August 24th, 2010
 I have heard there is no bad fall in the mountains. I’m the first to agree. Waking up this morning to a chilly 54 degrees reminds us of why we look forward to fall. Cooler days and nights lead to fantastic leaf colors. Beginning in October at the higher elevations, the varied plants and trees paint the mountains with vibrant reds, oranges and yellows. People drive for miles to catch a glimpse of the splendor.
The Blackgum species gives off the vivid blood red color that can be seen from miles away. In fall the exuberant red, orange and yellow hues of the Sugar Maple species at once outdo the colors produced by all the other trees. These trees are tapped for their sweet sap and made into maple syrup. A single tree can produce up to 20 gallons a year (about ½ gallon of syrup). Sweetgum trees are the last to change. The leaves range from purple, red and yellow all on the same tree.
The Tulip Poplar is one of the most abundant trees in the area and can turn a mountain side yellow in the fall and is a member of the Magnolia family. My favorite, the Dogwood, not only has beautiful delicate flowers in the spring but in the fall the leaves turn from red to maroon. Lastly is the Scarlet Oak it is one of about 12 different types of Oak trees in the area. With its brilliant red glossy leaves it is one of the most beautiful of the oak species in the fall.
If you want to come up for the glorious vistas the best time for full fall color “peak” is the first half of October for the lower elevations and the last half for the upper elevations. We usually consider the weekend around the 18th to be peak leaf season. Plenty of homes still available to enjoy your fall retreat.
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August 4th, 2010
  This month we have 2 new additions.
The first is “1 in a Million” a fabulous 6 bedroom 3.5 bath house overlooking the mountains below.
The home boast a large kitchen with gas stove top, two story living room with windows all around, and a wrap around deck leading to a flat yard. Located inside an upscale gated community you are close to all the area dining, shopping and entertainment and out enough to enjoy the local wild life.
  On the opposite end of the spectrum is Meadows Cottage. This charming cottage is what every honeymooner dreams of. Located down a gravel lane you will love the secluded location and the beauty that surrounds this A frame cottage.
Comfy living and awe inspiring views, everything you need for a quiet get away. Not honeymooners? Recapture the feeling in this romantic setting.
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June 14th, 2010
The question asked around here is “How cool is it?” Today is a sweltering 81 degrees and the late afternoon shower has cooled that down. Off the mountain the heat is averaging in the 90’s and did I hear correctly, a heat index in Raleigh of over 100? Sounds like a good reason to head for the mountains. When was the last time you had to close your windows because it was to cool? The high country is known for its natural air conditioning. Doesn’t cost a penny, is good for the environment, and smells good. What is this item of awe you ask, where can I get one? All you have to do is make the drive up to Blowing Rock. Take one warm house, open the windows, and viola! Mother Nature’s own A/C unit.
This was one of the main reasons the first settlers made the long, arduous journey up Hwy 321. I read they had to pull their things and animals, on hands and knees, up the mountain. Now that’s desperation to escape the heat.
Today’s travelers come from all over the area for the same reprieve with added bonuses. There is so much to do outside of the “main attractions”, Art in the Park each month, the Blowing Rock Auction each Tuesday thru August, Blowing Rock Farmers Market each Thursday, and the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show each summer.
We have plenty of homes with “Natural A/C” to choose from. If you prefer the mechanical kind make sure to request it, because it is not a mandatory item and not all homes have it.
Come on up, enjoy the view, and escape the heat.
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June 8th, 2010
There is something to be said about taking a different route to make life more interesting. This morning I took my favorite way in, the Blue Ridge Parkway. What a great start to your morning.  The overlooks are breathtaking, like God himself took out his paint brush and painted a most spectacular scene. I consider myself one of the lucky ones to have the mountains as my back yard.
My first stop was at the Grandview Overlook, and what a grandview it is. Below is the Yadkin Valley looking down towards Wilkesboro and Taylorsville.
 The next was a small pull off before you get to Thunder Hill and Raven Rock. Plenty of opportunities for photos or picnic, simply pull off the road and set up your tripod or blanket.
The view at Thunder Rock looks in the direction of  Appalachian Ski Mountain and is a terrific spot to watch the 4th of July fireworks at Tweetsie. Better get there early to claim your spot. Getting off the Parkway onto Hwy 321 make sure to take a stop at the Shoppes on the Parkway to pick up souvenirs or that ASU t-shirt you just have to have.
Pass the Welcome to Blowing Rock sign, it’s only one light down to Jenkins Realtors at the intersection of Hwy 321 and Sunset Drive.
Give us a call we would love to share my morning commute with you.
Tags: Blue Ridge Parkway
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June 3rd, 2010
This past weekend my family and I took an excursion on the New River.  It’s a great place if you are looking for a relaxing way to wile away the day. We loaded down the vehicles with a canoe, a kayak, picnic and people. There are many great locations to put in, but we decided on a stretch in Ashe County. It is our goal to do the entire section from North Carolina (at the confluence of the South Fork New River and the North Fork New River in Ashe County, NC) into Virginia. So far we have done all but a 5 mile stretch on the outskirts of Boone.  
The New River is a very unique river, stretching from North Carolina to West Virginia, it is the only river in the United states the runs North and it is the second oldest river in the world, (the Nile River being the oldest).
Designated an American Heritage River by President Bill Clinton the river is protected from polluters and receives funds to continue the rivers upkeep, making it a great spot for sport fishing; mountain trout, bass and catfish, there for the catching.
If you don’t have your own boat, don’t worry. High Mountain Expeditions is now offering float trips on the New River as well as white water thrills on the Nolichucky River. They offer shuttle service, inter tubes, and canoes (just bring your lunch). There are great swimming holes where you can stop to swim or shallows if you prefer to wade. The water is starting to warm up and a cool dip on a hot day…paradise.
Tags: Blowing Rock, canoeing, fly fishing, High Mountain Expedtioins, kayaking, Nolichucky River, The New River, tubing, white water rafting
Posted in Blowing Rock - History, High Country Attractions | No Comments »
May 17th, 2010
Watauga County offers something for everyone. Mystery Hill is an odd combination of History and Physics, great for young and old. Linville Falls, and Grandfather Mountain are within a short drive from your vacation cabin or chalet, great places to enjoy magnificent views and some of the best photo opportunities around.  Tweetsie Railroad is a blast to the past on reliable #12. Take the Blue Ridge Parkway to your destination and find numerous hiking trails that will take you up into the mountains. Like fishing? Watauga River is famous for its fly fishing and world class trout fishing.
 Feel like something more adventuresome? High Mountain Expeditions will take you on a thrilling day long white water rafting excursion down the Nolichucky River or try Rock Dimension, where they will test your climbing skills on their 40 foot climbing wall or on a half day rock climbing trip out into the Blue Ridge Mountains. Don’t forget our fabulous snow skiing in the winter. Appalachian Ski Mountain is a perfect spot to learn to ski, home of French Swiss Ski School, located in Blowing Rock. Need a little more challenge or a vertical drop, drive over to Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain located in the Banner Elk area. Don’t ski? Try Hawks Nest, the East Coasts largest snow tubing park.
After a full day out in Mother Nature exploring the area, relax with dinner at one of our preferred restaurants. Try the BBQ at Woodlands, home cooking at Knights on Main, or Canyons Restaurant with the best dining view in the area. After dinner take a quite walk along Main Street Blowing Rock, play at the park , sit and people watch, or stop into one of our locally owned shops. Oh, and don’t forget your Kilwin’s Ice Cream.
Let us know if you need any suggestions. Our knowledgeable front desk staff are local to the area and can help point out places that you won’t find in your guide book.
Tags: Appalachian Ski Mountain, Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, Blowing Rock, Blue Ridge Parkway, Canyons, climbing, fly fishing, French Swiss Ski School, Grandfather Mountain, Hawks Nest, High Mountain Expedtioins, hiking, Kilwin's Ice Cream, Knights on Main, Linville Falls, Main Street, Mystery Hill, Nolichucky River, Rock Dimensions, snow skiing, snow tubing, Sugar Mountain, trout fishing, Tweetsie Railroad, vacation cabin, Wataga River, white water rafting, Woodlands
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May 10th, 2010
The first travelers came to the Blowing Rock area in the 1790’s, to escape the heat from the low country, outdoor recreation, and for the, “hundreds of mountain peaks all around us, presenting a spectacle like ocean waves in a storm”. 
The Main Stree t area of Blowing Rock looks pretty much the same as it did in the 1800’s. Quaint Mom ‘n Pop shops still line the two lane road. The Martin House, built in the early 1900’s remains standing and today houses a collection of unique shops including The Dulcimer Shop, Gems by Gemini, and High Country Candles. This is the town Norman Rockwell’s paintings alluded to.
Some of the earlier Blowing Rock settlers included the Cones (Moses Cone Estate and Moses H Cone Memorial Park), the Stringfellows (Chetola Resort), the Broyhill’s (Broyhill Furniture), the Cannons (Cannon Mills), Elliott Daingerfield (painted “The Child Mary” and “The Story of Madonna”, Westglow Spa), Moses Cone, and Julian Price (Julian Price Park).
As the town grew so did its followers. People would come from all over the area to enjoy all the High Country had to offer. From the original train car at Tweetsie Railroad (opened in 1918 to carry local travelers around the area), to the breathtaking view and famous updraft of The Blowing Rock, you will feel like you have taken a step back through time. When things move slower, you have time to smell the flowers and greet your neighbor.
Tags: Blowing Rock, High Country, Main Street, Price Park, The Blowing Rock, The Martin House, travel, Tweetsie Railroad, Westglow Spa
Posted in Blowing Rock - History | No Comments »
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I have heard there is no bad fall in the mountains. I’m the first to agree. Waking up this morning to a chilly 54 degrees reminds us of why we look forward to fall. Cooler days and nights lead to fantastic leaf colors. Beginning in October at the higher elevations, the varied plants and trees paint the mountains with vibrant reds, oranges and yellows. People drive for miles to catch a glimpse of the splendor.
Thursdays mean the Farmers Market, downtown Blowing Rock opens up to area growers and venders on Thursdays from 4:00pm – 6:00pm. You can find farm fresh produce, meats and whole foods all produced and grown locally.
This weekend finds Dora and Diego visiting 
Chetola’s Symphony at the Lake, the night of the 23rd starting at 7:00pm? Each year is more entertaining than the last. Make sure to stay to the end, one word FIREWORKS!!
Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show
