Ringing in the New Year

What if you are afraid of the number 13?  How do you cope with next year’s date?????

It’s hard to believe that 2012 is coming to a close.  So much has happened in the last twelve months!  For today, I want to post the New Year’s Eve events that I know about so far.  If you have more, please let me know!  I’m guessing that there will be more to add tomorrow or Monday so come back to check it out!

December 31

There are lots of options in Haywood County and the surrounding area for adults to celebrate the ringing in of the NEW YEAR and at least two for the teens and kids in your life.

Haywood Arts Regional Theatre will have their annual event from 6 until 9 pm at the theatre.  It is a potluck event so bring your favorite dish to share.  The event is open to anyone who loves HART theatre.

Old Stone Inn will be hosting a special dinner with an amazing menu “cooked up” by Chef Terry.  Call 828-456-3333 to make your reservations.

Sid’s On Main in Canton will be hosting a special dinner with live music from Bobby G to ring in the new year.  Call 828-492-0618 to make your reservations for the evening.

Maggie Valley Club will be hosting an event with live music from 45 Cherry and a live ball drop and champagne toast.  Call 828-926-4831 for reservations.

The Classic Wineseller and Angelino’s Piattino Ristorante in Waynesville will have live jazz and dinner.  Call 828-452-6000 for reservations.  The price increases at the door so planning in advance is encouraged.

Balsam Mountain Preserve will be hosting an event in the Boarding House beginning at 8pm and continuing until 1am.  There will be live music with Terry Lee and the G.T.’s  along with an awesome dinner menu, desserts and cigars.  There will be a midnight toast and door prizes.  Call for reservations at 828-631-1000.

Smoky Mountain Sk8way will have an all-night skate beginning at 6pm.  Lots of activities and fun for the entire family.  There will be party favors and food.  An open climbing wall and pool table will be available.  There are two end times: 10:30pm for those who want to party elsewhere (or just can’t make it all night) and 6am.  The doors close at 10:30 so no one goes outside without their parent.  Check out their Facebook page for more details.

The Factory in Franklin will host family activities until 2am.

From a little farther away but still a moving event, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad will be hosting an event for railroad enthusiasts.  The train departs at 9pm from Bryson City.  Call for more details or check out their Facebook page.

January 22

Altrusa Annual Soup and Cornbread. The funds raised from this event go to scholarships for Haywood county students. Each year Altrusa awards about $8000 in scholarships and all these monies come from the sales at the Soup and Cornbread.  The event is Tuesday January 22nd.  Tickets are $8.00.

January 24

Haywood County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals will be hosting their first professional development event of the new year on January 24 at 8am at Bethea Welcome Center.  Contact the Chamber or join them on Facebook for more details.  Andrew Sanderbeck of People Connect Institute will be the guest speaker.

Happy Advent and Merry Christmas!!

The photo in this post is from Breakfast with Santa in Canton. It was taken by Garrett Photography. I don’t usually scan and post photos from professional photographers but I am giving credit and they wouldn’t let me take my own photos on their background. So here it is. We had fun at the event. Thanks to FOCUS for putting it on. And to Garrett Photography for taking photos. And to Smokey Mountain Santa for being such a great Santa.

I want to wish you all the merriest of Christmas seasons! Starting tonight and for the next twelve days until January 6 is the season of Christmas. (We’ve been in Advent, you know.)

I’ll send out a post later this week about weekend events in the Haywood County community. If you have anything special that you want me to post, just let me know.

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Naughty or Nice, Checking It Twice

My love of Santa (and specifically Smoky Mountain Santa) is well known.  I respect the tradition and legends that bring Santa to us and that encourage hope and expectation in the lives of our children.  In the last 7 years, I’ve seen “Santa” deliver some pretty big miracles for people of all ages and stages through the work of his helpers.  It is a common legend and spirit that people of almost any faith or creed (or of no faith or creed) can work through and with in their own good deeds.

My children know that I love Santa and that I know the “real” Santa who comes to many of the great events in Haywood County.  I’ve never been one to use Santa’s naughty and nice list as a parenting tool on a regular basis because I want my kids to love the spirit of Santa as much as I do.  Recently, my seven year old son was having a particularly hard evening.  He stopped himself mid-tantrum and said, “Mom, do you think I’m on Santa’s naughty list?  I really want something besides coal.”  My response: “If your behavior doesn’t improve drastically, I’m sure you will be on the naughty list for me.”

About that time, my eight year old daughter chimed in, “It’s OK.  Santa loves Mom so much he would never leave you coal!”  I guess it is a good thing I don’t use that as a tool in my quiver!

I’ve added some pictures to the Facebook page so check them out if you get a chance.

Remember to shop local during this last week of the year. As you celebrate your traditions with your family, friends and loved ones, take time reflect on your blessings, spread some joy to those around you and have some fun!!

Hold on to Your Santa Hat – There’s More to Do!!!

I’ve certainly been staying busy with all of the activities around the County this season! Have you?  I’ve been to several parades, events and Santa sightings. There is still lots to do before the Advent Season ends and Christmas begins so hold onto your Santa hats and get involved!

I want to make you aware of a request from Smoky Mountain Living.  This is a note directly from Smoky Mountain Living:  Smoky Mountain Living prominently features images from across the southern Appalachians in each edition. Photo essays adhere to the issue’s overall theme.  The next edition of Smoky Mountain Living will focus on the theme “Adorn.” What decorations do you see—on people and on things—that turn the ordinary into the extraordinary? Send your images to photos@smliv.com by Dec. 17, 2013. For more information, visit smliv.com.

The Waynesville Branch of the Haywood County Library will be hosting a Hot Chocolate Mixing Party on Thursday December 13 at 3:30 pm.  The event will take place in the downstairs meeting room.  You can leave the event with lots of gifts for family and friends!

The Haywood County Arts Council show, “It’s A Small, Small Work” will continue through the end of the month.  Gallery 86 is located at 86 North Main Street in Waynesville.  The Gallery is open 10am until 5pm Monday through Saturday except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.  Call 828-452-0593 for more details.

The Classic Wineseller and Angelino’s Piattion Ristorante at 20 Church Street in Waynesville will be hosting live music every Friday night in December.  Call ahead for reservations if possible at 828-452-0593.

Frog Level Brewing Company will host the Darren Nicholson Band this Friday evening to celebrate the brewery’s one year anniversary.  Music starts at 7pm.  Bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to Toys for Tots or make a $20 donation.  This is the last collection at Frog Level Brewing Company for the this worthwhile cause.

HART Theatre presents A CHRISTMAS CAROL this holiday season.  The remaining shows are December 14^th at 730pm, December 15^th at 2pm and 730pm; and December 16^th at 3pm.  Call to make your reservations at 456-6322 or use their online ticket booth at harttheatre.com   When we made our reservations earlier this week, tickets were selling briskly so it is best to call now!

Smoky Mountain Model Railroaders have their model trains on exhibit at Lambuth Inn this holiday season.  The exhibit will run through December 20 and is open to the public.  The exhibit will be open during times when meals are served at the Lambuth Inn.  If there are no reservations for a particular meal, the exhibit will not be open.  So if you want to be sure to see it, make a reservation to eat!  Call Sam Hopkins with Smoky Mountain Model Railroaders at 773-9550 for more information.

The Canton Branch of the Haywood County Library will host An Evening of Holiday Tales & Other Stories on Tuesday December 18^th from 530-630pm with Storyteller Amerie Helton who has enchanted audiences of all ages with world folktales, Norse myths, medieval stories, and other tales. Refreshments, generously provided by the Friends of the Library, will be served. For more information, call (828) 648-2924.

December 15 Breakfast with Santa at the Canton Armory from 8am until 11am.  This is sponsored by FOCUS.  Kids will be able to purchase some small gifts for mom and dad from local crafters.  Every child will leave with a treat bag and a toy from Santa. Breakfast will be $5 for adults and $2.50 for kids 10 and under.  Pictures can be purchased from a professional photographer or bring your own camera.  Proceeds will be donated to Haywood County Hospice

December 22 Santa will be strolling the street in Downtown Waynesville from 6 until 8pm.  This is sponsored by the Downtown Waynesville Association.

December 24 Santa will be strolling the street in Downtown Waynesville from 11:30am until 2pm.  This is sponsored by the Downtown Waynesville Association.

Shenanigans Continue for the Holidays

The Christmas festivities and holiday shenanigans continue!  In fact, there are several events today that I want to remind you about so I’m sending this blog post out earlier in the week than usual.  I hope you don’t mind!  Remember to shop local as much as you are able!

I do have cornhole bags available.  If you need certain colors for Christmas presents, please let me know soon.  I may need to go to the production facility to pick them up.  Thanks!

So here I go with a list of some of the events happening around the community:

Canton is the focus of activity in the county today!  Santa will be sitting on the porch at Sid’s on Main in Canton before the Christmas Parade.  This is sponsored by the Canton Business Group. Canton will be host to the final holiday parade this year on starting at 6pm.

Thursday and Friday are also the Haywood Studios OPEN HOUSE!  Haywood Studios is the craft club organization at Haywood Community College.  Studio  Open House hours are December 6 until 8pm and Friday December 7 from 10am until 4pm in the Student Center.  All of the items are created by students at HCC.

HART Theatre presents A CHRISTMAS CAROL this holiday season.  Thursday December 6 will be a preview showing used as a fundraising event for Haywood Spay Neuter.  Tickets are $15 for this event and are available by calling 452-1329.  Opening night for the program is Friday December 7 at 730pm with shows on December 8 (730pm), December 9 (3pm), December 15 (2pm and 730pm) and December 16 (3pm).  Tickets are reported to be selling quickly so call to make your reservations at 456-6322 or by use their online ticket booth at www.harttheatre.com

My friends, the Smoky Mountain Model Railroaders have their model trains on exhibit at Lambuth Inn this holiday season.  The exhibit will run through December 20 and is open to the public.  The exhibit will be open during times when meals are served at the Lambuth Inn.  If there are no reservations for a particular meal, the exhibit will not be open.  So if you want to be sure to see it, make a reservation to eat!  Call Sam Hopkins with Smoky Mountain Model Railroaders at 773-9550 for more information.

Gretchen Clasby will be hosting her Cedar Hill Studio Back Door sale Friday December 7 and Saturday December 8 from 10 am until 5pm.  Gretchen always has new goodies and old favorites available for purchase on these special days.  Stop in on Wall Street in Waynesville to pick up your 2013 Son Shine Promises calendars.

Lake Junaluska Assembly will be hosting Appalachian Christmas this weekend from Friday afternoon until Sunday afternoon.  The Junaluska Singers will be performing along with Voices in the Laurel.  Call 828-452-2881 for more details and to purchase tickets.  There are 3 unique performances by the Junaluska Singers plus the annual craft show in the Harrell Center.

December 7th is the final Art After Dark at Waynesville Gallery Association members for the 2012 season.  The event starts at 6 on Friday evening.  There will be refreshments, receptions, music and lots of fun at many of the galleries.  In addition, there is Saturday Stroll the next day from 11 am until 3 pm.  A great opportunity to meet many local artists and discuss their work as well as have a great time.  Twigs and Leaves Gallery will be hosting Bill Stecher, pianist on Friday evening and during the day on Saturday.  Studio 262 will be featuring the works of John Fitzgerald and Suzanne Gernandt.  The Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery 86 will continue its show “It’s a Small Small Work” through the end of the month.  There will be a reception held during Art After Dark for the WNC Blue Ridge Heritage Area artists.  Earthworks Gallery will be featuring River Glass Studios of Canton for the weekend.  Sunburst Market on Montgomery will be hosting a “Sip and Shop” event during the evening.

All three local micro-breweries have special activities for the weekend.  Tipping Point Tavern and Brewery will “tip” things off with special entertainment on December 7th during Art After Dark with Chris Williams. Saturday evening during the A Night Before Christmas event, Paul Cataldo will be playing at Tipping Point.  On Saturday evening, Headwaters Brewing will be hosting an ugly Christmas sweater contest!  Caribbean Cowboys will be playing beginning at 7pm to add to the festivities.  Plus a new brew will be unveiled this evening at Headwaters – something about a Snownado Stout.  Frog Level Brewing will be serving up some of their newest creations.  (Their one year anniversary event is next weekend – more details later!)

Voices in the Laurel will be having their Winter Silent Auction on Saturday December 8 from noon until 5pm at the Harrell Center at Lake Junaluska Assembly.  The Junaluska Christmas Craft Show is the same day in the Harrell Center from 9am until 5pm.  This is a great fundraising event that provides some unique auction items from various shops, galleries, restaurants, and businesses from throughout the community.

Voices in the Laurel and The Junaluska Singers will be performing a holiday concert on Saturday December 8 at Stewart Auditorium at 215 pm.  Ticket information can be obtained by calling 800-222-4930.

The Waynesville Farmers Market has moved indoors for a little while longer.  Saturday morning will be the at the Indoor Market at the Shelton House Barn – just beside the parking lot where the event is held in warmer weather.  There will be a wide seafood selection this Saturday.  You can check their Facebook page to get details.

December 8 is also one of my favorite events of the year: A Night Before Christmas on Main Street in Downtown Waynesville!  The street is transformed by gorgeous luminaries along with the Christmas lights and decorations of the shops, galleries and restaurants.  It is a wonderful evening that always adds a special feeling to my Christmas spirit.  Santa will be roaming the streets talking to all the kids – naught and nice – big and little so watch out!  Twigs and Leaves will be hosting the Junaluska Music Studio students as entertainment on this evening.

First Baptist Church in Waynesville will be hosting a Bethlehem Marketplace from 6 until 8:30pm on Saturday December 8.  It is held in conjunction with the Downtown Waynesville Association event.

December 9 Santa will be at Pheasant Hill on Main Street in Waynesville from 4 until 7pm.  This is sponsored by the Downtown Waynesville Association.

Santa Sightings

We’ve talked about parades and craft fairs and auctions and festivals…..I’ve even listed some of the upcoming SANTA SIGHTINGS in Haywood County.

I love Santa and his love of children.  He has such a sweet spirit.  The conversations that I’ve had with Santa recently confirm my belief in the spirit of Saint Nicholas since childhood.  He gives wholly of himself in a grace-filled and graceful manner that challenges me to reach beyond my self and my wants and desires to fulfill the desires of those around me.  The legend of Saint Nicholas is fascinating and inspiring.  The spirit of Saint Nicholas from hundreds of years ago carried forward into Santa Claus and his helpers of today is beautiful.  Protect the innocence of children for as long as you can.  Once innocence is lost, it is never regained.

(As a side-note, I went to see “Rise of the Guardians” with my kids at Smoky Mountain Cinema just before Thanksgiving.  It was a good movie in my opinion about protecting the innocence of children – and having fun!  And you know I love FUN!)

I want to list a few more of those SANTA SIGHTINGS and re-cap the ones I’ve listed before.

December 3 Santa will be at Pheasant Hill on Main Street in Waynesville on Monday December 3 from 3 until 5 (before the parade).  This is sponsored by Pheasant Hill.  Santa will be in the parade.  This is sponsored by the Downtown Waynesville Association.

December 6 Santa will be sitting on the porch at Sid’s on Main in Canton before the Christmas Parade.  This is sponsored by the Canton Business Group.   

December 8 Santa will be strolling the street in Downtown Waynesville during A Night Before Christmas from 6 until 9 pm.  This is sponsored by the Downtown Waynesville Association.

December 9 Santa will be at Pheasant Hill on Main Street in Waynesville from 4 until 7pm.  This is sponsored by the Downtown Waynesville Association.

December 15 Breakfast with Santa at the Canton Armory from 8am until 11am.  This is sponsored by FOCUS.  Kids will be able to purchase some small gifts from mom and dad from local crafters.  Every child will leave with a treat bag and a toy from Santa. Breakfast will be $5 for adults and $2.50 for kids 10 and under.  Pictures can be purchased from a professional photographer or bring your own camera.  Proceeds will be donated to Haywood County Hospice

December 22 Santa will be strolling the street in Downtown Waynesville from 6 until 8pm.  This is sponsored by the Downtown Waynesville Association. 

December 24 Santa will be strolling the street in Downtown Waynesville from 11:30am until 2pm.  This is sponsored by the Downtown Waynesville Association. 

So do you know of any other Santa Sightings that I should post for people?  Post some pictures on our Facebook page too so we can see!  Thanks!

Holiday Reminders for Sunday

Today is Sunday December 2!

Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley is having a special event today.  Bring canned goods to donate to the Haywood Christian Ministry and receive a free lift ticket!  Canned goods are to be dropped off in the Ghost Town parking lot prior to ascending the mountain!  Check out details on their Facebook page.

Mud Dabbers Holiday Open House in Balsam NC will continue today until 6.  Free mugs and refreshments to visitors while supplies last.  There are also kiln openings at the Fiery Gizzard and the Flying Cat pottery.

Sunday December 2 is the annual Canton Christmas Tour of Homes from 1pm until 6pm.  All proceeds from the tour benefit the Canton Miss Labor Day Scholarship Fund.  Tickets my be purchased at Polly’s Florist and Gifts on Main Street in Canton or at the door of any of the 8 featured homes on Sunday afternoon.  Call 400-0699 for more details.

Sunday December 2 will be a performance of the Junaluska-Haywood Community Chorus at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville.  The concert is free and open to the public starting at 4pm because it is sponsored by The Junaluskans, The Haywood County Arts Council and the NC Arts Council.

The Third Generation Barn Loft will have the final night of their live Nativity that will include an inspiration sing-a-long tonight in Canton.

Holiday Happenings November 30 through December 8

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There is so much going on these days!  I’ve been busy just keeping up with all the events and activities for kids and families.  I know I’ll miss some but I’m going to keep adding items to the list so if you notice an oversight, just send me the information so I can post it here and on Facebook. 

So here I go with a list of some of the events happening around the community:

November 30 through December 1 Mud Dabbers Holiday Open House in Balsam NC.  Free mugs and refreshments to visitors while supplies last.  Brad and Grandpa John have been making mugs for weeks now so they will have enough.  I went out last Saturday night to help with cleaning and prepping.  There are some great pieces available at very reasonable prices.  The glaze colors have expanded a bit but the favorites are still there to complete your collections.  Hours are 10 am until 6 pm on Friday and Saturday, noon until 6 on Sunday.

December 1 at 7pm Appalachian Christmas celebration at HART Theatre hosted by the Museum of NC Handicrafts at the Shelton House.  Music by the Trantham  Family and Rob and Anne Lough along with refreshments.  Tickets are available at several local shops and at the door.  Call Curator Jackie Stephens at 828-456-5384 or check out www.sheltonhouse.org for more information.

Gretchen Clasby will be hosting her Cedar Hill Studio Back Door sale Saturday December 1 and Friday December 7 and Saturday December 8 from 10 am until 5pm.  Gretchen always has new goodies and old favorites available for purchase on these special days.  Stop in to pick up your 2013 Son Shine Promises calendars.

Everybody loves a parade!  In Haywood County we have three times the love because we have 3 parades!  Maggie Valley is host to the first parade on Saturday December 1 at 6pm.  The parade starts at the Ghost Town parking lot and ends at the Festival Grounds.  Park all along Soco Road to catch a great view of the parade.  Waynesville is next in line with a parade on Monday December 3 at 6.  The parade starts at the corner of Main and Walnut Street (Presbyterian Church/ Badcock corner) and ends at Bogart’s.  Many of the shops and restaurants will be open before and after the parade.  Canton will be host to the final parade this year on Thursday December 6 at 6.

Canton will be busy on Saturday December 1.  The Papertown Craft Fair will be at the Armory and the Owll Produce craft fair will be going on at the same time.

The annual Live Nativity Scene at 3rd Generation Barn and Loft will be Saturday December 1 and Sunday December 2.

       Balsam Range will be in Canton on December 1 at the Colonial Theatre with Shawn Camp. Tickets are available by calling 828-235-2760.  This is the first in their winter concert series held each year in Western North Carolina.

      The Waynesville Farmers Market has moved indoors for a little while longer.  Saturday morning will be the at the Indoor Market at the Shelton House Barn – just beside the parking lot where the event is held in warmer weather.  There will be a wide seafood selection this Saturday.  You can check their Facebook page to get details.

Sunday December 2 is the annual Canton Christmas Tour of Homes from 1pm until 6pm.  All proceeds from the tour benefit the Canton Miss Labor Day Scholarship Fund.  Tickets my be purchased at Polly’s Florist and Gifts on Main Street in Canton or at the door of any of the 8 featured homes on Sunday afternoon.  Call 400-0699 for more details.

       Sunday December 2 will be a performance of the Junaluska-Haywood Community Chorus at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville.  The concert is free and open to the public starting at 4pm because it is sponsored by The Junaluskans, The Haywood County Arts Council and the NC Arts Council.

      Santa will be at Pheasant Hill on Main Street in Waynesville on Monday December 3 from 3 until 5 (before the parade) and on Sunday December 9 from 4 until 7pm.

      Tuesday December 4^th is a special Christmas Holiday Dinner for the Haywood County Arts Council.  For details, contact the Council at 452-0593.

      HART Theatre presents A CHRISTMAS CAROL this holiday season.  Thursday December 6 will be a preview showing used as a fundraising event for Haywood Spay Neuter.  Tickets are $15 for this event and are available by calling 452-1329.  Opening night for the program is Friday December 7 at 730pm with shows on December 8 (730pm), December 9 (3pm), December 15 (2pm and 730pm) and December 16 (3pm).  Tickets are reported to be selling quickly so call to make your reservations at 456-6322 or by use their online ticket booth at www.harttheatre.com

       December 7^th is the final Art After Dark at Waynesville Gallery Association members for the 2012 season.  The event starts at 6 on Friday evening.  There will be refreshments, receptions, music and lots of fun at many of the galleries.  In addition, there is Saturday Stroll the next day from 11 am until 3 pm.  A great opportunity to meet many local artists and discuss their work as well as have a great time.  Twigs and Leaves Gallery will be hosting Caricaturist James Lyle on Friday evening and during the day on Saturday.  Studio 262 will be featuring the works of John Fitzgerald and Suzanne Gernandt.  The Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery 86 will continue its show “It’s a Small Small Work” through the end of the month.  There will be a reception held during Art After Dark for the WNC Blue Ridge Heritage Area artists.

       December 8 is also one of my favorite events of the year: A Night Before Christmas on Main Street in Downtown Waynesville!  The street is transformed by gorgeous luminaries along with the Christmas lights and decorations of the shops, galleries and restaurants.  It is a wonderful evening that always adds a special feeling to my Christmas spirit.  Santa will be roaming the streets talking to all the kids – naught and nice – big and little so watch out!  Twigs and Leaves will be hosting the Junaluska Music Studio students as entertainment on this evening.

       Voices in the Laurel will be having their Winter Silent Auction on Saturday December 8 from noon until 5pm at the Harrell Center at Lake Junaluska Assembly.  The Junaluska Christmas Craft Show is the same day in the Harrell Center from 9am until 5pm.  This is a great fundraising event that provides some unique auction items from various shops, galleries, restaurants, and businesses from throughout the community.

       Voices in the Laurel and The Junaluska Singers will be performing a holiday concert on Saturday December 8 at Stewart Auditorium at 215 pm.  Ticket information can be obtained by calling 800-222-4930.

Holiday Events and Out of School Things to Do

I hope that this finds you well today!

I just wanted to remind you that Smoky Mountain Jumphouse and Smoky Mountain Sk8way are open today for your school day boredom!  And Smoky Mountain Cinema has announced their new listing of movies beginning today with Rise of the Guardians.

And don’t forget that you can get food from lots of area restaurants tomorrow if you don’t want to cook!

As for me, I still have to stop by the grocery store today for the final little things to finish out the meal!

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Holiday Happenings…A little more

 

It is Saturday morning.  In late November.  The busiest retail season of the year.  I am at home.  I haven’t been at home on a Saturday morning in late November since 2005.  I’m excited to hear the sounds of my children playing and laughing and going about their days.  I’m glad I could be the one to ride as my oldest drove to a Boy Scout camping trip this morning.  I’m sad that I am not on Main Street in Waynesville talking to customers and listening to Christmas music.  It is time to break out the holiday tunes!

Last year, I had 41 different renditions of Silent Night and 39 of The Christmas Song (chestnuts roasting….) on my music system at Fun Things Etc.  I’m trying to figure out a way to rig this up at home so I can torture my kids!

I want to let you know about some things coming up in the next week or so in our community.

November 17: TODAY

Lenoir Creek Beef and Bakery is opening in Canton!  Lenoir Creek Beef has sold grass-fed beef at the local farmer’s markets for awhile.  They now have a full-time retail location.  I’ve heard great things about the bakery as well as the beef so be supportive and check out what they have to offer!

Smoky Mountain Sk8way is have a Quirky Turkey Skating event this evening.  In case you haven’t been following them, there is now a climbing wall and some other activities at the center in addition to skating.

Sunday November 18 has one of my favorite traditions of the holiday season — Downtown Waynesville will have the Holiday Open House.  The stores are packed with merchandise for browsing; the windows are decorated; the street lights are decked out and Santa is roaming the streets!  I love this day!  I hope that I’ll see you there while I take my kids to browse and check out all the cool displays.  Olde Brick House, Twigs and Leaves, Christmas is Everyday, Home Tech (the Kitchen Shop), Mast General Store and so many more shops and galleries will be open and have surprises and goodies for us.

On Monday November 19 Hazelwood Soap Company will be hosting Sip and Shop in the evening.  There will be some great company and some great deals so you should make a trip to Hazelwood to see them!

On Friday November 23 and Saturday November 24, I will miss tie-dye days but the Tool Shed is having a special Tote-ally Vera Offer that will be great to check out.  Plus all of the shops in Canton, Waynesville and Hazelwood will be open and waiting for you!  Check out the galleries in Frog Level and the specialty shops in Clyde as well as visiting with your favorite merchants all over town!  Plus if you are an American Express customer and use your card in a small business on Saturday, you’ll get a reward!

On Sunday November 25, The Tool Shed will host their annual open house.

So many things coming up!  So much energy and excitement.  I do love this time of year.  I hope you do too!