Blue Ridge / Asheville

  • Blue Ridge Parkway: MP 312 to MP 423

 

Asheville, the cultural center of Western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge, overflows with traditional crafts, modern theater and diverse music.

The Blue Ridge/Asheville region offers endless options for fun-filled days. Tour America’s largest private home, Biltmore, the many-roomed mansion of George Vanderbilt. Enjoy modern art created and displayed in Asheville or traditional mountain crafts preserved and treasured at the Folk Art Center. Scale lofty Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the eastern U.S., soaring more than a mile high.  Visit the dense green woods of Pisgah National Forest to see the place where forestry was born.  Remember the area’s literary history at Thomas Wolfe’s birthplace and Carl Sandburg’s farm, Connemara. From whitewater on the French Broad River to waterskiing on Lake James, exploring village shops and galleries in Black Mountain to a relaxing spa session at the Grove Park Inn, days are full and choices are many here.

Events

SPRING

  • Transylvania County Student Art Show – April 5-27, 2012, Brevard, (828) 884-2787. Artwork by local Transylvania County Students in grades K- 12. A student reception will be held on Thursday, April 5 from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
  • New Biltmore Exhibition – Opening April 7, 2012, Asheville, 877-Biltmore. The exhibit offers a close-up look at exotic and rare items the Vanderbilt’s collected throughout their lives.
  • Biltmore Festival of Flowers – April 7-May 20, 2012, Asheville, 877-Biltmore. The stunning floral displays across the estate celebrate the majesty of Frederick Law Olmsted’s legacy as Biltmore’s master horticulture planner.
  • Biltmore Easter Egg Hunt – April 8, 2012, Asheville, 877-Biltmore. The Easter Rabbit makes his annual appearance on Biltmore’s front lawn on Easter Sunday, along with special children’s entertainment including magic shows, music and storytelling.
  • Day of Puppetry – April 28, 2012, Asheville, (828) 298-7928. 10am – 4pm, The Asheville Puppetry Alliance presents a day of puppet shows, puppet-themed games, and puppet building activities for the entire family.
  • Pioneer Day – April 28, 2012, Old Fort, (828) 668-9259.  This annual celebration of mountain heritage, features mountain music in the amphitheater, craft demonstrations such as weaving, black smithing, and pottery turning, “Hit or Miss” engine displays and vendors displaying and selling their wares.
  • Gallery Exhibit : Paper Works an Open Show – May 4 – 28, 2012, Brevard, (828) 884-2787. Deadline to enter is May 2. An opening reception will be held on May 4 from 4 – 6 pm.
  • Kid’s Art Day – May 5, 2012, Brevard, (828) 884-2787. Fun in the sun between 10 am – noon! Young people aged 5-12 can stop by TC Arts Council and help create outdoor artwork. Cost per child is $5.00.
  • Fiber Weekend – May 12, 2012, Asheville, (828) 298-7928. Fiber artists from the Southern Highland Craft Guild and other area guilds provide hands-on learning about a myriad of fiber crafts. Sheep shearing demonstrations are featured throughout the day.
  • Handmade Wearables Fashion Show – May 13, 2012, Asheville, (828) 298-7928. 1 and 3pm, a fashion show featuring clothing and accessories designed and hand made by members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and other invited guest participants.
  • “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” Presented by Foothills Community Theatre – May 18-19, May 25-27, 2012, (828) 659-7259. “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” is one of the most successful plays of our time.  Show times are 7:30 nightly.
  • MTA Triathlon – May 19, 2012, Lake James. Registration is $50. Begin with a 750 meter swim in Lake James followed by a 22 mile bicycle ride ending with a 3.1 mile foot race to the finish line!
  • Spring Tour of Homes in Transylvania County – May 19, 2012, Brevard, (828) 884-2787. The Transylvania Community Arts Council will host its annual Spring Tour of Homes on Saturday, from 9:30 am – 5:00 pm. Tickets are $30.
  • Asheville Community Band Concert – May 27, 2012, Asheville, (828) 298-7928. 3 – 5pm
  • Memorial Day BBQ & Covered Dish Dinner – May 28, 2012, Altapass, (888)765-9531. Live music all day, storytelling and hay rides. 11am-5pm.

SUMMER

  • NC Gold Festival – June 1-2, 2012, Old Fort, (800) 959-9033. Annual event, featuring gold exhibits, gold mining techniques and demonstrations, treasure and scavenger hunts, geo-caching, gold panning, numerous vendors including arts and crafts and raffles. Friday noon until 8 pm and Saturday 9 am until 5 pm.
  • Gallery Exhibit: TC Arts Members Only Show  – June 1 – 19, 2012, Brevard, (828) 884-2787. Artists who are members of the TC Arts Council may enter this exhibit that runs from June 1-19. The public is invited to enjoy the exhibit Monday – Friday from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm and to attend a reception on June 8th from 5-7 pm.
  • Clay Day – June 2, 2012, Asheville, (828) 298-7928. 10am – 4pm, potters and other ceramic artists from the Southern Highland Craft Guild share a variety of techniques such as throwing, sculpture and coil-building. Many of the activities are geared to children. This event features the opportunity to glaze and watch the firing of raku pots.
  • Transylvania Art Guild’s Summer Arts Showcase at TC Arts – June 22 – 29, 2012, Brevard, (828) 884-2787. Enjoy artwork by members of the Transylvania Art Guild. An artist reception will be held on Friday, June 22 from 5-9 pm as part of Brevard’s 4th Friday Gallery Walk. Stop by and vote for your favorite piece of artwork.
  • Arts & Culture Week 2012 – June 22 – July 4, 2012, Brevard, (828) 884-2787. Enjoy more than 65 art events in one week in downtown Brevard and Transylvania County. Example of events: Opening of the Brevard Music Center, Brevard’s 4th Friday Gallery Walk, Street Dances, Music Jams, Open Mic Nite, Live Radio Variety Show, Art Show & Sale and the week ends with a bang at the Heart of Brevard 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks Extravaganza!
  • Summer Art Camp for Kids 5-12 – June 25 – 29, 2012, Brevard, (828) 884-2787. The Transylvania Community Arts Council invites youth ages 5-12 years to explore visual arts, music, dance and pottery. There are morning and afternoon sessions available. Morning session goes from 9 am – 12 noon and the afternoon session goes from 1 pm – 4 pm. Cost for the week-long art camp is $75 per child.
  • Open Mic Nite for Writers - June 25, 2012, Brevard, (828) 884-2787. The Transylvania Community Arts Council would like to invite all writers to come share their literary works at an Open Mic Nite from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Each speaker will be allotted 5 minutes to present their material.
  • 46th Annual Shindig on the Green – June 30; July 7, 14, 21; August 11, 18, 25; and September 1, 2012, Asheville, (828) 258-6101 x345. A joyously spontaneous celebration of traditional and old-time string bands, bluegrass, ballad singers, big circle mountain dancers and cloggers on summer Saturday evenings.  Stage show and informal jam sessions, bring a lawn chair or blanket.
  • 40th Annual – Fine Arts & Crafts Showcase – July 4, 2012, Brevard, (828) 884-2787. More than 45+ professional visual artists from the Southeast who sell their artwork on Main Street. The event takes place in conjunction with the Heart of Brevard’s annual 4th of July Celebration and the Transylvania Region AACA Classic Car Show.
  • Annual July 4th Barbecue & Covered Dish Dinner – July 4, 2012, Altapass, (888) 765-9531. Live music all day, storytelling and hay rides.  11am-5 pm.
  • Pottery Camp Sponsored by Mountain Roots, Inc. @ TC Arts - July 9-13, July 16-20, 2012, Brevard, (828) 884-2787. Morning Session 9:00 am-Noon Ages 6-10. Afternoon Session 1:30-4:30—Ages 10-15 Cost–$225 per camper. During this week of summer camp, students will have the opportunity to learn and practice basic hand-building skills including the pinch, coil, and slab techniques.
  • Gallery Exhibit: Lake Toxaway Estates Painters Guild – July 9 – 31, 2012, Brevard, (828) 884-2787. Exhibit by members of the Lake Toxaway Estates Painters Guild.
  • Biltmore Concert Series* – August through October, 2012, Asheville, 877-Biltmore. Concerts will take place on the South Terrace of Biltmore House as well as Diana at Biltmore.  The series offers guests an incomparable setting for enjoying an eclectic variety of music under a canopy of stars.  The concert line-up will be announced this spring.
  • 85th Annual Mountain Dance and Folk Festival – August 2-4, 2012, Asheville, (828) 257-4530.  The nation’s longest running folk festival. This three-day event showcases the best of the region’s traditional and old-time musicians, ballad singers, mountain dance groups and cloggers. Tickets, Regular $20; Children 12 and under $10; Three night package: Adults $54.
  • Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair – August 3, 4, 2012, Burnsville, (828) 682-7413.  Handmade quilts, pottery, woven baskets or other handmade crafts.
  • Gallery Exhibit: The Wild World of Animals  – August 8 – 31, 2012, Brevard, (828) 884-2787. Reception: Gallery Walk Aug. 24 from 5-8 pm, Enjoy this art exhibit featuring artwork about Animals from August 8-31. This is an open show meaning any artist doing artwork about animals may enter. Friendly pets are invited.
  • Wood Day – August 11, 2012, Asheville, (828) 298-7928. 10am – 4pm, join Guild woodworkers for an exciting day exploring various forms of woodcraft. Featuring the 12th Annual Carve Off Competition from 1 -3pm.
  • Gallery Exhibit: Invitational Show - September 7 – October 5, 2012, Brevard, (828) 884-2787. All artists in this exhibit have been invited by TC Arts to be on exhibit. An artist reception will be held on Friday, September 28 from 5-9 pm.
  • 32nd Annual Heritage Weekend – September 15 – 16, 2012, Asheville (828) 298-7928. A two-day celebration of traditional craft, music and storytelling featuring the World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition at 2:00pm on Saturday.

FALL

  • Fall at Biltmore – October, 2012, Asheville, 877-Biltmore. Enjoy vibrant views, thousands of colorful mums in the gardens, and more Biltmore than ever with Antler Hill Village and Biltmore Winery.
  • Oktoberfest – October 5-7, 2012, Old Fort, (828) 668-7223. Annual festival featuring a variety of musicians, food and craft vendors, raffles and children’s activities.
  • Gallery Exhibit: Southern Appalachian Photographers Guild – October 12 – November 6, 2012, Brevard, (828) 884-2787. Photographic exhibit by members of the Southern Appalachian Photographers Guild. A reception will be held on October 26 from 5-9 pm.
  • Christmas at Biltmore – November 3, 2012-January 1, 2013, Asheville, 877-Biltmore.  This year’s Christmas at Biltmore promises another extravagant celebration, complete with dozens and dozens of Christmas trees, miles of ribbon, garland and lights and inspirational holiday demonstrations.
  • Sneak Preview for ArtMart Blowout Sale – November 9, 2012, Brevard, (828) 884-2787. Members, friends and sponsors of the TC Arts Council are invited to a wine and cheese sneak preview of the ArtMart Sale from 6 pm – 8 pm.
  • Candlelight Evenings at Biltmore – November 9-December 31, 2012, Asheville, 877-Biltmore. Biltmore House glows with holiday spirit, appearing much as it would have at the turn of the 19th century. Carols from choirs and ensembles fill the halls with festive sounds.
  • Art Mart - November 10, 2012, Brevard, (828) 884-2787. It’s time to start your holiday shopping at this one-day blowout sale by local WNC artists at the Transylvania Community Arts Council. The art sale will last from 9 am – 4 pm.
  • TC Arts Holiday Show & Sale – November 14 – December 21, 2012, Brevard, (828) 884-2787. A great place to start and finish your Holiday Shopping.
  • Tellabration – November 18, 2012, Asheville, (828) 298-7928. 3-5pm, Tellabration is an internationally recognized day of storytelling featuring traditional folk tales and contemporary stories by some of the most recognizable names in storytelling.
  • Guild Artist Holiday Sale – December 1, 8, 2012, Asheville, (828) 298-7928. 10am – 4pm, provides an opportunity for individual members and the organization to sell over-runs, discontinued stock and studio seconds in a festive atmosphere during the holiday season.
  • Appalachian Potter’s Market – December 1, 2012, McDowell, (828) 652-8610. Featuring potters from across North Carolina. Don’t miss this western Carolina Treasure! 66 potters will be on hand to sell many styles of clay work. This year’s show will include children’s activities, demonstrations, and live music.  Admission $4, 10 am-4 pm.
  • Kick-Off Party for the Holiday Tour of Homes from 5-7 pm – December 7, 2012, Brevard, (828) 884-2787. Enjoy a beautiful – private home while enjoying wine, heavy hors d’oeuvres, entertainment and an art auction. Tickets are $50.
  • Holiday Tour of Homes – December 8, 2012, Brevard, (828) 884-2787. Tour beautiful homes in Transylvania County chosen for their location, architecture, art collections or decor. Tickets cost $30.
  • Serene Winter Getaways at Biltmore – January 1-March 31, 2013, Asheville, 877-Biltmore. In the early months of the year, the historic property offers a peaceful retreat following the hectic pace of the holidays.

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