Head for the hills: 3 reasons to visit the NC mountains this summer
July 9, 2023
When the scorching summer heat blankets the Piedmont, head west for a little cool mountain air. Here are a few noteworthy summer events to consider.
Italian Renaissance Alive at Biltmore, Asheville
Be among the first to experience Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, and Boticelli’s The Birth of Venus, along with other iconic works in the world premiere of this immersive exhibit. Large-scale projections highlighting Italian culture, architecture and literature spanning from the 14th to 17th centuries are accompanied by the operatic music of Puccini and Verdi. The exhibition at Amherst at Deerpark runs through Jan. 7, 2024. Lodging packages and additional information are available at biltmore.com.
Under the Stars on the Rocks guest chef series at Skyline Lodge, Highlands
This culinary series brings notable Southern tastemakers to Oak Steakhouse at Skyline Lodge. The lineup includes Vivian Howard (July 11), Mashama Bailey & Trevor Elliot (Aug. 22), Ryan Prewitt (Sept. 12) and Joe Kindred (Oct. 3). Prepaid reservations are $175 per person and can be made at opentable.com.
Appalachian Summer Festival, Boone
What started in 1984 as a chamber-music series has grown to include pop music, a film series, visual art exhibitions, lectures and more. This year’s featured artists include John Oates, Keb’ Mo’ and Allison Russell, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Vivian Howard, the Calidore String Quartet, and Grammy Award-winning period-instrument ensemble Apollo’s Fire. Ticket prices vary. Through July 29, appsummer.org. SP
Featured image: Italian Renaissance Alive at Biltmore Estate
