Pray Forest Fires End in Western North Carolina

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It’s hard to believe Western North Carolina is experiencing so many wild fires. As you drive through Murphy, the smoke is so thick, its hard to see in some places. Although there are no fires in Cherokee County NC (and I hope we have none), the area is experiencing a 100+ year drought. I spoke with my mother-in-law and she does not recall it ever being so dry in our beautiful mountains.

I went to Hayesville NC on Veterans Day and had the privilege of watching so many incredible folks try to put out the fires that our plaguing our area. I literally saw a dozen helicopters fly to refill and drop water on raging fires over and over and over again. There are so many heroes who have fought these fires and saved so many homes. I saw smoke that was 100 yards from a home and I can’t imagine the fear and concern some people have for their dreams.

Please keep your prayers up: both for rain and for the brave men and women working so hard to eliminate the fires.

The Poltrock Team – REMAX Mountain Properties – Murphy NC – www.iLoveMurphy.com– Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team

John Poltrock Has Been at REMAX in Murphy NC for 10 Years

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John Poltrock at REMAX 10 YearsIt’s hard to believe – I’ve officially been with REMAX in Murphy NC for 10 years! It’s been an incredible opportunity and a lot of fun. I have met wonderful people who I will never forget. I’ve sold hundreds of homes, as many parcels of land, and went from “Rising Star” with the Mountain Lakes Board of Realtors shortly after I first started real estate here to the top Realtor in the area.

Everything started with Jessica and I getting married 10 years ago – that’s right – my marriage anniversary and RE/MAX anniversary are literally a few days apart! Thank you to every person who I’ve worked for and with – I am thankful for and enjoy every day and look forward to 10 more years! I couldn’t be happier than to call Murphy NC my home and real estate my career.

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

Donna and Wayne Complete the Accredited Buyers Representative Course

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ABR Designation Class in Murphy Andrews NC
The Poltrock Team is HERE! Wayne Cofer is in the pink shirt and Donna Srabian is on the back row, second from left.

The Accredited Buyer’s Representative course, or ABR, is designed specifically for Realtors who work with home buyers. It is produced by the National Association of Realtors and was sponsored this week by the Mountain Lakes Board of Realtors, which is our local Realtor organization. It’s a great course to make certain real estate agents are on the cutting edge of technology, education, and experience to ensure those who buy real estate have a true professional represent them in the buying process.

What is also great is that not only Donna Srabian and Wayne Cofer of The Poltrock Team at RE/MAX, we also have other RE/MAX agents from Murphy NC! Randy Dockery, Amity Ledford, and Lori Curtis also attend and pass the course.

If you are interested in buying real estate in the mountains of Murphy NC, no one else can provide a better experience than us! Please feel free to Contact Us and let us know what we can do for you! Call or contact us online today! 🙂

The Poltrock Team – REMAX Mountain Properties – Murphy NC – www.MyMurphy.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team

Murphy NC Slackline Park Offers Exciting New Recreational Activity

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If you’re the first person in the neighborhood to try an offbeat new sport, gear yourself up for some slacklining here in Murphy, NC. What is slacklining? Well, imagine a cross between tightrope walking and skateboarding. Basically, you balance on a flat piece of nylon webbing stretched between two trees or poles. You’re generally several inches to a few feet off the ground – not suspended above Niagara Falls.

Slacklining might sound like some extreme sports fad, but it has been around since the 1980s. As slacklining mythology goes, mountain climbers were itching for something to do during rest periods, so they decided to test their balance by stretching climbing ropes between two trees. Now, devoted slackers nationwide are performing their own personal balancing acts. Some are even doing yoga and gymnastics while they’re perched above the ground.

Speaking of happy slackers, you’ll be pleased to learn that slacklining has attracted fans of all ages and abilities. In other words, you don’t have to be a super-fit circus tightrope walker to enjoy this inexpensive sport. You also don’t need any fancy gear – just comfortable clothes that don’t constrict your movements. Some slackers wear nicely broken-in flat-soled shoes, such as tennis shoes; while others work the slackline with their bare feet. If you choose this route, make sure the surrounding ground is free from glass or other sharp objects. To be on the safe side, clear a 10-foot space on every side of the line.

So let’s say slacklining sounds like your kind of sport, and you’re chomping at the bit to get started. Join up with the Murphy Slackers, like-minded folks (including families) who have established a slacklining presence in Konaheeta Park, just across from the Hiwassee Valley Pool and Wellness Center. Walk behind the last baseball field, near the end of the Murphy Riverwalk.

Throughout the summer and early fall, the Murphy Slackline Park is full of action. During Murphy Slackers’ regular gatherings, you’ll see several slackers working the lines while others mingle nearby. By frequently checking the group’s Facebook page, you might learn about a potluck picnic, giving you a great meal while you meet some devoted slackers. Chances are, they’ll also find excuses for cozy get-togethers during the winter (indoors, of course). Come spring, the Murphy, NC Slackline Park will gear up for another season of activities. Get ready to join those happy slackers!

The Poltrock Team – REMAX Mountain Properties – Murphy NC – www.MyMurphy.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team

News Flash! Hanging Dog Campground in Murphy NC Will Reopen for Overnight Camping in 2016

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If you’ve missed your overnight visits to Hanging Dog Campground – just a stone’s throw from Murphy, NC – you’ve probably missed more than the gorgeous scenery on Lake Hiwassee or nature’s sounds. You’ve been pining away for that bacon sizzling on your camp stove each morning – and your piping hot coffee that helps you clear the cobwebs after a good night’s sleep. Well, air out that tent and sleeping bag, because Hanging Dog will reopen to overnight visitors for the 2016 season!

To get new residents and visitors up to speed, Federal Forest Service officials closed Hanging Dog Campground in 2014 because of increasing operating costs and fewer visitors. Although the Recreation Area’s day use facilities are still available, we were all disappointed at losing our overnight camping spot. In fact, we heard rumors of desperate campers sacking out in their pickups or camping in their yards – they just missed the feeling of sleeping in the great outdoors.

Fortunately, our Cherokee County Commissioners have been working behind the scenes to turn this unfortunate situation around. They’ve spent considerable time huddling with the Forest Service, and have also gotten support from United States Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis and United States Congressman Mark Meadows. North Carolina Representative Roger West and North Carolina Senator Jim Davis have also helped to grease the wheels on this worthy effort.

As we write this, the Commissioners and Forest Service are hammering out the details of an overnight camping agreement for the 2016 season. As you might expect, Cherokee County will allocate some funds to upgrade the overnight facilities and perform seasonal maintenance work. Even better, the Commissioners are eying future collaborations with the Forest Service, with the goal of expanding recreational opportunities on Forest Service lands.

However, this groundbreaking news comes with one huge catch. If we want Hanging Dog Campground to be open for overnight camping beyond 2016, we must really throw our support behind it. In other words, start planning those overnight camping trips right now and get out there an USE IT!

Get your friends and extended family together, or plan a “get away from it all” weekend for yourself and a special companion. Pass the word on your Facebook page, and post a notice on the community bulletin board. Finally, book that coveted campsite when the website’s reservation portal opens. Remember, the Forest Service is keeping a close eye on this Murphy, NC landmark – for all the right reasons.

John Campbell Folk School Fall Festival in Brasstown NC Offers Fun for the Entire Family

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It’s true! The 2015 Fall Festival is cancelled for the first time that we know of! It’s quite disappointing that we will not be able to enjoy all the festivities; however, we know it is well worth the wait for next year. Go ahead and put it on your 2016 calendar and be prepared to see us in the mountains. So here’s this year’s article we wrote about the festival:

If you’re always ready for a good mountain craft festival, and you want to enjoy our drop-dead-gorgeous fall colors, come check out the famous John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival. This almost-legendary event takes place near Murphy NC, in a charming little place called Brasstown NC during the first weekend in October. This year’s Fall Festival will be held on October 3 and 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In fact, this is quite a special gathering, as the Folk School celebrates its 90th Anniversary in 2015.

When you arrive on the Folk School campus, park your vehicle and put on your walking shoes. Start meandering along the tree-lined paths as you visit over 240 craft vendors who are happy to share their work. You’ll see fine-quality basketry, glass, ironwork, jewelry, painting, custom knives, pottery, weaving, woodturning, and woodworking…plus some interesting crafts you’ve never seen before. If you’re a hands-on person, come watch over 40 traditional and contemporary craft demonstrations that provide a taste of our region’s Appalachian culture.

If your toes begin tapping when you hear some lively music, the Fall Festival offers plenty of live performances on two stages. The roomy Festival Barn stage, and the wooded Shady Grove

near the Craft Shop, will host quite a lineup of regional musicians and dancers. Come hear country, old time, bluegrass, gospel, Celtic, French, and blues songs throughout the weekend. The Appalachian cloggers and Morris dancers will wake up your sense of rhythm, and you might even start swaying to the music while you watch.

Kids will also discover plenty of fun Fall Festival activities. Pony rides and face painting are always a hit, and the Cherokee County Arts Council will tempt younger festivalgoers with some exciting crafts projects. Inside the group’s tent, budding artists can dabble in paper arts, fabric collages, painting, felting, and whimmy-diddling, just to name a few.

Naturally, you’ll work up an appetite while you browse craft vendors and dance to the live music. Good thing the Fall Festival has lots of lunch, snack, and dessert foods for every taste. Even better, all proceeds support local non-profit and community groups. That’s a “win win” for everybody!

What are you waiting for? Get on down to the John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival, just a stone’s throw from Murphy, NC and Cherokee County. We just might see you there!

 

Read our post on the 2013 Fall Festival at John C. Campbell Folk School

Read our post on the 2012 Fall Festival at John C. Campbell Folk School

The Poltrock Team – REMAX Mountain Properties – Murphy NC – www.MyMurphy.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team

Harrahs Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel is Officially Open in Murphy NC

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Harrahs Casino Murphy NC Harrahs Casino Opening Day in Murphy NCIt’s official! The approximately 110 million dollar project known as Harrahs Cherokee Valley River Casino and Hotel officially opened its doors for business today right here in Murphy NC. The attendance was so great it literally caused a several mile long traffic jam on the the eastbound 74! It’s an exciting business that has brought some great job opportunities to the area. As you can see from the pictures, there were a lot of people there checking it out.

It’s been over a year ago since the Cherokee representatives met with local Realtors in the area, and its amazing to see such an ambitious construction project come to fruition. It’s another thing to add to the To Do List in Murphy NC. As we understand, there are more phases in the long range plan that will bring ever more entertainment, food, and more right here to Murphy. If you’re a casino goer, enjoy! 😀

John Poltrock – REMAX of Murphy NC – www.MyMurphy.com–JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team

John Poltrock is elected to the Board of Directors for the Mountain Lakes Board of Realtors

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2012 New LOGO

Today was the annual Mountain Lakes Board of Realtors meeting where real estate agents from all companies in the area met to vote on who was going to serve on the Board of Directors. John Poltrock served as the Secretary this past year and is now elected to a 3 year period as a Director. It is a great opportunity to work with other agents in the area and make it better for all the agents in the area to work together, help our customers and friends, and sell real estate 🙂

The Poltrock Team – REMAX of Murphy NC – www.MyMurphy.com–JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team

Blue Ridge Parkway Quarter Released Honoring Western North Carolina

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Blue Ridge Parkway Quarter 1It’s rare places in Western North Carolina are honored by the likes of the Unites States Treasury. However, 2015 is the year it does! I was handed change at the store and noticed it and was very pleasantly surprised!

The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles from the mountains of North Carolina all the way to Virginia. If you’ve never had the privilege of driving it, you certainly need to! You’ll see amazing views and scenic sights that will never leave your memory. It is stunning! And now when you get change at the store like I did, perhaps you’ll end up with a little piece of Western North Carolina in your pocket.

Blue Ridge Parkway Quarter2The Poltrock Team – REMAX of Murphy NC – www.MyMurphy.com–JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team

Hanging Dog Moonshine Hits Stores in Murphy NC

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Hanging Dog Moonshine in Murphy NC
A bottle of Hanging Dog Moonshine signed by the man himself, Wayne Nix

Yes, it’s true. Murphy NC now has its own legal moonshine thanks to Wayne Nix. Wayne was featured on the Discovery Channels’s Moonshiners TV show… and that was just the start. Now his Hanging Dog Moonshine is being sold in Murphy NC’s local ABC Store! Not only that, you can buy it by the shot at Doyle’s Cedar Hill Restaurant. So go on, give it a try and say you had some true mountain moonshine!

Learn more at Hanging Dog Moonshine’s Facebook Page or Website.

 The Poltrock Team – REMAX of Murphy NC – www.MyMurphy.com–JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team

Hanging Dog Moonshine