News & Events

If you plan on being in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains this fall, one event that should not be missed is the North Carolina Renaissance Festival. Celebrating more than two decades of European culture on both Saturdays and Sundays,  autumnal entertainment can be found at 16445 Poplar Tent Road, October 1^st through November 20^th, 10 in the morning until 5:30 in the evening. 

How fortunate for folks who own Carolina mountain property that festivals in North Carolina abound, and this event sprawls, rain or shine, over a spectacular twenty-five acre park, located within 325 acres of gorgeous woodlands north of Charlotte.  There are endless cultural and educational opportunities for the entire family (but no pets please)—games that rely upon skill, lively music, comedy, rides, as well as crafts, and food is served in kitchens and pubs reminiscent of a bygone era.  Enjoy the arts and crafts marketplace, the outdoor theater, or the lively circus and jousting tournaments. 

For those families with little ones, children under five are always free.  Costumed characters mingle and mesmerize, singing old songs and performing charming tricks from another time and place.  When you’re tuckered out from the hiking trails in Western NC, there’s nothing like the excitement and ritual of a jousting match, or the artistry of falconry—two events that showcase the splendor of the animals as well as the skill of those who are trained in these impressive sports.   

The Carolina Renaissance Festival is committed to its community and the area’s vital non-profit agencies, donating $10,000 to non-profit fundraising use in events, auctions and raffles–as well as Festival characters who visit other non-profit events in costume.  Many local organizations are fortunate to receive support from the Festival.

And don’t forget about the Festival’s student education days—planned during the week for field trips that offer what can’t be learned in a book—a complete 16^th century immersion that will resonate long after the experience is over. Special Events include:

Celtic Music Jams Weekend –  Saturday, October 22, Sunday, October 23, 2016; special guest musicians and Festival minstrels create lively Celtic music.  Take part in the Men of Skills Competition—strength, confidence and skill tested– whether or not you’re wearing a kilt.  

Halloween Daze & Spooky Knights –  Saturday, October 29, Sunday, October 30, 2016.    The largest costume party for all ages; children 12 and under are free.  Don’t have your costume yet?  Find it at one of the largest festivals in North Carolina!  Over 100 locations in the Village to trick or treat, take part in a treasure hunt with prizes, or show off your costume in a contest for all ages; 2:30 PM for children and 3:00 for adults.  For the brave of heart, three jousting performances throughout the day by the Knights of the Living Dead. 

Pirates’ Christmas – Saturday, November 5, Sunday, November 6, 2016.  Shop early  for Christmas and save at Fairhaven Village Marketplace; with $200.00 spent on arts and crafts (one offer per person) two FREE $24.00 Festival tickets are awarded for the season.  Pirate entertainment abounds, Pirate Costume Contests with prizes at 2:30 PM for both children and adults who dare to dress up. 

Time Travelers Weekend – Saturday, November 12, Sunday, November 13, 2016. Visitors are encouraged to dress up as time traveling characters from all genres and take part in the costume contest.  All children under five are free, and  5-12 year olds are FREE also with a school supply donation at the entrance.  Local science fiction and fantasy authors will be present to sign books.

Final Huzzah –  Saturday, November 19, Sunday, November 20, 2016.   Donations of canned foods are encouraged at the entrance.  Children ages 5-12 enter for FREE with the donation of one item, but feel free to be more generous during the holiday season before enjoying some Renaissance turkey and taking part in the cheerful festivities.   

It’s no secret that the folks who have settled into a peaceful life on their Carolina mountain property are able to celebrate the spectacular seasons at the many festivals in North Carolina.   

Our gated community is design for those who appreciate a glorious mountain view, fresh air, and plenty to keep busy.  Life at The Coves, with 3,600 acres, is an incredible blend of the serenity of nature, harmonizing alongside  vibrant community life. 

Have you experienced the peace and beauty along the hiking trails in Western NC?  We have thirty-nine miles of hiking and horse trails nestled into The Coves. Days spent along the Johns River allow you the pleasures of fishing, kayaking or simply relaxing in a riverfront pavilion with family and friends. 

Whether you choose to sip wine on a lazy afternoon at Evelyn’s Vineyard, or sink your hands into the soil at Isabel’s Gardens, there’s plenty to do and explore when you settle down on your own Carolina mountain property.  Those who have already chosen life at The Coves Mountain River Club love discovering incredible and new experiences in a glorious setting.  

If you’re exploring the area for the first time, ask for our 70 page complimentary Western North Carolina Visitor’s Guide which provides more information about living in the foothills.