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.