Christmas Time in the NC Mountains

If you’ve never spent a winter’s holiday season in Western North Carolina, well, you just don’t know what you’re missing. Here in our neck of the woods, you might be surprised to learn that we aren’t hit with a lot of snow and most folks don’t even need a four-wheel drive to get around in the wintertime. But there are still plenty of signals it’s Christmastime. Read more.

Escape Winter's Doldrums With Wilderness Wildlife Week

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. – After the excitement of December’s holidays, you need an antidote to the inevitable winter blahs, and Pigeon Forge has the answer.  It is Wilderness Wildlife Week, Pigeon Forge’s annual tribute to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Dates are Jan. 9-16, 2010, for the eight-day extravaganza of seminars, workshops, photography classes, hikes and excursions that relate to the park and other outdoor topics. This is Wilderness Wildlife Week’s 20th year.

More than 150 experts—nature photographers, biologists, raptor rehabilitators, social historians and just plain folks who grew up in the Smokies—donate their time to present daily programs and a range of outdoor activities. There are more than 230 programs and activities.

Program topics vary daily, and admission is free to all activities. Topics include bears in the Smokies, the elk reintroduction project, the Smokies’ logging history, fire towers in the Smokies, close-up photography, trout fishing, fly-casting and birding by ear. Several programs are designed especially for children.

Almost 60 hikes and excursions into the national park complement the indoor programs. In 2009, more than 1,000 hikers from 18 states logged a cumulative 4,656 miles.

“The week is extremely flexible. You can attend one lecture or take one hike, or you can participate day after day,” said Leon Downey of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. “It’s a great way to introduce people to the outdoors.”

Wilderness Wildlife Week began 19 years ago as a half-day program on a January Saturday.  January hasn’t been the same since then in Pigeon Forge. The Southeast Tourism Society has chosen it 10 times as a Top 20 Event in the Southeast.

Wilderness Wildlife Week information, including a full list of programs and hikes, is available online at MyPigeonForge.com/wildlife or by calling toll-free to 1-800-WINTERFEST.

Last Minute Christmas Shopping in Dahlonega, GA

If you think Christmas shopping should be a fun experience, then experience Dahlonega for all of your gift giving needs!  It will provide a hassle-free experience with plenty of personal choices, and unique gifts. Leave the city, the traffic, the malls, the harried store clerks and the crowded parking lots behind.

You will find some of the friendliest shopkeepers in the South right here on the Dahlonega square.  Walking around the square is like stepping back in time.  The historic buildings, with their decorated store windows, will surely fill every shopper with the spirit of the season.  The brisk mountain air will invigorate the Santa Claus in everyone.  You will find gifts in all price ranges for everyone on  Santa’s list.  Many of the shops will gladly wrap your purchases and make them ready to place under your tree.  The following is an offering of some of  the shops I find interesting and unique on the square.  There are many other shops as well, where you will find the perfect gift for that hard to please person.

Read more

Developer's Resilience Creates Confidence in Western North Carolina

In this difficult economic environment, the fate of many developments is hanging in the wings. However one stands out as a solid leader in resilience. The Headwaters at Banner Elk is the top selling community in the Banner Elk area. Including condos, cottages and custom homes, The Headwaters has 31 completed residences with another six under construction.

“Headwaters has had a great fall selling season.” says developer John Haynes, “Buyers realize that we are on secure footing, and with reduced building costs this a great time to buy.”

With six community parks, two lakes, miles of professionally built trails and a mountaintop clubhouse unequaled elsewhere, it is understandable why The Headwaters continues to set the standard by which all other communities are compared.

To encourage you to visit The Headwaters, a Discovery Package is available for just $99 per night plus tax. Stay on the property in a three bedroom, three bath luxurious condominium.  Contact for details.

Winter Wine Weekend in the Georgia Mountains

The Winegrowers Association of Georgia will hold its first Winter Wine Highway Weekend December 11th, 12th, and 13th, 2009. This is a great time to visit the mountains and take a break from all the holiday hustle and bustle.

Many North Georgia wineries will be participating, including Crane Creek Vineyards & Winery, Habersham Winery, Blackstock Vineyards and Winery, Tiger Mountain Winery, Persimmon Creek Vineyards & Winery, Sharp Mountain Winery, Frogtown Cellars, Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery, and Yonah Mountain Winery.

Plan to spend a couple of days in the mountains and do your Holiday Shopping at these Wineries, while staying in the great B&B’s! Admission is $20.00 which gives you the opportunity to taste the Award Winning Fine Wines at each of the 9 participating wineries. Visit georgiawine.com for more details and events.

Dates & Times
December 11: 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM December 12: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM December 13: 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM

The Charlotte "Retail Therapy" Sweepstakes

With the holidays upon us, it's more important than ever to find value and variety when checking off the shopping list. Luckily, finding "retail therapy" in Charlotte is simple. You can explore miles of style at destinations like Concord Mills, with more than 200 outlets and specialty stores. Or, experience the luxury of upscale destinations like the beautiful South Park Mall, and stroll the boutique-lined sidewalks of Phillips Place and the Shops at Morrison.

Between shopping expeditions, take advantage of Charlotte's extraordinary calendar of events, loaded with holiday happenings that encompass everything from The Nutcracker's high-flying ballerinas to the family-friendly WBT Holiday on Ice outdoor skating rink. The city has many museums waiting to enlighten and entertain you as well, including The Mint Museum, Discovery Place, and the Levine Museum of the New South.

Before the whirlwind month of December goes by, drop the gift-wrap and enter for your chance to explore Charlotte's engaging treasures. The winner will receive:

• A two-night stay at The Westin Charlotte in Center City
• A gift bag from Concord Mills chock full of merchandise and valuable coupons
• $250 gift card to SouthPark Mall
• $100 gift certificate Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
• $100 gift certificate Aquavina Steaks & Seafood
• Two passes to Levine Museum of the New South
• Two passes to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
• Two passes to The Mint Museum of Art or Mint Museum of Craft + Design

Enter today! The sweepstakes ends December 31, 2009.

North Georgia Towns Celebrate Christmas

Christmas in north Georgia conjures up images of colorful lights twinkling through the bare branches of trees, the glow of a warm fire crackling in an old stone fireplace, and a cup brimming with hot chocolate to warm the senses after a walk in the cold night air. Like many North Georgians, I envision snow flakes gently falling on obscure mountain roads. I dream of being bundled under blankets with my soul mate – the cold air on our faces, the sound of jingling of bells, the faint sound of carolers in the distance – as we are drawn through a perfect north Georgia white winter enchantment in an open sleigh. Read more

Three Holiday Events in the Mountains

Santa practices on 315-ft. Chimney Rock before climbing down millions of much shorter chimneys all around the world on Christmas Eve. USA Today named Chimney Rock one of the top 10 places to catch up with Santa last year.

Visitors at Fort Loudoun State Historic Area will take a step back in time, when Christmas was simple but festive. The 18^th Century Christmas event will open with a roll call summoning the soldiers to their posts, just as it would have been done 250 years ago. Throughout the day, costumed living history re-enactors go about their garrison duties, while taking time interact with visitors. They demonstrate crafts and skills necessary for daily needs such as cooking, laundering, blacksmithing and artillery drills.

Enjoy the ambiance of live holiday music and a crackling fire at the John C. Campbell Folk School Fireside Sale. Shop for artful treasures in the beautifully decorated Keith House and visit the artists in Davidson Hall. Craftspeople will offer handmade items such as jewelry, weaving, forged iron, photography, quilts and turned wood. You're sure to find special, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts! The Craft Shop will be offering 15% off during the Fireside Sale. The 15% off sale will begin the day after Thanksgiving and run through Christmas Eve. Shop for handmade gifts made by local and regional artists in a variety of media including jewelry, fiber, wood items, forged metal, pottery, and more.

Four Winter Getaways in the Virginia Mountains!

Everything in life is better when experienced with friends and family, including winter sports! Four winter adventures in Virginia are sure to bring it all together:

1. Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, Bryce Resort in Bayse is a 400-acre member-owned resort that is open to the public and is known throughout the mid-Atlantic region as being the most family-oriented resort in Virginia. Facilities include the main Lodge — with Coleman's Restaurant and Braxton's Bar — that overlooks the magestic Allegheny Mountains. Other areas of interest include the Ski Cafeteria, Ski Boutique and the Ski School. Skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing happen throughout the winter season. You can visit nearby Shenandoah Caverns, American Celebration on Parade, and The Yellow Barn, all on one combination ticket, and perhaps even at a discount!
2. The Homestead in Hot Springs is 3,000 acres of fun! This family-friendly resort offers something for everyone, and with its inclusiveness, there's no need to leave! Depending on the weather, your agenda can include skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and snow tubing, or perhaps horseback riding or trout fishing. On-site dining for the evening can be enjoyed at The Dining Room, where you'll relax to live music and even dance, if you want to. Check into The Homestead KidsClub for supervised children's programs. Dedicated golfers swing year 'round, and The Homestead boasts some of the most challenging and historic courses in the country. For the ladies, the Spa Resort is historic hot springs luxury. Rejuvenate with a mineral bath, massage, pedicure or a host of other services.
3. Plan a strategic heartwarming retreat to 4,000 feet when you extend your weekend at Wintergreen Resort.You might be surprised to find golf, tennis, loads of fun for the kids, and shopping for the ladies! It's an all-inclusive four season family escape.There are 25 slopes and trails for your skiing pleasure, plus snowboarding and tubing. Check out The Plunge, Virginia's biggest snowtubing area boasting 10 lanes 900 feet long! Ladies, take the chill off at The Wintergarden Spa with an herbal body wrap. Gents, peep the Out of Bounds Adventure Center. There you'll find paintball, a climbing tower and more. A good barbecue lunch can be found at Black Bear Cafe near Wintergarden Spa, or visit The Edge, another casual atmosphere and menu. For night skiers, 14 slopes are lit just for you! Make a night of it! Have a nice breakfast at The Copper Mine before leaving the resort for Wintergreen Winery, about 9 miles away.
4. All four seasons are grand at Massanutten, but snow coupled with the holidays make it extra special in winter. There's so much to do at Massanutten Resort that you might not know where to start. Get the lay of the land and grab a bite to eat at Woodstone Deli & Pizzeria. If you're interested in night skiing, there are 14 lit trails awaiting you! And with 1,110 feet of vertical, Massanutten's slopes are the longest in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania!

Get more winter holiday travel ideas from Virginia.org

PIGEON FORGE IS PRIMED FOR THANKSGIVING MERRIMENT, FAMILY GATHERINGS

Shows, restaurants, attractions, outlets, shops ready for visitors

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (November 2009) – Thanksgiving is the quintessential holiday for family gatherings, but not all family gatherings are at someone’s house. That’s one reason Pigeon Forge, Tenn., has become a major destination the week of Thanksgiving.

“Within our city limits are 10,000 rooms, so we definitely can put people up for Thanksgiving trips,” said Leon Downey, Pigeon Forge’s executive director of tourism.

“There are condos, cabins and log homes for families who want to fix their own Thanksgiving feasts, and there certainly are tradition hotel and motel rooms for people who don’t want even to see a kitchen,” he said.

Restaurants including the Alamo Steakhouse, Bennett’s Bar-B-Que, Mama’s Farmhouse, the Old Mill Restaurant and the Pottery House Café and Grill are offering special Thanksgiving Day meals, and the city’s dinner theaters will feed even more visitors.

The dinner theaters join Pigeon Forge’s traditional showplaces (more than a dozen in all) to offer an array of entertainment throughout the holiday period. They offer everything from magic and comedy to country music and Broadway tunes.

Because a four-month celebration called Pigeon Forge Winterfest started in early November, the town is brilliantly decorated for Thanksgiving week—brilliant as in five million Winterfest lights in displays throughout town, plus another four million holiday lights at Dollywood for its Smoky Mountain Christmas festival.

Thanksgiving, of course, marks the official start of the Christmas shopping season, and Pigeon Forge upholds that tradition with six outlet malls and more than 100 specialty shops.

If the weather is cooperative, return visitors know that the outdoor attractions on the Parkway will be open for family activities.

“There’s nothing like an inter-generational miniature golf tournament or a few laps around a go-cart track to create some special Pigeon Forge Thanksgiving memories,” Downey said.

As a special bonus, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge’s next-door neighbor, creates a backdrop for all Thanksgiving gatherings.

Information about all aspects of a Pigeon Forge visit is online at MyPigeonForge.com or by calling toll-free 1-800-251-9100.

Visit NC:Enter to win a holiday getaway to the “Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree” that includes:

• Two night stay at the Richmond Inn Bed & Breakfast in Spruce Pine. Located in a scenic mountain setting, the half-century old Inn is shaded by towering white pines and landscaped with native dogwood trees, mountain laurel and rhododendron.
• Dinner for two at the Knife and Fork restaurant.
• Gift basket from the “Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree”
• Visit to a Christmas Tree Farm, including a gift.
• Two one-year subscriptions to Western North Carolina (WNC) magazine.

Enter To Win!

(one entry per email address)

Sweepstakes Ends November 22, 2009. Taxes and gratuities not included.
See complete listing of Official Rules.

Farm Fresh Christmas Trees - An Old Fashioned Family Tradition

From the Boone and Blowing Rock Area of the North Carolina Mountains, Watauga County, also known as the Choose and Cut Capital, is home to some of the most entertaining and scenic Choose and Cut farms across the region. Choose and Cut involves customers visiting a tree farm and roaming across tree-covered hillsides hunting the perfect tree to take home with them. Choose and Cut is the essential holiday family tradition, where young and old alike can enjoy a day on a real farm. Many farms offer hayrides, farm animals, cookies and cocoa and even Christmas Shops to purchase other holiday gifts. Wreaths and roping are also available to purchase.

Many families visit the same Choose and Cut farm year after year, establishing not only long-lasting friendships but also cherished family traditions that take us back to a simpler, slower pace of life. Countless couples have chosen Choose and Cut as the occasion to ring in an engagement as well as the Christmas Season. Come bring your family to the Boone and Blowing Rock areas in Watauga County. Shop at unique mountain craft stores and visit classic destinations like Dan’l Boone Inn and Mast General Store. Come explore Watauga County and Choose and Cut farms…you’ll be glad you did!

Click on a location on the map for information on the choose and cut growers.

The "Explore Boone Area - Winter Ski Vacation" Sweepstakes

Watauga County and the Boone area offers a picturesque place to escape and relax, as well as an array of exciting outdoor adventure and attractions for the whole family.

There is something for everyone in the North Carolina High Country. Try our thrill-packed 20-lane snow tubing park, ski and snowboard on the slopes at any one of our three sky-high ski mountains, or hike unforgettable scenic trails and then cozy up by the fire after your day of winter fun.

Now, you can win a trip for a Winter Ski Vacation in the North Carolina High Country. The winner will receive:

* Three nights accommodations in a three bedroom/three bathroom “Echota on the Ridge” condo from Foscoe Rentals
* One pair of Atomic Skis
* One UVEX Ski Helmet
* One pair of UVEX Ski Goggles
* Two days of lift tickets at Appalachian Ski Mountain for two adults and two children
* Gift certificate for four to Hawksnest for snow tubing sessions
* Welcome Gift Basket
* $50 gift certificate to Mast General Store
* $250 voucher for food
* $500 travel voucher

Enter today at VisitNC.com! The sweepstakes ends November 30, 2009.

Late Season Fall Color Hot Spots

(CNN) -- U.S. trees are exploding in brilliantly colorful fall foliage this year in many regions, thanks to stellar growing conditions and excellent temperatures, say experts.

In fact, it's still not too late to enjoy the peak of the season in parts of the Southwest and South, according to plant physiologists.

"We have a good mixture of colors this year," said Howard Neufeld, who keeps close tabs on North Carolina's Appalachian Mountains region. Barring any storms that might shake leaves off the trees, Neufeld said, "I think you can get another two weeks for fall color from 2,000 feet down to 1,000 feet."

Read more from CNN Travel

Duggar Family Helps Kickoff Pigeon Forge Winterfest

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (October 27, 2009) – The kickoff event for the 20th anniversary of Pigeon Forge Winterfest on Nov. 5 (Thursday) will feature multiple special guests.

In addition to the expansive Duggar family from TLC’s “18 Kids and Counting” TV show, the kickoff event in Patriot Park will feature Santa Claus—complete with reindeer and a photographer—plus choral, band and dance groups, the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus and bluegrass music from Jimbo Whaley and Greenbrier.

“This is the start of a great time of year for Pigeon Forge that is acknowledged far and wide. In fact, the 2009-2010 Pigeon Forge Winterfest is a Top 100 Event in North America, according to travel professionals assembled by the American Bus Association,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism.

Activity begins at 4 p.m. with entertainment from several community groups. Comments from civic leaders and introduction of the Duggar family will precede the ceremonial flipping of the switch to turn on the city’s five million Winterfest lights at about 6 p.m.

The Duggars—Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and their 18 children, plus one on the way—will be in Pigeon Forge for the second time this year. They visited in May for production of two episodes of “18 Kids and Counting.”

Bob Fowler, the Pigeon Forge Special Events Volunteer of the Year, also will participate.

The evening’s featured entertainment, the Pigeon Forge Community Community Chorus followed by and Jimbo Whaley and Greenbrier, will cap off the stage presentation.

Santa Claus and his reindeer will add to the festivities. A professional photographer will take pictures of guests with Santa and deliver complimentary photos on site.

Also complimentary that evening are rides on the Fun Time Trolley system’s Trolley Tour of Lights, which showcase Winterfest light displays throughout the community.

The afternoon groups performing are the Elizabeth Williams Dance Troupe, the Pigeon Forge Middle and High School Dance Teams, the Pigeon Forge High School Choir, the Pigeon Forge Middle School Honor Band and the Pigeon Forge High School Marching Band.

Five food vendors will be on hand with a variety of offerings. They will raise money for the American Legion, Pigeon Forge High School, Relay for Life and the Salvation Army.

Information about all aspects of Pigeon Forge Winterfest, including Wilderness Wildlife Week in January and Saddle Up! in February—is online at MyPigeonForge.com.

7 Places to Visit in the Smoky Mountains

Within a short radius of Brasstown along the state lines of North Carolina and Georgia - lies a treasure of daily jaunts for mountain enthusiasts. From shopping to wineries to waterfalls to dining, we have gathered a few of our favorites. Read more

Signature Color in the Great Smoky Mountains!

Fall color in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is at its peak from mid-October through early November. Get best viewing tips from this video:

Hike the Smokies!

Participate in a picturesque hike to Andrews Bald on Saturday, October 17th. Naturalist Liz Domingue will escort you on this 4-mile round-trip adventure. The trail is steep and rocky, going downhill to the Bald and uphill coming back. Experience the aroma of Christmas as you brush past stands of spruces and firs. On arrival at the Bald you should experience a bird's eye view of Fontana Lake and a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding mountains in all their Fall splendor.
Pack a light lunch, water, rain gear, and above all, good hiking boots. A hiking stick wouldn't be a bad idea either. This hike is limited to 15 people, so please sign up early to assure your spot. The charge is $15 per person. There is no rain date for this hike, it will take place rain or shine. Meet at 8:45 am in the Clingman's Dome Parking Lot. For reservations call 865-436-7318, extension 254. Come and enjoy the Smokies in the Fall!

Pumpkin Patches and Corn Maze in West Virginia!

Spend an evening on the farm where visitors can take a hayride through the patch to pick a fresh pumpkin and try their skills at the 10-acre corn maze. (A 2-acre corn maze is available for children.) Also on tap are antique tractor train rides, campfires, pre-picked produce, pony rides and a petting zoo.

Admission is $6 for the corn maze, $3 for the hayride and $2 for the antique tractor ride. Group rates are available. Hours are 4-10 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and 1-10 p.m. Sundays.

For more information, call 304-772-3131 or visit Wild and Wonderful West Virginia or www.ByrnsideBranchFarm.com

The Wilmington "Southern Style" Sweepstakes

Wilmington, North Carolina is a true coastal Southern city in the classic style: a charming tree-lined downtown, a long and colorful history, and world-renowned hospitality. Here, you can walk in the footsteps of pirates, soldiers, and movie stars… stroll the downtown riverwalk’s array of chic shops, eclectic galleries, and vibrant restaurants… or cast a relaxed gaze across the Cape Fear River onto one of America’s most decorated battleships.

Now, you can win a trip for four to experience the history, hospitality and style of Wilmington. The winner will receive:

• 7 nights of deluxe accommodations at the Fairfield Inn Wilmington, just minutes from the Historic Downtown District and Wrightsville Beach.
• Admission for four to the BATTLESHIP NORTH CAROLINA
• $200 shopping voucher
• $100 dinner voucher
• $200 gas card
• $500 travel voucher

Enter today at VisitNC.com!

Sweepstakes Ends October 31, 2009. Taxes and gratuities not included.
See complete listing of Official Rules.

October Draws Craft Lovers to Pigeon Forge, Great Smoky Mountains

Two major crafts events highlight start of autumn leaf season

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (October 2009)—Scores of talented artists and craftsmen seem to take a cue from Mother Nature when the leaves start changing colors in the Great Smoky Mountains and appear in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., for two major autumn festivals.

Basket makers, carvers, painters and others are on hand for the Pigeon Forge Rotary Club Craft Festival and Dollywood’s National Gospel & Harvest Celebration.

+ The Pigeon Forge Rotary Club Crafts Festival (Oct. 1-30) is one of the region’s biggest crafts events, attracting almost 50 craftsmen, artists and exhibitors from more than a dozen states. It takes place under a giant red and white tent at Patriot Park. Rotarians volunteer their time to run the festival, and proceeds benefit numerous charities.

+ Dollywood’s National Gospel & Harvest Festival (Oct. 2-31) complements the theme park’s regular operation with an array of traditional and contemporary craftsmen and adds scores of free gospel music concerts to the entertainment lineup. Among the featured crafts are spinning, weaving, sorghum making, fiddle making, rug hooking and woodworking.

Both events take place against the backdrop of Pigeon Forge’s Harvestfest season, which continues through Oct. 31.

During Harvestfest, businesses throughout the city erect fanciful fall displays of hay bales, scarecrows, cornstalks, pumpkins, gourds, sunflowers, mums and other symbols of the season.

The Pigeon Forge Travel Planner and information about all aspects of the city are available online at MyPigeonForge.com or by calling toll-free to 1-800-251-9100. The travel planner includes the Pigeon Forge Value Card, which offers more than $300 worth of discounts.

10 Fall Festivals in the Mountains of Western North Carolina!

Oktoberfest October 2 - 4 Annual festival featuring a variety of musicians, food and craft vendors, raffles, and children's activities. Free.

PeanutsTM The Great Pumpkin Patch Express: October 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25: Meet Charlie Brown, Lucy and Snoopy, and select your own pumpkin. Enjoy hayrides, live musical entertainment, story telling, hay bale maze, bouncy horse, apple cider, peanuts gift shop, face painting, petting zoo and trick or treating!

Madison County Heritage Festival - October 3: Annual celebration of Madison County's music, crafts and culture. Demonstrations of spinning wool, blacksmithing and apple butter making. Food vendors, 4-H exhibit and the famous Bailey Mountain Cloggers performance.

Fall Harvest Festival, Cherokee Mill October 10: Features a variety of activities, including demonstrationsfrom blacksmiths, corn-husk doll makers, local artisans and Cherokee crafters.

Harvest Festival at Raffaldini Vineyards Tour all five of the Vineyards of Swan Creek and enjoy two days of wonderful, award-winning wines, great music and entertainment, complimentary seasonal refreshments and great gift ideas while overlooking the beautiful and scenic Swan Creek AVA

Harvest Festival and Antique Tractor Show October 16 - 19 Old-fashioned bonfire, food, crafts and entertainment. The County Fair will offer competition and exhibits of jams, jellies, pies, cakes, quilts, needlework and much more.

17th Annual Fall by the Tracks October 17: Includes 65 artisians, the opening of the caboose museum, crafters demonstration, face and pumpkin painting, cake-walks, local honey, food, Fresh made, while you watch, apple cider from our own antique apple press and more!

Lake Eden Arts Festival October 15 - 18 A weekend celebration of world folk arts: music concerts, dancing, handcrafts, healing arts, poetry, kidventures and workshops. Beautiful mountain camp setting with lakes and camping.

Annual Pumpkin Fest October 23 - 24: Festival along Main Street. Crafters, Famous Pumpkin Roll, Live Music all day, Pie Eating Contest, Games, Costume Contest and Parade, Food.

Halloween Fest in Transylvania October 31: Tiny Tot Pumpkin Bowl, Cookie Decorating, Face & Hair Painting, Ghoulish Golf, & Spooky Hay Maze!

Is the sun setting on the Sunshine State?

Linda Stern, a writer for Newsweek, asks the question: Is the sun setting on the Sunshine State? Between April 2008 and April 2009, the state actually lost population for the first time in more than 100 years (excluding periods during the world wars, when troops stationed there skewed the population figures), reports the University of Florida.

While many retirees may want to flock to Florida, they can't afford to partly because they can't sell their homes up North. "People have a lot more options than just going to Florida. Many new retirement communities have been built in Maryland, Delaware, the Carolinas, and Georgia," reports E. Thomas Wetzel, president of the Retirement Living Information Center. "There's even a group of retirees called halfbacks, who went to Florida, didn't like it, came halfway back and settled in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky, where they get four seasons."


Then there's also the no-retirement model. Most working baby boomers have deferred, perhaps indefinitely, their retirement plans in the wake of the stock market and 401(k) losses over the past two years. But don't rule out Florida altogether. Despite its dwindling population, it still draws more sheer numbers of retirees than any other single state. And for those who can afford the new higher insurance and property-tax rates, there are real-estate bargains to be had.

Read the full article by Linda Stern

Lexington, VA Named One of America's Coolest Small Towns

Locals often describe this 19th-century hamlet between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains as "right out of a Norman Rockwell painting." Lexington is the kind of place where people are invested in making sure history is paid real respect. Take Hull's Drive-In Theatre: When the 1950s institution was in danger of closing in 1999, a group of 50—dubbed the Hull's Angels—banded together to save it; they succeeded after raising an initial $10,000 selling popcorn (2367 N. Lee Hwy., double feature $6, open season­ally).


Meanwhile, family-owned B&Bs like the 1868 Magnolia House Inn dot Main Street (501 S. Main St., magnoliahouseinn.com, from $139). Read the full article by Mario Lopez-Cordero in Budget Travel Magazine

Great Photography Options for Tweeters

If you have a Twitter page, try Portwiture.com It mashes together your tweet keywords and flickr photos based on those keywords and creates a mosaic of photos. This is what was generated for Florida Halfbacks:

Fall Foliage in the Blue Ridge Mountains!

Every year people flock to the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains to experience the magnificent fall foliage and it warm hues of red, yellow, orange, and brown.

A long time favorite route for viewing the spectacular fall colors is along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Parkway connects Shenandoah National Park near Waynesboro, VA (Milepost 0) with Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, NC (Milepost 469). There are entrances and exits at all major federal and state highways and part of a Parkway experience is getting into the towns and communities of the region. Asheville and Boone, NC and Roanoke, VA are the largest cities along the way. In Virginia, Interstates 64, 81, and 77 all have directions for accessing the Parkway. The same is true for Interstates 40 and 26 in North Carolina.

Did you know though, that those beautiful colors are present all year? They're just blocked by chlorophyll, which is what gives leaves their green color. When fall evenings get longer, chlorophyll production slows allowing the other colors to become visible and can be enjoyed by hikers, photographer and locals too!

To learn more about why leaves turn color, what triggers the leaves to eventually fall, and more really interesting info, visit the Forest Service.

U.S. Mint will roll out Smoky Mountain National Park quarter in 2014

Attention coin collectors and Smoky Mountain lovers: America's most visited national park will adorn a new U.S. quarter representing Tennessee.

Next year, the U.S. Mint will begin issuing quarters that honor national sites. The Smoky Mountain coin, to be released in 2014, will be one of 56 new quarters to be rolled out starting in 2010.

More information can be found in this article by USA TODAY

See What's on Tap at Bramwell Oktoberfest

Snuggled in the Allegheny Mountains, the historic town of Bramwell hosts the traditional German celebration Oktoberfest. The 14th annual Bramwell Oktoberfest will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 2 to 8 p.m. Juried beer competitions, beer tastings, food stations, live music and an artisan market will keep the town known as the "Home of the Millionaires" hopping. Guided outdoor tours of Bramwell's Millionaire Row Historic District will be available as well.

Microbreweries and home brewers will face off in competition and offer samples. Hear live music to suit many tastes including traditional folk, blues, and bluegrass.

Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 at the gate for anyone 12 and older. You can purchase tickets in advance from the Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau as well as finding information on area accommodations.

Bramwell is located near Bluefield on the West Virginia-Virginia border near Interstate 77 South.

For more information, visit the Bramwell Octoberfest website.

After Century of Growth, Tide Turns in Florida

By DAMIEN CAVE

Published: August 29, 2009

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — The smiling couple barreling ahead on the cover of Liberty magazine in 1926 knew exactly where to go. “Florida or Bust,” said the white paint on the car doors. “Four wheels, no brakes.”

So it has been for a century, as Florida welcomed thousands of newcomers every week, year after year, becoming the nation’s fourth-most-populous state with about 16 million people in 2000.

Imagine the shock, then, to discover that traffic is now heading the other way. That’s right, the Sunshine State is shrinking.

Already, the state’s hold on retirees is weakening, with thousands of disenchanted “halfbacks” moving to Georgia and the Carolinas in recent years. Stanley K. Smith at the University of Florida nonetheless predicts modest population increases when the economy picks up — growth of 150,000 to 200,000 people annually.

Special Offers in North Carolina

August is a great time to explore the mountains of Western North Carolina. Cool mountain waterfalls, whitewater escapades, charming bed and breakfast inns, all set amid the natural wonders of the mountains. And with incredible fall rates, golf packages, and other late summer sales, check out the VisitNC list of special offers

Best Places To Live The Simple Life

Greenville, South Carolina was named one of the best places to live the simple life by AARP Magazine due to its rich culture, great food, and low stress.

Dubbed as family-friendly fun, from "penny candy" to goat-cheese pizza, Greenville's median housing price is just $151,080. When the most relaxing way to spend an afternoon is hiking the pristine mountain woodlands of Jones Gap State Park, just 25 miles outside Greenville and simple fun for less than $10 means grabbing a cup of coffee or an ice-cream cone at Spill the Beans, how could you go wrong?

Read the full article by Sarah Mahoney

Lake Lure & The Blue Ridge Foothills Sweepstakes

From majestic peaks to hip and historic small towns, Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills offer everything you need for a getaway that will help you renew your senses. With great food, fun things to do, and amazing things to see, the lake may lure you – but the spectacular scenery and abundant activities will make you want to stay awhile.

Now, you can win a family trip for four to the area that Frommer’s Budget Travel called ‘a lake not to miss’. The winner will receive:

• Two rooms for four nights and breakfast for four at the historic Lake Lure Inn and Spa


• Admission for four to Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park and a picnic lunch provided by the park’s Old Rock Café


• A one-hour Lake Lure Boat Cruise for four.


• A 90-minute eco-kayak tour for four and a ½ day pontoon boat rental from the Lake Lure Adventure Company.


• A half-day guided fishing trip for two from Granddaddy Fly Fishing.


• A two-hour guided scenic horseback tour for four from Cedar Creek Riding Stables.


• $100 gift certificate for MSquared Restaurant


• $100 gift certificate for the Anna Rose Restaurant


• $100 shopping voucher


• $500 travel voucher
  

Enter today! The sweepstakes ends August 31, 2009.

Courtesy of www.visitnc.com

Cool Off in the Mountains This Summer

If the summer heat has you frazzled, consider a trip to the mountains and lake regions of the Southeast U.S. The lake breezes and higher mountain elevations ensure a cool down to soothe your stress.

If quiet ambiance is your dream vacation, consider a cabin rental through a vacation rental agency. Quaint small towns are filled with shops, diners, and local artisans and crafters.

But if adventure is your escape, consider whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, or a more rigorous mountain trail in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN offer a plethora of adventures such as horseback riding, Dollywood, Ober Gatlinburg, shopping, dining, the Gatlinburg Aquarium and so much more.

Visit http://www.floridahalfbacks.com/ to connect with lodging and adventure options throughout the mountains and lakes of the Carolinas, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and more.

North Carolina Mountain Living: The Sky's the Limit in Buyer's Market

If you’ve dreamed of owning a vacation or second home in the North Carolina mountains, the best buying opportunity in a generation may well be at hand. Prices have dropped, interest rates are low and good deals can be found just about anywhere you look.

Better hurry, though. After a sluggish fall and nearly dormant winter, the Western North Carolina real estate market is once again showing signs of life. While the boom days of 2003 to 2006 are gone, the mountains are clearly beginning the long slow climb back to health.

To view entire article by Jim Hughes, click here: http://www.metronc.com/article/?id=1923

Plenty of Summer Fun in West Virginia!

The mountains and valleys here are comfortable, shady and full of outdoor fun.

Visit West Virginia State Parks, each offering a different mountain experience with plenty of outdoor recreation and lodging options. From resort rooms to camping, it will be easy to find the best fit for your interests and your budget.

Take a guided horseback ride at Pipestem Resort State Park, enjoy a scenic hike at Babcock State Park, and both Pipestem and Twin Falls Resort State Park offer great golf on scenic courses.

Outside the parks, Southern West Virginia is also home to 10 other golf courses, including a couple of beauties at Glade Springs Resort and Conference Center.

Hike, bike or ride a horse along the 76-mile Greenbrier River Trail. Include a fishing pole in your backpack; there are some wonderful spots to wet a line! This area abounds with rivers and lakes that are ideal for folks who fish and boat.

The Spirit of the Cherokee Sweepstakes

Cherokee, North Carolina is so close, but yet 11,000 years away. Nestled quietly at the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the southern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway, this ancient home of the Cherokee people combines a beautiful natural setting with thousands of years of Indian tradition, history, art and ceremony.











Now, you can win a family trip for four to this culturally rich homeland in the NC Mountains. The winner will receive:

• Four nights for a family of four at the Comfort Suites Cherokee


• Passes for four to various attractions including the “Unto These Hills” outdoor drama, the Oconaluftee Indian Village, The Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and a guided tour at the Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual


• Passes for a ½ day guided fishing tour, a whitewater rafting/tubing trip, and a horseback ride


• Four $50 dinner vouchers at four local restaurants


• Four vouchers for a traditional Indian meal/lunch that explores the Cherokee language with a Warrior of AniKituhwa


• $20 gift certificate for ice cream at a local shop


• $20 gift certificate at Tribal Grounds Coffee


• Various gifts, including an autographed Chief’s book, a copy of Cherokee Heritage Trails, and gifts from the Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual


• $100 voucher for the Oconaluftee Indian Village Gift Shop


• $100 voucher for the Museum of the Cherokee Indian Gift Shop


• $500 travel voucher

Enter today! The sweepstakes ends July 31, 2009.
Enter To Win!

Taxes and gratuities not included. See complete listing of Official Rules.

Lots to do this July 4th weekend in the north Georgia mountains: http://ping.fm/aASos

Pigeon Forge Seeks 75 Families for $75 Gas Giveaway

Pigeon Forge, Tenn., has gone wild for 75. It’s a project called “75 Ways To Celebrate, from the Parkway to the Park.”

To help celebrate the 75th anniversary of neighboring Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this gateway city is seeking 75 families so it can give them $75 in gas, $75 of attraction tickets and a challenging list of 75 fun activities. The 75 families will get a Dolly Parton Smoky Mountains CD, too, the sound track from her “Sha-Kon-O-Hey!” musical at Dollywood.

“Pigeon Forge has 10 million visitors each year, and the national park is a large part of why today’s Pigeon Forge is here,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. “Our ‘Parkway to the Park’ idea makes the connection between the attraction-filled parkway that goes through the middle of town and the treasure that is Great Smoky Mountains National Park.”

The giveaways are designed help travelers recognize the significance of the 75th anniversary. Registration for the “Parkway to the Park” packages is online at http://www.PF75.com

Registration ends July 15.

“Pigeon Forge really is a gateway to the Smokies,” Downey said.

One of only a handful of free national parks, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited of all (nine million visitors in 2008). The park, by design, is a major economic engine for the region, and many of its visitors land for a while in Pigeon Forge.

Pigeon Forge, one of the country’s top tourism destinations, is located within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population east of the Mississippi River.

“Parkway to the Park” registration and complete information about Pigeon Forge travel itineraries and attractions are available at http://www.PF75.com

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Affordable Cabin Rentals in the Smoky Mountains

From one to five bedroom cabins and chalets in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Tennessee. We are located minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and all area attractions such as Dollywood, Splash Country, Dixie Stampede and dinner shows and shopping. From honeymoon to family vacations, budget to luxurious... our fully furnished cabins feature all the comforts of home including jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, kitchens, pool tables, theater room cabins, hot tubs and more. Ask about our honeymoon and wedding packages and PET FRIENDLY CABINS, because we know pets are family TOO! Visit our web site for great online booking specials! http://www.floridahalfbacks.com/Tennessee/Eastern-Tennessee/Pigeon-Forge/Affordable-Cabins-in-the-Smokies.htm

Free Fun Ideas in the NC Mountains

Did you know that there's no admission fee to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? It's true, America's most popular park is free, but it is only one of many NC attractions and events that visitors can enjoy without spending a cent. VisitNC has provided a list of some fun free things to do in the North Carolina mountains. Find your favorite freebie:

Sliding Rock (near Brevard)

Heat getting to you? Come slip down this renowned 60-foot sloping slide into an eight-foot deep mountain pool near Brevard, NC. Lifeguards supervise the fun during the summer, so bring the family. Enjoy 11,000 gallons of water flowing down over the rock face each minute, and it’s just a few strokes to shore. Where else can you get that kind of thrill? Okay, it’s not quite free. Cost to enter the recreation area is $1.00 per person.



Dancin’ In The Streets – Lake Lure
Thanks to the Lake Lure Hot Summer Nights Street Dance Series, you can dirty dance where Johnny and Baby did… for free! The dances will be held right at spectacular Lake Lure, where much of Dirty Dancing was filmed. This is part of Lake Lure and The Blue Ridge Foothills’ Endless Summer Event Series. 828-625-2725

June 8 Beach Motown
July 13 Rock and Roll
August 10 Swinging Big Band
Sept 14 Country Bluegrass

The Create-Your-Own Art Tour
A D-I-Y art tour can turn into an adventure – it costs you nothing to look! Homegrown Handmade Art Roads and Farm Trails let you create your own free driving tour of authentic folk artisans, handicrafts, farmers and creative entrepreneurs rooted in our North Carolina’s rural countryside. Or how about looking into the artistry of traditional and not-so-traditional patterns on a Barn Quilt Tour? Free tours, each featuring between 30-100 quilts, can be found in three western North Carolina counties:
Avery
Watauga
Ashe

Shindig For The Price Of None –Asheville
Starting in July, Asheville’s Shindig On The Green goes into high gear as crowds with lawn chairs and blankets gather on summer Saturday evenings to enjoy Appalachian mountain music and dance traditions. (Saturday evenings July – September)

Are You The Stovepipe Type? – Valle Crucis
Midday rush? Not in Valle Crucis, thank you. The Mast General Store has music on the back porch each Saturday and Sunday from noon until 2 p.m. at the Original Store in Valle Crucis. Sometimes groups start a little earlier; sometimes they play a little later. Musical selections include bluegrass, old-time, Celtic and Appalachian performed by local talent. On occasion, cloggers, flat footers and shufflers come along to dance a bit, too.

Hospitality Reigns at Mountain Inns

Heading to the mountains of North Carolina provides a high-elevation getaway from flat Florida. The bar is raised even higher when the trip includes a stay at a unique mountain inn. Mountain inns have a long tradition in North Carolina, where hospitality starts at the welcome mat. The Windover Inn in Waynesville provides elevating experiences.






Within walking distance of downtown shopping and Waynesville, NC attractions, and a short drive to Asheville and the Biltmore Estate, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Maggie Valley, this Waynesville, NC bed and breakfast allows you to connect to all of the western North Carolina attractions that abound in the area and more, while providing you with a warm and cozy sanctuary to return to at the end of the day. Built in 1910, this late Victorian home with its original tiger oak woodwork and heart maple hardwood floors provides an atmosphere of comfort from the moment you enter our front door.

Blairsville Scottish Festival

Ceud Mile Failte (100,000 Welcomes)!!! Blairsville Scottish Fesitval and Highland Games is held the second weekend in June at Meeks Park in Blairsville, Georgia, the "Land of Scenic Beauty and Friendly People". Brought to you by the Blairsville-Union Chamber of Commerce, the festival offers fun for the whole family.

Featuring a Kilted Golf Classic at beautiful Butternut Creek Golf Course, a Ceilidh Dinner at the First United Methodist Church Activities Center, and a variety of festival activites, it's no wonder that the Blairsville Scottish Festival recently made the Southeast Tourism Society's Best Top 20 Events list.

Plan on attending the Blairsville Scottish Festival and Highland Games. There are lots of things to see and do including clan gatherings, genealogy tents, athletic competitions, pipe and drum bands, concerts, Highland dancing, children's activities, the kilted mile (race), the bonniest knees contest, Scottish food, Scottish merchancise, an Opening Ceremony with Massed Bands and the Parade of Tartans, Kirkin of the Tartans, workshops, exhibits, demonstrations, falconry, sheepdog herding, Highland Cattle, ancient weaponry, historical re-enactors, and a Closing Ceremony.

Visit http://www.blairsvillescottishfestival.org/ for more information and lots of photos! For lodging and area information visit http://www.blairsvillechamber.com/. (Pets and alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the park.) We hope to see you at the Blairsville Scottish Festival and Highland Games. Come catch the excitement!

Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) 2009 Flex Pricing

We won't let the economy keep you off the river—especially not with the best water levels we've seen in seasons—so we're offering special Flex Pricing to get you on the most popular trips on the most popular days:

No More Saturday or Holiday Pricing Raft when you want to raft. This season, there's no premium for enjoying our busiest days, even on premium trips like the Chattooga River. You can bring all your friends too since there won't be group pricing restrictions.

Save up to 45% on Ocoee River rafting: Raft earlier or later in the day and pay as little as $25 for a fully-guided trip on America's most popular stretch of whitewater with America's most popular outfitter, NOC. Offer available:

Saturday, June 27

Sunday, June 28

Saturday, July 4

Saturday, July 11

Sunday, July 26

Sunday, August 2

Sunday August 9

Save 35% on Pigeon River rafting Raft later in the afternoon and pay as little as $25 for a fully-guided trip on the Smokies' best thrill ride.

Things To Do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Whether you delight in the challenge of a strenuous hike to the crest of a mountain or prefer to sit quietly and watch the sun set, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a myriad of activities for you to enjoy. The hardest part may be choosing which auto tour, trail, waterfall, overlook, or historic area to explore!

Auto Touring- An auto tour of the park offers a chance to see panoramic vistas, rushing mountain streams, weathered historic buildings, and majestic forests stretching to the horizon. Inexpensive booklets are available to serve as your personal tour guides along many park roads.
Bicycling - Ride through Cades Cove on a misty summer morning for a truly memorable way to experience the park.

Camping - Escape into the Smokies wilderness for a backpacking adventure or opt for a tamer excursion in one of the park's developed campgrounds.

Fishing - Anglers can match their skills against wily brook, brown, and rainbow trout on over 700 miles of fishable streams in the park.

Hiking - Choose from over 800 miles of trails ranging from quiet walkways to multi-day backpacking treks through the backcountry.

Historic Buildings - The park has one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Nearly 80 historic structures—homes, barns, churches, schools, and grist mills—have been preserved in the park.

Horseback Riding - The park has hundreds of miles of horse trails and five drive-in horse camps. If you don't own a horse, four rental stables provide mounts and guides.

Picnicking - Craving hotdogs, potato salad, water melon... and ants? There are eleven picnic areas to choose from in the park—many have pavilions that can be reserved in advance.

Waterfalls - Waterfalls can be found on nearly every river and stream in the park. Here's your guide to some of the best.

Wildflowers - Great Smoky Mountains National park is known as the "wildflower national park." You can find blooming plants year-round here, but spring and summer are renown for spectacular displays of wildflowers along roads and trails.

Wildlife Viewing - Hoping to see an elk, white-tailed deer, or black bear? Read some tips to improve your chances of spotting animals during your visit to the park.

Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park's official online store for books, maps, and guides to the park. Operated by the nonprofit Great Smoky Mountains Association, proceeds generated by purchases at the store are donated to educational, scientific, and historical projects in the park.

Folkmoot USA Celebrates 26 Years!

Folkmoot USA, North Carolina's Official International Festival, is a two-week celebration of the world's cultural heritage through folk music and dance. Held each summer across the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina, Folkmoot features performances, parades and workshops by more than 350 performers from a dozen or so countries.

Performers demonstrate cultural heritage through colorful, authentic and original reproduction costumes, lively dance and beautiful music. During its 25-year history, over 200 folk groups from more than 100 countries have shared their heritage and culture at Folkmoot USA.

Countries expected to perform in 2009 include India, Serbia, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Kenya, Spain and Israel. This year's Folkmoot Festival takes place throughout Western North Carolina in the towns of Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley, Canton, Clyde, Highlands, Bryson City, Cullowhee, Asheville, Columbus, Burnsville, Marion, Mars Hill, Flat Rock and Franklin.

Be sure to see the Folkmoot Festival Parade of Nations on Friday, July 17 at 1 pm and enjoy crafts and entertainment at International Festival Day on Saturday, July 25 from 10 am - 5 pm. Both events take place in downtown Waynesville.
Buy performance tickets by clicking on the link below (starting May 1, 2009).
Buy your Folkmoot tickets online now!

Nature Conservancy 4th Annual Photo Contest Announced

The Nature Conservancy invites you to enter your stunning nature photos to our 4th annual digital photography competition.

We're looking for beautiful nature photography representing the diversity of life on Earth. Your own original digital images of our lands, waters, plants, animals and people in nature are all eligible for the competition.

We are especially interested in images that showcase the wide range of habitats across our planet, including all types of forests, grasslands, lakes and rivers, deserts and arid lands, rainforests, marine habitats and coral reefs in all seasons and around the world.

The winner's image will be printed in the 2011 Nature Conservancy calendar - reaching nearly 2 million households worldwide.

The Best Nature Photo winner's image will be featured on The Nature Conservancy's website, nature.org, which is visited by more than 3 million people annually.

How to Enter:
To enter one or more images, upload your photo(s) to the Conservancy's Flickr™ group and tag them with PhotoContest-TNC09 ... it's that easy. Not familiar with Flickr? Find our more about this easy way to enter. Or, if you prefer, you can complete our online form and email each photo, one at a time.

The Fine Print:
The contest is open to all participants age 18 and older regardless of residence or citizenship, so long as the laws of their jurisdiction allow participation. Photo submissions must be uploaded by 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time on September 30, 2009. Please review the full rules before entering. And good luck!

A Carolina Getaway Refreshes a Florida Family

Dan and Rhonda Robbie built the house that proves you can get away from it all. Almost a mile up in the mountains of North Carolina, the 5,200-square-foot timber-frame retreat has quickly become their home away from home.

Their 12-acre parcel of rugged mountain land allows plenty of room for Dan, Rhonda, children Austin and Erica, and their two black Labs, Kelsey and Calvin. Since finishing the house in 1996, the family has made a concentrated effort to spend every spare minute at their getaway. They think nothing of packing up the entire clan and driving eighteen hours from their everyday home in Florida, even just to spend a few days in their very special mountain retreat.

The Robbies took the first step toward making their dream getaway a reality in 1995, when they started to design the house with their builder, Mark Kirkpatrick, president of Mountain Construction Enterprises of Boone, North Carolina. A builder of custom homes since 1981, Mark is a dealer for Hearthstone, Inc., which produces log and timber frame homes in Dandridge, Tennessee.

“We wanted a custom-designed house with the best craftsmanship available,” Dan recalls. “Although Rhonda and I had a pretty good idea of the floor plan we wanted, our major challenge was siting the structure. The ideal building location was on three sides. But we wanted this view because from here, we face three major mountains: Grandfather Mountain, Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain. There are ski resorts on those slopes, and at night they’re all lit up. It’s a spectacular view.”

Situated up the steep and winding road that threads through the woods, the house looms dramatically against the backdrop of the mountainous terrain. With wooded trails to the left and right, the vista of the mountains comes into view sweeping 180 degrees around the back end of the house.

The interior is almost as dramatic as the outside view. Floor-to-ceiling windows, wood inside and clad outside, located at the far end of the living room bring the mountains into view the minute you step inside. Rhonda, who is a talented decorator, wanted the house to appear simple and uncluttered. She included local art and antique objects acquired from the many shops in the mountain towns of North Carolina. “I would describe the look of this house as Western and rustic, as opposed to Southwestern, which reminds me of peachy colors,” she explains. “We felt that the neutral tones in the great room heighten the beauty of the wood.”

Rhonda and Dan agree that their favorite room in the house is the kitchen. With the breakfast bar that separates that room form the more formal dining room, it is the hub of family “hang out time.”

The Robbies especially enjoy their getaway because the have full, busy lives. The house in the mountains gives the family a place to spread out, relax and spend time together. Dan, Rhonda and Mark’s shared goal was to build the finest custom home possible. They are satisfied they have done exactly that, creating the perfect place for a young, active family. The home is every bit as comfortable to live in as it is magnificent to look at. And such a delight that the Robbies agree, nothing could be finer that to be in Carolina.

Story and Photos by Franklin and Esther Schmidt

Reprinted from Timber Homes Illustrated