Festival of Flowers: Asheville, N.C. Biltmore Estate. Enjoy special events and the beauty of tulips, azaleas and countless other flowers during the annual Festival of Flowers. Biltmore's gardens are alive with color as spring arrives. For more information, call 1-800-4113812 or visit www.biltmore.com.

23rd Annual Dolly Parade: Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Grand marshal Dolly Parton and a host of Pigeon Forge Entertainers lead this parade that signals the beginning of a new season of Smoky Mountain entertainment. The event traditionally draws more than 60,000 visitors to the city. For more information, visit www.mypigeonforge.com.

Sheep Shearing Day at Thistle Cove Farm: Tazewell, Va. Thistle Cove Farm. Enjoy a rite of spring. Be part of a mountain community tradition that includes traditional Appalachian Lost Arts Guild crafters demonstrating skills. Try your hand at a drop spindle or weave a few rounds on a rag rug loom. For more information, call 276-988-4121.

Nature Photography Weekend: Corbin, Ky. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Nature photography buffs will enjoy this weekend that features a 24-hour digital and slide competition. Photographers with all skill levels can pick up tips from guest speakers. Registration fee is $40. For more information, call 606-528-4121.

Honaker Redbud Festival: Honaker, Va. Honaker High School. Annual festival held in the Redbud Capital of the World to celebrate the gorgeios spring colors of the area. Also features a country craft show, a canoe race, an antique car show, gospel singing, nature walks and more. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. For more information, call 276-873-7304.

MerleFest: Wilkesboro, N.C. Wilkes Community College. Join fellow music fans from the around the world. Founded in 1988 with the joint purpose of celebrating the life of Eddy Merle Watson and the musical traditions of the Watson Family, while also raising funds for Wilkes Community College. The annual celebration features the very best artists from around the world combined with heritage crafts from regional artisans, a safe and family-friendly atmosphere, children’s activities, plenty of pickin’ opportunities and more. Gates open at 2:30 p.m. Thursday. Gates open at 9 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 1-800-343-7857 or visit www.merlefest.org.

8th Annual Highlands Jazz Festival: Abingdon, Va. - Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. Regional jazz festival featuring more than 40 musical artists performing traditional and classic jazz works. Cabaret-style seating with food and beverage sales. Hours are 5 p.m. - midnight. For more information, call 1-800-435-3440.

Community Plant Exchange: Elizabethton, Tenn. - Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. 9 a.m. Bring cuttings and potted outdoor and indoor plants to exchange for species you don't have. For more information, 423-543-5808. For more information, call 423-543-5808.

Coal Heritage Festival: Pocahontas, Va. - Pocahontas Exhibition Mine. Annual festival celebrates the coal heritage of the region. A memorial service honors those miners who lost their lives on the job. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information, call 276-945-2134.

Rhododendron Truss Show and Plant Sale: Asheville, N.C. - North Carolina Arboretum. The show features hundreds of blooms plus regional nurserymen selling unusual rhododendron and companion plants. Sponsored by the Southeast Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society. For more information, call the North Carolina Arboretum at 828-665-2492.