The Cornett family began raising Christmas trees in the Mountain Dale Community (Vilas, NC) around 1979 when Clint Cornett planted his first field of Fraser Fir trees. Dale Cornett has now taken over his father’s fields of trees and has also leased several area farms on which he has established Fraser Fir tree plantations. The elevation of our farms varies from 3,000 feet up to 4,400 feet.
Our Story
We are located at 337 Tannenbaum Lane, Vilas, NC 28692
Our Farm’s Story
The 26-acre Cornett Deal Christmas Tree Farm and Vacation Rentals has deep family roots. At one time, this very land was owned by our ancestors. When it came up for sale, my grandmother, Diane Cornett Deal, was blessed with the opportunity to bring it back into the family.
In 1986, she purchased the property and planted her very first Christmas trees the following spring. By 1992, she and her husband opened the farm for “choose and cut” weekends in November and December, inviting families to visit, explore the rows of Fraser firs, and pick out their perfect Christmas tree.
Over the years, many visitors would tell her how much they loved the farm and wished they could visit during other seasons — not just at Christmas time. That simple sentiment planted a seed that would soon grow into something special.
In 2000 Songbird Cabin was built on one of the most scenic spots on the farm, chosen personally by my grandmother for its breathtaking views. From the deck, you can see the slopes of Ski Beech Mountain, the peaks of Grandfather Mountain, and the rolling hills that surround our valley.
In 2024, life on the farm took an unexpected turn. Hurricane Helene swept through the region, leaving behind fallen trees, damage, and a lot of hard cleanup work. But as Diane says, “We made lemonade out of lemons.”
What started as a heartbreaking season of cleanup quickly became an opportunity to dream bigger. With the help of family and friends, the farm began to transform again — clearing damaged trees, opening new views, and making space for two brand-new rentals.
That’s how Carolina Chickadee Cottage and Fraser Fir Finch Cottage came to life — two “tiny homes” that aren’t really all that tiny, built with love, hard work, and a vision to share more of the farm with others.
It’s been a long, hard process, but the result is something we’re so proud of — a peaceful mountain escape that honors the past, embraces the present, and opens new doors for the future. -Bianca Morris
“Here is great picture of my dad, Clint Cornett. If he hadn’t planted his first trees back in 1979, I’d have never found my way into the tree business. Thank you, Dad, for always being a great leader in everything you do.” – Diane Cornett Deal
Awards
Clint Cornett
1997 – Named Nurseryman of the Year by Watauga County Christmas Tree Association.
Dale Cornett
2008 – Received the NC Christmas Tree Association’s Environmental Stewardship Award for his commitment to environmentally-conscious agriculture by using Integrated Pest Management practices on his farms.
2009 – Named Christmas Tree Grower of the Year by Watauga County Christmas Tree Association.
Diane Cornett Deal
1994 – Recognized as the Outstanding Woman in Agriculture at the Watauga County Farm City Banquet.
2003 – Named Nurseryman of the year by Watauga County Christmas Tree Association.
2007 – Received the Ben E. Suttle Special Service Award for Volunteer Leadership for her efforts in the area of farmland preservation, economic development, and sustainable communities.
Best of the Best 2015 – Watauga Democrat
Best of the Best 2016 – Watauga Democrat
Best of the Best 2017 – Watauga Democrat
Clint, Diane, and Dale have each served on the Board of Directors for the Watauga County Christmas Tree Association. Diane and Dale have both had the honor of serving as President of the association. They have both served on the Fraser Fir Promotional Committee for the NC Christmas Tree Growers Association. Diane currently serves on the NCCTA Choose & Cut committee as well as the WCCTA Choose & Cut committee. Dale has been the President of the NC Christmas Tree Association for 2016-2017
Our CHRISTMAS TREE FARM is temporarily closed to the public while we give nature a bit of time to grow our new trees to mature trees ready to fill your homes and offices. Until then, we invite you to check out our vacation cabin rentals, craft shop and more.