Organic Growers School Spring 20th Conference in Asheville

March 9-10, 2013 at The University of North Carolina at Asheville - A Weekend of Workshops for Beginning Gardeners to Advanced Commercial Growers featuring over 100 classes on all aspects of sustainable living.

Join farmers, gardeners, chefs, seed-savers, backyard chicken-keepers, homesteaders, permaculturists, herbalists, composters, beekeepers, orchardists, foresters, landscapers, cheesemakers, local food lovers, wild food aficiandos, butchers, bakers, and sauerkraut makers for the largest gathering of its kind in the Southeastern US!

There are classes for everyone, from all levels of experience:

• Thinking about putting in a raised bed in that one full-sun spot in your front yard? Try Anyone Can Garden, Anywhere in the Digging In Track.
• Are you a commercial farmer looking to get a big-picture plan to bring it all together? Check out Whole Farm Planning.
• Find the right tool for the job and learn to maintain it in Get Serious about Your Tools.
• Interested in curbing energy costs accrued by your greenhouse? Come to the Altnerative Greenhouse Heating class in the Alternative Energy Track.
• Want to know more about goats? How about bees? Fish? The Livestock track is for you!
• Learn about uncommon covercrops and their unique benefits in Unusual, Workhorse Cover Crops for Gardeners.
• If you have a question, there's a good chance we've got a class that will answer it! Click the link below for a full conference schedule.

College Week Begins this Weekend at Beech Mountain Ski Resort

February 2 - 10   College Week at Beech Mountain Ski Resort  An annual event at which College students receive the group rate on tickets by showing their college ID in the Group Sales office. Enjoy live music and competitions on both weekends.

The Bathing Beauty competition will be held on Feb 2. Participants will flaunt their stuff in a bathing suit as they cruise the Play Yard Slope from top to bottom. Males and females are encouraged to wear their 1-pieces or bikinis. Registration will be held the day of the even from 9 PM to noon and the event will start at 12:30 PM.

Cherokee hosts Shiver in the River Winter Fishing Tournament

February 1-3   Shiver in the River  Winter fishing tournament in Cherokee for $10,000 in tagged fish in the rivers on the Cherokee Reservation (excluding the 2.2 miles of catch and release waters). Hundreds of specially tagged fish will be stocked in the Cherokee public fishing waters.

When a tagged fish is caught it can be redeemed for cash prizes ranging from $20 to $500 based on the color of the tag. Redemption location and times to be announced. The tournament is open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Registration is necessary to redeem cash prize.

Get more local information on the Cherokee NC Visitor Guide.

Groundhog Day at Chimney Rock Park

February 2    Grady's Groundhog Day   at Chimney Rock Park. What will Grady predict for the remaining winter weather forecast? Come to Chimney Rock Park and find out while enjoying an educational program on the lives of groundhogs and other woodland critters.

Guided family hikes on the Great Woodland Adventure trail will follow the program at noon and 12:30 PM. Kid’s Groundhog Day crafts will be offered from noon-1 PM. You may also visit the Park website any time to cast your vote on whether or not Grady will see his shadow.

To celebrate Grady’s special day, Chimney Rock Park is offering a discount on membership in Grady's Kids Club, the Annual Pass for youth (ages 5-15), for $8 during February. Enjoy visits to the Park for 18 months, discounts on Park retail, dining and events and savings at favorite area attractions.

Learn more about Chimney Rock Park and Chimney Rock NC HERE.

Road Closure Updates: US 441 and the Cherohala Skyway - 1/27/13

January 27, 2013 - North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory is declaring in a state of emergency for mountain counties affected by a landslide triggered by heavy rains earlier this month. Governor McCrory signed an executive order Wednesday for an emergency declaration covering Graham, Jackson and Swain counties and areas within the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian. McCrory's declaration enables the state and local governments to seek federal emergency assistance and reimbursement for costs incurred as a result of the slide.

The Cherohala Skyway is expected to re-open on Monday, January 28 with a temporary detour.  Part of the westbound lane of the road was washed down a 1,000-foot ravine on Jan. 17, forcing the North Carolina Department of Transportation to close the scenic road. The on-site detour route around a closed section of the Cherohala Skyway in Graham County near the Tennessee state line is a temporary fix, but will allow through traffic on the Skyway until the road is permanently repaired.

US 441 Road Closure:Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have been working with the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) to assess damage to Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) as a result of a January 16 landslide. The FHWA has completed their field survey work, and are now in the initial stage of preparation work to reconstruct the 200 linear feet of road.

This first phase of work will include the stabilization of the slide, removal of landslide debris from the work area, and the completion of a path for construction vehicles to access the section of the slide below the roadway. The work is being coordinated by the FHWA and is expected to begin as early as next week.

While the preparation work is taking place, the design of the road repair is in the development process. The road will be reconstructed as a reinforced full slope roadway. The design will allow for the drainage of water which will protect the road and park resources from future damage. This second phase will begin when the initial site preparation work has been completed. A timeline of completion cannot be determined until the final design has been developed and approved.

“We recognize the importance of Newfound Gap Road to our neighboring communities in our tourism based economy,” said Superintendent Dale Ditmanson. “Therefore we are evaluating all reconstruction options to make sure the road work is completed in a timely but safe and efficient manner.”

The park is moving forward on re-vegetating the three acre debris field with native species to aid in sediment and erosion control. This measure will prevent run off from draining into the Beech Flats Prong stream located just below the slide area.

While the access from Gatlinburg to Cherokee will remained closed during the construction period, Newfound Gap Road has been opened from the Gatlinburg, TN entrance to Newfound Gap, and from Cherokee, NC entrance to Smokemont Campground. Visitors who want to sightsee and recreate in the park will still find opportunities through both entrances.

Get more NC Mountain News on the Mountain News Visitor Guide.

Navitat Canopy Tours Annunces New E-gift Certificate System

Asheville NC - Navitat Canopy Tours is now offering a convenient E-gift Certificate System. Buy "Navitat Cash" that can be applied toward your future purchases. Certificates are available in denominations of $25, $59, $89 and $99. The Certificates are ready for purchase just in time for the 2013 season opening on March 23.

Navitat Canopy Adventures allows you discover the world from a different perspective. And you will. Viewing the world from high in a massive tree or watching a bird fly below you as you traverse a sky bridge is unlike anything you have ever experienced. It’s an incredible chance to learn about your world, test yourself, and know that you experienced something truly different. Navitat Canopy Tours is located at 242 Poverty Branch Road in Barnardsville NC, 20 minutes north of Asheville.

Get a link for gift certificates and details for Navitat on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Cataloochee Ski Area Offers Military Discounts

January 24-25   Military Appreciation Days at Cataloochee Ski Area  Cataloochee supports the armed forces by offering a special reduced rate for military personnel and their families . Valid i.d. is required. This special package is only $27 per person and includes a 1 1/2 hour lesson, lift ticket for either day, twilight or night skiing and rental equipment. The combined savings is $56 per person over Cataloochee's regular rates. 

Cataloochee Ski Area is located in Maggie Valley NC.

Appalachian Ski Mountain Discounted Memberships now on Sale

Beginning January 21, all Appalachian Ski Mountain Season Memberships and Passes are discounted 20% off regular rates. A Nights-Only Pass is only $231! Over 60 days and nights of riding are still ahead for the 2013 the season, and all weather forecasts point towards a prolonged period of cold conditions for the upcoming weeks.

Season Memberships are available for purchase online, over the phone (828) 295-7828, or can be purchased by stopping by the main office (lower level of lodge). Get a link for Apalachian Ski Mountain on the NC Ski Resorts Guide
 

 

Landslide Road Closure Update

January 22, 2013 -  Newfound Gap Road closed to through traffic due to a landslide on Newfound Gap Road (US-441). The road is closed to through traffic between Gatlinburg, TN and Cherokee, NC due to a landslide at Mile Marker 22 on the North Carolina side of the park.

You can follow all Great Smoky Mountains National Park road closures  on Twitter at http://twitter.com/smokiesroadsnps. Updates are available for Newfound Gap Road (US-441), Little River Road, Laurel Creek Road, and Cades Cove Loop Road. This webpage is updated 3-4 times a week.

At this time, access to Newfound Gap from the Gatlinburg entrance in Tennessee is closed to all traffic due to ice and snow. Access to Smokemont campground is permitted from the Cherokee entrance in North Carolina.View map of alternate routes between Galinburg and Cherokee (PDF file, 714 kb). Additional information about landslide

Martin Luther King - I Have a Dream

August 28, 1963

Maya Angelou in Boone NC to Commemoration Martin Luther King Jr.

January 22  An Evening with Maya Angelou  The 29th Martin Luther King Commemoration at 7 PM at the Holmes Convocation Center at Appalachian State University. This is a Free event. Maya Angelou is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature, authoring 11 best-selling books, including I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings and her current best seller, Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now.

Appalachian State University - offers a challenging academic environment, energetic campus life and breathtaking location. Appalachian is a liberal Arts college and research center, known for its value and affordability, it enrolls about 17,000 students and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors. Appalachian State University is located at 287 River Street in downtown Boone NC.

Mountain Spirits: Four Season Wine Tasting Today

January 19   Four Season Wine Tasting   at Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery These Wine Tasting Dinners are held Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. They feature four seasonal food courses and four specially chosen wines to complement the food. Culinary and wine descriptions will be given during the evening to enhance your enjoyment This is an opportunity to share your food and wine passion with like-minded friends. The atmosphere will be relaxed and casual with a focus on meeting new friends and enjoying la dolce vita.

Alternative Routes for US 441 Closure

Great Smoky Mountain National Park, US 441 (Newfound Gap Road) is closed due to a landslide. Two easy alternative routes to Cherokee are available. The most popular detour would be Interstate 40 East into NC, to Highway 276, the Maggie Valley Exit, then west to Sylva, NC, to U.S. Highway 441 and north to Cherokee. Another alternate route would be to travel from west of Maryville on Highway 411. Take Highway 129 through Robbinsville, NC, then east on Highway 19/74 through Bryson City into Cherokee.

Landslide on Newfound Gap Road (US 441) - Update

January 16 - The first assessment of the landslide which occurred in Great Smoky Mountains National Park along Newfound Gap Road ( US 441 at Collins Creek) in North Carolina shows that the landslide is approximately 90,000 cubic yards of material or 350-400 feet. It is around the length of a football field and 45-50 feet deep. The slide is still active and an assessment team, made up of Park Staff and Federal Highways employees, observed debris continuing to fall.

The park still does not have an estimated time frame for the road to be open. Federal Highways and park staff are continuing to look at the site to assess options for repair and is hoping to have a rough estimate of a sometime in the next week. Inclement weather is expected over the next few days which may hinder the assessment team.

Further updates on the road condition will follow as details are determined. For Additional information contact:
Molly_Schroer@nps.gov

Public Affairs Office

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

(865) 436-1203 

 

Last Minute Weekend Getaway for MLK Holiday

Mountain view cabin in Maggie Valley - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 6. Easy paved access plus mountain views. Gas log fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, deck with gas grill, WIFI. Ask about tubing and skiing Specials. $100 - $150 night, $600 - $700 week.
                                       Get details and photos 


Less than 5 minutes to Maggie Valley - 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, sleeps up to 6.  Porch with mountain view, charcoal grill and the sounds of nearby Jonathan Creek. WIFI, Pet Friendly. $89 - $100 night, $475 - $500 week.  Near Cataloochee Ski Area.
                                 See photos and availability 


 Vintage Cabin on Cataloochee Guest Ranch - 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps up to 6. Mountain views, on site horseback riding and hiking trails. Fireplace, deck with mountain view and gas grill. One-of-a-kind rustic style but with all the modern conveniences. Food service available. $250 night. Get photos and availability  


 Log Cabin vacation home near Cold Mountain - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 8. Located in a gated community 5 minutes to the Parkway. Wood-burning fireplace, grill, Internet access, cable TV. $125 night, $750 week.  Near Waynesville and Maggie Valley.
                                            check availability  


Maggie Valley Golf Club Condo - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 6. Fireplace, balcony, Internet access.  Discover the beauty the NC mountain golf courses plus swimming pool, hot tub, tennis courts and fitness facility are available. Near Cataloochee Ski Area.  $115 - $165 night, $724 - $815 week.
                               See condo photos and availability. 

Get more last minute Weekend MLK Holiday
Rentals, cabins and getaways HERE

Styx Performs in Concert at Harrah's in Cherokee

January 18   Styx in Concert at Harrah's   With simple beginnings in a suburban Chicago basement in the early ‘70s, Styx transformed over the years into a virtual arena rock prototype by the late '70s and early '80s. Today the group performs live more than ever in a variety of venues across the country including the Superbowl. 

Harrah's Cherokee Casino and Hotel - The 21 story hotel offers 1108 guest rooms including hair dryers, coffee makers and 42-inch HDTVs. There are eight suites in the Mountain Tower, 21 suites in the Soco Tower and 78 suites in Creek in Creek Tower opened in April 2011. Common amenities include indoor swimming pool, fitness room, free parking, onsite restaurants. Restaurants include Paula Deen's Kitchen and the Lobby Cafe. Casino action ranges from brand-new games and slots to dazzling favorites like Digital Blackjack and Baccarito. Rates from $79.  Get Harrah's current rates

Get Cherokee NC cabin rentals, events and Attractions on the Cherokee NC Visitor Guide.

AKC Dog Agility Trials this weekendin Asheville

January 18-20   American Kennel Club (AKC) Dog Agility Trial   The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina is hosting an American Kennel Club Dog (AKC) dog agility trial. Spectators are welcomed to attend and admission is free. Over 300 purebred dogs, from throughout the southeast, will compete at various levels of difficulty.

Get a link for the AKC Dog Show and other Asheville events and attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Asheville's Grove Park Inn Hosts the Annual Big Band and Swing Dance Weekend

January 18-20    Annual Big Band and Swing Dance Weekend -  If you love the Big Band Era of music and dance this is the place to be.  Event activities for package holders include dance instruction, an exclusive afternoon tea dance, and two nights full of amazing performances from Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra.

The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa - The spa and spa services are renowned, scenic golf course, sports complex with pool - tennis - racquetball - training. Onsite restaurants, lounge, bars. A large variety of rooms and suites, varying stages of updates with some original Inn antiques.  Get current rates and availability for The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa



Get a link for the Big Band and Swing Dance Weekend on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Asheville's RiverLink will Host Fourth Friday Salon Series Environment Lectures

Asheville, NC -- RiverLink is kicking off 2013 with a stimulating five-part seminar series by Frank Kalinowski. The first seminar will be held at the RiverLink offices on Friday, Jan. 25 starting at 3 p.m.

Kalinowski is a retired and popular professor from Warren Wilson College and the author of

Dr. Frank Kalinowski

numerous articles and treatises that are thought provoking and informative about the complex world in which we live today.

The purpose of these interactive lectures is to explore a deeper understanding of environmental issues and to attempt the placement of these issues in a larger social, political and historic context.

The first seminar is titled "A Practical Solution to the Environmental Crisis: The Scope and Range of Environmental Politics." 

The dates for Salon Series are February 22, March 22, April 26 and May 31. Future topics include "The Constitution and the Environment," and "Two Dreams and a Nightmare: The Environmental Legacies of Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison." 

This series is free and open to the public but reservations are required -  call 828-252-8474, ext. 10 to reserve a spot. RiverLink is a regional non-profit working to revitalize the French Broad River as a place for everyone to live, work and play. The RiverLink office, the site for this series, is at 170 Lyman Street in the River Arts District of Asheville.
 
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.

Ronald Cooper Discusses His Journey on The Trail of Tears

January 12, 6:30 PM at City Lights Bookstore , 3 East Jackson Street in Sylva NC- Comanche Nation of Oklahoma member, Ronald Cooper will visit the Bookstore to present his book, It's My Trail Too. In January 2011 Cooper began walking the Northern Route of the Cherokee Trail of Tears for personal reflection and adventure. 

In addition to the usual challenges of hiking long distances during winter, Cooper unexpectedly became an ambassador of education and conservancy for the Trail. It's My Trail Too offers inspiration for anyone who has ever desired to take on unknown challenges and seemingly impossible goals. To reserve a copy, call City Lights Bookstore 828-586-9499. 

To learn more about the History of the Trail of Tears visit the The Museum of the Cherokee Indian.  Totally renovated in 1998, the new museum tells the story of the Cherokee people using high-tech wizardry along with an extensive artifact collection. Follow the "Trail of Tears" and learn about the language, customs and crafts of a remarkable civilization and people. 
 

Stories of Mountain Folk for 1/5/13

Stories of Mountain Folk is broadcast by Catch The Spirit of Appalachia and archived at the Hunter Library of Western Carolina University.

January 5, 2013:

Storytelling:  Amy takes you into the world of "Oh and So," a story about twin bears.   Music: “Let It Snow” by Ashleigh and Holly Fortner

 

Creative Corner: Doreyl's guest is David Quarnstrom, a personal trainer who shares how we can all live healthier.  Music: “Thank You for Your Blessings” by the Cockman Family

 

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy continues her talk with Dave Waldrop about growing up in the mountains.  Second part of three interviews.  Music: “My Carolina Home” by Ginny McAfee

 

Black Roots of Appalachia: Victoria visits with Hazel R. Whiteside, who tells stories about growing up in the 1940's in Jackson County.   Music: “Jesus is Coming Soon”by the Inspirations

 

Down Another Road: Judy and her guest Jon Zackary talk about his family and his hometown of Cashiers in Jackson County.  Music: “Hang Me” by Jon Zackary

 

Closing Song: “A Horse Named Cash” from the album Songs From Jackson County.
Listen to the Stories of Mountain Folk Podcast HERE.

NC Snowshoe Championship this weekend at Beech Mountain Ski Resort

January 12   NC Snowshoe Championship   This 2nd annual event at Beech Mountain includes a recreational and competitive 5k run, a kids snowshoe scramble, and a competitive 10K State Championship qualifier for the National Snowshoe Championship to be held in Bend, Oregon. Previous experience not necessary, and there will be snowshoe rentals available.

The snowshoe event is sponsored by the Town of Beech Mountain Parks and Recreation Department. 

January 9 - 11   High Country Nordic Association 3rd Annual Telefest   Downhill Nordic skiers celebrate the beautiful Telemark turn at Beech Mountain Ski Resort. The "telemark", is a dipping, dance-like turn that Nordic skiers can execute, because only their toe is attached to the ski binding.

In its third year, the event is now the leading regional opportunity for "tele-ski" enthusiasts to meet, ski together, improve their skills, and win great prizes. Prizes are provided from a long list of outdoor gear suppliers. Telefest events include a poker run, skinning race (skin-up and race down through gates), beacon search, best costume, switch riding, best tele-trick.

Click HERE to learn more about NC Ski Resorts and winter sports.
 

North Wilkesboro Car Show Cruisers Event includes Antique Cars, Rods and Classics this weekend

January 12   Cruisers in Historic Downtown North Wilkesboro   Antique cars, Street Rods, Classics, Pro Street, Muscle Cars and Motorcycles are all welcome at this Cruisers event. There will be door prizes and live entertainment. Admission is FREE, just bring your lawn chair. Show off your classic or just come and enjoy all of the cars and trucks on display.

There will also be concessions, 50/50 Drawings, Silent Auctions, and Door Prizes at each cruise-in. Revenue from cruise-ins is donated back to worthy causes in Wilkes County.North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro NC, a vibrant center for cultural and community attractions within Wilkes county, are nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Wilkesboro area offers a variety of outdoor opportunities: take a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway, hike at Stone Mountain State Park or visit the lake on the W. Kerr Scott Reservoir. Charming downtown North Wilkesboro is home to numerous restaurants as well as cultural attractions and art galleries.

Get a link for more information about Cruisers and North Wilkesboro events, lodging and attractions on the North Wilkesboro NC Visitor Guide.

Amy Allen Discusses Appalachian Trail this weekend at City Lights Bookstore

January 5, 3 PM at City Lights Bookstore Amy Allen will discuss her journey along the Appalachian Trail as she presents her book, Summoning the Mountains: Pilgrimage into Forty.   Allen, a recently divorced single mom cast's aside family and society's expectations to seek the fulfillment by following a lifelong calling. 

On the eve of her fortieth birthday she reaches for her personal goal of hiking the Appalachian Trail. Settling her teenage sons at their father's house Allen embarks on her 2,000 mile journey.  Taking on the name her sons give her, Willow, transports the reader into the forest, giving the armchair hiker a glimpse into a world of coyotes, butterflies and bears.  She shares her experiences of storms and injuries and the determination to ward off hunger and doubt.  

Summoning the Mountains is a book about embracing challenges and accepting change.  To reserve a copy call City Lights Bookstore at 828-586-9499. 

City Lights Bookstore is located at 3 East Jackson Street in downtown Sylva NC.

Biltmore offers Ticket Specials for the Winter Season

January 2 through March 20 Get Biltmore adult tickets for only $35! Youth under 16 admission is FREE with paid adult ticket. Enjoy the best prices of the year to explore Biltmore without the crowds and waiting during the busier times of the year.   Biltmore Estate, Escape to timeless beauty and legendary hospitality. Shop, dine and relax on the 8,000 acre estate

Biltmore - America's "Castle" -  was built in 1895 by George Vanderbuilt  and is preserved and maintained today by his descendants. With interior square footage over 4 acres, 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, 43 bathrooms and an impressive collection of art and period furnishing it is one of the East's most popular attractions.

Once a working dairy farm the 8,000 acre estate now includes a winery; trails, gardens and grounds to explore; an Equestrian Center, River Bend Farm, a luxury Inn and the newest addition, Antler Village. Plan on spending at least one full day or more to fully enjoy all that Biltmore has to offer. GET DISCOUNTED BILTMORE TICKETS HERE:  Biltmore Estate, Special discounted tickets

LES MISERABLES Opens tomorrow at the Flat Rock Cinema

January 4 at The Flat Rock Cinema, 2700 Greenville Hwy in Flat Rock NC Les Miserables opens with showings at 11 AM, 3 PM and 7 PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and 3 PM and 7 PM Monday - Thursday.  Reservations are recommended because of the popularity of the show - call 828-697-2463.  Doors open 40 minutes before show time and arriving at least 20 to 30 minutes prior to show time if you plan to eat with or if you have a group of three or more and want to sit together is recommended. All tickets, all days, all times are $7.50

Les Miserables has been nominated for 4 Golden Globe Awards. "An engaging version of a sweeping epic, an enduring tale of romance, sacrifice and heroism." --Christine Dolen, Miami Herald.  "No one expects gutsy filmmaking in a musical. But that's just what King's Speech Oscar winner Tom Hooper delivers in Les Misérables. Damn the imperfections, it's perfectly marvelous." --Peter Travers, Rolling Stone.

The Flat Rock Cinema is "your affordable, locally owned clean and friendly bistro cinema, featuring great food, cocktails and local brews."

Learn more about Flat Rock events, attractions and lodging on the Flat Rock NC Visitor Guide.

WinterFest this Weekend with skiing and Winter Family Fun

January 4-6   Winterfest  The town of Beech Mountain NC and Beech Mountain Ski Resort will present a number of events throughout the weekend. The town of Beech Mountain will host the North Carolina State championship snowshoe race on Saturday. 

Some of the weekend's events include the the annual bathing beauty contest, the Village Rail Jam, the Cardboard Box Derby Competition, huge sales on apparel and equipment and live music.

Events for Sunday include the Cardboard Box Derby’s Visual Competition, beginning at 12:30 PM. and the Cardboard Box Derby Race  at 2:30 PM.  The Slopestyle Competition will be held at Beech Mountain Ski Resort’s Terrain Park and the Roots Ride Shop Fashion Show will start at 4:30 PM.

There will also be huge sales on apparel and equipment throughout the weekend. The latest ski and snowboard equipment demos will be featured. Other attractions, including a live ice-sculpting demonstration and figure skating demonstrations, will also be held at Beech Mountain Resort.

Get a link for WinterFest and other Beech Mountain Ski Resort events on the NC Ski Resort Guide.

Ski NC - The Slopes are open with fresh, natural snow

January 1, 2013:

 - Appalachian Ski Mountain is open with skiing and boarding on 10 slopes with 5 lifts on a base of 20 - 48 inches. Ice Skating open for all sessions.

 - Beech Mountain Ski Resort  is open with 11 trails and 4 lifts on a base of 16 - 48 inches.  Ice Skating is open for all sessions.

  - Cataloochee Ski Area is open 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM on 15 slopes with 5 lifts on a base  of 18-47 inches. Tube World will be open from 10 AM to 10 PM. 
 
 - Sapphire Valley Ski Area is open on both ski slopes with a base of 16 - 32 inches. Tubing is open.
 
 - Sugar Mountain Ski Resort is open  for all sessions with 14 slopes, 6 lifts and a base of 14 - 54 inches. Ice skating and snow tubing open. 

 - Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is open with 6 slopes and 2 lifts on a base of 30 - 40 inches for skiing, boarding, tubing and ice skating. 

Get links for ski resort updates and details on the NC Ski Resort Guide.

Stories of Mountain Folk - New Year 2013 Edition

December 29, 2012—New Year Show from Stories of Mountain Folk, produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia.

Storytelling: Amy shares the history of "Black-Eyed Peas, Collard Greens and Hog Jowls" for New Year's Day. Music: “Grandpa” by Henry Queen.

Creative Corner: Doreyl's guest is Brant Barnes, who talks about his artistic background and influences in his gift of pottery. Music: “Keep Your Feet on the Ground” by Mountain Faith. 

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy talks with Dave Waldrop about growing up in the mountains. First part of three interviews.  Music: “Black Mountain Rag” by Vance Trull.

Stories of the Cherokee: Robert interviews Daniel Tramper, renown Cherokee Dancer, who shares some great dance traditions of many Native American Indians, along with prayer and Cherokee medicine.  Music: “Cherokee Stomp Dance”by the Cherokee Dancers.

Down Another Road: Judy continues talking with her mother, Arbie Rhodes, reminiscing about Christmas’ memories in Jackson County.  Music: “On the Sea of Life” by the Smoky Mountain Boys. 

Closing Song: “Auld Lang Syne” by Ron Smith

Listen to this week's Stories of Mountain Folk HERE.