The Reserve at Wolf Laurel

Traditionally our first big community gathering is Memorial Day weekend.  Many people will be back on the mountain, the Wolf Laurel Country Club will be abuzz, and we’ll feature our Buck House BBQ and excellent live music in The Preserve Pavilion. In 2008 we showcased Nashville recording artists the SteelDrivers. Last year, Western North Carolina’s own international performers and recording artists Laura Boosinger and Josh Goforth joined us for an evening of old time mountain music.  If you love the sound of the banjo, guitar, dulcimer, and fiddle you won’t want to miss this.

This is an excellent time of year to walk the creeks, hike the trails, play tennis or golf, or just generally relax with family and friends, both old and new. Explore the community and enjoy the lush green of late spring.For more information on our 2010 Discovery Getaway and Memorial Day Weekend, email info@wolflaurel.com, or call us at 877-682-1214. Please don’t wait too long to make your plans, you don’t want to miss this kickoff weekend! 

Bryson City - A Great Climate for Activities Year 'Round

Few climates anywhere in the world can match the year-round pleasant nature of Swain County's climate. The lack of seasonal extremes allows for frequent outdoor activities and comfortable living throughout the year. Among the most valued aspects of Swain County's climate are the cool summer nights which have lured visitors to the area for generations.

In the Bryson City area, July temperatures reflect an average daily high of 84 degrees and an average low of 62.4 degrees. Winter temperatures, while cool, are not uncomfortable. The average daily high in January is 47.5 degrees, while the average low is 26 degrees.

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Serene Mountain Living at a Bargain Price

Tucked away in the mountains of Western North Carolina is a unique mountain community with estate-sized homesites and Smoky Mountain views from every vantage point. Just two hours north of Atlanta, Thomas Valley Estates features 30 mountain home sites ranging from 1 to 3 acres in a peaceful and serene setting like no other. Set amid 52 acres of natural surroundings on gentle rolling terrain, Thomas Valley Estates has been sensibly developed to preserve the natural beauty of the mountain.

Starting at just $33,900 for a 1.1 acre homesite, this introductory pricing is available for a limited time. Visit their website and ask about this special offer, courtesy of Year Round Living.

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.