Comfort in the Cold

By Sarah Mize

When the weather turns colder and the prospect of snow looms large, we all need a snug, happy place to help us get through the rough winter months. The shorter days make it harder to stay warm, causing many people to struggle both mentally and physically. Small comforts can help us take care of ourselves as well as others, and self-care is an important aspect that most people need to work on. There are several businesses in the High Country primed to provide exceptional warmth and comfort—whether it is through European inspired bedding, hand-woven garments, or a unique “floating spa” experience, these businesses are sure to have exactly what you need this winter.

DeWoolfson, located at 9452 NC Hwy. 105 S in Banner Elk, is a High Country manufacturer of European-inspired down comforters, pillows, and featherbeds. DeWoolfson’s main goal is to supply “warmth without weight,” and they offer a variety of fabrics, warmth levels and “fill power,” each guaranteed to help you through every season. Products include down duvets and pillows, and luxury linens from France, Italy, Switzerland, Portugal, and Austria.

DeWoolfson was started over 40 years ago when Richard Schaffer, one of the owners of DeWoolfson, entered a linen store in Vienna, Austria, and discovered the beautiful Daunendecke comforters. A Daunendecke, meaning down comforter in German, was like nothing Schaffer had ever seen in American bedding. Europeans had moved away from the heavy bedspreads, quilts and blankets all piled onto the bed to provide layered warmth. Instead, they used just one down comforter that took care of all their needs without weighing them down. Another European tradition that DeWoolfson brought to America was the idea of individually sized comforters, which they offer in addition to American sizes. This allows couples sharing a bed to select the exact weight and warmth they require, ensuring both parties the comfort they need to have a good night’s sleep.

DeWoolfson uses only all-European white goose down fills and the world’s finest Austrian and German-engineered downproof fabrics. Their finished down products are never filled overseas, prepacked or warehoused, but made in the High Country for their local retail store or for shipment to customers around the country.

Walking into DeWoolfson’s showroom, with its beautiful European linens and fragrances, is like walking into a spring garden that’s constantly blooming and changing. The store’s sights and smells put you at ease as you pick out cozy bedding and plush towels, or have a pillow stuffed exactly to your tastes. DeWoolfson hopes to bring back the joy of shopping for comfortable and beautiful bedding and allow their customers to treat themselves to a good night’s rest every night.

In the High Country, not only can you buy coziness for the cold season, you can also make your own. Crossnore Weavers in Crossnore, NC, preserves the art of hand weaving, an old Appalachian tradition. Founded in 1920 by Dr. Mary Martin Sloop, Crossnore Weavers has grown into a working museum as well as a functioning store. It started out as a means for women to support themselves and has continued that tradition while also providing future generations the chance to learn Appalachian history. Connected to Crossnore Communities for Children, Crossnore Weavers provides lessons for both children and adults, offering week-long classes throughout the year. Lisa Banner, Crossnore Weavers’ manager, encourages everyone to try a class, stating, “Weaving is very therapeutic. Learning to weave in one of our week-long classes can teach you a skill that might become a hobby for years to come.”

Crossnore Weavers continues to hire women and students to hand-weave beautiful garments and household items. They sell hand-woven tartans, table linens, bookmarks, and more. The store is made up of over 30 looms and a beautiful finishing room, which lures guests to come in and watch the magic happen. Lisa Banner is very proud of the wearable and home decor items that can keep you warm and make your home welcoming. However, that is not the only thing she is proud of: “Perhaps more importantly, our weaving room has an inviting atmosphere. Everyone is welcome to visit and sit with us for a while. Whether you buy anything or not, you will leave feeling refreshed.”

Crossnore Weavers is guaranteed to warm you up this winter, physically and emotionally, through hand-woven goods, a welcoming environment, and an opportunity to give back to the community. All of the net proceeds from the business go into the operating budget of Crossnore Communities for Children.

Last but not least, 180 Float Spa in Boone, NC, offers a unique way to soak up the warmth this winter. Locally owned and operated by Angela and Brad Heavner, Boone’s first and only “float spa” provides a way to soothe your mind and body through 60- to 90-minute float experiences. Float Therapy was originally created by Dr. John C. Lilly, a neuropsychiatrist, back in 1954, but the first commercially available float pod didn’t exist until 1972. The 180

180 Float Spa also sells items that will warm up your winter

Float Spa was started back in 2020 after Brad and Angela witnessed how beneficial the floating experience could be. Brad had broken his back in a car accident which led him to try a float spa in Asheville, NC, in 2017. The experience was life changing.

A visit to a float spa provides stress relief, muscle recovery, improved sleep, and reduced anxiety, making it the perfect experience for sufferers of PTSD and other injuries. Float Therapy removes excess noise and distraction, allowing the body and mind to reach a peaceful state. A typical session includes floating inside a pod filled with mineral based saltwater. Angela Heavner says, “The water is kept at a skinneutral 93.5 degrees to create a zero gravity feeling so that the line between body/ skin and water is erased,” which she says, “encourages the mind and body to connect, heal, and find relief from physical, mental, and emotional stress.”

With the 180 Float Spa, the Heavners have created a distinctive enterprise that “focuses on promoting self-care by providing a space free from distractions to focus on restoring the body and mind.” The Heavners add, “With regular self-care we can improve the quality of our lives, which makes us better to ourselves and everyone around us.”

Businesses across the High Country are stepping up to provide comfort and warmth this winter. Through cozy European-inspired bedding, we can stay warm and rest well. With hand-woven wearables and a peaceful environment, we can brave the winter air engulfed in warmth. Lastly, with a space free from distraction and outside stimuli, we can connect our mind and body—all of which contributes to our overall comfort and helps us weather this chilly season.

“Small comforts can help us take care of ourselves as well as others,

and self-care is an important aspect that most people need to work on.”

Colorful, hand-crafted winter warmth at Crossnore Weavers

Evolution Float Pod at 180 Float Spa

Dewoolfson specializes in European-inspired down comforters, pillows, and featherbeds

Where Blowing Rock began and the Legend continues...

• Divide Tavern serving nightly • Chestnut Grille Restaurant

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Be Still The Valuable Practice of Meditation By Samantha Steele

Meditation is the practice of silence, stillness and solitude that anchors the core of all great religious traditions. It is the integration of heart and mind, the spirit and soul. It requires very little, yet yields an immeasurable harvest in both peaceful and troubled times. Take a moment to learn how to easily incorporate this ancient practice into your daily regimen.

• Decide on a purpose for meditating (release fear or anxiety, general relaxation, selfdiscipline). • Find a quiet space free from distractions and interruptions. • Slowly and intentionally deep breathe with lips closed, through nose. • Scan your body and purpose to release tension. • Consider a “guided thought” (imagine taking a walk through a forest, on a beach, flying through the air like a bird, warming your face in the sunshine). • Instead, you may prefer to repeat a word, phrase or contemplative prayer. • Allow yourself at least 15-20 minutes to practice meditation. Start once per day and work up to twice each day for maximum results.

• Remember:

Silence-Stillness-Solitude…

These are the basic elements of meditation. Keep it simple and you will succeed!

For more about meditation, see www. listeningflower.org.