NEWS AND UPDATES
AWAY FROM THE CROWDS
A Florida widow, Carol Redd needed peace and quiet. A change of pace. And new backyard. Then quite by accident, she found Tennessee's Red Tail Mountain. And a brand new way of life. By Amanda Atkins, Mountain Life Magazine
Q: Describe yourself and your family
Carol Redd: I'm a retired property manager, and have lived in South Florida for 40 years. For a time, my late husband and I worked together and ran our own real estate business. I have three grown children – two daughters and a son, all married and successful – and four grandchildren, as well as a significant friend.
Q: How did you discover RedTail Mountain?
CR: My friend and I took a trip to Boone, N.C., and loved the area. My daughter-in-law went to college there at Appalachian State University and the two of us visited Red Tail after my real estate broker suggested I check it out. I did. And I fell in love.
Q: What attracted you?
CR: The area. It allows me to enjoy the little things in everyday life. The pace is much slower than at my Florida residence. In the morning, I can sit on my deck and watch wild life, such as the flight of butterflies; that makes me happy I'm near everything I need and want. It's a short drive to many towns, such as Boone, but I'm not living in the congestion and noise of a city. Technology makes it easy to live in a more remote place because everything is at your fingertips when you have the Internet and TV.
Q: What are your favorite activities?
CR: Golfing and bridge. I couldn't be happy without them. I also love eating at Suba's, a small restaurant here in Mountain City with great food and run by a couple who were professionally trained in culinary arts.
Q: What does RedTail offer that your Florida home doesn't?
CR: A slower pace and a friendly atmosphere. Wherever I go in town – the grocery store, the pharmacy hardware store, church or library –people will look at you and ask, "How are you doing today?" and wait for a response. You're treated like a person, and people take pride in what they do.
Q: What makes RedTail special?
CR: It's a start-up community and isn't fully developed yet. Right now, the temporary fitness center is located next to the golf pro shop in the clubhouse. By the way, the food at the clubhouse is delicious and it's a very nice place to go for lunch, Sunday brunch or Friday evenings. There are also hiking trails, and with the natural beauty, that in itself is amazing. RedTail isn't meant for night life. It's a laid-back kind of lifestyle in which people enjoy having a conversation with the vendors at the farmer's market or growing their own herbs.
Q: Describe the scenery where you live.
CR: I have a view of two fairways and a green so I can watch golfers teeing off all day. There's an open view of trees and hills, not someone's backyard. The staff keeps things natural here and lets them blend with nature.
Q: What do you enjoy most about RedTail?
CR: What you see is what you get. There is simplicity with function. For instance, the clubhouse is elegant and upscale, yet simple and comfortable at the same time. In addition, there is an amazing golf course with a terrific director, Sam Adams, and you can have a good time here if you're not too worried about your score, but if you're a serious golfer, you have a real challenge. In short, I have all the conveniences but in a refreshing, natural retreat, and on top of that, the staff is incredibly friendly and genuine.
Q: Have you formed new friendships?
CR: Yes, the difference here is people take the time to get to know each other wherever you go. Here in the community, there's a newcomers club and I've been welcomed by the choir members at my new church and the senior center where I play bridge. I've liked everyone I've met and people at RedTail are welcoming and helpful.
Q: Describe RedTail in one word.
CR: Refreshing!
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