Over the weekend I ran across a new find- Our Southern Community located 797 Locust Street just north of Historic Downtown Hendersonville. It was not open so I had to return on Wednesday. What a find. They have a Bookstore, as well as a Resource Center. They are offering all kinds of great classes and have big plans for future educational events. The are also involved in planning the yearly SEE events.   They have been working on the building for several months, but just opened the doors to the public about a week ago. I hope that everyone in the community will welcome this great new resource into Hendersonville, as well as take advantage of all of the learning potential they have to offer. 05/09/2011

There are many places to celebrate a Mother’s Day meal.  I for one don’t care to wait 30-45 minutes in a long restaurant line for a table only to have to shout at one another just so you can hear what someone is saying.  Sound familiar? So, I called Ken’s parents and requested that we try something different for Mother’s Day.  How about a picnic lunch at Sycamore Flats in Pisgah National Forest?  I confess I was clearly not the only one with this idea.  We arrived at the first picnic area of the Forest only to find it full.  As I started to second guess my great idea, Ken’s brother said “follow me”.  We turned into an area called Sycamore Flats.  We were surprised that no one had discovered this amazing picnic site.  It was perfect! These photos were taken a few years ago and as we call... 05/07/2011

For the 20th year in a row, the Arbor Day Foundation has named Hendersonville a Tree City USA Community in honor of its continued commitment to urban forestry.  In order to be honored as a Tree City USA Community, Hendersonville has to maintain a tree board or department (which is legally responsible to care for and manage the city's trees), a community forestry program (with a budget of at least $2 per capita for tree care funding), a tree care ordinance (to put policies in place for caring for community trees) and an official proclamation and observance of Arbor Day.  The love and care of trees is a normal way of life for a community that sits in the natural beauty of Western North Carolina's mountainous region. How does Hendersonville benefit from being a Tree City USA Community?  En... 05/04/2011

Friends of DuPont forest would like to announce the upcoming Tour de Falls, a 12 mile tour by shuttle to four of DuPont State Forest’s breathtaking waterfalls. The tour will take place on Saturday May 7th and Sunday May 8th and will include Triple Falls (photo above), High Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Lake Julia. A $10 per person donation by cash or check is requested.  The parking lot for the tour is located at 1300 Staton Road in Cedar Mountain, NC. After experiencing the tour myself, my personal favorite waterfall is Triple Falls. This photograph was taken while hiking with my long time friend Melissa who once lived in Hendersonville and was visiting from out of town.  Like the falls, Melissa’s friendship is steadfast.  I’m grateful that we have the ability to go weeks without spea... 05/02/2011

      Hendersonville, Henderson County NC - A Walk Back In Time -- What a pleasant surprise when I opened our local Hendersonville area local paper, the Times-News this morning.  Tucked in there was a insert magazine titled "There Was A Time, Historian Tom Orr shares observations of Henderson County's rich heritage."  Readers contributed their historical photos to assist in getting it together.  For me, it's a keeper. If you would enjoy a look back in time as Henderson County, NC evolved and grew and don't receive the Newspaper you might want to purchase a copy for the insert.  You can also view it online at the Times-News internet site BlueRidgeNow.   For information on the Hendersonville area and listings visit Robin's Website. Sue of Robin and Sue 04/29/2011

Henderson County NC Medical Loan Closet I had a power chair I wanted to find a deserving home for after my husband passed away in October.  I started looking online for a local facility that could benefit.  The new battery we had purchased had only been used a few times when Marvin would take our canine kids for a ride in the house and those batteries are not cheap. I found the Henderson County Medical Loan Closet and what a service they provide to the Hendersonville area community.  It's run by volunteers of the St. James Episcopal Church.  They work from a 1,200 square foot room in the church.  The Executive Director for this program is Mr. Sam Pratt who I had the pleasure of meeting when he came to pick up Marvin's chair.  I know Marvin would be pleased that someone in need will be a... 04/23/2011

Before you establish an asking price for your home I’d like to ask you one question:  Is your asking price bullet proof? Today’s market can be compared to a good western - Two gun slingers stand face to face just paces from each other, each waiting for the other to “make their move”. One gun slinger (the seller) decided to price his home for top dollar even though there are many other homes like it for sale.  The other gun slinger (the buyer) has patiently sifted through the many homes that are on the market and views the seller’s home. It offers a good location and condition, but this buyer says “It’s priced at the top of the market; I’ll just wait for the price reduction”. Now several days go buy and the seller has received no offers.  The buyer has shot down his property in search fo... 04/22/2011

Spring in the Mountains! Spring has been going strong for weeks now and summer will be here in no time. We have seen many 80 degree days already, making me wonder if this summer will be unusually hot. BUt being the optimist I am, I want to believe that it will be as beautiful here as ever. Here are just a few sites in my neighborhood over the last few weeks.     04/19/2011

On the way to work I drive down a historic residential street in our small city called Fifth Avenue.  I could take another route, however this is one of my favorites especially in the spring.  The older homes are adorned with well manicured lawns that are just bursting with color this time of year.  The phlox is plentiful and overhangs the rock retaining walls, the white and pink dogwoods highlight the street, the tulips are dripping with color as well as many other plants and plantings.  As I drive this street I think of what a blessing it is that I have lived to see another spring and to see nature in all her graciousness, splendor and beauty. 04/12/2011

The Henderson County Parks & Recreation Department will be holding a Spring Break Soccer Camp in Hendersonville during the week of April 18th through the 21st.  There is a half day camp being held for kids under 6 years of age and under 8 from 9am to noon each day for a total of $80.  Kids in the under 9 and under 12 category can attend a half day camp from 1pm to 4pm each day for a total of $80 as well. Sponsored by the HCSA & HCPRD, the Spring Break Soccer Camps in Hendersonville will be coached by Lee Squires, current HCSA Coach and former All American League Collegiate Player.  The soccer camps will be held at Jackson Park (801 Glover St, Hendersonville, NC).  If you're interested in having your child attend one of these soccer camps during their spring break, please call 697-4884 o... 04/07/2011

  The Gold Finches have arrived in Western North Carolina! When I lived in Iowa that meant that gardening was just around the corner. Now that I am in Western North Carolina it makes me want to get to it in the garden. I planted some lettuce already and it has come up looking healthy. Now I need to thin it out. Our cherry and peach trees are blooming all over town, the hostas and bleeding hearts are up and flowers are everywhere. The mountains are alive with spring flowers and it looks awsome. Here are some photographs of spring around town. Come out to Western North Carolina while Spring is in The Air!                               04/06/2011

For the last week and a half, I have had a friend visiting me from Iowa, where I lived for 21 years. His trip out here has really opened my eyes as to just how blinded I have become after seven years of living in the mountains of Western North Carolina. I moved here to be in the great outdoors, to live in a beautiful environment with friendly people, to enjoy the slower pace of small town living. But since coming here I have been working so much and have gotten back into the same routine of being a work-a-holic that I had when I was in Iowa. Hence the blinders. Perhaps I put on the blinders so that I could stay focused on work. But I see now that I am missing out on all of the things I moved here to enjoy. As I was out working during the day, my friend was out enjoying--you guessed it--... 03/22/2011

My daughter and I attended our first Girl Scout informational meeting this past week.  I looked forward to Isobella becoming part of an organization that builds courage, confidence and character in young girls.   Girl Scouts needs adult volunteers!  Men and woman like yourself that have a desire to help make a positive impact with our local children.  I’m signing up to be a troop leader after learning over 100 girls was put on a waiting list to become Girl Scouts for lack of adult volunteers.   Please visit girlscouts.org and watch the leadership experience video.  For as little as 2 hours a week of your time we can make a difference in a little girl’s life. 03/20/2011

  Are you interested in what is happening in the City of Hendersonville, or the County of Henderson, NC? If so, below is a chart of meeting times and places, as well as websites for keeping track of what is happening in the local political scene.   You can track when and where City and County Council meetings will be held, read about what is going on and what will be coming up, and get the new and improved GIS Search site for the County of Henderson.   See the chart below for all of the places to attend meetings, and keep up on the pulse of the county.                                                 03/20/2011

Hendersonville North Carolina is considered a destination market.  We rely on buyers from Florida, California and New Jersey.  It's no surprise that our market felt the harsh effects of buyers who wanted to buy and could not sell their current home. The good news is that we've had to adjust our prices. Our first quarter reports showings up 22%.  Buyers from Florida are returning with cash to buy up the great opportunities we have available in Hendersonville NC. We have a buyer's market inventory available and I see more homes going into pending status much faster than in previous months.  I think the warmer weather will bring the ready, willing and able buyers out with the knowledge that interest rates are still at historic lows, lenders are ready to lend money and sellers are motivated... 03/19/2011

I love receiving mail from happy clients.  Today I received this letter and wanted to share it with you:   Dear Mary, How can I thank you enough for everything you did to sell my aunt's home?  When we met my aunt had just passed away and my mother was under Hospice care.  I immediately felt relief and confidence that you were the right person for the job. While I was out of state, you were the perfect long distance project manager overseeing the cleaning out of the house, evaluating what work needed to have done, finding reliable people to do it, closely monitoring the progress, and then with staging the home so perfectly.  All along the way you kept me up-to-date with phone calls, emails and photos. Once the house was ready to for sale, you advertised relentlessly and held many open ho... 03/19/2011

Beginning today, March 17, 2011, the free mulch giveaway in Hendersonville has officially resumed.  To get ready for your spring gardening, come to the Hendersonville Wastewater Treatment Plant (80 Balfour Road) every Thursday, Friday or Saturday until April 30th while supply lasts.  Mulch will be available for pickup on Thursdays and Fridays from 3:30-7pm and on Saturdays from 8am-12pm.  Only Hendersonville residents are allowed to pick up their free mulch. Hendersonville's gardening season usually begins somewhere in early April, when the last of the winter frost wears off and continues through late October.  Here are a few gardening tips to help you get your Hendersonville garden in top shape for spring: Plan Ahead - Decide what plants and/or flowers you wish to add to your garden th... 03/17/2011

Great Place For Lunch In Hendersonville NC - Mean Mr. Mustard's Cafe!  The above picture was taken for them on a sunny day which they said I could use off of their Website.  Today in Hendersonville NC it was very rainy, drippy and dreary.  So, what better to do than go to a great, cheery place for lunch with 2 friends.  Mean Mr. Mustards Cafe sure fits the bill.  Small, cozy, great folks who own, run and staff it and fantastic taste delights.       My two friends are at the table in the corner under the yellowish art work.  As you can see it is cozy and busy.  I have been told that it is that way always.  The owners, Monte and Diane Rosemond opened the cafe in December 2009 (opps: 2008) and it quickly became a popular eatery that serves breakfast and lunch and breakfast is served at lu... 03/15/2011

Hendersonville and Western NC Regional MLS February Market Report These numbers are provided by the 4 County Western NC Regional MLS system and representresidential home sales in Buncombe (Asheville Area), Haywood, Henderson (Hendersonville Area) and Transylvania (Brevard Area)  counties.  Land/lots are not included in these figures.  If you would find other stats helpful, such as by these individual counties that Robin services, let us know.    2010 JanuaryResidential Statistics       2011 January ResidentialStatistics (Adjusted 03/08/11)                   Single-Family Homes Sold   262   Single-Family Homes Sold   261 Average Days on Market   182   Average Days on Market   190 Average Selling Price   $252,109   Average Selling Price   $196,639 Month End Inventory   7,885   Month End ... 03/09/2011

An Experiment in Above Ground Gardening I had a few barrels on hand that I had no use for, and a friend suggested that I try cutting them in half for waist level gardening. I thought what the heck, I have nothing to lose. He cut them for me, and then last Sunday I built stands for them. I will see how they work and if it goes well, I may try to 'pretty" them up. But for now I just want to see.  I ended up with four planters, and I planted some lettuce and spinach last week. I have never planted anything this early, but the gardening store assured me that this would be perfect timing. So far we have had several days of hard rain, and so the seeds have had planty of water without me doing a thing, which is always nice. Last year when I was at an Ace Hardware on Sweeten Creek Road in Ashev... 03/09/2011