Hendersonville Snow Tubing

Chilly weather doesn’t mean you always have to stay indoors. How about a ride down Moonshine Mountain? No…there’s no actual “moonshine” involved, just pure, snow tubing joy. You won’t find skiers, snowboarders or even sledders there since only snow tubing is allowed on this Hendersonville mountain!

Moonshine Mountain in Hendersonville offers 500 feet of steep, tubing bliss. While they currently have a five foot base, they do make their own snow when needed. The tubers lift will take you to the top of the mountain. There is a 250 lb weight limit for the lift, though. If you exceed this limit, one of the helpful Moonshine Mountain employees will be happy to pull your tube up the hill for you while you walk with them. It’s also the only place in the entire southeast that allows trains (more than one tuber going down the hill in a row together). You must be at least 48″ tall and sign a liability release beforehand. If you are under 18, you will need to have your parent or guardian sign the release form. Trains cannot be longer than eight people max.

Also new for this year is Dino World. Yes, Hendersonville now has dinosaurs! This free attraction showcases life-sized replicas of several different dinosaurs. There’s also a jump castle slide that provides fun for all ages. When you’re hungry, feast on mouth-watering BBQ or warm up with a nice hot chocolate at the award-winning Pit Boss Bar-B-Que. For more information on Moonshine Mountain’s hours and prices, please click here.

Get out of the house and enjoy some fun, healthy exercise with the family. Go snow tubing at Hendersonville’s Moonshine Mountain. They provide the tubes while you create lots of great family memories.

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://rich-cooke.com/2013/02/07/hendersonville-snow-tubing/.

Hendersonville Ole Timey Christmas

The Curb Market in Hendersonville has been in operation for 88 years.  From their humble beginnings as a place for the extra produce farmers in the outlying areas brought to the local “city folk”, the market has become a local tradition with Hendersonville residents for the freshest in produce as well as handmade crafts.  This Saturday, November 24th, the Curb Market will get into the spirit of the holidays with their annual Hendersonville Ole Timey Christmas.

From 8am to 2pm, vendors will be offering up their usual fruits, vegetables, fresh cut flowers, plants, jams, jellies and baked goods.  In addition to the regular fare, however, holiday items such as Christmas wreaths and decorations will also be available for purchase.  Get a start on your Christmas list by picking up a unique, handmade gift for that someone special.  You can also bring home some great freshly baked items to share with family around the dinner table.

If you’re looking for something special for the holidays, come to the Hendersonville Ole Timey Christmas at The Curb Market this Saturday, November 24th from 8am to 2pm.  The market’s normal hours of operation are 8am to 2pm every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.  Support local artisans and farmers by purchasing your produce and other items at The Curb Market.

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Hendersonville real estate blog here: http://rich-cooke.com/2012/11/23/hendersonville-ole-timey-christmas/.

Hendersonville Gingerbread House Contest

The holidays are upon us. Thanksgiving is just two weeks away and Christmas will soon follow. Decorations are going up, holiday sales are already being advertised and it’s almost time for Hendersonville‘s Gingerbread House Contest.

The National Gingerbread House Contest will take place on Saturday, November 17th. Judging will take place in four separate categories: Child (ages 5-8), Youth (ages 9-12), Teen (ages 13-17) and Adult (ages 18+). To enter, you must send in your entry form with a description and/or photos of what your entry so that it is received by the Grove Park Inn before 5pm on Monday, November 12th. Entries can be sent via fax or mail. Just make sure it is received before the deadline. You will not be able to enter a gingerbread house into competition without pre-registering. Beginning November 20th, The Grove Park Inn will be displaying the winning entries for visitors to see. Of course, the rest of the hotel will be decked out in all its holiday glory as well.

Thousands of dollars in cash and prizes are up for grabs for the winners of Hendersonville‘s Gingerbread House Contest. The top three winners declared in each category will receive cash and prizes, with the top 10 winners each receiving a ribbon. While this is a gingerbread “house” contest, entries are not strictly limited to a house-type structure. The only restrictions are that the entry is no bigger than 24″ x 24″ x 24″, including the board base required. If you’re interested in participating, please download an entry form here or call The Grove Inn’s Special Events Department at (800) 438-0050 ext 8045.

Put a bit of fun in your holiday step by visiting The Grove Inn in Hendersonville to see the winning entries of the National Gingerbread House Contest beginning November 20th through January 2nd. The holiday season is in full swing here in Hendersonville. I love it!

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://rich-cooke.com/2012/11/08/hendersonville-gingerbread-house-contest/.

Hendersonville Music on Main

Music lovers rejoice! Beginning tomorrow, June 8, 2012, Hendersonville Music on Main, is back! It’s time to put on your boogie shoes and head to downtown Hendersonville for this free local favorite. Every Friday, from June 8th to August 17th, a new musical act will perform from 7pm to 9pm. Whether you enjoy oldies, classic rock, pop or contemporary music, there is something for everyone.

HENDERSONVILLE MUSIC ON MAIN LINEUP

June 8th – Tuxedo Junction (Big Band) & Car Show
June 15th – Wishful Thinking (Acoustic/Alternative/Minimalist)
June 22nd – Dashboard Blue (Rock/R&B/50’s/Disco/Funk) & Car Show
June 29th – Asheville’s 96.5 House Band (Early 60’s Favorites)
July 6th – Sound Investment (Pop/R&B/Rock) & Car Show
July 13th – Special Edition
July 20th – Deano and the Dreamers (Music from the 1950s-1990s) & Car Show
July 27th – Night Crawlers
Aug 3rd – The Crew & Car Show
Aug 10th – The Flying Saucers (Garage/Punk/Surf)
Aug 17th – Tuxedo Junction (Big Band) & Car Show

There will be a special concert performance by Tom Brown, the One Man Band on Wednesday, July 4th as well. Admission to each concert is absolutely free. Bring your own chair to relax in comfort. Parking will be available at the Visitors Information Center (201 S Main) beginning at 5:30pm. Alcoholic beverages, coolers and pets are not allowed at the venue. Bring the family, your friends or your significant other for an evening of fun, free entertainment at Downtown Hendersonville Music on Main any Friday from now through August 17th.

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://rich-cooke.com/2012/06/07/hendersonville-music-on-main/.

Tour Historic Hendersonville Homes

If you love history and architecture, this may be the event for you!  Take a driving tour of historic Hendersonville homes on Saturday, May 20, 2012.  This self-driving tour is brought to you by the Hendersonville Historic Preservation Committee.  For just $20, you can tour eight private Hendersonville homes that were designed by noted Hendersonville architect Erle G Stillwell in the 1920s and ’30s.

Erle G Stillwell lived and worked in Hendersonville and Henderson County during the early part of the 1900s. The Depression made a large impact on his design style.  In addition to private Henderson County homes, he designed several cinemas, schools and other civic buildings throughout the state.  In the 1940s, Stillwell helped found the Asheville architectural firm of Six Associates.  Their defense contracts after World War II helped them become one of North Carolina’s most successful architectural firms, helping the local Henderson County economy.  They continue their business success under the name of Callaway Johnson Moore & West today.

You can purchase tickets for your tour of historic Hendersonville homes at the Heritage Museum located in the historic Hendersonville Courthouse, at FountainHead Books (408 N Main St) or at Hendersonville City Hall before May 20th.  You can also purchase your tickets on the day of the tour at Landmark Apartments (203 6th Ave W), a recently renovated building also designed by Erle Stilwell.

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://rich-cooke.com/2012/05/10/tour-historic-hendersonville-homes/.

Ringing in the New Year in Hendersonville

Only three more shopping days (including today) to get those Christmas gifts taken care of.  That means there’s nine days until New Year’s Eve.  Have you made any plans on how you’ll be ringing in the new year in Hendersonville yet?  I’ve got some ideas for you to ponder, including one the kids can participate in.

New Year’s at Noon! – Midnight can be tough for little kids to stay up for.  So, why wait?  The Hands On! Children’s Gallery (318 N Main St in downtown Hendersonville) will be holding their own New Year’s at Noon celebration.  For just $5 per person, there will be a countdown to 12:00 (noon), when everyone can ring in the new year kids’ style.  For more info, please call 828-697-8333.

Inn on Church’s New Year’s Eve Celebration – Ring in the new year with a good old fashioned murder mystery dinner.  There’s even dancing included.  Then, after you’re done solving crimes and drinking champagne, stay in one of the Inn’s gorgeous guest rooms.  No drinking and driving allowed!  For more info and to make your reservation, please call 828-696-2001.

Highland Lake Inn’s New Year’s Special – Don’t limit celebrating to just one night.  Try one of their New Year’s specials with a 20% discount on a two night stay and 30% discount on a three night stay.  Their packages include your morning breakfast for each day you stay and dinner for two with a champagne toast at their award-winning Season’s restaurant.  Even if you can’t enjoy an extended stay at the Highland Lake Inn, consider partaking in their special three course meal on New Year’s Eve.  The Bruce Lang Trio will serenade guests while they enjoy a specially prepared menu of lobster bisque or warm duck confit salad to start, your choice of grilled beef tenderloin, seared sea scallops or roasted duck breast as an entree and a warm dark chocolate tart dessert.  Dinner will be served from 6:30pm to 1am for just $60 per person.  But early birds (5pm to 6:30pm) can enjoy the same meal for $50 per person.  For more information and to make your reservation, please call 828-696-9094.

No matter how you decide to ring in the new year in Hendersonville, just make sure you do it in a safe and sane way.  Don’t drink and drive.  Never get into a car driven by someone who has been drinking.  Always make sure you have a designated driver so everyone gets home safely.  Happy holidays!

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2660535/ringing-in-the-new-year-in-hendersonville.

Ride the Polar Express Near Hendersonville

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Christmas with the family?  Take a ride on the Polar Express near Hendersonville.  The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is taking visitors on a magical journey to the North Pole aboard their special Polar Express from now through Christmas Eve.  There’s nothing like it!

Once you board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad’s Polar Express (which departs from Bryson City Depot), you and your children will be treated to the retelling of the Christmas classic as you are whisked away to the North Pole.  Between sips of hot cocoa, listen to carols being sung by the staff.  Once you reach the North Pole, Santa Claus will join you, bringing each little girl and boy a special gift…their very own sleigh bell.  But, will they be able to hear it ring?  You’ll have to be on board to find out!

Tickets start at $39 for adults, $26 for kids 2-12 years old and free for children under 2.  Upgrades are available.  Please click here to view the Polar Express’ departure schedule and click here to make your reservation.  There will be a special limited Polar Express Christmas Eve train ride available on Saturday, December 24, 2012.  Tickets for that range from at $51 (for Coach) to $72 (First Class) per adult and $37 (for Coach) to $50 (First Class) for kids (children under 2 are still complimentary).  Seats for all rides fill up fast.  So, make sure you make your reservations right away.

No matter what the weather may be like, the Polar Express will always make its way to the North Pole.  So, dress the kids up in their warmest jammies and take a ride on the Polar Express near Hendersonville.  It’s a night your children are sure never to forget!

Happy holidays!

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2637208/ride-the-polar-express-in-hendersonville.

Giving Blood in Hendersonville Could Win You Airline Tickets

They say this is the season of giving and nothing could be better than the gift of life.  That is exactly what happens when you donate blood.  Sometimes, when you give something, you will get something in return.  Giving blood in Hendersonville could win you airline tickets.  Yes, you read that right.  If you come to the City of Hendersonville Water & Sewer’s Activity Room on Thursday, December 8, 2011 to donate blood between 10am and 3pm, you will be eligible to receive one of three pairs of roundtrip airline tickets from Delta Air Lines.

The American Red Cross will be on hand to take your donation.  Unfortunately, there is never a shortage of need for blood but there is a critical shortage of blood available.  All blood types are welcome.  To find out if you are eligible to give blood, please visit the American Red Cross website here.  Walk-ins are always welcome but an appointment is preferred.  To make an appointment, simply call 697-3073 and speak to Sharon.  Make sure to bring your Red Cross ID if you have one.  If not, a regular photo ID will work.

Not only will you be saving a life, but giving blood in Hendersonville could win you airline tickets as well.  That’s not a bad deal no matter how you look at it.  You never know.  The life you save may be your own.  Happy Holidays, everybody!

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Western North Carolina real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2627274/giving-blood-in-hendersonville-could-win-you-airline-tickets.

Downtown Hendersonville Christmas Tree Lighting

I can’t believe that Thanksgiving is almost here (it happens next Thursday).  Where has the year gone?  After you’ve recuperated from your turkey hangover, come to beautiful downtown Hendersonville for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration.

The city’s official welcome to the holiday season will take place on Friday, November 25, 2011 at the Downtown Hendersonville Historic Courthouse on First and Main.  Beginning at 5pm, anyone in attendance will have the opportunity to enjoy a free carriage or trolley ride.  Santa will be strolling around for all the boys and girls to visit with.  The tree lighting itself takes place at 6pm.  Afterward, get a head start on your shopping by visiting the great merchants in the downtown Hendersonville area.

Bring the family, including all of your out of town guests, to downtown Hendersonville for the Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration the day after Thanksgiving.  It’s definitely a fun way to kick off the holiday season.

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist

Originally posted on my Hendersonville real estate blog here: http://activerain.com/blogsview/2608068/downtown-hendersonville-christmas-tree-lighting.

Family Friendly Halloween Fun in Hendersonville

Are you looking for some family-friendly Halloween fun in Hendersonville?  Since Halloween falls on a Monday this year, Hendersonville and the surrounding communities are beginning the celebrating early.  So, there’s plenty of things for you and your family to enjoy beginning on the Saturday before Halloween.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2011
Halloween Carnival – Kate’s Park (Hwy 25 N, Fletcher, NC), 3-5pm.  All kids under the age of 12 are welcome to join in on the fun at this free event.  There will be a bouncy house, games (with prizes), costume contest for the kiddies and a pumpkin carving contest.  The costume contest with be judged by age (grouped into 4 & under, 4-7 years old and 8-11 years old) and by category (most traditional, most humorous and best homemade).  The pumpkin carving contest will be judged on most original, scariest and most traditional.  This event is also being held to gather non-perishable food items for local Hendersonville charities.  So, please bring canned goods to donate.

Halloweenfest in Transylvania – Downtown Brevard, NC.  In addition to the inflatables fun for the kids and a tiny tot pumpkin bowl, everyone at the Halloweenfest will be able to decorate cookies, travel the little spooky hay maze, visit Pumpkin Hallow, join in on the costume parade and participate in a 5K race and fun walk.

Family Friendly Halloween Alternative – Biltmore Baptist Church (35 Clayton Rd, Arden, NC), 3-6pm.  Free for everyone!  There will be face painting, games, snacks, prizes and plenty of entertainment to go around.  The wee ones can have fun bouncing around in the inflatables.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2011
Trick-or-Treat Street – Gazebo on Main St, Downtown Hendersonville, 4:30-7:30pm.  Be a part of the Monster Mash.  Kids and pets can join in on the costume contest.  And, of course, there is plenty of trick-or-treat fun. 

Whether you choose one of these family-friendly Halloween fun events in Hendersonville and the surrounding communities or you choose to celebrate in your own way, just make sure you and your kids are safe.  That’s the most important thing.  Have a Happy Halloween!

Rich Cooke, your Western North Carolina real estate specialist