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Elkmont Fireflies; Image provided by Judd Patterson
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? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Blue Ridge Card.
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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
Planning a trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Blue Ridge Card.
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If you’re visiting Blue Ridge this weekend, then stop in at Grove Arcade from 5-8 pm on Friday, April 18 to enjoy free live jazz music performed by The Golden Quartet and Dave Perkins Certified Organic. This Friday performance is the final Jazz After 5 concert for 2008, and local restaurants will offer beer, wine, and appetizers for purchase.
Sponsorship for the Jazz After 5 series is provided by LandDesign, News Radio 570 WWNC, 880AM The Revolution, Fosters Group, and Empire Distributors of North Carolina.
Other upcoming events at the Grove Arcade include the Grove Arcade Flower Show April 26-27 and the Laura Boosinger & Josh Goforth CD Release Party on June 1.
Planning a trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Blue Ridge Card.
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Flower at the Biltmore Estate Photo uploaded by wjklosIt’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 handy bloom schedule 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? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Blue Ridge Card.
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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.
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Sunset at Shenandoah National Park Photo uploaded by Waldo JaquithVisitors to state parks and recreation areas, including those in the Blue Ridge area, will have extra time to enjoy the scenic views thanks to daylight savings time. Beginning March 1, state parks and recreation areas are closing no earlier than 8 pm during March, April, May, and October. That means more time for hiking, picnicking, or just admiring the sunset.
In past years, most state parks closed at 7 pm during those months. The closing time at most state parks in June through September is 9 pm, although some areas and facilities, such as swimming areas and visitor centers, close earlier. State parks open at 8 am. View a complete schedule of operating hours for all state parks and facilities.
Planning a trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the Go Blue Ridge Card.
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IgoUgo.com has added the North Carolina Tourism Services website to their list of Top 10 U.S. State Tourism Sites!
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 virtual magazine 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.
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MountainTimes.com recently published a guide to antiquing 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.
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Champagne photo uploaded by Waldo Jaquith
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 “Songwriters in the Round” event. Check out such artists as Casey Kelly, Leslie Ellis, Todd Cerney, and Wood Newton.
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 North Carolina Symphony’s New Year’s Extravaganza and Appalachian Mountain’s fireworks celebration, torch lighting and ice skating until midnight.
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.
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