Plateau Picks

FLORALS AND LACE

This breathtaking cuff bracelet is handcrafted with 18k gold. It’s embellished with floral designs and gold filigree that hints of lace. Make a bold and feminine statement. 18k Cuff Bracelet | $11,000 Jannie Bean Designs | Highlands

COZY LOVE

This matching long pajama set goes together like a couple of lovebirds. Add color and playfulness to your wardrobe with this pair of birds as they remind you to embrace love and self-care every day. Long Sleep Set by Printfresh | $165 A Jones Company | Cashiers

NATURALLY ELEGANT

These graceful glass candlesticks are hand blown and simply elegant. Pair these unique finds with all-natural beeswax candles for an elegant, natural look. Hand Blown Candlesticks | $85 ea. Beeswax Taper Candles | $26 CK Swan | Highlands

Picks Plateau

a few of our favorite finds

SUSTAINABLE STYLE

The ultimate crossbody bag made from recycled vegan leather in a woven mesh design for the most durable use for any bag. Great for a workout bag, school bag, computer bag, travel bag, hiking bag, fashion bag or whatever your goal for the day to complete bag. Crossbody Bag | $145 (available in a rainbow of colors) C. Orrico | Highlands

LOVE, PEACE AND HIGHLANDS

We are mountain high in love with the casual wear designed by local artist Maggie Dearth. Depicting Highlands’ landmarks, these Ts and caps are super comfortable and proudly Highlands. Long Sleeve T $40 | Peace Cap $33 Allison Diane Clothing | Highlands

BLESS YOUR HOME

Bring the wonders of outdoors in with a variety of nature inspired finds.

Bunny Topiary $2899 | Bunny Hollow Soap $1399 | Leaf Napkins $499 Bunny Hollow Guest Napkins $799 | Blessed Sign $399 Whistlin’ Dixie | Lake Toxaway

SYNERGY OF SHAPES

Give your energy and style a fashionable lift with the jewelry collection from David Aubrey. This double strand necklace is crafted with magnesite, brass, and serpentine. Pair it with striking 3-inch drop hand-finished brass earrings. David Aubrey Necklace $116 | David Aubrey Earrings $68 Bungalow Boutique | Cashiers

The World of Design at Acorns

Acorns, located at 212 South Fourth Street in Highlands, has a full slate of trunk shows for August.

The August trunk shows at Acorns, Old Edwards’ home décor and furnishings store, present an exciting round of stunning art and original designs that would make extraordinary gifts – treasured for the unique collectibles they are. The shows all feature a considered assortment of functional decorative accents that are certain to add an elevated, artful touch to any space. Among the highlights are paintings from local artist Nancy Lichtman, and magnificent jewelry from Virginia based Elizabeth Locke – from quality porcelain clay pottery to coconut wax candles. On Saturday, August 6, you’re invited to meet Highlands painter Nancy Lichtman and explore her collection. Her portfolio reflects her love of nature and enchantment with horses – a fascination that began in early childhood, watching animals interact with each other as she rode through the pastures of her Alabama home. All of this is captured in the oils she paints of some of nature’s most uplifting wonders. On Friday, August 12 through Sunday, August 14, Acorns will showcase Elizabeth Locke’s exquisite creations. The summer she spent touring ancient ruins and the years spent in Italy have proven to be an endless source of inspiration for jewelry designer Elizabeth Locke, who turns out elegant fine jewelry with an emphasis on feminine-infused delicacies and a stunning blend of stones. Among the highlights are the striking Greek and Roman coin pendants, and moonstone and silver pearl earring pendants that double as eye candy and the perfect gold link necklace. Meet artist Michael Hofman on Friday, August 19, through Sunday, August 21. He returns with his collection of exquisite porcelain to mix, match, and round out your tablescape. The dinnerware, vases and serving pieces he creates by hand in his Asheville studio, “combine lace, a fragile memory of days gone by with the stone-like strength of porcelain to create objects that

will be cherished for generations.” Rounding out the month, Friday, August 26 through Sunday, August 28, Acorns spotlights Southern Bungalow. Presented in reusable statement-piece containers, each Southern Bungalow candle dances with cosmetic-grade fragrances and essential oils. They’re created from organic and clean-burning coconut wax, each fragrance is carefully curated and inspired by the artisan’s love of nature and fond memories of childhood in the South.

There’s always something new happening in the world of design at Acorns. To learn more about these and future happenings visit acornshighlandsnc.com.

by Marlene Osteen

Sashay Around

For Sashay Around, deeply personal service is just as important as smart contemporary fashion sense.

You’re doing something right when you’ve been in business for over 45 years and can boast of customers that return year after year. Sashay Around on Highway 107 N in Cashiers, one block north of the crossroads is just such a business. Serving the Highlands and Cashiers areas, they have built their reputation by selling high-quality clothing at reasonable prices and providing excellent customer service. They offer a wide array of styles from country club casual to dressy, so check out Sashay’s full array of contemporary classics: blouses, shirts, pullovers, skirts, pants, dresses, rainwear, and more. Accessorize with beautiful scarves, handbags, belts, and one-of-a-kind jewelry. From understated and classic to glitzy and glam they can have you fully outfitted, accessorized,

and out the door looking and feeling Debi Stewart and Elphie like a million bucks. Look for pieces from American designers Nic & Zoe, Tyler Boe, Mycra Pac Raincoats, NYDJ Jeans, A’Nue Miami tops, Mary Frances purses, Hobo handbags and Sorelli and Amy Kahn Russell jewelry; or Canadian and European lines such as Spanner, Dolcezza, Marble Scotland, Stehmann pants, Zacket & Plover sweaters from Australia and Joules from Great Britain. Their excellent customer service promise is enhanced by their special-order service to ensure customers get the styles they want even if they are sold out of their size in the shop. Stop by their cute little cottage just north of the Crossroads and treat yourself to something new.

Edgewood Antiques

At Edgewood Antiques, 52 Perennial Drive in Cashiers, everything old is welcomed into 21st century life.

Calling all antique lovers, and who doesn’t love spending a day looking for that perfect piece to elevate your space? There’s a new kid on the block in Cashiers for you to check out and they’re already boasting a devoted clientele. Edgewood Antiques at 52 Perennial Drive (sharing a space with NAB) is your newest must-stop shop when you’re out antiquing. Edgewood specializes in antiques and fine furnishings, offering specialty pieces that complement any décor. Whether your look is traditional, contemporary, mid-century modern, or a bit more rustic, chances are that Edgewood Antiques will have something that will bring a distinct touch of class to your home. From large statement pieces such as chests, buffets, tables and china cabinets, to everything in between, including lamps and lighting, porcelain pieces, china, wall art, rugs and other accessories, Edgewood has all your home decorating bases covered. Shopping here becomes more of a one-stop shopping experience since they share their space with NAB, aka Not All Beige, who carry more contemporary items and accessories. Between the two businesses, they’re bound to have something for

every taste. Edgewood Antiques is open Wednesday through Saturday 11:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M., or by appointment. You can reach them by email at edgewoodantiques@gmail.com. Please also check them out on Instagram at edgewoodcashiers.

Wit’s End

The endlessly surprising fashions at Wit’s End have earned it national recognition.

Ladies, walking into Wit’s End at 382 Main Street in Highlands is the adult equivalent of walking into a candy store. It’s a delicious rainbow of colors, both subtle and bold, textures, and styles to match any occasion. No wonder it’s been a Highlands tradition since 1940 and Main Street’s oldest shop. It is still owned and operated by the Young Family today. Few small businesses can boast the honor of being featured on the front page of The Wall Street Journal travel section of the weekend edition, but Wit’s End can. Their inventory is extensive, featuring looks for your every need, from playful and casual to dressy, with accessories galore. Third generation owner Susie Young and her friendly, helpful staff are adept at helping you find just what you need.

If you’re looking for effortless and Susie Young elegant jewelry, Wits End carries one of the most extensive collections of enewton jewelry. Its classic and gold-filled pieces are designed to be worn every day – you can sweat, swim and shower in it worry-free! For classic cashmere, look no further than their collection of Kinross Cashmere. Known for its original creations that are inspired by nature, and modern in design, these pieces are hand-crafted to endure. They’re pure, natural, soft, and sophisticated. They also carry many classic and contemporary dress brands including the recently launched womenswear company with a conscience, Alivia. Wit’s End is open Monday through Saturday 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and Sunday Noon to 5:00 P.M.

Mirror Lake Antiques

Stan and Donna Cochran’s Mirror Lake Antiques has earned landmark status over the course of its nearly 50 years.

Mirror Lake Antiques on the hill on Highlands’ South 4th Street has been in business for nearly 49 years, no small feat, and all thanks to the expertise and passion of owners, Stan and Donna Cochran. They have lovingly tended to their business as a cherished family member, and we are all the more fortunate for it.

Walking into this light-filled space that glitters with all that is silver, gold, crystal and more, is a feast for the eyes and senses. They carry an astonishing inventory of sterling silver, both holloware and flatware; fine china in unique patterns like Flow Blue and Majolica; barware; glassware, including cut glass and art glass; pre-loved books; pottery pieces; wall art; and oh… the jewelry. A wide variety of estate pieces, fashion pieces and more. Decorate your hands, wrists, ears and necks with rubies, diamonds, sapphires, or anything in between. Their ever-changing inventory reflects Donna and Stan’s keen eyes. Over the years, they found that people love to entertain, and they want to do it in style, with lovely pieces that showcase their efforts and complete a beautiful presentation. They also encourage people to use their sterling silver and fine china – don’t relegate it to holidays – any day can be a special occasion. Mirror Lake Antiques is open 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Monday through Saturday so stop by and add a bit of sparkle and shine to your life.

Stan and Donna Cochran

Pampered Personal Shopping

Spoiled Rotten’s 34 years of business in Highlands is built upon an atmosphere of trust and friendliness and, of course, a dazzling inventory.

Jonna McDowell and her staff have been spoiling their customers rotten at the aptly named Spoiled Rotten boutique in Town Square for 34 years. Treat yourself to a visit to this charming store and let them outfit you for your next trip, evening on the town, or any special occasion. It’s pampered personal shopping for the discriminating customer at its best.

Jonna says that what she loves most about her business, in addition to helping women look and feel their best, is that over the years her customers have become cherished friends.

Spoiled Rotten offers a great assortment of looks for any occasion including casual, dressy and professional. Their selection of Krazy Larry slacks and jeans is second to none, so if you’re in the search for slacks that fit just right this is your one-stop shop. Whether you’re looking for wardrobe basics in solid colors such as black or white, or if you’re more in the market for a pop of color or a classic or playful pattern, you’ll find it here. Taller ladies take note, they also offer tall sizes. You’ll also find blouses, tees, crops, jackets and more from names like Frank Lyman and Pure, clothing lines that embody comfort and style and travel well. They also boast one of the largest collections of Joseph Ribkoff clothing in the southeast.

Their one-of-a-kind jewelry will complete your look and elevate your style and mood. From cubic zirconia rings and bands sprinkled with diamond dust that sparkle and shine like the real thing, to Simon Seabag sterling silver earrings that are bold and light as air, there are treasures to be found here.

Even everyday items such as canes, readers, water bottles and key rings have been bedazzled and bejeweled with Swarovski crystals. Why not add a little sparkle to your everyday necessities? Spoiled Rotten is open Monday through Thursday 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.; Friday and Saturday, 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.; and Sundays Noon to 6:00 P.M. Spoil yourself and stop by.

by Mary Jane McCall

Linda Pryor and Lauree White

From the Blueprint Up

Armed with decades of experience and deeply honed artistic sensibilities, Atelier Maison’s Linda and Lauree offer a rich portfolio of decorating possibilities. To discover the exciting prospects available for your own home, visit their studio at 188 Burns Street on the corner of Burns and Frank Allen in Cashiers.

Buying, building, or remodeling a home is exciting – and challenging. In creating your wonderful three-dimensional living space, floor to ceiling, front to back, inside and out, there are a million choices to be made. It can be daunting. That’s when Atelier Maison interior designers Linda Pryor and Lauree White come to your rescue. Between them they have 40 years of interior design ability. With that experience, almost anything is possible. Whether you want to highlight an exceptional view, choose, and install new bathroom fixtures, or select elevated contemporary furnishings for an entire new dwelling from the blueprint up, the staff at Atelier Maison is at your service. Not only do Atelier Maison staff members have access to a wide selection of in-house products, but they can custom order or custom design whatever your heart desires. Some express orders can take 12-16 weeks.

While most of their customers appreciate all the above, there is one outstanding benefit that puts Atelier Maison over-and-above competitors: most of their products are U.S.-made and created in environments that are earth-, people-, and animal-friendly. Examples – sustainable wood products; commodities that do not release gasses into the air you breathe; a commitment to making and keeping you and your home healthy. Make-a-date to visit the team at Cashiers Designer Showhouse. Delight in their treatment of the third bedroom upstairs. And while you are making dates, come to the store and meet Linda, Lauree, and Atelier Maison’s friendly staff. Bring routine questions for quick answers. For larger queries, schedule a design appointment. They’re open 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. every day but Sunday. Call (828) 743-8138 for more info. You can contact them at Linda@AtelierMaisonCo.com; Lauree@AtelierMaisonCo.com, and, of course, visit them at 188 Burns Street on the corner of Burns and Frank Allen in Cashiers.

Designers are invited to sign up for special services through their to-the-trade department. by Donna Rhodes / photos by Susan Renfro

WEST END 1. On The Verandah Restaurant 2. Highlands Smokehouse 5. The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts 6. The Bascom Shop 7. The Dave Drake Ceramic Barn at The Bascom

Visit Our Advertisers 119. Highlands Pharmacy ON THE HILL 302. Wish & Shoes 303. Mirror Lake Antiques 305. Jeanie Edwards Fine Art 306. Acorn’s 197. Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar 202. Country Club Properties 205. Silver Creek Real Estate Group 207. Creative Concepts Salon 208. Highland Hiker Shoes 210. Highland Hiker 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

SOUTH END

25. 4118 Kitchen & Bar 27. Dauntless Printing 30. The Literacy Council 38. Lupoli Construction 39. Allen Tate/Pat Allen Realty Group 44. Scott Neumann Law Office 46. M & Co 47. ACP Home Interiors 48. Nancy’s Fancys/

The Exchange 50. The Summer House 57. Blue Elephant Consignment Studio 58. Head Innovations 59. Cake Bar & Chocolate Heaven

MAIN STREET

100. Main Street Nursery 101. Rosewood Market 103. Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 124. Landmark Realty 126. Shiraz Oriental Rug Gallery 132. Elevation: High Fashion for Women 134. The Southern Way 136. Dutchmans 140. The Toy Store/The Book Nook 141. Bags on Main 142. Main Street Gifts 146. Wit’s End Shoppe 147. Calders Coffee Cafe 148. Highlands Fine Art & Estate Jewelry + Wine Shop 152. Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty 153. Allison Diane Clothing 158. C. Orrico 159. Colonel Mustards 160. TJ Bailey for Men 163. Spoiled Rotten 166. Annawear 167. The Christmas Tree 169. Country Club Properties 174. Elena’s Women’s Golf and Activewear 178. McCulley’s II 185. Ristorante Paoletti 187. The Dry Sink 189B. Smitten 190. Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro 191. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Meadows Mountain Realty 194. Old Edwards Inn 195. Madison’s Restaurant 196. The Wine Garden WRIGHT SQUARE on MAIN

(Factoid: Named after Whiteside hero) 113. Edward Jones 117. Country Club Properties, Wright Square Office

319. Lakeside Restaurant SPRING VILLAGE

400. Jannie Bean Fine Custom Jewelry 406. Brookings

OAK STREET

601. Highlands Playhouse VILLAGE PARK

613. Cleaveland Realty 614. CK Swan 615. Shakespeare & Co. 617. Fressers Courtyard Cafe

CAROLINA VILLAGE

709. High Dive 709. Truckin’ at the High Dive 711. Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals NORTH END

801. Green Mountain Builders 814. Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center 814. Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival 814. Highland-Cashiers Players

OUT NC 106

➡ Aery Chiropractic ➡ Peak Experience ➡ Futral Construction ➡ Highlands Outpost ➡ Scaly Mountain Crafters ➡ Highlands Aerial Park ➡ 37 Vineyard at High Holly ➡ Fire + Water ➡ Pat Calderone Gallery ➡ Sky Valley Country Club

OUT 64 EAST

➡ Black Rock Design Build ➡ Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services Meadows Mountain Realty ➡ WHLC ➡ Highlands Lawn & Garden ➡ Skyline Lodge/ Oak Steakhouse ➡ Highlands Rock Yard ➡ Futral Construction ➡ Center for Plastic Surgery ➡ The Brier Patch ➡ Allen Tate/ Pat Allen Realty Group ➡ Highlands Dermatology ➡ 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.

Visit Our Advertisers

SLABTOWN

2. Zookeeper Bistro 13. Crossroads Custard

NORTH 107

16. Stork’s - Wrap. Pack. Ship 19. The Look Boutique 20. Mountain Mermaid 21. Sashay Around Ladies Boutique

THE SHOPS AT CASHIERS COMMONS

25. Bella Cotn. 27. Bird Barn & Garden 28. Cashiers Kitchen Co. 30. Bombshell Hair Boutique 31. The Watershed Shoppe 33. Zoller Hardware

AT THE CROSSROADS

37. Landmark Realty Group 39. Cashiers Farmers Market 40. On the Side BBQ 41. Highland Hiker

CHESTNUT SQUARE

43. A Jones Company 45. Cashiers Valley Real Estate 47. Lehotsky & Sons, Builders 55. Fusion Yoga & Wellness 55. The Bungalow Boutique

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 77. The Designers Market 78. Ann Lea Fine Art Gallery 81. Jennings Builders Supply

VILLAGE WALK

80. A-List Antiques 80. Beth Poindexter 80. Josephine’s Emporium 80. Laura Moser Art 82. The Village Hound 86. Nora & Co. 89. Nearly New

Furniture Consignment 90. Gracewear Boutique

SOUTH 107

101. Narcissus 102. TJ Bailey’s for Men 103. Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming 104. Brookings Fly Shop & Cashiers Village Outfitters 105. Atelier Maison 106. Edgewood Antiques & Fine Art 107. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Meadows Mountain Realty 108. Landmark Realty Group 109. Ugly Dog Public House 110. McCulley’s 111. Rusticks 112. Vivianne Metzger Antiques 115. J. Gabriel 121. Robin’s Nest 123. Caliber Fine Properties 128. Mountainworks Custom Home Design LTD. 131. Tampa Bay Trust Company 135. Dillard Jones 136. McKee Properties 137. Bounds Cave Rug Gallery 138. The Orchard Restaurant, Events Barn & Guest Cottage

THE VILLAGE GREEN

142. Village Green Commons 143. The Village Green 147. Bazaar Barn

WEST 64

155. Cashiers Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center 156. Creekside: - Silver Creek Real Estate Group 172. Whiteside Art Gallery 173. Betsy Paul Properties 176. Lenz Gifts

DOWN 107 SOUTH

➡ Silver Run Reserve

VISIT CULLOWHEE

➡ Four Seasons Landscape

VISIT GLENVILLE

➡ Silver Creek Real Estate Group

VISIT LAKE TOXAWAY

➡ Appalachian Construction ➡ Balistreri Realty ➡ Bear Tracks Travel Center ➡ Earthshine Lodge ➡ Grand Olde Station ➡ The Greystone Inn ➡ Headwaters Outfitters ➡ Historic Toxaway Foundation ➡ Historic Toxaway Market ➡ Killer Bees Honey ➡ Mountain Cafe ➡ Lake Toxaway Company ➡ Panthertown Cafe ➡ Petit Properties ➡ Root 64 ➡ Southern Highlands Reserve ➡ Whistlin’ Dixie VISIT NORTON:

➡ Town and Country General Store

VISIT SAPPHIRE:

➡ Appalachian Golf Cars ➡ Sapphire Valley Real Estate ➡ The Fix

VISIT SYLVA:

➡ Imperial Security

Cashiers, North Carolina

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

Being added to our listing is easy! Simply advertise with The Laurel.

Preserving and Protecting

The leafy treasures at Southern Highlands Reserve are meant to be cherished for the ages.

Walking through the wooded mountain garden at Southern Highlands Reserve brings back childhood memories of freedom, exploration, delight and surprise. It’s peaceful there in a way few places are anymore, and the ancient heartbeat of the land will reverberate with your own. This hidden gem at the top of Toxaway Mountain has quietly been doing the work of preservation and restoration for 20 years. The main goal of the Reserve, a nonprofit native plant garden and research center, is to sustain the natural ecosystems of the Blue Ridge Mountains through the preservation, cultivation and display of plants native to the region. Accessible currently by reservation only, the Reserve is at an elevation of 4,500 feet and sustains a large and diverse collection of native Southern Appalachian plants and their cultivars — many of which struggle to survive elsewhere. For these reasons, the Reserve’s founders, Betty and Robert Balentine, decided two decades ago to make certain that no development would disturb the ecosystem, and that the land would, instead, be a place of regeneration – both figuratively and literally. Executive Director Kelly Holdbrooks says, “Not only is it a beautiful place to reconnect with nature, but also it’s one of the best gardens in America, and partnerships and restoration are very important to us.” In fact, the Reserve has kicked off a capital campaign to fund a state-of-the-art greenhouse. In order to meet goals set with partners that include the U.S. Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy, the Reserve will increase production of red spruce trees to 50,000 from 10,000. Holdbrooks will also take part in the ceremonial lighting of the Capitol Christmas Tree — a red spruce from North Carolina — in Washington, D.C., this year. “Red spruce forests in the Southern Appalachian Mountains are the second most endangered ecosystem in the United States,” says Holdbrooks. “In our greenhouses, we grow seeds to saplings to young trees that we plant on public lands in Eastern Tennessee, Western North Carolina, and Virginia. We have a 90 percent success rate in propagation and planting.” Visit southernhighlandsreserve.org to tour or support the Reserve.

by Deena Bouknight

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Balistreri Realty in Sapphire

For Realtor Kathy Balistreri, helping others discover the magic of this corner of Western North Carolina is personal. To find out why she’s passionate about her profession and her community, call her at (828) 883-4848 or visit laketoxawayliving.com.

Melisa Collins and Kathy Balistreri

In 1994 Kathy Balistreri, an interior designer and real estate broker, and her realtor husband left South Florida with their two children to take up residence in their vacation home on Lake Toxaway. They had forged a deep connection with the area on a visit in 1983, buying a lot on the lake and building there five years later. It was a bold move. Kathy had deep roots in her hometown. For three generations, the family’s real estate business, Balistreri Realty had been integral to the growth of the Boca Raton and Lighthouse Point communities. Kathy had grown up in the business – working summers during her teen years. But the couple’s affection for South Florida had waned in the 1990’s and they had begun to crave something different, a new experience for their family. “Boca Raton was losing its small-town feeling. We wanted something simpler,” Balistreri said. “It was the right choice for our family.” For five years Kathy took a hiatus from work. She played golf at Lake Toxaway Country Club, got involved in the community, and helped her children settle into life on the Plateau. By the year 2000, her children were both at UNC Chapel Hill, so Kathy determined it was time to go back to work. She kept her Florida license and got her North Carolina license; then launched her own business in Sapphire/Lake Toxaway in 2002. Having started selling real estate at the age of eighteen, (and during her 4 years at Florida State) Kathy learned there is more to being successful than just selling real estate... she realized she is also selling a lifestyle. Her interior design skills have proven to be an additional asset in assisting her clients find the right property – helping them to visualize what they can do to an older home. Population on the Plateau has risen as more and more people have left the big cities, putting down roots in rural areas, seeking a deeper connection to the land – all made possible by the increasing viability of working from home. “Extraordinarily few homes are on the market, and that means home shoppers will really notice fewer options when they go house hunting,” said Balistreri. “And it means there’s more competition over the homes that do get listed. I have spent as much as four years with a client before finding a property, though the average is anywhere from two months to a year.” Balistreri sells and lists homes, businesses, and lots in all price ranges throughout the Plateau. She can be reached at (828) 883-4848 or laketoxawayliving.com.

Appalachian Golf Cars

The Hickock family has been spreading the good news about golf cars throughout Western North Carolina. For more information, visit the Appalachian Club Car showroom at 18029 Rosman Hwy., Sapphire.

Pictured left to right: Clark Hickock, Amber Hickock, Jason Hickock, Melanie McCall, Harry Jones, Randy Moretz, and Beasley (Dog) Not pictured: Frank Flores, Al Smith, Anthony Hall, Tate Singleton and MaryLou Hickock

Sunscreen, fire pits, Yeti coolers, RV’s and ebikes. Name a thing that people use for recreation, and it’s a safe bet that sales boomed during the Pandemic. Golf cars are no exception. Covid turbocharged the business, fueled by consumers tired of staying in. Desperate for stimulation they turned to thrills closer to home – like golf cars and low speed vehicles. It accelerated a sharp rise in sales to younger families who don’t play golf and are just using the golf car as a lifestyle vehicle. The upsurge in golf car sales has been good news for the Hickock family, owners of Sapphire’s Appalachian Golf Cars, dealers of Club Car, a leading golf car manufacturer based in Augusta, Georgia. According to Club Car’s vice president of marketing, consumer sales have roughly doubled since the pandemic. Appalachian Golf Cars had been in business since 1993 when the Hickocks bought the dealership in 2017 upon their retirement – leaving their home in San Diego. Clark Hickock had spent the years till then working in corporate America, traveling and buying and selling companies – he was a CEO when he retired. And Mary Lou had worked for many years in public schools as a speech therapist. Their son Jason and his wife joined the business during the pandemic in 2020, moving from Austin where Jason, a former U.S. Army Ranger, had worked in automotive management and Amber was employed at an HVAC outfit. Today Jason works alongside his dad as co-owner and General Sales Manager and Amber uses her degree in finance to help in the office. The Hickocks and their team are well known for providing superior service to customers in 11 counties in Western North Carolina. And they’re proud to be associated with Club Car, the best golf car manufacturer in the industry – recognized as leaders in efficiency and long-lasting value. The full-service dealership offers both new and reconditioned golf car sales, along with rentals, parts, and accessories. They maintain a full-service repair shop that combines excellent workmanship with exceptional customer service and are the only mobile mechanics in the area.

Today they are the go-to golf car sales and service organization for most of the clubs on the mountains. One of North Carolina’s top-ranked dealers for Club Cars, they are distinguished for the unique buying experience they offer that pays close attention to individual needs. The company’s commitment to their customer is exemplified in their motto: “We are here to make your experience the very best it can be.” For more information, visit appalachiangolfcars.com.

Earthshine

by Marlene Osteen / photo by Susan Renfro