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.