Leisure Linx

Advertising: Internet Is New No. 2 Ad Medium

2010-12-21T14:52:00.000-05:00

The year just ending marked a sea change: The internet (including mobile) passed newspapers in 2010 U.S. ad revenue, making the internet the second-largest ad medium behind TV, according to Interpublic Group of Cos.' MagnaGlobal.

Read more: Advertising: Internet Is New No. 2 Ad Medium

Complete Your FREE Agent Profile on the NEW REALTOR.com®

2010-10-22T14:38:00.001-04:00

Attn: Real Estate Agents: Complete Your Agent Profile on the NEW REALTOR.com®: Connect with Millions of Real Estate Consumers* Make sure your detailed profile is included in the new REALTOR.com® national agent directory so that millions of online real estate consumers can find you and your listings more easily. Set up your Agent Profile today- Download Free Instructions: Complete Your FREE Agent Profile on the NEW REALTOR.com®

Make Your B2B E-mails the Best, Not the Worst, of 2011 | ClickZ

2010-10-20T09:59:00.000-04:00

List growth is the lifeblood of an e-mail program. Research has found time and time again that subscribers who have recently signed up for your e-mail program are much more engaged than those who have been on your list for six months or more. However, it is always surprising to me how difficult it is to subscribe to many brands' e-mail programs.

Read More: Make Your B2B E-mails the Best, Not the Worst, of 2011 | ClickZ:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina Raffles Off a Log Cabin in the Smoky Mountains, Tickets Just $100 Each

2010-08-06T13:58:00.002-04:00

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina Raffles Off a Log Cabin in the Smoky Mountains, Tickets Just $100 Each

ASHEVILLE, N.C., July 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina announced today that the organization is raffling off a Log Cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains of Bryson City, North Carolina. The holder of the winning raffle ticket will take possession of this beautiful Smoky Mountain Cabin, a fully furnished 2 bedroom 2 bathroom Log Cabin with custom hardwood floors, granite countertops, hot tub, pool table and a rocked fireplace. Proceeds from the 1st annual Smoky Mountain Cabin Raffle will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina in its continued effort to recruit, screen, train and support caring adults who want to make a difference in the life of a child.
A limited number of raffle tickets will be available for purchase from July 16, 2010 through the October 7, 2010 deadline on our specially created event website at www.LogCabinRaffle.org The Grand Prize Drawing will take place on October 14, 2010 and will be open to the public. The Smoky Mountain Cabin Raffle will also include bonus drawings throughout the three-month event. Designed to incentivize early ticket purchases these bonus drawings include a one-week stay at a cabin provided by Hidden Creek Cabins, a Whitewater Rafting trip for 4 down the legendary Nantahala River provided by Paddle Inn Rafting and a $1,000 cash prize drawing.
"The Smoky Mountain Cabin Raffle was created as an innovative way to raise significant funds for children and mentors," says Robin Myer, Executive Director. "We are thrilled to present this Smoky Mountain Log Cabin as the Grand Prize of our raffle. It's a beautiful cabin in the mountains overlooking one of the country's most spectacular views. Raffle participants can give back while also having the exciting chance to win a beautiful custom log cabin in the Smoky Mountains."
"Some kids wait more than 9 months to be matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister stated J. Clarkson, Director of Development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC. "It takes time to recruit, screen, and train a caring adult to be a "Big" and the funds raised from this raffle will allow us to dedicate more staff to that effort and still give professional support to the mentoring relationships already in place. In the end, this means more children will have the opportunity to experience the difference that a Big Brother or Big Sister can make."
For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina please visit their website at www.bbbswnc.org and for more details on the "Smoky Mountain Cabin Raffle" please visit www.LogCabinRaffle.org

Press Contacts
Info@LogCabinRaffle.org
Mary Anne Baker (239) 898-1662 info@LeisureLinx.com J. Clarkson (828) 253-1470 jc@bbbswnc.org

Cost Effective Social Media Tips for Lodging

2010-04-20T07:32:00.000-04:00

The benefits of a solid internet marketing plan are far-reaching. Businesses can reach a targeted audience quickly, and measure results immediately. Compared to traditional marketing, Internet marketing is more affordable and more effective. And for lodging professionals seeking cost-effective marketing strategies, it is essential to partake in social media.

By participating in social networks, your Internet marketing plan takes on an interactive edge. An essential element to your Internet marketing strategy; social media provides you with an avenue to engage travelers and turn them into your biggest advocates. Check out these seven social media tips for lodging establishments such as resorts, hotels, cabin rentals, vacation rentals, lodges, and bed and breakfast inns:

Your business name is essential to protect across multiple channels, so register your username as many relevant social media sites as possible. Even if you do not plan on participating immediately, capturing your name and owning your brand identity is simply good business.
While Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn tend to be the most active social networks, other sites, such as Foursquare, Gowalla, Google Buzz and hotpotato are becoming major players.
Don’t let “lack of time” be your excuse for not participating in social media. Empower your employees to become social media ambassadors and get out of their way. Passionate staff members can sell your property as well as any marketing professional, if not better.
Focus more on quality of followers and fans than quantity. A handful of influencing fans and followers can be much more valuable than hundreds of passive followers.
Be memorable. Write a personal story about your property. This sets your property apart from the competition and gives your fans and followers a theme to incorporate into your posts and interactions.
Content should be useful. It’s not always about packages and offers. Gather content to tweet or post by involving co-workers and colleagues. A constant source of information needs to be cultivated. Mix it up a bit. Sometimes it about a new breakfast recipe or find out what is going on in town.
Keep it light and make it fun– even a little edgy. Your fans will actually look forward to your updates and posts, rather than skipping over them.

Travel and Real Estate Websites Hit the Mark with Integration of Social Media

2009-12-14T07:49:00.001-05:00

(CAPE CORAL, FL) December 14, 2009 -- Leisure Linx announces the launch of four new websites, aimed at showcasing leisure accommodations and property for sale with social media. These dynamic websites enhance the Internet search experience by socially engaging visitors with the Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn pages of its lodging and real estate professionals. The online real estate and travel experience is further highlighted with special offers, testimonials, photos, detailed property descriptions, pricing, and booking information, along with website and email links.

Today’s hurried lifestyles call for tranquil escapes that allow an appreciation of nature and a slower pace of life. The Leisure Linx websites highlight this niche travel and real estate segment, providing visitors with easy access to rustic and peaceful settings throughout the U.S., including gated communities, homes and condos, vacation rentals, cabins and cottages, bed and breakfast inns, resorts, and lodges.

With compelling content-rich designs and ease of use, these new websites provide a refreshing alternative to the long lists of inventory and advertising clutter routinely found on mega travel and real estate websites. The new collection includes:

DevelopmentsAndCommunities.com – Exceptional lifestyle communities
VistasAndViews.com – Extraordinary properties in unique settings with captivating views
CabinsandInns.com – The finest directory of cabins, cottages and inns across the U.S.
LogHomeGallery.com - The complete guide to buying, building and renting a log home

With a renewed consumer interest in relocation real estate and travel, Leisure Linx fuses the fragmented relocation and lodging industries by compiling real estate, accommodations, and travel information in an easy to use format. Visitors seeking lodging are often interested in real estate at their destination. And consumers searching for real estate away from home often desire lodging at their destination. Visitors can find it all in one place on a Leisure Linx website.

The new website collection compliments the well- established FloridaHalfbacks.com, an industry stronghold connecting visitors with travel and relocation opportunities throughout the Southeast. What is a Florida Halfback? It's a nickname given to Floridians who originally migrated to Florida from the north, but now prefer to be "halfway back" in the serene and relaxing mountain and lake areas of the Southeast U.S. Visitors can also join the conversation on the Florida Halfbacks social network.

"Our cross-promotional approach combines the power of the Internet and social media," said Mary Anne Baker, owner of Leisure Linx, LLC and sought-after expert on migration trends in the Southeast. "Providing our advertisers with search and social media strategies applies a solid approach to engaging more visitors.” When visitors return, advertisers win. For a small annual fee, Leisure Linx offers developers, real estate agents, homeowners, and managers the most economical and efficient marketing channel for their property. With a renewed interest in relocation and travel, it is no surprise that the Leisure Linx websites are growing rapidly as well.

Spectacular Seasons in the North Georgia Mountains!

2009-09-03T06:48:00.000-04:00

Discover the beauty and spendor of the North Georgia mountains. Mild summers provide a cool refuge for those who live further south. Spring is abound with new sprout, new starts, and beautiful floral and fauna color. In the Fall our trees transform from cool greens to flaming colors of splendor, in the clean mountain fresh air. Mild winters in the North Georgia mountains make it a great time to celebrate an authentic Blue Ridge mountain Thanksgiving or Christmas. Curl up by a fire and take in the wonders. You might even stumble upon a crystal white Blue Ridge mountain snowfall.

North Georgia is an ideal setting for the year round lifestyle. Award winning architect/builder Henry Zuc kerman designs and builds exceptional custom homes in the North Georgia mountains, and he’s been doing it for more than twenty years. Now, StoneyBrooke Homes is Henry’s latest vision of adapting today’s lifestyle to casual mountain living. StoneyBrooke Homes are earth-friendly and can adopt as much of the latest green technology as you may desire.

North Georgia and it's famed Blue Ridge Mountains hold a multitude of surprise for any lifestyle activities. Quaint antique shops, authentic homestyle dining, whitewater rafting, tubing, and welcoming state parks make this sure stop for Looking for a refuge? Find a cabin or home with an outdoor deck, grab a book and a rocking chair and breathe in the cool mountain air as you gaze over the mountains.

After Century of Growth, Tide Turns in Florida

2009-09-02T17:32:00.000-04:00

By DAMIEN CAVE

Published: August 29, 2009

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — The smiling couple barreling ahead on the cover of Liberty magazine in 1926 knew exactly where to go. “Florida or Bust,” said the white paint on the car doors. “Four wheels, no brakes.”

So it has been for a century, as Florida welcomed thousands of newcomers every week, year after year, becoming the nation’s fourth-most-populous state with about 16 million people in 2000.

Imagine the shock, then, to discover that traffic is now heading the other way. That’s right, the Sunshine State is shrinking.

Already, the state’s hold on retirees is weakening, with thousands of disenchanted “halfbacks” moving to Georgia and the Carolinas in recent years. Stanley K. Smith at the University of Florida nonetheless predicts modest population increases when the economy picks up — growth of 150,000 to 200,000 people annually.

Special Offers in North Carolina

2009-08-20T04:27:00.000-04:00

August is a great time to explore the mountains of Western North Carolina. Cool mountain waterfalls, whitewater escapades, charming bed and breakfast inns, all set amid the natural wonders of the mountains. And with incredible fall rates, golf packages, and other late summer sales, check out the VisitNC list of special offers

2009-08-06T03:30:00.000-04:00

Greenville, SC named one of the best places to live the simple life due to its rich culture, great food, low stress. http://su.pr/2O15wv

Best Places To Live The Simple Life

2009-08-06T02:59:00.000-04:00

Greenville, South Carolina was named one of the best places to live the simple life by AARP Magazine due to its rich culture, great food, and low stress.

Dubbed as family-friendly fun, from "penny candy" to goat-cheese pizza, Greenville's median housing price is just $151,080. When the most relaxing way to spend an afternoon is hiking the pristine mountain woodlands of Jones Gap State Park, just 25 miles outside Greenville and simple fun for less than $10 means grabbing a cup of coffee or an ice-cream cone at Spill the Beans, how could you go wrong?

Read the full article by Sarah Mahoney

2009-08-05T16:28:00.000-04:00

Enter to win the Lake Lure & The Blue Ridge Foothills Sweepstakes! http://su.pr/1bLkSn

Lake Lure & The Blue Ridge Foothills Sweepstakes

2009-08-05T13:13:00.000-04:00

From majestic peaks to hip and historic small towns, Lake Lure and the Blue Ridge Foothills offer everything you need for a getaway that will help you renew your senses. With great food, fun things to do, and amazing things to see, the lake may lure you – but the spectacular scenery and abundant activities will make you want to stay awhile.

Now, you can win a family trip for four to the area that Frommer’s Budget Travel called ‘a lake not to miss’. The winner will receive:

Two rooms for four nights and breakfast for four at the historic Lake Lure Inn and Spa

Admission for four to Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park and a picnic lunch provided by the park’s Old Rock Café

A one-hour Lake Lure Boat Cruise for four.

A 90-minute eco-kayak tour for four and a ½ day pontoon boat rental from the Lake Lure Adventure Company.

A half-day guided fishing trip for two from Granddaddy Fly Fishing.

A two-hour guided scenic horseback tour for four from Cedar Creek Riding Stables.

$100 gift certificate for MSquared Restaurant

$100 gift certificate for the Anna Rose Restaurant

$100 shopping voucher

$500 travel voucher

Enter today! The sweepstakes ends August 31, 2009.

Courtesy of www.visitnc.com

Facebook Fan Pages: Quality Over Quantity

2009-07-29T20:04:00.000-04:00

To maximize the growth potential of your Business Fan Page on Facebook, keep in mind that it is not the quantity of fans but the quality of your posts that creates long term success. Know your fan base and understand why they became a fan, so you can focus on relevant posting content, links, photos and video that will be interesting enough for your fans to share and promote, and to recommend your fan page to others.

[caption id="attachment_24" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Connect With Your Facebook Fans"][/caption]

You could have 1,000 fans that don’t read what you write which carries a higher risk of your existing fans leaving your fan page. Or you could have 100 devoted fans that tell their friends which in turn increases your fan base. This strategy helps to accelerate your presence on the web which will gain you a greater following for the long term. Be patient and concise in your FaceBook Fan Page strategy and watch your business grow!

Cool Off in the Mountains This Summer

2009-07-29T19:51:00.000-04:00

If the summer heat has you frazzled, consider a trip to the mountains and lake regions of the Southeast U.S. The lake breezes and higher mountain elevations ensure a cool down to soothe your stress.

If quiet ambiance is your dream vacation, consider a cabin rental through a vacation rental agency. Quaint small towns are filled with shops, diners, and local artisans and crafters.

But if adventure is your escape, consider whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, or a more rigorous mountain trail in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN offer a plethora of adventures such as horseback riding, Dollywood, Ober Gatlinburg, shopping, dining, the Gatlinburg Aquarium and so much more.

Visit http://www.floridahalfbacks.com/ to connect with lodging and adventure options throughout the mountains and lakes of the Carolinas, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and more.

What Makes a Good Listing

2009-07-21T20:40:00.000-04:00

Property owners often ask how they can get more bookings, lead and inquiries on the Leisure Linx collection of websites. By following a few simple tips, your listing will stand out and encourage visitors to interact with you:

Visual Enhancements: Pictures form the visitor’s first impression. If your photos pique their interest, visitors are much more inclined to review the text and contact you.
a. Make sure that you upload high quality photos for best results. Use higher resolution photos. Both 640 x 480 resolutions and 800 x 600 is the best compromise between size and download speed. Consider hiring a professional photographer or using an SLR digital camera for premium clarity and lighting.
b. Include a variety of interior and exterior shots, along with lifestyle/activity and seasonal weather variation photos for a complete property perspective.
c. Include interior shots with good lighting for your main living areas such as living or gathering rooms, kitchen and master bedroom. Also include entertainment photos, such as pool table, hot tubs, and/or entertainment centers. Any areas where people may gather such as breakfast bars, fireplaces, and resort features and facilities are also important.
d. Visitors are turned off by websites that are cluttered with flashing, streaming or pop-up ads. The Leisure Linx collection of websites is designed with the visitor in mind. Our clutter-free professional designs lead to longer visitor sessions.
e. Include a few local scenery shots –sunset, resort grounds, beach and surf, or ocean/lake scenic shots. These are important because they convey an important feature for buyers and renters: location.
f. Add descriptive text to each picture. Although you may think visitors will intuitively know what they're looking at, it helps to highlight and point out features.

Create Inviting Text
a. Whether you are renting or selling your property, the opening description is the most important piece of text to pique visitor interest. Keep it short and simple, around 2-4 sentences. Make sure to include text that is concise, authentic, and descriptive. Examples include:
b. If your property offers mountain views, create an authentic and concise phrase such as “Sweeping long-range Smoky Mountain views from every room.”
c. “This beautiful home offers an architectural mix of Spanish and French Country style featuring a comfortable front porch with ocean view, inviting exterior courtyards, and two expansive rear yard decks. Offering 3 bedrooms and 2,562 square feet this home creates the perfect environment to enjoy the natural beauty of its coastal-close location."
d. "Relax and enjoy this 2400 square foot vacation home built in 1999. It is single story with two bedrooms and two bathrooms that will sleep eight for true hospitality. The distinctive beauty and charm of Birdson Cottage Floor Plan sets this apart from the rest."
e. You can also add special touches if your property is located in a lesser-known locale or in a newly developed area. For example, most people don't know that "La Jolla del Cabo" is located on the tip of Baja California, Mexico, next to the famous city of Cabo San Lucas. Your introduction should make this clear: "This beautifully appointed 1 bedroom 1 bathroom condo is located in the five star La Jolla resort. The La Jolla is a magnificently landscaped beach front resort just a few minutes from quaint San Jose del Cabo or 20 minutes from Cabo San Lucas."

Give your visitors plenty of options to contact you, including email address, website URL, phone numbers, and leading social network links (if applicable)

Provide guest/client testimonials to build your credibility. Authenticity is important, so ensure that your testimonials portray a real guest/client comment and are NOT pre-written by you.

Provide value-added opportunities for your visitor. A special offer can be presented in the form of a discount or a reduced price OR consider other offers:
a. For a rental property, consider packaging up amenities, meals and/or nearby attractions with your rental rates. Or think about providing gas cards or discount coupons for area attractions with every rental.
b. For a property for sale, consider offering a discovery weekend package that includes a discounted stay either at the subject property or other accommodations nearby coupled with a personalized property/area tour in a one-on-one environment. Or think about providing an extended warranty package or home-improvement store discount cards to your clients.

Amenities, Activities and Attractions
a. The amenities section serves to describe your accommodations and highlight your property's best qualities. Write with a warm inviting tone to make your visitor feel welcome: Examples include:
b. "Your home away from home lends itself to a relaxing, fun vacation in the Smoky Mountain area. The dining table seats eight in a bay-window area decorated with moose and pine trees."
c. "A spacious open living room has a cathedral, vaulted ceiling of knotty pine, and rustic decor adding to the cabin atmosphere.”
d. “A floor to ceiling wood-burning fireplace invites warm family gatherings.”
e. “The kitchen is arranged to suit your cooking style while you entertain your guests with warm hospitality.”
f. Many visitors may already know the activities and attractions associated with your location. attractions in your locality, the purpose of this text is to reconfirm and reinforce the fact that guests can do these by booking your property because of your vacation home's great location. Keep your description short, including only the primary and nearby activities. Indicate distances in miles or driving minutes. Mini marts and grocery stores nearby are not as important unless your location is far-removed from civilization, so only include these less-significant features if they are important for visitors to know.
g. Rental Policies and Conditions are important pieces of information to convey. Only present those that are essential to the guest experience such as minimum length of stay, pet policy, children policy, maximum occupancy, etc. Save the details of deposits, booking fees, form of payment and other details for your website.

With a little time and creativity, you can create an appealing and informative listing to maximize visitor response, leads, and inquiries.

What Makes A Good Listing

2009-07-21T20:38:00.000-04:00

Property owners often ask how they can get more bookings, lead and inquiries on their vacation rental listing or real estate listing. By following a few simple tips, your listing will stand out and encourage visitors to interact with you:

Visual Enhancements: Pictures form the visitor’s first impression. If your photos pique their interest, visitors are much more inclined to review the text and contact you.
1. Make sure that you upload high quality photos for best results. Use higher resolution photos. Both 640 x 480 resolutions and 800 x 600 is the best compromise between size and download speed. Consider hiring a professional photographer or using an SLR digital camera for premium clarity and lighting.
2. Include a variety of interior and exterior shots, along with lifestyle/activity and seasonal weather variation photos for a complete property perspective.
3. Include interior shots with good lighting for your main living areas such as living or gathering rooms, kitchen and master bedroom. Also include entertainment photos, such as pool table, hot tubs, and/or entertainment centers. Any areas where people may gather such as breakfast bars, fireplaces, and resort features and facilities are also important.
4. Visitors are turned off by websites that are cluttered with flashing, streaming or pop-up ads. The Leisure Linx collection of websites is designed with the visitor in mind. Our clutter-free professional designs lead to longer visitor sessions.
5. Include a few local scenery shots –sunset, resort grounds, beach and surf, or ocean/lake scenic shots. These are important because they convey an important feature for buyers and renters: location.
6. Add descriptive text to each picture. Although you may think visitors will intuitively know what they're looking at, it helps to highlight and point out features.

Create Inviting Text
1. Whether you are renting or selling your property, the opening description is the most important piece of text to pique visitor interest. Keep it short and simple, around 2-4 sentences. Make sure to include text that is concise, authentic, and descriptive. Examples include:
2. If your property offers mountain views, create an authentic and concise phrase such as “Sweeping long-range Smoky Mountain views from every room.”
3. “This beautiful home offers an architectural mix of Spanish and French Country style featuring a comfortable front porch with ocean view, inviting exterior courtyards, and two expansive rear yard decks. Offering 3 bedrooms and 2,562 square feet this home creates the perfect environment to enjoy the natural beauty of its coastal-close location."
4. "Relax and enjoy this 2400 square foot vacation home built in 1999. It is single story with two bedrooms and two bathrooms that will sleep eight for true hospitality. The distinctive beauty and charm of Birdson Cottage Floor Plan sets this apart from the rest."
5. You can also add special touches if your property is located in a lesser-known locale or in a newly developed area. For example, most people don't know that "La Jolla del Cabo" is located on the tip of Baja California, Mexico, next to the famous city of Cabo San Lucas. Your introduction should make this clear: "This beautifully appointed 1 bedroom 1 bathroom condo is located in the five star La Jolla resort. The La Jolla is a magnificently landscaped beach front resort just a few minutes from quaint San Jose del Cabo or 20 minutes from Cabo San Lucas."

Give your visitors plenty of options to contact you, including email address, website URL, phone numbers, and leading social network links (if applicable)

Provide guest/client testimonials to build your credibility. Authenticity is important, so ensure that your testimonials portray a real guest/client comment and are NOT pre-written by you.

Provide value-added opportunities for your visitor. A special offer can be presented in the form of a discount or a reduced price OR consider other offers:
1. For a rental property, consider packaging up amenities, meals and/or nearby attractions with your rental rates. Or think about providing gas cards or discount coupons for area attractions with every rental.
2. For a property for sale, consider offering a discovery weekend package that includes a discounted stay either at the subject property or other accommodations nearby coupled with a personalized property/area tour in a one-on-one environment. Or think about providing an extended warranty package or home-improvement store discount cards to your clients.

Amenities, Activities and Attractions
1. The amenities section serves to describe your accommodations and highlight your property's best qualities. Write with a warm inviting tone to make your visitor feel welcome: Examples include:
2. "Your home away from home lends itself to a relaxing, fun vacation in the Smoky Mountain area. The dining table seats eight in a bay-window area decorated with moose and pine trees."
3. "A spacious open living room has a cathedral, vaulted ceiling of knotty pine, and rustic decor adding to the cabin atmosphere.”
4. “A floor to ceiling wood-burning fireplace invites warm family gatherings.”
5. “The kitchen is arranged to suit your cooking style while you entertain your guests with warm hospitality.”
6. Many visitors may already know the activities and attractions associated with your location. attractions in your locality, the purpose of this text is to reconfirm and reinforce the fact that guests can do these by booking your property because of your vacation home's great location. Keep your description short, including only the primary and nearby activities. Indicate distances in miles or driving minutes. Mini marts and grocery stores nearby are not as important unless your location is far-removed from civilization, so only include these less-significant features if they are important for visitors to know.

g. Rental Policies and Conditions are important pieces of information to convey. Only present those that are essential to the guest experience such as minimum length of stay, pet policy, children policy, maximum occupancy, etc. Save the details of deposits, booking fees, form of payment and other details for your website.

With a little time and creativity, you can create an appealing and informative listing to maximize visitor response, leads, and inquiries.

North Carolina Mountain Living: The Sky's the Limit in Buyer's Market

2009-07-19T14:37:00.000-04:00

If you’ve dreamed of owning a vacation or second home in the North Carolina mountains, the best buying opportunity in a generation may well be at hand. Prices have dropped, interest rates are low and good deals can be found just about anywhere you look.

Better hurry, though. After a sluggish fall and nearly dormant winter, the Western North Carolina real estate market is once again showing signs of life. While the boom days of 2003 to 2006 are gone, the mountains are clearly beginning the long slow climb back to health.

To view entire article by Jim Hughes, click here: http://www.metronc.com/article/?id=1923

2009-07-14T12:47:00.000-04:00

Plenty of summer fun in the mountains of West Virginia! http://ping.fm/Ek9Uj

Plenty of Summer Fun in West Virginia!

2009-07-14T12:21:00.000-04:00

The mountains and valleys here are comfortable, shady and full of outdoor fun.

Visit West Virginia State Parks, each offering a different mountain experience with plenty of outdoor recreation and lodging options. From resort rooms to camping, it will be easy to find the best fit for your interests and your budget.

Take a guided horseback ride at Pipestem Resort State Park, enjoy a scenic hike at Babcock State Park, and both Pipestem and Twin Falls Resort State Park offer great golf on scenic courses.

Outside the parks, Southern West Virginia is also home to 10 other golf courses, including a couple of beauties at Glade Springs Resort and Conference Center.

Hike, bike or ride a horse along the 76-mile Greenbrier River Trail. Include a fishing pole in your backpack; there are some wonderful spots to wet a line! This area abounds with rivers and lakes that are ideal for folks who fish and boat.

The Spirit of the Cherokee Sweepstakes

2009-07-08T12:42:00.000-04:00

Cherokee, North Carolina is so close, but yet 11,000 years away. Nestled quietly at the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the southern entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway, this ancient home of the Cherokee people combines a beautiful natural setting with thousands of years of Indian tradition, history, art and ceremony.

Now, you can win a family trip for four to this culturally rich homeland in the NC Mountains. The winner will receive:

Four nights for a family of four at the Comfort Suites Cherokee

Passes for four to various attractions including the “Unto These Hills” outdoor drama, the Oconaluftee Indian Village, The Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and a guided tour at the Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual

Passes for a ½ day guided fishing tour, a whitewater rafting/tubing trip, and a horseback ride

Four $50 dinner vouchers at four local restaurants

Four vouchers for a traditional Indian meal/lunch that explores the Cherokee language with a Warrior of AniKituhwa

$20 gift certificate for ice cream at a local shop

$20 gift certificate at Tribal Grounds Coffee

Various gifts, including an autographed Chief’s book, a copy of Cherokee Heritage Trails, and gifts from the Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual

$100 voucher for the Oconaluftee Indian Village Gift Shop

$100 voucher for the Museum of the Cherokee Indian Gift Shop

$500 travel voucher

Enter today! The sweepstakes ends July 31, 2009.
Enter To Win!

Taxes and gratuities not included. See complete listing of Official Rules.

Views Rule in the Western North Carolina Mountains!

2009-07-07T20:11:00.000-04:00

Cool mountain breezes and a slower pace of life dominate the Western North Carolina lifestyle. Vacationers flock to the area's small towns for unique outdoor adventures including whitewater rafting, hiking, waterfalls, festivals, and tubing. Check out Deep Creek Tubing in Bryson City, or the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) for cool water thrills for the family. Visit http://www.floridahalfbacks.com/ for more information about great places to stay, things to do, and relocation info.

The Leisure Linx Advantage

2009-07-02T02:01:00.000-04:00

Why advertise with Leisure Linx?

The brand brings value

Stretch your advertising dollar. Whether you advertise on one website or all five, our multi-site buys offer the greatest savings.

      Maximum exposure to a targeted visitor base = more visitors

      More sites = more visitors and more inbound links = higher search engine rankings for YOU!

Social media with solid interfaces to Web 2.0 strategies:

Web 1.0 metrics such as unique visitors and page views are still important for determining an audience’s size. You can view our website demographics by clicking here (go to demographics tab).

Because of the new ways that audiences interact with content, Leisure Linx incorporates Web 2.0 strategies into all of its websites. 93% of social media users feel a business should have social media presence because they are better served with direct contact. We serve our advertisers with two solid approaches to engaging more visitors into your internet strategy:

Increase the number of followers to your Facebook, Twitter, and/or LinkedIn pages. Links to these three social networks are included within every listing at no extra charge. Visitors can quickly and easily connect with your social networks for engaging interaction with you.

      Leisure Linx hosts and moderates several groups, pages, and communities across leading social media sites. We regularly post links to your ad for frequent exposure. Visitors interact and click through to our websites to learn more about your property.

      Send us newsworthy content about your specials, events, or promotions, we will post that across all of our social media pages, groups, and communities.

Cutting Edge Features!

Links to social networks: facebook, linked in, twitter

Highlight your special offers and change as often as you like

Testimonials create credibility and trust! Enter up to 3 of your client’s testimonies for others to see in your ad

Our Inbound Marketing Strategy for All Sites:

Backlinks

PR

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2009-06-30T05:43:00.000-04:00

Lots to do this July 4th weekend in the north Georgia mountains: http://ping.fm/aASos

Pigeon Forge Seeks 75 Families for $75 Gas Giveaway

2009-06-29T10:40:00.000-04:00

Pigeon Forge, Tenn., has gone wild for 75. It’s a project called “75 Ways To Celebrate, from the Parkway to the Park.”

To help celebrate the 75th anniversary of neighboring Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this gateway city is seeking 75 families so it can give them $75 in gas, $75 of attraction tickets and a challenging list of 75 fun activities. The 75 families will get a Dolly Parton Smoky Mountains CD, too, the sound track from her “Sha-Kon-O-Hey!” musical at Dollywood.

“Pigeon Forge has 10 million visitors each year, and the national park is a large part of why today’s Pigeon Forge is here,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. “Our ‘Parkway to the Park’ idea makes the connection between the attraction-filled parkway that goes through the middle of town and the treasure that is Great Smoky Mountains National Park.”

The giveaways are designed help travelers recognize the significance of the 75th anniversary. Registration for the “Parkway to the Park” packages is online at http://www.PF75.com

Registration ends July 15.

“Pigeon Forge really is a gateway to the Smokies,” Downey said.

One of only a handful of free national parks, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited of all (nine million visitors in 2008). The park, by design, is a major economic engine for the region, and many of its visitors land for a while in Pigeon Forge.

Pigeon Forge, one of the country’s top tourism destinations, is located within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population east of the Mississippi River.

“Parkway to the Park” registration and complete information about Pigeon Forge travel itineraries and attractions are available at http://www.PF75.com

Affordable Cabin Rentals in the Smoky Mountains

2009-06-23T21:08:00.000-04:00

From one to five bedroom cabins and chalets in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Tennessee. We are located minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and all area attractions such as Dollywood, Splash Country, Dixie Stampede and dinner shows and shopping. From honeymoon to family vacations, budget to luxurious... our fully furnished cabins feature all the comforts of home including jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, kitchens, pool tables, theater room cabins, hot tubs and more. Ask about our honeymoon and wedding packages and PET FRIENDLY CABINS, because we know pets are family TOO! Visit our web site for great online booking specials! http://www.floridahalfbacks.com/Tennessee/Eastern-Tennessee/Pigeon-Forge/Affordable-Cabins-in-the-Smokies.htm

Free Fun Ideas in the NC Mountains

2009-06-17T08:21:00.000-04:00

Did you know that there's no admission fee to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? It's true, America's most popular park is free, but it is only one of many NC attractions and events that visitors can enjoy without spending a cent. VisitNC has provided a list of some fun free things to do in the North Carolina mountains. Find your favorite freebie:

Sliding Rock (near Brevard)

Heat getting to you? Come slip down this renowned 60-foot sloping slide into an eight-foot deep mountain pool near Brevard, NC. Lifeguards supervise the fun during the summer, so bring the family. Enjoy 11,000 gallons of water flowing down over the rock face each minute, and it’s just a few strokes to shore. Where else can you get that kind of thrill? Okay, it’s not quite free. Cost to enter the recreation area is $1.00 per person.

Dancin’ In The Streets – Lake Lure
Thanks to the Lake Lure Hot Summer Nights Street Dance Series, you can dirty dance where Johnny and Baby did… for free! The dances will be held right at spectacular Lake Lure, where much of Dirty Dancing was filmed. This is part of Lake Lure and The Blue Ridge Foothills’ Endless Summer Event Series. 828-625-2725

June 8 Beach Motown
July 13 Rock and Roll
August 10 Swinging Big Band
Sept 14 Country Bluegrass

The Create-Your-Own Art Tour
A D-I-Y art tour can turn into an adventure – it costs you nothing to look! Homegrown Handmade Art Roads and Farm Trails let you create your own free driving tour of authentic folk artisans, handicrafts, farmers and creative entrepreneurs rooted in our North Carolina’s rural countryside. Or how about looking into the artistry of traditional and not-so-traditional patterns on a Barn Quilt Tour? Free tours, each featuring between 30-100 quilts, can be found in three western North Carolina counties:
Avery
Watauga
Ashe

Shindig For The Price Of None –Asheville
Starting in July, Asheville’s Shindig On The Green goes into high gear as crowds with lawn chairs and blankets gather on summer Saturday evenings to enjoy Appalachian mountain music and dance traditions. (Saturday evenings July – September)

Are You The Stovepipe Type? – Valle Crucis
Midday rush? Not in Valle Crucis, thank you. The Mast General Store has music on the back porch each Saturday and Sunday from noon until 2 p.m. at the Original Store in Valle Crucis. Sometimes groups start a little earlier; sometimes they play a little later. Musical selections include bluegrass, old-time, Celtic and Appalachian performed by local talent. On occasion, cloggers, flat footers and shufflers come along to dance a bit, too.

Hospitality Reigns at Mountain Inns

2009-06-11T17:34:00.000-04:00

Heading to the mountains of North Carolina provides a high-elevation getaway from flat Florida. The bar is raised even higher when the trip includes a stay at a unique mountain inn. Mountain inns have a long tradition in North Carolina, where hospitality starts at the welcome mat. The Windover Inn in Waynesville provides elevating experiences.

Within walking distance of downtown shopping and Waynesville, NC attractions, and a short drive to Asheville and the Biltmore Estate, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Maggie Valley, this Waynesville, NC bed and breakfast allows you to connect to all of the western North Carolina attractions that abound in the area and more, while providing you with a warm and cozy sanctuary to return to at the end of the day. Built in 1910, this late Victorian home with its original tiger oak woodwork and heart maple hardwood floors provides an atmosphere of comfort from the moment you enter our front door.

Blairsville Scottish Festival

2009-06-09T12:29:00.000-04:00

Ceud Mile Failte (100,000 Welcomes)!!! Blairsville Scottish Fesitval and Highland Games is held the second weekend in June at Meeks Park in Blairsville, Georgia, the "Land of Scenic Beauty and Friendly People". Brought to you by the Blairsville-Union Chamber of Commerce, the festival offers fun for the whole family.

Featuring a Kilted Golf Classic at beautiful Butternut Creek Golf Course, a Ceilidh Dinner at the First United Methodist Church Activities Center, and a variety of festival activites, it's no wonder that the Blairsville Scottish Festival recently made the Southeast Tourism Society's Best Top 20 Events list.

Plan on attending the Blairsville Scottish Festival and Highland Games. There are lots of things to see and do including clan gatherings, genealogy tents, athletic competitions, pipe and drum bands, concerts, Highland dancing, children's activities, the kilted mile (race), the bonniest knees contest, Scottish food, Scottish merchancise, an Opening Ceremony with Massed Bands and the Parade of Tartans, Kirkin of the Tartans, workshops, exhibits, demonstrations, falconry, sheepdog herding, Highland Cattle, ancient weaponry, historical re-enactors, and a Closing Ceremony.

Visit http://www.blairsvillescottishfestival.org/ for more information and lots of photos! For lodging and area information visit http://www.blairsvillechamber.com/. (Pets and alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the park.) We hope to see you at the Blairsville Scottish Festival and Highland Games. Come catch the excitement!

Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) 2009 Flex Pricing

2009-06-04T10:31:00.000-04:00

We won't let the economy keep you off the river—especially not with the best water levels we've seen in seasons—so we're offering special Flex Pricing to get you on the most popular trips on the most popular days:

No More Saturday or Holiday Pricing Raft when you want to raft. This season, there's no premium for enjoying our busiest days, even on premium trips like the Chattooga River. You can bring all your friends too since there won't be group pricing restrictions.

Save up to 45% on Ocoee River rafting: Raft earlier or later in the day and pay as little as $25 for a fully-guided trip on America's most popular stretch of whitewater with America's most popular outfitter, NOC. Offer available:

Saturday, June 27

Sunday, June 28

Saturday, July 4

Saturday, July 11

Sunday, July 26

Sunday, August 2

Sunday August 9

Save 35% on Pigeon River rafting Raft later in the afternoon and pay as little as $25 for a fully-guided trip on the Smokies' best thrill ride.

Things To Do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

2009-06-04T09:25:00.000-04:00

Whether you delight in the challenge of a strenuous hike to the crest of a mountain or prefer to sit quietly and watch the sun set, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a myriad of activities for you to enjoy. The hardest part may be choosing which auto tour, trail, waterfall, overlook, or historic area to explore!

Auto Touring- An auto tour of the park offers a chance to see panoramic vistas, rushing mountain streams, weathered historic buildings, and majestic forests stretching to the horizon. Inexpensive booklets are available to serve as your personal tour guides along many park roads.
Bicycling - Ride through Cades Cove on a misty summer morning for a truly memorable way to experience the park.

Camping - Escape into the Smokies wilderness for a backpacking adventure or opt for a tamer excursion in one of the park's developed campgrounds.

Fishing - Anglers can match their skills against wily brook, brown, and rainbow trout on over 700 miles of fishable streams in the park.

Hiking - Choose from over 800 miles of trails ranging from quiet walkways to multi-day backpacking treks through the backcountry.

Historic Buildings - The park has one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Nearly 80 historic structures—homes, barns, churches, schools, and grist mills—have been preserved in the park.

Horseback Riding - The park has hundreds of miles of horse trails and five drive-in horse camps. If you don't own a horse, four rental stables provide mounts and guides.

Picnicking - Craving hotdogs, potato salad, water melon... and ants? There are eleven picnic areas to choose from in the park—many have pavilions that can be reserved in advance.

Waterfalls - Waterfalls can be found on nearly every river and stream in the park. Here's your guide to some of the best.

Wildflowers - Great Smoky Mountains National park is known as the "wildflower national park." You can find blooming plants year-round here, but spring and summer are renown for spectacular displays of wildflowers along roads and trails.

Wildlife Viewing - Hoping to see an elk, white-tailed deer, or black bear? Read some tips to improve your chances of spotting animals during your visit to the park.

Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park's official online store for books, maps, and guides to the park. Operated by the nonprofit Great Smoky Mountains Association, proceeds generated by purchases at the store are donated to educational, scientific, and historical projects in the park.

Folkmoot USA Celebrates 26 Years!

2009-06-02T18:55:00.000-04:00

Folkmoot USA, North Carolina's Official International Festival, is a two-week celebration of the world's cultural heritage through folk music and dance. Held each summer across the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina, Folkmoot features performances, parades and workshops by more than 350 performers from a dozen or so countries.

Performers demonstrate cultural heritage through colorful, authentic and original reproduction costumes, lively dance and beautiful music. During its 25-year history, over 200 folk groups from more than 100 countries have shared their heritage and culture at Folkmoot USA.

Countries expected to perform in 2009 include India, Serbia, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Kenya, Spain and Israel. This year's Folkmoot Festival takes place throughout Western North Carolina in the towns of Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Maggie Valley, Canton, Clyde, Highlands, Bryson City, Cullowhee, Asheville, Columbus, Burnsville, Marion, Mars Hill, Flat Rock and Franklin.

Be sure to see the Folkmoot Festival Parade of Nations on Friday, July 17 at 1 pm and enjoy crafts and entertainment at International Festival Day on Saturday, July 25 from 10 am - 5 pm. Both events take place in downtown Waynesville.
Buy performance tickets by clicking on the link below (starting May 1, 2009).
Buy your Folkmoot tickets online now!

Nature Conservancy 4th Annual Photo Contest Announced

2009-06-01T11:47:00.000-04:00

The Nature Conservancy invites you to enter your stunning nature photos to our 4th annual digital photography competition.

We're looking for beautiful nature photography representing the diversity of life on Earth. Your own original digital images of our lands, waters, plants, animals and people in nature are all eligible for the competition.

We are especially interested in images that showcase the wide range of habitats across our planet, including all types of forests, grasslands, lakes and rivers, deserts and arid lands, rainforests, marine habitats and coral reefs in all seasons and around the world.

The winner's image will be printed in the 2011 Nature Conservancy calendar - reaching nearly 2 million households worldwide.

The Best Nature Photo winner's image will be featured on The Nature Conservancy's website, nature.org, which is visited by more than 3 million people annually.

How to Enter:
To enter one or more images, upload your photo(s) to the Conservancy's Flickr™ group and tag them with PhotoContest-TNC09 ... it's that easy. Not familiar with Flickr? Find our more about this easy way to enter. Or, if you prefer, you can complete our online form and email each photo, one at a time.

The Fine Print:
The contest is open to all participants age 18 and older regardless of residence or citizenship, so long as the laws of their jurisdiction allow participation. Photo submissions must be uploaded by 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time on September 30, 2009. Please review the full rules before entering. And good luck!

A Carolina Getaway Refreshes a Florida Family

2009-05-31T12:06:00.000-04:00

Dan and Rhonda Robbie built the house that proves you can get away from it all. Almost a mile up in the mountains of North Carolina, the 5,200-square-foot timber-frame retreat has quickly become their home away from home.

Their 12-acre parcel of rugged mountain land allows plenty of room for Dan, Rhonda, children Austin and Erica, and their two black Labs, Kelsey and Calvin. Since finishing the house in 1996, the family has made a concentrated effort to spend every spare minute at their getaway. They think nothing of packing up the entire clan and driving eighteen hours from their everyday home in Florida, even just to spend a few days in their very special mountain retreat.

The Robbies took the first step toward making their dream getaway a reality in 1995, when they started to design the house with their builder, Mark Kirkpatrick, president of Mountain Construction Enterprises of Boone, North Carolina. A builder of custom homes since 1981, Mark is a dealer for Hearthstone, Inc., which produces log and timber frame homes in Dandridge, Tennessee.

“We wanted a custom-designed house with the best craftsmanship available,” Dan recalls. “Although Rhonda and I had a pretty good idea of the floor plan we wanted, our major challenge was siting the structure. The ideal building location was on three sides. But we wanted this view because from here, we face three major mountains: Grandfather Mountain, Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain. There are ski resorts on those slopes, and at night they’re all lit up. It’s a spectacular view.”

Situated up the steep and winding road that threads through the woods, the house looms dramatically against the backdrop of the mountainous terrain. With wooded trails to the left and right, the vista of the mountains comes into view sweeping 180 degrees around the back end of the house.

The interior is almost as dramatic as the outside view. Floor-to-ceiling windows, wood inside and clad outside, located at the far end of the living room bring the mountains into view the minute you step inside. Rhonda, who is a talented decorator, wanted the house to appear simple and uncluttered. She included local art and antique objects acquired from the many shops in the mountain towns of North Carolina. “I would describe the look of this house as Western and rustic, as opposed to Southwestern, which reminds me of peachy colors,” she explains. “We felt that the neutral tones in the great room heighten the beauty of the wood.”

Rhonda and Dan agree that their favorite room in the house is the kitchen. With the breakfast bar that separates that room form the more formal dining room, it is the hub of family “hang out time.”

The Robbies especially enjoy their getaway because the have full, busy lives. The house in the mountains gives the family a place to spread out, relax and spend time together. Dan, Rhonda and Mark’s shared goal was to build the finest custom home possible. They are satisfied they have done exactly that, creating the perfect place for a young, active family. The home is every bit as comfortable to live in as it is magnificent to look at. And such a delight that the Robbies agree, nothing could be finer that to be in Carolina.

Story and Photos by Franklin and Esther Schmidt

Reprinted from Timber Homes Illustrated

Storytellers Galore Ready to Spin Yarns at Pigeon Forge Festival

2009-05-29T15:39:00.000-04:00

Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival promises three days of tall tales June 4-6

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (May 2009) – Expect truth to be in short supply June 4-6 at the 18th Annual Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., but also expect a counterbalancing dose of entertainment, enchantment and, dare we say, education.

You’ll hear from a genuine possumologist, a keeper of Cherokee creation stories, a middle school principal who uses storytelling in the classroom and a cowboy poet whose Oklahoma retelling of “Ben Hur” inspires him to wear a watermelon and a bra on stage. (It’s something you just have to see to understand.)

In addition to the festival’s world-traveling, professional storytellers, you’ll also hear some of America’s budding tale-telling talent at the National Youth Storytelling Showcase. The showcase has attracted youngsters, none older than 17, from as far away as Utah, Texas, Maryland and Florida.

Many of this year’s storytellers will focus on stories that relate to Appalachia and the nearby Great Smoky Mountains. That’s one reason the festival is on the official calendar of the 75th anniversary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The festival also is on the Southeast Tourism Society’s “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” list for the fifth year in a row.

Three late-night programs (9:30-11 p.m.) augment the regular sessions. A Haunts and Haints ghost story session is Thursday, a tribute to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Friday and a memorial to legendary mountain storyteller Ray Hicks is Saturday.

The Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival is co-hosted by the City of Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountain Storytellers Association. Featured storytellers:

+ Lloyd Arneach—A Cherokee storyteller who learned his first legends from two storytelling uncles on the Cherokee Reservation in North Carolina.
+ Donald Davis—A native Appalachian storyteller who performs nationally and teaches workshop that focus on family-based storytelling.
+ Doug Elliott—A storyteller, herbalist and naturalist who sings about catfish, pontificates about possums and plays a mean harmonica.
+ Todd Elliott—Doug’s son and a two-time participant in the National Youth Storytelling Showcase who now is following in his father’s footsteps.
+ Andy Offutt Irwin (pictured here)—A Georgia public radio show host who says he used to have real jobs before becoming a professional storyteller.
+ Kent Rollins—A genuine cowboy from Oklahoma, who also is a poet, chuckwagon cook and humorist (he’s the one with the watermelon and bra).
+ Elizabeth Rose—Principal of Cherokee Middle School in Roane County, Tenn., who blends southern folklore with fairy tales, ghost stories and international legends.

If You Go:
The Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival is June 4-6 (Thursday-Saturday). All sessions—concerts, the youth performances and workshops in which you can learn storytelling skills—are at the Belz Outlet Mall in Pigeon Forge. Admission for the entire weekend is $25, and one-day admission is $10 for everyone age 18 and older (free for age 17 and younger). The three late-night programs are $5.

The festival schedule can be found at www.MyPigeonForge.com/storytelling , and complete visitor information about Pigeon Forge is available at http://www.mypigeonforge.com/ or by calling toll-free to 1-800-251-9100.

About Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge, located in East Tennessee near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is one of the country’s top tourism destinations, drawing more than 10 million visitors each year. With more than 40 family-friendly attractions along its five-mile Parkway, Pigeon Forge offers family fun for all ages. The destination city is located within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population east of the Mississippi River.

Blairsville Town Square

2009-05-25T10:18:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Blairsville-Union County located in the northeast Georgia mountains approximately one hour driving time from Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Asheville. Known for its Blue Ridge Mountain beauty, Scottish Festival & Highland Games, and sorghum syrup, Blairsville-Union County has more than half the county's acreage within the Chattahoochee National Forest. Brasstown Bald, Georgia's highest point can be found here as well as Lake Nottely, the Appalachian Trail, Vogel State Park, the Misty Mountain Model Railroad, Historic Courthouse, hiking trails, waterfalls and even ancient Indian petroglyphs. Play golf, picnic in beautiful Meeks Park. shop for crafts and antiques, or just relax and enjoy the mountain vistas. Come enjoy Blairsville-Union County, any time of the year, where the possibilities are endless and the memories last a lifetime!

Best time to Go -Union County is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northeast Georgia where Mother Nature reigns supreme. Delight in the explosion of autumn leaf color in the mountains, or cuddle up in a cozy cabin during the winter. Enjoy horseback riding, golfing, and antiquing year round, or plan your trip around one of our unique festivals. No matter when you come, you’re sure to find why we say "Each Season Something New".

What You'll Need for Your Visit -Your individual activities will dictate what you need to bring. Spring and fall bring warm days and cool nights. Summers are generally not hot, but evenings remain warm and comfortable. Winters are generally mild, requiring sweaters or jackets, but don't be surprised by an occational snow.

Georgia GPS Photo Sweepstakes

2009-05-25T10:02:00.000-04:00

Share your photos of your Georgia experiences with the world – and be entered for a chance to win a free GPS system. Each month we’ll pick the best of your photos to feature on ExploreGeorgia.org. Upload up to 3 pictures at a time as frequently as you like – each photo is one more chance to win!

Take 40 Off in Virginia

2009-05-14T17:59:00.000-04:00

Save big bucks when you take advantage of Virginia's 40 Off Travel Deals. Choose from nearly 200 offers ranging from 40% off Eastern Shore lodging to a free concert ticket in Northern Virginia.

~ $40 Discounts

~ 40% Discounts

~ Buy 3/Get 1 Free Deals

Mountain Tennis and Soccer Camps for Kids This Summer!

2009-05-13T18:12:00.000-04:00

Do you vacation in Blowing Rock? RDUTennis has teamed up with the Chetola Resort located in the High Country’s most beautiful town in Blowing Rock, NC.

Camps will run the week of 6/29 and 7/6. Camp is run 9am-3pm (Mon thru Thurs) for resort guests and others who would like to come. Price is $200 per child with lunch included from the Resort. Ages 5-14 welcome!

REGISTER at www.rdutennis.net for two locations:

CHETOLA RESORT IN BLOWING ROCK
When: 4-day sessions June 29-July2 and July 6-9 (Rain Make-Up on Fridays)
Who: Ages 5-14
More Information:. http://rdutennis.net/?page_id=112

BUCKEYE LAKE RECREATION CENTER
When: 4-day sessions June 22-25 and July 20-23 (Rain Make-Up on Fridays)
Where: Buckeye Lake Recreation Center in Beech Mountain
Who: Ages 5-14
More Information:. http://rdutennis.net/?page_id=117

RDUSoccer Camp- 2 Locations
REGISTER at www.rdusoccer.net for both camps
BUCKEYE RECREATIONAL CENTER
When: June 15-18, August 3-6, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Where: Buckeye Recreation Center in Beech Mountain
Who: Children ages 5-12
Highlights:
Fee: $125 per child
More information: Click here to register

BANNER ELK SCHOOL Soccer Camp
When: July 6-9, July20-23, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
Where: Banner Elk Elem Field
Who: Children ages 5-12Fee: $95 Avery Co Students, $105 otherMore Information: http://rdusoccer.net/?page_id=24

Breathtaking Scenic Drives

2009-05-10T13:52:00.000-04:00

Skyline Drive
Front Royal to Rockfish Gap, Virginia
Distance: 105 miles

Built between 1931 and 1939, with sections of the route constructed as part of the New Deal relief effort, this sweeping road through Shenandoah National Park crests the Blue Ridge Mountains (hard to believe that noisy Washington, D.C., is just 75 miles away). You'll see oak trees and evergreens on your leisurely trip, in addition to white-tailed deer and wild turkeys. Just make sure to stop at Range View Overlook (at mile 17.1) for a first-rate view of the fog-veiled mountains.

Big Meadows, at mile 51, boasts 130 acres of wildflowers in spring, summer, and fall. You'll also see doe and their tiny fawns during the warmer months (540-999-3500).

Newfound Gap Road
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, to Cherokee, North Carolina
Distance: 40 miles

It's the only route that completely crosses Great Smoky Mountains National Park, rising out of Pigeon Forge (yes, the home of Dollywood) before climbing 3,000 feet and descending across the state line. You'll pass through hardwood and evergreen forests and get a glimpse of Clingman's Dome, the highest point in Tennessee.

You won't see an actual sign, but keep an eye on your odometer and stop at mile 21.5—this is Newfound Gap (5,048 feet), where FDR dedicated the park. Even better: You can stand in two states at once (865-436-1200).

Provided by: AARP Magazine

Spa Packages in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley

2009-04-16T19:06:00.000-04:00

The Homestead Spa Renewal Package
Hot Springs
Package Price: $399*
Through Saturday, December 19, 2009

Stonewall Jackson Spa Package
Harrisonburg
Package Price: from $525
Through Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Body, Mind, and Soul Spa Package
Staunton
Package Price: $268/couple/night
Through Thursday, December 31, 2009

The Homestead Classic Spa Package
Hot Springs
Package Price: $399*
Through Monday, December 21, 2009

The Homestead Golf & Spa Your Way Package
Hot Springs
Package Price: $399*
Through Monday, December 21, 2009

Twenty Things To Do in the Mountains of Western North Carolina!

2009-04-15T03:13:00.000-04:00

North Carolina’s mountain region is an outdoor playground, a natural wonderland, and a historical treasure. In fact, there are so many things to see and do here that it might be hard to decide which to conquer first. Visit NC has compiled a list of twenty places that you have to go before you can say you’ve completely experienced the NC mountains.

Take a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway - It is America’s Favorite Drive, and after a few miles it’s easy to see why. The Blue Ridge Parkway has spectacular scenery, year-round color, and hundreds of hikes, overlooks, and charming just-off-the-road towns to explore. Whether you go for an hour or for the weekend, NC’s 250 miles of this national treasure are hard to beat.

Drink a toast to the day at a Yadkin Valley Winery. One of the hot new wine regions in the United States is right here in North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley. With a perfect grape-growing climate and some spectacular scenery, a handful of visionary viticulturalists have transformed rolling farmland into a wine-tasting wonderland. Find a wine you love and enjoy a glass on a vineyard patio as you look out onto rows of stately grapevines.

Picnic by a waterfall in Transylvania County. There are no vampires in North Carolina’s Transylvania, just waterfall after beautiful waterfall. Millions of years of erosion and 80 annual inches of rainfall has blessed this scenic corner of the state with more than 200 large waterfalls, including Whitewater Falls and its amazing 400-foot drop. While you’re there, have some fun: You can drive under Bridal Veil Falls, walk under Dry Falls, and slide down Sliding Rock.

Shop in the Mast General Store, Valle Crucis. Step into the Mast General Store and you step back in time to an era when the local merchant supplied all of a community’s needs, ‘from cradles to caskets’. First opened in Valle Crucis back in 1883, the store still stocks a little of everything and a lot of merchandise that you’ll never find in a mall. The business has grown to include several locations, but if you want the real deal, visit the original in Valle Crucis.

Bask in the opulence of Biltmore, Asheville. George Washington Vanderbilt fell in love with Western North Carolina after his first visit there, and by Christmas Eve 1895, he was welcoming guests to his brand new estate in Asheville. The Biltmore was (and still is) the largest private residence in the world, with 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, and more priceless works of art than anyone can count. Biltmore is also home to spectacular gardens, wonderful outdoor opportunities, and America’s most visited winery.

Feel the spirit at the Churches of the Frescoes, Ashe County. These aren’t your grandfather’s stained glass windows. In these two tiny churches in the small mountain towns of Glendale Springs (Holy Trinity Episcopal Church) and West Jefferson (St. Mary’s Episcopal Church) there are a trio of Ben Long frescoes that are both inspiring and breathtaking. The artwork, painted between 1974 and 1980, has brought these little parishes international acclaim and about 60,000 visitors each year.

Witness history as art in Unto These Hills, Cherokee. North Carolina is home to nearly 100,000 Indians, the largest Native American population east of the Mississippi River. Of the dozen tribes that call NC home, certainly the Cherokee is the most familiar. The Cherokee story, from the arrival of the Spanish in 1540 to the tragic Trail of Tears in the early 19th Century, is the subject of Unto These Hills, one of the country’s oldest and most popular outdoor dramas. It’s been staged at the Mountain Theatre since 1950 and has entertained more than five million visitors. In 2009, the production will open its 60th season on June 9.

Get into the groove at Merlefest, Wilkesboro. It all began with a gardener who wanted to raise funds for gardens on the campus of a rural NC Community College and musicians who wanted to honor the memory of local blues guitarist Merle Watson. It grew to an internationally renowned music festival and fundraiser that contributes more than $17 million to the region. It's MerleFest, and if you like bluegrass, blues, and folk music, you need to be here on the last weekend of April. Regional musicians are the backbone of this festival, but legendary musicians such as Elvis Costello, Lucinda Williams, Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris and the Indigo Girls have also graced its stages throughout the years.

Melt your cares away at Hot Springs. Up in the mountains northwest of Asheville, nearly to the Tennessee state line, is a place where waters bubble up from the ground at more than 100 degrees. Folks here have harnessed North Carolina’s only natural hot springs into hot tubs overlooking the French Broad River and Spring Creek, where visitors can soak their cares away… and soak in the beautiful view. In addition, the Appalachian Trail runs right through downtown Hot Springs, so day hikers (or through hikers) can get a workout on the trail and then melt away the soreness in the healing waters of Hot Springs.

Wander through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is America’s most popular National Park, and it’s no surprise: from spring wildflowers to fall foliage to cascading streams, this is truly one of the most amazing places on Earth. The park was established in 1934, and at 520,000 acres (about 800 square miles) it’s one of the largest protected areas east of the Rockies. Recommended stops include Clingman’s Dome, Fontana Dam, Newfound Gap, and the beautiful drive through Cades Cove. The park is open daily, and unlike many other national park, admission is free – the Rockefellers insisted on this after they donated $5 million for the park’s creation.

Choose and Cut an NC Christmas Tree. Want to bring back the feeling of an old-timey holiday? There’s no better way to do it than to head up to a North Carolina Christmas tree farm to pick out the family tannenbaum. NC has more than sixty choose and cut tree farms in the mountains, and some enhance the experience by adding hayrides, bonfires, and visits from Santa. When you get home, the evergreen aroma will fill the house, and your fresh cut tree will stay full and green throughout the holiday season.

Stop and smell the rhododendron, Roan Mountain. At the peak of rhododendron season (usually around mid-June), pink rhododendron blossoms cover 600 acres of Roan Mountain at an elevation of 6,285 feet, which is likely the largest and highest natural flower garden you’ll ever see. If you can’t get to Roan, then get to Craggy Gardens on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville. Rhododenron shrubs are common, but the view of an entire mountainside covered in pink blossoms is not.

Learn a craft at Penland. The arts and crafts that symbolize North Carolina have many homes, but in the mountains in particular, people seem to have a way of creating beautiful and functional things with their hands. Penland, just north of Spruce Pine, celebrates those skills by hosting some of the world’s most talented artists. This school is the oldest and largest of its kind in the country, and students come from all over the world to learn from the masters of Appalachian weaving, pottery, glass blowing, woodworking, music, and more. Some studios are open to the public, and there are exhibits year-round.

Take a hike in Mount Mitchell State Park. Mount Mitchell has wowed outdoor enthusiasts since 1916, when it became North Carolina’s first state park. At 6,684 feet, it’s the highest point east of the Rockies, and the summit tower offers panoramic views of six peaks more than 6,000 feet high. Take a jacket, though, Mount Mitchell’s annual snowfall exceeds 100 inches, and measurable snowfall has fallen in all twelve months of the year. The park provides a haven for many rare species, but it’s the scenery that keeps people coming back.

Enjoy a breakfast feast at the Shatley Springs Inn, Crumpler. When you’re ready for a real, hearty, country breakfast, look no farther than this NC Highway 16 landmark about 35 miles northeast of Boone, which has been serving it up “old school” since the 1920s. The menu at Shatley Springs Inn is almost unending: eggs, bacon, country ham, sausage, tenderloin, grits, potatoes, baked apples, cereal, strawberry preserves, gravy, juice, coffee, and mouth –watering biscuits to die for. Grab a plate – you’re guaranteed to leave full and happy.

Climb Chimney Rock. Don’t worry. By ‘climb’, we don’t mean you’ll need ropes and crampons. In fact, there are two ways to get to the spectacular views from the Chimney – you can either climb up the 400+ stairs from the parking lot, or ride the elevator up a 26-story shaft blasted through solid granite. Either way, bring a camera. From the top, you’ll be able to see Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure, and on a clear day you’ll see all the way to Kings Mountain – some 75 miles to the east! The park offers many other hiking, climbing and sightseeing opportunities on its many acres.

Enjoy the warmth of the Grove Park Inn fireplace, Asheville. Edwin W. Grove didn’t want to keep the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains all to himself, so he built a hotel to share the experience with others. Grove broke ground in July 1912, and when the mule teams and workers had finished toting the last of the massive granite blocks up the mountain, it was hailed as one of the finest resort hotels in the world. The Grove Park Inn is one of NC’s most famous landmarks, and if you want to spend some time in a place that evokes a bygone hospitality, then make the drive to Asheville.

Slip slide away at Hawksnest, Seven Devils. Everyone knows that North Carolina has some great Southern skiing, but did you know that the state is also home to the largest snow tubing area on the East Coast? Hawksnest is a former ski resort now totally dedicated to snow tubing, with 20 lighted runs and daily snowmaking in the winter. A perfect place to have some winter fun with the kids or those whose skiing and snowboarding skills are not quite ready to hit the slopes.

Cross the swinging bridge at Grandfather Mountain. Rising 4,000 feet above the Catawba River Valley, Grandfather Mountain is a great place to get a bird’s eye view, and a protected habitat for 42 rare species. Privately owned by the Morton family for more than 120 years, the state purchased much of the property in 2008 and officially turned it into a State Park in 2009. You can hike, bird watch, take in the scenery, and stroll across the famous “Mile High Swinging Bridge.” Bring a sweater, though… the average temperature here is only 45 degrees, and the winds are legendary.

Feel poetic at the Carl Sandburg Home, Flat Rock. Most people know that Carl Sandburg was one of this country’s most beloved poets and biographers. But few know that this literary great, remembered for giving a voice to the downtrodden, moved to Flat Rock in 1945 and spent 22 years quietly pursuing his craft in a farmhouse that he called Connemara. All told, one-third of his published works sprang from these mountains. Today, the site is managed as a National Historic Site by the National Park Service. You can also tour the grounds, which are maintained as a living farm. The Sandburg Home is open year-round except for Christmas Day.

Smoky Valley Rally Scheduled for June 2009

2009-04-14T11:07:00.000-04:00

Lenoir City, Tennessee, Loudon County. Tennessee will welcome motorcycle enthusiasts to the best riding pavement in the U.S. June 4-7, 2009 for the first annual Smoky Valley Rally. This inaugural rally will help fill the gap left by the canceled 2009 Honda Hoot, giving riders a new opportunity to ride the twists of the Dragon and a host of lesser known roads during this long weekend of live music, street parties, self-guided tours, and one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in the South.

Smoky Valley Rally will feature planned rides every day for all registered attendees. Planned rides include RT 129/the Dragon; Fall Creek Falls, Cherohala Skyway, and a poker run. Attendees also can take a riverboat breakfast cruise on the Watts Bar Belle riverboat and kayak on the Tennessee River, among other activities.

Smoky Valley Rally general activities will begin daily, rain or shine, at Loudon Municipal Park at 8:30 a.m. Daily passes are $10 and an event pass for all four days is $25. This year’s event will feature live music every evening at the park along with contests, vendor displays and demonstrations, and concessions.

For general information about Smoky Valley Rally, please call Loudon Parks and Recreation at 865-458-7525. For information on accommodations, call the Loudon County Visitors Bureau at 888-568-3662 or visit our website.

Experience North Carolina Wine Country

2009-03-19T08:39:00.000-04:00

Over the past three decades, North Carolina has gone from just a handful of wineries to more than eighty. And that number just gets bigger every year. For visitors to NC wine country, it means a friendly, relaxed atmosphere for tastings and tours, and wineries that have distinctive flavors and settings. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a newbie, whether you prefer whites or reds, merlot or muscadine, North Carolina wineries will have a bottle just right for your taste… and enjoyable experiences that will keep bringing you back.

If you’re traveling from the Charlotte area to the mountains around Asheville (or vice versa), this five-winery trail is a perfect sampler of the North Carolina Wine Country experience. From the muscadine wines produced at WoodMill Winery to the classic varietals grown at Rockhouse, from the small family-run operations at Owl’s Eye and Green Creek to America’s most visited winery at Biltmore, you will see and taste a wide range of NC wines and can explore the methods by which they’re produced. Plus, you’ll see some amazing North Carolina scenery along the way!

Family Fun Destinations

2009-03-19T08:29:00.000-04:00

Beach at Lake Lure: Stretching out unexpectedly in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains just south of Asheville, the Beach at Lake Lure offers beautiful vistas in a relaxing setting. Gaze up at Chimney Rock as you float on the lake; then dry off in the sun before stopping for a bite or an ice cream cone at one of the restaurants on the shore. Lakeview Restaurant offers spectacular views. www.rutherfordtourism.com

Sliding Rock, Brevard: This 60-foot natural water slide in the Pisgah National Forest is not to be missed. Wear your old blue jean cut-offs to sit and slip down the rock into the pool below, where 60-degree water beats summer heat. Sliding Rock is a few minutes drive from Looking Glass Falls located on US 276 about five miles past the entrance to the Pisgah National Forest. The 60-foot falls were featured in Last of the Mohicans. www.visitwaterfalls.com

Linville Caverns, Marion: In the caverns, you’ll find a constant 52-degree temperature. After remaining a mysterious secret for centuries, North Carolina’s only show caverns near Boone allow visitors to glimpse nature at work "inside" the mountains. Slow moving ground water created underground labyrinths forming an incredible series of rooms and passages and spectacular formations. www.linvillecaverns.com

Boomerang Bay Water Park, Carowinds, Charlotte: Carowinds Boomerang Bay Water Park added a new, 600,000-gallon wave pool, rental cabanas with chair-side service and numerous other amenities. Bondi Beach, Carowinds second wave pool, totals 34,000 square feet with 275 feet of “beach frontage” (shallow end width), giving guests ample opportunity to sunbathe as they watch the waves roll in on the zero-depth entry. www.carowinds.com

North Carolina Zoo, Asheboro: This world-class zoo is home to more than 1,100 animals from Africa, North America and Australia. In April 2008, the zoo opened an $8.5 million expansion of its elephant and rhinoceros facilities called the Watani Grasslands Reserve. Visitors can stroll through a rainforest of tropical birds. Gaze across a prairie filled with bison. Sit face-to-face with polar bears and enjoy the Australian Walkabout hopping with kangaroos. Take a ride on the zoo's 36-foot Endangered Species Carousel featuring figures of polar bears, zebras, bears, sea lions, elephants, gorillas and other animals. www.nczoo.org

N.C. Transportation Museum, Spencer: If planes, trains and automobiles make you tick, Spencer Shops allows you to explore antique locomotives, rail cars, automobiles and more. Spencer Shops was once a national hub for steam engine repair and employed 3,000 people. Take the train ride around the historic 57-acre site, enjoy the many family-friendly special events and learn how transportation helped build North Carolina. The museum is located just minutes off I-85, about an hour's drive from Charlotte, Greensboro or Winston-Salem. The museum is featured in the new George Clooney film, Leatherheads. www.nctrans.org

Old Salem, Winston – Salem: Old Salem Museums & Gardens is one of America's most comprehensive historical attractions. Old Salem’s four museums - the Historic Town of Salem, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), the Old Salem Children's Museum, and the Old Salem Toy Museum - engage visitors in an educational and memorable historical experience about those who lived and worked in the early South. www.oldsalem.org

Experience America's Favorite Drive!

2009-03-19T08:10:00.000-04:00

The Blue Ridge Parkway, nicknamed "America's Favorite Drive," is a 469-mile scenic route connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Split-rail fences, old farmsteads and historic structures complement spectacular views of distant mountains and neighboring valleys. Meandering through two national forests the surrounding area offers campgrounds, picnic areas, lodges, restaurants and countless scenic overlooks.

http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/

Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

2009-03-19T07:59:00.000-04:00

Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America’s most visited national park.

Working closely with partners Great Smoky Mountains Association and the Friends of the Smokies, and with neighboring communities, www.GreatSmokies75th.org has been developed as the "Virtual Visitor Center" for all the exciting opportunities surrounding the 75th Anniversary.

On this site you will find a rich and evolving variety of information on the park’s history, current issues, and future visions. Throughout 2008 and 2009 you’ll find information about a wide array of activities and events in the park as well as officially recognized events in all our many neighboring communities.

Grandfather Mountain

2009-03-19T07:49:00.000-04:00

Grandfather Mountain, one of the best-known landmarks of the Blue Ridge, is more than just a mountain. Towering 5,946 feet above northwest North Carolina, Grandfather Mountain is operated as a scenic travel attraction and is the only private park in the world designated by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve. A Mile High Swinging Bridge was built to give visitors easy access to the breath-taking views from Grandfather Mountain's Linville Peak.

Marvel at 360-degree views of mountain ridge after mountain ridge retreating to the horizon and let our knowledgeable staff help you find your own perfect mountain adventure.

http://www.grandfather.com/

Springtime in the Mountains

2009-03-19T07:41:00.000-04:00

Get acquainted with Western North Carolina's gardens this spring:

Asheville
Biltmore Estate – 800-624-1575
The Botanical Gardens of Asheville – 828-252-5190
The North Carolina Arboretum – 828-665-2492
Richmond Hill Inn – 888-742-4536

Boone
The Daniel Boone Native Gardens – 828-264-6390

Cherokee
Cherokee Botanical Garden and Nature Trail – 828-497-2315

Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock Park – 800-277-9611

Clyde
The Campus Arboretum of Haywood Community College – 828-627-2821

Wilkesboro
Wilkes Community College Gardens – 336-838-6294

Find Fabulous Fall Colors in National Parks

2008-10-30T15:01:00.000-04:00

(ARA) - Every year, millions of Americans look forward to autumn and the opportunity to take in the beautiful fall foliage. As deciduous trees across the country begin to shed their leaves, “leaf peeping,” as it is known, becomes a pastime of many travelers.

The national parks offer a serene setting and unmatched views to enjoy this majestic transformation. Our parks preserve hundreds of tree species, which, into November, vibrantly paint the mountains and hillsides and fields with fresh shades of red, orange, yellow and purple.

“Visitors come from miles away each year to experience fall foliage in our national parks. It is truly a spectacular time of year,” says Mark Wenzler, director of Clean Air and Climate Programs for the National Parks Conservation Association.

Here are a few national park sites beloved for their brilliant fall foliage:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee, North Carolina) usually experiences a fall foliage season that lasts several weeks. Park trees change colors at various times, depending mostly on elevation. At mid and lower-level elevations, the color display typically reaches peak between mid-October and early November. The park attracts leaf peepers, who want a glimpse of the nearly 100 native tree species, most of which are deciduous. Some of the more vibrant trees include hickories, sugar maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum and red maple.

The fall foliage display at Great Smoky Mountains remains one of the best in the country. For more information about fall foliage at Great Smoky Mountains, please visit www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit.

Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is known for its extensive cave system -- the longest in the world. However, visitors have ample opportunity to explore other features of this national park, as well. Mammoth Cave preserves the forested Kentucky hills, which offer numerous trails for hikers to explore and observe the vibrant fall foliage. Oak, tulip poplar and sassafras are among the trees that scatter park forests and attract leaf peepers annually.

For an updated webcam shot of fall foliage at the park, please visit http://nature.nps.gov/air.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Blog Cabin

2008-09-30T16:09:00.000-04:00

DIY Network's crew of home improvement experts build the cabin you helped design. When it's done, one lucky winner is going to call it home. Visit http://www.diynetwork.com/blogcabin

Try the Blue Ridge Parkway For Fall Color Viewing

2008-09-29T08:44:00.000-04:00

Soon the leaves will turn gold and red, and the hillsides in Western North Carolina will burst into color. Autumn brings scenic spendor, but in mountain country, it's nothing less than spectaular. The color change starts in the higher elevations, spreading to mid-mountain, and finally to the valleys, and that makes viewing time a lasting one.

Some of the best panoramas are seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs for 251 miles through the heart of Western North Carolina's mountains at elevations up to 6,000 feet or more. According to the U.S. National Park Service, this roadway is the most visited unit of America's National Park System and offers numerous pull-over spots for motorists to admire the majestic scenery. The best viewing is mid-October.

Grandfather Mountain offers views with easy access that are unmatched in peak season. The sweeping curves of the Blue Ridge Parkway's Linn Cove Viaduct set against the reds, yellows and oranges of the hillside are particularly photogenic.

In the town of Sylva, on Fisher Creek Road, Pinnacle Park provides visitors a brilliant fall kaleidoscope. Or park near the top of Whiteside Mountain, close to the town of Cahsiers, to admire the autumn views and sheer cliffs, or walk the two-mile hiking trail there. And in the waterfall country west of Hendersonville, lovely views of cascading waters alongside vivid foliage are abundant. Along Lake Lure's 21 miles of tree-line shores, the fall panorama can be seen from miles arond.

Halfbacks In Western North Carolina

2008-09-23T17:55:00.000-04:00

Finding a native Floridian is quite challenging. Most of us are from somewhere north of here, and on hot summer days we often wish we could go back to someplace cooler and less humid. But we don't want to go all the way back, just far enough to find the cool change of season and slower pace that we miss - just halfway back. Thus the term, "halfbacks." One of the most popular halfback spots for may Floridians is the serene and majestic mountains of western North Carolina. The cool mountain breezes and spectacular scenery, coupled with the casual mountain lifestyle, draws vacationers and second home buyers.

Homebuyers See East Tennessee Smoky Mountains as a Smart Buy

2008-06-13T19:08:00.000-04:00

Of course, we all know how magnificent the Smoky Mountains are. From the intense, rich hues of Autumn to the bluish, smoky tint of the vast panoramas, it is an exquisite area to live and visit. That alone is probably good enough reason why so many people are relocating to East Tennessee, just for the sheer beauty and serenity of mountain living.

It is the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the peace and quiet, and extraordinary views from your new mountain home, and just a short drive away you will discover the cultural and business hub of one of America's truly great cities, Knoxville, home to the University of Tennessee (Go Vols) and a rich history dating back to the American Revolution.

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park of East Tennessee, opened in 1933 and ranks today as the most visited national park in the United States, with over 9 million visitors per year.You may think, that all of the above is good enough reason to relocate to East Tennessee. The developers of a new mountain community, The Ridges at Tellico Lake, have recently seen interest in the area grow due to the economics of the area as well. East Tennessee is proving to be an affordable alternative for many people, whether they are looking to relocate permanently, or purchase a vacation home.

Some of the financial incentives the area offers is; NO state income tax, NO luxury tax, LOW insurance rates on property and autos, NO auto registration tax, LOW property tax and LOW cost of local services.

This all added up seems to be many attractive reasons for new homebuyers to come to the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. In a relatively slow economy and housing market, homebuyers are finding the area a safe investment opportunity.For more information regarding purchasing a new mountain home and homesites in the Smoky Mountains, visit http://www.theridgesattellicolake.com/ or call 239-253-2332.

Buying Land Today, Still a Great Investment

2008-04-28T03:39:00.000-04:00

Buying Land Today, Still a Great Investment
Bucking the Trend and Purchasing Large Homesites

With the real estate market slowdown and the stock market as volatile as ever, many experts’ advise is to invest in land. With a land purchase, your real estate investment is obviously smaller than investing in a home/land package, plus your purchase provides more flexibility.
The real estate market will change, it always does. It will go from the buyer’s market it is today to a seller’s market, so the equity in your land purchase, by just holding on to it, will build into a nice profit.
The developers of The Ridges at Tellico Lake, a gated community in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains are offering an interesting investment opportunity. Purchase your homesite today, with no money down, three years interest only and you don’t have to build until 2013. The advantage to not having to build for 5 years is that within that period of course the market will change, and you can resell your property whenever you wish within that period of time. Of course, if you fall in love with this Smoky Mountain getaway you have the option of building a gorgeous new home. It’s a win- win program.
These are not small ¼ acre homesites. They range in size up to 3 acres and can feature incredible 50 mile mountain vistas.
Not only will the value of the land go up due to the turn in the market, but with other homesites sales and luxury homes being built in the community your investment can grow significantly.
Land investment historically has a low risk factor and a high yield on return.
For more information regarding purchasing a homesite at The Ridges at Tellico Lake visit http://theridgesattellicolake.comor call 239-253-2332.

How Are Log Homes Built Today?

2008-04-23T10:08:00.000-04:00

If your vision of a log home is the usual depiction of Abraham Lincoln's boyhood home, or the label illustration on a famous pancake syrup bottle, then wait until you see what today's log home builders are up to. With technological advances in craftsmanship and building materials, and meeting the needs and demands of the marketplace, log homes today look nothing like their great ancestors. The log home industry has grown rapidly as consumers discover their advantages and flexibility, plus every creature comfort they desire can be incorporated into a magnificent luxury log home.

In addition log homes are among the most energy efficient housing styles on the market. A log home is more than 30% more efficient than any other form of home construction, according to a U.S Government agency report. Today's log homes are airtight and weather resistant, and with the log's ability to absorb and slowly release heat, the weather does not enter the home, keeping it comfortable and using less energy to maintain temperature control than wood frame homes.

The new log home is not necessarily just a log home anymore. There are many ways today's builders are constructing their log homes. Many builders are calling them "Hybrids".

A new gated community in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, The Ridges at Tellico Lake will be an exclusive log and timber home community. The homes are hybrids, a combination of materials that allow for much more design flexibilty and beauty for the homeowner. Utilizing customized timber frame trusses with milled log walls, and stone for architectural accents these homes can range in size up to 5,000 square feet of luxury living space. After the buyer selects his Smoky Mountain homesite, they will select their builder, which will be approved by the design board, The home will be customized to meet every need of the homebuyer, just as they would if it were of wood frame construction.

For more information about The Ridges at Tellico Lake visit www.theridgesattellicolake.com
or call 239-253-2332.

Florida Halfbacks Heading to the Great Smoky Mountains

2008-04-08T17:10:00.000-04:00

In years passed, a "halfback"meant something much different than it does today. During pro football's golden era of the fifties and sixties, we had our share of halfback heroes, Frank Gifford, Paul Hornung, Lenny Moore and Gale Sayers. They glorified the position with spectacular, galloping runs across the gridiron with a combination of speed and grace.

Now that the word "halfback", along with "flanker" and other now nostalgic phrases from a bygone era are no longer part of the football lexicon, halfback has taken on a new meaning. Today, halfback describes a new real estate trend. A Florida halfback is someone who years ago relocated to Florida to escape the cold harsh winters of Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey and many other of our wintry northern states. Now, for various reasons, they have made the decision to leave Florida, but are not willing to go all the back and experience freezing temperatures again, but go halfway back, to the mountains of Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia, where the winters are mild and the opportunities abundant. This is why they are called "Florida Halfbacks".

The developers of The Ridges at Tellico Lake, a new gated community in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains believe that over half of their residents will be "Halfbacks" from Florida. Why are they leaving Florida and heading halfway back? There are many reasons. Some choose to live seasonally in the mountain areas, avoiding the summer heat in Florida. The summers are much more comfortable in these mountain regions, so many are choosing the mountain lifestyle as a summer retreat. The majority of the halfbacks however are searching for a long term alternative to the Florida lifestyle they sought in years past. So why the move for these Florida Halfbacks?

A slower real estate market, high property tax and insurance rates are a key reason. The summer heat of course and concern over hurricanes is another factor. Many are getting more home for the money. Many areas in Florida have seen property values increase at a phenomenal rate over the past 20 years, pushing prices up and value down. Plus, one of the most significant reasons many people came down to Florida originally was to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With Florida's rapid growth in population and industry, halfbacks are finding in the Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains the quiet lifestlye they once enjoyed in Florida. There are new employment opportunities in many of these mountain areas and many opportunities to invest in gorgeous mountain properties with exquisite mountain views.

New mountain communities, like The Ridges at Tellico Lake are offering homesties up to 3 acres in size, which is also attractive to the halfback who feels the need for more space, as Florida continues to grow and large homesites are becoming a thing of the past.

For more information about The Ridges at Tellico Lake, please visit www.theridgesattellicolake.com or call 239-253-2332.

Bed and Breakfast - A Vacation Rental Alternative

2008-03-28T16:29:00.000-04:00

Do you love the ambiance of a vacation rental cabin in the mountains, but aren't that crazy about cooking and cleaning? Consider a Bed and Breakfast Inn. Many innkeepers allow you to rent the whole place for your large family, special event, or family reunion.

The Windover Inn in Waynesville, NC offers luxurious accommodations and a delicious breakfast, beautiful wraparound porch and gardens, and personalized services to help you pull it all together. With eight spacious and private rooms, it might just be the right alternative for you.

High Point, NC Experiencing Real Estate Growth

2008-03-18T03:30:00.000-04:00

You may be either trying to sell a house, trying to buy a house, or know someone who is. I know some of you don't live in High Point nor do some of you even live in North Carolina but I believe this information will still be of use to you.

Let me assure you that North Carolina and, particularly, High Point is in great shape. We do not have the same conditions to which the national media is referring when it comes to foreclosures etc. Please reassure your friends and family that High Point, North Carolina, among many other places, is a fantastic place to buy a home right now.

Recent headlines about local conditions have been wonderful.
- this area attracted 3,100 new jobs in ’07
- the Thomasville-Lexington area was selected as the nation’s #1 micropolitan area for attracting corporate projects.
- the High Point metro area was named #1 in the nation for it’s size category for attracting new industries.
- High Point is the most competitive city, in the most competitive region, in the most competitive state. For more economic development news, please go to: www.highpointedc.com/news.cfm .

North Carolina has ranked 5th among the highest population growth and only 25th among foreclosure rates. What does this mean? People think NC is a worthy place to stay and we can afford to stay. Furthermore, you will note that 2-3 of the states that ranked above us in population growth are also in the top ten in foreclosures.

Thanks for your time and I hope this information is reassuring to you.

Lisa Duke
www.DukeBrothers.com
336-885-4256
336-442-7372
336-885-5731

Enjoy an afternoon with Smith Mountain Lake, Virigina.

2008-02-16T01:36:00.000-05:00

On Saturday February 23rd from 3:00 until 6:00 PM at the Himmarshee Bar and Grill in downtown Ft. Lauderdale, take the opportunity to learn more about vacations and retirement living on Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. Affordable living, golf, tennis, waterfront dining... and so much more! For reservations to our cocktail party, please email jayw@marinerslanding.com or call 804.278.9672.

Log and Timber Home Show

2008-02-02T19:09:00.000-05:00

Dreaming of a log or timber home? The Log & Timber Home Show is coming to Orlando, FL! The Orange County Convention Center is the site for this premier marketplace for those seeking log or timber home packages, finishing materials, furniture, lighting and financing. You don't have to trek across the country to speak one-on-one with leading log and timber providers because they're all under one roof! This three-day event offers you the chance to meet with up to 150 exhibitors from March 7 – 9, 2008.

Florida Migration

2008-02-02T19:08:00.000-05:00

For the second year in a row in 2007, Atlas Van Lines moved more people out of Florida than into the state, reflecting what Floridians are seeing everyday – friends and neighbors moving away. Where are they going? Apparently many Floridian’s agree with North Carolina’s tagline, “A Better Place.” Analysts say the migration to the Carolinas and other adjoining states such as Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee has to do with a lower cost of living and other expenses including property taxes, insurance, and impact fees. Learn more.

Skis Please!

2007-12-31T13:50:00.000-05:00

Sugar Ski Mountain in Western North Carolina is open! Check their website for ski conditions and hours of operation. The nearby Pinnacle Inn Resort is offering great lodging values for your ski vacation.

Proposed Florida Property Tax Breaks

2007-12-31T13:08:00.000-05:00

The constitutional amendment that would provide tax breaks to Florida property owners goes to the voters on January 29. The amendment calls for doubling the $25,000 homestead exemption AND it allows a homesteader to take a 3 percent property tax increase cap with them to another home.

For Florida Halfbacks who are stuck with a home for sale in Florida’s sluggish real estate market and need to sell it to find their home in the mountains, these proposed tax breaks may well jump start Florida home sales. Buyers within Florida will have assurance of property tax breaks and are likely to get the market moving again, allowing Florida Halfback sellers the opportunity they are waiting for in the mountains!

Also keeping Floridian’s interest in the value of the Euro and the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar. Favorable conditions for foreigners may also prompt real estate sales.

Real estate is “looking up” in the mountains

2007-11-06T02:55:00.000-05:00

The national news paints a gloomy picture of the real estate market. But ask any Floridian looking for their spot in the mountains. Second home buyers know that now is the time to buy! Check out the real estate professionals and listings on www.FloridaHalfbacks.com to find your mountain or lake home.

Fall Color

2007-10-09T09:48:00.000-04:00

Fall color typically begins in early October and lasts for as long as six weeks. While the region is currently experiencing summer-like weather, cold fronts are on the way and leaf color changes are in the very early stages. Floridians seeking mountain color changes and cooler temperatures should be making plans now to visit the mountain and lake regions for a showcase of deep colors during the middle to latter part of October. The diversity of plants and trees, along with the changing terrain in the Appalachian Mountains, cause vibrant colors and typically a longer fall season. Visit www.FloridaHalfbacks.com to find your place in the mountains!

Log Home Living

2007-10-05T12:56:00.000-04:00

Dreaming of a log or timber home? The Log and Timber Home Show is coming to Tampa, FL on November 16 – 18 at the Tampa Convention Center. You don't have to trek across the country to speak one-on-one with leading log and timber providers because they're all under one roof! And if you’re looking for a leading mountain builder and realtor of log homes, look no further. Cedar Log Homes of Kingsport, Tennessee has been building dream homes for over 30 years! With over 50 stock plans available, you are sure to find the perfect log home.

Wine Time

2007-09-30T05:25:00.000-04:00

There is no better time to visit a winery than harvest time. September and October are popular grape harvest months. Many of the wineries host special harvest celebrations. Yadkin Valley Wine Tours in the North Carolina Piedmont region has several weekend tour dates through early December.

Preview of Fall Color

2007-09-04T18:25:00.000-04:00

Mid-September through October is when the color change in the deciduous trees really begins. If you’re looking for fall color, check out these scenic mountain drives:

· Blue Ridge Parkway
· Cherohala Skyway
· Big Walker Mountain Scenic Byway
· Mountain Waters

DIY Network’s Blog Cabin

2007-09-04T18:23:00.000-04:00

Blog Cabin is DIY Network’s newest hit series, featuring popular expert hosts who pitch in to bring the Kinzel Springs retreat to life. Watch them build the cabin one blog at a time.

From February until early April, 2007, DIY Network.com invited visitors to vote each day on 13 design areas for a future cabin to be built in the Great Smoky Mountains. Thousands decided on such areas as the floor plan, roof, countertops, even the front door. Don’t miss a minute of the entire Blog Cabin television series, airing Thursdays at 9 pm on DIY.

The Tale of Two Smith Lakes

2007-08-30T17:18:00.000-04:00

Floridians love the serenity and carefree lifestyle associated with lake living. Within the FloridaHalfbacks region of mountain and lake destinations, are two very special lakes named Smith, each with it own unique character and abundant vacation and relocation opportunities:

Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia
is a large artificial lake southeast of Roanoke, Virginia, and southwest of Lynchburg, Virginia. The area lies in a broad valley nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of rural south-central Virginia of the Appalachian chain. The lake is 20,600 acres and has over 500 miles of shoreline.
Smith Mountain Lake has become a popular recreational area. Fishing is very popular, especially for striped bass. The lake has hosted professional fishing tournaments. Boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, and riding personal watercraft are also common activities. Smith Mountain Lake State Park opened in 1983 and provided a beach and a section for swimming. Golf at one of the several nearby courses is a popular landside activity.

The lake was featured prominently in the 1991 movie comedy “What About Bob? “, directed by Frank Oz and starring Bill Murray, Richard Dreyfuss and Julie Hagerty.

Smith Lake, Alabama
Like a diamond that is deep, clear and blue, Lewis Smith Lake is one of Alabama’s treasures. Located in Walker, Winston and Cullman counties, this 21,200-acre lake is different than most other Alabama reservoirs with dozens of different feeder streams, winding bays, and sloughs. Steep bluffs cradle much of the lake, with water depths dropping as deep as 60 or 70 feet just a few yards offshore. The water often appears emerald green, and a bass that strikes a lure 10 feet down can be seen as it hits. If you typically fish a shallow body of water, then your first trip onto Smith Lake can be intimidating. Watching your depth finder jump to 200 plus feet can leave you feeling lost. However, like most lakes, the majority of bass, bream and crappie fishing is done by casting to the numerous large rocks and fallen trees along the shoreline. With 500 plus miles of shoreline, it isn’t that difficult to find fish. An hour north of Birmingham or south of Huntsville and just off I-65, the lake is easy to find.

Find your perfect mountain or lake cabin, best golf courses, intimate bed and breakfast inns, or a tranquil campground at lake’s edge. Find more information about real estate and accommodations at the two Smith Lakes by visiting www.FloridaHalfbacks.com.

Florida Halfbacks.com Expands!

2007-08-05T15:49:00.000-04:00

Seems that Floridians looking for that perfect spot in the mountains is more prevalent than we first thought! The mountains of the Carolinas, Tennessee, Georgia, and Virginia are a true haven for Floridians. But what about Alabama's lakes and mountains? Or mountain cabins in West Virginia? Did we mention middle Tennessee's rolling hills and welcoming spirit? Or the Piedmont of North Carolina and its temperate climate? What about the Appalachia of Kentucky?

You asked...and we heard you. The staff at FloridaHalfbacks.com has just unveiled its newest regions for Floridians. Check out our interactive home page map and find your perfect mountain or lake cabin, best golf courses, intimate bed and breakfast inns, or a tranquil campground at river's side.

Gatlinburg featured in "101 Best Outdoor Towns"

2007-08-02T03:21:00.000-04:00

Gatlinburg, TN is well known for its amenities and attractions, but it received an extra plug when it was included in the travel book "101 Best Outdoor Towns: Unspoiled Places to Live, Visit and Play."

Released this month by Countryman Press and written by Sarah Tuff and Greg Melville, "101 Best Outdoor Towns" provides information about possible vacation spots for those who like outdoor activities but appreciate the amenities offered indoors.

"This is the first type of book of this genre that we've done," said Tuff during a phone interview from her Vermont home. She and Melville have written many articles about outdoor towns for magazines and used that as the basis for "101 Best Outdoor Towns.""A lot of research came from stories we've done for magazines and an innate knowledge for hot spots and adventure for outdoor travel," Tuff said. For this book, she said they wanted to look beyond the obvious and locations that have become too expensive for the average tourist."We wanted to find small outdoor-oriented towns that were still affordable and had access to national parks and state parks, but also had great coffee shops and pubs and art scenes," she said.

Florida Residents Enjoy Life Halfway Back

2007-07-27T03:51:00.000-04:00

It comes as no surprise that people from the north move to Florida every year in droves. For decades the migration to Florida was as obvious as the ripe colors of the oranges on the Florida trees. Now, as hundreds of thousands of Floridians start to miss the comforts of the north, a new movement is rising, one that has Florida residents becoming Halfbacks.

A Florida Halfback is a nickname given to Floridians that originally migrated to Florida from the north, but now prefer to live halfway back, in the scenic mountain and lake areas of Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia. The official website for those aspiring to be part of the Halfback movement is FloridaHalfbacks.com.
FloridaHalfbacks.com offers visitors a comprehensive guide to spending time in these beautiful mountain and lake regions with just a few clicks of a button. The website provides detailed information on real estate agents, cabin rentals, hotels, bed and breakfast inns, developments, campgrounds, attractions, and more for those considering a temporary or perpetual stay in the mountain and lake regions.

Advertisers sweeten the pot for those visiting FloridaHalfbacks.com by offering incentives geared towards Florida residents to spend time in the mountain and lake regions of the Southeast. The website is easy to navigate, offering visitor’s subject related pages on all of the Halfback regions. One can visit the website for twenty minutes and have an abundance of information that will facilitate their ability to enjoy the area.

Several factors fueling the Florida Halfback trend include cooler milder weather, less traffic, lower real estate prices, and significantly lower property tax and insurance for home owners. All of the above factors have made becoming a Florida Halfback an enticing option.

With the growth of interest in the mountain and lakes regions, it is no surprise that FloridaHalfbacks.com is growing rapidly as well. The just-launched website is already seeing an increase in daily traffic. Combine the traffic increase with a user friendly online forum community, and it is safe to assume this site will be a major resource for those looking to relocate to this special region of the country in the near future.
For more information on the website or about Florida Halfbacks visit www.FloridaHalfbacks.com

Five Family Fun Ideas in Western North Carolina

2007-07-01T17:24:00.000-04:00

1. Great Smoky Mountain Railroad - There's no better way to see the Smokies than taking a trip through the heart of the mountains by train. As you wind along river gorges, through tunnels and over old-fashioned bridges, there is no worry about directions or who is driving. For more information call 800-872-4681,

2. Ghost Town in the Sky - Re-opening after a four-year closure, Ghost Town in the Sky has rides, a chairlift, and incline railroad to transport visitors to the mile-high summit and the gunfight reenactments held hourly. The amusement park is bound to be a sure-fire hit for the entire family. Call 828-926-9658 or stop by the Ghost Town welcome center on Soco Road in Maggie Valley.

3. Cherokee - Sitting on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cherokee is home to the eastern BAnd of the Cherokee Indians. It is a colorful town that has combined history and cultural traditions. Children will delight in a visit to the Oconoluftee Inidan Village, a performance of Unto These Hills, an outdoor stage performance telling the story of hte cherokee, or just wandering around town. For more information, call 828-497-2315.

4. Deep Creek - Tumbling waters give way to a swimming hole and a bouncy tube ride. If you hike along the trails upstream, you will find three waterfalls. Just inside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park two miles north of Bryson City, the Deep Creek recreational area and campground has horseback riding, swimming, tubing, and picnicking. For more infomration: camping 828-488-3184, horseback riding, 828-497-8504, tube rentals 828-488-6055.

5. Sliding Rock - Slip and slide your way down this natural slipper rock into a clean, cool, seven-foot deep swimming hole. A longtime favorite for families, Sliding Rock is a 60-foot natural water slide located in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard. Bathrooms and changing rooms are available. Camping is available in nearby Davidson River Campground. For more information, contact the Forest Service at 828-877-3350.

FloridaHalfback.com Launches July 1st

2007-06-30T09:39:00.000-04:00

We're excited to announce the launch of the FloridaHalfbacks.com website! We welcome and encourage any comments or feedback you may have about the site. Of course we and others would like most to hear your comments about the mountains and any memorable experiences.

Thanks for your interest in FloridaHalfbacks.com and please remember to be kind and keep your comments friendly and clean. Enjoy!