Marshall, NC: Experience Appalachian Living in the North Carolina Mountains Friday, 11th April 2008, 4:38pm

The short 22 mile drive northwest of Asheville, North Carolina to the town of Marshall http://www.townofmarshall.org is the road to true mountain living. Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge and Smoky mountains between Weaverville, NC and Hot Springs, NC Marshall is a thriving center of Appalachian traditions, art, outdoor sports and more. Marshall, NC is the county seat of Madison County, created in 1851 from both Buncombe and Yancey counties. The Madison County Courthouse, built in 1906, is a gorgeous centerpiece to downtown Marshall. A 2-story, Neo-Classical Revival design, the courthouse features a four stage polygonal cupola, dome roof, clocks and other architectural details.

Marshall: Incredible NC Mountain Real Estate

Marshall, NC is a place where traditional rural living meets a diverse cultural community. It is a beautiful town and a great place to work, live, play and grow. At Whisper Mountain we are located a short drive from downtown Marshall and the arts, crafts, outdoor activities and music available in this friendly, small town of just over 840 residents. Homeowners who love the outdoors and are in search of more remote NC mountain real estate can find NC mountain land for sale at Whisper Mountain http://www.whispernc.com. The land our lots sit on has been designated to help preserve the mountain heritage http://whispernc.com/community.php of communities like nearby Marshall. For more information about mountain living in Marshall, NC visit the Madison County Tourism web site, visit: http://www.visitmadisoncounty.com.

Listen to the Land: The Outdoor Exploration of Marshall, North Carolina

Madison County is approximately 450 square miles and about 73% is forest. The U.S. Forest Service manages about a quarter of the county that serves as public land. Marshall is a paradise for anyone who loves outdoor sports and being in nature. National Forestland offers miles of trails, including access to the famous Appalachian Trail. Visitors and residents of Marshall, NC enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities such as: hiking, mountain biking, river kayaking, mountain climbing, fishing, camping, horseback riding, white water rafting, skiing, snowboarding, and snow and water tubing. In the North Carolina mountains trout, bass, crappie and muskie are abundant in both streams and rivers. Excellent fishing can be found in the French Broad and the East Fork rivers or Shut-In, Big Laurel and Dry creeks. Public and private camping is available throughout Madison County and off road and on road mountain biking is popular. The French Broad River also provides moderate Class II and Class III rapids for individuals and families interested in rafting. Equine enthusiasts can experience daily horseback rides through the varied mountain terrain at Sandy Bottom Trail Rides in Marshall (http://www.sandybottomtrailrides.net) The ranch has been family owned and operated for 3 generations and offers 1, 2, 3 and 4-hour trail rides. Buggy and wagon rides can also be booked and when possible feature a visit to the 200-year old

Little Pine Garnet Mine. Marshall, NC: Preserving the Mountain Tradition of Western North Carolina Arts and Crafts

Marshall has become a hot spot for some of the best WNC artists and craftspeople, as well as artists from around the country. The Madison County Arts Council http://www.madisoncountyarts.com/mcac formed in 1978, is a community based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing creative resources and services to local artists and the public. Annual arts and crafts festivals are prominent throughout Madison County. Downtown Marshall is home to a variety of events where traditional and contemporary artists are featured.

Discover Bluegrass in Downtown Marshall, North Carolina

In addition to arts and crafts, Marshall is home to many music events celebrating the musical traditions and history of North Carolina. Mountain music lovers from throughout the region come to hear bluegrass, country, folk, rock and roll and more. On Main Street in Marshall local residents gather at the Marshall Railroad Depot http://www.blueridgemusic.org/SearchResultDetail.asp?EditRecord=164&Region, a restored train station that is now home to a cafe featuring local music and entertainment every weekend.