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You may have heard whisperings. Smoky Mountain Modern has just burst onto the mountain home scene in the Bryson City, NC area. The team is made up of veteran Bryson City residential industry MVPs, and they’re offering opportunities to visit, build, and purchase all in the unique mountain modern style, where every home is one that will take your breath away.

Start with a Smoky Mountain Modern visit and stay at a modern-chic rental that provides all the comforts and style of an urban destination enveloped in nature. Book a Woodland-loft, clustered grouping around a central firepit or book a stand-alone property with panoramic views, quartz countertops, and leather furniture. Now that the mountain modern relationship has begun, you’ll likely want to take the relationship to the next level by building or purchasing in Smoky Mountain Modern’s distinctive mountain modern community with a luxury clubhouse, workout room, a community swimming pool and firepits.

Other great people to assist you in any of your real estate needs are: Bryson City  Re/Max Awenasa Realty and Diane Jones-Good Life Real Estate all downtown.

Sylva/Dillsboro: Western Carolina Properties with offices in Dillsboro right across from the tracks where the train stops and one in Cullowhee near Western Carolina University.

Re/Max Awenasa in downtown Sylva is convenient while your shopping and dining.

Franklin: Re/Max Elite Realty office is just as you turn into Hwy 441 Business. Sheila Myers of Keller William is right off Hwy 441 at Hwy 28/64 intersection. And Classic Properties is right off 441 Business as you leave downtown. Sunset Ridge Motorcoach Resort may have that luxury lot with a view you’ve been hoping for.

Providence Builders and Jeff Johnson Timber Frames off Hwy 441 So can build the right cabin or vacation home for you, and Homestar Mortgage is downtown for your convenience

Murphy: Carolina Mountain Homes has been (in business for 30 years), and Appalachian Mountain & Lake Properties are both located on Hwy 64 West of town.

Hayesville: Sonja Silvers Realty Group is right in the historic square around breweries, restaurants and shopping.

FOLKMOOT is comprised of international groups that participate each year and keep us in touch with the identity of their part of the world today. In addition we are being entertained and educated by the exciting dancing and music provided. More than 185 folk groups from over 95 different countries have shared their heritage with Folkmoot enthusiasts. Groups and entertainers from Russia, Israel, India, Mexico have visit our mountain region sharing their world with us.

Join us July 18-28 for the 36th edition of North Carolina’s Official International Folk Festival!

Folkmoot 2019 includes shows in Waynesville, Clyde, Canton, Lake Junaluska, Cherokee, Asheville, Hendersonville, and Hickory.

Along with our legacy festival, we are introducing several new events, including the Mootenanny, Cherokee World Games and Folkmalt! Check it out at: folkmoot.org

Watch colorful contemporary sculptures emerge as artist David Goldhagen uses ancient techniques in the fascinating craft of glassblowing. Connect with David at his Goldhagen Art Glass Studio in Hayesville, NC. David’s studio is just one of the many places to visit on the new Blue Ridge Craft Trails. Catch one of Davd’s Hot Summer Nights music events outside with Lake Chatuge in the background.

CAROLINA BOUND ADVENTURES is a concierge vacation planning service in the Bryson City area. They are passionate about creating a memorable adventure for everyone, from the first time visitor to the experienced traveler. With their expertise and familiarity in the area, they help you create an unforgettable family vacation experience. Different adventure packages are available, ranging from day-long to week-long adventures, plan, stay, play, groceries stocked for you, bookings, waterfalls, biking, hiking, rafting, train & brewery trips…too much to name. Their team will use their area expertise to guide your way by making reservations for you or even offering fully guided Adventures. Get Started on Your Adventure on carolinaboundadventures.com.

Join CATALOOCHEE VALLEY TOURS on a guided Eco-tour to one of the best kept secrets in the Great Smoky Mountains — Cataloochee Valley!  See the elk on their guided Evening Elk Eco-Tour or a Sunrise Elk Eco-Tour, offered year round weather permitting.  In June you can journey to their “secret” location to witness the magic of the Synchronous & Blue Ghost Fireflies on a Firefly Night Walk. Travel back in time to one of the most beautiful and remote parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Cataloochee Valley…where the big elk roam and the black bears play!  You will be transported luxuriously in an eco-friendly Cadillac Escalade Hybrid over the rugged, winding mountain road once called the “Cataloochee Turnpike.”  Their tour is named  in Forbes 5 Great American Wildlife Adventures, Fodor’s Travel 10 Best Safaris in the US, and featured in Southern Living and Lux Life Magazines. Reserve your spot on cataloocheevalleytours.com

FernCrest Winery is in the Snowbird Mountains above the Western Carolina Regional Airport, where we planted a small vineyard of Chardonel, Vidal Blanc and Cynthiana grape vines in 2010. We began making wine from them in 2013.  Both the 2013 Chardonel and 2013 Vidal Blanc won Gold medals at the Wine Maker’s Magazine’s International Amateur Competition in 2014.

We began making wine commercially in 2014. Our Vidal Blanc (Royal White) won a Gold medal and our Chardonel (Southern Lady White) and Cynthiana (Mountain Wood Red) won Silver medals at the 2016 Asheville Wine and Food Festival. Our Vidal Blanc won another Gold and our Chardonel won Silver at the NC State Fair 2016. Our newest Vidal Blanc and Cynthiana won Silver and Chardonel won Bronze at the NC State Fair 2018. Our blackberry/blueberry (all hand-picked in Western NC) wine (Black Lady) won a bronze medal at the 2017 North Carolina State Fair.

FernCrest Winery has been blessed that all wines submitted for judging have been awarded medals.

FernCrest Winery Tasting Room is open in downtown Andrews. Wine tastings, bottles and wine by the glass. Local cheeses, local jams and wine merchandise

1060 Main StreetAndrews, NC 28901

(828) 321-1600 

www.ferncrestwinery.com

Congratulations to Elevated Mountain Distilling Co of Maggie Valley  on beating out some of the best spirits in the world in three categories at the 2018 Cigar & Spirits Magazine’s World Spirits Competition.

2nd Place Vodka – Hurricane Creek

3rd Place American Blended Whiskeys – Purchase Knob Oak Reserve

1st Place Infused Whiskey – Raymond Fairchild Root Beer White Lightning

They are happy to give tours to show you how they make your favorite spirits, then treat you to a tasting! Morning and early afternoon tours are the best times to see the still in operation. Small batch quality and flavor create a sublime experience that ONLY comes from a craft distillery. Stop by to visit, you might even catch a night of live music. Call: 828-944-0766, 3732 Soco Road.

Guests who stay at Fontana Village Resort see the world differently because they find inspiration in unexpected places. From mountain biking and hiking trails, to time spent out on the lake, adventures and activities are united not by what makes them the same, but by the remarkable things that make them different. For those who crave fresh air, a quiet atmosphere, authenticity and destination immersion, Fontana Village is where you can explore the outside inside you amidst the best of the Smoky Mountains and all its natural beauty. Whether you want to curl up by the fire with a good book or have the forest waiting right outside your door, the best Nantahala mountain lodge, cabins, and campgrounds are here for you. Great place for groups, weddings and families.

Choose your adventure and set out in the morning sun, on the water, or under a canopy of stars. No matter how you need to step away from the daily grind, Fontana Village is there to help. Enjoy some of the best camping, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, mini golf, disc golf, pools, and exploring for any Great Smoky Mountain vacation. The marina with all its equipment rentals, pontoon shuttle service for hikers and trout fishermen is at the southern boundary of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Fun comes with the territory!

Seasonal activities include:

• Campfires and Marshmallow Roasts
• Live Music
• Kids Arts and Crafts
• Field games and Relays
• Evening Softball Games
• Guided Nature Hikes
• Outdoor Movies
• Talent Shows
• Karaoke
• Smoky Mountain Square Dancing
• And so much more

“The UltraStar Multi-tainment Centers feature “One stop, non-stop entertainment.” Guests experience adventure, competition, entertainment and relaxation all conveniently located under one roof. The Multi-tainment Center features state-of-the-art digital bowling, dining, sports lounge, live entertainment and arcade gaming as well as corporate and private event facilities.  

It is located in both Cherokee and Murphy, NC. For more information on the new UltraStar Multi-tainment Centers visit UltraStarNC.com Follow UltraStar Multi-tainment Center on Facebook at UltraStarNC, Twitter @UltraStarNC and Instagram: UltraStarNC. For Cherokee location call 828-497-8818. For Murphy location call 828-422-5306.”

Wow, one of my favorite hikes was just named one of the “25 Best Fall Hiking Trails: Our Favorite Fall Hikes in the U.S.” by Conde Nast Traveler.  Whiteside Mountain, in Cashiers! The online article noted, “For a small $2 parking fee, hikers on this two-mile-plus loop are rewarded with majestic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains at multiple spots. On clear days, you’ll see to South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia; on cloudier ones, a misty mountain fog imbues a spooky feel. Look for peregrine falcons that nest in the mountain’s cliffs.” The loop trail features a view of the highest vertical drop in the Eastern US at 750 feet. Sheer rock faces are popular for rock climbing and rappelling.

Hundreds of miles of trail winds through thousands of acres of pristine wilderness in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. The Nantahala Forest, Pisgah Forest and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park all offer trails. Some trail to waterfalls, swimming holes, and heart-stopping views. See some of the hikes in the “I’m Interested In” section above.

If the beautiful scenery and Southern hospitality aren’t enough, Franklin, NC boasts rich history and unique museums. The Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum is situated in the “old jail”. Among the thousands of specimens of native and foreign stones is the 2 ¼ pound ruby pulled from a local ruby mine in the Cowee Valley. The Ruby City Gem Museum has a unique black light display and also is home to the “World’s Largest Sapphire”, a 385-pound gem as well as a 162-carat ruby found in a local mine. Looking to explore your roots in Franklin? Then head to the Macon County Historical Museum, where you can investigate your ancestors and add to your family tree. If you’re of Scottish ancestry, you must visit the Scottish Tartans Museum that not only displays the Scottish Tartans, but is a wealth of lore about the Scots history, culture, dress and migration.

Horseback riding never gets old, especially when you’re trekking through wildflowers, breathing in fresh air and gazing at the mountains in the distance. It’s a great way for the whole family to enjoy the beautiful region of the Smoky Mountains, no matter the level of each rider. Places like Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley offer horseback riding experiences that are unforgettable. This ranch in particular has stunning trails to explore, and guided professionals to assist you when you need them. Arrowmont Stables in Sylva is another great spot with first-class horses and impressionable trails. They also offer private and group lessons for anyone who needs a refresher. And Smokemont Riding Stables in Cherokee has 4 different options, including hourly rides across the Oconaluftee River, a waterfall ride, a 4-hour ride crossing the river and the waterfalls, and a wagon ride where you can just sit back and let someone else do the driving!  Then there is Chunky Gal Stables outside of Hayesville; a great ride and an old Cherokee story about the Chunky Gal Mountain range. Open 7 days a week, year round, scenic rides, offering horse training, instructions and boarding.

Imagine dining in an old gas station where the chef spent 9 years as a bombardier officer in a B-52. Hard to believe? Maybe, but Open Table named The Copper Door (http://thecopperdoor.com/) as one of America’s top 100 restaurants in 2014. Here’s Copper Door’s back story. After graduating culinary school in New Orleans, Chef Dennis Barber became a certified chef while paying his dues and gaining experience. He was even handpicked to cook for President and Mrs. Reagan during the GOP Convention in New Orleans. After twenty years in the kitchen, Chef Dennis left the business for the corporate world. It was a short-lived break and he soon longed to return to his passion for culinary arts. Thanks to friends who believed in his dreams, he was able to perform the construction and remodeling that turned an old gas station in Hayesville, North Carolina into a true culinary destination. The American Dream lives on in Hayesville, N.C.