A New Video of THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN

We thought you might enjoy this New 4-minute video of THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN by Chris Cassels of Casablanca Media out of Asheville, NC.  The voice-over is done by our own Sales Manager, David Huffman.

Call us at 866-378-4769 to schedule a private showing of The Cove at Celo Mountain.  We will reserve lodging and dining for you. (For details, please see our Discovery Package listed below the video.)

VISIT US

The owners are offering the following visit package:

• June  3 days/2 nights at your choice of either historic B&B ($99 – no taxes or fees):  Terrell House or Richmond Inn. 
• June  includes $100 dining certificate:  We will reserve your preferred seating time at the Knife and Fork.  Nate was formerly the chef in CA for high-profile actors and has now come back home and opened up this little ten-table restaurant with his wife, Wendy.  Nate WON THE FINALS OF THE 2011 WNC CHEF CHALLENGE, and Cooking Light’s 2011 Small-Town Chef Award as well as Garden&Gun’s 50 Best Southern Foods (Oct/Nov 2011 issue).

Recapture the magic of summer with us, and rediscover America at its best - our small hometowns, and the people that make them so well loved.  

Breathe the Mountains....Live the Dream.

Summer Calendar of Events Near THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN

Our first Quarterly Newsletter and E-Newsletter are ready for mailing and/or emailing to you.  We will highlight what is new in construction, in mountain lifestyle activities in our area, top events, and any other news that might impact your decision to become a part of our community at THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN.  Please click here to receive the emailed and/or mailed quarterly newsletters or call 866-378-4769, and someone in our historic town square sales office will add you to our mailing list.  Also let us know if you want us to mail you our view book and other pertinent information.  Or, best of all:

VISIT US

The owners are offering the following visit packages:

• May-June 10 3 days/2 nights at your choice of either historic B&B ($99 – no taxes or fees):  Terrell House or Richmond Inn. 
• May – June 10  includes $100 dining certificate:  We will reserve your preferred seating time at the Knife and Fork.  Nate was formerly the chef in CA for high-profile actors and has now come back home and opened up this little ten-table restaurant with his wife, Wendy.  Nate WON THE FINALS OF THE 2011 WNC CHEF CHALLENGE, and Cooking Light’s 2011 Small-Town Chef Award as well as Garden&Gun’s 50 Best Southern Foods (Oct/Nov 2011 issue).

REQUEST THE NEWSLETTER

REQUEST THE E-NEWSLETTER

Our Preferred Builder in His "Free" Time - THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN

I thought you might enjoy seeing how an important part of the team at THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN  - our Preferred Builder, Randy Banks - spends his "free" time mentoring young people in Yancey County.

Mountain Heritage High School is the sole high school in Yancey County, NC.  Its beautiful campus is approached on a winding, wooded drive after passing the gated, manned entrance.  It resembles a well-funded community college in one of our nation's larger cities more than a small town in rural Appalachia.

Its programs equal or best those of some of the nation's top public or private schools.  Its Performing Arts programs consistently win top awards at the state level.  The Drama Departments of both the high school and middle school have received top honors.  Photos below:  State's top award-wining drama by the high school; bottom - State's best actor and actress - Middle School. The Music Department, led by beloved teacher (soon to retire), Dr. Tim Babb, almost defies written accolades.  I was hoping to have a recording of the Choir presentation I attended Thursday night (perhaps a future blog post) - 17 members strong.  One talented member is a gifted operatic soprano!  This is SMALL-town RURAL America.
Their Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble are excellent as well.  Their art department is exceptional,

reflecting the character of our counties - more artists, per capita, than anywhere else in America.  The school excels academically - even has achieved notoriety on occasion in athletics.  But, the following is my absolute favorite.  This should be the fodder of national news.

Randy Banks, the Preferred Builder for THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN, was the Vice-Chair of the Yancey-Mitchell Pillars, a collaborative effort of these sister counties of Yancey and Mitchell in mentoring young people in the building trades. A Habitat for Humanity home was built ON CAMPUS by students and  mentors from the community working side-by-side in North Carolina's largest classroom - almost 10,000 square feet built at a cost of over $800,000 raised through grants and gifts.  Here is Randy telling the story on the exciting day this first Habitat for Humanity home left our Mountain Heritage High School.


Come meet these remarkable people - both our builder and our young people.  Randy will meet you on-site to discuss ideas and ball-park figures for building your dream home within THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN.  Enjoy our talented young people in performances at the high school or at our acclaimed Parkway Playhouse.  Call about special visit packages for enjoying our hometowns at a historic B&B and at the nationally-acclaimed 10-table farm-to-table Knife and Fork restaurant.  For accommodations or to receive our view book and other information, call 828-675-4869.

Spring Favorites - THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN

Battle of Burnsville- Civil War

Apr. 21 - Living History - Battle of Burnsville

Commemorating the 151th Anniversary of the Civil War and the Battle of Bursnville the Yancey History Association will sponsor a living history event on the grounds of the McElroy House featuring a recreation of the soldiers' camp life, and exhibit of veterans pictures, letters and personal items from the 1860's plus craft demonstrations, pastimes and entertainments of the era portrayed in period atire.

Burnsville Metric - Saturday, April 28, 2012 Register/Get Info here


Not a bad place to be in late April... (Photo by Michael Davis, 2006) 
"Held annually on the last Saturday of April (April 28, 2012), the Burnsville Metric is a great way to start off your cycling season.  It is casual but well-supported and comprises some of the flattest, most scenic roads in Yancey and Mitchell counties.  

60.7 miles; 3 well-supplied rest stops
Roving SAG support
Ham radio communication provided by MARC (Mayland Amateur Radio Club)" 

Open 8:30 to 12:30 Saturdays late April  (April 21, 2012) through October at the BurnsvilleTown Center. Seasonal locally grown produce and crafts 

Parkway Playhouse - Burnsville, NC - oldest continuously operating summer theater in  NC

2012 Season Opens April 28

Events are within 10 minutes of THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN.  We are also home to the world-renowned Penland School of Crafts and have more artists, per capita, than anywhere else in America...so galleries and studios galore to visit.  Our celebrated natural beauty and plethora of mountain sports make this one of the top tourist destinations in America.

Visit with us at THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN.  Hike our manicured trails, enjoy a cookout at one of our 4 park areas, relax by a cascading waterfall, try your hand at flyfishing, enjoy photography or reading in one of the lean-to's along a rushing creek.

We want you to get to know our hometowns and the salt-of-the-earth people who live here.
March and April 3 days/2 nights at a wonderful historic B&B ($99 – no taxes or fees)
includes $100 dining certificate at the Knife and Fork, winner of the 2011 WNC Chef Challenge and Cooking Light’s 2011 Small-Town Chef Award as well as Garden&Gun’s 50 Best Southern Foods (Oct/Nov 2011 issue).

 Aaahh...the comfort and genteelness of small-town America

The Cove at Celo Mountain - Between Yancey and Mitchell Counties, NC

In a previous post, I told you that THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN is located between the award-winning cities of Asheville and Boone, NC - just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.  This post brings us down even closer to home. Our beautiful, small sanctuary setting is also situated right in the center of two of the most beautiful counties of the North Carolina Blue Ridge - Yancey and Mitchell.  While officially part of Yancey County, we consider both Burnsville (Yancey) and Spruce Pine (Mitchell) our hometowns and treat you to historic B&B lodging and fine dining in each when you visit with us, so you can get to know not only the beauty of our surrounding area but the salt-of-the earth people that live here as well.  Here is our backyard through photos...along with some of my favorite local history and highlights.

Geographical Fact:  Mt. Mitchell State Park – while located in Yancey county, is geographically equal distance from both Burnsville (Yancey) and Spruce Pine (Mitchell) – and is the highest peak of the oldest mountains in the world (the Appalachians), and the highest peak east of the Mississippi at 6.684 ft

Historical Fact:  A defining time for the nation and specifically this area – the Civil War separated these two sister counties (and families) with Mitchell predominantly siding with the Union and Yancey with the Confederacy.   

Cultural Fact: TRAC - Toe River Arts Council Open Studio Tours - June and December - are dubbed the “Premier Open Studio Tour in the Country” We have more artists, per capita, in these 2 counties than anywhere else in America – also ongoing exhibits, plein aire and other events – with galleries in both Yancey (Burnsville) and Mitchell (Spruce Pine)

Educational Fact:  Mayland Community College has its Main Campus in Mitchell (Spruce Pine), but has campuses that service students in Mitchell. Avery and Yancey counties – thus the name MAY (land). Mayland was ranked the #4 Best Community College in America in 2010 in a study done by the University of Texas in Austin and highlighted in the Washington Monthly magazine

 "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." 

Geographical Landmarks:  historic, picturesque town square, Mt. Mitchell State Park

Shining Stars:  Parkway Playhouse (longest continuously running summer theater in NC), Quilt Trails of Western North Carolina, Internationally renowned Glass Blowers, Farmers’Markets – and Organic Farms

Top Events:  Mt Mitchell Crafts Fair (2012 is our 56th year - named “best event east of the Mississippi”), Old Timey Days Festival, RiddleFest (celebrating Leslie Riddle –a musical genius behind Carter/Cash family), Mountain Farm Lavender Festival, Town Center Friday Night Live Music

Premier gated sanctuary community located in the middle of Yancey and Mitchell Counties, NC
THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN

 "Mitchell County  was formed in 1861 from Yancey, Watauga,  Caldwell,  Burke and McDowell counties. It was named in honor of Dr. Elisha Mitchell,  a professor at the University of North Carolina. While on an exploring expedition of Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, Dr. Mitchell fell and was killed. He was buried on the top of this lofty mountain. It is in the western section of the State and is bounded by the state of Tennessee and Avery, McDowell and Yancey counties."

Geographical Landmarks:  A river runs through it – The Toe River and a Train Depot and heritage trains run through downtown.  A split Main street – Upper and Lower Levels – Oak and Locust   

Shining Stars:  Knife and Fork (Winner: WNC Chef Challenge, Cooking Light's 2011 Small Town Chef, Garden & Guns Top 50 Best Southern Foods), Best Christmas Tree Ever, world-renowned Penland School of Crafts, Buck’s Stoves, aptly named Little Switzerland

Top Events:  Rhododendron Festival, Penland Community Open House (hands-on art with masters), Fire on the Mountain Blacksmith Festival, Bakersville Creek and Art Walk, Gem and Mining Festivals

    

For more information:

Yancey County, NC

Mitchell County, NC

THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN

MARCH MADNESS at THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN - FREE Cabin Lower Level Finished -now - 3/31/12

Buy Before March 31, 2012 and Lower Level Finished for FREE

Price Includes:

Land

Septic

Well

One-Year Lease-Back Option Available

The Size:

Main Floor Living 1244 sq. ft.

Unfinished Area 660 sq. ft.

Open Deck 533 sq. ft.

Total: 2437 sq. ft.

Custom Features:

2 Bedrooms and 2 full baths, Spectacular View of Celo Knob, Granite Counter tops throughout, Hardwood Floors, Wood Burning Fireplace with Stone Surround, Stained 6-Panel Pine Door, Stained Over-sized Pine Trim, Tongue and Groove Pine Ceiling, Exposed Wood Beams in Great Room, Comfortable Gas Heating, Central Air Conditioning, Central Septic and Water, Full Size Washer and Dryer, Tile Bathroom Floors, Tile Shower and Tub Enclosures, Andersen Windows, Stone Accent Piers, Metal Accent Roof, Unfinished Lower Level with Private Entrance, Rustic Wavy Board Siding Board and Bat Gables, Wood Kitchen and Bath Cabinets, Stainless Steel Appliances

VISIT US - 866-378-4769 (toll free)

• February 3 days/2 nights at your choice of either historic B&B ($99 – no taxes or fees):  Terrell House or Richmond Inn.  
• March  includes above plus $100 dining certificate:  We will reserve your preferred seating time at the Knife and Fork.  Nate was formerly the chef in CA for high-profile actors and has now come back home and opened up this little ten-table restaurant with his wife, Wendy.  Nate WON THE FINALS OF THE 2011 WNC CHEF CHALLENGE, and Cooking Light’s 2011 Small-Town Chef Award as well as Garden&Gun’s 50 Best Southern Foods (Oct/Nov 2011 issue).

For more information: Our website: The Cove at Celo Mountain

The Cove at Celo Mountain - Through the Eyes of the Artist and New Homeowner - Guest Author: Shannon Runquist

 Ayles Creek that runs through The Cove at Celo Mountain

At Crabtree Falls near The Cove at Celo Mountain

 Near The Cove at Celo Mountain

 Old tobacco barn on drive up to The Cove at Celo Mountain

 The beauty of our mountains

A trout pond within The Cove at Celo Mountain

Our children have been going to summer camp in NC for the last 6 years.  Living in the SC Low country, an escape from the summer heat is always a welcome change.  We had visited many towns and communities near Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway over the last few years.  In June we were invited to visit the Cove at Celo Mountain when we picked up our kids from camp just south of Asheville.  Not really knowing the area very well, we decided to go exploring as its something we love to do. We are a very adventurous family having spent extended periods of time out west camping in the Grand Tetons, Idaho & Oregon, rafting big whitewater on the Snake River and various other outdoor activities.  We prefer the road less traveled & enjoy the beauty that surrounds us and appreciate nature.  

            To be honest we had no idea what we would find and were rather skeptical.  What we found was what we had been looking for all along.  A wonderful town full of friendly genuine people with diverse backgrounds and interests, a fabulous culinary treat in the Knife and Fork and a community well footed in the Arts.    Our son is a musician and our daughter participates in theater and visual arts.   Her years at camp have introduced her to glasswork and pottery.   With Penland School of Crafts just up the road & a theater in town there are even more opportunities for both of them during the summer.

            Now to Bigger issues like trout. There are “Big” Trout, almost certainly bigger on the end of the fly rod then in the river.  With the South and North Toe River just a crow’s fly away the fish don’t stand a chance for any fisherman on a mission.  That’s were you will find Lars on any free day.  Just waiting for a fish to rise.  The fish he catches are way over the size of any recorded fish on record. At least that’s what I am told.

            As for me, working as a professional artist I can't get a mile down the road without pulling over finding inspiration all around me. When spring comes Ill be out and about painting in plein air.   I tend to wander off the beaten path to where the wild things are.  Paintings from the area will soon be posted at www.shannonrunquist.com.

            We went looking for a piece of property and what we found was a beautiful community full of wonderful people & a well built cottage on a rustling creek.  This year we will be spending Thanksgiving in front of our fireplace with our parents too.   Before long our home will be full of lasting memories.  When we count our blessings we will include The Cove.  We are truly looking forward to meeting our new neighbors. 

3 bedroom-4 bath NEW home - 1.32 acres - gated community just off NC Blue Ridge Parkway - THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN

Come visit THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN in November and December with COMPLIMENTARY accommodations (3 days/2 nights wonderful, historic bed-and-breakfast and one night of fine dining at the award-winning ten-table Knife and Fork. This same offer is available weekdays for the remainder of October, as well.) Call 866-378-4769 for lodging reservations and an appointment to see this beautiful gated sanctuary setting in the Toe River Valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains between Boone and Asheville, North Carolina.

Woodrock, the new 3 bedroom/4 bath spec home is being built on estate home site # 20 - 1.32 acres. Purchase now to tweak plans to your specifications and to take advantage of the pre-construction price, which includes land. Call 866-378-4769 for builder's plans and pre, mid, and post-construction pricing.

Driveway leading up to estate home site #20 - Site of new spec home

Estate home site #20

Building site on Estate home site #20 where new spec home is to begin

Community Site Plan - Click on # 20, then click on Lot Portfolio to get further details

(Double click information below for larger view and/or click magnifying tool (wrench in upper right corner of blogger.com)

To view: New 2 bedroom/2 bath Cottage at Celo, Existing Estate Home with long-range view and two of our available long-range view lots

For a 2 1/2-minute video of THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN

To view professional photos of THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN

Fall Foliage 2011 - just off the Blue Ridge Parkway - The Cove at Celo Mountain

The owners of THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN invite you to come and experience this beautiful gated, sanctuary setting between Asheville and Boone, North Carolina - complimentary on select days for the remainder of October. (Call 866-378-4769 for details and an appointment.) Get to know our historic hometowns of Burnsville and Spruce Pine. Enjoy award-winning farm-to-table cuisine at the ten-table Knife and Fork. Travel the back roads through these storied mountains and cruise America's Favorite Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway, a few minutes to the south of us. Live music, mountain sports galore, internationally acclaimed arts and crafts, and salt-of-the-earth people will make this a fall adventure to remember for a lifetime and, just possibly, be the serendipitous discovery of a dream home for you and your family to enjoy for all seasons. Here is a glimpse of the beauty at Celo:

An estate home within The Cove at Celo Mountain

A view from the porch of the estate home

Home site # 11 - 1.67 acres (available)

Home site # 24 - 1.22 acres (available)

Cottage Under Construction -2 bedroom/2 bath (with unfinished lower level for 3^rd bedroom, studio, etc.) - The pre-construction price of the cabin – including land, septic, and well – is $299,900 with a projected completion date of Christmas, 2011 (available)"

use tool (wrench) in upper right corner of blogger to magnify

View from cottage under construction

Large rock outcroppings in one of the 4 pocket park areas

Ayles Creek that flows throughout The Cove at Celo Mountain

• For a 2 1/2-minute movie clip of The Cove at Celo Mountain
• For Answers to Most Asked Questions about our Community
• From someone who has lived in this area for 22 years: New Estate Owners – Why We Chose The Cove at Celo Mountain
• Fall foliage forecast, festivals and flings… (scroll down to list)
• Please let us know if you would like us to mail you the view book and information or photos, or floor plans on the cabin or spec home being built.
• Good Morning America –this area 1 of - 10 Most Beautiful Places in America.
• Fodor’s, Asheville the Top of 21 WORLD Destination Places in 2011
• The highways and byways to the immediate north, south, east and west of us are all either National or State Scenic Highways – and includes America’s Favorite Drive to the south – the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Mountains are beckoning...

Civil War Roots - Beautiful Burnsville and Stunning Spruce Pine - our Historic Hometowns

THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN is surrounded by historic sites and cities. We are smack-dab in the middle of two cities that represent the beauty and heartbreak of the Civil War era. Just 10 minutes to the west is beautiful Burnsville, southern sympathizers in the War Between the States. To the east 10 minutes is stunning Spruce Pine, staunch Unionists. Loyalties to "the cause" still run deep in many of the generational families here. Tradition holds, the breathtaking beauty remains, and the difficult history has carved out unique niches and deep souls for these historic communities. The following is how the researchers of the Asheville Guidebook of WNC Cities describe our beloved hometowns.


"Located about halfway between Asheville and Boone, Burnsville is nestled among 19 of the highest mountains in the east. Nearby Mount Mitchell, at 6,684 feet, is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, and it is accompanied by 18 other peaks over 6,300 feet. The county seat of Yancey County, Burnsville was established in 1833, and has as many artisans and crafts persons per capita as any town in the United States, with nearly 400 full-time and 200 part-time residing in Yancey County. One of the wonderful traditions of the county is the work being done by quilters, basket makers, and other traditional crafts persons and artists. Burnsville is also home to the Yancey County Farmers' Market - one of the oldest and largest tailgate markets in western North Carolina, held on Saturday mornings behind the Burnsville Town Center.

The major festival is the Mount Mitchell Craft Fair, held every August on the beautiful town square of Burnsville. This great arts and crafts festival is one of the longest running in the mountains and has been held for over 50 years. Burnsville is also home to the historic and legendary Nu Wray Inn, also located on the town square", the Parkway Playhouse - NC's award-winning oldest continuously operating summer theater, the new state-of-the-art Yancey County Library, the founders of the world-wide Empty Bowl Project that has raised millions for hunger locally and internationally, the Quilt Trails of Western North Carolina (the owners of The Cove at Celo Mountain are the underwriters), the Carolina Mountain Literary Festival, and home of the Riddle Fest, honoring Leslie Riddle - musical genius behind the Carter/Cash family of Country/Western music fame. Burnsville is recognized as a progressive, diverse mountain town of unparalleled geographic beauty and a "salt-of-the-earth" populace comprised of multi-generational families and those who have retired or moved here for a simpler way of life.

Located in Mitchell County on the banks of the Toe River and just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 331, Spruce Pine is a vibrant mountain town with a past rich in gem mining history and lore. In the early 1900s, Spruce Pine was a booming mining town and the Clinchfield Railroad operated to bring materials and supplies to and from the growing community. Chartered in 1913, Spruce Pine was built around the Carolina, Clinchfield and Ohio Railroad Depot. The railroad is still going strong, and train enthusiasts continue today to come from far and wide to Spruce Pine to enjoy watching the frequent passage of CSX trains through the downtown area. Over 30 trains a day pass by, often blowing their horns in greeting.
Historically, the White House Christmas tree has come from the Spruce Pine region and with so many Christmas tree farms in the area, the town has appropriately become known as the Christmas Tree Capital of the World, a title it shares along with "The Mineral City". Located in a region of the mountains that is known for gem mines, Spruce Pine is famous for the world-class rubies and emeralds that have been found in local mines. The surrounding mountains have a more concentrated wealth of feldspar than any other area on earth, supplying 60% of the United States production of the mineral. Additionally, almost 100% of the United States and the world supply of ultra-pure quartz, which is used in the production of semi-conductors, comes from the Spruce Pine region.
Spruce Pine has the distinction of having two Main Streets, Upper Street (Oak Avenue) and Lower Street (Locust Street), with nicknames given because of respective altitudes. Spruce Pine’s also has two municipal parks -Riverside Park on Tappan Street with a wonderful walking path and access to the Toe River, and Brad Ragan Park on Laurel Creek Court." The chef of one of Spruce Pine's restaurants, Knife and Fork, just won the 2011 WNC Chef Challenge.

Fall in the Blue Ridge is not to be missed. Come study our history, explore our beauty, and admire the vision that has evolved from both. Call 866-378-4769 for a private appointment and special fall visit package to these hometowns and the sanctuary setting of THE COVE AT CELO MOUNTAIN. The mountains are beckoning...

For more Asheville Guidebook information on Burnsville
For more Asheville Guidebook information on Spruce Pine