Art in the Park was created in 1962 by a handful of area artists and craftspeople to showcase local talent. 46 years after its start, Art in the Park is host to 90 artisans at each show. Some of the best local and regional artists and craftspeople showcase their handcrafted jewelry, pottery, fiber, glass, photography, painting and more.

Art in the Park’s high standards and professional jury attract artisans from all over the Southeast to exhibit in a series of six shows, May through October. The quality of work exhibited draws thousands to the mountains each month.

Art in the Park is planned and administered by the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber emphasizes the arts focus of this event. The town and area businesses are enthusiastic and participate with Art in the Park, and the public eagerly anticipates each season.

For more information, visit: http://www.blowingrock.com/artinthepark

For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.

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Welcome to Virtual Blue Ridge’s tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This tour contains many pages of information, each incorporating video, panoramic images, sound and text. Please enjoy our tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway… but remember, nothing beats seeing the real thing on a leisurely visit to the mountains of North Carolina and Virginia!

Begin the Tour with…

• Overlooks — The Blue Ridge Parkway has over 200 overlooks. They offer scenic vistas, trailhead access points, picnic tables, interpretive signage, trash cans and areas to stretch your legs.
• Parks — The bulk of the Blue Ridge Parkway lands are it’s 12 parks and recreation areas. These parks contain the majority of the trails and activities available along the parkway.
• Trails — There are over 117 trails with miles upon miles of explorable terrain. There are trails ranging from leisurely strolls to hikes only the experienced should attempt.
• Visitor Centers — The visitor centers offer the most information on the Blue Ridge Parkway. At the visitor centers, you can inquire about questions you may have on your journey. This is also where you can pick up guidebooks and maps as you travel.

The future for the Virtual Blue Ridge project will bring additional content including new photos, 360° panoramas, movies and audio voice-overs. This is a project that is worked on daily and we look forward to a future of providing the best information and resources for the Blue Ridge Parkway.

VISIT: http://www.virtualblueridge.com!

For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.

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High Mountain Expeditions offers a variety of outdoor activities including whitewater rafting, hiking, and caving. At High Mountain Expeditions there is an activity for every member of your group or family!

The High Country of Western North Carolina is one of the most biologically and geographically diverse regions in North America. Carved by some of the world’s oldest rivers, the Blue Ridge Mountains provides the perfect backdrop for some of the East Coast’s best hiking, caving, mountain biking, kayaking and whitewater rafting.

Please browse their web site to see a detailed list and descriptions of all the outdoor activities we offer. They can help you plan the perfect outdoor experience, so contact by email or call and speak to one of their reservation specialists today!

The team at High Mountain Expeditions invites you to join us in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains on one of their many outdoor adventures.

For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.

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THE WORKSHOP
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Dan Tyminski & Ronnie Bowman
The Bluegrass Legacy at The Mast Farm Inn
A four day & three night, musicians retreat for 12 Bluegrass Artists. August 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, 2010

The Course:
Songwriting, Arranging, Production & Business

The Professors:
Dan Tyminski & Ronnie Bowman will be running the workshops, providing group and personal one-on-one tutoring, mentoring, and be lodging the entire time onsite at The Mast Farm Inn.

Participants Who May Qualify:
Intensive Retreat for Professional or Semi-Professional Artists Committed To Bluegrass Music. Call Henri Deschamps at 828-963-2626 for more information.

The Costs, In The Case of This Scholarship Paid For By The Mast General Store:
All Inclusive Price for the Retreat, Workshops, Materials, All Lodging, Dining, Beverages and all applicable taxes included. Special Free Programs & Activities for spouses and significant others not participating in workshops. The cost is heavily subsidized by supporting organizations, and you will need to qualify, so call Henri at 828-963-2626 for more information, and to see if you qualify to participate.
$1,090-$1,290 per couple for lodging and dining, depending on your lodging options, and with one person of the couple taking the courses. To make regular reservations for this retreat click here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=108289632549422

From “The Bluegrass Journal”
“In what may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for twelve students, two of Bluegrass’ biggest names and former bandmates, Dan Tyminksi and Ronnie Bowman will be joint instructors for a three and a half day intensive Mentoring Session.”
CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE: http://www.bluegrassjournal.com/2010/05/17/dan-tyminski-ronnie-bowman-holding-bluegrass-mentoring-sessions-workshop-at-mast-farm-inn-in-august/

From “The Bluegrass Blog”
“The Mast Farm Inn, a lovely B&B in western North Carolina, has announced a new series of intimate musical retreats, designed to offer serious students of bluegrass music an opportunity to study closely with its top practitioners.”
CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thebluegrassblog.com/bluegrass-legacy-launches-artist-in-residence-series/

Dan Tyminski
Dynamic on stage, down to earth off stage, 13-time Grammy winner Dan Tyminski has the voice, instrumental chops, and charisma to be counted among the most recognizable and popular male vocalists on today’s bluegrass and country music scenes. Yet his demeanor – low-key and laconically sly – ensures that all the accolades are the product of his own innate gifts. Since 1994, his ace instrumental skill (mainly on guitar, but also on mandolin) and burnished, soulful tenor singing have been key components of Alison Krauss and Union Station, arguably the most visible and successful bluegrass band in the modern era. Tyminski notably stepped ever more deeply into the popular conscience as the singing voice of George Clooney in the Coen Brothers’ Odyssean farce O Brother, Where Art Thou? In addition to being a pivotal element in the plot of the film, his powerful rendition of the Stanley Brothers’ version of “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow” became a surprise hit single – firing off a popular renaissance in bluegrass in the process. The song was given the Country Music Association (CMA) award for Single of the Year, the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Award for Song of the Year, and a Grammy Award for Country Collaboration with Vocals. The project was also honored with the IBMA Award for Album of the Year, as well as the Grammy Award for Album of the Year – a rare achievement for a soundtrack project. ~ http://www.dantyminski.com/
VIDEOS
Dan Tyminski ~ “The Boy Who Wouldn’t Hoe Corn”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5X4Q6jFtHg
Dan Tyminski, Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas ~ “Simple Love”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os8E_k8FwCY
Dan Tyminski, Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas ~ “My Poor Old Heart”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuGJaU25ZIA
Dan Tyminski, AKUS ~ “Goodbye is All We Have”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8O9eCxgOjw
The Dan Tyminski Band ~ “Wheels”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0GyL4kHpqM
Dan Tyminski, Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas ~ “The Lucky One”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2P7J1_hZ7iM

Ronnie Bowman
From the tender age of three, Ronnie Bowman has been performing music. Starting in a family band playing churches in North Carolina and Virginia, he eventually joined the acclaimed Bluegrass band The Lost & Found. Shortly after Ronnie joined The Lonesome River Band, and became a participant in the band’s recording of “Carrying the Tradition”; an album that was named the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Album of the Year in 1991. It wasn’t long before Ronnie Bowman became a household name in the Bluegrass community. He has been awarded IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year three times, has twice earned the IBMA song of the Year award (“Three Rusty Nails”, and “Cold Virginia Night”), and was awarded the Gospel Performance of the Year award for “Three Rusty Nails”. As a songwriter Ronnie has earned a great deal of respect not only among Bluegrass professionals, but also in Country Music. Both Brooks & Dunn, and Kenny Chesney have brought Ronnie Bowman originals to #1, and Lee Ann Womack also included a song by Ronnie on the multiplatinum selling album “I hope you Dance”. Ronnie Bowman has achieved remarkable heights in his musical career as an award-winning Bluegrass songwriter and vocalist, and a respected, successful writer in Country music. ~ http://www.ronniebowman.com/
VIDEOS
Ronnie Bowman ~ “Rise Above”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE-dsDzMdS4
Brooks & Dunn Recording of Ronnie Bowman’s Song “Getting Better All The Time”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRuqOFHrOy8

The Mast Farm Inn
The Mast Farm Inn is a world renowned award winning full service North Carolina Country Inn & Restaurant in Historic Valle Crucis, NC, is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a Member of PAII and Of The Select Registry ~ http://www.facebook.com/mastfarm

The Bluegrass Legacy
The Objective of “The Bluegrass Legacy” FaceBook FanPage is to present, honor and celebrate Bluegrass Music & Artists ~ http://www.facebook.com/the.bluegrass.legacy

Media Contact:
Henri Deschamps, 828-963-2626
bluegrasslegacy@mastfarm.net

We’d like to thank Keith Case & Associates and DS Management of Nashville, TN, and The Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, North Carolina, for helping make this unique event possible. See:
Keith Case & Associates
~ http://www.facebook.com/KeithCaseAndAssociates
The Mast General Store
~ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mast-General-Store/179544156710

For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.

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“There are so many activities in our area that are free or reasonably priced,” said Tim Thompson, who with his wife, Beverly, owns Fall Creek Cabins. Located off U.S. 421, the private log cabins are true vacation homes with hot tubs, fireplaces, fully-equipped kitchens, and covered porches with rocking chairs and a gas grill. “Most of our guests enjoy hiking, viewing the many spectacular waterfalls nearby and exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway from Linville Falls & Gorge to Doughton Park,” Mrs. Thompson said. “Others choose to try tubing, kayaking, canoeing or biking.”

Many who stay at Fall Creek Cabins return year-after-year because of its seclusion, its family-friendly feel and the personal and high-quality service provided by the Thompsons. The 78-acre property features eight cabins, some with creekside settings, others with mountain views. A state-stocked trout stream runs through the property. Hiking trails have been marked off and lead through the woods and to a waterfall. Campfire rings (including firewood), complete with seating, offer a place for the whole family to gather, as well as a private picnic table. “Many customers are now looking for affordable accommodations that allow families the ability to make “home-cooked” meals, enjoy “on site activities”, and promotes “quality family time”, which makes staying at Fall Creek Cabins so much more attractive”, said Mr. Thompson. With digital TV and high speed wireless Internet now being offered the Thompsons immediately added these features for their guests to have as well. “We were so excited to now be able to offer Internet and digital TV in order to meet the needs and requests of our many customers” said Mrs. Thompson.

One look at the Fall Creek Cabins online guest book reveals the many happy memories of guests. “We absolutely loved everything about the place,” one woman wrote. “As you probably saw in my thank-you note to you, we will recommend the place to all of our friends.” Another woman said, “The cabin and grounds were more beautiful than we could have imagined.” A honeymooner praised the Thompsons for meeting a special request — a bed of pink rose petals to greet them upon arrival.

To help make the vacation experience more affordable, the Thompsons offer specials throughout the year, including free nights . Information on those and about the cabins is available online at www.fallcreekcabins.com and www.fallcreekvacationrentals.com. They also offer discount tickets as well as bonus tickets to some attractions during certain times of year.

“We have already teamed up with Tweetsie Railroad (www.tweetsie.com) as part of their Lodging Partner’s Program and also offer discount tickets Grandfather Mountain (www.grandfather.com) ,” Mrs. Thompson said. “For our customer’s convenience, the discount tickets are in the cabin upon arrival.” Because the cabins are located centrally, it’s easy to get to the different attractions. There are golf courses, antique shops, and places to go horseback riding or rafting not far away as well.

And being close is what it’s all about in today’s economy. By staying in North Carolina, you’ll not only save on gas and transportation, you may just find some hidden gems you’ve never experienced before.

See Fall Creek Cabins on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Fleetwood-NC/Fall-Creek-Cabins-Secluded-Log-Cabin-Vacation-Rentals/104389026265406?ref=ts

Visit us at www.fallcreekcabins.com Winter Review/Blog on Fall Creek Cabins: http://aladdintravel.com/meteorologist-calling-for-snow-head-to-fall-creek-cabins.html

For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.

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Day Out With Thomas™ is a family event that offers aspiring engineers and their families the unique opportunity to take a ride with the classic storybook engine, Thomas the Tank Engine™ at regional heritage railroads across the country.

Since Thomas the Tank Engine left the depot more than 60 years ago, this Really Useful Engine and his Island of Sodor friends have chugged their way into the hearts of preschoolers and grownups worldwide. Based on The Railway Series of classic stories authored by a father who loved trains and wanted a shared experience with his son, Thomas & Friends™ is a rite of passage that inspires the imagination while teaching the life lessons of friendship, exploration and cooperation.

Visit: http://www.tweetsie.com

For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.

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For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.

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3rd Annual High Country Beer Fest

Labor Day Weekend
Saturday, September 4th, 2010
3pm – 7pm

The High Country Beer Fest is the annual celebration of great craft beer from around the region and the world.

Come sample craft beers, club beers, and delicious food in the beautiful high country of North Carolina.

Educational seminars will cover all aspects of beer, brewing, and pairing food and beer.

The music line-up for the 2010 Beerfest is coming together. Get ready to hear these great local bands:

• Whiskey Smugglers
• Swift Science
• Henhouse Thieves
• Soul Benefactor 
For more information, please visit http://www.hcbeerfest.com or http://www.broyhillinn.com/events/beer

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.

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Tweetsie Railroad, North Carolina’s first family theme park, opens for the 2010 season on Friday, April 30th. Come join the fun!!

Source: Wikipedia

Opened in 1957, Tweetsie Railroad began as an excursion train ride aboard steam locomotive #12, the only surviving narrow-gauge engine of the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad (ET&WNC). Built in 1917 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works, #12 is a 3 ft  (914 mm) (narrow gauge) 4-6-0 coal-fired locomotive that was used to haul passengers and freight over the ET&WNC’s 66-mile (106.2 km) line running from Johnson City over the Appalachian Mountains to Boone, North Carolina. After the narrow gauge portion of the ET&WNC ceased operations in 1950, the locomotive was purchased by a group of railroad enthusiasts and was taken to Rockingham County, Virginia to operate as the small “Shenandoah Central” tourist line in 1952.

Floodwaters from Hurricane Hazel washed out the Shenandoah Central in 1954, and Locomotive #12 was once again put up for sale. Hollywood actor Gene Autry considered purchasing the locomotive to move to California for use in motion pictures.

Instead, Grover Robbins, an entrepreneur from Blowing Rock, North Carolina, bought the locomotive in 1956 and moved the engine back to its native Blue Ridge Mountains as the centerpiece of a new “Tweetsie Railroad“ tourist attraction. A 3-mile (4.8 km) loop of track was constructed near Boone, North Carolina for the train to run on, and on July 4, 1957, the locomotive made its first public trip over the line.

Tweetsie Railroad became a popular tourist attraction, and evolved into one of the nation’s first theme parks. A western town and saloon were built around the depot area. A train robbery and Indian attack show were added to the train ride, playing off the Wild West theme that was very popular at the time on television and movies. The theme was enhanced by regular visits WBTV television personality/singing cowboy Fred Kirby, who hosted a popular children’s show. In 1962, a chairlift and amusement ride area was constructed at the top of the mountain inside the rail loop, and over the decades the park has been expanded with additional rides, attractions, shops, restaurants, and special events.
 
One of Tweetsie Railroad’s two steam locomotives, 2-8-2 #190, on May 20th, 2007.The Tweetsie Railroad theme park is open from early May through October of each year. One of its most popular annual events is the nighttime “Ghost Train Halloween Festival” in October. In addition to the Wild West train adventure and the amusement rides, Tweetsie Railroad has a variety of live entertainment shows featuring talented performers selected from the immediate area and from the Southeast.

Tweetsie acquired another steam locomotive, USATC S118 Class 2-8-2 #190, the “Yukon Queen” from Alaska’s White Pass and Yukon Route in 1960. Built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1943 for the US Army, the engine was part of an 11-locomotive fleet of “MacArthur” 2-8-2s originally purchased for use overseas. During World War II, the locomotives were sent to Alaska for use on the White Pass and Yukon.

In 1961, Grover Robbins built another train ride and tourist attraction called “Rebel Railroad” in the Smoky Mountains near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Renamed “Goldrush Junction” in 1966, it was sold to the Cleveland Browns football team in 1970. In 1976, the attraction was sold again to Jack and Pete Herschend of Branson, Missouri, who redeveloped it as a theme park, “Silver Dollar City Tennessee”. In 1986, country music star Dolly Parton became a partowner with the Herschends, and the theme park was renamed Dollywood to reflect her involvement.

The name “Tweetsie” was given to the original East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Railroad by area residents who became accustomed to the shrill “tweet, tweet” of the train whistles that echoed through the mountains. The nickname stuck with the train and became more identifiable than the railroad’s actual name.

Visit http://www.tweetsie.com!

For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.

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Since its beginning in 1971, Footsloggers has always presented the best in backpacks, sleeping bags, footwear, tents, and outdoor equipment.

In response to the demands of the paddling community, we our proud to announce the addition of our boat shop which specializes in whitewater and touring kayaks.

Our years of experience provide us the opportunity to outfit users in the latest technical gear or the best in economy equipment.

Whether hostelling in Europe or vacationing close to home, Footsloggers is here to assist you in your adventures.

Footsloggers prides themselves in employing individuals who specialize in the different activities that the outdoors has to offer. This interest in the outdoors led to the name “Footsloggers”, found in Roget’s Thesaurus under the verb “walk”, a World War II term which means to “march” or “tramp” through mud.

The title was was given to us by our good friend Paul Daimler who now resides in Connecticut and as our name suggests, footwear is where outfitting begins.

Walking around town or around the world, our casual wear will fit your every step. For those who walk the walk, our boot department is the long and the short of it. Whether you are hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway, backpacking the Appalachian Trail or negotiating a mountain stream, you can walk miles in our shoes.

For more information, visit: http://footsloggers.com

For more info on The High Country of North Carolina, call (800) 438-7500, or visit www.MountainsofNC.com.

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