Monthly Archives: February 2009

Tommy Jarrell Festival in Mount Airy

Source: Mount Airy News

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In 2001, the year of the late Tommy Jarrell’s 100th birthday, the Surry Arts Council begin organizing the Tommy Jarrell Festival.

Saturday will kick off the 8th annual festival that will include two days of jam sessions, lectures, music, film, dancing, instrument makers, youth talent and tours of Mount Airy.

The festival is the result of a well-attended birthday celebration honoring the memory of fiddler and Surry County native Tommy Jarrell, who was born March 1, 1901 at the foot of Fisher Peak and raised in the Round Peak area.

He was one of the area’s most famous old-time musicians.

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Top 5 Reasons To Live In Holly Springs, Nc

From: GetLocalRealEstate.com
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Growing from a small village as old as the discovery of the fresh water springs for which the city is named, Holly Springs, North Carolina has a history dating back to the 18th Century and the influx of European visitors. Going back even further, the area was used by the Tuscarora Indians as a hunting ground. With the arrival of major businessmen such as Archibald Leslie in the early 19th century, the city began to grow. Even today, one can find and tour the Leslie-Alford-Mims House, the 38 room mansion built by the industrious tailor.

But, for those thinking of moving to the area now, Holly Springs is more than just rich history and classic architecture. It?s a rapidly growing city in the midst of Wake County and the Raleigh area. Amongst so many rapidly growing towns and small cities, Holly Springs has been given the nickname, ?The fastest grown town in the Carolinas?. Because of its rapid growth, there are more than a few good reasons to live here besides its rich history.

In the midst of the Wake County Public School System, and surrounded by the gloriously famous Duke, NC State, and UNC campuses, the area has long been a home to solid education, including the Holly Springs Academy, designed to prep young men for entry into Wake Forest College. The public schools aren?t half bad themselves and as a center for employees in the Research Triangle, it?s a great place to start and raise a family.

With a population of less than 1000 in 1990, the city has grown to nearly 15,000 as of the most recent census estimate and will continue to do so for years to come, a direct result of such rapid growth and economic boom in the Triangle. This means that businesses in the area, springing up constantly to serve the new residents are top notch and of the highest quality.

Along with rapidly growing economic services such as shopping districts and growing housing markets, the city is home to that classic North Carolina charm and small town atmosphere, to coincide with its big city residents. The relaxed atmosphere makes it one of the best places to live for those whose days are spent in the growing high rises of Raleigh or research parks.

For the obvious reasons of growth and popularly low housing costs, Holly Springs has grown very rapidly. The beautiful area, wonderful neighbors and proximity to the work and education centers that new families seek out more than anything have made Holly Springs an ideal place to live.The author would like you to visit Holly Springs, NC Real Estate Buyers Agent and Raleigh Real Estate.

Visit the website for the Town of Holly Springs, NC!

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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Celebrates its 75th Anniversary

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Robert Crootof photo

Haywood County, N.C. – In 2009, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will celebrate a great milestone. One of America’s most popular national parks – with more than 9 million visitors annually – The Great Smoky Mountains have been treating people from far and near to its natural splendor, serving as a tranquil refuge and scenic sanctuary for 75 years.

There’s never been a better time to visit this national treasure. The Park will be offering special events and activities each month during 2009 along with its usual menu of recreational opportunities. Within this majestic park you can explore 800 miles of hiking trails via foot or tour its 384 miles of road by automobile. There is also plenty of opportunity for scenic photography expeditions and wildlife viewing.

And there’s no better place to set up “base camp” than in Haywood County, North Carolina – located only a short drive from the park’s main entrance and just minutes from one of its most unique and beautiful areas.

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Blowing Rock: A Little Town with a Lot to Offer

By Lillie • on February 18, 2009
HighCountryMomSquad.com

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I find it very exciting to be able to share with you about the town that I call home . Although I have personal reasons as to why this town has become such a special place to me,  I do believe that my views are shared with many who have lived, worked, vacationed, or retired here in Blowing Rock.  You will find this resort town to be very friendly.   It is full of down to earth people who want to raise their kids in a healthy, and safe environment.  We have a good mix of generations here.   I believe it causes us to really learn and grasp the new ideas along with the ones that have been established for years.    People who live here want to stay here and those that have had to move away are usually trying to find a way to return.

Blowing Rock is a quaint village situated right off of the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. We are nestled in at about 4000 feet high.  We really get to experience all  four seasons here.   If you are a local here, you will have become very acquainted with the fog that frequently envelopes us in its tight embrace.   Blowing Rock has a unique Norman Rockwell feel to it and a storybook charm.

Best selling author Jan Karen based her famous novels The Mitford Series after our town. Our seasonal parades really reflect a southern step back in time and attract many from near and far.   We are one of the Top 10 North Carolina towns to retire in.   We live among some fascinating retirees that have so much to offer us in their stories and words of wisdom on how to mold and shape our lives and our future.

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Music in Moore

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When it’s too cold outside, visit the Sandhills of North Carolina in Southern Pines. Music venues make the area a great place to visit for a day and enjoy an evening of live entertainment. And if you like, spend the night and enjoy the best hospitality the region has to offer.

For a full calendar of events click HERE.

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Laurel Mill Near Louisburg, NC

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In the north central part of the county, about 12 or so miles north east of Louisburg, is this beautiful mid-nineteenth century grist mill used for corn (and perhaps wheat) named Laurel Mill. Depending on whom you ask, where you’re from or how much you know about Franklin County, the mill is located in either the area of Gupton, Oswego or Gold Sands. While all seem legitimate claims to me, the National Register of Historic Places puts Laurel Mill officially in the Gupton area. Not surprisingly, this picturesque spot, despite being deep in rural eastern North Carolina, has become a mecca for photographers both local and pilgrims. So common and iconic are images of Laurel Mill that folks are even selling stock photographs of it. Although there is a tourist element to blogging this, I felt it would be an even graver injustice not to include the mill at some stage, and today (with my wife driving and navigating) seemed like as good a time as any.

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