Asheville Theatre: Aquilla Theatre Performs at Diana Wortham

February 1, 8 PM - Cyrano de Bergerac. February 2, 8 PM - The Taming of the Shrew.  Enjoy the same amazingly talented cast both nights - but in completely different roles - as they breathe new life into these classics plays. Get tickets online at www.dwtheatre.com   or call 828-257-4530.

Pre-show discussions: Ticket holders can enhance their theatre experience by attending free pre-performance discussions in The Forum at 7:00 PM prior to the 8:00PM  performances. Seating is limited so arrive early to participate. Read the web exclusive article on The Laurel of Asheville HERE.

Aquila Theatre's Asheville performances are funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the North Carolina Arts Council. 

Learn more about Asheville Theatre on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Asheville Valentine Getaway with hot tub

Incredible mountain views only minutes to downtown Asheville - 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, sleeps 8. Enjoy the  Hot tub with long range mountain views perfect for de-stressing and romantic moments. Decks, fireplace, gas grill, piano, telescope, WIFI.  And it's Pet Friendly, too. $200 - $300 night, $1400 - $1800 week. See rental photos, details and availability

Find more Asheville Romantic Getaways on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Odessey Center for Ceramic Arts Exhibits at Asheville's Folk Art Center

January 12 - April 21: Exhibition by the Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts at The Folk Art Center. Both sculpture and functional ceramics made by teachers and students at the Odyssey Center will be showcased in the Folk Art Center Main Gallery.

Odyssey, located in the River Arts District of Asheville, is an educational center and member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Under the stewardship of Highwater Clays, The Odyssey Center "is a school and studio which promotes understanding, appreciation and professional development in the ceramic arts". The Center includes a Gallery which exhibits new work by instructors, residents, members and student assistants. The Gallery serves to inspire and educate the community and ceramic students about the nature of clay and the variety of ways clay can be used, enjoyed and valued. Exhibits are continually changing and include five unique shows throughout the year.

The Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts is located at 236 Clingman Avenue in the River Arts District of Asheville NC.

Learn more about Asheville arts and crafts on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Celtic Weekend at the Grove Park Inn

February 1-2    Celtic Adventure Weekend  Passion, artistry and skill collide during this dream weekend for lovers of all things Celtic. Join the celebration of the Scots-Irish heritage of Western North Carolina with the finest in music, including concerts by Solas and Gaelic Storm. Held at The Grove Park Inn and Spa.   Get current rates and availability at The Grove Park Inn

Asheville Mardi Gras Lets "The Good Times Roll"

This February the spirit of Mardi Gras invades Asheville with five days of parties, celebrations and Good Times.
Asheville offers a variety of events filled with music, dance and costumes.

February 7 -  LaZoom Mardi Gras Tour.   Get on the purple bus for a humorous twist on a city tour. The creators of LaZoom hail from New Orleans so they know first hand how to throw an authentic Mardi Gras celebration. Take part in one of two Mardi Gras tours where you can enjoy performances by David Earle and the PlowShares.

February 8 - Running of the Winos Asheville Mardi Gras annual traditions of “wine hopping” downtown to spread the Asheville Mardi Gras spirit!

February 9  - Zapow Gallery Steamboat Punk Carnival Show from 7-9 with music by The Extraordinary Contraptions.
Scandal’s Night Club – Krewe Party/Drag Show Party.
Toy Boat – Seduction Side Show with After Party to Follow.
Olive or Twist – Zydeco Dancing.

February 10 - Mardi Gras Grand Parade at 3:05 p.m. in downtown Asheville. This event will happen rain or shine. They'll be dancing in the streets of Asheville.

6th Annual Queen’s Ball: Immediately following the Parade at Pack’s Tavern’s Century Room, Free and open to the public. Music by Bayou Diesel

Fat Tuesday February 12  - Mardi Gras Day


Get a link for details about Mardi Gras events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide

NC Artist Ann Vasilik Show Opens Today at the North Carolina Arboretum

January 26 - May 19   NC Artist Ann Vasilik Show " A Painter's Journey"   on exhibit at the NC Arboretum, captures her travels at home and abroad, open to the public 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily. Ann Vasilik., a native of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania has lived in Asheville, North Carolina since 1988 and is best known for her vibrant paintings that capture the natural and architectural beauty of Western North Carolina. Her new exhibit will feature familiar scenes of our mountain community as well as exciting locales from her world travels.

The North Carolina Arboretum offers magnificent gardens and miles of woodland trails as well as continual special events and touring cultural and arts shows. Just as our experience of nature is intimate, visitors to The North Carolina Arboretum connect with plants in personal ways that are as diverse and rich as the land itself. Whether you enjoy strolling through gardens, exploring exhibits, enriching your mind or hiking and biking, the Arboretum offers activities for all ages. Asheville NC

Diana Wortham Matinee Series

Seats Still Remain for:

The Civil War

January 28, 29 - 10 AM
January 30,  31 - 10 AM,  12 PM

These Matinee Series performances are open to families, community groups, homeschoolers, and school groups.  Tickets are still available for this stirring production featuring traditional songs of the era while sensitively illustrating this complex, tumultuous chapter of U.S. history.

Asheville Winter Warmer Beer Festival this Weekend

January 26   Winter Warmer Beer Festival   Shake off the Winter Blahs at the 6th Annual Asheville Winter Warmer Beer Festival from 3:00 - 7:00 PM. Co-hosts are ThreeSheets:Design, Brews Cruise, Inc., and French Broad Brewing Co. This year's venue,  the arena floor level of Asheville's Civic Center, allows for an even larger attendance. More than 30 local and national brewers will be serving up their brews.
 
This year the Festival will "share the love" and offer the opportunity to support the Western North Carolina Alliance (WNCA). For 30 years, the Western North Carolina Alliance has been a trusted community partner, marshaling grassroots support to keep the forests healthy, the air and water clean and the mountain communities vibrant. Utilizing a combination of policy advocacy, scientific research and community collaboration, the Alliance and its chapters throughout Western North Carolina unleash the power of citizens’ voices to protect the natural heritage of the greater Asheville region so that people and the environment can thrive.

Advanced ticket purchase is recommended as the previous 5 years' festival have sold out.

Asheville Fringe Art Festival

January 24 - 27  The Fringe Art Festival serves patrons of art from Asheville and beyond by facilitating the creation and production of avant garde work that may otherwise not find a venue. In past years the artistic mix has included actors, dancers, singers, videographers, painters and musicians, who present a varied range of interesting work including cross-genre improvisation, Butoh dance, sketch theatre, modern dance, and multi-media performance art. 

Find more Asheville events, plus Asheville lodging, galleries and attractions HERE

The Grove Park Inn Hosts Annual All That Jazz Weekend

January 25 - 27  Annual All That Jazz Weekend   at the Grove Park Inn. Another spectacular weekend of "All Things Jazz" with special performances by The John Pizzarelli Quartet on Friday evening, Jessica Molaskey & Aaron Weinstein Trio on Saturday evening and a special Saturday afternoon concert with the Lenore Raphael Duo featuring Herman Burney. 

This event has earned national recognition as one of the premiere jazz festivals of the Southeast. Evening and afternoon concerts in the Grand Ballroom along with fun activities and live music throughout the rest of the resort make this a weekend that will satisfy even the most discriminating jazz enthusiast.

The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa - The spa and spa services are renowned, scenic golf course, sports complex with pool - tennis - racquetball - training. Onsite restaurants, lounge, bars. A large variety of rooms and suites, varying stages of updates with some original Inn antiques.  Get current rates and availability for The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa


Get a link for the Big Band and Swing Dance Weekend on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Asheville Events for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 21, 2013 MLK Day in Asheville NC:

• Peace March & Rally, meet at 11:30 a.m. at St. James AME Church, 44 Hildebrand Ave., at Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Asheville, march to City-County Plaza at noon, followed by a rally.


• Unity March & MLK Birthday Party, 4:30 p.m., WCU campus, Cullowhee, sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Party will be at Illusions, in the University Center.


• Candlelight Service. 6 p.m., Nazareth First Baptist Church, 146 Pine St., Asheville.


• Walk to Change, 6 p.m., and communitywide MLK Celebration, 7 p.m. Walk begins at Bethel Baptist Church, 20 Mills Ave., Brevard, and ends at Brevard College’s Porter Center, where the celebration will take place.


• MLK Day at National Parks. Free house tours all day at Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, off U.S. 225 on Little River Road, Flat Rock; free admission to all national parks. Visit www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks or www.nps.gov/carl.

Collage Art Craft Class at Asheville's Diana Wortham Theatre

January 23 : Intersections Crafting Class: Multi-media Collage Art  Making multimedia art can be exciting and easy, with lovely results! Come use everyday materials, both natural and man-made, to create a small wall hanging. Items will be included to make artworks, but please feel free to bring any small items, including natural things such as sticks, pinecones, etc. you would like to include on your wall hanging to make it more personal.

Held at the Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 South Pack Square in downtown Asheville NC.

Asheville's Annual Peace March and Rally celebrating Martin Luther King Jr Day

January 21   Annual Peace March and Rally  celebrating Martin Luther King Jr Day will take place beginning at St. James AME Church at Martin Luther King Boulevard and Hildebrand Street and continuing to City-County Plaza in Pack Square Park.

Speakers at the Rally, which coincides with President Obama’s second inauguration ceremony, will present readings from the Emancipation Proclamation, Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech, and President Obama’s famous 2008 address to the nation on race.

AKC Dog Show in Asheville

January 18-20   American Kennel Club (AKC) Dog Agility Trial   The Blue Ridge Agility Club of Western North Carolina is hosting an American Kennel Club Dog (AKC) dog agility trial. Spectators are welcomed to attend and admission is free. Over 300 purebred dogs, from throughout the southeast, will compete at various levels of difficulty.

The event is held at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd. in Fletcher, NC.

Get a link for the Dog Agility Trials and other weekend events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Asheville is featured on next month's Food and Wine online

In its February issue, Food & Wine features Asheville's culinary scene. Addressing why food lovers are enthralled with Asheville, the answer is all about local ingredients paired with chefs from all over - Brooklyn, Spain, India and elsewhere across the globe.

These skilled chefs are creating a world-class food scene in this unique North Carolina town. The state of North Carolina's Division  of tourism PR team, in partnership with the Asheville CVB, worked with the magazine, resulting in the upcoming online article as well as the one in print when the February issue hits the stands. Food & Wine online reaches 1,144,891.

5th Annual Cajun Cook-off / Art and Oddities Silent Auction.

January 19,  4  PM. at Tressa's Downtown Jazz and Blues on Broadway in downtown Asheville sample some of the finest Cajun cuisine at the 5th Annual Cajun Cook-off / Art & Oddities Silent Auction. This fundraiser helps support the Asheville Mardi Gras Parade and Ball which are free to all and will occur on Bacchus Sunday, February 10th, 2013.

Everyone is welcome to try their hand at creating Asheville's best Cajun dish. The crowd's favorite will take home the coveted cook-off trophy and the bragging rights for next year's contest . Following the cook-off the Art & Oddities Silent Auction begins with bidding on spectacular, bazaar, collectible and crafty items created by local legends and folk artists. This event always boasts the talents of local artists, chefs and lovers of Louisiana cuisine.

For a $10 entry fee (or free with your Asheville Mardi Gras membership), you will enjoy delicious Cajun creations, dance to New Orleans style music and marvel at the costuming extravaganza that comes with the spirit of the Mardi Gras Season.

Open House at Hickory Nut Gap Farm

January 19  Hickory Nut Gap Farm Open House Open from 10 AM - 5 PM with a farm tour at 1 PM. Come learn about the inner workings of Hickory Nut Gap Farm. See the cows, pigs, berries, mushrooms and apple orchards. Sample some of the cured meats and other local goodies. The Farm operates a store open from 10 AM - 5 PM, Tuesday - Saturday.

The Farm is located at 57 Sugar Hollow Road, Fairview (between Asheville and Chimney Rock) NC.

Big Band Weekend at the Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa

January 18-20    Annual Big Band and Swing Dance Weekend -  If you love the Big Band Era of music and dance this is the place to be.  Event activities for package holders include dance instruction, an exclusive afternoon tea dance, and two nights full of amazing performances from Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra.

The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa - The spa and spa services are renowned, scenic golf course, sports complex with pool - tennis - racquetball - training. Onsite restaurants, lounge, bars. A large variety of rooms and suites, varying stages of updates with some original Inn antiques.  Get current rates and availability for The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa



Get a link for the Big Band and Swing Dance Weekend on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Win an Asheville Getaway for the Southern Conference Basketball Tournament

Fans of college basketball have a chance to watch their favorite team from the best seats in the house during the 2013 Southern Conference Tournament being held in Asheville NC from March 8 - 11. The Asheville Tourism Authority is giving away a deluxe vacation to one lucky fan who  will experience all the tournament action and Asheville attractions in style. 

Prize Package For Two Includes

• Three nights of accommodations at the beautiful Haywood Park Hotel in downtown Asheville, just steps away from all the tournament action.
• Two VIP tickets – Grants access to all SoCon games with premium seating.
• Two Biltmore passes – Visit America’s largest home, tour their winery and dine at their farm-to-table eateries. A true gem in the heart of Asheville.
• Zipline tour for two – Take to the trees and practice your best Tarzan yell with Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures. This urban zip course offers great views of the downtown Asheville skyline.
• A $50 local restaurant gift card.
• A welcome basket with local items and team merchandise from your favorite SoCon school.   

Enter Here

Song O'Sky Chorus brings Harmony to Asheville

January 13, 7 PM - 9:30 PM -  Start the new year off in harmony with the Song O'Sky Chorus and an uplifting evening.  You'll enjoy real harmony and real fun with this enthusiastic women's chorus. During the month of January Sweet Adeline International Choruses are joining together to celebrate harmony. The Event, held at Covenant Community Church (11 Rocket Drive in Asheville) includes an open house and more.

Buncombe County has recognized and honored the Sweet Adelines International as well as the local Song O'Sky Chorus by declaring January 13, 2013 Sweet Adelines International Week.

Song O' Sky Show Chorus is a chapter of  Sweet Adelines Internationalong, an organization dedicated to promoting and teaching one of America's original art forms: barbershop harmony, or four-part harmony sung a cappella (without instrumental accompaniment).

Mountain Spirits: Asheville Wine Tasting at Hops and Vines

January 12, 3 PM - 6 PM - Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Rd, Ste 100  in Asheville NC: FREE wine tasting of Wines from Italy.  Stemmari Grillo 2011:Wonderfully perfumed and floral this sustainably made white wine from Sicily is a great choice at the perfect price $9.99/750ml 

Tenuta Vitanza "Volare" Toscana Rosso 2009: This Sangiovese, Cabernet Savignon blend has ample fruit accompanied by an easy silkiness.  $11.99/750ml
San Marzano Primitivo 2010: This wine is made of 100% Primitivo grapes, often known as Zinfandel in the US. Rich, jammy, and fruit driven, this wine is delicious!  $11.99/750ml

Asheville hosts SoCon Basketball Tournament again for 2013

The Southern Conference (SoCon) Tournament is coming back to Asheville for 2013. The weekend of March 8-11, downtown will be filled with 50,000+ basketball fans, all enjoying Asheville's shopping, dining and drinking during the course of the tournament.

The Asheville Downtown Association will be hosting two informational sessions for downtown business owners to learn about marketing opportunities and how to show your support of the tournament.

Both sessions will cover the same information and will be held Wed. January 23 at 8:30am and Wed. January 30 at 5:30pm at the ADA office (29 Haywood Street).  Please RSVP to info@ashevilledowntown.org with which meeting you plan to attend. All businesses that attend one of the sessions will receive 2 complimentary tournament passes.

Asheville City Market kicks off this Saturday

January 12 - The Asheville City Market opens its 2013 season this Saturday at the Haywood Park Hotel, 161 S. Charlotte Street in downtown Asheville. The Winter Market offers an opportunity to buy local foods from local farmers each Saturday from January through March.

2013 kicks off with potatoes, a great storage crop. Check the Market chart to find out which other local items are in season. Winter squash, apples, leeks and greenhouse vegetables are among January's crops.

Friends of the Market are needed. Interested in volunteering your time to plan the market, plan events, provide on-site support, reach out to farmers in the region, or other needed work? Contact Mike.  Donations are Welcomed. Market start-up costs in advance of receiving any revenue will be significant.To help create this boon to Asheville's culture and vital link to Asheville's economy for our region's farmers, visit our donate page.

Asheville Rental with Mountain views

Asheville Vacation Rental with Mountain view and only 3 miles to downtown - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 8. Short range views from every window, decks and screened porch, wood-burning fireplace, flat panel TVs, WIFI. $164 - $290 night, $1388 - $1680 week.  See rental photos, details and availability

Find more Aheville North Carolina cabins and vacation rentals on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Steep Canyon Rangers Perform at The Orange Peel

January 11, 8 PM  at the Orange Peel Social Aid and Pleasure Club The Steep Canyon Rangers make a special appearance with guest Peter Rowan. Since their 2011 performances and album with Steve Martin, The Steep Canyon Rangers have become among the most popular bluegrass musicians across the US. With smooth vocals, smart songwriting, ferocious instrumentals and jaw-dropping harmony, the Rangers are a "must see" wherever they perform.

The Orange Peel is located at 101 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville NC.

Asheville's River Arts District Second Saturday

January 12   River Arts District Second Saturday   Asheville’s River Arts District Artists open their studios for a day of family friendly fun, educational experiences, live demonstrations and to share their creations. Visit dozens of artists working in all types of media, available for viewing or purchase.

River Arts District is open year aroun - meet artists in their studios. Schedules are available online. Twice a year, every second weekend in June and November, Asheville’s River Arts District opens to the public for two days of festivities known as the STUDIO STROLL. During the Studio Stroll, artists of the River Arts District welcome you into their studios to talk with them, see their latest artwork, watch demonstrations, and experience for yourself the magic hidden inside the time-worn factories which have been reborn as a thriving art center.

This unique neighborhood along the French Broad River is home to more than 165 artists with working studios located in 18 turn-of-the-century industrial buildings. The District also offers a variety of eateries from cafes to breweries.

Hellbender Featured at WNC Nature Center

This year the WNC Nature Center is thrilled to be celebrating a special Year of the Hellbender. You may have seen the great big Eastern Hellbender in Appalachian Station. Hellbenders are large aquatic salamanders--they can grow up to two feet long - yikes! They look kind of intimidating, but if you come across one in the river, don't worry. They aren't venomous. They are also extremely difficult to find, as they spend most of their time hanging out under large, flat rocks in fast moving water. And here's a fun fact: Hellbenders breathe through their SKIN.   

There's a lot more information on these cool critters on the Center blog, as well as an exciting announcement about the Nature Center's own Hellbender. And check out this cool video:

Meet a Hellbender

The Center looks forward to spending this year bringing some special attention to our slimy aquatic neighbors, and all of our special Southern Appalachian animals.

Get Biltmore Tickets for only $35 and FREE youth admission

January 2 through March 20 Get Biltmore adult tickets for only $35! Youth under 16 admission is FREE with paid adult ticket. Enjoy the best prices of the year to explore Biltmore without the crowds and waiting during the busier times of the year. 

Biltmore - America's "Castle" -  was built in 1895 by George Vanderbuilt  and is preserved and maintained today by his descendants. With interior square footage over 4 acres, 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, 43 bathrooms and an impressive collection of art and period furnishing it is one of the East's most popular attractions.

Once a working dairy farm the 8,000 acre estate now includes a winery; trails, gardens and grounds to explore; an Equestrian Center, River Bend Farm, a luxury Inn and the newest addition, Antler Village. Plan on spending at least one full day or more to fully enjoy all that Biltmore has to offer.

GET DISCOUNTED BILTMORE TICKETS HERE: Biltmore Estate Discounted Ticket Specials

Asheville Beer and Wine Tasting this Weekend

Join Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Street #100 in Asheville NC, for FREE wine and beer tastings this weekend:

January 4, 5 - 7 PM - Hops and Vines, 797 Haywood Street #100 in Asheville NC:  Free Beer Tasting - Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine 2013.  Come taste this years Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine.  This beast of a beer is released the first week of January every year. Hops and Vines has been saving Bigfoot for six years now. They will be opening a different vintages throughout the tasting starting with 2008.

Six pack verticals of '08-'13 will be available for $29.95.and there will be plenty of 2013 Bigfoot Barleywine Ale as it just came in! $10.99 4/packs this year.

January 5, 3 - 6 PM:  Free Wine tasting of Wines from Washington.  Mildbrant Riesling 2011: Fresh light and vibrant, with juicy, tangy pineapple and pear fruit picking up floral notes as the off-dry finish lingers. $12.99/750mlt; The Velvet Devil Merlot 2011: Milk Chocolaate, wild blackberry, baking spice, rose oil, and of course, Velvety! $14.99/750ml;   Chateau Smith 2010: Supple and inviting with complex flavors of dark berries and plum shaded with hints of bacon and star anise. The finish rolls along unimpeded by the polished tannins. $19.99/750m.

Get a link for Hops and Vines and other Asheville Beer and Wine shops, breweries and wineries on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Asheville Cottage Rental Special

Book THREE nights and get your FOURTH night for ONLY $11.  (Valid for new reservations booked after December 15, 2012, for stays December 17 - 21, 2012, January 2 - 18, 2013, and January 22 - 31, 2013, excluding holidays.)

1 bedroom 2 bath, sleeps 2. Updated comfy and cozy guest cottage with wrap-around porch, fully equipped kitchen, WIFI. Peaceful wooded setting.  $862 - $967 week.     See cottage photos and availability

 

Grove Park Inn Hosts " Best of our State 2013" this Weekend

January 4-6   Best of our State 2013    Our State magazine comes to life during this 15th annual weekend celebration at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. Enjoy a weekend of music, humor, history, storytelling, and even a little dancing.

Entertainment this year includes Roy Underhill, Ron Rash, The Steep Canyon Rangers, Victoria Livengood, Tom Higgins, Dr. Elliot Engle, The Gospel Jubilators and Bruce Johnson.

Shop for North Carolina specialty foods, crafts, and other unique items in our bustling North Carolina Market Place. Meet the artists, sample delicious dishes, and learn about new places to visit from our travel destination exhibitors.


The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa is an historic Asheville mountain inn with renowned spa services. Additional facilities include the scenic golf course and a sports complex with swimming pool, tennis courts,  racquetball and training equipment. The Resort offers onsite restaurants, lounge and bars. A large variety of accommodations include rooms and suites in varying stages of updates and ages with some original Inn antiques. Check Inn rates and dates

The Grove Park hosts a variety of winter events and weekend packages from  New Year's Eve Celebrations to Big Band Dance Weekend to the All That Jazz Festival. Get a link for details on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.