JANUARY
Textile Classes at Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center
During the month of January 2011, Stecoah is offering a variety of textile classes for beginners and beyond in the areas of knitting, wet wool felting, wool rug braiding, and needle felting. A full schedule of classes at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center is at Textile Classes
Michael Waltrip Comedy Garage at Harrah's Casino
While enjoying a weekend getaway, on Saturday night see stand
up from the likes of Tim Wilson, Henry Cho, and Jon Reep on January 15, 2011
starting at 7:30PM. Tickets are $15-25.
2nd Annual Fire & Ice, A Mountain Winterfest
During a weekend in the Smoky Mountains enjoy The Fire & Ice Winterfest in
Waynesville (25 minutes away). The Golf Resort will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland with Ice Carvings, Iron Chef and Artisan Demos, Segway Tours, a Fashion Show and music. Click for the Schedule with details for this year's event on January 15, 2011.
Paula Deen's Kitchen Grand Opening at Harrah's
Famed Southern Cook and Food Channel Star Paula Deen will
be doing a cooking demo and a Q&A session at her new restaurant on Saturday, January 22, 2011 starting at 5PM. Tickets are $15-40.
The Elvis Presley Story featuring Ronnie McDowell
Like all great entertainers, Ronnie McDowell has a personality that remains luminous long after the lights go dim. While Elvis Presley has played a big part in Ronnie McDowell's musical career over the years, Ronnie continues to entertain audiences with his own blend of romantic intimacy and country excitement. Ronnie performs January 29, 2011, at Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, 18 minutes from The Chalet inn. More details.
FEBRUARY
Textile Classes at Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center
Continuing during February 2011, Stecoah is offering a variety of textile classes for beginners and beyond in the areas of knitting, wet wool felting, wool rug braiding, and needle felting. A full schedule of classes at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center is at Textile Classes
Michael W Smith and Amy Grant
On a weekend getaway come enjoy not one but two Contemporary Christian music stars at The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts. Veteran singer/songwriter/worship leader, Michael W Smith will be performing alongside platinum record producing Amy Grant at 7:30PM, Friday, February 18, 2011. Tickets are $50; more details and ticket information.
Brock Gill at The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing
Arts
Brock Gill leads a new generation of edgy, daring illusionists, amazing audiences with his unique stage show, dry wit, and mind-blowing escapes. While working at a saw mill in 1997, Brock felt that God wanted him to use illusions, escapes, and stunts to bring a message of hope to people. The magic starts at 7:30PM on Friday, February 25, 2011. Tickets are $15; more details and ticket information.
Gary Allan at Harrah's Cherokee Casino
Enjoy some special weekend entertainment when Gary Allan is welcomed to the stage of Harrah's newly opened Event Center. A perfect venue to enjoy his show, and dance and sing along to his greatest hits like: "Get Off on the Pain," "Learning How to Bend," and many more! The show starts at 7:30PM on Saturday, February 26, 2011. Tickets start at $35.
MARCH
Merle Haggard and Kris Krisofferson Together
Don't miss this show as two great country music legends share the stage at Harrah's Cherokee Casino (12 minutes from The Chalet Inn) for one night! Kris Krisofferson opens the show and then Merle Haggard joins him for a few duets and then performs by himself. Tickets $40-75 7:30PM, Saturday, March 5th, 2011
Kenny Rogers at Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing
Arts
On a weekend escape, don't miss this opportunity to see Kenny Rogers perform live! Kenny has an amazing ability to inhabit each song, making it vivid, tangible, and unforgettable for his fans. For more than five decades, Rogers has delivered memorable songs, while establishing followers among rock, pop, soul and country audiences. The performance is on Saturday, March 5th, 2011 and tickets are $60. More details are at Kenny
Rogers Live
The Taste of Home Cooking School Show
A 2-hour demonstration of exciting recipes at Smoky Mountain Center for
the Performing Arts (25 minutes from The Chalet Inn). Culinary specialists will show step-by-step how to create satisfying and flavorful dishes. Additionally, everyone will receive a gift bag and a 'Taste of Home' magazine. You'll also have the opportunity to register for door prizes, including the recipes created on the stage that night. Event date is March 24th, 2011 and tickets are $10. More details are at Taste of Home
Ramp It Up!, Saturday, March 26, 2011
This festival 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds highlights two mountain delicacies: trout and pungent, wild onion/garlic-like ramps. Held in conjunction with trout season opening on the Cherokee Qualla Boundary Indian Reservation, the festival includes music, a horseshoe competition, barbeque cook off and a trout-and-ramp feast! For Horse Shoe Rules, Prizes. & Entry Form see Info.
APRIL
Nantahala Outdoor Center's Demo Days and Freestyle Shootout, Two Major Events, April 15th-17th, 2011
All 60+boats in NOC's demo fleet will be available for free test-paddling on the Nantahala River. Paddlers can also practice up in the pool, as well as in free creeking and playboating clinics. Plus, get a first look at new whitewater gear for '11. It's like spring training and opening day all in one weekend! See, NOC Outfitter's Store Demo Daze Storewide Sale and Freestyle Shootout
AT Founder's Bridge Festival
During the weekend of April 8th-10th, 2011, come celebrate the nation's most beloved footpath, the 2,179-mile Appalachian Trail, at NOC's newest special event. They'll have trail-steeped speakers sharing their knowledge and experiences, book signings, live music, workshops, gear representatives and prizes. Trail maintenance opportunities will be available for those looking to give back to the trail we all love. Count on interesting activities during the day and fun revelry at night!
Relax - Raft - Recycle
Help clean-up the environment at the annual Tuckaseigee River Clean-up and enjoy a weekend getaway April 15th-17th, 2011. After a good night's sleep on Friday and Hanneke's hearty breakfast Saturday you assemble at Western Carolina University (18 minutes away) where you will be assigned a raft and a section of river to clean up; and then be transported to the river. In addition to a fun and a productive day, the first 600 participants receive a free T-shirt and everyone is welcome to enjoy a complimentary evening cook-out at which time many door prizes will be awarded. Get some friends together and call soon! Bring an old pair of long pants, tennis shoes and good gloves.
14th Annual Greening Up The Mountains
Join us April 22-24, 2011 for fun and activity. Three organizations have joined their festivals for one gala event in Sylva on Saturday, April 23rd. The Mountain Life Celebration, features cash prizes for canning, baking, quilting and handicrafts and a children's parade of Spring costumes. A Celebration of Earth Day hosts environmental exhibits and local musicians performing old-time mountain music, folk and gospel on a solar powered stage, and you may participate in Guided Hikes and Programs on birds, wildflowers, astronomy, nature photography and fly fishing.
The Great Art In The Mountains Quick Draw
On Saturday, April 30th, 2011 at the Waynesville Country Club noteworthy artists show their skill by creating a collectible piece of art in one hour or less, while spectators observe their progress. Get to know the artists as they work, then enjoy the art auction and reception that follows.
MAY
Ramp Festival
On Sunday, May 1st, 2011 enjoy a mountain delicacy: ramps! Ramps are a natural wild onion growing in small patches in the forests of local mountains. Not easily found, they are harvested early each Spring. The Harvest is celebrated with food cooked with ramps, live music & entertainment from 11AM till 4 PM at the American Legion Field in Waynesville. Admission is free of charge.
NOC's Duck N' Run Race
On May 15th, 2011, anyone is welcome to compete in NOC'S combination ducky/foot race. Competitors begin by paddling a duck (inflatable kayak) from Ferebee Park on the Nantahala River to the takeout at NOC, for a total of 5 river miles. (This includes a run of Class III Nantahala Falls.) Once on land, competitors run the 4 mile Flint Ridge Trail that winds through the mountains above the Nantahala River. More details at Race Registration
17th Annual Swain County Heritage Festival
Swain County celebrates their Heritage Festival Friday and Saturday, May 27th-28th, 2011 in Bryson City at the Riverfront Park. Festivities start at 6PM Friday and continue until 9PM. On Saturday, the traditional entertainment starts again at 10AM and continues with log sawing contests, crafts, costumes and food until 6:30PM.
JUNE
Sylva After Dark
Sylva After Dark on June 3rd, the first Friday of the month, from 6PM - 9PM is the time to stroll through Downtown Sylva and enjoy a night of arts, dining, music, refreshments, shopping and more. Leave the hustle and buss le behind and enjoy small town quaintness: see what Sylva's merchants have to offer.
Art After Dark
This monthly event transforms Downtown Waynesville into an unique visual, culinary and performing arts center, the first Friday evening of each month from May until December. There are few destinations in the mountains where one can find such a wide array of talented artisans and craftsmen in a single location. All participating galleries are open until 9PM on June 3rd, 2011, and refreshments are offered to all patrons. Many of the studios treat visitors to live music performed by local bands and musicians.
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
This beautiful venue will host three big events this June:
"The Return" a Beatles Tribute Band. Show time at 7:30PM for the June 10th performance. Tickets are $15.
Guys and Dolls, the musical, presented by the Overlook Theatre Company. Show time is 7:30PM for all four performances from June 23rd-26th and tickets are $15.
For Tickets
click or call 1-866-273-4615. For more Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts:
Concerts & Shows.
Dillsboro Arts and Music Festival
The weekend of June 10-12, 2011 is a great time to visit the mountains of Western North Carolina. On Saturday, June 11th, from 10AM-5PM the quaint mountain town of Dillsboro celebrates its Heritage. Join them in their old fashioned celebration with crafters - wood carvers, blacksmiths, basket weavers, potters and quilters - demonstrating their talents, mountain cloggers, fiddlers, dulcimer players and lots of delicious food. There is also an antique car show, and be sure to check out the local stores and their selection of handmade crafts and unique gift ideas!
13th Annual Studio & Gallery Tour
On Saturday, June 18th, 2011, from 10AM - 5PM, come enjoy a free walking art tour in downtown Waynesville. A perfect opportunity to see and talk to artists as they work, while enjoying free refreshments. Every studio and gallery will be identified by colorful streamers. Other local & regional artists will be featured throughout the downtown area on sidewalks and in parks.
Mountain Street Dance in Downtown Waynesville
Friday, June 22, 2011, downtown is Alive at Night. Put on your cloggin' & square dancin' shoes and enjoy an old-fashioned mountain hoe down! Featuring live mountain music, demonstrations and instructions by local clogging teams as well as refreshments; everyone is meeting in front of the historic Haywood County Courthouse for the festivities from 6:30PM - 9PM. Click Downtown for a full schedule of events hosted in Downtown Waynesville (25 minutes from The Chalet Inn).
JULY
Inspirations "Singing In The Smokies"
For nearly three decades "Singing in the Smokies" has been one of the largest gatherings of gospel musicians and fans in the nation. This year there are three sessions: Thursday, July 1 through Sunday, July 4, 2010, Saturday & Sunday, Sept 4-5, 2010 and Friday & Saturday, October 15 & 16, 2010. All performances take place at the Inspirations park between Bryson City and The Chalet Inn.
Fourth of July Freedom Fest
After dinner - at any one of our good local restaurants- on Friday, July 4th enjoy the fireworks set off in front of Sylva's Historic Courthouse, or spend the day at Bryson City's Riverfront Park featuring live entertainment, food, crafts and culminating with fireworks.
International Festival Day
For the 25th year Folkmoot USA is bringing folk dance groups from more than ten countries together. From July 14 - 27, 2008, the folk dancers hold performances throughout Western North Carolina - each performance is always a different group of three countries. On Friday, July 18 starting at 1PM is the Parade of Nations - in their native costumes - down Main Street in Waynesville. International Festival Day is on Saturday, July 26th, from 10AM - 5PM: all the groups meet in Waynesville (25 minutes from The Chalet Inn), where Main Street is closed for traffic to host a day long extravaganza of music, dance, crafts and food from around the world. A full schedule is at Folkmoot 25th Anniversary
SEPTEMBER
Tsali Challenge Triathlon, September 6-7, 2008
Non-swimmers' favorite triathlon! Race solo on Saturday or with a team of two or three on Sunday. You'll face a 3-mile lake paddle, 4.5-mile trail run, and 12-mile mountain bike ride, all at Tsali Recreation Area (25 minutes from The Chalet Inn). Registration required, see Tsali Challenge Triathlon
Mountain Life Festival
On Saturday, September 20th, there will be a Sorghum syrup making demonstration using a horse-powered cane mill and wood-fired cooker at the Mountain Farm Museum of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. From 10AM - 4PM, rein-actors will also demonstrate cooking over an open hearth, as well as hominy, apple butter, apple cider, and soap making. The event is free and will include traditional music.
Great Smoky Mountains Railfest
Friday, September 19 through Sunday, September 21. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will have special train excursions, a Motor Car and equipment display, food booths, an arts & crafts festival and live entertainment including railroad work songs at the Bryson City Depot.
Fireman's Day & 5 K Run
Bryson City's Volunteer Fire Department hosts its annual Fireman's Day at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad on Saturday, September 20, 2008. Enjoy a full day and evening of small town festivities in the mountain tradition: music, entertainment, crafts, barbecue, a parade of fire trucks, and the "Miss Flame" contest. Events start with a 5 K Run at 9AM (Registration at 8AM).
Dillsboro Annual Antique Fair
Dillsboro's Antique Fair takes place from 9AM - 4PM, Saturday, September 20th.
Mountain Heritage Day,
September 27, 2008
Mountain Heritage Day, an annual celebration of mountain life with plenty of traditional music, crafts, contests (from beard growing to chain saw cutting) and good old fashioned merry-making, is at Western Carolina University (18 minutes away). The events are free and the music begins and things "get cranking" at 10 AM on Saturday, and winds down around 5 PM.
OCTOBER
John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival
On Saturday & Sunday, October 1st & 2nd, from 10AM - 5PM celebrate the rich heritage of the Appalachians at the Brasstown, NC Folk School's annual Fall Festival, featuring over 200 juried and non-juried craftspeople. Crafts, food. Continuous live music and dance on two stages, craft demonstrations and much more.
28th Annual Church Street Arts & Crafts Show
On Saturday October 8th, from 10AM - 5 PM, Waynesville's Main Street (25 minutes from The Chalet Inn) is transformed into an arts & crafts marketplace. In addition to enjoying the areas largest collection of arts & crafts for sale, enjoy live mountain music, clogging, entertainment and food while you shop.
Celtic Thunder
Harrah’s of Cherokee is hosting Celtic Thunder, a group consisting for 5 male singers from Ireland who perform solo and collectively. The date is set for Saturday, October 8th and the show time is 7:30PM. Tickets are sure to go fast and start at only $35. To purchase tickets click: Harrah's
22nd Annual Apple Harvest Festival
On Saturday, October 15, from 10AM - 5 PM, Waynesville's Main Street comes alive again with mountain music & dance to celebrate the Apple Harvest. Local growers have their fresh-harvested apples, fresh-made cider, home-made pies and other apple delicacies for you to enjoy.
Dillsboro Block Party
Dillsboro will have Front St. blocked off on Saturday, October 15th from 5 - 9PM. This event will feature good eats, live music and games for kids. Most merchants are keeping their shops open late for the Block Party. Bring your lawn chairs and join this quaint mountain town in some “old fashion” fun. This is a free event and located only 8 minutes from The Chalet Inn.
Fall Color Southern Gospel Festival - Two Shows
The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts is hosting two nights of southern gospel groups during one of the best times to visit western North Carolina. This new venue is located only 30 minutes from The Chalet Inn. Show time is 7PM on Friday & Saturday, October 21st & 22nd; and tickets are on sale for $20. If you enjoy southern gospel you won’t want to miss these talented artists performing their most well known songs rejoicing in the Lord. Learn more at SMCPA.
Get “On The Road Again” to Harrah’s of Cherokee
On Saturday, October 22nd for the Willie Nelson concert. Sing along to his outlaw country hits all night! The show starts at 7:30PM and tickets start at $45. Before the show, you might enjoy dinner at Paula Deen’s Restaurant located in Harrah’s and enjoy some Southern country classics. Harrah's
NOVEMBER
Blacksmith Auction
The John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC is home to one of the country's leading artistic blacksmith programs. Their annual Blacksmith and Fine Crafts Auction begins at 1PM on Saturday, November 5. Proceeds benefit their blacksmith programs.
7th Annual Western NC Pottery Festival
This year the Western NC Pottery Festival is showcasing the work of more than 40 highly skilled southern potters. The event is juried and the lineup of potter makers is quite impressive. They include works by festival organizer JoeFrank McKee of Tree House Pottery in Dillsboro, local artisan Brant Barnes of Riverwood Pottery also from Dillsboro, who has been featured on HGTV, and other nationally renowned potters. The festival is from 10AM - 4PM on Saturday, November 5th. Tickets are only $3 per person and includes a ticket for a day-long raffle.
5th Annual Highlands Culinary Weekend
For all you foodies out there, you won’t want to miss this one! Visit Highlands as they host the 5th Annual Highlands Culinary Weekend from Thursday, November 10th through Sunday, November 13th. These four days will consist of numerous themed dinners, special guest chef demonstrations, and cookbook signings. Wineries and an array of breweries will be present as well so participants won’t go thirsty. For a full schedule of events please click: Culinary Weekend.
Mountain Artisans Hard Candy Christmas
Authentic Arts & Crafts from the hands of over 100 traditional and contemporary craftsmen will be for sale on Friday & Saturday November 25 & 26, from 10AM - 5PM at the The Ramsey Center of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee (18 minutes from The Chalet Inn). Admission is $3.00. Children under 12 Free. Free parking. Click here for more information.
DECEMBER
Dillsboro Luminaire
Enjoy a pre-Christmas Smoky Mountain weekend! On Friday and Saturday, December 2nd & 3rd and again on December 9th & 10th, the quaint mountain town of Dillsboro celebrates its Christmas Luminaire. The whole town is decorated with white lights. At dusk the streets are lit with candle luminaries, carolers and musicians stroll the streets and the more than 50 shopkeepers and artisans invite you to linger with a cup of punch or hot cider and home-baked goodies. For variety on Saturday, after Friday at the Luminaire, drive The Blue Ridge Parkway into Asheville and experience The Biltmore Estate's Candlelight Tour and Dinner. Return to the Inn's cozy fireplace and a glass of authentic German Gluhwein.
6th Annual Mistletoe Magic
On Friday & Saturday, December 2nd & 3rd, enjoy strolling carolers, Santa Claus, elves, and horse-drawn wagon rides. Shop for hand-made Christmas presents from 80+ Artisans or get a Christmas Tree;. Where: 25 minutes from The Chalet Inn at the Wayne Proffitt Agricultural Center (Macon County Fairgrounds) 1436 Georgia Road, Franklin.
Christmas in the Mountains Arts & Crafts Show
The Stecoah Artisans Guild and the Stecoah Gallery are hosting their 2nd annual indoor arts and crafts event. Featuring the work of over 120 local artisans, The Stecoah Gallery is a wonderful place to shop for handmade Christmas gifts crafted by local artisans.
More than 20 of these artisans will have displays on site. 10AM to 5PM, Saturday, December 3. See a complete schedule of events.
John C. Campbell Folk School Fireside Sale
On Sunday, December 4th, from 10AM - 5PM, shop for handmade gifts as you stroll through the Folk School's beautifully decorated Keith House where craftspeople exhibit their wares. Stay to enjoy live holiday music and a crackling fire.
The Inn