ACROSS THE TRAX - Bryson CIty Dining

ACROSS THE TRAX - Offering a wide variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, wings and from scratch desserts made daily in a friendly, fun, casual atmosphere. Restaurant opens at 11:30am. Monday-Saturday, 12pm on Sunday. Full bar available until 2am Monday-Sunday. Free wireless internet hook-up and live entertainment every Saturday night.

SMOKY MOUNTAINS TRAINS

SMOKY MOUNTAINS TRAINS - Several thousand model trains and accessories from many eras circle the the perimeter of the Museum's Activity Center. The oldest train dates back to a 1910 Voltamp engine. The Lionel™ collection starts in 1918. You will see engine numbers 42, 33 and 38 that date between 1918 and 1920. Forget something during your visit - shop online!

GREAT SMOKYS CABIN RENTALS

GREAT SMOKYS CABIN RENTALS. Offering 45+ cabins and vacation rentals. 1-4 BD, 1-3 BA. Mountain & water views. Satellite TV & HDTV, Seclusion, Fire Pits, Pet-friendly and Not Pet-friendly, Motorcycle Accessible, Jetted Tub, Jetted Shower, Game Rms, Pool Table, Air Hockey, Foosball, Gas Grills, Washer/Dryer, Full Kitchens, Swing Set, Fenced Yard, phone, WIFI, DLS. $85-$245 nt, $585-$1,595 wk.

Railroad Ride with the Lone Ranger- Bryson City

May 30-31. Bryson CIty, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
All children receive a FREE silver bullet necklace from the Lone Ranger. The Lone Ranger and Tonto save the day during a live western shootout, saving the train from the Ghost Town Bandits! Have your photo taken with the Lone Ranger, Silver the beautiful trick horse and Tonto.

Fish Fry and Live Bluegrass Music for the Needy- Warrensville

June 5 4-8PM Warrensville. Fish Fry and Live Bluegrass Music – what else could you ask for? Enjoy fish, fries, hushpuppies, slaw and a drink for a mere $8 donation to support Ashe Outreach Ministries and Mobile Meals. This group feeds 1,100 folks in need every month!
Ashe Outreach is located at 9382 Hwy. 88 W. (4.5 miles on the right past Blue Ridge Elementary in Warrensville)-look for the flashing “Fish Fry” sign.
Call 336-385-1314 for more information.

Gourd Festival in Cherokee

June 5-7 CHEROKEE Cherokee Gourd Festival
Classes and workshops on all facets of gourd manufacture and design.
Cherokee Fair Grounds 800-438-1601

Horse Show May 30 in Jefferson

May 30 West Jefferson. There will be an Open Horse Show on Saturday, May 30, at the AG Expo Property. Many events will be open to both youth and adults beginning at 10 a.m. All proceeds go to Ashe Friends of Agriculture.

Collective Spirits Wine Festival- Highlands

May 29-30 Highlands.
The Bascoms Collective Spirits wine festival features a grand wine tasting with more than 100 domestic and international wines, silent auction, fare by 12 local chefs, and symposiums by leading U.S. wine specialists, all capped off by a gala seated dinner on the art centers new terrace, followed by a live auction of exceptional wines and special wine-related items. Collective Spirits is the first event at the new Bascom, and all proceeds raise money for the nonprofit visual arts center. For tickets, visit www.collectivespirits.com
Call (828) 526-4949.

Lawn Mower Race- North Wilkesboro

May 30 North Wilkesboro.
Mow Down is absolutely a hit with fans of all ages! Suped up riding lawn mowers from 5 to 18 horsepower motors! Get in gear and start your engines! (336) 838-8662

New Community: THE RIVER RUN AT MOUNT MITCHELL

River Run is an exciting new gated community directly across from the Mount Mitchell Golf Course and five minutes from The Blueridge Parkway. Phase I of River Run with its breath taking views of Mount Mitchell and the beautiful South Toe River will include luxury town homes and condominiums. The planned community amenities include a swimming pool, club house, horseback riding, nature trails, fishing and tennis courts. Features for our luxury homes include granite and stainless kitchens and hardwood floors. Multi acre home sites also available.

June is Best Dish In NC- Flat Rock

Flat Rock, The Backroom at The Flat Rock Wine Shoppe. The Back Room is proud to be one of ten finalists in The Best Dish In North Carolina. We will be serving our nominated dishes the entire month of June.
828-697-6828
www.flatrockwineshoppe.com

Avery Heritage Festival- West Jefferson

June 6 Avery County, Old Cranberry High School.
This festival honors the heritage of Avery County including its arts, crafts, authors, food, genealogy, history and music.
828-765-4787

Cherokee Gourd Festival- Cherokee

June 5-7 CHEROKEE. Cherokee Gourd Festival
This event is truly unique! Featuring classes and workshops on all facets of gourd manufacture and design. All this in a fun and lively festival atmosphere. Cherokee Fair Grounds
800-438-1601
www.cherokee-nc.com

First Friday Concert & Livermush Festival- Marion

June 5 MARION First Friday Concert & Livermush Festival. Activities include music and a livermush cooking contest. Free;
7-9pm; Main Street, Historic Downtown Marion.
call 828-652-2215.

81st Annual Tryon Horse Show

June 3-7 TRYON 81st Annual Tryon Horse Show.
Contact Tryon Riding & Hunt Club at 1-800-438-3681

Talley Trio in Concert - Franklin

May 24 th at the Holly Springs Baptist Church
The Talley Trio will be in concert at Holly Springs Baptist Church this Sunday. Come join us as we observe Memorial Day and have the Talley Trio in concert. Singing begins at 9:30 am and continues through morning worship service at 10:45 am. Directions are easy.
www.hollyspringsbaptist.org/abouthsbc/findhsbc.asp

Stony Knoll Annual Family Festival- Columbus

May 22-23 Stearns Park, Columbus.
Come out and join us for the second year of fun for the family on Memorial Weekend. Rides, games, music, funnel cakes, hot dogs, BBQ hash and more. Live music in the evening. It's at Stearns Park in downtown Columbus beginning 3 pm Friday and all day Saturday. This event is a benefit to raise funds for the Stoney Knoll Community Library.
For more information contact Ricky Cummings at (864) 205-6893

Blue Grass Music at the River House

The River House May 24 with David Haney and Lisa Baldwin, bluegrass, country and singer/song writers.
Music starts at 4pm, with hors d'oeuvres around 5 p.m. and then a chef’s choice menu will be served at 6 p.m.
Visit www.riverhousenc.com
336-982-2109

CABIN COVE FARM - PET A LLAMA!

CABIN COVE FARM ASHEVILLE. 3 BD, 2 BA contemporary log home with mountain view, fireplace, hot tub and WIFI. Fully loaded kitchen, all linens, local phone. PET FRIENDLY with 1/2 acre fenced pet area and llamas to pet!. $195-$255 per night, $1170- $1530 per week.

Transylvania Farm Tours

May 30 Transylvania County.
This event will consist of two tours, a Guided Bus Tour and a Self-Guided Tour of your choice. Transylvania Farm Tours sponsored by the Transylvania Heritage Coalition, Inc. and Transylvania Farm Bureau. For tickets or more information, contact the Transylvania Heritage Museum, 40 W. Jordan St., Brevard, NC
heritage@citcom.net.
828-884-2347

Summer Theatre Camp for kids - Brunsville

The Parkway Playhouse and Dance Express offer Summer Theatre Camp
These camp sessions are from 9am-3pm lasting 3 weeks concluding with 2 weekend performances at the Parkway Playhouse.
2 Sessions June 22- July 10 and July 13-July 31.
Cost $225 per child for 3 weeks session and $85 per child for 1 week.
Call Dance Express at 828-682-1493.

The Lone Ranger in Bryson City

MAY 23- 31 Bryson City, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
Two 2-Day Weekends May 23rd - 24th & 30th - 31st. This exciting event will feature a train robbery and gun fight. Activities and entertainment will be around the Bryson City depot. Departure times will be 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm. Passengers will be on board the train for a one hour and 20 minute adventure. The Lone Ranger and Tonto will ride the train on the return trip passing out silver bullets to children.
Ticket price includes admission to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum!
1-800-872-4681

"Fading Voices" Cherokee Celebration- Robbinsville

Step back in time at a celebration of traditional ways of the Snowbird Cherokee Indians. Sacred mound ceremony, handmade crafts, traditional Cherokee foods, demonstrations, exhibits, traditional dancing, storytelling, singing, and children's games.
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Little Snowbird Church Playground

Parkway Playhouse Opens- Burnsville

May 21 Burnsville, Parkway Playhouse 63rd season.
Starting on May 21, the Parkway Playhouse Box Office will be open for the 2009 Summer Season. The box office will be open from 1pm-5pm Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and one hour before each performance. Season ticket holders will get first pick of all seats to all performances (except First Thursday Preview Performances). Season tickets will be on sale through June 12. You can purchase season tickets securely through our website. Season tickets are $90-$95 and include admission to all six shows PLUS two guest tickets for a total of 8 admissions to all shows in the Parkway Playhouse 2009 Season.
www.parkwayplayhouse.com
Call 828-682-4285

2nd Annual Beech Mountain 5 Mile Run- Banner Elk

June 6 - Banner Elk, Beech Mountain.
Last years event drew over 200 participants. Choose between the 5 mile race or a shorter route throughout Beech Mountain's gorgeous scenery and cool temperatures or come up and cheer on your friends and family.
Call the Chamber of Commerce for more information (800) 468-5506.

SIMPLE SUPPERS from Jer's Kitchen- Franklin

FLYING BISCUIT'S VEGETABLE COBBLER

A satifying blend of vegetables including Potatoes, Celery, Carrots, Onions & Turnips baked in a flaky homemade crust. For 2 people: $9.95, For 4 people: $16, For 8 people: $30

LEMON CHICKEN

Sauteed Chicken Breast braised in Lemon Juice, Capers, Chicken Stock, & Shitake Mushrooms, served over Fettuccini. For 2 people: $10.95, For 4 people: $20, For 8 people: $38

Estate Land for Sale-Robbinsville

Lots or tracts for sale with special owner financing packages in Robbinsville area. Log homes can also be included with purchase. Many floor plans available.
Contact Robert Upchurch at Climb Every Mountain for further details.
904-238-1808

Michael Cooper at Hayes Performing Art Center- Blowing Rock

June 13 at 10am Blowing Rock, Hayes Performing Art Center.
An eye-popping visual artist and virtuoso mime whose exquisite performances have dazzled audiences for almost 30 years, Cooper's one-man extravaganza combines his breathtaking handcrafted masks, original stories of courage and wonder, outlandish stilt dancing and a physical repertoire that ranges from the madcap to the sublime. Special 10am family performance.
$20 / $14 student.
Call (828) 295-9627

Kid’s Day America- Bryson City

May 16, 12 – 3pm Bryson City.
Kid’s Day America presented by Smoky Mountain Chiropractic
This event focuses on kid’s only fun – for the child in all of us! All proceeds to benefit the Western Carolina Pregnancy Care Center Camp Living Water, West Deep Creek Road
828-488-9033

Date Night at the Chef's Table- Waynesville

May 24 5PM - 9PM Waynesville
The Chef's Table at The Classic Wine Cellar
Dinner for two includes soup or salad, entree and desert all for $50 per couple!. Nestled unassumingly on a side street in downtown Waynesville, North Carolina, the legendary Chef’s Table restaurant is a celebration of the best wine country cuisine in the Great Smoky Mountains. 30 Church Street, Waynesville,

SHELTON VINEYARDS SUMMER SERIES-Mount Airy

May 16 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Shelton Vineyards, Mount Airy Featuring: Jim Quick and Coastline.
Purchase your tickets in advance for $25. Tickets purchased at the gate or the day of the concert will be $30. Advance tickets will be mailed up to one week before the concert. Advance tickets may be picked up at the winery until the Friday before the concert until 6pm. Tickets will always be available at the gate for $30 on the day of concert.
For More information please visit: www.sheltonvineyards.com
(336) 366-4724

Strawberry Jam Festival

May 15 ~ 4:30 – 9:30pm, Saturday, May 16 ~ 9am – 9:30pm. Darnell Farms presents the Strawberry Jam Festival - Free Admission. Full of family atmosphere and activities, this annual event incorporates traditional music and local artisans, great food, and more for a real “treat”!
Darnell Farms, Hwy. 19 N, 828-488-2376

New River Winery offers tastings and winery tours- W. Jefferson

May 16 West Jefferson New - River Winery,located at the Old Lansing School, invites you to visit the patio bar for wine tastings and tours of the winery. Enjoy a glass of wine and take in a bit of local history and culture. Taste the variety of local wines available from New River and select your favorite wine for a gift or special occasion. The bar is open on Saturdays from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m,(weather permitting). You can also taste and enjoy New River wines at Bohemia Gallery located downtown West Jefferson open Monday through Saturday.

MOUNT MITCHELL VACATION RENTALS

Choose from four rentals with mountain or river views. 3-4 BD, 1-3 BA. WIFI and fireplaces. Fully-equipped kitchen, gas grill, linens, Cable TV, PET FRIENDLY, riverfront, mountain view or on the golf course. $850 - $1050 per week TOTAL cost.

Wine and Cheese Reception- Black Mountain

May 14, from 5-7PM Black Mountain Center for The Arts in celebration of The Black Mountain Community Endowment Fund 10th anniversary.

Grant Sparks live at Zack's Pub-Little Switzerland

May 16 Playing original rock with a mountain twist. Zacks Pub is located at Switzerland Cafe and General Store in Little Switzerland. For more information, call 828-765-5289 or visit www.switzerlandcafe.com.

Jer's Weekly Specials

May 11- 16 Franklin, Jer's Kitchen. Take it easy tonight. We've got dinner waiting for you. THIS WEEK'S SIMPLE SUPPERS:

QUICHE LORRAINE
The Classic dish with Onions steeped in White Wine, Bacon & Aged Swiss Cheese baked to perfection. For 2 people: $9.95, For 4 people: $16, For 8 people: $30

ALTERNATIVE MEATLOAF
Fresh Ground Turkey, Onions, Carrots, Peppers, & Zucchini made into a savory meatloaf and served over Mashed Potatoes & Gravy. For 2 people: $10.95, For 4 people: $20, For 8 people: $38

PLUS, we always have side items and desserts available upon request!

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

Cherokee Spring Rod Run

May 15-17 Cherokee. Pre '72s and highly modified cars, trucks and motorcycles. $15,000 prize money. Children's games on Saturday. Vendors. janiwild@nc-cherokee.com

6th Annual Saluda Arts & Music Festival

May 16 Saluda. The Town of Saluda celebrates the talent of more than 50 local artists and crafts people from Western North Carolina and the Upstate of South Carolina. (828) 749-2581

Spanish Wine Dinner in Flat Rock's The Backroom

May 26 Flat Rock Wine shop, The Backroom. Please join us for our first wine dinner since becoming a full service
restaurant. Ally will be serving Spanish food along with some
fantastic Spanish wines. The dinner is limited to the first 25 people.
Reservations are required! The menu is listed below:

Quesos Españoles
Manchego and Malon cheeses with Spanish bread and olive tapenade
Ensalada Primavera con Ceviche
Spring green salad with lime-cure Corvina and fresh grapefruit
Conejo Asado
Slow-roasted rabbit with onions, peppers and herbed Spanish rice
Crema Catalana
Spanish style creme Brulee

Price just $40.00 per person; including tax and gratuity.
Meet for aperitif at 5:30pm with dinner starting promptly at 6:00pm.
Cash bar available.
Please call 828-697-6828 for questions or reservations.

North Coast Brewing FREE Beer Tasting in Asheville

May May 8th from 4-7pm Asheville, Hops & Vines. Scrimshaw Pilsner Named for the delicate engravings popularized by 19th century seafarers, Scrimshaw is a fresh tasting Pilsner brewed in the finest European tradition from Munich and Klages malts, Hallertauer and Tettnang hops. Scrimshaw has a subtle hop character, a crisp, clean palate, and a dry finish.

Red Seal ale - Malt and hops are beautifully married in this full-bodied, copper-red Pale Ale. Red Seal Ale is generously hopped in the traditional manner for a long, spicy finish.

Le Merle Saison A rustic ale, pale in color, inspired by the rich brewing traditions of the Flanders region. Abundant hops and a Belgian yeast strain contribute exotic aromas and tropical fruit.

BROADWING FARM NATURAL SPRINGS CABINS

BROADWING FARM NATURAL SPRINGS CABINS in Hot Springs offer a unique chance to spend relaxed evenings in a spa filled with naturally warm mineral water drawn from deep under the French Broad Valley. In each of our rentals, you can bask in the luxury of this warmth and view the stars from a secluded spot just outside your door, surrounded by sheltering pines. Our cabins are separated by 100 yards of pine forest for your privacy, with excellent views of the farm and the surrounding mountains. Broadwing Farm, established in 1992, is a family owned and operated organic farm located on a plateau high above the French Broad River, about one mile from downtown Hot Springs.
Phone: 828-622-3647

Open House for Johnnie's At The Monte Vista-Black Mtn

May 7 6-8pm Johnnie's Catering is opening the dining room at the Monte Vista Hotel. Please come help celebrate a new era for this local favorite.

May 10 Opening day will be Mothers Day for a Buffet 11:30-2:30 Reservations Recommended 669-2119 or 712-9525

Mothers Day Brunch Buffet-Black Mountain

May 10 11am to 4 pm Black Mountain, Madison Inn. featuring.......Braised Beef Brisket / Chicken Piccatta / Baked Virgina Ham /
Parslied New Potatoes / Green Beans Almondine /Glazed Baby Carrots......

$16.95 adults
$8.95 children 2 to 12
(children 2 and under are free)

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED, CALL 669-4785.

Beech Mountain Beest Cycling Weekend

May 23-24 Beech Mountain. An entire weekend of outdoor activity for the whole family. Beech Mountain will present the Beest Cycling Time Trial, in partnership with Charlotte Health and Fitness, on Saturday afternoon. The race will have a 2pm start followed by a 5:30pm Pasta Dinner (included with registeration, guests just $5 for adults, $3 for children) and a 7pm awards ceremony with over $100 in door prizes. Hosted by Buckeye Recreation Center. Sunday will feature group rides, including the legendary "Grizzly" metric Century for advanced cyclists. Sunday events will also include a 10am Group Hike and activities at the Buckeye Recreation Center. Registration for the Time Trial is $25 and is available online at www.CHFMag.com.

Grandfather Mountain Naturalist's Weekend

May 16-17 Blowing Rock, Grandfather Mountain. The Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Weekend is a fascinating collection of programs and guided walks offered to help guests discover "nature on a whole different level". ll programs and guided walks offered as part of the Naturalist's Weekend are included in the price of admission. Those who attend for both days should keep to their receipt on Saturday and present that for discount admission on Sunday. For details, phone 800-468-7325.

The Biltmore: Mothers Day Special

May 10 Asheville, The Biltmore Estate. Make mom a queen on her day with a FREE visit to America's Castle. Moms pay no admission on their day when accompanied a ticketed youth or adult.

Black Mountain: Lake Eden Arts Festival

May 7 - 10 Black Mountain. Enjoy a full weekend of art, music, and outdoor fun in a beautiful mountain lake setting. Experience cultural enrichment from all over the world! Camp Rockmont, Lake Eden Road. http://www.theleaf.com/

HOME FOR SALE in Blowing Rock

Well appointed mountain cedar home with metal roof. Stacked stone flower beds with split rail fence. Enjoy the sunrise and sunset from the open deck with pergola. Bright open floor plan, 3 bedrooms and 3 baths with additional den/craft/guest suite. Vine railings accent the floor to ceiling stone fireplace for those COOL mountain nights. Close to Blue Ridge Parkway / Boone/Blowing Rock/Todd area, offering good VIEWS, privacy and abundant wildlife. Broker Interest. $298,000. Contact Cathey Purvey, Re/Max Realty Group. Cathey Purvey. CatheyPurvey@remax.net

Affordable Cabin Rentals

TUCKASEIGEE VALLEY CABINS (4). $$$ SPECIALS PAGE 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 a fishing pond for children. $95- $195nt, $575-$975

Jackson County Public Library Complex Groundbreaking

May 16 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sylva. The groundbreaking celebration for the
new Jackson County Public Library Complex will will include The Smoky
Mountain Jazz Band from 9:30AM - 10:25AM. Attendees are asked to
gather at the fountain. At 10:25AM a bagpiper will lead the group up Keener Street, through Bicentennial Park and to the building site. Following the formal groundbreaking ceremony at 10:30, the bagpiper will lead the group back to Bicentennial Park for family-friendly activities, music and food. Knowledgeable staff
will be at the park to discuss the new library complex project and answer questions.