Meet Beauregard Highlander

I love this time of the year, the weather is wonderful, not to warm, not too cool, we even got rain this weekend which we badly needed. Most of the colors in the mountains are beyond prime, but there is still some color in certain areas and those colors really stand out because the other leaves are gone. One thing about these mountains is that they are always beautiful in every season, always something to stand in awe of.

Meet Beau, the latest in the Highlander collection of orphan pets. Now that he has joined our family he loves his life. We live in a high mountain cove, with a wooded wonderland behind us for Beau to enjoy, and he really takes advantage of it.

His life in the mountains is simple and he knows how to love his life in its simplicity.

We could all take a lesson from Beau on how to enjoy life, come to the mountains, hike, discover and enjoy the fresh air and low stress atmosphere.

Gas prices are excellent, it is a great time to turn off the news and come to the mountains for a take a scenic drive and a hike in the woods.   Be sure to take time to visit one of the many small towns in the mountains, each and every one of them have their own personality and interesting in their own way. 

A Feel Good Mountain Story in Difficult Times

During a time when we hear so much negative news, we are shown a bright light shining out of Washington DC. 

This bright light is a young man named Max Block, a mere 10 years. Max earned $2,500 from his lemonade stand this summer and chose to donate it to Gorilla Haven.

I am not sure which I am more impressed with, the fact that he chose to make such a selfless gesture, or that he could earn $2,500 in one summer from a lemonade stand. Way to go Max!

Good things are still happening every day, even during these hard times, we just don't hear about them. Hearing positive stories makes our hearts sing, and gives us hope for the future. There is hope people, and it starts with faith and acts of kindness.

Gorilla Haven has recently begun giving scheduled tours to raise money for the ever growing expenses of this wonderful wildlife sanctuary.  

If you or someone you know would like to go on a tour of Gorilla Haven and or can make a donation to this wonderful wildlife sanctuary, click here to find out more about them. Gorilla Haven.

We would like to share other positive stories with our readers, so if you have any "feel good stories" that relate to these mountains, please write to us and share them.

Autumn is in Full Bloom at the Top

We're not out of the woods yet, but the woods sure are beautiful in the mountains this time of the year. 

Gas prices are coming down each day, it is a great time to turn off the news and take a journey to the mountains.  Breathe fresh air, experience the beautiful colors, go on a hike, enjoy a scenic drive, go to one of the many festivals, and talk to friendly people. 

John C. Campbell had their fall festival last weekend, and it was wonderful, at least while there you didn't feel the pressure the world is trying to put on us at this time.  Isn't that what we all need.

Don't think I take the current economic situation lightly, it has effected us all, but I am not putting my faith in Wall Street or any politician, I place all my faith in God and the American people to bring us into a better place and time, better than before, more stable, more real.

Georgia Mountain Fall Festival starts this weekend, and many other festivals in all areas of the mountains.  

There are some great scenic drives you can go on in the mountains.  We just put up a new feature on Autumn on the Blue Ridge Parkway, take a look at the great views, and tell me that wouldn't be a great place to renew your hope.

There is no place better to lift your spirits than a trip to your favorite spot in the mountains, join us in God's Country and go back home with a renewed spirit.

God Bless...Mrs. Highlander

Leaf Color Change, Great Weather and Fun Festivals

We are starting to see signs of Fall even in the mountain valleys and the higher elevations are definitely seeing color change.  

As always along with the color change the mountains have wonderful festivals every week end.  This weekend, October 4th & 5th,  John C. Campbell is holding their 35th Fall Festival, and it is a great one to come to.  There is music, dancing, arts, crafts for sale and being demonstrated and a variety of good food from many different vendors.  

The Fall Festival is also pet friendly, so feel free to bring your favorite pooch and pooches bring your favorite human attached to your leash and enjoy the mountains.  The weather is going to be great and so far we aren't having any issues getting gas in this area and the price is not bad either, so take advantage the opportunity to turn the news off and get away to the mountains to have a great time.  

Admission for the Family friendly event is $5 for adults, $3 for kids 12-17 and kids under 12 get in free, so come enjoy this classic mountain festival.

If you would like more information see John C. Campbell Folk School web site, or email us as info@folkschool.org or call us at 800-365-5724.