Asheville Cabin Rental Blog

ASHEVILLE, NC - Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) was awarded the General Aviation Project of the Year by the Southeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives at their annual meeting in Mobile, Ala. last week.

AVL was recognized for its creative use of a regional partnership to efficiently, effectively and safely conduct a major fill project that created 15 usable acres of aeronautical use land on the airport campus, on the north side near Interstate 26. The fill project combined the resources and talents of multiple organizations to design and undertake an EPA-encouraged beneficial use program utilizing coal combustion by-products (called CCBs) for engineered-fill material. The project allowed the airport to import 840,000 cubic yards of CCBs from the nearby Progress Energy electric generating plant. This eliminated the need to utilize the earth’s natural resources while creating the additional acres of buildable land – all at a significant cost savings to the airport.

In the process of generating electricity, coal-fired power plants such as Progress Energy’s Asheville Plant, generate CCBs. As part of Progress Energy’s commitment to the environment, the company seeks to reuse the by-products in a safe and responsible manner. The airport’s fill project – which not only provided a location for the CCBs, but also did so while exceeding recommended environmental and engineering requirements – was a perfect match for the reuse of the material.

“The partnership between the Airport and Progress Energy was beneficial for us both. Progress Energy found an environmentally-sound way to reuse the coal combustion by-product, and the Airport saved millions of dollars in costs that traditional fill methods would have required,” said Lew Bleiweis, A.A.E., Airport Director. “The airport industry recognized that our project was a creative solution for all involved, and I am pleased with their recognition of our project.”

The Southeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives consists of over 450 members from 12 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The association is guided by a nine-member Board of Directors, and is committed to promoting the professionalism and financial stability in the administration of airports.

PISGAH FOREST, NC – The spring forests and fields are alive with song as birds arrive from their tropical winter homes to summer habitats in our mountains.  Come to the Cradle of Forestry Historic Site Saturday, May 7, to honor this amazing annual phenomenon of nature. At 9:00 a.m. the Cradle will offer a guided walk to learn and practice identifying birds by sight and sound. Group size will be limited and registration is requested by calling (828)877-3130. Youth ages 10 and older are welcome accompanied by an adult. At 2:00 p.m. a guided walk, Birding for Beginners, is open to all interested in learning about birds and birding. Both programs are wheelchair accessible.

Family oriented activities for the Cradle’s Migratory Bird Day will be from 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. and include on-going games that show the wonder of birds. In Risky Business, participants experience the challenges birds face during migration. Other activities teach about bird adaptations, habitats, and conservation. Make a colorful mobile to hang outside your window to help prevent birds from colliding with the glass. Young children can enjoy a craft activity making their first pair of binoculars. Hear stories about birds in cultures around the world, the theme of this year’s International Migratory Bird Day.

The Cradle of Forestry is located on Hwy. 276 near Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest outside Brevard. Admission to the Cradle of Forestry is $5.00 for ages 16 and older. Youth 15 and under and America the Beautiful pass holders, Golden Age, Golden Access, and Golden Eagle Passport holders are admitted free.  For more information please call the Cradle of Forestry at 828-877-3130 or go to www.cradleofforestry.org.  For more information on International Migratory Bird Day visit www.birdday.org.

PISGAH FOREST, NC – The spring forests and fields are alive with song as birds arrive from their tropical winter homes to summer habitats in our mountains.  Come to the Cradle of Forestry Historic Site Saturday, May 7, to honor this amazing annual phenomenon of nature. At 9:00 a.m. the Cradle will offer a guided walk to learn and practice identifying birds by sight and sound. Group size will be limited and registration is requested by calling (828)877-3130. Youth ages 10 and older are welcome accompanied by an adult. At 2:00 p.m. a guided walk, Birding for Beginners, is open to all interested in learning about birds and birding. Both programs are wheelchair accessible.

Family oriented activities for the Cradle’s Migratory Bird Day will be from 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. and include on-going games that show the wonder of birds. In Risky Business, participants experience the challenges birds face during migration. Other activities teach about bird adaptations, habitats, and conservation. Make a colorful mobile to hang outside your window to help prevent birds from colliding with the glass. Young children can enjoy a craft activity making their first pair of binoculars. Hear stories about birds in cultures around the world, the theme of this year’s International Migratory Bird Day.

The Cradle of Forestry is located on Hwy. 276 near Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest outside Brevard. Admission to the Cradle of Forestry is $5.00 for ages 16 and older. Youth 15 and under and America the Beautiful pass holders, Golden Age, Golden Access, and Golden Eagle Passport holders are admitted free.  For more information please call the Cradle of Forestry at 828-877-3130 or go to www.cradleofforestry.org.  For more information on International Migratory Bird Day visit www.birdday.org.

ASHEVILLE, NC – Britain’s Prince William marries Kate Middleton in a just few weeks, but don’t despair if your invitation was lost in the mail. The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa invites guests to celebrate the royal wedding in royal style at our legendary resort. Big screen TV’s will take center stage in The Great Hall, so make plans now to watch the royal nuptials and celebrate at The Grove Park Inn.

Beginning at 5 a.m. on Friday, April 29, the day of the big wedding, our Great Hall will take on a British feel as we serve English classics such as Hot Tea, Scones. Classic Victorian Sandwiches, Cheese Straws. Coconut Macaroons and Cinnamon Swirls. Magnolia Lounge will offer special “Wedding Cake Martinis” and shops in the Walk In The Park retail area will offer customers a 15% discount in honor of the big day. After the royal knot is tied, you can treat yourself like royalty at our world class Spa or championship golf course. For the ultimate royal weekend, book a stay at our legendary resort or make a reservation at one of our award-winning restaurants. Just because you didn’t receive an invitation to the big wedding, doesn’t mean you can’t have a day fit for a royal!

For reservations and more information, please contact The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa at 800.438.0050 or 828.252.2711.

ASHEVILLE, NC – The Kid’s Fishing Tournament at Lake Julian Park will take place on Saturday, April 30, 2011. The semi-annual event is open to all children ages 15 and under and is sponsored by Buncombe County Parks, Greenways and Recreation Services.

The Kid’s Fishing Tournament begins at 8:30 a.m. and is over promptly at 11:30 a.m. Preregistration for the Tournament is advised, or children can register the day of the Tournament starting at 8 a.m. at Lake Julian Park. The cost for the Tournament is $5 per child. No fishing license is required for children under 16 years of age.

This is a Catch and Release event. Lake Julian Park will supply a bucket for each competitor’s catch. After the fish has been weighed and measured, it will be released back into the lake. Participants bring their own pole and bait. Any type of pole and bait is permitted.

Fishing is allowed anyplace inside the Lake Julian Park boundaries. No boat fishing is allowed. All children must be accompanied by at least one adult.

There are prizes galore! Children will be grouped into one of five age categories and prizes will be awarded in each of these categories.

Prizes will be given for the biggest fish, the smallest fish and the most fish caught. In addition, all competitors in every age group will have an opportunity to show off their casting skill. Casting poles and targets are provided by Lake Julian Park and children can demonstrate their ability anytime during the Tournament. There are prizes for the winners of the casting competition, too!

To register, fill out the registration form attached below. Please register only one child per registration form.

Bring the family and enjoy the day at Lake Julian Park. Picnic tables and grills are located throughout the park and there is a playground for young children. Paddle boats are available for rent and the ducks are always ready for a snack.

For more information, view the Kids Fishing Tournament PSA, call Lake Julian Park at 684-0376 or email david.blynt@buncombecounty.org.

Fishing Tournament Registration Form

ASHEVILLE, NC – Asheville Regional Airport Authority (ARAA) is pleased to announce new non-stop service on US Airways to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) beginning May 8, 2011.

The flight will operate on Sundays, with varying departure times—all morning flights.

This will be the third destination offered by US Airways, which currently operates several flights a day to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT), and one daily flight to LaGuardia International Airport (LGA).

Also in May, AirTran will return its non-stop flight to Tampa International Airport (TPA), and will offer the flight four days each week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 3:20 p.m. and Sundays at 2:37 p.m. The Tampa flight, previously a seasonal service, is now scheduled as a year-round service, and joins Orlando as the second non-stop destination provided by AirTran.

On June 9, American Airlines returns its seasonal flight from Asheville Regional Airport to Dallas Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW). The service will be daily, with a 4:30 p.m. departure time.

ASHEVILLE, NC – Earth Day is a good time to think about how you are living on the earth and with its inhabitants, human and otherwise. It’s a good time to slow down and enjoy the natural world. It’s a good time to evaluate your daily actions.

Here are some things that you might do to slow down as you celebrate Earth Day:

• Create a “no carry-out food” day each week and make a meal together as a family. You’ll reduce your packaging waste and have time to laugh and talk.
• Plan your errands or your commute so that you aren’t rushing from place to place. If you will be stopping to shop, think about what you need and make a list. You’ll reduce unnecessary purchases, which often become waste within days, weeks, or months.
• Listen to what others have to say. Rather than spending your “listening” time planning what you will say next or interrupting, really listen. You might learn something – from a great reuse idea to a current event – and you will be building a relationship.
• Shop in your own closets and cupboards. We often head to the store to purchase storage containers or recipe ingredients because we don’t know or can’t find what we already have. If you clean out closets, drawers, and cupboards, you may find a supply of usable items, saving money and reducing waste.
• Visit the library. Libraries are a reuser’s paradise. Not only can you check out books, DVDs, and more, but you can also meet your neighbors.
• Spend time in nature. Whether it is a short walk, a long bike ride, or a seat on the porch, take time to relax and breathe the fresh air. You might be inspired to start a garden, plant flowers, or begin composting.
• Listen to the sounds of children around you. Think about the world that we will be leaving them. Find a way to make a positive difference in your neighborhood or community.

BLACK MOUNTAIN, NC – Discover the magic of LEAF at the 32nd festival May 12th-15th, 2011 with “Africa’s Premier Diva” ANGELIQUE KIDJO, the special Treasure Chest Tour with Bluegrass & Country Grammy winner RICKY SKAGGS, Legendary Soul & FUNK saxophonist MACEO PARKER, and Louisiana Blues & Funk masters join in VOICE OF THE WETLANDS ALLSTARS featuring TAB BENOIT, CYRIL NEVILLE, ANDERS OSBORNE, JOHNNY VIDACOVICH, JOHNNY SANSONE, WAYLON THIBODEAUX & BIG CHIEF MONK BOUDREAUX.

Be a LEAFer and connect music, art and culture the weekend of May 12th-15th at Camp Rockmont in Black Mountain. A weekend at LEAF is the equivalent of going on a year-long multi-cultural musical and dance odyssey. LEAF is a strong family and friend tradition that “recharges our batteries” twice a year. Great value! Great Times!

Map out your weekend “travels” at theLEAF.org and discover these artists: ANGELIQUE KIDJO• MACEO PARKER • RICKY SKAGGS & KENTUCKY THUNDER special Treasure Chest Tour • VOICE OF THE WETLANDS ALLSTARS featuring TAB BENOIT, CYRIL NEVILLE, ANDERS OSBORNE, JOHNNY VIDACOVICH, JOHNNY SANSONE, WAYLON THIBODEAUX & BIG CHIEF MONK BOUDREAUX • SPAM ALLSTARS• ACOUSTIC SYNDICATE• Sarazino – Global Latin• The Legendary Singing Stars• UMALALI, THE GARIFUNA WOMEN’S PROJECT of Belize • John Doyle- Celtic • Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion • Las Eréndiras de San Antonio (All-Female Mariachi) • Sunpie Barnes & The Louisiana Sunspots • Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’Blues • UNI?RE Theater • Contra Dancing • Poetry Slam • 1st LEAF Puppetry Slam • Music Jams • Steel Drums & Puppets • Parade • Fiddle Contest • Circus Arts • 50+ Healing Arts Workshops & so much more to explore & experience- see all on web!

LEAF’s music is but one thread that holds together the cloth of a weekend experience that includes art and culture from around the world, and right here, for the entire family.

LEAF IN SCHOOLS & STREETS (LSS) IN THE COMMUNITY!
One of the key LEAF achievements is Empowering Youth in WNC through Festive Arts. LSS is currently working weekly with 15 music and arts programs in local public housing communities and center for after-school programs. Surrounding the festival, over 20 of the LEAF artists will also be participating in LEAF in Schools & Streets through arts-in-education workshops, residencies, and enrichment concerts in local schools and centers. Over 23,000 YOUTH locally have been involved in LSS!

LSS is making residencies, workshops and performances available to area schools and community centers ranging from New Orleans – Zydeco, Bouje-Bouje, Afro-Louisiana, Garifuna/Belize, Tanzanian Drumming & Dance, Hip Hop/Step Dance, Celtic, Spoken Word, Blues, Taiko Drumming, and World Choral Traditions to West African Dance & Drumming. Schools, parents, teachers and more interested in LSS Arts In Education program offerings should contact outreach@theLEAF.org or 828/68-MUSIC (686-8742) for more information.

A family-friendly outreach performance and school field trip opportunity:

LEAF IN SCHOOLS & STREETS PRESENTS:
MAC ARNOLD & PLATE FULL O’BLUES
~Blues Legend & Blues Music Award 2010 Recipient~ Monday, May 16, 2011
11:00 AM (10:30 AM doors)
All Ages: $2 for children (under age 18)|$3 for adults
The Orange Peel, downtown Asheville, NC
Tickets: Orange Peel Box office, theorangepeel.net, Ticket web (866) 468-7630
LSS provides this special low cost event to make this outreach performance accessible for schools, families & the community.
Info: outreach@theLEAF.org | 828/68-MUSIC (686-8742) | LEAFinSchoolsandStreets.org & click on events

MAC ARNOLD & PLATE FULL O’BLUES will put on a special family-friendly, community outreach performance on Monday morning, May 16, 2011. Mac Arnold is a Blues legend and one of the last to have worked with everyone from Muddy Waters to James Brown. Mac is a 2010 recipient Best Historical Album from the 31st Blues Music Awards for his participation on the 1966 recording Muddy Waters – Authorized Bootleg: Live at the Fillmore Auditorium (Geffen Records). Mac Arnold’s first band included James Brown on piano and when he moved to Chicago Muddy Waters hired him on the spot. He has recorded LPs with Otis Spann and John Lee Hooker. Mac moved to Los Angeles and produced Soul Train with his friend Don Cornelius. He even played bass on the Sanford & Son television show when he wasn’t playing bass for Otis Redding and B.B. King. Backed by his band, Mac Arnold does vocals, plays bass and his iconic Gas Can Guitars. Mac will showcase his Blues in the Schools program where he explains his legendary role in American Blues history.