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Shangri – La in North Carolina

June 12, 2011 by
Great Smoky Mountains

Image by dustydean via Flickr

North Carolina is a gorgeous state. It has just about anything you could want to see from mountains to oceans. One of the most beautiful places is Cherokee county.

Cherokee County

Three towns comprise Cherokee county. These are Murphy, Andrews and Brasstown. They are nestled down in the Great Smoky Mountains. Everything around it is green and lush. The Smokies are part of the Apalachian mountains which are thought to be some of the oldest mountains in the world. The beautiful mountains were home to the Cherokee Indian tribe before the tragic “Trail of Tears” drove most of them to Oklahoma. The few who were able to hide out were later granted land in Cherokee county.

Climate

You will be able to experience all four seasons in Cherokee county, North Carolina. There is snow in the winter and heat in the summer. The nicest part about this location though is that it is quite a temperate climate.  The sun shines a little over half the time year-round. It is said of the area that you get a little of everything but nothing lasts long enough to be annoying.

Entertainment

If you are touring in the area there are all kinds of festivals and mountain type competitions to see and experience. There are bluegrass festivals and kayak tournaments. You can go on your own or with a guide for some excellent fishing and camping. Cherokee county is also home to the Cherokee Indian Reservation with a population of about 12,500 people. You can also find the Cherokee Bear Zoo and Exotic Animals waiting for you to stroll through.

 



 

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Education in Cherokee County

March 16, 2011 by

Cherokee County has the highest number of educated citizens in America. Its percentage of students who go on to study till college is above 90 percent, some say that it is close to 96.1 percent. The government has passed stiff laws in the country which are applied with higher degree of accuracy in all the towns of Cherokee County. The form of education provided is comprehensive for children in high schools from children in primary schools.

The schooling experience in Cherokee is modified to better get students interested in gaining knowledge and more exposure to real world problems. This is the reason that more than 96 percent of the high school students pass and go on to become graduates and undergraduates. This is a remarkable feat for a county where prestigious universities such as the Iowa State University is present. Schools are ordered to be at least an hour’s drive from the school so that students do not have to spend a long time travelling to schools. The districts that handle the K-12 schooling are the Cherokee Community School, Marcus Meriden Cleghorn School, Aurelia School district and the river valley school district. The higher education system is handled by the Western tech community college, Northwest Iowa community college, Brair Cliff University, Dort college, Morningside college and Northwestern college. These education bodies all have well defined and tested schooling techniques which is carried out by experienced and trained teachers. Almost 40,000 students study in the public and private schools of Cherokee County. Many new residents come to Cherokee County to give their children the best education combined with surroundings. Students from Cherokee county are one of America’s best students who take part in every national competition.

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Bear Mountain: Georgia

March 4, 2011 by

In the foothills of the Applalachain Mountains is located the Bear Mountain. This located in the central part of Cherokee County in Waleska, Georgia. This mountain has the highest point in the country at 2,30 feet. This is higher than all the points in Atlanta. To next of the mountain and at the foot of it lies the Lake Arrowhead that is formed mostly because of the snow from this mountain.

If you are the kind of a person who loved mountain skiing and water skiing in one day, then this place offers the best combination of both. There are numerous waterfalls that make this a hidden paradise. This place is famous among climbers who find this place very challenging and provides the appropriate amount of adrenaline rush that people are used to. The who mountain is a protected area where you can find may different kinds of wildlife. Bears, deer, wolves are common here. This mountain provides a TV tower for broadcast to entire Atlanta. The height of this mountain provides the perfect setting for an analog TV tower. Lodging at the foot of the mountain is provided by numerous private companies. The lodges are extremely comfortable and not as much expensive as other lodges in beautiful locations. This mountain is also very popular for its different spas. The location is visited as a medical tourism destination by people from all over America who come here to regenerate and revitalize. The spas here offer world class facilities and comforts. Visiting this place will provide a person with a once in a lifetime experience. Many tours are operated to this mountain and special group packages can be availed for a discount to this wonderful place.

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North Carolinians are Taking Their Power Back

February 18, 2011 by

In recent years, the credit crunch has forced a lot of people to take drastic measures, just to keep on living at a standard of living that resembles the one that they had before. However, as the credit crunch begins to lift, and people are less afraid of losing their jobs and being unable to get any kind of loan for anything, they are more concerned about making sure that their monthly payments are at a reasonable level. And it seems that North Carolina is leading the charge, as this conservative state takes a personal step toward throwing off the shackles that the recession placed on just about everyone.

If there is one thing that a southern state hates, it is being carpet bagged by wealthy people who may or may not be from the North. North Carolinians have recently decided to take a stand against their ridiculously high car payments, and have been some of the first in line as car loan refinance opportunities begin to poke up like the first blooms of the spring. Being able to afford their payments is only a small part of the problem, as the issue stems primarily from the desire of North Carolinians to be able to afford things in life other than the ability to keep their cars.

After all, the ability to simply maintain a lifestyle is just the bottom layer, reserved for people who are desperate and who might still give up hope at any moment. As the economy looks up, however, these intrepid individuals are taking the bull by the horns and doing everything they can to make their hard-earned money go further. After all, the people who had mediocre to bad credit a few years ago may now have decent to downright good credit now. There is no reason why a person who has good credit should have to pay the same amount per month in better times.

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A Day at the Heritage Walk & Festival

December 21, 2010 by

Murphy, Tennessee offers visitors a unique experience during the Heritage Walk & Festival. The town has a rich history and loves to share it with tourists during this fun time, giving you the chance to take a guided walking tour through the town’s historic district. The festival runs all day, and has a number of various activities that you can take part in.

The guided walking tour runs approximately an hour and a half, stopping at the some of the cities most significantly important spots. The tour guide will tell you stories and recount the history of the area, helping the past to come alive for you. The tour guides also perform reenacting of some of the town’s history, giving you an even more realistic feel to the history.

Shoppers and craft lovers can take in the displays of handmade items by area artists and craftsmen, many of which you can purchase and take home. You can also check out displays of the town’s history in the Henn Theatre that is located on Tennessee Street in town. Some of the items you’ll see include pottery, photography, wood carving, quilting and handmade furniture.

If you and your family get hungry, there is always a wide variety of food for you to choose from. Some of these can include: smoked ribs, bar-b que, turkey, cookies and various other snacks. Your listening ears can easily find entertainment at the stage area, where some of the most talented musicianss in the region come to play. You’ll get a taste of Appalachian history with banjos, fiddles and gorgeous singing.

The Heritage Walk and Festival is one event that you and your family won’t want to miss. It is the perfect way to spend a day during your trip through Cherokee County, North Carolina for some old fashioned fun and quality family time.

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Hike into the Hills on the Ramsey Bluff Mountain Bike and Hiking Trail System

December 20, 2010 by

The Ramsey Bluff Mountain Bike and Hiking Trail System has over eight miles of trails for you to explore. They are unique in the fact that they are composed of a set of interconnected loops, which you can pick and choose from to get a different exploration experience. You can walk or bike these trails for an entire day, interconnecting on the same trail system and not even know it. They run through the North Carolina Mountains and are a hidden gem that not many know about or make use of.

There are seven different trail loops, and only two do not allow biking on them. These are the Mingus Trail and the Ramsey Bluff Trail. The other five trails that are open to both hikers and bikers are as follows: Farmer Top Overlook Trail, Nottley River Connector, Ramsey Bend North Trail, Ramsey Bend South Trail and the Ramsey Connector Trail. All seven of these give a very beautiful array of mountain walking, beautiful vistas and an experience that you and your family will not soon forget.

The trails and their connections can become confusing, so it is important that you stay aware of where you began and the route that you plan to take. The trails have several access points to the nearby lake and a variety of campgrounds. This makes it easy for you to start from and get back to wherever you are camping. You can also access the Hanging Dog Recreational Area, which is found off of the Joe Brown Highway outside of Murphy, North Carolina.

The Ramsey Bluff Mountain Bike and Hiking Trail System is a sure bet for a wonderful day out. It does not matter if you are a beginning or an experienced hiker, you will love this walk through the mountains and the woods of North Carolina.

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Hanging Out at Hanging Dog Recreation Area

December 19, 2010 by

The Nantahala National Forest is home to Lake Hiawassee, a beautiful body of water that is the perfect spot for hikers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts. Here, you can rest for a few nights and explore the area at Hanging Dog Recreation Area. It has achieved its unique name from Hanging Dog Creek nearby, which was the place where the final battle of the Civil War was fought. Families, groups and individuals come here to get outside and into the fun of the outdoors.

The area offers numerous options for exploration, including boating, hiking, camping and fishing. You can launch your boat at either the Ramsey Bluff Boat Ramp or the Hanging Dog Boat Ramp and paddle off onto the lake for some time on the water. Your family can even take a leisurely lunch at the handy picnic area. Bikers can even take to the trails, weaving along the interconnected loop of the Ramsey Bluff Mountain Bike and Hiking Trail System nearby. These trails have several areas to access the campgrounds and lake.

For those that love to fish, the Hiawassee Lake is the perfect place to go. The lake features a number of fish species, including crappie, bream, white bass, walleye pike, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. It has a total of 180 miles of shore that you can set up on and cast out into the water. Trout fisherman can take advantage of two different streams in the area that are open to public trout fishing. Before fishing, make sure that you are aware of any required state license, fishing seasons and daily limits on the different species of fish.

The Hanging Dog Recreational Area is a wonderful way to spend a day or even a week in the outdoors. You and your family can spend time together exploring, camping and taking in the sights.

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An Off-Road Lover’s Dream

December 18, 2010 by

Those who love the off-road experience will jump at the chance to take a day out at the Upper Tellico Off-Road Vehicle Area. If is found between the towns of Murphy, North Carolina and Tellico Plains, Tennessee. This area has received the reputation of having some of the best trails for off-roading there is. You can take out your AllTerrain Vehicle, four wheel drive vehicle and dirt bike, depending on your personal preference.

The area is recaptured from a series of skid trails and roads that were utilized in the past by the logging industry. They offer various opportunities for those who need an easier trail to those who want a highly difficult trail to challenge them. There are a total of 40 miles of trail to explore, and the best area for four wheeling is in the Upper Tellico, where 8,000 acres are available. In this area, the Tellico River runs through a hilly terrain that has steep drop-offs.

You should be aware of any trail limitations, including those limited to certain types of vehicles. A majority of trails are open to various off-road vehicles, but one is limited only to all-terrain style vehicles. The trails with the most challenging and rough terrain require special equipment to get through them. For example, you may need to have specialized tires, a front hook or a rear tow hook to navigate and work through them. The main access road is the only trail that is established as an easier trail to maneuver.

The following trails are included: Tipton Creek, Bear Pen Trail, Tipton Knob Trail, Fain’s Ford Road, State Line Loop, Tellico River Trail, Peckerwood Connector, Bob Creek Trail, Hawk Knob Trail, Mistletoe Connector, Round Mountain Trail and Chestnut Mountain Trail. The Upper Tellico Off-Road Vehicle Area is a sure bet for fun for any off-road enthusiast, whatever vehicle you use.

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Exploring the Nantahala Naitonal Forest

December 17, 2010 by

The Nantahala National Forest is one of Cherokee County, North Carolina’s most beautiful areas, with wild forest and a number of opportunities to play and have a great time in the outdoors. You and your family will have numerous chances to see the sights and find activities that you can all have fun doing. It spans an area totaling 500,000 acres, ranking it as the biggest of North Carolina’s four national forests. At the Hiawassee River, you can reach an elevation of 1,200 feet at the Appalachian Lake Dam.

Nantahala means “land of the noon day day” from its Native American background. This is because at noon, the sun just reaches its rays into the valley at this time of day. You and your family can make a day of it at the Nantahala Outoor Center near the Nantahala River. On an annual basis, approximately 250,000 visitors come here to ride the rapids. You can also take a drive through the area, taking in the incredible views and check out the region’s waterfalls.

For outdoor explorers, you can take advantage of a number of other outdoor activities. These include: off-roading, hiking, fishing, camping, riding horses, swimming and using the available boat ramps to launch your boat from. This way, you can find your favorite way to explore the outdoors. There are various places where rental equipment is available, and various fees may be charged.

The Nantahala Naitonal Forest will also allow the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat, unfettered by societal constraints. There is no end to the fun and possibilities that you can find. Make sure that you add this area to your must do list when entering Cherokee County on your next trip through the area. You will not regret the time that you spend here and the lifelong memories that you will make.

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North Carolina’s Historical Roots and Preservation

December 16, 2010 by
Oconaluftee river, North Carolina
Image via Wikipedia

North Carolina has a rich, varied history that stretches back to the early days of the country. With the Smoky Mountains, the Appalachian Trail and the constant push west, the state has been home to many historical events that had a huge impact on its citizens and the nation as a whole. Recently, local historical societies within the state have worked to preserve its history through the North Carolina History Project.

The program is supported by the John Locke Foundation, which supports efforts to preserve and educate the state’s residents and visitors on the history of North Carolina. The project has a lecture series that have some of the most talented and well-known historians in the United States that speak to various groups. They also provide historical tours and publish a variety of materials on state history that are both academic and for general education purposes.

Another great advantage of this project are the educational materials that can be used by teachers, parents and homeschoolers. There are numerous resources on the Civil War in the state, historical figures, politics, religion and many others. They are made for various middle to high school grades and can be accessed on the project’s website. These are perfect for field trips and class discussion.

The project’s website also features an alphabetized encyclopedia of different aspects of North Carolina’s history. Residents, visitors, educators and those just interested in history can easily peruse through the listings to find what they need. The foundation and its staff works continuously to gather and add to the record of North Carolina’s past, making it readily accessible for the general public.

The North Carolina History Project is a wonderful asset to present and future generations. By compiling the history and stories that tell how North Carolina came to this point it its history, its past will not be forgotten.

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