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Blue Ridge, GA Real Estate News

By Kim Southern- "Sold" with Southern Hospitality, Greetings from the North Georgia Mountains!
(Century 21 In the Mountains)
Remember the good old days when you could go to the local candy shop and buy candy cigarettes and wax lips? I am happy to report those good old days are alive and well at Huck's General Store in Blue Ridge, where wax lips and candy cigarettes (candy or bubblegum variety) fill brimming candy barrels, along with a riot of old favorites like Charleston Chews, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Mary Jane's and chocolate Necco wafers. A person can work up a powerful thirst eating all that good candy, so, luckily you can wet your whistle with an equally nostalgic array of soda that includes Cheerwine, Orange Crush, Dr. Enuf, birch beer, cream soda, and three different kinds of root beer. For Huck's owner's Brett and Candace Massey, the dream of opening a general store started several years ago when they ...
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By Kim Southern- "Sold" with Southern Hospitality, Greetings from the North Georgia Mountains!
(Century 21 In the Mountains)
Blue Ridge has exploded with an influx of great shops over the last few years. East and West Main Street---the heart of the retail district---are lined with an eclectic mix of retail establishments: antique shops, art galleries, jewelry and clothing stores, gourmet food, coffee and candy shops. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway begins its tour on the railroad tracks that run in between the two main streets, making this delightful part of town a mecca for visitors and locals alike. The quaint shopping district is also home to several great restaurants. The newest addition is Repaz on Main. Located in a lodge-style building that looks like it would be equally at home in a posh Rocky Mountain ski resort, Repaz is rustically elegant, yet relaxed. A massive stack-rock fireplace is the heart of t...
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By Kim Southern- "Sold" with Southern Hospitality, Greetings from the North Georgia Mountains!
(Century 21 In the Mountains)
Ever watch Double Dutch? It's not your mother's jump roping! The sport involves at least three people and two ropes. One person jumps while the other two rotate the ropes. More than one person can jump at the same time, and there is often some kind of gymnastics or breakdancing involved in the jumping. It is a real kick to watch! The key to Double Dutch is timing.  Enter the furiously rotating ropes at exactly the right time, and you can be a star. Enter at the wrong time and you wind up with a tangle of rope around your ankles, or, worse, on your butt. The same can be said of real estate. Timing is king! In analyzing year-to-date statistics for residential sales in Fannin County, we can see that average sale prices are down 25% over last year. Upon seeing these statistics, a potential ...
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By Kim Southern- "Sold" with Southern Hospitality, Greetings from the North Georgia Mountains!
(Century 21 In the Mountains)
    August 02, 2008 Story Telling, "A Summer Evening of Tall Tales" at the Blue Ridge Community Theater     Hampton Square @ Blue Ridge Community Theater   August 02, 2008 Smokey Bear's Birthday Party     Ocoee Whitewater Center in Ducktown, TN   August 05, 2008 Blue Mountain Jam at Kiwanis Fairgrounds     Kiwanis Fairgrounds   August 07, 2008 Pickin' in the Park     Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park , McCaysville, GA.   August 12, 2008 Blue Mountain Jam at Kiwanis Fairgrounds     Kiwanis Fairgrounds   August 14, 2008 Pickin' in the Park     Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park , McCaysville, GA.   August 15, 2008 Movies in the Park / "Grease"     Fannin County Park   From August 15, 2008 Kiwanis Rodeo To August 16, 2008 Kiwanis Fairgrounds, Blue Ridge   August 16, 2008 Concert in the Park / Army ...
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By Kim Southern- "Sold" with Southern Hospitality, Greetings from the North Georgia Mountains!
(Century 21 In the Mountains)
No trip to Blue Ridge is complete without a visit to Mercier Orchards. It is a full-working orchard, but it is so much more. In addition to fresh-picked fruits in season, Mercier's (pronounced Mer-seers) has several shops--Blue Ridge Bird Seed Company, Mountain Blooms, Buck's Fancy Meats-an extensive gift department, various fresh pressed ciders, a café that serves delicious sandwiches and salads, a candy shop and a hand-dipped ice cream stand. And, let us never forget the bakery where the world's best fried pies are made. In addition to the perennial favorite, apple, other fried pies include peach, cherry, blueberry, sweet potato and chocolate, even sugar-free and baked "fried" pies. Other delights include apple fritters, apple cider doughnuts (out-of-this world delicious!), and apple ...
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By Kim Southern- "Sold" with Southern Hospitality, Greetings from the North Georgia Mountains!
(Century 21 In the Mountains)
Mid-year 2008 finds the real estate industry in the North Georgia Mountains in a state of uncertainty. Agents--many of them with considerable experience--are dropping out of real estate to pursue "real" jobs. Most others are hunkering down to try to ride out the worst of the storm. Cutting out all but the most essential expenses, agents are doing some serious belt-tightening.  One needs only to pick up a current edition of The Real Estate Book--once a healthy publication that used to swell up to nearly 200 pages, now down to less than 60 pages--to see that agents are cutting back. Is the real estate market that dire here in the North Georgia Mountains, or do we simply need to adjust to the "new" normal, after several years of impossible-to-maintain highs? Let's take a look at some figur...
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By Kim Southern- "Sold" with Southern Hospitality, Greetings from the North Georgia Mountains!
(Century 21 In the Mountains)
   Second Chance Animal Sanctuary is hosting its first chili cook off to benefit the animals in its care. There will be hay rides, music, face painting and hot dogs for the kids. The cook off and tasting will be held at the Equestrian Center at Cadence Community rain or shine, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Taster tickets are $10.00 in advance, $12.00 at the door, and children 12 and under are free. For more information, tickets and entry forms, please call 706-946-6082 Second Chance Animal Sanctuary - is a no-kill rescue group operating in Blue Ridge. They offer spay and neuter services in addition to educational programs. They have taken rescued animals to as far away as New Jersey to find suitable homes. Volunteers and donations are needed. Please consider donating your time, talent or treas...
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By Kim Southern- "Sold" with Southern Hospitality, Greetings from the North Georgia Mountains!
(Century 21 In the Mountains)
  July 08, 2008 Blue Mountain Jam at Kiwanis Fairgrounds     Kiwanis Fairgrounds     July 08, 2008 BINGO / Lots of Fun!     Kiwanis Fair Grounds     July 10, 2008 Pickin' in the Park     Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park , McCaysville, GA.     July 12, 2008 Chili Cook-Off / Second Chance Animal Sanctuary     Equestrian Center at Cadence Community     July 12, 2008 Storytelling by the Blue Ridge Mountains Storytellers     The Silk Road Traveler     July 12, 2008 Singing in the Mountains     Fannin County High School Performing Arts Center     July 12, 2008 Flute & Drum Circle     Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association     July 15, 2008 Blue Mountain Jam at Kiwanis Fairgrounds     Kiwanis Fairgrounds   From July 16, 2008 Georgia Mountain Fair To July 27, 2008 Hiawassee, Ga.     July 17, 2008 P...
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By Kim Southern- "Sold" with Southern Hospitality, Greetings from the North Georgia Mountains!
(Century 21 In the Mountains)
        June 04, 2008 Pickin' in the Park   Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park , McCaysville, GA.   June 06, 2008 Comedy / Foreigner June 08, 2008 Blue Ridge Community Theater   June 07, 2008 5th Annual Bluegrass Festival   Ellijay, Georgia Lions Club Fairgrounds   June 07, 2008 Apple Blossom Auto Show   Ellijay   June 07, 2008 Kids Fishing, "To Tempt a Trout"   Amicalola Falls State Park   June 07, 2008 Junior Fishing Rodeo   Lake Winfield Scott   June 07, 2008 Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association 10th Annual Benefit Auction   Cadence Equestrian Center   June 07, 2008 Georgia Wine Country Festival June 08, 2008 Three Sisters Vineyards   June 10, 2008 Blue Mountain Jam at Kiwanis Fairgrounds   Kiwanis Fairgrounds   June 11, 2008 Pickin' in the Park   Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park , McCaysvi...
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By Rhonda Thomas
(Century 21 Professional Realty)
Looking for fun your whole family can enjoy this Memorial Day weekend?  Then look no further than the city of Blue Ridge in the North Georgia Mountains.  During this upcoming holiday weekend, everyone can enjoy the many outdoor activities of this beautiful area and attend one of the premiere festivals in the Southeast: Arts in the Park.  This annual festival is celebrating its 32nd year and is expected to draw 20,000 people to this area on May 24th and 25th.  Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association, Arts in the Park is (as you may have already guessed) held in Blue Ridge City Park, located in downtown.  Artists from all over the Southeast come to display their work in a variety of mediums, including painting, photography, pottery, glass, basketry, and folk art.  Here you c...
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By Donna Yates, Blue Ridge Mountains
(BHGRE - Metro Brokers)
Isn't it funny how you can work or live right next to someone and really not know as much as you think you know about that person?    William Vernay Jr. known as  Bill Vernay of Mountain Investments of North Georgia is a dedicated Realtor with thirty plus years of real estate experience in residential, commercial and investing.  He spent a lot of time in Florida real estate and then like many of us, decided to make the Blue Ridge Mountains his home.  So, all of this I knew but what I didn't know is...Bill raises and trains white doves !  He and his wife Marge (Broker of Mountain Investments of North Georgia 706-946-7111) are starting a new business in Blue Ridge called:        Aska White Peace Doves for releases to celebrate weddings or provide a memorial for a lost loved one.  There ar...
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By Patty Ledford, Your N. Ga. Mountain Agent -The Ledford Team-Blue
(RE/MAX Town and Country)
Few events could have had greater impact in shaping-and reshaping-Blue Ridge Ga than the coming of "the railroad". This "great iron highway" created new markets for the region's products, and brought to it's citizens the products, cultures and ideas of regions far beyond these grand mountains. It re-arranged where people would live and what they did for a living, and was a primary factor in Blue Ridge's successful campaign to win the seat of campaign to win the seat of county government from the rival town of Morganton. As the railroad prospered, so did Fannin County. This vision of a railroad throught the mountains of Fannin to tap the mineral treasures of the Copper Basin area goes back well before the War Between the States. The grade through Fannin County was prepared in 1885, and o...
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By Donna Yates, Blue Ridge Mountains
(BHGRE - Metro Brokers)
Hi Ya'll !   Welcome and come on in !  Experience true southern hospitality and the feel of a "first class" second home in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains.  It is my pleasure to welcome you home.  Let me get the door for you...                                                   Upon entering into this custom, hand crafted true British Columbia solid cedar log home, you will see the epicurean kitchen with rich granite countertops and classic black detailing plus custom cabinets.  Also, notice the petrified wood supporting the island.  A work of art in and of itself!  As you tour this home, please watch for the custom detail throughout.  There is so much to see.  The British Columbia logs are all hand crafted, solid cedar.  The gourmet kitchen is open to a large dining area and very...
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By Kim Southern- "Sold" with Southern Hospitality, Greetings from the North Georgia Mountains!
(Century 21 In the Mountains)
From May 01, 2008Drama Spring Musical Week ToMay 02, 2008Fannin County High School Performing Arts Center   May 01, 2008Pickin' in the Park   Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park , McCaysville, GA.   May 03, 2008McCayesville / Copper Basin Bargain Day - Citywide Yard Sale   McCaysville / Copperhill  From May 03, 2008Play / Short Haired Grace ToMay 04, 2008Blue Ridge Community Theater   May 04, 2008Drama Spring Musical   Fannin County High School Performing Arts Center   May 04, 2008SERC Mountain Bike Race   Ocoee Whitewater Center   May 06, 2008Blue Mountain Jam at Kiwanis Fairgrounds   Kiwanis Fairgrounds   May 08, 2008Pickin' in the Park   Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park , McCaysville, GA.   May 10, 2008Storytelling by the Blue Ridge Mountains StoryTellers   The Silk Road Traveler   May 10, 20...
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By Kim Southern- "Sold" with Southern Hospitality, Greetings from the North Georgia Mountains!
(Century 21 In the Mountains)
Spring has once again found its way to the beautiful mountains surrounding Blue Ridge. The forests are full of blooming dogwoods that make a showy splash of white among the towering hardwoods. Native azaleas are at their peak, proudly sporting their profusion of tangerine blossoms.  Sleeping late becomes a near impossibility because of the riot of bird calls that drift through the windows you have opened to let in the gentle Spring breezes.  The mountains are beautiful year round, but there is something extra special about Spring.  If you have been waiting to visit Blue Ridge, now is the time!  To make it easy to enjoy the multitude of activities that Blue Ridge has to offer, the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce has developed a series of self-guided tour maps of outdoor adventures (hik...
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By Kim Southern- "Sold" with Southern Hospitality, Greetings from the North Georgia Mountains!
(Century 21 In the Mountains)
The lovely Cherokee Rose has begun blooming throughout the North Georgia mountains.  Native to China, the Cherokee Rose was introduced in America in the mid-1700's, probably by an English grower. Settlers began planting the rose bushes around their homes, as did the Cherokee Indians who, lest we forget, were gardeners and farmers, too.  Adopted as the Georgia state flower in 1916, the Cherokee Rose has waxy apple-green leaves and fragrant white or light pink blooms. The fast-growing shrub can obtain heights of up to 15 feet when given the opportunity to grow vertically.  Unlike its more fussy rose cousins, the Cherokee Rose thrives in the sunny, humid climes of the South and requires very little care in exchange for its lovely flowers, making it the perfect specimen for even the most ca...
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By Christy Reece
(Mountain Place Realty)
What better way to spend a spring day than out on pristine Lake Blue Ridge in the North Georgia Mountains?  And now that warm weather is finally here to stay in Fannin County, the fish are biting and outdoors are beckoning you to don a tank top, pack a picnic, and allow the sun to melt away any left over winter blues.  Nothing says spring is here like the smell of sun block as you prep for a weekend on the lake!On Lake Blue Ridge, you'll find several places to fish.  But before you unpack your gear and thread your line, you may want to plan first for the kind of fishing that most interests you most.  Really, in the springtime, the most exciting fishing is for white bass at the head of the reservoir.   But if you're more interested in cat fishing, then try near the dam or in the lakes' m...
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By Judy Aselton
(Century 21 Prof.Realty Grp)
Move over Ironman and USMC challenges, here comes the Blue Ridge, Ga. annual "running" of the Mountain Adventure Race on April 12, 2008.  Actually, this race is in its 11th year and recognized by USARA as a major competition.Teams are formed, named (more about that later!) entered and then compete in events including hiking, running, biking, canoeing/kayaking mixed with orienteering, and mental challenges, not to mention the physical ones.  Teams must be co-ed, with 3 members competing and 1 member as the support person.  Course is about 35 miles and time is aabout 6-9 hours.Now, to the team names.  A sampling of this year's entries include, but are not limited in creativity to,"Death and Taxes", "Secret Squirrel", "Lactate Junkies", "Slower Than We Look", "Enduraventure/Outspokin'Bicyc...
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By Christy Reece
(Mountain Place Realty)
 Everyone in Blue Ridge, GA is eagerly awaiting the upcoming Adventure Race; but the Thomas & Reece team is especially excited.  You see, our fellow Keller Williams agent Russ Stevenson and a developer with whom we closely work, Davey Haight, are competing in this North Georgia Mountain race.  These guys are training intensely to prepare for the grueling 35 mile course, which takes six to nine hours to finish. Russ StevensonReally, the character of the North Georgia Mountains makes this setting ideal for a multi-discipline course like the Blue Ridge Adventure Race.  Teams may mountain bike through the Chattahoochee National Forest, canoe the Toccoa River, then run to the finish line on the streets of downtown Blue Ridge.  Other events could include rappelling, kayaking, or orienteering....
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By Kim Southern- "Sold" with Southern Hospitality, Greetings from the North Georgia Mountains!
(Century 21 In the Mountains)
Nothing was more exciting to me when I was a little girl than when, on a Saturday night, the family would pile into my dad's Impala and we'd go to McDonald's for dinner (back when the sign bragged "Millions and Millions Sold") and then to a drive-in movie.  I saw some of my all-time favorite movies at the drive-in: The Sting, Bad News Bears, Rocky, and the classic, American Graffiti--that loving paean to the golden days when the drive-in theatre was a fixture on the American landscape.   Fast-forward a few years, and you might find me on the way in to the very same drive-in, only this time crammed into the trunk of a friend's car, another friend jammed next to me (imagine me trying that now?!?). Too broke to pay for a whole carload, we'd smuggle as many kids as we could in a trunk or st...
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