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Information Worth Saving – Safe Tick Removal

Every now and then someone shares some information that we feel worthy of passing on. Such was a post shared by G. Antonelli. The email got us to thinking and we did a little research on our own too. Rather than re-write what the experts have to say we are providing a link for you to check it out CLICK HERE. Good information to know! Nature can throw us a challenge sometimes.

We hope you have had a wonderful summer and as fall approaches the Blue Ridge Smoky Mountains come alive with color. It truly is a benefit when you live in a true 4 seasons area such as Maggie Valley. Hope to see you here.

“Uncle Jack” had a VISION!

The history of the Smoky Mountains is rich and colorful. Each town, each region, has stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. Maggie Valley has its share of stories to tell. No matter how you tell the story of Maggie Valley it is a story worthy of telling.

In the EARLY 1900’s, John Sidney Setzer, who became known as “Uncle Jack” having settled in the Valley had the task of going to the Old Plott post office to get the mail for himself and the residents of the valley. This was a long and tedious task on horseback. Growing tired of the journey he decided that the valley needed its own post office. He took it on himself to write to the Postmaster General in Washington, D.C. to ask permission to open a post office in his home to service the residents of the valley.

The word came back from Washington that he would have to prove the need for a post office. He set about the task of keeping meticulous records of all the mail that came and went from the area for many months. He then submitted his records and four names for consideration. Three of those names were the names of his daughters.

Finally, the wait was over. Washington approved the application and chose daughter “Maggie” for the post office name. Thus, the “Maggie” post office was official and opened for business on May 10th, in the year 1904.

One man, determination, a vision, stayed the course of his dream. One man, made a difference for an entire community.

We are proud of  “Uncle Jack” and the legacy he left behind. His story is a true American story that can proudly be told to generations yet to come.

And the rest, for lack of a better phrase, is “HISTORY”.

Y’all come, you hear 🙂

Note: The story goes that a young Maggie wasn’t thrilled to have her name used. She eventually came around to it. She even helped her PA in the post office from time to time. She became a local celebrity of sorts. In the summer you might even see the official “Maggie” walking the streets of the Valley and waving at everyone who passes. Look for the yellow bonnet. Maggie died at the age of 88. We will always fondly remember her in the valley; after all, she is and will always be our official mascot.

Copywriter: “Mountain Dreams Realty of WNC, Inc.” – Please do not copy or reproduce without written permission from Mountain Dreams Realty of WNC, Inc.                                                                                              

AND for the inquiring minds… here is your July Market Report for Haywood County courtesy of our own Danny Pugh:  Local MARKET INSIGHTS for All Home Types as of July 31, 2014

We have a bathroom attendant 11 months a year!

Mountain Dreams Realty of WNC is the only real estate office in the area that can boast that it has a bathroom attendant eleven months of the year.   Why eleven?  In October he stands out in front of the office with candy in his tray and speaks to people if they get close enough to trip his sensor.

Waterfalls of Haywood County

There is nothing like discovering a waterfall. The Smoky Mountains and Haywood County are background to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Come discover, Bridal Veil Falls, Cullasaja Falls, Dry Falls, Graveyard Fields, Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Falls, Sliding Rock, Soco Falls, Toxaway Falls, Waterfalls Ridge, and Whitewater Falls… AND these are just in our little part of beautiful North Carolina. Please click here for detailed information about each of the falls. Enjoy.

Bring your camera. It is going to be a picture perfect summer!!!

Hikers lace up your boots because we are going to share some of our favorite hiking trails in next month’s blog!

Market Trend Reports: Click on the report anywhere for enlarged view

Fishing Sportsmen Take Notice

Mountain trout fishing is a wonderful sport. What if you could try it, or take the kids on their first fishing experience without all the cost normally involved…. to see if you like it, would you?

Let’s get you started by contacting North Carolina Wildlife at www.ncwildlife.org. Ask them about fishing Mountain Heritage Trout Water for 3 days for a nominal fee of $5. They also include a free tackle box with 3 lures and a fly or spinner rod. Pack a picnic, let’s go fishing! PS: Maggie Valley Chamber can provide you with the information as well.

Picture this. You spend a day fishing for the most sought after trout in the land. You have your prize and you head home. You prepare the fish and the smell permeates the air. Just as you sit down to your meal, the sun sets on the Smoky Mountains, a peace comes over you and you know you are HOME. Ok, enough of that.

Best darn trout you have ever tasted!!!

For those already hooked!!!! NC residents, fishing license are only $20 annually. Nonresidents $30 or you can purchase a 10 day license for only $10…. Folks, that’s only $1 a day to catch some of the most mouth watering fish from a beautiful rushing mountain stream.

If you are on the Cherokee Indian Reservation there is no fishing license required. Be aware that there is a $7 per day tribal permit.

Now you know we had to say it: *Prices subject to change, the prices quoted are current. Please check with the NC Wildlife office before you make your trip.

Click HERE for a glimpse into Haywood County.. We hope you enjoy.

Bragging Rights

From history to the great outdoors, there is something to do in Maggie Valley, North Carolina year round.

Make 2014 your year to visit this mountain treasure we call home.

Some of our suggestions:

Spend a quiet day on a Maggie Valley deck or porch and let the beauty of the surroundings relax you.

Seeking outdoor adventure? Hike, fish in a mountain stream, go horseback riding through the mountains, discover one of our many waterfalls, go on a picnic, photograph the abundant nature, play bingo in our outdoor pavilion, bring a chair and enjoy an outdoor concert under the stars.  See the historic grave sites of Haywood County.

Indoors: Visit the Wheels Through Time Museum, the Maggie Valley Opry House, the famous Stompin’ Ground for world class clogging, or dance the night away at the Diamond K.

Winter: Ski, tube, and snowboarding. Sumner: Visit the famous Ghost Town in the Sky Amusement Park.

Does it sound like we’re bragging? We guess we are! The list can go on and on, but you get the idea, there is plenty to do in Maggie Valley and we look forward to seeing you anytime.

Report-click on:  Market Overview by Price- SFR-Cond-TH- Haywood County as of March 31, 2014

Our Mountain Heritage

There are many colorful tales that flow out of the Appalachian heritage. Marvin Sutton was one of those tales. Marvin was originally from Maggie Valley, NC. He became recognized as “Popcorn” Sutton. He was a moonshiner, bootlegger if you will. He was born on October 5 1946. He met his demise, by his own hand, on March 16, 2009. Sadly, he committed suicide to avoid a prison sentence.

Popcorn Sutton disagreed with the federal regime. He was able to “outrun” law enforcement most of the time. He told folks he felt it was his mountain heritage that gave him the right to do what he did.

He wrote a self-published autobiographical guide to moonshine production. He even produced a home made movie. His story was featured in a documentary that won a Regional Emmy Award.

If you want to know more about Popcorn Sutton’s legacy, you can find it all over the web.

What we remember most, is Popcorn’s honesty, (odd as that may sound), his public appearances, and his theatrical role that originated with his legend over the years. It was sad the way his story ended. He is gone, but he did make “dang sure, ” he was not forgotten.

Here’s the recipe we promised you:

Grandma Bessie’s no nonsense pound cake

 First, a little background, if you please. Grandma Bessie said “in the day you used what you had on hand, they did not have the convenience of running to a grocery at a whim.”

Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Milk, Eggs, Butter

1 stick of buttler – 1 cup of sugar – 1 cup of flour – 1/4 cup of milk – 2 eggs (or 1 if you don’t have two) -( sometimes the hen is fussy)

Butter room temperature, mix it all together, 350 oven and bake until brown on top. Knife should come out clean.  It’s Done! (Don’t forget to grease and flour your pan)

Y’all don’t tell Grandma, but we added 1/2 tsp vanilla and grated orange peel (yum!)

And last but not least here’s your Haywood County Market Overview for February 2014 Market Overview by Price- SFR-Cond-TH- Haywood County as of February 28, 2014

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A Little Maggie Valley History

What do  you think of when you think of the Smoky Mountains? Waterfalls, mountain peaks, incredible views, winter sports, hiking,  the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? You would be so right. These and so much more are waiting to be explored right here.

Maggie Valley is considered to be one of Western North Carolina’s most sought after resort towns. In the late 1800’s it was an isolated settlement forged in the wilderness. The residents were sturdy and thought of as true mountain people. To live here you had to forge off the land, neighbors depended on one another. At times mountain life could be challenging. The beauty of the area was always a drawn to many. That is still true for today. But, unlike in the 1800’s, we have all the conveniences of modern living. The town still has that rustic appeal and the magnificent homes that dot the mountains offer those lucky enough to live here views that cannot be replicated anywhere else.

From rushing Jonathan Creek running the valley to Cataloochee Ski Area you would be amazed at the sights and sounds year round. It is no wonder Maggie Valley is a sought after place to live and vacation in. Maggie Valley has been able to combine history and modernity in a very appealing way.

We could go on and on but there has already been a lot written about the region. May we suggest starting out with http://maggievalley.org/history.php there you can read how Jack Setzer was able to set up the Maggie Valley post office in the 1900’s; it is a story of determination of one man to make a difference for himself and his neighbors. It is sure to bring a smile to your face.

We hope you have enjoyed this little tidbit about Maggie Valley. We appreciate you reading our blog and/or subscribing to our newsletter.

Mountain Dreams Realty of WNC, Inc. “Dream Team”

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For inquiring minds, we have included for your viewing the Market Overview and the Quarterly Market Overview for Haywood County:

Quarterly Market Overview Land & Homesites Haywood Co 4th Quarter 2013 FOR BLOG

Market Overview by Price- SFR-Cond-TH- Haywood County as of December 31, 2013

Maggie Valley in the Winter

 January 2014

There is something so majestic about the Blue Ridge Mountains and the view from Maggie Valley, North Carolina.

No matter if you grew up here, or the mountains called to you, the four seasons come alive in the area. This winter we welcome the snow, Cataloochee Ski Area is in full swing and outdoor lovers finding that there is something to do around every corner. 

We hope you enjoy our new blog. We will link it to our newsletters once a month. We will showcase facts and pictures of the area. 

As premier realtors in the valley we are privileged to capture moments that are worth sharing. Get to know us and Western North Carolina. If the mountains call you home; stop in. We are waiting to help you make your Mountain Dreams come true.

Paul Heathman, John Illingworth, Shirley Cole, Danny Pugh, Jess Osborn, and Lyndia Massey…. The Mountain Dreams Realty of WNC, Inc… Dream Team