Maybe "In like a Lion out like a Lamb".
A preview of Interesting things going on up, down and around the Parks and Drives. Since this is the beginning of the new season, we will post some events that will occur in the next few months.
**There was a snow storm that arrived on the 1st Day of March and since there is no snow removal on the park drives, it will be several days or weeks until the sun melts all of the snow and ice**.
Dear Traveler
This is the fifth issue of our events newsletter about things going on near the Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway. We will separate them into 12 sections to match up with the map sections on our web site.
http://www.BlueRidgeSkyline.com
Starting with the Northern Section of the Skyline Drive including Winchester and Front Royal and working our way south to the Southern end near Cherokee NC and then on to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Tenn.
Because of the Winter we did not post a newsletter during December, January and February. Now that the season for the parks will soon be on the way, we are back to bring you things of interest for the next couple of months.
Winchester, Front Royal, Middletown and the Northern Section of the Skyline Drive.
Front Royal
Virginia Wine and Mushroom Festival
414 East Main Street
Front Royal, VA 22630
540-635-3185
This annual event is held each May and features several Virginia wineries and their wonderful wines, live entertainment, over 100 arts and craft vendors, food vendors, and a children's area, all set in the beautiful historic district of downtown Front Royal on Main and Chester Streets
Winchester
82nd SHENANDOAH APPLE BLOSSOM FESTIVAL®
April 24 - May 3, 2009
"A Springtime Extravaganza in the Shenandoah Valley"
Web Page
Harrisonburg and Luray section of the Skyline Drive
Harrisonburg
2009 CAA WOMEN'S Championship BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
Hosted by James Madison University
Friday March 12 thru Sunday March 15th
See Web Site
Luray
Shenandoah National Park Ranger Programs ..Daily April 2nd thru
Oct 27th
Region: Shenandoah Valley
Locality: Page County
Skyland Resort and the Big Meadows
3655 US Highway 211 East
Luray, VA 22835
Ranger Programs such as hikes, walks, tours of historic Massanutten Lodge, Junior Ranger Programs, Birds of Prey are offered at Skyland Resort and the Big Meadows area from April through October. The traditional campfire programs are a popular summertime event. These programs open the doors to explore the world of the Blue Ridge Mountains and to learn the stories of visitors and residents now and in the past. Check the Park's web site, the site bulletin or Shenandoah Overlook newspaper for the current schedule.
See the Web Page Here
Staunton and Waynesboro where the Skyline Drive and The Blue Ridge Parkway meet
Staunton
Guided Walking Tours of Historic Staunton
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library
24 North Coalter Street
Staunton, VA 24401
See dates of Walking Tours
Road condition information from the National Park Service
Skyline Drive
Blue Ridge Parkway
Lexington, Natural Bridge, Bedford and Buchannan sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway
Lexington
March 19 - 22: Spring Breakout Quarter Horse Shows
Four-day Quarter horse show offering a full line-up of Blue Ridge Quarter Horse Association, Southern Maryland Quarter Horse Association, Virginia Quarter Horse Association and American Quarter Horse Association sanctioned halter and performance classes.
Location: Anderson Coliseum, Ault Pavilion, Moore Arena
Contact: Dave Higgins at 434-315-4434 or Miriam Louk at 757-242-6248
Visit Web Site
Bedfords
Woman's History Month
Mar 26 - Women's History Month Program - 7:00pm - This program centers on the Rochambelles, the only women's group assigned to a combat unit on the European front during WWII. The lecture includes a slide presentation and discussion and will be held at the Bedford Welcome Center. Free admission. A reception will follow. - National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford - 540-587-8973 -
Web Site of the D-Day Memorial
Roanoke, Salem & Smith Mt. Lake
Roanoke
Roanoke Valley Gun Show
March 21-22nd
The
The Largest Continuous Running Gun Show in the State of Virginia
Roanoke Civic Center
710 Williamson Rd.
Roanoke, VA 24016
PO Box 13005
Roanoke, VA 24030-3005
Phone: 540/ 853-2241
FAX: 540/ 853-2748
Salem
Apr 3 - Roanoke Symphony Orchestra presents Glen Campbell & the RSO - Concert 8:00pm, Doors Open 6:30pm - Salem Civic Center, Salem - 540-343-9127
See Web Site Here
Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Wytheville and Floyd
Blacksburg
Blacksburg Cork and Fork
The Blacksburg Partnership, a non-profit economic development organization serving the Blacksburg area, announces Fork and Cork, Blacksburg's first ever food, wine, and art event. The festival will be held at the new First and Main Shopping Center on Saturday, May 2, 2009, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, rain or shine. Print | E-mail
www.blacksburgforkandcork.com for more information and ticket sales or call 540.443.2008 for sponsorship and vendor opportunities
Print E-mail
See Web Page for more
Floyd
14th - Celtic Dinner at Chateau Morrisette
Chateau Morrisette will host a Ceilidh, Celtic Dinner. There will be new songs, new dances, new stories, and a new menu. The fabulous NoneSuch playmakers are dusting off their dancing shoes, and perking up their pipes to mastermind another Ceilidh at 6:30pm. Enjoy a four course menu inspired by traditional Celtic culture and three courses are paired with wine (of course!). $75 per person includes tax and gratuity.
Call 540.593.2865 to make reservations.
See the web page here
Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre
Give our Regards to Broadway!
March 12 - May 3
This orginal WHDT song and dance revue celebrates all elements that inspire "American Musical Theatre" and "The Great White Way", and includes, entertainment from Vaudville to Shakespeare as well as Kids to Cowboys. Everyone will love this toe tapping musical! Join us as we "Give Our Regards to Broadway"
Visit the Web Site here
Galax Hillsville and Independence
GALAX
Smoke on the Mountain State Barbecue Championship
July 17-19th 2009
Imagine being part of the state barbecue championship in the beautiful mountain town of Galax, Virginia! Known worldwide as the Capital of Bluegrass Music and the famous Old Time Fiddler's Convention - now's your chance to spill a little barbecue sauce into this music-loving community. Come & Enjoy some BBQ!
Web Site Here
Hillsville
Memorial Day Flea Market May 22 - 25
Make your plans to join us in Hillsville, Virginia for the annual Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend Flea Markets. Lacy Bowman's Festival Market is located on Route 58, a prime location in Hillsville, Virginia for shopping for antiques, collectibles, crafts, art and great food and concessions.
Both festivals last 4 big days! If you are in the market for antiques, the Hillsville Flea Market is the place for you. Please browse our website for more info.
See Web Site Here
Independence
Peach Bottom Farm Fiddle & Strings Camp
June 15-19 2009
9:00 - 5:00
PEACH BOTTOM FARM FIDDLE & STRINGS CAMP JUNE 15 - 19 2009 A rare opportunity to experience Appalachia, its music & heritage at the pastoral setting of Peach Bottom Farm. Intensive, intimate and funfilled teaching each day with our staff of local and Internationally known knowledgable and notable Instructors. Styles taught include; Appalachian Old-Time, Bluegrass, Canadian, Irish, Scottish, Swing and Contest-style. All ages and abilities welcome.
Visit Web Site
Mt Airy, Sparta, Elkins and Wilkesboro NC
Wilkesboro
MerleFest
April 23rd - 26th
MerleFest is committed to producing a high quality diversified American roots based musical experience that attracts a broad audience and reunites guests, supporters and performers in an annual celebration of Americana music.
The festival is held in a secure and substance-free setting that complements the experience and fosters an interest in a variety of musical forms representative of the repertoire of Doc and Merle Watson. Through the years, MerleFest has provided funds for its founding purpose, the Eddy Merle Watson Memorial Garden for the Senses; providing an interpretive, educational, artistic and cultural experience for visually impaired as well as sighted guests.
See the Merle Fest Web Page
Boone,Blowing Rock ,Jefferson and Banner Elk
Blowing Rock
April 16-19
Join us in Blowing Rock for the 2009 Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival
The art of wine is celebrated in mountain style during the 2009 Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival, April 16-19 in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Featuring wineries from throughout NC, and fine cuisine created by Blowing Rock chefs, the Festival promises to please even the most discriminating palates. Be sure to make reservations for the Winemaker's Dinners, and book your Lodging Package to complete your experience. Tickets are available online or at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce. Check back often for updates and more info.
Visit Web Site for more Information
Flat Rock, Henderson and Black Mountain
Flat Rock
April 22 - May 2
Flat Rock Playhouse presents The Bully Pulpit, Teddy Roosevelt comes to life in the humorous and emotional one-man show, Wed-Sun, matinees 2:15PM, evenings 8:15PM, Flat Rock, NC 828-693-0731 or 866-732-8008
See Flat Rock Playhouse site here
Asheville
Asheville
24th Annual Festival of Flowers
Apr 04, 2009 to May 17, 2009
Spring arrives at the estate with a stunning tulip display in the Walled Garden and cascades of native and exotic blossoms in the gardens. See interpretive decorations and pictures of parties held on Biltmore, as well as stories of the Vanderbilts' famous hospitality. On the weekends, Biltmore hosts family festivities, including dancing, music and whimsical skits.
See the Biltmore Web Page
Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville,TN
Gatlinburg
SpringFest
March 11 - June 7
Arts, Entertainment, Food, History
Description:
During the three-month Springfest celebration that begins in early March and continues into the second week of June, visitors witness Gatlinburg's transformation into spring when the city's streets overflow with baskets of beautiful blooming flowers and plants. Pansies, daffodils, tulips, mandevillas, bougainvilleas, lantanas, scaveolas and wave petunias are among the many varieties of flowers seen throughout the city. Live entertainment can be found along sidewalks, adding a festive flair to the time-honored Downtown Parkway stroll.
Members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community display unique handcrafted wares as they gather at the Gatlinburg Convention Center to host their annual Easter Arts & Crafts show Wednesday, April 8 through Saturday, April 11.
On Easter morning, April 12, join in the local tradition and attend Ober Gatlinburg's 12th Annual Easter Sunrise Service enhanced by the beauty of the Smokies. Free tram rides to the mountain top begin at 6:15 a.m. and continue in 15 minute intervals until the service begins at 7 a.m. Complimentary parking at the resort will be provided for those who prefer to drive. A breakfast buffet will be waiting and available at the Ober Gatlinburg Restaurant from 7 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
See the rest here
Some special links to make your visit more worthwhile
Chestnut Creek School of the Arts
Chestnut Creek School of Arts preserves and promotes the cultural heritage of southwest Virginia by fostering artistic and individual growth through classes in visual and performing arts, heritage and contemporary craft, and traditional music.
Visit the Web Site
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The Crooked Road
Craft
Virginia's Heritage Music Trail
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Friends of The Blue Ridge Parkway
Friends of The Blue Ridge Parkway web site
ODDS and ENDS Some interesting things
Birthday Calculator Prepare to be shocked.
Go Here
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YouTube show of the Model T Ford...100 years History
See it here
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The Newseum displays these daily newspaper front pages in their original, unedited form
Always current for toady.
Visit it here