We went to the Flat Rock Music Festival at the end of September and were pleasantly surprised to find this one of the relaxing music festivals we have attended in the Asheville area. While other festivals like Lake Eden Arts Festival attract more crowds and have more stages of ongoing musical performances, Flat Rock offered a beautiful setting at Camp Ton-A-Wandha with only two stages an indoor one( for solo and smaller acts) and outdoor( for larger acts) both located right off a beautiful lake. Our favorite artists were the Near Misses  Steve Simpson, and Mieka Pauley,

It was an easy walk or shuttle ride from parking to the festival. They had a small but select collection of eateries serving some of the best festival food we have experienced. Attendance at the festival probably numbered between 1500-2000 which is well below the large crowds seen at other events. We never had to stand in line for anything including food, restrooms, or shopping. There were 3 local massage therapists though that were booked for the entire weekend by Friday night.

The proceeds from the festival go to help children with cancer attend Camp Merry Times. The week long camp gives these children an opportunity to have a summer camp experience that they may not otherwise have. It also affords them the ability to do just what every other ordinary child does at summer camp - and that's the most extraordinary thing of all. Camp Merry Times is held at Camp Ton-A-Wandah in May, every year.

So if you happen to be the Asheville or Hendersonville North Carolina area around April 19, check out their Springtime Benefit . And definitely try and make next years festival, the last weekend of September, 2008. You wont be disappointed!