I am really a newbie in Blue Ridge - it has only been three years since I started calling this area home - but I have seen some major changes in those three years, especially during the past twelve months or so. Three years ago - alas a few months ago - downtown was deserted after 5:00 p.m. Stores were very seasonal and there were not many great restaurants to speak of. This is changed now, and changed for the better! It is hard to find a good parking spot nowadays; stores are open later and great restaurants are popping up all over the place. The reason? First: much better leadership in the City Secondly: (would you believe?) wine and beer! Yes, we do have a pouring license now, which brings better restaurants which bring more tourists who will love this area and decide to buy a part o... 01/20/2011

It seems that the market is improving (at least the North Georgia market is) and my phone is beginning to ring again, which is a positive sign :-). The North Georgia (Blue Ridge) market AND demographics are changing at a very steady space. Most of my clients already own a home in the Mountains, and are thinking of making the move, and leave the hectic - nobody should have to endure - city life. Their cabins served nothing else but a weekend getaway to this point -  size, comfort, lifestyle were not a major issue as we all like to 'rough' it when going fishing or engaging in outdoor activities. Living here full time is a different story. So how much is really feasible to spend on an addition and where is that fine line between the remodeling and exchanging the property to something more ... 01/20/2011

I have had many Realtor friends and business associates in the past, and I do have them now. In fact, many times we were able to exchange leads and help each other in the closing of a deal. I have four different types of customers: The ones who own property in this area and are either planning on adding on / enlarging their home for their changed lifestyle The customers who have had vacant property for years and have finally decided to build on it o that they can make the move and get away from their hectic city lives. The ones who are looking for vacant land so that they can build for above reasons. The ones who are buying a home, but would like to make some changes - to make it fit their family, personality and needs. The latter two normally involve Realtors. Having a customer who is ... 11/23/2010

  From October 16, 2010 Southern Appalachian Artist Guild / National Juried Show To November 13, 2010 Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association   From November 04, 2010 NunSensation / Hilarious Comedy To December 05, 2010 Blue Ridge Community Theater   From November 05, 2010 HemlockFest To November 07, 2010 Starbridge Farm     November 05, 2010 Culinary Arts Event     The Martyn House     November 06, 2010 Veterans Day Parade / Blue Ridge     Downtown Historic District of Blue Ridge     November 07, 2010 Studio Tour and Open House     The Martyn House     November 20, 2010 Holiday Art Show Opening Reception     Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association   From November 20, 2010 Holiday Art Show and Sale To December 23, 2010 Blue Ridge Art Association   From November 22, 2010 Festival of Trees To... 11/04/2010

Autumn has finally arrived in the North Georgia mountains. Chilly mornings and cool, sunny days are welcome after the extended warm and dry summer-like weather we've had this year. I was beginning to wonder if I'd be wearing Christmas t-shirts this year instead of Christmas sweaters. The North Georgia mountains are primarily a second-home market, so cabins may go largely unused during the heart of the winter months. As we dig our jackets, scarves and hats out in preparation for the cold months ahead, it is important to remember that our cabins need to be properly 'dressed' for the season too. Nothing's worse than arriving at your cabin in anticipation of a relaxing weekend, only to open the door to watery destruction caused by "Atlanta Pipe" because when you were up at the cabin last ti... 10/29/2010

This past weekend saw Blue Ridge bursting at the seams with fall events and visitors. The 'chamber of commerce' perfect weather cooperated, with temperatures in the low 70's and a cloudless cobalt blue sky that provided the perfect backdrop for autumn's vivid reds and golds.One of the weekend's big draws was the Blue Ridge Harvest Festival, held at the old State Farmers Market. Arts and crafts were the centerpiece of the festival, and there were items to choose from to suit almost any taste, from hand-turned wood bowls to hand-crafted quilts to home-made jams and preserves. There was also a large section of locally-grown produce and all kinds of scrumptious food to nosh on, from kettle corn to bar-b-cue. The Harvest Festival was the perfect event in the perfect weather in the perfect pl... 10/27/2010

North Georgia, Blue Ridge Mountains, Bumble Bee's Cafe, Blue Ridge Georgia   I noticed a new cafe not too long ago and have been wanting to stop in and sample the food!  Today, the weather is pure perfection in the mountains and it's just one of those wonderful Fall days that makes you want to be outdoors.  As I rode around the mountainside, I decided now would be a good time to buzzzzz on into Bumble Bee's Cafe and I'm very happy that I did.  I'm reminded of Georgia Tech with their colorful yellow and black decor although I know they are the yellow jackets and I'm talking about Bumble Bees!  Of course, I mentioned that to a staff member there and he said they are being told that a lot.  (C'mon dawgs, don't let this stop you from going on in to a nice cafe with excellent food!)  I actua... 10/02/2010

  From September 10, 2010 Appalachian Fresh Market To September 12, 2010 The Farmers Market @ Summit Street   From September 10, 2010 Worldwide Artists Paint Out To September 12, 2010 Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association   From September 10, 2010 Fall Plein Air Festival in Blue Ridge To September 12, 2010 The Art Center in Historic Court House at 420 West Main Street     September 11, 2010 Blue Ridge Farmers Market     Historic Downtown Blue Ridge   From September 11, 2010 Apple Picking To September 12, 2010 Mercier Orchards     September 11, 2010 High Country Harmonizers     Fannin County Performing Arts Center     September 11, 2010 Mountain Music and Arts & Craft Festival     Vogel State Park     September 12, 2010 Black Bear Rampage Bicycle Challenge     Ocoee Whitewater Center    ... 09/11/2010

09/08/2010

    August 05, 2010 Pickin' in Horseshoe Bend Park     Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park , McCaysville, GA.   From August 06, 2010 Appalachian Fresh Market To August 08, 2010 The Farmers Market @ Summit Street   From August 07, 2010 Tractor Rides To August 08, 2010 Mercier Orchards     August 07, 2010 Blue Ridge Farmers Market     Historic Downtown Blue Ridge     August 07, 2010 Smokey Bear's Birthday Party     Ocoee Whitewater Center in Ducktown, TN     August 07, 2010 Friday Night Concerts     Historic Union County Courthouse     August 09, 2010 Aubrey Atwater / Live Music     John C. Campbell Folkschool / Community Room Keith House   From August 12, 2010 Georgia Mountain Moonshine Cruiz-In To August 14, 2010 Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds     August 12, 2010 Pickin' in Horseshoe Bend Park ... 08/04/2010

Hiking has become my new passion. Those who have known me for years will find this quite amusing. After all, I was the one who agreed to co-lead my daughter's Brownie troop if -- and only if -- I didn't have to camp in a tent or hike. Used to be the thought of hiking conjured up images of bugs, crawly things, and most dreaded of all, sweat. Today it brings me peace, joy, and most welcomed of all, sweat. I never cease to be grateful to live in an area that has such a wealth of natural beauty, and, thanks to the U.S. Forest Service, so many opportunities to immerse myself in that beauty. Most of my recent hiking has been on the Aska Trails, a 17-mile system of trails in the heart of the Aska Adventure Area in the North Georgia mountains Chattahoochee National Forest, accessed off Aska Roa... 07/25/2010

The first six months of 2010 saw the number of residential sales in Fannin County ahead of 2009's sales, with the median sale price down. There were 199 units sold through June 30th of this year, compared with 148 sold in the same time period last year. The median residential sale price this year was $185,000. That is down 15% from 2009's $216,250, and down a whopping 33% from 2007's high of $277,750. In practical terms, that means that if you purchased a $300,000 cabin in 2007, you might expect to sell it for $201,000 this year. That's very bad news for sellers, but, oh!, what a time to be a buyer! Sales of foreclosures made up an ever-increasing percentage of this year's market, 28% compared with 24% of last year's. Mortgage rates have dropped to historical lows. Couple that with drop... 07/23/2010

I speak with clients daily who all seem to be searching for the same property: A luxury log cabin with a great mountain view which is suitable for use as both a private getaway as well as a lucrative rental investment.What Makes a Vacation Cabin a Successful Rental Investment?For the most part, the North Georgia vacation rental market is glutted with "average" cabins.  Buyers should be looking for a "special" property that will stand out from the crowd.I suggest a cabin that is: 1) Within 10(+-) miles of town - The farther out you go, the more difficult it will be to find a property manager. It can also reduce your number of repeat & referral customers as it is inconvenient for them to get to stores and attractions. 2) Has either a beautful mountain view or is on good water (loud, visib... 07/22/2010

  From July 01, 2010 A Tuna Christmas / Comedy To July 04, 2010 Blue Ridge Community Theater   From July 02, 2010 Miner's Homecoming Weekend To July 04, 2010 Ducktown, Tn.(20 minute drive from Blue Ridge)   From July 03, 2010 Quilt Exhibit To July 31, 2010 Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association     July 08, 2010 Pickin' in Horseshoe Bend Park     Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park , McCaysville, GA.   From July 08, 2010 A Tuna Christmas / Comedy To July 11, 2010 Blue Ridge Community Theater     July 10, 2010 Blue Ridge Farmers Market     Historic Downtown Blue Ridge     July 10, 2010 West Side Block Party     Downtown Historic Blue Ridge     July 15, 2010 Pickin' in Horseshoe Bend Park     Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park , McCaysville, GA.     July 16, 2010 Blake Shelton in Concert     Georgia M... 07/04/2010

Blue Ridge, GA is a very popular vacation destination located in the North Georgia mountains.  This quaint mountain town offers a pretty, historic downtown area with loads of shops and local restaurants, numerous outdoor activities, a scenic railway and luxury log cabin rentals with great mountain views for a very reasonable price. These draws along with its location, just 90 miles north of Atlanta, provide a constant flow of area visitors and cabin rental guests making the purchase of a turn-key vacation rental / investment property in the area a smart real estate investment choice.One thing that is certain about the North Georgia mountains, because of it's natural beauty, people are always going to have an interest in purchasing real estate in the region. Though, like the rest of the ... 06/11/2010

  Gayle Barton, a Realtor with ERA - The Real Estate Connection in Blue Ridge, GA has earned the Nationally recognized Short Sales and Foreclosure Certification (SFR) from the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council of NAR. The certification program includes training on how to qualify sellers for short sales, negotiate with lenders, protect buyers, and limit risk, and provides resources to help REALTORS® stay current on national and state-specific information as the market for these distressed properties evolves. To earn the certification, she completed a one-day comprehensive classroom education program including passing a written test and three one hour webinars. The program provides resources to help stay current on national and state-specific information as the market for these distresse... 06/10/2010

It's time for Mercier Orchards "Upick Cherry Jubilee" in Blue Ridge, GA! Could there be anything more tantalizing than a tree full of big juicy red cherries?  Their Upick event kicks of this Friday May 28th at 3:00PM.  Mercier’s will continue the upick for the next several weekends on Saturday and Sunday 10:00AM to 6:00PM as well as Memorial Day from 10:00AM to 6:00PM. Make sure to also load up on the juicy peaches and strawberries too! Mercier Orchard also has plenty of fresh vegetables here in the market; they have squash, cucumbers, corn, cabbage, bell peppers, okra, onions, peanuts, and of course watermelons.  Come on by and load up on some fresh fruits, vegetables, apple cider, bakery goods and their famous fried fruit pies. Our favorite is the apple, but they have many other frui... 05/27/2010

The quaint mountain town of Blairsville, GA continues to enjoy some great press. Hot on the heels of a recent article by a nationally-syndicated travel columnist extolling the virtues of this lovely town, the accolades continued as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution ran an article about the joys of Blairsville.Come to Blairsville and see for yourself what these travel writers are falling in love with!  05/17/2010

According to an article by travel writer Mary Ann Anderson, Blairsville joins Albany, Sapelo Island, the Altamaha River, and Lake Lanier as one of Georgia's top five travel destinations that are off the beaten path for most. While this may be 'news' to some, Blairsville's many charms are no secret to those of us who have the good fortune to live close by!  05/04/2010

      May 06, 2010 Pickin' in Horseshoe Bend Park     Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park , McCaysville, GA.     May 06, 2010 BINGO / Lots of Fun!     Kiwanis Fair Grounds   From May 07, 2010 Run For Your Wife / Comedy To May 31, 2010 Blue Ridge Community Theater     May 07, 2010 Spirit Fiddle / Musical Performance     John C. Campbell Folk School     May 08, 2010 Georgia Mountain Classic Car Show     City Park in Blue Ridge     May 09, 2010 Brasstown Big Band     Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds     May 13, 2010 Pickin' in Horseshoe Bend Park     Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park , McCaysville, GA.     May 13, 2010 BINGO / Lots of Fun!     Kiwanis Fair Grounds     May 15, 2010 Smokie Mountain Melodies Show     Fannin County High School Performing Arts Center   From May 15, 2010 Mountain Flower Art F... 05/03/2010