The John C. Campbell Folk School located in Brasstown, NC is a wonderful place to learn and experience all about our mountain heritage. We are truly fortunate to have talented performers and teachers come here and Aubrey Atwater is among them that will be at the Folk School during the month of August. Atwater presents a captivating program of traditional and original folk music performed on guitar, Appalachian mountain dulcimer, Irish tin whistle, mandolin, feet, and old-time banjo. She entwines a moving explanation of the music with stories from her life and musical journey. Aubrey's love of music extends beyond the sound alone. Her pursuit is to understand folk music as an expression of human history and a glimpse into the lives of "ordinary" people. Aubrey Atwater is a performer and... 07/31/2010

The Cherokee Indian Legend of The First Strawberries In the beginning of the world, ga lv la di e hi created First Man and First Woman. Together they built a lodge at the edge of a dense forest. They were very happy together; but like all humans do at times, they began to argue. Finally First Woman became so angry she said she was leaving and never coming back. At that moment First Man really didn't care. First Woman started walking westward down the path through the forest. She never looked back. As the day grew later, First Man began to worry. At last he started down the same path in search of his wife. The Sun looked down on First Man and took pity on him. The Sun asked First Man if he was still angry with First Woman. First Man said he was not angry any more. The Sun asked if he wou... 07/28/2010

Looking in the Murphy, NC area for homes for sale? Visit Lee & Carol Barbour “The Mountain Living Team”. If you're looking for a real estate team that can help you find the perfect place to live in the mountains, then you’ve come to the right place. As former Floridians that made the move to the mountains, we want to assist you in finding and making your dreams a reality, too. 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 to offer. You'll also find a link to our Outdoor Activities Guide while you're here in the mountains. We also have a FREE 32 page color brochure of over 680 properties we’d be happy to get right... 07/27/2010

  Friday Night Concert: July 23, 2010 at 7:30pm Admission: FREE, donations welcome Location: John C. Campbell Festival Barn  Don’t miss this FREE Concert Friday night at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC featuring The Barker Brothers.  The group’s high energy live performance incorporates an eclectic mix of hard driving bluegrass, Americana, and folk, as well as, their own innovative material. The Barker Brothers, from East Tennessee, are Jeremy, 19, guitar and Jonathan, 15, banjo, along with their parents, Scott, mandolin and Angie, bass. The band also features Westley Harris, 18 playing fiddle. They have opened for Ralph Stanley on his "O Brother Where Art Thou" tour and for Ricky Skaggs and Cadillac Sky at Dollywood. Last year they wrote and recorded the theme song fo... 07/22/2010

Looking for Things to do in Murphy, NC? Whether your idea of a good time is whitewater rafting, a round of golf, a hike in the woods, or taking a quilting class, our great town of Murphy, NC and the surrounding mountain areas have just what you're looking for! ATV - OHV fun in the Mountains Beasley Knob and Davenport Mountain are two of the ATV and OHV trails here in the mountains. Lots of outdoor adventure activities so check out these trails. Biltmore Estates Located in Asheville, North Carolina, just 95 miles from Murphy is the world famous Biltmore House and Gardens which was built by George Vanderbilt in 1895. Blue Ridge Parkway  469 miles of scenic roadway that connects the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tenn... 07/21/2010

George's Butcher Shop in Murphy, NC is recapturing the spirit of the hometown butcher shop. When George and Carolyn Michelsen opened the doors to George’s Butcher Shop, they were armed with the knowledge that the “one-stop shopping” concept promoted by large retailers is woven tightly into our culture. George and Carolyn also knew, however, that “there will always be a demand for competitively-priced, farm fresh meats and products, as well as intensely personalized customer service.” As the child of a butcher, George’s respect for the art of meat cutting began early in his life. As an adult, George worked for and managed meat departments of large grocery stores. There, he not only honed his skills, but he also met his future wife, Carolyn. After they married, the two dreamed of recaptu... 07/16/2010

                   Don't bother calling me at the office on Tuesday before 9:30 or so.  I'm usually dashing up and down the aisles of my favorite local flea market, on a quest for the freshest produce, the perfect plant for that bare spot in the garden - or the ideal gift for my latest mountain home buyer.  I always find SOMETHING I can't live without at the Tuesday morning flea market.  It's down by the river, just off Hwy 64 West in Murphy, North Carolina. But this week's market featured an item that's to die for, as the saying goes.  It was an honest to goodness coffin, complete with the rose on top, sitting right next to the cantaloupe stand!  You never know what you'll see on Tuesday mornings.  It's a little bit farmer's market and a little bit yard sale - kind of like going on a s... 07/15/2010

Last Friday a couple walked into my office after driving nonstop from Florida for the big "one day only" land sale held here in Murphy, North Carolina over the weekend.  They pulled out a brochure they got in the mail advertising one acre mountain lots for $9,900, 5 acre creekfront parcels for $29,900 and more. "What can you tell us about this property? These deals sound too good to be true." "I can tell you there's probably one lot that will sell for $9,900.  This is an out of state company that comes into town and sells 40 or 50 lots in a subdivision in a single day.  You'll get a salesperson assigned to drive you around, you'll be told that the first lots you see have just sold and by the end of the day, buyers will spend more than current market value for their bargain mountain land... 07/12/2010

Home sales in Cherokee County, North Carolina have remained at the same level for three years.  Land sales have dropped 42% in the last two years.  True...or false? If you use the statistics from the Mountain Lakes Board of Realtors, those are the conclusions you'd draw.  But property listed and sold on the local MLS only tells part of the story.  According to this week's Cherokee Scout, 11 lot sales were recorded by the Register of Deeds in one local subdivision back in April.  Prices ranged from $19,000-50,000.  But when I cross-checked these sales with the data fom our MLS, I realized that none of these sales appeared in the statistics I used for the mid-year market report.  So I decided to dig a little deeper. I know three individuals who have purchased homes directly from local ban... 07/08/2010

For the last few years, the woes of the real estate market have dominated our national news.  Amidst the heart-rending tales has been the underlying theme that overall home sales have plummeted.  Some experts claim the worst is yet to come and the upswing noted in parts of the country won't continue. But when I took a look at the real numbers for home sales in Murphy, North Carolina and Cherokee County over the last 3 years, I was shocked at what I discovered.                   For the first 6 months of 2010, there were EXACTLY the same number of homes sold in our area as in 2009.  And 2009's total was only 8 homes less than in 2008.  Days on the market haven't changed much either - the average market time was 207 days in 2008 and 232 days this year, just a little over 10% longer. Price... 07/07/2010

We’ve had such a great time watching all the firework displays in Murphy, NC and over in our neighboring GA and TN mountains. The whistles, cannon–like sounds and colorful fireworks bursting in the sky unite us all as we celebrate Independence Day. Back out in the garden today we saw a different type of display come up from this Dandelion. Doesn’t it look like its celebrating with us too? Have a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend! 07/04/2010

"I need 300 earthworms by tomorrow morning!" "The kid's fishing contest is at 11 AM, Mona has been taken to the hospital and her husband Bruce was in charge of that event."   Bonnie DuPree stormed into our office yesterday to announce the earthworm emergency.  Country Homes and Land has been Ground Zero for Murphy's big Hometown 4th of July Celebration, sponsored by the Business Women of Cherokee County.  This is the fourth year for the event, a full day of festivities that draws several thousand local residents and visitors to Konahete Park in downtown Murphy, North Carolina.   This year the big event is scheduled for Saturday July 3.  Hiwassee Valley Pool and Wellness Center kicks off the day with a 5K run beginning at 8 AM.  The arts and crafts fair begins at 10 and food booths offer... 07/03/2010

Looking for some great family fun on this Fourth of July weekend in Murphy, NC? Head on down to the Wagon Master Adventure Ranch where they will be having FREE wagon rides throughout the weekend!  Plus kids can bring their bathing suits and enjoy the FREE slippy-slide and new wading pond. What a great way for the whole family and friends to celebrate our great country and cool off a little. Debbie and the WagonMaster gang are always having special discounts and packages and if you mention your blog, you will get $1 off any activity package during the weekend too! There is also Mini Golf, Bounce Castle, Paintball Gallery, Target Airsoft, Mini Car Track and don't forget, they are also the only Gem Mine in Cherokee County, NC. No matter where or what you’re doing this 4th of July weekend, ... 07/02/2010

  Come to Murphy, NC and enjoy Mountain Living! Here are just a few of the beautiful Lilies you'll find popping up all over local yards and along the roadsides in the western North Carolina, north Georgia and the eastern Tennessee Mountains.        For more information on Mountain Living and to find your get-away cabin in the Mountains visit www.LeeAndCarol.com   06/30/2010

                 Whether it's bait or biscuits you need when you're at Bear Paw Lakefront Resort in Murphy, North Carolina, the little convenience store and gas station just a mile from the resort entrance is open again for those last minute shopping trips.  Located on Hiwassee Dam Access Road, it's now called The Dam Store and it's open 7 days a week.      One of the best things about Bear Paw Lakefront Resort on the shores of beautiful Lake Hiwassee is that you're up in the mountains, away from all the hustle and bustle of strip malls and chain stores.    But when someone has eaten the last Hershey bar and you've promised the kids they could make S'mores around a campfire tonight, it's nice to know there's a place just down the road that stocks a little bit of everything. Cold drinks,... 06/27/2010

Well we didn’t need the calendar to tell us summer was officially here in Murphy, NC! We all had a colder than usual winter and it looks, and feels like, a hotter than usual summer too. Here in the western NC, north GA and eastern TN mountains we’re surrounded by many lakes and wide rushing rivers to cool off on these hot summer days. All of these companies offer Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing and Tubing adventures on the rivers. RAFTING...   Ocoee Adventure Center: The whitewater rafting trips with the Ocoee Adventure Center are unsurpassed on the Ocoee River because we take our time and focus on quality, safety and big fun. Each of our Ocoee rafting trips spends 33% more time out on the water than other whitewater rafting outfitters. Wildwater Rafting: Since 1971, Wildwater Ltd. Rafting'... 06/21/2010

Well, it’s auction time here at the Folk School and we are gearing up for the Annual Gala and Benefit Auction at the John C. Campbell Folk School this Saturday night, June 12, 2010 and starts at 5 pm. Last year’s Gala was amazing and this year’s improvements will make the event even better. For the first time this year they will be adding an online auction to the festivities. This event helps strengthen your Folk School and allows folks to get a glimpse of the beautiful work done by our instructors and students.  June 12, 2010 5:00-6:45 PM - Silent Auction, Hors d'oeuvres, Drinks, Live music 6:45-8:00 PM - Live Auction Location: Community Room in the Keith House This event is not only a great opportunity to purchase art and other items, it is a time of togetherness and camaraderie that... 06/10/2010

Appalachia is carved with trails,some centuries old and others making a network of more 50 scenic byways. Cherokee County is surrounded by Nantahala National Forest,cradling the western region in 531,212 acres of lust wilderness. Experience the Trail of Tears and track the route by vehicle,or pull off the road and overlook the vistas and peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park,the country's most visited,has attractions for recreation,such as hiking,amping,ranger-guided tours and picnicking. Motorists,can expect 384 miles of road to explore in the Smokies.Visitation is at its highest from July 1 to Aug. 15 and during the weekends in October.Beat the crowds or join in on an auto tour to find the most popular destinations like Clingmans Dome or Newfound Gap Road. The Gre... 06/08/2010

Murphy NC, The Annual Gala & Benefit Auction will be held at the John C Campbell Folk Schoolon June 12, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. This event is not only a great opportunity to purchase art and other items, it is a time of togetherness and camaraderie that helps the school grow and thrive. Our Annual Gala will take place in the Community Room of the Keith House where there will be heavy hors d'oeuvres, drinks and wonderful live music. During this time bidders can socialize and enjoy the John C Campbell Folk School atmosphere while they peruse the wide array of silent auction items. 5:00-6:45 PM - Silent Auction, Hors d'oeuvres, Drinks, Live music6:45-8:00 PM - Live Auction The John C Campbell Folk School famous live auction will take place at the culmination of the event.  Read More About The A... 06/08/2010

           With incredible long range mountain views like the one above, a dazzling list of amenities and affordable prices, Grand Vista subdivision in Murphy, North Carolina had almost every lot in Phase 1 under contract within just a few months after opening back in 2006.  But today the developers are gone, the remaining 500 acres is in foreclosure, the clubhouse is locked and there is only one house completed in this Cherokee County, NC subdivision. As a real estate broker and a Grand Vista lot owner, I've been following the status of the development from the beginning.  Simply put, Grand Vista is a casualty of the national real estate downturn.  As home prices fell in Florida, some lot owners were unable to sell their Sunbelt homes to build in the mountains.  Other buyers purchased ... 06/05/2010