End of the Year Tax-deductible Donations to Preserve the Mountains

There are dozens of worthy organizations in need of donations to continue their hard work to preserve and conserve the beauty and ecology of the mountains. Here are just a few of the many we recommend for your last minute deductible donations:

Appalachian Voices, protecting the central and southern Appalachian mountain region.  Learn the ways to donate HERE.  Sign up for the newsletter, The Appalachian Advocate. Upcoming events from Appalachian Vioces:

Christmas in Old Appalachia Dec. 5-24: Join the Museum of Appalachia as they recreate Christmas from an earlier era. Admission to museum required. Norris, Tenn
First Day Hikes Jan. 1: More than 400 hikes nationwide. Find First Day Hikes near you at your local state parks
Century of State Parks Poetry Contest Jan. 1-April 1: Celebrate the centennial of the North Carolina State Park system by contributing to this poetry contest
Animals in Winter Jan. 2: Interactive Nature Foundation presentation about what animals do in winter. For ages 3-10. Wintergreen, Va
Energy Efficiency Webinar Jan. 20: Ask our panel of experts questions about how energy efficiency can reduce your carbon footprint
Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Conference Jan. 27-30: The 25th annual conference offers informative courses and field trips, practical sessions, networking, and more. Lexington, Ky
Appalachian Studies Conference Mar. 18-20: Save the date for this annual conference to encourage dialogue, research, scholarship and creative expression in the Appalachian region. Shepherdstown, W.Va.
Get a complete calendar HERE.

Every kid in a park program

 National Parks Foundation, celebrating 48 years of supporting our parks.  The National Park Foundation works to protect national parks, connect people to them, and inspire park enthusiasts. Make an impact for America’s treasured landscapes, historical sites, and ecosystems - today, and for generations to come. Get one of the FREE national park Owner’s Guides, filled with travel tips and inside information on what not to miss. It’s your one-stop resource to discover your national parks. Find ways to donate or volunteer HERE. The National Park Service turns 100 on August 25, 2016 - join the Centennial celebration by visiting your local parks and making a donation to save our parks for another 100 years.

Every Kid In A Park - The Every Kid in a Park initiative will provide an opportunity for each and every 4th grade student across the country to experience their public lands and waters in person throughout the 2015-2016 school year FREE of charge.

Little Tennessee River

Little Tennessee Land Trust (LTLT).  In 2015, LTLT ( to become Mainspring Conservation Trust on January 1) conserved another 300 acres of land and started the process to conserve hundreds more; restored 1,500 feet of streambanks; and connected over 2,000 children and 1,000 adults to their natural resources through education and outreach programs.

Private donations make up more than 70% of the overall funding. YOU make a difference with the support you give. As of today, they are at 90% of the 2015 Annual Fund goal with less than two weeks to meet or exceed it. Please consider helping reach this goal by including the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee in your year-end giving today.

the devastation of mountaintop removal

 ILoveMountains.org  end mountaintop removal and coal mining.  The organization couldn’t do what they do without you -- it’s as simple as that. All year long, you lent your voice to the fight against mountaintop removal coal mining. This year, you supported grassroots community leaders as they fought for an effective Stream Protection Rule, demanded firm limits on toxic selenium pollution, and began building toward a brighter future by supporting the POWER+ Plan. You helped spread the word when we launched our Communities at Risk tool, which uses 30 years worth of satellite imagery to show how mountaintop removal is getting closer to communities. Now they are asking you to be a part of one more thing this year: making the work in 2016 possible.

As we close in on the 2016 public comment periods of critical water-related rulemakings, it’s crucial that we begin the year on a strong footing -- and that can be done with your help. Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution today. Whether you're able to contribute $10, $25, $50 or more, every dollar of your holiday contribution goes directly to groups working to end mountaintop removal. Help  end 2015 by donating to end mountaintop removal. 

photo courtesy of wunc.org

Friends of the Mountain to Sea Trail (FMST).  Give through Amazon Smile. Amazon has created a very easy way to give to FMST through smile.amazon.comhttps://smile.amazon.com/. That website works the same way amazon.com works, has the same products and uses your same passwords. The only difference is that Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchase price to the charity of your choice. When you first use smile.amazon.com, it will ask you to select a charity to receive your gifts. It's easy to find Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail on the list. After that, every time you purchase through smile.amazon.com, your purchases will help build, protect and promote the MST. 

3 Great Ways to Support the MST
ONE: Become an FMST member. Financial donations make this trail possible. You can join online or print and mail your membership form. Your donation will leave a legacy for future generations. MST license plate with HK
TWO: Buy an MST license plate. For $30 per year, you can show the world your love of the trail and help the trail financially too. $20 of your annual fee will come back to FMST to build, protect and promote the trail. You can now order your plate directly from NC DMV.
THREE: If your employer hosts a workplace-giving campaign, look for FMST as a giving option. We are a proud member of Earth Share which promotes workplace giving for conservation and environmental groups. We are a giving option in all North Carolina state and federal employee campaigns and in many local government and corporate campaigns too. FMST code numbers are: State employee campaign - 1102; Federal employee campaign - 30392; United Way of the Triangle - 60001159.

Wildcat Mountain acquisition, photo courtesy  Foothills Conservancy

Foothills Conservancy, celebrating 20 years.  Consider including a special birthday gift to Foothills Conservancy's Annual Fund in your year-end giving, so they can continue the work of saving the places you love across the Blue Ridge Mountains and Foothills.  Tax-deductible year-end gifts payable to Foothills Conservancy can be mailed to PO Box 3023, Morganton, NC 28680, or make your gift online at foothillsconservancy.org/donate  and learn more about the places you are helping protect. **Gifts "in honor" or "in memory" of friends and loved ones make wonderful holiday tributes and will be acknowledged with a special seasonal card.**

Wave of changes shaking up Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

this article re-printed courtesy of Carolina Press and written by John Ellison

CHEROKEE NC — Recent months have seen the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians experience a shift in tribal government driven by a new principal chief. But that’s just the start of it amid a rapid succession of political, economic and social changes. The tribe has opened its second casino and a new hospital while weathering debates over disputed pay to public officials, potential legalization of marijuana and other hot-button issues. For this overview of the EBCI’s key recent changes, Carolina Public Press reviewed extensive reporting by the tribe’s official newspaper, the Cherokee One Feather, and other media outlets near the reservation, along with videos of Tribal Council meetings and public records shared by elected officials and tribe members.

Patrick Lambert, new principal chief EBCI

New principal chief brings quick shakeups -  In recent years, the roughly 15,000-member tribe, which is recognized by the U.S. government as sovereign in many of its internal affairs, has charted its own course while being buffeted by many of the same forces that impact its neighbors. It is unique in WNC in how its gaming earnings have brought potential promise and peril. In September elections, Patrick Lambert, who for 22 years headed the EBCI’s Tribal Gaming Commission, which oversees the tribe’s casino operations, won election as new principal chief with more than 70 percent of the vote. He replaced Principal Chief Michell Hicks, who held the position for 12 years and opted not to seek re-election.  

He replaced Principal Chief Michell Hicks, who held the position for 12 years and opted not to seek re-election. Taking office in early October, Lambert instituted quick changes, shuffling the tribal government bureaucracy and instructing tribal employees to become more responsive to constituents by removing TVs from their offices and answering their phones more often. He also shifted some high- and mid-ranking personnel up and down the ladder of their respective agencies, garnering some praise and criticism along the way. And he began publishing his key statements and policy steps online, often via his Facebook page, in a move that’s brought new layers of transparency and public scrutiny to tribal government.

Read more here...

Carolina Press is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit online news organization committed to unbiased, in-depth and investigative reporting as well as educational opportunities for journalists, students and others in the 18 westernmost counties of North Carolina. Their vision is to promote an informed, engaged electorate to ensure government accountability by building the region's most reliable public interest news source.  

Support CPP with a tax-deductible contribution today!

Stories of Mountain Folk for the week of 12-5-2015

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

Podcast December 5, 2015:

Storytelling: Amy shares with you the beginning of a new direction in her life - “Love and Laughter.”  Music:   “Always” , the Richard Hayman Orchestra.

Creative Corner:   Doreyl talks with Thomas Raine Crow from Tuckasegee. Thomas shares some of his poetry and “Cracked Light.”   Music: “There’s A Light”  by the Cockman Family.

Stories of Mountain Folk:  Amy’s guest is again Jerry Ollis from Avery County who works in the banking business. Jerry tells how he met his wife of 36 years.  Music: “Cedar Valley Christmas”  by Terry Edwards.

Minnie Casey Storyteller

Let Us March on:  Mary Sue talks with her mother, Minnie Casey, who shares stories about life in Jackson County in the 1920s.  Music:  “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” by Victoria A. Casey McDonald. 

Down Another Road:  Judy’s guest is Laura Graham Crockett from Black Mountain.  They discuss Laura’s family’s ancestors, primarily her grandmother Della.  Music: “Grandma’s Feather Bed” by Home Delivery.

Closing Song:  “Your Christmas Gift” by Steve Ivey.

Listen to this week's Stories of Mountain Folk HERE 

Christmas Lights Walking Tour at The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville NC

Continuing through January 2, 2016   Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum    Winter Lights is a three-acre nightly walking tour of The North Carolina Arboretum's nationally-known gardens, including its Quilt Garden and Bonsai Exhibition Garden. 

photo courtesy of NC Aboretum

Christmas Lights photo courtesy of www.visitnc.com

     Celebrate the holidays and discover the natural beauty of western North Carolina through lighted garden exhibits and landscapes. 

 
The 2015/2016 Winter Lights exhibit will also include animated displays that are programmed to illuminate to the sounds of musical holiday favorites.  

In addition, there will be several new displays and family-friendly activities that will be placed throughout the gardens. The Arboretum will stay open nightly from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Tickets may be purchase online or at the facility. 

For more information about Asheville Christmas light displays
and events visit our Asheville NC Visitor Guide

National Parks Honor Veterans with FREE Admission

Veterans Day is a fee-free day in our national parks. If you live close enough, consider visiting sites like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, or the

World War II Memorial DC

World War II Memorial, all of which commemorate the service and sacrifice of our veterans. 

Or visit national parks like Independence National Historical Park, Boston National Historical Park, and the Statue of Liberty that serve as living reminders of the freedoms our veterans protected. 

In the Mountains the National Parks include:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• The Blue Ridge Parkway 
• The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• The Appalachian Trail
• The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area
• Carol Sandburg Home
• Trail of Tears 

November 11, the public is invited to visit a national park near you and reflect on the men and women who have answered the call of duty to protect and defend our great nation.

Christmas at Biltmore - an Inspiring Traditional Centuries Old Holiday Experience

photo courtesy The Biltmore Company

November 6, 2015 - January 10, 2016    Christmas at Biltmore   The celebration that began on Christmas Eve in 1895 when George Vanderbilt introduced his family and friends to the newly completed Biltmore home, continues to this day.  

This wonderful celebration allows all visitors to enjoy America's largest home beautifully decorated with dozens of Christmas trees, hundreds of wreaths, bows, and poinsettias, miles of evergreen garland, and thousands of ornaments. 

photo courtesy The Biltmore Company

Special events and displays include:

The Conservatory - Special holiday displays featuring poinsettias and tropical plants

A Gardener's Place Gift Shop - Located beneath the historic Conservatory, enjoy free holiday demonstrations every day.

• 12:00 p.m.: Decorating Christmas Wreaths
• 1:00 p.m.: Creating Holiday Tablescapes

photo courtesy The Biltmore Company

Antler Hill Village -

• Visits with Santa:
  Saturdays and Sundays from November 7 - December 20, and Friday, November 27
  From 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Carolers:
  Saturdays and Sundays from November 7 - January 10, and Friday, November 27
  Five 30-minute sets starting at 3:00 p.m.

Get tickets in advance online and save 
shop now for Discounted tickets to Biltmore.
Save up to $20.00 off gate price

Partnership between WCU, hospitals could boost health care

Submitted by Carolina Press, Written by Whitney L.J. Howell on November 9, 2015 in Education, Graham, Healthcare, Jackson, Macon, Region, Swain, Top News 

Expanded, consistent health-care access could be around the corner for Western North Carolina if a formalized partnership between Western Carolina University and Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital succeeds.

Announced in mid-October, and known as the Ascent Partnership, the initiative is designed to train additional nurse practitioners and create opportunities to engage the surrounding communities about wellness.

According to Doug Keskula, dean of the WCU College of Health and Human Sciences, the overall goal is to ensure North Carolina’s westernmost countries receive quality health care. “We want to provide an exceptional educational experience for our students and future health-care professionals,” Keskula said. “We can’t do that without our partners."

Based on Mountain Area Health Education Center data, roughly 20 percent of North Carolinians — nearly 2.2 million people — live in rural counties with limited health-care access. Statewide, 42 counties have physician shortages, meaning they have too few providers to meet patient needs. The shortfall includes all of Western North Carolina’s counties.

To address this need through the Ascent Partnership, Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals, which are part of Duke LifePoint Healthcare, will pay the roughly $26,000 cost for three students each to complete WCU’s two-year family nurse practitioner (FNP) program.

The Ascent Partnership furthers a decades-long relationship, said Steve Heatherly, Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals’ chief executive officer. During that time, the WCU-hospital connection has spawned two university-based clinics that provide rehabilitation and primary-care services to area communities, as well as clinical training sites for WCU students.

Currently, Heatherly said, the counties immediately surrounding WCU — Jackson, Swain, Graham, and Macon — need six to eight primary-care practitioners. WCU’s nurse practitioner program graduates could fill those roles.

Read the Entire Article HERE 

Carolina Public Press is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit online news organization committed to unbiased, in-depth and investigative reporting as well as educational opportunities for journalists, students and others in the 18 westernmost counties of North Carolina. Our vision is to promote an informed, engaged electorate to ensure government accountability by building the region's most reliable public interest news source.  Help raise $30,000 by the end of the year - Support CPP with a tax-deductible contribution today. 

Whitewater Rafting on the Cheoah River a Challenge for Experienced Paddlers

November 7, 2015   Cheoah River High Flow Weekends    This event is recommended for experienced paddlers only. Some of the best whitewater rafting and kayaking east of the Mississippi is located in Western NC. 

The Cheoah isn’t for the faint of heart and the river has many Class IV/IV+ rapids and lots of residual vegetation that require a high skill level to negotiate. River pass bracelets can be purchased at O’Henry’s, Outland Expeditions 800-827-1442 or Cheoah Ranger Station 828-479-6431. Admission is $5.

Get more local details and information on the Robbinsville NC Visitor Guide.

Vintage Cars Rally News: Cherokee Cruise the Smokies Fall Rod Run

November 7, 2015     Cruise the Smokies Fall Rod Run  100's of vintage cars, neatly groomed and highly shined, ready for you to feast your eyes upon. One of the prettiest events in Cherokee. This show will have food, memorabilia, and automobile parts vendors and will be hosted with music by a professional DJ for lots of old-fashioned fun. 

Admission is $5 per person and free for children 10 and younger. Held at the Acquoni Expo Center

Get more local information on our Cherokee NC Visitor Guide.

Buy Christmas Crafts at this Weekend's Art Walks and Mountain Craft Festivals

Start your Christmas shopping this weekend with the purchase of handmade mountains crafts or artwork. Not only will you be giving a special and unique gift, you'll be supporting the American-made crafts industry, particularly important to the economy of the Western North Carolina Mountains. Browse and buy at any of this weekend's mountain craft events:

November 6, 2015
NC City:   ASHEVILLE 
Event:     Asheville Downtown Gallery Association Art Walk   The Downtown Asheville Art District (DAAD) invites you to visit the more than twenty galleries that contribute to Asheville's reputation as a vibrant arts community and "The Paris of the South." Within a half-mile radius of Pack Square and the city's center, you'll find unparalleled diversity from fine studio crafts, to glass, photography, folk art and contemporary painting, metalwork, textiles, jewelry and more by local, regional, national and international artists.  A complete  Downtown Gallery Guide and map is available at any participating downtown gallery, the Chamber of Commerce, or Pack Place.

Date:      November 6, 2015
NC City:  WAYNESVILLE
Event:     Art After Dark   Downtown galleries and studios remain open until 9 PM.  The evening features special openings, demonstrations, artist receptions, and music

Date:      November 6, 2015
NC City:  MURPHY
Event:    First Friday Murphy Art Walk    5 PM - 8 PM. Presented by The Valley River Arts Guild. Stroll through historic downtown Murphy for an exceptional visual, culinary, and performing arts experience. Galleries, restaurants, and many other businesses will feature art, demonstrating artisans, live performances, music, and fine dining. Visit the juried Artist Market locations where you can meet local and regional artists and there will be something for everyone. Free and open to the public.

Date:     November 7, 2015
NC City: DILLSBORO
Event:    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 along with demonstrations.  The event is juried and the lineup of potters is impressive. $5 ticket includes a chance in a raffle; kids under 12 admitted free.  10 AM - 4 PM.


Date:     November 7, 2015
NC City: BRASSTOWN (Near Murphy)
Event:    Annual Blacksmith & Fine Craft Auction    This popular annual event takes place form 1 PM to at the John C. Campbell Folk School, and features some of the finest artist-blacksmith work as well as other unique, handcrafted items. This is a fundraiser and includes both a silent auction and live auction. Bid on forged metal, jewelry, pottery, fiber, and wood items. 

   

Mountain Music News: Live Music at The Purple Onion

photo by Jeff McJunkin , Fine Art America

The Purple Onion Restaurant, located at 16 Main Street in historic downtown Saluda NC, is a favorite destination for excellent cuisine featuring a variety of ethnically and regionally inspired dishes with an emphasis on the Mediterranean's simple, healthful cuisines with a focus on freshness. Winter hours begin in November along with Oyster and Pint Night - Every Monday and Tuesday oysters on the half shell is a feature, raw or roasted along with $3 pints.

October 29 - Michael Reno Harrell the master of great songs and stories is back

October 31 - Halloween with the JPQ Band.  Jim Peterman returns with his fabulous, funky, jazz and R & B band to "put a spell on you." The Onion will be buying beers for the best in costume so come on out and have some fun.

November 5 - Dogwhistle - local Saludan Scott Allen returns after a very long absence with a band that combines the landscape and sounds of Appalachia, Texas and Nashville.

November 7 - Aaron Burdett, talented favorite hometown singer-songwriter returns with his latest, highly acclaimed release "Tinderbox".

November 12 - Cabo Verde, a mix of authentic Latin and Afro-Cuban grooves and funky rhythms

November 14 - Gigi Dover and Big Love.  Gypsy, jazzy, funky, southern-soul and world music from this longtime Onion favorite.

November 15 - Sweet Claudette (special Sunday Concert). Call for reservations. Country/Motown.

November 19 - Louise Mosrie.  Soulful southern folk music from this Nashville-based singer/songwriter

November 21 - Citizen Mojo.  A blues, funk, soul and rock 'n' roll band

November 26 - THANKSGIVING - NO MUSIC

November 28 - Riyen Roots and Kenny Dore  End a great month of music with the duo's uncut truth of blues influenced songs.

A highlight of the month's music will be the Sweet Sounds of Sweet Claudette. The doors open at 6:00 PM and a limited menu will be available prior to the concert with beverages and desserts served throughout the evening. . Admission is $15 in advance and $18 at the door. Reservations highly recommended.

photo of Sweet Claudette courtesy of The Purple Onion

Sweet Claudette is made up of members of some of the Southeast's favorite bands. Amanda Platt of The Honeycutters, Dulci Ellenberger of Now You See Them and Melissa Hyman of The Moon and You are joined in this WNC supergroup by Amber Lyle Sims. The seeds of Sweet Claudette were planted at a women's songwriter showcase in the fall of 2009. The four women had so much fun working up tunes for the show, they decided to form a band so they could keep singing and playing together. 

NC Mountain Real Estate News: Lake James Real Estate Update

The Lake Cove Cottage:
 Beds: 3     Baths: 3.5     Sq. Ft: 2,048
 
The Lake Cove Cottage offers the best in indoor/outdoor living with an open concept interior living space as well as ample covered outdoor space. The luxurious master suite is located on the main level with a large private bathroom and walk-in master closet. 
 

 Get details and pricing HERE

NC Mountain Spirits: Howl-O-Wine at Round Peak Vineyards

October 30, 2015 from  5-9 PM:  Come on out with your favorite pooch to this popular Halloween event sponsored by Round Peak Vineyards. As always, the event benefits Mayberry 4-paws and other local animal rescue organizations. With George Smith howling out tunes, food, costume contests (people and pooches), and of course great beer and wine, this is one Halloween event you don't want to miss.

photo courtesy Round Peak Vineyards

Round Peak Vineyards is located at Roundpeak Church Road in Mount Airy NC. 

Halloween Events in the Mountains from Scary Spooktaculars to Family Fun Fests to Trick or Treat in Historic Mountain Cities

 Date:       October 27, 2015
NC City:   MARION
Event:      Fall Festival and Trick or Treat   Celebrate the last day of the Tailgate Market season. For the kids there will be Trick or Treating with downtown businesses, a costume contest, pumpkin painting and craft activities. Growers will have fall crops for sale. Hours are 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM at the Historic Marion Market Shade Shelter.    Get a link for more details HERE

photo courtesy Postcards from the Smokies

Date:       October 29, 2015
NC City:   BRYSON CITY
Event:      Downtown Trick or Treat   Enjoy a fun, safe and small town trick or treating experience this Halloween. With the streets closed, the kids are out in full force to fill their bags with candy from the costumed downtown merchants. And don't forget the costume contest open to all ages with the winner in each class receiving a gift certificate to Soda Pops (the local ice cream shop). For more information please contact the Swain County Chamber of Commerce.    Get a link for more details HERE


Date:       October 30, 2015
NC City:  BEECH MOUNTAIN
Event:      Halloween Celebration   Trick or Treating begins at 6 PM at City Hall. The Little ones can trick-or-treat at local businesses and the whole family can enjoy the festivities that follow at Buckeye Lake and Recreation Center.  The Halloween party includes food, drinks, fun games, and a haunted egg hunt.  For those who enjoy chills and thrills, the haunted hayride is a spooky experience.   Get a link for more details HERE

Date:       October 30, 2015
NC City:   SALUDA
Event:     Halloween Stroll   The City of Saluda and local downtown businesses will sponsor its annual Halloween Stroll on Friday, October 30 from 4 - 6 PM. Parents, bring your children to town for a fun afternoon of going store to store for Halloween treats.    Get a link for more details HERE

Date:       October 30, 2015
NC City:  BOONE
Event:      Boone Boo!  Ghosts, ghouls and goblins hit the streets of Downtown Boone for the Annual Downtown Boo Boone.  The fun begins at 4:00 PM at the Watauga County Library with crafts and activities for the kids. Activities include games and arts & crafts at the Watauga Co. Library located on Queen St. in Downtown Boone, followed by a Halloween "parade" down to the Jones House Community Center where children can enjoy a silly and spooky tour through the Jones House with tricks and treats around every corner. Trick-or-Treating with the Downtown Boone merchants begins at 5:00 PM and continues until 6 PM. Come out and enjoy a fun, safe, and silly Halloween with your friends in Downtown Boone.    Get a link for more details HERE

photo courtesy Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Date:      October 30 - 31, 2015
NC City: BRYSON CITY
Event:    Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express   The PEANUTS gang return the the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Pumpkin Patch for this annual family fun favorite. The excursions, which are themed after Charles M. Schulz's classic story "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," will be departing from the Bryson City Depot and arriving at the Pumpkin Patch. Event activities include campfire marshmallows, a coloring station, temporary tattoos, trick or treating, bouncy house, hayrides and live musical entertainment. Two trips per day at 12 PM and 3:30 PM.     Get a link for more details HERE

Date:        October 30 - 31, 2015
NC City:  ASHEVILLE
Event:     Haunted Grove House Inferno at the Grove House Entertainment Complex. Come experience the #1 Halloween Dance Party in WNC along with $1400 in costume contests both nights. Special midnight Inferno Show on Friday night.  Be terrified by monsters lurking around every corner of all three venues - The Boiler Room, Club Eleven and Scandals Nightclub. Enjoy 6 DJs, 4 bars and 3 dance floors with gates open from 9 PM until 3 AM. Admission is $20 Friday night, $30 Saturday night.     Get a link for more details HERE

photo courtesy downtownhendersonville.org

Date:       October 30 - 31, 2015
NC City:  BLOWING ROCK
Event:     Ghost Train Halloween Festival at Tweetsie Railroad   Advanced ticket purchase is recommended for this very popular event. Fun for the whole family this ghastly special event admission includes: all the nighttime activities in the park - the ride on the Ghost Train, trick-or-treating for the kids, Haunted House, Tweetsie Palace Spooktacular, the rides in the Creepy Carnival, and the attractions in "The Boneyard” section, featuring the Black Hole, 3-D maze, and the “Freaky Forest.”     Get a link for more details HERE

Date:       October 31, 2015
NC City:   HENDERSONVILLE
Event:      Trick-or-Treat Street in Historic Downtown Hendersonville  Beginning at 5:30 PM you can come enjoy our wide sidewalks & friendly merchants for some of the safest most enjoyable trick or treating in the area. Other events include a dance party extravaganza with returning DJ, Sid the Surf, as well as a Halloween costume contest and dance party held between 4th and 5th street in Downtown Main Street.    Get a link for more details HERE

photo courtesy Waynesville NC Library

Date:       October 31, 2015
NC City:   WAYNESVILLE
Event:      Treats on the Street   Participating downtown Waynesville merchants open their doors for trick-or-treaters on Halloween evening. This is a safe and fun adventure for costumed children and their parents to stroll the sidewalks in search of delicious candy and special treats. Waynesville Fire and Police Departments and First Baptist Church join in the fun.    Get a link for more details HERE

Date:       October 31, 2015
NC City:   HIGHLANDS
Event:      Highlands Downtown All Hallows Eve Celebration   Trick-or Treat in a safe environment in Downtown Highlands. The streets are closed to vehicles with foot traffic only and children, parents, and even pets may walk around in customs collecting goodies from local merchants. 5:30 - 8:30 PM    Get a link for more details HERE

Date:      October 31, 2015
NC City:  WILKESBORO
Event:     Candle Light Ghost Tours  Come out for 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 8 PM     Get a link for more details HERE

Date:      October 31, 2015
NC City: BLOWING ROCK / LINVILLE
Event:     Beary Scary Halloween at Grandfather Mountain   Celebrate Halloween early at Grandfather Mountain with a full day of crafts, nature programs, trick-or-treating in the animal habitats and a costume contest. Participate in an interactive program titled “Going Batty for Bats.” Children in costume enter park for half-price. Events are included with park admission.     Get a link for more details HERE

Date:      October 31, 2015
NC City:  NEBO
Event:    Halloween Eve Wine, Fish Fry and Costume Party   South Creek Vineyards will be serving up local fish or letting the brave catch their own - if they dare. You can avoid the terror and wine down on the vineyard deck while listening to live music by Rory Kelly. Wicked, scary and scandalous costumes welcome but optional. Your purchased ticket includes: Fishing and you keep the fish from the stocked lagoon - you will need to bring your own fishing gear and lawn chair; Catered fish and chips dinner, fried fresh on site; A glass of South Creek wine. Costume Contest 7 PM with the voted best winning a bottle of South Creek Wine. Live music by Rory Kelly, acoustic rock. Whether you will fish or not, an advance ticket purchase for each person is required to attend this event. No one under age 21 permitted. Admission: $15/person.    Get a link for more details HERE

photo courtesy visitwaterfalls.com

Date:       October 31, 2015
NC City:  BREVARD
Event:     Heart of Brevard Halloweenfest in Transylvania  Held in Downtown Brevard - 10 AM - 10 PM.  Transylvania’s 33nd Annual Halloweenfest (10-6) and Beer Garden with Live Music,  Oskar Blues and Brevard Brewing (6-10 PM). Activities include a street festival with arts and crafts, Pumpkin Town, Boo-ville, Transylvania Boulevard, Tailgate Market, Ghoulish Golf, Spooky Hay Maze, Face & Hair Painting,  costume parade, Downtown trick-or-treat and more.     Get a link for more details HERE