10-24 Octoer ISSUU

Revitalizing Mount Lawn

By Harley Nefe

"Mount Lawn houses our history and reflects the ancestry of those who lived and worked in Boone and Watauga County through the present. Almost everyone buried in the cemetery has played a vital role in the history and growth of Boone and Watauga County." - Tanya Shook Wilder

Lake Hickory Haunts

By Kris Testori

"I try to keep our themes original and different from typical horror movies or industry trends.There are so many awesome and unique scares that I can't choose just one." - Ryan Settlemyre

Valle Crucis’s Harvest Farm

By Melinda Burris

"Valle Crucis is a special place with a nostalgia for the past surrounded by the growing sediment of the High Country. Farming has been a large part of the Valle's history, our Appalachian heritage, and our family. Being able to continue this tradition in a place so special is a blessing." - Cassandra Bare

Orchard at Altapass

By Zenda Douglas

"The Orchard at Altapass is the place to experience Appalachia in one spot. You can pick native apples, some started from seedlings from the 1600s; hear the stories of old Appalachia about how people did things such as make apple butter and copper pots; and sit on the back porch and see the Appalachian Mountains, themselves." - Sam McKinney

Windows of Opportunity

By Jan Todd

"My family was going out of town that weekend to visit my grandparents, and I talked to my parents on the way about cleaning windows as a job. We stopped by Home Depot and picked up some supplies, then I practiced cleaning my grandparents’ windows all weekend." - Rowan Todd

Molley Chomper Cider

By Anna Beth Adcock

"Many apples that we see in grocery stores and at farm stands are not ideal cider fruit—and are often harvested before they are fully ripe so they will store longer. The folks at Molley Chomper Cider carefully select perfectly ripe fruit and ferment it with care to create interesting and delicious cider blends. This is one of my favorite cideries in the south." - Diane Flynt 16 24 50 58 64

Welcome Fall!

Welcome to the October issue of High Country Magazine! As the trees around us turn vibrant shades of red and orange, we find ourselves in the midst of one of the most beautiful seasons in the High Country. Yet this year, autumn arrives with a reminder of our community’s resilience, as we recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene, which struck at the end of September. Through the winds and rain, our collective spirit remained unshaken, and in this issue, we celebrate the people and places that continue to thrive despite the challenges.

We begin with a feature on Molley Chomper Cider in Lansing. This cidery, rooted in tradition and innovation, creates small-batch ciders that capture the essence of the region. Their dedication to using local apples and sustainable practices is a testament to the community’s commitment to preserving our agricultural heritage while building for the future.

Next, we visit Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens, where the restoration of this historic Boone cemetery is not only about beautification but also about honoring the history of those who shaped the town. Even as we navigate tough times, the efforts to preserve this sacred space remind us that, like the stories of those who came before us, our strength as a community endures.

Autumn wouldn't be complete without a visit to Harvest Farm in Valle Crucis. This beloved farm continues to offer its fall traditions—pumpkin patches, hayrides, and more—as a gathering place for families and friends to reconnect with the land and create new memories.

For those looking for a seasonal thrill, we bring you the story of Lake Hickory Haunts, one of the region’s top haunted attractions. This immersive experience offers visitors a welcome escape into the eerie and exciting spirit of Halloween, providing entertainment for all ages.

Mountain Vista Window Washing, another business spotlighted this month, has also been hard at work helping the community. Their meticulous service ensures homes and businesses across the region continue to shine, reminding us that even after the storm, the views that make the High Country so special remain breathtaking.

Finally, we’re excited to feature The Orchard at Altapass, where the preservation of Appalachian culture, local farming, and sustainability is at the heart of what they do. In this season of harvest and reflection, the Orchard’s efforts serve as a symbol of resilience, growth, and the continued connection between people and the land.

As you explore this issue, we hope you not only find inspiration in the stories of those we feature but also take pride in the resilience that defines the High Country. Whether you're enjoying a glass of cider, wandering through a pumpkin patch, or finding joy in the beauty of fall, remember that our strength lies in our ability to come together as a community, no matter the storm.

Thank you for supporting High Country Magazine!

Sam Garrett - Publisher

A Public Ation o f

High Country Press Publications

Publisher /editor

Sam Garrett design

Ashley Poore

Advertising d irector

Michelle Harrell

contributing Writers

Anna Beth Adcock

Melinda Burris

Zenda Douglas

Harley Nefe

Sherrie Norris

Kris Testori

Jan Todd

cover Photogr APher

Ashley Poore

High Country Magazine is produced by the staff and contributors of High Country Press Publications, which serves Watauga, Avery and Ashe counties of North Carolina.

HIGH COUNTRY MAGAZINE

P.O. Box 152, Boone, NC 28607 828-264-2262

Copyright © 2024, All rights reserved

ON THE COVER:

Sam Garrett, Publisher of High Country Magazine enjoying Halloween 2023 in front of the Ghost Train at Tweetsie Railroad.

Valle Crucis’s Harvest Farm is a must-visit location for visitors and locals alike during the fall months. Photo by Ashley Poore.

mountain echoes

Night at Chetola raises over $120,000 for High Country Caregivers

STORY BY SAM GARRETT

On Thursday, September 12, High Country Caregivers hosted the 5th annual Night at Chetola. The exclusive fundraising event welcomed over 150 guests and was, reportedly, a remarkable success. As the afternoon progressed, it appeared rain may dampen the festivities, though just before the event started, the skies cleared and guests enjoyed a cool, beautiful evening.

The event included a wonderful meal provided by Chetola Resort, amazing desserts donated by Flavias, access to a Club Havana cigar lounge with top-shelf cocktails, an open bar, a silent auction, a live auction conducted by Jeff Lindsay, known for his writings that introduced the world to Dexter, a number of grandparents’ testimonials, raffled items including some beyond family heirloom furniture donated by Machouse and a live band.

The evening’s proceeds will be used for High Country Caregivers’ many fund-a-need programs. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Boone, High Country Caregivers operates in Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties. The organization determines what each unique child, caregiver, and family requires and helps ensure those needs are met.

Services include comprehensive whole-family care that empowers caregivers who are responsible for a relative’s or friend’s child or children. High Country Caregivers ensures access to advocacy, support, and education for caregivers and those they care for to ensure they have the necessary resources for everyday living.

“The mission of HCC is to help keep children in a home where they are provided care and support, and their caregivers make responsible decisions,” said High Country Caregivers Executive

Director Jacob Willis. “We work to keep children out of foster care and group homes.”

High Country Caregivers is a stand-alone not-for-profit organization dedicated to relatives, respite and resources for kinship caregivers. In North Carolina, approximately 225,493 children live with grandparents or a relative that is not their biological parent. Of those, 177, 662 live with their grandparents. Most of them live with their grandparents to avoid being placed in the foster care system.

“We believe that every child deserves a family or a caregiver who loves them and a forever home,” Willis said. “Our program is growing at an incredible rate. We are currently serving 438 children and 347 caregivers. This is a 177 percent increase in the last 18 months.”

Since 2006, High Country Caregivers has taken the lead role in the High Country for coordinating and advocating for the development of a comprehensive community based service to meet the needs of the region’s caregivers and to respond to issues confronting the rapidly growing older population and their families.

“While our work is a great opportunity to change the lives of children and families in the communities in the counties we serve, it is also challenging to meet the growing financial needs,” Willis said. “High Country Caregivers receives no government funding and the families we serve receive no government assistance. They are primarily single grandmothers raising their grandchildren.”

Learn more about High Country Caregivers at highcountrycaregivers.org.t

High Country Caregivers hosted the 5th annual Night at Chetola, bringing in thousands in donations. Photos by Ashley Poore.

mountain echoes

Celebrating and Preserving Local Heritage: Watauga County Heritage Museum One Step Closer to Reality

STORY BY SHERRIE NORRIS

After nearly a year of talking, planning and gathering support for a much-needed chapter in Watauga County’s history and heritage, a group of visionaries came together to celebrate a major milestone on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Honoring their past, with a mission to preserve and protect it all for future generations, this group of about 30 people, along with families and friends, publicly proclaimed on Saturday that they are moving ahead with plans to establish a heritage museum for Watauga County.

Chaired by Diane Cornett-Deal, the Watauga County Heritage Museum committee, officially recognized on Saturday as charter members, is comprised of citizens representing longtime families from every corner of the county, and all with a passion for preserving local history.

Having met regularly since December 2023, the group agreed that Saturday’s gathering — its first annual meeting of what they hope to be many — celebrates and honors the museum’s establishment.

With a five-year plan in place — with 2024 laying the ground work, ie: establishing bylaws, electing a Board of Directors and Executive committee, securing incorporation and a nonprofit status, recruiting members, securing support from the Watauga County Commission, for starters — the museum should become a reality by 2028.

Years two through four will include securing financial allocations, applying for grants, filling all committee seats, selecting a site for the museum, gathering artifacts for displays that represent Watauga County, implementing educational programs and cultural activities — and that’s just the beginning.

At the event, held in the fellowship hall at Grace Lutheran Church in Boone, it was easy to see that this group of dedicated individuals, the majority of which have deep roots in Watauga County, has been diligently working behind the scenes to reach an impressive status in such a short amount of time.

“It’s been an interesting trip,” Cornett-Deal said as she described the last few months of helping bring the idea of a museum closer to reality. At her side through it all, Mary Moretz, added “We’re not quitting until it’s finished!”

Cornett-Deal reviewed with those present the mission and goals of the museum and gave an overview of accomplishments, to date.

“We don’t want our history to be lost,” she stated. “We are committed to see this happen. It is important that we preserve our history, to tell our story before someone else comes in and tells it for us.”

Cornett-Deal and Moretz are among 13 of the charter members elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the museum. Other board members include: Braxton Eggers, Charlie Wallin, Charlie Sellers, Brenda Councill, Nathan Miller, Lee Stroupe, Donna

the

members of

McNeil, L.D. Hagaman, Steve Sudderth, Eunice Johnson and Sam Adams. The executive committee includes Diane Cornett-Deal, chairman, Steve Sudderth, vice-chair, Mary Moretz, secretary, Judy Moretz, interim treasurer, Braxton Eggers, Charlie Wallin and Charlie Sellers.

During Saturday’s program, which included a meal catered by Dan’l Boone Inn, various topics were covered: minutes from former meetings, treasurer’s report, introduction of board members and officers, presentation of charter member certificates, fundraising plans for the future, and last but not least, Cornett-Deal stressed, supportive comments on behalf of the county and state, offered by Watauga County Commissioners Charlie Wallin and Braxton Eggers.

“We are extremely pleased that Commissioners Wallin and Eggers have agreed to be part of our journey as a bi-partisan group doing what’s best for our county,” she said.

Wallin and Eggers spoke of their commitments, both personally and professionally, and reminded their audience that preserving local heritage is something they will support as much as possible — and that politics has no part to play in it.

Eggers emphasized that a history museum for Watauga County is long overdue, reminding his audience that “all surrounding counties already have this in place,” and reiterating, “We are way behind in helping keep the past and our legacy alive.”

Cornett-Deal and Moretz thanked everyone for helping kickoff the future of Watauga County Heritage Museum, including the aforementioned, as well as Adam Rhyne, who presented ideas and offered his expertise in future fundraising efforts; Doris Stam, author of a new soon-to-be released book related to local history, and others, including Attorney Stacy “Four” Eggers for his legal services, and Grace Lutheran Church for providing meeting space.

In conclusion, Cornett-Deal added, “With a lot of help and (financial) support from natives and residents of Watauga County, we can do this. But, it’s going to take a lot of hard work going forward.” She also mentioned that volunteers are currently needed to serve on various committees. t

Representing

charter

the recently-formed Watauga County Heritage Museum, these individuals were recognized for their love for heritage and history during the group’s first public meeting on Saturday, Sept. 14. Photo by Sherrie Norris

A Southern Goodbye Carolina Gal

By Jan Todd

In my Southern family, saying “Goodbye” was an event in itself. I remember years ago, in my grandfather’s childhood home in Asheville, a holiday gathering winding to a close. Extended family filled every room of the old house, from the tiny kitchen with the baker’s cupboard and indoor clothesline for the dish towels, to the parlor with the piano that hadn’t been in tune for at least fifty years.

A crew of cousins were packed in the living room with TV trays, and the adults were lounging around the table in the dining room. Desserts had been served, dishes were washed, and a couple of the older folks had begun their naps while still seated at the table.

My super-efficient engineer father’s internal stopwatch was already calculating the travel time to drive home, and he alerted our family of seven that it was Time To Go.

My father’s idea of the Time-To-Go ritual was pretty simple: everyone visit the potty (‘cuz he wasn’t stoppin’!), call out a hearty “Bye y’all!” and pile into the station wagon, which had been prepared for our 5-hour journey — laying down all of the seats and padding the hard surface with pillows and sleeping bags. Seat belts weren’t a thing back then.

My mother, on the other hand, had an entirely different method for saying goodbye.

She had to go speak to all fifty-eleven people in attendance, promise to write, invite them to visit, and discuss the idea that we just didn’t get together often enough. She would search out every single person for an individual farewell.

Meanwhile, my Great Aunt Evelyn, a spry little lady with

boundless energy, would try to pawn leftovers off on us. “Won’t y’all take some potato salad?”

“No thank you,” we’d reply, not relishing the thought of the smell of potato salad on the windy mountain roads ahead.

“How about some black-eyed peas? No? Maybe some ham? Oh, how about some of this pound cake? Some of your grandmama’s macaroni and cheese? There’s plenty of this jello salad here. How ‘bout y’all take some of that?”

Eventually we figured out that Aunt Evelyn (bless her heart) WOULD NOT STOP until we took something. So it was usually easiest just to graciously accept the first thing she offered, and be done.

Great Aunt Jackie wouldn’t let Mama — a South Carolina native — leave without a few jars of Duke’s mayonnaise, because we lived in Tennessee at the time and Tennessee didn’t carry The Duke in any grocery stores. We questioned if Tennessee was even in the South. (They are. Listen to ‘em talk for a minute or two and all doubt is removed.)

About an hour after my father had made his original declaration of “Time to go!” and his face was getting to be about as red as the leftover pickled beets, we’d slowly make our way to the door, kissin’ and huggin’ along the way, and pausing to take a photo with whoever was out on the porch.

As we settled in the car, the remaining family would blow kisses and wave goodbye, while Great Aunt Evelyn — well into her eighties — would start dancing the Charleston in the middle of the driveway until we were out of sight. t

A few members of Jan’s family pausing for a “quick photo” just prior to leaving a family gathering in Asheville. After an extended session of farewells, Jan’s dad (center) makes a face for the camera.

Revitalizing Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens Memorial

Before the mid-20th century, Boone had just one functioning public cemetery within its town limits to accommodate its growing community. The Boone City Cemetery, located across from the First Presbyterian Church and near Appalachian State Teachers College, was quickly running out of space. As the town expanded, the need for a larger, perpetual care cemetery became more evident. Enter W.K. “Bill” Sturdivant, a visionary entrepreneur with a solution to fill that gap.

In 1950, Sturdivant discovered the perfect piece of land, owned by sisters Sally and Lelia Ray, who lived atop the

STORY BY HARLEY NEFE

property. While the Ray Family Cemetery had long been nestled on the northern edge since the early 1800s, it was the rest of the acreage that caught Sturdivant’s attention. He purchased the property and founded Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens, setting a new standard for cemeteries in Boone and Watauga County.

“Of course, part of the agreement was that he wouldn’t disturb the Ray Family Cemetery, and he would keep the Ray Family Cemetery clean, and it would be the center part of the new cemetery,” shares Jerry Harmon, who serves on the Board of Directors for the Mount Lawn Cemetery Association, Inc.

Sturdivant was no stranger to the funeral business. As the owner of Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in North Wilkesboro, with additional branches in Boone, West Jefferson, Newland, and Independence, VA, he brought years of experience to the table. Teaming up with Richard Kelly, Sturdivant transformed the land into Boone’s first perpetual care

cemetery, ensuring it would be maintained for generations.

“People in Boone started buying plots—all of our parents did—and it became the community cemetery of the area. It remained so for many years,” Harmon says.

However, establishing Mount Lawn came with its challenges. The North Carolina Cemetery Commission had strict requirements, including a minimum of 25 acres and a $25,000 trust deposit for future maintenance. Despite these hurdles, Mount Lawn continued to grow and serve the community.

In the mid-1950s, Sturdivant sold the cemetery to J.D. Boone, a businessman from Ashe County. Boone brought in the Frost Group to manage sales, offering burial plots not only to locals but also to others interested in the area. Over the decades, ownership of Mount Lawn changed hands several times.

Unfortunately, the cemetery eventually fell into disrepair.

Harmon, reflecting on his own experience, confides, “My wife and parents

Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens was established in 1950. Photo by Tanya Shook Wilder.

are buried here. I saw the condition the cemetery was in, and I started thinking and eventually talked to the owner. He basically said due to the poor conditions, the cemetery was not generating sales or income to maintain the property. He was a very nice guy and tried very hard to maintain the cemetery, but just could not do so.”

Recognizing the urgent need for restoration, a group of dedicated individuals came together to brainstorm solutions to restore the cemetery to its former beauty and reverence.

My wife and parents are buried here. I saw the condition the cemetery was in, and I started thinking and eventually talked to the owner. He basically said due to the poor conditions, the cemetery was not generating sales nor income to maintain the property. He was a very nice guy and tried very hard to maintain the cemetery, but just could not do so.

- JERRY

HARMON

“As a result, the Mount Lawn Cemetery Association, Inc., was formed, a volunteer board of directors was set in place, and we obtained our 501(c)13 tax-deductible status,” states Nancy Greene Williams, President of the Mount Lawn Cemetery Association, Inc.

On March 10, 2022, the association officially purchased the cemetery from its previous owner.

The board of directors, consisting of nine individuals: Nancy Greene Williams, Billy Ralph Winkler, Barney Hampton, Mike Wilson, Graydon Eggers, David Cottrell, Jerry Harmon, Tanya Shook Wilder, and Bud Russell stepped in to spearhead the cemetery’s revitalization.

Since acquiring ownership, the association, with the help of community donations and support, has made significant strides in restoring Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens. In addition to selling plots, niches, and markers, the board has

Mount Lawn is located at 521 Old East King Street in Boone.

Photo by Harley Nefe.

A statue of Jesus stands in the Garden of the Christus as you drive into the cemetery. Photo by Harley Nefe.

The Ray Family Cemetery had long been located on the property since the early 1800s. Photo by Harley Nefe.

launched various improvement projects. “There’s a lot to do,” Williams notes. “We’ve been very busy for the last two years... “We began work on immediate repairs around the cemetery grounds. Since our start, we’ve received gifts and donations, which we have put toward cemetery acquisition and the most pressing needs of the cemetery.”

The restoration of Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens has been a labor of love for many in the community, and recent efforts have received a significant boost.

The Mount Lawn Cemetery Association, Inc. was recently awarded a transformative gift from Smoky and Margaret Gragg Bissell of Charlotte. The Bissell family contributed $500,000 directly and offered an additional matching gift of up to $500,000 for new donations made to the cemetery’s capital campaign. This generosity marks a major milestone in the association’s mission to restore and revitalize the historic cemetery.

Margaret Gragg Bissell, a Boone native with deep ties to the High Country, has a

long and distinguished background in education, serving as head of Charlotte Country Day School for 17 years. Her husband, Smoky Bissell, a renowned real estate developer in Charlotte, is best known for his work in the South Park and Ballantyne areas. The Bissell family's gift was inspired by their personal connection to the cemetery, where Margaret’s parents, Margaret English Gragg and Frederick M. Gragg, are interred.

As Williams expresses, “The cemetery has been here since 1950. So, a lot of the children and grandchildren of those original purchasers—they have loved ones here, and it’s a gift of love that people are participating in.”

The capital campaign, launched by the Bissell family's generosity, is a major step forward in ensuring the cemetery's enduring legacy in Boone. The Mount Lawn Cemetery Association is now seeking financial support from individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout Boone and beyond to build on this momentum and further enhance the cemetery’s future.

As the restoration process continues, confidence in the future of Mount Lawn has started to grow again.

The cemetery has been here since 1950. So, a lot of the children and grandchildren of those original purchasers – they have loved ones here, and it’s a gift of love that people are participating in.

- NANCY GREENE WILLIAMS

“We’re already seeing some progress. People are interested in buying plots again because now they know they’re going to be taken care of. A lot of the resurgence is building confidence back,” Harmon says, reflecting on the community's renewed interest.

Tanya Shook Wilder echoes this sentiment, saying, “A great deal of what we are doing is reestablishing confidence with the community and letting them see that we’re here seriously. We have a plan, and we have a mission. We want the community to see our progress and watch us grow.”

Today, the Mount Lawn Cemetery Association, Inc. is committed to preserving and enhancing the legacy of this cherished resting place. With a clear mission to repair, maintain, and beautify Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens, the association is working diligently to restore the cemetery to its

Located behind the mausoleum at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens stands The Michael Family crypt.

Photo courtesy of Tanya Shook Wilder.

Mount Lawn is currently being restored to a place of beauty and serenity.

Photo by Harley Nefe.

former glory. Through their efforts, they ensure that Mount Lawn remains a peaceful and reflective sanctuary for families and loved ones. The story of Mount Lawn is not just about a burial ground, but about a community that has been intimately

OUTDOORS...

BUT NOT OUT OF BARS.

One of the oldest graves at Mount Lawn Memorial Park & Gardens is that of R. Harrison Parker. Mr Parker lived from November, 1844, to January, 1916. Photo courtesy of Tanya Shook Wilder.

A Meeting at the Well

At Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens, a statue of Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well serves as both an artistic and spiritual reminder of a profound biblical encounter. The story, found in the Gospel of John, chapter 4, highlights Jesus’ meeting with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well—a significant moment that transcended cultural and social barriers.

In this passage, Jesus, a Jewish man, asks the woman, a Samaritan, for a drink. This was remarkable because Jews and Samaritans did not associate with each other, and men typically did not speak to women alone in such contexts. Through their conversation, Jesus reveals His knowledge of her personal life and offers her "living water"—a symbol of eternal life and spiritual renewal.

The statue captures this message of compassion, inclusion, and grace. It serves as a reflection on how even the most ordinary moments can hold profound spiritual significance, reminding visitors of hope, transformation, and the boundless reach of faith. t

connected with it for generations, a lasting chapter in Boone’s history.

Wilder emphasizes these connections, explaining, “All of us who grew up in Boone and have lived there for the past 70 years or more have connections to that cemetery.” She goes on to describe the variety of people resting there: “There are former mayors, presidents of Appalachian State University, teachers who were instrumental in the lives of many students across Watauga County, business people whose stores and shops provided people in Watauga County a place to shop and socialize back in the day, and many other folks whose families have resided in the High Country for centuries are interred there.”

Wilder continues, “From the farmers who grew tobacco or folks who worked in the local kraut factory, to university coaches and professors, to the first county physicians, to the local citizen who spent his or her life in Boone, Mount Lawn houses our history and reflects the ancestry of those who lived and worked in Boone and Watauga County through the present. Almost everyone buried in the cemetery has played a vital role in the history and growth of Boone and Watauga County.”

For many, like Harmon, the connection to Mount Lawn runs deep.

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman at the Well. Photo by Tanya Shook Wilder.

“It just hits a special place with us,” Harmon shares. Every board member has loved ones buried at Mount Lawn.

This shared history has brought the association closer as they work together to restore the cemetery.

“Not only are we interested in seeing improvements made in the cemetery and helping the cemetery grow and revitalize as part of our legacy, [but] we have a group of friends here who enjoy working together. I think that’s part of the success,” Wilder says. “Each one of us sort of has his or her own role and strengths, and we come together nicely.”

The restoration efforts have not gone unnoticed. Boone resident Minnie Snead expressed her gratitude for the improvements, saying, “It’s such a pleasure to witness the cemetery being cared for again and to feel the love that’s being put into restoring it as a beautiful resting place. I visit there often, and it’s thrilling to see the wonderful changes that are taking place.”

As the association continues its work, community support remains a key factor in its success.

Harmon voices his confidence in local interest: “We think the community has enough interest in the restoration and ongoing plans that they’ll support our efforts.”

From the farmers who grew tobacco or folks who worked in the local kraut factory to university coaches and professors, to the first county physicians, to the local citizen who spent his or her life in Boone, Mount Lawn houses our history and reflects the ancestry of those who lived and worked in Boone and Watauga County through the present. Almost everyone buried in the cemetery has played a vital role in the history and growth of Boone and Watauga County.

- TANYA SHOOK WILDER

The Ray Family Cemetery is marked at the top of the hill across from the front of the mausoleum and is the oldest section of Mount Lawn.

Photo by Tanya Shook Wilder.

John Adams is a Revolutionary Soldier buried at Mount Lawn with a marker placed by the Daniel Boone Chapter of DAR. Photo by Harley Nefe.

Dr. William Howard Plemmons served as the second president of Appalachian State Teachers College (now known as Appalachian State University) from 1955 to 1969. Photo by Harley Nefe.

A note from Nancy G. Williams, President of MLCA

TheMount Lawn Cemetery Association (MLCA) has chosen these words as our inspiration as we begin our first fundraising initiative: respect, restoration, and reverence.

We, the Mount Lawn Cemetery Association, like so many of you, have had a deep concern over the condition of Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens. We put our hearts and minds together and asked ourselves, “What can we do to restore and move forward with Mount Lawn?”

As a result, the Mount Lawn Cemetery Association became a recognized nonprofit 501(c)13 tax-deductible entity under the IRS Code. Subsequently, we got to work, and we will continue until the work is done! A dear friend used to say, “Many hands make light work,” so we are looking for you to come on board and help make the load lighter!

RESPECT: We believe our community, alongside MLCA, should respectfully assist with the responsibility of assuring that Mount Lawn remains what those interred there thought it would be when they chose this location to be laid to rest. The cemetery is a beautiful and sacred location in our hometown, and in coming together as a caring community, it will remain as such for generations to come.

RESTORATION: We also know there is a lot of work to be done to restore Mount Lawn to a place of beauty and serenity. We live in an increasingly diverse community that requires us to offer more

opportunities for interment. Our long range plans include additional mausoleum space, columbarium space, a scattering garden, and natural alternatives. Repairs and improvements to the mausoleums on the grounds also warrant our attention.

REVERENCE: A walk through the cemetery does not require too many steps for one to realize the deep history of the area Mount Lawn represents. One senses deep gratitude and respect as memories return of the people who built and participated in the growth and development of our beloved Boone and the surrounding areas – veterans, teachers, community leaders, law enforcement officers, farmers, doctors, nurses, clergy, business leaders and entrepreneurs. Everyone who rests at Mount Lawn has been an essential part of Boone and the area’s history, both past and current. Mount Lawn is a place of reflection and honor – a place to be cherished.

We ask you to join us as we take the lead in the effort Mount Lawn Cemetery Association has begun to restore Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens to a place of serenity and respect for those who rest there, as well as their families and friends. Our hope is you will find your place of contribution in this effort, as we work together to succeed with respect, restoration, and reverence.

Most gratefully,

Nancy G. Williams, President of MLCA t

Almost everyone buried in the cemetery has played a vital role in the history and growth of Boone and Watauga County. Photo by Tayna Shook Wilder.

One of the primary goals is to raise the necessary funds for ongoing improvements and future care.

Williams explains, “In our initial fundraising venture, we hope to reach a $500,000 goal so that we can continue work on new entrance and paving projects, begin repair on the mausoleums, add a columbarium and ash scattering ground, and begin landscaping beautification. It is our hope [that] people will find their place of contribution as we work to restore the cemetery with respect and reverence. All contributions are greatly appreciated.”

Thanks to the Mount Lawn Cemetery Association, Inc. and the support of the Boone community and surrounding areas, this cherished cemetery’s legacy will endure for future generations. The work being done honors both the memory of those interred and the deep historical and emotional significance Mount Lawn holds for the people of Boone and Watauga County.

Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens is the only public cemetery in Watauga County. The cemetery is located at 521 Old East King Street in Boone. For more information on how you can help preserve and restore the cemetery grounds, contact the office at 828-264-3977 or email mountlawnboone@gmail.com. You can also visit the cemetery website at MountLawnCemetery.org of the Friends of Mount Lawn Cemetery Assoc. on Facebook. t

It’s

such a pleasure to witness the cemetery being cared for again and to feel the love that’s being put into restoring it as a beautiful resting place. I visit there often, and it’s thrilling to see the wonderful changes that are taking place.

- MINNIE SNEAD

Lake Hickory Haunts Behind the Screams with Founder Ryan Settlemyre

STORY BY KRIS TESTORI

Ryan Settlemyre, the owner of Lake Hickory Haunts, juggles multiple roles including director of operations, show director, actor, and set designer. His hands-on approach ensures that every aspect of the haunt runs smoothly, from crafting eerie scenes to guiding the overall experience for guests. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, near the Catawba River, Lake Hickory Haunts captivates visitors each year with terrifying and immersive experiences.

Lake Hickory Haunts is a large, haunted theme park, featuring a body of water surrounded by 13 unique fullscale haunted attractions. The site boasts awe-inspiring, mesmerizing environments, multi-dimensional special effects, more than 100 live characters, and of course, breathtaking scares. With Halloween rapidly approaching, we caught up with the mastermind behind the haunt to learn more about the inspiration, challenges, and ever-evolving nature of this renowned must-see destination for fear and thrill junkies from near and far.

A Childhood Dream Comes to Life

That early passion for giving others a chilling thrill, combined with a drive to build something unique, is the foundation Lake Hickory Haunts is built on.

For the creator of Lake Hickory Haunts, the passion for building haunted experiences took root early. "I was inspired by Disney World, particularly Walt Disney," Ryan shares. “My family and I created a volunteer haunted trail when I was younger.” He recalls, “I was only six when I first scared people by running the chainsaw.”

I was inspired by Disney World, particularly Walt Disney. My family and I created a volunteer haunted trail when I was younger. I was only six when I first scared people by running the chainsaw. - RYAN SETTLEMYRE

Lake Hickory Haunts is made up of 13 unique full-scale haunted attractions. Photo courtesy of Lake Hickory Haunts.

When it comes to setting up each season, there’s no such thing as downtime. As Ryan explains, "We never stop. My team and I are continually planning for the future and working on new things. We work non-stop, year-round. Improvement, maintenance, and construction never end." It takes a crew of approximately 150 people to bring the attraction to life each year, including actors, makeup artists, set designers, and technical staff.

The team works closely together to continuously brainstorm and develop new themes and attractions, starting with an idea that evolves into a full-blown experience. “I, or sometimes a team member, come up with an idea and we collaborate to bring it to life. I then start by writing the backstory and laying out the attractions,” Ryan notes. He then adds that creative brainstorming helps the team decide which scares and themes to include each year.

We never stop. My team and I are continually planning for the future and working on new things. We work non-stop yearround. Improvement, maintenance, and construction never end.

- RYAN SETTLEMYRE

Owner Ryan Settlemyre has a passion for giving others a chilling thrill and a desire to build something unique at Lake Hickory Haunts. Photo courtesy of Lake Hickory Haunts.

Improvement, maintenance, and construction is a year-round adventure for the crew. Photo courtesy of Lake Hickory Haunts.

The Demands Behind the Scares

Creating a world of fear isn't easy; the biggest test is managing such a complex operation. Ryan confides, "Leading and directing multiple teams and aspects of the show is the biggest challenge. Leadership is key, but it can be challenging at times."

He emphasizes that maintaining customer safety while creating a terrifying experience is a crucial aspect of their work: "Safety is our top priority. We have customer service, security, and EMT staff in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.”

Evolving with the Times

Lake Hickory Haunts has never been content with the status quo. Each year brings new attractions, and the team is always striving to deliver innovative experiences. “We continuously create new, unique experiences, like our boat ride, Aquaphobia...Descent, where you are 12 feet underground, and Voodoo Bayou, a treetop maze,” Ryan explains. With new expansions and creative themes continuously being added, visitors are guaranteed a fresh experience each time they return.

For 2024, Lake Hickory Haunts has debuted an array of new and terrifying experiences. Visitors face the wrath of nature in Nature’s Revenge, where malevolent forces from the wild come to life. The fear intensifies with Chop Shop, an attraction where hungry cannibals lie in wait for their next

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Lake Hickory Haunts is a must-see destination for fear and thrill junkies of all ages. Photo courtesy of Lake Hickory Haunts.

meal. Lastly, the Nightmare Factory Portal plunges guests into their darkest nightmares, thanks to Dr. Death’s NR2 serum, which brings their worst fears into chilling reality.

Despite drawing some inspiration from horror films and literature, the founder stresses originality. "I try to keep our themes original and different from typical horror movies or industry trends,” Ryan maintains, noting he does not have a favorite theme or scare. “There are so many awesome and unique scares that I can't choose just one,” he adds.

I

try to keep our themes original and different from typical horror movies or industry trends.There are so many awesome and unique scares that I can't choose just one.

- RYAN SETTLEMYRE

Ryan Settlemyre joins in on the scare, suiting up as the Shepherd. Photo courtesy of Lake Hickory Haunts.

My favorite part is seeing the customers' positive reactions after they experience Lake Hickory Haunts.

- RYAN SETTLEMYRE

A Labor of Love

As the creator of the haunts, Ryan reveals, "My favorite part is seeing the customers' positive reactions after they experience Lake Hickory Haunts." With no shortage of creative scares and heart-pounding moments, visitors are sure to leave both terrified and thrilled.

While the haunt has plenty of spine-chilling areas, when asked if there’s any part he wouldn’t want to be alone in after dark, Ryan’s answer is a resounding, "Nope!"

As Lake Hickory Haunts continues to grow and innovate, one thing remains certain—this haunted attraction isn’t just a business; it’s a lifelong passion brought to life through hard work, creativity, and a deep love for the craft.

A crew of approximately 150 people is needed to bring the attraction to life each year, including actors and makeup artists. Photos courtesy of Lake Hickory Haunts.

The famous character Boss the Clown was created back in 2013 and still haunts customers to this day. Photo courtesy of Lake Hickory Haunts.

The Nightmare Factory is one of the new haunts for 2024. It plunges guests into their darkest nightmares, thanks to Dr. Death’s NR2 serum, which brings their worst fears into chilling reality. Photo courtesy of Lake Hickory Haunts.

Hollywood Beckons to Lake Hickory Haunts

The film, You’re It was shot at Lake Hickory Haunts this year, with the site being selected specifically for its eerie and frightening atmosphere. Directed and written by Ron Rossman, the movie stars Santiago Cirilo and Amber Dawn Fox, known for their roles in The Walking Dead. Rossman and his crew dedicated 12 weekends to filming, taking full advantage of the haunt's unsettling ambiance to enhance the film’s spine-tingling scenes.

Lake Hickory Escape

In addition to its renowned haunted attractions, Lake Hickory Haunts provides a range of activities through Lake Hickory Escape, located at the same site. Visitors can challenge themselves with escape rooms, where they solve puzzles and navigate time constraints; test their precision with axe throwing; or immerse themselves in action with virtual reality shooter games.

Lake Hickory Escape features two distinct escape rooms: In Carnevil, players must navigate the sinister hideout of Boss the Clown, solving twisted games and uncovering secrets to escape

Lake Hickory Haunts celebrates 13 years of scares in 2024.

Photo courtesy of Lake Hickory Haunts.

Recognition Across the Carolinas

LakeHickory Haunts has consistently been ranked and voted as the number one haunted attraction in the Carolinas and on the East Coast by fan and travel websites including Fear Carolina, Scurry Face, North Carolina Haunted Houses, and NCHaunts. It has also been recognized as being among the top haunted attractions across the United States by various sources. t

before becoming his next victim. Mineshaft challenges participants to escape an abandoned mineshaft with only a 45-minute supply of oxygen, as they search for clues and treasures amid collapsing tunnels.

Ready to Get Scared?

Lake Hickory Haunts is open now through November 2, offering three to four time slots each evening to accommodate as many visitors as possible. Operating hours are from 7 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 7 to 10 p.m. on Sundays and Halloween night, Thursday, October 31. The haunt is located at 520 Carolina Ave., Hickory, NC 28601.

Be sure to buy your tickets early to secure your spot and avoid long waits. For more details, visit LakeHickoryHaunts.com. t

Ready for a fright? Lake Hickory Haunts is open now through November 2, offering various time slots each evening to accommodate as many screams as possible. Photos courtesy of Lake Hickory Haunts.

Our Fascination with the Supernatural: A Historical Overview

STORY BY KRIS TESTORI

Haunted houses have a long, eerie history, evolving from early, modest beginnings into the multi-milliondollar industry we know today. It all started in the 19th century, when Victorian society’s fascination with death, the supernatural, and all things macabre was at its peak. Ghost stories, Gothic literature, séances, and the belief that spirits roamed among the living laid the foundation for what would soon become a cultural phenomenon.

The first known haunted house attraction, Orton and Spooner Ghost House opened in 1915 in Liphook, England, as part of an Edwardian fairground. It was a simple, yet thrilling steam-powered experience, with dark corners and sudden scares, but it planted the seed for haunted attractions as a form of entertainment.

An Edwardian fairground was a traveling amusement fair popular in the UK from 1901 to 1910, during King Edward VII’s reign. These fairgrounds were known for their lively, nostalgic vibe, filled with steam-powered rides, games, and attractions that transported visitors to a world of old-time fun.

Meanwhile, in the United States, Halloween was evolving. Originally centered around community parades and parties, Halloween started to shift in the early 20th century as homeowners began transforming their spaces into spooky settings for local trick-or-treaters. These early haunted houses were modest— think hanging sheets for ghosts and carved pumpkins—but they were enough to fuel imaginations and spark a hunger for more fright.

The real boon for haunted houses came in the late 1960s and early 1970s when they exploded into mainstream culture. A major milestone in this evolution;’ was

Walt Disney’s opening of the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland in 1969, which transformed the haunted house experience. Guests at the Haunted Mansion board a "Doom Buggy" designed to hold up to two people, and glide smoothly through the mansion’s

eerie halls. Along the ride, you’ll encounter the ghostly "Ghost Host" who adds an extra layer of spookiness as you journey through the haunted scenes. This iconic attraction set the stage for haunted houses to become an immersive blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge thrills, with a spectral presence riding along with you every step of the way.

The centerpiece of the Haunted Mansion is the Grand Hall, a 90-foot-long ballroom where dancing ghouls celebrate a birthday party. Disney brought this scene to life with an incredibly intricate series of illusions known as Pepper's Ghost, which uses refracted light to project and shape these ghostly figures. With its innovative special effects, eerie atmosphere, and captivating storyline, the Haunted Mansion set a new benchmark for haunted attractions. People were looking for more than just a scare—they wanted a more interactive experience.

This shift in what experiences people were looking for led to the rise of professional haunted houses across the country, with the 1970s and 1980s marking the golden age of these attractions. Organizations like the Jaycees helped popularize haunted houses as fundraising events, creating elaborate setups with actors, sound effects, and intricate sets. By the 1980s, haunted houses had become a staple of American Halloween culture, fueled in part by the surge in horror films.

The growth of the haunted house industry has always been tied to advancements in technology, which have shaped the evolution

The first purpose-built haunted house, the Orton and Spooner Ghost House, opened in 1915 in Liphook, England. Photo courtesy of Jason's Journeys: Travel & Beyond (@ jason.s.journeys)

of these attractions. In the early days, scaring people relied on basic tricks such as darkness, eerie sounds, and sudden movements. But as technology advanced, so did the sophistication of haunted houses. In the 1970s and 1980s, animatronics and lighting effects became standard features, allowing attractions to create more dynamic, lifelike experiences. Haunted houses began to resemble theatrical productions, with elaborate sets, makeup, and choreography designed to immerse visitors in their own horror stories.

The biggest growth spurt for haunted houses occurred in the 1990s and early 2000s, as the industry became more professional. Operators tapped into booming entertainment technology, leading to larger, more detailed, and interactive attractions. This trend continues today, with haunted houses constantly pushing boundaries and finding new ways to terrify guests.

Fast forward to today, and haunted house technology is more advanced than ever. Modern attractions use cutting-edge animatronics, holograms, and sound design to ramp up the scare factor. Many now feature digital effects like projection mapping—transforming a room or even an entire building with shifting, eerie visuals. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are also making their mark, allowing guests to interact with attractions in new, frightening ways. Today’s haunted houses are no longer just about jump scares—they’re multi-sensory experiences that engage all the senses.

From homemade haunts to high-tech horror shows, haunted houses have come a long way. As technology evolves and our craving for fear remains strong, it’s clear that haunted houses will keep growing and scaring us senseless for generations to come. t

The opening of Haunted Mansion in 1969, one of the most beloved attractions at Disneyland, helped bring haunted houses into mainstream culture. Photo courtesy of D23.com's Walt Disney Archives.

Today’s haunted attractions are no longer just about jump scares—they’re multi-sensory experiences that engage all the senses, finding new ways to terrify guests. Photos courtesy of Lake Hickory Haunts.

Valle Crucis’s Harvest Farm:

STORY BY MELINDA BURRIS

If you are looking for a place for family-friendly fun this autumn where the opulent natural beauty of the area is on full display all around you, look no further than Harvest Farm in Valle Crucis. Read on to learn all there is to experience on this land that is farmed and opened to the public each autumn by the Benfield-Bare family.

Plan your visit soon because the farm is only open to guests each Labor Day weekend through the final Sunday in October. It’s a limited window for a yearly chance to celebrate the coming of the harvest season by making memories for a lifetime.

Keeping the Tradition of Farming in the High Country Alive

Fifth-generation farmer and one of the owners of Harvest Farm, Cassandra Bare, explains this is the family farming operation’s eleventh year in Valle Crucis.  Running a small farm is no easy task and Cassandra confirms, “It takes everyone doing their part to make it happen.  Both my parents, Jeff and April Benfield, my kids, Gavin and Ady, and my husband, Chad, all contribute significant amounts of time and effort into making sure the farm continues to thrive.”

Everyone has a role to play, with Cassandra’s dad concentrating on overseeing the planting and raising of crops; Chad caring for the maze and keeping the grounds maintained; while Cassandra’s mom manages the flower farm, and the two kids pitch in by helping with planting, fertilizing, and mowing the fields. Cassandra stresses that all of these activities the family pulls together to complete are just a fraction of the effort it takes to make the farm ready to receive guests and fulfill their mission of giving each visitor the best experience possible.

Proclaiming, “Farming is all we do,” Cassandra emphasizes her family’s dedication to farming is more than a vocation, it is an expression of who they are. These values and the love for this way of life were the inspiration for founding Harvest Farm. Cassandra explains her family decided to create an open working farm as a means of “sharing agriculture and what we do with others.” Their ambition was spearheaded by two motivations, the hope of “sparking a lasting interest in farming with children” and “providing a welcoming place for visitors to experience a real farm.”

Cassandra passionately believes her family found the perfect location for Harvest Farm, noting, “Valle Crucis is a special place with a nostalgia for the past surrounded by the growing sediment of the High Country.  Farming has been a large part of the Valle's history, our Appalachian heritage, and our family. Being able to continue this tradition in a place so special is a blessing.”

Valle Crucis is a special place with a nostalgia for the past surrounded by the growing sediment of the High Country.  Farming has been a large part of the Valle's history, our Appalachian heritage, and our family. Being able to continue this tradition in a place so special is a blessing.

- CASSANDRA BARE

Raising Kids— Raising Pumpkins: A Rewarding Venture

The family also grows nursery stock and Christmas trees, both crops that take many years to raise from start to finish. Realizing children can often find such long-term concepts difficult to comprehend, often struggling “to see the big picture” Cassandra and her husband took action to instill a love for farming in their kids by choosing to raise pumpkins. Cassandra confides, “Raising pumpkins isn't easy, but it has been and continues to be very rewarding to watch my kids help all season long and then get excited when it's harvest time.  They enjoy seeing the fruits of their labor, finding all the unique pumpkins they helped plant, and bringing them back to the barn.”

Like everything else at the farm, planting and cultivating the pumpkin patch is a group effort. Each year toward the end of May or early June, Jeff takes his great-grandmaw’s bucket, dumps the seeds together, and stirs to mix them up.  A believer in variety being the spice of life, April asserts, “Green, orange, yellow, blue, there is a pumpkin here to be had for you.  Warty, bumpy, striped, or spotted, pumpkins of all shapes and sizes that can be used for everything from indoor and outdoor seasonal décor to baking are available for sale at prices that range from just two dollars to sixty, depending on their size and variety.

Guests have come to expected a challenging corn maze from Harvest Farm each year. Photo by Ashley Poore.

Frankenstein pumpkins grown by Cassandra can be found lurking in the barn. Photo by Ashley Poore.

Fourth generation farmer and one of the owners of Harvest Farm, Jeff Benfield. Photo courtesy of Harvest Farm.

Young sixth generation family farmer Ady Bare working with her dad, Chad, fertilizing the fields. Photo courtesy Harvest Farm.

DISCOVER

Chetola

Get Lost in Harvest Farm’s Corn Maze

The annual corn maze is a feature Chad credits with bringing customers back year after year. These guests have high expectations, Chad cheerfully acknowledges. His wife agrees, “They count on us to have a challenging maze—no pressure there.” She continues, “They don't want an easy maze; They come expecting to get lost, have a good time, and go home with their trophy pumpkin.  You see, going in the maze and getting back out is only a fraction of the concept.  The maze works as a game. If customers complete the treasure hunt as a group, they win a free pumpkin.”

Taking on the challenge the maze offers, with an innovative design every year, naturally brings out the competitive spirit in people as families and friends split up into groups to compete and see who can win the prize.  Having witnessed the process numerous times, Cassandra declares the game makes for a spirited outing “that is considered by all to be a good time.”

The corn for the maze is planted each

Capture the perfect fall photo in front of the antique farm truck Cassandra and her mom, April, decorated for the season. Photo by Ashley Poore.

They don't want an easy maze; They come expecting to get lost, have a good time, and go home with their trophy pumpkin. You see, going in the maze and getting back out is only a fraction of the concept. The maze works as a game. If customers complete the treasure hunt as a group, they win a free pumpkin.

- CASSANDRA BARE

year at the end of June or the beginning of July. It is Cassandra who draws the maze design each year, driven by the inspiration she credits to “much prayer and the intervention of the Holy Spirit...The maze design is just what God lays on my heart.” This year, she chose a patriotic design with a unity theme in honor of the 2024 national election.

Reflecting on the creative process, Cassandra shares that she prefers to draw the maze after the corn has come up. This allows her to modify the design as needed if there are spaces where the

corn didn’t grow well or if there are spots that are sparse due to wildlife eating the corn or damage caused by weather. Using a measuring wheel, she goes out and plans the layout of the maze. Cassandra then lays out the cornfield on graph paper before beginning to draw the maze design. She credits their “good friends at Mercator” for helping them set up a GPS unit that allows them to accurately cut the corn to the design of the maze.  Once the necessary data is uploaded, Cassandra straps the unit on her back and sets to work with her husband Chad

6 Things to Do at Harvest Farm!

6 5 3 2 1 4

Corn Maze: Try your luck navigating the 7-acre corn maze and win a pumpkin!

Picnic Areas: Picnic tables are set up in different areas of the farm with some located near Dutch Creek, others out in the flowers, and others close to the barn and field for easy accessibility.

Pumpkin House Photo Op: Capture the perfect fall photo inside this fun pumpkin house!

Hay Rides: This relaxing, scenic attraction is a visitor favorite and has been offered since the farm opened. Take your choice of a traditional hayride, or if you suffer from allergies, choose the hay-less hayride option.

You Pick Floral Farm: Select your own blooms or buy your choice of ready-made floral arrangements available for sale at the barn.

You Pick Pumpkin Patch: Have a blast choosing from pumpkins of every size, color, and texture!

following her on a mower as she walks through the corn. It is a tedious process that takes the couple “three long days” to complete.

Finally, with the overall maze concept drawn and cut out, Cassandra claims she and Chad focus on becoming “the masterminds of confusion.” As the couple sit together, they recall and laugh about some of the previous group strategies they’ve witnessed and go about planning where to place the six mailboxes inside the maze, each containing a piece of the map showing the way out. To win the prize pumpkin, players must collect all six pieces of the map and bring it back completed.

Fun at The Flower Farm

It can be said the flower farm is the heart of the operation because as Cassandra points out, “It is an avenue for everybody to get to enjoy an aspect of the farm. Not everyone who comes here can walk through the corn maze,

It is an avenue for everybody to get to enjoy an aspect of the farm. Not everyone who comes here can walk through the corn maze, but they do enjoy picking flowers, going on a hayride, and sitting in the flower farm, enjoying the day. - CASSANDRA BARE

Flower farm at Harvest Farm. Photo by Michael Hines.

My husband jokes that he can never buy me flowers anymore that can stand up to the enjoyment of letting me go out, cut my own bouquet, and enjoy a few minutes in the garden...he's probably right, but I would never turn down flowers.

- CASSANDRA BARE

but they do enjoy picking flowers, going on a hayride, and sitting in the flower farm, enjoying the day.”

It is a special place for Cassandra and her mom, April, who says the flower farm makes her heart happy and puts a smile on her face. There, Cassandra and April enjoy spending time together making dried floral arrangements, swags, and wreaths, which are available for sale at the barn.

Cassandra shares, “My husband jokes that he can never buy me flowers anymore that can stand up to the enjoyment of letting me go out, cut my own bouquet, and enjoy

a few minutes in the garden...he's probably right, but I would never turn down flowers.”

Something for Everyone to Enjoy!

People of all ages come out to explore the attractions at Harvest Farm. Couples come to the farm on dates, often bringing a picnic and enjoying going through the maze, taking a hayride, and cutting a flower bouquet. Cassandra notes, “We also

Dried wreath made from flowers grown and harvested from the fields at Harvest Farm. Photo courtesy of Harvest Farm.

Close up of a flower found on the farm. Photo by Michael Hines.

Rows of flowers at the You Pick Flower Farm Fields at Harvest Farm. Photo by Michael Hines.

We decided from the beginning that we wanted to have a warm inviting farm where people can come spend time together, create a memory, have an adventure, and enjoy being outdoors in such a special place as Valle Crucis.

- CASSANDRA BARE

have groups of ladies that come every week to cut a fresh bouquet to enjoy throughout the week.”

College students also come to the farm where they can purchase flowers for just one dollar a stem to bring a piece of the farm home with them and liven up the décor in their dorm or apartment with a bouquet of the fresh flowers available in a wide array of species and colors.

The farm is also regularly asked to provide fresh flowers to nursing homes, inns, churches, and florists. They have also been called upon to supply the floral arrangements for special events including weddings.

Ensuring an Ever-Evolving Future for the Farm

The crops and activities at Harvest Farm appeal to lots of demographics within the High Country including families, churches, and other groups.  This was an important part of the overall goal for founding the farm Cassandra notes, explaining, “We decided from the beginning that we wanted to have a warm inviting farm where people can come spend time together, create a memory, have an adventure, and enjoy being outdoors in such a special place as Valle Crucis.”  Based on public reaction, that objective has been reached, as Cassandra and her family see how the experience they offer “brings people together as they enjoy a celebration of the fall season and the opportunity to spend time outdoors enjoying nature.”

Not content to rest on their laurels, the family is always looking to add something more for their guests to enjoy. For instance, a you pick apple orchard is in the works and should be available to guests in 2026.

At Harvest Farm, visitor feedback is always welcome because as Cassandra points out, “We are constantly researching, listening to what customers like, and what might be the next new trend to bring it to the farm the next season.”

Planning a visit? Harvest Farm is located at 3287 NC 194 in Valle Crucis, NC. Hours of operation are Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sundays, 1-6 p.m. Visit HarvestFarmWNC.com for more information. t

Advice from a pumpkin decorates the walls of the barn. Photo by Ashley Poore.

Harvest Farm is open Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sundays, 1-6 p.m. Photo by Ashley Poore.

The Orchard at Altapass

Serving up history, sustainability and plenty of apples

STORY BY ZENDA DOUGLAS

Since the mid-1800s, apples have been touted as a source of good health. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” goes the well-known proverb. Imagine how much greater the impact of that bit of wisdom when accompanied by a chance to pick the apples straight off the tree, enjoy music, dancing, gorgeous mountain scenery, cider, walking trails, deep dives into history, lunch with a friend and butterflies and bees.

The Orchard at Altapass, representing 140 acres located at mile marker 328 off the Blue Ridge Parkway, offers all of those opportunities to those seeking a mountain experience with flavorful take-home options.

Growing strong since 1995, The Orchard has welcomed generations of visitors and usually sends them home with pre-bagged apples or apples they’ve picked themselves.

There are 20 varieties to choose from – some from trees that are more than 100 years old; heritage apples grafted from some of the original apples brought to the United States, such as Golden Delicious. “Many of our trees were planted at the beginning of the 20th Century by their original owners,” said Beth Hilton, Executive Director of the Orchard. New trees are grafted each spring. There are close to 3,000 apple trees and 50 peach trees living in the Orchard. There is also a row of heirloom trees, planted in 2018, consisting of 50 trees, two each of 25 varieties. Propagated from generations past, the row is called Row of Fame.

“I didn’t have an appreciation of all this before and now it’s the love of my life. As we say, “saving the good stuff,”” said Hilton.

“The tastes of our apples are very different from the ones you can buy in the store. They’re juicier, more flavorful,” said Hilton. “We do minimal spraying that makes them as close to

I didn’t have an appreciation of all this before and now it’s the love of my life. As we say, “saving the good stuff.” - BETH HILTON

Bags of apples and bottles of apple cider displayed in the store. Photo courtesy of The Orchard at Altapass.

organic as we can get and still have apples on the trees. Our apples are not always gorgeous but visitors can feel safe in knowing they can bite into an apple on the spot,” said Hilton.

The Orchard at Altapass defines itself as a non-profit 501(c)(3) heirloom apple orchard, heritage music venue and education center. The organization was founded in 1995 by Kit Trubey, her brother Bill Carson and his wife, Judy Carson. From the beginning, the founders guided a clear and dedicated mission to protect and preserve the orchard land and preserve the history, heritage and culture of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Over the years, the mission has evolved to include education for the public about the Appalachian experience. Today, the organization is headed up by Executive Director Hilton, a veteran non-profit professional and Sam McKinney who serves as the mission sustainability manager.

“The mission side is inclusive of the farm, field, the apples themselves, trails, pollinator garden, model railroad and live music,” said McKinney. “The easiest thing to say is everything not retail.” The retail side has its own list: the General Store where local handmade crafts, jams and jellies, clothing items and honey from the Orchard’s own beehives are sold; the Apple Core Grill for a leisurely lunch and the Apple Shed where all apples are available for purchase and visitors sign up for U-Pick. Each attraction and function is designed to be self-supported. Fresh, hot apple pie and hot cider are givens.

“The Orchard at Altapass is the place to experience Appalachia in one spot,” said McKinney. “You can pick native apples, some started from seedlings from the 1600s; hear the stories of old Appalachia about how people did things such as make apple butter and copper pots; and sit on the back porch and see the Appalachian Mountains, themselves.” The views have garnered descriptive names for the property such as the Jewel of the Parkway and the Grand Balcony of the Parkway. There’s shopping to be done and good eats from the popular grill. Many visitors take advantage of the live music events and the dance floor to show off their flatfoot and clogging skills. The Orchard presents an impressive variety of mountain heritage music performers.

The Orchard at Altapass Founders: Kit Carson-Trubey (center); Bill and Judy Carson. Photo by Houck Medford.

Visitors can take home pre-bagged apples or apples they’ve picked themselves. Photo courtesy of The Orchard at Altapass.

The Orchard at Altapass is the place to experience Appalachia in one spot. You can pick native apples, some started from seedlings from the 1600s; hear the stories of old Appalachia about how people did things such as make apple butter and copper pots; and sit on the back porch and see the Appalachian Mountains, themselves.

- SAM MCKINNEY

Whenever there’s music, co-founder Bill Carson is likely to come around. “He’s a frequent dance partner,” said Trubey. “He asks the ladies to dance and carries printed cards in his pockets. If they agree, they receive a card that reads “I survived a dance with Bill Carson of Orchard at Altapass.” “It’s all good fun,” said Trubey.

“We are a place to go,” said Hilton. “We’ve built a replica of the orchard with a model train going through and displays of the parkway for our barn and have hands-on activities for children. We are a waystation for monarch butterflies and have milkweed for them all over this land. These things that we do with families and children, they remember and carry on traditions. We want to see new generations come here,” said Hilton.

The Orchard at Altapass welcomed 120,000 visitors in 2023, almost triple the number of previous years. “Most come in September and October. It’s a double whammy – apple season, then fall foliage,” said Hilton. “We don’t count the people who come just for the music.” There is no cost to visit the property. At busiest times, patience may be needed to find parking. “Parking can be a challenge but we won’t cut down trees,” said Hilton, adding, “Weekdays are easier.”

Hilton was born in Johnson City, Tennessee but moved away at the age of 10. Armed with a degree in education, she spent decades in the non-profit world gaining experience in board management, grant-writing, fund development and operations management. She became acquainted with The Orchard at Altapass while returning to the area for a visit in 2009. “I fell in love with the Orchard,” said Hilton. She also met the Carsons who quickly recruited her for the position of executive director, a post she held from 2009 until 2012 before returning to Virginia. In 2018, she came back to the area and joined the Orchard board of directors but, once again, she was asked to

Some of the trees located on the orchard are more than 100 years old. Photo courtesy of The Orchard at Altapass.

The Orchard at Altapass also serves as a heritage music venue. Photo courtesy of The Orchard at Altapass.

fill the executive director position.

“Working with The Orchard at Altapass was something else I could fall in love with; doing something important while staying in the non-profit world,” said Hilton. “Since I’ve been here, my goal is to make this orchard sustainable; to put systems in place that will keep this orchard in place – forever,” said Hilton.

McKinney grew up on Humpback Mountain, just a couple of miles from the Orchard. “The Orchard was a place that I had been coming to since I can remember for community events, dances and storytelling. I gave my first performance as a musician at the Orchard at the age of nine,” said McKinney, who volunteered through high school. He worked for a manufacturing corporation for five years before serving on the Orchard board of directors. After two years, he joined the staff to work alongside Hilton. “I took work at the Orchard and for the Orchard,” said McKinney. “Your passion is being a part of something bigger than you.”

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Whether you’re dealing with a routine sickness, living with a chronic condition, or want to stay current with regular preventive checkups, your family’s health is in good hands with our team of experienced primary care providers in the High Country. All of our Primary Care offices have Telehealth appointment options available and are accepting new patients

AppFamily Medicine | 828-386-2222

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Accepting new patients | Same-day clinic

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For more information about our Primary Care Providers use this QR code or visit apprhs.org/pcp

Visitors love to hit the dance floor to show off their flatfoot and clogging skills.

Photo courtesy of The Orchard at Altapass.

Sam McKinney and Beth Hilton of The Orchard at Altapass. Photo courtesy of The Orchard at Altapass.

“Most people whose family has been here for more than three generations have ties to the orchard because most original settlers occupied land that the orchard is on,” said McKinney. In the case of his own ancestry, McKinney’s great, great, great grandfather, Charlie McKinney, was the original settler who farmed and had his homestead on 1,200 acres that included the orchard. Described as prolific, he was thought to have had 48 children during the mid-1800s. As of 2010, it was said that more than 50,000 people could be traced back to him, living or dead, according to McKinney.

“When I’m out in the orchard, I think about all the people who worked here at one time or another over the past 116 years.”

The beginning of The Orchard at Altapass - a newspaper ad and a prayer

In 1995, Kit Carson-Trubey, a retired University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill math professor, had lived in Spruce Pine for 25 years. While visiting her brother and his wife, Bill and Judy Carson, in Little Switzerland, she noticed a “for sale” ad in the local newspaper. The ad described land set amid a declining orchard, rimmed by spectacular mountains – 280 acres of unrestricted land on the Blue Ridge Parkway. She recognized the property.

“I remembered that we played in that orchard,” said Trubey. Her interest piqued, Trubey made the call and arranged to take a look.

Working with The Orchard at Altapass was something else I could fall in love with; doing something important while staying in the non-profit world. Since I’ve been here, my goal is to make this orchard sustainable; to put systems in place that will keep this orchard in place – forever.

- BETH HILTON

“The seller had 280 acres that straddled the Parkway, 140 acres on each side,” said Trubey. “The lower 140 acres were in the apple orchard. All the apple trees that were planted - more than two dozen species of heritage apples over eighty years old - that’s what he was selling.” Trubey knew immediately that this land must be preserved; protected from development.

The orchard lit up by a morning sunrise. Photo courtesy of The Orchard at Altapass.

The Apple Core Grill is always "Serving the good stuff!" Photo courtesy of The Orchard at Altapass.

The music pavilion gives guests a picturesque view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Photo courtesy of The Orchard at Altapass.

“I told the guy if he would give me overnight to pray about it, I would buy the orchard if I felt comfortable and close in three weeks,” said Trubey.

Soon, Trubey owned the 280 acres. “My brother and his wife wanted to see what we could do with the apple orchard, the 140 acres below. The 140 acres above was wooded.”

The Conservation Trust for North Carolina (CTNC) was quick to contact Trubey. The Blue Ridge Parkway was one of their major concerns. If the two miles of acreage of the land Trubey had purchased that ran along the Parkway were to be developed, it would have destroyed the Parkway. Unaware of Trubey’s intentions, the CTNC offered to buy the development rights.

Meanwhile, Kit Trubey and Bill and Judy Carson decided to create a non-profit called Altapassorchard.org to support the orchard. Trubey donated the orchard land, the lower 140 acres, to this non-profit, where they remain. Trubey donated the upper 140 acres to CTNC. CTNC provided funding for what the price of development rights would have been; funds that helped to restore and reestablish the orchard. CTNC then donated the upper land to the Blue Ridge Parkway. These collaborative steps assure that the 280 combined acreage will never be developed.

“My land could have become a golf course or a huge condominium complex,” said Trubey. “But that’s what I promised God would not happen.”

Molley Chomper cider can be found for purchase in the general store, some even made with fruit from Altapass. Photo courtesy of The Orchard at Altapass.

The road from Altapassan orchard’s deep roots

The Holston Land Company started planting apple trees on land purchased on either side of the Clinchfield Railroad in North Carolina in 1908. Working closely with the Railroad, the company subsequently built a luxury hotel, depot, hospital,

general store and post office. The area was named Altapass (“alta” meaning high and “pass” for nearby McKinney Gap), reflecting upon its location at the highest altitude in the United States where two trains could pass. Altapass flourished with tourists who rode the train up from other parts of the state. The new orchard, originally known as McKinney Gap Orchard, grew into a large commercial supplier for Gerber Baby Food, boasting 600 acres and more than 30,000 trees. The orchard was the first stop on the way to Altapass.

Since 1995, The Orchard has welcomed generations of visitors and usually sends them home with pre-bagged apples or apples they’ve picked themselves.

Photo courtesy of The Orchard at Altapass.

Visitors of all ages can pick native apples at the orchard, some that started from seedlings from the 1600s. Photo courtesy of The Orchard at Altapass.

The success of Altapass did not last. The hotel and hospital burned to the ground in 1926, an event that signaled the eventual downfall of the municipality. The Great Depression intervened. The Blue Ridge Parkway was developed in the 1940s and went through the orchard, splitting it in half. The orchard peaked in the 1930s, diminishing until it was neglected in the 1970s. Clinchfield Railroad sold out to CSX and all passenger services were stopped in the 1950s. CSX continues to use the railway today for the shipment of coal.

“Locals who lived in Altapass now have a Spruce Pine address but when asked, still often say they live in Altapass,” said McKinney. “Kit, Bill and Judy renamed the orchard Altapass. They felt it was important because it’s the last remaining piece of the former town.”

The Orchard at Altapass is located at 1025 Orchard Road, Spruce Pine, NC at mile 328.3 Blue Ridge Parkway.

For more information about The Orchard at Altapass, its mission, apple varieties, history, hours, activities and events, please visit www.altapassorchard. org or call 828-765-9531. t

Locals who lived in Altapass now have a Spruce Pine address but when asked, still often say they live in Altapass. Kit, Bill and Judy renamed the orchard Altapass. They felt it was important because it’s the last remaining piece of the former town.

- SAM MCKINNEY

The Orchard at Altapass is located at 1025 Orchard Road, Spruce Pine, NC at mile 328.3 Blue Ridge Parkway. Photo courtesy of The Orchard at Altapass.

OWindows of Opportunity

STORY BY JAN TODD

f all the excellent small businesses in the High Country, you might say this one really “shines”. Mountain Vista Window Washing and its 21-year-old owner, Rowan Todd, have been racking up awards in the past few years as the business has grown and built a solid reputation for customer service.

Begun as a one-person operation, Mountain Vista now has a staff of eight with three work vans and has expanded services to include window washing, gutter cleaning and gutter guard

installation, pressure washing, and roof soft cleaning.

Rowan started washing windows for local businesses when he was just 14. He wanted to earn some money, and went from shop to shop on King Street, introducing himself and asking for a job.

“No one would hire me,” he shares. “They said I was too young, and I didn’t have any work experience.”

Finally, he walked into Doe Ridge Pottery, where the owner told him he didn’t have any positions available, but he could use someone to clean the windows.

“My family was going out of town that weekend to visit my grandparents, and I talked to my parents on the way about cleaning windows as a job. We stopped by Home Depot and picked up some supplies, then I practiced cleaning my grandparents’ windows all weekend,” Rowan recalls.

Mountain Vista Window Washing performs a variety of services including window washing, gutter cleaning and gutter guard installations, power washing and soft roof cleaning. Photo by Izzy Smeltzer

My family was going out of town that weekend to visit my grandparents, and I talked to my parents on the way about cleaning windows as a job. We stopped by Home Depot and picked up some supplies, then I practiced cleaning my grandparents’ windows all weekend.

- ROWAN TODD

Back in Boone, he again went from shop to shop on King Street. This time he introduced himself to the owners as Rowan Todd, window washer—and asked if he could clean their windows.

“I probably did a terrible job at first, but people were kind, and I started getting some regular clients,” he says.

Rowan credits his early schooling, summer camp experiences, and mentors for helping him build self-confidence and a strong work ethic that enabled him to build a business at such a young age.

He spent his elementary years at Two Rivers Community School in Boone, a public charter school founded on the Experiential Learning framework. Students spend a lot of time outdoors, learning about the mountains, rivers, and green spaces. The school partners with Buffalo Cove Outdoor Education Center, a camp with programs to develop outdoor skills and an appreciation for nature, as a learning site for the school.

“It was the perfect environment for me,” Rowan explains. “In addition to learning how to add, subtract, and multiply, Two Rivers taught me life skills—how to communicate and how to care for the environment.”

Rowan cited Austin Pack, the fitness teacher at Two Rivers, and Nathan Rourke, director of Buffalo Cove Outdoor Education Center, as “incredible male role models” in his life. “They helped me develop strong values and taught me what it means to be a healthy leader and a man in the world. They ingrained in me the importance of physical

Rowan Todd, owner of Mountain Vista Window Washing, cleans windows at a home in Boone. Photo by Jan Todd

Mountain Vista Window Washing performs a variety of services including window washing, gutter cleaning and gutter guard installations, power washing and soft roof cleaning. Photo submitted.

Rowan Todd started washing windows for local businesses when he was just 14. Photo submitted.

activity and a love for nature and for being outside.”

Ami Lee served as Rowan’s summer camp counselor at Buffalo Cove for one year and later worked with Mountain Vista as a crew chief when Rowan began expanding his business.

“At Buffalo Cove, kids learn not to be afraid to try new things. They learn their limits, [and] then how to push past those limits. They discover they’re more capable than they think they are. I saw Rowan apply these principles at camp, and I’ve seen him apply them in his business as well,” says Lee, who now lives in Atlanta and works as a firefighter.

While a young teen at camp, Rowan learned survival skills, knife skills, how to identify trees, how to make rope from tree bark, and how to build a bow drill kit to start a friction fire.

“At the end of the camp session, Rowan took on one of the most difficult challenges—going into the woods with just a knife, and coming out with fire,” Lee described. “This challenge takes

Rowan Todd gives back to the community by supporting non-profit organizations such as Safe Harbor Recovery Center for Women. Here, Mountain Vista Window Cleaning helped Safe Harbor prepare for their grand opening last spring. As a bonus, the other tenants in the building also received free cleanings. Photo submitted.

hours to achieve. Although Rowan had successfully performed the task a couple [of] times during the camp session, he ended up not completing it on the challenge day. Maybe the wood was a little too damp that day, or something else was off.”

“In a lot of ways, though, the real test is perseverance,” Lee continues. “Not many teenagers can keep at a task for eight hours, dealing with the frustration of trying over and over. Rowan kept at it the whole day and never gave up.”

Lee acknowledges that he was impressed by Rowan’s maturity, and notes his parents likely fostered that trait in him. “Rowan’s mom and dad always let him pursue different avenues, make mistakes, and learn from his mistakes,” Lee observes.

Once Rowan entered Watauga High School, he enriched his natural business tendencies with more formal training through the Career & Technical Education programs. An entrepreneurship class taught by Stephanie Ogle opened Rowan’s eyes to new opportunities, he says.

She introduced him to the owners of Hatchet Coffee, who counseled Rowan about his business and invited him to a Boone Area Chamber event.

“That’s when things really took off,” Rowan observes. “I had been cleaning only two or three storefronts before that point. I went into that chamber meeting with a bunch of little business cards I’d printed off of my computer and handed them out to everyone. At the end of the night, Wysteria White and David Jackson came over and talked to me and offered me a free year of membership in the chamber.”

At Buffalo Cove, kids learn not to be afraid to try new things. They learn their limits — then how to push past those limits. They discover they’re more capable than they think they are. I saw Rowan apply these principles at camp, and I’ve seen him apply them in his business as well.

-

AMI LEE

Ogle recalls, “Rowan was probably the only 15-yearold who had ever shown up at a chamber meeting and made such an impression. He came to school the next day, so excited, telling me how many people he’d talked to and how he handed out every single one of his business cards.”

Ogle explains her entrepreneurship class is a performance-based learning experience. Students come up with a hypothetical business idea, examine financing scenarios, learn to forecast revenue and fixed and variable costs, and come up with marketing plans. To her knowledge, Rowan is the only student who has

Rowan Todd, owner of Mountain Vista Window Washing. Photo by Jan Todd.

actually implemented his idea in real life.

“He impressed me right off,” she reflects. “Now, he comes to talk to my classes each year. He tells the students not to be afraid to go out and talk to people. He stresses being reliable to customers, showing up when you say you would, [and] guaranteeing your work. He emphasizes doing the job right the first time because it costs money to go out and fix things if you don’t.”

Rowan’s treatment of his employees and involvement in the community inspires Ogle as well. “He is very kind and respectful to his staff and even provides them [with] a healthy lunch from Wildwood Community Market, every day they work. He also donates services and supports several nonprofits in the area. He does these things because he is genuinely a nice person, and it comes back to help his business with loyal employees who want to do a good job for him, and [it cultivates] community goodwill.”

As Rowan’s window-washing venture grew, his father, Rhett, came on board to help. In the early years, Rowan’s work was primarily commercial jobs. That changed dramatically when COVID hit.

“All the stores closed, and I saw my

revenue drop over eighty percent,” Rowan recalls. But then, the influx of people moving to the mountains and the wave of home improvement projects introduced a new clientele to Rowan: “My residential business just took off. I didn’t even know that was a thing at that point—that people would pay to have their windows at their homes professionally cleaned,” Rowan says with a laugh.

Rowan’s dad, who had worked in construction, helped him build new skill sets to serve his new client base.

“He has been a great mentor for me, teaching me things like how to climb ladders, how to use tools and do basic handyman repairs, how to be professional, and how to work inside million-dollar homes. We got really close during the time when it was just the two of us working together,” Rowan shares.

Rhett Todd still works with Mountain Vista, serving as an operations manager and keeping the vans and equipment in “tip-top shape.”

Rowan maintains many of his cleaning techniques have been self-taught. “I read a lot and watched YouTube videos when I was first learning,” he recalls. A couple of years

Izzy Smeltzer and Rowan Todd brought home championship belts from the International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA) conference held in Galveston, Texas this year. Izzy won first place in the Women’s Speed Competition, and Rowan won the Medley Competition. Both have been invited to compete in the South American Window Cleaning Competition in November. Photo submitted.

Mountain Vista Window Washing and Rowan Todd have been recognized locally and internationally for excellent business practices, technical skills, and customer service:

• 2019 – Finalist for the Rising Star award at the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce “4 Under 40” ceremony.

• 2020 – Startup Business of the Year, Boone Area Chamber of Commerce

• 2022 – Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the Asheville

chapter, SCORE Foundation (a nationwide mentoring service funded, in part, through the U.S. Small Business Administration)

• 2023 – Outstanding Customer Service award from the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce

• 2023 – Two International Window Cleaning titles from the IWCA

• 2024 – Winner of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce “4 Under 40” Business Owner award. t

ago, he joined the International Window Cleaning Association (IWCA), which helped him elevate his knowledge of the industry to a new level.

The annual IWCA meeting includes a trade show where he learns about new cleaning products and tools and workshops where he learns new techniques, safety practices, and business tips. While attending the IWCA two years ago, he connected with the 2023 association president Sheila Smeltzer, owner of the largest windowwashing company in Brunswick County, North Carolina.

Sheila’s daughter, Izzy, who had worked with her mother’s business since she was a teen, had just transferred to Appalachian State to study commercial photography.

Izzy came to work for Rowan and has shared her expertise and organizational skills with the team at Mountain Vista.

“I’ve introduced Rowan to some of the products and techniques my mother has found effective,” Izzy says. “In turn, Rowan has taught me new aspects of the business, like ladder work, gutter cleaning, pressure washing, and things the men usually take care of in my mother’s business.”

“Rowan never differentiates between me and the male employees,” she shares. “I’ve

found it very empowering! I can carry a 28foot ladder very confidently and do other things I may not have otherwise tried.”

This year, Izzy attended the IWCA conference with Rowan in Galveston, Texas, and the two came home with international bragging rights.

“Each year at the trade show, they have a window cleaning competition,” Rowan explains. “They have three categories: Men’s and Women’s Speed, where competitors are timed in cleaning three large windows; and Medley, where you clean different sized windows—some high up, some low—and [you] are judged on the number of mistakes and how much time you take.”

Rowan decided to compete in the Medley category and won first place. Izzy entered the Speed competition.

“It’s fun to watch the speed competitors. They are holding the strip washer and squeegee together in one hand, wetting and then drying almost simultaneously,” Rowan explains. “Izzy practiced for about 30 minutes and said, ‘I got this.’”

After the speed competition, one of the judges told Izzy she “blew the roof off” the other competitors. “My mother came up to me and said, ‘Do you know how many times I’ve tried that competition and never won?

Both Rowan and Mountain Vista Window Washing have received many awards and recognitions. Right photo by Lonnie Webster. Left photo submitted.

He has been a great mentor for me, teaching me things like how to climb ladders, how to use tools and do basic handyman repairs, how to be professional and how to work inside million-dollar homes. We got really close during the time when it was just the two of us working together.

- ROWAN TODD

And you go in and win it your first time!’” Izzy recalls, laughing.

Rowan said he has fun working with his employees at Mountain Vista. “We’ve never had anybody quit because they were unhappy,” he says. “We’ve had folks move on and do other things, but I really try to take care of my team, and that comes back to me ten-fold. We enjoy the work, and we enjoy each other.”

Scott Williford, co-owner of The Cardinal in Boone, has been a long-time client of Rowan’s.

“Over the years, I’ve seen Rowan’s level of professionalism grow as he hones his business operations,” observes Williford. “We got a call from someone at his company just before spring, asking about pressure washing as we get ready to open our outdoor eating areas. I thought that was great—anticipating our needs before we even thought of it.”

Williford once shared some business advice with Rowan: “You always need to be working yourself out of a job. In other words, train people to do the things you do, so you don’t have to do everything. When you first start out in a small business, you are doing it all. But as you grow, you start managing others.”

“I’ve started seeing this happen in Rowan’s business, and I love it,” Williford says. “He has built and trained a strong crew, and he trusts them to do a good job. Whether Rowan is personally part of the cleaning crew or not, the quality of the work is the same. That says a lot.” t

Many homes in the High Country have windows at challenging heights for cleaning. Here, Rowan employs a lift to safely tackle the job. Photo by Izzy Smeltzer

Izzy Smeltzer joined Mountain Vista about a year ago, bringing six years of window cleaning experience from her mother’s company near Wilmington, North Carolina. Self-photo by Izzy Smeltzer.

Rowan Todd is the founder and owner of Mountain Vista Window Washing. He started his business at age 14, and over the past six years has grown and expanded his services to employ eight people and operate three crews. Photo by Jan Todd.

Meet Molley Chomper

Locally owned farm + cidery serving up small-batch seasonal sips while elevating local agriculture

STORY BY ANNA BETH ADCOCK

The popular adage, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, hones in on apples as the key to a healthy holistic lifestyle. This sentiment has indeed rung true for husband-andwife team Kate and Tim Arscott, who left their Atlanta-based respective careers in philanthropic fundraising and management consulting in favor of founding a cidery in Lansing.

Now, rather than spending their days in an office, attending meetings, or sitting in front of a screen from 9 to 5, the duo can be found enjoying the orchards, perfecting their cider recipes, and connecting with small-batch farmers and artisans.

Asked how their venture began, Kate reflects, “We started looking for opportunities at other places. “We looked for about a year and a half. We’d known the [High Country] area for a while—we had camped, hiked, and

Once the Arscotts located and bought a property in 2010, it begged the question: What would they do? The answer to that lay in the land itself—a five-acre

dotted with apple trees, serving as the initial draw toward making cider for a couple already seeking to learn and live off the land. With their attention fully focused on the apples growing on the land, it didn’t take long for the Arscotts to start experimenting with cider making. To learn more about what they were attempting to undertake, the couple enrolled in a class offered by Cornell University, which Kate credits with

93% of the fruit used comes from farms within 60 miles of the cidery.

Photo courtesy of Molley Chomper.

Many apples that we see in grocery stores and at farm stands are not ideal cider fruit—and are often harvested before they are fully ripe so they will store longer. The folks at Molley Chomper Cider carefully select perfectly ripe fruit and ferment it with care to create interesting and delicious cider blends. This is one of my favorite cideries in the south.

- DIANE FLYNT

enabling them to learn “the ins and outs of cider making—such as the chemistry and how to keep the yeast happy.”

The journey had an organic start, with a couple simply seeking to connect to their new home and a fresh way of life. After the Arscotts knew how to brew, the seed of a successful business began to take root—enter Molley Chomper Cider.

Staying Small

In the beginning, the self-made cider sensations weren’t sure how big of a smash their creations were going to be. Looking back, Kate recalls, “We wanted to see if we could even make cider good enough to purchase.” The Arscott's worries proved unfounded as they successfully grew their business from the ground up. As they worked to build their own farm, the couple cultivated more than apples, they also built relationships with local growers.

(Fun fact: A few hundred of the first apple trees for Molly Chomper Cider were sourced from neighboring Big Horse Creek Farm, also located in Lansing.)

Tim initially kept his day job to financially support the burgeoning business, pitching in on evenings and weekends working to build the farm with his wife. Kate and Tim had their hands full as they were raising a young family while developing and preparing to launch Molley Chomper Cider.

Flash forward to the present, and the Arscotts have not only amassed a collection of relationships with established orchards throughout the area,

Molley Chomper prides themselves on providing cider and fruit wines that celebrate the fruit and farmers of southern Appalachia. Photo courtesy of Molley Chomper.

Apples for Molley Chomper’s cider can come from all over the high country, including from Ashe, Watauga, and Avery Counties.

Photo courtesy of Molley Chomper.

but they have also rooted a name for themselves while remaining true to their original vision of embracing small-scale farming in their ciders and wines.

“The most compelling cider is made from apple varieties that are not only full of complex flavor and acidity but harvested at peak flavor,” notes Diane Flynt, the founder of Foggy Ridge Cider in Dugspur, Virginia, an hour and a half drive from Lansing. “Many apples that we see in grocery stores and at farm stands are not ideal cider fruit—and are often harvested before they are fully ripe so they will store longer. The folks at Molley Chomper Cider carefully select perfectly ripe fruit and ferment it with care to create interesting and delicious cider blends. This is one of my favorite cideries in the South.” In essence, quality over quantity is the standard by which Molley Chomper operates.

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

The business runs out of the Arscotts’ farm, which is now sprawling with over 1,000 apple trees and more than 70 cider-specific varieties, growing on five of its 80 acres. The farm is nestled approximately four and a half miles outside of downtown Lansing; the cidery and wine bar is located at 165 Piney Creek Road, in downtown Lansing, by the old Lansing school.

If you’re planning a trip, check out their website for a schedule of events and note they are open Wednesday-Sunday.

“The old Lansing school is gorgeous,” Kate gushes. She acknowledges the building has fallen into disrepair but notes it is being revamped thanks to local classes and events being held there—some of which are sponsored by Molley Chomper.

We tried to reuse lots of stuff from the farm at the cidery. [Such as], there are old tobacco beamsturned-light fixtures; it’s cozy and friendly. Plus, we are dog friendly, kid-friendly and we have games.

- KATE ARSCOTT

Kate emphasizes their dedication to this effort, stating, “Any classes people are interested in, we try to do.” Beyond hands-on lessons such as apple twig weaving taking place next door, the watering hole brings in local musicians to perform, hosts trivia nights and even offers an annual Sourdough Mixer where participants get the opportunity to taste sourdough products from local bakers and pick up a free sourdough starter.

The cidery and wine bar is located at 165 Piney Creek Road, in downtown Lansing, by the old Lansing school. Photo courtesy of Molley Chomper

New to the menu this season, Molley Chomper introduced a blackberry cider made from organic blackberries from River Ridge farm near Independence, VA. Photo courtesy of Molley Chomper.

The duo leased the cidery space for the first few years, before purchasing it in 2020 and sprucing it up throughout the height of the pandemic. Post-renovation, the sip spot boasts a warm, welcoming, rural atmosphere, featuring wood barrels and crates, oldfashioned light fixtures and fireplaces, and outdoor seating. Kate explains, “We tried to reuse lots of stuff from the farm at the cidery.” For example, Kate notes “there are old tobacco beams-turned-light fixtures; it’s cozy and friendly.” The cidery is also dog-friendly, kidfriendly, and has games on hand for customers to play. These are some of the many ways the Arscotts have approached their décor design with an emphasis on creating a place that is truly welcoming and inviting to all.

Molley Chomper cider bar exudes the essence of entering a neighborhood watering hole that’s earned its stripes as a community hotspot to connect with old friends or meet new ones; grab a casual drink with coworkers; say cheers to a first date or celebrate an anniversary with your longtime significant other. It truly offers the perfect setting for meeting with family and friends to let off a little steam— furry friends included.

For those who aren’t a quick jaunt away from the cidery, rest assured. Molley Chomper’s highly coveted ciders can be spotted throughout the High Country and the state, primarily in boutique bottle shops, stores, and restaurants.

“I load it in my car to deliver it [everywhere from] Charlotte, Monroe, and Greensboro to Chapel Hill, Durham, and Raleigh—along with a huge number of places here in the High Country,” says Kate. “It works much better when [sold] in small stores, so people can hear more about our story, why it’s priced the way it is, and what’s on the shelf.”

The Arscotts’ farm is sprawling with over 1,000 apple trees and more than 70 cider-specific varieties. Photo courtesy of Molley Chomper.

MEET THE CIDERS

Get to know some of the many fan favorites that stand out as the small batch cidery’s star brews!

Barrel 19: This cider showcases Virginia Winesap apples grown at Molley Chomper’s Bent Apple Farm, located a few miles from the cidery. It features intense red and baked apple aromas, good acidity, and finishes with a subtle wild-yeast funk.

Little Orchard: From Molley Chomper’s Bent Apple Farm, located a few miles from the cidery.

Emmaus Cider: Features fruit from the Emmaus Orchard Farm in Ashe County.

Altapass Blend: Features fruit from the Altapass Orchard in Spruce Pine.

Mountain Maelstrom: Blending 30-plus varieties sourced from small orchards in North Carolina and Virginia, this cider has an approachable and fruity flavor, thanks to its fresh apple, pear, and pineapple aromas.

Say cheers to the big positive effect of this small-batch cidery on the High Country. Here, a few results by the numbers.

School House: Named for the Old Lansing School in Ashe County, this semi-dry full-bodied cider blends early-season cider-apple varieties including Hewe’s crab, Graniwinkle, Nehou, Tremlett's bitter, and Yarlington mill. t

upon a seasonal model, which allows the use of locally sourced ingredients as they are harvested at the peak of freshness.

From Orchard to Bottle

Whether sourcing seasonal ingredients from local farmers or harvesting apples from their own orchard, the Arscotts and their team keep the process simple with low-intervention techniques, to keep Molley Chomper ciders fresh.

Molley Chomper is built

Photo courtesy of Molley Chomper.

The simplified version: Ripe apples are plucked from the orchard, milled, and pressed, then transferred to a tank at the cidery. Once there, each tank is tested for its

acidity and sugar level, dosed in yeast, and then fermented for several weeks. Then, the cider is racked into a barrel or bag, that’s placed inside a box and left to sit and

Molley Chomper welcomes live music for guests to enjoy while sipping local cider. Photo courtesy of Molley Chomper.

Core Impacts on the High-Country Community

Say cheers to the big positive effect of this small-batch cidery on the High Country

• 60 tons of fruit was purchased from small farms in 2022.

• 93% of the fruit used is sourced from within 60 miles of the cidery.

• 64 apple varieties were fermented in 2022.

mature in a cooler. Once the cider is matured, the fun part—the wine tasting—commences.

“We taste them and make notes about the taste, texture, and smell,” explains Kate. “Sometimes we sweeten them, like salt in cooking, then we carbonate and bottle it—and we are done.” In all, the process of taking an apple and transitioning it to a bottled cider takes anywhere from three months to a year.

Seasonal Sips

While some cideries make the same cider all year long, Molley Chomper’s is built upon a seasonal model, which allows the use of locally sourced ingredients as they are harvested at the peak of freshness. This means that when they run out of stock in a seasonal cider, it won’t be available again until the next year.

Kate stresses that the size of the harvest of each ingredient directly impacts how big each batch is, adding to the uniqueness and specialty of each cider. “We work with farmers to leave apples on the tree longer [for more] flavor,” she explains. “You don’t get

that with grocery store apples, and these things come through in the cider. We try to highlight the apples that go into each bottle.”

Limited and seasonal truly is the name of the game at Molley Chomper, where the goal is to run out of ciders each round of production. “We don’t want rollovers from year to year” Kate maintains. “We try to make quantity equal to demand. People know we are going to run out.”

For those wanting to ensure they don’t miss out on the action, Molley Chomper also showcases a cider club subscription that ships quarterly in March, June, September, and December, and features a curated lineup of seasonal ciders and a journal highlighting the process, pairings, tasting notes, and recipes. The club has two levels: a four-bottle subscription, which has a sampling of ciders; and a six-bottle subscription, which always has limited-release ciders included.

The Cider Crew

When envisioning all the detail, time, and energy that goes into Molley Chomper’s operation, from creating fresh quality seasonal ciders and managing the orchard to running a cidery and connecting with growers and customers alike, you might assume the cider enterprise touts a large team. You would be mistaken! Everything is beautifully brought together by a small but mighty team consisting of the Arscotts and a handful of staff.

Molley Chomper came to life because a couple sought to find a simpler way of life, where they could live off the land. That dream has blossomed into a distinctive experience that attracts tourists and locals alike to Lansing to sample the cider. The Arscotts don’t take their success for granted; they savor every moment as Kate expresses when she shares, “My favorite part is being out in the orchard. It’s very meditative and cathartic; it’s crisp, open, and bright. It’s just really amazing.” t

We work with farmers to leave apples on the tree longer [for more] flavor. You don’t get that with grocery store apples—and these things come through in the cider. We try to highlight the apples that go into each bottle.

- KATE ARSCOTT

Apple varieties such as Roxbury, Cox, Dabinett, Wickson, Stoke Red, Harry Masters and False Mettais are used to make different kinds of ciders. Photo courtesy of Molley Chomper.

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2024 Blowing Rock Tour of Homes Grants over $90,000 to 32 Local Groups

STORY COURTESY OF ST. MARY OF THE HILLS

Thirty-two local non-profit organizations serving the High Country will share the $90,250 net proceeds from this year’s 66 th annual Blowing Rock Tour of Homes. The St. Mary of the Hills Outreach Committee received over $182,000 in requests from programs serving those in need, demonstrating that the work of the many volunteers who pitched in to make this year’s Tour a resounding success is more urgent than ever. The programs feed the hungry, clothe the needy, provide shelter and sanctuary, offer educational and recovery services, and care for children. Fr. Andrew Hege announced the grants saying, “We are called by the Gospel to care for those who need us, and the Tour provides one way to answer that call.”

The following programs are now receiving grants: Hospitality House Shelter and WeCan; Community Care Clinic; Hunger and Health Coalition; WAMY; Western Youth Network; Blue Ridge Conservancy; Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture; Casting Bread

Ministry; Back2School Festival; Blowing Rock Cares; Blowing Rock Library, Parks and Recreation, School, Women’s Club, and Police; Club 12; Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge; Crossnore School; F.A.R.M. Café; Habitat for Humanity; High Country Caregivers; Mediation and Restorative Justice Center; Mountain Alliance; BRAHM; OASIS; New Directions Mustard Seed; Quiet Givers; Valle Crucis Conference Center; Watauga Arts Council; Watauga Children’s Council; and the Watauga Community Housing Trust.

These grants are only possible thanks to the countless local volunteers who were donors, hostesses, flower arrangers, drivers, organizers, bakers, and cleaners, the generosity of those who underwrote Tour expenses, the Jordan, Church, Barrett, and Kitchin families who opened their lovely homes for the hundreds of people who participated in the Tour, and Westglow, which hosted this year’s “1920’s Speakeasy” pre-Tour gala. t

The 2024 Blowing Rock Tour of Homes.. Photo courtesy of St. Mary of the Hills.