Update from what I wrote last. The Christmas parade was great…. We may not have a White Christmas, but at least we’ve had a White Christmas Parade–there was definitely enough snow to count.

And check this out….an article in an Atlanta magazine. The relevant article starts on page 66.

Have a great Christmas!!!

It’s Thanksgiving week as I write this. And though I’ve never been one for jumping the gun on Christmas decorations too early, it’s about time.

One of the coolest events you’ll ever see (some years, quite literally) is the Highlands Christmas parade. Dogs and cars and kids and Santa: a little bit of everything that small town Americana can offer. If you’ve never come up for this event, it’s worth the trip! Make your plans…and fall in love with this place!

It used to be that Highlands went into hibernation after October. The leaves and people disappeared at the same time. But over the last decade, more and more people have discovered the beauty of Highlands this time of year as well. Now, lots of families spend Thanksgiving in the mountains…and Christmas and New Years. In the old days, most of the homes were summer cabins, not winterized. But, of course, now most of the homes are new and well-insulated or refurbished as cozily as possible.

On Christmas day, area restaurateurs get together to present a fantastic Christmas dinner with the benefits going to Habitat. Another great reason to be here for the holidays.

This site shows all that’s going on in December.

And on my links page, you’ll also find links to various inns in the area, including Old Edwards.

One of the nicest places to stay in the area is The Inn at Half Mile Farm. They’re offering 20% off all winter. Take advantage of the opportunity and enjoy mountain luxury. (Tell Wendi that I told you about the winter rates….)

And while you’re here, let’s get together and look at what’s available. Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve had two closings so things really are picking up a bit. I’d love to show you around.

If you’ve read my entries here, I hope it’s obvious that I really do love this little town. I love it in the spring when green re-emerges. I love it in summer when breezes cool the house. I love the rain and the rushing creeks. The fall colors blazing.

And winter…..

I asked the lady who cuts my hair what she’s hearing from the natives about predictions from the winter. Ten "events," she said, with one major snowfall. One of her older local clients had been in a bit earlier making this prediction. Based on the number of fog days in August and how long the fog lasts each day.

So they say….

I just want a good, beautiful winter. I like cold. I like fires warming my house. I like the comforter so heavy I can hardly turn over. I like being able to go to the grocery store in the morning and leaving the stuff in the car all day without having to worry about getting to a refrigerator.

I like driving around looking at property and seeing what’s out there. I like driving through the middle of town instead, as I do the rest of the year, of taking the non-congested detours. I like being able to drive to Cashiers without having somebody driving 15 mph in front of me. I like standing on a mountainside on a blue, blue day wondering how far I can really see…..(At least 40, it has to be!)

I like the Christmas parade. If you’ve never been up here for this quintessential moment of Americana, then you must make plans: first Saturday of December. I like the Christmas lights on the snow. I like the cars, laden with a tree, heading down the mountain.

I like Highlands in the winter….I like the fact that things are slower up here this time of year, though, unlike in the past, it’s not total hibernation anymore. There’s still some life.

I like, too, the fact that the market seems to be thawing a bit. One of my listings just sold and I have another closing (knock on wood!) forthcoming next week. Yes, buyers are still looking for deals, and as I’ve said all along, some sellers are willing to make it happen–but many aren’t desperate and have no intention of taking the low-balls. Nonetheless, buyers are coming in with more confidence, and if they can find what they’re looking for, then they’re taking steps to buy.

Please get in touch; if you can come for a visit, I’d love to meet.