History Bursts to Life at Carolina Renaissance Festival

Imagine a place where adults can feel and act like children and children are treated like royalty. A magical place where you will forget about your daily cares and enjoy the charm of a simpler time and place. A village full of imagination, fantasy, history and magic. Sound idyllic? Then mark your calendars for the Carolina Renaissance Festival coming this October and November north of Charlotte between Concord and Huntersville.

Celebrating their 18th anniversary, the Carolina Renaissance Festival and Artisan Marketplace is now one of the largest renaissance-themed events in the country. Running seven consecutive Saturdays and Sundays from October 8th through November 20th (10am-5pm, rain or shine), the Carolina Renaissance Festival is set in the fictional, story-book village of Fairhaven filled with charming cottages, castles, kitchens and pubs, all with the architecture and design of a 16th century European town.

Featuring musical, dance, comedy and circus entertainment, hundreds of colorful and costumed characters roaming the village, exotic and amazing magic shows, the pomp, pageantry and chivalry of jousting tournaments, rides and games of skill, handmade arts and crafts in an open-air market, and an endless feast of medieval taste treats and beverages fit for royalty, the Carolina Renaissance Festival is sure to be an entertaining time machine.

Advance tickets are available at any Harris Teeter grocery store or on the Carolina Renaissance Festival website.

Romance Reigns at The Red Horse Inn

There’s nothing like a restful getaway to help restore your soul, your senses, and, of course, your sanity. And that’s just what the stunning Red Horse Inn in Landrum, South Carolina was designed to do.  With sweeping mountain views, pastoral vistas, and the peacefulness of the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Red Horse Inn is a perfect romantic retreat to celebrate and renew. And with accolades from top reviewers and magazines including AAA (Four Diamond Award Winner and Top 10 Places in the Country to View Fall Foliage), Inn Traveler Magazine (Best Honeymoon/Anniversary Getaway) and UpTake.com (Best of B&Bs South Carolina), we aren’t the only ones that think so.

Innkeepers Mary & Roger Wolters have thought of everything in their six romantic cottages and six charming inn rooms spread throughout their 190 acres. With amenities including luxurious linens, fireplaces, decks and patios, whirlpools and hot tubs, kitchens or “kitchen closets”, and exquisite décor, the accommodations have everything needed to unwind and relax. And with little extra touches like rose petals on the bed, chocolates by the bedside, and a rubber duck for the tub, the romance is palpable.

And their wonderfully luxurious “sleep-in as late as you want breakfast” basket is provided in the cottages and inn room refrigerators and features homemade jumbo muffins, fresh fruit parfaits, egg casseroles, juice, coffee and tea.

The Red Horse inn is within a half-hour drive to Greenville and Spartanburg, SC and Hendersonville, NC and is only an hour away from the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC. Other area attractions include the revolutionary history of The Dark Corner of South Carolina, the waterfalls, covered bridges and wineries of The Upcountry, the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway (SC11), whitewater rafting, and nine South Carolina State Parks.

VisitNC.com -- North Carolina's Odes to Oysters

Check out our feature on the motherlode of North Carolina Oyster Festivals (and seafood in general) on VisitNC.com

Fall Harvest Festivals at North Carolina Vineyards & Wineries

Fall generally means grape harvests at North Carolina wineries and that means it’s a great time to visit. Whether it’s a traditional—or untraditional—harvest festival, a good ol’ grape stomp, bustling production activities, special tastings, or simply a crisp and colorful day in the countryside, it’s most definitely a great time of year to visit North Carolina vineyards and wineries!

Each fall festival varies, but they frequently include: tastings (often with a souvenir glass); vineyard and winery tours (especially active during harvest season); varied food possibilities; live music; arts and crafts; and some specific harvest season possibilities—like grape stomping!

Autumn at the High Hampton Inn in Cashiers

Looking for a break from the stresses of your bustling city life? Want to enjoy all the autumnal beauty that Mother Nature has in store? Than look no further than High Hampton Inn & Country Club in Cashiers, North Carolina. Since 1922, the 1,400 acre High Hampton Inn & Country Club has been welcoming generations of guests looking to renew, rejuvenate and reconnect.

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 3600-foot elevation oasis combines the ultimate blend of outdoor retreat and civilized hospitality. And the near-perfect climate adds to the sense of serenity and peace. As does the lack of electronic devices throughout the property including telephones or televisions in the simple and, dare we say, rustic guest rooms. But, frankly, that's truly one of the charms of High Hampton Inn.

But if fall foliage, waterfalls and mountain peaks is what you're after, then you've found the perfect spot. And with activities including mountain golf, tennis, spa services, hiking, swimming, boating and fishing in the 35-acre private mountain lake, afternoon tea, or simply sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch with a good book, your days will be filled. As will your bellies with varied and creative dining options including The Dining Room (a bountiful, Southern-leaning culinary affair), the Hampton Market (for prepared meals, gourmet-on-the-go, and groceries), as well as the Rock Mountain Tavern (featuring adult beverages and 'tapas in the tavern').

This fall, you can treat yourself to a mid-week getaway with their Fall into High Hampton Package featuring a $75 resort credit for any two-night or longer stay, Sunday through Thursday. The credit can be used toward any resort activity or amenity including golf, the Hampton Health Club & Spa, the Pro Shop and Gift Shop, or at the Hampton Market. The Fall into High Hampton Package is available now through November 10, 2011 and offers a wonderful opportunity to those in search of tranquility, serenity, and Mother Nature's autumnal beauty (don't worry....if a mid-week getaway doesn't fit your schedule, High Hampton Inn has lots other deals this Fall).

Two New Charming Inns in South Carolina

One of our favorite hotel chains, Charlestowne Hotels, has added two new charming inns to their portfolio. The first is Rosemary Inn Bed & Breakfast located in North Augusta, South Carolina. Constructed in 1902 by the founder of North Augusta, Rosemary Inn is exemplifies the classic Greek Revival style with paneled ceilings and ornate light fixtures and embellishments. The six guest rooms are uniquely charming with private bathrooms, plush amenities, and a gourmet breakfast served daily in the Inn's stately dining room. The home's beautiful spaces and gardens are also ideal for gatherings, weddings, and events.

The other new addition is Lookaway Hall Inn & Events Center, circa 1989, which overlooks the cities of North Augusta, South Carolina and Augusta, Georgia. The well-appointed rooms and lush grounds of this iconic home are a wonderful backdrop for weddings, meetings, and special events. The ten Courtyard Garden guest rooms are located adjacent to the main house and feature spacious rooms with fine furnishings and private bathrooms.

Charlestowne Hotels is a full-service hospitality management company featuring varied lodging properties throughout the United States including AAA Four-Diamond hotels, luxury boutique historic inns, beachfront condominium hotels, deluxe mountain inns, golf resorts, and branded hotel chains. These two new properties will be a welcome addition to their extensive portfolio featuring over twenty properties within the Carolinas.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Arrive in Cary

What to do when you are on the roads of North Carolina and your electric car needs charging? Simple. Book a room at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina and charge your vehicle at their electric vehicle charging station while you enjoy a luxurious night's stay at this AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star rated property.

The Umstead Hotel and Spa has partnered with Progress Energy to offer hotel, spa and restaurant guests convenient and immediate access to two Eaton Pow-R Station charging stations as part of Progress Energy's commercial charging station outreach program. These stations will charge an electric vehicle three to five times faster than a typical outlet and are starting to pop up at top travel destinations, such as The Umstead, as electric car sales continue to rise across the country.

The Umstead has always positioned themselves as futuristic and eco-friendly, and the chargers are in accordance with their 2010 Green Plus Certification and further their green initiatives. Additionally, The Umstead also provides their guests without cars transportation to area landmarks and attractions in low
emission and alternative fuel vehicles at an approachable rate.

And what's not to like about getting recharged in one of The Umstead's elegant 150 oversized guest rooms, in a relaxing spa treatment room in the plush Umstead Spa or over a creative meal at their signature restaurant Herons while your car is getting recharged. Now that's what we call sustainable initiatives.

Annual Best Dish in North Carolina Winners Announced

After criss-crossing the state and spending the summer tasting the best of North Carolina restaurants and their creative use of local ingredients, the judges have spoken. And here are the Best Dish in North Carolina winners for 2011 (along with some judges comments):

Fine Dining - Western Piedmont/Mountain Region
1st Place: Gallery Restaurant (Charlotte) - "When food makes you stop and pay attention to every bite"
2nd Place: Mast Farm Inn (Valle Crucis) - "Salad was the star along with excellent Best Dish promotion"
3rd Place (Tie): Crippens (Blowing Rock) - "Nose to tail use of proteins....impressive decision"
                      : Knife & Fork (Spruce Pine) - "Love what they are doing all the way around"

Fine Dining - Eastern Piedmont/Coastal Region
1st Place: Elliott's on Linden (Pinehurst) - "Best meal I've had in NC in years"
2nd Place: 1895 Grille (Pinehurst) - "One of the best meals overall"
3rd Place: Marc's on Market (Wilmington) - "An original creation that honors NC tradition"

Casual Dining - Western Piedmont/Mountain Region
1st Place: Off the Square (Albemarle) - "Impressive use of local ingredients from varied sources"
2nd Place: Kitchen Roselli (East Bend) - "Deeply flavored and delicious....excellent Best Dish promotion"
3rd Place: Bistro 42 (Asheboro) - "A fun mixture of cuisines"

Casual Dining - Eastern Piedmont/Coastal Region
1st Place: Yancey House (Yanceyville) - "History of conceptualizations created a strong entry"
2nd Place: Mez (Durham) - "Better quality and more creative than usual in this genre"
3rd Place: Kornerstone Bistro (Wilmington) - "One of the best in promoting the Best Dish on premises"

The Best Dish in NC competition is an annual statewide contest that recognizes restaurants and chefs for their use of North Carolina agricultural products in their menus. The competition also promotes the culinary advantages of "buying local" for the consumer. To be eligible, each dish entered must contain a primary ingredient from a North Carolina producer or farm. Almost 80% of the scoring comes from the overall use of the product(s), creativity of the dish along with taste and originality. The depth of the "buy local" connection and overall appeal and value of the entries round out the judge's scoring parameters.

Liver Mush Expo in Shelby, North Carolina

Yep....you read right.....the 24th Annual Liver Mush Expo is slated for October 22 from 10am-5pm on the historic court square in the quaint town of Shelby, North Carolina, just an hour west of Charlotte. Started in 1987 to celebrate the unique delicacy that is liver mush (more on that later), the Liver Mush Expo features the famous locally-owned Mack's Liver mush sandwiches, liver mush samples from area restaurants, competitions for your favorite liver mush dish, food pairing demonstrations and various other liver mush festivities. Other vendors will be on hand with food and beverages (Cheerwine is the local favorite to pair with liver mush) in case your tastes lie elsewhere.

Liver mush (sometimes called liver pudding) is a southern United States food product composed of pig liver, head parts, and cornmeal (in SC Lowcountry cuisine, the cornmeal is usually replaced by white rice) and seasoned liberally with pepper and sage. Vaguely similar to scrapple, it is commonly prepared by cutting a slice off a prepared loaf and frying it with grease in a skillet until golden brown. Then it is typically served alongside grits and eggs for breakfast or made into a sandwich with mayonnaise or mustard for lunch.

In 2008, the liver mush powers that be invited Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods host Andrew Zimmern to attend the festivities and to feature the delicacy on his show. His take on the taste treat? "It was great. My kind of eating". 

In addition to hosting the Liver Mush Expo, the Shelby City Council and the Cleveland County Commissioners passed a resolution in 1987 proclaiming that "liver mush is the most delicious, most economical, and most versatile of meats". Whether you're a fan or not, it's hard to fight city hall.

Southern Living Taste of Charleston

We all know that Charleston is one of the top culinary destinations in the Carolinas (especially if you are a regular reader of this blog). Now Southern Living Magazine is putting their Seal of Approval on Lowcountry cuisine by joining the Charleston Restaurant Association in presenting the Southern Living Taste of Charleston October 8-9 at historic Boone Hall Plantation in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.

This year the weekend long celebration will expand to four events which are designed to highlight different areas of the culinary industry in Charleston and the utilize the gorgeous backdrop that is Charleston. The festivities kick-off on Friday night with Taste: Iron Chef Competition at the Culinary Institute of Charleston's Palmer Campus in downtown Charleston. The competition will showcase some of the best local chefs in a heated head-to-head battle in the Institute's state-of-the-art amphitheater kitchen.

On Saturday, you can combine Lowcountry art with the culinary arts at Taste of the Arts on Gallery Row as a dozen galleries on Historic Broad Street in downtown Charleston offer a sampling of appetizers from a variety of Charleston-area restaurants while showcasing the talents of local artists.

The Southern Living Taste of Charleston Main Event has been expanded to two days this year on Saturday and Sunday October 8-9 from 10:30am-5pm at Boone Hall Plantation. Enjoy a cornucopia of Lowcountry cuisine while dozens of Charleston's top restaurants serve up sample size portions of their signature dishes. Southern Living will be on hand with editor appearances, editorial-inspired vignettes, demonstrations, and more. There will be entertainment, the legendary Waiter's Race, a children's area, and a beer garden featuring over 40 craft and specialty beers.

Get your tickets here and start planning for the taste of a lifetime at the Southern Living Taste of Charleston.

Beyond the Beaten Path Sweepstakes

There's nothing quite like North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains in the fall. From the serene beauty of Mother Nature's wilderness to the rushing rivers and lakes to the charm of the small mountain towns, the mountains beckon in the fall.

During September, you can enter to win your own Blue Ridge Mountains Beyond the Beaten Path journey. From the vibrant scene in Asheville to the charming quaintness of Saluda to the outdoor adventures awaiting you at Chimney Rock and Grandfather Mountain, this fall, you can do it all. The sweepstakes include:

• A three-night stay for two at Saluda’s Orchard Inn OR a one-night stay for four at the Inn’s cottage
• Go Blue Ridge Cards for up to four guests, offering free admission to more than 30 attractions for any two days during a two-week period
• Complimentary admission to Grandfather Mountain and a behind-the-scenes tour of the wildlife habitat area for four guests
• Four Canopy Ridge Farm zip line passes
• Four annual passes to Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, plus an Old Rock Café voucher
• A one-room, two-night stay for two or four at Asheville’s new Brookstone Lodge
• Family Fun Pack passes to Asheville’s Fun Depot: four two-hour play cards to four attractions, one large topping pizza and four drinks. Attractions include: laser tag, indoor and outdoor go-carts, bowling and bumper cars
• A canoe trip for up to four from Headwaters Outfitters
• $300 gift certificate for the Lodge on Lake Lure
• Plus a $500 Visa gift card to help you get here!

Already dreaming of cooler temperatures, explosive fall foliage, and a chance to go Beyond the Beaten Path in the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains?  Then you have to hurry! Entry deadline is September 30th. Register to win here.

Brews and Views at Beech Mountain

What's better than fall in the mountains? How about brews and views of fall at North Carolina's Beech Mountain. The inaugural Brews and Views Festival is being held September 24 from 2-6pm at Beech Mountain Resort in conjunction with the three-day USA Cycling's Mountain Bike Gravity National Championships.

Attendees can sample from more than two dozen micro and craft brews, listen to music from bands including The Corduroy Road, Uncle Mountain, Now You See Them, and Possum Jenkins, and watch the first mountain biking national championships to ride in the Southeast. Other events planned include a bike expo, food vendors, and a separate play village for kids.

Brews available for tasting include national brands and local favorites like Star Hill, New Belgium, Olde Hickory, Blowing Rock Ale, Leffe, Red Hook, Widmer, Boddingtons, Blue Moon, Natty Green, Lone Rider, Oskar Blues, Harpoon and Carolina Cottonwood.

Throughout the festival, you'll have a chance to see racing action from the nation's best professional and amateur mountain bikers. The dual slalom amateur finals begin at 2pm, followed by the dual slalom pro finals at 5:30pm. And be sure to stick around for the spectacular early evening fireworks show.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate (designated drivers admitted free) and include tastings, souvenir glass, fireworks display, and admission to the Mountain Bike Gravity National Championships.

Accommodation options abound at Beech Mountain from country inns and lodges to homes, chalets and condos. So plan to make a weekend of it. But please drink responsibly. Don't drink and drive (or bike).

Blowing Rock Art and History Museum Adds to October Leaf-Peeping

Leaf-peeping in the North Carolina High Country town of Blowing Rock has always been a rite of fall and helped earn the town the slogan of Prettiest Small Town in North Carolina. This fall, there's yet another event to enhance this annual visual explosion. It's the grand opening of the Blowing Rock Art and History Museum (BRAHM) scheduled for Saturday, October 1.

Ten years in the making, the musuem, located in the heart of downtown Blowing Rock, will promote the visual arts, history and heritage of the mountains of Western North Carolina through exhibits, art and cultural event, educational programs, and classes. Opening exhibits include Elliott Daingerfield: His Art and Life in Blowing Rock; The Blowing Rock; A Natural Draw, highlighting the town's famous rock outcropping; and The Historic Hotels of Blowing Rock.

Lots of other events and activities in October give leaf-peepers additional reasons to come and stay including: outdoor concerts; Mountain Home Music at the Blowing Rock School auditorium; regular performances at the Hayes Center; wine and cheese classes; fresh food at the Farmers Market; the final Art in the Park weekend; and the Blowing Rock Halloween Festival, just to name a few.

But with so many wonderful things going on, don't forget to take a look at the show that Mother Nature will be putting on.

Downtown Wilmington Wine & Beer Walk

According to Benjamin Franklin, "In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria".  We couldn't have said it better ourselves. And what better way to celebrate that age-old adage than at the Downtown Wilmington Wine & Beer Walk on Saturday, September 24 from 1-6pm.

The walk begins at the Wine Walk Headquarters at 21 N. Front Street in downtown Wilmington, where you present your ticket, or if the event has not sold out, purchase your ticket the day of the event. You will receive your "official" Wilmington Wine & Beer Walk ID and a map of the participating establishments. As you walk from location to location, you will enjoy two samples of a specially selected wine or beer at each venue.

The 2011 walk venues include such downtown hot spots as The Eat Spot, The Fortunate Glass, Front Street Brewery, Hell's Kitchen, Nutt Street Comedy Club, Paddy's Hollow, Tre Benzios, Firebelly Lounge and Nick's Diner. Tickets are $15 each or two for $25 and can be purchased at Etix.com or at The Fortunate Glass or Front Street Brewery.

Here's to wisdom and freedom!

Tickets for Charleston Wine + Food Festival on Sale

Tickets to the 2012 BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival (March 1-4) are officially on sale as of 9am this morning! It's the 7th year for the Festival and a ton of new additions and features have been added to celebrate "Lucky No. 7" including new venues for Signature Events, new events that get to the heart (and soul) of the city, new and tried-and-true celebrity chefs (in addition to the amazing talent of local chefs that continue to shine), and the new Signature Charity to benefit from all the festivities.

New host venues for the Festival's Signature Events were added to showcase Charleston in locations that truly represent the city's culture and landscapes and include the Opening Night Party at the South Carolina Aquarium, the Lowcountry Gospel Brunch at Lowndes Grove, Festival After Hours at the Bus Shed at the Charleston Visitor Center and the BBQ, Blues & Brew at the Maritime Center. This will also allow expansion of the Culinary Village at Marion Square, one of the most popular events of the Festival.