Blowing Rock Real Estate-Boone Real Estate-Meris Gantt-Buyer's Agent

Well I'm sorry to report that the completion date for the Goshen Bridge is moved back to June 1st. The bridge which is located between Boone and Blowing Rock on the Blue Ridge Parkway has caused travelers to detour since early 2008. The previous completion date was this past December but construction was delayed due to the weather as well as a change in the original plans.

Hopefully they won't have to push the date back any further. It really does throw a wrench in everyones travels. I know for me if I'm driving from Blowing Rock out to 421 towards Wilkesboro, the detour tacks on an extra 15 minutes and extra traffic when it used to be so easy just to hop on the parkway and get to 421 without ever having to hit Boone. The construction also adds to the already congested of traffic in Boone as well. On a more positive Note, the contractors have worked diligently to keep the historical integrity of the bridge intact so it should be a real treat when it's done.

Well I'm sad to report that after more than 50 years of business in downtown Blowing Rock, the historic Sonny's Grill shuts down for good today. Sonny's has been a treasure for locals and visitors alike.

Though famous for its ham biscuits and sweet potato pancakes, Sonny's had a small but savory down home menu to satisfy even the most complex palate. With the friendly laid-back atmosphere and good coffee, it was easy to come for breakfast and stay for lunch. The restaurant, located on Main Street in the heart of Blowing Rock, was a step back to a simpler time. With only eight barstools and a handful of tables, the atmosphere had an uncanny way of making both locals and visitors feel at home.

As for the reason it's closing, we're seeing it across the country. The economy is making it hard for small business owners to compete, even in a town that is known and loved for it's quaint small town charm. No news yet as to what will take it's place, but we can only hope that it will add to the unique flavor of Downtown Blowing Rock that we've come to know and love over the years.

I hope that something might come along and take it's place or at least be a decent substitute but sadly, I don't really think anything could. Sonny's Grill will be greatly missed by those who call Blowing Rock home, as well as those who have made Sonny's a part of every visit to the mountains.

Home

Contact

Well, I was planning on doing this blog before Winterfest to provide some much needed information on the event but time escaped me like it so often does so here is my post-Winterfest blog. And now I have pictures to show.

The skies were gray this past Saturday in picturesque downtown Blowing Rock but the temperatures weren't cold enough to keep people inside or out of the Chetola Lake for the annual Polar Plunge for that matter. Those people are crazy! They're a special breed.

My husband and I loaded up the baby and the dog and joined the hundreds of ramblers, meandering through the town on a crisp winter's day. We drank hot chocolate, strolled through the park and enjoyed all of the sightseeing that our hometown has to offer. I guess I can't technically call it my hometown since I grew up on the other side of North Carolina in Southport, but hopefully baby Harrison will proudly call it his.

Other fun activities of the day were ice carving, free hay rides, kids activities, and a chili cook off. The Meadowbrook Inn took home the trophy this year for best chili in the High Country. Canyons (where my husband and I work part-time) is foiled again.

I was lucky enough to enjoy a rare night out and was able to catch the John Cowan Band at the Performing Arts Center. They were well received by the sold out crowd as they have been for the past 3 years. I have great memories from my younger years listening to these guys while goofing off and cooking breakfast on lazy Sundays with my family. Needless to say, it's always nostalgic to see them when they come to town. John has a loyal following from his years with Sam Bush, Bela Fleck and Pat Flynn, as the groundbreaking New Grass Revival. The set was a great mix of new and classic songs. The guys even walked down from the stage into the crowd and John sang an unplugged version of "A Good Woman's Love" in his soulful tenor. We hope to see them back next Winterfest.

All and all, a storybook day. It makes me remember how lucky I am to live in this remarkable little corner of the world. If you come to visit, I promise there are no shortages of things to see and do, to occupy your time no matter what season it is. Come and enjoy.

I'm working on finishing up my Ecobroker course this month so I thought I'd share some of the simple things that I'd never thought of. It's freezing cold here in Blowing Rock so I'm taking in all of the energy saving tips I can get to heat out house effectively.

Did you know that a comfortable humidity level in your home is around 50%. Because the water particles in the air actually conduct heat better, it's more efficient to heat your home if you don't let it get too dry in the winter.

Did you know that heating and cooling a home accounts for almost half of the homes energy bills.

Did you know that dark colored houses conduct the suns heat while light colored houses actually reflect more of the heat away.

Did you know that a grass covered lawn is actually around 10 degrees cooler in the summer. On the other hand, planting plants too close to the house can actually trap heat and make the air around the house even warmer.

Did you know that placement is extremely important in regards to your appliances. Don't place your refrigerator next to anything that puts out heat, even a window.

Did you know that front loading washing machines use 1/3 of the water of other models. They also spin faster to dry the clothes more therefore resulting in much shorter drying time which also saves energy.

Did you know that self cleaning ovens are more insulated and therefore save energy resulting in lower utility bills.

Did you know that some of the "phantom" appliances that use energy even when they're turned off include your tv, vcr, cell phone chargers and really anything that has an internal clock, timer or memory.

These are just a few fun facts, I'll post again as I learn more.

Do you have any lesser known energy saving tips? Please feel free to comment.

The Ridge at Watauga Lake is a hidden gem nestled in the countryside high above the lake's shores. "The Ridge" combines the pristine pastoral beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains with the laid back community atmosphere that his part of the world is famous for.

Watauga Lake sits 1,959 feet above sea level and is 10.05 square miles although only 47 miles of shoreline are privately owned as the shoreline is very steep in most places. The winding mountain roads that you must take in order to get to the lake keep it a well kept local secret. While the lake is located in Tennessee, it  is only 3 miles from the North Carolina border. Watauga Lake is 15 miles from Mountain City, Tennessee and only 22 miles from Boone, NC.

"The Ridge" is only minutes from the Pioneer Landing Marina, the eastern most marina on Watauga Lake. There you'll find activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, and water skiing. They also offer a campground and boat slips are available to rent.

While still in the development phases, "The Ridge" will boast a clubhouse with pool and tennis courts, hiking trails and a  community area with rustic turn-key cabins. There are 73 lots in all. Lot sizes range from half and acre to 3 acres and the views range from pastoral to long range and lake views.

All roads will be paved and each lot will be hooked into city water and have DSL capability and underground utilities.

Watauga Lake is the ultimate escape away from your daily and weekly toils and The Ridge offers this great escape along with laid back mountain living at it's finest. Come and see for yourself!