Western North Carolina

A Bear Story With A Very Happy Ending!

2012-03-28T17:41:00.001-04:00

On November 26, 2011 (Thanksgiving weekend), at approximately 10 pm, an adult female bear was struck by a vehicle along Highway 441 near the Gatlinburg boundary.

The bear was found the next morning laying next to a tree about 20 yards from the road and was subsequently captured and evaluated. The bear had significant injuries to her right rear leg, including a shattered femur and open wounds on the inside and outside portions of the leg.

After consulting with Dr. Ed Ramsay, Veterinarian at the University of Tennessee, it was clear there was no feasible way to repair the injury or rehabilitate the bear, therefore they had two options, either euthanize or release her.

Given her excellent body condition,175 pounds, Dr. Ramsay suggested giving her a chance. So, they held the bear for a day, gave her two heavy doses of antibiotics, and then released her. They also decided to put a radio-collar on the bear so they could check her condition this winter and evaluate their decision.

Last week, Joe Yarkovich, Jay Carr, and Carrie Gilbert located the bear in a den. The photo reveals what they found.

Joe Yarkovich with 3 Healthy Bear Cubs

This incident serves as a reminder to all motorists in the national park to obey posted speed limits and drive carefully to avoid collisions with wildlife. This is especially true in the evenings and at night when most wildlife is more active.

Story and photo courtesy of Great Smoky Mountains Association

Cabin Special Offer from Groupon, in the Great Smoky Mountains of Bryson City, NC

2012-02-14T10:51:00.001-05:00

Great cabin special in the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, via Groupon!

Mountain Vista Log Cabins Deal of the Day | Groupon Asheville
What You Get:
Accommodations for four (Check the Fine Print & Details tabs for available cabins)
$255 for a three-night stay
$340 for a four-night stay

Amenities:
Choose from 10 cabins
Great Smokies views
Nearby trout fishing
Private outdoor hot tub

2011-08-10T11:12:00.001-04:00

Enter to win your own Great Smoky Mountains adventure filled with lush green fairways, breathtaking mountain views, cool flowing rivers and endless hiking trails. North Carolina heritage comes alive in the Great Smoky Mountains, home of the most visited national park in the United States. Surrounded by a swirling mist, the massive mountains hold a mystique and diversity of life that beckon travelers from near and far. Here you’ll find refreshing summertime temperatures, picturesque fall color and year-round adventure, exploration and learning.

In August, enter to win your own Great Smoky Mountains adventure filled with lush green fairways, breathtaking mountain views, cool flowing rivers and endless hiking trails. This sweepstakes includes:

A two-night stay at the Waynesville Inn, including a $100 resort credit for golf, dining or spa, as well as complimentary breakfast, free wireless Internet and parking
A creative learning vacation at John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, valued at $1,000
A one-night stay at the Best Western River Escape Inn & Suites in Dillsboro
A two-night stay for up to four people at the Fryemont Inn in Bryson City, including breakfast
A two-night stay at Fontana Village Resort in Fontana Dam
A Smoky Mountain Railroad excursion departing from Bryson City in first-class style, including a delicious meal with personal attendant in a restored 1940s vintage dining car
Plus a $500 Visa gift card to help you get here!

Entry deadline August 31, 2011.

Enter To Win! from VisitNC.com

(one entry per email address)

Bryson City: A Diverse Destination

2011-08-09T19:36:00.002-04:00

photo by Mountain Photo Gallery

The Chamber of Commerce for Bryson City, North Carolina has dubbed itself the "Base Camp for the Great Smokies." But this small town in Western North Carolina has a plethora of year round leisure options for its visitors.

For the young and young-at-heart, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, you can take a scenic excursion through the beautiful county of Western North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains. Looking for more adventure? The nearby Deep Creek area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just outside of Bryson City, as is the Nantahala River and its whitewater and kayaking adventures. Looking for a more leisurely option? There are plenty of restaurants and a variety of shops throughout downtown Bryson City. Plus you'll meet some of the friendliest locals around!

The Nantahala Gorge, just outside of Bryson City, has been selected by the International Canoe Federation as the 2013 Host of the World Freestyle Kayaking Championship. Up to 500 paddlers from forty to fifty countries and spectators in the thousands will flock to the Nantahala Gorge, September 2-8, 2013.

Accommodations are plentiful in Bryson City. Everything from bed and breakfast inns, cabin rentals, vacation rentals, campgrounds, along with hotels and motels can be found on the official Chamber website for Bryson City and Swain County. From short drives to day trips, you can enjoy it all from your base camp in the Great Smokies of Bryson City!

Gateway to the Smokies - Real Estate Buyers Guide

2011-05-17T13:10:00.000-04:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More bryson city

Great Smokys Cabin Rental

2011-05-16T18:14:00.002-04:00

Greening Up the Mountains Festival in Sylva, North Carolina

2011-04-16T07:49:00.000-04:00

Celebrate the arrival of spring with the Greening Up the Mountains street festival on Saturday, April 23 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm in downtown Sylva. This free festival celebrates the arrival of spring in the mountains, when the greening leaves work their way up the Great Smokies. It also celebrates the greening of the environment, with information about sustainable living and presentations by environmental groups.

This annual Spring festival, named for the way spring creeps up the mountain sides, began over a decade ago as a celebration of Earth Day. Under the leadership of the Downtown Sylva Association, the festival has evolved into a community celebration of Spring. The festival will be held on Main Street and in the Bridge Park. The fun will begin with a 5K Race sponsored by the Jackson County Greenways Project.

Festival attendees enjoy a full day of activities, including: a parade, live music on two stages, 5K road race, displays from local artisans, a variety of food vendors, plus a children’s area. Vendors at the festival will include local artisans, community organizations, children’s activities, environmental education groups, Catch the Spirit of Appalachia’s youth talent contest and food vendors.New this year is a “market square” providing open-air space for farms, CSAs, nurseries, beekeepers and others to showcase traditional agricultural practices.

This year’s festival has three main focuses:

Environmental sustainability
Importance of a strong local economy
Revival of native and heritage crafts and traditions

Live music is performed throughout the day, featuring well known local and regional acts playing a variety of genres. The music lineup features a trio of headliners: The Freight Hoppers, Vertigo Jazz Project and Big House Radio, along with local favorites: Marshall Ballew, Dan River Drifters, John-Luke Carter, Total War and the Buchanan Boys.The popular youth talent show returns, and there will be performances by the Cullowhee Valley Cloggers and students from Triple Threat Performing Arts Academy.

For more information, please email greeningupthemountains@gmail.com or call (828) 586-1577.