test by Preserve At Rock Creek

The Cashiers mountain region is an area of outstanding beauty, and naturally ripe for the development of real estate. Overdevelopment of this scenically stunning region is a growing concern for people in and around the area. But the inclination towards irresponsible development has been thwarted by a smart investor’s vision for preservation and low density planning.

The current rate of real estate development around the Cashiers region of North Carolina has meant the inevitable encroachment into the mountain area itself.  The sheer outstanding beauty of the place offers the perfect opportunity and tendency for developers to ravage the land and turn the landscape into dense mountain subdivisions

Investor and developer Tim Bright anticipated this looming problem for the area, and has taken action.

Tim has established a conservation easement in The Preserve At Rock Creek that protects the vast majority of The Preserve from future development. Preserve at Rock Creek offers upscale mountain living with a unique environmental touch. The Preserve’s mission is to protect a beautiful parcel of land while sharing its beauty within a small group of owners. The developer fell in love with the 400 plus acre parcel and felt strongly about limiting its development.

In our discussion with Tim about Cashiers NC real estate, he said "I went with the premise, concerning density, that less is more" (read more about Tim's vision), the developer of The Preserve at Rock Creek.

"I wanted to preserve the pristine beauty of this exceptional 410 acre parcel, by limiting the number of lots to 60. The remaining 215 acres were committed to a conservation easement, which means that the land is permanently protected from any, and all, future development. That ensures an owner's family, their children's children, and all future generations, will be able to enjoy the same natural beauty that exists today."

The Preserve's amenities feature a large pond, wildflower meadow, ancient rock formations, and Rock Creek, which winds dramatically through the length of the land cascading down into waterfalls and small pools.  Yet despite the natural setting, underground utilities and community water are provided to each site, and there are well-groomed hiking trails.  Within moments of turning into The Preserve, the road rises to elevations between 3000-4800 feet, and one can lose oneself in breathtaking mountain views. A natural stone gate stands at the beginning of The Preserve at Rock Creek marking the perimeter of the property.  For many residents who have other homes, the gated community offers security while owners are away.

The Preserve and its property lends itself as ideal Western North Carolina real estate and offers the perfect opportunity for people to enjoy the “good life”.

The Preserve is well-located just off Highway 64 within minutes of a post office, gas station, medical center, hardware store, and various shops.  The convenience of The Preserve to both Asheville and Cashiers, a short distance away, offers all the amenities of upscale living without the crowds and hustle-bustle of many other summer destinations.

The area is abundant for those wanting endless physical activity or a laid-back retreat for those trying to find some tranquility. One owner said “With this crazy global situation and stress of city life, it is the perfect balance to living in a fast-paced city. I can’t think of a better place to put my money than The Preserve at Rock Creek.  I’ve watched the value of my investment grow as I’ve fallen more and more in love with the area.”

At Preserve at Rock Creek, we have no distressed sales, foreclosures, or defaults, and property values have held steady.  Property owners at The Preserve are not laden with high fees from the expenses from country club amenities.  Property values are not being pulled down from the bank write downs, and the annual dues are minimal compared to country club amenity fees.  Not only does the Preserve offer privacy, natural beauty in conservation, and great views, but the values are steady and the economic windfall of investing there, is unmatched in the area.

Preserve at Rock Creek has the best of both worlds. There is now the choice to buy superior real estate for a home located outside the club gates, while still enjoying membership and its amenities. Buyers have the option to access Country Club amenities without the hefty cost while owning steady real estate with property values not pulled down by market conditions. This all makes the future of this beautiful region that much more peaceful and secure for our purchasers and residence.

Preserve At Rock Creek is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular locations for any Western North Carolina real estate. The landscape and breathtaking views make the area a dream location to live. The development has opened up its upper section at the top of Toxaway Mountain, where a historic landmark, The Lodge, once existed.

Tim Bright, the owner from Preserve At Rock Creek said - “we have just opened Upper Rock Creek, and believe me, we have uncovered a real gem”. The upper section of the mountain is the location of a former Lodge, an historic property dating back to the early 1900’s. The lodge itself was pulled down in the 1920’s, but in recent months, the land has been cleared and a road way constructed to make access to the most idyllic Western North Carolina real estate location. Mr Bright said that he anticipated a lot of interest in the available lots and that people should contact him via his website form or call Toll Free on 800.259.3551 to arrange a viewing.

The History of Toxaway Mountain

"The Lodge" at the Summit of Mt. Toxaway

In the 1900’s, the Asheville Press had this to say about the location - “The view from this Lodge, which is on the extreme summit of the Toxaway mountain, is most extensive.  The magnificent character of this view baffles description. Its grandeur and sublimity can only be fully appreciated by those who have seen it in person and felt the soothing magic of its silent but irresistible influence.”

Historically, the Lodge served multiple functions. It was a “Nature Kindergarten” for children in the area to learn about the environment and the animals that live there. In addition, it also provided lodging for hunting and recreation for prominent industrialists from the north, including the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Edisons, Fords, and others.

The history of Toxaway Mountain is quite interesting, very rich, and deep. In 1890 E.H. Jennings came to Transylvania County from Pennsylvania and established several businesses, including the Lake Toxaway Company, and saw that the area held great potential. Later in the 1890s, Southern Railway built the Rail System from Asheville, which was the steepest railroad system in the U.S., to Lake Toxaway. Jennings filled the Lake in 1902 and opened up the Toxaway Inn. The Lake and the Inn were magnificent achievements for their time. Lake Toxaway was the first artificial lake built in the Appalachian Mountains, the earthen dam was 500 feet long and 60 feet high and 20 feet wide at the top. The area became known as the “Switzerland of America” and encompassed several fabulous resorts, called the Toxaway System of Hotels. They were created by Jennings, including “The Lodge” at the top of the mountain- where the Preserve at Rock Creek sits today.

Limited Availability

Mr Bright said he is really excited about the potential that Rock Creek offers, but warns that there are only a limited number of lots available, and he recommends that interested parties should respond quickly as supply is limited and to contact him on 800.259.3551 or to visit the Western North Carolina real estate page on the website.

During its 30^th anniversary celebration this fall, the Chamber will present awards to winners from Cashiers, Glenville, Lake Toxaway and Sapphire in the following categories:

• Citizen of the Year – an individual who has significantly and positively impacted community development through vision, innovation and leadership
• Businessperson of the Year – a business representative who has leveraged commercial resources to support community initiatives in an extraordinary manner
• Educator of the Year – a teacher or administrator who has uniquely promoted character development and motivation in youth as a foundation for future success
• Volunteer of the Year – an individual who has generously given of their personal time, talent and/or financial support to improve the lives of those in our community
• Village Heritage Award – a business or individual who has preserved a historic building or site in a manner that best represents the unique village character of our community
• Evergreen Award – an individual, business or other organization whose work reflects respect  of natural resources, the value of sustainability and the importance of maintaining an unparalleled quality of outdoor life for residents and visitors

“In addition to the specific criteria for each award, all nominees should exhibit a passion for excellence, a sincere concern for humanity and an appreciation of the value of partnership within our community," explained Karen Sullivan, of Re/Max Summit Properties, who serves as the 2012 Awards Chairman and is also a member of the Chamber Board of Directors.

“Sometimes those who make the greatest contributions are unassuming, quiet, everyday heroes who prefer to remain behind the scenes," said Sullivan. "But their efforts deserve recognition and we invite you to tell their story. It will only take a few minutes to complete the application so that the Chamber membership can recognize those individuals as they deserve.”

Nomination forms are available on the Cashiers Chamber of Commerce website or at the Chamber office located at 202 Highway 64, just west of the Cashiers Crossroads.

Deadline for submissions is October 21^st.  Winners will be announced at the 30^th Anniversary Celebration scheduled for November 8^th.

Please take a few minutes of your time to help the Chamber recognize these valued members of our community.

Chef Jeremy Hughes creates artisan pizzas for lunch and dinner, with dough and sauce made from scratch in-house. Other Italian and Mediterranean-inspired specials include the “Mesi” platter with hummus, babaganouj, feta, olives and tomatoes, Mama's famous lasagna and a grilled Italian vegetable Panini. There's also a selection of sandwiches, burgers and wraps.

For dinner, you'll find pizzas and calzones as well as pasta and salads. Additional house specialties include baked sausage and peppers, chicken Parmesan and penne a la vodka. Desserts include a New York Cheesecake and a bourbon bread pudding.

The menu also features healthy options provided by Hank Miller, a local health expert, and a fun menu just for kids. There's a room featuring favorite games and an outdoor dining area as well. Tamburini's relaxed and casual atmosphere is perfect for family dining, and don't hesitate to bring your favorite canine companion along. There's an outside doggy dining section, featuring a menu just for your pet. The restaurant also offers a private party room and catering.

Chef Jeremy received his culinary training under the late Dominick Sanchez-Colon of the former Nick's Restaurant in Highlands.

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In North Carolina, you’ll find vibrant autumn color from the first weeks of October through early November. That’s because our brilliant annual show of reds, oranges and golds takes its time, starting at higher elevations such as Mount Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain and meandering down through mountains, foothills and Piedmont in the weeks that follow.

Our experts report on places to find peak conditions each week.

October 3rd Weekly Report - Mountains

Dr. Howard Neufeld, reporter

After driving around the mountains this week, I feel comfortable saying that the timing of peak color for this year should be on schedule with past years. Although some trees turned early this year (dogwoods, sourwoods and maples), the rest of the trees seem to be progressing at their usual pace, and based on what I saw this weekend, I think the colors will peak between next weekend and the following one, putting them right on their usual schedule.

Photographer Rick Anderson took this Sept. 28, 2012 shot of fall color at Second Falls and Graveyard Fields from an overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

For the Boone area, I notice that there are patches of good color here and there, but most of the slopes are still primarily green. However, color is showing up more and more each day. By next weekend I think color will be well along, even peaking above 3,500-foot elevation, such as at Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell, and other high peaks. I have a report that down by Highlands, the trees are also progressing at about the same pace, although they may be slightly behind the Boone area, but not by much.

I took a hike through the Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, just outside West Jefferson in Ashe County. There was good color on a few slopes, particularly those in a cold-air drainage, while off in the distance the hills were beginning to turn from green to yellow and orange. Birches have picked up this week and are turning bright yellow. Burning bush (Euonymus alata) is reaching its peak burgundy red now, as are high and low bush blueberries. The once majestic American chestnut, whose sprouts are quite common in this natural area, is turning yellow followed by a nice chocolate brown. Maples are showing a variety of colors, from yellow to orange to red, often all within one leaf. Scarlet oaks are beginning to turn deep burgundy, while beeches are turning yellow then bronze at higher elevations. Sassafras is also turning now, and one can find leaves of just about any color, from yellow all the way to red, on the same tree.

I highly recommend taking Route 194 South, starting just south of West Jefferson on U.S. 221, over to Todd. This is one of North Carolina’s scenic byways and is a wonderful way to see great fall colors and rural landscapes without all the traffic one gets on the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is also the general store in Todd should you want to stop and get something to eat or to buy a T-shirt. Another destination is Satulah Mountain, just outside Highlands. If you take U.S. 64 South from Highlands to Franklin (the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway) you’ll encounter a number of beautiful falls in the Cullasaja Gorge, including Dry Falls, which you can walk behind.

VisitNC.com has a great listing of scenic drives, plus summaries of the history of the areas as well as maps. Remember, colors start earliest at the higher elevations and then work their way downslope each week. For more information, don’t forget to check my Fall Color Facebook page and my Appalachian State University page, where you can also read about the science of fall colors. Happy and safe driving!

Read more over at visitnc.com.

Visitors to Gorges State Park this autumn will be the first to enjoy a brand new 7,000 square-foot visitor’s center, featuring interpretive cultural exhibits about the park and the region’s history, a retail area with local commodities for sale, an auditorium, a classroom, park offices and more.

The new center isn’t the only exciting change to happen in 2012.  Gorges State Park has also opened two new picnic shelters that can accommodate 100 people:  Bearwallow and Whit Pines. The park’s Loop Road, Bearwallow Valley Trail, Upper Bearwallow Falls Trail and the Picnic Area Connector Trail are also open to the public.

Georges State Park was created in 1999 and continues to grow in popularity.  The park got its name for the five streams that carry water through the park along and over the Blue Ridge Escarpment, creating beautiful waterfalls and steep-walled gorges. The area is ecologically rich with nearly 125 rare plant and animal species.  Twelve are endangered or threatened.

There is something for everyone to enjoy at Gorges State Park.  The park offers hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, primitive camping and picnicking.  Trails and roads provide views of the park and an opportunity to explore the rugged terrain, which is home to diverse range of natural communities.

Gorges State Park is accessible form entry points: 1) Grassy Ridge Access off U.S.  south in Sapphire and 2) Frozen Creek Access Area off Frozen Creek Road near Rosman.

GRASSY RIDGE ACCESS: This area of the park offers visitors picnicking, restroom facilities, reserve table shelters, hiking to Upper Bearwallow Falls and Bearwallow Valley Overlook, primitive hike-in camping at the Raymond Fisher campground, and opportunities to drive through the park on a paved loop road to enjoy scenic views of the Jocassee Gorges.

FROZEN CREEK ACCESS: At Frozen Creek, visitors can also enjoy picnicking, primitive hike-in camping and long distance trails to Lake Jocassee and South Carolina game lands.

When camping in the park, visitor must fill out the registration envelope located at the appropriate access area, or camping reservations can be made by calling 1-877-722-6762 or online at northcarolinastateparks.reserveamerica.com

OTHER ACCESSIBLE AREAS: The area is popular for viewing Rainbow and Turtleback waterfalls.  To access this area, use the Grassy Ridge Trailhead, located 1.7 miles for N.C. 281 South park entrance.  This is the only access area for these waterfall attractions.

Its fall programming includes exciting exhibitions from local and internationally known artists.

The Bascom Center for the Arts is open year-found and admission is free!

Through October 14: Bascom Members Challenge: Couples — Each year The Bascom showcases the talents of artists who are Bascom members. This year, our members are invited to create a work of art based upon the concept of “Couples”.

Through October 21: Alex Matisse: Ometto — In Italy, the word Ometto, meaning ‘little man’, is used to describe rock cairns that lead the way on hiking trails above the tree line, marking the path through barren landscapes. The pots in the exhibition originate from the tradition of salt-glazed stoneware grave markers that were made in abundance in the counties of the eastern Piedmont of North Carolina… Alex Matisse.

Through November 10: Art Rosenbaum: Voices & Margo Rosenbaum: Visons — A small collection of monumental paintings of one of Rosenbaum’s favorite subjects: American Folk Musicians, Rosenbaum’s works depicting rural Southern life are combinations of both real and imagined people, places and events. Ethnographer, as well as artist, he brings storytelling to view in the form of folktale paintings full of vibrant, sweeping color.

Exhibition, Galleries & The Shop
Monday—Saturday | 10am—5pm
Sunday | 12 noon—5pm
Administrative Offices
Monday—Friday | 9 am—5 pm

Free and open to public. For information, call 828.526.4949 or visit www.TheBascom.org.

Kick off the weekend at the Opening Night Celebration, Thursday, November 8th, at 7:00 p.m., held at the esteemed Highlands Country Club. Enjoy fine wines and delectable cuisine of Highlands’ local chefs. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, fill your itineraries with an array of activities, tastings and dinners hosted by local restaurants, merchants and accommodations. Plan to attend the annual Sip & Stroll Saturday, November 10th from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. in our beautiful downtown area.

This years participating restaurants include: Cyprus International Cuisine, Fresser’s Eatery, Kilwin’s, Lakeside Restaurant, Old Edwards Inn & Spa, Ruka’s Table, The Gamekeeper’s Tavern, The Ugly Dog Pub, Rosewood Market, Ghangri Asian Fusion Restaurant and Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro. Participating Wineries include;  Empire Distributors, Mutual Distributing, Lambert Bridge, Silver Oak Cellars, Davis Family Vineyards, Caymus Vineyards, Schug Carneros Estate Winery and Mollydooker. Sip & Stroll participants include; 4th Street Boutique, Acorns & Acorns on Church, Alexandra’s Boutique, ck SWAN, The Christmas Tree on Main, Drake’s Diamond Gallery, Highlands Fine Art and Estate Jewelry, Hen House, Highland Hiker Shoes, Mountain Fresh Grocery, Oakleaf Flower & Garden, The Spa Boutique at Old Edwards Inn & Spa, TJ Baileys, To the Nines, Vivace and Xtreme Threads.

“Culinary Weekend is just around the corner,” said Laura Huerta, Manager of Lakeside Restaurant and Chair of Highlands Culinary Weekend Committee. “Our website is updated and there are event booklets circulating throughout town. We’re excited to showcase this great line up of local chefs and wineries. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this special weekend.”

Tickets to the Opening Night Celebration are $75 and can be purchased in advance via the website www.highlandsculinaryweekend.com or by calling The Chamber of Commerce at (866) 526-5841.

To see what the Highlands Culinary Weekend is all about, watch this video of highlights from last year's event, courtesy of The Laurel Magazine: Highlands Culinary Weekend 2011

About the Highlands Area Chamber of Commerce: The Highlands Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center is a catalyst for planning, programs and services that promote a favorable business and visitors climate while nurturing the natural beauty and cultivating the uniqueness that is Highlands. The Highlands Visitor Center is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For more information, sponsorship opportunities or to be a part of the 6th Annual Culinary Weekend, please call (866) 526-5841 or (828) 526-5841 or view the event webpage at www.highlandsculinaryweekend.com.

(Article Source: Highlands-Cashiers Sojourner. Article contributed by Laura Huerta)

This event will feature speakers, book signings, and more than 20 carefully-screened vendors. A patron party will be held on Thursday evening, Oct. 18 and Mary Helen McCoy of Mary Helen McCoy’s Fine Antiques, will be the guess speaker at the luncheon held on Friday, Oct. 19. Lisa Newsom and Chalres Faudree will be doing book signings during the event on Saturday.

Event hours are 10am – 5pm on Thursday and 10am – 6pm on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $12 and good for admittance to the entire show.

Proceeds from the Quail Run Antiques Show go to benefit the Cashiers Historical Society. For more information, contact Linda James, (828) 743-2393 or (918) 995-3168 or email the Cashiers Historical Society.

About On the Verandah: Celebrating its 30th Season, On the Verandah is an inspired dining experience in Highlands’ most scenic setting overlooking Lake Sequoyah. Featuring a unique array of appetizer and entrée recipes from the world over, On the Verandah showcases the fine cuisines of Asia, Europe and the Americas, brought to Highlands courtesy of the extensive travels of owners Andrew Figel and Marlene Alvarez.

Made using the freshest ingredients available, including locally-grown produce and herbs from their own garden, the restaurant’s menu items include chicken, seafood, fresh fish and beef with OTV’s signature flavorful sauces and spices. Pastry chef Sid Jackson offers the perfect finish to the evening with one of his signature deserts. Come sample a Highlands tradition – Sunday champagne brunch from 11am – 2pm. stop by the Dugout Bar for a small plate, “shareable” or appetizer and a cocktail, beer or glass of wine! Relax with friends after work, before dinner and through the evening. We are a Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast Award Winning Restaurant.

For reservations call (828) 526-2338 or www.OpenTable.com, or visit On the Verandah’s website.

An adventurous kayaker takes the plunge over Triple Falls in Western NC's Dupont State Park

What Is It: Attracting more than 200,000 visitors a year, DuPont State Park in Western North Carolina has many amazing natural wonders to visit and explore. Most of the forest's 10,000 acres are in Transylvania County, with access to the forest located only 12 miles southeast of Brevard.  Its massive acreage makes the forest one of the best places to enjoy the fall colors in the entire Southeast.

What to Do: Also within this beautiful state park are over 80 miles of forest roads and trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. It also has some of the best fly-fishing in WNC.

Situated squarely within the region known as "The Land of Waterfalls," hikers along many of the state park's trails will get the chance to see one or more of the majestic cascades. Some may even appear familiar, as this area is a favorite of film makers, who often look to Western North Carolina for its unspoiled scenic beauty. Some of the state parks waterfalls ahve been featured in Hollywood hits, including “The Hunger Games" and “The Last of the Mohicans”

Fans of “The Hunger Games” also have the opportunity to participate in tours to some of the locations in the forest used in the movie.  For more information, go to hungergamesfantours.com.

Triple Falls in DuPont State Park

What to See: Some of the most popular destinations are Triple Falls and High Falls on the Little River.  A 2.5-mile hike from the High Falls access area takes visitors to both waterfalls, the views of which make the hike well worth it. Also marked at approximately 2.5 miles from its access point, Bridal Veil Falls is a manageable hike from both the High Falls and Fawn Lake access areas.

The forest has 5 mountain lakes featuring Lake Julia, the largest.  It can be reached from either the Fawn Lake or the High Falls access areas. Dense Lake is a beautiful spot with a picnic area to enjoy the sites.  Triple Falls, High Falls and Lake Imaging have picnic shelters that can be reserved ensuring a good time.

If you get hungry along the way during your hike, there are picnic areas and tables near Hooker Falls, Fawn Lake and Lake Julia. Hooker Falls is an easy 1/4 mile walk from the Hooker Falls access area on Staton Road.

Hikers looking for a bit of a challenge should consider the trails to the top of Cedar Rock and the top of Stone Mountain. At an elevation of 3640 feet. visitors that that reach the top will be justly rewarded by the panoramic views from either location.

Signts aboundin DuPont State Park, including this charming covered bridge

Upcoming Events: One of the forests’ most popular events, the Tour de Falls, will be held Oct. 13-14. This guided shuttle bus tour is intended to help families and those with limited hiking abilities visit DuPont Forest’s spectacular waterfalls.  Buses will leave the parking lot every 30 minutes from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and the tours will take at least 2 ½ hours. A nominal donation is required. For more information, call (828) 692-2929. Pets are not allowed.

How to Get There: The forest is open year-round during daylight hours.  To reach the forest:

From Brevard go south of U.S. 276 to Cedar Mountain and turn left on Cascade Lake Rd.

From Pisgah Forest take U.S. 64 to Penrose, turn right on Crab Creek Road then right on DuPont Rd. The DuPont State Recreation Forest office may be reached at (828) 877-6527 or www.ncforestservice.gov/contacts/dsf.htm

Whether you're a resident of Cashiers or greater Western North Carolina, or you're simply visiting the area during fall, when autumn's colors are on perfect display, DuPont State Forest is truly a gem not to be missed.

Rock Creek Falls at the Preserve at Rock Creek Gets a Brand New Coat of Colors Every Fall

If you're a resident at the Preserve at Rock Creek, then you already know what it means that "leaf season" is coming. With shorter temps and cooler days comes the spectacular changing of the leaves that's singularly unique to the Cashiers and greater Western North Carolina area. It also means it's time for the annual Cashiers Leaf Festival!

In its 4th year, the annual Cashiers Leaf Festival hosted by the Greater Cashiers Area Merchants' Association will kick off the fall season as Western North Carolina's forests put on their brilliant shows of color. The three-day festival features a wide variety of entertainment, including performances by local and area bands and musicians, as well as artisan crafts on display, vendor and local merchant booths, delicious food and activities for the youngsters. This year's Leaf Festival will be held on October 5, 6, and 7, with events taking place in three greater Cashiers village locations.

The festival headquarters will be at the Cashiers Village Green and Commons, located just off the crossroads of Highways 64 and 107. Glenville Village, located on the shores of Lake Glenville will put its own spin on the autumnal celebration, as will the village at Sapphire, just a short drive down Highway 64 East from Cashiers.

Included in this year's festivities are a pancake breakfast, a classic car show, and many more delights to ensure every member of the family finds something to put them in that special Fall feeling. More information on events, locations and times is below, or visit the Greater Cashiers Merchants' Association website for more.

• 

  Autumn leaves show off their colors on the bakes of Lake Glenville

  Entertainment by bands and musicians of all musical genres,

• Over 100 Juried artisan crafts, vendors and local merchant booths,
• Cashiers Concours Car Show
• A variety of  food offerings, snacks and sweets from local restaurants
• Kids amusements and attractions
• *Boat Tours, Hayrides, Pancake Breakfast and Tree Farm Tours
• Sales and specials all weekend in the Cashiers Valley merchants shops

At the Cashiers Village Green and Commons, festival headquarters, located at the Cashiers Crossroads.

• All-day theatrics and diverse music entertainment on two stages.
• 100  carefully selected juried artisans and a variety of vendors.
• Cashiers Concours Car Show – antique, collectible and fine models…. a new attraction
• A state- of- the- art permanent Village Green playground for kids bouncey houses, face painting, tooth fairy,  clowns and street entertainers.

At Glenville Village five miles north of  Cashiers Village on the shores of pristine Lake Glenville:

• Folksy fare in a local artists tent highlighting remarkable talented area crafters and artists
• Crisp apples, cider and hot dogs with trimmin’s wet whistles and curb appetites
• Bluegrass, banjo and a bit of gospel entertainment.
• A Pancake Breakfast at Tom Sawyer’s Christmas Tree Farm Saturday morning from 7am to 10 am;
• Farm tours all day
• Pontoon boat cruises on Lake Glenville with Signal Ridge Marina to view the lakes wooded shoreline, magnificent waterfalls and hear a bit of lake-lore.
• Pick-a-pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch
• Old Glenville, Glenville and Lake Glenville History Exhibit

At Sapphire Village a short drive east of Cashiers Crossroads:

• Compete for beach resort and merchant prizes in the Big Cup Golf Tournament on Saturday afternoon

Take a peek at this great video from the folks over at The Laurel Magazine, featuring scenes from the 2011 Leaf Festival

Nashville Songwriter Rivers Rutherford Comes to Cashiers

The Seventh Annual Songwriters’ Round featuring Rivers Rutherford makes a return to Cashiers on September 15 in a benefit performance for The Blue Ridge School. Rivers will be joined byKelley Lovelace, Tim James and George Teren, whose recent No. 1’s include “When I Get Where I’m Going”, “Ladies Love Country Boys” and others recorded by artists including Tim McGraw, Gretchen Wilson and Gary Allan.

Dinner and drinks will be served beginning at 6pm, along with a silent auction prior to the start of the performance. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Blue Ridge School Educational Foundation, an organization whose mission is to provides resources not available through budgeted school funds to students as a means of enhancing and enriching the school learning environment.

The songwriters will begin the Round at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 and are available at the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce at 202 Highway 64, just beyond the Crossroads in Cashiers. For more information, including how to become a sponsor, please call Susan Waller at (828) 526-9186 to inquire about sponsorships or for more information.

About Rutherford: After moving to Nashville in 1993, Rivers quickly found his place in the world as an entertainer, studio guitar player and songwriter. In 1996, Rivers signed with Universal Music Publishing and remains with the company today. Artists including Gretchen Wilson, Gary Allan, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban, Trick Pony, Blake Shelton, Deana Carter, Clay Davidson, Jamie O’Neal and Andy Griggs have since recorded Rutherford’s songs.Kelley Lovelace and Tim James. The event is a rare opportunity to see and hear the folks behind some of Nashville’s biggest hits take their place in the spotlight. They’ll perform some of those well known hits, as well as talk about the process from the songwriters’ perspective. It’s sure to be an insightful, perfectly musical evening.

adj.
1. Remarkable; prodigious.
2. Audacious; gutsy.

adv.
1. Completely; extremely.
2. Audaciously; boldly.

It’s not a word you hear used very often in everyday conversation, but that’s exactly the reason owner Vincent Ferri chose to use it when deciding on a name for his new restaurant. He already had the bear part – when you live in Cashiers, bears are almost always sure to be a part of anything. But the word bodacious, with its singular meaning and a little inspiration from Hank Williams Jr., gave Ferri the ultimate combo. Thus, the Bodacious Bear Pub, Cashiers’ newest restaurant now open in the Mountain Laurel Inn and Shoppes on Slabtown Road, was born.

That same combination of location and adjectives is also perfect to describe the atmosphere of The Bodacious Bear itself. Good food served in a place conducive to family fun in one of the most beautiful parts of Western North Carolina? It’s pretty much a no-brainer for a casual dining experience.

Nine television screens and a covered outdoor dining deck ensure you don’t miss a game or a meal. Add in the new ordinances that allow for the sale of alcohol in Jackson County, and you have a truly bodacious experience for a night out with your family or a night out on the town with your friends.

The Bodacious Bear’s menu offers a wide range of options from starting appetizers to finishing deserts. Pizza has proven to be an early favorite, but the T-Bones, burgers, fish and chips and other entrees at a moderate price are also customer-pleasers.

During the summer season the pub is open everyday from 11:00 a.m. to whenever, serving lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. The full menu is available until 9pm every night, when a limited menu of favorite pub fare takes its place until the kitchen closes.

The Bodacious Bear Pub is located at 45 Slabtown Road in Cashiers, three-tenths of a mile north of the intersection of Highways 64 and 107. Call (828) 508-0040 or visit The Bodacious Bear on Facebook for more information.

Whitewater Falls is perhaps one of the most famous inclusions in The Land of Waterfalls in Western North Carolina

The Preserve at Rock Creek have the distinguished honor of being located in the area of Western North Carolina known as the “Land of Waterfalls.” Straddling Transylvania and Jackson counties, this area is home to over 250 waterfalls, many of which can be found while on a leisurely drive  along Highways 64, 281 and 107 through Lake Toxaway, Sapphire, Cashiers, Glenville, Highlands and Whitewater communities.

To access to most of the waterfalls requires some light to moderate hiking, so while you go in search of the waterfalls around the Brevard and Asheville area you will experience firsthand the pristine and incredible landscapes Western North Carolina has to offer.

Among them are ten natural beauties that absolutely should not be missed and several trails that wind their way around multiple falls, turning an easy hike into a one-of-a-kind experience. Like many hikers who frequent the area, you too may find that you don't want to go home. We're pretty convinced having these magnificent waterfalls in your backyard is one of the prime reasons people decide to relocate to the area.

If you have other area favorites, please add them in the comments!

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• Sliding Rock is a 60′ naturally formed rock slide with a 6-7 foot deep pool at the base in the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard
• Looking Glass Falls is one of the most visited waterfalls in Western North Carolina. Located along US 276 north of Brevard, you won’t even have to get out of your car to see this 60-foot waterfall.
• Dupont State Forest, near Brevard, has an easy, wooded trail that will take you to three magnificent falls – Hooker Falls, a powerful 20-foot fall, the scenic Triple Falls, and High Falls.
• Graveyard Fields on the Blue Ridge Parkway is the name of a high, flat mountain valley where the Yellowstone Prong of the Pigeon River originates. The Yellowstone Prong gathers in these high surrounding mountains, tumbles over Upper Falls into the western end of the valley, and spills out the eastern end over Second Falls.
• Rainbow Falls, just outside of Sapphire Valley and Cashiers, NC, is a mighty 150-foot fall found along the Horsepasture River in Nantahala National Forest
• Linville Falls is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway and has two sections: the upper falls and the lower falls. Follow the Erwins View Trail to find overlooks for the falls.
• 

  Crabtree Falls

  Crabtree Falls is a beautiful 70-foot waterfall, also along North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway, accessed by a 2.5-mile looped hiking trail.

• Whitewater Falls, with its 411-foot plunge, is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies and is easily accessed from a paved trail.
• Hickory Nuts Falls can be seen when you follow along the Hickory Nut Falls trail in Chimney Rock Park. You’ll arrive at the base of these 404-foot falls, one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River.
• Dry Falls, so named because you can actually walk behind this impressive 75-foot waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest, and stay dry!

And last but certainly not least, there's our very own Rock Creek Falls, located on the grounds of the Preserve as part of the conservation easement which protects our natural resources now and for years to come.

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Fall in Color: The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville, NC offers an autumnal feast for gardeners and nature lovers alike

Just a short drive from the Preserve and the Cashiers/Sapphire Valley area and surrounded by the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the North Carolina Arboretum is nestled in one of the most beautiful natural settings in America. The Arboretum offers 435 acres of Western North Carolina’s natural beauty and outdoor enjoyment, with 65 acres of cultivated gardens, 10 miles of forested hiking and biking trails, a state-of-the-art production greenhouse and the finest bonsai collection in the Southeastern United States. Ongoing exhibits of art, science and culture are featured in the new Baker Exhibit Center, which also serves as the visitor information center.

Every autumn, as the leaves begin to change color and the visitors flock to the area to witness this simply magnificent natural phenomenon, the North Carolina Arboretum packs its calendar with a variety of events, shows and special exhibits that perfectly complement the season. Below is a sneak peak of what’s coming up.

You can enjoy the Cashiers/Highlands/Sapphire Valley fall leaf season that's helped make the area one of autumn's prime destinations for yourself with a visit to the annual Cashiers Leaf Festival.

The NC Arboretum Autumn Events Calendar Fall 2012

Power of Pink–Carolinas Dahlia Society hosts the Dahlia Flower Show of the Southern States Societies
Saturday, September 8 (1-5 p.m.) & Sunday, September 9 (9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)
Exhibitors from four southern states, including commercial and amateur growers from North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama, will dedicate this show to bring further awareness to fighting cancer. Flowers will be judged by their classifications, and several lectures will be held on Saturday & Sunday. Cut flowers will be available for purchase throughout the weekend with prize winners available for purchase on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m.

WNC Orchid Society Auction
Sunday, September 16

Carolina Craft Day
Saturday, September 22
The North Carolina Arboretum celebrates Southern Appalachian traditions during Carolina Craft Day. The event, now in its seventh year, features craft demonstrations and juried art and craft vendors, plant sales and musical performances at the Education Center.

Carolina Bonsai Expo
Saturday, October 13 and Sunday, October 14
The Carolina Bonsai Expo features the juried work of bonsai enthusiasts from bonsai clubs in a six-state region of the United States. Every year the Expo includes free educational programming, workshops, a bonsai marketplace featuring plants, pots, tools and books for sale, ikebana displays and a live auction of bonsai and bonsai-related items.

North Carolina Chrysanthemum Society Annual Show
Saturday, October 20 (1-5 p.m.) & Sunday, October 21 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
The popular annual judged show showcases hundreds of chrysanthemum blooms in vibrant and varied colors. The exhibits will be judged by Accredited National Chrysanthemum judges and strict NCS standards and highlights the exceptional variety in size, shape and color of these popular fall flowers.

The Quilt Garden at the North Carolina Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum does not charge admission per person, only a parking fee. Parking is only $8 per personal vehicle, $30 per commercial vehicle, and $50 for buses. Cash and check are accepted at the Gatehouse; Visa and MasterCard are accepted at the Gatehouse but limited to parking fee only. Parking is free the first Tuesday of each month; parking is always free for members.

Property Hours:
April 1 to October 31: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. with entrance gates closing at 8 p.m.
November 1 to March 31: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. with entrance gates closing at 6 p.m.

Baker Exhibit Center, Education Center and Bonsai Exhibition Garden
Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Savory Thyme Cafe
Tuesday – Saturday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: 12 noon to 4 p.m.

The Connections Gallery; Baker Exhibit Center, Garden Level
Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Production Greenhouse (closed on State holidays)
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visit the Arboretum website for more information about the grounds, directions, and group visits.

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Theater: Highlands Playhouse presents Lindsey Alley's one-woman show from August 30 - September 2, 2012

Hot on the heels of the summer season’s “Dames at Sea", the Highlands Playhouse is pleased to host Lindsey Alley live for a limited run of her one-woman show. “Lindsey Who?” runs at the community theater in Highlands, NC, from August 30 through September 2, 2012.

Arising from her own experiences in the entertainment industry and her work with some of its most famous players, "Lindsey Who?" is a comedic mash-up of crowd-pleasing show tunes and hilarious stand-up performance. This fresh take on the classic American night club act shows off Lindsey’s vocal prowess across multiple song genres, as she combines pop, standard and original tunes with the charming candidness of personal narrative and storytelling. It’s a no holds barred show that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser and is the perfect way to cap off the Western North Carolina summer theater season.

And be sure not to miss “An Intimate Evening with Frank Sinatra,” coming in October. This one-man show features the legendary Gabe Russo as he takes you on a journey through the timeless classics of the one and only Frank Sinatra. Listen to your favorites sung effortlessly by the master singer as he pays homage to the voice that helped shape a generation.

The Highlands Playhouse presents Lindsey Alley's one-woman show from Aug. 30 - Sept. 2 in Highlands, NC

The theater is located at 362 Oak Street in Highlands, NC. Show times at the Highlands Playhouse are Thursday through Saturday at 8 PM EST and at 2 PM EST on Sunday. Please note that the theater is dark on Mondays and no performances are offered on this day. Ticket prices for the 2012 summer theater season are $25 for non-musical performances and $30 for musicals. Group rate ticket pricing for parties of twelve or more people may be available; contact the box office directly to inquire.

For tickets and more information, visit the Highlands Playhouse box office or call 828-526-2695. For other ideas of things to do in Cashiers or Highlands, please visit the Arts & Entertainment section.

Celebrate the rich history and traditions of Western North Carolina at Founders' Day 2012, sponsored by the Cashiers Historical Society

Cashiers Founders’ Day 2012 will be held on September 27th, 2012, at the Zachary-Tolbert House. To honor the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War, the local chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans will display authentic uniforms and weapons of the period and answer questions about what life was like during the war-torn era. Traditional music of the time will help set the tone for the day’s events.

The annual event is sponsored by the Cashiers Historical Society and focuses on the role of Cashiers and area residents in the revolutionary events that have helped to shape the landscape of the Western North Carolina region and the country. The Cashiers Historical Society maintains records on life in the 1860s and the first settlers of what would become Cashiers.

For more information on Founders Day, visit the Zachary-Tolbert House at 1940 Highway 107 South or call (828) 743-7710. Visit the Cashiers Historical Society website for more information on the organization and their mission.

Pescados Burritos in Highlands, NC

Pescado’s

Though Highlands, NC, is hundreds of miles away from a dock in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, you can still "go fish" at Pescado’s Highland Burritos. From fish tacos to shrimp and spinach quesadilla, the food is always fresh and the flavors are world class in everything they serve. The menu also includes a wide variety of burritos prepared to your personal tastes, as well as fresh dips and salsas. Beer, or cerveza, is also served.

In Highlands @ 226 South 4th Street, or call

(828) 526-9313
In Brevard @ 265 North Broad Street or call (828) 884-5999

El Azteca
If you’re craving a refreshing margarita or other Latin-flavored drink alongside your Mexican fiesta, then head on over to El Azteca Mexican Restaurant and The Rainforest Margarita & Mojito Bar. Located in the Highlands Plaza shopping center, El Azteca offers an extensive menu of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, entrees and daily specials to transport you to the tropical paradise of Cancun. A range of specialty drinks are always on tap to quench your thirst.

Open Monday through Saturday @ 70 Highlands Plaza, or call (828) 526-2244.

Chile Loco
Located in the Slab Town shopping plaza just off the crossroads in Cashiers, Chile Loco is authentic Mexican food served in a casual, friendly atmosphere. The traditional tacos, burritos and quesadillas are on the menu here, as are flautas, tostadas and the perennial favorite, chile relleno, or stuffed peppers.

Visit for lunch or dinner @ 45 Slab Town Road in Cashiers, or call (828) 743-1160

Highlands Playhouse 2012 Season presents Dames at Sea

This rollicking spoof of the large, flashy musicals of the 1930s began as an Off-Broadway production, but later moved to Broadway where it introduced the world to Bernadette Peters, who made her debut in “Dames at Sea” in the role of Ruby Keeler.

The play centers around a  group of performers preparing for an upcoming show, aptly titled “Dames at Sea.” Right before the show opens, the theatre is sold and the actors are frantic to find a new venue. A ship docked at the local port is as much a theatre as any other space. When the lead actress can’t overcome her seasickness, Ruby earns a chance and, as the old saying goes, a star is born.

Said Mel Gussow in his theatre review of the show for the New York Times: “Dames at Sea reaches out to those movies in which two gobs met two gals and tap danced their way to happiness. Dames at Sea manages to have it every which way - as pastiche, parody and romantic musical comedy, a trick that is accomplished with affection.”

Be sure not to miss this show before it’s gone for good. Visit the Highlands Playhouse Box Office for times, tickets and more information. Coming next week: a preview of Lyndsey Alley’s eponymous one-woman show.

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Farm Fresh Produce & More at Cashiers Farmers Market

Skip the artificial additives and preservatives by going straight to the source with fresh produce and homemade items at the Cashiers Farmers Market. Located just before the crossroads on Highway 64, the market specializes in fresh fruits and vegetables, local jams and jellies, native flowers and plants, gourmet foods and much more.

Fresh, local produce arrives daily and is complemented with a selection of seafood and farm-raised poultry and beef. Fresh-baked breads are also recurring favorites, as are the locally canned jams, jellies and other condiments that line the walls. You can also satisfy your sweet tooth with the pies, cookies, pecan brittle and other treats from local and regional bakers. Custom made gift baskets and hard-to-find gourmet food items round out the cornucopia of items found within the rustic, old-style farm store. Whether you’re looking for fresh peaches in season or hand-packed nuts for topping off that peach pecan cobbler, you’ll find it in the unique shopping environment of the Cashiers Farmers Market.

If ready-made is more your thing, however, the Farmers Market is also home to BBQ On the Side. Choose from tender pulled pork, shredded chicken or a rack of ribs and the stands own selection of sauces and sides, as well as deserts that change daily. Stop in for a sandwich at lunch or pick up dinner for the whole family on your way home. They also provide catering for sports events, weddings, reunions, backyard parties and other special events.

The Cashiers Farmers Market is open seasonally from Easter through Thanksgiving. Stop in today or visit the Farmers Market website for more information.

Casual Mountain Dining Under the Tin Roof at Cornucopia Restaurant in Cashiers, NC

With its iconic green tin roof, Cornucopia Restaurant on Highway 107 in Western North Carolina’s charming city of Cashiers is a favorite for locals and visitors to the area alike. Its long history dates back to 1892, when the property was bought for $37.00 and the first structure was raised. That building served as a general store run by its original owner and a number of successors. Not until 80 years later did it become a restaurant, when it opened as The Purple Onion in 1971.

The restaurant has changed owners a couple of times since then, but is now in the expert hands of Chris and Marina McDonald, a husband-wife team backed by over 30 years' experience as chef, baker and restauranteur at the Grove Park Inn and the Greystone Inn at Lake Toxaway, among others.

Today, the restaurant is known for perhaps one of the most charming settings and inviting environments for enjoying its traditional Southern fare served with a unique flare. Dine in mountain casual elegance on its screened-in porches or outdoor deck. For lunch, the restaurant always offers fresh homemade soups and salads, a selection of unique and flavorful sandwiches, burgers, vegetarian meals, deli classics and a variety of appetizers, ensuring everyone is sure to find something to please their palate.

Cornucopia's dinner menu is richly varied as well, with chicken, beef, seafood and pasta dishes crafted from the finest, freshest ingredients. And be sure not to miss their Sunday brunch, which is fast becoming a weekly ritual for many in the Cashiers/Sapphire Valley area who flock to the restaurant for a leisurely and delicious meal.

Cornucopia also provides catering services for events of all sizes and hosts private parties. For more information, including directions, or to see their brunch, lunch and dinner menus, visit the Cornucopia website.

Menninger Lamb Chops Flambeau: Free range, all-natural chops marinated, char-grilled & flamed with a pecan & apricot brandy sauce

The Orchard serves classic American cuisine infused with fresh locally sourced ingredients and accented with Southern flavor. Dishes with names like Panthertown Pork Tenderloin and Bohaynee Trail Chicken are local favorites, while classics like Prince Edward Island mussels get a western North Carolina treatment when steamed in a caramelized apple and served with apple-wood smoked bacon. Each day’s selection features a number of creative chef’s specials that have made the restaurant a treat for tourists and a consistent favorite among locals.

There’s one thing those familiar with the restaurant won’t find, though, and that’s the long-standing BYOB corkage fee. A new ordinance allows for the sale of alcohol in Jackson County, and The Orchard now features a full wine and beer menu.

Dinner at The Orchard is served nightly from 5:30 until, and reservations are recommended. You’ll find the restaurant directly on Highway 107 South, approximately one mile from the Cashiers crossroads. Visit The Orchard website to see the full menu, or call (828) 743-7614 to reserve your table.

Cashiers Village Green
Friday June 22, 2012 @ 6:30 p.m.

von Grey...This Sister Act has Style

Music is the universal language. It has the power to create and shape emotion. It can put words to thoughts and feelings that people don't know how to express. If it is good music, then it has the power to connect people in new and unexpected ways. Music is not something that follows rules or can be put in a box. It is not something that can be formulated and engineered. It is something that is deeply personal yet has the power to bring the world together.

von Grey is four sisters. We started musical instruction early and have been raised in a family where almost every musical style has a place in our listening repertoire. Each of us brings a diversified range of instruments and tastes to our music. We've tried to fuse them into combinations which resonate with us - and hopefully with those whom hear us. We're young, but we have something to say. You'll hear it in our lyrics. In our rhythms. Our instrumentation. Our harmonies. We hope you'll listen, appreciate, dance, and want more!

Being a weekend hacker, having the opportunity to play this course, I jumped on the chance. It was more than what I thought it would be. The photos on the website brief "drive by's" do not do this course justice. In fact, I would say I enjoyed playing Burlingame Country Club more than the Grove Park Inn in Asheville.

What I love about Burlingame Country Club being across the street, is the fact that each of thePreserve at Rock Creek and Rock Creek Club owners have the opportunity to become members at this state of the art facility. Not only can you golf, play croquet, hit the tennis courts, splash in the outdoor swimming pool or test your strength in magnificent workout facility -the food is just as good.

This is the best of both worlds in regards to real estate options in Cashiers, NC. Own a mountain home with a private waterfall, hiking trails and inspiring views, and cross the street for world class amenities.

Members at Burlingame enjoy weekly activities such as Twilight Golf, Tennis, Cinema and Supper, Men's Golf and Ladies Golf and even Croquet Tournaments. If you have not watched The Burlingame Country Club Croquet Tournaments, you are in for a treat! There is always something scheduled for those that want to keep busy. For those that don't want any action, The Preserve at Rock Creek is the perfect place to escape the day to day.

Highlands 2nd Annual Fly Fishing Tournament!
Open to Men and Women of all Skill Levels

Teams will fish one native, one hatchery supported and one delayed-harvest stream. More than 2,200 miles of public water will be available to fish during the Three Rivers Fly Fishing tournament.
Clinics and Casting Competition
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Casting Clinics, Harris Lake
9am - 12pm: Ladies' casting clinic with Joan Cabe. Open casting clinic with local guides.
9am - 12pm: One on One Coaching for Tournament participants with NC Fly Fishing Team.
Equipment Tune Up, Highland Hiker Cabin Deck
12pm - 4pm
Casting Competition, Pine St. Park
1pm - 4pm: NC Fly Fishing Team.
Fly Tying Clinic, Lobby at Old Edwards Inn
5pm - 6:30pm: Tying the Jack Cabe Hopper with Bill Clary
Rules and Regulations

• Catch and release only tournament
• Artificial flies used only
• All team members must have valid fishing licenses and trout stamps for streams being fished in each state
• Team must be checked out anytime after 7:30 a.m.
• Team must be checked back in by 6 p.m.
• Team members must adhere to honor code on quantity and length of fish caught
• All teams are encouraged to digitally photograph catches
• Photos will be collected at the end of each day
• Teams must fish within the designated tournament boundary

Boundaries
From Highlands the fishing boundary will have a northern boundary of US Hwy. 74, a western boundary of the rafting and delayed harvest sections of the Nantahala River, a southern boundary of the Hwy. 28 bridge on the Chattooga River and an eastern boundary of the Davidson River and the East Fork of the French Broad River.
A map designating all streams within this boundary will be provided to each applicant.

This hidden gem (except for hordes of local fans), Osteria del Monte, is in an understated yellow house just east of Burlingame Country Club on Hwy 64. And just to get this out of the way early, Osteria is frankly the best Italian food I’ve had in Western North Carolina, maybe the South?

Visiting for the first time with our friends who own a second home just up the road at the Preserve at Rock Creek, my wife and I where excited to try what they described as the one of the best Italian restaurants they have ever been too, and they are from New Orleans!

Italian cuisine is characterized by its simplicity and freshness, with many dishes having only four to eight ingredients, rely heavily on the quality of the ingredients rather than on elaborate preparation. I don’t know how many ingredients or how much preparation the chef at Osteria uses, but it was a precise and timelessly perfect combination.

For starters, the staff was treating us like family from the moment we walked in the door...they knew our friends by first name and welcomed them with hugs and cheek kisses. The owners and their staff are professionals and own two restaurants in Palm Beach. Our waiter, Adrian, a firm, yet warm and entertainingly funny guy with a wealth of food knowledge, the service only got better and friendly as our evening went on.

My wife had a simple yet amazing Polo Marsala that I frankly couldn’t just stare at from across the table, I had no choice but to beg for a sample taste. For an incredible straightforward dish, it was simply incredible, starting with perfectly cooked and moist chicken breast with a brown gravy sauce that would even make my grandmother jealous.

I had one of the specials, an equally amazing and delectable breaded fresh flounder with a lemon caper sauce that was subtle yet made my taste buds go crazy. Bottom line, everyone at the table was moaning about how their food was with every bite.

I guess you can tell I liked the place, no, I really Ioved and enjoy this dining experience. Osteria del Monte is now a must for me and from the look and smile on the faces of all the second home locals from the Cashiers and Lake Toxaway area, they love it too.

Based on the crowd, I would recommend reservations.

Osteria del Monte
1301 Highway 64 West
Sapphire, NC
(828) 883-2551

Looking Glass Falls is one of the most visited waterfalls in North Carolina. Located along US 276 north of Brevard, you won’t even have to get out of your car to see this 60-foot waterfall.

Dupont State Forest, near Brevard, has an easy, wooded trail that will take you to three magnificent Falls – Hooker Falls, a powerful 20 foot fall, the scenic Triple Falls, and High Falls.

Graveyard Fields on the Blue Ridge Parkway has an excellent loop trail that leads to two waterfalls.

Rainbow Falls is a mighty 150 foot fall found along the Horsepasture River (did you know Owners at the Preserve at Rock Creek have private fly fishing access to the Horsepasture River) in Nantahala National Forest

Linville Falls is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  This waterfall is in two sections: the upper falls and the lower falls,
follow the Erwins View Trail to find  four overlooks for this fall.

Crabtree Falls is a beautiful 70-foot waterfall, also along the Blue Ridge Parkway,  accessed by a 2.5 mile loop hiking trail.

Upper Whitewater Falls, with its 411 foot plunge,  is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies and is easily accessed from a paved trail.

Hickory Nuts Falls – follow along the Hickory Nut Falls trail in Chimney Rock Park  to the base of these 404 foot falls,  one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River.

Dry Falls - you can actually walk behind this impressive 75-foot waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest, and stay dry!

To access to most of the waterfalls requires some light hiking, so while you go in search of the waterfalls around the Brevard and Asheville area  you will experience firsthand the pristine and incredible landscape found here in Transylvania County.

Preserve at Rock Creek is nestled in the midst of this beautiful county. Not only is it home to Rock Creek Falls and neighboring Indian Falls, we are minutes from all of these magnificent falls. For more Western North Carolina Outdoor activities visit the Asheville Sojourner: the guide to the best experiences in Asheville and Western North Carolina.

Toxaway Wine & Cheese tastings include wonderful hand picked selections of wine from our portfolio, as well as light bites and food parings created by our Chef.  These tastings are a great way to learn about our current featured wines and enjoy fantastic seasonal eats at the same time.

Toxaway Wine and Cheese is 10 minutes from the Preserve at Rock Creek. Peter, the owner, recently returned from a wine show and is excited to share several new amazing wines with you, "A favorite new Spanish white is Basa retailing for a modest 13.99, perfect for this nice warm sunny weather. It offers spicy aromas of orange, dried pear and tarragon and a nice dry finish. Another nice white is the ROTH Chardonnay. Wine Enthusiast rated it a 91points. This wine is much more elegant and more reminiscent of a sauvignon blanc with crisp acidity and lots of bright fruit flavors."

Location
15889 Rosman Highway
Lake Toxaway, NC 28747
(828) 884-6667

http://www.toxawaywineandcheese.com

Wine and Dine on the Mountain will kick off the 2012 culinary season in Highlands, NC, April 13 - 14 by pulling together a sizzling line-up of fine wines, superb food and fine art.

Guests of all events will watch the wines come to life, as Thomas Arvid paints for the occasions.

Friday, April 13, 2012
Spring Harvest Barn Dinner
Pisoni Vineyards Wine Dinner with Jeff Pisoni
Thomas Arvid Painting Live
Live Entertainment
The Farm at Old Edwards
6:30pm - Cocktails and Hors D'oeuvres
7:00pm - Dinner
$95 Per Person

Saturday, April 14, 2012
David Arthur Vineyards Wine Dinner
Wolfgang's Restaurant
828-526-3807
Thomas Arvid Painting Live
6:30pm - Cocktails
7:00pm - Dinner
$95 Per Person

Limited seating available. To reserve today, call 828-787-2625.

For more information on Thomas Arvid visit www.thomasarvid.com

Jeff Foxworthy is Coming to Town

A Comedy Benefit for Africa featuring Jeff Foxworthy

Show Time: 7:30 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $39-$99 - SOLD OUT

Event Detail:

Don't miss this unique opportunity to see Jeff Foxworthy! One of the most respected and successful comedians in the country will be in our theater for an intimate event full of laughter. Best known for the phrase "You might be a redneck if ... ", Jeff's heart is as big as his talent. Jeff has traveled to Kenya with Compassion International where he and his family sponsor several children through Compassion's ministry. They have also joined with Compassion to build an orphanage in a Nairobi slum. Jeff has chosen to do this concert in benefit of needy children all over Africa, with all proceeds going to Compassion's WASH Initiative (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene). The WASH Initiative aims to reduce waterborne diseases, which kill more young children than AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined. They say that laughter is the best medicine, use yours to help bring healing to a continent in need.

Smoky Mountain Center For The Peforming Arts

Mailing Address

1028 Georgia Road
Franklin, NC 28734

Phone: 828.524.1598
Toll Free: 866.273.4615

Hollywood is calling and it's hungry for the mountains of North Carolina.

Of the state's 100 counties, Transylvania County, on the western side, has come into focus with movie producers.

"My phone has been ringing off the hook," says Tammy Hopkins, Film Liaison and TCArts Council Director for the City of Brevard and Transylvania County.

The area is known as the 'Land of Waterfalls', scored the production of The Hunger Games, one of 2012's most anticipated movies. It hits theatres March 23rd.

The Movie is based on the first novel of Suzanne Collins' bestselling "The Hunger Games" trilogy.

The story is set in the future where the main character 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen is living with her mother and little sister in what's left of North America. She is one of 24 minors chosen to fight to the death in a survival match up called The Hunger Games.

"Back in 2011 when the North Carolina tourism and film office announced we got The Hunger Games we had people starting to call. If you've read the book, the center of the games where the teams have to eliminate each other all happens in the woods. People knew it had to be up here in western North Carolina," Hopkins said.

Those fans were right. Transylvania County is lush, green, and home to more than 250 waterfalls. The DuPont State Recreational Forest, where many Hunger Games scenes were shot, is just one of three forests in the area. With an average yearly rainfall of 90 inches, each season offers a different landscape.

"They were scouting locations in February 2011 and came back in April. Area park rangers told movie scouts the forest is going to change every month. Things will be coming into bloom and water flows will be different." Hopkins adds, "Word on the street is they started shooting in May and came back every month through September."

For one scene, crews chose a pool at the bottom of Bridal Veil Falls when they were scouting back in February 2011. The water was to offer refuge during a flame fight for main character Katniss, as she runs through the woods. Hopkins says that pool was gone when the crew returned to shoot the action.

"They came back and it was dry. So they actually had to put sand bags on Bridal Veil Falls to make the water come back over and fill up the pool for her," Hopkins said.

Summer weather offered other brief challenges for The Hunger Games as they shot in the North Carolina mountains. The area is known as a temperate rain forest and get regular summer thunderstorms. Although they only last 30 to 60 minutes, crews were forced to wait them out. This moisture is key to keeping area landscape lush and the water flowing.

With all The Hunger Games hype, park rangers and tourism officials warn visiting fans to practice waterfall safety. Rangers stress that no one should play above a waterfall, no matter what they've seen acted out on the big screen. Most scenes around them are created with a little movie magic.

The U.S. Forest Service says waterfalls are popular places for viewing, picnicking and wading but while beautiful to see, they often pose risks to unprepared visitors. Slippery rocks, steep slopes and undercurrents can catch you by surprise when walking through or in the area of a waterfall.

Here are some waterfall safety tips:

Know the potential hazards of a waterfall
Stay back from the edge
Avoid slippery rocks
Wear stable shoes and watch your footing
Don't jump off waterfalls
Don't swim in waterfall pools
Stay out of restricted areas
Always carry a map of the area

"If there is a current you are going to go over and odds are you are going to die. People get silly around waterfalls," Harper said.

Through Harper's inside scoop she shares that in one scene, Katniss runs across Triple Falls, something you can not do in reality.

"We were told they brought in wooden planks and she wore wires so that if the actress fell it would pick her up into the air," Hopkins added.

To help fans safety maneuver through the large forest landscape Hunger Games Fan Tours have been created. Guides will take fans to the exact shooting locations and give them similar experiences from the movie. For example, on a tour you will be able to find that 'exact spot' where the Covered Bridge sword fighting scene was shot or take a archery lesson and learn to shoot a bow and arrow like one of the characters.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau Transylvania County encompasses 381 miles and is home to nearly 30 thousand residents. With the area's beauty now in the spotlight the county is expecting a boom in tourists. They're hoping through planned tours, they can control some of the traffic while teaching fans to leave no trace in these pristine locations.

"We don't mind the traffic coming there but please don't trash it. Come in, respect it, enjoy it, have a great day and then go out and leave with your memories," Hopkins said.

The Hunger Games is not the only movie to be filmed in Transylvania County. Thunder Road, The Last of the Mohicans and nearly a dozen others were shot in the area. Hollywood keeps calling too. The latest production, The Healer came to town just 24 days after The Hunger Games wrapped in September. The Healer stars Isabelle Fuhrman, Joel Courtney and Trace Adkins and is set to open in Fall 2012.

Take a moment to witness the majesty of nature coming alive and begin to enjoy warmer mountain temperatures, while keeping your eyes open for the various blooms of the season:

March: Late March the lovely redbud begins flowering and overlaps with the early April blooms of dogwood. The roadsides in many areas are lined with these delicately beautiful flowering trees.

April: The beauty of the mountain wildflower bloom continues as dogwood trees lining the roads and woodlands burst forth with their delicate white and pink flowers. The dogwoods are fading by mid April to be replaced by the wild orange, pink and red of early Azaleas that come into their own in late April.

May: Azaleas continue, fading just as the delicate whitish pink of mountain laurel sweeps across the hillsides. By late May the first of the dazzling wild Pinkshell Rhododendrons become the star of the The Preserver at Rock Creek spring bloom, starting in the lower elevations and creeping up the mountainsides as the days pass. Other wildflowers in late May include phlox, The flaming, star shaped Fire Pink, the delicate lavender bittersweet, blackberry, columbine, and many others.

June: Dozens of wildflowers bloom in June but they all seem to take a backseat to the profusion of wild red-pink Catawba Rhododendrons that blanket the hillsides throughout western North Carolina.

Owners at The Preserve at Rock Creek will enjoy the beauty of these blooms while taking in a hike on one of our new trails, or while sipping a glass of wine at Rock Creek Falls. Cheers to Spring and warmer weather!

Rock Mountain Cottage

Happy New Year Greetings to All!

As we close out the end of January, we wanted to share some of our New Year's resolutions and to reflect upon some of our accomplishments in 2011.

We are very excited about the two newly built cottages, designed by renowned, award-winning architect Travis Mileti.  The Sunrise Cottage (Lot #8) is so named because its location prompts you to grab a mug of coffee and sit on the porch to watch the sun rise, while the Rock Mountain Cottage (Lot #11) located on the other side of the mountain, all but insists you wind down with a cocktail and majestic sunset view.  Mileti is known for his stunning designs which organically arise from their natural surroundings. Needless to say, Mileti found much inspiration at the Preserve and so will you.

With an emphasis on nature, the easy-going lifestyle, and serenity that comes with its beauty, our New Year's resolutions for 2012 are:

1. 

   Rock Creek Trail

   Expand our hiking trail system with three new trails offering many new hikes with spectacular views and panoramas and a diversity of rich visual landscapes.  These new trails will be in addition to the already existing Rock Creek Trail.

2. Enhance the area around Rock Creek Falls, already a favorite picnic spot for its intimate picturesque atmosphere
3. Create several new enclaves with strategically placed picnic benches around the property
4. Open access to two waterfalls along West Whitetail Drive
5. Plant a community green garden with natural herbs
6. Implement a recycling program for our garbage
7. Looking forward…we happily anticipate our next phase with five new lots at higher elevations (up to 4400 ft.).  These choice lots make you feel like you are on top of the world with 180 degree panoramic views.

We also completed a redesign of our website in 2011 which continues to generate a lot of interest online and, in turn, brings visitors excited to see the Preserve.  In addition the buzz is also enriched by our ongoing social media and marketing campaigns.

These are just some of our ideas and resolutions for 2012, all aimed at making the Preserve at Rock Creek the best community in the area. Happy New Year indeed!

For more information on Preserve at Rock Creek and its goals for the future, please contact Tim Bright.

Emeril Lagasse Foundation Executive Director Kristin C. Shannon with Garden & Gun's Emily Rogovin

I remember the first time I picked up a copy of Garden & Gun Magazine and thought to myself, "Are you kidding me?  Who is going to read this?"  To my surprise, me.   I do enjoy "gardening" but will tell you I do not spend my days strolling around my back yard sipping lemonade and planting flowers.  As for "guns", growing up I was one of three girls in my family and our idea of spending time outdoors was a tent pitched in the back yard filled with pink sleeping bags and dolls.

To humor myself I picked it up and flipped through a few pages. What I discovered was a beautiful magazine full of great stories and articles about Southern Lifestyle.  The photography is outstanding and they have assembled an excellent group of writers including one of my favorites, Julia Reed.  Topics range from travel, books, recipes, and events all over the South.  After meeting President and CEO Rebecca Dawrin at the Garden & Gun Club Dinner last month I see why this publication continues to please its readers.

Garden & Gun hosted a Secret Society Supper Club in New Orleans on December 1st so Timothy and I thought we would check it out.  They teamed up with Blackberry Farm for the exciting event held at the historic Dooky Chase Restaurant in New Orleans.  Everyone enjoyed a delicious five course dinner that included Sorghum-Whiskey Glazed Shrimp and Grits, Guinea and Dumplings, Fried Chicken, and Stuffed Beef Tenderloin.  The feast was prepared by Chef Joseph Lenn of Blackberry Farms and Chef Leah Chase.  The evening was topped off by performance from the Leah Chase Band.  We enjoyed meeting some new friends and look forward to their next event.

It is an ongoing goal of Preserve at Rock Creek to notify its property owners of events of interest and to inform everyone of our activities and participation.  For more information on Preserve at Rock Creek and to stay in touch with us, visit our private mountain community's website.

Finishing a Zip-line

Zip-lining has become a popular outdoor activity in recent years.  There are generally few restrictions on age, fitness level, and experience, making zip-lining an exciting treat for a wide range of people.  Each course is staffed by professional guides, often referred to as "Canopy Rangers", who will ensure that you and your family are comfortable, prepared, and most of all have fun!  Rest assured that these rangers will provide all necessary instruction and assistance.  We have provided a list of several zip-line canopy tours in and around the Sapphire Valley area for you to choose from.

Navitat Canopy Adventures

Located 20 minutes from Asheville, Navitat Canopy Adventures is a world-class eco-adventure. A 100% tree-based adventure, Navitat zip-line canopy tour allows participants to experience a secluded mountain cove from high in the treetops via 10 zip-lines. Enjoy two rappelling experiences, walk across suspended sky bridges, and take in beautiful long-range views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Pigeon River Canopy Tours

You will be taken deep into the Smoky Mountain Creek Gorge, exposing a lush forest of ferns, wildflowers, towering trees, rock cliffs, waterfall and moss covered bolder gardens. This course includes 12 zip-line sections. The Express Zip Tour has seven zips including two zips across the Pigeon River. Combine your zip rides with whitewater rafting or Jeep tours!

Asheville Zip-line Canopy Adventures

Located in Asheville, NC, this is the first "in city" zip-line canopy tour. There are ten zip lines on this course letting you enjoy great views of downtown Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. With a design of progressively increasing heights and lengths of the zip lines, the course allows "flyers" the opportunity to build confidence before experiencing the big heights or longer lines. Tours are expected to run year-round (weather permitting). For added comfort, there are numerous exit points along the course.

Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tour

The Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tour is located on the southern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Nantahala National Forest. They are the first canopy zip-line tour in the North Carolina Smoky Mountains. The canopy rangers will guide you through the multiple ecosystems found within the National Park and surrounding area and will point out some of the cultural history of the gorge.

Plumtree Canopy Tours

More than just a 3 hour zip-line experience, enjoy 11 zips and 4 sky bridges while learning about the trees and wildlife habitats. Also learn about the community of Plumtree, the vast mica mines, and how this mountainous region with peaks of 5,500 feet transformed into an agricultural world leader. Plumtree flies you 60 feet above Isaac’s Branch Creek, launches you from "Rock & Roll" and zips you past trees and mountainsides on "The Zinger."

It is an ongoing goal of Preserve at Rock Creek to notify its property owners of local events of interest and to inform everyone of our activities and participation.  The Highlands and Cashiers areas of North Carolina offers an abundance of events that cater to the interests of affluent-minded individuals.

For more information on Preserve at Rock Creek and to stay in touch with us, visit our private mountain community's website.

WNC Fly Fishing Trail Map

The Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail, located in Jackson County, is the first fly fishing trail in the United States. The trail highlights 15 scenic spots along rivers and creeks that are ideal for catching Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout.

The following list of constituents of the trail is provided courtesy of the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail. Most of these creeks, streams, and rivers are located within 30 miles of Preserve at Rock Creek, a private mountain development in western North Carolina.

A PDF version of the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail Map is available for download.

SCOTT CREEK

• The Stretch: Roughly 10 miles from headwaters near Balsam down to Sylva
• Access Point(s): Parking and access available via several pull-off areas along US 23/74
• Type of Water: Hatchery Supported
• Available Fish: Brown, Rainbow
• Numbers or Size? Numbers
• Noteworthy: Stretch also includes North Fork Scott Creek and Buff Creek, which are very scenic

SMALL STREAMS

These include Moses Creek, Mull Creek, Rough Butt Creek, Chastine Creek, and Piney Mountain Creek.

• The Stretch: Collection of small streams in eastern Jackson County, below Blue Ridge Parkway
• Access Point(s): Via Moses Creek Rd (SR 1740) & Caney Fork Rd (SR 1737), avoid posted land
• Type of Water: Wild Trout
• Available Fish: Brook, Rainbow
• Numbers or Size? Numbers
• Noteworthy: Mountainous terrain, includes several large mountain waterfalls

CANEY FORK

• The Stretch: Roughly 10 miles from East Laporte Park to headwaters at fork of Mull Creek and Piney Mountain Creek
• Access Point(s): Access via Caney Fork Road (SR 1737), avoid posted land
• Type of Water: Undesignated
• Available Fish: Rainbow, Brown, occasional Brook
• Numbers or Size? Numbers
• Noteworthy: Respect private landowners

TANASEE CREEK

• The Stretch: Roughly 2-3 miles from Tanasee Creek bridge up to headwaters
• Access Point(s): Parking and access available at bridge on Tanasee Creek Road (SR 1762)
• Type of Water: Wild Trout
• Available Fish: Brown
• Numbers or Size? Both
• Noteworthy: Very scenic stretch in the Nantahala National Forest

PANTHERTOWN CREEK

• The Stretch: Entire stream, roughly 3 miles
• Access Point(s): Parking and access at end of Breedlove Rd (SR 1121), with 2-mile walk to creek
• Type of Water: Catch & Release, Single Hook, Artificial Lure
• Available Fish: Brook
• Numbers or Size? Numbers
• Noteworthy: Located in Panthertown Valley, which is known as the “Yosemite of the East” because of its bowl shape and rocky bluffs

RAVEN FORK (Cherokee Trophy Water)

• The Stretch: Starts at Blue Ridge Parkway bridge near Cherokee and goes north for 2.2 miles
• Access Point(s): Parking & access via several pull-off areas along Big Cove Road; paths run along stream
• Type of Water: Catch & Release Fly Fishing Only
• Available Fish: Golden, Rainbow, Brown, Brook & Donaldson trout
• Numbers or Size? Both
• Noteworthy: This stretch is also called Cherokee Trophy Water and fish of 20-30 inches are common; Cherokee annual permit and daily permit required

WHITEWATER RIVER

• The Stretch: Roughly 2-3 miles from Hwy. 107 down to the South Carolina state line
• Access Point(s): Parking and access along NC 107, a few miles south of Cashiers
• Type of Water: Wild Trout
• Available Fish: Brook, Brown and Rainbow
• Numbers or Size? Numbers
• Noteworthy: Flows into Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi

SCOTSMAN and FOWLER CREEKS into CHATTOOGA RIVER

• The Stretch: Roughly 2-3 miles of each stream flowing down into the Chattooga River
• Access Point(s): Access available via Whiteside Cove Rd (SR 1107) or Bullpen Rd (SR 1100) in Nantahala National Forest
• Type of Water: Wild Trout with Natural Bait
• Available Fish: Brown, Rainbow
• Numbers or Size? Numbers (creeks), Size (Chattooga)
• Noteworthy: The movie Deliverance was filmed on the Chattooga River

WEST FORK TUCKASEGEE RIVER

• The Stretch: From small reservoir at Thorpe Power House upstream several hundred yards
• Access Point(s): Parking and access available both sides of NC 107 near Thorpe Power House
• Type of Water: Hatchery Supported
• Available Fish: Brown, Rainbow
• Numbers or Size? Numbers
• Noteworthy: Although hatchery supported, this has nice concentration of stream-raised fish

TUCKASEGEE RIVER (East Laporte Park to NC 107 Bridge)

• The Stretch: Roughly 2-3 miles from park to bridge
• Access Point(s): Parking and access available at East Laporte Park and pull-off areas along Old Cullowhee Road
• Type of Water: Hatchery Supported
• Available Fish: Rainbow, Brook and Brown
• Numbers or Size? Numbers
• Noteworthy: East Laporte Park has picnic tables and public restrooms

SAVANNAH CREEK

• The Stretch: About 10 miles from headwaters in Pumpkintown into Tuckasegee River
• Access Point(s): Parking and access available via several pull-offs along US 23/441
• Type of Water: Hatchery Supported
• Available Fish: Rainbow, Brown
• Numbers or Size? Numbers
• Noteworthy: Access limited the closer you get to the Tuckasegee River

TUCKASEGEE RIVER (NC 107 Bridge to Dillsboro park)

• The Stretch: Roughly 4-5 mile stretch from bridge to the riverside park in Dillsboro
• Access Point(s): Parking and access available via numerous pull-offs along North River Road
• Type of Water: Delayed Harvest
• Available Fish: Brook, Brown and Rainbow
• Numbers or Size? Both
• Noteworthy: Best place to achieve the Tuckasegee Slam (catch all three species in one spot)

GREENS CREEK

• The Stretch: About 3-4 miles from Macon County line to Savannah Creek
• Access Point(s): Various places along Greens Creek Road (SR 1370)
• Types of Water: Wild Trout, Undesignated, Hatchery Supported
• Available Fish: Rainbow, some Brown
• Numbers or Size? Numbers
• Noteworthy: Portion of the creek flows through the Nantahala National Forest

TUCKASEGEE RIVER (in Dillsboro)

• The Stretch: About 1 mile from Dillsboro Park through town
• Access Point(s): Various places between park and Best Western River Escape Inn
• Type of Water: Hatchery Supported
• Available Fish: Rainbow, Brown
• Numbers or Size? Size
• Noteworthy: Includes two lodging options: Best Western River Escape Inn and Dillsboro Inn

LOWER TUCKASEGEE RIVER (Barker’s Creek Bridge to Whittier)

• The Stretch: Roughly 8-10 miles from bridge to Whittier
• Access Point(s): Parking and access via pull-offs and businesses along US 19/74 freeway
• Type of Water: Hatchery Supported, Undesignated
• Available Fish: Rainbow, Brown
• Numbers or Size? Size
• Noteworthy: The stretch is also home to smallmouth bass

In addition to fly fishing, the Sapphire Valley area of North Carolina offers an abundance of recreations that cater to the interests of affluent-minded individuals.

It is an ongoing goal of the Preserve at Rock Creek to keep property owners and visitors to the area aware of this wide array of local outdoor recreational amenities that abound here.

May Your Holiday Happiness
Flow Through the New Year!

Preserve at Rock Creek is a unique development unmatched in the area. As a 320-acre low-density gated community in Cashiers, NC the Preserve offers 22 estate home sites with 215 acres protected in a conservation easement. Many estate lots are five acres and have been approved for building two individual homes. The stunning long-range Western North Carolina mountain views and elevations range from 3,200' to over 4,400'.

For more information about the Preserve, please contact Tim Bright.

• Typically, the winter season has fewer units on the market.  Sellers are more motivated to let property go in preparation for the next season.

• 

  Wintertime Mountain View

  With cooler mountain climates, the leaves disappear in the fall and this allows the forest to open up.  You can see more of the land you’re buying.  There will be a better appreciation for the terrain’s topography and a chance to find a home site that might not be easy to spot in seasons with full foliage.  With most of our luxury mountain estate lots at Preserve at Rock Creek offering the ability to build 2 homes, surveying the land without foliage is a distinct advantage.

• Several mountain realtors come and go with the seasons.  They may go to other markets that are in season, only to return to the mountains in spring. Those that do stick around will have more time to cater to your needs.

• In general, winter has fewer buyers in the market. Looking for a mountain home in the winter can be inconvenient, and most people are not motivated to move. Fewer buyers means less competition.

View Through Trees

Finally, as all savvy shoppers know, with the holiday season comes the season of bargain opportunities. Homes and land in the North Carolina mountains are no exception to this rule.  You can find out more about Preserve at Rock Creek’s recent price reductions on our blog.

For more information, please contact Tim Bright to discuss the available cottages, estates, and homesites that are still on the market.

Preserve at Rock Creek's Equestrian Area

Horseback riding has become quite popular in the Western North Carolina Mountains and can be enjoyed by the entire family.  In the region, there are numerous horse trails to explore, many with breathtaking views.  The changing seasons make any time of year a great time for a leisurely ride.  Here at the Preserve at Rock Creek, there is an equestrian area for homeowners to leave their horses to graze while resting up for another adventure.

The Cashier's/Sapphire area of Western North Carolina has a deeper history with horses than one may realize.  It is said that Cashiers was given its name after a horse named Cash got loose and roamed through the valley.  When they found the horse they called out "Cash is here!", hence "Cashiers".

Transylvania county is also home to the well known Horsepasture River, which hosts Rainbow, Turtleback, and Drift Falls.  The name "Horsepasture" comes from the plain created by the river's confluence with Toxaway River and Laurel Fork Creek. Now flooded by Lake Jocassee, this level area was once referred to as the "Horse Pasture" because its steep mountain walls served as a natural corral for livestock.

Horseback Riding Trails in Western North Carolina

Transylvania County  Airstrip Trail Auger Hole Trail Barn Trail Big Rock Trail Bradley Creek Bridal Veil Trail Buck Forest Road Buck Ridge Road Buckhorn Creek Road Buckhorn Gap Trail Burnt Mountain Trail Camp Summit Road Cannon Creek Trail Cantrell Creek Cart Trail Cascade Trail Cedar Rock Trail Chestnut Oak Road Conservation Road Corn Mill Shoals Trail Covered Bridge Trail Fawn Lake Loop Fawn Lake Road Horse Cove Gap Laurel Creek Mullinax Trail Riverside Trail South Mills River Trail Squirrel Gap

Jackson County  Little Green loop Schoolhouse Falls Standing Indian Basin Trails Macon County Big Indian Loop Blackwell Gap Loop Hurricane Creek Loop Thomas Branch Loop Rocky Bald Loop Trail Wine Spring Horse Trail System Wine Spring Loop Trail Horse Posing for Picture

Other Area Horseback Riding Resources

• WhiteWater Equestrian Center
• Holly View Farm
• Pisgah Forest Riding Stables

Please contact the Preserve at Rock Creek to find out more about the special amenities offered to  homeowners and for more information about local area activities.  We hope to hear from you soon!

Enjoy the Beauty of Nature Covered with Snow - Photo Courtesy of the Crossroads Chronicle

Winter may slow us down here a bit at the Preserve at Rock Creek but there is an abundance of winter activities in the Sapphire Valley area of North Carolina.

Winter hikes are an exciting experience as landscapes and views will be quite different than in the warmer months.  With the absence of tree foliage, long-range views allow you to see things that you are unable to see during the spring and summer months.  Be sure to take a hike on Whiteside Mountain to watch the virtual shadow zoo.  Show time is usually from about 5:45 pm - 6:15 pm.  Because of the low sun and the shadows cast from the western mountain ridgelines, you can watch as different animals appear on the northeastern mountain landscape.  The shadows evolve from a turtle to a bear, ant eater, warthog, and rhinoceros.  In mid-December you can also see a duck head.

Waterfalls are even more beautiful in the winter as they become frozen.  These are an incredible sight indeed!

If your family likes to ski or snowboard, you'll find many opportunities near the Preserve at Rock Creek.  Sapphire Valley Ski Area is a small slope perfect for beginners and children and located only a few minutes away.  They also offer snow tubing for those that prefer to descend a hill a little differently.  Scaly Mountain offers snow tubing, ice skating and a bungee trampoline.  For more advanced challenges, be sure to check out Cataloochee Ski Area, located in Maggie Valley.

Outhouse Race Contestant - Photo Courtesy of the Crossroads Chronicle

There is also an outhouse race every year at the Sapphire Ski Area.  Yes, you read it right, an outhouse race!  Local businesses form a team of three to build an outhouse and secure it to skis.  One member of the team sits in the outhouse wearing a protective helmet.  The other two team members are responsible for getting the outhouse started down the slope.  And by the way, there is no steering.  Two outhouses at a time slide down the hill to the finish line.  This race is definitely worth watching!

Trout fishing is a popular sport here in the winter months.  There are many excellent trout fishing areas located in close proximity to the Preserve.  At the Preserve, we have our very own stocked trout pond for homeowners to enjoy.  For more information, please see our previous blog post about trout fishing in the western North Carolina Mountains.

Cashiers Christmas Parade - Photo Courtesy of the Crossroads Chronicle

Cashiers has an annual Christmas Parade which draws quite the crowd.  This year's parade will be held December 10th, 2011.  Be prepared for fire trucks and floats galore!

As for the winter climate, average temperatures in Cashiers range from highs in the mid-50's to lows in the mid-20's. Of course, it’s not uncommon to enjoy the occasional winter weekend in the 60's or the occasional dip well below freezing.  Snowfall in the area is sporadic from year to year. Some winters produce heavy amounts of snowfall, like the rare Blizzard of 1993, which produced snowfall amounts in the area nearing two feet in depth. However, Cashiers receives about one to five inches of snow per month in the winter on average.

It is an ongoing goal of Preserve at Rock Creek to notify its property owners of local events of interest and to inform everyone of our activities and participation.  The Highlands and Cashiers areas of North Carolina offers an abundance of events that cater to the interests of affluent-minded individuals.

For more information on Preserve at Rock Creek and to stay in touch with us, visit our private mountain community's website.

Local Area Resources

• Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park
• Cataloochee Ski Area
• Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center
• Sapphire Valley Ski Area

Gorges State Park

Over one-third of Transylvania County's 379 square miles is comprised of National and State Forest land, including the Pisgah National Forest. The Blue Ridge Parkway, the French Broad River and over 250 waterfalls are among the most popular tourist destinations in the Eastern United States.

This forested land includes some of the highest mountains in the Southern Appalachians and the Eastern United States. Tremendous recreational opportunities, including a huge selection of trails for hiking and backpacking, abound within its borders.

We have provided a list of these recreation opportunities below that exist in just Transylvania County alone.  These are in addition to the exclusive natural amenities that exist within the Preserve at Rock Creek and do not include the numerous opportunities outside of Transylvania County.  For more information about a certain area, click on the area's name to visit its website.

Recreation Opportunities Within Transylvania County

The Preserve at Rock Creek takes pleasure in notifying its property owners of recreational opportunities in and around the surrounding areas.  Transylvania County offers an abundance of events that cater to the interests of affluent-minded individuals as well as those excited to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.

We hope that you will take the opportunity to visit our private mountain community and enjoy the numerous natural opportunities that exist just around the corner!  Feel free to contact the Preserve with any questions you may have.

Rock Mountain Cottage

Admittingly, the winter months are a slower time for our area, but it also is the best time to view North Carolina Mountain real estate. Since most of the leaves have fallen, you can see more of the land you’re buying. This allows you to better appreciate the topography and the terrain of our private mountain community and the selection of your home site. This knowledge gained during the winter is at a premium.

The off-season prices are as follows:

Sunrise Cottage $795,000	Rock Mountain Cottage $830,000	Ridgeline Estate $1,175,000

The Preserve invites you to come see us over the winter to take advantage of our off-season price reduction before the new season begins in the spring.

Man Looking for a Catch

One of the most popular outdoor activities during the fall & winter seasons in the Western North Carolina Mountains is trout fishing.  Whether you are a seasoned angler or you choose to embark on a guided tour, the area around Preserve at Rock Creek offers some of the best trout fishing around.  As an added bonus, angling is a sport that all ages and genders can enjoy making the Preserve’s goal to have multi-generational families in their private mountain community more attractive.

Now, let’s try and understand why trout fishing can be just as good, if not better, in the fall & winter as in the summer.  The single most important environmental factor that affects a trout's feeding behavior is water temperature.  This is important because trout breathe oxygen just like humans and need a steady supply of oxygen in order to survive.

Trout Up Close and Personal

However, since trout live in water and water is made from a combination of hydrogen and oxygen, you may wonder how a trout could possibly run out of oxygen. The answer to that question is that a trout's gills are not designed to extract oxygen from the water molecules themselves but instead they extract dissolved oxygen from the water which consists of free roaming oxygen atoms that are not bonded to a hydrogen atom. In any given amount of water, there is a limited amount of dissolved oxygen and that amount is mostly determined by the temperature of the water. Basically, the colder the water is, the more dissolved oxygen it can hold and the warmer the water is, the less dissolved oxygen it can hold.

By Bill Blevins from Fairport, NY, USA; color-corrected slightly by Daniel Case prior to upload (Little brown trout) (CC-BY-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)), via Wikimedia Commons

In addition to controlling dissolved oxygen content, the temperature of the water affects a trout's metabolism. When the water temperature is extremely cold (mid-30's F), trout tend to enter a catatonic state similar to that of hibernation in which their metabolic rate slows drastically and they require very little food. On the other hand, when the water temperature is extremely high (mid-70's F), the trout's metabolic rate increases and they require more oxygen than usual. The drawback is that warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen than cooler water and the trout start to suffocate as the water warms to around 70 degrees Fahrenheit .

The relationship between the oxygen content and temperature set the stage for the best season for fly fishing in the Blue Ridge Mountains to be in late fall through the winter months and into early spring when the water temperature is regularly between 45°F and 65°F.

Blue Ridge Trout Fishing in September, October, and November:

There are peak trout fishing periods here in Western North Carolina during the autumn months of September, October, and November. During this time, the days start to grow shorter and the angle of the sun is a little lower in the sky so the days are cooler than in the summer months. The cooler water temperature increases the availability of dissolved oxygen in the water, allowing for increased trout feeding activity.

Blue Ridge Trout Fishing in December, January, and February:

During the winter months in the North Carolina Mountains, the shorter days combined with the low angle of the sun in the sky cools the water temperature even further and slows the trout's metabolic rate.  This causes them to feed less often. However, since the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water is increased during the winter, they will often feed actively on slightly warmer, sunnier days. Fly fishing for trout in the winter months here is often more productive than fishing for them during the summer months.

Helpful Links for Trout Fishing in the Blue Ridge Mountains:

• North Carolina Fishing License Information
• North Carolina Stream Flows and Water Releases
• Nantahala & Tuckasegee River Flow Release Schedule
• Trout and Fly Fishing in the Highlands Area
• Trout Fishing on the Blue Ridge Parkway
• FlyFishingNC.com - A Guide to Fly Fishing North Carolina Mountain Trout Streams

Trout Fishing Outfitters near Preserve at Rock Creek:

• Brookings’ Cashiers Village Outfitters
• Davidson River Outfitters
• Headwaters Outfitters & Outdoor Adventures

We were quite excited when Jim Valentine agreed to come to the Preserve at Rock Creek for a special book signing and presentation. Mr. Valentine, a naturalist, explorer, photographer, and artist, has a fabulous new book: "A Southern Appalachian Celebration".

After meeting him at Burlingame Country Club we were fascinated with his love of this region and his never-ending quest of preservation. With the Preserve at Rock Creek having 320 acres protected by conservation easements, we had an instant connection.

On October 27th, guests gathered at the Ridgeline Estate where they viewed beautiful photography and learned about the region's rare and unique plants, waterways, and forests. We were all excited to learn even more about the importance of protecting our area's number one asset.

Peter Kipp-duPont with John Graham

Peter Kipp-duPont, a licensed master falconer, entertained the crowd with his beautiful falcons. Peter has been training birds for over 40 years and is one of North Carolina's first licensed raptor rehabilitation facilitators. You can often find him traveling to schools, libraries, and community events in the area to present his program "Falconry: The Ancient Connection Program" and discuss his involvement with the reintroduction of the Peregrine Falcon on Whiteside Mountain.

Photos from the party:

For more information about Jim Valentine's preservation work, please visit the Quest Foundation website or download this document.

It is an ongoing goal of Preserve at Rock Creek to notify its property owners of local events of interest and to inform everyone of our activities and participation.  The Sapphire Valley area of North Carolina offers an abundance of events that cater to the interests of affluent-minded individuals.

For more information on Preserve at Rock Creek and to stay in touch with us, visit our private mountain development's website.

Antiques on Display

On Friday, October 14th, the High Hampton Inn Pavilion provided a beautiful setting for the First Annual Quail Run Antiques Show Preview Party and Preserve at Rock Creek were among the visitors.

Regional dealers showcasing fabulous antique furniture, accessories, art, and jewelry provided a variety of treasures for collectors to choose from. Guests strolled the aisles, mingled, and then proceeded to a large tented area where they enjoyed delicious cocktails and hors d'oeuvers.

Co-chairs Skip Ryan and Elizabeth Rodriguez put together this exciting three-day event that benefits the Cashiers Historical Society.  This year's honorary chairman was the talented interior designer Charles Faudree.  Mr. Faudree was also on hand Saturday for a book signing for his beautiful new book "Charles Faudree Details".

Our photo gallery of the event:

Here is a video that the Laurel Magazine posted for the event:

It is an ongoing goal of Preserve at Rock Creek to notify its property owners of local events of interest and to inform everyone of our activities and participation.  The Highlands and Cashiers areas of North Carolina offers an abundance of events that cater to the interests of affluent-minded individuals.

For more information on Preserve at Rock Creek and to stay in touch with us, visit our private mountain community's website.

Additional Resources of Interest

• Charles Faudree
• Cashiers Historical Society
• The Laurel Magazine - Quail Run Antique Show
• Highlands / Cashiers Event Calendar

We have dramatically reduced the price of this fine North Carolina mountain home from $950,000 to $830,000. Now this brand new mountain home on its private 5 + acre estate lot, with a "sell it now" price, can become your prized  family mountain retreat destination, enjoyed by current and future generations. Remember that you can also build another home, up to five bedrooms, on this lot. View the property description below or on the Rock Mountain Cottage page.

Don't miss this one! Please contact the Preserve at Rock Creek with any questions or to schedule a visit.

Rock Mountain Cottage

- 5 Acre Estate Lot w/ 2 Homesites

- 2 Bedrooms/2 Bathrooms

- Two Natural Stone Fireplaces

- Award Winning Architecture

- Creek Frontage

- 3,700' Elevation

End of Season Price Reduction:
Was $950,000, Now $830,000

This beautiful cottage was designed by Travis Mileti and was recently awarded the "Best Model Home" Designer's Choice Award at the 2011 American Institute of Building Design Awards. Rock Mountain Cottage offers the ultimate in privacy with the exterior woodwork blending well with its natural surroundings. Browse the photos below and then find out more about this fabulous property on the Rock Mountain Cottage page.

Photo Gallery of the Award-Winning Rock Mountain Cottage

Our Homes Bring Generations Together

The very best and most enjoyable reason to purchase real estate is by far buying a property in which your family will live and grow together, both now and in generations to come.  There is a deep sense of satisfaction in finding the perfect place that you and your family can call home.  Many estate lots at Preserve at Rock Creek offer two building sites, ideal for creating a family compound for multi-generational use.

Some things to keep in mind when searching for the perfect property for your family are the following:

1. Make your first step finding a realtor or buyer's agent that you are confident has your needs, desires, and best interests at heart.  Your realtor can prove to be a lifesaver when you've reached the final hours before closing and the sky looks as though it's going to fall.  Our in-house sales manager, John Thomas, has nearly 30 years experience in the real estate/vacation home industry and knows exactly how it feels to search for a realtor (read his guide to buying a vacation home).  A certified EcoBroker, John is more than qualified and will meet and surpass your expectations.  Far more than that though, he can help you find the home that you simply cannot see your family living without.
2. Once you've found a real estate agent that you trust to help you find a home for your family, it is time to identify the things that are absolute necessities in your search. The most important thing to decide upon is a budget that you are comfortable living with.  In today's market, it is also important to select a home that's value is stable, ensuring that your investment will maintain its value for you and for generations to come.  The Preserve at Rock Creek's property values have held steady, despite the general decline and fluctuation in the real estate market.
3. Once you've established a budget, you need to decide the features that are important to meet the needs of your family. The number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, and yard space are all important variables to consider.  These things are important as they affect the lasting enjoyment of the home, both for you and for future generations.  Our homes at the Preserve at Rock Creek have been designed and constructed with both elegance and practicality with the needs of you and your family in mind.  In fact, the Rock Mountain Cottage was the “Best Model Home” Designer’s Choice recipient at the 2011 American Residential Design Awards.  In addition, most properties we offer include a secondary building site which is perfect for a guest house or for establishing your own family compound.
4. Another important thing that must be considered when purchasing a home for your family is the neighborhood. This is more important than many people may realize.  The Preserve at Rock Creek is a gated community conveniently located in the chic mountain village of Cashiers, North Carolina and has a wide variety of local area amenities to satisfy nearly everyone's desires.
5. You should also take the time to look at several properties before deciding on one property over another. The more properties you see, the better the chances are that you will actually find the one perfect property for the needs of your family home. The more homes you see the more you will learn about your likes and dislikes. You will also get ideas about possibilities and things that can be added on to the home you eventually select.  We invite you to take advantage of our Discovery Package and explore all of the homes and estate lots that the Preserve at Rock Creek has to offer.  We welcome you to compare our property to others in the area as we know you will come right back to us.

Live Together With Your Family

You will find many houses in your search and perhaps a few will reach out and impress themselves upon you as a home. These are the ones you should consider carefully. When you weigh the options, the prices, and your likes and dislikes, it is easy to see why the home or family compound of your dreams can be found at the Preserve at Rock Creek.

Please contact Tim Bright to discuss the available cottages, estates, and homesites available at Preserve at Rock Creek today.

Preserve at Rock Creek Map

Preserve at Rock Creek is a mountaintop property that rests on the southern face of Toxaway Mountain, also called Hogback Mountain. Toxaway Mountain is one of the highest peaks in the Highlands/Cashiers/Sapphire/Lake Toxaway area, with an elevation reaching almost 4,800 feet. Therefore, Preserve at Rock Creek is the highest privately-owned mountain in the area.  According to Mark Meadows, a leading broker in the area, our views are "better than 99% of any views in this area."

Lodge at Toxaway Mountain

The history of Toxaway Mountain is quite interesting, very rich, and deep. In the early 1900's, The Lodge was part of the Toxaway Systems of Hotels and served multiple functions. It was a "Nature Kindergarten" for children in the area to learn about the environment and the animals that live there. In addition, it also provided lodging for hunting and recreation for prominent industrialists from the north, including the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Edisons, Fords, and others.

Preserve at Rock Creek's entrance begins on Hwy 64 and goes all the way to the top of the mountain. West Whitetail Drive bisects the property into two sides, with a southerly exposure of both southeast and southwest.  The long-range mountain views are incredible, some with panoramic views up to 180 degrees.

Southeast View From the Preserve

The view is southeasterly for the lots to the right of West Whitetail Drive (facing the property from Hwy 64). These properties showcase beautiful morning sunrises, often referred to by us as the "coffee view".  These views have Sapphire Lake, Burlingame Country Club, and Gorges State Park in the foreground with layers of mountain reaching into the foothills of South Carolina in the background. Included in the view are Lake Jocassee, Lake Keowee, and Lake Hartwell, as well as the communities of Pickens, Walhala, Clemson University, and sometimes even the Greenville/Spartanburg area. On a clear day you can see up to 70 miles.

Southwestern Sunset from the Preserve

The view is southwesterly for the lots to the left of West Whitetail Drive. These properties experience breathtaking sunsets. We call these views "cocktail views". They are long and varied and extend into North Georgia. Included in these views are Baldrock Mountain, Rock Mountain, and the more prominent mountains, Chimneytop and Whiteside Mountain. Chimneytop rises above the High Hampton Inn and Wade Hampton Country Club in Cashiers. Whiteside Mountain is located towards Highlands and is purported to be one on the oldest mountains in the country.

It all starts with the land. Toxaway Mountain cannot be replicated and there is only one. It is because of the scarcity factor and the uniqueness of this mountain that the Preserve at Rock Creek is unmatched and above anything else in the Highlands/Cashiers/Sapphire/Toxaway area.

For more information about the Preserve, please contact Tim Bright.

Our land was surveyed to discover just what species were living in the area.  The findings were surprising because we found many more species than expected.  Overall, 117 wildlife species were detected, including the positive identification of 9 endangered, threatened, or rare species.  You can download our ecological survey for full details (9.6 MB).

Listed below are some of the highlights from each animal classification:

A Whitetail Deer

Mammals

White-tailed Deer, Southern Flying Squirrel, Grey Fox, Mink, Eastern Cottontail, Bobcat, Raccoon, Deer Mouse, Big Brown Bat

Fish

Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Blacknose Dace, Bluehead Chub, Redbreast Sunfish, Warpaint Shiners, and Longnose Dace (all found in Rock Creek)

Wild Turkey

Birds

Great Blue Heron, Mallard, Red-tailed Hawk, Wild Turkey, Great Horned Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Blue Jay, American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Scarlet Tanager, Dark-eyed Junco, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Northern Mockingbird

Reptiles

Box Turtle, Garter Snake, Northern Water Snake

Amphibians

Spring Peeper, Bull Frog, Eastern Newt, Mountain Dusky Salamander, Two-lined Salamander

Endangered, Threatened, or Rare Species

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Appalachian Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: This bird is identified by its characteristic horizontal rows of boring holes made within cove forests  were observed throughout the project area. This observation indicates that Sapsuckers forage on site (most likely in winter).

Red-breasted Nuthatch: Individuals observed within the project area during spring but probably do not breed on site.

Southern Appalachian Salamander: Individuals were found throughout the project area within coves and ridge-tops.  Although this species is locally common in appropriate habitat, it is endemic to southwestern North Carolina and has a very small distribution making it vulnerable to extinction.

Tawny Crescent: This butterfly was observed along a grassy road east of the “Grotto”. This observation is a new record for Transylvania County.

Brown Creeper: This bird was observed in coves, requires exfoliating bark on standing trees for nesting. May nest on site.

Given the breathtaking scenery, it's no wonder why so many species of animals live here!  There is really only one way to truly experience the incredible natural beauty and diverse selection of wildlife here at the Preserve at Rock Creek, and that is to come and see it for yourself!  Contact Tim Bright to schedule your visit today.

If you want to find out more about the area's "First Families", you can read my earlier post.

Indian Falls

The Preserve at Rock Creek has recently added Indian Falls to its collection of breath-taking property for sale. This property is truly a rare gem that deserves a second look!

The area around the Preserve has become known as "The Land of the Waterfalls" as it has more waterfalls per square mile than anywhere else in North America.  However, only a select few of these waterfalls are available to be owned privately, and even fewer, if any, can surpass the spectacular beauty of Indian Falls.

Quick Property Details:

• 68 +/- Acres
• 100′ Private Mountain Waterfall
• Potential Investment Opportunity
• 1/2 Mile Creek Frontage
• 16 Developable Lots, Plus 7+ Acre Waterfall Lot
• Hwy 64 Across from Burlingame in Sapphire, NC

This incredibly unique lot is naturally divided from the rest of the Preserve by a steep cliff line, with Indian Falls abutting to the East.  Its fairly gentle slope and long driveway which parallels the creek make this an ideal place for serene privacy.

This property has a convenient entrance on Hwy 64 with quick access to the Cashiers, Sapphire, Highlands, and Lake Toxaway areas of North Carolina.  Convenient access to the surrounding area would be a critical component of any potential development, something which so many other properties lack.

Upper Indian Falls

The water flow for Indian Falls begins over 300′ above with two natural springs coming together from Preserve at Rock Creek.  When the streams meet above the rock face, they cascade over the edge dropping straight down 100 feet forming Indian Falls.

The Indian Falls property is suited for anyone that appreciates sheer beauty.  Tim’s vision for the perfect buyer of Indian Falls includes:

• Someone looking for a perfect private mountain estate, with a one half mile driveway providing separation and seclusion from Hwy 64.
• An unbelievable development opportunity, with sixteen lots, ten along the creek and the other six nestled in the woods. Leaving the back seven acres in a potential conservation easement protecting the private mountain waterfall – the crown jewel of the property.
• Indian Falls’ uniqueness also lends itself to be developed with a theme for healing. It could be a destination for medicinal, mind/body, Health and Spa retreat.

Indian Falls has no equivalent. It took millions of years to create the formation of these falls and you will not find anything like it. It has been a hidden gem that is ready to be discovered.  If you are ready to find out more about Indian Falls, then take the opportunity to contact Tim Bright directly.

You can read the entire transcription of the video here:

The Preserve at Rock Creek is truly a private mountain development that is unlike anywhere else in the area. Please contact Tim Bright directly to find out more.

Preserve at Rock Creek Booth

The Cashiers Village Green was the place to be last weekend for the third annual Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival! This three-day event drew large crowds to the Cashiers, NC area to see over 100 selected vendors, listen to live music, and enjoy the gorgeous fall color display and warm weather.  Children had a blast with bouncy houses, hula hoops, and face painting. There were two separate stages with great musical line-ups including the Hurricane Creek Band, Rye Holler Boys, Shawn James, and Glenville Train.

The hard work of The Greater Cashiers Merchants Association and many volunteers made this year's festival a complete success! It was great to see the members of our North Carolina mountain community working together to assure a fun time for locals and visitors alike. Local restaurants provided a variety of delicious food and drink. The festival was also pet-friendly so there was a variety of breeds and sizes for dog lovers to enjoy.

I have never viewed as many incredibly talented artists than I did at this year's festival. The gentleman next to the Preserve, Chris Boone, was extremely gifted. He specializes in creating wood carvings of birds, similar to decoys, but made for inside display.

I also met a young lady, Melissa Watson, who wrote two Falcon Guide books on hiking in North Carolina, Georgia, & South Carolina. Falcon Guides are highly respected and trusted by outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. I would highly suggest checking them out if you are planning a hiking or camping trip to the mountains! I was glad to see all of the vendors doing so well.

The Cashier's Valley Leaf Festival is definitely worth participating in or attending every year. You can bet that the Preserve at Rock Creek will be there again next year. We hope to see you there!

For more information on the Preserve, contact us today.

A Maple Prepares Fall Colors

There is no better way to truly experience the beauty of this area and to see what the Preserve at Rock Creek is all about than to come and see for yourself!  We invite you to visit us by taking advantage of our luxurious Discovery Package.

If you can't make it to The Preserve, experience it online by watching a fall video tour of our property:

Fall Color Update

Fall Festivals are Abundant in Western North Carolina

The colors in and around the Cashiers, NC area are showing red Sourwood, Dogwood, maybe some early Maples, and even Virginia Creeper.  Color should be delightful this next week, yet it will likely be at least another week or so before we start to see peak leaf color here at the Preserve.

Find more fall color updates for the Blue Ridge Mountain Region by visiting the Virtual Blue Ridge Fall color report archives.

Upcoming Fall Activities

Taking full advantage of October in the mountains of western North Carolina means enjoying the numerous harvest time activities and festivals in our neighboring towns.

We have provided a brief list of some of the events you can enjoy while visiting the area:

Leaf Festival Of Cashiers Valley

October 7-8-9, Cashiers, Glenville, and Sapphire

The 3rd Annual Leaf Festival of Cashiers Valley is the area's most prominent fall festival and is ideal for leaf lookers, tourists, and local residents alike!  The festival includes live music, over 100 juried artisan crafts merchants, a car show, delicious local food, kid's amusements and attractions, boat tours, hayrides, and so much more!

First Annual Cashiers Historical Society Quail Run Antiques Show

October 14-15, Cashiers

Featuring local, national, and international dealers offering a wide range of English, American, and Continental furniture and decorative arts.  Don't miss this opportunity to find truly unique antiques!

Transylvania County Handcrafters Guild Show and Sale

October 14-15, Brevard College

This is a juried craft show and sale. This is an excellent opportunity to find that unique one-of-a-kind gift for someone special. Free parking.

Stingy Jack's Pumpkin Patch Annual Fall Festival

October 14-16, 21-23, 28-30, Pisgah Forest

Stingy Jack's Pumpkin Patch, An Amazing Jack-O-Lantern Adventure and Festival! Enjoy hayrides, live music, corn maze and Stingy's Twilight Trails.

Lake Eden Arts Festival (LEAF)

October 20-23, Black Mountain

The LEAF Festival (Lake Eden Arts Festival) exhibits great music, performances, food, and crafts from many corners of the globe.  This dizzying array of traditions and societies unite to present a diverse range of cultures that will be an experience not soon forgotten!

Colorfest (Catch the Spirit of Appalachia)

October 22, Sylva

Colorfest, Art of the Blue Ridge, will be held on October 22, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. in downtown Sylva. Over 40 local and regional fine artists will demonstrate their art form in this third annual street Art Fair.

16th Annual Old Time Music Competition

October 29, Brevard

This competition attracts musicians who come not only to compete, but to share with their fellow musicians a musical form that will not be forgotten.

Halloweenfest 2011

October 29, Brevard

Why wouldn't you want to celebrate Halloween in Tran-syl-VA-nia county??! Even Count Dracula comes for blood...Come downtown to enjoy a day-long street festival.

An Invitation to You...

Come and experience everything this area has to offer by visiting the Preserve at Rock Creek today!  Don't wait too long, otherwise you will miss the beautiful fall colors which only come once per year!  Please contact Tim Bright to schedule a visit.

Fall Scarecrow Greets Festival-goers

Now in its third year, the Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival is acknowledged as the area's premier fall festival.  The three-day Festival, October 7-9, features a profusion of entertainment by bands of all musical genres, artisan crafts, vendor and local merchant booths, delectable food offerings and kid-attracting activities. This matchless experience is all wrapped-up in a  blaze of extraordinary fall color and refreshing mountain air.

The three Festival villages, Cashiers, Glenville and Sapphire, are in the heart of North Carolina's mountain/lake region. Each village brings their own character to the festival while businesses and shops throughout the Cashiers Valley welcome festival-goers with fitting shop and roadside décor. Many compete in the "Scarecrow Contest" where judges will select the best scarecrow of all prior to the Festival...see if you agree!

Festival headquarters is located at the Cashiers Village Green and Commons at the Cashiers Crossroads.  Here music and performance-lovers will enjoy all-day theatrics and diverse music entertainment on two separate stages.  Booths showcase carefully selected juried artisans and a variety of vendors. The food court offers fare from local restaurants and a spot to relax and observe all the "going-ons". As an add-on advantage for festival-goers, merchants throughout the Cashiers Village feature sales and specials all weekend in their shops. Kids with excess energy, needing active time, can play at the state of the art permanent Village Green playground, and for quieter time visit the kids craft tent to create their own tribute to Fall.

A Maple Prepares Fall Colors

Glenville Village, about five miles north of Cashiers Village on the shores of pristine Lake Glenville, offers more folksy fare highlighting remarkably talented area crafters and artists ranging from potters to woodworkers. This is the spot to wet whistles and curb appetites with apples, cider and hot dogs with trimmin's while listening to blue-grass, banjo and a bit of gospel entertainment.  And there's even more to do at this eclectic village: pick-a-pumpkin from the Pumpkin Patch, visit a Christmas tree farm for a pancake breakfast or cruise Lake Glenville on a pontoon boat to view Lake Glenville's wooded shoreline, stunning waterfalls, and hear a bit of lake-lore.

Moving east from the Cashiers Crossroads on Highway 64, you will find shops and eateries at Sapphire Village. Sapphire is the home of the Festival's "Big Cup Golf Tournament" on October 8th.  Prizes for "tournament" winners include beach resort stays and choices from many local merchants and restaurants.

The Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival is back-dropped by nature's array of magnificent fall color. Visitors, leaf-lookers, travelers, tourists, and local or near-by residents are invited to come and enjoy the breathtaking blaze of mountain hues and the crisp, refreshing mountain air as well as the remarkable festival features and entertainment. All will find the Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival a Festival of extraordinary abundance destined to be the highlight of fall trips and tours.  Accommodations at inns, cabins and hotels are plentiful and the Cashiers Valley are within easy driving distance for most in the Southeast.

Click here for a copy of the festival schedule broken down by day and hour.

The Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival is a family and community event organized by the Greater Cashiers Area Merchants Association. For additional information on the festival call (828) 743-5858, send them an email, or visit their website.

Linn Cove Viaduct, Photo Courtesy of VirtualBlueRidge.com

• Take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway - This truly is America's Favorite Drive spanning 469 miles by connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The route from Cherokee to Asheville provides drivers an array of unmatched scenery and pullouts to take in the vibrant colors. Pack a camera, grab a lunch for a picnic and head out for an inspiring day trip. For you travelers that want to experience nature up close bring your hiking shoes to experience one of many trails along the Parkway. With no commercial or residential construction along the way you will see raw nature in its finest!
• Mountain Bike the trails at Tsali - The 12,000 acre Fontana Lake is the backdrop for a large portion of all four looped single track. The forest service did something right when planning these nearly 40 miles of epic trails. Even though Tsali is fairly technical, riders with all abilities will enjoy the beauty and vistas with a little patience. A very helpful rule to increase the overall experience is that the forest service alternates days for mountain biking and horseback riding as well recommending direction of travel to avoid head on encounters with other riders (be aware that all riders do not always obey this rule). For those traveling without a mountain bike a variety of local bicycle shops offer top of the line rentals like Bryson City Bicycles.
• Experience North Carolina Fly Fishing on the one of a kind "Fly Fishing Trail" - Jackson County, along with local professional guides, produced the one and only WNC Fly Fishing Trail in the United States to assist anglers in finding great locations to fly fish. This map points anglers to many of the top locations for the opportunity to catch Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout throughout the region. It is like a private guide for free! Pre-plan your trip by ordering a map through their website.
• Fall White Water Rafting! - Western North Carolina contains a tremendous amount of pristine rivers providing adventurers a variety of white water rafting options. Commercial outfitting guides cover the Nantahala Gorge, many with over 30 years of experience to provide participants with a safe and memorable rafting tour. The fall provides much cooler temperatures without the humidity not to mention the colorful leaves changing to take in.
• Try your hand at Ziplining - The best way to get up-close and personal with the fall colors is taking in a zipline tour through the trees. Although fairly new to the United States, this industry is growing by leaps and bounds even in a down economy because of one reason: they are super fun and each unique! Accommodating participants of nearly all ages and physical abilities from about 10- 100 years of age, travelers should consider a NC Zipline Tour during your next visit.

There you have it! A short but great list of Things to Do in NC during the fall. For more information, check out Sunset Farm Cabins.

Timothy Bright, Developer and Lisa Dromm, Party Coordinator

Preserve at Rock Creek kicked off the Labor Day weekend early with a wine and cheese party at the Ridgeline Estate. The event, held on Thursday, Sept. 1st, was from 6:00 - 8:00 pm, the perfect time to catch a glimpse of the amazing sunset view. Guests mingled while enjoying delicious bites prepared by The Cork & Barrel Lounge.

Photo Gallery

Browse these photos and see if you recognize some of our guests!

Brevard Music Center

Brevard Music Center

Brevard Music Center is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. Founded in 1936, the Music Center has become one of this country's finest summer institutes and festival locations.
http://www.brevardmusic.org/

Asheville, NC

Asheville is a great spot to visit if you are looking for a diverse selection of music because it is home to a wide range of annual music festivals throughout the year. When planning your visit, be sure to check their website's calendar to confirm festival dates as they may change from year to year.
http://www.exploreasheville.com/

Bele Chere

Asheville's most notable festival is Bele Chere, the largest free street festival in the Southeast. This three-day festival is held annually at the end of July and draws around 300,000 visitors. You will find arts & crafts, food, entertainment, as well as plenty of fun things for children to do.
http://www.belecherefestival.com/

Lake Edan Arts Festival

The Lake Edan Arts Festival (LEAF) is another Asheville area festival worth mentioning, occurring semi-annually since 1995.  This festival has established itself as one of the best festivals in the southeast and is host to international and local music, handcrafts, dancing, cuisine, children's activities, outdoor adventures, drum circles, and much more.
http://www.theleaf.org/

Cashiers, Highlands, and Sylva

Doc Watson at the 3rd Annual Cahsiers Music Festival

Cashiers, Highlands, & Sylva are smaller towns, but still offer a variety of music festivals. Unfortunately, the 3rd Annual Cashiers Mountain Music Festival was July 2nd & 3rd. If you missed it this year, try to make it next year! You can find out more about this area by visiting the links below:

• Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce
• Highlands Chamber of Commerce
• Jackson County Chamber of Commerce

Plan your mountain excursion so that you can enjoy all the mountain music the area has to offer!

Scenic Mountain Pasture

In 1587, more than 100 men, women and children sailed from Britain to Roanoke Island, North Carolina to establish the first English settlement in America. Within three years, they had all vanished without a trace. England's initial attempt at colonization of the New World was a disaster, and one of America's most enduing legends, "The Lost Colony", was born. It makes one wonder if they had simply hiked into the mountains of western North Carolina searching for vacation property, only to spend the rest of their lives wandering from Realtor to Realtor.

Over 400 years later, Stacy and I have returned successfully from our quest to establish a home in North Carolina, but our journey illuminated the glaring lack of guidance for those in search of vacation properties. That is why I wrote this Guide - to optimize your property search effort. If your search brings you to the Cashiers, NC area I will be happy to assist. I am now an active licensed real estate broker in North Carolina, as well as Florida. Our services are free to every client and paid for by the seller. We help narrow the choices before you even leave your home to preview select mountain properties. No more mysteries.

Please visit our website at www.PreserveatRockCreekNC.com for more information.

Rock Mountain Cottage

I'm pleased to announce that the Rock Mountain Cottage at the Preserve at Rock Creek has been chosen as the "Best Model Home" (less than 2500 sq ft) Designer's Choice recipient at the 2011 American Residential Design Awards (ARDA). Rock Mountain Cottage was designed by Travis V. Mileti, president of the local design firm Mountainworks, ltd. and built by Apple Construction of Sapphire, NC. This is not the first award received by Mileti and his team of design professionals.  This award-winning history is the reason we chose Mountainworks as the primary architectural presence in the development here at the Preserve at Rock Creek.

"We all liked the scale and simplicity of the plan, as well as the proportions and details of the home's exterior," commented one judge. Another judge remarked "I loved this tiny house nestled in the woods… a practical, yet elegant plan. The two fireplaces invite indoor/outdoor living." The Rock Mountain Cottage design is truly deserving of this award. Viewing the Rock Mountain Cottage page can make these comments come to life through the pictures and descriptions available.

"From the beginning, we knew that this special little cottage on this inspiring view lot would be a big hit with the judges," Mileti commented. "The laid back atmosphere of Rock Creek makes us feel at home. The folks there share common visions and philosophies. We believe this makes for a winning combination."

Photo Gallery of the Award-Winning Rock Mountain Cottage

In addition to the award for Rock Mountain Cottage, Mountainworks was also awarded the prestigious "Designers Choice Award" for the Valenta Residence, built by The Berry Group, in the Wade Hampton Golf Club. The Grady Residence in Wade Hampton, built by Summit Builders, earned a custom luxury home award. Finally, the Hackney Residence in High Hampton, built by The Buildersmith, was presented with a home renovation award.

I met Travis 10 years ago when he designed a house for my family in Cashiers, North Carolina. He came highly recommended from a number of local professionals and his demand was increasing amongst the affluent developments in Cashiers, NC. Travis was a rising star for his Adirondack style and craftsmanship, especially giving a sense of belonging with nature. We chose Travis and the design professionals at Mountainworks to plan Rock Mountain Cottage as well as the recently completed Sunrise Cottage. Travis's national acclaim and vision has been a wonderful fit at the Preserve and compliments the quality and natural feel of our development.

AIBD Award - Best Model Home

The American Residential Design Awards (ARDA) are prestigious honors given by the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD). This year's awards were announced on July 30th at the finish of the 2011 AIBD national convention held in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Recipients were selected by AIBD Certified Professional and Professional members from a pool of more than 100 proposed and finished projects. Awards are given in nine categories: custom luxury, model homes, published design, sustainable, multifamily, community development, working drawings, renovation, and unbuilt design.

Competition judges chose the winner of the 2011 ARDA Best in Show award from the overall field of entries, while attendees of the AIBD's National Convention voted for the winner of the Designers' Choice award. All winning designs will be featured in the fall 2011 edition of Design Lines, the AIBD's member magazine.

Preserve at Rock Creek is a unique development unmatched in the area. As a 320-acre low-density gated community in Cashiers, the Preserve offers 22 estate home sites. Many estate lots are five acres and have been approved for building two individual homes. With 215 acres protected in a conservation easement, the property is known to be one of the most biologically diverse places in the United States. The stunning long range Western North Carolina mountain views and elevations ranging from 3,200' to over 4,400' enable Preserve at Rock Creek to provide some of the best home sites in western North Carolina.

For more information about this award-winning cottage, please visit the Rock Mountain Cottage page.

For additional information on the award, please visit these websites:

• Preserve at Rock Creek
• Mountainworks, ltd.
• American Institute of Building Design
• American Residential Design Awards

Misty Morning View

Realtors listed the most demanded characteristics of a property in different orders, but all unanimously agreed that a combination of a water feature and mountain-view would be the best investment for resale. "Better for resale" equals more appreciation, which means a wiser investment.

Water features, like a lake view, a waterfall-view, or lakefront were listed by some brokers to have the highest demand, while others anointed the high elevation, long-range view as king. So, would a two-acre lakefront lot with a view of surrounding mountains be more valuable than a larger, five-acre mountaintop lot that has a long distance view? It might just boil down to preference, but there are many other things to seriously consider.

Here are just a few:

1. What is the driving distance to the nearest town?
2. How much of the lot is actually usable?
3. How accessible will the lot be in severe winter weather?
4. What types of community amenities are available and what are the associated fees?
5. What types of deed restrictions are there in the community?
6. What utilities are available to the lot and at what cost?
7. Is the lot actually buildable?
8. What size home can be built on the lot?

Let's take a closer look at these considerations.

What is the driving distance to the nearest town?
Driving distance to town was mentioned by many Realtors as an important factor in determining the resale value of a property. You may then correctly deduct that the more prestigious the town, the more value close proximity commands.

How much of the lot is actually usable?
Five acres in Florida is a lot of land, but in the North Carolina Mountains it may barely provide enough land on which to build a small home. Steep hillsides and cliffs are calculated into the acreage you own, and using it for anything other than scenery would require vast amounts of engineering and a matching capital investment.

How accessible will the lot be in severe winter weather?
Floridians, in this paragraph I will be using words from a foreign language which are "ice" and "snow". When I use these words, just equate them to a phrase we may hear from Florida rollerbladers, "bust your a_ _". If you plan to use your property in the winter months, remember that there may be ice and snow on the roads, especially in the higher elevations. So, if you choose a lot location way, way up a steep, winding mountain road and you're there in the winter, you may wake up one morning to realize that you must navigate tricky areas of …ice and snow.

What types of community amenities are available and what are the associated fees?
Amenities vary from community to community. Many offer outstanding country club facilities complete with golf, tennis, health spas, and lake activities, while others may only provide the security of a gated entrance. Naturally, you pay for what you get, but if a variety of nearby activities is important to your family, then take the time to compare community features and the associated fees.

What types of deed restrictions are there in the community?
Often there are outstandingly beautiful parcels of land offered for sale in areas of little or no development. Unless there are deed restrictions in place to prohibit junky trailers, partially constructed dwellings, and the destruction of the natural beauty, don't even consider the purchase. Even if it's a bargain, would you want to gamble investment capital and future appreciation on the likelihood of all your neighbors having the very same financial capacity and building mindset as you?

What utilities are available to the lot and at what cost?
Will a well need to be drilled or is community water provided to the lot? Some unfortunate mountain land owners have spent tens of thousands of dollars searching for water on their property, to no avail. It is critical to be assured of a water supply prior to purchasing the lot. If water is provided, what is the connection fee? Is there power readily available and what is the associated connection expense? Accessibility of, and fees associated with, electrical hookup and natural gas should also be investigated.

Is the lot actually buildable?
The Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina are some of the oldest on the planet. Scientists have reported that they were a mile higher in elevation millions of years ago.  Erosion has removed most of the dirt, loose soil, and fragmented rock to expose solid stone, which is visually evident in many places. In most areas, a shallow buildup of plant and animal debris provides a layer of compost on which trees and plants thrive, but is often not deep enough for a home foundation. When excavators begin cutting or blasting into solid rock to secure the foundation, your costs escalate. It is prudent to have a builder offer his opinion on the lot's building potential before purchasing.

What size home can be built on the lot?
Most homes in the mountains use a septic system. The drainage capacity of the lot determines the number of bedrooms which will be permitted for the home. If the lot you are considering has not yet been septic-permitted for the amount of bedrooms you desire, be sure to make that requirement a contingency on the contract to purchase.

Here's a video on Preserve at Rock Creek, see how we respond to these questions:

As always, I hope you find this to be a valuable reference.  Stay tuned for Part 6 - The Grand Finale.

Additional information is always available from Rock Creek Realty, LLC. Visit our website at www.PreserveatRockCreekNC.com

Cashiers Historical Society Presents The 14th Annual Cashiers Designer Showhouse™ "Reflections"

On August 19th, The Cashiers Historical Society unveiled the 14th annual Designer Showhouse "Reflections".  The 1960's mountain home with it's beautiful grounds and unique floor plan provided the twenty-three designers and artist the perfect backdrop to showcase their talent. This year's group of experts converted the space into a treasure that not only complements the history of the estate but also incorporated new and exciting elements.

I have been to so many showhouses and have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly.  So many times there seems to be a disconnect with the rooms.  Often the designers work so hard in trying to make a statement they forget about the actual space itself and how it relates to the other areas of the home.  That was not the case here.  Each room had a distinct look that not only provided  a fresh design but complemented the other spaces in the home.

Here is a video walk-through of this year's home before the designer's set up the show.  We plan to post photos or an updated video after the close of the Designer Showhouse:

Here is last year's 13th Annual Cashiers Designer Showhouse brochure that you can browse online for more information on the Showhouse itself:

This years event was highlighted by nationally recognized interior designer Charles Faudree.  Mr. Faudree has been featured in numerous publications including House Beautiful, Veranda, Southern Accents, and House & Garden. The entry he designed was a fabulous mixture of old and new with soft lines and elegant materials.  I was excited to meet such a talented designer and author.  His book "Charles Faudree Interiors" is a must have for your library.

In a recent interview in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle, Mr. Fraudee was asked the question, "What big changes do you see in the design of Mountain Homes today?"  His response was, "The changes I see in the design of mountain homes are a lighter palette and cleaner lines."  As I read this part of the  interview, I immediately thought of the award-winning Rock Mountain Cottage at Preserve at Rock Creek designed by Travis Mileti of Mountainworks, ltd. because it exhibits exactly what he is describing.

The opening weekend also included a luncheon held at the Sapphire Valley Country Club.  This year's guest speakers were Mary McDonald and Nathan Turner of Bravo's hit show "Million Dollar Decorators".  I am not one to watch all of the reality shows that have taken over television - especially ones about interior design.  In my opinion they often offer bad advice, unrealistic design solutions, and way too much drama.  After listening to their hilarious stories and seeing images of their projects you might find me tuning into their show, however.

Following the presentation McDonald signed her new book "Mary McDonald Interiors: The Allure of Style".  I waited in the long line with everyone else to have my book signed too!

Sunrise Cottage Front

Preserve at Rock Creek is pleased to announce the completion of their third spec home in the last year, Sunrise Cottage on Estate lot #8. The Cottage was designed by Travis Mileti, an award winning mountain home architect in Southern Living Magazine, and built by David Reese. It consists of two bedrooms and two baths and has an indoor/outdoor living area which flows onto a deck at its 3600 foot elevation, offering spectacular southeasterly views.

The five acre Estate lot on which this home sits is permitted for two homes with a total of seven bedrooms. This Cottage could serve as the perfect vacation or guest home. The option to build another residence at a later date, or even add onto this one, remains for future planning.

The price for the Sunrise Cottage is $895,000. Lot #8 is the only remaining of the seven lots on the Southeast Ridgeline with the same view. The previous land sales ranged from $450-600,000. Also, a comparable cottage (#9) sold in October, 2010 for $ 800,000, but was inferior in size and quality of construction, when compared to the subject.  Standard Mortgage, a sister company to the Preserve, is offering conventional financing up to $417,000 for 30 years at rates below 5% and a rental opportunity exists, managed by Rock Creek Realty. In summary, the Sunrise Cottage would make an excellent investment.

For more information on the Sunrise Cottage, please contact Preserve at Rock Creek.

Mountain View

What is the best location for a North Carolina mountain vacation home? Let's start with a definition of "best" because your definition of the word may be different than mine. The definition I'll use is one that I deducted from the responses of the Realtors I contacted. That is the specific areas in Western North Carolina that are the most popular and have the most real estate activity.

Granted, you may conclude that these locations are not the "best" because the land prices will be the worst for your budget. But if you want to be smart on a low budget, simply purchase affordable property as close to the "best" location as you can get. Real estate appreciation history in any town will prove that to be an intelligent strategy.

Realtors identified three areas as the best: the Highlands/Cashiers area, Asheville, and the Boone/Blowing Rock area.

Map of Prime Real Estate Locations

Immediately, most real estate professionals separated Asheville from the other two areas because it is a much larger city and it offers a more diversified mountain experience. Asheville may or may not be the place you want to locate your vacation home, so let's look at the pros and cons.

"A New Age Mecca" and "A City of Enlightenment" are names that have been recently pinned on Asheville. I describe it as "a great place to spend a day browsing superb arts and crafts boutiques, enjoying excellent food at one of the abundant street side cafés and appreciating the youthful energy pulsing from the throngs of area college students."

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is more metropolitan than the surrounding, smaller, quaint little towns. "I Love Asheville" reads a bumper sticker, but you may want to add to your sticker "and I love living a short drive away".  Not that Asheville would be a bad place to live by any means. It is a great choice if you plan to permanently reside and work in the mountains year round, but the aggravation of traffic just doesn't seem to mix with the second home ideal of mountain peace and quiet.

How close you want to locate to Asheville should be determined by how often you think you would like to visit. Rock Creek Realty LLC can recommend spectacular, scenic, new mountain developments where you could locate just off major arteries to Asheville, convenient and only minutes away.

Welcome to Cashiers, NC

Now let's compare the Highlands/Cashiers area to the Boone/Blowing Rock area. The Realtors in Highlands and Cashiers point to the Boone/Blowing Rock area as a comparable market and the Realtors in Boone and Blowing Rock point to the Highlands/Cashiers area. So what's the difference? Both are predominantly second home markets. To a Floridian driving north I-95 to west I-26, the distance to each is almost the same: Mapquest online shows the driving distance from Orlando to Boone as 619 miles and the distance from Orlando to Highlands as 563 miles. For those who would take I-75 through Atlanta, the Highlands/Cashiers area would be much closer.

Toxaway Falls in Cashiers, NC

Naturally there is plenty of other data (economic, geographic, and weather related) that we could compare, but the major difference of  importance to Floridians seems to be that the Boone/Blowing Rock area has more snow-related activities, and the Highlands/Cashiers area has more water-related activities. Both areas have great hiking, shopping, beautiful golf courses, fine dining, and spectacular mountain-view real estate. But when it comes to mountain lakes, cascading rivers, and babbling brooks, Highlands/Cashiers is definitely the place.

Because we like using our mountain property to escape the Florida summer heat, we opted to purchase in the Highlands/Cashiers area, also known as the waterfall area of North Carolina. There is nothing more rejuvenating than hiking from waterfall to waterfall along the richly shaded banks of a river or creek . There are literally hundreds of awe- inspiring waterfalls to visit, many of which are on, or just off of, a main road. For us the choice of the Highlands/Cashiers area was easy.

I hope you find this to be a valuable reference. Stay tuned for Part 5 - Features That Elevate Property Value

Additional information is always available from Rock Creek Realty, LLC. Visit our website at www.PreserveatRockCreekNC.com

New Home Sales Graph (1963-2010)

There is no mistake that over the last three years, we have been in a real estate recession that runs deeply, nationally, regionally, and locally.  Some markets have been hit harder and some markets are recovering faster, but there remain significant discounts from the peaks of 2007-8.

The Toxaway-Sapphire-Cashiers-Highlands market is no exception. Pricing points have dropped dramatically on a macro level, but every community is its own market.  That is not to say that communities that share similar characteristics can be apples to apples i.e., in the same competitive set, and therefore, can share pricing points.  But in many cases, each community is its own market and has its own competitive set.

A large consideration in investing in real estate in the Toxaway-Sapphire-Cashiers-Highlands is the size and financial stability of the development.  In this market, every subdivision/community of size has experienced distressed sales, foreclosures and short sales.  These distressed sales have a huge impact on values within the development, and bring pricing points down.  Whether it is the developer declaring bankruptcy or individual lots/houses going back to the bank, invariably the bank will write it down and place the asset back on the market at 30-50 cents to the dollar of the original price.  All property values surrounding the distressed ones will plummet and a new lower comp set is established.  The values and original investment in the property are lowered.

Burlingame Country Club

A large segment of the affluent second home market in the Western North Carolina area is associated with country clubs.  There are twelve country clubs between Lake Toxaway and Highlands on a twenty mile stretch on Highway 64.  While the country club brand has its appeal for offering families lifestyle choices, the requirement of owning real estate behind their gates, has its flaws.

To qualify for membership in these country clubs, the capital investment is excessive, especially when a member has to park, in some cases, $500,000 for land.  The lot may be inferior real estate located within the club grounds in the woods with no view.  This primary cost for the real estate, in addition to the initiation fee for the club, (as much as $150,000) and added to the club’s annual dues of $20,000 a year, raise the costs for a second home, unnecessarily high. While the lifestyle and country club brand might be appealing, the economics of owning a seasonal home used perhaps a few weeks a year, are hardly justified.

Where you play and where you live can be mutually exclusive of each other.  There is now the choice to buy superior real estate for a home located outside the club gates, while still enjoying membership and its amenities.

Sapphire Valley from Preserve at Rock Creek

At Preserve at Rock Creek, we have no distressed sales, foreclosures, or defaults and  property values have held steady.  Property owners at the Preserve are not laden with high fees from the expenses from country club amenities.  Property values are not being pulled down from the bank write downs, and the annual dues are minimal compared to country club amenity fees.  Not only does the Preserve offer privacy, natural beauty in conservation and great views, but the values are steady and the economic windfall of investing there, is unmatched in the area.

Preserve at Rock Creek has the best of both worlds. Buyers have the option to access Country Club amenities without the hefty cost while owning steady real estate with property values not pulled down by market conditions.

For more information on the Preserve at Rock Creek, contact us.

I sent the following correspondence via E-mail to every Realtor's office in western North Carolina that I could find on the Internet: maybe 60 or 70 offices. Approximately 5% of the Realtors responded within 24 hours, another 10% replied within 48 hours, and the rest of the responses trickled in over the next week, for an estimated total response of roughly 50%.

Ridgetop Vacation Property in North Carolina Mountains

My wife and I are planning to purchase either land on which to build, or an existing home, in the mountains of North Carolina. We would love to have a nice mountain view or be located on a river, lake, or creek. We have yet to settle on a specific area and are trying to determine the price range we will need to consider for that type of property. We would really appreciate your expert guidance and answers to the following questions:

1. What advantages are there to your location in the mountains?
2. What types of recreational activities are in your area?
3. In terms of recreational activities, how does your area compare to what you would view as the other top destination areas in the mountains?
4. How does the pricing in your area, both on lots and existing homes, compare to the other top areas?
5. What type of property has the best resale value (high elevation view, view regardless of elevation, or property located on water?)
6. What type of water properties (river, lake, or creek) would provide the best resale value and appreciation?
7. What is the minimum size parcel of land you recommend purchasing and why?
8. Is renting the property to vacationers when we are not using it worth consideration?
9. What other considerations do you regard as important in making our purchase choice?

Certainly this was not a scientific study, but the consistency of answers I received validated the advice I will provide for you in the next post of this guide, Part 4 - Location, Location, Location...But Which One?

Additional information is always available from Rock Creek Realty, LLC. Visit our website at www.PreserveatRockCreekNC.com

Long-Range North Carolina Mountain View

If owning a home has long been called the American Dream, then what would you call owning a vacation home in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina - the American Dream Phase II? It may be more accurately called the Floridians' Dream. Many Western North Carolina vacation home community developers report that well over 50% of their buyers are from Florida. Why do they buy there? More importantly, why would you buy?

Everyone knows that home ownership presents many challenges and headaches. So why would you purchase a second residence, costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, hundreds of miles from home, that you will only use for a few weeks per year? That qualifies as down right crazy…right? Not so fast! These crazy Floridians might just be wisely diversifying their real estate holdings into property that provides several advantages.

If you have lived in the Sunshine State for any amount of time, you probably have noticed that the months of June through September can be uncomfortably hot. Have you also noticed that counties restrict water usage during those months? Let me bring to light one other fact: the US Census Bureau report of 2010 projected that "Florida, now the fourth most populous state, will edge past New York into third place in total population by 2020".

Floridian's Have to Deal With Hurricanes

Have you happened to notice if the people moving here are bringing their own water? How much will the increased demand for water affect the cost and quality of life in Florida? Of course there is another water source to consider. Did you happen to stay at home for any of the visits, since 1992, from our tropical friends Andrew, Opal, Erin, Earl, Mitch, Irene, Gabriel, Charlie, Francis, Ivan, or Jeanne? OK, enough said. Let's go back to review the wisdom of those crazy individuals who are electing to purchase property in the mountains of North Carolina.

Rock Mountain Cottage Beautifully Framed by the Woods

Even if retirement is necessary before you are able to use your mountain home for more than an annual vacation, there is money to be made in the interim. Seasonal rental of your property to vacationers can cover some or a majority of your expenses. Owning that second home in North Carolina will allow you and your family to routinely escape the Florida summertime heat and the occasional wrath of ever more powerful hurricanes. So, do your mountain real estate homework. Consider and research your purchase now before the prices become unaffordable.

I hope you find this to be a valuable reference. Stay tuned for Part 3 - The North Carolina Mountain Realtor Questionnaire

Additional information is always available from Rock Creek Realty, LLC. Visit our website at www.PreserveatRockCreekNC.com

Relax and Enjoy the View

I'm sure that you have noticed how the expertise of some individuals in certain honorable professions seems to extend beyond their area of study. It seems that their professional position can afford them unquestioned credibility on a wide range of topics.  For example, I did believe that having spent over 20 years in the Florida vacation home/real estate industry gave me a decided advantage when I searched for my own vacation property in North Carolina. The key word in that last sentence is "did".

In the spring of 2003, my wife, Stacy, and I began our search for the perfect vacation home in the cool mountains of North Carolina. After browsing the websites of real estate brokers in several towns which we had visited, we narrowed our search to a dozen different properties. A trip to North Carolina to preview those selections proved not only time consuming and tiring, but also frustrating. It was certainly no vacation!  However, with the help of a local Realtor, we eventually picked our favorite area and soon concluded that purchasing a lot, then building, was the best way to obtain the perfect home. After negotiating what we felt was a very good price on a beautiful riverfront parcel (complete with cascades and a waterfall) we finalized our lot purchase. Perfect!

Over the next two years, we made several more trips and spent considerable time interviewing contractors, finally finding the right builder, Michael. Once the home specifications were finished - months later - the last step prior to beginning construction was for Stacy and me to meet with Michael to review the final cost estimates. That is precisely when we realized the consequence of our lack of expert guidance,  and it hit us like a ten ton bomb.

You may be thinking that this is exactly how everyone conducts a new home purchase. What's so wrong with getting advice from the local Realtor and contractor? Actually, nothing, but we learned that if an expert had guided us from the inception of our mountain home idea, we could have saved a lot of time and frustration.  We didn't have such guidance, and it was quickly becoming evident. For example, we learned that because our lot was pie-shaped, which dictated a specific septic drain field location, the foundation had to be moved closer to the river, which would multiply the expense. Additionally, we had planned to build a rustic home from antique reclaimed lumber, which is more expensive than using conventional materials. The estimated cost of that type of home would put it's value 50% higher than the most expensive home to ever sell in that community. So here were our choices: we could opt to build a very simple, scaled back structure – certainly not our dream home - in order to get within competitive pricing, or we could start at square one and look for another lot to build the mountain home we envisioned.

Disappointed and frustrated do not even get close to describing the emotions we experienced. After regrouping, we spent the next day riding around with another Realtor trying to find the next perfect lot. We found nothing of interest and said good night to the real estate agent. Tired and further frustrated, we wondered if we should just surrender the rustic mountain lodge we had envisioned.  The next morning, on the verge of abandoning our dream, we mistakenly turned into the open security gate of a new community, the Preserve at Rock Creek. A call to the Realtor with which we had spent the previous day only produced the reply, "I'm not familiar with that project". Despite that, we continued to explore the available estate lots.  The community was second to none we had seen, offering large five-acre lots with spectacular high elevation views. In that development we found our second perfect lot.   After 18 months we received the certificate of occupancy on our rustic cabin. Dream realized!

Photos of our dream cabin, Sapphire Heaven:

Reflecting on my mountain real estate search experience, it was much like trying to assemble a large puzzle without all the pieces…and I'm a Realtor! Each person I contacted would give me one or two pieces of information. Then, back home in Orlando, I would spend hours browsing the internet for the other missing pieces. Eventually I was able to complete my puzzle, but how easy will it be for you to complete yours? Will you find the missing pieces before they prove to be expensive mistakes?

This series of articles was written to provide potential buyers of North Carolina mountain properties a larger picture of the mountain real estate market. This booklet is based on not only conversations with Realtors, but also on their responses to a questionnaire I sent to dozens of them throughout the mountain region.

I hope you find this to be a valuable reference. Stay tuned for Part 2 - What Are You Thinking?

Additional information is always available from Rock Creek Realty, LLC. Visit our website at www.PreserveatRockCreekNC.com.

Looking down 6th Avenue from 48th Street. (courtesy David Shankbone)

Buying land in North Carolina is one of the best things I’ve ever done.  My vacation house offers a retreat in the mountains with easy access to New York City.  For many years, I fought the Long Island Expressway while commuting to and from the Hamptons.  Now I catch a flight in Newark, New Jersey and arrive in Asheville, North Carolina an hour and 20 minutes later.  Then I drive through a national forest instead of traffic.

 

Our dream house is the perfect antidote to living in Manhattan.  My city kids now know about salamanders and bull frogs, berry picking, and trout fishing.  Our cabin in Rock Creek has a gorgeous mountain view and sits on a tract of land with countless species of wildlife, including deer, fox, bobcat, black bear, hawks, falcons, and the rare yellow-bellied sap sucker, to name a few.

 

View of the Mountain Ranges from Preserve at Rock Creek

Preserve at Rock Creek offers upscale mountain living with a unique environmental touch.  The idea behind the Preserve is to protect a beautiful parcel of land while sharing its beauty with a small group of owners.  There are 23 five acre estate sites surrounded by 200 acres of natural preserve.  The developer fell in love with the area and felt strongly about limiting its development.  A conservation easement protects the vast majority of the Preserve from future development.

 

The Preserve' amenities features a large pond, wildflower meadow, ancient rock formations, and Rock Creek, which winds dramatically through the length of the land cascading down into waterfalls and small pools.  Yet despite the natural setting, underground utilities and community water are provided to each site, and there are well-groomed hiking trails.  Within moments of turning into the Preserve, the road rises to elevations between 3000-4400 feet, and one can lose oneself in breathtaking mountain views.

 

Preserve at Rock Creek Gated Entrance

A natural stone gate stands at the beginning of the Preserve at Rock Creek marking the perimeter of the property.  For many residents who have other homes, the gated community offers security while owners are away.

 

The Preserve is well-located just off Highway 64 within minutes of a post office, gas station, medical center, hardware store and various shops.  The convenience of the Preserve to both Asheville and Cashiers, a short distance away, offers all the amenities of upscale living without the crowds and hustle-bustle of many other summer destinations.

 

Next year, I will send my kids to sleepaway camp.  Instead of driving hundreds of miles or frantically flying in and out around their camp schedule, I can deliver them to their camps (and the area is famous for them) and remain a little calmer knowing that I am nearby.

 

Burlingame at Sapphire Lakes

My family has found a sportsman’s paradise in the surrounding land with its many waterfalls, streams, and lakes.  There is gem mining, horseback riding, mountain biking and all kinds of water sports like kayaking, tubing, water skiing, wake boarding, fishing and sailing.  Also, the Preserve has an alliance with Burlingame Country Club located across the street, which offers all the amenities of the country club lifestyle.  With my membership, all my relatives, vertical and horizontal, are also covered so when my mother, brothers family and sister come, we can all enjoy the country club together.

 

Stunning Sunsets from Preserve at Rock Creek

I now spend the summer in the mountains and commute back to New York as needed.  I can enjoy dramatic waterfall hikes, outdoor music festivals, golf, boat rides, antique shopping – or just sitting in a wonderfully comfortable living room chair watching the splendor of a mountain sunset.  The area is abundant for those wanting endless physical activity or a laid-back retreat for those trying to find some tranquility.  With this crazy global situation and stress of city life, I can’t think of a better place to put my money than Preserve at Rock Creek.  I’ve watched the value of my investment grow as I’ve fallen more and more in love with the area.  It is the perfect balance to living in a fast-paced city.

 

-- Holly Bright

Holly is quick to point out this area’s convenience, serenity, peacefulness, and simplicity.  It is certainly a wonderful place to live and I always look forward to her visits.

For more information on the Preserve at Rock Creek, contact us or visit our home page at www.preserveatrockcreeknc.com.

EcoBroker Certified®

John L. Thomas of Rock Creek Realty in Sapphire NC, has earned the EcoBroker Certified® designation, having successfully completed an award-winning informative training program on the energy and environmental issues that affect real estate transactions.

John joins the movement of professionals pushing the real estate market toward energy-efficient, sustainable, and healthier features in homes, buildings, and communities. Today's focus on high-performance energy-efficient homes is a priority for this type of high-quality real estate professional earning the EcoBroker Certified® designation.

EcoBrokers® like John are building premier market presence by serving as consumer and community resources on energy and environmental issues. With national surveys indicating that 9 out of 10 consumers consider energy efficiency and the environmentally sound aspects of a home to be almost as important as interior finishes, Certified EcoBrokers® are simply in a better position to serve the savvy green-minded real estate consumer.

John Thomas Testimonial

"I'm always looking for the best ways to not only offer my clients the best value but to also develop a relationship where they feel I am a trusted resource," John explains. "My EcoBroker Certified® training helps me ensure that my customers, who are my number one priority, get the knowledge they need. From energy-efficient appliances to solar options to overall energy savings, I now have more resources at my disposal to help my buyers and sellers make informed real estate decisions. The EcoBroker Certified® designation doesn't make me an energy and environmental expert, but it puts me in a position to recognize issues and convey information on the products and services available to my buyers and sellers."

EcoBroker International's premier designation program is designed exclusively for real estate professionals who care about the environment and want to help their clients benefit from the energy-efficiency, "green," and healthier features of properties. The extensive curriculum of energy and environmental training requires participants to fulfill additional program requirements to become Certified EcoBrokers®.

"John is an example of the quality real estate professional the EcoBroker Certified® designation continues to attract," explains EcoBroker International CEO Dr. John Beldock. "These real estate professionals are not only distinguishing themselves in a competitive market place, but they are really giving back to the community in very constructive and meaningful ways. Cashiers, North Carolina needs more contributors like John. The planet and our grandchildren need them, too," says Dr. Beldock.

Enjoy Breathtaking Views as You Explore Our Property

The program also teaches its members how best to market and position themselves for that competitive edge within the real estate platform. From the Rock Creek Realty office, John explains, "With EcoBroker's training, I have broadened the range of real estate opportunities I offer my clients. I'm in a position to help. The real estate industry is forever changing and our nation faces complex environmental issues. To best serve my clients, I need to understand the newest products, technologies and issues as they affect today's real estate market. My EcoBroker Certified® designation helps me stay ahead of the game."

John earned his EcoBroker Certified® designation in Orlando, Florida in 2008 and is wasting no time putting the tools and additional expertise to work in North Carolina, after establishing Rock Creek Realty LLC in June. John knows that being an EcoBroker® creates added value that sets him apart from other agents. For example, Rock Creek Realty markets Preserve at Rock Creek, which is a low density environmentally focused community. The Preserve set aside 215 acres, of their 320 acres, as permanent conservation lands.

John is looking forward to continuing to positively impact the industry by also highlighting to property buyers the cost effectiveness and benefits of constructing energy-efficient homes at the Preserve.

For additional information on what it means to be a Certified EcoBroker®, please contact Preserve at Rock Creek.

Whitewater Falls

Did you know that there are more waterfalls per square mile in Western North Carolina than anywhere else in North America?  There are also more species of birds, trees and flowers than anywhere else in North America.  With over 200 waterfalls to visit, the area around Preserve at Rock Creek has become known as the “Land of Waterfalls”.

There are many ways to discover these waterfalls, but hiking is nine times out of ten the way that most of us get to the waterfalls.  Before you go, though, it is very important to know details about your hike.  Always be prepared!  You never know what can happen when you are out in the wilderness.

Here are some things you should think about:

• How far is it to the waterfall?
• How hard is trail:  moderate, strenous?  Don't forget, if you go down a gorge, you have to come back up.
• Always stretch before a hike, even if it is only a moderate hike.
• Bring a backpack with water, first aid kit, waterproof matches, towels, rain jacket, and a compass.
• If you have allergies, an EPI Pen is good idea.
• It is always best to hike in numbers.
• If you are determined to hike alone, tell someone where you are going, when you are going and when you plan on being back from the hike.

Just keep in mind:  it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Here is a gallery of pictures of waterfalls near the Preserve at Rock Creek.  Below the photos you will find a list of some of the area waterfalls that are accessible by hiking.

Transylvania County Waterfalls

• Bridal Veil Falls (DuPont State Forest)
• Corbin Creek Falls
• Drift Falls
• High Falls (DuPont State Forest)
• Hooker Falls
• Log Hollow Falls
• Looking Glass Falls
• Moore Cove Falls
• Rainbow Falls (Horsepasture River)
• Silver Run Falls
• Slick Rock Falls
• Sliding Rock
• Triple Falls (DuPont State Forest)
• Turtleback Falls
• Upper Whitewater Falls
• Whitewater Falls

Buncombe County Waterfall

• Cascades Waterfall (Craggy Mountains)
• Douglas Falls
• Glassmine Falls
• Walker Falls

Macon County Waterfalls

• Bridal Veil Falls (Macon County)
• Cullasaja Falls
• Dry Falls (North Carolina)
• Quarry Falls (Macon County)

Jackson County Waterfalls

• Dill Falls
• Flat Creek Falls
• Holly Falls
• Schoolhouse Falls
• Silver Run Falls
• Soco Falls
• Whitewater Falls

Burlingame at Sapphire Lakes

The Preserve at Rock Creek is including a two year Burlingame Country Club Membership, subject to approval by the Burlingame Membership committee, for the entire family, with any new property purchased, beginning in July through December, 2011. Because developer, Tim Bright, knows buyers are looking for deals, he posed a question to his staff and friends, “What if I include a free, two year, Burlingame Country Club Membership for the families who purchase before the end of this year?” The overwhelmingly positive response convinced Tim to make it a standing offer for new buyers.

Burlingame Country Club is well recognized, not only for its championship quality golf course, but also for the dining, tennis, newly renovated clubhouse/pool area, river fly fishing, special events, fitness facility, and overall friendliness of the membership. The high elevation properties at the Preserve at Rock Creek have a wonderful view of the country club.  The two upscale developments are conveniently located directly across the street from each other.

The two year “Dining and Special Events” membership will allow any new buyer at the Preserve to, literally and figuratively, get a taste of the country club before deciding if they want to join after the second year. Other levels of membership are available which can extend privileges to golf and/or tennis, etc.

Preserve at Rock Creek Gated Entrance

The Free membership offer is in direct response to current real estate market conditions and is a great reason to consider purchasing now while the prices are also at their best. The Preserve at Rock Creek has had no foreclosures or short sales. In fact, there have not even been any owners who have listed their properties for sale, which shows the stability of the community. The developer is financially rock solid and continues to build speculation homes of the highest quality. Award winning, and widely known mountain home architect, Travis V. Mileti of Mountainworks, is the designer of the recently completed homes which are for sale at the Preserve. 215 acres of the current 320 are part of the Preserve’s private conservation easement to be enjoyed exclusively by the owners. If you need any more reasons to visit the Preserve at Rock Creek before the end of the year, please contact us.

View of the Mountain Ranges from Preserve at Rock Creek

Around the chic mountain village of Cashiers, North Carolina, fashionable development keeps pace with the growing demand for vacation and retirement homes. Easily understandable considering Cashiers is located in the waterfall area of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where high elevation lakes, streams, and rivers abound. Adding to the natural attractions are trendy shops and fine dining establishments that beckon the thousands of affluent, seasonal residents and a multitude of visitors. The real estate prices maintain an equally high elevation in comparison to other area of Western North Carolina. Because the prime land prices are higher, the building densities of the communities are maximized. Bucking that trend however, is one very special development, The Preserve at Rock Creek.

Tim Bright, Developer with Vision of Land Preservation

"I went with the premise, concerning density, that less is more" said Tim Bright (read more about Tim's vision), the developer of The Preserve at Rock Creek. "I wanted to preserve the pristine beauty of this exceptional 320 acre parcel, so I decided that of the 23 lots, we would offer 13, five-acre estate sites on which a home and a guest home could be built. Additionally we have a ten acre site available that allows for both a home and a guest home that would be ideal for an equestrian loving family because of it’s proximity to the eight acre fenced meadow. The remaining 215 acres I committed to a conservation easement, which means that it is permanently protected from any, and all, future development. That ensures an owner's children, their children's children, and all the future generations of their family will be able to enjoy the same natural beauty that exists today."

Large Rock Formations are Just Some of the Natural Amenities on the Property

Preserve it he did, and the result is an extraordinary harmony of nature and mountain home sites. Hiking trails provide owners and their guests with access to the cascading waterfalls, amazing rock formations, and ancient natural beauty.  Peregrine falcons and hawks soar overhead. Deer, wild turkey, fox, and pheasants are among the plentiful wildlife that can be regularly seen all over the Preserve. Hundreds of native fruit trees and other food sources were purposely planted throughout the forest to enrich the habitat.

Preserve at Rock Creek Gated Entrance

With the gated stone entrance located on the primary artery, Highway 64, The Preserve at Rock Creek is particularly well located. Within minutes there is a post office, gas station, convenience store, hardware store, and various shops. The town of Cashiers is only a fifteen minute drive. Yet beginning less than a mile from the Preserve entrance, up the paved road through the Preserve, spectacular long range views appear. This quality of breathtaking visual rewards are usually earned in other areas of Cashiers only by winding around countless curves for much further distances, requiring significantly more driving time.

Rock Mountain Cottage Beautifully Framed by the Woods

It was no accident that these magnificent vistas are destined to be enjoyed from the comfort of the few privileged mountain estate homes that will be built on the Preserve. Site elevations range from 3200' to 4400'. Each five or ten acre estate site is already permitted for a total of seven bedrooms, to be allocated between a guest house and a primary home. Underground utilities and community water are provided to each site.

Has the Preserve at Rock Creek emphatically bucked the trend or is just a forerunner of the green movement in America? Let’s certainly hope that it’s the latter.

For more information contact the development.

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Take a Tour of Ridgeline Estate on Our Keystone Lot at 4200' Elevation

On Thursday night, June 30th, the Preserve at Rock Creek hosted a delightful cocktail party at the Ridgeline Estate with food and live music.  Over 100 guests attended including many members from several country clubs in the area including Burlingame, Lake Toxaway, Mountaintop, Wade Hampton and Sapphire Valley.

Everyone enjoyed cocktails and dined on delicious bites of smoked salmon pinwheels, potato pancakes with roasted shallot cream cheese, and an assortment of cheese and fruit created by Chef George of Burlingame Country Club.

The band, Taylor Martin’s Engine, comprised of four talented musicians from Asheville, played well into the evening while the guests circulated throughout the elegant and warm house, finally congregating outside on the covered deck to enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of sunset over Chimney Top and Whiteside mountains.

Home Page of New Website

The Preserve at Rock Creek has always been so much more; so much more than other developments, so much more than visitors imagined, and so much more than described by its previous website. Earlier this year the developer, Tim Bright, decided it was time to seek out and hire a web design company with the experience and capability of creating a first class website to aptly represent the Preserve at Rock Creek. After interviewing several industry leaders, Tim determined that Horizon Mediaworks LLC was the company for the job.

Horizon CEO, Joe Veler, and his staff then painstakingly created a website so complete that it comes as close to capturing the essence of the Preserve as is humanly possible. Keep in mind that Mother Nature created the spectacular beauty at the Preserve. So, if she was also creating websites, then she would have been the natural choice for the project. We could have had a perfect website representation. However; there probably would have been a bandwidth problem if no one ever left the site. We do want visitors to leave the site and come see us at the Preserve. All considered, the new website has been well received and declared successful after its first month.

Why has the new website been so successful? Certainly it employs easy navigation and plentiful contact points, but the implementation of those features was just the beginning for Joe and company. They also focused on better property descriptions, accompanied by enhanced and more numerous photos.

Sure, almost every development has those, but, Joe then took to it to the next level and pulled out all the stops in an attempt to uncover the heart of the Preserve. He found exactly that it in Tim Bright's vision statement, in testimonials, and even in our new blogs that allow us to stay in touch with our customers. I can now honestly say that the Preserve at Rock Creek is "more than the website reveals"…instead of "so much more than it reveals".

Estates, Cottages, and Homesites in the Western North Carolina Mountains

Tim's vision for Preserve at Rock Creek is what ultimately called me to this position.  Set among 320 acres of the most breathtakingly beautiful forest in the Cashiers - Sapphire -Toxaway area, the Preserve has over 215 acres set aside in land conservation easements.

That leaves 105 acres dedicated to a mere 23 lots.  These 23 estate size mountain land parcels boast some of the best short and long range mountain views to be found in the area, and I can quote that from some of the most respected names in the area. However, I'm withholding those names for future articles!

A Blue Heron - One of our First Families

While I have been working here, the Preserve has set the standard for what mountain living in the 21st century is all about: large private home sites, dramatic views, cool summers, mild winters, and limited density with plenty of room.  It was perfect for the first families that had the foresight to invest in this area.  Who were these families? Take careful note here: they are the deer, turkey, green salamanders and we can't forget the members of the beautiful fox family who lives on the property.  I will save the zoological and botanical surveys completed on the Preserve for future articles but they are extensive!

These "first families" live in this private mountain sanctuary where the conservation easements protect them from encroachment for generations to come.  I'm also sure our "first families" appreciate the no hunting regulations that come with these conservation easements.

Enjoy a Round of Golf or a Private Dinner at Burlingame Country Club

As for our property owners, they are unencumbered by the normal country/golf club dues and fees. They never have to slow down or stop inside the grounds of the Preserve at a golf cart crossing.  However, the Preserve has a symbiotic relationship with Burlingame Country Club, less than one mile away.  Lot owners can purchase golf, tennis, and social membership right across the street at this established and locally respected country club.  Leaving their sanctuary, property owners can jump in their car to enjoy fine dining, work out in a newly remodeled gym or take a dip in a pool.  And I'm sorry "first families", but all amenities at Burlingame are reserved for two-legged property owners only!!!

Lisa Dromm with Her Daughters

Let me start out by telling you a little about me.  My name is Lisa Dromm and I am the proud parent of two teenaged daughters.  Four and a half years ago we relocated to the Western North Carolina Mountains from Wilmington, NC. I have been visiting these mountains for over 15 years.  Needless to say, I am ecstatic to be here full-time.   I moved here to take advantage of Mother Nature's Playground.  I love to go camping, hike to waterfalls, hike the large rocks in the rivers (yes, a little dangerous), paint and improve on my photography skills.

I am blessed to be working here at the beautiful Preserve at Rock Creek.  The developer dedicated 215 acres of the total 320 acres of the private mountain community for land conservation easements.  A limited number of high elevation (up to 4400'), five acre estate lots boast spectacular long range views.  

In the upcoming months I will share with you some of the activities and attractions this area has to offer.  There is something for everyone no matter what the age.  The change of seasons provides for different activities year round.  Whether you choose to sit on the deck and bird watch or tackle the Nantahala River in a kayak, you are sure to love these mountains! 

If outdoor activities don't tickle your fancy, there are plenty of other things to do off the mountain within a 90-mile radius.  We have a casino in Cherokee, the Brevard Music Center (world renowned), and the eclectic town of Asheville (lots of shopping and entertainment).  If you love to spend your nights and mornings in a romantic Bed and Breakfast house, the accommodations are endless.  There are also a large selection of restaurants and spas to choose from.
 
Isn't time for you and your family to come play in the mountains?

Title Screen for the Beverly Hillbillies

I was told to keep this short and my deadline for getting this to the editor was 5pm today and it's already 8pm!  Needless to say the $100.00/word I was promised for on time completion is lost (yeah, right… I'm on salary).    So, let's squeeze the turnip till blood flows freely and I'll be owing the editor my job as the Property Manager of the Preserve at Rock Creek just so they'll tell my boss I got it to them on time:  Here goes…

The Beverly Hillbillies, the Cashiers Mountain Music Festival, and the Preserve at Rock Creek:  what could these three things possibly have in common?

Most of you have heard of the 6 degrees of separation. If not, here it is in a nutshell:

Six degrees of separation is the theory that anyone on the planet can be connected to any other person on the planet through a chain of acquaintances that has no more than five intermediaries. The theory was first proposed in 1929 by the Hungarian writer Frigyes Karinthy in a short story called "Chains."

The previous quote was from Microsoft's search engine, Bing.  I promise you it is the most grammar correct and factual part of this blog you have read or will read by the end of same!

So, to the point, what do they have in common?

The Beverly Hillbillies, a highly popular series in the sixties about "a poor mountain family who could barely keep their family fed, then one day they were shooting at some food and up from the ground comes a bubbly crude. Oil that is, Texas tea…", but I digress.  Do you see it coming together yet?  Nope? Okay, I will give you more hints.

The theme song for The Beverly Hillbillies was originally a little song called "Foggy Mountain Breakdown". Look it up for yourself, because I can't be any later than I already am to get this to the editor.  Still in the dark?  Okay, let's dig deeper:  Earl Scruggs who co-wrote Foggy Mountain Breakdown played last year at the, you guessed it, Cashiers Mountain Music Festival!  Ta-Duh!!!

The Cashiers Mountain Music Festival is a family and community oriented event organized by the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce for the benefit of the Cashiers Preservation Foundation. The foundation is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to providing assistance to a variety of local needs. Proceeds from the festival will flow directly to the foundation. For more information on the Cashiers Preservation Foundation, click here.

Photos from last year's Festival:

What, still lost? Still a little ambiguous?  Well then… here we go in a SMALLER NUTSHELL for those who don't catch on as quickly as Jethro did after graduating from the 6th grade.

The Preserve at Rock Creek, a 320 acre private mountain community and the place where I work, has been a major sponsor of the Cashiers Mountain Music Festival since its inception.  We are sponsoring it again this year for the 3rd Annual Festival on July 2nd and 3rd and we look forward to seeing you there!

Earl Scruggs Autographed Banjo

The End.

Garry Mulkey
Property Manager
Preserve at Rock Creek

Last year’s Cashiers Mountain Music Festival drew more than 2,500 fans to the Village Green.

This year, the third annual Cashiers Mountain Music Festival will be held on Saturday, July 2 and Sunday, July 3. This year’s event promises to be the biggest and best one yet.

The festival is proud to announce that nationally known and regionally loved Balsam Range will be the headlining act to close out day one of this year’s festival on Saturday, July 2. Balsam Range has held the top spot on the Bluegrass Unlimited charts for the last two months for the song, “Trains I Missed.”

From left, David Holt and bluegrass legend Doc Watson are the headlining act at this year’s Cashiers Mountain Music Festival on Sunday, July 3.

N.C. bluegrass legend and eight-time Grammy award winner Doc Watson will close out the festival on day two, Sunday, July 3, accompanied by David Holt.

As always, a fireworks display will mark the end of the festival after Watson’s Sunday night performance.

Also scheduled to perform on Saturday are Suite Caroline, Mountain Faith, The Hims, Rafe Hollister, Nitrograss, and Dehlia Low.

Sunday’s performers include Sweet Tater, Hurricane Creek, the Harris Brothers, the Darren Nicholson Band, the Songs of Jackson County band, and the Rye Holler Boys.

Following is the stage schedule for the event:

Saturday, July 2

Main Stage (Village Commons)

• 11 to 11:45 a.m. - Suite Caroline
• Noon to 12:45 p.m. - Mountain Faith
• 1 to 2 p.m.- The Hims
• 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.- Rafe Hollister
• 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.- Nitrograss
• 4:45 to 5:45 p.m.- Dehlia Low
• 6 to 7:30 p.m.- Balsam Range

Open Jam Stage (Village Green Gazebo)

• 11 to 7:30 p.m.- Open jam sessions all day long

Sunday, July 3

Main Stage (Village Commons)

• Noon to 12:45 p.m.- Sweet Tater
• 1 to 1:45 p.m.- Hurricane Creek Band
• 2 to 3 p.m.- Harris Brothers
• 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.- Darren Nicholson Band
• 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.- Songs of Jackson County Band
• 5:45 to 6:45 p.m.- Rye Holler Boys
• 7 to 9 p.m. - Doc Watson, David Holt and Richard Watson
• Dark - Fireworks

Open Jam Stage (Village Green Gazebo)

• Noon to 9 p.m.- Open jam sessions all day long

This will be the first year the festival utilizes the newly constructed Village Commons area, adjacent to the Village Green grounds where the last two events have been held. Music will be featured at both the new commons stage, and the original Village Green gazebo stage as well. Festival organizers also are encouraging local musicians to bring their instruments this year for open jamming that will be available at the gazebo stage throughout both days.

Balsam Range is the headlining act for the Cashiers Mountain Music Festival on Saturday, July 2.

But the Cashiers Mountain Music Festival isn’t just about the music. In addition to the top-notch performances everyone will enjoy, there will be delicious food and beverages available, a children’s zone, a car show, and an arts and crafts show.

The festival is always in need of sponsors for the event. There are a variety of levels of sponsorship available from $15,000 to $100, all of which come with their own set of perks and privileges.  The Preserve at Rock Creek, a gated community near Cashiers NC, has been a primary sponsor for the past 2 years, and continues to be for this festival.

The Cashiers Mountain Music Festival is a family and community oriented event sponsored by the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce for the benefit of the Cashiers Preservation Foundation. The foundation is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to providing assistance to a variety of local needs. Proceeds from the festival will flow directly to the foundation.

Tickets are $25 in advance, or $30 at the gate, and good for both days of the festival. Children 12-under will be admitted for free. No coolers, pets or firearms are allowed. Please bring a chair or blanket.

For more information about the festival, including tickets, flyers, vendor and sponsor applications, visit the website, or call the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce at (828) 743-5191. Fans can also check out the festival on Facebook.

Sapphire Valley from Preserve at Rock Creek

I looked down from Falcon Ridge in Cashiers, North Carolina. I saw a section of the valley below that had 100 concrete pads with utility hookups and a cement driveway running down the middle.  The construction was for the initial phase of an RV park to be called Sapphire Ridge. The density of 100 units on 8 acres of land was excessive and crowded the natural beauty of the mountain land surrounding it. I felt that such use was inappropriate, especially for land covered in untouched forests, streams, and waterfalls. I decided then that this property needed to be protected.  It became my duty to create a preserve out of this property allowing over 100 different species of animals and plants to live in their habitat’s natural state.

Before Preserve at Rock Creek

After Preserve at Rock Creek

I purchased the property and thus began the private mountain sanctuary now named Preserve at Rock Creek. I immediately set out to reverse the negative stigma associated with the prior use.  The concrete pads and hookups were removed, creating an open meadow. I surrounded the meadow with a wood fence so that horses could roam free inside. Now it was time for permanent action.  To forever preserve the sanctity of this land, I placed the entire 8 acres of the meadow into a private conservation with the North American Land Trust acting as the steward.

The Preserve at Rock Creek Site Plan

Surrounded by these 320 acres of conserved land, the Preserve at Rock Creek has only 24 estate lots. Careful land planning was implemented to create such a low density land development in Western North Carolina. The plan called for large estate lots of up to 5 acres with some of the best long range views in the area.

Located on the southern face of Toxaway Mountain, the Preserve at Rock Creek is simply about space, privacy, and sensitivity to the natural habitat. This unique concept is unmatched in the Sapphire Valley area and offers owners their own private mountain sanctuary, one that will provide families with permanent natural security for generations to come.