Heading north from Asheville, NC today, we look forward to stepping, even if only briefly, on the Appalachian Trail  when we visit Second and Vacation Homes  at The Preserve at Wolf Laurel .   Here golfing, skiing, hiking and equestrian pursuits are on the agenda for second and vacation home owners. Keeping these points in mind,a) proximity to Asheville,  b) the exterior and/or interior allure for a second or vacation home,  and c) zoning/deed restrictions, we travel about 25 minutes on I-26 to Exit 3. Another 20 minutes takes us to the gates of this eco-friendly development touted as a "a private, gated mountain top community that adjoins Wolf Laurel Resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina."  "With an elevation of approximately 4,800 feet, this 1,300 acre master pl... 04/01/2010

The Amazing (though small) MARS HILL Tailgate Market.   It's a mild August Saturday morning, and I'm  on my way to the Madison County Tailgate and Artisans Market in Mars Hill, NC .  You may not be able to tell from this photo, but it is right on the campus of Mars Hill College! This college is a bit of history in and of itself! . It is a liberal arts college founded WAY back in 1856.(For more on the college and Mars Hill,  see my college and small towns around Asheville series.) Summer's here, the mountainsides are blooming and the dear old trees are deepening to even deeper shades of green. Coming into Mars Hill, I spot the tailgate market  just over the hill. Now it occurs to me. . .I love the idea of sustainable agriculture and sustainable practices that bring organic fruits and veg... 08/16/2008