About Mars Hill's Living Green In Madison County

Heading north from Asheville, NC today, we look forward to stepping, even if only briefly, on the Appalachian Trail when we visit Second and Vacation Homes at The Preserve at Wolf Laurel . Here golfing, skiing, hiking and equestrian pursuits are on the agenda for second and vacation home owners.

Keeping these points in mind,a) proximity to Asheville, b) the exterior and/or interior allure for a second or vacation home, and c) zoning/deed restrictions, we travel about 25 minutes on I-26 to Exit 3. Another 20 minutes takes us to the gates of this eco-friendly development touted as a "a private, gated mountain top community that adjoins Wolf Laurel Resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina."

"With an elevation of approximately 4,800 feet, this 1,300 acre master planned community offers long-range views and ... tennis, swimming, skiing, horseback riding, and miles of trails with direct access to the Appalachian Trail, " we read in the brochure.

I ask my clients. Who wants to walk on the Appalachian trail today?"

I am smiling as I hear cheers all around. We may even take in an incredible 360 degree view of the Cherokee and Pisgah National Forests from the Big Bald Mountain Trail.

I warn everyone: The roads leading there are somewhat narrow and with the storms this winter, we may experience some tricky potholes!

Arriving in the Preserve at Wolf Laurel area, we remark that this is a mighty fine terrain for skiing. We decide to stop by the ski lodge, an attractive building of native poplar and pine post and beam construction. (Always nice to notice if you are into locally harvested and sustainable construction.)

Later we will take a look at second and vacation homes and condos that border the eighteen hole championship course. This must be one of the highest elevations east of the Rockies.

On the way up the mountain, we see three(3) tennis courts, a stocked trout pond that is just a short walk from the outdoor pavilion.

We stop for a picnic there. We talk about the "must haves". My clients who are avid skiers and outdoorsfolk.

I can see a twinkle in their eyes as the envision the family gathering to ski toether next winter. I ask:

a) Will the Proximity to Asheville NC work for you? It is less than an hour from Asheville, NC, and just 15 minutes to Mars Hill, NC and grocery stores. The Preserve at Wolf Laurel could really appeal to this family as they are interested in the recreational and out-of-doors aspects that second and vacation properties offer.

b) Tell me how you feel about the Exterior Allure? Without a doubt there is the possibility of amazing connections with nature: Homes along the Appalachian trail, the graceful beauty of ski slopes, the shady sanctuary of the forest, or hilltop.. . .My Oh My!

Will they build a log home here? You tell me....

Second and/or Vacation Home Features

Nature Connections: Abundant water sources, forest trails, trout fishing a community center and pavilion.

Eco-Friendly Benefits: This protected land encompasses outstanding environmentally sensitive areas. The potential for excellent healthy enjoyment of the out-of-doors. Stepping right from your own door to a trail that winds from the eco community..

Appropriate for Vacation Rental: Absolutely.

Appropriate for Second Home: We like the newer sections with log cabins overlooking the mountainscapes very much. Asheville's shopping and restaurants are about 50 minutes drive..

We are in the business of finding incredible Land for our clients, whether that be Land for Sale by Owner or Land listed on the MLS.. . and the Greater Asheville area abounds with such special finds.

There are several unique building sites ranging in price from approximately $80K to $350K currently available at The Preserve at Wolf Laurel. The average second vacation home price is around $500K.
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Asheville NC Real Estate: LAND and LOT EXPERTS- Going Green/ Eco-Friendly Properties. Tools for Sellers and Buyers. Mountain Homes, Land Legacies, LOTS and Land For Sale by Owners.

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The Amazing (though small) MARS HILL Tailgate Market.

It's a mild August Saturday morning, and I'm on my way to the Madison County Tailgate and Artisans Market in Mars Hill, NC .

You may not be able to tell from this photo, but it is right on the campus of Mars Hill College!

This college is a bit of history in and of itself! . It is a liberal arts college founded WAY back in 1856.(For more on the college and Mars Hill, see my college and small towns around Asheville series.)

Summer's here, the mountainsides are blooming and the dear old trees are deepening to even deeper shades of green.

Coming into Mars Hill, I spot the tailgate market just over the hill. Now it occurs to me. . .I love the idea of sustainable agriculture and sustainable practices that bring organic fruits and vegetables to the tailgate markets in and around Asheville.

Today, there appear to be just about twenty vendors down in a sheltered parking lot on Mars Hill College Campus Drive. Small can be good, you know. Gives one a chance to be neighborly. Suddenly, I'm wondering what it looked like back in 1856. ..and who was talking with whom WAY back then.

Speculation aside, it is obvious that this tailgate market, though smaller than those I've told you about in previous posts (Asheville City Market and UNCA sponsored tailgate market), still has much to offer. There is, for one thing, that special quality that gives the market experience a particular and pleasing atmosphere. You could say it is a "human scale" delight. Reconnecting with the land and meeting the people means so much to me...how about you?

FINDS: Good organic produce here-tomatoes, cukes, squash and blueberries, and my favorite-of-all-time chevre from Spinning Spider Creamery. Don't miss this! Outstanding crafts, bedding plants , jams and jellies are here, too...and baked goods that satisfy the hunger for authentic ingredients and baking that feeds the spirit.

Gail Lunsford from Wake Robin Farm Breads is one of the regular vendors. . She does her baking in a wood-fired brick oven on a farm that's been in the family for 150 years. Wake Robin Farm is out in the Sandy Mush Community. (More on this in another post) Good to know that if you live in the Greater Asheville area, or you are visiting, you can find Gail's breads at the tailgate markets at UNCA and at the French Broad Food Co-op.

Tomorrow I'm going to pack a picnic basket for LPS with apples, bread, and an out-of-this-world jam from an "old-timer" at the market. Maybe I'll toss in some decadent cookies and white peaches....

Resources:

All the Asheville area Tailgate Markets are mentioned in the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project's Local Food Guide. the Guide lists:

· 180 family farms
· 38 apple orchards
· 36 U-pick farms
· 20 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms
· 31 farm tourism destinations
· 20 roadside farm stands
· 8 wineries
• 39 farmers' tailgate markets

Madison County Farmers & Artisans Markets : Mars Hill Tailgate Market

Madison County, NC Farms "Nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Madison County is home to over 1500 rural, family farms. From farm tours, pick-your-own berries, choose and cut Christmas trees, and horseback riding, Madison County offers many things to see, do and buy...."

RESEARCH--Fascinating Madison County History! It's a good-guess that my friend the well-known author D. Silver will be delving into some research on Madison County...maybe from the College Campus (see photo)

THAT should prove to be a good read on Mars Hill and Madison County history in the not too distant future. The Silvers, by the way, are stewards of 20+ amazing acres in Madison County. I'm thrilled that the ECO TEAM at Our Firm found the acreage with vocal stream and oak barn for them.

Festivals::

Bascom Lamar Lunsford Mountain Heritage Festival The 41st annual Bascom Lamar Lunsford "Minstrel of Appalachia" Festival will take place October 4, 2008 on the campus of Mars Hill College from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m (Look for my post on this event!! Some time in October, 2008)

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Read the latest news about mountain and valley neighborhoods, day trips, picnics, and local ecotourist attractions you'll just love. Check THIS out/. . .Curious about green building, remodeling and green communities ? Subscribe to Greenolina's "Green Wheels" BLOG.

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WE are IN a sustainable world

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