About Jamie A
In addition to writing and taking photos during her trips, Jamie loves to find hidden gems, cheap eats, and kitschy Americana attractions. She hails from Oil City, Pennsylvania, went to college in the Finger Lakes Region of New York, studied abroad in Norwich, England, and moved to Boston in May of 2007. She also enjoys writing poetry and lyric essays, reading lots of books, being a foodie, listening to girl group tunes from the 1960s, crafting, and dinner parties with her friends.
Blog posts written by Jamie A
April 7th, 2008 by jamie a
Flower at the Biltmore Estate Photo uploaded by
It’s time to celebrate the beginning of Spring in North Carolina! I’m sure you’d love to take some pictures of your trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway, complete with flowering blossoms.
Thanks to the Blue Ridge Parkway Association, this will let you know what’s flowering and where it’s located along the road. You’ll see everything from Mayapples and Dogwood to Flame Azaleas and White Rhododendrons.
Be sure to keep your eye out for beautiful flora at your favorite attractions as well, like the flower pictured in this post, found at the Biltmore Estate. We’d love to hear which flower you’d like to see during your travels, so let us know in a comment!
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
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March 18th, 2008 by jamie a
Photo courtesy of La Zoom Tours
If you’re looking for something unique to do during your trip to Asheville, look no further than LaZoom Comedy Tours of Asheville!
Started by Jim and Jen Lauzon, this tour provides visitors with a historical tour of Asheville with a special twist of zany entertainment. This 40 seat purple bus runs every day of the week, complete with history, comedy skits, musical acts, and captivating stories.
You’ll learn about everyone from George Vanderbilt to Edwin Wiley Grove and learn how Asheville grew into the charming city it is today.
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
February 22nd, 2008 by jamie a
IgoUgo.com has added the website to their list of
The sites were ranked according to how helpful they are in assisting travelers plan their trips, offering suggestions for everything from skydiving to cheap eats. IgoUgo writes, “Split into sections for the Piedmont, the mountains, and the coast, North Carolina welcomes visitors with ideas for all three regions”
There’s an RSS feed to keep you constantly updated along with a of the area, making it impossible to have an unorganized trip to North Carolina!
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
February 15th, 2008 by jamie a
On Stage Photo uploaded by
If you’re looking to catch some on-stage entertainment during your visit to the Blue Ridge Parkway, never fear! There’s a great selection of venues and performances to keep your nights full of music and top-notch acting.
In the Smokies…
There’s the , who have been entertaining audiences in the area since 1995. Their gives a good overview of their style, performing favorites like Lend Me a Tenor and Barefoot in the Park. Their is also up on their website, so be sure and check it out!
perform everything from musicals and plays to revues and seasonal concerts at the Peacock Playhouse. This non-profit theatre has been a mainstay of the community since 1978, bringing adults and children together through the wonders of live theatre.
If you enjoy re-tellings of historical events, is the third oldest outdoor historical drama in the United States. Their show tells the story of the Cherokee Indian and their eventual forced departure from the area by U.S. Soldiers. It’s also !
In Asheville and the Central Mountains…
love to wow their audiences with musicals, world premieres, and books adapted for the stage. Their only lists one show so far for 2008, but it will certainly be updated soon. They also offer a , , as well as a black box theatre called
There’s also the , which is Asheville’s downtown professional theatre company. They show everything from musicals and holiday specials to play series and a late-night vaudeville-esque show. Here’s a for you to check out!
In the high country…
Check out Kermit Hunter’s , which chronicles the story of the nation’s first settlers in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Performed in Boone in one of the most beautiful outdoor theatres, it’s a perfect addition to your North Carolina vacation.
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
February 8th, 2008 by jamie a
Cloud Shadows by Winslow Homer Photo uploaded by
Sunday, February 10 is the last day to see at the .
Featuring the works of greats like Winslow Homer, Thomas Cole, William Merritt Chase, and Charles Burchfield, the exhibit explores how these artists defined our nation’s character through drawing. It also stresses the importance of drawing as a basis for all artistic mediums, whether they be painting or architecture.
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
February 1st, 2008 by jamie a
Blue Ridge Sunrise Photo uploaded by
Attention photographers! Amateurs and professionals alike are welcome to submit their original works to the for inclusion in an exhibition and and a possible “Best in Show” win!
There’s tons of categories, including Blue Ridge Parkway Vistas, Flora/Fauna, Landscape, and Culture. If you have photos that celebrate the Southern Appalachian mountains, be sure to enter.
The deadline is February 6 no later than 6 pm, so start searching through your photos and find your favorites.
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
January 22nd, 2008 by jamie a
Antique Toy Puppet Theater Photo uploaded by
recently published a in the high country of North Carolina. These are the oldest mountains on the continent where there have been settlers for over 200 years. This great history and ancestry provides a wonderful market for antiques where dealers can sell the best in heirlooms and pieces with regional history.
From the Appalacian Antique Mall with three floors of goods to de Provence et d’ailleurs that specializes in the glory of French antiques, every traveler is bound to set their eyes on a fantastic find to take home.
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
January 14th, 2008 by jamie a
Playing Jazz Music on the Trombone
Photo uploaded by finna dat
This Friday, January 11 from 5-8pm, the Asheville Downtown Association and the Grove Arcade present Jazz After 5. This is the first performance of 2008 in this free concert series, which seeks to showcase local musicians and food from local restaurants.
Featuring the Red Light Trio and The Chuck Lichtenberger Trio, both with incredible talent. The food will be provided by Chef In Motion along with the Globe Corner Market and Big Cheese.
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
January 3rd, 2008 by jamie a
On the Blue Ridge Highway
Photo uploaded by
Get ready for the , a fantastic event for children and adults alike! From January 24-27, there’s a myriad of events to choose from. From wine tastings and auctions to chili cookoffs and hayrides, everyone’s bound to have fun.
If you’re in the mood for some great music, there’s the WinterGrass concert with the , featuring acoustic tunes from the album Tattoo, considered to be some of the best creations of his career. There’s also the , starring Chick Willis, Big Ron Hunter, and The King Bees, all revered as some of the blues greats.
For all the foodies, there’s the WinterFeast on January 24th, where the best chefs of Blowing Rock come together to create a mouthwatering array of delights. If breakfast is more your style, there’s even a pancake breakfast to benefit Blowing Rock Fire and Rescue.
Whatever you like to do to celebrate in the winter, Blowing Rock is sure to be a great time, so be sure and stop by!
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
December 4th, 2007 by jamie a
Photo uploaded by
This holiday season, treat yourself and your family to a trip to the Biltmore Estate for . America’s largest home will have more than 30 trees decorated as well as festive music and family activities.
You can discover the traditions of the Vanderbilt family, learn about building a gingerbread house, create a handmade wreath, sample chocolate and sparkling wine, and then tap your toes to the sounds of Saint Nick Swings!
A wonderful way to spend the Christmas season, Christmas at the Biltmore will leave you with memories to cherish for years to come.
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
