What's Happening in North Carolina

Charlotte...yeah where those Panthers normally play!

North Carolina is eagerly awaiting Sunday!  Our Panthers are going to go after some bucking horses this weekend!  Watch out equine lovers the Panthers are on the loose.

Alright here's what is going down over the next couple of weekends in this wonderful state I call home.

Our State - What We Love Weekend

Greensboro

February 12-14th

You may not know this but North Carolina has it's very own magazine that is all things North Carolina.  It really is a beautiful, high quality magazine.  Each month readers are in the grip of all things NC.  The magazine is published out of Greensboro (centrally located city in the Piedmont Triad area and also where this girl graduated college.)  This weekend of love is based at the O. Henry Hotel - one of North Carolina's finest and most luxurious escapes - and a Southern Living pick.  Couples can stay the weekend and take part in a variety of tours, meals, and arts events that are honestly some of North Carolina's best.  Barbecue, art, biscuits, wine, music, chocolate, and more.

21st Annual East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival & NC Decoy Carving Championship

Washington

February 5-7th

I have always called Washington, NC - Little Washington.  I guess that is besides the point.  This weekend you can see art of a different area - a very different area - in action.  This event draws in Waterfowl artists and enthusiasts from all over the country.  It also celebrates the rich history of water fowl in North Carolina and the country as a whole. 

12th Annual Krispy Kreme Challenge

Raleigh

February 6th

If you need a reason to run then I think Krispy Kreme donuts could be a really good reason.  This 5 mile race will get you a finish line prize of a dozen donuts but it will also fill up your feels knowing you helped support UNC Children's Hospital.  Register ASAP.  Oh and yeah, those crazy Holderness Family people are Raleigh area residents and also runners - I bet you may see them!



Carolina Chocolate Festival
Morehead City
February 6-7th
Because I know you want to go to the beach AND you love chocolate.  Visit NC's Crystal Coast and be in chocolate heaven all at the same freaking time.  This event celebrates my favorite drug - chocolate.  Yes, this is all things chocolate from NC Chocolatiers to chocolate spa treatments to a chocolate run...guys let's go like NOW!



Fashionable Romance:  Wedding Gowns in Film
Biltmore Estate, Asheville
February 12-July 4th
In November when we were touring Biltmore a wedding dress was on display as a teaser for this event.  Come to America's finest mansion and see the beautiful wedding gowns for dozens of famous films.  They will be presented throughout the house in the most festive of manner.  This is a perfect Valentine's treat for your sweetie this year.  Book today!

Nothing Compares to North Carolina!  Thanks for reading!  I'll see you tomorrow.

This Weekend in North Carolina

Hello!  It is time for a very late and a very short edition of the weekly This Weekend in North Carolina post.  There's so much going on all around our state.  Here's some info I received to share with all of you!  From Raleigh to Charlotte - there's something to do!  

Do you have an NC Tree in your living room?

Let's start off in Raleigh...The Christmas/Holiday spirit comes to life in a magical display of moving and musical arts this weekend.  The Cirque Musical Holiday Spectacular with the North Carolina Symphony will amaze and captivate you this weekend at the Meymandi Concert Hall of the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts.



If you are in the Clayton area check out the Lights on The Neuse at Boyette Family Farms.  For you non-NC peeps we're talking about the Neuse River and not the thing you use to hang someone, glad we cleared that up.  This light show, hayride, cookie decorating barn, and Santa visit will put you right in the holiday spirit!



Meanwhile in Greensboro this weekend you can catch Beautiful Star: An Appalachian Nativity.  This musical will have you smiling, laughing, and doing a little toe tapping.  The performance is being put on at Triad Stage.  You can also catch some other holiday favorites being performed including A Christmas Carol in Winston-Salem.



Here's a little knowledge for you bowl of macaroni.  Did you know America's oldest mountain range is in North Carolina? It isn't the Appalachians or Smokeys but the Uwharrie Mountain Range.  These mountains (which have eroded down quite a bit) are located nearly in the center of our state.  Now, get this.  One of the largest homes in the Southeast is here in the Uwharrie Mountains and it offers you a chance to come in and enjoy it's holiday splendor!  Trinity is home to Linbrook Hall a 60 room estate that is part of the heritage properties in NC.



Charlotte has got a lot (at least that's true and what the sign says) and this weekend you can check out the 61st Annual Singing Christmas Singing Christmas Tree for KIDS.  This event will be held at the Knight Theater in Uptown.  Loads of music, fun for the whole family, and this event is especially for ages three to ten!  Come out and enjoy!



On going events to catch this weekend if you have a some free time:
Charlotte Area - McAddenville, Christmastown NC!
Winston-Salem Area - The Festival of Lights - the largest light show in NC!
Asheville - Christmas at Biltmore


Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah to all our friends and family!

This Weekend In North Carolina

Here's what is popping in NC this weekend...

It just makes me giggle...mullets everywhere!

Travel to Wilkesboro this weekend to hear Shenandoah play at the {Walker Center of Wilkes Community College}.  This country act from the 80's and 90's is known for catchy tunes like Church on Cumberland Road, Next to You Next to Me, and Two Dozen Roses.  



If you grew up with the understanding you didn't eat oysters until you were in a month that had the letter "r" in it then gear up to get a belly full of this weekend in Hickory.  This weekend there is a {Shuck & Peel Party} featuring the Extraordinares.



One of the largest fall celebrations is in Huntersville and it is celebrated regionally.  {The Renaissance Festival} goes on for the next two weekends and celebrates the life and times of the Renaissance period of Europe.  From turkey legs the size of your thigh to all the crushed velvet you can dream of this is a fun time for the family!



The Christmas Season may not quite be here but you can head to Banner Elk and get in the spirit.  {Apple Hill Farms} is hosting its Christmas Celebration beginning this weekend going through mid December.  Tour the alpaca farm and purchase some unique alpaca gifting items as well as fresh NC greenery.



What would this post be without a wine notation?  The beautiful and many times mentioned {Raffaldini Winery in Ronda} needs your help!  The reds are ready for blending and they want your input on what best suits the palate.  You must RSVP to this event.



This weekend in Charlotte you can visit the {Southern Christmas Show}.  Last year I attended this event with my mom.  It is a fun time for the girls to go out and get in the Christmas spirit.  You will get a peek at adorable tree styling for the season; taste some good food; and if you're me you'll hit up Duplin Winery's booth for some Carolina Mustard.  I can share this is a very crowded event and if you do not like crowds...stay away.



If that doesn't tickle your fancy then maybe this will.  The Charlotte Museum of History is hosting a {Back Country Beer Fest}.  This event features 4 local breweries, local food and food trucks, cornhole and more.



If you have a daughter you is all about Laura Ingalls Wilder then you should drive to Raleigh to Meredith College.  They are presenting {A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas} in Jones Hall.  You can also go ahead and let your daughter fall in love with the campus of Meredith College - a private female college very close to NCSU.



Also in Raleigh, {VeggieTales Live at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts}.  Many years ago I took my daughter to see VeggieTales Live and she really enjoyed the jam packed music show of her favorite Christian vegetable story tellers.



If you will be in my area check out these events (Winston-Salem):

Visit airtype.com Winston-Salem's own graphic media and clothier firm.

Ziggy's will have The Nappy Roots on Thursday & Corey Smith entertaining the crowd on Friday.



Old Salem begins their {Christmas Candlelight Tours} this weekend.  See the beautiful Moravian settlement at it's holiday finest and divulge in some delicious Moravian Sugar Cake for me!

Football Notes:



The Carolina Panthers are undefeated and this weekend they'll be in Texas to try to keep it up.

The NCSU Wolfpack is 6-3 so far this season.  I am happy.

I was told Duke was the ACC team to beat.  Untrue.  They were stomped by UNC last week.

Ole Miss is currently 7-3.  They play LSU this weekend.

WV is 4-4 this season.  They take on Texas on Saturday.

I pick the teams I am most familiar with so if this list looks weird to you -so be it.

That is this weekend in a nutshell from the desk of A Brownie World.  Have anything to add?  Please do!


What are you doing this weekend?