Cherokee offers Something for Everyone this Week

Date:      June 5 - 9
Event:     Cherokee Summer Carnival   An annual summer carnival, complete with rides, games and plenty of your favorite carnival foods. This five day event also features local food vendors and arts and crafts.  

Date:      June 8-10
Event:     "Cruise the Smokies" Spring Rod Run   500 of the nation’s hottest looking classic cars gather to cruise the most scenic drive in North Carolina. More than 3,000 car enthusiasts will turn out for the Southeast’s premiere Rod Run at the Acquoni Expo Center. Gates will be open from 9 AM to 5 PM on Friday and Saturday; 9 AM to noon on Sunday. 

Date:      June 9
Event:     Cherokee Voices Festival   Celebrate thousands of years of tradition in the southern Appalachians with Cherokee people from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, North Carolina’s only federally recognized tribe. Experience traditional music and dance, gospel singing, Cherokee flute playing and storytelling. Talk with Cherokee people in living history encampments and see demonstrations of basketmaking, pottery, carving, beadwork, mask making, blowgun making and more. Traditional food will be available. A unique opportunity to meet and talk with Cherokee elders in their home community.

Find links for Cherokee cabins, inns, restaurants and attractions on the Cherokee NC Visitor Guide.

Stecoah Ramp Festival, Dinner and Concert

April 28   Stecoah Ramp Festival, Dinner and Concert   Browse locally made artisan craft booths on the lawn beginning at 11 AM. Free Cherokee finger-weaving class with Shirley Welch, 1-3 PM. Paula Nelson entertains with Cherokee stories and songs 6:15 - 7:15 pm (free). Dinner seatings at 5:30 PM or 6:30 PM -. Dinner price is $15.95 for adults, $9.95 for children 12 and under.

Complete dinners are served family style at two seatings - 5:30 and 6:30 PM - in the Stecoah dining room. Dinner features the down-home goodness of Southern Appalachian mountain cuisine, using the freshest local produce available. Reservations required for dinner. At 7:30 enjoy local favorite My Highway in concert in the Lynn L. Shields Auditorium - Tickets are $10 Adults; $5 Students (K-12); Children under 5 are Free.

Get a link for the Ramp Festival and other local events on the Robbinsville NC Visitor Guide

Appalachian Ski Mountain Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Family Day

February 20 - 50th Celebration Family Days  at Appalachian Ski Mountain. The special “Family Days” continue ASM's  50th year celebration with a variety of events and fun activities for family members of all ages. Enjoy a Live 60’s Band playing all the old favorites. Every “Elvis” skis free  - sideburns and costume required. Get above it all with Tethered Hot-Air Balloon Rides from 1:30 – 3:30.

The 50th Celebration Golden Scavenger Hunt continues with Parts 4 & 5 (Items 31-40). Relax tired muscles at  The Sanctuary Massage Stations from 1-4 PM  Get a FREE Professional Family Ski Portrait from 10AM – 3 PM. Fuel up with the Pig Pickin’, 11 AM – 3 PM.  Junior Ice Skating (ages 12 & under) is FREE with paid adult and a limit of l 4 Juniors per family,  offered at a special morning session from 9 – 11AM.  Get a link for the 50th Family Days Event HERE.

Appalachian Ski Mountain is located at 940 Ski Mountain Rd in Blowing Rock, NC. A variety of style and prices of ski lodging is available:

 Minutes from Blowing Rock, Boone and Appalachian Ski Mountain - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 6. Large deck with gas grill, fireplace, master bedroom with king bed, jetted tub and skylight. $150 - $200 night, $850 - $1,050 Week   See cabin photos and check availability

Vacation home rental with view of Appalachian Ski Mountain - 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps up to 12. Hot tub with mountain views, gas fireplace, wrap-around deck with gas grill, kids play area, WIFI. Only 3 miles to the slopes!  $1275 week.   See rental photos and availability

Appalachian Mountain Vacation Rental - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 8. Chalet style with wrap around deck, gas grill, huge fireplace, HDTV, WIFI Internet, Ski in - Ski out to Appalachian slopes. $185 - $230 night, $650 - $1600 week.  Check rental availability and get more photos.

Get more Blowing Rock NC rentals near Appalachian Ski Mountain HERE

20th Annual All That Jazz Weekend in Asheville

January 27-29    20th Annual All That Jazz Weekend   Another spectacular weekend of "All Things Jazz" with special performances by The John Pizzarelli Quartet on Friday evening, Jessica Molaskey & Aaron Weinstein Trio on Saturday evening and a special Saturday afternoon concert with the Lenore Raphael Duo featuring Herman Burney.

This event  has earned national recognition as one of the premiere jazz festivals of the Southeast. Evening and afternoon concerts in the Grand Ballroom along with fun activities and live music throughout the rest of the resort make this a weekend that will satisfy even the most discriminating jazz enthusiast.

The event is held at The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa with packages available,  Package price: $124.75 (average per person, per night), based on 2 night stay*  The spa  and spa services are renowned, scenic golf course,  sports complex with pool - tennis - racquetball - training. Onsite restaurants, lounge, bars. A large variety of rooms and suites, varying stages of updates with some original Inn antiques.  

Get a link for All That Jazz and the Grove Park Inn HERE

Fringe Art Festival this Weekend in Asheville

January 19-22  The Fringe Art Festival  serves patrons of art from Asheville and beyond by facilitating the creation and production of avant garde work that may otherwise not find a venue. In past years the artistic mix has included actors, dancers, singers, videographers, painters and musicians, presenting a varied range of interesting work including cross-genre improvisation, Butoh dance, sketch theatre, modern dance, and multi-media performance art.

This year's schedule includes shows coordinated by: LaZoom Bus Fringe Tour, Bebe Fringe Show and Black Mountain College Museum and Arts Center.

A few of the performers are: Lonely Goat Dance Company, Red Herring Puppets - NOW and THEN, Toybox Theatre/Cripps Puppets - installation performance, Human Energy Field - improvisational ensemble, Drumming by freedom, Eternity Elite Dance Company from Urban Arts Institute, Lindsey Kelley - movement and storytelling and Amy Hamilton and Company.

Tickets are being sold at the BeBe Theatre Box Office or online. Get a link for the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival and more Asheville NC events HERE.

RiverLink Co-sponsors Winter Warmer Beer Festival

RiverLink is proud to partner with many of Asheville's local micro-breweries to host the Winter Warmer Beer Festival againfor 2012. Winter Warmer takes place at the Asheville Civic Center on January 21 from 3 to 7 PM. Asheville is known as Beer City USA with its many innovative and creative world class breweries. Equally important is the local great water needed to make great beer.

Again this year RiverLink will be dedicating all the donations from Winter Warmer to the greenway development fund, affectionately referred to as the "Missing Link" fund. What better way to celebrate the river than to build greenways next to it so that everyone - local or visitor - can access and enjoy this precious natural resource? Rivers belong to everyone. It is one of those really precious shared resources, like air. We all own it and we all share it -- both the rights and responsibilities.

Get information about the Winter Warmer Beer Festival and other
Asheville events and festivals HERE

Foodie Alert - 5th Annual Highlands Culinary Weekend

November 10-12  5th Annual Highlands Culinary Weekend  is a Foodie's dream come true with the backdrop of  Highlands’ majestic mountain location, appealing accommodations, unique retail shops, and extraordinary cuisine. Thanks to creativity and community support, Culinary Weekend has blossomed and become a popular destination on many social calendars. This year, look forward to an array of exciting new events and special guests chefs to keep the momentum strong.

Friday begins the weekend with "Sip and Stroll" encompassing over a dozen venues and events and including activities such as a Creole, Cajun themed dinner complete with a live band at on the Veranda; a Vive la France wine dinner at Inn at Half Mile Farm; the absolute best and hard to find in American Craft beers at Ruka’s Table; Lambert Bridge wine and food tasting at Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro; a Late Night Hang Out at The Ugly Dog Pub.

Saturday's events continue with cookbook signings, An exploration of traditional Sicilian seafood dishes, Champagne with The Saucy Sisters,  An American Craft Beer Pig picking & Music Festival, An Eggnog Reception, Silver Oak Cellars & Twomey Wine Dinner, Cellar Gems Dinner and more.

Get a link for Highlands Culinary Weekend and other

Highlands NC events, Lodging and information HERE

Asheville Hosts International Children's Film Festival

November 4-13  The 3rd Annual Asheville International Children's  Film Festival.  The Festival (AICFF) is a family film festival with value affirming culturally diverse cinema. By using media as a tool to stimulate critical thinking, the goal is to promote intelligent dialogue through the introduction of inspiring stories, exhilarating adventures and pure cinematic joy.

AICFF is the largest children’s film festival in the Southeast with a 10-day extravaganza of more than 70 films from 25 countries.Festival events will include: An opening night gala, pancake breakfast, workshops, school field trip film experiences, Family Support Network of WNC film screenings. Get more Asheville NC events, lodging and visitor information HERE.

Asheville's Moogfest Begins Today

October 28-30   Moogfest  is three extraordinary days of music, featuring amazing music and bands, exhibitions, installations, films, workshops, and discussions... all celebrating the spirit and expansive vision of Bob Moog.

Moogfest celebrates Bob Moog’s legacy as a sonic pioneer, the common theme of the festival’s rich array of musical offerings.  Performers use a wide range of Moog instruments – the Minimoog Voyager, the Little Phatty, the Etherwave Theremin, Moogerfoogers, and the Moog Guitar – but are not  limited to only Moog instruments.  Instead, artists will be chosen for their role in creating unique and groundbreaking musical experiences that embody the essence of Bob Moog’s visionary and creative spirit.

In addition to unique concerts by renowned performers of all kinds, Moogfest offers opportunities to engage with the artists in panel discussions, question and answer sessions, and workshops.  There will also be interactive experiences for the audience to explore their own musical creativity with a variety of Moog instruments.  The festival also offers visual art exhibitions, installations, and film screenings throughout the weekend.

Get a link for Moogfest and other 

Asheville NC events, lodging and visitor information HERE.

What to do this weekendin the mountains, 10/21-23

Oct 21-22  BLOWING ROCK Tweetsie's Ghost Train Hallween Festival Guests of all ages will experience thrills, chills and a frighteningly good time. Friday and Saturday nights, 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm

Oct 20 - 23 ASHEVILLE Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands One of the largest and most notable craft fairs in the southeast, held twice annually at the Asheville Civic Auditorium. Enjoy exhibitors, demonstrations and entertainment.

Oct 20-23 BLACK MOUNTAIN Lake Eden Arts Festival ( LEAF) A weekend celebration of world folk arts: music concerts, dancing, handcrafts, healing arts, poetry, kidventures and workshops.

Oct 21-22   BRYSON City Inspirations Fall Festival Southern Gospel singing with The Inspirations and other popular groups

Oct 21 - 22 WILKESBORO Candle Light Ghost Tours  An evening of tales, mystery and haunts. Learn about the ghosts that haunt the old buildings of downtown Wilkesboro.

Oct 21-22 PISGAH FOREST Shock in the Corn A Haunted Corn Maze that's sure to give you Thrills and Chills! Hosted by the Blue Ridge Corn Maze.

Oct 21 - 22 FRANKLIN 15th Annual Pumpkin Fest - Hayrides and treats for the kids on Friday. A Street festival along Main Street with crafters, Famous Pumpkin Roll, Live Music all day, Pie Eating Contest, Games, Costume Contest and Parade along with Food on Saturday.

Oct 21-23 BRYSON CITY PeanutsTM - The Great Pumpkin Patch Express A favorite annual event at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. Join Charlie Brown, Lucy and Snoopy and select your own pumpkin. Enjoy hayrides, live musical entertainment, story telling, hay bale maze, bouncy horse, apple cider, peanuts gift shop, face painting, petting zoo and trick or treating

Oct 21-23 CHEROKEE $10,000 "Rumble in the Rhododendron" Fly Fishing Tournament In partnership with the NC Fly Fishing Team, EBCI Fish and Wildlife Management and the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, this two man team event will be held on the 2.2 miles of catch and release waters in Cherokee. $10,000 in prize money.

Oct 21-23 FLETCHER (ASHEVILLE) Fall Harvest Days - Antique Engine & Tractor Show The largest show in Western North Carolina featuring crafters, demonstrations, farm tools, antique engines, antique tractor pulls & swap meet.

Oct  21-23 FLETCHER (ASHEVILLE) Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair Exceptional educational workshops and demonstrations, hands-on opportunities, a variety of livestock shows, and a large assortment of terrific vendors.

Oct 21-23 PISGAH FOREST Stingy Jack's Pumpkin Patch Annual Fall Festival An Amazing Jack-O-Lantern Adventure and Festival! Enjoy hayrides, live music, corn maze and Stingy's Twilight Trails. Purchase tickets online

Oct 22 SYLVA Colorfest, Art of the Blue Ridge Regional artists of painting, sculpture, glass art, clay, paper art, fiber art, canning, fine art jewelry, wearable art, outdoor art, fine pottery, wood carving, ceramics and fine furniture all demonstrate their creation techniques on this colorful day in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Oct 22 VALLE CRUCIS 6th Annual Valle Crucis Punkin Festival A kid-friendly festival featuring no-muss, no-fuss punkin carving, old-fashioned games like Punkin Sack Races, Punkin Bowling, and Apple-Bob, crafts, and music. Come out and see why "Punkin" is so much more fun than pumpkin.

Oct 22-24 SPARTA Fodder Trot Trail Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch A 7-acre corn maze laid out in the design of the New River. With 4 different puzzles to solve within the maze, this is a family-fun adventure.

Oct 22-24 MAGGIE VALLEY Clogging Hall of Fame Competition National clogging team and individual competitions.

Saluda Continues 130th Birthday Celebration with October Events

Saluda NC continues its 130th Birthday Celebration in October with history tours, antique car show, an art exhibit, and Halloween stroll:

October 5 - In conjunction with Saluda's 130th Birthday Celebration, the Polk County Historic Museum is sponsoring Saluda Day on Wednesday, October 5, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.  The Museum is located at 60 Walker Street in Columbus, NC.

October 15 - The 130th Birthday Celebration Committee is sponsoring an Antique Car Cruise-In on Saturday, October 15, beginning at 10:00 a.m.  Members of the SC Studebaker Drivers Club, the Great Smokey Mountains Region of the Antique Auto Club of America, and the Hendersonville Antique Car Club are planning to display their cars in parking areas from the Saluda School through downtown Saluda to the Baptist Church.  Local antique car owners will cruise-in on Main Street for everyone to admire their vehicles, also.  

   

October 28-29 - Visions of Saluda Art Exhibit at the "Upper Floor" at Historic Thompson's Store. 11am to 7pm. View and purchase artwork from local artists. Grand opening reception will be October 28 at 5pm.  

October 28 - Halloween Stroll downtown at 3:30pm.   

Click here to see an update of the photo scrapbook of celebration events throughout the year. 

What to do this Weekend: NC Mountain Events September 9-11-2011

Sept 8- 10 BURNSVILLE Carolina Mountain Literary Fest - The festival is aimed at readers more than writers. Readers get the chance to interact with writers, and writers have a chance to see the impact of their work on the general readership. Most sessions are free. The slate of events begins Get details and links...

Sept 9 WEST JEFFERSON  West Jefferson Gallery Crawl - Stroll the streets of a historic mountain town, enjoy the cool mountain breeze while listening to the comforting sounds of street musicians and "popping" in and out of West Jefferson's many galleries. Open House in more than Get details and links...

Sept 9 WEST JEFFERSON Ashe Arts Council Opening Reception: "Trees" - Paintings, photography, mixed media, fibers, clay, wood - an exhibit of all things related to trees. Each month a new exhibit is housed in the Gallery of the Ashe Arts Center including paintings, sculptures, mixed media, Get details and links...


Sept 9 WEST JEFFERSON Blue Ridge Relay - The 208 Mile Blue Ridge Relay (BRR208), which is one of the longest running relay races in the United States, takes place in the picturesque Blue Ridge and Black Mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. The BRR208 consists of maximum 12 person (4 person minimum) teams that rotate through 36 transition areas as they cover the 208-mile distance of the race. Each relay team member runs 3 legs of varying lengths and difficulty and Get details and links...


Sept 9 - 11 MAGGIE VALLEY Thunder in the Smokies Fall Rally - Come ride the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy Tour Rides, Music Concerts, Bike Builders, Bike Games, Bike Show, Prizes, Vendors and much more during our three-day rally! All bikes and ages welcomed. Gates open at Get details and links...

Sept 10 BREVARD  2nd Saturday Program at the Heritage Museum - The History of Transylvania - Wood-Carving Demonstration: Walter Kluge Get details and links...


Sept 10 BRYSON CITY  Music in the Mountains - Free Concerts - The Heaven Seekers Every Saturday night from June through Oct, enjoy a FREE concert in Bryson City at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Train Depot from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Sit in one of the old church pews on the covered depot deck or Get details and links...


Sept 10 WILKESBORO  Candle Light Ghost Tours   An evening of tales, mystery and haunts. Learn about the ghosts that haunt the old buildings of downtown Wilkesboro. Visit a cemetery where Civil War Soldiers are buried, stand in the jail cell where Tom Dooley Get details and links...


Sept 10 COLUMBUS  13th Annual Green Creek Heritage Festival - One of Polk County's biggest events celebrating its rural heritage. Antique car and truck show. Crafters and artisans. Bluegrass, country and gospel music all day long. Storytellers. Festival parade at 9:30 am. Door prizes all day. Farm animals for the kids to enjoy. Wagon rides. Award-winning BBQ. Fireman's barrel roll competition. Farmer's Market for fresh fruit and Get details and links...


Sept 10 NEBO Wilderness Survival  Ever been lost in the woods? Join Park Ranger Clay Veasey and find out how to keep from getting lost and how to survive if you do. Discuss survival kits, finding shelter, fire-building, and much more. Meet at  Get details and links...


Sept 10   NORTH WILKESBORO  Black Cat Station Open House Black Cat Station is home of a large "H.O." Scale Model Railroad operating many trains at one time. They can host many cultural events and is even a great place to Get details and links...


Sept 10 BLOWING ROCK Art in the Park Begun in 1962 Art in the Park now includes over 90 artisans at each juried show. Art in the Park’s high standards and professional jury attract artisans from all over the Southeast to exhibit in a series of  Get details and links...


Sept 10-12  SPARTA  Fodder Trot Trail Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch A 7-acre corn maze laid out in the design of the New River. With 4 different puzzles to solve within the maze, this is a family-fun adventure. Bring your flashlights and find your way through the maze in the dark! There is also a pumpkin patch on-site for pumpkin picking beginning in October. Hayrides, picnic areas, corn hole games, fire pits, a giant slide, concessions and much more are Get details and links...


Sept 11  NEBO Animal Track and Signs Hike Join Park Ranger Clay Veasey on a hike exploring different signs animals leave behind. Easy level hike of about 1 mile at the new Paddy’s Creek Area of Lake James State Park. Meet at the Paddy’s Creek Bridge Trailhead at Get details and links...

Labor Day Weekend Event: Lexington Avenue Arts and Fun Festival

September 4    Lexington Avenue Arts & Fun Festival (LAAFF)   LAAFF is an experience for the whole family. Kids will love making art, dancing, getting their faces painted and activities throughout the day. Lexington Avenue in downtown Asheville is shut down for the day and filled with the largest independent street fair in the southeast.


Kids are also in on the act showing off their breakdancing, parading, and making music. The big “kids” will enjoy the ever popular bicycle jousting, local brews, an eclectic culinary and artistic experience, as well as the new big people game, Big Wheels for Big Kids.

Arts 2 People has been presenting LAAFF for 10 years with the support of the Asheville Community. Arts 2 People offers classes to the general public on a sliding scale, and provides arts-in-education opportunities to underprivileged populations. The organization is committed to strengthening the reputation Asheville has as a haven for the arts, continuing in importance with future growth.

Labor Day Weekend Event: Heritage Walk and Festival in Murphy

September 3    11th Annual Heritage Walk and Festival   Enjoy a step back in time with this celebration of Cherokee County- North Carolina's first, last and finest place to be. Enjoy all-day historic walking tours and a heritage festival celebrating area artists, crafters, growers, food, live stage entertainment, and more. All events are free and open to the public. Located in Murphy NC.

Murphy NC Cabins available for Labor Day Weekend:

Murphy Cabin August and September Special -  $85 night, $600 week. 3 bedrooms 2 baths, sleeps up to 8.  Wonderful mountain views, game room with air hockey, fireplace, lots of deck. On 2 acres in gated community with easy access.  Get details

Log Cabin peaceful getaway - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 6. Mountain views, Fireplace, grill, FREE WIFI, Pet Friendly, jetted tub in master. Fully equipped kitchen including ice cream maker. $100 night, $550 week, $1800 month.         Get details

Murphy mountain chalet with stream and pond - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 6. Stream, pond and gazebo in a park-like setting. Wrap around deck, gas grill, gas log fireplace, WIFI. $85 night, $550 - $595 week.              See photos and more

Find more Murphy NC Cabin Rentals here

Labor Day Weekend Events: Canton Labor Day Celebration

September 1 - 5  Canton Labor Day Celebration - Crafters and lots of food vendors, rides, and live entertainment  all Labor Day weekend from Thursday through Monday. The Labor Day Parade is on Monday at 10:00 AM. Click here to download the PDF flyer.

The Celebration kicks off Thursday evening with live music by "Rewind Blues". On Friday there's Pickin' in the Park from 5 PM - 10 PM. Enjoy the Car Show, Gypsy and The Band of OZ on Saturday. Sunday a variety of groups perform Gospel singing and more. Monday activities include local entertainment, clogging groups and headliner Jason Sturgeon. Vendors and food booths and rides for the kids will be open during the entire celebration.

The events take place at Canton Recreational Park in Canton NC, just east of Maggie Valley and Waynesville in Haywood County.

Labor Day Weekend Events: North Carolina Apple Festival

September 2-5   North Carolina Apple Festival  The Hendersonville-based festival features a street fair on Historic Main Street including entertainment, arts & crafts, apple products, childrens & youth activities, special exhibits, food and the King Apple Parade on Labor Day.

The Annual Apple Festival has been a Labor Day Tradition for 65 years. Henderson County is home to more than 200 apple growers and the state of North Carolina is the 7th largest apple producing state in the Union. The festival kicks off North Carolina's Apple season with breakfasts, a street fair and a parade celebrating "all things apple".  Download the North Carolina Apple Festival brochure with details of all events here.

The festivals includes a variety of special events hosted by community partners including pancake breakfasts, car shows, apple recipe contests and a gem and mineral spectacular. Children will be delighted with Rides, Inflatables and more in the Family Fun Zone.

The King Apple Parade begins at 2:30 PM on September 5 and is one of the highlights of the North Carolina Apple Festival. At the parade there will be professional floats, bands, youth groups, antique cars, fire trucks and many others participating in this event that is expected to draw over 60,000 individuals. The parade is a “spectacular finale” to the annual North Carolina Apple Festival. 

Click here to find Hendersonville area Cabins, Cottages, Lodging

7th Annual Hickory Nut Olympiad begins tonight

August 25 - 28   Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad   is a 3-day family sports festival. Opening Night events include Lighting of the torch, water ski show, fireworks, family run, food, ice cream and much more at Lake Lure. Events for both hard core athletes and fun-seeking weekend warriors.

Three races in three days include 10K Dam Run, Lake Lure Sprint Triathlon and Race to the Rock. Each race provides gold, silver and bronze medals to winners and a 2011 Commemorative Olympiad T-shirt to the first 100 athletes registered. The Trathlon includes the 500m lake swim, a challenging 16.9 mile bike course and concludes with the 5k run, a steady but reasonable uphill that winds up a beautiful valley paralleling Bald Mountain Golf Courseto finish downhill at the beach at Lake Lure.
Additional events include the Open lake Swim, a Junior Olympiad, Kayak and swim sprints, and Team tournaments for Golf, Pickle Ball, Tennis, Dragon Boat Races, Corn Hole Toss and Horseshoe.

August 28    5th Annual Race to the Rock   Take the challenge - the 5th Annual Race to the Rock, part of the 7th Annual Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, NC. The Park's winding entrance road averages a 7% grade uphill climb for the 5K run and the end of the 25-mile bike race, but the views from the finish line are well worth the effort! This is the ONLY TIME you can run or bike up to Chimney Rock. Medals for top finishers are awarded in all age groups. Registration is $35 in advance online or $40 walk-up.

Asheville' Oktoberfest Tickets go on sale today

Oktoberfest, Asheville's salute to German beer, bratwurst and lederhosen, will begin selling tickets for their 2011 event today. This popular street festival is slated for Saturday October 8 in downtown Asheville. If you want to attend, then don't delay in buying tickets. This is a limited occupancy event and it is expected to sell out. Here are the details from the event's facebook page:

Internationally-renowned “oompah” band, The Stratton Mountain Boys, returns to the stage with happy yodeling songs, shoe-slapping dances and lively spirited Polka music sure to incite dancing in the street and rousing cheers of “ein Prosit!”

The event features beer tastings from local breweries and many brewers are featuring seasonal ales for Oktoberfest. The brewers will also be on hand to discuss their beers.

The popular Oktoberfest Games are back as well with some old favorites like the “dizzy gnome” and “keg-rolling” contests as well as some new. Plus, there will be a festival-wide costume contest, so don your lederhosen and represent.

Satisfy your craving for Oktoberfest cuisine with German staples like bratwurst, pretzels and traditional sides from Cucina 24, Jack of the Wood and The Market Place served with local favorite Lusty Monk Mustard.

Music Lineup for 2011 RiverFest is Announced

August 13, 1 PM - 7 PM at the French Broad River Park, Asheville NC - The band lineup is set for RiverFest 2011, co-sponsored by Prestige Subaru and Southeastern Sports Medicine.   The festival will include live music from headlining act Josh Phillips Folk Festival as well as acts chosen  the RiverFest Music Showcase competition. Winners in this year's Music Showcase were local acts The River Rats, The Big Hungry, Polar Eye and Pick Your Switch. 

In addition to a great musical lineup, RiverFest offers local beer from Craggie Brewing, and food from such local favorites as Luella's BBQ, Jason's Deli, and Blue Daisy Café. Asheville's own Ultimate Ice Cream is providing cool dessert treats.

Returning to the festivities will be the "Anything that Floats Parade." Groups from all around WNC will put together watercraft of all kinds to float the French Broad from Hominy Creek to the festival. The only rules are that the vessels must float and be removed from the festival grounds upon completion of the race. A registration form is now available at www.riverlink.org, with a deadline for "yachts" of Wednesday, August 10.

Asheville Aerial Arts will perform their gravity-defying stunts and local hula-hoopist extraordinaire MelMac Pink will return to dazzle the crowd between musical acts.

RiverFest offers lots of fun for kids, too, with face-painters, art supplies, and animals from the Western North Carolina Nature Center to touch and learn about.  Kids can also ride, skate, walk, run, and skip in costume in the Kids Parade.

Proceeds from RiverFest benefit RiverLink, the local environmental non-profit working to revitalize the French Broad River as a place for everyone to live, work and play.    

  

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
1:00 PM - Festival Opens

1:15 PM - Kids & Dogs on Parade

1:30 PM - Hula Hooping with MelMac Pink

2:00 PM - Music Showcase: River Rats

2:30 PM - Belly Dancing Demo

3:00 PM - Music Showcase: Big Hungry

3:00 PM - Cornhole Tournament Begins

3:30 PM - Sun Soo Tai Kwondo

4:00 PM - Music Showcase: Polar Eye

4:30 PM - Asheville Aerial Arts

5:00 PM - Music: Pick Your Switch

5:30 PM - Raft Race Awards

5:30 PM - Music Showcase Award

6:00 PM - Music: Josh Phillips Folk Festival

7:00 PM - Festival Concludes

WNC Magazine Asheville Wine & Food Festival this weekend

August 12 - 13   WNC Magazine Asheville Wine & Food Festival    The largest celebration of wines and local delicacies that the Asheville area has ever seen. This year, the festival weekend kicks off with Sweet, a culinary adventure in to the decadent world of desserts, champagnes, dessert wines, specialty cocktails, and spirits. Sweet will be held at the historic Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville.

The Asheville Wine and Food Festival is a celebration of the culinary experiences found in Ahseville as well as a showcase of the area’s chefs, wineries, farmers, and food producers. In addition to the excellent food the  region’s wealth of wineries have made viticulture a contributing industry in North Carolina's economy.

A portion of the proceeds of the Festival benefit local area nonprofits that support and promote sustainable and ecologically-sound food production and education.