FIND Outdoors is excited to announce the seasonal reopening of the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forest on April 5. This historic site, often referred to as the birthplace of modern forestry in America, continues to serve as a hub for conservation education and outdoor experiences.

Opening day attendees will enjoy complimentary admission and programming throughout the day, including:

10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. — Character Meet & Greets

11 a.m. — Book signing and reading with Carolyn Bennett Fraise, the author of “MOON TREE: The Story of One Extraordinary Tree” 

1-2 p.m.  — Up Close Encounter with Birds of Prey 

• Jeff Curtis presents an exciting falconry demonstration featuring majestic birds of prey. Get up close to these incredible birds and learn about their role in the ecosystem.

3-4 p.m. — Fur, Feathers and Scales

• The WNC Nature Center brings an exciting educational presentation featuring animals with fur, feathers and scales. Meet live animals and learn how they adapt to their environments.

Guided tours of the Biltmore Campus Trail and Forest Festival Trail will also be available.

Admission:

$10/adult (13+)

$5/child (4–12)

$5/Federal Passholder

Season Passes  to the Cradle of Forestry are also available for $35/individual or $55/family and include:

• Regular admission to the Cradle of Forestry during the season

• 15% discount at the Cradle of Forestry Gift Shop

• Half-off admission for special programs/events offered throughout the season

For more information, visit gofindoutdoors.org/sites/cradle-of-forestry.

After years of work on the project and more than a decade of planning and advocacy, the new aquatic center in Jackson County is officially open to patrons. 

The Plunge is back for its 13th consecutive year. On Saturday, Feb. 8, Haywood Waterways Association (HWA) and Lake Junaluska Assembly are hosting the annual “Plunge Benefit-t-t-ting Kids in the Creek & Environmental Education.” 

“The Polar Express” train ride will roll down the tracks on select dates from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot in downtown Bryson City.

Climb aboard one of the powerful locomotives and historic train cars as it departs the Bryson City Depot for the North Pole to pick up Santa Claus himself.

The inaugural “Cold Mountain Christmas Craft Fair” will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Lake Logan Retreat Center in Canton. 

A special stage production of “A Charlie Brown Christmas Musical Extravaganza” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13, 2 p.m. Dec. 14 and 5 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. 

Featuring professional classical dances and the Ballet Conservatory of Asheville’s celebrated pre-professional company, a magically festive, full-length stage version of “The Nutcracker” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, and 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, in the Bardo Arts Center Performance Hall at Western Carolina University. 

Registration is now open for another season of Cataloochee programming through Jackson County’s recreation department. Lessons are tailored to skier based on skill level.

Dates for lessons are Jan. 5, Jan. 12, Jan. 26, Feb. 2, Feb. 9 and Feb 23. 

Following a cold snap and a couple of inches of fresh snow, the Cataloochee Ski Area in Haywood County opened up for its 64th season on Nov. 23.

As the temperature drops in Western North Carolina, the fun only heats up. The holiday season here is filled with events and activities aimed to celebrate the best way we know how — with friends, family and visitors alike.