With Snow’s Cut at his back door, Captain Mike Dennis has quick access to the Cape fear River, Buzzard Bay, and the creeks behind Bald Head Island and Southport.

If you are interested in speckle trout, red fish, and flounder, light tackle action awaits you onboard the LOOKOUT 1V, come visit the Cape Fear Guide with Captain Mike Dennis!

By David Cowley

Not every buried treasure has been discovered. There still is a remarkable quantity of quality treasures still in Mother Earth, including the semi-precious stones to be found at Gem Mountain in North Carolina. One of the biggest draws to Gem Mountain is aquamarine treasure hunting. You find it - you keep it. It’s as fun and as simple as that.

Aquamarine is a transparent gemstone variety of beryl. It is closely related to the emeral and the most common color is a delicate blue or turquiose that will remind you of the sea. Other colors can vary from yellow to rosey pink. The more intense the color the more valuable it is and can fetch from $120 to $500 a carat.

Rock hounding

One of the more popular of hobbies for Americans and Europeans is called rock hounding, or treasure hunting. You can hunt for any kind of treasure from gold coins, artifacts or semi-precious stones. Although metal detectors are used in other aspects of treasure hunting, they won’t be of much help with aquamarine treasure hunting. You need small pneumatic drills, picks, shovels and brushes … and a good pair of eyes.

Not only does aquamarine treasure hunting combine the thrill of the hunt with a practical skill, you get to meet lots of other people and often get to go traveling in beautiful outdoor locations. Gem Mountain, for example, is located in the outdoors of beautiful Mitchell County, North Carolina. Admission is free and all tools are provided.

Myth And March

If you were born in March, then you will have a special reason to go aquamarine treasure hunting, because it is your birthstone. It is also the stone to give as presents on your 16 Th and 19 Th wedding anniversaries. Legend has it that wearing or keeping an aquamarine on your person not only kept you safe at sea, but kept you from seasickness.

Over the years, aquamarines are said to give whoever wears them courage, happiness and the ability to see into the future. It is also supposed to make your smarter and to make you more appear more youthful. During the Middle Ages, it was thought to be an effective antidote against poisons, which is not currently recommended. However, the pale blues are often very calming and have been used to help anxiety.

According to ancient Indian and Tibetan healing systems, the body has seven centers of energy called charkas. The throat charka is said to be a blue color, and so blue or blue-ish stones like aquamarine are said to help the wearer not only with throat problems, but in help being able to communicate what they really feel.

Bushy Creak Mine

Whatever your reason for aquamarine treasure hunting, you are sure to have a fun time at North Carolina’s Gem Mountain. Tools needed to hunt in the mine query are provided by the mine operators if available. Should you want to bring your own tools be sure to include a shovel, shifting screen, safety goggles, gloves pick, rock hammer and something to carry your treasures in. They will also inspect all of your gem stones you unearth at no extra charge. Gem cutters are on hand to cut and polish your gemstones. If you are unable to get to North Carolina then you can mining buckets ranging from $15 to $120.

Happy Treasure Hunting.

David Cowley has created numerous articles on Treasure Hunting. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Treasure Hunting. Visit Treasure Hunting

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Cowley

By H. Tim Sevets

North Carolina, where I currently reside, is a paradise for water lovers. People flock here from all over the United States, as well as from other countries, to enjoy the abundance of boating and fishing opportunities offered by the state’s Outer Banks, barrier islands, sounds, marshes and rivers, as well as the waves and surf of the mighty Atlantic Ocean.

Paddling sports are especially popular in the state, and growing more so. Pam Malec has addressed the need for a good pointer to the area’s best coastal paddling spots with her indispensable book, Guide to Sea Kayaking in North Carolina; The Best Day Trips and Tours from Currituck to Cape Fear.

Malec outlines 35 kayaking routes, each with detailed directions and maps along with estimated round-trip times and difficulty ratings. She also provides tips on nearby sights, places to eat, and so on. This information is accompanied by evocative black-and-white photographs of lighthouses, town waterfronts, bridges, wild ponies and windswept dunes.

As I live in the central part of North Carolina (known as the Piedmont), I do most of my paddling at a nearby lake. The first time I went to the coast after buying this book, I leapt at the opportunity to put my kayak into the salt water and to follow one of Malec’s suggested tours – which happened to be the trip from the mainland to Bear Island and Hammocks Beach State Park. The route was exactly as she described (right down to her warning about how changeable the tidal current is in that area!). I’m looking forward now to going back and trying some of her other suggested routes.

Pam Malec had been kayaking for more than 25 years at the time this book was first published. She is considered one of the leading authorities nationally on surf kayaking, and she wrote the curriculum for one of the top recognized surf kayaking instruction courses.

Guide to Sea Kayaking in North Carolina is published by The Globe Pequot Press of Guilford, Connecticut; ISBN # 0-7627-0817-4.

H. Tim Sevets is books editor for the Solid Gold Info Writers Consortium, where he specializes in objective reviews of the top money-making reports available over the Web. Recently, he reviewed an e-book that claims to show how to make money by tearing up old books and magazines and selling them on eBay. Read his opinion at http://www.solid-gold.info/tear-up-old-books-sell-ebay.html.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=H._Tim_Sevets

By Liisa Sullivan

The weather outside may be frightful, but the winter sports scene in Western North Carolina is delightful! Asheville is located a short, 30-minute drive from some of the best winter sports venues in the southeast. This makes Asheville the perfect southern city to enjoy a winter mountain getaway while enjoying all the charm that the city has to offer.

Winter Sports: Planning a North Carolina Mountain Getaway

Asheville is perfectly located and easily accessible for those last-minute vacationers who reside in major southern cities such as Raleigh/Durham, Atlanta and Charlotte. Individuals who crave winter activities will have access to some of the highest mountain resorts in the Asheville region. Asheville offers winter sports such as tubing, snowboarding, skiing, and ice skating. Whether it’s a romantic ski weekend for two or a family vacation, this area has something for everyone. While the outlaying areas get as much snow as some of the famous New England winter-sports destinations, the city of Asheville does not get as much snow which makes travel to and from these points of interest simple and safe.

The area boasts seven ski resorts and several tubing areas. Accommodations range from the simple to luxury hotel-condo rentals that offer full concierge services for those who want to be pampered in style.

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced winter sportsman, there are sport venues to satisfy all needs. And, just as these choices abound, post-winter adventure time in the Asheville area is also varied.

Take Advantage of Concierge Services

With so many things to do in the winter months of Western North Carolina, many visitors are taking advantage of the latest trend in service — concierge services. Concierge services help people to find the best restaurants and most-current events. During winter, they can help you to enjoy your après ski time; place your vacation time in the hands of the experts.

Concierge services are offered at several of Asheville’s latest luxury hotels, including the Residences at Biltmore where James Gibson, Managing Director, explains that, “With one simple call, all your vacation needs and plans are met. Upon our guests’ arrival, all they have left to do is to enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and enjoy their North Carolina mountain getaway. We’ll take care of the rest.”

Après Ski: Vacation Travel Planner

After visiting one of the many winter sports areas, it’s nice to have the creature comforts to soothe the body. Spas, fireplaces and cozy corners exist all over the Asheville area. This makes Asheville the perfect luxury accommodation destination; it provides more options than staying slope side.

Being able to have a true winter mountain getaway within the confines of this cosmopolitan, southern city gives you a multitude of vacation travel planning options. This city has it all within minutes of many luxury hotels and condo rentals.

Asheville is also quickly becoming well known for its world-class culinary offerings and is also a music lover’s dream. With venues such as the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium and the nationally-recognized Orange Peel, it’s easy to catch a great show after a day of winter activities. Ice skating indoors is as easy as taking a brisk walk over to the Asheville Civic Center. Gliding around the rink is only $5 per person. Call to check for dates and times at: (828) 259-5736, or ask concierge services to set it up for you.

With all that Asheville has to offer, it makes it the number one choice in the southeast for winter sports enthusiasts and also makes the perfect winter mountain getaway.

To see a full listing of winter sports destinations and a list of things to do in the Asheville area, visit the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority’s web site at: http://www.exploreasheville.com/what-to-do/seasonal-fun/asheville-in-winter/index.aspx

Liisa Sullivan lives just outside of Asheville in Weaverville, NC and writes for luxury living and lifestyle magazines. Visit http://www.residencesatbiltmore.com/hospitality or email concierge@residencesatbiltmore.com for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Liisa_Sullivan

By Jane Kayton

In 2007 issues like pollution, cancer and global warming are found on the American news every week. In the last five years these universal problems have been acknowledged and started to emerge in mainstream consciousness. Solutions such as renewable energy, green building and organic farming are now hot topics being talked about on TV, in newspapers and on the radio. In order to preserve the planet for future generations, it is essential that natural green building is embraced and eco homes and other green practices become the standard. One community that is leading the way is a beautiful city nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains: Asheville, North Carolina.

Working Together to Preserve Western North Carolina

In the Blue Ridge Mountains of WNC environmental concerns are a top priority. Preserving the natural environment of the mountains insures the health and safety of communities throughout the region. The city of Asheville, along with other counties and towns in WNC, like Black Mountain, recognizes that green space, green building and alternative resources are the wave of the future. Asheville is home to numerous green projects and initiatives. Blue Ridge BioFuels is an organization that has opened six biodiesel pumps at gas stations in the area. Blue Ridge BioFuels also supplies BioHeat for furnaces. Home delivery and competitive prices make it simple to begin using alternative fuels at home and on the road. Green building also plays a huge role in preserving local natural resources. Use of recycled construction materials, rainwater collection systems, and solar power all benefit the forests, animals and people.

The Possibilities Are Endless With Green Real Estate in Asheville, NC

In December of 2006 Asheville joined about fifty other municipalities across the country and passed a resolution stating that all new municipal buildings will be built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) specifications. LEED is a nationally accepted green building rating system created by the U.S, Green Building Council, http://www.usgbc.org, and sets the standard for the design, construction and maintenance of energy efficient homes and buildings. Asheville is also home to the Western North Carolina Green Building Council (WNCGBC), http://www.wncgbc.org. WNCGBC educates local contractors and builders about the latest green building techniques and practices. WNCGBC also works with city, state and county officials to make eco-friendly recommendations for local building standards. In Asheville, NC homebuyers searching for eco houses or green home building projects have a variety of options from downtown apartments to eco-friendly, real estate developments.

Sustainable Green Building: Find the Perfect, Eco-Friendly Real Estate in Western North Carolina

In Asheville, NC many homeowners, architects and builders work diligently to follow eco-friendly building, design and maintenance plans. To complete a green building project specific topics must be addressed including:

-Sustainable Development

-Alternative Energy

-Energy Efficiency

-Green Building Materials

-Forest Preservation

-Renewable Resources

Whether you are searching for a green condo centrally located in downtown Asheville or an eco home in a private, gated community you can find the perfect green real estate in Western North Carolina. In the mountains it is simple to contribute and help preserve Asheville’s excellent quality of life for years to come.

Jane Kayton is a real estate agent with Century 21 All Seasons based in Asheville, NC. She specializes in helping her clients find the perfect mountain homes and land near Asheville. Jane is also an avid whitewater rafter and hiker. To learn more about real estate in Western North Carolina visit her web site http://www.JaneSellsAsheville.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Kayton

[tags] Asheville, green real estate, NC green real estate, mountain homes, mountain land[/tag]

By Will Moore

Are you looking to explore some extremely dazzling beaches in North Carolina? The Southern Coast of North Carolina boasts some really good beaches. Carolina beach and Kure beach are the most famous beaches of North Carolina.

Before discussing Vacation Rentals Kure Beach N.C. Realtors, it is worthwhile to mention some background information. Kure beach is a relatively young beach by historical standards. It was only after the 1870’s that its development began when Hans Kure came to Carolina from Denmark. He bought large portions of land in the island which led to the emergence of the town incorporated in 1947 which merges with Carolina beach to its north.

A large number of high class residences prevail in and around the beach. Vacation Rentals have gained popularity in the last couple of years. The area can be identified with a number of cottages, beach motels and upscale houses. The beach will probably continue to exist at its present size only as it is surrounded by military, state and government facilities on all sides. The town’s center has a famous fishing pier extending well over the beach’s waters.

The North Carolina state governed Fort Fisher is a historical place owing to its significance in the Civil War. Wilmington, which is just a striking distance from Kure Beach, boasts of a historic downtown, fabulous gardens and the battleship of USS North Carolina. Several restaurants, an arcade, a boardwalk charmed by benches and a number of condominium buildings can be found around the beach’s area. Due to the miniscule population of just 1,500 residents, the shopping possibilities on this beach are very few.

Carolina Realtors offer vacation rentals, lodging deals such as vacation homes, resorts, condos, beach cottages and hotels in and around the town of Kure Beach. In early days, real estate was quite inexpensive in this area but today, due to the growing popularity of the beach; real estate prices are witnessing an upward trend.

Beach walk and a beach village are the latest developments to have come up in the last few years. These places have town homes and homes with pools, tennis courts and clubhouses. North Carolina has great opportunities for satisfying your. Realtors are ready to offer competitive vacation home rental prices.

Topsail Island, which is just half an hour away from Wilmington is graced by Intracoastal Waterways on its one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other side. It boasts of a rich maritime history and friendly beaches to its name. Shelling, wave gazing and bird watching are some common pastimes undertaken by tourists on this island.

These things make it a highly favored dwelling place amongst tourists, also due to its reasonable vacation rentals. N.C Realtors are often flooded with requests from the tourists and inhabitants for a house in Topsail Island. Swimming, sunbathing, surfing, dolphin watching, golf, kite flying, kayaking, biking, boating and angling are amongst the few activities that you can enjoy while being on these islands. Hence, Kure Beach area can claim to be amongst the best holidaying options in N.C.

For more Kure Beach N.C. Vacation Rental information visit TravelCheckList.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Will_Moore

By Connie Limon

Cherokee, North Carolina is a Smoky Mountain vacation destination with plenty of fun activities that include:

• Museums full of Cherokee Indian Culture
• Amusement parks
• Casino
• Hiking, biking and horseback trails
• Scenic drives
• Great shopping with unique Cherokee Indian jewelry and much more
• Fishing and water tubing

In Cherokee, North Carolina you will have the opportunity to sit by beautiful waterfalls and/or a stream flowing swiftly. The area is full of lush landscapes where you can stroll along at your leisure or enjoy a picnic if you prefer.

Cherokee, North Carolina is conveniently located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, Maggie Valley, the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina and Cades Cove. All of these vacation ideas are suitable for the entire family to enjoy, and within a short distance of each other.

The Cherokees in Western North Carolina today are the descendants from those Cherokees who were able to remain on the land one way or another after the government forced the removal of the Cherokees Indians to Oklahoma. As you visit the Cherokee Indian lands you will be able to experience their culture firsthand, and they are very happy to share their culture with visitors.

Cherokee, North Carolina historical attractions include:

• “Unto These Hills” is a drama of the Cherokees’ tragic “Trail of Tears.”
• Oconaluftee Indian Village is an authentic Oconaluftee Indian Village with live demonstrations
• Visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian to experience Cherokee history

If you love the outdoors, Cherokee, North Carolina destinations are great vacation ideas. Enjoy a hike along the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail provides a beautiful view of the vista from Charlie’s Bunyan. Charlie’s Bunyan is one of the most popular overlooks in the Smokies. At Cherokee, North Carolina you are right in the middle of the scenic beauty of the Appalachian mountains.

Vacation ideas you can enjoy include:

• A walk along the Oconoluftee River Trail
• Stop for a picnic at Island Park
• Be sure and visit Mingus Mill
• There is Trout fishing and Whitewater rafting at Cherokee, North Carolina
• Try the sport of tubing
• Hike the Appalachian Trail while you are there
• Don’t overlook visiting the Mountain Farm Museum
• Enjoy rugged mountain biking at Tsali Trails
• There are Ski & snow tube activities in the winter season
• Horseback riding is a favoirte among many visitors at Cherokee, North Carolina
• Golf on their golf courses
• You can also enjoy a nice boat ride on Fontana Lake at Cherokee, North Carolina

Additional Vacation Ideas in Cherokee, North Carolina Include:

The trout fishing is said to be especially good in the well-stocked Cherokee tribal waters. No license is required to fish in Cherokee Reservation waters. A tribal permit is required for $7 per day with a creel limit of ten. Permits are not required for children under 12 if accompanied by an adult with a permit. The 11-month season begins at the last weekend in March.

Cycling is a popular sport in the Smokies. There is very little flat terrain in Cherokee, North Carolina Smokies area. It is an area where just about all biking is mountain biking. If you are up to the challenge and demand of mountain biking, the Smokies in Cherokee, North Carolina is the perfect place for you to enjoy this activity.

Some of the more popular mountain biking trails are the famous Tsali trails that overlook Fontana Lake just west of Cherokee, North Carolina. There is also a 42-mile network of multi-use trails that offer a variety of challenges from mild to extreme.

Hiking in the Smokies at Cherokee, North Carolina is also a very popular activity. Hikers can use the Tsali trails any day of the week.

There are also many miles of not so crowded back roads in the Cherokee area for road biking. Roads that follow a river are generally the least-mountainous.

Guided horseback rides of one to four hours to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are available. The horseback rides through Cherokee country offers visitors a unique view of the beautiful scenery of Cherokee, North Carolina.

Cherokee, North Carolina destinations are excellent family vacation ideas.

Source: Cherokee Smokies Online

This article is FREE to publish with the resource box.

© 2007 Connie Limon All Rights Reserved

Written by: Connie Limon. For more Vacation Ideas visit http://smalldogs2.com/VacationIdeas For a variety of FREE reprint articles and special topic articles rarely seen elsewhere visit Camelot Articles at http://www.camelotarticles.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Limon

By Cynthia Lyle

Deep rooted within the mountains of North Carolina there is a community that is celebrating the scenery that is redolent with the aroma of nature. The surrounding forests make this area seem secluded, but with streams, trees, and mountains in the area, Cielo Falls guarantees that you will be at one with nature. North Carolina embraces the remarkable Blue Ridge Parkway that leads to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Parkway offers drives a peaceful, scenery filled drive much like what Cielo Falls offers home buyers.

Cielo Falls takes advantage of the beautiful North Carolina landscape to lure visitors to the area, and presents them with a living community that offers unique homes and one of kind views. The home sites are designed and constructed by Heritage Log Homes. Heritage uses cutting-edge design and construction process to create a better insulated home. The precision design is comparable to the designers of the Blue Ridge Parkway in that they offer an experience instead of just a drive, or just a home.

Located within miles of Blue Ridge Parkway, Cielo Falls offers residents immediate access to North Carolina’s most famous highway. Residents get to enjoy the trails and scenic overviews as they complete their daily tasks. The scenery will allow residents to lose themselves in the moment, and allow visitors to release themselves from everyday pressures. Blue Ridge Parkway is a relaxing adventure with amenities like Cielo Falls that offer visitors permanent access to the Parkway.

For more information on Blue Ridge Parkway and currently available Blue Ridge Parkway Real Estate opportunities, check out CieloFalls.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cynthia_Lyle

by ANDREW STRATTON

Historic Downtown Hendersonville and the Blue Ridge Mountain area of North Carolina have been a tourist destination for centuries. Whether you visit to shop, eat, or learn about the history of the area, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Article:

Whether you live in the area or are just planning a visit, you will find it an easy occupation to be a downtown Hendersonville tourist. Hendersonville is a city with roots stretching back centuries.

Hendersonville became an incorporated city in January of 1847. And to everyone’s pleasure, Hendersonville was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in March 1988.

You will find Hendersonville located at the southern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, approximately 26 miles south of Asheville, N.C. Hendersonville is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area of Western North Carolina where history and tourist attractions abound.

Hendersonville’s population is rather small with only about 12,000 people living within the city limits. However, the city is booming with historic sites, attractions, and places to explore. Because of the area has four distinctive seasons, yet mild temperatures in both winter and summer, it is a wonderful place to visit or to live year-round.

When you walk down Main Street Hendersonville you will notice it is a serpentine shaped street lined with overflowing flower boxes and trees of all shapes and sizes. Along Main Street you will find antique shops, restaurants, and specialty stores of all kinds. There is something to be found along Main Street for people of all ages to enjoy.

Throughout the year Historic Downtown Hendersonville hosts the North Carolina Apple Festival, an antique show, art shows, car shows, and various parades throughout the year. Hendersonville shows off its traditional southern hometown charm through these special events. The friendly local residents are always welcoming to other locals and visitors alike.

Located on North Main Street you will find The Mineral & Lapidary Museum of Henderson County. The museum hosts special traveling exhibits from around the world and specializes in local Geodes. You can even purchase a Geode for yourself and they will crack it open and reveal its inner wonders for you! There is no admission fee for the museum though it is considered appropriate to leave a small donation to help support the museum.

Located in the same area as The Mineral & Lapidary Museum you will find the Henderson County Genealogical & Historical Society. This excellent resource library was founded in 1983 to aide researchers and historians on the history of North and South Carolina.

While visiting the museum and the Genealogical Society make sure you notice the McClintock Chime Clock attached to the Genealogical Society’s building. The clock is about 65 years old and is a unique sight not to be missed.

The Henderson County Curb Market is open for business Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, all along Main Street. This large farmer’s market offers only handcrafted items from local residents of the county. Here you will find produce, craft items, baked goods, and just about anything else you could possibly want to find at an open air market.

No tourist trek through Downtown Hendersonville is complete without a visit to the Hendersonville City Hall Building. The building was erected in 1928 and contains many interesting historic artifacts of the local area. Because three presidents were from North Carolina, (Andrew Jackson, James Knox Polk and Andrew Johnson) you will find statues and information on them located at the Hendersonville City Hall Building.

Whatever your pleasure, you are sure to find it in Historic Downtown Hendersonville, North Carolina. It is great to be a Downtown Hendersonville Tourist!

** About the author: Historic Downtown Hendersonville and the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina are residential havens for today’s families. Work with the experienced, local, real estate agents at Preferred Real Estate Center to find the perfect property to fit your needs. http://www.preferredrealestatecenter.com

** About the author HTML: Historic Downtown Hendersonville and the Blue Ridge Mountain area of North Carolina are residential havens for today’s families. Work with the experienced, local, real estate agents at Preferred Real Estate Center to find the perfect property to fit your needs.