Bob de Camara

Early this afternoon I met my client at the office of the attorney I'd recommended to him. I advised that he make his offer for 54 acres of land on atty review. The Atty reviewed all relevant issues, deed, survey, water rights, rights-of-way, issues re constructing a bridge of stream and Army Corp of Engineers and NC Dept of Env & Natl Resources. Then we drove out to the land and hiked all over it in the crisp mountain air with flower bursting, clouds scudding across blue skies and the beauty of distant mountain ranges surrounding us. A beautiful day like today reminds me of the great fortune of working land for a living in Boone, NC. Take a tour on http://www.BooneRealEstate.com !

Todd, North Carolina is an overlooked gem of the high country. On the border of Watauga and Ashe Counties it is the best of Americana, yesteryear. The South Fork of the New River runs right through it. Along its banks RailRoad Grade road runs flat miles from Todd to Fleetwood. The Todd General Store is a return to the candy barell stores of the nineteenth century. When I first began BooneRealEstate.com I focused on Todd. It began as a railroad town and in fact by 1915 had 2000 inhabitants as an outpost of the Virginia Creeper Railroad. It's a true undiscovered treasure. Pure starry skies at night with no light pollution. Fishing, canoeing, hiking, biking and seeing the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in all their glorious seasons gets no better. Come take a look at the beauty of Todd, North Carolina and I'll show you the best real estate while you're here.

I just discovered the best Italian restaurant in the high country of western North Carolina. If you're ever in Boone, Blowing Rock or Banner Elk you must stop in and see Elliott at Bella's Restaurant. Coming from Boone you take Hwy 105 south to Tynecastle and turn east on Hwy 184 like heading to Banner Elk and in about half a mile you turn right into the Food Lion parking lot where you'll see Bella's on the right. Run by a great Italian family they have the cuisine down pat. I recommend the lasagna. Great bar by the way too if you're looking for a friendly place to stop in a have a drink. Mangiare bene! Ciao Bella!

3585 Tynecastle Hwy
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 898-9022

Looking for something fun to do while visiting the high country? Here's a memorable trip I've done a number of times with friends and family. Everyone raves about it. Drive an hour north on Hwy 421 to Hwy 91 to Damascus, VA. There I would recommend using "Blue Blazes" as an outfitter www.blueblazebikeandshuttle.com/ and for $35 or so they'll equip you with a mountain bike, helmet, water bottle and ferry you to the top of Whitetop Mountain. From there you can coast the 16 miles back down to Damascus over the old Virginia Creeper Railroad Trail. You'll cross numerous tall trestles bridging the thundering gorge below. Stop half way down at a deli for a sandwich by the creek. This mountain gathers weather so pack a waterproof jacket, hat and sunscreen. You'll have a blast. Check out http://www.VaCreeperTrail.com .

I'm finding that the real estate market is picking up suddenly in our beautiful area in the northwest corner of NC. The area we call the high country is essentially the three northwest most counties - Watauga, Avery and Ashe bordering respectively Tennessee and Virginia. Our eleveation is around 3000 - 5000' and it is cool and pleasant all summer unlike most of the sweltering southeast. We have fragrant hardwood forests and the full splendor of seasons. Real estate will always be a good investment in Boone/Blowing Rock, NC as it is a desirable destination all year long for the entire southeast. We visited here fifteen years ago from Chicago and once we discovered its sublime beauty we simply uprooted our five kids from school and moved here, never looking back. What a GREAT place to live!