THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN Near Asheville, NC- Your Life Elevated

click poster to magnify

Home site with long-range view -Available

Home site - wooded - Available

Home site - creek lot - 1 Remaining

Estate Home site #20 with spec home - mid-June

Coming Soon:  Cottages at Celo 

VISIT WITH US AND EXPLORE CELO 

miles of manicured hiking trails, 4 community park areas with fire pits and seating areas, a custom-built children's tree house/play area, trout ponds, lean-to's for photography or relaxing in a hammock, family camp area, creeks, waterfalls - nature preserved and enhanced

Call 866-378-4769 for Special-Rate Accommodations at our historic B&B's

A Premier Gated Community

Between Asheville and Boone, NC

Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway In the Pisgah National Forest

Interview with Knife and Fork's Chef Nate Allen - Final Four WNC Chef Challenge 2011 (so far!)

Clockwise: Chef Nate Allen of Knife and Fork; preparing the dish;

"made from scratch" ingredients; the #1 dish - Tempura ramps topped andouille sausage and a savory waffle;

preparing the Knife & Fork dessert; Team Knife and Fork wins! (All photos from WNC Chef Challenge - WNC magazine.)

Tour THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN during June (866-378-4769), and be our guest at this award-winning ten-table restaurant that serves gourmet farm-to-table cuisine. Chef Nate Allen and his wife, Wendy Gardner, opened up Knife and Fork in historic, small town Spruce Pine, NC, two years ago. This hometown favorite is rapidly gaining kudos from all over Western North Carolina. Nate kindly took a moment for an email interview with us.

(The Cove at Celo Mountain is located between the two historic "small-town America" communities of Burnsville and Spruce Pine. We office in Burnsville but consider both towns "home.")

We hear rumors that you were chef for high-profile clients like Reese Witherspoon, Toby Maguire, maybe Leonardo DiCaprio before you “came back home.” Is this true, and is this home? Someone told us Wendy is from Burnsville. Why did you go to Spruce Pine instead of Burnsville?

I am aware of rumours regarding my past employers. Something that has made me a commodity in the private cooking world is my respect for confidentiality. For five years before moving here I had the great opportunity to work/live/and travel with many of the hollywood elite. Thats as specific as I am willing to get. North Carolina has to me always been my home. My parents were both born in NC. I was born in the nations capitol. But never lived there. Then my list of addresses after birth reads like I was on the run. My father was transferred as often as every 3-5 years to a new state. Wendy and her family moved to Burnsville from Sarasota FL when she was three. I would say that she is from here but that really depends on who you ask around these parts.We moved back to Burnsville in June of 09. Initially we had not planned on opening a restaurant so soon. Instead, I planned to get a decent garden going, meet some other growers and begin a slow planning phase. As you know, Yancey was still a dry county in 09 and Spruce Pine was newly wet as of that previous April. I would not have a business were it not for the ability to have alcohol sales. Some one brought our attention to our current location a few days after our arrival. We met with the landlord and saw the trains (I love trains) and three days later we had our space. We also had a lot of work to do.

We understand you are on the Spruce Pine Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. We have had clients ask if Spruce Pine plans a Riverwalk with restaurants and shops like in San Antonio, TX – or do they plan to do some “sprucing up” with the railroad depot and maybe have train excursions similar to the one in Bryson City?

i am not on the board of the chamber in Mitchell. I am on the board of the Downtown Spruce Pine Mainstreet Assoc.. We have created a master plan for the town and have hopes for implementation. Our Director, Bryan Freeborn, is working diligently to help us chip away at small projects as we attempt to find the funding to reach our goals. I know that we are not using the river walk in TX as a model. The depot is unfortunately the property of CSX and they are not concerned with its appearance. I would like to paint it guerilla style in the middle of the night because it is an eyesore. A passenger train came through for the initial heritage festival here in Spruce Pine a number of years ago. It would be dreamy to have that be a regularity but CSX finds much more profit in the transit of our mountain tops than in half full passenger cars.

Where did you study the culinary arts? What is your approach/philosophy to your menu selection and presentation? We hear you prefer local, organic ingredients but know that you highlight special cheeses and beers from out-of-state as well. Will you try to stay almost exclusively with local, farm-to-table gourmet cuisine? By the way, you got huge kudos from one of our clients, who has a second home in Switzerland, with your tempura ramps (or so she called them.)

I trained at Johnson & Wales in Providence RI. My approach and philosophy are based on the idea of how we might be able to operate 100 years ago. No global economy or mass transit. We source our ingredients locally because it turns the changing seasons and their offerings into a celebration and a ritual of appreciation. I do not believe that I should be buying foreign tomatoes or any other vegetable just because the modern palate has come to expect everything and anything to be available at anytime. Real responsible living and the health and joy that they bring are anything but convenient. Wine and cheese and beer are fantastic and need to be sourced from outside of this specific region because no one is really doing that here. This tends to be an extremely acceptable exception to my general rule.

Would you be willing to share a recipe with us to put in the blog?

sure I would share a recipe. Any request? (This will appear in a future blog.)

We would love to hear your comments about the Chef’s Challenge. We are taking a lot of pride in your success and are so thankful you are here and that we as a local business can be the recipients of your talent.

The challenge has been fantastic. I love getting a chance to meet and work with other creative kitchen artists. i have made some great friends and i cannot wait to compete again on June 6th.

Is there anything you would like us to know in regards to your restaurant or plans for the future – like opening a second location in Burnsville!?

I have one plan for the future. I want to fill my restaurant and feed people great food while continuing to uplift the local agricultural community. i will not open another restaurant unless some benevolent human being pays for my dream space and my dream crew and acts only as a silent partner and I retain ownership and complete creative control.

We so hope you will attend the next round of the WNC Chef Challenge and support Nate and Wendy and Knife & Fork. "They do us proud!"

To order tickets for the Final Four WNC Chef Challenge on June 6

Video by Downtown Spruce Pine

Photos: http://www.wncmagazine.com/photogallery/wnc_chefs_challenge_2011_week_7

Photo/ WNC Interviewhttp://www.wncmagazine.com/wineandfood/allen

It's a Big Deal - Another Collaborative Effort Between Teens and Community

If you have read this blog, you know that we highly regard the community/high school liason that is so strong here. Our beautiful Mountain Heritage High School campus, which resembles a metropolitan community college, is approached on a winding, wooded drive past an old tobacco barn proudly displaying one of the Western North Carolina Quilt Trails Quilt Blocks, past a guard house and on through to what is considered the largest on-campus Habitat for Humanity Warehouse in North Carolina - and surely one of the largest on any public high school campus in America. It is here where community volunteers work alongside our teenagers to build a home for a deserving local family. In the art classes, our young people throw bowls for the Empty Bowl Benefit, whose founders call Burnsville, NC home now. They also paint Quilt Blocks for the Quilt Trails of Western North Carolina, also headquartered here. The ecology class invites the community (and visitors) on yearly river tours to learn about our local eco system in this Blue Ridge Mountain area. The thespian teens act right along with very accomplished adults from Western North Carolina in our historic and acclaimed Parkway Playhouse.

The most recent collaborative effort between the community and school is building manicured hiking trails along the campus property. In the photo above, Tim Johnson of NC State Parks teaches "Sustainable Trails" to trail building volunteers (both students and adults) at Mountain Heritage High School. Best of all, this beautiful trail will be available to the community as a whole to enjoy.

It is this same concept of protecting, enhancing, and utilizing natural talent and beauty to share with others that was the genesis of The Cove at Celo Mountain. With our own 3 miles of manicured hiking trails along a rushing creek, beautiful waterfalls, and relaxing trout ponds, lean-to's for contemplation, reading, or photographing, 4 park areas with handcrafted furniture, fire pits and cooking areas, an art-commisioned, hand-forged front entrance gate, and one-of-a-kind Quilt Block (our owners underwrite this award-winning non-profit), The Cove at Celo Mountain brings the tranquility and beauty of nature to your front door - with the luxury and carefree superintendence of gated-community living. This leaves you time for enjoying the great outdoors around us, traveling, or joining in this remarkable cross-age collaborative communal work we do so well here in Burnsville, NC.

Experience our lifestyle and tour The Cove at Celo Mountain - compliments of the owners - during May and June. Call us about our Special Discovery Package. 866-378-4769.

TOP SUMMER CAMPS IN THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS NEAR ASHEVILLE, NC

The Toe River Art Camp For Grown-ups Only (see list below for top camps for the younger generations)- May 27-30 in Burnsville, NC
What better way to start the summer camping season than to send Mom, Dad or other adults to camp! "By the time participants leave the camp, which takes place May 27-30, they will have created projects in the following mediums: stained glass, pottery, mixed media sculpture and forged metal.

Instructors for the camp are: Claudia Dunaway (pottery), John D. Richards (mixed media sculpture), Deana Blanchard (stained glass) and Chuck Young (forged metal). All are noted artisans in their field and members of the Toe River Arts Council, as well as the Southern Highland Craft Guild.

Campers will be treated to a welcoming cocktail party and light dinner Friday evening, and will work on two projects Saturday and two Sunday. Monday morning provides time to finish up projects before a "show and tell" to close the camp. In between art projects, campers are encouraged to take advantage of the natural wonderland that is Burnsville and Yancey County."

Then it is time for the younger generation to head off into this summer rite of passage. Drop the children off at camp, then come spend 3 days/2 nights with us in May or June, 2011, compliments of the owners, at THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN outside of Asheville. With 3 miles of hiking trails, trout ponds, waterfalls, 4 parks with cooking areas, an area set aside for residents to camp out with children or grandchildren - within this sanctuary setting - and rivers to raft, kayak, fly and float fish and mountains to hike, horses to ride, golf, and more - just outside this premier gated community - you will find that the best of camp experiences can become a part of the rest of your life. Choose a beautifully appointed Cabin at Celo or an estate lot with creek or long or short-range mountain views where you can build your own mountain getaway for the summer - for all seasons of the year and of your life. Call 866-378-4769 for your Discovery Package Getaway.

The following are a few of our top area camps steeped in tradition and recommended by a retired North Carolina high school principal. The ones in SC and NC are within approximately 30 minutes of Asheville. The ones with an asterisk are ones which the Asheville Educator knows personally; however, all the ones listed are considered great camps.

Green River Preserve-NC "For rising 2nd through 9th graders, we offer 1, 2 and 3 week co-ed programs."

Camp Chatuga – SC * "traditional summer camp with Christian values"

Camp voyager – SC "Clemson University has been offering experiential education to the youth of South Carolina since 1934"

Adventure Summer Camp – SC - "Adventure, Wilderness, Backpacking ages 12-17"

Camp Kanuga – NC - Episcopal - "adventure, sports, crafts ages 7-15"

Keystone Camp – NC * "Since 1916, Keystone Camp has encouraged and supported girls to become strong individuals."

Camp Meri-Mac – NC * Camp for girls - "Merri-Mac is a special place, rich in tradition, and dedicated to encouraging growth in the fruits of the Spirit."

Camp Illahee – NC * "For ninety years, Camp Illahee has given girls the opportunity to explore their interests, seek new adventures and forge friendships and memories that will last a lifetime"

Green Cove – NC - 90 years - "Camp Green Cove is a traditional, but unique summer program for girls age 6 to 17."

Camp Ton-A-Wandah – NC * since 1933 - "more than a place - it's a place in your heart."

TANTALIZING TIDBITS - IN THE NEWS

Enjoy the Miracle Worker currently playing at the historic Parkway Playhouse. The 4 wrought-iron chandeliers in the lobby and theater are gifts from local artist, Daniel Boone VI, (a direct descendant of Daniel Boone) who loved this theater. According to Evelyn Hope Bailey, Parkway Playhouse Historian, Boone's work is "internationally known and appears in private homes, public buildings, in museums and in public and private gardens. He was awarded the contract for all of the wrought-iron used in the restoration of Williamsburg, VA, in the early 1930's. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. spent more than $4,000,000 for the 17th century restoration of that city."

En Plein Air, Paint out, will be held in Burnsville on May 21st. Sponsored by the Toe River Arts Council (TRAC), the Blue Ridge Fine Arts Guild (BRAG), and Cove at Celo Mountain estate owners, Susan and Paul Crutchfield, "this popular rite of spring brings tourists from all over the area to capture the spirit of downtown Burnsville in many different mediums of art." This is a juried event with $1000 in cash prizes and certificates being awarded.

"Country Cablevision begins construction this week of a $25.3 million project to bring high-speed internet to 97% of homes and businesses in Yancey and Mitchell counties. The Burnsville-based company partnered with the county’s Broadband Taskforce to pursue federal stimulus funding for the project, with the company providing a 25% match. Country Cablevision founder Ray Vance Miller was honored as Entrepreneur of the Year at an economic summit that provided an update on the broadband project."

Mountain Heritage High School senior and hoops star, John Cannon, picks Georgia over UNC, Northwestern and Old Dominion. Cannon set a NCHSAA record for career blocked shots (606). He averaged 21.9 points, 12.3 rebounds and 6.5 blocks a game this past season for the Cougars (21-7) and was named the Western Highlands Conference Player of the Year. Cannon also received all-state honors from The Associated Press and N.C. Basketball Coaches Association.

MHHS cheerleader Allison Tipton, who has been chosen as a finalist in the National Cheerleader of the Year competition. She will travel to Southern Methodist University on May 20th - 22nd, to compete for the title. She is the 2nd cheerleader from MHHS to ever make it this far.

DOT officially opens Mt. Mitchell Scenic Byway - Local officials joined NC Dept. of Transportation representatives on Yancey’s highest peak to open one of the state’s newest scenic byways. The 52-mile stretch of roadway begins at the tallest mountain in Eastern America and winds along the Parkway, down the South Toe Valley (Highway 80 South by The Cove at Celo Mountain), through Burnsville and along Hwy 19 to I-26.

The Art of Reuse - Earth Day Contest sponsored by Etsy names local artist to Top 10 on Today Show

"Trashformations" have been a favorite with art lovers in our Open Studio Tours in Western North Carolina for years. This medium lends itself well to the culture of simplicity, back-to-nature, and thoughtful, green living which is a trademark of the Asheville, NC area.

Burnsville artist and musician (Hot Duck Soup), John Richards, had his work, "Flying Alumifish" named as a top 10 on NBC's Today Show "Art of Reuse" contest last week. John's project was a mobile made from aluminum cat food lids. The mobile is currently hanging in the Mellow Mushroom in Asheville, along with several of John's other works. Judges for the contest included Martha Stewart, Hoda Kotb, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Andy Cohen.

John's works have been sold or displayed at Tiffany & Co., Bonwit Teller, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, The Museum of Contemporary Crafts NYC, The Museum of Modern Art, Jacksonville FL & various publications: House & Garden, American Home, Playboy, Asheville Citizen Times, Yancey Common Times Journal, Southern Living Magazine, The New York Times, The London Times, Folio & the prestigious Saint Augustine Record. John received a BA in English from Union College in Schenectady, NY and taught English, Spanish, and Art for "four long years but has been creatively unemployed ever since."

Visit the Toe River Arts Gallery in Burnsville, NC for other works of the artist as well as those of other local well-known "Trashformationists" like Rolf Holmquist and Susan Hayden.

For more information:

Reuser's Guide to Green Living
John's studio: Yummy Mud Puddle

Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and the Power of the Purse

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and its local affiliate, the Yancey Foundation, enable many of our local non-profits to make a significant difference in our community.

One of the estate owners at The Cove at Celo Mountain was a former chair and board member of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina in Asheville and is actively involved with the Yancey Foundation. View the video explaining how the Yancey Foundation has been able to distribute $475,000 in grants and still have a permanent endowment of more than $250,000. Listen to many of our community leaders and fund recipients tell of the crucial impact the foundation has had on Yancey County.

Join women from Burnsville and The Cove at Celo Mountain at the CFWNC Power of the Purse luncheon on May 23 in Asheville featuring philanthropist Jennifer Buffett. "Buffett is co-chair and president of the NoVo Foundation, a philanthropic organization focused on creating a more just and balanced world based on cooperation and compassion, primarily through the empowerment of girls and women.

In September 2008, Jennifer and her husband Peter received the Clinton Global Citizen Award for their 'visionary leadership and sustainable, scalable work in solving pressing global challenges.' In December 2009, they were named among Barron’s top 25 most effective philanthropists. In 2010, Jennifer was chosen by President Clinton to be a founding member of Clinton Global Initiative’s young global leaders cohort, “CGE LEAD.” The Buffets work in philanthropy began in 1997 when Peter’s parents, Susan and Warren Buffett, bequeathed Jennifer and Peter a small charitable fund.

Proceeds from Power of the Purse benefit The Women’s Fund, a CFWNC permanent endowment to support the unmet needs of women and girls in the region."

To register for Power of the Purse (This is usually a sell-out event, so early registration is recommended.) Over 1,000 people gathered to hear Cokie Roberts at last year's event.

A Beautiful Sanctuary Setting - Hiking along the Water Features within THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN

Hiking along the waterfalls, creeks and trout ponds - THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN

It was a beautiful 65-degree spring day today - perfect for hiking the 3 miles of manicured trails within the sanctuary setting of THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN. For more of this mesmerizing beauty, enjoy the following slideshow from photos taken just a few hours ago.

A Few of Our Favorite Things - Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway

Cherry trees around one of the trout ponds within The Cove at Celo Mountain

Forsythia, flowering quince, cherry trees, and Bradford Pear are heralding the beginning of our celebrated spring in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. While there are many spectacular views, those within THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN are among the most memorable. Come enjoy a few of our favorite spring openings. The activities listed below are within 10 - 15 minutes of your Cove at Celo Mountain home or Cabin at Celo.

April 16th Patience Park and Toe River Campground open - Swimming Pool, River Tubing, Trout Fishing, Campground Store

April -Nov Mt. Mitchell Golf Course (consistently ranked 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest - a "Must Play Public Golf Course.")

Springmaid Mountain Horseback Riding, Tubing, Fishing. Open in clement weather year-round. The trail rides ford the Toe River at least twice with water coming up to your stirrups amid breathtaking scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Spring Hikes along the Rivers and Blue Ridge Parkway

Kayaking, Tubing, Floating, Canoeing along the South Toe and North Toe

Breathe the Mountains...Live the Dream

For more information: The Cove at Celo Mountain movie clip (2 1/2 minutes) Springmaid Farm Mt. Mitchell Golf Course Patience Park and Toe River Campground Hiking in Yancey County Rafting, Tubing, Kayaking

An Historic Hometown, An Ancient River, A Continuing Legacy

Photos: Fresh Organic Produce - Farmers Market; Our Middle School Drama Department's State Overall Best Actor and Actress, Mountain Heritage High School Eco-Club Students rafting down the South Toe River, Toe River Arts Council Chamber Ensemble and Toe River Community Chorus, OakMoon Farm and Creamery local handcrafted goat cheeses, Ayles Creek within THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN.

Do you love outdoor adventures, ecology, wonderful arts and crafts, farm-to-table organic foods, orchestral ensembles and choral groups that YOU can join, not just enjoy.

Our small,historic hometown of Burnsville, NC, boasts its own Toe River Chamber Ensemble and Toe River Chorus - actually comprised of musicians from 5 local counties, ages 10-89, and pulled from every walk of life - farmers, librarians, real estate salesmen, potters, ministers, photographers, administrative workers, construction workers, teachers, students, doctors, hospital technicians and more. Come hear them perform the Easter portion of Handel's Messiah on April 12th at 7:00 pm at First Baptist Church on the town square of Burnsville - for free, of course. The talent here will simply astound you. Remember that I have said that when we claim more artists, per capita, than anywhere else in America, this includes the performing arts as well as the visual arts.

Speaking of which...Mountain Heritage High School has taken top state honors in drama for many years. But just recently our Middle School Drama Department took top state awards - Superior Play, Best Overall Actor, Best Overall Actress, Excellence in Directing, Acting, Live Music, Overall Design, Ensemble and Set Design.

One of my favorite things about this area is the co-mingling of all ages in most all activities - the building of Habitat for Humanity houses on campus at our high school with students and community volunteers working side-by-side, youth and adults throwing pots together for an Empty Bowl Benefit, painting Quilt Blocks together for the Quilt Trails of Western North Carolina, performing in music and theater productions alongside one another, and even farming and selling their own organic produce in our farmers markets.

Each year, one of our young farmers is recognized for excellence in agriculture. Come meet these amazing farm owners at our Farmers Market - opening April 23rd behind Town Square and the Town Center on Saturdays from 8-12. Market activities often include such events as health screenings, face painting, live music, and gourmet cooking demonstrations. Featured on opening day will be lots of plants, baked goods, crafts, cheese, meat, jams and jellies, honey, and some early produce. My personal favorite cheese in the world is OakMoon Farm and Creamery's Mountain Mediterranean Goat Cheese with Fresh Garlic and Olive Oil served on homemade bread from Nana's Kitchen. Both will be at the Farmer's Market and will sell out quickly.

Come back to the simple way of life of our American roots. Join us in this back-to-nature, we-can-do-this-together approach to living. Our lifestyle and our mountains are breaths of fresh air.

The Handel's Messiah concert is under the direction of Lisa Mauney and is made possible by the Toe River Arts Council with a Grassroots Arts grant awarded to the council by the North Carolina Arts Council.

Heroic Season for the Parkway Playhouse - NC's Oldest Continuously Operating Summer Theater

Photos: The legendary Parkway Playhouse showcasing "The Bard of Avon" Quilt Block (part of the Quilt Trails of Western North Carolina - underwritten by the owners of The Cove at Celo Mountain) and the locally commissioned, hand-forged entrance gate to THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN. Enjoy our acclaimed art, our history, and some of America's most spectacular natural beauty. This is your Gateway to a new Lifestyle.

The 2011 Season (the 65th consecutive season!) of this Blue Ridge Parkway historic theater located in Burnsville, NC, is almost here!

This is the lineup of a Season of Heroes with added curtain-raisers during leaf season and Christmas! You are in for a treat that equals metropolitan theater across America. When we say we have more artists, per capita, in Yancey and Mitchell Counties than anywhere else in America - we are alluding to not only the visual arts and crafts but to the incredible talent in the performing arts here, as well.

May 6-14 THE MIRACLE WORKER by William Gibson-An inspiring and true story of heroism and faith about the remarkable Annie Sullivan who, against all odds, taught the deaf, mute, and blind child Helen Keller to communicate with the world.

June 3-11 WORLD PREMIER -AN UNCIVIL UNION: THE BATTLE OF BURNSVILLE-by Britt Kauffman-Set in Yancey County at the zenith of the Civil War and the 'worst winter in memory' a group of war weary mountain women make a courageous stand. Funny and touching, this world premiere play is an imaginative look at an actual event that reminds us that heroes can come from surprising places.

June 24-July 9 - 1776- a musical by Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone-Daring to stand up and declare their independence from the British, the founding fathers of America embodied fearlessness and conviction. This powerful musical puts a human face on one of the most stirring events in our history: the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

July 22-August 6 - SEUSSICAL-a family musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty- A clever musical based on the works of the legendary Dr. Seuss will transport you to the Jungle of Nool where an elephant named Horton makes a bold stand on faith alone. Join us (and a certain famous hat-wearing feline) for an evening where anything imaginable.... is possible.

August 12-20 ROBIN HOOD: THE LEGEND OF SHERWOOD- a swashbuckling adventure by Jeff Douglas Messer and Robert Akers- The legend comes to life as the most famous "outlaw" in the world takes to the Parkway Playhouse stage to defy the menacing and oppressive Prince John and the evil Sheriff of Nottingham.

August 23-September 6 - ALONG ABOUT SUNDOWN- an Appalachian mountain musical by Brenda Lunsford Lilly and Sandra Lunsford Mason-Meet Bascom Lamar Lunsford: minstrel, politician, and visionary hero. This intimate look at one of the most influential and creative native sons of North Carolina will have you clogging in the aisles.

October 21 (Tentative Opening) - DRACULA- a Gothic thriller- adapted from the Bram Stoker novel by Andrew Gall and Jeff Douglas Messer- The classic vampire story comes to heart-pounding life - a young woman falls victim to an unexplainable illness, a ghastly shipwreck is discovered, and a reclusive stranger from a remote land arrives in a seaside resort in England. Good is threatened by an unspeakable evil. As an unlikely band of heroes face off against one of the most feared and famous monsters of all time in this new adaptation of the first vampire novel.

December 1 (Tentative Opening) BEAUTIFUL STAR: AN APPALACHIAN NATIVITY-by Preston Lane and Laurelyn Dossett- A heartwarming retelling of the original Christmas story. Faith and redemption, new possibilities, and hope for all are re-discovered as a small mountain church uses music and love to tell the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.

For season or individual tickets

Get Involved to Get Connected! - Non-Profit Volunteer Opportunities Near Our Historic Hometown

When I meet with prospective buyers within THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN, they want to know how they can easily become involved in and become an integral part of the broader community of our historic hometown and surrounding small towns.

Obviously, becoming involved in a church of your faith is an excellent way to get to know a group of people with whom you will share core values.

Another favorite way is to volunteer with the many non-profits that exist in this servant-heart atmosphere around this Blue Ridge Parkway area.

One of my favorites is The Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center located about 10 minutes from your cabin or mountain home within The Cove at Celo Mountain. It is pure joy to witness the rider and volunteers interacting with the uncanny ability of the horse to transcend physical, emotional, mental, or psychological limitations or traumas. Enjoy Part I of a video of some of these people below. Part II can be accessed by clicking on the link listed below the video. A list of some of the area non-profits follow. Some may be an extension of work you have done in your own hometown.

Join with us in this rewarding work of community. Help support this worthy non-profit at the Kentucky Derby Celebration May 7, 2011 at the Burnsville Town Center. Big screen projection of the actual race, gourmet dinner, live music and dancing, Player's Corner games and locally handcrafted work and other fine prizes. Call(828) 675-5814 for tickets.



To watch Part II of the ATRC video

Other Local Non-Profit Opportunities
The Quilt Trails of Western North Carolina (Underwritten by Mountain Lifestyle Communities (The Cove at Celo Mountain) -
The Reconciliation House
Hospice of Yancey County
The Mayland Community College Foundation
The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina
The Toe River Arts Council
Yancey County Cultural Resource Center
Yancey County Chamber of Commerce
High Pastures
Listening Project: Rural Southern Voices for Peace

Spring in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina

It's springtime on THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN located in a river valley of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.

From Ideal Living magazine: "Nestled in 80 pristine acres, The Cove at Celo Mountain in Western North Carolina exemplifies mountain lifestyle at its finest. The select few who make this private enclave of 31-1 acre plus homesites their own will enjoy elevations up to 3700 feet, with thoughtful design guidelines ensuring that views, trees, trout filled streams and the unique land features will be preserved for generations to come."

In March and April, stay for 3 days and 2 nights at one of our historic B&B's - compliments of the owners of THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN - while you tour this beautiful sanctuary setting and enjoy some of our favorite spring events.

Two of the top events - Fire On the Mountain and the Burnsville Metric - April 30th

The Power of Place - come enjoy this with us - for spring - for a lifetime

Ideal Living: Discover The Cove at Celo Mountain The Terrell House B&B The Richmond Inn

Where to Get Away From It All - the Sanctuary Setting of The Cove at Celo Mountain

Tired of the rat race?
Weary of materialism?
Searching for authenticity?
Wanting to recapture the love of nature and sports of your youth?
Longing for the small town or rural relationships of a bygone era?
Seeking something lost or not yet found through art?

This is your retreat - your escape - your sanctuary. THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN is secluded within the South Toe River Valley of the storied Blue Ridge Mountains - far enough away from the rush and crush of fast-paced city life to restore your soul; close enough to Fodor's 2011 Top Destination for World Travel (Asheville, NC) to stay just connected enough. More artists, per capita, than anywhere else in America call this home. The world-renowned Penland School of Crafts is here, along with rivers for fly-fishing/tubing/rafting, mountains to climb, waterfalls to mesmerize and hiking trails to challenge - including the Appalachian Trail - that draw tourists from across the country. You will likely come to relax, regroup, reenergize, or reinvent yourself. But, I have a feeling, the greatest balm to your soul and spirit will be the guileless and unpretentious people here. Come back to the heart of America.

The Cove at Celo Mountain from Cove at Celo Mountain on Vimeo.

Fodor's 21 Places We're Going to Visit in 2011
Penland School of Crafts
Toe River Arts Council
Waterfalls near Asheville
Hiking Trails near Asheville, NC

2011 Top Accolades for Asheville Area - and after just 2 months of the year!

Fodor's, of travel guide fame, has named Asheville the Top Destination in 2011 - outranking places such as the Amalfi Coast, Marrakesh, and Mozambique. Gorgeous scenery, art, music, and food and drink were among our area's big draws. We agree. Asheville is an incredibly wonderful place to visit.

But we encourage you to drive up into that beautiful scenery you are viewing from Asheville. Our historic hometown of Burnsville has just received its on "stardom" with online vacation specialists, Living Social Escapes, highlighting the historic and legendary NuWray Inn with its offer of "Comfort in the Carolinas." Over 800 purchases were made in the few days this was highlighted - and still 2 days are left as of this writing, in case you want to grab your own stay date. Mark Twain, Jimmy Carter, and Elvis Presley are just a few of the legends who have stayed in what WNC magazine calls the "Grand Dame." Southern Hospitality Magazine and TarHeel Travel with WRAL in Raleigh and Durham also highlighted it. (Links to highlights and video are given below.) But these are all places to visit.

THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN, outside of Asheville and off the Blue Ridge Parkway, is the place to live. Nestled in the South Toe River Valley on Celo Knob, this gated sanctuary setting puts you in the midst of the scenery you view from Asheville and just minutes from the NuWray Inn. Within the locally art-commissioned gate that reflects the profiles of our mountains: hone your fly-fishing skills at any of our several trout ponds before getting out on the big rivers all around us, build your endurance by hiking our manicured trails before hitting the nearby Appalachian Trail or any of the area's top-ranked hiking trails. Relax by the 30' waterfall, site of the planned Hidden Water Lodge, Pavilion and Lookout before heading out to the incredible Crabtree Falls and other plentiful waterfalls within minutes of us that attract tourists from all over the country. Enjoy fresh, organic food from our family farms and businesses in the area that supply some of Asheville's top-ranked restaurants and markets. Step outside your Cabin at Celo or custom-built mountain home and get out on and in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hike the trails, rock climb the mountains, swim/raft/tube/fly-fish the rivers, drive the acclaimed Blue Ridge Parkway or see the beauty of the area the old-fashioned way-on horseback, ride (or rent) your bike or motorcycle along the top-ranked 80 S scenic route of valleys/mountains/rivers, take a guided nature tour at Mt. Mitchell State Park. Some of America's most acclaimed natural beauty is here for you to enjoy - just outside the front door of your Cove at Celo Mountain home.

Visit North Carolina blog: "Asheville Named Top Place to Visit in 2011"
Fodor's: 21 Places We're Going to Visit in 2011
LivingSocial Escapes: Setting the Scene for Southern Comfort
WNC Magazine Feature: The Grand Dame
Tarheel Traveler - WRAL
Southern Hospitality Magazine

Gluten-free, Vegan, Dairy-Free, Complimentary Accommodations - What do these have in common in the Blue Ridge Mountains?

Answer: A tempting taste of two wonderful offerings - BAKE! and The Cove at Celo Mountain

Our hometown of Burnsville, NC - outside of Asheville and off the Blue Ridge Parkway is the home of "Smart Treat." You have seen (and probably indulged) in these delights - all gluten-free and most all vegan and dairy-free - in your local Whole Foods or other high-end "healthy food" stores. Locally, this purveyor of incredibly delicious quiches, breads, brownies, cakes, macaroons, foccacia, granola, ad infinitum, is called simply, BAKE!

Fly in or drive in to tour one of the most beautiful pristine, sanctuary settings imaginable for a second home, retirement home, getaway cabin, or new permanent home at The Cove at Celo Mountain. Tour this beautiful small holding replete with manicured hiking trails, 4 parks with cooking areas/fire pits, and handcrafted furniture in the seating areas along the trails; lean-to's for reading, dreaming, photographing, stargazing, or lying in a hammock; a campsite for homeowners, trout ponds, a custom tree house for children or grandchildren and more. Stay at our acclaimed historic B&B, complimentary for 3 days and 2 nights during March and April, 2011. For the pièce de résistance, owners are offering 40% off any estate lot to the next 2 purchasers.

On your drive from the historic bed-and-breakfast to The Cove at Celo Mountain, stop off and fill your picnic hamper with some locally made delectables. Add a thermos of your favorite tea or a bottle of wine to enjoy by the 30' waterfall -site of the planned Hidden Water Lodge, Pavilion and Lookout after your hike on the trails. Meet our preferred architect on-site for a complimentary consultation on your chosen estate lot, or meet with our preferred builder to discuss the beautifully appointed Cabin at Celo you have chosen or the wonderful Brookhaven on Ayles Creek with 2 levels of decks and a screened porch overlooking the creek that will be your gathering place for family and friends. Stay home and relax to the mesmerizing surround sound of creeks, streams and waterfalls and your own unique home theater showcasing long-range and short-range views of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains.

Delight your senses. Taste our local foods. See the beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Breathe the dream. Live the mountains.

For more information on BAKE!

Riddlefest 2011 - February 19th - Burnsville Town Center

Faithful Expressions: Mountain Roots of Spiritual and Gospel Music

Hometown legend Lesley Riddle was the genius behind much of the Carter family's repertoire of old blues, gospel and railroad tunes. This festival celebrates the roots of this music that had its genesis in the remote hollows of the southern Appalachians.

The following workshops are free and open to the public. There is a $10 charge for the evening concert.

• 10 am – noon - Shaped-note Singing and Southern Sacred Music, led by musician and performer, Laura Boosinger

• 1:00-2:30 - Spiritual Roots of Black Gospel Music, led by Tony McNeill, faculty member at Appalachian State University, with examples performed by members of the ASU Gospel Choir, which he conducts.

• 3:00-4:30 - Origins of Southern Gospel Music, led by Dan Boner and Lee Bidgood, faculty members at ETSU. This workshop will examine the evolution of traditional sacred Appalachian music into today’s gospel quartet. Musical examples will be performed by students from ETSU’s unique Bluegrass, Old Time and Country Music Program.

An evening concert, beginning at 7 p.m., will feature the same performers, including Laura Boosinger, Tony McNeill and the ASU Gospel Choir, and the ETSU Old Time Pride Band and Bluegrass Pride Band.

$10 tickets for the concert may be purchased at the door or in advance at the Burnsville Town Center (828-682-7209).

For more information: The Traditional Voices Group The Lesley Riddle Story

Around the corner from the Town Center is the Town Square office of The Cove at Celo Mountain. Let us take you to Tanglewood Hollow where the beautiful Cove at Celo Mountain is located. Spend time hiking the three miles of manicured trails which wind along Ayles Creek, waterfalls, and trout ponds. Stop off in one of our lean-to's to read, play your own music, or enjoy photography. You will want to see our newest Cabin at Celo, just completed, and Brookhaven, the spec home with upper and lower decks and a screened porch overlooking Ayles Creek. Walk up to the 30' cascading waterfall just up from the home and then end your visit at one of the 4 outdoor parks with cooking areas, fire pits, and handcrafted furniture. The natural beauty of this Blue Ridge area of the ancient Appalachians is even more celebrated than our soul-stirring music. Come enjoy the best of both this weekend. The mountains are calling.

Our Historic Hometown - 10 minutes from The Cove at Celo Mountain

An aerial view of Burnsville, NC, the historic and legendary NuWray Inn,the town square looking east, town square looking north, town square during the Mt. Mitchell Crafts Fair, down Main Street west during a plein aire event, the historic Terrell House Bed and Breakfast, the Yancey County Mountain Heritage Center, the historic Parkway Playhouse, one of the rivers around Burnsville, mountain views from our hometown.

Burnsville, NC, is home of the award-winning Quilt Trails of Western North Carolina, the Riddle Fest (celebrating hometown legend Lesley Riddle, genius behind the Carter family of country music fame), hometown of Empty Bowl founders (worldwide non-profit that has raised millions for relief of local and world hunger), and - of course - hometown of the beautiful Cove at Celo Mountain.

From our Chamber of Commerce: "No matter where you travel in Yancey County, North Carolina, the naturally inspiring beauty of our mountains is close by. With the highest average elevation of any county in North Carolina, we are home to six of the tallest peaks east of the Mississippi, including the highest, Mount Mitchell. Bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway to the southeast and the Appalachian Trail to the northwest, the area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. From lush forest lands to tumbling rivers, Yancey County provides countless opportunities for outdoor adventures. You'll also discover working art and craft studios and art galleries tucked throughout our scenic mountains."

Within a fifteen-minute drive of The Cove at Celo Mountain, study your craft at the world-renowned Penland School of Crafts, test your golf prowess at the 4 1/2 star Golf Digest Must-Play Mt. Mitchell Golf Course, ride horseback through these breathtaking mountains at Clear Creek Guest Ranch, take a Sunday ride along America's Favorite Drive just south of us - The Blue Ridge Parkway, hike to the gorgeous Crabtree Falls waterfall, join a guided hiking tour of Mt. Mitchell State Park, fly-fish, tube, white water raft the South Toe River and other rivers that run through this area. Dine on sushi and fine unfiltered saki offered once a week by Hiroko at the Garden Deli, enjoy authentic Southern barbecue at Bama-Q, delight in the unique creations made from locally grown produce at Knife and Fork (former chef for Hollywood legends like Toby McGuire and Reese Witherspoon), sit on the deck of the Mountain View Restaurant for one of the most breathtaking dining views imaginable, have an all-organic breakfast at Mary Jane's, then lunch at In the Garden on gourmet pizza before taking in the latest movie for $5 at the historic Yancey Theater or an evening of wonderful theater at the Parkway Playhouse, North Carolina's oldest continuously running summer theater.

Then come home to your own Cabin at Celo, or custom mountain home here at The Cove at Celo Mountain - surrounded by breathtaking long and short-range mountain views, manicured hiking trails, trout ponds, creeks, waterfalls, outdoor camping area, lean-to's for reading or photography, outdoor parks with fire pits, cooking areas, and lounging areas with locally handcrafted furniture.

Come back to the simple life - surrounded by nature at its most beautiful and serene and by America at its best - our small, historic hometowns and the people that make them so well loved.