Wine AND Beer Tasting tomorrow in Asheville

May 1, Appalachian Vintner, 2-B Huntsman Place, Asheville North Carolina. The grapevines are in bloom, the trade shows were done and there will be loads of new products hitting the shelves in the next few weeks at Appalachian Vintner. Stop by on Saturday and check out:

De Bortoli St Kilda Chardonnay- South Eastern Australia. St Kilda wines are produced by De Bortoli Wines, based in Bilbul in the Riverina region of New South Wales.
Vecchia Torre Leverano Rosato- Leverano Italy. 80% Negroamaro, 20% Malvasia Nera.Hill of Content Pinot Noir- Adelaide Hills, Australia. Hill of Content was born out of a desire to create interesting Region specific wines at a price that allows for “liberal” consumption.
De Bortoli St Kilda Shiraz- From its humble beginnings more than 75 years ago, the De Bortoli Bilbul Winery is today a substantial operation being one of the Riverina’s largest, employing approximately 200 staff.
Stoudts Brewing Company- We will be sampling their Pilsner as well as the American Pale.
Bear Republic Hop Rod Rye- Sonoma County California. Hop Rod Rye is a high performance, turbo charged, alcohol burnin’ monster ale with dual overhead hop injection, made with 18% rye.

Please note beers are samples only and will be very limited for the 4PM-8PM tasters. If you would like to sample beer please come early. http://www.appalachianvintner.com/

Hops and Vines Celebrates National Homebrew Day with Sale

May 1-2, Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd., Ste 100, West Asheville North Carolina. Hops and Vines celebrates National Homebrew Day  by having their first ever homebrew sale. Saturday and Sunday, all homebrew equipment, beer kits and ingredient purchases (in stock items) will be 10% off! This is a great opportunity to stock up on bulk supplies or get a new gadget. http://www.hopsandvines.net

Film Screening: Portrait of Jennie

May 1 - 2, 2PM, Asheville Art Museum, 2 South Pack Square, Asheville North Carolina. This classic 1948 romantic fantasy by David O. Selznick is about a struggling artist, named Eben (Joseph Cotton), who is looking for inspiration and meets a schoolgirl in Central Park named Jennie (Jennifer Jones). There is a mystical, other-worldliness about Jennie. Eben paints her portrait, but the story doesn't end there. The all-star cast includes Lillian Gish and Ethel Barrymore. Free with Membership or Museum Admission

Interstate 40 in Western North Carolina Opened Sunday, April 25

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...

How does your Garden Grow?

April 30 - May 2, Western North Carolina Farmers Market, Asheville North Carolina.  21st Annual Asheville Herb Festival    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. Increase your knowledge and love of herbs and herbal product. Read more about the Festival...

HART performs Hamlet at Diana Wortham Theatre

April 28-29, 7PM, Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 South Pack Square,  Asheville North Carolina. Haywood Arts Regional Theatre (HART), one of the area’s most celebrated theatre companies brings its acclaimed production of Shakespeare’s greatest play to the Diana Wortham for two final performances. Adam Kampouris, staring in the lead, commands the stage and brings passion, humor, and athletic skill to one of  theatre’s most demanding roles.

11th Annual Charity Sale at Grovewood Gallery

April 23-25, Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood Road, Asheville North Carolina. Save 10% off all regular priced crafts, including studio furniture and garden sculptures, and up to 75% off on sale items. A portion of all sales from this 3 day event will go towards the development of Mission’s new Cancer Center - a regional cancer center to bring together all Mission outpatient cancer services into one location.

Hail to the Chief

This weekend Asheville North Carolina welcomes President and Mrs. Obama for a quick weekend getaway. Their specific agenda is, of course, undisclosed though  we do "know" (some sources still say this is a rumor) they will be staying at the Grove Park Inn and that everyone who who visits Asheville wants to see Biltmore (Mrs. Obama might particularly like the gardens). We also know that there will be traffic problems and a few inconveniences like the cancellation of the free hot air balloon rides at RiverLink's Earth Day Celebration. But there has already been national publicity about the visit on ABC News, local media and dozens of Blogs. After a challenging winter, record cold and snow and a still struggling economy the high-profile boost to mountain tourist industries is welcomed. We hope they will enjoy  western North Carolina, even in such a short period of time, and absorb some of the peace and spiritual renewal our beautiful mountains bestow upon the rest of us every day.

Free Earth Day Screening of "NO IMPACT MAN" Today

April 22, 5:30 PM, Volvo Construction Equipment, Biltmore Park, Asheville north Carolina. The No Impact Project, Slow Food USA and 1Sky are bringing people together to watch, discuss and act at the. The theme of this event is the impact of food production on climate change and what your community can do to take action. This film is about a man and his family trying to eliminate their carbon footprint in the middle of New York City, and highlights the impact of food production on climate change.

Beer Tasting Tomorrow at Hops and Vines

April23, 5PM - 7PM, Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd. Ste 100, Asheville North Carolina. Beer tasting  - Come in a see why our canned beers have become some of our best selling and tasting beers:
Oskar Blues Mama's YELLA Pils This pilsner is a clear golden color. Four additions of Saaz hops lend a spicy-floral hop component. A delicious summer beer.
Brooklyn Lager - the Brewery's flagship label, is New York's "hometown" beer, brewed to a pre-Prohibition recipe that dates back to the days when Brooklyn was the brewing capital of the East Coast. Brooklyn Lager has won numerous awards.
Ska Modus Hoperandi - Our best selling IPA these days... bitter, full of citrusy and piney hops with a solid malt backbone.  http://www.hopsandvines.net

A Dog Gone Good Time

April 23 - 25   WNC Agricultural Center, Asheville North Carolina.   United States Dog Agility Association Trial   The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina will host a United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA) agility trial. Spectators are welcomed to attend and admission is free. Over 150 purebred and mixed bred dogs, from throughout the southeast, will compete at various levels of difficulty.

Celebrate Earth Day with Riverlink

April 24, 9AM - 2PM, Carrier Park, Asheville North Carolina.  Grab your picnic blanket, and get ready for a day of healthy snacks, fun in the sun, and awesome activities for everyone in the family to enjoy at Riverlink's Picnic at Carrier Park.  Earth Fare will be joining the joining the party, providing healthy snacks and information on the importance of a healthy eating and snacking. Get details...

Blue Ridge Horticulture Plant Sale in Asheville

April 23 - 24  WNC Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Road, Asheville North Carolina.   Growing in the Mountains   Over the past fifteen years the last weekend in April has become synonymous with the Blue Ridge Horticulture Association's Growing in the Mountains plant sale. This will be the fourth year Growing in the Mountains has been held at the Asheville Farmers Market. There will be a wonderful display of hostas, herbs, annual flowers, heathers, iris, conifers, Japanese maples and much, much more. All vendors are Carolina nursery men and women who operate state certified nurseries.

Asheville Botanical Gardens 50th Anniversary

April 18, 2PM-5PM, Botanical Gardens at Asheville, 151 W.T. Weaver Boulevard, Asheville North Carolina. Asheville's urban native plant preserve hosts a 50th anniversary celebration with tours of the Gardens, food, beverages, music and a silent auction. The Public is invited ($10 per person; free to Gardens' members).

Asheville City Market Opens tomorrow

April 17, Public Works Building lot, S. Charlotte St., Asheville North Carolina. Asheville City Market is a producer-only market featuring food from local farmers – eggs, produce, meats and fish, brick-oven breads and pastries, handmade pasta, gourmet cheeses, hot sauces, fruit butters and preserves. Mountain herbs, cut flowers and nursery plants are also available. Every Saturday from 8AM until 1PM in the heart of downtown Asheville.

WIne Tasting Tomorrow

April 17, 3PM - 6PM, Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd. Ste 100 West, Asheville North Carolina. Wine Tasting with slightly sparkling wines:

New Age White- 50% Sauvignon Blanc 50% Malvasia, The fruit is hand picked followed by crushing, cooling of crushed grapes, and pressing. Fermentation begins by inoculating with selected yeasts. Halfway through the fermentation process, the wine is centrifuged (spun) to halt fermentation, creating a slightly sweet, semi-sparkling wine.$10.99
New Age Rose- 50% Malbec 50% Merlot, The fruit is hand picked followed by crushing, cooling of crushed grapes, 12 hour cold maceration  and pressing. Fermentation begins by inoculating with selected yeasts. Half way through the fermentation process, the wine is centrifuged (spun) to halt fermentation, creating a slightly sweet, semi-sparkling wine. $10.99
Lo Duca Lambrusco - A soft, light, semi-sweet red wine, naturally carbonated the way the original Lo Duca family blend has always been. $10.99    http://www.hopsandvines.net

Appalachian Vintner offers Wine Tastings

Check out the Free Wine Tastings Wednesday 4PM-8PM and Saturday 1PM-3PM & 4PM-8PM  at Appalachian Vintner. "Asheville’s Wine, Beer & Local Artisan Products Super Store "offers a 4,000 sq. ft. show room, making wine tasting and buying wine in  fun and accessible.  The knowledgeable staff is happy to make recommendations and help enhance your wine knowledge. Local artwork is displayed throughout the show room. Appalachian Vintner, 2-B Huntsman Place, Asheville North Carolina. http://www.appalachianvintner.com

Close-up Wildlife Photography Opportunity

April 16   WNC Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville North Carolina.   Wildlife Photography Tour   Just for photography buffs, this is your chance to get a close up view of our wildlife accompanied by our animal keepers and naturalists. We ask that you donate one framed photograph from this tour to exhibit at the Center. Limited to 25 participants - reserve now:  kmastin@ashevillenc.gov  Contact Phone (828) 298-5600 ext. 305

Funny Business with Dave Landau

April 10-11, Funny Business Comedy Club, 56 Patton Ave (S&W Building), downtown Asheville North Carolina. Dave Landau brings his keen eye for humor to Asheville  with shows at 8PM and 10:30 PM. Smart, edgy and sarcastic Landau has a laid-back clean style. From Comedy Central's "Live at Gotham" and Last Comic Standing, Dave Landau's  humor is both original and very funny! http://www.ashevillecomedy.com/

RiverLink Needs Volunteers

Join RiverLink's Communication & OutReach Coordinator, Kyle Wolff, plan RiverLink's first official Earth Day Party on Saturday, April 24th. The event is a picnic at  Carrier Park, open to the public and filled with activities for everyone in the family to enjoy. Asheville Hot Air Balloons will be providing FREE hot air balloon rides from 9-11 a.m (weather permitting) RiverLink is partnering with Earth Fare for this event, whose focus is eliminating childhood obesity and promoting healthy snacking. RiverLink links with this message by connecting their communities by greenways along the French Broad River. There will be many other fun activities as well!  For more info contact Kyle Wolff, at kyle@riverlink.org or 828.252.8474 * 119

Benefit Performance for The Diana Wortham Theatre

April 17, Diana Wortham Theatre , 2 South Pack Square,  Asheville North Carolina. The Special Benefit Performance features Christine Ebersole, singer/actor four times nominated for Tony Awards and two-time winner of the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical (in 2001 for 42nd Street and in 2007 for Grey Gardens). Proceeds benefit the ongoing programs of the Diana Wortham Theatre. Tickets for this Benefit Performance are $75 for Orchestra Seating and a pre-performance Wine Reception at 7:00 p.m.; or $50 for Balcony Seating, performance only. $35 of the $75 ticket, and $20 of the $50 ticket, may be considered a tax deductible contribution.

Preview of Carmen in Asheville

April 7, 7PM-10PM, Asheville Lyric Opera, Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 South Pack Square, Asheville North Carolina. Guest Conductor - Robert Franz from Houston Symphony and Mansfield Symphony Guest Director - David Carl Toulson from Washington Opera and L.A. Opera
Assistant Conductor - Michael Porter. Buy Tickets...

Ponce de Leon Day at the Arcade

April 10, The Groove Arcade, One Page Avenue, Downtown Asheville North Carolina. "Fountain of Youth" extravaganza. The Arcade will offer activities to help keep you youthful both inside and out. Yoga, Nia, exercise and dance demonstrations will take place with audience members invited to participate ... or not. Would you like to participate in "Before and After" beauty makeovers? If you are interested, stop in Jazzy Giraffe or email to inquire. Three lucky ladies will be chosen to participate and will receive free products, gift certificates for services, store gift certificates and more. This event features great shopping deals, drawings, demonstrations and more. A detailed schedule can be found on the Arcade's calendar.

Comedy Club Customer Appreciation this weekend

April 2 & 3, Funny Business Comedy Club, 56 Patton Ave, Asheville North Carolina.  $5 Friday and $10 Saturday for this weekend only! Ward Anderson performs at 8PM and 10:30PM (21+ show). Best-selling humor author, Anderson, is a high-energy comedian, sure to please audiences everywhere. Seeing him live is always a spectacular event!  Ward has been featured on several local, national and syndicated t.v. programs. 828-318-8909   http://www.ashevillecomedy.com/

Easter Event: Biltmore Annual Easter Egg Hunt

April 4, Biltmore, Asheville North Carolina.   Biltmore Annual Easter Egg Hunt  The Easter Rabbit makes his annual appearance on Biltmore’s Front Lawn on Easter Sunday, along with special children’s entertainment including magic shows, music, storytelling, crafts and photos with the Easter Rabbit. Highlighting the day are the grand Easter Egg Hunts at 11AM., 1PM and 3PM.

Downtown Asheville Bed and Breakfast

ABERDEEN INN  Asheville North Carolina Bed and breakfast with a view the mountains surrounding Asheville from a large wraparound porch! Full gourmet breakfast included. All home baked breads and complimentary beverages including wine, beer and soft drinks. WIFI. Pay for 6 nights get the 7th night FREE. $120-$195 night