Live from Bonnaroo: Xpress dispatch

The 11th annual Bonnaroo music festival is off and running, and Xpress is here to bake in the sun and navigate the endless crowds so you don’t have to. But it’s not all misery and exhaustion. Aside from the dozens of stellar shows, standup comedians, cinema tent, dance parties and general reckless abandon that are inherent to the festival, this year stands to be one of the coolest (temperature wise) Bonnaroos on record.

Conscious Party

What: The Fiddlers of Madison County to benefit The Madison County Arts Council. Where: The Madison County Arts Center, 90 S. Main St. in Marshall. When: Saturday, March 10. Two shows: 4 and 8 p.m. $20. Info: http://www.madisoncountyarts.com or 649-1301. Why: Fiddlers, banjo players and bluegrass-lovers alike flock to the quiet back roads of Madison […]

Totally Tubular

What: Break out your neon snow pants and radical leg warmers for the Town of Beech Mountain’s Totally ‘80s Ski Weekend. Swish down the slopes just like the guys from Hot Tub Time Machine (think mullets and Members Only jackets). Live music kicks off the weekend with 1980s rockers Buick McKane. A tribute band will […]

From Boots to Books

What: The N.C. Arboretum’s Natural Garden Trail has its secrets. No, it’s not a hidden message on the bottom of a hiker’s shoe. Nor is it a clandestine vine climbing an unknown tree. If you search carefully, there’s a small box lurking along the trail. What’s inside? Only intrepid geocachers will know for sure. Geocaching, […]

Eat this vacation

a href=”“Just when you think this town couldn’t possibly get any cooler, another dog-friendly brewery opens its doors just a step away from one of your favorite migratory food trucks. As much as I love this city with all my heart, there are moments when the coolness factor hits overload. Most of these moments occur […]

From Andalusia to WNC

What: You don’t have to travel to Spain to enjoy flamenco dance. Western Carolina University is bringing Spanish music and dance to the region with the "La Pasion Flamenca," featuring the Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana dance company. Women will whirl around in elaborate dresses and men will show off their sultry moves while transporting the […]

From Andalusia to WNC

What: You don’t have to travel to Spain to enjoy flamenco dance. Western Carolina University is bringing Spanish music and dance to the region with the "La Pasion Flamenca," featuring the Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana dance company. Women will whirl around in elaborate dresses and men will show off their sultry moves while transporting the […]

Crafty kids

What: There’s nothing like crafts to spice up history. Children above the age of 9 are invited to learn about the settlers of the late 1880s at a program called “Oh Pioneers.” Kids will make a pioneer craft to take home, and a barn dance will close out the festivities. “The pioneer settlers of the […]

A blast of cold air

What: Eat chili, jump into freezing cold water and see ice carved masterpieces at Blowing Rock Winterfest. Opening day, Thursday, Jan. 26, features an array of food from Blowing Rock’s most notable restaurants and a winter ale tasting. Get some free hot chocolate on Friday, huddle around a campfire and hear Beverly "Guitar" Watkins and […]

Catch Orion’s belt

What: If you think that all you need to see the constellations is a clear night sky, think again. Nothing quite compares to viewing the sky through a radio telescope and the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute has a powerful one. The focus of this week’s observations will be Orion, Taurus and the lesser-known Lepus. The […]