Monday, December 12, 2011
Friday, September 30, 2011
Fall Festival at the John C. Campbell Folk School - everyone in Murphy NC will be there!
Okay Murphy, it’s time to get ready for this weekends Fall Festival! One of the largest and most popular events of its type in the region, the 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 John C. Campbell Folk School’s Craft Shop and History Center make the annual Fall Festival a great way to begin the autumn season!
Check out this link to the Fall Festival Program to plan your weekend.
October 1 - 2, 2011
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday
Admission:Adults: $5.00, Kids 12-17: $3.00, Under 12: Free
Location:Folk School Campus
Handmade Craft for Sale
Over 200 juried and non-juried craftspeople will offer their handcrafted items for sale including jewelry, woodturning, pottery, weaving, ironwork, photography, rugs, woodcarvings, furniture, paintings, baskets and much, much more.
You’ll be fascinated by over 40 demonstrations of traditional and contemporary craft. See how to throw a clay pot, turn a wood bowl, spin wool into yarn or create a fine Windsor chair. Mountain Life Area
Visit our Mountain Life Area and watch traditional exhibitions such as blacksmithing, corn meal grinding and fly tying. Kids' Activities
Fall Festival is a great family outing. Kids will particularly enjoy: Face Painting Pony Rides, Wagon Rides, Drum Circle, and the Humane Society’s Pet Adoption Booth. Live Music & Dance on Two Stages
Tap your toes or stomp your feet to the sounds of old-time, bluegrass, folk, gospel and Celtic music both Saturday and Sunday. Dancers will delight you with clogging, Morris, Garland, and Rapper Sword performances.
Lee and I will be there so look for us or check back for our blog and photos from all the fun, food, music and crafts we saw at the 2011 Fall Festival!
Lee & Carol Barbour ~ Mountain Living Team
www.MurphyMountainLiving.com
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Great place in Murphy, NC to pamper yourself!
You know, there are a few nail salons in Murphy and I’ve been to them all, but I’ve got to say that Murphy Nails & Toes is by far my favorite. They have a great location just down from the McDonald's on the way into downtown Murphy, NC and owners, Tommy and Kim Bui, have done a great job in decorating and creating a relaxing atmosphere too.
I stopped in the other day and honestly I could have sat in that spa pedicure chair for the rest of the day! Trish did a fabulous job with my manicure and pedicure and I was so pleased with the color she helped me pick out. For some reason that always seems to be the hardest part for me - other than taking the time to pamper myself a little more often. They of course offer Acrylic, Pink & White Solar and Gel nail services and waxing along with manicure and deluxe spa pedicures for women and men. So I’ve got to say that Murphy Nails & Toes is my official favorite place for a pedicure and manicure in Murphy, NC now. If you haven’t visited them in their new location, please do the next time you need a little pampering too.
Murphy Nails & Toes ~ 828-835-7409 ~ 554 Hwy 64 West, Murphy, NC
Open Monday - Saturday 9am to 7pm Appointment & Walk-ins Welcome
Lee & Carol Barbour
"The Mountain Living Team"
info@mountainlivingteam.com
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Are you selling or buying that lovely 3 Bedroom home in Murphy, NC that only has a 2 Bedroom Septic System?
Are you selling or buying that lovely 3 Bedroom home in Murphy, NC that only has a 2 Bedroom Septic System?
When the Mountain Living Team has your home listed we pull the deed, covenants & restrictions, HOA, Tax Card, etc and start up our marketing plan. But don’t forget one more permit to pull…the Septic Permit. And if it’s not our listing, we make sure to pull a copy of the Septic Permit and make sure that the home you’re interested in buying has the septic permit to match what you’re about to purchase. If you choose to purchase a home that is marketed as a 3 bedroom, but only has a permit for 2 bedrooms that is certainly your choice. However, just know that according to the NC Real Estate Commission, we can only market it as a 2 bedroom home with an extra office or craft room. Making sure you’ve got all these details handled upfront will make your life and transactions run much smoother. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home or property in the Murphy, NC area we welcome the opportunity to share with you our marketing plan and information on the local real estate market.Lee & Carol Barbour ~ The Mountain Living Team www.MurphyMountainLiving.com
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Another lovely day in the Murphy, NC Mountains!
Just another lovely day in the Murphy, NC Mountains!
Creeks, Lakes, Pasture and Mountain Views instead of lots of traffic jams? If you’d like to live here in our small town atmosphere and enjoy mountain living visit Lee & Carol Barbour ~ The Mountain Living Team and we’ll get you started on finding your own “peace of the mountains”. www.MurphyMountainLiving.com
Lee & Carol Barbour
"The Mountain Living Team"
info@mountainlivingteam.com
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Lake Chatuge Clay County Rec Park in Hayesville, NC
Hayesville, NC - Clay County Recreation Park for Lake Chatuge fun!
If you’re looking for some fun out on Lake Chatuge this summer make sure to check out the Clay County Recreation Park just outside of downtown Hayesville, NC.
Feel like camping out lake side or having a great picnic or get-together in the large pavilions? Clay County Recreation Park offers camping sites, walking trails, ball field, swimming beach area and a children's playground. You might also want to drive out to the Chatuge Dam and watch the boaters go by or take a cool dip in the lake there too.
Lake Chatuge (pronounced Sha Toog) encompasses 7200 acres, 3700 of which lie in Clay County, NC. This lake was formed in 1942 when the TVA constructed a 2950 foot earth filled type dam across the Hiawassee River.
There are six large lakes all within 30 minutes or so in the tri-sate areas for you to enjoy while visiting or living in the western NC, north GA or east TN Mountains.
Lee & Carol Barbour ~ The Mountain Living Team www.MountainLivingTeam.com
Monday, July 25, 2011
Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris, GA
Crane Creek Vineyards located in Young Harris, Georgia was a place of celebration as they held their first booking in their new event building, Holly Hill. This will be a wonderful place for meetings, receptions, anniversaries, birthdays and other events.
But back to why we were there this night... the Bank of Hiawassee, Blairsville and Blue Ridge, held this special event for Realtors to announce they are now Citizens South Bank. Besides the gorgeous setting and views, we were treated to sampling their red and white wines along with a lavish cheese table, the biggest shrimp we’ve ever seen and other hors d’oeuvres - not to mention a desert display so delicious that their Sweet Sally white wine went perfect with. We’re looking forward to visiting Crane Creek Vineyards again and sharing this jewel in our own back yard with our family and friends.
There are many great places and things to do in the mountains of NC, GA and TN. If you’re visiting or think of moving to the mountains we’d love to share more information with you.
Lee & Carol Barbour ~ The Mountain living Team www.MurphyMountainLiving.com
Showing Off in the Murphy, NC Mountains
Showing off in the Murphy, NC Mountains! Well we all want to show off how beautiful our mountains are here in Murphy, NC too. This Tom is really a sight to see strutting along the western NC Mountains. Think anyone else will notice him?
Lakes, Creeks & Rivers, Wildlife, Wildflowers and Mountain Views instead of lots of traffic jams? If you’d like to live here in our small town atmosphere and enjoy the mountain living visit Lee & Carol Barbour ~ The Mountain Living Team and we’ll get you started on finding your own “peace of the mountains”. www.MurphyMountainLiving.com
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Just Sold in Murphy, NC...and my surprise delivery
We’ve been working with a great young couple for their first home here in Murphy, NC. Of course we’ve seen a lot of homes and one they even made an offer on, but it had some issues in the inspections and mold. So we kept looking and saw some very nice home, but not quite the one with the perfect setting and home that they could add their own touches to and have a spot for her to turn pottery.
Well as they say, good things come to those that wait (and keep searching), the perfect home we did find. Located in Murphy and just down from the John C. Campbell Folk School is this gorgeous Victorian home. The craftsmanship and details are fabulous, huge tiled baths and marble sun room off the master taking in the views. There was even a cute outbuilding that matched the home - just perfect for a pottery studio.
So today is the day they get the keys and start moving in! But I was the one who really had a surprise when I had a very special delivery of a colorful bouquet thanking me for finding them their dream home. Working with great people like Brian and Tami are reward enough, but this made my day.
If you’re looking to find that perfect home or land in the Murphy, NC area or north GA and east TN mountains we’d love the opportunity to meet and work with you too. Visit us at
Lee & Carol Barbour ~ The Mountain Living Team www.MurphyMountainLiving.com
Monday, July 18, 2011
Hayesville, NC - Machaceh Rescue Farm
Machaceh Rescue Farm in Hayesville, NC is a nonprofit family based ministry that aids in the help and care of abused, neglected or unwanted animals. I found the Rescue Farm while previewing a home over in Clay County, NC and passed this great painted barn and just had to stop and take a photo of it. That’s when I met Michelle Updike and she invited me in for a tour and introduced me to some of the animals there. Michelle’s passion for these animals is contagious. As she says “we fight and speak on the behalf of the animal because they have no voice to do so.” Machaceh is a Hebrew word meaning refuge, shelter from danger so that seems to be the perfect name for this wonderful ministry.
The Machaceh Rescue Farm supplies emergency medical and surgical care to the many animals in need. They are able to run the farm through the help of volunteers, sponsors, donations and homemade products that they sell. They sell a variety of homemade jams, jellies and other canned items, baked goods, wooden roses, and hair bows and other wood crafts. The Machaceh Rescue Farm goes to different events setting up a petting zoo, horse rides and animal sponsorship programs making people aware of the mission of the Rescue Farm and the neglect to animals in their community. Many of the animals are rehabilitated back to good health and adopted back out to loving homes. The Machaceh Rescue Farm is also available for birthday parties, horse rides and horse riding lessons.
If you’re interested in buying products, giving a tax deductible donation or seeing what their show dates are, just contact Michelle Updike at 706-835-8167 for more information.
The Machaceh Rescue Farm - machacehfarm@yahoo.com
205 Laurel Branch Lane, Hayesville, NC 28904
Lee & Carol Barbour ~ The Mountain Living Team www.MurphyMountainLiving.com
Friday, July 15, 2011
Fires Creek in Hayesville, NC to cool off in the summer!
Fires Creek in Hayesville, NC is a great place for some cool fun this summer! Just off Hwy 64 between Murphy and Hayesville, NC is a favorite spot of ours to visit with family and friends.
You can camp, hike the trails and ride horses here in Fires Creek, but we really like going to picnic and splash around in the river. Grab a picnic table under the shade of the trees and watch Fires Creek, which flows into nearby Hiwassee River, flowing by you. There are spots to jump off rocks, swim around and bring a tube if you want to float along. There are plenty of places for the little ones to get in or just to wade around and get your toes cold too. Plenty of cold water to cool you off this summer!
Lee & Carol Barbour ~ The Mountain Living Team www.MountainLivingTeam.com
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Another great reason to live in Murphy, NC
Did you know that flowers are one of the best reasons to live in Murphy, NC? Well they are certainly is one of our favorite reasons. There is nothing more relaxing or enjoyable than walking in the woods and finding all the different wildflowers or spending time in your own yard or garden planting flowers.
Here are three different flowers in honor the upcoming Hometown Celebration in downtown Murphy, NC at Konehete Park this coming 4th of July for you to enjoy.
There are so many beautiful flowers in the western NC, north GA and east TN mountains. Would you love to be surrounded by these flowers, mountains, lakes and rivers too? If you’re vacationing or wanting to move to the mountains...visit
Lee & Carol Barbour ~ The Mountain Living Team www.MurphyMountainLiving.com
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
What to do in Murphy, NC for the Summer
First Day of Summer in Murphy, NC and how to enjoy it. Summer Solstice - longest day of the year starts today, June 21, 2011. Here in Murphy, NC its been feeling a little like summer had been hanging around for a couple weeks already, but today is the official start of Summer.
So what are some of the great things to do in Murphy, NC this Summer, you ask?How about cooling off in the many lakes and rivers with these wet n’ wild water Outdoor Activities in the Mountains. We’ve got white water rafting, tubing, boating and all kinds of activities to keep you entertained and cool this summer. Now grab those hiking boots, walking stick and camping gear for some of the best trails and scenery that the whole family will enjoy for Hiking & Camping in the Mountains. And on those days that you want to pack up the car and venture off to see some of the other attractions, here are some more great Places in the Mountains to Visit If you’re living or just visiting Murphy, NC and the surrounding western NC, north GA or east TN Mountains you'll never run out of enjoyable things to do - no matter what season we’re in here in the mountains. Visit Lee & Carol Barbour ~ The Mountain Living Team at www.MurphyMountainLiving.com
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Best Restaurant in Murphy, NC
Our favorite weekend dinner spot is the Italian Caffe in Murphy, North Carolina. You’ll find all the traditional dishes and of course the best pizza in town, but the Italian Caffe also has the best steak dinner in town too.
Piero (Peter) Perna, Owner/Chef, and his lovely wife Pietra, serves up such a huge cut of steak that Lee even shares his cooked to perfection broccoli and baked potato with me - even though my fresh pasta Fettuccini Alfredo is more than I can finish anyway.
After a dinner like this we don't have a bit of room for any of Pietra’s homemade delicious deserts, but you can bet we take a slice or two home for later to go along with our leftovers!
They also have the best Lunch Buffet anywhere around too.
Next time you’re in Murphy, NC and have a hunger for the best Italian food, fish, steak and more in the area visit the Italian Caffe 828-837-1301
4195 West Hwy 64, Murphy NC 28906
Thursday, June 9, 2011
North Carolina Homes with QR Codes
Here in the small towns of the North Carolina and Georgia Mountains you might be wondering what those weird square boxes are popping up all over our signs, flyers, banners and billboards just to name a few.
These QR Codes are a great way to almost instantly get you more photos and information than you could ever put on a sign or postcard of some of the gorgeous properties we have listed at Coldwell Banker High Country.
Here is one of the latest ways we utilized the custom QR Codes… This postcard can be emailed, turned into a yard sign or printed. Either way, you get the idea. Scan that QR Code for more information and photos on making this great Hiwassee River Chalet home yours.
Lee & Carol Barbour ~ The Mountain Living Team www.MurphyMountainLiving.com
Friday, June 3, 2011
Murphy, NC Realtor gets a surprise "payday"...
Being a Realtor in Murphy, NC is the profession we’ve chosen and we love working together as The Mountain Living Team. While we love listing and marketing properties for our Sellers, our true passion is working with Buyers, especially those from out of state or not familiar with our area, lifestyle and all these beautiful mountains have to offer.
We truly understand all the differences, details and questions you’ll have in finding and living in a smaller mountain community. Many have never experienced living in an area with four seasons, but we assure you you’ll love getting used to it.
So back to our surprise…We worked with Don and Bonnie, a great couple from Florida to help them find a home here in Cherokee County, NC and the surrounding north GA areas. They will retire in a few years, but with so many great values on the market and some of the best interest rates in decades, they decided it was the right time and opportunity to buy their mountain home.
Like most buyers they had certain requirements for the perfect home. Tops on their list were room for their RV, easy access and a garage and workshop for Don. Bonnie would love a big kitchen and really wanted a dining room with plenty of room for all the family and friends that would be spending time with them. But there was one other thing that Bonnie needed and that was going to be a special room for her quilting machine.
Lee and I emailed them many homes that looked promising and then we’d go out and take lots of photos of the home and surrounding area as well as measure the rooms to accommodate the quilting machine.
Well, it took time, but Don and Bonnie now have the home that is all they wanted and maybe even a little more. I stopped by to see them on their latest trip up and was so surprised at the lovely and thoughtful gift they presented us. This gorgeous quilt had all the colors I love, greens, browns, mustard and oranges. How did Bonnie know it would be so perfect in our home?
So this was a great surprise, but really the best “payday” for us is working with and getting to know great Clients that become great Friends. Thank you so much Don & Bonnie!
Visit Lee & carol Barbour ~ The Mountain Living Team at www.MurphyMountainLiving.com
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Murphy, NC - where you can have gardens and chickens
One thing we love and a lot of people are looking for is unrestricted land where you can have a nice garden and maybe even a few chickens to keep you busy. Hey, after you leave the "big cities" and move to the country of Murphy, NC and the surrounding north GA and east TN mountains you won't be spending so much time in traffic or fighting off the crowds at the mall!
But don't worry, if you're just looking for something in a subdivision or overlooking the lake or mountains we can still find you the perfect piece of property in the mountains.
Lee & Carol Barbour ~ The Mountain Living Team www.MountainLivingTeam.com
Monday, May 30, 2011
Murphy, NC celebrating Memorial Day
Murphy, NC Celebrated Memorial Day at Memorial Park in the heart of downtown Murphy. The traditional service actually started at sunrise this morning with the raising of the Flag and then to half staff.
As the sun was shining and we had a slight breeze around 10:30 everyone started to gather for the Memorial Day Celebration at the Memorial Park. It was a very moving ceremony with the History of the Wars and Uniformed Soldiers marched into formation. The Murphy Choir did a fabulous job with the song service and then there was the Placing of the Wreaths. Chills as the Honor Guard saluted and Taps was played. After a moment of silence everyone picked up a carnation for the Pass in Review and laid their flower at the memorial. Finally at 12:00 noon the Flag was raised to full staff by the color guard.
It was a great turnout in Cherokee County, NC and good to see so many old and young remembering all the military men and women that have given their lives for our great country. Thank you to all past and present Military personnel that give everything for our freedoms. God Bless America.
For more on living in Murphy, NC or our surrounding GA and TN Mountains visit
Lee & Carol Barbour ~ The Mountain Living Team www.MurphyMountainLiving.com
