Community lives in the North Carolina Mountains - Overlook Brasstown

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) June 5, 2009 -- Overlook Brasstown is a natural handcrafted mountain view community which has been over 2 years in the making.

Located between Murphy and Hayesville in the Brasstown community, the Overlook features log-sided, timber frame and craftsman homes in a natural green setting. Private 1-3 acre homesites with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains are nestled in the forest which has been under a conservation program since the 1950s.

A majestic timber frame pavilion with full kitchen is tucked into the hardwood forest next to a mountain stream that winds through the property. A natural hiking trail that includes 5 acres of green space is located along the stream and is pleasantly cool on hot summer days.

Over 50,000 gallons of hydroseed were planted in an effort to make the Overlook even more green than it was before. Conservation measures were taken at every opportunity including silt fences, silt traps, matting banks, plunge pools, waterbreaks, and applying straw to protect the newly planted grass.

As a member of the Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition, Overlook Brasstown makes every effort to protect the local environment. Many local businesses and individuals helped in creating this handcrafted mountain retreat. The unique talents and skills available in the Cherokee and Clay County areas are truly amazing.

A historic replica mill is being completed at the entrance and features 130-year-old timber and cast iron light fixtures recently removed from a cotton mill built in 1880. Overlook Brasstown is very respectful of the history and traditions of the area and plans to feature them at every opportunity.

The Brasstown Art and Music Fest will be an annual event celebrating the unique characteristic that have made Brasstown what it is today. It is a free event for everyone and will highlight the best food, music, culture and art from the area. The fun starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 27.

The artist response has been very strong with many talented artists attending from North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Florida. The Barker Brothers are headlining the music bill with several more entertainers being added.

David Goldhagan Art Glass will be one of the artists that will be displaying artwork. “I’m happy to participate in such a worthy cause,” Goldhagen said.

The Fest has an additional focus that involves giving back to the community. The local area has been hit hard with the slower economy, and the food banks in Clay and Cherokee County are nearly empty.

Overlook Brasstown will help several local organizations feed hungry people. The Methodist and First Baptist churches have worked very hard to keep up with the need, as has the Star Touring and Riding Association. Star Touring raised enough money to have a semi trailer loaded with food delivered to the food banks. They have worked very hard and Overlook Brasstown is proud to announce their support as a sponsor of the event.

The Methodist and Baptist churches have always been there to lend a helping hand to the hungry and their efforts should be recognized. Ingles Markets is a new sponsor and will have a collection point for food items at their store location the weekends of June 19 and June 26. Eller and Owens Furniture is donating the use of their trucks and employees to assist in collecting and transporting the food items. We are asking for donations for food items or cash at the Brasstown Artfest no matter how small. Jamie Keener of Cricket Hollow designed the colorful flyers you see around town and she is tirelessly helping the fund-raising efforts.

The surrounding community is a beautiful historic area with the internationally acclaimed John C. Campbell Folk School, well known Ridgefield Farms and local favorite Clay’s Corner next the artistic shops of Brasstown Village. Clay’s Corner and the Brasstown Community Center are the social hubs of the area and the center offers a strong summer lineup of top entertainment on the second and fourth Saturday evenings all summer.

For details about Overlook Brasstown, call 835-7416 or visit their Web site, www.OverlookBrasstown.com.

The Cherokee Scout is the largest publication in far-western North Carolina, serving residents and visitors since 1889.

More information can be found online at http://www.overlookbrasstown.com