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Relocate

Buying a Home

‘One thing you can definitely say about Western N.C. is that it has something to offer everyone from downtown condos, arts and craft bungalows, to mountain cabins.’

-- Local Agent

Western N.C. home market

still robust, fairly priced

By BRETT CORNWRIGHT

For the new home buyer, the real estate market’s recent decline can be very disconcerting. Rest assured, however, that the market in the Western North Carolina area is as vibrant as ever. In fact, during the real estate explosion that the rest of the United States was experiencing over the past few years, North Carolina in general and the Asheville area specifically remained fairly priced according to several national publications.

“The breath taking views and numerous outdoor activities to enjoy during our mild four season climate combined with top notch healthcare facilities and our lively arts and music scene makes Western North Carolina a great place to live and raise a family,”Local Agent, said. “Our quality of life is wonderful! We have a more laid-back lifestyle where people are friendly and still wave to one another; yet our city is alive with music, culture, and the arts plus we have nationally recognized hospitals that you would normally find in larger cities.”

Before you start looking for a house to buy in each of these quaint cities and towns, however, it’s best to find out exactly how much of a home you can afford. You do this by becoming pre-qualified by a lender.

“The first step is to always talk to a lender and get pre-qualified to make sure you can obtain a loan for the type of property you wish to purchase,” Local Agent said. “Once pre-qualified, select a real estate agent that listens to your needs that you feel comfortable working with. Having a lender and real estate agent working with you that are looking out for your best interest is very important. The next step would be to find the home itself. Once you find a home that you like, try to find out as much as possible about the neighborhood such as future developments that could affect the value of the property, crime rate, what similar homes are selling for, etc., before making an offer.”

It’s important to note that pre-qualifying is different than preapproving for a home. When you pre-approve, the lender will present you with an official letter, certificate, or a wallet-sized card that bears your name and the maximum loan amount.

• When applying for a loan, you should be prepared to bring several important forms with you, including the following: your last two tax returns, along with W-2s and 1099 forms, paycheck stubs for the last 30 days, recent credit card statements, and bank statements for the last three months.

“Underwriting guidelines have tightened up over the past few months, but for people with good credit scores and a stable work history, there are still several loan packages out there to choose from with favorable rates,”Local Agent said. “Always look at the overall cost of obtaining the loan and the loan payments over a period of time to determine which type of loan is best for you and your situation.”

Next, it’s time to find a reliable real estate agent because he or she can guide you through the process.

Real estate gents are very knowledgeable about the local market, schools, commute times, and other important information. Friends, family members, and co-workers can provide referrals for agents, but if you’re brand new to the area, then there are several things you can do to find the perfect agent for you.

Communication is key, so talk to your agent about what you want and don’t want in a home, such as a two-car garage versus no garage and a three-bedroom home versus a two-bedroom home. It’s also a good idea to have a particular area in mind. For instance, if you commute to your job, you may want easy access to major roads. Discussing this information with your agent will help ensure that no time is wasted on seeing homes that you’re not interested in.

Now that you have some preliminary details nailed down, it’s time to look for your dream home. Once you find the perfect home, it’s time to make an offer. Keep in mind that this process can go back and forth with counteroffers, especially if there are other potential buyers vying for the same home.

Once you find your ideal home, the real work begins.

“Getting a home inspection is essential,” said Local Agent. “A good home inspector can point out potential problems that need to be corrected or offer helpful preventive maintenance tips that will help you keep your home safe and in good repair for many years.”

In North Carolina, attorneys handle all real estate transactions. Buyers are responsible for securing financing, and paying for a home survey, appraisal, fees, and other miscellaneous costs. Buyers should also be prepared to pay for closing costs even though the amount may be negotiable.

Sellers are responsible for paying their portion of the property taxes; however, they can sweeten the deal by offering warranties or offering to pay some of the closing costs.

Buying a home can be stressful. But rest assured, the local professionals can help smooth your home-buying experience. And remember, the Western North Carolina area is brimming with housing options for every style and taste. “One thing you can definitely say about Western N.C. is that it has something to offer everyone from downtown condos, arts and craft bungalows, to mountain cabins,” Local Agent said.

Places To Go, Things To Do

Endless possibilities await in Western North Carolina, By Heather Farr

Article provided by The Original Relocation Guide of Western, NC

Western North Carolina is one of the top draws in the United States for tourists and newcomers because the area's quality of life is unmatched. This cultural mecca offers an extensive array of art, theatre, and entertainment activities that will please even the most finicky person; recreational opportunities that will constantly challenge outdoor enthusiasts; and luxurious spas and resorts that will quickly rejuvenate and revive your senses.

Here's a little more about what Western North Carolina has to offer.

Cultural Arts

Having so many colleges and universities in close proximity is a benefit for art, theatre, and music lovers because many events are held throughout the year at regional schools, such as Brevard College, the University of North Carolina at Asheville, and Western Carolina University.

In addition, many local towns and cities in the region have their own galleries and little theatres. For instance, Banner Elk, Asheville, and Maggie Valley have many art galleries. The Hendersonville Little Theatre will present Chapter Two, Catch Me If You Can, The Octette Bridge Club, Gypsy, and Mass Appeal during its 2008 season, whereas the Asheville Community Theatre is gearing up for its presentations of Wait Until Dark and Schoolhouse Rock Live!

Mariam & Robert Hayes Performing Art Center in Blowing Rock showcases musicals, plays, concerts, and a film series. Some upcoming performances include the Winter Blues Festival and the John Cowan Band. Some of the upcoming performances include 8-Track: The Sounds of the 70s, Peter Pan, Rumors, Backwards in High Heels 'The Ginger Musical, The Tempest, and A High Country Christmas Carol.

If you're looking for larger Broadway-type productions, then be sure to check out the offerings at the Flat Rock Playhouse. Just some of the many productions that will be held there this year include Dames at Sea, Meet Me in St. Louis, All Shook Up, and Tuesdays With Morrie.

The Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre at Mars Hill College features a professional award-winning stage company that presents favorite plays and musicals.

Asheville's Montford Park Players, which is North Carolina's longest running Shakespeare festival, presents free theatre in the park all summer long.

And if you're looking for a truly unique and entertaining way to learn about Asheville's history, then hop aboard the LaZoom bus. This 90-minute bus tour features captivating stories and outlandish comedy skits about Asheville history and interesting information about prominent locals, such as Biltmore Estate owner George Vanderbilt.

In Maggie Valley, Eaglenest Entertainment will host a variety of shows this year, including internationally known evangelist Bobbie Johnson and the Crusade Team, country music legend Gene Watson, and the Second Annual Raymond Fairchild Mountain Music Jamboree, which is a two-day celebration of bluegrass music.

But it's not just about bluegrass music in Western North Carolina. You can hear every genre imaginable, from classical, to rhythm and blues and jazz, to contemporary music.

The Brevard Music Center will feature three opera productions in 2008, Mozart's The Magic Flute, Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado, and Little Women by American composer Mark Adamo.

If you like to watch dance performances, then the Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre might be a frequent attraction for you. This diverse dance company reflects both traditional and experimental forms of modern dance.

Museums and Historic Homes

Museum lovers will be happy about the wide range of facilities in Western North Carolina. No matter what you're interested in, chances are you can find it the region.

Hendersonville has the Western North Carolina Air Museum, which features vintage airplanes, and the Mineral and Lapidary Museum, which exhibits fossils, minerals, and gems.

Maggie Valley is home to the Wheels Through Time Museum, which proudly displays vintage automobiles and motorcycles and more than 25,000 pieces of art and memorabilia that provide visitors with a more in-depth glance into how motorcycles and automobiles have helped shape American history and culture.

If you want to learn about Scottish history, then the Scottish Tartans Museum might be just the place for you. This 4,800-square-foot facility features more than 500 tartans on display, kilts, and other Highland forms of dress, as well as a gift shop that sells bonnets and caps, tams, kilt luggage, and kilt shirts, ties, belts, and shoes.

Pack Place in Downtown Asheville houses the Asheville Art Museum, the Colburn Earth Science Museum, the Diana Wortham Theatre, and the YMI Cultural Center.

Those who want to learn about local history should check out the Mountain Gateway Museum in Old Fort. This museum interprets pioneer-era history and traces the growth and development from the early settlement period to the 20th century.

And speaking of early settlements, did you know that Western North Carolina has a strong history as one of the early homes of Cherokee Indians? The Cherokee Indian Museum in Cherokee details this history and features 1,000 black and white photographs from the 1880s through the 1930s, papers and diaries, and some original material in the Cherokee syllabary.

If you like to learn about the region's rich history as a part of the railroad industry, then be sure to stop by the Old Fort Railroad Museum, which is housed in the circa 1890 depot and traces the growth of the railroad in Western North Carolina and how it dramatically impacted Old Fort. The museum features a wide array of historic artifacts, including original hand tools, signal lights, furniture, signs, and even an authentic caboose.

Western North Carolina is also home to many historic homes where visitors can gain a glimpse of what life was like in the 1800s and 1900s.

The Biltmore Estate, which is located in Asheville and is considered to be America's largest home, is an amazing display of wealth at its finest. This sprawling estate features a 250-room mansion, which consists of 65 fireplaces, 43 bathrooms, 34 bedrooms, and 3 kitchens and restaurants, vineyards, and lush gardens. Plan to spend at least a day at Biltmore because there are so many great things to see and do, you definitely don't want to miss out on any of the lavish details.

The Shook Museum at the Shook-Smathers House, which is circa 1800 and was later remodeled in 1890, is located in Clyde. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Historic Johnson Farm in Hendersonville features a 1870s brick house, a 1920s boarding house, a barn-loft museum, 10 historic buildings, two nature trails, and 15 acres of fields, forests, and streams.

Recreational activities

Living in the mountains definitely has its benefits for residents and newcomers. It doesn't matter what outdoor activity you like to participate in, Western North Carolina probably offers it and much more.

Hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and birdwatchers can take advantage of miles of trails at the Appalachian Trail and the Bartram Trail, as well as at Pisgah National Forest, Dupont State Forest, and Gorges State Park. Plus, Grandfather Mountain in Linville provides an additional challenge for avid hikers because it's 5,964 feet above sea level, making it the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountain Range.

Nantahala National Forest also has fantastic trails for hikers and bikers, plus it also offers visitors the thrill and excitement of riding river rapids in a raft, canoe, or kayak while enjoying the majestic beauty of the national forest surrounding it.

If you're looking to reconnect with nature, Chimney Rock Park might just serve in that capacity. Located just 25 miles southeast of Asheville, the park features magnificent 75-mile views of surrounding mountains and Lake Lure, hiking trails for all ages, and a 404-foot waterfall called Hickory Nut Falls.

And speaking of waterfalls, Western North Carolina is the place to be if you want to see these natural wonders.

In fact, Transylvania County alone has 250 waterfalls, many of which are frequently visited by locals and tourists because of their impressive and breath-taking cascades.

One of the region's biggest draws each year is the Blue Ridge Parkway, which consists of 469 miles of scenic roadway that connects the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. Visitors can see spectacular fall colors bursting for miles and miles at the scenic overlook.

One thing you'll quickly learn about the region is that it's a golfer's haven. With more than 50 courses, Western North Carolina's breath-taking natural beauty provides golfers with a serene scene as they test their skills on the courses' challenging landscape.

Frisbee golf enthusiasts can play to their heart's content at courses in Asheville, Marks Hill, Black Mountain, and Fletcher.

Whether you like to sit on the banks or pier to fish for bass and trout or like to put on your hip weighters to try your hand at fly fishing, the region's lakes and rivers are the perfect places to catch the ever elusive 'one that got away.'

Plus, skiers, snowboarders, and tubers have some of the finest ski resorts right in their backyard at places such as Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blowing Rock, the Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley, Sugar Mountain Resort in Banner Elk, and Ski Beech in Beech Mountain.

If you prefer sitting on the sidelines, then you may want to check out baseball action at McCormick Stadium as the Asheville Tourists begin their 2008 season. This upcoming season marks the 15th consecutive campaign the Tourists have fielded players under contract with the Colorado Rockies, which serves as the longest active working agreement in the South Atlantic League.

Spas and Resorts

You can't help but relax in gorgeous western North Carolina, but if you need a little more persuading, then the luxurious day or weekend spas in the region will have you feeling stress free and rejuvenated.

The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville is a spectacular 510-room all-inclusive inn that overlooks the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers a variety of spa packages, many leisuretime activities, and fantastic dining facilities.

The Scenic Wolf Resort in Mars Hill features spa and massage packages and visitors can enjoy a slew of activities, including a glass-enclosed heated pool, hiking and biking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and golf.

Etowah Valley Country Club & Golf Resort in Hendersonville is a golfer's paradise with three nine-hole championship courses, and visitors can participate in a slew of activities including spa and massage, canoeing and paddling, fly fishing, horseback riding, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and playing tennis.

Bryson City's Nantahala Village Resort & Spa offers visitors a lengthy slate of luxurious spa packages and a variety of leisuretime activities, including mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, and whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River.

For a truly unique getaway, the Pisgah View Ranch in Candler offers visitors a dude ranch vacation complete with western entertainment, a pioneer museum, a beautifully furnished ranch house, horseback riding, and it even has a leather shop that sells custom-made items. Plus, visitors can test their roping skills at the ranch. Visitors will soon feel their stress melt away with a slew of additional activities, including a swimming pool, mountain hiking trails, a tennis court, shuffleboard, ping pong, horseshoes, volleyball, badminton, and a trout and bass fishing pond.

Attractions

If you like seeing animals in a natural setting, then be sure to stop by the Cherokee Bear Zoo. The zoo features tigers, grizzlies, black bears, monkeys, raccoons, groundhogs, and goats. The zoo also features a gift shop, an ice cream shop, and miniature golf.

Have you ever wondered what it was like to look inside of a mountain? Located in Marion, Linville Caverns is an impressive display of stalactites and stalagmites, which continue to form in Humpback Mountain.

Have you ever wanted to ride a train through the scenic mountains? Well, you can because the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Dillsboro and Bryson City features 53 miles of track, two tunnels, and 25 bridges.

If you love looking at unique foliage, then you may want to stop by the North Carolina Arboretum, which is a 434-acre public garden that's surrounded by the botanically diverse Southern Appalachian Mountains.

Another fantastic place to visit is Perry's Water Gardens in Franklin. This site features 13 acres of aquatic ponds, which are home to many varieties of lilies and lotuses that begin blooming in May and continue until August.

One of the area's largest amusement parks is Ghost Town in the Sky, which is a western-themed entertainment park in Maggie Valley that features Cherokee Indian dancers, can-can dancers, staged gunfights, live music, and a variety of food. Plus, visitors can pan for gold and precious gems at the park's own mining area.

This sprawling park also features plenty of kiddie rides and some rides for adults that'll definitely get your heart beating faster. For instance, park visitors can ride a 115-foot high drop tower called the Geronimo Drop, the Scrambler, a two-person scenic chair lift, an incline railway in which you can travel 3,370 feet up Buck Mountain with 75-degree inclines, and a yo-yo swing.

Plus, local residents are buzzing about the newest ride that will open at Ghost Town in the Sky in 2008. The Cliff Hanger is being touted as the world's only roller coaster that's located on the side of a mountain. The roller coaster will have a top speed of 56 miles per hour and it will make visitors feel as though their going to fall off the face of Buck Mountain.

And just because Christmas is over doesn't mean that you can't enjoy a bit of the North Pole throughout the year. Santa's Land Theme Park & Zoo in Cherokee features the Rudicoaster, kiddie race cars, Santa's Express Train, a Ferris wheel, paddle boats, and a carousel. Visitors can also see Frosty's Gift Shop, the Jingle Bell Theater, and Santa's House. Santa's Land also has a zoo that features a reindeer, bears, tigers, monkeys, a bobcat, goats, sheep, llamas, turkeys, deer, wolves, rabbits, pigs, and peacocks.

The list of things to do in Western North Carolina goes on and on, literally. For more fantastic information about things to do in the region, log on to www.visitnc.com, type in 'Western North Carolina' in the search field, and a lengthy list of events and attractions will appear.

Surrounding Towns

Newcomers view smaller cities, towns as welcome respites, By Heather Farr

Article provided by The Original Relocation Guide 'of 'Western, NC

Are you looking to get back to a simpler way of life? Well, apparently so are thousands of other Western North Carolina residents who are flocking to smaller cities and towns each year because the areas are great places to raise a family, they have many down-home events that are perfect for all ages, and they still have that small-town feel despite their growth over the years.

Another benefit to living in small towns and cities are that the areas are still close enough to the larger cities, so residents don't miss out on the finer things that big cities have to offer, such as attending sporting events, participating in cultural activities, shopping at large malls, and dining at a variety of wonderful restaurants. Here's a little more about some of these fantastic up-and-coming cities and towns in Western North Carolina.

Black Mountain and Montreat

Located in Buncombe County, these two towns are education-centric with fantastic public and private schools, as well as the main campus of Montreat College and satellite locations in Asheville, Black Mountain, and Charlotte.

Montreat College, which is a Christ-centered and student-focused school, provides a wide array of academic curriculums, including Bible and religion, business administration, biology, elementary education, computer information systems, English, history, music, and psychology.

The college also has a School of Professional and Adult Studies to help those in the business community learn new communication and decision-making skills and improve the overall quality of their work.

Montreat, which is a mountain cove that's nestled at the foot of Greybeard Mountain near the eastern Continental Divide, is also known as the home of evangelist Billy Graham and his late wife Ruth.

Approximately 35,000 people visit the Montreat Conference Center each year to participate in retreats, conferences, and meetings. The center is also one of three national conference centers of the Presbyterian Church.

When it comes to outdoor recreation, Montreat and Black Mountain offer many opportunities for hiking, biking, boating, and fishing.

If museums are more up your alley, then be sure to check out the Swannanoa Valley Museum in Black Mountain. This educational museum traces local history with many permanent exhibits and artifacts. The interior of the museum is currently being renovated, and the exterior is receiving new flashing, a new roof, and some support beams in the ceiling, according to the museum's Web site at www.swannanoavalleymuseum.org. This project is expected to begin in spring 2008.

The Black Mountain Center of the Arts, which is located in the Old City Hall in the historic downtown district, offers an art gallery; dance, art, and music classes and workshops; and plays.

Sylva

Incorporated in 1889, Sylva is a small town in Jackson County with 2,377 residents in 2006, according to the Census Bureau.'

If you're looking to move to a beautiful small town, then Sylva definitely fits the bill.

Whether you're beginning your academic career or want to pick up a few continuing education classes, Southwestern Community College in Sylva might be the place for you. The college offers a wide variety of fields of study that range from accounting to civil engineering to respiratory therapy to early childhood education.'

The Town of Sylva oversees Poteet Park and Pinnacle Park, and Sylva may also have a new park very soon. Community members are pulling together for the Bridge Park Project, which seeks to create a covered performance pavilion, market space, a public garden, and improved parking at the Municipal Park Lot in Downtown Sylva. Bridge Park will also provide a pedestrian bridge between public buildings and the downtown business district, according to the Downtown Sylva Association's Web site at www.downtownsylva.org.

One of the most well-attended events in Sylva is the annual spring festival, which showcases live music, face painting, plenty of activities and games for children, a variety of food, and local artisans craft their pieces right before your eyes.

The town also hosts a Fourth of July celebration that kicks off the observance with live music, plenty of food, and a spectacular fireworks display. Plus, the Christmas season is celebrated with a parade that features music and floats and attendees can take their pictures with Santa Claus, who stops by to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

Bryson City and Cherokee

Swain County consists of Whittier, Cherokee, and Bryson City, which is the county seat.

Bryson City's Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is a huge tourist attraction because the train travels to the Nantahala Gorge and returns in about 4.5 hours. While the train ride is definitely a plus, passengers are often amazed at the breath-taking beauty of the area as the train showcases local sights, such as the Horseshoe Curve, the Fontana Lake Trestle, the Tennessee River, and the Nantahala River.

Passengers get the full train experience because they an ride in comfortable, reconditioned coaches; crown coaches; club cars; dining cars; cabooses; and open cars.

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and American Heritage Railways operate the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum, which showcases an impressive collection of 7,000 Lionel engines, cars and accessories, and custom benchwork, as well as a children's activity center and a gift shop.

Did you know that Western North Carolina is a hotspot for finding precious gems? Bryson City's Nantahala River Gem Mine features local and international gemstone material that is bagged and sent to the location so visitors can pan for precious rubies, emeralds, sapphires, garnets, amethyst, and other precious and semi-precious gems.

If you're looking for a little excitement, then be sure to check out Smoky Mountain Jet Boats, which offers thrilling 35- to 45-minute jet boat rides on scenic Lake Fontana.

Cherokee

The Town of Cherokee sits at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and is at the southern tip of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

This town is shaped by the rich history of the Cherokee Indians, many of whom were forced to leave the area to find a new home in Oklahoma in 1838 as part of the tragic 'Trail of Tears.' However, some of them hid in the hills, defying removal, whereas others later returned to their original settlement in what is now called Cherokee.

Over the years, the Cherokee have created a vibrant society that teaches visitors about the Cherokee way of life.

For instance, the Cherokee Indian Museum traces their history with 1,000 black and white photographs from the 1880s through the 1930s, papers and diaries, and some original material in the Cherokee syllabary.

The Cherokee Bear Zoo features a variety of native and exotic animals, including tigers, grizzlies, black bears, monkeys, raccoons, groundhogs, and goats.

The Cherokee Fun Park offers excitement for the entire family because visitors can race go-carts, play miniature golf, and ride bumper boats.

Cherokee is also home to Santa's Land Theme Park & Zoo, which offers holiday-type activities all year round.

Harrah's Cherokee Casino offers 24-hour casino excitement with 2,700 video gaming machines, three restaurants, and live entertainment.

Those who like to hike, bike, and birdwatch will no doubt be frequent visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Half of the park is in this state and the main entrance is in Cherokee.

Hickory

Located in Catawba County, Hickory is a vibrant city that features two hospitals, many stores, restaurants, specialty shops, and plenty of recreational activities.

Plus, the city is home to Lenoir-Rhyne College, which is a co-educational private liberal arts institution that was founded in 1891. Not only does the college offer a robust slate of academic offerings, but it also provides a wealth of cultural performances to enrich the lives of students and those in the community.

If you like to watch baseball, then check out the Hickory Crawdads baseball team, which is an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

If you like to watch racing action, then the Hickory Motor Speedway is the place for you. The speedway is hailed as the birthplace of NASCAR stars Dale Earnhardt, Junior Johnson, and Ned and Dale Jarrett.

Cultural art enthusiasts will feel right at home because the area has the Hickory Choral Society, the Green Room Community Theatre, the Hickory Museum of Art, the Hickory Community Theatre, the Lenoir-Rhyne Playmakers and Summer Theatre, and the Western Piedmont Symphony.

The area also has an ice skating rink, roller skating rink, a billiards hall, and a winery.

Furniture and accessory shopping is made easy in Hickory because there are many stores that selling fantastic furniture, pottery, antiques, and unique gifts.

Morganton

Located in Burke County, which is in the foothills of Western North Carolina, Morganton has a thriving downtown that's filled with restaurants, galleries, shops, parks, and a movie theater.

The City of Morganton's Parks and Recreation Department manages more than 170 acres of land that's developed for recreational use, including three recreation centers, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a soccer complex, 11 parks, a skeet shooting range, and Catawba Meadows Park.

The Morganton Greenway System offers residents the opportunity to bike and jog year-round.

The Catawba River Greenway runs along the Catawba River from Lenior Road to Greenlee Ford Road. The Freedom Trail Greenway connects Freedom Park and Freedom High School to the Catawba River Greenway. One of the stunning features of the Freedom Trail Greenway is an impressive 226-foot, 90-ton pedestrian bridge that crosses the Catawba River.

The town also hosts many family-oriented events, such as the Gem and Mineral Holiday Show, Easter Egg Hunt, a Spring Outdoors Expo, Old Timey Plow Day, and the Red, White, and Bluegrass Festival.

Lenoir

Located in Caldwell County, Lenior is recreational haven for those who like to stay busy. Lenior offers challenging golf and fishing, hiking, and canoeing.

If you're looking for the perfect gift for you or for someone else, then chances are you can find it in Downtown Lenior. The area is thriving with a variety of stores and restaurants.

The Caldwell County Farmer's Market, which is at the corner of Mulberry and Harper streets, features locally grown fresh fruit and in-season produce.

If you want to learn about what life was like in the early years of Caldwell County, then be sure to visit the Caldwell Heritage Museum.

Blowing Rock and Boone

Located in Watauga County, Blowing Rock and Boone are great places to live because they offer an amazing quality of life.

Both areas offer fantastic golfing, horseback riding, fishing, canoeing, and rock climbing. Plus, Blowing Rock is home to the Appalachian Ski Mountain resort.

When it comes to shopping, local shoppers frequently peruse the Tanger Outlets in Blowing Rock because they can get a great deal on name brand items at more than 30 stores located off U.S. Highway 321.

Those who like the cultural arts won't have to travel far because the Mariam & Robert Hayes Performing Art Center in Blowing Rock showcases musicals, plays, concerts, and a film series.

Plus, Blowing Rock is home to Tweetsie Railroad, which encourages visitors to participate in good old fashioned fun. You can take a ride on its historic locomotive; visit the Tweetsie jail, shooting gallery, and arcade; pan for gold; mine for gems; and ride a variety of park rides.

Living in a college town is definitely a benefit for Boone residents because Appalachian State University hosts many cultural performances each year. Just some of the upcoming performances include the Golden Dragon Acrobats, the Monterey Jazz Festival's 50th Anniversary Tour, the Taj Mahal Trio, and the Cypress String Quartet.

Horn in the West in Boone is an outdoor theater that tells visitors the story of early mountain settlers and their struggle to protect their land.

Brevard

Located in Transylvania County, Brevard is known as the place to go to see spectacular natural scenery, mainly because it offers 250 gorgeous waterfalls.

With 6,654 residents in 2006, Brevard is a fantastic college city with two opportunities to attain a higher education, Blue Ridge Community College and Brevard College, and both offer a wide variety of curriculums and special classes.

When it comes to family-oriented events, Brevard hosts the White Squirrel Festival, Halloweenfest, and a Fourth of July celebration.

Columbus, Saluda, and Tryon

Located in Polk County, these three towns offer residents a respite that combines serenity with leisuretime activities that include parks, hiking trails, basketball courts, and community pools.

A few highlights in these towns include, the Gipson Pottery Studio and Gallery in Columbus, which sells handmade pottery; the Tryon Fine Arts Center operated a 335-seat auditorium for performances; and Saluda's home to Pearson's Falls, which has a rushing river and a 90-foot waterfall.

Flat Rock and Fletcher

Located in Henderson County, Flat Rock and Fletcher are great places to live because they offer a variety of laid-back cultural and recreational activities.

If you like local theatre productions, then be sure to check out the Flat Rock Playhouse, which offers musicals and plays that are perfect for all ages. Plus, American poet, historian, and author Carl Sandburg's home in Flat Rock is listed as a National Historic Site.

Incorporated in 1989, the Town of Fletcher is home to two community parks that offer walking trails; playgrounds; youth soccer, T-ball, and little league fields; picnic tables, a large grill, and a covered pavilion. The town's Parks and Recreation Department oversees athletic programs that include youth T-ball, adult kickball, Co-recreational adult softball, and men's softball.

One of the largest events that Fletcher hosts includes the annual N.C. Mountain State Fair.

Old Fort

Located in McDowell County, Old Fort is a quaint town that is oozing with charm and Southern hospitality.

With 963 residents in 2006, Old Fort has easily managed to maintain its small-town feel and prides itself in offering quality events for its residents.

For instance, it showcases mountain music, the town hosts an antique auction, the Mountain Gateway Museum traces the history of early settlers, and the Old Fort Railroad Museum reveals how the railroad impacted the region.

Curtis Creek is a huge recreational draw because it offers a trout stream, picnic sites, fire pits, fishing ramps, stream fishing, horseback riding trails, and birdwatching areas.

Marshall, Mars Hill, and Hot Springs

Located in Madison County, these three towns are big on recreation, each offering residents the challenge of rolling terrain paired with the spectacular mountain beauty.

Residents don't have to drive far to enjoy horseback riding, fly fishing, mountain biking, and rafting, just to name a few of the many activities.

Mars Hill is home to Mars Hill College, which offers cultural performances, a variety of men's and women's sporting events, and accelerated credit and continuing education classes to the public. The school also offers an 18-hole disc golf course that is considered to be one of the most challenging courses in the southeast.

Franklin

Located in Macon County, Franklin is considered the 'Gem Capital of the World.' In fact, if you like to pan for precious and semi-precious gems, then you've moved to the right place because Franklin has many places to search for that perfect gem.

Even though it's a small mountain town, its surrounded by beautiful streams, waterfalls, hills, and valleys, which provide many challenging trails for hiking and opportunities for fishing, hunting, rafting, and kayaking.

The town hosts two huge street festivals each year: The Franklin Folk Festival and a Taste of Scotland, which both showcase the heritage of the area through music, food, and demonstrations of mountain living.

Lake Junaluska, Canton, and Clyde

Located in Haywood County, these three up-and-coming areas offer residents a slice of the good life. You can't help but relax in Lake Junaluska, Canton, and Clyde because the areas feature pools, golf courses, and nearby hiking and biking opportunities. Lake Junaluska hosts a Fourth of July celebration and an arts and crafts show. Visitors can pan for sapphires and moonstones at the Old Pressley Sapphire Mine in Canton.

If you like to see old homes, then be sure to tour Clyde's historic Shook Museum at the Shook-Smathers House, which is circa 1800 and was later remodeled in 1890.B

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