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The Best of the Mountains 2009
From the Spring 2009
Issue
We at Mountain Homes love this time of year. It’s our chance to throw bouquets at all the wonderful cities, towns and communities that make up the Southern Mountains … from bits of Maryland through the Virginias, Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee, even a little of Alabama. And while we continue to gather new communities - now approaching 350 - we see the same emphasis on unspoiled beauty, natural landscapes, preservation and the simple joy of living in one of America’s most richly blessed regions. That makes picking the best a challenge. To guide us, we called on staff members and editors, as well as the reading public. Thank you all for your suggestions and candidates. Here are the results.
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Best Surprise Amenity
Astronomy Center, The Preserve at Little Pine, Marshall, N.C. Residents will find a stargazer’s dream at 4,200 feet. The facility will feature an observatory with an electric roll-off roof. A laptop computer will control a 16-inch Meade f/10 Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope attached to a Paramount ME robotic mount. A multi-purpose photo and visual telescope also will be available for use. 866-658-8441; littlepine.info.
Family Fitness Center, Governor’s Grant at the Club, Bristol, Tenn. Catering to all ages, this state-of-the-art facility stresses recreational activities such as raquetball, basketball and tennis. Residents also can swim in the competition-size pool or exercise in the fitness room, complete with cardio and weight
equipment. 423-534-9039; governorsgrantattheclub.com.
Mountainside Grotto Spa, The Retreat at White Rock Mountain, Lewisburg, W.Va. Developer Charles Ausburn emphasized the need to preserve much of the community’s natural surroundings. The grotto-style spa resembles a natural cave, appearing to be carved into the mountainside. Residents can relax and enjoy the ultimate massage from the spa’s wall jets. It’s an escape inside the mountain that offers spectacular views of The Greenbrier’s golf courses. 866-303-8439; theretreatwv.com.
Ski-In/Ski-Out, Sawmill Village, Snowshoe, W.Va. For the ultimate skiing experience, residents of this private gated community can hit the slopes right outside their front doors. Ski-in/ski-out access allows homeowners in Sawmill Village immediate fun on the slopes as well as the privacy of a secluded retreat. 304-572-2407; sawmillvillage.com.
Read the complete
article in the new Mountain Homes, now available
at bookstores, on newsstands or by calling (800) 548-1672.
Or CLICK HERE to get
your FREE COPY NOW!
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