WNC Chef's Challenge for 4/2/13

April 2    WNC Chef's Challenge:   FeGe Catering- Chef Graham Overal versus West Asheville Lounge and Kitchen (WALK) - Chef Chuck Kegg.  Diner participants will enjoy six plated culinary creations (three from each team) that incorporate a special ingredient and will score each dish. The diners' votes are then tallied along with those from a panel of judges and the weekly winners will continue to participate in the competition. 

Reservations for the WNC Chefs Challenge are $49 per individual, and can be purchased online at http://wncchefschallenge.eventbrite.com. Sales tax, and gratuity ($67.97 total) are included in ticket purchase. Held at the Chestnut Restaurant in downtown Asheville NC.

Learn more about Asheville's Restaurants and entertainment on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide. 

Easter Brunch at Biltmore's Deerpark Restaurant

March 31 - Easter Brunch at Deerpark Restaurant at Biltmore    Savor the Taste of the South on this Easter  Brunch buffet. Deerpark Restaurant is open for for lunch on Saturdays from 11:00 AM. to 3:00 PM. and for Sunday Brunch from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The cost is $40 for adults, $19  for youth,  $10 for children 5 and over.

Enjoy an amazing variety of buffet selections including appetizers such as cajun shrimp, vegetable showder and sweet peas salad; an omelet and waffle station; the Farmhouse Brunch Table with fresh fruits and pastries, Potato and Goat Cheese Latkes, cornbread and grits, biscuits and gravy, bacon and sausage, quiche; Hand-carved entres with southern sides such as Prime Rib, Lamb and Ham with red rice, mac and cheese, greens and mashed potatoes; Miniature desserts such as chocolate mousse torte, sour creme pound cake, lime curd tart with raspberry jam, coconut cake with Caramel Buttercream and Hummingbird Bundt Cake with pineapple jamand candied pecans.

Yum - Period.

Get a $10 discount on Biltmore Tickets with our Value Rewards Program -  CLICK HERE

Mountain View Cabin Rental near Asheville for Easter Getaway

Last minute Easter Getaway - Mountain View rental in great location - 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, sleeps up to 8. 3 master suites great for traveling couples or friends getaways. Beautiful mountain views from decks, gas fireplace, gas grill,  HDTV, WIFI. $200-$250 night, $1350 -$1500 week. Located between Asheville and Black Mountain.

Get local information about restaurants, attractions and events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide and the Black Mountain NC Visitor Guide.

Easter Events: Grove Park Inn Easter Weekend

March 29-31 Celebrate Easter and Spring at Asheville's Grove Park Inn.  Weekend activities include face painters, a balloon artist, an Easter morning worship service, visits from Major Bear and the Easter Bunny and a variety of special menus and unique dining opportunities.

Visitors may also enjoy guided history tours, a cooking demonstration, complimentary chair massages, and live music throughout the weekend.

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.      Check current rates and availability

Easter Weekend Event: Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Fletcher Community Park

March 30    Fletcher Easter Egg Hunt   This annual Easter Egg Hunt is held at the Fletcher Community Park for children ages walker to 11. The event is filled with eggs and fun with the Easter Bunny and sponsored by Fletcher Parks & Recreation. Fletcher is located between Asheville and Hendersonville.

WNC Chef's Challenge for 3/26/13

March 26   WNC Chef's Challenge: Strada Italiano - Chef Anthony Cerrato versus Bistro on Biltmore Estate - Chef Bill Klein. Diner participants will enjoy six plated culinary creations (three from each team) that incorporate a special ingredient and will score each dish.

The diners' votes are then tallied along with those from a panel of judges and the weekly winners will continue to participate in the competition. Reservations for the WNC Chefs Challenge are $49 per individual, and can be purchased online at http://wncchefschallenge.eventbrite.com. Sales tax, and gratuity ($67.97 total) are included in ticket purchase. Held at the Chestnut Restaurant in downtown Asheville NC.

Easter Weekend Events: Easter on the Green in Asheville

March 30 - Easter on the Green  An annual FREE family-friendly event in the heart of downtown Asheville. Traditional activities include age-specific Easter egg hunts, races, giant inflatables, music, entertainment, giveaways and more.

Children can meet the Easter Bunny and receive a golden egg filled with a prize. A professional photographer will take a family photo that can be downloaded for free.

Get a link for details about Easter on the Green on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Asheville Pupet SHow this Weekend at Diana Wortham Theatre

March 22 - 23   Asheville Puppetry Alliance Presents The Big Dipper: Calendar, Compass & Clock    Discover the mystery and science of the Big Dipper at Asheville's Diana Wortham Theatre.  Kids of all ages will enjoy stories from the ancient Chinese, Micmac Indians, Greek, and Aztec cultures, and the Southern slaves following the “drinkin gourd” to freedom. 

Combining skillfully crafted marionettes and shadow puppets, see how the stars can be used to tell time, track the seasons, and find your way at night. Tickets: School Show  on 3/22 is $8 or $5 for 10 or more people. The  Public Show on March 23 is $8.

Battle of Swannanoa Gap - Revolutionary War re-enactment this weekend

March 23 - 24    Battle of Swannanoa Gap   An event presented by Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 379 and 22nd North Carolina, Company- . Admission is $7.00, Children under 12 years are FREE. Battles take place at 2:00 PM each day and the event is open 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Throughout the day there will be various period demonstrations and displays including women fashions and show along with period cooking demonstrations.

The battle re-enactment will be held at Davidson's Fort Historic Park, Inc. in Old Fort, NC.

The Festival of Flowers begins this week at Biltmore

March 21 - May 19   Biltmore Blooms - The 28th Annual Festival of Flowers. Biltmore's gardens, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, are alive with color as spring arrives. Enjoy special events and the beauty of tulips, azaleas, and countless other flowers during Biltmore Blooms.

For the first time, guests will be able to step down into the Winter Garden to enjoy a display of exotic orchids intimately, just as George and Edith Vanderbilt's guests might have. Some of the plants will be the same species that were planned for the Biltmore Conservatory in 1894. Outdoors, enjoy a beautiful progression of blooms from tulips to pansies, azaleas, and much more.

Get discount Biltmore Tickets HERE

The Grove Arcade Celebrates Spring with Live Music

March 22 at The Grove Arcade,  The Emory Haynes Band will be performing a free concert from 6 to 8 PM.  Band members include Joe Laughter on guitar and vocals, Buzzy Cannady on guitar, Tim Emory on guitar and vocals, Robby Moore on drums and Wes Farmer on bass. The playlist includes classic rock, easy listening and blues. Visitors might hear songs such as Dock of the Bay, House of the Rising Sun, Stormy Monday, Spooky, Last dance with Mary Jane and more.

Stop by one of the Arcade's restaurants and wine bars  to begin or cap off an evening spent downtown.  Support local businesses and celebrate the change of season's this weekend.

The Grove Arcade is located at One Page Avenue in the heart of downtown Asheville NC.  Get a link for the free concert, The Grove Arcade and other Asheville attractions on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

WNC Chef's Challenge for 3/19/13

March 19    WNC Chef's Challenge: Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community - Chef Cary Shackelford versus Homegrown - Chef Greg Kilpatrick. Diner participants will enjoy six plated culinary creations (three from each team) that incorporate a special ingredient and will score each dish. 

The diners' votes are then tallied along with those from a panel of judges and the weekly winners will continue to participate in the competition. Reservations for the WNC Chefs Challenge are $49 per individual, and can be purchased online at http://wncchefschallenge.eventbrite.com. Sales tax, and gratuity ($67.97 total) are included in ticket purchase. Held at the Chestnut Restaurant in downtown Asheville NC.

Asheville Brewery offers Special Package for NC Beer Month

This April, the inaugural NC Beer Month begins, and Asheville (aka Beer City USA) is joining in the fun with a month of fun events, festivals and travel packages.

Highland Brewing Company has partnered with the Aloft Hotel  to offer the awesome Beer City Experience. It takes place April 13-14, 2013 and time is running out to make a reservation.

The Beer City Experience includes, for two adults:
• Accommodations for one night at the new Aloft hotel (Sat, April 13)
• Learn about beer's raw ingredients at Riverbend Malt House
• Tour & tasting at Highland Brewing Company
• A comedy tour of Asheville provided by LaZoom Tours
• Four-course beer dinner at Lexington Avenue Brewery
• Brunch at Blackbird
• A treat from French Broad Chocolates

Deadline extended! Reserve by March 29, 2013 to secure your deal. CLICK HERE for Aloft Hotel details and online reservations

Asheville Greenworks Celebrates Arbor Day at the Grand Re-opening of Asheville's Treetops Adventure Park

March 17  from 2 PM - 5 PM  Join Asheville Greenworks for an Arbor Day Celebration and the Grand Re-Opening of the Asheville Treetops Adventure Park at the Adventure Center of Asheville.  For the 33rd year Asheville will receive the Tree City USA Award from the National Arbor Day Foundation. Volunteers can plant trees on this beautiful property overlooking downtown Asheville,  as well as enjoy Buy One, Get One Free passes to the Adventure Park.

Register for the Arbor Day event on the Greenworks Facebook Page HERE

From 10 AM - 5 PM The Asheville Treetops Adventure Park is offering Buy One Get One Deal for walk-ins only. Just mention ARBOR DAY to receive your free pass with the purchase of another pass. Both passes must be used on March 17th. Asheville Treetops Adventure Park is a new Asheville Attraction comprised of 50 unique climbing, zipping, walking, jumping, swinging, and rappelling challenges anchored to over 30 trees and towering poles tucked into a wooded park just minutes from downtown Asheville.   

Asheville Treetops Adventure Park  has four different adventure trails that allow Park Guests the choice to challenge only the obstacles they feel comfortable with.  While you explore the park you will move at your own pace and tackle challenges as an individual, instead of in a group, like the canopy tour experience. The experience has been described as ski slopes in the trees and a true “Jungle Gym” for all ages, strengths, and adventure levels.

The Park's new technology provides security systems allowing attachments and monitors so that guest can explore freely in controlled safety.

A green Trail: offers easier challenges 12 to 15 feet above the forest floor for first timers, younger children, and more timid adventurers. There is no climbing once on the start platform,with  milder and more stable crossings attached to the lower trunks of the trees,  minimal movement and an easy finish back to the ground.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Biltmore

March 31 at Biltmore - The Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Biltmore’s Front Lawn includes an appearance by the Easter Bunny,  along with special children’s entertainment,  magic shows, music and storytelling. Highlighting the day are the grand Easter Egg Hunts at 11 AM., 1 PM and 3 PM.

Children from ages 2 to 9 may attend the hunt for free when accompanied by an estate pass holder or a ticketed adult. Registration is required on the day of the event, preceding each hunt.. Participants should bring their own basket or bag to collect the eggs.

Get a link for Biltmore's Easter Egg Hunt and other Easter events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Curate Chef Katie Button Needs Your Vote

Curate's acclaimed chef Katie Button is in the running for Food & Wine's "Best New Chef People's Choice Award". All who have been privileged to enjoy Chef's Button cuisine as well as those who want to support Asheville's  notoriety among the major Southeast cities such as Atlanta should cast a vote TODAY.

Voting is simple with no registration required - just select Katie Button and click "done. Here's the direct link.
  Since its opening in March of 2011,  Curate immediately became a favorite of local and visiting Foodies even in Asheville's highly competitive and distinguished restaurant scene. An authentic Spanish Tapas restaurant and bar, Curate ("cure yourself") offers an exceptional menu of both food and drink in a fun and adventurous atmosphere. The unique location, a 1927 former bus station renovated by local artisans and artists adds to the exceptional experience which is Curate.

Curate is located at 11 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville NC.

Shop at Greenlife on Communuty Giving Day, March 13, 2013

Asheville, NC - Save your big grocery shopping trip for Wednesday, March 13!   Each quarter, Greenlife Grocery in Asheville donates 5% of one day's sales to a local community organization in the Community Giving event.  This quarter, RiverLink has been selected and will receive five percent of profits from Wednesday, March 13 from 7:30 AM-9 PM.

The money donated will help continue the economic and environmental revitalization of the French Broad River and its tributaries as a place to work, live and play. They focus on issues that directly impact the environmental health of our region's rivers and streams and the growth and sustainability of our economy.

Greenlife will Donate 5% of Sales for Community Giving Day

RiverLink staff and volunteers will be on site at Greenlife Grocery, 70 Merrimon Avenue, all day on Wednesday, March 13 to answer questions and provide about water quality, recreation and conservation. They will also be glad to bag your groceries and help you to your car.

For more information, please contact Dave Russell at 828-252-8474 ext. 11 or dave@riverlink.org 

Located in Asheville's River Arts District, RiverLink is a regional organization spearheading the economic and environmental revitalization of the French Broad River watershed as a destination where everyone can work, live and play.   

 

For more information about how you can get involved, see the Web site: www.riverlink.org, or contact us at information@riverlink.org or by phone at 252-8474.

National Quilting Day at Asheville's Folk Art Center

March 16    National Quilting Day at the Folk Art Center   Celebrate National Quilting Day at the Folk Art Center with Connie Brown and Robin Brooks, who are members of the Asheville Quilt Guild and the Southern Highland Craft Guild, demonstrating their craft from 10 AM to 4 PM in the center’s lobby.  

Trip around the world quilt

Visitors are also invited to bring a quilt – a family heirloom, an antique purchase, or a vintage quilt with a unique design, for questions and analysis by Connie. Helpful information about how to care for quilts and how to learn more about the process will also be provided. 

During the event, Allanstand Craft Shop at the Folk Art Center will feature a variety of traditional and contemporary quilts made by members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild.

The Folk Art Center is located at Milepost 382 on The Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville NC

Jummy Webb Performs at Asheville's DIana Wortham Theatre

March 15, 8 PM at Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 South Pack Square in Asheville NC - Jimmy Webb performs in concert. Grammy award winning performer, arranger, and composer Jimmy Webb takes the DWT stage next Friday evening to perform standards and his timeless classics, including “Wichita Lineman” and “By The Time I Get To Phoenix."

Biltmore Tickets Special Dsicount

Now through March 20 get Biltmore adult tickets at the lowest price of the year.  Youth under 16 admission is FREE with paid adult ticket. Enjoy great prices for your visit to Biltmore without without all the hustle and bustle of busier seasons.

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 Vacation Rental for Easter Weekend

Beautiful Asheville View from this Contemporary vacation home rental  -  3 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps 6.  Deck with western view, grill, WIFI, modern furnishings.  Located approximately 1 mile to  downtown Asheville and 2 miles to Biltmore  $200 - $250 night, $1350 week.   See photos, details and rental availability

Get information about Asheville restaurants, attractions and events on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Asheville is ready for 1000s of vistors during SoCon Weekend

March 8 - 11  The  2013 Southern Conference Tournament welcomes 50,000+ basketball fans with Asheville's shopping, dining and drinking offering extended hours, hospitality and the unique atmosphere that is Asheville.

The folks at SoCon have created an Asheville Visitor’s Guide for the tournament, with listings of businesses for easy access to fans. Look for the SoCon App on your Android of iPhone.

Participating Schools in the tournament include:
Appalachian State, College of Charleston, The Citadel, Davidson, Elon, Furman, Georgia Southern, UNC Greensboro, Samford, UT- Chattanooga, Western Carolina, Wofford

River North Dance Chicago this weekend at Asheville's Diana Wortham Theatre

March 8 - 9, 8 PM at Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 S Pack Square, Asheville NC: River North Dance Chicago.  Be part of a thrilling night of dance from one of the country’s top touring companies. River North Dance Chicago's highly skilled dancers combine athletic prowess and artistic perspective with bold, theatrical flair - all within a powerful jazz-based repertoire. Get tickets HERE.

Ticket holders can enhance their theatre experience by attending a free pre-show discussion with Patrick Simoniello, company member of River North, in The Forum at Diana Wortham Theatre at 7:00 PM.

Matinee Series for Students and Families: Friday March 8, 10:00 AM - River North Dance Chicago hand jives and hustles through history in Street Beat - Dance Through the Decades, the most exciting way for students to learn about jazz dance and the 20th century! For more information, or to book tickets call 828-257-4530 or visit the matinee show page.

For the community: River North Dance Chicago company members will lead a Master Class for students of Artspace Charter School on Thursday, March 7.

Grove Park Inn hosts 25th Annual Comedy Classic this Weekend

March 8-9   25th Annual Comedy Classic Weekend at the Grove Park Inn  Join the Grove Park Inn for two days and nights full of laughter as we celebrate our 25th Annual Comedy Classic Weekend! Friday's show showcases Cy Amundson, Al Jackson, Julie Scoggins, David Crowe and Tom Cotter while Saturday's headliner will be comedianne Caroline Rhea.

Check Grove Park Inn availability and current rates HERE

WNC Chef's Challenge for 3/5/13

March 5   WNC Chef's Challenge: Dough - Chef Brian Ross versus Harrah's Cherokee Resort - Chef Michael Marshall. Dining participants will enjoy six plated culinary creations (three from each team) that incorporate a special ingredient and will score each dish.

The diners' votes are then tallied along with those from a panel of judges and the weekly winners will continue to participate in the competition. Reservations for the WNC Chefs Challenge are $49 per individual, and can be purchased online at http://wncchefschallenge.eventbrite.com. Sales tax, and gratuity ($67.97 total) are included in ticket purchase. Held at the Chestnut Restaurant in downtown Asheville NC.

For the March 5th Challenge participants will also have a chance to win tickets for this weekend's Southern Conference Basketball Tournament.

2013 Southern Conference Basketball Tournament this weekend in Asheville

March 8 - 11  The 2013 Southern Conference Tournament  will be held in Asheville NC. The popular event will include venues at the downtown Civic Center (Cellular Center) as well as the UNC-Asheville arena for both men's and women's competitions. Asheville's restaurants and shops will be offering extended hours and specials for the thousands of visiting basketball fans. 

Follow the SoCon updates on Twitter HERE

RiverLink Kicks Off Warehouse Studios Revitalization Fundraiser with Kickstarter

RiverLink is in the process of giving the Warehouse Studios a facelift. Part of this project includes a mural painted by a local artist. This is being done for free. To bring the building back to its full glory, we also need new handrails for the Warehouse Studios (both into our offices and for the handicap access for the artist studios on the second floor).

These handrails will be a collaboration between a local Asheville artist and RiverLink as well as the Biltmore Iron & Metal Company who will be donating the metal.

RiverLink is starting a new KickStarter initiative to fund the project. The project is called artistic hands and the goal is raise $4000 by April 30, 2013.

Kickstarter is based on all-or-nothing funding. Starting March 1, people will be able to sign on and pledge money to help with the Artistic Hands projects. We have set a goal, and if for some reason that goal is not reached, RiverLink will not get any of the money pledged.

RiverLink is very excited about this project, and committed to ensuring artists of the River Arts District are able to make a living from their trade. The money raised in this project will make sure RiverLink is able to pay the artist who will create the handrails and help bring the building, and the River Arts District, back to life. 

Riverlink,  located in Asheville's River Arts District,  is a regional organization spearheading the economic and environmental revitalization of the French Broad River watershed as a destination where everyone can work, live and play .

CLICK HERE for more information about the Artist Hands project.

Leahy Performs at Asheville's DIana Wortham Theatre

March 5 - 6, 8 PM at Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 S Pack Square in Asheville NC: Leahy performs.  This dynamic group is a powerhouse of fiery fiddling, blazing stepdancing and Cape Breton musical brilliance.  When a blockbuster show plays an intimate venue, everyone is joyfully on the front row. Lucky first-time patrons and rapt returning fans can count on the eight brothers and sisters of Leahy for a volcanic explosion of talent and energy in a night of pure, captivating entertainment.