Musings from the Mountains

First, a few words about the housing market here in the Maggie Valley, Waynesville area.  Housing inventories remain thin (not enough homes currently for sale).  As housing prices fluctuate with supply and demand, this shortage of inventory has housing prices remaining elevated as they have the last 2 years.  I believe housing prices will remain stable unless inventories rise considerably.

Second, a word about our weather.  Many folks coming here to live, or choosing to purchase a vacation home here, do so for the beauty of our mountains, and our mountain weather.  After much of February, March and April having above average temperatures, this week has been cooler with showers.  Next week, at least according to the weatherman, will be drier, but still cool.  Daytime temperatures next week are forecast to be in the mid 50’s to the mid 60’s.  This will be great for getting that garden started, and maybe planting tomatoes.

Third, I want everyone to know about the closing that has been announced for the Evergreen Packaging paper mill in Canton.  This closing will directly impact 1000 employees and many other associated businesses such as the chipper mill in Waynesville, and all the loggers in the area who cut pulp wood for the plant, and many others who depend either directly or indirectly on the mill for their livelihood.  This is a challenging time for Canton, especially.  Kudos to Zeb Smathers, the mayor of Canton, who has been working tirelessly to help displaced workers find other employment and set up training programs to help these workers train for other job opportunities.  Many of these workers are second and third generation employees of the plant.

Lastly, I have had customers ask about Pickleball in our area.  Pickleball is known as the fastest growing sport in America, and even the world.  Many folks coming from Florida have been playing Pickleball there.  I can tell you from personal experience that Pickleball is alive and well here in the mountains.  The Waynesville Recreation Center has indoor pickleball courts in the Rec Center on Vance Street and the Old Armory on Boundary Street in Waynesville.  There are also outdoor courts at Lake Junaluska and more outdoor courts planned in the Allens Creek Park off Allens Creek Road in Waynesville.  The town of Canton just opened 6 new pickleball courts in Canton at the rec park across from the Canton Middle School.  Also, Bear Waters Brewery is opening a new location on South Main Street in Waynesville, near Walmart.  They are remodeling an old warehouse and will have some indoor Pickleball courts according to a newspaper article.

Thanks for reading this.  See you next time!