French Broad River Festival this Weekend in Hot Springs

May 3 - 5   16th Annual French Broad River Festival  The Festival is a benefit for American Whitewater, The Mountain Area Child & Family Center and Hot Springs Community Learning Center. Located just 35 minutes north of Asheville at Hot Springs Campground and Spa, this family-friendly weekend includes great regional and national recording artists. 

Enjoy shopping for new outdoor gear at the Live Auction or with one of the many art and craft vendors. Try participating in the "Paddle with the Pros", the 8th Annual FBRF Mountain Bike Race, or the 16th Annual French Broad River Raft Race. The River Festival is an entire weekend of fun, family, art, music and adventure.

Get a link for Hot Springs cabins, restaurants  and attractions HERE.

Learn About Cherokee Indian Heritage at The Oconaluftee Indian Village

May 1  -  Oconaluftee Indian Village Opens for the Season    The Oconaluftee Indian Village opens for  2013 and its 63rd season with self guided tours, authentic children's costumes, guided tours, and the Time of War.
The Village re-creates an authentic 18th-century Indian community. Cherokee artisans and guides demonstrate and explain the arts and crafts and the lifestyle and culture of their ancestors. Replicas of Cherokee homes, council house and squareground of the 1750 period.

Learn more about Cherokee Heritage and local attractions on the Cherokee NC Visitor Guide.

National Junior Ranger Day Today in The Great Smoky Mountains National park

Date: April 2   National Junior Ranger Day -  Join Park Rangers for a fun-filled day of hands-on activities and earn a junior ranger patch and certificate. The programs will be designed to help children connect with the park and engage them in exploring, learning, and practicing stewardship. Activities will be held from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Sugarlands, Oconaluftee, and Cades Cove visitor centers. Ask for details at a visitor center.

Learn more about the Great Smoky Mountain National Park on the NC Parks Guide.  

Flat Rock Cinema - 42, The Jackie Robinson Story Held Over

42, The Jackie Robinson Story has been so popular is is being held over until May 3 at the Flat Rock Cinema, 2700 Greenville Highway in Flat Rock NC.

The Flat Rock Cinema is an affordable, locally owned clean and friendly bistro cinema, featuring great food, cocktails and local brews.  Doors open 40 minutes before show time. Arriving  at least 20 to 30 minutes prior to show time is recommended if you plan to eat with or if you have a group of three or more and want to sit together.
Reservations are encouraged but not always required. The cinema phone number is (828) 697-2463.

The schedule is changed each Friday and tickets are $7.50 for all shows.

John C Campbell Folk School Hosts Grace Adele concert

April 26   The Grace Adele Duo Performs at John C Campbell Folk School   Grace Adele performs traditional American roots music drawn from classic country, western swing, bluegrass,and folk.With well over 100 tour dates a year, she charms audiences from Columbus to Jacksonville, Nashville to Asheville and many points between and beyond. Her original tunes and instrumental talent converge with comedic grace as she's a master kazoo player, and blends percussive tap dance into her live show.

John C. Campbell Folk School provides experiences in non-competitive learning and community life that are joyful and enlivening. Located in scenic Brasstown, North Carolina, the Folk School offers year-round week-long and weekend classes for adults in craft, art, music, dance, cooking, gardening, nature studies, photography and writing. The school also hosts concerts, festival and a variety of cultural events.

Learn more about local lodging and attractions on the Hayesville NC Visitor Guide.

BudBreak WIne Festival in Mount Airy Features Local Wineries

May 4 in Mount Airy NC North Carolina's vibrant wine scene will be showcased at the fourth annual Budbreak Wine Festival.  This popular spring event celebrates the breaking of buds on vines across the state by bringing together 17 wineries for a street festival in charming downtown Mount Airy.

Festival hours run from noon to 6 PM. In addition to visiting with winery representatives and sampling their wines, attendees can view the works of local artisans and satisfy their appetites at the festival food tent provided by 13 Bones, a popular local restaurant. 

Live music will be performed on Main Street throughout the festival. The lineup of artists includes: Jerry Chapman of Mount Airy, Doug Davis of Winston-Salem, and Mediocre Bad Guys of Mount Airy. Headlining the music lineup is: Eric and the Chill Tones of Greensboro, with lead singer Eric Chilton serving as the official 2013 festival emcee. Chilton is better known as the weather guru on WFMY in Greensboro.

Downtown Mount Airy businesses will hold sidewalk sales and Main Street restaurants will be open during and after the festival for opportunities to sit down and dine.

Participating wineries include: Duplin Winery, Elkin Creek, Fiddlers Vineyard, Ginger Creek, Grassy Creek, Herrera Vineyards, Native Vines, Old North State, Round Peak, Slightly Askew, Southern Charm, Stonefield Cellars, Stony Knoll, Stony Mountain, Surry Cellars, Thistle Meadow, and Vineyards on the Scuppernong.

Tickets for the festival, sponsored by the Mount Airy Rotary, are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Also available are $5 tickets which do not include wine tastings. Tickets and further details are available online.

Learn more about Mount Airy HERE.

Stories of Mountain Folk for 4/20/13

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

April 20, 2013:
Storytelling: Amy tells the story of "Boney’s Retreat”--a hunting tale from the 1860’s.

Creative Corner: Doreyl continues her series at Western Carolina University as she interviews Pavel Wlosok, the jazz band director who shares his musical history.  Music: “The Jazz Band.

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy talks with Terry Edwards, who grew up in Tuckasegee and was a member of the band called “Cullowhee.” Here we hear samples of his story songs.  Music: Uncle Ben’s Converted Blues I and II; There is a Star; & White Owl--written and sung by Terry Edwards.

Down Another Road: Judy spends time with Hope Swicegood Byrd, from Buncombe County;
Hope is the daughter of Joe Swicegood, owner of Little Pigs Barbecue Restaurant in Biltmore.  Music: "Twilight is Stealing" by Spirit-Filled Trio.

Closing Song: A new song called "Down South."

To listen to this week's Stories of Mountain Folk CLICK HERE 

(scroll down to the green  box and click the radio button beneath it)

MerleFest 2013 Pays Tribute to the Late Doc Watson

April 25 - 28  MerleFest, one of the premier music festivals in the country, kicks off spring time in the mountains and the warm weather music and art festivals.  This year's MerleFest includes special memorial tributes to the beloved Doc Watson who passed away in 2012 after years of headlining and promoting the festival. 

The four-day festival features over 90 artists performing on 14 stages,with such renowned country and crossover muscians as Vince Gill, The Steep Canyon Rangers, The Charlie Daniels Band, The Kruger Brothers, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Leon Russell, Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives and the Tedeschi Trucks Band.MerleFest is held on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro NC.

Get a link for MerleFest and other local mountain events, attractions and lodging on the Wilkesboro NC Visitor Guide.

Cherokee Trout Fishing Tournament this Weekend

April 26 - 28   Cherokee's Summer Kickoff Trout Fishing Tournament   $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. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Registration necessary to redeem cash prize. $11 entry fee - available everywhere Cherokee fishing permits are sold.

Learn about Cherokee fishing, lodging and attractions on the Cherokee NC Visitor Guide.

RiverLink Whitewater Rafting Benefit on the French Broad River

May 5 -  Blue Heron Whitewater is hosting a whitewater rafting trip in support of RiverLink.   Join the adventure for a half day trip down Section 9 of the French Broad River. Spend the day on the river having fun and enjoying the beautiful river, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting RiverLink the Asheville conservation organization that is spearheading the French Broad River Paddle Trail and interactive map, the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay, watershed education for children all ages, and empowering 1,700 volunteers to assist with  numerous programs and projects improving water quality and economic development  in the French Broad River Watershed.

Participants will meet at Blue Heron Whitewater at 1:30 PM.  RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED  - call Blue Heron Whitewater to reserve your space at 1-888-426-7238 or 828-450-4663. The cost is $44 per person with a Minimum age of 8 years old. The price  includes: rafting, gear, guides, and safety overview.

Find more Asheville events, lodging and attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Chimney Rock Park Re-opens Today after Road Safety Improvements

April 20, 2013 - Chimney Rock Park has announced that it will re-open today with road safety improvements completed. The NC Department of Transportation removed a large boulder that was identified as a safety hazard hanging over the main road.

“The safety of our guests and Park associates is of utmost importance. Now that the boulder has been dropped and cleared away, we’re happy to be able to welcome guests back just in time to celebrate Earth Day and enjoy the Park’s spring scenery and many wildflowers in full bloom. Our Carolina rhododendron, flowering dogwood and Silverbell trees are spectacular,” said Mary Jaeger-Gale, General Manager, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State ParkCrews from DOT, which maintains roads within NC state parks, worked to break off a 4 to 5 ton section of a massive boulder that partially protruded over the road halfway between the Meadows and top parking lot. They used a combination of methods to remove the rock, including drilling holes to insert an expansion agent to crack the rock and blasting with explosives.

Special events will be held as planned. Guests can meet a State Park Ranger at State Parks Stewardship Day today from 11 AM - 3 PM on the Riverwalk behind the Old Rock Café in Chimney Rock Village. A guided spring wildflower walk by wildflower photographer Stephen Faucette will be offered to Park guests with advance registration from 1-3 PM.

The 3rd Annual Buzz on Bees will offer fun, educational activities about honeybees next Saturday, April 27, from 11 AM - 3 PM. For additional information on the Park, the latest report on what’s blooming and more upcoming events, visit chimneyrockpark.com.

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park has been one of the Southeast’s most iconic and popular travel destinations for more than 100 years. Beyond its stunning 75-mile views of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge, Chimney Rock offers scenic hiking, rock climbing, Grady’s Animal Discovery Den and educational events year around. Chimney Rock Park is the only state park in the Southeast with an elevator inside a mountain. The park was featured in the classic movie, The Last of the Mohicans, which will be shown on a large outdoor screen at the 2nd Annual Movie on the Meadows on June 15.

Chimney Rock Park is located only 40 minutes southeast of Asheville on Highway 64/74 A in Chimney Rock NC.

Will Mountaintop Removal Finally be Stopped?

Submitted by Matt Wasson, IloveMountains.org

This week, Sally Jewell became the Obama Administration’s Secretary of the Department of the Interior. Jewell is now in a key position to halt the damaging environmental and health effects of mountaintop removal coal mining. But in order to make sure that it is a top priority issue, she needs to hear from you right away.

Take action now
and tell Secretary Jewell know that we need her leadership

the destruction caused by mountaintop removal

During President Obama’s first term, the administration promised to restore longstanding stream protections to Appalachia. Despite this assurance, progress has been slow and Appalachian streams remain threatened.
Secretary Jewell has the ability to take immediate action and direct the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement to issue a long-overdue rule to prevent the dumping of coal mining waste into streams. We need Jewell to ensure that a strong standard is created and that it is fully implemented in Appalachia.

 

Contact Secretary Jewell today

The day before her confirmation, President Obama said that Jewell had an “appreciation for our nation’s tradition of protecting our public lands and heritage, and a keen understanding of what it means to be good stewards of our natural resources.” We are encouraged by this and expect that she will stand up for the heritage and well being of the Appalachian region.

For the Mountains,
Matt Wasson

P.S. Help us by also welcoming Secretary Jewell on Twitter. Tweet: Welcome @SecretaryJewell

NC Barbecue Expo this Weekend in Hendersonville NC

April 20 -  4th Annual Henderson County Boyd  BBQ Expo  This is a family-friendly festival with vendors, BBQ cooking competitions, children's activities, arts and crafts, and entertainment. The Henderson County Boyd BBQ Expo allows BBQ teams compete in one of two divisions: Professional (Restaurants, Caterers and those that compete on the Professional BBQ circuit) and Back Yard (all others).

Back again for 2013, The Circle C Racing Pigs will be running their little legs off in quest of the ultimate prize…. an Oreo cookie.  This attraction is sure to once again be fun for all ages. Enjoy the BBQ festival grounds by riding in the Little Blue Choo, with all ages welcome.  For Wrestling Fans, High Velocity Wrestling is coming to the BBQ Expo with their high flying fast paced action.

Both divisions will be competing in four separate categories: Ribs, Chicken, Pork & Brisket.  Meats are blind judged on taste, texture and appearance with cash prizes  awarded for the top 5 competitors in each category.

The BBQ Expo is held at the Hendersonville High School Stadiu, 1 Bearcat Boulevard in Hendersonville, NC.

Classic Car Show Kicks off Spring Events this Weekend in Old Fort

April 20   3rd Saturday Classic Car Cruise-Ins   Held in downtown, historic Old Fort (at the Hardees on Catawba). Sponsored by the Route 70 Cruisers, all makes and models of cars, trucks and motorcycles are invited to join the fun, no entrance or admission fees! There will be food, crafts and a "swap meet" area for treasure hunters.

Find more NC mountain Weekend Events on the NC Event Calendar.

Wilkesboro Candle Light Ghost Tours begins for the 2013 Season

April 20  Candle Light Ghost Tours   An evening of tales, mystery and haunts at the Candle Light Ghost Tours. Learn about the ghosts that haunt the old buildings that make up downtown Wilkesboro. Visit a cemetery where Civil War Soldiers are buried, stand in the jail cell Tom Dooley spent his last days, and listen to the stories of the haunted Smithey Hotel.

Tickets will be sold on the Courthouse lawn at the museum and at the Wilkesboro Open Air Market the Friday before. Tours start at 8pm.

Get links for Wilkesboro NC restaurants, attractions and events HERE.

Road Closure Update: NC 441 at Newfound Gap Road NOW OPEN to All Traffic

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials have announced the completion of road repairs to Newfound Gap Road (Hwy 441). The road has been closed since the January 16th landslide that washed away approximately 200 feet of the road. At 10:00 AM on April 15 2013, the Park officially opened the road to all thru traffic between Cherokee, NC and Gatlinburg, TN.

Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson, NC Congressman Mark Meadows, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Principal Chief Michell Hicks, and Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) Construction Operations Engineer Emmett Melton jointly announced the re-opening of the road,  30 days ahead of the scheduled completion date of May 15, 2013. The National Park Service, FHWA, Phillips and Jordan, Inc. (P&J), APAC Harrison Division, and all subcontractors worked cooperatively in the most efficient and expeditious manner possible to restore Hwy 441 to a safe byway for the traveling public, the gateway communities, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The primary repair contract was awarded to P&J for the submitted bid of $3,989,890.00 with the completion date set at May 15, 2013. The contract included a monetary incentive of $ 18,000 per day for each day of completion prior to May 15, 2013, up to a maximum of $504,000 offered jointly by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian (EBCI) and the National Park Service.

"We recognize the economic importance of the road to our neighboring communities and are grateful that our partners at Federal Highways Administration and were able to respond efficiently to our need and work with the contractors to make the necessary repairs in less than 90 days," said Superintendent Ditmanson.

APAC Harrison Division completed Phase 1 of the reconstruction project on February 21, 2013 by developing the access road to the slide area, removing of debris, and stabilizing the slope above the work area. P&J mobilized equipment on February 22, 2013 to begin Phase 2 of the reconstruction project which included rebuilding the roadway and filling the area washed away during the landslide with crushed stone.

The final design includes over 200 feet of pipes to allow for the drainage of subsurface water flow along with 150 feet of side drainage leading to a culvert at the end of the slope. This drainage system and pervious crushed stone material will further protect the road and park resources from future damage due to both overflow and subsurface water flow. The fill area was naturally sloped and planted with seed. In addition, erosion measures were put into place along the 900 foot debris field below the landslide which was also seeded.

For the most current road conditions call 865-436-1200 x 631 or follow SmokiesRoadsNPS on Twitter.

Steeplechase Race at FENCE in Tryon this Weekend

April 20   67th Annual Steeplechase Race at FENCE   The Steeplechase is the area's biggest and most exciting equestrian event of the year. Join the crowds that come for the thundering of hooves as they navigate a challenging course over several races. Contestants competing for best tailgate show off in the categories of best country, most unusual and most elegant. Special hats turn heads with competitors vying for the funniest (adults) and the most unusual and most appropriate for adults and kids.

Get links for Tryon lodging, attractions and events HERE.  

Farmer's Markets and Open Air Markets Are Now Opening throughout the Mountain Cities

April 19   Wilkesboro Open Air Market  The Regular Friday markets will happen every Friday and will feature the freshest produce and handmade crafts of the surrounding area. Third Friday Markets also include downtown merchants, food vendors, local wineries, musicians, regional farms and produce, arts and crafts, demonstrators, as well as non-profit and civic organizations are open from 4 PM - 9 PM. 

Each Third Friday Open Air Market will be themed with live music, children's activities, contests, and more. The Regular Friday markets will happen every Friday and will feature the freshest produce and handmade crafts of the surrounding area. Find links for additional Farmer's Markets and Open air Markets with local produce, products and crafts on the NC Events Calendar.

WNC Chef's Challenge Quarterfinals

 April 16   WNC Chef's Challenge: Quarterfinals: Tomato Jam Café vs. DoubleTree Catering.  Dining participants will enjoy six plated culinary creations (three from each team) that incorporate a special ingredient and will score each dish. The diners' votes are then tallied along with those from a panel of judges and the weekly winners will continue to participate in the competition. 

Reservations for the WNC Chefs Challenge are $49 per individual, and can be purchased online at http://wncchefschallenge.eventbrite.com. Sales tax, and gratuity ($67.97 total) are included in ticket purchase. Held at the Chestnut Restaurant in downtown Asheville NC.

Learn more about Asheville dining and entertainment on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Greening Up the Mountains Spring Festival in the Smokies

April 27 -  The 16th annual Greening Up the Mountains Festival takes place Saturday,  on Main and Mill streets in historic downtown Sylva NC.  The fun begins with the 5K run at 9 AM, while festival hours are 10 AM. to 5 PM.

This free festival celebrates spring in the mountains, when the greening leaves work their way up the Great Smoky Mountains. It also celebrates the greening of the environment, with info about sustainable living and presentations by environmental groups.

Traditional heritage crafts are available throughout the festival, while three music stages feature local bands, children's performances, heritage dancers, and a popular youth talent show.

Musical acts set to perform include: The Freight Hoppers, Buchanan Boys, John-Luke Carter, PMA (Positive Mental Attitude), Porch 40, Sugar Barnes and Dave Magill, The
Second Hand String Band, Marshall Ballew, Total War, Noonday Sun, Local, Curt Collins and Rachel Waterhouse, Matt Williams, and Pearly Peach.

Children's activities include: storytelling, face painting, an inflatable slide, volunteer projects and more. Food vendors will also be on hand.

The annual Greening Up the Mountains 5K Run also takes place. It will be the second year on a newly-designed route that is less strenuous than in past years.

A project of the Town of Sylva, Greening Up the Mountains is one of Jackson County's largest annual events, drawing more than 10,000 visitors each year.

For more info, visit GreeningUpTheMountains.com or call (828) 506-3419.  Find more information for lodging, restaurants and attractions on the Sylva NC Visitor Guide.

Old Fort Hosts 9th Annual Herb Festival this Weekend

April 13-14    9th Annual Herb Festival  Savor the smell and taste of fresh-grown herbs with a  selection including several unique medicinal, cooking and ornamental herbs. The herbal combination planters include the Scarborough Fair Combo, the Indoor Herbs Combo, and several other attractive and useful assortments.

More than 25 craftsmen, vendors and musicians will exhibit and entertain both days. The event is held at Painters Greenhouse, approximately 5 miles south of I-40 at exit 73 in Old Fort NC.

Fiddlin' 5 K Run for the Music Road Race this Weekend in Mars Hill

April 13   Fiddlin' 5 K Run for the Music Road Race The race, beginning at 9 AM and ending on the beautiful Mars Hill College campus, will benefit the Bascom Lamar Lunsford "Minstrel of Appalachia" Festival and the Junior Appalachian Musicians.

Sponsored by the Liston B. Ramsey Center for Regional Studies, the Fiddlin' 5k will include live local music performances scattered along the course and, at race end, activities for the whole family on the upper quad of MHC, including a service project with non-profit Sole Hope.

Learn more about Mars Hill college and local attractions and events HERE.

Tweetsie Railroad Opens this Weekend for the 2013 Season

April 12   Tweetsie Railroad    Opens for the 2013 Season   All aboard for NC's oldest theme park and another season of wild-west fun & excitement!   April 12 through May 27, 2013 hours: Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and Memorial Day Monday, May 27, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.  May 31 through August 18, 2013: Open 7 days a week, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.   August 23 through November 3, 2013: Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and Labor Day Monday, September 2, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. 


Tweetsie Railroad, North Carolina's first theme park, takes a trip back into the days of the Old West. Hop aboard the train for an unforgettable three-mile journey through the scenic mountains. Even in today's high-tech world, there's still a place for old-fashioned fun. 


Tweetsie Railroad is a unique attraction that allows children and families to explore their imaginations and a whole lot more. Be a cowboy, Indian or an engineer and take a ride on historic steam locomotive, Number 12, listed on the National Register.


Some of the special events offered throughout the 2013 Season include:

May 7-9 and 15-16 : Letterland Days. See your favorite Letterland Characters come to life. From Talking Tess's Train to Eddie Elephant's gem area, each area of the Park is an opportunity for children to learn and play.

May 31 - June 9: Day Out with Thomas. All Aboard for a 25 minute ride with a full size Thomas the Tank engine. Meet Sir Topham Hatt and enjoy storytelling, live music and build with Mega Bloks.

June 21-23: Meet Dora and Diego. Kids can meet Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer and her cousin Diego from 11 AM through 3 PM throughout the weekend.

July 4: 4th of July Celebration. The Park gates will be upon until 9 AM for the most exciting fireworks display in the High Country. Specialk dinner options are offered.

July 6, 13, 20, 27: Cool Summer Nights. The Park stays open until 9 PM and features special train show rides at dusk and the chance to make some cool summer memories.

July 12 - 14: Sponge Bob Square Pants and Patrick Star. Kids can meet Nickelodeon's Sponge Bob and Patrick Star from 11 AM through 3 PM throughout the weekend. 

Stories of Mountain Folk for 4/6/13

Stories of Mountain Folk is produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and archived at Western Carolina University.
April 6, 2013:

Storytelling: The story today "Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries," is a story that takes place in Amy’s teenage years.  Music: “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries” by Jaye P. Morgan.

Creative Corner: Doreyl's guest is once again Mike Lancaster, Choral Director for WCU, who talks about living in the mountains and directing many choirs.  Music: “The Rose of Sharon” by Sharon Smith.

Stories of Mountain Folk: The interview with Trina Royar, Festival Coordinator for Mountain Heritage Day continues, as she tells us what her job entails.  Music: "Will You be Lovin’ Another Man” by the Rye Holler Boys. 

SPECIAL: We bring back the Nikwasi Dulcimer Players who tell us how some of them began playing the dulcimer.  Music: "The Mountains Are Always Calling Me" by the Nikwasi Dulcimer Players.

Down Another Road: Judy talks with Tommy Calloway from Highlands once more, who gives a glimpse of his life growing up in the mountains.  Music: "Sally Anne" by Henry Queen.

Closing Song: "Mississippi Sawyer" by Curley Fox

To listen to this week's Stories of Mountain Folk CLICK HERE (then scroll down to the green box and click the radio button)

A Great Week for Food, Wine and Beer in the NC Mountains

If you appreciate great local food and restaurants paired with craft beer and North Carolina fine wines, now is the time to "head for the hills" and experience one of the many festival and events this week:

Date: April 11
NC City: SYLVA
Event: Heinzelmannchen Beer Dinner at City Lights Cafe Enjoy a 6-course meal paired with locally brewed Heinzelmannchen Beer. The Brewery's crafted beer and City Lights food are a great pairing.

Date: April 11 -13
NC City: WAYNESVILLE
Event: Melange of the Mountains Culinary Gala Experience the culinary talent of some of Western North Carolina's most well regarded Restaurants and Vendors. Attendees are invited to sample delicious items directly from the menus of area Restaurants and to feast their eyes on expertly plated specialties entered in the competition. Coffee, beer and wine will also be available for sampling.

Date: April 10 - 14
NC City: BLOWING ROCK
Event: Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival For this year's Festival The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute is partnering with the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival to bring Alaska Seafood to the Festival. Enjoy wine tastings, seminars, cooking classes, wine makers' dinner and much more. Look for special Winemaker's Dinners featuring cold water delicacies, Seafood Presentations at Uncork & Grillin' and Chillin', Cooking Demos by the Executive Chef of Harris Teeter, and samplings at The Grand Tasting.

April 13
NC City: BLACK MOUNTAIN
Event: Learning to Grow Hops at Hop 'n Blueberry Farm Learn to grow hops on a tour of Hop 'n Blueberry Farm, a 165-year-old farm that has always used sustainable farming practices. This special hop tour is specifically designed to give the visitor detailed information on how to grow hops and set up a hop yard.

April 13
NC City: RONDA
Event: Four Seasons Wine Tasting Dinner The Four Seasons Wine Tasting Dinners are held Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Each features 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.

April is NC BEER MONTH!Get a list of all mountain Beer Month events and participants HERE

NC Beer Month Event: Beer Dinner in Sylva

April 11   Heinzelmannchen Beer Dinner at City Lights Cafe   Enjoy a 6-course meal paired with locally brewed Heinzelmannchen Beer. The Brewery's crafted beer and City Lights food are a great pairing. The event is limited to 50 tickets. FIRST 20 TICKETS GET A FREE HEINZELMANNCHEN PINT GLASS. Make reservations online at the City Lights Cafe website.

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

Mountain Spirits: Wine Dinner at Sunny Point Cafe

April 11 at 7 PM Appalachian Vintner co-hosts a Falcor Winery Dinner at Sunny Point Cafe - $65 all inclusive,  Appalachian welcomes Ryan Bee, winemaker at Falcor Winery Napa Valley to Sunny Point Cafe in wild and wonderful West Asheville.

 New vintages of old favorites and new wines never before tasted will be included in the parings. Make your reservations asap, seats are filling up very quickly- call Sunny Point for reservations (828) 252-0055.

The proposed  menu includes:

grapes rolled in goat cheese and encrusted in pistachios-
sparkling wine

PEI mussels in white wine & ramp butter sauce topped w/Sunny Point bacon-
Falcor Chardonnay Henry Ranch

truffled mushroom soup w/arugula hollandaise-
Falcor Pinot Noir Carneros

braised pork bocco, roasted garlic-herb risotto topped w/fried kale-
Falcor Sangiovese

adobe rubbed steak, sweet potato pepper hash asparagus & mole sauce
Falcor Zinfandel Dry Creek

dark molten lava cake, house ice-cream, strawberries
Falcor Cabernet Sauvignon H-Block

Sunny Point Cafe  is located at 626 Haywood Road, Asheville NC

NC Heritage News: Annual Storytelling Festival in Hendersonville

April 6 - 8   Do Tell Storytelling Festival   This is the 4th annual event filled with the magic of live, up close performance in historic downtown Hendersonville. Never scripted, fresh every time. This festival is living proof that Storytelling is not just for kids. This is intelligent entertainment for all ages by some of the region's best performers.

The Festival is held at the Downtown Flat Rock Playhouse, 125 Main Street.

Find Hendersonville Lodging, restaurants and attractions on the Hendersonville NC Visitor Guide.

 

Mountain Biking News: Annual Tour De Lure Bike Ride a Favorite with Mountain Cyclists

April 6   8th Annual Tour De Lure Bike Ride   A day for two rides - one "hard core" and one for fun. The Dewey Hughes Memorial Ride is a challenging one beginning at Marion's YMCA traveling through rolling farmlands, up Stone Mountain, around Lake Lure, through Chimney Rock and returning to Marion for a total of 67 miles.

The Fun Ride begins at the same time and place (same fees), but takes you on an exciting 25 mile course through rolling hillsides and farmlands. Applications available online or at the Corpening YMCA in Marion. Free Spaghetti meal for participants after the ride.

Learn more about local lodging, restaurants and attractions on the Marion NC Visitor Guide.

April is North Carolina Beer Month

North Carolina is known as a "Brewing mecca of South", and  NC Beer Month is a 30-day celebration of the craft beer industry. Events include the production of specialty brews, beer dinners, beer cooking classes, beer making and "beer memories." 

Beer tourism has become an asset to North Carolina's economy, and local breweries are ready for visitors to belly up to the bar. "North Carolina has become such a hot spot for the brewing industry," said Ellie Craig, marketing director for Front Street Brewery in Wilmington. "It's pretty intriguing." 

There are more than 61 brew pubs throughout the state, according to the NC Brewers Guild, inspiring the term, " brewing mecca of the South". The beer industry contributed more than $7.1 billion to North Carolina's economy last year and supported more than 37,000 jobs, according to The Beer Institute.

"North Carolina breweries provide jobs to so many North Carolinians at every level and in every aspect of the industry," said Maaike Brender À Brandis, part owner of Cape Fear Wine & Beer in downtown Wilmington. "It gives our state another thing to be proud of." She said the craft beer industry is thriving partly because of Pop the Cap, a bill signed into law in 2005 that allowed beer alcohol content to jump from 6 percent to 15 percent and because consumers desire better quality in not only what they eat, but what they drink.

"It only makes sense that we would have a thriving craft beer scene," Brender À Brandis said. "Consumers are educated and informed. They want to know who made what, where, how and why. Craft beer is quite transparent in that aspect."

Special events celebrating NC Beer Month can be found throughout the mountain area from Blowing Rock to Hichlands, from Asheville to Lenoir. Get a list of NC Mountain Beer month participants and events HERE.

Mountain Spirits: Pisgah Brewing Company FREE Tasting at Bruisin' Ales in Asheville

April 4 from 5 PM - 7 PM  Bruisin' Ales, 66 Broadway Street in downtown Ahseville, hosts a FREE tasting from Pisgah Brewing Company.  Stop by and enjoy a sampling of:

Spring Wheat Hefe: "Brewed with 64% malted white wheat and bittered with the American noble hop Mt Hood, the pale orange hue compliments zesty citrus notes in this unfiltered Spring Wheat Ale. Designed by the Pisgah Brewers to be a refreshingly light ale for the coming spring months, enjoy on tap and in growlers."

Equinox: "This harvest-style ale celebrates the bounty of the seasons. Deep mahogany in color and evenly hopped, released now for the first day of spring. This beer comes in at a comfortable 7.5% abv. Happy Equinox everybody!"

Valdez: "Adhering to the strict philosophy of the Pisgah brewers, this mouth watering coffee stout is brewed just miles downstream from America's most beautiful watershed. Brewed with coffee beans from Dynamite Coffee Roasters, and weighing in at a respectable 6.8% abv, the aroma of fresh coffee leaps from the glass, and finishes slightly dry. Treat yourself to the finest coffee stout this season. Unfiltered for your enjoyment."

Baptista: "This Belgian Noel takes its name from Jan Baptista Van Helmont, the Flemish chemist and physician who first discovered CO2 and coined the word 'gas' by recognizing the existence of gases distinct from air. This energy luminary was the founder of pneumatic chemistry and also the first to bridge alchemy and early chemistry. Hats off to the man behind the bubble! Made with homemade candy sugar.

Spring Trout Season Kicks off with two Annual Tournaments

April 6
NC City: BLOWING ROCK
Event: The 34th Annual Trout Derby The Derby begins at sunrise with awards at 4:30 PM. No pre-registration necessary. Public waters only, no ponds - nearby fishing spots include Price Lake, Bass Lake, Trout Lake and the Middle Fork River along Highway 321. Licenses and bait can be purchased at Village Hardware on Green Street.. Fishing at Mayview Lake (Broyhill Park) for children 11 and under and persons with disabilities. Fish weighed and measured at American Legion Building on Park Avenue.

Learn more about Blowing Rock Lodging, restaurants and attractions HERE.

April 26 - 28
NC City: GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK NEAR CHEROKEE
Event: Cherokee's Summer Kickoff Trout Fishing Tournament $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. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Registration necessary to redeem cash prize. $11 entry fee - available everywhere Cherokee fishing permits are sold. 

Learn more about Cherokee Lodging, restaurants and attractions HERE.

 

Slow Food Asheville Presents a Night of Fatback in Film

April 24 - It's hog time at the Isis on Haywood Road.  Slow Food Asheville presents an evening of film, followed by live music.  You can get to know some of the local farmers, including Allan Benton of Benton's Bacon, in “Preserve,” a film by Blind Pig. Then follow the process of butchering a hog from start to finish in Susannah Patty's film, “Community of a Hog.” 

The programming wraps up with a short film chronicling FEAST, including the program's history and stories from its free cooking classes for children that focus on fresh, affordable local ingredients.  After the hour of film there will be plenty of time to dine, discuss, and groove with your new food-minded friends.  The first screening will begin at promptly at 6:30 PM, so plan to arrive early.

The event will be held at The Isis Restaurant and Music Hall, 734 Haywood Road in Asheville NC

Stories of Mountain Folk for 3/30/13

Stories of Mountain Folk is published by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and archived at Western North Carolina University. 

March 30, 2013:

Storytelling:  The story today is called "Stepping Out and Stepping In," a story of change.  Music: Background music is "Sugarlands Suite" by Bill Mize and Martha Jacobs.

Creative Corner: Doreyl's guest is Mike Lancaster, Choral Director for WCU, who tells the story of how he came to love to sing and direct singers. 

Stories of Mountain Folk: Today we hear from Trina Royar, Festival Coordinator for Mountain Heritage Day, who tells us about her years as a Green Grass Cloggers.  Music: "Appalachian Flatfoot Clogging" by Jimmy Johnson
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Black Roots of Appalachia:  Victoria interviews Emma Lou Bryson who talks about incidents in her life.  Music: "Wade in the Water" by Golden Gate Quartet

Down Another Road:  Judy spends time with Tommy Calloway, from Highlands, who shares incidents of his youth.  Music: "Watermelon on the Vine" by Jim Greer

Closing Song: "Three Men on a Mountain" by Mountain Faith

Listen to this week's Stories of Mountain Folk HERE. (Scroll down to the green box and click the radio button below it)