Easter Sunday Brunch at Biltmore's Deerpark Restaurant

March 31 - Easter Brunch at Deerpark Restaurant at Biltmore    Savor the Taste of the South on this Easter  Brunch buffet. Deerpark Restaurant is open for for lunch on Saturdays from 11:00 AM. to 3:00 PM. and for Sunday Brunch from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The cost is $40 for adults, $19  for youth,  $10 for children 5 and over.

Enjoy an amazing variety of buffet selections including appetizers such as cajun shrimp, vegetable showder and sweet peas salad; an omelet and waffle station; the Farmhouse Brunch Table with fresh fruits and pastries, Potato and Goat Cheese Latkes, cornbread and grits, biscuits and gravy, bacon and sausage, quiche; Hand-carved entres with southern sides such as Prime Rib, Lamb and Ham with red rice, mac and cheese, greens and mashed potatoes; Miniature desserts such as chocolate mousse torte, sour creme pound cake, lime curd tart with raspberry jam, coconut cake with Caramel Buttercream and Hummingbird Bundt Cake with pineapple jamand candied pecans.

Yum - Period.

Get a $10 discount on Biltmore Tickets with our Value Rewards Program -  CLICK HERE

Lake Lure Annual Easter Sunday Brunch

March 31 - The Annual Easter Sunday Brunch, the Inn at Lake Lure from 10 AM - 3 PM. Enjoy breakfast with applewood smoked bacon, cheese grits and sausage gravy on buttermilk biscuits; appetizers such as bacon-wrapped scallops and grilled shrimp cocktail;  salads including Caesar, antipasto and ambrosia; main courses ofas roast beef, turkey, lamb, haddock and ham; sides from smashed potatoes to green beans to asparagus, new potatoes and fried cabbage; desserts featuring a chocolate fountain with fresh fruits, peach cobbler, ladyfinger pudding and MUCH more.

Adults $29.95, youth 6 - 12 $14.95 and children under 6 free.

Get a link for the Easter Sunday Brunch on the Lake Lure NC Visitor Guide.

Last Day to Ski NC for the 2012-13 Season

March 31, 2013 - Sugar Mountain Ski Slopes are open for one last day of skiing for the 2012-13 Season until 4:30 PM. Closing day is always packed with fun at Sugar Mountain. By mid-afternoon on Easter Sunday the sounds of BOSS Hawg's live Bluegrass will be playing from the deck. The outdoor grill will be cooking hot dogs and hamburgers while the annual ceremonial snow burning officially concludes Sugar's 2012-2013 winter season.

Ski lift tickets are 25% off and the 2014 Spyder Sample Sale continues.

Enjoy skiing or boarding on 15 slopes with 5 lifts on a base of 26 - 71 inches.

All other NC ski slopes are now closed for the season. Get a link for Sugar Mountain Resort Ski Slopes on the NC Ski Resort Guide. 

Easter Event: Biltmore Annual Easter Egg Hunt

March 31   The Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Biltmore’s Front Lawn includes an appearance by the Easter Bunny, along with special children’s entertainment, magic shows, music and storytelling. Highlighting the day are the grand Easter Egg Hunts at 11 AM., 1 PM and 3 PM.

Children from ages 2 to 9 may attend the hunt for free when accompanied by an estate pass holder or a ticketed adult. Registration is required on the day of the event, preceding each hunt.. Bring your own basket or bag to collect eggs.

Get a $10 discount on Biltmore Tickets with our Value Rewards Program - CLICK HERE

Hiking the Mountains-to-Sea Trail Book Lecture tonight at City Lights Bookstore

March 29, 6:30 PM - Hike leader and author, Danny Bernstein will visit City Lights Bookstore to talk about the Mountain-to-Sea Trail and present her book, The Mountain-to-Sea Trail Across North Carolina: Walking a Thousand Miles Through Wilderness, Culture and History.

Join the discussion and slide show presentation about Bernstein's book,  a historical look at the natural and cultural aspects of the 1,000 mile trail that stretches from Clingman's Dome to Jockey's Ridge in the Outer Banks. Bernstein has also written Hiking North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains and Hiking the Carolina Mountains.

City Lights Book Store is located at 3 East Jackson Street in historic Sylva NC.

Dillsboro NC Easter Hat Parade an Annual Favorite Event

March 30  Easter Hat Parade through Downtown Dillsboro NC.  This annual favorite Easter Event is led by a fleet of restored antique cars, followed by the many hat contestants and features the Easter Bunny.  The  Easter parade begins in front of the Dillsboro Town Hall on Front Street.

Get your face painted and make your own special hat and come join this delightful parade. Last-minute entrants very welcome.

Awards are announced after the Parade with ribbons given for the Prettiest, Funniest, Largest, Smallest, Most Unusual, Most Easter-like, Best Smelling, Cutest, Most Outrageous, Best In Show and "Poofiest" hats among other unusual categories. There is even a ribbon awarded to the Best Animal in Show;

Come early at 10:30 AM to Dogwood Crafters on Webster Street where you can fashion your own hat. Easter egg hunts (by age group) also start there beginning at 10:30 AM. Registration for the parade starts at 11 AM.


Get a link for details about the Dillsboro Easter Parade and other Dillsboro events and attractions on the Dillsboro NC Visitor Guide.

Easter Weekend Event: Easter on the Green in Downtown Asheville

March 30 -  FREE Family Fun Saturday at Easter on the Green.  Earth Fare presents the 3rd annual Easter on the Green from 2-5 PM on Roger McGuire Green at Pack Square Park in the heart of downtown Asheville NC. This family event, presented by Earth Fare, is free and open to the public.

There will be age-specific Easter egg hunts throughout the afternoon, plus a 21 foot giant slide, an inflatable obstacle course and even a mini bounce house for toddlers.

In keeping with Earth Fare’s mission, there will be no high fructose corn syrup, artificial dyes or flavorings in any candy or snacks at Easter on the Green. Even the food venders will be selling all natural cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn and ice cream.

Besides the egg hunts and jumping-for-joy inflatables, kids have an opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny in the “Magic Living Garden” designed by Snow Creek Landscaping. Steve Barker of Icon Media Asheville will be there all day to take photos of the kids with Mr. Bunny that parents can download for free.

To get a link for more details about Easter on the Green go to the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Opening Day Trout Fishing Tournament in Cherokee

March 29-30   The Third Annual Cherokee Opening Day Trout Fishing Tournament   The event includes  $10,000 in tagged fish in the rivers on the Cherokee Reservation (excluding the 2.2 miles of catch and release waters) Hundreds of specially tagged fish will be stocked in the Cherokee public fishing waters. When a tagged fish is caught it can be redeemed for cash prizes ranging from $20 to $500 based on the color of the tag. Redemption location and times to be announced. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Registration necessary to redeem cash prize. 

Get details about the opening day trout fishing tournament and other Cherokee events HERE.

Easter Events: 58th Annual Easter Sunrise Service at Chimney Rock

March 31 -  58th Annual Easter Sunrise Service   Celebrate Easter with song, scripture and spiritual music as a spectacular sunrise ascends over Lake Lure. Chimney Rock’s annual Easter Sunrise Service has become a legendary event in WNC, attracting more than 1,000 early risers from around the Southeast each year. 


This free non-denominational Easter celebration features live instrumental music, spiritual songs and breathtaking scenery. The 58th annual inter-denominational community worship service is a special tradition and a memorable event for the entire family. Guests are invited to eat breakfast at the Old Rock Café and stay to enjoy the Park all day.

Chimney Rock Park is named for a 500 million-year-old giant granite monolith overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge. Visitors are awed by the breathtaking view that spreads 1200 vertical feet beneath them and 75 miles across the Carolinas. The now state owned park encompasses 1,000 acres offers the best of the mountains in one place with spectacular 75-mile views, hiking trails for all ages, a 404-foot waterfall, a variety of special events and much more.

 

Mac Arnold in Concert at The Purple Onion in Saluda NC

March 24   The Purple Onion Cafe Presents Mac Arnold in Concert   Mac Arnold's first band included James Brown on piano. Mac moved to Chicago and Muddy Waters hired him on the spot. He toured and recorded with the Muddy Waters Band and recorded LPs with Otis Spann and John Lee Hooker.

Admission is $15 per person and seating will be limited. The performance starts at 6 PM. The doors open at 5 PM and a light supper as well as beverages and desserts will be available on the patio prior to the concert. Reservations can be made by calling the Purple Onion Café at 828-749-1179

The Purple Onion  is located at 16 E Main Street in Historic downtown Saluda NC.

Live Music Tonight at Asheville's Grove Arcade

March 22   Live Music at The Grove Arcade   The Emory Haynes Band will be performing a free concert from 6 to 8 PM. Band members include Joe Laughter on guitar and vocals, Buzzy Cannady on guitar, Tim Emory on guitar and vocals, Robby Moore on drums and Wes Farmer on bass. The playlist includes classic rock, easy listening and blues. Visitors might hear songs such as Dock of the Bay, House of the Rising Sun, Stormy Monday, Spooky, Last dance with Mary Jane and more. 

Stop by one of the Arcade's restaurants and wine bars  to begin or cap off an evening spent downtown.  Support local businesses and celebrate the change of season's this weekend.

The Grove Arcade is located at One Page Avenue in the heart of downtown Asheville NC.  Get a link for the free concert, The Grove Arcade and other Asheville attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Built by E.W. Grove, the visionary and creator of the Grove Park Inn, the Grove Arcade opened in 1929 and thrived until World War II as one of the country’s leading public markets. The historically renovated Grove Arcade reopened to the public in 2002 as a destination featuring locally-owned shops, galleries, restaurants and businesses.  A lively and beloved downtown landmark, the Arcade is open daily.  

Stories of Mountain Folk for 3/16/13

March 16, 2013 - Stories of Mountain Folk is produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and archived each week at Western Carolina University.

Storytelling: Amy takes you back today with her story “Grandma’s Apron.”   Music: Background music is "As the Deer Pants" by David Bauer.

 

Creative Corner: Doreyl's guest is Will Peebles,  Director of the WCU Music Department, who shares what’s coming up in public performances.   Music: "No. 3 Allegro Grazioso" by the Center City Brass Quintet.

 

Stories of Mountain Folk: Today we meet Pam Meister, Curator of Mountain Heritage Center at WCU in Cullowhee, who gives us a glimpse of her life in the arts.   Music: "Smoky Mountain Emerald Bridge" by Ron Smith.

 

Black Roots of Appalachia:  Victoria’s interview today is Minnie Jo Jackson, who talks about Easter in the old days.  Music: "Standing on the Solid Rock" by Vocal Union

 

Down Another Road:  Judy's guest is Kelly Banner from Madison County, who shares a “chicken” story from her youth.  Music: “Chickens,” by C.W. Colt.

 

Closing Song: “It’s Outta My Hands” by Terry Edwards.

To listen to this week's Stories of Mountain CLICK HERE - scroll down to the green box and click the radio button below it.

 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Update

All National Parks are now working under mandatory 5% sequestration budget cuts. Great Smoky Mountains National Park reports that budget cuts have resulted in hiring limitations and slowed planned park maintenance, resulting in the closing of some park facilities and delayed openings for others for the 2013 season. Get more information about Park schedules and activities HERE.

Work on US 441 is "at this point, slightly ahead of schedule," according to Jason Lambert, Director of Commerce for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. His remarks were made at a Cherokee NC Chamber of Commerce meeting this morning.

Plates for the Parkway, June 10-13 helps restaurants raise money for the Blue Ridge Parkway. Participating restaurants agree to donate a minimum of 10 percent of a meal or the day's sales to benefit the BRP Foundation's efforts to protect the Parkway. The deadline to register is May 31.

RiverLink Hosts Community Seminar on "The Business of Art The Art of Business or the Business of Art"

April 11 - Phil Mechanic Studios and Flood Gallery and Fine Arts Center,  in association with RiverLink, Self-Help Credit Union (SHCU) and the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), are pleased to present:

"Shedding Light on the Business of Art:  An Intensive One-Day Workshop on Business Basics for the Artists of the Watershed."

On Thursday April 11:

from 9:00 AM until 4:30 PM, Phil Mechanic Studios will open their doors for this one-day-only, free seminar (with lunch included) that will engage you in topics such as:

• Improving Your Credit Score
• Licensing, Registration with the State, and Legal Considerations
• Obtaining Funding
• Developing a Business Plan
• Growth Strategies
• Marketing, Pricing, Preparing a Professional Portfolio, and the Appropriate Use of Social Media

Each topic will be discussed by a group of experts in the field and then opened up for questions from the audience.  In addition to members of the four sponsor organizations, panelists will include, among others, representatives from AB Tech's Small Business Center, Asheville Grown, the City of Asheville, Eagle Market Street Development, Handmade in America, Mountain BizWorks, the Natural Capital Investment Fund (NCIF), OnTrack Financial Education and Counseling, SCORE, the Small Business Administration (SBA),  The Support Center, Venture Asheville and from the consulting firm, Who Knows Art.

Two special sessions will round out the day:  one that will present two artists in front of a select group of experts and give them the opportunity to present issues/problems/needs facing their business and receive feedback and a second that will wrap up the day with "success stories" that will inspire and empower you.

Participating artists will include Sean "Jinx" Pace, Melissa Terrezza, Jeremy Russell, and others.

This one-day event is FREE and open to all artists in the Watershed, but registration is required in order to assure seating and lunch.  Register today by calling 828.252.8474 ext. 10.  

Located in Asheville's River Arts District, RiverLink is a regional organization spearheading the economic and environmental revitalization of the French Broad River watershed as a destination where everyone can work, live and play.   


 

Biltmore's 28th Annual Festival of Flowers Begins this Week

March 21 - May 19    Biltmore Blooms  - The 28th Annual Festival of Flowers.   Biltmore's gardens, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, are alive with color as spring arrives. Enjoy special events and the beauty of tulips, azaleas, and countless other flowers during Biltmore Blooms. 

For the first time, guests will be able to step down into the Winter Garden to enjoy a display of exotic orchids intimately, just as George and Edith Vanderbilt's guests might have. Some of the plants will be the same species that were planned for the Biltmore Conservatory in 1894. Outdoors, enjoy a beautiful progression of blooms from tulips to pansies, azaleas, and much more.

photo courtesy www.romanticasheville.com

Get a link to learn more about Biltmore and other Asheville Attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guides.

 

Season and Individual Tickets now on Sale for 2013 ‘An Appalachian Evening’ Concert Series

Again this year An Appalachian Evening, the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center summer concert series, is presenting a crowd-pleasing lineup of bluegrass, blues, folk and old-time mountain music by award-winning artists.

The series begins on June 29 2013 with the return of  Balsam Range, winner of the IBMA 2011 song of the year for "Trains I Missed." Also returning are the ever-popular Kruger Brothers. On Saturday, August 3,the Series presents blues legend Clyde 'Pop' Ferguson, one of the last practitioners of traditional blues in the North Carolina foothills.

Make it a 'Dinner and Concert' Evening  -  The Schoolhouse Cafe serves meals, snacks and beverages from 6-7:30 PM prior to each Saturday evening concert. The Cafe remains open for snacks and beverages through intermission. The menu will vary each week.

Prior to each Saturday performance, ten people will have the privilege of enjoying a 5 PM private dinner with the band following the band's sound check. Tickets must be purchased online or in the Gallery at least three days prior to the Saturday concert, and the ticket receipt must be presented in the Gallery on Saturday before the dinner.  The cost is $35 per person in advance (includes dinner, drink, dessert, tax & gratuity) Menu varies each week. Limit 10 people per show.

For more about all the performers and a schedule of concerts CLICK HERE.  The Stecoah Valley CUltural Arts Center is located at 121 Schoolhouse Road in Robbinsville NC.

WNC Romance Author Today at City Lights Bookstore

March 16, 3 PM at City Lights Bookstore  -  Contemporary romance novelist, Ryan Jo Summers will read from her book, Whispers in Her Heart.  

Third-generation horse trainer, Season Moriarty, has just taken on the impossible. Hired by the gorgeous yet notoriously difficult Ty Masters to transform his wild colt, Sky Hunter, into a legendary racehorse, she comes face to face with a threat to the horses that puts even her special gifts to the test. So much of Masters' financial future rests on the colt just as so much of Sky Hunter's future rests in the hands of Season Moriarty. Has Ty been wrong to trust her? Something about her seems almost spooky--and so lovely that she has his heart racing faster than the horses.

City Lights Bookstore is located at 3 East Jackson Street in Sylva NC.

National Quilting Day Celebrated at Asheville's Folk Art Center

March 16   National Quilting Day at the Folk Art Center   Celebrate National Quilting Day at the Folk Art Center with Connie Brown and Robin Brooks, who are members of the Asheville Quilt Guild and the Southern Highland Craft Guild, demonstrating their craft from 10 AM to 4 PM in the center’s lobby.

Visitors are also invited to bring a quilt – a family heirloom, an antique purchase, or a vintage quilt with a unique design, for questions and analysis by Connie. Helpful information about how to care for quilts and how to learn more about the process will also be provided.

During the event, the Allanstand Craft Shop at the Folk Art Center will feature a variety of traditional and contemporary quilts made by members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. The Folk Art Center is located at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville NC.

Asheville Treetops Adventure Park Re-Opens on Arbor Day

March 17  from 2 PM - 5 PM  Join Asheville Greenworks for an Arbor Day Celebration and the Grand Re-Opening of the Asheville Treetops Adventure Park at the Adventure Center of Asheville.  For the 33rd year Asheville will receive the Tree City USA Award from the National Arbor Day Foundation. Volunteers can plant trees on this beautiful property overlooking downtown Asheville,  as well as enjoy Buy One, Get One Free passes to the Adventure Park.

Register for the Arbor Day event on the Greenworks Facebook Page HERE

From 10 AM - 5 PM The Asheville Treetops Adventure Park is offering Buy One Get One Deal for walk-ins only. Just mention ARBOR DAY to receive your free pass with the purchase of another pass. Both passes must be used on March 17th. Asheville Treetops Adventure Park is a new Asheville Attraction comprised of 50 unique climbing, zipping, walking, jumping, swinging, and rappelling challenges anchored to over 30 trees and towering poles tucked into a wooded park just minutes from downtown Asheville. 

Asheville Treetops Adventure Park  has four different adventure trails that allow Park Guests the choice to challenge only the obstacles they feel comfortable with.  While you explore the park you will move at your own pace and tackle challenges as an individual, instead of in a group, like the canopy tour experience. The experience has been described as ski slopes in the trees and a true “Jungle Gym” for all ages, strengths, and adventure levels.

The Park's new technology provides security systems allowing attachments and monitors so that guest can explore freely in controlled safety.

A green Trail: offers easier challenges 12 to 15 feet above the forest floor for first timers, younger children, and more timid adventurers. There is no climbing once on the start platform,with  milder and more stable crossings attached to the lower trunks of the trees,  minimal movement and an easy finish back to the ground.

Stories of Mountain Folk for 3/9/13

March 9, 2013  broadcast of Stories of Mountain Folk, produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and archived at Western North Carolina University:
Storytelling: Amy's story today is called "Overalls and Rainbow Trout," a story about her dad and aunt Lillie.  Music: "Old Gravel Road" by the Rye Holler Boys

Creative Corner: Doreyl's guest is once again Heather Gordon, director of Jackson County's 4-H Youth Development. Topics are specific heritage programs for local 4-H.  Music: "Dueling Banjos" by the Ross Brothers

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy's guest is Sona Norton, who talks about her Norton heritage in Jackson County.  Music: "A Horse Named Cash" by Milan Miller.

SPECIAL: Featuring a reprisal of an interview from March, 2009 of Stedman Mitchell from Cullowhee, who was 93 at the time of the interview.  Music: "Born to Sing" by Betty Brown.

Closing Song: "In the Country" by Chrystal Deitz.

CLICK HERE to listen to Stories of Mountain Folk - scroll down to the green box and click the radio button below it)

WNC Chef's Challenge for 3/12/13

March 12   WNC Chef's Challenge: Biltmore Village Inn - Chef Jonathan Santiago versus Zambra - Chef Steven Goff.  Dining participants will enjoy six plated culinary creations (three from each team) that incorporate a special ingredient and will score each dish. 

photo courtesy WNC Magazine

The diners' votes are then tallied along with those from a panel of judges and the weekly winners will continue to participate in the competition. Reservations for the WNC Chefs Challenge are $49 per individual, and can be purchased online at http://wncchefschallenge.eventbrite.com. Sales tax, and gratuity ($67.97 total) are included in ticket purchase.

All preliminary Challenges will be held at the Chestnut Restaurant in downtown Asheville NC.

The 2013 nonprofit organization benefiting from the WNC Chefs Challenge is Eliada, a 109-year-old agency serving North Carolina’s children and families. Founded in 1903 by Dr. Lucius B. Compton as a home for women and children, Eliada’s full-service continuum includes 5-star Child Development Services (Pre School, After School, Summer Camp, More at Four); Residential and Day Treatment for children and adolescents; Vocational Education and Transitional Living; Foster Care and Therapeutic Foster Care; and Therapeutic Recreation services. Learn more about Eliada’s history and services by visiting www.eliada.org. The agency enters its second century with pride, committed to the fulfillment of its mission of Helping Children Succeed.

Friends of the Smokies Makes a Difference for Kids

Every year Friends of the Smokies provides more than $100,000 for Parks as Classrooms in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Since 2008 with the help of a $1 million grant from Toyota, the program has been growing and changing in big and important ways.  Just one of the goals being achieved through this multi-year enhancement plan is integrating technology to make materials more accessible to teachers (more than 34 curriculum units are now online).

In 2012 alone, more than 11,400 students and 2,275 teachers and chaperones enjoyed going to school in nature's most awesome outdoor classroom, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  During the winter months, rangers went into area schools and worked alongside teachers to educate more than 3,812 students and 219 adults.

Parks as Classrooms (learn more in this great park video), Junior Ranger, high school internships, and archaeological field schools are just a few of the ways that donations support Friends of the Smokies and create the stewards of tomorrow. 

Future land managers are emerging every day as part of the park's Junior Ranger program.  Again thanks to support from the Toyota education grant to Friends of the Smokies our park rangers awarded Junior Ranger badges to thousands of kids in 2012, with an amazing 257 badges earned on National Junior Ranger Day alone. The 2013 National Junior Ranger Day is April 27th. 

Get the Best Prices of the Year on Biltmore Tickets

Now through March 20, 2013 Get Biltmore adult tickets at the best rate of the year. Youth under 16 admission is FREE with paid adult ticket. Planning a trip after March 20? Then get two days for the price on one for your visit from March 21 through May 23, 2013 and you'll be able to fully enjoy all the wonders of Biltmore and the entire Estate.

Biltmore - America's "Castle" -  was built in 1895 by George Vanderbuilt  and is preserved and maintained today by his descendants. With interior square footage over 4 acres, 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, 43 bathrooms and an impressive collection of art and period furnishing it is one of the East's most popular attractions.

Once a working dairy farm the 8,000 acre estate now includes a winery; trails, gardens and grounds to explore; an Equestrian Center, River Bend Farm, a luxury Inn and the newest addition, Antler Village. Plan on spending at least one full day or more to fully enjoy all that Biltmore has to offer.

GET DISCOUNTED BILTMORE TICKETS HERE: Biltmore Estate Discounted Ticket Specials

Wounded Warriors Project at Appalachian Ski Mountain

March 9 - The Appalachian Ski Patrol will be hosting a Ski / Snowboard Event for members of the Wounded Warrior Project. Along with assistance and support from Local and Regional EMS, Fire/Rescue and Law Enforcement Officers, Appalachian Ski Mountain. will provide a day of skiing and boarding for our Nations Heroes who have fought for the country's freedom.

The ASM Patrol has several members who served in Iraq and Afghanistan who are currently on military leave. Throughout the Southern Division and the National Ski Patrol, area Patrols have shown support of the WWP by hosting similar events.

This Event will start with a tribute to these servicemen and women,  a flag presentation by the ASU ROTC Mountaineer Battalion Cadets. ASM Patrol will provide volunteers to assist each member with a day of skiing/boarding, and will provide lunch to those members participating.

With the aid and support of local businesses and Individuals, ASM Patrol will be providing breakfast and dinner over the course of this weekend, in addition to making a donation to the WWP from funds raised and donations collected over the course of this years ski season.

Get a link for details about the Wounded Warriors Project and Appalachian Ski Mountain on the NC Ski Resort Guide.

Asheville Hosts the 2013 Southern Conference Tournament this Weekend

March 8 - 11   2013 Southern Conference Tournament   Downtown will be filled with 50,000+ basketball fans, all enjoying Asheville's shopping, dining and drinking during the course of the tournament. Men's and Women's games will be played at the Asheville Civic Center (Celular Center) and the UNC-Asheville arena. Visit the website for game days and times.
March 9   Downtown Dribble   Everyone is invited to be in the SoCon Basketball Tourney's Downtown Dribble; a parade where YOU get to dribble a basketball from the Vance Monument to the U.S. Cellular Center!

The finals for both men's and women's tournaments will be held on Monday, March 11.

Get more information about Asheville lodging, restaurants and attractions HERE.

Riders are Invited to Start the Season at Burnsville Metric in April

BURNSVILLE NC  - Cyclists of all levels can jump start the cycling season with the 19th annual Burnsville Metric.  The metric century ride takes place Saturday, April 27, on a 62-mile course which begins and ends in downtown Burnsville. This event navigates a scenic route blending flat stretches with challenging climb

"This is a great low-key ride to get the year started," says Kathy Hogan, one of the event organizers. "You're riding along the Cane River nearly the whole way. You have scenery and vistas and it's the beginning of spring when everything starts to bloom. It's beautiful."

The untimed, casual ride is well-supported with three aid stations and roving SAG vehicles. The field size has grown each year, attracting upwards of 300 participants in 2012.

Entry fee is $30 through April 12 and $37 afterward. Full-time students may register for $25 through April 12 and $30 afterward.

"It's the first ride of the season for many people. It attracts competitive and laid back riders," Hogan said. "Our course is the really big draw. It's challenging enough that people love to come here to ride it."

The start/finish point is The Square on Main Street in the center of Burnsville. A local cycling shop - Solstice Cycles - provides a mechanic stand at The Square, and riders are encouraged to have lunch or shop in downtown Burnsville after the event.

Registration takes place that morning from 7:15-8:45 a.m. and the ride begins promptly at 9 a.m. Helmets are required for all participants.

For more information call (828) 675-5132.

Stories of Mountain Folk for 3/2/13

March 2, 2013 - Stories of Mountain Folk is produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia and archived at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee NC.

Storytelling: Today Amy's story is all about "The Little Girl I Grew Up With."   Music: Background music is "Wish Upon A Star" by Jo Northup and Richard Birt.

Creative Corner: Doreyl's guest is Heather Gordon, director of Jackson County's 4-H Youth Development. We learn what 4-H is all about in today's world.   Music: "Whatever Happened to the Yodeling Cowgirls" by the Butterpats.

Stories of Mountain Folk: Amy's second visit with L. Scott Philyaw, Director of WCU's Mountain Heritage Center, gives us the history of and programs available through the Mountain Heritage Center.   Music: "You'll Grow into It" by Terry Edwards.

Stories of the Cherokee:  Robert's guest is Kristy Maney Herron, photographer and creative resources coordinator for the tribe. She talks about her experience growing up and how sometimes cultural differences are hard to see.  Music: "Quail Dance" by Bo Taylor.

Down Another Road:  Judy's guest is once more Garius Hill, a world traveler musician now in Madison County, who compares the availability of music in New York to the music in WNC.  Music: Original Improv by Garius Hill.

Closing Song: "Wildwood Flower" by Henry Queen.

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

Purple Onion March Music Schedule

The Purple Onion, located at 16 Main Street in historic downtown Saluda NC, s offering its own version of March Madness.  Some of the favorite winter brews will be served in a nod to Ole Man Winter, Bell's Winter White, Founder's Breakfast Stout and Bells Hopslam. It's your last chance to enjoy these seasonal beers until next winter. 

Special March Event: March 11 -  the first wine tasting of the year which will feature Spanish Wines and Tapas. The cost of the tasting is $40 and includes a taste of seven wines and several tapas chosen to complement them. The cost of the tasting will be waived for every two cases purchased. 


March 2 - The Danberrys
a superb blend of bluegrass, old-time country, folk, and a little jazz with inspired original tunes, strong harmonies and dynamic musicianship

March 7 - Marshall Ballew & Wanda Lu Paxton
Old friends from days gone by return to the Onion

March 9 - Marc Yaxley
Jazz  guitar virtuoso from Brevard returns

March 14 - Dylan Sneed
Kevin Oliver of the SC Free Times said "Sneed's songs give a contemporary spin to the Lone Star country and folk of Guy Clark, Steve Earle and others, coming out more like the acerbically literate North Carolina ongwriters Jonathan Byrd or Malcolm Holcombe."

March 16 - JPQ Band
Jim Peterman returns with his Hammond B, funky jazz and R&B

March 21 - One Leg Up
Great Gypsy jazz from this audience favorite

March 23 - Wendy Hayes
Energetic and entertaining renditions of cool, bop, and post bop standards delivered with passion and skill 

March 24 -Sunday Concert Mac Arnold & Plate Full O' Blues
See below for more information

March 28 - Jeffery Hyde Thompson
"a cross between Martin Sexton and Jeff Buckley, blessed with a four and a half octave vocal range, a scatman's spontaneity, and an arsenal of well-penned lyric"

March 30 - Phil & Gaye Johnsona unique blend of traditional and contemporary Folk, Bluegrass, and Country music along with generous portions of Western Swing, Cowboy, Blues, and Old-Time traditions

City Lights Bookstore Hosts Readings and Discussion

March 2nd at 3 PM City Lights Bookstore will host three terrific YA authors for a reading and panel discussion.  Beth Revis, Carrie Ryan and Megan Hansen Shepherd will discuss their work and read from their new books.

Beth Revis is the author the Across the Universe series and will present her latest installment, Shades of Earth.  Carrie Ryan is the author of the Forest of Hands and Teeth series and has also been included in some recent YA short story collections.  Asheville resident, Megan Hansen Shepherd will present her first novel, The Madman's Daughter, which is the first book of a trilogy.

These authors are among the favorites of some of the staff  at City Lights so come early to get a seat and don't miss out on the chance to meet these talented writers.  To reserve copies of their books please call City Lights Bookstore at 828-586-9499.  

City Lights Bookstore is located at 3 East Jackson Street in historic downtown Sylva NC. 

Brevard Music Center First Monday Concert

March 4 at 12:30 PM in the Scott Concert Hall at the Porter Center of Brevard College The Brevard Music Center presents the First Monday Concert.

Cellist Alistair MacRae has appeared as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral principal throughout the United States and in Europe, Asia, South America, and the Middle East. His playing has been praised for its "rich sound and lyrical phrasing" (Palm Beach Daily News) and his performances have been featured in radio broadcasts across the United States.

As a New York-based chamber musician, he has appeared on Carnegie Hall's Making Music Series, as a member of Fountain Ensemble (NY) and the Berkshire Bach Ensemble (MA), with the Manhattan Sinfonietta, Suedama Ensemble (NY), and counter)induction (NY); and at summer festivals such as Monadnock Music (NH), Music Festival of the Hamptons (NY), and the Central Vermont Chamber Music Festival. He has been heard at major New York chamber music venues such as Carnegie's Zankel and Weill Halls, BargeMusic, Merkin Hall, the 92nd St Y, and Miller Theatre at Columbia University. His recent se asons have included premiere performances of new works at Princeton, Yale, Columbia, and Harvard Universities; recordings of chamber music by Telemann and Laurie Altman; music for The Discovery Channel; and ensemble CDs of music by Mozart and Scott Joplin. His eclectic collaborations have found him on stage with Paul Taylor Dance Company, the Westminster Choir, tap dancer Savion Glover, jazz bassist Ben Wolfe, the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, and the rock band The Scorpions. 

Mr. MacRae teaches cello at Princeton University and is on the faculty of the Brevard Music Center (NC). He has given master classes and lecture-performances through the American String Teachers Association and at Marshall University (WV), the University of Utah, Palm Beach Community College (FL), and Kings College (PA). He holds degrees from Princeton University and the Manhattan School of Music.

The program includes BACH Suite No. 3 in C major for Solo Cello CASSADÓ Suite for Violoncello.