Asheville ECO-GREEN Real Estate

It  seems to me (and how about you?) that there's a "solar-tie" between all of us-- no matter where we stand in the annals of history.

EXAMPLE: Our on-going relationship with the sun in terms of  light, warmth, and growth.

 I've noticed that here, in 2008, we human beings seem to have developed a keen interest  in the advantages of becoming sun-partners in terms of energy efficiency.

Photo I took at Hickory Nut Forest Eco-Community. Experts look for SUN...

NOTE: This eco-community is aiming for a net sero energy goal!

As the sun rose this morning, I mused about how things stay the same in different ways. 

The  Sun God RA,   whom Egyptians purported sailed daily around the Earth in his sunboat  guarding the power of the sun, might today be pleased to note that we still "guard" the power--but now we do it by utilizing passive solar design, and solar arrays (among other things) in GREEN -BUILT homes  and office buildings.   But what about taking advantage of solar power if a remodel is on the agenda? That could be a boon.

And that's the subject of this post.... Remodeling to bring in light and warmth.
And this is nothing new.

 Back in the mid-1700s Queen Maria of Portugal was into remodeling, on a majestic scale.  If it didn't happen overnight, that was OK with her. In fact, Queen Maria  took many, many years to bring light to her country "Second/Vacation Home". (Nowadays, "overnight" might mean months, not years.)  

This portrait, courtesy of Wikipedia.

                               As the story goes, Queen Maria left the remodeling details to the experts. Did not so much as visit her remodel- until, finally overcome with curiosity,  the Queen could wait no longer to see the changes .Off she sped to the mountains, arriving in full light to marvel at the illuminated gold carvings, and gold framed mirrors throughout . How they lit up the interior halls reflecting the tracery of the Pensile and Malta gardens. 

As Queen Maria admired her surroundings, her courtiers flung open the garden doors. Sunlight poured in. The mirrored rooms flashed sun-filled beams reflecting nature's bounty.   "Que Luz!," she exclaimed. "What Light!." 

Certainly RA, sailing about in his sunboat, could have enjoyed that moment hundreds of years ago, but back to the present!   Let's revel in our own  "green" rehabs, solar-powered delights and connections with the sun. It is amazing how we have evolved over the years. These days, we can pull together  a stylish, comfortable, and beautiful "palace" that is also non-toxic and eco-friendly.

Take a look at this solar array and imagine what it  could do for you!

photo of solar hot water heater courtesy of Wikipedia

 Here in Asheville, North Carolina, modern-day hub of sustainable innovation, eco-developers,green builders, and adventures in green real estate  we, like those  who came before us, are really getting into Solar Power..but in novel ways.

Want to know... Why? Where? What? and How?

Check out Part II of this Series. 
It follows. LMKWYT!

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Read  GREENOLINA'S  newsabout mountain and valley  neighborhoods, real estate,  local  day trips, picnics, and  ecotourist attractions you'll just love.   Curious about green building, remodeling and green communities ?  You can start here ...Then...Subscribe to Greenolina's  "Green Wheels" BLOG.   

__~o
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(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............and always remember that " poets are soldiers that liberate words from the steadfast possession of definition." -Eli Khamarov  ...  We are in a sustainable  world, so dream that world and make it happen!. .........................    .............

The Eco-Steward Firm, Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved

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Part II. SUN POWER.

It is amazing how we have evolved over the years. These days, we can pull together  a stylish, comfortable, and beautiful "palace" that is also non-toxic and eco-friendly. Here in Asheville, we are really getting into Solar Power.

Just today I heard about  a Hands-on Workshop: Building a Solar Water Heater, that will take place at the Long Branch Environmental Education Center.

Here,  ladies and lords, you can learn about a solar design even RA may have envied. It is "the essence of simplicity: Put  water holding tanks in an insulated box, with glass on the side facing south and fill it with water. No moving parts, nothing to break down, free fuel and no pollution."

 You do NOT need building skills (though architects, engineers, and building contractors are welcome), and you will be most welcome. Workshop leader is a solar designer, inventor, and builder with tons of experience who holds an international patent on a unique solar device.

Expect to discover:

• Basic Design Principles- radiation, available solar energy in various parts of U.S., emmitance, absorption, reflection, transmissivity, reflector types, conduction, convection
• IPSWH Design - placement, performance related to slope and orientation, color, heat retention, glazing layers, shutters, shades, insulation, reflectors, sizing, hot water needs, backup system, construction, concepts for virtually free solar water heaters, concepts for advanced solar water heaters
• Operating an IPSWH - reflector adjustment, open lids, conservation or staging of hot water use
• Backup Heating - wood stoves and heaters, gas, electric, flash heaters
• Building Your Own - step by step guide to designing and building your own solar water heater including safety considerations

If you cannot come to see us in Asheville, you may want to connect with the Long Branch Environmental Education Center. For more on solar power, see Mary's re-blog guest  post that follows one or two below this!

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Read  GREENOLINA'S  newsabout mountain and valley  neighborhoods, real estate,  local  day trips, picnics, and  ecotourist attractions you'll just love.   Curious about green building, remodeling and green communities ?  You can start here ...Then...Subscribe to Greenolina's  "Green Wheels" BLOG.   

__~o
 -\_<,                                       
(*)/'(*)    ..........      ............and always remember that " poets are soldiers that liberate words from the steadfast possession of definition." -Eli Khamarov  ...  We are in a sustainable  world, so dream that world and make it happen!. .........................    .............

The Eco-Steward Firm, Eco-Certified® Real Estate Consultants Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved

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One of the experts to whom we refer our 1031 Like-Kind Exchangeclients has written a fabulously interesting post. He makes a great point here in terms of conservation easements and the 1031 possibility!

He writes, " The exchange would enable them to sell the easement, defer their income tax and place the proceeds into income-producing property which would supply them a way of life after farming. After this, they are still able to sell the property in the future...with the easement still in tow."

Take a close look at this post!

LAST DAY FOR AMAZING CONTEST!!!!

My Friend, Mary loves the idea of stewardship. She writes about it in terms of practical "greening" ..as you will see below.

In Madison County, North Carolinadon't be surprised to find vocal  streams, rolling pastures, welcoming  "coves" and unending vistas that take your breath away.  What's not to love about  Madison County? It's unabashed beauty might remind you of Scotland, or Ireland or Heaven-on-Earth.

There's a spirit of community here. Camaraderie. Inclusiveness. A sense of place and a sense of belonging, all exemplified  in the weekly tailgate markets. .It is all about Reconnecting with the Land; Meeting the People. Again... Heaven-on-Earth...For those of us who live and work here, that's how it can feel.

Today I'm taking you on a short drive north of Asheville, NC (about 18 minutes) to the tailgate market in Marshall, NC.Look out your window as we drive the scenic (excellently maintained) country roads. Do you see tobacco crops? Quite a few of them, actually? . That's because Madison County is the largest burley tobacco producing county in North Carolina. In fact, there are approximately 2,350 farms with burley tobacco quotas.

A decade ago, burley tobacco accounted for $10 to $12 million for agriculture income annually. But recently, as you may suspect, the demand for tobacco has been on the decline. Not to be defeated, local farmers have become creative. Crops are changing, and farmers are diversifying, and we are  moving into sustainable agriculture.

That is one reason why Marshall's tailgate market exists.

And wait until you see where it is located. (see photos I took during my tailgate market visit)

 Under huge, old trees, the Marshall tailgate market decorates the banks of the  French Broad River every Sunday during the season.

Park your car and walk over to the colorful tents, produce, crafts...and PEOPLE!

Today expect to meet a master craftsman, a gourmet meatball sandwich chef, some political activists, musicians and local growers. 

It's a community get-together where laughter and good-things abound. We will be able to enjoy the harvests of the most amazing ORGANIC crops.

Sundays on the Island
Cross the river at the Courthouse on Main Street
Marshall, Madison County
Sun 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Starts April 20, 2008

Meatball Sandwich, Anyone? 

MMmmmmmm! Dee-lish-UHsss!

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Read  a l.ocal expert's news about mountain and valley  neighborhoods, day trips, picnics,
and local ecotourist attractions you'll just love.  /\ Check THIS out /\  Curious about green building, remodeling and green communities ?  Subscribe to Greenolina's  "Green Wheels" BLOG.   

__~o
 -\_<,                                       
(*)/'(*)    ________________________________________________________________________

WE are IN a sustainable  world. 

This isn't really news to those of us who predicted it. But, even on second glance,  taking another look at ordinary "non-green" buildings as compared to nearby " green" buildings, still ignites a broad smile on the faces of both REALTORS®  and our clients/investors. .   What generates that reaction and is $$$$weeeeet Music to my  ears  ?

Add it up and tell me if it sounds good to you. . ..

Happy inhabitants.
Savings in energy costs.
Savings in $$$s.

1.Green buildings have higher occupancy rates, and added ROI.

• 2. Green buildings have lower variability in occupancy  and added ROI.
• 3. Green buildings are higher quality - 79% are class A compared to 35% in comparison buildings. This adds up in $$$.
•  
• 4. Green buildings tend to have more on-site amenities such as retail shops, mail rooms, and exercise facilities. This adds up not only in quality of life, but in financial gains.

As a 1031 investor, adding this all up, I might  be inclined to "listen up". . .but what about the background research?

Certainly green building concepts have changed the way we design, construct, operate and generally, think, about buildings and communities. But up until recently there has been no definitive study of the doing well by doing good "value-added factor"... 

Latest Research: We're Moving into some " SSS weet Music" in  Green Office Buildings.

In a newly released working paper authors John Quigley,  Piet Eichholtz, and Nils Kok  discuss the economic value of green building certification in the commercial sector.  They matched publicly available information on 694 certified green buildings.  According to the research, the authors deduced that " at a generalized cap rate of 6%, conversion of a non-green building to an equivalent green building would add more than $5 million in market value." 

" Is this the elusive  'value-added' factor"?, I wondered  Possibly. So. I began delving into more researchvia the WWW and the UNCA Library.  What I have came up with is that this  study, along with a good review of other  literature and case studies, finds that not only are green buildings good for the environment, provide healthier places to live and more productive places to work, but that they can command higher rents and prices, attract tenants more quickly, reduce tenant turnover and cost less to operate and maintain. Care to do a quick perusal?

Resources:

Jetson Green  a daily updated web magazine that's obsessed with green building, sustainable architecture, good design, clean technology in the built environment, and eco-friendly development. I subscribe to this Ezine. You may enjoy it, too.

 GreenBuilding.com There are tons of  green building ideas on this page. While they my not be  for complete, they are interesting and I think, relevant, especially if you are interested in  combating today's increasing energy costs and raising the value of your home. 

Green Construction Purchasing  and the GPC Wire offering the latest news on topics such as:

Green extends to blacktop 08/14/08
(PressOfAtlanticCity.com)
Kirsch Center wins LEED Platinum 08/13/08
(MercuryNews.com)
Green neighborhood development debuts in Omaha 08/11/08
(REjournals.com)
Newsom signs groundbreaking green building ordinance 08/11/08
(CaliforniaChronicle.com)
Looking to score some LEED points? 08/11/08
(ZDnet.com)
Peet's Coffee & Tea earns LEED Gold for coffee roasting facility 08/06/08
(Costar.com)
A green station for the folks in blue 08/06/08
(StarTribune.com)
NSF earns LEED Silver certification 08/04/08
(EPOnline.com)
Las Vegas bets on environmentalism 08/04/08
(USAToday.com)

 US DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY: Building America: NAHB Green Home Building Guidelines . The NAHB Green Home Building Guidelines, consisting of a Checklist and a User ... value is accomplished by way of consensus among the members of the green home ... 

Let me know what you think. . .

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Read  a l.ocal expert's news about mountain and valley  neighborhoods, day trips, picnics,
and local ecotourist attractions you'll just love.  /\ Check THIS out /\  Curious about green building, remodeling and green communities ?  Subscribe to Greenolina's  "Green Wheels" BLOG.   

__~o
 -\_<,                                       
(*)/'(*)    ________________________________________________________________________

WE are IN a sustainable  world. 

The Amazing (though small) MARS HILL Tailgate Market.

It's a mild August Saturday morning, and I'm  on my way to the Madison County Tailgate and Artisans Market in Mars Hill, NC . 

You may not be able to tell from this photo, but it is right on the campus of Mars Hill College!

This college is a bit of history in and of itself! . It is a liberal arts college founded WAY back in 1856.(For more on the college and Mars Hill,  see my college and small towns around Asheville series.)

Summer's here, the mountainsides are blooming and the dear old trees are deepening to even deeper shades of green.

Coming into Mars Hill, I spot the tailgate market  just over the hill. Now it occurs to me. . .I love the idea of sustainable agriculture and sustainable practices that bring organic fruits and vegetables to the tailgate markets in and around Asheville.

Today, there  appear  to be just about twenty vendors down in a sheltered parking lot on Mars Hill College Campus Drive. Small can be good, you know. Gives one a chance to be neighborly. Suddenly, I'm wondering what it looked like back in 1856. ..and who was talking with whom WAY back then.

Speculation aside, it is obvious that this tailgate market, though smaller than those I've told you about in previous posts (Asheville City Market  and UNCA sponsored tailgate market), still has much to offer.  There is, for one thing,  that special quality that gives the market experience a particular and pleasing atmosphere. You could say it is a "human scale" delight. Reconnecting with the land and meeting the people means so much to me...how about you? 

FINDS: Good organic produce here-tomatoes, cukes, squash and blueberries,  and my favorite-of-all-time chevre from Spinning Spider Creamery. Don't miss this!   Outstanding crafts, bedding plants , jams and jellies are here, too...and baked goods that satisfy the hunger for authentic ingredients and baking  that feeds the spirit. 

Gail Lunsford from Wake Robin Farm Breads is one of the regular vendors. . She does her baking in a wood-fired brick oven on a farm that's been in the family for 150 years. Wake Robin Farm is out in the Sandy Mush Community. (More on this in another post)  Good to know that if you live in the Greater Asheville area, or you are visiting, you can find Gail's breads at the tailgate markets at UNCA and at the  French Broad Food Co-op.  

Tomorrow I'm going to pack a picnic basket for LPS with apples, bread, and an out-of-this-world jam from an "old-timer" at the market. Maybe I'll toss in some decadent cookies and white peaches....

Resources:

 All the Asheville area Tailgate Markets are mentioned in the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project's Local Food Guide. the Guide lists:

· 180 family farms
· 38 apple orchards
· 36 U-pick farms
· 20 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms
· 31 farm tourism destinations
· 20 roadside farm stands
· 8 wineries
• 39 farmers' tailgate markets

 Madison County Farmers & Artisans Markets  : Mars Hill Tailgate Market

Madison County, NC Farms   "Nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Madison County is home to over 1500 rural, family farms.  From farm tours, pick-your-own berries, choose and cut Christmas trees, and horseback riding, Madison County offers many things to see, do and buy...." 

RESEARCH--Fascinating Madison County History!  It's a good-guess that my friend the  well-known author D. Silver  will be delving into some research on Madison County...maybe from the College Campus (see photo)  

THAT should prove to be a good read on Mars Hill and Madison County history in the not too distant future.  The Silvers, by the way,  are stewards  of 20+  amazing acres in Madison County. I'm thrilled that the ECO TEAM at Our Firm found the acreage with vocal stream and oak barn for them.

Festivals::

Bascom Lamar Lunsford Mountain Heritage Festival  The 41st annual Bascom Lamar Lunsford "Minstrel of Appalachia" Festival will take place October 4, 2008 on the campus of Mars Hill College from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m  (Look for my post on this event!! Some time in October, 2008) 

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Read the latest news about mountain and valley  neighborhoods, day trips, picnics, and local ecotourist attractions you'll just love.   Check THIS out/. . .Curious about green building, remodeling and green communities ?  Subscribe to Greenolina's  "Green Wheels" BLOG.   

__~o
 -\_<,                                       
(*)/'(*)      

WE are IN a sustainable  world

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A member of the ECO-All-Stars Group (about 750 AR Members) Jonathan offers an interesting perspective on "greening'  home loans --in an article he wrote called "go GREEN with FHA"  I am including it here on Green-o-Lina's BLOG for review, and with Jonathan's own caveat:

" The end result of any process can rarely be guaranteed, but when done correctly on a purchase loan with an experienced loan officer and knowledgeable REALTOR home buyers can successfully use a FHA 203K loan to create a custom designed home with substantial equity from day one. .... If done correctly FHA 203K loans are one of the absolute best and most useful loan products on the market.

Recently I  bumped into such an interesting discussion on green building trends on the tube. If you are interested in trends in our industry in terms of sustainable design,here's a bit of information that seems pertinent . As I sat glued to the screen, I thought of my pals at AR, real estate professionals and our clients, especially those looking to the future. So, I took notes.

The discussion took place right here in North Carolina where sustainable innovation is spurring the imagination in the real estate industry these days. In fact, WNC Healthy Built Homes® (see photo I took not too long ago)are in huge demand here in the Greater Asheville area..

We are expecting 400 of them to be built in the Asheville area in 2008, and we don't know if  that will half cover the demand. Seems  "green" has gone mainstream. But then you know that smart buyers/investors want energy savings and efficiency these days.

The discussion spotlighted experts whose vision and projects bring to the forefront "green" designs in sync with sustainable design practices. They clued me in to valuable information to help me (all of us) predict future trends in real estate  verifying my intuition that  it is possible for sustainable design theories and "green" (environmentally friendly) design practices to come together in the architectural world.

As New Raleigh  pointed out, " The conversation was engrossing, the crowd was ecstatic . . .[oferring] the reconciliation of design with green practice through smart aesthetics with green fundamentals built in. [and underscoring] that economic incentives where important to get wide spread adoption of best practices. 

I'm watching the green trends and hoping they don't get "washed" out. How about you?

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Read the latest news about mountain and valley  neighborhoods, day trips, picnics, and local ecotourist attractions you'll just love.   Check THIS out/. . .Curious about green building, remodeling and green communities ?  Subscribe to Greenolina's  "Green Wheels" BLOG.   

__~o
 -\_<,                                       
(*)/'(*)      

WE are IN a sustainable  world

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A member of the Eco-All-Stars Group, Andrew Stone originally posted this. As I read it, I thought those of you who subscribe to my BLOG might be happy to help Andrew out with his challenge!

For my part, I can say that I think it's a worthy challenge, especially since I have first-hand knowledge of Bill McKibben. I saw Bill at a conference at Warren Wilson College here in Asheville not long ago.

His sense of humor and way with words combined with his ability to let us know the context and remedies for the challenges before us have always impressed me.

Eco-All-Star Mark Hall caught my attention with this post because he looks at possibly very challenging situations with a positive eye...THANKS MARK!

Mark asks..."... as the American dollar loses a bit of its Green-ness, what kind of benefits might we see in the area of Green living? It has been said that Americans tend to think with their pocket book, so let's look at ways to save money while drifting over to the green side. Who knows? This might catch on!

When you think about  sustainable agriculture, organic farms, eco-communities and quality of life in Asheville and the towns surrounding Her, you may wonder if this post is simply nugacity  in an otherwise (hopefully)  worthy landscape.

However, some redeeming wisdom possibly survives- especially if you are a lover of guineafowl.   So I'm gonna' take the risk, and tell this story . . .

"Which One's the Guinea?"
(A Carolina Blue Skies Local Color Story).

 Once upon a time, approximately 11 miles from downtown Asheville; or 7 miles from the where bustling Patton Avenue intersects Highway 63; or 5 miles from dear "Green Asheville's" city limits; or 1/2 mile from the new Leicester Post Office, there was a beautiful organic farm- on  Bright Blue Sky Lane-called  Asheville Farm.

Asheville Farm was, and still is to this very day home to a  "healthy, pampered collection " of Icelandic sheep, dairy goats, a small but growing orchard of chemical-free blueberries, peaches, plums, apples and pears and garden of tomatoes, peppers, and other fresh vegetables ( and- YES!-) free-range Guinea fowl and chickens!  

These happy birds enjoy   organic poultry feed of grain, minerals, probiotics and flax seedbecause they live on one of many of Asheville's organic, sustainable farms.

Committed to sustainable farming and pasturing methods, the owners of this farm also are receptive to talking with visitors about what it takes to create this environment. This is a real plus for our clients who more and more are telling us they want to learn about sustainable practices in agriculture. 

In general, here in the Greater Asheville area, whether you live here, are visiting or relocating, you will notice that people enjoy the conversation and the camaraderie about such matters. That, by the way, turned out to be a  "good-thing" for one of our clients recently....and so I'll continue with the story.

 As we toured a small, family farm just placed on the market, a number of fowl- some golden, some black, some with red combs some  bald-headed but otherwise feathered creatures noisily greeted us.

"Oh Look," our client cooed, pointing with delight at the bald creature, "What's THAT?"  To which our host, the farmer replied with a smile, and a mini-dissertation on guineafowl, the essence of which I've tried to capture below. But first...I'm just curious...would yourecognize one if you saw a guineafowl?... "Which One do You think is the Guinea?"

"Which One's the Guinea?"

 An organic farmer's mini-dissertation on guineafowl with a few words and photos added courtesy of Wikipedia. 

 "  Have you ever raised guineas?  If you have, you know what good ‘watchdogs' they can be and how they help control ticks and snakes in the yard...."  This is a family of insect and seed-eating, ground-nesting birds resembling partridges, but with featherlessheads and spangled grey plumage.

Helmeted Guineafowl from Namibia. 

Photos of guineafowl are  courtesy of Wikipedia.

The Helmeted Guineafowl (seen in this  photo) has been domesticated and introduced  to various farms around Asheville and across the USA and Europe.. .Check back soon for more local color and stories about Asheville's sustainable agriculture: Eco-communities, organic farms & farm life and bright blue skies.

 Resources:
Video Two guineafowl preening and feeding. Murchison Falls NP, Uganda (ssp meleagris). © J. del Hoyo / Lynx Duration 29 s Recorded 30 August 2006 Added to IBC 16 February 2007 Play video

We could have used some gunineafowl here!  

And remember: "A hair in the head is worth two in the brush" -Oliver Herford, writer and illustrator (1863-1935)

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Read the latest news about mountain and valley  neighborhoods, day trips, picnics, and local ecotourist attractions you'll just love.   Check THIS out/   ~  Curious about green building, remodeling and green communities ?  Subscribe to Greenolina's  "Green Wheels" BLOG.   

__~o
 -\_<,                                       
(*)/'(*)      

WE are IN a sustainable  world. 

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My colleague, Jeff wrote this post. I am sharing it with you here as it may be helpful information.

There are rumbles in the countryside. Becky and Bruce are praying this means rain, but it's been a dry, dry summer thus far, and rumbles or not, the sun is hot and so are we.

 Luckily, we know where the enormous old shade trees and cooling waters of Hickory Nut Creek (see photo)can be found. So, today we headed out for a picnic. In our basket was the usual lettuce and tomato to combine with home-baked bread(see the series on Asheville's tailgate markets) for sure-but something was missing!

As we rode south and east of Asheville (see map) to Hickory Nut Forest Eco Community, where over 800+ Acres of Conservation Land, adjacent to 25 or so acres where an Ecovillage  soon will unfold along the boundary, we stopped at the nearby CSA to round out our fare.

  John and Janet asked us just last week what a CSA is.  According to Local Harvest,  a CSA  (Community Supported Agriculture)is a way for the those of us who do not spend our lives on the land farming to create a relationship with a farm , even if we so choose, to receive a weekly basket of produce. Great idea! CSA here we come.

On our way to Hickory Nut Forest, along Route 74A(just about 15 minutes from downtown Asheville)Annie & Isaiah Perkinson's Flying Cloud Farm greeted us.  Annie and Isaiah are members of Slow Food USA  an educational organization dedicated to promoting stewardship of the land and ecologically sound food production; (our Firm's mission!) reviving the kitchen and the table as the centers of pleasure, culture, and community; invigorating and proliferating regional, seasonal culinary traditions; creating a collaborative, ecologically-oriented, and virtuous globalization; and living a slower and more harmonious rhythm of life. The Perkinsons grow a large variety of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs on their  sustainable, family farm.

We love the idea of the "harmonious rhythm of life."

And that was the feeling today as we pulled up to Flying Cloud Farm's self-service roadside stand and 'you-pick' berries field. Blueberries are in seaason. This would round out the fare in our picnic basket.

After our stop at the CSA, we took to the trail for another five minutes and found the perfect picnic spot. (see photo)  

How could one ever tire of Hiking trails that  lead into 800(and more)  acresof nature preserve lands  with waterfalls, streams, cliffs and mountaintop vistas...and picnic spots such as this?

 There's never-ending bird watching,  fishing, picnicking and a sense of place that satisfies . . ..  

Resources:  

We are lucky to have a number of amazing farm stewards and CSA farms here in the Greater Asheville area. If you are not living in Asheville, visiting or relocating but find the concept intriguing, you can use this linkto find a CSA  near you.

Slow Food Asheville's  monthly newsletter which may be of interest to you

Finally, here is a link list of Asheville Area CSAs for those of you who live here, are visiting or relocating: Firefly Farm (Burnsville,NC);   Cane Creek Asparagus & Company (Fairview,NC); Green Toe Ground Farm (Burnsville,NC) ; Jake's Farm (Candler,NC);Homegrown Heritage (Candler,NC) ;Gaining Ground Farm (Asheville,NC) ; Flying Cloud Farm (Fairview,NC) ; Mountain Harvest Organics (Hot Springs,NC)  

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Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved  Asheville ECO Real Estate: Trends, Legacies & The Home Place  Subscribeto Greenolina's  "Green Wheels" BLOG and keep  those creative wheels a turnin'  

__~o
-\_<,
(*)/'(*) 

WE are IN a sustainable  world.    

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We have been visiting any number of Greater Asheville, N.C. area tailgate markets on the hunt for engaging photos about organic eats and other "good things" for sustainable living.

This has turned out to be pure bon chance . An early morning adventure is one of many reasons why the Asheville area tailgate markets are special placesfor us. But there are other reasons why we rise just after dawn (you can go much later but we like to be there first) on various days of the week  to visit the tailgate markets.  

Tailgate markets offer so much more than the scent of fresh baked goodies in the air, the sound of neighbors chatting, the warm touch of fresh farm produce, and the tastes that promise to make your meals bedazzling.

Young and old alike come together at the UNCA Sponsored Tailgate market.

Possibly the overriding reason-benefit is reconnecting with the land; meeting the people who devote their lives to bringing food from their farms to our tables.  

There's a  sense of expectation, neighborliness and excitement in the air!

(See photo I took of  young girl as she dashes on her way to share the flowers at UNCA sponsored North Asheville Tailgate Market. What a delight!)

This week, as we stroll along the rows of colorful tents beneath the huge shade trees, we are on the lookout for heirloom tomatoes and Granny's recipe for Heirloom Tomato Panzanella. (There's a close replica here.)  

According to Wikipedia,  most authorities agree that heirlooms, by definition, must be open-pollinated. They may also be open pollinated varieties that were bred and stabilized using classic breeding practices.

While there are no genetically modified tomatoes available for commercial or home use, it is generally agreed that no genetically modified organismscan be considered heirloom cultivars. We'll need 2 pounds ripe heirloom tomatoes a nice organic  red onion , organic garlic, and some fresh basil ( we have this in our own  garden).

So off we go, baskets and cameras in hand.

  Until we reconnect with some of our favorite folks from a local certified Organic Farm.  Just seeing their friendly faces reminds us of how much we enjoy reconnecting with the land; meeting the people who devote their lives to bringing food from their farms to our tables.  

Maybe one day you could meet us at the market. . .  just in case. . .

  Here's 2008  list of farmers tailgate markets provided by the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project.

If you are relocating to, visiting , or already are lucky enough to live in the Greater Asheville, NC area, take it from us, you will love visiting every one of these. You also can also get video tips on shopping at markets or find various farm to table restaurants to sample fresh local food.

Green-o-Lina's FYI:Did you know that  it takes almost 20 times more oil to transport nonlocal food compared to what you will find produced nearby which has been brought with personal care to our local tailgate markets?  

 Next stop...more heirloom tomatoes and some R&R  at Zydeco Moon Organic Farm and Cabins. We heard by the "tomato vine" that Sally's crop of heirloom tomatoes now is in full swing. Brandywines, Cherokee Purples, Lillians, Green Zebras, Hughes, all open pollinated old timey tomatoes that taste like tomatoes used to taste. Five pounds of these organic beauties will be waiting for us in the Blue Moon or Harvest Moon.

 Check back soon for our photo shoot and adventure at Zydeco Moon Farm.  

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Read the latest news about mountain and valley  neighborhoods, day trips, picnics, and local ecotourist attractions you'll just love. Check THIS out!  Curious about green building, remodeling and green communities ?  Subscribe to Greenolina's  "Green Wheels" BLOG.   

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(*)/'(*)      

WE are IN a sustainable  world. 

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GREEN Asheville area's Hickory Nut Forest Conservation Acreage and evolving eco-community is a perfect spot to picnic. Over 800 acres of conservation land surround you. Trails lead to those 800  acres and adjoin 275 acres where community buildings and an organic garden soon will expand into healthy possibilities.

Here you can spread your picnic blanket and just
   B R E A T H E.   

INSPIRATION. You can stand by a waterfall and soon discover that there are 15 or more waterfalls on the Conservation Partner's Lands. Or hike the trails leading to wildflower meadows and rock-climbing adventure.

Maybe you would prefer to spend a soft afternoon and picnic out by the heirloom apple orchard and the "grape garden"...that is if the noisy Hickory Nut Creek doesn't first beckon you to visit. . . .When you think about how much family and friends could love it here, I know you will smile.

PICNIC CONTEXT: Possibly consider the building sites with good solar-orientation so close by, while you are enjoying your day on the conservation land. Hickory Nut Forest is an Ecovillage in the making. If picnics are not enough, you could live at Hickory Nut Forest (conervation neighborhood) where you can choose to enjoy the benefits of community camaraderie and all that surrounds you. ..al the time!  

(waterfall at HNF. photo JT took recently)

LOCATION. This Asheville Area Picnic is just  a 22-30 minute pleasant drive from Asheville, N.C.. Along the way, you will find CSAs, tailgate mamrkets, and places to pick organic begetables and fruits. Asheville, as you know, has a healthy impetus for sustainable development,  diverse economic structure bases on tourism, services, and  eco-innovative attitudes.  Asheville's overall education levels, wages and per capita income levels are on the "plus" side.  Standards of living are, too.   

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(*)/'(*)     WE are IN a sustainable  world.  

It was one of those perfect, clear evenings in Asheville. Not a cloud in the sky. Good fortune for the folks arriving at the  Shindig on the Green festival. Shindig on the Green is a long-standing tradition here in the Asheville area. The summer series of family-friendly community get-togethers commences "along about sundown." and usually runs until around 10:00 p.m. 

We got there early.

Even after all these years, LXS could hardly wait to check out the "Jammin Tents" with music-makers warming up for their performances.

(see photo)

I can almost hear them now, even as I write...and I can almost see the young fiddlers' sweet expressions as they come to the jammin' tents for the very first time, novices...still a little nervous...still a little  shy...

I can almost feel the welcoming handshakes of their elders, more accustomed to the energy wrapping around these great evening performances at SHINDIG, but still generous to the core.

Since way back before most of us were born (1928),  banjo pickers, dulcimer sweepers, dancers, storytellers, singers and (my favorite) mountain fiddlers have shown up at Shindig on the Green. I think  they come not only to delight those of us in the audience, but to enjoy themselves, as we all can participate in the Mountain Dance and Folk Festival in one way or another.

We brought lawn chairs and a little picnic basket with locally grown fruits, cheeses from a nearby organic dairy, and home-baked bread secured at the Asheville City tailgate market earlier that day.

We found a nice spot beneath the huge old trees, and  settled in to enjoy the lively music and dance (see video)  traditions of Southern Appalachia.

It was, as I said, one of those perfect evenings-one of many summer Asheville Evenings in the mountains full of memories that I will treasure for many years to come.

Look just to the right in this  photo. Can you pick out the lawn beyond the yellow streamers where kids in the audience have their own place in which to dance or cavort to their hearts' content ? Possibly the very act of sharing good times with everyone in the community is one of the elements that makes Asheville a sustainable community. .

As an "old schoolteacher' I love this element in the festival. From the moment the first fiddle tunes up until the final notes, kids, parents, and grandparents can absorb the happy tradition.  Adults and kids can join when the square dance is called. It's quite a sight to see and often is comical, as you might imagine, so it is accompanied by waves of laughter and much clapping. No wonder Artists, Musicians, Dancers, Poets and Creative People love it here in the land of the "Cultural Creatives". Inspiration. . . and Pure Potential really are in the air!  . 

Yes. . . one of those perfect evenings.  Something exciting,on so many levels, arranges itself between the coves and rising ridges. And you know, YOU are invited and welcome here in the venerable Appalachians, almost as old as time itself.

The mountains, the festival, the community reminded us tonight that it actually  is easy to get in touch with something much larger than those of us who gathered at Shindig.  Maybe it is the sense of community. Maybe that's why Asheville ranks as the "Happiest City in the USA".  In any case, a gentle soul once told me,

".....there's a pathway to contentment here.
It is like the rainbows over the ridges.
It's an uncommon force.
When you see it you can measure it by your heartbeat ...
an all-at-once coming together and letting go... ." ...

and I believe it's true.

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Read the latest news about mountain and valley  neighborhoods, day trips, picnics, and local ecotourist attractions you'll just love. Check THIS  out!  Curious about green building, remodeling and green communities ?   Subscribe to Greenolina's  "Green Wheels" BLOG.   

__~o
 -\_<,                                       
(*)/'(*)      

WE are IN a sustainable  world. 

___________________________________________________________________________________