Cliffs Living Spring/Summer 2024

A Magazine With, For & About Members at The Cliffs

Master Seven Courses With Just One Club

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LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP

A message from Rob Duckett, President of The Cliffs.

GATHER

A snapshot of festive gatherings across The Cliffs.

SPIRIT

Pickleball powerhouse holds multiday clinics at The Cliffs; An inside look at Cliffs Realty’s new Asheville sales office and executives.

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DAY TRIPPING

Calling all art lovers, music aficionados, and foodies: the region’s unique offering of spring and summer festivals that can’t be missed.

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A GUIDE TO GOLFING

Up your game with The Cliffs wellness programs, facilities, and pros. Members’ personal stories drive home just how beneficial these resources can be.

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YONDER

The best nearby hikes for all skill levels; Trekking through history on the Lewis and Clark trail.

NEW CLUBHOUSE SWEETENS THE CLIFFS AT KEOWEE SPRINGS

A lavish opening celebration—complete with a cake replica of the clubhouse— showcased how the hub elevates the total member experience.

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HAVEN

At home with the O’Briens and the Mills; Homes at The Cliffs are stunning examples of the burgeoning “mountain modern” design trend.

VISTAS

A collection of images by members at The Cliffs; For this Mountain Park couple, adventure means an “all-access pass” to the seven communities; a Last Look from an associate at The Cliffs at Glassy.

Welcome to CLIFFS LIVING

Dear Members at The Cliffs,

Welcome to “The Adventure Issue”—our spring/summer edition of Cliffs Living magazine. With the transition to warmer weather, adventure is in full bloom. Inspired by the beauty around us, cultivating exceptional and adventurous member experiences continues to shape our future.

As we move into the new season, our communities welcome the latest amenities and services. Completion of the Keowee Springs clubhouse and Lake Club at The Landing, as well as two new Cliffs Realty offices at Mountain Park and Walnut Cove, signify our ongoing commitment to growth.

In this issue, we explore the new clubhouse and disc golf course at Keowee Springs. We discovered education in full swing at the new and upcoming golf learning centers at Mountain Park, Keowee Springs, and Walnut Cove. And serving personalized instruction at its finest, we welcomed the world’s top-ranked pickleball player, Collin Johns.

From easy to advanced excursions, The Cliffs Outdoor Pursuits team recommends their top hiking trails along with the best spots for families and four-legged friends. Outdoor excitement and exploration continue with our guide to upcoming local and regional events sure to satisfy wanderlust adventurers.

On behalf of The Cliffs family, we hope you enjoy this issue of Cliffs Living and are thrilled to have you with us as we continue the adventure of a lifetime.

Warmest regards,

ROB DUCKETT President, The Cliffs

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kristie Harris, The Cliffs

MANAGING EDITOR Rebecca Friedman, The Cliffs

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Claire Billingsley, Community Journals

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kristy Adair, Community Journals

PUBLISHER Mark B. Johnston, Community Journals

GENERAL MANAGER Susan Schwartzkopf, Community Journals

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS A llen Pruitt, Community Journals

PRODUCTION MANAGER Lizzie Campbell, Community Journals

COPY EDITORS Pete Martin, John Stevenson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Claire Billingsley, J. Morgan McCallum, John Jeter, M. Linda Lee, Stephanie Trotter

VISUAL CONTRIBUTORS

Andy Lukacs-Ormond, Bonfire Visuals, Diana Todorova Photography, Jack Robert Photography, Jake James | Vista View Productions, Lucinda Detrich, MRM Photos, Patrick O’Brien, Rebecca Lehde | Inspiro8, Sara Smithson, Stephan Pruitt Photography, Tim Robison, Wilson Pickens

ADVERTISING

CLIENT

ADVERTISING

Jessie Davis, Sabryna McMillan

Kristy Adair, Michael Allen, Haley Young

Donna Johnston, Heather Propp, Sangeeta Hardy, Tori Skelton, Jane Guerra, Robert

RELIVE THE ROAST at Keowee Vineywards

Jonathan & Nan Swain

Danny & Sarah Youngblood

Tony & Mary Colatrella, Carol & Nelson Craige

Damien & Tanna Macaluso, Jennifer & Michael Littleton

Michele & Peter Loscocco

Leah Webber & Matthew Cookson

Oyster Fest

The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards

Members were delighted by a smorgasbord of dining delicacies from Charleston Chicken Bog to Smoked Pork Loin, but there was one star of the show: Oysters. Diners could sample Oysters on the Half Shell with a variety of sauces, Oysters Rockefeller with a Vermouth Cream Sauce, and Cornmeal Fried Oysters with a Yellow Pepper Remoulade. Musician Tim White provided the event entertainment.

Christopher, May, Wendy, Matthew Sr. & Matthew Jr. Civitella

Eric & Susan Stenman, Lisa & Mark O’Steen, Kelly Lopez, Denise & Mike McShea

Mary & Brian Clark

Matt & Anna Young Family, Jenny & Marcus Sciadini

Disc Golf 101 at The Hammer

The Cliffs at Keowee Springs

Disc golf has been added to The Cliffs’ ever-expanding amenities. Members who attended an introductory session at The Hammer Disc Golf Course at Keowee Springs got a leg up on future competition by learning the game rules, rating system, throwing techniques, and more.

GATHER

Cole Hite, Russell Finazzo, Mary Ramsey, Kim & Jeff Fryer

Vaughn & Ed Lewis, Steve & Tami Jacobs

Roxana & Kyle Scott, LoAnn & Ron Robison

Matthew Waiwood & Tammy Gill

Bob Peterson, Jeff Brubaker, Sonny & Kelly Ann Johnston

Marilyn Guarnieri, Felicia Ragland & Candice Hunter

Ken Serck, Peter Strub, Cathy Serck & Denise Strub

SWIRL, SIP, AND SEE the Full Photo Gallery

Tenuta Torciano Wine School

The Cliffs Valley

The event was a perfect pairing of learning and entertainment for the wine novice and connoisseur alike. Instructors from the Tenuta Torciano winery in Tuscany shared insight on their wine-making process, wine-tasting etiquette, and wine and food pairings. Members were treated to a tasting of the winery’s oils, vinegars, and exclusive wines not sold in stores.

GATHER

Robert Kenner, Jeanne & Joe Rechner

Matt & Paula Jones

Janet Slaven, Shannon Svedlund & Rebecca South

Crystal Harmon

A NATIONAL AWARD-WINNING TEAM FOCUSED ON QUALITY, ATTENTION TO DETAIL & CUSTOMER

SATISFACTION SINCE 1984.

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ABOVE: Collin Johns; OPPOSITE PAGE, FROM LEFT: Ralph Dunbar, Collin Johns, Chris Harradine, and Jackson Bailey.

A REALLY BIG DILL

The Cliffs hosts the No. 1 pickleball player in the world

It was only a matter of time. Members are accustomed to top-ranked, professional golfers swinging their way across courses at The Cliffs. Pickleball can now claim the same, with Collin Johns’ three-day visit that included clinics, cocktails, and exhibition play at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs.

Johns and his brother Ben are the top-ranked doubles players in the world. “To get the number one player for one day is amazing,” says Lake Region Racquet Sports Director Ralph Dunbar. “But to get a world-class player like him for three? That ability has set the bar for what the teaching standard is for how to play pickleball here at The Cliffs.”

Johns had served literally and figuratively on the pro-tennis circuit, before stepping back to coach, and then eventually picking up a pickleball paddle. “It really appeals to a lot of different people, a lot of different ages,” the Austin, Texas, resident says. “You see courts going in basically everywhere at this point, especially country clubs. It’s not just something that’s nice to have, it’s a necessity.” The pro took to some of The Cliffs’ 19 courts in September to slice, dice, and ace alongside local players.

“I’v e been watching Collin Johns for the past year on TV,” says Keowee Falls member and pickleball player Mary Anderson. “To get to meet him and have that caliber of athlete come to The Cliffs was really a coup. My tongue was hanging out!” Anderson has been playing pickleball for three years. During clinics, Johns taught her how to settle in up at the net. “I move around way too much,” she admits with a laugh. “He plays the game right. It was a wonderful clinic. He did skills that will help all improve and took time with each of us. It was fun and a really good experience. It was a lifetime memory.”

Dunbar’s decades of experience within the racquet industry generated contacts to bring the pro to the area, along with US Pickleball Camp’s Chris Harradine. Participation topped out at 16 players per level, to keep the coach-to-player ratio tight. “They were both great,” says Katie Klein, who lives at The Landing at Keowee Springs. And that’s high praise, given that Klein grew up in Seattle, Washington, one hour from the birthplace of pickleball: Bainbridge Island. “I joke all of the time, if I’d taken up the sport as a kid, I’d be really, really good,” she says. “It’s been amazing to watch pickleball grow. It’s a great way to meet people. You’re outside. At the new Lake Club at The Landing, we have beautiful courts with a view of the lake. It’s how I’ve made most of my friends here.”

Johns was equally impressed with the place and players. “Members here have given me a great experience,” he says. “That’s not the case everywhere. And certainly, a beautiful location helps. I thank the members and staff for having me, and I’m happy to have been here.”

Dunbar is now looking to the future and dreaming up ways to keep the sport as hot as a falafel in the kitchen, for The Cliffs’ hundreds of players. “This event is one of the things I wanted to do when I came on board almost three years ago, because The Cliffs is such a unique concept. It offers more than any other private community out there.”

With the growth of leagues within the communities at The Cliffs, as well as outside match play and specialty events, increasing participation is an easy dunk for the win. “It’s come on so strongly in the last handful of years. I’ve never seen anything like this in my career,” Dunbar says. “The sport is continuing to grow at The Cliffs and as long as it does, we’ll continue to build this program.”

MEET COLLIN JOHNS

Our Special Guest And Clinic Instructor

PICKLEBALL - ESE

DILLBALL

A shot that is inbounds and has bounced. A live ball.

For pickleball newbies, here’s a list of the often-quirky terms you may hear on the courts.

OPA!

May be shouted after the third shot has been hit and open volleying has begun.

•••

DINK SHOT

A soft shot that arcs over the net and falls into the opposing non-volley zone.

FALAFEL

A short shot hit with little or no power.

FLAPJACK

A midair shot that must bounce once before it can be hit during one of the first two shots of any point. After a third shot, no bounce is needed.

PICKLE!

Shouted by the server to let all players on the court know they’re about to serve. •••

PICKLED

If you lose a pickleball game without scoring, you’ve been “pickled.”

PICKLEDOME

Court where the championship match in a pickleball tournament is played.

PICKLER

A pickleball addict.

•••

THE KITCHEN OR NON-VOLLEY ZONE

The 7-foot section of court on either side of the net. Players can’t volley in this zone or the lines surrounding it.

•••

VOLLEY LLAMA

Refers to an illegal move when a p hits a shot in the non-volley zone.

ASHEVILLE ALL-STARS

Behind the scenes with sales executives

Shaun Collyer and Vince Roser and the new Cliffs Realty Asheville Region sales office

When members talk about the great community they’ve found at The Cliffs, it often starts with one important relationship: our dedicated sales executives. Part all-around advisor, part co-pilot in the homeowner journey, great sales executives like Shaun Collyer and Vince Roser know what it means to be the point person for the family finding or building its dream home—over the course of days or even years. We sat down for a Q&A with both to see how passion for the job shapes their every day at the beautiful new Cliffs Realty Asheville Region sales office.

SHAUN COLLYER Sales Executive

Q What’s your position at Cliffs Realty? How did your past work in other fields prepare you for that role?

A I am a Real Estate Sales Executive for Cliffs Realty, performing buyer agency and seller agency for privately owned and developer-owned properties. I’ve taken my experience from my past careers in education and as a hospitality-business owner to help form great relationships with all who walk through our doors.

Q Tell us about your roots. What brought you to The Cliffs?

A I’m originally from a very small town in Indiana (cue the John Mellencamp), where I attended Manchester University and Ball State University. I began my career in education in Indiana and eventually moved to Hilton Head Island, SC, to work as a school administrator. I am the father of two amazing young men, Jackson (18) and Maxwell (15). The boys are students and soccer players at Asheville Christian Academy. We’ve called Asheville home since 2010.

Q What do you love about The Cliffs communities?

A Being a member of The Cliffs since 2015, the thing I love most is the amazing friends that have come into my life. There are so many interesting and wonderful people here and The Cliffs makes it easy to meet and build relationships. The most enjoyable experience thus far was going to Scotland in 2022 with fellow members.

Q What is the biggest perk of being in the new office location?

A Previously, our team was separated between two buildings, which created some challenges. It’s nice having the whole team under one roof—which also makes it much easier to plan efficient tours for our prospective members. The office location is more convenient for clients and current members to interact with our team should they ever need anything. I feel more connected to the community in our new location, and it’s nice being closer to the driving range!

Q Why do you love what you do every day?

A It’s always a perfect day at the office when I’m touring prospective buyers and showing off this beautiful community. When I’m not on tour, I enjoy spending time with my colleagues. We have an awesome work environment that is fun and enjoyable, and I could not imagine working with better people.

“There are so many interesting and wonderful people here and The Cliffs makes it easy to meet and build relationships.”

Q What keeps you busy on the weekends?

A My favorite activity is watching Jackson’s and Maxwell’s soccer matches. When I’m not watching their team score, I enjoy spending time with my fiancé, Ashley, and Cava-poo, Harry, playing golf with friends and working out in the gym.

VINCE ROSER Sales Executive

Q You’ve lived all over the U.S. How did you end up in Asheville?

A I grew up in Thomasville, North Carolina, and graduated from Duke in ’75, ready to take on the world. I held various roles at American Hospital Supply and Baxter Healthcare while living in Texas, California, and Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, before moving back to the Carolinas in 2001 with [my wife] JoAnn, young sons, and a desire to reconnect with my Carolina roots.

Q What role do you play in the new Cliffs Realty office and in the community?

A My tenure as a sales executive over the span of 19 years has provided a deep understanding of the real estate landscape at Walnut Cove. I love sharing what living at The Cliffs will mean to future members with passion and conviction—our prospects must first buy the lifestyle and see themselves living amongst the folks in the community they choose.

Q How do you like to spend time outside of the office?

A I value a well-rounded life. I have a passion for mountain biking, which allows me to connect with nature and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. Concept 2 Rowing is another activity I enjoy, providing both a physical challenge and a serene escape inside our wellness center … where I won’t get hurt! Golf and photography are two other interests I would like to be better at. Additionally, I find inspiration and joy in following the journeys of two young men close to our hearts. My youngest son, a Citadel graduate, serves as a cyber scientist at NIWC, protecting our troops and assets in the Navy in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity. Meanwhile, the oldest, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, is on the path to soon defend our country as a Marine aviator in the F-35B Lightning II variant of the Joint Strike Fighter.

Q What do you love about life here?

A As residents and members at The Cliffs at Glassy, my wife and I often reflect on this question ourselves. The Cliffs offers a diverse array of lifestyle benefits that extend well beyond our world-class golf and amenities. The sense of community is vibrant, fostering connections and relationships among members that create a strong sense of belonging. The stunning landscapes and picturesque settings across The Cliffs communities are unparalleled, with breathtaking views, lush greenery, and serenity. The communities often offer cultural and educational programs, which could include art classes, workshops, lectures, and even all communitywide concerts!

Q How does the new office location inspire you?

A From a design perspective, the new location is a testament to thoughtful planning, seamlessly blending functionality and aesthetics that mirrors the beauty of The Cliffs. We’re nestled in right next to the main gate, offering a perfect synergy of convenience and accessibility, and providing an inviting space to engage with members and prospective members. Watching the building process unfold, from the initial groundbreaking with shovels in the dirt to the exciting moment of moving in, was a fulfilling journey made seamless by the collaborative and skilled efforts of South Street Partners and the Trehel Corporation.

Q How will this new location help you better support members and sales at Walnut Cove?

A By connecting with prospective members on a personal level and sharing the unique charm of The Cliffs, I aim to foster a sense of belonging and excitement about the possibilities that await them. Whether it’s through insightful conversations, immersive tours, or highlighting the cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities, I’m enthusiastic about contributing to the growth and vitality of The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, making it a community where dreams of a fulfilling lifestyle come to life.

The Elevation Experts

Our Outdoor Pursuits team shares nine nearby hikes worth lacing up for

It’s no secret: one of the many perks of living in the Western Carolinas is the richness of our natural resources. No matter which community at The Cliffs you call home, you’re never more than a stone’s throw from a gorgeous view beneath an ancient arbor, deep within a dappled wood, or on the pinnacle of a mountain.

With so many winding trails to choose from, it’s often easier to tell the experts what you’re hoping to experience and let someone with boots on the ground cherry-pick the perfect path. We asked our Outdoor Pursuits experts—Andrew Lovice (Walnut Cove), Jake Wickiser (Mountain Region), and Kyle Henry (Lake Region)—to share their top recommendations. Have fun! Don’t forget to tag @cliffsliving in your scenic view pictures on social media.

FROM LEFT: Andrew Lovice, Kyle Henry, Mitchell Rhyne with Jake Wickiser and his sons.

Ease onto the trail

If you love the great outdoors, but have notso-great knees—or you’re more interested in enjoying the scenery than burning calories— give these approachable hikes a try.

BEARWALLOW MOUNTAIN LOOP HIKING TRAIL

Gerton, NC

“This is a relatively easy, 2-mile out-andback trail that journeys up to a beautiful pasture around 4,000 feet. Touted as one of the best views in the greater Asheville area, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding counties and mountains, as well as the occasional curious cow, since this is an actively used pasture in the warmer months.” –

Andrew Lovice

OPOSSUM CREEK FALLS

Long Creek, SC

“This 4-mile hike in hidden gem Long Creek, South Carolina, takes you down to a big sandy beach on the mighty Chattooga River for one of the best swimming spots in the Upstate! Further down trail, Opossum Creek Falls provides several layers of cascades for one impressive waterfall.”

– Kyle Henry

SULPHUR SPRINGS TRAIL

Paris Mountain State Park, SC

“This 4-mile loop trail near Greenville, South Carolina, is a great option for any outdoor enthusiast both new or old, and also for those who may be visiting the area. The trail follows a creek and offers stunning views of cascades and a lake. Though the first mile has some inclines, the rest of the trail is relatively easy. The trail is well-maintained and mostly shaded. However, the trailhead is quite popular, so I’d recommend starting early. Overall, this is a fantastic trail—and the location of Paris Mountain in regard to Greenville is unbelievable. We typically enjoy hiking at Paris Mountain followed by lunch on Main Street in downtown Greenville afterwards.”

– Jake Wickiser

Tackle a tough one

These trails do double duty: provide extraordinary perspectives while elevating your heart rate. For those of us who enjoy staying active and consider sweat a badge of honor, the challenges below are calling.

MOUNT PISGAH TRAIL

Mills River, NC

“This moderate-advanced hike takes you up to the iconic Mount Pisgah, which can be seen for miles around the Asheville region. Topping out a bit below 6,000 feet, you will be treated to 360-degree views of the Pisgah National Forest, as well as the Shining Rock Wilderness. Just below the hike is the Pisgah Inn, which has food, beverages, and a gift shop to commemorate the visit.” –

Andrew Lovice

BIG ROCK SUMMIT

Nine Times Preserve, SC

“This short but steep 2-mile hike nestled inside Nine Times Preserve provides gorgeous 360-degree views from a massive rock outcropping. The Nine Times Forest was one of the largest intact unprotected forests left in the Upstate. Several years ago, about 560 acres were protected through a broad-based effort, in which The Nature Conservancy, Naturaland Trust, and Upstate Forever actively participated. The hiking area lays at the foot of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, in between the rugged mountainous landscape and gentle Piedmont slopes.” –

Kyle Henry

TABLE ROCK TRAIL HIKE

Table Rock State Park, SC

“This 6.9-mile out-and-back trail in northern Pickens County, South Carolina, is a trail that every outdoor enthusiast should experience. It includes over 2,300 feet in elevation gain, uneven rock stairs, boulders, and logs on your way up to the summit. However, the spectacular views at the top are well worth the hard effort. Make sure to pause at don’t-miss spots Carrick Creek Falls and the Governor’s Rock overlook on the way up to the summit. Parking at the trailhead is never an issue with the large parking lot, and there is a large beach area where you are allowed to swim during the summer months. One of our past traditions is to hike the Table Rock Trail and to make our way into a plunge in the lake right when we complete the hike.”

– Jake Wickiser

Bring the fam (or Fido!)

If you have kids or grandkids with boundless energy, or dogs who tend to destroy furniture if they’re not tuckered out, finding something outdoors to occupy weekend downtime is a must—and these are your new must-do hikes!

GET OUTSIDE

with Our Outdoor Pursuits Team

TRIPLE FALLS AND HIGH FALLS LOOP Brevar d,

NC

“Nestled in the heart of the sweeping DuPont State Forest, this easy 3-mile loop packs many stunning waterfalls into a relatively short distance. It is very popular, which can make it crowded, but the views are well worth it. Because the terrain is easy to navigate, it’s great for bringing families and wowing out-of-town guests.” – Andrew Lovice

ISSAQUEENA LAKE LOOP

Clemson Experimental Forest, SC

“This 4.5-mile loop takes hikers to a forgotten place of the past. The 100-plus miles of trails within the Clemson Experimental Forest, now used for education and recreation, was depleted farmland until the university deeded the land in the early 1950s. Now, the Clemson Experimental Forest is the largest university-owned forest in America! Along this hike you’ll see the beautiful Lake Issaqueena, once used for bombing practice for World War II, the Six Mile River, Lake Hartwell, and so much more.”

– Kyle Henry

RAINBOW FALLS TRAIL HIKE

Jones Gap State Park, SC

“This 4.4-mile out-and-back trail in Jones Gap State Park is one of the most spectacular waterfalls you will witness in the area, with 1,181 feet of elevation gain and a waterfall that stretches over 100 feet in height. The trail starts easily when you enter the trailhead but quickly gets steep as you walk up many stairs. There is a large amount of elevation gain in a short distance. However, the views of the falls are incredible and well worth the strenuous effort to reach. This is a great trail for friends and family, and one of the more popular trails in the region for our furry friends.” – Jake Wickiser

Lewis, Clark, and Lori

Inside a life-changing expedition that took Valley member Lori Wallach down the Lewis and Clark Trail

Lori Wallach has watched a meteor shower slice through the Big Dipper over sacred Nez Perce tribal grounds. She has floated on her back miles downstream on the winding Missouri River, surrounded by wild serenity. She has traced the footprints of Sacagawea across a crest of the Bitterroot Mountains.

And she can blame it all on a book.

“From the time I could read, I’ve loved early American history,” says Wallach. “As a kid, my books of choice were biographies of our presidents and other famous Americans, non-fiction history books. I loved visiting historic sites on road trips—I learned the importance of being in the space where it happened.”

Twenty years ago in Chicago, Wallach saw a Chautauqua-like performance of Thomas Jefferson by Clay Jenkinson, a leading Jefferson scholar. In it, she learned about a guided canoe expedition he led every summer on a portion of the Lewis and Clark Trail—and after reading Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose cover-to-cover in three days, she signed up for his August 2014 Missouri River trip.

Clockwise from above: Clark’s map; Lori on the Missouri River canoe trip; Lewis & Clark campsite marker.

Over the course of nine days, 50 miles by canoe, then 50 more by foot, Wallach and 32 other adventurers camped and hiked in the same exact spots where Lewis and Clark had, with in-depth lectures and stories along the way from Jenkinson, local outfitters, and First Peoples’ elders.

“The Lewis and Clark trail starts at Monticello in Virginia and goes all the way to the Pacific Ocean in Oregon,” says Wallach. “We were on the White Cliffs stretch of the Upper Missouri River, chosen due to its pristine nature—most of that section still looks like it did in 1805, when they mapped out 4,162 miles of this land, unlocking its secrets. They had no concept of what the Rockies were, or how long it would take and how dangerous it would be.”

Fortunately for Wallach and her fellow explorers, the trip wasn’t entirely off-grid, despite nights spent around campfires and days spent on wind-whipped water. “We overnighted at Montana’s Lochsa Lodge and Grand Union Hotel where we cleaned up, donned formal wear, and enjoyed a fine-dining experience with tenderloin of buffalo. It was one of the best meals I’ve ever had in my life, and we’re in the middle of nowhere—just amazing.”

From meditative moments sitting immersed in a flowing current, to gathering with celebrated storytellers and fellow history geeks in grand hotels, the trip was life-changing for Wallach—but she credits the fact that she was able to take on such a strenuous and physically challenging endeavor at all to her friends and neighbors in The Cliffs Valley and Mountain Park.

“When I signed up for the trip, I’d never been in a canoe before. I’d never long-distance hiked 50 miles in three days up and down mountains. So I needed to start training if I wanted to do this,” laughs Wallach. “That is where The Cliffs came to the rescue because I had a group of very active girlfriends who helped me train. We’d gear up and hike for miles all around here or go out on Lake Jocassee to kayak and build up endurance. Without the community support and the natural resources that we have around us, there’s no way I would have even thought of doing this trip.”

Even though Wallach’s expedition is no longer offered, the friendships she built along the way have endured—and their Lewis and Clark-themed parties, complete with Buffalo tenderloin, keeps the memory alive.

Clockwise from left: Lewis and Clark Trail marker; Lori, Jeff, Joe, and crew in slot canyon; View atop Hole in the Wall; Starting down from the Bitterroots on Sherman Creek Trail; Statue commemorating Clark greeting Lewis at Falls of the Ohio; Missouri River Canoe Trips with Lewis and Clark Trail Adventures.

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DAY TRIPPING

Warm weather ushers in months of fun, no matter which community at The Cliffs you live in

One of the many great things about living in Western Carolina mountains is the wealth of things to do year-round. In spring and summer, events color the landscape like bright blossoms, as the area bursts with art fairs, music events, and food festivals highlighting the talents and bounty of Southern Appalachia and the Blue Ridge foothills.

THE ASHEVILLE REGION

SPRING AT BILTMORE

MARCH 25 – MAY 23 | ASHEVILLE, NC

Starting in late March, a stunning spring spectacle unfolds at Biltmore when more than 130,000 flowers, from tulips and daffodils to azaleas and cherry blossoms, burst into bloom around the gardens and grounds. To see manmade beauty, reserve tickets for the new show, Chihuly at Biltmore, featuring sculptures by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly.

Biltmore, 1 Lodge Street, Asheville, NC biltmore.com

LEAF GLOBAL ARTS FESTIVAL

MAY 9 – 12 | BLACK MOUNTAIN, NC

Can world music create community? LEAF (Lake Eden Arts Festival) believes it can, and its Global Arts Festival is there to prove it. Acclaimed as one of the best festivals in the Southeast, LEAF has been described as a party in the woods, with attendees jamming, singing, dancing, and enjoying live performances on stages set around a lovely mountain lake.

375 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain, NC theleaf.org/events/leaf-festival

ASHEVILLE IDEAS FEST

JUNE 17 – 20 | ASHEVILLE, NC

Expand your mind and recharge your body in this one-of-a-kind immersive experience. This year’s fest, led by a panel of leading thinkers, will probe issues ranging from the state of democracy to exploration of space and sea. In between panels, there are opportunities to explore the cuisine, culture, and natural beauty of Asheville.

Various locations in Asheville, NC; ashevilleideasfest.com

CRAFT FAIR OF THE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS

JUNE 17 – 20 | ASHEVILLE, NC

If you love handmade crafts, don’t miss this venerable fourday juried show, which showcases the work of members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Listen to live music while you watch some of the finest artists in the South create work in mediums including clay, glass, fiber, paper, wood, jewelry, leather, and metal.

Harrah’s Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC southernhighlandguild.org/events

MOUNTAIN DANCE AND FOLK FESTIVAL

AUGUST 1 – 3 | SWANNANOA, NC

Do-si-do over to Swannanoa to join the toe-tapping fun at the 97th year of the festival that honors the music, dance, and storytelling traditions of Southern Appalachia. From string band concerts to clog dancing, a different show will be presented live each evening, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of the Great Smokies and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Kittredge Theatre, Warren Wilson College 701 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa, NC; folkheritage.org

NORTH CAROLINA STATE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

AUGUST 15 – 17 | MARION, NC

Celebrating the acoustic string music that was born in the hills of Appalachia, North Carolina’s State Bluegrass Festival features three days of concerts, plus food trucks and craft vendors. Featured in the lineup for this summer’s festival are Grammy Award-winner and member of the Grand Ole Opry Rhona Vincent, and the bluegrass band Authentic Unlimited.

Tom Johnson’s Campground, 348 Resistoflex Road, Marion, NC; evansmediasource.com

NORTH CAROLINA APPLE FESTIVAL

AUGUST 30 – SEPTEMBER 2 | HENDERSONVILLE, NC

Apples rule at this popular festival, held on Labor Day weekend in Hendersonville, the seat of the county that ranks among the top 20 apple-growing counties in the US. Over the weekend, Main Street sets out arts and crafts booths and apple-centric products from cider to ice cream. Come back Monday afternoon to watch the King Apple Parade, held rain or shine.

Main Street, Hendersonville, NC; ncapplefestival.org

THE LAKE REGION

SPRING FLING

MARCH 30 – 31 | PENDLETON, SC

Horse enthusiasts will want to mark their calendars for this two-day open horse show at the Garrison Arena at Clemson University. Sponsored by the South Carolina Upstate Equine Council, the event will include hunting, jumping, Western, and dressage, along with vendors, a silent auction, and tack sale tables.

T. Ed Garrison Arena

11-1 W. Queen Street, Pendleton, SC springflinghorseshow.com

SOUTH CAROLINA

STATE CHILI COOK OFF CHAMPIONSHIP

APRIL 20 | BELTON, SC

Who will win bragging rights for the best chili in the state? Head to Belton to find out who the expert judges— sanctioned by the International Chili Society—deem South Carolina’s best chili cook in the 14th annual competition. Of course, you’ll want to taste the entries for yourself and cast your vote for the People’s Choice.

City Square

100 N. Main Street, Belton, SC scchilicookoff.com

PICKENS AZALEA FESTIVAL

APRIL 26 – 27 | PICKENS, SC

For more than 40 years, Pickens has celebrated the floral harbingers of spring on the last weekend of April. The fun kicks off with the annual cruise-in on Friday evening and continues on Saturday when Main Street in downtown Pickens teems with local artisans, crafters, musicians, and food vendors. Other highlights include the Pet Pageant and the Hotdog Eating Competition.

Main Street, Pickens, SC; pickensazaleafestival.com

ROCK THE COUNTRY

JULY 26 – 27 | ANDERSON, SC

Get ready for a big show in a small town, as the new music festival Rock the Country tours the U.S., with a stop in Anderson. Headliners are none other than Kid Rock, Jason Aldean, and Miranda Lambert, with appearances by Travis Tritt and Brantley Gilbert. If that doesn’t get your country heart fluttering, we don’t know what will.

Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center 3027 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Anderson, SC rockthecountry.com

SOUTH CAROLINA APPLE FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER 6 – 7 | WESTMINSTER, SC

The city of Westminster has kicked off the beginning of the local apple harvest on the week after Labor Day for more than 50 years now. Friday and Saturday highlight the core of the event, celebrating all things apple with fruit vendors, artisans, a parade, a quilt show, and rides for the kids.

Main Street, Westminster, SC; visitoconeesc.com/sc-apple-festival

GRITS & GRASS MOUNTAIN MUSIC FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER 12 – 14 | PICKENS, SC

Lonesome River Band, Fast Track, Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, The Grass Strings—those are just a few of the dozen or so musical acts that will grace the grounds of Hagood Mill during Grits & Grass. Come Thursday night for Moonlight Music on the Mountain and consider entering the Flat Foot Mountain Dance Contest—it benefits local charities.

Hagood Mill, 138 Hagood Mill Road, Pickens, SC; gritsngrass.com

THE MOUNTAIN REGION

SOUTHERN ROOTS BBQ REUNION

APRIL 20 | TRAVELERS REST, SC

Now in its third year, Southern Roots shines a spotlight on local chefs and acclaimed pitmasters from around the Southeast. They’ll be cooking up creative combinations of barbecue and sides to the tune of live music, to pair with beer, wine, and craft cocktails. Proceeds benefit IDefine, a nonprofit that helps families of children with the rare genetic disorder Kleefstra Syndrome.

Trailblazer Park, 235 Trailblazer Drive, Travelers Rest, SC; southernrootsreunion.com

ARTISPHERE

MAY 10 – 12 | GREENVILLE, SC

Hailed as one of the top fine-art festivals in the country, Artisphere celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. In addition to nearly 150 visual artists, this popular event features 80 bands on three outdoor stages throughout the weekend. Bring the kids along too; they won’t be bored at Kidsphere, where they can foster their creativity through hands-on crafting.

Main Street, downtown Greenville, SC artisphere.org

GALLABRAE – THE GREENVILLE SCOTTISH GAMES

MAY 24 – 25 | GREENVILLE, SC

Whether you claim Scottish ancestry or not, you’ll find fun on Memorial Day Weekend at Gallabrae. Festivities begin on Friday evening with the Great Scot Parade in downtown Greenville, and move to Furman University on Saturday where the games begin (caber toss, anyone?). Don your clan tartan to watch Highland pipe bands compete and border collies show off their sheepherding skills.

Parade: Downtown Greenville

Games: Furman University 3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC gallabrae.com

GREENVILLE JAZZ FEST

JUNE 7 – 8 | GREENVILLE, SC

From big bands to steel pans, the sounds of jazz will ring out downtown for the second annual Greenville Jazz Fest. The 2024 lineup has yet to be announced, but to give you a taste, last year’s festival showcased national acts such as the Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band from New Orleans along with homegrown jazz groups.

Main Street, downtown Greenville, SC; greenvillesc.gov/2114/Greenville-Jazz-Fest

SOUTH CAROLINA NEW PLAY FESTIVAL

AUGUST 8 – 11 | GREENVILLE, SC

New plays, new musicals, new variety shows—that’s what you can expect to see when the third annual South Carolina New Play Festival takes over downtown Greenville’s performing-arts halls with works by established and emerging playwrights. Every night presents a different performance in a different venue, winding up on Sunday evening with a Broadway Cabaret.

Various locations in downtown Greenville, SC southcarolinanewplayfestival.org

EARL SCRUGGS

MUSIC FESTIVAL

AUGUST 30 – SEPTEMBER 1 | MILL SPRING, NC

Top-notch talent (Emmylou Harris was the headliner last year) entertains concertgoers at the third incarnation of this festival, which pays homage to the late banjo legend Earl Scruggs, an inductee in both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Bluegrass Hall of Fame. His music lives on through the dozens of iconic country artists who will take the stage.

Tryon International Equestrian Center 25 International Blvd., Mill Spring, NC earlscruggsmusicfest.com

EUPHORIA

SEPTEMBER 19 – 22 | GREENVILLE, SC

Indulge your inner foodie at Greenville’s premier food, wine, and music event. During the four-day abbondanza, you can choose from more than 50 mouthwatering events, including wine tastings, cocktail classes, bike picnics, dinners, and brunches. Wine dinners pair local chefs with culinarians from around the country, including some with Michelin stars, while Feast by the Field takes over Fluor Field on Saturday and Sunday.

Various locations in Greenville; euphoriagreenville.com

STAY AND PLAY

Don’t want to limit your stay to just one day? As a member at The Cliffs, there are countless benefits that await, including our Property Management program. This amazing perk allows members to seek adventures through our home-rental program exclusively for members. Or stay in one of our local area hotels–including The Shepherd Hotel in Clemson and Hotel Domestique in Travelers Rest.

While spring and summer in the Western Carolinas offer many festivals for day trips, consider year-long accommodations and a lifetime of adventure in the beautiful regions at The Cliffs. Here, you may explore all the vibrant communities have to offer under one membership.

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A WELL–ROUNDED GAME

A GUIDE TO GOLFING AT THE CLIFFS

Many are familiar with Jack Nicklaus’s quote on what it takes to succeed on the course. He once said, “You can win tournaments when you’re mechanical, but golf is a game of emotion and adjustment. If you’re not aware of what’s happening to your mind and your body when you’re playing, you’ll never be able to be the very best you can be.”

Luckily for members, The Cliffs has facilities and golf professionals in place to learn, improve, and master the game. To inspire, Cliffs Living has curated personal stories of players you may know, as well as tools and tips from the experts.

KEOWEE SPRINGS

THE BEGINNER

Tina Schmidt | Keowee Springs

“Oh, I don’t have a handicap,” Tina Schmidt admits with a hearty laugh. “It’s my own fault. I’m nowhere near 36, so I just don’t input my scores, but I’m getting there.” Schmidt recently began playing golf again after a 25-year hiatus. She played intermittently while working in the oil and gas industry—a job that had her living in Singapore, Moscow, and Texas.

“It’s different now,” she says. “I take it more seriously. We don’t always play a full 18. I really want to improve, but I have a tendency to overthink everything when I’m hitting.”

To re-immerse herself into the game, the 57-year-old takes both private and couples lessons with David Pilkington, Director of Golf at Keowee Springs. “I think the one-on-one time is significant from my perspective,” she says. “I tell him specifically what my issue is and what I want to work on before the lesson. He’ll watch me and start making adjustments. I find that so very helpful.”

She also enjoys action with the Sassy Sixers every Tuesday, when a pro follows the ladies for six holes, to reinforce what they’ve learned during that morning’s clinic.

Beyond mechanics, to tackle the mental and physical aspects of the game, Schmidt meets with Wellness Director Taylor Duckett twice a week. “It holds me accountable,” she says. “It’s helped me with balance on my follow through. On the movement of your hips when you’re turning, the whole coordination of swinging has helped.”

Schmidt then puts all the pieces together as seamlessly as a drive, chip, and putt par. “When I need to make adjustments to my swing, the placement of my swing, or follow through, Taylor is helping with movement and strength to do it. David refines it based on how I’m actually hitting the ball. I definitely think this is a lifetime sport and I really, really want to get better and better.”

THE INTERMEDIATE

Cathy Himan | Walnut Cove

“My game has come back full force,” Cathy Himan says. “The game is so hard, and getting older, clearly, doesn’t help.”

After spending two decades raising children, the 54-year-old has traded her PTA hat for a golf visor. She’s gone from hitting a few times a year to almost every day. “My game has improved and it’s because of what we’ve found at The Cliffs,” she says. “We can’t believe our membership includes access to seven different clubs, and the staff and facilities at each are amazing.”

She prefers to hit with Director of Instruction Sean Kennedy—who Golf Digest recently named one of the best instructors in South Carolina. Himan’s goal is knocking her 16 handicap down to 10. “It will take a lot of practice,” she says. “I’m a long-hitter. My strength is my natural athleticism over the ball. When I don’t get my head into it, my swing comes naturally, and my ball contact is good. My weakness is my head. I get too mentally spun-out.”

“We can’t believe our membership includes access to seven different clubs, and the staff and facilities at each are amazing.”

— CATHY HIMAN

In the summer, she and her husband play Walnut Cove every day after work. They call Mountain Park their winter course. “We can get there in 30 minutes,” she says. “We go there as much as we can. You can gain eight degrees and no wind. That’s huge for us in winter. Even if it’s raining in Asheville, it can be clear there.”

The former, competitive tennis player admits she doesn’t have to work hard to stay in shape, but she sees the effects of age coming on like a Rory McIlroy drive—hard and long. She and her husband recently started a strength program at the Wellness Center. She also plans to use the

indoor hitting facility at Walnut Cove’s new Golf Learning Center. “I was just texting Sean about that,” she says. “I have high aspirations to lower my handicap and it’s going to take a lot of off-thecourse practice.”

As it turns out, her empty nest is quite full, with a new-found passion for an old sport. “It takes a lot of work to keep your game fine-tuned. When I was younger, it didn’t seem to take that much. I could pick up a club once a week and be awesome. That’s not the case anymore. But I know my game is as good as it is, and getting better, because of the accessibility I have here. We just love it.”

WALNUT COVE

THE EXPERT

Ben Whipple | Mountain Park

“My handicap recently is a 3.4,” Ben Whipple says. “I would say since I’ve come to The Cliffs, my game has gotten much better. I’m retired, so I can now spend more time on it. I spend a lot of time working on my putting, chipping, my long- and short-shots, and drives. The Cliffs has great facilities at all of the courses.”

Whipple likes to joke that, at the age of 70, he’s learned more about golf than most people will forget. His dad first placed clubs in his hands when

he was 5. “I tell those I’m playing with I’ve got my elementary school swing, my high school swing, my college swing,” he says with a chuckle. “I’ve gone through so many swings over the years. They may all look the same, but your swing is always evolving and changing.”

As he’s gotten older, he admits it’s tougher and he’s losing distance. He likes to shoot ideas off the Director of Instruction Sean Kennedy. Whipple says, “I play with him often. He’s a great instructor with a lot of knowledge.

MOUNTAIN PARK

“I like to tell people The Cliffs is like the Disneyland of golf courses. We’ve got seven courses to choose from. They complement each other really well.”

— BEN WHIPPLE

We talk about the game. He’s a great sounding board.”

More than anything, Whipple doesn’t stick close to Mountain Park. Although it’s his favorite course, he tries to play all of The Cliffs’ links, to keep his game nimble.

“I like to tell people The Cliffs is like the Disneyland of golf courses. We’ve got seven courses to choose from. They complement each other really well, with different architecture, different grasses, and different elevations. Glassy is up at 3,000. Asheville is pretty high. The lakes are about 800. A lot of other places have six or seven courses, but it’s the same architect, so they all resemble each other. That makes no sense at all.”

What makes sense, to Whipple and all of the players, is mastering their game at The Cliffs.

GOLF LEARNING CENTERS

David Pilkington sticks his head inside The Porch to monitor progress. Now that the Hart Howerton-designed Clubhouse is open at Keowee Springs, crews are transforming the Porch into a high-tech Golf Learning Center.

“We’ll have three hitting bays with indoor/ outdoor access, so we can work with players yearround,” the Director of Golf says.

The structure formerly known as “The Porch” served as a club-fitting facility when it first opened, but for the past 13 years it’s housed a golf shop, wellness center, and food kiosk within its small footprint. Those amenities have all moved to the new clubhouse, allowing the space to return to its original purpose, but with modern, high-tech gear.

“I’m really excited,” says Pilkington. “To have the ability to work with players year-round is important. When it’s cold, nobody wants to hit balls. In winter, we can pull that inside and everyone will have access to the simulators. We even hope to have league nights with them.”

A specially curated team will also provide club fittings. “What will make us unique from everybody else, is that we can offer every single club manufacturer,” Pilkington says. “It’s going to be pretty spectacular. With the clubfitting service, simulators, and easy access to the driving range and short-game greens, this will become one-stop-shopping for any golfer wanting to get their hands on the best tools to improve their game.”

Keowee Springs follows on the heels of Walnut Cove’s Golf Learning Center, which opened in November. “It’s been very well received,” says Mike Steele, Director of Golf at Walnut Cove. “Members are enjoying the lesson experience, and how we can now elevate that with this hitting space and technology.”

Cameras and software break down a swing from three different angles, while a high-tech mat records pressure points. “Players can see how they’re transferring weight across their swing. It can be a game-changer,” Steele says. “For those who are visual learners, it’s incredible. It doesn’t matter if you’re a complete beginner, or a singledigit handicap.”

He also appreciates the ability to teach year-round in an enclosed space, to avoid hot and cold weather elements. Steele says, “It’s a golf pro’s dream. The technology is very simple, but it can make a huge, positive impact.”

Meanwhile, construction of Mountain Park’s Golf Learning Center began in early 2024. “We hope to be up and operating by late spring, early summer,” says Director of Golf at Mountain Park, Matt Pavia. “We’re looking forward to creating programming to utilize the building for teaching and fitting. The goal is that this will make the Practice Facility more of a place to hang out, a destination to do fun things for our members. We also hope to create a strong club-fitting and repair presence for our region, utilizing our team’s extensive experience in this area.”

Pavia will spend the spring putting a calendar of events together that will include opportunities at the Learning Center every day the course is open. “We want some events to be about more than instruction, so we hope to host events where players can have professionals check their equipment and look at clubs, as well as contests with members.”

MOUNTAIN PARK WELLNESS CENTER

OFF THE COURSE ¯ WELLNESS PROGRAMMING

Taylor Duckett checks her notes, preparing to meet with a new golfer. As Wellness Director at Keowee Springs, she conducts highlevel member-fitness screenings to target areas to improve their games.

“I’m certified through the Titleist Performance Institute,” she says. “I run players through a series of movement patterns that look at and assess mobility, flexibility, and strength.” With results in hand, she designs individual training programs to bring improvements in needed areas. “The better your body moves on its own, the better you can manipulate a club,” she says. “Being able to get a full range of motion, a longer backswing is going to help you drive the ball further, and to not be sore after, or during, a round. Overall, it’s very important to be able to move well.”

Tina Schmidt has been working with Duckett for a year. “She and her husband have had an amazing journey,” she says. “They’ve worked really hard. We just did a follow-up TPI screening and she went from a 23 to a +4.” The screening works like a golf handicap, Duckett says, with a +7 being the best outcome and a 36 being the lowest. “In cases like Tina’s, the number goes in a positive direction when players are very proficient,” she says. “Tina’s made huge improvements in all of her areas of concern, with her shoulder flexibility, hip flexibility and rotational limitations. They are hooked on this process.”

Duckett also coaches players to create consistency outside the Wellness Center. “I like to build a pre-round warm-up routine to use on the range, before practice or play,” she says. “It’s the baseline to

“The better your body moves on its own, the better you can manipulate a club.”

— TAYLOR DUCKETT, WELLNESS DIRECTOR AT KEOWEE SPRINGS

start, no matter what course you’re playing.” Most importantly, she teaches athletes how to listen to their bodies. “After you hit balls, how does your body feel? Do you feel tight? Pressure in your lower back? Are you sore?” she asks. “All of these are indications your body is telling you; you need some kind of stretching and mobility and strength training.” And she has a proven system to deal with just that.

Mountain Park Wellness Director Padraic Williams has witnessed the benefits of such training, by merging on- and offcourse activities. “We’ve held a Golf Performance class in our Wellness Center for about three years,” he says. “Everyone who takes it says it helps with their game.” Mountain Park brings in a certified TPI instructor once a week to work with male and female players on mobility and strength. “By loosening up the spine and hips, and increasing general strength, your golf swing becomes more consistent,” Padraic instructs. “Even if you have great flexibility, you can always get stronger, to hit further.”

LEVEL UP

Elevate Your Game with Exclusive Tips from The Cliffs Golf Professionals

The Cliffs Valley Head Golf Pro | Camden Jones

“Ben Wright wanted to create a user-friendly golf course that felt like ‘A Walk in the Park.’ Valley encompasses this vision through many features. The fairways are wide, greens are receptive and there are not many forced carries on approach shots. The first hole, in particular, has a wide fairway. Ben wanted someone to be able to jump right out of the car and head straight to the first tee and not be intimidated! I love the variety of the par 5’s. We have two par 5s that are reachable in two, while two others will take three good shots, if you have hopes of making a birdie. The back 9 is tree-lined and a little tighter than the front 9. The Valley course is very fair—If you hit a good shot, you are rewarded for that good shot!”

The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards

Director of Golf | Brad Fowler

“Fairways are gently sloped, creating shots that rarely are a perfectly level lie. Players will get accustomed to shots requiring a slight setup change to account for sidehill, downhill, and uphill lies. A good example of this are holes 4 and 9. Both these par 5’s play downhill with shots from the landing area typically having a slightly downhill lie. The most special thing about Keowee Vineyards is the layout, with holes on both the front and back nine playing along Lake Keowee with fantastic views. Some lake golf courses may have one or two contact points, at Keowee Vineyards, we have nine. It’s a true lake experience.”

The Cliffs at Keowee Falls Head Golf Pro | Julian Bland

“The Keowee Falls course is known as the toughest test of golf of our seven properties. The modern Jack Nicklaus Signature Design places emphasis on distance control, particularly on shots onto the green. It mixes gentle elevation changes into a sea of well-laced bunkers and water features that are sure to get the golfer’s attention. Angles are everything here, with benefits playing from certain sides of each fairway. The better player will be able to use the ridge and contours of the green structures to help get his, or her, ball closer to the hole when playing from the proper approach. Great scores on this course require a strong short game, with a creative mind to use the contours on the greens to the player’s advantage.”

The Cliffs at Glassy Head Golf Pro | Kris Kleinsasser

“As course architect Tom Jackson says, ‘The Cliffs at Glassy will challenge your game and delight the eye.’ Sitting at 3000' elevation atop Glassy Mountain, it is the only mountaintop golf course, offering players picturesque views up to 75 miles throughout their round. Focus, precision, and club selection are key attributes at Glassy as maximum distance is not always the play. Glassy has what all golfers need to continue to improve and enjoy this wonderful game that we call golf—all while providing a pretty spectacular learning environment at that. As is said here on the mountain, ‘come for the views, stay for the people.’”

Icing ON THE Cake

New clubhouse

sweetens The Cliffs at Keowee Springs

They came for the thick grilled steaks, the seafood and de ssert stations— don’t pass by the chocolate fountain—and, of course, the libations. And they stayed for hours and hours, those 1,OOO-some memberguests who feasted on The Cliffs’ freshest architectura l entrée … the

Keowee Springs Clubhouse.

So it was on a warmish, breezy Saturday evening in mid-October that members and their families from all seven communities at The Cliffs got their first taste of the new facility. The party was simply the icing on the cake for The Cliffs’ sweet new centerpiece—with an actual cake that a local baker had designed to look like the community hub.

“Not the size of the actual building,” chuckles Kyle Caudill, General Manager of The Cliffs at Keowee Springs, “but it was pretty tasty.”

The real thing is, too, inside and out.

The single-story clubhouse extends nearly 19,000 square feet, or just shy of a half-acre, with a breezeway separating two wings of roughly the same size: a state-of-the-art wellness wing and the dining and community wing. Outside, a covered area extends more than 5,500 square feet, while an uncovered exterior space measures just shy of 8,000 square feet. That doesn’t even include the expansive vista.

“The thing that really captures your emotions is the view,” says Rob Duckett, President at The Cliffs.

While Tim Slattery, one of the architects, calls the site a “50-yard line” between the lake and the links, Louise Le Gardeur, Associate Principal at Hart Howerton, the same San Franciscobased architectural firm where Slattery is a partner, says the design takes full advantage of the hilltop site.

“Having the indoor-outdoor connection was a really big part of the architecture,” she says.

Kate and Tucker Hite were among the throngs at the Grand Opening, which the “staff pulled off seamlessly,” Tucker says.

They joined The Cliffs in 2014 and moved into their new home at Keowee Springs in 2021; after nine years, they’re thrilled about Keowee Springs’ big new amenity.

“They certainly had a vision of what they wanted it to be and the functionality of it is, I think, really, really good,” Tucker says. “From an architectural flow standpoint, I think it’s great. It’s nice that it’s all in one place.”

Slattery calls the architectural style “mountain modern.”

“It’s all a little more crisp and clean,” he says of the design compared with so many other clubhouses. “We wanted to dial it a little more on the modern side, but still keep the traditional.”

Le Gardeur agrees, adding the design provides a variety of spaces “so that as a member, as a guest, you can experience different things.”

Primary among those, both say, was situating the building so that guests take in the practice range, the short-game area, and the 18th hole—what Slattery calls “those golf experiences.”

“The whole idea is that it’s a different relationship to golf, where it’s a little more fun and interactive than just static and staring at golfers,” he adds.

As Duckett puts it, “You come into the breezeway and as you look out the back, this elevated view over the golf course, the short-game area, and the long-range view really is amazing.”

Like the architects, Duckett knew from the moment that South Street Partners acquired the seven luxury mountain communities in 2019 that the clubhouse would be nestled into a ridge that was already graded at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs. The site, he says, was tailormade for the project.

“When you look at private clubhouses,” he says, “you’ve really never seen anything like this particular clubhouse.”

And with so much flex space, indoors and out, Duckett says, “Depending on what’s happening, whether it’s daily activity or events, it gives the staff and team a lot of flexibility on how to operate the clubhouse, which I thought was a unique feature.”

,, ,, Having the indoor—outdoor connection was a really big part of the architecture.

— LOUISE LE GARDEUR, ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL AT HART HOWERTON

”The hope is that people are using this as their living room, effectively the communities’ living room,” Slattery says, while Duckett notes that members and their families from throughout The Cliffs are already using the space just that way.

And, as Slattery adds, it’s a space where folks can drop in to work.

“Just the idea of how people can work these days and how they’ll work in the future where there’s a lot more flexibility. There’s a little library off the bar, where you could go in and take a phone call or do whatever,” he says.

Tucker, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate who went on to serve nine years in the Marine Corps, works as a financial advisor and splits his time between Maryland and The Cliffs. He knows he could log in at the clubhouse, too, though he and Kate prefer to play golf and relax at the club and enjoy the pampering there.

I think we , ve hit the nail on the head with this facility. It allows for an atmosphere of community bringing members together for a variety of activities.

,,

— KYLE CAUDILL, GENERAL MANAGER OF THE CLIFFS AT KEOWEE SPRINGS

“The staff is what makes it,” Kate says. “They’re just busting over backwards trying to make it the most incredible experience for all the members.”

Even a couple of months after the party, the Hites say the clubhouse remains packed with members.

To that, Caudill says, “I think we’ve hit the nail on the head with this facility. It allows for an atmosphere of community–bringing members together for a variety of activities.” Then he adds with a chuckle. “We’re not letting you leave.”

After all, that’s what the clubhouse is all about.

“My hope is that people are running around, goofing around on the lawn, people are hanging out on the porches,” Slattery says, “and the clubhouse is really this centerpiece to the whole action of the life of Keowee Springs.”

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Home at The Cliffs

The Cliffs at Glassy RICK & JEAN MILLS

Rick and Jean Mills spent two years looking at different mountain communities in North and South Carolina before they finally found The Cliffs. The couple, who have lived in Maryland for more than a decade, wanted to move closer to their children and grandchildren and find a place that supported their varied hobbies and interests. Rick says Glassy fit the bill. “The top of the mountain with all its beauty and seclusion was all I needed to see. The small town of Landrum was the icing on the cake.”

CL How did you meet?

A Rick: We met at Myrtle Beach while I was on a golf trip with the boys. After shooting a bad round of golf that day and losing 50 bucks, things turned around that night as I found the love of my life on the dance floor.

CL What do you both do for a living?

A Jean: We both support the Navy working for a government contractor in Maryland. We look forward to retiring completely sometime within the next few years. Before this major career change for me last year, I was a nurse for 29 years.

Rick: Prior to this, I worked as an electrical engineer for 15 years building flight simulators for the Navy, and I learned to fly a lot of aircraft.

CL How do you spend your time at The Cliffs?

A Rick: For me it goes like this: I hit the ball; curse; find the ball in the woods; and repeat. Golf has always been a passion. I love the game and the people I meet playing it. I also started playing pickleball last year, and it’s still a lovehate relationship at this time.

Jean: We both enjoy golfing, hiking, and pickleball. I have joined two book clubs, try to get in as many spin classes as I can, play a little tennis, and have really expanded my gardening knowledge since moving here.

CL Tell us about your home.

A Rick: We bought a house here in October 2021. We are surrounded by the watershed on three sides of the house and it provides us a great view and serenity 24 hours a day.

CL Did you do any renovations? Or have plans for future updates?

A Jean: We did a bit of work to the house including painting the entire exterior and replacing all the floors in the basement. We upgraded the screened-in patio with new flooring and EZ Breeze windows and that is my favorite room in the house. I love opening the windows and listening to the peace and quiet. We just finished the game room downstairs last fall. We still have a few things to do like remodeling the master bathroom and Rick needs to outfit his workroom. We have one big patio downstairs that we are still not sure what to do with there is a fight going on about a hot tub!

CL What do you love about life at The Cliffs—and specifically, at Glassy?

A Jean: W e like to participate in as many events as our schedules will allow. We really like going to the other clubs to play golf and have lunch. The most enjoyable thing about Glassy is the people—everyone is so nice and so much fun to hang out with. I joined the newly formed Newcomers Committee on the mountain and we have really enjoyed meeting everyone. We hosted a happy hour for newcomers that was a lot of fun.

Home at The Cliffs

THE O’BRIEN FAMILY

The O’Brien family joined The Cliffs in 2015 to give Kevin and his golf-loving daughters—Gillian, Adrienne, and Peyton—access to the seven communities’ courses. As the girls’ golf skills grew, so did the family’s love for all The Cliffs offered. Kevin’s wife, Leigh, says the family started going to events at Keowee Falls, and when the perfect home there came on the market, they jumped at the chance to make it their own.

CL Tell us a little about you and Kevin’s background.

A Leigh: Kevin is a nephrologist at Oconee Prisma Hospital in Seneca. After obtaining my MBA, I decided to stay home with the girls and became a fitness instructor about ten years ago. I co-founded Clemson Fitness Company in 2017 and sold it three weeks before the pandemic hit in 2020. I still teach there on Thursday mornings.

CL How does your family spend your time?

A Leigh: We like to be outside and do anything active. The girls and I love live music. We went to a lot of concerts in the last year and a half including Zac Bryan, Stevie Nicks, Billy Joel, and Taylor Swift, among others. I really enjoy hiking. One of our regular dog-walk routes include the Falls Creek waterfall trail.

CL What’s your favorite part of your home?

A Leigh: Funny enough, it’s the bonus room with the pool table. The room has a dart board, concert posters, funny family Halloween photos of the past (It’s a must see—I used to go all out on family costumes every year!), and the pool table converts to a poker table. We’re a big gaming family!

CL Tell us about your daughters’ golf careers at The Cliffs and beyond.

A Leigh: Both Gillian and Adrienne have won Junior Championships at The Cliffs at different times when they held the event at Keowee Springs. Gillian ended up being recruited to golf at Gardner-Webb University, which is in the Big South conference. Adrienne is now in her senior year at Tusculum University, which plays in the same conference that Peyton will be in when she attends Anderson University next fall for golf. In October, Peyton accomplished her goal of winning the individual High School AAA State Championship.

The Cliffs at Keowee Falls

CL Peyton, has living at The Cliffs enhanced your golf game?

A Peyton: It’s been so beneficial in my golf game. I wouldn’t be near the golfer I am today without it. Every course to me has something I can benefit from. For example, my home course at Keowee Falls is very difficult so it challenges my game and my course management, but I know I benefit from it because I can see results in tournaments. Having access to seven different courses—all that can benefit a different part of my game—is something I am so lucky to say I have and I am so happy to be able to use these nice courses.

CL What’s the best part of living at The Cliffs?

A Leigh: Besides golf, our main family activity is boating and being on the lake. Kevin’s favorite thing to do is to go golfing by boat. Loading up his clubs on our boat for the 40-minute ride back to Keowee Falls, Keowee Vineyards, or Keowee Springs is his favorite way to go golfing. It’s very convenient to make arrangements with the golf shop and have someone meet you at the docks and transport you to the course.

Peyton: The best part for me is that everyone is so very kind and supportive of me. I don’t think I’ve ever been on the range without someone complimenting my swing, asking me questions about golf, talking about tournaments, or even giving advice; it could be a member or associate but everyone is so kind to me and I’m so appreciative. We have such a great community of members and I’m so happy to be a part of it with these wonderful people.

SIDE NOTE: Just weeks after winning her state title, the Keowee Falls team held a “Friday at the Falls” happy hour event in Peyton’s honor. Peyton’s big win was toasted with tasty mocktails.

MOUNTAIN MODERN

Designs add glassy sheen to homes at The Cliffs

Home is where the art is, and since The Cliffs exemplifies the high art of fine living, it stands to reason that homes themselves be works of art. And so, Cliffs Living showcases three new homes that reflect a burgeoning architectural trend in what their owners, builders, and designers are calling “Mountain Modern.”

“With the growing modern and contemporary designs, we are seeing a lot of glass, large windows, and glass doors,” Bergeron Builders says regarding recent builds..

Contrasting materials such as stained warm woods, metals, and steel, along with colors ranging from bright white to warm hues to “splashes of bold colors and black,” are all the rage these days, the Greenville, South Carolina-based custom builder says.

“At a glance, these homes can seem simple, but they actually take a great deal of detail and extreme care in finishing since imperfections can show up more easily with the sleek and clean styles,” Bergeron explains.

Here, you’ll find few—if any—imperfections in these Architectural Digest-worthy homes at Glassy, Valley, and Walnut Cove.

The Feldman Home

THE CLIFFS AT GLASSY

A retired eye surgeon and an art enthusiast, Dr. Rob Feldman has an eye for beauty. Diane, his wife of 40 years who worked as a medical office administrator, has a keen eye for art as well. And that includes their 3-year-old home, which includes multiple objects of art, never mind nature’s breathtaking canvas that sprawls before them.

Most of the 5,500-square-foot interior flows seamlessly to 2,400 square feet of outdoor space, separated only by floor-to-ceiling walls of glass; the patio features an infinity pool and a covered section.

“We spend much of our time on our patio. We like to have our meals outside, we enjoy bird

watching and because our home faces the west, we enjoy beautiful sunsets,” Rob says.

Here’s yet another dramatic feature: The home perches on a level foundation that soars 18 feet above the terrain, unlike their previous mountain home whose lower story was built into the steep hillside. (Of note, the home also includes a second floor, with elevator access.)

For their home at The Cliffs, the Feldmans, who lived in Maryland for 32 years, wanted something different from the vacation home they owned in the mountains of Virginia. Here, they also wanted to incorporate the aesthetics of outdoor living in Florida, where they

spend their winters in Naples.

“We wanted something more contemporary and open,” Diane says of their former Blue Ridge Mountain retreat. “Twenty-five years, and you want something different. We now have a light-filled, comfortable, modern home that blends perfectly with our natural surroundings.”

Still, the house had to conform to The Cliffs’ architectural guidelines, especially the façade.

Jilly Bergeron, who co-owns Bergeron Custom Builders with her husband, Jason, says that to make the front exterior work, they chose Brazilian walnut and stone pillars. Likewise, the double front doors are a light wood.

“We wanted to kind of hide the view, which is breathtaking, so when you walk in that front foyer and open those doors, everybody is just, like, awestruck,” Jilly says.

Visitors, she says, then soak in the bold interior, which is replete with gallery-like lighting packages.

“A lot of the house has the elements of an art gallery including white walls, white ceramic floor tiles, and spotlighting above paintings,” Diane says. Jilly says Diane initially sounded a bit concerned about the stark colors: “But I said, ‘you know, Diane, at the end of the day, you guys are the warmth in your home.’”

The Webster-Hunter Home

THE CLIFFS VALLEY

Imagine a “cottage”—the very word inspires visions of a fairy-tale cabin tucked in enchanted woods. And that’s the very picture of the new home Jay Webster and Candice Hunter completed at Valley in 2022.

“The Webster Cottage is a stunning blend of contemporary and midcentury modern design, perfectly nestled in a mountain setting,” says Drew Hamblen, President of Fairview Custom Homes.

The home’s “symmetrical and elegant façade leaves a lasting impression, seamlessly harmonizing with the natural landscape,” Hamblen says, and the flourishes include a “captivating mix of glass and board-and-batten siding.”

That is, the 2,400-square-foot home was designed to fit into not just The Cliffs, but reflect the bosky environs, say Candice and Jay, who have been married 10 years. Jay works for a Chicago-based nonprofit; Dr. Hunter practices psychiatry remotely.

Their Greenville-based builder, and member of The Cliffs Preferred Builder Program, had just completed a similar design at The Cliffs at Mountain Park. Jay says, “Once I saw that home, what they did with that, I just said, ‘That was it.’”

And so it was that the Hunter-Webster home earned Fairview the Homebuilders Association of South Carolina’s 2023 Pinnacle Award.

When the couple walked into their home for the first time, Candice says the experience seemed akin to walking into a magazine.

“It felt good, just the proportions,” she says. “The airiness, the light. It’s beautiful, I was very pleased, blown away.”

WATERSCAPE

The Cliffs at Keowee Springs

“Modern Style Meets Timeless Appeal.” That’s how Lake|Flato, a prestigious architectural firm, describes three Waterscape designs at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs. This new neighborhood, built by Cliffs Builders, introduces a bold new look to the shores of Lake Keowee.

The Cascade, The Wake, and The Crest, which start at around 2,300 square feet, showcase lakeside living with “modern silhouettes and of-the-moment flourishes,” the San Antonio, Texas-based firm says of the homes. In the middle of the neighborhood sits the new Lake Club, with its duet of pools, state-of-the-art gym, racquet courts, and magnificent water views.

And of Waterscape’s “next wave in shoreline style,” the firm notes, “homes will grace the landscape mindfully to optimize the viewing corridors and lake breezes.

See more online at cliffsliving.com/waterscape

The Hylander

THE CLIFFS AT WALNUT COVE

Bruce Pasquarella is planning to build a new home for himself and his family at The Cliffs at Keowee Falls. He also happens to be president of AR Homes by American Eagle Builders, a Greenville-based builder that created the Hylander model at Walnut Cove.

The Hylander’s 5,567 square feet boasts four bedrooms and five baths, a billiard room, club room, exercise space, and expansive covered porches in the rear of the home on both floors—for the grand view, naturally.

Noting the increasing pivot from traditional, transitional, and mountain rustic styles, Pasquarella sees the trend as a fusion of rustic touches, such as wood beams and stone, with modernism’s crisp lines and ebullient use of glass.

“It’s different, it’s fresh, it’s clean, it’s the trend of our society,” says Pasquarella, whose company is in The Cliffs Preferred Builder Program.

Kirsten Gilliam is an interior designer for Interiors AR Homes, which is part of Pasquarella’s company. People want a design distinctively different from their previous vacation or second home—especially with The Cliffs’ views offering breathtaking architectural opportunities, she says.

With an edgier style, the Hylander and similar

THE CASCADE

models also lean into a “more minimalistic lifestyle,” she says.

“People are doing away with the traditional knickknacks and they just kind of want to cleanse,” she adds. “People are looking for simplicity in their lives, and without being just that cold modern style, the design brings the ‘rustic mountain’ in— so it’s the juxtaposition of minimalism and rustic coziness.”

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Se r ving G r eenvi l le , SC & A sh evi l le , N C A reas

864 . 991.8020 ( SC) | 828.771 . 86 6 0 ( N C )

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BUILD WITH THE BEST

BUILDING A CUSTOM HOME AT THE CLIFFS SHOULD BE AS REWARDING OF AN EXPERIENCE AS LIVING HERE.

To that end, we’ve assembled and thoroughly vetted the finest custom home builders in the region to form The Cliffs Preferred Builder Program.

By choosing to build your custom home at The Cliffs with one of our Preferred Builders, you can be confident the firm you choose to work with has the experience and commitment necessary to understand and execute your unique vision.

Please visit cliffsliving.com/preferredbuilders for more information on this esteemed group of master builders and the specific regions they service.

Laurie Metzger

Todd Albinger

Pinal Waiwood

Elena Fleming

Kevin King

Laurie Metzger

David Schoenfeld

MEMBER-SUBMITTED SIGHTS OF THE CLIFFS

John Leifer

Joseph Roberson

Dave Head Donna Mullinax

Beverly Jackson

Don Fulop

John Eskuri

Dave Mitchem

MEMBER-SUBMITTED SIGHTS OF THE CLIFFS

John Leifer

Barb Watkins

Tom Schodorf

Diane Head

Roseann Cioce

James Vertino

Andy Breslow

MEMBER-SUBMITTED PEOPLE OF THE CLIFFS

Garrett Williams

Don Fulop

Donna Mullinax

Steven Bowman

David Lane

Dave Fitzgerald

Marcus Sciadini

MEMBERSUBMITTED PEOPLE OF THE CLIFFS

David Schoenfeld

Eddie Fort

Patty Stephens

Melissa Pappas

Caughlan Zoeller

Ryan Draayer

Joseph Roberson

Don Fulop

Thomas, Fisher & Edwards, P.A. helps families and businesses accomplish their goals and attain peace of mind for the future.

Ranked Tier 1 in the Greenville Metropolitan Area by Best Law Firms ® in the following 7 practice areas for 2024:

• Trusts and Estates

• Tax Law

• Corporate Law

• Mergers and Acquisitions

• Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)

• Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law

• Nonprofit/Charities Law

• Inheritance and “death” tax minimization

• Forming and selling your business, including for tax efficiency

• Will and trust dispositions and asset control, including second marriages, blended families, beneficiaries with fiscal challenges, and divorce/remarriage risk

• Transitioning your business ownership and management

• Avoiding probate and assisting estate and trust administration along with proper distributions

• “POD/TOD” or survivorship/beneficiary designations disrupting your estate plan

• Business/estate/trust controversies and disputes

LIVING THE CLIFFS SEVEN

Mountain Park members Dawn and Aaron Anderson have made it their mission to take in all The Cliffs has to offer

Written by Dawn Anderson

Shortly after the moving truck arrived at Mountain Park in March 2023, we wasted no time discovering what our new membership at The Cliffs had to offer.

Unlike the private clubs we came from in Phoenix and Las Vegas, The Cliffs is a unique concept because we have an allaccess pass to every amenity and event at all seven clubs. As desert dwellers for the last 23 years, South Carolina has an entirely different climate and landscape for us, so we were eager to explore.

Our first event was “Rock The Cliffs” at Keowee Vineyards in April. The Equestrian Center was on our to-do list, and this was the perfect setting for this themed concert event. What a terrific way to kick off our membership.

Next on the list was “The Sportsman Trail” at Keowee Springs. We read about this new amenity in Cliffs Living magazine several months before we moved. What a great activity and skills challenge. After

our wilderness pursuit, we had lunch at Keowee Springs.

With The Cliffs’ mobile app at our fingertips, we continued to sign up for everything. We enjoyed chapel concert dinners at Glassy, barbecues and lawn games at Mountain Park, themed events at Valley, plus a few sunsets at the pavilion at Mountain Park. Having access to all the wellness centers for pickleball, tennis, and group fitness classes is a great way to meet people and try new things, as well.

In June, we took advantage of the member home-rental program and reserved a cottage at the Keowee Vineyards Marina for a long weekend to explore the clubs within The Lake Region. We scheduled a private tour of Lake Keowee at the Keowee Springs Beach Club; our captain of the Tritoon boat provided information about the lake, while explaining all the amenities and water activities available to us. After a great day at the lake, we were ready to relax

and enjoy a wood-fired pizza from the Al Fresco Kitchen at Keowee Vineyards.

As summer carried on, we found relief from the heat and a change of scenery at Walnut Cove. Upon entering the community, we felt as if we were in a quaint European village. Lunch at The Tavern with a shopping spree at the Golf Shop is a must.

Our decision to move to South Carolina was greatly influenced by The Cliffs. With so much to offer, we decided we are going to use our membership as it was intended to be used and do everything. A little overwhelmed at first, we decided to break it down into phases and first become familiar with all the clubs and their unique different amenities. We have met so many wonderful people, all so welcoming and friendly.

The last nine months of exploring The Cliffs have exceeded our expectations, and we know there is still more to come. We are now ready to focus on the next phase, The Cliffs seven… GOLF.

THE

THE

THE CLIFFS AT WALNUT

[GLASSY]

LAST LOOK

“

ISEE TREES OF GREEN. RED ROSES, TOO. I see them bloom. For me and for you. And I think to myself. What a wonderful world,” sang Louis Armstrong. The warmer months—with their vibrant blossoms and greenery—stir our appreciation for nature. This photo by Amos Moses, a photographer and employee at The Cliffs, showcases the natural beauty of The Cliffs at Glassy.

GLASSY MOUNTAIN PARK VALLEY KEOWEE FALLS KEOWEE SPRINGS KEOWEE VINEYARDS WALNUT COVE