Harvest is a great time of the year and the mountains have some wonderful farmland. With Labor Day coming up this weekend I started thinking about work. Our work is in the mountains and about the mountains which gives us many blessings. When you think about everything we enjoy in life, there is someone working to make it possible. The forest was created by divine design, but it takes the National Forest Service to maintain it for our enjoyment. It's the same with every facet of our life, there are many people working to make it all possible, not always by a job, sometimes our help comes from a friend, neighbor or a family member. We all are involved in making the world go around, so we all deserve a break...take one!

Labor Day kicks off the Fall Festivals in the Mountains, and there is something going on all over the mountains, join us and celebrate life.

The Heritage Partners of Murphy are offering Historic walking tours conducted by Mayor Bill Hughes and tour guide Linda Hurd of the Heritage Partners which will take you to Fort Butler and the Pyramid to talk about the Trail of Tears - Cherokee Indian Removal, Harshaw Chapel & Cemetery where Abraham Lincoln's natural father is buried and the River Walk Tour to the Leech Place of the Cherokee Indian Legend where you will find re-enactors to tell the story.

The Arts & Crafts show features original artwork and hand-made items for sale by over 30 local and regional area artisans.

Cedar Valley Farmer's Market will be on the square with a nice selection of fresh locally grown produce, honey, pickles relishes and other homemade goodies.

The Cherokee County Historical Museum celebrates its annual Heritage Day with exhibits and special events and Barbeque plates for sale.

Mountain Song Stage featuring John C. Campbell Folk School Cloggers, Bear Notes, the Blessed Blend, The Dirt Road Rascals and at 2:00 p.m. the stage is open for Jamming.

Porch Pickers & Singers at Old L&N Depot from 10 am to 4 pm

There is much more going on at the Heritage Festival, for more information, use this link.

For those of you that aren't familiar with Murphy, the Highlander has a very informative editorial on this wonderful mountain town check it out...

Events and Festivals in the Blue Ridge Smoky Mountains

Events and Festivals are a great way to enjoy what the mountains have to offer each year. Our Event Calendar is full of great events and is updated continuously, so check back each time you are looking for a great day in the mountains.

Enter to Win....

The Blue Ridge Highlander Galleries and Emporium will have its grand opening in August 2010. In the meanwhile, enter to win a museum quality Highlander photo, hand selected pottery, and other authentic mountain gifts.