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.
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.
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.
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, visitblowingrockwinterfest.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, visitblowingrockwinterfest.comor 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!
There is so much going on in North Carolina right now! By my post you will think that I'm crazy because I only have three picks this week. Most of the events that are huge attractions started in November and run on into 2016. Here are my three favorite picks for this weekend!
Billy Graham is a North Carolina Son. His legacy can be seen across Western North Carolina let alone the world. Experience Christmas at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte (he was born outside of the city) and you'll have a memory you will never forget. Highlighting the real reason for Christmas you can view a live nativity that is made up of components closest to what the real first Christmas was like. See the work of Billy Graham - as a crusading minister he has been all over the world and preached to millions of people in hundreds of languages. Learn about the faith of the man and the work of Jesus Christ. The Billy Graham Library has no admission charge and no parking fee.
Twin City's Stage is a great resource in Winston-Salem. This weekend you can catch Macy's: Yes, Virginia The Musical. A family friendly production of the classic true story of Virginia who doubted the man and whose response from the editor drew international attention.
This may sound a little strange but keep reading. You can go ice skating in Taylorsville! Yes, if you are in the Taylorsville area (attention friends in Iredell, Wilkes, Catawba, and all you other sweethearts.) Pay $6 and escape the winter warm up and fall into the season. This weekend the town of Taylorsville will host their Old Fashioned Christmas. There will be all day ice skating, a Polar Express Train Ride, Santa, shopping and more.
Have a safe and happy weekend - I'll see you tomorrow!
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 toLinbrook 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!
Happy December! North Carolina is a fun place to be this time of year and I'm happy to be back with a listing of fun things you can add to your "attend" list for the upcoming weekend.
Chapel Hill is ready to celebrate the season at the beautiful Carolina Inn. From breathtaking decor to handsome horse drawn carriage rides to the smells and sounds of the season the Carolina Inn's 12 Days of Christmas Event is not to be missed. All through the month the Inn will have different displays and festivities to partake in. Visit their website for a menu of events and pricing.
Benson's Meadow Lightsis home to the oldest and largest light display in Eastern North Carolina. This event is more than just lights - it is the story of Christ, train rides, a massive candy store, Santa, and a beautiful carousel. Make this a destination point this holiday season - there is no admission fee and food is available for purchase.
Greensboro if you're in the Gate City then make plans to visit the Greensboro Historical Museum where Christmas Mice have taken over the exhibits!
Winston-Salem once was known for tobacco. The legacy of the R.J. Reynolds' family has left a permanent mark on the Twin City. The Reynolda House - the home of the Reynolds Tobacco Magnates - is alive with the charm of the holiday season. Art lovers will enjoy seeing the beautiful paintings that call Reynolda home. The Gilded Age is celebrated in this home in the heart of Winston-Salem.
High Point This is a great weekend to take in the High Point Ballet's Peformance of The Nutcracker Ballet. I very much enjoy the High Point Theater and have enjoyed many plays and music acts there. Be sure to reserve your ticket for the ballet ($15)!
Pinnacle is home to Horne Creek Farm. This historical farm allows visitors to get a feel for farming life around the turn of the last century. At Christmas the farm transforms to allow patrons to experience the food, music, and rural culture at Christmas during 1900. This event is a reservation only experience and includes your meal.
Blowing Rock is where we spent our meal time on Thanksgiving Day (yummy!). It is also a beautiful, tiny town in the NC High Country, next to Boone. The beautiful Chetola Resort calls Blowing Rock home and to see it at Christmas is just majestic! The Festival of Lights at Chetola Resort is free to enter and when you come in to drive through and take in the lights you will be given information on more events taking place this season at the resort.
Asheville is home to the National Gingerbread Competition and you can already smell it, right? This competition has been televised on various national cable syndicates and also ABC. Head to the Grove Park Inn Hotel and enter to view the competition for free. There is a fee to park ($10) with half of that fee going to area charities. This is the 23rd year this fun event!
Have a fun and festive weekend ahead! I'll see you later on with my evening post.
There is so much going on. No time to waste with an intro let's just do this!
Friday is the last of Wagram's {Cypress Bend Vineyards' Concert Series.} Take advantage of great music and wine on this Friday evening. This vineyard, like many other NC vineyards, is based around the muscadine grape. Wagram is located in Scotland County, perfect for anyone in South Carolina to pop up for a visit.
If you are in the Christmas spirit then you should venture to Hickory on Friday evening. They will start the evening off with their Christmas parade and then light the Christmas tree. This is a popular event across North Carolina for the weekend before Thanksgiving.
Meanwhile over in Seagrove you can delight in the magical creations of North Carolina's finest potters. Seagrove is the capitol of NC Pottery and this is a fabulous event to start or finish your holiday shopping at! Make plans to attend the {Celebration of Seagrove Potters} this weekend.
If you're in the Fayetteville area on Friday you can catch a concert. {Third Day's tour "Lead Us Back"} will be at the Crown Coliseum for one night only.
Maybe you are in the mountains this weekend and would be interested in venturing to Franklin? If so you can catch {Lysa Terkeurst} at the Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts. I have had the priviledge of hearing Mrs. Terkeurst speak live and you do not want to miss it!
I love the High Point Theater. This weekend you can catch {Mipso}. This Appalachian meets Americana new age band out of Chapel Hill will give you a couple hours of good music and set your weekend off right.
Mocksville, that little town between Winston-Salem and Statesville on I-40 is hosting their annual Night Before Christmas Bed Race on Friday night. See local businesses, non profits, and schools battle it out on the main drag in some interesting "beds". Stay on in Mocksville to enjoy the Christmas parade and lighting of the beautiful oak trees (once there were four, now there is not) on Saturday evening. I can give you a few ideas of places to dine and to check out in this tiny town...I do know a bit about it.
Christmas lights abound at the {NC Arboretum} in Asheville! Beginning this weekend you can see the beauty of the season wrapped in the mesmerizing colors of the holidays. If you long for Disney at Christmas then you should enjoy this light show. The director is a former Project & Special Events Manager for Walt Disney World!
500,000 Christmas lights....are you in the Charlotte area? If so head to Belmont and visit the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. The Holiday at the Garden features many fun events for families and I am told Santa will be there this season as well!
WRAL in Raleigh is hosting the 71st Annual Christmas Parade on Saturday (in Raleigh). Raleigh's parade is the largest one south of DC and north of Atlanta. Did you know that 60,000 people will attend the parade while 250,000 will watch it live from home? If you're new to Raleigh check it out! If its a tradition then happy celebrating!
Long before we celebrated a feast of maize and pumpkins the Native Americans thrived in this land. This weekend in Raleigh at the Museum of History you can learn more about the Native American culture, history, and lifestyle at the {20th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration}.
Members of North Carolina's 8 recognized tribes will be on hand for demonstrations. There is a special event for teachers and their students on Friday. Click the link for more information!
Lenior is ready for Christmas! This weekend they will celebrate the kick off to the holiday season with food, fun, crafts, merchants, and music. Enjoy the {Lenoir Christmas Festival} all weekend long.
In case you need another reason to go to Asheville - their {Holiday Parade and Jinglefest}is this weekend. A big parade and then a huge party at Pack Park. Ingles Grocery and Bojangles sponsor these events of an enormous load of fun.
NASCAR and North Carolina go hand in hand. These days at Charlotte Motor Speedway it isn't fast cars but holiday fun that is on every turn. The {Speedway Christmas} event in Concord (on the track) is a huge hit for the holidays. There are three million lights ready to greet you at the track and 800 different displays. Did I mention you drive on the track?
The largest and most sought after display of lights in the Southeast is in my backyard. Head over to Tanglewood in Clemmons and visit the {Festival of Lights}. This event is a fairy tale of sorts as you drive through the beautiful Tanglewood Park. Words cannot do justice to this one of a kind light show.
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