Braidstream Mother's Day Performance-Black Mountain

May 10 2:30 PM Black Mountain. A very special performance, on the grounds of the Black Mountain Inn on Mother's Day. Bring a picnic lunch, dessert provided by the Black Mountain Inn,and handcrafted wine offered by Lake James Cellar.
From Celtic to Native American and Baltic, from classical to the edge of jazz and beyond, Braidstream is an eclectic mix of musical styles, backgrounds and cultures coming together to create a whole greater than the sum of it’s parts. With flutes, hammered dulcimer, guitar, sitar, cello and vocals, these internationally recognized artists meld classical and modern forms into an exciting weave that defies categorization.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to Treat Mom to something Special!!!
Braidstream has been performing together professionally since 1985 and has been featured on HGTV at Christmas at the Biltmore Estate. For reservations, please call 828 669 6528.

Ticket Info: $20. Adv.Purchase $25 day of event/children $10.00 (under 10 no charge)

Vacation/Travel :Swine Flu Concerns

April 28 - Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, today issued the following statement:

"Travelers, like all citizens, should heed the advice of experts when determining how best to manage health concerns. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Swine Influenza (swine flu) should not discourage people from traveling to or within the United States.


"We recommend that government officials treat this issue and any forthcoming statements with care and caution. We must address the situation with measured, pragmatic responses so as not to cause panic and negative consequences to the economy if health risks are not imminent.


"Recent health concerns, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Avian flu, provide useful guidance as governments, opinion leaders and travelers consider the appropriate response to swine flu.


"We stand ready to assist the U.S. government and health experts in any way necessary to communicate critical information to travelers. The U.S. Travel Association has contacted all relevant agencies with an offer to help in any way needed, and will soon begin posting updates on www.ustravel

All-ages Jam Session-Mount Airy

May - every Thursday evening, Andy Griffith Playhouse, Mount Airy. 7-10 pm.
every Saturday morning, Downtown Cinema Theatre, Mount Airy. 9-11am.

Bluegrass night with Canyon Creek

April 30 The Back Room at Flat Rock Wine Shoppe. The Asheville group picks and sings with the best. Friday May 1: Wink Keziah and his band Delux Motel 9:00pm www.winkkeziah.com Saturday May 2: The Leigh Glass Band 9:00pm www.myspace.com/leighglassmusic 828-697-6828 www.flatrockwineshoppe.com

Update: The Back Room is no longer open.

"Lying in State" Dinner Theatre

April 30 Mount Airy at Cross Creek Country Club. -786-7998 or 800-286-6193.! For More information please visit: www.surryarts.org

Dining Out for Life

April 30 Weaverville. Blue Mountain Pizza (55 North Main Street Map) and Stoney Knob Cafe (337 Merrimon Avenue Map) are among the 90 restaurants taking part in this year’s Dining Out for Life. On Thursday, April 30, both restaurants will donate 20% of their gross sales from lunch and dinner to the Western North Carolina AIDS Project. All diners can also enter a drawing to win a cruise, spa or dining out package.

SPIRIT MOUNTAIN SANCTUARY

1+ bd, 1 bath with mountain VIEWS, wood-burning fireplace and firewood, walking trails, guest robes, picnic baskets, BBQ grill, rockers, hammock, hot tub, Reiki Sessions on site. $175-$215 night, $1050 - $1290 week.

Endless Summer’s Event – Filled Kickoff

May 1-3, Lake Lure. Events Pair with Rutherfordton’s MayFest to Draw Music Lovers, Families, Anglers and Cyclists.
May 1 - The Little River Band
May 1 - A Night at the Races Kentucky Derby Party
May 2 - Gears & Gables Bike Race
May 2 - 18th Annual Rush for the Gold
May 2 & 3 - Olympiad Fly-Fishing Masters Tournament

Log Cabin Special 15 minutes from Blueridge Pkwy

Maggie Valley NC vacation rental. This great 3 bedroom (2 with King Size Beds), 3 bath log cabin view will take your breath away. 3600 ft. up the mountain. Enjoy an evening watching the stars from the hot tub while the kids play a game of ping pong. You can relax by the wood burning fireplace. Home has central air and heat. You have mountain views, convenience, and tranquility. WIFI, paved access, available year around. $$$ SPECIAL: Reserve 3 weeks get the fourth FREE - BOOK NOW this special won't be available long!

Camp New Hope to hold fundraiser

April 25 8 a.m.-3 p.m Join these great folks at Family Central from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. for a huge benefit yard sale, live music, NASCAR items, hot dog lunches and bake sale! Camp New Hope is a nonprofit operation run by generous people with caring hearts. Children and their families who visit the camp are not your average vacationers. Each of them has a child or children with terminal illnesses or severe disabilities. The camp is offered completely free of charge to these families whose lives are consumed with medical bills, surgeries and doctors visits. It is not just free of charge, but the hope of camp owners and volunteers is that these ‘get-a-ways’ are as free of worry as possible. Most times it's the only chance families have to gather together with their precious children. The fundraiser this Saturday will offer the public a glimpse of what goes on at Camp New Hope, and it will also give everyone a chance to meet some of the loving volunteers that make it all happen. Please come out and help make a difference in the lives of these terminally ill children and their families! For More information about the Camp New Hope fundraiser please call director Randy Brown at 704-796-6641

AB-Tech’s Culinary Team Wins Regional Competition

Asheville-Buncombe Technical (AB-Tech) Community College won the American Culinary Federation’s Southeast Regional Hot Food Competition this month. The winning team included Michael Aanonsen, Shannon Ginn, Steven Goff, Anna McClintock and Travis McCloud. The team was coached by Charles deVries, CEPC.The team will compete for the national title in Orlando this July. This is AB-Tech’s third trip to the National competition.

Blue Ridge Parkway Closure Update

The Blue Ridge Parkway is open to Mount Mitchell from the northern access only via highway 80. All southern Parkway access (from Asheville) will be closed into the spring of 2009 due to a retaining wall failure. To reach the park from Asheville, take I-40 E. to 70-E at Old Fort. Take 70 to 80-N to the Parkway. Head south on the Parkway to state highway 128 (Mount Mitchell State Park road).

The restaurant is expected to reopen for the season on May 15.

www.NCFarmFresh.com

Interest in buying locally grown fruits, vegetables and meats continues to grow as consumers look to support local growers and find foods that haven’t traveled very far from the field to the table. To tap into this growing trend, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is ramping up its efforts to help shoppers find locally grown farm products in their area through promotions and updates of the department’s NCFarmFresh.com Web site. The Web site is as a tool where consumers can search for retail farms, roadside stands, farmers markets, community-supported agriculture operations, nurseries, retail garden centers and more! Listings can be searched by the type of commodity being sold, by county or by region. “Farmers who market their products directly to consumers are encouraged to sign up now so they won’t miss this marketing opportunity,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “this will be a simple and easy way for farmers to promote their products and potentially increase their sales. Best of all, it is free and easy to do.”

Farmers can register their farms by logging on to NCFarmFresh.com and following the links on the home page. They may also contact NCDA&CS at (919) 733-7887 for more information or assistance.

Exhibit by Penland School of Craft

April 2 - July 8 Sparta Teapot Museum. This exhibit reflects the work of this center for craft instruction and education in the mountains of North Carolina. Open Thursday through Saturday. (336) 372-7238 cgrant@teapotmuseum.org

Demo Daze

April 25-26, 2009 -  Bryson City Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) Imagine spring training and opening day all in one weekend! All boats in NOC's demo fleet will be available for free test paddling. Pool rolling, free instruction clinics and specials on '09 gear round out the weekend. (888) 905-7238

Pioneer Day

April 25 Old Fort. Annual celebration of mountain heritage. The one-day festival features mountain music in the amphitheater, craft demonstrations such as weaving, black smithing, and pottery turning, "Hit or Miss" engine displays and vendors displaying and selling their wares. All day; Mountain Gateway Museum.(828) 668-9259 terrell.finley@ncmail.net

Ramps Cookout Weekend

April 25-26 Robbinsville. Saturday - rompin-stompin bluegrass concert at Stecoah Valley Center. Sunday - Cookout at Rescue Squad Building, featuring various dishes with ramps. (828) 479-3790 info@GrahamCountyTravel.com

Spring Art Safari Tour

April 25-26 Weaverville. Self-guided tour of 53 various artists' studios tucked away in the countryside communities of Weaverville, Barnardsville, and Alexander. info@weavervilleartsafari.com

Explore Life on Lake James event

April 25 11 a.m. to 5 p.m Lake James. Join us for Earth Day on Saturday for our second Explore Life on Lake James event. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., you’ll be able to enjoy a wide array of lake activities that will give you a tantalizing taste of what owning a getaway on Lake James is all about.

* 9 a.m .- Hike the Camp Lake James Trail - Take a morning stroll with the Camp staff. Meet at the Social Hall, grab a cup of coffee, and hit the trails.

* 11 a.m .to Noon - Meet the Builders - Builders will be on hand at the Camp Lake James Social Hall to answer any questions you may have about your future lake retreat.

* 12:30 to 5 p.m.- Open Homes - Tour some of our completed homes in 1780, meet neighbors and talk with some of the talented builders that work on Lake James. Please remember to check out our two rental cabins that will open to tour.

* Noon to 5 p.m.- Boat and Camp Tours - Enjoy a boat tour of Lake James or a tour of our lake adventure center, Camp Lake James.

* 1 to 4 p.m.- Hug a Groundhog - Meet the Director of Carolina Mountain Naturalists and his furry and feathered friends. Learn about the surrounding area's natural habitat and get your chance to pet a groundhog.

* 2 to 3 p.m.- Habitat Building - Help our Camp Lake James staff build bird and squirrel houses, as well as a turtle platform for our very own Doc's Pond. You can also pick up plans to build your very own animal habitat to put at your home.

Food will be available for purchase at the Camp Lake James Canteen until 5 p.m. Alas, it’s a little too chilly, yet, so the pool will not be open.

If you have any questions or need any more information about Crescent Communities on Lake James, please contact us at (866) 375-0065.

The Mountain Television Network

The Mountain Television Network, the High Country's only local television station,
is very proud to announce the launch of our new website www.MTN18.com where you can now watch all of our MTN programs in high television quality 24 hours per day, every single day, at the exact same time as the programs are broadcast on our television channels.

With this exciting News, MTN is now able to reach every single person in the High Country and beyond,as MTN now broadcasts on all of the following:

1) Channel 18 on Charter cable throughout all the counties of the High Country.

2) Channel 18 on Skyline cable throughout Watauga, Avery, Ashe, and Allegheny counties.

3) Channel 24 over the air to 12 Counties in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee.

4) On our new website www.MTN18.com to every person in the High Country no matter what television system they have.

5) On our new website to every part-time resident, tourist, potential visitor, and potential buyer anywhere in the World.

Mason Jennings at Grey Eagle

April 23 Asheville Doors open at 8PM show starts at 9PM. Tickets: $15 advance/$18 day of show. Singer/songwriter Mason Jennings is one of the best-kept secrets in pop music. In his adopted home of Minneapolis his shows draw 3,000 fans. He was hand-picked by music supervisor Randall Poster to perform two Dylan songs, "The Times They Are a-Changin'" and "The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll," in Todd Haynes' acclaimed I'm Not There, both on the soundtrack album, and lip-synched by Christian Bale in the movie. 828-232-5800

Spring Migration Birding Walk and Presentation

April 18, 8am Free Admission
The walk will highlight area birds and will be led by Scott Haas of the United States Forest Service. The presentation will follow the walk and will include topics such as bird gardens, natural pest control, and more!
Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center, 828-479-3364, www.stecoahvalleycenter.com

Poor Man's Wine Dinner

May 1 7PM Waynesville Classic Wine Seller and Chef's Table. Great wines of value and great food from chef Josh, $29+ per person. 20 Church Street 828-452-6000

Gem Valley to reopen May 1

May 1 Jefferson. Gem Valley, the only gem mining operation in Ashe County, has announced its grand re-opening for May 1. The Gem Valley NC Mine is a family business and one of North Carolina's newest attractions and is the only public gem-mining/gold-panning facility in the beautiful mountains of Ashe County, NC! Located at the historical mine of Ore Knob, you can find us at 2489 Little Peak Creek Road off of Highway 88 in Jefferson/Laurel Springs (look for the signs). Gem Valley is only minutes away from the Blue Ridge Parkway and one of the oldest rivers in the world, the "New River." If you like gem mining, you'll LOVE Gem Valley!

Tweetsie Railroad will open for the 2009 Season on May 1, 2009

May 1 Blowing Rock There are a lot of great things in store when you visit Tweetsie Railroad! Three exciting rides have been added to the Country Fair, and our newest section, The Hacienda, is the setting for many of our Special Events. 1-800-526-5740

ZYDECO MOON FARM AND CABINS

61 acres bordering Helton Creek for a half mile and 2 miles from the New River -TROUT FISHING, mountain view. Bedroom with queen bd PLUS loft. Spectacular VIEWS. Wood-buring stove & gas grill on deck. Everything provided including STARS! $130-$145nt, $780-$870 wk

Simon Says Guided Bird Walk Early Arrivals

April 19 9AM - 12PM Chimney Rock Park Spot spring migrants like Black-throated Warblers, Black-and-white Warblers, Scarlet Tanagers and Blue-headed Vireos.. World-traveled ornithologist and birding expert Simon Thompson is your guide on this easy- to- moderate walk. $19; $3 for Annual Passholders; $8 for ages 6-15; free for Gradys Kids Club Members. visit@chimneyrockpark.com (828) 625-9611

Country Music Legend"Gene Watson"

April 18 7:30 PM Maggie Valley Eaglesnest Theater info@eaglenestnc.co
(828) 926-9658

5th Annual Bark in the Park

April 18 11AM - 3PM Chimney Rock goes to the dogs for this special event dedicated to our canine companions. Agility demonstrations, rescue organizations, contests and lots more will keep you and your pup busy.

Grand Opening of Thirteen Moons Restaurant

April 14 Bryson City - Nantahala Village. Chef James Reaux is proud to announce the opening of his Lounge and latest restaurant, “Thirteen Moons”. He has created a spectacular new dining venue for the area. Thirteen Moons will officially open for dinner service tonight starting at 5:00.
Hours of Operation as follows:
Breakfast Tuesday - Saturday 7:30 am – 10:30am
Dinner Tuesday - Saturday Starting at 5pm
Sunday Brunch $11.95 10:30am – 2:30pm
Closed on Monday

20th Annual Spring Herb Festival

May 1-3 Asheville The Southeast's largest selection of herb plants. Over 20,000 herb lovers come to the WNC Farmers Market each spring to enjoy this popular event.

Jer's Weekly Specials

FRANKLIN
THIS WEEK'S SIMPLE SUPPERS:

HAM & ASPARAGUS CREPES
Baked Honey Ham, Steamed Asparagus, & Gruyere Cheese rolled in Jerri's Homemade Crepes, topped with a Light Cream Sauce & Pineapple Salsa.
For 2 people: $10.95, For 4 people: $20, For 8 people: $38

CREOLE BLACKENED CHICKEN
Grilled Chicken Breast breaded in Creole Blackening, served over Grilled Zucchini & Brown Rice, topped with Sauce Español.
For 2 people: $10.95, For 4 people: $20, For 8 people: $38

VEGETABLE QUICHE
Grilled Zucchini. Sauteed Spinach, Mushrooms, Onions, Peppers, SunDried Tomatoes & Fresh Basil baked in a savory quiche.
For 2 people: $10.95, For 4 people: $20, For 8 people: $38

We're Open Mon. to Sat. 11-5
At the Antique Mall in Whistle Stop
1281 Georgia Road Franklin, NC 28734 www.JersKitchen.com

THE NUTHOUSE COTTAGE

WEST JEFFERSON - GRASSY GREEK. Luxurious cottage at off-season rates through MAY. Specials: Weekdays stay 2 nights, get 1 extra night free - Long weekends: 4 days for the price of 3. Book now for summer (June-Aug) and get 10% off. Gourmet kitchen, gas grill, crow's nest with views, cutting gardens, pond, goats & sheep, 45acres to roam, DVD, washer & dryer, central heat & air.

APPLEJACK CABIN

HENDERSONVILLE. Mountain views, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, Contemporary and charming Log Cabin, porch with rockers, Ping-Pong in game room and day bed, large deck with grill. WIFI. $125-$145 per day, $750-$895 per week

NANTAHALA RIVER LODGE.

BRYSON CITY. Unique riverfront cabin on the Nantahala River. The River Lodge offers privacy, great location, luxury one-of-a kind accommodation with world-class fishing and so much more. 3 bds, 3 baths, fireplace, flatscreen TV, equipped for fishing. $275-$400 nt, $1800-$2050 per wk

Frasers offers special Easter menu

April 12, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m Frasers Restaurant will be featuring a special Easter buffet lunch on Sunday, Frasers offers special Easter menu, offering assorted fresh fruit, salads and toppings, a carving station featuring prime rib and honey-drizzled Virginia ham. In addition, there will be fresh filet of salmon and breast of turkey. The meal will be topped off with fresh vegetables and accompaniments such as freshly baked breads and a homemade variety of holiday desserts. Reservations are suggested by calling 336-246-5222.

New 2009 Visitor & Business Guide now available!

The 2009 Ashe County Visitor & Business Guide is now available in
the Ashe County Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center and many other
places throughout the county!

Easter at Nantahala Village

April 12 10:30 - 3:00 Thirteen Moons Restaurant at Nantahala Village. Easter Brunch exceptional buffet including smoked salmon, shrimp cocktail, omelet station, waffle bar, prime rib, Atlantic salmon, grilled pesto chicken, penne pasta carbonara, spring salad and extensive homemade deserts.For reservations: 828-488-2826

Shindig at the Clear Creek Ranch

April 26, 6PM Parkway Playhouse is having a shindig at Clear Creek Ranch. There'll be ribs, chicken and all the fixins'. $50 per person ($25 tax deductible). RSVP by April 22 info@ParkwayPlayhouse.com RSVP soon! Space is limited.
Parkway Playhouse
PO Box 1432
Burnsville, North Carolina 28714
828-682-4285

Free beer tasting

April 10th, 4-7p.m. Brooklyn Brewing Co. This week's tasting will be centered on two fantastic beers. The Brooklyn Local 1 and Local 2. Brooklyn Local Beers are brewed at their original facility in Brooklyn, NY. They closely model a Belgian style Triple and Double respectively. Any fan of Belgian beer or “Belgian-style” beer should definitely check these beers out. 828-252-5272 797 Haywood Road, West Asheville.

Birding Day

April 9 8AM Bryson City. Land trust for the Little Tennessee - a great day of birding!www.ltlt.org for more info

Blueridge Wine and Food Festival

April 16-19 Blowing Rock 16-19 BLOWING ROCK Blue Ridge Food & Wine Festival. Enjoy wine tastings, seminars, cooking classes, wine makers' dinner and much more! Grand Tasting event at Chetola Resort and Fire on the Rock Chef's Competition at the Hayes Center. (828)295-7851 http://www.blueridgewinefestival.com

54th Sunrise Service atop Chimney Rock

April 12th, 2009 Gates open at 5am and close at 6am for the 6:30am service....No fees charged. Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park Guests are welcome to enjoy the Park for the day. Celebrate the glory of Easter as our guest at this non-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. Arrive early, dress warmly and bring a flashlight.

For more information call 1-800-277-9611

The Nantahala Rafting Season is Now Underway

April signals the beginning of whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River. From now through October, more than 200,000 paddlers will ride the eight mile course that snakes through the scenic Nantahala Gorge just west of Bryson City. With its Class II and III rapids, the “Nanty” is a family river, suitable for just about every generation (children must be at least seven years old or at least 60 pounds). Yet it’s challenging enough for the US Olympic Kayaking Team, which often trains there.

TUCKASEIGEE VALLEY CABINS

SPRING SPECIAL! Buy 2 nights, get one free until the end of May, 2009, excluding holidays and previously made reservations. All year stay 6-7 nights, get 1-2 nights free.

4 Uniquely decorated cabins with great views close to the best trout stream in NC. The cabins are fully equipped with air conditioning. Porches have rockers and there are also charcoal grills, firepits and fishing pond for children. $95-$195nt, $575-$975wk
http://www.climbeverymountain.com/specials_and_packages.htm

Thirteen Moons Restaurant Easter Brunch

April 12 Easter Brunch. Thirteen Moons restaurant at the Village will be opening on Easter Sunday for a spectacular grand brunch from 10:30 - 3PM. 9400 Hwy 19 West, Nantahala Village, Bryson City 828-488-2826. ClimbEveryMountain.com