Spending the day in Bryson City NC

We recently went away for the day, a rainy day, and our destination of choice was Bryson City NC. Upon arrival at the Fryemont Inn, we entered through the porch area, started the fireplace, put some groceries away and got ready to go out for a night on the town. Lots of room at this place, a small kitchen, nice living room and a giant bed in the loft area. And... a beautiful red bathtub.

Our first stop of the evening was Nantahala Brewing Company to test out some of the many great boutique beers they have on tap. My favorite being the Belgian Dirty Girl Golden Ale 8.5% abv. 

Greg took us in the back and gave us a quick tour of the Brewery, including the kegs for their new Russian Imperial Stout that is about to release in bottles. Casey was the bartender and was extremely helpful with the brew choices. Here is Greg, the brewer, next to the equipment.

After a few beers, we headed over to Pasqualino's Italian Restaurant in downtown Bryson City NC. Our server was great, we got to meet the Owner, and the kitchen staff was hard at work.

And the food was delicious. Had the best Calamari and biggest, tastiest NY Strip I have had in a long time. Great time here, perfect dinner!

The next morning, we too the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad from Bryson City NC to Dillsboro NC and back.

They served us a great Prime Rib plate for lunch and I had a Railroad Relaxer cocktails to go along with it for the ride.

The Conductor was very cool as well. He has been working this position for 20 years now!

And for an early dinner after getting off the train, we stopped by The Filling Station in Bryson City NC. This may be the best deli & sandwich shop I have been to in Western North Carolina. So delicious!

All of these great places and experiences contributed to a wonderful time in Bryson City NC in Western North Carolina. Special thanks to AsianAsheville who brought me out there :)

On February 21, 2012 - Ignite is coming to Asheville NC

Ignite gives people in the local community 5 minutes and 20 slides to share a personal or professional passion in front of an audience. The sub-title is "Enlighten Us, but make it quick" and so it will be a night of rapid fire presentations and inspiration. You can find out more about the event on the IgniteAsheville website and also on the IgniteAsheville FB event page.

WNC Beer: Nantahala Brewing's 2012 Trail Magic Ale Release Event

On Saturday, March 10th, 2012 Nantahala Brewing will offer their first of 3 limited bottle release Trail Magic Ale ales exclusively at their Tap Room in Bryson City. The event will begin at noon with the tapping of the first keg of Trail Magic at 4 pm. A limited number of 750 ml bottles will be available for purchase beginning at 6 pm via a lottery system (see more details below).

ABOUT THE BREW: Our first Trail Magic Ale release is an Oak barrel aged Russian Imperial Stout brewed with some special ingredients native to the Great Smoky Mountains. The final ABV is yet to be determined however, we can tell you that it's currently north of 10% and uniquely tasty.

As we get closer to the release date more details about this exciting ale will be made available.

PURCHASING BOTTLES: We've chosen to offer the Trail Magic series in corked 750 ml bottles. Beginning at noon guests will be given numbered tickets for an opportunity to purchase bottles at 6 pm. When your number is called you will have the option to purchase up to four bottles of Trail Magic. There is a limited number of bottles available and we encourage everyone to arrive early for a chance to purchase bottles.

PORTION OF PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT APP TRAIL: A portion of proceeds of the bottle sales will be donated to the Appalachian Trail Ridgerunner Program via the Friends of the Smokies organization.

ABOUT THE RIDGERUNNER PROGRAM: Each year the Park recruits a series of individuals who provide a presence on the Appalachian Trail from March through October. They provide visitor information, do trail maintenance, pack out litter, keep up composting privies, report on the condition of the trail and the shelters, report emergencies and advise hikers on food storage and other regulations, and relay real-time information regarding possible problem bears. Their presence on the AT for over 15 years has made a huge difference in the Park’s ability to manage the AT.