Blue Ridge activities
January 3rd, 2008 by jamie a

On the Blue Ridge Highway
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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 25th, 2007 by susan j

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Here’s wishing you a happy, healthy holiday season! We’ll be back next year with even more posts about visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
December 20th, 2007 by judy c

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Are you still without plans to ring in 2008? Then look no further than Balsam Mountain Inn in Balsam, North Carolina. On New Year’s Eve, the Inn is hosting a group of talented folk artists to perform in a private setting at their popular “” event. Check out such artists as , , , and .
Plus, indulge in a spectacular gourmet dinner buffet consisting of Stuffed Lobster Tails, Carved Pork Steamship Round, Grilled Asparagus, 100-Year-Old-Scotch Pudding, Individual Centennial Baked Alaska and more. And don’t forget the obligatory midnight toast! Good company, great food, excellent music and champagne…what more do you need? For reservations, call 828-224-9498.
Other North Carolina New Year’s Eve events include and .
Do you have anything planned in the area for New Year’s Eve? If so, leave a comment and let us know.
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

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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.
November 12th, 2007 by susan j

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Hard to believe, but the holidays are fast approaching, and that means it’s time for holiday shopping, Christmas cards, and, of course, gingerbread houses. The 15th annual National Gingerbread House Competition is today at in Asheville, North Carolina. After the judging, the Grove Arcade will display 40 gingerbread houses to be selected by The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa Floral & Visual Design Manager Joe Hughes. Click to see one of the grand prize winners from a previous year’s competition!
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
November 2nd, 2007 by susan j

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For those of you who are planning a trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway this fall or winter, we’ve just unveiled a new sightseeing option. The Blue Ridge Explorer Pass lets you choose 4 attractions to visit anytime during a 30 day period, plus gain free admission to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial and special discounts at area restaurants and stores. Choose from top area attractions including Biltmore, Chimney Rock Park, The Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Wheels Through Time Museum, and others. Happy travels!
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
October 29th, 2007 by susan j
Asheville will get a taste of Hollywood November 8-11 with the Asheville Film Festival. Last year the festival attracted over 8,000 people and over a quarter of them were visitors. Here’s a sneak peak at the 2007 festival:
- This year’s festival features 93 films (14 of which were shot or produced in Western North Carolina).
- starring Laura Linney and Phillip Seymour Hoffman is this year’s opening film.
- in French and English concludes the festival.
- Over the four day festival, movie pros will offer 12 professional development seminars including new technology from Apple.
- Academy award nominee Tess Harper will receive the festival’s Career Achievement Award.
Tickets to individual screenings are $7 in advance, $8 at the door (or buy a “Cinemtic 6-Pack” for $39). Click here for ticket information.
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
October 23rd, 2007 by judy c

The Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall
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It’s not too late to see the foliage change and the seasonal flowers bloom along the Blue Ridge Parkway this season! According to VirtualBlueRidge.com, “wildflowers still dominate many areas, as Sunflower, Ironweed, Goldenrod, Beebalm, and Joe-Pye Weed light up the roadside especially in the agricultural lands adjacent to the Parkway.”
But catch the color while you can because the strong rain and wind expected later this week will force the leaves to decorate more of the ground than the trees themselves.
For weekly recorded updates about the foliage, dial the Blue Ridge Parkway Information Line at 828-298-0398 ext. 7. Click here for a listing of tree species’ along the Parkway, as well as details about they colors they burst into during fall.
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
October 17th, 2007 by susan j

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On Saturday, October 27, the town of Franklin, North Carolina celebrates Halloween with their 11th annual pumpkin festival featuring pumpkin decorating, hayrides, costume contests, a parade, and a nationally-recognized “pumpkin roll.” While in the area, also check out Rose Creek Mine and the Great Smoky Mountain Fish Camp.
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.
October 12th, 2007 by susan j

Inside Asheville’s Grove Arcade
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Envisioned by architect E.W. Grove as “the most elegant building in America,” the historic Grove Arcade features shopping, dining, and Appalachian arts and crafts. Artists-in-residence give craft demonstrations of weaving and painting on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Now through October 31, visitors can also enjoy the , an art sale showcasing the work of over 30 local and regional artists. From handmade pillows to turned wood bowls to woven rugs, the art will explore harvest themes. Other highlights include a cider tasting and wine tastings. Slow Food Asheville will also conduct fresh mozzarella making demonstrations several times a day. .
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go Blue Ridge Card.