#banner elk kitchen

[awjoffrey]

Kitchen Pantry in Charlotte

Inspiration for a small cottage u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen pantry remodel with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and brown countertops

[louiseweird]

Charlotte Kitchen Pantry Inspiration for a small cottage u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen pantry remodel with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and brown countertops

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Thanks to curieously for sending this colorful historic 1904 farmhouse in Banner Elk, North Carolina. Look at how the red tin roof reflects on the 2nd floor. Big lemonade porch on the front, for idyllic summer days. Nicely renovated in 1994, it has 5bds, 5.5ba, $1.395M.

A sunny yellow door greets guests.

I don't know if they stripped the walls back to the sticks, but I like the look of the warm wood color.

This is a maximalist-decor home. I like beamed ceilings and the coppery tile behind the wood stove.

They opened a wall to make it open concept between the dining & living rooms.

Guest powder room.

A family room with blue wainscoting and a wood burning stove is located outside the kitchen.

The kitchen has nice cabinetry, wood block counters, and a cool copper farm sink.

There is so much furniture in this house, I notice that some of it doesn't even fit, overlapping into doorways and windows.

There's another room in here with gray wainscoting. So much stuff, though.

Updated full bath on the main floor.

Bright yellow main floor primary bedroom with en-suite.

2nd level landing has a desk and sitting area.

Child's bedroom off the landing.

Another bath off the sitting area.

This bedroom has an en-suite.

Guest room with en-suite. This is a very large home.

On the back of the home is a deck w/a hot tub.

The lot measures .76 acres.

[p-a-n-d-a-5]

Banner Elk, North Carolina

[emj-tolj]

Bringing a World of Adventure Hunting in to Your Home

Not everyone is not living in a position to wander the woods, desert, beach or ruins. I had that situation at one point in my life. And yes its depressing. And when you read others doing all these things its can really get to you. However there are a huge number of things yo CAN do to counteract the depression. Lets visit a good many of these things:

1) Everyone’s first Go-to is Roleplaying. Be its table-top or online. But not all Online games bring out the true desire to adventure, as they are limited to telling a specific story. As such I suggest avoiding using game maps and make you own real maps. Right down and study any runes in the game, study the magic tech in the game, write side stories of your character that can not be done in game. Create a history to the character you made. Some games are limited what you character looks like. Draw your own character and hang it by your game station.

2) If you have adventure wear, wear it about the house/apartment. Does not have to be all of it. Boots, a shirt, a vest, tunic, wristbands, cloak 

3) If you  have the money and talent turn kitchen into a tavern or saloon, line shelfs with bottles and plates and other tavern/saloon wear. Avoid cheese props. Study movie sets and get ideas from that. 

4) Likewise turn your bedroom into an Inn room. Go ristic and simple with natural colors and materials

5) Burn in a cauldron or censor wood chips, herbs and incense, 

6) Hang posters of nature about the walls in natural wood frames. If you can obtain some old wood window frames, you that as your poster frames. If possible find images of nature on line and print them out. Try to make all the images co-inside, so its looks like you are looking out into the same view. Change the posters with the seasons if possible 

7) Place realistic life-size animals about your home: Snake, turtle, mice, birds, chipmunks, insects. If you have a ficus tree or a cluster of plants, place a birds nest with eggs in it

8) Play sound effects and ambient sounds in the house. Youtibe and other sites have a plethora of ambiance and sounds from cave to camp sites, tavern sounds, market squares, pirate ships, forests 

9) Add a fountain/s in your home. Fountain pumps can be bought anywhere these days, 

10) Terrariums! Make them and add them to your home. Even of the plants are fake 

11) Aquariums! If your adventurous aestheic love is the see or any water setting like ponds, these are fantastic to have. And do not limit yourself to just fish: Crabs, snails, turtles, frogs, lizards, snakes. Even if you are not allowed to have pes, build an aquarium anywhere. The flow of the water from the filtar moving the plants can lend to the imagination  

12) Wood, tin and copper and wrought iron objects 

13) Leather bound books. Line a shelf with them, 

14) Candles and lanterns. Some people can not have things where they live for safety mode. Even if you never burn them, have a cluster of candles anyway. Just the look of lanterns and candles plays with the mind. You can also invest in battery ones but I think they are silly looking

15) Bowls of fruit: Wood bowls and real fruits and nuts about the house. 

16) Seasonal and year round garlands and wreaths about the house. Clusters of ferns. If you do not have a green thumb, go fake if need be. Ferns and spider plans are my fave. 

17) Drift wood and moss covered wood. 

18) If you have your own Adventure clothes and gear do not bury it in a closet. Get a mannequin and display it, 

19) Fur, leather, blankets, wool, sheepskin throws and pillows.

20) Banners and tapestries 

21) Invest in a couple of mortar & pestle sets, one for the kitchen and one for the bathroom is you have the room. (Confession: I collect them) 

22) Hang herbs and dry plants in the kitchen.   

23) Clay pots and assorted pottery about the house. Try to sick with OLD looking styles. Check out some sites or books on ancient styles for an idea 

24) Antlers add a wonderful feel to ambience. Even if fake. Now they are made into door handles, draw knobs and so much more. (DO NO go hung deer and elk JUST for their racks)

25) Bowls and vases of snail shells, acorns, pine cones, 

26) Rolls and displays of maps, 

17) Glass and Ceramic bottles: Display a few or better yet, use them! fill them with shampoos, liquid soaps, drinks and what ever else you use and look at daily  

18) Old style dip pens and ink vials on your desk along with scrolls of parchment and an old leather bound journal, 

19) Color glass baubles like the ones at christmas time and “witch balls” These are great if your Aesthetic is the sea or in the Witchy profession, 

20) Wood wand display. Not talking about Harry Potter here. Do a little reserach and find or make a REAL one. Display it on your desk or mantle staff. If you have a set, even better. 

21) A Statue of an ancient god, 

22) Baskets and wicker to hold things 

23) Metal goblets and drinking horns

24) If you have one or several hand your shields on the walls, 

25) Oil hurricane lamps, 

24) Hang and display Gourds about. If you know how to carve and stain gourds, all the better, 

25) Birds houses. In the house?? Sure, why not? 

26) Feathers. Sometimes just a vase of ling feathers helps. If they are feathers you find in your walks, just as better. Each one has a story  

28) Bowls of rocks. Not only does this bring the natural world in but its said that a bowl of rocks by the door and window wards off negativity. 

29) Old wood boxes. Just do not collect them but USE them. put whatever in them as storage. Afraid you will forget what’s in it??? All the better. There is your treasure at the end of your search. 

30) Corn dollies. These folk cultural dolls and designs have their roots into the ancient world. a display of them, especially during the late summer, really invokes the harvest season 

31) Ceramic and wood bake ware in the kitchen. Ads a rustic tavern feel. This could include   bread boards and bowls, wood spoons, rolling pins,

32) Replace DVD covers with parchment or wood texture covers. Sometimes a wall of game and DVD cases can kill an ambiance you are striving for. If you can not print out all these coves, hang a tapestry over your shelf unit or add wood shutter doors  

33) Cover your library of bright color books with leather, paper of plether, No access to leather? See of someone has an old leather jacket they are ditching you can cut up

34) Wood flutes, harps, ocarinas, pan pips, lyres and rustic drums add to a great tavern-ish display.

35) A tall vase of cattails gives ambiance for this that over adventures in places like rivers and lakes, 

36) If you have a collection of crystals, sea glass and gemstones, show them off in a wood box or basket, 

37) Halloween Witch bottles add to the adventure appel. (I have a buhnch and have all my teas in them, 

38) Fancy yourself an Librarian or treasure seeker? Have a display of “artifacts” like (potters, tiles, scales, bones, glass, wood), Find some broken pottery shards and make them look like Greek pottery. If you sculpt make a remnant of a state or a bone or prehistoric tooth. Create your own artifacts and put stories to them.

39) Hang a bunch of leather sachets and small bags from a hook or sit them on a shelf, 

40) Find yourself a rustic tea set, 

41) Collect vintage clay and wood tops. Tops have been around since ancient Assyria and Babylon.

42) Display a collection of carving tools or depending on your likes, a small anvil and hammer,  

43) Hand on hoots of rack by your door or wall woven wicker hats, leather caps and witch/witch hat, head wreaths,

44) Display an old stick/straw/grass broom head wreaths, 

45) Display a helm or helmet you have in a place that speaks “I am at the ready”

46) Fold a small stack of old burlap bags and place on a shelf and use them to store things like potatoes and onions, 

47) Display and basket of wood knitting needles and wool,

48) Grow plants, flowers, herbs and small trees. Even small pots of just grass adds a sense of nature and Adventure (The ancient Greeks would grow grass for their New Years Eve celebration) I have lemon trees in my windows I grew from seeds.

49) A Fish Net works great to add an aesthetic look to your space.

50) If nothing more find an artist and have him/her draw your aesthetic self as you see yourself in different poses, gear and situations. Blow thing up power size and hang them about your space

51) If you can not do any of this, create a physical scrap book of pictures and images that’s screams your aesthetic ideals. Visit it daily and add to it.

NOTE: While all these ideas are great starts, DO NOT over do it. Less is more. Rustic and simple. Avoid cheesy plastic props and things like signs screaming “I am a Proud Viking!” Investigate films, movies and history into your aesthetic loves and the world behind it. Do not create clutter. Make you space livable and function to your NEEDS. Make you space your home, not a museum. If your space is cluttered and does not bring you a feel of your Aesthetic feelings you may need to pull back on some of your props.     

[courtorderedcake]

Hallow : ch I - CSSNS 2019

Thank you for reading this, it's my baby that I have written over and over for two years now.

Countless people have given me advice, changed my way of thinking, changed the way these characters think, and given me love and support. It has been a labor of love and terror, as I have been unwilling to let myself publish this out of fear of reception. What if people hate what I have loved so long?

What if people dislike the characters I've watched grow in my own words, from two flawed characters in their own right, to two flawed characters who know their strengths and use them? Will anyone understand the idea of two unlikely and hopeless people in the worst circumstances coming together? Will the choices they make over all make sense in the greater story?

Without the people I have had cheering me on, I don't know how I could have gotten to a point where I could have asked those questions.

So this is for you, my loves. Kmomof4 for being an unending supply of positivity, even when I wanted to give up all together.

UltraLuckyCatND, for being the best, most patient, understanding, detective of context without context, punctuation machine level efficient Beta a lady could ask for. Your commentary was like waking up to Christmas presents, especially when you liked my curse words.

Shireness, Bleebug, Clockadile, Svenja, ResidentofSB, Salem, Doodle, Sherlockwhovian, K-Whump, and Hollye for always answering my off the wall questions with very little detail perfectly, and with no judgment.

To the newcomers to the Fandom who I may (definitely) stalk, and who unknowingly made me realize that this pairing can go to space, infinity, and beyond. That means you Satellites, Prof, Cyn, and Raines.

To the many others who I Tag, message, who have sent me kind words about Riptide or my Horticulture problem, those who read my crack fic(s) and didn't blacklist me from CS events, those who know I will go to bat for them, and that I know will go to bat for me, and those I know will hate this with every fiber of their being but be unwilling to say so outside of private spaces that collect dust in their stagnation.

I present, Hallow.

-----

"The Goblin King was prepared to host the Darkness, stealing Fae women away to their corrupted lands underneath the ground as concubines. The Darkness chose another in his stead, but not before this selected vessel enacted a devastating attack in its vengeance, revealing its hatred & rage. The battle was a lesson the old kings had forgotten; never underestimate an opponent.

Many more lives were lost as they razed over any who dared defy The Goblin King's will. Only the pure love of our rulers united in matrimony, breaking the Vorpal Dagger, sealed the darkness and the Goblin menace away. The light flourished under their fair rule, and the queen bore a child as pure as moon beams, swan feathers, and starlight. They lived happily ever after, and shall be written in history as Heroes for All Time."

This is the history Princess Emma memorizes from the day she is born, paraded about and presented only with the highest protection. The palace is a cage she wishes to escape, desperately. Not careful what wishes she made, Emma discovers history is written by the victors - The Dark One has an entirely different version of the events that took place.

Rated E for explicit themes, Mature situations, and Fae fuckery.

Read on AO3 here.

Ch 1 / ??

-----

It started when Emma was young and mostly alone. There were very few other children in the Royal Court, let alone the palace lands. Emma had no siblings or cousins to play with either as Fae birth was rare and arduous. She had her parents when they weren’t busy appeasing some Duchy or Lord and Lady, those in the court who tolerated her, or the staff when they weren’t busy with their duties, but it wasn’t enough. Emma felt as though no one really gave her any real one-on-one attention, and with no need for a nanny (the ones nannies they had tried and she drove to madness as proof positive) in the confines of the palace, Emma roamed from room to room and hallway to hallway in search of anything to do or anyone to be with.

  Her parents loved her fiercely and she grew up knowing this; the times they spent together were wonderful. She especially loved holidays and the spare moments where her mother conjured her namesake snowflakes, or her father whistled at elk to come closer to nibble apples. Her father thrived in the sunny plains, wildflowers and crops bending to hear his whispers, winds obeying his laughing commands. Her mother preferred moonlight on branches covered in silver ice, blue birds in spring singing while red birds in winter cracked seeds in their beaks, the way water moved in gurgling streams, and the coziness of a nap in root hollows. Palace life kept them away from their special places more as Emma grew. 

  The palace of the Fae was the grandest in all the realms, or so she had read. Most of the structures were newly built after the Great War , but some pieces had been brought through a portal from the mortal realm, their stunning beauty remarkable. The palace itself was huge, sections unused but for celebrations happening only every few centuries. The main palace consisted of the kitchens, the Royal suites, the courtier suites, dining areas, library, music room, receiving rooms, the grand halls, and servants quarters. She found refuge in the kitchens occasionally, their excellent cook Granny allowing Emma to help, or on some days play with her granddaughter Ruby. They had originally played tag and made mud cakes, but Ruby's grandmother had been in such a snit after, that she punished Ruby with forbidding her to play like that again. They instead played dolls or made bead necklaces, but Granny kept a watchful eye, usually making Ruby work instead. 

  Granny said she was strict because their friendship wasn't properly sanctioned, although she had petitioned. The King and Queen had written they were to be away a few more weeks, so it was unsurprising. Promising to be careful, Granny eased off slightly, and Emma looked forward to those few hours each week as she wandered lonely halls. 

  It was in one of the older sections of the palace that she found him during her weekly wandering.

  He always answered her, no matter the time of day or night, and most importantly he was kind. He had a wiseness in his voice that as a child was soothing, as he happily watched her play with dolls or spin a hoop. 

  When she began her schooling, she read to him in passing moments. 

  “And thus, the Goblin horde released a great evil that corrupted their land and sought a host. The Goblin King was… was… Pre…” She faltered on the word. 

  “Prepared. The Goblin King was prepared,” he corrected. 

  “Thank you! The Goblin King was prepared to host the Darkness, stealing Fae women away to their corrupted lands underneath the ground as concubines. The Darkness chose another in his stead, but not before this selected vessel enacted a devastating attack in its vengeance, revealing its hatred and rage. The battle was a lesson the old kings had forgotten; never underestimate an opponent. The Fae Navy was culled, all but a few regiments surviving. We honor those lost to The Dark Massacre on Gray Day." Emma felt her throat tighten at the thought of the dreary holiday and its muted muslin gowns. They sat in silence for a whole day, lighting candles as those who had lost someone made their pilgrimage. Liam made a soft tutting noise when she didn't continue after a long moment. 

  "It was no matter, for the Goblin King had a special blade to command the Darkness, the Vorpal blade. Many more lives were lost as they razed over any who dared defy The Goblin King's will. Only the pure love of our rulers united in matrimony, breaking the Vorpal Dagger, sealed the darkness and the Goblin menace away. The light flourished under their fair rule, and the queen bore a child as pure as moon beams, swan feathers, and starlight. They lived happily ever after, and shall be written in history as Heroes for All Time. Long live the Fae dil N'lans Court, long live The King and Queen dil N'lans.”

  “Lovely job Emma!” her painting whispered. 

  The name plaque below revealed his name. ‘CAPTAIN LIAM JONES, FAMILY BLACKWATER, IN MEMORIAM’ she read, tracing her fingers on the raised golden letters. He had been in the Fae Navy, the same that had their sails on display in a tapestry room. The same Navy that had sacrificed everything, her lessons making sure to remind her. She dutifully laid flowers and folded banners across stone cairns when she was trotted out at Navy remembrance events with some understanding. Death and the wars seemed to be such abstract thoughts, never having experienced them but in her studies. In fact, Emma wasn’t sure what memoriam meant in its entirety. Having a vague idea of someone being gone was the only thing she had to compare, but when she asked Liam, he told her not to worry. She trusted him and followed his advice. 

  As she grew into a woman, Emma learned what it meant, and understood his reluctance - and her own subconscious'. The painting that had been her closest confidante and holder of all her precious secrets (for example when she had stolen a plate of cinnamon pastries meant for a Lord, eating them all high up in a tower) was just that. A painting. A painting of a man that had been a captain in the Great War, until he had perished in the Dark Massacre. There was no real Liam - just an imaginary friend that kept her company until time passed and she could truly take her place among the court. 

  This realization did not stop her visits nor his wise voice in her head. She visited as often if not more than before, bitterness from stretched days of being told how to sit just so, or how to cover her glare when a noble acted like a pretentious ass in her presence seeped into her conversations. He soothed her loneliness as it leaked further into her life, and she would not part with him. 

  She told Liam about her parents. 

  How she couldn’t leave the palace without a royal escort, a dozen men accompanying her to pick a bouquet as their horses trampled the meadow, destroying the flowers. Or how she snuck down to a grotto and swam, sometimes in just a slip for the thrill of the indecency. Emma longed for any of the village children as playmates, but her royal duties, courses, and “proper decorum” (as her mother would say) kept her from any sort of real connections. Her books, all of the tales of the realms and the old world weren't enough anymore without being able to see outside of the palace, but any talk of change was ended in heated argument. She knew nothing but the safety of her palace, but how could she dare opine, and to who? Not for lack of trying or arguing - King David passed down his courage, and Queen Snow had passed down her stubbornness. Emma heard their remarks of what a combination it was every quarrel. 

  While some of the other young ladies of the court had taken suitors or begun courting, Emma was sure the result of any such thing happening to her would cause her father to go truly mad. King David had almost caused interrealm diplomatic incidents in trade with his attitudes towards certain sons of Lords that had looked at Emma too long.

  She told Liam about her tutors. 

  Ruby, a woman beyond skilled in tracking was easily her first real, and royally approved, friend. The Queen herself had allowed the girl further privileges in the palace, placing Ruby in the same decorum classes as Emma, much to Granny's delight and Ruby's dismay. Ruby made do by skipping them, a feat that Emma could never attempt. Ruby's talents were wasted on sewing, curtsies, or dancing; her quick wit and ridiculous half true stories leaving her as cunning as a wolf. She easily talked King David into letting her have a tutor position teaching Emma about snares, edible plants, and tracking game or predators. Afterwards, Granny would bake Emma and Ruby treats with their foraged items, with extra to stow around for the Court. 

  Emma adored her tutors August, a wood elf who specialized in History, and Jefferson, a pixie that taught the Arts. They had come together to the court after being married during war time and were easy to feel safe with. Jefferson could sing well enough to rival Queen Snow herself, and August gazed at him in constant adoration. While Emma studied her history quietly, August would make small wooden flowers or other creations that she would find in the music room the next day, lying on the piano or near the harpsichord. Jefferson’s prized possession was a broken and battered violin August had carved for him in the old world, the wood from the same tree as their small cabin. It was the only thing he took when they fled. 

  There was Graham, a Fae that didn’t hail from any court that Emma knew of. Although, for a princess, or any woman of the court for that matter, it was rare to use a sword, The King and Queen demanded it. Graham was easy pickings next to her father. Her father had hired him to teach her sword play, but had since made no qualms about regretting it for various reasons. Emma was sure it was due to Graham's gaze beginning to linger too long on her lips. 

  Liam had heard about her various refusals to court anyone due to her father, but when Graham brought Emma flowers at the beginning of a lesson and her father saw, he heard her rant about Graham's idiocy for hours. Now, the King stood sentry over every lesson, watching Graham sweat from swordplay with the addition of knowing that any slight flirting could end with him having to search for another job with one less arm. Emma hated that her father watched them.

  The newest member of the court was a renowned bowsmith, one Mr. Locksley, hired by the Queen to teach Emma and fuel her passion for archery. Emma had never really felt a use for it, but dutifully accepted another task to fill the hours of her days - particularly if that task was avoiding her tutor of magickal arts, decorum, and deception. Regina.

  She studied magical forces for harm with Regina, decorum, potion making, alchemy, lying, seductive disarmament (it was all in the cleavage, lewdly enough), state secrets, cryptography, political history, strategy, and trained herself against poisoning. Regina was one of her favorites to complain about. 

  “She hates me, Liam. She makes it her mission to make me feel stupid. I can’t tell you how much we go over the same things, about how my parents united the realms with their marriage, how the realms are all connected but for one, and how the Goblins are banished until their next appeal,” she huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. “How many times do I have to hear the stories about brides getting stolen or my parents sealing the Darkness? I’m the proof they were successful, that the Darkness and Goblins are sealed away! Every appeal the Goblins have made has been either a disaster or violent. Sometimes both. Nothing is going to change.”

  “Never bet against things changing, Emma,” Liam spoke in his low voice as she sat next to his painting, blowing blonde hair from her face. 

  “Now you sound like her,” Emma pouted.

l

“Good. She’s teaching you something. Education is important and so is knowing your history. Our history.” He emphasized the last words, and Emma felt a pit in her stomach. 

  “I hate that you’re right.” 

  “You wouldn’t come here and sit with me if you liked me being wrong.” She could hear a smirk in his tone, though his portrait always showed him with the same determined grimace.

  Sometimes Emma asked him about his life, on which he mostly stayed silent, his few answers vague.

  “What were you like?” she'd whispered by candlelight as snow fell one evening.

  “I loved my family and my land,” he told her, in an even reply.

  She sighed, annoyed. “Yes, but I mean, were you a good man? A good leader? Did you deserve the love you were given?”

  He was silent for a time, before speaking slowly as if with great thought.

  “Emma, you'll learn this one day. Being good is subjective. What one man may think is good, another will see as monstrous. A good man can fall into darkness, someone steeped in the farthest trenches of evil can find the strength to redeem themselves. I believe I was good.” He paused, sighing lightly. “And no man can ever tell you if he deserved the love he received. Only the one who gives it willingly can.”

  *✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

    It was bright outside as Emma walked barefoot in the grass. Ahead of her, Graham stood as stars fell from the sunlit sky like diamonds. 

  Graham offered her a bouquet as he had last autumn, filled with buttercups, lavender, tulips, baby’s breath, cone flowers, and daffodils. His hands had lingered, warm and rough, as he stepped closer to her form. Her breath caught and her heart beat faster than any swordplay could bring. He’d looked at her lips, but this time her father hadn’t taken the crook of her arm to pull her away. This time, he stepped in closer, a hand cupping her chin as he led her to his lips and -

  A hard smack of a book against her head pulled her out of her dream.

  “Princess Emma.” Regina’s clipped tones were unmistakably irritated, even more so than usual. “Since you are so keen on paying attention, I suppose you’ve memorized the realms and their unique histories regarding our own?”

  Emma sighed. No luck, she was still with Regina, still trying to fend off her parents’ worry as the Goblin appeal moved closer. 

  “I’m sorry Regina.”

  “You should be. The King and Queen have been up for days now preparing for the upcoming appeal, and the judgement of the realms. Do you think anyone but you are taking having Goblins in our realm lightly? Or that having the Royalty of the United Realms here will be easy?” She glowered at Emma, and Emma squirmed in her chair. 

  “No I don’t, but I am ready to finally be apart of something more -”

  “Princess, this meeting is more important than you will ever know. The outcome of this will change everything for you. You've been too young for the last three, and this one is more important than ever.” Regina smacked the book down on Emma’s table. “Recite.”

  “And thusly, the accord was struck. The Darkness sealed in the old palace. The Goblins may appeal their desire for peace every 250 years in the service of a fully seated council. Regardless of the appeal’s outcome, trade will continue between realms, and the Goblin kingdom will present Dwarves with the iron they need to forge what Fae cannot, to mine Pixie Dust crystals for the Fae realms.” Emma recited from memory. She winced at the thought of iron. She couldn’t imagine how painful the burns would be, and envied Dwarves for their ability to work with it.

  Regina smiled. “Good. Continue.” She paced, opening a fan to provide a breeze for herself. The Baroque style was her favorite to wear, deep cut necklines and a fan her go to wardrobe choice any time visitors were in the palace. 

  “This trade must occur, or the Forge of Seven will cease to enchant the tools to extract dust and Pixie dust will be unable to be cultivated for the stability of the realms portals, shields, and wards,” she intoned. 

  “And?” Regina asked, extending her fan. 

  “Which in turn could let the Darkness, hidden somewhere in the realms free, destroy the realms, or allow banished Fae in, creating turmoil in the face of thousands of years of peace.” Emma finished, and looked up, still indifferent. 

  “Alright. Now off to your music lesson. You’ll be playing for guests in the Blue Parlor.” Regina’s face had gone back to its normal dour expression and she shooed Emma off.

  Emma hated visitors, never knowing when she would run into a dignitary, ambassador, or royal who expected her to hold conversation; or, as she was now, never knowing when she would be forced to entertain. Her parents’ worries had become an itch under her skin. No one believed she was ready for the Appeal. Admittedly, her decorum was… at best, icy. None of the Royals or courtiers were terribly interesting, content to discuss trade or gossip. Whenever possible, she bucked formality and toed the line with rules she thought were preposterous. Rituals and traditions she found unfavorable were done robotically and with constant sarcasm or little joy. Her reputation as a beautiful and quiet princess was paired with warnings of her lethal verbiage, and unwavering disdain for the older laws in Fae culture, leaving her circle of courtiers almost entirely closed. Those that sought her favor were quickly shot down, and those that persisted played on the razor-sharp edge of the Princess's amusement. Emma wanted more. 

  She still visited Liam, even with the visitors milling around. His wing was dusted and set up for the lower courtiers who would not arrive until the appeal was in motion, which made it relatively safe. They wouldn’t be here for another few days. 

  “See this?” she said, pointing to a picture in the book she found in the library. She showed him a picture of a bear. “They’re tiny in the old land and they can’t talk well. Have you been there? Or to any of the other realms?”

  He didn’t answer, only made a humming noise of amusement.

  “I just… I want to see everything.” She closed the book, tracing its peeling leather binding. “Liam, can I tell you something?”

  “Of course.”

  She sighed, letting her head knock back against the stone. “I don’t want to rule.”

  “It’s your duty, it isn’t a matter of want,” he said after a moment. He almost sounded wistful. 

  “I know, but…” She looked up at the frame of his painting, trying to pretend that for just a moment the expectation of her birthright wasn’t a duty. “I just wish I’d had a chance to see anything. To do anything. To change things, and not sit rigidly until someone decides I can take my place in step with the set tread. I am going to be three thousand years old before I’ve even been kissed at this rate.” She thunked her head against the stone again. “I just want to know what the world has to offer before ruling it.”

  “The world outside these walls isn’t everything. It’s good and bad, and a lot of in between.” His words were slow, and tired sounding. “Not everything is always going to be this way, no matter how much things seem to stay the same. Even you. Change can sneak up on you in an instant, Princess. You may find in time, the throne seems less like a cage and more like its own pair of wings.”

  “I suppose you’re right.” She gathered up her books, heading back to her chambers. “I’ll see you after the appeal.”

  She didn’t hear a reply.

  *✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

    “Emma!” Her mother sounded so surprised to see her, having only spoken in passing for weeks now. “Oh, Emma, you look beautiful.” 

  Emma sighed, the white dress beautiful on her frame. She fidgeted, and heard the seamstress hiss before a pin poked her thigh.

  “Ow!”

  “Sorry, Highness. Just, please stop moving -”

    Emma huffed, uncomfortable. The appeal was starting soon and today had been a blur of misery. Her mother had managed to take time to see her here, and soon they’d walk to join her father in a greeting line. They’d greet the realms in order, lastly welcoming the Goblin envoy to their appeal, beginning the proceedings. This was the most important event she would have to attend at her station, her role heavy on her mind. All day she’d been puffed and preened, Regina had quizzed her for hours as she endured an ungodly amount of undergarments tied onto her. 

  “There. You look stunning, Highness.” 

  Emma looked in the mirror, and surveyed herself. Her hair was long and curled, white flowers and baby’s breath braided in a complex style along her crown, pieces pulled in loose waves that traveled down her back. The dress was fitted, the sharp square cut of the neckline made softer by the long lace sleeves falling about her wrists and a flare at the waist where layers upon layers of lace had been placed over traditional formal skirts. An over corset in the same white lace, pulled far too tight for her liking, finished the dress along with a train that fell behind which was only slightly less annoying. 

  It was another reminder that it was for no one. She was a naive, protected princess who would have a match picked for her one day. Emma sighed. 

  “Emma, you look radiant. Just beautiful,” her mother gushed, helping her off the seamstress’s pedestal. Emma's satin slippers made no noise on the stone floor. Another reminder that she was barely here at all, an ornament in an ongoing display. 

  “Thanks.” She took a step, and to only further her annoyance, realized she’d have to hold up her skirts as she walked if she wasn’t to trip down a set of stairs. Emma huffed, but when her mother's head snapped up, she hid it behind a cough. 

  “Are you ready for this?” Snow asked her, eyes gentle. Emma nodded, all emotions buried deep. ”Good. You’ll be fine.” She led Emma down the hallway, her father joining on her other elbow with a small, tired smile. It didn’t reach his eyes.

  “There you are,” he whispered. “The two most beautiful women in all the realms.” Emma couldn't help the blush that crept up her cheeks, even if it was only her father saying it for kindness. She'd always been closer to him and his sunny disposition, finding comfort in his dismissal of the Royal Court’s norms. Lately, he chafed at her brisk dismissals, requests for freedom, and soured attitude regarding her duties; but today, it had been made abundantly clear, was about peace. 

  He held the rigid posture and thin lipped smile that the weight his title demanded. Emma looked down at her slippers. The beading caught the light as they stepped into the chamber where a procession of their courtiers awaited. Everyone was dressed in their most garish finery, most chatting quietly amongst themselves. August and Jefferson were quarreling over if they looked too matched, August assuring his jittery husband that they looked fine and shooting a wink towards Emma. 

  Ruby was talking animatedly with the others her age, telling tales as she often did to spook the courtiers. 

  “Watch the Goblins… they'll take you as a bride if you aren't careful! They make you drink their blood and you get married in the dark all alone, no one to hear your -”

  “Screams!” Graham jumped from behind them, causing several shrieks while he and Ruby laughed. Emma felt a flare of jealousy, not realizing Ruby and Graham had grown so close. It wasn't surprising, her docket had been full of late, and they were allowed more free time. They were allowed fun, and rendezvous, no chaperone or appointments to keep. Taking a breath, jealousy joined the other feelings that were neatly bottled away within and concealed. 

  Regina stood apart, giving orders to several servants with Granny, confirming finishing touches and coordinating various tasks to solve anything that had gone amiss. Emma watched in bemusement as her archery instructor Locksley tried to gain a moment of her time to give her a rose for her hair, only to be ignored. He'd gone to tap her on the shoulder, only to have her scowling form round on him.

  Emma didn't hear their conversation, but giggled, her parents both shooting her a look. She stifled it quickly.

  With a clearing of her throat, Snow called the court to order.

  “To another peaceful Appeal, and to the realms!” Snow proclaimed.  

  The court echoed her, their voices carrying as they led the procession to the meeting hall, where royalty and representatives were arriving.

  There, guards on either side of the archway leading to the Receiving Hall and Grand Reception beat their staves to grab attention. The hall hushed into quiet anticipation. The Receiving Hall steps had been decorated with a plush purple runner, covered in luminous dust and moon flower petals, white flamed chandeliers making the polished marble floor gleam like bone in contrast. As her parents were announced, Emma swallowed the stone in her stomach as she stepped forward when her turn arrived. 

  “Princess Emma Swan N’Lan.” After a pause for bows, the guards used their staves to make three more echoing beats. “All may rise, and proceed to greet the Royal family.”

  The procession that made its way to them was led first by their close kin, other Fae that held themselves to the Royal family's rule. Wood and Dark Fae greeted Emma with excitement, the latter in silvery clothes and kohl, the former in soft silk the color of autumn leaves. Pixies joined them shortly after, the rainbow of colors in their clothing shimmering only when hit by the light, reminding Emma of a beetle’s shell. 

  The Dwarves came next, short and full of pride, jewels and ribbon braided through their long beards or coiffed hair. Many of them offered rings or jewelry to Emma or her mother, but protocol dictated she must decline as to not show favor, much to her dismay. Her mother wore a Dwarf fashioned tiara, and snuck in rings or jewels regardless of perception, but she showed favor to most - on the surface, at least. 

  Their other close kin, the Elves, followed after. Tall, prideful, and very reclusive, they kept to themselves in a strict caste system. Emma had heard her father bemoan their interactions, calling them snobby and boring. Emma only thought they were beautiful, even without the ability to bend magic without a wand or channeling tool. They also could have children easier, which led to being reclusive in the first place, and the restrictive caste system leading to strong, ‘pure’ genes. Emma found that less beautiful, often decrying it to Regina in heated debate. 

  The elementals that followed next were thin, tall, robed Fae, in a rainbow of colors and swathed in a myriad of shimmering auras that corresponded with their element. Shape-shifters, they were a delight to the eye to behold. Dark brown or moss-green elementals stood tall as trees, root and vines or wildflowers climbing their skinny limbs. The few silver or albino wore halos of moon flower on antlers, glowing faintly under the chandeliers. A few simply looked human, wearing court finery that was barely distinguishable between Emma's own. 

  Their queen came last, a tall Hol blessed with the ancient curse of elemental enlightening, followed by her attendees that carried the same heavy gift. Snow had told Emma many times that it was these touched souls that had granted Emma her light magic, as it was written in their culture that her birth heralded a cosmic shift in balance after the war. They were a neutral party, never fighting unless the balance of the world had leaned, seeing all that could be and all that wasn't at once. Many of them traveled through time and the pocket realms to maintain the magic there, and prevent passage with unsanctioned portals or magic. Whatever side the scale tipped to in the end, they would find itself an ally in the Elementals. 

  In an absurd twist, one of the younger of the Elementals had been appointed to Emma for a small amount of time. He had measured her magic, disconcerting at first due to his brilliance and his shifted appearance of a young child. Named Henry, the Elemental turned out to be mischievous, making plans with code names, and reviving Emma's love of pranks. After she was chastised soundly for 'Operation Cricket', the Duke terrified to open his closet to retrieve his trousers, their friendship had been mitigated. They had been cordial, but Regina had loved having a child (even just in appearance) around the palace again, and took over separating them from each other. For to short a while it was like having a sibling. Henry had chosen another form since then, no longer a child but a man. He gave a sly wave and Emma winked at him. 

  The Seafolk (Sirens, Naiads, Mermaids and Nymphs) followed after, many wearing charms that allowed them to walk on land or suspending themselves in water. Emma shook hands with a curious crimson haired Mermaid princess encased in salt water, King David watching them amusedly as he spoke to the King of the Seafolk. The Anisapi tensed, but said nothing in that regard. There had been a long fight between the two races over the treatment of a race cast out by the war. Regina made it clear that Emma should know as little as possible about the entire sordid debacle, as not to ever show favor to either the Anisapi or the Seafolk. Any excuse to escape a lesson seemed good enough. 

  The procession finally ended, the court taking a reception with the different realms as they awaited the Goblins. Emma felt exhausted, her cheeks aching from the fake smile she had been wearing. An Anisapi approached her, a tall monkey with golden fur and large brown eyes in a dark emerald waistcoat. He spoke for several minutes during which she nodded politely and enthusiastically, until his paw had found its way into her hair, and his reedy voice had lowered. 

  An Anisapi female hurried over, another monkey with green ribbons braided in her reddish, bristling fur. She pulled the Lord away with multiple apologies and platitudes, and Emma composed herself. Anisapi were rarely so forward. Being primarily Fae and animal, they were trickster spirits yes, but not to their kin. Their Vizier, Pann, lounged on a chaise in his velveteen emerald vest coat, his goat haunches twitching as one of his satyr attendant boys fed him grapes. He gave Emma a saucy wink before pouring wine down his throat. 

  Emma marched over his way, shooting glares at giggling fans and satyrs that Pann kept in his clutch, their self placed moniker of Lost Boys disconcerting at almost a millennia old. The court whispered rumors about him being a treatise breaker, but her parents had never caught him and had only pleasant dealings to speak of. Many still swore that he broke their laws with flagrant disregard, returning to the human world with impunity. Some even said he had a realm of his own, a terrible lair of horrors beyond imagination, called ‘Neverland’.

  Emma was unfrightened. The Anisapi leader, Heston, was a wise and honorable Anisapi; one of the last true forest Gods of the old world. He was ancient, but very brave and incredibly strong, a boar the color of a thundercloud, tusks long and unforgivingly sharp. Pann stood no chance against him, even with deceit and trickery. 

  “Do you mind Pann? Drinking before we begin seems -”

  Pann snorted, arrogantly and without conceit. His snide tone reminded her of the trail a slug left, sticking to her skin like autumn leaves after rainfall. “Princess, I know you'd normally be in bed by now with a glass of milk, but wine is how some of us get these droll events over with. It's not like we can ritualistically disembowel a human anymore for fun.”

  When her eyes widened and she gasped, he let out a loud guffaw echoed by his tittering following. 

  “Oh, Emma. Do calm down, we never did that at political events.” When Emma let out an indignant sniff, and whirled to turn away from him, she heard his snide reply call from behind her. “That was only on the solstices, darling.” More laughs came from behind her. 

  Stomping away, Emma retreated to a window to get away from the growing din of the excited crowd. She gazed out a window, waiting for the Goblins to appear at the castle gates. The sound of a throat clearing caught her attention, and she turned to look at a scaled man, green and gold mottled pale skin, topped with a shaggy head of brown hair mixed with eagle feathers. The Goblin, or half Goblin, had one brown eye and one reptilian gold, his teeth and nails sharp. Emma stood taller. 

  “I'm so sorry, good sir. I was unaware the Goblins had arrived and I beg pardon.” Emma curtsied, bending low. The man chuckled throatily. 

  “You must be Princess Emma. Your beauty becomes you, a truly beautiful woman and Fae." Emma blushed, the compliment so direct and forward, but within convention. The Goblin was well mannered, and it caught her unaware. 

  "I am, yes." Raising her head, she gave her hand for him to kiss, surprised by the delicate way he held it. His palms were a mix of soft and scaled smoothness, a long claw scraping along her wrist sending a chill across her skin. Emma pulled away harshly, his eyes narrowing in a way that made her feel increasingly uncomfortable. "Who do I have the pleasure of addressing, with and without such formality?" 

  "I am Prince Nil of the Goblins, it is my pleasure to see you ripe. I have heard that we are both kindred spirits who push at formality and it's bindings. Is this true, beautiful one?” He gave a small bow, his words and the way he leered made Emma's skin crawl. His tongue flicked out, long and shinily wet, unmistakably forked as he licked his lips with not only far too much suggestion and luridness. Emma took a step back in spite of herself. 

  “I'd have you remember yourself, my Prince. It is… It is unbecoming for me to listen to or respond to such lewd language even given as a token of flattery. I beg of you to be less coarse.” Focusing with all she could muster of Regina's teachings, she glared pure ice. 

  “Ah, but it is me who must beg in your court.” He pinned her to the glass, his breath hot against her skin. Dragging a nail down from her ear to her neck, he grinned lavisciously. “In my own kingdom, I would not. I'd have you without treatise, without meetings, without conversations over diplomacy. Goblins take what they want. Formality has no place in true law.” 

  “Luckily for the both of us then, that I have a voice here to say no. I would keep my diplomacy and any other manner of dignity.” Emma ducked out from under his arm, eyes steely. “Good day, Pri-”

  He snarled, harshly pulling her arm and yanking it with violent force. Emma let out a yelp but his hand clapped on her mouth as he pulled her head back by her hair. 

  “You do not dismiss me, you pompous Fae wench. I dismiss you. You are beneath me, a tool for a greater cause. I dismiss you, and in the underground, bitches like you have no voice." She bit at his hand, and the hiss that escaped his serpent mouth not in pain but something darker. Emma struggled, but his long fingers pushed against her tongue sharply, the sharp movements making her gag. "You are such a prize, my golden treasure, I will have you as mine."

  Nil's breath was hot on her neck, withdrawing his fingers alshe took a gasp of air as he wiped them on her bodice, groping there, her embarrassment and rage at his lewdness finally snapping her out of surprise. 

  "Let go of me, you weasel swallowing, ill mannered, swine tongued -" Emma punched and kicked, his hand falling from her hair as she pushed Nil away. He caught her arm in mid blow, twisting to spin her into him, his front against her back so that she had to feel his body. He smelled like mildew, soil, garlic, and Emma gagged again. 

  The prince chuckled at her reaction, rubbing against her in a rolling motion that pushed him against her in ways left for a marriage bed. "We take them, just like we take our women, and that goes without questioning. Remember that Princess. I have a feeling you'll find it ever so important in your formalities .”

  All etiquette fled her mind as she fought, trying to get away from the nightmarish creature. With an ungrateful twist, he wrenched her back further, grinding his pelvis against her lewdly before throwing her to the ground. Emma hissed up at his face, but Ruby and Graham interrupted them as the Goblin prince turned away, happily striding back to the party. Ruby ran to Emma's side, immediately worried. 

  “Emma, are you alright?” Ruby whispered, and Graham looked her over before glaring in the direction of the Goblin. 

  “Emma, did he -” Graham started, but Emma pushed herself up and shook her head with her best regal smile. 

  “I'm fine. Go back to the party, I'll speak with my parents about this. Don't worry, and no mention of this, it'll be fine.” Emma watched the two exchange worried glances, but they bowed and made their way back to the party with a few quick looks back. Emma let her face fall, chewing her lip. So much for everything going smoothly. 

  Hurrying to talk to her parents, she could hear their raised voices from the council chambers far before she entered, the council in place early by a quarter hour at least. Something was very wrong as a heated discussion was taking place. 

  “Absolutely not, Gold. We haven't considered it for various reasons, and feel maybe in the next couple centuries -”

  “You're acting as if it will be a choice when it's clearly a demonstration of unity, strength, and power, bringing the realms together finally -”

  An Elf spoke, “If that is the case, all kingdoms and realms should have claim, and a chance to give their dowry, not just you,” she cleaned her fingernails, bored. “Although it is a beneficial union.”

  “My daughter has a choice in this!” her father hissed, and a few nobles laughed before realizing that it was not a joke. “She is a grown woman, and has made it clear she is not ready for -”

  “I'm not ready for what?” Emma said, fury set in her resolved face. She walked towards her empty seat, her mother looking at her warningly, and her father looking ashamed and apologetic. “I believe that at last time I checked, I did have my own voice,” shooting a perfunctory glare at those who had laughed, she continued, “and I definitely have the power of choice.”

  Her father sighed and started to speak before the Goblin cut him off, his voice registering as the man her father had called Gold. Rumplestiltskin Gold of the Gold bloodline, King of the Goblins. 

  “Princess Emma, my son and I have requested your hand in marriage to unite our kingdoms.” He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes and looked unnatural on his face. Emma stared at him, the taste of unsaid truths pouring off of him. This was not an ally. Something was wrong. “My son is taken with you, and begs of me to modernize. We -”

  “Your son accosted me earlier, Your Majesty.” Gasps went around the table, the nobles shifting uncomfortably. Emma heard a dulled bang from far off, but ignored her parents exchange of looks. “And I am not some trophy to be won or pet to be caged. I am afraid that I will be declining your offer, even with the well deserved belief of modernization raised. I may be an outspoken critic of the way we go about our traditions, laws, and rituals, but I am also an outspoken critic of throwing them and decency out the window.”

  “Well.” The scaled man slumped his shoulders and looked down, greasy strands of his stringy hair covering his face. “That is bad news then. I'm sorry to hear it.”

  Snow moved subtly and slowly in Emma's peripheral as her father tensed. The Goblin King began to laugh, a strange giggling thing that shook his shoulders. Emma took a step back as he looked up, eyes full of impish glee and a true, sharp toothed smile on his face. 

  “I thought we might be able to do things the easy way, Dearie.” He cocked his head with that too large reptilian grin, and chaos rained down on the room. Powder exploded in different shades, guards leapt up while magic shot past from hands, wands, staves and who knew what else. Emma was transfixed until her mother yanked her through a wall panel and into a dark corridor. 

  “Mom, what -”

  “Emma, hush. Listen, we're under attack and I… They're targeting you, alright? It isn't safe for us here. It's not safe for you.” Pushing open a loose tile, they dropped into a small closet as Snow raised a finger to her lips. Moving the tile back into place, she slid another panel open revealing more stairs that they used in haste. Catching their breath, Snow caressed Emma's cheek. “I need you to be braver than you've ever been, and more cunning than ever before. Your life depends on it; everyone's lives depend on it.” 

  They moved through the walls, her mother sometimes stopping to peer through a portrait as Goblins flooded the palace, iron weapons in hand. Other times her mother would open a passage for them to run through into another path, full of winding tunnels, spiraling staircases, and peepholes Emma had never known about, circling deep into the castle's depths. 

  They eventually reached a latched door that dropped into a crawlspace, both dropping down before coming up to stand in a windowless room the size of a larder. A small box rested on a lone shelf, and The Queen held it gingerly. Opening the lid, she pulled out a silver chain with a jagged piece of steel at its end, putting it over Emma's head where it lay coolly against her warm skin. Emma examined it carefully, noting the pointed end looked like either a sword tip or an arrowhead. 

  “Mom, What is this? Where are we going -”

  “There's so much I don't have time to explain, and so much we tried to protect you from, Emma. I regret it now, but we don't have time to get into that either.” Her mother was crying, digging at the tiles on the floor that revealed a deep, dark, stairwell into rock hewn walls. “That's a piece of an ancient blade, the Vorpal blade, used to control the Darkness that tried to destroy everything in all worlds. It wanted, no, wants to cover everything in shadow, in pitch, and your father and I destroyed the blade with our love… and you. You're the purest light this world has ever known. With this shard, the Darkness cannot hurt you. We’ve kept you away from everything to keep it so, and now you are the only one who can fix what we couldn't.”

  “I don't understand, what do I need to fix? What do I have to do?” Emma whispered. Her mother looked at her pleadingly as the wall in front of them began to shake. 

  “The Darkness had taken a vessel, and we… We decided that it deserved a chance, just like the Goblins. Your father and I tried, but it… He… He can't be redeemed, he can't see beyond his revenge. He's too dangerous, too dangerous to ever let out, until now. You have to seek his help, and not fall for his tricks, his offered deals, or his diversions, and then destroy him. You were born to destroy the Darkness and save us.”

  The wall cracked, splintering. Her mother kissed her forehead and guided her down the stairs in front of her, pushing Emma into the murk of what lay below. 

  “I still don't know what -”

  “I'm sorry, Emma. You are so strong, and so powerful. We are so proud of you, and believe in you. You are our daughter, our goodness, and love, and everything we've ever dreamed of you being. Go. Go and be safe.”

  Letting go of Emma and pushing the tiles back in place, Emma called for her mother but stopped when she heard the outer wall splinter as her mother screamed. 

  “Snow… I tried -” Her father's voice, ending in a gurgling wet rasp. 

  “Quiet now, King David. Wouldn't want me to cut out your charming larynx in front of your wife, all because you were trying to play hero.” Gold’s voice, laughter mixing with his son's who was somewhere nearby. 

  “Don't hurt him. Please. You have our willingness to comply with whatever demands you make,” Snow said calmly. “I just ask you to please, let my husband and daughter go.”

  “Your daughter? She's with you, you had her with you -”

  “We lost each other when we came across some guards,” Snow raised her voice, convincingly selling the tale of her missing daughter. “She was supposed to hide. I told her to hide, and I would -”

  “My concern involves finding your daughter, and the missing piece of the Vorpal blade I have in my possession. Find the princess. I want a true unification of the realms to begin as soon as possible, and everyone will suffer until I get my way,” Gold seethed. Emma held her breath as she heard footsteps move away. Quietly, she moved down the dark stairs into the damp underbelly of the caves to see what awaited her below her home. 

[nightmare-afton-cosplay]

$6M North Carolina Mountaintop Masterpiece Beckons Buyers Looking or Views

realtor.com

People trek up mountains for a number of reasons, but the top one remains achingly obvious: incredible views.

What if you could live smack-dab in the middle of views you crave and soak in your surroundings all day long? Now, that would be truly epic.

To enjoy epic views year-round, this mountainside home in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet. Known as Autumn Ridge Estate, the home is on the market for $6 million.

The four-story home in Newland sits on Big Yellow Mountain and overlooks part of the Appalachian Trail. You might not think a North Carolina home could get any higher than this, but Autumn Ridge is likely the second-highest home available in the Tar Heel State.

“Beech Mountain is at 5,506 feet,” says listing agent Amy Pepin. Still, Autumn Ridge is quite special.

Kitchen and dining area

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Solarium

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Bedroom

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Bathroom

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“You can see over 50 miles from the porch,” Pepin explains. Furthermore, Autumn Ridge was built amid 27,000 acres of protected land, so it’s the only residence for miles.

Bar

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Home theater

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And if crystal-clear mountain views weren’t enough, the space itself is an all-out retreat. The main residence measures more than 12,000 square feet and has eight bedrooms and 9.5 bathrooms.

The spectacular interior features full-on tree trunks incorporated into the rustic design. For blustery winter days, the home provides plenty of indoor activities. A bar, library, game room, home theater, and gym definitely suit a variety of extracurricular persuasions.

But who needs entertainment when the solarium provides indescribable views of the mountains from virtually every angle.

The property also comes with a three-bedroom guesthouse and a workshop.

If it seems this special location is too far away from signs of life, it isn’t completely isolated. Autumn Ridge is a mere 30 minutes from Banner Elk and Spruce Pine, two small North Carolina towns. Boone is only 40 minutes away as well.

So pack up your gear (and your wallet!), and head to the mountains. This home is calling all hikers.

The post $6M North Carolina Mountaintop Masterpiece Beckons Buyers Looking or Views appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

from https://www.realtor.com/news/unique-homes/north-carolina-blue-ridge-mountaintop-masterpiece/

[lincolnservices]

Best Departmental Store Cleaning Services near Omaha Lincoln NE - Council Bluffs IA | Lincoln Household Services

 http://www.lincolnhouseholdservices.com/departmental-store-cleaning.html

Have a department store and looking for department store cleaning services near Omaha Lincoln NE - Council Bluffs IA? You as a store owner already has much on the plate to take care of. Hence, to maintain the health and hygiene standards by which every retail and other commercial space are regulated, departmental store cleaning services is essential. Not only does it keep you secure from penalization, but it also raises the value of your property and your client footfall. It does not matter if your departmental store is small, medium-sized or a huge departmental store, preparing checklists for daily, weekly and monthly cleaning can make the process easier and faster. Lincoln Household Services are the name you can trust when it comes to any sort of departmental store cleaning services in Omaha Lincoln NE - Council Bluffs IA. Cost? Free estimates! Call us today, book online or send us an email!

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DEPARTMENTAL STORE CLEANING SERVICES LINCOLN OMAHA COUNCIL BLUFFS

Departmental Store Cleaning Services Can Be Divided Into Seven Sections

● Entrances and exits

● Reception/ office area

● Store area

● Backhouse

● Restrooms

● Stairways

● Kitchen or pantry

Preparing separate checklists for each section helps in spreading and allotting the job. With Lincoln Household Services, you can also allow the checklist as per the time you want the job to be done – before the store opens, midday or after closure.

See the example of some of the departmental store cleaning services checklists that will help you in preparing one for you.

ENTRANCES AND EXITS

● Spot free them from finger and hand prints

● Dust and wash any planters

● Air and clean the doormat

● Sweep the entrance and lift up any litter

● Wash and clean the glass doors and door handles

● Wash and clean the store banner or sign at the doorway

RECEPTION/OFFICE AREAS

● Wipe and polish the tables, desks, lamps and trays

● Wipe and clean the glass surfaces, clear from any spills and stains

● Vacuum carpeted areas, including those below tables and chairs

● Wipe and clean all glass surfaces

● Wipe and remove any stains from the wall

● Wipe and sanitize the telephones

● Empty trash bin and ashtrays

● Dust and clean lights, switches, fixtures and décor

● Wipe and clean the windows, window sills and window panes

STORE AREA

● Clean any adhesive residue from the shelves and display units

● Wipe and clean all glass surfaces, glass partitions and mirrors.

● Dust and clean shelves

● Organize the merchandise in order on the shelves

● Clean the outside of the glass display units

● Dust and clean furniture, window, window sills, fire extinguishers and décor

● Clean the chrome trimming on the cabinets

● Clean the spots and stains off the walls

Lincoln Household Services and its departmental store cleaning services offer comprehensive cleaning services to all stores and commercial spaces. Our staff can tailor a perfect cleaning program according to your specific requests, we have a solution that will suit your needs and budget.

Here is a list of the best department store cleaning service benefits and advantages you can get with Lincoln Household Services:

● Attention to Detail Cleaning for an Impeccable Public Appearance

● Customized Cleaning Program to Suit Your Store’s Budget and Needs

● Our Company Supplies All Equipment, Products, and Materials

● Employees and Customers Appreciate the Exclusive Use of Safe, Green Cleaning Products

If your departmental store is in Omaha Lincoln NE - Council Bluffs IA or surrounding regions and needs departmental store cleaning services, you can rely on Lincoln Household Services to take in hand it for you. Contact us today to start on!

 REQUEST MORE INFORMATION NOW. CLICK HERE!

CONTACT:

Lincoln Household Services

Best Property Services Omaha Lincoln NE!

CALL (402) 875 7274 CLEANING: http://www.lincolnhouseholdservices.com/

CALL (402) 881 3135 JANITORIAL SERVICES: http://www.servicelincoln.com/

CALL (402) 575 9272 CLEANING OMAHA: http://www.maidserviceomaha.com/

CALL (402) 810 6320 CLEANING OMAHA: http://www.greencleaningomaha.com/

CALL (402) 590-8095 MOVING: http://www.moverslincolne.com/

CALL (402) 590-8090 JUNK REMOVAL: http://www.lnkjunkremoval.com

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Lincoln NE | Omaha NE | Council Bluffs IA

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5:00 am to 11:30 pm

WEBSITE: www.lincolnhouseholdservices.com

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 SERVICES:

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 SERVICE AREA:

Lincoln Nebraska Metro Area: Bennet NE, Firth NE, Hallam NE, Hickman NE, Lancaster

County, Lincoln Nebraska, Malcolm NE, Milford NE, Panama NE, Seward County, Seward NE,

 Staplehurst NE, Utica NE, Walton NE, WAVERLY NE, Lincoln NE | Omaha NE | Lancaster

County NE | Seward County NE | Milford NE | 68501, 68510, 68512, 68514, 68516, 68517,

68520, 68524, 68526, 68529, 68531, 68532, 68542, 68544, 68583, 68588.

Communities we serve: Omaha, Carter Lake, Council Bluffs, Crescent, Bellevue, Boys

Town, La Vista, Papillion, Honey Creek, Offutt A F B, Bennington, Fort Calhoun,

Washington, Elkhorn, St Columbans, Underwood, Kennard, Mc Clelland, Mineola,

Waterloo, Springfield, Missouri Valley, Treynor, Cedar Creek, Gretna, Blair, Valley,

Neola, Pacific Junction, Plattsmouth, Silver City, Glenwood, Louisville, Yutan, Arlington,

Minden, Modale, South Bend, Logan, Murray, Ashland, Mead, Persia, Memphis,

Manley, Magnolia, Macedonia, Malvern, Fremont, Carson, Oakland, Herman, Murdock,

Nickerson, Shelby, Weeping Water, Hastings, Mondamin, Henderson, Ithaca, Hancock,

Nehawka, Tabor, Union, Greenwood, Thurman, Portsmouth, Woodbine, Colon, Wahoo,

Avoca, Emerson, Winslow, Avoca, Elmwood, Little Sioux, Cedar Bluffs, Pisgah,

Tekamah, Alvo, Randolph, Ames, Hooper, Panama, Craig, Waverly, Ceresco, Percival,

Otoe, Imogene, Malmo, Sidney, Uehling, Walnut, Harlan, Westphalia, Eagle, Lincoln,

Dunlap, Moorhead, Red Oak, Morse Bluff, Weston, Griswold, Blencoe, Earling, Davey,

Dunbar, Nebraska City, North Bend, Unadilla, Elliott, Lewis, Prague, Syracuse, Marne,

Scribner, Oakland, Palmyra, Pilot Grove, Walton, Riverton, Farragut, Shenandoah,

Valparaiso, Lorton, Essex, Soldier, Hamburg, Defiance, Kirkman, Raymond, Dow City,

Stanton, Atlantic, Decatur, Bennet, Elk Horn, Snyder, Lyons, Kimballton, Irwin, Arion,

Malcolm, West Point, Panama, Roca, Dodge, Manilla, Yorktown, Northboro, Coin,

Hickman, Denton, Bancroft, Aspinwall, Sprague, Clarinda, Martell, Blanchard, Manning,

Beemer, College Springs, Shambaugh, Braddyville, 50022, 51432, 51446, 51447,

51454, 51455, 51501, 51502, 51503, 51510, 51520, 51521, 51523, 51525, 51526,

51527, 51528, 51529, 51530, 51531, 51532, 51533, 51534, 51535, 51536, 51537,

51540, 51541, 51542, 51543, 51544, 51545, 51546, 51548, 51549, 51550, 51551,

51552, 51553, 51554, 51555, 51556, 51557, 51558, 51559, 51560, 51561, 51562,

51563, 51564, 51565, 51566, 51570, 51571, 51572, 51573, 51575, 51576, 51577,

51578, 51579, 51591, 51593, 51601, 51602, 51603, 51630, 51631, 51632, 51636,

51637, 51638, 51639, 51640, 51645, 51647, 51648, 51649, 51650, 51651, 51652,

51653, 51654, 51656, 52648, 68002, 68003, 68004, 68005, 68007, 68008, 68009,

68010, 68015, 68016, 68017, 68018, 68019, 68020, 68022, 68023, 68025, 68026,

68028, 68029, 68031, 68033, 68034, 68037, 68038, 68040, 68041, 68042, 68044,

68045, 68046, 68048, 68050, 68056, 68057, 68058, 68059, 68061, 68063, 68064,

68065, 68066, 68068, 68069, 68070, 68072, 68073, 68101, 68102, 68103, 68104,

68105, 68106, 68107, 68108, 68109, 68110, 68111, 68112, 68113, 68114, 68116,

68117, 68118, 68119, 68120, 68122, 68123, 68124, 68127, 68128, 68130, 68131,

68132, 68133, 68134, 68135, 68136, 68137, 68138, 68139, 68142, 68144, 68145,

68147, 68152, 68154, 68155, 68157, 68164, 68172, 68175, 68176, 68178, 68179,

68180, 68181, 68182, 68183, 68197, 68198, 68304, 68307, 68317, 68336, 68339,

68346, 68347, 68349, 68366, 68372, 68382, 68402, 68403, 68404, 68407, 68409,

68410, 68413, 68417, 68418, 68419, 68428, 68430, 68438, 68446, 68454, 68455,

68461, 68462, 68463, 68501, 68502, 68503, 68504, 68505, 68506, 68507, 68508,

68509, 68510, 68512, 68514, 68516, 68517, 68520, 68521, 68522, 68523, 68524,

 68526, 68527, 68528, 68529, 68531, 68532, 68542, 68583, 68588, 68621, 68633,

68648, 68649, 68664, 68716, 68788

[marymperezga]

20 Best Places To Vacation In North Carolina: Where To Stay In The Tar Heel State

Sweeping mountain views, impressive city landmarks, gorgeous barrier island scenery: the best North Carolina getaways come in all shapes and sizes. In a state where you can experience everything from sea cruises and beachcombing, to zip-lining, hiking, and mountain biking—plus world-class artwork and great downtown scenes—you really can cater your North Carolina vacation to suit your taste. But where do you start when you’re looking for a good place to stay? FlipKey is here to help.

Best Places To Stay In North Carolina

FlipKey offers affordable rental properties in destinations around the world, bookable right on our site. To develop our list of best North Carolina vacations, we analyzed all rental review scores across the state from FlipKey and TripAdvisor travelers (FlipKey is a TripAdvisor company), identifying cities and towns that have some of the highest-rated vacation properties. Locations needed at least 100 lifetime reviews and a minimum average score of 4.5 out of 5.00—the cream of the crop!

Travelers have rated the following destinations as some of the best North Carolina vacation spots for booking a rental, whether you’re looking at Oak Island beach houses or Blue Ridge cabin hideaways. A rental home gives you a private property all to yourself, complete with a full kitchen and amenities like laundry or an outdoor patio. Read on for FlipKey’s pick of best places to spend your North Carolina vacation!

Brevard

“A special slice of heaven here on earth. This place is absolutely wonderful!” – Guest Review

The mountain town of Brevard has been raking in the accolades in recent years, including making Budget Travel’s list of Coolest Small Towns in America. Arrive in its magical landscape of over 200 waterfalls and scenic trails, centered around a tight-knit artsy community. Start off outdoors, hiking through the bountiful local forests and paddling by kayak down the French Broad River. Then shop the galleries for arts and crafts inspired by the natural surroundings, have an old-fashioned soda at the 1940s lunch counter at Rocky’s, then finish the day back at your cozy cabin retreat. Perfect.

See all rentals in Brevard

Winston-Salem

Check out the city’s fascinating blend of architectural styles, wandering through Old Salem to soak up its preserved 18th-century feel, and stopping at the Reynolda House Museum of American Art to see its astonishing collection of paintings and furnishings. Gardeners will love the Moravian gardens in Old Salem and the flowers and maples of Reynolda Gardens. There’s also an exciting craft beer scene here, with plenty of pubs and breweries to welcome you in. Every first Saturday of the month you can even attend Beer School to hone your skills and taste a selection of local brews. Foodwise, you can try the regional cuisine in a range of contemporary eateries, or trace the city’s culinary history all the way back to its roots with an authentic taste of Moravian cooking.

See all rentals in Winston-Salem

Hendersonville

A forty minutes’ drive south of Asheville and close to the stunning waterfalls and hiking paths of Dupont State Recreational Forest, this picture-perfect mountain town is a fantastic choice for your North Carolina getaway—whether you’re planning a vacation that’s romantic, sporty, or family friendly. In the summer months, you’ll be treated to free live music every evening. Go from brewery to winery, browse the antique stores, then pick up fresh produce from the local farmers’ markets and head back to your rental for a meal to remember. Find yourself a cabin with a view and you’ll be all set for an unforgettable stay.

See all rentals in Hendersonville

Holden Beach

Holden Beach is a family-friendly coastal town that’s popular without being overrun, although things do get livelier in the summer months. The Intracoastal Waterway is great for paddle boarding and spotting marine life. You can also book a fishing charter to bring back a catch for dinner back at your beach house rental!

See all rentals in Holden Beach

Lake Norman

“We could not have picked a better place. The house is absolutely beautiful in every way and stocked with everything we could possibly need. We loved it here.” – Guest Review

The serene retreat of Lake Norman has over 500 miles of shoreline to explore—grab a rental with a lake view for the ultimate experience. This is the place for boating, wakeboarding, or even powering along on a jet ski, and if you feel like changing things up a bit, it’s just 20 miles to the big-city sights of Charlotte. With top-rated rental properties to boot, Lake Norman is one of the best North Carolina vacations you can take.

See all rentals in Lake Norman

Ocean Isle Beach

Holden Beach’s equally lovely neighbor is Ocean Isle Beach, another relaxing coastal destination. Here you can play games in the pier arcade and fill up on breakfast at the grill, or rent a surfboard or jet ski to master the waves. Back on land, you can play a round on the pristine 18-hole golf course, keeping those Atlantic views in your eyeline, or join a wine tasting at the Coastal Wine Room. The Museum of Coastal Carolina is particularly good for younger visitors, with its aquarium and touch tank full of inquisitive marine creatures.

See all rentals in Ocean Isle Beach

Franklin

Trout fishing, antiques shopping, do-it-yourself gem mining—Franklin’s a unique little North Carolina gem that’s great for a weekend getaway or longer summer stay. Blue Ridge Outdoors readers voted this place 2016’s Top Small Town, so it comes highly recommended. While you’re here, tour the Currahee Brewing Company for a tasting with spectacular views, mine for native rubies and sapphires and have them incorporated into your own jewelry design to take home. All you need now is your rental nestled in the forest.

See all rentals in Franklin

Asheville

“Wonderful location and beautiful cabin. We enjoyed a four day stay fishing, relaxing, and observing nature” – Guest Review

No stranger to accolades, Asheville easily makes our list of best places to vacation in North Carolina. Chilled-out vibes and mountain air combine with a budding downtown and stellar beer scene in this great American city. Head downtown to soak up live music and good eats, or escape up into nature on a peaceful hike with soaring views. The jewel in Asheville’s crown is the impressive Biltmore House, which you can tour with audio guides before exploring the Biltmore Estate Trails. If you’re vacationing with your pooch, you’re in for a treat: excellent dog parks and even a dog bakery await you and your four-legged friend.

See all rentals in Asheville

Beaufort

Beaufort enjoys a picturesque position on North Carolina’s coast, surrounded by pretty waterways. Spend a day kayaking through the Rachel Carson Reserve, island-hop to see wild horses at play, and watch pelicans soaring above you. The sunsets are just breathtaking, so book your beach home to be all set for the show.

See all rentals in Beaufort

Black Mountain

This super-pretty town has a small community feel and offers spectacular Blue Ridge views all year round. The center is big on local arts and crafts, so you can pick up some quality souvenirs before sinking into one of the town’s famous rocking chairs and taking in the views. For something more adventurous, pull on the hiking boots or waders and step out into the surroundings to hike and fish to your heart’s content.

See all rentals in Black Mountain

Raleigh

This forward-thinking college town really shines as a summer vacation destination, with outdoor movie screenings, brewery tours, and live music events. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to eating out: feast on barbecue at Brew N Que or a hot chicken sandwich at Ashley Christensen’s well-loved Beasley’s Chicken + Honey. Tours of the North Carolina Museum of Art run daily and are well worth a look.

See all rentals in Raleigh

Banner Elk

Escape the heat of the summer up in the welcoming Blue Ridge town of Banner Elk. This family-friendly destination offers tubing, rafting, and horse riding in summer, and there’s a sandy beach at Wildcat Lake. Take the car up to nearby Blowing Rock to appreciate the views and feel the unusual upward winds from the rock itself. For snowy stays, Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain resorts provide all the ski terrain you need.

See all rentals in Banner Elk

Bald Head Island

Bald Head Island is one of the best places to stay in North Carolina…because it’s completely free of cars! That means a vacation without exhaust fumes or engine noise, just beautifully preserved surroundings. There are sandy swimming beaches, marinas full of bobbing boats, and a beautifully landscaped golf course, and you can choose to cruise down the Cape Fear River or take a guided kayak tour through the creeks. In summer, join a Turtle Walk to see loggerhead turtles nesting and hatching.

See all rentals in Bald Head Island

Wilmington

This port city is another great option, with easy access to nearby Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach, and Carolina Beach (all about a 20-minute drive away). You can wander the historic district to see the town’s tree-lined streets and antebellum architecture, or follow the paths through Airlie Gardens, bordered with oak trees and sculptures. Be sure to explore the Riverwalk, stopping for Southern cooking at the George or one of the other excellent neighboring watering holes.

See all rentals in Wilmington

Boone

This Blue Ridge town is one of the best places to vacation in North Carolina—that you may not have considered! You can get a taste of pioneer history at the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, chug along the Tweetsie Railroad, or roll along the ridiculously scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, a stunning drive at any time of year. We’re not sure there’s a better place for a treetop zipline adventure or spa stay.

See all rentals in Boone

Bryson City

There are relaxed vibes all around in this little mountain community, with its downtown lined with local stores, museums, and dining spots. It’s a quiet, unfussy kind of place, plus it’s right on the doorstep of some thrilling outdoor adventures, such as horse riding, mountain biking, and kayaking on the Nantahala River. There are fantastic rentals in this area too, from cozy cabins to imposing mountain lodges, making it one of the best places to stay in the state.

See all rentals in Bryson City

Atlantic Beach

Mind-blowing sunrises and sunsets over the Atlantic are in store in this Crystal Coast hub. Spend the days dolphin-spotting, shelling, fishing, cruising around the islands, or cycling to Fort Macon State Park, where you can see its five-sided Civil War fort. A short boat trip takes you over to Shackleford Banks to see the wild horses running free.

See all rentals in Atlantic Beach

Kitty Hawk

“It was very clean and well maintained. The kitchen had all you needed to prepare meals. The location is great for shopping, restaurants and going to the beach.” – Guest Review

The beach town of Kitty Hawk is a quaint Outer Banks vacation spot, home to the marshes and woodland of Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve—keep your eyes peeled for the gray foxes and otters. There are several sandy beaches here, plus a remodelled pier, and—the biggest draw of all—miles and miles of far-reaching ocean vistas. In nearby Kill Devil Hills, you can visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial, which marks the place where the brothers’ first successful test flight took off.

See all rentals in Kitty Hawk

Oak Island

Oak Island has a pretty beach setting, complete with soft sands, rolling waves, and marshland—what’s more, you won’t have to share it with too many other people. There’s a sense of stepping back in time here, due to the relaxed pace and old-fashioned delights, such as kite flying, pier fishing, and rounds of mini golf. If that sounds like your ideal getaway, book your beach cottage and go.

See all rentals in Oak Island

Charlotte

Action-packed Charlotte rounds out our list of best places to vacation in North Carolina. The state’s largest city has so much entertainment to offer visitors: first-class museums and shopping, parks, breweries, and top-quality restaurants. You’ll find big family fun on the roller coasters at Carowinds Amusement Park, and there’s entertainment for racing fans at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, harboring works by Giacometti, Picasso, and Warhol, is a great choice for a cultured afternoon, and just outside the city you can escape into the calm of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, complete with fountains and tropical plants.

See all rentals in Charlotte

The post 20 Best Places To Vacation In North Carolina: Where To Stay In The Tar Heel State appeared first on The FlipKey Blog.

from Tips For Traveling https://www.flipkey.com/blog/2018/08/16/best-north-carolina-vacations-where-to-stay/

[kevingbakeruk]

20 Best Places To Vacation In North Carolina: Where To Stay In The Tar Heel State

Sweeping mountain views, impressive city landmarks, gorgeous barrier island scenery: the best North Carolina getaways come in all shapes and sizes. In a state where you can experience everything from sea cruises and beachcombing, to zip-lining, hiking, and mountain biking—plus world-class artwork and great downtown scenes—you really can cater your North Carolina vacation to suit your taste. But where do you start when you’re looking for a good place to stay? FlipKey is here to help.

Best Places To Stay In North Carolina

FlipKey offers affordable rental properties in destinations around the world, bookable right on our site. To develop our list of best North Carolina vacations, we analyzed all rental review scores across the state from FlipKey and TripAdvisor travelers (FlipKey is a TripAdvisor company), identifying cities and towns that have some of the highest-rated vacation properties. Locations needed at least 100 lifetime reviews and a minimum average score of 4.5 out of 5.00—the cream of the crop!

Travelers have rated the following destinations as some of the best North Carolina vacation spots for booking a rental, whether you’re looking at Oak Island beach houses or Blue Ridge cabin hideaways. A rental home gives you a private property all to yourself, complete with a full kitchen and amenities like laundry or an outdoor patio. Read on for FlipKey’s pick of best places to spend your North Carolina vacation!

Brevard

“A special slice of heaven here on earth. This place is absolutely wonderful!” – Guest Review

The mountain town of Brevard has been raking in the accolades in recent years, including making Budget Travel’s list of Coolest Small Towns in America. Arrive in its magical landscape of over 200 waterfalls and scenic trails, centered around a tight-knit artsy community. Start off outdoors, hiking through the bountiful local forests and paddling by kayak down the French Broad River. Then shop the galleries for arts and crafts inspired by the natural surroundings, have an old-fashioned soda at the 1940s lunch counter at Rocky’s, then finish the day back at your cozy cabin retreat. Perfect.

See all rentals in Brevard

Winston-Salem

Check out the city’s fascinating blend of architectural styles, wandering through Old Salem to soak up its preserved 18th-century feel, and stopping at the Reynolda House Museum of American Art to see its astonishing collection of paintings and furnishings. Gardeners will love the Moravian gardens in Old Salem and the flowers and maples of Reynolda Gardens. There’s also an exciting craft beer scene here, with plenty of pubs and breweries to welcome you in. Every first Saturday of the month you can even attend Beer School to hone your skills and taste a selection of local brews. Foodwise, you can try the regional cuisine in a range of contemporary eateries, or trace the city’s culinary history all the way back to its roots with an authentic taste of Moravian cooking.

See all rentals in Winston-Salem

Hendersonville

A forty minutes’ drive south of Asheville and close to the stunning waterfalls and hiking paths of Dupont State Recreational Forest, this picture-perfect mountain town is a fantastic choice for your North Carolina getaway—whether you’re planning a vacation that’s romantic, sporty, or family friendly. In the summer months, you’ll be treated to free live music every evening. Go from brewery to winery, browse the antique stores, then pick up fresh produce from the local farmers’ markets and head back to your rental for a meal to remember. Find yourself a cabin with a view and you’ll be all set for an unforgettable stay.

See all rentals in Hendersonville

Holden Beach

Holden Beach is a family-friendly coastal town that’s popular without being overrun, although things do get livelier in the summer months. The Intracoastal Waterway is great for paddle boarding and spotting marine life. You can also book a fishing charter to bring back a catch for dinner back at your beach house rental!

See all rentals in Holden Beach

Lake Norman

“We could not have picked a better place. The house is absolutely beautiful in every way and stocked with everything we could possibly need. We loved it here.” – Guest Review

The serene retreat of Lake Norman has over 500 miles of shoreline to explore—grab a rental with a lake view for the ultimate experience. This is the place for boating, wakeboarding, or even powering along on a jet ski, and if you feel like changing things up a bit, it’s just 20 miles to the big-city sights of Charlotte. With top-rated rental properties to boot, Lake Norman is one of the best North Carolina vacations you can take.

See all rentals in Lake Norman

Ocean Isle Beach

Holden Beach’s equally lovely neighbor is Ocean Isle Beach, another relaxing coastal destination. Here you can play games in the pier arcade and fill up on breakfast at the grill, or rent a surfboard or jet ski to master the waves. Back on land, you can play a round on the pristine 18-hole golf course, keeping those Atlantic views in your eyeline, or join a wine tasting at the Coastal Wine Room. The Museum of Coastal Carolina is particularly good for younger visitors, with its aquarium and touch tank full of inquisitive marine creatures.

See all rentals in Ocean Isle Beach

Franklin

Trout fishing, antiques shopping, do-it-yourself gem mining—Franklin’s a unique little North Carolina gem that’s great for a weekend getaway or longer summer stay. Blue Ridge Outdoors readers voted this place 2016’s Top Small Town, so it comes highly recommended. While you’re here, tour the Currahee Brewing Company for a tasting with spectacular views, mine for native rubies and sapphires and have them incorporated into your own jewelry design to take home. All you need now is your rental nestled in the forest.

See all rentals in Franklin

Asheville

“Wonderful location and beautiful cabin. We enjoyed a four day stay fishing, relaxing, and observing nature” – Guest Review

No stranger to accolades, Asheville easily makes our list of best places to vacation in North Carolina. Chilled-out vibes and mountain air combine with a budding downtown and stellar beer scene in this great American city. Head downtown to soak up live music and good eats, or escape up into nature on a peaceful hike with soaring views. The jewel in Asheville’s crown is the impressive Biltmore House, which you can tour with audio guides before exploring the Biltmore Estate Trails. If you’re vacationing with your pooch, you’re in for a treat: excellent dog parks and even a dog bakery await you and your four-legged friend.

See all rentals in Asheville

Beaufort

Beaufort enjoys a picturesque position on North Carolina’s coast, surrounded by pretty waterways. Spend a day kayaking through the Rachel Carson Reserve, island-hop to see wild horses at play, and watch pelicans soaring above you. The sunsets are just breathtaking, so book your beach home to be all set for the show.

See all rentals in Beaufort

Black Mountain

This super-pretty town has a small community feel and offers spectacular Blue Ridge views all year round. The center is big on local arts and crafts, so you can pick up some quality souvenirs before sinking into one of the town’s famous rocking chairs and taking in the views. For something more adventurous, pull on the hiking boots or waders and step out into the surroundings to hike and fish to your heart’s content.

See all rentals in Black Mountain

Raleigh

This forward-thinking college town really shines as a summer vacation destination, with outdoor movie screenings, brewery tours, and live music events. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to eating out: feast on barbecue at Brew N Que or a hot chicken sandwich at Ashley Christensen’s well-loved Beasley’s Chicken + Honey. Tours of the North Carolina Museum of Art run daily and are well worth a look.

See all rentals in Raleigh

Banner Elk

Escape the heat of the summer up in the welcoming Blue Ridge town of Banner Elk. This family-friendly destination offers tubing, rafting, and horse riding in summer, and there’s a sandy beach at Wildcat Lake. Take the car up to nearby Blowing Rock to appreciate the views and feel the unusual upward winds from the rock itself. For snowy stays, Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain resorts provide all the ski terrain you need.

See all rentals in Banner Elk

Bald Head Island

Bald Head Island is one of the best places to stay in North Carolina…because it’s completely free of cars! That means a vacation without exhaust fumes or engine noise, just beautifully preserved surroundings. There are sandy swimming beaches, marinas full of bobbing boats, and a beautifully landscaped golf course, and you can choose to cruise down the Cape Fear River or take a guided kayak tour through the creeks. In summer, join a Turtle Walk to see loggerhead turtles nesting and hatching.

See all rentals in Bald Head Island

Wilmington

This port city is another great option, with easy access to nearby Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach, and Carolina Beach (all about a 20-minute drive away). You can wander the historic district to see the town’s tree-lined streets and antebellum architecture, or follow the paths through Airlie Gardens, bordered with oak trees and sculptures. Be sure to explore the Riverwalk, stopping for Southern cooking at the George or one of the other excellent neighboring watering holes.

See all rentals in Wilmington

Boone

This Blue Ridge town is one of the best places to vacation in North Carolina—that you may not have considered! You can get a taste of pioneer history at the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, chug along the Tweetsie Railroad, or roll along the ridiculously scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, a stunning drive at any time of year. We’re not sure there’s a better place for a treetop zipline adventure or spa stay.

See all rentals in Boone

Bryson City

There are relaxed vibes all around in this little mountain community, with its downtown lined with local stores, museums, and dining spots. It’s a quiet, unfussy kind of place, plus it’s right on the doorstep of some thrilling outdoor adventures, such as horse riding, mountain biking, and kayaking on the Nantahala River. There are fantastic rentals in this area too, from cozy cabins to imposing mountain lodges, making it one of the best places to stay in the state.

See all rentals in Bryson City

Atlantic Beach

Mind-blowing sunrises and sunsets over the Atlantic are in store in this Crystal Coast hub. Spend the days dolphin-spotting, shelling, fishing, cruising around the islands, or cycling to Fort Macon State Park, where you can see its five-sided Civil War fort. A short boat trip takes you over to Shackleford Banks to see the wild horses running free.

See all rentals in Atlantic Beach

Kitty Hawk

“It was very clean and well maintained. The kitchen had all you needed to prepare meals. The location is great for shopping, restaurants and going to the beach.” – Guest Review

The beach town of Kitty Hawk is a quaint Outer Banks vacation spot, home to the marshes and woodland of Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve—keep your eyes peeled for the gray foxes and otters. There are several sandy beaches here, plus a remodelled pier, and—the biggest draw of all—miles and miles of far-reaching ocean vistas. In nearby Kill Devil Hills, you can visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial, which marks the place where the brothers’ first successful test flight took off.

See all rentals in Kitty Hawk

Oak Island

Oak Island has a pretty beach setting, complete with soft sands, rolling waves, and marshland—what’s more, you won’t have to share it with too many other people. There’s a sense of stepping back in time here, due to the relaxed pace and old-fashioned delights, such as kite flying, pier fishing, and rounds of mini golf. If that sounds like your ideal getaway, book your beach cottage and go.

See all rentals in Oak Island

Charlotte

Action-packed Charlotte rounds out our list of best places to vacation in North Carolina. The state’s largest city has so much entertainment to offer visitors: first-class museums and shopping, parks, breweries, and top-quality restaurants. You’ll find big family fun on the roller coasters at Carowinds Amusement Park, and there’s entertainment for racing fans at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, harboring works by Giacometti, Picasso, and Warhol, is a great choice for a cultured afternoon, and just outside the city you can escape into the calm of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, complete with fountains and tropical plants.

See all rentals in Charlotte

The post 20 Best Places To Vacation In North Carolina: Where To Stay In The Tar Heel State appeared first on The FlipKey Blog.

from Tips For Traveling https://www.flipkey.com/blog/2018/08/16/best-north-carolina-vacations-where-to-stay/

[janetchavezcom]

20 Best Places To Vacation In North Carolina: Where To Stay In The Tar Heel State

Sweeping mountain views, impressive city landmarks, gorgeous barrier island scenery: the best North Carolina getaways come in all shapes and sizes. In a state where you can experience everything from sea cruises and beachcombing, to zip-lining, hiking, and mountain biking—plus world-class artwork and great downtown scenes—you really can cater your North Carolina vacation to suit your taste. But where do you start when you’re looking for a good place to stay? FlipKey is here to help.

Best Places To Stay In North Carolina

FlipKey offers affordable rental properties in destinations around the world, bookable right on our site. To develop our list of best North Carolina vacations, we analyzed all rental review scores across the state from FlipKey and TripAdvisor travelers (FlipKey is a TripAdvisor company), identifying cities and towns that have some of the highest-rated vacation properties. Locations needed at least 100 lifetime reviews and a minimum average score of 4.5 out of 5.00—the cream of the crop!

Travelers have rated the following destinations as some of the best North Carolina vacation spots for booking a rental, whether you’re looking at Oak Island beach houses or Blue Ridge cabin hideaways. A rental home gives you a private property all to yourself, complete with a full kitchen and amenities like laundry or an outdoor patio. Read on for FlipKey’s pick of best places to spend your North Carolina vacation!

Brevard

“A special slice of heaven here on earth. This place is absolutely wonderful!” – Guest Review

The mountain town of Brevard has been raking in the accolades in recent years, including making Budget Travel’s list of Coolest Small Towns in America. Arrive in its magical landscape of over 200 waterfalls and scenic trails, centered around a tight-knit artsy community. Start off outdoors, hiking through the bountiful local forests and paddling by kayak down the French Broad River. Then shop the galleries for arts and crafts inspired by the natural surroundings, have an old-fashioned soda at the 1940s lunch counter at Rocky’s, then finish the day back at your cozy cabin retreat. Perfect.

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Winston-Salem

Check out the city’s fascinating blend of architectural styles, wandering through Old Salem to soak up its preserved 18th-century feel, and stopping at the Reynolda House Museum of American Art to see its astonishing collection of paintings and furnishings. Gardeners will love the Moravian gardens in Old Salem and the flowers and maples of Reynolda Gardens. There’s also an exciting craft beer scene here, with plenty of pubs and breweries to welcome you in. Every first Saturday of the month you can even attend Beer School to hone your skills and taste a selection of local brews. Foodwise, you can try the regional cuisine in a range of contemporary eateries, or trace the city’s culinary history all the way back to its roots with an authentic taste of Moravian cooking.

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Hendersonville

A forty minutes’ drive south of Asheville and close to the stunning waterfalls and hiking paths of Dupont State Recreational Forest, this picture-perfect mountain town is a fantastic choice for your North Carolina getaway—whether you’re planning a vacation that’s romantic, sporty, or family friendly. In the summer months, you’ll be treated to free live music every evening. Go from brewery to winery, browse the antique stores, then pick up fresh produce from the local farmers’ markets and head back to your rental for a meal to remember. Find yourself a cabin with a view and you’ll be all set for an unforgettable stay.

See all rentals in Hendersonville

Holden Beach

Holden Beach is a family-friendly coastal town that’s popular without being overrun, although things do get livelier in the summer months. The Intracoastal Waterway is great for paddle boarding and spotting marine life. You can also book a fishing charter to bring back a catch for dinner back at your beach house rental!

See all rentals in Holden Beach

Lake Norman

“We could not have picked a better place. The house is absolutely beautiful in every way and stocked with everything we could possibly need. We loved it here.” – Guest Review

The serene retreat of Lake Norman has over 500 miles of shoreline to explore—grab a rental with a lake view for the ultimate experience. This is the place for boating, wakeboarding, or even powering along on a jet ski, and if you feel like changing things up a bit, it’s just 20 miles to the big-city sights of Charlotte. With top-rated rental properties to boot, Lake Norman is one of the best North Carolina vacations you can take.

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Ocean Isle Beach

Holden Beach’s equally lovely neighbor is Ocean Isle Beach, another relaxing coastal destination. Here you can play games in the pier arcade and fill up on breakfast at the grill, or rent a surfboard or jet ski to master the waves. Back on land, you can play a round on the pristine 18-hole golf course, keeping those Atlantic views in your eyeline, or join a wine tasting at the Coastal Wine Room. The Museum of Coastal Carolina is particularly good for younger visitors, with its aquarium and touch tank full of inquisitive marine creatures.

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Franklin

Trout fishing, antiques shopping, do-it-yourself gem mining—Franklin’s a unique little North Carolina gem that’s great for a weekend getaway or longer summer stay. Blue Ridge Outdoors readers voted this place 2016’s Top Small Town, so it comes highly recommended. While you’re here, tour the Currahee Brewing Company for a tasting with spectacular views, mine for native rubies and sapphires and have them incorporated into your own jewelry design to take home. All you need now is your rental nestled in the forest.

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Asheville

“Wonderful location and beautiful cabin. We enjoyed a four day stay fishing, relaxing, and observing nature” – Guest Review

No stranger to accolades, Asheville easily makes our list of best places to vacation in North Carolina. Chilled-out vibes and mountain air combine with a budding downtown and stellar beer scene in this great American city. Head downtown to soak up live music and good eats, or escape up into nature on a peaceful hike with soaring views. The jewel in Asheville’s crown is the impressive Biltmore House, which you can tour with audio guides before exploring the Biltmore Estate Trails. If you’re vacationing with your pooch, you’re in for a treat: excellent dog parks and even a dog bakery await you and your four-legged friend.

See all rentals in Asheville

Beaufort

Beaufort enjoys a picturesque position on North Carolina’s coast, surrounded by pretty waterways. Spend a day kayaking through the Rachel Carson Reserve, island-hop to see wild horses at play, and watch pelicans soaring above you. The sunsets are just breathtaking, so book your beach home to be all set for the show.

See all rentals in Beaufort

Black Mountain

This super-pretty town has a small community feel and offers spectacular Blue Ridge views all year round. The center is big on local arts and crafts, so you can pick up some quality souvenirs before sinking into one of the town’s famous rocking chairs and taking in the views. For something more adventurous, pull on the hiking boots or waders and step out into the surroundings to hike and fish to your heart’s content.

See all rentals in Black Mountain

Raleigh

This forward-thinking college town really shines as a summer vacation destination, with outdoor movie screenings, brewery tours, and live music events. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to eating out: feast on barbecue at Brew N Que or a hot chicken sandwich at Ashley Christensen’s well-loved Beasley’s Chicken + Honey. Tours of the North Carolina Museum of Art run daily and are well worth a look.

See all rentals in Raleigh

Banner Elk

Escape the heat of the summer up in the welcoming Blue Ridge town of Banner Elk. This family-friendly destination offers tubing, rafting, and horse riding in summer, and there’s a sandy beach at Wildcat Lake. Take the car up to nearby Blowing Rock to appreciate the views and feel the unusual upward winds from the rock itself. For snowy stays, Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain resorts provide all the ski terrain you need.

See all rentals in Banner Elk

Bald Head Island

Bald Head Island is one of the best places to stay in North Carolina…because it’s completely free of cars! That means a vacation without exhaust fumes or engine noise, just beautifully preserved surroundings. There are sandy swimming beaches, marinas full of bobbing boats, and a beautifully landscaped golf course, and you can choose to cruise down the Cape Fear River or take a guided kayak tour through the creeks. In summer, join a Turtle Walk to see loggerhead turtles nesting and hatching.

See all rentals in Bald Head Island

Wilmington

This port city is another great option, with easy access to nearby Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach, and Carolina Beach (all about a 20-minute drive away). You can wander the historic district to see the town’s tree-lined streets and antebellum architecture, or follow the paths through Airlie Gardens, bordered with oak trees and sculptures. Be sure to explore the Riverwalk, stopping for Southern cooking at the George or one of the other excellent neighboring watering holes.

See all rentals in Wilmington

Boone

This Blue Ridge town is one of the best places to vacation in North Carolina—that you may not have considered! You can get a taste of pioneer history at the Hickory Ridge Living History Museum, chug along the Tweetsie Railroad, or roll along the ridiculously scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, a stunning drive at any time of year. We’re not sure there’s a better place for a treetop zipline adventure or spa stay.

See all rentals in Boone

Bryson City

There are relaxed vibes all around in this little mountain community, with its downtown lined with local stores, museums, and dining spots. It’s a quiet, unfussy kind of place, plus it’s right on the doorstep of some thrilling outdoor adventures, such as horse riding, mountain biking, and kayaking on the Nantahala River. There are fantastic rentals in this area too, from cozy cabins to imposing mountain lodges, making it one of the best places to stay in the state.

See all rentals in Bryson City

Atlantic Beach

Mind-blowing sunrises and sunsets over the Atlantic are in store in this Crystal Coast hub. Spend the days dolphin-spotting, shelling, fishing, cruising around the islands, or cycling to Fort Macon State Park, where you can see its five-sided Civil War fort. A short boat trip takes you over to Shackleford Banks to see the wild horses running free.

See all rentals in Atlantic Beach

Kitty Hawk

“It was very clean and well maintained. The kitchen had all you needed to prepare meals. The location is great for shopping, restaurants and going to the beach.” – Guest Review

The beach town of Kitty Hawk is a quaint Outer Banks vacation spot, home to the marshes and woodland of Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve—keep your eyes peeled for the gray foxes and otters. There are several sandy beaches here, plus a remodelled pier, and—the biggest draw of all—miles and miles of far-reaching ocean vistas. In nearby Kill Devil Hills, you can visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial, which marks the place where the brothers’ first successful test flight took off.

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Oak Island

Oak Island has a pretty beach setting, complete with soft sands, rolling waves, and marshland—what’s more, you won’t have to share it with too many other people. There’s a sense of stepping back in time here, due to the relaxed pace and old-fashioned delights, such as kite flying, pier fishing, and rounds of mini golf. If that sounds like your ideal getaway, book your beach cottage and go.

See all rentals in Oak Island

Charlotte

Action-packed Charlotte rounds out our list of best places to vacation in North Carolina. The state’s largest city has so much entertainment to offer visitors: first-class museums and shopping, parks, breweries, and top-quality restaurants. You’ll find big family fun on the roller coasters at Carowinds Amusement Park, and there’s entertainment for racing fans at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, harboring works by Giacometti, Picasso, and Warhol, is a great choice for a cultured afternoon, and just outside the city you can escape into the calm of the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, complete with fountains and tropical plants.

See all rentals in Charlotte

The post 20 Best Places To Vacation In North Carolina: Where To Stay In The Tar Heel State appeared first on The FlipKey Blog.

from Tips For Traveling https://www.flipkey.com/blog/2018/08/16/best-north-carolina-vacations-where-to-stay/

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10 Best Appartments To Stay In Perkinsville North Carolina – Top Hotel Reviews

Perkinsville North Carolina is beautiful and has lots of appartments. Ofcourse we are only looking for the best appartments in Perkinsville North Carolina. It’s important to compare them because there are so many places to stay in Perkinsville North Carolina. You’re probably wondering where to stay in Perkinsville North Carolina. To see which appartment sounds better than the other, we created a top 10 list. The list will make it a lot easier for you to make a great decision. We know you only want the best appartment and preferably something with a reasonable price.

Our list contains 10 appartments of which we think are the best appartments in Perkinsville North Carolina right now. Still, some of you are more interested in the most popular appartments in Perkinsville North Carolina with the best reviews, and that’s completely normal! You can check out the link below.

Skip to the most popular appartments in Perkinsville North Carolina.

10 Best Appartments In Perkinsville North Carolina:

Chetola Chestnut #3

Description:

Located 5 miles from Boone and 11 miles from Banner Elk, Chetola Chestnut #3 offers accommodations in Blowing Rock.The kitchen has a dishwasher and there is a private bathroom. A TV is featured. Other facilities at Chetola Chestnut #3 include a fitness center.The nearest airport is Tri-City Regional Airport, 47 miles from the property.

Reviews:

No reviews yet.

For more info click here.

Chetola Oak #4

Description:

Located 5 miles from Boone and 11 miles from Banner Elk, Chetola Oak #4 offers accommodations in Blowing Rock.There is a sitting area, a dining area and a kitchen as well as a private bathroom. A TV is available. Other facilities at Chetola Oak #4 include a fitness center.The nearest airport is Tri-City Regional Airport, 47 miles from the property.

Reviews:

No reviews yet.

For more info click here.

Andreas Apartment #3

Description:

Andreas Apartment #3 offers accommodations in Shulls Mill. Andreas Apartment #3 features views of the mountains and is 5 miles from Boone.There is a dining area and a kitchen complete with a dishwasher and an oven. A TV is provided. There is a private bathroom with a hot tub.Blowing Rock is 4.2 miles from Andreas Apartment #3, and Banner Elk is 8 miles from the property. The nearest airport is Tri-City Regional Airport, 43 miles from the property.

Reviews:

No reviews yet.

For more info click here.

Andreas Apartment #2

Description:

Andreas Apartment #2 offers accommodations in Shulls Mill, just 5 miles from Boone. The property features views of the mountains and is 4.2 miles from Blowing Rock.A dishwasher and an oven are provided in the kitchen. A TV is featured. There is a private bathroom with a hot tub.The nearest airport is Tri-City Regional Airport, 43 miles from the property.

Reviews:

No reviews yet.

For more info click here.

Andreas Apartment #1

Description:

Andreas Apartment #1 offers accommodations in Shulls Mill, just 5 miles from Boone. The property features views of the mountains and is 4.2 miles from Blowing Rock.There is a sitting area and a kitchen as well as a private bathroom. A TV is featured. Other facilities at Andreas Apartment #1 include a hot tub.The nearest airport is Tri-City Regional Airport, 43 miles from Andreas Apartment #1.

Reviews:

No reviews yet.

For more info click here.

Royal Oak #216

Description:

Royal Oak #216 offers accommodations in Blowing Rock. The property features views of the mountains and is 6 miles from Boone.The kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher and an oven, as well as a coffee machine. A TV is provided. There is a private bathroom with a bathtub.Tri-City Regional Airport is 47 miles away.

Reviews:

No reviews yet.

For more info click here.

Royal Oak #313

Description:

Royal Oak #313 offers accommodations in Blowing Rock. The property features views of the mountains and is 6 miles from Boone.There is a dining area and a kitchen as well as a private bathroom. A TV is available.The nearest airport is Tri-City Regional Airport, 47 miles from Royal Oak #313.

Reviews:

No reviews yet.

For more info click here.

Royal Oak #315

Description:

Located 6 miles from Boone, Royal Oak #315 offers accommodations in Blowing Rock. The property features views of the mountains and is 11 miles from Banner Elk.The kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher, an oven and a microwave, as well as a coffee machine. A TV is available. There is a private bathroom with a bathtub.Tri-City Regional Airport is 47 miles away.

Reviews:

No reviews yet.

For more info click here.

Village Green C1

Description:

Located 6 miles from Boone and 11 miles from Banner Elk, Village Green C1 offers accommodations in Blowing Rock.The kitchen is fitted with a dishwasher. A TV is available. There is a private bathroom with a bathtub.Tri-City Regional Airport is 47 miles away.

Reviews:

No reviews yet.

For more info click here.

Village Green A-3

Description:

Village Green A-3 offers accommodations in Blowing Rock, 6 miles from Boone and 11 miles from Banner Elk.The kitchen features a dishwasher. A TV is available. There is a private bathroom with a bathtub.Tri-City Regional Airport is 47 miles away.

Reviews:

No reviews yet.

For more info click here.

Top Appartments In Perkinsville North Carolina Conclusion:

The above is a top selection of the best appartments to stay in Perkinsville North Carolina to help you with your search. We know it’s not that easy to find the best appartment because there are just so many places to stay in Perkinsville North Carolina but we hope that the above-mentioned tips have helped you make a good decision.

We also hope that you enjoyed our top ten list of the best appartments in Perkinsville North Carolina. And we wish you all the best with your future stay!

Related links:

https://www.noplacecalledhome.com/top-10-best-baby-bouncers-and-jumpers-top-reviews/ https://www.noplacecalledhome.com/top-10-best-baby-bouncers-and-jumpers-for-girls-top-reviews/

The post 10 Best Appartments To Stay In Perkinsville North Carolina – Top Hotel Reviews appeared first on The Seversons.

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‘Cabiminium’ in the Mountains of North Carolina Can Be Yours for $649K

realtor.com

You know what a condominium is, and you’re familiar with cabins. But what about a “cabiminium”? The hybrid dwelling is a real thing, and we’ve found one on the market for $649,000 in beautiful Banner Elk, NC.

“It’s very similar to a condominium,” listing agent Karen Cleghorn says of the property. “Where a condo [owner] owns the walls inside, the cabiminium [owner] owns the footprint of the house.”

Similar to a condo community, the homeowners association is responsible for the upkeep and landscaping of the grounds. But what’s inside the residence is all yours. And the interior of this charming 1,200-square-foot space is worth a deep dive.

First, get a gander of the exterior with curb appeal aplenty. With poplar cladding around the window, log-and-stone columns, and a “twig railing,” the 2015 construction features a number of custom details.

Kitchen with poplar cabinets

realtor.com

Open kitchen and dining spaces

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Living area with fireplace

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Deck with handcrafted picnic table

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The two-bedroom, 2.5-bath home comes fully furnished—and we’re not talking Ikea products.

“All of the furniture is handmade,” Cleghorn says. Furthermore, the logs are hand-hewn, the kitchen cabinets feature poplar bark panels, and the floors are made of reclaimed hardwood. The living area has a stone fireplace. The second level has the master suite with private deck, and a second bedroom with full bath. Outdoors is a deck with a handcrafted picnic table.

Even the bathrooms are unique. The travertine tile was designed by an artist, who added flourishes such as a paw print on the floor and a cute brown bear in the shower.

For the kiddos (and kids at heart), a secret door under the stairs leads to a bunk room. Other highlights include a fire pit, hot tub, and electric car-charging station.

Cleghorn calls the home “cozy” and the setting “gorgeous.” It’s part of a development called Eagles Nest on Elk River, and the developer coined the term cabiminium to describe the abodes in the gated community. Homeowners have access to community spaces, including a lodge with deck and outdoor fireplace, an outdoor amphitheater, a fire pit, and sports fields. There’s also a wine and cigar bar, as well as a spa.

The area offers miles of trails, and residents can go hiking, biking, or fishing nearby.

The post ‘Cabiminium’ in the Mountains of North Carolina Can Be Yours for $649K appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

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The Mountain Range Tee Collection.

You and also I. M. Solid, the insurance adjuster from Stone Mountain Insurance, are actually sitting at your kitchen space http://beauty-shape-annablog.fr/encore-avis-forum-de-leau desk in a try to settle your automobile accident insurance claim. He who walk is blameless and also which performs what is righteous, which talks the fact off his heart as well as has no slander on his tongue, that performs his next-door neighbor no wrong and directs no slur on his fellowman, that hates a vile guy yet praises those who fear the GOD, which keeps his oath even when this hurts, that offers his loan without usury and carries out decline an allurement from the innocent. Our Mountain Segment supplementary organisations also conducted properly, as boosting economical ailments were mirrored in our guest proceeded willingness to invest in ski institution, food items and drink, retail, equipment rentals, and also lodging throughout their brows through. While Rwenzori turaco, red rainforest duiker, and stone hyrax take hold of the best concerns among the Rwenzori National Park fauna, elephants, pantheras pardus, genets, chimpanzees, gold kitties, rainforest hogs, sitatunga, mongoose, vervet, monkey, rwenzori colobus, as well as various bird species are also in the checklist. The blue as well as red operates are your other possibilities coming from the Allmendhubel, gotten to through learn as well as draglift from the village center, to Winteregg, and the enjoyably available slopes on the Schiltgrat, mulct for a moderate boat trip just before lunch yet not exactly the stuff of day-long obstacle. Bittersweet, flowering Dogwood, Cotoneasters, Washington Hawthorns, Privet, Sumac, Pyracantha, blooming Crabapples, Virginia Climber, multiflora Roses (increased hips), as well as Hill Ash are actually all preferred meals sources in the winter season for birds that thrive in the northern climates. The plan to leave behind the Blue Residence has mirrors of the security nightmare, and also the millions of bucks in costs, that arose when U.S. President Donald Trump's better half and also child decided to stay in his Manhattan high rise block, and also not the White House. They organized to made a mine on top of a hill in a separated rainforest, making a community from 2,500, camps for 400, a power source, sky strip, roadways, hospitals, and help companies (for locals that had actually never ever observed a Westerner).

Much more than a tenth of the virtually 800,000 vacationers which checked out Nepal in 2013 went exploring or even mountain climbing, offering a crucial income stream for the aid-dependent nation, which relies upon income from tourist for 4 percent of its gdp. Only eastern from the multinational divide is actually Grandpa Hill, the highest possible height in the Blue Spine, and also to the north west of Banner Elk nears Beech Mountain range, which takes pride in being actually the highest possible ski place in far eastern North America.

[kaseydemarco3-blog]

An Exhilarting Trip To Picturesque Hallet Peak.

Desire to learn all sorts of enjoyable and fascinating facts about cougars for kids? Carrera kitchen counters as well as matte white tile for backsplash as well as wall responsible for shelves. Try going up Horsetooth Peak outside of Fortress Collins, Green Hill in Lakewood, or even Carpenter Top located in Roxborough State Playground. A preferred support on a leading financial television network walked out 4 years earlier, as well as said he was actually moving to the hill condition from Uttarakhand for a cleaner, quieter life. Cheat, trip, and also deactivate are actually sound alternatives, as well as they will certainly get bonuses off Low Knight along with off the Improved and Greater variations from the feats. Travelling the next 7 kilometers in the darkness from Grandpa Mountain range, our http://perfekcyjna-blog.info experts reached the rock properties from Tynecastle, turned left side moving down the lowland past Sugar Hill and right into the city of Banner Elk. Back then, the bicycle market was actually certainly not made an impression on along with the mountain bicycle, which many considered a short-term gimmick. It possesses three excitable cones, 2 from them being actually extinct while the 3rd one, Kibo, is actually the acme on the hill and also is actually inactive. That includes marvelous hill sights, a selection from wild animals, varied environments and settings off woody woodlands to hill expanse as well as easy accessibility to back-country trails and campsites. The mountain range could be viewed responsible for from its own northeastern element Surround Everest's bottom to the west and also south.

Even further eastern, yet still on Route 302, is Attitash Mountain range Retreat, whose peak rises to 2,350 feet. Feel me, when that is required that you use white and also you do not, this is actually obvious! Mountain bicycling oftens be off street, journeying down keep tracks of as well as needs fantastic strength, endurance and also readiness to get filthy! In this particular mountain region is also possible to see the village from Colonnata, well-known for its own lardo" fineness. First day starts from Crack or Zagreb (depends upon airport terminal) as well as its own continuouslied Bjelolasica hill. The fur on the upper body system is generally dull yellow in the course of the summer as well as grayish brown in winter months, along with the fur on the rump and also undersides being actually white. Boudhanath is actually a Buddhist temple in Kathmandu metropolitan area installed Stupa style, which contains white dome, opulent spire and also metal canopy. Train your youngsters to take you their grimy laundry at the starting point from daily or even at some other opportunity you pick. The doorway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just past the Hill Ranch Gallery. Each Of White Rock's communities possess their personal unique functions that will absolutely entice any taste and also budget plan. You will definitely understand that this is clean as well as you will understand that you will not be actually bothered while relaxing, unlike exactly what you would get at any type of public pool. When I began dealing with Duchamp's rotoreliefs in relationship to the informe, what struck me was that, in the hill of literature on Duchamp, the rotoreliefs are the works that are actually not explained. You must find a unclear or even smoggy mountain range and climb throughout the early morning or twilight!

[foodpilgrim]

Of Pokeweed and Smother-Fried Squirrel

The novelist Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings was an authoritative cook. Born in Washington, D.C. and educated at the University of Wisconsin--Madison, Rawlings married and moved to Kentucky. She started her writing career as a syndicated columnist for the Louisville Courier Journal. Her column was titled "Songs of the Housewife."

In 1928 Rawlings used a small inheritance to buy a 72-acre orange grove in Hawthorne, Florida--a wild area of dense scrub and meandering rivers and creeks. She soon took up hunting and fishing with her backwoods neighbors and struggled against the elements to succeed in the citrus business. She continued to write, now more about her colorful Florida neighbors and their hand-to-mouth way of life.

At first she turned out several short stories, encouraged by Maxwell Perkins, the editor at Charles Scribner's Sons, who was also working at the time with Thomas Wolfe, Scott Fitzgerald, and Ernest Hemingway. Her first novel, South Moon, was a Pulitzer finalist in 1933 (the same year she divorced her first husband who never loved the rough life in Florida). The novel was based on the moonshiners Rawlings met and bird-dogged on their exploits through the hammocks and waterways.

Of course, Rawlings is best known for The Yearling, the novel set in Florida that she drafted while spending a season in Banner Elk in the North Carolina mountains. That novel, now considered a classic young adult story, won the Pulitzer in 1939 and was made into a film, which improved Rawlings' economic status considerably. At Max Perkins' urging, Rawlings then turned to writing a memoir called Cross Creek, a book describing a full year devoted to planting, harvesting, hunting, and cooking with her Florida neighbors and guests. 

Among Rawlings' guests was the extraordinary folklorist and writer Zora Neale Hurston. Though Rawlings was slightly more enlightened than many of her white neighbors on the cruelties of Jim Crow, she nevertheless hewed to community norms of segregation and did not invite Hurston to sleep in the guest room of her cottage. Instead, Hurston stayed in the tenant house with Rawlings' "maid," Idella Parker, who later published two memoirs about her years with Rawlings and lived to be 101. (Rawlings died at 57.) 

Following the success of Cross Creek, Rawlings published Cross Creek Cookery, one of the most readable and wide-ranging southern cookbooks I've ever studied. It gives a flavor of the Florida-inspired dishes and the strong woman who prepared but did not always invent them. Unfortunately Rawlings only gave credit for three of the recipes that Idella Parker shared in her employer’s kitchen, though she does generally credit other neighbors, friends, and family for their recipes that appear in the book.

Florida-born Idella Ruth Parker worked for the author Majorie Kinnan Rawlings for a decade and was the test-cook and source for many recipes featured in Cross Creek Cookery.

Rawlings presents more than a dozen soup recipes, including Cream of Peanut and Florida Soft-Shell Cooter (a.k.a. turtle). She explains how to prepare steaks from Alligator-tail and Bear; how to make Datil pepper sauce; and how to make jelly from local Mayhaws, Guavas, and Kumquats. She discusses the finer points of preparing Smother-fried Squirrel, Watermelon Cake, Au Gratin Chayotes, Parsnip Croquettes, Rabbit in Sherry, Loquat Chutney, and Florida Backwoods Biscuits.

Before laying down the recipe for her Tangerine Sherbet, Rawlings sells it to her readers with a wry caution: "Friends cry for it. It is to my winter what mango ice cream is to the summer. It has an extremely exotic flavor and is a gorgeous color. Actually, it is very simple, and the only tricks to it are in having one's own tangerine trees--and the patience to squeeze the juice from at least a twelve-quart water bucket of the tangerines."

Rawlings had many firm opinions. She preferred "finely chipped raw onion" mixed in her hushpuppy mix (so do I), short biscuits, strong coffee made over an open fire, and most anything cooked in a Dutch oven outdoors. She believed in mixing mustard greens sparingly with turnip greens to make both better, though cooked collards were her favorite of the three. She prepared the tender spring shoots of pokeweed by cooking them like asparagus and serving them "on buttered toast with a rich cream sauce poured over, and strips of crisp breakfast bacon around them."

Rawlings declared okra "a Cinderella among vegetables" and served only tender young pods, stem uncut, cooking them "exactly seven minutes in rapidly boiling, salted water." She arranged them in a sunburst surrounding a bowl of Hollandaise for dipping--to be eaten "much more daintily than is possible with asparagus." She also noted that the only Hollandaise she ever tasted that compared with her own was at the Ritz Carlton, though it nevertheless lacked adequate lemon. 

Two years ago, after attending a November wedding in the sandy woods near Orlando, Donna Campbell and I took off early the next morning and drove north to visit Cross Creek, now a state historic park. It was a Sunday, and remarkably, there was an energetic tour guide, Rick Mulligan, wearing clothing from the 1930s, and ready to squire us around at 10 a.m. We practically had the house and grounds to ourselves. We were reminded of the North Carolina home of poet Carl Sandburg in Flat Rock, chock-a-block with the paperwork and equipment Mrs. Sandburg used for goat breeding and the pasteboard boxes of books, manuscripts, and magazines on the floor and tables of her husband's studies, both upstairs and down. 

At Cross Creek it's as if Rawlings has just gone for a walk with her Pointer, Pat, down the sandy lane arched over with live oak and palmetto, the same road where she sometimes saw rattlers and coral snakes at dusk, taking their time to cross before sliding back into the scrub. The artifacts of her yard work echoed those of my grandparents from the same era--the dented buckets used to gather the harvest, tin watering cans, galvanized pipe fitted for railings on the steps to the porch, heavy timber potting tables, green water hoses coiled about, and a lemon yellow Oldsmobile, worse for wear but still parked under the carport.

With this scenery firmly in mind, I went back home to read the memoir, Cross Creek, and in hindsight, that reading and the visit to Rawlings’ homeplace would help to inspire my new book on North Carolina heritage foods due out from the University of North Carolina Press next year.   

I can still conjure up Rawlings and Parker in their aprons, watching pots on that woodstove in the small kitchen we visited--both occasionally staring out the window into the orange grove and worrying on the threat of a hard early frost before the citrus would be ready at Christmas. With the well-honed craft of a novelist and the make-do of local lore, Rawlings and Parker gave us northern Florida on a platter, cooked up in the days when the term foodie was as yet unspoken.

Below is a slide show of Donna’s photos from that visit to Cross Creek. You might want to click on the symbol to the left of the word “vimeo” to watch it in a larger format.