Designed with an artistic aesthetic, Winter Lights features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes nestled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. As part of the show’s redesign, visitors will enjoy several new nature-themed displays, including winter wildlife, colorful butterflies, a special insect lantern exhibit and a giant daisy “garden.” Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family at Winter Lights.
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.
Saturday, July
4, 2020
Asheville Independence Day 5k
Freedom Days at the Farm
Red, White, and Blue Celebration!
Virtual 4th of July Concert
virtual Fourth of July Celebration
4th of July Fireworks
The Independence Day Fireworks Display
Lake Julian 4th of July CANCELLED
Mountain Fresh Orchards will be celebrating Freedom Days at the Farm July 3, 4 & 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Fresh picked peaches, blueberries, blackberries, half runner beans, okra and other fruits and vegetables will be available for purchase in the farm market.
Mountain Fresh Orchards has the largest farm bakery in Henderson County serving over 18 fresh baked items. They offer warm apple cider donuts, fresh baked apple bread, apple pies and other tasty treats. The farm market has a wide range of canned goods such as sourwood honey, wildflower honey, honey crisp apple sauce, apple butter, peach butter, jams, jellies, preserves, BBQ sauces, hot sauces, pickles, salsas, canned peaches and sorghum. Handmade crafts such as face mask, potholders, hand towels, wreaths and decorated glass blocks are also available. The kids will love the Kids Korner with fun books, train whistles, t-shirts, engineer hats and stuffed animals to choose from.
The Apple Express trackless train will take folks of all ages on a ride through the orchard.
If you are unable to visit Mountain Fresh Orchards in person an online store is available on their website so you can shop at your convenience. Curbside pickup is available for local folks.
The Asheville Downtown Association will host a virtual Independence Day Celebration on the Fourth of July. Set to begin at 4 p.m., the online concert event is presented by Ingles Markets, with support from Explore Asheville, and produced in partnership with the City of Asheville.
Due to the need for physical distancing posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, following guidance from Buncombe County and State health officials, there will be no public fireworks display. While we would love to produce a downtown festival for our neighbors, we understand that the health and safety of our community is of the utmost importance.
The event will feature eight local Asheville area bands performing at host venues (times are approximate):
Featured artists include:
• BoogiTherapi with Ryan RNB Barber – funk from Asheville Music Hall at 4pm
• Jane Kramer and Friends – singer/songwriter from The Grey Eagle at 4:30pm
• Lyric – soul, R&B from The Orange Peel at 5pm
• Peggy Ratusz & Daddy LongLegs – blues, jazz from Isis Music Hall at 5:30pm
• Joe Lasher – country from The Orange Peel at 6pm
• Funk Jam House Band – funk, rock from Asheville Music Hall at 6:30pm
• Fireside Collective – bluegrass from Isis Music Hall at 7pm
• Empire Strikes Brass – New Orleans-style brass band from The Grey Eagle at 7:30pm
Drop in to listen for a while or check out the whole four hours. Tune in to IamAVL’s YouTube channel to enjoy a diverse offering of local music on the Fourth of July holiday. Links to the virtual celebration will be posted on a variety of social media channels, making it easy for people to find, including on Visit Asheville, the City of Asheville and the Asheville Downtown Association’s Facebook pages.
The Asheville Downtown Association will host a virtual Independence Day Celebration on the Fourth of July. Set to begin at 4 p.m., the online concert event is presented by Ingles Markets, with support from Explore Asheville, and produced in partnership with the City of Asheville.
Due to the need for physical distancing posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including guidance from Buncombe County and State health officials, there will be no public fireworks display.
“While we would love to produce a downtown festival for our neighbors, we understand that the health and safety of our community is of the utmost importance,” said Meghan Rogers, Executive Director of the Asheville Downtown Association. “But we also understand how important it is to stay connected especially now, so we’re excited to bring this virtual concert to our community.”
The event will feature eight local Asheville area bands performing at host venues Asheville Music Hall, The Grey Eagle, Isis Music Hall and The Orange Peel. The list of participating musicians will be announced soon. Check the Asheville Downtown Association website and Facebook page for updates.
“Ingles is excited to bring this opportunity along with our friends at the Asheville Downtown Association,” said Melissa Leavell, Director of Advertising for Ingles Markets. “How Asheville has come together to help those in need during the pandemic is extraordinary. Now it’s time to celebrate together and what better way than featuring some of Asheville’s local musicians.”
The City of Asheville has worked in partnership with the Asheville Downtown Association for many years to host a Fourth of July celebration for our community. “The collaboration between our two organizations continues and we are proud to be able to showcase and support local musicians and Asheville music venues with this creative virtual celebration,” said Jon Fillman, City of Asheville Community Event Manager.
Drop in to listen for a while or check out the whole four hours. Tune in to IamAVL’s YouTube channel to enjoy a diverse offering of local music on the Fourth of July holiday. Links to the virtual celebration will be posted on a variety of social media channels, making it easy for people to find, including on Visit Asheville, the City of Asheville and the Asheville Downtown Association’s Facebook pages and Twitter feeds.
“We’d like to thank in advance all of the collaborating venues and musicians, who will be paid for their service during this hard economic time,” said Rogers. “The virtual celebration will showcase the flavor of our culture and community.”
A spectacular Independence Day fireworks display will take place at sundown at 9:30pm. The Independence Day Fireworks Display may be viewed from downtown Hendersonville and the south side of town near the intersection of Hwy. 225 South and Hwy. 176 and along Spartanburg Highway. A large red balloon will be launched the morning of the 4th to signify visibility of the fireworks show, if you can see the “Big Red Balloon”, you can see the fireworks from your location. The fireworks launch site is off of South Grove Street, which is not accessible to the public.
In keeping with social distancing guidelines there will not be a Music on Main concert held this year on July 4th. Tune into WTZQ AM-1600 & The Q – 95.3 FM for a patriotic soundtrack that will be synchronized to the fireworks display.
Sponsored by the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority, City of Hendersonville, Carolina Ace Hardware & Andy Oxy Hendersonville
A festive Independence Day fireworks display will take place at sundown at 9:30pm. The Independence Day Fireworks Display may be viewed from downtown Hendersonville and the south side of town near the intersection of Hwy. 225 South and Hwy. 176, a large red balloon will be launched the morning of the 4th to signify visibility of the fireworks show, if you can see the “Big Red Balloon”, you can see the fireworks from your location. The fireworks launch site is off of South Grove Street.
The Fireworks Display is an event of Henderson County Tourism Development Authority
Independence Day events across the country will not look the same this year.
Many communities have been forced to cancel their annual Fourth of July events, including most in Buncombe County. Although the fireworks display at Lake Julian Park will not take place, there are other ways to celebrate locally.
Buncombe County Recreation Services‘ parks and trails will be open, though some areas may be restricted including grills, picnic shelters, and restrooms. Access to the French Broad will be available at our seven river parks. The five outdoor pools operated by Buncombe County will also be open with new safety guidelines.
Park and pool visitors will be required to practice the Three Ws: wear a cloth face covering, wait at least six feet apart from and avoid close contact with anyone who does not live in your household, and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often.
The Asheville Downtown Association will host a virtual Independence Day Celebration in partnership with the City of Asheville with support from Explore Asheville. The online concert will feature eight Asheville area bands performing at local music venues.
Follow Buncombe County Recreation on Facebook and Instagram.
Sunday, July
5, 2020
Freedom Days at the Farm
Mountain Fresh Orchards will be celebrating Freedom Days at the Farm July 3, 4 & 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Fresh picked peaches, blueberries, blackberries, half runner beans, okra and other fruits and vegetables will be available for purchase in the farm market.
Mountain Fresh Orchards has the largest farm bakery in Henderson County serving over 18 fresh baked items. They offer warm apple cider donuts, fresh baked apple bread, apple pies and other tasty treats. The farm market has a wide range of canned goods such as sourwood honey, wildflower honey, honey crisp apple sauce, apple butter, peach butter, jams, jellies, preserves, BBQ sauces, hot sauces, pickles, salsas, canned peaches and sorghum. Handmade crafts such as face mask, potholders, hand towels, wreaths and decorated glass blocks are also available. The kids will love the Kids Korner with fun books, train whistles, t-shirts, engineer hats and stuffed animals to choose from.
The Apple Express trackless train will take folks of all ages on a ride through the orchard.
If you are unable to visit Mountain Fresh Orchards in person an online store is available on their website so you can shop at your convenience. Curbside pickup is available for local folks.
Wednesday, August
5, 2020
Rising Leaders Program
Rising Leaders is an eight-month long program, designed to develop the next generation of community leaders and board members for Henderson County nonprofit organizations. United Way of Henderson County has created the Rising Leaders program to educate individuals and give them the tools and connections to become key volunteers with our community partners and other nonprofits in Henderson County.
For the upcoming 2020/21 Rising Leaders program, we are offering a Virtual Rising Leaders program with monthly meetings happening on Zoom. It is our hope to hold our March 2021 Graduation in person, but attendance will not be required to successfully complete the program. We are offering an information session on Zoom on August 5, 2020 from 12-1 pm for those who would like to learn more. Register here.
Click here for a 2020/21 Virtual Rising Leaders application.
Thursday, August
13, 2020
WomanUP: Whole Person Wellness Series
| Registration is now open! |
| WomanUP is launching a three-part virtual workshopseries on Whole Person Wellness. For part one, join us for a real look at the impact of the pandemic on our mental wellness. AdventHealth Hendersonville Psychologist, Cynthia King, PsyD will share the impact of the virus and ways to strengthen your mental wellness through this time. We’ll also get tools for getting the rest of our bodies to help us build our mental wellness abilities from AdventHealth Hendersonville Wellness Coordinator, LaToya Ellis, MHA.
Note: If you registered for the March WomanUP Workshop, you are already registered for the entire webinar series! |
Thursday, August
20, 2020
Labor Day Weekend at Coming Nantahala Outdoor Center
The 28th National Gingerbread House Competition Virtual Format Gingerbread Toolkit Released
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum Tickets on Sale Sept. 1
Classic Family Adventure in Western North Carolina
North Carolina’s shimmering Nantahala River, located just outside Bryson City, NC, at 13077 Highway 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713. This location offers river rafting through family-friendly rapids that are mild but exciting. The Nantahala features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls.
The Nantahala is also headquarters of the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Founded in 1972, NOC is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River in the Nantahala National Forest. Originally a roadside inn, the company has evolved into one of the largest outdoor recreation companies in the nation, hosting well over one million guests each year.
NOC’s 500-acre adventure center offers whitewater rafting, four aerial and zipline activities, mountain biking on nine miles of private trails, and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Fontana. In between activities, you can shop at one of NOC’s four retail stores including NOC’s flagship Outfitter’s Store, eat at NOC’s two riverfront restaurants, and even stay in a cabin adjoining the Appalachian Trail.
| The Omni Grove Park Inn is revolutionizing the National Gingerbread House Competition – the largest in the world! – for the 2020 holiday season to ensure that the competition’s legacy built on design, innovation and tradition continues safely for future generations.
The competition will continue virtually without a public display of Gingerbread Houses at the historic hotel due to social distancing requirements surrounding COVID-19. Considering this, the hotel is generating engaging experiences in place of a physical display, including socially distanced alternatives for hotel guests and fans at-home to view the Gingerbread finalists, to be announced in the coming weeks. Gingerbread lovers of all ages and skillsets are encouraged to enter the competition beginning August 26, 2020 and dream up the ultimate confectionary creation for the chance to win cash and prizes. A renowned group of food, arts and media professionals – including Food Network star Carla Hall – will formally judge the Gingerbread designs both virtually and in-person. Additionally, in lieu of an in-person August Gingerbread Workshop, the hotel will release a Digital Gingerbread Tool Kit including tips and tricks on how to digitally showcase their creations as well as the rules for entry in the new competition format. |
| Please visit The Omni Grove Park Inn’s website for competition updates:
|
|
|
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021
5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Nightly
Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. In light of COVID-19, the Arboretum has converted its popular event into a drive-thru show, allowing guests to navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.
***Tickets go on sale September 1***
Friday, August
21, 2020
Labor Day Weekend at Coming Nantahala Outdoor Center
The 28th National Gingerbread House Competition Virtual Format Gingerbread Toolkit Released
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum Tickets on Sale Sept. 1
Classic Family Adventure in Western North Carolina
North Carolina’s shimmering Nantahala River, located just outside Bryson City, NC, at 13077 Highway 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713. This location offers river rafting through family-friendly rapids that are mild but exciting. The Nantahala features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls.
The Nantahala is also headquarters of the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Founded in 1972, NOC is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River in the Nantahala National Forest. Originally a roadside inn, the company has evolved into one of the largest outdoor recreation companies in the nation, hosting well over one million guests each year.
NOC’s 500-acre adventure center offers whitewater rafting, four aerial and zipline activities, mountain biking on nine miles of private trails, and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Fontana. In between activities, you can shop at one of NOC’s four retail stores including NOC’s flagship Outfitter’s Store, eat at NOC’s two riverfront restaurants, and even stay in a cabin adjoining the Appalachian Trail.
| The Omni Grove Park Inn is revolutionizing the National Gingerbread House Competition – the largest in the world! – for the 2020 holiday season to ensure that the competition’s legacy built on design, innovation and tradition continues safely for future generations.
The competition will continue virtually without a public display of Gingerbread Houses at the historic hotel due to social distancing requirements surrounding COVID-19. Considering this, the hotel is generating engaging experiences in place of a physical display, including socially distanced alternatives for hotel guests and fans at-home to view the Gingerbread finalists, to be announced in the coming weeks. Gingerbread lovers of all ages and skillsets are encouraged to enter the competition beginning August 26, 2020 and dream up the ultimate confectionary creation for the chance to win cash and prizes. A renowned group of food, arts and media professionals – including Food Network star Carla Hall – will formally judge the Gingerbread designs both virtually and in-person. Additionally, in lieu of an in-person August Gingerbread Workshop, the hotel will release a Digital Gingerbread Tool Kit including tips and tricks on how to digitally showcase their creations as well as the rules for entry in the new competition format. |
| Please visit The Omni Grove Park Inn’s website for competition updates:
|
|
|
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021
5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Nightly
Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. In light of COVID-19, the Arboretum has converted its popular event into a drive-thru show, allowing guests to navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.
Designed with an artistic aesthetic, Winter Lights features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes nestled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. As part of the show’s redesign, visitors will enjoy several new nature-themed displays, including winter wildlife, colorful butterflies, a special insect lantern exhibit and a giant daisy “garden.” Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family at Winter Lights.
***Tickets go on sale September 1***
Saturday, August
22, 2020
Labor Day Weekend at Coming Nantahala Outdoor Center
The 28th National Gingerbread House Competition Virtual Format Gingerbread Toolkit Released
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum Tickets on Sale Sept. 1
Classic Family Adventure in Western North Carolina
North Carolina’s shimmering Nantahala River, located just outside Bryson City, NC, at 13077 Highway 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713. This location offers river rafting through family-friendly rapids that are mild but exciting. The Nantahala features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls.
The Nantahala is also headquarters of the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Founded in 1972, NOC is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River in the Nantahala National Forest. Originally a roadside inn, the company has evolved into one of the largest outdoor recreation companies in the nation, hosting well over one million guests each year.
NOC’s 500-acre adventure center offers whitewater rafting, four aerial and zipline activities, mountain biking on nine miles of private trails, and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Fontana. In between activities, you can shop at one of NOC’s four retail stores including NOC’s flagship Outfitter’s Store, eat at NOC’s two riverfront restaurants, and even stay in a cabin adjoining the Appalachian Trail.
| The Omni Grove Park Inn is revolutionizing the National Gingerbread House Competition – the largest in the world! – for the 2020 holiday season to ensure that the competition’s legacy built on design, innovation and tradition continues safely for future generations.
The competition will continue virtually without a public display of Gingerbread Houses at the historic hotel due to social distancing requirements surrounding COVID-19. Considering this, the hotel is generating engaging experiences in place of a physical display, including socially distanced alternatives for hotel guests and fans at-home to view the Gingerbread finalists, to be announced in the coming weeks. Gingerbread lovers of all ages and skillsets are encouraged to enter the competition beginning August 26, 2020 and dream up the ultimate confectionary creation for the chance to win cash and prizes. A renowned group of food, arts and media professionals – including Food Network star Carla Hall – will formally judge the Gingerbread designs both virtually and in-person. Additionally, in lieu of an in-person August Gingerbread Workshop, the hotel will release a Digital Gingerbread Tool Kit including tips and tricks on how to digitally showcase their creations as well as the rules for entry in the new competition format. |
| Please visit The Omni Grove Park Inn’s website for competition updates:
|
|
|
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021
5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Nightly
Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. In light of COVID-19, the Arboretum has converted its popular event into a drive-thru show, allowing guests to navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.
Designed with an artistic aesthetic, Winter Lights features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes nestled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. As part of the show’s redesign, visitors will enjoy several new nature-themed displays, including winter wildlife, colorful butterflies, a special insect lantern exhibit and a giant daisy “garden.” Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family at Winter Lights.
***Tickets go on sale September 1***
Sunday, August
23, 2020
Labor Day Weekend at Coming Nantahala Outdoor Center
The 28th National Gingerbread House Competition Virtual Format Gingerbread Toolkit Released
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum Tickets on Sale Sept. 1
Classic Family Adventure in Western North Carolina
North Carolina’s shimmering Nantahala River, located just outside Bryson City, NC, at 13077 Highway 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713. This location offers river rafting through family-friendly rapids that are mild but exciting. The Nantahala features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls.
The Nantahala is also headquarters of the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Founded in 1972, NOC is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River in the Nantahala National Forest. Originally a roadside inn, the company has evolved into one of the largest outdoor recreation companies in the nation, hosting well over one million guests each year.
NOC’s 500-acre adventure center offers whitewater rafting, four aerial and zipline activities, mountain biking on nine miles of private trails, and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Fontana. In between activities, you can shop at one of NOC’s four retail stores including NOC’s flagship Outfitter’s Store, eat at NOC’s two riverfront restaurants, and even stay in a cabin adjoining the Appalachian Trail.
| The Omni Grove Park Inn is revolutionizing the National Gingerbread House Competition – the largest in the world! – for the 2020 holiday season to ensure that the competition’s legacy built on design, innovation and tradition continues safely for future generations.
The competition will continue virtually without a public display of Gingerbread Houses at the historic hotel due to social distancing requirements surrounding COVID-19. Considering this, the hotel is generating engaging experiences in place of a physical display, including socially distanced alternatives for hotel guests and fans at-home to view the Gingerbread finalists, to be announced in the coming weeks. Gingerbread lovers of all ages and skillsets are encouraged to enter the competition beginning August 26, 2020 and dream up the ultimate confectionary creation for the chance to win cash and prizes. A renowned group of food, arts and media professionals – including Food Network star Carla Hall – will formally judge the Gingerbread designs both virtually and in-person. Additionally, in lieu of an in-person August Gingerbread Workshop, the hotel will release a Digital Gingerbread Tool Kit including tips and tricks on how to digitally showcase their creations as well as the rules for entry in the new competition format. |
| Please visit The Omni Grove Park Inn’s website for competition updates:
|
|
|
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021
5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Nightly
Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. In light of COVID-19, the Arboretum has converted its popular event into a drive-thru show, allowing guests to navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.
Designed with an artistic aesthetic, Winter Lights features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes nestled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. As part of the show’s redesign, visitors will enjoy several new nature-themed displays, including winter wildlife, colorful butterflies, a special insect lantern exhibit and a giant daisy “garden.” Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family at Winter Lights.
***Tickets go on sale September 1***
Monday, August
24, 2020
Labor Day Weekend at Coming Nantahala Outdoor Center
The 28th National Gingerbread House Competition Virtual Format Gingerbread Toolkit Released
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum Tickets on Sale Sept. 1
Classic Family Adventure in Western North Carolina
North Carolina’s shimmering Nantahala River, located just outside Bryson City, NC, at 13077 Highway 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713. This location offers river rafting through family-friendly rapids that are mild but exciting. The Nantahala features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls.
The Nantahala is also headquarters of the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Founded in 1972, NOC is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River in the Nantahala National Forest. Originally a roadside inn, the company has evolved into one of the largest outdoor recreation companies in the nation, hosting well over one million guests each year.
NOC’s 500-acre adventure center offers whitewater rafting, four aerial and zipline activities, mountain biking on nine miles of private trails, and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Fontana. In between activities, you can shop at one of NOC’s four retail stores including NOC’s flagship Outfitter’s Store, eat at NOC’s two riverfront restaurants, and even stay in a cabin adjoining the Appalachian Trail.
| The Omni Grove Park Inn is revolutionizing the National Gingerbread House Competition – the largest in the world! – for the 2020 holiday season to ensure that the competition’s legacy built on design, innovation and tradition continues safely for future generations.
The competition will continue virtually without a public display of Gingerbread Houses at the historic hotel due to social distancing requirements surrounding COVID-19. Considering this, the hotel is generating engaging experiences in place of a physical display, including socially distanced alternatives for hotel guests and fans at-home to view the Gingerbread finalists, to be announced in the coming weeks. Gingerbread lovers of all ages and skillsets are encouraged to enter the competition beginning August 26, 2020 and dream up the ultimate confectionary creation for the chance to win cash and prizes. A renowned group of food, arts and media professionals – including Food Network star Carla Hall – will formally judge the Gingerbread designs both virtually and in-person. Additionally, in lieu of an in-person August Gingerbread Workshop, the hotel will release a Digital Gingerbread Tool Kit including tips and tricks on how to digitally showcase their creations as well as the rules for entry in the new competition format. |
| Please visit The Omni Grove Park Inn’s website for competition updates:
|
|
|
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021
5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Nightly
Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. In light of COVID-19, the Arboretum has converted its popular event into a drive-thru show, allowing guests to navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.
Designed with an artistic aesthetic, Winter Lights features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes nestled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. As part of the show’s redesign, visitors will enjoy several new nature-themed displays, including winter wildlife, colorful butterflies, a special insect lantern exhibit and a giant daisy “garden.” Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family at Winter Lights.
***Tickets go on sale September 1***
Tuesday, August
25, 2020
Labor Day Weekend at Coming Nantahala Outdoor Center
The 28th National Gingerbread House Competition Virtual Format Gingerbread Toolkit Released
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum Tickets on Sale Sept. 1
Classic Family Adventure in Western North Carolina
North Carolina’s shimmering Nantahala River, located just outside Bryson City, NC, at 13077 Highway 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713. This location offers river rafting through family-friendly rapids that are mild but exciting. The Nantahala features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls.
The Nantahala is also headquarters of the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Founded in 1972, NOC is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River in the Nantahala National Forest. Originally a roadside inn, the company has evolved into one of the largest outdoor recreation companies in the nation, hosting well over one million guests each year.
NOC’s 500-acre adventure center offers whitewater rafting, four aerial and zipline activities, mountain biking on nine miles of private trails, and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Fontana. In between activities, you can shop at one of NOC’s four retail stores including NOC’s flagship Outfitter’s Store, eat at NOC’s two riverfront restaurants, and even stay in a cabin adjoining the Appalachian Trail.
| The Omni Grove Park Inn is revolutionizing the National Gingerbread House Competition – the largest in the world! – for the 2020 holiday season to ensure that the competition’s legacy built on design, innovation and tradition continues safely for future generations.
The competition will continue virtually without a public display of Gingerbread Houses at the historic hotel due to social distancing requirements surrounding COVID-19. Considering this, the hotel is generating engaging experiences in place of a physical display, including socially distanced alternatives for hotel guests and fans at-home to view the Gingerbread finalists, to be announced in the coming weeks. Gingerbread lovers of all ages and skillsets are encouraged to enter the competition beginning August 26, 2020 and dream up the ultimate confectionary creation for the chance to win cash and prizes. A renowned group of food, arts and media professionals – including Food Network star Carla Hall – will formally judge the Gingerbread designs both virtually and in-person. Additionally, in lieu of an in-person August Gingerbread Workshop, the hotel will release a Digital Gingerbread Tool Kit including tips and tricks on how to digitally showcase their creations as well as the rules for entry in the new competition format. |
| Please visit The Omni Grove Park Inn’s website for competition updates:
|
|
|
Winter Lights at The N.C. Arboretum
November 20, 2020 – January 10, 2021
5:30 – 10:30 p.m. Nightly
Experience Asheville’s BRIGHTEST holiday tradition at Winter Lights at The North Carolina Arboretum. This year, guests are invited to take a dreamy ride through the Arboretum’s enchanted forest and attend Winter Lights safely within their own vehicles. In light of COVID-19, the Arboretum has converted its popular event into a drive-thru show, allowing guests to navigate through a one-mile stretch of the Arboretum’s campus and see unique exhibits covered in thousands of holiday lights. As the Arboretum’s largest fundraising event of the year, proceeds generated from Winter Lights will directly support the Arboretum’s mission-driven programming.
Designed with an artistic aesthetic, Winter Lights features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes nestled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. As part of the show’s redesign, visitors will enjoy several new nature-themed displays, including winter wildlife, colorful butterflies, a special insect lantern exhibit and a giant daisy “garden.” Celebrate the holiday season with the entire family at Winter Lights.
***Tickets go on sale September 1***
Wednesday, August
26, 2020
Labor Day Weekend at Coming Nantahala Outdoor Center
Classic Family Adventure in Western North Carolina
North Carolina’s shimmering Nantahala River, located just outside Bryson City, NC, at 13077 Highway 19 West, Bryson City, NC 28713. This location offers river rafting through family-friendly rapids that are mild but exciting. The Nantahala features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls.
The Nantahala is also headquarters of the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Founded in 1972, NOC is located at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River in the Nantahala National Forest. Originally a roadside inn, the company has evolved into one of the largest outdoor recreation companies in the nation, hosting well over one million guests each year.
NOC’s 500-acre adventure center offers whitewater rafting, four aerial and zipline activities, mountain biking on nine miles of private trails, and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Fontana. In between activities, you can shop at one of NOC’s four retail stores including NOC’s flagship Outfitter’s Store, eat at NOC’s two riverfront restaurants, and even stay in a cabin adjoining the Appalachian Trail.