4th of July in the Mountains: YES - you can!

It's not too late - you can still celebrate Independence Day with a mountain getaway. Find dozens of cabins, vacation rentals or bed and breakfasts with availability for the holiday weekend:

In Nantahala The Cabins at Long Branch on 40 acres of private mountain wilderness with a trout stream, sleep six. Full kitchen, fireplace, central H&A, handcrafted furnishings, wood floors, deck with rockers, grill, motorcycle accessible. $150 night, $750 week. At Your Wits End Vacation Rentals has a variety of cabins between Blowing Rock and Boone offering mountain views, fireplaces, WIFI, hot tubs, ping pong and more. The Cashiers resort High Hampton Inn and Country Club. is an historic mountain resort on 1,400 scenic acres at 3,600 ft. Enjoy golf, tennis, hiking trails, world-class spa and 35-acre private lake. Choose from cottages or Mountain Vacation Rental Homes or Inn rooms. Asheville's historic Blake House Bed and Breakfast has Pet-friendly rooms and is child-friendly too. $110 - $165 per night.

Death Without Dignity in Sylva

July 2nd at 7:00 p.m at City Lights Bookstore Joe Meigs of Cullowhee will  read from from his new suspense novel. Cullowhee artist and retired WCU English professor Joe Meigs will be at the store on Friday to read from his new novel, Death Without Dignity. - Tyler Davidson has just discovered his colleague, Hugh Disner, dead in the men's room of the building in which they both have offices at a second-tier state university. Tyler immediately becomes a suspect since he has a known history of disdain for Disner and is hounded throughout by a no-nonsense detective named Smockley. He complicates matters by starting a relationship with Disner's widow, Breda. Meanwhile, Tyler fears that he himself might the next murder victim...

Joe will read selections from the book, which includes a good dose of humor about academia, as well as suspense, and take questions from the audience. An autographing will follow his remarks. For more information, call City Lights at 586-9499   http://www.citylightsnc.com

4th of July in the NC Mountains:Light up your life in the Mountains!

Head for the hills for 4th of July Weekend (or stay awhile) and experience fireworks displays in the starry mountain skies. Dozens of Independence Day celebrations conclude with memorable fireworks lighting up the cool mountain air:

July 3 -  ANDREWS 4th of July Celebration Andrews Fourth of July Celebration will be held at the Andrews Recreation Park. Food, music, contests, fireworks, and fun. Activities begin at 10AM and fireworks start at dark.

July 3 - BREVARD   4th of July Downtown Celebration   People travel hundreds of miles to hear the bands at the gazebo, taste the food, see the craft and car shows, and participate in the 5K & 10K Firecracker run. The fun-filled day ends with a Fireworks Spectacular!

July 4 - BLACK MOUNTAIN July 4th Celebration  Downtown fireworks, street dance, food and fun. No admission fee.

Find more fireworks displays and 4th of July festivals and Events...

New View Estates offers Prime lots for $25,000!

In Burnsville North Carolina New View Estates has announced they are offering an unique real estate investment opportunity we have taken 4 prime lots in the development and specially priced them at $25,000 each at least a 50% reduction for a limited time we are offering some unique financing also.For additional information visit the site or call  828-284-3564.

New View Estates is a private gated 47-acre community located in the beautiful Western North Carolina Mountains, just 35 minutes from Asheville. Build your dream on a wooded mountain view lot ranging in size from just under an acre to almost 3 acres.

4th of July in the NC Mountains: Independence Day in Saluda North Carolina

Independence Day Weather Report

Submitted by Dale Potruski
The Oaks Bed and Breakfast  339 Greenville Street, Saluda North Carolina

People often ask, “How are summers in Saluda?” I can answer in a word, mild. I have come to know July as having comfortable overnight temperatures, perfect for restful-healthy sleep. We have yet to need the air conditioning. Recent guests from Florida pulled their blankets from the closet to insure a cozy slumber.

The days are warm and rarely humid. Daytime highs reach into in the 80s. We have gotten some rain this season – unlike previous years, where we have spent the majority of our summer months, like most of the country, under burn bans and water restriction. When the rain comes, it is usually falls gently and when it rains overnight, it creates a sedative-like effect. Before the raindrops make it to the ground, I have learned recognize the familiar percussive clatter as they play upon the leaves of the giant trees that surround us. 

This past Independence Day will remain etched in my memories forever. We expected a moderate crowd at the inn – a mix of old friends and new. After enjoying a lavish breakfast, some guests headed down to Main Street, while others relaxed on the veranda.

An impromptu cookout materialized late in the afternoon and while the burgers sizzled, guests gathered to enjoy the perfect summer day. The highlight of any Independence Day celebration would be the fireworks. Many of us have witnessed massive fireworks displays in major metropolitan areas where mirrored skyscrapers reflect the flash of the rocket’s red glare and the explosions resonate through the towering buildings. Displays enhanced with symphonies and operatic accompaniment.

Here in Saluda, the event is planed and executed by the local firefighters. Just before sunset, guests gather as Donna passes out comforters and blankets. We joined the procession of vehicles that made their way up Greenville Street to find our place on the grassy hill on the banks of Orchard Lake.

Family and friends laugh n’ chat as children tumble like gymnasts, while fireflies and sparklers interrupt the darkness competing for attention.

The event begins with a brief invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment to remember and recognize those serving in the Armed Forces.

From one end of the lake, torches ignite and fireworks take flight. It is relaxing and beautiful. The pops echo off the surrounding pine draped mountains as dazzling colors fill the nighttime sky. Our guests offer nothing but complements and praise calling event “impressive”.

The Saluda Firefighters serve up a superb slice of Americana every Fourth of July. They spend their time and money so that we may celebrate the nation’s birthday and honor our millitary. For this, we say a special “Thanks” to Shane Bradley, Daryl Russell, Zak Pace and all the dedicated personal of the Saluda Fire Department.  

Limited Edition Moog Filtered Ale Available Through July 31

Asheville Brewing Company and the Bob Moog Foundation  announce the launch of the limited edition Moog Filtered Ale, a pale beer named in honor of synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog. All profits from the sale of the beer will be donated to the Bob Moog Foundation to benefit their projects. Moog Filtered Ale will be be distributed nationally and internationally in 22-ounce bottles through Asheville's Bruisin' Ales. The beer will be sold from May 27 through July 31, after which it will no longer be available. The tasty brew may be purchased online from Asheville Brewing Company.

"Moog Filtered Ale is an American-style pale ale with distinctive notes of caramel and pine. It's a very accessible beer that reflects the Moog legacy. I've been a fan of Bob Moog since college, and I am excited to present a beer in honor of an American pioneer," says Doug Riley, brewer and part owner of the Asheville Brewing Company.

The Moog Foundation is a nonprofit organization preserving  50 years of Moog's production and innovations.

2010 Summer at the Wortham Series

June 24-26, Asheville's Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance presents The Rite of Spring & other works, 8:00 p.m. each evening, as part of the 2010 Summer at the Wortham Series. A portion of the proceeds from the show benefits the WNC Aids Project.

This is Terpsicorps' largest effort to date with 16 dancers on stage - twice the company's usual size - has drawn dancers from six of the nation's finest dance companies to Asheville with the opportunity to be a part of these performances. The Rite of Spring was first premiered by the NC Dance Theatre at the opening of Asheville's Diana Wortham Theatre in 1993, and has since been performed in hundreds of theaters across the nation. Heather Maloy and Terpsicorps ballet master Timothy Yeager were a part of the original cast and consider performing this work to be one of the highlights of their careers.  Get Tickets...  Diana Wortham Theatre, Two South Pack Squarem Asheville North Carolina

Lunchtime Meet-the-Author Series at City Lights Bookstore

June 24 at noon City Lights Bookstore continues its "Meet the Author Series with Maurice Stanley. His newest book is historical fiction based on the life of Jesse James and his associates, entitled Sorrows End. Taken from the real life of Henry Baker, the novel traces what happened after James' 1876 bank raid in Northfield, Minnesota, after which James went into hiding with his family in the quiet town of Waverly, Tennessee. Baker was a new neighbor, and he became ensnared by the James brothers' life of crime.

Bring your lunch, or order one from downstairs, and join us for conversation with the author. City Lights Bookstore is located at 3 E. Jackson St., Sylva North Carolina    http://www.citylightsnc.com

Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Event: Headwaters Hike

June 23  Take the  Headwaters Hike  to the headwaters of major rivers of the Blue Ridge Parkway region. Learn more about the conservation and restoration efforts for the rivers. Representatives from Upper Watauga Riverkeepers and Grandfather Mountain will be the guides for this hike. Allow 4-5 hours. Reservations Required - space is limited. Please bring a bag lunch. Contact: Upper Watauga Riverkeepers, 828.262.1500
donna@appvoices.org   Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Event, 305

Lighten Up Yoga holds Benefit for RiverlLink

On June 26 Lighten Up Yoga is offering a free yoga day to raise money for the French Broad River and the organization that looks after it - RiverLink. Seven classes are offered  at the top of each hour starting at 9 AM. In addition to the benefit for RiverLink, there will be door prizes, giveaways, class discounts and free yoga instruction for all levels. Current Lighten Up students can save 10 percent on an eight or 12 class series, and there will be extra special offers for new students to be announced during the day. The schedule for the event:
9 a.m. Wake Up Yoga - Kim Zdanowicz
10 a.m. Grow Your Roots- Danielle Goldstein
11 a.m. Core Strength Yoga - Stacey Stone
12 a.m. Intro to Jivamukti - Michael Johnson
1 p.m. Open Your Heart - Lillah Schwartz
2 p.m. Go With The Flow - Gea Skeens
3 p.m. The Energy of Yoga - Mili Perez

Lighten Up Yoga, 60 Biltmore Avenue above the City Bakery, is now celebrating its 28th year and has been serving the Asheville community since 1981.

WNC Chefs Challenge 2010 continues

June 22 The Flying Frog in downtown Asheville North Carolina hosts WNC Chefs Challenge 2010. Every Tuesday evening local chefs compete and diners judge. This week's competitors are: Cucina 24 VS. Tupelo Honey Café. Reservations required.  The final 2 chefs compete at the the Asheville Wine and Food Festival Aug 13-15.

This week on Stories of Mountain Folk

June 19  Stories of Mountain Folk  click to listen to another entertaining 30 minute podcast: Amy talks about the history of Catch the Spirit of Appalachia's Heritage Alive! Mountain Youth Talent Contest, then Doreyl interviews one of the winners of the youth contest, Kaitlyn Karcher from Webster. Kaitlyn plays "Harvest Home" on the fiddle, then another medley. Amy talks with Kim Albritton, Vice President and General Manager of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad from Bryson City about her history with the historic railroad line. Finally the Muses from Asheville entertain with the "Rock Island Line."

Last Minute Cabin and Lodging Specials near Asheville

June 14 - 30 Carolina Mornings is offering several "Last Minute Specials". You must mention code JuneLMS when you book. Book online*or call our Vacation Specialist @ 828.398.0712 to reserve a vacation rental:
Fox Den Cabin
2 one hour horseback riding trail rides when you book a 7 night stay (Save $70). Book Now!


Amethyst Cottage
Receive a $50 Gift Certificate for a meal at Zambra when you book a 3 night stay. Book Now!


Black Bear Cabin
$75 off a 3 night reservation. Book Now!



Bull Creek Cottage
Receive a $40 certificate to Corner Kitchen restaurant located in Biltmore Village with a last minute booking in June.  Book Now!

 
Mountain Air Country Club
Golf on top of the mountain for free! Stay 4 or more nights and receive a complementary round of golf($120 value). Book Now!



Landmark Cabin
Free tickets to Chimney Rock Park (a $28 value) with any Last Minute June Reservation.
Book Now!

National Wildlife Federation’s Great American Backyard Campout at Camp Lake James

June 26,  Camp Lake James - the National Wildlife Federation’s Great American Backyard Campout. During the day, you can relax and explore The Camp – play games, swim in the pool, hike, fish and take a kayak out on the lake. After 5 p.m., the Camp staff is leading an array of family activities and cooking burgers and hot dogs on the grill. If you’d like to spend the night, you’re welcome to pitch a tent in the activity fields next to the Social Hall – putting bathrooms just a stone’s throw away. And, we have lots of fun activities scheduled after dinner! Advance registration is required-no registrations will be allowed on the day of the event.

WNC Highlands Celtic Festival today in Black Mountain

June19  WNC Highlands Celtic Festival  hosted by Pisgah Brewing Company of Black Mountain, presents this indoor/outdoor event, and is crafting a special, all-organic brew in its honor. Visitors can listen to the sound of bagpipes and fiddles, learn a scottish country dance or an Irish step or two, and sample authentic foods! There will be highland athletic demonstrations, vendors offering traditional Celtic crafts/goods; Scottish clans are convening (many dressed in traditional garb). Blue Ridge 75 Event, Milepost 377. Pisgah Brewing Company is located on Grovestone Road in Black Mountain North Carolina.

Todd Music Series begins 2010 season this weekend

June 19 from 2PM - 4PM come enjoy Todd's FREE summer music series in the park. The Season opener features The King Bees blues group. The series has become a tradition in Todd over the last decade and features some of the best known musicians in the region and a range of musical genres – from blues to bluegrass to country. This year’s musical lineup includes a Grammy Award winner, a Grammy nominee and three members of the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame. The Music Series is located at Walter and Anne Cook Memorial Park, Todd North Carolina. Bring a blanket, a chair and a friend.  336-877-5401.

2010 Blue Ridge National Heritage Grants

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area is pleased to announce its 2010 Grant Cycle. The total pool of available funds is $338,000. The deadline for applications is October 1, 2010. The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area offers matching grants to provide and leverage funding for innovative projects across the region which preserve, protect, and promote the rich historical, cultural, and natural heritage of Western North Carolina while stimulating economic opportunity. Grants are available for the preservation, interpretation, development, and promotion of heritage resources in five thematic areas:
• Agricultural heritage
• Cherokee heritage
• Craft heritage
• Music heritage
• Natural heritage
Get guidelines and applications here...

Toy Story 3 at The Flat Rock Cinema

June 18, Flat Rock Cinema, 2700 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock North Carolina. Woody and Buzz are back for a third round of adventures enjoyed equally by adults and kids. Show times are 1:00, 4:00 and 7 PM - All tickets are $6. Enjoy lunch or dinner with us. We recommend arriving at least 20 minutes prior to show time if you plan to eat with us or if you have a group of four or more.  Get details...

Father's Day Events in the Mountains

June 19,   ROBBINSVILLE   Dad's Big Pork Chop Dinner   A theatrical performance, mountain dulcimers, and a Father’s Day Dinner pack the schedule for Dad’s Big Pork Chop Dinner. Reservations are required. 
June 19-20 CHIMNEY ROCK -  Chimney Rock Park Coupon for free admission for Dads to the Park with another paid admission
June 20 BRYSON CITY - Smoky Mountain Jet Boats is offering free jet boat rides to Dads (with at least one adult and one child paying passengers)
June 20 ASHEVILLE - Father's Day with the Tourists Every dad who comes out will receive FREE general admission to the game!
June 20 ASHEVILLE -  Biltmore  free admission for Dad with a paying adult.

Community Garden in Hickory Nut Gorge

The Friends of Hickory Nut Gorge opened a community garden across the street and just a couple hundred yards west from the Chimney Rock Park entrance. The garden is open to area residents and plots are affordable at $30 for a 30x10-ft. plot and $20 for a 20x10-ft. plot. Several of Chimney Rock's associates have banded together to cultivate a plot. The garden is currently growing tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, yellow squash, sweet and hot peppers, beets and cabbage. A percentage of each plot will be donated to area charities to provide fresh produce to families in need..

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad "All Western Parade"

June 18 at 2PM the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is hosting its first ever, “All Western Parade”. Special honored guests and Grand Marshals, The Lone Ranger® and Silver along with his faithful companion Tonto will parade down the streets of Bryson City with his new friend’s Cherokee 4-H horseman, Back Country Horseman, and other exciting parade participants! The parade route will begin at Mitchell Street and will make a loop to Slope Street then proceed down Main to Everett to end at the Bryson City Depot welcomed by a square dance, live band, and BBQ dinner! The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is located in downtown Bryson City North Carolina.

JOIN THE PARADE - We are still seeking equestrians interested in riding in the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad All Western Parade scheduled this Friday at 2PM. There will be a complimentary BBQ dinner and live music back at the depot for all parade participants, along with a 50% off discount to ride the Lone Ranger train. For parade information and registration please contact  (828)488.7024.

BBQ Wine Dinner at The Back Room

June 22, 6:30PM at The Back Room Restaurant at the Flat Rock Wine Shoppe - come enjoy a BBQ Wine Dinner created by Chef Ally.  We will feature 6 wines and 5 courses. Menu:
1st: Chilled Melon Soup
2nd: Chevre and Fresh Chive Potato Salad Over Baby Field Greens
3rd: Grilled Shrimp Kabobs With Fresh Mango Salsa
4th: Blueberry Chipotle Baby Back Ribs
5th: Home made Ice Cream With Fresh Berries
Just $50.00 Per person tax and gratuity included. Reservations required; please call 828-697-6828

The Back Room at the Flat Rock Wine Shoppe is located at 2702 Greenville Hwy in Flat Rock, on the outskirts of Hendersonville North Carolina

Kaleidoscope Red Tasting at RagApple Lassie

June 19 - 20, RagApple Lassie Vineyards, 3724 Ragapple Lassie Lane, Boonville North Carolina. Sample a great wine: Kaleidoscope Red is now ready for tasting. Relax on Saturday to the sounds of CedarBlue led by David Russell. David, a crowd pleaser, will be playing all afternoon - Noon to Six! http://www.ragapplelassie.com

Weekly Chef's Challenge in Asheville

June 15  in Asheville North Carolina  WNC Chefs Challenge 2010.  Every Tuesday evening local chefs compete and diners judge. The final 2 chefs compete at the the Asheville Wine and Food Festival  Aug 13-15.  This week's competitors: Nico’s Café from Waynesville VS. Chelseas and the Village Tea Room from Asheville.  The events require reservation so sign up today not to miss participating in this fun and delecious Challenge.

Stories of Mountain Folk

June 12—Doreyl talks with Betty Collins Brown from Tuckasegee about her family of 11 siblings and their music (Betty sings "Home Again"). Then Amy interviews Jeff Delfield, Librarian of the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Betty comes back to sing another of her original songs, "Smoky Mountain Memories." Listen to the Podcast now...

Live Music this Weekend at Saluda's Purple Onion

The Purple Onion, 16 Main Street, Saluda North Carolina offers live music Thursday - Saturday. This week's performers include:
June 17 – BRIAN MCGEE, LAURA BLACKLEY, THE HONEYCUTTERS. A singer/songwriter night of music from three of our favorite singers.
June 18 - FRED WHISKIN at the piano.
June 19 – JEF CHANDLER & THE BAD POPES. Jef was a big hit last year in his first appearance so we invited him back.

The Purple Onion is one of the highlights of downtown Saluda offering a variety of ethnically and regionally inspired dishes with an emphasis on the Mediterranean's simple, healthful cuisines with a focus on freshness.
http://www.purpleonionsaluda.com/

Chimney Rock Opens Community Garden

Recently, the Friends of Hickory Nut Gorge opened a community garden across the street and just a couple hundred yards west from the Chimney Rock Park entrance. The garden is open to area residents and plots are affordable at $30 for a 30x10-ft. plot and $20 for a 20x10-ft. plot. Several of Chimney Rock's associates have banded together to cultivate a plot. We're growing tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, yellow squash, sweet and hot peppers, beets and cabbage. A percentage of each plot will be donated to area charities to provide fresh produce to families in need. Click here for more information on the community garden.

Dale Murphy Luncheon Tickets Still Available

June 19, McCormick Field, Asheville North Carolina. Come eat lunch with Atlanta Braves legend Dale Murphy next Saturday June, 19th! This event is an exclusive 2 hour luncheon at McCormick Field where you can meet Dale Murphy and get autographs and photo opportunities from your favorite Braves player of all time! Tickets are $20, and include a catered lunch from Arby's of WNC. Purchase your tickets online today at the ashevilletourists.com or call the Box Office at (828)258-0428.

Riverlink Needs Volunteers for Riverfest 2010

RiverFest is RiverLink's biggest event of the year. It's a full day of raft-races, dancing, face-painting, parades, various friendly competitions, and much more, with a little beer mixed in. About 100 people are needed to make it work. Volunteers will receive a t-shirt and a drink (choice of alcoholic or non-alcoholic).

RiverFest 2010: Save the French Broad takes place on Saturday, August 14, from noon until 6 p.m. this year. While August 14 seems far away, we are trying to get a headcount of volunteers to see who wants to be involved and how much more recruiting we need to do. We're looking for enough people that we will only work our volunteers in three-hour shifts (though if you want to stay longer, you are welcome). For details or sign-up contact RiverLink Director of Volunteer Services Dave Russell, volunteer@riverlink.org  (828) 252-8474, ext. 18

3rd Annual Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame Induction

June 12, Wilkes Heritage Museum, Wilkesboro North Carolina   Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony  3rd Annual Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony & Dinner. Witness the Induction of the 2010 top musicians, performers, contributors and luthiers. Come on out for a night of toe tapping fun! Witness the Induction of the 2010 top musicians, performers, contributors and luthiers like: Don Reno, Clarence 'Tom' Ashley, Etta Baker, Bobby Hicks, 'B' Townes and Albert Hash. With famed emcee host 'Mike Cross' and special guest performers 2008 Inductee Doc Watson, 2008 Inductee David Johnson, 2009 Inductee Eric Ellis and many more.

Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Program

June 14 - August 14, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Park begins two months of daily Summer Interpretive Programs and special events including Junior Ranger hikes and activities, heritage crafts, mountain nature programs and lots of FUN! Get a complete schedule here...

Ride your horse in the Smoky Mountains National Park

EMERALD GATE FARM Waynesville / Maggie Valley North Carolina.
Vacation on a mountain Farm! This 3 bedroom, 3 bath vacation rental is located on 13 acres of beautiful rolling mountain property with so much to do you'll spend most of your time right here. 3 bedroom 3 bath, PET FRIENDLY including horses - bring your horse and ride into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Mountain and pond view from your large wrap-around deck. Trout ponds and hiking trails on site. WIFI. Fresh eggs, fruits, veggies. $185nt, $970wk. Book now for August, September and October - the calendar is filling up fast!

Benefit at Grandview Lodge in Waynesville

June 15, 5PM - 7PM, Grandview Lodge, 466 Lickstone Rd, Waynesville North Carolina. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children with half of the procedes going to the Allens Creek community's opposition to the quarry expansion. Come join us for good food, good people, and good fun. BBQ Dinner with all the fixins'  and  live music from Country Soul.   Everybody is invited come Join us ! http://www.grandviewlodgenc.com/

Furnished Log Home for sale - $199,000!

Log Home for Sale in West Jefferson. Private & beautifully wooded is the setting for this charming like new log home. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths plus loft, large covered rocking chair front porch, rear deck with hot tub. This would make a great vacation home for your family or has enormous rental potential. Completely & tastefully furnished, all you need is your toothbrush and your ready to move right in. $199,000 F102    Peak Mountain Properties  336-846-7325   ramona@peakmtn.com

Riverlink Needs a Rafting Volunteer

June 17, 9:30 AM Asheville North Carolina. RiverLink needs one volunteer to come along on a short raft trip with our campers, rising 3rd-5th graders. Expect to be finished before lunchtime as this will be a very short trip. Your fee will be covered by us. Rafting experience a plus! Contact RiverLink's Education Coordinator at education@riverlink.org  for more information.

John Lang Celebrates the Poetry of Kay Byer

June 11, 7PM, City Lights Bookstore, Sylva North Carolina.   John Lang and Kay Byer will be at City Lights  for a reading and discussion based on Lane’s book, Six Poets from the Mountain South. In the most extensive work to date on major poets from the region, Lang explores the pervasive religious and spiritual concerns of many of the mountain South’s finest writers, including Fred Chappell, Robert Morgan, Jeff Daniel Marion, Kathryn Stripling Byer, and Charles Wright.  http://www.citylightsnc.com/

2010 Summer at the Wortham Series Continues

June 11-12, Diana Wortham Theatre, Two South Pack Square, Asheville North Carolina. Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre and White Dog ProjectX International present Jaque Mate and Frank's Got The Blues. A contemporary dance company from Merida, Mexico, partnering with Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre creates an exciting collage of cultures and themes that relate to imposing issues for both cultures in this evening of original dance theatre.

Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre performs A Little Night Music

June 10 - 27, Owen Theatre on Mars Hill College campus, Mars Hill North Carolina. Winner of SIX Tony Awards! Affairs of the heart spend a weekend in the country at a Swedish estate, early 20th cneture, where style and sophistication mix with romance, wit and charm.Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 7:30 pmSunday at 2pm (also one Wednesday eve). For details: Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre

Wine Tasting at the Charles Heath Gallery

June 11, 4Pm - 7PM, Charles Heath Gallery, 7 Depot Street, Bryson City North Carolina. The event will be featuring the wines for which Charles Heath designed the labels. Charles himself will be there to personalize each bottle of wine purchased. Come and join us for a fun evening of wine and art. There will be a raffle for a $50 gift Certificate toward any piece in the gallery. The gallery will also be giving special discounts on specific pieces. If for some reason you are too far and unable to attend the gallery is offering a one time free shipping on the three signed bottles to anywhere in the continental US.

What's better than TV???

Well...OK - almost anything. But today's answer is PODCAST. As in Stories of Mountain Folk. Amy Ammons and Doreyl Ammons Cain "broadcast" weekly Appalachian Heritage Stories of the people of Western North Carolina. Tune in live, replay at your convenience or buy the CD.

This Week's offering from June 5:
June 5th—The show opens with the music of Ron Smith's "Blackberry Blossom," then Doreyl interviews author David Watkins from Cullowhee about his upcoming book "Little is Much." Amy talks with Elizabeth Beck, Jackson County's Children's Libriarian, and then The Asheville Muses sing "Going Down in the River to Pray."

Tomorrow Night WNC Chefs Challenge Continues

June 8 ,  Asheville North Carolina.   WNC Chefs Challenge 2010  Every Tuesday evening local chefs compete and diners judge. The dinners begin at 6:30 p.m. at The Flying Frog Café, which is downstairs from the Frog Bar & Deli, located on the corner of Battery Park Avenue and Haywood Street in downtown Asheville - Reservations are REQUIRED. This week's Challenge is:   Early Girl Eatery  VS. A Moveable Feast Catering

Summertime is Tubetime on Deep Creek

Gather up the kids and head for the best summer vacation ever in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. Bryson City is known for it's whitewater rafting and tubing.  Make reservations now for the only lodge on Deep Creek that abuts the Great Smokey Mountain National Park.  Located on the left just before entering the Park gate you'll find  DEEP CREEK LODGE & CREEKSIDE TUBING.   The Lodge offers 1-2 bedroom efficiencies with kitchens. Whitewater tubing, a snack bar, fishing, laundry, game room, hiking and FUN, FUN, FUN!. Great price at $55-$105 per night with  Discounts for full week.

Take the Road (or path) Less Traveled

ANY path and ANY waterfall in the mountains is a worthy experience. But those less well known - and less traveled - really can make all the difference.

Deep Creek offers a pristine "triple" falls. And you can visit them all within an hour’s walk from the trailhead parking lot at the Deep Creek Recreation Area just outside Bryson City. Because they’re on the main trail, Tom Branch Falls (pictured here) and Indian Creek Falls are the most-visited. But if you take the short side trail to Juneywhank Falls, you’ll be richly rewarded.  Now, who doesn't want to be able to say they've been to "Junewhank falls?

And if you’re one of the many who enjoy tubing on Deep Creek, you’ll get an up-close view of  Tom Branch Falls. Deep Creek is one of the most accessible areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park...read more on Postcards form the Smokies

4th Annual Spring for The Smokies

June 8, 6PM - 8PM,  the Gateway Club, 37 Church Street, Waynesville North Carolina. A benefit for Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including a wonderful selection of live & silent auction items. Heavy hors d'oeuvres. Complimentary beer & wine. Full bar available on cash basis.

A few of the auction items include:
Fly rod with Friends of the Smokies logo
Teresa Pennington limited edition print
Re-Claimed hand hewn log table
NASCAR--4 tickets to Bristol Motor Speedway

Golfers heaven package at the Grove Park Inn
an elegant day at the Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa
Guided hike & picnic in Cataloochee Valley
Legendary hike to LeConte
and much more...   

Reserve online via our secure website at  http://shop.friendsofthesmokies.org/spring4smokies.html

You may also make a donation in lieu of your attendance to help preserve and protect one of North Carolina's natural wonders and a true national treasure!

Volunteer Information Sessions at RiverLink

June 9, 10 AM and 5 PM, RiverLink office,170 Lyman Street in the River Arts District of Asheville North Carolina. Western North Carolinians (and others) who would like to be involved in restoring the French Broad Watershed as a place to live, work and play, are invited to join the team by attending one of two volunteer information sessions. The information session will detail RiverLink's volunteer positions in a Powerpoint presentation. Volunteers will have a chance to fill out a volunteer application, and Volunteer Coordinator Dave Russell will be available to answer questions and help everyone find their best fit at RiverLink.

Please RSVP to Dave by calling (828) 252-8474, ext. 18 or via e-mail at volunteer@riverlink.org.

1-Year Anniversary and Summer Solstice Celebration at Bryson City Bicycles

June 19, Bryson City Bicycles, 57 Everett St., Bryson City North Carolina. Come and join us in celebrating our 1 year shop anniversary. You won't want to miss it. We'll have a store-wide, 20% sale (bicycles discounted 10%), bargain tent, raffles, and free beer from our own local Nantahala Brewing Company. We'll also have live music by the Grove Band and performances at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm by the fabulous Bryson City Bellydancers.

Bryson City Bicycles offers bike rentals, sales and repairs in downtown Bryson City. Step inside and you’ll find personalized fittings, daily and weekly rentals, parts and accessories, gift items, books, maps, trail information, kids’ products and more. BCB supports a strong and healthy community through bicycling and local involvement. Our hours of operation are 10-6 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11-4 on Sunday. We are closed on Wednesday so we can fish for trout. http://www.brysoncitybicycles.com/

2010 Family Farm Tour

June 26 - 27,  1PM - 6 PM. The Family Farm Tour, organized by ASAP, is an opportunity to visit 37 farms and gardens throughout six counties in Western North Carolina. The region is home to agriculture of all kinds, ranging from century farms cultivated by the same family for generations, to certified organic farms, to urban gardens.

Here's how it works: Get a farm tour map and button. Gather your friends, fill a car, choose the farms you want to visit, and plan a route. There are more than enough choices to fill a schedule for Saturday and Sunday. Come with a cooler and your appetite. A variety of vegetables and fruits, trout, beef, pork, lamb, eggs, artisan cheeses, herbs, mushrooms, honey, garlic, preserves, and much more are available to sample or for sale. Products including yarn, soap, and crafts are offered as well.

Watch animals such as bison, llamas, baby lambs, and bunnies. See traditional skills in practice—and even try them out yourself—during demonstrations of border collie shepherding, outdoor apple butter making, milking, the maple syrup tapping process, and wool spinning. Or, learn about new ideas during a tour of renewable energy systems, see a hydroponics system, visit an edible landscape, or explore a garden labyrinth. Eat bread fresh from a wood fired oven and artisan ice cream, and stop for a picnic at one of the many beautiful farms along the way.

Admission: Purchase a button - one button admits everyone in your car.
How to purchase: Online. Buttons are available online for $25. Purchase them here.
In stores. This summer, buttons will be offered for sale for $25 at these locations.  
At farms. You may also purchase buttons at farms on the day of the tour for $30. If you only wish to visit one farm, pay $10 on-site.

Let's Do Lunch!  Slow Food Asheville will be providing lunch boxes during the Family Farm Tour packed with local goodies for your family to enjoy and keep up the energy to walk around farms. There will be a few different sandwiches, including vegetarian, vegan, and kid-friendly options, with sides, dessert and a drink for $10. The proceeds will benefit local folks who will be attending the Terra Madre conference in Italy this fall. Lunches will be available at Flying Cloud Farm in Fairview on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy for lunch, mid-day snack, or an early dinner!

Weekend Events in the Mountains

June 4          SWANNANOA Swannanoa Shindig

June 4          BOONE Friday Art Crawl

June 4          ASHEVILLE Pickn’ and Poetry on the Porch

June 4-5      MOUNT AIRY 39th Annual Mount Airy Blue Grass & Old Time Fiddlers Convention

June 5          BANNER ELK Beer, Banjos and BBQ

June 5         CHIMNEY ROCK National Trails Day

June 5         ASHEVILLE Clay Day at the Folk Art Center

June 5        GLEN ALPINE 1st Annual Foothills Wine Fest

June 5        CULLOWHEE Patchwork Folk & Fabric Festival

June 5         ASHEVILLE The Beer City Festival

June 5        BEECH MOUNTAIN Rally for Porsche 928s

June 5        LINVILLE National Trails Day Volunteer Project

June 5 - 6  BLACK MOUNTAIN Black Mountain Arts and Crafts Show

June 6        BAKERSVILLE 2nd Annual Bakersville Troutacular Festival         

Mast General Store Celebrates 30 Years

June 6, noon to 3PM, Mast General Store, HWY 194, Valle Crucis North Carolina.   Thirty years ago the Mast General Store re-opened its doors and has been going strong ever since. Stores in Boone, Asheville, Waynesville, Hendersonville, Greenville and Knoxville. The celebration includes live music, special item prices and sampling of the Store's "heritage foods and other victuals".  http://www.mastgeneralstore.com/

Ready to Play in the MUD?

June 5, 10AM - 4PM, The Folk Art Center, Asheville North Carolina. Celebrate Clay Day at the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Folk Art Center. This event features craft demonstrations and hands-on activities for children and adults. While at the Folk Art Center, visitors will have the opportunity to visit Allanstand Craft Shop, the Eastern National bookstore and Blue Ridge Parkway information desk, as well as three exhibition galleries.  Outside the Folk Art Center, there are hiking trails, picnic tables, grassy areas for a picnic and plenty of free parking.

Wine Bar in Waynesville

20 Church Atreet, Waynesville North Carolina. The Wine Bar at the Classic Wine Seller in Waynesville is now OPEN - Wednesday and Thursday from 3PM -  9PM and Friday and Saturday from 3PM  - 11PM. Visit the latest addition to Waynesvillle's happening downtown nightlife.  Find out more at http://ClassicWineSeller.com 

Appalachian Merchantile Opens in Bryson City

June 5, 11 AM,  Appalachian Mercantile, 158 Everett St,  Bryson City North Carolina. Join the official ribbon-cutting celebration for a great new addition to Bryson City's  Downtown experience. Enjoy a variety samples of unique gourmet specialty foods, special offers and more!

Appalachian Mercantile ffers a large selection of unique gourmet specialty foods, condiments and old time candies. Over sixty items are featured each day as free samples. It's like a theme park for your taste buds. We also carry an array of toys and games, pottery, wind chimes, stained glass, local interst and cook books, gifts and antique glassware. With Jazz or the Blues wafting in the background, many customers say this is the coolest shop in Bryson City. Come in and graze for a while.
828-488-3681

Grand Re-opening and Artist Showcase at Waynesville Lodge

June 4, 6PM - 8PM, Grandview Lodge, 466 Lickstone Rd, Waynesville North Carolina. The Grandview Lodge will be showcasing the art work of Western North Carolina artists Amy Wilson, Craig Burgwardt, and John Shirey in their new revolving gallery.  Come listen to the live music from August Black then stay  to try the new local cuisine from Chef Joe Bolado. He uses all natural, organic, and local products to design his weekly menu for Friday and Saturday Nights. http://www.grandviewlodgenc.com/

Lake Toxaway Cabins offer SUMMER Special

Lake Toxaway North Carolina Cabins announce Summer Special: Stay 7 or more nights with us and take 15% off the nightly rate, PLUS, receive a FREE tubing trip for 2 down the French Broad River at Headwaters Outfitters. The Cabins at Seven Foxes  is a charming Pet Friendly, Blue Ridge Mountain retreat nestled in the "The Land of Waterfalls", offering cool relaxing breezes, fun outdoor activities and a chance to reconnect with nature. All five cabin rentals are equipped with complete kitchens, satellite TV/VCR/DVD's, telephones, gas fireplaces, electric heat,  air conditioning, and private porches with gas grills - the Deer Lodge  also has an outside jacuzzi hot tub.