October 2015

LAUREL THELAURELMAGAZINE.COM

YOUR GUIDE TO HIGHLANDS AND CASHIERS | OCTOBER 2015

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Publisher’s Note

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all in the mountains. Days on the lake give way to nights by the fire. Flip flops and sarongs get traded for boots and scarves. The lush blooms of summer fade into a blaze of fiery color across the mountainside. While we at the Laurel believe every season here is beautiful, we’d be lying if we said we didn’t have a favorite – this one. We are so excited to share it with you and always, thank you for making the Laurel a part of your every day.

With love, Janet and Marjorie

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Take The Mountains With You.

Terry Barnes Fine Art Photography prints | commissions tbarnesphotography.photoshelter.com | 1974titan@gmail.com

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Inside The Laurel • October 2015 Events 18 • Friday Night Live 20 • Center for Life Enrichment 22 • Garden Talk Salon 24 • Bolivian Mission Fundraiser 26 • Highlands Biological Station 28 • Cover Story: Highlands Fright Night 29 • Goblins on the Green 33 • Chocolate Fantasy 34 • Fall Festival 36 • Highlands on the Half-Shell 37 • Leaf Festival 38 • Rotary Bingo 39 • Highlands Own Craft Show 40 • Empty Bowls Project 42 • Lisa Kelechava Ornament Signing 44 • Acorns Boutique Trunk Show 46 • Oktoberfest at Old Edwards 48 • Hard Candy Christmas

The Arts Continued

Mountain Wedding

72 • Highlands PAC 74 • Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music

112 • It’s All About the Details

Homes & Lifestyles 124 • Mountain Dream 126 • The Garden of Eatin’ 127 • Taxes on Dividends 128 • Chiro-practical 130 • Gaining Hormonal Balance 131 • Travel 132 • Our Lady of the Mountains

Dining 78 • Meritage Bistro 80 • Roasted Butternut Squash Soup 82 • Highlands Culinary Weekend 83 • Evenings at Lakeside 84 • Fresh From Nawlins 86 • Just One More Glass

Giving Back

Venture Out

140 • Volunteer Spotlight, Christy Weller 141 • Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society 142 • Highlands Rotary 143 • Carpe Diem Farms 144 • Big Brothers Big Sisters 145 • Friends for Life 146 • Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust 148 • Literacy Council of Highlands 149 • Hudson Library 150 • Peggy Crosby Center Spotlight 151 • NAMI 152 • Quilts of Valor 153 • Burlingame Gives Back

92 • The Yellow Mountain Trail 93 • Best Month For Fishing 94 • Mum’s the Word 96 • Belted Kingfisher 97 • Golf Talk 98 • Critter Corner 100 • Ticking Away 102 • Falls Spectacle of Birds 103 • B.E.A.R.S

The Arts 60 • The Art of KT Cochran 62 • Plateau Gallery News 64 • Fall Colors Art Show 65 • The Bascom’s Artist in Residence 66 • Highlands Playhouse 68 • The Cutting Edge 70 • Highlands-Cashiers Players

History 104 • Highlands History 106 • Cashiers History

Business Spotlight | 154

49 • Calendar | 52 • Highlands Map | 54 • Cashiers Map | 88 • Dining Guide | 136 • Service Directory | 222 • Advertiser’s Index

Making It Happen

Janet Cummings, Managing Partner

Marjorie Christiansen, Managing Partner

Michelle Munger, Art Director

Sam Cummings, Account Rep

janet@thelaurelmagazine.com

marjorie@thelaurelmagazine.com

mungerclan5@aol.com

sam@thelaurelmagazine.com

Donna Rhodes, Writer

donna847@frontier.com

Wiley Sloan, Writer

wileyandsarah@nctv.com

Luke Osteen, Writer

Jenny King, Writer

Thomas Cummings, Distribution Manager

dumbdogs@earthlink.net

jettking@gmail.com

jothcu@yahoo.com

Contributing Writers: Alex Foltz, Jane Gibson Nardy, Gary Wein, Kathy Bub, Mary Adair Leslie, Sue Blair, Dr. Anastasia Halldin, David Stroud, Curt Christiansen, Tonya Hensley, Michelle S. Ruigrok, Bonnie Dayton, Donita Cline, Debbie Lassiter and Jeannie Chambers.

Copyright © 2015 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.

Volume Fourteen • Issue Nine • www.thelaurelmagazine.com • 828-526-0173 • editorial@thelaurelmagazine.com • P.O. Box 565 • Highlands, NC 28741

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Favorite Fall View

by Jenny King | Photo by Charles Johnson The Highlands Plateau offers a plethora of perfect sites for sights, from The Well-Trod Trail to Far From the Madding Crowd.

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t’s Leaf Season on the plateau. Do you have an annual spot you just have to visit?

We all know about the Overlook where, if you’re lucky, you can see the Bear Shadow. But there are others that can be a lot less crowded.

Like the Cliffside Vista Trail. This 1.5-mile trail is located at the Cliffside Lake Recreation Area off Highway 64 West in Highlands, where the trail map is posted on the kiosk. It features a superb view from a gazebo built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Also in the Highlands area is the Chestnut Mountain Overlook. This is an area not many people have found, so please be mindful of the moss and ecosystem around the rock face. You’ll be rewarded with incredible long-range views looking south and east. To get there, head east on Main Street and continue down Horse Cove Road. Take Bull Pen Road and turn right after one mile onto Glades Road. There is a large parking

area and the trail leads to the right.

With the cooler weather, you may be inclined to take a strenuous all-day hike. If that’s the case, you won’t find a better view than atop Yellow Mountain. At 5,127 feet, Yellow Mountain is one of the highest mountains in the Highlands Ranger District. The trail takes you to the top, where you’ll enjoy a 360-degree view from the fire tower. It hosts a variety of flora and fauna but is difficult and not appropriate for beginners. Take Buck Creek Road for 2.3 miles and the trail will be on your right.

Please use common sense when hiking. Don’t go it alone. Let others know your destination and when you’ll be home. Take food and water and expect inclement weather. When you get back, let us know which is your favorite spot by visiting our Facebook page at facebook.com/ TheLaurelMagazine.

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Cullasaja - Full Page

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Cool Air, Hot Music EVENTS

by Mary Jane McCall

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Crisp October evenings are even more magical with Highlands’ Friday Night Live concerts, 6:00 P.M. Fridays at Town Square.

ive music continues through October at The Friday Night Live concert series, held every Friday night during the summer and fall seasons. Shows are at Town Square and start at 6:00 P.M. These free events have been well-attended this season by residents and visitors alike, who enjoy the wide array of music. Bands vary from week to week, but many make more than one appearance so they’ve become local favorites.

This month, enjoy the sounds of returning favorites Southern Highlands on October 2. The Johnny Webb Band returns on October 9. Front man Johnny Webb was born and raised in Highlands, so he enjoys a large audience here. They play country favorites and feature the sounds of a steel guitar.

Mountain Dulcimer Club takes the stage on October 16. Their performances of traditional and contemporary music written and arranged for the Appalachian Mountain dulcimer are always a

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crowd favorite.

The acoustic Macon Grass Band winds up the season on October 23, playing a bit of everything from bluegrass and folk to country and country rock. There will not be a show on Friday, October 30, as the town prepares for its annual downtown Halloween celebration to be held on October 31.

October is an especially fun time to enjoy these shows. The cool, fall air has a bit of a nip to it and darkness falls a bit earlier, so you can wrap up in a warm sweater and enjoy music as dusk surrounds you.

It’s also a great time to enjoy the shops and restaurants of downtown Highlands, which stay open later on Friday nights.

Downtown Highlands is a magical place on these fall evenings.

For more information about Friday Nights Live, please contact the Highlands Chamber of Commerce, who proudly sponsor these concerts for the enjoyment of all. Their phone number is (828) 526-2112.

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Fall Into Step with CLE EVENTS

Contributed by Bonnie Dayton The Center for Life Enrichment fall class schedule offers a glimpse into the mysteries of the Autumnal Leaf Show, a celebration of cherished Appalachian techniques and traditions, and an exploration of the glories of the iPad. For information, call (828) 526-8811 or visit clehighlands.com

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all is one of the best times of the year to be in Highlands and Cashiers, and October is a great month to be involved in the Center for Life Enrichment.

If you’re looking to understand the brilliant show of red, yellow, and orange hues that nature puts on every autumn, join “Fall Foliage Forecaster” Howard Neufeld as he explains how and why the diversity of the Southern Appalachian forests creates this splendor of color. Neufeld, a plant physiology professor at Appalachian State University, will take participants on a short walk to admire a number of trees and shrubs. Participants will compare and contrast the foliage colors and understand why they vary. After attending “Appreciating Fall Foliage Color: Where Science Meets Art Meets Economics,” you’ll be able to impress friends and family with your leaf knowledge as they “ooh” and “aah” over the fall colors!

To further enjoy this beautiful time of year in the mountains, take a day trip to John C. Campbell Folk School, an amazing facility

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dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of the Appalachian region through concerts, dances, presentations, and classes. After admiring the work of local artists, participants will get to shop for handmade treasures in the Folk School Gift Shop and enjoy lunch at The Copper Door in Hayesville, North Carolina.

Basic and Advanced iPad classes are available with Nigel, as well as his new class that covers the new features in both OS X El Capitan and iOS for iPhones and iPads that will make all Apple devices easier and more productive to use. Learn about the new Split Screen system that allows you to use two apps at the same time on the same screen!

We have an exciting 2016 season planned, so please take time to renew your membership. For membership or class information, please call (828) 526-8811, visit clehighlands.com, or stop by our office located in the lower level of the Peggy Crosby Center at 348 South Fifth Street in Highlands.

EVENTS

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EVENTS

Specialty Fire Areas The outdoors becomes an even more attractive party setting with the clear days and crisp nights of October.

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all is upon us! Welcome the colors of autumn with outdoor events at your home.

Never has there been a better time to create an outdoor setting for communal warmth. Be it fireplace, fire pit or ring, study with the masters.

Learn how to design an outdoor kitchen and enjoy with a field trip to study several high into the mountains and into sheltered woodlands.

Learn the secrets to designing and implementing specialty fire areas for success the first time!

Al fresco dinner parties gathered around the outdoor fireplace.

Children toasting marshmallows over a small fire pit. Grilling pavilions for larger parties or smaller pizza oven gatherings provide group activities while creating your own signature piece right in front of the oven.

Do these sound enticing enough to encourage outside events as the weather changes?

Join us at 10:00 A.M. Friday, October 23, for this two- hour workshop.

The fee is $100. Please contact Mary Palmer Dargan (828) 743-0307 to register. Dovecote is located on Highway 107 S, right next to Cornucopia Restaurant at 35 Flash Point Drive in Cashiers. The event is sponsored by Dargan Landscape Architects.

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No-Fem Pageant EVENTS

by Wiley Sloan Dr. John Baumrucker’s Bolivian Mission draws upon the support of the entire Highlands community – for proof, witness the astonishing contestants of the Missed Highlands All-Male Beauty Pageant, 8:00 P.M. Monday, October 12, at Highlands Playhouse.

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or more than 18 years Dr. John Baumrucker, his wife Joanna, and their many friends have been supporting the folks in Montero, Bolivia.

In addition to improving the medical care of the area, the mission has also built and supported a foster home for young boys from ages four to 18. They have taught homebuilding and reached out to prisoners who need to hear the word of God. They’ve recruited their friends and fellow medical professionals to help in this heart-filled ministry, too.

Throughout the years a key supporter has been Highlands United Methodist Church, but they have been joined by people throughout the Highlands community. Several years ago a team of people from the First Presbyterian Church of Highlands began building water systems in Bolivia.

Mission work is expensive, so Dr. John has had to be very creative in finding funding sources for all of their mission work. Much to the consternation of many of his male friends, one of Dr. J’s ideas to raise funds was the Missed Highlands All-Male Beauty Pageant.

Since its inaugural event in 2005, many guys in Highlands have shelved their pride “for the good of the mission.” Patterned loosely

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like other pageants, there is a talent section and an evening gown competition. Some of these gentlemen are very creative. There are some real beauties on that stage. Of course, there is much laughter too, as the guys try to overcome their uncomfortableness while walking in heels. From the beauties in the evening gown competition, to the talent competition and then the “at home attire,” you never know what will happen on stage.

The beauties will fill the stage of the Highlands Playhouse on Oak Street on Monday night, October 12. The performance begins at 8:00 P.M. Come enjoy a glass of wine before the show begins. The Wine bar sponsored by Bryson’s Food Store opens at 7:00 P.M. Tickets are $100 each (fully tax deductible). Call (828) 526-3605 for ticket information or send your check for tickets to the address below.

If you can’t attend the Pageant but want to support the Bolivian Mission, please mail your contributions to Highlands Bolivian Mission, 209 Hospital Drive, Suite 304, Highlands, NC 28741.

The mission is also collecting band instruments. If you have band instruments that you will donate, please call Les Scott at Highlands United Methodist Church at (828) 526-3376.

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Annual Fall Clean-Up Contributed by Sonya Carpenter | Photo by Jason Butler Take a break – leave that leaf litter! There’s gold in that humble pile of composting material.

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s we all know, October is the time of year for beautiful leaves, warm sweaters, and yard work.

What you may not realize is that some of that “yard mess” is very beneficial for many of the other organisms that also share your yard. For example, black-eyed susans, purple coneflowers, coreopsis, cosmos, zinnias, sunflowers, and native grasses are excellent plants to leave in your garden after the blooms fade. The seed heads of these plants and many other native species are a wonderful food source for songbirds. No need to get out your pruning shears!

Similarly, you may want to reconsider the chore of raking up leaves or getting out the leaf blower to keep the yard looking clean. Leaving your fallen leaves in situ or spreading them in your existing flowerbeds could be a good alternative. Leaf litter is a source of shelter for many organisms throughout the winter.

Our native bumblebee queens and beloved salamanders rely on leaf debris to survive the cold winters. This leaf litter and coarse woody debris (fallen branches) provides warmth, insulation, and food for the salamanders.

Leaf litter is also a great ingredient for many compost piles.

When composted, leaf litter makes

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excellent garden soil for the next growing season because of its high nitrogen content and its ability to increase soil water retention by up to fifty percent without using any toxic chemicals or inorganic soil additives. This also makes any yard more salamander friendly. The Appalachians are home to 11 percent (76) of the world’s 671 salamander species, making it an extraordinary salamander biodiversity hotspot. What’s more, nearly half of these species are found nowhere else on earth. Many of our salamanders breathe through their skin, making them very sensitive to chemicals in the environment.

So instead of working day after day to rake up or blow away all of those leaves and fallen twigs, or cut back all of your perennials that have gone to seed, why not “leaf” them this year, and spend your free time learning more about this beautiful environment at the Highlands Biological Station, which fosters research and education focused on the southern Appalachian environment. At the Station, we believe that the best way to learn is to experience, so stop by the Nature Center to learn more about our local salamanders or take a walk in the Botanical Garden to see our native plants in their autumn splendor. For more information, visit highlandsbiological.org.

EVENTS

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EVENTS

Highlands’ Fright Night COVER STORY

by Mary Jane McCall | Cover Painting by Janet Cummings There’s nothing (really) scary about Highlands’ Downtown Trick or Treat 6:00 P.M. Saturday, October 31.

Now with 30 percent fewer zombie “incidents.”

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ctober is a favorite time here in Highlands. The leaves are vibrant, the apples are crisp, and the sky is an even more vibrant shade of that famed Carolina blue.

When the month is said and done we go all out and send it out in style with Downtown Trick or Treat, our safe, fun-filled, family friendly celebration of Halloween. This annual event, sponsored by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce, will be held on Saturday, October 31, at 6:00 P.M. and offers fun for everyone, from the smallest busy bee being pushed in a stroller to the scariest monster.

This strolling parade of the scary and not-so-scary brings out kids of all ages and more than a few pets in their scariest, cutest, or most creative costumes to collect a treasure trove of goodies. Expect to see zombies, skeletons, witches, pirates, brides, ghosts, princesses, Minions, super heroes, and more than one clever take on the pop culture icons of the day.

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Local businesses distribute candy to revelers and you’ll find that many embrace the spirit of the evening with decorated storefronts and more than a few clever costumes. This evening is truly fun for everyone, young and old. Even those without children will enjoy strolling and people-watching.

As in years past there will be classic Halloween-themed music at Town Square, hot dogs served by the Highlands Mountaintop Rotary Club, and hot chocolate and cider for all. There is no charge for your hot dog dinner, but donations are appreciated.

What’s for dessert? Candy, of course! It all adds up to an unforgettable evening of family fun filled with sweet treats, clever costumes, and memories to be made and shared. Don’t miss this annual event!

Please remember that in order to keep the streets safe for all the trick or treaters, Main Street will close at 5:30 P.M. that day.

Frightfully Fun Time EVENTS

Contributed by Ann Self

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ooking for a frightfully fun time for the entire family to celebrate Halloween?

Come be a part of Goblins In the Green. Dress up in your favorite silly or scary costume for the third annual Cashiers tradition, 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, October 23, at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road.

This year’s event features loads of activities for kids and fun for the entire family. Count on spooky surprises and special treats!

One of the highlights of the evening will be a costume contest at 7:30 P.M. Prizes will be awarded to the best boy and girl costume as well as the best owner and pet coordinating costume.

Local businesses and organizations in Cashiers are helping The Village Green and the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department to provide a ghoulishly good time for the community.

Cashiers’ Goblins In the Green celebration is all treat and no trick. Everyone is invited to gather at The Village Green Commons at 6:00 P.M. Friday, October 23, for a joyful, slightly spooky, party.

“Bring your trick or treat bag and a camera,” says Ann Self, Executive Director of The Village Green.

The Village Green is a 12.5 acre park extending from the crossroads of Highway 64 and Highway 107 to Frank Allen Road in Cashiers. The Village Green hosts thousands of visitors and more than 100 events each year.

What many people don’t realize is that this park is unique because it’s privately conserved and operated by a nonprofit organization. The Village Green receives no government support. Every contribution is valuable toward not only maintaining the park but making events like Goblins In the Green possible for residents and guests in the area to experience.

For more information, visit villagegreencashiersnc.com.

You can also “Like” TheVillage Green on Facebook, or follow on Twitter @ cashiersgreen.

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EVENTS

Pictured Left to Right: Ann Marie Crowe, Jessica Tilson, and Kirstyn Lamb

In the Punkin’ Patch

by Wiley Sloan Highlands United Methodist Church delivers a bounty of autumn harvests with its Pumpkin Festival, 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Saturday, October 3.

There’ll be contests, activities for kids, lots of food and a complete pumpkin patch, right on Main Street.

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ighlands United Methodist Church’s Main Street lawn will be transformed into a classic fall pumpkin patch as it stages its Pumpkin Festival, 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Saturday, October 3.

There’ll be a pumpkin decorating contest, face painting, and a pumpkin carving contest.

And, of course, pumpkins for sale – lots and lots of pumpkins in all sorts of shapes and sizes. “Picking up a punkin’” from the HUMC patch has become something of a Highlands tradition. Prices start as low as $1 for a diminutive Pumpkin Patch Baby. All pumpkin purchasers will receive a buy-one-get-one coupon from Kilwins.

You can also pre-order your pumpkins and buy “in bulk.” Just call the Church Office at (828) 526-3376 or e-mail

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humcjennifer@gmail.com.

Naturally, all of that activity on a brisk October Saturday is bound to sharpen your appetite. The church will be serving up hot dog lunches, complete with Boy Scout Fries, and a drink, for $5. Since it’s an HUMC celebration, there’ll also be a vast selection of homemade baked goods available for purchase.

Proceeds from the festival will support the church’s Youth Programs, including trips to serve the homeless, mission work in Haiti, and local service projects.

If you would like to support the youth in their many mission projects, donations may be mailed to HUMC, PO Box 1959, Highlands, NC 28741.

EVENTS From Left to Right: Nancy Aldridge, Barbara Anderson, Nancy Butler, Barbara Thomas

Dreaming in Chocolate Contributed by Sophia Iler Oh, what a way to go – patrons of the Highlands Own Arts & Craft Show, October 10 at the Civic Center, risk chocolate overload when the ladies of the Scaly Mountain Women’s Club unveil their Chocolate Fantasy Fest.

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ho can resist chocolate?

OK, I know, a few of you say you can, but even then I beg to ask the question. I’m a dark chocolate girl exclusively, but when faced with the array of chocolaty treats with a mélange of amazing ingredients, baked by the members of the Scaly Mountain Women’s Club, well, I can’t resist any of it, and neither will you.

Now that I have your attention, you’re probably asking where you can be tempted by all things chocolate, too – Chocolate Fantasy Fest!

Once again the Scaly Mountain Women’s Club will have a booth at the 33rd annual Highlands Own Arts & Craft Show at the Highlands Civic Center from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Saturday, October 10.

Everything is homemade by the women of the SMWC – they know how to make delectable, irresistible treats. Chocolate Fantasy Fest, our final grand slam of the season, offers an assortment of specialty cakes, sumptuous cookies, decadent bars, even chocolate mice, and so much more. There are also items made for special dietary needs such as nut- and gluten-free.

In addition to Chocolate Fantasy Fest this month, there will be one more Pancake Breakfast for the season. Join us October 24 from 7:30 to 10:30 A.M. at the Historic Scaly School House on the corner of Highway 106 and Buck Knob Road in Scaly Mountain. We serve up fresh local blueberry pancakes (you can get them plain, but why?), local sausage from Blalock Meat, orange juice, and piping hot coffee.

Proceeds from these events go towards scholarships for local students, giving them a chance to fulfill their educational dreams. The SMWC is grateful for all the support it receives from local businesses, residents, and visitors who continuously contribute to our cause.

SMWC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the charitable and educational needs of the Scaly Mountain community. For more information about our working club, to join, or to make a contribution, please visit us at scalymountainwomensclub.org.

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Fall Fest: Be About It! EVENTS

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by Jenny King

A long-standing tradition of the oin us for some Old-Fashioned Fun! You’ll get a double dose of it Highlands School PTO Fall Festival are the theme boxes. Each class puts at the Highlands School PTO Fall together a box filled with food and Festival on Saturday, October 3, from prizes that follow a theme. These 5:00 to 9:00 P.M. This year the festival, boxes are then available at the Great the major fundraiser for the school’s PTO, will be held at the Highlands Civic Silent Theme Box Auction. You’ll find more items available from local Center (Rec Park). businesses at the Fall Festival Raffle, Always popular, the Cake Walk such as $100 gift cards. Tickets for the features delights made by board raffle are $1 each, or 6 for $5. members and staff parents, while other The senior class and parents donate traditional festival favorites such as funnel cakes, popcorn, caramel apples, their time and energy giving back to their school by running the game and cotton candy, will be available booths. In return, the PTO provides as well. caps and gowns for graduation. All There will be plenty of activities so The Highlands School PTO Fall Festival, set for teachers and staff at the school you can burn off those treats, and this Saturday, October 3, at the Civic Center, offers a full volunteer for at least two hours to year you’ll even find a 20-foot obstacle season’s worth of fun, thrills and treats. receive money for their individual course. Get your game on at the Velcro classrooms. It takes a community wall, bounce house, soccer, basketball, effort to make the festival a success. This success goes directly back and football booths.

Beware! The senior class is planning a thrilling haunted room. Are into the classrooms and again reaches every child at Highlands School.

Be part of their success and bring your whole family for a night of you brave enough?

Let students turn you into a unicorn or The Hulk with their artistic affordable fun! See you Saturday, October 3, from 5:00 to 9:00 P.M. at the Highlands Civic Center (The Rec Park). use of face paint and hair spray.

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Oysters, Gumbo, and Jazz EVENTS

by Wiley Sloan A heady mixture of jazz and Cajun savories highlight Highlands on the Half-Shell, set for 12:30 P.M. Sunday, October 4 at the Highlands Nature Center’s Amphitheater. Proceeds from this party will support the Highlands Biological Foundation.

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Hal Stibbs and Sto Stowers

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n Sunday, October 4, a group of Highlands residents are hosting Highlands on the Half-Shell in the amphitheater behind the Nature Center to support the Highlands Biological Foundation.

Feast on oysters and gumbo while enjoying the energetic tunes of Asheville’s Firecracker Jazz Band. The fun starts at 12:30 P.M. and will last until 3:30. Come dressed in your favorite “Cajun casual.”

Tickets are $100 for members and $125 for non-members. To purchase tickets, visit highlandsbiological.org/half-shell/.

This event is hosted by Nancy and Lyle Nichols, Martha and Hal Stibbs, Jennie and Sto Stowers, Cookie and Harrison Jones, Julia and Bill Grumbles, Amanda and Greg Gregory, Vevie and Lawrence Dimmitt, Paul Sanger, Diane and Ray McPhail, Miriam and Vernon Skiles, Glenda and Griffin Bell, and

Ruth and Barry Edwards.

The Highlands Biological Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides critical support for the Biological Station and it’s three facets – the Nature Center, Botanical Garden, and Biological Laboratory. Thanks to the generosity of members and community residents, admission to the Nature Center and Botanical Garden are free.

Join us to support the mission of the Highlands Biological Station – “To foster research and education focused on the rich natural heritage of the southern Appalachian mountains.” Knowing that your support is directly contributing to conservation efforts, research, and education to better understand the exceptional organisms in the southern Appalachian Mountains, you’ll find that oysters and gumbo have never tasted – and jazz never sounded – so good.

Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival EVENTS

by Jenny King

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rhythm, blues, rock and dance music. ctober means leaves, pumpkins and the Cashiers Valley Leaf There will be three different performers on the Village Commons Festival.

Stage Saturday. First up is singer This celebration of arts, crafts and songwriter, Julie Gribble at 11:00 A.M. music was started by the Greater Shawn James and The Shapeshifters Cashiers Valley Merchants Association in 2009 and will be held at the Village will take the stage at 1:00 P.M. and The Breedlove Brothers take over at 3:00.

Green October 9-11.

While all this is happening, the Village There will be more than 100 artisans and merchants with live music during Gazebo Stage will be hosting Beth Turner and David Teague. all three days. Admission is free, the On Sunday, October 11, from 12:30 weather is cool and the Village Green is to 3:00 P.M., Steve Johannessen at its finest. performs on the Village Common Stage Visitors will find unique handcrafted with his blend of smooth classics and wood, pottery, jewelry and much more The Village Green comes to life with the Cashiers Valley seductive vocals. on display and available for purchase Leaf Festival, October 9-11. For more information, It’s not just music that makes the throughout the weekend. There will go to visitcashiersvalley.com Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival so popular, be plenty of food and drinks available though. It’s the perfect mix of tunes, in both parking lots behind the two stages of the park, which will be filled with live music throughout the great food and unique shopping that attracts thousands of visitors each year. Vendors, local merchants and food tents are located weekend.

Kicking off the festivities will be a dance party Friday evening from throughout the festival area and the Village Green truly comes to life 6:30 to 9:30 with the Continental Divide Band on the Village Commons as the center of Cashiers.

For more information visit the Greater Cashiers Valley website at Stage. The Continental Divide Band has been playing in the Southeast for over 30 years. They are the band everyone wants when looking for www.visitcashiersvalley.com

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Scouting Out a Fun Evening EVENTS

by Wiley Sloan Cub Scouts and their supporters hope you’ll join them for Highlands Rotary Bingo at 6:30 P.M. Thursday, October 1, at the Community Building.

M

ark your calendar for the Rotary Club of Highlands Bingo night on Thursday, October 1. It’ll benefit the local Cub Scouts.

Highlands Cub Scout Pack 207 teaches young men honesty, integrity, citizenship, and other skills that will benefit them throughout their entire life.

Bingo fun begins at 6:30 P.M. and runs for about two hours at the Community Building at the corner of Poplar Street and US 64 – next to the ball park. Bingo costs $1 per card per game. There will be 15 games, with the last game being a grand cash prize game.

Those who wish to go the extra mile may sponsor a Table Ad. Open to business owners and individuals, you can show your support of the Scouts by making a donation and sponsoring a table. A one-page ad is only $50; half-page ads are $25. Make your checks payable to Cub Scout Pack 207. Send them to Phil Potts at P.O. Box 1959, Highlands, NC 28741 or call him at (828) 200-9753.

Enjoy free refreshments in a family atmosphere. Rotary Bingo is one of the many ways the Rotary Club of Highlands participates in supporting non-profit organizations in the Highlands area.

For more information about Highlands and Cashiers visit thelaurelmagazine.com

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Made By Highlands Own EVENTS

by Mary Jane McCall

T

that features over 60 vendors from he Town of Highlands presents the 33rd annual Highlands and surrounding areas, but it still has a certain magic to it – Highlands Own Craft Arts & Highlander pride, if you will.

Craft Show from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 There is always a wide selection P.M. Saturday, October 10, at the of arts and crafts of every Civic Center.

This craft show is eagerly imaginable kind. Here you’ll find Christmas ornaments, wood work anticipated and well-attended each of every kind, from hand-carved year. It’s almost mind boggling to walk into the Civic Center and see bowls to stools, chairs, and larger furniture, hand blown glass, woven so much talent under one roof. items, garment bags, paintings, The craft show began as the jewelry, candles, textiles and more. vision of the Highlands Woman’s Speaking of more, let’s not Club, whose members realized that forget the enormous selection of there were a lot of people whose This year’s incarnation of Highlands Own Craft Arts & Craft Show, homemade food items to choose hobbies produced one-of-a-kind set for Saturday, October 10, at the Highlands Civic Center, is from – breads, cakes, pies, jams, works of art that needed to be filled with one-of-a-kind treasures and a healthy jellies, and barbeque sauces shared. Perhaps it was the short dose of community pride. and rubs. days of winter that brought out Admission and parking are free. As an added treat this year the the inner artist in many, but it was apparent that these artists needed a venue to showcase their talent. People were eager to share their art Highlands Chapter #284 Order of the Eastern Star will be serving and raise a little money, either for their civic groups, or for a little cash breakfast and lunch throughout the day. Plan to come out, have breakfast or lunch and take your time shopping for the many wonderful on hand for the upcoming holiday season.

This show has grown from those humble beginnings into a show crafts. It will be a morning or afternoon well spent.

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EVENTS

Empty Bowls Project

by Jenny King A pair of events in Cashiers and Highlands will focus on the hungry in the twin communities, thanks to a set of lovingly crafted bowls and a helping of soup – Sunday, October 4.

N

o one should go hungry.

Twenty-five years ago, a ceramics class in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, decided to create bowls to help raise money for the hungry in their area. Now, the Empty Bowls Movement has spread throughout the United States as well as numerous other countries.

Two local organizations, the International Friendship Center in Highlands and the Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry in Cashiers are sponsoring The Empty Bowls Project in October to support our local food banks feed the hungry in Highlands and Cashiers.

Each year, The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts provides the space and materials for volunteers to create the bowls, and local restaurants donate the bread and soup. Guests are invited to enjoy this simple meal and, in exchange for a cash donation, are asked to keep their bowl as a cherished keepsake and a timely reminder of the needs of the world.

The money raised is donated to end hunger and food insecurity locally. The cost is $20 per person. The Highlands event will be held on Sunday, October 4. The First Presbyterian Church of Highlands is once again hosting the event from 11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. All proceeds will benefit the Food Pantry of Highlands, originally established by The International Friendship Center and the Highlands United Methodist Church and now supported by many local churches and organizations.

There will be a silent auction of special bowls created and donated by professional potters.

The Empty Bowls Project in Cashiers is also Sunday, October 4, and will be held at the historic Zachary-Tolbert House from noon to 2:00 P.M. All proceeds go to the Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry in Cashiers.

For anyone who cannot attend, bowls may be purchased prior to the event by calling Carole Stork at (828) 743-3222. For Cashiers Empty Bowls, please contact Fishes and Loaves Executive Director, Larry Morris at (828) 508-0378, or Carole Stork at (828) 743-3222.

In Highlands, you may call Food Pantry of Highlands Director, Sharon Giddens at (828) 482-0558, or Faviola Olvera at the IFC, (828) 526-0890.

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EVENTS

North Pole Favorites

by Jenny King | Photo by Marjorie Christiansen World-famous artisan Lisa Kelechava will be signing her Joy to the World creations at the Christmas Tree in Highlands, Saturday, October 10.

The gallery also spotlights the magic at the heart of Halloween with its beguiling collection of ornaments and little treasures.

W

hat’s your favorite Christmas memory?

Is it presents beneath a festive tree, the sound of Christmas carols, lighted candles?

When you enter The Christmas Tree on Main Street in Highlands, you’ll experience all of these and more. The Christmas Tree, a Highlands’ tradition for 40 years, is owned and operated by Trisha and Bob Kieltyka. During their tenure they have introduced many new items to their carefully chosen collections – some made exclusively in the USA and even North Carolina.

Among the most popular is the “Joy to the World” line by famed artist Lisa Kelechava. Her creations are wildly popular, especially the Pet Set and Diva Dog Collections. With over 400 dog breeds in her gallery, the shop cannot display them all, but they can be ordered and will arrive within two days’ time. On Saturday, October 10, Lisa will be at The Christmas Tree signing her work, including the exclusive designs she has created for Trisha and Bob commemorating Highlands.

This year’s piece is named Christmas Tree Farm Santa and is the sixth

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in the series. These exclusive pieces are popular with collectors who frequent the shop for other exquisite Polish blown glass ornaments and handmade German nutcrackers.

Christmas is not the only holiday celebrated, however. Halloween makes its presence known with animated brooms, fanciful cats, spooky witches, and plenty of ghoulish ornaments.

“We help folks create Halloween trees and they return year after year to add to their collections,” says Trisha.

But if you’re looking for a cute, sentimental gift they have those, too. You’ll find everything from collegiate-inspired to wedding and Baby’s First commemoratives. If you’re shopping for hostess gifts, you’ll want to explore their displays of candles, coasters, and soaps alongside many inexpensive items that make perfect holiday stocking stuffers.

Begin your family’s holiday tradition at the “Joy to the World” signing on October 10 at The Christmas Tree, 357 Main Street in the former Galax Theatre. Give them a call at (828) 526-3687.

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Jewelry, Casual to Elegant EVENTS

by Jenny King

J

ewelry designer Julie Vos launched her collection in 2006 and has become a leading name in the jewelry market for classic, affordable luxury pieces.

Her gorgeous and elegant pieces have appeared in Marie Claire, Lucky, InStyle, Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, and Vogue.com.

Join Acorns Boutique on Main Street Highlands for the Julie Vos Jewelry trunk show, October 9 through 11.

This completely self-taught designer fell in love with making things people wear and love.

She says, “It’s like raising your baby, and sending it out into the world. You feel so much affection.”

Her designs are striking in their simplicity, highlighting the bold stones and pearls she chooses to mix with luxe gold and silver. Given that one of her self-proclaimed artistic influences is Bob Dylan, her work shines with

Acorns Boutique will spotlight the dazzling works of jewelry designer Julie Vos with an exclusive trunk show, October 9 through 11.

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a touch of eccentricity. Chain bracelets mix well with bangles and chunky cuffs and are affordably priced. Her necklaces shimmer and layer easily to highlight any fashion from casual to elegant.

Julie Vos rings come in a range of styles. Choose from chunky cocktail rings for a big, bold statement or mix and match her smaller stacking rings for a variety of combinations.

Her earring collections are not limited to pierced alone, but offer a wide range of clip-ons, too.

Affordable luxury says it all when describing the work of Julie Vos. See for yourself at the trunk show October 9 through 11. Visit Acorns Boutique at 465 Main Street in Highlands. For more information on upcoming trunk shows, visit OldEdwardsInn. com/DesignerTrunkShows or call (828) 787-2640.

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A Biergarten Blast EVENTS

by Jenny King

O

restaurants and became Executive ktoberfest was not originally held as a festival for all Chef at Old Edwards Inn and Spa in 2009. He believes in “honest” things beer. food and his ultimate passion is On October 12, 1810, Crown Prince to nurture, develop, and create Ludwig wed Princess Therese of sustainable, healthy cuisine Saxony- Hildeburghausen and the citizens of Munich were invited that is uncompromised and environmentally responsible. to celebrate. The following year In keeping with the tradition horse races were added as well of celebrating local agriculture, as an agricultural show to boost his special Oktoberfest menus will Bavarian agriculture. combine the freshest of ingredients Believe it or not, beer was not the highlight! But now when you from Old Edwards’ own gardens and greenhouses with Klapdohr’s hear the word “Oktoberfest,” you Bavarian heritage.

Begin your immediately think beer and brats, festivities in The Wine Garden, right? You certainly wouldn’t be For an authentic Bavarian Oktoberfest, look no further than which has been transformed into a wrong; although at Old Edwards Inn Old Edwards Inn and Spa. The Biergarten shines at the center Biergarten. Enjoy a steaming mug and Spa in downtown Highlands, of a celebration that spans the entire month. of Gluhwein, a popular fall and Oktoberfest goes well beyond winter beverage in Germany, better the norm.

The entire month of October will be a celebration of Bavaria at known to us in America as mulled wine. Live music will entertain you the hands of Executive Chef Johannes Klapdohr and his dedicated throughout the resort and you’ll have the opportunity to try cocktails staff of culinary artists. Klapdohr was born in Germany into a family created just for the month of October. It is a time of celebration when of four generations of hoteliers, restaurateurs, and chefs. His culinary the weather is cool, the skies are clear, and the colors of autumn career is a delicious mélange of cuisines, tastes, and techniques become Mother Nature’s best work.

For more information visit them at oldedwardsinn.com/Oktoberfest. from around the globe. He studied in some of the finest hotels and

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Hard Candy Christmas EVENTS

All of the elements of a cherished mountain Christmas are available at the 29th Annual Hard Candy Christmas Arts & Crafts Show, November 27-28 at Western Carolina University.

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he 29th Annual Hard Candy Christmas Arts & Crafts Show is a Mountain Christmas Tradition in this neck of the woods.

It’ll be staged from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Friday and Saturday, November 27-28, in the spacious Ramsey Center on the Western Carolina University campus in Cullowhee, North Carolina.

This year’s featured artist is William McKinnis at Country Tin Shoppe from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. For the last 12 years, he’s been preserving tin-smithing, a vanishing heritage art. His art pieces will include a variety of handcrafted lanterns, candleholders, and ornaments that would have been found in Early American homes.

One hundred other craftsmen will be joining Bill for this much anticipated art and craft show.

Customers looking for handcrafted gifts at great prices are always happy to see what

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their favorite potter, woodcrafter, and glass artist has new. They come early looking for knitted winter wear and something snuggly for the new grandchild. There will be plenty of stocking stuffers, speciality sweets, and designer jewelry. The ornament collectors always find a unique Santa, snowman, or angel. The A&E Tree Farm will be bringing fresh evergreen wreaths and table arrangements as well as the Big Tree. The Mountain Beekeeper has candles and this year’s honey.

Ronnie Evans will be strumming the carols we grew up with and selling his CDs for holiday listening.

Admission is $4.50 for adults; children under 12 are free. There’s free convenient parking and concessions on site.

For more information, visit MountainArtisans.net or call Doris Hunter at (828) 524-3405.

Mark Your Calendar EVENTS

• Highlands Rotary Bingo to support the Cub Scout, 6:30 P.M. Thursday October 1, at the Highlands Community Building. (828) 200-9753.

• The National Theatre of London will present a third encore screening of “The Audience” starring Helen Mirren at 7:00 P.M. Saturday, October 3, Highlands Performing Arts Center, (828) 526-9047.

• Highlands’ Friday Night Live concerts, 6:00 P.M. Fridays at Town Square. Southern Highlands October 2, Johnny Webb Band October 9, Mountain Dulcimer Club October 16, Macon Grass Band October 23, (828) 526-2112.

• Ugly Dog Pub October Events - Tyler Denning October 2, Fat Cheek Kay October 9, Joe Lasher, Jr. October 16, High 5 October 23, Darren Nicholson Band, October 31, (828) 526-8364.

• MET Opera’s presentation of Verdi’s majestic “Il Trovatore” at 12:55 P.M. Saturday, October 3, Highlands Performing Arts Center, (828) 526-9047.

• Highlands United Methodist Church Pumpkin Festival, 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Saturday, October 3. (828) 526-3376 • Highlands School PTO Fall Festival, 5:00 to 9:00 P.M., Saturday, October 3, Highlands Civic Center.

• The Empty Bowls Project, 11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M., Sunday, October 4, First Presbyterian Church of Highlands. Proceeds will benefit the Food Pantry of Highland, (828) 482-0558 or (828) 526-0890.

• Highlands on the Half-Shell, 12:30 to 3:30 P.M., Sunday, October 4, in the amphitheater behind the Highlands Nature Center to support the Highlands Biological Foundation. To purchase tickets, visit highlandsbiological.org/half-shell/.

• The Empty Bowls Project in Cashiers, Noon to 2:00 P.M. Sunday, October 4, historic ZacharyTolbert House. All proceeds go to the Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry in Cashiers. (828) 508-0378 or (828) 743-3222.

• Rodd and Gunn Trunk Show, October 9-11, T.J. Bailey for Men, (828) 526-2262.

• Jewelry designer Julie Vos Trunk Show, October 9-11, Acorns Boutique on Main Street, Highlands.

(828) 787-2640.

• Cashiers Leaf Festival, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. October 9-11, The Village Green. For more info, please visit: www.visitcashiersvalley.com • 33rd annual Highlands Own Craft Arts & Craft Show, 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Saturday, October 10, Highlands Civic Center.

• Southern Highland performing at the Nichols Center 7:00 P.M., Saturday, October 10, Blue Ridge Music Academy. (706) 782-9852.

• World-famous artisan Lisa Kelechava will be signing her Joy to the World creations, 1:00 to 4:00 PM, Saturday, October 10, at The Christmas Tree.

(828) 526-3687.

• Bolshoi Ballet “Giselle” at 12:55 P.M. on Sunday, October 11, Highlands Performing Arts Center, (828) 526-9047.

• Missed Highlands All-Male Beauty Pageant, 8:00 P.M. Monday, October 12, at Highlands Playhouse.

Call (828) 526-3605 for ticket information.

• Art League of Highlands-Cashiers’ Fall Colors Fine Art Show, 10:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. Saturday and Sunday, October 17-18, at the Highlands Civic Center.

For more information, please visit artleaguecashiershighlands.com.

• Trunk Show with jewelry designer Mark Edge, October 15-16, Smitten of Highlands, (828) 5269300.

• “Over the River and Through the Woods” comes to the stage of Highlands Performing Arts Center, October 15-18 and October 22-25 at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. For tickets, call (828) 5268084 or visit highlandscashiersplayers.org.

• Smitten Third Thursday event to feature jewelry designer Mark Edge, 5:30 P.M., October 15 Smitten of Highlands, (828) 526-9300.

• Dubarry of Ireland Trunk Show, Saturday, October 17, Highland Hiker Cabin and Shoe Stores, (828) 5265298 or (828) 526-2511.

• MET Opera Verdi’s “Otello” 12:55 P.M., Saturday, October 17, Highlands Performing Arts Center, (828) 526-9047.

• Dovecote two-hour outdoor setting for communal warmth workshop, 10:00 A.M. Friday, October 23.

Please contact Mary Palmer Dargan (828) 743-0307 to register.

• Cashiers’ Goblins In the Green celebration, 6:00 P.M., Friday, October 23, The Village Green Commons • Scaly Mountain Women’s Club Pancake Breakfast, 7:30 to 10:30 A.M., Saturday, October 24, at the Historic Scaly School House on the corner of Highway 106 and Buck Knob Road in Scaly Mountain.

• MET Opera Wagner’s “Tannhauser” noon on Saturday, October 31, Highlands Performing Arts Center, (828) 526-9047.

• Betsy Paul Art Raffle, to benefit the CashiersGlenviile Fire Department, features a framed photograph taken by Herman E. Moll. Drawing will be held Saturday, October 31. (828) 743-0880.

• Highlands’ Downtown Trick or Treat, 6:00 P.M. Saturday, October 31.

Weekly Events

EVERy MONDAy • Dulcimer Lessons - Intermediate Class 10:00 A.M., Beginners Noon, Highlands United Methodist church, (828) 787-1586.

• Free Movie, 3:00 P.M., Albert Carlton Library, (828) 743-0215.

EVERy TUESDAy • Dulcimer Acoustic Jam, 10:00 A.M., Bird Barn and Gift Emporium, Cashiers, (828) 743-3797.

• Highlands Rotary Club, Noon, Highlands Community Center.

• Studio Alive - Live Model, 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M., Calderone Gallery, 3608 Hwy. 246, Dillard, GA, (706) 746-5540.

• Duplicate Bridge, 1:45 P.M., Albert Carlton Library. (828) 743-0215.

• Weekly Tastings, 3:00 to 4:30 P.M., Old Edwards Rooftop Terrace.

• Movie Night, 6:00 P.M., Hudson Library, (828) 526-3031.

• Karaoke, The Lost Hiker (828) 526-8232.

EVERy WEDNESDAy • Highlands Mountaintop Rotary, 7:30 A.M., Hospital dining room.

• Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley, 8:00 A.M., Cashiers United Methodist Church, (828) 7432243.

• Community Studio Art Session – Art your Way, 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M., Hudson Library, (828) 526-3031.

• Preschool Story Time, 11:00 A.M. to Noon, Albert Carlton Library (828) 743-0215.

• Cashiers Quilters Guild, 12:30 P.M., Cashiers Methodist Church.

• Duplicate Bridge Games, 12:45 P.M., Highlands Civic Center.

• Mah Jong Games, 1:00 P.M., Albert Carlton Library, (828) 743-0215.

• Bluegrass, 8:30 P.M., Ugly Dog Pub, (828) 5268364.

EVERy THURSDAy • Movies will be shown at Highlands Playhouse 2:00 P.M., 5:00 P.M., and 8:00 P.M. (828) 526-2695.

• Free Movie, 3:00 P.M., Albert Carlton Library, (828) 743-0215.

• NAMI Appalachian South support group meeting 6:45 to 8:15 P.M. at 14 West. Palmer St., Franklin, (828) 526-9510.

EVERy FRIDAy • Weekly Grief Support Group in The Highlands, 10:30 A.M. to Noon, Jane Woodruff Clinic - Suite 201, (828) 692-6178.

• Duplicate Bridge Games, 12:45 P.M., Highlands Civic Center.

• Movies will be shown at Highlands Playhouse 2:00 P.M., 5:00 P.M., and 8:00 P.M. (828) 526-2695.

• Live Music, 6:00 P.M. - close, Hummingbird Lounge, (828) 787-2625.

• Live Music, 7:00 P.M., On The Verandah, (828) 526-2338.

EVERy SATURDAy • Cashiers Tailgate Market, 9:00 A.M. to 12 Noon, United Community Bank, (828) 226-9988.

• Movies will be shown at Highlands Playhouse 2:00 P.M., 5:00 P.M., and 8:00 P.M. (828) 526-2695.

• Live Music, 6:00 P.M. - close, Hummingbird Lounge, (828) 787-2625.

• Live Music, 7:00 P.M., On The Verandah, (828) 526-2338.

EVERy SUNDAy • Movies will be shown at Highlands Playhouse 2:00 P.M., 5:00 P.M., and 8:00 P.M. (828) 526-2695.

For a comprehensive list of events, join www.highlands-cashierscalendar.com thelaurelmagazine.com | October 2015 | 49

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ACCOMMODATIONS 4-1/2 Street Inn...........................

Colonial Pines Inn........................

Whiteside Cove Cottages.............

Mountain Brook Suites................

ARTS Mill Creek Gallery & Framing.........

Museum of American Cut Glass......

Smitten.........................................

The Bascom................................

REAL ESTATE Country Club Properties..............

John Cleaveland Realty.................

Landmark Realty Group...............

Meadows Mtn. Realty..................

White Oak Realty Group..............

Pat Allen Realty Group ................

RESTAURANT / BAR Altitudes Restaurant.....................

The Log Cabin.............................

The Lost Hiker Bar.....................

Nectar Juice Bar...........................

Pescados

................................

Rosewood Market...........................

Wild Thyme Gourmet ...................

Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro.....

SHOPPING Alyxandra’s....................................

Bags on Main..................................

Bear Mountain Outfitters.....................

Cabin Casuals.................................

Cabin Couture................................

Dry Sink..........................................

Highlands Fine Art and Estate Jewelry Corp.

Peak Experience............................

Dutchman’s Designs......................

Highland Hiker...............................

Scudders.........................................

Hen House......................................

Martha Anne’s................................

Spice & Tea Exchange........................

High Cotton....................................

Mirror Lake Antiques....................

The Summer House.......................

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The Toy Store.................................

Whole Life Market.........................

The Southern Way.........................

SERVICES Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture.

Creative Concepts Salon......................

Highlands Visitors Center....................

Highlands Aerial Park...................

Warth Construction.......................

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AccommodAtions High Hampton inn & country club innisfree Bed & Breakfast By-the-Lake Laurelwood inn Arts Blue Valley Gallery cashiers Hillside Artists mountain mist Gallery reAL estAte Betsy Paul Properties Landmark realty Group silver creek real estate Group restAurAnts Boar’s Head deli crossroads Grill/Village scoop Hunts Brothers Pizza sapphire Brewery & Pub snack Bar 8 the Zookeeper Bistro retAiL A Jones company Bee Bags and such Bella cotn Bird Barn and Gift emporium Blue ridge Bedding/ carolina rustic Furniture Bounds cave Brooking’s cashiers Village Anglers Bumpkins cashiers customs cashiers emporium cashiers Farmer’s market cJ Brownhouse

Lotsa consignment shop

consignment market

mantiques

dovetail Antiques

michael Weaver

Fiddlehead designs

midnight Farms

GG’s consignments *etc

nature’s Vitamins

Gracewear collection

nearly new/ellen’s

Highland Hiker

nora & co

interior enhancements

rusticks

into the Woods Home interiors

sawyer Family Farmstead

Karma

s’more Kids Klothes

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summer Place Antiques

the Bear’s den

cashiers exxon

the Look Boutique

cashiers Printing

Victoria’s closet

cashiers Valley Preschool

Vc for men Vivianne metzger Antiques Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Zoller Hardware serVices cashiers BP

Fancy Paws dog Grooming Keystone Kitchen & Bath Peter J Pioli interiors

the designer’s market cashiers chamber

dovecote

shear sensations signal ridge marina Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming thelaurelmagazine.com | October 2015 | 55

Park and Walk

Discover the Shops at

45 Slabtown Road • Cashiers, NC

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THE ARTS

When

Vintage Meets

Timeless

by Donna Rhodes

KT Cochran’s stunning jewelry is the fusion of acute artistic sensibilities and a childhood that nurtured a passion for classic beauty.

I

t’s no wonder KT Cochran loves integrating vintage finds with contemporary treasures in her timeless art-to-wear jewelry.

As she grew up, her parents, Donna and Stan Cochran, owners of Mirror Lake Antiques, surrounded her with beautiful, classic furnishings, and accessories. Vintage and contemporary were woven together seamlessly.

Antique dealers were reclaiming long before recycling was cool.

Their love for line, shape, form, texture, and design was planted deeply in KT’s soul.

“I saw a necklace in Tahiti, a beautiful black pearl dropped through a loop,” she says. “It stayed in my mind for years. Then I went with my parents to the Tucson Gem Show. While there I looked for something like the necklace that I had kicked myself for not buying.”

She searched for three days. She found nothing like it.

Disappointed, but undaunted, she said, “Fine! I’ll make it myself!” So she bought chains, jump rings, and charms. Sitting on the pullout couch at the hotel, she made her first piece, assembling it with limited tools –

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tweezers and nail clippers. The result was stunning. Her parents’ passion for fine design had taken root in her, and Katie blossomed.

KT’s work is often themed. The symbols she uses are simple but rife with meaning. Her favorite icons are shooting stars and arrows. It takes all one’s strength and mental focus to shoot an arrow. To her that symbolizes throwing one’s whole self into an endeavor. Once the arrow flies, the archer cannot change its course. She set her own arrow free by rebooting her life… switching from retail to digital marketing. She’s thrilled when an artistic arrow hits its mark as it did with her career change in Atlanta and with her success in jewelry making here in Highlands.

Stop by Mirror Lake Antiques and chat with KT’s parents. Check out her beautiful, affordable designs.

Maybe you have a vintage treasure you’d like to incorporate into a necklace or bracelet for an heirloom holiday or birthday gift. KT can do that. Visit mirrorlakeantiques.com to check seasonal hours or call (828) 526-2080.

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Plateau Art News THE ARTS

by Donna Rhodes Season of Mellow Fruitfulness – the Art Scene in Cashiers and Highlands reflects the glory of the mountains in October.

T

he Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts offers free exhibitions, unique education and community outreach through workshops, classes, and lectures. Gallery hours are 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Saturday; and noon to 5:00 P.M. on Sunday. Call (828) 526-4949 or visit thebascom.org to learn about the latest events and other exciting offerings.

Mountain Mist Gallery of Cashiers represents some of the finest artists in the Southeast. It’s now expanded the gallery to accommodate new work and new studio space for painting classes and workshops.

Mountain Mist Gallery is located on 107 South next to Brookings Fly Shop up “On The Hill.” It’s open Monday through Saturday, from 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. For more information or to make an appointment, go to mountainmistgallery.com or call (828) 743-1801.

Mill Creek Gallery and Framing offers complete framing services, including dry mounting and laminating. This is the place to find local photography by Highlands Photographer Cynthia Strain and her book “Highlands Through the Seasons.” It’s located in Highlands Village Square on Oak Street. Mill Creek Gallery and Framing is open from noon to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Saturday. Call (828) 787-2021 for more information.

Blue Valley Gallery offers art instruction from 10:00 A.M. to noon and 1:00 P.M. until 3:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Space is limited, so call (828) 743-2956 to reserve your place. There are art supplies as

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well. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., and Sunday from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Visit Blue Valley Gallery at 45 Slabtown Road, next to Slabtown Pizza, in Cashiers.

Robert A. Tino has announced the return of the Robert A. Tino Gallery to Main Street in Highlands. Experience his breathtaking mountainscapes. Enjoy pottery of local artisans and artful furnishings that will complement any decor. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Visit robertatino.com or call (828) 526-9333 for more details.

Calderone Fine Art Gallery and Teaching Studio is located at 3608 Highway 246, Sky Valley in Georgia. You’ll find original art, inspired by the flora and fauna of the mountains by Pat Calderone. Visit from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Tuesday through Saturday. Art classes are offered for all levels, and openings are limited. Visit calderonegallery. com for more information, or call (706) 746-5540.

Ann Jacob Gallery is located at 394 Main Street in Highlands. You can call (828) 526-5550, email gallery@annjacob.com or visit facebook. com/AnnJacobGallery. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Ann Jacob Gallery is a contemporary fine art gallery, representing regional, national, and international artists.

AJG has over 50 years’ experience offering an extensive one-of-a-kind collection of original art (oils, acrylics, watercolors, drawings, pastels, and other media) along with high-quality reproductions.

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THE ARTS

Fall Colors Fine Art Show Contributed by Zach Claxton The Art League of Highlands-Cashiers’ Fall Colors Fine Art Show, slated for Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18, at the Highlands Civic Center, is a showcase for the best of this deeply talented artistic community.

A

long running tradition of fall in Highlands is the Art League’s Fall Colors Fine Art Show.

The second of two annual events sponsored by the Art League of Highlands-Cashiers, this show draws a talented group of regional artists from several states to a two-day event at the Highlands Civic Center. Visitors are treated to a large display of fine art, including paintings of oil, acrylic, and watercolor as well as dry media of pastel, charcoal, and pencil. Visitors will also find innovative mixed media pieces, glass art, photography, one-of-a-kind jewelry, wood turnings, and unique textile creations. Everything in the show is original art.

On Saturday only, the popular children’s work room will return, giving young aspiring artists the chance to create their own art to take home, and perhaps get to select a free piece of art from one of the exhibiting artists. The Art League has promoted and supported art for children since its inception, and for years the work room has been a well-received feature of the art shows.

The show will be held on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, 10:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. both days. As this is an indoor show, weather is never a deterrent, and there’s ample parking. While donations to support local art programs are always appreciated, admission to both the show and the children’s art room is free. So while you’re enjoying the colors of fall in the mountains, also make plans to treat yourself to the Art League’s Fall Colors Fine Art Show.

For more information, please visit artleaguecashiers-highlands.com.

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THE ARTS

Making Impressions Contributed by Bonnie Potts Ceramist Samantha Oliver shares her vision and talent with the twin communities as The Bascom’s Artist in Residence.

The public is invited to meet her and attend her classes.

T

he Bascom Resident Artist Program was established in 2011 as a way to immerse young artists into a professional visual arts environment through studio practice, instruction, and reflection.

Each year the appointment is awarded to a new candidate based on a successful portfolio, professional recommendations, and overall dedication to perfecting their craft. The Resident Artist Program is generously funded in part by The Coastal Community Foundation.

The Bascom is pleased to welcome Samantha Oliver of Fort Mill, South Carolina, as the Resident Artist for 2015 to 2016.

Samantha began her year-long residency September 1. Excited to start the program, Samantha says, “My work derives from the process of repetitive subtraction of clay, and creating a surface that is intriguing and engaging to use. My pots are influenced by reoccurring texture and patterns in nature but I am also intrigued by the social and communal aspects of utilitarian ceramic ware.”

Samantha graduated from Winthrop University, receiving a BFA with

a concentration in Ceramics. In addition to completing a nine-month Artist-in-Residence at William and Mary in Williamsburg, she was also commissioned to create 200 pieces for the Council of Chamber of York County, and was a studio assistant and intern with the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum’s collection of English earthenware figures.

Frank Vickery, Director of Ceramics, praises the program saying, “I got my start through The Resident Artist program at The Bascom and now it has developed into my career. I feel very lucky to be part of an organization that values creating opportunities for artists. I look forward to working with Samantha and am excited to see her progress.”

The Bascom invites everyone to stop by The Bascom’s Ceramics Studio to meet Samantha, to view her ceramic work, and to register for one of her ongoing clay classes called The Resident Artist Series. This weekly series of clay classes welcomes beginners and teaches a variety of techniques for both hand-building and wheel throwing.

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A Vision Comes True THE ARTS

by Wiley Sloan

T

cost of work was donated, it was he Highlands Playhouse is housed in the original especially important to find ways to get the most impact for the auditorium of the smallest capital outlay. The new Highlands School.

Local wall color was carefully chosen historians tell us that it was built to blend with the colors in the in 1934 at the behest of school Principal Otto Summer. stone counter tops donated

by Black Rock Granite.

The If you’ve ever owned a beautiful porcelain slate tile adds historic house or have been a sophisticated element that is involved in the restoration of both durable and appealing. Tony a historic property, you know added large circles to the existing how expensive it is to keep that property visually pleasing and in doors – a simple design element with minimal cost that delivers a good repair.

Thanks to the support of generous firms like Raffa Design Associates dramatic impact. The old, glaring Over the past few years our and Black Rock Granite and a committed public, lights have been replaced with beloved Highlands Playhouse Highlands Playhouse sports a chic new look. new fixtures that emit a soft hue has been updated with a fresh that enhances reflections in the new look. When we all returned from our winter sojourns this year, it was especially exciting to see the large mirrors.

The folks at Raffa Design Associates and Black Rock Granite join a updated bathrooms. Thanks to Tony Raffa for the fresh, new look.

Tony’s trained eye allowed him to create a pleasing look without having long list of local firms that have supported the Playhouse throughout to do major renovations to this decades-old building. Raffa Design the decades. Years of community partnership from local businesses Associates was joined by the folks at Black Rock Granite to create a have helped the Playhouse retain its beauty and charm. Thanks to everyone for their generous donations of time and materials to keep look that is eye-catching, yet functional.

Since the playhouse had no budget for these renovations and the the Playhouse looking its best.

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THE ARTS

The Cutting Edge

by Donna Rhodes For jewelry designer Mark Edge, timeless fashion is a careful blending of the reclaimed, the recycled and the reinvented.

See his creations at an exclusive RSVP Trunk Show at Smitten of Highlands, October 15 and 16.

M

ark Edge isn’t on the cutting edge of jewelry fashion – he is the cutting edge.

Since his early teens, Edge has known his destiny was Design. Thousands of exquisite creations later, he continues to wow his audiences. From movie stars Drew Barrymore and Jane Fonda to country singer Martina McBride and The Real Housewives of Atlanta and NYC and thousands of “real” women worldwide, they all have one beautiful thing in common – Edge’s Eco-Vintage jewelry.

Each Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter Edge unveils his new seasonal line. Smitten of Highlands is proud to promote his latest inspirations on Third Thursday, October 15, with a special two-day guest appearance through the 16th.

His 2015 designs feature semi-precious stones – jade, hematite, frosted crystal, and black onyx. Artsy greens set against a shimmering sparkle of understated glitz and gunmetal black accent any wardrobe choice from jeans to eveningwear. Brushed and patina’d copper and bronze settings complement translucent cameos or vintage solid

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silver dollars, Mercury dimes or buffalo nickels to complete this year’s classic presentation.

Don’t miss Edge’s Trunk Show unveiling. Bring your vintage American coins and Edge will install your own historic treasure in the setting you like most. Maybe you have a silver dollar from the year your grandparents married. Or a lucky coin you had as a child. Or a commemorative gold piece you’d like to preserve as an investment keepsake. Want to give the best gift ever? Surprise someone with coined jewelry that has a meaningful date on it. Guaranteed to tug at any heartstring. Call for appointments.

See Edge in person at Smitten’s Third Thursday, October 15, 5:30 P.M. until. Please RSVP to Smitten, located at 468 Main Street, at (828) 526-9300 or email Katherine Evans at kat@smittenofhighlands.com.

The gallery opens at 10:00 A.M., Monday through Saturday, and 1:00 P.M. on Sunday. It closes Monday through Thursday at 6:00 P.M., later on weekends.

Visit markedge.com to see more of his collections.

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Over the River, Thru the Woods THE ARTS

by Jenny King

H

It’s not exactly “Blessed Be the Tie That Binds” when “Over the River and Through the Woods” comes to the stage of Highlands Performing Arts Center, October 15-25. For tickets, call (828) 526-8084 or visit highlandscashiersplayers.org.

of humor and sentimentality.” ighlands Cashiers Players will stage its second show of the season, “Over the The song from which the title was taken brings back memories of family get-togethers River and Through the Woods,” October 15 through October 18 and October 22 through during happy times, and the love of family is the theme that runs throughout this warmOctober 25 at the Highlands Performing hearted comedy. Tengo famiglia!

Arts Center.

Written by Joe DiPietro, this delightful play Brought to the stage in 1996, DiPietro pays homage to his own Italian-American family tells the story of two pairs of Italian-American grandparents trying to keep their grandson in this hilarious and touching production.

Although it’s filled with Italian family values, from moving out of New Jersey. While the there is a universality that will bring back your grandfathers Frank and Nunzio plot and scheme, grandmothers Aida and Emma cook, very own family memories, no matter your ethnicity. The story is clever, fast-paced and and cook, and cook. funny. The characters are charming and easily Director Adair Simon says, “If you believe Sitting left to right: David Spivey, Shirley identifiable as someone we all know and love. that family matters and food is important, then Williams, Faye Siegel, Wayne Roshaven Who doesn’t remember the grandmother this is a play you must see. It’s a show of faith, Standing left to right: Raina Trent, Lance Trudel always trying to feed you? food, and family and is joyous, poignant, and Tickets for season subscribers will be very, very funny. The actors have to be able to portray both comedy and compassion and I was really lucky. I hit the jackpot available October 8 and for the general public October 10. To reserve when I cast the actors. Shirley Williams and Faye Seigel are the grandmothers your seat for “Over the River and Through the Woods” call Highlands and they’re both really well known to Highlands’s audiences. David Spivey Cashiers Players Box Office at (828) 526-8084 or purchase them online at and Wayne Roshaven, the grandfathers, and Lance Trudel (Nick) and Raina highlandscashiersplayers.org. Highlands Performing Arts Center is located Trent (Caitlin) each bring their own characters to life with the perfect blend at 507 Chestnut Street.

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THE ARTS

Live in HD Series Contributed by Mary Adair Leslie October brings a dazzling new slate of MET Opera, Bolshoi Ballet and National Theatre of London performances to the Highlands Performing Arts Center.

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he 2015-16 Seasons for the MET Opera, the National Theatre of London and the Bolshoi Ballet, all featured at the Highlands Performing Arts Center, begin with the MET Opera’s presentation of Verdi’s majestic “Il Trovatore” at 12:55 P.M. Saturday, October 3.

Verdi’s “Otello” follows on Saturday, October 17, at 12:55 P.M.; and Wagner’s “Tannhauser” will be presented at noon on October 31.

The MET Opera will continue its season with “Lulu,” “Les Pêcheurs de Perles,” “Turandot,” “Manon Lescaut,” “Madama Butterfly,” “Roberto Devereux,” and “Elektra.” Tickets are $26 for Adults and $22 for MET and PAC members.

The Bolshoi Ballet begins its season with “Giselle” at 12:55 P.M. on Sunday, October 11; “Lady of Camellias” on Sunday, December 6; and an encore of “The Nutcracker” on Sunday, December 20. All ballets

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begin at 12:55 P.M. Other performances include “The Taming of the Shrew,” “Spartacus,” and “Don Quixote.” Tickets are $22 for adults, $19 for PAC members, and $12 for students.

The National Theatre of London will present a third encore screening of “The Audience” starring Helen Mirren at 7:00 P.M. Saturday, October 3; “Hamlet” starring Benedict Cumberbatch at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, November 7; and “The Beau Stratagem,” on Saturday, November 14 at 1:00 P.M. The season will continue with performances of “Jane Eyre” and “As You Like It.” Other plays will be scheduled throughout the season. Tickets are $22 for adults, $19 for PAC members, and $12 for students.

All ticket prices include the NC Sales Tax. Tickets are available online at highlandspac.org or by calling (828) 526-9047. Highlands Performing Arts Center is located at 507 Chestnut Street.

THE ARTS

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THE ARTS

The Vega String Quartet at Chestnut Hill Retirement Community.

Sharing the Music

by Luke Osteen

W

ith its internationally recognized artists and reputation for innovative programs (“Jazz Meets the Classics”), it shouldn’t be too big a surprise that the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival can’t help but spill out into the twin communities it calls home.

Though its concerts are staged at the Highlands Performing Arts Center and Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, the festival has always reserved dates on its seasonal calendar to offer performances to the general public.

This year, the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival offered a free concert to the public before its 34th season had even begun.

“The Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet performed at the Village Green Commons in Cashiers,” says Festival Executive Director Nancy Aaron.

“These performances allow people to spread a blanket and enjoy a picnic while being serenaded with this beautiful music. In fact, they’ve become something of a tradition for us.”

The Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival’s public presence continued with concerts for the residents of Chestnut Hill and the young campers at Camp Merrie-Wood in Sapphire.

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“We take special joy in introducing children to the magic of classical music,” says Aaron. “On July 14, the festival offered a free family/ children’s concert and performance of ‘Babar the Elephant,’ with solo piano music by Poulenc – narrated by Lois Reitzes, the legendary voice of classical radio in Atlanta with pianist Elena Cholakova. Following the program at the First Presbyterian Church in Highlands, we held an ice cream social offered by Kilwins.”

For adults, the festival offered a pair of informal chamber music concerts – one with The Serafin String Quartet at Buck’s Coffee Café in Highlands and the other featuring The Vega String Quartet at Buck’s in Cashiers.

For those with a scholarly bent, the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival collaborated with the Center for Life Enrichment to present a quartet of classes focusing on chamber music.

“We’re always mindful of how lucky we are to be able to present this festival in such glorious surroundings, in the midst of such wonderful communities,” says Anna & Hays Mershon Artistic Director Dr. William Ransom. “That’s why we’re delighted to share our music with the people of Highlands and Cashiers.”

THE ARTS

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DINING

Meritage Bistro

by Luke Osteen Photo by Marjorie Christiansen

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y sweetie and I were thrilled when I got the assignment for Meritage Bistro.

I’ve known the owner Andrea Schmitt for years, back when she owned the venerable Wild Thyme, housed in the same space as her current venture. Her ownership was marked by a daring boutique menu and an understated elegance in atmosphere and service.

But as excited as we were, there was still an element of anxiety.

Could Andrea capture lightning in a bottle a second time?

Stepping inside helped to assuage our worries a bit. The décor is warm and intimate.

Andrea greeted us warmly (but understood that we were dining out with a friend, no hint of an upcoming review) and our server Taylor was warm and knowledgeable, with an obvious enthusiasm for his menu.

With his assurance, one of us ordered the Fried Brussel Sprouts as an appetizer.

One thing you need to understand about me, in this review and all the others down the road – I loves me some vegetables. To me, that’s where a chef proves his mettle – there are so many possibilities, so many potential pitfalls. You can coast with a meat – drench it with some exotic sauce and it’s easier to hide your shortcomings. But vegetables, that’s where the glory is.

So I have this lifelong passion for eating plants, except, except, for Brussel Sprouts. I think God was getting tired when He came up with these things.

How badly do I hate them? Well, when I was seven I made my dog queasy, really queasy. I’d coaxed him to furtively snarf down a ridiculously large portion that my Mom had plopped on my plate.

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Poor trusting animal. Rebel was my best friend, but I didn’t feel too badly about it. I didn’t have to eat them.

Here’s the thing – Fried Brussel Sprouts, once you get past the absolute improbability of the existence of such a thing, are wonderful.

They’re spicy, and oh so crisp, and incredibly addictive. It’s easy to imagine snacking on them while you’re conversing with a friend.

So score one for Taylor, and score one for an unheralded vegetable.

One of us ordered the Autumn Beet Salad. It was beautiful with purple and golden beets harvested from the Asheville Farmers’ Market.

Further reason to trust your server – one of our party is of the opinion that beets taste like dirt. She was coaxed into trying just a little bite. Her socks went up and down – she was a woman in love.

This is another of Andrea’s holdovers from her time with Wild Thyme. She’s committed to buying local whenever possible, and the results elevate her menu. The freshness is undeniable and it elevates her menu choices immeasurably.

For entrees we were served Pan Seared Scallops, Marinated and Grilled Tenderloin, and the Grilled Farmer’s Chicken Breast. These were extraordinary.

I’ve run out of space to tell you more about Meritage Bistro. Let me just say three things. The place is only two blocks from Highlands’ Main Street, but it’s easy to imagine this little charmer existing on a languid boulevard in Montmartre. It has that casual, beguiling elegance.

Order dessert at Meritage. Trust me. Trust Taylor.

And any time you’re dining out, share with your companions.

It’s a simple luxury that turns any meal, every meal, into a little party. Honest.

DINING

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Roasted Butternut Squash Soup DINING

This hearty, healthy soup is the perfect cozy complement to the snap in the October air.

Contributed by Dr. Anastasia Halldin, Nutrition Coach healthymamainfo.com

R

oasted Curried Butternut Squash Soup is vegan, gluten-free, and can surely warm up your day.

It is sweet, spicy, hearty, and easy to make. The soup is topped with some homemade croutons, some parsley and, some dried

carrots (these are as good as potato chips.) The crunch factor that the topping provide makes the soup extra nice.

Yield: 5 Servings; Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes; Ready In: 50 minutes Ingredients: 3 medium Butternut Squashes cleaned and chopped into chunks 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Coconut Oil 1 handful Raw Cashews presoaked for at least 3-4 hours, drained and rinsed 4 cups Fresh Water 1 teaspoon Curry Powder 1 teaspoon Cumin Powder 1 pinch Cayenne Pepper 1 teaspoon Sea Salt Optional toppings: dried carrots, chopped parsley, Coconut flakes Instructions: Preheat the oven to 400

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degrees F. Place the chopped squash on a cookie sheet. Sprinkle with oil.

Roast for 30 minutes or until soft, but not mushy.

Place the squash, the water, the cashews, the spices and, the salt into the blender and blend until smooth.

You may need to add more water and you may need to do this process twice if your blender is not

large enough.

Pour the soup into the pot.

Bring to a boil. Turn off the heat.

Let stand for 10 minutes prior to serving.

Serve with toppings of choice.

DINING

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DINING

Crazy

Delicious Weekend

by Mary Jane McCall | Photo by Sarah Valentine Highlands Culinary Weekend, set for November 5 through 8, is an unparalleled opportunity to sample and sip the finest flavors of the Highlands Foodie Scene.

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ighlands Culinary Weekend, November 5 through 8, is something you won’t want to miss. This weekend offers something for everyone who enjoys food, wine, beer, and shopping.

The Highlands Chamber of Commerce and local businesses and restaurants roll out the red carpet for a weekend to be remembered.

The ever-popular Opening Night Celebration on Thursday, November 5, at the lovely Highlands Country Club, sets the tone for a fun-filled weekend. Here you can sip and savor wines from a variety of wine tasting tables, enjoy craft beers from around the region, listen to live music, and enjoy the delectable cuisine from several great chefs from the Highlands area. Tickets for this event are $85.

Throughout the remainder of the weekend, fill your itineraries with an array of activities such as wine and beer tastings and special dinners hosted by area restaurants and merchants. Many of the restaurants and businesses team up with well-known and esteemed wineries and vineyards from around the country for unique and one of a kind dinners and tastings that are not to be missed. These offer fun-filled opportunities to learn more about different wines and wineries. Wines featured at many of these events will be available for purchase at event prices so that you’ll be able to purchase your favorites to enjoy throughout the holiday season.

This year a second day has been added to the popular Sip and Stroll – Friday, November 6, and Saturday, November 7, from 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Tickets are $45 and sell out quickly, so plan to purchase yours soon. On the day of the event, stop by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center to pick up your gift bag and wrist band so you can embark on an unforgettable day of shopping. What better way to start your Christmas shopping? Each participating merchant will have a great selection of food and wine for you to sample while you shop.

To see a complete schedule of events and information on purchasing tickets, visit highlandsculinaryweekend.com or call the Highlands Chamber of Commerce at (828) 526-2112.

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Lakeside Gives Back DINING

by Mary Jane McCall

F

awareness for literacy. all is in the air. You can feel it on chilly mountain mornings when a As Literacy Board Member Michael Lanzilotta says, “Lakeside gentle breeze hints at the coming Restaurant hosts this event for winter, you can see it in the vibrant the Literacy Council and donates a leaves and you can most certainly percentage of their revenue from taste it at Lakeside Restaurant as they shift into the new season with their the event to the Literacy Council. We are grateful to Lakeside and not only exciting, robust fall menu. for their financial donation, however Laura Huerta and her staff bring the richness of the season into their – just as important is recognizing the value that ‘literacy’ represents. fresh and inventive menu of food ‘Changing Lives, One Mind At and drinks.

A Time.’”

Changes are in the air but one thing Dates in October are still available that remains constant at Lakeside are and interested non-profits should their Dine Out Wednesdays, which are contact Lakeside at (828) 526-9419 set aside for area non-profits to join Even in this busiest of seasons, Lakeside Restaurant finds time to select an available date. Lakeside them in raising money and awareness to support its community through its Dine Out Wednesdays. will donate 15 percent of the nonfor their causes. Throughout this For reservations or more information, call (828) 526-9419. profit’s guest checks that evening season many local nonprofits have to the non-profit. It is up to each taken advantage of these evenings as organization and its board members to market their evening. Always a festive way to raise money and awareness for their organizations.

The Literacy Council of Highlands recently enjoyed its dine-out remember when making reservations that you need to mention that evening at Lakeside. This well-attended event has become an annual you’re there to support your chosen non-profit.

For more information or to make reservations, please call Lakeside tradition for the Literacy Council, whose supporters always enjoy the chance to get together over delicious food while raising money and at 526-9419. They are located at 531 Smallwood Avenue in Highlands.

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DINING

Fresh From Nawlins!

by Jenny King For Laure Walsh, even being dropped in the middle of a Scaly Mountain winter didn’t extinguish a passion for the dishes of her native New Orleans.

L

aure Walsh, of Buttermilk Mountain Farm in Scaly Mountain, has traveled a long way from her home in New Orleans.

She and her family were Katrina evacuees and moved here in 2005. They were offered a Joe Webb Cabin and moved in.

Laure laughs as she says, “I did know the cabin was not winterized, but a girl from the South didn’t realize she would be building fires to keep us warm, and the cabin door would often blow open in the middle of the night.” So that winter, while her husband commuted, Laure and her two young children, ages 6 and 7, became pioneers.

Highlands School was her refuge and she made sure to prepare dinners for her childrens’ teachers and get their cell phone numbers since she wasn’t at all sure her family would survive the winter. But survive and thrive, they did. She is now a

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very active member of the Scaly Mountain Women’s Club and continues to volunteer at Highlands School. The family bought the 35acre farm where they have a stunning home in which Laure practices her culinary skills.

As former executive chef at the famed Chateau Golf and Country Club, Walsh has many traditional New Orleans dishes in her repertoire. One of her favorites is a classic Muffuletta Sandwich.

While she always grabs a loaf or two of Muffuletta bread when she’s in “Nawlins,” she says it’s not necessary. Just use a good French bread.

Olive Salad – makes enough for 2-4 sandwiches 2-21 oz. jars Green Olives 2-6 oz. cans Black Olives 1-14 oz. jar pitted Kalamata Olives 4 cups chopped Celery 2 cups chopped Green Onions

1½ cups chopped Carrots (in food processor) 2 TBL. finely chopped Garlic 2 tsp. Oregano 2 tsp. Basil 1 tsp. Creole Seasoning ½ cup shredded Romano ¾ cup shredded Parmesan 2 cups Olive Oil ¼ cup Balsamic Vinegar 1 bunch chopped Parsley Coarsely chop olives and combine all ingredients. Refrigerate for up to a month.

For 1 large Muffuletta sandwich: ½ lb. deli sliced (thinly sliced) Ham ¼ lb. Salami, thinly sliced ¼ lb. Swiss Cheese, thinly sliced 1/8 lb. Provolone, thinly sliced Layer ham, salami, Swiss and Provolone.

Top with olive salad. Heat in oven at 375 degrees until cheese is melted.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

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DINING

Curt Christiansen, Wine Navigator Madison’s Restaurant, empiricon@hotmail.com

Just One

More Glass The humble Liter Bottle cures the End of the Bottle Blues and strengthens relationships.

I

find that when enjoying dinner with a nice bottle of wine I am thinking towards the end of the meal, “I’m almost out of wine, I wish there was one more glass to help close out this lovely dinner without shorting my wife on the last pour.”

Then out of nowhere, Caymus is now releasing their cabernet in Liter Bottles.

We recently enjoyed a bottle, which was a wedding gift, with dinner.

Towards the end I decided to give the last glass to my love. But wait, there were almost two full glasses left.

What a brilliant idea! The perfect amount of wine for two!

I hope this liter trend catches on. No more taking half-consumed bottles home, or worse, drinking them both and then having to take a cab and pick up the car the next morning.

It leaves me wondering if this is an American thing. We like big things. Is this the “Big Gulp” of the wine world?

In the end, I don’t care. Bring on the liter.

Drink Well, Curt

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Breakfast

Mountain Dining

HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS Bake My Day Bakery & Cafe • 137 Main Street • Wright Square • 828-487-4633 ¢ ¢ ¢ C • • 85 Bella’s Junction Cafe • 20 Old Mud Creek Road, Scaly, NC • 828-526-0803 $ $ $ • C • L • • 83 The Bistro at Wolfgang’s • 460 Main Street • 828-526-3807 $-$$ • • • • NC • L • • 5 The Dog House • 294 South 4th St. • 828-526-8364 ¢ ¢ ¢ • • • C • • • 81 Dusty’s • 493 Dillard Road • 828-526-2762 ¢ ¢ • • C • • • • 83 Fressers Courtyard Cafe • 470 Oak Street, Village Square • 828-526-4188 ¢ -$$ $-$$ • • • C • • • • 86 * The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering • 350 S. Fifth St. • 828-526-2110 $-$$ $-$$ • • • 81 Lakeside Restaurant • Smallwod Avenue • 828-526--9419 $-$$ $$ $$$ • • • • NC • • • 80 The Log Cabin • 130 Log Cabin Lane • 828-526--5777 $-$$ $-$$ $$ • • • • • C • L • • 81 Madison’s Restaurant & Wine Garden • 445 Main St. • 828-787-2525 $ $$ $$ • • • • NC • • 4 Meritage Bistro • 490 Carolina Way • 828-526-1019 $-$$ $-$$ $-$$ • • • C • • 79 Mountain Fresh Grocery • Corner of Fifth and Main • 828-526-2400 ¢ ¢ -$ ¢ -$ • • C • • • • 79 On the Verandah • Hwy. 64 (Franklin Road) • 828-526-2338 $-$$ $-$$ • • • • • NC • • • • 85 Paoletti’s • 440 Main Street • 828-526-4906 $-$$ • • • • NC • L • 79 The Ugly Dog Pub • 294 South 4th St. • 828-526-8364 ¢ ¢ ¢ • • • C • • • 81 Wolfgang’s Restaurant • 460 Main Street • 828-526-3807 $-$$ • • • • NC • L • • 5 CASHIERS AREA RESTAURANTS *On the Side at Cashiers Farmers Market • Crossroads • 828-743-4334 • 87 The Orchard • Highway 107 South • 828-743-7614 $$$ • • • • Dinner C • • • 80 Zookeeper • Mountain Laurel Shoppes • 828-743-7711 ¢ ¢ ¢ • C • • 56 ¢ $

Minimal, most entrees under $10 Moderate, most entrees $10-$15

Pricing Guide

Highlands Area Restaurants Altitude’s at Skyline Lodge - 828-526-2121 Annie’s Cafe - 828-526-1663 Asia House - 828-787-1680 Bake My Day Bakery & Cafe - 828-487-4633 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 Brick Oven - 828-526-4121 Bryson’s Deli - 828-526-3775 Buck’s Coffee Cafe - 828-526-0020 Cafe 460 - 828-526-8926 Creekside Casual Dining - 828-526-9822 Cyprus International Cuisine - 828-526-4429 The Dog House - 828- 526-8364 Dusty’s - 828-526-2762

$$ Deluxe, most entrees $15-$20 $$$ Grand, most entrees over $20

El Azteca - 828-526-2244 El Manzanillo - 828-526-0608 Fressers Courtyard Cafe - 828-526-4188 Golden China - 828-526-5525 Highlands Smokehouse - 828-526-5000 Kelsey Place Restaurant - 828-526-9380 The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering - 828-526-2110 Lakeside Restaurant - 828-526-9419 The Log Cabin - 828-526-5777 Madison’s Restaurant & Wine Garden - 828-787-2525 Meritage Bistro - 828-526-1019 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 Sports Page - 828-526-3555 Subway - 828-526-1706 SweeTreats Deli - 828- 526-9632

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Checks Local Only * Takeout Only

C Casual

Dress Code

NC Nice Casual J Jacket

Tokyo - Authentic Happ’s Place - 828-743-2266 Asian Cuisine - 828-526-8800 High Hampton Inn - 828-743-2411 The Ugly Dog Pub - 828- 526-8364 Hunt Bros. Pizza Wild Thyme at Cashiers BP - 828-743-2337 Gourmet - 828-526-4035 JJ’s Eatery Wine Garden at and Canteen - 828-743-7778 Old Edwards Inn - 828-787-2525 Mica’s Restaurant - 828-743-5740 Wolfgang’s Restaurant - 828-526-3807 On the Side at Cashiers Farmers Cashiers Area Restaurants Market - 828-743-4334 Brown Trout The Orchard - 828-743-7614 Mountain Grille - 828-877-3474 Randevu Buck’s Coffee Cafe - 828-743-9997 Restaurant - 828-743-0190 Cafe 107 - 828-293-1221 Rosie’s Café - 828-743-0160 Canyon Kitchen - 828-743-7967 Slab Town Carolina Pizza (STP) - 828-743-0020 Smokehouse - 828-743-3200 Subway - 828-743-1300 Chester’s Chicken The Gamekeeper’s at Cashiers Exxon - 828-743-5041 Tavern - 828-743-4263 Chile Loco - 828-743-1160 Wendy’s - 828-743-7777 Cornucopia Yoshi Japanese Restaurant - 828-743-3750 Steakhouse - 828-743-8747 Four Season Grille - 828-743-4284 Zookeeper - 828-743-7711

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Spend the Day Finding your Treasure...

Visit Cashiers Consignment shoppes

To Highlands

2 1

Chestnut Square

4

Marmalade

Hwy. 64 W

3

Lance Rd.

Cashiers

Hwy. 107 N

5

Alexander Gardens

6

Frank Allen Rd.

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VENTURE OUT

The Yellow Mountain Trail

by Alex Foltz

Despite its challenges, Yellow Mountain rewards its visitors with jaw-dropping panoramas and shadowed forests.

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s the heat of the summer begins to fade away, the weather for hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains becomes even more favorable.

The cooler temperatures make for a more relaxing hike and the number of pesky insects begins to dwindle. Soon the mountains will be blanketed in a gorgeous display of color from ridge to valley as the change from summer to fall begins to take hold. While this change will be evident right at our doorsteps, the best way to truly experience its vastness, is to venture deep into the forests to see what natural treasures they hold.

One such trail in the Highlands area that’s perfect for fall exploration is the Yellow Mountain trail. With a 360-degree mountain top view and a trek through a large expanse of forest, this trail is a must for the fall season.

The Yellow Mountain trail is located 2.2 miles down Buck Creek road, just outside the Highlands city limits. With recent changes, the route of this trail it is now even longer, totaling more than 13 miles round trip. While this is a long and difficult trail, it’s also very rewarding. The 360-degree view from the fire tower on Yellow Mountain is well worth

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the trip, and the incredible variety of plants and wildlife make it even more spectacular. With the changes of elevation as the trail crosses three mountain peaks, the forest changes dramatically. There are large patches of ferns, thickets of mountain laurel and rhododendron, a multitude of fungi, and a vast variety of trees that will produce an impressive display of color as the leaves begin to change. This trail is a paradise for anyone that wishes to spend the day admiring the incredible diversity of life that can be found in the area, and it also includes a few very large trees that escaped the clutches of logging many years ago.

In order to get the most out of this long day hike it is recommended to set out early in the morning. This will allow for a more leisurely hike, as well as produce a better chance of viewing wildlife as they will be more active at this time of day. For anyone who has never embarked on a hike of this magnitude, keep in mind that proper planning will better ensure a successful trip. Be sure to take extra synthetic clothing in case of changes in weather, as well as enough food and water to last many hours on the trail, and as always, please be respectful while on the trail to preserve it for future visitors.

The Best Month for Fishing VENTURE OUT

Contributed by Chris Wilkes and Andrew Watson | Highland Hiker

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This finest month for fishing is even better with a few common sense tips.

robably the most common question we get at The Highland Hiker (other than “What time does the forest close?”) is, “How’s the fishing?”

October is our favorite time to answer that question, because the answer all month long is, “The best all year!”

OK, May is great, too. But October is probably the signature month for fly fishing in the mountains. The delayed harvest streams are stocked full of fish, the air is the perfect temperature for so many hatches and, because of that, trout are finally taking the top water flies.

Tan Caddis, Jack Cabe Hoppers, Blue Wing Olives, and Adams Parachutes, are all in play during this time of year. In fact, most of your flybox is in play during October. But before you waste time just fishing any old thing, here are a few tips to maximize your fall fishing.

1) Relax. Take a minute. Most of us are so excited to get out in the river during peak seasons that we go ahead and tie on the fly that was suggested in the flyshop and fish it immediately, regardless of conditions. But

when you get down to the river’s edge, if you’ll take about five minutes to sit quietly, you may notice some things that will up your day’s count. For one thing, you can see what is flying around in the air and near the water.

You can match those insects to your flybox.

You may even see some rises and other trout signs that will allow you to head right out and cast at the bullseye. Traipsing right out in the river may get you five more minutes of fishing, but you’ll spend more time guessing.

2) Layer Properly. Wet wading goes the way of the dodo after the first frost. But it doesn’t mean that it’s time to break out the fleece pants to go under your waders just yet. October days can start out at 38 degrees in the morning, climb to 65 by midday, and drop to 45 by dusk. So it’s important that you wear lightweight pieces you can shed as the temperature rises, rather than one heavy jacket that is OK for morning but an oven by noon. Using one solid synthetic or merino wool base layer, a lightweight fleece vest, and then your waterproof shell is usually the way to go.

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VENTURE OUT

Mum’s the Word Sometimes overshadowed by its flashier cousins, the chrysanthemum comes into its glory in the October landscape.

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the greenery gets to 4 to 6 inches, begin removing eep your eyes on the road! the stem above the second set of leaves; this forces In October, it’s hard to drive by an autumn the growth downward and will help keep the plants display without a double take. You’re liable manageable as well as keep them from blooming to see pumpkins, bales of hay, scarecrows, and too early. the inevitable chrysanthemum. Sometimes, you’ll After all flowers have turned brown, cut them off see one pot with one dominant color, while other under the bloom, and cover with a heavy mulch (cut displays have a gazillion pots of multiple shades of up leaves work best). It never hurts to put a couple all the colors in the Fall Rainbow.

Chrysanthemums are generally considered of large rocks around these and other flowers, annual plants to many, but they can survive winters shrubs and bushes. The reason for the rocks is that the sun will heat them and may keep the plants in zones 3-8. Originally hailing from China, they’ve from being killed off if we have a hard winter. (In been cultivated there for over 2,500 years, and my case, the rocks let me know where something were used medicinally and as a flavoring. In Japan, is planted!) You may be surprised next spring to see chrysanthemums were used in art as a symbol of longevity and happiness – works for me! some familiar foliage peeking out of the leaves – Contributed by they’re easy to transplant to your garden spot. It’s But the chrysanthemum has had something of an Jeannie Chambers so rewarding to have something “come back to see identity crisis over the years – the plant once thrived The Accidental Gardener you” in the garden. in the spotlight and shared the stage with multiple Visit a local nursery and get several chrysanthemums this year – other favorites such as ox-eye daisy, and even the show stopper, the Shasta daisy. Now they’re for the most part considered a “Fall Mum.” there are so many color varieties to choose from. The Fall Rainbow (They probably know how Pluto felt – it’s got to be hard keeping up ranges from a pink sunset glow to a fiery red and a bronze that may appearances when the others in the group get most of the attention.) remind you it’s fireplace season. The chrysanthemum palette grows Chrysanthemums prefer a sunny spot with good drainage for the low, and mirrors the real Fall rainbow – so don’t forget to look up. best show of flowers. They tend to get “leggy,” so to aim for the October in our area has got to be one of the most beautiful places nursery-type plants, you’ll need to cut them back once or twice. When on earth.

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Belted

VENTURE OUT

Kingfisher

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he Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) lives and hunts near streams, rivers and lakes. Highly territorial, it tends to occupy a perch while diving for small fish. The female is more colorful than the male, sporting a chestnut breast band. The call is a distinctive rattle.

Photo by Ed Boos | Courtesy of Highlands Audubon Society

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The Power of Leaning VENTURE OUT

Contributed by Tom Chillemi, PGA Golf Professional, Tom’s Golf Tours, info@tomsgolftours.com For a strong, balanced game, you need to be a little bit off-balance.

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ver wonder how a football quarterback throws ball so far or a baseball pitcher so fast?

They both lean to the opposite side of where they want the ball to go by shifting their weight to the side or back leg. This allows them to propel their momentum towards the target when they drive off that side.

Golfers need the same balanced weight transfer to hit long, powerful drives.

If you leave your weight on your left side (right hand golfers) on your backswing what will

happen is when you swing at the ball your weight will go to right leg causing the dreaded reverse pivot.

One way to do this is make sure your left knee is pointed to the right of the ball on your backswing and your right knee to the left of the ball as you go through the shot. Even if you sway a bit going back with your hips that is much better than the reverse pivot.

Remember collect your weight over your right leg on your backswing while your shoulders are turning to the top. This will

store momentum and power that you can unleash on your downswing.

If done properly on your follow through, your weight will be on your left foot with right heel off the ground.

If you’re interested in group golfing in Ireland and Scotland in 2016, now is the time to get things started. I would be happy to make all the arrangements.

I have many happy Highlands and Cashiers golfers that I have arranged trips for.

Just give me a call or drop me an email.

For more information about Highlands and Cashiers visit thelaurelmagazine.com

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VENTURE OUT

Carolina Chickadee

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ohn James Audubon named this bird while he was in South Carolina. The curious, intelligent Carolina Chickadee looks very much like a Black-capped Chickadee, with a black cap, black bib, gray wings and back, and whitish underside. Carolina and Black-capped chickadees hybridize in the area where their ranges overlap, but the two species probably diverged more than 2.5 million years ago.

Photo by Clay Bolt | Courtesy of Highlands Biological Station

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VENTURE OUT

thelaurelmagazine.com | October 2015 | 99

Ticking Away VENTURE OUT

by Donna Rhodes Wicked ticks can pack a devastating punch with the tiniest bites – Lyme disease is coming home to Western North Carolina.

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yme Disease used to be a Northeastern concern.

Not anymore.

North Carolina’s Alleghany, Haywood, Guilford, and Wake Counties have been classified as epidemic.

Lyme disease – named for the site of its first appearance, Lyme, Connecticut – is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. The bacterium Borrelia burgdorferiis carried by the Ixodes scapularisticks or black-legged ticks, often referred to as deer ticks.

Franklin resident Julia Simmons contracted Lyme Disease in 2000.

She woke up with an engorged tick on her abdomen. She pulled it off. There was irritation, but not the classic bulls-eye rash (she says half the time there isn’t). She thought nothing of it. At that time, Lyme disease wasn’t on North Carolina’s radar.

Before her infection, she could cycle 100 miles in a day. But several weeks after the tick bite she was beset with fatigue, sleeplessness, and eventually partial blindness. Joint pain was excruciating.

She went through a parade of doctors and misdiagnoses – multiple sclerosis, chronic anxiety, thyroid, and possible brain tumor. This went on for years, until she finally researched specialists in integrative medicine. A practitioner in Western North Carolina suspected Lyme and tested her. Diagnosis confirmed. Under her practitioner’s supervision, the undo-ing has begun. Julia is convinced

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she will recover and regain her athletic edge.

So what do you do if you are bitten? An infected tick will transmit the bacteria 24 to 48 hours after it attaches. The good news – CDC says chances of contracting Lyme are relatively small, 6.1 cases per million as of 2010. But numbers are rising.

If bitten, place something by the tick for size reference.

Photograph the tick, the site, and steps of removal, then treat site with an antibiotic. Photograph any rashes that develop. For safety’s sake, call your doctor and report the incident immediately. Email photos if requested. He/she will advise you. It takes two to six weeks after infection before a blood test will work.

An ounce of prevention – wear long gear when hiking. Tuck your pants into your socks. Wrap rubber bands around long sleeve cuffs.

Do a tick check, especially head, back, and groin area upon your return. Shower. Scrub. Check your pets often and protect them with tick collars. Julia’s infection most likely came from a tick on her dogs. And yes, dogs can get Lyme Disease.

Lyme has settled into Macon County, so be smart and treat all ticks as dangerous. Spread the word. It’s time to fight Lyme.

Other useful tick and Lyme Disease information can be found at ilads.org; cdc.gov/lyme/; and epi.publichealth.nc.gov/cd/lyme/docs/ lyme_fs.pdf.

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VENTURE OUT

Fall ’s Spectacle of Birds Contributed by William McReynolds | Photo by Ed Boos The arrival of autumn brings prime bird-watching opportunities in Cashiers and Highlands.

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utumn settles softly upon the forest from the top down.

First are barely perceptible changes in the tree tops that quicken our senses. The flora is in afterglow of spring and summer, the reds deepen; the colors become more saturated, more sincere. Beauty overtakes pretty in autumn.

The birds are on the move in the fall. By October the trans-gulf migrants – warblers, thrushes, tanagers, vireos, many more – have left or moved through Appalachia heading to their tropical winter homes in Mexico and the Caribbean. In the fall, large numbers of raptors migrate south and from Whiteside Mountain one can spot kettles of soaring hawk numbering in the hundreds gliding above the peaks and ridges. Some avian species that summer farther north such as Pine Siskin and Purple Finch migrate to Western North Carolina for the winter. These winter residents join our year-round inhabitants, forming mixed feeding flocks of Carolina Chickadees, Downy Woodpeckers, Northern Cardinals, Ruby-Crowned Kinglets,

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Purple Finch, and many more of the several dozen species observed each winter during the Annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count.

Fall sunrises and sunsets offer arresting vistas and the birding is good at these times. If you have a feeder you can watch it come to life in the gloaming and first streaks of sunlight and also see who the last visitors of the day are. Cardinals tend to eat late each day, just before roosting at night.

We are entering harvest time. Having sowed hope for a glorious leaf season, we now reap the beauty thereof – the colors, the leaves, the rustling of the wind and, most of all, the spectacle of the birds.

The Highlands Plateau Audubon Society, focused on enjoying and preserving birds and their habitats, is a Chapter of the National Audubon Society and a 501(c) (3) organization. For information on all our activities and membership, please visit highlandsaudubonsociety.org.

Don’t Invite Bears to Dinner VENTURE OUT

Contributed by Cynthia Strain Especially at this time of year, bear lovers need to follow one simple rule – Let the bruins be.

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his spring there was a large crop of baby bears in the mountains of North Carolina due to plentiful natural food sources last year.

Unfortunately, this summer’s drought has dried up many of those same resources, and we are seeing hungry bears going into autumn with little to eat.

That means more of them will wander into our neighborhoods looking for a meal. Feel sorry for them if you like, but do not make the mistake of supplying them food.

N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission officers have already received hundreds of bear complaints. They’re concerned that the expected problems will

cause some residents or officers to take drastic measures, like shooting nuisance bears.

Housing developments and land within the city limits create a sort of bear sanctuary where bears cannot be hunted, the primary means the state has used for controlling their numbers.

Therefore, bears may congregate in these areas for protection.

Shy and relatively harmless by nature, black bears prefer to not interact with humans. But if food is made available, they will take their chances. It doesn’t take long for them to become desensitized, and that is when serious problems can occur.

Damage to homes, birdfeeders,

and vehicles is getting more common. Defensive or hungry bears have even killed dogs.

While attacks on humans are rare, it is important that we all take reasonable precautions to keep ourselves and bears safe. If you feed a bear and condition it to associate food with humans, you are almost certainly signing the bear’s death warrant. We can be responsible stewards and coexist with them if we respect them for the intelligent wild animals that they are.

In autumn, black bears must eat upwards of 20,000 calories a day to pack on sufficient fat to make it through the winter. Their natural diet consists of acorns, nuts, mushrooms, and berries;

it does not include greasy french fries or moldy leftovers.

The B.E.A.R. Task Force asks people to take the following precautions: • Don’t feed the birds, or at least take feeders in at night.

• Feed pets indoors if possible.

• Keep garbage cans inside until time for pickup.

• Keep BBQ’s clean.

• Lock doors, windows, and vehicles to prevent entrance by bears.

Brochures on living and hiking/camping in bear country are available at Highlands Town Hall, Highlands Post Office, and other locations in Highlands and Cashiers.

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HISTORY

It’s a Zoo(m) Out There!

by Donna Rhodes | Photo Courtesy Highlands Historical Society The Whiteside Widescreen Experience is a lot more crowded than we realized.

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t’s that time of year when the great shadow of the bear appears to creep across slope and valley off Highway 64 at Rhodes Big View (no relation) mid-October through early November on sunny days, from 5:30 to 6:00 P.M. For those bear-unaware, when the sun and earth are in supreme alignment, a dramatic bear shadow makes his annual fall appearance for leaf-lookers. Photographers and sightseers from near and far gather, tripods poised, ready to snap this annual mystical event.

Ran Shaffner, archivist and factmeister of the Highlands Historical Society, suggested an additional accounting. He has evidence the

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bear is not alone. Over the course of the afternoon, several other animal shadows join the bear in a zoological parade. He feels they are worthy of their own photos, and we thank him for this exclusive montage. Note all animals appear the same day as the bear except the duck who waddles in late, around mid-December He’s mallard-justed.

For more info Ran suggests visiting the Highlands Historical Society through October and/or viewing the following – visitnc.com/ story/shadow-of-the-bear-a-one-ofa-kind-fall-experience, youtube.com/ watch?v=dm9oaXSTQeQ and youtube. com/watch?v=dyuEa8m8qGI.

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In Search of a Passing HISTORY

Contributed by Jane Gibson Nardy, Historian, Cashiers Historical Society

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The stark inscriptions on a pair of tombstones hint at the tragic endings to a trio of beloved Sapphire residents.

reportedly captured and then frozen here is a tombstone in the Upper Zachary Cemetery that has the to death shortly before the Battle of the Bulge. following inscription: Neal and Bessie were well-loved Neal Zachary born 12 October 1887 (No members of the camp community.

Death Date) Neal usually wore denim overalls, Bessie Hazel Zachary born 1 December 1889 died 23 October 1945 could play a mean fiddle, and he was often followed around by a couple A tombstone in the same plot has this of his beloved hound dogs. Bessie, inscription: according to her death certificate, was Guy M. Zachary born 30 May 1913 died born in Highlands. She died a little 17 September 1944, over a year after her son Guy died in Missing in Germany Neal Zachary and his wife Bessie WWII and it has been said that Neal was “never the same” after the deaths were caretakers at Camp Merrie-Woode of his wife and his only child. It is sad as early as 1935 and continuing through to look at Neal’s tombstone and see World War II. (James Pressley became that his date of death is still blank the camp caretaker after Neal left.)

Neal and Bessie Zachary which suggests that there were no Neal and Bessie owned a farmhouse family members alive when he died to up near the top of Cedar Creek Road, now owned by the Fowler family, but most of the time they made record his death date on the stone.

Surely, there will be someone who reads this article who knows their home at the Gate House at Camp Merrie-Woode. An archivist at the camp provided pictures and personal information about Neal something about the date of Neal Zachary’s death and, if so, please and Bessie and confirmed that the couple had only one child, Guy telephone Jane Nardy at (828) 743-9002. Let’s complete the Zachary, who died in the European Combat Zone in World War II, inscription on this dear man’s tombstone.

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WEDDING

the details

It’s all about

Contributed by Elizabeth Fletcher, I Do Events | Photos by Heidi Geldhauser, Our Labor of Love 112 | October 2015 | thelaurelmagazine.com

WEDDING

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WEDDING

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lizabeth and Will are the epitome of the perfect couple.

I will never forget the first time I met them and noticed how much they loved one another.

When I inquired as to how they met, Elizabeth responded, “We met on a blind date, set up by a husband and wife duo. A great friend and mentor to me, she convinced her husband to scour his office for a suitable match. Though I said I’d never go on a blind date, I’m so glad I did. It was a wonderfully happy accident – Serendipity! I knew he was the one when we were in Nashville for a music festival. We were out for dinner between shows and got trapped in a torrential rainstorm –

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far from cabs or shelter. We ran through the rain, soaked through in seconds, laughing hysterically. At one point we stopped and just stood there, doubled over with laughter. It was so cold and we were so wet but it was so much fun. Standing in the rain, I thought to myself, ‘I want to have moments like this for the rest of my life.’

“I told myself I’d wait for a month before beginning the planning process for my wedding and just enjoy being engaged, but I was too excited and began within days of our engagement. We knew we wanted to get married in the North Carolina mountains, but weren’t sure exactly where. Finding the vineyard was serendipitous, and I knew

it was perfect the moment we drove in. It’s whimsical and romantic, exactly what I’d envisioned. The venue is so beautiful on its own, I wanted to keep everything neutral. Blush and champagne were the predominant colors on the wedding day, but we added the blue in our invitations and guest bags. I really like blushes and pinks but knew that the wedding should represent both Will and me so I toned it down with the addition of complementary neutral colors.”

Elizabeth’s parents both jumped on board with her wedding planning and started designing items to make her day special.

Mountain Wedding | continued on page 116

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WEDDING

continued from page 115 “They were creative, handy and willing to help,” she says “They constructed an arbor from trees near their home in Burlington, North Carolina, and made the escort card flower box from a set of window shutters we purchased from a Dillard flea market. They also bought a window at the flea market which they used for their menu board.

They collaborated with Rooms In Bloom Florals to create the moss/ eucalyptus hoops that hung in the trees around the ceremony site.

Paul Brummer of Rooms in Bloom is incredible, he is so talented and remained conscious of my budget. We were thrilled with how our flowers turned out.”

Elizabeth and Will were married in the Apple Orchard at The Vineyard at 37 High Holly, with the pond, waterfall and vines as their backdrop.

Will played and recorded an acoustic rendition of “Here Comes The Sun” by the Beatles for Elizabeth to process to.

Though it had rained all day prior to the wedding, the sun appeared as Elizabeth walked down the stairs and then a rainbow formed.

Following the ceremony, several cows from the neighboring field came to the fence to greet guests and congratulate the couple.

Elizabeth is a very detail-orientated person and went out of her way to put little touches throughout the event to make the day special.

continued on page 118

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WEDDING

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WEDDING

continued from page 116 A close friend designed a Monogram logo used on all the printed materials. The WE represents the union of Will and Elizabeth and was printed across their save the dates, invitations, thank you cards, welcome boxes, signage, guest towels and escort cards. Their welcome boxes were navy gable boxes with custom stickers featuring the WE logo and the mountain view.

“We included items we love that also represent our hometowns – Virginia peanuts, Moravian cookies, coffee for two, homemade cheese straws and bottled water,” she says.

The guest tables were named after cities the couple had traveled to together. Custom illustrations were drawn of each city which were placed in frames on the tables to help identify where everyone should sit. Two custom cocktails were offered during cocktail hour – The

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Dizzie Lizzie, a prosecco/citrus/rum drink, and The One Man Band, an Old Fashioned. Elizabeth had two cocktail napkins, both blush with navy ink. Half featured their wedding date while the others said “Grow Along With Me. The Best is Yet to B” with a stylized “B” to representing her new last name.

When I inquired as to her favorite memory of the day, Elizabeth said, “The toasts at our wedding were so heartfelt and hilarious. My Maid of Honor revealed a Top 10 List about me since we’d been friends for 10 years. Will’s brother and best man, Thomas, wrote a song and surprised us by performing it. While my dad and I were dancing our Father- Daughter Dance, he looked around and said, ‘Wow! We throw one heck of a party!’ It was a sweet moment, and I loved knowing he was thrilled with how everything came to life.”

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HOMES & LIFESTYLES

Mountain Dream

by Wiley Sloan

Srebalus Construction’s Home of Distinction is a testament to the power of a relentless commitment to quality.

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our home is a reflection of you and all you hold dear. Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling an existing home you need a construction team whose expertise makes the building experience go seamlessly.

When Floridians Scott and Mary Jane Harris were ready to build their mountain home, their research for a quality builder led them to Jerry Srebalus of Srebalus Construction in Cashiers. Jerry worked with architect Doug Harris of Brevard and the Harris’ daughter Jennifer of Renee Gaddis Interiors of Naples, Florida, to create a home that fit his clients’ needs.

Large expanses of windows frame nature’s beauty as sunlight penetrates each room.

The pallid poplar shiplap paneling throughout the home provides the perfect complement for the

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dark hues of the white oak flooring. Stone fireplaces in the Great Room, on the large Screen Porch and in the Master Bedroom beckon you to relax and re-energize no matter the season. The large Great Room with cathedral ceiling and built-ins is cozy for two or 20. The open floor plan provides flexibility. Spring and fall may find the family ensconced on the Screen Porch where grans can work puzzles or grab a bite around the dining table while grownups plan their day. Stargazing around the fire pit is the perfect ending for a fun-filled day.

With top-of-the-line appliances and a large central island capped with marble, the kitchen pleases even the fussiest chefs. Custom cabinetry that mimics finely-crafted furniture keeps everything neatly organized. Enjoy breakfast or a casual bite at the breakfast island with

HOMES & LIFESTYLES

its leather-embossed granite. There’s no better place to build family memories than around a sumptuous meal in the home’s dining room.

A wet bar and a large Pantry join the Laundry and Mud Room in the back hall. Let your guests scamper up the back stairs to their private abode. A Sitting Room, large Bedroom with panoramic views and Private Bath welcome them regally.

You’ll enjoy being pampered too in the Master Bedroom Suite.

Dual vanities, his-and-her walk-in closets, and private balcony surround the large bedroom.

The Terrace Level houses more guest accommodations. The nucleus of this area is a large Family/Recreation Room with private terrace. Three more Guest Rooms each in- suite and a large Media

Room complete this level. Sliding glass doors and clearstory windows in each room flood the rooms with light while welcoming gentle mountain breezes.

Guests have no doubt that these folks are Gator fans. Alligator handles on the fireplace’s wrought iron screen and embossed tiles in the Terrace Level’s Kitchenette attest to the fact that this family hails from Gator country. Comfort and style prevail throughout this home.

Whether you are building a new home, renovating an existing home or preparing to open a business, be sure to talk to Jerry Srebalus. A certified Green Professional, he’s been building in our area since 1980. Reach Jerry at (828) 743-3819 or visit his website at srebalusconstruction.com.

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The Garden of Eatin’ HOMES & LIFESTYLES

by Donna Rhodes Oh, where’s the flavor; where’s the savor? Modern eating has lost its passion!

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y friend Sara is a foodie. She, our buddy Hannah, and I recently ate at a trendy gourmet cafe in Charleston.

Sara told the waitress, “Here’s the skinny. I am a foodie. I could eat my way through this menu. Hannah, here, eats because she has to. Donna eats for her health. What I’m saying is… it will take us a few minutes.”

The waitress gave us an “Okay-It’s-Gonna-Be-One-Of-Those!” looks and walked away.

Sara was right. We all ate for different reasons. Eating isn’t for the sheer flavorful fun of it anymore. It borders on work.

When the waitress returned, Sara ordered the specialties of the house, calories be damned. Sara looks for any food-gazm that falls loosely within the constraints of her diet du jour, currently Paleo. Her bust, sculpted out of butter, will be a permanent installation in the Foodie Hall of Fame.

Hannah, on the other hand, ordered pre-fab soup and salad. The sooner it was swallowed, the sooner she’d be shopping.

I searched the menu, silently calculating carbs and calories. Then the interrogation began, followed by the rolling of eyes. I asked whether the chef used poly-, mono-, trans-, or sat-fats. I inquired about the

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food’s dextrose/sucrose/fructose levels. Was it a wheat/gluten-free kitchen? Was produce fresh, frozen, or canned…and, shudder, was it GMO? Was the meat organically-fed, free-range, or beefed up with who-knows what? Was there anything unpronounceable added to the food?

I burned about 100 calories just asking all those questions.

I recall a cartoon of dogs sitting in a restaurant. The waiter takes their order. They say, “We’re dogs. We’ll eat anything.” I used to be that way. Food was my favorite dish. What happened to me?

I’ve lost my Peter Pan-ness about eating. Tinker Bell doesn’t sprinkle my plate with delicious-dust anymore. Now the taste is regulated by food content. I haven’t even mentioned the guilt factor. I can access larders of food while half the world is starving. Shouldn’t I just eat what’s there and be glad for it? Dining has gotten too damn complicated.

I want the Garden of Eatin’ back. Maybe the Paleo people have it right. Eat only the basics. Forget that Neanderthals died in their thirties, arthritic and toothless. But, if I go Paleo, give me a side of millet toast and a hunk of rennet-free cheddar with my dodo eggs.

Admit it. Your eyes are rolling.

Taxes on Dividends HOMES & LIFESTYLES

Contributed by Larry East Advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors in Highlands at (828) 787-2323.

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ith taxes and dividend income, seasoned investors have

learned the special qualified dividend treatment can increase their after-tax return.

They tend to find some dividendpaying stocks and mutual funds attractive because their total return includes both the dividend and any market price appreciation.

However, investors whose income exceeds certain thresholds need to keep an eye on the additional 3.8 percent Medicare surcharge. As of 2013, single taxpayers with Modified Adjusted Gross Income of $200,000 and married couples with MAGI in excess of $250,000 are subject to an additional 3.8 percent Medicare surcharge on net investment income (which includes all taxable dividends).

For tax purposes, it’s important to know dividends are

considered either “qualified” or “nonqualified.” Qualified dividends are: • Tax-free for those with income falling within the 10 percent and 15 percent brackets to the extent qualified dividend income remains within those brackets; • Taxed at a 15 percent rate for those with income falling within the 25 percent to 39.6 percent tax brackets; • Taxed at a 20 percent rate for higher income taxpayers whose income surpasses the 39.6 percent tax bracket; Nonqualified dividends are taxed at the same rates as ordinary income (currently a 39.6 percent maximum).

Qualified dividends are paid to investors in common and preferred stock of U.S.

corporations where the income is derived from U.S. equity securities.

It’s critical to obtain proper tax classification of an investment to determine whether the dividend is qualified.

Is there a required holding period?

To qualify for the special tax treatment, shareholders must satisfy a certain holding period based on the type of stock held: • For common stock, shareholders must own the stock for more than a 60-day period containing the exdividend date.

• For preferred stock, the owner must hold the shares for more than a 90-day period including the ex-dividend date.

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Chiro-pratical HOMES & LIFESTYLES

Contributed by Jim Johnson, DC, DACBN & Resa Johnson, DC, DACBN, Cashiers Chiropractic and Acupuncture (828) 743-9070 Recent studies reveal a wealth of misconceptions about the state of our health.

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recent phone use study found that Experimentally Induced 3G Mobile Phone Radiation can cause widespread brain wave disruption in subjects exposed to 15 minutes of talk time.

Significant radiation effects were found for the alpha, slow beta, fast beta, and gamma bands. Insomnia is one of the behavior changes found to be affected by mobile phone exposure. Interested in learning more? Read the Scientific American article, “Could certain frequencies of electromagnetic waves or radiation interfere with brain function?”

A recent article in The Journal of Internal Medicine titled “Osteoporosis: The Emperor Has No Clothes” pointed out three false notions: 1) Most fracture patients have fallen, but actually do not have osteoporosis. A high likelihood of falling is attributable to an agingrelated decline in physical functioning and general frailty. 2) Ineffective screening, bone densitometry, and other prediction tools are unable to identify a large portion of patients who will sustain fractures. 3) Unproven and unsafe treatment means that millions of men and women whose bones are actually normal for their age group (Z-score) are being manipulated into thinking that their bones should remain as dense as an approximately 30 year old young adult (T-score), despite the natural process of bone thinning and reduction of density that comes with aging. Many drugs used for the treatment of osteoporosis have been associated with increased risks of serious side effects.

Another interesting read is “The Myth of Osteoporosis” by Gillian Sanson.

If you’re interested in more information and complete copies of the articles written by Sayer Ji, call our office at (828) 743-9070.

An article in the May 2007 edition of The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics that I found very interesting as a Chiropractic physician was a seven-year year study that showed that patients whose primary physician was a Chiropractor experienced the following results – 60 percent had fewer hospital admissions; 59 percent fewer days in hospital; 62 percent fewer outpatient surgeries; and 85 percent less in pharmaceutical cost.

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Gaining Hormonal Balance HOMES & LIFESTYLES

Are hormones making your life crazy? Perhaps stress is making your hormones crazy.

Contributed by Dr. Sue Aery, Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture (828) 526-1022

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ormones are so important that we cannot live without them!

Literally!

They are the drivers of our body, controlling every movement, thought, and function of our existence.

Hormones are produced in

the adrenal glands through an intricate biochemical reaction that begins with cholesterol – yes, cholesterol! We need hormones to live; hormones need cholesterol to “live!”

Beginning with cholesterol (provided we have enough) and then several conversions later, we form the important hormones including DHEA, estrogen (3), progesterone, testosterone, and sometimes cortisol. These are the main hormones that regulate our existence on a daily basis.

When stress is too high and lasts for too long, the body continues to form cortisol instead of the other important sex hormones that we need to survive. Think of these two pathways – one to cortisol and the other to the sex hormones mentioned above.

If stress

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causes our cholesterol to be constantly diverted to form cortisol instead of the sex hormones, we can end up with a true deficit and imbalance of “normal hormones.”

If our total cholesterol levels are also too low, we can be faced with a true shortage of these vital hormones. Many statin drugs lower our cholesterol too much, so keep track of just how low your cholesterol gets.

What to do about this? Well, many people seek out hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and go on synthetic or bio-identical hormones but there is another path to regulate and balance the hormones that we have available. First, make sure that you have enough cholesterol to begin with. Second, get your stress under control so that the cholesterol goes toward

producing the good hormones instead of cortisol. Third, take supplements called adaptogens, which target the function of the adrenal glands to help them heal from the barrage of stress.

Once this pathway is healed and corrected, the cholesterol can be well utilized in forming the sex hormones that we do need. Whether the problem is erectile dysfunction, hot flashes, or something else, if addressed in consideration of the root cause, these can often be corrected with your functional medicine doctor with some patience and perseverance.

Before you start clogging your liver with synthetic or even bio-identical hormones, look to clear and heal the adrenal glands and bring life back to the hormones that we need to bring life to us.

See What You Can Sea HOMES & LIFESTYLES

Contributed by Jodi Moore, Cruise Planners, www.needfortravel.com The Glory Days of luxurious world travel continue in fine style with modern cruise packages.

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ailing from Manhattan or Bayonne makes one reminisce about the 1920s Golden Age when iconic ocean liners traveled the world’s oceans. Today, a cruise departing from New York’s ports is still exhilarating as the Manhattan skyline beams in the background and the Statue of Liberty holds her torch high.

Many cruisers will take a pre- or post-cruise stay to enjoy all the city has to offer. Visit Times Square and take in a Broadway show, enjoy a concert at Lincoln Center, Shop on Fifth Avenue, stroll through Central Park or explore the South Street Seaport. To maximize your time, use the subway, taxis or an on-off tour bus. Art enthusiasts will love the Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Check out the United Nations, Brooklyn Bridge, or the Famous Bronx Zoo. To honor the 9/11 victims, visit the poignant National September 11 Memorial & Museum or the new One World Trade Center.

Many cruise lines offer a variety of itineraries sailing out of New York.

Norwegian Cruise Lines offers a 10-night and a 14-night Southern

Caribbean sailing visiting ports such as San Juan, St. Thomas, Tortola, Phillipsburg, Roseau, Bridgetown and Martinique.

Cunard offers a seven-night and a 16-night Trans-Atlantic voyage on the Queen Mary 2 as well as a 54-night Exotic World Cruise. The sevennight Transatlantic goes to Southampton and the 16-night visits Fort Lauderdale, Amber Cove, Bridgetown, Salvatore and two nights in Rio de Janeiro. The 54-night World Cruise visits all the ports on the 16day sailing and then heads further into South America, visiting Punta del Este for two days, Beagle Channel for two days, Ushuaia, Cape Horn, Mangle Point, Punta Arenas, the Amazon River, Pio Xi Glacier, Valparaiso, Easter Island, Papeete, Moorea, Crosses the International Date Line, Auckland, Bay of Islands, Wellington, and ends in Sydney.

Royal Caribbean’s new Anthem of the Sea offers a 10- or 12-night sailing from Bayonne. The 10-night visits San Juan, St. Thomas, Phillipsburg and Basseterre. The 12-night adds Labadee and Fort de France to the 10-night itinerary.

For more information about Highlands and Cashiers visit thelaurelmagazine.com

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HOMES & LIFESTYLES

Our Lady of the Mountains

by Wiley Sloan Though it’s one of the smallest churches in town, Highlands’ Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church makes its presence felt in the community and in the world.

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small, dedicated group of four Catholic year-round residents worshipped together during the 1930’s in various locations throughout Highlands.

The priest would drive from Waynesville every other week to hold Mass. Finally, in 1950 land was purchased and the present building was built. According to the church’s early history the land was purchased under unusual circumstances. Ask one of your Catholic friends about this interesting bit of trivia.

Throughout the years the pastorate has grown and the building has been expanded several times. The congregation currently consists of approximately 90 year-round residents and grows by about 100 when the seasonal folks are here. This small but very energetic group is involved in mission services locally, regionally, and internationally.

Here at home, church members join with other churches in the area to support the weekly Community Dinner held each Tuesday night. This is a night where folks can join together for a healthy meal while sharing time with their neighbors. Through Catholic Charities, the local church

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joins other Catholic organizations to help folks address needs for all stages of life.

Many Highlanders were first introduced to Our Lady of the Mountains by their music program under the direction of Mary Beth Brody. The church choir consists of 16-18 talented individuals who, in addition to their duties at regular services, are active in a number of ecumenical performances in our area, including the annual Christmas Chorale and the Summer Sing.

Members of Our Lady of the Mountain are active in the community Taize Prayer services held monthly throughout the year with other churches including the Methodists, Lutherans, and Episcopalians. Youngsters receive spiritual training via the Faith Formation Program at Our Lady of the Mountains.

If you’re new to the area or are looking for a church home, Father Francis and all of the members of Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church invite you to worship with them. The church is located at 315 North Fifth Street, just across from Kelsey-Hutchinson Park. Call them at (828) 526-2418.

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services

AccommodAtions

AccommodAtions

beAUtY

beAUtY

bUsiness services

cAbinet design

cAbinet design

consignment

constrUction

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services

entertAinment

locAl foods

flooring

gUtters

lAwn/Home services

mAssAge

nUrserY

pAinting

remodeling

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GIVING BACK

True Highlander Spirit

by Jenny King | Photo by Marjorie Christiansen For Christy Nix Weller, serving at Highlands School is a matter of love and family.

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hould you stop by Highlands School or attend any of its sporting events, it’s more than likely you’ll see Christy Nix Weller.

She’s been a volunteer there for more than 12 years and has done just about anything that’s asked of her! PTO, proctoring, book fairs, picture days, office assistance-you name it, and Christy’s done it.

Her involvement comes from the heart. As a fourth generation Highlander she has a rich history here. Her family settled in Horse Cove when people traveled by horses and mules.

She tells a story of her grandfather, “When he finally did get a car, it had no headlights, so my grandmother would walk in front of the car holding a lantern.”

She is proud of her heritage and connection to Highlands School.

Graduating in 1990, she is now watching as her son Colin prepares to graduate in 2016 while her daughter Emma moves into eighth grade.

Her favorite volunteer position by far is as substitute teacher.

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Christy has volunteered in Highlands Elementary, Middle, and High School and says it keeps her young.

“I love it. I really, really love it. I like knowing who my kids’ friends are and what they’re into. Being around them makes is so much easier to communicate with them. It’s also a way to stay connected to Highlands. I get to meet all the students.”

Husband Jeff Weller of Summit Architecture has coached the girls’ soccer team for many years, as has Christy. They’ve both been involved in soccer, track, and basketball, thanks to Colin’s participation. Emma’s passion is ballet, so Christy jumped in and started teaching dance in Highlands and Franklin. As her children grow, Christy knows she’ll continue to volunteer at Highlands School. She pictures a future growing old sitting at the soccer field.

“I’ll be that little old lady who goes to every game long after anyone even remembers who I am!”

That’s the true Highlander Spirit.

CHHS Animal Rescue Team GIVING BACK

Contributed by and Photo by David Stroud, Executive Director, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society The Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society punctuates an extremely busy year with an emergency rescue of 30 puppies destined for euthanasia.

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shelters at Liberty Park in Birmingham, s an official Emergency Placement Partner with the Humane Society Alabama. By taking these puppies into our no-kill shelter, we truly gave them a of the United States, the Cashierssecond chance at a life filled with liberty Highlands Humane Society was called and the promise of a future filled with in late August to assist in the rescue of unconditional love.”

30 puppies from an animal shelter in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

“The Humane Society of the United States is incredibly grateful for our The puppies, all mixed-breeds mostly 2 Emergency Placement Partners like the ½ to four months of age, were scheduled for a transport to Pennsylvania when the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society,” said Kim Alboum, National Director for receiving agency up north had to cancel the HSUS Emergency Placement Partner at the last minute. That left the puppies program. “This is the third time in under in limbo with nowhere to go. The shelter a year that the CHHS Animal Rescue Team they were coming from was already has sprung into action to assist animals over capacity with more animals coming in need. First the team assisted with in. Most likely the puppies faced certain Members of the CHHS Animal Rescue Team (L-R) Tanya a local puppy mill issue in Rutherford euthanasia if assistance could not be Dickey, Kaitlyn Moss, Gary Maddox & Tony Woodard) and County, North Carolina, followed by a located, and quickly. the CHHS H.E.A.R.T. of North Carolina bring the promise horrendous cruelty case in Tennessee “I received the call from the Humane of “liberty” to animals in need. and now puppies in need in Mississippi.

Society of the United States late on a Our work to stop animal cruelty would Wednesday night,” said David Stroud, CHHS Executive Director. “By 6:00 A.M. that Friday morning, the CHHS not be possible without Emergency Placement Partners like the CashiersAnimal Rescue Team was mobilized and on the road to save 30 lives. We Highlands Humane Society. They are the backbone of our program, and met the volunteer team from Mississippi about halfway between our two they are saving lives and creating positive change for the animals.”

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Highlands School Interact Club GIVING BACK

Contributed by Mary Adair Leslie Somehow, the members of the Highlands School Interact Club still manage to find time for classes.

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all third grade students as part of the nteract is a club for youth ages 12-18 who want to connect with others national Dictionary Project.

In addition, the Interact Club in their community or school.

Interact Club members have fun sponsors or participates in projects that include supplying playground while carrying out service projects equipment for the elementary and learning about the world.

Clubs organize at least two students, the Purple Pinkie Project to help eradicate polio, purchasing two service projects a year – one that benefits their community and one goats for Haiti (with the Highlands United Methodist Church), school that encourages international supplies, providing mouse pads for understanding. While Interact Clubs all the school computers, Gorge receive guidance from individual Cleanup, the Town Christmas Tree Rotary Clubs, they govern and Lighting’s songbooks and hot cocoa, support themselves.

There are a trip to Haiti, Downtown Trick or more than 12,300 Interact clubs in Treat, Angel Trees at Christmas, 133 countries. donating money to the Emergency The Highlands High School Christy Kelly, Bob Shipp and Cynthia Dend pass out new Council for heating, and volunteering Interact Club is a busy club. Ten dictionaries to all third grade students at the at the Book Worm. In addition, the percent of the high school students Highlands School.

Interact Club conducts the meeting in Highlands belong to Interact.

Shortly after school began the Interact Club gifted new dictionaries to for the Rotary Club of Highlands once a year.

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GIVING BACK

And That’s No Hay

Contributed by Sue Blair, Director Carpe Diem Farms The Carpe Diem Farms Herd runs on a carefully-calibrated diet of orchard grass hay.

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onight, with little fanfare, Tommy James arrived at Carpe Diem Farms driving a semi-truck and trailer, having made the round trip to Horse Cave, Kentucky, for 615 bales of orchard grass hay for the horses of CDF. He makes this trip two to three times a year, depending on winter weather and how much hay we have to feed.

Horses have no “shut-off” valve for gastric juices and to prevent ulcerating their stomach they must chew. On average, a horse eats 20-30 pounds of hay a day for maintenance (less when there is more grass to sustain them.)

Tonight’s truckload weighs in at nearly 35,000 pounds. We’ll hire help to unload over the next few days and stack neatly in the hay barn.

The cost, $7500 (times three loads) for the hay and transportation is a huge part of our annual budget. We know from experience that one sick horse can cost more than a load of hay in a matter of weeks!

So, why orchard grass from Kentucky you might ask? It’s all about sugar and carbohydrates. Horses love sugar! Hay can be packed full based on the type, time of day cut, and which cutting. We buy second cutting for a purer grass. The hay our horses eat is tested at the Cornell University labs. We analyze the sugar, carbs, protein, vitamins, and minerals, together with the moisture content to reach the proper combination for our herd.

Our four Morgans and Anna Banana have Equine Metabolic Syndrome (similar to Type 2 Diabetes.) Unlike humans, there is no medicine for horses with EMS, only dietary changes. In addition to assuring that our hay has no more than 12-percent sugar/carbohydrate concentration, we soak the hay for a minimum of two hours, reducing the sugar by twenty-five percent. The resulting water could be bottled like molasses!

Equine nutrition is serious business, tantamount to a happy, healthy herd. Learn more about CDF and how you might help the horses at carpediemfarms.org.

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The Value of Mentors GIVING BACK

Contributed by Debbie Lassiter, Big Brothers Big Sisters

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So many local children are waiting for an adult to serve as their mentor.

in both Highlands and Cashiers there are n society we love to gather statistics, standardized testing our children in children who ask for a mentor and are having to wait. Children approach me at hopes of gaining quantitative results. A school pleading, “Do you have a Big Sister/ superb report done this past year gathered Brother for me yet?” A tough question that information in a new way. It was a first of I cannot answer without the support of its kind nationally representative survey of young people on the topic of mentoring, people stepping up and volunteering.

As Program Coordinator for the BBBS which examined the mentoring effect on of Highlands and Cashiers, I see the results youth, their aspirations and achievements and the community around them. from the patience and guidance of our great local mentors. A few examples are a young The report was commissioned by the teen who selflessly helps care for his ailing National Mentoring Partnership, MENTOR, grandparent, an extremely shy girl agreeing and can be found on their website. to volunteer at the Highlands community The survey revealed that youth believe dinner, a child bravely trying for and winning mentoring provides them with the support a student government position, and an antiand guidance they need to lead productive social child now volunteering regularly at a lives. Through the voices of young people, local non-profit. These are solid community a singular message came through loud involvements or personal improvements and clear; that mentoring was linked to Becky McKee and her Little Jaida that can be directly linked to these children their ability to do better in school, their having a mentor. desire to take on leadership roles, and their So take the words and statistics directly from the children and know that aspirations and commitment to attend college.

Mentors can have significant impact on the future of America’s youth mentors are an important component in the life of youth which ultimately and that is why Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina strives in help encourage more active citizens and stronger leaders, better schools, its mission to provide a mentor to each child that wants one. Unfortunately, and healthier communities. Please consider becoming a mentor.

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Senior Care for Pets GIVING BACK

Contributed by Kathleen Bub, President Forever Farm

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he animals at the Forever Farm are primarily seniors. They have sadly lost their homes at the end of their lives, not unlike senior humans who have no family to care for them. Except with animals there is no Medicaid or welfare programs to ensure they are cared for.

We, however, are dedicated to providing retirement, assisted living, nursing, and palliative care for as many dogs and cats as we have the space and funds to accommodate.

If you’d like to support our mission, there are several ways you can help.

Donating to our cause is easy and as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization your gift is tax-deductible.

Our website, friendsforlifeforeverfarm. org, provides a way to donate online either by credit card or Paypal. And if writing a check is your preferred method, please mail to P.O Box 340, Sapphire, NC 28774. Several folks have asked about a simple way to make

The residents of Friends for Life’s Forever Farm rely upon a compassionate community. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to help.

monthly donations. This is now a possibility, and you can call us at (828) 508-2460 to have this set up.

Help Friends for Life while you are shopping. We are registered with Amazon Smile, where .01 percent of your purchase will be donated by Amazon to the charity of your choice.

To participate in this program, go to smile.amazon.com and select Animal Friends for Life. All prices and benefits are the same as going to amazon.com, except we will receive .01 percent of your purchase price from Amazon. As you can imagine, this could really add up over time to our benefit.

We also have a wonderful resale shop called the Friends for Life Treasure Shop in Brevard. Donations such as household items, artwork, tools, electronics, etc. can help support the Forever Farm. The shop is open Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. For information or directions, call (828) 862-5701.

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GIVING BACK

Where the Rhodes Lead Contributed by Julie Schott, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust The unparalleled vista at Rhodes Big View is preserved by the marriage of generous families, groups like the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, and the US Forest Service.

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nyone who has traveled Highway 64 between Highlands and Cashiers can’t miss the stunning overlook at Rhodes Big View (RBV), at the Macon-Jackson County Line.

Who owns this View?

There are a number of answers to that question. You could respond, “Why, of course, God does,” or perhaps, “it belongs to Mother Nature,” or, “it belongs to all of us.”

While all these statements may be true there is, of course, more to the story.

This picture from Rhodes Big View labels the named features found on the USGS 7.5 topographic maps for the region. The 10 acres where the picture was taken is owned by the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, a property donated by the Rhodes children.* A more down-to-earth answer to the question of “Who owns this View” is that five of the nine named peaks are owned by the US Forest Service (which of course means they belong to the citizens of the United States) and the other four are owned privately. Three

of those nine peaks will forever remain undisturbed in their natural state because their owners, folks like the Warren Family and Will and Becky McKee, placed their land into a conservation easement. In an easement the owners agree to limit their development of their l ands forever.

So next time you stop at the Big View and say “Thank God” for the incredible sight, take some time and include a silent thank you to the US Forest Service and the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust and its many donors.

The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust protects the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink and healthy habitat for all who live here.

Together we are saving our most treasured places. Learn how you can be involved by visiting hicashlt.org. *Note: This site contains the rare plant species Hartwig’s locust, which the Land Trust staff works to protect while also maintaining the view. If you notice the view getting a little “scraggly,” please understand why.

For more information about Highlands and Cashiers visit thelaurelmagazine.com

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Find The Butterfly and Win!

We’ve hidden our iconic Swallowtail Butterfly somewhere in the pages of this Laurel. Be the first to log onto thelaurelmagazine.com, click on the Swallowtail (as shown left), type in the page number where the butterfly lies (not including cover) and win a $50 Gift Certificate to Fresser’s Eatery!

Congratulations to Maria Olvera the September Winner of a $50 Gift Certificate to Fresser’s Eatery!

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Light Up a Mind GIVING BACK

Contributed by Tonya Hensley, Literacy Council of Highlands

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The Literacy Council of Highlands reaches even more students in Macon County thanks to a burgeoning list of programs.

he lovely days of fall in Highlands are upon us. As the days get shorter and cooler and children get back into their routines, our programs are gearing up for another eventful school year.

The Primary English as a Second Language class on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons is open to children from kindergarten through third grades. Program Director Brandy McElroy and Jacky Reyes, a former Highlander and Southwestern Community College student, are working with this group. As a former ESL student, Jacky understands the children’s needs and works with them accordingly.

This program features fun activities, free books, homework assistance, computer games, a science-education collaboration with the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, and an art education collaboration with The Bascom, both of which also include children from the First Presbyterian Church’s Sonshine School program. The science-based learning program will follow the core curriculum for North Carolina, tying it in with what is being taught in school classrooms.

ESL study hall also meets on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and is open to children from fourth through 12th grades. Carla Barranco, a bi-lingual junior at Highlands School, will be working with this group of students on homework, school projects, and research.

Individual tutoring, GED classes, and ESL classes are ongoing and

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open to the public. Our computer lab, featuring Wi-Fi and Rosetta Stone language software in both Spanish and English, is open to the public as well.

The Franklin Tutoring program is in full swing in the four elementary schools. Individual testing later in the year will determine progress of participating students. Literacy Council Program Coordinator Carol Waldroop, is heading up this program for us.

Kathryn Buckley, Literacy Council Education Director, is coordinating an in-school remediation program at Highlands School for primary grades and is also working with Highlands preschoolers through our Mobilizing Literacy program.

Sign up your Macon County child, from birth through their fifth birthday, for our Dolly Parton Imagination Library at imaginationlibrary.com.

For information about any of our programs, please call (828) 5260863 or check out our website.

The Literacy Council of Highlands is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. We are always seeking volunteers to work with children and adults. No special training or experience is needed. We are located at the Peggy Crosby Center at 348 South Fifth Street in Highlands. All our programs are free to the public.

Library Firing Up for Fall GIVING BACK

by Jenny King | Photo by Marjorie Christiansen

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a great time of year to reserve the room hile the hectic days of summer may be gone, there for meetings or private events. There is no charge for community groups and are still many reasons to visit the Hudson Library. nonprofits. Just contact the library for more information. Continuing through The Community Room is a hub of the winter months is Storytime for activity even in the fall and winter months with free movies and younger children, meeting at 10:00 and 10:40 on Thursday mornings. One of group gatherings. Have you had an opportunity to attend the monthly the coziest features of the library is the toasty fireplace in the Reading Room; a Community Coffee? It’s really a town great place to catch up on the newest meeting of sorts – a time when Mayor Patrick Taylor facilitates discussions of issues of your favorite magazines various topics. It’s a collaborative effort and newspapers.

Heading out of town? You can still between the Hudson Library, the Town access the Hudson Library. If you have of Highlands, and various community Hudson Library has something for all its patrons, from an updated library card, you can check organizations and meets the last Friday meetings with the mayor to eBooks for those far from out eBooks and eAudio from anywhere of the month in the Community Room. the Highlands Plateau. in the world. Stop by the circulation On Wednesdays at 10:00 A.M. “Art Your desk and let them show you how.

Way” (a studio art group) meets there To find out more about what events and programs are offered, visit and on Thursdays at 1:00 P.M. it’s the Highlands Writers Group.

Librarian Jennifer Crowley encourages interested persons to call the fontanalib.org/highlands or stop by. They’re open Tuesday through library for more information on both these groups. While the summer Friday from 10:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M., and Saturdays from 10:00 A.M. to months keep the community room busy, the fall and winter months are 4:00 P.M. Call (828) 526-3031 for more information.

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International Friendship GIVING BACK

by Wiley Sloan From its offices in the Peggy Crosby Center, the International Friendship Center makes its presence felt throughout the Highlands community.

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ctober 2015 marks the 13th anniversary of the International Friendship Center.

The IFC was originally a resource center to assist international newcomers with area services. A 501 c (3) non-profit entity, the IFC has since expanded to provide much more. In cooperation with Highlands United Methodist Church, the First Presbyterian Church of Highlands and other local churches, the center provides two vital community food programs for families in need.

The IFC aids workers and their families with scheduling appointments, arranging transportation, and offers interpretation to provide access to services like the Community Care Clinic and the Free Dental Clinic. It also answers questions about immigration and other legal documents plus offers notary public services. When requested by clients, the center communicates with entities such as the Department of Motor Vehicles, insurance agencies, banks, and utility companies.

The IFC’s partnership with the Literacy

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In 2014, the International Friendship Center provided services to people from Panama, Colombia, Mexico, US, China, Bolivia, Honduras, El Salvador, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic.

Council of Highlands and Southwestern Community College offers courses to teach English as a Second Language to working men and women and collaborates with The Bascom Art Gallery on an art class for children.

In 2014, the International Friendship Center provided services to people from Panama, Colombia, Mexico, US, China, Bolivia, Honduras, El Salvador, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic, with 95 percent of its clients coming from Macon and Jackson Counties.

For more information on the IFC, please stop by our office located at the Peggy Crosby Center or call Faviola Olvera at (828) 526-0890.

The Peggy Crosby Center is a non-profit organization established to provide office space for other non-profits and start-up organizations. Rental rates are held as low as possible to allow the tenants to use more of their funds to serve the community.

We Are Not GIVING BACK

Alone

Contributed by Donita Cline Throughout the seasons, NAMI Appalachian South offers constant support for those suffering from mental illness and the people who love them.

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s the seasons change, we are thankful for the colorful leaves, warm drinks, and time with friends.

However, seasonal changes can be difficult, especially if you have a mental illness. NAMI Appalachian South is the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and is here to offer insight and support to persons and families dealing with mental illness.

NAMI enjoys a reputation as the “nation’s voice on mental illness.”

The mission of NAMI North Carolina is to provide support, education, advocacy, and public awareness so that all affected by mental illness can build better lives.

NAMI Appalachian South offers the sentiment “You are Not Alone.”

There’s a support group for individuals with mental illness, and their families at 7:00 P.M. Thursdays in Franklin.

The first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 P.M., is the support group for family members and caregivers.

Support groups and classes are held at United Memorial Methodist Church, 4668 Old Murphy Road in Franklin.

Call Donita (828) 526-9510 for the support group and Ann (828) 369-7385 for family support.

NAMI Appalachian South also offers a weekly support group to female inmates in Macon County.

Free educational classes and programs are offered throughout the year.

NAMI Appalachian South is proud to announce that In Our Own Voice, a program that educates about mental illness, was presented to the ninth grade students in Macon County. Last year 325 kids attended this program during health class. There are now five more presenters trained through NAMI and this program will continue to be offered this school year.

In Our Own Voice is available to any group wanting to know more about mental illness. NAMI In Our Own Voice presentations change attitudes, assumptions, and stereotypes by describing the reality of living with mental illness. People with mental health conditions share their powerful personal stories including a nationally-approved video, in this free, 90-minute presentation.

For more information about Highlands and Cashiers visit thelaurelmagazine.com

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Quilts of Valor GIVING BACK

by Jenny King

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Local quilters are offering a beautiful, deeply personal “thank you” to service members and veterans.

Quilts are awarded at many different uilters are a unique breed. They must be patient, organized, and levels – they may go to military hospitals or to entire service units returning from have long-term goals. They deployment; they may be awarded at VA must have vision and dedication. facilities or individually. The Mountain The members of Mountain Valor Valor Quilters have provided nearly Quilters of Highlands have all these traits and more. This group of 22 300 quilts since the group formed and recently had a “wrapping ceremony” at meets every third Monday to work on the Highlands American Legion. their Quilts of Valor. The Quilts of Valor Foundation was started in 2003 and has, View says, “One of the most touching moments I’ve had was when we gave a to date, awarded over 123,000 quilts to Vietnam Veteran his quilt. We always ask service members and veterans. What the recipient if they can be wrapped and began as a literal dream has grown into then we take the quilt, wrap it around a nationwide movement.

Gary Maddox (left) and Linda Maddox (right) of Sapphire their shoulders and give them a hug as Liz View of Highlands is the North with WWII veteran Jack Boughton (center) donning a we’re doing it. For a Vietnam Veteran, Carolina representative and has Quilt of Honor. we always say, ‘Welcome Home.’ We traveled across the state helping to award service men and women their quilts. She joined QOV in 2006 were all in tears.”

For more information on Quilts of Valor Foundation visit their website when her son went to Iraq as a Marine the first time. He served three tours of duty overseas. Although she had been quilting for nearly 30 at QOVF.org. Locally, contact View to find out how you might support years and has her own business, View knew she wanted to make the time their work by becoming a member (you don’t need to sew) and by to volunteer. Every person involved with Quilts of Valor, from the CEO donation. She is also selling raffle tickets for one of their handmade to individual piecers is a volunteer. No one is paid and the foundation is quilts to raise money for the foundation. View may be reached by phone at (828) 526-9743. a 501c3 organization.

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GIVING BACK

Community Raises Funds for Kids

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urlingame Country Club, along with surrounding business owners and residents, recently came together for a fundraiser to benefit T. C. Henderson Elementary School in Toxaway and the SapphireWhitewater Community Center.

The event, a Designer Purse Bingo, was held at Burlingame Country Club in Sapphire and attended by over 100 area women to help these two groups meet some of their current needs.

A check for $10,000 was presented to T. C. Henderson Elementary School, which will be used to support the Muddy Sneakers Program for fifth graders, a highly successful science-based program providing students with hands-on experiences outside the classroom. A subscription to The Scholastic News will be provided for all students bringing current events into the classroom in real-world form. Additionally, guided reading book

sets will be purchased for the Media Center so that groups of children can read and discuss literature by noted authors on topics of interest to today’s kids. These are only a few of the ways this money will be utilized to help TCH support educational opportunities for each student.

The Sapphire-Whitewater Community Center will receive a $1,500 donation to its playground project fund. The playground equipment at SWCC is in desperate need of replacement. The deteriorating pieces have become too dangerous for children to continue to play on; hopefully, this donation will be a start toward the purchase of a new merry-go-round.

In total, $11,500 was raised to help the children of Toxaway. It is with deep heartfelt appreciation and gratitude that we extend our sincere thanks to the community for your participation in this event. The children of Toxaway thank you!!

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BUSINESS

Chamber’s “Brand” New Ideas

Jack Austin

by Donna Rhodes | Photo by Marjorie Christiansen The Highlands Chamber of Commerce is offering an entirely new way to view the town and its businesses and people.

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huge part of Highlands’ success is its small town charm. The Highlands Chamber of Commerce has a challenging balancing act: to maintain that charming village allure while supporting business growth.

Jack Austin, the Chamber’s new Board Chairman, is leading a campaign to have the best of both worlds. “The trick is in fostering the right kind of growth,” he says.

Austin is a powerhouse of energy and ideas. Coming from a background in hospitality, he appreciates the very visible hospitality, restaurant, cultural arts, and retail businesses that are central to Highlands’ economy. And he is keen on supporting other businesses like the health industries, construction, etc. that are not necessarily in Main Street’s spotlight.

When it comes to “growing” Highlands, he and the board want to meet with new entrepreneurs and encourage them to find their niche by offering goods and services that are not redundant, but fresh and in demand. That is key to everyone’s success.

He, the board, and chamber members have launched a marketing and branding plan to reposition Highlands. For starters, the new website is up and continues to be populated as businesses respond and grow. Together with the accompanying app, Highlands will link to social

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media. The Visitor Center, up until now the hub of tourist information, will become part of a much bigger system for disseminating directions, suggestions, and info. Now Highlands store owners, employees and even local residents are part of a welcoming/marketing program.

Austin shares this example of his vision: “While in TJ Bailey I overheard two women asking the clerk about biking trails. The clerk recommended checking with Highland Hiker. I added they needed to hurry as closing time was near. What I loved was we all snapped into help mode to get these visitors what they needed. The extra effort of unselfishly promoting business for fellow merchants is Highlands at its best!”

As the website and app take hold and the internal networking and brainstorming groups crank into gear with new ideas for promotion, Austin sees the shoulder months of April and November rolling into the months that skirt them so that in the next few years Highlands will shed its seasonal persona.

But it takes time for the groundwork to be laid. Results will be visible in a couple of years. Stay tuned for next month’s continuation of what’s new and amazing behind those Chamber doors! In the meantime call, the Visitor Center at (828) 526-2112 or Chamber at (828) 526-5841 for more info about membership or volunteering for fall and winter events.

Drawing on His Expertise BUSINESS

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by Jenny King

For both his commercial and s you walk around Highlands and admire the stonework and green residential clients, Ross chooses to start with a hand-drawn sketch that is then spaces, you can thank Ross digitized. He’s found clients appreciate Landscape Architecture for much of it. the attention to detail. “It undoubtedly Since moving to Highlands in saves time and money if the client starts 1994 both Henry “Hank” Ross and his wife, Highlands School teacher with site planning. A licensed landscape architect will take into consideration Cathy McIntyre-Ross, have become every aspect of the home’s location, vital members of the community. A few of his projects include the Kelseythe natural topography, drainage, and native plantings. Our goal is to limit the Hutchinson Park, the grounds at the amount of soil moved.”

First Presbyterian Church of Highlands, Landscape architecture is not the playground and soccer fields limited to new construction, however. at Highlands School, Town Square, Highlands Plaza, and Old Edwards’ Often the owner of an existing home will want to enhance the existing Falls Cottages. landscape with changes in the location Ross has been a practicing landscape For landscape architect Hank Ross, the work is predicated on of driveways, the addition of a water architect since receiving his degree from a love for critical details. To learn more about his practice, feature, even an outdoor dog wash. the College of Environmental & Design visit the green spaces scattered around downtown Highlands Ross will consult with the clients, take at the University of Georgia in 1977. He or call (828) 526-5074. their vision and then create drawings studied art and architecture in Cortona, Italy, and is licensed in both North Carolina and Georgia. As a landscape to be given to the appropriate contractors. It’s obvious he loves his work architect his education and expertise encompass the study of design, and is especially thrilled with the ongoing enhancements to the Kelsey hydrology, civil engineering, building architecture, ecology, plant species, Hutchinson Park. Ross Landscape Architecture is located in the offices of Summit Architecture in Wright Square, Highlands. He may be reached by construction materials, contracting, and surveying. calling (828) 526-5074 or by email at henryrossland1@frontier.com.

“It’s far more involved than putting plants in the ground,” he says.

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“ A Dog once upon

by Jenny King

by Jenny King

Owner Lee Boone Dages with Honey Bun and Ike

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Once Upon A Time there was a dog named Sherlock Holmes.”

For animal lovers, their most beloved stories always start with a pet. Such is the case for the owner of The Village Hound in Cashiers, Lee Boone Dages.

The tale of how she came to Cashiers is filled with animals of all types. But Sherlock Holmes really started it all.

While living in Chicago, her family adopted this sweet Rottweiler. He developed an incurable intestinal disease that required special food preparation. Lee took over and created his special tasty treat that became a business of its own – Once Upon A Dog. After moving to Florida from Chicago, Lee started The Bradenton Hound located next to a popular breakfast spot.

She renovated the space and turned it into what later became the predecessor to her store in Cashiers.

The Village Hound is located in the old Lyn Holloway Antiques building facing The Village Green. As you enter, you’ll notice each room is decorated in subdued tones highlighting the equestrian and hunting prints – a theme carried throughout this historic building.

As Dages describes her inventory,

“It’s a mix of new, antique, vintage and repurposed pieces.”

The shop is filled with a carefully arranged mélange of furniture, accessories, gifts, rugs, art, and all things dog. Look carefully and you’ll discover several Hermes scarves and ties tucked among vintage place settings and whimsical napkins. Travel to the back of the house where you’ll find her incredible selection of canine couture.

Dog leashes and harnesses line the walls for breeds of all sizes. One vintage armoire holds her selection of doggie dresses while another is dedicated to the more rugged breeds. Dages knows her customers love to take their dogs with them when hiking and boating so she stocks safety vests, flotation vests, and backpacks.

It’s an impressive selection. But most impressive of all are the Once Upon A Dog quinoa treats lining the counter.

Let her do the storytelling about how they came to be. Rest assured they all lived happily ever after.

The Village Hound is located behind Wells Fargo Bank and across from The Village Green in Cashiers at 25 Burns Street. Call (630) 660-1824 for more information.

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CHATTOOGA CLUB

The Chattooga Club The developers of this exclusive gated community in Cashiers, sought to pay homage to the native architecture and cultural heritage of the Western North Carolina region. With an upscale, family-friendly club atmosphere against the backdrop of the beautiful natural scenery of the property’s 200 acres. You may feel like you’ve taken a step back in time to a bygone era when you play on one of two beautifully maintained croquet lawns. The Club’s Life Enhancement Center lives up to its name by offering a variety of the latest fitness equipment, classes and personal trainers, paired with a world-class spa. Additional Club amenities include a heated swimming pool, three Har-Tru tennis courts, and active children’s programs. A scenic picnic area at Mac’s View offers stunning vistas of Whiteside Mountain and gorgeous afternoon sunsets. Club membership is by approval only.

The Chattooga Club offers something for everyone, from quaint cottages to lavish custom homes and estatesized home sites as large as 14 acres. For a personal tour of The Chattooga Club and it’s fine properties, call us today.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

The Chattooga Club Perched high upon the ridge overlooking Horse Cove Valley, Lane’s End is a spectacular home with majestic views of Whiteside Mountain and beyond from every room. Fine finishes and woodwork highlight the relaxed elegance of this immaculate estate, which features five spacious bedrooms and five and a half baths. Entertaining family and friends is a joy in the beautiful great room with wet bar, formal and informal dining spaces, gourmet kitchen with large center island, and expansive porch with its own cozy fireplace. The lower level guest bedrooms are accompanied by a kitchenette, covered deck and large bonus living area. Beautifully landscaped and on a very quiet street, this lovely property offers privacy and luxury behind the gates of The Chattooga Club.

Club membership is by invitation only. MLS# 80663. Offered at $3,600,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

Freesia Hill at The Chattooga Club Located in the premier community of Chattooga Club, Freesia Hill is a spacious 5 bedroom cottage style home with views of Chimneytop and Rock Mountains. This comfortable and elegant home features a split floor plan for privacy, a main bedroom with study, 4 guest rooms with en-suite baths, and a great porch with fireplace, along with media room, plus generator. MLS# 79014. This spectacular home is now being offered at $1,600,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

NEWLY PRICED Bear Rock at the Chattooga Club With magnificent long range views of Chimneytop and Rock Mountains, Bear Rock is a beautiful custom five bedroom, five and a half bath estate in the exclusive gated community of The Chattooga Club. The living room features a soaring 30’ ceiling, towering stone fireplace, and a wall of windows that floods the room with natural light and highlights the mountain vistas beyond. Relax or dine al fresco with family and friends on the screened porch and open deck. Also on the main level is the master suite plus a den/office and half bath. The upper level has three guest bedrooms with private baths and a loft area. The lower level consists of a cozy family room with stone fireplace plus a bunk room and bath — perfect for the kids and grandkids! Membership to The Chattooga Club is by invitation only. MLS# 80907. Offered at $1,988,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

CHATTOOGA CLUB

Stillwater at Chattooga Club Stillwater sits at the headwaters of the Chattooga River in a very serene and peaceful setting, making this charming four bedroom, four and a half bath home the consummate mountain getaway. Finished in a very tasteful European style, it features beautiful heart pine wood floors with a fabulous chef’s kitchen, leading into the family room with a cozy wood burning fireplace. Relax on the adjacent covered deck, as well as in the all season’s room for additional family living space. The open deck overlooks sparkling Lake Chattooga, surrounded by an abundance of native flowering plants, shrubs and indigenous trees — truly a sublime venue for outdoor living on a beautiful starlit evening and perfect for entertaining family and friends.

Membership to The Chattooga Club is by invitation only. MLS# 80537. Offered at $2,450,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

Chattooga Club Rustic elegance meets classic Southern style in this spacious tri-story home. With plenty of room for the entire brood, entertaining guests is a pleasure. Gather for lively conversation or curl up with a good book in the great room with its soaring cathedral ceilings and stone fireplace. The family chef will love the beautiful, light-filled French Country gourmet kitchen featuring a professional gas range, double oven, center island with seating, and reclaimed timber beams. Step out onto the divine covered living/dining porch with its own hearth to truly enjoy the mountain lifestyle. The master suite is on the main level, with two lovely guest suites and an office upstairs. Downstairs is a large family room, as well as two more bedrooms, two baths and a bunk room. Offered fully furnished, this luxury retreat is move-in ready.

MLS# 81769. Offered at $ 1,245,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

Cozy Cottage

Chattooga Club Cottage Very charming Tudor style club cottage in beautiful setting - 3 bedroom 3 bath, beautiful views of Chimneytop and Rock Mountains. High end finishes. Steps from amenities including clubhouse, restaurant, lodge, croquet lawns, fitness center and spa, tennis and pool, flower cutting garden and vegetable picking garden plus hen house. MLS# 80197.

Offered at $1,295,000.

Charming and cozy hassle free Chattooga Club cottage only steps away from all amenities. Three bedrooms, three baths.

Wood burning fireplace on main level, large covered and screened-in deck off of dining room.

Tudor style architecture.

All yard maintenance including bushes and window boxes, driveways is included in HOA fee.

Corner lot with easy in and out access. Located in the gated and well established community of the Chattooga Club.

Membership by invitation only.

MLS# 81813.

Offered at $895,000.

Cottage at Chattooga Club This quaint and cozy two bedroom, two bath Club Cottage sits on a corner lot in the exclusive, well-established gated community of The Chattooga Club. Ideally located just a short walk from all club amenities and minutes from downtown Cashiers, this carefree cottage is the perfect escape for the weekend or the season. Classic features include poplar bark siding, wood interior walls and ceilings, a wood burning fireplace and a screened living porch with space for dining. MLS# 81277. Offered at $825,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

Willow Cottage at The Chattooga Club Tucked away in a private setting with lush, mature landscaping, including native rhododendron, mountain laurel, hostas, boxwoods, evergreens, many varieties of ferns and gorgeous stone terracing. It features four bedrooms and four baths, with the master bedroom and a guest bedroom on the main floor, a second guest room upstairs and a third guest suite on the lower level with its own private entry. Views of several mountain ranges, including Big Sheepcliff, can be seen from every room, as well as from the fabulous deck. Rich hardwood floors run throughout the main and upper levels; there is also a lovely enclosed sun room. This home has been very well maintained. Club membership is by invitation only. MLS# 79912.

Offered at $1,125,000.

Chattooga Club

Lake Chattooga Lakefront Lot

First time on the market. This is an amazing homesite with stunning mountain views including the spectacular view of Whiteside Mountain.

This premiere 5+ acre lot is located inside the gates of the prestigious and exclusive Chattooga Club. This is a must see! MLS# 79377. Offered at $1,200,000.

This beautiful lot with gentle building site. Many gorgeous native rhododendrons and mountain laurel along with hardwoods. Build your mountain retreat in this stunning community with world class amenities. MLS# 79194. Offered at $500,000.

Lake Chattooga Home Site Exceptional waterfront lot in the premier gated community of Chattooga Club. This beautiful lot with gentle building site with long view of Lake Chattooga and Whiteside Mountain. Many gorgeous native rhododendrons and mountain laurel along with hardwoods.

Build your mountain retreat in this stunning community with world class amenities including restaurant, spa, tennis and croquet lawns.

MLS# 79134. Offered at $650,000.

Stunning Creek Lot

Beautiful, unique building site on Fowler Creek which flows into the Chattooga River. Close to dam. Gated, well established and prestigious neighborhood in the Chattooga Club. MLS# 82606. Offered at $600,000.

Chattooga Club Very gentle easy building site on corner lot on a quiet street. Amenities include picnic spot deeded to homeowners with views of 3 states. 10 acre lake stocked with trout, hiking trails, beautiful mature landscaping consisting of native flowering shrubbery and trees making for a very lush environment. MLS# 81271. $330,000.

Chattooga Club Rushing water from Fowler Creek and waterfalls back up to this beautiful and gentle building site. Many mature hardwoods and other native plants including rhododendrons and mountain laurels inside the gates of the prestigious Chattooga Club - one of the very few buildable lots still available!

MLS# 80681. $450,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

MOUNTAINTOP

Beautiful Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club Estate A perfect blend of mountain rustic and contemporary interior design, this stunning newly constructed home overlooks the 12th fairway. With a striking fireplace and bamboo floors, the spacious great room opens to the gourmet kitchen and dining area, as well as the deck with a second stone fireplace and covered porch with grilling center. Surrounded by rich alder kitchen cabinets, the large center island provides a wonderful space for the seasoned chef or casual entertainer. A custom wine cellar and wet bar round out the main level, along with the master suite and a guest suite.

The upstairs family room features a unique barrel ceiling and adjoins three more guest suites and a children’s bunkroom. Mountaintop residents enjoy the most comprehensive amenity package on the Plateau, with peerless luxury and incredible service. MLS# 80347. Offered fully furnished at $3,995,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

MOUNTAINTOP

Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club This stunning custom home is perfectly positioned to take advantage of beautiful views of Whiteside Mountain and sits just a short distance from the clubhouse and world class amenities of Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club. With five bedrooms and five and a half baths, including two sumptuous master suites, the spacious floor plan can accommodate the entire family. The well-appointed kitchen with butler’s pantry overlooks the main living area, allowing the chef to be part of the festivities. Enjoy the gorgeous mountain views from the covered porch with its own stone fireplace, or bask in the sun on the open deck. Downstairs, the family room with wet bar and jacuzzi on the outside deck offer more opportunities for relaxation and good times.

The transitional decor and elegant neutral color palette really set this home apart — it is a truly superb luxury mountain getaway for the discerning buyer. MLS# 81581.

Offered at $1,995,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

Luxurious Mountain Estate Nouveau Adirondack meets Old World style in this magnificent timber frame estate, with stunning panoramic views of Chimneytop and Rock Mountains, and Cashiers Lake. Featured in Mountain Homes Southern Style and Timber Home Living magazines, this timeless MossCreek designed home sits high atop a granite crest on over six acres in the exclusive and private gated community of Pinchot. The home’s striking exterior reveals a seamless blend of tapered stone, heavy beams, cedar shakes, board and batten siding, and exposed gable trusses.

Perfect for larger scale entertaining, the spacious driveway can accommodate parking for many guests. Serving as a dramatic focal point for the home, the great room is truly impressive, with a 32-foot cathedral ceiling adorned with 100-year-old reclaimed barn timbers, a custom made wrought iron chandelier and a soaring stone fireplace with an exquisite hand-carved mantel.

The expansive floor plan was thoughtfully designed to provide plenty of space for visiting family while retaining a relaxed and comfortable ambiance. The major living areas and both master suites are located on the main level, with additional bedrooms and a family room on the upper level. A luxurious home theater can be found on the lower level. Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club membership by invitation. MLS# 81253. Offered at $3,995,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

WADE HAMPTON

NEWLY PRICED Wade Hampton Golf Club Nestled up against National Forest lands, this exceptional Al Platt designed home is located in the exclusive gated community of Wade Hampton Golf Club. With four bedrooms and five and a half baths in an open split floorplan, it is ideally suited for savoring the mountain lifestyle with family and friends.

Highlighted by a feel of casual elegance, the spacious living room with fireplace and wet bar opens onto the expansive screened porch with its own fireplace for cool evenings. The lovely master suite sits on the main level, offering privacy from the guest suites and family room on the lower level.

Ready for immediate occupancy, this home is the perfect mountain luxury retreat. MLS# 80737. Newly priced at $1,550,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

BIG SHEEPCLIFF

Big Sheepcliff Boasting spectacular panoramic views of Cashiers Valley including Cashiers Lake, this charming custom built mountain retreat is tucked away in the scenic gated community of Big Sheepcliff. With exceptional architectural details and luxury finishes throughout, this warm and inviting home is a must see for those with discriminating taste and an appreciation for quality. The thoughtful floor plan features three bedrooms on the main level and generous outdoor space for taking in the idyllic surroundings. A desirable southern exposure fills the living areas with natural light, and beautiful stone fireplaces enhance multiple rooms. MLS# 80204. Offered at $1,995,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

BIG SHEEPCLIFF

Big Sheepcliff Featured in Veranda magazine, Aerie Manor is truly one of the most spectacular properties in Western North Carolina. Perched at approximately 4,600 feet in a very private setting, this estate offers incredible panoramic vistas of the village of Cashiers and the surrounding mountain ranges and lakes in every direction. Soaring 29 foot ceilings greet you at the entry and continue into the elegant formal living area. This stately home features two large master suites and a pair of spacious guest suites. The family room highlights the endless views, while the kitchen and dining room are an entertainer’s dream. No detail was overlooked in creating this masterpiece. On the market for the first time, Aerie Manor is ready for its next owners to enjoy. MLS# 79991. Offered at $3,250,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

Big Sheepcliff First time on the market-this quality custom home sits on almost 7 very private acres at the end of a cul de sac, perched at 4200’ elevation to enjoy the cool mountain breezes. Very flat entry to house with an attached twocar garage and plenty of additional parking. Inside, the home features an open kitchen, dining, living area and two spacious master suites on main level - all with amazing mountain and lake views. Downstairs, guests will enjoy staying in either of the two private guest suites. Step outside on the expansive covered deck and enjoy long range mountain views all the way to the Blue Ridge Parkway, with an added bonus of a stunning view of beautiful Lake Glenville. It’s the ideal spot to enjoy dinner and a glass of wine, while enjoying the magnificent mountain sunsets. No detail was spared in creating this home - big cathedral tongue and groove ceiling in living area, and beautiful Australian Cypress hardwood floors throughout the main level. If you’re looking for a recently built home, ready to move in and enjoy the splendor of all the mountains and Lake Glenville have to offer…all in a gated community, less than 10 minutes to the center of town…this one’s a must-see. MLS# 82185. Offered at $1,195,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

Lake Glenville Estate Perched at a cool 3,600 feet in the quiet community of Glenville just minutes from Cashiers, this spacious mountain lake estate home and adjacent six-room guest house offer a world of possibilities.

Large covered decks overlook the beautifully landscaped property, with gorgeous mountain views and stunning sunsets. Trails throughout the gardens lead down to the tranquil pond surrounded by flowers. Take a short walk to sparkling Lake Glenville, the highest lake in the East. Featuring a paved circular driveway with plenty of parking, this very special property would make a perfect corporate retreat, bed and breakfast, or getaway for a large family.

MLS# 82374. Offered at $1,990,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

Lake Glenville

REDUCED

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Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

This spectacular fully furnished lakefront home overlooks Lake Glenville and the mountains beyond. Completely updated and turnkey, it features five bedrooms and four and a half baths, including a guest suite with fireplace and morning kitchen.

The great room has gorgeous views from every angle, as does the French Country style gourmet kitchen with six-burner gas stove, coffered ceiling and elegant custom cabinetry. The covered living porch with stone fireplace and spacious deck with fire pit offer serene settings to relax and enjoy the lovely surroundings and cool summer temperatures of the mountains. Additional features include a master on main, lower level family room, fun sleeping quarters for the kids, private dock, and an upstairs bonus room that makes a great home office. MLS# 80130. Reduced to $1,850,000.

LAKE GLENVILLE

Summer Hill First time on market, this lake home is mountain lodge elegance at its very finest! Located inside the gates of the prestigious Summer Hill community, this property sits at a cool 3800’ elevation and offers spectacular views looking out over Lake Glenville with the beauty of the Balsam mountains beyond the lake. This home displays the work of a true master craftsman. Eleven different types of wood were used inside the home, and features a beautiful and impressive suspended cherry log staircase down to the lower level. In addition, the living room and loft feature beautiful old cherry beams that are uplighted. Wood floors throughout all the living areas. Two of the bedrooms are on main level. Two separate living areas-one up/ one down. The home features wrap around decks on both levels, so you can sit outside and enjoy the cool mountain breezes that come with this elevation. Main level deck features a large covered area, with a beautiful stone wood burning fireplace and lower level deck has a stone water feature that only adds to the ambience when you step outside or open the windows/doors of the home. This home is set up to enjoy year-round or seasonally--has a two car garage and a generator. Adjacent lot is also available to have as a buffer, or to build a guest house to this property. MLS# 81003. Offered at $1,295,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

LAKE GLENVILLE

Lake Glenville Here’s lake-front living at its finest on the east side of Lake Glenville.

Spectacular, panoramic views of the lake and mountains from this completely renovated (2009) home. You’ll enjoy all the thought and detail the owners put in to making this home like new, with nothing left to do. Chef’s kitchen with oversized island, luxurious master suite and hardwoods through most of house. House has an integrated lighting, media and security system that can be operated from anywhere. MLS# 81803.

Offered at $975,000.

Lake Glenville Dramatic long and wide views of Lake Glenville from this 3 bedroom, 3 bath home. Sitting on a peninsula at the widest part of the lake, you have the west/northwest views of lake and mountains from almost every room. Open floor plan, bonus room, second living room, fireplace, and plenty of parking. Stairs from home lead down to a large party deck near the water and a big dock on the water. Shoreline is a granite rock face.

MLS# 81842. Just listed at $695,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

Wonderful Lake Glenville Lakefront Home This lovely lakefront home sits behind the gates of Summer Hill, one of the finest communities on Lake Glenville. The floor plan flows easily onto the screened porch and deck with beautiful lake and mountain views from most rooms. The living room makes a great first impression with a large stone fireplace and vaulted open-beamed ceiling. A master suite plus two additional bedrooms with baths offers room for guests, and a large studio upstairs would be an ideal space for an office, bunk room or sitting area. The entire lake frontage is lined with a boulder wall and a large dock is included. Located on the west side of the lake, the home faces southeast in a protected location from inclement weather. MLS# 79332. Offered at $1,375,000.

REDUCED

REDUCED Glen Pointe Dreaming of a mountain home with an exceptional lake view and plenty of room for family and friends? If so, this spacious Glen Pointe estate fits the bill. Sitting on almost two acres, with five bedrooms and five and a half baths, this elegant residence features a dramatic view looking down Lake Glenville with the mountains beyond. Enjoy the natural beauty from the large covered decks or relax by one of several fireplaces. Multiple living areas and a great floor plan make entertaining a pleasure. This home also includes private lake access with a dock and generous parking. MLS# 74152. Reduced to $1,495,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

Summer Hill Bring your suitcase and toothbrush--this large rustic mountain lodge on Lake Glenville is ready for its new owners to start enjoying. No detail was spared in creating this sprawling masterpiece, that features amazing woodwork throughout-including a spiral log staircase.

Perfect for a large family, or being able to sleep several guests. Plentiful and incredible outdoor deck space, to take in the majestic mountain and lake view-complete with an outdoor fireplace. A short golf cart ride to the lake. MLS# 80291. Offered at $1,200,000.

The Lake Club One of the most beautiful homes on Lake Glenville, situated in a beautiful setting at 3800 feet that overlooks the common meadow area of The Lake Club. This Southern Living design features a light, bright and open floor plan with master on main. Wonderful large gourmet kitchen that features Sub Zero and Viking appliances, opens to both the dining and living areas. Beautiful large stone fireplaces found both inside and out. Home features a two car garage with a separate bedroom/bathroom over the garage. No detail was spared in creating this beautiful custom home. Wood ceilings and floors on main level, and a great punch-out sitting area as part of the master. MLS# 81005. Offered at $849,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

PENDING Lakefront Home Lake Glenville lakefront home on very flat property. Faces west for great sunsets. It has all the charm of the original 1950 mountain home with the convenience of modern remodel and additions. 3 bedrooms and all living areas on one floor with an additional loft bunk room.

Great covered porch, huge covered picnic area, dock, and lakeside deck. Wonderful yard for lakeside activities. MLS# 73991. Offered at $550,000.

Lake Glenville Area Unique chalet close to Lake Glenville and rolling farm views from numerous decks. Access to Lake Glenville for taking a cool dip in the summer. Easy access off of Highway 107 North and Lakeside Circle Drive. Many decks, bonus room, 1 car garage and more. This home would make a great week-end get-away or summer retreat. MLS# 81280. Offered at $395,000.

PRICE REDUCED Shoal Creek

Lake Glenville Area

Great cottage-style home in very convenient location. Large wraparound porch, vaulted living room with fireplace. Large enough for a family, small enough for easy maintenance. Near Lake Glenville and new public access area with swim beach. MLS# 81877. Offered at $239,500.

This rustic mountain home overlooks a creek which provides beautiful ambient sounds of rushing water. Vaulted ceilings, screened porch, 2 car garage, hardwood floors and much more. Just minutes from Lake Glenville boat ramp! MLS# 76954. Offered at $219,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

LAKE TOXAWAY

NEWLY PRICED Lake Toxaway Estate This stunning Tuscan-inspired estate home overlooks sparkling Lake Toxaway and Toxaway Mountain. One room is prettier than the last, with fine finishes including plaster walls, heavy timbers, heart pine floors and luxury design elements throughout. A well-appointed master suite, one guest suite and a study sit on the main level. The elegant French Country kitchen has its own cozy fireplace, rich custom cabinetry, a large island with seating and wine storage, a butler’s pantry and an eat-in area. Step out to the screened living porch and open deck to further appreciate the spectacular lake and mountain vistas. Invite family and friends to watch the big game in the lower level family room with a full bar, beautiful wine room and grilling deck. Two more guest suites surround visitors in comfort and privacy. Professionally landscaped grounds create a lush oasis with meandering gardens, natural stonework, a tranquil koi pond and a varied foliage color palette. Additional features of this lovely home include a generator and a bonus room with full bath on the upper level. MLS# 81735.

Offered at $1,995,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

LAKE TOXAWAY

Lake Toxaway High quality materials, finishes and workmanship highlight this exceptional custom Alpine log home overlooking Lake Toxaway Country Club’s 1st, 9th and 18th holes, with Lake Toxaway and the mountains beyond. The living room makes quite an impression with huge handcrafted beams and a soaring cathedral ceiling and stone fireplace. Step out onto the spacious covered and open decks to behold the lush golf course views and professionally landscaped, gently sloping lawn with bountiful gardens and a large stone fire pit. MLS# 81825. Offered at $1,999,500.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

Trillium

Sitting on a private one-acre corner lot in a beautifully landscaped, park-like setting, this wonderful custom home has it all! Take in the gorgeous long range views of the Balsam Mountains, while listening to the sweet sounds of nature at a cool 4,000 feet. This home is an entertainer’s dream with an open floor plan, gourmet kitchen with gas range and double ovens, and a wet bar for serving wine and cocktails. The master suite is on the main level, with two additional bedrooms and a great office upstairs. MLS# 81617. Just reduced to $649,000.

Ridges Loop

Lodges on the Green

With a drastic price reduction to nearly half of the appraised property value, this newer-constructed rustic home. Inside, you’ll enjoy a 3 bedroom, 4.5 bath open floor plan with an upgraded kitchen. Outside, choose between a covered screened porch with stone fireplace or the open deck with great mountain views. The upstairs bonus room is ideal for a game room or additional sleeping quarters; a second bonus room downstairs has its own bath. MLS# 81791. Offered fully furnished at $495,000.

Convenient to the golf course and lakefront marina on Lake Glenville, the community offers golf, tennis, pool, indoor and outdoor tennis, fitness center, and more. Enjoy both mountain and lake views from the two community clubhouses. This is a great mountain getaway. MLS# 81869. Offered at $295,000.

www.ncliving.com

Trillium Village

Trillium - Signal Ridge Lodge

Charming cottage on cul-de-sac with great indoor and outdoor space at Trillium with an abundance of amenities. MLS# 81097. Offered at $295,000.

This spacious golf course home is beautifully furnished and ready to move in to. Spacious wrap around decks on both upper and lower levels overlook the 14th fairway. Included in the price of this home is a free full Trillium membership, a $50,000 value, plus golf cart with golf cart garage. Enjoy golf course living with being only minutes to Lake Glenville. MLS# 77472. Offered at $495,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

Cedar Hill Masterpiece This stunning custom home features expansive living space on three levels for additional privacy. Upon entering this classic mountain estate, the stunning long range layered views over Sapphire Valley take your breath away. A large great room with two story ceilings opens to an intimate sitting area and dining room. The expansive chef’s kitchen with large two level island opens to the keeping room with fireplace. Step out onto the stone patio for coffee or cocktails. The grand master suite on the main level and five additional bedrooms and six and a half bathrooms make this home the perfect gathering place. An additional sitting room, wet bar, and game room along with the outdoor Jacuzzi are located on the lower level. This quality home must be viewed to appreciate all of the detail wood and stone work. MLS# 82657. Just listed at $3,750,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

CEDAR HILL

Cedar Hill The Pinnacle of Perfection in prestigious Cedar Hill Nestled in a shady grove of trees at the summit of gated Cedar Hill, this elegant custom-built mountain estate bids welcome to all who enter. Both formal and casual entertaining are a pleasure with the gourmet kitchen, butler’s pantry, and wet bar flowing easily to the great room with its striking stone fireplace, soaring ceiling with exposed beams and gorgeous wide plank oak floors. Step out onto the sublime covered living porch with its own fireplace — the perfect spot for savoring a glass of wine or dining al fresco in the fresh mountain air.The spacious master suite with its luxurious bath is located on the main floor along with the study. Downstairs, guests can relax by the hearth in the family room before retiring to one of three beautiful guestrooms with en-suite baths.

Additional sleeping quarters and generous storage can be found on the upper level. MLS# 81691. Offered at $1,699,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

Cedar Hill This beautiful estate home in gated Cedar Hill features excellent long range views of Big Sheepcliff in a private, tranquil setting. The five bedroom open floor plan features all of the expected amenities and can accommodate a large family very comfortably.

The welcoming interior is finished in a style of rustic elegance, with vaulted ceilings and walls of windows for abundant natural light. With a superb location, excellent rental history and $130,000 in decorator furnishings included, this is a turnkey mountain property that you simply must see to appreciate! MLS# 70295. Offered at $1,049,000.

Exclusive Mountain Community Home This premier estate home in prestigious Cedar Hill offers curb appeal, fine finishes, a spacious open floor plan and year round mountain views on a private, gently rolling 3.49 acre lot. Custom built with great attention to detail, this beautiful home features five oversized bedrooms and bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, whole home surround sound with exterior speakers, double decks, a screened living porch with wood burning fireplace, an attached two-car carport and much more. Cedar Hill is an upscale, gated community offering the best of luxury mountain living in the heart of Cashiers. Full Sapphire Valley Resort amenities are available. MLS# 77279. $1,049,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

CEDAR HILL

NEW CONSTRUCTION

Newly constructed in the premier gated community of Cedar Hill, this stunning mountain home has the chic and clean modern rustic look of Restoration Hardware. Entertain a few close friends or host a larger party in the fantastic great room with its massive stone fireplace, cathedral ceilings, oversized dining area and gorgeous open gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry, high-end stainless steel appliances and a large island for serving. Step out onto the spacious covered porch with two seating areas for cocktails and appetizers, grill some juicy steaks or wind down the day in the Jacuzzi tub on those cool, relaxing evenings for which the Plateau is famous. The main level also features a tranquil master bedroom suite with a spa-like bath, cozy den with its own stone fireplace, two guest suites and a laundry area with storage pantry. Two additional bedrooms and a loft are located upstairs. The picture is complete with lush landscaping and beautiful stonework throughout the property. A must see! MLS# 81998. Offered at $1,895,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

CEDAR HILL

REDUCED Cedar Hill Amazing panoramic views of Sapphire Valley including Big Sheepcliff and Lonesome Valley Canyon. Most rooms enjoy the spectacular views. The cathedral ceilings in the living room and fireplace offer a comfortable retreat in the mountains. The chef will enjoy lots of natural light and views, while preparing culinary delights. The second bedroom on the main level, large lofts, great family room on the lower level with fireplace, and the workshop are all great additional features of this home. MLS# 79271. Offered at $679,000.

Lot Number RESALE LOTS

16 24 53 79

Road Name

Acreage

Price

Views

Exposure

East Ridge Road East Ridge Road Rocky Top Drive Parson’s View

1.87 2.72 2.92 2.11

$250,000 $275,000 $120,000 $125,000

Exceptional, mountain, rock face Exceptional, mountain, year round Good, mountain, wooded, year round exposure Great, mountain, year round

Northeast West North West

Spectacular Mountain View Estate Lots Situated between Cashiers and Sapphire Valley, Cedar Hill is an upscale, gated community offering its residents awe-inspiring views and the very best in luxury mountain living. Whether searching for the latest in elegant mountain construction or a very special lot to call your own, Cedar Hill will not disappoint. An easy hike from your backdoor will lead you to the natural splendor of waterfalls set amongst a backdrop of hardwoods. Be one with nature, but enjoy the modern conveniences of underground utilities available to all home sites and a short drive into town.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

Bald Rock

This quality built home has beautiful mountain views from almost every room. A wall of glass in the great room highlights the panoramic landscape, complemented by rich hardwood floors, a soaring stone fireplace and custom light fixtures. Open to the living area, the gourmet kitchen features a Thermador gas range, large island and granite countertops. The master suite is on the main level, with a lovely bath that includes a claw foot tub. The lower level family room features a wet bar, billiards table, and fireplace. Take a dip in the hot tub or walk down to the stream and sit on the deck for a bit to enjoy the fresh air. Roast marshmallows in the huge gazebo with fire pit and play a game of horseshoes. Entertain larger groups of friends on the spacious open deck while cooking delicious BBQ on the built-in gas grill. Bald Rock has much to offer with a staffed equestrian center, over nine miles of maintained hiking/riding trails, and a pavilion with two fireplaces. MLS# 81255. Offered at $950,000.

Bald Rock

Hardly lived in mountain cabin on top of Bald Rock. Long range mountain views, as well as short ridge views. Timber frame with attractive shingle style, hardy plank siding. Master bedroom on main level. Lower level boasts 2 bedrooms, full bath and stacked washer/dryer. Enjoy the privacy, views and cool mountain air from this adorable move in condition cabin at 4,000’+ elevation. MLS# 78663. Offered at $425,000.

The Divide at Bald Rock If you want a mountain view home, this is it! This gorgeous home has everything you are looking for with long, short and rock face mountain views.

Enjoy huge southerly long range views that look into the flatlands and lakes of SC and GA and a close up rock-face view as well. Being sold completely furnished with quality mountain decor furnishings. Wood floors throughout the main level, carpet on the lower level with tile floors and granite counters in all 4 baths. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, gas range, granite counter tops, wine cooler, double oven and more! Master bedroom on the main level with private access to deck with wood-burning fireplace. There is also a second master bedroom on the main level that also has a private deck and enjoys the magnificent views. Zip line and rope swing in the back yard that the kids will love! Located in the pristine, gated community of The Divide, where you can enjoy waterfall and mountain views throughout, equestrian center, 9+ miles of maintained hiking/horseback riding trails and the community Pavilion where you can hold family gatherings or celebrations.

MLS# 80909. Offered at $859,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

OLD EDWARDS CLUB

Old Edwards Club Perched high above the Old Edwards Club, this stately home offers exceptional long range layered mountain views along with a birdseye view of the golf course. The formal living room with a grand stone fireplace and soaring ceilings adjoins the dining room, the wet bar, a less formal sitting area and gourmet kitchen are all situated on the main level. One of the three master suites is located on the main level with the additional ones located on the lower level along with a family room. A workout room is located over the garage. This traditionally styled home is exquisitely decorated with the finest furnishings. This estate is being offered turnkey for the discerning buyer. MLS# 82198. Offered at $2,900,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

HIGHLANDS GAP

Highlands Gap Located on over six acres in the picturesque Highland Gap community of Scaly Mountain, this unique custom home offers gorgeous long range mountain views. No expense was spared in the construction or upkeep of this spacious retreat. Features include master bedroom suites on each level, three stacked stone fireplaces and a beautiful chef’s kitchen, along with a large media room, home office and laundry/mud room. The open decking and screened porch with hot tub offer the best in outdoor living. Take time to enjoy the good life! MLS# 76445. Newly priced at $1,595,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

Highlands Gap First time on the market, this is your chance to begin your new mountain lifestyle this season. Situated next to the USFS, with end of road privacy this home exudes peace, quiet and privacy. You are welcomed home by the sounds of the rushing water of Middle Creek falls accompanied by birdsong and a lovely front porch which begs you to come in and make yourself at home. High ceilings, wood floors, and the open great room draws you in to great room and dining area, and a kitchen designed for entertaining. Open and airy, you can enjoy the natural surroundings from every room. On the main level a gracious master suite, large laundry, powder room, and guest suite with private balcony. The lower level leads to the third bedroom, full bath, and bonus room; both with a private patio leading to the lush lawn and garden. With 15 acres, mountain views, private trails and bridges to your own waterfalls and picnic areas, your retreat is complete. MLS# 81868.

Offered at $1,250,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

Burt Farm Estate The historical 131-acre Burt Farm Estate is a true legacy property, first settled by the Zachary family, one of the founding families of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.

Leave the world behind in this idyllic setting of rolling meadows filled with wildflowers, bubbling creeks, flowing streams, sparkling ponds and an abundance of native shrubs and mature trees. The nearly level drive meanders to the stately 1880s main residence with its generous indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Overlooking lush green lawns and colorful plantings, the spacious covered porch is a relaxing spot for sunset cocktails with friends. Enjoy a competitive or social match of tennis, practice on the putting green or play a lively round of lawn croquet. The estate also features a separate house for a caretaker or guests. The back of the property gently climbs in elevation and is suitable for being subdivided or building additional homes or cottages. Rarely does a property such as this become available for purchase. For those seeking privacy, substantial acreage and a cherished family homestead just minutes from Highlands, downtown Cashiers, and several exclusive golf and country clubs, the Burt Farm Estate is the unparalleled choice.

MLS# 81815. Offered at $5,500,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

Equestrian Estate ‘Reflections’ is the epitome of a mountain estate situated at over 4,100’ of elevation on 42 sprawling acres, high atop Cedar Creek Mountain. As you pass the stone entrance pillars with gas lights, the private drive meanders past rolling meadows, fenced pastures, flowering gardens, walking paths, native stone walkway leading to the scenic ponds. The main home is constructed of historic logs dating to 1790’s along with a tasteful blend of Wormy Chestnut, Heart of Pine, Hickory, Poplar and Oak. Some of the tagging of the logs remains today, from when they were carefully dismantled and reassembled to create this warm and inviting mountain getaway.

The tastefully renovated estate features the main house, storage and car garages, the ‘Fish House’ which was the former stable, and the new stables including the 6 individual padded stalls, tack room, feed room, and horse bathing area, constructed in 2011 by Dearl Stewart. To appreciate this magnificent estate and the rolling land surrounding it, a personal visit to the property is a must. MLS# 80775.

Offered at $3,750,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

Featured in The Southern Rustic Cabin

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

Sassafras Ridge Located on over 13 acres for absolute privacy, this beautiful mountain estate offers gorgeous long range, layered mountain views of Bald Rock and beyond from high atop Sassafras Ridge. Enjoy the panoramic vistas from almost every room in the house, including the striking great room with a massive stone fireplace and the fabulous covered porch with its own stone fireplace for cool evenings. Fine finishes, rich wood floors and walls, beamed cathedral ceilings, abundant natural light and professionally decorated interiors impart a feeling of casual elegance.

With five bedrooms, six and a half baths and a large lower level family room with morning kitchen, the spacious floor plan makes hosting the entire family a pleasure. MLS# 80772.

Offered at $2,600,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

Spectacular Whiteside Mountain View Estate This striking Jim Fox contemporary masterpiece sits on over five acres, with fantastic panoramic views of Whiteside Mountain — the best view in Jackson and Macon Counties! Soaring walls of windows let the natural light pour in and emphasize the spectacular vistas. The luxurious master suite and major living spaces are on the main level, with a beautiful second master suite and a guest bedroom downstairs.

Enjoy the best of Mother Nature from multiple decks or on the lush grounds with flowers, lily ponds, trails and a waterfall. Additional features include lightning protection, whole house humidity control and a water filtration system. The prime location offers privacy and paved access, just 10 minutes from the Cashiers Crossroads. MLS# 76395. Offered at $1,985,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

MAJOR PRICE REDUCTION Cedar Ridge Estates Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Horsepasture River from throughout this exceptional home in quiet Cedar Ridge Estates. Situated on nearly two beautifully landscaped acres with over 250 feet of river frontage, this property makes quite an impression. Abundant curb appeal and great architectural features hint at the mountain elegance to come. From the spacious floor plan to the expansive 2,500 square feet of covered and open deck space, this estate is an entertainer’s dream. Four bedrooms, four and a half baths and multiple living areas easily accommodate family and friends, with a fantastic hideaway just for kids. The high quality finishes are second to none. This home has been impeccably maintained both inside and out. MLS# 81941. Offered at $1,398,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

Zachary’s Gap As you pass the community gates and follow the driveway, this stunning estate welcomes you with rich wood and stone architectural details.

Passing the foyer, the living room with grand piano and massive stone fireplace, and soaring ceiling with large timber beams, provides an inviting atmosphere perfect for small gatherings or large festive parties. A gourmet kitchen with an informal dining area are perfect for quick meals or cooking demonstrations. A built-in BBQ on the screened porch with stone fireplace, round out the culinary experience. Relax in the family room for an evening of casual conversation or perhaps a movie. The large master suite, private study, and two additional guest suites round out the main level. For the pet lovers a raised shower/grooming station in the laundry area are a welcomed addition. A game of billiards, watching a sporting event, and a cold beverage from the wet bar on the second level make for a fun afternoon or evening with family and friends. This custom home offers a variety of living spaces and separated for privacy. This cozy and well-designed home is a must see, when searching for a new home. MLS# 81116. Newly listed at $2,880,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

SAPPHIRE

NEWLY PRICED Golf Club Estates This home has all the charm of the stately old country club communities found in the North Carolina mountains. Built in 1960, but remodeled to modern conveniences, this home has great indoor/outdoor flow. The property is flat and has a large flowing stream through it. The two ponds are beautifully designed and landscaped. There is a charming guest house. The home opens onto a large patio overlooking the ponds. The amenities of Sapphire Valley, golf, pools, lakes, fitness center, are all nearby. Located a short cart drive to the clubhouse of The Country Club of Sapphire Valley, membership is by invitation only. 4 bedrooms in main house and 1 bedroom in guest house. MLS# 78772.

Offered at $950,000

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

Long Range Views This superbly built custom home offers exceptional long range mountain views! It features two master suites — one on the main level with an adjoining office and the other on the lower level with an adjoining bonus room. You’ll find all the bells and whistles in this mountain retreat, including a Runco home theater system, home office, gourmet kitchen with breakfast bar, welcoming family room with cathedral ceilings, beautiful stone fireplace, generous built-ins, and a wet bar, plus heart pine floors, a second fireplace on the screened porch, and additional screened and covered deck space for outdoor living and entertaining! MLS# 77327. Offered at $1,149,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

REDUCED Golf Club Estates Located behind the gate in desirable Golf Club Estates, this spacious custom home boasts some of the finest views in the community, with Horsepasture River and Country Club of Sapphire Valley golf course frontage and the mountains beyond.

Designed by Allen Brown and built by Hub Powell, the floor plan offers easy one-story living, with an additional family room, game room and wine cellar on the lower level.

The property is very private, with lush landscaping, open and covered deck space and a cozy fire pit next to Chimneytop Creek. Relax with friends and family while listening to the tranquil sounds of the water, surrounded by nature’s incredible beauty. Club members can take the cart path right to CCSV’s acclaimed golf course. MLS# 81819. Offered at $995,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

Golf Club Estates Perched at 3,400 feet overlooking the lush golf course of The Country Club of Sapphire Valley, this lovely estate offers exceptional long range panoramic views of Bald Rock, Big Sheepcliff and Cow Rock Mountains from almost every room. The circular driveway is gated and fully landcaped for privacy. Professionally decorated in an elegant Southern traditional style, the entire home has been recently updated with fine finishes, fixtures and window treatments.

The open kitchen flows into a comfortable den and coveted four-season porch with a cozy fireplace and operable clear panels for colder weather. Two guest suites are located on the lower level, along with a spacious family room featuring a beautiful custom bar, pool table, and television viewing area. MLS# 81448. Offered at $1,495,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

High Hemlock First time on the market. Enjoy the serenity of amazing long range layered views of Whiteside Mountain, Laurel Knob and Cow Rock. This 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home features a lower level family room and a great open floor plan suited for both small and large gatherings. MLS# 81393. Offered at $1,195,000.

Cedar Hill This one story home with fabulous views of Sapphire Valley and Bald Rock, is located in the premier community of Cedar Hill. Natural light just floods the spacious great room with vaulted ceilings. The open kitchen with two islands is perfect for creating culinary delights. The hardwood floors and stone fireplace along with the spectacular views make this a perfect summer retreat or year around home. Located just minutes from Cashiers and Sapphire. Well maintained home in move in condition. MLS# 82642. Just listed at $889,000.

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Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

The Crest Enjoy fabulous, year round, long range sunset mountain views from the built in custom rosewood pub bar mounted on the upper deck of this spacious luxury home, boasting lots of unique custom mountain finishes. Its state of the art gourmet kitchen was totally upgraded in 2010 and includes a 5 burner Wolf gas cooktop with double built in ovens and warming drawer, Subzero refrigerator, under counter refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave. Interior features include built in wet bar with wine storage racks and soaring stone fireplace in great room, rustic cabin style master suite with stone fireplace, solid hickory flooring, T&G ceiling and hand hewn cedar log walls, jetted tub, fully tiled double shower and stone fireplace in master bath, and formal dining room on main level, additional master suite, his and her office and fitness room on upper level, incredible game room with stone fireplace, custom walnut and bark bar, custom billiard table, professional air hockey table, video games and electronic dart board, 2 additional guest bedrooms and screened porch with stone fireplace and pecky cedar ceiling on lower level.

MLS# 81784. Offered at $ 1,595,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

Lake Glenville Views Custom Home with Mountain View Why build and have to wait?? Almost new home located within walking distance of Narrows Waterfall. This move in ready home with vaulted ceilings in the living room and fireplace has the perfect blend of rustic mountain finishes while keeping the house light and bright. A family room on the lower level offers additional living space and privacy. This is a perfect mountain retreat or year around residence. MLS# 76101. Offered at $449,000.

Enjoy truly exceptional views of Lake Glenville and the surrounding mountains from almost every room in this recently remodeled, fully furnished home located in a quiet neighborhood near Norton Falls.

The open floor plan features three bedrooms and three baths, a great room with stone fireplace and cathedral ceilings, and a bright kitchen with island breakfast bar. The lower level has a family room with an additional bonus room. Double open and covered wraparound decks also afford spectacular views of the lake — perfect for relaxing with family and friends as you watch yet another beautiful sunset in the mountains. MLS# 80176. Offered at $499,000.

Cedar Crest

Exceptional mountain architecture and interior design make this mountain getaway perfect for those not looking to build or renovate.

Located in the small gated community of Cedar Crest just minutes from the Cashiers Crossroads and Sapphire. Wonderful stone fireplace in the living room with soaring ceilings welcome you home. The open kitchen and dining room open to the screened patio with stone fireplace to enjoy those cool summer days. MLS# 80926.

Offered at $787,800.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

Hickory Ridge Long View enjoys panoramic views of Whiteside and Chimneytop Mountains from this enclave located just minutes from town. The master bedroom along with a guest room and office are located on the main level. Two additional guest rooms are located on the lower level along with an indoor pool that has glass doors opening to a stone patio. The covered deck expands the living area and lets you enjoy cool summer breezes. Great home for year around living as well. Come see this special home today. MLS# 79128. Offered at $985,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

Cedar Ridge Estates

Cedar Crest

This tastefully remodeled three bedroom, four and a half bath home in Cedar Ridge Estates has an attention to detail that separates it from others on the market. Bathed in natural light, the open floor plan boasts cathedral ceilings, rich wood floors and a soaring stone fireplace. The gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and generous storage is a chef’s delight. Serve family and friends in the spacious dining room or enjoy the fresh mountain air on one of the covered or open porches. The main level master suite features a cozy fireplace and luxurious bath with jetted tub and glass shower. MLS #78297. Just reduced to $765,000.

Luxurious, like-new mountain home in the small gated community of Cedar Crest, offers the finest in architecture and craftsmanship. Owners will have to choose from the many great spots to enjoy living on the main level, while guests will enjoy having their own privacy both upstairs and down. Be sure to check out the private deck off master and the covered grilling porch off the covered screened porch. Both indoor and outdoor fireplaces have gas starters. Seller is willing to sell most furnishings and accessories separately elegantly decorated. MLS# 82239. Offered at $775,000.

Farmhouse

Lake Toxaway

Tucked away on 16 gently rolling acres, this beautiful, farmhouse offers plenty of privacy and is convenient to Cashiers. Architectural details like rich wood floors, painted wood walls, a stone fireplace in the living room and lots of glass for natural light, exude the relaxed mountain lifestyle. The rear deck overlooks the lushly wooded property and a tranquil pond with the sound of rushing water in the distance. A cozy study and generous master suite with sauna and jetted tub sit on the main level, with three more bedrooms upstairs. MLS# 82361. Just listed at $700,000.

One of the best panoramic long-range lake and mountain view properties in the NC mountains. This home sits at a cool 4000’+ elevation and offers a breath-taking view of multiple mountain ranges and looks out over 4 lakes in 3 different states (Toxaway - NC, Jocassee & Keowee - SC and Hartwell in GA). Master on main with additional bedrooms and baths up and down. MLS# 79994. Offered at $669,000.

High Hemlock

Bridge Creek

Amazing setting overlooking Lonesome Valley with views of Laurel Knob rock face and Cow Rock. This from 4,000’ elevation in wonderful High Hemlock. Well maintained log home provides comfort and relaxation, with wood floors, wood-burning fireplace and master suite on main. This home is just a short drive from the endless trails of Panthertown Valley. MLS# 82295.

Offered at $649,000.

Charming cottage in gated community 4 miles from Cashiers Crossroads. Property is flat. Large stone fireplace in living area and another on outside covered porch. Bridge Creek has walking trails and ponds. It is a very short walk to trails and ponds and it is very unusual to find such a large flat area at this elevation - approx. 3,700 feet. You enter the community over a large covered bridge that crosses Norton Creek. MLS# 80378. Offered at $639,000.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

Old Edwards Club

REDUCED

Cedar Creek Woods

One of the best views anywhere! This beautiful 3 bedroom, 3 bath upper unit features vaulted ceiling with beams and a stone fireplace in living area. Open floor plan is perfect for entertaining. Kitchen has granite, stainless appliances and a wet-bar. Large screened porch with fireplace. This amazing unit is one of only a few upper units with less than 5 steps! This unit is the best upper unit available and a must see!!

MLS# 79651. Offered at $599,000.

Wonderful mountain view family home in well-established club and tennis community. Located in the lovely Cedar Creek Woods neighborhood. Roomy 4 bedroom/5 bath home with nicely landscaped grounds. Master bedroom plus guest bedroom on main floor. Additional guest rooms upstairs. Loft area upstairs, workshop/artist studio on main floor. Wonderful year round or summer retreat. MLS# 79265.

Offered at $599,000.

Whiteside Cove

Sapphire Valley

Beautiful newer home with fabulous view of Whiteside Mountain. This home features many upgrades and has been professionally decorated.

A two story living room welcomes you and opens to the open deck.

The kitchen with the many upgrades and adjoining dining area overlook the deck and rolling yard. Gorgeous master bedroom suite on the main level and two spacious bedrooms with en-suite baths and loft are located on the upper level. MLS# 81999. Offered at $579,000.

Enjoy breathtaking bird’s eye views of the mountains from two stories of decks of this 4 bedroom classic mountain home. The home’s interior features warm timber accents, soaring cathedral ceilings, striking stone fireplace in the great room, master on main, spacious loft and 2 bedrooms upstairs and 1 bedroom suite on the lower level. Huge price reduction — originally $1,095,000! MLS# 78069. Offered at $549,000.

Pine Forest

REDUCED

Overlooking Lonesome Valley and the mountains beyond, this home situated on over 4 acres affords you privacy and convenience to both Sapphire and Cashiers. Wonderful mountain feel with an open floor plan which is inviting and makes for the perfect year-round or summer home. Large unfinished basement for additional space. The home is fully furnished with some minor exceptions. MLS # 75868. Offered at $539,000.

Cashiers - Bull Pen Area This country farm property is the perfect blend of being close to town, but offers all the benefits of being in the country. Spread your wings throughout the 18+ acres that features a 3,000 square foot partially renovated home, a heated barn with electricity, a shed, a couple of ponds, pasture and a separate large meadow area that could be an additional home site or a great spot for horses. Two sides of the property borders National Forest, so you can hike or ride horses in to the forest from property. MLS# 80823. Offered at $549,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

Sapphire Valley

Holly Berry Estates

This welcoming move-in ready home offers amazing views of Chimneytop Mountain and Sapphire Valley. Spacious kitchen, living and dining areas open to a covered deck - perfect for entertaining family and friends or simply relaxing. The split bedroom plan features three bedrooms on the main level, plus a separate family room, bonus room and deck on the lower level. This lovely mountain home is a great value at this price! MLS# 77386. Offered at $538,000.

In immaculate condition and move-in ready, this spacious three bedroom, two and a half bath custom built home boasts fantastic mountain views.

Features include cathedral ceilings, Brazilian cherry hardwood floors and double decks, as well as an open kitchen, two-car garage, wood burning fireplace, full home generator and oversized main level master suite. Two more bedrooms, a family room and a den/office can be found on the lower level. The home sits on a heavily wooded, high elevation 4.93 acre lot.

MLS# 82129. Offered at $499,000.

Cullasaja Club

Sapphire High

Great buy in Cullasaja Club with soaring ceilings and stone fireplace.

This lovely three bedroom, two bath home is nice & private, tucked away in the rhododendrons. The master bedroom is on the main floor and has two walk in closets and a private bath. There are another two guest bedrooms on the main floor with shared bath. There is also a bonus room located overlooking the great room. MLS# 80468. Offered at $449,000.

Perfect mountain getaway with fantastic views situated on 10.64 acres for lots of privacy! All on one level living with a split bedroom floor plan and large living area open to the kitchen and dining area. Hardwood floors throughout the main living area with a wood-burning stone fireplace in the great room. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, vaulted ceiling, pantry, breakfast bar and beautiful granite counters.

MLS# 80865. Offered at $490,000.

Woudes Mountain Lake Glenville, lakefront home on a large 1 acre lot with a private dock, great views and approximately 100+ feet of shoreline. This charming 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath Cape Cod is surrounded by lush rhododendron, laurel, hardwoods and is tucked away in a scenic cove. The home features cathedral ceilings, double decks, a bonus room, lower level, loft, brand new A/C unit and an enchanted trail to the lake. The property has been well loved and is move in ready. Easy year round access. MLS# 79943. Offered at $474,000.

www.ncliving.com

Holly Forest High elevation (3,700’) location yet close to town. Temperatures are typically 10 degrees cooler than Cashiers. Constant breezes provide natural A/C. Proximity to Panthertown Valley brings a plethora of wildlife: bears, deer, turkeys, raccoons and more. Quiet neighborhood and mature landscaping. Home occupied full time since built and well-maintained. Whole house generator. MLS# 82186. Offered at $473,900.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

Turkey Knob

Mountain View Cabin

Panoramic long range layered mountain views of the Parkway, Chimneytop, Terrapin and Sheepcliff Mountains! This three bedroom home is in excellent condition with an aggressive list price and a motivated seller. Home features include an open floor plan with cathedral ceilings, wood burning fireplace, lots of glass, granite countertops, Brazilian cherry flooring, large wrap around deck and the master on the main. The lower level includes a second living space, 2 guest bedrooms and a covered deck. MLS# 80288. Offered at $459,000.

Wonderful log home in quiet location yet convenient to Cashiers and Highlands. Great mountain view and beautiful landscaping with water feature that creates a soothing level of water sounds. Outbuildings include workshop and two single car ports as well as golf cart storage.

Location is a very private oasis with a serene, magical feeling about it.

Basement is ready to be finished to add additional living space. Four bedroom septic in hand. Eight lot subdivision surrounded by Christmas tree farms. MLS# 82467. Offered at $549,000.

Spring Forest Sitting in the clouds at 3,800 feet, Listening Point with magnificent mountain and rock face views of Cow Rock, Bald Rock and Chimneytop mountains.

The great room makes quite an impression with its soaring cathedral ceilings, stone fireplace, and huge wall of windows highlighting the incredible vistas and filling the room with sunlight. A large master suite is located on the main level with two guest rooms upstairs, all with vaulted ceilings.

The versatile open loft can be used as a den, office or sleeping quarters for visitors. This sale includes a Holly Forest lot as well which will allow the new owner access to the Sapphire Valley Resort amenities. MLS# 82309. Offered at $625,000.

Cashiers Cottage

Pilots Knob

Wonderful cottage located just minutes to Cashiers along the historic 107 South corridor. The living room with stone fireplace and wood ceilings, along with the kitchen outfitted with stainless steel appliances, dining area, and master bedroom with vaulted ceilings are all located on the main level. The two additional bedrooms with vaulted ceilings and bathroom are located on the upper level. This charming newer home is a great weekend getaway or year around home. Beautiful quality finishes. MLS# 82590. Offered at $269,000.

This recently completed three bedroom home with exceptional long range views and high-end finishes is located in Pilots Knob. The exterior features include a cedar shake roof, covered deck with stone fireplace and quality windows and doors. The interior includes an open floor plan, cathedral ceilings, massive stone fireplace, hardwood floors, stainless appliances and granite counters. MLS# 80603. Offered at $374,900.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

Sapphire Valley

Cedar Creek Area

This custom built four bedroom home is located on an elevated lot for additional privacy with a flat lawn area abutting the home. The open kitchen design with large island overlooks the great room and dining area with vaulted wood ceilings and the stone fireplace. Step outside to the cover deck and fireplace and enjoy the cool summer temperatures. Extensive use of hardwoods, stone, slate, marble and granite set this home apart. Just listed at $499,000.

Fabulous long range mountain views from this privately located home at a cool 4,300+ elevation. This delightful, low maintenance home adjoins the 1000+ acre Carlton/Chinquapin Conservation Easement.

Great room concept opens onto a wonderful large covered porch letting in the cool mountain breezes. Master suite and one guest bedroom with full bath on main level, second guest bedroom, family room with a Franklin stove and access to the 2 car garage on lower level.

Wood floors, cathedral wood beamed ceiling and stacked stone woodburning fireplace. Well priced! Most furnishings negotiable. A must see!

MLS# 82243. Offered at $369,900.

Private Retreat Wonderful country home on 4+ acres. Fruit trees and garden. 2 living areas, both with private entry. Home has large decks and large screened porch for wonderful indoor and outdoor living. Attached garage, outdoor storage, and work shed. Private location with mountain views yet convenient to Cashiers, Highlands and Franklin.

MLS# 81308. Offered at $359,500.

Golf Club Estates This classic cottage makes a delightful mountain getaway! The screened porch with vaulted ceilings and stone flooring is perfect for enjoying the sublime weather or dining al fresco with friends.

The interior includes wood finished walls, vaulted ceilings and a cozy stone fireplace. The master bedroom is located on the main level, with a second bedroom upstairs for additional privacy. An enclosed garage provides extra storage. Nearly level lot allow for easy access year round, and The Country Club of Sapphire Valley (membership by invitation) is a short walk or golf cart ride away. MLS# 81279. Offered at $319,000

Sapphire Valley Easy access, year-round Sapphire Valley home with a two car garage and level front yard. The home features 2 bedrooms, 2 bonus rooms, 3 bathrooms, double decks and a stone fireplace. The spacious lower level offers an additional family room and access to the private wooded backyard with lots of hardwoods, laurel and rhododendron. The roof has been recently replaced and the home is in very good shape. 5 minutes to Sapphire restaurants, shopping and amenities. 10 minutes to Cashiers and grocery’s. MLS# 79876. Offered at $290,000.

www.ncliving.com

Wildwood Conveniently located between Cashiers and Highlands. The home has been well loved and is in great shape. Cathedral ceiling, stone fireplace, wrap around deck, two car garage and a recently replaced roof. The lot is nearly level, nicely landscaped and has an easy access circular driveway. Enjoyable walking distance to picturesque community lake and tennis courts. MLS# 82025. Offered at $279,900.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

NEWLY PRICED

Burlingame

Overlooking the lush Burlingame golf course, this elegantly updated and professionally decorated villa is simply stunning. From the high quality furnishings and luxurious custom window treatments and bedding to the premium cabinetry, coffered ceilings, hand-hewn timbers, and other fine fixtures and finishes, this turnkey getaway is a showstopper! Many architectural details were added by the interior designer, further distinguishing this home from others in the community. MLS# 81768. Price: Offered at $295,000.

Holly Forest

Immaculate new home sits on a nearly level lot with two-car garage.

Spacious great room with a grand wood burning stone fireplace and beautiful wood floors throughout the main living area. Gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel KitchenAid Gallery appliances, a gas range, walk-in pantry and an eat-in area. Also on the main level, the well-appointed master suite features cathedral ceiling, and a luxurious bath. The master bedroom opens onto the back deck with its own fireplace. Lower level family room, two large bedrooms, and full bath.

MLS# 81563. Offered at $259,900.

Pilots Knob

Pilots Knob

This inviting partially finished home in the new gated subdivision of Pilots Knob is a fantastic opportunity to purchase at a substantial discount and finish to your specifications. Enjoy awe-inspiring long range, layered mountain views and cool summer temperatures at an elevation of over 3,500 feet. MLS# 80634. Newly listed at $274,900.

Partially finished home in the new subdivision of Pilots Knob. Great opportunity to purchase with huge discount and finish to your specifications. Covered deck with outdoor fireplace, spacious floor plan with cathedral ceilings. MLS# 80631. Newly listed at $249,900.

Holly Forest

REDUCED

Three bedroom, 2 bath home with a view of Hogback Lake. Bright living area with lots of windows, a floor to ceiling stone fireplace and new hickory wood floors. Private master bedroom with large closets and bathroom. Spacious kitchen with access to the back deck. The home is close to Sapphire amenities, restaurants and shopping. Easy year round access and low maintenance. A perfect lock it and leave it summer home. MLS# 81821. Offered at $229,900.

Highlands

Perfect for your summer vacation home within the city limits of Highlands. Two large bedrooms, kitchen and great room situated on a large lot with a front deck to enjoy the cool mountains. This home would also be a great year round starter home and investment.

The current owner put on a new roof and HVAC unit. MLS# 79541. $274,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

Big Ridge Views

Sapphire Valley Beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bath home located in Holly Forest Subdivision I, just minutes from restaurants, shopping, golf, Narrows Falls, Lake Fairfield, Hogback Lake and all the great amenities that Sapphire Valley has to offer. The home has spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, double decks, a living room fireplace, formal dining room, lower level bunk room and a .78 acre wooded lot with hardwoods and native mountain laurel. This is a lot of house for the money! MLS# 80118. Offered at $249,000.

This charming three bedroom, two and a half bath English Tudor style cottage offers beautiful mountain views and cool temperatures.

Remodeled in 2007, it is move-in ready and perfect for entertaining family and friends. The home features an open kitchen with breakfast bar and nook, living room with wood-burning fireplace, oversized master suite with sitting area, and a private lower level with two guestrooms, a bunk room, and bonus room. MLS# 81575. Offered at $229,000.

Sapphire Cullowhee Mountain This is the quintessential mountain hideaway! The home sits on a gentle hilltop overlooking a scenic mountain valley and a meandering stream running through the yard. The jewel of the property is an approximate 50 foot waterfall with a hidden trail and viewing platform. The cozy cabin is well built and is in good shape. The basement could be finished for additional living space. The property boarders thousands of acres of National Forest.

Private well, barn, shed and holding tank for spring water. MLS# 79985.

Offered at $225,000.

Located in the heart of Sapphire and just minutes from Cashiers, this traditional five bedroom, three and a half bath home has easy year round access and sits at the end of a cul-de-sac with a paved circular driveway.

Features include large bedrooms, an open kitchen with breakfast bar, a gas fireplace and beautiful wood floors. Perfect for families, the split floor plan places the master suite on the main level and four bedrooms upstairs. Relax in the fresh mountain air on the screened porch or enjoy a delicious BBQ with friends on the outdoor deck. This incredibly well priced home comes with Sapphire Valley Resort amenities. MLS# 81417.

Offered at $215,000.

Big Ridge Sitting on one acre at a cool elevation of over 3,000 feet, this furnished mountain home features two bedrooms and one bath. The lush, gently rolling wooded lot has a bubbling stream and plenty of space for gardening. MLS# 82279. Offered at $89,000.

Burlingame Beautiful condominium with lush landscaping located convenient to the clubhouse. This particular unit is spacious and overlooks the golf course offering great views. Master and guest bedrooms are on the main level with additional loft bedroom and bath. Great value in Burlingame.

MLS# 81794. Offered at $219,999.

www.ncliving.com

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

The Woods Condo

REDUCED

Waterfront Home

This unique end unit has 3 bedrooms, all with private baths. The cozy living room has a stone wood burning fireplace and there are wood floors throughout the entire unit with tile in the baths. The kitchen has a large island and there are granite counters in the kitchen and baths. The back deck overlooks the pond and it’s just a short walk to the common area where you can enjoy the pavilion, fish or canoe.

Ownership comes with Sapphire Valley Amenities. MLS# 80943.

Offered at $199,900.

High elevation waterfront home located just minutes from Cashiers and Highlands. The home has just been remodeled and is in turn key condition. Includes new hardwood floors, new carpet, fresh paint and landscaping. Enjoy a scenic, peaceful setting with a nearly level half acre lot, approximately 50 feet water frontage and a great view from the living room, master bedroom and deck. Easy year round access and in close proximity to Lake Glenville amenities. It’s a charming property that’s priced to sell! MLS# 80925. Offered at $199,750.

Bright Mountain

Holly Ridge Condo

Cute mountain cottage on 1.14 acres in Bright Mountain. Mountain stream is on property, a fenced in yard for small children or pets.

Large screened in porch off dining room for dining outside. Large uncovered deck, garden spot and fire pit by the stream. There is a separate studio with full bath, a garden shed and partial walk out basement. Lots of storage and extra space. Adorably decorated with antique architectural salvage pieces. Full laundry and office. MLS# 82456. Offered at $299,000.

First time on the market. This completely renovated condominium is the perfect lock it and leave it mountain retreat. Walk to Fairfield Lake and enjoy Sapphire amenities. Owner financing available. MLS# 77802. Offered at $174,000

REDUCED

Hilltop

Sapphire

Great location in Sapphire’s Hilltop neighborhood. This 2 bedroom condominium is just a short walk to Fairfield Lake and all of the amenities. Tranquil setting with a wooded view off the back deck. Start enjoying the mountain lifestyle in this value priced unit. MLS# 77801.

Offered at $115,000.

Located on quiet street between Sapphire and Lake Toxaway. This well maintained 3 bedroom home is situated on a flat lot and has a fenced yard, which is great enjoying cool summer temperatures. MLS# 79260.

Offered at $95,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

www.ncliving.com

Mountain Club

Amazing opportunity! Mountain living made easy in this very desirable community in Sapphire Valley. Additional nights available with a short three days’ notice, based on availability. Exchange nights with the Registry Collection and 3RDHOME and enjoy stays around the world. Mountain Club offers many amenities for the whole family at the Mountain Club and SVMA which include: indoor and outdoor pool, sauna, hot tub, fitness room, movie rentals, game room, pool table, ping pong, miniature golf, bocce ball, air hockey, croquet, tanning beds, horseshoe pits, massage therapy, bicycle rental, various arts & crafts classes, snow skiing and tubing, Lake Fairfield boat dock, tennis and racquet club, 18 hole PDA golf course, 9 hole executive golf course, driving range, putt-putt, gem mining, summer concerts, planned excursions, kids’ camps, and horseback riding. Now offering 1/12th starting at $62,000 and 1/6th starting at $99,000.

Commercial Properties

Cashiers Commercial Building PRIME RETAIL or OFFICE location along the 107 South corridor in Cashiers.

Known as the Old Cashiers School House and most recently housing the offices of the Cashiers Historical Society, this renovated building is ready for immediate occupancy. Great stone fireplace welcomes visitors to this historic building which also offers plenty of parking. Call today to see this amazing property. MLS# 80356.

Offered at $449,000.

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Cashiers Commercial Building Charming building, well located in shopping district near Crossroads.

There are many business opportunities and also has living quarters which include kitchen, dining room, bathroom on main floor, second floor has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Charming outdoor fenced in patio with stone fireplace off of dining room and kitchen. Parking in front and in back of building. MLS# 82365. First time offered at $525,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

Summer Hill - Lake Glenville Almost 3 acre lot in Summer Hill, a premier Lake Glenville community. Driveway partially in. Big lake view. Community dock, boat launch ramp, sandy beach, picnic shelter with fireplace and tennis court. MLS# 76073. $295,000.

Large lake access lot with great mountain and sunset views. MLS# 73981. $115,000.

Big lake access lot with western exposure. View of mountains and sunsets. MLS# 73982. $115,000.

Very large Lake Glenville access lot. This lot faces west with sunset and mountain views. MLS# 73983. $115,000.

Sapphire Highway 64 Stunning level property on Highway 64 in Sapphire Valley located across the street from Lonesome Valley entrance. The rear of the property is bordered by the Horsepasture River. A variety of development opportunities including multi-family, restaurant and a host of other commercial uses. MLS# 76184. $699,000.

Lakeside Falls This easy build lot fronts on the large stream known as Norton Creek. Located just above Lake Glenville at an altitude over 3500 feet, this small community of Lakeside Falls is waiting for you.

MLS# 79048. $40,000.

Nice wooded lot adjacent to North Norton Road. Near Lake Glenville. MLS# 79050. $20,000.

If you’re looking for a lot on a big stream at 3500+ elevation, this is it! Easy building site in a neighborhood of 14 lots. Easy access off of North Norton Road about 7 miles from the Cashiers’ Crossroads. MLS# 79047. $42,500.

Highlands 5.35 acres fronting both Blue Valley Road and Highway 28. Excellent location for a business opportunity. A creek runs behind the property. MLS# 76448. $70,000.

Lake Glenville Nice lakefront lot located on the east side of Lake Glenville. Approximately 100 feet of rock seawall installed and approved for a dock. The property has a shared water supply and is tied into a community sewer system. MLS# 80614. $275,000.

Lots & Land

Whisper Lake Heavily wooded private lot with a gentle easy build knoll. Cool summers at approximately 3200 feet elevation. A nice mountain view can be opened up with tree trimming. MLS# 82608. $28,500.

Whisper Lake Great lot with an easy build site at an incredible price. An easy walk/drive down to the community boat dock where you can store your canoe/kayak. Part of the Sapphire Master Association; enjoy the benefits of Sapphire amenities. MLS# 78373. $17,900.

Glen Pointe Lot 3 Fantastic Lake Glenville access and view lot. Long lake and mountain views, adjacent to lakefront community dock with a guaranteed boat slip. Tennis court, gated community, underground utilities. MLS# 75542. $150,000.

Attention Developers!

Developer opportunity on 441 corridor, convenient to Sylva, Dillsboro, Bryson City, and Cherokee. Development with incredible long range mountain and river views, located in the heart of Jackson County. The development has a prominent entrance with underground utilities. Development includes 86 lots, 6 open space lots and common areas. MLS# 78151.

Great value at $2,500,000.

Bear Lake Development Opportunity The ultimate development project or private retreat! 1,542 acres on Bear Lake with 4.5 miles of lake frontage. Two miles of trout stream, the dramatic Sol’s Creek Waterfall with its 120-foot drop,

and picturesque rock cliffs with wild goats add to the allure of this mountain sanctuary. Elevations from 2,600 to 3,800 feet. Owner will subdivide and consider owner financing.

915 Acre Tract on Trout Creek Minutes north of Lake Glenville off 107 N, this 915-acre tract of land is suitable for development and/or preservation. Trout Creek flows through the property; box canyon and other natural amenities make this piece unique. Price upon request.

Glen Laurel Wonderful large building site that can be subdivided. Big views of mountains and Lake Glenville.

Access to shared dock on Lake Glenville. Convenient to Cashiers, Franklin and Sylva. Very gentle building sites. Underground utilities available. Wildlife Service boat ramp is within 1/2 mile so you can put in and take out your lake toys easily. MLS# 78191. $99,000.

Norton Area Great building lot if you want easy access and a bold stream with small waterfalls. Norton Creek is the largest stream in the immediate area. The stream has great trout fishing and has many pools adjacent to this property. The site is approximately 4 miles from the Cashiers crossroads and fronts on North Norton Road for easy yearround access. It adjoins the Trillium Golf Course, so there won’t be any neighbors to look at. MLS# 81312. $69,500.

Sheepcliff Woods This gentle building site in the

Zachary’s Gap High above the valley floor at 4000’ of elevation with a panoramic view of Sapphire Valley including views of Whiteside, Chimneytop, and Rock Mountain.

This partially cleared lot with fire pit area and path from the road cleared offers spectacular views. Located in the small gated community of Zachary’s Gap, this lot’s views are absolutely amazing! MLS# 80127. $410,000.

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

small gated community of Sheepcliff Woods is only minutes to downtown Cashiers without having to drive to the top of a mountain. The 2.3 acres provide ample room for the perfect mountain home. Take a leisurely stroll across the lot and envision your new getaway nestled among the trees as you feel the gentle mountain breezes. MLS# 81315. $170,000.

Blue Valley Falls Breathtaking long range mountain views from this very gentle building lot located in Bluevalley Falls Pointe. The southern exposure is the best in the mountains with gorgeous sunsets and warmer orientation in the winter. This is a rare, level building lot with an amazing view. MLS# 81296. $299,000.

Top of Cherry Knob This fantastic 262-acre tract of land features spectacular 300+ degree views from the top of Cherry Knob Mountain. A long range view of Lake Glenville, Big Ridge, and Cullowhee make this property unique and suitable for either a private estate or development. $3,000,000.

Big Sheepcliff Located just minutes from the crossroads in prestigious Big Sheepcliff, this lot is located in the upper section of the community with winter views of the Glenville Valley. A 4 bedroom septic evaluation valid through December 31, 2016. MLS# 78804. $149,000.

Exceptional location just minutes to the crossroads in Cashiers. At an elevation of app. 4,200’ build your dream home with exceptional long range views over the Lake Glenville Valley. Private 12 acres already have the septic system installed and have a great build-

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ing site. First time on the market and very well priced! Big Sheepcliff is a gated community with two ponds and a community pavilion high above the Cashiers Valley with long range views. MLS# 78826. $369,000.

Bridge Creek Nice very level lot in gated community of Bridge Creek. Easy build. Community centrally located between Cashiers and Highlands. At 3,600 foot elevation, much of the area is walkable with community pond and trails.

Paved roads, community water, beautiful, covered bridge entry over Norton Creek. MLS# 81134. $29,000.

Easy building lots in gated Bridge Creek Community. Community amenities include trout stream, stocked pond, chimney garden and hiking trails. MLS# 81452 and 81453. $27,500 each.

Large level corner lot on bold trout stream. Norton Creek is the largest stream feeding into nearby Lake Glenville. This gated community features covered bridge entrance, underground utilities, walking trails, large community pond, chimney garden and more.

MLS# 76927. $45,000.

Located at the highest elevation in Bridge Creek, a gated community only 4.5 miles from Cashiers, this large lot (2 3/4 acres) has fantastic long range views looking down the length of Lake Glenville.

Since Lake Glenville is the highest lake in the east, views like this can be found nowhere else. Very large and gentle building site would provide plenty of parking area and walk-around space. Community has fishing/swimming pond, picnic area, walking trails and a chimney garden. Great community with paved roads and underground utilities. MLS# 80610. $349,000.

Large 3.59 acre lot at 4000 feet elevation, with big views of Lake Glenville and the mountains beyond. It’s a layered view with ridges to your left and mountains up to 40 miles away. The building site is huge and almost flat so it’s a very easy build. Plenty of room for parking, garden, etc. Located in Bridge Creek which is a gated community only 4.5 miles from Cashiers and 9 miles from Highlands. Community includes the unique covered bridge, chimney garden, walking trails and large

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Wade Hampton Golf Club Incredible value in Wade Hampton Golf Club. Convenient to the clubhouse and located on a quiet street with a gentle building site. If you can’t find the perfect home in this prestigious community, consider building your mountain cottage or estate home. MLS# 81774. Just listed at $85,000. pond for fishing and paddling.

MLS# 80613. $349,000.

Bear Lake Reserve Peninsula lakefront lot. 404+ feet of frontage. Lays very gentle, easy build, and is a short walk from lakefront clubhouse. Great views of lake and mountains from lot.

Shared dock is included. Priced below purchase price in 2006.

MLS# 73993. Offered at $535,000.

Holly Forest This large 1.19 acre lot has a great winter mountain view with potential for year round. The lot is heavily wooded with mountain laurel for the utmost in privacy. A small creek runs through the lot & the property on the right side & rear of the lot is Holly Forest green space. Lot has a current 3 bedroom septic approval. Sapphire Valley amenities included. MLS# 79953. Offered at $4,900.

Holly Forest This 1.47 acre lot has been priced to move! Lot sits above road so home site should be private. MLS# 81733. Just listed at $15,000.

Lake Glenville 3 Lots in Glen Laurel - Easy build lake access lots within walking distance to Lake Glenville and the community boat dock. Glen Laurel has paved roads and underground utilities. Minimum square footage for homes, only 1,400 sf.

Affordable opportunity to own your mountain cabin with an almost lake front lot. Within ¼ mile of public boat ramp. $22,500 $39,500. MLS# 74340, 74341 and 74350.

Whisper Lake Very nice building lot in one of Sapphire Valley’s most popular neighborhoods. Located on

a quiet cul-de-sac near the entrance, this property includes all of the Sapphire/Wyndham Resort amenities and the enjoyment of Whisper Lake with boat docks and ramps. Build your dream cabin, bring a canoe and start enjoying the great outdoors in our little slice of heaven on the Cashiers Highlands Plateau! MLS# 79954.

Offered at $20,000.

Whitewater Ridge Exceptional long range mountain views and adjoins Nantahala National Forest! This 3.07 acre lot sits at approximately 3,650 ft. elevation and has dead-on views of Whiteside Mountain and outlying mountains as well. Gentle driveway access and house site with community water and underground utilities. This is the perfect lot to build your private mountain dream home. MLS# 81013. $165,000.

Cullowhee Mountain 30 pristine acres with exceptional long range rolling mountain views. Hidden in dense forest, this beautiful high elevation hideaway is surrounded in lush vegetation, hardwoods, mountain laurel and small streams. The property is very private and remote in feel yet only 25 minutes to Cashiers or Sylva, 15 minutes to Lake Glenville. There is a small camping cabin that’s perfect for picnics, campfires and outdoor adventures. This is a unique property and great escape from the busy world that surrounds us. MLS# 80581. $290,000.

Pilot Knob A wonderful piece of property for an estate, horse farm, or private home site. Elevations above 4000 feet with big views. Many pos-

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

sible house locations. Property is currently all wooded. Springs on property. MLS# 80903. $549,500.

Old Edwards Club at Highlands Cove This top of the world building lot is located in the gated community of Highlands Cove. This 1.05 acre lot features a gentle building site with fabulous 120 degree views from Short-off Mountain to the Cashiers Valley. You won’t find a better view in Highlands Cove.

Very reasonable HOA fees, without any initiation or transfer fee.

This is a great time to build your dream home on the Highlands/ Cashiers Plateau. MLS# 80617. $749,000.

Cullowhee High elevation, remote mountain land bordering thousands of acres of National Forest. This property consists of approximately 144 acres of rolling hillsides, overgrown pasture land, a mountain top, small streams and trails.

Heavily wooded with an array of tree species, mountain laurel, rhododendron and native flora.

Lots of wildlife! Including turkey, deer, bear, bobcat and fox. Power already run to the property.

Would make a great family compound, camp or preppers hideaway! MLS# 80924. $849,000.

Sheepcliff Crossing Fabulous long range, layered mountain views from Whiteside to Mount Toxaway from this gentle building site. One of the highest elevation lots in Sheepcliff Crossing. MLS# 81793. $179,000.

Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club Stunning views of Yellow Mountain set this home site apart from many in Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club. The club offers a full complement of amenities including a Fazio golf course, luxurious clubhouse, and lake club. It is time to build on this fabulous lot situated at almost 4,000’ of elevation, which is perfect for enjoying those cool mountain summers.

MLS# 81552. $695,000.

Whiteside Forest 1.63 gently rolling acres with a hidden stream meandering through the middle of the property. Very private setting with lots of hardwoods, rhododendron and mountain laurel throughout. Several great building sites to choose from. Easy 10 minute drive to Cashiers, 20 minute drive to Highlands. MLS# 81611. $29,000.

Bridge Creek Great mountain view from this beautiful lot in the gated community of Bridge Creek. Community has large stocked pond, chimney

garden and walking trails. Bridge Creek is private yet conveniently located only 4 miles north of Cashiers. MLS# 81607. $30,000.

Sims Valley Over two acres high elevation lot overlooking scenic Sims Valley and a rolling mountain range beyond. This easy build lot includes community water, paved roads, streams, ponds, a clubhouse with pool and exercise room and an antique farm house community center. Sims Valley is private, gated and just 10 minutes from Lake Glenville and 20 minutes from Cashiers. MLS# 81674. $40,000.

Bald Rock Lush with native trees and rhododendrons, this private 5.5 acre lot is located in the prestigious gated community of Bald Rock. Great panoramic mountain views from this 3,800 ft. elevation lot. Quick access to the 9 miles of maintained equestrian/hiking trails that also continue into 6,300 Panthertown Nature Preserve. MLS# 81491. $99,000.

Glen Pointe Lake Glenville access lot with dedicated boat slip in community dock. Wooded lot in gated community with tennis court. Easy building site, easy septic. Hear the sounds of Norton Creek Falls just yards away. Unlike most lake access communities, Glen Pointe has a boat slip for every off lake lot. MLS# 81651. $129,500.

Lake Glenville access lot with dedicated boat slip. No need to share when you have your own slip in community dock. Gated community with tennis court. Norton Creek Falls just a few yards away can be heard clearly. MLS# 81652. $129,500.

Lake Glenville access lot with dedicated boat slip. No need to share, this lot has short walk to community boat dock and across drive from community tennis court.

Very level building site. Some lake view. Underground utilities. MLS# 81650. $199,500.

Big Sheepcliff Located just North of the Cashiers crossroads, this property has big views of mountains and Lake Glenville. Facing northwest with an easy building site. At over 4,400 feet elevation, you get the cool summer breezes. MLS# 82483. Just listed at $275,000.

Trillium Easy build lot inside Trillium with Lake Glenville and mountain views. Owner bought 2 adjacent lots to be able to clear the view.

Cullowhee Forest Development opportunity with some infrastructure in place. Originally, this tract was known as the Tuckasegee property and part of River Rock.

Millions have been invested in roads, water and power infrastructure.

Perfect project to complete by savvy developer. Wonderful mountain views and stream front lots. MLS# 81020. $3,750,000.

All 3 lots total 3.14 acres. Only one amenity fee. MLS# 81586. $179,500.

Shepherds Mountain Incredible lake and mountain view lot with a flat building site to perch your home 400’ above Lake Glenville. This almost 2 acre lot is located in the gated community of Shepherds Mountain--that provides property owners in-ground utilities, paved roads, a small clubhouse, and deeded access to Lake Glenville. MLS# 79858. $195,000.

Pilot Mountain Unique 2.48 acre double lot with exceptional long range views and an estimated 450 feet of stream frontage. The steam cascades through the property into numerous pools before plunging to the valley floor from the top of a large waterfall. MLS# 81724. Just listed at $54,900.

Glen Laurel Huge views of Lake Glenville and mountains. Access to Lake Glenville with shared dock. Paved roads and community water. Underground utilities. Less than 1/4 mile, from a public boat launch.

MLS# 81939. $49,500.

Cullowhee Mountain 7.5 +/- private acres with fantastic views! The driveway and easy build home site have been cut in and a septic system has been installed. 15 minutes to Lake Glenville boat launch. MLS# 77889. $49,900.

Cedar Ridge Estates Listen to the sound of rushing water in your backyard with the convenience of being minutes to

Cashiers and Sapphire and all of the wonderful amenities. Located on a cul-de-sac. MLS# 81921. $65,000.

Timber Ridge Located in gated Timber Ridge at 3670 elevation, this 3.45 acre lot has a choice of 2 building sites.

For privacy you can build your home tucked away on a hidden knoll or build on the flat, already cleared open site. Mountain views in several directions. New driveway entrance of chip and seal.

Current 4 bedroom septic permit.

Seller financing available. MLS# 82121. $99,000.

Lake Club One of the biggest lake/mountain view lots on all of Lake Glenville!

Enjoy panoramic, year-round views from this almost 3 acre lot in the gated community of The Lake Club. Some view has been trimmed, to let you see what some lucky someone will enjoy for years to come. The home site for the property sits at nearly 4000’ in elevation, offering big views out over the lake and to the mountains beyond. The Lake Club offers the only community clubhouse, with a community dock to store your boat. MLS# 82171. $249,000.

Sapphire High What everyone wants in a mountain property. A cascading stream with waterfalls and pools that is entirely inside the property.

A building site with long-range mountain views that also overlooks the falls. Southern exposure from the building site and a mountain to the north to block

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

the cold winter winds. A community with golf courses, pools, playgrounds, picnic areas, a swimming-canoeing-and fishing lake, hiking trails, tennis, community center, fitness center, restaurants and bars. Just a short drive to the resort towns of Cashiers and Highlands. You may have heard that all this wasn’t possible in one property - but here it is. MLS# 82083. $269,500.

Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club Premier location situated above hole #6 & 7 with fantastic views of the golf course, ponds, and mountains beyond. The gentle lot provides privacy with an elevated location above the Fazio designed golf course. If you are looking to build your custom home in a premier golf community located conveniently between Highlands and Cashiers, this Mountaintop Golf & Lake lot deserves your consideration. MLS# 82194. $795,000.

Glenville Lots of land for the money! Easy access off Highway 107. The land is steep but the top of the property has a nice home site with big views and hundreds of feet of stream frontage on Horse Stomp Creek. Old home at bottom of the property is no longer livable but the foundation may be suitable for a new home or barn. Highest elevation is approximately 3,600.

Motivated seller. MLS# 82372. $124,900.

High Meadows 6.47 acres of privacy with a cleared building site at the top so it’s easy to envision your new mountain home. The driveway, home site and views were just cut in so you can see all the views this lot has to offer. This gated community is close to town and the amenities include a pavilion with restroom, kitchen and grill that overlooks a lush green picturesque setting. If you decide to go for a hike, take advantage of the 2 miles of hiking trails that the community offers as well. MLS# 81119. $130,000.

Glen Pointe Lake Glenville lakefront lot with huge views of the lake and mountains. View looks down the length of the lake and is convenient to both Cashiers and Highlands. Located in the small (14 lot) gated community of Glen Pointe. Community has paved roads and tennis court. MLS# 82481. Just listed at $425,000.

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VACATION RENTAL

Call us today for all of your vacation and long term rental needs!

VACATION RENTAL High Meadows Beautiful custom home with beautiful designer furnishings located in High Meadows in Cashiers, NC. This is the perfect place to enjoy the seclusion and serenity of the woods and wildlife that surround the property. This home offers mountain views from the open living space & decks. Conveniently located to The Chattooga Club, High Hampton, & Wade Hampton Golf Club.

Nestled on 65 magnificent acres on sparkling Lake Glenville, this gracious lakefront home would make the perfect spot for your next getaway, wedding, family reunion or corporate retreat. The main home features three bedrooms and two and a half baths with wraparound porches and a lovely outdoor terrace for entertaining. The gourmet kitchen with Viking appliances and all the tools of the trade is a chef’s delight. The guest house offers three additional bedrooms and two baths and overlooks a quiet cove of the lake. Relax and enjoy the stunning views in the picture-perfect gazebo perched at the end of the peninsula, launch your boat from the four-slip boat dock to explore the lake and its scenic waterfalls.

Fairway Cottage Located in the popular resort community of Trillium, this spacious two-story mountain home features three bedrooms and three and a half baths and is just a short ride away from the clubhouse, pool and tennis courts. Wraparound decks on the upper and lower levels overlook the picturesque 14th fairway, and a lower level family room with wet bar offers extra space for entertaining. Spacious master bedroom & bath on the main level with the two additional bedrooms & baths on the lower. As well as another family room & wet bar on the lower level.

VACATION RENTALS

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Summersail on Lake Glenville

Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

VACATION RENTAL

Lakeside Cottage This lakefront home is situated alongside tranquil Whisper Lake in the heart of Sapphire Valley. This spacious, 4 bedroom & 4 bathroom home (3000 ft) has 2 living areas (upstairs & downstairs) each with a wrap-around deck and lake views from which can be heard the sound of running water. The upstairs has an expansive Great Room that features a gas fireplace and wall of windows overlooking the lake and mountains. The downstairs can function as a second living area and includes a living room with gas fireplace, access to the lower wraparound deck and a game room with books, family board games, and a foosball table. All four bedrooms are roomy with good views and have access to a full bath.

The fully stocked kitchen has a double wall oven. The outside garden has many flowers designed to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Take a stroll down the pathway through the lush foliage where you’ll find a private dock and canoe (available for your use). Good fishing for bluegills and bass on this peaceful lake (no motorized vehicles allowed).

For a small fee, guests have access to the many Sapphire Valley Resort amenities (golf, tennis, indoor and outdoor pools, minigolf, pool table, ping-pong, a fitness center and game room) and access to 55+ acre Fairfield Lake (swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and motorized boating or sailing).

VACATION RENTAL Needlepine This wonderful three bedroom, three bath, single level living home is located in the heart of Sapphire. Entertaining is a pleasure with the well-appointed kitchen and an open, airy floor plan makes for comfortable living. Enjoy the cool mountain breezes on the large screened porch. Just minutes away are the many Sapphire Valley Resort amenities, including golf, tennis, indoor and outdoor pools, mini-golf, a fitness center and game room, plus skiing, sledding and tubing in the winter. Amenities also include access to Fairfield Lake for swimming, fishing and boating.

VACATION RENTAL

VACATION RENTAL Cullasaja Cabin Lovely three bedroom, two bath home tucked away in the rhododendrons in Cullasaja Country Club.

The master bedroom is on the main floor and has a queen-sized bed and a large private bath. There are another two guest bedrooms on the main floor with queen beds and shared bath. There is also a bonus room with twin beds located up a ladder overlooking the great room. This open floor plan & wonderful screened porch are perfect for entertaining or a family gathering.

VACATION RENTALS Cashiers: (828) 743-1999 Highlands: (828) 526-2999

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Accommodations Chambers Agency www.chambers-realty.com Chandler Inn www.thechandlerinn.com Country Club Properties www.ccphighlandsnc.com Fire Mountain Inn & Cabins www.firemt.com Landmark Vacation Rentals www.landmarkvacations.com Laurelwood Inn www.laurelwoodinncashiers.com Old Edwards Inn www.oldedwardsinn.com The Park on Main Hotel www.theparkonmain.com Silver Creek Real Estate Group www.ncliving.com Whiteside Cove Cottages Acupuncture Center for Acupuncture Kim Bonsteel www.acupuncturehighlands.com Antiques & Home Furnishings Bound’s Cave www.boundscave.com Cabin Couture www.cabincouturehighlands.com Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Into the Woods Mantiques www.mantiquesnc.com Michael Weaver Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com MIrror Lake Antiques & Jewelry www.mirrorlakeantiques.com Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Peter Pioli www.peterpioliinteriors.com Rusticks www.rusticks.com Scudder’s www.scuddersgallery.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Summer Place Antiques www.summerplaceantiques.com The Village Hound www.onceuponadog.com Vivianne Metzger Antique www.vmantiques.com Watauga Creek www.wataugacreek.com Appliances Macon Appliance Mart www.maconappliance.com Architects/Designers Mountainworks Design www.mtnworks.com Platt Architecture www.plattarchitecture.com Art Galleries/Artists Annell Metzger, Portrait Artist www.annell.com Around Back at Rocky’s Place www.aroundbackatrockysplace.com The Bascom www.thebascom.org Blue Valley Gallery Cabin Couture www.cabincouturehighlands.com Calderone Fine Art Gallery www.calderonegallery.com CK Swan www.ckswan.com Fall Colors Fine Art Show www.artleaguehighlands-cashiers.com GG’s Consignments, Etc.* www.ggsconsignment.com Gracewear Collection www.gracewearcollection.com Highlands Fine Art www.highlandsfineartandestatejewelry.com Into the Woods Matt Tommey www.matttommey.com Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com Mill Creek Gallery & Framing www.cystrainphotos.com Mountain Mist Gallery www.mountainmistgallery.com Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass Nora & Co. Oakleaf Flower & Garden www.oakleafhighlands.com Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Peter Pioli www.peterpioliinteriors.com Robert A. Tino Gallery www.robertatinogallery.com Scudder’s www.scuddersgallery.com Smitten The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Summer Place Antiques www.summerplaceantiques.com TJ B Gallery www.tjbmens.com Automotive Services Mountain Motorwerks Bars Lazy Hiker Brewing Company www.lazyhikerbrewing.com 222 | October 2015 | thelaurelmagazine.com

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Satulah Mountain Brewing Company The Ugly Dog

www.satulahmountainbrewing.com www.thedogpub.com Bedding/Linens/Comforters Blue Ridge Bedding www.blueridgebedding.com Cashiers Emporium Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com High Cotton www.highcottonluxurylinens.com Into the Woods Lenz Gifts The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Bird Supplies Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Books The Book Nook The Corner Store Gracewear Collection www.gracewearcollection.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Brewing Companies Lazy Hiker Brewing Company www.lazyhikerbrewing.com Satulah Mountain Brewing Company www.satulahmountainbrewing.com Builders Arrowood Construction www.arrowoodconstruction.com Chinquapin Builders www.chinquapinbuilders.com Little Mountain Painting & Remodeling Lupoli Construction www.lupoliconstruction.com Srebalus Construction Co. Warth Construction www.warthconstruction.com Builders Supplies Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Business Supplies The Business Spot www.biz-spot.net Cashiers Printing Catering Bella’s Bake My Day Fressers Courtyard Cafe & Catering www.fresserseateryhighlands.com The Kitchen www.thekitchenofhighlands.com Chambers of Commerce Highlands Chamber of Commerce www.highlandschamber.org Cashiers Chamber of Commerce www.cashiersareachamber.com Christmas Supplies The Christmas Tree Cigars Cashiers Emporium Cleaning/Housekeeping Services Rebecka’s Home Cleaning Service www.rbkcleaning.com Cloth/Upholstery Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Into the Woods The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Clothing & Accessories A Jones Company Alyxandra’s Annawear Bags on Main Bee Bags and Such Bear Mountain Outfitters Bella Cotn C Orrico Cabin Casuals www.cabincasualshighlands.com Cashiers Emporium The Corner Store Ellen’s The Exchange Gracewear Collection www.gracewearcollection.com

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Highland Hiker www.highlandhiker.com The Look Boutique - Cashiers www.thelookcashiers.boutiquewindow.com Martha Anne’s Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com Nancy’s Fancys Narcissus www.narcissusbyguiliana.com Nora & Co. Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Reign by Robyn Brooke Robin’s Nest Sashay Around www.sashayaround.net Southern Way Sidelines Apparel & Accessories Spoiled Rotten www.spoiledrotten2.com TJ Bailey for Men www.tjbmens.com VC for Men www.victoriasclosetnc.com Victoria’s Closet www.victoriasclosetnc.com Victoria’s Sportswear www.victoriasclosetnc.com Wit’s End Clothing Consignment The Blue Elephant Victoria’s Closet www.victoriasclosetnc.com Collegiate Accessories Sidelines Apparel & Accessories Communities Chattooga Ridge www.oldcashiersrealty.com Cullasaja Club www.cullasajaclub.org Falling Waters www.highlandsnchomesites.com Highlands Cove Realty www.highlandsncluxuryhome.com Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club www.mountaintopproperties.com Silver Creek Real Estate Group www.ncliving.com Trillium www.trilliumnc.com Condiments Cashiers Trading Post Dusty’s The Hen House Cosmetic Surgery Center for Plastic Surgery Robert T. Buchanan, M.D. www.plasticsurgerytoday.com Crafts The Bascom www.thebascom.org Highlands Marketplace Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Custom Cabinetry/Countertops Black Rock Granite and Cabinetry www.blackrockgraniteandcabinetry.com Keystone Kitchen & Bath www.keystonekb.com Nantahala Flooring www.nantahalaflooring.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Custom Furniture Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Dentists Dr. Joe Wilbanks www.wilbankssmilecenter.com Dermatology Highlands Dermatology www.highlandsdermatology.com Doors/Windows Highlands Doors and Windows www.highlandsdoorsandwindows.com Education Rabun Gap ww.rabungap.org Events The Bascom www.thebascom.org Betsy Paul Art Raffle Bowen Center for the Arts www.dawsonarts.org The Christmas Tree Empty Bowls Project Fall Colors Fine Art Show www.artleaguehighlands-cashiers.com Hard Candy Christmas www.mountainartisans.net Highlands Culinary Weekend www.highlandsculinaryweekend.com

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Highlands Marketplace GCAMA www.visitcashiersvalley.com Highlands Cashiers Players www.highlandscashiersplayers.org Highlands Playhouse www.highlandsplayhouse.org Martin Lipscomb Performing Arts Center www.highlandspac.org Smitten The Village Green www.villagegreencashiersnc.com Flooring Chadbury Court Designers Market www.thedesignersmarket.com Highlands Decorating Center Nantahala Flooring www.nantahalaflooring.com Floral Design /Florists Fiddlehead Designs Oakleaf Flower & Garden www.oakleafhighlands.com Framing Mill Creek Gallery & Framing www.cystrainphotos.com Furniture Badcock Furniture Cabin Couture www.cabincouturehighlands.com Carolina Rustic Furniture www.carolinarusticfurniture.com Cashiers Emporium Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Eller and Owens Furniture www.ellerandowensfurniture.com Into the Woods Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com Nearly New Oakleaf Flower & Garden www.oakleafhighlands.com Reeves Furniture & Gifts www.reeveshomefurnishings.com Rusticks www.rusticks.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Summer Place Antiques www.summerplaceantiques.com Vivianne Metzger Antiques www.vmantiques.com Watauga Creek www.wataugacreek.com Furniture Consignments The Bear’s Den The Blue Elephant Consignment Market www.consignmentmarketcashiersnc.com GG’s Consignments, Etc.* www.ggsconsignment.com LOTSA Consignment Nearly New Garden Accessories Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Summer Place Antiques www.summerplaceantiques.com Garden/Landscaping Supplies Chattooga Gardens www.chattoogagardens.com Country Road Farms www.countryroadfarms.com Highlands Lawn & Garden www.highlandslawnandgarden.com Scaly Mountain Nursery & Landscaping Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Gift Shops A Jones Company Around Back at Rocky’s Place www.aroundbackatrockysplace.com The Bear’s Den Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Cashiers Emporium Cashiers Trading Post The Christmas Tree The Corner Store The Dry Sink www.thedrysink.com Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Ellen’s Gracewear Collection www.gracewearcollection.com Karma The Look Boutique - Cashiers www.thelookcashiers.boutiquewindow.com Mountaineer Gifts www.2themountaineer.com Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Reign by Robyn Brooke Stone Lantern www.stonelantern-highlands.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Summer Place Antiques www.summerplaceantiques.com

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Zoller Hardware

www.zollerhardware.com Golf Tours Tom Chillemi www.tomsgolftours.com Gourmet Foods Cashiers Trading Post Dusty’s The Hen House Grading/Excavating Larry Rogers Construction Grocery Stores Dusty’s Mountain Fresh Grocery www.mountainfreshgrocery.com Groomers Fancy Paws Woofgang Bakery Gutter Services D.P. Gutters Hair Salons Creative Concepts Head Innovations Health Food Supplies Nature’s Vitamins Heating and Air Holley Heating & Air Conditioning www.holleyheating.com Home Accessories A Jones Company Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Bohemia Cabin Couture www.cabincouturehighlands.com Carolina Rustic Furniture www.carolinarusticfurniture.com Cashiers Emporium CK Swan www.ckswan.com Consignment Market www.consignmentmarketcashiersnc.com Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Eller and Owens Furniture www.ellerandowensfurniture.com GG’s Consignments, Etc.* www.ggsconsignment.com Into the Woods Karma LOTSA Consignment Mantiques www.mantiquesnc.com Matt Tommey www.matttommey.com Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com Mountaineer Gifts www.2themountaineer.com Oakleaf Flower & Garden www.oakleafhighlands.com Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Peter Pioli www.peterpioliinteriors.com Reign by Robyn Brooke Robin’s Nest Stone Lantern www.stonelantern-highlands.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Summer Place Antiques www.summerplaceantiques.com Vivianne Metzger Antiques www.vmantiques.com Watauga Creek www.wataugacreek.com Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Hospice Care Four Seasons www.wncvolunteer.com Interior Design & Home Furnishings Bound’s Cave www.boundscave.com Carolina Rustic Furniture www.carolinarusticfurniture.com CK Swan www.ckswan.com Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Into the Woods Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com Peter Pioli www.peterpioliinteriors.com Raffa Design Associates www.raffadesignassociates.com Rusticks www.rusticks.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Summer Place Antiques www.summerplaceantiques.com Vivianne Metzger Antiques www.vmantiques.com 224 ||October October2015 2015||thelaurelmagazine.com thelaurelmagazine.com 224

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Investment Planning Edward Jones Investments www.edwardjones.com Wells Fargo Advisors Jewelry - Fashion A Jones Company Cabin Couture www.cabincouturehighlands.com Ellen’s Gracewear Collection www.gracewearcollection.com Highlands Fine Art www.highlandsfineartandestatejewelry.com The Look Boutique - Cashiers www.thelookcashiers.com Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com Mountaineer Gifts www.2themountaineer.com Mountain Mist Gallery www.mountainmistgallery.com Narcissus www.narcissusbyguiliana.com NDN Silver www.wingsilverwork.com Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Sidelines Apparel & Accessories Jewelry - Fine Highlands Gem Shop www.highlandsgemshop.com Michael Weaver MIrror Lake Antiques & Jewelry www.mirrorlakeantiques.com Scudder’s www.scuddersgallery.com Stone Lantern www.stonelantern-highlands.com TA Anderson Goldsmith Kitchen Accessories Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Cashiers Emporium The Dry Sink www.thedrysink.com Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Kitchen, Bath and Closet Design Black Rock Granite and Cabinetry www.blackrockgraniteandcabinetry.com Highlands Decorating Center The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Landscapers Dargan Landscape Architects www.dargan.com Four Seasons Landscaping www.fourseasonlandscape-highlands.com Ross Landscape Architecture PLLC www.rosslandarch.com XStream Ponds www.xstreamponds.com Lighting Carolina Rustic Furniture www.carolinarusticfurniture.com Cashiers Emporium Designers Market www.thedesignersmarket.com Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Into the Woods Mantiques www.mantiquesnc.com Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Summer Place Antiques www.summerplaceantiques.com Vivianne Metzger Antiques www.vmantiques.com Luggage Bags on Main Cashiers Emporium Massage Tranquility Cove Massage Masonry Palillos Stone Masonry www.palillosstonemasonry.com Mattresses Blue Ridge Bedding www.blueridgebedding.com Cashiers Emporium Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Medical Services 4Seniors, LLC, Medical Liaison Services Dr. Edward D. Frederickson MD FACP Natural Therapies MD – Beverly E. Gerald MD www.naturaltherapiesmd.com Movies Highlands Playhouse www.highlandsplayhouse.org

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Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass

Museums

Music Stores www.blueridgemusicacademy.com Nail Care Creative Concepts Office Supplies The Business Spot www.biz-spot.net Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Outdoor Adventures Highlands Aerial Park www.highlandscanopytour.com Outdoor Furniture Carolina Rustic Furniture www.carolinarusticfurniture.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Painting D.P. Painting Little Mountain Painting & Remodeling Pet Care/Supplies Fancy Paws Paws on the Mountain The Village Hound www.onceuponadog.com Woofgang Bakery Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Pharmacies Highlands Pharmacy Photography Charles Johnson Fine Photography www.charlesjohnsonfineart.com Mill Creek Gallery & Framing www.cystrainphotos.com Terry Barnes Fine Art Photography Picnic Supplies A Jones Company Blue Ridge Music

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Plants/Nurseries Chattooga Gardens www.chattoogagardens.com Country Road Farms www.countryroadfarms.com Highlands Lawn & Garden www.highlandslawnandgarden.com Scaly Mountain Nursery & Landscaping Porch and Patio Carolina Rustic Furniture www.carolinarusticfurniture.com Consignment Market www.consignmentmarketcashiersnc.com Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Summer Place Antiques www.summerplaceantiques.com Pottery Around Back at Rocky’s Place www.aroundbackatrockysplace.com Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Cashiers Emporium Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com Mountain Mist Gallery www.mountainmistgallery.com Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Smitten The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Printing Companies The Business Spot www.biz-spot.net Cashiers Printing Produce Cashiers Farmers Market www.cashiersfarmersmarket.com Cashiers Trading Post Dusty’s Mountain Fresh Grocery www.mountainfreshgrocery.com Pubs The Ugly Dog www.thedogpub.com Radio Stations WHLC FM 104.5 www.whlc.com

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Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Meadows Mountain Realty Betsy Paul Blair Realty Chambers Agency Chattooga Ridge Country Club Properties Cullasaja Club John Cleaveland Realty Highlands Cove Realty Landmark Realty Group McKee Properties - Sandy Barrow McKee Properties - Liz Harris McKee Properties - Beth Townsend Meadows Mountain Realty Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club Nadine Paradise NC Mountain Life Old Cashiers Realty, inc.

Pat Allen Realty Group Sapphire Valley Real Estate Silver Creek Real Estate Group Trillium White Oak Realty

Real Estate Sales

www.bbhsmmr.com www.betsypaulproperties.com www.blair-realty.com www.chambers-realty.com www.oldcashiersrealty.com www.ccphighlandsnc.com www.cullasajaclub.org www.jcrealty.com www.highlandsncluxuryhome.com www.landmarkrg.com www.mckeeproperties.com www.mckeeproperties.com www.mckeeproperties.com www.meadowsmtnrealty.com www.mountaintopproperties.com www.nadineparadise.com www.ncmountainlife.com www.oldcashiersrealty.com www.patallenrealtygroup.com www.sapphirevalleyrealestate.com www.ncliving.com www.trilliumnc.com www.whiteoakrg.com Recipes Chip Wilson Recipes Restaurants Highlands-Cashiers Directory Bake My Day Bella’s Cashiers Farmers Market www.cashiersfarmersmarket.com The Dog House www.theuglydogpub.com Dusty’s Fressers Courtyard Cafe & Catering www.fresserseateryhighlands.com The Kitchen www.thekitchenofhighlands.com Lakeside Restaurant www.lakesiderestaurant.info Log Cabin Restaurant www.logcabinhighlands.com Meritage Bistro www.meritagehighlands.com Mountain Fresh Grocery www.mountainfreshgrocery.com On the Verandah www.ontheverandah.com The Orchard Restaurant www.theorchardcashiers.com Paoletti’s www.paolettis.com The Ugly Dog Pub www.theuglydogpub.com Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro www.wolfgangs.net The Zookeeper Bistro Rugs Bound’s Cave www.boundscave.com Carolina Rustic Furniture www.carolinarusticfurniture.com Eller and Owens Furniture www.ellerandowensfurniture.com The Hen House Into the Woods Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com Shiraz Oriental Rug Gallery www.shirazruggalleries.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Summer Place Antiques www.summerplaceantiques.com Sculptural Baskets Matt Tommey www.matttommey.com Skin Care Highlands Dermatology www.highlandsdermatology.com Pinnacle Anti Aging Shipping Services The Business Spot www.biz-spot.net Stork’s Wrap, Pack & Ship Shoes Alyxandra’s Gracewear Collection www.gracewearcollection.com Highland Hiker www.highlandhiker.com Martha Anne’s TJ Bailey for Men www.tjbmens.com 226 226 || October October 2015 2015 || thelaurelmagazine.com thelaurelmagazine.com

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Socks Peak Experience www.peakexp.com Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Souvenirs The Corner Store Specialty Foods Dusty’s The Hen House Spices The Spice and Tea Exchange www.spiceandtea.com Sportman Collectibles Cashiers Trading Post Mantiques www.mantiquesnc.com Tables Dutchman’s Designs www.dutchmansdesigns.com Into the Woods Midnight Farms www.midnightfarms.com Summer Place Antiques www.summerplaceantiques.com Vivianne Metzger Antique www.vmantiques.com Teas The Spice and Tea Exchange www.spiceandtea.com Theatre/Entertainment Highlands Cashiers Players www.highlandscashiersplayers.org Highlands Playhouse www.highlandsplayhouse.org Martin Lipscomb Performing Arts Center www.highlandspac.org Well Strung www.wellstrunghighlandsband.com Toy Stores The Corner Store Transportation Highlands Transportation Company Travel Cruise Planners www.needfortravel.com Vacation Rentals Landmark Vacation Rentals www.landmarkvacations.com Silver Creek Real Estate Group www.ncliving.com Vitamins/Food Supplements Nature’s Vitamins Watches Michael Weaver TA Anderson Goldsmith Wedding Services I Do Events www.idoeventsatlanta.com The Vineyard at 37 High Holly www.thevineyardat37highholly.com Wind Chimes Bird Barn and Gift Emporium Window Treatments Cashiers Emporium Designers Market www.thedesignersmarket.com Highlands Decorating Center Into the Woods Peter Pioli www.peterpioliinteriors.com Reeves Home Furnishings www.reevesblindsand shades.com The Summer House www.summerhousehighlands.com Wine & Accessories Cashiers Farmers Market www.cashiersfarmersmarket.com Dusty’s Mountain Fresh Grocery www.mountainfreshgrocery.com Zoller Hardware www.zollerhardware.com Wine Tastings Hummingbird Lounge at Old Edwards Inn www.oldedwardsinn.com Zipline Adventures Highlands Aerial Park www.highlandscanopytour.com

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