MURPHY NORTH CAROLINA MENTIONED ON THE TODAY SHOW  WHAT $400,000 GETS YOU IN HOUSING ACROSS THE UNITED STATES Each week, the TODAY SHOWlooks around the U.S. to see what homebuyers can get for their money. This week they were in search of truly unique properties you can get the keys to for $400,000 or less... Below is the link to the article: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/40480471/ns/business-us_business/ FOR A LIST OF MORE PROPERTIES $400,000 OR LESS GO TO: www.BonnieDuPree.com  Murphy NC is just minutes from trout streams, hiking trails, kayaking or white water rafting through the Nantahala Gorge and Ocoee. You can browse in one of many antique and craft shops or just enjoy the sunset on your own deck in peaceful solitude. You CAN have it all!!!!! Only 2 hours from Atlanta, Chattanoo... 12/03/2010

  December is the time to make sure you’ve got your car ready for the winter with your winter weather travel kit. We always restock our pack for the car right after Thanksgiving to make sure we’re prepared if we get stuck out on the road. Even though it’s never happened – you’re better safe than sorry.       Here is what we have in our car… * A few bottles of water * Some granola bars, cheese crackers, raisins and candy bars * A flashlight with new and spare batteries * A travel size first aid kit - include any essential medications * A blanket - foil-type survival blankets are very small and can be found in the camping department of Wal-Mart * Basic tool kit and Jumper Cables (good to have always) We don’t have this one, but it does sound like a good idea. A 3lb coffee can with candles... 12/01/2010

Here is the Murphy, NC Market Snapshot for November 2010.  We’ve also included the previous month’s stats for comparison.  If you’re looking to purchase a home or land in Murphy, NC and start enjoying Mountain Living then please contact Lee & Carol Barbour at www.LeeAndCarol.com and we’ll get started right away on finding you your perfect “piece of the mountain” in NC, GA or TN.  All statistical information used to create this report was obtained from the Mountain Lakes Board of Realtors MLS and includes all areas. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. 12/01/2010

Still not got the Christmas gift list filled yet? This weekend is the perfect time to visit the John C. Campbell Folk School for their Annual Fireside Sale. The Folk School Fireside Sale is held every year in the Craft Shop, Keith House and Davidson Hall. Mark your calendar for Sunday, December 5th, 2010 and plan on coming by and enjoying the live music and a warm crackling fire as you shop throughout all the rooms filled with artful treasures. Handmade items such as jewelry, weaving, forged iron, quilts, photography and more. The Craft Shop will also be offering 15% off during the Fireside Sale. The 15% off sale will last until December 24! Take a look at just a few of the many classes you’ll find when you visit to the Folk School. We'll see you at the Folk School this Sunday, Decembe... 12/01/2010

                   If you're tired of buying sweaters and ties at the mall, why not do your Christmas shopping this year at the Fireside Sale at John C. Cambell Folk School in the Brasstown community of Murphy, North Carolina?  Over 50 artists will showcase the best of their handmade crafts this Sunday December 5th from 10 AM to 5 PM. A wide variety of unique items will be available, including jewelry, pottery, quilting, weaving,woodworking and iron work.  You'll be met with a crackling fire in the old stone fireplace of Keith House and hear live holiday music performed by David Brose and Friends.   Make sure to visit the Craft Shop too, where everything is 15% off from now till December 24th. This year's Fireside Sale will take place in the Keith House and the Music Studio of Davidson ... 11/29/2010

We spent our Thanksgiving in Murphy, NC with a very special group of people this year. Lee & I were going to have our family Thanksgiving get-together two days after the traditional turkey day so we were invited to join the staff, friends and residents of the Hulbert-Johnson Friendship House. Executive Director, Deni Graves was there to greet us with her beaming smile, wonderful smells coming from their kitchen and three small children playing through the house. After we got our packages set out on the banquet tables and met everyone Deni was ready to give us a personal tour of the Friendship House facilities. It is the only homeless shelter within a 100-mile radius, serving Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties. The house has 11 bedrooms, five bathrooms, a kitchen, living room laundry fa... 11/27/2010

As we come so close to end of another year and are looking forward to what 2011 will hold for us we remember and are thankful for so many things. We have been blessed with good health and able to work and play in these beautiful North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee Mountains. We are fortunate to have a close and united family that even though miles may separate some of us the bond we have never does. For treasured friendships – old and new. And even in times of hardship and loss there are blessings. This past year with the passing of Carol’s mother, Lucy Talley McKenzie, we were so thankful for every day she was with us and the things she taught us all. Loving and forgiving others. That no matter what had happened in the past it did not control you or determine your future and her str... 11/25/2010

WELCOME HOME DAN MILLER  On Sunday November 21st Dan Miller a resident of Murphy NC came home from Afghanistan where he was for the past 18 months. The town came out and  welcomed him home... Dan Miller, a Marine Scout Dog Handlerin Vietnam has been attached to the Third Battalion, First Marine Division for the past 2 years. Dan has been in Afghanistan teaching dogs and their handlers how to track and disarm IEDs. Dan is a member of the Marine Corp League in Murphy NC. Dan was not only greeted by his friends, family and supporters....His dog Valor was also waiting...  My God Bless Dan Miller and his family........OOH RAH!!!!! Murphy NC is just minutes from trout streams, hiking trails, kayaking or white water rafting through the Nantahala Gorge and Ocoee. You can browse in one of many a... 11/22/2010

   JEM'S GEMS Jem's Gems is located at 36 Tenneessee St. in downtown Murphy NC Jem's Gems is a unique store were you can find Contemporary Native American Jewelry, Beads, China, Rocks/Crystals, Antiques, Wire Wrapping Supplies and much more.... The minute you walk into the store you cannot help notice the inviting fireplace and sitting area. On those cool winter days come in and sit by the fire and enjoy a cup of coffee. Classes are available for Wire Wrapping, Bead Weaving Bracelets, Heavy Hammered Bracelets in Gold/Silver. Jane Matzicow owner of JEM'S GEMShas created Reason for Ribbons. Jane's goal is to establish a 501C3 organization a create Collation Against Cancer. The ribbons adorn a bracelet that represents the meaning of each of the colors. The bracelet below has a black ribbon... 11/22/2010

HIGHLAND CREEK 1.67 ACRES WITH MOUNTAIN VIEW - $52,000     Build your mountain dream home or vacation getaway on this large 1.67 acre home site with incredible long range mountain views. Enjoy the sunset from your own deck in peaceful solitude Highland Creek is an upscale community that offers paved roads, underground utilities and a community pavilion with a BBQ area, fire-pit and it also sits right on the river.     Murphy NC is just minutes from trout streams, hiking trails, kayaking or white water rafting through the Nantahala Gorge and Ocoee. You can browse in one of many antique and craft shops or just enjoy the sunset on your own deck in peaceful solitude. You CAN have it all!!!!! Only 2 hours from Atlanta, Chattanooga and Asheville, Murphy, NC feels like it's from a different t... 11/22/2010

If you’re interested in more information on this property just contact Lee & Carol Barbour at www.MountainLivingTeam.com Make sure to ask for our free color brochure we can send out to you too! Homes, Land, Rivers, Lakes and Creeks in the in the western NC, north GA and east TN Mountains await you.   11/21/2010

Where are you headed? As we start to get closer to the end of  2010 what are your plans and the directions you’ll take into 2011? Will you be making a detour off the fast track to a stress free place surrounded by beautiful mountains that offer four mild season changes? A small town atmosphere to work, play, raise a family and retire in? If you’re ready to explore a new route in life and living in the western NC, north GA or east TN Mountains then visit Lee & Carol Barbour at www.MountainLivingTeam.com We made the move to Murphy, NC in 1997 and our only regret was not doing it sooner! We’re here to assist you in finding your home in the mountains and guide you along the way to the start of your new journey in Mountain Living. 11/17/2010

   Happy Veterans Day to all the men and women who served and are serving today in our military. A special mention to my wonderful husband who served 26 years in the Navy and to my son who serves in The Marine Corp today....      "Being Brave does not mean you are not afraid...It means you go anyway"  My husband wrote the following letter to our local newspaper: On Sept. 24, 2010, My wife and I had the pleasure of watching Ryan, our son (my stepson) graduate from Marine Corps Boot Camp at Parris Island, S.C. It had been a long time since I had felt the pride that comes with such an accomplishment. I watched 450 young boys quickly become not only men, but heros of our country. Tears filled my eyes, a lump grew in my throat as these young men came to attention. One massive click of the he... 11/11/2010

November 11th, is Veterans Day. This is a day set aside that we remember the service of the many men and women that have given to our country. This is a day to thank the brave and honor them for keeping our country free. Please take the time, not only today, but when ever you see a veteran, to thank them and remember the sacrifices they have made for all of us. Everyone is invited to the Veteran's Day program in downtown Murphy, NC at 11am Thursday in the Veteran's Memorial Park. The History of Veteran’s DayNovember 11th, or what has come to be known as Veterans Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor Armistice Day - the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislature that was passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause ... 11/10/2010

  Winter weather is on the way to Cherokee County, NC and we’re all bundled up and have the fire burning, but don’t forget your beloved pets need to stay warm and have special needs as the weather changes too. Pets - especially the young, old and short-haired - need extra shelter, warmth and water during cold weather here in Murphy, NC. It’s best to bring your pets indoors, but if that isn’t possible make sure they have a warm bed and shelter from the chilling winds. Doggie Igloos with a bedding of pine straw are a great choice. Fresh water is a must and an electric heated bowl will ensure their water doesn’t freeze. Everyone needs a nice warm sweater and your pet will not only look very stylish, but stay warm too. Don't Peanut and Daisy look cozy in theirs? For more on living in the we... 11/10/2010

  Who says Murphy, NC doesn’t have convenient shopping? Our office is just five miles west of town – from street light to street light, but we don’t even have to drive that far to pick up lunch or other unlimited items we might need. Right on the intersection of 19/129 and US 64 has always been the Flea Markets and a great place to run over for produce, but now we have another new Dollar General store right across the street! I ran over to grab a can of soup today for lunch and picked up a few other items that I’d had on my list for “in-town” shopping too. They really have just about everything you'd need. That makes three stores to choose from no matter where you’re at in Cherokee County, NC! The Dollar General is open 7 days a week from 8 am to 9 pm for all the conveniences of small t... 11/09/2010

THE STUCCO COFFEE HOUSE   The Stucco Coffee House is located at 324 Hill St in Murphy North Carolina. This was an old home that Joanna Kraus the owner completely remodeled and turned into a quaint Internet Cafe.                They offer specialty Coffee's, Lattes & Frappes - Pumpkin Spice, Maple Spice, Peppermint Mocha, White Peppermint Mocha.... we can make just about anything.  They roast their own beans, and they buy the best 100% Arabica beans available. They are either Rain Forest Alliance, Organic, Shade Grown, Fair Trade, certified or many of those together. Their new Sumatra is Fair Trade, Rain Forest Alliance, and Shade Grown Certified.    They also make their own baked goods, from scratch, using as many organics as possible. Starting tomorrow - 11-11-2010  they be taking orde... 11/09/2010

When it opened in 2006, The Sanctuary at Vance Mountain in Murphy North Carolina was the most expensive new gated development in Cherokee County.  With long range mountain views that rival those in Highlands and Cashiers, The Sanctuary has an added advantage of being less than 2 hours from metro Atlanta. Initially, homes for sale in The Sanctuary at Vance Mountain ranged in price from around $500,000 to $1.7 million.  Lot prices for a 30 mile long range view began at around $100,000.   ure - Today, you can buy the most expensive house for sale in The Sanctuary, a 13 room home with 5 baths and 3 finished levels built by the subdivision developer, for roughly half of the original asking price of $1,200,000. This home features two levels of living areas, two kitchens and an outdoor living... 11/07/2010

Needing a little extra sleep? Set your clocks this weekend. On Sunday, November 7, 2010 at 2 a.m., Daylight Saving Time ends in the United States and we return back to Standard Time. So Saturday night before to go to bed, remember to change your clocks back an hour!  This is also a good time to change the batteries in your carbon monoxide and fire detectors. Every Spring we move our clocks one hour ahead and "lose" an hour during the night and each Fall we move our clocks back one hour and "gain" an extra hour. But Daylight Saving Time (and not Daylight Savings Time with an "s") wasn't just created to confuse our schedules. The phrase "Spring forward, Fall back" helps people remember how Daylight Saving Time affects their clocks. At 2 a.m. on the second Sunday in March, we set our clock... 11/05/2010

The temperatures are dropping here in Murphy, North Carolina! If you haven't already started getting your home ready for the changes  in the weather and temperatures make sure you've done these.... * Check gutters and clean them if necessary. * Have your heating system checked by a licensed heating/air-conditioning professional. Most manufacturers recommend annual inspections. * Have your chimneys inspected by a chimney service and cleaned if necessary. * Be sure there are no flammable materials stored close to your furnace. * If you go on vacation, leave the heat on, set to at least 55 degrees. * Check the foundation for areas where water may puddle. * Drain garden hoses and turn off any outdoor water faucets. * Insulate any water pipes that are exposed to freezing cold. * Replace the... 11/03/2010