Leaf season web

Fall 2013

Leaf Season A publication of The Highlander and the Crossroads Chronicle

“WELCOME TO OUR WORLD”

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Leaf Season • 2013

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There’s something magical about fall.

Have you hugged your mug today?

I am a frequent visitor to the forest around Highlands and Cashiers, often with a camera in hand. No two days look the same in any spot, but fall brings an extra dimension to favorite places. I love returning to Dry Falls and Glen Falls each season, and usually keep the camera handy during the entire month of October. The leaf on this year’s cover was photographed in front of the Highlands Community Building, showing that beautiful colors this season can be found just about everywhere you look.

In this Leaf Season issue of Legacy, you will find some Melody Sp urney, ed itor of our favorite hiking trails — both new and old, articles on geocaching and paddling. Another article highlights the region’s growing craft beer craze, and you will also find information on a variety of activities planned for the season, including the Highlands Culinary Weekend, Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival and a full seasonal calendar.

Whether you are here visiting, lucky enough to call these mountains home or just dreaming, enjoy fall in the mountains — and don’t forget to grab your camera.

Handwarmer mugs exclusively at Peak Experience.

Because...

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To be included in the pages of Legacy Magazine, contact: The Highlander (828) 526-4114 or news@highlandsnews.com or the Crossroads Chronicle at (828) 743-5101

GALLERY OF FINE HANDCRAFTS & ANTIQUES The Largest Selection of Fine American Handcrafts in the Area.

An Amazing Array of American Craft including Jewelry, Pottery, Glass, Fiber Art and more accented by Estate Jewelry and Select Antiques.

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Publisher Michael Johnson

Editor Melody Spurney

Staff Writers Kelly Donaldson, Jessica Webb

Account Executives Tyler Shook, Mike Henry

Graphic Designers Matthew Deweese, Puckette McDonald

200354

2820 Dillard Road, Hwy 106 2 Miles past Highlands Country Club on left 828-526-0229

Cover Photo Melody Spurney

Copyright 2013. The Highlander. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner without specific written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.

Leaf Season • 2013

THE SUMMER HOUSE HOME FURNISHINGS CENTER

Accessories, Gifts, Antiques, Lighting, Handcrafted Custom Furniture and Interior Design Services

ANNOUNCING - SUMMER HOUSE CUSTOM KITCHEN & BATH

Ask about our Home Buyers and Home Renovators Discount Program

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Leaf Season • 2013

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Village Commons, Cashiers Friday, October 11 Kick off the 5th Annual Leaf Festival with a trip back to the psychedelic ‘60’s with an intimate evening under the tent featuring

Déjà vu

a tribute to Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

Contents Foliage Forecast

What weather factors play into the vibrant colors of the leaf season. Page 12

Colorful World of Trees This basic field guide can help you identify trees by their leaf color and shape. Page 16

Take a Hike Find your favorite path with this area trail guide. Page 18

Tickets: General Admission: $25 per person VIP: $65 Per Person* *Includes Valet Parking, reserved table, dinner voucher at the Culinary Cafe

Go for the Greenway Escape from Highlands’ busy downtown on the in-town nature trail. Page 26

Presale Only as a limited number of tables are available!

Purchase online at www.dejavucashiers.eventbrite.com/

Advance Ticket Sale Locations: Bear Paw Design/Robins Nest and Midnight Farms Call 828-743-8428 for more information

Admission to the Leaf Festival is Free No pets, coolers or chairs

Gates Open at 6:30 p.m.

Concert Starts at 7:30 p.m.

Full Cash bar including Moonshine Margarita bar & Culinary Cafe

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High Falls Enjoy one of the area’s newest trails to High Falls, which offers access to both hikers and paddlers. Page 30 Leaf Season • 2013

CANOE POINT Celebrating our 22nd year!

On Cashiers Lake New European Shipment Handcrafted Furniture Upholstered & Leather Furniture • Porch Furniture Distinctive Gifts & Accessories Design Services Offered

OPEN

Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 11am - 5pm

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Celebrating 17 years in Cashiers!

Direct Importers of 18th, 19th and 20th Century English and French Furniture and Accessories

OPEN Monday — Saturday 10:30 a.m. — 5 p.m.

(828) 743-0642

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Highway 107 S • Canoe Point off Valley Road • Cashiers, NC 28717 Leaf Season • 2013

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Garden of Learning Students learn in the field with Summit Charter School’s on-site garden.

Page 38

Treasure Hunt Geocaching is a unique way to learn about the area’s geography and history. Page 40

Something’s Brewing Grab a cold one and relax for this tour of the region’s growing craft beer interest. Page 48

On a world stage The recent ICF Canoe Freestyle Championships brought more than two dozen international athletes to the Nantahala Gorge. Page 56 • 6

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Festivals The Cashiers Leaf Festival and Highlands Culinary Weekend offer destination events through the fall season.

Page 78

Live from the Met Special broadcasts bring live opera to the mountains this fall and winter. Page 63

Taste + Philanthropy Canyon Kitchen uses weekly dinners as a way to give back to community during the off season.

Page 74

Also inside: • Mountain Flavors: Apples steal the show in these seasonal dishes. Page 68 • Best Bets: 10 things to do in Highlands and Cashiers this season. Page 84 • Seasonal Calendar: A comprehensive list of activities scheduled so far for fall. Page 86 • Index of Advertisers: Page 94

Introducing The Hickory Ridge III Model soon to be under construction at the Franklin/Cashiers Model Center

Watch for other NEW Mountain Premier Series home plans coming soon!

uality Q f o r e d l i Bu omes H m o t s u C Years!

1 4 r e v O r Fo

Franklin/Cashiers Building Design Center 335 NP&L Loop, Franklin, NC

828-349-0990

© 2013 America’s Home Place, Inc. Home designs represented on this page are property of America’s Home Place and are intended for demonstration purposes only. Prices are base price only and do not include closing cost, land, or site improvements to land. Prices subject to change without notice. Renderings may show upgrades not included in price.

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Leaf Season • 2013

Betsy Paul ProPerties Homes • Lots • AcreAge • commerciAL

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GlenvIlle lakeFrOnt HOMe Extraordinary 3BR, 4BA home. Located on deep water peninsula w/270° lake & mtn. views. Office, sunroom, screened porch w/FP, 2 car garage. Indoor endless pool, full BA, workshop, attic for expansion. Dock w/332 ft. +/- frontage.

luxurIOuS eState HOMe 3BR, 3.5BA, 2 Bonus Rms in Gated Golf Club Est. View of Bald Rock, 2 private ponds & golf course frontage. Separate Guest house. 2-car garage, 2.29 +/- level terrain all fenced.

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FarM wItH endleSS pOSSIBIlItIeS 70+/- acres, pasture, creeks, apple orchard, mtn. views.

10 lots w/water lines. 58+/- acre conservation easement.

Historic farmhouse with 3BR, 1.5BA. Smokehouse, barn/garage, root cellar, trails. Well maintained roads.

GlenSHOre lakeFrOnt Lake Glenville lakefront 3BR, 3.5BA home in gated Glenshore. Located on the Strawberry Hill finger of the lake.

Great rm & family rm w/stone fireplaces. Lake & mtn views. Single carport. Steps & easy path to private dock.

FOx run HOllOw Log home on over 5 acres. This 4BR, 3.5BA has superior interior features. Lower family rm., fireplace, extra space for office or studio. Mtn. views, 2 streams & several waterfalls w/natural pools. Amenities. Assumable 4% mortgage

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SIlver SlIp FallS Private Cashiers home in gated Silver Slip Falls. Views of Whiteside Mountain & adjoins the common area for Silver Slip Lake. 3BR, 3BA, 2 fireplaces, gazebo, pond. 1.34+/acres, double carport. Some just completed updates.

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CaptIvatInG yellOw MOuntaIn Own your own private mountain or development. Superb views of all Cashiers mtns. Community adjoins 12,000 acres of U.S. Nat’l Forest land that will never be developed. Gate house. Roads in, water & power to parts. Centrally located between Cashiers & Highlands.

151+/- acres MlS# 73312 $8,300,000 43+/- acres MlS# 73307 $2,200,000 26+/- acres MlS# 73306 $2,750,000

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deSIraBle wHISper lake Large custom 4BR, 4.5BA w/fabulous details. Upstairs loft, 2 BRs each w/their own full baths. Lower: family room, 2 bunk rooms w/Jack & Jill bathroom, large storage area great for expansion. Whisper Lake & Sapphire Valley amenities.

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HOlly FOreSt Charming spacious 4BR, 3BA home great for entertaining or just enjoy your private retreat. Large kitchen. Fireplace. 2 car garage with circular drive & lots of parking.

Easy walking distance to Lake Fairfield. Amenities.

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77+/- aCreS In BIG rIdGe Rare large parcel with long range mtn. views & gentle topography. Good access on paved roads to top of property. Old road runs length of the property across streams.

Great pond & house sites. Multiple legal access points.

270+/- Ft On Hwy 64 Ideal location only a mile from the Crossroads. Great for commercial or residential cottage property. Near level, garage. Shared community well & small stream on property, underground power.

MlS# 77491

MlS# 72232

$925,000

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Leaf Season • 2013

Foliage Forecast

A

bundant rainfall during one of the wettest summers in western North Carolina history may portend a dampening of the intensity of the fall color show this year unless autumn brings vastly drier conditions, predicts Kathy Mathews, Western Carolina University’s fall foliage forecaster.

“With record rainfall during July, the trees in the mountains look healthy and green at the moment, and that’s a good thing for the trees,” said Mathews. “But leaf-lookers need to keep their fingers crossed for some drier weather in the next couple of months in order for us to see the development of vibrant fall leaf color.”

An associate professor of biology at WCU who specializes in plant systematics, Mathews bases her annual prediction in part on weather conditions, including rainfall, during the spring and summer growing season. She believes that the formation of higher levels of pigments in the leaves correlates with dry weather throughout the year, especially in September. The drier the climate, the more brilliant the fall leaves tend to be, with bright red colors especially dependent upon dry conditions, she said.

“There always will be plenty of color in the yellow and orange hues,” Mathews said. “However, if the days remain cloudy throughout September, there won’t be as much of a pop of bright reds on the leaves.”

Yellow and orange hues result from pigments that the leaves make year-round, hiding under the green color of chlorophyll, she said. As days get shorter and nights get colder, the chlorophyll will break down to reveal the pigments underneath.

On the other hand, the red pigments – anthocyanins – are manufactured by leaves mainly in the fall in response to cooling temperatures and excess sugar production caused by lots of sun, Mathews said. “Dryness also causes production of more red pigment,” she said. “Studies have shown that trees stressed out by dry soils and nutrient deficiency produce more red pigment in the fall. Ample sunshine and dry weather is the combination necessary for brilliant fall foliage.”

Another factor in the annual fall color show is temperature.

“Cool nights in September, with temperatures dropping into the low 40s, release the yellow, orange and red colors because chlorophyll degrades faster at lower temperatures,” Mathews said. “Temperature may work in our favor this year, as we have seen relatively cool summer months. If this trend continues, colors may be more vivid despite the rainfall.”

In any event, visitors to the western North Carolina mountains this fall should expect good yellow coloration in the tulip poplars, birches, beeches and hickories, and oranges in the buckeyes, maples and oaks, she said.

And there is an upside to all the rainfall, even if it means less-vibrant fall colors – the leaves should hang around longer, “With

Leaf Season • 2013

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healthy, well-watered trees, we should not see much early leaf drop,” Mathews said.

Depending upon the timing of the first frost, the peak of fall color should arrive during the second week of October in the higher elevations, and during the third week of October in the mid-elevations, Mathews said. Because freezing temperatures quickly degrade chlorophyll, leaves peak in color intensity about five days after a frost, she said.

The color change should begin at the higher mountain elevations in late September and continue through mid-November in the lower levels of western North Carolina.

Regardless of when the peak is and how intense the hues are, visitors always can find good fall color somewhere in the region’s mountains, with more than 100 tree species in the Southern Appalachians. That means not only many different colors of leaves in the fall, but also a lengthy fall color season, Mathews said.

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Leaf Season • 2013

Go for a drive The U.S. Forest Service offers recommendations for a variety of high and mid-elevation drives to view fall colors, ranging from 2,500 feet to more than 4,500 feet.

Among the high-elevation suggestions are the Cherohala Skyway in Graham County, Wayah Bald and Wine Spring Creek areas of Macon County and Roan Mountain in Mitchell County.

Mid-elevation suggestions include Chunky Gal Mountains from Standing Indian to Shooting Creek along U.S. 64 in Macon and Clay counties, along NC 28 and 143 in Graham County from Fontana Village to Stecoah Gap and along U.S. 19E in the Poplar area of Yancey County from the Cane River to Spivey Gap. For more information about these and other locations, visit www. fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/home/ ?cid=STELPRDB5326570.

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Trees

Colorful world of

W

hen it comes to fall color, some trees naturally stand out. Whether by color or leaf shape, it can be easy to identify your favorite type of tree if you know what to look for.

Use this seasonal guide to match up these summer leaves with their colored versions during the autumn months.

Nantahala National Forest botanist Duke Rankin says that in addition to matching leaf shapes and colors to their species, leaf lookers should also remember that colors appear at different times.

So, if you are hunting for the bright yellow of a tulip poplar, don’t wait until peak week, they just might be gone.

Hickories

Hickory trees turn a brownishyellow. These large trees are irregularly-shaped from a distance and have compound leaves with a brownish edge. Also chang-

ing colors around the middle of October are the Dogwoods, with an oval-shaped leaf. These small trees add a splash of red to the landscape.

Red Maple The Red Maple is common in the area and has a sprawling silhouette when seen from a distance.

The leaves have a scribbled edge around the classic shape and turn bright red in early fall.

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This popular leaf shape is the national symbol of Canada, and the country’s most popular hockey team is the Toronto Maple Leafs.

This tree typically changes color in early to mid-October.

Leaf Season • 2013

Tulip Poplar This tree, known as the “yellow poplar,” for its fall color is common in the area. The leaf has a four-pointed “tulip” shape that is diamond-like in appearance from a distance. Tulip Poplars turn yellow from mid-September through early October, peaking in the first and second weeks of October. Black Gum trees, which have a scrubby appearance, are also among the early turners. This tree splashes a vivid orange-red to mix with the Tulip Poplar’s yellow.

Oaks Oaks have a long oval shaped leaf. Red and scarlet oak leaves have jagged, angular edges, though this is most pronounced in scarlet oaks.

White oaks (pictured above) are less dramatic when the colors change, turning a brownish hue. Scarlet oaks turn a rusty but bright red-brown, and red oaks turn a deep blood red. Oaks and Hickories follow Maples and Sourwoods in October.

Dogwood

Family Program The Nature Center will host a family program from 2-3:30 p.m.

Oct. 5 with activities on how leaves change color. Activities include a walk through the Botanical Garden to identify trees by leaf shape and color. For all ages. Cost is $5. Sign up by calling 526-2623.

Leaf Season • 2013

Also in the red family is the Dogwood. This small tree is seen in many areas throughout the South. The leaves are oval shaped and come to a point at the tip. The leaves turn a red to reddish-purple in the fall. The tree is commonly identified in the spring by its “flowers” which are actually bracts — modified leaves that look like petals that appear in pink, white or yellow.

Photos by Emily Dorsey 17 •

Hike

Take A

H

ighlands-area vistas, waterfalls and (mostly) easy walkabouts for the novice hiker:

Bridal Veil Falls

Level of difficulty: Extremely easy. This waterfall is visible from the road.

Parking: Adequate Driving distance/directions from downtown: 2.7 miles.

Follow Hwy. 64 (Franklin Road). Waterfall is on the right.

Description: An alternate road curves under this waterfall allowing drivers to pass underneath. A large gravel parking area is adjacent.

Footnote: The road under the waterfall was closed for several years after a boulder fell and blocked it. The boulder was blasted away, and the road was reopened in 2007.

Cullasaja Falls

Level of difficulty: N/A Driving distance/directions from downtown: About 9 miles.

Follow Hwy. 64 (Franklin Road). Fall is on the left. Pull off is on the left.

Parking: Extremely limited Description: This waterfall is visible from the road, but it is strongly advisable to pull off to view it. It is more easily accessible when traveling east on Hwy. 64 up the mountain. Several small pull-offs are available there.

Footnote: The area to view this fall is in an extremely narrow area of the Cullasaja Gorge Road. Use extreme caution and be aware of the traffic through the narrow pass.

Dry Falls

Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate Driving directions/distance from downtown: About 3.5 miles. Follow Hwy. 64 (Franklin Road). Waterfall is on the left.

Parking: Improved Description: This relatively accessible hike includes a series of steps to a very short trail that leads behind the waterfall.

Footnote: Recent upgrades at this waterfall site include a more level trail, improved drainage, new railings and improvements underneath the waterfall.

At right: Whiteside Mountain as seen from Whiteside Cove/ Photo by Melody Spurney • 18

Leaf Season • 2013

Glen Falls

Level of difficulty: Difficult, 700-foot elevation drop in one mile.

Driving distance/directions from downtown: 2.9 miles. Follow Hwy. 106 (Dillard Road) to graveled Glen Falls Road on left, proceed to trailhead.

Parking: Adequate Hiking distance: 2 miles round trip Description: The trail leads to three cascades and starts at the top of the first falls. The trail down is easy, but the trail back up can be quite steep. However, hikers may choose to visit only one or two of the cascades.

Footnote: The Chinquapin Mountain trail also is located in this area, so pay attention to signs.

Chinquapin Mountain

Level of difficulty: Moderate, 700-foot elevation gain.

Driving distance/directions from downtown: 2.9 miles. Follow Hwy. 106 to graveled Glen Falls Road on left, proceed to trailhead.

Parking: Adequate Hiking distance: 3 miles round trip Description: Take the trail that bears to the right from Glen Falls trailhead and bulletin board. Be ready to rock-hop over several small streams on the way to the summit, which has a number of rocky overlooks into Blue Valley.

Footnote: Remember how to get back to your vehicle.

(Avoid side trail leading to Hwy. 106.)

Granite City

Level of difficulty: Moderate Driving distance/directions from downtown: 6 miles.

Follow the many twists, turns and hairpin switchbacks of Horse Cove Road down to T-intersection of Bull Pen and Whiteside Cove roads. Bear left on Whiteside 1.2 miles to steep trail on left.

Parking: Limited, on road shoulders Hiking distance: Minimal Description: Trail leads to a jumble of large granite outcrops and boulders with many caverns and ledges, a favorite of the young set.

Footnote: Best wear boots and long pants for this one.

“The Narrows”

Cullasaja Falls/ Photo by Melody Spurney Leaf Season • 2013

Level of difficulty: Moderate Driving distance/directions from downtown: 5.6 miles.

Follow the many twists, turns and hairpin switchbacks of Horse Cove Road down to T-intersection of Bull Pen and Whiteside Cove roads. Bear left on Whiteside 0.8 miles to old logging road, second on right.

Parking: Two spaces on the side of the road Hiking distance: About 4 miles round trip Description: Follow this “county line road” dividing

19 •

Jackson and Macon counties to intersection with Chattooga River Trail. Bear left another 0.2 miles, approximately, to picnic spots along Chattooga River, at confluence with Norton Mill Creek. Look for iron bridge over creek, repaired

by Forest Service after the 2004 hurricanes. The Chattooga at this location squeezes into a natural rock sluice, “The Narrows,” before widening out.

Footnote: This is a favorite swimming hole in summer.

Do not expect skinny-dipping solitude here.

Old Iron Bridge and Chattooga River Loop

Level of difficulty: Moderate Driving distance/directions from downtown: 7.9 miles.

Follow the many twists, turns and hairpin switchbacks of Horse Cove Road down to T-intersection of Bull Pen and Whiteside Cove roads. Bear right on Bull Pen (very rough graveled Forest Service road) to bridge. Bull Pen is partially paved, but drive cautiously on this single-track Forest Service road.

Parking: Adequate Hiking distance: 2-mile loop round trip Description: Trail proceeds upriver for some distance before switching back to the left and returning through hemlock forest to a camp site slightly higher up than the parking lot on Bull Pen Road. Hemlocks here display evidence of much damage from Hemlock Woolly Adelgid infestation. Many forgo the hike and just picnic along the river above the bridge.

Footnote: The more aggressive hiker may wish to follow Chattooga River Trail upriver. This is a more strenuous hike, with many water crossings, 6.25 miles total, ending at a parking lot for the Chattooga River Trail on Whiteside Cove Road.

It is best done with experienced fellow hikers.

Glen Falls/Photo by Melody Spurney

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Leaf Season • 2013

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REAL ESTATE SALES VACATION RENTALS • 22

Leaf Season • 2013

Ranger Falls

Level of difficulty: Moderate Driving distance/direction from downtown to Flat Mountain Road: Follow U.S. 64 east toward Cashiers for 2.5 miles. Turn left on Flat Mountain Road. Arrive at old Forest Service building after about 2 miles.

Parking: At former ranger station.

Hiking distance: 2-mile loop Description: This relatively new interpretive trail can be started from either the Cliffside Lake Recreation Area on Hwy. 64 W toward Franklin or at the former Highlands ranger station on Flat Mountain Road. The trail follows Skitty Creek and leads to its namesake Ranger Falls, approximately 25 feet high. At Flat Mountain, trail begins on west side of parking lot.

Satulah Mountain

Level of difficulty: Moderate (700foot elevation gain) Driving distance/direction from downtown: None Parking: None Hiking distance: About 3.5 miles Description: As there is no dedicated, public parking on the mountain, walk from downtown. Follow Satulah Road to the cul-de-sac at the top of the

Leaf Season • 2013

road. Several nice views from granite outcrops and remnant of old cabin.

On return, loop back to top of Worley Road for return trip to Highlands.

Footnote: About half of this hike is on paved road, skirting multiple private properties, but public hiking access to the top is guaranteed under covenants with the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust.

Sunset Rock

Level of difficulty: Moderate (less than 300-foot elevation gain) Driving distance/direction from downtown: 0.5 miles out Horse Cove Road Parking: Limited free parking adjacent to trailhead, across the road from Highlands Nature Center Hiking distance: 1.2 miles round trip Description: Walk up Sunset Park Road from trailhead to turnaround at the top of this graveled road – overlook with wonderful view of Highlands village is immediately to the right.

Footnote: A narrow trail heading east from the turnaround leads to Sunrise Rock and a good view of Horse Cove. Do not block the road, which is a private roadway.

214041

23 •

Whiteside Mountain/Photo by Jessica Webb

Whiteside Mountain

Level of difficulty: Moderate-to-strenuous, depending on what kind of shape you’re in.

Driving distance/directions from downtown: 6.6 miles. Take Hwy. 64 East toward Cashiers, right on Whiteside Mountain Road to trailhead and parking lot on left.

Parking: Adequate. U.S. Forest Service charges a parking fee of $2 per vehicle.

Hiking distance: 2-mile loop Description: Like Satulah, this is an oldtime favorite for visitors and Highlands residents alike. Take the loop trail clockwise or counter-clockwise – you still end up at the parking lot. Summit is a ridge with many overlooks to the south (with a spectacular view of the Blue Ridge Escarpment) and to

• 24

the north and east (view of ridges and mountains overlooking more developed Cashiers area and Whiteside Cove).

Footnote: Various twisting side trails lead to and from adjacent rock outcrop known as the Devil’s Courthouse, but the novice hiker might best do this tangent hike with experienced hikers who have been there previously. For wonderful details about this mountain, consult The Mountain at the end of the Trail: A History of Whiteside Mountain, by Robert Zahner, 1994. Available at the Hudson Library and Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center.

Yellow Mountain

Level of difficulty: Strenuous, with 2,000-plus-foot elevation gain Driving distance/directions from downtown: 4.9 miles. Follow Hwy. 64

Leaf Season • 2013

East to Buck Creek Road on left, proceed 2.2 miles on Buck Creek to trailhead on right.

Parking: Adequate, across the road from trailhead Hiking distance: 9.6 miles round trip Description: This longish hike up Cole Mountain, Shortoff Mountain, around Goat Knob and up Yellow Mountain is worth the trip for the view to be had from the old fire tower at the summit. Trail is well-marked and maintained, but it will test the mettle of the weekend walker.

Footnote: Bring adequate water.

Nice collection of wildflowers along the trail, in season.

Hike descriptions adapted from the Highland Hiker’s guide to day hikes.

Leaf Season • 2013

25 •

159791

Go for the

Greenway

(828) 743-9575 Since 1991

A shoppers destination in Alexander Gardens Cashiers, NC for Fine Ladies and Mens Consignments.

Mon. - Sat.: 10AM-5PM Sunday: Noon-5PM

Shoes and Purses

An outdoor trek is just steps away from downtown Highlands

T

he Highlands Plateau Greenway, with more than five miles of sidewalks and natural trails, offers a great way to get out and see the town. Most of the trail is recognized as a North Carolina Birding Trail. It also weaves through downtown Highlands and offers a great way to see many historical sites like Joe Webb cabins. In 2010, the trail was named a National Recreation Trail.

Distances listed in the trail descriptions are one-way.

Sunset Rock

Also Visit our Mens Store

Sunset Rock offers a stunning view of Highlands from above. Access Sunset Rock Road from Horse Cove Road across from the Highlands Nature Center. The hike leads through a mixed oak forest to a high elevation granite dome community at the summit. A trail to the left leads to Sunrise Rock with a view of Horse Cove. Sunset Rock is a public park and an Important Birding Area of Highlands.

Distance: 0.6 mile.

Botanical Garden Trails

The Highlands Botanical Garden at the Highlands Biological Station is a great way to see native plant spe-

Old Edwards Club • 26

cies. Take Lower Lake and Upper Lake Trails around Lindenwood Lake to connect with Rhododendron Trail or explore the trails at the garden. All trails range from 0.1-0.2 mile.

Rhododendron Trail

The Coker Rhododendron Trail is a part of the Highlands Botanical Garden at the Highlands Biological Station. The trail begins on Lower Lake Road and leads through a grove of old-growth hemlocks, hardwoods and rhododendron. Distance 0.2 mile.

Big Bear Pen Trail

The Big Bear Pen Trail passes through Rhododendron Park with a panoramic view of the mountains near Highlands. It connects the second switchback of Big Bear Pen Road with Upper Lake Road and includes a 0.1 mile spur to a point below the switchback near a connector to Kelsey Trail.

Distance 0.3 mile.

Kelsey Trail

At the turn of the 20th century, the Kelsey Trail connected downtown Highlands to Whiteside Mountain through five miles of old-growth primeval forest. Today, the trail winds

Leaf Season • 2013

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Mill Creek Trail

Walk the trail from the Recreation Park down to the Mill Creek Bridge, including a new loop trail, and enjoy a beautiful open view of the water. The trail continues across the creek and joins with Oak Lane, which leads through the charming neighborhood of Mirror Lake. Distance 1.1 miles.

Bascom Trail

Enjoy the native flora, brook and waterfall on the sculpture trail from Oak Lane to the historic covered bridge at The Bascom. Distance: 0.1 mile.

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Falls

High

New trail offers hikers more access to spectacular waterfall

A

Story and photos by Jessica Webb

new one-mile hiking trail, High Falls Trail, from near the Glenville Dam to the base of High Falls offers a unique hiking experience and a new way to view one of the area’s most spectacular waterfalls.

Duke Energy built the trail and opened it to the public this spring. The new trail and paddler access is a part of the agreement for the company’s operation license through the Federal Energy Regulation Commission. The license is for the next 30 years.

While several area residents have seen High Falls in the past by accessing the falls through another trail below stream, this new trail offers a different kind of hiking experience and the benefit of being on Duke Energy property, thus the protection of continued future access. The other existing trail traverses private property that the owners allow people to hike through to get to the falls, but the future of that trail is less stable.

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High Falls Trail was built in part to allow paddlers upstream access to the river for the new releases of the water over the dam that raise the water level high enough to be able to float a sixmile course on the Tuckaseegee River from below the falls to a take-out point at Thorpe Powerhouse. (The last planned release of the season was in early August.)

To get to the trailhead from the Cashiers crossroads, head north on Highway 107 towards Glenville. Take a left onto Pine Creek Road and follow the road just past the Glenville Dam. The parking area for the new trail is on the right.

Duke Energy also has plans to construct a new swimming access area on Lake Glenville, which will be located across the road from the new High Falls hiking trailhead. Plans to lower the lake to construct the new swimming area had to be postponed to next fall due to high levels of rain this year.

A map of the trail is posted along with some additional information in the parking area. The trail starts off as a wide

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gravel path, which soon changes to an earthen path. Hikers will notice pretty quickly that accessing the falls upstream, the 1-mile hike is a fairly steep elevation change over the course of the trip down to the falls.

To build the trail, Duke Energy enlisted the help and trail expertise of Carolina Forestry owned by Scott Kinzer, according to Lisa Leatherman, Nantahala District director.

Unlike many other area hikes, the trail features several manmade staircases, some made of earth and wood that even feature nice handrails. Closer down to the falls, there are some

• 34

other unique features along the trail, such as a boardwalk or plank across a rocky stream.

The steep terrain required that the trail be built primarily by hand using only a minimal of mechanical equipment. The materials to construct the trail, steps and foot bridges were from materials found on site.

The trail clearly took a lot of planning and appears to have been constructed well. For such a steep climb, it is designed to be as navigable as possible — considering that the trail was built with consideration for those who would carry in their

Leaf Season • 2013

The new High Falls trail features a variety of terrain, plants and wildlife in addition to the waterfall. The trail was built

by Duke Energy and opened earlier this year.

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boats. The elevation change to the falls from the parking lot is 650 feet, according to Duke Energy.

As the trail continues, it changes to consist primarily of several sets of stairs constructed with large rocks, which appear slightly daunting on the climb back out.

Once you reach the falls, which takes about 30 or 45 minutes from the parking area, you’ll realize that it’s well worth the trip.

High Falls consists of two waterfalls that cascade over large rocks, into a fairly large pool. A large rocky area below offers plenty of good spots to take a seat

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and relax. To one side of the falls, the rock cliff face continues and makes the view even more striking.

While the new trail remains fairly unknown, its direct route to such a nice waterfall is likely going to make it an area favorite.

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Garden of

Learning Students get hands-on lessons in the field at Summit Charter School

H

Story and photos by Jessica Webb

ave you ever wondered about how many seeds come in a pumpkin or what leads to them turning orange when they are ripe?

If you have a pumpkin question, one of the best local sources would be to ask a second-grader at Summit Charter School.

The students have a lesson focused on the plant every fall, and this year introduced a new component of growing pumpkins in their school garden.

“We started the educational gardens three years ago. The pumpkin patch is a new initiative we planted last spring,” said Summit director Jack Talmadge.

Summit Charter School, a kindergarten through eighth grade school in Cashiers, has incorporated lessons from health to science into the garden.

The garden has nine different components, and each class takes care of different sections of the garden each year. The garden includes an apple orchard, blueberry bushes, a bird habitat garden, an insect garden, an ozone garden, a terraced garden and three raised bed gardens.

The excessive amount of rain that the area has seen this year hasn’t made for the most productive garden this year. Unfortunately, the growth of the pumpkin patch was impeded by the excessive rain.

Some sections of the garden are in their early stages, such as the apple orchard. While a few apples have been harvested, they are still small. The crop from the blueberry bushes has been plentiful, and the students will be able to harvest sweet potatoes soon.

“There are plenty of flowers, but we haven’t seen full development of a pumpkin yet. But we’re hopeful. The kids have had fun with it,” Talmadge said.

One of the raised bed gardens is planted in the Cherokee traditional three sisters with corn, beans and squash. The three

• 38

Leaf Season • 2013

Above: Students help maintain the raised garden beds at Summit Charter School in Cashiers. Page 38, top: Seventh-grader Lilli Carlton waters plants in the garden. (Photo by Eric Sink) Page 38, bottom: Younger students planted flowers, including this zinnia. sisters garden bed ties in with the eighth grade class’ studies on Cherokee culture.

“So every grade has a maintenance area, and we create educational components,” Talmadge said. “For example, the second grade does a big pumpkin unit comparing size, sorting seeds. The first graders study apples, and seventh graders study air quality.”

Maggie Vickery, who manages the garden and teaches middle school math and outdoor programs, said the ozone garden, planted with cut leaf cone flowers, provides a way for students to monitor the plant growth and record data daily.

An area near the raised bed gardens is left as a meadow, providing habitat for birds and pollinators. The meadow also provides an ideal location for students to conduct plot studies where they collect and count insect life.

“That’s really neat because the kids get to see what we control, but also what Mother Nature provides,” said Eric Sink, fifth grade teacher.

The raised bed gardens are also planted with borders of marigolds to deter pests and nasturtiums to attract pollinators.

Students helped construct the raised beds and amended the soil with leaf litter, grass clippings and bark mulch. Sink said this provides another learning opportunity for students, who learned that the soil in Cashiers is very sandy and needs amendments to grow vegetables.

“From a teacher’s perspective, it’s fun to watch kids get excited about digging in the dirt,” Sink said.

The third grade will soon be planting fall crops, such as greens, in one of the raised beds.

Leaf Season • 2013

For another box, the kindergarten and first-graders grew flowers of different sizes, such as nasturtium, zinnia, blackedeyed Susan and sunflower. They compared heights and put flowers into different groups by color, size, shape.

The sixth-grade class is responsible for pruning the blueberry bushes. First-graders start peas and beans in the classroom from seed before planting.

“It teaches them responsibility and to take ownership of the project,” Vickery said about the students working in the garden.

Local nurseries have donated plants to the garden, and local garden clubs have provided grants for the garden as well. The Southern Highlands Reserve has also donated a lot of plants for the insect garden, and Highlands Plateau Audubon Society has also given grants.

Looking toward the future, the school is working on getting more parents involved to help maintain the garden during the summer as well as developing a program to grow food that will be donated as fresh produce through MANNA food bank.

“There’s a service component to that as well. We’d love to have it more community-based as well that ties into a partnership we have with MANNA food bank,” Talmadge said. “We have 30 blueberry bushes, that’s a prime example of a good summer harvest if we have an adopt a garden program.”

Sink said the opportunity to cooperate with MANNA food bank is one the school looks forward to.

“That’s exciting because it kind of takes the didactic this is a learning garden, but it has a purpose for providing for those who don’t have as much as some of the students here,” Sink said.

39 •

Treasure

Hunt

Geocaching offers fun way to explore area’s history, sites

L

Story and photos by Cai Roman

ooking for a fun way to explore the area, learn about the area’s history and visit some beautiful locations? Geocaching may be the perfect activity for you.

What is geocaching? According to www.geocaching.com, the official website, “Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.” Geocaches are often hidden in clever spots and can require much searching before they can be found.

The geocaching community is enormous; according to the website, there are 2,167,983 active geocache being hunted by more than 6 million geocachers located all over the world.

Anyone can search for a geocache, and anyone can hide a geocache. The only things a budding geocacher needs to get started are a GPS-enabled device, which can be a dedi-

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Geocaches come in all shapes in sizes.

This is a small, elusive cache located near SweeTreats on Fourth Street in Highlands.

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cated GPS or a smartphone, a free account at www.geocaching.com to obtain coordinates and a healthy sense of adventure.

Geocaches can be found virtually anywhere and come in all different shapes and sizes, from tiny “micro” caches to larger containers such as ammo boxes. The containers always include a logbook for geocachers to sign when they find the geocache, and many caches include items that can be traded for items of equal or greater value. The only rules are that no one else sees the cache and that the cache be replaced and properly hidden.

Special types of geocaches include multi-caches, which involves visiting multiple locations with clues that lead to the final cache; mystery/ puzzle caches, which often require a puzzle to be solved to reveal the geocache location; EarthCaches, which are located in places where visitors can learn about a geological feature of Earth; and virtual caches, which do

• 42

Leaf Season • 2013

This geocache was found in the vicinity of Mountain Fresh Grocery.

not include physical caches but instead require proof that a location was visited.

Once a cache is found, geocachers can log on to www.geocaching.com and tell if they found or didn’t find the cache or if the cache is missing or needs maintenance.

According to Ann Austin, a geocacher who lives in Cashiers, one of the most exciting things about geocaching is the variety of places in which they are found.

“You can find one at the top of Mount Everest or on the side of the road at the Chamber of Commerce,” she said. There is also at least one geocache on the bottom of the ocean.

Austin primarily geocaches while on vacation and uses it to visit unique locations in faraway places.

“You find places you wouldn’t ordinarily see,” she said.

Austin has found 169 geocaches in places such as Nepal, Mongolia, Tanzania, Bhutan, Ireland, Scotland and France. A geocache in Nepal took led her to a tree stump in the middle of a city, where she had to be careful not to

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A traditional cache located not far from Main Street in Highlands.

Trinkets found in geocaches can be traded for items of equal or greater value.

let passersby on to what she was doing (this is how geocaches get stolen). Another in Nepal required that she rent a rowboat, take it across a lake and locate a cache at the bottom of a mountain near a pagoda. She also found a cache in Bhutan on the path to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Ed Fox, a Charlotte resident who frequently visits Cashiers, has found over 2,600 geocaches. He went to Peru last year and found several geocaches in the Macchu Picchu area. He has also found all of the geocaches hidden in the Cashiers area.

“It takes me to a lot of places I would have never gone to before,” he said.

“It’s just so fascinating,” said Austin, that you can be in the middle of nowhere but that someone has hidden something you can go and find. She is also intrigued by the global unity of geocaching — people from Africa to Greenland to Antarctica western North Carolina are partaking in the same activity.

• 44

Austin also said that geocaching is a great way to get children outdoors and keep them interested in nature. Fox, who is a teacher, said he takes his students geocaching in places all over the world.

The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust has organized a few geocaching excursions for children in the past. Executive director Gary Wein said they use geocaching to teach maps and to introduce them to the outdoors.

While many geocaches are located in exotic places, they can be found just about anywhere. In Highlands, there are nearly 100 geocaches located within 10 miles of the town limits, including several on Main Street or nearby. The following geocache was put together by the staff of The Highlander. To get the coordinates of the cache, a scavenger hunt through the archives of The Highlander located at the Hudson Library must be completed.

Leaf Season • 2013

Unofficial Highlander Scavenger Hunt Geocache To find this cache, you’ll need to complete a puzzle that takes you back through the archives of The Highlander and learn about the history of Highlands. In order to complete the coordinates of the cache, you’ll need to visit the Hudson Library at 554 Main St. and access the newspaper’s archives. Just ask a librarian to steer you in the right direction.

Here are the coordinates you’ll need to complete to find the cache: N 35 AB.CDE, W 083 FG.HIJ Here are the clues: A: On page 12 of the June 24, 1976, issue of The Highlander, there is a weather report. Subtract the high temperature for June 20 from the high temperature for June 21.

B: The Highlander has been “Bringing you the news since ____.” Subtract the third digit of the year The Highlander was first published from the fourth digit.

C: Find the number of the Oct. 11, 1979, issue of The Highlander (Vol. 22, Number XX). Use the second digit of this number.

D: In the Jan. 3, 1985, issue of The Highlander, there is a full-page advertisement for Matthews Mountain Market. Use the first digit of the price

of a 12-pack of Olympia beer.

E: In the Aug. 25, 1987, issue of The Highlander, there is an article about the Highlands Country Club Pro-Am held Aug. 24, which featured golfers such as Fred Couples, Jay Haas and Davis Love III. Add together the digits of Davis Love III’s individual score and subtract 14 from the sum.

F: The March 23, 1993, issue of The Highlander detailed the aftermath of the historic “Blizzard of ‘93.” Subtract 3 from the number of millions of dollars in total damage the storm was estimated to have caused.

G: A picture of a giant pumpkin can be found in the Oct. 10, 2003, issue of The Highlander. Subtract the last digit of the pumpkin’s weight from the first digit.

H: The number of members of The Highlander’s staff in August 2009.

I: The middle digit of The Highlander office’s physical address.

J: The number of quarters required to purchase a single copy of an issue of The Highlander in 2012.

Check your figures: A+B+C+D+E+F+G+H+I+J = (B+C)*(I+J) B+C = D-C I+J = H-G Good luck!

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Something’s

Brewing Craft beer movement takes hold in region

T

By Kelly Donaldson

he world of craft brewed beer has seen skyrocketing growth in popularity in recent years, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. That growth is inching its way into Jackson and Macon counties as well.

With nearby Asheville recently being deemed as “Beer City, U.S.A.,” growth of craft breweries into southwestern North Carolina was bound to happen. According to the North Carolina Brewers Guild at www.ncbeer.org, there are 79 breweries and brewpubs in the state, with 29 of those in western North Carolina, alone.

Currently, the closest microbrewery to the Highlands and Cashiers area is Heinzelmännchen Brewery in Sylva, although others are within a one-hour drive in nearby Bryson City (Nantahala Brewing Company) and Brevard (Oskar Blues Brewing Company and Brevard Brewing Company).

Heinzelmännchen Brewery

Heinzelmännchen Brewery in Sylva has been in the area for almost 10 years, opening in April of 2004. Operating as the only brewery in a dry county for nearly nine of those years (the Town of Sylva allowed alcohol sales) has had its ups and downs for owners Dieter Kuhn and Sheryl Rudd.

Looking back, Kuhn said, “Initially, we were one of only five breweries in the area. It was really spectacular the way things worked out. For a while, only 1½ or 2 percent of total beer sales were craft brews. Now it’s about 12 or 13 percent. It shows how focused people are to get a good quality beer.

“We’ve had our challenges here trying to keep the beer on tap and trying to meet the demand and promoting it as well,” Kuhn said. “It’s a challenge everyday. But to meet the people coming through the door, that’s what our focus is. We’re building those

Leaf Season • 2013

49 •

relationships. Over the years, that’s what has added to our base.”

Kuhn said Heinzelmännchen is at a point where they’re considering expansion or possible relocation just down the street to Dillsboro, which is possibly contingent on the return of the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.

“We work hard in the current situation as far as brewing and wholesaling and retailing, but we’re at that next level where we need to consider what we need to do to grow, yet being able to keep those relationships that we’ve built,” Kuhn said.

At Heinzelmännchen, customers can purchase a refillable growler, pints, have a small taste sample cup or order for restaurant use. They also commonly compete in regional beer festivals.

“They have progressed with us,” said Rudd about the many strange experiences they have encountered over the years with state, county and Town of Sylva regulations. “At one time, we could sell you a growler and give you a sample for free. Then, we could sell you a growler and four 4-ounce samples, but we couldn’t sell a pint. It’s been interesting.”

Describing their style of beer, Kuhn said, “Our beers are something of an exception around here. They’re smooth, non-bitter, moderately hopped, very well-balanced. It’s a great beer to go with food and have a good time with. All of them are very good. Having ‘Beer City’

over in Asheville, it really helps us, and we’re proud of that. We work with everybody over there, and they help us.”

Heinzelmännchen usually offers six traditional beers, and then throughout the year offers two seasonal beers and five specialty beers.

“Over the years, those beers have shown to be very sellable and very likeable to people,” said Kuhn about the traditional flavors.

Looking to the future, Rudd and Kuhn said they hope to grow their business and offer more for the local region to enjoy.

“We’re not some big corporation out in the middle of somewhere that you

may never get to,” said Rudd. “We’re right here. We enjoy those other beers, but with Dieter’s beers, they were made to go with food. You’d come in for lunch and have a sandwich and a pint.”

“We’re the face of the product, not a design on a box on a grocery shelf,” added Kuhn.

TripAdvisor ranked Heinzelmännchen as the 2012 No. 6 best place to take a brewery tour.

Fo r m o r e i n f o r m at i o n a b o u t H e i n z e l m ä n n c h e n , v i s i t w w w. yourgnometownbrewery.com or visit them on Facebook.

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Leaf Season • 2013

Tuckasegee Brewing Cooperative

Recently, the Tuckasegee Brewing Cooperative (TBC) was created by a few guys in the Sylva/Cullowhee area who simply like the process and experimentation of brewing beer. And of course, its not a bad trade-off to taste and share their unique creations with one another, family and friends.

“TBC is a group of friends, a group of people who love hoppy beer,” said member Michael Despeaux. “Our pale ale is named after Panthertown’s Bonas Defeat.

It’s just a combination of good friends and good beers.”

Technically, the TBC isn’t a brewery or a brew pub. They don’t sell growlers, pints or six packs from a business front.

They are simply a group of friends who brew craft beers for their own personal enjoyment. Occasionally, the group does provide beer for random fundraisers, beer festivals, weddings and other get-togethers. Often at public events, they serve their beer from a kayak filled with kegs, pouring their nectar from beer taps installed on the side. It’s lovingly called the “Kayakerator.”

The group formed around 2008 after some of the members met at a pub crawl in Asheville.

Leaf Season • 2013

Page 50: Heinzelmännchen Brewery owners Dieter Kuhn and Sheryl Rudd. Above: Tuckasegee Brewing Cooperative members Sean O’Connell and Justin Menickelli check out some hops growing in nearby Sylva. Page 52: The Tuckasegee Brewing Cooperative members are from left, Justin Menickelli, Sean O’Connell, Mark Budden and Joe Bill Mathews. Not pictured are members Michael Despeaux and Chris Cooper. Page 53: Innovation Brewing co-owners Chip Owen and Nicole Dexter. (Photos by Kelly Donaldson)

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“The inspiration was to brew on a regular basis and do something west of Asheville,” said member Sean O’Connell.

“Long term, we wanted to eventually go commercial, but short term we wanted to simply brew beer as a team (at beer festivals). We do fundraisers and competitions. We’ve traveled around some with it. We’re just a home brew club in some ways. Short term, we’d like to be able to sell growlers at the farmer’s market or something like that. Long term goals, I

think everyone has different ideas, but none of us wants to lose our house over it.”

The meeting spot for the club is simply a garage near downtown Sylva, where the members have several small stainless steel vats of beer fermenting into a future concoction. On the property, the group has several plants with hops that they often use in the brewing process.

“Not yet,” said O’Connell about whether all of their ingredients come

from local sources. “We’ve talked about that. Yeast is tricky.”

The TBC brews several different types of beer, but has two which have risen above as crowd pleasers, the Panthertown Pale Ale and a darker beer.

“The pale ale is really popular,” said member Justin Menickelli. “People really seem to like it.”

The TBC has a website at www.tuckasegeebrewing.com and can be found on Facebook as well.

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Leaf Season • 2013

Innovation Brewing Innovation Brewing is a new brewpub that is opening in downtown Sylva at the former location of Papou’s Wine Shop at 414 W. Main St. Owned by Nicole Dexter and Chip Owen, the two hope to have the new establishment open by Oct. 19.

“It’s a brewpub. We’re not really going to do any distributing,” Dexter said. “We have a really small one barrel system.”

Dexter and Owen said they had been planning on starting a brewpub for about a year, and when this location became available, they jumped at the opportunity to open in Sylva.

“We’ve been brewing for eight or nine years,” Owen said. “We have 12 taps, and we hope to brew all 12 at that location.

We may do growlers later.”

“If we brew four days a week, two batches a day, we should be able to keep up,” Dexter said.

Dexter and Hall said they will try to use some local ingredients when possible, but it’s difficult.

“It’s hard to get everything local,” Hall said. “We’ll try to get some of the ingredients at the local farmer’s market.”

You can find out more about Innova214238

tion Brewing at www.innovation-brewing. com or on their Facebook page.

When asked if there’s concern about having too many breweries and brew pubs in smaller areas outside of Asheville, Dexter said, “Asheville is a little saturated, and there are still more popping up all over the place. I think the surrounding areas will definitely start to see more brew pubs. And that way, people don’t have to drive all the way to Asheville to visit a brew pub.”

The craft brew movement For years, the beer market has been dominated by big corporate powers like Budweiser, Miller Lite, Coors and Busch.

But seemingly in the last 20 years, there has been a major shift in the market, with growth in the craft-brewed beer market.

“Honestly, I didn’t drink beer,” said Joe Bill Mathews of the TBC. “I didn’t like it. But as it turns out, I just didn’t like pilsner light-style beers. I just didn’t drink at all. There’s more to it than what

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53 •

I thought there was. There’s this interesting new beast that I’ve discovered. The more different styles there are out there to experiment with, the more you can get into it and see what you like.”

Experimenting with the many different craft-brewed beers available is one of the things that brings added camaraderie to the TBC. “That’s actually one of the things that is nice about home brewing,” said Budden of the TBC. “You’re able to experiment along the way just to try something different.”

Typically, the local brewers can go from start to finish in two to three weeks on a particular batch of beer.

With Jackson County still within its first year of having countywide alcohol sales, the local brewers know that there is probably some worry from conservative residents about the potential for more breweries to pop up in Jackson and Macon counties and their effect on safety.

“There’s a social aspect to it, getting together at a pub or at a friend’s place and drinking a good craft beer and talking

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about it and enjoying it,” Dexter said.

“It’s not like you’re buying a case of Bud Lights and going home and pounding them ... That’s not the kind of crowd that is associated with craft beers. It’s people that appreciate supporting local people. It’s an open mindedness to drinking rather than drinking to get drunk.”

Menickelli said it was simply about choice.

“There’s so many craft beers, it’s about choice,” he said. “The big guys like Budweiser do an amazing job of cranking out a consistent product. With craft beers, there’s so many choices. I can drink a different kind of beer every night. There are lots of choices.”

All of the brewers believed that there is something special going on in western North Carolina, only comparable to perhaps Oregon.

“It’s definitely growing all over the country, but I think it’s grown more here,” Dexter said.

“I think it’s great,” added her partner Hall. “The more the merrier.”

Above: A hops plant grows outside of Sylva.

Leaf Season • 2013

Asheville

Asheville Brewing Company French Broad Brewing Green Man Brewery Hi-Wire Brewing Company Highland Brewing Company Lexington Avenue Brewery Oyster House Brewing Company Thirsty Monk Pub & Brewery Wedge Brewing Company Wicked Weed Brewing Company

Black Mountain

Burial Beer Company Lookout Brewing Company Pisgah Brewing Company

Boone

Appalachian Mountain Brewery Ivory Tower Brewing

Brevard

Brevard Brewing Company Oskar Blues Brewery

Bryson City

Nantahala Brewing Company

Leaf Season • 2013

Try a pint There are dozens of locations in western North Carolina that offer locally-brewed craft beer.

In addition to the list at right, the Satulah Mountain Brewing Company is planning to open on Carolina Way in Highlands. An opening date has yet to be set.

Hendersonville

Southern Appalachian Brewery

Morganton

Catawba Valley Brewing Company

Plumtree

Blind Squirrel Brewery

Spruce Pine

Dry County Brewing Company

Sylva

Heinzelmannchen Brewery

Waynesville

BearWaters Brewing Company Frog Level Brewing Company Tipping Point Tavern

Weaverville

Blue Mountain Pizza & Brewpub

West Jefferson

Boondocks Brewing Tap Room & Restaurant

Lenoir

Howard Brewing Company

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Claire O’Hara of Great Britain is the 2013 women’s world champion of the squirt boating competition and freestyle kayaking. The championships were held in early September in the Nantahala River Gorge near Bryson City. (Photo by Jessica Webb)

Paddling event puts WNC on world stage

T

By Kelly Donaldson

he ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships drew hundreds of the world’s top free-style athletes to Nantahala Gorge near Bryson City in early September.

Freestyle kayakers competed by performing a variety of moves or tricks on a stationary river feature called The Wave.

Standing waves, ‘holes’, or hydraulics, or eddy lines — areas where the water changes direction — are all common freestyle features.

The athletes perform tricks like cartwheels, loops (full flips), blunts (really fast, near vertical turns that spew a curtain of water), and such colorfully named

moves as the Roundhouse, the Phonics Monkey, the McNasty and the Donkey Flip.

There are nearly 30 different moves, including the 180-pointer Helix (a 360-degree spin with at least 180-degrees of which the boat must be inverted. The boat must also be aerial at some point of the inverted part of the move) and the 10-pointer Spin (a 360-degree rotation of the boat at a 0-degree to 45-degree vertical angle).

In ICF competitions, athletes have a set time to perform as many different moves as possible, and they can score additional points for style. The moves fall into three categories: Entry Moves, Basic Moves, Bonuses.

Leaf Season • 2013

Leaf Season • 2013

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Leaf Season • 2013

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turing process, which maximized maneuverability and dynamic potential.

Freestyle kayaking is a growing sport internationally, and since 2006 has been sanctioned by the International Canoe Federation, the governing body of paddlesports worldwide. The first official ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships were held on the Ottawa River in Canada in 2007, and the first Freestyle World Cup series was held a year later in Prague in the Czech Republic, followed

by Augsburg, Germany; and Thun, Switzerland. The World Championships and the World Cups are held on alternate years, with the World Championships

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taking place on the odd numbered years.

The 2013 Wave was the centerpiece of the Nantahala freestyle kayaking venue. It was created by a Wave Shaper, an underwater concrete structure that alters water flow, enhancing the existing drop at that point of the river and creating a word-class competitive feature. This project received support from The Golden LEAF Foundation of North Carolina.

Zuzana Vanha, events manager at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, said the event is one that will be forever remembered by athletes from around the world, as well as the residents of western North Carolina. Athletes registered from more than two dozen countries including England, Australia, Japan, Canada, Brazil, Malaysia and Slovenia.

“For all of us that have been involved in this event, it has been a real treat to meet these folks and share in their passion for paddling and competing,” she said.

“I think this event is huge for North Carolina,” Vanha said about the impact of the event locally. “Bryson City was up against other popular outdoor towns like Reno, Nevada, and the fact that we won the event was a victory in and of itself.

Western North Carolina is already a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, one of the primary goals of this event is to really solidify our reputation as the premier southeastern destination for active outdoor recreation.”

This event was brought to the area through the efforts of the Nantahala Gorge Organizing Committee (NGOC), a community organization comprised of the Swain County Chamber

Leaf Season • 2013

The area’s finest selection of mattresses and beds. www.BlueRidgeBedding.com

Photos by Jessica Webb

Page 59, top: Elaine Campbell of the United States competes in the Squirt Boat competition at the ICF Canoe World Freestyle Championships.

Page 59, bottom: Regional spectators cheer on the kayakers. Above: Hitomi Takaru of Japan competes in the squirt semifinals.

of Commerce, the Golden Leaf Foundation, VisitNC and a number of local businesses.

Through the event, NGOC’s objective was to deliver a superior quality freestyle kayaking event and establish a legacy for the region as the premier, world-class outdoor recreation destination in the southeastern United States.

Spectators enjoyed the Appalachian Heritage Festival, both at the event venue in the Nantahala Gorge and in nearby Bryson City, highlighting traditional Cherokee and Appalachian folk arts, crafts, dances and music. The festival also featured an assortment of family activities including rafting and float trips, bicycle contests, rock climbing, storytelling and hands-on crafts.

(Portions of this story were provided by the ICF Canoe World Freestyle Championships website at www.freestylekayaking2013.com. Results are also found on the website.)

Leaf Season • 2013

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Leaf Season • 2013

Live ... from the Met Broadcasts give Highlands audiences a seat in famous New York opera house

T

By Melody Spurney

he Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center is adding to its entertainment lineup with “The Met: Live in HD,” the Metropolitan Opera’s series of live transmissions to theaters nationwide.

This live-feed from the Met will feature 10 productions in the 2013-14 season, which will begin in Highlands on Oct. 12. Met opera stars serve as hosts for the series, conducting live interviews with cast, crew and production teams and introducing popular behind-the-scenes features, giving the HD audience a look at what goes into staging of an opera at one of the world’s most well-known houses.

Mary Adair Leslie, PAC executive di-

Michael Stars Free People CP Shades BB Dakota Tulle Jeans: Joes, Citizens, AG, Hudson and more!

rector, said the interviews and behindthe-scenes tours before the performance begins and during intermission, give theater viewers a bonus experience that those watching from the Met don’t see.

Leslie began working to get approval as a transmission site nearly two years ago, and was finally added as a site in February. Since then, donors have paid about $15,000 for the necessary installation costs, which include special satellite dishes, projectors and back-up systems as specified by the Met. “Live in HD” performances are scheduled for transmission on Oct. 12 and 26, Nov. 9, Dec. 14, Feb. 8, March 1 and 15, April 5 and 26 and May 10. All of the productions begin at 12:55 p.m.

Leslie said that the PAC received an Find us On Facebook

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Check Out Purse by Annawear 63 •

enthusiastic response to the fundraising because of the popularity of the productions.

“There are so many fans of opera up here, it’s kind of amazing,” she said.

The tickets will cost $24, which is consistent with others in the region, Leslie said. Of the cost, half will go to the PAC and half will go to the Met. Members of the PAC and the Met will receive a 15 percent discount off the ticket price.

The only non-live transmission in Highlands will be the Oct. 12 performance of Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin,” which will be broadcast to other transmission sites on Oct. 5. However, a conflicting performance is scheduled for that day, and the PAC received special permission to show the performance the following Saturday.

“We have chosen a wide sampling of the best of our new season for the opera lovers around the world to enjoy locally,” Peter Gelb, Met general manager, said in a press release. “Our commitment to making opera accessible and affordable continues.”

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From The Nose/Courtesy of Metropolitan Opera

Leaf Season • 2013

‘The Met: Live in HD’ 2013-14 season • Prince Igor — March 1: Alexander Borodin’s epic “Prince Igor” features a 12th-century Ukrainian ruler who, along with his son, fights against invaders, only to face capture and find an unlikely love interest.

• Werther — March 15: This opera

by Jules Massenet features brooding poet Werther and his unattainable love, Charlotte.

• La Bohème — April 5: Puccini’s La Bohème features the passionate writer a pair of roommates caught in a complicated love story with two women.

• Così fan tutte — April 26: In Mozart’s opera, two men test the fidelity of their fiancées by pretending to go to war but secretly sneaking back.

• La Cenerentola — May 10: In Rossini’s Cinderella story, a prince throws a party seeking a bride, but arrives in disguise unbeknownst to the guests and courts Cenerentola, a maid to her stepfather’s household.

193216

• Eugene Onegin — Oct. 12. This opera composed by Tchaikovsky features a selfish hero who lives to regret his rejection of love and the incitement of a duel with his friend.

• The Nose — Oct. 26. This unconventional opera composed by Shostakovich features a beleaguered Russian official whose nose leaves his face in search of a life of its own.

• Tosca — Nov. 9. This opera by Puccini is a dramatic tale of murder, lust and political intrigue.

• Falstaff — Dec. 14: In Verdi’s final masterpiece, a boorish, blustery main character is running out of money and focuses his attention on two rich women.

No one is fooled, and the old man eventually learns a lesson.

• Rusalka — Feb. 8: In this opera by Dvorák, a lovelorn mermaid has fallen for a handsome prince, but must contend with a cackling swamp witch, a foreign rival and her own father.

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Leaf Season • 2013

Leaf Season • 2013

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— Mountain Flavors —

A taste of fall A

By Marilyn Underhill

rose is a rose is a rose is an apple. Apples belong to the Rose family of plants and are joined in the Rose family with apricots, plums, peaches, cherries, pears, raspberries and almonds. That is an impressive family.

The apple tree, which originated in eastern Europe and southwest Asia, can now be found in most temperate regions of the world. As a result of many hybrids and cultivars 7,000 varieties of apples have been developed.

Little did Johnny Appleseed — who was a real person named John Chapman ­— realize that his planting of apple trees in an area 100,000 square feet wide would provide beauty, food and a livelihood for generations to come.

John Chapman may have been an eccentric and colorful itinerant farmer, but his legacy lives on.

Did you know that North Carolina ranks seventh in apple production in the United States? We have more than 14,000 bearing acres of apple orchards.

Buying locally grown North Carolina apples ensures you are getting the freshest possible fruit. If you have ever picked an apple from the tree, then you know the joy of eating a fresh apple.

The following apple recipes feature the diversity of the fruit. These recipes would be a good addition to your apple recipe file. You won’t find an apple pie recipe as most everyone has their favorite one. Enjoy, support and thank your local apple growers. Bon appétit. Contact Marilyn at dmunderhill@gmail.com.

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Leaf Season • 2013

Apple Brown Betty From The Blue Willow Inn Ingredients ¼ cup plus ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs 6 peeled, cored, and sliced tart baking apples ½ cup water ½ cup molasses ¼ cup brown sugar ½ cup melted butter ½ teaspoon cinnamon Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sprinkle ¼ cup of the graham cracker crumbs onto the bottom of a baking dish. Place half the sliced apples on top of the crumbs; repeat with the remaining ¾ cup crumbs, then the remaining half of the apples. In a bowl mix the water, molasses, sugar and butter. Add the cinnamon.

Pour this mixture evenly over the top of the apples and graham cracker crumbs.

Cover and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 minutes more. Makes 8 servings.

Note: This should be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting fast on top.

Leaf Season • 2013

Apple Fruit Leather Ingredients 3 large Gala or Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped ¾ cup sugar 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Directions Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F. Combine the fruit and sugar in a blender.

Add the lemon juice and puree until smooth.

Transfer the pureed fruit to a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.

Reduce the heat to medium low and cook, stirring occasionally at first and then more often toward the end, until most of the liquid evaporates and the mixture is very thick, 35 to 45 minutes.

Be careful: The mixture may splatter.

Line a 12-by-17-inch rimmed baking sheet with a silicone mat or nonstick foil.

Use an offset spatula to spread the fruit on the mat or foil into a thin layer. Bake until barely tacky, 3 hours to 3 hours, 30 minutes.

Transfer the baking sheet to a rack and let the fruit leather cool completely. Peel off of the mat or foil. If the leather is still moist on the underside, return it to the oven, moist-side up, until dry, about 20 more minutes. Lay the leather smoothside down on a sheet of wax paper and use kitchen shears to cut it into strips on the paper. Roll up the strips and store in

zip-top bags for up to 1 week.

Apple Upside-Down Cake Ingredients ½ cup butter ½ cup light brown sugar 2 medium sized apples, peeled, cored and cut into ½-inch slices 2 eggs ⅔ cup sugar 1/3 cup apple juice 1 tsp. lemon extract 1 cup cake flour ½ tsp. baking powder Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place butter in 9-inch, round cake pan. Heat in oven until melted. Sprinkle in brown sugar. Stir, until well moistened. Arrange apples slices in pattern on top of sugar-butter mixture. Press apples firmly into mixture. Heat pan in oven until sugar starts to bubble. Set aside.

Beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in apple juice and lemon extract. Sift flour and baking powder together. Add to mixture, stirring until smooth. Pour batter over apples.

Bake 35-40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven. Invert on serving platter. Let pan stay over cake 5 minutes before removing.

69 •

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Leaf Season • 2013

Apple Butter Ingredients 5½ pounds apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped 4 cups white sugar 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground cloves ¼ teaspoon salt Directions Place the apples in a slow cooker. In a medium bowl, mix the sugar, cinnamon, cloves and salt. Pour the mixture over the apples in the slow cooker and mix well. Cover and cook on high 1 hour. Reduce heat to low and cook 9 to 11 hours, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thickened and dark brown. Uncover and continue cooking on low 1 hour. Stir with a whisk, if desired, to increase smoothness. Spoon the mixture into sterile containers, cover and refrigerate or freeze.

Makes four pints.

Leaf Season • 2013

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Foster’s Market Apple Bars Crust Ingredients 2½ cups all-purpose flour ½ cup rolled oats 1 cup confectioners’ sugar ½ teaspoon salt 12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened 12 ounces cream cheese, softened Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Lightly grease a 17-by-12-by-1-inch baking pan and set aside.

Mix the flour, oats, confectioners’ sugar and salt in a bowl and set aside.

Cream together the butter and cream cheese in a separate bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix by hand just until it forms a soft ball.

Flatten the dough with lightly floured hands and press evenly into the bottom and ¼ inch up the sides of the prepared

• 72

pan. The dough will be about ¼ inch thick. Prick the crust with a fork 8 to 10 times.

Bake 12 to 15 minutes, until light brown but not quite done. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Filling Ingredients 6 large eggs 1 cup sugar 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted 2 cups dark corn syrup 2 cups applesauce ¼ cup dark rum 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 1½ cups coarsely chopped pecans 1 cup Granny Smith or other tart apples, peeled, cored and diced Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Whisk the eggs and sugar in a bowl until well blended. Add the butter, corn syrup, applesauce, rum and vanilla and

stir to mix. Fold in the pecans and apples.

Pour on top of the crust and bake 45 to 50 minutes, until the filling is firm around the edges; the center will be slightly loose. Remove from the oven and cool several hours before cutting.

Trim the edges and cut into 2½-by-3inch bars. (For a smaller bar, cut the bar in half down the center or on the diagonal.) These bars are delicious topped with vanilla or butter-pecan ice cream.

Makes 2 dozen 2 ½-by-3-inch bars

Quick Apple Crescents Ingredients 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cored 2 (10 ounce) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough 1 cup butter 1½ cups white sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle Mountain Dew

Leaf Season • 2013

Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Cut each apple into 8 wedges and set aside.

Separate the crescent roll dough into tri-

Leaf Season • 2013

angles. Roll each apple wedge in crescent roll dough starting at the smallest end. Pinch to seal and place in the baking dish. Melt butter in a small saucepan and stir in the sugar and cinnamon. Pour

over the apple dumplings. Pour Mountain Dew over the dumplings. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown. Makes 16 dumplings.

73 •

Taste + Philanthropy Canyon Kitchen uses weekly dinners to help others Kiln-Dried Fire Wood (Call for Details)

Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Closed Sunday Past Highlands Falls on the left 2460 Cashiers Road • Highlands, N.C. 28741

(828) 526-2395

Visit our Flat Mountain location for landscape rock, sand, decorative gravels, mulch and fertilizer.

201714

David Sims, Owner

By Kelly Donaldson

M

any restaurants in the Highlands/Cashiers area are of four-star quality. But one in the Cashiers/Sapphire Valley area is finding an admirable mix between offering award-winning cuisine and giving back to local charities, while remaining open to the public for most servings.

Canyon Kitchen at Lonesome Valley will be open to the public for dinner on Wednesdays through Sundays through at least the end of October. But it’s when the season is over that the philanthropy begins.

Last winter, the Canyon Kitchen began the CK Supper Club. Chef John Fleer explained how the dinners work, that ultimately benefit local charities.

“CK Supper Club events this winter were every other Saturday night starting Dec. 2 and ran through March 16,” Fleer said of the 2012-13 off season. “The supper club dinners were a response to so many of our regular guests asking us to stay open during the winter. The idea for a weekend supper club event

was hatched one night when I was sitting in the dining room after dinner service with Jeff Sikes and Josh Crawford.

I was excited about being able to offer a different type of experience for folks that spend a lot of time in Cashiers during the winter.

“We wanted it be a lively event with a big social component and very relaxed in its approach, something that people could look forward to over the course of a couple of weeks knowing that they would be able to have great food, see friends, and hear some good music,” Fleer explained.

Events are held in the Jennings Barn, which is surrounded by picturesque rocky faced mountains and valleys.

“The Jennings Barn is the perfect setting for this big Cashiers house party,” Fleer said.

Looking ahead to next year, Fleer said, “We are planning to host the supper club again next winter, probably on the same schedule starting after Thanksgiving and going through March. This winter we had eight events. Next winter we may do a few more.”

“Highlands’ Oldest and Most Trusted Pharmacy” Located in Wright Square at 195 Main St., Highlands May thru October Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Closed Sundays November thru April Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Sat. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Closed Sundays

828-526-2366

Sherry H. Sims, R. Ph./Owner • 74

CK Supper Club meals are served in the Jennings Barn at Lonesome Valley.

Leaf Season • 2013

Patrons who attend the dinners are treated to a night of fun, food and spirits, but also know their price of admission is going to a good cause.

“The supper club dinners started with an hour of socializing and then the group sat down around 7 p.m.,” explained Fleer.

“We seated everyone in large groups, and food was served family style. As you may know on some nights during the season there is a communal element to the dining experience for individual tables. I really feel like passing food around is an important part of the magic of the dinner table and how it established connections with our dining friends.

“For the supper club we went all-in on the shared plates approach and it created a great atmosphere,” Fleer added.

“We started each dinner with a couple of spreads in mason jars like smoked trout spread and Chelsea’s pretzel rolls and roasted parsnip hummus on crostini. Then we served two family style appetizers, always a big salad like a CK Waldorf Salad with golden raisins,

Leaf Season • 2013

spiced walnuts and local apples and then a pasta style dish like heritage pork and dumplings with chow-chow. The entree would be something like coq au vin with roasted fingerling potatoes and roasted shiitake mushrooms. And, of course, we would finish with one of Chelsea Raby’s outrageously delicious desserts like banana pudding icebox cake with cocoa meringues and dark chocolate sorbet.”

For beverages, Fleer said he would always recommend wines, but Canyon Kitchen also offered its full wine list.

“There’s a large selection of wines by the glass and craft beers,” he added.

Guests are treated to live local music as well.

“The music ranged from bluegrass to blues, from southern rock to a singa-long piano for Valentines Day,” Fleer said.

On average, Fleer said 90 to 100 patrons attended the CK Suppers last year.

“For most of our events, since we donated $5 per person to charity, we were typically donating about $500 per

75 •

John Cleaveland Realty A Division Of Countr y Club Properties

“Changing the Way You View Highlands” 223 North Fourth Street, Highlands NC 28741 • (828) 526-4983 • Toll Free: 1-888-922-1522 • Fax: (828) 526-2453 Website: www.jcrealty.info • Email: info@jcrealty.info • Steve Gleaner, BIC 200-9173 • John Cleaveland 526-2598 • Kay Earp 526-5118 • Sandy Vos 342-0882 • Jerry Hermanson 342-3571 • Jerry Huie 507-5719 • Thomas (Tim) M. Smith III, 706-490-4007

Located in The Highlands Springs & Falls Community, of f Shor tof f Rd., on .92 acre. This beautifully remodeled home with a new addition, of fers 3 BR, 2.5 BA, fully equipped gourmet kitchen, granite counter tops, handcrafted maple cabinets, hickor y wood floors, large family room, private of fice and DBL garage.

Extra large private deck overlooks Big Creek. MLS#76739 A Great Buy at $599,000

ALL ON ONE LEVEL BRICK HOUSE. Offering 3 BR, 2.5 BA, large private deck, dbl garage, nice finish work and some marble floors.

Located Between Highlands and Cashiers In Wildwood. Across From Wildcat Country Club. Community offers small lake,tennis court and lots of walking areas. MLS# 77977 $375,000.

3/2 Beautiful Home - ready to move in, ever ything is done- BEST BUY IN CASHIERS ON 1.76 ACRES. Offering 3 attached 2 car garage, Great outdoor entertaining area. Slate and Bedrooms, 2 Baths, deck & covered carport. Beautiful landscaping including numerous flowering shrubs,fruit trees & garden spot. wood floors, Granite in kitchen and bath rooms. Some furniture is A STEAL AT $169,900 MLS #77882 available. Located in King Mountain Club, with year round caretaker, clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts, stocked trout pond, walking trails, gated community, water system. All of this and only asking $375,000, easy to see MLS # 74711

In Highlands Falls Countr y Club. Offering 3 BR, 2 BA in the main house with 1 BR, 1BA in the apartment over the 2 car garage.

Overlooks 5th fair way with pond and view of Shortoff Mtn. On 1.59 acres. MLS#76939 $325,000

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ON LAKE SEQUOYAH WITH DEEP WATER DOCK: 3bd,2ba in the main house plus 1bd,1ba separate apt(sleeps 6). Home was recently fully remodeled with wood floors, walls & ceilings. New metal roof & new exterior paint. REDUCED TO $525,000. A GREAT LAKEFRONT BUY! MLS 73900

Leaf Season • 2013

214029

An All-American Burger Joint

Open 7 Days for Lunch & Dinner

Leaf Season • 2013

the restaurant. Using the old trout raceways from when Sunburst Trout operated on the Lonesome Valley property was a stroke of brilliance. Standing at the bar on the patio of Canyon Kitchen not only do we have the beautiful vista of cow rock in the distance, but we also have these beautiful culinary and decorative gardens surrounding us to wander through and enjoy.”

Overall, Fleer is exciting about the upcoming 2013-14 season.

“I am excited about opening for our fifth season in Cashiers,” he said. “The evolution of the Canyon Kitchen concept is so much fun to be a part of. The Supper Clubs were a really fun step in our development. It’s really difficult to express how gratifying it was this winter to look out into Canyon Kitchen and see a hundred friends gathered around the fire or cuttin’ the rug to great music and truly enjoying each other.”

Full Beer and Cocktail Menu!

Call for Catering or Carryout 30 Dillard Road, Highlands Next to the Farmer’s Market

(828) 526-4241

twitter@Justin_burdett 200141

event. I felt it was an important element in these events to give back to the community services that could really benefit from a donation of that size,” he said.

“CK supper clubs were all about bringing the community of year-round Cashiers residents together. And the donation is an expression of the strength and spirit of this community.”

But not to be outshined by the restaurant’s philanthropic endeavors is the facility itself, which was recently recognized in an edition of Southern Living magazine.

“I’m so happy to see John and Marcia McCarley’s horticultural magic recognized,” said Fleer of the April 2013 edition. “What they have done with our gardens is incredible. They have matched the character of the building and the setting and our menu perfectly and at the same time provided us an inspiring kitchen garden right out the back door of

77 •

Culinary weekend offers variety of experiences

E

at, drink and be merry at the seventh annual Highlands Culinary Weekend, which is scheduled for Nov. 7-10.

This popular four-day event draws local residents and visitors to many of Highlands’ restaurants and other venues for a variety of activities including cooking demonstrations, tastings and dinners.

The festival kicks off with an opening night gala on Nov. 7 at the clubhouse at Highlands Country Club. The gala will feature music, wine tasting and cuisine from local chefs. Scheduled participants include Cyprus International Cuisine, Fressers Eatery, The Gamekeeper’s Tavern, Kilwin’s, Lakeside Restaurant, Mountain Fresh Grocery, Old Edwards Inn and Spa, Ruka’s Table and The Ugly Dog Pub in addition to numerous vineyards and regional distributors. Tickets for the gala are $75.

Returning this year will be the popular Sip & Stroll, allowing patrons to sample wines and visit many of Highlands’ downtown merchants. An expanded Sip & Stroll is planned, with events scheduled both Friday and Saturday. Participants begin their stroll at the Highlands Chamber of Commerce to pick up a detailed map and souvenir wine glass. From there, they can visit the participating merchants at their own pace, lingering to enjoy homemade hors d’oeuvres, cheeses and a selection of wines. Those who visit all the participating merchants will be eligible for prizes including fine dining gift certificates, pottery and wine. The participating merchants are different for each day’s stroll. Tickets for each Sip & Stroll are $35.

Other events include “Sip & Stroke” at The Bascom on Friday and Saturday where participants will create a well-known painting while they sip on wine.

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Leaf Season • 2013

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Leaf Season • 2013

Bought too much to carry home?

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79 •

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In the evenings, patrons can choose from a variety of special dinners. On Friday, wine pairings are scheduled at five restaurants, with themes ranging from Culinary Adventure Through Europe at the Inn at Half Mile Farm, the annual farm harvest dinner and barn dance at Old Edwards’ farm, “Old Vines and Young Turks” at Cyprus and Cakebread Cellars and Lambert Bridge at Lakeside and Wolfgang’s respectively. A craft beer pairing dinner is also scheduled at Ruka’s Table.

On Saturday, James Beard Award winner Louis Osteen will participate in a brunch event at Mountain Fresh. Evening events include “Midnight in Taipei” at Cyprus, a Spanish wine pairing at Ruka’s, a wine dinner with Justin Vineyards at Lakeside, “Life is a Cabernet!” with Silver Oak Cellars and Twomey Cellars at Wolfgang’s and “Just a Thimbleful” bourbon dinner at The Dog House.

Events continue Sunday with a bar-basics class at The Ugly Dog hosted by Holeman and Finch Public House of Atlanta, and Louis Osteen returns for brunch at Mountain Fresh.

A complete schedule of events is available online at www.highlandsculinaryweekend.com. Prices for meals vary. Reservations should be made with the respective restaurants.

For more information or to purchase tickets to the gala or Sip & Stroll, visit www.highlandsculinary www.highlandsculinaryweekend.com or call (828) 526-5841.

Photo by Kelly Donaldson

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Leaf Season • 2013

For the love of leaves Cashiers festival celebrates fall with music, activities

T

By Kelly Donaldson

he Greater Cashiers Area Merchants Association is busy planning for the 2013 fifth annual Leaf Festival, scheduled for Columbus Day weekend, Oct. 11-13, at the Village Green and Commons in Cashiers.

Held each year as the leaves begin to change in this mountain village nestled at 3,487 feet in elevation, this free event has grown tremendously since its inception in 2009.

This year’s festival expects to welcome about 100 artisans and merchants scattered throughout the Village Green and Commons park, located in the center of Cashiers adjacent to the crossroads of Highways 64 and 107.

Visitors will find unique handcrafted wood, pottery, jewelry and much more on display and available for purchase throughout the weekend. There will be plenty of food and drinks available in both parking lots behind the two stages of the park, which will be filled with live

Leaf Season • 2013

music throughout the weekend.

Highlighting this year’s musical lineup is a special Friday night concert on Oct. 11 by Deja Vu, a Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young tribute band based out of Athens, Ga. Take a trip back to the psychedelic 1960s with an intimate evening under the tent with this group, which is led by John Keane. Keane is a powerful musical force of his own, having shared the stage and/or produced records for the likes of Widespread Panic, REM and the Indigo Girls.

The Oct. 11 concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. and end at 10:15 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. This will be the only event of the weekend requiring a purchased ticket. There will be a full cash bar including a moonshine margarita bar and a culinary cafe.

Everyone is encouraged to dress in their favorite clothing from the ‘60s-era.

Concert ticket prices are $25 for general admission and VIP tickets for $65 per person, which includes valet parking, a reserved table and a dinner voucher at

the culinary cafe.

Advanced ticket sale locations are at Bear Paw Design/Robins Nest and Midnight Farms. VIP tickets will only be available in advance, as a limited number of tables are available. To purchase tickets online, visit www.dejavucashiers. eventbrite.com/. For more information, call 743-8428. No pets, coolers or chairs will be allowed at this one event only.

Live music is scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. on Oct. 12-13 by 12 acts on two different stages. All of these shows are free and open to the public. Most of these performers are local and regional acts, ranging in genre from singer/songwriters to jazz, blues, Americana, bluegrass, rock, soul, funk and much more.

Sunday’s festival finale on the Village Commons stage features popular new regional band Soldier’s Heart with special guest Darren Nicholson of the award-winning bluegrass band Balsam Range.

See the festival music schedule on pages 82-83.

81 •

214030

South 4th St. Highlands, NC 828.526.8364

The Ugly Dog Public House and Dog House are located on “the hill” in Highlands, NC. We are a casual pub with a relaxed atmosphere in which people can come and enjoy craft beer selections on tap and by the bottle, well-designed cocktails, great wines, wonderful food and good friends.

There is always something to enjoy at the pub or Dog House, with weekly drink/menu specials and live music. Every Wednesday and Saturday night we play host to a different band that will get you off the streets and out of your seat! On Sunday we offer brunch and a fresh Bloody Mary Bar with many different ingredients, such as bacon infused vodka, so you can create your own unique and favorite flavor.

We love to host wedding parties and have special menu options for your events. So come sit and stay a while at The Ugly Dog Pub and Dog House!

PUB: M ONDAY - T HURSDAY 4 PM | F RIDAY - S UNDAY 12PM DOG HOUSE: T UESDAY - S UNDAY OPEN AT 11:30 A M follow us on facebook/twitter/instagram

@theuglydogpub

www.theuglydogpub.com • 82

Leaf Season • 2013

Cashiers Leaf Festival music schedule Oct. 11 at Village Commons • 7:30-10:15 p.m.: Deja Vu Oct. 12 at Village Green • Noon-1 p.m.: Dulcimer Group • 1:30-3 p.m.: Mountain Eric Young • 3:30-5 p.m.: Tyler Kittle Trio Oct. 12 at Village Commons • Noon-1 p.m.: Stan Roberts and Tami Dove • 1:30-3 p.m.: Andrew Scotchie and the River Rats • 3:30-5 p.m.: Nikki Talley

Oct. 13 at Village Commons • Noon-1 p.m.: Blues Mountain • 1:30-3 p.m.: Owner of the Sun • 3:30-5 p.m.: Soldier’s Heart with special guest Darren Nicholson The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 11 and run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 12-13.

Event sponsorships, volunteers and vendor opportunities are still available for artisans, merchants, nonprofits and more.

For more information about the fifth annual Leaf Festival, go to www.visitcashiersvalley.com, e-mail info@visitcashiersvalley.com or call 743-8428.

Blair Realty is located on US64 at the entrance to Wildcat Cliffs Country Club. Specializing in property in the Highlands & Cashiers area since 1980. Blair & Margaret Heinlein are the Brokers and owners and invite you to visit for a tour of listed properties.Home prices ranging from $275,000. to $1,600,000.

Lots from $85,000. to $339,000.

214217

Oct. 13 at Village Green • Noon-1 p.m.: Tina Suiter • 1:30-3 p.m.: Benny Queen and John Warren

• 3:30-5 p.m.: Zorki & Friends

Page 82: Soldiers Heart is among the bands scheduled to perform during the Cashiers Leaf Festival on Oct. 11-13. Above: Tents fill the Village Green offering a variety of activities and music for all ages. (Photo by Kelly Donaldson) Leaf Season • 2013

Visit us at www.blair-realty.com or call us today at

828-526-9155 83 •

ets B est

Ten activities to enjoy this fall in Highlands & Cashiers

2.

Highlands becomes a Halloween hotspot when it closes Main Street for a trick-or-treat block party.

This year’s festivities will be held Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m. Local merchants will pass out candy to families, and children and adults are invited to wear their Halloween costumes for the occasion. In addition to the free candy, hot dogs and drinks are often sold.

Highlands Police Department, the Rotary Club and other volunteers are stationed throughout the downtown business district to direct cars to parking areas and to keep the ghosts and goblins safe. For more information, call (828) 526-2112 or visit www.highlandschamber.org.

Theater

Highlands’ theaters are busy this fall, with “Nunsense” and “Murder Among Friends” both scheduled this October. “Nunsense” runs Oct. 3-6 and 10-13 at Highlands Playhouse, while Highlands Cashiers Players perform “Murder Among Friends” Oct. 17-20 and 24-27 at the Performing Arts Center.

For more information on Highlands Cashiers Players, call 526-8084 or visit www.highlandscashiersplayers.org.

For more information about Highlands Playhouse, call 526-2695 or visit www.highlandsplayhouse.org.

3.

Performing Arts Series

Three events remain in the Performing Arts Center’s 2013 season. Storyteller Andy Offutt Irwin performs Sept. 28, followed by The Hit Men on Oct. 5, a celebration of songwriting from the ‘60s-’80s. The final performance is by David Holt with Josh Goforth on Nov. 29, featuring an evening of ballads, tales, old-time music and storytelling. For more information about the performance or to order tickets, call (828) 526-9047 or visit PAC online at www.highlandspac.0rg.

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Trick-Or-Treat

1.

4.

Leaf Festival

The Greater Cashiers Area Merchants Association brings this fun family event to the Crossroads and surrounding Glenville and Sapphire area Oct. 11-13. The festival is designed to celebrate nature’s splendor and mix it with fun activities, including music, dancing, arts and crafts and children’s activities.

Leaf Season • 2013

Art Shows The gymnasium of the Highlands Civic Center is a popular place for art and craft lovers in October.

Highlands Own Art and Craft Show will be held Oct. 12.

The annual show is sponsored by the Highlands Women’s Club.

On the following weekend, the Art League of Highlands will sponsor its annual Fall Colors Fine Art Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Oct. 18-19. On Saturday, the children can join in on the fun in the well-supervised Children’s Art Room where they will paint colorful autumn subjects.

Highlands Culinary Weekend

7.

The Highlands Culinary Weekend on Nov. 7-10 features a variety of food and wine-related events ranging from casual lunches to formal multi-course wine dinners. This annual event incorporates other businesses as well.

For more information, see page 78 of this magazine, call (828) 526-2112 or visit www. highlandsculinaryweekend.com.

6.

Christmas Parades

5.

Both Highlands and Cashiers offer Christmas parades for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.

The Highlands Olde Mou nt ai n C h r istmas Parade will begin at 11 a.m. Dec. 7.

The route runs along Main Street through the downtown business district. In addition, local groups often plan events to follow the parade. For more information, call 526-2112 or visit www.highlands chamber.com.

The Cashiers parade will be held Dec. 14. For more information, call (828) 743-5191 or visit www.cashiers northcarolina.com.

Pancakes

8.

Christmas Day Dinner

You’ll have your final opportunities to enjoy the Scaly Mountain Women’s Club’s popular seasonal breakfasts on Sept. 28 and Oct. 26. Homemade pancakes and hot sausages are served f rom 7:30-10:30 a.m. in the community’s old schoolhouse.

9.

Highlands annual Christmas Day dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 25 at the Hudson House at Highlands Country Club. The full holiday buffet features turkey, ham and tenderloin along with an array of side dishes, salads and deserts. Adults also receive a glass of wine with their meal. Reservations are required and will begin being accepted on Nov. 10. Cost is $35 for adults, $15 for children ages 6-11 and free for children age 5 and younger. Call 5269419 for reservations or information. Proceeds benefit Highlands-area nonprofit groups.

Thanksgiving Weekend

10.

Although the Highlands Christmas Tree Lighting is the main event, there’s plenty in the Highlands and Cashiers area to get you into the holiday spirit once you’ve finished your turkey. Holiday shopping abounds Nov. 29-30 with many merchants planning special sales and events. The Bascom will host gingerbread making workshops and the Artists’ Market. Wrap up the fun and enjoy hot chocolate and carols on Saturday evening as Highlands lights its town Christmas decorations with a celebration on the lawn of the Methodist Church.

Leaf Season • 2013

85 •

Fall & Winter events Highlands and Cashiers are full of fall and winter activities for virtually any interest. This calendar chronologically lists many of the events scheduled through Dec. 31. Because events are planned well in advance, it is wise to call before attending. For additional event listings as they are announced, please see current issues of the Crossroads Chronicle and The Highlander for up-to-date information. All phone numbers listed carry the 828 area code.

Creation Station: The Bascom will offer a children’s art activity from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 28 at the art center for ages 5-9. Advance registration is required. Call 526-4949. Cost is $5.

Hiking club: The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a 3-mile easy-to-moderate hike Sept.

28 to Yellow Branch Falls in South Carolina off Hwy 28. Meet at Cashiers Recreation Center parking lot at 10 am. Call leaders Mike and Susan Kettles, 743-1079, for reservations.

Visitors welcome, but no pets please.

Songwriters in the Round: Songwriters in the Round will benefit Blue Ridge School Foundation at Mountain Top Golf and Lake Club with a dinner and silent auction from 6-7:30 p.m. and concert at 7:30 p.m. Sept.

28. Call 507-7364. Tickets at Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce.

Pancake breakfast: The Scaly Mountain Women’s Club will host its monthly pancake breakfast from 7:30-10:30 a.m. at the Scaly Mountain Community Building on Buck Knob Road. Cost is $5.50.

Performance: Storyteller Andy Offutt Irwin will entertain audiences with his one-person show at 8 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $25. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 526-9047 or go to www.highlandspac.org.

Hiking club: The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a 4-mile moderate-to-strenuous hike Sept. 29 from Rock Gap to Winding Stair Gap on the Appalachian Trail. Meet at Westgate Plaza in Franklin at 2 p.m. Call leader Mary Stone, 369-7352, for reservations. Visitors welcome, but no pets please.

Eco Tour: Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust will offer an elk excursion Eco Tour on Oct. 2.

• 86

Cost is $35 for new members and includes a one-year HCLT membership or $10 for current members. To register call 526-1111 or email julie.hitrust@earthlink.net.

Theater: Highlands Playhouse will stage “Nunsense” on Oct. 3-6 and 10-13. The show features nuns who raise money by putting on a variety show in a school auditorium. Tickets are $30 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 526-2695.

Performance: The Lady & The Old Timers will perform a mix of golden oldies, country and gospel at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at Hudson Library. Admission is free.

Celebration! Art, Design, Craft: The Bascom’s final fundraiser will be held Oct. 4 and feature a silent auction, dinner buffet and music by Motown. For more information, go to www.thebascom.org or call 526-4949.

Golf tournament: A golf tournament will

be held Oct. 4 at Highlands Falls Country Club to benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Cost is $150 per person. Registration is available at www.mountaintoprotary.net or at the Highlands Area Chamber of Commerce, Highlands Recreation Park, The Highlander and Mitchell’s Lodge and Cottage. For more information, call 787-2323 or email bill.zoellner@ wfadvisors.com. The tournament is sponsored by Mountaintop Rotary and SOAR. Hiking club: The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a 7.9-mile strenuous challenge hike for experienced hikers only on Oct. 5 from Tellico to Wesser Gap. Meet at Westgate Plaza in Franklin at 8:30 a.m. Call leaders Bill and Sharon Van Horn, 369-1983, for reservations.

214234

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“Eat Well-Do Good” Leaf Season • 2013

‘80s. These arrangers and composers have reunited for a tour to relive the magic they created during that era. The performance will begin at 8 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $25, $35 and $45. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 5269047 or go to www.highlandspac.org.

Hiking club: The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a 1-mile easy level hike Oct. 6 around the lake at Black Rock Mountain State Park in Mountain City, Ga. $3 parking fee per car. Call leader Kay Coriell, 369188799

5K race: Pour le Pink 5K for Breast Health and Women’s Services will be held Oct. 5 at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital. Funds raised will go toward maintaining HCH’s equipment as well as breast health and women’s services. The event begins at 9 a.m. and is open to walkers and runners of all ages. Registration is $30 and includes an event T-shirt. For more information or to register, visit www.highlandscashiershospital. org or call Callie Calloway at 526-1313.

Fall leaf colors program: A program on fall leaf colors will be offered from 2-3 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Highlands Nature Center. Family-oriented activities will focus on how leaves change color, deciduous versus coniferous trees and winter survival strategies of each. A guided walk through the Botanical Garden will follow. Fun and educational for all ages.

Cost is $5 per person.

Advance registration is Pour le required. Call 526-2623 to Pink 5K sign up. , Oct. 5 Performance: “The Hit Men” bring to life beloved favorites of the ‘60s, ‘70s and

Art Instruction • Art Supplies

Along with Cashiers Art Center Featuring more than 30 local artists

743-2956

Mountain Laurel Shoppes, Cashiers • Open Year Round 10a-6p Monday-Saturday, 10a-3p Sunday

On The Verandah

Bar & Restaurant Highlands, NC

Join us this season and see what we are cooking.

Our Passion, Your Plate

Now Serving dinner from 5:30pm

We use the freshest ingredients available, and in season, use locally-grown produce and herbs from our garden. Menu items always include chicken, seafood, fresh fish and filet mignon with OTV's signature flavorful sauces and spices.

1536 Franklin Road . Highlands, NC 28741 Reservations: (828) 526-2338 214168

Leaf Season • 2013

87 •

The

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www.ChambersAgency.net • GetIt@ChambersAgency.net 401 N. Fifth Street • PO Box 1235 • Highlands, NC 28741 Phone: 828-526-3717 Fax: 828-526-3718

Realtors®

• HOMES for SALE •

MLS #77394 $395,000 Stream, Pond, large deck 4 BR/3 Baths- Close to town

MLS #76790 $850,000 Million Dollar Views!

3 BR/5 baths on TWO lots

MLS #78074 $339,000.

Over 4100 FT elevation 2 BR/2 baths w/ BONUS room

MLS #77249 $799,000 7th Green Panorama-HCC 3BR/2.5 baths-THE location

MLS #74418 $390,000 IN TOWN Residential OR Commercial 3 BR/2 baths- Fireplace, screened porch

MLS #74416 $375,000 Walk to town upper unit condo 3 BR/2 baths Nice updates

MLS #76726 $285,900.

Community with tennis and lake 3 BR/2 baths One easy level

MLS #69697 $225,000.

One level- Old Highlands charm 3 BR/ 3 baths in Webbmont

Thank you for looking at our page!

Remember WE can show you ANY of the properties in this book.

MLS #72242 $225,000.

Nice home- large lot 3 BR/ 3 baths Tons of storage

MLS #76311 $585,000 Lakefront Log cabin in Webbmont 3 BR/ 3 baths- TURNKEY

MLS #77497 $325,000.

Bordered by streams-close to town 3 BR/2 baths- beautifully landscaped

The Chambers Agency, REALTORS

Is THE BEST SOURCE of Vacation Rentals in the Highlands area.

Tucker Chambers Broker/Co-Owner 421-0187

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Jeannie Chambers Broker/Co-Owner 421-8225

Isabel Chambers Broker 526-3717

Tom Chambers Broker/Contractor 526-2075

Chris Alley Broker 526-2060

Cindy Gross Broker 200-1008

Gay W. Hunter Broker 743-6529

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Please visit our website: www.chambersagency.net to see over 50 listingseverything from small cabins and cottages to spacious upscale homes.

6820, for reservations and a meeting place.

Visitors welcome, no pets please.

Meet the cast: The cast of Highlands Playhouse’s production of “Nunsense” will meet patrons at Drake’s Diamond Gallery from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 7 at Drake’s Diamond Gallery.

Tickets are $50 and benefit the Playhouse. Call 526-2695 or visit www.highlandsplayhouse. org for tickets or more information.

Cashiers Leaf Festival: The Greater Cashiers Area Merchants Association fifth annual Leaf Festival will be held from Oct. 11-13 at the Village Green and Commons in Cashiers.

There will be food, music, arts and crafts and much more. Visit www.visitcashiersvalley.com.

Art show: The annual Highlands Arts and Crafts Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Highlands Civic Center.

Admission is free.

Hiking club: The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a 9.5-mile moderate-to-strenuous hike Oct. 12 along Bradley Fork stream to an old logging camp in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Meet at Oconaluftee Visitor Center in Cherokee at 9 a.m. Call leader Keith Patton, (828) 456-8895, for reservations.

Visitors welcome, but no pets please. Limit 15 hikers.

Hiking club: The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a 1-mile easy-to-moderate hike Oct. 12 on Rufus Morgan Trail, climbing to the waterfall named for club founder and continuing in a loop back to the cars. Meet at Westgate Plaza in Franklin at 10 a.m. Friendly dogs OK. Call leader Kathy Ratcliff, 349-3380, for reservations. Visitors are welcome.

The Met opera: “The Met: Live in HD” will

Fall Colors Fine Art Show, Oct. 18-19

present “Eugene Onegin” through live video feed at the Performing Arts Center. The broadcast begins at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 12. Tickets are $12 for students and $24 for adults. Call 5269047 or visit www.highlandspac.org.

Theater: Highlands Cashiers Players will present the mystery thriller “Murder Among Friends” on Oct. 17-20 and 24-27 at the Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center. For tickets or information call 526-8084 or go to www.highlandscashiersplayers.org.

Fall Colors Fine Art Show: The Art League of Highlands will host the annual Fall Colors fine art show on Oct. 18-19 at the Highlands Civic Center. Admission is free.

Eco Tour: Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust will offer an Eco Tour to Rock Mountain on Oct. 19. Cost is $35 for new members and includes a one-year HCLT membership or $10 for cur-

rent members. To register call 526-1111 or email julie.hitrust@earthlink.net.

Hiking club: The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a strenuous 13-mile hike Oct. 19 ascending Mount LeConte on Trillium Gap Trail by Grotto Falls and descending on Rainbow Falls Trail. Meet at Dillsboro Huddle House at 7:30 a.m. Call leader Don O’Neal, (828) 586-5723, for reservations. Able visitors welcome, no pets please.

Hiking club: The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate 8-mile hike Oct. 19 along Fontana Lake Shore on a loop starting at the Road to Nowhere, then White Oak Branch around to Forney Creek and back to the shore trail. Meet at Bi-Lo parking lot at 9 a.m. Call leader Gail Lehman, 524-5298, for reservations. Visitors welcome, no pets please.

Hiking club: The Nantahala Hiking Club

D iscover the beauty of Sapphire National Golf Club

featuring

one of the most memorable golf courses you will ever play with its scenic mountain views, rolling terrain, lush forest and waterfall.

Truly breathtaking!

Call for tee times and rates.

Incredibly low annual membership fees offer great savings.

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Golf Club: (828) 743-1174 | www.sapphirenational.com | www.facebook.com/SapphireNational brew Pub: (828) 743-0220 | www.sapphiremountainbrewing.com | www.facebook.com/SapMtn

our family-friendly restaurant offering our famous wood-fired pizza, large variety of brews, wines and other pub fare in a rustic setting with scenic views of the course and mountains. open 7 days a week 11am to close!

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will take an easy 2-mile easy hike Oct. 20 to the tower on Albert Mountain. Meet at Westgate Plaza in Franklin at 2 p.m. Call leader Kay Coriell, 369-6820, for reservations. Visitors welcome, no pets please.

Pancake breakfast: The Scaly Mountain Women’s Club will serve its final pancake breakfast for 2013 from 7:30-10:30 a.m. Oct. 26 at the Scaly Mountain Community Center on Buck Knob Road. Cost is $5.50.

Pumpkin painting: The Bascom will offer a family art activity pumpkin painting event on Oct. 26 at the art center. Call 526-4949 for more information.

The Met opera: “The Met: Live in HD” will present “The Nose” through live video feed at the Performing Arts Center. The broadcast begins at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 26. Tickets are $12 for students and $24 for adults. Call 526-9047 or visit www.highlandspac.org.

Hiking club: The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate 3-mile hike Oct. 26 from Gorges State Park to Rainbow Falls on the Horse Pasture River. Meet at Bi-Lo parking lot in Franklin at 10 a.m. Call leader Joyce Jacques, (410) 852-7510, for reservations. Visitors welcome, but no pet please.

Hiking club: The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate 6-mile hike Oct. 26 in Panthertown Valley to Schoolhouse Falls then over Little Green Mountain, through the valley to Wilderness Falls and climb back to the parking area at the Salt Rock entrance. Meet at Cashiers Recreation Center parking lot at 10 a.m. Call leaders Mike and Susan Kettles, 743-1079, for reservations. Visitors welcome, no pets please.

Village Nature Series: The North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission will make a presentation on bats as part of the HighlandsCashiers Land Trust’s Village Nature Series at 6 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Village Green in Cashiers.

Admission is free. Call 526-1111 for more information.

Trick-or-Treat: The Highlands Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a downtown Halloween celebration from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 31. Main Street will be closed to traffic, and merchants will pass out candy. For more information, call 526-5841.

Holiday crafts: The Bascom will offer Holiday Crafts from Around the World from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays in November. Each class looks at two different cultures and creates crafts from both countries. For ages 5-9. Cost is $40 for the four-week session. Call 526-4949.

Culinary weekend: The annual Highlands Culinary Weekend will be Nov. 7-10 at various locations in Highlands. The events include an opening gala Nov. 7 at Highlands Country Club, the popular Sip & Stroll to various downtown merchants Nov. 8-9 and wine dinners, cooking demonstrations and tastings throughout the weekend. For a full schedule of events or for information, call 526-5841 or go to www. highlandsculinaryweekend.com.

Hiking club: The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a strenuous 10-mile Challenge Hike Nov. 9 from Blue Ridge Gap to Deep Gap, with half the group starting at either end, exchanging car keys mid-hike to eliminate shuttles.

Meet at Westgate Plaza in Franklin at 8:30 a.m.

Call leaders Bill and Sharon Van Horn, 3691983, for reservations. Visitors welcome, but

no pets please.

Art exhibition: The exhibition “In These Mountains” will be on display at The Bascom from Nov. 16 to March 2, 2014. The exhibition features works by artists living within a 60mile range of the art center. The Bascom is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Admission is free. Call 526-4949 for more information.

Tree lighting ceremony: The Town of Highlands tree lighting ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 29 in front of the Methodist Church. The event includes Christmas carols, a visit from Santa and refreshments. Admission is free.

Performance: David Holt with Josh Goforth will feature tales, ballads and spirit of old-time music and storytelling with Holt, a four-time Grammy Award winner. The performance will begin at 8 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are $25 and $35. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 526-9047 or go to www.highlandspac.org.

Artist Marketplace: An artist marketplace featuring a variety of handmade original artwork by regional artist will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 29 and 30 at The Bascom.

Admission is free.

Gingerbread house workshop: The Bascom will host gingerbread house workshops from 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m.

Nov. 29 and 30. Supplies will be provided for gingerbread houses. All ages are welcome.

Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $45. Advance registration is

Listen live anywhere, anytime!

Now streaming our broadcast on www.WHLC.com

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Mountain Weather Forecasts On the Hour 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week and at www.whlc.com

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required. Call 526-4949.

Christmas parade: The annual Ye Olde Mountain Christmas Parade will begin at 11 a.m. Dec. 7 on Main Street in Highlands.

Admission is free.

Holiday storytime: The Bascom will offer a holiday family storytime on Dec. 7 and 14.

Enjoy holiday stories, cocoa, cookies and ornament making. For all ages. Admission is free.

Call 526-4949 for information.

Christmas parade: The annual Cashiers Christmas parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14 in Cashiers. Call the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce at 743-5191 for more information.

The Met opera: “The Met: Live in HD” will present “Falstaff” through live video feed at the Performing Arts Center. The broadcast be-

gins at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 14. Tickets are $12 for students and $24 for adults. Call 526-9047 or visit www.highlandspac.org.

Christmas dinner: The annual Christmas Day dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 25 at the Hudson House at Highlands Country Club. The meal is a full holiday buffet and Christm includes a glass of wine as Para for adults. Tickets are des, De c. 7 & 1 $35 for adults, $15 for 4 children age 6-11 and free for children 5 and younger. Reservations are required.

Reservations begin Nov. 10 and may be made by calling 526-9419.

214327

Art League of Highlands

Fine Art Show Oct 18th & 19th

Fri 12-6pm & Sat 10am-5pm Highlands Rec Center

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“We Look Forward To Seeing You” Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Jams & Jellies baked goods PrePared Foods take out bbQ Catering Hwy 64 East • Cashiers, NC 28717

828.743.4334

www.CashiersFarmersMarket.com

176368

Stephen L. Lucas, CPA, PA Certified Public Accountants

Stephen L. Lucas, CPA Sherry Holt Accountants Review or Complied Tax Advisors Financial Statements PO Box 1357 16 Holly Tree Ln Highlands, NC 28741

Photo by Melody Spurney

828-526-2399 214091

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Index of Advertisers Accommodations High Hampton Inn .................................. 62 Inn at Half Mile Farm .............................. 65 Pebble Creek Village ............................... 75 Skyline Lodge ......................................... 43

Consignment The Blue Elephant Consignment Store .... 27

Entertainment Cashiers Antique Show ........................... 37 Cashiers Historical Society ...................... 44 Accounting Cashiers Leaf Festival ................................ 4 Stephen L. Lucas, CPA, PA ....................... 93 Highlands Aerial Park ................ Back Cover Highlands Cashiers Players ..................... 60 Animals Highlands Playhouse .............................. 78 Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society ...... 52 Performing Arts Center ....................... 6, 71 Antiques & Auctions Flowers, Lawn & Garden CK Swan ................................................. 23 Highlands Lawn & Garden ...................... 74 Scudder’s Galleries ................................. 33 Oak Leaf Flower & Garden ...................... 73 Vivianne Metzger Antiques ...................... 5 Food Retail Art Galleries, Photography & Framing Cashiers Farmers Market ........................ 93 Art Glass Creations ................................. 79 The Kitchen Carry Away & Catering ........ 86 Art League of Highlands ......................... 91 Nectar Juice Bar ...................................... 59 Blue Valley Gallery & Studio ................... 87 The Spice & Tea Exchange ....................... 79 The Bascom ............................................ 34 Whole Life Market .................................. 59 Mill Creek Gallery ................................... 28 Furniture & Home Accessories Clothing & Shoes Blue Ridge Bedding Co. .......................... 61 Annawear ............................................... 63 Bound’s Cave .......................................... 35 Cabin Casuals ......................................... 15 Bumpkins ............................................... 80 Highlands Kids ....................................... 27 Carolina Rustic Furniture ........................ 61 Jolie’s ...................................................... 36 The Dry Sink ........................................... 24 S’more Kids Klothes ................................ 45 High Cotton Luxury Linens ..................... 80 Spoiled Rotten ....................................... 41 Into the Woods Home Interiors ............... 20 TJ Bailey For Men ...................................... 1 Rusticks Furniture & Accessories ............... 5 Victoria’s Closet ...................................... 26 Shiraz Oriental Rug Gallery ..................... 51 Victoria’s for Men .................................... 26 The Summer House .................................. 3 Wit’s End ................................................ 80 Fuel, Heating & Air Computers Allan Dearth and Sons ............................ 14 The Computer Man ................................. 68 Wilson Gas Service ................................. 29

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Golf Outdoor Clothing & Gear Sapphire National Golf Club ................... 89 Bear Mountain Outfitters ....................... 66 Health Care Cashiers Valley Pharmacy ....................... 27 Highlands Pharmacy .............................. 75 Pisgah Surgical Associates ...................... 58 Toxaway Health Center ........................... 58 Homebuilders & Remodeling America’s Homeplace ............................... 8 Black Rock Granite & Marble .................. 92 Cashiers Color Center .............................. 54 Highlands Decorating Center .................. 54 Keystone Kitchen & Bath ........................ 46 Koenig Homebuilders ............................. 67 Lupoli Construction .................................. 1 Macon Appliance Mart ........................... 81 Mountainworks Custom Home Design ... 10 Nantahala Flooring Outlet ...................... 64 Warth Construction ................................ 42 Insurance Cashiers Insurance Agency ..................... 32 Wayah Insurance Group .......................... 72

Real Estate Betsy Paul Properties ............................... 9 Blair Realty ............................................. 83 The Chambers Agency ............................ 88 Country Club Properties ........................... 7 High Hampton Inn & Country Club ......... 62 John Cleaveland Realty .......................... 76 Landmark Realty Group .................... 22, 70 Lonesome Valley .................................... 69 Meadows Mountain Realty .................... 57 Old Cashiers Realty ................................. 40 Pat Allen Realty Group ........................... 47 Preserve at Rock Creek ............................ 96 Restaurants Altitudes Restaurant .............................. 43 Cyprus .................................................... 55 Flip Side ................................................. 77 Fressers Eatery ....................................... 91 Highlands Smokehouse .......................... 56 Lonesome Valley .................................... 69 On The Verandah .................................... 87 Rainforest Bar at El Azteca ...................... 53 Ruka’s Table ............................................ 50 Sapphire National Brewing Co. ............... 89 The Ugly Dog .......................................... 82

Jewelry Highlands Fine Art & Estate Jewelry ....... 25 Marthaler Jewelers ........ Inside Front Cover, Inside Back Cover TLJ Estate Jewelers of Highlands ............ 21 Retail Peak Experience ................................. 2, 86 Landscaping Silver Eagle ............................................. 11 Stoneyard 28 .......................................... 80 Shipping Media Stork’s Wrap, Pack & Ship ....................... 79 WHLC FM 104.5 ...................................... 90

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