Christy Reece

There's never been a better-or smarter-time to purchase a getaway in the North Georgia Mountains.

Not only is our market here in Blue Ridge, Georgia already saturated with beautiful rustic homes, but now numerous foreclosures have joined the mix. Needless to say, competition to sell a home here in the mountains is fierce. And lucky buyers hold all the cards.

Of course, most real estate agents in North Georgia have competitively priced their fair market listings already, but now they are feeling even more heat from area foreclosures. Really this recent wave of foreclosures aids buyers like never before, for many of these foreclosures aren't the neglected money pits of the past. No, many of these foreclosures offer unbelievable-and unbeatable-bargains.

For example, this cozy new construction cabin offers three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a location in a renowned river resort. Priced at just $184,900 and in excellent condition, it exceeds most of its competitors here in North Georgia when calculating bang for buck.

But perhaps you're simply not interested in foreclosures. That still doesn't mean that they can't help you get an outstanding deal on listed home in the North Georgia mountains. If you and your agent do some research, then knowing some foreclosure examples and their prices can help you negotiate a better price on your fair market dream home.

So, like always, perhaps the best way to ensure that you get a great deal on your mountain home is to work closely with a skillful agent. With someone knowledgeable looking out for your best interests, you'll no doubt be pleased with the price you pay for your ideal North Georgia getaway. Contact the Thomas & Reece Team to begin your search today!

The annual Sorghum Festival held in Blairsville, Georgia each October always draws visitors from all over the country. But, not surprisingly, people unfamiliar with the festival may need to ask, "What is sorghum?"

Though the name may not be easily recognized, sorghum is sweet, dark syrup that has been made in Appalachian regions for many years. Of course, Blairsville residents claim that there is no sorghum comparable to that grown in North Georgia. And truly, this pioneer breakfast staple is at its best when served on hot homemade biscuits.

Now don't think that you'll visit this famous festival, buy your token jar of syrup, take it home, and have to bake your own biscuits. No, for among the famous Sorghum Festival concessions are southern style biscuits. And if you just can't get enough of this combination, there's even a "Biskit Eatin'" contest each Saturday and Sunday at noon. Other signature contests with rural flare include "Greased Pole Climbin'" and "Rock Throwin'."

Though these competitions may seem to poke fun at old-fashioned fun, this festival is far from a mockery of simpler times in rural Appalachia. Indeed, it is a celebration of this area's rich heritage. Since one of the first crops most early settlers planted was sorghum, the annual fall harvest of this sweet treat was truly a joyful time. That spirit of celebration still permeates this festival, Blairsville's modern day tribute to the early settlers, their admirable endurance, and their appreciation of the simple life.

This year's Sorghum Festival will be held in Meeks Park on October 11^th, 12^th, 18^th, and 19^th. For more festival information, visit this website: http://sorghum.blairsville.com/events.aspx, and for info on great North Georgia real estate, visit our own website, www.RealEstateGaMtns.com!

Will the leaves in the North Georgia Mountains put on a brilliant color show this year or drift to the ground in drab browns and grays?

With October just a few weeks away, the anticipation of fall's signature beauty has many people in Blue Ridge, Georgia eager to see vivid crimson, orange, and gold leaves against a crisp blue sky. And that anticipation is only heightened by the mystery of those changing leaves. Even as adults who've taken our share of biology and chemistry, we still wonder what makes one fall more spectacular than those of past years'.

Here in the North Georgia Mountains, you'll hear various theories about fall color. Some will say that drought creates a more beautiful fall, while others will say that little rain causes leaves to die before their colors have peaked. Some will suggest that frost stimulates color changes; others argue that cool, not cold, weather is best.

So what is the truth about weather's effect on fall color? Most scientific sources will tell you that there's a bit of truth in all of these theories. A summer drought like we've experienced in Blue Ridge this year can cause leaves to fall prematurely. However, a dry summer combined with a wet September is probably the best combination for brilliant fall color. As far as the need for cold weather, leaves respond best when nights are cool (below 45 F), and days are warm and sunny. Really, these conditions show why our color in the North Georgia Mountains can be so breathtaking, for bright days and cool nights characterize our typical autumn weather.

Truly, fall is the ideal time to vacation in the Blue Ridge area. In fact, the Chattahoochee Forest Website will update you on the leaves so that you can catch them at their peak. Also, our own website showcases several homes with long-range views, which allow you to see layers of mountains ablaze in fall color. Check it out to find your perfect fall getaway!

What better way to spend a spring day than out on pristine Lake Blue Ridge in the North Georgia Mountains? And now that warm weather is finally here to stay in Fannin County, the fish are biting and outdoors are beckoning you to don a tank top, pack a picnic, and allow the sun to melt away any left over winter blues. Nothing says spring is here like the smell of sun block as you prep for a weekend on the lake!

On Lake Blue Ridge, you'll find several places to fish. But before you unpack your gear and thread your line, you may want to plan first for the kind of fishing that most interests you most. Really, in the springtime, the most exciting fishing is for white bass at the head of the reservoir. But if you're more interested in cat fishing, then try near the dam or in the lakes' many coves. Of course, anywhere on Lake Blue Ridge you'll have luck catching blue gill, perch, or bass. This variety makes Lake Blue Ridge such a unique and fun place to fish.

But, at the end of the day, even if you never catch the first fish, that time hasn't been wasted. You spent your day away from weekend chores and chose a day of outdoor perfection instead of overtime pay. And Lake Blue Ridge will still be there, awaiting the next time you escape the daily grind to restore yourself in the North Georgia Mountains.

Don't miss your opportunity to be one of the few private property owners on this majestic lake! Lake Blue Ridge is approx. 70% U.S. Forest Service. Although this ownership ensures that the waters will stay pristine for years to come, it greatly limits the availability of private properties. So check out lake listings on http://www.realestategamtns.com/.

Other useful links: www.blueridgemountains.com/fishing-blue.ridge.html

www.theblueridgehighlander.com

Russ Stevenson

Really, the character of the North Georgia Mountains makes this setting ideal for a multi-discipline course like the Blue Ridge Adventure Race. Teams may mountain bike through the Chattahoochee National Forest, canoe the Toccoa River, then run to the finish line on the streets of downtown Blue Ridge. Other events could include rappelling, kayaking, or orienteering. Since the course changes every year, teams must train for whatever events might challenge, not knowing the course until the day prior to the race. What suspense!

Of course, if you're not as ambitious as Russ and Davey, you can join the Thomas and Reece team (along with all the other race fans) in Blue Ridge City Park to see who crosses the finish line first. There'll be live music and plenty of good food; plus, you'll be surrounded by the city's famed antique shops and the springtime beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We'll all just shop, chat, and sip iced tea while Russ, Davey, and the other competitors do the hard work!

http://adventureracega.com/index.html

www.ThomasandReece.com