Blue Ridge Real Estate

Hello-

This is a work in progress- in the meantime, please visit http://aroundthemountains3.georgia.remax.com

In light of the upcoming Fireworks Display in McCaysville, GA/Copperhill, TN, I thought I would add a few notes about the area.  By the way, the “new” bridge has some of the best spots- come early and bring your lawn chairs.

In the corner of Polk County, Tennessee, lies Ducktown and Copperhill, Tennessee’s copper district which has been famous for nearly a hundred years.  Known for some seven or eight decades simply as Ducktown, then for a number of years as the Ducktown Basin, but now more often referred to as the Great Copper Basin, or Copper Basin, this locality boasts a history and reputation unique in the annals of southern growth and development.

The area of the Ducktown Basin is approximately one hundred square miles, though the commercial and mining area covers only about twenty-five square miles. The state lines of Tennessee,Georgia, and North Carolina meet on a hill near the ancient church of Pleasant Hill, three miles east of what was once the Basin’s principal town, Copperhill. From there the Georgia-Tennessee state line runs diagonally across the Basin to Big Frog Mountain on the west. Several square miles of the Basin extend southward into Fannin County, Georgia.

Once a booming mining community, the sleepy little town of Copperhill, TN is the terminus of our local Scenic Railway.   There’s a great little Irish pub on Main Street (or Hwy 68) that serves Fat Tire- go figure!  One of the local establishments, known as Mayford’s (but previously known as Ralph and Grady’s), still sports bullet holes in the 100 year old tin ceiling from the some of the rowdier days of of the mining company.

Another point of local interest, the Ducktown Basin Museum is located just down the road in Ducktown, TN.  The museum, owned and operated locally, highlights Copper Basin’s history through exhibits and examples of the kinds of equipment used in the mines. The history of the Cherokee Nation, including an in-depth discussion of the “Trail of Tears” is also included in the tour.  They can be reached @ (423) 496-5778.  If you’re visiting the area this weekend, it’s worth treating yourself to this tour.

The RE/MAX Around The Mountains Blue Ridge office will be getting a face-lift this summer!  Through a strategic partnership with Keith Sumner, a local builder, a new bridge over our creek will be installed as well as a new front door and deck.  Landscaping boulders will highlight the front, as well as some lighting upgrades.  I’m not sure of the project start-date, but the front door has already been ordered.  For those of you who have worked here or have used our front door, you’ll appreciate the need for a new door.  The paint is a shade of red (more like a pink); the hinges hang; it leaks; it only shuts after slamming it, etc, etc.  The only redeeming factor is the push-button lock.  After several contractors through various projects have “patched” the door problems, it’s time we replace it.

I know the agents will be excited to see the changes.  Keith has a great eye for detail and I’m excited to see his concept come to life.  As the project gets underway, I’ll post photos.

Have you ever made the trip to Lake Conasauga in the Cohutta Wilderness?  This is a great day trip from Ellijay or Blue Ridge, as well as north Atlanta.  The Conasauga Recreation Area is about 3000 feet in elevation, which makes for a nice retreat from the summer heat of Atlanta.  There are some very clean picnic areas, a small boat ramp, and designated campgrounds surrounding one side of the 19 acres Lake Conasauga, as well as a nice platform and roped area for swimming.  The North Georgia Mountains has some of the cleanest water in the southeast, so feel free to dip a toe in (and for my Florida and south GA/AL  friends… no gators!).

Three popular hiking trails branch from Lake Conasauga- The Songbird Trail is a 1.7 mile loop.  The Lake Trail is a one mile loop (around the lake) and the Tower Trail is 2.1 miles one-way.   The Tower Trail climbs to nearly 3700 feet to the old fire tower on Grassy Mountain.

Although Summer is one of my favorite times to visit, Spring and Fall bring some special sites- bird migrations, leaf colors and less crowds

Today’s Blue Ridge Car Show, being held in downtown Blue Ridge, GA, is an outstanding display of classic cars and hotrods. The weather is a bit overcast, and the threat of thunderstorms has probably kept some cars away, but the weather is perfect for walking around Downtown Blue Ridge – we’re on our way right now to check out the cars and view the first phase in the new cityscape project. One of our neighbors, Rex Miller, is a member of the local car club and usually has a significant roll in organizing this event- not to mention showing off his 1957 fully original Nomad. If you’re looking for a day trip, come on up to Blue Ridge today!