Wednesday, May 28, 2008

White Squirrel Festival 2008


A white squirrel? Yes! Brevard is home not only to gray squirrels and boomers, but also a white variety. Approximately 25% of Brevard's squirrels are white squirrels, according to an annual survey conducted by the White Squirrel Institute. Clearly, this fact alone, stands for reason to hold the annual White Squirrel Festival in downtown Brevard. This year, I got to see what the fuss is all about! What I found is that people come from all around to partake in the Memorial Day fun... we all went nuts!

The festival had an entire block sectioned off for just food vendors; everything from funnel cakes, lemonade slushies, hot dogs, pretzels, candy... you name it. Right after the food, there was a huge stage where live music was almost constantly playing. They had great music playing from the speakers if there wasn't a live band, too. One of the headliners this year was Edwin McCain!! From what I understand, Edwin is from the mountains of NC and this was surely an homage to his roots. How wonderful!
There were about 4 full blocks of vendors that had tents and booths set up, lining the both sides of Main Street and South Broad Street. Vendors ranged from eclectic jewelry, antiques, handmade birdhouses, fantastic local art and photography, to fundraisers and charities raising money through contests and activities. At one point, I felt like my senses were on overload with all the wonderful sights to be seen, aromas to be smelled, and sounds to be heard.
In addition to all of the booths, most of the stores that are on those streets were open too! Needless to say, I didn't walk away empty handed. I found an incredible sling messenger bag that was created from pieces of Latin American tribal clothing - how cool! What's even better, part of the proceeds went to funding education projects in Guatemala. I also got some great jewelry made by local artists; stuff you won't find anywhere else.
Just when you think you can't pack any more personality and fun into 3 square blocks, we stumbled upon the the second running of the hugely poplular Squirrel Box Derby... a go-cart race down jailhouse hill in downtown Brevard. There were heats for both kids and adults - truly entertaining!!
If you haven't made your way to the festival, definitely schedule a trip to come see it in 2009 - you just can't miss out! See you there next year!
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Come visit our new mountain living lifestyle in Brevard, North Carolina at GlenLaurel Preserve.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Brevard... a small town rich with mountain heritage

This picturesque mountain town lies at the entrance to Pisgah National Forestmarking the crossroads between Pisgah, Dupont State Forest, Gorges State Park, and Bracken Mountain Nature Reserve. It is located in western North Carolina, about 30 to 45 minutes southwest of Asheville. With the moderate climate and surrounding environmental beauty, Brevard has become a noted tourism, retirement and cultural center in western North Carolina. Additionally, it is considered an exceptional hub for outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, fishing, biking, and kayaking.

What I love most about the city is that it really does have something for everyone, which is remarkable considering its small-town ambiance. If you’re not one for outdoor mountain activity, and you’re searching for something to brood your artistic side, there is no better place than this. The vibrant populace, along with the Transylvania Community Arts Council, continue to deliver diverse programs, concerts, and exhibits to our mountain community. Brevard is the home of Brevard College, a four-year liberal arts institution with nationally-recognized programs in music and environmental studies. Additionally, the town is also home to Brevard Music Center, one of the nation’s preeminent summer music teaching and performance institutions. With all of the notable support, its no surprise that the town boasts an extensive local music and arts community, hosting numerous festivals and artistic events throughout the year.

The city is nicknamed “The Land of Waterfalls” due to the many waterfalls in the area, including Looking Glass Falls, Connestee Falls, and Sliding Rock.
Brevard is home to the Brevard White Squirrel Festival. Approximately 25% of Brevard's squirrels are white squirrels, according to an annual survey conducted by the White Squirrel Institute.
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Come visit our new mountain living lifestyle in Brevard, North Carolina at GlenLaurel Preserve.

Who is Evergreen? About the Builder...

For most builders, the first step to building a home is laying the foundation. For Evergreen Homebuilders, the first step is listening.In fact, that was the first step we took in building our company. Long before we built our first home, we set out to discover exactly what people really wanted in their homes. We conducted focus groups. We talked to people. And we listened.
It was from these meetings, along with managing partner Ted Futrelle's decades of local homebuilding experience and own unique family experiences, that a set of core beliefs for Evergreen Homebuilders emerged:
• Standard in our homes would be many features other builders considered upgrades.
• We would not build fluff; even the interior construction of our homes that buyers never see would be of the highest quality materials built to exacting standards.
• We would honor the traditions and natural beauty of the mountains we have been coming to for a generation.
• We would hire people who share our belief that the only way a local homebuilder can succeed is to treat our customers not only as customers, but as neighbors.
• We would be honored to have you as a neighbor at GlenLaurel Preserve.
The result that has risen from this rich combination of beliefs and experiences is the Evergreen Difference, a home of distinguishable quality that is head and shoulders above the rest. Unquestionably, it is the kind of home you'd be proud to own. And we'd be proud to build it for you.
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Come visit our new mountain living lifestyle in Brevard, North Carolina at GlenLaurel Preserve.