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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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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.
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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Ever since the Go Blue Ridge Card launched last spring, we’ve been working on ways to improve the product, making it even easier and more affordable to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway. We’ve added a couple of new attractions, including French Broad River Rafting with Nantahala Outdoor Center (pictured above) and LaZoom Comedy Tours of Asheville.
But I think the biggest improvement has been letting visitors use their cards on non-consecutive days, making it even more flexible and convenient. Whether you’re purchasing 2, 3, or 5 days, you’ll be able to visit attractions in any combination of days during a two week period.
For instance, if you purchased a 3-day card, you might choose to activate it on a Monday, then pick any days during the next two weeks to use your two remaining days. You could see go to museums on Monday and Tuesday, relax on Wednesday and Thursday, try wildwater rafting on Friday, or any combination you choose. Check out our recommended itineraries for more ideas on getting the most out of your Go Blue Ridge Card.
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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Flowers along the Blue Ridge Parkway Photo uploaded by AngelraysSpring is fast approaching in the Blue Ridge Parkway. Blue Ridge visitor centers have announced their open dates for spring 2008, and several of our Blue Ridge area attractions will be opening soon. Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) and Lake Lure Tours open in mid-March, while Rose Creek Mine and Smoky Mountain Jet Boats open in April. Check out our full list of seasonal attractions.
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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Blue Ridge Sunrise Photo uploaded by kcds TMAttention photographers! Amateurs and professionals alike are welcome to submit their original works to the 2008 Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition 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.
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Blue Ridge Parkway in the AutumnPhoto uploaded by NCBrianSince we launched the Go Blue Ridge Card last spring, we’ve fallen in love with the beautiful scenery and natural charm of Western North Carolina. Now the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce has named the Go Blue Ridge Card as one of its “Top New Attractions, Events and Awards” of 2007.
We’re delighted to be among the award winners, which include the purchase of Chimney Rock Park by the State, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian’s “Emissaries of Peace” exhibit at the Smithsonian, and Ocracoke, which was named Best Beach in the United States.
For more on this exciting development, check out North Carolina’s Division Travel and Tourism newsletter from January 9. Happy travels!
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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View of the Black Mountains from Biltmore
Photo uploaded by isipeoria.
The NY Times recently ran a travel article highlighting the attractions in Asheville, North Carolina, calling it an “Appalachian Shangri-La.” The article mentions Biltmore, the Mast General Store, and several other Asheville area attractions. Check out 36 Hours in Asheville.
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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Photo uploaded by Fragments of Sobriquets
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.
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