Favorite Year Round Mountain Escapes

VISITNC.com: Majestic snow capped peaks, rugged trails winding through forests with early spring buds, lush foliage bursting with brilliant color; these are the North Carolina Mountains, timeless and serene. Isn’t it about time you made your escape?

Escape to Scenic Views, Attractions and Outdoor Adventures.You won’t find a better spot to view the world than from the top of a mountain. Start with a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway or through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Both of these roads close during the winter months because of snow, but magnificent vistas await the traveler during all the other seasons. If it’s snow you want, try one of the many ski resorts from Beech Mountain to Maggie Valley. Even if you don’t ski, the hot cocoa is a warm reward after a snowball fight.

When the snow thaws, you can hike the Appalachian Trail, or find a wealth of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails in the Pisgah National Forest or the Nantahala National Forest and the many state parks scattered throughout the mountains.

Attractions abound, from the renowned Biltmore Estate to Grandfather Mountain with its famous Mile High Swinging Bridge. The Cradle of Forestry in America is a great place to learn about one of our greatest natural resources, and the 426-acre North Carolina Arboretum has the finest bonsai collection in the Southeastern United States. Nearby Pack Place Education, Arts & Science Center houses five of Asheville’s premier attractions, including the Colburn Earth Science Museum and the Asheville Art Museum.

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Year Round Living in Banner Elk, North Carolina!

With snow skiing in the winter, hiking in the spring, water sports in the summer and leaf season in the fall, the Banner Elk, North Carolina area is truly a year-round playground.

The Headwaters at Banner Elk is the top selling community in the Banner Elk area. Including condos, cottages and custom homes, The Headwaters has 31 completed residences with another six under construction.

“Headwaters has had a great fall selling season.” says developer John Haynes, “Buyers realize that we are on secure footing, and with reduced building costs this a great time to buy.”

With six community parks, two lakes, miles of professionally built trails and a mountaintop clubhouse unequaled elsewhere, it is understandable why The Headwaters continues to set the standard by which all other communities are compared.

To encourage you to visit The Headwaters, a Discovery Package is available for just $99 per night plus tax. Stay on the property in a three bedroom, three bath luxurious condominium.  Contact for details.

Farm Fresh Christmas Trees - An Old Fashioned Family Tradition

From the Boone and Blowing Rock Area of the North Carolina Mountains, Watauga County, also known as the Choose and Cut Capital, is home to some of the most entertaining and scenic Choose and Cut farms across the region. Choose and Cut involves customers visiting a tree farm and roaming across tree-covered hillsides hunting the perfect tree to take home with them. Choose and Cut is the essential holiday family tradition, where young and old alike can enjoy a day on a real farm. Many farms offer hayrides, farm animals, cookies and cocoa and even Christmas Shops to purchase other holiday gifts. Wreaths and roping are also available to purchase.

Many families visit the same Choose and Cut farm year after year, establishing not only long-lasting friendships but also cherished family traditions that take us back to a simpler, slower pace of life. Countless couples have chosen Choose and Cut as the occasion to ring in an engagement as well as the Christmas Season. Come bring your family to the Boone and Blowing Rock areas in Watauga County. Shop at unique mountain craft stores and visit classic destinations like Dan’l Boone Inn and Mast General Store. Come explore Watauga County and Choose and Cut farms…you’ll be glad you did!

Click on a location on the map for information on the choose and cut growers.

The "Explore Boone Area - Winter Ski Vacation" Sweepstakes

Watauga County and the Boone area offers a picturesque place to escape and relax, as well as an array of exciting outdoor adventure and attractions for the whole family.

There is something for everyone in the North Carolina High Country. Try our thrill-packed 20-lane snow tubing park, ski and snowboard on the slopes at any one of our three sky-high ski mountains, or hike unforgettable scenic trails and then cozy up by the fire after your day of winter fun.

Now, you can win a trip for a Winter Ski Vacation in the North Carolina High Country. The winner will receive:

* Three nights accommodations in a three bedroom/three bathroom “Echota on the Ridge” condo from Foscoe Rentals
* One pair of Atomic Skis
* One UVEX Ski Helmet
* One pair of UVEX Ski Goggles
* Two days of lift tickets at Appalachian Ski Mountain for two adults and two children
* Gift certificate for four to Hawksnest for snow tubing sessions
* Welcome Gift Basket
* $50 gift certificate to Mast General Store
* $250 voucher for food
* $500 travel voucher

Enter today at VisitNC.com! The sweepstakes ends November 30, 2009.

Last Minute Hot Spots for Fall Color

(CNN) -- U.S. trees are exploding in brilliantly colorful fall foliage this year in many regions, thanks to stellar growing conditions and excellent temperatures, say experts.

In fact, it's still not too late to enjoy the peak of the season in parts of the Southwest and South, according to plant physiologists.

"We have a good mixture of colors this year," said Howard Neufeld, who keeps close tabs on North Carolina's Appalachian Mountains region. Barring any storms that might shake leaves off the trees, Neufeld said, "I think you can get another two weeks for fall color from 2,000 feet down to 1,000 feet."

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Kentucky Lake Resort Enjoys Four Season Climate

Lake Cumberland Resort vacation rentals offers Award Winning Southern Living Models. Featuring two to four bedroom cabins, three to five bedroom cottages, and elegant custom estate homes. The Resort is located atop one of the highest points in Kentucky. Our community offers homes and building sites with panoramic mountain views of the Daniel Boone National Preserve. Your lakefront property borders one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The Lake offers year round fishing and is known for some of the best walleye bass and striper fishing anywhere. Your boat will be ready to go and conveniently housed in your own secured boat shed. Sit back and relax and enjoy the view. You'll be glad you did.

The resort and the entire lake region enjoy a four- season climate. Summers are pleasant, thanks to the lake's higher elevation. Winters are brisk when fronts come through, yet there are many days mild enough to boat, fish or golf. Spring brings the country side of wild flowers, magnolias, dogwoods and azaleas and turns the forest a deep green. Fall is a time of year during which the leaves turn brilliant shades of terra cotta, persimmon and gold.

Visit Lake Cumberland Resort

Visit Banner Elk, North Carolina!

Banner Elk North Carolina is located in the heart of the mountains and offers a small village environment with friendly people who will make you feel welcome from the moment you arrive.

The spring and summer in Banner Elk are beautiful as the native flowers and trees come back into bloom. The many local hiking and biking trails are a great way to enjoy the mountains and the local inns, restaurants, and golf courses are open for business offering first-class service to all of our guests. Plan a visit today. We're just a few mouse clicks or phone call away.

Banner Elk offers terrific restaurant selections, great shopping in locally-owned stores, a 4-year college, excellent accommodations and something for the entire family to enjoy.

Picnic or walk in the town park, shop at the many fine shops, relax by the mill pond, enjoy the campus of Lees-McRae College and stay in one of the inns after a relaxing dinner in a fine restaurant. Banner Elk is in the heart of the High Country's many attractions and just a short drive will take you to numerous natural settings where you can relax and ponder nature’s beauty.

Banner Elk also offers many cultural happenings, with an excellent summer theatre program by Lees-McRae and art festivals by some of the area's many galleries and artisans. Visit the Banner Elk Chamber website for more information!

Looking for Banner Elk Real Estate? Check out this ABSOLUTE REAL ESTATE AUCTION Sunday, October 25th - 2:00 p.m. The Village at Apple Orchard, Banner Elk, NC Home and 15 Building lots will sell to the highest bidder at Absolute Auction. In addition will be a Home and 15 building lots offered with a reserve. Terms: Cash Certified Funds- Check with current bank letter of guarantee. 10% deposit due day of sale balance due at closing.