This past weekend felt like spring was in the air with temperatures in the low 70's. It was perfect weather to be out on the golf course, hiking or working in the yard. Then, a day later, we had some flurries. Just when it looks like spring has really arrived, one more quick snowfall always seems to sneak in and [...]

Have you ever wondered how to calculate the revenue stamps (excise tax) on the sale of real estate in North Carolina? The tax rate is $2 per $1,000 of the sales price. So if you purchase a home or land for $900,000, the revenue tax would be $900,000 divided by 1,000 and multiplied by 2, which equals [...]

An undercurrent of excitement is running through the town of Cashiers in anticipation of the debut of The Cashiers Mountain Music Festival on July 4, 2009. Developed by the dedicated team at the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce, this inaugural Independence Day event will be hosted at the Village Green and will benefit local area Youth [...]

Fly Fishing Map

The Jackson County Tourism Board has produced the first fly fishing map for Western North Carolina. The map details 15 of the best locations for fly fishing andreeling inBrook Trout, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout in our area. The map covers all of Jackson County from Balsam, Dillsboro, Webster, along Cullowhee, Tuckasegee, down to Cashiers and Panthertown. The four major rivers included in the map are the Tuckaseigee, Chattooga, Whitewater, and the Horsepasture.

You can get this map mailed to you for free by calling 1-800-962-1911 or you can download it by clicking on the map to the left. For additional information you may also log onto www. flyfishingtrail.com. We will have these maps availableat our office within the next week or so stop by and pick one up.

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A snow covered Cashiers Valley.

The ABC Store (state-run liquor store) has signed a lease for a new location in the Highlands Plaza. The new store will be located between the State Farm Insurance office and Subway. The store is scheduled to open later this spring. The current location will be part of a five-year plan for the Town Hall to expand its [...]

The third annual event will be held at The Bascom art center in Highlands, NC. This will be the first major event held at The Bascom's newsix acre, three building facility, which features 23,000 square feet of space. This facility will be like no other art space in Western North Carolina. The new campus is located on Oak Street and Franklin [...]

Are you planning a visit to the Cashiers/Highlands area? Whether you are coming just to sightsee or plan to take advantage of opportunities in the real estate market, let us help you reserve your accommodations. We have special arrangements with some of the area's best resorts for discounted room rates and packages. Please call our office at [...]

Many of you are familiar with the devastating effects of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) on the beautiful hemlock trees in our area. According to the US Forest Service, these pests will kill a hemlock tree within a few years. The HWA does not have enough natural enemies here to keep it in check, and the hemlock [...]

Are you looking for a map of Cashiers or Highlands, NC? Have you ever gotten lost on the way someone's home in the area and wished you had a street map? We can help! We have free maps available at our office, so please feel free to stop by and pick one up. If you would like one before you get to town, please email me at jlucke@ncliving.com or call the office at 828-743-1999 and we'll mail one to you.

When the North Carolina Association of Realtors wanted to interview a Realtor with over 30 years experience and find out what insight they may have, they called Elaine Zachary withSilver Creek Real Estate Group. Elaine pointed out that her "best tactic in this market revolves around great customer service that always puts the client first." This attitude, combined with resources and professionalism, sets us apart from other companies and brokers. For further information about the great people at Silver Creek Real Estate Group, feel free to contact Jochen Lucke at jlucke@ncliving.com or call 828-743-1999.

Have you noticed our new office at The Shoppes at CreekSide? We are located just west of the crossroads in Cashiers, North Carolina. CreekSide is one of the premier new retail developments in Cashiers and soon to be a landmark in our little mountain escape.