There’s no shortage of things to do around Ashvegas and surrounding mountains this weekend and next. Have a look-see
Gold Festival
Western North Carolina had its own gold rush about 170 years ago, and lest we forget it, the good folks in Mack-Dowell County commemorate the craziness with the N.C. Gold Festival.
You’ll learn about McDowell’s gold-mining history. Kids can pan for gold. And two gold nuggets, each worth about $1,000 each, will be given away. They’re even unveiling a coin made with N.C. gold. The party’s Friday and Saturday.
Take me out to the ballgame
You’ll be assured of a good time at historic McCormick Field. Check it out if you haven’t been to the yard yet this year – there’s a bright new scoreboard, new luxury seating and the same old Ted E. Tourist ready to give you a bear hug. Here’s the team’s web site and schedule.
Run for the roses
Ok, it’s not quite the Kentucky Derby. But it’s close enough. It’s Tryon’s annual Blockhouse Steeplechase, and it’s a blast. You’ll drink mint juleps. You’ll eat your mama’s fried chicken. And you’ll bet on the ponies. O yes. Go here for Tryon Blockhouse Steeplechase info.
The Battle of Burnsville re-enacted
Yeah, we’re still fightin’ the War Between the States down here in the South. So what? You wanna make somethin’ of it? You wanna go? C’mon, let’s go…
Sorry, we got sidetracked. If you want to see an old-fashioned Civil War re-enactment, head over to Yancey County for the Battle of Burnsville. Here’s an excerpt from “Kirk’s Raiders:”
“The mountains of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina were deeply divided in their loyalties to Union and Confederate causes during the War of the Rebellion.
“Colonel George Kirk of Greeneville, Tennessee led nearly 2000 Southern boys against their brothers in battles at Warm Springs, Burnsville, Morganton, Erwin, Waynesville, Blowing Rock and Lenoir. After the war, Kirk returned to North Carolina to suppress the KKK insurrection, which was fighting the corrupt Reconstruction government and cemented his place in history. Mayhem, bloodshed and controversy followed George Kirk wherever he went…”
Here for more on the Battle of Burnsville.
Hickory Hops Festival
Need some beer this weekend? Need some good beer and some bluegrass music? Drive over the mountain to Hickory for the still young Hickory Hops Festival. Unlike Ashvegas’ Brewgrass, which is jampacked with beerhounds, the Hickory Hops is one beerfest you can still find great brew and a little elbow room. Check ’em out right here.
Take a hike
If you love to walk the mountains, go to Hot Springs this weekend and celebrate the Appalachian Trail. That’s what a bunch of trailhounds are going to be doing for the annual Trailfest party. Here you go for more info.
Speaking of the great outdoors…
Everyone’s celebrating Earth Day this weekend. So rain or shine, get your heine outside and have some fun.
And if that smorgasboard of entertainment weren’t enough, look what’s coming up next weekend:
MerleFest
It’s Doc Watson’s festival. What more do you need to know?
Greening up the Mountains
Sylva’s annual street party.
3 Comments
Do you remember the lead up to the Foxfield Races way back when I was in VA? We were having mimosas and heard a booming sound outside. When we left the apartment in Stanardsville we discovered that a re-enactment was taking place in the field on the next hill. If you don’t remember, maybe one of us had too many mimosas!
EM, that’s what i said, isn’t it?
Merlefest isn’t until next weekend, guy: April 27-30.