NC Mountain News

February 23, 2013 broadcast of Stories of Mountain Folk produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia - now archived at Western Carolina University.

Storytelling: Today Amy tells the story of how she was "Daddy's Little Helper." Music: Background music is "I See the Lord"

Creative Corner: Doreyl's guest is Brant Barnes from Dillsboro for his third interview, who shares his deep love of pottery, with a description of how he realized his talent . Music: "Orange Blossom Special" by Vance Trull.

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy's guest is L. Scott Philyaw, Director of WCU's Mountain Heritage Center, who gives us a glimpse of his childhood. Music: "Flop Eared Mule" by Raymond Fairchild.

Black Roots of Appalachia: Victoria's interview today is with Sibyl Davis Blakely from Sylva, who shares some events in her life on Locus Creek. Music: "High, Low and Wide" by the Golden Gate Quartet.

Down Another Road: Judy's guest is Garius Hill from Madison County, who talks about his encounters with bears in the National Park in the 1960s. Music: original interruption of "Amazing Grace" by Garius Hill.

Closing Song: "Boogie Woogie Boy" by the Asheville Muses.

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

March 2 Penland School of Crafts holds its annual Community Open House. Each year, Penland's community open house welcomes hundreds of visitors into the studios for demonstrations and hands-on activities. The event is free and all ages are welcome. Hundreds of adults and children from the local Mitchell County as well as mountain visitors will engage in free, quality hands-on studio experiences with over 100 artist volunteers.

Activities may include making glass beads, rollerprinting copper bracelets, creating clay sculptures, screenprinting on bandanas, papermaking, forging garden stakes, painting colorful pastepaper, blowing glass cups or paperweights, making photographic “sun prints”, assembling wooden birdhouses, making souvenir books, and more.

Penland School of Crafts is a national center for craft education located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina near Spruce Pine. Penland offers 1, 2, and 8 week workshops in books and paper, clay, drawing, glass, iron, metals, photography, printmaking, textiles, and wood. The school also sponsors artists' residencies, outreach programs, and an exceptional craft gallery.

Sunday, March 3, all season passes will be on sale for the lowest price of this year and next for this one day only!

Ski for the rest of the season and next on the pass you purchase during the BIG One Day Sale. The Pass sale will be held from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM only and you can purchase in person, over the phone with a credit card or online. Don't forget seasonal rentals will be available for order for the 2013/14 season at that time as well.

Get a link for the BIG BIG BIG One Day Sale and Cataloochee Ski Are on the NC Ski Resorts Guide.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the National Park Service are offering up to a $500,000 incentive for early completion of landslide repairs to U.S. 441 through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park - indicating both entities' concerns about the road closure's effects on Cherokee's economy. A 200-foot section of U.S. 441 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park collapsed in a landslide during a week of heavy rainfall last month, forcing the park service to close the road, which serves as the main artery for motorists traveling from Tennessee to Cherokee. The park estimated the 3 to 7 million repair job would likely take until mid- to late May.

To give the contractor incentive, the Eastern Band and National Park Service have announced that they will pay $18,000 for every day repairs are completed before May 15. Together, they will dole out up to $500,000. However, if the company does not finish the project on time, it will cost. The contract with the park service will charge the contractor $18,000 for every day repairs go past May 15. Business leaders in Cherokee were glad that both entities are taking a proactive approach to ensure that U.S. 441 reopens in time for the main tourist season.

Find more NC mountain news updates on the NC Mountain News Guide.

March 10 - 12: The 2013 NC Governor's Conference on Tourism at the Wilmington Convention Center, features an update on tourism-related issues before the legislature. NC Restaurant and Lodging Association President and CEO Lynn Minges will moderate this timely discussion, featuring Dana Simpson of the NC. Travel & Tourism Coalition, Jim Hobbs of the Hospitality Alliance of North Carolina, T. Jerry Williams of the NC Travel Industry Association, and Whitney Christiansen of the NC Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Register and make your plans now to attend the Governor's Conference on Tourism - there's no better opportunity to network with more than 500 of the state's tourism leaders and gain new insights into North Carolina's travel industry.

Join your colleagues at the Hilton Wilmington Riverside for a red carpet-style welcome by the Wilmington and Beaches CVB on Sunday, March 10. You're the star at this poolside reception with heavy hors d'ouevres and live entertainment by the Sea Pans, complete with a stunning view of the Cape Fear River.

Don't forget to plan some time to visit Wilmington and the surrounding area prior to the conference. From the historic downtown river district and Riverwalk that winds around the storied Cape Fear River to three colorful island beaches, Wilmington and the surrounding beach towns - Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach - all charm visitors and residents alike with an independent spirit and energy that nourishes and recharges the soul. Surrounded by water, history and natural beauty, it's the ideal place for North Carolina's Governor's Conference on Tourism.

Click here for more information on the conference, including the complete conference agenda.

February 21 - 22 Fire and Rescue Appreciation Days at Cataloochee Ski Area Cataloochee supports the law enforcement by offering a special reduced rate for law enforcement personnel and their families. Valid ID required. his special package is only $27 per person and includes a 1 1/2 hour lesson, lift ticket for either day, twilight or night skiing and rental equipment. The combined savings is $56 per person over Cataloochee's regular rates.

Cataloochee Ski Area is located in Maggie Valley NC

February 22 - 24 Beech Mountain's Retro 80s Weekend Beech Mountain's trip back to the 1980s. Friday night will feature live music at 9 PM at Jackalope’s View. Don your 80s gear for a big air competition Saturday afternoon, followed by an apparel contest.

Then, the Beech Tree Bar & Grille will host 80’z Enuff at 7 PM on Saturday. Lodging specials start from $80.80 per night, with dinner and equipment rental deals throughout town.

Ski Beech, located on Beech Mountain NC, is Eastern America's highest ski resort at 5506 feet above sea level. With excellent skiing (day or night), and a charming Alpine Village filled with intriguing shops, tempting restaurants and more Ski Beech offers a winter wonderland of fun and activities for all members of your family or group. Alpine skiing and snowboarding will appeal to the thrill-seekers and for those looking for something a little tamer, the resort also features ice skating and snow tubing. Snow making is on 100% of the skiing terrain. To round out your fun-filled day, spend some time in one of the charming shops or tempting restaurants.

Find lodging, restaurants and attractions convenient to Beech Mountain Resort at Beech Mountain NC and nearby Banner Elk NC

Stories of Mountain Folk is broadcast by Catch the Spirit of Appalachian and archived weekly at Western North Carolina University.

February 16, 2013
Storytelling: Today Amy shares with you her "First Date." Music: Background music is "Deep in My Heart."

Creative Corner: Doreyl's guest is Brant Barnes from Dillsboro for his second interview, who shares about his life and people who have influenced him. Music: "Take a Moment and Live" by the Smoky Mountain Boys.

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy's guest came from the story about SOMF in February's "Our State Magazine"--80 yr old John Campbell Scroggs from Canton--who shares the story of his life. Music: "Hey Old Timer" by Ginny McAfee.

SPECIAL: Today's special interview is with R.O. Wilson, a rerun from January, 2009, who talks about planting by the signs. Music: "I've Been Everywhere" by Butterpats.

Closing Song: "Two Jigs" a new original song.

CLICK HERE to listen to this week's Stories of Mountain Folk - scroll down to the green "Listen to this week's stories" box and click the radio button beneath the box.

February 16 2013, 3 PM - 7 PM at Appalachian Vintner, 745 Biltmore Avenue Suite 121 in Asheville NC, welcomes Robert Kral, owner of Robert Walters Selections for "Asheville's Best Wine Taisting". Robert was the wine director of Bouchon in Asheville for years prior to opening his own import company. The portfolio is comprised of a handful of mainly small growers from Europe. This Saturday's tasting showcase the wines of Domain Rouge Bleu.

Domain Rouge Bleu is made from very old vines from Sainte Cécile les Vignes, near Cairanne, on a great terroir mainly composed of pebbles and gravels from a old river bed. The winery is located on a 400 year old farm with techniques based upon bio-dynamic principles, harvesting beautiful grapes at very low yields. Wine making happens with natural yeasts, with minimum sulfites with the whole in concrete porous tanks. The wine is aged in tanks and in neutral barrels, producing 32, 000 most of which are exported.

The wines to be tasted are:

Dentelle Rosé : The name (Dentelle) is a play on words as we are facing Dentelles de Montmirail and as “Dentelle”, which means lace in English is a good way to describe this smooth and light wine made from Grenache and Carignan.

Dentelle Red : In the same spirit of the rosé, this red is made to be a refreshing wine. Carignan has this natural ability to bring freshness and Grenache will bring the body of the wine. This wine can be drunk young, on the fruit side and even a bit cool. With a bit of aging, it turns into more minerality with some spices and gamy flavors.

Mistral Red : Just a couple days before the start of the first harvest in 07, a strong Mistral wind blew all night and eventually made a lot of very mature clusters fall on the ground, resulting in an earlier picking. The full body, rich and powerful wine made from these very old vines was eventually named after this famous wind which describes quite well the wine.

Lunatique Red : The grapes for this wine were processed separately on a spur of the moment decision to move some grapes in fermentation (which can be very dangerous) to get an empty tank. This “Lunatique” decision gave the name to the wine.

Ski NC this President's Day Holiday weekend - light snow flurries expected with cold, crisp temperatures and lots of packed and groomed snow surface to test you skills or learn new ones. Enjoy the best slope conditions of the season this holiday weekend.

Appalachian Ski Mountain is open today with 12 slopes and 6 lifts on a base of 37 - 67 inches. Ice skating is open. Valentine's Day special ice skating session. February 17: Special Holiday Midnight Blast Session at Appalachian.    Discounted Season Tickets now available.

Beech Mountain Ski Resort is skiing 100% open with 15 slopes with 7 lifts on a base of 26 - 66 inches. Ice skating and tubing are open. Light natural snowfall.

Cataloochee Ski Area will be skiing from the top of the mountain down, including Wild Cat Glade for day skiing only, on 16 trails with 3 aerial lifts and one conveyor lift on a base of 52 -72 inches and a packed powder surface. Tube World is open with 10 lanes of snowtubing fun from 10am until 10pm with 1 3/4 hour sessions available beginning at 10, 12, 2, 4, 6, and 8pm

Sapphire Valley Ski Area - is skiing on both slopes with 2 lifts and a base of 20 - 40 inches. Call 828.743.7663 for a live report. February 16: Great Outhouse Races at Sapphire Valley Ski Area This annual fun family event is also a fund raiser for the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society.

Sugar Mountain Ski Resort is open skiing on 19 slopes with 6 lifts on a base of 39 - 81 inches. Tubing and ice skating are open for all sessions. Snowmaking and natural snowfall. BOSS HAWG plays their North Carolina Bluegrass tomorrow between 4 and 6 pm in the Base Lodge. February 16-17: NASTAR at noon on Big Red   The Tubing Park is open with sessions at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm.

Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is open with 9 slopes and 2 lifts on a base of 32 - 40 inches. Ice skating is open.

Get links for all NC Ski Resorts and areas, a ski slope locator map, and details about all NC winter sports on the NC Ski Resort Guide.

February 15, 6:30 PM - Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 S Pack Square in Asheville, presents Intersections: Sing Together. Celebrate the loves in your life with songs that touch your heart. Whether you sing with your partner, to your children, or just to yourself this gathering promises to provide you with ample material to keep a warm glow going during the chilly winter months.

$8 adults/$5 children 12 and under/children 2 and under free

Intersections is a new series held in The Forum at Diana Wortham Theatre offering more ways for the community to intersect with one another and the arts. The "Sing Together" series is special series celebrating the joy of music and singing together. This series is for anyone of any age or skill level who loves to sing. Lead by Beth Magill, Sing Together opportunities are available from October 2012 through March 2013,

Learn more about Asheville Theatre and entertainment on The Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

February 15 - 19 Rock Your Valentine with Chimney Rock’s Valentine’s Day Weekend Special.

Nothing says "I love you" like a romantic day at Chimney Rock Park. That's why we're offering buy one regularly-priced adult ticket and get one free during our Valentine's Day special from February 15-19 (Friday-Tuesday).

Rekindle your love where the romantic adventure The Last of the Mohicans was filmed, and gaze at our 75-mile views overlooking Lake Lure where Johnny and Baby fell in love on the set of Dirty Dancing. Enjoy a quiet moment together in nature that you’ll never forget. Download the special coupon from Chimney Rock’s website.

Coupon must be presented to the Ticket Plaza at the time of purchase. Valid February 15-19, 2013. More details at chimneyrockpark.com.

Learn more about Chimney Rock Park on the Chimney Rock NC Visitor Guide.

Cozy Cabin 3 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway - 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, sleeps up to 6. Private setting with mountain views, free-standing fireplace, large deck, hot tub, picnic table, hammock, small pet friendly. $125-$145 night, $730-$840 week.Located between North Wilkesboro and Boone. Get details and availability

Learn more about North Wilkesboro and Wilkesboro NC HERE.

February 14 - Valentine's Day at Appalachian Ski Mountain Celebrate with your Valentine at Appalachian Ice Skating Arena. There will be a special skate session from 7-9 PM complete with Valentine Day decorations, music, a roaring rink side bonfire, and more. What better way to spend your evening together? Appalachian will also offer special couple’s photography at the Ice Arena from Joshua Easterling Photography during this session.

Get a link for details about Valentine's Day Ice Skating and other Appalachian Ski Mountain events on the Blowing Rock NC Visitor Guide.

February 9 - 10 For the Love of Chocolate...and Wine Join the Vineyards of Swan Creek for a unique chocolate and wine pairing. Enjoy a different chocolate concoction at each vineyard paired with wine. Each vineyard pairs one of their local wines with a sweet treat.

Raffaldini Vineyards is located at 450 Groce Road in Ronda, NC. For the Valntine event Raffaldini offers a complimentary sample of its famous wine-infused chocolate brownie with Raffaldini 2010 Sangiovese - deliciously romantic.

Dobbs Creek Vineyards is located at 4430 Vineyard View Lane in Hamptonville NC. Wines available for tasting and purchase include Riesling, Chardonnay, Merlot, Hemric Mountain Red and Hemric Mountain. Blush.

Laurel Gray Vineyards is located at 5726 Old US Hwy. 421 West, Hamptonville NC. Laurel Gray is a boutique style winery that is owned and operated by descendants of original Yadkin Valley pioneers. Renowned for their internationally award winning estate-grown and bottled French vinifera wines.

Shadow Springs Vineyards is located at 5543 Crater Road in Hamptonville NC. Wine selections at Shadow Springs include Cabernet Sauvignon , Merlot , Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Viognier , Petit Verdot and Seyval Blanc.

Windsor Run Cellars is located at 6531 Windsor Road in Hamptonville NC. Windsor Run Cellars is the only winery in North Carolina with a working distillery under the same roof.

February 9 Snowman Building Contest Strut your frosty stuff at the Annual Snowman building contest. Your own creativity is the only limit in this family friendly event. Bring your own accessories. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative and superlative snowman/woman. The event is held in the meadow across from Town Hall on Beech Mountain Parkway.

Learn more about Beech Mountain NC lodging, restaurants and attractions HERE.

February 7, 5 to 7 PM at Brusin Ales, 66 Broad Street in downtown Asheville NC - FREE Abita Beer Tasting. Join Brusin Ales and Ralph from Abita Beer in NOLA for a sampling of pre-Mardi Gras liquid treats.

Mardi Gras Bock: "Mardi Gras Bock (January - March) is the first of our seasonal brews. Abita Bock is brewed with pale, pilsner and caramel malts and German Perle hops. Our bock is similar to German maibocks with its rich malt flavor and full body. A perfect choice during Carnival season in New Orleans. Gruyére, Emmental and Swiss are nice cheese choices with Bock. Great with roasted beef or pork. Try it with Mexican food, too." [6.5% abv]
SOS (Save Our Shores): "Abita S.O.S.® (Save Our Shore) - a charitable pilsner is a message in a bottle...a distress signal for the troubled waters of our Gulf Coast. For every bottle sold Abita donates 75¢ to the rescue and restoration of the environment, industry and individuals fighting to survive the disastrous gulf oil spill. This unfiltered Weizen Pils is made with pilsner and wheat malts. It is hopped and dry hopped with Sterling and German Perle hops. It has a brilliant gold color, a sweet malt flavor, and a pleasant bitterness and aroma." [7.0% abv]

Andygator: "Abita Andygator®, a creature of the swamp, is a unique, high-gravity brew made with pale malt, German lager yeast, and German Perle hops. Unlike other high-gravity brews, Andygator® is fermented to a dry finish with a slightly sweet flavor and subtle fruit aroma. Reaching an alcohol strength of 8% by volume, it is a Helles Dopplebock. You might find it goes well with fried foods. It pairs well with just about anything made with crawfish. Some like it with a robust sandwich. Andygator® is also a good aperitif and easily pairs with Gorgonzola and creamy blue cheeses. Because of the high alcohol content, be cautious - sip it for the most enjoyment." [8.0% abv]

Abbey Ale: "Abita Abbey Ale honors the ancient tradition of monks who perfected the art of brewing beer to support the monastery and their "liquid bread." We offer up our support and thank them with a 25-cent donation to St. Joseph's Abbey with every bottle sold of this heavenly brew. Dark amber in color, the aroma of caramel, fruits and cloves invites you to contemplate the creamy head of this "Dubbel" or double ale. Abita Abbey Ale is a malty brew, top-fermented and bottle aged to rapturous perfection. This ale pairs well with barbecue, meat stews or a nice thick steak. For dessert, try Abita Abbey Ale with milk chocolate or chocolate bread pudding." [8.0% abv]

February 7 - 8 Law Enforcement Appreciation Days at Cataloochee Ski Area Cataloochee supports the law enforcement by offering a special reduced rate for law enforcement personnel and their families. Valid ID required. his special package is only $27 per person and includes a 1 1/2 hour lesson, lift ticket for either day, twilight or night skiing and rental equipment. The combined savings is $56 per person over Cataloochee's regular rates.

Cataloochee Ski Area is located in the heart of Maggie Valley NC.

February 1-7 Asheville Restaurant Week Participating restaurants will offer a prix fixe menu ranging from $15–$30 per person. Restaurant Week is an opportunity to try as many great Asheville restaurants as your schedule allows for four incredibly low fixed prices. Ever wondered about that restaurant you thought might be out of your price range? Restaurant Week will allow you to give it a try with the security of knowing exactly what you will be spending.

Get a link for details about Asheville Restaurant Week and other events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

February 2 - Stories of Mountain Folk is a weekly podcast produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and archived at Western North Carolina University.

Storytelling: Today with Amy's story we find ourselves hearing a memory called "Buckeyes and Snowflakes." Music: "Just One More Day" by Keith Shuler.

Creative Corner: Doreyl's guest is again Mike Potts from Dillsboro, who shares his feelings of family and living yesterday and today. Music: "We Gather Together" by Jo Northup and Richard Birt.)

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy talks Jan Davidson from Murphy, Director of the John C. Campbell Folk School, who tells the history of this famous folk school in Brasstown, NC. Music: "Little Black Mustache" by Mary Jane Queen.

Special--CSA Scholarships: Amy introduces the 2013 CSA scholarship opportunities for graduating seniors from WNC. Music: “The Ballad of Old Blue” by the Cockman Family

Down Another Road: Judy's guest is once more Gary Carden, Winner of the 2012 North Carolina Literature Award and Sylva's Storyteller, who tells us about some imaginary animals of Appalachia. Music: "Old Slewfoot" by the McDowell Family.

Closing Song: “Wildwood Flower” by Colin Martin.

Listen to this week's podcast of Stories of Mountain Folk HERE. (Scroll down to the green boxed "Listen to This Week's Stories" and click the play arrow on the radio control beneath it)

Sweetheart Specials

Feb 6-14, 2013

2 filled Mini Growlers & Your Gnometown Cookbook $3 (save $11)
Engraved Pilsner $15 or Mug $14 (save $3)
A pair of Pint Glasses & a t-shirt $21 (save $4)
Baskets, Gift Boxes and Bagged Gifts ready to go!

Heinzelmannchen Brewery
is located at 545 Mill Street in downtown Sylva NC

February 4 at 12:30 PM - The Brevard Music Center First Mondays Concert features the McIver Quartet.

McIver Quartet, the quartet of faculty members from UNC Greensboro, was formed in 2009 when the four string players came together to dedicate their time to a medium often thought to be the capstone experience of chamber music composition and performance. While the quartet is in its youth, the four members have extensive experience as members of small chamber ensembles.

Members have played alongside the great musicians of our day, including the Tokyo, Guarnari, Emerson, and Cleveland String Quartets. They are dedicated to bringing diverse repertoire to the region and have plans to tour Spain and the Northeast United States, as well as join forces with Dmitri Sitkovetsky for a program of viola quintets in North Carolina. The group is also committed to outreach work and enjoys playing more casual performances for audiences of all ages.

The quartet has been featured on several concert series at UNC Greensboro, as well as the Sitkovetsky and Friends Chamber Series in association with the Greensboro Symphony. Members include:

Marjorie Bagley, violin

Fabián López, violin

Scott Rawls, viola

Alexander Ezerman, cello

The Program is:

TURINA La Oración del Torero, Op. 34

ARRIAGA String Quartet No. 3 in E flat major

PROKOFIEV String Quartet No. 2 in F Major, Op. 92 on Kabardinian Themes.

The Brevard Music Center First Mondays Conerts are held at Scott Concert Hall at the Porter Center of Brevard College, 1 Brevard College Drive in Brevard NC.

February 1-7 Asheville Restaurant Week Inaugural Event: Participating restaurants will offer a prix fixe menu ranging from $15–$30 per person.

Restaurant Week is an opportunity to try as many great Asheville restaurants as your schedule allows for four incredibly low fixed prices. Ever wondered about that restaurant you thought might be out of your price range? Restaurant Week will allow you to give it a try with the security of knowing exactly what you will be spending.

Restaurants will offer either:

Lunch: $15 two-course meal for one person.
Dinner: $30 three-course meal for one person.
Dinner: $30 two-course meal for two or
Dinner: $20 two-course meal for two.
*beverage, tax and gratuity are not included in the special pricing

Make reservations at each individual restaurant. Not every restaurant accepts reservations, so be sure to contact the restaurant if you are unsure.

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

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Sunday, March 3, all season passes will be on sale for the lowest price of this year and next for this one day only!

Friday, February 22, 2013

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Monday, February 18, 2013

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Friday, February 15, 2013

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Monday, February 11, 2013

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Friday, February 8, 2013

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Monday, February 4, 2013

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Friday, February 1, 2013