We stayed in a Foxhunt unit on the little lake. It is such a beautiful location. Over the past two years we have taken the tour bus trips to local scenic spots, but this year we only went on the Pisgah Forest trip to the Blue Ridge - a must do trip because it is always different due to the weather. The rest of the time we went to every water fall and trail we could find. Maps are provided that tell you how challenging the hikes are and the people behind the desk and bus drivers are very helpful for the really local spots. We walked around Fairfield Lake and came across a patch of Ladyslippers. What a delight. And be sure to ride the horses at Whitewater Equestrian! We will be back next year to do all the things we did not have time to do this year.

Wife and I booked a week at this time share to relax for awhile. What a pleasant surprise as a base for looking at beautiful scenery and waterfalls, it couldn't have been better. What a surprise to have (2) great restaurants on site (Mika's has great food ranging from pizza to pasta) and the little restaurant on site had the best crab (yes, crab) I have eaten in quite awhile. The recreation center had great indoor pools to relax and extensive gym to work out. Nice game room for kids (or kids at heart). The one bedroom condo we rented was nice and well furnished. You will either end up with a jacuzzi tub or fireplace depending on where they put you. I give alot of credit for the Monday orientation they hold where it isn't a time share sales pitch but they actually give you suggestions on what to do while you are there and answer questions. Was really nice with a large grocery store only 3 miles away to stock up and even cook your own meals if you want. We will be back as this time of year was very uncrowded and the people there are fantastic. Only reason I didn't rate as 4 stars as the door between the upper and lower condos is not soundproof and you can here the other people in the rentals whenever they are watching TV or doing dishes.

...and practice your downshifting. As one should suspect, mountain roads tend to be curvy and Sapphire Valley is no exception. Don't let this stop you. We have stayed in a number of facilities here over the last six or seven years. Admittedly, some of the smaller units have weird configurations, but one shouldn't be staying here if all you want to do is enjoy the comforts of your unit. There are so many outdoor activities to enjoy! We especially like the walk to the top of Whiteside Mountain and we have looked in wonder at many of the area's waterfalls (some of which are a tough walk to get to). In years past, we have enjoyed the Sapphire National Golf Club. It usually eats my lunch but the setting is so gorgeous you tend to forget how poorly you scored. This year, while nursing a bad back, we played the little Red Robin executive course four or five times and it is fun as well.

We started going to Sapphire Valley because it was the closest time share to Brevard, NC which hosts a fantastic young peoples' music camp every summer. We have continued to participate. The camp performances alone are reason enough to visit. Other years we have driven to the nearby town of Highland to a regional professional play house. We have also had kids and grandkids who enjoyed the "sliding rock" just outside of Cashiers. Finally, this past summer, we rented a pontoon boat and sailed all over Lake Glenville. Is this a great country or what! I am already steamed up about going next summer!

First and foremost. Buy a map and use it. Your GPS will lead you in circles. The Sapphire Area is nestled among never ending breath taking views. The roads in and out of the area are truly long and winding county mountain roads. If you own a roadster automobile take it with you. There is no short way to Sapphire and nothing outside of the immediate resort area is close. It is 90+ minutes of awesome fun-filled driving to everything outside the immediate area. The resort is a compilation of several older resort properties with only a small section of units is owned and maintained by Wyndham hence the mixed reviews by other travelers. We had a two bedroom unit in the Laurels. The units in this section are older circa 1985. Our unit was well mainteined and was very spacious. it was nicely decorated and the decks were of a good size with excellent views. The units was equipped with all the standard household items a time share trader should expect. All in all a very nice unit. The resort is older and several of the facilities in need of updating. Nothing that should ruin a vacation.

The staff was marginally helpful with the exception of the fellows at the resort's boathouse. They were awesome and quite a pleasure. Spend a day at the lake it is very relaxing and enjoyable.

The county is a dry county. Pack you own adult beverages unless you have a large check book or don't mind driving 45 minutes to an ABC store.

The golfing was excellent. Priced right and an excellent value with some georgeous, well maintained courses. Several within a 20 minute drive.

We traveled with our 11 and 13 year old daughters. They had a great time. They never ran out of things to do.

Recommend: (1) the NOC (NOC.com) for white water rafting. They were excellent and reasonably priced. A great family time. (2) EarthShine near lake Toxaway for zip-lining. The staffs of both those companies could not have been more friendly, helpful, or courteous.

The waterfalls are magnificent. Take your camera, I suggest a waterproof one. Use the map and directions from the boathouse. They are dead on target. Be prepared to walk/hike but they views are worth it. Pack lunch and go for a walk.

We will not hestitate to go back.