Blue Ridge family attractions
July 29th, 2009 by judy c
Thomas the Tank Engine photo; Taken by Flickr user
Now through Sunday, August 2nd, Thomas the Tank Engine fans can meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway and ride a train pulled by Thomas himself! Just step aboard the in Bryson City for all of the excitement. Your™ includes a 25-minute train ride pulled by the authentic steam powered Tank Engine, plus live entertainment, a petting zoo, story telling, video viewing, an interactive play center (The Imagination Station) and more.
Tickets are $18 for ages 2 and up and can be .
While you are at it, be sure to check out the located just a block away from the Railroad. Thomas fans will enjoy seeing over 7,000 Lionel engines, cars, and accessories displayed and operating before their very eyes!
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June 2nd, 2009 by judy c
Elkmont Fireflies; Image provided by
Our friends over at Wildwater Rafting have given us all the details surrounding the annual synchronized firefly show in the Smoky Mountains. If you are interested in no-cost wholesome entertainment that most people in the world have not experienced, this is truly an event that should not be missed!
There are only two places on earth where you can experience a synchronized firefly phenomenon - southeast Asia and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The peak flashing for synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) that live in Great Smoky Mountains National Park occurs for only two weeks in mid-June. The Male’s time is short since they live as adults for only about 21 days. So they have a limited amount of time to attract the Females and reproduce (think “Speed Dating” for insect-kind that immediately advances to fourth base).
The Males fly and flash and the usually stationary Females respond with a flash creating a spectacular and unparalleled natural light show. They are the only species in America that can synchronize their flashing light patterns.
The show takes place at the Elkmont Campground. We hear that getting there can be a challenge, but with entertainment like this it’s well worth it. The campground is closed to private vehicles after 5 p.m. Entrance is allowed if you have a campsite reserved or you may ride the trolley for $1 from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Trolleys begin a at 6 p.m. and run every 20-25 minutes. Last trolley leaves at 11 p.m.Be sure to come prepared for the evening. The following items have been recommended:
* A blanket or a small lawn chair to sit on
* A flashlight (cover it with red cellophane to minimize white lights)
* A backpack with refreshments (The only amenities at the campground are portable toilets)
Other important notes:
* Park rangers and volunteers will be available in various locations for questions, guided walks, and assistance.
* No pets or alcoholic beverages allowed.
* If attempting to take pictures or video, do not use a flash. Not only does it disturb the fireflies, but your picture will turn out horrible. Try turning the flash off, setting your aperture to f11 and taking a long exposure of a few seconds.
If you go, be sure to take a Go Blue Ridge Card to get you into all of the best things to do in the area and let us know what you thought of the fireflies!
Planning a trip to
the Blue Ridge Parkway?
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May 22nd, 2009 by judy c
Ghost Town in the Sky, North Carolina’s mountaintop family theme park, will open for the 2009 season May 22nd along with the much-anticipated and long-awaited Cliffhanger Rollercoaster! Originally built in 1985 and located literally on the side of Buck Mountain, the Cliffhanger underwent a complete overhaul and promises a thrill each moment.
Ghost Town representatives say that The Cliffhanger has several qualities that set it apart to make it a unique experience. First, it has a top speed of 56 miles per hour. As a rider leaves the terminal, the illusion is given that you are going to fall off the mountain! Next, an exciting loop generates three g-forces of pressure as riders travel 2,063 feet along the fun-filled ride. And perhaps most importantly, the cars are uniquely engineered to create an open atmosphere in which to enjoy the stunning views. Apparently, there are only seven other loop coasters in the world that exist without a shoulder harness restraint.
Exciting stuff and we can’t wait to check it out! Are you brave enough to take the ride? If so, let us know what you think.
The Go Blue Ridge Card includes free admission to Ghost Town in the Sky.
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March 16th, 2009 by admin
The editors of Blue Ridge Country, an outstanding magazine that highlights the heritage and history of the Blue Ridge area, have compiled a list of events taking place this spring in North Carolina. You can find a full list of Spring Happenings on their website and a partial list of events below with information on nearby attractions. Enjoy a day out with the family and experience some of these local treats while you take advantage of the Go Blue Ridge Card program.
· Mountain Man Tractor Pull, March 7. Jackson Park, Hendersonville
· RiverLink’s River Front Bus Tours, March 19, April 16, & May 21. City Hall, Asheville
Nearby attractions: Thomas Wolfe Memorial and Smith-McDowell House Museum
· Scandinavian Heritage, March 22-28. John C. Campbell Folk School, Brasstown
· Melange of the Mountains, March 26. The Gateway Club, Waynesville
Near by attraction: Ghost Town in the Sky
· The True Story of Bats, through May 10. NC Arboretum, Asheville
Nearby attractions: Gray Line Trolley Tour of Ashevilleand Colburn Earth Science Museum
· Headwaters Gathering: Southern Appalachia at the Crossroads,March 27 – 29. Warren Wilson College, Asheville
Nearby attraction: Biltmore
· River of Words & Art, April 3 – 26. Pack Place Community Gallery, Asheville
Nearby attraction: LaZoom Comedy Bus Tour of Asheville
· Spring Bass Classic Tournament, April 11 / HiYak Festival, April 17-19. Fontana Village
Nearby attraction: Wildwater Rafting (40 minute drive)
· Appalachian Growers Fair, April 18. Appalachian Women’s Museum, Dillsboro
Nearby Attraction: Dillsboro Rafting
· Spring Hike Week, April 19-24. Historic Fontana Village
Nearby attraction: Nantahala Outdoor Center Rafting (40 minute drive)
· MerleFest, April 23 -26. Wilkes Community College, Wilkesboro
· Thunder in the Smokies, April 24 – 26. Festival Grounds, Maggie Valley
Nearby attraction: Ghost Town in the Sky
· Historic Johnson Farm Festival, April 25. Hendersonville
· Pioneer Day, April 25. Mountain Gateway Museum Grounds, Old Fort
· Wildflower Walk and Plant Sale, April 25. Daniel Boone Native Gardens, Boone
Nearby attractions: Tweetsie Railroad, Mystery Hill, and Horn in the West
· Greening up the Mountains Festival, April 25 – 29. Sylva
Nearby attraction: Dillsboro Rafting
· Birding and Wildflowers, April 26 – May 1. The Swag, Waynesville
Nearby attraction: Ghost Town in the Sky
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April 29th, 2008 by susan j
Biltmore in the spring photo uploaded by
Although Biltmore is open 365 days a year, spring is one of the best times to visit the estate. Encompassing 8,000 acres of lush landscaping and lavish architecture, Biltmore both impress and inspires visitors from all over the world.
From now until May 18, visitors can enjoy the Festival of Flowers, an annual event showcasing hundreds of azaleas in a dazzling array of colors and hues. Plus, enjoy live music on Saturdays and Sundays 11:30 am-3:30 pm in the garden. You can also take a self-guided tours of the gardens, which is included with estate admission.
In addition, the Biltmore is offering free admission to Moms on Sunday, May 11 with the purchase of a youth or adult ticket. Starting May 30, the Biltmore will host a new interactive exhibit entitled If These Walls Could Talk. More information is available on the .
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March 24th, 2008 by susan j
Tweetsie Railroad photo uploaded by
Despite a fire on Sunday, March 16 that destroyed much of the Tweetie Railroad’s collection of train memorabilia, tools, and photos, the Blowing Rock attraction plans to open for its 51st year on May 2, as originally scheduled. The old-fashioned park Tweetsie Railroad holds an extensive archive dating back to the 1880s, so many of those pieces will be on display when the museum reopens. Train collectors have also offered items from their personal collections to fill the void left by the fire.
The Carolina’s first family Wild West Adventure theme park, Tweetsie Railroad opened a year after Disneyland and has since hosted generations of visitors with its fun, imaginative activities. Guests can role play as a cowboy, cowgirl, or a train engineer. They can shop along Main Street, pan for gold, or even learn to clog. The park’s highlight is the historic steam locomotive train. Hop aboard for scene three-mile ride through the mountains of North Carolina!
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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!
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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.
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November 12th, 2007 by susan j
Photo uploaded by
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!
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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?
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