Enjoy a free screening of “The Nature Makers” at the Historic Tryon Theatre. In a world increasingly dominated by humans, three teams of determined conservationists go to extraordinary, often seemingly nature-disrupting lengths to save three threatened species in the American heartland. “The Nature Makers” is a moving portrait of passionate people and the extraordinary creatures they’re fighting for. Space is limited and per-registration is required. The Box Office and theatre will be open at 6:30 p.m. Please arrive before 7:00 p.m. to allow time for check-in, concessions, and finding your seat. Tickets are available at: https://conservingcarolina.org/ Concessions will be available for purchase, and no outside liquids are permitted in the...
Enjoy this free outdoor event at FENCE. Join Gabe with Rutherford Outdoor Coalition for a special hike at the FENCE trails system. Gabe will teach participants the basics of navigation.Do you know how to use a compass? Do you want to brush up on your orienteering skills? This hike is a perfect opportunity to finally learn or get some practice with navigating. Compasses will be provided but feel free to bring your own if you have one. RSVP at:...
Enjoy this free event at FENCE. Naturalist Steve O’Neil, from Earthshine Nature Programs, will present an education program called “Misunderstood Wildlife.” This program will introduce you to several friendly live species of our native, and a few exotic, reptiles – including snakes, turtles and a lizard or two. Steve will share his reptilian friends with you as well as important information about their lives and how these unique animals are often misunderstood yet very beneficial to a healthy ecosystem. Everyone will have the opportunity to touch, hold and make friends with a friendly...
Walnut Creek Preserve Speaker Series: Simple Ways to Mutually Co-Exist with Wildlife in our Own Backyards February 17 @ 10:30 am – 12:00 pm This is a free event. Advance reservations required. Please RSVP online at :https://conservingcarolina.org/calendar/. Appalachian Wild provides injured and orphaned wild animals a place to go for care and treatment to give them a second chance at life in the wild. This presentation is filled with images and videos of animals that are rescued, rehabilitated, and released each year. The presentation will conclude with information about how the hotline works and suggestions about what you can do in your own backyard to help wildlife. Winslow Umberger, like the nonprofit she represents, shares the values of Appalachian Wildlife Refuge. Her move from her native home of Coral Gables, Florida to Biltmore Lake in 2008 found her surrounded by forests filled with wildlife — wildlife that was becoming increasingly threatened as development increased. Learning of Appalachian Wild’s work to provide a wildlife emergency facility for the community, Winslow felt her skill set as a public relations and marketing professional could be of use. She soon found herself writing a monthly “Wild Truth” column for The Laurel of Asheville as well as making presentations and hosting tabling events in the community. A six-year Board member, Winslow takes her role as an ambassador for Appalachian Wildlife Refuge seriously, acting as a voice not only for the organization but for the wildlife it serves....
Free event. Enjoy a guided walk exploring the trails at FENCE. This is a great time of year to see woodpeckers, sparrows and other winter birds. Please dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring binoculars if you have them.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, on Saturday, February 17, the entrance fee will be 2 for the price of 1, plus children are free. Bring the ones you love on a woodsy adventure. Admission: $5 adults, $1 ages 6-12, and under 6 is free. Winter Hours: Daily 10am-5pm (gate closes at 4pm) – No dogs are allowed...
GUIDE: Earl Scruggs Music Festival It is time to get geared up for the annual Earl Scruggs Music Festival at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, NC. The 3-day festival brings together an all-star line-up of bluegrass, Americana, and roots music to celebrate the contributions of North Carolina’s own Earl Scruggs to the rich musical culture in the area. Earl Scruggs, born in nearby Shelby, NC, is a musical icon known for radically redefining old time and string band music. He developed a new playing style with picking rolls and timing patterns. He crossed musical boundaries, bridged generations, and his “Scruggs style” spread rapidly. Earl Scruggs has dozens of awards and Hall of Fame accolades. Learn more at the Earl Scruggs Center. The 2nd Annual Earl Scruggs Music Festival will be held from Sept 1-3, 2023. This year’s line-up includes dozens of amazing musicians, including Emmylou Harris, Greensky Bluegrass, Del McCoury, and Della Mae. For more information on this year’s festival and to purchase tickets, visit earlscruggsmusicfest.com. Get your festival tickets, then pick out a great place to stay close to the festival venue. Browse our lodging listings or use our interactive map to find someplace to make the weekend even better. Within the festival at TIEC you can enjoy several musical spaces, from the main stage to a jam session pickin’ pavilion. Each stage is a short walk to the other, but positioned so you hear who you came to enjoy. Past attendees liked the fact that it’s easy to park, catch a short shuttle and move around the festival. Amenities at TIEC are abundant with...
The First Peak of the Blue Ridge is a rural area filled with beautiful natural attractions – from waterfalls and wineries to scenic mountain drives and hiking. Here’s a list of some of our favorites, with links and information to help you discover more about this area. Pearson’s Falls – Learn More Pacolet River Scenic Byway – Learn More Shunkawauken Falls and Sunset Rock – Learn More Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE) – Learn More The Gorge Canopy Zipline – Learn More Four Wineries – Learn More Looking Glass Creamery – Learn More Green River area – Tubing, Game Lands – Learn More We’re here to help you plan your day or a week-long stay, so call on us to help you make the most of your visit! Call 828-894-2324 or contact us. We’ll see you soon!...
