Blog
Have You Winterized Your Home?
If you are a part-time resident in the mountains, you should have already winterized your home, if you are not here in the Winter. Yesterday morning at the house we had a low of 12 degrees, and the temperature stayed below freezing all day. This morning the low was 14 degrees at my home, and 12 degrees at Paul’s home. With these temperatures in an unheated home, freezing of pipes is a possibility. Leaving the heat on at a low setting is a solution, but can be a huge problem if we have inclement weather and the power goes off.
The best way to winterize, is to have it done professionally. We can recommend a plumber for this if you do not have one on your list. A plumber will drain all your water pipes, then blow the pipes clear of all water using compressed air. A complete job of winterizing includes draining hoses to the dishwasher and the refrigerator ice maker. A plumber will drain all water closet tanks and pour RV antifreeze into the bowls to protect them. He will also pour a small amount of antifreeze into each drain so that drain water in the drain traps will not freeze. A plumber will turn off the main water line to the home and cut the power to the pump if you have a well. Each of these steps is important to prevent freeze damage, and save you from a big headache in the Spring.
Check us out on Facebook and let us know what you’re thinking. While you’re at it, check out Cataloochee Ski Area on Facebook. Because of the early snow this year they are now open to the top of the quad. THINK SNOW!
Winter Came Early to Haywood County
Well, we had our first snow of the year. It began on Halloween Evening. By Saturday, November 1st most of us awoke to about 3 inches of snow in the valleys, but Cataloochee Ski Area had about 6 inches. Hopefully, Cataloochee will have another great year of skiing and boarding.
This weekend will be a bit cold, thanks to the storm in the Midwest. It should be getting much colder the first of the week, but snow is not in the immediate forecast.
We are so thrilled that winter is just around the corner. Activities in Haywood county do not stop with the summer, they just change! Skiing and snowboarding at Cataloochee ski area is so much fun. Check it out and come see us soon! www.Cataloochee.com
Proud to be Haywood County Realtors
At this time of year we give thanks and are reminded of why we are proud to be members of The Haywood County Board of Realtors. Our membership is very involved in the community, from volunteering to contributions. No-one can cover the multitude of worthy charities out there, but these are some of the ones your Realtors are involved with: the Special Olympics, The American Cancer Society, The United Way, Habitat for Humanity, The Rotary Club, The Haywood Christian Ministry’s Heating Fuel Fund, Broyhill Baptist Children’s Home, Kare, Scholarships for Haywood county students, Coat Drive, Sarges Animal Welfare, and when you pass a bell ringer in the area for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Bell Ringing, chances are there is a caring Haywood County Realtor behind the bell.
We’re not bragging, just paying homage to our brother’s and sisters of The Haywood County Board of Realtors and our heartfelt gratitude for being members of such a caring group of people.
Information Worth Saving – Safe Tick Removal
Every now and then someone shares some information that we feel worthy of passing on. Such was a post shared by G. Antonelli. The email got us to thinking and we did a little research on our own too. Rather than re-write what the experts have to say we are providing a link for you to check it out CLICK HERE. Good information to know! Nature can throw us a challenge sometimes.
We hope you have had a wonderful summer and as fall approaches the Blue Ridge Smoky Mountains come alive with color. It truly is a benefit when you live in a true 4 seasons area such as Maggie Valley. Hope to see you here.
“Uncle Jack” had a VISION!
The history of the Smoky Mountains is rich and colorful. Each town, each region, has stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. Maggie Valley has its share of stories to tell. No matter how you tell the story of Maggie Valley it is a story worthy of telling.
In the EARLY 1900’s, John Sidney Setzer, who became known as “Uncle Jack” having settled in the Valley had the task of going to the Old Plott post office to get the mail for himself and the residents of the valley. This was a long and tedious task on horseback. Growing tired of the journey he decided that the valley needed its own post office. He took it on himself to write to the Postmaster General in Washington, D.C. to ask permission to open a post office in his home to service the residents of the valley.
The word came back from Washington that he would have to prove the need for a post office. He set about the task of keeping meticulous records of all the mail that came and went from the area for many months. He then submitted his records and four names for consideration. Three of those names were the names of his daughters.
Finally, the wait was over. Washington approved the application and chose daughter “Maggie” for the post office name. Thus, the “Maggie” post office was official and opened for business on May 10th, in the year 1904.
One man, determination, a vision, stayed the course of his dream. One man, made a difference for an entire community.
We are proud of “Uncle Jack” and the legacy he left behind. His story is a true American story that can proudly be told to generations yet to come.
And the rest, for lack of a better phrase, is “HISTORY”.
Y’all come, you hear 🙂
Note: The story goes that a young Maggie wasn’t thrilled to have her name used. She eventually came around to it. She even helped her PA in the post office from time to time. She became a local celebrity of sorts. In the summer you might even see the official “Maggie” walking the streets of the Valley and waving at everyone who passes. Look for the yellow bonnet. Maggie died at the age of 88. We will always fondly remember her in the valley; after all, she is and will always be our official mascot.
Copywriter: “Mountain Dreams Realty of WNC, Inc.” – Please do not copy or reproduce without written permission from Mountain Dreams Realty of WNC, Inc.
AND for the inquiring minds… here is your July Market Report for Haywood County courtesy of our own Danny Pugh: Local MARKET INSIGHTS for All Home Types as of July 31, 2014
We have a bathroom attendant 11 months a year!
Mountain Dreams Realty of WNC is the only real estate office in the area that can boast that it has a bathroom attendant eleven months of the year. Why eleven? In October he stands out in front of the office with candy in his tray and speaks to people if they get close enough to trip his sensor.
Waterfalls of Haywood County
There is nothing like discovering a waterfall. The Smoky Mountains and Haywood County are background to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Come discover, Bridal Veil Falls, Cullasaja Falls, Dry Falls, Graveyard Fields, Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Falls, Sliding Rock, Soco Falls, Toxaway Falls, Waterfalls Ridge, and Whitewater Falls… AND these are just in our little part of beautiful North Carolina. Please click here for detailed information about each of the falls. Enjoy.
Bring your camera. It is going to be a picture perfect summer!!!
Hikers lace up your boots because we are going to share some of our favorite hiking trails in next month’s blog!
Market Trend Reports: Click on the report anywhere for enlarged view
Fishing Sportsmen Take Notice
Mountain trout fishing is a wonderful sport. What if you could try it, or take the kids on their first fishing experience without all the cost normally involved…. to see if you like it, would you?
Let’s get you started by contacting North Carolina Wildlife at www.ncwildlife.org. Ask them about fishing Mountain Heritage Trout Water for 3 days for a nominal fee of $5. They also include a free tackle box with 3 lures and a fly or spinner rod. Pack a picnic, let’s go fishing! PS: Maggie Valley Chamber can provide you with the information as well.
Picture this. You spend a day fishing for the most sought after trout in the land. You have your prize and you head home. You prepare the fish and the smell permeates the air. Just as you sit down to your meal, the sun sets on the Smoky Mountains, a peace comes over you and you know you are HOME. Ok, enough of that.
Best darn trout you have ever tasted!!!
For those already hooked!!!! NC residents, fishing license are only $20 annually. Nonresidents $30 or you can purchase a 10 day license for only $10…. Folks, that’s only $1 a day to catch some of the most mouth watering fish from a beautiful rushing mountain stream.
If you are on the Cherokee Indian Reservation there is no fishing license required. Be aware that there is a $7 per day tribal permit.
Now you know we had to say it: *Prices subject to change, the prices quoted are current. Please check with the NC Wildlife office before you make your trip.
Click HERE for a glimpse into Haywood County.. We hope you enjoy.
Bragging Rights
From history to the great outdoors, there is something to do in Maggie Valley, North Carolina year round.
Make 2014 your year to visit this mountain treasure we call home.
Some of our suggestions:
Spend a quiet day on a Maggie Valley deck or porch and let the beauty of the surroundings relax you.
Seeking outdoor adventure? Hike, fish in a mountain stream, go horseback riding through the mountains, discover one of our many waterfalls, go on a picnic, photograph the abundant nature, play bingo in our outdoor pavilion, bring a chair and enjoy an outdoor concert under the stars. See the historic grave sites of Haywood County.
Indoors: Visit the Wheels Through Time Museum, the Maggie Valley Opry House, the famous Stompin’ Ground for world class clogging, or dance the night away at the Diamond K.
Winter: Ski, tube, and snowboarding. Sumner: Visit the famous Ghost Town in the Sky Amusement Park.
Does it sound like we’re bragging? We guess we are! The list can go on and on, but you get the idea, there is plenty to do in Maggie Valley and we look forward to seeing you anytime.
Report-click on: Market Overview by Price- SFR-Cond-TH- Haywood County as of March 31, 2014
Our Mountain Heritage
There are many colorful tales that flow out of the Appalachian heritage. Marvin Sutton was one of those tales. Marvin was originally from Maggie Valley, NC. He became recognized as “Popcorn” Sutton. He was a moonshiner, bootlegger if you will. He was born on October 5 1946. He met his demise, by his own hand, on March 16, 2009. Sadly, he committed suicide to avoid a prison sentence.
Popcorn Sutton disagreed with the federal regime. He was able to “outrun” law enforcement most of the time. He told folks he felt it was his mountain heritage that gave him the right to do what he did.
He wrote a self-published autobiographical guide to moonshine production. He even produced a home made movie. His story was featured in a documentary that won a Regional Emmy Award.
If you want to know more about Popcorn Sutton’s legacy, you can find it all over the web.
What we remember most, is Popcorn’s honesty, (odd as that may sound), his public appearances, and his theatrical role that originated with his legend over the years. It was sad the way his story ended. He is gone, but he did make “dang sure, ” he was not forgotten.
Here’s the recipe we promised you:
Grandma Bessie’s no nonsense pound cake
First, a little background, if you please. Grandma Bessie said “in the day you used what you had on hand, they did not have the convenience of running to a grocery at a whim.”
Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Milk, Eggs, Butter
1 stick of buttler – 1 cup of sugar – 1 cup of flour – 1/4 cup of milk – 2 eggs (or 1 if you don’t have two) -( sometimes the hen is fussy)
Butter room temperature, mix it all together, 350 oven and bake until brown on top. Knife should come out clean. It’s Done! (Don’t forget to grease and flour your pan)
Y’all don’t tell Grandma, but we added 1/2 tsp vanilla and grated orange peel (yum!)
And last but not least here’s your Haywood County Market Overview for February 2014 Market Overview by Price- SFR-Cond-TH- Haywood County as of February 28, 2014
