Here’s something for the adventurous.  Navitat Canopy Adventures opens in nearby Barnardsville this Saturday, May 15, 2010.  They’ve got some great opening specials too if you’re interested. More info from their press release:

NAVITAT CANOPY ADVENTURES opens May 15, bringing a world-class canopy zip line tour to the mountains of western North Carolina.

NAVITAT showcases the breathtaking natural beauty of a serene mountain cove, located just 20 minutes north of downtown Asheville, N.C. The canopy tour course is entirely tree-based and features 10 zip lines ranging from 120 to 1,100 feet in length — including one that sends guests soaring 200 feet above the forest floor.

Guests begin their NAVITAT experience at the Welcome Center where they meet their guides, go through a 20-minute orientation session and gear up. Then, they ride in rough terrain vehicles up the mountain to the start of the custom-designed course, learning along the way about the natural and cultural history of the area. At the top, guests are trained in proper zip line techniques before starting the course.

Two highly skilled Canopy Guides lead each group of eight guests through a series of artfully-constructed zip lines, sky bridges, trails, rappels and platforms high in the treetops. Guides handle all equipment, and guests are attached to a redundant safety system at all times while off the ground.

The course is situated in Moody Cove, a 240-acre tract of forestland just north of Barnardsville. The site is home to forests of hardwoods — some more than 100 years old — native and rare plant species, streams and mountain wildlife. NAVITAT is leasing the property from the McDarris family, who has owned the land since the mid-1800s.

NAVITAT tours begin May 15 and run daily, from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., through Nov. 28. Reservations are required. Regular tour price is $85 per person for adults, and $75 per person for children ages 10-17. Weight restrictions apply. Tours last approximately 3 ½ hours. Visit www.navitat.com to book your tour and learn more about grand opening discount specials.

Special discounts available
NAVITAT is offering special tour discounts to celebrate its grand opening May 15:

GRAND OPENING SPECIAL: Anyone who books a tour that takes place between May 15 and May 28 receives a 20-percent discount on the regular tour price.

LOCAL TUESDAYS SPECIAL: Throughout the season, residents of western North Carolina who book Tuesday tours receive a 20-percent discount on the regular tour price.

N.C. ARBORETUM MEMBER SPECIAL: Members of the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville, N.C., can show their Arboretum IDs and receive a 10-percent discount on the regular tour price throughout the season.

GROUP DISCOUNT SPECIAL: Throughout the season, groups of eight or more receive a 10-percent discount on the regular tour price.

I hear we have at least one Weaverville resident who is a member of the Land of the Sky Symphonic Band. They will be performing Sunday night at Diana Wortham Theatre (2 South Pack Square, Asheville).  Here’s the details about that show:

The LAND OF THE SKY SYMPHONIC BAND will present a concert at the Diana Wortham Theatre on Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 7 p.m.  Tickets are $10.  The band is under the direction of Jamie Hafner, Director Emeritus of Education at the Brevard Music Center and Director Emeritus of Bands at the University of Toledo. Mr. Hafner also currently serves as conductor of the Brevard Community Band.  Soloists will include Leonard Lopatin, respected flutist and flute-maker, and currently second flute with the Asheville Symphony and principal flute with the Land of the Sky Symphonic Band; Dr. Will Peebles, Professor, Director of the School of Music, Western Carolina University (Bassoon); and Dr. Michael Schallock, Associate Professor, School of Music, Western Carolina University, (Tuba).  Proceeds will benefit the band.  For additional information, call 645-2367 or e-mail libby.wilfong@gmail.com.

The Land of the Sky Symphonic Band, formed in 1990 by two Enka High School Alumni, Rene Simson and Bob Lee, presents traditional concert band music.  The love of music led them to create an opportunity for adults to continue to play and perform.  Members live in Buncombe and surrounding counties, and include professional and amateur musicians of all ages and walks of life.

Bele Chere is this weekend in Asheville, beginning at Noon on Friday and lasting until 6 p.m. on Sunday. For some that means staying as far away from downtown Asheville as possible, but if you’re going, the best sources for festival information are the Bele Chere website and the Mountain Xpress Bele Chere Festival Guide.  Here’s a few handy links from both:

Maps, Vendors & Schedules

• Festival Map (pdf)
• Entertainment Schedule (pdf)
• Arts Park Demonstrations & Vendors
• Food Vendors
• Children’s Area Performers Schedule

If you’ve hiked any or all of the Appalachian Trail this poster of AT symbols, available locally at Curtis Wright Outfitters (24 North Main Street ), might be of interest. It’s by photographer Sarah Jones, who took the photos when she hiked the trail northbound in 2008.  A little more from Sarah about the origin of the poster, art exhibition, and her upcoming book:

A native of Winchester, VA, the trail was always close by and I used to take day hikes on it in high school. I lived in Jupiter and Asheville, NC for three years after college. I also worked in Hot Springs where the AT is the downtown street. My friend and I vowed to hike the trail together after we completed graduate school. We hiked the trail northbound from Georgia to Maine in 2008. I took pictures every single day of our six month journey and when my camera died, I used hers. I had an art exhibition, Footpath: A Photographic Journey on the AT this May in Damascus, VA and will be showing the work again in Maine in September. The book will be published in Spring 2010. The poster was something that just happened organically along with shooting for the book. It contains every AT symbol I saw on my travels and the poster is arranged in chronological order. Footpath can be viewed at thesarahjones.com.

This year’s Joyful Noise Community Music and Arts Center Spring Showcase and Recital will be held Sunday, May 3 in Moore Auditorium at Mars Hill College (100 Athletic Street ) beginning at 2:45 p.m.  It’s free, but a free will offering will be accepted to benefit the student scholarship program for the Weaverville-based community arts center.  More information about the showcase:

Announcing the Joyful Noise Spring Showcase and Recital, featuring performances by student soloists and ensembles, dance classes, faculty, and our new percussion ensemble!  This event will take place on Sunday May 3, 2009 at Moore Auditorium on the campus of Mars Hill College, Mars Hill NC.  The recital will begin at 2:45 p.m. with the showcase following at 4 p.m.  Both events are free and open to the public, with a free will offering to benefit the student scholarship program.

Joyful Noise is a non-profit community arts center that serves Buncombe and Madison Counties. Their mission is to provide quality arts experiences that inspire creativity, cultivate connections to regional cultural heritage, and enrich the lives of all members of the community.  Joyful Noise offers group classes in traditional dance, Appalachian music, early childhood music, mountain dulcimer and hand quilting.  Joyful Noise also offers private lessons on piano, voice, violin, fiddle, viola, cello, mandolin, guitar, banjo, bass, dobro, pedal steel, flute, woodwinds, and percussion. For more information about private lessons, please contact the director of Joyful Noise, Dr. Gina Caldwell, 649-2828, gina_m_caldwell@yahoo.com

Tickets are still available to see Maya Angelou at Mars Hill College (100 Athletic Street ) tonight, Thursday, April 16.  It’s open seating, tickets are $35, and you can purchase them at the Mars Hill College bookstore before 5 p.m. (note: they cannot accept phone orders) or at the door after that. The performance takes place at Moore Auditorium beginning at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.  More information is available here:  http://thewell.mhc.edu/News/tickets-on-sale-for-maya-angelou-event

Printable campus map for Mars Hill College if you need further directions.  Moore Auditorium is building #22.

Local Tailgate Markets around the area have begun or are getting ready to open for the season.  A full list of the more than 40 tailgate markets in the Western North Carolina area is available online at the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project website.  Here’s the info on some of the nearby markets (Know of any others? Leave a comment or send me an email to get them added to this list):

Weaverville Tailgate Market
Midweek tailgate market featuring a variety of local vendors, selling only items they grew or made themselves. Offering fruits and vegetables, a full line of baked goods, preserves, eggs, meat, goat cheese, mushrooms, native plants, flowers, and transplants. Also shop for fiber arts, jewelry, wood products, and music from local artisans. Great child-friendly atmosphere at beautiful Lake Louise.
Where: At Lake Louise, on Weaverville Hwy., just south of the town of Weaverville.
When: Wed., 2:30pm-6:30 pm
Contact: Melissa Harwin, 828-450-0708
Open: April 29-October

Big Ivy Tailgate Market
Eggs, meat, honey, fresh-roasted coffee beans, veggies, crafts, special events, and more. Vendors welcome.
Where: Parking lot of old fire station, on Hwy 197 across from the post office, Barnardsville.
When: Sat., 9:00am-noon
Contact: Kate Mathews, kmathews@barnardsville.com
Open: May 2-October 24

North Asheville Tailgate Market
The area’s oldest market, we have over 30 members who offer a wide variety of products, from gourmet organic vegetables to old-timey favorites like half runner beans and fried pies. We offer fresh cut flowers, berries, baked goods, breads, bedding and native plants, honey, mushrooms, farm fresh eggs, natural meats, and cheese.
Where: From Merrimon Ave. in Asheville, take UNCA Main Entrance on WT Weaver Blvd., first right after rotary.
When: Sat., 8:00am-noon
Contact: Paul Littman, 828-712-4644
Open: April 18-December 20

Madison County Farmers & Artisans Market
Fresh local vegetables, fruit, herbs, plants, eggs, goat cheese, honey, brick oven breads, English muffins, cookies, cakes, jams, pickles, salsa, eggs, dressings, and vinegars. Local arts and crafts including wind chimes, jewelry, dried flowers, fiber art, salves, and soaps. Live music every week. Accept EBT, credit, and debit cards.
Where: Mars Hill. Take exit 11 off 26W. Go west on 213 to Mars Hill College. Dormitory Drive is a road on the left.
When: Sat., 9:00am-1:00pm
Contact: Melissa Harwin, 828-680-9890, melisue2u@yahoo.com
Open: April 4-November 14

Marshall: Sundays on the Island
Come visit our local producer-only farmers market located on Marshall’s beautiful shaded island in the middle of the French Broad River. A wide variety of produce is available, as well as eggs, goat cheese, natural meat, honey, mushrooms, bread and pastries, potted plants, flowers, beverages, live music, and arts and crafts. Enjoy walking paths, basketball court, and live music.
Where: Cross the river at the Courthouse on Main Street in downtown Marshall and immediately turn right onto the island.
When: Sun., noon-4:00pm
Contact: 828-649-9259
Open: April 19-November

Hat tip: Hendersonville Epicurean

The North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources has brought the “Telling Our Stories” Photography Exhibit to the Madison County Public Library (1335 North Main Street, Marshall ) through Thursday, March 12.  The exhibit will be displayed at 33 libraries throughout the state this year, and this is the closest it will be to Weaverville.  It is not scheduled to come to any of the Buncombe County libraries.  The Madison County library is open Monday-Saturday (check here for library hours — they’re different every day).  Here’s more info about the exhibit:

A fresh look at North Carolina has arrived at the Madison County Public Library in Marshall. The “Telling Our Stories” Photography Exhibit includes 50 images from the state’s mountains to the coast that show different events and time periods.  Organized by the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, the exhibition incorporates some of the state’s best professional photographers, the top winners of Our State magazine’s 2008 photography contest, and for the first time photographs from the State Archives are on tour.  The exhibit will end in Marshall March 12, then travels to Macon County.

Area photographers also are showcased.  Our State magazine’s grand prize winner is Bonnie Short of Hendersonville, with the arresting “Blue heron in my backyard” photo.  Chris Talbot of Saluda has “At Lake Summit in Hendersonville” on display.  Among professionals, Rob Amberg of Marshall has “Blast Supervisor’s inspecting site,” in the exhibit, and Alice Sebrell of Asheville’s photo “Where do you hide your innocence” is on display.

The tour was arranged through the State Library of North Carolina, and will visit 33 libraries across the state through December 2009, on an eastern and a western route.  Each route includes 11 images from the top winners of the 2008 Our State magazine Readers Choice Photography contest, 21 images from professional photographers, and 18 pictures from the State Archives.  Other images are of a young Andy Griffith in The Lost Colony, a desert crossing, and a pleasant pig.

Weaverville resident and Dry Ridge Stone owner Doug Dearth will be teaching a one-day course, “Dry Stack Stone: Principles and Practice”, at the North Carolina Arboretum in March.  The one-day course will be offered three times during the month, on March 19, March 21, and March 24.  Arboretum members can register online or by calling the Registrar at 665-2492 #317 (9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday) or at 665-2492 #235 (9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays). Non-members need to call to register.  Here’s more information about the course:

Dry Stack Stone: Principles and Practice
Doug Dearth of Dry Ridge Stone in Weaverville, NC, leads this seven-hour course, which includes classroom discussion of basic principles for working with stone, followed by detailed practical application in building a dry stack stone wall on Arboretum property.

Dearth is currently Chair of the Weaverville Planning and Zoning Board, a NWF-certified Wildlife Habitat Steward and a Muddy Water Watch volunteer for RiverLink.

The workshop runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Participants should bring gloves, sturdy shoes, lunch and water.

$105 Member/ $129 Public.  Prepayment is required.

Weaverville’s Malcolm Holcombe is playing a show at The Grey Eagle (185 Clingman Avenue, Asheville ) on Friday, December 5.  Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m.  Stephen Simmons is the opening act.  Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 the day of the show.  Looking at his current tour dates, this will be his last show in Asheville for many months.  Want a preview?  Check out this clip from his February performance at The Grey Eagle.

Weaverville author Joanne Mauldin will be among the 50 authors participating in the the 3rd annual Carolina Mountains Literary Festival, which takes place September 12-13 in Burnsville. Her presentation, entitled Everything You Always wanted to Know about Thomas Wolfe and Were Afraid to Ask, is scheduled for 9-9:45 a.m. on Saturday, September 13 at the Library Annex .

Here’s more information about the festival:

The 3rd annual Carolina Mountains Literary Festival is gearing up for its September 12 & 13 dates with more than fifty authors.

Everyone from children to adults of varying tastes will find something to enjoy at this year’s festival. (Even teens have a special group of sessions designed especially for them.) Historians, mystery writers, historic novelists, graphic novelists, naturalists, book makers, poets and playwrights offer a wide variety of free sessions all revolving around the theme of “Beloved Community.”

In its 3rd year, the festival is located in various venues throughout the town of Burnsville, North Carolina. It is planned each year by local volunteers and supported by many local business, organizations and individuals. The North Carolina Humanities Council also has been instrumental in 2008. The emphasis of the festival is to create intimate settings for dialog between authors and readers about literature.

More information, including a list of participating authors and event schedule is available at www.cmlitfest.org

Note:  Burnsville is approximately 25 miles from Weaverville.  Here’s directions if you need them.

The 2008 NC Mountain State Fair is back in WNC beginning Friday, September 5 and running through Sunday, September 14 at the WNC Agricultural Center (1301 Fanning Bridge Rd., Fletcher).  If you’re planning to go, you can save by purchasing tickets by Thursday, September 4 at the Weaverville Ingles (140 Weaver Blvd.) or any other Ingles location.

Visit the Mountain State Fair website for more information, including hours, directions, special admission days, and entertainment schedule.

Weaverville’s Joyful Noise Community Music and Arts Center will present a Spring Showcase at the Madison County Arts Council in Marshall on Sunday, June 1.

The showcase begins at 3 p.m. and will feature Students and Faculty collaborating to perform music and dance numbers. Well known local musicians will join to perform Clogging and Old Time Music, Irish Step Dance and Music and much more. Admission is free. Come and bring the whole family.

Joyful Noise is a non profit community arts center that serves Buncombe and Madison Counties. Their mission is to provide quality arts experiences that inspire creativity, cultivate connections to our regional cultural heritage, and enrich the lives of all members of the community. Currently, the organization is offering a variety of instruction on many instruments including violin, fiddle, viola, piano, voice, guitar, flute, double bass, banjo, Kindermusik, Irish Step Dance, and Clogging. Lessons and classes take place in Weaverville and Marshall. Merit and financial scholarships are available for interested students.

Weaverville resident and The Green Robin owner Robin Payne will be teaching a series of Green Living Classes this summer at the Greenlife Community Center (70 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville). Classes are 6-8 p.m. and they cost $30/class or $100/all four classes. You can register online at www.thegreenrobin.com or by calling 713-9281.

Class One – Green Your Home (June 3)
This class covers topics such as identifying the best indoor air cleaning plants, choosing the most non-toxic furniture and home fixtures, and a review of green bedding and clothing. Additional topics include green building basics, all natural yard maintenance, greening your laundry process, and keeping an environmentally friendly home office.

Class Two – Green Your Body (June 24)
This class covers topics such as finding out which organic produce you should choose and which items you may not have to spend the extra money on. Learn why you should select toxin-free personal care products, how to make your own cleaning products, and what food additives to avoid. Learn why the things we put on our body can be just as harmful as the things we put in our body.

Class Three – Conscious Consumerism (July 1)
Do you know where the things you buy come from, who created them, and what resources were used to make them? Through a simple series of questions, find out where most of our shopping dollars are going and how we can make more informed choices to create real change. Topics discussed will include fair trade, buying local, and the simple living philosophy.

Class Four – Green Your Life (July 22)
This class covers topics such as how to reduce your energy and water consumption (what are your carbon and water footprints), what is and is not recyclable, how to compost, how to “green” your whole life, and how to identify greenwashing. Many additional green topics are covered – green burials, green entertainment, green pet care, and more!

There will be a Benefit Concert for MPAC (Multi Purpose Athletic Complex) 8 p.m.-Midnight on Friday, May 23 at The Orange Peel. The concert features 6 bands, food, drinks and a silent auction. Tickets are $25 and are available to purchase online at www.theorangepeel.net. More information about MPAC is available at www.ncmaysa.com.

The Weaverville-based Brio Concert Series usually has its concerts at the First Presbyterian Church in Weaverville, but their upcoming presentation will be held in Marshall.  Here’s the details if you’re interested:

The Brio Concert Series presents The Opal String Quartet in concert on Sunday, April 20 at 4 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Marshall (located at 53 South Main Street). Works will include String Quintet No. 2 in G Major by Johannes Brahms and Piano Quintet in Eb Major by Robert Schumann. The public is invited to attend and stay for a “meet and greet the artist” in the church fellowship hall immediately after the concert. There is a suggested donation of $5. For more information call the First Baptist Church of Marshall at 649-3151 or Cynthia Roop at 319-7077.

Slow Food Asheville presents this Italian cooking class featuring Weaverville’s Wally Wyatt.  It’s not in Weaverville, but it’s close:

When: Sunday April 13, 4:00 p.m.
Where: Log Cabin Cooking & Music, 111 Bell Road, Asheville
Cost:  $20, Space limited to 40 participants
 
From the mother country of Slow Food comes this memorable pasta steeped in ancient Northern Italian tradition.  Learn to make this unusual and fragrant ravioli with Wally Maria Mazzucco Wyatt, a native of Pordenone in the Italian region of Friuli.  Bring those dusty forsaken pasta machines you have but never use to the Woodfin Community Center and we’ll make ravioli stuffed with potato, silene (a Friulian herb from Wally’s garden), nutmeg, and cinnamon topped with a spiced butter sauce, smoked ricotta and a dusting of bitter chocolate.  Pasta machine not necessary, we’ll be working in groups.
 
Bring a mixing bowl, wooden bread board, and pasta machine (if you have one), as well as a salad, bread, or dessert to share to accompany our ravioli feast and wine if you like. We’ll  provide tea and coffee. The cost is $20, and space is limited to 40 participants.
Mail your check, payable to Slow Food Asheville to:

Barbara Swell
109 Bell Rd.
Asheville, NC 28805

For more information, email Barbara at swellcookin@hotmail.com, or after April 1, call 298-2270 or 335-7219. 
 
Wally teaches traditional Italian cooking and language classes at her home in Weaverville. For more information about her, go to http://www.discoveritalian.com.

The Old Buncombe County Genealogical Society is offering 15-month memberships for the price of 12 months if you join during the month of October. Memberships cost $30 for an individual and $35 for a family.

The Society houses a large library including family history files, family books, high speed internet for checking census records and lots of research books, including birth, marriage and death records for many of the surrounding counties.  They also have over 100 First Family Ancestors proven to be among the pioneer settlers of Buncombe County by 1800 or before.

Even though your ancestors may have been in Madison, Yancey, Henderson, or even as far away as Cherokee Counties, those were all once part of Buncombe County. The group also often helps folks with no local ancestors.

They are located at Innsbruck Mall on Tunnel Road in Asheville. For more information, call 253-1894 or visit their website at www.obcgs.com.