BLACK MOUNTAIN SPRING & SUMMER TOUR GUIDE 2012
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Spring & Summer 2012
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WELCOME
Welcome to Black Mountain and the surrounding Swannanoa Valley. Regardless of what brings you here
- relaxation, shopping, dining, or outdoor activities - you will be greeted with beautiful scenery, peaceful days, and friendly people.This special publication of the Black Mountain News was created to assist you while you are in town. A calendar of events for the spring and summer seasons will help you plan your activities. We encourage you to visit the local businesses that have advertised in this tour guide. They offer one-of-a-kind treasures that are unique to this area. Be sure and visit the Black Mountain - Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce while in town, located at 201 East State Street in Black Mountain, (828) 669-2300. And for a complete and updated listing of this week’s events and happenings, pick up a copy of the Black Mountain News. Enjoy your stay!
featured articles 3.Calendar of events 4.get outside 6.Black Mountain Walking tour 8.35th annual sourwood festival 10.famous people of the swannanoa valley 12.Bringing arts to the people 14.Greenways 18.local wildlife 20.presbyterian heritage center 22.Hop’n blueberry farm
STAFF Jennifer Fitzgerald, General Manager/Editor Barbara Hootman, Staff Writer Mark Vanderhoff, Staff Writer Gordon Schuit, Gaphic Artist Becky Andrade, Account Executive
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This guide is produced semi-annually by the
P.O. Box 9, Black Mountain, NC P: (828) 669-8727 • F: (828) 669-8916
Hot a P P e n i n G s
April 18 – June 13: Regional Galleries Collection Exhibit at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, (828) 669-0930. May 4-6 : Spring Art & White Wine Festival, Monte Vista Hotel Featuring Jackson Hammack, Alicia Chatham & More…event will be a ticketed, reserved seating wine-paired dinner Friday evening followed by a Saturday evening art reception featuring self-taught artist, Jackson Hammack, with a ticketed Sunday sparkling-wine tasting & reception. For event reservations, contact the Monte Vista Hotel, (828) 669-8870, 308 W State St, Black Mountain. May 5 & 6: E.A.S.T. - 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Free tour of the studios of artists in East Asheville, Swannanoa, Black Mountain, Fairview, and Old Fort. Contact: Black Mtn. Studios, (828) 686-1011, www.eaststudiotour.com. May 10 - 13: L.E.A.F - Lake Eden Arts Festival at Camp Rockmont. Tickets online in advance.Contact: www.theleaf.org. May 17: Taste of Black Mountain - 5:30-7 p.m. Contact: Black Mountain - Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce, (828) 669-2300.
May 18: 7:30 p.m. Jonathan Byrd concert at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, $10 at the door. (828) 669-0930. May 19: 7th Annual Garden Show & Sale - 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on grounds of Monte Vista Hotel, 308 W. State St. Plant vendors, children’s activities, silent auction, & great food. Benefit for the Black Mountain Beautification Committee. Free event! June 2 & 3: Black Mountain Arts & Crafts Juried Show In downtown Black Mountain. Contact: The Old Depot Association, (828) 669-6583, www.olddepot.org. June 9: DIP ‘N DRIZZLE, AnTHM Town Arts & Black Mountain Chocolate. Benefiting: Creative Village & ArtSpace Charter School For the love of chocolate and art, please bring your children, noon - 4 p.m., for a Dip N’ Drizzle art contest. AnTHM Town Arts specializes in local and regional art & handmades. (828) 419-0049, 100.5 W State St., Black Mountain. June 14 - 16: 6th Annual Art in Bloom - Art & flower exhibit and cottage garden tour. June 14: 6 p.m. - Art in Bloom Gala Preview Party, ticketed event. June 15, 16: 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Art in Bloom Flower & Art Exhibit, ticketed June 15 - 16: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Art in Bloom Cottage Garden Tour, ticketed event. Contact: Black Mountain Center for the Arts, (828) 669-0930.
June 16: Appalachian Music Concert with the Orrs and the Holberts, 7:30 p.m. at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 669-0930. Ticketed event. June 18 - 22: 6th Annual Art in Bloom Plein Air Painters Exhibit 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Black Mountain Center for the Arts, (828) 669-0930. June 23: “Run for Your Art” 5K Fun Run Black Mountain Center for the Arts, (828) 669-0930. Entrance fee.
happenings throughout the season Cruz-N: Last Saturday of the month through October. Cool mornings, cool mountain, & cool cars! 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. next to the Visitor Center in Town Square lot. All types of cars, trucks, & motorcycles welcome. Free registration. Door prizes. Contact: Black MountainSwannanoa Chamber of Commerce, (828) 669-2300. Park Rhythms: Outdoor concerts Thursday nights, June 21 - August 9, at Lake Tomahawk in Black Mountain. Tailgate Market: The Black Mountain Tailgate Market will start its season on Saturday, May 5, and run Saturdays through October 27. The market operates from 9 a.m. - noon and is located behind the Black Mountain First Baptist Church, 130 Montreat Road. June 25: 29, Summer Arts Camp for grades K-3. 9 a.m. – noon, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, (828) 669-0930. July 4 - Montreat Parade An All-American Fourth of July parade in Montreat. July 4 - Independence Celebration & Fireworks Music, street dance, food, & fun. Fireworks after dark. Downtown Black Mountain on Sutton Avenue. Contact: Black Mountain Recreation & Parks, (828) 669-2052.
July 9 - 20, Summer Intensive Dance Camp, 9 am – noon - Black Mountain Center for the Arts (828) 669-0930. Ages 10 and Up. July 16 - 20: Adult Clay Camp - Black Mountain Center for the Arts (828) 669-0930. July 21: BMCA Clay Studio classes - Black Mountain Center for the Arts (828) 669-0930. Six weeks term. August 3 - 31: f32 Photography Group Exhibit Black Mountain Center for the Arts (828) 669-0930. Aug. 10: Sourwood Idol Contest - Non-professional singing contest with 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place cash prizes. Contact: Black Mountain - Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce, (828) 669-2300. Aug. 11 - 12: Sourwood Festival - Family friendly festival with about 200 vendors. Music, food, arts, crafts, & more in Downtown Black Mountain. No admission fee. Contact: Black Mountain - Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce, (828) 669-2300,www.exploreblackmountain.com. August 25: 4-10 p.m. Pints and Paints for the Pisgah Center, Black Mountain Ale House. The event, which is a fundraiser for the Pisgah Center, features vibrant art, craft beers, and a rockin’ live music line-up all evening. Black Mountain Ale House,117-C Cherry Street, www.blackmountainalehouse. com, (828) 669-9090. Sept. 15: 5th Annual Mill Around the Village Bluegrass Festival Music, vendors, food, games, & more in the Village of Swannanoa. www.millaroundthevillage.com.
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Get Outside!
By Mark Vanderhoff Staff Writer
T
he Swannanoa Valley has been blessed with scenic beauty, and that inspires many residents and visitors to get outside. The wide variety of recreation opportunities in the area will suit people of all ages and fitness levels, too. Here are a few suggestions:
Black Mountain Pool
Having just undergone a renovation in 2009, this town pool becomes the place to cool off in the summer. A shallow wading pool with fountain sculptures provides the perfect place for parents to introduce their toddlers to splash play, and the rest of the pool has depths for swimmers of all levels.
Hiking
The mountains surrounding the Swannanoa Valley belong almost exclusively to private property owners, but some opportunities do exist for the general public. The Valley’s four major conference centers – Montreat, Ridgecrest, Christmont, and Blue Ridge Assembly never seek publicity for their hiking trails, but will allow the public to use them. At Montreat, visitors can obtain information during the summer at the Nature Center by Lake Susan. At the three others, check in with visitor information to obtain permission.
Golf
Black Mountain has golf covered, from the ten-foot putts at Shadowbrook Mini Golf to the 747-yard, par-six 17th hole, which at one time was the longest hole in the world. Shadowbrook sits nestled on a forested hillside and has an artificial stream and waterfalls to add to the woodland feel. Located next door to Phil’s Barbecue at 701 N.C. Highway 9, across from Ingles supermarket. 669-5499. The Black Mountain Golf Course lies nestled in a valley with fantastic views of the mountains.
Disc Golf
The addition of a disc golf course at Owen High School gave the Valley two courses. The one at Owen plays through the campus, alongside buildings, with big, open views of the mountains. The one at Black Mountain’s Recreation Park has a more natural setting, playing through woods, along the river, and by the community garden. The Rec Park course is open from sunrise to sunset; Owen’s course is open during the daytime after school, on weekends, or whenever class is not in session.
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Take a walk on the
(828) 273-3838 www.blackmountaintours.com
Contributing Writer
T
here’s no better way to explore the beautiful and historical town of Black Mountain than to enjoy a guided excursion with Black Mountain Walking & Ghost Tours. Want to learn more about the old-time, small town atmosphere of Black Mountain? The Black Mountain Walking Tour is a guided historical adventure that will introduce you to Black Mountain By Day. If the spooky side of Black Mountain is what you’re after, then the Black Mountain Ghost Tour will introduce you to Black Mountain By Night – and the local ghost stories of the area. Black Mountain’s Walking Tours are fun daytime tours that offer a look back at the history that shaped our quaint town. The tour lasts about an hour-and-a-half and takes visitors through the heart of Black Mountain, including a stroll down Cherry Street. Never boring and always entertaining, Black Mountain’s history comes alive in a tour that will have even dad and the kids jumping for joy. The walking tours leave from the Black Mountain Visitor’s Center, 201 E. State Street, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily and check-in time begins 30 minutes prior to the start of the tour. Sunday tours are only offered at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for ages 7 to 12; and 6 and under are free. Black Mountain Walking Tours are also available for school field trips, home school groups, Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts, and conference center groups. Step-on Bus Tours are also part of the adventure - you bring the bus, we’ll provide a tour guide who will stepon your bus for a fun-filled tour of Black Mountain, Lake Tomahawk, Montreat, and Christmount. For the adventurous types looking for a spooky good time, then join the Black Mountain Ghost Tour for a haunted adventure that just might make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. The Black Mountain Ghost Tour lasts about an hour-and-a-half and takes place in the dark, departing from the Dark City Deli, 122 Cherry Street. The haunted trek is family friendly, although we can’t promise mom won’t cover her eyes and dad won’t cry! Arrive at the Dark City Deli 30-minutes before the tour starts. Ghost Tours begin at 8 p.m. in April; 9 p.m. in May, June, and July; and at 7 p.m. in September and Spring & Summer 2012
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Black Mountain Walking Tour & Ghost Tour
By Jan Westmark Allan
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wild
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October. Tickets are $15 for adults; $7 for ages 7 to 12; and 6 and under are free. For more information, visit the Black Mountain Walking & Ghost Tours Web site at www.blackmountaintours.com or call (828) 2733838.
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WALKING TOURS 11 am Friday and Saturday Call for reservations. Leaving from the Black Mountain Visitor’s Center 201 E. State Street Enjoy a stroll through Black Mountain and learn the history that shaped our town! Private Tours for groups of 4 or more available and Step-On Bus Tours Available your bring the bus, we supply a tour guide!
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BLACK MOUNTAIN
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What’s All the
BUZZ About?
35th annual sourwood festival in downtown black mountain
B
irdhouses, handmade furniture, custom jewelry, local soap, and fine art are just a few of the crafts offered at Sourwood Festival. For one weekend in August each year, the Sourwood Festival fills downtown Black Mountain with wholesome entertainment for both adults and children. With highlights like authentic arts and crafts; face-painting, bouncy rides and cotton candy for children; musical acts and dancing; fresh-squeezed lemonade and hot-off-the-grill BBQ, there’s something for everyone at the Sourwood Festival presented by the Black Mountain-Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce. This year’s 35th annual festival is Saturday, August 11, and Sunday, August 12, and features over 200 booths of arts and crafts, food of all kinds, rides and games for children, and musical acts performing every half hour. The non-alcoholic festival attracts over 30,000 each year from all over the country. It wouldn’t be a festival if there weren’t a great selection of food, and the Sourwood has something for everyone - vegetarian dishes, homemade ice cream, funnel cake, handmade jellies, Polish sausage, corn on the cob, and much more. Honey-making and bee demonstrations are a popular attraction. “Owen High School Band’s BBQ fundraiser is always a big hit,” Chamber of Commerce Director Bob McMurray said. “You can smell the BBQ smoking from miles away.” The Sourwood Idol Contest kicks off the
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35th Annual Sourwood Festival August 11 & 12 Downtown Black Mountain www.Sourwoodfestival.com
Sourwood Festival on Friday, August 10, at 7 p.m. with regional talent of solo singing acts competing for the “Sourwood Idol” title. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place. Located at 201 E. State Street, the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce may be reached by calling (828) 669-2300 or emailing bmchamber@juno.com. www.exploreblackmountain. com. For more information on the Sourwood Festival, visit www. sourwoodfestival.com.
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people
famous By Jill Jones Contributing Writer
of the
swannanoa valley
T
he Swannanoa Valley has been both home and retreat for numerous famous people whose lives and businesses have impacted the people and the Valley for nearly two centuries. One of the most famous of all Valley residents is the Rev. Billy Graham, who married Ruth McCue Bell, daughter of missionary Dr. L. Nelson Bell, of Montreat, in 1943. The Grahams first lived in a modest cottage across from Ruth’s parents, but in 1954 they purchased 200 acres on a mountaintop in Montreat on which they built an informal country-style house that has served as a place of retreat as well as home for the evangelist and his family. Frontiersman and hero of the Alamo Davy Crockett visited Elizabeth Patton, the widow of a friend, in Swannanoa in 1815. He was also recently widowed. Having five children between them, they decided to wed and join their families. Three more children were born to them during their years in Tennessee and Texas. Descendants of Davy and Elizabeth reside today in the Swannanoa Valley. A pioneer in the field of electricity, Franklin Terry was a contemporary and a competitor of Thomas Edison and eventually became a vice-president of Edison’s company, General Electric. In 1921, he bought land in Black Mountain and built “In The Oaks,” a 24,755 square foot summer home for his second wife, Lilliam Slocumb Emerson. The home is second in size only to Biltmore House in the state and is styled as an English manor house. “In The Oaks” is now owned by Montreat College and serves as its Est. 1952 Black Mountain campus. Singer Roberta Flack was born in Swannanoa in 1939. She is perhaps best known for her hit song, “Killing Me Softly.” The Martin family of musicians is famous among fans of mountain In the Heart of Black Mountain for music, and are also known for their wood carvings and dulcimers. Billy Edd Wheeler, of Swannanoa, is the author of numerous songs that 114 W. State Street have been recorded by such stars as Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers, Nancy Black Mountain, NC Sinatra, and Lee Greenwood. wonderful Two sports figures of renown are from the Swannanoa Valley. Football years! great Brad Johnson, a graduate of Owen High School, led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory in 2004. He recently retired from the NFL. Brad Daugherty, former University of North Carolina and Cleveland 828.669.8217 Cavalier basketball star, is also from Black Mountain. For more information on these individuals and the history of the Swannanoa Valley, visit the Swannanoa Valley Museum, located at 223 West State Street in Black Mountain. For more information about the museum, call (828) 669-9655 or visit www.swannanoavalleymuseum.org.
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Drawing more than artists to their doors By Rita Vermillion Guest Contributor
I
n the early 1990s when the doors closed on the original Black Mountain City Hall, located at 225 W. State Street, the plan was to demolish the dignified brick building, which sat between the then-fire and police stations at the west end of downtown Black Mountain. Instead, what could have become an eyesore eventually was transformed into a vibrant community space to enhance and encourage one of the most appealing attributes central to this mountain area - the arts. The Black Mountain Center for the Arts was born as an idea in 1993, and as a remodeled, renovated edifice in the fall of 2000. Open weekdays from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., 51 weeks a year it has welcomed thousands of residents and visitors through
its doors to find out more about the arts in the Swannanoa Valley and beyond. There are many theories about what makes the arts such a principal part of our mountain culture – the influence of the early Cherokee, the inspiration provided by the beauty of the mountain views, the resourcefulness of the other pioneers who had to make their possessions because of the remoteness of the region, the natural resources such as clay, water, wood, and other flora that could be used to make artistic creations, the traditions of music, arts, storytelling and more that the Scots-Irish settlers brought with them, and the inner creativity that often comes from isolation and self-seclusion. Whatever the reasons, the importance of the arts in these ancient mountains cannot be overstated. The Black Mountain Center for the Arts celebrates that culture every day through gallery shows, classes in the visual, musical, dance, clay and movement arts, theater productions and concerts throughout the year, and other annual events that fulfill its mission of “bringing arts to the people and people to the arts.” In addition, the legendary history of the now-defunct Black Mountain College puts Black Mountain and Western North Carolina on the map in a way that few other things do. The experimental college, which existed for
Photos provided by BMCA The Black Mountain Center for the Arts Clay Studio with teachers Geoff Bird, Will Byers, Annie Singletary, and studio manager Charles Freeland offers classes yearround. In July, Maureen Joyce will return to teach an Adult Clay Camp.
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only 24 short years prior to, throughout and after World War II (1933- to be held at the Monte Vista Hotel at 2 pm. Ticket information on all 57), established an influence that has inspired artists, educators, these events is available through the Center at (828) 669-0930. philosophers, visionaries, and more around the world. For many New to the Center’s spring calendar for 2012 is an opportunity decades more people outside North Carolina were aware of Black for amateur and professional photographers to participate in the 12th Mountain College and its reputation than those who lived here. Even Annual Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day on Saturday, April 29 without a tangible space to visit, the devoted and the curious have from 1-4 p.m. This international event promotes the fantasy, art, fun come to Black Mountain seeking information about this renowned and experience of lens-less photography. Pinhole cameras will be part of U.S. education history. provided; then photos will be uploaded to an Internet gallery. It is not unusual for the Black Mountain Center for the Arts to Another new event will be a “Run for Your Art” 5K fun run on receive at least one or two visitors per week asking for information Saturday, June 23, which is sponsored by Black Mountain Running on the college, which had on its faculty such Company, to be a fundraiser for BMCA. artistic minds as Josef & Annie Albers, John Concerts and theater on the schedule Cage, Merce Cunningham, Franz Kline, Willem include: the Swannanoa River Project Play, a de Kooning, M.C. Richards, Jacob Lawrence, presentation by “Reasonably Priced Babies,” a Black Mountain Center and Lou Harrison. Today reunions, gatherings, locally-based improv comedy troupe (date TBA); for the Arts symposiums, tributes, books, catalogs, and and a concert by Jonathan Byrd, a N.C. acoustic multi-media presentations about the College musician who has been compared to a young 225 W. State Street are available, including the “Fully Awake” DVD Doc Watson (date TBA), and who played for Black Mountain that was released in 2007 that is available for BMCA’s grand opening in 2000. Check the Web purchase at the Black Mountain Center for site for additional concerts and events, www. (828) 669-0930 the Arts. Other places in town to learn more blackmountainarts.org. Blackmountainarts.org about the College are Black Mountain Books, Stop by the Black Mountain Center for Black Mountain Library, the Swannanoa Valley the Arts, between Thai Basil Restaurant (the Museum, and the kiosk near the Old Depot. old police station) and the Swannanoa Valley Establishing the Black Mountain Center for the Museum (the old fire station), on the same end of Arts was an ambitious undertaking for a small town and a volunteer the block with The Dripolator Coffeehouse (the old funeral home) and group. They applied for grants, completed a capital campaign, and across the street from Harwood Home for Funerals (a newer funeral found other creative ways to raise over a million dollars to renovate home) and enjoy some of W.N.C.’s best cultural resource – the arts. the old building, turning it from a repository for everything from the holding-cell jail to the water department to the library replete with orange shag carpet and pine-paneled walls, into a showplace gallery for art, a concert stage with outstanding acoustics, classroom space, western North Carolina’s along with cooperative work with local businesses, environmental groups, and the Town of Black Mountain to upgrade the back into a rain garden and functional municipal parking lot. Later, with additional grant funding, the old city garage was renovated into the current BMCA Clay Studio. This year the Arts Center will host a variety of events through the spring and summer, including returning favorites and new adventures. • 75 ft. Indoor Swimming Pool The 6th Annual Art in Bloom has a slightly different configuration this • Water Therapy Pool year. The Art in Bloom Gallery Exhibit, a collaboration between BMCA • Cardio Equipment and area art galleries curated by BMCA Executive Director Gale Jackson, will begin April 18 and be in the gallery through June 13. • Free Weights/Machines Beginning the evening of June 14 with the Gala Preview Party, where • Land and Water Aerobics Classes floral designers will have moments before completed their floral • Massage Therapy interpretations of the gallery show, Art in Bloom will kick off with a • Men & Women’s Locker Rooms dinner, complete with entertainment and opportunity to meet the floral • Coffee/Juice Bar designers and some of the artists. • Pilates 1-on-1 Training On Friday and Saturday, June 15-16, a cottage garden tour of 6 local gardens with plein air painters will happen from 10 a.m. - 4 • Personal Training p.m., along with entrance to the floral and art exhibit. Finishing up Art Cheshire Fitness Club in Bloom on June 16 at 7:30 p.m. will be a concert by 2012 Honorary 828.664.0400 Chairs Doug and Darcy Orr, along with Joe and Karen Holbert, all of M-F: 5:30am - 9pm Swannanoa Gathering renown. The following week, June 18-22, the Sat: 8am 6pm • Sun: 1- 6pm plein air paintings from the garden tour will be exhibited. www.cheshirefitnessclub.com Another returning favorite with a twist this year is the Fashion Located on the right 3/4 mile south of downtown Black Mountain on Highway 9 Show that will be moved away from Art in Bloom to Saturday, May 5,
come experience Finest fitness facility
fitness club
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A
By Julie White Contributing Writer
Lovely Day
Black Mountain by Foot! G
reenways are popping up in cities and towns all across the country. Greenways are trails and paved or unpaved pathways that enable us to connect with and access places and people without using a vehicle. Black Mountain Greenways offer opportunities for locals and visitors to explore our town and enjoy the mountain views while biking, walking, running, skipping, galloping, and dog walking. All of our greenways are accessible by foot from downtown. A Black Mountain Greenways map is available at the Chamber of Commerce and in many local stores. Enjoy Black Mountain by foot!
Garden Greenway: Community Garden and a Leisurely Walk to Town
½ mile Flat Creek Greenway is a local favorite. The greenway starts behind Black Mountain Primary School and runs north for a 1/2 mile, meandering along picturesque Flat Creek, home to wildflowers, birds, and beautiful old trees. You’ll encounter mountain views from the north end of the greenway. To get there: Take Charlotte Street off of State Street to the back of the primary school
Depot to Depot Greenway: Bike or run to Old Fort
Flat Creek Greenway: Mountain views, wildflowers and a meandering creek
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1 mile Garden Greenway: The Garden Greenway is located off Blue Ridge Road at the Grey Eagle Arena. It circles our community garden and is lined with native plants and trees. The boardwalk takes you under the Interstate and connects you to the Oaks Greenway and Recreation Park where you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the river. The Oaks Greenway connects Recreation Park and Vance Avenue. By combining these trails you can walk over and then follow quiet streets and sidewalks into downtown Black Mountain for lunch, coffee, or some shopping.
10 miles If you are seeking a longer adventure, try riding the Depot to Depot route. This bicycle route starts at the Depot in Black Mountain and follows a 10-mile signed route to the Depot in Old Fort. This route follows lightly used roads and the highly popular Point Lookout Greenway, the path of the Old Highway through Pisgah Forest and on down the mountain.
Lake Tomahawk and Dog Park Trail: Short, scenic trails
Two other short scenic trails are the path around Lake Tomahawk and the path following the river near the dog park which is behind BiLo on Highway 9. To get to the Lake Tomahawk trail follow Craigmont Road and then Rhododendron Avenue off of Highway 70 across from the CVS. The Buncombe County Connect Buncombe initiative’s goal in to connect existing greenways to each other. Imagine renting a bike in Black Mountain and cycling to Asheville! What a lovely day that would be!
Bike Rentals: Epic Cycles at 102 Sutton Avenue across from the caboose
Hiking Supplies: Take a Hike at 100 Sutton Avenue townofblackmountain.org/greenway.htm
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dmoore@beverly-hanks.com 300 Executive Park Asheville, NC 28801 Cell: 828-215-6002
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At FRESH, savor artfully prepared wood-fired pizza inspired by centuries-old italian traditions, featuring the freshest local ingredients available. Try our homemade breads, pastas, salads, desserts and gluten-free selections. Taste the difference FRESH makes.
828-669-6999
www.freshwoodfiredpizza.com 100 South Ridgeway Avenue, Black Mountain, NC 28711 www.blackmountainnews.com
Spring & Summer 2012
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Wildlife in the
Swannanoa Valley
Photos by Tony Dills
By Barbara Hootman Staff Writer
The Swannanoa Valley literally teems with wildlife. More than 60 species call Western North Carolina home, and more than a dozen of these are in residence in local backyards and woods. Some of the more obvious wild creates in the Valley include bears, deer, opossum, red fox, coyote, beaver, grey squirrels, and flying squirrels, which are nocturnal, raccoons, and bobcats. Encountering wildlife in the Valley is an everyday occurrence for residents, and can be for visitors. Squirrels sit and chatter at you from tree branches, opossums lumber up a trail or across a road, eyeing you with beady little eyes, raccoons pilfer food from outside dog and cat dishes, and black bears wander in and out of local communities from spring through fall. The red fox is making a return to the Valley. It has to compete with coyotes that have migrated into the area for food and shelter. Coyotes have won in pushing their way into the wildlife habitats, and are increasing in numbers yearly. They are no longer as fearful of people as they once were. Raccoons are cute with their permanent masked eyes, but remember they are one of the wild species most susceptible to rabies. Never pick up a baby raccoon, and do not feed the panhandling adults. They do not understand the word “no.” Also, they do not understand that you have run out of peanut butter cookies. Keep wildlife wild.
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Hand Tossed Gourmet Pizza Hot Oven Subs • Pastas • Salads Kids Menu & Desserts 110 Cherry Street • Black Mountain, NC
828.669.4944 Weekdays: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday/Saturday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday: Noon - 9 p.m.
Watch but do not touch. Whitetail deer munch on apples in local orchards, azaleas and hosta, landscaping many mountain homes to the horror of the owners. Most wild creatures are afraid of humans, and that is the way it is suppose to be. Keeping wildlife wild is a way to assure the safety of not only wild creatures but people as well. It is imperative to be careful and never approach, feed, or try to touch any wild creature. Always stay away from animals that act strangely. They may be too accustomed to humans, or even worse, rabid. Bear attacks are rare, but death can result from carelessness humans. Birding in the Appalachian Mountains and especially in the Swannanoa Valley is second to none. There are over 80 species of migratory birds to observe and at least over 200 that live, permanently or at least part-time, within the area. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the Appalachian Mountains are a record of Earth’s history. The beginning of these mountains is dated to approximately 60 million years ago. The mountains that we know today began to take shape then. It is an honor to live among these ancient rocks that provide habitats for the abundant wild creatures that also call this area home. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance and give it the respect that it deserves. The mountains, creeks, waterfalls, trees, and animals tell an ancient story in the Swannanoa Valley. Listen and watch and you’ll hear the story.
The Black Mountain Bistro is a locally owned business where we believe in only serving the best quality food at reasonable prices. Everything on the menu is made FRESH DAILY. Menu includes a large variety including Soups, Salads, Pastas, Sandwiches, Burgers, Southern Fare, Ribs, Steaks, & Chicken.
Outdoor Seating Available 203 East State Street • Black Mountain 828-669-5041 Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11am-9:30pm • Friday-Saturday 11am-10pm
www.blackmountainnews.com
Spring & Summer 2012
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The U.S. Civil War & the Mexican Revolution highlighted in Presbyterian Heritage Center exhibits By Ron Vinson Contributing Writer
earn about chaplains during the American Civil War, missions L to Mexico, and much more at the Presbyterian Heritage Center (PHC) in Montreat.
The free admission museum features Appalachian religious folk art carvings, rotating exhibits, touch-screen computer monitors, and special events throughout the year. Located at 318 Georgia Terrace in Montreat, the PHC has numerous displays during the spring and summer. When Civil War soldiers marched off to war 150 years ago, they were served by up to 3,700 chaplains. “Answering the Call: Photos provided by PHC Religion & Chaplains during the Civil War” is a 1,100U.S. Civil War chaplains - in 1861, Catholic Chaplain Thomas H. Mooney plus sq. ft. display of diaries, letters, and military conducts Sunday morning mass in camp of 69th New York State Militia. artifacts – uniforms, buttons and buckles, swords, rifles, pistols, and camp accessories – as well as rare photos, books, and more! The exhibit features photos and information on scores of chaplains from all denominations - Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Roman Catholic, Jewish, and others. From camp ministers to battlefield medics to hospital comforters to scribes for letters home from illiterate or wounded soldiers, chaplains played many roles during the war. They ran libraries for the common soldier, made sure pay was sent to loved ones, and buried the dead. Touch-screen monitors and video displays at the Presbyterian Heritage Center will allow you to hear a Civil War song written by a chaplain, see how period rifles were loaded and fired via 100-year-old re-enactment film and explore additional pictures and information. “Missions to Mexico: Presbyterian missions from 1850 – present” exhibit covers the first Rev. Juan Vergara greets members of his Presbyterian congregation in Ozumba, Mexico, and Presbyterian Presbyterian missionaries (independent, PCUSA, Missionary the Rev. H.W. Brown. Confederate Chaplain Robert PCUS, ARP, etc.) from the mid-1800s to the recent Franklin Bunting is shown in his 2011 decision by the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico (INPM) to terminate its joint mission agreement with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Rare artifacts 8th Texas Cavalry uniform circa 1861. Bunting served the entire and photos are displayed, including a 19th century side saddle owned by Melinda Rankin, the first Presbyterian war as a chaplain, a recruiter, supported, independent missionary to Mexico. and a newspaper correspondent.
Presbyterian Heritage Center
318 Georgia Terrace Montreat, near Lake Susan and Assembly Inn. Admission is free & parking is available (828) 669-6556 phcmontreat.org 20 Spring & Summer 2012
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Hours of operation: May & September - Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sat. 1 - 4 p.m., Sunday 1:30 - 4 p.m. June - August, Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sat. 1 - 4 p.m., Sunday 1:30 – 4 p.m.
Long Feather’s
www.paintersgreenhouse.com
gifts of nature with Native spirit
FEATURING Native American made crafts Dream Catchers • Drums • Rattles • Flutes
Sage • Incense • Candles Herbal Teas • Essential Oils Decals • Books • CD’s & more!
Located in Cherry Street Square at 118 Cherry St. Suite C Black Mountain, NC 28711 • (828) 669-3377
Knitting, Crocheting, Spinning, Weaving & Felting
Featuring
Join us at Painters this spring -
200+ new plants & beautiful pottery planters in all sizes! **April 14th & 15th: 8th Annual Herb Festival**
Herb sales, 25+ artisans, live music, food & kids' activities all weekend! Enjoy weekly sales, fun-filled events, lectures & demos! Visit our updated website & Facebook page for details on availability, sales & events, growing tips & more!
Take I-40E to Exit 73, turn right & go 2.5 miles on Batcave Rd. --> Turn right at Pine Cove Rd. & drive 2.5 miles to Roy Moore Rd.--> Turn left & you are there! *Painters' accepts cash, debit & credit (Visa, Mastercard & Discover) - no checks, please.
Take a trip back in time. Buyers and browsers alike enjoy our neighborly atmosphere and the sights and scents of a myriad of old-timey tools, toys, gifts and housewares. They DO make ‘e m like tey used to!
Local & international yarns, classes, supplies & accessories.
203-A West State Street Black Mountain, NC 28711 828-669-7570 www.blackmountainyarnshop.com
Monday - Sunday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. / Sundays Noon - 5 p.m. 103 West State Street • Black Mountain, NC 28711 828-669-7723 / 877-669-7723 • www.townhardware.com
www.blackmountainnews.com
Spring & Summer 2012
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B
lueberries, butterflies, & hops, oh my! By Van Burnette Contributing Writer
I
s your family looking for an outdoor activity that is not only scenic but entertaining, educational, historic, and is full of flowers, butterflies, blueberries, medicinal herbs, and hops? Then you should consider Black Mountain’s only agritourism farm located just eight minutes from downtown. Nestled under the 6,000 foot ranges of the Craggy Mountains and Eastern Americas highest mountain, Mt. Mitchell, Van Burnette’s Hop’n Blueberry Farm is a seventh generation family farm steeped in local history and pioneer sustainability. Today the farm is a leader in exploring alternative crops, pollination habitat creations, and niche markets and is involved with several universities and organizations with research and development of these crops and ideas. Tours of the farm are not just limited to exploring the science of today’s new agricultural markets. There is a great deal of natural and native beauty to enjoy while visiting the farm. Butterflies are one. They are naturally attracted to the farm because of extensive plantings of flowering nectar plants. Because of this, a butterfly flight house was created. The butterfly flight house contains many native species of butterflies inside the facility which is saturated with a kaleidoscope of brilliantly colored flowers. There is even a waterfall and moss garden inside. At any one point during the summer, many of the butterflies will be in the various states of metamorphosis from the egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and adult. It is a great place for children and adults to learn about the life cycles of insects and butterflies as well as growing crops and flowers at your home or farm that will attract them. A lot of their work with butterflies also deals with monarch butterfly and growing milkweed to sustain the monarchs fragile existence. The farm also offers a U-Pick blueberry operation during the months of June and July. Several hundred bushes of sweet mountain grown blueberries will keep families together not only at the farm, but at the dinner table as the family enjoys blueberry pancakes, muffins, or pies.
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Hop’n Blueberry Farm 24 Middle Mountain Rd. • Black Mountain (828) 664-1166 • hopnblueberryfarm.com Finally there are the hops. The Hop’n Blueberry hop yard was the first commercial hop yard in the state and continues to draw a great deal of interest as many adults see, taste, and learn about this flavor ingredient of beer that coincides with Western North Carolina’s growing Craft Brewing Industry. Hops tours are scheduled exclusively for those that want to learn more. Tour hours are Friday and Saturday at noon and 2 p.m., May - October. Special events during 2012 are the Butterfly Plant Day scheduled for July 7, the Hop Harvest Tour scheduled for August 4, and the Monarch Festival scheduled for October 6.
AnTHM Gallery at the Monte Vista Hotel, represents a diverse group of emerging and mid-career contemporary artists from around the country, working in a variety of media and subject matter that includes paintings, photography and 3-deminsional works. AnTHM Gallery strives to exhibit works that display expertise, sensitivity, and imagination, as it embraces aesthetic beauty, artistic integrity, and themes relevant to our lives, through non-traditional imagery. In addition to the art represented year round, the gallery honors the mmack legacy of Black Mountain College by Artist, Jack Ha offering seasonal, temporary exhibits that emphasize a maverick spirit of artistic and educational experimentation. 308 W State St | 828.707.7615 AnTHM’s first downtown location, known now as AnTHM Town Arts, opened in 2010 and continues to be an anchor of local and regional art, handmades & clothing on the east-edge of Black Mountain’s Historic Downtown District. 100.5 W State St | 828.419.0049 See more of AnTHM’s art at Black Mountain Ale House and LEAF | Lake Eden Arts Festival, May and October. Open year-round. For hours and events, visit anthmgallery.com | 828.419.0049
828.419.0049
www.anthmgallery.com
Artists, Ellen Langford and Lamar Sorrento
Black mountain COIN LAUNDRY WASH • DRY • FOLD Pickup & Delivery Available
Attendant Available 10am - 3pm, Mon. - Fri. www.blackmountainlaundry.com
Black mountain Transportation Airport Shuttle Local/Long Distance Wedding Shuttles Errand Shuttle:
An old-fashioned confectionary! /PEN DAYS A WEEK
7 3TATE 3TREET "LACK -OUNTAIN ,OCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED
6ISIT OUR OTHER LOCATION AT "ATTERY 0ARK !VENUE IN DOWNTOWN !SHEVILLE
Grocery Store, Pharmacy, Beauty Shop, etc.
828-664-9267
OPEN
24 HOURS!
828-230-1121 www.blackmountain transportation.com www.blackmountainnews.com
Spring & Summer 2012
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Bring this ad in to receive
25% off any single item.
One coupon per customer, per visit. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or coupon. Not valid on merchandise discounted more than 50% off the regular price. Expires July 31, 2012
119 Broadway Street in Black Mountain (828) 669-5117 Store Hours: Mon. - Sat. 10 am - 6 pm & Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm
Where prior season fashions create current season looks.
Doncaster never goes out of style!
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LER WILLIAMS L E K PROFESSIONALS
100 W. STATE ST • BLACK MOUNTAIN
828-669-5220 kellerwilliamsblackmountain.com
Joan Hall Weaver 828-230-3181
Byron Bailey 828-713-8966
Natalie Clevenger 828-231-7915
Starry Jones 828-582-6135
Karey Brooks 828-273-8726
Charles Jones 828-231-9613
Sally Bierhaus 828-273-0915
Rowena Patton 828-210-1648
Dawn Dixon 828-777-8854
Vicki Dunkerley 828-275-5007
Mary Noble Braden 828-337-6980
Tom Sobol Appraiser 828-691-0916
Trish MacIsaac 828-301-8212
Nancy Bartlett 828-231-8694
Lynda Austin 828-606-3445
Chris Bolick 828-273-2368
The Madison Inn Restaurant and Bed & Breakfast
Black Mountain’s Best Kept Secret Casual Fine Dining Indoor & Outdoor Seating 11 Rooms & Suites Pet Friendly Lodging Take Interstate 40 Exit 66 • Go south and follow the signs. 828.669.4785 • MadisonInn-NC.com • 15 Dixon Road • Black Mountain, NC
Open for Dinner 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Closed Wednesdays Sunday Brunch 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Walk-ins Welcome / Reservations Appreciated