Wataug aCount y, NorthCarolina

•Breathtaking mountain scener yand 4seasons of exciting outdoor recreationoppor tunities

•Appalachian State Universit y, awardwinning public schools, highl yeduc ated work force

•Entrepreneur ial cultureand atraditionof innovation

Grandfather Mountain and St. Johns River Gorge views. These include Misty Mountain, Fair Mountain Acres, Saddle Hills and Sweetgrass, a development with trails and a lake.

U.S. 321 North (toward Boone): One of the largest residential areas in this direction is Appalachian Ski Mountain, with many mountain homes close to skiing. This is a popular location for vacation rentals. Also along U.S. 321 are the luxury gated communities of Firethorn and Timber Creek, as well as the log home community Friendly Mountain Acres.

Blue Ridge Parkway North: There are several established neighborhoods with mid-range to high-end homes along this route. This general area is referred to on maps as the Aho area and includes the neighborhoods of Sorrento, Grey- stone, Blackberry, Goshen Valley, Summit Park and Brown Stone Ridge, to name a few. Some of these neighborhoods are in the Boone zip code but are considered the Blowing Rock area from a Real Estate standpoint.

Also in this direction is the Blue Ridge Mountain Club, an impressive development with timber frame homes, townhomes and many lots available. BRMC offers trails, a gym, restaurant and clubhouse facility.

Leslie Eason is a Realtor with Keller Williams High Country Realty, and is owner of the Leslie Eason Real Estate Team. She and her team have helped numerous buyers purchase homes in Blowing Rock and the High Country. She can be contacted at leslie@ easonteam.com or 828484-4811