Welcome to the Blue Ridge Highlander, a Creative and Comprehensive
Travel and Relocation Guide to the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains.

I love this time of the year, the weather is wonderful, not to warm, not too cool, we even got rain this weekend which we badly needed. Most of the colors in the mountains are beyond prime, but there is still some color in certain areas and those colors really stand out because the other leaves are gone. One thing about these mountains is that they are always beautiful in every season, always something to stand in awe of.

Meet Beau, the latest in the Highlander collection of orphan pets. Now that he has joined our family he loves his life. We live in a high mountain cove, with a wooded wonderland behind us for Beau to enjoy, and he really takes advantage of it.

His life in the mountains is simple and he knows how to love his life in its simplicity.

We could all take a lesson from Beau on how to enjoy life, come to the mountains, hike, discover and enjoy the fresh air and low stress atmosphere.

Gas prices are excellent, it is a great time to turn off the news and come to the mountains for a take a scenic drive and a hike in the woods. Take time to visit one of the many small towns in the mountains. Each and every town we have visited has it's own special personality you can check them out here.

The mountains are a great place to spend quality time with your family, friends or that special someone. Breathe fresh air, go for a hike, enjoy the wildflowers and the birds. Wander through the antique shops and art galleries and check out one of the interesting restaurants that are scattered throughout the mountains.

Real Estate in these mountains are a very solid investment. With most of the leaves down it a good time to look for that perfect mountain getaway or if you are lucky enough to get to move here permanently, the Highlander is the way to find the best Mountain Realtors, Classic Builders or Rustic Builders and beautiful Mountain Developments, as well as learn more about each mountain community to find the one that suits you best.

Over the years the Highlander has written many stories, most of which are timeless. If you haven't checked lately, you should go through the Library for stories you might not have read.

There are many Holiday Tales that might get you in spirit for the upcoming holidays. We are currently working on this year's Highlander Christmas Tale and know it is going to be another Classic Highlander Tale. We are also working on our Holiday Event Schedule, so if you know of any special gatherings that you would like to share, please let us know.

Long before any man ever set foot on the North American Continent, the Black Bear of Northeastern America could often be seen standing upright on its hind legs surveying its territory from horizon to horizon. Masters of their domain, the great Black Bear enjoyed the prosperity of all that the earth had to offer. When the first Native Americans began to appear, they found benefit in revering the Black Bear both as a source of prey and as a spiritual guide. As brothers often do, they disputed over territory. Even with the loss of a bear's life or the life of a native hunter, they chose to live in continual respect of one another, developing a close relationship both in the physical and spiritual world....read on...

Ten Appalachian Black Bear Stories are Now On-line.....Read and Enjoy

We have many new featured stories, mountain communities, scenic road trips as well as additional recreational information planned for this coming year, so bookmark and come back often and sign up for "Messages from the Mountains" to be notified when they go on-line.

Thanks for taking the time to visit the Highlander. This site is our way to share with you our love of the mountains and invite you to come and enjoy them the way we do. Don't hesitate to email us at suggestions@blueridgehighlander.com and let us know what you would like to see on the Highlander.