Snow Flurries led to 2 inches of fresh snow yesterday. We were predicted to have 3 to 6 inches, so i am happy with this. The ski season is upon us, so this makes the skiers here (3 ski slopes) very happy & tourists often  buy second homes here. So I can settle in for a day or two if snow helps the economy. Hope wherever you are the weather is just what you enjoy.           01/21/2014

Even the Geese think so as they cross the road unharmed for their morning commute. This made me smile as I was driving my own morning commute through Blowing Rock. The people behind me weren’t so amused as referenced by their beeping car horns but I was glad I stopped to capture the moment. The little one on the end cracks me up. I can almost hear him saying “hey, wait for me!!!”. Just one more reason to live in Blowing Rock. 07/17/2010

The Blue Ridge "High Country" of North Carolina was hit hard this year after being pummeled by snow storm after snow storm and then a brutal ice storm on Christmas Day. More then half of Watauga County was left without power and many more with frozen pipes and snowed in vehicles and fallen limbs. By the looks of outside right now, we're getting another round of ice today!   Though we were given fair warning, I think most of us didn't really believe that we were going to actually get the 2 feet of snow that the forecasters were calling for.   This sort of weather which used to be synonymous with winter in the North Carolina mountains is now much more of an exception than a rule. The main roads have stayed pretty clear throughout but some back roads are still dicey. My driveway being inc... 01/21/2010

Blowing Rock Cabin Rentals NC -  Blowing Rock is a Town Straight from the Pages of a Storybook Blowing Rock cabin rentals NC are usually a hot commodity all year round.  Why?  Blowing Rock is a town straight from the pages of a storybook. I've been visiting Blowing Rock for the better part of the past decade.  I'm always amazed by the peaceful warm feeling I get entering this storybook town that time seems to forgotten.  Blowing Rock is off of HWY 321 just past Boone NC.  A small sign greet you " Welcome to Blowing Rock".  Following the winding road one soon finds along main street lined by quaint shops on the right and a lively park on the left.  "WOW", exclaimed every guest I've ever invited along to this small mountain village.  Blowing Rock is a favorite destination from my home in... 11/19/2009

Fall's winding down here in the Blue Ridge High Country of North Carolina. The leaves weren't quite as brilliant as in years past and the peak was a little early (probably because of all of the rain we've had this year). I thought I'd post up a few pictures to commerate this beautiful and fleeting time of year.             10/27/2009

  It's always surprising when the first leaves start to fall in the  beginning of September. The summer isn't hot enough here in the Blue Ridge Mountains for it to be much of a reprieve but still, that first breath or cool crisp fall air brings with it a deep sense of nostalgia. A time to reflect on what's been accomplished in the past year and focus on what's left to be done before battening down the hatches for the winter ahead.   September has become my favorite month of the year. Though weather patterns are still a little unpredictable because of the tropics, the temperature is that perfect 71 degrees with a little bit of breeze and just enough chill in the air to make you want to make a cup of tea and sit outside. Another thing about September is that it's actually one of the slowe... 09/16/2009

(This article is copied with permission from Scott Nicholson of the Mountain Times) Sections of U.S. 321 will be closed Mondays Motorists traveling off the mountain toward Lenoir and Hickory will need to steer clear of U.S. 321 on Monday nights. The N.C. Department of Transportation is adding another closure to help with blasting for the widening project. The additional closure will be on Monday nights between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., beginning on June 1. The regular closures, taking place from from 12 noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, will continue, though NCDOT engineer Lee Hammer said the Monday-night closings may reduce the number of Tuesday closings as crews will be able to blast and remove larger sections of rock with the expanded window of time. “The one good thing about this i... 05/26/2009

Our office went on a caravan yesterday and I couldn't resist posting pictures of these really cute homes in the Blowing Rock Area. Everything has just turned really green here, it's the best time of year to take pictures. (Except October of course when all of the leaves change). Enjoy...           05/14/2009

You guessed it, it's that time again. The Blue Ridge Food and Wine Festival will be held Downtown Blowing Rock this year. The festival starts Thursday, April 16th with "Uncork" the festival at the Meadowbrook Inn.    Friday is full of fun activities. A Downtown Scavenger Hunt will  go on all day. Also, there will be different cooking and wine seminars throughout the day such as "pairing cheese and wine" and "wine making 101". See the schedule for exact times, locations and pricing. Friday evening, John McEwen (of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band fame) will be gracing the halls of the Hayes Performing Arts Center. There's also a downtown Gallery Stroll and a VIP Wine Gala. Another highlight is the Late Night Pastry Party with Carla Lyons Hall (Top Chef Finalist) at Crippen’s Restaurant.   Saturda... 04/09/2009

I thought I'd post up pictures of this awesome listing that our firm has in Blowing Rock. The pictures really don't do it justice but I figured I'd put it out there anyway. The stonework is incredable!   Features include: heated tile floors in the bathroom, radiant heat throughout, wired for music and security throughout, elevator, teak flooring, fireplaces on all 3 levels, fountains and water features...the works. I had an open house there a couple weeks ago. It was a beautiful day and I had a wonderful turnout. I didn't sell the house that day (not that I expected to) but met a lot of buyers as well as friendly neighbors. I'd call that a good day. Located on Main Street in Historic Downtown Blowing Rock, NC.       Kitchen   My Open House Helper   04/04/2009

Well I'm sad to report that after more than 50 years of business in downtown Blowing Rock, the historic Sonny's Grill shuts down for good today. Sonny's has been a treasure for locals and visitors alike. Though famous for its ham biscuits and sweet potato pancakes, Sonny's had a small but savory down home menu to satisfy even the most complex palate. With the friendly laid-back atmosphere and good coffee, it was easy to come for breakfast and stay for lunch. The restaurant, located on Main Street in the heart of Blowing Rock, was a step back to a simpler time. With only eight barstools and a handful of tables, the atmosphere had an uncanny way of making both locals and visitors feel at home. As for the reason it's closing, we're seeing it across the country. The economy is making it ha... 03/09/2009

Well, I was planning on doing this blog before Winterfest to provide some much needed information on the event but time escaped me like it so often does so here is my post-Winterfest blog. And now I have pictures to show. The skies were gray this past Saturday in picturesque downtown Blowing Rock but the temperatures weren't cold enough to keep people inside or out of the Chetola Lake for the annual Polar Plunge for that matter. Those people are crazy! They're a special breed. My husband and I loaded up the baby and the dog and joined the  hundreds of ramblers, meandering through the town on a crisp winter's day. We drank hot chocolate, strolled through the park and enjoyed all of the sightseeing that our hometown has to offer. I guess I can't technically call it my hometown since I gre... 02/02/2009

It's been a pretty eventful winter so far here in the Boone and Blowing Rock areas. We've had 3 snows so far that actually accumulated from 1-3 inches and even a little bit more in the higher elevations. I have an extremely steep driveway so I'm effectively snowed in unless I want to park my car at the bottom of the hill and hike down in yak trax with a 3 month old baby. My husband teaches down the mountain and definitely has to park at the bottom in order to get out. I don't envy him at all. That's a long cold hike at 5:30 in the morning. Anyway, I'm not really complaining. Looking out of the window of our cozy one bedroom house at the snow covered mountains is enough to make up for a lot of the hassle. Here are a few pictures. I find that taking snow pictures is a little like taking p... 12/11/2008

Looking for fun within 2 hours of Lake Norman? What's going on nearwww.skycarolina.com     HIGH COUNTRY BEER FESTIVAL 2008 The High Country Beer Fest is the annual celebration of great craft beer from around the region and the world.  Come sample craft beers, club beers, and delicious food in the beautiful high country of North Carolina. Educational seminars will cover all aspects of beer, brewing, and pairing food and beer. (For more information please go to www.hcbeerfest.com)Saturday, November 1st 1:00-5:00 Boone - Beer Festival                                     (Food will be available for purchase during the festival)7:00-10:00 Broyhill Inn and Conference Center - Educational Seminars Tickets: $27 in advance, $35 at the door. Admission will include one official tasting glass. OR 7... 10/31/2008

Nestled just off the Blue Ridge Parkway outside of Blowing Rock North Carolina lies one of my favorite communities. As one of Blowing Rocks older more established   communities, it provides, in my opinion, just the right mix of an upscale contemporary style and mountain charm that blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Boasting big gorge views from Grandfather Mountain to Charlotte, there usually aren't too many lots or houses on the market at any given time. Homes typically range from 700K to 2million. Lots are a bit more moderate from around 90k and into the 200k range for around an acre. Just keep in mind that the cheaper lot isn't always the one that's going to save you money in the long run. You'll spend more that money later on when you go to build. The roads in Greyston... 07/27/2008

I know that shopping isn't necessarily the thing that you think of when you come to Blowing Rock or Boone. If you do happen to find yourself up this way, here's a quick index of information about the Tanger Outlets at Shoppes on the Parkway. Hours of operation are 10-9 Monday-Saturday and 11-6 on Sunday. If you're coming from Boone on 321 it's on the right before you actually get into town. You can't miss it. If you're in the mood, it's an easy way to spend an afternoon or wait out a thunderstorm. Claire's  Coach Factory Dressbarn Liz Claiborne PacSun Sunglass Hut Banana Republic Factory Store Bass Gap Geoffrey Beene Hanes Brands, Inc. Izod J.Crew Jockey Kasper Nautica Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store Van Heusen Kilwin's Chocolate & Ice Cream Parkway Cafe Rack Room Shoes Corningware Cor... 06/21/2008

Summer is in full swing here in the Boone/Blowing Rock area.  Spring seems to be but a fleeting thought that appeared   disappeared when you weren't looking. Temperatures have been in the 90's all week and everything is in full bloom especially our native gem the Rhododendron. Area schools finally let out this past week. Doesn't it seem later and later each year? I know the kids feel that way. All of these signs point to the fact that the summer tourist season is in full swing. If you're in the area, the Blowing Rock Stage Company is presenting The Immigrant "It is a beautiful play that truly captures the American experience of assimilation, tolerance and understanding. I think our audiences will see much of their own history in this play.” Says director Kenneth Kay of the play which i... 06/11/2008

I am so sorry I couldn't post these any faster!   I have been swamped with lots and lots and lots to do.  I took these pictures on the way out to Wilderness Trail the day before yesterday.  Right off the Blue Ridge Parkway is a park named "Julian Price Memorial Park".  At this park is Price Lake, which sits in the shadows of Grandfather Mountain when the sun sets in the west.   The lake is one of my favorites, and close to my house.  It is stocked with trout and bass, and fishing is great during non-busy weeks.   Julian Price Park sits on about 3900 acres of mountain land that was donated by an insurance company back in the day.  Some of the features of Price Park are picnic grounds, campgrounds, rest rooms, nature walks, an amphitheater, hiking trails, trout fishing and boat rentals. Y... 05/30/2008

Evidently the gas prices didn't keep everybody home.  Blowing Rock is active and there are people everywhere!  Had two walk ins already that are pretty serious about finding some investment property, so I helped them out first, and now it is time to post some pics that I took on the way in on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The weather, although sunny here right now, looked a little drab at my house. Because of our location on the SouthEastern side of the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, we get some very cool weather.  Driving in, the clouds from the "flat lands" (4000 feet below) were coming up the Blue Ridge and getting vaulted into the sky.            05/24/2008

TGIF!! Friday in Blowing Rock is looking awesome so far! About 68 degrees, sunny, and downtown is bustling! I have so much to do and not enough time to do it in...I just need a few more hours in my day and two more days a week! Anyhoo, here are some pictures of some of the natural scenes in the NC wilderness that are definitely worth taking a look at. It is hard to choose out of the 200 pictures we took yesterday, but here are some of the creeks that pass through.      From low lying streams to high mountain peaks, there are plenty of places to get great pictures of the mountains and the environment.  Below is a rare site these days in the mountains, we found a Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) sitting in the trees. I find them around my house a lot, when you see them on the ground they k... 05/23/2008