BILLY BOB’S

If you find your travels bring you to Winston Salem, you should make a point of stopping in at Billy Bob’s Silver Diner for a meal.

The diner is decorated in period style, meant to take you back to those swinging 50s and 60s. With lots of chrome and neon lighting this place is a bright spot even on the grayest of days.

And the menu is a pleasant surprise; this is NOT your typical greasy spoon. With things like Asian Orange Chicken on the specials board and steak on the main menu, everyone can find something that is to their taste.

Tucked away at the end of Hanes Mall Blvd (just past the Target shopping center) Billy Bob’s is worth the extra minute or two to get there.

OUTDOOR DRAMA!

I’m sure there are many young people today that have no idea what a drive in theater is. The idea of sitting in a car with a speaker hooked to the window and kids in their pajamas watching a movie through the windshield probably sounds funny to them in their high tech world.

But if you’re in Mount Airy this summer, you can experience the drive in theater for the first time or all over again at the Bright Leaf Drive In on Rt 52 (Andy Griffith Highway).

This drive in has been in operation since 1955 and the current owners are brimming with enthusiasm as they continue to make improvements. The drive in may be dead in other parts of the country, but here in Mayberry, there’s a double feature every night!

We hope you get a chance to enjoy this icon of American Cinema soon and don’t forget to visit the snack bar!

THE ARTS IN SURRY COUNTY

While Surry County may be a rural area with a low population density, there is no shortage of talent around here and no shortage of venues in which to enjoy it.

The Surry Arts Council does a great job of bringing a variety of entertainment to citizens and visitors alike. And once you visit their website HERE, you’ll be amazed to learn that this is a largely volunteer group.

The showcase of the Arts Council is the Andy Griffith Playhouse but there is also the Downtown Cinema and the Blackmon Amphitheater. Plays, bands and special guests provide a diverse menu of arts for every taste.

During the summer, the hills are alive with the sound of music and the Blackmon Amphitheater is the perfect venue to showcase musical groups all summer long.
Summer is here so, come celebrate the season with us!

MORE GOOD NEWS FOR HOME BUYERS!

From an article in REALTOR magazine titled: Tax Credit Can Be Used for Down Payment

“Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, on Tuesday said that the Federal Housing Administration is going to permit its lenders to allow home buyers to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment. “We all want to enable FHA consumers to access the home buyer tax credit funds when they close on their home loans so that the cash can be used as a down payment,” Donovan says.

Previously, most buyers wouldn't receive the funds until after they filed their tax return, and that deterred some people from using the credit. FHA’s approved lenders will be permitted to “monetize” the tax credit through short-term bridge loans. This will allow eligible home buyers to access the funds immediately at the closing table.”

This move will make it an even better time to buy a home and help further stimulate the housing market. To find out if you can take advantage of this program, contact a reputable lender or a local REALTOR.

WHY DO I NEED A PRE-APPROVAL?

You see a house you have always loved and now it has a “For Sale” sign in the yard! You call the number on the sign and ask the real estate agent when you can see it. The agent says they will be happy to show it to you, but have you talked to a lender yet and do you have a pre-approval?

Well, no, you just saw the house and want to see if the inside is as great as the outside. Then you’ll need to talk to your spouse about it but first, you just want to see it! The agent is reluctant and now you are getting upset – why are they asking you about getting pre-approved? Your finances are none of their business!

Yes and no – while your finances are none of their business, they do have an obligation to the seller to ONLY bring ready, willing and able buyers to view the property. While you may be ready and willing, you also must be able and that requires talking to a lender.

Homes for sale are not open for tourists and the real estate agent is not a tour guide. The agent must be ever vigilant in their duties both to the seller and the buyer. There are two major reasons for insisting you get pre-approved; first you find out what you can afford and show that you are serious about buying a home and second, should your credit have a few blemishes, a reputable lender can advise you how to repair your credit so that you can qualify for a mortgage.

Requesting a pre-approval not only protects the seller but benefits the buyer. So, if you are in the market and will need funding, go to your bank or mortgage company and get that pre-approval. You’ll be better informed and prepared to find the home of your dreams!

I LOVE BEACH MUSIC!

With the sun and heat come a myriad of outdoor events in the Old North State. And to kick off the summer this May, we will be enjoying a cruise in with music and cars! Mark this date:

May 2, 2009 - Hot Nights and Hot Cars, Downtown Pilot Mountain, NC Cruise-Ins Featuring Beach Music and R&B. The Cruise-Ins will start at 4pm and last until 9:30pm. On May 2nd -Featuring music by The Part Time Party Time Band Antiques, Street Rods, Classic, Pro Street, Muscle Cars and Motorcycles Welcomed! Free Admission. Bring Lawn Chairs. For More information please call (336) 374-2353 or (336) 368-2527. Sponsored by Mt. Pilot Now.

If you're going to be in the area, join us and get to know why we love calling North Carolina home!

Yadkin Valley Wine Trail

One of the more exciting endeavors in our area of North Carolina has been the development of numerous vineyards and wineries. With the decline in tobacco production which provided vital revenue to the area, it became apparent that there would be an agricultural void that needed to be filled.

There were many people and organizations involved in creating a wine industry in North Carolina. With grants and college classes, monetary investments and labors of love, we now have many vineyards that are open to the public and a website that organizes that information. Some vineyards have their own restaurants and a few even offer musical entertainment on weekends.

Click HERE for the website and plan a visit this summer.