Just in case you needed another reason to run away to the mountains this summer, Echota is now offering a Summer Concert Series for owners, renters and their guests. On the second Saturday of every month, June through October, we’ll feature a different local band in an outdoor concert at the top of the mountain in Chalakee.

Our featured band on July 13th will be Soul Benefactor, the High Country’s premier funky Soul and Classic Rock ‘n’ Roll band. Since forming in 2007, Soul Benefactor has been cranking out some of the best grooves from the ‘60s and ‘70s to crowds of all ages.

Our series will give you a chance to sample great local bluegrass, soul, jazz and acoustic music while connecting with friends and neighbors.

Concerts will run from 5 to 7 p.m., and a cash bar will be provided by Appalachian Mountain Brewery featuring local craft beers, wine and water. Admission is free – just bring yourself, your friends and a lawnchair to enjoy the music with a view!

If you want to stay tuned to what bands are playing when, connect with Echota on Facebook at or email Leah Grove at lgrove@foscoecompanies.com to be included on the event mailing list.

“The advantage of marketing your home with us is that our location is right here on site,” she says. “We get the walk-in traffic.” That means vacationers who find Echota on a whim can drive in and see a condo or single-family home right then and there.

“We also have a solid marketing budget,” Leigh adds. “We’re the only group with billboards directing traffic here, and all of our investment is in marketing Echota, no one else.”

Leigh says another reason Foscoe Realty is so successful is because we understand the current market and pricing strategy. “We really focus on marketable prices,” she explains. Foscoe also understands timing – when good seasons are for selling.

The proof is in the pudding, so to speak. Echota has consistently low inventory because prospective buyers are attracted to the health of the community. Well-established with debt-free amenities, ongoing new construction at Chalakee, a variety of floorplans, and over 500 happy owners, Echota is consistently first choice among High Country vacation homeowners. So when you’re in the market to sell and upgrade to something new, consider the agency that’s right at your backdoor!

For more information on listing your property with Foscoe Realty, call Leigh at 800-333-7601.

1861 Farmhouse Restaurant & Winery
Owned today by Steve & Alison Garrett, the winery features three silver medal and two gold meal winners on its wine list – River Run, Red Porch, Boulder Shadows, Victoria’s Vale, and The House. The Garretts encourage visitors to tour the winery and walk around the grounds, which include an organic garden. www.1861Farmhouse.com or call 828-963-6301

Banner Elk Winery & Villa
In 2006, the Banner Elk Winery established itself as the first commercial winery in Avery and Watauga counties. The winery processes its own grapes as well as other locally grown grapes and offers year-round tastings from noon until 6p.m. Tuesday through Sunday as well as tours of the vineyards Friday through Sunday at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. www.BannerElkWinery.com or call 828-898-9090

Grandfather Vineyard and Winery 
This family business began in 2003 when owner Steve Tatum planted the farm’s first grapevines as a hobby. Over time, the hobby turned into Grandfather Vineyard, the first producing winery in Watauga County. Visitors can stop in for a tasting from November 1 through March 31 from noon to 6 p.m., Thursday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. www.GrandfatherVineyard.com or call 828-963-2400

The mega storm, Sandy, or can we call it a “Southeaster” pounded the East Coast, ushering in winter in the North Carolina Mountains. Over nine inches of natural snow, cold temperatures and round the clock snowmaking provided the perfect elements for Sugar Mountain Resort’s unprecedented early opening and first time ever October opening. In its 43 year history, Sugar Mountain Resort’s earliest opening was on November 5th in 1976.

Snowmaking began Sunday evening, October 28th and continues around the clock. A six to thirty inch base of natural and manmade packed powder surface covers the Upper and Lower Flying Mile slopes. The Summit #1 Lift is in operation to the 3/4′s station. Special early opening lift/slope ticket prices are $30 for a full-day session and $25 for a half-day session. For a real time look at the slopes through the live, streaming web cam please log on to www.skisugar.com/sugarlive.