Highlands, NC can be found in the lower southwestern tip of the state. The name Highlands speaks for itself. This quaint little hospitality is located in the lower Appalachian Mountains and rests around 4,118 feet above sea level. This gives Highlands the distinction of being one of the most elevated little towns in the eastern half of the United States. This popular getaway location is right at home in the Nantahala National Forest. The scenic beauty surrounding Highlands attracts nature lovers from all over the land. There truly is something for everyone in Highlands.
Located in Macon County Highlands, NC lives up to its motto, which is “Above it all”. Resting admirably along the Southern Highroads Trail the town of Highlands boasts a year round permanent population of nearly 1000. However, that all changes during the tourist season when this 6.2 square mile destination can be over run by around 15,000 people on a journey for relaxation. There are basically 2 parts to the tourist season. One occurs during the summer and the other during the autumn to early winter. The heat of the summer rarely surpasses 80 degrees while the winter temperatures only dip to an average of 23 in January at it’s lowest. The location on the southern tip of the Appalachians provides comfort from the coldest arctic air and keeps the annual snowfall to around half a foot.
Highlands, NC does get its fair share of rain that amounts to about 90 inches annually. It is the delightful mixture of rain and sunshine that has created this scenic paradise that lifts the spirit of so many throughout the year. Many escape the heat of the American south to relax comfortably in the clean fresh cool air offered by the Highlands. Obviously Mr. Kelsey and Mr. Hutchinson knew what they were doing when they founded Highlands, NC some 165 years ago. They envisioned a crossroads for the masses and their dream was not far fetched. It has become the crossroads for relaxation for millions over the years.
When you descend to Highlands, NC you will not find a city bus or any sign of public transportation but what you will find is clean air and hospitality at its best. There is something special about this area and that is what keeps tourists coming back again and again. The scenic waterfalls dot the landscape and the mountains seem to hug the Carolina blue sky. The rivers and lakes are irresistible to a hook and line and the nature trails provide pictures in the mind that will warm even the coldest day. Statistically speaking the town of Highlands is quite small but numbers are part of the story.
Bio – Suzanne Najbrt lives in Atlanta with her family and regularly travels Southern Highroads Trail and she also maintains the Official Southern Highroads Trail Blog.
By: Martin Najbrt
Archive for September, 2009
Highlands, NC Statistically Speaking
September 27th, 2009Top Canadian Vacation Destinations
September 26th, 2009Canada is a beautiful vacation destination – with 10 provinces and three territories – it is the second largest country in the world, with 3.8 million square miles (9.9 million square kilometres), this beautiful country touches three oceans – the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic. Besides the 151,473 mile-long coast line, Canada’s provinces and territories have a lot to offer travellers. Each of the country’s provinces and territories include some truly wonderful vacation destinations.
British Columbia
British Columbia is on the West coast of Canada and boasts two of the country’s top destinations for vacation. The city of Vancouver, which is located on the mainland, boasts many tourist destinations including the Vancouver aquarium. The city of Victoria is on Vancouver Island and has many different tourist hot spots, including many nautical and naval centers that thrive in the tourist sector. At both Vancouver and Victoria, you can enjoy water sports such as sailing, water skiing, scuba diving and much more. On the mainland closer to Alberta, nestled in the Rocky Mountains, you can enjoy Radium or Fairmount natural sulphur hot springs, known world wide for their healing qualities.
Alberta
There are two main cities in Alberta – Calgary and Edmonton. Edmonton, the capital of the province, offers many different places for tourists to enjoy. Calgary is famous for the annual Calgary Stampede, held the second week in June. Calgary is also famous for the Calgary Tower, which contains a revolving restaurant that provides a nearly 360 degree view of the city. From either Alberta or British Columbia, you can access the Rocky Mountains. In Alberta, Banff is a town nestled in the mountains, and it offers many specialty stores and natural sulphur hot springs. These hot springs are an excellent way to relax.
Saskatchewan
With both Regina and Saskatoon in the province of Saskatchewan, there are plenty of opportunities for vacation places. This province has many cultural attractions such as museums and national parks. If you plan a trip to Saskatchewan, you may want to consider visiting the Mendel Art Gallery or the Buffalo Pound Provincial Park.
Manitoba
During the summer months, there are plenty of tourist places to visit in Manitoba. One of the major places to see and enjoy is Minnedosa Lake, which is a popular lake resort and summer hot spot for locals and tourists. There are other lakes and lake resorts throughout the province to enjoy also.
Ontario
Ontario is one of the hottest places to visit in Canada. Toronto, the largest city in Canada, as well as Ottawa, the capital of the country, both offer impressive tourist destinations to visit. Toronto and its surrounding areas have many stores, museums and of course, the CN Tower. Throughout the southern end of Ontario, there are miles of lake front property along some of the Great Lakes. There are also many different wineries in the southern end of the province, particularly around Niagara on the Lake. Another attraction that you cannot miss in Ontario is Niagara Falls. From Niagara Falls, you can see both the Canadian and United States sides of the falls, which are beautiful day and night.
Most people when considering a trip to Canada often end up going to Ontario to visit these major attractions, as well as many more that reside within the province.
Quebec
Quebec is a richly historic location to visit, especially throughout Quebec City. Quebec has many attractions to consider visiting and these include many cathedrals and other historic buildings. However, you should keep in mind that the primary language in Quebec is French.
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland
These provinces are the maritime provinces of the country and each offer a unique experience. In Nova Scotia, there are many naval centers to enjoy, including places like Peggy’s Cove, Halifax harbor and Dartmouth. Prince Edward Island is a beautiful little island nestled in the Maritime Provinces. The view is something to behold in this great tourist destination for your vacation.
Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories, Nunavut
These three are the impressive territories of the north in Canada. The Yukon Territories are on the western end of the north and are attached to Alaska, which is part of the United States. Beside the Yukon Territories is the Northwest Territories, with Nunavut nestled underneath. There are many things to see and do in the territories, however many people do not consider these tourist destinations because of the intense cold that often envelops the area.
Throughout Canada, there is much to see and do. Vast spaces of land, farm land and wildlife preserves, from the Pacific to Atlantic oceans. You can also visit the Rocky Mountain Range to the flat western provinces; there are many things to enjoy throughout this wonderful country. Canadians pride themselves as being known for their kindness. Visit Canada and enjoy wide open freedom and fun in the second largest country in the world.
By: Stephanie Larkin
Iceland – Unique Island With a Great Vision
September 26th, 2009Iceland is an island just about the size of Kentucky State. This small sized island lies in the northern direction in the Atlantic Ocean just east to Greenland and it also touches the Arctic Circle. The land of Iceland is also famous as it is one of the most aggressive volcanic regions of the world. More than thirteen percent of Iceland’s total land is covered by glaciers or are snowfields. Major part of Iceland’s total population inhibits only in the seven percent part of the island because that seven percent land is considered a very fertile coastland. The gulf stream of Atlantic Ocean keeps the climate of the Iceland milder and temperature very moderate than what is expected in an island around Arctic Circle.
It is believed that the first inhabitants of Iceland were the hermits from Ireland. These hermits vacated this island when pagan Norse people arrived here in ninth century. A constitution was formed in 930 A.D and a democracy and a parliament was formed which is also known as Althing. Now Althing has the honor to be the world’s oldest still running legislative assembly. The history of Iceland is very well preserved in the Icelandic sagas written during 13th century.
In the year 1262, Iceland was occupied by Norwegian rule and was further given to the ultimate control of Denmark through the very famous ‘the kalmar union’ in which kingdoms of Norway, Sweden and Denmark united in 1397. In the year, 1874, Iceland gained their own constitution and then in 1918, Denmark recognized Iceland as a separate country and unlimited sovereignty through the act of union. By this time also, Iceland was partially under the rule of Danish monarchy. During the Second World War when Germany attacked on Denmark first the British troops and then the American troops landed in Iceland and used it as the strategic air base. According to historians, neutral Iceland supported its allies through out the war. On June 17th, 1944, after the official referendum Iceland was declared independent republic and the Althing also proclaimed it as an independent republic.
Iceland joined NATO [North Atlantic Treaty Organization] in 1949 and its maiden American air force base in 1951. In 1971 it was recognized by EFTA [European Free Trade Association]. In the year 1972, Iceland extended its fishing coastline to 200 nautical miles from 3 nautical miles. This was done without the consent of England. For this reason both Iceland and England were trapped in the dispute known as the cold wars. This dispute ended in 1976 with England agreeing to the new fishing borders of Iceland. In the year 1980, Iceland made yet another history, when it became the first country in the world to have a woman president in the office of the presidency. It was the case of the year 1990, when after the recession the economy and the financial condition of Iceland stabilized.
Iceland refused to sign the agreement which stated that moratorium of commercial whaling will continue as it was since 1986. This incident took place in the meeting of the International Whaling Commission in 2001. Finally in 2003, Iceland agreed on the initialization of hunting of whales for researches and experiments.
By: Dagur Jonsson
