Experience the finest among North Carolina Vacation Rentals in Highlands NC at The Lakehouse on Lake Glenville in Cashiers

Cherokee, North Carolina, Ramp It Up! Festival – March 27

Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds, 745 Trail Blvd.; Saturday, 10 am.

This homegrown celebration marks the arrival of spring and trout season. Join the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for a meal of smoked trout, fried potatoes and the pungent, onion-like ramps that grow abundantly in the Great Smoky Mountains. The day also includes Cherokee music, crafts and games, as well as the Chief’s Horseshoe Tournament with a $1,000 cash prize.

Sylva, Greening Up the Mountains Festival – April 24

Main Street & Bridge Park; Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

A 5K run opens this annual spring fete, named for the way foliage creeps up the mountainsides as warm weather arrives. Local artisans and community organizations welcome visitors to their booths. In keeping with the festival’s origins as an Earth Day celebration, an area is devoted to environmental education. There’s also a youth talent contest and live music throughout the day.

Asheville, Spring Herb Festival – April 30 – May 2

Western North Carolina Farmer’s Market, 570 Brevard Road; Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ointments, soaps, teas, medicines, salves, herbs and plants are among the varied items for sale at the 21st edition of this annual festival which features more than 55 vendors serving 25,000 herb enthusiasts. Talk with growers, certified herbalists and natural gardening and landscaping specialists or get expert advice from one of the Master Gardeners who will be on hand.

Flat Rock Playhouse, Steel Magnolias – April 29 – May 23

Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greer Hwy; Wednesday – Sunday, 2 p.m., Wednesday – Saturday, 8 p.m. Tickets $34

Originally staged as an off-Broadway play by Robert H, then made famous by the film version, this story explores the bonds of friendship between a group of women in northern Louisiana. The story unfolds at Truvy’s beauty salon, and follows the trials and tribulations of its characters over a three-year period.

The history and culture of the Appalachian people can be found everywhere, from the ancient Cherokee to the Waldensians to modern day settlers. Visit the Cherokee Heritage Center and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and see the outdoor drama, “Unto These Hills” to learn more about the proud heritage of these Native Americans. The Folk Art Center in Asheville is home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild which displays the works of artists and crafters steeped in Appalachian traditions.

Writers and actors have always found the North Carolina mountains inspiring. Author Thomas Wolfe made his home in Asheville, while Historic Hendersonville and Flat Rock were home to poet Carl Sandburg. Here too is where you’ll find the Flat Rock Playhouse: State Theatre of North Carolina, offering a full season of professional theater from April to October and classes year-round.

Cullowhee’s Western Carolina University has a new $30,000,000 Fine and Performing Arts Center bringing a variety of performances from the award-winning jazz of T.S. Monk and Alvin Ailey’s American Dance Theatre to Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home companion and Shakespeare to the mountains.

Not far from the Lakehouse is the traditional southern resort town of Highlands. Here you’ll find the Old Edwards Inn and Spa, a great place to pamper yourself and unwind. Nearby Asheville also has a number of luxurious spas including the historic Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa.

So, whether it’s immersing yourself in Appalachian culture, luxuriating in a world-class spa, or just enjoying the view, you’re sure to find an escape to the North Carolina mountains will take you to new heights. Our luxury mountain lake lodge is the perfect place for exploring the mountains in 2010.