April 2021: The Laurel Magazine

a e

L UR L The Heart of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau

The Power of Music Bear Shadow Music Festival pg. 14

Magical Morning Light Our cover artist, Carole Shepardson

April 2021

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CON T E N T S APRIL 2021

13 What To Do

14 Bear Shadow Music Festival

45 Recreation & Creation 48 Farming and Foraging

59 Arts

70 The Bascom’s Pop-Up Series

77 Dining

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80 Emanuel’s Pasta

93 Shopping

38

94 Oakleaf Flower & Garden

103 History

106 Catch a Cashiers’ Cache

111 Lifestyles & Wellness 112 Us and the Snow

127 Giving Back

132 Rewards of Tutoring

136 Commerce

136 Cashiers Chamber of Commerce

78

Cashiers Valley Smokehouse

52

Upping Your Game

38 Calendar | 88| Dining Guide | 90 |Accommodations GuideGuide | 98 |Highlands Map Map | 100|Cashiers Map Map | 124 |Service GuideGuide | 178| Advertiser’s IndexIndex 30 Calendar 60 Dining Guide 62 Accommodations 72 Highlands 74 Cashiers 102 Service 128 Advertiser’s

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VOLUME NINETEEN, ISSUE THREE

JANET CUMMINGS Managing Partner janet@thelaurelmagazine.com

MARJORIE CHRISTIANSEN Managing Partner marjorie@thelaurelmagazine.com

MICHELLE MUNGER Art Director mungerclan5@aol.com

SARAH FIELDING Account Manager sarah@thelaurelmagazine.com

LUKE OSTEEN Editor / Writer luke@thelaurelmagazine.com

DONNA RHODES Writer dmrhodes847@gmail.com

MARLENE OSTEEN WRITER marlene.osteen@gmail.com

MARY JANE MCCALL Writer mjmccall777@gmail.com

DEENA BOUKNIGHT Writer dknight865@gmail.com

THOMAS CUMMINGS Distribution Manager jothcu@yahoo.com

Publisher’s Note Welcome to the April Issue of The Laurel!

We’d ask that you explore this issue with open eyes, an open mind, and an open heart.

You’ll discover that the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau and her people are shaking off the effects of the last year and turning their gaze to brighter horizons. There’s a subtle energy, and glimpses of unalloyed joy, both to our pages and to the neighbors and the landscape around us.

But then there’s David Stroud’s astonishing story on Page 128 to remind us of the staggering price that we pay for those moments of -Love and Happiness.

Perhaps that’s the Message at the heart of an Issue that features both Easter and Earth Day. Sincerely, Janet and Marjorie

Visit us online thelaurelmagazine.com phone 828.526.0173 email info@thelaurelmagazine.com mail Post Office Box 565 Highlands, North Carolina 28741

Contributing Writers: Jane Gibson Nardy, Mary Adair Trumbly, Sue Blair, David Stroud, William McReynolds, Sue Aery, Ann Self, Zach Claxton, Ashby Underwood, and Chris Wilkes Contributing Photographers: Susan Renfro, Greg Clarkson, Charles Johnson, Peter Ray, Terry Barnes and Kevin FitzPatrick Copyright © 2021 by The Mountain Laurel, LLC. All rights reserved. Laurel Magazine is published eleven times per year. Reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publishers and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Laurel Magazine’s right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs and drawings. Every effort has been made to assure that all information presented in this issue is accurate, and neither Laurel Magazine nor any of its staff is responsible for advertising errors, omissions, or information that has been misrepresented in or to the magazine. Any substantial errors that are the fault of the magazine will be subject to a reduction or reimbursement of the amounts paid by the advertiser, but in no case will any claim arising from such error exceed the amount paid for the advertisement by the advertiser.

WHAT TO DO Pages 14-38

W H AT TO DO

the power

of music

St. Paul & The Broken Bones

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The music and the food and the fun times of Bear Shadow will ex tend across the Plateau, April 23-25.

For more details (and up-to-the-minute information), visit bearshadownc.com.

he power of music has helped us get through the crisis of the pandemic.

And this month it fuels a jumpstart for the Highlands business community with the debut of the Bear Shadow, a weekend of music and mountains, April 23- 25.

The intimate local mountain setting has encouraged an extraordinary roster of talent. Participating musicians include big names – St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Mandolin Orange, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Chuck Leavell, The War & Treaty, Jamestown Revival, Shelly Colvin, Devon Gilfillian, Robert Ellis and more.

Beyond attracting top music acts, an equally important part of the mission of the festival is to support and form alliances with local businesses, and to pair up musical talent on behalf of fund raising for the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust.

Highlands Festivals Inc., the organization that founded the festival, is intent on making the stores and restaurants of Highlands the real

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star of the show – to bring voice and face to the town’s small businesses – to bring energy and awareness to the restaurants and stores that were at risk during the past year due to Covid.

Stretching from Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park in downtown Highlands to the top of Satulah Mountain, the festival includes smaller events at a variety of price points for locals and visitors: Thursday, April 22: An Evening with Chuck Leavell: Tree Man in collaboration with Half Mile Farm to raise money for Highlands Cashiers Land Trust; Saturday, April 24, and Sunday, April 25, 9:00 A.M.: Barefoot in the Park. A morning Fitness experience in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park with The Works, sponsored by Select Bank and free to all. Register for a free ticket at bearshadownc.com/tickets; Saturday, April 24, and Sunday, April 25, 1:00-3:00 P.M.: Hike & Mic. An exclusive guided hike to Satulah Mountain to enjoy a mountain top acoustic music experience with Devon Gilfillan in

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Mandolin Orange

collaboration with David Bock Builders, Highland Hiker. Includes native craft cocktails by Glen Cove; Saturday, April 24, 3:00 PM: Guitar Clinic with Robert Ellis at Highlander Mountain House; Friday, April 23, Saturday, April 24, and Sunday, April 25: Rock in Film Fest at the Highlands Performing Arts Center, showcasing some of film’s finest rock & roll-inspired movies An equally impressive line up awaits hungry festival-goers at Base Camp, the music main stage, located at Winfield Farm in Scaly Mountain. Serving up food delicacies to all ticket holders are Highlands Smokehouse and Chocolate Heaven, just to name a few.

VIP ticket holders will be treated to complimentary drinks prepared by the Ugly Dog and High Dive and small plates, too.

Also in the offering, events from some of Highlands most celebrated restaurants, including: At the Bridge at Mill Creek: Friday, April 23, 3:30 P.M.: West Coast Wine-ing & Califermentation. Tasting with Steve Hedberg of August Briggs and Dancing Coyote Wineries, paired with charcuterie and small bites.

Saturday, April 24, 7:30 P.M.: Six Secret Sips with Professional Winos. Wines from around the world hosted by Danny Sanford of

Jamestown Revival

Fine Wine Trading with a four-course dinner by Bridge Chef Andre Brookins. Details at Thebridgeatmillcreek.com At Meritage Bistro: Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24, 3:30 – 5:30; Wine tastings with celebrated wine personalities; Saturday, April 24, 11:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M.: Champagne Brunch with Bubbles and Bottomless Mimosas. Details at meritagebistro.com More of the town’s best eateries are excited to be part of the festival as well, with special culinary events launching during the weekend, including Ugly Dog and the Highlander Mountain House. (Please contact the individual restaurants for details, yet to be announced as of this writing.)

Details about the listed events and more can be found at bearshadownc.com.

by Marlene Osteen

Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about Bear Shadow

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becoming

good stewards

If the last 12 months have taught us any thing, it’s that Nature demands our respect and our care. Find a way to celebrate Ear th Day, April 22.

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arth Day, officially recognized on Thursday, April 22 this year, is actually considered throughout the month of April. And for some people, appreciating and protecting the earth is a way of life. The beauty of the mountains, native plants, wildlife, and outdoor nature pursuits are all worth preserving!

Local organizations and individuals are working to make sure Earth Day 2021 does not become overshadowed by the “C” word.

The Village Green in Cashiers, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, Highlands Biological Foundation, Chambers of Commerce, and more offer activities on some scale in order to draw attention to the many ways the environment can be protected.

Highlands Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Plateau Pick-Up. Previously known locally as the Gorge Road Cleanup, the project now includes Highways 64, 106, 28 and the downtown Highlands streets. Interested volunteers can meet at 16 A p r i l 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park at 8:30 A.M. April 17 to get area assignments.

Winter Gary, communications and events coordinator at Highlands Biological Foundation, said everyone can do their part for the earth by becoming involved in ongoing clean-up efforts, keeping property, neighborhoods, and favorite hiking spots picked up, and committing to recycling, repurposing, and reusing.

Together, The Village Green and Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust are co-hosting a speaker series called Village Nature Series, which presents experts on such topics as wildlife, habitats, conservation, and local cultural heritage.

“Traditionally, these events are held at The Village Green Commons in Cashiers on the last Tuesday of every month during the summer season,” explained Sarah Pursel education coordinator, HighlandsCashiers Land Trust. “However, at this time, we are bringing these

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Batting Cleanup during a past year’s Plateau Pick-Up, it’s the All Star team of (L to R) David Bock, Steve Mehder, Hilary Wilkes, Mary Dotson, John Dotson, and Pat Taylor.

presentations to you virtually!”

The first in the series, scheduled for April 27th at 5 P.M., honors Earth Day. “Restore Our Earth” is presented by Sonya Carpenter, co-owner of Canty Worley and Company. Her focus is on nurturing life with backyard plants and wildlife. Register for the event by emailing Ann Self at director@cashiersgreen.com.

“Let’s celebrate Earth Day by focusing on choices we can make for a better world,” encouraged Pursel.

For a deeper perspective on earth and our relationship with it, consider the programs offered throughout the year at The Mountain Retreat. Many of them reflect the beauty and majesty of our natural heritage, and all are deeply informative. For more information, visit https themountainrlc.org.

by Deena Bouknight

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hope-ity

hoppity

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Even the restrictions and anxieties of this Covid age will not prevent the message of Easter from being celebrated.

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e’re all breathing a sigh of relief that our Covid numbers are dropping, and the vaccines are rolling out, offering even more hope for a return to normalcy.

It’s fitting that this renewed hope comes as spring is blooming across the plateau and Easter, the season of hope, is upon us.

Our communities normally celebrate Easter with a plethora of community and church activities, but this year promises to be a quieter season. Many are following the North Carolina Covid-19 Alert System in discerning when to resume in-person services, but all are hopeful that in-person services will be possible.

What is certain is that each will find a way to celebrate this most hopeful and holiest of seasons.

The Easter Bunny will be stopping by for a socially-distanced visit on Saturday, April 3, at The Village Green Commons.

This event is by reservation and space is limited. Sign up for your desired time. Masks are required and a hand sanitizing station will be available. Reservations are limited to 35 children per 30-minute time slot, in an effort to keep the event safe and manageable. The links for reservations are as follows: 10:00-10:30 A.M. eventbrite.com/e/145086360209 10:30-11:00 A.M. eventbrite.com/e/145336741105 11:00-11:30 A.M. eventbrite.com/e/145337122245 11:30 A.M.-Noon eventbrite.com/e/145338189437 A Cashiers Community Easter Sunrise Service is set for 7:00 A.M. Sunday, April 4, at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road. Everyone is asked to bring a chair, and an offering will be collected for local Covid-19 relief efforts.

Pastor Randy Lucas confirms that the Highlands United Methodist Church will continue its tradition of adorning the cross in their front yard with flowers. Many families take an annual family photo in front of this cross and it’s a great way to keep family traditions alive.

We asked Pastor Lucas to provide a few thoughts on Easter in these uncertain times.

“With everything we’ve been through over the past year.” he said, “our hearts hunger for the message of Easter. As we embrace and celebrate the timeless and eternal message of Easter, we are grateful for every sign of hope springing up around us.

Though we recognize our need to continue practicing behaviors that help us care for one another, we’re all encouraged by the great volunteer efforts of everyone involved with the Highlands Cashiers Vaccine Initiative.”

by Mary Jane McCall

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good times

Americana Jones

are rollin’

Kurt Thomas Band

Need something to put springs in your shoes and a reason to shake, shake, shake?

Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s twin concer t series, Friday Night Live and Saturdays on Pine, is back on the calendar, star ting May 21 and 22. For a complete lineup and more information, visit highlandschamber.org or call (828) 526-2112.

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ast year, Highlands’ Community Calendar was essentially shut down by Covid.

Downtown, the weekend evenings were sad and hushed, especially to Highlanders of a certain age.

That silence brought back memories of nights 30-odd years ago when Helen’s Barn turned out the lights and emptied the parking lot.

That structure, it really was a barn, was a roadhouse for all the things that make a quiet Southern town spring to life on Saturday nights.

Local bluegrass bands would show off their licks, precision teams of local kids would demonstrate their clogging talents, adults and their offspring would square dance with abandon, and enthusiastic sets of buck dancing would spontaneously erupt.

This writer knows three people who were conceived in that parking lot.

A couple of years ago, the Highlands Chamber of Commerce took it upon itself to resuscitate those happy evenings of music and laughter and dancing.

The chamber introduced its twin concert series – Friday Night Live, and Saturdays on Pine.

These live concerts were an immediate hit, and drew happy throngs of locals, summer people, and weekenders – just as the storied Helen’s Barn.

The coronavirus effectively crushed the entire 2020 concert season, leaving a gaping hole in the town’s social calendar.

But in a sure sign of the arrival of spring and the town getting back

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on its feet, the concerts are back!

Starting Friday, May 21, and Saturday, May 22, Friday Night Live and Saturdays on Pine are once more on the community calendar.

Friday Night Live concerts take place at Highlands Town Square from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Saturdays on Pine are at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park on Pine Street and also begin at 6:00 P.M. These concerts offer the chance to hear some of the finest music the region has to offer and are free to everyone.

Friday Night Live features traditional mountain music, and an opportunity for the audience to participate by singing, clapping, tapping their feet, or dancing if the mood strikes.

It’s audience participation at its best and the bands feed off the energy.

Saturdays on Pine is rock and roll, often mixed with a dash of country goodness or smooth soul. It’s a delirious opportunity to bring a blanket, open the picnic basket and enjoy the sensations of live music under a pristine nighttime sky.

And for those premiere performances, you can expect Silly Ridge Roundup on Friday, May 21; and The Carribean Boys on Saturday, May 22.

For more information about Saturdays on Pine or Friday Night Live, visit highlandschamber.org or call (828) 526-2112.

by Luke Osteen

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April Opens New

Possibilities After what seems like a 37-year slumber, April 2021 is telling us to “Wake Up!”

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his month reminds of the first blush of young love.

The month of April goes back to early Rome, the Latin Aprilis, to open, and the goddess Aphrodite.

Once the second month on the calendar, now the fourth, April sees bunnies and other small furry animals emerge from their burrows.

Many birds migrate north to summer breeding grounds now.

Early bloomers, bulbs and Daisies, burst forth as early heralds of spring. Never mind “April showers bring May flowers,” April has its own flowers: Hyacinths, Daffodils, Narcissus, Sweet Pea, Daisy and more. Forsythia will soon be in bloom.

The Boston Marathon is run in April. April 22 is Earth Day since the 70s.

April 2 is Peanut Butter and Jelly Day. Works for me.

Passover and Easter occur this month, the latter preceded by Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. We count our days as precious in April.

Jane Goodall was born in April in 1934. So was Marvin “Ain’tNo-Mountain-High-Enough” Gaye (1939), William Shakespeare (1564) and William Wordsworth (1770). The Titanic sank in April of 1912, the American Revolution began in this month in 1775 and George Washington was inaugurated on April 30, 1789.

Even before Pat Boone made April famous for “April Love,” poets have celebrated this month’s poignant beauty in the first flush of young love. Sara Teasdale’s “April Song” celebrates the promise of first love:

Willow, in your April gown Delicate and gleaming, Do you mind in years gone by All my dreaming?

Spring was like a call to me That I could not answer, I was chained to loneliness, I, the dancer.

Willow, twinkling in the sun, Still your leaves and hear me, I can answer spring at last, Love is near me!

Wordsworth’s rhymes strike a similar April chord: I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o’er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Happy April, the month of new openings and young love. This April, 2021, holds welcome promise of life resumed and renewed.

by William McReynolds

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A Better Choice

For Our World

The Village Nature Series returns to the Village Green in Cashiers with a program set for April 27.

Ever yone with a passion for the Plateau’s natural heritage is invited.

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he Village Green and Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust co-host a speaker series called the Village Nature Series (VNS), which features experts in their field presenting on wildlife, habitats, conservation, and local cultural heritage.

Traditionally, these events are held at The Village Green Commons in Cashiers on the last Tuesday of every month during the summer season; however, at this time, we are bringing these presentations to you virtually!

Our first VNS of this year will be on April 27 at 5:00 P.M. In honor of this year’s Earth Day theme, “Restore Our Earth,” our presenter, Sonya Carpenter, co-owner of Canty Worley and Company, will present on “Nurturing life in your backyard; choices within our control.” Sonya describes her presentation: “Over the past year, most of us have had our lives significantly disrupted by forces beyond our control.

Worldwide crises such as the pandemic and the climate crisis may leave us feeling hopeless and helpless. Let’s celebrate Earth Day by focusing on choices we can make for a better world.

“By committing to changes in our own gardens and communities we can nurture the other species by improving the environment that we share. Learn more about how native plants support native species of insects, birds and

other wildlife and how practices in your own garden can lead to big changes.”

Participants can register and receive a Zoom link prior to the event by emailing Ann Self, Director of the Village Green, at director@cashiersgreen.com.

The rest of our Village Nature Series line-up will include a presentation about Hemlocks by the Hemlock Restoration Initiative on May 25; a talk about Hellbenders by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission on July 27; and a presentation about Red Wolves by the WNC Nature Center on September 28. We’ll announce the June and August programs a little bit later. Follow HighlandsCashiers Land Trust and The Village Green on social media for more information and updates about these upcoming presentations.

Highlands Cashiers Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has conserved over 3400 acres of our most treasured natural resources in over 100 places on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.

To learn more about the important work the Land Trust does, visit hicashlt.org.

by Sarah Pursel, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust

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W H AT TO DO

L Armchair

Travelers

For those of us quarantine-crazed and those whose travel plans were Covid-cancelled, a visit to the Plateau’s twin libraries may be just the ticket.

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ibraries are replete with travel books for every imaginable form of travel.

Although no one knows what summer 2021 brings in terms of pandemic realities and restrictions, planning future travel, establishing bucket lists, and generally exploring little-known places far and wide is possible through all sorts of library services and resources.

For individuals not yet ready to consider international or even domestic travel, Hudson Library recently offered a virtual-travel theme, with “a great display on ‘Armchair Travel,’” said Carlyn Morenus, branch librarian. “We had travelogue books, books and movies highlighting different parts of the world, and more.”

Older and newer top travelogue books to satisfy anyone with a wanderlust bent include: 1) Travels With A Donkey In The Cévennes, by Robert Louis Stevenson, who was more wellknown for fictional works like Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

However, this first-person account is of Stevenson’s walking journey across a mountainous region of France with his donkey, Mosestine. The book preserved aspects of people and places in 1870s Europe.

2) World Walk, written by Steven Newman and published in the 1980s, is the story of when Newman, a newspaper writer, packed his bags at the age of 28 and began a four-year-long trek around the world on foot; he ended up walking across 22 countries in five continents.

3) Wild, by Cheryl Strayed, which was published in 2012 and became a 2014 film starring Reese Witherspoon, is about the author’s 1,100-mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Of course, the libraries have a variety of Fodor’s travel books to learn about destination spots far and wide, and anyone interested in an actual road trip – yet would like to stay away from the hustle and bustle of densely populated areas – can check out such titles as Road Trip USA: Cross-Country Adventures On America’s Two-Lane Highways or Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip.

by Deena Bouknight

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Grazing on

The Green

The Green Market at the Village Green is a touchstone for a par t of Cashiers’ heritage that goes back for generations, yet it’s as fresh as the spring-sprouted produce offered for sale.

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rass-fed beef, freshly baked bread and bagels, locally sourced honey, wild caught fish, eggs, herbs and spices, foraged mushrooms, fresh produce, and naturally raised pork are among the fabulous items you can find at the Green Market, a weekly farm to table shopping experience.

Opening April 7 this year, the Green Market will be from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. every Wednesday at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road.

Regular shoppers know that a stop at Deal Family Farms table will yield a basket of delicious greens, a variety of squash and beans, onions, and potatoes.

Customers also enjoy the homegrown tomatoes in season. Thinking about all of those ‘maters has us dreaming about putting a few slices on some bread with Duke’s Mayonnaise. Someone pour the iced tea, please!

The Deal Family has been in the area for many generations. In fact, they were among the first settlers to this area. Growing food on the rich land has been a way of life and a tradition from those first days, passed down to each generation. Corn was grown to be ground into flour for bread. Cabbage, potatoes, beans, tomatoes, pepper, and more were grown to feed the family. Cattle and chickens also provided dairy milk, butter and eggs.

Farmer Don has been coming to the Green Market since it opened five years ago.

“The most rewarding part of coming to The Village Green is meeting people, making new friends, and sharing fresh produce,” Don says.

Every few weeks brings something new to the market that you can pack in your picnic basket. Start making your list now to shop with Farmer Don and the other high quality market vendors.

The Village Green provides a beautiful, free public park for the people. Privately conserved by a nonprofit organization, The Village Green depends on contributions to maintain the park and provide such an exceptional venue for the community.

To learn more about The Village Green and community events like the green market or to make a donation, call 828-743-3434 or visit VillageGreenCashiersNC.com.

by Ann Self, Executive Director of The Village Green Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about The Village Green

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Twilight Runs The exclusive Twilight 5K and 10K Race will wind through Highlands on Saturday, May 15.

For more information or to register, visit highlandstwilight5kand10k.com.

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marvelous way to celebrate surviving the last year is to sign up for the Rotary Club of Highlands Twilight 5K and 10K, set for 6:00 P.M. Saturday, May 15.

Runners must be 15 or older to participate in the 10k, since part of the course will be unmonitored. The 5k will be fun for the whole family – strollers are welcome and walkers can join in – yet it will be challenging for experienced runners.

The 10k will climb Big Bear Pen Mountain, leading to the race’s somewhat ominous challenge, “Will You Eat The Bear or Will It Eat You?” Awards will be presented to the overall Top Male and Female (5k and 10k), Top Masters(5k), Grand Masters (5k), Senior Grand Masters (5k) and Top Three Finishers (5k and 10k) in each five-year age division.

You can register at highlandstwilight5kand10k.com. Sign up by April 15 to be guaranteed a T-shirt. Extra shirts will be ordered after that date, which will be first-come first-serve.

There’ll also be light up necklaces for the kids, and everyone of legal age crossing the Finish Line gets a beer from the Ugly Dog Pub. There will be a Rock n Roll Concert by Tea 4 Three, Highlands’ own rock n roll band, during and after the race from 6:00 to 10:00 P.M. Kids under 5 may run the 5K for free. Kids 5 to 9 may participate in the 5K for $10. Day of race price will be $40 for 5K and $50 for 10K, so sign up early at highlandstwilight5kand10k.com.

All proceeds will go to Highlands School for technology.

by Luke Osteen

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art and

the automobile The Bascom revs up its Main Galler y with FreeWheeling , a dynamic show celebrating all things Automotive, May 11 through August 21.

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ike a well-tuned engine, The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts and Highlands Motoring Festival have coordinated resources to stage FreeWheeling, the centerpiece component of Celebrate Art + Automobile, a summer series of events in Highlands.

FreeWheeling features original automotive works of internationally renowned artists.

The exhibition will be on display in the Bascom’s Main Gallery and includes works on canvas, paper, and sculpture, alongside the display of three classic and vintage automobiles. The exhibit’s cars will be changed twice during the duration of the 15-week display, so that up to nine cars in total will share gallery space with the artwork.

The exhibition presents a multi-tiered experience in the appreciation of art and the automobile. It examines design as art, the inherent duality of functional art, the allure of the automobile as art itself, and

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the dialogue between inspiration and expression.

Throughout the exhibition period, the Bascom will be offering a number of related displays and activities, some of which are interactive. A few examples of these include Artist/Curator Discussions, Submitted Automobile Photography Presentation, Model Car Display, and Educational S.T.E.A.M. Initiatives. Other public programming will be announced as it is developed.

On Saturday, June 12, the 14th annual Highlands Motoring Festival features Cars in the Park, a juried display of approximately 100 specially selected automobiles from around the world, representing a diversity of styles and concepts from the earliest days of the automobile through 1989.

The theme for 2021 is Pure Bloods d’Italia, featuring grand marques such as Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini. Additional

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Native Plants

in Native Soil Highlands Mountain Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale, slated for Saturday, May 29, at the Town Ballf ield is an inimitable oppor tunity to bring a bit of mountain goodness into your garden and landscaping.

T “500” - Klaus Wagger

classics expected on the show field include Porsche, Jaguar, BMW, Alfa Romeo, Mercedes, Bentley, Rolls Royce, Packard, and others.

Other activities of the Motoring Festival include One Lap of the Mountains (two days of drives on the exciting mountain roads of Western North Carolina), evening social events, presentations and discussions by renowned automotive experts, and High Octane, a casual car show open to any interesting automobile.

by Luke Osteen

Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about FreeWheeling

his year’s Highlands Mountain Garden Club’s Annual Plant Sale. set for Saturday, May 29, promises to be an exceptionally joyous occasion.

It marks another milestone in a return to normalcy as our Covid numbers continue to decline, allowing us to once again hold events that unite our community.

This once-a-year opportunity allows everyone the chance to purchase native plants grown by some of the most accomplished gardeners on the Plateau.

This year the focus is on plants that attract pollinators, thereby ensuring that our gardens provide Mother Nature with a helping hand by maintaining a healthy habitat for our pollinators who depend on flowering plants.

Of course, there will be other plants available as well, including the always popular hosta in its many varieties, cinnamon ferns and other surprise offerings.

This year the club will honor Wiley Sloan, a treasured supporter who passed away in 2020. Affectionately known among club members as “The Hosta Man,” Wiley and his wife Sarah were ardent supporters of the Garden Club and Wiley could often be seen dispensing gardening wisdom while wearing his whimsical hosta hat.

The sale is held on Saturday, May 29, from 9:00 A.M. until noon at the Town of Highlands Ball Field at the corner of Highway 64 and Hickory Street.

Be prepared to come early, as the sale is extremely popular and long lines quickly form. Cash or check only, please.

by Mary Jane McCall

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W H AT TO DO

ScenicDrive

The 14th Annual Highlands Motoring Festival offers miles and miles of motoring at its hear t. For information, visit HighlandsMotoringFestival.com.

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1937 BMW 328

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hile the 14th Annual Highlands Motoring Festival, which takes place June 10-13, is packed with activities to interest automobile enthusiasts and the general public alike, the actual “motoring” event is a highlight.

Steve Ham, the festival’s coordinator, spotlighted the three different driving tours: Thursday, June 10 “One Lap of the Mountains Speciale” is for a faster pace group and covers around 100 miles.

“One Lap of the Mountains Classic” is for a casual pace group and covers around 100 miles.

These motoring activities include a boxed lunch stop near the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Friday, June 11 The One Lap Grande, “The Original” is greater than 150 miles and also includes a stop for lunch at a restaurant with reservations for 50 cars.

All drivers for the motoring routes depart from and return to Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park in Highlands.

“We’ve designed all events with Covid in mind, just in case,” said Ham. Other main attractions surrounding the Highlands Motoring Festival include Cars in the Park, a juried display of approximately 100 specially selected vintage and innovative

automobiles from around the world.

The theme for 2021 is Pure Bloods d’Italia, with a spotlight on classic cars of such makes as Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini.

Added Ham, “We have noteworthy guest speakers coming, the two car shows – including High Octane, which is a more casual automotive gathering open to anyone interested in displaying their automobile – soirees in the evenings, and much more.”

Also this year, Highlands Motoring Festival has partnered with The Bascom: A Center for Visual Arts to offer “Celebrate Art + Automobile.” A special exhibition at The Bascom will be “FreeWheeling: The Allure of the Automobile in Contemporary Art” that runs from May 11 through August 21. Bascom’s Bunzl Gallery will feature works of renowned international automotive artists. Additionally, a rotating display of extremely rare and unique automobiles will be available to visitors.

The festival’s overall net proceeds benefit local charities.

“There are so many exciting things going on,” said Ham. “The festival is definitely worth putting on the calendar.”

Check out HighlandsMotoringFestival.com.

by Deena Bouknight

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W H AT TO DO

Celebrate

Clayton

Celebrate Clay ton Ar t Festival returns to the Nor th Georgia Mountain community, April 24 and 25. For information, go to CelebrateClay ton.com or contact Kathy Ford, Celebrate Clay ton Chairman, at (706) 212-9958.

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n April 24 and 25, Clayton and Rabun County, Georgia, and the members of the North Georgia Arts Guild are staging the popular, family-friendly Celebrate Clayton Art Festival in downtown Clayton.

This local tradition began in 1999 and continues to bring art and fine crafts to Rabun County.

North and South Main Streets will be lined with the festive canopies of the juried Artist Market. Over 100 artists and artisans bring you the best art and fine crafts from across the region: paintings in every medium; photography; whimsical and functional pottery; folk-art; jewelry; wood working; furniture; glass; live plants; and gourmet snacks. You will see many new faces and old favorites.

The strains of live music can be heard from the Rock House Stage all weekend. Relax on the Rock House lawn and listen to this year’s line-up of performers – Mat Fried, classic rock; Doug Weiss, old favorites; Sweet Charity, rock n’ roll; Cylvie Patterson, soft rock; Rabun Entertainers, flash mob; Connections Praise Band, contemporary Christian; and Three-R-One, Christian alternative rock.

You’ll find great food at any of Clayton’s eateries, both on and off Main Street. expect to find all-day

breakfast; soup, salad and sandwiches; beer and pizza; fine dining and wine. You can eat in-doors, outdoors or on-the-go.

In Veteran’s Park, the 2021 NGAG Art Scholarship winners will host the high school student art exhibit.

Although there won’t be a kids’ art activity this year, there will be booths with face painters, mountain musical instruments, and wooden toys.

The 2021 Celebrate Clayton T-shirt is embellished with Diane Rush’s dazzling festival painting.

Women’s sizes are in rich purple; men’s come in blue or red. You can get yours at the information tent.

The past generosity of the long list of local business sponsors and individual donors has ensured continued funding for the North Georgia Arts Guild’s scholarship and community outreach programs.

Celebrate Clayton is presented by the North Georgia Arts Guild, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible. For more information, visit CelebrateClayton.com or contact Kathy Ford, Celebrate Clayton Chairman, at (706) 212-9958.

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W H AT TO DO

A PR IL April prepares her Green Traffic Light, and the World thinks, “Go!” – Christopher Morley

• Highlands Wine Shoppe Weekly Wine Tasting with Annelize, 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. (828) 526-4080, highlandswineshoppe@ gmail.com.

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• Highlands Wine Shoppe Weekly Wine Tasting with Annelize, 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. (828) 526-4080, highlandswineshoppe@ gmail.com.

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• MET Opera Encore performance of Turnadott, 1:00 P.M. highlandsperformingarts.com

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• Annual Plateau Pick-Up. Interested volunteers meet at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park at 8:30 A.M. to get area assignments.

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• Bear Shadow Festival, bearshadownc.com.

• Bridge at Mill Creek, West Coast Wine-ing & Califermentation, 3:30 P.M. • Meritage Bistro Wine Tasting 3:30 to 5:30 P.M..

• Highlands Performing Arts Center Rock in Film Fest.

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• Meritage Bistro, Champagne Brunch, 11:00 A.M to 3:00 P.M..

• Celebrate Clayton, CelebrateClayton.com.

• Bear Shadow Festival, bearshadownc.com.

• Highlander Mountain House Guitar Clinic, 3:00 P.M., • Bridge at Mill Creek, Six Secret Sips with Professional Winos, 7:30 P.M. • Highlands Performing Arts Center Rock in Film Fest.

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• Betsy Paul Art Raffle, benefiting Cashiers-Glenville Fire Deparment. Drawing 5:00 P.M. For tickets call (828) 743-0880.

• Easter Bunny socially-distanced visit, The Village Green Commons.

By reservation and space is limited.

View the complete Highlands Cashiers Plateau Calendar

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• Tuesday Boozeday at The Bridge, 3:00 to 4:00 P.M., reservations required.

(828) 526-5500 , thebridgeatmillcreek.com.

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• Tuesday Boozeday at The Bridge, 3:00 to 4:00 P.M., reservations required.

(828) 526-5500 , thebridgeatmillcreek.com.

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• Tuesday Boozeday at The Bridge, 3:00 to 4:00 P.M., reservations required.

(828) 526-5500 , thebridgeatmillcreek.com.

• Village Nature Series virtual “Restore Our Earth” 5:00 P.M., Register by emailing director@cashiersgreen.com.

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• Highlands Food Pantry Open, 3:15 to 5:30 P.M., behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church, (828) 421-1789.

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• Highlands Food Pantry Open, 3:15 to 5:30 P.M., behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church, (828) 421-1789.

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• Highlands Food Pantry Open, 3:15 to 5:30 P.M., behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church, (828) 421-1789.

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• Highlands Food Pantry Open, 3:15 to 5:30 P.M., behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church, (828) 421-1789.

Easter Sunday Happy Easter!

• Cashiers Community Easter Sunrise Service 7:00 A.M. The Village Green Commons.

Reservations required.

• Bear Shadow Festival, bearshadownc.com.

• Celebrate Clayton, CelebrateClayton.com.

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• Green Market 2:00 to 5:00 P.M.. at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road, (828) 743-3434.

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• Green Market 2:00 to 5:00 P.M.. at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road, (828) 743-3434.

• Tuesday Boozeday at The Bridge, 3:00 to 4:00 P.M., reservations required.

(828) 526-5500 , thebridgeatmillcreek.com.

• Highlands Biological Station Nature 101 via Facebook, , 1:00 P.M., (828) 526-2623.

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• Green Market 2:00 to 5:00 P.M.. at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road, (828) 743-3434.

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• Green Market 2:00 to 5:00 P.M.. at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road, (828) 743-3434.

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• Highlands Wine Shoppe Weekly Wine Tasting with Annelize, 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. (828) 526-4080, highlandswineshoppe@ gmail.com.

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Happy Earth Day! • Highlands Wine Shoppe Weekly Wine Tasting with Annelize, 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. (828) 526-4080.

• An Evening with Chuck Leavell: Tree Man Half Mile Farm fundraiser for Highlands Cashiers Land Trust.

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• Highlands Wine Shoppe Weekly Wine Tasting with Annelize, 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. (828) 526-4080, highlandswineshoppe@ gmail.com.

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All the events that we’ve previewed here may not happen when their appointed time arrives.

Please be sure and call ahead before attending.

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RECREATION & CREATION Pages 46-54

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a place

for learning

From left are HBS Interns Lizzie Gavrilov and Mary Brother checking a Malaise trap at the HBS.

The incredibly diverse bounty of plants and animals proves an irresistible lure to researchers from all around the countr y.

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tudent researchers from throughout the country visit the Plateau to conduct research in both the lab and out in the field as interns at the Highlands Biological Station, which sits just outside downtown Highlands.

These future scientists make their way to Highlands to take advantage of the nearly 500 species of mosses, ferns, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees that flourish on HBS’ multiple campuses.

This gives interns access to natural forest, wetlands and old-growth plant communities connected by a series of trails and boardwalks that make up HBS, which also includes the Highlands Nature Center and Highlands Biological Foundation.

HBS Associate Director Jason Love said the goal of the internship program is to provide meaningful work experiences for students.

“In return, the station benefits by having the students involved in data collection activities that would otherwise not get accomplished, such as sorting thousands of insects to Order level groupings (e.g., beetles, moths and butterflies, stoneflies, flies) or measuring hundreds of trees and shrubs in permanent vegetation plots,” he said.

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This winter’s HBS interns all attend Bennington College in Vermont and were able to spend six weeks on the Plateau.

Love said internships vary depending on the availability of the student.

Over the summer, HBS hosted students from Berry College, Appalachian State, the University of North Carolina at Asheville, and Western Carolina University for up to 12 weeks.

HBS Intern Mary Brothers said the main focus of her studies was the so called “insect apocalypse,” a.k.a, the theory that insect populations are decreasing at an alarming rate. She also studied tree coring and general trail maintenance.

“The Highlands Biological Station, and the Highlands area, are both extremely beautiful and an extremely interesting area to study,” said Brothers, who is in her junior year at Bennington. “The insects we were studying were caught at the station and the trees we cored were also at the station. The station has several different natural environments (bog, rich cove forest, old growth forest) that make it diverse and conducive to a wide variety of studies.”

Freshman and HBS intern Lizzie Gavrilov said she is working on a

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HBS Intern Lizzie Gavrilov using a microscope to sort insects from stream debris.

couple of different projects while visiting HBS, the first is to sort insects using two Malaise insect traps at HBS. Gavrilov collected insects from the traps and sorted them by order, and the data will be used for a study on insect populations and how the state of the environment is affecting them.

Her second project entails gathering insects from stream samples and then sorting the insects from the debris. This study is conducted every three years and takes a year to conduct.

“This is a good area for these studies because there is so much life all around, the terrain and climate provides homes for a wide array of species,” said Gavrilov. “There is also a really long history of other studies and observations researchers have done in the area, so it’s really cool to continue exploring the area.”

Visit highlandsbiological.org/jobs-and-internships for more information about opportunities at the Highlands Biological Station.

By Brian O’Shea, Plateau Daily News

Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about opportunities at Highlands Biological Station

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farming and

foraging

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There’s magic in the soil of The Many Hands Peace Farm at The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center.

he Many Hands Peace Farm at The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center is an idyllic community garden with vegetable plots, a Food Forest, a Mushroom Laboratory, and a chicken coop.

Here, since 2009, resident sustainable agriculture experts have provided counsel and education in regenerative agriculture through apprenticeship programs, farm training, foraging and wild edibles tours, and an annual summer farm camp.

Common to other places in the mountains with trees, plants and animals, visitors delight in the semi-magical aura of the Farm. They tell of air-filled sounds of hens and ducks clucking and bees buzzing in the pollinator habitat. They fill their noses with the earthy aromas of the damp ground where mushrooms flourish on logs and on the forest floor and the sweet scent of bushes of wild berries. Their eyes awash in the vibrant colors in the rows of flowers, herbs and plants.

Overseeing it all is Joey Kyle, Farm Manager. Kyle first arrived at the camp as a teenager when he attended summer farm camp there.

The child of Peace Corps parents, he was born in Honduras and grew up outside Columbia, South Carolina. His history includes stints in organic farming in far-flung corners of the earth, including Taiwan, Costa Rica, Guadeloupe and New Mexico. He formally arrived at The Farm five years ago, in the apprentice program and has been there ever since.

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Kyle is especially drawn to foraging for the humble yet astonishingly versatile wild mushroom.

A Certified Mushroom Forager, he spends nearly half his time leading expeditions and unlocking the mysteries of the fungi. He is an advocate of planting mushrooms in home gardens, advising that for the modest cost of $25, a bag of “mushroom sawdust” can be purchased from MushroomMountain.com, that will yield a harvest in only six months – producing a fresher and tastier mushroom than can be bought.

The simple method involves laying down cardboard in your aisles, sprinkling on the sawdust and covering with fresh woodchips – the fresher, the better.

As to planting in April, he believes in the adage that summer vegetables should not be planted until Mother’s Day, and recommends installing the cooking greens, lettuces, winter squashes, beets and carrots that can withstand a light frost.

And he says that, “Now is the time to prepare your space for the summer plants – weeding, tilling, mulching, and laying down cardboard to prevent weed growth when you are ready to put the tomatoes in.”

For more advice, you can chat with Kyle by email at farm@ themountainrlc.org or visit their website at themountainrlc.org.

by Marlene Osteen

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OUTDOORS

piano in

the woods

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The American Robin brings song and color to a pandemic-dazed Plateau in need of a burst of cheer fulness.

his bird is a sign of spring, the iconic image being its red breast blazing in the sun and its yellow beak tugging on a fat, juicy earthworm in the green grass.

One of the most abundant birds in North America, they are found in every state except Hawaii. Our American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is the state bird of Connecticut, Michigan and Wisconsin.

The robin, a member of the thrush family, has been celebrated in poem and song When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob-Bob Bobbin’ Along, sung first by Bing Crosby, and made sacred in William Blake’s lines, “A robin’s red breast in a cage puts all heaven in a rage.”

These are large birds, 9-11 in. with a round protruding belly.

Some features are outlined in white. Gender differences in plumage are not always distinguishable. Males have dark heads, a yellow beak and thrush streaks on the throat. Females are more muted but similarly attired.

Robins form winter flocks in the thousands and disperse in spring

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into small flocks and pair bonds. If food is abundant and conditions favorable, they do not migrate from their breeding grounds.

In the spring and summer they are active feeders, said to eat earthworms in the morning and fruit and berries in the afternoon.

In the summer and fall when they eat fermented honeysuckle berries they can become intoxicated.

How can you recognize an intoxicated robin? It uncharacteristically falls off the branch.

The robin hops on the ground and becomes motionless with its head cocked listening for life sounds in the ground. It has a selfconfident, even bold, presence in the yard or garden.

The female chooses the nest site: trees, gutters, eaves, most any elevated structure. They are not cavity dwellers and will not use nest boxes. Both parents raise their young and will have as many as three broods in one season. Nesting produces 3-5 eggs which incubate for 12-14 days. Robins are preyed upon by raptors, snakes and cats.

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American Robin, Courtesy of WIlliam McReynolds

Their average lifespan is two years; their entire population turns over every few years.

Their song is a melodic outpouring that Sibley describes as: “a series of low, whistled phrases with liquid quality typical of thrushes.”

Transliteration does not work well with this bird’s song. Emily Dickinson likened it unto a “Piano in the woods.”

Did I mention that the American Robin once appeared on the Canadian $2 note?

Happy spring birding from the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society.

The Highlands Plateau Audubon Society, focused on enjoying and preserving birds and their habitats, is a Chapter of the National Audubon Society and a 501(c) (3) organization.

For information on all our activities and membership, please visit highlandsaudubonsociety.org.

by William McReynolds, Highlands Plateau Audubon Society

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Upping

Your Game

A coach can improve the for tunes of ever y golfer, at ever y level of skill and experience.

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lot has changed with golf over the years, but one thing has remained the same…my belief that the quickest way to improve your game is with the help of a coach.

A coach is there to guide you through the learning process and accelerate the transfer of motor skill learning.

The number one thing people are looking for when taking lessons is consistency in their game, and yet they have no plan in place on how to improve. The right coach can lay out a roadmap to success.

Every player is unique from their ability, body structure, and personality, which is why every golfer should take the time to have their game evaluated.

I have noticed in my 25 years of working in the golf business that the people that play the majority of the golf rounds take very few lessons because they “know how to play golf.”

People seek out lessons when they are either in the beginning stages of learning, or when they are struggling. Many of us use instruction as a quick fix instead of routine maintenance.

Think about all the things in your life that require routine maintenance to work efficiently.

We maintain our bodies, our cars, our homes, even our pet’s grooming schedule.

If we maintained our golf game by checking in with our coach once a week, every other week, or once a month would we play better, more consistent golf?

I think so.

Connect with a professional today to lay out a plan for a successful 2021 golf season!

by Erika Mason, PGA Director of Instruction, Old Edwards Club and The Saddle at GlenCove

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OUTDOORS

scouting for

salamanders

The Plateau’s beloved salamanders will get their time in the sun (though they prefer leafy underbrush and shaded shorelines) when Highlands Biological Station’s Facebook page offers a pair of close-up programs – Nature 101 at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 20; and Salamander Saturday, May 1.

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id you know that we live within the Salamander Capital of the World? The Southern Appalachian Mountains contain more known species of salamanders than any other comparablesized region in the world! To top it off, North Carolina has more salamander species than any other state in the country, with the 64th species described just last year.

So what is a salamander, and why is having so many worth celebrating?

To learn the answers to these questions, keep an eye on the Highlands Biological Station’s Facebook page (@highlandsbiologicalstation) Saturday, May 1, as we participate in “Salamander Saturday.”

This initiative was started by the Foundation for the Conservation of Salamanders to raise awareness about salamanders, their habitats, and their role in the ecosystem.

As part of the celebration, we’ll be featuring one of the resident salamanders at the Highlands Nature Center and covering interesting facts about these amphibians, such as how some species breathe directly through their skin, and how scientists often use salamanders as indicators of environmental health. We’ll also be showcasing videos featuring salamander researchers who were awarded ‘Grants-in-Aid of Scientific Research’ by the Highlands Biological Foundation over the past several summers.

You can also get ready for “Salamander Saturday” by learning where to find our slippery friends in the Highlands Biological Foundation’s April Nature 101 program: Scouting for Salamanders!

In this free, virtual program, Paige Engelbrektsson, HBF’s Education Specialist, will take you on a herpetologist’s hunt around 54 A P R I L 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

the Highlands Botanical Garden. Neither rain, nor shine, nor gloom of night will stop her – and in fact, these are perfect conditions for looking for salamanders. This program will premiere Tuesday, April 20, at 1:00 P.M. on the Highlands Biological Station’s Facebook page and will be available afterwards on the Highlands Biological YouTube channel.

For more information, call (828) 526-2623. The Highlands Biological

Station is a multicampus center of Western Carolina University.

by Winter Gary Communications & Events Coordinator, Highlands Biological Foundation

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magical

morning light

Carole Shepardson’s clever shutter captures the magic and the myster y embedded within life on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.

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o photographer Carole Shepardson, the mountains are one stunning photo-op after another.

That’s why she keeps her camera, charged and ready, in the front seat of her truck. Mother Nature’s stunning compositions rarely escape Carole’s eye.

“Every time I catch a glimpse of a valley, I feel like I am looking down from heaven – it’s breathtaking,” she says.

After graduating from Auburn with a Master’s Degree in Education, she married, raised a family, completed a successful career in pharmaceuticals, then retired and settled in the area, a place she delights in now calling home.

Carole is a nature girl, living on a small farm with horses, bees, chickens, and a garden. While mountain vistas and wedding settings are a delight to capture, her own backyard and horses are favorite subjects.

When asked what a typical day looks like, she replies, “Each day is different. Every morning I tend farm duties, the animals, garden, etc. Sometimes I’m shooting, catching that magical morning light.

If I’m not working with animals or shooting, I’m doing postprocessing. I’m always learning. Like many others during Covid-19, I go online to research and study, occasionally take a class. Tech is 60 A p r i l 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

constantly changing, so I gather different perspectives. There’s so much out there.”

After studying art at Auburn she was a photographer for collegiate lacrosse games. It ramped up her game, as it were.

“I was on the sideline with my monopod, camera in high-speed shooting mode, and a high-powered telephoto lens. In a split second I had to capture four things: the essence of the play, the teammate’s number, the ball, and the player’s eyes. It’s lightning fast. Compared to that, any other shooting is easy.”

She’s excited to announce the opening of her new office above Sweet Treats Ice Cream & Deli, across from Old Edwards Inn on the corner of Fourth and Main. The address is 119 South Fourth Street.

If you’re having a party, wedding, or event, she’s your go-to picture pro. Carole is full of creative surprises. She can even zoom in on the groom and bride with a camera-drone.

For more information about Shepardson Photo, contact her at caroleshep1@gmail.com, call (407) 257-2704, or visit shepardsonphoto.com.

by Donna Rhodes

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Ready to Show

its Colors

The Ar t League of Highlands-Cashiers has drawn upon its deep pools of creativity to bring color and tex ture and energy back to the Plateau.

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he Art League of Highlands-Cashiers looks forward to 2021. Our hope is that its activities will be able to return in large part to what they were before the pandemic cancelled its 2020 season.

We are delighted that we have been able to contribute in a small way to the success of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau Covid-19 Vaccination Initiative by loaning the group our display screens to provide privacy for vaccination stations. We’re all eager for things to return to normal.

The board has continued to meet via Zoom, and recently announced its 2021 schedule to ALHC members. Seven monthly meetings at The Bascom are planned with guest speakers, beginning in April and continuing through October. Those dates are April 26, May 24, June 28, July 26, August 30, September 27, and October 25.

This year, three shows are planned. The Summer Colors Fine Art Show is scheduled for July 24-25 at the Sapphire Valley Community Center. The Fall Colors Fine Art Show is scheduled for October 16-17 at the Highlands Rec Park. A Small Works Show has been added this year for November 26-27 at the Sapphire Valley Community Center.

We once again plan to sponsor the Summer Art Camp for area youth at the Highlands Rec Park. The dates for the camp are dependent on the date the school year ends.

On August 19, ALHC will sponsor the Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s After Hours event at Studio 106 on the Dillard Road.

Of course, this schedule is dependent on North Carolina directives and the venue rules that are in effect on the planned dates.

Please visit our revised web site, artleagueofhighlands-cashiers.com for the most up to date information. While on the site, you may want to browse the artwork of our members.

by Zach Claxton, Art League of Highlands-Cashiers

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The Plateau’s

Artful Icon

Patty Calderone’s ceaseless hunger for new techniques and themes brings a dynamic energy and focus to her works.

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atty Calderone is synonymous with Fine Art in Highlands. She knows her way around a canvas, around the region’s consortium of artists, around the complex business of art, and lately around the art of France.

She’s a talented artlaw (art outlaw), upending traditions and rules in surprising, inventive ways. She began as a watercolorist.

Over the years, Patty broke through purist boundaries, layering acrylic over pastel over watercolor with fixatives preserving each layer. And if the depth weren’t rich enough, more layers were brushed, drawn, scratched, and daubed until the background reeled and the foreground rocked in a harmonious dance of color, texture, and rhythm.

In 2017 Patty made a life-changing trip to France.

She says, “French work held me spellbound. I was mesmerized by the architecture, decorative work, daily life, fashion, and the style variety, ancient to contemporary. Taking inspiration from the French aesthetic made me want to stretch. I was drawn to the revered museum, Musee d’Orsay. I fell in love with Francoise de Felice, a figurative artist whose work I found in Galerie Calderone (no relation). My French experience had a profound influence on my process.”

Many of those influences related to the way figures were perceived and adorned. Instead of one dominant figure, several images interacted. Some figures were juxtaposed, others distanced to create intriguing negative space. Imaginative costuming, transparent washes and colors, introduction of animals, and textural surfaces like canvas grain peeking through all contributed to a more complex way of approaching a composition. Patty can’t wait to incorporate these practices into her own work.

A majority of those paintings will be figurative work, of human or animal persuasion. Faces, furry or fair, will tell dramatic tales.

So if you have a special someone, two legs or four, or a photo of a favorite setting, mountain or shore, commission Patty to immortalize your love(s). Contact her at (828) 371-0376, at calderonegallery@gmail.com, visit calderonegallery.com, or Instagram, or look for her ads in Laurel.

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Books, Bites,

& Authors

A slate of writers will be appearing on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau this year, illuminating their works, revealing themselves, and offering their visions of the world.

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Mary Alice Monroe

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lthough the pandemic promptly halted last summer’s scheduled author presentations and meet and greets at local libraries and venues, this year looks more promising. Fingers crossed and prayers lifted, the following authors will visit the Plateau in the coming months: Mary Alice Monroe: May 28, 12:00 P.M., Albert Carlton Cashiers Community Library (ACCCL). Monroe will discuss her latest release: The Summer of Lost and Found.

Mary Alice Monroe: May 29, 12:30 P.M., Hudson Library (HL). Books & Bites - Monroe will discuss her latest release: The Summer of Lost and Found. Reservations required.

Karen White: July 9, 3:00 P.M., ACCCL, White will discuss her latest release: The Last Night in London.

Karen White: July 10, 12:30 P.M., HL, Books & Bites - White will discuss her latest release: The Last Night in London. Reservations required.

Susan Meissner: July 30, 3:00 P.M., ACCCL. Meissner will discuss her latest release: The Nature of Fragile Things.

Susan Meissner, July 31, 12:30 P.M., HL, Books & Bites – Meissner will discuss her latest release: The Nature of Fragile Things. Reservations are required.

Susan Meissner, July 31, 3:00 P.M., Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Meissner will discuss her latest release: The Nature of Fragile Things.

Kristy Woodson Harvey: August 6, 3:00 P.M., ACCCL. Harvey will discuss her latest release: Under the Southern Sky. Kristy Woodson Harvey: August 7, 3:30 P.M., HL. Books & Bites - Harvey will discuss her latest release: Under the Southern Sky. Reservations are required.

Kristin Harmel, September 3, 3:00 P.M., ACCCL. Harmel will discuss her latest release: The Forest of Vanishing Stars.

Kristin Harmel: September 4, 3:00 P.M., HL. Books & Bites – Harmel will discuss her latest release: The Forest of Vanishing Stars. Reservations are required.

The Books & Bites series is sponsored by the Hudson Library Board of Trustees; books will be available for purchase and signing at these free events.

ACCCL is located at 249 Frank Allen Road in Cashiers; fontanalib.org/cashiers or (828) 743-0215. HL is located at 554 Main Street in Highlands; fontanalib.org/highlands or 828-526-3031. The Macon County Public Library is located at 149 Siler Farm Road in Franklin; fontanalib.org or (828) 524-3600.

by Deena Bouknight

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Keep the

Arts Alive

The Per forming Ar ts are once more thriving on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Keep up with all the new developments at HighlandsPerformingArts.com.

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he Highlands Performing Arts Center is allowed 30 percent occupancy/60 seats inside.

The auditorium is set up in a cabaret style seating, two chairs and a beverage table separated 5 feet from the next two-chair group, front, side and back.

On April 10, we will present the MET Opera Encore performance of Turnadot. Originally broadcast in 2016, Franco Zeffirelli’s golden production stars the great dramatic soprano Nina Stemme as Turandot, the icy Chinese princess who has renounced all men. Marco Berti is Caláf, the unknown prince who solves Turnadot’s riddle and wins her love. The encore performance will begin at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 10.

Exciting news from Great Art on Screen – now you can watch these fascinating documentaries at home. Frida: Viva La Vida / Gauguin in Tahiti, Paradise Lost / The Hermitage, the Power of Art / Maverick Modigliani / The Prado Museum / The Secret Impressionists / and Tintoretto: A Rebel in Venice. Please go to our website for dates and links to all of the Great Art on Screen.

Visit HighlandsPerformingArts.com and click on PAC. Bear Shadow has rented PAC’s Drive Up screen to show three movies during the Bear Shadow Festival at PAC’s Laurel Street parking lot. Friday, April 23: The Last Waltz; Saturday, April 24: Almost Famous; and Sunday, April 25: I’m Not There. Please visit BearShadowNC. com for tickets and more information.

Check the PAC website for other movie titles and dates at the Drive Up Outdoor Theater.

The PAC 2021 Membership / Season brochure is entirely online this year. Check it out for the live concerts schedule, Membership benefits, and tickets sales. There’s plenty to be discovered at HighlandsPerformingArts.com.

Come join us to keep the Arts Alive!

MET Opera’s Turnadot

by Mary Adair Trumbly, Highlands Performing Arts Center

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the bascom’s

pop-up series

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2021 Pop-Up Series at The Bascom brings new ar tists to the plateau

ince 2018, The Bascom has offered local and regional artists an opportunity to tell a larger narrative, explore new artistic concepts, and introduce a body of work to members and guests of the visual arts center through their Pop-Up Series. Selected artists’ work will be displayed in the Greehey Atrium for sale over an eightweek period.

This year’s Pop-Up Series welcomes several new artists to The Bascom whose work has gained regional and international attention.

Amanda Hope Cook was born in Nashville, Tennessee. Her representational oil paintings depict landmark neon signs during 70 A p r i l 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

various times of day, seasons, and weather. When she is not painting neon signs in oil paint, she paints studies of landscapes and still life in various mediums.

Brad Sells has carved a world-class career from rough timber. Brad’s work is an experiment in form and aesthetic. His process is hard and all consuming, like tending a crop. Brad sculpts and carves masterpieces from humble trees in his studio in Cookeville, Tennessee.

Deneece Harrell is a contemporary ceramic artist working to create conversation of beauty in resilience sculpture in porcelain and gold leaf. Deneece draws inspiration from the organic layering of stone,

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the movement and fracturing displayed in the exposed place in the mountains. She lives and works in her private studio in Highlands, NC. Fen Rascoe is an American Impressionist from Windsor, North Carolina. His goal as an artist is to transform an everyday subject into an extraordinary visual experience that allows the viewer to reconnect with a familiar scene, figure or object. Fen strives to simplify the subject into an uncomplicated threedimensional artistic tale that allows the viewer to jump in rather than just look.

Part of our commitment to artist-entrepreneurs is to create opportunities for our community to learn more about their unique artistic styles and journeys. Join us at The Bascom from May through December for the Pop-Up Series and a chance to see this and other artists’ work up close.

by Kate Bruno, The Bascom

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Done Waiting

in the Wings

The 2021 Summer Season is ironclad proof of Highlands Playhouse’s core operating principle: The Show Must Go On.

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n the distance we’ve heard a faint, slow, steady drum roll. As each month passes, the cadence gets a little louder, a little faster.

Hopefully, by July, booms and cymbal crashes will announce: Highlands Playhouse is back and better than ever.

It’s been a long intermission, but board president Dave Healy believes stage lights will shine on worldclass performers soon: “The exact shows are still in negotiation, but the format will provide fun and flexibility. Start date, midJuly running through Labor Day Weekend. On the live stage you can expect to see some familiar and loved return performers, as well as some new talent. We are hopeful that new movies will begin to be released and we will quickly respond early summer.”

All that is amplified by fresh, innovative ideas from four new board members who bring energy and experience to our Playhouse.

Greg Copeland (Legal/Carpentry), is an attorney with Copeland, Cook, Taylor and Bush. He’s a member of the Advisory Board at Mississippi State University School of Business and a proud lifetime supporter of performing arts.

Holly Laughridge (Merchandise/Social Media) brings a love of attending live theater and movies, as well as many years of experience as a retail buyer.

She is excited to assist with new Highlands Playhouse merchandise and planning the upcoming season.

Pam Carver (Fundraising) has been on Executive Committees for events benefiting St Jude Children’s Hospital and Special Olympics Georgia. She has led the parent organization and primary fundraising events for a Christian school in Atlanta.

Jeannie Mullen (Government Relations/Grants) has a professional background in public policy and administration and has worked for elected and appointed officials at both the state and local levels in Mississippi before relocating to Highlands full time in 2017.

As always, thank you for your patience, loyal patrons and supporters. With 83 years of tradition behind us, a summer opening is going to happen. And we can’t wait to raise the curtain on a playhouse full of the favorite and the new … just for you.

For the latest news, visit highlandsplayhouse.org.

by Donna Rhodes

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sauce it up

and savor it Cashiers Valley Smokehouse is ser ving up the cure for Covid-Cramped Craziness.

It’s located at 281 US 64 West. To place an order, call (828) 547-2096.

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recurring theme of my last six months of Restaurant Reviews has been the comforting way that a well-prepared meal is even better when you’re sharing it with friends in the midst of this Covid-crippled age.

That’s why Tricia and I recruited a small posse of (carefullyquarantined) friends to join us at Cashiers Valley Smokehouse Over the course of the last year, Tricia had been slowly succumbing to the pernicious social cocooning madness. She’s a deeply social woman who thrives on conversation, and sharing a meal with friends, and warm, reassuring touches for her patients.

Zoom sessions and tele-health checkups were taking their toll on something precious inside.

We arrived at Cashiers Valley Smokehouse on an early Friday evening and sat around a table with our small troupe of beloved, seldom-seen friends.

It was an immediate balm for Tricia’s stressed psyche.

For me, the comfort came from settling into a place that understood, really understood, Southern Barbecue.

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As I’ve noted here before, I’m the product of a mixed marriage – Mom was raised in the Church of Sweet Tomato-Based Sauce, and Dad was a staunch Eastern Carolina Vinegar Man (the product of his upbringing in then-rural Guilford County). Somehow the marriage worked, which I suppose is testament to the transcendent power of Love, and is best left to philosophers and theologians.

We were serious about barbecue. We once made a two-hour drive through the nighttime wilds of middle Georgia to dine at Sweat’s Barbecue outside of Sandersville, after one of Dad’s Army buddies at Fort Benning had grown rhapsodic about a pulled pork sandwich.

(On a side note: My particular faith promises that at some as-yet undisclosed time, I’ll be admitted into Paradise. If it turns out that Big Mike Sweat is not serving up that glorious pulled pork and slabs of ribs, I plan to complain to Management. Of course, Big Mike’s notion of Paradise may not involve slaving over a pit of blazing hickory logs for Eternity, but let’s leave that to the team of theologians already trying to decipher my parents’ marriage.)

Our table wasn’t shy about diving into our meals. There were

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traditional pulled pork sandwiches, a half-chicken lovingly prepared, brisket, and a rack of St. Louis Style Ribs.

There’s barbecued pork, beef and chicken, and all the traditional sides. And this is important – they offer a full range of homemade sauces. You’d be surprised at how many barbecue places don’t even try anymore. It makes serving barbecue to a crowd of (again, safelydistanced) friends so much more harmonious.

Speaking of harmony, though we all settled in to the serious business of eating, everyone, everyone, had a barbecue story. Some were poignant, laced with memories of happier times, populated by people who’d long ago departed. Some were uproarious, and have only gotten funnier with the steady accretion of time.

This is Comfort Food, and it’s more precious than ever in this strange, unsettled age.

Oh, and perhaps it’s the time to try something new, to find a Contemporary Comfort Food to carry us through whatever the 21st century has in store for next year.

Let me just offer this suggestion – Smokehouse Nachos. It’s a

startling melange of your choice of chicken, pork, or brisket, blended with wonton chips, black beans, queso, mango-pineapple salsa, cilantro and beans. This will play your taste buds like a xylophone.

We shared our meal inside, in the warmly-appointed Dining Room, but it was a chilly February evening.

Speaking to you who are luxuriating in a beautiful spring, see if you can’t snag a table on the patio. These are meals to be enjoyed outdoors.

Or place your order to go, and carry your selections to The Village Green which – and I have no quantifiable proof, just a very lucky feeling – is the Finest Picnic Spot in the Southeast.

Cashiers Valley Smokehouse is located at 281 US 64 West. It’s open from 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Wednesday through Saturday; and 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Sunday.

by Luke Osteen photos by Nick Breedlove

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G Emanuel’s

Pasta

For Glenn Uber tino, ever y meal that’s centered upon his savor y pasta recipe is a valentine to beloved wife Kim and daughter Marley.

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lenn Ubertino and I were on the phone talking about the pasta dish he makes for his wife, Kim, on celebratory occasions.

I envisioned him smiling, recalling the first time he made what he refers to as “Emanuel’s Pasta,” (a recipe discovered in the magazine at a dentist’s waiting room).

“It was 9 or 10 years ago, for an anniversary celebration, and it was a really special evening.”

I could hear in his voice a whole bouquet of notes, of wistfulness and nostalgia, of the pleasure he had in the cooking and sharing.

“I often think back to that night. Its extra special when I make something because it’s not that often,” he said.

Indeed, Ubertino’s life is hectic, running three businesses in Cashiers – Zoller’s Hardware, The Cashiers Kitchen Company and Cashiers Electric – he’s also recently purchased The Bird Barn and is working on its reopening.

And then there’s the community boards he serves on – Vision Cashiers and the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce. Leisure time is spent with Kim, who also works at Zoller’s and The Cashiers Kitchen Company, and their two teenagers, 17 year old Marley, and 15 year old, Ryan. Fifteen years earlier, the couple bought a second home in Cashiers with the intent to retire there. But then five years ago, following a career in corporate America working for big retailers, including Home Depot, the opportunity to buy Zoller’s presented itself, and the family relocation to Cashiers was accelerated.

Here, Ubertino shares with us his favorite pasta preparation – humble, yet elegant, savory and luxurious with plenty of prosciutto. Ubertino assures us that it’s not at all difficult to create, and the payoff is great.

It’s even more delicious with a glass of Barbera d’Alba from Italy’s famous wine region – Piedmont.

DI NI NG Emmanuel’s Pasta with Peas, Prosciutto and Onion Ingredients 1-pound Corkscrew Shaped Pasta such as Fusilli 3 or 4 cloves Garlic ½ Onion, chopped ½ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes 2 tablespoons Olive Oil 1 28 oz. can Diced Tomatoes in their juice 1 8 oz. can Tomato Sauce or Tomato Puree ¼ pound Prosciutto thinly sliced.

1 cup Frozen Green Peas 20 Basil Leaves, shredded or torn, plus extra for garnish Grated Pecorino Romano for passing

Glenn Ubertino

Directions 1. Bring a large pot of water to boil.

2. Combine the oil, garlic, onion and crushed pepper in a large skillet over mediumlow heat. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes golden – 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes, sauce or puree, along with salt and pepper to the skillet.

Stir and simmer while you salt the boiling water and cook the pasta.

3. Drain the pasta when it is tender but firm, and add it to the sauce, along with the prosciutto and peas. Toss the pasta with the sauce and the basil.

4. Transfer to a serving platter, and garnish with the remaining basil and, Pecorino Romano.

by Marleen Osteen

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Grab a Chair.

Raise a Glass.

The Bridge at Mill Creek is hosting a pair of Wine Events to celebrate Bear Shadow, April 23 and 24.

Reser vations are a necessity – call (828) 526-5500.

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f you’re trying to shake off the effects of the last year, well, you’d be hard-pressed to find something that offers more sweet challenges to your palate than a pair of wine-centered events staged at The Bridge at Mill Creek this month, mirroring the fun of Bear Shadow Festival.

You’re invited to pull up a chair and raise a glass with confidence at both West-Coast Wine-Ing & Califermentation!, set for 3:30 P.M. Friday, April 23; and Six Secret Sips with Professional Winos, at 7:30 P.M. Saturday, April 24.

West-Coast Wine-Ing & Califermentation launches at 3:30 P.M. and cost is $45++ per person.

“Our guests will taste wines of California head-to-head with Steve Hedberg, who represents Napa’s August Briggs and Clarksburg’s Dancing Coyote Wineries,” says General Manager Michael Searles.

“The bar will be boppin’ as we pair with meats, cheeses, and passed bites to celebrate the weekend. A few Chardonnays, maybe an Albariño, Pinot vs. Pinot. You might even see an Old Vine Zinfandel wrestle a New World Cabernet in true Bear state fashion!”

Wines will be available to enjoy and to order, and will be featured pairings with Chef Andre’s menu that evening beginning at 5:00 P.M. And that’s just a taste of the fun times that follow with Six Secret Tips, set for 7:30 P.M. Saturday, April 24.

Cost is $95++ per person for this gathering for you and 25 others, as The Bridge At Mill Creek invites Danny Sanford of Fine Wine

Trading to pour under-the-radar palate-rockers that over-deliver all over. Featuring eight wines from around the world and four courses

by Chef Andre Brookins, guests will be taken on a journey from the South of France to the North of Italy, from Argentina to America’s West Coast, and hit a few culinary ports of call along the way.

For those watching their intake, Chef’s dinner will be available without wine pairings at $75, and there’ll be non-alcoholic options to keep all attendees in high spirits.

“The Bridge At Mill Creek does its best to make everything approachable, from classic French cooking techniques to imaginative cocktails forged from house-made ingredients,” says Searles. “Of course, this also extends to our wine program, where you’re just as likely to see a Barolo listed as ‘Italian!’ as you are to see a venerated Bordeaux from Chateau Plince. Our wine events are designed to let oenophiles and enthusiasts drink alongside those new to the wine world and even those just out looking for some fun… we at the Bridge try to speak on both levels, and even introduce the curious drinker to the knowledgeable wino!”

Reservations are a must – call (828) 526-5500. The Bridge at Mill Creek is located at 445 North Fourth Street in Highlands.

by Luke Osteen

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Fisher Vineyards

Wine Dinner

With its unique blend of exquisite vintages and irresistibly off-center dishes, The Farm at Old Edwards’ Top Chef Dinner, set for May 21, promises to be a meal to capture the palate and the imagination.

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Canoe Executive Chef Mathew Basford

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rom its beginnings, The Farm at Old Edwards established itself as the capital of the growing and passionate food and wine scene in Highlands.

True to its history and reputation, the Friday, May 21, Top Chef Dinner promises a chance to hobnob with leading California Vintner Rob Fisher, one of the three second-generation siblings that guide the five-decade old Fisher Vineyards, and get face to face with Atlanta luminary chefs Chris Hall of Local Three and Mathew Basford of Canoe.

With vineyards straddling California’s two most famous winegrowing regions, Napa and Sonoma, Fisher Vineyards is known for producing exceptional handcrafted “wines with classic balance and style that transcends time”.

Launched in 1973, the world class wines come from a family that was first known for auto body design work in Detroit (Body by Fisher), and is today heralded as a leader in the industry, early on transitioning to organic farming and launching the career of celebrity winemakers Paul Hobbs and Mia Klein.

For the dinner at The Farm at Old Edwards, Fisher has chosen a thoughtful, curated list of wines inspired by the food of two passionate chefs, both well versed in the pleasures of New American cuisines.

A self-taught cook, Hall grew up around the corner from Local Three, and was schooled in kitchens from Philadelphia’s Le Bec Fin to Atlanta’s Canoe. His menu reveals a cooking philosophy that could

be summed up as playful, yet without pretense.

Creative Loafing observed that, “Hall is having a lot of fun with a menu that is the very opposite of stuffy and formal,” as in a charcuterie board dubbed the ‘Notorious P.I.G.’ that includes a house-made Slim Jim. Hall characterizes his style as “simple, completely unrestricted, but respectful of tradition and method,” and critics have hailed his dishes as “imaginative combinations of ingredients, techniques and exceptional flavors.”

To perfect his recipes for Canoe, Mathew Basford draws on his years of experience cooking in his native Australia and then in New Orleans at Dominique’s in the Maison Dupuy Hotel.

In 2005, following Hurricane Katrina, Basford moved to Atlanta, landing at Canoe, and rising to the Executive Chef position in 2013.

At the heart of Basford’s cuisine is “staying true to our Southern heritage and supporting local Georgia farmers.” Dishes like Slow Braised Heritage Pork Shank, and Herb Crusted George’s Bank Cod, are testimony to Basford’s commitment to the restaurant’s founding values as a seasonal farm-to-table restaurant, offering the accessible cooking that has made it a popular neighborhood haunt.

More details regarding the Friday, May 21, Fisher Vineyards Dinner at The Farm at Old Edwards, can be found at Oldedwardshospitality. com/FisherVineyards.

by Marleen Osteen

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Meals

The Restaurants of the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

Vegetarian Selections

Plateau Dining Guide

Children’s Menu

To see the most up-to-date information about dining on the plateau visit thelaurelmagazine.com/restaurants

HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS 4118 Kitchen + Bar The Bistro at Wolfgang’s Bridge at Mill Creek Calder’s Cafe Don Leon’s at The High Dive Fire + Water Restaurant Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar Fressers Courtyard Cafe *

The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering

Lakeside Restaurant Highlands Smokehouse Hummingbird Lounge Meritage Bistro

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Oak Steakhouse at Skyline Lodge

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(828) 743-7967

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The Greystone Inn

220 Greystone Lane

(828) 966-4700

The Ugly Dog Pub

25 Frank Allen Road

(828) 743-3000

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45 Slabtown Road

(828) 743-7711

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HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS 4th Street Market - (828) 526-4191 Asia House - (828) 787-1680 Bella’s Junction Csafe - (828) 526-0803 The Blue Bike Cafe - (828) 526-9922 Bryson’s Deli - (828) 526-3775 The Cake Bar - (828) 421-2042 Dusty’s - (828) 526-2762 El Azteca - (828) 526-2244 El Manzanillo - (828) 526-0608 Highlands Burritos - (828) 526-9313 Highlands Deli/SweeTreats - (828) 526-9632 Madison’s Restaurant - (828) 787-2525 Midpoint (828) 526-2277 Mountain Fresh - (828) 526-2400 Pizza Place - (828) 526-5660

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SB Sunday Brunch

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Takeout Only

Rosewood Market - (828) 526-0383 Ruffed Grouse (828) 526-2590 Subway - (828) 526-1706 Tug’s Proper - (828) 526-3555 Wild Thyme Gourmet - (828) 526-4035 CASHIERS AREA RESTAURANTS Buck’s Coffee Cafe - (828) 743-9997 Canyon Kitchen - (828) 743-7967 Cashiers Farmers Market - (828) 743-4334 Chile Loco - (828) 743-1160 Cornucopia Restaurant - (828) 743-3750 Cork & Barrel Lounge - (828) 743-7477 El Manzanillo - (828) 743-5522 JJ’s Eatery and Canteen - (828) 743-7778 Mica’s Restaurant - (828) 743-5740

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Mountain Cafe - (828) 577-0469 The Orchard - (828) 743-7614 Panthertown Cafe LLC (828) 862-366 Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company - (828) 743-0220 Subway - (828) 743-1300 The Falls Cafe and Grill - 828-877-3322 The Library Kitchen and Bar - (828) 743-5512 Slopeside Tavern - (828) 743-8655 Table 64 - (828) 743-4135 Town & Country General Store Deli - (828) 547-1300 Villa Amato (828) 885-7700 Wendy’s - (828) 743-7777 Whiteside Brewing Company - (828) 743-6000 Winslow’s Hideaway - (828) 743-2226

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LDOI N D IGNI G NG thelaurelmagazine.com/lodging

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CALL TO CONFIRM BEFORE YOUR VISIT.

HOTELS / MOTELS / BED & BREAKFASTS 19386 Rosman Hwy | Sapphire blackbearlodgeofsapphire.com | (828) 553-6535

Black Bear Lodge of Sapphire

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Fire Mountain

700 Happy Hill Rd | Scaly Mountain

firemt.com | (800) 775-4446 n n

Greystone Inn

220 Greystone Ln | Lake Toxaway

thegreystoneinn.com | (828) 966-4700 n n

445 Main St | Highlands

Old Edwards Inn and Spa

205 Main Street | Highlands

theparkonmain.com | (888) 974-9738

470 Skyline Lodge Rd | Highlands

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The Park on Main Skyline Lodge

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OPENING THIS SUMMER

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VACATION RENTAL AGENCIES 488 Main Street | Highlands meadowsmountainrealty.com | (828) 526-1717

Berkshire Realty Vacation Rentals

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401 N 5th St | Highlands

highlandsiscalling.com | (828) 526-3717

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Landmark Vacation Rentals

17 US Hwy 64 E | Cashiers

landmarkvacations.com | (877) 926-1780

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Rent in Highlands - CCP

507 Main Street | Highlands

rentinhighlands.com | (800) 684-2171 x 302

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341 Hwy 64 W, Ste 102 | Cashiers

ncliving.com | (828) 743-1999

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Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals

Silver Creek Vacation Rentals

CASHIERS, NC: High Hampton Resort - (800) 334-255 Hotel Cashiers - (828) 743-7706 The Lakehouse - (904) 753-0247 Landmark Vacation Rentals- (877) 926-1780 Laurelwood Inn - (828) 743-9939 Mountain Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-0258 The Orchard Guest Cottage - (828) 743-7614 Pebble Creek Village - (828) 743-0623 Reid Resort Rentals - (828) 743-5955 Silver Creek Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-1999 GLENVILLE, NC: Innisfree Bed & Breakfast - (828) 743-2946 Mountain Lake Rentals - (828) 743-6875 Prime Property Rentals - (828) 743-3482 HIGHLANDS, NC 200 Main - (855) 271-2809 Berkshire Realty Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-1717 Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-3717

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The Chandler Inn - (678) 982-8406 The Chateau - (561) 613-1496 Fairview House - (866) 526-8008 Half Mile Farm - (855) 271-7246 Highlander Mountain House - (828) 526-2590 Highlands House Bed and Breakfast - (828) 787-1186 Highlands Inn - (828) 526-9380 Highlands Inn Lodge - (828) 526-5899 Highlands Resort Rentals - (828) 526-5839 The Inn at Mill Creek - 828-526-9999 The Lodge at Old Edwards - (828) 787-2560 Lullwater House - (423) 488-2799 Main Street Inn - (828) 526-2590 Mitchell’s Lodge & Cottages - (828) 526-2267 Old Edwards Inn and Spa - (866) 526-8008 Park on Main - (800) 221-5078 Ray’s Roost - (678) 534-6870 Rent in Highlands - CCP - (800) 684-2171 x 302 Rockwood Lodge - (828) 526-8919 Whiteside Cove Cottages - (828) 526-2222

SAPPHIRE, NC Black Bear Lodge of Sapphire - (828) 553-6535 Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-3441 Foxhunt At Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-7667 Hampton Inn & Suites Cashiers-Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-4545 Mt Toxaway Lodge & Motel - (828) 966-4582 Sapphire Run at Whisper Lake - (863) 412-5734 Whispering Falls - (352) 470-4085 Woods at Buc - (770) 714-9211 SCALY MOUNTAIN, NC: Fire Mountain - (800) 775-4446 The Vineyard at 3 High Holly - (828) 505-6190 LAKE TOXAWAY, NC Cabins at Seven Foxes - (828) 877-6333 Greystone Inn - (828) 966-4700 Lake Toxaway Realty Company - (828) 508-9141 DILLARD, GA: Julep Farms - (706) 960-9600

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SHOPPING Pages 94-97

SHOPPI NG

A New Leaf

Oakleaf Flower and Garden, which has become a must-visit Highlands retail destination over the last 15 years, has transformed itself into an even more beguiling Main Street galler y.

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Kirk Moore and sister, Leith

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O

akleaf Flower and Garden has new digs. From its former Fourth Street location, the 15-year-old retail store is now located on Main Street – in what was the iconic Stone Lantern, opened in 1960 by Ralph deVille – an Asian art and antique dealer.

(Sidenote: in my home is a Stone Lantern piece passed to me by my grandmother.)

Digression aside, Oakleaf Flower and Garden opened in the prominent spot in February and Owner Kirk Moore said his grand plans for the space will honor deVille.

“This gives us almost four times the square feet,” said Moore. “The reason we acquired this property is that the outside is as wonderful as the inside. Ralph was a dear friend and we are honored to be carrying on a legacy and be such a part of the community.”

Oakleaf Flower and Garden is more than a retail store – it’s an experience. Moore’s knowledge and life permeates.

“I’ve been a landscape architect since the 1970s, but I also have a master’s in historic preservation. That flavor is conveyed in the store, with books on antiques and historic gardening.”

Moore’s store supports the “slow flower” movement by purchasing at least 65 percent of plants and flowers grown on the Plateau. Oakleaf also sells ornamentals, pots, orchids, decorative items, herbs, and much more.

Moore’s plans for Oakleaf’s extensive new space include using a backyard lane to display perennials and locate a greenhouse. “And there is a building in the back that we are converting into a classroom. From April through October every Sunday afternoon we will have a workshop or class. Subjects lined up are things like flower arranging, permaculture, and cooking. We have a horticulturist/permaculturist on staff and will educate about how to appreciate and maintain native mountain plants.”

Oakleaf’s award-winning website is oakleafstyle.com.

by Deena Bouknight

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u a e t a l P P ick s

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r a fe w o f o ud s fav o r it e fi n

GET YOUR DIVE GEAR

Dive into your favorite Tshirt design today. Show off your Highlands pride in these high quality Ts –­ in a variety of sizes, colors and styles.

High Dive Tshirts | $24 short sleeve, $28 long sleeve The High Dive | Highlands

A RAINBOW OF READERS

Find your perfect pair of reading glasses with designer frames that are fashionable and functional! In a rainbow of colors, these quality glasses are uva and uvb protected and scratch resistant. Suffering from misplaced glasses? Try neck hanging readers!

I Eyewear Readers | $26 The Look | Cashiers

A HAPPY PAIR

These pristine, large blue and white ceramic ginger jars are from the mid to early 1800s. The lid and the vases are ornamented with double-Chinese character shuang-hsi or double happiness.

Pair of Antique Chinese Jars | $2100 A List Antiques | Cashiers

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WHIMSICAL BOTANICS Once used in Mycology studies at Harvard, these ceramic mushrooms will bring a bit of fun-gi to any decor. Pair them with a cloche-enclosed antique gardening miniture to show off your love of the outdoors.

Cloche-Enclosed Gardening Minature | Assorted Pricing Antique Ceramic Mushrooms | $125ea Oakleaf | Highlands

CHARMING VINTAGE We love this short, multi-layered necklace with hand soldered crystal pendant by Melania Clara - inspired by all things vintage and beautiful.

Melania Clara Necklace | $68 Dutchman’s Designs | Highlands

FOR THE MEMORIES

Keep the good times had at Old Edwards Inn top of mind with these iconic acorns embellished keepsakes.

Vineyard Vines Cap $28 | Acorns Frame $60 Acorns | Highlands

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Visit Our Advertisers WEST END

1. On The Verandah Restaurant 2. Highlands Smokehouse 4. The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts 5 The Dave Drake Ceramic Barn at The Bascom

SOUTH END 13. 4118 Kitchen & Bar 15. Dauntless Printing 26. Lupoli Construction 27. Pat Allen Realty Group 31. The Laurel 35. ACP Home Interiors 36. The Summer House Bed & Bath 37. The Summer House 38 Nancy’s Fancys/The Exchange 44. Blue Elephant Consignment Studio 45. Head Innovations 46. Cake Bar & Chocolate Heaven

MAIN STREET 100. Main Street Nursery 123. The Park on Main Hotel 124. Landmark Realty Group 140. The Book Nook 141. Bags on Main 142. Main Street Gifts 146. Wit’s End Shoppe 147. Calders Coffee Cafe 136. Dutchmans 152. Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty 153. Allison Diane Clothing 160. TJ Bailey’s for Men 163. Spoiled Rotten 169. Country Club Properties 178. McCulley’s II 181. Oakleaf 185. Ristorante Paoletti 189. Smitten 190. Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro 191. Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services Meadows Mountain Realty 194. Old Edwards Inn 195. Madison’s Restaurant 196. The Wine Garden 197. Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar 202. Country Club Properties 202. Rent in Highlands CCP Vacation Rentals 207. Creative Concepts Salon

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WRIGHT SQUARE on MAIN (Factoid: Named after Whiteside hero) 113. Edward Jones 117. Country Club Properties

ON THE HILL 303. Mirror Lake Antiques 310. McCulley’s 311. Martha Anne’s on the Hill 312. The Ugly Dog Public House 313. Old Edwards Inn 318. Peggy Crosby Center: - The Kitchen Carry Away & Catering 319. Lakeside Restaurant

SPRING VILLAGE

CAROLINA VILLAGE

NORTH END

403. Warth Construction 406. Brookings Fly Shop & Cashiers Village Outfitters

704. Creekside Village: - Bridge at Mill Creek 707. Yoga Highlands 709. The High Dive 709. Don Leon’s 710. Meritage Bistro 711. Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals

813. Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center 813. Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival

VILLAGE PARK 613. John Cleaveland Realty 616. Fressers Courtyard Cafe

OUT NC 106 ➡ Peak Experience ➡ Fire + Water ➡ Highlands Aerial Park ➡ Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center ➡ Pat Calderone Gallery ➡ West Realty

OUT 64 EAST ➡ Bobby Grace Putters ➡ Black Rock Granite ➡ Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services Meadows Mountain Realty ➡ WHLC ➡ Highlands Lawn & Garden ➡ Skyline Lodge/ Oak Steakhouse ➡ Highlands Rock Yard ➡ Center for Plastic Surgery ➡ Cullasaja Club ➡ Pat Allen Realty Group ➡ Roman’s Roofing

For a complete listing please visit our website, thelaurelmagazine.com.

Being added to our listing is easy!

Simply advertise with The Laurel.

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Visit Our Advertisers SLABTOWN

2. Zookeeper Bistro 6. Slab Town Pizza

NORTH 107

16. Stork’s - Wrap. Pack. Ship 19. The Look Boutique

THE SHOPS AT CASHIERS COMMONS 28. Cashiers Kitchen Co. 29. Bombshell Hair Boutique 33. Zoller Hardware

AT THE CROSSROADS 37. Landmark Realty Group

WEST 64

154. Cashiers Valley Smokehouse 155. Cashiers Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center 156. Creekside: - Silver Creek Real Estate Group 173. Betsy Paul Properties 175. Srebalus Construction 176. Lenz Gifts

VISIT NORTON

➡ GlenCove ➡ Town and Country General Store

DOWN 107 SOUTH ➡ Silver Run Reserve

CHESTNUT SQUARE 43. A Jones Company 47. Lehotsky & Sons, Builders 55. Cashiers Valley Fusion

EAST 64

64. Alexander Gardens: - Victoria’s Closet - Victoria’s Closet Shoes & Purses - Vic’s for Men 75. Carolina Rustic Furniture 76. Blue Ridge Bedding 79. Jennings Builders Supply

VILLAGE WALK

80. A-List Antiques 80. Josephine’s Emporium 89. Nearly New Furniture Consignment 99. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Meadows Mountain Realty

SOUTH 107

102. TJ Bailey’s for Men 103. Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming 104. Brookings Fly Shop & Cashiers Village Outfitters 108. Landmark Realty Group 109. Ugly Dog Public House 110. McCulley’s 111. Rusticks Antiques 112. Vivianne Metzger Antiques 127. Laura Moser Art 127. Merrell Thompson Photography 128. Mountainworks Custom Home Design LTD. 136. McKee Properties 137. Bounds Cave Rug Gallery

OUT 64 WEST

THE VILLAGE GREEN

➡ Imperial Security

142.Village Green Commons 143. The Village Green

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➡ Cedar Creek Club

VISIT CULLOWHEE ➡ Four Seasons Landscape

VISIT LAKE TOXAWAY ➡ The Greystone Inn

VISIT SAPPHIRE :

➡ Black Bear Lodge ➡ Canyon Spa at Lonesome Valley ➡ Canyon Kitchen at Lonesome Valley ➡ Sapphire Valley Real Estate

VISIT SYLVA :

, s r e i h s a C arolina C th r o N For a complete listing please visit our website, thelaurelmagazine.com.

Being added to our listing is easy!

Simply advertise with The Laurel.

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H ISTORY

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HISTORY Pages 104-107

H ISTORY

Last Living

Confederate Soldier

Elber t Watson ser ved his community throughout his nearly 100 years.

For more information about his life and the other big personalities that shaped southern Jackson County, visit GlenvilleCashiersHistor y.com.

E

lbert Frank Watson Sr. of Glenville had lived to be 99 years, seven months and two days old when he passed away on October 4, 1942.

The death of the almost centenarian was announced in several local newspapers. He was honored by a long article about being the last-living Confederate Civil War veteran in Jackson County. This was true – however, the article failed to mention the many other community-minded services he performed and positions he held during his long life.

Elbert was born in 1843 to John Hickey Watson and Lucinda Moss Watson in the upper Tuckasegee River Valley community known as Hamburg.

Today, this original village is gone. It’s under the waters of Lake Glenville.

Elbert’s father opened up the first post office for Hamburg in 1856 when Elbert was 16. After just turning 18, he answered the call to enlist with the N.C. 25th Regiment of the Confederate Army, “along with one of his first cousins and one uncle.”

Elbert served as a private for three years, up to the time he was wounded in the left arm at Petersburg, Virginia, on July 30, 1864, during the deadly Battle of The Crater, when the Union Army dug out an old mine shaft to plant dynamite under the Rebel camping grounds, blowing the Rebel soldiers up into the air and leaving a huge crater. Elbert Watson came home on furlough to Hamburg to recuperate. He was still at home when the war ended the following spring.

In 1866, when Elbert was 23, he married a gal from South Carolina, Martha Alexander, who was 21. Like most everyone else, he was farming for a living and raising five children in the Hamburg village. Elbert became a trustee of the first Hamburg Baptist Church.

When the new county high school was to be built in 1891 in Hamburg, Elbert was a trustee for that school. He was a member of a progressive group of citizens who wanted to incorporate the little village into a town. They were successful in getting it done in the N.C. Legislature in 1891. As stated in the Act, Hamburg was to become known as the Town of Glenville and Elbert was designated as its interim Mayor. There was much local resistance to the action and

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no further elections for officers took place.

At 50, Elbert Watson settled down to being a postmaster for Glenville in 1893, just as his father had been. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace for the community, serving for 33 years.

A well-regarded Democrat, Elbert Watson was elected in a countywide election as a County Commissioner. He served from 1896 to 1898, at a time when horse and wagon were his only means of travel to the county seat of Webster. With no election districts in those years, it had been 24 years since someone from the upper end of the county had been elected as a county commissioner, which demonstrates he was well-known throughout the county.

In their seventies when their children were grown and had families of their own, Elbert and Martha moved up the mountain chain to Burnsville to live with their son, John Alexander Watson, and his family.

During their stay there, Martha passed away in 1917. Elbert stayed in his son’s household until the summer of 1920, when he decided to move back home to Glenville.

In Glenville, he started a new life by marrying the daughter of his good friend, Bennett Jasper Moody. Sarah Sallie Moody had never married and was 42 at the time when Elbert was 77.

In the last two years of his life, Elbert experienced a forced upheaval of his home place, and witnessed his other villagers experiencing the same. They saw their village disappear during the construction of a dam to create Lake Glenville. Elbert died just after the valley basin that was the old Glenville village filled with water for the first time.

Life as he knew it had ended.

by Carol M. Bryson, Author and Historian

Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about area history

H ISTORY

Thomas G. Harbison

P

Professor Harbison recognized the precious nature of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, a par ticular genius that resonates with Ear th Day 2021.

rofessor Thomas G. Harbison is one of Highlands’ finest. He was a no-nonsense botanist/teacher/researcher genius in the late 1800s through early 1900s. He rubbed shoulders and shovels with the big guys, among them George Vanderbilt, who hired him as botanical collector for the Biltmore Herbarium.

Harvard University contracted his service for 18 years as researcher for Southern trees and shrubs. Many botanical discoveries he made while collecting material for Charles Sargent’s Manual of Trees of North America now bear his name.

He felt a kinship, if not protective ownership, with his Southern forests and finds. He was determined to identify all the flora of the Highlands plateau.

For tourists and explorers who didn’t value the beauty and importance of its trees, shrubs, and wildflowers he had this to say, “I believe in keeping hogs from the woods.” He said it with a twinkle in his eye, but my guess he was capable of kicking butt and taking names.

And, if you doubt me, read this Harbison quote, noted right after the Highlands Improvement Society purchased the top of Satulah as a gift to all. Harbison took genuine pride in its purchase as he said, “(Satulah) is ours, ours to keep forever.

No money-grubbing skinflint without any soul can ever acquire this top and then put up a tollgate to charge admission to what he the same as stole from God. I mean just what I say. No man has a right or can acquire a right to charge his fellow man a toll to visit the top of God’s mountains.”

The takeaway from that statement is don’t mess with God … furthermore, don’t mess with Thomas G. Harbison.

To dig deeper into Harbison’s colorful past, refer to Ran Shaffner’s Heart of the Blue Ridge. Visit highlandshistory.com or email hhs@ highlandshistory.com.

Photograph of Satulah Mountain in 1910 by Henry Scadin, courtesy of the Highlands Historical Society.

by Donna Rhodes

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H ISTORY

Catch a

Cashiers’ Cache The Cashiers Historical Society has the per fect activity for those seeking their Inner Indiana Jones and their Hidden Dora the Explorer.

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H ISTORY

T

he Zachary-Tolbert House and Grounds, located at 1940 Highway 107 South in Cashiers, and home to the Cashiers Historical Society, is always a welcoming place to stop and smell the roses.

They offer many opportunities for residents to become involved in their mission and enjoy their little slice of heaven. Never an organization to rest on its laurels, activities are always being planned.

Our continuing pandemic has resulted in many of us looking for outside activities to enjoy with our friends and families.

Geocaching has long been popular but more so these days as we’ve headed more often to the great outdoors. There are hundreds of geocaching sights in our area and two of them happen to be on the grounds of the Zachary-Tolbert house, one is School Days, the other is Old Home Place.

What is geocaching, you ask? It’s basically a high tech hunt for buried treasure for GPS users, which is enjoyed by people of all ages worldwide. Who doesn’t love bringing out a bit of their Inner Pirate in search of hidden treasures?

Those hoping to participate log into the official website, geocaching.com, enter a zip code and cache coordinates and the search is on. The website provides all the information needed to get started and the Cashiers Historical Society provides a great place to begin your hunt, right in your own backyard.

A typical cache usually contains a log book (don’t forget to bring a pen) where visitors sign in and a hodgepodge of trinkets. It is typical to take a treasure and leave a treasure. This activity is fun for the entire family and visitors often remark that it’s a fun place to find buried treasure, all while discovering a bit of local history. The trails and grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk so make plans now to embark on an adventure.

by Mary Jane McCall

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H ISTORY

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H ISTORY

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H ISTORY

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LIFESTYLES & WELLNESS Pages 112-122

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

us and

the snow

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It took a snowstorm to reveal what had been obvious from the star t – Donna Woods and Mar ty Rosenf ield were meant to f ind one another.

t didn’t begin as other love stories sometimes do, with an immediate or all-consuming infatuation.

The year is 1981 and Marty Rosenfield and Donna Woods are working a large business event at the Apparel Mart in Atlanta, where Marty is in charge of beverages and Donna sells special events.

If initially Marty appeared haughty and off-putting to Donna, perhaps it was due to the strains of reckoning with his new role in Corporate America after years spent working in the private sector.

In any case, the two rubbed each other the wrong way.

But as any student of foreshadowing will tell you, such early hesitancy could only end in bliss.

Ultimately, Donna moved past her initial impression, and it was not long before that opinion gave way to that of a man who was funny,

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generous, charming, hard working and worth getting to know.

As to Marty, he had already fallen for Donna’s smile, beauty, and brains.

They weren’t much more than friends when a blizzard whipped into Atlanta a few months later. The outlook was dire, and stranded by the fast falling snow, Marty made the decision to stay at Donna’s apartment.

I know not why snowstorms seem to be recurring themes in love stories, but so it clearly was with Donna and Marty.

That evening, heading out to meet friends, walking miles down a deserted Courtland Avenue, with the snow crunching beneath their boots and snow grazing their faces, they realized that “this was it.”

Now, speaking years later, they recount the same sensation and

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Donna Woods and Marty Rosenfield

repeat the same phrase, “It was a most magical evening!”

And so they became a couple.

The next year they bought their first house. By then they were working at the much beloved Cloudt’s – a store and catering operation that, having seen better times, was now nearing bankruptcy.

Donna and Marty spent the next five years helping to resurrect the business, restoring it to its former status as the city’s premier caterer.

But when their bid to purchase the business did not prevail, they determined to buy their own restaurant. After seeking operations from the West coast of Florida, to Social Circle, Georgia, a friend suggested they investigate Highlands. And so they did, purchasing Lakeside Restaurant in 1990.

They echo that this decision gave them some of the best years of their lives. The seasonal operation allowed them to travel five months a year while the restaurant was cyclically shuttered.

Since selling Lakeside in 2014 to their then-manager, Laura

Marty and Donna, 1991

Huerta, the shared commitment to community service that began upon their arrival in Highlands has only grown stronger.

Until recently, Marty spent five years directing the Highlands Foods Pantry, fearlessly working through the first year of the Pandemic despite being diabetic, and for more than 20 years he and Donna have spent Christmas working at the annual Highlands Christmas Day Dinner.

The love affair that began 40 years ago remains strong. Perhaps it is, as Donna observes, “Because we are so different in so many ways, we’re more open to discussion, able to really talk things out, to look at the other person’s point of view. And, Marty is very giving and loving.”

Or maybe it’s as Marty says, “Donna sits to the left hand of God, never speaking a harsh word of anyone.” To this day he still regularly sends her roses.

by Marlene Osteen

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LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

A Resiliency Operation

An ambitious program to help you and your neighbors cope with the ongoing stresses of 2021 is being offered on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. To learn more and to par ticipate, email Davis@warriorsur vival.org.

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project to help veterans and emergency responders cope with the stresses of their lives through compassionate peer care has expanded its mission to reach those in need on the Plateau.

Davis Picklesimer, a member of Highlands Fire & Rescue and Western NC Peer Support; and his brother-in-law, Justin Kingsland, a British Army Special Forces veteran and the owner/ operator of Highland Excursions, combined their skills and their understanding of the needs of those who routinely operate in high-stress, life-or-death situations, and created Warrior Survivor School in 2013.

“First-responders and veterans share many of the same mental stressors from what they have to deal with, and potentially bring those challenges home with them or even surface in retirement,” says Picklesimer. “We teach positive techniques to help them identify and manage those stresses, and also how to help others who are going through the same things.”

The arrival of Covid-19 in Highlands and Cashiers brought many of those same anxieties and stressors to the civilians here who are trying to navigate this dangerous time.

“So many of us are facing isolation from our neighbors and loved ones, the disruption of our daily routines, hypersensitivity, and the steady fear of contracting Covid is with everyone on a daily basis – it can show up with increased anxiety, panic attacks over empty shelves in the grocery store, even the anger over politics that we’re seeing,” says Picklesimer.

Collaborating with local Counselors, Tracy Franklin shared, “People don’t always need trained counselors 24/7. Sometimes, people just need a friend to speak with that understands their plight and can relate.”

The realization that their neighbors are facing the same levels of ongoing stresses that they’d been training veterans to deal with galvanized Picklesimer and Kingsland and prompted them to seek funding from the Highlands-Cashiers Health Foundation, The Wade Hampton Donor Fund, and the Western North Carolina Bridge Foundation to offer their unique educational

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS resources to the general public.

“We want to make sure that this knowledge and these skills are available to anyone who’d like to embrace these coping techniques for themselves and for the benefit of others in their community,” Picklesimer says.

Operation Resiliency is being offered through Zoom Sessions to begin with and a trio of options for the public.

First, General Awareness will offer one day of training to help participants identify the psychological challenges presented by life or in 2021 and ways to cope with them.

This introductory course will be followed by Peer Support, two days of training which will dive deeper into coping strategies, with lessons on how to help those in danger of being overwhelmed by their circumstances.

“It’s a matter of recognizing the needs of friends, family or co-workers and knowing how to offer practical help,” says Picklesimer.

The third phase is Invitation, with our community offering its support for individuals and groups with special needs through recovery retreats.

“When you look at our history, Highlands has always offered physical and mental health care to people from across America – we’d like to organize and promote that tradition,” Picklesimer says.

If you’d like to learn more about Operation Resiliency and how you can play a part, contact Picklesimer at Davis@warriorsurvival.org.

Davis Picklesimer

by Luke Osteen

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LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Time for some financial spring cleaning

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W

e’ve just experienced the vernal equinox – one of the two times in the year when the sun is exactly above the equator.

Apart from this astronomical anomaly, though, the equinox is mostly known as the beginning of spring – a fresh beginning and the time to spruce things up. This year, as you tidy up your home and surroundings, why not also consider some financial spring cleaning?

Here are a few ideas for getting your financial house in order: “De-clutter” your portfolio Over the years, many of us tend to pick up duplicate items that find their way into the nooks and crannies of our homes, gathering dust and remaining unused. Over time, your investment portfolio can also accumulate redundancies – that is, you might own several investments that are essentially similar. It might be appropriate to replace some of these and broaden your holdings.

Own your investments purposefully You own certain things for certain reasons – a broom to sweep the floors, a microwave to heat the food and so on. As an investor, you should be following a goal-based strategy that includes the matching of certain investments with certain objectives.

For example, you might own stocks or mutual funds to eventually provide the capital appreciation potential you’ll need to retire comfortably. But you might also own other vehicles, such as bonds or other fixed-income investments, to provide you with a source of regular income.

“Dust off” your investment strategy Over a long winter, your windows can get dirty and grimy, so, when spring arrives, you may want to get out the glass cleaner – and when you’re done, you’ll be able to see out more clearly.

Over time, your investment strategy may get somewhat “dusty,” too, especially if you’ve experienced significant changes in your life, such as a new job, a new child or even a new plan

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS for retirement. By periodically reviewing your investment strategy, you’ll be able to clarify your vision for the future.

Protect yourself from hidden dangers If you poke around your garage, shed or other storage area, you may well find some objects – gardening tools, paint thinners and engine fluids, leaning ladders and so on – that could be dangerous, either because they aren’t stored properly or they’re hard to see and can cause trips and falls.

As part of your spring cleaning, you’d want to get these objects out of harm’s way to safeguard yourself and your family. But when you think of your financial situation, are you also exposing yourself and your loved ones to risk? If something were to happen to you, could your family members stay in their home? Could your children still go to college? To help keep their lifestyle intact if you weren’t around, you’ll need adequate life insurance.

And to avoid burdening your grown children with potentially huge expenses should you ever need some type of long-term care, such as an extended nursing home stay, you may want to talk to a financial advisor about protection strategies.

By taking some spring cleaning measures, you can brighten your living space for the seasons ahead. And by applying some of the same principles to your financial environment, you can help improve the prospects for meeting your important goals.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Mary Beth Brody

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LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Curious About

Core?

A holistic approach to healing back pain and core strength through yoga and bodywork.

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LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Ashby Underwood-Garner

D

o you know when your back has been hurting for months, or even years, and the X-ray or MRI can’t find the cause? You or someone you know may have experienced that frustration. If you’ve ever had back pain of any kind, it can keep you from feeling at peace and doing the things you love. According to Harvard Medical School, “80% of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives”, which is four out of every five people.

Often chronic back pain can interrupt both sleep and vitality for day to day activities. The psychology of low grade back pain is even more limiting in wondering if it will ever end. Your posture affects your mood. Whether a gripping injury of a herniated disc or chronic aching and stiffness, back pain absolutely can be helped with the right support.

Enter the phrase,”I should strengthen my core”.

We hear this. We say this. But what is the core really? We pat our bellies and think of tightening our middle. An orthopedic surgeon can prescribe physical therapy. But often for long lasting, painfree balance there is a combination of exercises that must align with the client’s unique somatic

or felt-sense experience. We cannot fully address back pain just by working on the back. This is good news if you have been suffering and haven’t yet found an answer.

Adults and children alike are experiencing distress due to poor postural habits when using phones or tablets. Disconnected with the sensations in the body when we “plug in”, we do not live in a well designed society to support a strong back.

There is resilient movement in the spine that accompanies a breathing pattern. This can be employed as your inner-massage therapist. When we work to heal the spine and supporting musculature we also need to look within, below, and above in the spine. When it comes to core, we need to feel, not think. We need to breathe, as well as strengthen.

by Ashby Underwood-Garner, Yoga Highlands

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LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

HBOT is HOT!

Oxygen is the sweet, sweet tonic for a host of ailments, especially those that have come to the forefront through Covid-19.

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Dr. Sue Aery

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

L

et’s look at your health: Do you have any pain? Inflammation?

Joint arthritis? Difficulty doing things that you used to do easily? Having any balance problems? Any difficulty with your breathing and endurance?

Take a good look at your own health and you might see it reflected in others who also may not be up to their “normal” selves. This past year has brought an intense burden to our lungs and heart health as well as our overall wellness.

Taking in less oxygen on a regular basis can be costly to our health and we can do something about it!

How about lowering inflammation? Lessening pain? Improving breathing and heart function?

How do we do this? It’s called Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Therapy or HBOT, and we now have it at Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture.

I am so excited to bring another effective therapy into our office.

This is an opportunity to regain some of that health that may have been compromised, whether you’ve had Covid-19 or not.

Breathing is what carries oxygen to our entire body and all of our organs, including the brain. We need oxygen in order to function at our highest capacity. Hyperbaric therapy is a controlled dose of oxygen while you’re resting inside a chamber for 30-60 minutes.

HBOT has been around since 1662! The technology has been refined over the years and now it is easy and accessible.

Oxygen therapy has other benefits beyond helping the body perform, including slowing and even reversing the aging process, improved circulation and breathing, better brain function and focus, wound healing and organ function and ultimately improved health overall.

That’s exactly what we all need! Do yourself a favor and get that boost of oxygen soon.

To our Covid survivors, this is a great way to help restore your health and lung function. Take into consideration the effects of this virus, which can attack lung tissue. The antiviral effects of oxygen are huge and so helpful to bring you through the turmoil of fighting off the Coronavirus.

Now you can increase the healing that’s hopefully already happening and get yourself back to normal sooner!

Please continue to be mindful of the effects of Covid for yourself and others and take care of your own health!

Check out this link for the research on aging – aging-us.com/ article/202188/text

by Dr. Sue Aery Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture

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LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

All Hail

Melvin

I

Teaching, heck, any thing, becomes easier when you have someone like Melvin in your corner.

t was 1969.

I’d just turned 21. I stood wide-eyed, mouth agape in front of 50 whack-adoodle music appreciation students.

50 students? And that was just one class.

Most of them were LD (learning-disabled), EH (emotionally-handicapped), ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), or simply H-BAR (held-back and resentful).

These were the kids who were channeled into music, art, library, and janitorial/ lunchroom 101, because Administration didn’t know what to do with them.

Many of my students were children of migrant workers who picked early crops in Florida, then moved north, state-to-state as produce ripened. These kids might transfer schools 4-5 times/year. Just as they’d settle into a classroom, they, like the crops, would be rotated, uprooted, and farmed-out.

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a white junior/senior high were split and integrated. There were knifings and boycotts and protests.

I, barely out of Music School, was Bambi staring into a semi’s high-beams. The inmates had taken over the asylum.

And then along came my salvation, Melvin, every coach’s dream lineman. Melvin was a confident young African American parading in his favorite purple silk shirt. He was a good 6’4” in stocking feet.

“Would you like me to take care of this, Ms. Rhodes?” were the first words he ever said to me. I looked up … way up at him. While I was thinking about his offer, knowing it would be wrong to appoint a classroom bouncer, a giant, sloppy spit wad hit me, splatt, in the face.

Stage left, an EH student jumped up onto her desk, lifted her skirt, and asked, “You want to see my underpanties?” No, I am not making this up.

I was in a vise, logic pressing from one side, rules and regs, the other. But the underpanties thing sent me over the falls. “Yes, Melvin,” I replied with conviction. “Yes, I would.”

Melvin was a god. He swaggered over to the wad-spitter, towering over him, and without lifting a hand, wad-spitting alpha-boy flattened into a puddle of omega. Princess Underpanties puddled too, on her way to the counselor’s office.

Every day thereafter, if anybody lipped-off, Melvin would say, “Want me to handle that for you, Ms. Rhodes?”

I often wonder where Melvin wound up and whatever happened to his shirt. I hope he played pro-football … for a team that wore purple. If he could clear a field like he cleared my classroom, he was destined for the Hall of Fame.

by Donna Rhodes Illustration by Norma Jean Zahner

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

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GIVING BACK Pages 128-133

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David and Max, 2020

a life

well-lived

T

Sweet Max shared his gentle hear t with ever yone he encountered.

Our Plateau lost a bit of its joy with his depar ture.

his is the hardest topic I have ever had to write about. Because it’s the most difficult thing a pet owner ever has to endure – saying goodbye.

I said goodbye to Max this past February. After 11 glorious years of love and companionship, 10 of those years working together as a pet therapy team.

I rescued Max in a puppy mill raid south of Orlando in 2010. He was a three-year-old breeding male and was kept in horrific conditions.

From being confined in a small crate for weeks on end, he suffered burns on the underside of his body so severe that once he was rescued, he had to wear a cone around his neck for an entire month.

Max and I started the pet therapy program at the Gulf Coast Humane Society in Fort Myers and when we moved to the mountains of North Carolina in 2012, we started the pet therapy program here at CHHS as well.

Max was a natural. I often joked that I was simply his “chauffeur,” as he did all the work.

But it wasn’t work for Max – it was a labor of love.

Max made a positive difference in the lives of so many. Like “Sam from the Bronx,” a senior assisted-living resident in Fort Myers who famously never spoke to any staff or fellow residents. But every month he would talk to Max like they were lifelong friends.

And Stephen at Chestnut Hill who mentioned one day to me that he wished he could still take a dog for a walk. Max made that wish come true. With his leash attached to Stephen’s walker, they slowly

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traversed a long hallway step-by-step in unison together to the amazement of everyone. There wasn’t a dry eye to be found.

When Stephen passed in 2015, Max and I were asked to attend his memorial service together, and of course we did.

And there were no dry eyes that day, either.

Last summer, Max and I traveled to Atlanta for a re-evaluation test with Pet Partners.

It was shortly after his 13th birthday. We are one of approximately 10,000 Pet Partners therapy teams nationwide. I stumbled on a couple of parts in the test but Max, as always, aced every single thing he was asked to do.

The only question the evaluator asked was, “Are you sure you want to get re-certified as a team? I mean, Max is 13 years old and you know…”

I understood the sentiment behind the question.

But I was quick to answer: “Yes. It will mean the world to me. And it will mean the world to Max.” All cancer is horrible, but canine hemangiosarcoma of the spleen is especially insidious. It’s hard to detect, it arrives quickly and even more quickly spreads. We found Max’s cancer on a Tuesday. Max and I immediately began a “bucket list” of things to do together, including one last visit to our friends at Chestnut Hill that Thursday.

At 2:00 in the afternoon on Friday, Max was gone.

I could write an entire book about the lives Max has touched, the days he has brightened, and the spirits he has lifted. Perhaps

GI V I NG BAC K

30 Years of

Magic & Miracles

With all the joyous abandon of a horse galloping across a pasture just for the fun of it, Carpe Diem Farms celebrates 30 years of a unique bond between wonder ful equines and the people who love them.

I David and Max, 2010

someday I will.

But in this space so graciously given by The Laurel, I will just say this: Max spent a life well-lived. And I was honored and blessed to be his dad, his working partner and his best friend.

In addition to being a beloved member of my family, Max was the canine ambassador for our pet therapy program at the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society.

If you would like to make a donation in memory of Max and his legacy of a life well-lived, I would be forever grateful. Please send your charitable gift to: CHHS, P.O. Box 638, Cashiers, NC 28717 or you may donate online at our website, chhumanesociety.org.

I imagine no one in heaven is ever hurting or feels lonely, sad or depressed. But if anyone ever does, I know Max will be right there making their day a brighter one.

Established in 1987, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization located at 200 Gable Drive in Sapphire, one-and-a-half miles east of the Cashiers Ingles in between Cedar Creek Club and Lonesome Valley on Highway 64 East.

Our no-kill shelter is open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. by appointment. For more information, call (828) 743-5752.

by David Stroud, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society

t was August 15, 1997, that we closed on the property which would become Carpe Diem Farms.

Five years earlier, January 27, 1991 we received our 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS. It’s almost unbelievable to think that 30 years ago an idea, a vision, to empower individuals through life changes to see the opportunities and possibilities that abound and to create a place where we would explore the human potential through equines, had manifested.

Looking back, it never occurred to me that we would be one among the very first programs and retreat centers in the country providing equine experiential education to children and adults.

I had merely, through my own life circumstances and changes, decided to share what I had learned about the healing magic of horses from the age of three.

More than 4,000 have been to the farm, participated in a wide array of programs and have experienced the magic and miracle of the horse. Without saying a spoken word, they heal our spirits and bring peace to our souls. It’s hard to articulate all that I have witnessed and continue to see. Wounded and otherwise broken, or just confused or sad individuals have their spirits restored in the company of the horses.

What we do and how we conduct our activities and programs has morphed over the years.

More and more adults seem to show up.

Some want to remember their own youth and experiences with horses while others choose to overcome their fears suffered in their youth. It matters not what they are looking for, the right horse of the eight who remain in the herd choose them.

You can watch the transformation.

Many of our activities now include caring for the aging herd. Ranging in age from 12-33. I’ve been blessed over the years to have studied with many of the foremost veterinarians and equine practitioners. We are able to help many of the horses’ issues with PEMP (Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field Therapy), thermography, and state-of-the-art x-ray equipment. Having personal connections with experts in all fields, nutrition, body work, podiatry, lameness and more gives us an opportunity to provide the very best we can in our little mountain town. We give back to the herd while they do their work enhancing lives.

We welcome visitors and always encourage volunteers.

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Service

Above Self

The Plateau’s Rotar y Clubs’ inviolate principles of Ser vice ex tend to those in their communities and those around the globe.

Malice Grant, The Rotary Club of Cashiers

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R

otary Clubs all across America make a significant impact in communities. The goal of Rotary International, of which local Rotaries are a part, is “to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian service and to advance goodwill and peace around the world.”

Closer to home, The Rotary Club of Highlands, Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley, and Mountaintop Rotary look for ways to be good neighbors.

Sherry Holt, 2019-20 president of The Rotary Club of Highlands, said, “If someone has an illness that requires a number of appointments, our club will help with organization of transportation.

We also have a fuel fund for people that might be having a difficult time (lost job, sickness, etc.) One of our passions is Highlands School, and we have been excited to assist AHEC (Advance Highlands Education Committee) in getting the [Highlands] school equipped with up to date technology.”

Together with Mountaintop Rotary, The Rotary Club of Highlands also provides dental education and screening to younger school-age children. Plus, all three clubs are stepping in to provide a Covid-19 vaccination initiative, which informs and educates about the vaccine and works to make sure people in the community have access to it.

Robin Austin, of Mountaintop Rotary, shared additional ways members assist in the community, including volunteerism and

fundraising efforts for local food banks and the Community Care Clinic; cutting felled or toppled trees into firewood for those who heat with wood; providing grocery cards to needy individuals; donating coats; and much more.

Offered Malice Grant, “In addition to lending its support to the Covid-19 vaccine initiative, The Rotary Club of Cashiers continues to focus its work on those projects that have the greatest impact in our community during acute times of need. Our members manage and deliver Meals on Wheels in the county, collect and distribute warm clothing throughout the winter months, and contribute monetarily to area non-profits and students through our grants and scholarships.

We also recently conducted an Employee Appreciation program that recognized the Cashiers-based Ingles employees for their effort and support throughout the pandemic.”

Overall, said Austin, “Area Rotarians have donated hundreds of hours to the vaccine initiative and are touching the lives of plateau residents in many ways, every day. Rotary is all about ‘Service Above Self.’”

by Deena Bouknight

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Rewards of

Tutoring

A tutoring relationship is an astonishing blessing for both par ties. To explore the richness of a relationship with a deser ving student, call (828) 526-0863 or visit maconncliteracy.org.

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T

he Literacy & Learning Center provides an invaluable and unique learning experience designed to help students strengthen their understanding of the material they may have otherwise missed in class.

Tutors can give children one-on-one attention and meet the child where they are in their learning journey. Lessons and activities can be customized to target specific difficulties the child may be having.

Virginia Noland, who volunteers her time to tutor one of the students in The Literacy & Learning Center, says, “(My student) is a bright, spirited youngster who loves nature and cars. We have been able to find subjects that matched his level and yet gave us food for conversation. During the year, we have progressed to short stories that he reads almost entirely on his own. Getting to know him through this process has definitely been the most rewarding aspect.

Nowadays, we surround the story or article with a matter of mutual interest. I think we have stretched each other’s horizons.”

Tutoring also allows children to develop their own methods for independent study, which is a skill that will help them for the rest of their life. Learning in a one-on-one setting can improve a child’s self-confidence.

For example, some children may not feel comfortable asking questions in a classroom setting. But, when given the opportunity to ask questions in a tutoring session, the child will learn to become a better communicator because they will have developed confidence in

their understanding of the material. School can be hard for students, especially those who are falling behind.

Acting as a supplement to their education, tutoring boosts a child’s confidence in themselves, making learning fun again. Noland admits she was initially worried about not being qualified or having enough time to commit to a student.

However, because TL&LC does all individual tutoring remotely, Noland says, “Suddenly I realized those objections needn’t apply. I wasn’t required to have specific literacy teaching skills, though I am inspired now to learn some. I was able to return to my home in Louisiana without changing our routine of two weekly meetings of one hour each. Perfect!”

If you’re considering becoming an individual tutor for The Literacy & Learning Center, Noland highly recommends it.

She says, “I energetically urge anyone who has shared my hesitations to get in touch with TL&LC. There is little to fear and so much to gain. Hearing (the student) say he enjoys reading is the goal, and it happens more often as the months pass. I’m confident that he will soon be able to say, ‘I’ll take it from here.’”

Sign up to become a tutor for The Literacy & Learning Center by calling (828) 526-0863 or visit maconncliteracy.org.

by Jenni M. Edwards, The Literacy Council

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navigating a

sea of challenges

From Left: Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce President Glenn Ubertino, Secretary Stephanie Edwards, Past President Mary Lanning and Treasurer Ashton Harris.

Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce’s new slate of directors aims to navigate the challenges and possibilities of 2021.

N

ew directors and officers of the Cashiers Area Chamber were recently celebrated in a virtual annual meeting. The event was the first of its kind, necessitated by the Covid-19 protocols for social distancing. Despite the challenges of a digital connection, the group included both incoming and retiring directors, chamber business members and staff.

Outgoing President Mary Lanning of Hampton Inn & Suites Cashiers/Sapphire inducted incoming President Glenn Ubertino of Zoller Hardware, wishing him well in his newest leadership role.

Other 2021 officers include President-Elect Ben Harris of Harris Custom Builders and Silver Run Reserve, and Treasurer Ashton Harris of The County Club of Sapphire Valley. Chamber executive director Stephanie Edwards serves as Board Secretary.

Daniel Fletcher of Hotel Cashiers, was appointed Vice President/ Jackson County Tourism Development Authority liaison by President Ubertino. Returning directors are Malice Grant of Sounds Essential, President of Cashiers Area Legacy Fund; Lec Hobbs of Highland Hiker, Sarah Jennings of Lonesome Valley, Brandy Letson of Cashiers Valley Pharmacy, Wendy Lupas of Gracewear, and Dr. Don Tomas of Southwestern Community College.

Following the ceremony, President Ubertino recognized Ms. Lanning’s long-standing and committed service to the Chamber and presented her a dining gift card as a gesture of the Board’s sincere

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President-Elect Ben Harris

appreciation. This year, she will remain on the Board as Past-President.

The 2021 officers and directors slate was previously recommended to the full membership after consideration of candidates’ business industry, location, length of residence, availability, and other civic involvement. The Nominations Committee and current Board of Directors made special efforts to ensure commitment and diversity among the future leadership.

Directors help set priorities in support of the Chamber’s Core Purpose: -To provide extraordinary Leadership in the Cashiers Area as an Advocate for business, Information Source for the community and Conduit for building destination awareness and responsible growth.

They provide valuable strategic leadership for the organization’s programming, member services and benefits, and community and economic development initiatives.

“This is a dedicated and very talented group of volunteers who generously give their time and energy to ensure the success of the Chamber,” said Edwards. “My associate, Thomas Taulbee who serves as Manager/Jackson County Cashiers Visitor Center and Director of Member/Community Relations, and I look forward to supporting their efforts in the coming year.”

Visit CashiersAreaChamber.com for more information.

by Stephanie Edwards, Executive Director, Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce

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A Tip of 2 Hats to Highlands Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s new vision for restoring the community’s vitality can be summed up with a pair of imaginar y hats.

F

rom global to local to all points in-between, the world has gone through a radical transformation. Highlands Chamber board members are adopting new missions, visions, and values to better serve our region’s businesses, residents and visitors.

To better understand, think of the Chamber as wearing two hats, related, but with different goals… Hat # 1, Highlands Chamber of Commerce; Hat #2, Visit Highlands, N.C. Kaye McHan, the Chamber’s Executive Director, explains just how well two hats can be worn: “You might ask why we adopted two missions so let’s distinguish the difference in the two hats worn by the Chamber.

Our first hat, Highlands Chamber of Commerce, is a privately funded, member-based organization that provides a network of support for the business community and residents. Our second hat, Visit Highlands, NC, is for the work we do as Highlands Destination Marketing and Management Organization. DMO’s are funded by a dedicated tax paid only by guests in our hotels and its use is legislated by NC state law.

Thanks to visitor’s taxes, Visit Highlands, NC (that second hat) can provide our residents with Friday and Saturday night concerts May through October, July 4th Fireworks and Concert, Halloween on Main, the Christmas Parade, and the Park and Main Street trees’ Christmas Lights.

Visit Highlands also supports our local nonprofits through grants for the Performing Art Center, Motoring Festival, The Bascom, Highlands Cashiers Community Players, Highlands Playhouse, Mountaintop Art and Craft, Highlands Chamber Music, Center for Life Enrichment, Three River Fly Fishing Festival, Twilight 5 and 10K Run, and Highlands Historical Village to name a few.

Kaye closes, “All the funding and work we do for the community helps us reach our goal of keeping Highlands a great place to live!”

by Donna Rhodes

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Linking Tampa

& the Plateau

Tampa Bay Trust establishes a power ful, deeply personal f inancial network between the Plateau and Florida and the rest of the countr y.

138 A P R I L 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

T

he overriding focus of Hood Craddock’s profession is helping families. He’s a Cashiers neighbor, having lived for many years in Big Sheep Cliff as a seasonal resident, where his wife and children have enjoyed many springs, summers, and autumns in this beautiful area and now the kids are grown and on their own.

When Craddock is not enjoying his home in Cashiers, he is at the Tampa Bay Trust Company in Tampa, Florida, where he serves as Director of Family Office Services assisting individuals and business owners with complex financial situations, often involving multiple generations of family members. He’s a firm believer that doing business in person on the local level is most effective and leads to a successful long-term wealth management plan for his clients.

Why is this relevant to the Cashiers-Highlands area? The Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida markets have a closely-tied relationship with the Plateau.

“Thousands of residents in and around our corporate footprint have seasonal homes they enjoy in North Carolina, specifically in the Highlands-Cashiers region,” said Craddock, “so it made sense to establish an office here to accommodate them.”

Early last year, The Trust Company opened their new office in Cashiers and just recently relocated to a larger space.

“My colleagues and I enjoy the home feel of the new space, since it aligns with our culture and preference of building personal relationships with our visitors, unlike the ‘big box’ banking experience that has become so prevalent with some national firms,” said Craddock.

The local office serves as a space to talk with visitors and better understand their financial and estate planning needs. However, The Trust Company is not limited to serving Florida residents, and works with clients from around the U.S. He stresses that “We view our investments through a family office lens – evaluating all assets, not just liquid resources. We also understand that wealth is a long-term currency for both current and future generations.”

BUSI NESS The firm’s emphasis is on getting to know the family very well, working on its behalf and thinking broadly on a multigenerational level; the transition of wealth from one generation to the next.

Craddock is a Certified Public Accountant and his expertise spans family education and governance, wealth transfer, business succession and philanthropic giving – a result of some 40 years of experience serving clients with special assets.

He got his start at KPMG in Tampa – the prominent “Big Four” accounting firm, working there for 13 years as a tax partner.

From there, he went on to a family real estate and agriculture business in Polk County, Florida, serving as Chief Financial Officer and President.

After 20 years, he founded his own multi-family office-consulting firm “providing coordination and integration of all financial resources for high-net-worth families.”

In 2015 he merged his firm with the Tampa Bay Trust Company to accommodate his clients’ expanding needs for high level investment management and trust services.

The Cashiers office is open seasonally and by appointment at 268 Hwy 107 South in Cashiers and Hood Craddock can be reached at (863) 528-1194 or hcraddock@ tampabaytrustcompany.com The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company’s Fiduciary Services may only be provided from their offices in Florida. The Tampa Bay Trust Company and The Naples Trust Company are divisions of The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company of Sanibel, Florida.

Hood Craddock

by Marlene Osteen

139 A P R I L 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

BETH TOWNSEND Co-Owner / Broker LIZ HARRIS Co-Owner / Broker ANN MCKEE AUSTIN Co-Owner / Broker

COLEEN GOTTLOEB Broker-In-Charge SANDY BARROW Broker Associate JOHN BARROW Broker Associate / Rental Coordinator

WAYNE MONDAY Broker Associate PHILIP BRADLEY Broker Associate MAGGIE ELMER Broker Associate

JOANNE BRYSON Broker Associate CLAY CANTLER Broker Associate LOGAN CROCKER Broker Associate

KARA ADDY Marketing Director LYNDA HODGE Creative Director KARALINE SHOMAKER Marketing Coordinator

DEEP KNOWLEDGE. UNMATCHED E XPERIENCE. 140 A P R I L 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Creating theVision “

Our dogs are a complete part of our life. So, we wanted open fields and flat land for walking with them — and amazing views. Our agent was able to visualize this and make it happen, even when we couldn't see it.

We refer anyone we know to McKee Properties."

– MELANIE & PETER B.

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM 141 A P R I L 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Yellow Mountain Preserve 205.04 ACRES — This is the area’s finest estate opportunity, minutes from Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club and Old Edwards Club, and centrally located between Cashiers and Highlands, North Carolina. Yellow Mountain Preserve boasts the highest elevation on the Cashiers-Highlands Plateau, at 5,100 feet, and is a true legacy property. The 205.04-acre estate has roads and utilities in place for a low-density development or can be enjoyed as a single-family or shared-family estate. Elevation reaches 5,127 feet, offering unique high-elevation vegetation and the finest, grandest views in the area. The estate adjoins 12,000 acres of the Nantahala National Forest, offering unlimited trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. A 26-acre gentleman’s farm site sits at

OFFERED FOR $8,450,000

4,600 feet and provides a peaceful 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. At the summit, the Yellow Mountain fire tower rests near the boundary of the National Forest. The stunning panoramic views from there include Cashiers Valley, Whiteside Mountain, Lake Glenville and Sapphire Valley. Mountain laurel, blueberries and other heaths grow on the open bald of the summit, making it a truly special place. All of the views and natural surroundings, combined with electronic access through a stoned entry, a paved road, high-speed internet access and full cell phone coverage, makes Yellow Mountain Preserve an exceptional and unique piece of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Yellow Mountain Preserve is beautiful...by nature.

MLS 95168

619 HWY 107 S 142 A P R I L 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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CASHIERS, NC 28717

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

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828.743.3411

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

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LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

143 A P R I L 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Wade Hampton Golf Club 4 BR / 4.5 BA — Located at a high point on approximately 3.5 acres in Wade Hampton Golf Club, a McKee Development, this home offers privacy and fabulous mountain views. Designed by the area’s top home and interior designers, this is essentially a brand new home offered with an exceptional furniture package. The spacious great room - with its vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling dry stacked stone masonry fireplace and walls of windows - is cozy, yet expansive. It flows beautifully onto the screened porch overlooking gorgeous, pristine views of the mountains in nearby National Forest. The large porch features a wall of doors that open completely, creating an exceptional entertaining space with the living room.

OFFERED FOR $3,500,000

It features vaulted ceilings, a stacked stone fireplace, and clear roll-downs that make the porch another “indoor” living space. The elegant kitchen and dining area is beautiful, with appointments fit for a chef and style fit for a designer. A beautiful master bedroom and second bedroom, along with a cozy den/library, offer plenty of main-level living space. Two guest suites upstairs offer vaulted ceilings and stunning floor-to-ceiling steel and glass windows. A two-car carport, complete with storage, and lovely perennial, low-maintenance landscaping complete this perfect home package. This home is a special beauty! MLS 95525

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CASHIERS, NC 28717

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

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828.743.3411

Little Ellijay Farm 4 BR / 4 BA — This beautiful 100-acre farm in the Cashiers/Glenville area beside the Snowbird Community is full of charm. It features gorgeous views, rolling land, a main house, a guest house, an art studio, a large functioning barn, gardens, a chicken coop, fruit trees, fenced pasture land,

OFFERED FOR $2,995,000 fresh water ponds, springs and creeks throughout! Contact the listing agent today for a tour of this beautiful mountain farm. MLS 95528

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

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LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

145 A P R I L 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Wade Hampton Golf Club 5 BR / 5.5 BA — This is a charming, classic mountain home located in the highly sought-after community of the Wade Hampton Golf Club, a McKee Development just five minutes from Cashiers. The home has gorgeous, sweeping, long-range views year round and is located on a spacious 1.42 acre homesite. The exterior features beautiful stacked stone, cedar shingles and gentle, nearly-level topography. The interior boasts a stunning semi-open floor plan with great entertaining flow through the large great room, kitchen, screened porch and dining room.

The great room offers gorgeous, pristine views to the east of the mountains

OFFERED FOR $2,695,000

in nearby National Forest, soaring ceilings and a beautiful masonry stone fireplace. The spacious master suite also offers great views, a beautiful stone fireplace and an adjoining office/den. Additional accommodations include a guest suite on the main level with views and a private deck, and three additional, large guest suites upstairs, all featuring beautiful vaulted and peaked rooflines. The large kitchen, located just off the great room, is perfect for a chef’s finest cooking and for family fun cooking and gathering.

It offers stacked stone surrounding the range, a large island, lovely vaulted ceilings and plenty of pantry storage. MLS 95742

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CASHIERS, NC 28717

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

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828.743.3411

Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club 4 BR / 4.5 BA — This lovely, four-bedroom cabin in Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club offers great mountain views and is within easy walking distance of the clubhouse and amenities! Tucked in the cabin and lodge area of the club, this home offers many conveniences and great neighbors.

Current finishes provide a “ready to go” opportunity without the need for remodeling or building. The spacious living room features beam accents and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. It adjoins a lovely dining area and

OFFERED FOR $2,595,000

opens to the deck with a stone fireplace, seating and dining space, and mountain views. The kitchen, located just off the dining room and living room areas, provides plenty of workspace, a Wolf range/oven, great appliances, a center island and easy access to a side entrance, laundry room, pantry and office area. The master suite is located conveniently on the main level, and three spacious guest suites are located on the upper level. This is a fantastic and rare opportunity in Mountaintop! MLS 95388

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

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LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

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Trillium Links 3 BR / 3.5 BA — This early 2000s home has been remodeled and updated to give it the 2021 appeal that a move-in-ready buyer is looking for! It is nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac within Trillium, with winter views of manicured horse pastures and the sounds of a yearround stream running through the community park space below the property. The beautiful covered back porch with a wood burning fireplace allows you to enjoy the quiet nature surrounding the home, while the open floor plan of its interior — with a master on the main level and spacious guest bedrooms and bonus family room on the lower level — give you the sought-after modern floor plan. The community walking trails connect to the private trail going down the back of the property, and you can freely

OFFERED FOR $799,000 enjoy the community common park/picnic area as well as the extensive walking/hiking trail system throughout the community. You can choose to partake in all the Trillium Links and Lake Club has to offer by purchasing a membership which then adds access to the lake pavilion, main club house, golf course, tennis and croquet courts, dining experiences, fitness center, pool and an all around social-oriented club. This home is perfect for those wanting a move-in ready home in order to maximize enjoyment of the upcoming 2021 season and the many more to come. It is also minutes from other clubs, including Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club and Old Edwards Club, while still only being 10 minutes from Cashiers, making it a highly desirable location. Furnishings are negotiable. MLS 95732

UNDER CONTRACT

619 HWY 107 S 148 A P R I L 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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CASHIERS, NC 28717

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

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828.743.3411

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB

Lots & Land LOT

ACRES

DESCRIPTION

N/A

7.00

Commercial development in center of town

93464

CASHIERS

$1,050,000

N-1

0.69

Overlooks the 8th fairway

94033

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB

$ 359,000

B-6

0.51

Near level near the Clubhouse

93159

CHATTOOGA CLUB

$ 325,000

N-55

0.81

Gently rolling with winter golf course views

95803

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB

$ 160,000

E-26

0.72

Gently rolling near the Clubhouse

94722

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB

$ 125,000

CASHIERS IN-TOWN / MLS 93464

MLS

SUBDIVISION

PRICE

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB / MLS 94722

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

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LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

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Between two North Carolina mountain ridges lies an expansive grassy meadow. Silver Run Creek winds along the middle, sparkling in the sunshine. This is Silver Run Reserve.

A community that more than surrounds you with peace and beauty, it fills you up. Here you are free to roam and run… to hike and play… to seize the day and savor the moment.

Here at Silver Run Reserve, you’re free to be.

EXPERIENCE C ASUAL MOUNTAIN LUXURY

828.342.3194

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150 A P R I L 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

SilverRunReserve.com

151 A P R I L 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

A private, low-density mountain community, located five minutes from Cashiers, NC on the prestigious 107 South corridor.

With five distinct residential offerings, including homes and estate homesites, Silver Run Reserve features curated and natural amenities for indoor and outdoor fun and wellness.

LIVE WELL. RUN FREE.

152 A P R I L 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

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| OWNER / BROKER LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

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H HO OW W TT O O N NA AV V II G GA A TT E E AA H HO O TT H HO OU U SS II N NG G M M AA R R KK EE TT

SELLING? HIGHEST OFFERS & SMOOTH CLOSINGS First impressions are everything, and exceptional marketing is vital to generate buyer interest from the beginning, resulting in competing offers and a higher selling price. Technology such as 3D virtual tours that allows potential buyers to view the home remotely is absolutely essential for selling property in 2021.

BUYING? FIRST-ON-THE-MARKET AWARENESS With property inventory remaining low for the foreseeable future, choosing a communicative broker with excellent negotiation skills is more important than ever. Our brokers are always aware of what is available on the market.

NCT T A CUTS UTSO D TO C OC NO TA AD Y AY

CILVI IVNI N CO NN CL G .GC. O MM REAL ESTATE GROUP

CH A ISEHRI S E R8S2 88-2784-37-41 39 -9199 9 9| CAS

HN LA H| I GHHI G LA DN S D8S2 88-2582-65-2269-9299 9 9

INFO@NCLIVING.COM

154 A P R I L 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

*IN 2020 (YTD) FROM 1/1/2020 - 10/12/2020, ACCORDING TO HCBOR MLS.

OUR TEAM JOCHEN LUCKE

DAN ALLEN

PRESIDENT/BROKER

BROKER

BAMBI FAMOUS

PARKER ANDERSON

CHRIS DUFFY

RICK JACKSON

KEVIN KOACH

EDDY MCDONALD BROKER

CASSIE NEAL

BROKER

CHUCK SELF

MERRY SOELLNER

RAY TRINE

BROKER

BROKER

AMANDA BRYANT ASSISTANT/BROKER

BROKER

BROKER

MELISSA HAGGAR-JORDAN ASSISTANT/BROKER

BROKER

BROKER

BROKER

DARLENE OTT ASSISTANT

BROKER

LINDA PRIDGEN BROKER

ROB WHITNEY BROKER

RIVA SMITH

ASSISTANT/BROKER

155 A P R I L 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

S T ON E F LY offered at $6,500,000

CASHIERS

Just minutes from the shopping and fine dining of downtown Cashiers, Blue Bear Camp is the ultimate Adirondack-style mountain lodge. This prime property borders the Nantahala National Forest, ensuring privacy and abundant wildlife. Another world awaits in the dreamlike setting amid the wild Chattooga River, flowering landscaping, sparkling waterfall, and lush forest, all against the stunning backdrop of Whiteside Mountain and Devil's Courthouse. MLS# 91521.

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LAKE GLENVILLE offered offered at at $3,995,000 $3,995,000

CULLOWHEE

Located in the gated community of Glenshore, this private custom lakefront lodge sits on 3.73+/-acres. With a rare lake frontage of 480+/-feet, the lodge sits on the highest lake in elevation east of the Mississippi River, at 3,500 feet. Upon entering the home, the grand entrance of the main living room features cathedral wood ceilings and milled heart pine flooring.

The floor-to-ceiling windows display abundant natural light and splendid Lake Glenville views.

Other custom touches include milled local hemlock wood on the walls and pine log beams, some of which were sourced directly from the property. MLS# 95358.

157 CCAASSH HIIEERRSS: : 882288. .774433. .11999999 || H HIIG GH HLLAAN ND DSS: : 882288. .552266. .22999999 || N NCCLLAIIPVV IIN NG G. .CCO OM M R I L 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

FALCON RIDGE offered at $3,400,000

SAPPHIRE

Perched above 4,550 feet in elevation in the quiet and picturesque enclave of Falcon Ridge, Ghostwood Bear Manor offers panoramic long-range views of South Carolina lakes, Whiteside Mountain, and multiple mountain ranges that must be seen to be believed.

A gated entrance and impeccable landscaping with two dramatic water features, one of which starts in the center island and cascades to the lower level, provide a stunning first impression of this architectural masterpiece. Ghostwood siding, copper and cedar shake roofing, and custom mahogany garage doors add to the abundant curb appeal. MLS# 93884.

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UNDER CONTRACT

THE CHAT TOOGA CLUB $1,900,000 Offered for the first time, this warm and inviting home offers majestic views of Whiteside Mountain from every room. Entertaining family and friends is a joy in the beautiful great room with wet bar, formal dining space, gourmet kitchen with large center island and breakfast bar, and an expansive porch with its own cozy fireplace and hot tub. Perfect for casual entertaining and hosting guests, the spacious two-story floor plan features two bedrooms on the main floor with his and her bathrooms, while the lower level includes two bedrooms, two baths, a sitting room with fireplace, and another covered deck. MLS# 94548.

NEWLY LISTED

SALT ROCK ROAD $1,850,000 Escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the freedom to roam on this idyllic setting on over 44 acres, including fields of wildflowers, an apple orchard, pristine Little Pine Creek, and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located minutes from Lake Glenville, this enchanting estate property nestled in the scenic Salt Rock farming community includes a modern-antique log cabin, a charming guest cottage, a barn, a garden shed, and its very own tranquil pond. The guest cottage affords privacy and includes a full bathroom, kitchenette, laundry, bedroom, and its own porch that overlooks a serene garden area. Once you pass through the private, stone gated entry through the lower meadow, a barn, and enchanting pond await your arrival. MLS# 95844.

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UNDER CONTRACT

TARTAN GLENN FARMS $1,750,000 On 23 beautiful, unrestricted acres in Tartan Glenn Farms sits a true post and beam log home with chink siding, evoking fond memories of laughter, games, and sipping cocoa by the fire while spending holidays and vacations with family. Offering plenty of privacy and land to explore, this is the quintessential mountain getaway for now and generations to come. Past the gated stone entrance, a scenic meandering drive leads to paradise, with gorgeous long-range, layered mountain views, rolling pastures, and the relaxing sounds created by the water feature and falls that have been added, including three ponds. MLS# 95775.

119 + ACRES

HIGHWAY 107 NORTH $1,735,000 Located on 119.34 +/- acres with short and long-range mountain views, this custom home offers easy access throughout the seasons.

There is a smooth flow from the kitchen to the dining to the living room, which offers vaulted tongue-and-groove ceilings, a large stacked stone wood-burning fireplace, as well as a wood-burning stove to stay cozy on snowy days. The kitchen has been updated with granite countertops, two copper sinks, and a pot filler. MLS# 95370. 23.14 acres and home can be purchased for $1,250,000 (MLS# 95279).

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UNDER CONTRACT

ADMIR AL S POINT $1,650,000 This fantastic lakefront home is located on the east side but facing south on Lake Glenville, so you don't get an afternoon glare off the water. With a long southern view of the lake, the property sits on its own private cove with wooded buffers on either side. A short path takes you to a rock-walled lakefront area with a private dock. The home has large open decks, a screened porch, and a glassed porch facing the water. The primary bedroom and office are on the main floor, while two bedrooms and a second living area are downstairs. MLS# 94586.

BIG RIDGE $1,495,000 Created by acclaimed architectural designer Tim Greene, this beautiful home offers breathtaking views of the Great Balsam Mountains with layers that seem to go on forever. The spacious layout is perfect for hosting friends and family, with the master suite on the main level and three guest suites upstairs. The gourmet kitchen features custom cabinetry, an eat-in area, ample countertops for serving, and premium appliances including a six-burner gas range, dual wall ovens and a warming drawer. MLS# 93523.

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UNDER CONTRACT

CEDAR HILL $1,475,000 The high level of quality is evident in this home custom built by R. T. Ward, which enjoys views of Big Sheepcliff Mountain and is situated in the prestigious gated community of Cedar Hill, just minutes from both Cashiers and Sapphire. The main level features the primary bedroom and two guest suites, along with a private study and a second office area. The upper level of the home is designed for entertainment and wellbeing with a home theater, a game room with a pool table, and a home gym, offering luxury features that everyone will enjoy. A private apartment with a kitchen is located above the three-car garage with a car lift. MLS# 95054.

UNDER CONTRACT

THE CHAT TOOGA CLUB $1,390,000 Captivating views of Chimney Top and Rock Mountain can be admired from this newly renovated contemporary-meets-farmhouse pièce de résistance in the gated Chattooga Club. Decorated by a highly sought-after interior designer, the use of modern accessories with an organic flare creates an environment that is grand and open, yet cozy. Mature and newly created landscaping with gorgeous hardwoods, lush indigenous rhododendrons, rose bushes, dogwoods, arborvitae, Bosque elms, and mountain laurels surround this chic mountain retreat. MLS# 95913.

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THE CHAT TOOGA CLUB $1,300,000 On the market for the first time, this cozy three-bedroom, three-bath Tudor-style Club Cottage is full of storybook charm sitting on two lots to ensure privacy. Thoughtfully designed by Mark Paullin, features include poplar bark siding, wood interior walls and ceilings, and fine finishes throughout. Enjoy the crisp air and beautiful scenery on the screened living porch with its own fireplace and room for dining. Conveniently located just steps away from all Chattooga Club amenities and minutes from downtown Cashiers, this carefree bungalow is the perfect getaway or guest house. MLS# 95267.

UNDER CONTRACT

L AKE FOREST $1,298,750 Lakeside Comfort sits on one of the serene northwestern coves of Lake Glenville. Enjoy the lakefront shared dock and secluded sandy beach area (clearly one of the best areas on the lake for swimming and watersports) while savoring the splendor of the highest lake east of the Mississippi and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Nestled on a wooded gentle slope in the quaint subdivision of Lake Forest, this lakefront, mountain and coastal cedar shake cottage boasts a wraparound main level deck with a hot tub and a partially finished lower level deck that overlooks the lake. MLS# 95715.

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SAPPHIRE HIGH $1,175,000 Retreat from the world to an elegant Sapphire High home with year-round views of the brilliant Blue Ridge Mountains. Secluded and private, the focus on detail is evident with its open floor plan and only the highest quality furnishings and custom finishes. Created with a rustic Italian influence, the decor features contrasting elements, such as Mediterranean textiles against natural rough surfaces, to create a dramatic design impact. The heart pine wood flooring, trim, and crown molding throughout the home exhibits a high level of fine artistry.

Experience gracious living from the stained-glass front door to the expansive 100 feet of decking with a screened-in porch that frames the panoramic mountain views. MLS# 93732.

UNDER CONTRACT

SAPPHIRE $990,000 This is a most unique opportunity to own this property as your home or use your imagination! Located in the very heart of Sapphire Valley, this mountain-themed building sits on approximately 1.32 +/- acres and features paved access with a circular drive. Arrive under the generously sized double car porte-cochere. A ramp is providewd for those needing ease of access. Rich wood finishes adorn the interior floors, and ceilings, with a variety of built-in shelves. MLS# 95871.

164 SS II LLV VE ER R C CR RE EE EK K R RE EA A LL E E SS TTA ATT E E G GR RO OU UP P || B BU U II LL D D II N NG G R RE E LL A ATT II O ON N SS H H II P P SS .. D DE E LL II V VE ER R II N NG G D DR RE EA AM M SS ..

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NEWLY LISTED

WHITESIDE FOREST $990,000 Welcome to Shadow's Creek Lodge! Located only about 10 minutes from the Cashiers Crossroads, this custom hand-hewn log cabin fulfills every mountaineer's dream. Built above a rapid stream and overlooking a stunning ridge near Whiteside Mountain, this three-level roomy rustic home hosts three bedrooms, two bonus rooms, a rec room, a library, loft, and four full baths. Just a few steps from the front door, there are multiple stream access points, each with a unique view of various waterfalls, pools, and huge boulders along Fowler Creek. Relax around the fire pit area while listening to the rushing stream. MLS# 95534.

L AKE TOX AWAY ESTATES $799,000 This beautiful timber frame construction offers golf course living at its finest within the confines of the prestigious gates of Lake Toxaway Estates. The large deck, both covered and uncovered, overlooks the fifth green and the mountain range beyond. A golf cart path leads directly from the house to the course for easy access. The large primary suite on the main level boasts a spa-like jetted tub. Two additional bedrooms on the upper level and another bedroom on the lower level affords en-suite baths. Many improvements have been made, including a new roof in 2018, new Pella windows/sliders across the back of the house, hardscape, lush landscaping, a concrete golf cart path down to the lower level with golf cart storage and workshop, as well as a concrete pad from walk-out lower level. As an added bonus, this property is located within walking distance of two popular waterfalls.

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UNDER CONTRACT

HOLLY FOREST $625,000 Greeted by the trickling sounds of a stone water feature and engulfed by impeccable landscaping, welcome to another Fern Creek Builder's masterpiece in the heart of Sapphire. Nestled in a central plateau locale this Chuck Hall home embodies quality from the Red Oak hardwood floors, Alderwood cabinets, Jenn Air gas grill top with downdraft fan complemented by granite countertops and an oversized island.

MLS# 95640.

UNDER CONTRACT

CEDAR CREEK CLIFFS $530,000 Only 15 minutes to town, enjoy a private, end of the road setting with amazing long and short-range 180° views, including a granite rock face and spectacular sunsets, all enjoyable from two decks and the kitchen and living area. Live the true mountain experience with hiking trails right outside your door, as well as biking, camping, horseback riding, snow sports, Panthertown Valley and High Falls recreation areas, and Lake Glenville - offering lake access and boat rentals - as well as thousands of acres of Nantahala National Forest, all a short drive away. The property is convenient to Cashiers and Sapphire and has an excellent rental history and proven ability to generate a significant income for those looking to rent their property. MLS# 95710.

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UNDER CONTRACT COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES $320,000 This is a rare opportunity to purchase a short sale property, which is priced well below tax value! Situated on a level lot, this unique home with golf course frontage has an attached two-car garage. Its exceptional location in the gated Country Club Estates area is near the end of a cul-de-sac free from road noise. MLS# 90988.

NEWLY LISTED CULLOWHEE $289,000 Hard to find, charming mountain cabin on unrestricted 2.267+/acres. The cabin offers all on one level living, 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath. Nice open space from the living room to kitchen and a spacious front covered porch. Home has had recent improvements and some vacation rental history as well. MLS# 95901.

HOLLY FOREST $250,000 This endearing log cabin in the highly desirable Holly Forest neighborhood would make a perfect starter home, weekend getaway or rental property. Easy year-round access, level yard, open great room with bay window, wood-burning stone fireplace, carport, covered back deck, rocking chair front porch and one-level living. MLS# 95770.

UNDER CONTRACT RED FOX RIDGE $225,000 This 3 bedroom/2 bath vintage charmer, situated on just under an acre with gentle year-round access, provides an affordable opportunity to live within minutes of Cashiers and several area amenities including hiking, restaurants, shopping, and more. Master bedroom with private bath; screened porch for entertaining. MLS# 95716.

FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP MOUNTAIN CLUB $66,000 Tremendous value on a deeded 1/6th ownership (8 weeks) in the premier fractional home community in the Cashiers-Highlands area.

Enjoy having everything taken care of for you in this 3 BR, 3.5 BA home with plenty of decking to enjoy the outdoors. If you're looking for a beautiful mountain home without the headaches of home ownership, this is a deal you don't want to pass up! MLS# 95605.

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LOT S & L AND A DM I R A L’ S P OI N T Looking to build a home with views of Lake Glenville? Take a look at this lot on the east side of the lake with easy access to Cashiers.

Enjoy the views of the lake and the mountains beyond, along with cool summer breezes. Buy now and build or hold onto the lot for future home. Don't miss this opportunity for a lake view lot. MLS# 94746. $95,000.

BE A R L A K E

Sitting in the middle of this beautiful mountain lake, Bear Lake Heaven Island is truly a unique opportunity. Bear Lake is a pristine lake at 2,600 feet elevation located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. With 22 miles of shoreline, much of which is National Forest, Bear Lake is perfect for enjoying all the water sports or simply a slow evening cruise. No need to hop in a boat to reach this island, because there's a causeway for easy access to your property. The island has underground power, a 12 GPM well, an installed 12 bedroom septic system, high-speed internet, 2 large docks, and 1,500 feet of shoreline. Unlike most property on the lake, which requires a building set-back, your property line ends at the water's edge. Spectacular lake and mountain views in every direction. Three-fourths of the island has been cleared and leveled; a trail, wide enough for a vehicle, circles the perimeter of the island. The entire lake frontage has been fortified with a rock wall to prevent any erosion. The property could be subdivided, making it a great site for a lodge, or it could be the most private of estate sites. Having a helicopter is no problem with the easy approach and a great landing site. MLS# 94384. $2,950,000.

NEWLY PRICED Panoramic 180 degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and long range views of Bear Lake with clearing, on this end of a cul-de-sac homesite in Bear Lake Reserve. Bear Lake Reserve is a private and gated mountain lake, luxury resort getaway in Western North Carolina. Enjoy the rustic beauty of the

mountains and countless amenities offered including: golf, tennis, hiking and trails, outdoor pavilions, a lake club and more. The resort adjoins Panthertown Valley, also known as “The Yosemite of the East". Conveniently located to the neighboring towns of Cashiers, Highlands, Sylva and Franklin you can escape to a desirable location offering a moderate climate, outdoor adventure, or just peace and respite from the fast pace. Incredible opportunity to build your custom dream home with impressive mountain vistas. MLS# 95383. $149,900.

BIG R I DGE

11.23 acres of beautiful rolling pasture land with exceptional mountain views and all situated above 4,000 ft. elevation! Equestrian lover's will delight at the thought of riding in this heavenly setting, but anyone who wants to enjoy long range mountain views in a peaceful and serene setting will appreciate this land. The perfect building knoll sits just a tad higher than the rest of the acreage providing great sight lines in all directions. Lot faces west for remarkable sunset views! Located in the Big Ridge area, approximately 10 miles from town, it's far enough out to be private yet close enough to go to town to go to the grocery store or enjoy one of the many fine shoppes or restaurants in the area. Cashiers offers many free local events to enjoy as well such as Groovin' on the Green concerts every Friday night in the summertime. Call to schedule a showing of this property! MLS# 90175. $399,000.

T H E B OU L DE R S NEWLY LISTED Nice lot with short range mountain views. MLS# 95258. $29,500.

BR I DGE CR E E K Beautiful lot in gated community. Long layered mountain views all the way to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Community has paved roads, impressive covered bridge entry, large community pond and chimney garden. Close to Cashiers and Highlands. Near Lake Glenville and all the water activities. MLS# 90944. $40,000.

North facing lot with big mountain views. Gated community close to both Cashiers and Highlands. Impressive covered bridge at entrance. Community pond and chimney garden. MLS# 90945. $40,000.

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Affordable lot in a gated community convenient to both Cashiers and Highlands. Paved roads, beautiful covered bridge entrance, large pond and chimney garden. MLS# 90943. $20,000.

BU R L I N G A M E Desirable, nearly level lot located within the grounds of Burlingame Country Club. This lot can be accessed from either the quiet Lakeshore Drive on one side or the easily accessible Upper Whitewater Road on the other. Your future mountain home built on this lot is centrally located just a short drive by golf cart or vehicle to the Burlingame Country Club, children playground, Horsepasture River, leash-free dog park and more.

Views of Lake Soquilla can be seen from the Lakeshore Drive side of the lot which could be further enhanced with permission from the HOA and your neighbors across the street.

Membership to the Burlingame Country Club is optional, but is required to use certain amenities. MLS# 94073. $29,000.

C A SC A DE S AT CE DA R CR E E K Extremely gentle and easy lot to build on in a beautiful community close to Lake Glenville. Lot has winter mountain views from the back side of the lot. This home site is a stone's throw from the private community clubhouse, Cedar Creek stream, playground and covered pavilion. The clubhouse is open to owners to use anytime, all year long, and is a nice gathering spot with a nice living area, full kitchen, pool table room, restroom facilities and a beautiful outdoor patio with grill and tables for dining outdoors with friends and family. Only about a 10 minute drive to Cashiers to do shopping, dine or enjoy shopping in many of our fine unique shoppes. Expired 3 bedroom septic permit on file. MLS# 94682. $29,000.

Great lot with over an acre of land to build your vacation home! Pond frontage and overlooks the community clubhouse, park, playground and rushing Cedar Creek. The private clubhouse features a full kitchen, living area, pool table, fitness center, shower facilities and a beautiful outdoor grilling area with patio for entertaining. Short range mountain views may be possible with tree trimming. MLS# 88242. $18,000.

CE DA R H I L L NEWLY LISTED Enjoy the beautiful mountain sunsets from Parsons View. Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac, this lot has exceptional mountain views. Cedar Hill is an upscale gated community offering its residents awe-inspiring views and the very best in luxury mountain living. If you're searching for the perfect lot for your future dream home convenient to the heart of Cashiers and Sapphire, Cedar Hill will not disappoint.

MLS# 95137. $295,000.

The Meridian at Cedar Hill is the final phase of the very popular neighborhood of Cedar Hill. These lots are at over 4,000 feet elevation with private sewer access, water, paved roads and underground power. A well maintained neighborhood with pristine roads, gated entry and lovely homes. Exceptional mountain views including Bald Rock and Lonesome Valley Canyon set this estate lot apart. Cedar Hill is an upscale gated community offering its residents awe-inspiring views and the very best in luxury mountain living. If you're searching for the perfect lot for your future dream home, Cedar Hill will not disappoint. Convenient to the heart of Cashiers and Sapphire.

MLS# 94003. $160,000.

LOT S & L AND

0.50 acre lot at 3,900 feet elevation with tucked away views of Lake Glenville. Located in the low density neighborhood of Bridge Creek, just a short scenic drive to Cashiers and 25 minutes to Highlands. Cross over the charming covered bridge spanning the trout waters of Norton Creek to enter the quaint community of Bridge Creek which offers a community pond, picnic area, outdoor chimney garden and hiking trails. MLS# 91223. $19,900.

NEWLY LISTED Streams, streams, streams! There are 3 streams that pass through the property and 2 that intersect at one point! Easy to walk property with trails and walking planks over the streams that go in every direction. Gentle home site with nearly flat access off the main road. Expired 4 septic permit on file and private community water available.

Pretty setting with some short range mountain views possible as well. Cedar Hill is a highly desirable gated community located only minutes from the Cashiers Crossroads. Sapphire Valley Resort amenities are optional with a $500 initiation fee and annual fees of $858/yr (2021), upon membership application and approval. 2,800 square foot minimum building requirement. MLS# 95571. $160,000.

The Meridian at Cedar Hill is the final phase of the very popular neighborhood of Cedar Hill. These lots are at over 4,000 feet elevation with private sewer access, water, paved roads and underground power. A well maintained neighborhood with pristine roads, gated entry and lovely homes. Exceptional mountain views including Bald Rock and Lonesome Valley Canyon set this estate lot apart. Cedar Hill is an upscale gated community offering its residents awe-inspiring views and the very best in luxury mountain living. If you're searching for the perfect lot for your future dream home, Cedar Hill will not disappoint. Convenient to the heart of Cashiers and Sapphire.

MLS# 94004. $145,000.

The Meridian at Cedar Hill is the final phase of the very popular neighborhood of Cedar Hill. These lots are at over 4,000 feet elevation with private sewer access, water, paved roads and underground power. A well maintained neighborhood with pristine roads, gated entry and lovely homes. Exceptional mountain views including Bald Rock and Lonesome Valley Canyon set this estate lot apart. Cedar Hill is an upscale gated community offering its residents awe-inspiring views and the very best in luxury mountain living. If you're searching for the perfect lot for your future dream home, Cedar Hill will not disappoint. Convenient to the heart of Cashiers and Sapphire.

MLS# 94169. $140,000.

Situated on a quiet street in the gated community of Cedar, located just minutes to Cashiers and Sapphire. The lot has a great view potential and is ideal for designing your dream mountain home and enjoy the cool summer temperatures.

The community features a pavilion with stone fireplace along Rochester Creek, perfect for an afternoon picnic or hike. The community is very well maintained and welcomes residents to their mountain retreat. MLS# 91330. $120,000.

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C E DA R C R E E K C L I F F S

$650,000.

Huge views form this large lot in the Glenville area. The bottom of the lot falls away from a very level building site, making it easy to open up the view. South facing, so plenty of year-round sunshine.

Convenient to Lake Glenville and Cashiers. Community water system. At nearly 4,400 feet elevation, you are guaranteed a cool summer. Compare to other easy build view lots, this lot is a great opportunity. MLS# 94470. $75,000.

Beautiful virgin forest land in this idyllic setting in the well-established gated community of The Chattooga Club. Gentle building site with Fowler Creek, which flows into The Chattooga River, runs alongside this property with view of mountain range. Lot is surrounded by beautiful hardwoods, and indigenous plants including rhododendrons, mountain laurels. Great spot for someone to build their perfect summer or year round mountain home! MLS# 94758. $500,000.

C E DA R R I D G E E S TAT E S NEWLY LISTED Great views of Big Sheepcliff mountain from this elevated building site. Build your mountain dream home on this lot and start enjoying the cool summer temperatures found on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. This premium lot is priced to sell, so don't miss the opportunity to purchase this home site in the well-established Cedar Ridge Estates community. Located just minutes to Sapphire and Cashiers with all the amenities these two communities have to offer. MLS# 95542. $28,000.

C E DA R P OI N T L A N DI N G S NEWLY LISTED Extremely hard to find boat slip located on the main point of the community with close proximity to the rest room facilities. This is the only private boat dock community on Lake Glenville where you can own your own boat slip. This location also offers one of the best views of the 4th of July fireworks on Lake Glenville. MLS# 95686. $110,000.

T H E CH AT T O OG A CLU B Gorgeous premiere 5+ acre lot inside the gates of the prestigious and exclusive Chattooga Club. Great building site on this beautiful lot adjacent to Mac's View which will never be built on and is deeded to the homeowners association. Phenomenal views of mountain range and Whiteside Mountain - Perfect for sipping cocktails as you watch the gorgeous sunsets! MLS# 93769. $950,000.

Beautiful lot on corner of Club Drive and Gorge Trail in the well-established Chattooga Club community. Beautiful waterfall on the property with lots of hardwoods and indigenous plants including Rhododendrons and Mountain Laurels. Club membership by invitation only. MLS# 91502. $695,000.

Beautiful virgin forest land in this idyllic setting in the well-established gated community of The Chattooga Club. Gentle building site with Fowler Creek, which flows into The Chattooga River, runs alongside this property with view of mountain range. Lot is surrounded by beautiful hardwoods, and indigenous plants including rhododendrons, mountain laurels. Great spot for someone to build their perfect summer or year round mountain home! MLS# 94755. $750,000.

Beautiful virgin forest land in this idyllic setting in the well-established gated community of The Chattooga Club. Gentle building site with Fowler Creek, which flows into The Chattooga River, runs alongside this property with view of mountain range. Lot is surrounded by beautiful hardwoods, and indigenous plants including rhododendrons, mountain laurels. Great spot for someone to build their perfect summer or year round mountain home! MLS# 94756.

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One of the few lots still available in this established, exclusive and gated community. Gentle building site with view potential. Many beautiful hardwoods and indigenous plants on property including rhododendron and mountain laurels. Membership to Chattooga Club by invitation. MLS# 94549. $385,000.

Pretty lot, 1.81 acres for your dream mountain home in the well-established exclusive and gated community of The Chattooga Club. Conveniently located only 2 miles from town. Many pretty hardwoods, rhododendron, mountain laurels and other indigenous trees and plants on the property. Lake Chattooga and Mac's View picnic area with outstanding views are owned by the Homeowners' Association. Membership to the Chattooga Club by invitation.

MLS# 94551. $369,000.

A wooded lot inside the gates of the well-established gated community of The Chattooga Club. Many beautiful hardwoods, rhododendrons and mountain laurels and other indigenous plants. Easy building site. Only 2 miles from town. Private wells included in you POA fee. A great opportunity to build your dream mountain home in this exclusive neighborhood! Club membership by invitation only. MLS# 94550. $359,000.

CHESTNUT R IDGE NEWLY LISTED Fronting on Fenley Forest Trail and adjacent to Trillium, this 6+ acre parcel is the perfect spot with low HOA fees and close to Cashiers. Producing well on property. Nice building area.

MLS# 95902. $55,000.

CH I NQUA PI N NEWLY LISTED Located at 4000+/- feet of elevation, this 6.108+/acres is located in the unique high elevation community. The lot has the potential for short and long range mountain views. The lot is close to hiking trails and green space. The development is in close proximity to downtown Cashiers. Chinquapin amenities include miles of hiking trails, biking and 4- wheeling, trout fishing, camping and a community clubhouse. There is also from the community, easy access to Panthertown Valley National Forest. If you are looking for even more acreage, lot 10 next door is also for sale with 3.407 +/- acres. MLS# 95866. $240,000.

NEWLY LISTED Located at 4000+/- feet of elevation, this 3.407+/acres is located in the unique high elevation community. The lot has the potential for short and long range mountain views. The lot is close to hiking trails and green space. The development is in close proximity to downtown Cashiers. Chinquapin amenities include miles of hiking trails, biking and 4- wheeling, trout fishing, camping and a community clubhouse. There is also from the community, easy access to Panthertown Valley National Forest. If you are looking for even more acreage, lot 9 next door is also for sale with 6.108+/- acres. MLS# 95867. $225,000.

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NEWLY LISTED Located on a dead-end road, Lot 107 is an easy build with gentle topography and an active 4-bedroom septic evaluation, with fantastic ridgeline views that are part of the draw of Chinquapin. This 2,000-acre, private, gated community, with 700 acres in permanent conservation, offers a variety of amenities including ATV/UTV, hiking, and mountain biking trails, fishing streams, camping sites, cabins, an activity field, disc golf course, helipad, and more. The trail at the bottom of the lot is a close hike to beautiful Twin Falls A short distance to the trailhead of iconic Panthertown Valley - a 6,311-acre back country recreation area in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest - surround yourself with beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from an elevation of 4,500 feet. One of the few communities in the area that offers great connectivity via fiber internet, Chinquapin is a thriving community, convenient to the Cashiers crossroads, Lake Glenville, several area waterfalls, and surrounding areas. MLS# 95311. $109,900.

CROS S CR E E K PR E SE RV E Unique 2.68 acre lot with a BOLD stream and 2 waterfalls with mountain views backing up to the common area. Nearly level building site, underground utilities, community water, expired 3 bedroom septic permit. MLS# 87680. $199,900.

Come build your dream home upon this generously sized 2.69 acre lot within the beautifully manicured Cross Creek Preserve.

This wooded, gently sloping lot offers easy access and potential for long range mountain views to enjoy from your future getaway, whether it be a primary or secondary residence. Cross Creek Preserve offers beautiful landscaped communal spaces, gated secure entrance and a quaint covered bridge that gives you a warm welcome into the community. This wonderful area offers all of the peace and mountain serenity one would look for in a home site, yet for those needing easy access to intown creature comforts, you're conveniently perched between both Cashiers & Highlands. MLS# 95183. $175,000.

Amazing long range mountain views can be seen from this home site in the prestigious gated community of Cross Creek Preserve. As you enter the community through the charming covered bridge you will see that this is a very well maintained neighborhood with nice common areas including a trout fish-

ing pond with waterfall and a huge field and fire pit for owners to enjoy. Nearby Trillium Links & Lake Club can be seen from this north facing lot. Surrounded by several upscale neighborhoods, Cross Creek is also close to Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club and Old Edwards Club. Conveniently situated between Highlands and Cashiers for quick trips to town for shopping and dining. Seller already has a complete set of ready to build custom house plans designed specifically for this lot for a 3-4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home. Contact listing agent for more details! MLS# 89979. $169,500.

LOT S & L AND

Enjoy approximately 400 feet of bold Robinson Creek frontage from this gently laying 3.46 acre lot. There's an abundance of natural flora covering the property including beautiful ferns, moss covered rocks, mountain laurel and rhododendrons.

Privately located at the end of a circular cul-de-sac with an old logging road leading you right into the center of the property.

Continue your journey onto just one of the many community hiking and waterfall trails that goes through the property down to the stream where the property line ends. Throw in a line and there's a good chance you will catch a native brook or rainbow trout, or both! Just across the stream you will see one of several Wilderness Cabins that are available for property owners and their guests to enjoy. Next to that Wilderness Cabin area is a large conservation property so you don't have to worry about anyone building behind this lot. There are about 13 different trails in Chinquapin, some for UTV/ATV's, hiking and mountain biking. Take off from your home in any direction and it will lead to one of the many waterfalls in the area. The Chinquapin community is truly is a nature lover's paradise! MLS# 93754. $150,000.

CU L L A SAJA CLU B Build your dream home on these two lots being sold together within the upscale, gated community of the Cullasaja Club!

Coming in at over two acres, these gently rolling adjacent properties boast gratifying potential for a build site that, with some trimming, could open up a beautiful view. Cullasaja Club combines luxury living and the ultimate in leisure for a true one-of-a-kind Western North Carolina community. At the heart of this exclusive gated enclave lies a par 72, 18-hole Arnold Palmer golf course, as well as a clubhouse with mixed grill & formal dining room. Cullasaja Club also boasts one hard surface & five lighted clay tennis courts, state-of-the-art fully-staffed fitness and activity center, and canoeing, kayaking or fishing on fully-stocked Lake Ravenel. There aren't many of these opportunities left! MLS# 93358. $275,000. These lots are available for individual sale – Lot 86 - $125,000 (MLS# 95532) and Lot 85 - $149,000 (MLS# 95533).

C U L L OW H E E F OR E S T This property is 6+ gently rolling wooded acres, prepped to build, offering everything desired for a true mountain getaway.

Bordered on two sides by scenic streams, your future home comes with the perfect soundtrack and amazing mountain views are easily opened up with some tree trimming. The driveway and house pad have been roughed in atop a knoll surrounded by lush forest. A private well, underground power, and a 3-bedroom septic are ready for use; great internet speeds will be available via recently approved fiber optic cable installation. The private community common area is arguably one of the prettiest in the area, providing direct access to the headwaters of the Tuckasegee River - an ideal spot for fly fishing - and private access to an unbelievable community waterfall greater than 100 feet tall. Miles of additional hiking trails, including High Falls Trail, are directly accessible from the common area. MLS# 94902. $100,000.

11.65+/- acres with a mix of stream and waterfall frontage located in the gated, informal community of Cullowhee Forest.

The size of the lot gives you options for the future home site along with the potential for short range mountain views. MLS# 95250. $99,000.

Cullowhee Forest is a gated community focused around nature, large lots, and a pristine mountain feel. Surrounded by lush forest, this property is 6+ acres at 3,600' elevation, making it an ideal location for a temperate mountain getaway. Highspeed internet will be available via recently approved fiber optic cable installation. The private community common area is arguably one of the prettiest in the area, providing direct access to the headwaters of the Tuckasegee River - an ideal spot

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for fly fishing - and private access to an unbelievable community waterfall greater than 100 feet tall. Miles of additional hiking trails, including High Falls Trail, are directly accessible from the common area. MLS# 94921. $35,000.

C U L L OW H E E MOU N TA I N R OA D Here is your chance for 20+/- acres (deed says 20+/- acres and Tax Office shows 16+/- acres ) of unrestricted land in the heart of the mountains for Western North Carolina. Ready for one or multiple home sites, this parcel has a paved driveway connecting off one of multiple build sites to Cullowhee Mountain Road. If you like higher elevation views, work your way deeper into the 20 acres and surround yourself in nature with complete and utter wooded privacy while taking in the stunning views from your new deck in any direction. Just 12 minutes to the Pine Creek Recreation area on Lake Glenville and under 30 minutes to the shops and restaurants of the town of Cashiers. MLS# 94875. $130,000.

F I V E ST ON E UNDER CONTRACT This lot is a investor’s dream, an entire subdivision ready for completion! This 53 acre gated development features signature views of Whiteside and Chimneytop mountains. The entrance alone is grand with it’s own waterfall! The first 4 of the 18 lots have been sold, leaving the remaining 14 contiguous lots totaling 41 acres as a package deal. The lots can be sold individually or held as a private estate. MLS# 93943. $300,000.

94294. $395,000.

G L E N S HOR E NEWLY LISTED Wonderful lake front lot, located in the gated community of Glenshore. With low square footage building requirements and access to community water, makes this one of the best lot deals on Lake Glenville. And if you're looking for more room to expand, the lake front lot to the right of this lot is for sale.

MLS# 95824. $385,000.

One of the more established lakefront subdivisions on Lake Glenville, Glenshore is a gated community featuring some of the most beautiful multi-million dollar homes in the Western North Carolina area. This affordable corner wooded lot, priced under assessed value enjoys winter views of Lake Glenville and with additional tree topping/trimming, potentially even more enhanced views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Each home site in Glenshore is individual, offering unique perspectives of nature.

The waterfront community of Glenshore on Lake Glenville offers its residents all of the pleasures the lake has to offer – boating, jet skiing, swimming, fishing and more. MLS# 94182. $39,900.

G OL F C L U B E S TAT E S Fabulous views over the Country Club of Sapphire and the mountains beyond. Located in the gated community of Golf Club Estates, this lot offers a great opportunity to build your perfect mountain dream home. Membership at the CCSV is by invitation only, and just a short golf cart ride away. MLS# 94304. $175,000.

G L E N L AU R E L NEWLY LISTED Huge views of Lake Glenville and mountains. Access to Lake Glenville with shared dock. Paved roads and community water. Underground utilities. Frontage on 2 community roads.

Lot is very close, less than 1/4 mile, from a public boat launch.

So you can easily put in and take out any watercraft. If you're looking for it all, view, lake, and elbow room; this is it. MLS# 95547. $49,500.

NEWLY LISTED Easy build lake access lot within walking distance to Lake Glenville and the community boat dock. This lot has a gentle slope and a very pastoral view of pastures and mountains.

The lot is easily accessed from paved state road. This lot is also very convenient to Cashiers, Highlands, Franklin and Cullowhee.

Glen Laurel has paved roads and underground utilities. Minimum square footage for homes, only 1400 sf. Affordable opportunity to own your mountain cabin with an almost lake front lot. Within 1/4 mile of public boat ramp. 3 bedroom septic permit issued. MLS# 95506. $41,000.

GL E N P OI N T E This lakefront lot offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Glenville and the mountain range beyond. This lot faces north down the length of the lake and is a zero set-back lot, which allows you to build closer to the water. By comparison, most Lake Glenville lots have a 50 foot set-back. Located in the small, gated community of Glen Pointe, with only 14 homesites, it offers paved access, underground utilities and a tennis court. Although this subdivision is tucked away, it's still only 10 minutes into Cashiers. MLS# 172

G R E YC L I F F NEWLY LISTED 3,900 ft plus of elevation, lake and boat dock access, with mountain views. Located in the Informal Gated community of Greycliff, the community offers wide paved roads throughout, community water, underground utilities, simple common sense restrictions, and a low minimum build requirement of 1,400 square feet. Greycliff is one of the few communities around Lake Glenville that offers the ability for members only to access Lake Glenville and have the use of a common boat dock. MLS# 95684. $59,900.

NEWLY LISTED Wonderful long range mountain view lot located in the gated community of Greycliff. The community offers wide paved roads, underground utilities, community water with lake and boat dock access. MLS# 95897. $55,000.

H IG H S P R I N G S NEWLY LISTED It doesn't get much better than this! Gentle 1.8+/acre building lot with easy driveway access and a house site that has already been partially cleared. Located at the end of a cul-desac that is shared with only two other owners. The lot line extends all the way down to Birch Creek Trail below so it would be easy to open up the view with a little tree trimming for a great year-round long range mountain view. Southwesterly views of Whiteside Mountain, Satulah Mountain, Yellow Mountain, Black Rock Mountain and more. This home site is minutes from downtown Cashiers and is convenient to the grocery store, shops, hiking, dining and Lake Glenville. These two lots were combined into one so there is

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H IG H WAY 107 S OU T H On the market for the first time, the historic Waddell/Hanks House estate sits in the heart of the highly desirable Highway 107 South corridor in Cashiers, North Carolina. The estate overlooks a gently meandering Fowler Creek and Wade Hampton Golf Club's beautiful 7th and 8th holes. This section of the corridor boasts an impressive concentration of luxury homes, a central uncongested location, two prestigious private country clubs, and the newly renovated High Hampton resort. With few building restrictions, the estate property represents an exceptional opportunity to build a custom single-family compound, several estate homes, or a development with upscale cottages for seasonal or year-round residents. The 12.16-acre property consists of contiguous parcels of 3.41 acres, .64 acres, and 8.11 acres. MLS# 94760. $3,700,000.

HO G B AC K C R E E K E S TAT E Well priced adjoining lakefront lots totaling over an acre with gorgeous views of the lake and mountains beyond. Hogback Lake is great for canoes, kayaks, sails, pontoons, fishing boats w/trolling motors and swimming. There is an expired septic improvement permit for a three bedroom dwelling from 2002 (would need to be updated with Jackson County). Sapphire Valley amenities are available if desired but not mandatory.

MLS# 94633. $80,000.

HOL LY F OR E ST NEWLY LISTED This is a remarkable lot that has lovely stream frontage, golf course frontage and great mountain view potential! The expired 3 bedroom septic permit evaluation shows the best available home site which is already partially cleared for easy viewing. Extremely level driveway access and a nearly level house site will make this an easy building site. A short walk around to the back side of the lot shows the view potential to look down the 14th fairway of Sapphire National Golf Course. Ownership comes with Sapphire Valley Resort amenities including golf, tennis, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, fitness center, Horsepasture River picnic area, track/ playground, ski slope, zip line and more. This lot is also walking distance to Lake Fairfield where you can enjoy the 3 mile trail around the lake, the beach area or rent a canoe or paddle boat from the boat house. MLS# 95924. $34,900.

NEWLY LISTED Incredible views of Hogback Mountains (with tree trimming on building site) and mountain range on a serene street in Eagle Ridge at nearly 3,700 feet elevation. Gently sloping, wooded and buildable lot with public sewer and water access. Enjoy all of the Sapphire Valley Master Association amenities that come with this lot including: golf, tennis, skiing, tubing, kayaking on Fairfield Lake and more. Enjoy the convenience and proximity of nine local restaurants and the quaint town of Cashiers. Ready to build your mountain dream home and enjoy all the beauty of Western NC? This lot's for you and it's only a one hour drive from the Asheville airport. MLS#

95584. $33,900.

NEWLY PRICED Easy build lot with a great view of Chimney Top Mountain and green space on two sides. Easement in place that allows for a gentle driveway to be built through green space leading straight to the build site knoll. Quick drive to Highway 64 with no steep roads to climb or descend, very usable in the winter. Less than 5 minutes to amenities and restaurants, 8 minutes to Cashiers. MLS# 95181. $20,000.

NEWLY PRICED Great location to build a mountain home...right in the heart of Sapphire Valley! Just a golf cart ride away from the Sapphire National Golf Course & The Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company & Restaurant. This unique lot has frontage from Buckberry Drive and Mayapple Drive. The ideal location to put in a driveway would be from the front left side of the lot, near the small stream, that would lead up into the perfect home with lots of privacy. Close to the main highway, yet not close enough for road noise to be an issue. Ownership comes with Sapphire Valley Resort amenities including Red Bird Golf Links 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, fitness center, playground/track, ski/tubing hill and deeded Lake Fairfield access where owners can rent canoes, paddle boats, swim, use the pavilion or walk the 3 mile trail around the lake. MLS# 94259. $19,500.

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only one $1,000 POA fee per year and it includes water usage.

Only a 1,400 minimum square foot building requirement! Expired 3 bedroom septic permit on file. MLS# 95795. $125,000.

Nice gentle lot with over an acre of land and year-round mountain view potential! This property has a long private driveway already roughed in so it’s easy to see where the best home site would be. Both lots on each side already have homes built on them so privacy won’t be an issue. Expired 4 bedroom septic permit on file. MLS# 88273. $20,000.

UNDER CONTRACT Gently sloping lot in Holly Forest VI with long range views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a cascading stream trickles through the property. White pines, ferns and rhododendrons adorn this beautiful wooded lot that offers a fairly level building site. Located a short drive to all the Sapphire Valley Master Association (SVMA) amenities, a ten minute drive to Cashiers and less than an hour to the Asheville airport. Ownership comes with all of the SVMA amenities including golf, tennis, swimming, skiing, tubing, miniature golf, outdoor hiking trails and canoeing or kayaking at the breathtaking Fairfield Lake. Mountain dreams do come true and this unique and inviting lot is waiting for you! MLS# 95850. $15,000.

Peaceful streamfront lot with gentle building site. Partially cleared so it's easy to see the potential home site. Conveniently located close to Highway 64 East for easy access but with no road noise! Walking distance to the Holly Forest common area on Hogback Lake where owners can enjoy fishing, swimming or canoeing from the dock. Community has paved roads and underground utilities. Expired septic permit on file.

The minimum square footage requirement is 1,350 total heated square feet and there is no time limit to begin building. This lot backs up to a portion of the 106+ acre Holly Forest green space for added privacy. Sapphire Valley amenities include golf, tennis, fitness center, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, track/playground and deeded access to Lake Fairfield. MLS# 93784. $10,000.

Great view lot in the heart of Sapphire Valley. Just minutes to Cashiers and Sapphire, as well as all the Sapphire Valley amenities. Year round view will be available from the home once the trees are trimmed. MLS# 94189. $9,900.

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A noisy stream runs along the bottom portion of this lot! This gently sloping home site will make the perfect mountain cabin spot. A great location for nature lover’s with a canopy of trees surrounding the property. Just a short walk to the Narrows waterfall and common area. This would be a great building site for a 2 story home that overlooks the stream. Expired septic permit on file and community has low homeowner’s fees. Ownership comes with Sapphire Valley amenities. MLS# 88627. $6,500.

L A K E T OX AWAY E S TAT E S Are you looking for that perfect piece of land to hold until you're ready to build that mountain dream home? Here is a unique opportunity to own a very gentle-laying lot in prestigious Lake Toxaway Estates. The reasonable topography allows for wonderful economy of foundation costs and the elevation allows for that lovely view at a budget price. Lake and mountain views can be made even better with selective tree trimming. At nearly 1.5 acres, you'll enjoy plenty of space for building your mountain dream home, beautifying the landscape, play time or just while away the hours in the cool mountain air. The location on Panther Ridge is so convenient to Lake Toxaway Country Club for a fabulous country club experience (membership is available with approval) and this lot comes with deeded lake access on the state's largest private lake. Enjoy all that the development has to offer, including lake access, views galore, hiking trails and a friendly environment. The community is convenient to many of the natural riches we all love this area for such as many waterfalls, US Forestry Service parks, abundant wildlife, fishing and much more! Enjoy life in your second home or live here year round. MLS# 94710. $68,000.

L AU R E L FA L L S Over 15 acres of land to enjoy at 4,100+ ft. elevation! Long range mountain views and short ridge views from these 2 northerly facing lots. A gorgeous property that is truly unique and offers a ton of sprawling level acreage. Position your house anywhere you'd like among the native flora and ferns that cover the property. The driveway is already partially roughed in and leads you to a clearing and a fire pit area where you will enjoy the best views. Laurel Falls is a private neighborhood with gated access and low property owner fees. Nature lovers will appreciate the community's private access into the 6,300 acre Panthertown National Forest and trout fishing in Robinson Creek. Laurel Falls only has a 1,000 sq. ft. minimum building requirement making it the perfect spot to build a mountain cabin. These two lots are being listed together and offered at a discounted price for 15.89 acres. This property backs up to Chinquapin land for added privacy. MLS# 89652. $215,000.

Over 7 acres of land to enjoy at 4,100+ ft. elevation! Long range mountain views and short ridge views from this northerly facing lot. A gorgeous property that is truly unique and offers a ton of sprawling level acreage. The driveway is already partially roughed in and leads you to a clearing and a fire pit area where you will enjoy the best views. Laurel Falls is a private neighborhood with gated access and low property owner fees. Nature lovers will appreciate the community's private access into the 6,300 acre Panthertown National Forest and trout fishing in Robinson Creek.

Laurel Falls only has a 1,000 sq. ft. minimum building requirement making it the perfect spot to build a mountain cabin. An adjacent 8.66 acre lot is also available for purchase so buy both for a discount and own over 15 acres. This acreage backs up to Chinquapin 174

property for added privacy. MLS# 89645. $120,000.

Over 8.5 acres of land to enjoy at 4,100+ ft. elevation! Short range mountain views, and possibly some long range views, from this north westerly facing lot. A gently laying lot with a trail leading to the partially cleared house site. There is currently a shared driveway roughed in but buyer may put in their own driveway if they wish. Lots of options with this property. Laurel Falls is a private neighborhood with gated access and low property owner fees. Nature lovers will appreciate the community's private access into the 6,300 acre Panthertown National Forest and trout fishing in Robinson Creek. Laurel Falls only has a 1,000 sq. ft. minimum building requirement making it the perfect spot to build a mountain cabin. An adjacent 7.23 acre lot is also available for purchase so buy both for a discount and own over 15 acres. This land backs up to Chinquapin property for added privacy. MLS# 89644. $105,000.

M A NTLE R IDGE NEWLY LISTED Tucked away in a tranquil setting at a cool elevation of almost 3,800 feet, this scenic property is comprised of almost 2 gentle acres. Beautiful eight lot subdivision nestled among Christmas tree farms with underground utilities. This location is perfect to build your dream home and your slice of the mountain life! The location offers views of Shortoff Mountain. This property is very private yet convenient to both Cashiers and Highlands.

MLS# 95847. $99,999.

N OR T H N OR T ON R OA D NEWLY LISTED Hard to find 10.84+/- unrestricted acres for sale with lake and mountain views. The property also offers Lake Glenville access. 8 water taps available for property with the Strawberry Hill Homeowners Association. MLS# 95907. $425,000.

OL D E DWA R D S NEWLY LISTED Beautiful setting from this gently sloping lot with wonderful mountain and golf course views! One of the last golf course lots available and overlooking 17th tee and green. The homesite has a stream running along the right side for the soothing sounds while enjoying a cocktail on your future deck. This lot is very convenient to Old Edwards Club and GlenCove amenities.

Water and sewer tap fees have already been paid. MLS# 95878. $349,000.

PA R A DI S E MOU N TA I N Sitting just under 3,900 feet on Scout Mountain sits three lots that combine to form 4.05+/- acres of serene, wooded privacy with big mountain views. A roughed in driveway has already been built for the new owners which opens directly up into the multiple homesites limited only by your imagination. Clear additional trees along the edge of the homesites to open up for big mountain views or leave the abundance of natural foliage in place to create a secluded and private estate. MLS# 94873. $25,000.

PI L O T S K NOB NEWLY PRICED This gently sloping, easy build site is ready for your

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NEWLY PRICED Fantastic building lot in the desirable neighborhood of Pilots Knob! Truly a hidden gem of a community where owners enjoy beautiful majestic long range mountain views and quaint Christmas tree farms as they drive through the area. Community features a pond and fire pit common area. This particular lot has a very gentle building site with easy driveway access and large rock outcroppings for built-in landscaping features. Winter mountain long range views with possibility of more year-round views with tree trimming. Low POA fees and underground utilities make this a great place to build your mountain escape at 4,000+ feet elevation! MLS# 85489. $20,000.

R O C K Y K N OB Two lots for the price of one! Located in the gorgeous gated community of Rocky Knob, these lots provide a peaceful setting to build a mountain home with lots of land to explore.

Owners have the privilege to enjoy the beautiful Lake Osage, a 17 acre lake, along with a covered pavilion and grilling area. Sitting at approximately 3,700 feet elevation, this is the perfect area to escape the heat of lower elevations. Not far from the Sky Valley Tubing Outdoor Center where they have summer and winter tubing, ice skating, gem mining, trout fishing, a market and Annie's Cafe. Only 10-15 minutes into downtown Highlands too! MLS# 95238. $55,000.

R O S M A N H IG H WAY C OM M E R C I A L UNDER CONTRACT Great commercial location and space in the heart of Lake Toxaway. The building has multiple spaces on the main level, 2 half baths and a full size kitchen. Large living space on the second level with another bonus room and full bath. The building has had several upgrades in 2020, including a new heat and air system, new roof, new pump on the well, new pressure tank and filter system and a complete exterior paint job. MLS# 95390. $375,000.

R OU N D H I L L E S TAT E S NEWLY LISTED Fantastic location in the popular Round Hill community and close to the Sapphire Valley Resort! Gentle building site at the very end of a cul-de-sac and sitting at 3,300 feet elevation. Westerly facing lot with year round mountain views possible with select tree trimming. Expired 4 bedroom septic permit on file and 1,800 sq. ft. minimum building requirement. All Round Hill Estates residents have the option to join the Sapphire Valley Master Association.

Members of the Sapphire Valley Master Association enjoy golf, tennis, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, fitness center, carpet golf, ski slope, zip line, community center, park/playground, picnic area and deeded access to Lake Fairfield. Membership to the Country Club of Sapphire Valley is by invitation only.

MLS# 95667. $60,000.

S A P P H I R E C OM M E R C I A L Great commercial location located in the heart of Sapphire Valley with direct Highway 64 road frontage. The property is a blank canvas with lots of possibilities in a thriving area that's exploding with growth. A parking area is already in place, all utilities are available. MLS# 94261. $275,000.

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dream home to be built upon it. This lot, located on Beechfern Drive, is perched within the quiet, gated community aptly named Pilots Knob. Enter through the beautiful gates of Pilots Knob and you'll find a true sense of peace in the mountains.

The community itself is situated at an elevation of over 3,500 ft, offers paved access and roads throughout, a common pond area as well as a beautiful green space with a fire-pit perfect for family picnics while taking in the truly awe inspiring long range mountain views. Reasonably priced annual fees and close proximity to Lake Glenville and everything Cashiers has to offer are just a few of many additional bonuses that are at your disposal. MLS# 93162. $22,500.

S A SS A F R A S R I DGE This large lot features beautiful panoramic views over the Sapphire Valley, including Bald Rock and the Balsam Mountains beyond. Located on the ridge at over 4,100' of elevation so that you can enjoy the cool summer temperatures. Centrally located, Sassafras Ridge offers easy access to the numerous amenities of both Cashiers and Sapphire. MLS# 95140. $495,000.

Exceptional view lot high above Sapphire Valley in the gated community of Sassafras Ridge. This high elevation lot is perfect for enjoying cool summer breezes and panoramic mountain views. MLS# 90868. $115,000.

SI M S VA L L E Y NEWLY LISTED Truly an awesome lot! Paved driveway already in place leading to the perfectly flat building site with 360 views. Long or short range mountain views in any direction you look! This private home site adjoins another 22+ acre tract that is privately owned with road access from the opposite end of the property providing this home site ultimate privacy.

Sims Valley is a beautiful gated community with paved access, community water and underground utilities. Owners also enjoy use of the clubhouse, swimming pool, pavilion, pond & fitness center. Located only 10-15 minutes from the Lake Glenville public boat ramp and beach swimming area. MLS# 95454. $119,000.

Extremely desirable building lot with bold stream frontage and a nearly level building site. This is the ideal place to build a mountain home overlooking a beautiful babbling stream with many small waterfalls. Enjoy some short and long range mountain views from this peaceful setting as well. Conveniently located near the community clubhouse, outdoor pool, fitness center and pavilion that owners can use for social gatherings.

MLS# 85846. $44,000.

S H E P H E R D S MOU N TA I N Truly, probably one of the last few great Lake Glenville view lots left to purchase. The lot offers some of the best short and long distance southern views of the lake, including the main body of the lake. 1.74+/- acres, the lot provides a nice gradual entrance off the main community road, and then a gentle topography for building. The lot is quite wide and deep, allowing

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for total year round view control. The community is gated with wide roads, underground utilities, and community water. MLS# 95884. $219,000.

build, easy access. Located in gated community only minutes from shopping and restaurants. The whole community is very gentle lying, so very walkable. MLS# 95736. $295,000.

NEWLY LISTED Incredible lake and mountain view lot with a flat building site to perch your home 400' above Lake Glenville. This almost 2 acre lot is located in the gated community of Shepherds Mountain, which provides property owners in-ground utilities, paved roads, a small clubhouse, a play area for the kids and deeded access to Lake Glenville. Enjoy the cool summer breezes, while situating your home at approximately 3,900' elevation and enjoy the spectacular lake and mountain views. MLS# 95746. $99,900.

NEWLY LISTED In-town lot with 290+ feet of stream frontage on the headwaters of the Chattooga River and a small waterfall. Only minutes to shopping and restaurants. Easy build, 1.1 acre gentle lot with gradual slope from the paved entry road down to the stream.

Gated community with paved roads and underground utilities.

The community is very walkable. MLS# 95728. $245,000.

S P R I N G F OR E S T NEWLY LISTED A very easily accessible, buildable lot on Windemere Way within the gates of Spring Forest. Lot 8 offers exceptional, southerly long range mountain views of Sapphire Valley - This parcel has a near level portion for your future home site that will make any builder smile. Spring Forest is conveniently perched just minutes to the Cashiers Crossroads as well as everything Sapphire Valley has to offer. MLS# 95200. $155,000.

S T ON E C R E E K E S TAT E S NEWLY LISTED These two lots have great mountain and rock face view potential of Cow Rock & Bald Rock with tree trimming. Sitting at 3,500 ft. elevation in the gated community of Stonecreek Estates with public water and sewer available. Just a short golf cart ride to the amenities of Sapphire Valley including golf, tennis, indoor/outdoor pools, fitness center, ski slope, zip lines and more.

Membership to The Country Club of Sapphire Valley is by invitation only. MLS# 95845. $60,000.

NEWLY LISTED Sitting at 3,480 ft. elevation, this 1.5 acre lot will have great views of Cow Rock & Bald Rock with tree trimming.

Located in the desirable and gated community of Stonecreek Estates with public water and sewer available. Just a short golf cart ride to the amenities of Sapphire Valley including golf, tennis, indoor/outdoor pools, fitness center, ski slope, zip lines and more.

Membership to The Country Club of Sapphire Valley is by invitation only. MLS# 93047. $35,000.

NEWLY PRICED Great mountain and rock face view potential of Cow Rock & Bald Rock with tree trimming. Sitting at 3,500 ft. elevation in the gated community of Stonecreek Estates with public water and sewer available. Just a short golf cart ride to the amenities of Sapphire Valley including golf, tennis, indoor/outdoor pools, fitness center, ski slope, zip lines and more. Membership to The Country Club of Sapphire Valley is by invitation only. MLS# 93048. $35,000.

S T ON E F LY NEWLY LISTED Looking for a lot in town with frontage on the headwaters of the Chattooga River? Here it is, 340+ feet of river frontage, very private and only a short distance to town. Large, easy building site. If you have someone who is interested in sending their kids to the Summit Charter School, it's a short walk away.

MLS# 95721. $395,000.

NEWLY LISTED In-town lot with 460 feet of stream frontage.

Headwaters of the Chattooga River runs down 2 boundaries. Easy 176

NEWLY LISTED If you are looking for an easy build lot, close to town, in a gated community and with a stream that is part of the headwaters of the Chattooga River, this is your lot. Stonefly is only a little over a mile from the Cashiers crossroads. Convenient to shopping and restaurants, this lot has a gentle slope from the paved entry road down to the stream. The lot is a little over 1 acre and wooded with beautiful deciduous trees. The house site is so gentle that there would be plenty of room for parking, driveway and easy in and out. MLS# 95727. $239,000.

NEWLY LISTED A wonderful easy build lot in-town. Small stream is one border for approx. 350 feet, which is the headwaters of the Chattooga River. Stonefly is a gated community with paved roads and underground utilities. Short drive to all the restaurants and shopping in the center of Cashiers. The community lies very gentle and so is very walkable. Foundation, driveway and parking would all be very easy since this lot is so gentle. Many possible home sites on this 1.38 acre property. MLS# 95729. $230,000.

S T R AW BE R RY H I L L Wonderful lake and mountain views from this 5.77 acre northwesterly facing property located in Strawberry Hill. Great natural building shelf already on the property for the perfect home site.

End of road privacy from this Lake Glenville view lot and a cool breeze from 3,700+ feet elevation! Due to the amount of rock on the property, an engineered septic system will be required (estimated at $12,000 per bedroom). Private community water and just a short drive to several public boat ramps and the Jackson County Rec Park area with swimming area and hiking trails. MLS# 94126. $135,000.

NEWLY LISTED Hard to find southern facing, big lake and mountain views at an affordable price. If you are looking for even more acreage and views, lot 33 directly next door is also for sale. MLS# 95885. $49,500.

S UG A R F OR K R OA D Amazing opportunity to own a this 1.27 acre lot with approximately 228 feet of Cullasaja River frontage! Arnold Branch stream also runs down on one side of the property before cutting across the lot to join the river. This nearly level lot has already been cleared and has easy access off of Sugar Fork Road. Current 3 bedroom septic permit and well permit on hand. Buyer will need to drill a well for water. Only minutes to downtown Franklin and 30 minute drive to Highlands. Very unique property! MLS# 95335. $95,000.

SUMMER HILL Fantastic lot located in the prestigious gated community of Summer Hill. This 4.95-acre lot features its own private waterfall and

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NEWLY LISTED Summer Hill is a preferred, higher-end, gated community with generous lot sizes. Lot 23 is private, approximately 1.68 +/- acres, high in elevation, and offers great mountain and sunset views. The owner's adjoining lot 24 is also currently available for purchase and would be an ideal addition to lot 23, for those looking to create an estate-sized parcel. Located on the west side of Lake Glenville (between Cashiers and Highlands), Summer Hill residents enjoy access to the lake with a boat dock, sandy beach, boat ramp, and large picnic shelter with a fireplace. MLS# 95631. $85,000.

NEWLY LISTED Summer Hill is a preferred, higher-end, gated community with generous lot sizes. Lot 24 is private, approximately 1.99 +/- acres, high in elevation, and offers great mountain and sunset views. The owner's adjoining lot 23 is also currently available for purchase and would be an ideal addition to lot 24, for those looking to create an estate-sized parcel. Located on the west side of Lake Glenville (between Cashiers and Highlands), Summer Hill residents enjoy access to the lake with a boat dock, sandy beach, boat ramp, and large picnic shelter with a fireplace. MLS# 95632. $85,000.

T R IL L I U M L INK S & L A K E CLU B NEWLY LISTED Estate size golf frontage lot with a gentle topography. Close to all amenities, Including The Lake Glenville Restaurant and lake access. MLS# 95929. $39,000.

Welcome to wonderful Whisper Lake! Great lot in this fantastic community which offers access to the private lake for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing as well as all the Sapphire Valley amenities including tennis, golf, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, fitness center, game room, and much more. There is a small spring that runs along the edge of the property. Fiber Optic has been run to the road throughout the community. MLS# 95903. $8,500.

WA DE H A M P T ON Lot has a good view of Whiteside Mountain in well-established and exclusive neighborhood of Wade Hampton. Priced

below market value! Motivated seller! MLS# 90236. $120,000.

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panoramic views of Lake Glenville. MLS# 95062. $950,000.

Located in the scenic Waterdance gated community is this great 1.76 acre riverfront lot! The lot has a roughed in road leading directly to the potential building site, which is just steps away from the rushing Tuckasegee River. Whether you are an avid angler, or simply looking for the perfect place to construct your riverfront dream home, this lot is sure to please. There is an expired three bedroom septic permit on file (no septic tank installed yet) and community water is readily available. The community itself features paved roads, covered bridge, gated access, and gorgeous water features such as the waterfall that is up the road from this lot. Don't miss your chance to snag this lot, owner financing is also available! MLS# 93295. $123,000.

W H I SPE R L A K E Just around the corner from the Whisper Lake common area, this home site is the perfect setting to build a mountain getaway! The Whisper Lake common area has a lake side picnic area and dock where you can enjoy swimming, canoeing and kayaking. This beautiful lot also comes with Sapphire Valley amenities. MLS# 88503. $25,000.

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CASHIERS $345,000 Great business location between intersection and Ingles. Fantastic exposure on most traveled section of Highway 64. Office, retail, etc. If you are needing easy access and/or high visibility, this is the location. MLS# 93753

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A DV E R T I S E R’ S I N D E X 4118 Kitchen and Bar A Jones Company A-List Antiques ACP Home Interiors Allison Diane Annell Metsker Around Back at Rocky’s Place Bags on Main The Bascom Bear Shadow Festival Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Berkshire - Judy Michaud Berkshire - Mitzi Rauers Betsy Paul Art Raffle Betsy Paul Properties Black Bear Lodge Black Rock Granite and Cabinetry Blair Realty The Blue Elephant Blue Ridge Bedding Blue Ridge Music Bobby Grace Putters Bombshell Hair Boutique The Book Nook Bounds Cave’s Rug Gallery Bridge at Mill Creek Brookings Fly Shop Calders Coffee Cafe Canyon Kitchen Canyon Spa Carolina Rustic Furniture Cashiers Chamber of Commerce Cashiers Candy Shoppe Cashiers Kitchen Company Cashiers Valley Fusion Cashiers Valley Smokehouse Center for Plastic Surgery Robert T. Buchanan, MD Cedar Creek Club Celebrate Clayton Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals Charles Johnson Fine Art Photography Chocolate Heaven/Cake Bar Christine’s Home Decor Classic Lighting & Design, Inc. Country Club Properties Creative Concepts Creative Framing Cullasaja Club Dauntless Printing Dinner With Duffy Don Leon’s at The High Dive Dutchmans Edward Jones Investments The Exchange Fire + Water Fire Mountain Inn & Cabins Four Seasons Landscaping Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar Fressers Courtyard Cafe Dr. Edward D. Frederickson MD FACP GlenCove The Greystone Inn Head Innovations High Country Furniture & Design The High Dive Highlands Aerial Park Highlands Lawn Highlands Rock Yard Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty - Andrea Gabbard Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty - Sheryl Wilson Highlands Smokehouse Highlands Transportation Company Home Emporium Hummingbird Lounge

4118kitchen-bar.com

P 82 P 53, 131 P 35 acphomeinteriors.com P 92 P 126 annell.com P 64 aroundbackatrockysplace.com P 66 P 119 thebascom.org P 71 bearshadownc.com P 74 meadowsmountainrealty.com P 109, 134 meadowsmountainrealty.com P 134 meadowsmountainrealty.com P 134 P 62 betsypaulproperties.com P 179 blackbearlodgeofsapphire.com P 91 blackrockgraniteandcabinetry.com P 22, 124 blair-realty.com P 117 P 52 blueridgebedding.com P 42 blueridgemusicacademy.com P 67 bobbygraceputters.com P 40 P 24 P 116 boundscaverugs.com P 73 thebridgeatmillcreek.com P 86 brookingsonline.com P 51 calderscoffeecafe.com P 83 lonesomevalley.com P 135 lonesomevalley.com P 135 carolinarusticfurniture.com P 42 cashiersareachamber.com P 52 P 131 P 94 cashiersvalleyfusion.com P 116 cashiersvalleysmokehouse.com P 86 plasticsurgerytoday.com mckeeproperties.com celebrateclayton.com highlandsiscalling.com charlesjohnsonfineart.com christineshomedecor.com classiclightinganddesign.com ccphighlandsnc.com creativeframing.info cullasajaclub.org dauntlessprinting.com dutchmansdesigns.com edwardjones.com firemt.com firemt.com fsl-wnc.com four65.com wecaterhighlands.com glencovelifestyle.com thegreystoneinn.com highcountry.com highlandsaerialpark.com highlandsrockyard.com h-cmusicfestival.org

P 37

sothebysrealty.com

P 43

highlandssir.com highlandssmokehouse.com homeemporium.com oldedwardsinn.com

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P 121 P 39 P 37 P 124 130 P 67 P 139 P 125 P 130 P2 P 124 P 36 P 57 P 68, 125 P 138 P 84 P 27 P 117 P 118 P 17 P 17 P 114 P 81 P 84 P 120 P 49 P4 P 124 P 25 P 84 P 44 P 126 P 120

P 125 P 87 P 28 P 10, 11 P9

Imperial Security & Wiring Jack’s Upholstery Jennings Builders Supply Josephine’s Emporium John Cleaveland Realty The Kitchen CarryAway and Catering Lakeside Restaurant Landmark Realty Group Landmark Realty Group - Pam Nellis Landmark Vacation Rentals Laura Moser Art LDC Landscape Design Company Lehotsky & Sons Lenz Gifts & Luxury Linens Leslie Jeffery The Look Boutique Lupoli Construction Main Street Gifts Main Street Nursery Martin Lispcomb Performing Arts Center McCulley’s McKee Properties McKee Properties - Cedar Creek Club McKee Properties - Liz Harris McKee Properties - Beth Townsend Meritage Bistro Merrell Thompson Photography Michelle Page Webster Mirror Lake Antiques Morales Painting Mountain Spring Spas and Pools Mountainworks Design Nancy’s Fancys Nearly New Oak Steakhouse Oakleaf Old Edwards Inn & Spa On the Verandah The Park on Main Hotel Pat Allen Realty Group Pat Calderone Peak Experience ProClean Services Pro-Servicess Reach of Macon County Rebecka’s Home Cleaning Service Rent In Highlands-CCP Ristorante Paoletti Roman’s Roofing LLC Rusticks Sapphire Valley Real Estate Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center Silver Creek Real Estate Group Skyline Lodge Smitten The Spa Boutique at Old Edwards Inn Spoiled Rotten Srebalus Construction Co. Stork’s Wrap, Pack & Ship The Summer House by Reeves TJ Bailey’s for Men Town and Country General Store The Ugly Dog Pub - Highlands The Ugly Dog Pub - Cashiers Vic’s for Men Victoria’s Closet Victoria’s Sportswear The Village Green Vivianne Metzger Antiques Warth Construction West Realty WHLC FM 104.5 Wilbanks Smile Center - Dr. Joe Wilbanks Wit’s End Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro Woofgang Bakery & Grooming Yoga of Highlands Zoller Hardware The Zookeeper Bistro

IS-W.co

P 132 P 137 jbwnc.com P 30 P 35, 125 jcrealty.com P 23 thekitchenofhighlands.com P 82, 133 P 85 landmarkrg.com P 55, 125 landmarkrg.com P 125 landmarkvacations.com P 55 lauramoserart.com P5 ldcgroups.com P 40 lehotskyandsons.com P 124, 132 P 72 lesliejeffery.art P 64 P 21 lupoliconstruction.com P 115 P 133 P 34 highlandsperformingarts.com P 69 P3 mckeeproperties.com P 31, 39, 75, 140-153 mckeeproperties.com P 39 mckeeproperties.com P 75, 142-153 mckeeproperties.com P 31, 75 meritagehighlands.com P4 merrellthompson.com P5 pagetheartist.com P 65 mirrorlakeantiques.com P 28 P 53 mountainhotspring.com P 19 mtnworks.com P 47 P 118 nearlynewnc.com P 29 oaksteakhousehighlands.com P 76 oakleafstyle.com P 95 oldedwardsinn.com P 9, 124 ontheverandah.com P 87 theparkonmain.com P 106 patallenrealtygroup.com P 89 calderonegallery.com P 63, 65 peakexp.com P 36 procleanserves.com P 124 P 125 reachofmaconcounty.org P 121 P 124 rentinhighlands.com P 91 p¡aolettis.com P 85 romansroofingnc.com P 125 rusticks.com P 56 sapphirevalleyrealestate.com P 58 scalymountain.com P 44 ncliving.com P 154-177 skyline-lodge.com P 76 P 66 oldedwardsinn.com P 9, 124 spoiledrotten2.com P 34 srebalusconstruction.com P 124 P 17 summerhousehighlands.com P 12, 107 tjbmens.com P 41 tandcgeneralstore.com P 123 theuglydogpub.com P 80 theuglydogpub.com P 80 victoriasclosetnc.com P 29 victoriasclosetnc.com P 29 victoriasclosetnc.com P 29 villagegreencashiersnc.com P 108 vmantiques.com P 56 warthconstruction.com P 180 edwestrealty.com P 102 whlc.com P 19 wilbankssmilecenter.com P 110 P 26 wolfgangs.net P5 P 131 yogahighlands.com P 118 zollerhardware.com P 94, 125 thezookeeperbistro.com P 83

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