Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
Flat Creek 5.2 miles | Easy High Elevation Creek, Mountain Views
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Discover America’s most-visited national park with a guided day hike! The Classic Hikes of the Smokies feature interpretation of the history, flora, and fauna of park trails. Hikes vary in distance, difficulty, and location within the park to provide a comprehensive overview of the Smokies, exposing hikers to high Appalachian vistas, streams teeming with aquatic life, the best collection of log structures on the Eastern Seaboard, and much more.
After completing registration…
You will receive an email the Friday before the hike with directions, and more information. All hikes begin at 9 a.m
Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation? And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).
Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.
In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch!
Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.
Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!


Music on Main features a diverse line-up ranging from pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music – there’s something for every musical taste! The family-friendly event offers concessions such as hot dogs, ice cream, pretzels and lemonade for sale.
Classic car shows are held in conjunction with Music on Main. The car shows are located in front of the Wells Fargo between Barnwell and Caswell Streets, which will be closed to traffic. For more information about the classic car shows, contact the Carolina Mountain Car Club.
Bring a chair and enjoy an evening of live music from 7 pm-9 pm. The audience seating area opens after 5:30 pm, early admission is prohibited. Admission is free. Alcoholic beverages, backpacks, or coolers are prohibited.
In case of inclement weather, the concert will be postponed until 8pm. If the weather does not improve by 8 pm the performance will be canceled.
Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation? And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).
Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.
In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch!
Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.
Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!
Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation? And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).
Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.
In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch!
Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.
Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!
We have been an active club since 1924. We currently have 65 active members of all collecting interests and meet once per month to share programs, auctions, ideas, buy, sell & trade stamps, and just plain camaraderie. Many of our members have extensive collecting, exhibiting, or speaking experience, and discussions are always interesting and rewarding. New and developing collectors will find an audience ready and willing to help with expanding one’s knowledge and enjoyment of the hobby.
Western North Carolina is in an interesting geographical location: we get visitors from the north during the winter, from the south during the summer, and many people who decide they’ve had enough of either of those climates to move here permanently! We urge visitors of any age with philatelic interests to join us, even if only for a short time. We may even convince you to enjoy our region full-time!
Membership
We welcome collectors of all ages and interests.
Dues are $10.00 a year and includes our bimonthly newsletter “The Smoky Mountain Philatelist”, complete membership list that includes “what we collect” and notices about our meetings with urging to attend and share your interest with us.
Download the Membership Application in .pdf format.
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Would you like to have a voice in the future of Buncombe County Public Libraries? The Library Advisory Board and Buncombe County Communications & Public Engagement invite the community to take part in an upcoming online feedback session on zoom. This series of feedback sessions is designed specifically to gather input on the proposed Library Facilities Master Plan, and will focus solely on facility structures and locations. This is your opportunity to share your vision for the future library facilities model. This meeting will provide Spanish and ASL interpretation. Topic: Library Virtual Listening Session |
Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation? And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).
Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.
In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch!
Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.
Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!


Music on Main features a diverse line-up ranging from pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music – there’s something for every musical taste! The family-friendly event offers concessions such as hot dogs, ice cream, pretzels and lemonade for sale.
Classic car shows are held in conjunction with Music on Main. The car shows are located in front of the Wells Fargo between Barnwell and Caswell Streets, which will be closed to traffic. For more information about the classic car shows, contact the Carolina Mountain Car Club.
Bring a chair and enjoy an evening of live music from 7 pm-9 pm. The audience seating area opens after 5:30 pm, early admission is prohibited. Admission is free. Alcoholic beverages, backpacks, or coolers are prohibited.
In case of inclement weather, the concert will be postponed until 8pm. If the weather does not improve by 8 pm the performance will be canceled.
Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation? And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).
Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.
In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch!
Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.
Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!
Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation? And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).
Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.
In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch!
Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.
Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!
Would you like to have a voice in the future of Buncombe County Public Libraries? The Library Advisory Board and Buncombe County Communications & Public Engagement invite the community to take part in an upcoming feedback session. This series of feedback sessions is designed specifically to gather input on the proposed Library Facilities Master Plan, and will focus solely on facility structures and locations. This is your opportunity to share your vision for the future library facilities model.
Fern Way Farm School summer camps are open to and inclusive of EVERYONE! All the camps are set at a sliding-scale price system, and families may pick the respective price option that works for their budget and family. Fern Way believes everyone should have access to beautiful places to tend, play and explore.
Descriptions of the camps are below! More info can be found here:
• The Fern Way Farm School Family Camp June 13-17 offers outdoor fun for all ages. Hike our 6+ miles of trails and cool streams, do some gardening, play with our chickens, cook together with fresh produce and stay in our cozy cabins together.
• Marvel & Mystery summer camps this July are for kids in grades K-5. They will spend their days outside exploring trails, learning about forest plants and creatures, gardening and spending time with chickens.
• At Fern Way Farm School’s Curiosity & Connection Overnight Camp for middle schoolers from July 27-30, campers will get to choose from fun and educational sessions involving wildcraft skills, nature art, outdoor cooking + more!
• High schoolers may attend an overnight camp June 28-July 2, where they will spend time outdoors gardening, hiking and exploring, learning about interconnection in our beautiful, yet often uncertain and confusing, world.
• Girls will have SO MUCH FUN at a special Girls on the Run summer camp! Designed specifically for girls in grades 3-5, campers will be empowered to learn about positive self-esteem and community engagement through gardening, hiking and other outdoor activities. This camp integrates the powerful Girls on the Run curriculum and is supported by Girls on the Run of WNC
Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation? And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).
Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.
In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch!
Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.
Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!
Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation? And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).
Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.
In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch!
Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.
Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!
Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation? And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).
Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.
In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch!
Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.
Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

The Omni Grove Park Inn, home of the iconic National Gingerbread House Competition, announced a reimagined Competition for 2021. After a virtual 2020, the Resort is planning to welcome back participants in-person this year, along with an esteemed panel of judges, including renowned Food Network Chef, Carla Hall.
Gingerbread enthusiasts are now encouraged to enter the Competition (find entry details HERE) and begin dreaming up dazzling designs for their confectionary creations. The 2021 Competition will take place at The Omni Grove Park Inn on November 22, 2021.
November 8, 2021: Competitor Entry Form Deadline.
November 15, 2021: Digital Content and Description Summary Form Deadline.
November 22, 2021: Awards Ceremony and Winners Announcement.
December 1-12, 2021: 12 Days of Gingerbread series on The Omni Grove Park Inn social channels highlighting top finalists. Assets will be available.
November 2021 – January 2, 2022: In-person Gingerbread Display will be open for public viewing at The Omni Grove Park Inn.

The Omni Grove Park Inn, home of the iconic National Gingerbread House Competition, announced a reimagined Competition for 2021. After a virtual 2020, the Resort is planning to welcome back participants in-person this year, along with an esteemed panel of judges, including renowned Food Network Chef, Carla Hall.
Gingerbread enthusiasts are now encouraged to enter the Competition (find entry details HERE) and begin dreaming up dazzling designs for their confectionary creations. The 2021 Competition will take place at The Omni Grove Park Inn on November 22, 2021.
November 8, 2021: Competitor Entry Form Deadline.
November 15, 2021: Digital Content and Description Summary Form Deadline.
November 22, 2021: Awards Ceremony and Winners Announcement.
December 1-12, 2021: 12 Days of Gingerbread series on The Omni Grove Park Inn social channels highlighting top finalists. Assets will be available.
November 2021 – January 2, 2022: In-person Gingerbread Display will be open for public viewing at The Omni Grove Park Inn.
Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation? And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).
Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.
In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch!
Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.
Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

The Omni Grove Park Inn, home of the iconic National Gingerbread House Competition, announced a reimagined Competition for 2021. After a virtual 2020, the Resort is planning to welcome back participants in-person this year, along with an esteemed panel of judges, including renowned Food Network Chef, Carla Hall.
Gingerbread enthusiasts are now encouraged to enter the Competition (find entry details HERE) and begin dreaming up dazzling designs for their confectionary creations. The 2021 Competition will take place at The Omni Grove Park Inn on November 22, 2021.
November 8, 2021: Competitor Entry Form Deadline.
November 15, 2021: Digital Content and Description Summary Form Deadline.
November 22, 2021: Awards Ceremony and Winners Announcement.
December 1-12, 2021: 12 Days of Gingerbread series on The Omni Grove Park Inn social channels highlighting top finalists. Assets will be available.
November 2021 – January 2, 2022: In-person Gingerbread Display will be open for public viewing at The Omni Grove Park Inn.
Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation? And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).
Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.
In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch!
Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.
Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

The Omni Grove Park Inn, home of the iconic National Gingerbread House Competition, announced a reimagined Competition for 2021. After a virtual 2020, the Resort is planning to welcome back participants in-person this year, along with an esteemed panel of judges, including renowned Food Network Chef, Carla Hall.
Gingerbread enthusiasts are now encouraged to enter the Competition (find entry details HERE) and begin dreaming up dazzling designs for their confectionary creations. The 2021 Competition will take place at The Omni Grove Park Inn on November 22, 2021.
November 8, 2021: Competitor Entry Form Deadline.
November 15, 2021: Digital Content and Description Summary Form Deadline.
November 22, 2021: Awards Ceremony and Winners Announcement.
December 1-12, 2021: 12 Days of Gingerbread series on The Omni Grove Park Inn social channels highlighting top finalists. Assets will be available.
November 2021 – January 2, 2022: In-person Gingerbread Display will be open for public viewing at The Omni Grove Park Inn.
Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation? And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).
Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.
In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch!
Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.
Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!
The South has long been known as a region rich in storytelling culture. With its storied history and constantly evolving present, the South continuously produces award-winning writers. We are pleased to present four Southern stars for our first-ever Southern Writers Series at Half-Mile Farm. Contemporary authors Wiley Cash, Cassandra King and Ron Rash, along with Cele and Lynn Seldon, will be in residence at Half-Mile Farm for a few fun days in August.
Sunday and Monday evenings from 5-6 pm Social Hour hosted by the writers, with books available for sale and signing. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, drinks for purchase from J. Henry Farmhouse Tavern and live music until 8 pm.
Monday and Tuesday mornings, enjoy sweet and savory breakfast menus, from 8-10:30 am.
Monday Writers Roundtable in the Woodland View Room will feature all authors from 3-4:30 pm.
Complimentary for Half-Mile Farm guests only.
Book Your Stay at https://www.oldedwardshospitality.com/calendar-of-events/southernwriters
Lost Cove Loop
11.8 miles | Difficult
Fontana Lake, Appalachian Trail
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Discover America’s most-visited national park with a guided day hike! The Classic Hikes of the Smokies feature interpretation of the history, flora, and fauna of park trails. Hikes vary in distance, difficulty, and location within the park to provide a comprehensive overview of the Smokies, exposing hikers to high Appalachian vistas, streams teeming with aquatic life, the best collection of log structures on the Eastern Seaboard, and much more.
After completing registration…
You will receive an email the Friday before the hike with directions, and more information. All hikes begin at 9 a.m

The Omni Grove Park Inn, home of the iconic National Gingerbread House Competition, announced a reimagined Competition for 2021. After a virtual 2020, the Resort is planning to welcome back participants in-person this year, along with an esteemed panel of judges, including renowned Food Network Chef, Carla Hall.
Gingerbread enthusiasts are now encouraged to enter the Competition (find entry details HERE) and begin dreaming up dazzling designs for their confectionary creations. The 2021 Competition will take place at The Omni Grove Park Inn on November 22, 2021.
November 8, 2021: Competitor Entry Form Deadline.
November 15, 2021: Digital Content and Description Summary Form Deadline.
November 22, 2021: Awards Ceremony and Winners Announcement.
December 1-12, 2021: 12 Days of Gingerbread series on The Omni Grove Park Inn social channels highlighting top finalists. Assets will be available.
November 2021 – January 2, 2022: In-person Gingerbread Display will be open for public viewing at The Omni Grove Park Inn.
Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation? And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).
Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.
In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch!
Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.
Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

The Omni Grove Park Inn, home of the iconic National Gingerbread House Competition, announced a reimagined Competition for 2021. After a virtual 2020, the Resort is planning to welcome back participants in-person this year, along with an esteemed panel of judges, including renowned Food Network Chef, Carla Hall.
Gingerbread enthusiasts are now encouraged to enter the Competition (find entry details HERE) and begin dreaming up dazzling designs for their confectionary creations. The 2021 Competition will take place at The Omni Grove Park Inn on November 22, 2021.
November 8, 2021: Competitor Entry Form Deadline.
November 15, 2021: Digital Content and Description Summary Form Deadline.
November 22, 2021: Awards Ceremony and Winners Announcement.
December 1-12, 2021: 12 Days of Gingerbread series on The Omni Grove Park Inn social channels highlighting top finalists. Assets will be available.
November 2021 – January 2, 2022: In-person Gingerbread Display will be open for public viewing at The Omni Grove Park Inn.
Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation? And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).
Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.
In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch!
Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.
Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

The Omni Grove Park Inn, home of the iconic National Gingerbread House Competition, announced a reimagined Competition for 2021. After a virtual 2020, the Resort is planning to welcome back participants in-person this year, along with an esteemed panel of judges, including renowned Food Network Chef, Carla Hall.
Gingerbread enthusiasts are now encouraged to enter the Competition (find entry details HERE) and begin dreaming up dazzling designs for their confectionary creations. The 2021 Competition will take place at The Omni Grove Park Inn on November 22, 2021.
November 8, 2021: Competitor Entry Form Deadline.
November 15, 2021: Digital Content and Description Summary Form Deadline.
November 22, 2021: Awards Ceremony and Winners Announcement.
December 1-12, 2021: 12 Days of Gingerbread series on The Omni Grove Park Inn social channels highlighting top finalists. Assets will be available.
November 2021 – January 2, 2022: In-person Gingerbread Display will be open for public viewing at The Omni Grove Park Inn.


