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The Cherokee Indian Legend of The First Strawberries

In the beginning of the world, ga lv la di e hi created First Man and First Woman. Together they built a lodge at the edge of a dense forest. They were very happy together; but like all humans do at times, they began to argue.

Finally First Woman became so angry she said she was leaving and never coming back. At that moment First Man really didn't care. First Woman started walking westward down the path through the forest. She never looked back.

As the day grew later, First Man began to worry. At last he started down the same path in search of his wife. The Sun looked down on First Man and took pity on him. The Sun asked First Man if he was still angry with First Woman. First Man said he was not angry any more. The Sun asked if he would like to have First Woman back. Fist Man readily agreed he did.

The Sun found First Woman still walking down the path toward the West. So to entice her to stop, the Sun caused to grow beneath her feet lovely blueberries. The blueberries were large and ripe. First Woman paid no attention but kept walking down the path toward the West.

Further down the path the Sun caused to grow some luscious blackberries. The berries were very black and plump. First Woman looked neither left nor right but kept walking down the path toward the West.

At last the Sun caused to grow a plant that had never grown on the earth before. The plant covered the ground in front of First Woman. Suddenly she became aware of a fragrance she had never known. Stopping she looked down at her feet. Growing in the path was a plant with shiny green leaves, lovely white flowers with the largest most luscious red berries she had ever seen. First Woman stopped to pick one. Hmmm…she had never tasted anything quite like it! It was so sweet.

As First Woman ate the berry, the anger she felt began to fade away. She thought again of her husband and how they had parted in anger. She missed him and wanted to return home.

First Woman began to gather some of the berries. When she had all she could carry, she turned toward the East and started back down the path. Soon she met First Man. Together they shared the berries, and then hand in hand, they walked back to their lodge.

The Cherokee word for strawberry is ani. The rich bottomlands of the old Cherokee country were noted for their abundance of strawberries and other wild fruits. Even today, strawberries are often kept in Cherokee homes. They remind us not to argue and are a symbol of good luck.

Learn these other featured Cherokee Legends:

The Legend of Hanging Dog in Murphy, NC

The Legend of the Cherokee Rose

How The Red Bird Got His Color

 Grandmother Spider Steals the Sun

 

Retold by Barbara Shining Woman Warren

 

Lee & Carol Barbour
"The Mountain Living Team"
info@mountainlivingteam.com

 

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Friday Night Concert: July 23, 2010 at 7:30pm
Admission: FREE, donations welcome
Location: John C. Campbell Festival Barn

 Don’t miss this FREE Concert Friday night at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC featuring The Barker Brothers.  The group’s high energy live performance incorporates an eclectic mix of hard driving bluegrass, Americana, and folk, as well as, their own innovative material. The Barker Brothers, from East Tennessee, are Jeremy, 19, guitar and Jonathan, 15, banjo, along with their parents, Scott, mandolin and Angie, bass. The band also features Westley Harris, 18 playing fiddle. They have opened for Ralph Stanley on his "O Brother Where Art Thou" tour and for Ricky Skaggs and Cadillac Sky at Dollywood. Last year they wrote and recorded the theme song for the syndicated cooking show “Heart of the Home.” Their new CD is entitled “Looking Ahead.” So you can see why you won’t want to miss the chance to come on out to the Folk School Festival Barn Friday night for this free concert. See you there!

Lee & Carol Barbour
"The Mountain Living Team"
info@mountainlivingteam.com

 

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Looking for Things to Do in Murphy, NC?

Looking for Things to Do in Murphy, NC? Whether your idea of a good time is whitewater rafting, a round of golf, a hike in the woods, or taking a quilting class, our great town of Murphy, NC and the surrounding mountain areas have just what you're looking for!

ATV - OHV fun in the Mountains
Beasley Knob and Davenport Mountain are two of the ATV and OHV trails here in the mountains. Lots of outdoor adventure activities so check out these trails.

Biltmore Estates
Located in Asheville, North Carolina, just 95 miles from Murphy is the world famous Biltmore House and Gardens which was built by George Vanderbilt in 1895.

Blue Ridge Parkway 
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.

Cades Cove
Interestingly, this area called Cades Cove that we so dearly love for its beauty and symbolism of the strength and resilience of its pioneer settlers, peaked within 30 years of its first settling. The state of Tennessee acquired this land from the Cherokee Indians in 1820, and by 1850 many of the population (685 at its peak) were ready to move on to more fertile land and new frontiers. By 1860 only 269 people remained in the cove area. Today millions of visitors annually flock to Cades Cove to see the preserved pioneer homesteads, the blue-misted mountains which serve as a backdrop to the cove, and the abundant wildlife which now populate the area.

Cherohala Skyway
Crossing through the Nantahala National Forests and Cherokee, from which it gets its name, this National Scenic Byway connects Robbinsville in North Carolina to Tellico Plains in Southeast Tennessee.

Cherokee Indian Museum
Located in Cherokee, North Carolina, this museum contains a huge collection of original artifacts used by the Cherokee Indians many years ago.

Clingman's Dome
At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's highest point. It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the second highest point east of the Mississippi. Only North Carolina's Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) rises higher.

Deals Gap/Dragon's Tail
Crossing Deals Gap at the Tennessee/North Carolina state line, the Dragon is considered by many as one of the world's best motorcycling and sports car roads. Anyone looking for an exciting highway will enjoy this stretch of US 129. The Dragon's Tail has 318 curves in 11 miles on US 129.

See The Fall Colors
National Fall Color Hotline (managed by the Forest Service) at 800-354-4595 for those heading to North Carolina and Tennessee.

Southern Appalachian Leaf Tours   Smokies Trip Planner 

Fields of The Woods
From Prayer Mountain to the gigantic Ten Commandments, to the All Nations Cross, God's Word unfolds through the use of marble and stone. Also features a gift store and a life size representation of Golgotha and Jesus' tomb. This Bible theme park is located on NC 294 between Murphy, North Carolina and Turtletown, Tennesssee.

Fontana Lake and Dam
Fontana Dam is located in Graham County, North Carolina. It forms Fontana Lake, some 29 miles of beauty on the southern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Fontana Village Resort
If you plan to be in Graham County, take another ride and visit Fontana Village.  It is the largest resort in the area and is geared to family vacations.  The resort, which has seen many modifications over the years, was a camp for laborers in the 1940's, when the Tennessee Valley Authority began construction of the Fontana Dam.  It now boasts a nine-hole golf course, three swimming pools, miniature golf, boating and fishing, along with many other activities.

Foxfire 
"Foxfire" is a museum in the small northeast Georgia town of Mountain City. The students driving the Foxfire program chose to use royalty monies from the book series to purchase property and build a home for their work—a place where they could store and preserve their growing collection of artifacts, and a place to interact with the community that so strongly suppported them.
 
Fun Factory!
Fun for kids of all ages, the Fun Factory is the place for games,mini-golf, bowling, go-karts,laser tag, big screen TVs, party rooms, great restaurants and more. Something for everyone to enjoy!
 
Georgia Mountain Fair
Located about 40 miles from Murphy is Hiawassee, GA, where the grounds really come alive in July and August during the two-week event which features amusement rides, arts and crafts and country music at its best. The beautiful fairgrounds are located above Lake Chatuge. Also visit the Rhododendron Festival in May and the Georgia Mountain Fall Festival in October.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, established in 1934, covers 520,408 acres of land with heights ranging from 840 feet at Abrams Creek to 6,643 feet at Clingman's Dome. Enter through Cherokee, NC or Gatlinburg, TN to view spectacular mountain views either from the road or one of the park's many hiking trails or quiet walkways. Be sure to stop at Newfound Gap and look at the view!

Great Golfing in the Mountains
Time to spend a little quality time out on the course of on of the many surrounding Colf Courses in the NC, GA and TN Mountains.

Great Smoky Mountain Railway
With the romance and mystique of an era gone by, guests on board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will enjoy year-round scenic train journeys across fertile valleys, through tunnels and across river gorges in a spectacular region of eastern America called the Great Smoky Mountains. This section of western North Carolina offers a wide array of ever-changing vegetation and fantastic landscapes.

John C. Campbell Folk School
John C. Campbell Folk School provides experiences in non-competitive learning and community life that are joyful and enlivening. Located in scenic Brasstown, North Carolina, the Folk School offers year-round weeklong and weekend classes for adults in craft, art, music, dance, cooking, gardening, nature studies, photography and writing.

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
Deep in the mountains of Graham County lies a 3800-acre tract of the most beautiful forest in America, unmarred and undefiled by the hand of man. On July 30, 1936, the area was dedicated to poet and World War I veteran Joyce Kilmer as a living memorial. One of the only remaining virgin forests in the nation. 

Nantahala National Forest
This beautiful forest lies in the mountains and valleys of western North Carolina between Waynesville and Murphy. Elevations in the Nantahala National Forest range from a low of 1,200 feet along the Tusquitee River below the Appalachian Dam in Cherokee County to a high of 5,800 feet at Lone Bald in Jackson County.

Mountain Biking & Racing

SORBA

Gone Riding

Mountain Biking Trails

Santa's Land
A family Fun Park and Zoo, Santa's Land is an enchanted Christmas theme park. Enjoy riding the Rudi-Coaster, train, and paddle boats.  Pet domestic animals, view exotic animals, visit with Santa, his elves and reindeer, or browse our Christmas shops. Bring a picnic lunch or dine at one of our establishments.

Tail of the Dragon

Trail of Tears
 
Tsali Recreation Area
Probably the most popular features of Tsali Recreation Area are the 39 miles of trails suited for mountain bikers and horse-back riders, as well as hikers. The 4-loop system offers a variety of landscapes. You can climb 1-foot wide rugged paths or travel flat, well-beaten roads. The four trails--Right, Left, Mouse Branch, and Thompson Loops--meander through mixed pine and hardwoods on a peninsula stretching into Fontana Lake.

Wild Water Rafting

Zip Line Canopy Tours
More than a zip line ride, this canopy tour takes you through multiple ecosystems, past hemlocks, into hardwoods, and through a deciduous forest packed with native flowering plants such as mountain laurel, dogwood, rhododendron,giant Frazier magnolia, rare umbrella magnolia, silver bells and many more. Your canopy ranger will point out these natural features and will also share with you some of the cultural history of the gorge.

 

Lee & Carol Barbour
"The Mountain Living Team"
info@mountainlivingteam.com

 

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George's Butcher Shop in Murphy, NC is recapturing the spirit of the hometown butcher shop.

George's Butcher Shop in Murphy, NC is recapturing the spirit of the hometown butcher shop. When George and Carolyn Michelsen opened the doors to George’s Butcher Shop, they were armed with the knowledge that the “one-stop shopping” concept promoted by large retailers is woven tightly into our culture. George and Carolyn also knew, however, that “there will always be a demand for competitively-priced, farm fresh meats and products, as well as intensely personalized customer service.”

As the child of a butcher, George’s respect for the art of meat cutting began early in his life. As an adult, George worked for and managed meat departments of large grocery stores. There, he not only honed his skills, but he also met his future wife, Carolyn. After they married, the two dreamed of recapturing the spirit of the hometown butcher shop. Years of dreaming finally became a reality in August 2007 when they opened their shop in the beautiful, rolling hills of Western North Carolina in Murphy, NC.

Unlike your local grocer and even many small butcher shops that get “boxed beef”, entire sides of beef are delivered weekly by local farmer, Steve Whitmire, of Brasstown Beef  to George’s Butcher Shop where George and his 82-year-old dad, George Sr., spend the day side by side preparing meat for sale. Both Georges are quite the “cut-up”, so oftentimes customers will hear loads of laughter coming from the cutting room. Daughter, Jessica, 26, meat-cutter-in-training, tries to keep the guys in line – when she’s not joining in, that is.

Because George gets whole sides of beef, he is able to offer cuts of meat no longer available in grocery stores. “We don’t just cut meat and put it out for purchase, we also want to bring back recipes that were once enjoyed by previous generations,” explains George. “Not long ago, folks knew how to utilize every part of an animal, and as a result, fantastic recipes were developed. Since most grocery stores have stopped selling cuts like flank steak, skirt steak, short ribs and shoulder boomerang, for example, those delicious meals have faded away. It is our mission to bring them back.” You’ll find some of those recipes at the George’s Butcher Shop web site. 

George’s Butcher Shop also custom cuts their fresh meat to their customers’ specifications. Wrapped in traditional butcher paper, customers depart knowing that their meat is truly farm fresh. The lack of preservatives not only offers healthier meat, but also a flavor that was once common before large retailers became dominant and meat was shipped from distant providers.

In addition to beef, George’s Butcher Shop offers poultry, pork, and lamb. They also carry Lee's favorite, Boar's Head Meats. In the coming years, George and Carolyn will partner with other local farmers to secure these types of meat. Seafood and fish are also available. Beyond meat products, customers can also purchase made-from-scratch “Hot Meals to Go,” or “dine in” on delicious dishes such as pizza, calzones, strombolis or sub sandwiches. Catering parties and events is yet another facet to the Michelsens’ never-ending goal to satisfy the individual needs of each and every patron. Make sure to stop in George’s Butcher Shop where you’ll see and taste the difference.

George’s Butcher Shop
Open Mon – Sat. 10 am to 7 pm
20 Wells Connector Rd., Beechwood Plaza
Murphy, NC 28906   828.837.7878

 

Lee & Carol Barbour
"The Mountain Living Team"
info@mountainlivingteam.com

 

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FREE COLOR BROCHURE of over 680 properties!

 

 

Our new FREE Brochure of over 680 Properties in the Murphy, NC and surrounding GA and TN Mountains has just arrived! Appalachian Land Company is proud to present the 32 page color brochure filled with great homes, land and commercial properties.

To request your FREE copy, visit Lee & Carol Barbour at www.LeeAndCarol.com or email us at info@mountainlivingteam.com and we’ll get one right out in the mail to you!

 

 

 

Lee & Carol Barbour
"The Mountain Living Team"
info@mountainlivingteam.com

 

Posted via email from mountainlivingteam's posterous

Affordable home in Murphy, NC with nice flowing creek!

   

Beautiful setting with a nice flowing creek! This 2BR/2BA updated manufactured home offers a mud room/office entry, spacious rooms, all appliances, and a lovely screened-in back porch to enjoy. Oversized one car detached garage and plenty of room to garden. This affordable home is just minutes to town. $59,500  NC #110457

For more information on this property or to see more western NC,
north GA and eastern TN homes visit Lee & Carol Barbour at www.MountainLivingTeam.com

 

 

Lee & Carol Barbour
"The Mountain Living Team"
info@mountainlivingteam.com

 

Posted via email from mountainlivingteam's posterous

Affordable Family Fun in the Murphy, NC mountains

Looking for some affordable family fun in Murphy, NC? Then you’ll want to make sure to head on out to WagonMaster Adventure Ranch located in the Smoky Mountains of Murphy, NC.

You’ve got so many choices… Mini Golf, Bounce Castle, Paintball Gallery, Target Airsoft Mini Car Track or our Gem Mining. They always have some great combo- package rates too. Fun for all ages and they just keep adding more fun things to do all the time! In addition to all the activities, WagonMaster has free picnic areas with grills, playground and inspirational nature paths to enjoy.

Canopy and Pavilion rentals available. Group tent camping and you can also reserve a party package with campfire and wagon rides. If you’re not the camping type, then pull that RV on in to one of the sites on the creek or stay in one fo the Cedar Cabins.

Grab the family and head on out for a great time by all at the
WagonMaster Adventure Ranch
Call 828-494-9521 info@WagonMasterRanch.com
359 Adventure Ranch Road, Murphy, NC 28906
www.WagonMasterRanch.com

WagonMaster is open in the Spring/Summer Wednesday thru Saturday 11-7 and Sunday 12-6 and in the Fall on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Check out their web site for more info and to see their Spring/Summer rates and all the great Discount Packages WagonMaster has to offer your family and friends

LOG CABIN FOR SALE - come live the Mountain Life in Murphy, NC

You'll love this real log 2BR/2BA cabin with a huge loft area for your get-away in the mountains! This is not your average cabin - custom built-ins, stone work, larger porches and gorgeous logs taken from the property accent the interior. Sit out and enjoy the fire pit and deck overlooking the woods or walk down to the creek. Great as a rental investment and comes partially furnished. Great small wooded paved subdivision convenient to hiking, camping biking and white water rafting at the Ocoee White Water Center or Murphy, NC and Blue Ridge, GA. $169,900 NC MLS #110180

For more information on this great Log Cabin in the western NC mountains
or any other properties in north GA or the eastern TN Mountains visit
Lee & Carol Barbour at www.MountainLivingTeam.com

Lee & Carol Barbour
"The Mountain Living Team"
info@mountainlivingteam.com

Murphy, NC has a serene new Nail Salon you've got to try

Murphy, NC has a couple very nice nail salons, but I just found the newest salon to open up in our little town. Nail 1 Salon and Spa offers professional nail care for ladies and gentlemen. They not only have excellent nail services, but also offer waxing, facials, massage and eyelash extensions.

How did I find them? Nail 1 is located just a few doors down from the Mountain & Lakes Board of Realtors office. I stopped in one day after dropping off some listing information at the board office and met Andy and Zanna Do, the wonderful and friendly managers of Nail 1 Salon & Spa. The atmosphere and décor was so relaxing that I had to go back later that week for a spa deluxe pedicure. I’ll definitely be back for more of their services.

So if you’re looking for a great relaxing environment for some much deserved pampering, please stop in and visit Andy and Zanna at
Nail 1 Salon & Spa
1162 Andrews Road, Suite E, Murphy NC 28906
828.837.8837 Open Mon – Sat 10 am to 7 pm

For more information on shopping, living and visiting the Murphy, NC and surrounding GA and TN mountains call Lee & Carol Barbour
1.800.837.9199 or visit www.LeeAndCarol.com

Summer Fun in Murphy, NC !

Well we didn’t need the calendar to tell us summer was officially here in Murphy, NC! We all had a colder than usual winter and it looks, and feels like, a hotter than usual summer too. Here in the western NC, north GA and eastern TN mountains we’re surrounded by many lakes and wide rushing rivers to cool off on these hot summer days. All of these companies offer Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing and Tubing adventures on the rivers.

RAFTING...
Ocoee Adventure Center: The whitewater rafting trips with the Ocoee Adventure Center are unsurpassed on the Ocoee River because we take our time and focus on quality, safety and big fun. Each of our Ocoee rafting trips spends 33% more time out on the water than other whitewater rafting outfitters.
Wildwater Rafting: Since 1971, Wildwater Ltd. Rafting's attention to detail has made us a leader in the outdoor adventure industry. Providing high quality experiences on our adventure rafting trips is our number one priority.
Ocoee Rafting: Is the oldest company on the Ocoee River, we have provided guided whitewater rafting adventures for 33 years. Since 1976 Ocoee Rafting has welcomed you to miles of challenging and exciting Class III and IV rapids on one of the country's premier rivers.
Ocoee Whitewater Center: Home of the 1996 Olympics, the Ocoee Whitewater Center is managed by the Forest Service as a multiple use recreational and educational complex. Consisting of a four-acre recreation area, the OWC offers water play, picnicking, hiking, biking, a nature-oriented gift shop, environmental education programs, a 7,200 sq. ft. visitors center, year-round special events, and provides the playground for whitewater rafting and kayaking.
Nantahala Outdoor Center: The shimmering Nantahala River offers whitewater rafting through mild but exciting rapids. Nantahala Outdoor Center rafting features eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls. This is one of America's most popular whitewater runs, so expect to see other paddlers playing in the waves.

KAYAK & CANOE...
Kayak & Canoe Lessons: Nantahala Outdoor Center offers kayak and canoe instruction that far exceed any other kayak school in the nation. They are fortunate enough to have more than 35 years experience under our belts as the place where the top names in kayaking come to train, to learn and to share. Since their Paddling School took shape in the 70s, they have set the standard in safety and innovation. You can trust these years of experience in any NOC activity you participate in.

TUBING...
Cool River Tubing: Come and enjoy a relaxing afternoon family vacation at Cool River Tubing Company! Take a river tubing trip down the scenic Chattahoochee, or play all day on our wonderful waterslide. All of our tube trips include your tube, U.S. Coast Guard approved life preserver, a shuttle service and a relaxing float through the scenic alpine village of Helen, GA.
Toccoa River Adventures: is an owner operated family run business. We are in our 4th year of operation on the Toccoa River. Toccoa River Adventures work very hard to give each customer personal attention and to make sure their trip is one they will fondly remember for years to come.

VISIT ONE OF THESE NEAR BY LAKES FOR BOATING, FISHING & JET SKIING...

Fontana Reservoir

Nantahala Lake

Bear Paw - Mountain View Marina

Lake Nottely

Hiwassee Lake

Lake Chatuge

Apalachia Lake

Blue Ridge Lake

Lance Crossing in Blairsville, GA just listed 2BR/2BA home FOR SALE

10189 Lance Crossing 2BR/2BA home on 2.1 +/- acres. This immaculate home located in Blairsville, GA offers a spacious split floor plan, stone fireplace with wood burning stove, cathedral ceiling, walk-in closets and all appliances. Convenient to the NC and GA state line. Private location, nicely landscaped and plenty of room for a garden and to build another home on the adjoining lot. Small branch, carport and fenced-in area for your pets. Don’t miss seeing this lovely and affordable home today! $159,900 NC #110464

For more information on this home or to search the western NC,
north GA or eastern TN Mountains for homes or land for sale visit
Lee & Carol Barbour at www.MountainLivingTeam.com

Murphy, NC is bursting with colorful Lilies all around the western NC Mountains!

Come to Murphy, NC and enjoy Mountain Living! Here are just a few of the beautiful Lilies you'll find popping up all over local yards and along the roadsides in the western North Carolina, north Georgia and the eastern Tennessee Mountains.

For more information on Mountain Living and to find your get-away cabin in the Mountains visit www.LeeAndCarol.com