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

SIP WALLS (PUR) 210 % MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT THAN  2X6  ( R19 ) WALLS While this statement is hard to believe, I think it's close to true after reading a lot the green info out there. As an NAR Green and earning a GRES (also Green) I am amazed that Green is not the only way to go when building new and or remodeling. Saving energy is just smart. Even if my return on investment  does not come for 6 years after building, the ROI COMES eventually and saves me money and comfort for the rest of the life of the home. Not to mention helping the planet and not supporting big oil. The old argument that building green costs more, does not hold water anymore either. It does cost a BIT more sometimes, but getting hold of a contractor and or designer who understands green will save you not only money ... 08/26/2013

Bed and Breakfast in Boone, North Carolina, AAA Four-Diamond Rated!   When you want to get out of the hectic lifestyle of Northern Virginia and treat yourselves to a weekend at a quite country retreat situated in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lovill House Inn Bed and Breakfast in Boone, North Carolina is the place to go!  Beautiful accommodations and surroundings will greet you at the eleven acre wooded estate just one  mile from Old Town Boone, North Carolina off the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Lovill House Inn Bed and Breakfast in Boone, North Carolina has consistently been awarded the AAA Four Diamond Award, which assures you only the best in the way of accommodations, service, food, and hospitality.  The Inn is perfect for a leisurely long weekend vacation, a romantic getaway, or ... 03/21/2011

Still in the infancy stages, a new 6,200 acre community is being developed atop the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina.  This new development  stretches nine miles and will include parks, a golf course, nature/hiking trails, and a member club.  Plans are to include up to 2,000 new units. Reynolds Development and Management Group was founded in Greensboro, Georgia and is now a premier  development company in the US. I have toured the site of the new development and taken some pictures of the views that are sure to captivate potential buyers.  Below are the pictures that I took this week while driving through this new development.  Can you imagine the views with splashes of fall color or covered in winter snow?  Click here to view the master plan for this new development.  Th... 07/21/2010

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

Follow the meandering Shulls Mill road through the scenic back country between Boone, Blowing Rock and Banner Elk and stumble upon the timeless Crestwood Mountain Resort. The amenities surrounding the picturesque Inn include a Spa complete with a lap pool, steam bath, sauna, cardio fitness center and showers, as well as massage, skin and nail therapy. Also enjoy unique food and beverages from “The Table at Crestwood” and “The Lounge at Crestwood”. This is an unforgettable setting! It’s hard to find a more enjoyable place in the high country to watch the sunset than from the Crestwood lawn and terrace. The Inn at Crestwood is also a fantastic setting for large or intimate events such as weddings, rehearsal dinners, family reunions and parties. Crestwood is centrally located just off the... 06/02/2010

1) The Blue Ridge High Country is blessed with four distinct seasons and all of the activities to go with them. There are many ski resorts in the area: Sugar, Beech and Appalachian Ski Mountain are all open from December to early March. Hawk's Nest in Seven Devils has transformed into a snow tubing park offering fun for the whole family. In the spring, summers and fall there are plenty of opportunities for exploring, hiking, bouldering, fishing, tubing, canoeing, and kayaking. We even have a local zipline and lets not forget Tweetsie Railroad for more family fun. 2) Watauga County was just voted the 8th healthiest county in North Carolina! 3) Being in our gorgeous mountain region gives the feeling of privacy and seclusion while still being an hour or two from EVERYWHERE! In less than a... 02/25/2010

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

Let me start by stating that I don't write blogs about listings very often (and this one isn't even mine). In this case I felt compelled to at least post a few pictures of this "cute as a button" home for sale just outside of Blowing Rock. "Winterhaven" has been featured in Southern Living Magazine four times and it's easy to see why. No stone is left unturned when it comes to the architectural design or the aesthetic details. Entering through the stone columns and down the short driveway you will be amazed by the beautifully detailed white brick home with matching garden cottage set around a landscaped circular drive. When you walk through the door, you feel like you've stepped back in time and yet the home still has all of the modern finishes that you would expect from a home of this... 12/02/2009

Boone Cabin Rentals NC - Mast General Store  When staying in a Boone cabin rentals NC a must on my agenda is the Mast General Store. When I visit Boone  or Blowing Rock from my home in Cary NC I always stay at Serenity Falls Rental Cabin one of the many Boone cabin rentals NC.  The hardest part is deciding what to do when we go to "town".  Town of course being Boone.   The Mast General Store is always on the top of our list.  Established in 1883, it's like walking back in time entering the doors of an authentic General Store.  My kids first run to the barrels of loose "penny" candy. (Of course, now its $5.95 a pound) Candy I remember from my youth.   Let's see if you remember: candy dots on strips of paper? wax bottles filled with "sugary syrup"? Zots? Razzle Dazzles? candy cigarettes ... 11/20/2009

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

Boone Cabin Rentals NC-  Boone All Year-Round Boone all year-round is bustling with activity that is why Boone cabin rentals NC are available all season.  Log cabins such a Serentiy Falls Rental Cabin offer a serene atmosphere for relaxing and taking in the mountain air while offering a short drive to all the local attractions Boone has to offer. Boone all year-round is known as the "Heart of the High Country".  Home of Appalachian University, one of the top 15 universities for the south, Boone benefits from the college enegry.  Art festivals, and shopping from boutiques to antique stores attract "Ladies Weekend Get-Aways". Skiing, hiking, hunting, historing landmaks, and of course Christmas Tree picken' are family favorites.  Christmas Tree Pickin' is what brought my family to Serenit... 11/19/2009

Boone Cabin Rentals NC: Serenity Falls Rental Cabin I just spent the weekend in a Boone cabin rentals NC.  It was a perfect weekend, sunny 65*, crisp cool nights, perfect for a bonfire, and dip in the hot tub, Serenity Falls Rental Cabin is truly a serene place to visit.  It was a perfect get-away from my home in Cary NC.     Serenity Falls Rental Cabin offers:  10 acres of mountain with a spectacular view  a trickling waterfall that flows inches from the back deck private hiking trails creek side horse shoe pit rock lined bonfire pit hot tub However, "secluded" Boone cabin rentals NC doesn't mean bare necessities.  Serenity Falls Rental Cabin has all the modern conveniences you've come to expect: fully stocked kitchen linens provided firewood for the wood burning fireplace charcoal gr... 11/19/2009

    If you are thinking of buying property in the Boone and Blowing Rock areas of Watauga County but are confused about all the different areas, and their relationship to one another …. you are not alone. The High Country and the greater Boone area is broken down into many smaller unique communities that can be confusing to anyone not familiar with the area.I spent the better part of my first year here just trying to get a real feel for the lay of the land. This is just an overview describing a little bit about each pocket. Let me also issue a disclaimer...this is not scientific data, just my personal take of what I know from living and working in real estate in the area. It is by no means a scientific account. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me. Deep Gap -... 11/07/2009

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

  This cozy 2 bedroom cabin is a rental powerhouse! All furniture is included in the sales price and it currently rents for $175 a night. What an amazing investment! An opportunity to have a unique mountain getaway for yourself and have the peace of mind that it already has a solid vacation rental history.     Features include everything that you'd expect from a mountain cabin: open floor plan in the living room and kitchen with tongue and groove ceilings and a beautiful large stone fireplace. Each bedroom suite has a bathroom with a shower as well as a large whirlpool tub. Outside is great for entertaining: the front porch is covered and looks out over the serene partially wooded lot. There is also an open deck out back great for dining/grilling out and relaxing in the hot tub.   The ... 10/24/2009

  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

I am excited to have just joined Active Rain and wanted to introduce myself.  I am Candi Catoe and have resided in Banner Elk, NC for 15 years.  Along with my real estate firm I own a small inn and restaurant, am married, and have two children ages 10 and 9.  We are blessed to live in Banner Elk and NC Mountains.  This is the perfect balance of resort town, scenic beauty, cool restaurants, and outdoor activities. We live in a safe environment with fabulous neighbors.  I am a member of the High Country Association of Realtors, an associate member of the Asheville Association of Realtors, both local Chambers, the Tourism Development Authority and Restaurant Association.  I specifically enjoy the service aspect associated with real estate; preliminary searches, assistance with finding the ... 08/08/2009

Why Green was a great success marketing and presenting local Green Thinking and acting folks. Open to the public, a dozen presenters briefly explained what they had to offer and why it would be a good service or product, adding notice of tax Incentives to boot. We had the following speakers donate their time and expertise: Presenters and their topics: Judy Wagner & Brian Rogers - NAR Green Designee REALTORS - Green Designee REALTORS are the "Source of your Source" Sam Zimmerman of Sunny Day Homes, Inc. - Target Zero: Energy Focused Remodeling and Retrofitting Travis Thompson of T-Square Solar Solutions, - Solar Water Heating Scott Suddreth of Building Performance Engineering - HERS Certification, Blower Door Testing Harold Gertner ASU Energy Center - Western NC Renewable Energy Initiati... 07/17/2009

  Greystone...one of Blowing Rock's premier gated communities. Tucked away off of the Blue Ride Parkway between Boone and Blowing Rock, Greystone is synonymous with mountain luxury. The community boasts big gorge views and pristine craftsmanship while still maintaining a laid back, natural feel. The location is hard to beat. It's far enough out that you are away from the hustle and bustle of town but still close to all of the great amenities that this area has to offer. In ten minutes you can be shopping at Shoppes on the Parkway or sipping a glass of wine watching the sunset on the deck of Canyon's or seeing a show or movie at the Hayes Performing Arts Center in Blowing Rock. In 15 minutes you can be downtown Boone browsing through Mast General Store, eating at one of the many great r... 07/03/2009