Snow and Valentines Day

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.

Christmas is in the Air in the Mountains

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 fort’s 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

“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...

Memorial Day in the Mountains

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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. 

Autumn is in Full Bloom at the Top

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

Fall Festivals and Butterflies

We just got back from a great mountain road trip to Chimney Rock and we had a wonderful time. We always meet so many interesting people. We have a lot of great new features coming up in the Highlander, so be sure to sign up to be notified of new additions, new communities, adventures, festivals and events.

In the meanwhile now is the time for Festivals and Butterflies, join us in the mountains to enjoy the Best the Mountains Have to Offer. If you haven't already, take time to read our feature story on the Migration of the Monarch, it will lift your spirits and start you planning a mountain journey of your own. Nature's Pilgrimage...the Migration of the Monarch... The autumn season begins their celebration of life as they pursue a natural innate spiritual sense that drives them along a pilgrimage that will eventually carry them across a continent. 

Coming up this weekend, on Saturday September 27, 2008 you won't want to miss the Foxfire Heritage Festival at Dillard City Hall.  Come join Foxfire for old fashioned fun, food, crafts and music.  You will see basket making, woodworking, broom making, coppersmithing, blacksmithing, Native American jewelry, stained glass, canoe carving and so much more.

Admission is only $4.00 and the proceeds go to benefit the Foxfire's Local Education Programs.  For more information call 706-746-5828 or email giftshop@foxfire.org

October 4th & 5th John C. Campbell Folk School is holding their 35th Annual Fall Festival.  This wonderful and true mountain festival features over 200 crafters, continuous music and dance performances on two stages including, blue grass, folk and gospel music.  More than 40 craft-making demonstrations including a Mountain life area, great food, kid's activities and much more.

For more information call 1-800-Folk-Sch (800-365-5724) or info@folkschool.org

For those of you that want to plan a little further in the autumn, mark your calendars for October 10th through October 19th for the 

Fall Festival at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds.  

This 10 day event features exciting musical performances, education demonstrations, arts and craft sales, a flower show and the popular Georgia's Official State Fiddlers' Convention.

For more information call 706-896-4191 or gamtfair@alltel.net

If you are looking for events in other parts of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, check our event calendar that covers most of the counties throughout the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains.

It is a great time of the year for an scenic road trip, it will lift your spirits.  While we were at Chimney Rock, we met a young man with a great attitude, he had just lost his job.  He had saved for his vacation all year and decided to go anyway to lift his spirits and go back home with a renewed frame of mind, trusting God to get him through and find him a new job.  We commend him for knowing where his true source of support comes from.

Our philosophy for the future is to have faith, not in what we hear on the news, but in God, in ourselves, we can get back on track, but it will take all of us.  If we let the news get us in such a depressive state of thinking, God can't get through to us to inspire us to think creatively and find ways to get back to a productive future.  It is attitudes like the young man we ran into that will keep the ball rolling.  Fear stops progress, I don't mean you should be irresponsible, I don't say that this country is not having serious problems, but there is a solution and it will take creative thinking on the part of all of us to make a difference.

Keep the Faith....Think Creatively....Always Believe God has the Answer

God Bless.....the Highlander 

Mountains a world away from the noise

Come visit the mountains.....If we all live our lives according to what the news media is telling us, why bother living, they paint such a dismal picture of our current situation as well as the future.

To those that are in jeopardy, my heart goes out to you.  We chose not to go out on a limb and to live our lives modestly in the mountains and enjoy what we feel true life has to offer.  We have a wonderful loving family, we are all happy, healthy and wise when it comes to enjoy the important things in life, which are God, family and health.

My husband and I both grew up in Chicago, and later moved to the far western suburbs in the Fox River Valley.  Chicago is a beautiful city, and the Fox River Valley was a wonderful place to raise our daughter for the first 16 years, but we feel truly blessed to have found the opportunity to move to the mountain, and create the Highlander.  

The wonderful thing about living in the mountains is that it opens your eyes to the beauty of nature, wildlife, fresh air, a very special quality of life.  

By reading our stories you will start to see the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains through our eyes.  We look for the best the mountains have to offer and present it to you for your enjoyment.

If you want some true enjoyment, join Joshua to learn about the Appalachian Black Bears, a series of stories for your enjoyment and education.  Let us know which story is your favorite by writing to us at publishers@theblueridgehighlander.com.

Enjoy.....Mrs. Highlander