Carolina Public Press Nearing Goal - Needs Your Help

Carolina Public Press - a 501(c)(3) nonprofit online news service providing Western North Carolina with unbiased, in-depth and investigative news as well as educational opportunities - is coming to the end of their 2016 fundraising year. As of today, they have only $2,000 left to meet the 2016 goal of $55,000. 

CLICK HERE 

to show your support and donate today

This year, donors like you helped invest more than 3,000 hours reporting on everything from local and state politics to the environment, from the elections to crime and justice, from mental health to water ownership. It has never been more important to have fact-based and context-rich news. And it has never been more important for you to show your support. Your financial gift will strengthen independent, in-depth and investigative reporting in the public interest for all of Western North Carolina.

 

Westglow Resort and Spa Holiday Specials

Westglow Resort and Spa

Westglow Resort and Spa

Upcoming Performances at Asheville's Diana Wortham Theatre

November 13, 2016 - Eric Johnson Solo — An Evening of Acoustic Guitar and Piano.  Eric Johnson's stature as one of the premier guitar players in contemporary music is his artistic trump card, backed by a Grammy Award and fine nominations, a platinum album, Top 10 hits like "Cliffs Of Dover," praise from critics and the esteem of his peers.

November 15 and 16 - Skippyjon Jones: Snow What. Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the bravest Chihuahua of them all? Skippyjon Jones the Siamese cat who thinks he's a Mexican Chihuahua, of course! These Matinee Series performances for families and students are recommended for Grades PreK – 3.

November 20 - Land of the Sky Symphonic Band Fall Concert. Asheville's premier concert band performs a variety of music to please all ages.

December 2 and 3 - Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre presents The Nutcracker and The Mouse King. Expect the brilliantly unexpected from ACDT's fifth annual performance of The Nutcracker and The Mouse King. This year’s performance features the ACDT adult company, White Dog ProjectX International, and the students of New Studio of Dance. With typical ACDT flair, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King will again prove to be a wonderful Christmas story full of adventure, courage and loyalty where love comes alive in a spectacular modern dance experience.

December 9-11 - Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker. North Carolina's oldest professional non-profit ballet company presents the full-length classical holiday tradition with stars, story and sugarplums. Clara’s magical journey to the Lands of Snow and Sweets featuring the traditional Tchaikovsky score has become a favorite holiday family tradition.

December 15 and 16 - Ballet Conservatory of Asheville presents The Nutcracker. A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory's celebrated pre-professional company. A full production with impressive sets and costumes. 

December 18 - A Swannanoa Solstice. Enjoy an intimate concert of reflection and celebration in what has become an annual tradition. Celebrate winter’s allure at this much loved holiday tradition, now in its 14th year. Internationally renowned recording artists and multi instrumentalists Al Petteway, Amy White, and Robin Bullock perform a splendid selection of Celtic, Appalachian, Scots-Irish, and world-influenced holiday music on guitars, mandolins, Appalachian dulcimer, Celtic harp, bouzouki, piano, and world percussion.

 The Diana Wortham Theatre is located at 2 South Pack Square in downtown Asheville NC.

Blue RIdge Music Trails Offers a Fall full of Toe-Tapping Mountain Music

It's time for a hoedown! Literally, put your hoe down and lace up your dancing shoes. You can circle up October 28-30, 2016 at the Annual Fall Square Dance Weekend at The John C. Campbell Folk

School in Brasstown NC. Square dancing is experiencing a resurgence of popularity in many parts of the country, especially among young people. Led by three well-known callers, have fun dancing to live music by Evening Star. All dances will be taught and walked through in advance. The weekend also includes talks on the history of square dancing and a Saturday night (Halloween Costume) community square & contra dance. Some previous contra or square dance experience is recommended. Both ingles and couples welcome.

Hammer Down at The Stompin' Ground in Maggie Valley NC,  every Friday and Saturday night. See a
variety of Appalachian and other American group dance styles performed all in one place and all at the same time. A spacious lobby showcases exhibits telling the history of mountain dance.  The actual dance floor is enormous at sixty by eighty feet. Seating on two levels accommodates nearly a thousand people while the band plays a variety of mountain and popular music, ranging from old-time fiddle and bluegrass tunes to contemporary country hits. Whether you participate or just sit and watch, The Stompin' Ground is just plain good old fashioned fun.


Jimmy’s Pick N Grin, 220 Country Hearth Lane in Andrews NC boasts a house band, fronted by Steve Jordan, that moves easily between all acoustic old-time and bluegrass music and popular country styles, featuring songs and playing styles from the 1940s through the 1980s. Cloggers and flatfooters crowd the floor during the instrumental buckdance numbers, while other attendees prefer to line dance, two-step, or waltz – the musicians strive to please the dancing needs of everyone. Special guest singers and musicians appear on stage to add variety and spontaneity to the show. Check the Facebook page for special events and times.

And then there's the Alleghany Jubilee in the historic Spartan Theater building at 25 North Main Street in downtown Sparta NC.  If you love to flatfoot, clog, square dance or just tap your foot to old time mountain music, the Alleghany Jubilee is where you want to be. The Jubilee is open year-round with a spacious wood dance floor and live mountain music every Tuesday and Saturday night.Check the website for times and music details.


The Feed & Seed in Fletcher NC ( just outside of Asheville halfway to Hendersonville) is featured in the "Back Roads to the Blue Ridge Music Trails " video series produced by The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area with a grant from the North Carolina Arts Council. The Feed & Seed promotes a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere where good friends and good music come together for old-fashioned fun and entertainment. The house band, The Redeye Ramblers, plays traditional and orginal bluegrass and gospel music.

Information for this post provided courtesy of Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina, "your guide to the traditional music of the North Carolina mountains and foothills".

Head for the hills - There is Still Plenty of Fall Color in the Mountains

October 26. 2016
Fall in North Carolina is unlike anywhere else in the world. Every year 1000s of people visit the North Carolina mountains to view nature's glorious display of the changing seasons. North Carolina offers one of the longest periods of color, stretching from late September though mid November thanks to elevations ranging fro 500 feet to nearly 6,000 feet.

Linville Falls Visitor Center courtesy Grandfather Mountain

On Grandfather Mountain autumn colors continue to thrive at elevations near and below 3,000 feet. Oak tree leaves are now changing, including pin, red and scarlet, and some color remains to develop.See current photos of Grandfather Mountain HERE.

Pilot Mountain State Park is starting to get some good gold color and abundant reds and oranges, but has not seen peak change. Peak is expected between the first and second weeks of November. The parking area is small - 150 spaces - so visit on a weekday if possible during peak weekends.


In The Great Smoky Mountain National Park the fall color display usually reaches peak at mid and lower elevations between mid-October and early November. This is the park's most spectacular display as it includes such colorful trees as sugar maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum, red maple, and the hickories.

Cataloochee Overlook (Photo by K. Plaas) courtesy GSMNP

Asheville NC is enjoying an even longer, and later, fall color season than normal, giving you an extended opportunity to see the show well into November. The autumn colors remain strong at elevations around 3,000 feet with the lower elevations now beginning to show the strongest colors with downtown areas lighting up with reds, yellows and oranges.

photo by Jason Tarr courtesy of www.exploreAsheville.com

Cuba's Most Popular Band Comes to Boone NC

September 27, 2016 at 7 PM - The Schaefer Center for Performing Arts at Appalachian State University Presents Havana Cuba All-Stars.

Embrace the culture of Cuba as the Havana Cuba All-Stars share their rich musical heritage, from the rumba to the cha-cha-cha to the habanera. Comprised of Cuba’s greatest and most prominent musicians, this 11-member band makes its debut tour of the United States with Cuban Nights. 

Drawing inspiration from the Cuban Son—a genre which later gave way to salsa—the program’s infectious melodies and rhythms showcase the cultural diversity of the Cuban people and will leave audiences dancing in their seats.

$25 adults, $20 faculty/staff and retired faculty/staff, $10 students.

Learn more about Boone and Appalachian State University on our Boone NC Visitor Guide.

NC Mountain Corn Mazes: Eliada's Annual Corn Maze Opens this Weekend in Asheville NC

September 14 - October 23, 2016    Eliada's Annual Corn Maze   The maze will be open  each Wednesday and Thursday from 9 AM - 3 PM,  Friday 9 AM - 8 PM, Saturday 10 AM - 8 PM and Sunday 10 AM - 6 PM.   Eliada is conveniently located just five minutes from downtown Asheville at 2 Compton Drive, Asheville NC.

 courtesy  www.pollinateasheville.com

Eliada’s annual corn maze is a 12 acre maze, Western North Carolina's largest, with 2 unique trails cut out of a field of corn. Accompanying maps with check points help guide you through 4 miles of maze trails. 

Also cut into the corn field are two Storybook Trails for children. These trails take you on a fun adventure as you read the stories of Spookley the Square Pumpkin and Ciderella and the Little Glass Sipper.  Spookley and Ciderella merchandise are also for sale for children and families to continue to enjoy the stories and characters at home.  




Additional activities  offered:

• The giant jumping pillow for children and adults has become a quick favorite after last year’s debut
• Enjoy the cow train and hayride as they drive you around the field and through a portion of the corn maze
• Fire away! Load the corn cannons with an ear of corn, aim, and shoot at one of the giant pumpkin men targets
• Enjoy the story trail featuring Spookley the Square Pumpkin - this is the perfect size “maze” for the littlest folks in your group 
• Watch out! The giant tubes slides might just sweep you right off your feet
• Do you have a “creepy crawler” of your own? Then the spider web climber is the place for the little ones who use them

Eliada's Corn Maze is WNC’s ONLY non-profit Corn Maze with 100% of proceeds benefiting the children at Eliada. Not only does your ticket purchase come with access to family-friendly fun, memories, and adventures but it directly aids in the growth and success of Eliada and its kids.  

Eliada provides community-responsive, need-oriented care and support for children and families in crisis without regard to race, religion, or national origin. Programs are designed to address the physical, social, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of those in care. Services are offered within the context of the family whenever possible and by residential treatment when necessary. Each year, Eliada cares for over five hundred children.

What to do in the Mountains This Weekend: Festivals and Special Events

Date:      September 9 - 10, 2016
NC City:  LANSING - near WEST JEFFERSON
Event:     Greater L.A. Festival    An annual event featuring live gospel and folk music and  great down-home food. The Festival  also welcomes  children of all ages, offering hayrides, face painting and  inflatable attractions.  

Date:      September 9 - 11, 2016
NC City:  MAGGIE VALLEY
Event:     Thunder in the Smokies Fall Rally   Come ride the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy Tour Rides, Music Concerts, Bike Builders, Bike Games, Bike Show, Prizes, Vendors and much more during our three day rally! All bikes and ages welcomed.


Date:      September 9 - 11, 2016
NC City:  ASHEVILLE
Event:     Annual Goombay Festival   “Goombay Festival represents an opportunity to highlight the African American experience and the YMI’s role in crafting that experience. It continues to promote the historical legacy of the “Founding Fathers” to promote the entrepreneurial spirit of African Americans in Asheville, NC.” — Stephanie Swepson-Twitty, Board Chair of the YMI. Enjoy 3 days of music arts and community. 

Date:      September 9 - 11, 2016
NC City:  BREVARD
Event:     Annual Mountain Song Festival   held in the beautiful covered, open-air auditorium by the lake at Brevard Music Center. This foot-stomping, banjo-picking celebration of bluegrass and newgrass music will feature Steep Canyon Rangers, Ricky Skaggs, Del McCoury Band, The Milk Carton Kids, Larry Keel Experience, Shannon Whitworth, Red Wine, Sarah Siskind and Sarah Siskind. The event supports the Boys and Girls Club of Transylvania County and has become a premier southeastern festival drawing 5000 music lovers annually.

Date:      September 9 - 18, 2016
NC City:  FLETCHER (Asheville suburb)
Event:     North Carolina Mountain State Fair  Held at the WNC Agricultural Center, this is the third largest fair in North Carolina, and it celebrates the heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including agriculture, music, crafts, art, food, entertainment, display of livestock, competitions, and midway amusement rides.

Date:      September 10 - 11, 2016
NC City:  CHIMNEY ROCK
Event:     Grandparents Day Special  at Chimney Rock State Park.  Grandparents love spending time with the grandkids. What better way to spend time together than at Chimney Rock? When you purchase one regularly-priced adult admission, receive one youth admission free. Download coupon at the website and present at the Ticket Plaza.

Date:      September 10, 2016
NC City:  LENOIR
Event:     31st Annual Sculpture Celebration   This Annual Sculpture Celebration features a Blue Jeans Preview Party Friday evening and a competition Saturday featuring sculptors from several states east of the Mississippi River. The Celebration will be open to the public 9 AM-4 PM and judging occurs all day with awards announced about 3:30 PM.

Date:      September 10, 2016
NC City:  ASHEVILLE
Event:     Annual West Asheville Garden Stroll   This year’s Stroll will be in the general area of Vance School, extending down Sulphur Springs Road to Malvern Hills Park and Sand Hill Road to the Hominy Creek Greenway. The Kickoff ceremony will be at Vance School at 10:30 and Stroll from 11- 4 PM.

photo courtesy Grandfather Mountain

Date:      September 10, 2016
NC City:  LINVILLE
Event:     KidFest at Grandfather Mountain   A day designed to get kids excited about the nature and culture of the North Carolina Mountains through fun and entertaining activities. Guided hikes, games, storytellers, music and fun. The events are free with park admission.

      



 

"SULLY" Starts Friday at The Flat Rock Cinema

September 9, 2016 - Sully with Tom Hanks opens at The Flat Rock Cinema, Flat Rock Square at 2700 Greenville Highway in Flat Rock NC. "...another milestone for director Clint Eastwood." -Film Journal International.  "This is Hanks' show, and he delivers a typically strong performance, quickly allowing us to forget that we're watching an actor." --VARIETY.   "It's an effectively thrilling story of quietly unassuming, can-do American heroism-the kind, sadly, we don't get to witness much these days." --ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY.

PG-13, Biography, Drama, 96 Minutes.  Director: Clint Eastwood,  Stars: Tom Hanks, Laura Linney, Aaron Eckhart, Anna Gunn, Ann Cusack.  Synopsis: Tom Hanks stars in this thrilling portrait of heroic airline pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, re-enacting his incredible successful emergency landing of an Airbus A320 full of passengers on the Hudson River.

$6 movie tickets on Tuesday, $2.50 beer specials on Wednesday. GET TIMES AND DETAILS HERE

Magnolia Concert Series:  The Carburetors will close the 2016 Magnolia Concert Series with a special show at 7:00 PM (instead of our normal 3:00 show time) on Sunday, September 18th. "For being such a blue-collar symbol, 'carburetor' is an awfully complicated word to spell. Now, the band interestingly enough, is sort of the same. Its members would have you believe it's all PBR and alt-country, but, The Carburetors make noise with skill, humor and, I dare say, a little class. These guys play American driving-down-the-road music, good like bluegrass, poorly behaved like rockabilly." -- Brandon Reynolds, Style Weekly.

North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission News

Wildlife Commission Schedules Free Deer Hunting and Deer Processing Seminars.  This Fall The Wildlife Commission, along with partners, is offering seven deer hunting seminars and two deer processing seminars. All seminars are free. Deer hunting seminar topics include deer biology, hunting methods and equipment, as well as field care of deer, processing and easy-to-follow recipes.

Deer processing seminars will feature video demonstrations and tips from the experts on how to process a deer from field to freezer. Topics include field dressing, skinning, safe meat handling, basic home processing and taxidermy. Get more information and registration HERE.

 Dove Hunting Season Opens Sept. 3, 2016.   Hunting season for doves opens Saturday, Sept. 3 with shooting hours beginning a half-hour before sunrise and ending at sunset for the entire season, including opening day. The daily bag limit is 15. The season is separated into two segments: Sept. 3–Oct. 8 and Nov. 21–Jan. 14. The season does not include Sundays. Hunting of migratory game birds by any method is not allowed on Sundays.

Dove Hunters Should Follow State and Federal Migratory Game Bird Laws. The Wildlife Commission is reminding dove hunters that it is a violation of state and federal law to take migratory game birds with the use or aid of salt, grain, fruit or other bait. Hunters are responsible for ensuring that they do not hunt in or over a baited field. To avoid a baiting controversy, hunters should understand dove hunting regulations fully and inspect areas to be hunted for signs of baiting. Hunters also need to be aware that an area is considered baited for 10 days following the removal of all bait.

Youth Deer Hunting Day is Sept. 24.  The Wildlife Commission has set Saturday, Sept. 24, as Youth Deer Hunting Day. On this day, hunters younger than 16 will be able to use any legal weapon to hunt deer on both private lands and public game lands. Any youth who have successfully completed and passed a hunter education course will not be required to be accompanied by an adult. Get more information HERE.

Stay Safe On the Road and On the Water this Labor Day Weekend - Don't Drink and Drive. Starting Friday, drivers and boat operators across North Carolina may encounter sobriety checkpoints and increased enforcement patrols as the Wildlife Commission and partners conclude their “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign. In North Carolina, a driver or boat operator with a blood-alcohol concentration that meets or exceeds .08 is subject to arrest.



Free, Family-Friendly Outdoor Events Scheduled for Sept. 24.  The Wildlife Commission is celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day on Sept. 24 at six family-friendly events throughout the state. The events are free with the exception of one Greenwing fishing event. Activities vary from event to event but include air rifle range, archery, fishing, outdoor cooking, identifying insects, lure making, beekeeping, dog retrieving demonstrations and much more.

Wildlife Commission Passes Resolution Supporting Annual Funding for Wildlife Conservation.  On Aug. 25, the Wildlife Commission passed a resolution supporting bipartisan congressional legislation that would provide $1.3 billion to conserve more than 12,000 fish and wildlife species in greatest need of conservation while providing the public with more access to open spaces. The resolution supports the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (HR5650). If passed, the legislation would provide North Carolina with approximately $32.1 million annually.

The 2017 Wildlife Calendar is now available. The calendar, which makes an excellent holiday gift, features outstanding wildlife art with profiles of each artist, fishing days with moon phase information, and other information. At only $9 each, these perennially popular calendars sell quickly so get yours before they're gone. Visit the Wildlife Commission's N.C. WildStore for more information and to order. 

Fly a Kite a Mile High This Weekend on Beech Mountain NC

September 3 - 4, 2016  on Beech Mountain NC– A great sendoff to summer is Beech Mountain’s Mile High Kite Festival.  The annual festival, now in its 14th year, encourages families to spend a relaxed Labor Day weekend in eastern America’s highest town.

Kite flying activities take place both days in the kite field in the center of town adjacent to the Famous Brick Oven Pizzeria. At more than 5,000 feet in elevation, the meadow allows participants to fly their kites a mile above sea level.

photo by Todd Bush

The event runs from 10 AM to 4 PM each day. On Saturday, everyone may practice his or her kite-flying skills. Then on Sunday, the experts get in on the fun. Both the Richmond Air Force Kite Club and the Wings Across Carolina Kiting and Okra Society (WACKOS) will give kite-flying demonstrations.

Each day, the first 150 children (12 and younger) will receive complimentary kites. The wide, flat kites in a half-tunnel shape are easier to fly than traditional diamond-shaped kites. Kids can decorate them and add tails.

Everyone who flies a kite Sunday receives an official certificate proclaiming: “I flew a kite a mile high on Beech Mountain.” Prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories.

photo courtesy of www.beechmtn.com

“The festival weekend is a nice, fun way to end the summer,” says Calder Smoot, event coordinator. “Some people like to come out and fly a kite, while others just bring their chairs, have lunch and enjoy watching everyone fly their colors in the sky.”

Additional festival attractions include face painting, bounce houses for children and food vendors. New this year are drone demonstrations and a presentation about the history and usage of kites by Andy Sicard from Grandfather Mountain State Park. At least once a day, a large American flag will be unfurled, and “The Star-Spangled Banner” will play.

Also on Saturday, an all-ages street dance takes place from 7-9 PM across from the kite field in the town hall parking lot.

The Mile High Kite Festival is sponsored by the Beech Mountain Chamber and the two kite clubs. There is no charge for admission.

For info or lodging specials, visit www.BeechMtn.com or call (800) 468-5506.

10th Annual Catch the Spirit of Appalachia Scholarship Fundraising Dinner and Cookbook

September 27, 2016 at 6 PM - The 10th Annual CSA Scholarship Fundraising Dinner and Cookbook.   In their ongoing efforts to successfully fund a $15,000 endowed scholarship with Southwestern Community College (SCC) in Sylva  NC, the founders and board members of Catch the Spirit of Appalachia will host their 10th Annual scholarship dinner.

Sam McMahan of Mountain Faith

This year the dinner will be held at the Burrell Building on the campus of Southwestern Community College in Sylva. Featured entertainers for evening will be the family of MOUNTAIN FAITH, who will tell the story of their adventures while performing on AMERICA’S GOT TALENT and other venues. Opening for them will be the storytelling and spontaneous artwork of the Ammons Sisters.

A donation of $25 per ticket will be applied 100% to the scholarship. “Tickets for the dinner are on sale now,” says Amy Ammons Garza, CSA cofounder. “They are available online at www.storiesofmountainfolk.com, and in person at the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. The deadline for ticket sales is September 13th.

Many of the local artists and crafters have also donated items for a drawing from the ticket sales.

The dinner menu includes chicken casserole with rice, spring pea medley, broccoli salad, corn pudding, strawberry pretzel salad, strawberry nut cake and yeast rolls…all recipes from local cooks and published in the new cookbook, “Catch the TASTE of Appalachia Cookbook,” which will be on sale at the dinner. This full color 240-page cookbook has recipes not only from the heritage of the people of the Blue Ridge Mountains (Appalachian, African American, and Cherokee), but from other ethnic groups such as Asian, Italian, and Mexican.

“ Our nonprofit organization is now celebrating 27 years,” says Heather Gordon, CSA President. “Our work is accomplished through a 15-20 member Board of Directors which meets once a month to perpetuate the organization’s mission and goals. At each meeting, the members bring a covered dish for all to enjoy.

"There are wonderful cooks in our grassroots organization! When looking for another fundraiser to help raise funds for the endowed scholarship, we naturally thought about what all our members could do well…cook, Said Gordon. So the Catch the TASTE of Appalachia Cookbook was born.

Once Catch the Spirit of Appalachia’s endowed scholarship is in force, priority will be given to students who are applying to the community college in the study of the arts and the environment.

BUY TICKETS ONLINE HERE

Saluda Tailgare Market Open Rain or Shine Every Friday

The Saluda Tailgate Market will be open rain or shine every Friday May through October 4:30-6:30 in historic downtown Saluda NC. EBT acceptance and credit and debit card transactions are now available The market does not allow room for dogs or cars in the lot. Please leave your dogs at home or plan to otherwise secure them while you shop. West Main Street is one way going down during market hours. In at the top and out at the bottom with parking on the right next to our new sidewalk. Or even better, park in the church lots on Carolina and follow the new sidewalk down.

Last week the Market had corn, peaches and tomatoes, in addition to all the veggies of the season. The mountain apples are now coming in. There will be summer squashes in all colors, shapes and sizes, collards, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, green beans, beef, chicken, pork, trout, eggs, plants, and more. You will also find delicious baked goods, flowers, jellies, jams,herbal remedies, and flavored oils. Make your list and shop the market first from these regular Vendors:

• Bee Log Honey, Carl McGraw bringing sweet Saluda honey
• Bradley Farms, Aaron and Nicole Bradley have Saluda grown beef, pork, chicken and eggs
• Buttercup Cottage and Dan's Garden: seasonal veggies, homemade sauces, sauerkraut and jellies
• Charlene's garden, Charlene Searcy, beautiful tomatoes, sausage, and seasonal veggies
• Charles Street Garden, Walter Hoovers beautiful lettuce, kale, and plants
• Deepwoods Mushrooms, Greg Carter. Shiitakes and other early mushrooms
• Drake Farm, Mark Drake. Peaches, corn, cabbage, cherries, plums, squash
• Flatlanders Peak Flower Farm, Luann Rossow, A colorful assortment of lilies for your garden
• Frank Ward, Saluda grown native plants for your garden and fruits and veggies
• Good Things Grow Here, Richard Kouyoumijian, seasonal veggies
• Growater Farm, RL Bruner with lettuce, onions, and broccoli 
• Hartwood Farms, Kelli and Charles Wood, beautiful veggies
• High Valley Farm, Richard Wesley, robust healthy starter plants for your garden, eggs and trout
• Lark's Table, Lark Lindsey, vegetable strudel, tomato strudel, blueberry strudel - Delicious sweet and savory strudels
• Little Sisters Lemonade, on the porch with a sweet and beautiful display and lemonade to welcome you
• Living Herbs, Al Balson, every kind of herb you might want to plant for your kitchen garden
• Piece O' Cake, Kerry Austin, with us from our beginning in 2010 Kerry has cultivated regular fans for her yummy pieces of cake
• Posey Hollow Farm, Jeff has many veggies
• Rock Ridge Farm, Cheryl McGraw with what ever fruit is in season
• Rose Cottage, Mimi Mehlmauer, brings all kinds of beautiful flowering plants for your home and garden
• Rose's Best, jams, jellies, delectable spreads and quiches
• Sacred Mountain Herbals, Natural soaps, chemical free, herbal personal and home care products, safer for the whole family
• Walk in the Park, Kristen Hackos, new this year, herb infused cooking oils and pastes to enhance your culinary endeavors
• Wildflour Bakery, our very own wonderful organic wholegrain bakery - Breads, sweet treats, and savory pockets for a quick dinner

Hickory Nut Gap Farm Hosts Argentinian Asado Dinner

September 15, 2015 from 6 PM to - 9 PM at the Big Barn at Hickory Nut Gap Farm, 57 Sugar Hollow Road in Fairview NC ( suburb of Asheville): Argentinian Asado Dinner. Enjoy a culinary adventure. This night will feature an artfully crafted dinner and exquisite Bodega Gratia wines. Guests will dine on four different HNG meats prepared in authentic Argentine style, along with traditional sides, salads, and empanadas. $80 per person(plus tax & gratuity).

Brusin' Ales Named Number One Beer Store in WNC for the 8th Year

For the 8th year in a row Brusin' Ales, 66 Broadway Street in downtown Asheville NC, was voted by Mountain Express readers the #1 Beer Store in WNC. If you haven't visited Brusin' Ales, run don't walk to this week's special tasting and find out why so many beer and pub lovers choose Brusin' Ales as their favorite.

August 24 from 5 PM - 7 PM: The Unknown Brewing Co. (Charlotte, North Carolina). The Unknown Brewery is a well known for their sheer irreverence in their beer names ("El Corazon Que Sangra Morado," "Kitten Snuggles," "Death to Clowns") and ingredients (cotton candy, catnip, et. al.). They're also all-around great folks so come on down Wednesday afternoon and see what all the fuss is about.


Ginger Wheat -  "Ginger Wheat has all the wonderful light citrus mouth feel of our No Shame wheat with the addition of just the right amount of ginger to have a light, creamy finish with bursts of flavor." American Pale Wheat Al.

Over The Edge IPA - "Over the Edge takes a great balance of 5 grains and then ramps it up with West Coast hops that were born in the shadows of the cascades." American IPA

Hospitali-tea  - "Made with black tea leaves and sweet orange blossom honey, this beer is on the lighter side with great caramel malts." American Amber / Red Ale.

Last week's New Release: 

Olde Hickory Lindley Park is back. Sure to be a flier, this modest Imperial Stout is brewed with honey before being loaded down with Raspberries and aged in Bourbon barrels to perfection.

Online Store also available - Use the webstore for pick-up or shipping. Whether shopping for yourself, sending a gift to a friend, or you're a local looking to save time (and parking),  go to the webstore for shipping or local pick-up.

Flat Rock Playhouse Gets Rave Reviews for Dolly Parton's 9 to 5

Don't miss the last few performances!    Flat Rock Playhouse Presents: Dolly Parton's 9 to 5 - through August 20, 2016.  Based on the hit 1978 movie, 9 to 5 is the story of three secretaries who devise a plan to overthrow their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot of a boss. The lively and inventive score features the hit song 9 to 5 written by Dolly Parton. seats from $15 - $40

Here's what audiences are saying:

"We loved the musical of 9 to 5, the cast was great!"

 "You all do such an amazing job of entertaining...first rate all the way!  I've seen shows on Broadway...Flat Rock Playhouse performers can hold there own with the best of them."

"Excellent work, I will be back!!!"

"We absolutely LOVED this show.  All the actors were terrific and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves."

"It was fantastic!  Great vocals, terrific dancing."

"Hysterically funny!  We loved it!!!"

"LOVED IT!"

"Can't wait to come again!!!"

"We really enjoyed the show.  It was extremely well done.  The costumes, acting, energy level, set pieces, special effects, and especially the choreography were exceptional."

 "It was TERRIFIC!  I took my 13 year old who dreams of being on Broadway.  She absolutely LOVED it!"

"It was terrific! We were totally entertained!"

"We will be back, love your theater."

"Great show!!!"

"The play was great and the acting superb!"

"Our visit there was wonderful!‼️"

"Great...one of our favorites!"

"PHENOMENAL!  The theater and actors NEVER disappoint!"

The Flat Rock Playhouse is located at 2661 Greenville Highway 

in Flat Rock NC

Old Time Bluegrass Music is Going Strong at the 42nd Annual NC State Bluegrass Festival this Weekend

August 18 - 20, 2016     42nd Annual NC State Bluegrass Festival   Featuring dozens of bluegrass musicians. Tickets are available at the gate or in advance by calling 706-864-7203. The event is held  "rain or shine" with performances under a covered pavilion. 

The cafe will be serving breakfast and lunch, with hot food and other concessions also available. Bring your lawn chairs - no alcohol, smoking or pets in the performance area.

This event is held at Tom Johnson's  Camping World located at 1885 US 70 West in Marion NC

Fontana VIllage Resort Offers End of Summer Specials - Book NOW!

Fontana Village Resort offers a range of accommodations: Lodge rooms and suites, cabins. RV and tent camping. Resort amenities include conference space, WIFI, 2 restaurants, lounge, General Store, gift shops, outfitters, pools, marina, massage and fitness center,  bike shop, horseback riding and  trails all in a beautiful mountain setting.

Take advantage of end of the summer specials with lodge rooms from $89 and 1 - 4 bedroom cabins at 10% off. Enjoy 25% off pontoon, kayak or canoe rentals during your stay.

Online promotion codes

Lodge Reservations: FFUN

Cabin Reservations: CFUN

 

Live Mountain Music and Concerts This Weekend

Date:      July 29, 2016 
NC City:  WEST JEFFERSON  
Event:     Backstreet Park Summer Concert Series  FREE summer concert series held  from May/June - August, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM, every 3rd and 4th Friday. Bring your chair, blanket or picnic and enjoy the sounds of traditional, old time, and bluegrass music for ages.  Rain locations: the Farmer's Market or the Ashe Arts Center. This concert features Mountain Laurels.

Date:      July 29, 2016
NC City:  CHEROKEE
Event:     Music on the River   Open-air musical performances by the river Friday and Saturday evenings in downtown Cherokee. Performances include rock n’ roll, blues, jazz, gospel and country, and are staged near local eateries, shopping, and downtown water features with room to dance along.  

Date:      July 29, 2016
NC City:  SYLVA 
Events:   Concerts on the Creek -   Darren Nicholson Band    Live concerts held every Friday night between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day. The free outdoor performances take place at the Bridge Park Pavilion beside Scott Creek in downtown Sylva on Fridays from 7:30-9:30 PM. All shows are family-friendly, drawing diverse audiences comprised of locals and visitors alike.

Date:      July 29, 2016
NC City:  HENDERSONVILLE
Event:     Music on Main Street   A Social Function  The annual Music On Main Street concert series will be held every Friday evening from June through August. Music On Main Street showcases a diverse lineup of musical talents, from jazz, pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music with room to dance. There will also be a classic car show sponsored by the Hendersonville Antique Car Club.  Bring a chair and enjoy the music from 7 PM - 9 PM. Admission is FREE.

Date:      July 30, 2016
NC City:  CHEROKEE
Event:     Music on the River   Open-air musical performances by the river Friday and Saturday evenings in downtown Cherokee. Performances include rock n’ roll, blues, jazz, gospel and country, and are staged near local eateries, shopping, and downtown water features with room to dance along.  

Date:      July 30, 2016
NC City:  ROBBINSVILLE
Event:     An Appalachian Evening - Balsam Range    This annual summer concert series offers an ever-changing schedule of bluegrass, folk and old-time mountain music by award-winning artists — quality entertainment for the entire family. Rich in cultural heritage, An Appalachian Evening continues to be a favorite with locals and visitors alike. All concerts at 7:30 pm in the air-conditioned Lynn L. Shields Auditorium.      

Date:      July 30, 2016
NC City:  BREVARD
Event:     Brevard Music Center Performance:  A Midsummer Night's Dream.    Benjamin Britten's adaptation of Shakespeare's classic, featuring BMC alumnus and world-renowned countertenor David Daniels in the role of Oberon. Ticket holders may attend a free Pre-Opera Talk in Scott Commons beginning one hour before the performance

Date:      July 30, 2016
NC City:  BREVARD
Event:     Brevard Music Center Performance:  Dvořák in America Festival: New World Symphony. Dvorák's final symphony is the centerpiece of a multimedia program hosted by Joseph Horowitz, providing the dramatic finale to BMC's Dvorák in America Festival. Ticket holders may attend a free Pre-Concert Talk in Thomas Hall, which begins one hour before the performance.

Date:      July 30, 2016
NC City:  Just north of Boone in Galax VA
Event:     Blue Ridge Music Center Concert - Bill and the Belles & the South Carolina Broadcasters    The Blue Ridge Music Center Summer Concert Series is performed rain or shine. You are welcome to bring your own picnic basket (NO ALCOHOL please) and encouraged to bring a lawn chair. Phone ticket sales through BRPF Office end at Noon on Friday and are available online up to 12 hours before the concert. The Galax Smokehouse serves BBQ, sides and drinks at each concert. Check the website for details about the performers and concerts

 

Date:       July 30 - 31, 2016
NC City:   ASHEVILLE
Event:     Annual LEAF Downtown AVL   Celebrate community, creativity, diversity, and family in the heart of downtown Asheville in Pack Square Park. Enjoy two days filled with music, art, workshops, great food and drinks and a variety of family activities all with an emphasis on local talent. Event hours are 8/1, Noon - 10 PM and 8/2 10 AM - 6 PM. The 5K LEAF Art Dash begins at 9 AM and travels through downtown and surrounding areas while roaming artists perform on the sidelines.   

Date:      July 31, 2016
NC City:  BREVARD
Event:     Brevard Music Center Performance:  Supersonic. BMC's percussion students and faculty don't miss a beat in this energetic concert. Free Event

Date:      July 31, 2016
NC City:  BREVARD
Event:     Brevard Music Center Performance: Soloists of Tomorrow.   A perennial audience favorite, featuring the winners of the Jan and Beattie Wood Concert Competition. Celebrate BMC's mission as we shine a spotlight on some of our most talented young musicians. Ticket holders may attend The PreConcert, a free recital in Thomas Hall, which begins one hour before the performance.