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