I can't believe that we are less than 3 weeks away from the reunion. Time has gone by so quickly! I am so very excited to see all of you!!! Debbie wanted to pass on some information she got from the tourism department about things to do and see in the area. Hopefully it will give you all some ideas about what you want to do.
Mars Hill Area
Madison County Heritage Festival
October 2, 2010 Mars Hill, NC
Traditional mountain music and old-time craft demonstrations, local arts and crafts fill the town of Mars Hill and the Mars Hill College campus at this family-friendly festival. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
Bascom Lamar Lunsford Music Festival
October 2, 2010 Mars Hill College
http://www.mhc.edu/ramsey-center/lunsford-festival
This is an all-day festival celebrating regional music and dance traditions. The event is the second oldest folk festival in Western North Carolina and was named in honor of cofounder Bascom Lamar Lunsford. Lunsford was a musician and folklorist who dedicated his life to collecting and promoting the music of the Southern Appalachians. Through his work he became known as "Minstrel of the Appalachians." The festival, which is now in its 43rd year, brings out the region’s finest musicians and dancers. Numerous music and dance performances, jam circles, and a ballad & story swap will occur throughout the day.
The Depot South Main Street Marshall NC 28753 828 649-3031 Every week on Friday at 7pm. The Depot (a converted railroad depot building) has both music and dancing and　is located on the railroad tracks which run along Main Street in Marshall. Come early and soak up the atmosphere. FREE admission. Outdoor Adventures http://www.visitmadisoncounty.com/activities/outdoor-adventures/ Madison County is full of ways to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.　 Within the 55,000 acres of the Pisgah National Forest, the Appalachian Trail and other hiking trails provide opportunities to either take a leisurely stroll or challenge yourself on more difficult terrain.　 Other outdoor activities include whitewater rafting on the French Broad River, bicycling on scenic and lightly-traveled mountain roads; horseback riding on trails which provide unique vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains; fishing in our mountain streams and rivers.　 If skiing, snowboarding or tubing is what you are looking for, we have that, too.　 Just minutes from Asheville, Madison County also offers a few unique outdoor activities.Relax in one of the few natural mineral water baths east of the Mississippi River regardless of the season. And, Mars Hill College Disc Golf Sanctuary is an easy way to enjoy the beautiful campus and play a round of disc golf. And, we have a beautiful location for mining for garnets in our county. Asheville Art in the Park is a showcase of the best fine art and craft in the region. Nationally known artists mix with their talented up and coming neighbors under the Vance Monument as Asheville’s new Pack Square Park comes online. Join us for natures fabulous display of fall colors, great art and unparalleled shopping. The fair will host 60 regional artists each Saturday, representing the full spectrum professional media. Jewelry, ceramic, wood, fiber, metal, two-dimensional art and more will fill 10X10 covered booths in the streets around the Vance Monument. Art in the Park is a great opportunity to meet, shop, and explore the regions great artistic heritage. Event date(s): Oct 02, 2010 at 10:00 AM Shopping With dozens of arts and crafts galleries, retail shops and antique shops,　as well as fresh finds and local food products at dozens of farmer tailgate markets in the region, Asheville is a shopper's paradise. Every street downtown leads to a treasure-trove of uncommon businesses that could only flourish in Asheville. There is a diverse mix of shopping malls and shopping districts, along with specialty stores like clothing and jewelry stores,　toy and children's shops, and outfitters. Lose yourself in the block-long Grove Arcade, a shopping and dining destination in one location. Built as a planned community in the late 1890s, Historic Biltmore Village　features peddle-dash homes once belonging to George Vanderbilt and now featuring elegant restaurants, and interesting boutiques and galleries. Asheville Area Biltmore Park Town Square Discover some of Asheville's best shopping at Biltmore Park Town Square. This outdoor plaza is lined with a delightful mix of unique shops interspersed with big-name retailers such as Barnes & Noble and outdoor outfitters REI. From alluring little boutiques to major shopping galleries, Town Square is where to find everything you need, any time you need it. Asheville Outdoor Center/Southern Waterways Calm water float trips on the French Broad River through the Biltmore property, in Asheville. Canoes, kayaks, rafts and tubes. Family fun adventure. Minimum child weight requirement is 30 pounds. Beautiful riverside facilities. Asheville's only riverside gem mining! Bicycle rentals and guided interpretive float trips available. Check our Web site for complete details. All of these ingredients make for a great day at the Asheville Outdoor Center for corporate retreats/meetings, team building, family reunions, parties, receptions large or small. Our location is just 10 minutes from downtown Asheville and Historic Biltmore Village with easy interstate access. Lake Lure Tours Step aboard and discover one of the most spectacular lakes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Daily and hourly tours, lunch cruises, and dinner cruises. Or, rent a boat from the marina and explore the lake on your own. Navitat Canopy Adventures 　 Ever dreamed of flying like a bird? Here's your chance! Soar through the treetops on sturdy zip lines, traverse sky bridges, and rappel in the mountains only 20 minutes north of Asheville. Navitat Canopy Adventures is located in Moody Cove, a 240-acre wilderness setting containing some of the largest trees in the area, abundant wildlife, and many rare plant species. On the tour, knowledgeable guides teach you about the natural environment and tell colorful local history stories. Navitat Canopy Adventures welcomes adventure seekers age 10 and up. This is the flagship location of Bonsai Design Inc., America's leading zipline canopy tour designer. Totally tree-based, it is a sculpture in the woods, built with environmental respect for minimal impact. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience, a place where exhilaration meets contemplation. Asheville Brews Cruise Find out why Asheville has been voted "Beer City USA" for two years running! One of Asheville's most popular tours and absolutely the most fun, the Asheville Brews Cruise is the most unique way to savor the city's fabulous brewing scene. Climb aboard our comfortable transport and begin a journey to visit a variety of the city's nine breweries. Along the way, the city's leading brewers explain how Asheville became such a lively brewing city. At the first stop, your brewer provides a detailed tour, while you enjoy generous rounds of samples. Then, it's on to the next brewery for an overview of their beer menu and brewing styles, while you continue to sample this brewery's products. The final stop includes more beer samples and the opportunity to dine at one of Asheville's leading brewpubs. The cost of the tour includes a highly experienced guide, all transportation, beer samples and souvenir glass. Whether you're a home brewer or a pure novice, you are sure to learn and have fun! Biltmore Discover the wonders of Biltmore™ in Asheville. Begin with the breathtaking beauty of 250-room Biltmore House — America's largest home® — and century-old gardens. Explore our 8,000-acre backyard through a variety of activities from horseback riding to rafting. Experience our new Antler Hill Village that connects the estate's present and past, providing a relaxing place for dining, shopping, historical exhibits, and new ways to enjoy Biltmore's hospitality. Finally, savor the long-lasting benefits of a luxurious getaway at our four-star inn. 　 　Asheville Art in the Park
　 　 　 　
Saturday Steak Dinner
Sunday Mexican Dinner
Friday Potluck Supper