Toastmasters in Murphy NC

It’s almost here! Toastmasters is close to having a club right here in Murphy NC! We are working to build our 20 required initial members and then we will be official.

When: Monday nights at 6:30
Where: currently at RBC Bank in downtown
Who: Call me if you’re interested and I can give you more details

We currently have around ten people regularly coming, and after a few meetings, that’s really good! We hope you’ll come join!

What is Toastmasters? It is an organization that helps people become better leaders and speakers. It helps build confidence, know-how, networking, and so much more. Check out www.toastmasters.org to learn much, much more.

John Poltrock – The Poltrock Team – www.MyMurphy.com – Call Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com

Boat Marinas in Murphy NC on Lake Hiwassee

Mountain View Marina in Bear Paw Resort

Now that Lake Hiwassee is full of water and the weather in Murphy NC is really getting nice and warm, now is the time to be enjoying the lake! To help with that, we are fortunate to have several good boat marinas here in Murphy. Most of them are smaller, local family operations – which makes them a great place to do business!

Be sure to click the link on the name of the marina as we put more information available on them.

  • Duke’s Marina – 828-835-3332 – Located in Hanging Dog off of Joe Brown Highway, you’ll find Duke’s after you go a little ways past the Hanging Dog Forest Service Campground and Boat Ramp. They offer a boat launch, fuel, pontoon boat rentals, fishing supplies, slips, and more.
  • Shook’s Marina – 828-837-2863 – Located in the Unaka area of Hanging Dog, Shook’s offers boat slips, boat rentals, gas, food, fishing supplies, and more.
  • Mountain View Marina (in Bear Paw Resort) – 828-644-5451 – this nice marina is situated right in the heart of Bear Paw in the Hiwassee Dam Community of Murphy (west side of Lake Hiwassee). They offer boat rentals, slips, fuel, a marina store, and more.
  • Harbor Cove Marina – 828-644-0661 – Located just before you get to Bear Paw in Hiwassee Dam. They have slips, fuel, and more.

Love Lake Hiwassee and want to find real estate in the mountains of Murphy NC? Search our Listings for sale and Contact Us Today!

The Poltrock Team – REMAX Mountain Properties – www.iLoveMurphy.comJohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call Toll Free 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

John C Campbell Folk School Fall Festival was a Blast in Murphy / Brasstown NC!!

Every year, the Folk School Designs a Banner - this is 2009's!
Every year, the Folk School Designs a Banner - this is 2009's!

Every year, the John C Campbell Folk School in Brasstown NC welcomes thousands of people from all over the United States to their annual Fall Festival – and this year’s was great! There were lots of vendors and artists who brought their talent and crafts for sale at the hundreds of vendor tents.

 

Not only that, there was authentic local music, dancing, and so much more. They hold all the music at the large barn and its always packed slam full of folks who are there to enjoy all the local talent. This year had choirs, bluegrass music, tap dancing, and everything else you can think of in between.

Just a Few Vendors and Artists
Just a Few Vendors and Artists

This Festival is not only for the adult – kids love it too! There are all sorts of things for the children to do – horse back riding, alpacas to pet, toys to find and buy, friends to see, and so much more!

 

Last year’s Folk School Festival was a lot of fun too, and as always, we can’t wait to enjoy the upcoming one in 2010!

Written by John Poltrock, Certified Residential Specialist – The POLTROCK TEAM at RE/MAX Mountain Properties – www.MyMurphy.com – Call us Toll Free – 1-866-687-7496 – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com

 

Katie & Friend Pet the Alpacas
Katie & Friend Pet the Alpacas

Scott Hogsed Memorial Youth Day a Blast for the Children in Murphy NC

Learning to Shoot Bow and Arrows in Murphy NC
Learning to Shoot Bow and Arrows in Murphy NC

This Saturday was an absolute blast! More than 600 kids in the Murphy, North Carolina area met in the Martins Creek / Brasstown area to enjoy one major event – the Scott Hogsed Memorial Youth Day.

Katie Practicing Fly Fishing
Katie Practicing Fly Fishing

Every year for the past four or five years, Scott Hogsed Memorial Day has been orchestrated in August by Mr. Sam Hogsed for the sole purpose of educating kids on the outdoor sports. There were groups of classes on everything from fly fishing, rope bridges, bow and arrow shooting, BB gun shooting, and so much more.

Boy Scouts in Murphy Sponsored Rope Bridge
Boy Scouts in Murphy Sponsored Rope Bridge

To top it off, every kid that comes gets a gift bag full of goodies and a FREE fishing rod! At the end, they even give away more things such as a bow, gun, all sorts of things with the sole purpose to entice children to get outside and enjoy all the thing nature offers here in Murphy NC.

If you didn’t make it this year, be sure to come! The kids always have a good time and word of advice: bring yard chairs and some water so you can sit down and enjoy the shade while the children are out running around. See you next year!

John Poltrock – The POLTROCK TEAM at RE/MAX Mountain Properties – www.MyMurphy.comJohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us toll-free 1-866-687-7496

Fall is the time for Food, Fun, Frolicking! And Real Estate!

Fall is in the air!  You can most defiantly tell with the trees starting to turn in the higher elevations, cool crisp mornings and to die for evenings.  I think Fall is my favorite time of the year. Pumpkins, mums, pansies, Halloween, trees and festivals are just a few reason why.  If you check out the mountains in the Fall you will need to bring a light weight coat or sweater.  Jeans or shorts are fine and short sleeves are great during the day.  Temperatures range from 50’s in the morning and low 80’s to mid 70’s during the day.  Make sure you bring some walking shoes or boots because you will most defiantly want to take a walk…it is so beautiful in the Blue Ridge / Smokey Mountains! We love going to all the festivals in the area and surround counties.

Here are some of the best festivals that you need to check out when you come to Murphy, North Carolina in the Fall.

17-20th

54th Annual Macon County Fair. Macon County Fair Grounds, Hwy 441S. Contact 828-524-3267. Franklin North Carolina

27
Valley River Mountain FestivalAndrews NC
Sponsored by Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters in Andrews. An all day event consisting of a bike race, a 5k run, all sorts of sport competitions, skeet, archery, games, food and bluegrass. Call 828-321-2210 for more information.

27
Kid’s FairMurphy, NC
Will be held in the Konehete Park from 10 am-2pm. For more information call Jill Thistle at Family Resources: 828-837-3460.

October

45
35th Annual Fall FestivalMurphy, NC
Held at the John C. Campbell Folk School from 10 am-5pm at the school campus. Featuring the craft of 200 craftspeople, continuous music and dance performances on two stages of old time, bluegrass, folk, and gospel styles. More than 40 craft-making demonstrations including a Mountain Life area, food, kid’s activities and much more. 828-837-2775, 800-365-5724 or
www.folkschool.org

1012
Jeep Jamboree
Will be held in Murphy. Registration will be held at the Rock Gym Thursday evening. Friday dinner will be catered by the Foster Sisters at their new barn facility. Saturday dinner will be at the John C. Campbell Folk School. Visit their website:
www.jeepjamboreeusa.com

10-19th
Fall Festival – Georgia Mountain Fair


1311 Music Hall Rd.
Hiawassee, GA30546
Location: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Contact: Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
Phone: 706-896-4191
Email:
gamtfair@alltel.net
Website: www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com
Cost: $9.00 per person – Children under 10 free
Description: With its mild temperatures and beautiful scenery there is no better place to be than the North Georgia Mountains in the fall. Each October, the 10-day event features exciting musical performances, educational demonstrations, a flower show and the ever-popular Georgia’s Official State Fiddlers’ Convention. Parking $2.00

16-18th

16th Annual Smoky Mountain Art & Craft Fest will be held from 10am to 5pm daily at the Macon County Fair Grounds/Franklin, NC – featuring 80 of the finest and most unique Artisans ; live music; great food & over 100 free door prizes donated by the Artists and Crafters. Contact Laurie Keneipp for additional information at 828-524-6630.

11-19

Sorghum Festival At Meeks Park-Blaisville, GA

Time: 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM

Event Description

Celebrate the Art of Sorghum Syrup Making!  Activities include Arts & Crafts, Syrup Making, Greased Pole Climbin’, Log Sawin’, “Baccor” Spitin’, Rock Throwin’, Live Music,
Face Painting and Food
Other festivities include:
Saturday,Oct.11th 9:00a.m – 5:00p.m. Sorghum Parade @ 11:00 (downtown)
Sunday, Oct.12th, 9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. Sorghum Events
Saturday, Oct.18th gates open 9:00a.m.- 5:00p.m.
Car & Motorcycle Show – TBA

Sunday, Oct. 19th,  9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. Sorghum Events

24-25

12th Annual Pumpkin FestFranklin – Hayrides from East Franklin Shopping Center from 3pm – 6pm, After School Treats for the kids in East Franklin Shopping Center from 3pm – 5pm. Saturday, 10/25 Street festival along Main Street with crafters, Famous Pumpkin Roll, Live Music all day, Pie Eating Contest, Games, Costume Contest and Parade along with Food. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Town of Franklin, Franklin Main Street Program and Franklin Tourism Development Committee. Contact 828-524-0476.

Here are some of the more popular Fall Festivals in and around the neighboring counties!  I got the info from the county commerce sites.  There are more activities located on the sites…you should check them out if you are going to be in the area. The county commerce sites are so helpful and loaded with information!

Cherokee County- Murphy, Andrews and Brasstown

www.cherokeecountychamber.com/calendarevents.lasso

Union County- Blairsville GA

www.blairsvillechamber.com/Events.html

Towns County- Hiawassee and Young Harris GA

www.mountaintopga.com/calendar_of_events.asp

Macon County- Franklin NC

www.franklin-chamber.com/visitorInformation/eventsCalendar.asp#sep

September

John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown NC is a Great Place to Learn just about Anything!

It’s not always just about real estate, it’s about the natural beauty of a place and the things there are to do there. The John C. Campbell Folk School is an excellent combination of both.

In the mountains of Brasstown, North Carolina, a school exists with the motto, “I sing behind the plow.” The school is John C. Campbell Folk School and the skills that are taught here are so expansive that one is sure to be right up your alley.   From the art of writing, to basketry, the choices of over 860 classes held both weekdays and weekends are for the amateurs and the proficient alike. This is a unique vacation unlike any other and the creative side of you will be drawn out by the expertise of the instructors. Small classes and interactive learning in a passive atmosphere will be an experience you will enjoy in an area of tremendous scenic beauty that only a place like Brasstown, NC has to offer.

Resident artists and a staff that is dedicated to allowing you the chance to explore your inner artist help to keep the John C. Campbell Folk School a great learning environment. The Folk School welcomes you to the area and the wide array of skills you can learn while you are visiting. The classes are small so the instructors have one on one time with those wishing to learn a new skill or polish up on one they learned several years ago.

The studios are all about the learning experience – the choices you have are practically endless:.

* Blacksmith
* Clay
* Cooking
* Enameling/hot glass
* Fly Fishing
* Jewelry/Metalwork/Cold Glass Studio
* Keith House, Lower
* Music Studio
* Painting Studio
* Photography
* Quilting
* Rock Room
* Weaving Studio
* Wet Room
* Woodcarving
* Woodworking Studio

A few of the selections you will have are highlighted here, but this is only a sampling of the fun and creative time you can have when you visit the John C. Campbell Folk School.

The Rock Room

Enjoy this studio with rock covered walls that blends in with the nature of the North Carolina hills. The windows are plentiful and the openness of the space for basket, chair seat and broom classes are what make the Rock Room a studio that you will enjoy working in while learning these skills.

Woodcarving Studio

Here is the epitome of the rustic and picturesque buildings of old. The saw mill nearby and the porch for enjoying the mountain air make this building the perfect spot for woodcarving. The carvers can make whatever their hearts desire from a cowboy to a mythical wood spirit.

Music Studio

The splendid view surrounding the Music Studio seems to be just made for the enjoyment of music. From the mountain dulcimer to the Native American flute, the classes held in this beautiful studio which boasts a fireplace are available for all levels – the beginning musician to the experienced.

Enameling/Hot Glass Studio

With the joining of metal to glass, the possible projects are endless. Jewelry, home décor and art are all taught in this studio. Work on an art project that will inspire the free form artist in you – a three dimensional project made of copper or a stained glass technique. Whatever you choose will be a personal work of art you will enjoy making.

Cooking Studio

If you love to cook or just want to learn how this is a culinary dream come true. The huge selection of appliances with which you will have to work are going to ensure you will come up with a wonderful dish or two. From the wood-fired brick oven to the pasta maker, you can learn the basics of cooking or dream up a real masterpiece.

The John C. Campbell Folk School will certainly be a sure hit within your home, whether it is here in North Carolina or out of state, and may very possibly be a place for return visits in the future.

You can learn more about the folk school including class list and more at their official website: www.folkschool.org

Searching for Real Estate in Brasstown NC Near the Folk School or Close By? CLICK HERE and we’ll send you the listings that fit what YOU are looking for!

John Poltrock – The Poltrock Team at REMAX Mountain Properties – www.MyMurphy.com – Call Toll Free 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

Find out about the 2009 Fall Festival at the Folk School

Hanging Dog US Forest Service Campground in Murphy, North Carolina

Murphy, North Carolina is known for its natural beauty and resources, and the US Forest Service maintains an excellent facility in Hanging Dog. The Nantahala National Forest has camping sites set up and ready, bath facilities, two public boat ramps on Lake Hiwassee, group picnic shelter, bike riding, trail heads, and much more.

Because it is maintained by the US Forest Service, all of the resources available here are either free or quite inexpensive. The facilities are in excellent shape! You can find more information from the local Ranger District. You can find out more from them at:

Tusquitee Ranger District
201 Woodland Drive
Murphy, NC 28906
Phone – 828-837-5152

 

John Poltrock, Certified Residential Specialist –www.iLoveMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call The POLTROCK TEAM at RE/MAX Mountain Properties today at 866-687-7496

John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival 2008 in Murphy, NC

Cool weather, falling leaves, and festivals means it is October and that Fall is in full swing here in Murphy, North Carolina!

Last weekend we went to the John C Campbell Folk School‘s Fall Festival here in Murphy, NC / Brasstown, NC. It was perfect weather! Despite gas shortages throughout much of the southeast, 1,000’s of people made their way to come visit the festivities that were wide open all weekend.

Jessica, Katie, and I had a great time walking around, visiting all the different booths, the live music, riding horses (well, Katie did!), eating, and seeing tons of people we haven’t seen in a while! The best part is seeing the truly talented vendors selling everything from their soaps, trinkets, and my personal favorite, photographs.

This year’s Fall Festival was great and we look forward to next year’s!

John Poltrock – The POLTROCK TEAM – www.mymurphy.comJohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call Toll Free 1-866-687-7496

Boating and Fishing Fun on Lakes around Murphy, North Carolina!

It’s not always about the property you can buy and the types of real estate for sale in Murphy, NC. If there’s nothing to do, it’s no fun! Fortunately if you love the water, Murphy has a lot for everyone. Check out some of the base information available about boating and fishing in Murphy:

Appalachia Lake
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina is Appalachia Lake. This beautiful lake has 31 miles of shoreline and over 1,000 acres of water. Most of the shoreline is preserved by Nantahala National Forest with no developed recreation areas making it an excellent place to seek solitude. It is ideal for canoes and kayaks, but can easily accommodate a sport boat. Game fish in Appalachia Lake include small mouth and large mouth bass, white bass, walleye and trout.
Lake Blue Ridge
Lake Blue Ridge is one of North Georgia’s most beautiful mountain lakes with 65 miles of shoreline. Most of the lake is located within the Chattahoochee National Forest and is managed by the USDA Forest Service. Bass, bream, catfish, perch, and crappie call this lake home. Additionally, Walleye can be caught here and it’s of the few lakes south of The Great Lakes where that can be accomplished. There are numerous facilities on the lake including campsites, public swimming and picnic areas, boat ramps, and a full-service   marina.
Lake ChatugeChairs Watching Lake Chatuge in Western North Carolina
Chatuge Lake is a picturesque lake with 130 miles of shoreline in the Appalachian Mountains. Located on the Hiwassee River in western North Carolina the reservoir is 13 miles long and extends into North Georgia. Thousands of visitors come each year for the sport fishing this lake offers. Try your luck catching any of the 32 species of fish such as small mouth bass, large mouth bass, spotted bass, striped white bass, sunfish and crappie. Some facilities include a boat ramp, boat rentals, camping, picnicking, and you can even play a round of golf at Chatuge Shores Golf Course overlook Lake Chatuge.
Lake Hiwassee
Lake Hiwassee is located on the Hiwassee River in Murphy NC of Western North Carolina and is primarily fed by the Hiwassee, Nottely, and Valley rivers. The lake is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest which offers stunning scenery and has almost 180 miles of shoreline and more than 200 feet deep in places. Several recreation areas allow public access to the lake with boat ramps, camping, hiking trails and picnic areas. There are even four marinas servicing Lake Hiwassee.
Nantahala Lake
Nantahala Lake is located in the Wayah Ranger District in Macon County, North Carolina. Some of the shoreline is publicly owned and is managed by the Nantahala National Forest and while the lake is regulated and maintained by Duke Power Company. There is one   public boat ramp.  Fish in the lake include walleye, crappie, sunfish, trout, bass, and is one of the few lakes in the Unites States clear and cold enough to support salmon.
Lake Nottely

Lake Nottely is located in Georgia within the Chattahoochee National Forest with 106 miles of shoreline. It is a popular place for fishing and boasts two marinas and several public boat ramps. There is a beach with a swimming area, campground, and picnic facilities.

John Poltrock, Murphy NC Certified Residential Specialist – www.MyMurphy.comSearch Murphy NC MLS of all Real EstateJohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us toll free at 866-687-7496 and demand The POLTROCK TEAM!

Golf in and around Murphy, NC

When you purchase a real estate investment in the mountains of Murphy, North Carolina, it is very sensible to ensure you have your favorite recreations available to you. If golfing is one of your favorite things to do, then there’s many "green" opportunities available to you!

 

Brasstown Valley Resort

  Brasstown Valley Golf Club is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Georgia. Ranked as one of the top courses to play in Georgia it offers breathtaking scenery and challenging play amongst    wildlife preserves, ponds and streams.

 

 

Butternut Creek Golf Course

Butternut Creek Golf Course

 

Butternut Creek Golf Course is nestled in the
beautiful north Georgia Mountains in the town of Blairsville. Come experience the thrill of playing “mountain golf” in one of the area’s best public golf courses with 18 holes and 6,536 yards of impressive fairways.

 

 

Chatuge Shores Golf Course

Chatuge Shores Golf Course 

Chatuge Shores Golf Course is located in the quaint town of Hayesville in the mountains of Western North Carolina. The course    offers 18 holes ranging from Par 3’s to Par 5’s alongside the beautiful Lake Chatuge with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a
stunning backdrop.

 

 

Cherokee Hills Golf Course

Cherokee Hills Golf Course

  Experience golf in the Great Smoky Mountains with Cherokee Hills Golf Course. Amenities include a par-72 championship course, driving range, pool, tennis courts, practice green, pro shop, snack bar, restaurant and more. Golf packages are available.

 

 The Ridges Resort Golf Course

The Ridges Resort Golf Course

  For a day of championship golf, visit the 18-hole, par 70 course at The Ridges Resort overlooking Lake Chatuge and the Nantahala National Forest. Located in one of the most scenic areas of North Carolina the course offers a challenge to beginner and advanced golfers alike.

 

John Poltrock – RE/MAX Mountain Properties – www.MyMurphy.comJohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us for Real Estate in the Mountains of Murphy, North Carolina – Call Toll-Free 1-866-687-7496