Black Friday Chain stores and cyber Monday online shopping began to dominate seasonal retail sales, small businesses struggled to retain their customers. In 2009 Small Business Saturday was created to recognize small businesses as the heart of the American economy and encourage customer support in uncertain economic times.  Last year over 100 million consumers came together to "shop small" and celebrate all that small local businesses contribute to their communities, and the overall quality of life for American cities.

Understanding the importance of locality in purchase choices became clear as businesses closed in the recession and communities suffered the loss of Main Street vitality and that essential feeling of "hometown".

Saluda NC is a classic example of an American small town, but unique in being able to retain a Main Street comprised entirely of small, independent businesses. Just like good wine reflects the flavor of the grapes in the region where they are grown, Saluda's local small businesses reflect the beauty and character of their community.

By supporting these individual entrepreneurs, the beauty and unique characteristics of Saluda have been maintained and the quality of life is as desirable as ever. Each choice to buy food from regional farmers and products from local independent businesses over corporate conglomerates contributes to the health of the community and the lifestyle that is the heart of small towns .

Today in Saluda, both of the century-old general stores are open and full of merchandise and personal service.  You can also explore and shop in art studios, craft galleries, unique boutique shops, wine shops, try out locally baked goods (from one of the best bakeries anywhere on the planet), or enjoy great coffee. Spend the entire day (or Weekend) in Saluda, eat lunch at your choice of  a variety of restaurants and finish up the day with live music  and an exceptional dinner at the Purple Onion of other venues.

On Saturday you may also purchase homegrown produce and handmade products from local small farmers at the holiday tailgate market from 1-3 PM in the West Main parking lot. "Set a spell" on one of the main Street benches and enjoy the cool, fresh mountain air.

Saluda has, for decades, been a favorite weekend getaway for visitors from Central and Eastern NC cities like Charlotte, and a "First Stop" for visitors driving up from Florida on I-26. 

Small Business Saturday in Saluda NC is November 24, 2012. Find more information about Saluda including links to shops, galleries and lodging on the Saluda NC Visitor Guide. 

Saluda information and photos provided by  Shelley Dekay, owner of Heartwood Gallery, 21 East Main Street in downtown Saluda NC.

Asheville Holiday Parade and JingleFest this Weekend

November 17  66th Annual Asheville Holiday Parade The parade begins at 11 AM with bands, dancing, characters, and of course, our Olympic Silver Medalist Grand Marshals, Lauren Tamayo and Manteo Mitchell. Look for the patriotic float sponsored by Deerfield Retirement Community. Santa Claus himself will close the parade atop his float sponsored by Express Employment Professionals.

 Downtown JingleFest is an afternoon of free fun and entertainment. The merryment is held from 1 to4 PM at Roger McGuire Green in Pack Square Park. Get an autograph from an Olympic athlete, get a close look at Window World’s custom silver St. Jude Dream Bike, enjoy a special performance by Asheville High School’s Marching Band, and be entertained by dance troupes from the Parade, jugglers, singers and more.

Once Santa makes his way through the Parade, he and Mrs. Claus will be at JingleFest so all the boys and girls can tell Santa what they want for Christmas. There will be a bounce house and other inflatables to keep the young kids busy while they’re waiting, too. Plus hot cider and goodies, and some good old-fashioned caroling.

Learn more about Asheville Holiday events, rentals and attractions HERE.

Asheville Showcases Top Restaurants in Downtown Culinary Event

November 15 - 2012 Taste of Asheville   Asheville's top culinary talent is showcased at this annual event hosted by Asheville Independent Restaurants (AIR).  Celebrate 40 of Asheville's most talented chefs during one of the largest foodie events of the year. The event will take place in  downtown Asheville at The Venue and kicks off at 7PM.

 

Tickets to Taste of Asheville includes small plate tastings of 40 local, independent restaurants as well as beer and wine sampling. In addition, AIR’s new Taste of Asheville Passport for the year 2013 will be available for purchase on-site, a coupon booklet representing over $1000 in dining savings at AIR restaurants, for the cost of $50. Passports will be available for sale after the event at www.airasheville.org.

Participating restaurants include:

• Acropolis Pizza 
• Avenue M 
• Blue Water Seafood Co. 
• Boca 
• Bouchon 
• Burgerworx
• Carmels
• Chai Pani 
• City Bakery Café
• Corner Kitchen
• Creperie Bouchon 
• D.I. Hospitality
• Edna's Of Asheville
• Frankie Bones
• French Broad Chocolate Lounge 
• The Green Sage
• Homegrown 
• Jack of Hearts 
• Jack of the Wood 
• Jerusalem Garden Café 
• Karen Donatelli Café
• Laughing Seed
• Lexington Avenue Brewery
• Luella's BBQ
• Mamacitas Baja Kitchen 
• Mela
• Neo Burrito 
• Neo Cantina 
• Pack's Tavern 
• Plant
• Pomodoros
• Sazerac
• Scully's 
• Strada
• Sunny Point Café 
• The Local Joint
• The Glass Onion 
• Tupelo Honey Café 
• Ultimate Ice Cream 
• Vincenzos
• Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian
  

19th Century Carolina Christmas Celebration begins this week at The Smith-McDowell House Museum

November 14 - January 2   19th Century Carolina Christmas   Celebrate Christmas the old-fashioned way at The Smith-McDowell House Museum. The museum's time-line of authentically decorated period rooms showcase the evolution of Christmas celebrations and decorations. This yearly exhibit, began in 1981, is a tradition for many regional families and tour groups.

The mansion and local history museum will again be authentically decorated with fresh trees, garlands, ornaments and toys of the Victorian Period. Seven period rooms will be decked out with gold, silver and glassware from the Museum's permanent collections.

Photography Contest at the WNC Nature Center

Monthly Photography Contest

"Take only pictures, leave only footprints!"  

Wise words when visiting the natural world, where disturbing the native plant and animal life can have disastrous affects. Nature photographers - professional and budding alike - are invited to share their very best glimpses into life at the WNC Nature Center by submitting to the monthly photography contest!

Open to anyone, any age, and any experience level. Photo should be from within the WNC Nature Center grounds, and can feature any of the animals and landscapes. Please include your name when submitting, so proper credit may be given to the artist.  Remember to specify in your email that your photo is for the contest!  Unselected photos are still under consideration for future months. 

  

October Photo of the Month artist: Gwen Wilson   

           

Submissions for December will be due Friday, November 30. Please send photos to americorps@wildwnc.org

Photographs submitted to the Friends of the WNC Nature Center become the property of the Friends, and your submission authorizes and permits the Friends unlimited use of them for publicity purposes without consideration or compensation. Publicity purposes include annual reports, newsletters, websites, information boards, press releases, billboards, posters, and media materials for use in magazines and newspapers.  By submitting photographs, you represent and warrant that you created and shot the photo and you have the full and exclusive right to transfer the photograph(s) to the Friends free and clear of any claims or encumbrances. 

Veteran's Day Getaways near Murphy NC

Mountain Lodge with view of the Smokies

Large modern mountain lodge - 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, sleeps 10. Beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains from a private, gated 11 acre setting. Wrap-around deck, gas grill, fireplace, firepit, game room with pool table, WIFI and guest computer. Contact for current rates.  See cabin photos, details or book online

Get Murphy map, links to nearby attractions and restaurants on the Murphy NC Visitor Guide

Chalet-style Cabin with Mountain Stream

Murphy mountain chalet with stream and pond - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 6. Stream, pond and gazebo in a park-like setting. Wrap around deck, gas grill, gas log fireplace, WIFI. $85 night, $495 week.  See cabin photos, details or book online now

Get information about Murphy NC including nearby attractions and a Map of Murphy

Mountain views from this Modern Cabin

 

Smoky Mountain Views - 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 6. Gas fireplace, game room with ping pong, darts, gas grill. Private fishing on site - no permit needed. $130 night, $750 week.  See cabin photos, details or book online now

Veteran's Day Weekend Getaways near Boone

Mountain view rental:

The view from the top is GREAT - 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, sleeps up to 10. You'll love the clear views of Grandfather and Sugar Mountains. Hot tub, fireplace, deck, gas grill, Internet and guest computer. Located on 8+ peaceful acres in between Boone and Blowing Rock. Affordable rates.  See photos, details or book online now

Find information and maps for Boone NC and Blowing Rock NC

Lakeside Cabin rental:

Elegant cabin by the lake - 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 8. Community hiking trails, lake for fishing and swimming. Fireplace, game room. Located in Fleetwood Falls between Boone and West Jefferson. $150 - $200 night.    See cabin photos, details or book online now

Learn more about West Jefferson NC,
including restaurants, attractions and maps.

Wooded Retreat in the Mountains:

 Newer Cabin in the High Country -  3 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps up to 8.  Open and covered deck, wood-burning fireplace in living room and gas fireplace in rec basement, pool table, gas grill,  computer and WIFI, loft. Gated, near Boone - Banner Elk.  See cabin photos, details or book online now

Learn more about Banner Elk NC lodging, attractions and ski resorts.

B&Bs for Vets Offers FREE night for Veteran's Day

Inns and B&Bs throughout North America are once again open their doors in 2012 to active and retired military and vets and one guest to say thank you for your service by offering a free room to those who’ve served in the military.

The FREE NIGHT is on Sunday, November 11, 2012. Rooms are offered on a space available basis, and there are far more deserving vets than B&B space allows.  Check with the individual inn for availability, details and restrictions. NC mountain Inns participating this year include: 

Carolina Bed and Breakfast in Asheville, North Carolina  

177 Cumberland Ave - 28801-1736  

( Map It ) Phone: (828) 254-3608

Albemarle Inn in Asheville, North Carolina

86 Edgemont Rd - 28801-1544 
( Map It ) Phone: (828) 253-1583

1906 Pine Crest Inn & Restaurant in Tryon, North Carolina 

 85 Pinecrest Ln - 28782-3486

 ( Map It ) Phone: (828) 859-9135

1898 Waverly Inn in Hendersonville, North Carolina 

 783 N Main St - 28792-5079  

( Map It ) Phone: (828) 693-9193

Additional Veteran's Day lodging discounts and specials:

Asheville cabins & luxury vacation rentals:
November 9 - 15 at Carolina Mornings Asheville cabins and vacation rentals: Veteran's Day Special - Enjoy 2 FREE Candlelight Evening Upgrades with a purchase of 2 Biltmore Estate Two-Day Passes. PLUS the year-around $50 discount for Military - total value up to $158. See details and check available Asheville area cabins.

Valle Crucis Inn (near Boone)

November 11-18, The Mast Farm Inn: Special Veterans Day 2012 package available exclusively for veterans who have a DD214 or other valid government issued veteran ID Card. Reserve any available room, cottage or cabin for a stay anytime between November 11th and November 18th, and receive 1/3 off your lodging bill. Valid credentials required at check-in.

Veterans Day Special: Veterans get FREE Admission to Chimney Rock Park

November 7 through 11 at Chimney Rock Park - Veterans, reservists and active military personnel are our real American heroes! On November 7-11, Chimney Rock Park is honoring Veteran's brave service in protecting our freedom with a FREE VISIT to Chimney Rock.

Come stand on top of Chimney Rock where the American flag flies proudly and witness one of our country's national treasures. Free admission for military members with ID, not good for entire party; must present military ID or proof of service and online coupon to the Ticket Plaza at the time of purchase. Download the special online coupon. 

Chimney Rock Park  - Standing atop the Chimney Rock, a 500 million-year-old giant granite monolith overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge, visitors are awed by the breathtaking view that spreads 1200 vertical feet beneath them and 75 miles across the Carolinas. The state-owned park, located in Chimney Rock North Carolina, encompasses 1,000 acres, including the Chimney itself and Hickory Nut Falls and the beautiful Hickory Nut Falls. Chimney Rock Park is a "must see" for any trip to the mountains.

Mountain Heart Performs at Asheville's Diana Wortham Theatre

November 9 at 8 PM the Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 S. Pack Square in Asheville NC - Mountain Heart, winners  or nominees of  Grammys, IBMAs, CMAs, ACMs, performs for one evening in Asheville NC.  Don't miss one of the most highly awarded and virtuosic acts in progressive bluegrass and American roots music in the world as they return to the Diana Wortham stage this week.

Get a link for the Diana Wortham Theatre and other Asheville entertainment attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

 

Historic Carson House Holiday Bazaar Kicks off Holiday Season Shopping

November 9     Historic Carson House Holiday Bazaar  held at St. John’s Episcopal Church Parish House  from 11:00 AM until 7:00 PM. St. John's Parrish House is located at 289 S. Main Street in downtown Marion. Join members of the Carson House Partners to purchase crafts, baked goods and peruse a white elephant sale. Enjoy a soup and salad lunch from 11:00 AM. - 2 PM.  All of the proceeds from this bazaar go to benefit the Historic Carson House.

Learn more about local events and attractions on the Marion NC Visitor Guide.

7th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration at The North Carolina Museum

By pure coincidence, this year’s 17th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh falls on Saturday, Nov. 17 from 11 AM - 4 PM. These matching numbers add up to one exciting festival for all ages. Dancers in traditional regalia, drum groups, storytellers, craftspeople and others from North Carolina’s eight state-recognized tribes will take part in this free event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.* Come learn about the contributions of the state’s American Indians, past and present. All the fun takes place at the Museum of History and outside on Bicentennial Plaza. 

The American Indian Heritage Celebration will feature performances, artisans at work, hands-on activities, informative talks and more. The event lineup ranges from a performance by blues musician Lakota John of the Lumbee tribe to a weapon-making demonstration by John Blackfeather Jeffries of the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation.

During the Grand Entry at noon, dancers in colorful regalia will be led by Miss Indian North Carolina Layla Rose Locklear, who is a Lumbee tribe member, and Mike Richardson, a Haliwa-Saponi tribe member. They will proceed onto Bicentennial Plaza to the beats of the drum groups Southern Sun and Stoney Creek.

Outdoors, see a dugout canoe being burned into shape or watch a hide-tanning demonstration. Step indoors for activities such as craft demonstrations by potters, stone carvers and basketmakers.

A sampling of other activities follows. For a schedule of all performances and presentations,go to ncmuseumofhistory.org or call 919-807-7900.

● Watch the world-renowned Warriors of AniKituhwa of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians bring to life the Cherokee War dance and the Eagle Tail dance. Their informative demonstration includes social dances, such as the Bear dance.

● Hear a panel of archaeologists from East Carolina University and UNC-Chapel Hill discuss recent findings in the state related to American Indian culture. 

● Participate in hands-on crafts and traditional games. Play a game of corncob darts or shoot a blowgun. Make a ribbonwork bookmark or stitch along with the Coharie Quilters. Go on a scavenger hunt. Learn how to grind corn.

● Talk with artisans at work, such as beadworker Jessica Spaulding Dingle of the Waccamaw-Siouan tribe, and wampum and jewelry maker Julian Hunter of the Meherrin tribe.

● Pick up a recipe and hear stories from Gloria Barton Gates, author of The Scuffletown Cookbook: Lumbee Indian Recipes of Yesteryear.  

● See and learn about traditional Southeastern woodland Indian clothing from Lumbee tribe member Jaime Oxendine. Sharon Berrun of the Haliwa-Saponi tribe will highlight modern dance regalia.

● Grab lunch from vendors on Bicentennial Plaza, and try some traditional American Indian foods with a modern twist. Purchase fry bread, sweet potato tarts, buffalo burgers, collard sandwiches, fried pies and more.

The Nov. 17 festival is a great way to celebrate national American Indian Heritage Month and meet members of all eight state-recognized tribes. 

The American Indian Heritage Celebration is supported by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians; Food Lion; N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs; N.C. Museum of History Associates; Raleigh Arts Commission; and United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, with funds from the United Arts campaign, the N.C. Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes a great nation deserves great art.

Stories of Mountain Folk for 11/3/12

Stories of Mountain Folk is a weekly podcast produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia  and archived at Western Carolina University.

November 3, 2012:

Storytelling:  Amy describes the upcoming CSA Writer's Celebration to be at the Jarrett House on November 9th.   Music: "Abiding in the Vine" by Betty Brown.

 

Creative Corner:  Doreyl's guest is Karla Forbes from Balsam Mountain, who has a shop in Dillsboro. They talk about her passion of needles crafts. Music: “Hanging by a Thread” by Clover.

 

Stories of Mountain Folk:  Amy's guest is Charles Brown, a demonstrator at 2012 Mountain Heritage Day, who talks about being a "frontier long hunter." Music:  "Soldiers Joy" by the Ross Brothers.

 

Black Roots of Appalachia: Victoria's guest is Ida Jean Allen Bryson who grew up in Little Savannah in Webster. She talks about growing up and becoming a WAC in the US Army.  Music: "Blind now & Led by a Child" by the Cochman Family.

 

Down Another Road:  Judy's guest is Jared Gallamore from West Asheville. They talk about his interest in the Cherokee heritage.  Music: ”South Wind” by Pic & Play Dulcimer Group.

 

Closing song:  "Asheville, Paris of the South" by the Asheville Muses.

Listen to the podcast HERE.

Flat Rock Playhouse Music on the Rock Presents an Elvis Tribute

November 6-8   Music on the Rock Concert Series - The Music of Elvis Prestley   The Flat Rock Playhouse presents the 2012 Music on the Rock concert series. Audiences will be entertained by a variety of music from well-known artists performed by extraordinary singers and musicians.

The Concert series is geld in the Flat Rock Playhouse Downtown Theatre, located at 125 South Main Street in Hendersonville NC. 

WNC Pottery Festival in Dillsboro

November 3  WNC Pottery Festival This event Showcases the work of more than 40 highly skilled potters from 13 states. A variety of clay art styles will be presented. |

Works by festival organizers and Dillsboro potters Joe Frank McKee & Travis Berning of Tree House Pottery, and Brant Barnes of Riverwood Pottery who has been featured on HGTV will be highlighted. The event is juried and the lineup of potters is impressive. $3 ticket includes a chance in a raffle; kids under 12 admitted free

Learn more about Dillsboro NC HERE

Asheville Cinema Festival this Week

November 1-4   Asheville Cinema Festival   A festival with 40 films including a mix of feature-length movies and shorts. Downtown Asheville viewing venues are the Asheville Community Theatre, the Masonic Temple theater and Lexington Avenue Brewery's back performance room. Opening and closing night events are at the Biltmore Grande cinema at Biltmore Park in south Asheville. 

Filmmaker workshops will be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Historic Masonic Lodge in Downtown Asheville (80 Broadway Street). Subjects include: YouHollywood: Creating and Marketing Films for Viral Audiences; Editing Your Film: Beginnings, Endings, and Engaging the Audience; and, Sexy Lighting Using What You’ve Got: A Minimalists’ Approach to Cinematography.

The Opening Night film, Silver Linings Playbook, and the Closing Night film, Quartet, will play at the Regal Biltmore Grande in Biltmore Park. Additional venues will host a variety of Festival events including a competition, awards ceremony and local independent films.

Find additional details and a schedule for the Asheville Cinema Festival HERE

Flat Rock Playhouse Presents the awarding play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

November 1-18   Flat Rock Playhouse presents "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof"    Tennessee Williams popular Pulitzer Prize winning play and what many consider to be one of the greatest plays written for the American Theatre. In a plantation house, a family celebrates the sixty-fifth birthday of Big Daddy. A number of evils poison the gaiety: greed, sins of the past, and desperate and clawing hopes for the future mar the festivities. Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman played Maggie The Cat and Brick in the iconic film version.

Evening Performances: Wed Sat: 8:00 pm, Matinee Performances: Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun: 2:00 PM.

Get a link for the Flat Rock Playhouse and more information about Flat Rock NC HERE.