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Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Carolina Recycling Association: Call for Presentations
Sep 20 all-day
online
CRA Call for Presentations is Now Open!

Submit Ideas for the 2024 CRA Conference in Cherokee, NC

CRA’s 34th Annual Conference & Trade Show Call for Presentations & Session Ideas is now open! Whether just an ember of an idea, or a fully organized presentation, your ideas are what make the CRA Conference burn bright! This is a great opportunity to engage with hundreds of recycling professionals in the Carolinas at the Cherokee Convention Center from April 8-11, 2024.

CRA is planning a Corporate Sustainability Track and are prioritizing the following topics:

  • Business Recycling & Waste Reduction
  • Business Skill Development (sales, contract negotiations, customer relations, etc.)
  • Circular Economy Development
  • Corporate Sustainability, Zero Waste, ESG in Action

Additional topics of interest welcome including (but not limited to):

  • General Topics: Reuse Success Stories, Environmentally Preferred Procurement, Market Development, Ocean Plastic, Trends in Packaging Sustainability
  • Local Government and Private Sector Recycling and Waste Reduction: Collections, Enforcement, Education and Outreach, Waste Diversion and Waste Reduction Programs, Marketing and Communications, Technology Innovations, Contamination Solutions, Contract Negotiations
  • Special Waste Collection (i.e. C&D, Food, Electronics, Solar Panels, Disaster Debris, Batteries, HHW, etc.)
  • Organics Recycling & Food Waste Reduction
  • Material Processing: Material Recovery Facility Success Stories; Trends in Processing Technology & Processing Solutions, Market Trends, Construction and Demolition Recycling
  • Relating Climate Change to Waste Reduction & Recycling, Recycling & Sustainable Development Goals, Citizen & Community Activism for Recycling, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Local and State Policy Success Stories to Model

Success stories as well as innovative programs, methods, and technologies to advance material recovery or waste reduction, are preferred. Presentations that include interactive hands-on education or product/technology demonstrations are a plus!

Please submit your ideas by Friday, September 22!

OneSpartanburg Beautiful mini-grants
Sep 20 all-day
online

Do you, your neighborhood group, or other community organization have a beautification project you’d like to tackle? Apply for a Keep OneSpartanburg Beautiful Community Beautification Mini-Grant before Sept. 30 and help improve Spartanburg County’s environment. The work of our community’s Keep America Beautiful affiliate is directly tied to the OneSpartanburg Vision Plan.

Upstate Food Access Interactive Map
Sep 20 all-day
online
It’s no secret that food insecurity is an issue facing many of our neighbors in the Upstate. Fortunately, there are countless organizations and resources working tirelessly to alleviate that stress!
Head over to our Upstate Food Access Resource Map to locate service providers near you!
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Carolina Recycling Association: Call for Presentations
Sep 21 all-day
online
CRA Call for Presentations is Now Open!

Submit Ideas for the 2024 CRA Conference in Cherokee, NC

CRA’s 34th Annual Conference & Trade Show Call for Presentations & Session Ideas is now open! Whether just an ember of an idea, or a fully organized presentation, your ideas are what make the CRA Conference burn bright! This is a great opportunity to engage with hundreds of recycling professionals in the Carolinas at the Cherokee Convention Center from April 8-11, 2024.

CRA is planning a Corporate Sustainability Track and are prioritizing the following topics:

  • Business Recycling & Waste Reduction
  • Business Skill Development (sales, contract negotiations, customer relations, etc.)
  • Circular Economy Development
  • Corporate Sustainability, Zero Waste, ESG in Action

Additional topics of interest welcome including (but not limited to):

  • General Topics: Reuse Success Stories, Environmentally Preferred Procurement, Market Development, Ocean Plastic, Trends in Packaging Sustainability
  • Local Government and Private Sector Recycling and Waste Reduction: Collections, Enforcement, Education and Outreach, Waste Diversion and Waste Reduction Programs, Marketing and Communications, Technology Innovations, Contamination Solutions, Contract Negotiations
  • Special Waste Collection (i.e. C&D, Food, Electronics, Solar Panels, Disaster Debris, Batteries, HHW, etc.)
  • Organics Recycling & Food Waste Reduction
  • Material Processing: Material Recovery Facility Success Stories; Trends in Processing Technology & Processing Solutions, Market Trends, Construction and Demolition Recycling
  • Relating Climate Change to Waste Reduction & Recycling, Recycling & Sustainable Development Goals, Citizen & Community Activism for Recycling, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Local and State Policy Success Stories to Model

Success stories as well as innovative programs, methods, and technologies to advance material recovery or waste reduction, are preferred. Presentations that include interactive hands-on education or product/technology demonstrations are a plus!

Please submit your ideas by Friday, September 22!

OneSpartanburg Beautiful mini-grants
Sep 21 all-day
online

Do you, your neighborhood group, or other community organization have a beautification project you’d like to tackle? Apply for a Keep OneSpartanburg Beautiful Community Beautification Mini-Grant before Sept. 30 and help improve Spartanburg County’s environment. The work of our community’s Keep America Beautiful affiliate is directly tied to the OneSpartanburg Vision Plan.

Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Sep 21 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas! Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century. Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and our popular Cajun seasoned Pulled Pork BBQ with Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce cooked in our special spices and slow roasted to perfection! During the month of October, 9am departures will feature the option of a delicious Cheesy Shrimp & Grits or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole while 2pm departures will be served the popular BBQ meal.

Nantahala Gorge Excursion
Sep 21 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

TAKE A TRAIN RIDE ALONG SIDE THE BEAUTIFUL NANTAHALA RIVER ON OUR NANTAHALA GORGE EXCURSION! DEPARTING FROM BRYSON CITY, THIS 4½ HOUR ROUNDTRIP EXCURSION CARRIES YOU 44 MILES TO THE NANTAHALA GORGE AND BACK AGAIN ARRIVING AT OUR BRYSON CITY DEPOT.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River. The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Onboard dining is available in First Class Seating and selecting from our  First Class Dinning menu options OR you can pre-purchase a box lunch option to make this an amazing unique moving dining experience. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing!

Itinerary

30m before departure Boarding begins at Bryson City Depot
See schedule for departure time Depart Bryson City, NC
1h 45m Reach top of the line
2h 00m Begin return
2h 30m—3h 30m Layover
3h 30m Depart Layover
4h 30m Arrive at Bryson City Depot
Time from Departure Activity
Meridian Wellness + Spa Ribbon Cutting
Sep 21 @ 4:00 pm
Meridian Wellness & Spa

Meridian Wellness & Spa offers luxury and rejuvenation, as a destination for world-class aesthetic services. From facials and waxing to relaxation treatments and more, the team at Meridian is ready to guide you through the beauty options you desire. Join us Sept. 21 as we celebrate Meridian’s success in Spartanburg with a ribbon cutting.

Wee Wine + Dahlias
Sep 21 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Bullington Gardens
Bullington Gardens invites you to experience the epitome of exclusivity with their new and exciting offering – twilight parties in the enchanting gardens. Now accepting reservations, this is your chance to indulge in a truly magical evening with your own private group of eight. From August 15 to October 14, 2023, Tuesday through Saturday, 4:30-6:30p.m., immerse yourself in nature’s wonders while delighting your palate with locally-sourced wines and cider, all in the company of the resplendent Dahlias in full bloom.

Picture this: you and your closest companions, relishing the serenity of the gardens, sipping on delectable beverages, and taking leisurely strolls amidst the breathtaking flora. To ensure an intimate experience, each group of up to eight will have their own private party. Whether you prefer the charming pavilion or the festive tents, the choice is yours. And fear not, for even if the rain tries to dampen the mood, the horticultural therapy greenhouse is ready to shelter you.

With only two groups accommodated each evening, you’ll have the pleasure of enjoying your own secluded space. Each group’s table will be beautifully set in separate venues, adorned with fresh floral arrangements that you can take home as a keepsake. As the host, you have the opportunity to curate a culinary masterpiece by bringing your own hors d’oeuvres or even an entire meal. Imagine the delight of savoring delicious food amidst an unparalleled view, creating an unforgettable private party.

The cost for a table of eight is $300 per group, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. If you’re interested in elevating your involvement, consider a sponsorship level of $500. By participating in this extraordinary event, you will not only create cherished memories but also support the Educational and Horticultural Therapy programs dedicated to children and adults with special needs.

To secure your spot for the Wee Wine & Dahlias evening of your dreams, reserve below or give us a call at 828-698-6104. Remember, availability is limited, so make sure to secure your reservation early. Get ready to immerse yourself in an evening of enchantment at Bullington Gardens!

August 15th through October 14th, 2023. Tuesday-Saturday, 4:30pm-6:30pm.

ArborEvenings
Sep 21 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through September 30, 2022 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Beverage Service

Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.

Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome

Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)

Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited. 

Find more information here. 

Live Music Thursdays
Sep 21 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
RJ Rockers Brewing Company
Friday, September 22, 2023
Carolina Recycling Association: Call for Presentations
Sep 22 all-day
online
CRA Call for Presentations is Now Open!

Submit Ideas for the 2024 CRA Conference in Cherokee, NC

CRA’s 34th Annual Conference & Trade Show Call for Presentations & Session Ideas is now open! Whether just an ember of an idea, or a fully organized presentation, your ideas are what make the CRA Conference burn bright! This is a great opportunity to engage with hundreds of recycling professionals in the Carolinas at the Cherokee Convention Center from April 8-11, 2024.

CRA is planning a Corporate Sustainability Track and are prioritizing the following topics:

  • Business Recycling & Waste Reduction
  • Business Skill Development (sales, contract negotiations, customer relations, etc.)
  • Circular Economy Development
  • Corporate Sustainability, Zero Waste, ESG in Action

Additional topics of interest welcome including (but not limited to):

  • General Topics: Reuse Success Stories, Environmentally Preferred Procurement, Market Development, Ocean Plastic, Trends in Packaging Sustainability
  • Local Government and Private Sector Recycling and Waste Reduction: Collections, Enforcement, Education and Outreach, Waste Diversion and Waste Reduction Programs, Marketing and Communications, Technology Innovations, Contamination Solutions, Contract Negotiations
  • Special Waste Collection (i.e. C&D, Food, Electronics, Solar Panels, Disaster Debris, Batteries, HHW, etc.)
  • Organics Recycling & Food Waste Reduction
  • Material Processing: Material Recovery Facility Success Stories; Trends in Processing Technology & Processing Solutions, Market Trends, Construction and Demolition Recycling
  • Relating Climate Change to Waste Reduction & Recycling, Recycling & Sustainable Development Goals, Citizen & Community Activism for Recycling, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Local and State Policy Success Stories to Model

Success stories as well as innovative programs, methods, and technologies to advance material recovery or waste reduction, are preferred. Presentations that include interactive hands-on education or product/technology demonstrations are a plus!

Please submit your ideas by Friday, September 22!

OneSpartanburg Beautiful mini-grants
Sep 22 all-day
online

Do you, your neighborhood group, or other community organization have a beautification project you’d like to tackle? Apply for a Keep OneSpartanburg Beautiful Community Beautification Mini-Grant before Sept. 30 and help improve Spartanburg County’s environment. The work of our community’s Keep America Beautiful affiliate is directly tied to the OneSpartanburg Vision Plan.

Upstate Food Access Interactive Map
Sep 22 all-day
online
It’s no secret that food insecurity is an issue facing many of our neighbors in the Upstate. Fortunately, there are countless organizations and resources working tirelessly to alleviate that stress!
Head over to our Upstate Food Access Resource Map to locate service providers near you!
Carolina Shine Moonshine Experience
Sep 22 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

“Shine and Dine” on the railway! We cordially invite you to hop on board The Carolina Shine, GSMR’s All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car! We will be proudly serving hand crafted, triple-distilled, craft moonshine. Some of the smoothest tasting moonshine in the Carolinas! Offered on the Nantahala Gorge excursion, this shine and dine experience begins in a renovated First Class train fleet car, The Carolina Shine. The interior features copper lined walls filled with the history of moonshining in North Carolina. Learn about the proud tradition that the Appalachians established when bootlegging was an acceptable way of life and local home brews were the best in town. Read about Swain County’s very own Major Redmond, the most famous mountain moonshine outlaw of the 19th century. Once your appetite for knowledge is satisfied, enjoy sample tastings of flavors like Apple Pie, Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry, Peach, and Strawberry moonshine. If the samples are not enough, there will be plenty of Moonshine infused cocktails like Copper Cola or Moonshiner’s Mimosa available for purchase. GSMR is excited to feature multiple craft NC based distilleries to serve our guests only the best! Each jar is handcrafted and authentically infused with real fruit, the way moonshine was meant to be made. Passengers will also enjoy a full service All-Adult First Class ride with an attendant and our popular Cajun seasoned Pulled Pork BBQ with Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce cooked in our special spices and slow roasted to perfection! During the month of October, 9am departures will feature the option of a delicious Cheesy Shrimp & Grits or Cheesy Ham Hash Brown Casserole while 2pm departures will be served the popular BBQ meal.

Nantahala Gorge Excursion
Sep 22 @ 10:30 am – 3:00 pm
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

TAKE A TRAIN RIDE ALONG SIDE THE BEAUTIFUL NANTAHALA RIVER ON OUR NANTAHALA GORGE EXCURSION! DEPARTING FROM BRYSON CITY, THIS 4½ HOUR ROUNDTRIP EXCURSION CARRIES YOU 44 MILES TO THE NANTAHALA GORGE AND BACK AGAIN ARRIVING AT OUR BRYSON CITY DEPOT.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains while traveling along the Tennessee and Nantahala (nan-tuh-HAY-luh) River. The historic trellis bridge Fontana Trestle takes you across Fontana Lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. Onboard dining is available in First Class Seating and selecting from our  First Class Dinning menu options OR you can pre-purchase a box lunch option to make this an amazing unique moving dining experience. Arrive at our layover destination in the heart of the Nantahala Gorge for a one-hour layover where you can relax by the river or enjoy sightseeing!

Itinerary

30m before departure Boarding begins at Bryson City Depot
See schedule for departure time Depart Bryson City, NC
1h 45m Reach top of the line
2h 00m Begin return
2h 30m—3h 30m Layover
3h 30m Depart Layover
4h 30m Arrive at Bryson City Depot
Time from Departure Activity
Wee Wine + Dahlias
Sep 22 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Bullington Gardens
Bullington Gardens invites you to experience the epitome of exclusivity with their new and exciting offering – twilight parties in the enchanting gardens. Now accepting reservations, this is your chance to indulge in a truly magical evening with your own private group of eight. From August 15 to October 14, 2023, Tuesday through Saturday, 4:30-6:30p.m., immerse yourself in nature’s wonders while delighting your palate with locally-sourced wines and cider, all in the company of the resplendent Dahlias in full bloom.

Picture this: you and your closest companions, relishing the serenity of the gardens, sipping on delectable beverages, and taking leisurely strolls amidst the breathtaking flora. To ensure an intimate experience, each group of up to eight will have their own private party. Whether you prefer the charming pavilion or the festive tents, the choice is yours. And fear not, for even if the rain tries to dampen the mood, the horticultural therapy greenhouse is ready to shelter you.

With only two groups accommodated each evening, you’ll have the pleasure of enjoying your own secluded space. Each group’s table will be beautifully set in separate venues, adorned with fresh floral arrangements that you can take home as a keepsake. As the host, you have the opportunity to curate a culinary masterpiece by bringing your own hors d’oeuvres or even an entire meal. Imagine the delight of savoring delicious food amidst an unparalleled view, creating an unforgettable private party.

The cost for a table of eight is $300 per group, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. If you’re interested in elevating your involvement, consider a sponsorship level of $500. By participating in this extraordinary event, you will not only create cherished memories but also support the Educational and Horticultural Therapy programs dedicated to children and adults with special needs.

To secure your spot for the Wee Wine & Dahlias evening of your dreams, reserve below or give us a call at 828-698-6104. Remember, availability is limited, so make sure to secure your reservation early. Get ready to immerse yourself in an evening of enchantment at Bullington Gardens!

August 15th through October 14th, 2023. Tuesday-Saturday, 4:30pm-6:30pm.

Food Truck Rollouts
Sep 22 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Greer City Park

Bring your blankets or chairs and join us for a fun night of great food and live music at Greer City Park! Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Greer Relief & Resources Agency, Inc. Valid ID is required to purchase alcohol. Outside alcohol and coolers are prohibited.

ArborEvenings
Sep 22 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! ArborEvenings runs Thursdays and most Fridays through September 30, 2022 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

There is no additional cost to attend ArborEvenings beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry). Proceeds from ArborEvenings help support the The North Carolina Arboretum Society and further advance the Arboretum’s mission.

Beverage Service

Beer, Wine, and soft drinks will be for sale onsite at the Green Gardener’s Shed from 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. each night of the event. Outside alcohol is strictly prohibited, but guests are welcome to bring in water or a favorite non-alcoholic beverage.

Food Available for Pre-Order, Picnics Welcome

Although the Bent Creek Bistro will not be open during the event, they will be offering their delicious dining options at ArborEvenings via pre-order! Simply place your online order — including alcoholic beverages — up until 11 a.m. on the date you plan to attend, then pick up your order at the Baker Information Desk between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (In the event of rain cancellation, pre-orders will be fully refunded.)

Guests are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. However, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited. 

Find more information here. 

Project Host BBQ Cook-Off
Sep 22 @ 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Fluor Field

Competition brings out the best in us, right? But a BBQ competition might just bring out the very best in us! Join us Friday, September 22 for the Anything Butt Contest and enjoy appetizers, sides, and desserts prepared by our cookers along with live entertainment, while the little ones enjoy the Kids Zone!

Winners of the Cook-Off will be announces on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. so get here early to sample all the offerings along with the judges. Live entertainment and the Kids Zone will be open!

The event is free with tickets for food samples and select activities sold at the gate.

Join us Friday for the Anything Butt Contest and enjoy appetizers, sides and desserts prepared by our cookers along with live entertainment, while the little ones enjoy the Kids Zone.

Winners of the Cook-off will be announced on Saturday at 1:30pm, so et here early to sample all of the offerings along with the judges. Kids Zone and live entertainment will be open. Please see the Project Host BBQ website for more.