Friday Night Live Music in the Mountains this Weekend

Date:      June 17, 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 Kelly and the Cowboys.

Date:      June 17, 2016
NC City:  CASHIERS 
Event:     Groovin' On The Green   This concert features The Bo Spring Band ( a folk roots band from Port St Joe, Florida ).  Live summer music concert with great music in a stunning venue in the beautiful weather. The summer concert series is held on Friday at 6:30 pm at the Village Commons. (Frank Allen Road – Next to the Post Office). FREE event, but tips appreciated.   

concerts on the Creek in Sylva NC

Date:      June 17, 2016
NC City:  SYLVA 
Events:   Concerts on the Creek -   Whitewater Bluegrass Company   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:      June 17, 2016
NC City:  HENDERSONVILLE
Event:     Music on Main Street   Featuring Horsefly.  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 Corvette night sponsored by the Hendersonville Antique Car Club.  Bring a chair and enjoy the music from 7 PM - 9 PM. Admission is FREE.

Date:      June 17, 2016
NC City:  ASHEVILLE
Event:     Downtown After Five   Free live music entertainment in downtown Asheville. Headlining this month is Corey Harris. The celebration is every third Friday, May through September, with the goal of encouraging locals and visitors to enjoy downtown Asheville and support local businesses and entertainers.  The event is located on North Lexington Avenue (between Hiawassee and the I-240 overpass). Food and beer vendors will be available.

Date:      June 17, 2016 
NC City:  Just north of Boone in Galax VA
Event:     Blue Ridge Music Center Concert    This concert features The Steep Canyon Rangers & Dori Freeman     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.

Steep Canyon Rangers at The Blue Ridge Music Center

     

Highlands NC Hosts Annual Motoring Festival Featuring BMW

June 9 - 12, 2016    9th Annual Highlands Motoring Festival   Participants range from pre-war to classic Europeans to American muscle. Featured Marque for 2016 is BMW.  Get local information and a map on our Highlands NC Visitor Guide.

This fun, family oriented event is a must event for the vintage car enthusiast who wants to show or just to browse these great cars from the past. Enjoy the altitude and cool weather, while you get away from the summer heat. Come for the day or the weekend.  

Festival events include:

Welcome Party at the Ugly Dog Pub. Thursday, June 9th (evening).  Entertainment for the evening featuring WellStrung, a popular Highlands bluegrass band. This event is open to the public. No cover charge, however, donations may be made to this year’s charity, The Literacy Council of Highlands. This event is being hosted by The Literacy Council of Highlands. 


One Lap of the Mountains (Day-long drive)  The annual One Lap of the Mountains Cruse will be held this year on June 10. This very popular driving event, sponsored by the Highlands Motoring Festival, will traverse approximately one hundred and sixty miles (out and back) of beautiful less traveled and exciting back roads of Western North Carolina. One Lap will begin at 8:00 AM with coffee and a continental breakfast, at Bake My Day, Wright Square, Highlands NC.  After the drivers’ meeting, the distribution of driving logs, instructions, and gifts the group will depart from Highlands at 9:00 AM sharp. Lunch will be at Rib Country in Murphy, NC.  From Murphy the tour will return to Highlands via another interesting route, arriving back in Highlands at 3:30 PM. All interesting cars are welcome to participate whether old or new, but please be aware that whatever you bring should be up the task of many twists and turns on mountainous roads. The price of admission is $75.00 per car and driver and $25.00 for each additional passenger. Each driver will be given a Highlands Motoring Festival cap and the new 2016 HMF poster. Each passenger will also receive a HMF cap. A detailed trip log and instructions to assist with navigation along the route will also be provided for each car. All meals are Dutch.


Motoring to the Beach Gala Friday, June 10th (evening) Again this year, is Motoring to the Beach Gala. A special Motoring Festival opening party with a highly popular Beach Music band, The City Street Band, will provide entertainment for a Motoring to the Beach Opening Party on Friday evening. Located at the lovely Bascom Art Center, on their campus in Highlands NC. The facility provides a chance to view cars as well as enjoy the art exhibits on their expansive campus. This promises to be an event that will quickly sell out.The event is organized and hosted by The Literacy Council of Highlands. All inclusive ticket price is only $85 per person. Party begins at 5:30. There will be an opportunity to view new cars from the Platinum sponsors, as well as some older, classic cars. Location is the Bascom: Center for Visual Arts, 323 Franklin Road Highlands NC.  

photos courtesy Highlands Motoring Festival

Highlands Motoring Festival Classic Car Show Saturday, June 11th (day) The 9th Annual Highlands Motoring Festival Car Show will open at 10:00 (Registration to begin at 8:00, and ends at 11:00) at the Kelsey-Hutchinson Park on Pine Street (the site of the first several Shows). Entrance will be at 5th Street and Pine. Judging will begin at 11:00 AM. This venue will feature classic cars surrounded in the new park, created by the Town. Vehicles will be grouped in 8 different classes, for viewing and participant judging. Trophies, crafted by a local pottery artisan, will be presented to cars designated as Best in Class, and Outstanding in Class. Also presented will be the Best of Show.  

Music on the Park Saturday, June 11th (evening) New this year, is Music on Pine Street. This is the same location as the Classic Car Show, held earlier in the day. At 6:00 PM, the Town of Highlands NC, and numerous participating merchants, provide a band for your relaxation and enjoyment. There is no charge for this activity. This is a chance to unwind from the day’s actions, and have time with new and old friends. Food and drink, may be brought to the event. Additionally, there are options to purchase food from vendors adjoining the park. Come and enjoy the music, have food and drink and relax.  

Cars and Coffee on Main Street -  Sunday, June 12th (day) Highland’s version of Cars and Coffee, known in Highlands as Butts on the Bench, will commence at 9:00 AM. The location is the “Loafer’s Bench”on Main Street, next to the Stone Lantern, across the street from Buck’s Coffee. The gathering is a time to say goodbye to new friends, and renew acquaintances with old friends. This is a very casual gathering, that usually happens every weekend in Highlands.  

Public admission is FREE and the Festival benefits the Literary Council of Highlands. 




 

Living Web Farms to Host Jeff Poppen for a Two-day Immersion in Biodynamic Agriculture

JULY 9-10, 2016 at Living Web Farms, 176 Kimzey Road in Mills River NC: Biodynamic Weekend Intensive. Jeff Poppen is a farmer in Tennessee known as “The Barefoot Farmer.” For thirty years he has cultivated land according to his study and practice of Dr. Rudoplh Steiner’s Agriculture, a book compiling lectures the Austrian doctor and philosopher gave to a group of farmers in 1924.

These lectures, and the principles for farming that they present inform an approach to agriculture called Biodynamics. “Dr. Steiner’s agricultural lectures have provided me with entertainment, education and success in farming,” Poppen shares. “I get more out of the course every time I read it. I also work to inspire an interest in others, to look deeper into how people grew plants and animals before the advent of industrial agriculture.”

Jeff Poppen "the Barefoot Farmer"

In a continuation of an earlier visit by Poppen to the Asheville Organic Growers School in March, The Barefoot Farmer returns July 9th and 10th to Living Web Farms, for a two-day immersion in biodynamic education. The first day of the event will focus on Poppen’s experience on his farm, incorporating biodynamic practices such as planting by the signs, and making herbal sprays or preparations, in addition to holistic soil building. The second day will enrich perspectives on the synergy between the more sublime, or spiritual undertones of biodynamics, and the practical applications and experiences of several growers, as local farmers join Poppen for the day.

Craig Siska (Black Mountain Community Garden) has been practicing biodynamic French-intensive gardening since the 1970’s, and studied under the likes of famed horticulturalist Alan Chadwick. Amy Hamilton (Appalachian Seeds Farm and Nursery) is a university trained scientist as well as a seasoned local farmer, who has synthesized years of practice and study to inform her interpretations of Steiner’s lectures. “We are hoping that people will find a less fundamentalist view of biodynamics thriving in the gardens and farms of some very talented growers, and that the perspectives shared over the weekend will foster an approachable view on holistic farming, no matter what you call it” says Living Web Farms’ Education and Outreach Coordinator, Meredith Leigh.

Registration for the weekend is by donation, and is a suggested $30 for full attendance, or $20 per day. Visit livingwebfarms.org to sign up.

Biodynamic agriculture is an approach to growing food and fiber that looks at the farm as a unique, individual living system. Using principles outlined in Rudolph Steiner’s Agriculture lectures in 1924, biodynamic farmers share many practices of sustainability found in organic agriculture. However, since its origination, biodynamics has remained less understood than many other approaches to organic growing, while demand for biodynamic products is steadily increasing. On July 9th-10th, 2016, Living Web Farms will host The Barefoot Farmer, Jeff Poppen, along with local biodynamic growers for a two- day workshop, to make biodynamics more approachable for area farmers and gardeners.


Living Web Farms is an education and research organic farm located in Mills River, NC. With over 35 acres, four greenhouses, alternative energy innovation, pastured livestock, forest crops, and diverse vegetable production, Living Web is the leading demonstration site for effective organic farming in western NC. Living Web conducts year-round education in farming, homesteading, cooking, and sustainable living. All education conducted at the farm is archived online in a free video library, and all food produced at the farm is donated to charity, via seven North Carolina food banks.

Saluda Talegate Market Offers More Fruits and Vegetables for June

Saluda Tailgate Market open Friday from 4:30 - 6:30 PM

 

As June rolls in, expect to begin to see more fruit and summer vegetables. Cheryl McGraw from Rock Ridge farm will be bringing cherries. Peas, lettuces, kale, and onions are still plentiful of course. Last week brought the first free range chickens from Bradley Farms along with their usual beef and pork cuts. Richard Wells had frozen trout and his usual splendid array of plants for your garden. Dan and Marti had sweet strawberries. And, this week should see the return of the mushroom man Greg Carter and herb grower Al Balson. So make your list and come prepared to support these wonderful vendors.

• Bee Log Honey, Carl McGraw bringing sweet Saluda honey.
• Bradley Farms, Aaron and Nicole Bradley have Saluda grown beef, pork and eggs.
• Buttercup Cottage and Dan's Garden: jams, jellies, marinara, kraut, early veggies and fruit.
• Charlene's garden, Charlene Searcy, beautiful early onions and other spring veggies, pork sausage.
• Charle's Street Garden, Walter Hoovers beautiful lettuce, kale, and plants.
• Deepwoods Mushrooms, Greg Carter. Shiitakes and other early mushrooms.
• Flatlanders Peak Flower Farm, Luann Rossow, A colorful assortment of irises for your garden.
• Frank Ward, Saluda grown native plants for your garden.
• Good Things Grow Here, Richard Kouyoumijian, early veggies, peas, lettuce, greens, onions.
• Growater Farm, RL Bruner with lettuce, onions, and broccoli
• Happy Hens, Laura Price, eggs eggs eggs.
• High Valley Farm, Richard Wesley, robust healthy starter plants for your garden.
• 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 early spring 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 cook8ing 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.
  
  
  

The Saluda Tailgate Market is Located in Saluda’s public parking lot on West Main Street in historic Downtown Saluda NC.  (Directions:  follow Main Street to the bridge and bear right at the bridge.) The Market is open every Friday from May through October and is sponsored by the City of Saluda, Saluda Business Association, Polk County Agriculture Economic Development.

"Talk to the Animals" this Month at Chimney Rock State Park

June 1 - 30, 2016    Family Animal Encounters   Meet some of Grady the Groundhog’s woodland friends or possibly the birds of prey, a Red-tailed hawk and Great Horned Owl. 


A Park naturalist will explain each animal’s role in our ecosystem, how they came to live at the park and lessons on what we can do to help protect wildlife. 

photo courtesy www.blueridgenow,com

Animal Encounters meet at Grady’s Animal Discover Den Monday through Friday and at the Outdoor Classroom on Saturday and Sunday. Afterward, grab a Track Trail brochure at Grady’s Den and take a hike along the Great Woodland Adventure trail with 12 interactive education stations.  

Find information about lodging and local information on our Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.

 

Panthertown Hosts National Trails Day Guided Hike

June 4, 2016 - Join the Friends of Panthertown this Saturday for the annual National Trails Day Guided Hike in Panthertown.

American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® is the country’s largest celebration of trails. Don’t miss out on this fun and casual exploration of Panthertown Valley led by Friends of Panthertown volunteers. Group size is limited. Call (828) 269-HIKE (4453) for more info or send an e-mail to RSVP.

Everyone is welcome but some hiking experience is recommended. There is no fee to participate, although donations are appreciated.

Hikers should meet at the Salt Rock trailhead (located at end of Breedlove Road in Cashiers NC) at 9:30 AM to join Friends of Panthertown guides on a loop hike into Panthertown Valley. The hike is expected to be 5-6 miles on moderate to intermediate trails (subject to group experience) and be back to the parking lot by 2 PM. Participants should wear appropriate footwear, bring plenty of water to keep hydrated, rain gear (just in case), snacks, and a lunch to enjoy on the trail.

Panthertown Valley is one of the most spectacular areas in the southeast with cascading waterfalls, trout streams, panoramic views, sheer granite cliffs, the headwaters of the Tuckaseegee River and the east fork of Little Tennessee River. This 6,300 acre backcountry area in Nantahala National Forest offers visitors a wide variety of places to explore and has become a popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, rock climbers, anglers, school groups, summer camps, scout troops, ornithologists, etc.

photos courtesy of Friends of Panthertown

The mission of Friends of Panthertown is to work in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to conserve this outstanding natural resource while improving the quality and experience of recreational opportunities in Panthertown Valley.

Join Friends of Panthertown by becoming a supporting member or volunteer today - help protect and maintain Panthertown Valley.