YOUR SWIMSUIT AND SUMMER GUIDE

WE WANT YOU TO ENJOY YOUR SUMMER!

NORTH CAROLINA | SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | VIRGINIA|

 

NORTH CAROLINA

ARTS

Blue Ridge Parkway Anniversary Edition of Art Crawl 6/4/10, 7pm-until. Downtown Boone. A special Art Crawl in observance of the Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary: unique gallery exhibits, shopping, live music in select restaurants. Artists' interpretations of Blue Ridge Parkway subject matter will be on displayed at Mazie Jones Gallery at the Jones House.(828)264-1789

48th Annual Art in the Park 6/12/10, 10am-5pm. American Legion Grounds, Blowing Rock. A juried art & craft show featuring 100 artists.(828)295-7851 www.blowingrock.com

Downtown Art Crawl 9/16/10, 5:30-9pm. Hickory NC The Art Crawl is held twice a year & features local artists showcasing their talents in downtown businesses. Over 20 businesses hosted artists last year. A map is provided & participants are welcome to browse the artwork, enjoy refreshments & meet with the artists. Artwork is available for sale. (828)322-1121

BIKERS

Shrine Poker Run 5/29/10, 10am-3pm Enjoy a motorcycle ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains while competing with other riders for the winning hand. Four Brothers Country Junction, Sparta, NC. Contact Randy Miles (336) 657-2036. $25 per rider.

Hog Happenin’ 6/4-6/5/10 Lincolnton, NC. The event will be held on the Court Square in downtown Lincolnton beginning at 6:00 pm on Friday. The event will include bike games, a poker run, a bike show, stunt riders, entertainment & more. Poker run starts 10:00am Saturday at the intersection of East Main St & Academy St. Bike show registration begins 12:00 pm Saturday at the intersection of East Main St & Academy St. (704) 736-8915 www.hoghappenin.org.

 

2010 Retreads International Annual Convention 6/14-6/17/10 Attention motorcycle riders over the age of 40! Most members are retired/professional folks. Our theme is: “Be Young, Be Foolish, but Be Happy” with fun, games, seminars, prizes food, & good fellowship with fellow riders. Membership cards gain admittance. Membership forms available at convention. A Mon-Thurs event. (336)248-7880 The Park Inn Gateway Conference Center 909 US Hwy 70 SW, Hickory.

Dare Motorcycle Run 7/10/10 Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds. Contact Sharri Pheasant (828) 497-8124

6th Annual Fragile X Poker Run 7/17/10 Laurel Springs, NC. The ride starts at Freeborne’s Eatery & Lodge, 14300 NC Highway 18 South. 130-mile poker run begins 10:00 am & leads through 3 states via scenic back roads. Ride fee is $30.00 for the rider or $45.00 for the rider & a passenger; fee includes event t-shirt & cookout. Ride ends with a 50/50 drawing, cookout, music & charity auction. Ride benefits the Fraxa Research Foundation. All riders are welcome. (703) 946-3242, www.freebornes.com.

Cherokee Survivors Motorcycle Rally 9/10-9/12/10 Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds. Contact Mr. Leverne Browne - (865) 977-5858

2010 South East Raider Rally 8/5-8/7/10 Asheville, NC. Rally begins at the Days Inn on the Ashevile Mall, 201 Tunnel Rd in Asheville. Registration begins 4:00 pm, Thursday. Rally open to all bikes. The event includes a poker run, bike shows, daily rides, parties, food, charity auction & more.  Rally raises money for The Children’s Hospital in Asheville. ww.raiderrally.com. Outer Banks Bike Show 9/3-9/5/10 Grandy, NC. Held at 169 Walnut Island Blvd. in Grandy beginning at 10:00 am. Event includes $5,000 poker run, a ride in bike show, music food & more. Trophies & cash prizes awarded. Benefiting kids at Victory Junction Gang Camp. (866) 453-2261, www.outerbanksbikeshow.com.

CAR SHOWS

 

Volkswagen Car Show 8/13-8/15/10 Cherokee, NC, braces for a Beetle infestation of VW Bugs. 2nd Volkswagen 2nd VW Show at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds, all makes & models on display. Contact Cherokee Welcome Center - (800) 438-1601

Big Rigs Antique Truck Show 10/15-10/16/10 Cherokee High School - 1501 Acquoni Rd. Big Wheels Roll into Cherokee at the Big Rigs Show 5th Annual Big Rigs Antique Truck Show. Raises money for Cancer Research. Womanless Beauty Pageant, big rigs & antique trucks rumble into Cherokee. Truck enthusiasts of all types gather their custom & original truck resotrations, trade stories & ideas, compete for prizes & raise money for The Hope Chest for Women, which provides educational resources & limited financial assistance to women in Western NC with breast & gynecologic cancer. Family-friendly event. 150 trucks expected to be on display, from the antique to the working class, including pickup trucks, semis, dump trucks, & more. Anyone with a real working or antique truck may register. Parts & swap meet vendors & food displays will also be available at the show. For all trucks approved for display, the registrant & a guest will receive free admission. Gates open from 9 am-5 pm Friday & Saturday; 9 am - 12 pm Sunday. General admission $5; children twelve & under admitted free. Contact Bill Ashe (828) 421-9399. www.aths.org. Contact Cherokee Welcome Center (800) 438-1601

FAIRS

63rd Annual Summer Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands 7/15-7/18/10 Admission $6, children under 12 free with an adult. Group discounts available. The Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands has been a top event in the mountains since 1948. The fair showcases the rich diversity of original crafts created by members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, a non-profit organization with over 900 members throughout the mountain regions of nine states. To become a member of the Guild, craftspeople must have their work juried & accepted by a committee of peers, based on quality, design & craftsmanship. www.southernhighlandguild.org (828) 259-5544

64th Annual Asheville Antiques Fair 8/6-8/8/10 10am-5pm. Asheville Civic Center, Asheville, NC. The 63rd Annual Asheville Antiques Fair is one of the oldest antiques fairs in the Southeast. Sixty-plus antique dealers from across the country participate in the Fair. The Fair hosts an “Heirloom Rd Show” with expert evaluations of personal antiques. Expert lectures on a variety of interesting subjects. Summer Garden Cafe with gourmet luncheon selections available. Admission $10 per person for a Run of Show ticket, good for all three days. www.ashevilleantiquesfair.com

38th Annual Village Art & Craft Fair 8/7-8/8/10 10am-7pm. Historic Biltmore Village, Asheville, NC. 125 artists from 18 states, representing the full spectrum of craft media - jewelry, ceramic, wood, fiber, metals, two-dimensional art. A great opportunity to encounter new artists (34 are first-time exhibitors) & talk with crafters one-on-one. www.biltmorevillage.com (828) 274-8788

 

Hickory American Legion Fair 9/1-9/6/10 Hickory, NC. Theme Is One Great County, One Great Fair. (828)464-5433

Mountain State Fair 9/10-9/19/10 Fletcher, NC. FREE parking www.mountainfair.org

Cabarrus County Fair 9/10-9/18/10 Concord, NC (704)920-4751 Cabarrus Arena & Events Center

The Wilson County Fair 9/21-9/26/10 Wilson, NC (252)237-8443

63rd Annual Chowan County Regional Fair 9/28-10/2/10 Edenton, NC (252)482-4057 American Legion Post #40, Fairgrounds.

Robeson County Fair 9/30-10/9/10 Lumberton, NC (866)578-4854, Fairgrounds.

Dixie Classic Fair 10/1-10/10/10 The second largest agricultural Fair in NC, owned & operated by the City of Winston-Salem, NC. Tickets: Adults, $8, Children 6 to 11, $4, Children 5 & Under - FREE, Seniors 65 & Over - FREE (336)727-2236 www.dcfair.com

98th Annual Cherokee Indian Fair 10/6-10/9/10 Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds. Daily general admission $10 & includes nightly concerts; children 6 & under free. Opens 10 am daily with nightly shows. The Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds are on Hwy. 441 in Cherokee, NC. www.cherokee-nc.com

Carolina Renaissance Festival Oct 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30-31. Davidson, NC. The festival is a medieval amusement park with staged theater, arts & crafts,& jousting. 10am-5:30pm (877)896-5544

NC State Fair 10/14-10/24/10 Raleigh, NC. (919) 821-7400

32nd Annual Valle Crucis Country Fair 10/16/10, 9am-4pm. Valle Crucis Conference Center, N.C. Highway 194. Free admission. $5 parking. Crafts, BBQ, Brunswick Stew, live mountain music, homemade apple butter, jams & jellies, fresh cider. (828)963-4609 www.vallecountryfair.org

Coastal Carolina Agricultural Fair 10/28-11/6/10 New Bern, NC. (252) 636-0303 Craven County Jaycees Fairgrounds

Carolina Renaissance Festival fair Nov 6-7, 13-14, 20-21. Davidson, NC. The festival is a medieval amusement park with staged theater, arts & crafts,& jousting. 10am-5:30pm (877)896-5544

FAMILY

Summerfest Carnival 6/10-6/13/10, Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds. Celebrating the arrival of summer! Designed for the kid in all of us! Scream on the carnival rides, enjoy the music, try your hand at a few games, & eat yourself silly as you sample a variety of treats along the midway. Contact Cherokee Welcome Center - (800) 438-1601

 

Summer Carnival 6/16-6/19/10 Carnival rides, games, concessions. Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds, Cherokee, NC. www.cherokee-nc.com

July Powwow 7/2-7/4/10 Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds. On the first full weekend in July our special brand of fireworks happen as a three-day explosion of authentic Indian dancing, drumming & tribal regalia. Dance competitions kick the excitement up even higher. Contact Cherokee Welcome Center (800) 438-1601

K-9s in Flight 7/31/10, 11am, 1pm & 3pm. Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing Rock. High energy performances featuring a team of dynamic dogs in acrobatic freestyle routines. (800)526-5740 www.tweetsie.com

9th Annual Talking Trees Children’s Trout Derby 8/7/10 Oconaluftee Islands Park. Contact Marsha Davis (828)497-1898

Southeastern Tribes Cultural Arts Celebration 9/17-9/19/10 Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds. The 6th annual Southeastern Tribes Cultural Arts Celebration brings together master dancers, craftsmen, artists & athletes from the five main southeastern tribes - Cherokee, Creek, Chickasaw, Seminole & Choctaw. Contact Coordinator Barbara Duncan 828-497-3481, bduncan@cherokeemuseum.org. Contact Museum of the Cherokee Indian (828) 497-3481

FESTIVALS

Food Lion Speed Street 5/27-5/29/10 Charlotte, NC. Food Lion Speed St. transforms the streets of Uptown Charlotte into a showcase of motor sports with non-stop entertainment on three stages, appearances by top Nextel Cup Drivers, dynamic exhibits for all ages & an amazing assembly of NASCAR show cars & simulators. www.600festival.com, (704)455-5555.

Annual Memorial Day Weekend Bluegrass Festival 5/27-5/29/10 Snow Camp, NC. Three day family-style bluegrass festival. Camping, vendors, Bluegrass Museum & campground pickin after stage shows. Entertainment: Thurs: 5-10pm; Fri: 2-11pm; Sat: 1-11pm; Sun: Noon-4pm. Admission varies with day. (336) 376-8324 www.littlejohnsmountainmusic.com

10th Annual Mountain Sports Festival, 5/28-30/10. Pro & amateur atheletes compete in mountain sports. Live music, food, demos at Festival Village. Carrier Park, Amboy Rd, Asheville, NC. (828) 251-4029 www.mountainsportsfestival.com

Heritage Festival 5/28-29/10, Bryson City, NC. Friday night entertainment loaded with local talent featuring an emphasis on old time gospel. Saturday entertainment is as varied as the region - a highlands pipe & drum corps, classic country & bluegrass, or high energy newgrass. Ltocal arts & crafts, food, games for the kids, & fun for the whole family. Riverfront Park, Mitchell St, Contact Partnership for the Future of Bryson City/Swa Email partnership@zitomedia.net (828) 488-0454.

BURN 24 Challenge Mountain Bike Endurance Race 5/29-30/10 Annual Memorial Day Weekend Mountain Biking Event, North Wilkesboro. The Southeast’s Premiere 24 Hour Mountain Bike Solo & Team Relay Race featuring an amazing trail system, electronic timing, kid’s races, great prizes, the infamous Alien Abduction, & free BURN Energy Drinks throughout the event. W.Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir, Dark Mountain Trail, . www.burn24hour.com. Contact Eddie O’Deaail, eddie@55nineperformance.com

10th Annual NC Wine Festival 5/29/10, 11:30am-6:30pm. Wine tasting from over 30 wineries, music all day featuring Chairmen of the Board, arts & crafts Admission $20 in advance, $25 at the gate. Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, NC. Contact Julie McMinn (336) 733-5836 www.ncwinefestival.com

17th Annual Garden Jubilee Festival 5/29-30/10 10am-6pm, Hendersonville. Free event. The Garden Jubilee Festival offers over 100 vendors selling hundreds of plants, arts & crafts, garden talks & clinics, garden accessories, & food. The festival covers 7 blocks of Main St from Sixth Avenue-Barnwell St. Contact Henderson County Travel & Tourism Email tourism@historichendersonville.org (828) 693-9708 www.historichendersonville.org

Carl Sandburg Folk Music Festival 5/31/10, 10am-4pm. The grounds of the Carl Sandburg National Historic Site, Flat Rock, NC. Folk music which was important part of Carl Sandburg’s life along with his guitar playing & singing as well as his writing. Live entertainment will include instrumentals, folk ballads & spiritual songs. Contact Carl Sandburg Home (828) 693-4178 www.nps.gov/carl

Glen Alpine Event Showcases Regional Wineries 6/5/10, 12-5pm at the Inn at Glen Alpine in historic Glen Alpine. Showcase of Blue Ridge & Foothills wineries. Along with wine tastings, the festival will feature regional artisans & music by Chris Cates & the Master Plan as well as Dr. South. Food vendors on site. Tickets for the noon-5pm. Wine Festival & Tasting are $15 in advance & $20 at the door. Children 12 & under will be admitted free. Benefits Foothills Conservancy. www.foothillsconservancy.org (828)437-9930.

First Friday Concert & Livermush Festival 6/4/10 7-9pm. Activities include music & a livermush cooking contest. Free. Main St, Historic Downtown Marion, NC. Contact Freddie Killough Email freddiek@verizon.net (828) 652-2215 www.mcdowellnc.org

12th Annual Catawba Valley Storytelling Festival 6/4/2010, 9:30am-12:30pm. Tickets $5 (Ages 5 & under are free) On the hillsides of Historic Murray’s Mill, sharing with area second & third-graders the educational & entertaining art of oral tradition & encouraging our childrens’ interpersonal communication skills by delighting them with the powers of language & narrative. www.catawbahistory.org (828)465-0383.

Lowell Freedom Fest 6/4-6/5/10 Lowell, NC. Harold Rankin Park located at 519 Park Circle. The festival features children’s rides, more than 50 crafts & food vendors, live music & the second annual Miss Freedom Festival. (704)824-0099 Email lowellrec@bellsouth.netwww.lowellnc.com/parksandrecreation

Blue Ridge Bookfest 6/4-6/5/10 Blue Ridge Community College, Flat Rock, NC. Fri. 3-9pm, Sat 8am-5pm Features authors displaying their works & talking with visitors, 25 seminars, 3 workshops, 16 author speakers, & books for sale. (828)692-3267 www.blueridgebookfest.org

8th Annual Piedmont Pottery Festival 6/5/10, 9am-4pm. The finest in hand-crafted pottery from the Triad & southern Virginia. Over 100 potters. Demonstrations & door prizes. Former Goodwill Store, Kingsway Plaza, King’s Hwy, Eden, NC. Free admission. Contact Cindy Adams Email cadams@ci.eden.nc.us (336) 623-2110 www.edenspecialevents.com

Beach Music Festival 6/5/10 Beach North Hosted by the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce, billed as “the biggest & only beach music festival actually held on the beach on the NC coast”. Music starts at 11 AM & ends around 6:30 PM. No carry-in alcohol or pets are permitted. (910)458-8434. Ocean Front Beach Stage, Cape Fear Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC. Email gail@pleasureislandnc.org (910) 458-8434 www.pleasureislandnc.org

Blue Ridge Barbecue Festival 6/11-6/12/10, 11am-11pm. Nationally recognized, KCBS sanctioned BBQ Competition & Music Festival, includes the Foothills Crafts Fair with some of the finest regional artisans presenting their arts. Beach Bingo, Kiddee & Teen Parks & fireworks both nights, something for everyone in the family. No pets, no coolers. Harmon Field, Tryon, NC. (828) 859-7427 www.blueridgebbqfestival.com

The Seventh Annual Big Lick Bluegrass Festival 6/11 at 6pm thru 6/12/10 (12noon-11pm). Big Lick is a community on N.C. Hwy. 205 between Charlotte and Albemarle, just off N.C. Hwy. 24/27. The Rye Hollar Boys Deeper Shade of Blue (Monroe NC) Goldwing Express Bill Yates & Country Gentlemen Tribute Show, Bluegrass Brothers, Russell Moore & IIIRd Tyme Out, The Grascals will play on Sat! $25 for adults, $12 for children ages 12-16 & free for kids under 12. Admission after 6pm is $15 for adults. Advance tickets are $20 for adults or $25 for both days. Advance deadline is Jun 1. Camping available. Food & souvenir concessions will be available. Event is rain or shine. www.biglickbluegrass.com

Washington Summer Festival 6/11-6/12/10 Washington, NC. Annual summer festival on the beautiful Pamlico River in Downtown Washington features music, arts & crafts, children’s entertainment, food & amusement rides. (252)946-9168 www.wbcchamber.com/events

Kernersville SummerFest 6/17-6/19/2010 Kernersville, NC. Beach music concerts, food, arts & crafts, commercial vendors, rides & games for the kids, Kids’ Day Health Fair, classic car show, pony rides, petting zoo, giant fireworks display Saturday night. Free. (336)993-2202. www.kernersvillesummerfest.org

NC Rhododendron Festival 6/18-6/19/10, 9am-9pm. Long running festival celebrating the native rhododendron on Roan Mountain, in Downtown Bakersville, NC. Featuring street festival, 10K run, street dance, fishing tournament, Miss Rhododendron Pageant, Car Show, Ducky Derby & more. Contact Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce Email getinfo@mitchell-county.com (828) 688-3456 www.bakersville.com

NC Blueberry Festival 6/19/10 9am-9pm. Burgaw, NC. The Blueberry Festival celebrates the historical, economic, & cultural significance of blueberries in Southeastern NC. Festivities include Car Shows, Antique Show & Sale, 5K Run/Walk, Cape Fear Cyclists Fun Ride, Childrens Activities, Arts & Crafts, Educational Events, Beer & Wine Garden, Blueberries, Baked Goods, & much more. Entertainment will include Craig Woolard Band, Holiday Band, & The Band of Oz. Pender County Courthouse Square, Burgaw, NC. Contact Donna Best-Klingel. Email info@burgawchamber.com (910) 259-9817 www.ncblueberryfestival.com

14th Annual Taste of Scotland 6/19-6/20/10 Franklin, NC. Held each year on Father’s Day Weekend in June, the annual Taste of Scotland Festival in Franklin, NC is filled with Scottish fun, food, fashion, music, dance, & culture. (828)524-2516. Email lschlott@franklinnc.comwww.renewingfranklin.org/scotland.html

12th Annual Edenton Music & Water Festival 6/19/10, 8:30am-5pm. Festival with East Coast Flatwater Canoe & Kayak Races & a new guided eco-paddle tour start the day off, followed by a celebration of waterways with free paddling demonstrations, leisure paddles along the creeks, & games. Local & regional musically talented entertainers. Edenton Harbor - South Broad St, Edenton, NC. Contact Nancy Nicholls. Email nancy.nicholls@ncmail.ne twww.visitedenton.com

Fun Fourth Festival 6/26-7/4/10 Spectacular & entertaining events June 26 & July 2,3 & 4 to celebrate Independence Day. Greensboro, NC. The celebration includes the Freedom Run & Walk, the Kick-Off Block Party, St Festival with live music, vendors & great entertainment & fireworks at Jamieson Stadium at Grimsley High School. Downtown Greensboro & continues into Jamieson Stadium on July 4th. (336) 274-4595 www.funfourthfestival.org

NC 4th of July Festival Freedom Run 6/26/10, 8am. The 31st Annual Freedom Run & Walk is a favorite event associated with the N.C. 4th of July Festival. It includes both a 5K & 1 mile fun run/walk. Local pottery pieces are given as awards. Waterfront Park, Bay St, Southport, NC. Admission Information $20. Email info@southport-oakisland.com (910) 457-5578 www.southport-oakisland.com

Cashiers Mountain Music Festival 7/2-7/3/10 Cashiers, NC. (828)743-5191 Email cashcham@dnet.netwww.cashiersnorthcarolina.com

4th of July Festival & Parade 7/3/10 Downtown Blowing Rock (828)295-5222.

Christmas In July Festival 7/3-7/3/10 West Jefferson, NC. Arts & Crafts, Live Music, Adventure & Fun for the Whole Family! (336)846-2787 Email cij@christmasinjuly.infowww.christmasinjuly.info/

Harrisburg’s 4th of July Parade & Celebration 7/3-7/4/10 Harrisburg, NC. (704)455-5614. www.harrisburgjuly4th.com

Town of Garner Independence Day Celebration 7/3/10 Garner, NC. (919)772-4688 Email tgallagher@ci.garner.nc.us

18th Annual Independence Day Celebration 7/4/10 Corolla, NC. (252)435-2938. www.visitcurrituck.com/fireworks.cfm

Red, White & Boom! Charlotte, NC. 7/4/10. Spend Fourth of July with friends & family in Center City Charlotte. Spectacular fireworks show beginning at 9:30 (weather permitting) with music track simulcast on WKKT 96.9 Kat Country. For the best viewing & wholesome good time, check out the US Airways Family Fun Festival presented by Mecklenburg County Park & Rec & benefitting Second Harvest Food Bank! Games, food, music, & prizes for children of all ages capped by the best seat in the house for Red, White & Boom! $5.00 to park at Memorial Stadium. FREE admission! www.charlottecentercity.org

Mebane 4th of July Family Music Festival 7/4/10 Mebane, NC. (919)304-9225 Email dray@cityofmebane.comwww.cityofmebane.com

Red, White & Boom! 7/4/10 Maggie Valley, NC. In addition to an afternoon of family fun, live entertainment & delicious food, visitors will enjoy a dazzling display of fireworks launched directly over the festival grounds. Entertainment starts at 4pm. (800)624-4431 www.maggievalleyfestivalgrounds.org

Carrboro July 4th Celebration 7/4/10 Carrboro, NC. Come & enjoy a small town tradition with big time at the Carrboro Town Hall. (919)918-7364 www.carrborojuly4th.com

July 4th Parade & Festivities 7/4/10 Franklin, NC. 4th of July Parade in Historic Downtown Franklin. 10am-1pm. Parade begins at 10:30 am. Contact Linda at (828)524-2516 www.renewingfranklin.org

July 4th Parade, Beach Party & Fireworks 7/4/10 Waxhaw, NC. (704)843-2195 www.waxhaw.com

Fabulous 4th Celebration 7/4/10 Hendersonville, NC. Fabulous Fourth Celebration Jackson Park (games, music & fireworks) 2pm-dusk, fireworks at dusk. (828)697-4884 (828)697-4884 www.hcprd.com

Uncle Sam Jam 7/4/10 Music, Food, Rides & Games & fireworks. Oak Hollow Park, High Point, NC. $10 per carload. (336)883-3483 www.high-point.net

Maggie Valley Summer Arts & Crafts Festival 7/10-7/11/10 9am-4pm. Free. Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, Maggie Valley, NC. Local & Regional Handmade Arts & Crafts, entertainment & food vendors. www.maggievalley.org (828) 926-1686

4th Annual High Country MusicFest 7/16-7/17/10, 11am-10pm. 748 Roby Green Rd (Music Park is located 5 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway.) Initial artists are John Cowan, Balsam Range, Terry Baucom/Alan Johnson & Friends, & Southern Accent. MC Cindy Baucom from the syndicated radio show “Knee Deep In Bluegrass.” Terry Baucom will be conducting a banjo workshop. (828)733-8060 www.highcountrybluegrassfestival.com

The Toe River Story Telling Festival 7/17/10 Spruce Pine, NC. (828)765-3008. www.sprucepinefestivals.com

NC Peach Festival 7/17/10, Town of Candor. Parade starts at 10 a.m. & the festivities take place in the park. Bring lawn chairs & sit back & enjoy local live entertainment. There are always lots of local peaches, peach ice cream & peach desserts. www.townofcandornc.com

Franklin Folk Festival 7/17-7/18/10 Franklin, NC. A two-day celebration of our mountain way of life. From milking cows to shingle splitting to quilting, visitors will have the opportunity to experience what mountain life was like when Franklin was first established some 150 years ago. (828)524-2516 www.renewingfranklin.org.

Folkmoot USA 7/22-8/1/10 NC’s Official International Festival, is a two-week celebration of the world’s cultural heritage through folk music & dance. The festival is headquartered at the Folkmoot Friendship Center, a former elementary school, in Waynesville, about 25 miles west of Asheville. www.folkmootusa.org (828)452-2997

Bele Chere Fri, Jul 23: Noon-10pm & Sat, Jul 24: 10am-10pm & Sun, Jul 25: Noon-6pm. (pronounced Bell Cher) the largest free outdoor street festival in the Southeast, Downtown Asheville. www.belecherefestival.com

NC Watermelon Festival 7/28-7/31/10, Murfreesboro. Festival events include 5K race & walk, Home & Garden section, Largest Watermelon contest, antiques, collectibles & crafts fair, food & amusements rides. Street dances each night, free watermelon slices & watermelon games, Hot Fudge Cake Booth, Bingo, Brady C. Jefcoat BBQ & Chicken Dinner (July 30) Murfreesboro Historic District One block north of Main St. www.murfreesboronc.org (252)398-5922

30th Annual Fine Arts Festival/Opening Reception 8/6/10, 6-8pm. Southern Pines, NC. After 30 years, the festival has grown into a major exhibit featuring artwork by artists from all over the country. The event also includes an art competition where the entries are judged in nine categories & $2,500 in cash prizes & ribbons are awarded.Exhibit is displayed for the entire month. www.mooreart.org (910)692-4356

3rd Annual Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival 8/6-8/7/10 Cary, NC. Enjoy a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, & barbeque eatin’. Admission buys a sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE–TO-TASTE sampling of beer & bourbon. Enjoy seminars in the tasting theater & LIVE music all day. (410)878-9900 www.triggeragency.com.

Mount Mitchell Crafts Fair 8/6-8/7/10 Burnsville, NC. Looking for beautiful handmade quilts, pottery, woven baskets, or most any other handmade craft, a trip to the Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair will be well worth your time. (828)682-7413 www.mtmitchellcraftsfair.com

40th Annual Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival 8/7-8/8/10 Sneads Ferry, NC. Festival begins with a parade followed by two days of fun, fireworks & street dance on Saturday night, top-notch entertainment, browsing the booths for local crafts & artwork & over 16 food vendors. www.sneadsferryshrimpfestival.com (910) 327-2690

2nd Annual Mountain High BBQ & Music Festival 8/13-8/14/10, 11am-10pm. Macon County Fair Grounds, Admission: $6. KCBS sanctioned, NC State Championship BBQ Contest. Professional Cookers compete to win Grand Champion. Friday night a “Sons of Sailors” concert - a Jimmy Buffett tribute band. Official BBQ competition & awards ceremony Sat. www.franklin-chamber.com (828) 524-3161

Waldensian Festival 8/13-8/14/10 Valdese, NC. Since 1976, on the second Saturday in August, Valdese hosts an annual festival to celebrate the “Glorious Return” of the Waldenses from exile in Switzerland to their native valleys in the Cottian Alps of Italy in 1689. This celebration is mirrored around the world by other Waldensian communities. (828)879-2126 Email bhefner@ci.valdese.nc.us, www.visitvaldese.com.

1st Annual Mountain High BBQ & Music Festival 8/13-8/14/10 Franklin, NC. Join us for the Second Annual Mountain High BBQ & Music Festival set in the beautiful mountains of Western NC. Franklin, NC will host this two-day event featuring authentic, mouth-watering BBQ, live entertainment, a crafters village, kids area & tastin’ tent. (828)524-3161 www.mountainhighbbqfestival.com.

Fourth Annual Charlotte Irish Summer Festival Kick-off Party Starting: 6pm Fri, Aug 13 at Connolly’s on 5th St. & Sat, Aug 14 at 3rd & Tryon St. Noon-9pm. This year’s family-friendly event will feature Irish music, dancing, drinks & food, as well as crafts, games (for adults & kids!) & leashed dogs are welcome. Courtyard Charlotte City Center, 237 South Tryon St, Charlotte, NC. www.charlotteirishsummerfestival.com

33rd Annual Sourwood Festival 8/14-8/15/10 Downtown Black Mountain, NC. There’s always plenty to see & do at Black Mountain’s annual festival. Enjoy great music & lots of fun &, of course, lots of great mountain cooking. www.blackmountain.org (828) 669-2300

Kuumba Festival 8/14/10 American Legion Bldg on Broadhurst Rd, Jacksonville, NC. Food, fun & activities emphasizing cultural heritage. 11am-6pm. (910) 478-9899

Riverwalk Arts Festival 8/14/10 Newland, NC. (828)898-4292 www.averycountyartscouncil.org

August Cherokee Bluegrass Festival 8/19-8/21/10 On site vendors include CDs, food, entertainers, canned goods & many others. Happy Holiday Campground, Hwy 19 N in Cherokee. www.cherokee-nc.com

Winterville Watermelon Festival 8/26-8/28/10 Winterville, NC. Downtown Winterville festival includes a womanless beauty contest, children’s entertainment, exhibits, watermelon eating & seed spitting contests, & musical entertainment. (252) 756-1068

New Bern Art & Wine Festival 8/26-8/28/10 9am-5pm. New Bern Riverfront Convention Center & Downtown New Bern, NC. Enjoy ine art & wine at the New Bern Art & Wine Festival. This three day event is a sanctioned New Bern 300th Anniversary Celebration event being held at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center. Friday, August 27: Gala Auction of art & wine with a Grand Tasting held Saturday. Admission is $50 per person. Contact Tom Joseph (252) 635-5005 www.newbernartandwinefestival.com

28th Annual GoomBay! Festival 8/27-8/29/10, 2-6pm. Asheville, NC. GoomBay is an African-Caribbean festival located in downtown Asheville, that lives up to its West African name, meaning rhythm or drum, with rhythmic sounds & colorful sights. Sponsored by the YMI Cultural Center. www.ymicc.org (828) 252-4614

4th Annual Celebration of the Automobile Car Show 8/28/10, 8am-5pm. Elizabeth Brady Rd, Hwy 70-A, Hillsborough, NC. Car Show & Racer’s Reunion. Learn about the historic speedway, meet some of your favorite drivers, renowned car owners & members of the celebrated racing families & enjoy live music, food, rides around the historic track. Shuttles will be available. Car registration begins at 6 am. Rain or Shine. www.historicspeedwaygroup.org (919)732-6886

Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival 8/28/10 Cary, NC. Every year on the fourth Saturday in August, an estimated 60,000 people travel to downtown Cary to enjoy the handiwork of the best artists & craftsmen in the country. The festival also features entertainment on two stages, a variety of food, & civic group exhibits. (919)462-3864 www.townofcary.org

22nd Annual Labor Day Food & Wine Festival 9/2-9/6/10 Pinehurst, NC. Starting with a winemakers reception & dinner, there will be wine tastings, seminars & cooking demonstrations throughout the weekend. For those who prefer a shorter version, there will be a “Day Package” on Saturday open to anyone that includes wine tasting, lunch & cooking demonstrations. www.pinehurst.com (910)235-8783

NC Apple Festival 9/3-9/6/10 Historic downtown Hendersonville is the official home of the 64th Annual NC Apple Festival, a four-day celebration in honor of the NC Apple (30-minute drive from Asheville). Street fair on Historic Main St including continuous live musical entertainment, arts & crafts, apple products, children’s & youth activities, special exhibits & open houses, food, &, to top it all off, the King Apple Parade. Labor Day weekend. www.ncapplefestival.org

25th Annual Littleton/Lake Gaston Festival 9/3-9/4/10 Downtown Littleton, NC. Family oriented festival. Enjoy live entertainment, crafts & merchandise vendors, food vendors, a classic car show, barbeque cook-off & children’s rides. Event begins Fri evening around 7 pm & continues on Sat 10am-4pm. www.littletonlakegastonfestival.org (252) 586-5711.

Labor Day Beach Music Weekend 9/3-9/6/10 The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, Asheville, NC. Enjoy the best of the beach in the coolness of the Western NC mountains! Entertainment throughout the weekend includes shag dance lessons, a Coastal Seafood Buffet overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains & lots of great beach music! www.groveparkinn.com (828) 252-2711.

10th Annual Heritage Walk & Festival 9/4/10 Historic downtown Murphy, & Konehete Park, Cherokee County, Murphy, NC. Enjoy all-day historic walking tours & a heritage festival celebrating area artists, crafters, growers, food, live stage entertainment, & more. All events are free & open to the public. Contact Barbara Hughes (828)837-6821 Email 2bhughes@verizon.net

Maggie Valley Labor Day Weekend Craft Show 9/4-9/5/10, 9am-4pm. Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, Maggie Valley, NC. Crafters from all over the Southeast come together in Maggie Valley for an end of summer two-day shoppers delight. www.maggievalley.org (828) 926-1686

3rd Annual Redbone Willy’s Blue Grass & Peddler’s Festival 9/4/10, 12pm. Redbone Willy’s in Lawndale, NC. Admission $20/Children under 12 free. A full day of events scheduled including multiple bands & performers, an Artisan Village, food & wine vendors, a “Field of Screams” for the children in addition to a petting zoo. Games, music, food, & fun for the entire family. Limited sites for primitive camping as well as Redbone Willy’s Old General Store, all situated on lovely farm land at the foot of the scenic South Mountains in rural Western NC. www.redbonewilly.com (704) 538-3670

Ayden Annual Collard Festival 9/9-9/12/10 Downtown Ayden, NC. Fun & entertainment for the entire family. Enjoy 5K Rd Race, 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, a parade, amusement rides, food, arts & crafts, games, vendors, collard eating contest, tennis tournament, golf tournament, cooking contest amd more. www.aydencollardfestival.com (252) 746-2266.

Carolina Mountains Literary Festival 9/10-9/11/10 Burnsville, NC. Novelists, poets, historians, playwrights, journalists & storytellers gather to read from & discuss their works. Multiple events happening simultaneously in venues throughout the town (all within walking distance). Events for kids on Satuday. FREE & OPEN to the public. www.cmlitfest.org (828) 682-4476

Historic Morganton Festival 9/10-9/11/10 Morganton, NC. The festival hosts two major music stages. City Stage performers are national acts featuring country & oldies. Stage II features local & regional bands. Two “Zones” are designed for kids from infants to high school. Plus two more stages feature children’s entertainment & demonstrations from local performance groups. (828)438-5252 www.downtownmorganton.com

8th Annual Blues, Brews & BBQ 9/10-9/11/10 Charlotte, NC. Blues, Brews & BBQ is a competition & festival that features blues music, an array of beer samples, & some of the best barbecue anywhere. Interactive cooking demonstrations & contests are featured all day. This festival celebrates the best of the southern cuisine & southern music. Food, music, entertainment & more. (704)332-2227 www.bluesbrewsandbbq.com.

Bush Hill Heritage Festival 9/11-9/12/10 Archdale, NC. This festival was born in 1986 as the bicentennial celebration of the Quaker settling known as Bush Hill. (336)434-2073 www.bushhillfestival.com.

NC Turkey Festival 9/11-9/18/10 Raeford, NC. (910)904-2424 www.ncturkeyfestival.org

5th Annual Native American Pow Wow - Spruce Pine 9/10-9/12/10, 9am-9pm. 12513 S. Hwy. 226, Spruce Pine, NC. Admission: Adults-$5 & Children-$2. Pow Wow features demonstrators, dancing, drumming, singing, story telling, tee pees, flint knapping, & music. Handmade crafts & Native American food also available. www.bripa.suchexists.com (813) 765-3073.

Ahoskie Heritage Festival 9/10-9/11/10, 10am-10pm. Ahoskie Recreational Center Ahoskie, NC. The sixth annual Ahoskie Heritage Festival with live bands, children’s rides, fire works food. Day two from 10 am to 10 pm will include the annual 5k Fun Run (Viquest) followed by the antique tractor & vehicle & horse parade on Main St & Country & Bluegrass music. Several 20 minute sessions by Ryan Baysden (American Idol Contestant 2006) (see www.ryanbaysden.us). A Gospel Event starting around 5 pm ending around 10 p.m. Children’s rides, fire works (Friday night only) & food. www.ahoskie.nc.org (252) 332-5146

9th Annual Longboard Classic 9/11/10 North End of Wrightsville Beach Public Access #4, Wrightsville Beach, NC. Surfers will compete in several categories. Division winners will be recognized after competition at the evening banquet & will then receive their trophies & prizes. Rain date is June 13. www.wblasurf.org

12th Annual Green Creek Heritage Festival 9/11/10, 9am-4pm. Free. Green Creek Family Life Center, Tryon, NC. One of Polk County’s biggest events celebrating our rural heritage. Antique car & truck show. Crafters & artisans. Bluegrass, country & gospel music all day long. Storytellers. Festival parade at 9:30 am. Door prizes all day. Farm animals, Wagon rides. award winning BBQ, Fireman’s barrel roll competition, Farmer’s Market for fresh fruit & vegetables, baked goods, preserves, honey, jelles, jams, country store items. (828)863-4367

Duke Homestead Harvest, Hornworm, & Arts Festival 9/11/10, 10am-4pm. 2828 Duke Homestead Rd, Durham, NC. Browse local artists’ wares all day. In the morning, see costumed interpreters demonstrate tobacco harvesting, stringing, & curing. In the afternoon, hear the sounds of the only tobacco auction left in Durham. Throughout the day, enjoy the hornworm race, MoonPie eating contest, musical entertainment, refreshments. www.ibiblio.org (919) 477-5498

Tar River Festival 9/11/10, 10am-5pm. Downtown Louisburg & Riverbend Park, Louisburg, NC. 21st Annual Tar River Festival features musical entertainment, Kids Zone, crafts, food & much more, all in downtown Louisburg & at Riverbend Park. www.franklin-chamber.org (919) 496-3056.

Fall Harvest Festival 9/11/10, 12pm-6pm. Free Admission. Cypress Bend Fall Harvest Festival includes music (Jim Morgan Jazz Group), vendors, wine tasting & the ever popular Grape Stomp. www.cypressbendvineyards.com (910) 369-0411

56th Annual Macon County Agricultural Fair, 9/15-9/18/10 Macon County Fair Grounds, Franklin, NC. 56th year. Authentic agricultural fair featuring crafts, farm animals & festival foods. www.franklin-chamber.com (828) 524-3267

RiverFest 9/17-9/18/10 Eden, NC. RiverFest is a celebration of Eden’s art, history & river heritage. Olde Leaksville Shopping District on Washington St – which dates back to 1797. (336)623-7789 Ext. 3021 www.exploreedennc.com.

Railfest 9/18-9/19/10 Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot, Bryson City, NC. All aboard for a full weekend of special train excursions, a Motor Car & equipment display, & a festival atmosphere complete with entertainment including railroad work songs, food, & arts & crafts. www.gsmr.com (828) 488-7000

8th Annual Southern Coastal Bluegrass Festival 9/18-9/19/10 Wilmington, NC. Presented by the Thalian Association Community Theatre along with the Children’s Theatre. The day will be full of toe-tapping & six-string instruments. Tickets sold at the festival or the Community Arts Center. www.coastalbluegrassfestival.org (910) 251-1788

46th Annual Festival in the Park 9/23-9/26/10 Charlotte, NC. This fun filled event is designed to promote & stimulate interest in the arts. Over 150 artists & crafts people actively demonstrate & display their art. Nearly a thousand entertainers provide free ongoing performances at the main band shell & many stages surrounding it. (704)338-1060 www.festivalinthepark.org.

Benson Mule Days 9/23-9/26/10 Benson, NC. The weekend is packed with rodeos, a mule pulling contest, arts & crafts, vendors, street dances, carnival rides, camping, trail rides, parades, bluegrass shows. (919)894-3825 www.bensonmuledays.com.

Carolina in the Fall Music Festival 9/24-9/26/10 North Wilkesboro, NC. A Family Atmosphere Music Festival (336)667-5344. www.carolinainthefall.com.

Everybody’s Day Festival 9/25/10, Thomasville, NC. NC’s oldest festival that includes arts & crafts, music, dance stages, food & children’s rides.  www.everybodysday.com (336)475-6134.

Kuumba Festival 9/25-9/25/10 Laurinburg, NC. (910)276-4345 www.kuumbafestnc.com

NC Spot Festival 9/25-9/26/10 Hampstead, NC. (888)699-9907 www.ncspotfestival.com

Carrboro Music Festival 9/26/10 Carrboro, NC. (919)918-7364 www.carrboromusicfestival.com

24th Annual NC Seafood Festival 10/1-10/3/10 Morehead City, NC. (252)726-6273 www.ncseafoodfestival.org

Autumn Jubilee 10/2-10/3/10 Salisbury, NC. Fun & activities on Bringle Ferry Rd at Dan Nicholas Park in Salisbury, NC. Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. 45,000 plus visitors enjoy the family fun festival. (704)216-7816 www.dannicholas.net.

Farm City Day 10/2/10 Hendersonville, NC. This day-long event features both urban & rural displays, antique & modern farm equipment, live music, farm animals, square dancing, clogging, arts & crafts, children’s activities, games, wagon rides, competitions, displays, demonstrations & plenty of food. (828)697-4884 www.hcprd.com

8th Annual Great Grapes! Wine, Arts & Food Festival 10/2/10 Charlotte, 11 am - 7pm. Bring your friends & family & picnic blankets to Symphony Park & enjoy a day on the lawn listening to tunes while tasting hundreds of your favorite wines from NC. Enjoy strolling the food exhibits or taking in one of the wine & food seminars. Enjoy Hundreds of Wines, Over 50 Exhibits. $20 advance online or $25 on-site includes a souvenir wine glass, unlimited samples, all performances and cooking demonstrations. Designated Driver Ticket $15 advance online or onsite and includes admission into the event ONLY. Kids - 12 and under are FREE! www.uncorkthefun.com

Oktoberfest 2010 10/8-10/10/10, Downtown Hickory. Fri: noon-11:30pm, Sat: 10am-11:30pm & Sun: noon-5pm. Oktoberfest, the most anticipated event in the Unifour area, is in its 25th year. This festival offers a weekend of family entertainment. Two stages will present non-stop musical entertainment. Kids will enjoy the Kidsfest area, offering amusement rides & games for a thrill for all ages. Artisans will be selling such items as beautiful pottery, jewelry, glass, fabrics, woodcrafts, etc. Commercial vendors sell a variety of merchandise ranging from sunglasses to handmade soaps. There are many food vendors located in the Food Court selling a variety of treats, goodies & great food. Oktoberfest also features the Castle of Cans—the Castle of Caring, which features canned food donated for distribution to the needy by area churches, civic organizations, businesses & individuals. www.hickoryoktoberfest.com. (828)322-1121.

Autumn Leaves Festival 10/8-10/10/10 Mount Airy, NC. The Autumn Leaves Festival showcases our rich musical heritage, such as Old-Time, Blue Grass & Gospel performed by local musicians on the downtown stage; the unique arts & crafts of more than 170 craftsmen line the streets with many demonstrating their talents & skills passed down through the generations; then there is “Food for the Soul,” ham biscuits, collards & cornbread, barbeque, hamburgers, ground steak & more served with hospitality by our local civic & other community groups. (800) 948-0949 www.autumnleavesfestival.com

MUSIC

Flat Rock Playhouse Launches New “Music on the Rock” Concert Series “Music on the Rock” Performance Schedule: 5/30-6/1/10 Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Greatest Hits: The music from some of Broadway’s greatest shows like Phantom of the Opera, Evita, & Cats performed by Trans-Siberian Orchestra soloist Rob Evan & star of It Happened One Christmas, Erin Mosher.
6/6-6/7/10 & 6/20-6/22/10 All You Need Is Love: An Evening with the Beatles.  The best of the Fab Four like you’ve never heard before. 
6/13-6/15/10 Ladies & Gentlemen:  Wendy Hayes sings the chart-toppers of the 50’s & 60’s  - including Connie Francis, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Barbara Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Tony Bennett & many more!
6/27-6/29/10 Country Roads: The Very Best of John Denver. Performed by Mike Eldred from the Civil War musical, For the Glory, this show is an astounding tribute to one of music’s finest performers. Flat Rock Playhouse is located at 2661 Greenville Hwy in Flat Rock, NC.  Evening performances for “Music on the Rock” are Sunday through Tuesday at 8:00.  All tickets are $19 & can be purchased by calling the Playhouse box office at 828-693-0731, toll-free at 866-732-8008 or online at www.flatrockplayhouse.org.

Fourth Magnolia Baroque Festival Announces 2010 Concert Schedule 6/16-6/20/10 Winston-Salem, NC & will feature eight concerts.  The Magnolia Baroque Festival was founded & is directed by Glenn Siebert, who is on the faculty of the University of NC School of the Arts (UNCSA). The Festival is a program of the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts, which has fostered the Festival since its inception in 2004. The 2010 concert schedule is varied with superb performers. Go online for complete information! Tickets to the Magnolia Baroque Festival can be purchased at The Stevens Center, 405 West 4th St, Winston-Salem. The box office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, & the phone number is (336)721-1945. www.magnoliabaroque.com. (336)722-0030 (not a ticket line).

SPECIAL EVENTS

Alive After Five (Center City) thru 9/16/10 Weekly on Thursday, 5-9:30pm, Charlotte. The largest weekly free entertainment celebration, Alive After Five provides a destination for friends & co-workers to gather & unwind. Located at Pavilion at EpiCentre May 6 - Sept 16. Wachovia Plaza is located @ 401 S. Tryon St, Charlotte NC 28202. Pavilion at EpiCentre is located @ 210 E. Trade St, Charlotte, NC. Cost: Free. www.aliveafterfives.com

Movie Night On The Rooftop thru 7/04/10 Weekly on Wed & Sun. Different movies are shown bi-weekly on the rooftop of the Pavilion at EpiCentre. EpiCentre, 210 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC. Directions: Located at the corner of Trade St & College St in the Heart of Uptown Charlotte, NC. www.pavilionatepicentre.com

Spring Wildflower Walk at Baker’s Mountain Park, Hickory, 5/29/10, 10am. Join Ranger John Sutton at Bakers Mountain Park on a casual stroll through the Chestnut Oak forest & learn how this mountainous ecosystem is unique for Catawba County. There are lots of species of early spring wildflowers here that are not common in the foothills & piedmont. The walk will be two & a half to three miles & will be over easy to moderate terrain. Please wear comfortable walking shoes & bring a field guide. Contact Ranger John Sutton at jsutton@catawbacountync.gov or call (828) 324-8461 to register or if you have any questions. 828-324-8461 Baker’s Mountain Park, 6680 Bakers Mountain Rd.

Lawn Mower Race 5/29/10, North Wilkesboro, NC. 5:30-9:00pm. Lawnmower racing! Sooped up riding lawn mowers from 5 to 18 horsepower motors. North Wilkesboro Rotary FairgroundsBehind Cook’s in West Park, Business 421/D St. (336) 838-866.

Swinging Under the Stars 5/30/10 A Tribute to The Big Band Era 7pm, Downtown Hickory. This annual Memorial Day Weekend event was started by Rick Cline in 2008. Bring your partner to Union Square & dance the night away. www.hickoryjazzorchestra.com (828)322-1121.

45th Annual Memorial Day Observance 5/31/10, 5:45pm. Wilmington, NC. Remember those who gave their lives in service & honor veterans at our traditional Memorial Day Observance featuring a military guest speaker, an all-service Color Guard, a 21-gun salute by a Marine Corps Honor Guard, military band, Taps, & a memorial wreath cast onto the waters. FREE. Program held on the Fantail of the Battleship North Carolina. Contact: Danielle Wallace www.battleshipnc.com Email:programs@battleshipnc.com (910)251-5797 ext. 2050

NC Symphony Brings Red, White & Blue Tour to State’s Military 6/1-6/5/10 The NC Symphony will pay tribute to the men & women who have kept America safe for generations, as well as some of our country’s distinctive places, in the five-stop Red, White & Blue Tour, which will include several NC military bases. These concerts are open to the public, except at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. For venue details, visit www.ncsymphony.org/redwhiteblue. For tickets to the June 5 concert in Cary, visit the NC Symphony Web site at www.ncsymphony.org or (919)733-2750. Concert/Event Listings: NC Symphony Red, White & Blue Tour 6/1-6/5/10 All concerts begin at 7:30pm. 6/13/10 Seymour Johnson AFB, Fitness Center Track & Field, Goldsboro, NC. 6/2/10 MCAS Cherry Point Station Theater Havelock, NC. 6/3/10 Riverwalk Crossing Park, Jacksonville, NC. 6/4/10 Main Parade Field Fort Bragg, NC. 6/5/10 Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Regency Park, Cary, NC.

Henderson County Curb Market Old Timey Day 6/5/10, Hendersonville, NC. 8am-2pm (sausage & ham biscuits cooked on a wood stove, music, antique display, demonstrations & more) (828)692-8012 www.curbmarket.com

Day Out With Thomas™: The Celebration Tour 6/4-6/13/10 Pulling Into Tweetsie Railroad Fans Invited To Birthday Bash Celebrating 65th Anniversary Of Favorite Storybook Engine Thomas the Tank Engine™ to visit Blowing Rock, NC. Day Out with Thomas 2010 activities include: ·A 25-minute (approximate) ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, The opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt™, Controller of the Railway, A Thomas & Friends Imagination Station; featuring stamps, temporary tattoos, & hands on activities, A special display at every DOWT location celebrating 65 years of Thomas the Tank Engine, 2010 commemorative merchandise & giveaways, including a mini-view finder giveaway that tells the story of Thomas’ upcoming adventure, Misty Island Rescue. The approximately 25-minute train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine will depart every 30 minutes, rain or shine, between 8:30am & 5:30pm on both Sat (park open 8am-6pm) & between 9:30am & 5:30pm on Sun thru Fri (park open 9am-6pm). Tickets for the Day Out With Thomas: The Celebration Tour 2010 are $32 for adults & $22 for children ages 3 through 12.  Children 2 & under are admitted free. Tickers are on sale now www.tweetsie.com or (877)893-3874. Print at home tickets are available online. 

Hickory Alive! 6/4-7/30/10 8-11pm. Union Square Downtown Hickory will once again be filled with music, food, & beverages as Hickory Alive! prepares for another memorable season. The Hickory Jaycees & the Hickory Downtown Development Association are pleased to present the weekly concert event during the summer. The annual free event is held every Friday night in June & July on Union Square & features an array of local musical talent. A talent pre-show will begin at 7pm with the main act running from 8pm until 11pm. www.hickoryjaycee.com/HickoryAlive.html (828)322-1121

Heroes Convention 6/4-6 2010, Charlotte. Open to the Public: Fri: 11am-7pm, Sat: 10am-6pm & Sun: 11am-6pm. Pre-Registration Booth Open: Thurs: 12pm-8pm, Fri: 8am-7pm, Sat: 8am-6pm & Sun: 10am-6pm. Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College St., Charlotte, NC. Exhibitors & Pro’s Admitted: Thurs (setup): 12pm-8pm, Fri: 7am-7pm, Sat: 9am-6:30pm & Sun: 10am-8pm. Hero Convention was founded in 1982 by Shelton Drum, owner of Charlotte’s Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find comics shop. Since then the convention has become famous for its comics-first & family-friendly atmosphere, where fans can mingle directly with professionals & exhibitors. Admission: 1-day Pass: $15 per person, 3-day Pass: $30 per person, Kids 12 & Under get in FREE! www.heroesonline.com

Greater Hickory Pet Expo 6/5-6/6/10 Sat, 10am-6pm & Sun. 11am-6pm. Admission: $6 Adults (Ages 16+), $4 Children (Ages 5-15), Free to Ages 5 & Under. Shop for & learn about common household pets & the products & services that are available to provide the utmost care for them. There will be groomers, veterinarians, rescue organizations, trainers, boarding/day care facilities, cages, bedding, aquariums, bakeries & so much more! www.ghpetexpo.com.(828)324-8600. Hickory Metro Convention Center, 1960 13th Ave Dr SE, Hickory.

Taste Of Charlotte 6/11-6/13/10, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-6pm. NC’s largest food festival is set to return for its 12th Year to the streets of uptown Charlotte. The event, which drew approximately 100,000 visitors last year, offers a mix of family entertainment, unique shopping, live music, kid’s activities, a wide array of specialty beer & fine wine & more than 100 menu items for sampling from a collection of Charlotte’s hottest restaurants. There is no cost for admission to Taste of Charlotte. Food samples can be purchased with festival coins. Planned Attractions Include: Kid’s Activities: Interactive play areas with adventurous activities for children of all ages. The MarketPlace: An eclectic open air shopping experience featuring handcrafted original designs from home accents to custom jewelry. Tavern at the Taste Presented by Blue Moon Brewing Co.: A unique tavern offering a wide selection of wines, microbrews & specialty beers, as well as live music & a special dining area. Center Stage: Featuring regional bands playing your favorite 80’s, 90’s pop & country music. Plus local groups performing throughout the entire weekend including belly dancing, school performers & a variety show! Center City Charlotte, Admission is free. Tryon St (between MLK Blvd & 6th St), Charlotte, NC. (704)947-6590 www.tasteofcharlotte.com

Big Rock Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament 6/11-6/19/10 The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is an exciting Crystal Coast tradition in mid-June. The tournament is fished by around 100 competitors in substantial cash categories. Big Rock Landing, Morehead City, NC. Contact: Crystal Watters Email:director@thebigrock.com (252) 247-3575 www.thebigrock.com

Asheville Kennel Club AKC All Breed Dog Show, 6/12-6/13/10 WNC Agricultural Center Davis Arena, all-breed shows offer competitions for over 150 breeds & varieties of dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club, Fletcher, NC (828)687-1414 or (828)258-4833 www.ashevillekennelclub.com

Stowe Garden To Host Second Worldwide Knit In Public Day 6/13/10 Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Knitters will gather from noon to 4 p.m. for the second annual “World Wide Knit in Public Day.” Come & learn how to join the knitting community. There will be samples of plant dyed fibers along with yarns made from bamboo, cornstarch & even milk for you to see & feel. Local yarn shops & fiber groups will be on hand with extra needles to help those who would like to adventure into knitting for the first time. Yarn, needles & accessories will also be available for purchase. The event is free with Garden admission, & half price with knitting needles. Members are free, adults, $12; seniors 60+, $11; & children 4-12, $6. 6500 S. New Hope Rd, Belmont, NC. (704)825-4490 www.DSBG.org

Animals’ Birthday Party 6/16/10 Grandfather Mountain, Linville, NC. Grandfather Mountain will celebrate the birthdays of the animals in the park. Grandfather’s habitat staff has prepared a fun-filled day for guests as well as programming to honor & treat its furry inhabitants. The habitat staff will conduct animal enrichment programs starting at 11:00am, offering the animals special treats such as a scent, a toy, food, & new discoveries worthy of a special birthday celebration. Along with birthday treats for each animal, each vehicle will get a coupon for a free cup of omnivore food pellets for the bears (while supplies last) & free birthday cake will be served from 1 pm until it runs out. Games, contests, crafts & surprises will continue throughout the day. (800)468-7325 www.grandfather.com

Boone’s Blue Ridge Parkway 75th Anniversary Celebration 6/21-6/26/10. Downtown Boone, Watauga County. Boone is celebrating the Blue Ridge Parkway’s 75th Anniversary with a week’s worth of special events. Wednesday, June 23, a headwaters hike will be conducted near Grandfather Mountain. 10am-3pm. Friday, June 25, a special edition of Concerts on the Lawn presents Bluegrass & BBQ at the Jones House in downtown Boone. 5-6:30pm. ArtWalk, also on June 25, will showcase unique gallery exhibits, shops & live music at area restaurants in downtown Boone. 7pm until. Downtown Boone Ghost Tours will send tingles up your spine on Saturday, October 26. More details soon! A wine & cheese event will be held at the downtown post office to raise funds for preservation of the Daniel Boone mural in this building, a Works Projects Administration (WPA) icon. Join us for these & more events during this week of special Blue Ridge Parkway remembrances! (800)852-9506 www.blueridgeparkway75.org

Piedmont Paso Fino Assoc. Horse Show, 6/24-6/27/10 Western NC Agricultural Center, free, starts 8am, Fletcher, NC (828)687-1414 or (864)316-4287 www.agr.state.nc.us

22nd Annual Trade Days 6/25-6/27/10, 10am. Trade, TN on the state line on 421 North, 15 min. from Boone. Native American dance & pow wow, lots of craft & food vendors, pioneer America reenactment. Trade is the oldest community in Tennessee. A trading post was established for Native Americans & pioneers to have a place to buy & sell their wares. (423)727-5800 or Trade Days (423)727-3007 www.tradedaysfestivaltn.com

50th Annual Antique Show & Sale 6/25-6/27/10 Held in conjunction with the Beaufort Old Homes & Gardens Tour in June, features more than 40 booths of antiques & collectibles, as well as a gourmet Tea Room. Tickets $5 advance & $7 on days of the show & are good Friday through Sunday of the Old Homes & Gardens Tour weekend. A combo ticket for the tour & show/sale is also offered. Crystal Coast Civic Center, Morehead City, NC. Contact Patricia Suggs (252) 728-5225 www.beauforthistoricsite.org

90th Annual Benson State Singing Convention 6/25-6/27/10 The oldest Southern gospel convention in the nation includes three days of gospel music. Friday night gospel sing.Saturday & Sunday will be competition days for amateur duets, trios, quartets, choirs, & family groups. Each event will have a professional host group in concert during the sing. www.gospelsingingconvention.org. Event times: Fri 7pm, Sat 10am-10pm & Sun 9am-6pm. Benson Singing Grove, Benson, NC. Contact Danny Mack Holland Email bensonsing@gospelsingingconvention.org (919) 894-4389 www.gospelsingingconvention.org

C & E Gun Shows 6/26-6/27/10 Admission $8 (admission is good for both days) Hours: Sat 9am-5pm & Sun 10am-5pm. www.cegunshows.com (828)324-8600 Hickory Metro Convention Center 1960 13th Ave. Dr. SE, Hickory.

86th Annual Singing on the Mountain 6/27/10, 8:30am. Grandfather Mountain MacRae Meadows. All day gospel sing, church bazaar, & dinner-on-the-ground held in a meadow at the base of Grandfather Mountain. Admission free. Camping (with no hookups) available on a first come basis. (828)733-1333 www.grandfather.com

4th of July Celebration Family Fun Begins at 4 P.M. in Pack Square. Fun for the whole family begins at 4 p.m. at Pack Square and College Street in Downtown Asheville. It’s an all-American street festival in the heart of downtown that features music, food, and a large fireworks display.
MUSIC AND FIREWORKS: The Sons of the American Revolution will open with a patriotic segment at 4 p.m., followed by hours of a variety of great music. End the exciting day with the captivating fireworks display, which will take place at 10 p.m. PERSONAL NOTES TO IRAQ SOLDIERS A new edition to this year’s event, festivalgoers will have the opportunity to scribe a personal message to their loved ones, family and friends that are serving our country overseas. Three huge patriotic murals with personal messages will be sent directly to Iraq, courtesy of Ingles. FOOD All day there will be a lot going on with a variety of games and crafts, plus plenty to eat and drink thanks to Pepsi, Budweiser, and a number of vendors serving a variety of delicious food.
FUN ACTIVITIES: This year there will be lots of free family activities including carnival games, fast pitch softball, a 9-hole miniature golf course, and a rock climbing wall. There will also be contests including pie eating, watermelon seed spitting, three-legged races, sack races, and wheelbarrow races. Other activities include a moon bounce, a slide and a bungee run.
For more information about the Downtown Asheville 4th of July Celebration, contact Asheville Parks and Recreation at 828-259-5800, or visit www.ashevilleparks.org.

Black Mountain/Montreat: 7/4/10 Montreat will host a parade in late morning. Black Mountain will have family fun & fireworks that night beginning at 7pm. www.romanticasheville.com

July 4th Celebration 7/4/10 Brevard: The downtown celebration starts with the 5K Firecracker Run & includes the 36th annual Fine Arts & Crafts Showcase, a classic car show, music throughout the day at the gazebo (starting at 11 a.m.), a 1 p.m. bike parade, & fireworks at 9:30 p.m. www.romanticasheville.com

July 4th Celebration 7/4/10 Hendersonville: The downtown parade starts at 11 a.m..; the annual Fabulous Fourth celebration starts at 4 p.m. at Jackson Park. Fireworks at dark. Fourth of July Cruise-In, Jackson Park, antique car show, 2:00-9:00 p.m., sponsored by the Hendersonville Antique Car Club. www.romanticasheville.com

July 4th Celebration 7/4/10 Waynesville: The Stars & Stripes Celebration runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. along Main St with music & sidewalk sales. www.romanticasheville.com

Alive After Five Free Outdoor Concert Series 7/1/10, 5:30-8:30pm www.uptownshelby.org. Uptown Shelby on the historic court square Shelby, NC. (704) 484-3100 Live music on the court square, presented by the Uptown Shelby Association & its community partners. Food & beverage vendors on site, Uptown restaurants open late for dinner.

Fourth of July Celebration 7/2-7/5/10 www.groveparkinn.com The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, Asheville, NC. (828) 252-2711 Celebrate our nations birthday in grand style with a multitude of activities designed to keep your family & friends all entertained. History lovers will enjoy learning interesting facts during our guided tours, while others will celebrate with pool parties, the Asheville Tea Party, live music, & much more. Our Fourth of July celebration has something for everyone!

Independence Day Parade 7/3/10, 2pm. Independence Day Parade, Main St, Blowing Rock, NC. (828) 295-5222 www.townofblowingrock.com

Music in the Vineyards Series 7/3-7/4/10, 11am-3pm. Free music every Saturday & Sunday from the first weekend in May through the end of October, weather permitting, Childress Vineyards will feature free performances on the lawn beneath the terrace. Come out to the winery, relax with the music & enjoy lunch & award-winning wines. www.childressvineyards.com Childress Vineyards Lexington, NC. Email info@childressvineyards.com (336)236-WINE.

4th Celebration 7/4/10 Evening parade down Main St in the heart of Historic Downtown Marion. Evening fireworks display. Free. www.downtownmarion.org. Historic Carson House Marion, NC. Email freddiek@verizon.net (828) 652-2215

7th Annual Wild Horse Days 7/6-7/8/10, 11am-6pm www.corollawildhorses.com. Historic Corolla Village & Corolla Light Town Center Corolla, NC. Email info@corollawildhorses.com (252) 453-8002 Bring the whole family for food, music, wine tasting, wild horse training, pony rides, huge silent auction, kids’ activities, pet-a-mustang, photo contest. All proceeds benefit the care & management of the wild horses.

Asheville Quilt Guild Annual Show 8/6-8/8/10 Arboretum, Asheville, NC. Admission Free with parking fee admission ($6 per vehicle). The NC hosts the Asheville Quilt Guilds popular annual show, a juried event featuring more than 250 quilts of exceptional craftsmanship from across the U.S. & worldwide. The three-day show offers live demonstrations, a merchants mall & more! www.ncarboretum.org (828) 665-2492

International Collectibles & Antiques Show Metrolina Tradeshow Expo 9/2-9/5/10 & 9/30-10/3/10, Thurs - Sat @ 9am-5pm; Sun @ 10am-4pm. 100+ acres, 98,000 sqft of shopping, largest open-air market, 2000+ vendors. The International Collectibles & Antiques Shows is held the first week of every month at the Metrolina Tradeshow Expo in Charlotte, NC. In addition to exhibitors, the show will features an open air market & entertainment. New vendors are added each month. 7100 Statesville Rd, Charlotte, NC. (704)714-7909 www.icashows.com

Ensure Classic at Rock Barn Golf & Spa 9/27-10/3/10 The Ensure Classic at Rock Barn, a PGA TOUR’s Champions Tour golf tournament, returns to Rock Barn Golf & Spa in Conover, N.C., September 27-October 3, 2010. This weeklong event, which includes special events, attractions, & three days of fierce competition among golf’s greatest legends, is ideal entertainment for fans of all ages. www.greaterhickoryclassic.com (828)459-4000 Rock Barn Golf & Spa 3763 Golf Dr, Conover.

THINGS TO DO

Mountain Music in Old Fort Every Friday evening at 7:00 since 1986, folks have gathered to hear & play bluegrass & traditional mountain music. Nobody’s paid, everyone’s welcome & coffee & sodas are still just a quarter! Located in the Rockett Building on Main St, Downtown Old Fort. Show starts at 7 PM & goes until 11 PM. Bands play for 30 minutes, then a new band takes over. no charge for admission, but we gladly accept donations. 828-668-9891 www.oldfort.org

The NC Zoological Park, Asheboro, NC, with more than 500 acres in its African & North American continental regions, is a place of wonder & discovery. It is the country’s largest & finest walk-through, natural-habitat zoo. This means that the animals & plants in its exhibits are seen in settings that closely resemble the habitats in which they would live in the wild. www.nczoo.org (800)488-0444

Wet‘n Wild. 3910 South Holden Road, Greensboro, NC. 27406 (336) 852- 9721. The largest water park in both the Carolinas is the place to cool off, get sun & have fun. With over 36 rides & attractions. All Day Splash - 48 Inches & Over $32.99, All Day Splash Junior - under 48 inches $21.99, All Day Splash Senior - 55 & older $21.99, After 4PM Splash - 48 Inches & Over $23.99, After 4PM Splash Junior - Under 48 inches $18.99, After 4PM Splash Senior - 55 & older $21.99 & 2 & under are Free. (800)555-5900 www.emeraldpointe.com

Battleship USS NC - Standing with quiet dignity & majesty across from historic downtown Wilmington, the Battleship NC beckons visitors to walk her decks & envision daily life as well as fierce combat situations that her veterans faced in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Admission Prices: Adult - 12 & over $12, Seniors (65 & older) $10, Military (active duty or retired with military ID card)$10, Child - 6 through 11,$6, Child - 5 & under Free, ADA $6, Child ADA $3, ADA Staff needed to assist - Free (up to 1 per client) www.battleshipnc.com (910)251-5797

NC Aquariums - Located on Roanoke Island, at Pine Knoll Shores & Fort Fisher, the Aquariums were established in 1976 to promote an awareness, understanding, appreciation, & conservation of the diverse natural & cultural resources associated with NC’s ocean, estuaries, rivers, streams, & other aquatic environments. Adults 13-61: $8, Seniors 62 & over: $7, Children 3-12: $6, 2 & under: FREE www.ncaquariums.com

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad With 53 miles of track, 2 tunnels & 25 bridges, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a variety of excursions that explore the amazing landscape of Western NC. With the romance & mystique of an era gone by, guests on-board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will enjoy scenic train journeys across fertile valleys & through river gorges in a spectacular region near The Great Smoky Mountains. For rates & schedule: (800)872-4681 www.gsmr.com

Day At The Farm - Day At The Farm is the site of a 150 year old Craven County farm. Located in Cove City, NC The farm offers picnic areas, nature trail, animal feeding, an ice cream parlor, maze, guided tours & more. (252) 514 - 9494 www.adayatthefarm.com

Dance at the Alive After Five Concert Series Main St, Downtown Lincolnton comes alive the last Thursday of every summer month with regional bands playing on an outdoor stage. Food vendors, local restaurants, & a beer garden will be open. Lawn chairs are encouraged, but coolers are not allowed. Contact the Downtown Development Association: (704)736-8915. www.GoLocalLincolnton.org

Ride the South Fork Catawba River Rail Trail A relatively flat trail along the South Fork Catawba River, this trail offers views of floodplain forests, a bald cypress swamp, rock outcrops & wildflowers to bikers & pedestrians. 2677 Laboratory Rd. www.catawbalands.org

Tour the vineyards & sample wine at Woodmill Winery Watch the process of muscadine wine being made from the five acres of vines to the bottling area & wine cellar in the winery’s basement. 1350 Woodmill Winery Lane, Vale, NC. www.woodmillwinery.com (704)276-9911.

Pick your own strawberries, blueberries, or Christmas tree. Juicy strawberries or blackberry & strawberry cider available at Lineberger’s Berry Hill Farm (704)748-1488. Sweet blueberries or Christmas trees available at Helms Christmas Tree Farm (704)276-1835 www.helmschristmastreefarm.com

The New Andy Griffith Museum Andy Griffith’s hometown of Mount Airy, NC is home to the new Andy Griffith Museum with the largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia collected by his friend Emmett Forrest. The collection features hundreds of items from the life & career of Andy Griffith in movies, television & music as well as a variety of memorabilia. Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 11:am-4:pm, Sun 1:30-4:30pm. Closed holidays. A minimum donation of $3 per person required for admission to the Andy Griffith Collection. Children 12 & under will be admitted free of charge. The Andy Griffith Museum & Collection is located at The Andy Griffith Playhouse & Surry Arts Council. (800)286-6193 www.surryarts.org

Pilot Mountain State Park Approach from any direction & see Pilot Mountain rising more than 1,400 feet above the rolling countryside of the upper Piedmont plateau. Dedicated as a National Natural Landmark in 1976, this solitary peak is the centerpiece of Pilot Mountain State Park. Fun, from relaxation to exhilaration, is easy to find here. Park Hours: Nov-Feb, 8am-6pm, Mar & Oct, 8am-7pm, Apr, May, Sep, 8am-8pm, Jun-Aug, 8am-9pm. Closed Christmas Day, Park Office Hours 8am-5pm weekdays. Closed state holidays www.ncparks.gov.

Free Weekly Youth Fiddle & Guitar Lessons every Thurs for ages 6-16. 5:30pm Fiddle, 6:15pm (Guitar/Banjo). Located Downstairs at The Andy Griffith Playhouse. 218 Rockford St Mount Airy, NC. This program is sponsored in part by a grant from the NC Arts Council Folklife Division. (336)786-7998. www.surryarts.org

Moonlight Micro Brews Cruise, US National WHitewater Center 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC. 5:30pm - 10:00pm. Join us for an hour & a half flatwater paddle on the Catawba River followed by a campfire-lit dinner & beer tasting. Space is limited. To reserve your place click here. Future dates: Jun 2 & 16, July 7 & 21, Aug 4 & 18, Sept 1 & 15. (704)391-3900. www.usnwc.org

The Mint Museum Providing innovative educational experiences is at the core of The Mint Museum’s mission. Experience Art through Programs & Events! Having two locations provides our visitors with twice as much to see & do! The Mint Museum & their affiliate groups organize a variety of programs & events throughout the year. The Mint Museum welcomes families, children, adults & seniors, offering gallery guides, touchable objects, hands-on workshops & Family Days that enable participants to connect to art & to each other. (704)337-2000 or by mail at: Mint Museum of Art 2730 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC. Mint Museum of Craft + Design 220 North Tryon St Charlotte.

Discovery Place From bears to beakers, there’s something for everyone at Discovery Place & Charlotte Nature Museum. Mon-Friday 9:30am-4pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun noon-5pm. The Charlotte Observer IMAX Dome Theatre has multiple shows daily. (800)935-0553 www.discoveryplace.org

Hickory Crawdads LP Frans Stadium 2500 Clement Blvd NW, Hickory,NC (828) 211-3000 www.hickorycrawdads.com

U.S. National Whitewater Center Charlotte. The USNWC is only 10 minutes from downtown Charlotte & provides over 300 acres of woodlands along the scenic Catawba River. Olympic-caliber athletes, weekend warriors & casual observers share this world-class sports &training center. Check websites for pricing & schedule of outdoor events for all age. www.usnwc.org

Twilight Tours Pittsboro, NC. Regular tours: Adults $12. $22 Twilight Tour. Ever been on a twilight walk with tigers? Every Sat from now thru Oct, with times varying depending on twilight, enjoy this unique tour opportunity. Reservations must be made--please call for tour time availability. Tours are restricted to persons 13 years of age. This 55-acre compound is home to approximately 85 animals representing 8 species, including some of the world’s most threatened & endangered carnivores including tigers, leopards, ocelots, & more. Tours are given by reservation only on Sat & Sun & must be scheduled in advance. www.cptigers.org Email info@cptigers.org (919) 542-4684

Morganton TGIF (Thank Goodness It’s Friday) Morganton, NC. Come out & enjoy FREE Fri night concerts in downtown Morganton! The T.G.I.F. Concert Series is a time for friends, family & fun! Concerts start at 7pm. (828)438-5252 www.downtownmorganton.com.

 

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SOUTH CAROLINA

BIKERS

Southern Throttle Rally 6/4-6/5/10 Greenville, SC. First Annual Southern Throttle Rally - Greenville, SC June 4th & 5th, 2010. Greenville is host to the International Motorcycle Show, the National MRF Conference, and the second largest drawing for the National HOG Rally outside of Harley. Contact Beth Brown (864)271-1771.

8th Annual Bike Rally 6/11-6/13/10 Clinton House Plantation Clinton, SC. 2010. 100% of proceeds will go to Whitten Center. $20 for weekend, $15 for 1 day, primitive camping included in the price of admission. Vendors, Bike Games, Bike Show, WET T-SHIRT contest both nights, Live music both nights from Swords and Whiskey, Silver Dollar Band, The shades, Matthew Knight's Band, Van Dangs, and The Watts. No Colors, No Weapons, Absolutely No One Under 18 Admitted. www.friendsofwhittencenter.homestead.com Contact Person: buddy (864)426-0966

Lake Greenwood Motorcycle Ride For The Babies 6/12/10, 714 Bypass 25 NE, Greenwood, SC. Start at Gwd Bilo By-Pass 25. Registration 9-11am, 1st Bike out 10am, Last Bike out 11:15am, Last Bike in 3pm. Ticket to ride prizes. Prizes awarded at 4:00 PM at The Dock on Lake Greenwood. Live entertainment. All proceeds benefit March for Babies www.marchforbabies.org Contact: Mona McKinney (864)229-2248

Antique Bikes on Main 6th Annual Event 7/25/10, Chesnee, SC. 6th Annual Antique Bikes on Main , located Downtown Chesnee, SC Sunday July 25, 2010, 12 noon until, Free Admission, everyone and all bikes welcome, rain or shine, food, live music, vendors, swap meet, sponsored by Chesnee Classic Cycle, Sandy Run Cycle, Charlie. Contact: Dennis Harris (864)590-2141

Braylon Poker Run, Fountain Inn 7/31/10 Poker Run for Down's Syndrome & Autism Awareness.Registration Fee: $25 1st Hand $10 Additional HandRegistration Starts: 9:00 am1st Bikes out: 9:30am Last Bikes out: 10:30amFree Food,Door Prizes,Music, and Birthday Cake for all in honor of Braylon's 1st Birthday. My nephew, Braylon Williams, was born 7/31/2009 with Down's, the 1st child ever born in our family. (864)276-4606 (864)760-0098.

7th Annual Paw-Ker Run 9/11/10 2150 Beech Hill Rd, Summerville, SC. To benefit the Frances R Willis SPCA, 100% proceeds goes to the shelter. Approximately 100 mile ride, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and worst hand cash prizes, door prizes and 50/50. $20 per person includes goody bag, t-shirt and food. Registration 9am, drawings begin at 4pm. www.summervillespca.com Contact: Sharon Atkinson (843)817-5741

FESTIVALS

Sun Fun Festival A Celebration of Summer Concert Series 6/4-6/5/10 Miss Sun Fun/Miss Sun Fun Teen Pageant Email: VendorInfo@VisitMyrtleBeach.com

Piggly Wiggly Pee Dee Air Show & Festival 6/5-6/6/10, 8am Sat & 9am Sun. The Florence Regional Airport Two FULL Days of Thrilling Air Show Entertainment and Family Festivities. Admission is free to children 12 and under and Military IDs. People over age 12 pay $15 at the gate (credit cards will be accepted) $12 discount tickets can be purchased and printed on website thru “ClickNPrint”. Discount tickets also available at Piggly Wiggly stores in northeast SC through show days. Free parking and shuttles from the parking area to the air field are included in the gate admission price. Designated area for handicapped parking near the gate. Secure parking is provided for motorcycles and RVs. Ample lots are located on McCall Blvd, on the west side of the airport off Hwy 76/Palmetto St. www.peedeeairshow.com

Charleston Carifest 2010 6/17/10 6-9pm. The featured country for the 2010 festival is Barbados. Performers: Carifest Symposium, The Jewish Charleston Caribbean Connection, Arnold Hall (Jewish Center), College of Charleston, SC, Masquerade Fete Mardi Gras Party Dinner & Dance Fundraiser in support of the Carifest Children’s Steel Band Project 6/18/10 Location: International Longshoreman’s Hall 1142 Morrison Dr (top of East Bay St) $30 per person. Carnival St Parade 6/19/10 Parade Route: Visitor’s Center on Ann St to King St to Carolina St cross Rutledge to Fishburne into Brittle Bank Park. View the splendor of the Caribbean Carnival Celebration in the Park, Brittle Bank Park, 180 Lockwood Blvd., Charleston, SC 29403 (across from Charleston Police Station) 2-8:30pm. www.charlestoncarifest.com

The Mighty Moo Festival 6/17-6/20/10, Thurs, 10am-2pm. Cowpens Historic Depot and Museum open 4-11pm. Carnival Rides at the Depot, Wristband Night, $15. www.cowpensmightymoo.com

40th Annual Ridge Peach Festival 6/19/10, 9am-5pm. Our all day family festival kicks off with a morning parade led by Fort Gordon Signet military band. The festival features 115 unique arts and crafts, antiques, homemade peach desserts and preserves, peach ice cream, live music all day, rides for the children, a variety of food vendors and a softball tournament. Trenton, SC, is nestled between Aiken, North Augusta, and Edgefield, SC. www.ridgepeachfestival.com, Contact Melody Boylston at (803) 275-5303, melboylston@yahoo.com. Please leave your pets at home, as they are not permitted in the festival area.

Lexington County Peach Festival 7/3/10, 9am-10:30pm. The Lexington County Peach Festival is an all-day celebration held on July 4th, at the Gilbert Community Park in Gilbert, SC. With events such as the Peach Pageants, Peachy Recipe Contest, live entertainment, and of course, the Peach Parade. Festival begins with the Peach Parade (9:30 a.m.) and ends with a beautiful fireworks show (10 pm). Arts & craft vendors, live entertainment on three different stages throughout the Park. Other fun and exciting events, including the Peachy Recipe Contest, Antique Car Show, Antique Tractor Show and much more are held throughout the day. BBQ sandwiches, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, BBQ chicken and pork plates are available for purchase throughout the park; and of course, peach ice cream, peach slush, peach tea, peach parfaits and peach cobbler are just a few of our signature desserts that are also available. www.lexingtoncountypeachfestival.com.

SC Festival of Discovery 7/8-7/10/10 Greenwood, SC. Discover a weekend of food, fun, music, amusement rides and much more as you experience and learn about the history, traditions, folklore, arts and crafts, music and dance, and vernacular culture of Greenwood, the SC Upstate area, and the entire state. Discover the unique musical sound and rich tradition of the Blues. Enjoy a free outdoor concert at the main stage area or jump on board the “Blues Cruise” and listen to Blues performers at five venues in the Uptown area. ALL MUSIC IS FREE! Discover the great taste and flavor of Carolina Barbeque and traditional Black Kettle Hash. The weekend features a Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned and SC State Championship cook-off featuring some the best BBQ teams in the country.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Myrtle Beach MayFest 5/28-5/31/10 Buzz Aldrin, NASA Astronaut and “Dancing With The Stars” celebrity and American Idol Season 6 Winner Jordin Sparks and Mitchel Musso from Hannah Montana are scheduled to appear. Plus much more. www.myrtlebeachmayfest.com

11th Annual Dixie Chicken Funament 5/29/10 This fundraising fishing tournament is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend (May 29-30) at Harbourgate Marina with nearly $50,000 in prizes. Visit www.dixiechickenfunament.com or call 843-249-1637.

Murrells Inlet Rotary 10th Annual Flounder Tournament & Fish Drop 6/3-6/5/10. 6/5 is flounder. 6/4 & 6/5 is off shore. 6/3 is off shore Capt. meeting, 6/4 is flounder Captains meeting. Registration occurs Friday before the tournament, 4-7pm at Crazy Sister Marina, 4123 Hwy 17 Business in Murrells Inlet. The tournament kicks off at 6am on Saturday from Crazy Sister Marina. www.murrellsinletsc.com

Fort Mill Thunder 6/5/10, 10am-4pm. Major Car Show with Trophies and True SPL League Sound Off. LIVE Music - Battle of the Bands * History Tours * Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides, Carolinas Blood Dr by the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas Charlotte Knights Mascots “Homer” and “Caroline” Local Randy Smith’s Race Car * Col. Elliot Springs’ Rolls-Royce Donato’s Siler Chapman World Champion Pizza Twirler * Dimuzio Brothers Juggling, Craft Vendors * Business Booths * Lots of Great Food * Children’s Play Area. Held on Hwy 160 at Walter Elisha Park, located in the downtown historic area of Fort Mill SC. (803) 320-3193 www.fortmillthunder.com

68th year of the Watermelon Festival Hampton County, SC. 6/19-6/27/10 Festival highlights: Lake Warren State Park Family Fun Day, Youth Parade, Pet Show, Mud Run, Watermelon Eating Contest, Watermelon Judging Contest, a Melon Miss pageant for all ages, the big Miss Coastal and Miss Teen Coastal Empire Pageants, arts and crafts displays, a Taste of good Hampton County Food, plus variety of musical entertainment, and of course, www.melonfest.org

Red, White, and Blue on the Green 7/4/10 Summerville’s free family and community celebration! Join the non-motorized parade, featuring kids on bikes, in wagons, on rollerblades, in strollers. A magic show, games and activities for children of all ages, live music, jump castles and food vendors round out this fun event. Fireworks start at 9 pm at Gahagan Sports Complex. Music and concessions start at 6 pm No coolers/alcoholic beverages allowed. Fireworks show sponsored by the Town of Summerville, SC. www.summervilledream.org.

July 4th Boat Parade & Fireworks 7/4/10 parade at high tide; fireworks at 10pm. Free. Boaters decorate their boats according to the theme and parade around the inlet starting at 10 am at high tide. Best spots to view the parade: Murrells Inlet Marshwalk, Capt. Dick’s Marina, Belin Memorial United Methodist Church, and Nance’s Restaurant and Hot Fish Club. Register at Capt. Dick’s Marina, Booty’s and Garden City Realty. Fireworks in the Inlet at 10 pm. www.murrellsinletsc.com.

July 4th 1850s Style 7/4/10, 10am-2pm. Kings Mountain State Park. Join volunteer interpreters at the Living History Farm as they help Kings Mountain State Park celebrate Independence Day the way it was in 1850. Interpreters will be demonstrating farming practices as well as the various ways people celebrated July 4th 150 years ago. There will be many hands on activities for all ages to participate in. www.southcarolinaparks.com

8th Annual HMY-Viking Mega Dock Tournament 7/7-7/10/10 Marlin and Sailfish competition and represents the fourth event of five in the famed SC Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series; and also a sanctioned event for the World Billfish Series and IGFA World Championship. Measuring in at 1,530 feet, The City Marina’s MegaDock is the largest and busiest transient facility on the east coast. Built in 2003 to attract visiting boaters to Charleston, The MegaDock has become Billfishing’s grandest arena offering convenient dockage, in-slip fueling, professionally trained dock staff, and much more. www.megadocktournament.com

Family Golf Week 7/22/10 Entering its 13th year, Myrtle Beach will host the largest father and son golf competition in the world. Last year father and son week drew 1400 golfing families from 44 states and 8 foreign countries creating a 5+ million dollar impact to the Grand Strand’s tourist industry. www.fathersongolf.com

THINGS TO DO

Free Birding Tours thru 9/24/10 Audubon, NC. The sights and sounds of colorful and unique coastal birds fill the air in coastal North Carolina this time of year. Audubon North Carolina staff are helping people get close-up looks at these natural marvels through free guided tours of the Mason Inlet Waterbird Management Area through September. The tours, which run from 9am to 11am every Friday, are open to the public and feature a walk along the protected sanctuary that serves as habitat for beach-nesting birds including Least Tern, Black Skimmer, American Oystercatcher, Wilson’s Plover and other unique and interesting coastal birds. Mason Inlet is now home to the state’s largest beach-nesting colony of Least Terns. You do not need to register, just meet at the Mason Inlet info kiosk. (910)686-7527 or email awood@audubon.org for more info. Mason Inlet Waterbird Management Area, North End of Wrightsville Beach, NC. www.ncaudubon.org

 

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TENNESSEE

FESTIVALS

National MooFest 6/5/10, 11am-7pm. Fest is a dairy festival designed to highlight childrens activities, a homemade ice cream recipe contest, Mayfield Dairy milk shake shake,scoop stacking contest,a carnival with 18 rides,milking contest with area dignitaries & arts & crafts. Performers TBA. Historic downtown Athens, TN. $3 admission/Free parking. www.nationalmoofest.com (423)-745-0261

17th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival 6/18-6/20/10 A three-day celebration with live entertainment featuring gospel, jazz, R&B, blues, rap, classical & neosoul music. Food & merchandise vendors, health & job fair, exhibits, dancers, storytelling, walk-jog-a-thon, basketball, softball, family reunions, class reunions, horseback riding, picnics & more. Free admission. Douglas Park in Memphis, TN. www.juneteenthmemphis.org

CMA Music Festival 6/10-6/13/10 Nashville, TN. CMA Music Festival delivers the full range of concert experiences with equal parts nighttime fireworks & daytime sizzle. While the evening concerts at LP Field provide full-tilt excitement, the Daytime Stages offer a more intimate setting for daylong, non-stop music from your favorite hitmakers in Downtown Nashville. www.cmafest.com (800)CMA-FEST

Riverbend Festival 6//-6/19/10 The Riverbend Festival is a fabulous nine-day event in downtown Chattanooga every June. It is located downtown along the banks of the TN River. Riverbend is best described as a huge family-oriented music festival, with five stages of almost every possible genre of music. Plus roving artists, fantastic fireworks, 5K & 10K Run, & a fun-filled Children’s Village. (423) 756-2211

CSAD Music Festival 6/12/10 Tellico Plains, TN. Free Admission, Lineup Includes T. Graham Brown & Aaron Wilburn & more- fun family friendly event. (423)420-3199

Summerfest 6/16-6/19/10 Ashland City, TN, Riverbluff Park. Featuring 20 hours of free concerts, Pyro Shows Fireworks display & Dixieland Carnival Co (615)792-2655

21st Annual Kuuma Festival 6/24-6/27/10 Largest African American cultral arts festival in East TN. Knoxville, TN (865) 546-9705 www.tnvacation.com/events

61st Annual Blackman BBQ 6/25/10 Come celebrate the 61st Annual Blackman BBQ at Blackman Middle School in Murfreesboro! 3945 Blaze Dr, Murfreesboro, TN. (615) 890-1608

White Lightning Festival 6/26/10 Known for its historic significance & natural beauty, Cumberland Gap will be the site of this unique festival that celebrates the history & heritage of communities along the new Discover TN White Lightning Trail. From the Civil War to modern day America, The White Lightning Festival will tell the story of those rugged, self-reliant people that made this area the topic of movies & gave birth to one of America’s fastest growing sports - stock car racing. The White Lightning Trail, which begins in Knox County (Knoxville, TN) travels through eight other counties including Anderson, Union, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger, Jefferson, Hamblen & Cocke. These communities share a rich heritage & that will be on display in the form of demonstrations, food, antique cars & a variety of music. Multiple Locations, Starting in Knoxville, TN (800) 332-8164 www.whitelightningfestival.com

Annual Savannah Bluegrass Festival 7/2-7/3/10 Wayne Jerrolds Park, Savannah. Beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday & 3 p.m. on Saturday, 17 bands will offer the finest bluegrass music in the mid-south on the banks of the beautiful TN River. Saturday’s show will include a Buck Dancing contest. Bring your own lawn chairs, concessions available, admission. Savannah, TN. (800) 552-3866 www.tourhardincounty.org

20th Annual Patriot Festival 7/3/10 Celebrating America’s independence with concerts, food, fun & fireworks. Pigeon Forge, TN.(800) 251-9100 www.mypigeonforge.com

40th Annual Jonesborough Days 7/3-7/4/10 Patriotic celebration of the region’s heritage in agriculture & storytelling. Visit villages from different periods in time, see traditional handmade crafts, enjoy free concerts & children’s activities. Jonesborough, TN. (866) 401-4223 www.historicjonesborough.com

19th Annual Great Celebration Mule & Donkey Show 7/8-7/10/10 The Great Celebration Mule & Donkey Show may be about 50 years younger that The TN Walking Horse National Celebration, but it packs a lot of excitement into one weekend. Mules & donkey’s of all ages & description converge on the Historic Celebration Grounds in the Shelbyville for competition in halter, driving, gaited & saddle classes. Timed events & an old-fashioned Mule Pulling Contest are also part of the event. In addition to the competition, The Great Celebration Mule & Donkey Show features a presshow cookout, Watermelon Fest, TN Barbecue Dinner, TN Mule Sale. The Trading Post houses vendors with products ranging from mule & donkey art, clothing, jewlery, novelities to equine & farm supplies.(931) 684-5915 Historic Celebration Grounds, Shelbyville, TN. www.twhnc.com

40th Annual Singing Echoes Blue Springs Valley Sing 7/14-7/17/10 One of the best Southern Gospel festivals TN, or the Southeast, has to offer! For the 40th year, Blue Springs Valley echoes with gospel singing. This year’s lineup includes all-stars such as Karen Peck & New River, The Perrys, The Diplomats, Archie Watkins, The Inspirations, The Bilderbacks, Primitive Quartet, The Smoky Mountain Boys & of course The Singing Echoes. Camping spots are available for $15 a day. (423) 472-2421 Blue Springs Valley, Cleveland, TN. www.singingechoes.com

Grainger County Tomato Festival 7/23-7/25/10 Rutledge, TN. Grainger County Tomato Wars, Mater Madness 5K, Art & History Exposition, antique agricultural equipment. (423)231-5954

Tomato Art Fest 2010 8/14/10 Nashville, TN. Genres: Acoustic, Adult Contemporary, Alternative, Americana, Avant-garde, Bluegrass, Blues, Broadway, Classic Rock, Comedy, Contemporary Christian, Country, Folk, Funk, Hip-Hop/Rap, Jam Band, Jazz, New Age/Ambient, Novelty/Variety, Pop, Punk, Reggae, Rock, Singer/Songwriter, Soul, Urban/R&B, & World Promoter: tomato art fest. www.tomatoartfest.com

SPECIAL EVENTS

Smokin’ the Water 7/4/10 Kingston, TN - Kingston’s Waterfront, along Hwy 70. Celebrate a small town 4th of July with fireworks on the water. (865)376-1356

Music City July 4th 7/4/10 Nashville, TN. If there’s one thing Nashville knows how to do, it’s throw a party. On Sat, Jul 4 head down to Riverfront Park for a day filled with summer fun. Check out the free Family Fun Zone with inflatables & more fun for every member of the family. Live music will be offered beginning in the afternoon & playing through the night. Stay tuned - performers announced soon. Stay for our grand finale including an incredible fireworks display synchronized with a performance by our very own Nashville Symphony. Past performers include Diamond Rio, Charlie Daniels Band, Ronnie Milsap, Josh Turner, Taylor Swift, Van Zant, & others. Riverfront Park. Admission & Parking Free. www.musiccityjuly4th.com (800)657-6910

28th Smoky Mountain Fiddlers Convention 9/10-9/11/10 Performers, Bluegrass competitions, jamming, Arts & Crafts Show & Sale. Legion Field, Loudon, TN. Fri evening, Sat 9am-5pm. www.visitloudoncounty.com (865)-986-6822

THINGS TO DO

Rock City will amaze you...it’s in our nature! Located atop Lookout Mountain, just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Rock City is a true marvel of nature featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with over 400 native plant species, & breathtaking “See 7 States” panoramic views. (800)854-0675 www.seerockcity.com

Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum 191 Beale St, Suite 100, Memphis, TN. Phone: (901) 205-2533. The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum’s exhibition, created by the Smithsonian Institution, tells the story of musical pioneers who overcame racial & socio-economic barriers to create the music that shook the world. The museum offers a comprehensive Memphis music experience from the rural music of the 1930s, through Memphis’ musical heyday in the 70s, to its global musical influence.

Stax Museum of American Soul Music 926 E. McLemore Avenue, Memphis. (901) 946-2535 Otis Redding. Isaac Hayes. Booker T. & the MGs, the Staple Singers, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Ike & Tina Turner, Johnnie Taylor, Albert King. They are all in the house at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, the world’s only soul music museum, with more than 3,000 videos, films, photographs, records, interactive exhibits, musical instruments, a dance floor, gift shop, & much more.

Southland Park Gaming & Racing I-40 & I-55 Exit 279 A 1550 N. Ingram Blvd. West Memphis, TN. (800) 467-6182 I-40 & I-55 exit 279 A - N. Ingram Blvd, West Memphis, There’s more fun & more ways to win at Southland Park! Offering gaming, racing, dining & entertainment for everyone 21 & up, Southland is a great spot to add to your Memphis/Mid-South vacation itinerary. Southland is a quick 15 minute car ride from Graceland. www.southlandgreyhound.com

The Gatlinburg Space Needle is an all steel observation tower served by two elevators with a capacity of 20 persons each. Ride our safe & comfortable glass elevators over 400’ to observation deck for 360° view of the Great Smoky Mountains & the resort city of Gatlinburg. Open 365 days a year! www.gatlinburgspaceneedle.com

Hollywood Wax Museum-Gatlinburg, TN. Get up close & personal with over 90 stars! Step right into favorite films & TV shows. 903 Parkway, Suite 103 Gatlinburg, TN. (865) 430-1800 www.hollywoodwax.com/gatlinburg.

Guinness World Of Records Museum 631 Parkway Suite B11, Gatlinburg, TN. (865) 430-7800 or (877)475-3974 www.gatlinburg.ripleys.com. See hundreds of exhibits from the best selling Guinness Book of World Records! See featured memorabilia of famous record holders: Elvis, Beatles, & Michael Jordan.

Mysterious Mansion Of Gatlinburg 424 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN. (865) 436-7007 Gatlinburg’s scariest & most exciting attraction. Open daily, 10 a.m. 11 p.m. Call for Spring & Winter hours.

Flyaway Indoor Skydiving 3106 Parkway Pigeon Forge,TN. (877)293-0639 Local: (865) 453-7777 Flyaway is America’s first vertical wind tunnel where you can experience the sensation of skydiving indoors.

Scenic Helicopter Tours 2174 Parkway (866)FLY-Scenic Local: (865)453-6342 Scenic Helicopter Tours is feature 2 new ‘ECO’ tours this year in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These tours go farther into the park than ever before offering aerial views beyond imagination. With the narration, our guests will return with a total appreciation for the size & history of our national treasure!

Grand Ole Opry Welcome to the Opry that began as a simple radio broadcast in 1925 is today a live-entertainment phenomenon. The Opry, an American icon & Nashville, TN’s number-one attraction, is world famous for creating one-of-a-kind entertainment experiences for audiences of all ages. 2802 Opryland Dr Nashville, TN. (615)871-OPRY (local) or (800)SEE-OPRY (toll free) Groups of 20 or more: (615) 871-5043 www.opry.com

Dollywood Unique as its namesake Dolly Parton, Dollywood theme park is a one-of-a-kind Smoky Mountain Family Adventure! Enjoy thrilling to spectacular Dollywood amusement park rides including the award-winning wooden roller coaster The Thunderhead™-the wildest ride in the woods. (800)365-5996. 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd. Pigeon Forge, TN. www.dollywood.com

Country Music Hall Of Fame Come here to examine the roots of country music & see how it all began. Gift shop & restaurant onsite. 222 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN. (800)852-6437 www.countrymusichalloffame.com

General Jackson Showboat. This 300-foot long paddlewheel vessel ushers guests back to the heyday of Mark Twain, Cumberland parties, & riverboat gambling. Evening cruises feature live entertainment ranging from country music concerts to Broadway-like performances. Midday cruises include family-style Southern meals & seated prime rib dinners are highlights of evening cruises. Hours: Midday Cruise Tue-Sun 11:30am-2:30pm Evening Cruise Mon-Sat 6:15pm-10:30pm; Sun 5:15pm-9:30pm. Admission: Evening Elegance Adult (12+) $66.51 - $81.59; Child (4-11) $41.29 - $51.32 Midday Musical Adult (12+) $41.26 - $46.30; Child (4-11) $24.12 - $28.16. 2812 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN. (615)458-3900 www.generaljackson.com

Great Smoky Mountains National Park This is the most visited national park in the country, & one glimpse at it lets you know why. The Park includes more than 520,000 acres, 735 miles of streams, & 800 miles of some of the most scenic hiking & biking trails in the world. The peaks reach over 6,000 feet, providing unforgettable scenic vistas. Several visitor centers are scattered throughout the park. Admission: Free. US-441, Gatlinburg, TN. (865)436-1200 www.nps.gov

 

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VIRGINIA

FESTIVALS

The VA Renaissance Faire 5/29-5/30/10, 10am-6pm, 6/5-6/6-10, 10am-6pm, 6/12-6/13/10, 10am-6pm. Lake Anna Winery, 5621 Courthouse Rd, Spotsylvania, VA. Back & bigger than ever! The Faire brings a unique brand of educational interactive family entertainment. Join in the revelry as the little 16th century town of Staffordshire celebrates a visit from the Queen. Feast on a turkey leg as you watch craft demonstrations & shop at village artisans. Enjoy jousting knights, coursing hounds, musicians & magicians. Participate in a game of skill, sing a song in the pub & be knighted by the Queen. (540) 895-5085 www.lawinery.com

Red Barn Bluegrass Every Friday thru 10/29/10, 6-10:30pm. 310 Rome Rd, Max Meadows, VA. Our second season of great music in our big Red Barn is set to begin on Friday, April 30th! Red Barn Bluegrass at Pleasant Hill Farm will again offer some of the region’s best bluegrass, old-time, mountain & country music bands for your enjoyment. Red Barn Bluegrass is scheduled every Friday night from 7:00 to 10:00 PM through October 29th. Admission is only $4.00. New this year is the addition of five Bluegrass Gospel Sundays. Red Barn Bluegrass is held in our large renovated horse barn & offers an authentic country setting for our guests & bands. Our goal remains to provide our guests with great live music in a warm, family-friendly environment. Admission: $4. Children Welcome (276) 637-0252 www.pleasanthillfarm.com

Brews & Blues Fest Wintergreen Resort 5/28-5/31/10 Route 664, Wintergreen, VA. Don’t miss our great eats & musical treats at the 4th annual Blues & Brews Festival this Memorial Day Weekend at Wintergreen with four days of activities. The events include blues, brews, food, & a fun-filled day at the lake, & much more. Children & Pets Welcome. (800) 266-2444 www.wintergreenresort.com

Kenbridge Wild Game, Stew & BBQ Cook-off 5/28-5/29/10 10am-5pm. Come to the 4th Annual Kenbridge Wild Game, Stew, & BBQ Cook-off! It’s a Memorial Day Celebration for the whole family! Events include: Fri Night - Southside Jazz Concert 7-8:30pm. Kenbridge Community Center Auditorium, East Fifth Avenue, Kenbridge. Sat - Kenbridge Town Park, East Fifth Avenue, Kenbridge. Parade - 10am, Cook-off - 11:30am-4pm (fee involved) Petting Zoo & Childrens’ activities - 11:30am-4pm. Memorial Day Service - 1-2pm. Cooking teams will prepare special recipes in any of the categories listed. Bring your chairs & beach towels for all events!!! All proceeds go to a local organization serving Lunenburg County. (434) 696-2546 www.lunenburgcharityfund.com

Memorial Day Jazz Festival 5/31/10, 1-7pm. Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA. Big band, swing, contemporary jazz music - a different band each hour! Amphitheater seating with picnics welcome, refreshments also for sale. Held at a Civil War-era fort that was built as part of Union’s Defenses of Washington, with headquarters now restored as a museum. (703) 883-4686 www.FunSide.com

NASA Open House 6/1-6/30/10 The VA Air & Space Center, 600 Settlers Landing Rd, Hampton, VA. NASA employees & dependants receive free admission with identification. (800) 296-0800 www.vasc.org

Culpeper Fest 6/3/10, 4-8:30pm. Germanna’s Daniel Center for Advanced Technology 18121 Technology Dr, Culpeper, VA. Come enjoy food, fun, music, a variety of booths from local businesses & organizations, & a good time! Bring your appetite for an all-you-can eat extravaganza of pork, lamb, catfish, chicken, hot dogs, Italian sausage & all the fixin’s. (Dinner served from 5 to 7:30 p.m.) Tickets must be purchased in advance. Admission Fee: $25; kids $5 (540) 825-8628 www.culpeperfest.com

Graves’ Mountain Festival of Music 6/3-6/5/10, 10am-10:30pm. Graves Mountain Lodge Route 670, Syria, VA. Performances by 20 Bluegrass Bands are sure to delight ticketholders. Enjoy Graves’ Mountain Lodge home-cooked food & scenery beyond belief. Three-Day tickets & single day tickets available- Free camping is available (with purchase of a 3-day ticket) on a first come first serve basis, no hookups & & some restrictions apply. Children & Pets Welcome. (540) 923-4231 www.gravesmountain.com

Herndon Festival 6/3/10, 6-10pm. 6/4/10, 5-11pm. 6/5/10, 10am-11pm. 6/6/10, 11am-6pm. Downtown Herndon, 777 Lynn St, Herndon, VA. Held in historic downtown Herndon, the festival features four days of live musical entertainment, carnival rides, arts & crafts vendors, food, 10K & 5k races & Fitness Expo, K-9 2K & Doggie Expo, Business Expo, Childrens Hands On Art Area, two fireworks displays & more! Admission is free. (703) 787-7300 www.herndonfestival.net

Night Skies in Shenandoah National Park 6/4/10, 8:30-11pm. 7/2/10, 9-11pm. 7/30/10, 9-11pm. 8/20/10, 9-11pm. 9/17/10, 9-11pm. Mile 51.2 on Skyline Dr, Luray, VA. National Parks are becoming a refuge for many people from city lights & light pollution. Join amateur astronomers at the Big Meadows area (mile 51.2) as they present a provocative overview of America’s vanishing night skies & tips on controlling light pollution. Time of program varies throughout season. Program cancelled in event of inclement weather. Call for dates or visit website. Free. (800) 999-4714 www.visitshenandoah.com

Patriotic Festival: A Celebration of Our Military 6/4-6/6/10. VA Beach Oceanfront 5th St & Atlantic Avenue, VA Beach, VA. This weekend the Hampton Rds region will remember the men & women of the U.S. military for their heroism & sacrifices. This event is a tribute to our armed forces personnel & their families. Seats are not assigned, seating is first come, first serve. (757) 491-SUNN www.patrioticfestival.com

16th Annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival 6/5/10, 10am-4pm. Train Depot in Old Town Manassas 9431 West St, Manassas, VA. Step into a military encampment on the museum lawn as Confederate & Union living historians demonstrate wartime medicine, musket & artillery fire & camp life at the 16th Annual Manassas Civil War Heritage Railway Festival. Enjoy crafts, & tour the historic caboose. $1 admission to Museum, free on lawn. (703) 361-6599 www.visitmanassas.org

American Indian Festival 6/5-6/6//10, 10am-6pm. Chesapeake City Park 900 Greenbrier Parkway, Chesapeake, VA. Celebration features American Indian storytelling, traditional dancing, & demonstrations. Native jewelry, crafts, festival & Native American food vendors. Don’t miss the spiritual “Grand Entry”. Event is FREE to the public. (757) 382-6411 www.CityofChesapeake.net

Chippokes Steam & Gas Engine Farm Festival 6/5/10 9am-8pm. Route 634 & Route 10 Surry, VA. Visit Chippokes Plantation State Park for a weekend of summer fun. Activities include a tractor pull, classic vehicles, saw-mill demonstrations, a petting zoo, an art show & games for the children. See remote-controlled model airplane shows on Saturday at 10 a.m. & 4:30 p.m. & on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. There will be live music all weekend $5 per day, & those 12 & under get in free. Admission Fee: $5 per day (804) 786-7950 www.dcr.VA.gov/state_parks/chf.shtml

King-Lincoln Music Festival 6/5/10, 12-5pm. King-Lincoln Park 600 Jefferson Avenue, Newport News, VA. Enjoy a variety of musical styles, including R & B & jazz, by regional musicians at this family festival featuring free kids’ activities & rides.Free admission, free parking. Admission Fee: Free (757) 926-1400 www.newport-news.org

SUBWAY Car & Bike Cruzin’ Show 6/5/10, 4-8pm; 7/3/10, 4-8pm; 8/7/10, 4-8pm; 9/4/10, 4-8pm. Subway, 324 TB Stanley Hwy, Stanleytown, VA. It’s Cruzin’ Time Again.... Be a part of the Subway Car & Bike Cruzin’ Show every first Saturday of the month April - September 2010. Come out to enjoy great fellowship & the company of friends. The event starts at 4:00 pm but you may want to arrive earlier to reserve that special spot. We hope to see at the Cruzin’ Show! Admission Fee: Free Admission (276) 629-2929

World Beer Festival 6/12/10, 12-10pm. Brown’s Island, Richmond, VA. Tickets: $40 in advance per session, $50 day-of per session; VIP tickets cost $75 in advance & $85 day-of; 12-4pm session one, 6pm-10pm session two. Presented by local non-profit organization FETCH a cure, the World Beer Festival is a unique tasting event that features more than 300 different beers from breweries across the country & throughout the world. Admission Fee: from $40-$50 (804) 549-5082 www.allaboutbeer.com/gather-for-beer/world-beer-festival/richmond-va/

VA Herb Festival 6/11-6/12/10, 9am-6pm. Sunflower Cottage, 150 Ridgemont Rd, Middletown, VA. The annual VA Herb Festival will become your new favorite summertime event. Herbal crafters & product vendors, thousands of herb plants, pick your own lavender, gardens, local artists, wine tasting, tea tasting, food, music, educational workshops & the chance to learn about the Shenandoah Herb Society. High Tea will be prepared from the garden & served all day.Admission Fee: $4. (540) 869-8482 www.sunflowercottage.net

90th Annual Tri-State SingingConvention 6/12-6/13/10 Bullitt Park, 103 Shawnee Ave Big Stone Gap, VA. The 90th Annual Tri-State Gospel Singing Convention will be held at Bullitt Park in Big Stone Gap VA - 103 Shawnee Avenue Big Stone Gap VA. 6/12, 6-9pm; 6/13, 10am-6pm. Free admission. (276) 523-5064 www.tristatesingingconvention.com.

Boardwalk Art Show & Festival- 55th Annual 6/17-6/20/10 VA Beach City at Various Locations. 12 blocks along the VA Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk. The Boardwalk Art Show & Festival is one of the oldest & best outdoor fine art shows on the Eastern Seaboard. Produced by the Contemporary Art Center of VA, it is ranked as one of the top 15 fine art shows in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine. This four-day festival features fine art, great shopping, & live entertainment for the entire family. Children Welcome Contemporary Art Center of VA: (757) 425-0000 VA Beach Visitor Info: (800) 822-3224 www.cacv.org/events/boardwalk.asp

THINGS TO DO

Busch Gardens Busch Gardens Blvd., Williamsburg, VA. Journey to the unexpected. Each year, Busch Gardens pushes the entertainment envelope with new & exciting thrills, award-winning shows, environmental presentations & delicious culinary delights. This year is no exception as Busch Gardens offers guests a great line-up of exciting events & brand new shows for 2010. (800) 343-7946 www.buschgardens.com/va

Luray Caverns - Discover Eastern America’s largest & most popular caverns. A U.S. Natural Landmark. From well-lighted, paved walkways explore cathedral sized rooms with ceilings 10 stories high filled with towering stone columns & crystal-clear pools. 970 US Highway 211 West Luray, VA. (540)743-6551 www.luraycaverns.com

Dinosaur Land - Step into the world of the prehistoric past, where visitors can turn back the pages of time to the Mesozoic era, where dinosaurs were the only creatures that roamed the earth. 3848 Stonewall Jackson Highway White Post, VA. (540) 869-2222 www.dinosaurland.com

 

 

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