About Watauga County, NC

Fall's winding down here in the Blue Ridge High Country of North Carolina. The leaves weren't quite as brilliant as in years past and the peak was a little early (probably because of all of the rain we've had this year).

I thought I'd post up a few pictures to commerate this beautiful and fleeting time of year.

This cozy 2 bedroom cabin is a rental powerhouse! All furniture is included in the sales price and it currently rents for $175 a night. What an amazing investment! An opportunity to have a unique mountain getaway for yourself and have the peace of mind that it already has a solid vacation rental history.

Features include everything that you'd expect from a mountain cabin: open floor plan in the living room and kitchen with tongue and groove ceilings and a beautiful large stone fireplace. Each bedroom suite has a bathroom with a shower as well as a large whirlpool tub. Outside is great for entertaining: the front porch is covered and looks out over the serene partially wooded lot. There is also an open deck out back great for dining/grilling out and relaxing in the hot tub.

The cabin is located right over the line in Ashe County which is on the Wilkesboro (east) side of Boone. It takes 15 minutes to get from the house into Boone and only 10 minutes to hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Boone is home to Appalachian State University and known for it's stunning views and wide range of outdoor activities. From hiking to skiing and fishing to rafting, there's never a shortage of things to do or see.

Though the cabin lends itself nicely to being a second home that can be rented out on the side, it would also work great for a retired couple that wants to downsize or a small family. Come and see what the wonderful High Country area of North Carolina has to offer!

Please feel free to contact me directly for more information on this property. 828.719.9171

It's always surprising when the first leaves start to fall in the beginning of September. The summer isn't hot enough here in the Blue Ridge Mountains for it to be much of a reprieve but still, that first breath or cool crisp fall air brings with it a deep sense of nostalgia. A time to reflect on what's been accomplished in the past year and focus on what's left to be done before battening down the hatches for the winter ahead.

September has become my favorite month of the year. Though weather patterns are still a little unpredictable because of the tropics, the temperature is that perfect 71 degrees with a little bit of breeze and just enough chill in the air to make you want to make a cup of tea and sit outside. Another thing about September is that it's actually one of the slower months here in the High Country. After the kids go back to school, tourism hits a standstill until the leaves start turning in October.

Fall in the Boone/Blowing Rock area is bustling with things to do. First, and perhaps most notably to some is Appalachian State Football kicking off. The first game of the season is today actually. The mountaineers didn't take home the title last year, but prior to that, they were the National Champs three years in a row! Can't wait to see what this season holds.

The third weekend in October brings the annual Wooly Worm Festival in Banner Elk. Historically according to local folklore, woolly worms have been used to forecast the winter weather. In a nutshell, the length and severity of the winner depends on the coloration of the worm that wins the Wooly Worm Race. It's like our very own groundhog. In addition to worm race, there is also a 5k run and tons of great local food and craft vendors and activities for the kids. I can't wait till mine is old enough to go and enjoy the festivities.

The Boone Art Crawl is a fun event that happens year round on the first Friday of each month. It's a great opportunity to walk around down town Boone and browse local galleries and shops. Some restaurants like Vidalia on King Street offer a wine tasting and specials on bottles. The Turchin Center on ASU's campus will also be open to the public and have local art on display.

The Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad takes place October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31, and November 1st. Gates open each evening at 7:30 p.m. In addition to the Ghost Train and regular Tweetsie attractions, there is trick or treating for the kids, a 3D maze, a black hole and scary shows at the Tweetsie Saloon. Fun for kids of all ages.

This is just the tip of the iceberg as far as fun fall activities in the High Country. There is so much to do and see in general in this area but something about this time of year makes you want to get out there and take advantage of every day whether you're a local or just passing through. Feel free to contact me with any questions if you're in the area.

I am excited to have just joined Active Rain and wanted to introduce myself. I am Candi Catoe and have resided in Banner Elk, NC for 15 years. Along with my real estate firm I own a small inn and restaurant, am married, and have two children ages 10 and 9. We are blessed to live in Banner Elk and NC Mountains. This is the perfect balance of resort town, scenic beauty, cool restaurants, and outdoor activities. We live in a safe environment with fabulous neighbors. I am a member of the High Country Association of Realtors, an associate member of the Asheville Association of Realtors, both local Chambers, the Tourism Development Authority and Restaurant Association.

I specifically enjoy the service aspect associated with real estate; preliminary searches, assistance with finding the perfect area, inspections, contracts etc. When not busy with work I enjoy hiking, horsebackriding, and schlepping my kids to soccer, gymnastics, tennis, etc.

I look forward to meeting new folks through Active Rain, if anyone ever needs anything in the High Country or Asheville area, do not hesitate to ask!

Why Green was a great success marketing and presenting local Green Thinking and acting folks.

Open to the public, a dozen presenters briefly explained what they had to offer and why it would be a good service or product, adding notice of tax Incentives to boot.

We had the following speakers donate their time and expertise:

Presenters and their topics:

Judy Wagner & Brian Rogers - NAR Green Designee REALTORS

- Green Designee REALTORS are the "Source of your Source"

Sam Zimmerman of Sunny Day Homes, Inc.

- Target Zero: Energy Focused Remodeling and Retrofitting

Travis Thompson of T-Square Solar Solutions,

- Solar Water Heating

Scott Suddreth of Building Performance Engineering

- HERS Certification, Blower Door Testing

Harold Gertner ASU Energy Center

- Western NC Renewable Energy Initiative: Renewable Energy

Resources and Education

Dwight Simmons of Mountain Lumber

- Green Vendor

Adrian Tait

- Greenman Studios - Green Home Design

Scott Eggers of Blue Ridge Energies

- CFL's and Water Heater Jacket Kit (Conservation)

Drew Petrey of Mountaineer Sheet Metal

- Green Heat & Air Geo-Thermal (Remodel)

Robert N. Oelberg ASLA PA

- Green Building Guidelines for Site Development and Landscaping

Dave Parks of Distinctive Kitchens & Baths

- Green Products for Kitchen & Bath

Landon Phillips- Green Appraisals and their Value

I was so inspired by the speakers and the reception they (we ) received.

Connections were made, jobs lined up and smiles abounded. I look forward to many more connect the vendor to the consumer in Building and Remodeling GREEN.

Thanks to one and all who worked on and attended the event.