Fall Color

Fall color typically begins in early October and lasts for as long as six weeks. While the region is currently experiencing summer-like weather, cold fronts are on the way and leaf color changes are in the very early stages. Floridians seeking mountain color changes and cooler temperatures should be making plans now to visit the mountain and lake regions for a showcase of deep colors during the middle to latter part of October. The diversity of plants and trees, along with the changing terrain in the Appalachian Mountains, cause vibrant colors and typically a longer fall season. Visit www.FloridaHalfbacks.com to find your place in the mountains!

Log Home Living

Dreaming of a log or timber home? The Log and Timber Home Show is coming to Tampa, FL on November 16 – 18 at the Tampa Convention Center. You don't have to trek across the country to speak one-on-one with leading log and timber providers because they're all under one roof! And if you’re looking for a leading mountain builder and realtor of log homes, look no further. Cedar Log Homes of Kingsport, Tennessee has been building dream homes for over 30 years! With over 50 stock plans available, you are sure to find the perfect log home.

Wine Time

There is no better time to visit a winery than harvest time. September and October are popular grape harvest months. Many of the wineries host special harvest celebrations. Yadkin Valley Wine Tours in the North Carolina Piedmont region has several weekend tour dates through early December.

Preview of Fall Color

Mid-September through October is when the color change in the deciduous trees really begins. If you’re looking for fall color, check out these scenic mountain drives:

· Blue Ridge Parkway
· Cherohala Skyway
· Big Walker Mountain Scenic Byway
· Mountain Waters

DIY Network’s Blog Cabin

Blog Cabin is DIY Network’s newest hit series, featuring popular expert hosts who pitch in to bring the Kinzel Springs retreat to life. Watch them build the cabin one blog at a time.

From February until early April, 2007, DIY Network.com invited visitors to vote each day on 13 design areas for a future cabin to be built in the Great Smoky Mountains. Thousands decided on such areas as the floor plan, roof, countertops, even the front door. Don’t miss a minute of the entire Blog Cabin television series, airing Thursdays at 9 pm on DIY.

The Tale of Two Smith Lakes

Floridians love the serenity and carefree lifestyle associated with lake living. Within the FloridaHalfbacks region of mountain and lake destinations, are two very special lakes named Smith, each with it own unique character and abundant vacation and relocation opportunities:

Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia
is a large artificial lake southeast of Roanoke, Virginia, and southwest of Lynchburg, Virginia. The area lies in a broad valley nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of rural south-central Virginia of the Appalachian chain. The lake is 20,600 acres and has over 500 miles of shoreline.
Smith Mountain Lake has become a popular recreational area. Fishing is very popular, especially for striped bass. The lake has hosted professional fishing tournaments. Boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, and riding personal watercraft are also common activities. Smith Mountain Lake State Park opened in 1983 and provided a beach and a section for swimming. Golf at one of the several nearby courses is a popular landside activity.

The lake was featured prominently in the 1991 movie comedy “What About Bob? “, directed by Frank Oz and starring Bill Murray, Richard Dreyfuss and Julie Hagerty.

Smith Lake, Alabama
Like a diamond that is deep, clear and blue, Lewis Smith Lake is one of Alabama’s treasures. Located in Walker, Winston and Cullman counties, this 21,200-acre lake is different than most other Alabama reservoirs with dozens of different feeder streams, winding bays, and sloughs. Steep bluffs cradle much of the lake, with water depths dropping as deep as 60 or 70 feet just a few yards offshore. The water often appears emerald green, and a bass that strikes a lure 10 feet down can be seen as it hits. If you typically fish a shallow body of water, then your first trip onto Smith Lake can be intimidating. Watching your depth finder jump to 200 plus feet can leave you feeling lost. However, like most lakes, the majority of bass, bream and crappie fishing is done by casting to the numerous large rocks and fallen trees along the shoreline. With 500 plus miles of shoreline, it isn’t that difficult to find fish. An hour north of Birmingham or south of Huntsville and just off I-65, the lake is easy to find.

Find your perfect mountain or lake cabin, best golf courses, intimate bed and breakfast inns, or a tranquil campground at lake’s edge. Find more information about real estate and accommodations at the two Smith Lakes by visiting www.FloridaHalfbacks.com.

Florida Halfbacks.com Expands!

Seems that Floridians looking for that perfect spot in the mountains is more prevalent than we first thought! The mountains of the Carolinas, Tennessee, Georgia, and Virginia are a true haven for Floridians. But what about Alabama's lakes and mountains? Or mountain cabins in West Virginia? Did we mention middle Tennessee's rolling hills and welcoming spirit? Or the Piedmont of North Carolina and its temperate climate? What about the Appalachia of Kentucky?

You asked...and we heard you. The staff at FloridaHalfbacks.com has just unveiled its newest regions for Floridians. Check out our interactive home page map and find your perfect mountain or lake cabin, best golf courses, intimate bed and breakfast inns, or a tranquil campground at river's side.