Sunday, June 30, 2013

4th of July Event: Second Annual Carnavalito Music Festival in Asheville

July 3-4   Second Annual Carnavalito Music Festival      Held at the Pisgah Brewing Company Outdoor stage, surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains. Toubab Krewe will host and headline this 2-day celebration of Independence Day.

The Lineup: July 3rd - Toubab Krewe with Gates opening at 8:00 PM and the show starting at 9:00 PM. July 4th - Toubab Krewe, Sol Driven Train, The Broadcast, DJ Camero and Chompin’ At The Bit (Indoor late night show 11 PM). Gates open at 2:00 PM with the show beginning at 3:00 PM.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Camping on The French Broad River Paddle Trail

July 12-13  -  French Broad River Paddle Trail Leave No Trace Learn n' Paddle Overnighter Sponsored by RiverLink.   Join RiverLink on an overnight camping trip on the French Broad River Paddle Trail to learn and practice the principles of Leave No Trace for river corridors.

The cost is $45 per person and includes:  Rafting Supplies, food (dinner, breakfast, snacks and drinks), Leave no trace training, and an enjoying the beautiful French Broad River.

To register CLICK HERE. You will receive a confirmation email.

Trip Details:
RiverLink and Southern Raft Supply are teaming up with the Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers to host an overnight paddle trip on the French Broad River Paddle Trail to learn and practice Leave No Trace principles for River Corridors. The trip will start out Friday afternoon on Section 8, paddling from below Redmon Dam to the Big Pine Campsite (across from Barnard River Access Park). The group will spend Friday night at the Big Pine Campsite. Saturday participants will paddle Section 9 of the French Broad from Barnard to the Stackhouse River Access. Learning and practicing Leave No Trace principles along the way. The trip is scheduled to begin at noon of Friday and anticipates being at Stackhouse by noon on Saturday, and back to Asheville by 2 PM.

Leave No Trace - Enjoying the Outdoors Responsibly
Join RiverLink, Southern Raft Supply and the Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers for an interactive presentation and discussion that will focus on the elements of the Leave No Trace minimum impact program. This session will highlight the Leave No Trace outdoor skills and ethics program, which is applicable to all outdoor enthusiasts and all environments. This national program is administered by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, whose mission is to teach people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. In addition to learning the hows and whys behind the importance of practicing Leave No Trace, participants will be provided with information on how to easily and effectively integrate Leave No Trace into their daily lives and programs. The Traveling Trainers are committed to teaching Leave No Trace education as they live on the road, sleep 200 nights a year in a tent, and offer this award winning program in communities from coast to coast.

The French Broad River Paddle Trail will serve to protect the river as a resource for recreation, environmental stewardship, education, and economic development. The trail promotes long term partnerships to ­­develop and maintain a low impact water trail with, Leave No Trace paddle-in camping every 8-10 miles along the river corridor. The French Broad River Paddle Trail provides 117 river miles, from Rosman, NC to the NC border where it connects to 101 miles of TN French Broad River Blueway.

The RiverLink campsites are protected with conservation and recreation easements that ensure they will reamain free and open to the public in perpetuity.  Check out the new French Broad River Paddle Trail Map    The online map, is a great resource for planning your trip.


French Broad River Paddle Trail Community Forum Launches  If you would like to share your trip experiences, learn more about the river directly from the paddling community, stay up to date on events and volunteer opportunities, or help us maintain the trail, please JOIN THE FORUM

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Friday, June 28, 2013

Asheville Insider Tip from the Asheville Travel Blog

Score Fresh Doughnuts at Tod's Tasties on Wednesdays.  In Asheville's Montford neighborhood there's a gem of a restaurant called Tod's Tasties. It's a favorite among locals and once you try the food at this artisan cafe you'll know why. Tod's serves up incredible specials, fresh pastries, coffee creations and everyone's favorite side dish, tater tots.

photo curtsey Asheville Travel Blog
Every Wednesday, Tod's whips up a fresh supply of fresh doughnuts and the flavor changes each week,  Past favorites include the Matcha doughnuts with strawberry ginger glaze, the spiced cake with chocolate glaze, or the strawberry jam filled doughnuts covered with powdered sugar.

Tod's Tasties serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week offering several veggie options as well as local meat and eggs. Enjoy breads, biscuits, bagels and pastries  made in house from organic NC flours and ingredients. Tod brews drip coffee and espresso from Asheville's very own Mountain Air Roasting. 

Tod's Tasties is located at 102 Montford Avenue in downtown Asheville NC.

Find more Asheville Insider Tips on the Asheville Travel Blog.



Thursday, June 27, 2013

Homegrown in Pritchard Park

June 27    Homegrown in the Park  - John Wilkes Booth and the Black Toothe    Free performances by local singer/songwriters each Thursday between Memorial Day and Labor Day at Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville. Held from 6 PM - 8 PM and sponsored by 98.1 The River radio station.

Get a link for Homegrown in the Park and other Asheville events, attractions and lodging on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Stories on Asheville's Front Porch Kickoffs the 2013 Season

June 29, 10:30 - 11:30 AM   Stories on Asheville's Front Porch    Chinese Lion Dance- stories from Diane Wolkstein in retrospect - Hans Christian Anderson and Haitian Stories. The Tellers are Gwenda Ledbetter, Sherry Lovett, Nancy Reeder, and VixiJill Glenn.

This event is FREE! Rain or Shine and held in Pack Place Rhino Courtyard -  enter under the Diana Wortham marquee on Biltmore Avenue. Event Sponsors: Charlotte Street Computers, Clark Communications, Asheville Storytelling Circle, and Pack Place.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

8th Annual Sculpture for the Garden at Grovewood Gallery

June - December the Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood Road in Asheville NC, hosts the annual Sculpture for the Garden exhibition. The "by invitation only" exhibit features works from contemporary sculptures by nationally-recognized artists.


Sculptures range from playful pieces suitable for the home or garden, to works for public spaces and corporate settings. Sculptures by local artists Gretchen Lothrop and Stefan “Steebo” Bonitz will also be on display at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and at Biltmore Park Town Square, respectively.

Learn more about Asheville art Galleries and exhibits on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.




Monday, June 24, 2013

Art in the Park this Weekend

June 29   Art in the Park   Artisans working in Glass, Ceramics, Wood, Jewelry, and metal show and sell in a public market setting in the center of Asheville in Pack Square Park.

The event takes place on three consecutive Saturdays each June and October. Nationally known artists exhibit at this event and the best part is- they are local. 10% of the proceeds from the event will be donated to a local art non-profit organization.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Shindig on the Green Concerts begin this Weekend

June 29 - Shindig on the Green   Bring your instruments, families, friends, lawn chairs and blankets and join in the good times at the new Bascom Lamar Lunsford Stage. In 2013 Shindig on the Green, which features a stage show and informal jam sessions around the park, continues at its original location -- formerly known as City County Plaza, now transformed into the new Pack Square Park.

Locals and visitors alike come together downtown "along about sundown," or at 7:00 PM for those who wear a watch, and ends around 10:00 PM. Concessions are available. Come experience the beautiful music and dance traditions of Southern Appalachia on a summer evening in the mountains.

Get Asheville lodging and complete visitor information HERE.

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Art in the Park Today- 10 AM - 6 PM

June 22   Art in the Park   Artisans working in Glass, Ceramics, Wood, Jewelry, and metal show and sell in a public market setting in the center of Asheville in Pack Square Park. The event takes place on three consecutive Saturdays each June and October. Nationally known artists exhibit at this event and the best part is- they are local. 10% of the proceeds from the event will be donated to a local art non-profit organization.

Learn more about Asheville NC on the Visitor Guide.

Asheville Downtown Loft for 4th of July Weekend

Enjoy Urban Asheville from a downtown loft - 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeps up to 5. Upscale furnishings and decor with original art, gas fireplace, WIFI. Located in the true "heart" of Asheville. $250 night, $1700 week.

You will literally be a few steps away from many of the best galleries, restaurants, entertainment, and shopping in Asheville. The fantastic location adds to the appeal of this luxurious and comforting space

See loft photos, details and availability


Friday, June 21, 2013

Mountain Spirits: FREE Beer and Wine Tastings in Asheville

June 21, 5 PM - 7 PM at Hops and Vines 797 Haywood Road, Ste 100 in Asheville - FREE tasting of Green Man Ales.  Come check out Green Man's new 6 pack bottle packaging and sample the beers of this great Asheville brewery.  ESB - Green Man's Flagship beer, perfectly balanced between malt and hops. This ESB is a treat for any one who loves good beer.  Porter - Dark and rich with plenty of chocolate and roast flavors.  IPA - A perfect blend of American and English hops are used to create this gem of an IPA.

June 22, 3 PM - 6 PM  Free Wine Tasting
of three hand selected wines from the Rhone region of France: 

Chateau Du Trignon - From the vineyards of Chateau du Trignon one of the most important properties of the Rhone region, these grape are grown on limestone cliffs.  Perfectly balanced with notes of cherry, figs and earth. $12.99

Little James' Basket Press - A Rhone blend grown at St. Cosme. Little James is a wine of Freedom. Unlike a vintage wine, it's a permanent creation of a solera which gets more and more complex every year with an irresistible crunchy fruit. $14.99

Little James' Basket Press White - Tropical fruits, watermelon, apricot and licorice are some flavors you'll find in this delicious white blend. $14.99

10% off all featured bottles on Saturday!

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Asheville Travel Blog Offers "Insider"Tips

In addition to daily information and insights into Asheville's attractions, events and trends The Asheville Travel Blog now offers what it calls "Insider" Tips. Follow the tips and explore the places the locals enjoy.

Lexington Avenue Shopping:
Lexington Avenue is one of those iconic downtown streets with a deep roots in retail and trade. In a by-gone era the street was filled with farmer's markets and tobacco warehouses. Today you'll find cool boutiques, vintage clothing, a funky used book store and a plethora of delicious restaurants lining the road.


Every Tuesday is $5 Move Night at Fine Arts Theatre:

The Fine Arts Theatre is a downtown icon that presents first run, art and independent films in two auditoriums. Each Tuesday you can catch an indie flick for only five dollars all day long.

If you're not a fan of big budget studio films, then you will definitely enjoy the cool selection of film that play at the Fine Arts Theatre. They offer an array of art and independent films that celebrate the art of filmmaking. You can enjoy matinees and evening performances.



Daytrips for Cheese Addicts:

 
WNC Cheese Trail Offers Taste of Southern Culture.  Taste your way across the Blue Ridge along the newly formed WNC Cheese Trail. You can sample of of the region's best handmade cheese and buy products directly from the producers. Be sure to pack a cooler to keep your dairy fresh and before heading out check the scheduled of each farm to make sure they are open to the public on the day you're traveling. Maps are available at the Asheville Visitor Center.


Break for Cheese
Here's a list of the current participants:
  • Blue Ridge Creamery
  • Daddy's Girl Dairy
  • Heritage Homestead
  • Looking Glass Creamery
  • Mountain Farm
  • Oakmoon Creamery
  • Round Mountain Creamery
  • Ripshin Goat Dairy   
  • Yellow Branch Cheese 

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Asheville's RiverLink Receives Dollar For Dollar Matching Grant

RiverLink's mission is the economic and environmental rebirth of the French Broad River and its watershed. They have been making good and important on the ground projects happen on the French Broad since 1986. Their mission has been accomplished by providing permanent public access to the river through conservation and recreation easements, reclaiming contaminated lands for public use, greenway development, public no-fee overnight camping space along the river, adaptive reuse of historic structures, educating the public at large and 5,000 students a year about the river's importance, advocating for mixed-use mixed-income development and empowering over 1,700 volunteers to help make the river the best destination to live, work and play.

Water was the number one agenda item at DAVOS international business Conference this year. When it comes to water RiverLink connects the dots between environmental protection, transportation, health & housing, education, recreation , economic development and the public.

You can join the team that is navigating a sustainable and inclusive future for the French Broad River watershed.
Donate by snail mail at RiverLink, PO Box 15488, Asheville, NC 28813 or on the secure website at riverlink.org.
 

Your donation or pledge will be matched dollar for dollar by a generous donor until June, 30.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Asheville 48 Hour Film Progect

June 21 - 23   Asheville 48 Hour Film Project   300 Filmmakers from all over the Asheville Area will compete to determine who can make the best film in only 48 hours.  All completed films will be screened June 25,26 and 27 at Asheville Brewing Company, the 675 Merrimon Ave location.

City award winners will receive
  • A Trophy
  • Filmapalooza: The City Winner will be screened at Filmapalooza, the official 48HFP Awards Weekend.
  • Movie Magic Screenwriter Software 6: The premier screenwriting software and the choice of Hollywood. ($250 value)
The winning film will qualify to compete  Internationally for a trophy and $5,000 grand prize. 10 of the best films of the 2013 Tour will be screened at the Cannes Film Festival's Short Film Corner in 2014.
Filmmakers from all over the Asheville area will compete to see who can make the best short film in only 48 hours. The winning film will go up against films from around the world. - See more at: http://www.exploreasheville.com/things-to-do/events/#sthash.3OXkHawd.dpuf
The 48 Hour Film Project comes to Asheville on the weekend of June 21 - 23, 2013. Filmmakers from all over the Asheville area will compete to see who can make the best short film in only 48 hours. The winning film will go up against films from around the world. - See more at: http://www.exploreasheville.com/things-to-do/events/#sthash.3OXkHawd.dpuf
The 48 Hour Film Project comes to Asheville on the weekend of June 21 - 23, 2013. Filmmakers from all over the Asheville area will compete to see who can make the best short film in only 48 hours. The winning film will go up against films from around the world. - See more at: http://www.exploreasheville.com/things-to-do/events/#sthash.3OXkHawd.dpuf
The 48 Hour Film Project comes to Asheville on the weekend of June 21 - 23, 2013. Filmmakers from all over the Asheville area will compete to see who can make the best short film in only 48 hours. The winning film will go up against films from around the world. - See more at: http://www.exploreasheville.com/things-to-do/events/#sthash.3OXkHawd.dpuf
The 48 Hour Film Project comes to Asheville on the weekend of June 21 - 23, 2013. Filmmakers from all over the Asheville area will compete to see who can make the best short film in only 48 hours. The winning film will go up against films from around the world. - See more at: http://www.exploreasheville.com/things-to-do/events/#sthash.3OXkHawd.dpuf
The 48 Hour Film Project comes to Asheville on the weekend of June 21 - 23, 2013. Filmmakers from all over the Asheville area will compete to see who can make the best short film in only 48 hours. The winning film will go up against films from around the world. - See more at: http://www.exploreasheville.com/things-to-do/events/#sthash.3OXkHawd.dpuf

Monday, June 17, 2013

FREE Birthday Bubbly at Asheville's Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar

Asheville is full of unique places and special experiences. So is it any surprise that in the heart of downtown Asheville you'll find books and wine, side by side, at The Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar?

Enjoy two of life's favorite pleasures at the Exchange when you browse thousands of books in dozens of categories while sipping a fine wine, sparkling wine, or Champagne. The book selection is constantly changing as more used books are acquired. The wine list also changes when new wines are discovered and added to the choices offered. And if all the perusing and sipping has given you an appetite, you can fortify with a cheeseboard, some trout dip, or a local desert.

And if it's that time again - your birthday - get a complimentary bubbly to celebrate.

The Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar is located in the Grove Arcade at 1 Page Avenue, suite 101 in Asheville NC. 

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Ooh La La Curiosity Market

June 15   Ooh La La Curiosity Market  An artists market in Pritchard Park in the heart of downtown Asheville.  Event hours are 10 AM-4 PM. Ooh La La will feature works by local painters, leather smiths, jewelry makers, potters ,up-cycled crafters, and other curious delights, all beneath the colored canopies of large market umbrellas.

The market will also feature live local music with three musical acts performing each Saturday and will include everything from a solo saxophonist to folk, blues, acoustic, and jazz acts.

The Curiosity Market is also a fundraiser for Animal Haven, a local no kill shelter. With a new fantastic raffle basket worth over $100.00 every Saturday, filled by the participating artists. Visit them at Animalhaven.org.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Father's Day Event: Asheville's Father's Fest 2

June 15, 12 PM - 6 PM   Asheville Father's Day Festival is an interactive experience honoring the relationship between Dad and the Kids. The  event's activities include two stages of live music and performances, food demonstrations, games, "man" cave, make up area, balloon artist, massage area, trike demonstrations, speed stack tournament, and more.

The Festival will be held at Highlands Brewery, 12 Old Charlotte Highway in Asheville NC.  Early Bird Tickets are $12.50 per family of 4 and the day of the festival Tickets are $18 per family at the door.


Thursday, June 13, 2013

Intersections Book Discussion at Diana Worthem Theatre

June 25,  6:30 PM   Intersections Book Discussion -   Book: And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini.  From the #1 New York Times best selling author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns, here is the book that readers everywhere have been waiting for: And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini.
 
Hosseini’s latest Afghanistan-set novel is a powerful, haunting story of a central tragedy: a young boy’s loss of his sister.

Diana Wortham Theatre's Intersections Book Discussion complements the Malaprop's Bookstore & Café reading and book signing event with Khaled Hosseini this Friday,  June 14 at Diana Wortham Theatre. This is a special opportunity to connect with a talented author, a local independent business, and an event at the theatre.

The Intersections Book Club focuses on casual book discussions
and meeting new friends in a relaxed atmosphere with drinks and food available. There is no charge to participate in the book club. The only requirement is that you read the book.

Pre-registration is recommended by calling 828-257-4530 or by emailing rae@dwtheatre.com.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

4th Annual WNC Highlands Celtic Festival at the Asheville Outdoor Center

June 14-15   WNC Highlands Celtic Festival   This event features Celtic music and dance by the Scottish tribal group Albannach, international supergroup Rathkeltair, the Southern Highlands' own Cutthroat Shamrock, plus Marcille Wallis & Friends, Stirling Bridge, My Three Kilts, the Montreat Scottish Pipes and Drums, and the Moynihan School of Irish Dance. The kick-off for the event will be Thursday night at Highlands Brewing Company at 5 PM in the tasting room with Cutthroat Shamrock.

There will also be authentic Celtic and Regional Foods and beer by Western North Carolina's first microbrewery, Highland Brewing Company. The Festival also includes Celtic Vendors, Highland Athletic Demonstrations, Border Collie Demonstrations, Clans Convening, and Dance Demonstrations.


 The event is held at the Asheville Outdoor Center on the banks of the French Broad River.
Admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. The Center is located at 521 Amboy Road in Asheville NC.

Get a link for complete details about the WNC Highlands Celtic Festival on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Asheville Art in the Park

June 15   Art in the Park    Artisans working in Glass, Ceramics, Wood, Jewelry, and metal show and sell in a public market setting in the center of Asheville in Pack Square Park.

The event takes place on three consecutive Saturdays each June and October. Nationally known artists exhibit at this event and the best part is- they are local. 10% of the proceeds from the event will be donated to a local art non-profit organization.


Monday, June 10, 2013

RiverMusic Concert Series in the River Arts District

June 14   RiverMusic Concert Series   David Mayfield Parade (Energetic Roots & Americana) Underhill Rose (Heartfelt Bluegrass Soul), feat. Brass band interludes byEmpire Strikes Brass (BRASSFUNKROCK). This is a Series of five Friday nights of live concerts by the French Broad River in the River Arts District of Asheville, NC. RiverLink has teamed up with Heira Productions to assemble a top-notch mix of quality national acts and local favorites.

Learn more about Asheville lodging, restaurants and attractions HERE.

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Asheville Running Tours Begins 2013 Season

If you;re visiting Asheville and love to run, now you can see the city a new way.  Asheville Running Tours is one of the best ways to see Asheville the way local runners see Asheville: up close and personal.

Offering three- to six-mile courses, Asheville Running Tours takes runners past some of the city's favorite  landmarks, tourist attractions and points of interest. Along the way, you;ll get information about the history and rich culture of the city of Asheville. The Tours are perfect for runners of all levels - walkers, too.

And if you love beer as well as running, check out the "Beer Run"  and learn about several different microbreweries, stopping at some for a sample.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Open Air Market in two Asheville locations this Saturday

June   The Asheville City Open Air Market  will be open at the Public Works Building, 161 S. Charlotte Street in downtown Asheville NC and Town Square Blvd in Biltmore Park Town Square.

Find the the freshest, best-tasting food around and local artisan products in two locations for your convenience, downtown and South Asheville.EBT, credit, and debit cards are accepted. Additional activities include live music, cooking demonstrations and food tastings from local chefs. The little ones will enjoy the
Kids Corner Market
activities, and more.

Learn more about Asheville NC HERE.


Thursday, June 6, 2013

WNC Nature Center Mountain Safari

June 8   Mountain Safari  at the WNC Nature Center A one-of-a-kind social adventure. Dress in your best safari gear and party with the animals. Tickets may be purchased on the website. The evening festivities include live entertainment, special animal encounters, auction & raffle, plus great food and drink.

WNC Nature Center is a living museum of plants and animals native to the Appalachian region. Our purpose is to increase public awareness and understanding of all aspects of the natural environment of Western North Carolina through hands-on and sensory experiences. Each year welcome 100,000 visitors attend - of which 30,000 are school children expanding their classroom curriculum.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Asheville Art Walk this Friday Night

June 7    Asheville Downtown Gallery Association Art Walk    Enjoy the fine art and craft of the Asheville Downtown Gallery Association and see on of the reasons Asheville has been voted #1 small city in the country by the readers of American Style Magazine 2 years running. 25 downtown venues participate with a complete Downtown Gallery Guide and a map available at any participating downtown gallery, the Chamber of Commerce, or Pack Place.

Get a link for details about the Asheville downtown Art Walk and other Asheville events, attractions and lodging HERE.

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

River Arts District Studio Stroll - A Favorite Asheville Weekend Event

June 8-9    Studio Stroll at the River Arts District The first, largest, and most walkable tour of working artists’ studios in the region, the River Arts District Studio Stroll takes place in 19 historic buildings along the French Broad River.

There will be artists’ demonstrations and hands-on activities throughout the weekend. There is plenty of parking and you can catch the trolley at Riverview Station or any of the stops listed on the map. An Information Booth is located at the 5-points intersection of Depot St. across from Clingman Café.

Get more information about Asheville Arts and Crafts, galleries and shops HERE.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Homegrown in the Park Features Local Mountain Singer-songwriters

June 6    Homegrown in the Park   Free performances by local singer/songwriters each Thursday between Memorial Day and Labor Day at Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville. Held from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM and sponsored by 98.1 The River radio station.

Get a link for Homegrown in the Park and other Asheville events, attractions and lodging on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide.

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Slow Food Asheville Event: Franny's Farm Fest

June 8, from 10:00 AM - 10:00PM - Franny's Farm Fest is an all day festival benefit to establish a Future Farmers of America Chapter at Asheville High School. Enjoy LIVE MUSIC - FOOD - CRAFTS - FARM ANIMALS - FUN

This Family Friendly day is filled with live music starting at 11 AM.  Pierce Edens will be playing at 7:00 PM

Franny's Farm was founded in 2012 by Jeff, Frances and Zach Tacy and is located at 38 Came Sharp Road in Leicester, NC ( a suburb of Asheville). In addition to growing the very best in organic meats and vegetables they will be hosting a variety of events and providing a venue for educational opportunities.