Foxfire Heritage Festival and Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day - September 26th, 2009

Come to Foxfire Heritage Fall Festival and learn about traditional skills, watch the demonstrations, excellent offering of hand crafted items for sale, participate in the massive one-of-a-kind raffle often features as many as 80-100 unique and interesting items donated by area businesses, usually including gift certificates, decorative knickknacks, paintings, pottery, and much more.

Enjoy the music and fun, and help support the students of Rabun County and the preservation of their Southern Appalachian heritage.

Now is the time to start looking for the Butterflies in their migration. If you haven't read our feature story Nature's Pilgrimage, you will find it to be a nice treat. You can find places to view the migration, including Chimney Rock State Park and many locations throughout the Blue Ridge Parkway.

We Highly Recommend coming to the Mountains to Raise your Spirits, lots of Festivals, great weather and the color is starting to turn in the higher elevations.

You will be sure to find numerous events every weekend throughout the mountains that you will want to attend. Check out our new calendar of events and if you know of an event that isn't on the calendar submit it to be posted.

Explore Murphy North Carolina

If you are looking for a great family and friend event this Labor Day weekend, join the Highlander this Saturday, September 5th, at the 9th Annual Heritage Walk and Festival.

We feel truly blessed to be able to travel throughout the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains and have the privilege to share what we find with you.

This week's feature is on Cherokee County North Carolina, with two significant towns, Murphy and Andrews, beautiful mountains, recreation for all ages and plenty of great mountain relaxation. Cherokee County has a tremendous amount to offer those looking to getaway to the mountains and for those looking to move or invest into the mountains.

The Highlander would like to announce the first in a series of new Explore the Mountains web sites, ExploreMurphy.com is a work in progress and we will be constantly updating and adding new features. These sites will be an excellent way to keep in touch with your favorite mountain towns, events and special offers. Visit one of the fine establishments on ExploreMurphy.com and pick up one of our new maps of the area, they are fun and they are free. Check it out and send us feedback.

Murphy is a great destination with a revitalized downtown and an eclectic selection of specialty shopping. One of the many features of Murphy is their nice selection of restaurants with creative and gourmet menus that you won’t find in most small towns. You will also find a creative coffee house that roasts their own organic free trade coffee.

Cherokee County is rich in history and culture and is surrounded by beautiful mountain vistas. If you are looking for recreation, you will find 2 lakes, 3 rivers, hiking, biking, camping, fishing and boating. Cherokee County is located between the Ocoee River Gorge and Nantahala River Gorge offering plenty of white water adventure for all ages and skill levels. Not to mention 2 popular scenic drives, Tail of the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway, both close by.

Cherokee County is a very creative community and has a nice selection of artists and craftspeople.   John C. Campbell Folk School is a tremendous asset to Cherokee County and offers festivals, events and classes throughout the year.

Read more about Murphy and Cherokee County and you will want to visit this special mountain town.