Stories of Mountain Folk for the week of 12-5-2015

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

Podcast December 5, 2015:

Storytelling: Amy shares with you the beginning of a new direction in her life - “Love and Laughter.”  Music:   “Always” , the Richard Hayman Orchestra.

Creative Corner:   Doreyl talks with Thomas Raine Crow from Tuckasegee. Thomas shares some of his poetry and “Cracked Light.”   Music: “There’s A Light”  by the Cockman Family.

Stories of Mountain Folk:  Amy’s guest is again Jerry Ollis from Avery County who works in the banking business. Jerry tells how he met his wife of 36 years.  Music: “Cedar Valley Christmas”  by Terry Edwards.

Minnie Casey Storyteller

Let Us March on:  Mary Sue talks with her mother, Minnie Casey, who shares stories about life in Jackson County in the 1920s.  Music:  “Sweet Little Jesus Boy” by Victoria A. Casey McDonald. 

Down Another Road:  Judy’s guest is Laura Graham Crockett from Black Mountain.  They discuss Laura’s family’s ancestors, primarily her grandmother Della.  Music: “Grandma’s Feather Bed” by Home Delivery.

Closing Song:  “Your Christmas Gift” by Steve Ivey.

Listen to this week's Stories of Mountain Folk HERE 

Christmas Lights Walking Tour at The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville NC

Continuing through January 2, 2016   Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum    Winter Lights is a three-acre nightly walking tour of The North Carolina Arboretum's nationally-known gardens, including its Quilt Garden and Bonsai Exhibition Garden. 

photo courtesy of NC Aboretum

Christmas Lights photo courtesy of www.visitnc.com

     Celebrate the holidays and discover the natural beauty of western North Carolina through lighted garden exhibits and landscapes. 

 
The 2015/2016 Winter Lights exhibit will also include animated displays that are programmed to illuminate to the sounds of musical holiday favorites.  

In addition, there will be several new displays and family-friendly activities that will be placed throughout the gardens. The Arboretum will stay open nightly from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Tickets may be purchase online or at the facility. 

For more information about Asheville Christmas light displays
and events visit our Asheville NC Visitor Guide

National Parks Honor Veterans with FREE Admission

Veterans Day is a fee-free day in our national parks. If you live close enough, consider visiting sites like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, or the

World War II Memorial DC

World War II Memorial, all of which commemorate the service and sacrifice of our veterans. 

Or visit national parks like Independence National Historical Park, Boston National Historical Park, and the Statue of Liberty that serve as living reminders of the freedoms our veterans protected. 

In the Mountains the National Parks include:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• The Blue Ridge Parkway 
• The Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• The Appalachian Trail
• The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area
• Carol Sandburg Home
• Trail of Tears 

November 11, the public is invited to visit a national park near you and reflect on the men and women who have answered the call of duty to protect and defend our great nation.

Christmas at Biltmore - an Inspiring Traditional Centuries Old Holiday Experience

photo courtesy The Biltmore Company

November 6, 2015 - January 10, 2016    Christmas at Biltmore   The celebration that began on Christmas Eve in 1895 when George Vanderbilt introduced his family and friends to the newly completed Biltmore home, continues to this day.  

This wonderful celebration allows all visitors to enjoy America's largest home beautifully decorated with dozens of Christmas trees, hundreds of wreaths, bows, and poinsettias, miles of evergreen garland, and thousands of ornaments. 

photo courtesy The Biltmore Company

Special events and displays include:

The Conservatory - Special holiday displays featuring poinsettias and tropical plants

A Gardener's Place Gift Shop - Located beneath the historic Conservatory, enjoy free holiday demonstrations every day.

• 12:00 p.m.: Decorating Christmas Wreaths
• 1:00 p.m.: Creating Holiday Tablescapes

photo courtesy The Biltmore Company

Antler Hill Village -

• Visits with Santa:
  Saturdays and Sundays from November 7 - December 20, and Friday, November 27
  From 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Carolers:
  Saturdays and Sundays from November 7 - January 10, and Friday, November 27
  Five 30-minute sets starting at 3:00 p.m.

Get tickets in advance online and save 
shop now for Discounted tickets to Biltmore.
Save up to $20.00 off gate price