What's Happening in North Carolina...

I wish I could report that an early spring is what is happening but I don't want to lie to you.  So here's the best I could do for the rest of February 2016 in this great state I call home.

Beech Mountain

Totally 80's Retro Ski Weekend

February 18-21

Literally ALL things 80's ALL weekend long!  Click here for all the details.

Franklin

Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts

February 20th

Tim Tebow will be bringing his inspirational message to Western NC for this event.  I have been notified that this event is sold out but you can get info by clicking here

Fayetteville

Crown Coliseum

February 20th

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This guy (who I call Brandy) will be in Fayetteville this weekend. His real name is Jason Aldean.  If he's your kind of rappy/poppy/country then click here for ticket info.

Wilmington

New Hanover County Arboretum

February 27th

One of my favorite flowers is the camellia.  Wilmington is a camellia city - yes for real.  This year they are hosting the Tidewater Camellia Club Show.  I mean who can resist a HUGE camellia sale?  Furthermore, who can resist Wilmington?  Exactly.  Here's the site:  http://www.tidewatercamelliaclub.org/

Yadkinville

Various Vineyards

February 27-28th

Yadkin Valley wineries, red wines, and food?  Yes.  This is a great way to try NC grapes in a glass and enjoy all the wonderful wineries in this area.  Oh and it is super economical!  Just click here and get the info.

And that is all I have for now, guys!  Get out and enjoy North Carolina!  We have a lot to offer.  I cannot wait for all the fun in March.

NC Happenings (Formerly This Weekend in North Carolina)

Oh my goodness have we missed these posts or what?  Well some of you have!  I heard you loud and clear and BOOM I pulled together my resources and here it is fresh and ready for 2016.  Just a little change to the posts - instead of every week I will post them biweekly.  So if you have an event to add to my list (which I really loved last year) then get it to me at least two weeks ahead of the actual date of the event.  Also, I need to know the location, cost, and time!  Last year I received info on events but it would leave out critical info like the exact location!

So, guys, here is what is happening in North Carolina!

Asheville Fringe Arts Festival 

January 21-24

Come see the arts in a new way - on the fringe.  This is a creative and spectacular way to see fine arts in a new and more creative light.  Each day the festival will offer new and exciting takes on various art forms from dance to mixed media.  A perfect weekend for "culturally adventurous" audiences.

Here's the link to the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival.

9th Annual Winter Warmer Beer Festival (Asheville)

January 23rd

This event starts at 3pm and will run until 7pm.  Get your brews on in Asheville this weekend.  This festival is held at the US Cellular Center and tickets generally go fast so order online as quick as you can.  Link below.  What to expect at this brews cruise event?  Lots of local beer (over 20 breweries!) and the highlight is a local brewery to Hershey, Pennsylvania:  The Troegs Brewing Company.  This event helps support the sustainability of the mountain region - saving the forests and beauty.  Come drink for a good cause - but do it responsibly.  Here's your link.

The High Point Theater presents:  Live From Nashville

January 23rd

8p-10p

I have said it before and I will say it again - I love the High Point Theater.  This weekend they are offering up a show that country/Americana music lovers will really want to venture out to.  A group of twelve peformers (dancers, musicians, and singers) will take you through country music and entertainment starting in the early days of Hank Sr and going on up to Taylor Swift (prior to the official crossover.)  This event is family friendly and will have you dancing and singing in your seat.  Get tickets here!

Blowing Rock Winterfest

January 28th - January 31st

All Day Events

WinterFest in Blowing Rock has always been about giving visitors reasons to celebrate rather than hibernate a month after the holidays end. And its always been about fire and ice, in their many forms: bonfires, chili cook-offs, s’mores and warm hospitality, contrasted by the icy Polar Plunge into Lake Chetola, ice carving demonstrations, skiing and the crisp, January cold of the High Country winter. WinterFest 2016, which has been named a AAA “Top Pick” and a Top 20 Event by Southeastern Tourism Society, runs between Thursday, January 28 and Sunday, January 31. And the 18th annual celebration is adding new fire- and ice-themed events, including a firewalk demonstration on Saturday and expanded ice carving displays Friday and Saturday. On Friday, ice carvings will be placed throughout the downtown for an Ice Walk, and on Saturday there will be an ice carving competition among several culinary schools. For details, visit blowingrockwinterfest.com/events. In addition to the new events, activities include the Chilly Chili Cook-off, Polar Plunge, WinterFeast, events at BRAHM, Snowflake Parade, hayrides, bonfires, Shop ‘Til You Drop, WinterPaws dog show, Little Miss WinterFest, WinterFest Tasting & Charity Auction and WinterFashion show.  The fashion show will feature tips and conversation in an interactive, friendly and casual environment. For more information or ticket purchases, visit blowingrockwinterfest.com or call 877.295.7801. Blowing Rock WinterFest is organized by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce and presented by Hendrick Northlake Luxury Auto Mall.

7th Annual Yadkin Winter Reds

January 30th - January 31st

Yadkinville

The Seventh Annual “Yadkin Winter Reds” wine event will be held January 30 - 31, 2016 and February 27 - February 28, 2016.  Enjoy two weekends of wonderful wine and food in Yadkin County.   Looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, then come visit Yadkin County and enjoy the annual Yadkin Winter Reds Event sponsored by the Town of Yadkinville and Yadkin County Tourism Development Authorities. All Yadkin County wineries will feature their "Winter Red" (2 oz. pour) paired with a 4 oz. serving of a tasty food item. The hours will be Saturday Noon to 5 pm and Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm. Ticket price to attend will be $20.00 per person per weekend.  Each ticket-holder will be assigned to a starting winery where they will receive their souvenir glass and a map. Ticket is good for both days on the selected weekend you choose - one visit per winery. Limited ticket event for both weekends.   Tickets: click here!

This weekend in North Carolina...**UPDATED**

Originally posted on Wednesday, September 16th.  Updated on Thursday, September 17th!

Let's just jump in like you do a pile of leaves in October....



Winston-Salem - Texas Pete calls Winston-Salem home (just like Wake Forest University, Krispy Kreme, and many other loved establisments).  This weekend Texas Pete is hosting the {Texas Pete Culinary Arts Festival}.  If you haven't dined in Downtown Winston Salem then this is the weekend to go because not only will you get to try the amazing food of restaurants such as Mary's Gourmet Diner, Hutch & Harris, and Sweet Potatoes, The Porch, Dewey's, and Milner's (along with a ton others) you will also get to hear awesome music.  Free admission for everyone and areas that will cost to participate in some food items and alcohol.  Come out and enjoy one of my favorite NC cities on a perfect fall weekend!

Durham - This weekend is the {41st Annual Centrefest Arts Festival}!  140+ visual artists, live music, food, dance, and stuff for the kids to do - just some reasons to attend.



North Wilkesboro - Wilkes County is best known for its moonshine connection but in current day times it is part of the Yadkin Valley Wine Country.  A fun festival this weekend {Shine To Wine} celebrates the adaptation to breweries and wineries local to the areas.  This event is FREE however to partake in the brews and gifts from the vines you will have to pay. I have been told about $25. 

Lexington - I know people like bluegrass.  TO be honest I like it but only if alcohol is involved.  Alrighty, now that that is on the table {The Daily & Vincent Landfest} is this weekend.  This is a three day, 13 headliner national recording bluegrass band event.  It begins on the 17th.  You can visit the link for more information.



Yadkinville - This is the busiest city in North Carolina...just kidding!  I love little Yadkinville because it is where my hairdresser is.  This weekend they are partying in the Yadkin with the {Yadkin Valley Harvest Festival}.  This event features live music, crafts, a beer garden, sports lounge, and more.  It is the first year of this event.  Show it some support!



Ronda - Perhaps your favorite taste of Italy in North Carolina....Raffladini Vineyards is hosting its {10th Annual Festa Italiana} on Saturday.  This is truly an Italian celebration with Italian food, wine, music, cars, items, and dance.  Check it out!

Raeford - There is nothing more majestic than a....turkey.  So said Ben Franklin I'm told.  The truth is that bird and its friend the chicken are pretty big deals in North Carolina and in honor of poultry and its presence in North Carolina there is festival for it in Raeford.  {The NC Poultry Festival takes place this weekend!}

Fairs!



{The Macon County Fair is this weekend.}

{Rowan County Ag & Industrial Fair}

Becky shared with me that the {Mountain State Fair} is finishing up this weekend.

Football!



My husband wanted me to get a Tennessee Volunteers t-shirt this past weekend.  He claimed it would be "hot".  Does this correspond to the hate mail I got for leaving those hound dogs out of last week's football line up on the blog?  Maybe.  So let me start this week out with the Big Orange.

Tennessee will play Western Carolina the good ole Catamounts

My Wolfies won this past weekend in a 35-0 roundhouse kick of a game.  I was happy.



NCSU Wolfpack takes on Old Dominion this weekend.

Duke will play the Northwestern Wildcats at home in Durham.

UNC is coming off a win last weekend to take on the Illinois Illini, what the crap is that?

Wake lost last weekend, maybe just maybe they can redeem themselves against Army this weekend.

East got ate by the Gators last week they take on the Navy Midshipman this weekend.

Charlotte takes on the Blue Raiders of Middle Tenn on Saturday over in Tennessee.

South Carolina lost to Kentucky last weekend they are hoping to put one in the W column against those Dawgs this weekend.

Clemson plays Louisville this weekend in Kentucky.

App State lost to Clemson last weekend this weekend they'll go up against no one because its like Bye Felicia.

The Gators head up to Kentucky to see if they chomp some Wildcats.

It is a big weekend in Kentucky with loads of games being played there - that's what I learned from this.

And finally ----



Those Panthers take on the Texans this weekend in Charlotte.  The cats are coming off a season opening win while the Texans opened their season with a loss.  Should be an interesting match up. (1P on CBS)

Have a great weekend!