It's Fall in the mountains of Murphy, North Carolina and there's no better way to celebrate than the upcoming John Campbell Folk School Fall Festival.                This year's event will be held October 3-4 from 10 AM-5PM on the grounds of the internationally known Folk School.  Activities include an arts and crafts fair with over 200 participants, selling traditional Appalachian folk arts -everything from pottery to quilts to authentic wooden pull toys. There's a whole area devoted to mountain living and crafts, with demonstrations of wool spinning, woodworking, corn meal grinding and more.  One of our family's favorite stops is always the forge, where one year my son watched as a lump of metal was heated over an open fire, painstakingly hammered and finally turned into a 4 inch n... 09/14/2009

Wolf Mountain Estates is a carefully planned residential mountain community located in Western North Carolina. Located in Murphy, NC but oh so close to the GA and the TN state lines this development has preserved the mountain's natural beauty and secluded privacy. Here you'll find rolling pastures, creeks and streams, large rock formations, gentle ridges and of course, magnificent views up to 3,000 feet. You'll only see a few rooftops peeking out from among the ridge top trees, not bulldozed terraces with dozens of look-alike homes. All lots are generously-sized to ensure privacy, ranging from no less than 1 acre and as large as 10+ acres. Most properties are easily accessed from a network of paved roads. In all, the development boasts more than 600 total acres, secluded and protected ... 09/14/2009

We're not used to traffic jams and cars don't have their horns worn out.People wave as you pass them on the road and stop to see if you need helpwhen you're pulled over by the roadside. Here you can take time to enjoy thescenery around you and be on the lookout for some wildlife enjoying the day too.Just cruising down the road. 09/12/2009

As we get ready to end this day, let us be thankful and remember all the beauty and blessings we have. We are truly a fortunate country with opportunities and unlimited possibilities. Let the river of peace flow over our lives and refresh us for what the new day has in store for us. If you are looking for a real estate team that can help you sell your home, or find the perfect place to live, then you've come to the right place. As former Floridians that made the move to the mountains, we want to serve you in finding and making your dreams a reality, too. It would be our pleasure to help you with all your real estate needs. If you're searching for a get-away cabin, land, investment property, or to make that move into your dream home, let us show you what the beautiful Western North Caro... 09/11/2009

   The gated mountain community of Mountain Oak Reserve offers lake front, lake view and wooded properties. All parcels are two or more acres and have community water, underground utilities, lots of green common areas and septic permits on file. Located in Murphy, NC in the county of Cherokee, Mountain Oak Reserve overlooks a five acre lake and mountain views of the surrounding Shoal Creek and Hiwassee Dam communities. Not far down the road from Mountain Oak Reserve, you'll enjoy visiting the Hiwassee Dam. Surrounded by the Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests, Hiwassee and the adjacent Apalachia Reservoir serve as a rich habitat for deer, wild turkey, and other animals. Below Hiwassee Dam a day-use park on Apalachia Reservoir provides access to boating, fishing, and exploring the re... 09/11/2009

Rembering 9/11. September 11, 2009 is the 8th anniversary of the terrible day America was attacked. This is a video tribute to United Flight 93, the Twin Towers, and the Pentagon. We all have been so affected by this day that we will not forget about in our lifetime. Today please watch this video and remember the innocent, all those that have lost loved ones and those men and women that are standing to protect us. 09/10/2009

It must be Fall in Murphy, NC? Well, it's not quite here yet, but when it's 60 degrees in the morning and you start to see yards decorated with bright yellow, rust, orange and red mums - you know Fall is here. Better start planning that trip to the mountains and booking your rental cabin for about the middle to end of October. Visit our MOUNTAIN CABINS for a great Cabin in the Mountains. It's the perfect way to experience and enjoy the change of season. We'll keep you updated on how things are changing around the NC, GA and TN areas as Fall's cooler weather settles in. You can also call the Forest Service Fall Color Hotline. This hotline provides national forest visitors with weekly updates on Fall foliage color changes and activities throughout the nation.US Forest Fall Color Hotline 1... 09/10/2009

Show your support for our community's well being!The 19th Annual "Two Hours From Anywhere" Road Race will take place on Saturday, September 19 at Murphy Medical Center. Race-day registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The 5K Run and 2-mile Heart Walk begin at 9:00 a.m. follwed by the Kids' Fun Run. Awards are given for top male and female runners and walkers by age group. Pre-registration is $15; Race-day registration is $20. Both include an event t-shirt and gift bag. Registration forms are available in the hospital lobbies, cafeteria, PARC andCLICK THIS LINK TO REGISTER. This fundraiser event benefits Murphy Medical Center's development of a new Urgent Care Center/Family Practice, a crucial part of affordable, quality healthcare for our community. Murphy Medical Center's Urgent Care Center ... 09/10/2009

AttorneysBeverly Cook 828-835-7388Cowan & Cowan 828-837-2332Hyde Hoover & Lindsay 828-837-6393Todd Davis 828-837-4133Linda Fowler 828-835-8891 Title CompanyThe Closing Place 828-835-8181 Mortgage and FinancialMacon Bank 828-837-8000United Community 828-837-9291First Citizens 828-837-4800BB&T 828-837-8144RBC Centura 828-835-3011Appalachian Community  828-837-4150Nantahala Bank 828-837-1402 InsuranceNationwide 828-837-2612Farley 828-837-7447Farm Bureau 828-837-6785State Farm 828-837-7203 Accounting & Tax ServiceThe Tax Store 828-835-3549Turner, Ennis & Hatchett 828-837-8188Shelley Livingston, CPA 828-837-4155Susan Wells, CPA 828-837-7515 SurveyorsLane S. Bishop Surveying 706-632-3919Donny Cordell Surveying 828-494-7058WW Land Surveying 828-837-5628Palmer Surveying 828-837-6010 Appraisers3... 09/09/2009

Native Touch is a Native American owned and operated business in the heart of traditional Cherokee territory now known as Murphy,NC. I stopped in the Native Touch Trading Post this week and visited with owners Joseph and Laralyn RiverWind. It is their desire to share the culture, art, music, stories, history, and spirituality of their people spanning the 4-Directions of Turtle Island. And that it will be an experience for all of your senses and will leave you enriched with a deeper knowledge of who they were as a people then and now in a family friendly atmosphere suitable for all ages.I also picked up an all natural cream called Rooting Bear Rub that's wonderful and they have a great selection of All Natural Herbal Body Care products, Sacred Herbs, Incense, Teas, Coffees and Music tha... 09/09/2009

There have been some empty billboards around the Murphy, NC area, but Allison Billboards is taking advantage of this space to spread a positive message to all that pass by them. Here are two of my favorites. One of my favorite quotes is one by Michael J. Fox..."I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence, I can reach for; perfection is God's business."And if you haven't read Randy Pausch's book, The Last Lecture, or see the video - it's a must. I'm inspired by these and hope you are too.  09/09/2009

Ever wanted  to learn about fly fishing?  Tired of being intimidated by the sommelier at a fine restaurant?  Want to relieve pain and stress or rev up your romantic life? Four downtown Murphy businesses have created "Livin' It Up University", a free series of classes offered from Sept. 7-12 to introduce some of their unique products and services.                Rachel Sylvester, owner of Blue Moon Elise at 26 Valley River Ave. explains the concept this way.  "We wanted to let people know that we offer life experiences, not just products for sale.  For example, taking a yoga class is an opportunity to learn how to take better care of yourself.  Using natural products not only helps you but helps our planet as well.  Sampling different wines at The Daily Grind and Wine is a great way for ... 09/09/2009

TREES                                                             By Joyce Kilmer. 1886-1918 I think that I shall never seeA poem lovely as a tree. A tree whose hungry mouth is prestAgainst the sweet earth's flowing breast;  A tree that looks at God all day,And lifts her leafy arms to pray; A tree that may in summer wearA nest of robins in her hair; Upon whose bosom snow has lain;Who intimately lives with rain.  Poems are made by fools like me,But only God can make a tree. I don't think I'll ever forget the first time my Granddaddy read me one of his favorite poems. We are very fortunate to have the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest  just in our backyard located in Robbinsville, NC. I wish we could have walked these trails together, but every time I visit the Memorial Forest or I'm in that ... 09/05/2009

Don't miss out on getting that last White Water Rafting trip in before Summer is gone and the crisp Fall weather starts. Visit www.LeeAndCarol.com for more Tubing, Rafting, Camping, Hiking and Sightseeing in the beautiful NC, GA and TN Mountains.If you are looking for a real estate team that can help you find the perfect place to live, then you've found the right people. As former Floridians that made the move to the mountains, we want to serve you in finding and making your dreams a reality, too. It would be our pleasure to help you with all your real estate needs. If you're searching for a get-away cabin, land, investment property, or to make that move into your dream home, let us show you what the beautiful Western North Carolina, North Georgia and Eastern Tennessee mountains have t... 09/05/2009

Many of our customer's are from Florida where they have experienced major issues with Chinese Drywall. In case you've not heard about the seriousness of this yet, check out this link for more information. We haven't heard of any problems with Chinese Drywall, but recently had a Buyer from Florida that wanted to know about the new home they were going to purchase so we checked with the Cherokee County Building Inspectors office to see what information they had about Chinese Drywall in our area. They said that as far as they know there has not been any Chinese Drywall here or any reports of it and that they had contacted every supplier in the area and they didn’t have any Chinese Drywall. If we can help you with more information or find a home in the NC, GA and TN mountains, visit us at ... 09/05/2009

                                        With so many of our residents coming from Florida, there's a great deal of interest in hurricane tracking here in Murphy, North Carolina this time of the year.  Most of us have relatives and friends in the Sunshine state, some of us still have homes there.  And those of us who live here full time now, the "half-backs" (or "Floridiots" as a few of the locals call us) give thanks that the days of nailing plywood over our windows and the nights of watching Weather Channel updates are over.                                                                 One of the joys of living in these southern mountains is the mild weather.  I lived in northern Michigan and then Key Largo before coming to Murphy.  When folks ask me about hot summers and snow in the... 09/05/2009

Labor Day weekend will be even busier this year in Murphy, North Carolina with the 9th annual Heritage Walk and Festival taking place on Saturday, September 5.  The festival celebrates the history, music, arts and crafts and cultural heritage of Cherokee County.                           Events wil be taking place all over town.  In Konehete Park, you'll, be treated to a variety of musicians on stage from 10 AM to 4 PM.  The festival promises to feature everything from banjos to bagpipes to bluegrass.  Downtown you'll find historical walking tours with tales of the past at 10 and 11 AM and a live performance by the heritage Cloggers at 10:30.  Our rich Cherokee Indian cultural legacy will be the topic of a special resentation at 1PM  at the Henn Theatre downtown.  Dr. Ann Rogers, profes... 09/03/2009

9th annualSaturdaySeptember 5, 2009Konehete Parkand historicDowntown Murphy Free Admission9am-4pmFree ShuttleSEE THE VENUE MAP annual eventLabor Day WeekendHistoric Murphy, NC Celebrating the history, artistry and craftsmanship, music, and agricultural heritage of Cherokee County- North Carolina's first, last and finest place to be.www.heritagepartners.org Konehete Park will be having... Bear Notes, A Wing & A Prayer, Buzzard Mountain Boys, The John's n Such, The Kari Sickenberger Band and Blue Ridge Grass performing on the Mountain Song Stage.Arts & Craft Show, Food Vendors, Antique Tractor Show, Silent Auction, Murphy River Walk, Horse/Pony Rides Downtown Murphy will be having... Farmers Market, Walking Tours, Henn Theater Program, Sharing Center Benefit, Vintage Photos, Historical Mu... 09/01/2009

          With over 180 miles of shoreline, Lake Hiwassee in the mountains of Murphy, North Carolina is one of the  greatest natural resources of Cherokee County.  The lake is over 6,000 acres in size, surrounded by almost 500,000 acres of US Forest Service.                 One of a chain of lakes created by the TVA, Lake Hiwassee holds the distinction of having the world's largest overspill dam at one end of its 22 mile length.  Construction on the 307 foot high Hiwassee Dam began in the 1930's.  Today, visitors can walk or drive across the dam or do their sightseeing from the nearby picnic area.   The lake is over 200 feet deep in places and anglers catch striped bass, bluegill, yellow perch and muskie.  There are several marinas that rent boats as well as a number of public boat ramp... 09/01/2009

AFFORDABLE 2BR/2BA GET-AWAY IN THE MOUNTAINS. This cute cabin has a wood burning fireplace for those chilly nights and a great screened porch for sitting out and watching the squirrels jump from tree to tree. There's also a full unfinished basement! Completely furnished and ready to move in. Great wooded lot with plenty of parking. Convenient location just minutes to Murphy and the GA state line. $110,000 NC #107672 VIEW VIRTUAL TOUR    www.LeeAndCarol.com 08/31/2009