Having Fun in the High Country

Looking to Sell Your Home?

2009-03-21T15:07:00.011-04:00

Springtime is here and the market always seems to pick up this time of year. Want to get the edge on your competition? Here are some tips to make "Your Offer" more attractive than the next.

1. Add a splash of color to the front of your home.
Clean up the winter debris, sticks, leaves, and branches
and make the Curb Appeal grab them when your buyers arrive.
Dust off any cobwebs from the front porch area.

2. Springtime is Here - Do a little Spring Cleaning
Make certain the inside of the home is spotless.
Get cobwebs from ceiling corners, clean the windows and open the blinds. Bring all the sun in!
A clean well lite room is far more appealing than a dark, dank one.

3. Winter Clothes Be Gone!
Give your closets a good cleaning also.
Get rid of bulky winter clothes and bring out the bright Spring /Summer apparel to make the closets look larger.

4. Bring Spring indoors -
Add some fresh flowers to your rooms and get rid of bulky blankets and winter comforters. Be careful not to use incense and artificial fragrances
as many people are allergic to these!

5. Find a Realtor you can work with and let them leverage your time with greater exposure on MLS and their marketing website.

Good luck!

Megg Henry
Broker - Foscoe Realty
Office (828) 963-7600
Cell (828) 773-2279
Email - info@megghenry.com

Spring is Near in the High Country - Market is Good

2009-03-19T15:53:00.010-04:00

March is nearly over and the first day of Spring is tomorrow! The weather has been quite nice here in the High Country. Today is cool and Sunny with only a few clouds in the sky. Hard to believe that just about 10 days ago we had some 12 inches of snow on the ground -at least on the Eastern side near the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was quite beautiful. Here is a shot of 221 just before the Parkway entrance.

This is view of our front porch when the last snow came in.

Of course Winter is not really gone yet, as a matter fact in the three years we have lived here we have seen snow as late as the first week in April!

Two Ski Slopes, App Ski and Sugar Mountain are both still open and plan to be open until March 28th. If the temps drop into the mid 20's as they are expected to Friday and Saturday night App Ski says they will be making snow!

Both slopes are offering discount lift tickets until season end. Beech Mountain closed as of the 15th of March. What about Real Estate?

Has the "Economic Downturn" had an affect on this area? Well - I guess that all depends on who you talk to. According to Trulia Real Estate Statistics:

The average price per square foot for Blowing Rock NC was $186, an increase of 0% compared to the same period last year. The median sales price for homes in Blowing Rock NC for Sep 08 to Nov 08 was $290,000. Compared to the same period one year ago, the median home sales price increased 0%, or $290,000.

(Here is the interesting part) The average listing price for homes for sale in Blowing Rock NC was $627,303 for the week ending Mar 11, which represents an increase of 3.9%, or $23,815, compared to the prior week.

Looks promising to me! Granted some offices have had fewer sales than they would have liked but we see continued interest in homes and mountain condos in Echota.

Learn more about Echota at www.BestBlowingRockHomesOnline.com

Loving Life in the High Country

Megg Henry

Broker - Foscoe Realty

www.MeggHenry.com

SKI BEECH MOUNTAIN - Feb 7th

2009-01-07T14:13:00.003-05:00

Beech Mountain will be hosting one of three exclusive rail events brought to you by 3rd Rail. The competition will highlight a unique rail set-up with the winner(s) taking home the only cash prize in North Carolina.

The day will be filled with DJ’s, Music, Graffiti Artists and a wild after party highlighting Hip-Hop Artist Brotha Reade. With major sponsorship from Under Armour, Skull Candy and Red Bull this is one event you do not want to miss.

For more information visit the contest website: 3rdrailjam.com.

For more information about Beech Mtn and the incredibel skiing visit the Ski Beech site!

Blowing Rock Winterfest Jan 22 to 25

2009-01-07T13:42:00.003-05:00

Every year Blowing Rock hosts an incredible event known as " Winterfest". Winterfest offers something for everyone of all ages.

You will find everything from Ice Craving contests, to Pancake Breakfast, to Chili Challenge cook offs, to Concerts, Wine Tastings, Kids activities and even a Polar Plunge!

Visit the Winterfest site to register and learn more.

Blowing Rock Winterfest

Blood Sweat and Gears Fund Raiser

2008-06-20T21:11:00.002-04:00

The 10th Annual Blood Sweat and Gears - Saturday, June 28, 2008. Start Time 7:30am at the Valle Crucis School

"It's a great area for riding, very hilly, but I'd say it's the best area for training in the whole of the United States." –– Lance Armstrong on Boone, NC Cycle Sport (June 1998)

A demanding route, which showcases the mountain communities of Watauga County, North Carolina; highlights of the route include a 21 mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a strenuous climb over the 4,500 foot gap at Snake Mountain, and a 10 mile "flat" on old US 421.

A 50 mile "Half Century" is available for those who prefer the sanity of a challenging, but shorter route. Both rides are fully supported with aide stations and SAG support.

Proceeds from the ride will benefit the Jeremy Dale Fisher Fund and The Russell Fund, established by the Watauga County Chapter of the American Red Cross , which provides assistance to local families that are displaced by fire, flood or similar disasters.

Learn More

Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder

2008-06-19T20:20:00.006-04:00

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder will be at the Farthing Auditorium at Appalachian State University, June 28 at 8PM.

An Appalachian Summer Festival Event - Call 828-262-4046
Tickets are $25 / $18 / $15 / $10 / $5 Visit Farthing Seating Chart to view seats.

Ricky Skaggs is well on the way to showing the world that "country rocks, but bluegrass rules!" By age 21, he was already considered a "recognized master" of bluegrass, but his career took him in other directions, catapulting him to popularity and success in the mainstream of country music. Now the road has brought him back to where it all began - bluegrass music.

The all-star lineup of Kentucky Thunder includes Andy Leftwich (fiddle), Cody Kilby (lead guitar), Mark Fain (bass), Darrin Vincent (baritone vocals, rhythm guitar), Paul Brewster (tenor vocals, rhythm guitar) and Jim Mills (banjo).

Farthing Location

84th Annual Singing on the Mountain

2008-06-18T11:57:00.003-04:00

84th Annual Singing on the Mountain at Grandfather Mountain.

The "Singing" is a day-long gathering held out-of-doors in a meadow at the base of Grandfather Mountain. Music begins at 8:30 a.m. and continues throughout the day, with a break at mid-day for the sermon. Many families bring lawn chairs and picnics and make a day of seeing old friends and enjoying performances by top Southern Gospel groups.

This All-day gospel sing, church bazaar, and dinner-on-the-grounds held at the base of Grandfather Mountain. Features nationally known Korean evangelist and broadcaster Dr. Billy Kim and top singing groups.

For info visit Singing on the Mountain or call 800-468-7325

What's Happening in the High Country

2008-06-18T11:38:00.013-04:00

So when and where is something happening in the High Country?
Every week, Everywhere!

From Boone to Blowing Rock, from Foscoe to Banner Elk, from Valle Crucis to Sugar Grove... we have it all Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Fun for the family or fun for one!

Looking to do some Trout Fishing? You are all but guaranteed to catch your limit at GrandFather Trout Farm. Do a little Canoeing, or Hiking and Backpacking? It is all here for you!

Something a little more exciting? How about Ziplining through the air at 50 Miles per hour? Try Screamtime Zipline

More into the Performing Arts? How about Hayes Center Performing Arts Center.
Art Festivals, Wine Festivals, Wolly Worm Festivals and more!

Come visit us and experience true Mountain Hospitality!

Thomas the Tank Engine at Tweetsie

2008-05-25T19:36:00.003-04:00

Big Fun for the Kids at Tweetsie Railroad - May 30 - June 8, 2008

Have a Day out with Thomas the Tank EngineLocation: Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing RockTelephone: 800-526-5740Thomas the Tank Engine pulls the train at Tweetsie!
See Sir Topham Hat, have your picture made with Thomas and more!

Learn more at www.tweetise.com

Meet the New Upper Watauga Riverkeeper

2008-05-22T22:33:00.006-04:00

Meet Donna Lisenby the new Upper Watauga Riverkeeper on Saturday, May 24th at The Mast General Store Annex in Valle Crucis, North Carolina. She will be available to answer questions and give much more information from 11 a.m. -3p.m. during the kickoff event to the Take it Outside series at the Annex.

From the headwaters on the slopes of Grandfather Mountain to the Watauga Lake Dam on the Tennessee border, the Upper Watauga River is one of Western North Carolina’s treasures. The Watauga, a Cherokee word meaning “beautiful river,” begins its westward flow to the Gulf of Mexico in Watauga County, North Carolina. A fast growing area in the Carolina Mountains, Watauga County is experiencing increased development that could impact the future of the Upper Watauga River. Unmonitored, this development could cause higher flooding events and more intense low water droughts. In the past, the health of the river was left to chance, but that is about to change with the addition of a Riverkeeper to protect the future of the Upper Watauga River.

Donna Lisenby comes to her new position as the Upper Watauga Riverkeeper from a similar position on the Catawba River, which flows through North and South Carolina. Donna, a South Carolina native and Clemson University graduate, is committed to “building sustainable relationships between people and Earth.”

Donna began her mission as the Catawba Riverkeeper in 1998 with responsibility for all 300 miles of the river. Along with a network of trained volunteers, she monitored water quality and enforced environmental laws, among other tasks. Being the voice of the Catawba had many challenges but did not go unnoticed. Donna was named as the “1999 Guardian of the Environment” by The Charlotte Observer and received three “Best of Charlotte” awards for “Best Effort to Improve the Environment.”

Learn more here

Come Visit the Farmers Market

2008-04-30T20:16:00.006-04:00

I love going to the farmers Market on Saturday mornings.

The Watauga Farmers market has been in operation since 1974, and is located at the Horn In The West in Boone, North Carolina. Horn in the West can be acccessed from either 321 across from Blockbuster or from 105 bypass next to First Citizens Bank.

Once you go you will be hooked and you will see why the market is a direct link between our local farmers and the consumer.

The variety of fresh veggie's, Goat Cheese, fresh baked breads and muffins as well as Local Crafts make this a trip worth the time!

The members of the farmers' market are proud of the high quality products they sell.

We hope you will enjoy coming to the market as much as we do!

The market is open from 8:00AM to Noon

Saturdays - May 3-October 25, 2008

Wednesdays - June 18-September 10, 2008

For more information please visit: http://wataugacountyfarmersmarket.org/

Springtime in the High Country

2008-04-16T12:32:00.004-04:00

SPRINGTIME IN THE HIGH COUNTRY

Life in the High Country is "Springing" into action and the action will be Non -Stop all summer long!

Check out all of the great events and start planning your adventure now!

ART IN THE PARK - Saturdays - 10:00A to 5:00P - May 17th, June 14th, July 19th, August 16th, September 13th, October 4th. Learn More

SUNDAY CONCERT in THE PARK SERIES --
Cans and Pans
May 18, 2008
4 - 5:30 PM
Memorial Park Downtown
Great warm weather with the sounds of the Caribbean! The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce is delighted to present the Ashe County High School Steel Drum Band, “Cans and Pans,” at Sunday Concert in the Park. Free to the Public.

Grandfather Mountain's Naturalist's Weekend
Date: May 17th and 18th

Location: Grandfrather Mountain
800-468-7325
A collection of programs and guided walks presented to help guests of Grandfather Mountain discover "nature on a whole different level."
More information

HORSEBACK RIDING

Celebrating their 81st anniversary this year! Home of the Blowing Rock Charity Horse Show, America's oldest continuous running horse show, held July & August each year. Located adjacent to Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and has easy access to 26 miles of carriage trails. Nightly horse boarding with 430 permanent stalls. Guided trail rides. Open year round.

Fire on the Rock - Chef's Challenge Blowing Rock

2008-03-06T00:57:00.004-05:00

There is always something happening in Blowing Rock!

“Fire on the Rock” Chef’s Challenge is a battle of the area's best chefs who will duke it out on Saturday, April 12th and Sunday April 13th in an "Iron Chef" style competition.

Each team will be given a "secret ingredient" that must be used in their culinary creations. There will be 3 judges including one celebrity chef to be determined in the future.

The Blowing Rock Fire & Rescue Departments will be facilitating the event. Local firemen have always been community-minded and are excited about getting involved with the Blue Ridge Wine Festival through management of the event while providing fire watch protection during the competition. The fire department will be selling t-shirts with proceeds benefiting local fire and rescue services.

Location:

Hayes Performing Arts Center

Admission: Only $10

Tickets are available Online or at the door

2008-02-23T10:33:00.006-05:00

What is there to do in the High Contry?

2008-02-23T10:26:00.002-05:00

So when and where is something happening in the High Country?
Every week, Everywhere!

From Boone to Blowing Rock, from Foscoe to Banner Elk, from Valle Crucis to Sugar Grove... we have it all Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.
Fun for the family or fun for one - Skiing, Ice Skating, Rafting, River Trout Fishing, Pond Trout Fishing, Canoeing, Hiking, Shopping, AppState Performing Arts Center, Hayes Center Performing Arts, Art Festivals, Wine Festivals, Wolly Worm Festivals, Highland Games, and more.
Enjoy just relaxing or taking in the sights? We have breath-taking vistas around every corner from the Blue Ridge Parkway to Grandfather Mountain.
Scroll down to view links to just a few of the many things to do.

Come visit us and experience true Mountain Hospitality!