Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountain Highlander

Empty Bowls at John C. Campbell

2010-03-18T23:06:00.000-04:00

Join the Highlander at the annual John C. Campbell Folk School Empty Bowl Event, March 20th.

This is a great event to help the local food banks that really need your help this year more than ever before.

First you select a handcrafted bowl from a collection donated by area potters. Next, fill your bowl with a hearty meal of soup, salad, bread and dessert.

Enjoy live entertainment and the company of new and old friends. Take your bowl home with you to keep as a reminder of hunger in our local and global communities.

Snow and Valentines Day

2010-02-14T19:22:00.000-05:00

Happy Snowy Valentines Day....

Mr Highlander and I although born in the south, both grew up in Chicago. Like it or not, we grew to expect snow possibly from October through April. The first year we owned our own home and Mr. Highlander was responsible for snow removal, it snowed 97 inches, and the first snow didn't melt. We owned a 280Z and had a really, really long drive way. The first snow he did the entire driveway, and the same with the next two. As time went on, the driveway got shorter and more narrow with each snow until the driveway became a snow igloo for the Z...and I didn't blame him.

We moved to the North Georgia Mountains in 1995, and the winters were wonderful, and over the past 15 years even though we moved on to far western North Carolina, the winters were still mostly mild with the occasional cold snap. I have always been able to talk to old friends in Illinois about how I don't miss any of that snow because when I want it all I have to do is go further into the mountains. This year is another story.

This is the first year Mr. Highlander has had to do any real snow removal for over 15 years, nothing like Illinois, but no fun none the less. He has learned that there is a difference in shoveling snow on horizontal planes as opposed to a 45% angle.

Today is not only Valentines Day, it is my 35th Wedding Anniversary, the day we got married, it snowed knee deep, so with 3-4 inches on the ground, we are still not doing too bad, and our granddaughter loves to play in the snow.

Still can't wait for Spring, so I put out my sunshine in the flower barrel and focus on that....

Back to work, designing a new Highlander, plan on launching this Spring, so Spring can't come too quickly.

New Year...New Plan

2010-01-25T15:52:00.000-05:00

I am looking forward to 2010. This is the 13th year that the Highlander has been on-line. I can still remember the frustration we had as we designed the first site. The limitations drove us up the wall. Now 13 years later, there are still limitations but we are light years away from the beginning so it is time to make changes.

We are in the process of making changes and as the year goes on one by one we will implement them.

Love to hear your input as to what you would like to find on the Highlander, feel free to email me at publishers@theblueridgehighlander.com

In the Name of Love....

2009-12-19T11:14:00.000-05:00

Christmas is nearly upon us and 2010 is just around the corner. Being an eternal optimist I always know that there is hope and have plans to work hard towards a new beginning in 2010.

We have gone through many trying times in our life, and one thing I always remember is that when it changes for the better, it happens in an instant. One minute our needs are staring us in the face and through the Grace of God we are sent an answer to our prayers. So for those of you that need an answer, keep believing in the Christmas Miracle.

Now on to this year's Christmas Story, we have to say, we weren't sure what to write, and as usual it just started flowing in. We truly hope this story touches all those that need an encouraging message.

To embrace the true meaning of Christmas you must embrace pure unconditional love itself. Although, the nature of unconditional love and its purpose often confounds the logical mind.

As mere mortal beings, we did not create love instead we are the product of love's good intention. We all strive to be embraced with the warm and nurturing qualities of love, yet often it eludes us....read on...

If you didn't get to read last year's Holiday Tale, it is still very pertinent for the coming year..."There is light at the end of the tunnel" a cliche, but one with meaning, and something we do believe....read on....and gain your own sense of Hope, Faith and the Light at the end of the Tunnel.

Featured Event...

Christmas for the Kids at John C. Campbell Folk School

December 19, 2009 • 1-3 pm • Free

Each year John C. Campbell Folk puts on a Christmas party for children, free for all. Music, Dancing, Games, refreshments and Santa. If you are looking for a great event for the kids, this is it.

Wander through all the Highlander's Collection of Christmas Tales, from A Merry...Humble Mountain Christmas to Christmas at the Biltmore, Gingerbread Houses at the Grove Park Inn and others...

Looking for Christmas Events....

Check out our Event Calendar for other Holiday Events throughout the mountains.

Christmas is in the Air in the Mountains

2009-12-03T15:44:00.000-05:00

It is hard to believe this year is almost over. I for one would like to finish this year off with as much fun, happiness and good cheer as I can find.

Today we went to an open house at Doyle's Cedar Hill in Murphy, great food, great people, way to do it Jeremiah.

We would like to recommend three very special holiday events coming up this weekend. All will put a smile on your face, and a glow in your heart.

Not to mention the Fireside sale can put really great presents under your Christmas tree.

Come Enjoy...Mrs. Highlander

Santa on the Chimney • December 5th & 12th 11 am to 2 pm

Where does Santa go to practice for his journey on Christmas Eve...Santa practices on a 315-ft. Chimney Rock before climbing down millions of much shorter chimneys all around the world. We experienced it for ourselves, read the Highlander's take on this event, it is guaranteed to make you laugh.

Fort Loudoun 18th Century Christmas at the Fort • December 5th 9:45 am to 6:00 pm

Travel back in time for an Authentic 18th Century Christmas. The daily schedule includes a Christmas church service, wassail tasting and a special candlelight tour of the fort. On this special occasion, the soldiers will perform a rare night time firing of the forts cannon. Another Highlander Tale...a must read.

John C. Campbell Folk School Fireside Sale • December 6th 10 am - 5 pm

Enjoy the ambiance of live music and a crackling fire as you shop for artful treasures. Craftspeople will offer handmade items such as jewelry, weaving, forged iron, photography, quilts and turned wood. You're sure to find special, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts here!

We are in production of our 2009 Christmas Tale, in the meanwhile take a little time to wander through the Highlander's Collection of Christmas Tales, from A Merry...Humble Mountain Christmas to Christmas at the Biltmore, Gingerbread Houses at the Grove Park Inn and others...

Looking for other Events....Check out our Event Calendar for other Holiday Events throughout the mountains.

Spend the Holidays in the Mountains....you know you want to!

Thankful for our Forests

2009-11-28T15:16:00.000-05:00

“In the year of 2008 CE, the United States experienced 8,856 wildfires burning 1,862,477-acres that were caused by an Act of Nature or natural order attributed to lightning strikes. Also in 2008 there were 70,093 wildfires caused by human activities burning 3,429,991-acres throughout the intercontinental US. An amazing fact to consider is that 58% of human caused wildfires and 58% of acres burned from human caused fires were located in the South and Southeastern United States.”

Growing up I remember three great symbols that represented the spirit of the United States of America. The majestic bald eagle descending from the heavens with wings pulled back, head looking downward and talons spread wide open. Then there was that intimidating portrait of Uncle Sam in his big top hat and clothing styled after the colors of our nation’s flag, along with that commanding finger of his pointing directly at me I thought declaring “Uncle Sam Wants You.” “Wants Me,” I was just a little guy at the time, being a semi-dedicated Boy Scout was more than I could handle, my scoutmaster and Uncle Sam were both stern and demanding leaders and acted as though they both had the same mother, a woman I didn’t necessarily want to meet. Then there was that loveable Smokey Bear with his kind eyes, adorable smile and gentle demeanor. His low fatherly voice bellowed from the TV screen in those early days of television declaring that, “Only You (I) can prevent forest fires.” This was quite another tall order for a little guy who grew up in “the” major mid-western city. I took my orders from Smokey very seriously considering there were only three sizable trees on the property of the apartment building where my family lived...read on...

36th Annual John C. Campbell Folk School Festival

2009-10-02T16:46:00.002-04:00

One of the largest and most popular events of its type in the region, John C. Campbell Fall Festival is a celebration of our rich Appalachian heritage.

Fine craft, craft-making demonstrations, music and dance performances, kids' activities, tasty food, and a visit to the school's Craft Shop and History Center make Fall Festival a great way to begin the autumn season. Whether you are an old time Folk School fan or or a first time visitor, this is an event worth traveling to.

If you have never taken a class at the Folk School, you should check out all they have to offer.

We are already starting to see leaves change color. With all the rain we have had, this should be a beautifully colorful fall. Plan a trip to the Mountains and lift your spirits.

The Highlander has several new stories, and county profiles in production as well as new interactive features being developed, so keep up with our newsletters for the announcements.

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

2009-09-25T10:44:00.001-04:00

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

2009-09-03T15:19:00.003-04:00

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.

Chimney Rock, Lake Lure and Golden Valley

2009-08-30T17:55:00.004-04:00

One of the benefits of publishing the Highlander is that we travel throughout the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains and have the privilege to share what we find with you.

In traveling to Rutherford County, we found 6 distinctly unique towns and villages all extremely friendly, the beautiful Lake Lure and Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park a National Treasure that recently became a North Carolina State Park, a definite "Must See."

Rutherford County is known for several major films, "Fire starter," "Dirty Dancing," and our favorite "Last of the Mohicans."

When we first arrived, we stopped to get lunch and upon opening the door of the restaurant, "The Time of My Life," the theme song for Dirty Dancing began to play. I honestly started to chuckle, it was like they knew to cue the song upon our arrival to set a tone to our trip. We brought the sound track from "Last of the Mohican's" which we played on our road trip to set our own personal tone.

We also found 3 great scenic drives in Rutherford County that we know you will enjoy. There is s wealth of history, recreation, small town shopping and plenty of relaxation waiting for you in Rutherford County, much more than I can put in this blog, so be sure to go on line to read the complete story, then plan your visit.

Join us in the Mountains for 4th of July Weekend.

2009-07-03T10:48:00.004-04:00

We are really excited to announce that the Highlander has a new calendar of events, with lots of great new features. Take a look and let us know what you think.

The calendar has the ability to search by town, state, date and/or type of event. Click each title to get a detail page on each event.

It also includes a google map to each event, and the ability to add a reminder about a specific event to your personal Google, Yahoo, iCalendar or vCalendar.

If you would like to invite a friend to an event, click the "email to a friend or click the icons under "Share this Event" to add your favorite event to your Twitter or Facebook page to invite all your friends. The new calendar even shows the weather for the event location.

If you want to see all events for a specific time, just use the small calendar to flip through the dates.

Know of events that are not on our calendar? Email us and we will email you instructions on submitting events.

We are always working to make the Highlander a great experience and would like your feedback on the calendar, Email us and let us know what you think.

Great Smoky Mountains 75th Anniversary

2009-06-10T14:05:00.005-04:00

History is fascinating, and each time we research a new story we learn so much about these mountains and appreciate them even more.

Saturday June 13th launches the celebrations for the Great Smoky Mountains 75th Anniversary with an Outdoor Concert in Cades Cove by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.

As the Great Smoky Mountains National Park celebrates its 75th Anniversary, the anniversary of one of America's most beautiful and majestic national treasures, we should all be aware that this particular national treasure came at a high cost, a renowned national park that almost never came into being. The cost was not only in financial value, but also the cost of persistent determination.

Read the Highlander's latest feature story "Jewel of the East." Learn how this great national park wasn't a favorite choice for the first national park in the Eastern United States. The people of these great mountains knew it was the right choice for many reasons, conservation being one of them...read on....

We were up all night working on our latest editorial on the Great Smoky Mountains 75th Anniversary, check it out and let me know if you think it was worth losing sleep over...

Memorial Day in the Mountains

2009-05-22T11:30:00.005-04:00

Memorial Day Weekend tends to kick off the season and bring us all into thoughts of "Summer is Here" even though Summer hasn't officially started. Memorial Day Weekend Events throughout the Mountains

There are still a few Special Offers for Hotels and Cabins for Memorial Day Weekend....Follow the links to find a special deal, just for you...and come to the Mountains

Gardens of the Blue Ridge Smoky Mountains

The reawaking of spring in the high country of the Blue Ridge Smoky Mountains is quite unique. In the lowlands of the mountain interior, the first signs of spring follow a horizontal path across the valley, growing ever so slowly as it makes its journey upward along the mountain slopes....read on...

Enjoy...the Highlander

Wednesday, April 22...Earth Day 2009

2009-04-20T07:55:00.009-04:00

Just think of the difference we could all make if each of us would make more "Green" choices. Email us and let us know what you are doing to "Green" your life. We would like to publish a list of Highlander fans that choose Green Living.

Earth Day and Green/Eco Friendly Living

I remember when this nation celebrated the first Earth Day; it was back in the peace, love and hippy days of my youth. That day a great unified and organized call went out to stop polluting our environment....read more...

Earth Day is being celebrated throughout the mountains...visit your favorite and enjoy....

The Shoppes of Brasstown Village Celebrate Earth Day

Saturday, April 25 from 10- 5.

Arts and Crafts, Music, Food, "Green" Vendors

and Organic Produce.

Brasstown Village is located at Clay Corners by

John C. Campbell Folk School

for more info email jax1215@gmail.com

Living History Days at Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center

2009-04-15T11:09:00.002-04:00

April 17 and 18, 2009 • 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Foxfire Museum and Center

200 Foxfire Lane off Cross Street • Mountain City, GA 30562

Foxfire will host two Living History Days on Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18th, 2009, conducted by the Rabun Christian Home Educators. Dressed in 1800's period costumes, the children will be playing with traditional Appalachian toys and games, giving other children an opportunity to join in the fun; music on the porch; a "smithy" will be at work in the Blacksmith Shop; preachers and teachers will be doing both a traditional church service and a one-room school house in the Chapel; a quilting bee will be held in the Long House; woodworkers will be demonstrating their trade; and home-school moms will be cabin cooking over an open hearth in the Savannah House. Other traditional activities may take place as well!

In conjunction with the Living History Days, an open-house for Community residents will be also be held on Saturday, April 18th, by Foxfire's Community Board. Admission for Rabun County residents is complimentary. Admission for out-of-town guests is $6.00 for adults; children ten and under are free. All proceeds benefit Foxfire's Local Heritage Education Programs. A shuttle van will be provided to the Center on Saturday, leaving every 15 or 20 minutes from both churches on Cross Street. Due to limited parking at the Center, Foxfire requests that you take the shuttle up, if possible, and come enjoy them for a day of fun.

For more information about Foxfire Museum and Heritage Center, their programs, publications and or events, call (706) 746-5828, email foxfire@foxfire.org or visit their web site at www.Foxfire.org

Featured Mountain Easter Events

2009-04-06T19:37:00.015-04:00

John C. Campbell Folk School Annual Easter Egg Hunt

April 11, 2009 • 1:00 p.m Sharp! • Arrive Early
This event is free and held at the Open House.

An annual favorite for kids the Saturday before Easter, bring your children at 1:00 p.m. to hunt for filled Easter eggs. There will be three areas for egg hunting, divided by age: 0-4, 5-7, and 8 & older.

We ask that you please park in the gravel lot across from the Keith House to allow plenty of space for egg hunting and for the safety of the participants.

Please arrive early - the hunt begins promptly at 1:00 pm and doesn't last very long! There will be live music during the event.

54th Sunrise Service atop Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

April 12th, 2009

Gates open at 5am and close at 6am for the 6:30am service.

No fees charged.

Guests are welcome to enjoy the Park for the day. Celebrate the glory of Easter as our guest at this non-denominational community worship. This special service will be filled with song, scripture, special music and spectacular sunrise views over beautiful Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge.

John Mason, the Park's featured hammered dulcimer player, will perform. Arrive early, dress warmly and bring a flashlight.

For more information call 1-800-277-9611 or email visit@chimneyrockpark.com

New Real Estate Listings on the Highlander

2009-03-19T11:57:00.003-04:00

The Highlander now has full real estate listings on line with photos and full details including contact info for each listing. Check them out and let us know what you think publishers@theblueridgehighlander.com

Spring is just around the corner....

2009-02-22T09:04:00.005-05:00

Although it is quite chilly this morning, there are signs of Spring everywhere. Not only are we seeing the early Spring flowers peaking out of the ground everywhere we look, our neighbor which gets more sunlight than we do, has flowers on his daffodils.

This morning, I heard the most beautiful song bird right outside my kitchen. I looked outside trying to see what type of bird it was, but couldn't find it. We have a large variety of birds on our property, often we have a wonderful nature produced concert going on.

This past winter was colder than any we have experienced in the last few years, but it is almost over and we are looking forward to Spring. We live in Cherokee County and this winter has brought us a lot of rain which we are very thankful for. It should do wonders for the watershed of North Carolina bringing great photo opportunities throughout this coming year. We would love to hear from others throughout the mountains about what is happening in your part of the mountains.

We are in the process of updating the 2009 Events and Festivals on the Highlander, take a look at the ones we have on line and plan a trip to the mountains. If you know of any other events or festivals that should be listed on the Highlander for all our readers to learn about, please take the time to let us know at publishers@theblueridgehighlander.com. Thousands of readers come to the Highlander every day looking for things to do in the mountains and we would like to help them find what they are looking for.

We will be posting our latest community profile this week on Rutherford County North Carolina, home of Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. We found a lot of great places to explore in Rutherford County and wonderfully friendly people which made our trips there very special. So keep in touch to read about all the great things we found in our visit.

We have our 2009 Easter trip planned. We are excited to be going to the Sunrise Easter Service on the top of Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park. We are excited and really looking forward to experiencing this one of a kind event. We are told that seeing the sun rise at the conclusion of the ceremony is awe-inspiring. We can't wait, come join the Highlander for this very special event.

Write to us publishers@theblueridgehighlander.com and let us know what you would like for us to cover this year in the Highlander, we want to be your source of the "Best the Mountains Have to Offer.

The Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains...what a great place to be....

2009-01-20T23:44:00.007-05:00

As we all know...the catchword for 2009 is CHANGE, so as a creative and innovative site we are working on change as well.

Take a look at our opening page, we have a new slide show and will be changing it every two weeks, BlueRidgeHighlander.com bookmark and come back to see an great display and presentation of the mountains, it won't be long until you are planning your next trip.

We also made a change on our main editorial library page, you will find our archive of the Highlander tales and road trips all on one page, take a look, I know you will find stories or road trips that are new to you, all about the mountains. By this time, I know you will be planning a trip.

What we love so much about the Internet as a creative communication medium, is its ability to change, to grow, to evolve as the technology evolves. There will be many new happenings at the Highlander this coming year, keep in touch and watch the Highlander evolve into the "Best of the Mountains" Internet guide.

Down the Chimney...Ho! Ho! Ho!

2008-12-17T18:59:00.005-05:00

The Blue Ridge Highlander would like to wish everyone a very special Merry Christmas and spread the love, hope and joy that we feel. It has been a difficult year for all of us, I don't know anyone that hasn't been effected in some way from what is happening in our country.

This year we were inspired to write two Christmas Stories, one to touch your heart and one to tickle your funny bone. Our goal for this second feature was to introduce you to a very special event at a very special state park and give you a story to chuckle about.

From the first day we began writing our first Christmas story, Hope, Faith and the Light, we have felt inspired and been excited about the potential next year has to offer. After launching the story we got more emails than ever before from people in all walks of life sharing their feelings about how the story made them feel, and how it gave them hope for a brighter tomorrow. Read Hope, Faith and the Light and get inspired.

Then we were invited to Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park for their Annual Christmas Event which inspired our second Christmas story of the year. What a great event, we had a blast. Read our story, a link is below and it will truly make you laugh and laughter is contagious and heals what ails ya.

Where does Santa go to train for his Christmas Eve journey down chimneys all over the world?

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park in Western North Carolina... of Course!

Mrs. Highlander and I would like to thank the staff at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park for inviting us to this special holiday event.

Its great to get to see Santa once again, we haven't seen him for many years nor have our daughter and son-in-law. Our granddaughter Maddie has been informing us that Santa's doing just fine and looks great, she says, "He thinks he's so quiet but he's really not."....for a fun story and a good hearted, jolly laugh, read on...

In our quest for this year's first Christmas Tale, we were quite perplexed because of the current times.

Mrs. Highlander recommended an abstract thought for me to ponder on..."There is light at the end of the tunnel" a cliche, but but one with meaning, and something we do believe....read on....and gain your own sense of Hope, Faith and the Light at the end of the Tunnel.

Be sure to share our stories with all those you feel could use the inspiration. And remember, we are a resilient people, we will pull out of this towards a brighter tomorrow. Changes happen when we think creatively and look in ourselves to the answers to the issues we are faced with.

Merry Christmas and God Bless Us All.....Mrs. Highlander

Hope, Faith and the Light

2008-12-12T11:35:00.006-05:00

The Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains are a very special place. A place where you can visit or live away from the hustle, bustle and stresses of today's confused world. I am not saying that the mountains aren't feeling some of the same issues as the rest of the world. But I don't think we are feeling the issues as severely as the rest of the world.

We feel truly Blessed to have the privilege to publish the Blue Ridge Highlander. It has always been our goal to inform, entertain and inspire our readers and hope you take the time to explore the Blue Ridge Highlander and find the peace the mountains have to offer.

In our quest for this year's Christmas Tale, we were quite perplexed because of the current times.

Mrs. Highlander recommended an abstract thought for me to ponder on..."There is light at the end of the tunnel" a cliche, but one with meaning, and something we do believe....please read on....and gain your own sense of Hope, Faith and the Light at the end of the Tunnel.

For those of you that haven't read last years Christmas Tale, I know that you will enjoy it after reading this year's tale. This Christmas tale is several stories in one, our purpose is to take you back to the true essence of Christmas.

Please take the time to forward links to our story to all those you know that would benefit from the inspiration of the writings. I also invite you to post comments about the story. We have gotten a lot of great emails regarding the story and love to hear from all of you about how the stories made you feel.

Checks out our list of Christmas Events in the Mountains.

Below are a couple of our featured events, the first one coming up Saturday, December 13th.

December 13th, 2008
Santa is rappelling down Chimney Rock to get ready for his Christmas Eve trip.

December 20th, 2008
Christmas for the Kids at John C. Campbell Folks School

We will be reporting on this event in our next newsletter, coming out next week.

Enjoy the Holidays and Count your Many Blessings

God Bless Us All....Mr. & Mrs. Highlander

Christmas Festivals in the Mountains

2008-12-04T14:47:00.007-05:00

Christmas is right around the corner, and the reports all say that retail spending is higher than last year what a great report, it is nice to have some good news for a change. We are really looking forward to the new President's plans and know this country can get back on the right track with some hard work and a lot of faith.

Mr. Highlander is working on this year's Holiday Tale, and it sounds like a perfect message for the end of this year and a fresh new beginning. If you haven't read our past Holiday Tales, we have a nice collection and you can find links on the front page of the Highlander.

It is a great time escape to the mountains to enjoy a few festivals. Christmas events are now on line for Georgia, Western North Carolina and Tennessee, click to find a few to attend.

Here are a couple of our favorites and one unusual one we are visiting for the first time this coming Saturday, click the links for more information.

Christmas at the Fort December 6, 2008

Christmas for the Kids at John C. Campbell Folks School December 20, 2008

Now, for the unusual...

the Highlander is looking forward to attending this events for the first time.

Santa is rappelling down Chimney Rock to get ready for his Christmas Eve trip December 6th & 13th 2008

We will be reporting on this event in our next newsletter, along with our 2008 Holiday Tale.

Enjoy the Holidays and Count your Many Blessings, Mrs. Highlander

Meet Beauregard Highlander

2008-11-15T21:05:00.009-05:00

I love this time of the year, the weather is wonderful, not to warm, not too cool, we even got rain this weekend which we badly needed. Most of the colors in the mountains are beyond prime, but there is still some color in certain areas and those colors really stand out because the other leaves are gone. One thing about these mountains is that they are always beautiful in every season, always something to stand in awe of.

Meet Beau, the latest in the Highlander collection of orphan pets. Now that he has joined our family he loves his life. We live in a high mountain cove, with a wooded wonderland behind us for Beau to enjoy, and he really takes advantage of it.

His life in the mountains is simple and he knows how to love his life in its simplicity.

We could all take a lesson from Beau on how to enjoy life, come to the mountains, hike, discover and enjoy the fresh air and low stress atmosphere.

Gas prices are excellent, it is a great time to turn off the news and come to the mountains for a take a scenic drive and a hike in the woods. Be sure to take time to visit one of the many small towns in the mountains, each and every one of them have their own personality and interesting in their own way.

A Feel Good Mountain Story in Difficult Times

2008-10-16T10:11:00.004-04:00

During a time when we hear so much negative news, we are shown a bright light shining out of Washington DC.

This bright light is a young man named Max Block, a mere 10 years. Max earned $2,500 from his lemonade stand this summer and chose to donate it to Gorilla Haven.

I am not sure which I am more impressed with, the fact that he chose to make such a selfless gesture, or that he could earn $2,500 in one summer from a lemonade stand. Way to go Max!

Good things are still happening every day, even during these hard times, we just don't hear about them. Hearing positive stories makes our hearts sing, and gives us hope for the future. There is hope people, and it starts with faith and acts of kindness.

Gorilla Haven has recently begun giving scheduled tours to raise money for the ever growing expenses of this wonderful wildlife sanctuary.

If you or someone you know would like to go on a tour of Gorilla Haven and or can make a donation to this wonderful wildlife sanctuary, click here to find out more about them. Gorilla Haven.

We would like to share other positive stories with our readers, so if you have any "feel good stories" that relate to these mountains, please write to us and share them.

Autumn is in Full Bloom at the Top

2008-10-10T00:03:00.010-04:00

We're not out of the woods yet, but the woods sure are beautiful in the mountains this time of the year.

Gas prices are coming down each day, it is a great time to turn off the news and take a journey to the mountains. Breathe fresh air, experience the beautiful colors, go on a hike, enjoy a scenic drive, go to one of the many festivals, and talk to friendly people.

John C. Campbell had their fall festival last weekend, and it was wonderful, at least while there you didn't feel the pressure the world is trying to put on us at this time. Isn't that what we all need.

Don't think I take the current economic situation lightly, it has effected us all, but I am not putting my faith in Wall Street or any politician, I place all my faith in God and the American people to bring us into a better place and time, better than before, more stable, more real.

Georgia Mountain Fall Festival starts this weekend, and many other festivals in all areas of the mountains.

There are some great scenic drives you can go on in the mountains. We just put up a new feature on Autumn on the Blue Ridge Parkway, take a look at the great views, and tell me that wouldn't be a great place to renew your hope.

There is no place better to lift your spirits than a trip to your favorite spot in the mountains, join us in God's Country and go back home with a renewed spirit.

God Bless...Mrs. Highlander