There is music, music, and more music to enjoy this weekend in Highlands NC.  From a battle of the bands to a string quartet, if you like music you’ll love being in Highlands. 

Friday, August 12th, Friday Night Live takes begins at 5:30 p.m. in downtown Highlands.  Make your way to the Town Square to listen to the bluegrass, mountain ballads, and original music of Mountain Hoo Doo.

Also on Friday is the Battle of the Bands, held at the Martin Lipscomb Performing Arts Center at 6 p.m.  The Linden String Quartet and the Attaca String Quartet will create the magical sounds of Mozart, Walton, and Mendelssohn.

Saturday, August 13th, Highlands Idol will take place at the old gym in the Highlands School.  Showcasing amazing local talent, from bands to solo acts, this is an evening of promising talent that will benefit Relay for Life.

Also on Saturday, in nearby Cashiers, another evening of the Battle of the Bands will be held at the Albert Carlton Library at 5 p.m.  The Linden String Quartet and the Attaca String Quartet will again create the magical sounds of Mozart, Walton, and Mendelssohn.

Sunday, August 14, the Final Gala wraps up the 30th annual Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival. The Martin Lipscomb Performing Arts Center at 5 p.m. will showcase performers that include the Linden Quartet, the Attacca Quartet, Laura Ardan on clarinet, Lea Kibler on flute, Valerie Von Pechy Whitcup on harp, William Ransom on piano, Doug Sommer on bass, and Carl Nitchie playing the bassoon.

Highlands NC offers exposure to a variety of arts, musical, performing, and visual, in a stunning mountain setting.  While special events take place throughout the year the area’s lively arts scene is especially evident during the summer months.  Contact me today to learn more about living in Highlands NC and the unique real estate opportunities that exist here.  As an experienced Highlands REALTOR® I can offer access to all Highlands real estate that is currently listed for sale, as well as information that will help you get to know our fabulous area.

For more information about Highlands and Cashiers North Carolina, and for access to the HighlandsNC/CashiersNC MLS, contact Meadows Mountain Realty today, 866-526-3558 or email us today at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.

Catch summer in bloom in Highlands NC this weekend with the Mountains in Bloom Garden Festival that runs through Sunday, July 10th.  This is the weekend that gardening enthusiasts gather to ooh and aah over a plethora of plants and flowers, with the chance to view five majestic gardens in Highlands Country Club.  In addition there will be a flower show, garden luncheon, photographs on display, and lectures.

• Catch the Garden Tour on Saturday at 9 am, 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m.  Shuttles will depart from the Highlands Civic Center.
• The Flower Show will take place at the Bascom from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

There is no doubt that summer brings out the best of Highlands, offering a wealth of activities and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.  The Mountains in Bloom Garden Festival, celebrating its 13th year, is but one of many festivals that take place in our unique area.

Please contact us today to learn more about Highlands real estate opportunities.  Highlands offers exceptional vacation ownership opportunities as well as a lifetime of memories in the making.

Click here to visit the website for the Mountains in Bloom Garden Festival.

For more information about Highlands and Cashiers North Carolina, and for access to the HighlandsNC/CashiersNC MLS, contact Meadows Mountain Realty today, 866-526-3558 or email us today at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.

Get ready to kick up your heels at the Cashiers Mountain Music Festival!  This year’s event will be held on Saturday, July 2^nd and Sunday, July 3^rd in the Village Green Gazebo and will feature musical acts by a variety of talented artists including Balsam Range and Doc Watson.   

In addition to the top-notch performances, you can enjoy delicious food and beverages, a car show, a kids’ zone, an arts and crafts show, plus a vendor area for local merchants.  The Cashiers Mountain Music Festival offers fun for the whole family to enjoy!

One of the other wonderful things about this great event is that the Cashier Mountain Music Festival is the chief fundraiser for the Cashiers Preservation Foundation.  This non-profit foundation was started in April of 2009 with the Help of the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce.  With its mission to work towards enhancing and encouraging the continued success of the local schools and area non-profits, money raised by the Cashiers Preservation Foundation goes directly to those organizations.

 The Cashiers Mountain Music Festival is currently seeking sponsors for the event.  There are sponsorship levels ranging from $100 to $15,000 which all come a number of privileges.  Additionally, the festival is also looking for local vendors who would like to sell their wares at the event.  Booth sizes are 10’ x 10’ and are available for $100.  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or a vendor, please visit the festival website at http://www.cashiersnorthcarolina.com/cmmf/index.htm.

Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased on the festival website.  Ticket prices are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the show.  Children 12 and under are admitted free.    

For further information about this exciting event, please visit the Cashiers Mountain Music Festival website at http://www.cashiersnorthcarolina.com/cmmf/index.htm, or call the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce at 828-743-5191.

Over six years ago, the churches in the Cashiers community came together to combine their outreach efforts to provide food to those in need in the area.   The Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry is the result of that collaborative effort.  The organization is run totally by volunteers and is made possible by the generous donations from individuals, churches and community service organizations. 

The Pantry spokesperson, Carole Stork says “We average over 2,000 family visits annually, distributing approximately two and a half tons on food per month.”    She goes on “The people we serve are a mixture of local residents and Latino immigrants who are out of work primarily in the winter months, plus a number of senior citizens.”  

On July 2nd, the group will host their Annual Big Ol’ Mountain Country Breakfast to benefit the Pantry.    The proceeds from this popular event will support efforts to feed the hungry throughout the year.   Join them from 7am until 11am at the Cashiers Community Center on Highway 64 (the Highlands Road).   The breakfast organizers are looking for another big turnout this year serving generous portions of food prepared with care and time-tested recipes.

If you cannot attend the breakfast, but would like to donate to the Pantry, send your contribution to Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry, P.O. Box 865, Cashiers NC 28717.

On Saturday, June 18th, area residents and their guests will have an opportunity to experience the beautiful, mystical way of life in the mysterious land of Shangri-La.     This Asian-based evening is the theme of REACH of Jackson County’s eighth annual fundraiser and will take place at the Country Club of Sapphire Valley beginning at 6:30 pm.   

Shangri-La will be filled with music and dancing.   The Gamelan Ensemble will feature traditional instruments and sounds from the Far East.   The evening will also feature a buffet dinner, drinks, no-stakes casino style games and a silent auction featuring many unique items from the area as well as high-adventure experiences.

REACH is hoping for a great turnout for the event.  Executive Director of REACH, Kim Roberts-Fer says, “We are asking for the public to come out for an evening of fun at Shangri-La to help assist REACH of Jackson Country with the funding of our core services.  With this past year being our toughest financially, it is our hope that you are able to support our mission.”    Throughout it’s 33 year history, this non-profit organization has been helping end domestic and sexual violence, as well as child abuse in the area.   Crisis counseling, legal assistance, community education, emergency shelter and a 24-hour crisis hotline are just a few of the service offered by REACH.

Tickets for Shangri-La are just $75 per person and are available by contacting REACH of Jackson County at 828.631.4466 extension 207.   For more information of sponsorships or donations contact REACH at 828.631.4488 extension 207 or email REACH at outreach@reachofjackson.com.

Each year about this time, the ladies of the Mountain Garden Club and their helpers gather a fabulous inventory of native plants to be sold to area residents for their gardens.   These plants are grown locally so they are acclimated to our local climate and with just a little watering and care should flourish.  

The sale starts at 9 am on Saturday May 29th at eh Ball Field in Highland on Highway 64 (The Cashiers Road), about three blocks from Main Street Highlands.    There will be a huge variety of hostas, perennials, shrubs, herbs, flowering bushes and more.    Heirloom tomatoes will be a very popular plant again this year and will be limited in the number of plants available.    The number of plants and the variety of species continues to expand each year.

Garden Club members will be on hand to advise buyers about planting and caring for the plants they buy.  The will also be able to tell purchasers about likes and dislikes for various plants, plus where they should be planted for best growth.

The proceeds from the sale fund the club’s many community projects, esp[ecially scholarships for students pusuing a degree in the field of horticulture, landscape design, forestry management, or golf course management.    The funds also support the wonderful butterfly garden at the Highlands School and the gardens at the Fidelia Eckerd Living Center.

Shoppers should come early for the best selection.  The Club will provide wheelbarrows and wagons and helpers to load up your plants.   This is a great opportunity to have beautiful landscaping or a lush garden this summer.    Remember it is cash only to buy,  no credit cards.     

For more information on the plant sale, please call any of the brokers at Meadows Mountain Realty at 828.526.1717 or email us at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.      We are here to help you with all of your real estate needs.

Once again, The Bascom will kick-start the summer season in Highlands NC with a three-day celebration of wine, food and the arts.    From May 19th through the 21st,   participants will wine and dine with some of the most respected wine makers in the world who will team up with the Southeast’s most renowned chefs.

Opening Night Private Home Dinners will feature Chef John Besh from Restaurant August in New Orleans, Chef Carvel Gould from Canoe in Atlanta, Chef Frank Lee from S.N.O.B (Slightly North of Broad) in Charleston, Chef John Fleer (former chef at Blackberry Farm) of Canyon Kitchen in Cashiers,  and Chef Todd Ginsberg from Bocado in Atlanta.    Wineries will have principals in attendance to share their wine and answer questions about their craft.

On Friday evening, the Grand Tasting Meet and Greet is a “stock your cellar” celebration at The Bascom, sponsored by Mountain Fresh Groceries.   Following the tasting will be intimate winemaker dinners at area restaurants including Wolfgang’s on Main, Paoletti’s, Madison’s Restaurant and The Gamekeeper’s Tavern in Sapphire.   Reservations for these dinners should be made directly at the participating restaurant and are on a first come, first served basis.

New this year is Catch the Spirit Village Sip and Stroll sponsored by Bryson’s Food Store.      Guests will spend Saturday afternoon wandering through Bryson’s or the shops at Town Square tasting wine and learning more about winemaking.

The weekend’s final event will take place Saturday evening at The Bascom.  The Grand Gala Benefit Wine Dinner and Auction will be an event to remember.   The auction includes some rare and collectible French wines; a VIP weekend for two couples with tours, tastings and dinners at Reynolds Family Winery and Lambert Bridge Winery; an exclusive trip to Charleston during Spoleto Festival; and a 15L bottle of Clicquot Champagne.  

The funds raised by the “Collective Spirits” events benefit The Bascom by providing critical operating funds.  The Bascom is open year round.    For more information on The Bascom “Collective Spirits” or other visual arts programming please visit their website at www.TheBascom.org or call 828.526.4949.

Highlands North Carolina is blessed to have a very active Rotary Club with extraordinary Rotarians who are dedicated to making Highlands NC the best it can be.    Two of their largest events are just around the corner.  

On Friday evening  April 29th, Monte Carlo Night will be held at Highlands Country Club.     Members of the Rotary Club will host table games, craps and roulette with all proceeds benefitting Rotary philanthropies.   For $60 per person, which includes $15 worth of chips, gamers will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer while they try their luck at the tables.      This evening of fun and excitement will all take place in the magnificent Highlands Country Club clubhouse which went through a $10 million renovation in 2005.

Then on May 29th, golfers from around the area will have a rare opportunity to tee it up on Highlands oldest country club, where legendary golfer Bobby Jones hit the first ball on the course.   Highlands Country Club was designed by legendary Scottish course architect Donald Ross and built in 1928.   Bobby Jones was an early member of the club and honed his skills on the course and practice range before achieving the grand slam.    The cost is $150 per person which included lunch on the course, beverages and prizes.    In addition to the 11am shotgun start, golfers will be challenged with closest to the pin and longest drive contests. 

The Rotary Club of Highlands is grateful for the support of Highlands Country Club again for these two events which put over $15,000 back into the community last year.   Many community organizations benefit from Rotary’s support including The Literacy Council, The Food Pantry, and Highlands School.   Please call any Rotarian or Brian Stiehler at 828.787.2778 for details or reservations for the tournament.

For more information on activities on The Highlands Plateau, give any of the brokers at Meadows Mountain Realty a call at 828.526.1717 or email us at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.    We are your experts, not just for real estate but for all things Highlands.

Plan your visit to Highlands North Carolina for April 29th through May 1st to kick off the 2011 culinary season with Wine and Dine on the Mountain.  

This special weekend will captivate all of your senses through fine meals, accompanied by fine wines and the artistic talents of Thomas Arvid.    Arvid has been named one of the top “25 Artists You Should Know” by US Art magazine.  His compositions of wine invite friends to appreciate the sharing of a great bottle, accompanied by tasteful food and lively conversation. 

The first event is a “Blue Jeans, Bluegrass Spring Harvest Barn Dinner” at the Farm of Old Edwards on Friday evening, featuring Whitehall Lane Wines.    On Saturday, Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro on Main Street will feature W.H. Smith Winery at a four course wine dinner at 7pm.    Finally, on Sunday, finish off the weekend with a delicious Jazz, Wine and Art Brunch at Madison’s Restaurant in the Old Edwards Inn.

The Old Edwards Inn and Spa is offering special accommodation packages throughout the spring.  This Five Star resort and spa has been named the #1 Hotel Spa in North America by Conde` Nast readers.    Seating for all events is limited.  To make reservations, call 828-787-2625 or 828-526-3807.    For additional information visit www.oldedardsinn.com/wineanddine.    

The Highlands experts at Meadows Mountain Realty can help you with all things Highlands, not just real estate but all your should know for a visit to the mountains.  Call us today at 828-526-1717 or contact us by email at info@meadowsmtnrealty.com.   

If you are a pet owner and want to put a smile on your face, visit the Woof Gang  Bakery  in downtown Cashiers.    Perhaps you’ve seen the ads on TV featuring smiling dogs…well, the products offered by the Martin Family will put smiles on your dogs’ faces too!

This coming Thursday, April 7 from 4 pm to 6pm,  Dan and Janet Martin  along with their children will be hosting an open house with wine and treats for human guests and exotic treats baked in-house for their pets.      Having vacationed in Cashiers for more than 15 years, their love of the area and the community led to their decision to make Cashiers their home.   The Martin family, including daughter Joy and son Jonathan, has always been involved in community service and they are committed to supporting the Cashiers Highlands Humane Society.  When Jonathan is not in school, you will most likely see him working with Janet at Woof Gang Bakery  making this a true family business.

This Dog Treat Bakery and Pet Boutique Franchise opened one year ago.  Catering to the Highlands Area’s Health-conscious Pet Owners and Pampered Pups, they are open year ’round and provide a continuing source of pleasure to their customers.    Founded in Orlando, Florida about four years ago, Woof Gang Bakery, the franchise, has been growing rapidly, nationwide. This store is located in the heart of Cashiers at 11 Pillar Drive, up behind the Tommy’s Restaurant building off Hwy 107 South.   Their phone, appropriately, is 828-743-WOOF (9663).

We visited the store last Friday and amidst the fragrance of sheets of dog cookies fresh from the oven,  learned that Janet had just returned from the Global Pet Show in Orlando where she  previewed new pet care products and ideas which she could introduce to the Highlands-Cashiers market.

 The furry and four-legged member of their family is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Brady (after Tom Brady the football player). Brady brought tremendous comfort and healing to the Martin family after the loss of their eldest son Jacob. “We have seen first-hand that these incredible creatures bring so much joy to people,” said Janet.

The Martin family’s enthusiasm is evident the minute you walk in their door. Their bright, vibrant array of pet products for cats and dogs, and caring customer service to Cashiers and Highlands residents and visitors is immediately evident.      “Our approach is very simple  greet everyone with a warm smile and hello, and provide for their pets’ needs and wants,” added Janet.  “We wanted to give back to a community that has so warmly wrapped our family in their arms. We love the people here and the simplicity of life they embrace.  Our guiding principle is care, share and always do what is right!”

Woof Gang Bakery Cashiers specializes in healthy, natural pet foods and treats, including hypoallergenic, wheat-free and grain-free selections, plus food, treats and supplements specially formulated for hip and joint issues.  The store offers a variety of fun, fuzzy, floatable and tough toys, as well as fashionable accessories, collars and leads, and a wide range of pet grooming products.    Special order requests are welcome and delivery service to local homes, resorts and businesses is available.

To put a smile on your pet’s face or for more information please call them at  828-743-WOOF (9663) or visit Woofgang’s online at  http://www.woofgangbakery.com/locations/cashiers.asp.      This post has been provided by Bill Peavey with Meadows Mountain Realty.    Bill can help you with Highlands NC and Cashiers NC real estate, or provide he can also provide information on all that is offered on The Highlands Plateau.   Call Bill at 828-526-1717 or visit us online at www.meadowsmtnrealty.com.