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Shangri – La in North Carolina

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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North Carolinians are Taking Their Power Back

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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Lighthouses in North Carolina

Bald Head Light, North Carolina, USA

Image via Wikipedia

The eastern coastline has been quite dangerous for incoming ships over the years, so dangerous in fact, that’s the coastline in North Carolina has been dubbed the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” As such, there have been eight unique lighthouses constructed on the shores in North Carolina, all of which provide photo opportunities, as well as safe fun for you and your family while you’re vacationing in North Carolina.

The lighthouses have been a vital instrument in guiding ships safely to port for over two centuries. The lighthouses are approximately forty miles from each other, making it possible to see more than one in a day. The lighthouses are as follows:

  • Oak Island Lighthouse, built in 1958, is not open for public viewing.
  • Bodie Island Lighthouse is located near Whalebone Junction and is not open to the public, though there is a visitor’s center.
  • Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse is the newest of the lighthouses. It was built in 2004 and is home to a museum about the maritime history of Roanoke.
  • Old Baldy, is located on Bald Head Island and was built in 1878, making it the state’s oldest lighthouse. Take a tour and check out the observation deck at the top.
  • The Cape Hatterras Lighthouse is 208 feet tall and was constructed in 1870. The structure was moved to its current location back in 1999.
  • The Ocracoke Lighthouse was built in 1823, making the oldest lighthouse that is constantly used on the eastern coastline. This location is not open to the public for tours.
  • The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is one of the most popular lighthouses in North Carolina. It was built in 1812 and is decorated in an unusual diamond pattern. It is still in use today.

Some of the lighthouses are not open for tours, but they still present opportunities for some great pictures.

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

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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Exploring the Nantahala Naitonal Forest

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

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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The Scottish Influence in North Carolina

The Highland Scottish came to North Carolina primarily in 1739, when the present royal governor of North Carolina persuaded 360 of them to immigrate to the state. These proud people left their native country for various reasons, including political freedom, religious freedom and economic. Many were forced out of their homes and couldn’t afford the extravagent rent prices their landlords were charging, forcing them to seek a new place to settle.

Many had the goal of garnering a grant to a piece of land. They settled down in areas such as Upper Cape Fear and Cross Creek. A good portion were into farming, raising crops like corn and wheat, along with raising sheep and pigs. Others chose to get employment within the naval industry. James Campbell was one of these immigrants, and became well known for helping to set up three different Presbyterian churches in the state. Their primary language at home and at church services was Gaelic, but this changed after the Civil War as the language declined to be used.

When the Revolutionary War began to stir up, many of these Scots fell in line with the Loyalist side of the coin, supporting England. Once the war was finished, those who remained loyal to England moved out of the United States to areas such as Novia Scotia and Barbados. There were many who lost their loyal leanings after the Battle of Moore’s Creek that occurred in 1776.

Those descendants still in North Carolina today continue to show off their heritage, taking part in the Highland Games that are held in July. This event started during a popular rebirth in desire to remember their past. There are other games held, such as the Loch Norman Games. The heritage that stretches back to before the Revolutionary War continues today, determined never to be forgotten.

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Tar Heels Sports Action at the University of North Carolina

The University of North Carolina is home to the popular and winning Tar Heels who are a favorite in the state for sports action. The football team recently made headlines when they garnered a spot in the Music City Bowl that will be held in Nashville, Tennessee. The Tar Heels will be facing off with the University of Tennessee, and have a strong lineup despite two players out with injuries. The game has already sold out and looks to be a match of marvels on the gridiron.

The Tar Heels have a number of talented players on their roster, especially in that of James Franklin, who has achieved the number four spot in overall tackles on the freshman team. He was also recently named to the All-American Freshman team, showing that he has enormous potential in future games for the Tar Heels. They have also recently signed on another talented player, Sylvester Williams, who will be coming to North Carolina from Coffeyville Kansas Community College. He is a six foot three inch defensive tackle that will be added to the roster after January.

Tar Heels basketball is another popular sport in the state, recently winning over Long Beach State with a score of 96 to 91. The team had great stamina, especially in freshman Harrison Barnes, who finished the game with 10 rebounds and 19 total points. Teammate Leslie McDonald added to this performance with a total 17 points scored and five 3-point shots. They showed a strong offense, with a shooting average of 56 percent from the court.

Tar Heels fans can also take in other sports entertainment, including baseball, volleyball, soccer and many others. No matter what the sport or time of year, the Tar Heels offer visitors and fans great play, determination and talent that has a bright future in professional sports.

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Moore’s Creek National Battlefield and the Revolutionary War

As the Revolutionary War was being fought, colonials on both sides of the fence were often at odds with each other. This is a case of Moore’s Creek, where approximately 1,000 colonial patriots faced off against a group of loyalists in February of 1776. The bridge spanning the creek had been halfway taken down, and the loyalists coming across its remaining structure were faced with opponents armed with muskets and cannons. The patriot victory here effectively brought an end to the British rule in the area and helped North Carolina to be the first to cast its vote for independence.

You can walk a .07 mile trail that is the remaining section of the roadway traveled by the fighters on both sides. Along the way, you can read more about the battle on one of the many signs posted and visit the site of the bridge. The visitor center will be able to give you a park brochure and more detailed information. Inside, you can peruse the museum, which features artifacts from the battle and various other displays. You can track the fighting on a battle map that highlights how each group moved. The park film will give you a general overview of what occurred.

Your family can take a leisurely stroll through .3 mile forested trail and then stop off at the picnic area for a relaxing lunch. There is also a reenactment of the battle each year in February at the park. You can see people in period dress, camping out and carrying the weapons that were used during that time, along with the sound of period military music being played.

Fort Raleigh National Historic Park offers you the chance to step back into history and experience the conflict of the Revolutionary War years. You will leave with a better sense of the struggle that was necessary to win our independence.

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Walking Through History and Nature at Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park stretches over the North Carolina landscape protecting both the natural beauty of the area and the history that occurred within its boundaries. This areawas a major source of settlements and passage to those heading for the western portion of the new nation. The Appalachian Trail, which stretches throughout the park, was a common route for both settlers and explorers to take. The stunning sights and soaring mountain peaks draw visitors as much today as the settlers that came here. It continues to dazzle and amaze those that come, almost making you wish you could stay forever.

One of the most popular places in the park to go is Cade’s Cove, where a number of early settlers built homes and established farms. There is a driving tour that features several pull off spots where you can take pictures of the spectacular scenery and visit a number of historical homes. You can walk around an early log cabin that is nestled in a corner of the cove, or pull over by one of the early churches that was founded in the valley. There is an early Methodist and Baptist church that you can go into a walk around, getting a feel for the early life and practices of the settlers.

Throughout this area and others in the park, you can see wildlife in their natural habitat, find a place to camp for the night or rent a bicycle to take out on the trails. It is essential, if you intend to go hiking, that you are aware of the weather for the day and are prepared with the proper gear. The weather in the park can change very quickly and can catch you offguard if you are not ready for it. Altogether, though, Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers you a look into nature’s world and the people who lived in it during the early part of our country’s history.

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