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.