If you've been thinking about taking up tennis...or if you used to play years ago and want to get back in the game, then mark your calendar for the Tennis Block Party, sponsored by the Transylvania County Tennis Association. 

On Saturday, May 22, 2010, the CTA will be hosting this two hour event at Silvermont Park, on the east end of Main Street in downtown Brevard.

Activities include 15 minute clinics on a variety of tennis topics including
Stretching and tennis fitness
 Forehand Fundamentals
 Backhand Basics
 Loving the Lob
 A Serious Serve

There will also be a mini cardio clinic that is sure to get your heart thumping and your legs moving. And throughout the event, there will be information availble about tennis in the Brevard area, ladders you can sign up for, and give aways!

The event is FREE to the public.

This area of western North Carolina has long been a favored spot for summer homes. When daytime temps in Charleston, Atlanta, and Florida are hovering in the 90's with high humidity every day...and the lows at night are still in the 80's, thoughts can quickly turn to having a home in the mountains where the higher elevation means lower temperatures....days with cool mountain breezes....and nights of sleeping with the windows open.

In fact, I discovered the area around Brevard and Lake Toxaway by first vacationing here. Most years, I could only spend a week or two...and every time I had to leave to drive back to Florida I was already planning my next trip up. Now that I live here full time, I just can't imagine living any place else.

Owning a place in the mountains, whether it's year round, or just for the summer, means different things to different people of course, and we have options to fit just about any budget. 

Today I want to feature three "lock-n-leave" condos that would make perfect summer homes.  Unlike a single family home where you have to be concerned about outside maintenance and yard work when you're not there, a condo in the mountains gives you a place to enjoy, then just lock it and leave it until the next time.

This first home is 16 Knight Court in Brevard.  It's a spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath unit that is literally minutes from the heart of downtown Brevard.  Well kept with tons of natural light, comfortable colors and gleaming hardwood floors. The master bedroom is on the main floor and two additional bedrooms and full bath are on the second floor, along with a great bonus loft area. The unfinished basement could easily be finished out for an additional bedroom, living area, and bath. Being so close to Brevard means a summer filled with as many different activities as you choose! The Brevard Music Festival is in full swing, there's hiking, river rafting, golf, tennis....or just hanging out and taking in the peace and quiet.  This home is attractively priced at $249,900.

If you are looking for a little higher elevation, come to Burlingame at Sapphire Lakes, located about 30 minutes west of Brevard and 15 minutes east of Cashiers. Burlingame is a country club community with championship golf, tennis, state of the art fitness center, and a host of other activities to keep you as busy as you would like to be.  Both of these condos are located within walking distance of the club house.

For tennis buffs, 22 Racquet Club Villa Drive is the best of all worlds. Walk out the front door and you are at the tennis center with professional instruction, a club house, and beautifully maintained clay courts. This 1.5 story end unit features an open living room with a native stone fireplace and year round views of the mountains and lake. The master suite is located on the main floor. An additional guest room and bath are located on the half level. The larged screened porch is perfect for outside dining and a restful view of the mountains. Beautifully maintained, close to everything, it is being sold furnished...including the golf cart. Offered at only $315,000.

Also available in Burlingame is 59 River Club Lane. This spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo features a large master suite on the main floor with an additional guest suite on the lower level with a private deck.  An extra large kitchen opens to the light and bright living area, making it a terrific floor plan for entertaining. With this home, the only long drive you'll be making is on the golf course! Walk to the club house, fitness center, and pool. Priced for a quick sale at only $299,900.

If you'd like more information about summer homes in the Brevard and Lake Toxaway area, contact the Clay Team at 828-551-6290. Or visit us online at www.BrevardNCProperty.com.

I never have enough time to read as much as I would like to, but I always try to have at least one book in the ready position when those rare moments do occur. Before we moved to North Carolina, whenever I wanted a new book, I headed to our local Barnes and Nobles. I loved the environment, the comfy chairs and friendly people. Now that spot is our own Transylvania County Library.

The Transylvania County Library is only 3 years old and it's over 15,000 square feet filled with books, books on tape, cds, public computers, and community event rooms. It's wonderful spot and a gem of a resource for residents and visitors alike.

You can learn more about the Library during National Library Week starting Monday, April 12. Whether you live here year round, or just visiting, the Transylvania County Library always has something going on....and this week is no exception. But while you're there, be sure to discover the ongoing book clubs, lunch and learn events, and even afternoon movies!

Monday, April 12

4:00 pm
"Move of the Century-Cape Hatteras Lighthouse"
A movie by Kevin Duffus

Tuesday, April 13
7:00 pm
Friends of the Library Annual Mtg

Followed by:

"Woodslore and Wildwoods Wisdom - A Story Telling Concert
Stories, Songs, and Lore with Doug Elliot
www.dougelliott.com

Thursday, April 15
2:00 pm
Book Talk with Leanna Sain, author of "Gate to Nowhere"


For more information about the Transylvania County Library, visit online at