Laurel Magazine: May 2020

a e

L UR L The Heart of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau

Look to The Future Relying on Wise Counsel pg 14

The Path Less Travelled Our cover artist, Chelsea Cronkrite May 2020

4 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

5 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

CON T E N T S May 2020

13 What To Do

20 Highlands Motoring Festival

35 Arts

38 The Makers, Debbie Delany

49 Dining

56 Cashiers Valley Smokehouse

65 Shopping

102 38

68 A-List Antiques

75 Outdoors

76 See What Unfolds

83 History

84 Politics & Fashion

91 Lifestyles & Wellness 95 Balancing Tensions

99 Giving Back

100 The Pace of Nature

106 Business Highlights

107 Support Small Business

21

78

Pots on the Green Ceramic Art Show and Demonstrations

The Northern Parula

Pottery Lovers, Rejoice

Gem of the Woods

60 Dining Guide | 62 Accommodations Guide | 70 Highlands Map | 72 Cashiers Map | 98 Service Guide | 128 Advertiser’s Index

6 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

54 7 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

VOLUME EIGHTEEN, ISSUE FOUR

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

LORNA ALEXANDER Account Manager lorna@thelaurelmagazine.com

LUKE OSTEEN Editor / Writer luke@thelaurelmagazine.com

DONNA RHODES Writer dmrhodes847@gmail.com

MARY JANE MCCALL Writer mjmccall777@gmail.com

DEENA BOUKNIGHT Writer

THOMAS CUMMINGS Distribution Manager jothcu@yahoo.com

Publisher’s Note Of course Coronavirus will pass, but it’s important for now that we keep in mind the wonderful things that will be waiting for us once it’s a memory.

For the moment, let us direct your attention to the exquisitely beautiful trails and streams all around us. And of course, this month’s Audubon and fly fishing columns remind us all that our natural heritage is to be treasured.

We’d also point you to Dr. Sue Aery’s column on page 94. Sue’s always been a tremendous source of good advice for healthy living. If you need still more convincing, visit Ashby Underwood’s Yoga column on page 95.

If all of this makes you anxious to get going again, take a deep breath, put down this magazine, and take a good, long walk. We’ll be here when you get back.

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, Dr. Anastasia Halldin, David Stroud, Jeannie Chambers, William McReynolds, Sue Aery, Ann Self, Zach Claxton, Charlotte Muir, Mary Abranyi, Ashby Underwood, and Chris Wilkes Contributing Photographers: Susan Renfro, Greg Clarkson, Charles Johnson, Peter Ray, Terry Barnes and Kevin FitzPatrick Copyright © 2020 by The Mountain Laurel, LLC. All rights reserved. Laurel Magazine is published eleven times per year. Reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publishers and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Laurel Magazine’s right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs and drawings. Every effort has been made to assure that all information presented in this issue is accurate, and neither Laurel Magazine nor any of its staff is responsible for advertising errors, omissions, or information that has been misrepresented in or to the magazine. Any substantial errors that are the fault of the magazine will be subject to a reduction or reimbursement of the amounts paid by the advertiser, but in no case will any claim arising from such error exceed the amount paid for the advertisement by the advertiser.

WHAT TO DO Pages 14-29

W H AT TO DO

Look To

The Future “Look to the Future” could be the unoff icial motto of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce at the star t of the 2020 Summer Season.

E

veryone, and that means everyone – residents and wistful seasonal guests and those just looking for an escape from the madding crowd – is looking forward to the time when life on the HighlandsCashiers Plateau can return to something resembling normalcy.

Highlands Chamber of Commerce has begun thinking about the possibilities, and the steps that’ll have to be taken to make that a reality.

The chamber has engaged the services of Young Strategies, a Charlotte-based consultancy specializing in strategic planning and research for destination 14 M ay 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

marketing organizations.

Young Owner Berkeley Young stresses that from his vantage point on April 20, the Plateau can expect to open over the summer, though it’ll almost certainly be in stages.

“We have to remember that it’ll rely upon the wise counsel of the state and federal authorities, and the informed decisions of local government before we begin to see progress,” says Young. “In the meantime, restaurants and hotels will have to develop practices that’ll minimize the risk of transmission. Things like restaurants limiting the number of diners and spacing tables six feet apart, having gloved service

and disposable plates and cutlery, and continuing carry-out and delivery.

“For hotels, that’ll probably mean a Plexiglas screen at the front desk, rooms sitting idle for two days after check-out, public area furniture removed to prevent gathering, and the removal of all non-bleachable bedding & glassware from rooms.”

These and other factors are being considered, with the Town of Highlands and Highlands Chamber of Commerce working together. To keep up with efforts to restore the Plateau to normalcy, visit

W H AT TO DO

S

Free and Fun Online Opportunities

erenity Richards, branch librarian at Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, saw an uptick in online activity in March and April. However, tapping into online library resources is not just a good idea during times of illness or weathernecessitated quarantines, but anytime.

Explains Richards, “Our electronic resources can be found on our website under the eLibrary tab. We offer the standard eBooks, audiobooks, eMagazines, and streaming video. We also offer curated kids and teen collections of these services. In addition to those, with your library card you have access to NCLive which is a collection of databases, journals, newspapers, test prep, homework help, and so much more. There’s access to Mango Language Learning, Auto Repair Source, and Morningstar Investment Research. We also offer genealogical research resources like Heritage Quest and

ArchiveGrid.”

Popular – and accessible online – are free instructional, educational opportunities on Universal Class, an online continuing education service. “It features hundreds of self-paced classes across a wide range of topics,” shared Richards. “It is also accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training, so some classes will count toward Continuing Education Credits. We also offer an online Driver Education program that hosts practice driver tests and driver’s manuals.”

Want to become a writer? Available on Universal Class are 55 online writing courses, from Proofreading and Copyediting 101 to Creative Writing Workshop and Novel Writing 101. Crafts & Hobbies classes include calligraphy, cake decorating, soap making, acrylic painting, and so much more. Dozens of practical courses are in

accounting, business, entrepreneurship, and more.

Finally, Richards reminds that people will always find links to resources that are specifically about various issues, not just the pandemic, communicated by federal, state, and local government entities.

For example, spring school closings throughout the country, established NC Learn @Home, ncdcr.gov/things-do/

15 M ay 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

Memorial Day: Past & Present Even though you may have to do it on your own, make Memorial Day – Monday, May 25 – a true Day of Remembrance.

16 M ay 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

M

any people recognize Memorial Day as a time to reflect on lost loved ones, a weekend of spring barbecues and picnics, and/or a long weekend away from work, school, and other responsibilities.

Yet few know that Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day due to the Gullah Geechee (enslaved East Coast African Americans) early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths, flags, feathers, sea shells, and more. Food, fellowship, and music surrounded those early Decoration Day tributes, which ultimately transitioned into what is now commonly known as Memorial Day – officially a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country.

While Decoration Day was first widely observed in 1868 to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, in 1971 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act and established that Memorial Day was to be commemorated on the last

Monday of May. Some people and states still incorporate some sort of Decoration Day traditions, or they recognize separately the honoring of men who died while fighting in the Civil War. American Legion Post 370 and the Town of Highlands annually honor not only deceased service men and women who returned home after surviving a war, but also those individuals who perished in a war. During last year’s Memorial Day flag recognition event at Memorial Park near the Highlands Police Department, Ed McCloskey, American Legion Post 370 commander, shared: “There have been 1,354,664 American deaths from war. May no soldier go unloved; may no soldier walk alone; may no soldier be forgotten until they all come home.”

by Deena Bouknight

17 M ay 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

A Park for The People Throughout this challenging time, The Village Green remains true to its founding principle.

18 M ay 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

F

or more than 25 years, The Village Green has enhanced lives and the lifestyle of the Cashiers area. From the beginning, The Village Green was designed for this purpose: To be a park for the people.

Today this has never been more true. The Village Green is here for you with its wide-open spaces and many therapeutic benefits. In the chaotic, upside-down world we are living in at the moment, having a place of sanctuary is more critical than ever before.

You can stroll the winding pathways of The Village Green. Springtime is always a beautiful time to be in the park. Many trees and flowers are blooming now, including 200 daffodils that were planted last fall.

Support one of our local restaurants by picking up curbside take-out food and have a picnic in one of our shelters. Bring a book to read or a sketchpad to draw and find one of the many benches tucked away in several locations throughout the park.

Or, simply sit, soak up the sun and listen to the birds.

The Village Green is home to many migratory birds, including the Eastern Bluebird, a sign of happiness.

Unroll your yoga mat in the grass and practice sun salutations, or take an online course.

Speaking of logging in‌you are now able to access the internet using The Village Green public Wifi! This is just one more way that The Village Green is working for Cashiers, enhancing our community connection.

We have canceled or postponed our events through mid-May to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. Once we get the all clear, we will resume our programming.

In the meantime, we will be offering some virtual programs and livestream events for you to enjoy The Village Green from the safety of your home. This month’s events feature an outdoor artist demonstration, photography, cooking, folktale storytelling and a musical interlude. Visit our website or sign up for our email newsletter for more detailed information as these are subject to changes with current events.

We continue to do everything we can to keep our community park safe and accessible to everyone. We continue to do all we can to make The Village Green a clean and enjoyable place to visit to find comfort and solace. We remain strong in our commitment to serve as Cashiers park for the people. Email us at director@ cashiersgreen.com, visit VillageGreenCashiersNC or follow us on social media @CashiersGreen.

19 M ay 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

Car Culture

Celebration Unfor tunately, theHighlands Motoring Festival has been cancelled. Be sure to check the event’s website, , for

highlandsmotoringfestival.com

C

uban food, exotic automobiles, and a celebrity car culture guest is the synergy for June’s Welcome Soirée, which is the 2020 Highlands Motoring Festival’s gala event.

According to HMF Co-Chair Steve Ham, Bill Warner, founder of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, will speak at the Soiree. Warner, a lifelong racer, automotive photographer, and all around “gearhead” will share about the book Cuba’s Car Culture that he co-authored with Tom Cotter, host of Barnfind Hunter.

Attendees of Welcome Soiree will be informed and regaled regarding the fascinating stories of how the automobile came to Cuba and how that country’s automotive culture has evolved since the Cuban Revolution of 1959.

The Welcome Soiree at Highlands Falls Country Club, June 11, from 6:30 to 9:30 P.M., serves to kick off the packed four-day Highlands Motoring Festival, which begins June 11 and ends June 20 M ay 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

14. Registrants will enjoy a taste of Cuba, with specialty heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages reflecting the island nation’s culinary flair.

Plus, attendees will have the opportunity to preview exotic new sports cars provided by event sponsors. A fast-paced live auction completes the evening, but there will also be several silent auctions featuring items provided by local individuals, businesses, and other supporters of the Highlands Motoring Festival. While the Welcome Soiree promises to be a festive event for all who attend, a main goal is to raise money for Literacy Council of Highlands, REACH of Macon County, and Community Care Clinic.

The four-day lineup starts with curated mountain driving tours and includes two superior car shows in Kelsey-Hutchinson Park, featuring unique and classic automobiles.

Thursday June 11 “One Lap of the Mountains – Speciale,” 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

W H AT TO DO

Pottery Lovers, Rejoice Pots on the Green, set for June 26-27 at the Village Green in Cashiers, brings together some of the region’s most talented ar tisans to demonstrate their craft.

P Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park “One Lap of the Mountains – Classic,” 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park “Welcome Soiree – An Evening of Cuba,” 6:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. at Highlands Falls Country Club Friday June 12 “One Lap of the Mountains – Grande,” 7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park Parade on Main Street to Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, 5:30 P.M., winding up ap at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park Welcome Party, 5:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at the High Dive Tavern Saturday June 13 Cars in the Park Classic Car Show, 10:00 A.M. to 3:45 P.M., Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park Concert in the Park, 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. KelseyHutchinson Founders Park Sunday June 14 High Octane on Main Car Show and Gathering, 8:30 to 11:00 A.M, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park

by Deena Bouknight

ottery lovers, mark your calendars for the annual Pots on the Green Ceramic Art Show and Demonstrations, held on Friday evening, June 26, from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. and on Saturday, June 27, from 10:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. at the Village Green in Cashiers at the new Commons Hall.

This two-day event celebrates the rich pottery heritage of our region and features the work of numerous local potters and their myriad of creations. You’ll find a mind-boggling array of pieces, including mugs, sculptures, bowls, plates, tea pots, tea cups, lamps and dinner ware. All are available for purchase and you can talk with the artist who created your ideal piece, getting a glimpse into their creative world.

Whatever your aesthetic – Americana rustic, clean and modern, whimsical, traditional Asian style-you’ll discover something to match.

Get to know the artists, learn their unique techniques and take home your favorites. Pottery pieces add that one-of-a-kind, individual touch to a home and you won’t find a better opportunity to look and learn.

Artists will also be demonstrating their craft at various times throughout the day so it will be possible to watch the often complex process through which each piece is born.

Featured potters include Justin Allman, Maria Andrade, Alysha Baier, Travis Berning, Cynthia Bringle, Kyle Carpenter, Heather Mae Erickson, Barry Gregg, Mike LaLone, Becky Lloyd, Joe Frank McKee, Samantha Oliver, Jim & Shirl Parmentier, Akira Satake, Joey Sheehan,Mary Thompson, and Frank Vickery.

To learn more about Pots on the Green schedule of events, visit

21 M ay 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

22 M ay 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

23 M ay 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

LAKE GLENVILLE CABIN WITH PRIVATE DOCK ENJOY YOUR SUMMERS taking in the refreshing mountain air and thrilling lake adventures in one of the only available homes on Lake Glenville.

This charming lakefront cabin features Lake Glenville and Blue Ridge Mountain views with a private dock and cart path. As you meander along the driveway, you’re greeted by a welcoming log home seated on 2.52 +/- acres. This three bedroom +2 bonus rooms, 3.5 bath home features an open floor plan with soaring ceilings and a gourmet kitchen with a zinc-covered center island, dining space opening to the great room with a wood-burning fireplace, and a spacious open and covered wraparound deck. The master suite sits on the main level with a double-vanity bathroom and access to the porch.

The lower level offers even more living space, with a large family room featuring a gas fireplace with a reclaimed antique mantle and wet bar. Here you also find another guest room with a full bath, a well-appointed additional bonus room, and access to another level of deck. On the

upper level is yet another guest room with a full bathroom and a bunk room.

More than just a lakefront cabin, this home has a bounty of inside and outdoor space, perfect for entertaining and supporting even the largest gatherings of beloved visitors.

The house itself is only part of the equation. Lake Glenville is breathtaking in its pristine beauty. It offers boating, fishing, and an untrammeled sandy beach. Surrounding mountains that ring the lake are laced with both gentle and challenging hiking trails that lead into the heart of the Southern Appalachian’s rich natural heritage.

And finally, there’s the community itself. It is welcoming, inviting and active. See for yourself. Witness the annual Glenville Fourth of July Fireworks Display. It’s a stirring example of the best of Small Town America, and the opportunity for everyone to come together.

3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Baths | 2 Bonus Rooms 268 Tocami Trail, Glenville NC

MLS# 93187 | $1,495,000

kati@caliberfineproperties.com 828.200.1254

KATI MILLER, Founder ALI MOODY, Broker-In-Charge

ali@caliberfineproperties.com 828.508.3576

W H AT TO DO

Seek Online and Ye Shall Find Even during this strange time, Hudson Librar y fulf ills its mission.

W

hether this issue of The Laurel finds the world “back to normal” or still in the throes of covid-19, Hudson Library in Highlands always offers a multitude of online resources.

So, whether housebound for safety reasons or sheltering inside from dreary weather, there’s always ample opportunity to expand horizons, catch up on news and culture, and even learn a new skill.

From the main library website, fontanalib.org, library cardholders can access eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming video, online resources, and more; plus, there are online children’s resources called Just For Kids. To access eBooks or eAudiobooks, users must download on their smart device the OverDrive app or the friendlier Libby app.

NCLive’s eBooks collection includes access to libraries throughout North Carolina. More than 26,000 eBook titles include nonfiction, ranging from health and technology to history and career development. And, there are plenty of literary works to transport readers to other worlds, locales, and time periods.

Universal Class is a recently-added resource that gives all cardholders access to hundreds of online courses ranging from Feng Shui and knitting to accounting and MS Office. Start a new hobby or get continuing education credits for your job! Get writing, making soap, or training a dog!

Kanopy, a film streaming service funded by Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty, normally allows cardholders 10 free films each month.

“During the COVID-19 emergency, Kanopy assembled a large number of films to stream without using play credits, and all Kanopy Kids offerings were available with unlimited views,” said Carlyn Morenus, branch librarian.

For individuals just entering the e-world, Hudson offers such website help aids as: – Getting Started with the Libby App – Getting Started with OverDrive – OverDrive Help Portal Anyone who does not have a library card but needs one to use eBooks or other online content should go to the “About— Contact Us” section of the Library webpage and request a card,” explained Morenus.

“Please include your name, date of birth, and a phone number. You will receive an email with your account number and instructions.”

by Deena Bouknight

26 M ay 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

We Have the Curtains Cued Due to the health crisis, the cur tain will not be raised on Highlands Playhouse’s 2020 season.

T

he show must go on, and so it has for centuries in theaters across the United States and all around the world . . .until covid-19 struck. This is the first time ever that the Highlands Playhouse has been forced to cancel a season in its 82-year chronicle of sensational summer theater.

HP’s Board of Directors, Managing Director, and new Artistic Director explored many alternative plans at great length in hopes of continuing 2020’s high-quality entertainment for the Highlands community.

Artistic Director Marshall Carby says, “After extensive deliberation, it became clear our responsibility to our patrons, donors, actors, technicians, staff, and the future success of the playhouse far outweighed putting anyone’s health at risk.”

“The Highlands Playhouse, the Performing Arts Center and The Bascom Visual Arts Center are all vital institutions of our overall hospitality and cultural economy,” said Highlands Mayor Patrick Taylor. “I urge patrons and supporters to continue investing in their programs as they have to modify their upcoming seasons in light of the covid-19 crisis.”

Think about it .… actors are some of the most creative/flexible people on the planet. You can count on the genius at the Playhouse to come back with sensational productions jam-packed with creativity and brilliance .… seamlessly.

This pandemic will end, and as soon as it does, the Highlands Playhouse will be here for you. As soon as it is safe to entertain, they’ll have the curtains cued. They look forward to the return of bustling Highland’s sidewalks, long summer days, and a theatre full of excitement for a night of revelry or the premier of an Oscarwinning film.

Managing Director Lance Matzke says, “Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, join our email list, or participate in our annual Starstruck gala event; details will be available soon. We need each other now more than ever. We want to hear from you!”

Highlands Playhouse thanks you for your understanding and support, now and always. They voice this message in unison, “We will navigate these difficult times together. We will persevere. We will be back.” For information, call (828) 526-2695. Highlands Playhouse is located at 362 Oak Street.

by Donna Rhodes

27 M ay 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

Art for a Cause A per fect example of Old Fashioned Philanthropy for Ongoing Causes.

28 M ay 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

W H AT TO DO

F

or 13 years, Cashiers residents and visitors alike, as well as people from surrounding areas, have looked forward to some good old fashioned philanthropy via a good old fashioned arts and crafts event.

Twice a year, in May and in September, the Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley transforms The Village Green in Cashiers into a living, breathing art space. In fact, Art for a Cause, features a surfeit of talented and skilled artisans from throughout the Southeast. Attendees of Art for a Cause can browse one-ofa-kind pieces from a wide variety of painters, sculptors, jewelers, wood and metal workers, quilters, toy and instrument crafters, soap and condiment makers, and more. There is something for everyone, from children to adults to more serious arts

and crafts enthusiasts.

And, while admission is free, a suggested donation of $3 to $5 is appreciated to not only cover costs of the event, but to raise additional funds.

“In terms of importance to the community, 100% of the proceeds go directly back to the community,” said arts and crafts committee chair Malice Grant. “In years past, Rotary Club has chosen some signature causes to support, such as the CART Fund (Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust) and Vicenos, a local farmworker mobile health program.

Additional funds are distributed via our 501(c)3 charities arm in the form of grants to non-profits, charities, schools and scholarship recipients.

Art for a Cause serves as the lifeblood of our financial philanthropy.”

The Rotary Club of Cashiers will

be selling raffle tickets throughout the summer, with the winner being drawn at the Fall Art for a Cause show held during Labor Day weekend, September 5-6.

Barring no continued COVID-19 isolation mandates, Art for a Cause will take place on Saturday, May 23rd and Sunday, May 24th from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. both days, rain or shine. Location is The Village Green, which is at the intersection of Highways 64 and 107 in Cashiers. For more information, visit

29 M ay 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

ARTS Pages 36-47

A RTS

Commentary Life’s Visual

C

Chelsea Cronkrite’s evocative works speak of life and change, and mysteries concealed and revealed.

helsea Cronkrite is not only a talented photographer, she thinks deeply and speaks intelligently about her passion.

Like most gifted photographers Chelsea came to a crossroads early in her career.

36 M a y 2 019 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

She deliberated, “Shall I go left, down the Fine Artist’s Path or follow the right, the Commercial Artist’s Calling?”

Both careers are worthy. Both have their challenges. They even overlap on occasion.

But after snapping hundreds of real estate

photos, retail products and other advertising layouts, she realized the path less-travelled was her true calling.

She took off a couple of years and shot documentaries of her two daughters, her family, and her friends. She even

A RTS

Chelsea Cronkrite with daughter Avery Mae

photographed archaic structures, like old phone booths – iconic, and soon to be retired and lost forever.

Capturing personal, meaningful moments that are changing and breathing makes her heart happy. She says, “Now I am back shooting what I want, when I want, and it feels good.”

While she’s explored cinematography (meditational and music videos), most of her work is stills … but they are stills with

a cinematic flair … unique, dramatic, each image telling a story. As she puts it, “I want to capture marvelous moments.”

Chelsea is self-taught. Her interest was piqued in high school with an artistic photo collage class. There she was introduced to principles and elements of design which serve her well. She’s also a voracious consumer of online resources. But most of all she’s a student of Life and uses photography to document a fascinating visual commentary.

For creative/artistic inquiries, contact Chelsea on Instagram, @chelseacronkrite, email chelseacronkrite@gmail.com or phone her at (828) 508-7349.

by Donna Rhodes

37 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

A RTS

Whisper of

the Divine A reverence for f lowers and the soil from which they spring lies at the root of Debbie Delany’s Romany Botanicals.

W

herever Debbie Delany steps, it seems she’s surrounded by flowers.

She’s the walking center of a lifetime bouquet. It’s no wonder. The sweet sap that runs in garden stems and limbs also runs in the blood of her family tree. Her great aunt

38 M a y 2 019 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

painted flowers and botanicals on canvas, miniature to larger-than-life. Other family members were exquisite gardeners, and some, she believes, were botanists. Having a garden filled with herbs, flowers, shrubs, and vegetables was as essential to her family’s household as a stove is to a kitchen.

“My passions are for color, flowers, gardening, and the beauty that comes from all those things. Combining these elements equals the work I do now,” Debbie says.

That work is running Romany Botanicals, a business she launched about five years ago.

Romany references Gypsies, who live

A RTS close to the earth. Debbie finds their culture not only fascinating but essential when it comes to the natural tinctures, potions, oils, serums, tonics and elixirs in the Romany medicine chest.

As she approached her 50th birthday, she trusted that journeying alongside herbal and flower allies would ease her passage through life changes … in hues of rose, lavender and poppy. She studied the ancient art of capturing the plant spirit of flowers, creating vibrational remedies known as Flower Essences, along with formulas for herbal tinctures, infusions and much more.

As a result of her dedicated study, she navigated life’s change beautifully, and it gave birth to a blossoming business.

A self-taught artist, Debbie designs all her labels, calligraphy, brochures, and marketing illustrations. Her packaging is as lovely as the hand-cultivated and curated contents.

What’s on Debbie’s horizon? She’s journaled daily for a dozen years. She plans on coupling that with her new life adventures in Highlands.

She says, “I’ll incorporate the story of the land that I now live on, the cabin I live in, and people who built it. Their spirits live on in this place as do their Native American predecessors. It’s a work in progress but getting closer to fruition every day.”

To learn more about Debbie’s online products visit romanybotanicals.com; e-mail her at debbie@romanybotanicals.com, or call phone number (919) 906-1993.

Debbie Delany

39 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

A RTS

Stay Connected To The Arts The Highlands Per forming Ar ts Center remains a beacon of live theater, music and dance, thanks to nimble management and a reliance upon 21st centur y technology.

40 M a y 2 019 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

National Theatre Live’s All About Eve with Gillian Anderson and Sheila Reid

A RTS

A

s we all manage our way through the next bit of time, stay connected to the Arts with help from the Highlands Performing Arts Center.

Many arts organizations and individual artists are streaming encore performances and live concerts. There are live jazz concerts from Harlem and New Orleans – The MET Opera is streaming encore performances of your favorite operas – The National Theatre of London will stream a different encore play every week – The Paul Taylor Dance Company (New York City) will give online dance classes weekly for all levels, tots to advanced – The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra of Savannah, Georgia, is streaming live concerts on Monday evenings – encore performances from Feinsteins’ 54 Below (your favorite Broadway stars) and many mega stars are live streaming concerts. Check out highlandspac.org for a listing of several live streaming events and schedules.

Most of these events are free, but if you are able, please try to make a donation to help the artists and organizations who have lost their livelihood during these unprecedented times. Cancelled concerts and performances affect not only the artists but everyone from agents, managers, tech crews, and the venues. And please remember to get your takeout from local restaurants and shop local online. Thank you.

We’re hoping to see you all in June. Stay in/Stay well. Visit us at highlandspac. org and highlandsperformingarts.com, and please remember all the artists who can’t perform.

by Mary Adair Trumbly, Highlands Performing Arts Center

41 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

A RTS

The Art League of Highlands-Cashiers The Ar t League of Highlands-Cashiers launches its busy 2020 season with a presentation by dynamic ar tist Carol Misner at 5:00 P.M. May 18, at The Bascom. She’ll be preceded by a wine reception. Both events are free and open to the public.

42 M a y 2 019 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

T

he Art League of Highlands-Cashiers kicks off its 2020 season at 4:30 P.M., May 18, in The Bascom atrium with a wine reception. At 5:00 P.M., botanical artist Carol Misner will give a presentation of her work.

Ms. Misner, a former math professor, began her professional art career nearly two decades ago in Birmingham, Alabama. A friend who’s an interior designer recognized the quality of her work, and encouraged her to begin selling her work instead of giving it away.

She took his advice, and her friend’s interior design company became her first venue. Her work’s popularity grew, and she began receiving recognition across and beyond Alabama.

While attending the Atlanta Market, she took her portfolio to the Wendover Art Group, and she was immediately added to their stable of artists. Her work was highlighted a few months later at the High Point Market.

Ms. Misner has been a recurring featured artist for a number of auctions for major charities in Birmingham, including First Light, The Exceptional Foundation, and Art Blink. Additionally, she received the high honor of being chosen by Birmingham AIDS Outreach, which selects only one artist per year, to feature at its Arty Party fundraiser.

Carol has developed a unique technique, generally working in monochromatic acrylic washes, by applying several layers of paint,

A RTS each as the previous layer dries. Those familiar with her paintings immediately recognize her distinctive style. Since moving to Highlands in 2015, she has produced many works of local flora.

Blackberry Farm, a luxury hotel and resort in Walland, Tennessee, has commissioned over two dozen of her paintings in which Highlands’ plants were dominant.

She says of her recent work, “My paintings depict the things that people really love about Highlands. My renderings bring the outside in.”

Misner’s original works and limited edition giclee reproductions grace homes and businesses throughout the United States and can be purchased directly from the artist, as well as locally at Acorns of Old Edwards Inn.. Her website is carolmisnerstudio.com This informative presentation and the wine reception are free, and the public is invited. For more information about the Art League, visit artleaguehighlands-cashiers.com.

Carol Misner

by Zach Claxton, The Art League of Highlands-Cashiers

43 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

A RTS

B Donna Cochran

Simply The Best Highlands Cashiers Players veteran Donna Cochran delivers a bittersweet Director’s Note about The Unexpected Guest.

44 M a y 2 019 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

efore I was an antiques dealer (Mirror Lake Antiques), I taught chemistry.

As a scientist I always hated it when people used superlatives, especially in advertising. Calling something “the finest,” “the best,” “the greatest” has always bothered me because I was taught, “there are no absolutes in science.”

That said, I am about to break my own rule: I declare the cast selected for the production of Agatha Christie’s The Unexpected Guest is the best any director can dream of.

Auditions (held in early March) were very well-attended and the individuals cast fit incredibly well with the vision I have for the various characters. We have cast the three main characters with all veteran actors.

And, while I have only worked with one before, I can’t wait to see them exhibit the interplay required for this show. Further, the supporting actors also have a grasp of the nuances Christie uses to build each character. We are all enthusiastic about the project.

With the current situation on our Plateau and in the world, it is unlikely that The Unexpected Guest will be performed in HCP’s spring “slot,” May 21-24 and May 2831. However, as the director, I am grateful to know there is so much talent available to perform in this show.

by Donna Cochran, Highlands Cashiers Players

Point phone camera at QR code to read more about Highlands Cashiers Players.

A RTS

I

n the folk art world, Kentucky is the home of the world’s most renowned folk woodcarvers, Minnie Adkins, Lonnie and Twyla Money, Harry Jennings, the Skaggs family, and others.

Jim Lewis also belongs to this stellar group.

Jim was born and raised in Kentucky and continues to call the Bluegrass State home.

Jim’s world was pretty conventional…he married, had a couple of children, and worked hard in the labor field, operating big machinery.

At the age of 42, he was laid off from his job. A hard worker, Jim didn’t let that get him down. He had piddled with woodcarving as a hobby for many years, and now, it was time to make this his new career.

Deeply Inspired by the best, Minnie and Garland Adkins, he used their success to spur him forward, and later, when he was called back to his job, he did not return.

Carving had become his new source of living, literally and figuratively.

Jim creates canes and sculptured pieces, using mostly, as his preferred woods,

basswood and poplar. Depending on the piece, he may start by making the initial pattern using the bandsaw, but after shaping the piece, he then finishes by carving with his hand knife.

Over the years, he has made many varied pieces, but his subjects generally consist of animals, people, or a religious theme. The gallery favorite, hands down, combines all three of these themes – his hand-carved “Jonah and the Whale.” The gallery also has a nice variety of his work – angels, farm animals, watermelons, and his whimsical “Duck n’ Boots.”

As we want to share Jim’s work with you, please visit the gallery or the website. As an added treat, you will also find works by the other above mentioned Kentucky woodcarvers.

Around Back at Rocky’s Place is located at 3631 Highway 53 East in Dawsonville, Georgia. Visit them at

The art of Jim Lewis The tales revealed by Jim Lewis’s wood car vings are irresistible and deeply personal.

45 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

A RTS

The Power Of Art The Bascom will emerge from the current health crisis with a dynamic new energy – The Power of Ar t, The Power of 10.

46 M a y 2 019 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

A RTS

T

hroughout 2019, The Bascom’s staff and leadership spent hours in meetings and discussions as they worked with The DeVos Institute of Arts Management to create a new strategic plan, services that were awarded to The Bascom pro bono as part of The DeVos Institute’s Rural Initiative.

For months, committee members pored over statistics, interviews, and presentations. Tough questions were asked like, “How could The Bascom create visual art experiences that didn’t just encourage creativity but also built foundations for 21st century jobs and artistic entrepreneurs?”

A desired outcome became a burning passion to make sure every penny, every hour, every effort was being maximized to reinforce our new mission – The Bascom creates visual arts experiences that inspire and empower individuals and communities through seeing, thinking and doing.

Entering 2020, The Bascom is proud to share some of the fruits of 2019’s labor. Though we are all currently facing challenging times, The Bascom’s future is bright and its staff and leadership are excited to put this strategic plan into action. Going forward, we are excited to share our new programs, exhibitions, and workshops with our local communities and beyond. For the entirety of 2020, The Bascom will be operating under the theme of The

Power of 10. This concept will be used both on campus and online to highlight a variety of visual art concepts, mediums, and narratives.

Throughout the planning process, The Bascom demanded more of itself and a 2020 theme that encompasses the spirit of multiplication perfectly highlights that sentiment. In this new chapter of The Bascom, many things will be multiplied.

We will multiply the number of people impacted by our exhibits and public programs, sharing the visual arts with more of Western North Carolina. We will multiply the opportunities we create for entrepreneurial artists. We will multiply the ability of students of all ages to use new skills for future foundations. We will multiply our Bascom family, for it is because of our family that we are able to multiply the visual arts for those that need them.

The Power of 10 is the thread that binds together all of our activities this year. We invite you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram and check our website for updates and to sign up for our enewsletter. Together, let’s stretch our imaginations through the power of art - The Power of 10.

by Teresa Osborn The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts

47 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

DI NI NG

48 M a y 2 019 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

DI NI NG

DINING Pages 52-60

49 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

DI NI NG

it Out

Take

On the Verandah

4118 Kitchen + Bar

The Ugly Dog Public House

Can we talk you into a good meal? Order some take-out to suppor t local restaurants and give a welcome hand to your neighbors.

I

’ve been writing restaurant reviews for Laurel for six years.

That’s given me and Tricia and a select group of friends entree into an astonishing collection of restaurants, ranging from little Mom and Pop places where you know your server and the people in the kitchen and it’s like being welcomed into a friend’s home, to lavish dining rooms that have literally earned an international reputation.

And it’s a necessity of the assignments that we order as much as we can – appetizers, soup, salad, main courses, desserts, wine, mixed drinks, and anything else that may 50 M a y 2 019 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

pop up on the menu that we can safely jam into our satiated stomachs.

This is a job that I cherish, and I’ve pledged to do whatever Janet and Marjorie wish of me to keep it going.

Yet here’s the sad truth facing me and you, if you enjoy the marvelously indulgent experience of dining out.

The Highlands-Cashiers Plateau’s extraordinary collection of restaurants – from the places serving the essence of comfort food to the elevated establishments dedicated to delivering an experience that’ll be recalled with fondness and longing far

into the future – this entire ecosystem, is in danger of going extinct.

The coronavirus and the resulting public health orders have put all of them on life support.

Restaurants on the Plateau have always faced a precarious existence. The cost of property or rent, coupled with a busy season of only seven or eight months (in a good year) plays hob with bottom lines, and trying to wring a profit out of a local restaurant requires a terrier’s courage and clever tenacity.

That dog-like determination has led these

DI NI NG

Mountain Fresh

Lakeside Restaurant

restaurants to consider one of two options: To just close down until that time when the thought of enjoying a meal with a room full of strangers doesn’t fill us with an existential dread; or to offer take-out to loyal diners who have come to depend on their menus.

I’m asking that everyone reading this article to resolve to eat as many takeout meals as possible from these restaurants.

It’ll help these places keep their kitchen open and their staffs bringing in a bit of income. These people are your neighbors and they’ve treated you like friends when you’ve dined with them.

And, as I’ve already mentioned, it’ll give you a chance to enjoy superb food.

(As I’m writing this, I’m taking a break to enjoy barbecue from Highlands Smokehouse and watching The Office on Netflix with Tricia. Comfort dining of the highest order.)

Do this, and I promise you’ll be keeping alive a cherished part of life on the Plateau.

I can’t even contemplate life here without these places. And I’m guessing you’re the same way.

We’re maintaining a complete listing of restaurants that’re offering take-out, complete with contact information, at

The Library Kitchen & Bar

highlands-cashiers.info/covidassist.

by Luke Osteen

Point phone camera at QR code for list of Highlands area restaurants offering pick up service.

Point phone camera at QR code for list of Cashiers area restaurants offering pick up service.

51 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

DI NI NG

Paula Jones’ Grouper Hemingway She may say she’s not a great cook, but Paula Jones’ irresistible Grouper Hemingway recipe suggests other wise.

52 M a y 2 019 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

F

urniture designer Paula Jones strolls through the grocery store with a smile so magnetic that it seems to set the whole place aglow.

On her wrist she brandishes a woven wood peach “shopping basket.” Yet there’s more to know about her – for the woman that appears and is so approachable is also a deeply talented artist and a passionate business woman.

Her calling began in the modest woodworking studio of her childhood home in Alabama. Then there were years of study and teaching at Atlanta’s famed Art Institute.

Today, Jones and her husband Barry own the eponymous Highlands Summer House store. The business that started as a small woodworking shop in Scaly Mountain in 1990, the place where they popularized the aesthetic of rustic handcrafted twig furniture design, is now a sprawling multi-

faceted, complete home furnishing complex.

Jones is too modest to lay claim to any prowess in the kitchen, yet she clearly knows how to navigate a stove. Her recipe for Grouper Hemingway – an oasis of delightful deliciousness – displays a knack for making a main course that is easy while being anything but boring.

Grouper Hemingway From Paula Jones: “I had a version of this years ago at a restaurant in High Point while at the furniture show. Theirs was served over pasta. I wanted a lighter taste so I have used spinach Instead. Chopped artichokes are also a tasty addition. Try this and I’ ll be there for dinner about 7! Remember, I am not a great cook. I just get by with the basics.”

Ingredients 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil 4 5-oz Grouper Filets

DI NI NG 1 small Onion, diced ½ cup White Wine Juice of half a Lemon 1-cup Fresh or Canned Tomatoes 2 tablespoons Capers 2 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter, divided 2 cups packed Fresh Spinach Leaves Salt and Pepper Step 1: In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over a mediumhigh heat. Add fish and cook until opaque in the center, about 2 1/2 minutes per side. Transfer the fish to a platter and tent with foil to keep the fish warm.

Step 2: Add the tomatoes to the skillet and break them up with a fork. Cook over low heat until most of the liquid has evaporated, 15 to 20 minutes. Add the wine, lemon

juice and capers and cook over low heat for 10 minutes. Stir the butter into the sauce.

Paula Jones

Step 3: While the sauce is cooking, melt 1-tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the spinach and toss to coat. Cover the pan and cook until the spinach is wilted – about 2 minutes. Drain any excess liquid and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4:: Spoon the spinach onto a large deep platter, set the fillets on the spinach and top with the sauce. Serve immediately.

by Marlene Osteen

53 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

DI NI NG

For the Love of Barbecue The Fox Brothers, the Superstar Chefs of the Barbecue World, are ser ving up an evening of unforgettable food, music, and uproarious good times – May 21 at The Farm at Old Edwards. For more information or reser vations, call (828) 787-2635 or (828) 787-2916

54 M a y 2 019 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

F

ive years ago, Southern Foodways Director John T Edge said that “Southerners recognize Barbecue to be our premier folk food”, their joints, places “where seekers find solace as well as honest eats.”

On May 21, The Farm at Old Edwards will celebrate two pit masters who work one of these shrines – Atlanta’s Titans of Barbecue, the Fox Brothers. The evening at The Farm promises to be one of the most irresistible ways to spend a night on the town this month. A meld of music and food, it’s a singular chance for barbecue lovers to go “hog wild,” to relish the deep pleasure of whole-hog cooking and to rejoice in the oldest style of American cookery. Or perhaps a chance to replicate the experience of founding epicurean George Washington who once wrote; “Went in to Alexandria to a Barbecue and Stayed all night.” – “a man who knew how to have a good time and, when he finally got some sleep, founded a nation,”

says Jack Hitt of Garden and Gun Magazine.

Twin brothers, Jonathan and Justin started their career in their Atlanta backyard in 2001. Longing for the smoked meat of their home state of Texas, they began throwing blowout barbecue parties for friends at their home. Soon after, they wooed the public with a pop-up at Smith’s Old Bar, where they were named “Runner-Up Atlanta’s Best Barbecue.” The success of the ventures and the legion of admirers that followed begat a DeKalb Avenue Restaurant opened in 2007.

By then it was clear that the brothers were destined for greatness. Their barbecue was already famous – their legendary melt-inyour-mouth Brisket the foundation of what they built, their Frito Pie deemed “epic”

by Atlanta Magazine. Since then they have embarked on a barbecue pilgrimage that includes a line of barbecue and wing sauces sold at Whole Foods and other stores, a partnership with the Atlanta Falcons, and a second “Que-osk” location. Their “foxy”

DI NI NG creations have earned them accolades and praise from food critics and barbecue aficionados – one of Southern Living’s Top 10 Barbecue Joints, glowing reviews from Travel & Leisure, Forbes, Atlanta Magazine, and TV appearances that include the Today Show, the Travel Channel and Food Network.

The evening promises a wellspring of the inspired delights for which they have become so well known.

On the menu: stand-out whole-hog barbecue served straight from the brothers’ rig, their mouth-watering Frito Pie made with saucy pork green Chile and topped with cheese, Jalapeno Cornbread, Fox-aRoni (an indulgent combination of Brunswick Stew and Mac ‘n Cheese), Greens, Slaw and Pecan Pie. Old Edwards’ skilled Executive Chef Chris Huerta brings to the communal table his succulent, crispy fried chicken.

Rightfully so, Atlanta Magazine has deemed the Fox Brothers “the essential architects of Atlanta’s barbecue scene.”

Call (828) 787-2635 or (828) 787-2916 to reserve your seats.

by Marlene Osteen

Jonathan and Justin Fox

55 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

DI NI NG

Cashiers Valley Smokehouse Cashiers Valley Smokehouse offers up the real thing at 281 US 64, just west of the Crossroads.

Brien Peterkin, Jr. and Jon Caddell

56 M a y 2 019 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

DI NI NG

S

ummer’s coming and there’s some good news to look forward to. Here on the Plateau there’s a new game in town, Cashiers Valley Smokehouse, owned and operated by hospitality specialists and restaurateurs, Brien Peterkin Jr. and Jon Caddell. Many will recognize them as the current owners of popular Slab Town Pizza, so they are not new to the restaurant business nor the area.

Their roots in the restaurant community go back even further as the Peterkin Family were the original owners of the highly successful Cornucopia Restaurant for 38 years. Brien and Jon know a thing or two about good food and a welcoming atmosphere, and they’re excited that they can expand their reach to barbecue.

When the location at 281 US 64 West that had previously housed a barbecue restaurant came available, Brien and Jon saw a great opportunity to breathe new life into the location and began extensive refreshing and renovating. They envisioned an inviting atmosphere where folks of all ages can enjoy traditional fare and have good times with friends and neighbors.

Cashiers Valley Smokehouse is the perfect casual spot

to kick back and enjoy a great meal of honest to goodness slow smoked barbecue with homemade sauces for every taste. Their home cooked sides will make you reminisce of Sunday supper tables laden with vegetables, homemade potato salad, slaw and beans. By all means save room for dessert, Brien’s wife Sarah Ann, a classically trained pastry chef and owner of the new Valley Bakery, will be providing the perfect punctuation to the meal.

Plans are to be open seven days a week seasonally for lunch, dinner and takeout. Weekends promise to be an especially fun time as they will often have live bluegrass music. Relax with good food, music and laughter, what better way to spend a summer evening?

by Mary Jane McCall

57 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

DI NI NG

Greystone’s Generosity The Greystone Inn continues a tradition of generosity to its guests and the Toxaway community.

58 M a y 2 019 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

F

or over 100 years, Lake Toxaway has been offering comfort and relief to its guests and the community.

For its guests – people like Stephen King, and Nicole Kidman, and Steve Martin, driven people looking to escape from the rigors of 21st century life – Greystone Inn offers an undeniable level of comfort and tranquility.

For the community, it’s offered a steady source of employment. This writer’s grandfather, who was the teacher at Toxaway School in the 1920s, recalled that owner Lucy Camp Armstrong continued to build her lakefront home over the course of 40 years, providing much-needed income for the men of the community when the Chestnut Blight destroyed the local timber industry.

Miss Lucy took it upon herself to teach local high school girls how to can and make preserves so that they’d have marketable skills. She paid the college tuition of at least two dozen young people.

Perhaps that generous community spirit is embedded within the walls of this Western North Carolina landmark, because the Greystone Inn is once more offering comfort for those in need.

With the hardships imposed by the coronavirus, the inn has established its Buy a Meal and We’ll Donate a Meal Program.

This innovative program allows people to purchase a meal from the Lakeside Dining Room, and, at the same time, the inn will donate a meal to a needy person in the community.

“We have had people donate 100 meals at a time and we’ve had people donate one meal at a time to specific people and families,” says Shannon Ellis, who owns the inn with her husband Geoffrey. “We are working to identify those in our community who are in need, including our non-working team members who are struggling.”

If you know an individual or family who could use a meal, info@greystoneinn.com.

Of course, those meals being offered are

DI NI NG predicated upon daily grocery deliveries. As a result, the inn is offering its resources for a one-stop no-contact shop.

“People can save themselves a trip to the grocery store,” says Shannon. “Our grocery list is updated daily as deliveries arrive. We also have a selection of prepared meals, including our Buy a Meal and We’ll Donate a Meal menu, as well as wine and beer for curbside pick up and complimentary delivery. People can order online at greystoneinn. com or call (828) 966-4700.”

Though the Greystone Inn has severely limited its services, it’s still offering accommodations to medical personnel and those who must self-isolate for 15 days or more. Staff have been fully trained in steps to ensure the safety of

guests and themselves.

And finally, the Greystone Inn is offering comfort and creativity for those whose wedding plans may have turned upside down by the current health crisis.

“We know a lot of people are having trouble re-booking their canceled wedding plans,” says Shannon. “If you’re one of those couples, please know that you do have options…from virtual celebrations and elopements to intimate and last-minute weddings this summer and beyond.”

If all of these innovations seem extraordinary, they’re just the latest iterations of a Toxaway tradition.

by Luke Osteen

59 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

DI NI NG thelaurelmagazine.com/cuisine

Take Out

Ad On Page

Outdoor Dining

Live Entertainment

Dress Code

Reservations Recommended

Vegetarian Selections

53

n

5

Wine

n

Meals

The Restaurants of the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

Full Bar

Plateau Dining Guide

Children’s Menu

To see who is offering curbside takeout during this crisis, www.highlands-cashiers.info/highlands-takeout www.highlands-cashiers.info/cashiers-takeout

64 Highlands Plaza

(828) 526-5002

L, D, SB

n

n

n

The Bistro at Wolfgang’s

460 Main Street

(828) 526-3807

D

n

n

n

n NC

n

Fire + Water Restaurant

Reservations Required

(828) 526-4446

L

n

n C

n

465 Main Street

(828) 787-2990

L ,D

n

n

C

n

n

59

Village Square, 470 Oak Street

(828) 526-4188

L ,D

n

n n

C

n

n

53

Smallwood Avenue

(828) 526-9419

D

n

n n n

n NC n n

n

57

445 Main Street

(828) 787-2525

L, D, SB

n

n n n

NC n n

490 Carolina Way

(828) 526-1019

L, D, SB

n

n

n C

n n

n

4

Highway 64 (Franklin Road)

(828) 526-2338

D, SB

n

n n n

C

n

n

54

440 Main Street

(828) 526-4906

D

n

n

n

56

298 South 4th Street

(828) 526-8364

L, D, SB

n

n n

n

55

460 Main Street

(828) 526-3807

D

n

n

n

n

5

The Greystone Inn

220 Greystone Lane,

(828) 966-4700

B, L, D, SB n

n

n

n

4

The Ugly Dog Pub

25 Frank Allen Road

(828) 743-3000

L, D, SB

45 Slabtown Road

(828) 743-7711

B, L, SB

HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS 4118 Kitchen + Bar

Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar Fressers Courtyard Cafe Lakeside Restaurant Madison’s Restaurant & Wine Garden Meritage Bistro On the Verandah Paoletti’s The Ugly Dog Pub Wolfgang’s Restaurant

n

n

C

n NC C

n

n NC

n

16

31

CASHIERS AREA RESTAURANTS

Zookeeper B Breakfast

L

Lunch

D Dinner

HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS 4118 Kitchen + Bar - (828) 526-5002 Asia House - (828) 787-1680 Brunch Headquarters - (828) 820-8686 Bella’s Junction Cafe - (828) 526-0803 Bistro on Main/Main Street Inn - (828) 526-2590 The Bistro at Wolfgang’s - (828) 526-3807 The Blue Bike Cafe - (828) 526-9922 The Bridge at Mill Creek - (828) 526-5500 Bryson’s Deli - (828) 526-3775 The Cake Bar at Mill Creek - (828) 421-2042 Calder’s Coffee Cafe - (828) 526-0020 Dusty’s - (828) 526-2762 El Azteca - (828) 526-2244 El Manzanillo - (828) 526-0608 Fire + Water Restaurant - (828) 526-4446 Fressers Courtyard Cafe - (828) 526-4188 Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar (828) 787-2537 The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering - (828) 526-2110 Lakeside Restaurant - (828) 526-9419 The Log Cabin - (828) 526-5777 M-brace - (828) 787-1212 60 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

SB Sunday Brunch

*

Takeout Only

n n n

Dress Code: C Casual

Madison’s Restaurant & Wine Garden - (828) 787-2525 Meritage Bistro - (828) 526-1019 Midpoint (828) 526-2277 Mountain Fresh - (828) 526-2400 On the Verandah - (828) 526-2338 Pescado’s - (828) 526-9313 Pizza Place - (828) 526-5660 Paoletti’s - (828) 526-4906 Rosewood Market - (828) 526-0383 Tug’s Proper - (828) 526-3555 Subway - (828) 526-1706 SweeTreats Deli - (828) 526-9632 The Ugly Dog Pub - (828) 526-8364 Wild Thyme Gourmet - (828) 526-4035 Wine Garden at Old Edwards Inn - (828) 787-2525 Wolfgang’s Restaurant - (828) 526-3807 CASHIERS AREA RESTAURANTS Buck’s Coffee Cafe - (828) 743-9997 Canyon Kitchen - (828) 743-7967 Chile Loco - (828) 743-1160 Cornucopia Restaurant - (828) 743-3750

n

NC n C

n

n

55

C

n

n

57

NC Nice Casual

J Jacket

Cork & Barrel Lounge - (828) 743-7477 El Manzanillo - (828) 743-5522 The Greystone Inn - (828) 966-4700 JJ’s Eatery and Canteen - (828) 743-7778 Mica’s Restaurant - (828) 743-5740 On the Side at Cashiers Farmers Market - (828) 743-4334 The Orchard - (828) 743-7614 Randevu Restaurant - (828) 743-0190 Restaurant at Greystone Inn - 828-966-4700 Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company - (828) 743-0220 Slab Town Pizza (STP) - (828) 743-0020 Subway - (828) 743-1300 The Blind Mule - (828) 553-8978 The Falls Cafe and Grill - 828-877-3322 The Library Kitchen and Bar - (828) 743-5512 The Ugly Dog Pub - Cashiers - (828) 743-3000 Table 64 - (828) 743-4135 Wendy’s - (828) 743-7777 Winslow’s Hideaway - (828) 743-2226 Zookeeper - (828) 743-7711

DI NI NG

61 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

thelaurelmagazine.com/lodging

Ad On Page

In Room Microwave/Fridge Cable/Satellite TV Banquet Facilities Wireless Internet Pet Policy

HOTELS / MOTELS / BED & BREAKFASTS

Whirlpool Rooms Exercise Facility

Accommodations on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

Pool

On Site Restaurant

Plateau Lodging

On Site Bar/Lounge

CALL TO CONFIRM BEFORE YOUR VISIT.

19386 Rosman Hwy | Sapphire

blackbearlodgeofsapphire.com | (828) 553-6535

n n n n 63

Fire Mountain

700 Happy Hill Rd | Scaly Mountain

firemt.com | (800) 775-4446

n n

n n n 16

Greystone Inn

220 Greystone Ln | Lake Toxaway

thegreystoneinn.com | (828) 966-4700

n n

n n n n

Hotel Cashiers

7 Slab Town Rd, Cashiers, NC 28717

hotelcashiers.com | (828) 743-7706

n n 15

445 Main St | Highlands

oldedwardsinn.com | (866) 526-8008

n n n n n n n n n 31

Berkshire Realty Vacation Rentals

488 Main Street | Highlands

meadowsmountainrealty.com | (828) 526-1717

82

CCP Vacation Rentals

507 Main Street | Highlands

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

2

401 N 5th St | Highlands

highlandsiscalling.com | (828) 526-3717

98

17 US Hwy 64 E | Cashiers

landmarkvacations.com | (877) 926-1780

88-89

Silver Creek Vacation Rentals 341 Hwy 64 W, Ste 102 | Cashiers

ncliving.com | (828) 743-1999

10-11

Black Bear Lodge of Sapphire

Old Edwards Inn and Spa

4

VACATION RENTAL AGENCIES

Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals Landmark Vacation Rentals

HIGHLANDS

Park on Main - (800) 221-5078

GLENVILLE:

200 Main - (855) 271-2809

Ray’s Roost - (678) 534-6870

Innisfree Bed & Breakfast - (828) 743-2946

Berkshire Realty

Skyline Lodge - (828) 526-2121

Mountain Lake Rentals - (828) 743-6875

Whiteside Cove Cottages - (828) 526-2222

Prime Property Rentals - (828) 743-3482

SCALY MOUNTAIN:

LAKE TOXAWAY

Fire Mountain - (800) 775-4446

Cabins at Seven Foxes - (828) 877-6333

Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-1717 CCP Vacation Rentals - (800) 684-2171 x 302 Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-3717 The Chandler Inn - (678) 982-8406

Greystone Inn - (828) 966-4700

The Chateau - (561) 613-1496

CASHIERS

Fairview House - (866) 526-8008

High Hampton Resort - (800) 334-255

Half Mile Farm - (855) 271-7246

Hotel Cashiers - (828) 743-7706

SAPPHIRE

Highlands House

The Lakehouse - (904) 753-0247

Black Bear Lodge of Sapphire - (828) 553-6535

Landmark

Club Wyndham Resort at

Bed and Breakfast - (828) 787-1186 Highlands Inn - (828) 526-9380

Vacation Rentals- (877) 926-1780

Lake Toxaway Realty Company - (828) 508-9141

Fairfield Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-3441

Highlands Inn Lodge - (828) 526-5899

Laurelwood Inn - (828) 743-9939

Foxhunt At Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-7667

Highlands Resort Rentals - (828) 526-5839

Mountain Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-0258

Hampton Inn & Suites -

The Inn at Mill Creek - 828-526-9999

The Orchard

The Lodge at Old Edwards - (828) 787-2560

Guest Cottage - (828) 743-7614

Lullwater House - (423) 488-2799

Pebble Creek Village - (828) 743-0623

Main Street Inn - (828) 526-2590

Reid Resort Rentals - (828) 743-5955

Mitchell’s Lodge & Cottages - (828) 526-2267

Silver Creek

Old Edwards Inn and Spa - (866) 526-8008 62 M62 AY

2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

M a y 2 019 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-1999

Cashiers-Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-4545 Mt Toxaway Lodge & Motel - (828) 966-4582 Sapphire Run at Whisper Lake - (863) 412-5734 Whispering Falls - (352) 470-4085 Woods at Buc - (770) 714-9211

63

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

SHOPPING Pages 66-69

SHOPPI NG

TJ Bailey’s

Shop The Plateau

from Home Spoiled Rotten

Oakleaf

Allison Diane Clothing

That irresistible collection of Plateau shopping destinations is going through a time of unprecedented challenges. There are things you can do to help.

I

t’s no secret that, for many people, the Plateau’s shopping opportunities are a reason to visit for a weekend or a week, or to buy a second (or third) home.

It’s an astonishingly rich collection of shops, galleries and boutiques, their goods assembled with care and an eye toward quality. And it’s all served up with deeply personal service, at once warm and knowing.

66 M a y 2 019 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

That’s why it’s so jarring to realize that within the space of a few months, this could all change. The sensible precautions taken by local merchants to protect their customers, their staffs, and themselves from the threat of coronavirus could end up costing them everything.

If you’re one of those people who’ve been beguiled by the shops, or you’ve come to

know and treasure the people who serve you, well, this is the time to make your appreciation known.

Let me suggest, no, beg you, to consider online shopping with these remarkable businesses.

Most of them have their own websites, or a presence on Facebook. Or if they don’t, visit highlands-cashiers.info/shop-the-plateau

SAcorns H O PBoutique PI NG

CK Swan

(we’re acting as a clearinghouse and pop-up bazaar for a lot of local businesses).

Use your ample free time during this era of social distancing to browse collections.

Think of upcoming birthdays. Consider gift certificates to be used at that glorious time when we can all finally visit these shops at our leisure.

Buy Christmas presents in May. (I know some of you, like my hyper-organized sweetie Tricia, are already deep in your Christmas shopping, but to people like me

Robin’s Nest

J. Gabriel

who habitually stroll comfortably along the edge of Chaos, this is a forehead-palming revelation on the order of Tupperware or quilted toilet paper.)

If we can do this, diligently patronizing these local businesses, then, at the end of all this, we’ll find that they’re waiting for us with open doors and filled-to-bursting inventories and warm, welcoming smiles.

Point phone camera at QR code for sampling of Shop the Plateau from Home options.

by Luke Osteen

67 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

SHOPPI NG

Those Travels Add Layers A-List Antiques offers an exquisite collection of home and garden treasures culled from years of European travel.

The collection is housed at 40 Burns Street in Cashiers. For more information, call (850) 974-5785.

68 M a y 2 019 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Ann Miller Hopkins

SHOPPI NG

A

-List Antiques, located at 40 Burns Street in Cashiers, is a deceptively humble location for a larger than life antiques warehouse.

Proprietress Ann Miller Hopkins recently relocated full time to Cashiers after coowning the successful Antiques on Holiday in Destin, Florida, for 18 years.

That business wasn’t just a business for Ann, it was a passion, so getting out of the antiques game wasn’t an option.

Luckily, her husband Ed caught the antiques bug as well. Thus began their late life adventure of touring European markets together once or twice a year looking for just the right pieces to bring stateside. Actually, those trips abroad are more like visiting old friends who welcome the couple into their homes since Ann has established such a rapport with each dealer. They know what she likes and save pieces they know she’ll love.

Those travels add layers to a life well lived and well-loved for Ann, who has many gifts and interests beyond antiques.

An accomplished writer with two published novels and a talented painter, Ann embraces each life adventure with optimism and humor.

She attended Auburn University on scholarships earned from beauty pageants.

Those experiences gave her the idea for her novel, Judge Not, a humorous, though not autobiographical, look at beauty pageants. She earned degrees in Journalism and English, and taught high school and junior college English for 20 years, still remembering those years as wonderful and citing her love of her students.

A-List Antiques features authentic pieces from Belgium and France that are larger than life. Think European farmhouse or hunting lodge. Large farm tables that seat up to 12, oversized paintings, 10- to 12-

foot cabinets, and pieces of garden art, particularly faux bois pieces that will elevate any garden or outdoor area. They also have a few well-chosen, elaborate chandeliers that promise to be the centerpiece of any room.

A-List Antiques is open seasonally Tuesday through Saturday.

by Mary Jane McCall

69 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Visit Our Advertisers WEST END

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

SOUTH END

13. 4118 Kitchen & Bar 15. Dauntless Printing 20. Crown Heritage Flowers 26. Lupoli Construction 31. The Laurel 35. ACP Home Interiors 36. The Summer House Bed & Bath 37. The Summer House 44. Blue Elephant Consignment Studio 46. Cake Bar & Chocolate Heaven

MAIN STREET

103. Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 124. Landmark Realty 140. The Book Nook 146. Wit’s End Shoppe 152. Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty 160. TJ Bailey for Men 169. Country Club Properties 178. McCulley’s II 185. Ristorante Paoletti 190. Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro 191.Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services Meadows Mountain Realty 194. Old Edwards Inn 195. Madison’s Restaurant 196. The Wine Garden 197. Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar 202. Country Club Properties 207. Creative Concepts Salon

WRIGHT SQUARE on MAIN (Factoid: Named after Whiteside hero) 113. Edward Jones 117. Country Club Properties 119. Highlands Pharmacy

ON THE HILL

310. McCulley’s 311. Martha Anne’s on the Hill 312. The Ugly Dog Public House 313. Old Edwards Inn 319. Lakeside Restaurant

70 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

SPRING VILLAGE

403. Warth Construction

VILLAGE PARK

613. John Cleaveland Realty 617. Fressers Courtyard Cafe

CAROLINA VILLAGE 704. Creekside Village: - Cake Bar 707. Yoga Highlands 710. Meritage Bistro 711. Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals

NORTH END

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

OUT NC 106

➡ Peak Experience ➡ Fire + Water ➡ Pat Calderone Gallery ➡ Tom’s Golf Tours

OUT 64 EAST

➡ WHLC ➡ Black Rock Granite ➡ Center for Plastic Surgery ➡ Highlands Cashiers Hospital ➡ Cullasaja Club ➡ Roman’s Roofing ➡ GlenCove

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

Being added to our listing is easy!

Simply advertise with The Laurel.

71 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Visit Our Advertisers SLABTOWN

2. Zookeeper Bistro 14. Hotel Cashiers

NORTH 107

16. Stork’s - Wrap. Pack. Ship.

19. The Look Boutique 21. Sashay Around Ladies Boutique

THE SHOPS AT CASHIERS COMMONS 25. Bella Ctn.

AT THE CROSSROADS

37. Landmark Real Estate Group

CHESTNUT SQUARE 55. Cashiers Valley Fusion

EAST 64

64. Alexander Gardens: - Victoria’s Closet - Victoria’s Closet Shoes & Purses - VC for Men 73. Pebble Creek Village 79. Jennings Builders Supply

VILLAGE WALK

82. The Village Hound 89. Nearly New Furniture Consignment 99. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Meadows Mountain Realty

SOUTH 107

102. TJ Baileys for Men 108. Landmark Realty 109. Ugly Dog Public House 110. McCulley’s 111. Rusticks Antiques 112. Vivianne Metzger Antiques 123. Caliber Fine Properties 128. Mountainworks Custom Home Design LTD. 136. Dillard Jones 137. McKee Properties

THE VILLAGE GREEN 142.Village Green Commons 143. The Village Green

WEST 64

151. J Mixon Decorative Painting 155. Cashiers Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center 156. Creekside: - Silver Creek Real Estate Group 173. Betsy Paul Properties 175. Srebalus Construction

72 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

VISIT CULLOWHEE Four Seasons Landscape

VISIT LAKE TOXAWAY The Greystone Inn

VISIT NORTON:

The Town and Country General Store

VISIT SAPPHIRE : Appalachian Golf Cars Black Bear Lodge Sapphire Valley Real Estate

, 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.

73 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

OUTDOORS Pages 76-79

OUTDOORS

See What

Unfolds

Photo by Clay Bolt

76 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

OUTDOORS

A stroll through the Highlands Botanical Gardens, currently bursting with new life and color, is a comfor ting reminder of the resiliency of existence.

A Tried & True Evergreen

T

he Botanical Gardens of the Highlands Biological Station is an ecological preserve of native flora of the Highlands Plateau and southern Appalachian Mountains.

Native plants are presented in natural habitat settings as well as in demonstration gardens for the education and delight of visitors. If you explore the Botanical Gardens this spring, keep a close eye out for the native flora and fauna, which are emerging and interacting as they have for millennia.

Hundreds of Purple Pitcher Plants (Sarracenia purpurea) along the Bog Boardwalk Trail are sending up flower stalks that rise 12 inches or more above their green and red, prostrate, tubular leaves. Each flower stalk displays a solitary red-purple nodding flower that is often visited by bumblebee pollinators. Numerous other insects will be trapped in the cavity formed by the tubular leaves where they are decomposed by digestive enzymes produced by these carnivorous plants and their nutrients released to the plant. Look for Pink Lady’s Slippers (Cypripedium acuale), which are displaying stunning blooms under the partial shade of the conifer canopy on the Upper Woodland Trail. This terrestrial orchid, lacking nectar but using bright color and a sweet scent, tricks bumblebees to enter its pink pouch to collect and deposit pollen as they move from flower to flower.

Cinnamon Ferns (Osmunda cinnamomea), of an ancient fern lineage, are unfurling fiddleheads covered with silverwhite hairs. As you wander along the Fern Trail, you may see hummingbirds collecting the cottony hairs for their nests. Cinnamon-brown fertile fronds are emerging from the crown. Later this spring you may see birds nesting in the vase-like clump of 5-foot-tall fronds.

The deep pink, funnel-shaped flowers of Pink-Shell Azaleas (Rhododendron vaseyi) in the Azalea Garden are emerging before the new leaves unfold. This unique and delightful azalea, found only in 10 counties in Western North Carolina, provides nectar and pollen for butterflies and bees.

These and many other spectacular native plants and wildlife that depend on them await the attentive visitor to this soothing haven. The careful observer will experience something new every day.

Tough little Pachysandra enforces order in unruly gardens.

P

achysandra is one of five species of the Boxwood family. It has roots to eastern Asia as well as North America. The plant most associated with this area is commonly called Allegheny Spurge.

Even though it can grow upward to 17 inches, the average growth for each plant is 12 inches high and 6 inches wide. It’s an aggressive plant, but very welcome in places where you want weed control or places that aren’t suitable for other kinds of plants.

Evergreen, and considered a tough plant with leathery, toothed leaves and having small white, bottle-brush type flowers in mid spring, the Pachysandra is also drought-, deer- and rabbit-resistant. Some let this plant grow freely to help keep away deer ticks.

Pachys comes from the Greek word meaning “thick” and “stem of man.”

Pachy, of course, brings to mind the elephant, rhino and hippo – all have thick skins (derma.) The stems of the pachysandra are slightly woody, but not as much as its cousin, the boxwood.

French botanist Andre Michaux is the first known to have collected Pachysandra procumbens, aka Allegheny Spurge, in the late Eighteenth Century. Michaux is the same botanist that first collected shortia on the Highlands Plateau in 1787. Wouldn’t it be something to imagine him handling some of the same plants, like pachysandra, that have been handed down, and grown in your own landscape? It wasn’t until later that the Japanese species, Pachysandra terminalis, also known as Japanese Spurge, was collected. There is a variegated species that appears to be a little less aggressive in growth.

Every neighborhood needs a toughie, an enforcer, and Pachysandra proves its strength in numbers. If you can keep the spreading in place with borders around the areas you want this plant to inhabit, you’ll have a tried and true evergreen that gives back as a low-growing ground cover with benefits.

by Jeannie Chambers, The Accidental Gardener

by Ken Conover, Highlands Biological Foundation Trustee

77 M ay 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

OUTDOORS

gem of Title Title

the Woods xxxxxxxxx

Male Northern Parula by William McReynolds

T

The Nor thern Parula’s relentlessly cheer ful song is a gentle tonic for these unsettled times.

he gifts of May, amidst the lingering trials of April, have been immortalized by poet Lucy Larcom: When April steps aside for May, like diamonds all the rain-drops glisten; Fresh violets open every day, to some new bird each hour we listen.

This little bird, like glistening rain-drops and fresh violets, can lift human spirits on a May day. The smallest member of an extended family of small perching birds, this warbler, the Northern Parula, is a spring migrant with an easily recognized song.

If you hear a repeated high-pitched and rapid twitter that is more buzz than chirp, ending in a single melodic note, you have just heard this little gem of the woods.

Phonetically, this fading song is zezzzzzzzzzzzzzzCHEEP followed by zezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzCHEEP. Parulas are brightly attired in plumage of blue gray, yellow and white. The throat and 78 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

breast are bright yellow, the dorsal head, back and tail are blue gray with a yellow saddle and white wing bars, and the ventral underside is pure white. Mature males sport a black and rufous necklace or breast band.

Expect a bird no larger than a chickadee.

These birds are common in North America in the spring and summer. They winter in Mexico and the Caribbean.

Their summer habitat favors trees full of Spanish moss, beard moss or lichen. They frequent the end of branches high in the canopy or sub-canopy of deciduous and coniferous forests where they glean insects, spiders and especially caterpillars. Their winter grounds are tropical pastures and plantations offering berries and seeds. They are rarely seen on our bird feeders.

Parulas raise one or two broods a season.

The female takes the lead in building a nest in four days: a highly placed, hanging nest constructed of moss or lichen with an

interior pocket lined with fur or feathers or pine needles. Three to seven eggs incubate in 12-14 days. Both parents sit on the nest and both feed the hatchlings.

Happy May birding from the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society. Look for these birds high in the trees. Listen for their buzzing song and distinctive endnote.

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.

OUTDOORS

Fishing Through Covid-19

Armed with a f isherman’s eternal optimism, Matt highlights the myriad blessings that have carried him and his staff through this diff icult time.

A

s an owner of a thriving small business and fly shop (Brookings), the Covid -19 situation has totally blind-sided me and my staff, as it has the rest of the world.

Right about the time that some of the best fishing of the year was about to begin, and our guides’ schedules were looking like schedule days per week, every week; the world was put on pause. Those schedules were erased, and the phone stopped ringing.

“Oh, Shit!” is about all there is to say.

There has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Some fearful, and some of pure gratitude, and pride. We all know the fearful emotions all too well, so let me share some of the more positive things that have come out of this situation.

After the initial shock of the world getting

turned upside down, I have been absolutely in awe of how many marvelous people surround this community, and our little small business. We have experienced an outpouring of guidance, kind words, and even financial assistance to our guides, for whom schedules have been erased.

I was getting the run-around from a few different banks trying to take advantage of the government relief packages to help keep my staff paid, and about that time two different customers contacted me offering to help, the result being we got our loans pushed through faster than anyone I know.

For just about every “Oh Shit!” moment, there’s been a Joyous one. It’s been a real eye opener, that this is more than a business…. it’s a family that services, and is supported by, one of the finest communities in the

Nation….Thank You to Each and Every One of You! Maybe hitting the reset, or pause button has some advantages, too. I have gotten some much needed yard-work done, that has been backing up for some time.

Because of the brownie points I have racked up doing chores, I was able to get some fishing time in as well….and because my kids are being home schooled now, I was able to bring them along for some “life-lessons”. Having the extra time with my family has been a real blessing in disguise. Maybe the seven-day per week program isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be, and it took Covid – 19 to show me that.

by Matt Canter, Brookings Anglers

79 M ay 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

OUTDOORS

80 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

OUTDOORS

81 M ay 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

H ISTORY

82 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

H.M. Bascom and his daughter Louise

HISTORY Pages 84-87

H ISTORY

Politics &

Fashion

Title Title

Alber t Carlton-Cashiers Community Librar y and the Center for Life Enrichment will be presenting a fascinating look at the link between women’s fashion and the Suffrage Movement, by historian Cornelia Powell, July 31 and August 18, respectively. This is a preview of what her audience will learn.

W

hen the first Woman’s Rights Convention was held in 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York, fashion was as tight-laced as

women’s their lives!

Cinched-in corsets and heavy, long skirts that swept the floor (or the dirty streets) limited their movement and their freedom.

So when women organized a convention demanding a say in their lives including the right to vote, it was not only groundbreaking, it was scandalous!

Launching what became a seven-decadeslong suffrage campaign, the convention also launched women out of their domesticity into the “public sphere.” Appearing in public during these early suffrage years was radical enough, but women who dared to make speeches to audiences that included men “frequently ran into danger from angry mobs, sometimes carrying torches,” wrote Gail Collins in No Stopping Us Now: The Adventures of Older Women in American 84 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

History. “If people were going to accept being lectured to by women, it was generally easier to start with speakers who looked warm and maternal, like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, well-dressed in a matronly sort of way, with her gray hair carefully arranged.”

(However, Stanton, mother of the suffrage crusade as well as seven children, was actually feisty and sharp-tongued!)

To have more comfort and freedom of movement, many suffragists wore an outfit inspired by European health spas: no corset and a shorter skirt over Turkishlike trousers (later known as the “bloomer costume.”) Comfortable, yes; attractive, no.

The backlash and ridicule was brutal!

Deciding that “dress reform” – or anything resembling women wearing “pants” – was simply too distracting to be included on the women’s rights agenda, most suffrage leaders, nonetheless, never “tightlaced” again!

When the movement went public

with parades and demonstrations in the 1910s, suffrage leaders, recognizing that femininity was a powerful tool for winning the vote, encouraged their members to dress in socially accepted fashionable attire, bringing their message into the public’s eye with a non-threatening, soft and feminine outward appearance.

This was both a key political move and public relations strategy because it “gave reporters something positive to say since they felt free to comment on a woman’s looks rather than her speech.” (Sound familiar?)

Women finally won the vote in August 1920 soon after the world turned upside down following World War I, and in tandem, as women’s freedoms expanded, dresses shortened, waistlines dropped, corsets basically disappeared, and we caught the first glimpse of the emerging modern woman.

by Cornelia Powell

H ISTORY

1880 Cedar Creek Mill Houses

T

A bustling mill trade lay at the hear t of Hamburg, which grew into Glenville.

he Hamburg Village, later known as Glenville, was considered a small business center with three stores, boarding houses, blacksmith shops and stables. There were several grist mills operating including a flour mill located on the bank of Cedar Creek at its juncture with the Tuckasegee River. The Hamburg Village became the Glenville Village in just 11 more years.

The original owner of the mill tract was Thompson Wilson of the second generation of one of the first families to settle in the Hamburg river valley in 1827. Thompson transferred the mill tract to his nephew, Alfred Houston Wilson in 1882. Alfred Houston Wilson was 42 at the time and married to Harriett Laura Bryson.

Together, he formed a company called Bridges, Hooper & Wilson to operate the flour mill and another mill built on up the

creek for the purpose of sawing lumber.

They frequently converted the saw mill to carding sheep’s woolen hairs.

The Hooper of the company was Franklin Pierce Hooper. The Wilson family had close bloodlines with the Hoopers. Alfred Houston Wilson’s mother was a Hooper, and Franklin Hooper’s wife, Julia Lenora Wilson was of the Big Ridge Hoopers.

Franklin Pierce Hooper was a young man of 26 attempting to support his wife, Julia and their two children.

Joining Alfred Houston Wilson and Franklin Pierce Hooper in their business venture, was the single young man of 21 years, Benjamin Bridges. Ben was the expert in the running of the carding machine turning sheep’s woolly hair into sheets of woolen cloth.

These two mills were located on a fiveacre tract cornering on a wooden bridge over

Cedar Creek along the old turnpike road (now under Lake Glenville). The turnpike soil road was the horse and buggy road that ran through the Hamburg Village extending from the county seat all the way to South Carolina.

The five-acre tract ran from that bridge corner easterly along the creek and a road they called the Sawmill Road, and stretched southerly to run along one of the village’s main entrance roads. That road, an old Indian trail, was called the Georgetown Road because it ran from the Hamburg Village to Georgetown, and continued on to Toxaway.

The portion of this road left today is now known as Cedar Creek Road. The mountain top just to the southeast of these two mills became known as Carding Machine Ridge.

by Carol M. Bryson, Historian

85 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

H ISTORY

The Rideout Predictions

J

Captain James E. Rideout’s fanciful predictions have proved remarkably accurate.

ust for the fun of it, write down five predictions you have for the Plateau for 2070 and tuck it away. Perhaps you see Highlands and Cashiers merging. Do you think global warming will send us sliding down the mountainside? Will Science protect/restore hemlocks and chestnuts so they once again thrive? Will Highlands have a heliport? Might the rich and famous enhance or taint our secret haven?

In the late 1890s one of the most colorful immigrants to ride into town was a man named Rideout. He was a fellow who had vision, who watched the stars and saw beyond. He had a lot to say about a lot of things. An active member of many clubs and societies, in 1898 he addressed one of those organizations with his predictions about Highlands 50 years down the road.

Though many disagreed, he was certain Highlands would never have a railroad. But he did see a future for automobiles and a paved road, maybe many paved roads. He believed cars could negotiate the steep passes, while locomotives would stall. He envisioned aeroplanes flying over the Plateau en route from Asheville to Atlanta.

He said Highlands would be a “transient town.” People from north and south would pass through, perhaps not even staying the night.

It would be more an attraction, a beautiful visit, not a long stay. He predicted the pleasure of seeing the leaves change and gathering chestnuts along the roadside would be a passing fancy.

By 1947 almost all Rideout’s predictions had come true. Today, things have shifted a bit. Local Chambers have worked hard to promote business and staycations, but, as Rideout projected, the region still relies heavily on tourism, and yes, Mr. Rideout, there’ll probably never be a train chugging up Chattooga. That remains someone’s loco motive.

To learn more about Captain James E. Rideout’s history, read Ran Shaffner’s Heart of the Blue Ridge. For additional info, go to: highlandshistory.com or email highlandshistory@nctv.com.

86 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

H ISTORY

Making History Viable & Fun As far as we can tell from here at midApril, Cashiers Historical Society’s plans for a busy 2020 season remain in place.

Zachar y-Tolber t House should reopen in May.

L

ongevity and sustainability are two things that are often hard for non-profits to achieve, but Cashiers Historical Society is the very picture of success on both counts.

Now in their 24th year, this non-profit grows and flourishes. In a nutshell, their mission is dedicated to preserving the identity of Cashiers through recognition of its history in publications, awards and projects. In reality this organization blends the past and present seamlessly giving all a taste of where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going, and how interconnected all are.

Twenty-four years is quite a milestone, but the activities and fundraisers that form their cornerstone are so successful that they are celebrating their own milestones this year. The premier fundraiser, the always eagerly anticipated and well attended, Cashiers Designer Showhouse, is in its 23rd year. Their Founders Day Celebration in May celebrates its 17th anniversary this year. The Village Heritage Award and the Jane Wyatt Symposiums are 16 years strong, and the fun and fact filled Heritage Apple Day is celebrating 13 years.

How do they do it? Education and Events Coordinator and Site Manager Sandi Rogers says it’s the hard working corps of volunteers and supporters whose investments of time, resources and creativity, keep it meaningful, fun and relevant.

The annual Calendar of Events offers something for people of all ages and interests which is what sets them apart.

Take, for example, their Jan Wyatt Symposium, held June 18-19 this year, which will feature “A National Milestone with a Mountain View-100 years of Women’s Suffrage in North Carolina.”

Follow that with Fundangle Sunday on June 28, a day of front porch family fun and activities.

It also doesn’t hurt that their campus includes the Zachary-Tolbert House, a historical and architectural treasure, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and Civil War Trails, and the lovely surrounding grounds, gardens, outbuildings and trails.

by Mary Jane McCall

87 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

H ISTORY

88 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

H ISTORY

89 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

H ISTORY

90 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

LIFESTYLES & WELLNESS Pages 92-97

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Health’s Guardian

Highlands-Cashiers Hospital stands as a bulwark against the arrival of coronavirus on the Plateau.

I

Highlands-Cashiers Hospital stands as a bulwark against the arrival of the novel coronavirus on the Plateau.

n collaboration with other Western North Carolina hospitals, local municipalities, and the health department, HighlandsCashiers Hospital CEO Tom Neal assures Plateau residents that Highlands-Cashiers Hospital is prepared for their health needs during this unprecedented time.

“Even before a national emergency was declared, we had been hardening our plans to assure we were ready to meet the needs of our community,” says Neal. “As the name ‘novel’ implies, this is a new virus and the guidelines have evolved as we learned more about the spread and treatment. The lack of proven treatment and testing along with the limited resources have made this very challenging, and I am very thankful that our state, our local government, and the health department have done an excellent job taking the public health steps necessary to assure our safety.”

Like many local businesses, HighlandsCashiers Hospital has also felt the impact of COVID-19. First, the hospital cancelled elective procedures to assure that access to resources, like personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators and ICU 92 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

beds were available. Although PPE scarcity has not been experienced locally, it was a necessary action taken across the country to free up supplies due to the national shortage for hard hit communities, like New York City.

One of the first steps HighlandsCashiers Hospital took in preparation for COVID-19 was to increase screening.

Everyone coming to the hospital is now screened for risk factors. Universal masking is also being utilized, meaning everyone is wearing a mask when they cannot practice social distancing. If a patient is at risk, they are immediately placed in a private room where testing and treatment can be administered safely.

Neal notes that they have also worked hard to keep staff safe. This includes daily screening of all employees for risk factors with temperature checks prior to starting shifts, universal masking of all employees, patients and visitors, and hospital provided scrubs for front line staff in the Emergency Department.

Visitors to the hospital may also notice the addition of a tent to support an alternative

site for the ED. The tent is designed to assist hospital staff with prioritizing patients seeking treatment, what EDs call triage, and in supporting a surge of patients if the need should arise.

The hospital is also utilizing virtual medicine to support our community, allowing patients to see a doctor safely from their home. For more information on the Mission Virtual Clinic, visit missionhealth. org/virtual-clinic. The Virtual Clinic is open daily from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. “Our plans are to transfer patients requiring mechanical ventilators or with a diagnosis of COVID-19 to Mission Hospital,” says Neal. “This strategy ensures that we have access to adequate ventilators and ICU beds to support all of our patients’ needs.”

“I would like to express my appreciation to the community for their support,” says Neal. “The outpouring has been overwhelming. Whether it was a meal for our Emergency Department team, flowers, or a message left in chalk on the sidewalk, each of these gestures have been immeasurable in supporting our team.”

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

93 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

What’s Going On

W

hat do we do in times like this?

Covid-19/Coronavirus – what is this virus that is causing a pandemic? Why are we so ill-prepared for something that is affecting all of us, locally and globally? How do we stay safe while protecting our families and loved ones?

As a healthcare provider, I was also faced with what I felt were moral and ethical questions. I love what I do and the people that I care for, but am I doing the right thing by staying open and seeing patients who need me? Am I creating too much exposure, putting more at risk, including my staff?

As a business owner, if I had decided to close, would I be failing my employees by being forced to cut their pay that they depend on and adding them to the now millions of unemployed Americans? Would I end up having to close my doors due to Covid-19 as it rapidly decimated our country’s

94 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

population and that of other countries?

How could I rapidly gather the appropriate and CDC approved protection gear to keep everyone safe? Wow. I’m not sure how we got to three weeks later (as I write this), still operating and seeing patients using very strict protocols, but we are.

By doing so, we are enhancing the health of those who come in and easing pain that might otherwise reduce their immune response or take them to the ER, burdening that staff and equipment that may be needed for those at risk of covid, or even someone who has been diagnosed.

Our state board and our governor have both confirmed that we are essential and should remain open, helping as many as we can.

Still, I struggle each morning: should I continue to stay open and see patients? Can I get enough masks for my staff to protect them?

Still, my patients call and come in. This makes me realize that we are surrounded by a population of individuals that want to be healthy and feel good.

We already recognize that nature is a powerful force and when we care to look, think, feel and respond to these internal and external forces, we can learn a very important lesson.

Listen to what our bodies are telling us.

Please take care of your body and cherish the time we have on this earth, making the best of the community that we live in and the people that we share life with, near and far. This hits me every day like a lightning bolt: be the best that I can be; do the service that I signed up for as a doctor, friend, spouse, daughter, sister and person who struggles, grieves and celebrates just like everyone else.

by Dr. Sue Aery, Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

A

nxiety is wrestling with Un-Creative Tension in the mind.

Relax friends, we have not been here before. When the world we thought we could count on suddenly requires a whole new way of living, our previous expectations need to be reforged.

The recent weeks have been a record scratch, a “stop” when there was supposed to be a “go,” a hibernation when we were due for the popping forth of spring. The paradigm shift has come quickly, and I’m hopeful that resiliency is percolating in each of us.

In stressful times there are three common responses: overwhelm, underwhelm, and being proactive. Our tendency towards one means that we are human! Our body and mind reflect these response patterns. Knots in the muscles and knots in the mind are metaphorically the same. The opportunity here is for each of us is to ask ourselves, “Is this Creative Tension or Un-Creative

Balancing Tensions Tension?”. Is it overwhelm, underwhelm, or “just right” creative?

What might that un-creative tension in the body-mind look like: Inability to let go, shortening in the muscles, contraction, a posture collapsed forward, worry, stuckness, and disease.

This is a time to make a shift toward Creative Tension. Tension can be positive, activating, and strengthening of our wit. I have yet to see a client or any person in my world who is Tension-Free!

Tension is a necessity in the human body – it’s a building force. A body and mind in tensile balance is at peace. Let’s smooth out the knots: – Lengthen your body with practices such as Yoga.

– Make space for perspective, clean clutter around you and organize.

– Find solitude in nature and develop your relationship to silence.

– Take time to listen and to be heard by others.

– Bless your food, water, family, shelter and breath.

– Balance physical strength with fluid movement or dance.

Being actively involved in self-care can affect powerful change within you and in the new emerging world around you. Restorative practices like rest, laughter, movement in nature, medicinal herbs, devotional ritual, and sharing inspiration – whatever is the highest thought of the moment – will assist each of us in the transformation from uncreating to re-create.

by Ashby Underwood-Garner, LMBT, Yoga Highlands, Ashby Underwood works with clients 1:1 and teaches integrative health classes and retreats locally and abroad. She believes that a life well lived is one full of vitality to do what you love with whom you love. Reach out to her: ashby@yogahighlands.com

95 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

It’s Not Easy But Look Past the Market Selloff

96 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

T

hese are challenging times. Like everyone, you are concerned about keeping your family safe and healthy, and you’re doing your part to help protect your community from the effects of the coronavirus.

And if you’re an investor, you must also address your financial situation. How should you respond to the current market volatility and recent declines in investment prices?

For one thing, try to avoid what many others seem to be doing: panicking. The market selloff may feel unsettling, but it appears to be driven as much, or more, by fear and panic than by economic or financial reality.

Uncertainty is high, but there are reasons – solid, objective reasons – that provide more confidence in the longer-term outlook, suggesting that conditions still warrant an eventual rebound. U.S. unemployment entered this situation near a 50-year low, with solid wage growth. We will see a

temporary disruption to the labor market, of course, along with a decline in economic activity, but households entered this period in generally good shape.

Furthermore, housing market indicators were moving upward and the decline in mortgage rates could add more strength.

Also, the Federal Reserve’s recent interest rate cuts, taking short-term rates back near zero percent, will support the economic rebound as the impact of the virus containment efforts eventually fade.

In addition, while further volatility and the potential for further weakness will likely continue, the steep drops we’ve already seen indicate that the financial markets have “priced in” the likelihood of a short-term recession, which may mean that the worst of the stock market pain has already been endured, though, of course, there are no guarantees.

First, though, it seems likely that the investment world will finally calm down

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS only when the health situation shows signs of containment – and this will inevitably happen, despite the grim reports we are seeing these days.

As a country, we have the motivation, the will, the solidarity and the resources to defeat the coronavirus and its effects, despite the pain and trauma it is now undoubtedly causing.

So, back to our original question: What should you do? Here are a few suggestions: • Remember why you’re investing. Given the market decline, you may be tempted to change your investment strategy. But keep in mind that your financial goals, such as a comfortable retirement, are longer-term than the shelf life of the coronavirus. These goals, not today’s headlines, should guide your decisions.

• Re-evaluate your risk tolerance. The recent volatility provides a good test of your ability to weather short-term swings in your portfolio. If you’re having a hard time coping with these losses, your portfolio

may be positioned too aggressively for your risk tolerance. If so, you might want to adjust your portfolio mix to include more fixed-income securities, which can help provide more “downside” protection.

However, this would also affect your longterm growth potential.

• Look for buying opportunities. Stocks are now at their most compelling values in more than a decade – in other words, there are plenty of compelling investments out there. You can find many high-quality investments at very good prices, so you may want to consider taking advantage of the opportunity.

These are trying times for all of us. But as an investor, you’ll help yourself greatly if you keep the situation in perspective, take a longterm view, evaluate your own risk tolerance and be receptive to new possibilities.

Mary Beth Brody

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

97 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

SB E URS V I NI C EE SS

ACCOMMODATIONS

BEAUTY

CABINETRY

CLEANING

CLEANING

CONSTRUCTION

PRINTING

REAL ESTATE

ROOFING

98 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

SBEURS V I NI CE ES S

GIVING BACK Pages 100-105

99 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

GI V I NG BAC K

Adopt the

Pace of Nature

There’s a message in the Plateau’s stillness. Open your senses, it’s unmistakable.

R

alph Waldo Emerson advised that we should, “Adopt the pace of nature, her secret is patience.”

Over the past few weeks most of us have had no choice but to change our routine, our pace of life. For many of us, it is not easy being patient but when we are still, we can learn and grow in new ways.

We can begin to notice things that we may have taken for granted when we were… busy. We can focus on the things that truly matter to us. When we slow down, we are sometimes able to see more clearly the things we love the most and the things we do 100 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

not want to live without. For many of us, that short list includes the countless gifts that nature provides.

We all know that the Plateau is special for so many reasons, our many unique and wonderful amenities that all contribute tremendously to the character of our community.

However, right now so much of what we enjoy here is on hold. Yet, in the stillness, have you noticed something? Our natural treasures remain.

Indeed, nature stands by us. When we are still, we notice that while so many of the

things we have grown accustomed to have paused, we continue to have an abundance of natural treasures to enjoy on a daily basis – listening to the birdsong in our backyard, the sound of a bubbling stream, the beauty of wildflowers in bloom and an occasional bear.

When we are still, we realize that the gifts of nature not only bring us pleasure, they sustain us by providing clean air to breathe, clean water to drink and healthy habitat for all of us who live here.

During your stillness, if you discover that our natural treasures are on the top of your “don’t want to live without” list, we hope you

GI V I NG BAC K

For the Love of Horses The ordered, measured lives of the denizens of Carpe Diem Farms may have a lesson for us, especially in these uncer tain days.

T

will join us.

If you are able, please consider giving generously to our work so that we can continue to preserve what matters to you.

Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust is a nationally accredited 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that has been conserving our natural treasures on the Plateau for 111 years. Your support will make a lasting impact here and we need you now more than ever.

To learn more, visit hicashlt.org. Donations can be made online or mailed to HCLT, PO Box 1703, Highlands, NC 28741.

If you have any questions, please contact Julie at Julie.hitrust@ earthlink.net. Together, we continue to save the places we all love and need.

here is a definite rhythm to “Life on the Farm.” It doesn’t have many changes from day to day.

Honestly, it is very Zen-like, chop wood, carry water. As spring continues on the Plateau, trees bud, flower, leaf out, hummers, our mallard pair and our other migratory birds return, we observe and marvel at the gifts we are blessed to nurture.

It is the horses, our constant teachers, who define order.

Horses are creatures of habit and, once they have trained their humans to what they like, don’t like “it” changed. They have an internal clock that doesn’t change because humans mess with the clocks. They eat their prepared meals at 8:00 A.M., noon and 4:00.

When we “fall back” and “spring forward” they want to stay the same – no “falling” or “springing” for them. We accommodate them with small incremental time changes over a month or so. I do believe they know what we are doing, they accommodate us.

Speaking of food, as most everything about their day, they learn an order and insist it’s kept constant. Example: We always have hay in their stalls when they come in from the fields, no matter the time for their meals. If for some reason we have neglected our job they let us know in a big way by banging on their stall doors, trying to open the door with their nose or verbally “talking” to us in order to correct the errors of our ways.

They all have their own stall and they know where it is in the stables. They line up to come in and peel off into their appropriate stall on their own accord. There is order, a hierarchy they have determined, who enters first and who follows second through eighth, always the same.

Visitors marvel when witnessing their orderliness. Even some of our employees still shake their heads at their habits.

Carpe Diem Farms, an experiential educational foundation, is dedicated to “Exploring the human potential through equines.”

by Sue Blair, Carpe Diem Farms

by Julie Schott, Highland-Cashiers Land Trust

101 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

GI V I NG BAC K

M For No Hungry Pets The Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society’s free food pantr y relies upon the generosity of a caring community.

102 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

onty holds a very special place in our hearts because his adopting mom gave us the first donation in 2015 to create our free food pet pantry, which we call “Meals from Monty.” In the past five years, we have distributed approximately 75,000 pounds of free pet food to help families in times of hardship.

We need donations now more than ever to keep our Meals from Monty pet pantry stocked, because the need is greater than ever to help local families during the Covid-19 pandemic. We welcome food donations of any brand and type (dry kibble or canned food) for our pet pantry. You can bring donations to our shelter Monday through Friday, from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., but please call us first at (828) 743-5752 to let us know you’re coming. If purchasing online, you are welcome to have a food donation shipped to our physical address at: CHHS, 200 Gable Drive, Sapphire, NC 28774.

We also would be very thankful for financial donations of any amount to help

keep our shelter doors open during this difficult time. There are three ways to make a financial gift: 1. Online via our website chhumanesociety.org (look for the red “Donate” button on the top right of the home page); 2. Charge a donation to your credit card by calling us at (828) 743-5752 or; 3.

Send your check to our mailing address at CHHS, P.O. Box 638, Cashiers, NC 28717.

As long as we have donations to keep our pet pantry stocked, the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society (thanks to Monty and his amazing mom) will strive to help ensure that we have no hungry pets in our community.

If you need help, please call us. And if you can help us with a donation, we sure would appreciate it.

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.

GI V I NG BAC K

104 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

GI V I NG BAC K

105 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

BUSI NESS

Breathe Some Mountain Air

The Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s new Visitor’s Guide is a dazzling invitation to the year-round glories of life on the Plateau.

H

ighlands Chamber of Commerce celebrates all the residents, visitors, and businesses who saw us through recent times. Thank you for staying home and physically distancing, while socially networking via safe venues. Checking on neighbors, sharing supplies, and practicing excellent citizenship over a difficult stretch are qualities that elevate our community even more.

So when we are given the all clear, and you are ready for the Highlands, North Carolina experience, prepare to surrender, immerse, indulge, and savor.

Go to highlandschamber.org. Click on About. Drop down to Experience Guide.

There you’ll encounter Nature, Hiking, Rafting, Waterfalls, Forests, Dining/ Shopping, Resort/Spa Pampering, the Arts,

106 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

and 360 degrees of incomparable beauty . . . all of which are calling your name.

This Insider’s Guide to your journey through Southwestern North Carolina highlights everything from well-known destinations to some of the Plateau’s bestkept secrets.

The stage is set with Highlands history. From the glacial formation of the Appalachians to early indigenous societies to the Cherokee Trail of Tears to early European settlers to the legendary Sam Kelsey and C.C. Hutchinson, right up to current times, Highlands history is rife with wonderful characters and tall tales.

Winter’s wonderland offers skiing, tubing, ice-skating, and photo ops at every turn.

As spring bulbs and blossoms burst through forest floors, a thundering cascade

of melting snow shakes boulders at a waterfall’s base. Learn more about seasonal changes by visiting the Mountain Retreat and Learning Center and the Highlands Biological Station.

As weather warms, join hikers, canoers, photographers, sight-seers, anglers, and more as you surrender to the Nantahala’s mist and magic. After a day of hardy adventure, immerse yourself in a spa treatment or attend the theater, a Highlands Performing Art Center presentation.

Autumn never disappoints with its red, purple, and golden palette of leaves … and apples, a visual delight for eye … a tasty treat for the tongue.

Check it all out online, then check it out in person.

by Donna Rhodes

BUSI NESS

Support Small Business

D

The Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce is f ighting to keep Plateau businesses going. All of us have a role to play in this drama.

uring the Covid19 crisis, CashiersHighlands small businesses have made extraordinary efforts to ensure residents have access to limited supplies, meals and food, critical services and more, and to protect and provide for their staffs.

We at the Cashiers Area Chamber are working hard to help them meet immediate operation needs so they can successfully navigate the health crisis recovery. Stay-athome mandates categorized businesses as “essential” and “non-essential.”

But these distinctions don’t define the importance our Chamber recognizes of all small businesses. Their owners and workers are our friends, neighbors, parents, church members, civic leaders, charity volunteers and more. They drive our local economic

engine and every single one of them is essential to us.

The Chamber is filtering through digital information overload to provide focused and relevant information to our members.

The federal CARES Act provides $376 billion in relief, including the US Small Business Administration’s Payroll Protection Plan which forgives loans for retaining employees. Its Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance program offers up to $10,000 to businesses experiencing temporary loss of revenue.

The agency offers accelerated capital and operating funds up to $25,000 through Express Bridge Loans for businesses with an existing SBA relationship. And the SBA Debt Relief program provides “financial reprieve” to

small businesses during the pandemic.

There are also supplemental state and local government programs. And many charitable and faith-based organizations are working together to coordinate resources for small business families and employees.

We urge readers to now Support Small Business, whether you’re home on the Plateau or off the mountain. Think about the quality of life we enjoy because of the small business economy.

Take action and call your favorites and purchase a gift card, order curbside/ delivery, buy online, subscribe to classes, schedule a future service, or find other creative ways to support to these enterprises when they need it most.

by Stephanie Edwards, Cashiers Chamber of Commerce

107 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

P K N O WL E D G E. E E D

Unmatched Experience.

For more than 40 years, McKee Properties has helped shape Cashiers, North Carolina, setting the standard for the luxury mountain lifestyle so cherished today.

We would love to share our home with you.

CASHIERS.COM

|

828.743.3411

Photo by Charles Johnson WHITESIDE MOUNTAIN IN CASHIERS, NC

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

COLEEN GOTTLOEB Broker-In-Charge SANDY BARROW & JOHN BARROW Sales & Listing Team Broker Associates

PHILIP BRADLEY Broker Associate WAYNE MONDAY Broker Associate LOGAN CROCKER Broker Associate

PAUL COLLINS Broker Associate CLAY CANTLER Broker Associate & Assistant to Beth Townsend KARA ADDY Marketing Director

LO CATE D IN TH E H IS TO RI C M IN N IE C O LE H O US E

619 HWY 107 S

|

CASHIERS, NC 28717

|

828.743.3411

|

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

YELLOW MOUNTAIN

MLS# 85322 / $6,950,000

150 ACRES — Cashiers / Highlands finest estate opportunity minutes from Mountaintop Golf Club, Old Edwards Club, Cashiers and Highlands. Centrally located between Cashiers and Highlands in beautiful western North Carolina, Yellow Mountain Preserve boasts the highest elevation on the Cashiers-Highlands Plateau at 5,100 ft. and is a true legacy property. The 150 acre estate has roads and utilities in place for a low density estate development or can be enjoyed as a single family or shared family estate. The estate adjoins 12,000 acres of the Nantahala National Forest. A 26-acre gentleman’s farm site sits at 4,600 ft. and provides a peaceful 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains.

The 360 degree stunning panoramic views from there include Cashiers Valley, Whiteside Mountain, Lake Glenville, and Sapphire Valley. All the views and natural surroundings combined with electronic access through a stoned entry, a paved road, high speed internet access and full cell phone coverage makes Yellow Mountain Preserve an exceptional and unique piece of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

619 HWY 107 S 828.743.3411

|

|

CASHIERS, NC 28717

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB

MLS# 89365 / $2,250,000

4 BR / 4.5 BA — Located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, this home nestled in the woods offers ultimate privacy and peace. A beautiful covered bridge spans three rainy day streams and leads to the front door where one is greeted by the warmth and casual mountain sophistication this home exudes. The spacious great room with vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling dry stacked masonry fireplace, and walls of windows is both cozy and expansive. It flows beautifully onto the screened porch overlooking gorgeous views of Wade Hampton’s 2nd, 3rd and 4th golf holes and the mountains beyond. The porch offers vaulted ceilings with horizontal beam accents and a stacked stone fireplace. Just off the other

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

|

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

side of the great room is a lovely stone terrace garden surrounded by peaceful forest and native plantings. The elegant kitchen is the perfect size with appointments fit for a chef. Just off the kitchen sits the dining area that overlooks the golf course and the mountain views. Beautiful master bedroom and cozy den/library on the main level offers plenty of main level living space. The bright lower level features tall ceilings, great views from each bedroom and a charming family room perfect for a cozy evening indoors. A two car carport complete with storage and lovely perennial low-maintenance landscaping complete this perfect home package.

MOUNTAINTOP GOLF & LAKE CLUB 4 BR / 4.5 BA — A beautiful four bedroom four and a half bath home ready to be built for you! Brand new! Located in the prestigious Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club, this wonderful family home offers beautiful mountain views and walking distance proximity to the club’s activity center, croquet lawn, pickle ball courts, dog park, playground, disc golf and more! Interior finishes and styling will deliver the high end current look of the chic mountain home. Contact list agent for a complete list of specs, selections and finishes. Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club is a modern, private mountain retreat. It is nestled between the historic mountain towns of Highlands and Cashiers at an elevation of

MLS# TBD / $1,895,000 4,000 feet atop Carolina’s famed Blue Ridge Mountains. Mountaintop is a private mountain club offering an exceptional Tom Fazio golf course and a full range of amenities, experiences, and fun for the whole family from baby to great grandpa. Estate lots and homes and luxurious cabins and lodges spread amidst 731 acres of stunning natural beauty, ancient hardwood forests, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque lakes creating limitless outdoor recreation possibilities. Your family will create many of their happiest memories enjoying all that Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club has to offer.

619 HWY 107 S 828.743.3411

|

|

CASHIERS, NC 28717

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

BALD ROCK EQUESTRIAN COMMUNITY 3 BR / 3.5 BA — A handsome Equestrian estate located in The Divide at Bald Rock in a convenient location near the entrance to the community, and close to golfing, dining, and the beautiful mountain town of Cashiers. A mission style mountain lodge with approximately 4,745 heated sq. ft. nestles in 6.55 nearly level acres overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. Built in 2006 and featuring rough log beams, soaring T&G ceilings, stacked stone floor-to-ceiling fireplace and natural light encompass this modern, rustic home. A 3-stall custom, top-of-theline barn with pastures & arena, electrobraid fencing, unfinished guest space above the barn with roughed in plumbing and electric, elevation over

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

|

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

MLS# 90104 / $1,491,000

4,000 ft., a location adjoining National Forest with endless horseback riding and hiking trails, make this an outdoor and an equestrian lover’s paradise. Bald Rock is a premier equestrian community just 10 minutes from Cashiers, NC and 30 minutes from Highlands, NC. The community and property boarders Panthertown National Forest, providing endless trails for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. Discover some of natures finest enchanted forests, waterfalls, views, and rock outcroppings right outside your door.

HIGH HAMPTON

MLS# 92477 / $1,295,000

5 BR / 7 BA — Reminiscent of the good old days of High Hampton, this lovely family home is filled with charm, light, happiness and inviting mountain style. From the long private driveway to the casual entrance that opens to the vaulted great room and on to the expansive floor to ceiling windows that frame the gorgeous view, this home will draw you in for the perfect mountain home. The spacious open great room, dining room and sun room area easily finds room for the entire family and friends. Three large bedroom suites on the main level have excellent views of Chimneytop and Rock mountains and offer easy accommodations

without the hassle of steps. The loft area above the great room provides the perfect slumber party area for the kids with 4 sets of built in bunk beds. Another room on the main level provides space for an additional bedroom or a library/study complete with full bathroom. Two large guest suites downstairs are spacious and bright with beautiful mountain views.

An expansive deck spreads along the front of the home’s upper and lower levels and is accessed from each room by large sliding glass doors.

Also on the property is an adorable playhouse, tiny guest house, artist studio, or whatever one might want it to be.

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

|

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

O

RO

L

OLUME V R B LA 2017–2019

E

AR

OV

RT

CASHIER S, NC

S

KER

#1 D

Li z Ha rr is HE PAST 3 YE

DEEP KNOWLEDGE. UNMATCHED EXPERIENCE. I want to give a big, heartfelt “thank you” to all my clients!

Your confidence and trust in me — and your loyalty — has helped me consistently remain a top Broker on the Cashiers/ Highlands Plateau. I’m honored to be the #1 total dollar volume sales Broker in Cashiers over the past 3 years, from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019.* Additionally, I’m proud to be an owner and part of this exceptional real estate firm. McKee Properties has been a market leader for more than 40 years, and we hold the #1 position in the MLS for total dollar volume sales over the past decade.* Our team of professionals knows and sells Cashiers real estate better than anyone. If you or someone you know is considering buying or selling within the area, I’d be delighted to help.

Here’s to a successful future!

*reflects total dollar volume from 1/1/09 to 12/31/19 according to data from the Highlands-Cashiers Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service

LIZ HARRIS, BROKER / OWNER LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

|

|

C

828.342.3194

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

YELLOW MOUNTAIN / 151+ ACRES / MLS# 85322

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB

MLS# 92247 / $1,290,000

4 BR / 4 BA — This beautiful cottage’s design and finishes are current and elegant with all the spaces perfect for a mountain home.

The main level offers a large great room with soaring ceilings and floorto-ceiling stone masonry fireplace. A lovely dining area and kitchen are situated just off the great room with excellent entertaining flow to the great room and outdoor screened Carolina porch. The porch offers a floor-to-ceiling masonry stone fireplace and plenty of room for both a sitting area and dining area. The master bedroom suite on the main level also adjoins the covered Carolina porch and features vaulted ceiling and tall windows that fill the room with beautiful natural light. Another guest

bedroom and a den/office on the main level provide lovely spaces for guests to enjoy without accessing steps. Two generous sized guest suites and a large family room with kitchenette are located on the lower level.

The family room and the screened patio off the family room both offer floor-to-ceiling masonry stone fireplaces. Other features include powder room and laundry room on main level, additional bonus/storage space downstairs, and a two-car garage. This home is situated on a nearly level lot full of beautiful forest timbers, mosses, and ferns. It is an easy walk to Wade Hampton’s clubhouse and driving range.

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

|

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

SAPPHIRE SANCTUARY

MLS# 91238 / $1,200,000

63.13 ACRES — Stunning 63 acre property, bisected by Little Hogback Creek, is aptly named The Sanctuary. Enjoy beautiful mountain views while listening to the sound of rushing waters from the numerous small waterfalls located throughout the property. A picturesque cabin with kitchen and bath overlooks the creek. Adjacent to the cabin are several open-air bunk shelters and large decks. Also on the property are picnic pavilions, platforms and a large woodshed. Well maintained

SANDY BARROW & JOHN BARROW C

478.737.9664

|

C

828.506.9356

roads and trails allow easy access to different parts of the property.

Why drive to a state or national park when you can own one? Optional membership to the Sapphire Master Association available and would provide access to amenities such as tennis, golf, fitness facility and swimming. Property has several excellent building sites and is perfect for a family compound. Can also be subdivided. Portions of the property are in a conservation easement.

CULLASA JA CLUB

MLS# 93127 / $1,100,000

4 BR / 3 BA — This family home located in the beautiful Cullasaja Club boast stunning dramatic views of Whiteside Mountain. It’s floorto-ceiling window wall in the great room and hip architectural style give this home a bright charming treehouse vibe with just enough modern.

Located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac yet close to all of the amenities of Cullasaja Club, it’s location is very convenient yet private. The bright open great room, kitchen, and dining floor plan welcomes family and guests and flows out to a large deck and the home’s stunning Whiteside Mountain views. The master suite is on main level, two guest bedrooms

and bathroom are located upstairs and a 4th guest bedroom and bath located downstairs. The lower level also offers a family room with fireplace, covered decks and extra storage area or game room. Cullasaja Club features a wide variety of amenities including an Arnold Palmer golf course, an elegant clubhouse with several dining venues, an outdoor pool, a fitness center with a weight room, an aerobic room, a classroom, tennis courts a croquet lawn, a private fishing canoing lake and much more! Membership is available upon approval.

619 HWY 107 S 828.743.3411

|

|

CASHIERS, NC 28717

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB

MLS# 93093 / $1,100,000

3 BR / 3 BA — This lovely home is located in Cashiers, NC in the renowned Wade Hampton Golf Club. It occupies a nearly level lot with excellent views of Chimneytop Mountain, the Wade Hampton golf course, low maintenance perennial gardens, and a pretty stream that flows along the boundary. It’s location near the end of the cul-de-sac is private and provides opportunity for a beautiful near level walk along the golf course to the Wade Hampton clubhouse. The home offers convenient one-level living complete with open vaulted living, dining, and kitchen area looking out through large floor to ceiling windows

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

|

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

towards the view, 3 spacious bedroom suites and a family room/den/ office. A one car attached carport is located at the front providing covered entry into the home and a brand new roof is an added bonus!

The prestigious Wade Hampton Golf Club membership is available by invitation and offers one of the finest memberships and golfing experiences in the world.

CHATTOOGA CLUB

MLS# 92974 / $1,075,000

3 BR / 3 BA — This adorable Tudor style cottage is located in the beautiful Chattooga Club in Cashiers NC. It offers 3 spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, lovely clean finishes and selections throughout, a built in wet bar off the great room, stone fireplace in the living room, and a large covered Carolina porch with stone fireplace and plenty of room for outdoor sitting and dining, It’s nearly new condition makes it an excellent option for those looking for new and low maintenance.

For generations, families have escaped to The Chattooga Club’s pristine acreage for an upscale, intimate retreat. Here, a commitment to culinary

excellence and emphasis on everyday wellness combine to create a place where families can relax, renew, reconnect — and always return.

The beautiful Chattooga Club offers an array of amenities including a clubhouse with indoor and outdoor seating, bar, suites for guests, spa and fitness center, pool with covered seating area, bar and food service, a grill out and picnic pavilion, a beautiful lake for fishing, and canoing, an attended gated entrance and more! Club amenities are available to members and membership is by invitation.

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

|

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

LEAWOOD

MLS# 91234 / $945,000

4 BR / 4.5 BA — This majestic mountain home is built to impress with a rare sunset facing view over Lake Glenville. Two outdoor living porches are screened and offer additional space for entertaining. The master bedroom on the main level offers privacy and its own screened porch. Fantastic kitchen big enough for all the chefs in the house.

SAPPHIRE

MLS# 93201 / $858,000

4.5 ACRES — A serenity estate like no other! Privately tucked

away on 4.5 acres at 3,100 ft. elevation off Whitewater Falls Road in the community of Sapphire, NC. Situated between Gorges State Park and Whitewater Falls. Cascading waterfalls and mountain views are only two of the tranquil features of this mountain getaway.

JUST REDUCED

HIGHLANDS COVE

MLS# 92522 / $485,000

3 BR / 3 BA — This end unit, ground floor, condo has been

meticulously taken care of over the years. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout the living space and high end wall to wall carpet in the bedrooms. The kitchen offers a breakfast table area, a wet bar and kitchen island. The screen porch is spacious enough for all of your outdoor entertaining.

PHILIP BRADLEY “Philip was excellent with keeping me up to date with showings, feedback and suggestions — especially being over 500 miles away!

Truly could not have sold it without him!”

– MARY / BATON ROUGE, LA

“Philip stayed in touch, provided great counsel on negotiating our offer, and saw the entire process through to completion.

We highly recommend him if you are looking to buy or sell in the Highlands-Cashiers area.”

– ED & TRACEY / JASPER, GA

PHILIP PHILIP BRADLEY BRADLEY| |PHILIP@CASHIERS.COM PHILIP@CASHIERS.COM MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM | |MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

C 843.224.5592 C 843.224.5592

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB

MLS# 92836 / $699,000

3 BR / 3 BA — Perfect size, low maintenance, one-level living allows you to enjoy this mountain retreat while taking in the area amenities. This home features a great room with vaulted ceilings, wood flooring and a stone fireplace. Open kitchen with breakfast bar, open

deck for relaxing and enjoying the cool summer breezes. Split bedroom plan with master suite by itself and two additional bedroom suites. This home is located inside the gates of the award-winning Wade Hampton Golf Club.

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

|

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

WILDWOOD MOUNTAIN

MLS# 92626 / $599,900

3 BR / 3 BA — Curb appeal abounds as you drive into the paved, circular driveway of this charming home. Spacious great room with floor to ceiling windows and stone fireplace. Well equipped kitchen, light-filled bonus room, and an inviting outdoor deck that overlooks the expansive, well-landscaped grounds.

EMERALD COVE CONDO

MLS# 93065 / $177,000

3 BR / 2.5 BA — Enjoy year-round mountain views from this furnished, well-

maintained condominium at Emerald Cove. Light-filled great room with fireplace opens onto spacious deck overlooking wooded area w/mountains beyond. Master suite has private deck, walk-in closet and large bath with jetted tub and shower.

SANDY BARROW & JOHN BARROW C

478.737.9664

|

C

828.506.9356

LOTS & LAND MOUNTAINTOP GOLF CLUB

MLS# 89580 / $675,000

MOUNTAINTOP GOLF CLUB

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB

MLS# 90630 / $475,000

MOUNTAINTOP GOLF CLUB

CROSS CREEK PRESERVE

MLS# 91728 / $250,000

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB

MLS# 91289 / $225,000

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB

MLS# 91592 / $195,000

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB

MLS# 90109 / $125,000

MLS# 89860 / $615,000

MLS# 90107 / $475,000 MLS# 90106 / $395,000

LIZ HARRIS, GUILDâ„¢ C

828.342.3194

|

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

A #1 S

VOLUME B 2020

R

OK

S LE

Beth & Roxanne, photographed at a private home in Wade Hampton Golf Club

THE

DE

CASHIERS, NC

FO

R

ER

Beth Townsend C PAST DE

A

TIME FLIES WHEN YOU’RE DOING WHAT YOU LOVE, WHERE YOU LOVE TO BE. My commitment to real estate buyers and sellers this past decade landed me in the position of #1 sales volume Broker in Cashiers.* Additionally, within our MLS, McKee Properties was the #1 office in total dollar volume sales during the past 10 years.* I’m optimistic about 2020, which marks my 27th year as a real estate professional in Cashiers! If you or someone you know is considering selling property or purchasing within the area, I would love to help.

© DICK © DICKINSON DICK DICKINSON

Here’s to another successful decade!

*reflects total dollar volume from 1/1/09 to 12/31/19 according to data from the Highlands-Cashiers Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service

During 2019, Beth Townsend represented the buyer and/or seller on the property with THE HIGHEST CLOSING PRICE in these communities: BIG SHEEPCLIFF

CEDAR HILL

CEDAR RIDGE ESTATES

LAKE GLENVILLE

(buyer)

(buyer & seller)

(buyer)

(buyer & seller)

$2.03 million

$2.8 million

$870,000

$6.5 million

BETH TOWNSEND, GUILD™ 828.421.6193

|

BETH@CASHIERS.COM

|

BROKER / OWNER

|

CASHIERS.COM

A beautifully amenitized, low-density community in

the cool mountains of

Cashiers-Highlands, North Carolina EXPERIENCE C ASUAL MOUNTAIN LUXURY.

SilverRunReserve.com

S I LV E R R U N R E S E RV E MOUNTAIN MODERN COT TAGE $1,400,000

|

4 BR / 4.5 BA

A Meyer-Greeson-Paulin Benson designed home with 3,010 heated sq. ft. and ~650 sq. ft. of screened porch, featuring a floor plan with two master bedrooms on the main floor and two additional bedrooms on the second floor.

LIZ HARRIS, GUILDâ„¢ C

828.342.3194

|

|

BROKER / OWNER

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

AADDVVEERRTTIISSEERR’’SS IINNDDEEXX 4118 Kitchen and Bar Appalachian Golf Cars Around Back at Rocky’s Place The Bascom Bella Cotn Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Betsy Paul Art Raffle Betsy Paul Properties Black Bear Lodge Black Rock Granite and Cabinetry The Blue Elephant Blue Ridge Music The Book Nook Caliber Properties Cashiers Chamber of Commerce Cashiers Valley Fusion Center for Plastic Surgery Robert T. Buchanan, MD Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals Charles Johnson Fine Art Photography Chocolate Heaven/Cake Bar Country Club Properties Creative Concepts Crown Heritage Flowers LLC Cullasaja Club Dauntless Printing Diane C McPhail Dillard Jones Edward Jones Investments Fire + Water Fire Mountain Inn & Cabins Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar Four Seasons Landscaping Fressers Courtyard Cafe Dr. Edward D. Frederickson MD FACP GlenCove Green River Botanicals The Greystone Inn High Country Furniture & Design Highlands Chamber of Commerce Highlands-Cashiers Hospital Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival Highlands Pharmacy Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty - Andrea Gabbard

appalachiangolfcars.com aroundbackatrockysplace.com thebascom.org bellacotn.com meadowsmountainrealty.com betsypaulproperties.com blackbearlodgeofsapphire.com blackrockgraniteandcabinetry.com blueridgemusicacademy.com

P 53 P 85 P 45 P 46 P 47 P 82 P 106 P 131 P 63 P 63, 98 P 41 P 85 P 68 P 24-25

cashiersareachamber.com cashiersvalleyfusion.com

P 97 P 94

plasticsurgerytoday.com

P 94

highlandsiscalling.com

P 98

charlesjohnsonfineart.com ccphighlandsnc.com cullasajaclub.org dauntlessprinting.com dillardjones.com edwardjones.com firemt.com firemt.com fsl-wnc.com wecaterhighlands.com glencovelifestyle.com greenriverbotanicals.com thegreystoneinn.com

P 40 P 52 P2 P 98 P 95 P 64 P 98, 103 P 43 P 32-33 P 96 P 16 P 16 P 59 P 61 P 53 P 96 P 23 P 102 P4

highcountry.com

P 86

highlandschamber.org

P9 P 93

h-cmusicfestival.org

P 48, 97 P 56

sothebysrealty.com

P 105

128 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty - Jody Lovell Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty - Bert Mobley Highlands Transportation Company Hotel Cashiers Jack’s Upholstery Jennings Builders Supply Jenny Mixon John Cleaveland Realty Lakeside Restaurant Landmark Realty Group Landmark Realty Group - Pam Nellis Landmark Vacation Rentals Leslie Jeffery The Look Boutique Lupoli Construction Madison’s Restaurant & Wine Garden Main Street Nursery Martha Anne’s Martin Lispcomb Performing Arts Center Mase Lucas McCulley’s McKee Properties McKee Properties - John and Sandy Barrow McKee Properties - Philip Bradley McKee Properties - Liz Harris McKee Properties - Beth Townsend Meritage Bistro Mountainworks Design Mountain Spring Spas and Pools Nearly New Old Edwards Inn & Spa On the Verandah Pat Calderone Peak Experience Pebble Creek Village ProClean Services Reach of Macon County Ristorante Paoletti Roman’s Roofing LLC Rusticks Sapphire Valley Real Estate Sashay Around Silver Creek Real Estate Group

sothebysrealty.com highlandssir.com hotelcashiers.com jbwnc.com jennymixon.com jcrealty.com landmarkrg.com landmarkrg.com landmarkvacations.com lupoliconstruction.com

P 81 P5 P 102 P 15 P 107 P 87 P 18 P 61 P 57 P 88-89 P 98 P 88-89 P 42 P 21 P 103 P 31 P 129 P 69

highlandspac.org mckeeproperties.com

P 44 P 43 P3 P 30, 108-127

mckeeproperties.com

P 117, 123

mckeeproperties.com mckeeproperties.com

P 121 P 110-116, 118-120, 122, 124, 126-127

mckeeproperties.com meritagehighlands.com mtnworks.com

P 125 P4 P 26

mountainhotspring.com nearlynewnc.com oldedwardsinn.com ontheverandah.com calderonegallery.com peakexp.com pebble-creek.com procleanserves.com reachofmaconcounty.org paolettis.com romansroofingnc.com rusticks.com sapphirevalleyrealestate.com ncliving.com

P 16 P 28 P 31 P 54 P 42 P 15 P 40 P 98 P 41 P 56 P 98 P 80 P 104 P 69 P 10-11

AADDVVEERRTTIISSEERR’’SS IINNDDEEXX Skweeky Kleen Cleaning Services Srebalus Construction Co. Stork’s Wrap, Pack & Ship The Summer House T Fitness TJ Bailey for Men Tom’s Golf Tours Town & CountryGeneral Store The Ugly Dog Pub - Highlands The Ugly Dog Pub - Cashiers VC for Men Victoria’s Closet Victoria’s Sportswear The Village Green Village Hound Vivianne Metzger Antiques Warth Construction WHLC FM 104.5 Wilbanks Smile Center Dr. Joe Wilbanks Wit’s End Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro Yoga of Highlands The Zookeeper Bistro

` srebalusconstruction.com summerhousehighlands.com tjbmens.com tomsgolftours.com tandcgeneralstore.com theuglydogpub.com theuglydogpub.com victoriasclosetnc.com victoriasclosetnc.com victoriasclosetnc.com villagegreencashiersnc.com vmantiques.com warthconstruction.com whlc.com

P 98 P 98 P 17 P 12 P 58 P 34 P 74 P 27 P 55 P 55 P 28 P 28 P 28 P 130 P 19 P 80 P 132 P 17

wilbankssmilecenter.com

P 90 P 29

wolfgangs.net yogahighlands.com thezookeeperbistro.com

P5 P 95 P 57

129 M AY 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M