There is a place hidden away in the “Timeless Blue Ridge Mountains” called Stonebridge, and where the homes are nestled among some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world.

It is a place where the developers sought out old log structures, that otherwise would have been lost to progress, and brought them to this mountain to create a sanctuary for those who value the homespun traditions of the Appalachian Mountains of yesteryear.

The homes in Stonebridge are constructed with reclaimed logs, native stone and wood-shake roofs. The settlement consists of over 500 acres that is covered with native hardwoods, conifers, flaming azaleas, mountain laurel, crystal clear mountain streams and some of the most incredible views in the North Carolina Mountains. Each home site was carefully placed in harmony with its natural setting for privacy and quiet enjoyment.

Where is This Place?

You will find Stonebridge in Ashe County, North Carolina

Ashe County, North Carolina

Located in the upper most northwestern tip of the North Carolina Mountains, you will find Ashe County. Ashe County is best known for the New River, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the “arts” both visual and performing, music festivals, outdoor activities such as hiking and biking and its laid-back lifestyle. Ashe County is a springboard to the many area events in the Boone and Blowing Rock, only a thirty-minute drive from downtown West Jefferson.

The Historic Mountain Town of West Jefferson, North Carolina

The town of West Jefferson is the center of activities in Ashe County. The town has a town park, a designated “arts district,” street murals, unique shops, art galleries, a variety of restaurants and some of the most friendly people in the world.

It is also home to the famed fresco painting by world renown artist, Ben Long. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church is located in the town limits of West Jefferson and is one of the two Episcopal Churches that house frescos by artist, Ben Long. A short drive away, in the Glendale Springs community, you will find more of his work at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.

Summer events in the town consists of gallery crawls, music in the park, Christmas in July, performing arts, art shows, music festivals, a weekly farmers market and more. Ashe County Cheese in West Jefferson is a destination in itself for those who want to tour the plant to see cheese made. The retail shop at Ashe County Cheese offers freshly made cheese and a variety of local jams, jellies and an assortment of sweets.

Mount Jefferson State Park, containing over 1,000 acres of natural woodlands, hiking trails and picnic areas with elevations to 4,960 feet overlooks the town of West Jefferson.

It is now your time to visit this wonderland of clear water streams, breathtaking views, a place to relax, to dream and exist with nature.

With all the things to do in the area, Stonebridge is “the place” for a summer home or an ideal home for retirement.

Vivian Miller, owner of Ashe High Country Realty located in West Jefferson, North Carolina specializes in retirement homes, summer homes and unique properties. One of these specialties is the unique log home community that you will find at http://ncmountainhome.com/ West Jefferson is located in the heart of the “Majestic Blue Ridge Mountains” of North Carolina. If you want to learn more about living in the area, our website has interesting information as well as a video on the town and Ashe County. You will find there is something for those who want to visit for a day, or for those who want to spend a life. We invite you to tour the mountains through http://ashecountyrealestate.com/

Some of the best things to do in the Orlando area may surprise you. Central Florida is home to some of the most beautiful natural environments in the world. The headwaters of the Florida Everglades begin in Orlando, providing visitors with an up close experience with “Real Florida.”

Visitors may explore areas inaccessible by boat via an airboat excursion or with a more in-depth swamp tour, including the wetlands, swamps, and river that form the beginning of the Everglades. Both methods offer an opportunity to see Florida in its natural state. Alligators, whooping cranes, snail kite, bald eagles, wild deer, pigs, and hundreds of other species make for an incredible experience. Learn more at Boggy Creek Airboats and Kissimmee Swamp Tours.

Kayaking is another popular outdoor activity. From the novice to the experienced paddler, there is something for everyone. Kayaking is especially well suited to “birders” and photographers. Cypress swamps, blackwater forest, springs, and pristine rivers are just some habitats visitors will see as they immerse themselves in a journey along the Dora Canal, Wekiva River, Silver River and more. Combination kayaking and horseback riding tours are also available.

There’s no better place for fishing than Central Florida, which is known for the size of its bass. The area is the home of some of the nation’s largest bass tournaments, and Lake Tohopekaliga currently holds the record for a one-day catch in a professional bass fishing tournament of a 45 lb. 2 oz. bass. A number of fish camps and marinas dot the areas lakes and provide access to supplies, bait, boats, and experienced guides. Visit the Kissimmee Visitors Bureau for a listing of fish camps and related services.

Families and friends can create the natural vacation of their dreams in Orlando. And an Orlando vacation home provides the ideal location to serve as “home base” and ample room for all of your equipment. A centrally located, comfortable vacation home provides an attractive alternative to a cramped and uncomfortable hotel room with little or no storage for gear. Many homes can accommodate groups of 12 or more people.

A vacation home enables families and friends to come and go from a home equipped will a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and pool. Some communities offer additional amenities such as playgrounds, a club house, and golf courses. Professionally managed and maintained, vacation homes offer groups an enjoyable way to relax in spacious surroundings after busy days exploring and learning about Orlando’s hidden natural beauty.

Jay Van Gemeren is the owner of Vannin Property Management, LLC in Orlando, Florida. To learn more about planning an Orlando Vacation please visit http://www.vanninvacationhomes.com/.

How come people talk endlessly about Koh Samui, Thailand? Is it actually worth a trip? Well, Koh Samui is known to be the third biggest island of Thailand. It offers great new adventures which you will surely enjoy and keep you visiting even more to this wonderful place.

The place is not only excellent for a trip or visit, it’s in fact one of the most beautiful places here on earth that you would like to live in. In reality, people who visited the place revealed that they have been already attached to the place and there are some who has the feeling of not wanting to leave this place anymore. Elevated number of emigrant retirees from Western countries have been planning and moving to dwell in the country of Thailand and the island of Koh Samui is always in their list of options. The island is truly an admirable destination because it does not only offers affordable services but also provides best living standards.

Specifically, the great part about Koh Samui, Thailand is its excellent blend of marvelous climate, incomparable views, pure and clean sandy beaches, profuse and delightful dense, implausible plants, rare vegetation and animals, wonderful cuisine, numerous views, endeavors and experiences. The place has the friendliest people on earth. Healthcare is excellent and affordable while international schools are available to every one.

Koh Samui, Thailand is the best and safe place to roam if you have been searching for an excellent place. It has different comforts as well as facilities that you are longing for.

This place boasts different activities which you can learn from. You can acquire knowledge by diving to the clean crystal waters. You can also go and bathe under the sun and enjoy the genuine white sand beaches that are bordered with appealing palm trees. Visiting the coconut plantation, observe the amazing waterfalls, going on boat trips to other islands such as Koh Mae Koh, Koh Wua Talap and Koh Tao are some of the things you can do while you are staying at this place. The park for national marine is the best place to go on snorkeling. You could also choose to relax on refreshing spas available on Koh Samui.

There are abundant spas in Koh Samui Island and it provides tranquility, peace and complete anchors of expensive treatments which give you purified and refreshed feelings after the flurry of everyday activities.

If you are looking for the best Villa Koh Samui option, be sure to compare different properties before making your decision.

Over 300,000 Americans Canadians Australians, Russians and Europeans have made the North Coast of the Dominican Republic their Retirement Destination. There are many reasons why this is such a popular choice.

Beautiful Beaches and a perfect climate year round along with a stable Democracy draws people from all over the world to this island paradise. Cabarete Beach is a surfers dream come true. The small beach town hosts many international competitions drawing Kite surfers from every corner of the globe. The party town is full of quaint shops and Restaurants.

If you are looking for a beautiful Island Paradise to Retire in Sosua and Cabarete are the first place you should consider. Real Estate is priced very reasonably when you compare it to other locations in the Caribbean. Modern Shops and Supermarkets make this an easy transition for retirees.

It is a land of contrasts with the highest mountain peak and the lowest point in the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic is the second largest Caribbean nation after Cuba,with 48,500 square kilometres (18,700 sq mi) and an estimated 9.9 million people.

One of the best vacations you could experience begins when you land at Puerto Plata International Airport, rent a car and just take off, to go exploring from place to place along the North Coast of the Dominican Republic. You will find yourself cruising along a well-maintained, two-lane highway that follows the coast alongside spectacular beaches, through typical Dominican villages in and out of breathtaking, ever-changing tropical countryside. You stop at a beach here, explore a Dominican town. Take your time checking out whatever catches your eye.

If you would like a personal Tour Guide I would recommend Patrick Holoboff, a Canadian with 10 years experience on the island providing excellent service and he will customize the tour to meet your needs. Starting at $60.00 per Person per day for 2 or more people.

If you are interested in a five-star all-inclusive Dream Vacation Getaway Patrick will book you into Dominican Lifestyle Holidays at Cofresi Beach In Puerto Plata for as little as $70.00 per person per night based on two people per room.

Children 12 and under are half price. You will save 40% when you book through Patrick so be sure ta call him 809-860-2419. Nothing else compares to the quality of service and gourmet dining available through Dominican Lifestyle vacations. Take the time to find out more. You will be glad you did.

Whether you’re looking to travel around, or for place to just relax, Patrick will help you find what you’re looking for. Whichever way you choose to travel, the combination of friendly Dominicans, lively Latin culture, offbeat expatriates, beautiful beaches and unspoiled countryside all combine to make this one of the most unusual, fun, fascinating and safe places for a Caribbean Vacation.

Douglas James Lord
Your real Estate and Vacation Experts in The Dominican Republic
http://www.caribbeanexclusives.com/

A new kind of energy fills Georgetown City of Penang Island these days. The elegant 19th century shop lots are buzzing with life and activities. New business trends related to heritage living style have sprung up everywhere around the city area.

There has been renewed business interest in the areas since the listing of Georgetown as a UNESCO world heritage site two and a half years ago. Both small time entrepreneurs and more established investors are putting cash in conservation projects. Old heritage houses and shop lots have been transformed into chic eateries, boutique hotels, and charming home stays.

A classic cafe example is ‘Kopi Cine’, which is located at Stewart Lane. This delightful cafe serves Penang style coffee as well as Italian cappuccino. ‘Amelie Cafe’ in Armenian Street is another heritage cafe investment, which serves local delights prepared from fresh market ingredients. The new generation of investors are not merely pumping funds into prime real estates, but have shown deep respect for heritage and culture.

The buffer zone area has also been livening up with the establishment of ‘Hotel Penaga’. This hotel is located in the surrounding areas of Hutton Lane, Transfer Road and Clarke Street, which is a pre-war terrace of fifteen shop units. It has been beautifully restored into a boutique hotel and maintains the character of the heritage zone, while meeting the highest modern expectations for visitors, who particularly wish to experience the heritage style of living accommodation.

Investing in the heritage city of Georgetown may seem like a good idea, but it is not a simple task. The dilapidated condition of many of Georgetown’s old shop houses call for restoration and renovation. Such costs are often double the cost of the initial purchase price of the dilapidated property. But luckily these factors have not discouraged investors, comprising local Penang citizens, Malaysians from other states, as well as foreigners, from investing in heritage estate developments.

Georgetown’s heritage listing has also proved to be a huge investment opportunity and a big boost to Penang’s economy. Penang is now globally recognized as a selected destination for tourist to visit. This has also upgraded the Penang’s status as a healthcare or medical care destination. More visitors from neighbouring countries are now coming to seek medical treatment in Penang. Medical tourism enabled many people to get the benefit of high quality medical treatment with more competitive cost in medical expenses, while going on a beautiful and tranquil vacation.

The cost of getting the treatment done elsewhere aboard has confirmed to be comparatively more expensive, whereas the same medical treatment cost in Penang can be much lower, by as much as 50% of the cost abroad. Patients can get the best possible treatment available in Penang. Penang medical professionals are highly efficient and well versed in English.

Penang may be small but is full of life, and have been voted as one of the top most livable place in the world.

Get all the information the you need to know about Penang as a Selected Destination for Free And Easy Travels

Vacation has arrived, everyone wanted a vacation and enjoy the beautiful world. Many parts of world to save the beautiful places to visit. One is South African Safaris. This place is very impressive and can provide memories to you and your family. Always make time for play time into this place and get the excitement with your family. One year no problem, you will definitely feel comfortable and the world is beautiful because you can provide comfort and happiness to your family members.

Well, many other places are not less interesting place to visit. A travel services can help you to get a dream for a vacation. Australia Travel Agents is what I mean. You are willing to travel the world for a vacation visit beautiful places and historic?

Do not wait any more time, because you can run out of tickets. If you run out of tickets, then you can not vacation now. I also want to go fly to places that I want in this world. But I can only give this information only. I have not been able to go where I want. Owing to the economic circumstances that have not been free, finally I can only give information that this happy.

Bureau of vacations that I mention it is the best travel services and the cheapest. Yaps! It is according to my review. You will feel comfortable using the services of this trip. All matters relating to scenic spots in Australia and other places you can get by using the services of this trip. Well, you will add holiday fun and memorable.

Now is not the time to think again. Prepare your departure for a vacation. Immediately around the world enjoy the beautiful memories by visiting interesting places in this world. I’m sure you feel the same with me, you want to fly and go to a beautiful place that you want.

Well, I us this information so pretty. Everything is clear and you can immediately take action now. I advise you to immediately find the place you want to visit. If not from now mark it, I’ll guarantee you will be confused to visit those places. Confused why? Because too many of your choice and your time more narrow because of the holidays has begun running out.

Have you ever considered investing in a second home, time share, or fractional ownership in Mexico? Many Americans fly to Mexico each year looking for a great vacation. What they often end up finding is a place they enjoy so much they want to return year after year. The question then becomes “how can I invest in something that will be safe and allow me and my family to enjoy future vacations in Mexico?”

The option of purchasing a second home is often times cost prohibitive. Most people vacationing in Mexico are here to enjoy the sites and the beautiful beaches it has to offer. Often times those homes for sale which are close to these attractions are simply too expensive. Condos or apartments are usually just too small and not fitting for gathering the family together.

Time Shares often seem like a good investment at the time but over time can seem like a bad decision. Often times after purchasing a time share reality sets. You may end up getting stuck with monthly maintenance fees, you can’t trade the time share like you were told you could, and it’s likely much harder than you expected it to be to get out or sell the time share like you originally thought.

Fractional ownership is often a more secure and cheaper means of meeting the goal of securing a place that you can return to every year. Fractional ownership can be a house or a condo and you’re typically purchasing a set week or more of usage during a set number of years or permanent ownership depending on how it’s set up. Sometimes the set period you purchased does not fit with your schedule and the family is not able to even use the condo or house because they weren’t able to schedule around that specific week. Regardless of if you use it or not you will likely be responsible for maintenance fees and or other fees for as long as you own it.

A great alternative investment to the ones mentioned above is currently being offered in Soliman Bay along the Riviera Maya. The Jones family has created an offering to their private luxury villa in Soliman Bay which provides security, flexible vacation time, actual return on the investor’s money, and a lavish private 5 bedroom villa right on exquisite Soliman Bay in the Mayan Riviera.

The Jones family is nearing the completion of this grand estate and is looking for some additional capital to help furnish the villa and open it up for business. They currently have enough capital to complete the villa with all its finishing’s but need additional monies to purchase about half of the interior and exterior furniture. The offering they’ve come up with is just right for someone who wants flexibility in when they vacation and the security of knowing they actually have a lien against a valuable property such as this for only a $50,000usd investment. Additionally they will actually get 10% annual interest on their money while they vacation for free.

If you want to learn more about this unique alternative to establishing a place for your family to vacation in Mexico, please visit http://www.yellowfininternational.com/ for more information on the Jones Family and this real estate investment in the Riviera Maya, Mexico.

If you are interested in booking a holiday cottage to stay in and finally enjoy some well-earned rest and relaxation, then you may be interested in a few tips to help you in your cottage booking decision.

Firstly, what do you (and your partner/family) want from your holiday? The requirements you have and the things you want to do during your stay can directly influence your choice in cottage and vice versa. Are you more interested in an activity based holiday or are you looking for a more relaxing time?

So secondly, the location of the holiday cottage is vital to achieving your holiday aims. If you want activity, ideally your cottage will be central to many attractions such as theme parks and more sport related pursuits such as water skiing and so on. You may however, want to take leisurely walks or relax on a beach for most of your holiday, the more central your cottage is with the least required travelling, the better.

If you want to experience as many attractions as possible during your stay, you’ll want to be within reasonable driving distance of as many as possible. Attractions can cater for both the active and passive holiday maker, with the aforementioned theme parks on one hand and beautiful, relaxing gardens on the other.

The amount of travelling you have to do from your cottage to any attraction or convenience such as grocery stores and so on, should also be factored in. Travel takes time and money and, unless that’s what you want, the location of your cottage is pivotal in how much travelling you may have to do.

One of the first things on your mind when looking or browsing through possible cottages in a brochure or online is the cost. The cost for a holiday cottage will normally vary according to the time of year, when you will expect to pay more during holiday periods such as summer holidays or Easter/Christmas/Bank Holidays than at other times of the year – if you can get a cottage at an off-peak time when the weather is still good you can save a lot.

How big is the cottage? An important question since you may be booking for a whole family or for just yourself and your partner, guides both online and in brochures will tell you.

Lastly, but by no means least, your online guide or printed guide will tell you about the facilities offered in the cottage – facilities in the kitchen, bathroom and entertainment such as televisions and so on are often listed.

I hope this brief list of tips will help you in your quest for the right holiday cottage and save you some time and money.

If you’re looking for a holiday cottage in South West Cornwall, there are Mullion cottages available including Pippin’s cottage which is ideally located for a great holiday.

Garden lovers love Herefordshire. It’s the perfect place to meander around some of the most enchanting gardens in England.

The county, with its collage of meadows, fields and woodland, has a favourable climate and unspoiled landscape, making it a favourite area in which to choose a holiday cottage. To take full advantage of Herefordshire’s peace and quiet, here are some tranquil gardens open to the public that would complete your stay.

Stockton Bury is in Kimbolton, near Leominster and has an abundance of charm in every season. It’s a working farm that has been developed over several decades to become one of the UK’s best-loved gardens and sits among some of Herefordshire’s most prized unspoilt countryside. Set around medieval farm buildings, and with many rare and unusual plants, it covers around four acres in total.

The gardens are divided into themed areas that include The Grotto, Elizabethan Gardens, the Secret Garden, the Long Walk and Dingle Gardens among others. There’s also a working kitchen garden, pigeon house, pools, cider press, a mock ruined chapel and a tithe barn. The Tithe Barn Restaurant serves up traditional farmhouse fare (vegetarian too) using produce from the kitchen garden and farm along with other locally sourced ingredients.

Bryan’s Ground Gardens is in Letchmoor Lane, Stapleton, Presteigne, which is on the border with Wales. The gardens here have colour-themed borders, formal pools and follies in a beautiful Edwardian setting. These outstandingly lovely gardens integrate some awe-inspiring designs, which are the work of professional garden designers, and the publishers of the garden journal HORTUS.

The gardens themselves cover around three acres and they’re further set in twenty-five acres of river meadows, which offer stunning views to Wales. Divided into a series of ‘rooms’ which were begun in 1913, Bryan’s Ground offers visitors follies called ‘The Sulking House’ (complete with its own gothic garden), ‘The Lighthouse’, and ‘The Belvedere’. No one could fail to be delighted with the scented flowers, the topiary and the rose gardens.

Abbey Dore Court Garden is also well worth a visit. About 12 miles from Hereford city and sitting at the south end of the Golden Valley, it’s open from early spring until autumn. Laid out over six acres, it also boasts a one-acre walled garden with no fewer than nine borders separated by brick pathways, arches and a water sculpture.

If you’re visiting Abbey Dore Gardens, you’ll want to walk the riverside arboretum – there are plenty of seats supplied – the owners encourage you to sit and enjoy the peaceful setting. The Court gardens are close to the famous mid-12th century Cistercian Abbey so lots to look around if you’re in the area.

Westonbury Mill Water Gardens are close to the half-timbered village of Pembridge. It covers over three acres and contains ponds, a corn mill and a variety of interesting follies. The follies provide some light relief. One of them, a dome-roofed fernery, is fashioned from sunlit wine bottles and another, a castellated tower, has gargoyles that spurt jets of water.

As you might expect from its name, the Water Gardens specialise in water-loving plants and there are paths over the bog garden area to allow visitors to view the plants properly. The unusual African summerhouse incorporates bull rushes from the pond and is a good spot in which to view the wild flower meadow. The café serves home-cooked food and teas or you can sit beside the stream and take in the lovely view across the meadow to the hills.

A stay in Herefordshire wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of its delightfully peaceful gardens, many of which have specialist nurseries. Take something home for a lasting reminder of your garden visit to the county.

Choose your ideal holiday cottage at Herefordshire Cottages.

For more information on places in Herefordshire, follow the link in the resource box below.

Maureen Vincent-Northam writes regularly about the beautiful county in which she lives. To learn more about Herefordshire visit Goherefordshire at http://www.goherefordshire.co.uk/

What is new in the internet market? Renting out a property for visitors as a holiday destination is the most trendy thing out there right now. And while the advantages of the service are quite clear for visitors, looking for where to stay in a foreign country, what are the pros for the owners and how can you make the best of what you are offered? Here are some things you might like to consider, which might help tip the scales in favour of renting out your home.

Lonely in your house? What if you own a five-story house and you live on your own – no spouse, no girlfriend or boyfriend and no cats. You might feel like you are in a rut and your evenings and weekends are spent in front of the TV or pointlessly browsing the net. And you’d love some company more than anything, but you’re not eager at the thought of someone moving in with you permanently, be it a stranger or even friends or family. Well, then renting out your property as a holiday place is suitable for you. This gives you all the company you might need with no chance of people imposing or being in your way – if you don’t feel like guests, just give a polite rejection.

Experience your life from another perspective Another great advantage of renting your home out is the opportunity to see the place you live, your town, your country and your own life from somebody else’s view. This is always a breath of fresh air to a scheduled life and it delivers satisfaction. Plus, doing the activities others like to do and going to their preferred places might turn out to be quite enjoyable and you might end up discovering some new interests or hobbies you’d like to try out – things that you were either too afraid or too embarrassed to do or simply things that never crossed your mind could be interesting.

Make some money on the side While renting out your property as a holiday home is not going to provide a steady cash flow, unless you’re a very popular destination, it will still put some money in your pocket. Add this to the advantages of having company and spending time having fun and you have the full package. And by no means does your place have to be a super luxurious villa or mansion – what travellers pay for is not so much the lux, as much as the company, the friendly local host and learning the foreign culture and customs from someone who knows what they are talking about. So, if they are looking for the same thing as you are, what better way to make some money?

To rent out your property as a holiday home to visitors in one of the most popular website out there, go to http://www.wimdu.co.uk/. Wimdu is a holiday rentals website, which is constantly growing in popularity and feedback and reviews from both owners and guests are available. Find out more at http://www.wimdu.co.uk/blog/windu.