March 2022: The Laurel Magazine by The Laurel Magazine of Highlands NC and Cashiers NC

a e

L UR L The Heart of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau for 20 Years

Wine Pairing Extravaganza March 27 pg. 18

March 2022

Igniting Artistic

Passions

Cover Artist, Linda Sabic

4 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

5 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

CON T E N T S March 2022

15 What To Do

24 Winter Photo Contest

43 Recreation & Creation 46 One Last Slice of Ice

55 Arts

62 Terry Barnes

75 Dining

78 Italian-Inspired Spring Fling

93 Shopping

126

94 Plateau Picks

105 History

106 Highlands History

109 Lifestyles & Wellness 116 Carpe Diem Farms

125 Giving Back

130 Literacy & Learning Center

132 Business

132 Cashiers Chamber of Commerce

The Laurel Turns 20

At a Glance Guides

Capturing Place & Time

76 7 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

VOLUME TWENTY, ISSUE TWO

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 our March Issue! It’s the celebration of a Plateau that’s bursting with the goodness of the season and a promise for the remainder of the year. Speaking of Wonderful Things in 2022, this year marks 20 years of The Laurel chronicling the people and events and wild things that animate the Plateau. The Laurel is a Labor of Love for us, and we never tire of this ongoing conversation with you. Whether you’re a native, or a new arrival, or someone just passing through, you’re here somewhere within these pages! Thanks for Everything! 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 Colleen Kerrigan. Copyright © 2022 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.

Janet Cummings and Marjorie Christiansen

The Laurel turns

Our 20th Anniversar y is testament to the undeniable power of dreams and our unshakable faith in the people of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.

s we’re finally, hopefully, coming out of a global pandemic, this issue of The Laurel is bursting with excitement.

We’re reporting about community events to be held, celebrations and concerts that’ll breathe life back into our exhausted spirits. There are profiles of the personalities that animate the Plateau, and explorations of the natural heritage that we all cherish. It’s all summed up by these kind words from Richard Delany, the president and managing director of Old Edwards Hospitality Group: “The Laurel ’s tagline is ‘The Heart of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau,’ and from what I’ve experienced that rings true – of the magazine and the people behind it. The Laurel is not just a source of information and entertainment, but they go out of their way to contribute to the community through charitable support, board and committee service, and many other ways besides just publishing a magazine. They live in the community, they care about the community, and it shows.” I’m using Richard’s statement here because it illuminates the deep, uncontainable joy that my eternal best-bud and co-publisher Marjorie Christiansen and I are feeling for this, our beloved magazine’s 20th Anniversary. 12 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

You see, 20 years ago when we conceived the notion of a glossy magazine that’d focus on the people and the art and the businesses that animate the communities that comprise the Plateau, we were casting our line into waters that were as unpredictable and punishing as the straits of Bust Your Butt Falls. Since we both worked for local newspapers, we understood that so much of life here in this tiny corner of the Southern Appalachians was just not being covered. The creations of artists who found unquenchable inspiration here, well, they simply couldn’t find their full expression on four-color newsprint. No one was taking the time to introduce newcomers (and, for that matter, some natives) to the trails and streams and wild places that are a part of our heritage. Who’d make note of the astonishing meals that were served up on a daily basis in our restaurants – the sorts of dishes that you’d still recall years later as you were drifting off to sleep? Who’d illuminate the treasures to be found in our local shops and galleries and boutiques – the hand-selected treasures that have earned Highlands and Cashiers top-tier status as

Marjorie Christiansen and Janet Cummings, 2016

shopping destinations? All of these questions figured into our calculations. Yes, but here’s the rub: Both Highlands and Cashiers had year-round populations of fewer than 1,000, and they were only fully alive for eight months out of the year. What sort of readership and advertising base could you cultivate with that sort of demographic? That was the question that potential supporters asked us again and again. (And even our own faithful editor Luke Osteen, who’s been with us from the start, thought it was all “kind of a nutty idea.”) Well, we couldn’t answer them with any quantifiable data or balance sheet projections – for the simple reason that no one had tried something like The Laurel before. We just knew, based on nothing more than intuition and our belief in one another, that this rare bird could fly. And we never lost our faith in the goodness, the profound decency, of the people who live here. We knew you’d stick with us through those shaky first few issues, and we hoped that you’d open up your lives to us and allow us to tell your tales in our pages. And amongst all those naysayers, there were a few people who believed in us from the start.

tutelage of the late and deeply-missed Ralph DeVille of Stone Lantern, and the aesthetic instincts of his daughter Susie; and the generosity of realtor Terry Potts, who committed to advertising in The Laurel solely based upon his faith in this notion; and Nancy Aaron of Southern Hands (and now the executive director of the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival), who asked why she should put her trust and her precious advertising dollars in a magazine owned by two novices. Marjorie’s answer to Nancy was a clarifying moment for us and an assertion that’s been borne out by these 20 years. She handed Nancy her business card embossed with The Laurel Magazine and her Highlands address and Highlands phone number. “Nancy, this is me,” she said, “and this is how you know – we’re your neighbors who’ll always be two minutes away.” Nowadays, this magazine is our business card. I hope it assures you that your time between these covers is time spent with neighbors who are only two minutes away, neighbors delighted to tell you the story of the Plateau. Look carefully – you’re in here somewhere! by Janet Cummings, Managing Partner, Laurel Magazine

You wouldn’t be reading these words were it not for the tireless 13 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

WHAT TO DO Pages 16-38

W H AT TO DO

Daytime Experiences at

Bear Shadow

Wild Rivers

Bear Shadow, slated for April 29 through May 1, sets the tone for a busy Plateau Season with an unforgettable series of day time experiences.

ear Shadow is more than just about music. In fact, it’s been conceived as a vehicle to experience the excitement and beauty that Highlands has to offer in a whole new way.

This is done by offering daytime experiences such as Hike & Mic; Bearfoot in the Park; Musician Clinics; and Wine, Women, and Song. Listed below are four not-to-be-missed occasions to immerse yourself in the Bear Shadow Experience while trying something new during your weekend of music, mountains, and revelry. Wine, Women & Song: Set for 2:00 to 4:30 P.M. Saturday, April 30, at Skyline Lodge. What happens when you put three women – three critically acclaimed, award-winning singer-songwriters, three old friends, three artists with three unique voices – on a stage together with some guitars and a bottle of good cabernet? It’s an afternoon of song, conversation and fine wines with three acclaimed female performers! Suzy Bogguss: She’s an American country music singer and

16 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

songwriter, who won Top New Female Vocalist from the Academy of Country Music and the Horizon Award from the Country Music Association. Gretchen Peters: Inducted to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2014, Peters has been busy composing hits for Martina McBride, Etta James, Trisha Yearwood, Patty Loveless, George Strait, Anne Murray, Shania Twain, Neil Diamond, and co-writing songs with Bryan Adams. In addition, Peters has released nine studio albums of her own. Matraca Berg: She was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2008, and won the 2018 Poet’s Award from the Academy of Country Music Awards. Besides most of her own material, Berg has written hits for T.G. Sheppard, Karen Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Deana Carter, Patty Loveless, Kenny Chesney, and others. Hike & Mic: Bear Shadow offers a hike to Brushy Face Preserve on Friday, April 29, and another to Sunset Rock and the Highlands Botanical Garden on Saturday, April 30. These moderate one-to-

W H AT TO DO

Matraca Berg, Gretchen Peters, and Suzy Bogguss

two-mile hikes, led by experts from Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust and Highlands Biological Station, will take participants through Highlands’ forests and trails before finishing with intimate performances by Wild Rivers on Friday and Jamestown Revival on Saturday. Cost is $65. Musician Clinics: These are set for 2:30 P.M. Friday, April 29, at Highlander Mountain House; and 2:30 P.M. Saturday, April 30, at Highlander Mountain House. Sharpen your skills or learn something new at the Bear Shadow Musician Clinics. It’s not every day that you get to learn a few tunes from the best of the best singer-songwriters and world-renowned musicians. Bearfoot in the Park: From 9:00 to 10:00 A.M. Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1, at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, this is a chance to connect with your mind and body in nature before the music launches. The Works–Charleston’s Sweat Studio will lead students through an exhilarating, one-hour flow in downtown Highlands. Students must reserve their spot at the ticket link. For details about these events and the more, visit bearshadownc.com. by Marlene Osteen 17 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

Wine Pairing

Extravaganza

Old Edwards Inn’s Vintner’s Dinner, set for March 27, is a chance to revel in sumptuous food, generous pours, and stories, lots of stories. For reser vations, visit OldEdwardsHospitality.com.

unday, March 27, is an evening about a trio of talented ladies and one skilled fellow who have impacted and left their imprint on the contemporary food and wine landscape.

It’ll be an evening at Old Edwards Inn to be remembered – when stimulating conversation is bound to abound and great wine will flow, and delicious food will be enjoyed. And on that evening you’re invited to join this brilliant foursome – Chef Kristen Essig of Dauphine’s in DC; Paula Kornell, head of Paula Kornell Sparkling; along with Ellie Anest and Brett Weis, of Eleven Eleven Wine – to share a meal and listen to live music. It’s certain that Paula Kornell will not only delight with wine but will regale all with tales of a lifetime in the wine business. The story of Paula Kornell is a tale of family continuity. Kornell was literally born into the business. She grew up playing at the family winery, founded by her father in 1958 – Hanns Kornell Champagne Cellars – and has spent her life surrounded by wine. From her beginnings, “selling peacock feathers, walnuts, and prunes in front

18 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

of the tasting room,” she went on to working in sales and marketing and in her own consulting business. Today, at the namesake winery that she started with the 2017 vintage, she produces award-winning sparkling wines crafted to be stylish, sophisticated, and engaging, and—importantly for Paula—food-friendly. No less intriguing is the story of Eleven Eleven Wines and the serendipitous event that launched the winery. It was on an international flight that Ellie Anest, a professional financial consultant, met Aurelien Roulin. The camaraderie was immediate and in short order they formed a partnership, beginning with a real estate purchase alongside Ellie’s lifelong friend, Carol Vassiliadis. That property came with a world-class estate vineyard. Soon thereafter Roulin connected with legendary winemaker Kirk Venge. Brett Weis, progeny of the famous Weis winemaking family, soon joined the team as Director of Winemaking and Operations. The rest was history. As Anest says: “Very soon I came to understand that there was something written in the stars about this new venture.” The winery produces varietal wines – Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Syrah, and

W H AT TO DO

Chardonnay that have received high scores from the nation’s top critics and recognition for a style that is “elegant, nuanced, and always balanced.” Essig, who moved to DC from New Orleans, where she was a James Beard Best Chef South finalist three years running, certainly has sagas to recount – about the 20 years she spent cooking in New Orleans and the years she put in under the tutelage of a litany of chefs that included Emeril Lagasse and my husband – Louis Osteen. Now, Essig is “excited to share the stories of the many cultures, chefs, and traditions that make New Orleans cuisine so special.” In dishes like rockfish amandine, duck jambalaya, and oysters Dauphine, Essig’s expresses the finesse and expertise that rated a “top-notch” review from The Washington Post. Cost is $185 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Please note the event is for guests 21 and over. This is just one of a fabulous line-up of other chefs visiting Highlands this year. Check lodging (not included in ticket price), and availability at OldEdwardsHospitality.com. by Marlene Osteen

19 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

Highlands, NC,

the Lookbook

The Highlands Chamber of Commerce makes a beautiful, impassioned pitch for the natural wonders of life on the Plateau.

20 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

f you’re captivated by Highlands magic, surrender to its panoramas of mountain trails, rivers, cliffs, towering falls, and rocky ridges. These wonders are wrapped in a temperate rainforest, hand-crafted by the world’s best exterior designer, Mother Nature.

As you peruse the snapshots, you’re bound to catch a glimpse of a creature or two grazing on Nantahala’s dining table, the forest floor. Or creatures wandering through dappled light, playing their part in keeping the wheel of environmental balance turning.

To learn more, contact the Highlands Audubon Society.

Highlanders swear she outdid herself on the Plateau.

At night the nocturnals (bobcats, raccoons, bats, barred owls, bullfrogs, white-tailed deer, foxes, and more) are heard more than seen. But if you are an adventurer, contact the Highlands Biological Station for a summer Salamander Meander, the Highlands Land Trust for a hike in protected forest, or explore the Highlands Greenway on your own.

If you need a bit more wowing, go ahead and visit the Welcome Center at 108 Main Street or visithighlandsnc.com to see what the photo-aficionados have captured for your tour of our beautiful land that we and Mother Nature call home. Better yet, put your boots on and walk one of Highlands well-worn trails – and don’t come home ‘til the cows do.

If this is a day when you can’t get out to trek on your own two feet, let your eyes do the walking through Visit Highlands, NC/ Highlands Chamber 2022 Experience Guide and visithighlands.com, both loaded with award-winning photos. Get ready to be visually wowed. While wandering the picturesque photo of trails, sneak some time to spy on its animal dwellers. Explore the fliers, (birds and pollinators), the slither-ers (snakes, lizards, and salamanders), and lumber-ers (the iconic bears).

If you are a birder, you are under the friendly skies of migrating and resident songbirds and birds-of-prey. A Birding Bonanza is held annually, as bird-fanciers take note-and-number of every beak and birdie that flies over their backyard.

Highlands is a home and retreat for mindful, passionate, humanitarian residents and visitors. It’s a delight to be one thread amongst many who weave a balanced community for all its occupants.

by Marlene Osteen

21 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

Enriching

Young Lives

The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center’s Youth Conferences, running throughout the month, provide direction and understanding about spirituality. They’re open to all young people, from third grade through high school. Visit themountainrlc.org/ mountaincamp.

22 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

outh Conferences (CONs) at The Mountain near Highlands are intended to enrich the lives of youth.

Youth CONs are weekend-long events planned by youth with adult support for young people from third grade through high school. At its heart, a youth CON is an experience in building covenantal community and empowering youth leadership. Each CON has a different theme and focus, but they all incorporate community building, fun, worship, and exploration of spirituality. These are opportunities to connect with youth from around the region and beyond. These connections often become a significant part of one’s life for many years to come.

groups and during free time, contribute to times of fun and reflection and grow spiritually through worship. Each youth comes with an adult volunteer advisor from their local community. Elementary CON is set for March 11-14;Intermediate CON, March 18-20; and Senior High CON, March 25-27. For more information on all of these ways to be involved in a special experience at The Mountain, please see themountainrlc.org/ mountaincamp. by Mary Jane McCall

The weekend program is filled with a variety of workshops, activities, good food, a safe environment, and warm, cozy cabins. Youth participate in all the activities, share with new friends in small get-to-know-you

23 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

Cover-Worthy

Winters

Hey – Pay Attention! The Winter that’s slushing off of the Plateau at this ver y moment may have what you need to become a Laurel Cover Ar tist.

24 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

ith the arrival of Spring, you’re probably focused on the beautiful things that’re popping up all around us this month. However, before you finally stash away your heavy coat and sturdy boots, let me make one final pitch for the glories of the winter that we’ve just endured. Whether you’re a professional photographer, or just someone who loves to capture the magic of the moment on your cell phone or pocket camera, The Laurel is offering you a chance to become a Cover Artist. That’s right, it’s the start of The Laurel’s Winter 2023 Cover Photo Contest. Every year, we ask our readers to share with us their vision of the Quintessential Highlands-Cashiers Plateau Winter. From the bright red flash of a cardinal or holly berry against the barren trees, to sunrises and sunsets that explode with color, or sunlight glistening on a freshly fallen snow, winter is a perfect time to enjoy

a few moments in nature with our cameras.

winning shot.

Now some of you are saying that Winter 2021-2022 is an anomaly, that the nearbalmy weeks, and days and days of rain were anything but a typical Plateau winter.

All you have to do is keep an eye open for the beauty of this, our quietest and most reflective season, and capture that moment on film.

Well, it’s true, there haven’t been sweeping vistas of snow or ponds locked in the grip of a hard-frozen layer of ice, but it’s been winter all the same.

Aspiring cover artists should enter their seasonal and magazine-appropriate shots at thelaurelmagazine.com/contest/ winter2022 by March 31. Submitted photographs should be high resolution and must be of the Highlands-Cashiers area. Amateurs, professionals, young and old, are encouraged to join the fun and share the beauty of the season.

The forests are still hushed, the mountains look like they’re clothed in mouse fur, a bold cardinal can still light up the day with his exuberant plumage, and your neighbors still flash those absolutely irresistible smiles as they fill their days with busyness. All of these are irreducible signposts of a Plateau Winter. Your winning photograph could be the cover of our 2023 Winter Edition. Pictured is one of our favorites from last year’s competition. You might just find the inspiration you need to capture your own

by Luke Osteen

Scan to enter and vote

25 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

Story Walk is

Snow Magical

As winter winds down, you’re invited to enjoy the sublime delights of The Snowy Day at The Village Green.

26 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

a couple of snowy surprises. The children in the community will be reminded of their own experiences of fun and creative play in the snow as they read about Peter’s.

The book, The Snowy Day, was written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats. Published in 1962, it won the prestigious Caldecott Medal in 1963. The book has become a beloved children’s story that teaches the concept of sequencing.

The Snowy Day is presented in both English and Spanish. The bright, colorful illustrations make it fun to follow along. Each page includes activities that anyone, any age can enjoy. The first page can be found near the Village Play, with subsequent pages following the Ramble path to the Cashiers Post Office parking area.

f the unpredictable weather at the far end of winter has you hungry to invigorate your body and spirit with a brisk walk, this is the perfect time to take in the new StoryWalk book that’s been installed at The Village Green in Cashiers.

The story features a young boy named Peter who wakes up one winter morning to find his world covered in a blanket of snow. It’s his first experience with snow and he takes full advantage of all that his imagination can conjure, making snow angels, building a snowman, and racing down a big hill. The story of Peter’s adventure is particularly timely as the Cashiers’ community shakes off a winter that contained

possible through a collaboration between Vision Cashiers, The Village Green, The Albert Carlton-Cashiers Library, and The Literary Council of Cashiers. by Luke Osteen

A visit to The StoryWalk is the perfect way to spend a wintry day with younger family members and friends. It allows them to get outside, walk and play, and practice their reading skills. Given the recent big snow, children will truly be able to relate to Peter’s character, seeing the world through his eyes. Making that connection through the written word will be a deeply enriching experience. The StoryWalk was made

27 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

Wisdom of

the Daffodils

The Wisdom of the Daffodils offer a positive message for the days ahead.

28 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

arch is a transition month, the end of leonine winter and beginning of ovine spring.

The two seasons cross paths in March, a meeting captured iconically in the appearance of heraldic daffodils held briefly in the soft embrace of a wet spring snow: How lovely the floral trumpets; how pure the snows of hope. Here on the Plateau, we are ready for spring, ready for a new, bright future. We welcome March as surely as we welcome spring. This welcoming spirit has been captured by one of America’s favorite poets: To March by Emily Dickinson Dear March, come in! How glad I am! I looked for you before. Put down your hat — You must have walked —

How out of breath you are! Dear March, how are you? And the rest? Did you leave Nature well? Oh, March, come right upstairs with me, I have so much to tell! So much, indeed, of our best hopes for the wholesome days of yore. The welcomed days of March include Mardi Gras, a secular celebration in the U.S. since 1699. French for “Fat Tuesday,” Mardi Gras on March 1 is traditionally a day of parties, balls and parades before Ash Wednesday and a period of fasting and repentance among observing Catholics. March 6 is National Oreo Day. This worldfamous American cookie first came out of the ovens of the National Biscuit Company, later Nabisco, in 1912. Some children eat their Oreos from the inside out. Others dip them in milk with a smile. Yum.

International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8. Backed by the International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union in 1909, this day recognizes and celebrates the achievements of women. How impressive you are, ladies, and how dear you are to all of us. March 16 brings Purim, a joyful Jewish holiday celebrating the sparing of Jewish lives in ancient Persia. The 17th is Saint Patrick’s Day, recognizing the Patron Saint of Ireland, and celebrating Irish pride. The Vernal Equinox, marking the beginning of spring, occurs on March 20. On this day there is an equal amount of daytime and nighttime. A week later come the Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, NAACP Awards, and World Theatre Day. Welcome March! by William McReynolds

29 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

New Looks at

Our Local Libraries

The twin libraries have used the Quiet Season to spruce up their interiors and their grounds.

30 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

ctivity and traffic slowdown during winter months afforded the Hudson and Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community libraries an opportunity to make repairs, renovate, and refresh their interiors or exteriors . At Hudson Library in Highlands, the entryway was renovated to achieve for patrons and visitors a brighter introduction to the space, according to Carlyn Morenus, branch librarian. The vestibule and lobby area ceiling were redone to better illuminate the entrance and create a more welcoming experience for all. And the existing arched ceiling, of dark-tinted curved plexiglass panels, was replaced with white boards; the arch remains, but, again, the renovation resulted in “improved lighting and visibility.” Plus, new signage was installed in keeping with the new look. “The new signage to the interior makes it easier for patrons to locate everything: restrooms, Meeting Room, Study Room, all our collections, etc.”

Morenus said the library is appreciative of Cullasaja Women’s Outreach’s monetary support of the lobby renovation project, as well as Mountain Findings’ monetary support of the signage project. Additional funds for the renovation and signage projects were provided by the Hudson Library’s board and from an individual, anonymous board member.

It’s everything we hoped for and then some!

“We’re really delighted with the results,” she said. “It’s everything we hoped for and then some!” The library in Cashiers got a fresh coat of paint. In addition, the roof over the front walkway is slated to be replaced sometime this spring. “And the Friends of the Library have been revitalizing the Friendship Garden with generous con-

tributions from donors and Bartlett Tree Experts,” explained Serenity Richards, branch librarian. She added, “On the interior of the building, we’re doing major shifting projects in our adult collections. We’ve recently completed non-fiction and are currently shifting fiction. We’ve also recently reupholstered some of our children’s furniture with the generous help of Cullasaja Women’s Outreach and American Upholstery.” Cullasaja Women’s Outreach is a local non-profit, and members seek to make a difference in the Highlands-Cashiers area. Mountain Findings in Highlands is a non-profit home furnishings resale store. American Upholstery is based in nearby Walhalla, South Carolina. Bartlett Tree Experts is in Highlands. by Deena Bouknight photo by Susan Renfro

31 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

Toe-Tapping

Taverns

Both the High Dive and Ugly Dog Public House are keeping the beat with their live music schedules.

Nitrograss

32 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

gly Dog Public House is located at 294 South 4th Street and the High Dive at 476 Carolina Way in Highlands. These sister properties are our neighborhood’s gathering places, offering warmth, comfort, good food, your favorite beverages, friendly service, and live entertainment throughout the year. Wednesday night in Highlands has become synonymous with live Bluegrass music thanks to the Ugly Dog and the fabulous Bluegrass band, Nitrograss. This acoustic bluegrass band elevates the genre to another level, featuring blistering instrumentals and rich vocal harmonies that blend into the perfect sound. You can’t hear this band just once. You’ll come back again and again, and more than likely you’ll find yourself hitting the dance floor to try your hand at clogging. At the very least you’ll do some enthusiastic toe tapping.

The High Dive offers extended hours and live music throughout the year. Currently D.J. Jimmy Shur spins the tunes on Saturday nights beginning at 9:30 P.M., so this is the spot for the night owls among us.

Wednesday night in Highlands has become synonymous with live Bluegrass music.

Owner Kay Craig says that plans are currently being made for more live music at both locations on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the season. Keep an eye on their Facebook and Instagram pages to keep up with the latest schedules. The Ugly Dog may boast of the legendary Wednesday night bluegrass shows but the High Dive has its own claim to fame:

Thursday Night Trivia, beginning each Thursday at 7:30 P.M. Bring your friends and family to form your own team or join an existing team and test your knowledge in a variety of categories such as pop culture, geography, the arts, science, music, and more. Winners are treated to prizes and the right to lord their knowledge over their friends, until next week when the fun starts again. Whatever you do, don’t miss the fun at the Ugly Dog and High Dive, and if you’re at the Ugly Dog on Friday nights we suggest you order the Steak Special. You won’t be disappointed. by Marlene Osteen

photo by Susan Renfro

Scan to learn more

33 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

Bear Shadow and Band

of Horses

Bear Shadow spotlights the complex, layered sound of Band of Horses, April 29. For information and tickets, visit bearshadownc.com.

34 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

n April 29, the Indie-laced country rock band Band of Horses will take the stage as part of the Bear Shadow Festival. Formed in Seattle in 2004 by South Carolina native Ben Bridwell, the band has gone through some changes since then, and is now composed of long-time members Bridwell (vocals, guitar), Creighton Barrett (drummer), and Ryan Monroe (guitar/ keyboard). Bassist Matt Gentling and guitarist Ian MacDougall recently joined the band. They have previously released five studio albums, including 2010’s Grammynominated Infinite Arms. This month Band of Horses will release its first album in five years – Things are Great. At the time of this writing the debut single, Crutch, from the forthcoming album has just been aired – topping Adult Alternative charts and marking the first number-one single in the band’s nearly two-decade career. It’s safe to say that fans were excited

about the new album. Bridwell has long made music that sets out to catechize, complicate, and celebrate the vagaries of the human heart and the peculiar beauty of dysfunction. The songs are emotionally charged – “Full of profundity, truth and sometimes just homespun advice of how to live.” The lyrics speak to difficult times and deep feelings. Or as Bridwell likes to say, “contrast the salt with the sugar.” Over the years they have become “anthems, mantras, and touchstones for fans.” Bridwell recently talked about his storytelling, and the creative process: “It’s always a bit overwhelming to hear about the role you play in people’s lives, and how the songs resonate with some of their big moments, like when they fall in love, or lose that love, or just lose someone close to them. But really, I think the thing that connects all the Band of Horses albums is I’m always complaining about something,”

Bridwell’s piercing tenor is recognizable – described by NPR as a voice that “always seems to be echoing through some canyon or other, whether the guitars are chiming to the rafters or drifting along drowsily.” Open air concerts like Bear Shadow bring out the best of the group’s energy - though the sound is as well suited to cavernous spaces as it is to smaller venues. The New York Times deemed the lyrics, “earnest melodies that ride a cresting storm of guitars or penetrate a pensive fog,” and went on to say that, “Mr. Bridwell’s high singing voice registers as soothing even when he strains. And his songs can have a way of feeling instantly, if faintly familiar.” Certainly smiles, hoots, and hollers will abound when Band of Horses takes the stage next month and rolls out their new songs. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit bearshadownc.com. by Marlene Osteen

35 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

Motoring the

Mountain Miles

The 2022 Highlands Motoring Festival, slated for June 9-12, is revving up to be one for the books.

Brumos Porsche 935

36 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

lthough June is still a few months away, plans are underway for the 2022 Highlands Motoring Festival, a much-anticipated and well-attended annual event. The fundraising and fun festival takes place June 9-12, four packed days of something for everyone. So far, the schedule at a glance includes: Thursday, June 9: One Lap of the Mountains – Grande; Movie Night in the Park Friday June 10: One Lap of the Mountains – Speciale; Parade of Main Street, starting at Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park; Welcome Party at the High Dive Tavern Saturday June 11: Cars in the Park Invitational Classic Car Show; Awards Gala at Highlands Falls Country Club Sunday June 12: High Octane Car Show and Social Gathering

Steve Ham, co-chair of the 15th annual festival, pointed out, “What’s new for 2022 is that our featured marque for Saturday’s centerpiece event, Cars in the Park, will be Porsche, with 20-plus historic cars and some of the most desirable examples in the world. Also, the 2022 Highlands Motoring Festival will have its first major corporate sponsor, Porsche Cars North America, along with Porsche of Asheville.”

in 1979, capturing the IMSA championship.” In addition to the special Porsches on Saturday’s show field, there will be over 80 American and European classic cars representing the best from all eras of the 20th Century. A panel of renowned judges will have the challenging task of determining the best of the best.

The Porsche theme will include “Peter’s Perfect Porsche,” due to the fact that this 1979 Porsche 935 successfully campaigned under the “Brumos Porsche” banner by Peter Gregg.

Ham pointed out that some of the “most popular festival activities” in the past have been the “One Lap of the Mountains” driving tours originating at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.

Ham explained: “Gregg was known in the sport as a perfectionist because he won 41 races and two championships while competing in IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) from 1971-1979. This car is one of the final 935’s built, and it represented the end of the production based chassis in international racing. Writer Joe Rusz coined the term, ‘Peter’s Perfect Porsche’ after it achieved the perfect season

Many Highlands Motoring Festival events are free to the public, but One Lap of the Mountains driving tours require registration at HighlandsMotoringFestival.com.

“Based on increasing demand, the event has been expanded this year to 125 cars in five drive groups spanning two days,” he says.

by Deena Bouknight

37 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

M A RCH March is an example of how beautiful new beginnings can be.” – Anamika Mishra

Ice Skating Rink open, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.

Highlands Food Pantry Open, 10 AM to 6 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church.

Highlands Food Pantry Open, 10 AM to 6 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church,

Highlands Food Pantry Open, 10 AM to 6 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church.

Wine Pairing Extravaganza with Vintners Paula Kornell, Ellie Anest, alongside Chef Kristen Essig, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, The Farm at Old Edwards

Highlands Food Pantry Open, 10 AM to 6 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church.

Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Bluegrass Wednesday, 7:30 PM, The Ugly Dog Pub.

Highlands Food Pantry Open, 10 AM to 6 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church.

38 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

Highlands Food Pantry Open, 10 AM to 6 PM, United Methodist Church. Ice Skating Rink open, 1-8 PM, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. Highlands Wine Shoppe Wine Tasting, 4 PM to 7 PM. Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 PM, The High Dive.

Highlands Food Pantry Open, 10 AM to 6 PM, United Methodist Church. Storytelling Tips with Lee Lyons, 2-4 PM, at The High Dive. Highlands Wine Shoppe Wine Tasting, 4 PM to 7 PM. Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 PM, The High Dive.

Highlands Food Pantry Open, 10 AM to 6 PM, United Methodist Church. Highlands Wine Shoppe Wine Tasting, 4 PM to 7 PM. Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 PM, The High Dive.

Highlands Food Pantry Open, 10 AM to 6 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church, Highlands Wine Shoppe Wine Tasting, 4 PM to 7 PM. Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 PM, The High Dive.

Highlands Food Pantry Open, 10 AM to 6 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church, Betsy Paul Art Benefit supporting the CashiersGlenville Fire Department, 5 PM drawing. Highlands Wine Shoppe Wine Tasting, 4 PM to 7 PM. Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 PM, The High Dive.

Bazaar Barn, open 10 AM to 2 PM. The Bookworm open 11 AM to 3 PM. Ice Skating Rink open, 1-10 PM, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. Great Art on Screen: Maverick Modigliani, 5:30 P.M. Highlands Performing Arts Center.

Bazaar Barn, open 10 AM to 2 PM. The Bookworm, 11 AM to 3 PM Ice Skating Rink open, 1-10 PM, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. Live Music, 9:30 PM, The High Dive.

Bazaar Barn, open 10 AM to 2 PM. The Bookworm open 11 AM to 3 PM.

Bazaar Barn, open 10 AM to 2 PM. The Bookworm, 11 AM to 3 PM MET Opera Live via Satellite Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos, 12:55 P.M., Highlands Performing Arts Center. Live Music, 9:30 PM, The High Dive.

Bazaar Barn, open 10 AM to 2 PM. Great Art on Screen: Napoleon: In the Name of Art, 5:30 P.M., Highlands Performing Arts Center.

Bazaar Barn, open 10 AM to 2 PM. Live Music, 9:30 PM, The High Dive.

Cashiers Historical Society Heritage Apple Day, 11 AM to 2 PM, Cashiers Community Center. MET Opera Live via Satellite Verdi’s Don Carlos,12:55 P.M. Highlands Performing Arts Center. Live Music, 9:30 PM, The High Dive.

31 View the complete Highlands Cashiers Plateau Calendar

W H AT TO DO

39 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

RECREATION & CREATION Pages 44-52

OUTDOORS

Off the Beaten

Path

Deena introduces us to Tessentee Bottomland Preser ve, rich in natural beauty and drenched in local histor y.

t might not seem very original, but my favorite poem is Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken.” My focus in life is the poet’s last line: “I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” I’m an outdoorsy girl, and I can walk round and round a park if that is the only option. But what thrills my adventurous sensibilities is to look for a “less traveled” path and just see where it leads. Tessentee Bottomland Preserve is just such an option. Located in Macon County, about 16 miles from Highlands Outpost, is one of Mainspring Conservation Trust historic properties. The organization has several, but this one offers much. Turn right on Tessentee Road, directly across from the Otto Post Office on Hwy. 441 between Clayton, Georgia, and Franklin, and then turn left onto Hickory Knoll Road (2249). About a mile on the left is a sign for the Preserve and ample gravel parking. Mainspring acquired 70 acres in 1999 in order to preserve the 44 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

historic crossroads along the Tessentee River – which joins the Little Tennessee River. Cherokee lived, fought British, and traded with settlers in the area. Plus, one of the oldest strands of river cane, an indigenous bamboo, is still harvested by basket makers of Cherokee’s Qualla Boundary. Trails are narrow through a woodsy area that dips down to the left past the informational sign. The hike is moderate and two newer bridges cross a trickling waterway. The woodsy trail links up with wider paths that take modern explorers all along the Tessentee River, with a view of cows grazing peacefully in a field on the other side, to eventually end up at a preserved settler home with stone outbuildings and abandoned 18th century farm equipment. Mainspring hopes to one day establish a museum on the site. All in all, the well-maintained trails, which are wide enough to enjoy chatting with friends or allowing trained dogs to run off-leash,

OUTDOORS

meander in a few different directions through various habitats well marked with signage. A walker/hiker could realistically wrack up 2-3 miles of a peaceful, contemplative jaunt while considering what life must have been like for the Natives and settlers who lived on the land. After exploring Tessentee Bottomland Preserve, energetic hikers can drive another mile down Hickory Knoll Road and stop at a section of the Bartram Trail. In the spring of 1775, famed naturalist William Bartram spent the night in a trader’s hut in the area; he describes his experience in his first-person Bartram’s Travels. The parking area is across the road from the trailhead. To a spot called the “Pinnacle” and back to the parking lot is a little over 4 miles of moderate hiking. Take Highlands Road back up to the Plateau, or backtrack to Dillard Road and pass Scaly Mountain to return to the Highlands area. by Deena Bouknight 45 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

OUTDOORS

One Last

Slice of Ice

There are still a few places to squeeze ever y last measure of fun out of the retreating winter.

pring is just around the corner, but for those wanting to hang onto the magic of winter just a bit longer, the Plateau is the place to indulge in these last, fleeting moments to savor a blustery day and an outdoor adventure. That is, if Mother Nature cooperates with cool nights and moderate days.

46 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

Weather permitting, our area’s outdoor recreation centers continue to offer winter fun and adventures throughout much of March, so choose your adventure, check their websites for the latest hours, conditions and availability, grab your jackets and gloves, and head outdoors. Highlands Outpost at 7420 Dillard Road

in Scaly Mountain will continue to offer snow tubing and ice skating six days a week (closed Tuesdays) so long as weather permits. Plan to make a day of it here as they also have onsite dining and refreshments at the Outpost Café, which offers something for everyone’s tastes. Plans are also in the works to open North Carolina’s longest gravity powered mountain coaster, the

OUTDOORS

Scaly Mountain Screamer, this spring. For more information call (828) 526-3737 or visit highlandsoutpost.com. Downtown Highlands offers ice skating in the picturesque Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park through the first weekend in March, so don’t miss your opportunity for one last turn around the rink before the season ends. It’s open Thursday through Sunday, March 3-6. Hours are Thursday 1:00 until 8:00

P.M.; Friday and Saturday from 1:00 until 10:00 P.M. and Sunday from 1:00 until 5:00 P.M. Rentals are available and reservations are not required. Ski Sapphire Valley offers activities for everyone. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy a fun day on the slopes. Beginners and novices will enjoy their learning center slope with available lessons and guidance, while more experienced boarders and skiers will enjoy the main slope and short lift lines. Snow tubing enthusiasts will enjoy the

Frozen Falls Tube Park. Food and beverages are available at the Slopeside Tavern. There’s also an aerial zipline if sailing among the treetops is more to your liking. For more information call (828) 743-7663 or visit their website at sapphirevalleyresorts.com. by Mary Jane McCall

photos by Susan Renfro

47 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

OUTDOORS

Birds, Birds, Birds:

Who’s Counting?

Mirroring 2021’s Christmas Bird Counts across the countr y, far fewer birds were counted locally.

he membership of the National Audubon Society counts birds in North America once a year in December and January. This one-day Christmas Bird Count or CBC, a tradition dating back 122 years, covers the major geographic areas of North America and involves over 70,000 individuals comprising over 2000 groups whose counts total over 40 million birds. Our own Highlands Plateau Audubon Society participates in these yearly bird counts. This last December, 19 dedicated and intrepid birders in several small groups spread out over Highlands, Cashiers, and the immediate terrain counting all the birds they could see or hear. The resulting tallies have been totaled and reported to Audubon National. In all, 997 birds were observed, across 47 species. This is much fewer than the 1,645 birds and 56 species encountered during the 2020 CBC and the 1,273 birds across 44 species observed in 2019. Such differences could result from differing numbers of counters,

48 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

weather differences, and the caprices of birds and nature. We do know, however, that the bird population in North America has declined markedly in recent years. This year the highest count bird locally was the American Crow at 96. This contrasts with past years when the most frequently seen species has been the Dark-eyed Junco. Other high-count birds this year include the Carolina Chickadee (84), Dark-eyed Junco (77), Song Sparrow (70), and American Goldfinch (69). Mallards at 40 led the field among waterfowl. Although annual bird counts fluctuate because of year-to-year differences in counting conditions, two massive multi-year surveys of bird populations in North America by ornithologists at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society have shown that we have lost billions of our birds in recent decades and are in danger of losing many more. According to both new and old surveys, one third of the popula-

OUTDOORS

American Crow photographed by William McReynolds

tion of North American birds are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. These findings are startling, and Audubon President David Yarnold called them “true and scary, a full blown crisis.” Why is this happening? By far the leading cause of bird loss is their loss of habitat. Birds are losing their sustaining home grounds. The overriding cause of loss of habitat is changing weather patterns: “Birds face unprecedented challenges from climate change.” The mission of the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society is to provide opportunities to enjoy and learn about birds and other wildlife and to promote conservation and restoration of the habitats that support them. HPAS is a 501 (c)(3) organization, a Chapter of the National Audubon Society. Find us at highlandsaudubonsociety.org. by William McReynolds

49 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

OUTDOORS

We Welcome

Holly Theobald

Holly Theobold is taking the reins of the Highlands Nature Center’s ex tremely popular Nature Camp Program. Registration has begun, visit highlandsbiological.org.

50 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

Holly Theobald

OUTDOORS

he Highlands Nature Center has been a treasure on the HighlandsCashiers Plateau for nearly a century. This museum, just minutes away from downtown Highlands, features natural history exhibits, live animals, and educational programming for visitors of all ages. To this day, it continues to grow along with the needs of the community. For most of its history, the Nature Center relied on a single educator and seasonal staff to host summer camps, tours, outreach, and more. As the community expanded, however, so did the opportunities to inspire and educate people about our unique region. For the past seven years, the Highlands Biological Foundation has staffed the Highlands Nature Center year-round, providing increased public programs and events not only in the summer but in the off-season as well.

Now, the Nature Center is expanding again. We’re proud to welcome Holly Theobald to the Nature Center’s staff. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies and has worked in a variety of science-focused organizations, which culminated in her becoming an environmental educator. Last year, she served as one of the Nature Center’s seasonal staff members and has returned as a permanent member of the team. Now the point person for the Nature Center’s ever popular summer camps, Holly is most looking forward to creating a fun, interactive, and informative camp season, and to working with local organizations to create community programming. She will join Paige Engelbrektsson in providing the Plateau community and visitors with yearround programming focused on the natural history of the southern Appalachians and the unique biodiversity of the HighlandsCashiers Plateau. Nature Center camps will be offered

between June and August for children aged 4 to 12 years. The Highlands Nature Center is part of the Highlands Biological Station, a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University. To learn more about HBF’s nature camps and other programming, please visit highlandsbiological.org. Welcome, Holly! Welcome to our beautiful little mountain town, to this active and inspiring community, and to the Highlands Biological Foundation team! by Winter Gary Communications & Events Coordinator, Highlands Biological Foundation

Scan to learn more

51 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

OUTDOORS

The Plateau’s

Secret Season

Like its more diminutive ursine relatives, the Shadow of the Bear is once again emerging from a long winter’s slumber.

t has been termed the “secret season” – a short pause in the year when magical scenes appear on the Plateau. All around us are tableaux that might have been lifted from a Currier & Ives print.

It happens briefly during the winter to early-spring months when Plateau residents can bear witness to panoramas of skaters in mittens holding hands across the ice at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park or red-faced children, their tiny heads kept warm by toboggans, barreling down Scaly Mountain in snow tubes. On the Tuckasegee and Cullasaja Rivers, fishermen are bundled up in thick plaid coats, up to their knees in rubber boots and icy waters casting long lines from the shoreline. Nature fills the Plateau and our vision with all its wonders – granite rock faces glistening with ice formations, scenic trails transformed by snowfall, and frozen waterfalls along the Panthertown Valley 52 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

Trail, oft referred to as the “Yosemite of the East.” And amid all the awe-inspiring imagery, most wonderous of all is the “Shadow of the Bear” – the vision that occurs semi-annually, once in the fall and now again from mid-February to early March, before the dawn of spring. Unlike the autumn season when visitors throng to the Plateau, there’s minimal activity at the site of its appearance on Whiteside Mountain at the Rhodes Overlook on US 64 between Cashiers and Highlands. One can linger now on one of the highest mountains in the eastern United States at an elevation of 4,930 feet and witness the specter of the Shadow of the Bear as it comes out of hibernation – making its appearance for just 30 minutes on sunny days. With the trees stripped of their foliage, there’s a clear and unobstructed view of the phenomena of that small dark shadow as it begins to grow,

OUTDOORS

photo by Cynthia Strain www.cystrainphotos.com

arising from the floor of the Cashiers Valley as it eventually transforms into the shadow of a bear. Later this month, when the bear no longer makes itself known, and the earth begins to lean over a bit and tilt on its axis, new members of the animal kingdom will manifest themselves. If you use your imagination, it’s easy to envision the Shadow of the Anteater or the emergence of the Pregnant Beaver. Visitors to Rhodes Big View are encouraged to bring cameras to record their experiences, and parking is available. Sightseers are cautioned to exercise vigilance when crossing the road – there are many rubberneckers behind the wheel at the viewing site and along the road. To learn more about the late winter possibilities available on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, visit cashiersareachamber.com, and highlandschamber.org. by Marlene Osteen

53 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

ARTS Pages 56-71

AA RR TT SS

Igniting Artistic Passions

For Linda Sabic, ar t is a dynamic process that will not be denied, and she can’t help sharing her passion with others.

“

Art is the magic that turns a collection of nothing into a soul-satisfying something,” beams Linda Sabic, accomplished watercolorist and art educator.

“Watercolor is sometimes a delicate medium,” Linda says. “I am drawn to its softness and fluidity. Even though it seems to have a mind of its own, it challenges me to explore it’s capabilities. Oddly enough, I find it a peaceful medium.” For those unfamiliar with watercolor, it moves, it shifts, it blends and resists in its short-lived liquid state. For Linda, that is what makes it so fascinating.

56 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

From an early age, Linda knew art and teaching would be in her future. Her mentors recognized her calling and nurtured her gifts. Because she was drawn to early childhood education as well as painting, it was only natural she fuse the two when it matched age groups she taught. She also instructed high school seniors in Watercolor Conservatory Classes as well as 2-D Art and Wet Mediums to seventh and eighth graders in the California School of the Arts. Her educator’s philosophy is to guide each student in the discovery of their inner artist.

A RTS

Linda Sabic

Linda says, “Igniting each student’s passion as they gain a sense of mastery is at the core of my instruction and continues to be in my adult classes today.” As vaccinations and masks make home gatherings viable again, Linda expands her highly-popular Art-home paint parties.

of Chris and Robin Pickel of The Historic Toxaway Market and Mountain Café.” You can see Linda’s work online at instagram.com/lindeeartstudio. Email her at lindeeart@gmail.com or visit lindeeartstudio.com. by Donna Rhodes

She and The Historic Toxaway Market and Mountain Café partner in wine and watercolor gatherings. Sip, chat, and paint. She’s currently teaching at Mountain Falls during the summer season and hopes to offer more classes soon at Burlingame. In addition, she welcomes commissions of pets, memorials for pets, botanicals, and more. Gratitude is key to Linda’s success as artist and educator. She says, “I owe my achievement to God‘s guidance and the support

Scan to view more

57 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

A RTS

Capturing Place

and Time

The Bascom welcomes 2022 Photography Ar tist in Residence Anna Nor ton, a nationally-recognized photographer and educator.

Anna Norton

58 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

A RTS

s spring approaches, The Bascom welcomes another talented artist to our residency program.

Anna Norton will serve as the 2022 Photographer in Residence, spending the next two months in the Bascom studios creating her own work and in the schools of the Plateau designing and implementing an integrated science and arts curriculum focusing on visual literacy. Anna lives and works in Highlands and is a native of South Georgia. She received her MFA in photography from Tyler School of Art and her BA in anthropology from Tulane University. Her photographic work is contemplative and compelling, and she uses the camera to explore the relationships between place and time, offering the viewer the opportunity to see everyday physical and natural phenomena as ethereal and fleeting. She exhibits in solo and group shows regionally and throughout the US, including a site-specific

video installation called Living Space at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. Norton’s been featured in Oxford American, Murze Magazine, and Ain’t-Bad. She has recently exhibited at the Durham Arts Council, Slow Exposures, and the Southeast Center for Photography. A selection of her video stills is published in Elements of Photography by Angela Faris-Belt, her video work is published in Rebekah Modrak’s Reframing Photography, as well as Aspect: The Chronicle of New Media Art. Anna is also a 2021 Puffin Grant recipient.

Bascom allows two partner organizations to collaborate this year in further supporting a shared commitment to providing free, essential supplemental educational opportunities to school-aged children. As a culmination of her residency, Anna’s new work will be on exhibit in the Joel Gallery from April 23 through July 2. by Billy Love, The Bascom

Each year The Bascom’s Photography Artist in Residence Program brings in educator-artists who offer new insights to our signature STEAM-focused curriculum, integrating basic skills in science, technology, engineering, and math with the arts. Because Anna is also the Director of Programs at the Literacy and Learning Center in Highlands; her residency at The

Scan to learn more

59 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

A RTS

PAC’s Concert

Lineup Sideline

The Highlands Per forming Ar ts Center punctuates the end of a long Pandemic season with laughs and music and surprises. For information, visit HighlandsPer formingAr ts.com.

his is an exciting year for the Highlands Performing Arts Center and our concert lineup is just as exciting.

The first three concerts will be in our current theater but then we will be in the new Theater ( fingers crossed). Our first concert, Sunday, June 19, features Sherma Andrews singing Legendary Ladies. She’ll sing the songs of Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston and Tina Turner. For more information, visit bicoastalproductions.com/sherma-andrews. Saturday, June 25, brings the songs of John Denver to Highlands with Chris Collins and Boulder Canyon. Look to bouldercanyon. com/home. Saturday, August 13, is Comedy Night at the PAC with Tales of a Weary Waiter. To get an idea of how quickly things will spin out of control, visit youtube.com/watch?v=nn0Q-qoAvjc&t=32s The new era begins at PAC with Bravo Amici on September 17. Bravo Amici has been re-scheduled since 2020 because of the Pandemic, but will finally be here to be the first concert in the new theater. Visit bravoamici.com. Get ready for some Southern Rock on Sunday, October 2, with A Brothers Revival, an Allman Brothers Tribute featuring David

60 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

“Rook” Goldfies, former Allman Brothers Band member. Go to abrothersrevival.com/gallery to discover what’ll be coming to town. We can’t have a season without a little bluegrass. Sideline will perform in concert on Saturday, October 29. Blue Highway filled in for Sideline last year when a Sideline band member passed away suddenly. Don’t miss them this year. The Friday after Thanksgiving always kicks off the holiday season with a concert. This year will be a rockin’ Motown Christmas with the Masters of Soul. Join us on Friday, November 25. All concerts will begin at 7:30 P.M.. Tickets are available now for PAC Members. Membership benefits and purchase are available on the website. Tickets for the general public will be available April 1. Log-on to HighlandsPerformingArts.com and click on the red PAC button for tickets. If you have questions about this exciting season, email HighlandsPACnc@gmail.com or call (828) 526-9047. by Mary Adair Trumbly, Highlands Performing Arts Center

A RTS

61 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

A RTS

Terry Barnes

Photography

For ar tist Terr y Barnes, it’s all about bringing the beauty home.

magine having your favorite Highlands/Cashiers vista just a few steps away – always, no matter where you live.

Terry Barnes, esteemed photo-artist/technician, can produce anything from a parlor-sized delight to an entire wall-full of visual wow. You choose your image and size. Terry prints it on canvas. Once installed, step back and savor Mother Nature’s beauty any time your heart desires, even if you’re taking a monumental Whiteside, a raging Cullasaja, or a jaw-dropping view on the Blue Ridge Parkway back home with you hundreds of miles away. Terry is a veteran artist who knows how to negotiate a photo studio as well as the business of Art. While a lot of creatives struggled with the Covid challenge, Terry benefitted. He discovered paring down his venues to smaller galleries and showplaces homed-in on his true audience. Terry says, “Sometimes in large galleries there’s too much to see and people get art-drunk in an ocean of choices. Small venues are more

62 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

inviting and work better for my style and my clientele.” Galleries and Covid are more compatible now that vaccines and masking are available. Still, incorporating an online market is a smart and safer sales addition. Terry laughs and says, “I’m on Instagram now, though I’m still mastering the mysteries of hash-tagging.” Even with Terry’s adaptations to an ever-changing market, his core strengths continue to define his work as they have since his career launched in the 1980s. “Getting the balance of nature,” Terry shares, “is to show as much compelling information as possible in the image. I want to make every part of the photo interesting. That’s become an instinctive part of my process.” His goal is to make the image so interesting that the viewer’s eye is encouraged to explore the entire photo, fore-, mid-, and background, along with contrast, textures, forms, and especially the light, for it is the key to every dramatic landscape. I asked Terry to rank four motivations (money, intellectual challenge, the emotional experience, connecting with Nature) as things that

A RTS

keep him behind the camera every day. He answered without hesitation: 1. “The experience with Nature. Going early. Staying late. I get enveloped in it, and it’s like it’s there just for me at that particular moment.” 2. “Emotion: that internal stirring that’s provided for me and thus, my viewers.” 3. “The intellectual challenge, especially keeping up with the latest technology.” 4. “The money. It’s important, but I would be shooting every spare minute no matter what.” To see more of Terry’s work, visit TerryBarnesphotography. com. Instagram: TerryBarnes. You can take a live, masked visit to Gallery 441 in Dillard, Georgia, and 828 Cafe in Franklin. Terry is a member of the North Georgia Arts Guild. by Donna Rhodes

63 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

A RTS

Happening

at PAC

Epic operas and the astonishing sweep of ar t and culture driven by Napoleon and Modigliani are on the bill at Highlands Per forming Ar ts Center.

Verdi’s Don Carlos

64 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

A RTS

arch brings back Great Art on Screen to the PAC.

Save your Friday evening at 5:30 P.M., March 4, for Maverick Modigliani. Marking the centenary of the death of Amedeo Modigliani (1884-1920), this documentary feature is the story of a remarkable talent that transcended stereotypes. From his origins in Livorno, Italy, to the Paris of Picasso and Brancusi that became the center of modernity, to his love for his wife and frequent subject of his portraits, Jeanne Hébuterne, the film depicts the life and work of an avant-garde artist who has become a contemporary classic. At 5:30 P.M. Friday, March 18, we’re screening the documentary Napoleon: In the Name of Art, which explores the complex relationship between Napoleon, culture, and art. Host Jeremy Irons brings audiences on a tour from Milan to Paris for a look at Napoleon’s imperial iconography and architectural style and to reflect upon the relationship between power and art.

Saturday afternoons bring the MET Opera to the PAC. On Saturday, March 12, at 12:55 P.M. the MET Opera will present Live via Satellite Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos. The exhilarating soprano Lise Davidsen makes her Live in HD debut in one of her signature roles, the mythological Greek heroine of Strauss’s enchanting masterpiece. The outstanding cast also features mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard as the Composer of the operawithin-an-opera around which the plot revolves. Marek Janowski conducts. This will have a run time of three hours. At noon on Saturday, March 26, we’re offering Verdi’s Don Carlos. For the first time in company history, the Met presents the original five-act French version of Verdi’s epic opera of doomed love among royalty, set against the backdrop of the Spanish Inquisition. Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads a starry cast, including tenor Matthew Polenzani in the title role, soprano Sonya Yoncheva as Élisabeth

de Valois. This masterpiece receives a monumental new staging by David McVicar that marks his 11th Met production, placing him among the most prolific and popular directors in recent Met memory. This will have a run time of 5 hours, 14 minutes. Highlands Performing Arts Center is located at 507 Chestnut Street. by Mary Adair Trumbly, Highlands Performing Arts Center

Scan to learn more

65 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

A RTS

Something new in

‘22

Highlands Playhouse unveils an ambitious calendar of per formances and presentations. For complete information, visit mountaintheatre.com.

e’ve hunkered down for nearly two years and at last, Highlands hibernation is history. Well, history enough to join with fellow-theater lovers in a rousing Cole Porter chorus. Maestro, if you please - Birds do it; Bees do it; Even educated fleas do it; Let’s do it; Let’s fall in love. We’re talking fall-in-love all over again with The Highlands Playhouse and its new programming name: Mountain Theatre Company, aka MTC. The eye-popping’, jaw-droppin’, be-boppin’, show-stoppin’ 2022 season is the culmination of months of planning by the board, staff, and Mountain Theatre Company Executive Artistic Director Scott Daniel. The team is ready for what’s likely to be the best

66 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

season in 83 years of regional entertainment spectaculars. Four mainstage productions are on the performance horizon: Jersey Boys, Sentimental Journey, Brooklyn: The Musical, and a new annual tradition; Home for The Holidays. In addition to these mainstage productions, audiences will be able to enjoy first run feature films, the wildly popular Curated Cinema Series, and the inaugural presentation of Corked! A Musical Wine Tasting playing in tandem with the Highlands Food & Wine Festival. MTC also introduces new ticket bundles for 2022’s 84th season. Patrons can now purchase bundles to use as they choose for both the mainstage productions and feature films. Sponsors and ticket bundle holders

receive early access to mainstage tickets and seating reservations on March 15, with tickets available to the public on March 30. “The Highlands Playhouse has been our family home for the past 83 years,” says Director Scott. “It’s become a landmark bursting with Highlands history in which we present shows, live and cinematic, all year ‘round. We promise phenomenal presentations as we continue to build on almost a century of success.” So fasten the seatbelt on your favorite throne (yes, this year you’ll feel like royalty) in the historic Highlands Playhouse, ‘cause 2022’s Mountain Theatre Company promises a wild and wonderful ride. Visit mountaintheatre.com for more information.

A RTS

67 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

A RTS

A Festival of

David Coucheron

David Kime

Musical Masters

The Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival launches its 2022 season in spectacular fashion – Three Concer tmasters. for more information or to purchase tickets for the season or for individual concer ts, call (828) 526-9060, email hccmfnc@gmail.com, or visit h-cmusicfestival.org.

68 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

Martin Chalifour Elizabeth Pridgen

A RTS

oming off of its extraordinary 40th season, successfully staged in the midst of a pandemic, the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival is preparing a 2022 season with the same mixture of globally-recognized musical superstars and supremelytalented newcomers. This formula has sustained the festival since its inception, and it’ll carry it through this year – sustained by performances, special programs, salons, and the immensely popular Feasts of the Festival. The season launches with Three Concertmasters on Friday, July 1, and Saturday, July 2. This premiere performance will showcase the talents of David Coucheron of The Atlanta Symphony; Martin Chalifour of The Los Angeles Philharmonic; and David Kim of the Philadelphia Orchestra; with

Elizabeth Pridgen on piano. The festival will celebrate Independence Day with American Salute on Sunday, July 3, in Highlands at PAC. This suite will feature selections about America and works by American composers.

In addition to our regular concerts we will again be featuring a variety of fun additional programs

The regular Concert Series are held Fridays and Sundays at the Highlands Performing Arts Center – 507 Chestnut Street; Saturdays and Mondays at the Village Green Commons in Cashiers on Frank Allen Road. “In addition to our regular concerts we will again be featuring a variety of fun

additional programs and events, many free, including an Interlude Concert, our annual Family Concerts and Ice Cream Social including a new one in Cashiers; classes with the Center for Life Enrichment in Highlands, and of course our popular Salons and Festival Feasts,” says William Ransom, the festival’s Anna and Hays Mershon Artistic Director. The complete schedule is taking shape as The Laurel goes to press, so for more information or to purchase tickets for the season or for individual concerts call (828) 526-9060, send an email to hccmfnc@ gmail.com, or visit h-cmusicfestival.org. by Luke Osteen

Scan to learn more

69 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

A RTS

70 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

A RTS

71 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

DI NI NG

74 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

DI NI NG

DINING Pages 76-87

75 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

DI NI NG

Rachel Lewicki

Fresh, Flavorful Surprises

Tucked away a half-block from Highlands’ Main Street like, yes, a secret garden, The Secret Garden Cour tyard Market ser ves up fresh selections ever y day. For more information or to place an order, call (828) 305-7509.

t’s probably a coincidence that we’re featuring The Secret Garden Courtyard Market and Modern Fast Food in our March Issue. It sure doesn’t feel like a coincidence, though. Throughout this magazine, you’ll find paens to the arrival of Spring and its promise of fresh starts and the almost giddy sensation of freedom after the last two years of Covid restrictions. The Secret Garden, tucked in the courtyard on Highlands’ Oak Street, is new on the local culinary scene and it’s offering fresh takes on classic bistro fare – soups, salads, 76 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

sandwiches, and tapas dishes made for quick sampling shares with your dining companions.

that sharpens the senses, and The Secret Garden’s dishes ricocheted around our palates like a pinball.

You can eat your selections inside, at a cozy counter space, or outdoors at the tables and patio chairs of the courtyard.

We’d chosen The Basic Chick, a freshlymade chicken salad on a croissant; and The Porker, a beguiling concoction of shaved ham, Jarlsberg cheese, and pickles, slathered with homemade honey mustard and served on ciabatta.

Though our visit was in the middle of February, Tricia and I managed to hit one of those glorious sunny days when the wind halts and you can almost taste Spring, so we opted to carry our selections to a picnic table in Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. There’s something about eating outdoors

Both were impeccable in their flavor and presentation. We ate with embarrassing haste and minimal conversation, which I suppose is the highest compliment you can pay a meal.

DI NI NG

But let me step back from this and once more focus on The Secret Garden itself. In addition to its daily selections of soups and sandwiches, the place is filled chockablock with gourmet items you can take home – soup mixes, dips, sweets and savories, exotic chips, and pickles. It’s important to single out those chips and pickles. They were part of our take-out lunch, and they’re proof of The Secret Garden’s commitment to fresh, flavorful surprises. Appearing alongside our sandwiches were the startling Carolina Kettle Southern Twang Salt & Vinegar Chips and Carolina Kettle’s Mama Gin Dill Pickle Chips. Both will challenge and enhance your understanding of Potato Chip Character and Taste.

And DJ’s Pickles’ Silly Dilly Pickle Chips? Well, they’re loaded with fresh dill, slightly sweetened, and complimented by a touch of garlic and red pepper flakes. Pay close attention and you’ll detect just a hint of clove and turmeric. Who knew? And Tricia opted for Unicorn Tears’ Mad Tasty Pure Sparkling Water. Now that may not sound special, but then you read the label and discover that it contains 20 mgs of hemp extract, which is as close to a walk on the Wild Side as you’re going to get one block from Main Street. And at the center of all this is owner/chef Rachel Lewicki. When she’s not in the kitchen preparing the day’s fare, Rachel is behind the counter, chatting with her customers and ringing up their selections.

But I mention her because she’s part of that precious community spirit that I feared we may have lost over these past two years of Covid-cramped routines. It’s the sensation you get when you take a seat at The Zookeeper Bistro in Cashiers or Bella’s Junction Cafe in Scaly Mountain. Rachel grew up in Highlands and she delivers all of that warm, local charm in generous dollops. You can chat about the day, exchange little bits of news and gossip, or just revel in the neighborliness of it all. You can phone in your order at (828) 305-7509. by Luke Osteen photos by Susan Renfro

77 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

A RTS

Italian-Inspired

Spring Fling

Chef Craig Richards

The arrival of Chef Craig Richards at The Farm at Old Edwards on April 14 heralds a fresh springtime vitality and a deeply satisfying indulgence. For information and reser vations, visit OldEdwardsHospitality.com.

n the realm of impressive career beginnings, few can top the triumph of Atlanta Chef Craig Richards.

Two years after discovering his passion for cooking (“I couldn’t believe how much fun it was, and you got paid for it!”), Richards landed a spot training under the reigning emissary of Italian cooking – Lidia Bastianich.

78 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

He spent the ensuing five years behind the stoves of Bastianich’s restaurant empire in Kansas City and Pittsburgh – “big stepping stones in my career.” Ultimately, that training led to executive positions in well-known Atlanta kitchens, and in 2019 the opening of his own restaurant in that city–Lyla Lila. On Thursday, April 14, Richards will create a menu of his Southern Mediterranean-

focused cuisine for an “Italian-Inspired Spring Fling” at The Farm at Old Edwards. The Springtime celebration will include Easter traditions from Italy and live music. Richards is clearly thrilled by the freshness and vitality of the culinary techniques he discovered during travels to Italy and his mentorship with Bastianich. Those experiences opened his eyes to the breadth

A RTS

and regionality of Italian food–of the food that he describes as “honest.” And, it’s encouraged him to spend the past 15 years in pursuit of mastering the craft of pasta making. In opening Lyla Lilia, Richards has created a venue that pays homage to those experiences and is, “a personal expression of me and who I am as a chef.” Though dinner menu details of the Spring Fling are yet to be released, guests might expect any one of the five dishes that define the “Italian spirit” behind the menu at Richards’ restaurant and express his

enthusiasm for Italy: Seasonal crudités with olive aioli that showcase the beauty and flavor of the produce; cold smoked scallops with smoky and spicy green harissa; chicken liver and sweet potato ravioli with fried pine nuts and tarragon; spaghetti and prawns with pork ragu and bottarga; or wood grilled fish. In a recent review, Forbes Magazine gushed over the menu, calling the dishes “hedonistic” and proclaiming the pastas “pillowy fresh.” And as the magazine concluded, “No matter what’s in season, you’ll enjoy Richards’ creativity and mastery of flavor and texture.”

Cost is $175 per person plus tax and gratuity. Please note the event is for guests 21 and over. This is just one of a fabulous line-up of other chefs visiting Highlands this year. Check lodging (not included in ticket price), and availability at OldEdwardsHospitality.com. by Marlene Osteen

Scan to learn more

79 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

DI NI NG

The Warmth of

Wine & Soup The judicious addition of a carefully chosen wine elevates a hear ty winter’s soup into a transcendent experience.

80 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

DI NI NG

t’s March – the fifth straight month of freezing temperatures, and thoughts of warming foods abound.

And though there are any number of obvious meals particularly suited to cold weather, I’d like to suggest an atypical combination – wine and soup. To be honest, the advocacy of such a pairing means going deep, and against the gushing of many wine geeks who eschew the pairing as not natural, claiming that “two liquids do not add up to a greater whole,” I respectfully disagree. In fact, for heartier soups, the ones we yearn for now, wine can be a delicious accent, and a truly revelatory culinary experience. Who amongst us doesn’t love chicken soup? Sassy it up with a lively punch of lemon and savor it with a glass of good Chablis or a dry Chenin Blanc for a meal that will make you want to sing. I think you’ll agree that the lemon adds a high-toned touch to the earthy chicken, while the citrus and floral

notes of the wine add a noticeable dimension to the soup. And if you can add wine to soup – as is often called for – then surely you can drink a glass alongside. Black Bean Soup immediately comes to mind. It’s pretty much the perfect dish for right now – nutritious, hearty, filling and satisfying. And it begs for an equally muscular and meaty wine to accompany it – a Spanish Rioja adds nuance and a rich, fruity depth. In winter, I’m particularly fond of warming up with a bowl of my husband’s favorite soup – a rustic and robust combination of beans, country ham and greens. A tribute to all things Southern, humble, and delicious, it’s spectacular when accompanied by an Italian Sangiovese – (perhaps a Rosso di Montalcino or a Chianti). The characteristic hint of licorice in the wine adds a vibrant note, and a wonderful savory element to the collards while enhancing the spice and meat components of the dish.

definition of comfort food. The allure of a crock full of slow cooked onions, submerged in an umami-flavored beef broth and topped with bubbling cheese is simply irresistible. This classic French soup demands a classic French pairing – Beaujolais. Particularly recommended is a Cru Beaujolais known for a lighter style – Fleurie or Saint-Amour – which has just the right notes to complement and deepen the sweet accents of the slow-cooked onion. If you’re wed to a white wine, consider an Aligote – the other white wine of Burgundy. Its fruity notes and lively acidity are a peerless match – guaranteed to elevate an already delicious experience. Spring is pending. In the meantime, myriad culinary pleasures await in a steaming bowl of soup and satisfying glass of wine. by Marlene Osteen

Certainly, French Onion Soup is everyone’s

81 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

A RTS

Ham, Beans &

Collard Greens

This hear ty soup is a love note from Marlene and her late husband, the beloved Louis Osteen.

82 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

A RTS

f flipping through this magazine you landed on my column about wine and soup, you already know of my love for this dish. And perhaps you know as well that my husband, Louis Osteen, was both a cook and a writer – and so for this month’s recipe I introduce again my two loves. This particular soup – Country Ham and White Bean with Mustard Greens – was featured in his cookbook Louis Osteen’s Charleston Cuisine. It was a favorite staple on the winter menus at our South Carolina restaurants and is a perfect representation of his cooking style. Louis was an outspoken advocate for non-fussy, humble preparations that were hearty, earthy, robust, and deeply gratifying.

sometimes prosciutto and that the greens might include spinach or arugula.”

Salt and Freshly Ground Pepper to taste

And although he didn’t say so, collards were frequently substituted as well. But most importantly, he tells us “Be sure to try the soup at least once with a hot skillet of cornbread. Cornbread is part of the soul of the South.”

1. Pick through the beans for stones and imperfections. Rinse well in cold water. Cover with water and soak overnight. When ready to cook the beans, drain them and rinse again with cold water. Set in a colander to drain.

Country Ham and White Bean Soup with Mustard Greens Ingredients ½ pound dried Great Northern Beans 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil ½ pound Country Ham, trimmed of fat and julienned into ¼” x 1” pieces

The recipe that follows was a quintessential Louis recipe – accessible, straightforward, easy to make, and layered with flavors. I hope you’ll give it a try – I think you’ll agree it speaks clearly and loudly to those preferences.

1 cup finely diced Yellow Onion

In his head notes, Louis suggests variations – “changing the country ham to pancetta or

8 ounces Mustard Greens, rinsed and stemmed

2 teaspoons Minced Garlic 6 sprigs Fresh Thyme 4 cups Chicken Stock

Directions

2. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ham, onion, garlic and thyme. Stir well to combine and sauté for 6 to 8 minutes or until the onion is translucent but not brown. 3. Add the beans and chicken stock and simmer for about 1 hour or until the beans are tender but not mushy. 4. Add the mustard greens and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes or until they are tender and wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the country ham has already added salt to the soup. by Marlene Osteen

83 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

DI NI NG

84 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

DI NI NG

85 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

DI NI NG

86 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

DI NI NG

87 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

DI NI NG

88 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

DI NI NG

89 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

DI NI NG

90 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

DI NI NG

91 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

SHOPPING Pages 94-97

SHOPPI NG

WRAP IT IN FUN

Put smiles all over the faces of your future astronaut and current princess with gifts wrapped in playful gift bags with matching printed paper. Assor ted pricing Storks | Cashiers

Pl at e a u s Pi c k

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

FLOW INTO SPRING We love this classic Midi style dress the oh-so-Highlands Hydrangea Stripe print. It features a square neckline, puff sleeve, and smocking for a becoming, flowing fit. Emily McCar thy Daphne Dress | $268 Wit’s End | Highlands

94 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

ENJOY THE RIDE From 360° wrap-around bumpers to ergonomic seats, premium colors to easy-to-use design, the Onward 2 passenger provides safety, comfort and stability on the course and around the neighborhood. Creating the custom golf cart that’s perfect for your needs has never been easier or more fun! Onward 2-Passenger Club Car Appalachian Golf | Sapphire

SHOPPI NG

SOUTHERN INSPIRED

You’ll love this hand-poured soy candle inspired by and made in the low country. Natural notes of bergamot, sage, and lavender will lift your spirit and calm the mind. West of Ashley 9 oz. Candle | $22 Cake Bar | Highlands

PUPPY LOVE NOTES

Pug lovers know that this breed is charming yet mischievous – and can’t resist their adorable faces. Complete with a matching grey liner this set is sure to make any dog lover smile. We know you’ll love this one as much as we do. Crane & Co. Pug Note Set | $16 The Business Spot | Cashiers

BEE-UTIFULLY CRAFTED Add an upscale flair to your parties with these elegant and high quality glass cheese / dessert stand. Made from handblown glass combined with artfully hand-crafted pewter honey bee knob. Choose from two heights of glass stands or the flat wood board. Mix and match to form multi level display.

Step into cold mountain mornings with either of these color-forward jackets. Beautiful, warm, and ultra becoming.

Glass Dome Stand | $ 92 Covered Wood Cheese Board | $ 64 Acorns | Highlands

Chicos Jacket and Purse set | $ 48 Pumpkin Plaid Jacket Size S | $78 Victoria’s Closet | Cashiers

STYLIN’ WHILE CHILLIN’

95 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

SHOPPI NG

Maintaining the

Feels

Annelize Giliomee , and Steve and Stephanie Miskew

Highlands Wine Shoppe’s new owners pledge to maintain its deep inventor y and wise counsel. If you’d like to discover what this means for your palate, visit 269 Oak Street or call (828) 526-4080.

ou will likely not be surprised to learn that I love to spend time in wine shops.

purchase of Buck’s in Cashiers, friends called to say that the Wine Shoppe might be for sale – and an agreement was quickly concluded.

And why not? What wine lover – fledgling oenophile and seasoned collector alike – doesn’t love spending time among the bottles, interesting bottles, to see what turns up.

They bring to the store a collective wisdom certain to make the shop incredibly exciting to wine buyers and browsers.

In Highlands, devotees of the hunt have long known that the Highlands Wine Shoppe is the place where such bottles are most likely uncovered. First established in 2014 as Mountaintop Wines, Davis Picklesimer bought the store in 2016.

Steve is CEO of Southeast Centers – a comprehensive real estate services firm based in Florida. Stephanie is a Certified Sommelier with The Court of Master Sommeliers, a Fox News Wine and Food Contributor, Host of the Wine Atelier Podcast (a treasure trove of “real world advice on mastering wine”) and author of The Glamorous Gourmet – a blog dedicated to food, wine, and travel.

This year it was purchased by Steve and Stephanie Miskew, who met Picklesimer on visits to Highlands and the shop during the last 12 years. Then at the end of 2021, following their late summer

As Stephanie said, “We don’t want to change anything drastically.

The key, of course, is interesting.

96 M a r ch 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

The couple have clearly gotten into wine retail out of passion, enthusiasm, and professionalism.

SHOPPI NG

It is our intention to maintain the overall feel. We understand that both the Highlands Wine Shoppe and Buck’s are hallowed grounds in their respective communities – hubs of community where people gather to relax, meet friends or celebrate special occasions in their lives. Our plan is just to enhance the customer experience and build on what’s already there.” With a home in Cashiers, they are looking forward to spending more time in Highlands, “to be hands-on in the wine store, and not just absentee owners.” Assisting them as Managing Partner and day-to-day operator is Annelize Giliomee. Since her arrival in Highlands from South Africa two decades ago, Giliomee has been a reliable and respected resource of wine information for many. A master at demystifying the wine buying experience, she has worked at several operations in town, including the Highlands Wine Shoppe. As Stephanie told me “Annelize and I were on the same page from the time we met.” They share a mission to offer wines from around the world for

everyday drinking, along with hard-to-find collectibles, to get to know their customers and thier particular tastes, and to provide advice and guidance. They encourage folks to visit the store’s “wine station” where 16 wines are offered by the glass in various pour sizes. Described by Giliomee as a “playground for your palate,” it’s a chance to discover new wines. Perhaps, as Stephanie says, you’ll come in a Chardonnay fan and leave loving Greco di Tufo.” And, if you’re seeking some of the varietal wines mentioned in this month’s story about wine and soup, here are some finds from the Highlands Wine Shoppe: Chablis: Drouhin Reserve de Vaudon; Rioja: Muga Rioja Reserve; Chianti, Felsina Chianti Classico; Cru Beaujolais: Drouhin Hospices de Belleville Fleurie. by Marlene Osteen photos by Susan Renfro

97 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

Liz Harris A TOP BROKER ON THE CASHIERS-HIGHLANDS PLATEAU

8 2 8.342.319 4

liz@c a sh ie r s.co m

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

Visit Our Advertisers WEST END

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

SOUTH END

25. 4118 Kitchen & Bar 27. Dauntless Printing 30. The Literacy Council 38. Lupoli Construction 39. Allen Tate/Pat Allen Realty Group 43. Mountain Lakes Physicians Group 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

103. Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 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 160. TJ Bailey for Men 167. The Christmas Tree 169. Country Club Properties 174. Elena’s Women’s Golf and Activewear 178. McCulley’s II 180. White Oak Realty Group 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 197. Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar 202. Country Club Properties 205. Silver Creek Real Estate Group 206. The Business Spot 207. Creative Concepts Salon

100 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

WRIGHT SQUARE on MAIN

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

ON THE HILL

303. Mirror Lake Antiques 305. Jeanie Edwards Fine Art 306. Acorn’s Designer Fashions & Home Interiors 310. McCulley’s 312. The Ugly Dog Public House 313. Old Edwards Inn 318. Peggy Crosby Center: - The Kitchen Carry Away & Catering 319. Lakeside Restaurant

SPRING VILLAGE 406. Brookings

OAK STREET

601. Highlands Playhouse

VILLAGE PARK

613. Cleaveland Realty 615. Shakespeare & Co.

CAROLINA VILLAGE

707. Yoga Highlands 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

OUT NC 106

➡ Peak Experience ➡ Futral Construction ➡ Highlands Outpost ➡ Highlands Aerial Park ➡ Fire + Water ➡ Pat Calderone Gallery

OUT 64 EAST

➡ Black Rock Granite ➡ Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services Meadows Mountain Realty ➡ WHLC ➡ Highlands Lawn & Garden ➡ Skyline Lodge/ Oak Steakhouse ➡ Highlands Rock Yard ➡ Highlands Cashiers Hospital ➡ Futral Construction ➡ Center for Plastic Surgery ➡ Allen Tate/ 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.

101 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

Visit Our Advertisers SLABTOWN 2. Zookeeper Bistro 6. Slab Town Pizza 14. Hotel Cashiers

NORTH 107 16. Stork’s - Wrap. Pack. Ship 19. The Look Boutique

THE SHOPS AT CASHIERS COMMONS 29. The Business Spot 30. Bombshell Hair Boutique

THE VILLAGE GREEN 142.Village Green Commons 143. The Village Green 147. Bazaar Barn

WEST 64 154. Cashiers Valley Smokehouse 155. Cashiers Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center 156. Creekside: - Silver Creek Real Estate Group 173. Betsy Paul Properties 176. Lenz Gifts

AT THE CROSSROADS 37. Landmark Realty Group

CHESTNUT SQUARE 43. A Jones Company 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 79. Jennings Builders Supply

VILLAGE WALK 80. A-List Antiques 80. Josephine’s Emporium 80. Laura Moser Art 80. Merrell Thompson Photography 89. Nearly New Furniture Consignment 90. Gracewear Boutique 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 & CashiersVillage Outfitters 108. Landmark Realty Group 109. Ugly Dog Public House 110. McCulley’s 111. Rusticks 123. Caliber Fine Properties 128. Mountainworks Custom Home Design LTD. 136. McKee Properties 137. Bounds Cave Rug Gallery

102 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

DOWN 107 SOUTH ➡ Silver Run Reserve

VISIT CULLOWHEE ➡ Four Seasons Landscape

VISIT LAKE TOXAWAY ➡ The Greystone Inn ➡ Bear Tracks Travel Center

VISIT SAPPHIRE : ➡ Appalachian Golf Cars ➡ Black Bear Lodge ➡ Sapphire Valley Real Estate ➡ The Fix VISIT SYLVA : ➡ Imperial Security

, s r e i h s Ca 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.

103 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

H ISTORY

104 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

HISTORY Pages 106-107

H ISTORY

Postmaster Warren Alexander hands a letter to Judge George Bennett. Alexander took over from Grimshawe as postmaster in 1928, one year before this Masa photograph of 1929.

The Grimshawe

Tragedy

The age-worn walls of the Grimshawe’s Post Off ice are steeped in almost unimaginable tragedy.

f you look closely at Henry Scadin’s photo of Grimshawe’s world’s smallest post office in 1899, you’ll note a tangle of strangling vines climbing the hut’s left wall.

After its construction, Mother Nature seemed to declare, “I’m repossessing my lumber and land.” Her reclamation didn’t stop there. She took four (eventually five) of the Grimshawe’s children with the diphtheria epidemic that swept through late 1800s to early 1900s. The mini-post office made a 6’ x 5.5’ footprint on Whiteside Cove just below Whiteside Mountain’s high cliff. Thomas and Helena Grimshawe established the office in 1878, four years after settling in the Cove. Eventually their son, Thomas, and wife, Bessie, took over not only the post office duties, but tending the sick. Their son Thomas was the only doctor in the area. If there were a statue of him, he’d carry a doctor’s bag in one hand, a mailbag in the other, and the grim in his name enshrouded in his face. In late fall, while Thomas was miles away tending patients, his own children, four daughters, were stricken with diphtheria. Bessie nursed them as best she could in his absence. Alas, every other day between October 31 and November 7, 1888, another daughter passed away. One at a time, Bessie built a coffin, dug a grave, then conducted a service from a Prayer Book as no priest or preacher was available at 106 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

that time of year. Thomas knew nothing of this until he returned home. Upon hearing of the four illnesses and subsequent funerals, he was devastated. Imagine this couple’s unbearable grief. As if that weren’t enough, a fifth child was taken by the same disease a decade later. The Grimshawe story was so heart-wrenching, the Smithsonian documented some of its trials, and a picture of the post office hangs in Washington. Today you can visit the Grimshawe children’s burial plots behind the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Cashiers. After all their loss, the Grimshawes kept going. Perhaps their English lineage gave them stiff upper lips – surely cast of iron. They even spoke the Elizabethan English of their ancestry. And so it was for the pioneers of Highlands. Mother Nature was as kind as she was cruel. We are a century past some of her worst on the Plateau, and grateful for it as we close Winter’s door on one of its saddest stories and welcome the new life of Spring. To learn more about the Plateau’s sorrows and joys, read Ran Shaffner’s Heart of the Blue Ridge. Or you can visit highlandshistory.com or email hhs@highlandshistory.com. by Donna Rhodes

H ISTORY

Manolia:

of Tallulah

Though its machiner y may be a bit clunky, The Georgia Bequest: Manolia or the Vale of Tallulah is a charmer that paints a vivid por trait of antebellum Nor th Georgia.

ure, it makes James Fenimore Cooper read like Hemingway; the characters have Shakespeare-ish names such as Rossius and Cassanio, who trade quips and quotes in Latin; and everyone turns out to be first cousins without knowing it. But the 1854 romantic-comedy novel titled The Georgia Bequest: Manolia or the Vale of Tallulah is actually a lot of fun. It features Oothlacoochee, the last Cherokee in the area, a party of college boys from Athens and a mysterious maiden who appears from the mist on the far side of the gorge—Manolia. It also includes many of the author’s pet peeves, among them the then-unfinished Washington Monument and the English novelist Edward Bulwer-Lytton of “It was a dark and stormy night” fame. (“Georgia Bequest” in the book’s title refers to a scheme where Americans—led by the state of Georgia--might be better inculcated with the virtues of our first president through education, rather than erecting a Pharaonic shrine to his memory.) The title page claims Manolia was written by “A Georgia Huntsman,” but it’s a pseudonym for William Porter Rembert (1808-1879; though he really did spend a lot of time in the chase or casting flies). Rembert was a planter in Elbert County, Georgia, along the upper Savannah River, and a cousin of Robert Toombs, the very colorful U.S. Senator, and the Confederacy’s first Secretary of State. Toombs and Rembert were roommates at Franklin College – now the University of Georgia – until they were kicked out for loud laughing and card playing. (Toombs had been expelled once before, for threatening classmates with a gun, but this time the faculty meant it!) Like his novel’s hero, Rembert had a summer house just below

Tallulah Falls. Edward Norris Kirk, a Boston minister on a southern tour in August 1860, was invited to Rembert’s home for Sunday dinner after preaching at the local schoolhouse. Kirk had been surprised to find that well-dressed gentlemen and their families in elegant carriages had come to listen to his sermon in the remote mountain region. He wrote home that, “The scene that spread before us from the piazza (porch) of his house is altogether unique…On the left hand you see the mighty chasms which could contain four Niagaras. Through them the Tallulah and Chattooga rush to meet and form the Tugaloo which flows directly below Mr. Rembert’s yard, 1,500 feet down. The slopes of so many mountains coming down to witness this meeting of the waters form a splendid spectacle.” Rembert asked Kirk – an ardent abolitionist, though the Georgian may not have realized that – how he would vote in the upcoming election. “For Abraham Lincoln, sir.” It was a chilly social gathering after that, though Rembert himself was not in favor of secession and his novel praises the Cherokee and (gently) regrets slavery. Later, as the Confederacy collapsed, Toombs came and hid out with his cousin above the Tallulah, until the hue and cry died down and the hunted statesman was able to escape to Cuba and then France. There was only the one edition of Manolia and it will set you back at least $200, but it can be found online for free here: archive.org/ details/georgibequestman00rembiala. by Stuart Ferguson, Local Historian, Co-Owner Shakespeare & Company

107 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

H ISTORY

108 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

LIFESTYLES & WELLNESS Pages 110-121

photo by Charles Johnson

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Loving & Living

Life David and Debi Bock

Despite her friends’ admonitions, she just couldn’t resist that guy at the reunion. Thir ty-one years later, Debi and David Bock are proof that sometimes you just have to listen to your hear t.

he story of Debi and David Bock’s romance encapsulates one of life’s most intriguing subjects – how two people fall for each other.

And it’s a tale that reveals one of life’s ironies – that what could begin as a fleeting encounter could turn into a lifelong commitment. It could not have been predicted that Debi and David Bock would end up falling for each other when they met at a camp staff reunion on Memorial Day weekend in 1990. Debi had only recently gotten out of a relationship, and days earlier, David had filed for divorce. Perhaps that was why friends advised Debi to steer clear of David – as she did on the first day. Yet she had to admit that when she looked up and spotted David across the parking lot, she found him attractive. At the last hour, they joined a hike with a group of

110 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

friends and ended up talking into the night. After two days, they had a clear change of heart. The next day the pair returned to Atlanta and Debi invited David to her home. He never left – moving in after the weekend. “Debi is smart, cute, and funny,” said David, who added that, “When you know, you just know.” A year after that marathon date, David proposed, and they were married in Atlanta in a house they had purchased together. David was already the father of two boys when they met – 2 and 5 years old – and Debi soon gave birth to two girls. Life must have been busy, and hectic raising four children, working in real e state development, building homes, and staying involved in their

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

David and Deebi Bock, 1990

children’s activities.

Debi tells me that “David is a true Boy Scout. He’s the most honest, sincere and dependable person I know. And he can be fun, too!”

In 1999, they built what was to be a weekend house in Highlands. Today the couple have multiple businesses in Highlands – When the home was finished, they realized that Highlands offered David Bock Builders, 4th Street Market, The Bridge at Mill Creek unique opportunities. By the fall of 1999, they had started a couple Restaurant, Mill Creek Village, and of “spec” houses in town and decided to the Inn at Mill Creek. They love to When you know, you relocate their business. travel and do so whenever they can just know. But Debi didn’t want to move the children from get a break from work. Atlanta and their friends. There was, as David Years ago, they promised their says, “a lot of driving back and forth” for the children they would visit all 50 states next 15 years. It’s a testament to the strength of before they turned 18 – the adventures filling them all with a real their bond that their marriage survived the distance and thousands love for exploration. of days apart. Certainly, it’s also a poignant illustration of their Their hopes for the future – a long healthy life with more enduring affection and devotion. grandchildren, more travel, and less work. As David explains, “She’s authentic, keeps me focused, and kicks me in the butt when I need it. And she’s my best friend. We do by Marlene Osteen everything together – work, travel, and play. We love being with friends, but we love just being with each other.” 111 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Watch For Changes When Filing Taxes

112 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

s you prepare your tax returns before the April 18 filing deadline, you’ll want to be up to date on changes that could affect you. Here are some issues to discuss with your tax professional: Covid-19-related distributions and recontributions – If you took a coronavirus-related distribution (withdrawal) from a retirement account, such as a 401(k) or IRA, 2020 and chose to spread the amount equally over three years, you need to include the relevant part of the distribution on your 2021 tax return, so you should bring your 2020 Form 1099-R to your tax advisor. You can re-contribute your distributions back into any retirement account eligible to receive a rollover for up to three years after you received the initial distribution. So, if you haven’t already done so, you can still recontribute to your 401(k) or IRA up until the April 18 filing deadline – and by doing so, you could reduce your 2021 taxes.

(Your tax professional will know what forms and documentation you’ll need for this recontribution.) Return of RMDs – In 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act suspended the required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts that people over a certain age typically must take. But RMDs returned for 2021 and had to be taken by Dec. 31, unless your birthdate is between July 1 and Dec. 31, 1949, in which case your starting date was delayed until April 1, 2022. So, if you had an RMD for 2021, bring your 2020 Form 5498 or your 2021 retirement account state-ments to your tax professional to calculate the required RMD. You’ll also want to provide your 2021 Form 1099-R to report the amount of RMDs taken. Charitable contributions – The CARES Act authorized a deduction for cash contributions to qualified charities for those who

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS don’t itemize. For 2020, the maximum deduction was $300; this pro-vision has been extended for the 2021 tax year, with a new provision allowing a $600 deduction for joint filers. If you do itemize deductions, be aware that the CARES Act also suspended the 60 percent of adjusted gross income limit for cash gifts in 2020, a change that has been carried over to 2021. Child tax credit – For 2021, you can claim up to $3,600 for children younger than 6 and up to $3,000 for children ages 6 to 17. This tax credit is refundable, which means you can receive it even if it’s larger than the amount of taxes you owe. The credit phases out at certain income limits. Child and dependent care credit – This credit is more substantial in 2021 – up to $4,000 for one qualifying person and up to $8,000 for two or more. This credit is also potentially refundable, but it phases out differently than in previous years, so you’ll want to go over your dependent-

care expenses carefully with your tax professional. And last, but certainly not least, review your IRA contributions. There aren’t any changes for 2022, but you can still fund your traditional or Roth IRA for the 2021 tax year up until the April 18 deadline. See your tax professional soon to ensure you’ve got everything in order. Staffing shortages at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), combined with a heavy workload due to pandemic-related programs, may slow down processing of returns, so consider getting your taxes done as soon as possible – especially if you’re anticipating a refund.

Todd Holder

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

113 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

s we say goodbye to winter and begin the transition into Spring, we are greeted by longer days and new beginnings. A time of new growth and transformation. An opportunity to emerge from winter’s darkness, releasing the stagnation of the past several months to meet the new season with a sense of vibrance and upward rising energy. An opportunity to purge and detox.

Lighten Up

this Spring

The arrival of Spring is the per fect time to declutter and refresh our lives, our homes, our bodies, and our minds.

114 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

A springtime lifestyle detox allows you to lighten up and rid the mind, body, and even the home of unwanted toxins and unnecessary clutter. It helps bring you and your spaces into balance and alignment. When approaching the mind and body components of the detox, consider substituting negativity with mindfulness practices that are intentionally positive, consistent, and expand awareness. Declutter negative self-talk, limiting beliefs, judgment, criticism, and habits that aren’t in your best interest. Explore journaling, breathwork, meditation,

yoga, and clean eating, all of which can inspire positive gains when practiced with regularity. Journaling transfers thoughts from the mind to paper. This process can be quite therapeutic and is conveniently available anytime. Breathe. Purging toxins through focused breathwork is another powerful practice that can reduce stress, improve lung capacity, and promote better sleep. Meditation can bring amazing clarity and joy and although the benefits are plenty, it’s important to note there can also be negative effects, especially for anyone who has gone through a traumatic life experience. Fortunately, there are many meditation techniques available to try. If one technique doesn’t resonate, transition your efforts to another. Yoga unites the mind and body and although breathwork and meditation can be practiced independently, they are also key components of yoga. Many yoga postures

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS help to stimulate our digestive organs and other internal organs such as the kidneys and liver and eliminate waste through sweat, urine, bowel movements, and when coupled with focused breathwork, each exhale also works to eliminate toxins. Clean eating is another mind body practice that can serve as a detox in the short-term or become a regular, long-term healthy habit. This is a lifestyle choice that aligns mind, body and home. What you put in your refrigerator and pantry end up in your body and what you put in your body affects your mind. Eating “brain foods” like salmon and other oily fish, nuts, seeds, berries, dark chocolate, avocado, and whole grains that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants helps to build and repair brain cells and can support positive brain function. Consider meals that include a variety of healthy ingredients like smoothies, salads, soups, and stir-fry’s. Other clean eating

tips include drinking plenty of clean water, eating organic foods that aren’t full of toxic pesticides, eating little to no sugar, eliminating processed foods, and reducing or eliminating dairy, meat, and alcohol from your diet. A kitchen purge and replace is a great addition to any lifestyle detox as it helps to reduce temptation by removing those not so good for you foods and replacing them with healthier options. When approaching the home portion of the detox, also consider purging other spaces like closets, drawers, garages, desks, laundry rooms, etc. Anywhere clutter has accumulated, and energy has become stagnant is a great place to begin. Let go. Adding plants throughout the home will help to purify the air, cleansing the environment you live and sleep in. Air purifiers are also a nice addition. Trade out toxic household cleaners for non-toxic options, change out air filters, and open windows to let fresh air in and stale air out.

Lastly, and possibly one of the hardest for some, turn off the news and put down other electronic devices. Make it a habit to disconnect on a regular basis. This one habit of disconnecting can create a stronger connection with yourself and with those around you. It allows you to be present more often and it cancels the negativity of the news. Live in the moment. If you get bored, head out for a hike or take a relaxing bath, both are also great for detoxification. Although challenging, the reward of committing to new practices that are healthier and inspirational is well worth the effort. The key to success may be to start slowly, taking small steps at first then bigger and bigger until one day you may just find that your spring lifestyle detox has become more like a way of life! by Mary Abranyi, Fusion Yoga & Wellness

115 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Sweet Pea’s

Jelly Hoof

The gentle lessons that sweet Sweet Pea impar ted to ever yone she encountered will enrich lives for years to come, both on the Plateau and far beyond.

116 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

he arrived with her mother, Fast ‘n Easy, at Carpe Diem Farms, a twoyear-old filly. An American Quarter Horse bred to be a racehorse. She didn’t get the memo and instead was a short, stocky little mare. She and her mother joined our two horses, Delta and Gracie, to become our herd of four in the spring of 1997. Together they became the teachers for all who attended programs, camps, workshops, and conferences. Because she was only two when she arrived, she gave me the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to develop my abilities in working with young and older untrained horses.

Sweet Pea was every little girl’s delight! Calm and steady. I used her to teach beginning students, children, and adults alike. She had some of the worst feet of any horse I have had, which gave her the opportunity to teach me a lot.

She’s been the model for three different types of Easy’s Slipper. Now other horses

Sweet Pea was every little girl’s delight!

around the planet are being helped by her! In the few months prior to her death, she added to the knowledge I was gaining from Tracy: what to do to support a horse with a subluxation of the fetlock joint. In her case, like Tracy, the interior of the hoof had deteriorated so much that it can’t support the leg. The horse begins to roll the fetlock over, osteoarthritis begins to form around the joint. So, like Tracy, I made her a brace, and she could continue to graze with the herd and walk normally. Because her coffin bone was breaking off in tiny pieces and causing abscesses, I

invented a “jelly hoof pad” which I taped on the foot over her Easy’s Slipper and the breakage stopped, all infection ceased and soon owners with horses having the same issues will have options! She will always be remembered in her finest hours. We had twenty-four-and-a-half years together and she will be missed every day. She loved her family of horses and the people who loved her back. Carpe Diem Farms, Exploring the Human Potential Through Equines. by Sue Blair, Carpe Diem Farms

Scan to learn more

117 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Your Vaccination Station Highlands-Cashiers Hospital remains focused on protecting the Plateau, even in the midst of a global pandemic.

s the CEO/CNO of Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, I want to reassure you that our hospital is here to care for you as we always have, even amidst the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

From unexpected visits to our Emergency Department, to routine check-ups at our primary care locations, we’re here for you. Elective surgeries have also been reintroduced at our hospital and we remain vigilant when it comes to sanitation, screening, visitor restrictions, masking, as well as guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control. There’s likely no subject that has been more discussed in recent months than the Covid vaccine. I am grateful that we now have this critical tool, which has been proven to lessen the severity of the virus, lower a patient’s chances of needing to be hospitalized, and reduce the number of Covid-19 deaths. While there are still members of our community who are not vaccinated, I want to point out how successful we have been in vaccinating our community. In Macon County, 75.5 percent of the eligible population, five and older, have received at least one dose of vaccine with 60.4 percent of this group fully being vaccinated. For those over 65, 95 percent of our community has received at least one dose and 83.8 percent are fully vaccinated. In Jackson County, 76 percent of the eligible population, five and older, have received at least one dose of vaccine with 56% of this group fully vaccinated. For those over 65, 95 percent of our community have received at least one dose and 80.2 percent are fully vaccinated. Multiple community partners in our area continue to provide Covid-19 vaccinations. These partners include the Cashiers Valley RX, Ingles, and the Macon and Jackson County Health Departments. With the attention on the development and rollout of Covid-19 118 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

vaccines, it’s easy to forget that people of all ages should be up-todate on their other vaccines as well. Though each state determines its own vaccine requirements in order for children to enter public school and daycare, the CDC notes that common immunizations for children from infancy to age six include: MMR (Measles, mumps, and rubella); Polio (IPV); TDaP (Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis); Hib (Haemophilus influenza type B); RV (Rotavirus); Varicella (Chickenpox); PCV 13 (pneumococcal bacterial diseases); Influenza Some vaccines are a series of shots that start in infancy, while others should be received annually. When children are 11 or 12, they should receive the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine, which has cut the risk of certain adult cancers significantly, including cervical cancer for women. Adults should remain vigilant about getting boosters for conditions like MMR and TDaP, as well as yearly flu shots. Shingles vaccines are recommended for people 50 and older, and anyone 65 or older should receive the pneumonia vaccine. These are both serious conditions, and shingles is long-lasting and very painful. Vaccines have long been a controversial topic, but every vaccine is carefully vetted for safety and FDA-approved, or in the case of Covid-19 vaccines, FDA-cleared first, and then approved. Some worry that the Covid-19 vaccines were somehow hurried in their development, but the opposite is true. The medical MRNA technology that’s central to the Covid-19 vaccines was developed over the course of two decades. by Tom Neal

CEO/Chief Nursing Officer, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

119 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Body Care Before Crashing

There’s no glor y or wisdom in waiting for treatment until you can no longer stand it.

hen a patient comes in for help with pain, dysfunction, and help with alterations in their lifestyle, and starts out by saying, “I waited as long as I could,” it makes me realize that I have not done enough to educate. My job as a doctor is to help as many as I can before their pain becomes debilitating. We always want to prevent bad health situations and prepare for a better life situation with optimal health. I hope to impart good information and instill trust in order to change the story of someone who says, “I waited as long as I could” to “I am here to feel great and prevent further deterioration of my health.” Doesn’t that sound better? Imagine how fun life can be when better health is the rule instead of the exception!

120 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

Why would you wait at all if you’re in pain? Would you wait until your car sputtered on the highway, forcing you to pull over and call a tow truck? We all know to check the oil and fluids and change them regularly. In much the same way, chiropractic maintenance care makes sense. Taking care of your structural unit - your skeleton and organs – through a gentle tune-up of your nervous system on a regular basis is like keeping the most beautiful car tuned-up so that it purrs when it runs at high speeds. Making sure that the engine cranks every time you need it to is just like taking care of your body on a regular interval. Don’t wait until you’re in pain, sputtering and stalling, unable to function on demand, making excuses to not be active or enjoy the things you love to do.

If you take care of your body before you need to quit and rest, you can continue living your life with energy and freedom, without pain. The next time you say to yourself, “I am waiting as long as I can,” finish that sentence with “to crash and burn.” Then say, “I am ready to take better care of myself so that I can live my ultimate life without pain and discomfort!” You can do this – just change the story that you tell yourself and others. Be proactive and proud of who you are and how you take care of You! by Dr. Sue Aery, Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Where Dreams Begin

The Village Green for a wedding venue? Splendor in the Grass. For information, visit villagegreencashiersnc.org.

hy go to the chapel when you can go to the Green – the Village Green in Cashiers, that is?

For those planning their dream wedding in the mountains there’s a new venue in town, Common’s Event Hall at the Village Green located at 160 Frank Allen Road. Village Green director Ashlie MitchellLanning says, “The Common’s Event Hall is such an incredibly beautiful, and versatile space. With its understated elegance, dramatic architectural details, and surroundings of our unparalleled natural beauty here on the Plateau, The Village Green Common’s Event Hall truly combines everything you could dream of for your perfect wedding, rehearsal dinner, or special event!”

The Common’s Event Hall located within the 13-acre Village Green park is surrounded by the year-round beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and wrapped in an unparalleled natural setting, while being conveniently located in the center of Cashiers, close to accommodations, dining, and shopping. This 5800-square-foot space features a 30-foot timber-frame cathedral ceiling, a full catering kitchen, and a beautiful central fireplace all of which combine to create a versatile, sophisticated and elegant venue that can lend itself seamlessly to your vision. This is an elegant blank canvas onto which you can create your dreams. Additionally, it features three private dressing rooms, one for the bride, one

for the groom (which includes a large flat screen TV and private access), and one for any additional purpose you might need. Your wedding party might want a quiet place to enjoy a moment together before the ceremony, or you may wish to receive gifts here. In addition to the perfect indoor spaces, venue rental includes full use of two garden courtyards, The Common’s Outdoor Pavilion, and the two-acre Common’s Lawn. This venue truly offers it all. For more information on this venue and to make plans for your dream wedding please visit villagegreencashiersnc.org or email director@cashiersgreen.com. by Mary Jane McCall

121 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

SB E URS V I NI C EE SS

ACCOMMODATIONS

BEAUTY

CABINETRY

CLEANING

CONSTRUCTION

HOME CARE

HOME DECOR

122 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

B SUESRI N VE I CS ES

HOME MONITORING

PICTURE FRAMING

PRINTING

REAL ESTATE

ROOFING

SERVICE

123 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

BUSI NESS

124 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

BUSI NESS

GIVING BACK Pages 126-131

photo by Charles Johnson

125 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

GI V I NG BAC K

And Kentucky

Makes 8

Six ver y lucky dogs get a new leash on life thanks to the gentle ministrations of the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society.

David Stroud welcomes one of the Kentucky rescue dogs to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

126 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

GI V I NG BAC K

labama. Florida. Georgia. Mississippi. South Carolina. Tennessee. And all across North Carolina from the mountains to the Outer Banks. What do all these places have in common? The Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society Animal Rescue Team has been there to help save lives. CHHS recently added State Number Eight to their rescue map when Executive Director David Stroud made the 12-hour round-trip drive to Louisville, Kentucky, to help with transport for canine survivors of a large-scale suspected puppy mill. More than 100 large-breed dogs, mostly Siberian Huskies, were discovered living in outdoor kennels or on chains, all of them found in unsanitary and inhumane conditions. Through a friendship with a representative of the national BISSELL Pet Foundation, Stroud was contacted and asked for help. Within hours of that request, he was on

the road to meet representatives of the Kentucky Humane Society and assist with transport of six dogs who found safe refuge at the CHHS no-kill shelter. “This was a very difficult case due to the size and volume of dogs,” said Kim Alboum, Director of Shelter Outreach and Policy Development for BISSELL. “The BISSELL Pet Foundation is grateful for the compassion and expertise within the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society that makes them a vital partner in situations like this. These are very lucky dogs!” When Stroud arrived back at the 10-acre campus of the CHHS shelter with the rescued dogs, staff had already set aside six of their 14 play yards for the new residents. The scene that followed would have brought the most hard-hearted person to tears. “These six brave canine survivors, who only knew life on a chain or in a cramped outdoor kennel smaller than a broom closet,

got to stretch their legs and run for the first time in their lives,” said Stroud. “To see them romp, run and play, drink clean water, breathe fresh air…it reminded all of us that this is why we do what we do.” 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. This no-kill shelter is open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. For more information, visit chhumanesociety.org or call (828) -743-5752.

Scan to learn more

127 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

GI V I NG BAC K

Interact is

Inter-action

For Highlands Rotarian Tracy Franklin, connecting with students is the key to healthy communities.

128 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

GI V I NG BAC K

ental health counselor Tracy Franklin is involved in Rotary Club of Highlands partly because of its involvement with area students and support of schools. Her father, Tom Stribling, is a long-time member and Tracy knew that Rotarians were highly involved in the community. When she joined, she and her father became the club’s first father/daughter duo. What quickly became near and dear to her heart four years ago is the Interact Club at Highlands High School. She is the board liaison between Rotary Club of Highlands and Interact, which is essentially the high school arm of Rotary – giving around 20 students an opportunity to learn early the importance of Rotary and of serving their community. Rotary Club of Highlands donates $1,000 annually to Interact, and involved students are provided college

scholarship opportunities.

previous year’s seniors.”

“We’re very supportive of students in this area,” said Franklin. “We’ve provided iPads, dictionaries, books, and more – whatever the schools inform us that the students need, we try to make it happen.”

In February, Interact cleared and cleaned the Rotary/Boy Scout attic space in the Community Building. “And this spring we are planning to help at Highlands/ Cashiers Humane Society and to help either the Greenway or Land Trust with some trail maintenance.”

But on the flip side, the Interact students are giving back. Franklin commented on community projects: Fall Book Fair: “We buy book fair books for children who weren’t able to afford them.” Halloween Candy Distribution: “Interact members gather candy at the Highlands Chamber of Commerce and disseminate it to each store/restaurant/office on Main Street.” Halloween Hotdog Distribution Shop with a Cop: “Interact students works with officers and helped kids pick the gifts they wanted.” Alumni Distribution: “Interact sends a care package of peppermint bark to the

For its annual international-related project, Franklin pointed out that Interact club has chosen to donate $500 to Team Trees/ Team Seas, which supports tree plantings as well as sea cleanup globally. Noted Highlands High School junior Anna Stiehler, the 2021-22 Interact president, “Interact Club is a good way to become involved in not only our school, but community as well. We have built many relationships and new knowledge, all based around this group.” by Deena Bouknight

129 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

GI V I NG BAC K

Dolly Parton’s

Imagination Library

The gifts provided by Dolly Par ton’s Imagination Librar y open a dazzling world of possibilities for for tunate local children.

130 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

GI V I NG BAC K

eet Rhett, a Dolly Parton Imagination Library kid!

Rhett’s been enrolled in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for about a year. His favorite book is Sleep Tight with the Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Carle Eric. Rhett’s mom, Kaitlyn Cochran says, “It’s always been important for me to spend time reading with Rhett because that’s how I was raised. We have been reading to him nightly ever since he’s been able to sit up on his own. This program is a great resource that helps us as parents fuel his love for reading and foster his speech development too. He loves some of his Dolly books so much, that he’s literally worn down the pages! “We are expecting his little sister soon, and we plan on signing her up. We can’t say enough good things about this program. We’ve noticed how nightly reading has helped with his growth so much, even beyond learning the words. It’s helped with his motor skills, learning to turn pages by

himself and using the flaps and sensory elements of the books, and memory. He can anticipate his favorite pages and will smile before I get to them. Even though he can barely say a few words his language intake and understanding are developing and growing, and it’s been really incredible to me just how much reading to him has impacted his little brain beyond language.” Young children whose parents read them five books a day enter kindergarten having heard about 1.4 million words more than kids who were never read to, according to a recent study from The Ohio State University. This increases children’s chances of picking up essential literacy skills quickly and easily. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has been promoting literacy all over the world since 1995. The program was started in honor of Dolly’s late father who never learned to read or write.

got this idea to do the Imagination Library, I wanted to get Daddy involved in it. I wanted him to help me with that so he could take the pride in that and so he did. He got to live long enough to hear the kids call me the Book Lady.” The program sends a free age-appropriate book each month, addressed specifically to the child. The Literacy & Learning Center is so proud to offer this program to the young readers of Macon County. All children in Macon County ages 0-5 are eligible to enroll in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. To sign your child up, call TL&LC at (828) 526 -0863, or visit www.imaginationlibrary.com/ check-availability. by Jenni Edwards, Literacy & Learning Center photo by Kaitlyn Cochran

In A Front Porch Story, Dolly said, “When I

131 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

BUSI NESS

Community Engagement Initiative Leadership Cashiers Class of 2021: Top row – Left to right – Tim Heatley (Ivester Jackson Blackstream; Christies’s International Real Estate), Susan Heatley (Ivester Jackson Blackstream; Christies’s International Real Estate), Kristina Newsom (Specialties Plus of NC), Stanley Baldwin Odum (Fishes and Loaves), Bottom Row-Left to right – Jill E. Katz (Crossroads Custard and Cold Brew), Bambi Famous Kaine (Bambi Famous, LLC Realtor), Judy G. Patterson (High Hampton), Robin Walker (Camp Merrie-Woode), Barbara Jamison (Artist), Ellen Tucker (Community Activist and Volunteer) Not pictured: Henry “Hank” Hodge (First Citizens Bank), Anthony “Shane” Brooks, Brian Holland (Zoller Hardware), Beth Preston (Community Volunteer)

Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Class of Leadership Cashiers is seeking energetic, conf ident par ticipants.

ooking for a way to be informed about the Cashiers community, to connect with interesting people who live and work in the area, and how you can engage with organizations and activities in the area? Then consider joining the 2022 Class of Leadership Cashiers! As graduates of the inaugural 2019 Leadership Cashiers class, we can assure you the monthly meetings from May to December will be time well spent. Once-a-month meetings expose participants to organizations, issues, and topics such as Economic Development, Natural and Cultural Resources, Planning and Infrastructure, Government, Education, and Health and Wellbeing. Facilitated by Angela Owen with Truventure, an experienced business consultant and dynamic leadership developer, the sessions include impactful discussions of the resources, issues, and challenges in our community and how each participant can find their opportunity to be a leader and make a meaningful difference. Leadership Cashiers is a community engagement initiative of the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce with a mission to strengthen today’s citizens to become tomorrow’s leaders. The program is sponsored by local organizations including Vision Cashiers; BalsamWest; Dillard Jones; Eric T. Moody CPA, PA;

132 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

First Citizens Bank; High Hampton, Country Club of Sapphire Valley, United Community Bank, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, Southwestern Community College, Western Carolina University, Zoller Hardware, Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, Appalachian Golf Cars, Leadership Cashiers Alumni Network, and Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley. Leadership Cashiers seeks to inform, connect, and engage individuals by studying civic issues, building strong working relationships, and motivating participants to provide enlightened, dynamic, community leadership. Once you graduate from the program, we encourage you to extend the experience by joining the almost 50 graduates of Leadership Cashiers 2019, 2020, and 2021 classes in the Alumni Network. This group meets several times a year with engaging programs that continue the Leadership Cashiers journey. In the last 12 months, programs have included speakers such as Jackson County Commissioner Mark Jones, welcoming new businesses Crossroads Custard and Maison Atelier & Company to Cashiers, and networking at Hotel Cashiers and Whiteside Brewing. by Thomas Taulbee and Maggie Carton

BUSI NESS

133 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO 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 cottages and estate homesites, Silver Run Reserve features curated and natural amenities for indoor and outdoor fun and wellness.

LIVE WELL. RUN FREE. SilverRunReserve.com

134 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ CO-OWNER / BROKER 828.342.3194 (CELL) LIZ@CASHIERS.COM 135 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

OUR TEAM OF BROKERS

BETH TOWNSEND Co-Owner / Broker

LIZ HARRIS

Co-Owner / Broker

ANN MCKEE AUSTIN Co-Owner / Broker

COLEEN GOTTLOEB Broker-In-Charge

SANDY BARROW Broker

JOHN BARROW Broker / Rental Coordinator

WAYNE MONDAY Broker

PHILIP BRADLEY Broker

MAGGIE ELMER Broker

JOANNE BRYSON Broker

GUS BRIGHT

Broker Associate

CLAY CANTLER

Broker / Licensed Asst.

LOGAN CROCKER

Broker / Licensed Asst.

JESSICA HOHEISEL

Broker / Licensed Asst.

KARALINE SHOMAKER Broker / Administrator

619 HWY 107 S 136 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

CASHIERS, NC 28717

828.743.3411

LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC MINNIE COLE HOUSE

A Founding Partner

McKee Properties is proud to be a Founding Partner of G&G Land, a feature program of Garden & Gun magazine, highlighting properties that are dedicated to an “authentic sense of place and inherent responsibility to the natural world.”

MORE THAN 40 YEARS OF LUXURY REAL ESTATE EXPERTISE IN THE CASHIERS-HIGHLANDS AREA

M C K E E P R O P E R T I E S. C O M

137 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

Winfield Farm 142+/- ACRES — Nestled between national forest and a ridgetop of gorgeous mountain views lies the beautiful Winfield Farm. This multigenerational family farm is located in Scaly Mountain on the southern edge of the Nantahala National Forest just 10 minutes from Highlands, North Carolina. Winfield Farm features long range mountain views, gently rolling pastures, heirloom apple trees and gardens, spring-fed lakes and ponds, mountain streams, multiple homes, barns, and other structures. The main home is perched on a gentle knoll overlooking the farm, while two other homes are within easy walking distance. Another lovely home is tucked in a large meadow bowl that looks up to the surrounding

OFFERED FOR $6,950,000 mountains. Two large barns, workshops, and a historic lodge are also contained within the 142 acres. Fabulous views can be enjoyed from everywhere on the farm/estate and the gentle topography makes the land very usable. A portion of the property fronts Dillard Road, offering great commercial potential on this parcel. Winfield Farm is just two hours from Atlanta and minutes from hiking trails, waterfalls, and all the clubs and amenities the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau has to offer. This is the first time on the market for this beautiful farm that has caught the eye of all who pass by. I look forward to showing it to you! MLS 97357

619 HWY 107 S 138 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

CASHIERS, NC 28717

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

828.743.3411

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ CC 828.342.3194 828.342.3194

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

139 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

Magnificent Private Estate OFFERED FOR $6,950,000 3 BR / 2 BA; 214+ ACRES — This fine estate property boasts all the wonderful outdoor features that draw people to Cashiers, NC: spectacular, long-range mountain views; rolling, open meadows (some fenced and cross fenced); a pond with an active, flowing stream and private waterfalls; and miles of trails! This property is unrestricted. The renovated cottage with recently updated bathrooms is charming and overlooks the majority of the property. Plus, there are many fine additional building sites for a future main house or subdividing. It is conveniently located only 9.5 miles from the middle of Cashiers. MLS 95503

619 HWY 107 S 140 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

CASHIERS, NC 28717

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

828.743.3411

Cedar Creek Road OFFERED FOR $2,800,000 200 ACRES — This pristine large tract located approximately five miles to the center of Cashiers is almost completely surrounded by three conservation easements: Chinquapin’s (700 acres), The Webb family’s (600 acres) and Campbell’s (50+ acres). This parcel has old logging trails, rock outcroppings and a central “bowl” — prime for clearing as a meadow. A pretty stream headwaters on this high elevation tract and has several small sets of ripples and falls. The views have not been cleared, but will be substantial. MLS 92920

BETH TOWNSEND, GUILD™ C

828.421.6193

BETH@CASHIERS.COM

141 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

Glenville Lake Estates 4 BR / 4 BA — This beautiful lake home is set up to enjoy immediately with its updated interior, expansive decks and large dock all resting in a quiet cove on the desirable southeast side of Lake Glenville, close to town. The home features a master suite and guest room on the main level, a third guest suite on the upper level and a fourth suite on the lower level. The dining, kitchen and great room

OFFERED FOR $1,995,000 featuring a stone fireplace flow together with vaulted ceilings and lake views off the front deck to enjoy the pristine setting on the lake. The large family and game room on the lower level provides for cozy evenings around the fireplace and a fun family game room, all while enjoying beautiful lake views. MLS 96991

619 HWY 107 S 142 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

CASHIERS, NC 28717

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

828.743.3411

Little Ellijay Farm 4 BR / 4 BA — This beautiful 63-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

OFFERED FOR $1,772,000 art studio, a large functioning barn, gardens, a chicken coop, fruit trees, fenced pasture land, fresh water ponds, springs and creeks throughout! Contact Liz today for a tour of this beautiful mountain farm. MLS 97011

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

143 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

Cullowhee Forest 3 BR / 3.5 BA — Located on 17+ acres with incredible mountain views, this move-in ready home is the perfect mountain retreat and sanctuary. Surrounded by towering hardwoods, mature rhododendron and other native flora, the house has stunning views of Pilot Knob and surrounding mountains. The well-maintained home features 3 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. The spacious kitchen has beautiful cabinetry and includes a breakfast area looking out onto the porch and the beautiful view. Next to the kitchen is an ample sized utility room with washer, dryer, and utility sink. The living room has a lovely stone faced, wood-burning fireplace, gorgeous wood floors, adjoins a spacious dining area, and opens onto a porch and deck that runs the length of the house. Also on the main

OFFERED FOR $855,000 level is the master bedroom with doors opening to the deck and porch. Completing the master suite is a commodious walk-in closet and master bathroom with his and hers vanities, garden tub, and shower. On the lower level are 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, an inviting den, a light-filled office, large workshop area, storage space and a large deck. Added security is provided by a full featured alarm system and a whole house generator. The surrounding grounds feature native specimen plants, hiking trails and a small spring-fed pond. Whether inside partaking in the comforts of the well-appointed home or outside enjoying the natural beauty of the property, this is mountain living at its best! MLS 96988

SANDY BARROW 144 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

JOHN BARROW

C C

478.737.9664

828.506.9356

Snowbird

OFFERED FOR $875,000

3 BR / 3 BA — The Snowbird lifestyle is essential to this beautiful property; abundant private hiking trails and postcard views are scattered throughout the gated 1,250 acre community with light restrictions and great neighbors. This cottage is current, classy, comfortable and exudes charm. Cozy living room with wood-burning fireplace has direct connection to open kitchen and also opens onto the massive covered porch. Master on main has cathedral ceiling and opens onto a pretty

side porch. Down a short hallway, the office/bonus room, stack washer/ dryer and full bath. Upstairs are two bedrooms with cathedral ceilings and shared bath. One of the upper bedrooms has a Rapunzel balcony overlooking the large covered porch and out to the long mountain views. Perch yourself on the covered porch at 4,120 elevation and watch the world go by, or kick it up a notch and test your skills on over 10 miles of great PRIVATE hiking trails! MLS 97787

UNDER CONTRACT

Sarvis Ridge

$875,000

49 ACRES — This property features a rolling meadow, dense woods, table flat building site at the top and over 4,020 feet elevation. There is a small dipping pond in the meadow. The property can be divided into four parcels with 5-acre minimums. The Webb Lake 1930’s cabin, common area lake and trails, and caretaker home are directly across the road from this prime tract. This heritage property has unlimited potential! MLS 95707

High Hampton

$759,000

1.53 ACRES — It is rare to find a resale lot in High Hampton, and this one is prime! The property is located on the “original/Inn” side of the neighborhood, which means no highway crossing is needed to walk to the great amenities. Grand potential view of famed Rock Mountain with approved clearing, this lot also fronts the Cherokee Campgrounds’ green space with direct access to the trail system. East to southeast views to the mountain provide sunsets “on the rock.” MLS 97439

JUST REDUCED

BETH TOWNSEND, GUILD™ C

828.421.6193

BETH@CASHIERS.COM

145 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

Sapphire High 3 BR / 3.5 BA — This charming home with year-round views is located in the desirable neighborhood of Sapphire High. The home is three levels with the living room, dining room, kitchen, a powder room and master bed and bath on the main level. The main level has an elegant stone fireplace and expansive windows to take in the spectacular view. The master has a walk-in closet and private access to the deck. Two levels feature expansive covered decks to enjoy the

OFFERED FOR $675,000 refreshing mountain air. The second bedroom is on the upper level and has its own private balcony. Also upstairs is a loft space and an extra room that would be perfect for an office or craft room. The lower level has a third bedroom and bath, a family room, laundry room, one-car garage and a large workshop. Its large lot has a waterfall, boulder field and terraced yard space perfect for the outdoor enthusiast. MLS 97276

MAGGIE ELMER 146 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

803.493.5734

KARALINE SHOMAKER

828.200.1146

Holly Forest 2 BR / 2 BA — This 2 BR / 2 BA home with a mountain view has recently gone through an extensive renovation! The main level consists of the living room with a stone fireplace, dining room, kitchen, and a bedroom with a Jack and Jill bathroom to an office / bonus room. The master bedroom is upstairs and has its own private bath. The lower level features a game room with a pool table, air hockey table and foosball.

OFFERED FOR $675,000 Outside is plenty of deck space to enjoy the cool mountain air. This home has a brand-new roof, interior paint and landscaping. All the furnishings are new and include linens, box springs, wall art, utensils, pots and pans. The home truly lacks nothing! All you need to do is hang up your clothes and go to the grocery store when you move in. It also has great rental potential. MLS 97471

WAYNE MONDAY C

828.508.8661

WAYNE@CASHIERS.COM

147 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB

LOTS & LAND LOT

ACRES

DESCRIPTION

N/A

Mountain views adjoining National Forest

97163

CASHIERS

$895,000

R-22

2.50

Near the Clubhouse with Whiteside views

97365

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB

$550,000

E-32

0.92

Golf and mountain views

95880

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB

$475,000

B-6

0.51

Flat lot near the Clubhouse

96186

CHATTOOGA CLUB

$325,000

M-36

2.68

Whiteside Mountain views

95874

WHITESIDE FOREST

$198,750

2.86

Mountain views with a stream running through 97119

CROSS CREEK PRESERVE

$175,000

N-55

0.81

Gently rolling with winter golf course view

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB

$160,000

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB / MLS 97365

MLS

95803

SUBDIVISION

PRICE

WHITESIDE FOREST / MLS 95874

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ 148 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

828.342.3194

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

Wade Hampton Golf Club LOTS & LAND

LOT

ACRES

DESCRIPTION

MLS

LOCATION

PRICE

ESTATE PARCELS

L-8

3.85

National Forest and mountain views

94616

Silver Springs Road

$375,000

GOLF FRONT

E-32

0.92

Golf and mountain view

95880

Chimney Top Trail

$475,000

N-19

0.66

Great golf views

96232

Fox Fire

$225,000

N-55

0.81

Winter golf views, gently rolling

95803

Chimney Top Trail

$160,000

MOUNTAIN VIEWS

R-22

2.50

Near the Clubhouse with Whiteside views

97365

Chimney Top Trail

$550,000

D-17

2.87

Long range mountain views

97956

Cherokee Trace

$320,000

S-10

1.56

Mountain view, gently sloping

94614

Cherokee Trace

$195,000

R-50

0.65

Mountain and golf views

96573

Cherokee Trace

$ 60,000

FOREST FLOOR

R-43

0.72

Gently rolling, end of cul-de-sac

95244

Ox Lock Road

$185,000

R-25

0.91

Wooded, gently rolling

94896

Cherokee Trace

$100,000

R-26

0.94

Wooded, easy build site

97657

Cherokee Trace

$ 85,000

R-49

1.25

Access to Katydid Road or The Low Road

83185

Katydid Road

$ 80,000

E-25

0.98

Gently rolling and wooded

96006

Mayapple Road

$ 75,000

619 HWY 107 S

CASHIERS, NC 28717

828.743.3411

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

149 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

RECREATION

WHAT TO DO DINING

THE ARTS

LIFEST YLES

HaveHave the Heart the Heart of the of Highlands the Highlands Cashiers Cashiers Plateau Plateau delivered delivered monthly monthly to your to your mailbox mailbox thelaurelmagazine.com/subscribe thelaurelmagazine.com/subscribe 128 150 N OMVAERMCBHE R2 02 20 2 0| |T T HH E LE A LA UU RR E LE M LM AA GG AAZ Z I NI N E .EC. C OO MM

CREATION

.Love has arrived

SHOPPING

WELLNESS

a e

L UR L 151 129

M NAORVCEHM B2 0E 2R 22 |0 2T0H |E LTA HUE R LA E LUMRA E LGM AAZG I NAEZ. C I NOEM .COM

o n e

BILLION s o l d

Be a part of the next billion. Silver Creek Real Estate Group has sold over $1 billion in real estate on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau since our inception.

C A L L T O D AY T O L E A R N M O R E A B O U T S I LV E R C R E E K R E A L E S TAT E G R O U P A N D O U R T E A M . N C L I V I N G . C O M | C A S H I E R S : 8 2 8 - 74 3 - 1 9 9 9 | H I G H L A N D S : 8 2 8 - 5 2 6 - 2 9 9 9

152 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

Silver Creek’s total sales volume in 2021

$1 B

$257 M

Number of closed transactions by Silver Creek in 2021

409

Office locations serving the Plateau

OUR 202 1 P E R F O R M A N C E

Over $1 billion dollars in sales since our inception

NCLIVING.COM C a s h i e r s : 8 2 8 - 74 3 - 1 9 9 9 Highlands: 828-526-2999

*Statistics according to HCBOR MLS as of 1/12/2022

153 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

OUR T E A M L O C A L LY O W N E D . I N D E P E N D E N T LY O P E R A T E D .

JOCHEN LUCKE

president/broker

DAN ALLEN broker

PA R K E R A N D E R S O N

C H R I S D U F FY

B A M B I FA M O U S

D E B BY H A L L

R I C K J AC K S O N

K E V I N KOAC H

E D DY M C D O N A L D

JODI MOORE

CASSIE NEAL

KAT I E N I C H O L S O N

LINDA PRIDGEN

CHUCK SELF

M E R RY S O E L L N E R

K E N TA F T

RAY T R I N E

ROB WHITNEY

S AVA 154N A H H O P P E R

LOTA H OW E L L

R I VA S M I T H

C A I T L I N S TA R N E S

broker

aRsC Hs i2 0s2t2 a| TnH EtL A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M MA

broker

assistant

broker

assistant/broker

broker

assistant

w e ’r e lo c a l .

We’re National. A SYMBOL FOR EXCELLENCE We combine the knowledge of local firm BILLION IN with the best national HOME SALES exposure, thanks to our VOLUME IN 2020 AMONG exclusive membership THE TOP 500 U.S. FIRMS with the largest network of market leaders in the country, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®. Membership is OF TOP 125 U.S. MARKETS only offered to market WHERE A LEADINGRE AFFILIATE RANKS leaders with stellar NUMBER 1 local reputations. The LeadingRE logo is a symbol of the best of the best in real estate.

$296

40%

1.3 MILLION GLOBAL TRANSACTIONS ANNUALLY

120

CLIENT INTRODUCTIONS MADE DAILY WORLDWIDE

L O C A L LY O W N E D A N D O P E R AT E D W I T H G L O B A L R E A C H Your property will receive extensive exposure to discerning buyers through only the finest channels across the country, in addition to our comprehensive marketing locally. Unlike franchisees who pay their national network for generic advertising, we use our own expertise to advertise your property across the Plateau and beyond. LISTING A LUXURY PROPERTY? MEET LUXURY PORTFOLIO In the U.S. alone, luxuryportfolio.com lists more properties priced over $1 million than any other luxury property website. What does this mean for you? It means that more high-net-worth buyers will be seeing your property in a setting dedicated solely to significant properties, resulting in more inquiries. MOVING ACROSS THE COUNTRY? Looking for a home in a new city? We can help with that, as well! As an affiliate of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® network, we can connect you with real estate pros in 65 countries across six continents. The network handles over $368 billion dollars in property sales every year. When buying or selling property outside of our local market, our world-class connections can help with your real estate needs anywhere in the country.

NCLIVING.COM | CASHIERS: 828-743-1999 | HIGHLANDS: 828-526-2999 155 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

WE ’ RE

S OCIAL Every listing is given equal screen time on our active, highlyfollowed social media channels.

Silver Creek’s social: facebook.com/silvercreekreg instagram.com/silvercreekrealestate NCLIVING.COM C a s h i e r s : 8 2 8 - 74 3 - 1 9 9 9 Highlands: 828-526-2999 156 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

ESSENTIAL MARKETING CHECKLIST w h at e v e ry h o m e s e l l e r n e e d s to s u c c e e d



THE VISUALS 

Photography



Aerial drone footage



Videography



3D virtual home tour



Custom floor plans



Editorial exposure on HGTV.com via the HGTV Ultimate House Hunt



Delivered to the mailboxes (direct mail marketing) and inboxes (email marketing) of our extensive network of potential buyers and brokers around the globe



Pushed out to all major digital real estate syndicates such as Zillow. com and Realtor.com (see online marketing for more)



Marketed on Facebook and Instagram through our topperforming channels



Custom brochures

E X P E R T LY P O S I T I O N E D 

Thoughtfully composed property description, written for top SEO performance



On our award-winning website, NCLiving.com



Advertised in esteemed publications such as, NC Living Magazine, Architectural Digest, Vanity Fair, The Laurel Magazine, and The Real Estate Magazine



To the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World’s global network by ways of LeadingRE.com and LuxuryPortfolio.com



Published on Wall Street Jounral’s MansionGlobal.com



HANDLED WITH CARE 

White-glove service from start to end. it is our

honor to list your home and we treat it with the respect you and your home deserve.

E XC E P T I O N A L M A R K E T I N G D E L I V E R I N G R E S U LTS NCLIVING.COM | CASHIERS: 828-743-1999 | HIGHLANDS: 828-526-2999 157 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

NCLIVING.COM | CASHIERS: 828-743-1999 | HIGHLANDS: 828-526-2999

DOWNTOWN CASHIERS 341 Highway 64 West Cashiers, NC 28717 828-743-1999

LAKE GLENVILLE DISCOVERY CENTER 4312 Highway 107 N Glenville, NC 28736 828-743-1999

DOWNTOWN HIGHLANDS 537 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2999

158 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

BEST V ISUAL DESIGN

* Top according to 2021 Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® Website Quality Certiﬁcation Results Bottom according to 2021 Real Trends® Website Rankings

BEST OVERALL W E B S I T E and

RA N K E D S I X T H R E A L E S TAT E W E B S I T E I N T H E N AT I O N

#2 BEST VIDEO #3 BEST MOBILE #6 BEST DESIGN #7 BEST OVERALL 159 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

AADDVVEERRTTI ISSEERR’ ’SS I INNDDEEXX

4118 Kitchen and Bar A Jones Company A-List Antiques ACP Home Interiors Allen Tate/Pat Allen Realty Group Annell Metsker, Artist Appalachian Golf Cars Around Back at Rocky’s Place Bags on Main The Bascom Barbara Jamison Paintings Bazaar Barn Bear Shadow Bear Tracks Travel Center Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Mary S. Abranyi Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Tambrie Kitchens Beth Bowser, Artist Betsy Paul Art Benefit Betsy Paul Properties Black Bear Lodge Black Rock Granite and Cabinetry The Blue Elephant Blue Ridge Bedding Blue Ridge Music Bombshell Hair Boutique Bounds Cave’s Rug Gallery Brookings Fly Shop Bungalow Boutique The Business Spot Calders Coffee Cafe Caliber Fine Properties Carolina Rustic Furniture Cashiers Chamber of Commerce Cashiers Candy Shoppe Cashiers Valley Smokehouse Center for Plastic Surgery Robert T. Buchanan, MD 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 Dauntless Printing Diane McPhail, Artist Dinner With Duffy The Dry Sink Dutchmans Elena’s Women’s Golf and Activewear The Exchange Fire + Water

4118kitchen-bar.com acphomeinteriors.com patallenrealtygroup.com annell.com appalachiangolfcars.om aroundbackatrockysplace.com thebascom.org barbarajamisonpaintings.com beartrackstravelcenter.com meadowsmountainrealty.com realestatemaryabranyi.com

P 82 P 20 P 33 P 54 P9 P 70 P 121 P 70 P 112 P 49 P 63 P 130 P 162 P 24 P 91 P 115

tambrie.com

P 133 P 71 P 59 betsypaulproperties.com P 163 blackbearlodgeofsapphire.com P 28 blackrockdesignbuild-highlands.com P 90, 122 P 24 blueridgebedding.com P 72 blueridgemusicacademy.com P 36 P 130 boundscaverugs.com P 23 brookingsonline.com P 53 bungalow828.com P 114 biz-spot.net P 32 calderscoffeecafe.com P 83 caliberfineproperties.com P 40, 41 carolinarusticfurniture.com P 72 cashiersareachamber.com P 126 P 21 P 80 plasticsurgerytoday.com

P 121

highlandsiscalling.com

P 121,122

charlesjohnsonfineart.com

P 36 P 131 P 122 P 27 P2 P 122 P 123, 128 P 70 P 116 P 27 P 68

christineshomedecor.com classiclightinganddesign.com ccphighlandsnc.com dauntlessprinting.com thedrysink.com dutchmansdesigns.com elenagolf.com firemt.com

160 160 MMAARRCCHH2 20 02 2 2| |TTHHE EL LAAUURRE EL LMMAA GGAAZZI N I NE E. C. COOMM

P 25 P 31 P 17

Fire Mountain Inn & Cabins The Fix Bar & Lounge Four Seasons Landscaping Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar Fusion Yoga & Wellness Futral Construction Dr. Edward D. Frederickson MD FACP Gracewear Boutique The Greystone Inn Goodwill Green Mountain Builders Head Innovations High Country Furniture & Design The High Dive Highlands Aerial Park Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival Highlands-Cashiers Hospital Highlands Chamber of Commerce Highlands Fine Art & Estate Jewelry Wine Shop Highlands Lawn & Garden Highlands Outpost Highlands Playhouse Highlands Rock Yard Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty - Andrea Gabbard Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty - Sheryl Wilson Highlands Transportation Company Hotel Cashiers Hummingbird Lounge Imperial Security & Wiring Jack’s Upholstery Jeanie Edwards Fine Art Jennings Builders Supply Josephine’s Emporium John Cleaveland Realty Ken Bowser, Artist The Kitchen CarryAway and Catering Lakeside Restaurant Landmark Realty Group - Pam Nellis Laura Moser Art Lehotsky & Sons Lenz Gifts & Luxury Linens Leslie Jeffery, Artist The Look Boutique Lupoli Construction Main Street Gifts Martin Lispcomb Performing Arts Center McCulley’s McKee Properties McKee Properties - John & Sandy Barrow McKee Properties - Maggie Elmer McKee Properties - Liz Harris

firemt.com thefixsapphire.com fsl-wnc.com four65.com fusionyogaandwellness.com futral.net

P 17 P 85 P 50 P 84 P 114 P4

highlandsaerialpark.com

P 127 P 66 P4 P 58 P 115 P 122 P 35 P 87 P 42

h-cmusicfestival.org missionhealth.org/highlands highlandschamber.org

P 131 P 119 P 14

highlandsfineart.com

P 29 P 31 P 42 P 67 P 120

gracewearcollection.com thegreystoneinn.com colormegoodwill.org greenmountainbuilders.com highcountry.com

highlandsoutpost.com highlandsplayouse.org highlandsrockyard.com sothebysrealty.com highlandssir.com hotelcashiers.com oldedwardsinn.com IS-W.co jedwardsfineart.com jbwnc.com jcrealty.com thekitchenofhighlands.com landmarkrg.com lauramoserart.com lehotskyandsons.com lesliejeffery.art lupoliconstruction.com highlandsperformingarts.com

P 73 P 123 P 37 P 20 P 39 P 123 P 161 P 69 P 51 P 123 P 117 P 70 P 83 P 81 P 123 P5 P 33, 122 P 30 P 71 P 21 P 34 P 37

mckeeproperties.com

P 61, 64 P3 P 134-149

mckeeproperties.com mckeeproperties.com mckeeproperties.com

P 144 P 65, 146 P 98, 99, 138,

AADDVVEERRTTI ISSEERR’ ’SS I INNDDEEXX

McKee Properties - Wayne Monday McKee Properties - Karaline Shomaker McKee Properties - Beth Townsend Merrell Thompson Photography Mirror Lake Antiques Morales Painting Mountain Spring Spas and Pools Mountainworks Custom Home Design, Ltd. Nancy’s Fancys Nearly New Oak Steakhouse Old Edwards Inn & Spa On the Verandah Pat Calderone Peggy Marra Peak Experience Preferred Properties of Highlands - Ann Scott ProServicess Reach of Macon County Rebecka’s Home Cleaning Service Rent In Highlands-CCP Ristorante Paoletti Roman’s Roofing LLC Rusticks

139, 142, 143, 148 mckeeproperties.com

P 147

mckeeproperties.com

P 146

mckeeproperties.com merrellthompson.com mirrorlakeantiques.com mountainhotspring.com mtnworks.com nearlynewnc.com oaksteakhousehighlands.com oldedwardsinn.com ontheverandah.com calderonegallery.com peggymarra.com peakexp.com ppoh.com

P 89, 140, 141, 145 P5 P 25 P 30 P 19 P 45 P 31 P 26 P 74 P 39, 122 P 84 P 71 P 71 P 32

reachofmaconcounty.org

P 123 P 122 P 120

rentinhighlands.com paolettis.com romansroofingnc.com rusticks.com

P 122 P 129 P 81 P 123 P 11

Sapphire Valley Real Estate Shakespeare and Company Silver Creek Real Estate Group Skyline Lodge Slabtown Pizza Smitten The Spa Boutique at Old Edwards Inn Stork’s Wrap, Pack & Ship The Summer House by Reeves TJ Bailey’s for Men The Toy Store Truckin’ at the High Dive The Ugly Dog Pub - Highlands The Ugly Dog Pub - Cashiers Vic’s for Men Victoria’s Closet Victoria’s Sportswear The Village Green Warth Construction White Oak Realty WHLC FM 104.5 Wilbanks Smile Center - Dr. Joe Wilbanks Wit’s End Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro Woofgang Bakery & Grooming Zoller Hardware The Zookeeper Bistro

sapphirevalleyrealestate.com P 124 shakespeareandcompanyhighlands.com P 113 ncliving.com skyline-lodge.com slabtownpizza.om oldedwardsinn.com summerhousehighlands.com tjbmens.com theuglydogpub.com theuglydogpub.com victoriasclosetnc.com victoriasclosetnc.com victoriasclosetnc.com villagegreencashiersnc.com warthconstruction.com whiteoakrg.com whlc.com

P 152-159 P 74 P 80 P 63 P 39 P 17 P 92 P 10 P 113 P 87 P 87 P 87 P 26 P 26 P 26 P 104 P 164 P 22 P 19

wilbankssmilecenter.com

P 108 P 126

wolfgangs.net

P5 P 127 P 123 P 82

zollerhardware.com thezookeeperbistro.com

161 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

162 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

163 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

164 M A RC H 202 2 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

March 2022: The Laurel Magazine

Articles inside

Terry Barnes

Literacy & Learning Center