Category: Blog

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Saluda, North Carolina, is just quick drive from Bright’s Creek. The town exudes a quaint charm that becomes even more enchanting during the holiday season. As winter descends upon this hidden gem, Saluda unveils a collection of heartwarming holiday traditions that reflect the town’s tight-knit community and embrace the spirit of the mountains. Join us as we explore the festive customs that make visiting Saluda during the holidays a truly magical experience.

• Saluda Hometown Christmas: The highlight of the holiday season in Saluda is undoubtedly the Saluda Hometown Christmas celebration. The picturesque streets of Saluda come alive with holiday decorations during this annual event. Local businesses and residents participate in a friendly competition to adorn their storefronts and homes with festive lights, wreaths, and decorations. The result is a charming winter wonderland that invites residents and visitors alike to take leisurely strolls and soak in the holiday spirit. This year’s celebration is scheduled for Friday, December 8.
• Open House at Historic Shops: Saluda’s historic downtown is home to a collection of unique shops and galleries. During the holiday season, many of these establishments open their doors for special open house events. Visitors can explore the quaint boutiques, enjoy complimentary treats, and discover locally crafted gifts that capture the essence of Saluda’s artistic community.
• Catch Live Seasonal Music: Saluda’s rich musical heritage takes center stage during the holiday season with special mountain music concerts. Local musicians showcase their talents with festive tunes, from fiddles to banjos, the soulful melodies create a musical backdrop that resonates with the heart and history of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Be sure to check out the Cowboy Judy Christmas Extravaganza at the Purple Onion on Saturday, December 10!
• Charles Dickens Dinner at the Orchard Inn: The holidays are a special time of the year, and the Orchard Inn has created some holiday traditions of their very own. Every year, guests of the inn gather for our Charles Dickens Dinners. Dine by candlelight with readings from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens to get into the holiday spirit. They have expanded nights to the 2023 calendar, so call ahead for availability!

The foothill towns that surround Bright’s Creek come alive during the holidays. The holiday season is not just a time of year; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the timeless beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

There are so many quaint towns that surround Bright’s Creek and we invite you to learn more about what makes this region so special.

Contact our real estate team directly at (828) 600-5132 to start your journey today.

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Planning, budgeting, timing, oh my! Without the right resources in place, building a custom mountain home in North Carolina can be daunting. But at Bright’s Creek, our preferred home builders have tried-and-true processes in place that set you up for success. They bring a wealth of experience to anyone in our special community who wants to build the custom home of their dreams. With deep roots designing homes in the mountains of Western North Carolina, our trusted team knows the lay of the land like no one else. With their expert guidance, you’ll maximize your views, understand your lot’s layout and how to smartly utilize the space, get the luxe finishes and artisan materials you deserve, and discover the unique opportunities that await — all with the region’s top builders leading the way.

Whether you’re ready to be hands-on in your custom-built home process, or want to see your mountain oasis come to fruition from the sidelines, you’ll be well taken care of thanks to our highly communicative network of experts by your side.

This month, we’re bringing you exclusive interviews with our preferred custom home builders and actual homeowners who have built at Bright’s Creek. Hear from them below and learn how their unique specialties can make your mountain retreat a reality, effortlessly.   

Highland Design and Construction: A Legacy of Craftsmanship

Highland Design and Construction stands as a testament to the legacy of three generations of builders, carpenters, and craftsmen. When asked about the unique opportunities of building in WNC, their response echoed the sentiment of many builders in the region. “WNC offers many unique opportunities for a builder, especially in Bright’s Creek” said Matt Padula, President. “We find new opportunities in every person we encounter here, tailoring our services to serve our clients better.”

To keep clients informed, Highland Design and Construction relies on modern technology. “Our clients have real-time access to their projects through BuilderTrend, ensuring seamless communication and transparency,” he added. Personal relationships are at the core of their business, emphasizing the importance of understanding their clients’ vision and needs.

Morgan-Keefe Builders: Where Nature Meets Luxury

Inspired by the natural beauty of WNC, Morgan-Keefe Builders focuses on creating legacy homes that harmonize with the stunning environment. For them, the steep terrain of the region provides unique opportunities. “Because of the topography, we have the opportunity to build homes uniquely fitted to the steep terrain, which at times can allow for magnificent views of the mountains and valleys from nearly every room in a home,” said Greta Bush, Head of Marketing and Business Development. “We discuss in depth the wants and needs with the client and pair that to the best of our ability with the layout of the site, in order to maximize their happiness and usability of their home.”

Morgan-Keefe Builders keeps their clients informed through weekly reports and progress pictures, ensuring that every step of the construction process is transparent and collaborative.

Mountain Sky Builders: Sustainability and Customer Satisfaction

Mountain Sky Builders goes out of their way to ensure clients’ concerns and anxiety are addressed. “We have a proven and repeatable process from client ideas through home completion. Our mission is to assist in creating a space that integrates form, functionality, and aesthetics” said Ryan Griffin, President. “We are perfectionists with a focus on quality and keen attention to detail. We partner with our clients every step of the way to ensure that we deliver homes that match their vision” he added.

Mountain Sky Builders prioritizes customer satisfaction and sustainability. “We offer a turnkey solution to building needs, emphasizing superb quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail.” Their communication process focuses on clear, concise, and consistent interactions tailored to each client’s preferences.

AR Homes: Streamlined Dream Home Construction

AR Homes boasts an in-house team of experts, including architectural and interior designers, ensuring a streamlined and enjoyable building journey for their clients. “We’ve developed a very simple, streamlined process for building your dream home and we make it an enjoyable journey for you!” affirmed Melissa Knight, Sales Associate with AR Homes.

As several of our builders have noted, AR Homes also love building in the mountains of Western North Carolina! “This is such a beautiful area! The mountain views are breathtaking. We’re able to build homes that maximize those views. We love seeing our clients’ faces when they stand in their Great Room, or on their back deck or covered porch, or even their front porch and see the views for the first time” she added. “We’re thrilled to be a preferred builder in Bright’s Creek. What an amazing community! Their beauty is unrivaled in WNC and the amenities are wonderful.”

Living Stone: Building Happier, Healthier Lives

Living Stone Homes takes pride in building homes that are green by design, creating spaces that promote happiness and health. “Thanks to our mission of building happier and healthier lives with no regrets, you can rest assured that your dream and vision are in good hands,” assured Darrell Hess.

Building at Bright’s Creek is where our builders really shine. “Every lot offers its own unique set of challenges and topography that makes for an exciting build and a sense of pride when completed. The seasons here make for a pretty incredible backdrop, from the spring flowers of the dogwoods to the fall colors of the majestic oaks. Combine that with the people that choose to make this place home, and you can really see what makes this place special.”

Bright’s Creek Homeowners: Voices of Experience

Don’t take our word for it. We chatted with some of Bright’s Creek homeowners to hear more about their custom home-building process and learned why they fell in love with our mountain community.

“We live in France, so building a custom house while living abroad seemed crazy – until we talked to our builder. We could see he was exceptionally organized and knew exactly how to plan ahead. The house is nearing completion and we have had no serious delays or major glitches. Our wonderful on-site manager regularly sends pictures and progress updates. The communication has been excellent. What more could you ask for?” – Denise Schubert and Randy Miller

“We look forward to settling into our new custom mountain home, meeting new friends, and experiencing all the great activities that Bright’s Creek and the surrounding areas have to offer.” -Kathee & Pierre Muldermans

“We felt very comfortable the moment we arrived. We knew Bright’s Creek was home as soon as we saw it. It has everything we were looking for in a second home. Great golf course, spectacular views. The surrounding area has much to offer as well. Our builders were very encouraging and helpful. We enjoyed seeing the progress and customizing the details.” -Paul & Patty Mack

Ready to bring your Bright’s Creek home to life? With your choice of expert builders specializing in a variety of styles fit for your family, it’s easier than ever to make your dreams come true.

Contact our real estate team directly at (828) 600-5132 to start your journey today.

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Did you know that our beautiful North Carolina ranks as one of the top 10 equine states in the country? Bright’s Creek celebrates equestrian culture and community with a state-of-the-art Equestrian Center right here within the gates of our Mill Spring, NC, mountain oasis. The Bright’s Creek Equestrian Center is an incredible resource to have for horse lovers. While it’s not part of the Bright’s Creek Club Membership, it’s an incredible amenity for property owners. Just another reason why, Bright’s Creek is truly unmatched.

This month, we had the chance to chat with Heather Chambers, one of Bright’s Creek’s expert on-site real estate agents — who also happens to be an equestrian extraordinaire. Her passion and leadership were driving forces behind breathing new life into the Equestrian Center. 

Here’s what Heather had to say about it — and why if you love horses (and even if you don’t), you should book a Discovery Stay to experience our mountain community in person.

Heather, tell us about your role here at Bright’s Creek.

I’m one of the on-site Real Estate Brokers here at Bright’s Creek. I have a long history with the community and have always been an advocate for Bright’s Creek! I always thought that the Equestrian Center was a really important aspect in setting our community apart from the rest. A horse lover myself, I had the privilege of re-opening the Equestrian Center back in 2021.

What makes your location such a special place for equestrians?

We’re in an absolutely gorgeous location right in the valley surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. The topography alone is incredible. Our North Carolina Equestrian Center features about 2.5 miles of wide, shaded trails. It’s actually one of the first things you see when you drive through our gates — seeing horses grazing really sets the tone.

Our location is also close to equine destinations like the Tryon International Equestrian Center, which is very convenient for boarders and other equestrians. 

What are some of the perks and programs of the Equestrian Center that make it especially appealing?

We offer a lot of unique features that really set our center apart. Being safely gated with 24-hour security is of course a huge benefit! Our barn is a beautiful timber framed 11-stall barn. We offer a large bright gathering room for riders and guests that looks out onto our arena and paddocks. Our riding trails offer wide, flat shaded trails that meander the ridge line above the Equestrian Center. We also have an impressive outdoor arena that’s 200’ x 160’. It features jumps, new footing, and is surrounded by amazing mountain views.

We also offer group, adult, and child lessons (age 8+) by a professional trainer. Kids also love

our arena pony rides, which are like fun mini lessons. We also offer on site partial leases of one of our house horses; take your pick of River, Sterling or Charlie! This gives a rider an introduction to horse ownership without the full commitment. 

Bright’s Creek is also home to some really unique equestrian events. We host equestrian clinics

that might include riding and instruction, yoga, even painting. We offer summer camps for kids as well as adults. Guests love our seasonal events like Boo at the Barn, where kids can trick or treat at the stalls. As we grow, we’ll continue to expand our camp and clinic offerings as well.

Something really special that we host here is called Guiding Reins, which is an equine-assisted

wellness program for veterans, active-duty personnel, first responders, and their families.

Bright’s Creek is the go-to facility for Polk County. We host an annual fall BBQ fundraiser and silent auction benefiting the Guiding Reins program. Our on-site trainer has been trained in the program and it’s near and dear to our hearts here at Bright’s Creek.

Tell us more about the boarding options you offer.

We have an array of boarding options fit for the different needs of our community.  

Our Full Board service is our most comprehensive option. It includes a stall in our main barn, an assigned storage area in our renovated tack room, feed and hay, blanketing, showering, medication administering — really anything your horse needs. Trailer parking/storage is also available to our boarders.

We also offer a Self-Care Board, where a horse owner manages the needs of their horse while enjoying use of all of our top-notch equestrian amenities. They’ll also get a stall in our secondary barn as well as trailer parking.   

Finally, with our Pasture Board option, your horse spends time in our peaceful pasture and we provide all feed and hay.

If we have the space, guests in the area can also ask about our transient boarding service. Of course, borders have 24/7 access to our facility as well.

Learn more about boarding options here.

Equestrian culture is popular in the area. Tell us about some of the local resources.  

The Tryon International Equestrian Center is just about 20 minutes away and is really a global destination. They host shows and competitions, a spring steeplechase, and more. FENCE, or the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center, offers a therapeutic riding program, year-round events, and hundreds of acres to explore on horseback. 

There are also a number of popular tack shops in the area — so if you’re a passionate equestrian or just starting to explore the sport, we have so many resources within reach of Bright’s Creek.

Interested in exploring equestrian offerings open to the public or calling our Mill Spring, NC, mountain oasis home? 

Contact Heather directly at (828) 600-5132 to start your journey today.

Email Heather

The Best of Bright’s Creek: Meet the NEW Lifestyle Center and More

A world of possibility awaits at our North Carolina mountain community. From our famed Tom Fazio-designed golf course to the magical town of Mill Spring, NC and an abundance of activities, there’s truly something for everyone here. Best of all, you don’t even have to leave our gates to enjoy the unparalleled entertainment options.

This month, we sat down with Bright’s Creek’s Director of Membership and Events, Jessica Justice for the inside scoop on amenities — including the highly anticipated brand-new amenity center, The Mill at Bright’s Creek.

Here’s what she had to say — and why you should schedule a time to discover Bright’s Creek for yourself.

Jessica, tell us about your role here at Bright’s Creek.

I’m the Membership and Events Director here at Bright’s Creek. I’ve been with the team for over 13 years! I sell memberships, coordinate special events, and partner with our amazing real estate team here. Once someone becomes a member, I make sure they’re acclimated with the club, pairing them with groups and activities, and help them feel welcomed from day one.

I’m actually a native of Saluda, North Carolina, so I love being back home. To me, Bright’s Creek isn’t just a job. I feel so fortunate to be here.

Bright’s Creek has incredible features and amenities. In fact, there’s a NEW Amenity Center on the property. Tell us all about it!

One of the things that makes Bright’s Creek so unique is that we have a small, boutique feel which gives us the opportunity to do things like adding a state-of-the-art amenity center based on our members’ feedback. We asked them what they wanted — and everyone said a fitness center and pool! So, it’s really curated based on the needs and requests of our members.

We have treadmills, an elliptical, a top-of-the-line Coach Bike — even a TRX machine which was highly requested by our golf community. Now, the pros can help train people in the fitness center and help them build a great swing. Of course, there are lots of free weights and a comfortable locker room as well. Classes are coming, too! We’ll have yoga, pilates, and are also working with a professional trainer so members can book and schedule time to train. We purposely started small knowing that we’ll grow and expand with our community.

All of our members can conveniently access the fitness center 24/7 with fingerprint access or a key fob.

In addition to the fitness center, there’s a brand-new swimming pool and a two-lane bowling alley. Tell us more.

Yes! We’ve got an amazing new heated saltwater pool, which opens with adult swim time in the mornings. It features laps for exercise, too. Then around noon it opens for families, so there’s plenty of opportunity for everyone to really enjoy it.

We also have a pool bar and grill, where you can find our new Pizza oven. We are working on providing Grab-in-go menu where members can even preorder chef-prepared meals or last-minute items that they may need for home, like milk, and eggs.

Our new bowling alley has been hugely popular with families — it’s really a multi-generational space. At Bright’s Creek, we’re all about making memories and spending time together. You’ll see kids bowling with their grandparents. It’s really special.

The goal of our neighborhood is to provide families with everything they need!

Speaking of families, tell us about the upcoming children’s area.

 We’re currently exploring adding a children’s Playground area for our members’ kids and grandkids to enjoy. It will have an outdoorsy playground feel, with climbing walls and ropes. It’s inspired by our beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain views and the mountain feel that’s all around us!

Our members are thinking of everything — we’re just trying to accommodating them! We even considering adding a dog park since we’re so pet friendly here at Bright’s Creek.

Golf is a huge draw at Bright’s Creek. Tell us about your Tom Fazio-designed course and about your Club Membership options.

It’s so rare to have a course designer visit, but we’re thrilled that Tom Fazio hosts his yearly tournament here! Our Bright’s Creek golf club is absolutely incredible — it’s really some of the best golf in North Carolina. Tom himself said that he was blessed with the natural beauty of the property. The creek runs through the property, and you can hear it on every hole, providing in his words a Wow experience.

The course was really designed for everyone, from amateurs to PGA pros. We’re unique because we’re a small golf club and maintain a small membership. So, it’s a great place to come and learn without feeling the pressure of a crowded course. You shouldn’t have to call on a Tuesday to get a tee time for Saturday. It’s welcoming and accessible to everyone.

Our membership offerings are really varied so you can find one that best suits you and your family. Select options are also open to residents and non-residents alike. We also offer membership options for young professionals, as well as social memberships that are more focused on year-round use of amenities and enjoying events.

We even offer a Discovery Membership for prospects who want to come out and try Bright’s Creek for a year. There’s something for every level of golfer here at Bright’s Creek golf club!

Plus, our temperatures here in Mill Spring, NC are pretty mild all year round, which means you can take advantage of our course anytime. Everyone always says we’re the best kept secret!

Let’s talk about the Membership Lodge.

The Member’s Lodge is our current clubhouse. Our golf shop features your traditional golf gear from top brands, but also some boutique local items. We’re focusing on expanding it and making it a one-stop shop for the whole family.

It also features 9 luxury lodge rooms where members can host their visitors. We even offer select prospects the opportunity to come visit us for a Discovery Tour and really get immersed in the Bright’s Creek experience. They’ll stay at the Lodge and get the chance to explore and fall in love with our community. The lower level also features a restaurant with a deck where you can enjoy lunch or a delicious dinner.

We do plan to build a more traditional clubhouse in the future.

This community is so rich with amenities. Tell us about some of the other features.

Bright’s Creek actually has 3 to 4 miles of hiking trails within our gates, so members can reconnect with nature while enjoying some fresh air and exercise. For tennis and pickleball players, we have 2 hard courts that are open anytime. On occasions we bring in a pro to introduce Pickleball to new members members. There are also organized play that members can join for more structured play.

Of course, we can’t forget about our Equestrian Center! We have a 12-stall barn on site with a la carte options. You can customize your needs, from training to full boarding services.

We also love events here at Bright’s Creek. From monthly socials and date nights to golf tournaments, book clubs, seasonal activities like Boo at the Barn, there’s always something fun to enjoy. As our community grows, so will our event offerings!

There are obviously incredible features inside the gates of Bright’s Creek. Tell us more about what’s just outside the community.

There are 2 lakes right outside our gates so families can take advantage of some more outdoor fun. Plus, there are tons of hiking trails, kayaking facilities, ziplining adventures — even breweries and wineries just a short drive away!

All that within easy access of everything your family needs, from shops to major airports. Your stress just melts away when you drive through these gates. There is something for everybody here at Bright’s Creek NC.

Ready to discover the abundant amenities and neighborhood feel of our Mill Spring, NC, mountain oasis for yourself?

Contact our real estate team directly at (828) 600-5132 to start your North Carolina custom mountain home journey.

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Up & Away: Bright’s Creek’s Easy Airport Access

Your dream North Carolina mountain home doesn’t have to be hard to get to. Did you know that several Bright’s Creek homeowners fly in from all over the country? That’s how easy it is to get to our community!

Ideally situated in stunning Western North Carolina, nestled by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, our oasis truly has it all. Views. Community. Amenities. Easy access to anything and everything.

This month, we’re sharing our local guide to our area’s best airports. No matter where you’re going or coming from, living at Bright’s Creek makes air travel easy for you and your family.

All About the Airports

We’re perfectly perched close to many of the Southeast’s premier airports — with multiple options under just a 2-hour drive. Enjoy flexibility, an array of airline choices, direct routes, and even get a taste for the area’s unique arts and culture scene at these nearby airports.

Bright’s Creek to Asheville Regional Airport: 44 minutes

• Fun Fact: One of the region’s fastest growing airports, Asheville is rapidly growing into a convenient travel hub for Bright’s Creek homeowners.
• 6 Airlines: Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Sun Country Airlines, United
• Number of Non-Stop flights: 32 destinations
• Fly Direct To: Baltimore*, Boston*, Chicago*, Destin*, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Key West, Newark, Orlando, St. Pete, West Palm Beach, Miami, Laguardia, and more

*Under a seasonal schedule

Bright’s Creek to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport: 54 minutes

• Fun Fact: Part airport, part art gallery! GSP celebrates amazing artists throughout the region so you can visit all year round and enjoy new works.
• 7 Airlines: Delta, United, American, Southwest, Allegiant, Avelo, Silver
• Number of Non-Stops: 100+ daily
• Fly Direct To: Newark, Laguardia, Chicago, Houston, Tampa, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, and more

Bright’s Creek to Charlotte Douglas International Airport: 1 hr, 30 mins.

• Fun Fact: Relax in one of their famous rocking chairs! Rocking chairs have given this North Carolina airport a homey feel since 1997. In fact, they’re credited with starting a rocking chair craze that has been copied by hundreds of airports globally!
• 15 Airlines: Air Canada, American Airlines, Contour, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Lufthansa, Southwest, Spirit, Swift Air, Sun Country, United, Vacation Express, Viva Aerobus, Volaris
• Number of Airlines: Over 100 daily non-stop flights
• Number of Non-Stops: 180 non-stop destinations
• Fly Direct To: Laguardia, Atlanta, Orlando, Newark, JFK, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Jacksonville, and many more.

Bright’s Creek to Rutherford Country’s Marchman Field Airport: 39 minutes

Flying private for business or pleasure? Charter a flight out of Marchman Field Airport, featuring an average of 33 flights daily. They’re open from 9am-6pm daily and are situated between nearby Asheville and Charlotte for your convenience. Fun fact, they offer flying lessons!

Ready to experience the best location in the mountains? See how easy it is to get here and get away for yourself. Contact our dedicated real estate team directly at (828) 600-5132 to start your journey today.

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Meet Mark Ernst, the New Head Golf Professional at Bright’s Creek

At Bright’s Creek, golf is in our DNA. Our private North Carolina golf club features an exceptional Tom Fazio-designed golf course, tremendous views, and unmatched tranquility. With multiple membership options, our community is the perfect home for golf lovers and up-and-comers alike.  

This month, our Bright’s Creek Membership Director, Jessica Justice, had the opportunity to sit down with our new Head Golf Professional, Mark Ernst. Discover what he has in store for the future of beautiful Bright’s Creek, and why there’s no better time to come visit, explore, and play than right now.   

Mark, we’re so excited to have you at Bright’s Creek.

Thank you! I’m thrilled to be a part of the Bright’s Creek Club. It is a special place. When I drive through the gates everyday, I’m awed by the beauty of the facilities and the welcoming atmosphere. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’ve been a PGA professional for 30 years. Most of my work was done in the Upstate of South Carolina. During that time, not only was I a golf professional, but I performed just about every function in the golf club — other than being a chef. Nobody wants to taste my cooking! So, all of that experience brought me to Bright’s Creek.

How did you first hear about Bright’s Creek?

I was first exposed to Bright’s Creek by Golf Digest when it was named Best New Private Club in the country in 2006. There was a Korn Ferry Tour event and I remember the broadcast being of the 16th hole of the par 3 down the hill — and I just remember the WOW factor! What an incredibly beautiful spot. That’s what attracted me to Bright’s Creek.

Share a little bit about what your responsibilities are here and what you most enjoy about Bright’s Creek.

My responsibilities are to lead and service the golf operation here at Bright’s Creek. We look forward to offering world-class service to all of the people who visit and those who become members. What I enjoy most are the people. The team that we have here is a great team of individuals! 

Tell us about your vision for the future of Bright’s Creek and its members.

As we progress with building the membership, new members will see a top 100 club experience. What I mean by that is not only the golf course, but also the level of service where we meet and exceed expectations. We also have a new amenity center that will officially open Memorial Day weekend and it’s just an exciting time to be at Bright’s Creek. I’ve been around golf a long time, and it is without question, one of the best facilities in the country. It does have the WOW factor on just about every key shot and every approach into the green, so it’s stunning from all angles.

Do you have a favorite hole on the course?

I’m going to have to defer to what Mr. Fazio said. He doesn’t have a favorite hole, but I think we have nineteen great holes! It’s very unusual to have nineteen holes, but here at Bright’s Creek, our nineteenth hole is called the ‘hog hole.’ 

Do you find that the course is great for all levels of the game, from new golfers to pros?

I think that’s what makes the design so unique. Whatever skill level that you’re at, it tests the tour players, but also players who are just beginning in their development of golf would enjoy the golf course as well. Typically one side of the green is open, so you can run a shot up onto the green. There’s not any forced carries that would require you to absolutely have to carry the ball. So, it’s a very fair, very playable golf course. Green complexes are slightly undulating, so it’s just a very fair design for all skill levels.

What are you most excited about for the future?

Well, we’ve got a nice tournament program and some outside events as well. We’re hosting Mr. Fazio’s Hunter Subaru Drive for Kids on May 15th. It’s getting to meet the people in the community and getting to meet our members as they come in for the season. When we have guests that come in to play with members through these community tournaments, we’ll see more and more people say ‘wow this is a hidden gem!’ I’ve heard the term ‘hidden gem’ about fifteen times in the last few weeks, so we want to let our light shine this summer and get people out. They’ll see what a truly magnificent facility it is, and I think we’ll have quite a few new members by the end of 2023. 

You’ve been in the business for a long time and golf has really been a family event for you. Tell us more.

My daughter plays on the LPGA Tour — she’s a three-time tour winner. My son played collegiate golf as well. So, speaking of a family affair, as our kids were developing, my wife Melanie was really involved in all of their travel. My son actually ended up caddying for my daughter on the LPGA Tour. She was injured last year, but she’s going to make her comeback at the end of May at the Match Play Tournament in Las Vegas, so we’re excited about that. 

But, probably the most exciting golf experience for our family was the 2017 Solheim Cup, which is equivalent to the men’s Ryder Cup. A few minutes before my daughter teed off, the LPGA got my wife and I, and we got to stand on the first tee and watch her tee off with my son there too. Sharing that moment was really special. It was thrilling for the four of us to be there — it’s one of my greatest memories of all time.

You founded the Mark Ernst Golf Academy. Share a little bit about that and about the opportunity that you’ve had to develop young players in the game.

I’ve had the opportunity to work with some tremendous young men and women. Right now, I’m a volunteer women’s coach for the Clemson University women’s team. I spend about an hour with each player each week, and it gives me the chance to be an extra set of eyes for them. They’re just tremendous women and student athletes. I really enjoy that time and getting to see players at an elite level.

In the academy that I have, it’s focused on developing players of all skill levels. It’s fundamentally based, so we go through a little bit of golf instruction. The golf swing starts with fundamentals which are grip, stance, posture, ball position, and aim — so that’s my main focus as we develop these players. Then obviously, shooting lower scores is the main goal for all golfers. So through the academy, I’ve had a lot of success over the years with developing young men and women who have won regional, state, and national events.  

What is the biggest takeaway that you want guests to have when they come to Bright’s Creek?

The WOW factor! The golf course is incredibly beautiful. It’s a peaceful setting, and in my opinion, one of the top 100 golf courses in the country. It is just stunning, so for those who have not had a chance to come and play the course and be on the Bright’s Creek property, we welcome you to not only experience the sheer beauty of the property, but also the amenities and all that Bright’s Creek has to offer. 

Come see what’s in store for the Bright’s Creek course and explore memberships here. Golfers of all levels can come and visit — and even schedule a private lesson with Mr. Ernst. 

If you’re ready to make a move to the mountains and have access to one of North Carolina’s best golf courses year round, book your visit to Bright’s Creek today.

If you are interested in a club membership, contact Jessica Justice phone/email.

Contact our real estate team directly at (828) 600-5132 to start your NC mountain home journey.

Email Heather

Email JJ