Yellow Rose Realty

We received more than a foot of snow here in the Great Smoky Mountains over the Christmas weekend.  A white Christmas was had by all - from locals to visitors to our Bryson City NC cabin rentals.  Santa had plenty of snow to land his sleigh on and we would have spent Christmas day checking for reindeer prints on the roof if we had not been so busy inside eating warm holiday meals.

Snowy days in the North Carolina mountains are something truly special as we get big snows infrequently during our winters. The snow we do get does not often last more than a few days, so we took full advantage of the snow this holiday weekend!  We've made snow angels and snowmen and snowball fights, enjoyed sledding adventures and walks through several inches of white, fluffiness with flakes still falling from the sky.  In general, we've had a great couple of days enjoying the white fluffy stuff!

Happy New Year to everyone and may your snowy days be full of magic and wonder.

Carolina mountain vacations are not just for summer fun.  Sometimes it is difficult for everyone to get together for the holidays.   Finding a family member with a house large enough to hold everyone, or central enough for everyone to travel to easily, can troublesome. 

A great way to take care of both those issues, and to add a fun twist to a holiday gathering, is to choose a location within a day’s drive of most of the relatives and rent a house there for the holidays.   The Great Smoky Mountains, for example, are within reasonable driving distance of most eastern and mid-western states, and driving can be much more affordable than flying with a large family.

Holidays spent at Smoky Mountain vacation properties are not soon forgotten.  Not only are the Smoky Mountains stunningly beautiful in any season, but the small towns throughout the mountains take holiday decorating seriously.  Cheerful lights and music twinkle and jingle with merriment throughout communities in the Smokies.  Shopping locally for holiday wines, cheeses, gifts and foods adds authenticity and yet another unique twist to a holiday gathering.  For a family looking to create a new, unforgettable tradition for the holiday season, Smoky Mountain vacation rentals can be a great starting point.

It does not snow in the Great Smoky Mountains as often as most people expect.  While winters can be cold, rain is more usual than snow at the lower elevations.  Up high on the Blue Ridge Parkway or on the ridges of the Great Smoky Mountians National Park, snow can be seen for short periods of time, but it is infrequent in the valleys, and does not last for long even when it comes.  We got lucky with some gorgeous snow falling this past weekend! X-C ski at Clingman's Dome, build a snowman, and go sledding in the yards of your Cherokee cabin rentals and Bryson City Cabin rentals!

It is a unique and exciting experience then, to hang out in a comfy mountain cabin and watch the snow fall quietly outside and cover everything in sight.  A cup of hot chocolate, a roaring fire in the fireplace, and good friends and family make for a special vacation in the mountains indeed.  Find your perfect Smoky Mountain vacation rentals and come on up to the mountains!  See you soon.

Appalachian Toymaker Schedule 2010
Nov 16 - 18: Nov 23 - 24: Nov 28: Nov 30 - Dec 2: Dec 3 - 4: Dec 5: Dec 7 - 9: Dec 12: Dec 14 - 16: Dec 17 - 24	Noon - 5pm Noon - 5pm Noon - 5pm Noon - 9pm 10am - 10pm Noon - 5pm Noon - 9pm Noon - 5pm Noon - 9pm 10am - 10pm

Tim Hall has been on a mission for several years now — to offer a taste of old-time storytelling to everyone who comes to Bryson City — a great treat for those visiting on Carolina mountain vacations.  He hosts an internet radio program — Crossroads — to get the tales out, but he has always wanted to reach more people.

His dream has been to convert the 1910 First Citizen's Bank here in Bryson City into a storytelling center, with a museum and historic artifacts and class rooms for people from all over to learn about the story telling tradition of this region.  While the bank location has yet to become a reality, this year The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachians opened its doors just a block away at 225C Everett Street.

The Storytelling Center has presented tales throughout the summer, including patriotic stories around the 4th of July and spooky ghost stories for Halloween.  In keeping with the current season, the Storytelling Center is offering "The Appalachian Toymaker" series where the Christmas Story is presented, and, for a small donation, kids can make their own wooden toy!

The Storytelling Center is just minutes from our Bryson City NC cabin rentals and well worth stopping to see, whether you're a kid or just a kid at heart.

On November 26-27, 2010, visitors will have the opportunity to visit local artists in their studios, see how they make their art, ask questions and purchase handmade treasures right from the hands of the makers.  The Stecoah Valley Artisan's Drive About & Studio Tour is an annual event that takes place just 10 minutes from our Bryson City NC cabin rentals — twenty minutes from Cherokee NC cabin rentals — and is a great way to explore the area.  This event is sponsored by the Stecoah Valley Center, a local artist's co-op located in Stecoah, North Carolina.

Our region is graced with dozens of superbly talented painters, weavers, jam makers, jewelers, photographers, potters, woodworkers and glass blowers, among many other types of artists.  The rare oportunity to visit these folks in the places where they create the beautiful items we admire so much is a treat.  Visitors who can't make it to all the studios can find local art at several places in the area, including the Stecoah Valley Center, The Cottage Craftsman, Dogwood Crafters and Qualla Arts and Crafts. 

Starting November 5, 2010, visitors arriving in Bryson City, NC for a stay at one of the great Smoky Mountain cabin properties available to rent in town, will notice a lively winter spirit.  During November and December the Great Smoky Mountains come alive with the sounds of children's laughter and jingling sleigh bells as the Polar Express rolls into town. 

The Polar Express can the highlight of Carolina Mountain Vacations, especially for kids.  The Polar Express makes the journey to the North Pole where Santa and his Elves greet them in the best holiday style.  The book and movie come to life on a real live train ride through the mountains, complete with hot chocolate and bells for every child.  The wearing of pajamas is strongly encouraged, and not just for the kids!  Parents are invited to participate in all the festivities as well — right down to fleecy footed PJs.  We love to see the dozens of famiies wandering through town and having a great adventure. 

Dates and Times for the Polar Express this year are:

• November 5, 11, 12, 14, & 18 departs at 6:30pm
• November 6, 13, 21, 23, 24, & 28 departs at 5:00pm & 6:30pm
• November 19, 20, 26, & 27 departs at 5:00pm, 6:30pm, & 8:00pm
• December 1, & 8 departs 6:30pm
• December 5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, & 24 departs at 5:00pm & 6:30pm
• Dec 2 & 9 (Homes School Day) 11am departure
• December 3, & 10 departs at 11:00am, 5:00pm, 6:30pm, & 8:00pm
• December 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, & 23 departs at 5:00pm, 6:30pm, & 8:00pm
• December 4, 11, & 18 departs at 2:00pm, 3:30pm, 5:00pm, 6:30pm, & 8:00pm

Our Smoky Mountain vacation rentals are filling fast, and we know several of our regular fall visitors are looking forward to the Music in the Mountains show that always caps the season - ELVIS!

Okay, so he's not the real Elvis, but  Chris Monteith is bringing "The King"  to the Great Smokies again this year.  On October 30, 2010 from 6:30pm - 8:00pm, he's going to get the town rocking!  We're encouraging everyone to put on their Blue Suede Shoes and come down from their Smoky Mountain vacations rentals to get in on the fun.  See you there!

The 20th Annual Bryson City Chili Cookoff takes place in downtown Bryson City on October 16, 2010.  From 10am - 5pm, the best chili in the region - by both local restaurants and individuals - is available for tasting for anyone interested. 

This events draws people from all over the area, and a good number of visitors enjoy a visit from their Bryson City NC cabin rentals.  There is live music, games for the kids and more chili than most people can test in a day - red bean, black been, chicken, beef, even the occasional vegetarian offering.

Not only do festival goers get to eat well, they get to vote on the best chili for the festival.   There are prizes awarded in professional and amateur classes, showmanship and  people's choice.

Sample them all, go back and 'double-check' your favorites, beg for recipes and ask if left-overs can be delivered to your Smoky Mountain vacation rentals...wait...there won't be any left-overs! Regardless - this event is fun and tasty for the whole family.  We wouldn't miss it and no one coming to Bryson City for the weekend should either.

The Great Smoky Mountains are renowned for many things, wildflowers in the spring, clear rivers and creeks in summer, and of course glorious fall foliage.  Our local chamber of commerce here in Bryson City, NC has put together a great guide for finding the best color in the Great Smokies this fall. 

Those visiting the Great Smoky Mountains for leap-peaping will find several great hiking trails and drives within a short distance of their Smoky Mountain vacation rentals.  Hwy 441 through the National Park provides stunning vistas from the car.  Quiet walkways along the way let visitors get up close to the leaves.

For those so inclined, a round of golf in the Smokies among brillant fall color is a super way to relax.  A recreational kayak tour on Lake Fontana lets visitors see the mountains from a whole new angle, with the fall colors reflected on the quiet green waters.

All of these Smoky Mountain vacation packages from a basecamp of a choice of great Bryson City NC cabin rentals.  

Every Saturday evening throughout the summer and fall, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot hosts a free concert on the main deck.  Talent from all around the region comes out to play all sorts of music, from rock to old time to blugrass and even oldies by an Elvis impersonator!  Visitors are encouraged to spend an evening away from their Bryson City NC cabin rentals or Cherokee NC cabin rentals to come out and hear some great talent live.

The venue is casual and covered, meaning the music jams on rain or shine.  Visitors are invited to bring a chair and sit back and relax.  There is plenty of room for dancing too, for those so inclined.  Carolina mountain vacations are simply not complete without a taste of the music of the Smokies.

Remaining Shows For 2010:

• October 9, 2010: Mountain Dew-et - The name says it all, an old-time country duo with a touch of Patsy Cline.
  
• October 16, 2010: Boogertown Gap - Named after an actual place in the Smoky Mountains, this string band plays old-time Appalachian Music.
  
• October 23, 2010: The Barn Cats - Old country music from the rural south of long ago.
• October 30, 2010: Chris Monteith as Elvis - Bryson City's very own Elvis.  Great music and fun!

 

 

We know how great the fall season is here in the Great Smoky Mountains - fabulous weather, stunning color in the leaves and lots to do both outdoors and indoors.  Now everyone else gets to know it too! The Great Smoky Mountains have made Yahoo's Top 10 Fall Foliage Destinations list for 2010.  And no wonder!  We have over 100 species of native trees, including sugar maples, scarlet oaks, sweetgums, and red maples.  Our peak color season is October through November, though color starts showing as early as mid-September in some places.

Our many great Smoky Mountain cabin properties are perfect for bases of operation for fun in the fall.  Smoky Mountain vacation packages offer easy planning of activities and adventures, from Jet Boat rides and mountain hikes to Whitewater Rafting to old-time train rides. 

Located right next to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, our Cherokee NC cabin rentals and Bryson City NC cabin rentals offer great views of fall foliage and easy access to the roads and trails of this gorgeous park.

Music in the Mountains is a weekly event that takes place every Saturday evening at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot.   At 6pm, a local band or singer/songwriter takes the stage and offers up their talent to the public - for free!  It's a great way to add true local flavor to Carolina mountain vacations!

Downtown Bryson City is just a short way from most of our Smoky Mountain cabin properties and it's worth coming in after a day of playing in the mountains to relax to great music.

On September 4th, the RibTips will be playing their unique style of music played on fiddle, washbaord, guitar, and washtub bass. They will play some music of love, trains, and chickens -- yes chickens -- and perhaps a little tune called "Sylva and Bryson"...

Whether visitors are coming to do some fishing in the Smokies, Smoky Mountain golfing, whitewater rafting or just to relax in Bryson City NC cabin rentals, getting to the mountains can be nearly as much fun as being here - at least when drivers find themselves on the Nantahala Scenic Byway.

For those coming to the Great Smoky Mountains from Chattanooga, TN or North Georgia, the Nantahala Scenic Byway offers 40 beautiful miles to ease the drive.

US Hwy 19/74 winds its way up through the Andrews River Valley to the Nantahala Gorge, following the Valley River and then the Nantahala River in turn.  Mountains rise misty in the distance across the valley, then draw close and seem to hug the road as the sides of the Nantahala Gorge rise on either side of the river.  Nantahala means, loosely translated,  "River of the Mid-Day Sun", because the sun only reaches the heart of the River Gorge when it is directly overhead.

This scenic roadway offers open vistas and close encounters with mountains in only a short drive - well worth the trip! There are numerous pullouts along the road by the Nantahala River, several with picnic tables, where you can enjoy watching the rafters and kayakers paddling by.

There are lots of things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains.  Smoky Mountain vacation packages can include everything from Jetboat Rides to Tours of the Biltmore Estate and learning to whitewater kayak.

Sometimes, however, visitors get an urge to do do some exploring on their own.  With that in mind, we encourage folks to head out from their Smoky Mountain vacation rentals to take a drive up through the Cullasaja River Gorge on the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway (US Hwy 64).

The road up the gorge is stunning, but not for the faint of heart.  Narrow and very winding, there are few opportunities to pull over and drivers must pay close attention to the road and the traffic around them to negotiate the drive safely.  The sights along the way, however, make the stress of the road worthwhile.

The first water fall to appear is the stunning Cullasaja Falls.  Sadly, there is really no place to safely pull over and look at it, so it must simply be witnessed as passing beauty.

Luckily, the next waterfall, Dry Falls, has a large parking area complete with restroom facilities.  There is a boardwalk overlook where visitors can look down on the huge waterfall, and a trail that leads down to the waterfall.  And not only to the waterfall, but behind it!  Dry Falls is so named because visitors can walk behind the falling curtain of the Cullasaja River and stay - mostly - dry!  The noise and the view from behind are spectacular, and the experience is one that will not soon be forgotten.

Just up the road from Dry Falls is Bridal Veil Falls, which cascades right at the side of the road and which actually has a paved access road leading behind it.  In another intrepid explorer is not already parked there, visitors can drive right through part of the waterfall.

This road trip is the perfect addition to relaxing Carolina mountain vacations.

The creeks of the Great Smoky Mountains are unique in their beauty and especially attractive in hot summer weather. 

There is nothing like an icy mountain stream - often called a fork or a prong here in the mountains - overhung by rhododendron and dogwood trees, bubbling over mossy rocks, to take visitors away from the cares of every day life.

Many of the most popular walking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park follow creeks for at least part of their length.  One of the most beloved, the Deep Creek trail, is only a short drive from most of our Smoky Mountain vacation rentals.  Easily accessed from several points along the trail, Deep Creek is perfect for wading, tubing and swimming.  Several waterfalls tumble into the creek, providing an extra-spectacular backdrop to a day's adventure.

Another great creek hike is Bradley Fork, located at the far end of the Smokemont Campground just a few miles into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Cherokee Enterance.  Like the Deep Creek Trail, Bradley Fork is an old roadbed, wide and easy to follow, making it accessible to people of all ages.  Guests staying in our great Cherokee NC cabin rentals are only a few minutes drive from the Bradley Fork trailhead. 

Whichever trail is closer, visitors will be delighted with the relaxing fun to be had exploring a mountain stream on a hot day.

Clingmans Dome has arguably the best view in Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 360 degrees of gorgeous Smoky Mountains stretching into North Carolina on one side and Tennesee on the other side. It is really easy to get to from your Smoky Mountain Vacation Rental in Bryson City, NC. After our hike to Chimney Rocks last week (see last week's entry) we drove up to Clingman's Dome to have a picnic dinner. The sun was starting its descent to the horizon and the air was marvelously cool because we were at 6643 feet elevation. This was very good because it was really hot at lower eleva


Fontana Lake is in the distance on the NC side of the park. You can pull up to ample parking in the two lots, and choose a picnic spot very close to your car. You'll be sitting on the edge of the mountain with plenty of room - perfect for spreading a blanket, pouring a beverage of choice, and enjoying a nice evening picnic with breathtaking views. The best part of this, it's only 45 minutes from your cabin rental in the Bryson City or Cherokee NC area! 

There are a ton of things to do on vacation here in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. Hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the outdoor activities that is available to most vacationers. Some of the trails are short and even, others are long and steep. (Yep, some are short and steep too!) Make sure you get a good guidebook before you head out on the trail. Our local book store Gil's on Everett Street in Bryson City carries several good ones. You can pick one up at the Oconaluftee visitor center on the way into the park as well.

Last weekend, my partner and I headed to Chimney Rocks trail. This is a short, popular trail easily accessed right from Hwy 441. Go past Newfound Gap, and it is on the left halfway down the descent into Tennessee. Chimney Rocks trail starts at the Chimney picnic area where the West Prong of the Pigeon tumbles through a creek bed of very large boulders. It's awesome for plunging into the cold water after your hike!

The hike up itself starts out wide and easy. it quickly turns to about straiight up. If you continue you'll be rewarded wtih an incredible view into Tennessee. At the top be really careful as you have to climb up the odd boulder formations to see the very top. 

The climb down went pretty quickly. We jumped into the creek after our hike, so refreshing! You can make an easy afternoon outing in the park from your Bryson City NC cabin rentals with this hike. Bring a picnic and stay longer!

Today I left my office at 7pm, drove less than 15 minutes from town to the Hwy 28 bridge crossing over Lake Fontana, parked my car, got my Wilderness Systems Tsunami touring kayak off the car (with the help of a friend, its true!) and was in the water in less than 30 minutes. I paddled up towards the Nantahala River, for about an hour. It was beautiful, quiet, the moon was out, and only one motor boat passed me, right when I put in. When I turned around to paddle back to the 28 bridge, 2 other motor boats passed me. Other than that, I had the entire lake to myself.

When you come on a Carolina Mountain vacation to our North Carolina Smokies, you can experience a magical paddling trip on beautiful green waters of Lake Fontana, or your favorite other water sport on our rivers and creeks, too. Touring Kayaks are available for rent and tours with our partner Endless River Adventures, and you can book a tour or rental directly through Yellow Rose when you book your cabin with our convenient adventure packages.

Winter has been frisky this year in our magical corner of the Great Smokies.  Snow has visited us several times, making for fun skiing at local resorts and along the closed roads of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Clingman's Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Hiking has also received an added twist, with track identifying in snow fast becoming a favorite game for those walking in the woods.  

In honor of how nice it is to chill out in the winter magic season, we're offering the Triple 'R' Chill Special (Relax. Refresh. Recharge - CHILL!) on our Cherokee NC cabin rentals and Bryson City NC cabin rentals.  From Feb 1 to March 31, 2010, stay 2 nights and get the 3rd night FREE!

Since there's a chill in the air, take some time to chill out in the mountains.  Play in the snow.  Spot some rabbit tracks. Some of our visitors have never seen snow, we know where all the best places are to find it! Enjoy!

On a cool fall night in the Smokies, curl up in front of a fire in one of our Bryson City NC cabin rentals and reach for a good book.  What's a good read for a mountain evening?  We have a favorite suggestion.

Ron Rash, professor at Western Carolina University, is the award winning author of 9 books: The Night The New Jesus Fell to Earth (short stories), Casualties (short stories), Eureka Mill (poetry),  Among the Believers (poetry), Raising the Dead (poetry), One Foot in Eden (novel), Saints at the River (novel), and The World Made Straight (2006) and Serena (2008). 

His family has lived in the Appalachian mountains since the 1700s, and there is a unique taste of the rugged mountain life in his works and his characters are no simple stereotypical constructs, but rather real folks dealing with tough issues, some common to people everywhere, some unique to the mountain region they live in.

Whether here for fishing in the Smokies, smoky mountain golfing or just a relaxing Carolina mountain vacation, there's nothing like a good book to wind down the day, and Ron Rash won't disappoint.