Volunteer for Grandfather Mountain National Trails Day

June 5, Grandfather Mountain, US Hwy 221, Linville North Carolina. Grandfather Mountain will celebrate the 32nd Anniversary of its organized trail program. Volunteers are invited to help with trail maintenance in the Mountain’s backcountry. The backcountry became a North Carolina State Park this past year and volunteer efforts on the trails will be led by Rangers from the North Carolina State Park Service as well as rangers from the Grandfather Mountain travel attraction. 

Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Event: Swannanoa Shindig

June 4   SWANNANOA  North Carolina.    Swannanoa Shindig  Live traditional Appalachian music and square dance caller; craft booths, children’s games, jamming sessions, and other activities honor the heritage of the original Old Farmers’ Ball near Warren Wilson College. Blue Ridge 75 Event, Milepost 377

Kids up to 15 get Free Chimney Rock Park Admission June 5

June 5,  Chimney Rock Park, Chimney Rock North Carolina    National Trails Day  We can’t think of a better reason to celebrate! Join us for complimentary guided hikes with Park specialists every hour from 11AM to 3 PM.

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park has been selected as a site for TRACK Trail programming by Kids in Parks, an initiative to increase the physical activity of children and their families, improve nutritional choices and connect kids to the Blue Ridge Parkway and beyond. On Saturday, June 5 at 11am, TRACK programming for Chimney Rock will be unveiled. The opening ceremony is being held in conjunction with National Trails Day. In celebration of this special day, kids (up to age 15) will receive free admission to Chimney Rock all day

John Mason's Dulcimer Music today and tomorrow at Chimney Rock

May 30 - 31   Chimney Rock Park, Chimney Rock North Carolina.   Hammered Dulcimer Music with John Mason   Chimney Rock's featured entertainer, John Mason, plays the hammered dulcimer. Learn more about this unique instrument and listen to John's beautiful music and funny stories.

Grandfather Mountain's "Top Shop" opens in June

Grandfather Mountain, US 221 and Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville North Carolina. Neither rain nor sleet nor gloom of the 2010 mountain snowstorms stopped Grandfather Mountain's stalwart construction and staff crews from completing their mission! The challenges of the weather may have added to the construction time, but the much anticipated opening of the Top Shop is now scheduled on or before June 12. Read more...

Carl Sandburg Folk Music Festival

May 31, Carol Sanburg Home, 81 Carl Sandburg Lane, Flat Rock North Carolina. Carl Sandburg Folk Music Festival - A free annual event to honor Carl Sandburg's contribution to America's written history through his collection of folk music found in The American Songbag. The festival features folk musicians from around the country. Held at the park's amphitheater.

10am - Amy Burritt - blues and folk on acoustic guitar
11am - Pat Corn - acoustic finger style guitar
12pm - Jon Shain - Piedmont blues on acoustic guitar
1pm - Buddy Davis Band - Sandburg's Songbag on guitar, bass and mandolin
2pm - Boogertown Gap Band - old time mountain music on guitar, fiddle and banjo
11am - 3pm - Steve Smith, hammered dulcimer at the barn

Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Event: Fading Voices

May 29, 11AM - 3PM, Snowbird Community, Little Snowbird Church Playground, Robbinsville North Carolina.  A celebration of traditional ways of the Snowbird Cherokees.  Activities include The Sacred Mountain Ceremony, Cherokee Hymn Singing, games i.e. stickball, fish game, and traditional dancing, story telling and Cherokee Language.  Demonstrations include beadwork, pottery, quilting, wood carving, coffin building, shingle making, flute making.  Crafts include baskets, beadwork, wood carved items.  Handmade craft items and traditional Cherokee food dishes available for sale. 828-479-8201   info@grahamcountytravel.com   http://www.grahamcountytravel.com

Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Event: Brevard's 4th Friday Gallery Walks

May 28, 5PM - 9PM, Downtown Brevard North Carolina. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 410. Every 4th Friday from April to November and the third Friday in December enjoy an evening stroll in downtown Brevard visiting 10 art galleries featuring local and regional artists, 16 animal sculptures, and 5 murals plus art stores, retail stores, and restaurants that are open until 9 PM. A brochure for the gallery walks can be found at any of the participating galleries or at the Brevard Chamber of Commerce. For more information call TC Arts Council at 828.884.2787 or go to http://www.artsofbrevard.org and click on Art Tours.

100 Mile Ride: Assault on Mt. Mitchell and Marion

May 24 Marion North Carolina Assault on Mt. Mitchell and Marion Beginning in Spartanburg, SC, and ending at Mt. Mitchell, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Assault is just over 100 miles with the route
through Marion beginning on Sugar Hill Road and ending on NC 80.

Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Event: Pickin' on the Parkway Today

May21, Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site, Asheville North Carolina.  Milepost 377. "Pickin' on the Parkway"  features local musicians, poets, and writers performing on the front porch of the historic “Old Kentucky Home.” Bring a sack lunch and lawn chair and enjoy this downtown cultural event. First and third Fridays of each month during May through October, Noon to 2 p.m.

Find more Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Events...

Girl Scout Day at Chimney Rock Park

May 22    CHIMNEY ROCK  North Carolina.   Spring Girl Scout Day with Optional Camping   Chimney Rock’s Spring Girl Scout Day is open to Girl Scouts of all ages. Girls will enjoy hands-on programs that encourage safe interaction with nature. Participants will receive their very own Chimney Rock badge and troops have the option to spend the night beneath the towering Chimney and twinkling stars.

Hammered Dulcimer Music this Weekend at Chimney Rock Park

May 21-23   Chimney Rock   Hammered Dulcimer Music with John Mason   Chimney Rock's featured entertainer, John Mason, plays the hammered dulcimer. Learn more about this unique instrument and listen to John's beautiful music and funny stories.

Chimney Rock Park Planning Session

The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation has announced the public planning session for Chimney Rock State Park will be held Wednesday, May 26 at the Lake Lure Town Hall. Citizens are invited to visit the drop-in session anytime from 10am until 7pm.

The drop-in planning session will involve a workstation format allowing citizens to attend at any time during the day and spend as much time as necessary to review and discuss design alternatives. Proposed designs will also be available beginning May 26 at www.greenways.com/chimneyrock. Written comments may be submitted through June 23 either by using an online comment sheet or by mail to:
General Management Plan Coordinator
NC Division of Parks and Recreation
1615 MSC
Raleigh NC 27699-1615

12 Hours of Tsali

May 22, 8AM - 8PM, Tsali Recreation Area, Hwy 28 N, Graham County North Carolina. Team and solo mountain bike racers compete in this endurance relay at Tsali Recreation Area. For details contact Nantahala outdoor Center (NOC)  http://www.noc.com/.

Asheville Restaurant needs your vote TODAY!

ONE DAY VOTING 5/15/10 - Help Asheville restaurant Sunny Point Café win the title of “America’s Best Breakfast” on Good Morning America - ONE DAY VOTING 5/15 - CLICK HERE

 Sunny Point Café offers breakfast, lunch or dinner, with local flavors that come through in creative and delecious dishes with their famous breakfast menu served all day. Enjoy  handmade desserts and al fresco dining on the patio.

Blue Ridge Parkway Featured on Weekend Today Show

Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Events: May 16, between 8AM and 9 AM - NBC TV's Weekend TODAY show host Jenna Wolfe and her crew visited the Blue Ridge Parkway April 26, 27, and 28 to film the Parkway experience as part of a series about America's favorite roadways. Legendary Route 66 and the Pacific Coast Highway, or Route 1, are also included in the series which will highlight the Blue Ridge Parkway Story. To see additional pictures

Naturalist's Weekend at Grandfather Mountain

May 16   Linville North Carolina.   Naturalist's Weekend at Grandfather Mountain   A fascinating collection of programs and guided walks offered to help guests discover more about the diversity of life at Grandfather Mountain. All programs and guided walks offered as part of the Naturalist's Weekend are included in the price of admission.

Mother's Day Lodging Specials: Lodging Near The Folk Art Center

The Inn on the Biltmore Estate Asheville North Carolina. Mother's Day Weekend Special Web Rate: $249+ see site for details.

BENT CREEK LODGE Asheville North Carolina. Mother's Day and May Special. Ask for the May Special when you make your reservations and get the Last Minute Special Price for any new reservations from now to May 27th! Get a 20% discount Sunday thru Thursday or 15% discount Friday and Saturday. Mountain view, Jacuzzi, gourmet breakfast

CAROLINA MORNINGS Asheville North Carolina. Mother's Day Celebrated For The Entire Month of May Special: Massage Package @ your Vacation Rental. You choose your vacation getaway and we will have our certified massage therapists come out to your private cabin. Includes 1.5 hours Massage, 0.5 hr. facial, flowers and chocolates for $125! Valid through May!

Mother's Day in the Mountains: Annual Folk Art Center Fiber Weekend

THE FOLK ART CENTER  Asheville North Carolina. Milepost 382. Mother's Day Weekend at the Folk Center offers the Annual Fiber Weekend. May 8, 10am to 4pm Fiber craft demonstrations and hands on activities.  The festivities continue Sunday for the 12th annual Fashion Show of Wearable Art. There will be two showings at 1PM. and 3 PM

Mother's Day in the Mountains: Send the Kids to Camp!

May 8-9,  Camp Lake James  Nebo/ Marion North Carolina. Mom's Day (and night) Off.  Kick back at the Camp, enjoy a wonderful spring day and let us take care of kids and/or grand kids. Whether you're a member of Camp Lake James or not, you're welcome to call us at 828-391-6866 to reserve your place.

The Camp staff has arranged activities for all ages throughout the day on Saturday -- including entertaining kids so adults can relax. And, everyone who registers is welcome to pitch a tent and stay the night in the Camp field. Day camp is $10 per child.

Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Event: Pickn’ and Poetry on the Porch in Asheville

May 7, 12PM - 2PM, Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site, Asheville north Carolina. Milepost 377.  This event features local musicians, poets, and writers performing on the front porch of the historic “Old Kentucky Home.” Bring a sack lunch and lawn chair and enjoy this downtown cultural event.

Mother's Day in the Mountains: Chimney Rock Park Celebrates Moms

May 8-9,Chimney Rock Park Mother's Day Special - Bring mom to the Park Mother's Day weekend and her ticket is on us! Buy one regularly-priced adult ticket and receive the same for free. Click here to download this special coupon. Coupon must be presented to the Ticket Plaza at the time of purchase. Valid May 8 and 9, 2010.

Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Event: Rhododendron Show

May 1-2, The North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville North Carolina - Milepost 377. The American Rhododendron Society’s Southeastern Chapter will host its annual show at The North Carolina Arboretum. Hundreds of blooms will be displayed at the Education Center during the show, including many favorite mountain plants. Azaleas as well as spring and summer blooming rhododendrons...

Up close and Personal NEW PROGRAMS at Grandfather Mountain

Grandfather Mountain, US 221 & Blue Ridge Parkway, Linville North Carolina. The general public now has  the opportunity to go behind the scenes of Grandfather Mountain’s Animal Habitats. Two exciting new programs are being offered in the wildlife habitats: Behind the Scenes habitat tours and Keeper for a Day programs.

Behind the Scenes habitat tours give the public an opportunity to see where the animals sleep, to learn about what it takes to care for the animals year-round, to observe a training session, and to learn why the animals call Grandfather Mountain their home. The Mountain’s knowledgeable and experienced keepers will gladly answer questions as they guide participants on their tour. Read more here...

Interstate 40 IN Western North Carolina Re-opened

The stretch of Interstate 40 in Western North Carolina that has been closed by a rockslide since October opened Sunday, April 25, at 6 p.m.

Work will continue in the area through the summer as crews complete stabilization efforts – including the installation of rock bolts and anchor mesh – at five additional sites. Both eastbound lanes are open; however, one westbound lane will be closed for about three miles  READ MORE...

Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Event: Budbreak Wine Festival

April 29 - May 1, Mount Airy North Carolina, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 229. A unique experience, with emphasis on wine education, including food and wine pairing, fine art exhibits, great music, and for those participating, a wine judging contest. The event is co-sponsored by the Mount Airy Rotary Club in cooperation with the Mount Airy Downtown Business Association, and The Mount Airy News. Find details here...

Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Weekend Events

Celebrate 75 years of the Blue Ridge Parkway with these weekend events:

   Milepost 410 Brevard’s 4th Friday Gallery Walk
   Milepost 377 Weaverville Art Safari
   Milepost 428 Greening Up the Mountain
   Milepost 331 Fire on the Mountain Blacksmith Festival

Bark in the Park this weekend

April 24   Chimney Rock Park, Chimney Rock North Carolina.   5th Annual Bark in the Park at Chimney Rock  Your pup (and you!) is in for a tail-wagging good time as our Meadows transforms into a doggie dream park. This day of canine adventure features agility demonstrations, contests, info booths and lots more. Don’t forget the leash.

Birds of Prey at Lake James

April 19, 10AM, Lake James State Park, Nebo North Carolina. Predators of Lake James. Lake James Park is home to bald eagles, osprey, and many species of owl and hawk. Learn about the birds of prey who call Lake James home and join Park Ranger Earl Weaver for a short discussion about them. Mounts of hawks and owls on display. Meet at the Lake James State Park office at 10:00 a.m. Call 828-652-5047 for more information.

Jumior Ranger Day in the Smokies

April 24, 10AM - 2PM, Tennessee and North Carolina Park Visitor Centers. Junior Ranger Day is FREE with hands-on activities for children and their families. Learn how to make toys, candles, cornhusk dolls. Enjoy a Junior Naturalist Walk with a Park Ranger. Children can earn their Junior Ranger badge by completing three of the specially planned activities. Read more...

Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Event: Brevard Art Walk

April 23, Downtown Brevard North Carolina. Stroll in downtown Brevard as you experience visiting 10 art galleries featuring local and regional artists, 16 animal sculptures, and 5 murals as well as art stores, retail stores, and restaurants that are open until 9 p.m. A brochure for the gallery walks can be found at any of the participating galleries or at the Brevard Chamber of Commerce. For more information:  TC Arts Council, 828.884.2787

Earth Day Celebration at Chimney Rock

April 17,  Chimney Rock Park, Chimney Rock North Carolina   40th Anniversary Celebration of Earth Day at Chimney Rock  Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day at Chimney Rock Park. Get  inspired to care for our valuable natural resources with a fun-filled day in the beautiful setting of Hickory Nut Gorge. Learn about sustainable practices and how to implement environmental stewardship into daily routines through demonstrations and presentations.

April Dollar Days at Grandfather Mountain

April, Grandfather Mountain, US 221 & Blue Ridge Parkway - Linville North Carolina. Residents of the High Country  six counties, along with guests traveling in the same vehicle, are invited to visit Grandfather Mountain for $1 during the month of April with proof of local employment or residency. The discount is also extended to students attending colleges and universities in the High Country. Read more...

Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Event: Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival

April 15-18, Blowing Rock North Carolina. A Blue Ridge Parkway 75 Event, The Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival  includes wine seminars, cooking classes, winemaker’s dinners at featured restaurants, and an art competition between local artists. The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and BRP 75 will have booth space at the Grand Wine Tasting. Visit the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival Website for details. times and places.

Acclaimed Dulcimer Musian at Chimney Rock Park

April 16 - 18, Chimney Rock State Park, Highway 64/74A , Chimney Rock  North Carolina.  Hammered Dulcimer Music with John Mason Chimney Rock's featured entertainer, John Mason, plays the hammered dulcimer. Learn more about this unique instrument and listen to John's beautiful music and funny stories. John Mason is a North Carolina Native and self-taught musician. John currently has 7 CDs for sale, and is continually working on new projects with a new Christmas CD now available. His music has been used in various independent films and he has been featured in many different publications.

Annual Easter Sunrise Service in Chminey Rock Park

April 4   Chimney Rock North Carolina.   55th Annual Easter Sunrise Service   Chimney Rock Park - Celebrate the glory of Easter as our guest at this inter-denominational community worship. This special service will be filled with song, scripture, special music and spectacular sunrise views over beautiful Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge. John Mason, the Park’s featured hammered dulcimer player, will perform.

Grand Opening of the Birdhouse

March 27, 12:30 PM, Chimney Rock Park, Chimney Rock North Carolina. Celebrate the grand opening of the Park's  Birdhouse exhibit space. You’ll learn all about the variety of birds that are often sighted in the Park.  http://www.chimneyrockpark.com

3rd Annual Fly Fishing Tournament in Brevard

March 20-21   Pisgah Flymasters Fly Fishing Tournament  This year the tournament will be comprised of three different divisions: youth, fisherman, & professional. The competitiion tests anglers casting skills off-stream and catch and release abilities on-stream. Registration is open to the first 125- there is a late registration available for $75 for the fisherman and professional divisions and $50 for the youth divisiion until March 20 if space remains. All proceeds will go toward educational programming at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. For more information contact Emilie Johnson at 877-4423 or Emilie.johnson@ncwildlife.org.

Birds of the Woods

March 20, 10AM, Lake James State Park, Marion (Nebo) North Carolina. Join Park Ranger Earl Weaver on a hike to identify some of the birds that can be seen around Lake James. Please bring water and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. The program starts with a short indoor presentation. Meet at the Lake James State Park office at 10:00 a.m. For more information, call 828-652-5047. Free    www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/laja/main.php