And we are enjoying the magic of the season with all the holiday events and attractions in the area. The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden has over 600,000 lights throughout the gardens. I really didn’t anticipate much, but to my utter delight, the garden was twinkling with lights everywhere! The huge old tree on the drive in was lit from below and had huge white ornaments shining in the tree. It was a testament to the garden and the other treats to come. Horse-drawn carriage rides with really large and friendly horses (looked like the Clydesdale variety), a living Christmas tree covered in ferns and orchids, and lights throughout every garden walk were all there waiting for us to experience. It was wonderful and kids of all ages were in sheer delight.

The annual Christmas parade in Belmont was highly attended on a very nice and pretty warm day. The tree lighting ceremony followed. The main street of this historic town is lined with trees glistening with white lights. The restaurants and bars are that much more fun during the holidays. Some of our favorites are String Bean Market which offers a place to eat and also purchase the best meats in the area, along with a wild selection of beers and wine; Caravan Coffee and Dessert; Center Street Tavern which is actually in Cramerton and a new restaurant entry that is wonderful Center Street Tavern and the Oldstone Steakhouse; and Sammy’s.

There are lots of shops to visit on your stroll through the historic town – Happy Dog Café with their yappy hour events; the new Blythe Gallery full of antiques, art, and gifts in the beautiful old home on Main Street, and the old Belmont general store which is full of unique items.

Check out the Belmont Area Chamber of Commerce web site for a complete list of holiday events .

For more information on Belmont contact Anne Brade.

The bill has a few provisions including:

* Single tax filers who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, single filers who earn $145,000 and above are ineligible.

* Joint filers who earn up to $225,000 are eligible for the total credit amount. Those who earn more than this cap can receive a partial credit. However, joint filers who earn $245,000 and above are ineligible.

The bill also introduced 20 weeks of unemployment benefits in states with jobless rates above 8.5%.  States with unemployment rates below 8.5% would provide 14 weeks of unemployment benefits.

The bill also provides refunds on profit taxes for businesses that had operating losses in 2008 and 2009.

Click below for the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Form:

Anne Brade of Helen Adams Realty is heading up sales in Eagle Park for those properties not involved.  Anne states that

“Approximately 34 single family homes and 16 townhomes at Eagle Park were not included in the foreclosure. Those lots have been completed, sold and are now occupied”  Sales continue to happen in Eagle Park and the Belmont area is as hot as ever.  Eagle Park was designed for people who work in Charlotte but want to live in an area with a  small town feel.

For more information about Eagle Park or other Belmont Real Estate information please contact Anne Brade at 704-650-4951 or visit her website.

For real estate activities in Belmont, NC please visit our website’s Belmont section.

*  French Provincial style clubhouse.

* Lagoon Style swimming pool.

*  Lighted tennis courts, walking trails, a fenced boat storage area and much more.

For more information visit our website at www.helenadamsrealty.com