October 2021: The Laurel Magazine by The Laurel Magazine of Highlands NC and Cashiers NC

a e

L UR L The Heart of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau

Fun and Festive Halloween in Highlands pg. 14

Painting the Narrative Cover Artist, Bill Farnsworth

OCTOBER 2021

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CON T E N T S October 2021

13 What To Do

24 Cashiers Leaf Festival

65 Recreation & Creation 74 Dry Falls

87 Arts

90 Weaving Magic

115 Dining

116 Oak Steakhouse

133 Shopping

136 Consignment Shopping

152 Lake Toxaway

222

156 The Historic Toxaway Falls

165 History

170 Inspiration Hits Home

175 Lifestyles & Wellness 176 Four-Legged Hobby

205 Giving Back

214 Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust

218 Business

120

Zero Proof Sunshine

The Arts Survive

222 The Business Spot

At a Glance Guides

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VOLUME NINETEEN, ISSUE NINE

JANET CUMMINGS Managing Partner janet@thelaurelmagazine.com

MARJORIE CHRISTIANSEN Managing Partner marjorie@thelaurelmagazine.com

MICHELLE MUNGER Art Director mungerclan5@aol.com

SARAH FIELDING Account Manager sarah@thelaurelmagazine.com

LUKE OSTEEN Editor / Writer luke@thelaurelmagazine.com

DONNA RHODES Writer dmrhodes847@gmail.com

MARLENE OSTEEN WRITER marlene.osteen@gmail.com

MARY JANE MCCALL Writer mjmccall777@gmail.com

DEENA BOUKNIGHT Writer dknight865@gmail.com

THOMAS CUMMINGS Distribution Manager jothcu@yahoo.com

Publisher’s Note It’s no secret that we adore the month of October. The days are achingly beautiful, with the patchwork foliage carpeting the mountains like a crazy quilt, set against sapphire blue skies. The nights are chilly and made for snuggling in. And lurking at the end of the month like a slightly spooky jack-o-lantern flickering in a darkened pumpkin patch, it’s Highlands’ Main Street Trick or Treat Celebration. Everyone’s invited – everyone. This issue is close to exploding with events to savor, and people to meet, and sights to behold. Don’t waste a day, don’t miss a moment! Sincerely, Janet and Marjorie

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

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

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photo by Susan Renfro

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Fun and

Festive

Don’t be scared! Highlands’ Halloween on Main Street (on October 31) is fun and festive for the whole family. And, if your pooch has the right stuff, stroll down to Mr. Pickles’ Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest, set for Saturday, Oct. 30, at 6:00 P.M. at The Park on Main Hotel.

o matter what October 31 signifies personally – be it Halloween, All Saints Day, Reformation Day, etc. – it’s a wind-down to fall and a time when festivities abound. Unlike November’s Thanksgiving food feast and December’s attention to religious celebrations and gifts galore, October 31 provides an opportunity for everything from raucous, uninhibited displays to whimsical fun. Highlands plans for that date, dubbed the Halloween on Main Street event, includes local band High Five, along with DJ Mike Murphy spinning classic Halloween-themed music. Rotarians are volunteering to hand out free hot dogs, while plenty of local

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businesses will be distributing a variety of candy supplied by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce. The Ugly Dog Public House will have a kickoff event at 5:00 P.M. And, Highlands’ restaurants will welcome patrons in Halloween attire and costumes. Decorative masks are especially encouraged during the still-lingering pandemic. To generate a whole-town feeling of festivity, merchants throughout Highlands plan to decorate their storefronts. In addition, there are rumors that a flash mob may penetrate Main Street in order to liven up the already celebratory event. No worries! For readers unfamiliar with what it means to experience a flash mob,

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it is a group of people who assemble suddenly, perform music, skits, dancing, etc. for a brief time, and then quickly disperse. To keep little ones safe, Highlands’ Main Street will be closed to traffic for the event. In fact, the Highlands Police Department will have officers on site to ensure safety for all who plan to participate. The day before Halloween on Main Street, John Woods, general manager for The Park on Main Hotel, informed that he has organized a Mr. Pickles Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest aimed at determining the best costumed dogs. This event, named for the hotel’s Scottie mascot, takes place Saturday, Oct. 30, at 6:00 P.M. at The Park on Main Hotel. by Deena Bouknight

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Welcome

October

There’s nothing sleepy about this most glorious of months.

ctober is a harvest month. The chief crop is indigenous beauty. Having sowed our hopes for a glorious leaf season, we now reap the beauty thereof: the colors of the towering leaves and lingering summer flowers, fall fruit and vegetables, fresh air rustling through the trees, and the spectacle of the birds. Autumn settles softly upon the forest from the top down. First are barely perceptible changes in the treetops and surroundings that quicken our senses. The flora is in the afterglow of spring and summer, the reds deepen; the colors become more saturated, more sincere. Beauty overtakes pretty in autumn. All this grace and glory call for parties, seasonal festivals. Fall festivals appear across North Carolina in October, in many townships and counties, celebrating everything from wooly worms to indie films. If you are willing to have an overnight you can attend one of the larger ones with parades, a midway, hundreds of vendors, local food

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galore, live music, contests, cloggers, and local arts, crafts, and culture in full display. Carolina regional culture is a beauty to behold. Full of grace and glory. And fun. Our local Oktoberfests are second to none. These make good day trips. First, the Colorfest in Dillsboro, appropriately named, is October 2, and features Front Street lined with artisan booths featuring local art, food and live music. Dillsboro offers the quaint beauty of a fantastic but real train station on the Smoky Mountain Railroad. Late afternoon and early evening are good times. You might see a steam locomotive all fired up. Also on October 2, your choice, is Farm City Day in Hendersonville. This fall festival dates back to 1955 and features modern and antique farm equipment as well as a petting zoo, fishing pond, games and more. These farmers invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in their trucks and lifts and combines, they are proud to be successful farmers or dirt haulers who can buy these huge trucks and take pride

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in showing them off. I have seen a lavender monster hauler. This is at Jackson Park only on this day from 10 am to 4 pm. The Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival is October 8-10 at the Village Green. This festival features 75 artists and vendors, stage music, and food in a gorgeous natural park. The quality of the art is quite good. There is a juried art show and the crowd is friendly. October 16 is the 34th Annual Apple Harvest Festival in Waynesville. This is big: 200 booths, arts, crafts, food music, cloggers, apple food galore. And finally, Saturday, October 30 is the Heart of Brevard Annual Halloweenfest in downtown Brevard. This is Norman Rockwell’s America. There is a parade, no less, with vendors and music but the real feature is people, everyday people, children and adults, in Halloween costumes. Expect to see lots of white squirrel costumes. What a joy! Join in. Don a costume yourself. October is a fine arrival. Beauty abounds in October. by William McReynolds 17 O c t o b e r 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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Highlands

October Music Curtis Blackwell Band

The sounds of weekend evenings in Highlands per fectly complement the vibrant spirit of the season.

ctober in Highlands, that magical month of clear blue skies, vibrant changing leaves, and a nip in the air, makes you want to spend every possible moment outdoors. Our advice is to take it all in. Among the things you won’t want to miss are the outdoor concerts held every Friday and Saturday night, back this year after last year’s pandemic hiatus, and more fun than ever. Friday Night Live concerts are held every Friday night from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. in Highlands Town Square and feature traditional toe tapping mountain music sounds, often with a little Americana, folk, and country thrown in for good measure.

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Playing on Friday, October 1, is the Curtis Blackwell Band, a crowd favorite whose bluegrass sounds are legendary. They are sure to have you on your feet and joining in the fun. On October 8, Frank & Allie take the stage. Their music has its roots in old time mountain music but their versatility and harmonies promise a fresh sound. On October 15 and 29 Highlands’ own Silly Ridge Roundup brings their fun, energetic sound to the stage. On October 22 don’t miss Byrds and Crowes and their deeply rooted Appalachian music consisting of bluegrass, traditional hymns, folk and early country. Saturdays on Pine are held each Saturday night from 6:00 until

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Eli Mosley

8:30 P.M. and offer a wide range of musical genres in the picturesque Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. Bring a chair or a blanket, a picnic and a cooler and settle back for musical magic. Bill Mattocks Blues Quartet starts the month off on October 2. This talented ensemble features talented instrumentalists and three singers for a tight, harmonious sound. On October 9 Nitrograss brings their bluegrass brilliance to the stage. Always a crowd favorite, this talented group will have you dancing the night away. On October 16 The Rockabillies bring the stage alive. The talented Eli Mosley rounds out the month on October 23 with his rocking country sounds. by Mary Jane McCall

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Falling

for Fall

“

Fall on the Plateau is a wild, sensual overload, with nature setting the stage for a spectacular Finale.

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns,” novelist George Eliot (a.k.a. Mary Ann Evans) once wrote of her affection for the fall season. Ahhhh, fall. For many of us the season is a mood booster, a cozy niche creator, and a spicy scent stimulator. But it’s the juxtaposition of jewel-tone hues that enliven and enthrall. Warm cider beckons. Cravings pique for crackling fires. Vista views open up. Cashmere, woolens, and polarfleece are pulled from storage. Throws are draped over upholstery. It’s a favorite season that often wins out over the other three in random polls and studies. “It’s a time of change, of possibilities – a motivating time,” Beyond Bending Yoga’s Jennifer McIntee expressed during a fall outdoor session at Winding Stair Nursery on Highlands Road. The change is visual and visceral. Besides feeling the dip in temperatures, leaves’ hues changes are due to the process of chlorophyll. In spring and summer, the chemical absorbs from sunlight the energy that is used in transforming carbon dioxide and water to carbohydrates – thus the green variations. But

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each autumn, the mixture of red, purple, orange, and yellow is the result of the chlorophyll breaking down. The green color disappears and is replaced with vibrant colors. In the death of the leaves, there is temporary and stunningly beautiful life demonstrated in a varied palette. Highlands Biological Station, with its Nature Center, Botanical Garden, and education events, provides further understanding. And local libraries are packed with fascinating books – for children and adults alike – to give greater meaning to the season’s natural processes and wonders. Also during fall: storefronts’ aesthetics are transformed with harvest themes; multiple hiking paths are flush with brilliant color; and, local markets are bursting with resplendent produce: apples, pears, squashes, and more. Plus, live music, trick-or-treating, wine tastings, and comfort foods wind up the fall fervor. No wonder the Plateau’s autumn wonders and goings-on tug at people from across the globe. Falling for fall means getting out and enjoying everything the season offers. by Deena Bouknight photo by Charles Johnson

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Cashiers

Leaf Festival

With ar t, music, and food, the Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival, slated for October 8-10 at the Village Green, is a celebration of all the good things of October in the mountains.

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housands of “leaf lookers” travel through the Cashiers area every October to enjoy the wonderful hues of red, orange, and yellow as the trees turn their Autumn colors. To celebrate this annual event, The Village Green presents the Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival. The festival features around 75 artisans scattered throughout the 13.2-acre park. Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival will be from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M on October 8 and 9 and from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, October 10. Visitors will find unique handcrafted wood, pottery, jewelry and more on display and available for purchase throughout the weekend. Plenty of food and drinks are available in the park. The festival also includes a special fall edition of Concerts On the Commons at 6:00 P.M. This concert will be on Friday, October 10, at the Commons with Isaiah Breedlove as the featured performer. Visit VillageGreenCashiersNC.com/concerts for updates on information for this live music opportunity and how to secure advance seating space at The Village Green Commons Hall. More live musical performances will be on the Gazebo stage Saturday and Sunday. For more information and a full schedule of events and activities during Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival, visit VillageGreenCashiersNC.com/Events. by Ann Self, The Village Green

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Chetolah

A Place of Rest

Sips and Swine, set for October 10 at the storied Chetolah, is a stor ybook evening and a boost for the for tunes of The Bascom. For tickets, visit thebascom.org/gather/ special-events/sip-swine.

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he Bascom, A Center for the Visual Arts, will stage its gala Sips and Swine Barbecue Sunday, October 10, at the home of David Moore and Darren Whatley, which is the original Bascom home, Chetolah, located on Satulah Mountain in Highlands. In addition to barbecue, beer, and wine, the evening will feature small batch bourbon from Burnt Church Distillery in Bluffton, South Carolina. Silly Ridge Roundup will entertain revelers with americana, bluegrass, and folk music. The event will help the Bascom to touch the lives of thousands of individuals annually through: •10 year-round free admission exhibitions reaching over 25,000 individuals •Free community-wide art programs and activities. •Over 45,000 outreach individuals served annually. •In-class and virtual STEAM programs for youth. •Representation of 100+ local and regional artists in the Bascom Shop. One of the crown jewels of Highlands history, Chetolah is located on the western face of Satulah Mountain. It’s the original home of Henry Martin Bascom, the second mayor of Highlands. Built in 1892, this American Foursquare home was constructed on a three-acre lot purchased from his mother-in-law, Mrs. Amanda Davis. Between 1894 and 1916, Bascom purchased several adjoining lots, culminating in twenty acres of privacy and a near 360-degree

view of the surrounding mountains. The American Foursquare is a simple architectural design; a response to the ostentatious Victorian styles that were popular in the late 19th century. Unlike Colonial and Greek Revival styles, the American Foursquare is not symmetrical. Instead, the simple foursided house was tailored to meet the needs of the homeowner. The houses were typically two stories, with each floor divided into four large rooms. They were similar to the California Bungalows that were also rising in popularity, with open floor plans, built-in cabinets, and inviting fireplaces. The American Foursquare design is meant to maximize floor space within a narrow footprint, which worked well in early urban neighborhoods and streetcar suburbs. That’s why Mayor Bascom’s Foursquare is unique: a simple, urban design perched high on a mountain slope. Even more unique was Bascom’s inclusion of a wood burning furnace in the basement. It was the first home in Highlands to have central heating. If you’d like to celebrate the wonderful things that The Bascom does for the community, and explore this fabulous home and property, purchase your tickets for Sips and Swine at thebascom.org/gather/ special-events/sip-swine. by Ashley Stewart, The Bascom

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Autumn

Marketplace

October brings the fruits of the fall har vest to Highlands Marketplace, staged ever y Saturday morning at KelseyHutchinson Founders Park.

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hat’s more fun than bobbing for apples? Shopping for apples at an outdoor farmers’ market on a crisp fall morning, or chatting with a local grower to see if they have the perfect apple pie recipe. Highlands Marketplace is just the place to do that every Saturday morning from 8:00 A.M. until 12:30 P.M. at Kelsey Hutchinson Park on Pine Street. Here you will find not only apples, and all things apple-related, but also the freshest in everything you need to complete your fall menu or decorating project. Think of the freshest produce, meats, seafood, flowers, jams, jellies, pickles, relishes, eggs, butter, dips, herbs, and spices. Not to mention baked goods that will make your mouth water and keep your family and guests happy all weekend. Those fall decorating projects will be a breeze when you choose from the fresh fall flowers, plants, pumpkins, and crafts to complete your fall refresh. That’s right, in addition to all the tasty food products, this perfect little farmers’ market draws local craftsmen and artists as well. In fact, you never know what you’ll find here from week to week so make it a Saturday morning habit to visit. We’re even going out on a limb and mentioning the C word, Christmas, that is. Who wouldn’t want a homemade gift or stocking stuffer from Highlands? You can find a perfect gift and have an interesting story to tell about that perfect fall day when you found it. It beats sharing stories about shipping nightmares later in the season. Don’t miss this, your last chance to visit the Highlands Marketplace and stock up on your favorite items before they close until spring. by Mary Jane McCall

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Cashiers

Green Market For an irreplaceable taste of the Plateau’s fall bounty, visit the stands at the Cashiers Green Market, ever y Wednesday afternoon at the Cashiers Commons.

utumn in the mountains, when time slows down and the living is easy. That means your meals should be too, and the perfect place to start your meal is at the Green Market, Cashiers’ own farmers’ market, held each Wednesday from 2:00 until 5:00 P.M. at the Cashiers Commons on Frank Allen Road, next to the Post Office. The Green Market is a producer-only market, meaning that each vendor must be the grower or producer of all the products that they sell, and they must produce within a 125-mile radius of Cashiers. These products are the freshest available and you’ll enjoy the rare opportunity to visit with the producer and enjoy the opportunity to find out what makes their food so good. Chat with Kathy and David Cirka of Backwoods Bakery, a micro bakery, in Whittier, North Carolina, who know a thing or two about how to keep their customers coming back week after week. They love the Green Market for the family-friendly atmosphere. Their customers love them for their wide array of baked goods including cookies, brownies, scones, artisanal breads, turnovers, and Danish pastries.

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In addition to yummy baked goods, you’ll find freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, herbs, spices, naturally raised meat and dairy items, farm fresh eggs, jams, jellies, pickles, honey, and more. October brings the added delight of pumpkins, gourds, and plants to complete your fall décor. Green Market strives to keep their shoppers and vendors happy and healthy, so they follow best practices to ensure the safety and well being of all their vendors and customers. Face coverings are encouraged, as is physical distancing. Green Market will be held every Wednesday through October 27, so check it out each week to see what’s fresh. For more information, you can visit cashiersgreenmarket.com. by Mary Jane McCall

Scan for more info

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Highlands

Food & Wine

The Fifth Highlands Food & Wine Festival, set for November 11-14, is taking ever y measure possible to ensure that ever yone’s safe and sated. For up-todate information, visit highlandsfoodandwine.com.

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ne thing is certain, after last year’s shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, Highlanders will not take the Highlands Food & Wine Festival for granted. In the five years before the pandemic put it on hiatus, the festival had become a major draw for tourism on the Plateau and a boon to businesses in what had historically been the off-season. From its modest beginning in 2016, by the conclusion of the 2019 celebration, the festival had burgeoned into a full-fledged four-day event, attracting thousands of visitors from throughout the country, with a fan base spanning multiple generations. Now back for a fifth year, the 2021 festival will feature a host of creative, new chefs, new musical talent, stellar attractions and the installation of Covid protocols. In its commitment to providing a safe environment for everyone in attendance and safeguarding the health and safety of the patrons, staff and vendors, organizers have announced that based on the rapid spread of the Delta variant, a full Covid-19 vaccination or negative Covid test results will be required for audiences, crew, staff and artists in attendance. Highlands Food and Wine Board Director David Bock said that “One of the signs of pandemic wisdom is to be able to adjust a plan and come up with a measured response

based on the current situation of the pandemic, which in the case of Covid is constantly evolving. Therefore, in the service of our chefs, bands, crew and audience, HFW is prioritizing its culture of safety first.” To facilitate and expedite this process, the Mountain Lakes Medical Center in Clayton has agreed to be the exclusive Highlands Food & Wine Festival Health & Safety partner. This will include the set-up of a PCR testing station starting Wednesday, November 10, for local residents (prior to the Nov 11-14 weekend) and running throughout the duration of the weekend prior to event gates. Attendees will be able to get their tests and show proof of vaccination prior to all events. Testing will be free to all attendees. Bock reiterated that the partnership with Mountain Lakes “will go a long way to ensure everyone’s safety.” There’s a lot that many of us may want to forget about what happened in the past year and a half. And though great food and wine, and music may not entirely whisk away the difficulties the pandemic wrought, HFW will surely present a near perfect restorative. More information about the festival can be found at highlandsfoodandwine.com. by Marlene Osteen

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Putts

for Paws

Putts Fore Paws, set for October 11 at the Cullasaja Club, is no dog walk in the park – it’s a full-on golf tournament for serious and not-so-serious golfers. Applications can be found at chhumanesociety.org. For more information, please call (828) 743-5750 or email golf@ chhumanesociety.org.

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ur shelter cats and dogs are saving a spot for you at this year’s big Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society fundraiser…Putts Fore Paws! Almost a year in the planning, this new fundraiser and “fun-raiser,” certain to become an annual tradition, will take place during one of the most beautiful times of the year at one of the most beautiful courses on the Plateau. Putts Fore Paws will occur during the peak of leaf season, Monday, October 11, at the Arnold Palmerdesigned championship golf course at the Cullasaja Club. The Inaugural CHHS Putts Fore Paws on October 11 starts with a 10:00 A.M. registration and an 11:00 A.M. shotgun start. Mulligans will be available for purchase at signin. Prizes will be awarded for overall lowest score (with handicap), closest to the pin, longest drive, and, compliments of Hammond and Mitzi Rauers and Franklin Ford, a hole-in-one on a designated hole will win a car! Registration is $200 per golfer and $100 of each registration is a tax-deductible contribution to the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society. Registration includes greens fees, cart fees, and a boxed lunch. All golfers will also receive a “doggy bag” of goodies compliments of CHHS.

Not a golfer? Not to worry, you can still participate in this great cause for the animals! Hole sponsorships are available for $1,000 and each sponsor will have a picture of their beloved pet (or pets) on the tee box, and best of all, the framed picture will be given to you after the tournament as a keepsake memento and a thank you for your support. This exciting new golf tournament is limited to just 20 foursomes, so put your foursome together and register today! The tournament application can be found on our homepage at chhumanesociety.org. For more information, please call (828) 743-5750 or email golf@ chhumanesociety.org. Established in 1987, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization located at 200 Gable Drive in Sapphire, one-and-a-half miles east of the Cashiers Ingles in between Cedar Creek Club and Lonesome Valley on Highway 64. Tax-deductible donations to support our lifesaving work can be mailed to: CHHS, P.O. Box 638, Cashiers, NC 28717. by David Stroud, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society

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Past Meets Modernity

For author Michael Almond, the conf licts at the core of The Tanner y continue to simmer just below the sur face of modern American life. He’ll talk about his work and the themes that animate his writing with a pair of events at local libraries.

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Michael Almond

hen lifelong “voracious” reader Michael Almond, who was also a career international business attorney, decided to retire, it was not just to become a fixture on a golf course or a sofa. He had begun contemplating the storyline for a historical fiction book 14 years ago, and years of research resulted in his debut legal-thriller novel, The Tannery (Koehler Books), launched this month. Almond is scheduled to share his book and to speak at the Albert CarltonCashiers Library at a community event hosted by The Friends of the Library on October 22 at 3:00 P.M. He will also speak at a Books and Bites public event at the Highlands Hudson Library on October 23 at 12:30 P.M. Almond shared with The Laurel about his impetus for the new novel, explaining that since readers often want to “learn something” when they read, as a novelist he takes them “to a different time and place,” all the while weaving historical research into a fictional narrative. The challenge of the writing? “Keeping up the pace,” so that the novel has plenty of “surprises and twists and turns.” He said he truly became a novelist last year during quarantine, when he dedicated his attention to completing the book. Although set in the early Jim Crow era, The Tannery explores modern relevant themes of racial injustice, black voter intimidation and suppression, and racial violence, etc. The novel’s storyline focuses on the trial of a poor, mixed-race teenage boy, Virgil Wade, accused of murdering a prominent young Jewish woman, and the plot weaves in suspenseful details of the post-Reconstruction South. The main character is attorney Ben Waterman, and one of the pivotal conflicts is how he combats the Ku Klux Klan. The Tannery is available at local bookstores and on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Indie Bound. by Deena Bouknight

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Lotta Miles

on His Boots

Countr y Music sensation John King brings his deeply-felt per formance to The Orchard at The Farm on October 21. For information and reser vations, visit OldEdwardsHopitality. com/OrchardSessions.

John King

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n Thursday, October 21, the sounds of country musician/ singer-songwriter John King will fill The Orchard at The Farm at Old Edwards. It is the sound of a rising star, and a voice filled with the southern grit of country music inflected with rock ‘ n roll. As a boy raised in the Appalachian foothills in the small town of Demorest, Georgia, King took up guitar playing the tunes of his influencers – Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Black Crowes, James Taylor, and Garth Brooks. It wasn’t long before he realized he could write his own music. His early bands were rock bands, “but my voice was country. I grew up country, I talked country, and I wrote country songs.” He honed his musical footprint at the University of Georgia and began making a name for himself in country music – opening for nationally recognized award-winning artists. His 2014 debut single Tonight earned him his first top 40 hit and was used to highlight CBS network’s Thursday Night Football. He followed with a series of songwriting triumphs – earning an ASCAP Songwriter Award for co-writing the 2016 number one Randy Houser hit We Went and penning the first Hootie and The Blowfish song to be released since 2005 – Rollin. He zigzagged through the country, becoming a road warrior, playing 150 shows a year, building a fan base one gig at a time, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in country music with (as described by Billboard Magazine), “fresh melodies and lyrics mixed

with old school believability.” King’s 2019 country-pop single Try Saying Goodbye, pulled from his storytelling prowess, was streamed more than 18 million times and named one of Rolling Stone’s Top 10 Country Songs. Pairing a ballad verse with a more rock-influenced chorus, the mid-tempo song explores the universal difficulties of negotiating love relationships. He’s risen from the pandemic shutdown with his first full-length album, Always Gonna Be You. An autobiographical narrative, the album follows King’s storyline – from a teenager working construction, singing songs by the campfire to the girl who became his wife, to his life today. Alternately described as a “soundtrack to self-discovery,” and a “coming-of-age story,” the result is a “country album filled with modern-day twang, heartland hooks and the same diversity that imbued the music King grew up loving.” The show begins at 6:00 P.M. and finishes at 8:00. There is a $25 cover charge for the public, with online sales opening two weeks in advance. Every ticket includes light bites and a cash bar. The session will move indoors to the new Orchard House in the event of rain. For updates and to book online, visit OldEdwardsHopitality.com/ OrchardSessions. by Marlene Osteen

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Shadow of

the Bear

Haven’t encountered a Black Bear this year? Don’t worr y, there’s always the Big One stalking the mountains beyond Rhodes Big View Overlook.

ne of the most exciting and adrenaline producing moments here in the mountains is encountering a Black Bear, the closer the encounter, the higher the heart rate. And only slightly less-exhilarating and much safer way to see a bear, even if it’s not the living, breathing kind, is to catch the annual autumn appearance of the Shadow of the Bear at the Rhodes Big View Overlook on Highway 64 East between Highlands and Cashiers. This mystical creature makes his shadowy appearance for several weeks starting in mid-October between the hours of approximately 5:30 until 6:00 P.M.. As the sun sets and moves behind Whiteside Mountain, the shadowy figure of the bear emerges from the valley floor among the brilliantly colored autumn foliage. It’s an imposing and inspiring sight whether you’re seeing for the first time or the twentieth, and a sight that’s garnered national attention since it can only be seen here. Often forgotten is the fact that the bear shadow makes another appearance from mid-February until early March, but the fall

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appearance draws the most visitors. The combination of this one-ofa-kind shadowy display and the fiery fall leaves is truly a sight that you shouldn’t miss. The earliest inhabitants of our area, the Cherokee, revered the Black Bear for both his spirit and as a powerful animal. They believed that the shadow of the bear was a sign that a powerful bear spirit protected them from the evil Spearfinger, a shape-shifting witch who lived in a cave on Whiteside Mountain, and used her spear shaped finger to stab people. This amazing phenomenon draws a large crowd so proceed with caution to the panoramic overlook, find a safe parking spot and walk to the overlook to view. Always be aware that this is a busy highway, so be safe and find a spot off the road near the guardrail to stand and watch the shadow emerge. by Mary Jane McCall

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Annual

Celebration

The Literacy & Learning Center’s annual celebration of its free educational programs, slated for October 17 at Wildcat Cliffs Countr y Club, will feature international best-selling author Patti Callahan Henr y.

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Patti Callahan Henry

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he centerpiece of The Literacy & Learning Center’s annual educational programs offered by The Literacy & Learning Center. gala, Celebration of Education, held on October 17 at Wildcat These programs include early intervention reading programs, Cliffs Country Club, is keynote speaker Patti Callahan Henry. in-school reading assistance, after-school programs, individual Henry is a New York Times-bestselling author of 16 novels, tutoring, adult literacy, a GED program, English as a Second including Becoming Mrs. Lewis: The Language, and even a reading program Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman for senior citizens. More than 2,300 Celebration of Education is held each and C.S. Lewis, which was shortlisted for the individuals on the Plateau benefit from year to support the free educational 2020 Romantic Novel Awards. these programs each year. programs offered by The Literacy & Henry’s been featured internationally, For more information about The Learning Center. in hundreds of podcasts, videos, and radio Literacy & Learning Center’s Celebration show interviews. She’s also the podcast host of Education, or its programs, please of her own podcast series: Behind the Scenes visit maconncliteracy.org. You can also of Becoming Mrs. Lewis and The Untold volunteer as a tutor at its website, or learn Story of Surviving Savannah. Her articles and essays have appeared about other ways that you may serve this vital organization. on national and global levels: Southern Living, PINK, Writer’s Digest, by Luke Osteen Garden & Gun, Atlanta Journal, Birmingham Magazine, Portico, Career Authors, Love Magazine UK, Female First UK, Medium Magazine, Red Magazine UK, and more. Celebration of Education is held each year to support the free

.thelaurelmagazine.com

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Whiskey, Beer,

and Brew

Half-Mile Farm

Three events at Half-Mile Farm bring the f lavor and the savor to the sensual delights of the season. Hosted events are for Half-Mile Farm guests only. Visit Half MileFarm.com to check for room availability.

o my mind, it’s the small interludes of pleasures that make life good and worth living – the sensual satisfaction that we derive when we encounter new tastes, and the exhilaration we derive from new encounters. The cravings for such experiences are regularly satiated with unique aplomb at Half-Mile Farm, as demonstrated by the slate of three gastronomical adventures offered in October. Friday, October 1 – Sunday, October 3: Join Jim Chasteen and Charlie Thompson of Atlanta’s ASW Distillery to taste and tour the whiskey they produce that employs a unique hybrid approach. Dubbing themselves “Southern Pot-Still Pioneers,” ASW combines traditional Scottish-style double copper pot distillation with innovative Southern-style grain-in distillation. No less innovative are their recently launched Bustletown Vodka (“drinks like a cloud”) and the citrusy, floral Winterville Gin. Weekend events include

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a Friday Social Hour with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and live music; Saturday afternoon presentation and sampling; and a Saturday Social Hour with craft cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Wednesday, October 13 – Friday, October 15: Discover the magic that happens when a Craft Beer lover merges with a Kombucha devotee – as was the case when brothers Luke and Sam Walker teamed up to create the Walker Brother label. “Blending wellness with community” and producing high gravity kombucha, the brothers have spawned an alternative to craft beer and an option for the healthminded seeking a funky and flavorful brew. Join them for a special tasting with cocktails at the Wednesday Social Hour; on Thursday afternoon listen to the compelling tale of their brand development, and sample cocktail concoctions at the Thursday Social Hour. Wednesday, October 27 – Friday, October 29: The Mountain Harvest Celebration will be in full force at Half-Mile Farm

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when it welcomes Boone, North Carolina’s, Appalachian Mountain Brewery. Well known for its award-winning craft beers and ciders, AMB is widely celebrated for its focus on philanthropy, community, and sustainability. Activities include a Wednesday Social Hour with hors d’oeuvres, craft beverages, and cider tasting; a Thursday afternoon Fireside Chat, and Thursday Social Hour with cocktails, ciders, and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. After so long a time when the good things in life were so limited, Half-Mile Farm gives us three reasons to rejoice. Hosted events are for Half-Mile Farm guests only. Visit HalfMileFarm.com to check for room availability. by Marlene Osteen

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Let’s Hunt Your Haunts

The Center for Life Enrichment will venture into the shadowy world of the supernatural with a presentation by paranormal exper t Pepper Paris, October 27. For information, go to clehighlands.com.

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hen better than Halloween week, that time of year when ghosts and scary stories abound, to learn about paranormal terminology and explore the supernatural? And where better to investigate than at a former morgue, in an old hospital – as in the case of the Center for Life Enrichment. And so it goes that on October 27, CLE will present to participating guests Pepper Paris, an expert in the paranormal. Paris had her first encounter with the supernatural at the age of 4 when her father revealed that he had witnessed apparitions of veterans disappear into the early morning fog on Asheville’s Haywood Street. She has been conducting ghost tours for nearly three decades, her interest in the paranormal having been piqued years earlier while in college Dublin. Participants will use dowsing rods to plumb for the unfathomable in the basement, a practice that reputedly allows one to obtain information in a manner beyond the scope of ordinary human senses. Perhaps they will discover why, as CLE Director Fallon Hovis tells me, batteries regularly disappear. (Could the ghosts be seeking an energy source?).

The session will include a discussion and investigation into local homes said to be inhabited by ghosts. She will tell the story of the century-and-a-half old Kalalanta home on Bowery Road, where strange things are noticed – the sounds of mysterious footsteps on the steps and the sight of rocking chairs swaying on the porch on wind-still days. And she will ask why unexplained events occur at the place that used to be known as Gray Cottage (now Wolfgang’s Restaurant), why the staff sometimes glimpses a young boy who never reached adulthood and detects cold spots in warm places? There’s still more, of course. For the parapsychologist wanna-be, instruction on how to use paranormal investigation tools – dowsing rods and EMF meters that measure fluctuations in electromagnetic fields. And sure to evoke a lively response will be a discussion on Parapsychology, the study of alleged psychic claims and other paranormal phenomena, including poltergeists and aliens and even Bigfoot. Intrigued by all there is to ponder? Find out more at clehighlands.com. by Marlene Osteen

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Fabulous Fall

with Fontana If you’re reading this, you’re learning. Continue this trend with regular visits to Alber t CarltonCashiers Community Librar y and Hudson Librar y.

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ach month and each season, libraries are in-tune with the needs and interests of communities. This fall is no different. As Serenity Richards, branch librarian, Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, noted: “We’ll be incorporating Halloween, and fall in general, into all of our children’s programming with themed crafts and stories. Our big community Halloween event has been cancelled by the organizers due to Covid-19, but we may have new Launchpads available in October.” Launchpads are tech devices pre-loaded with high-quality, ad-free learning apps and games, to provide hours of interactive learning and play – for both children and adults. Also ongoing are free, important community services to provide information and resources regarding a wide variety of interests and concerns. “We’ll be continuing our partnership with Vaya Health with monthly mental health seminars,” informed Richards. Carlyn Morenus, branch librarian for Hudson Library in Highlands, pointed out that because both the Cashiers and Highlands libraries are part of the Fontana Regional Library system, many of the same services, opportunities, and resources are available at both, such as the Vaya Health seminars. For example: • the latest fiction and nonfiction best-sellers, mysteries, literary fiction, and much more

• audiobooks, DVDs and Blu-rays, music CDs • current newspapers and magazines • free wireless internet access • free notary services • comfortable reading room • large community space for private and nonprofit groups • public-use computers and printer • technology assistance • fun children’s play room and story times • educational computers and tablets just for kids • access to ebooks, e-audiobooks, digital magazines, and streamed movies Two distinctions: Hudson Library hosts, in collaboration with Town of Highlands, a monthly Community Coffee, which is an open public discussion with Highlands’ Mayor Patrick Taylor. Each session addresses issues of concern to the town and its citizens, presented by the mayor himself and a variety of organizations. This event is free and open to the public. The schedule is included on the Hudson Library website: https://fontanalib.org/highlands. Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library also has an ongoing Friends of the Library book sale in a back room of the facility so that visitors can purchase quality nonfiction and fiction books at greatly reduced prices. All proceeds support the library. by Deena Bouknight

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Cashiers Quilters

Fall Show

For Cashiers Quilters, who’ll be displaying their creations at Alber t Carlton-Cashiers Community Librar y on Saturday, October 9, the medium is the message. The cozy, comfy message.

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ashiers Quilters, a group of full-time and seasonal residents, are reviving their biennial quilt show which was postponed in 2020 because of Covid. The show is Saturday, October 9, (in tandem with the Fall Leaf Festival) from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the Cashiers Library. Admission is free. Quilters are productive on an average day. Imagine what they did when they had a year of quarantine. That bounty of beauty will be exhibited on library walls. Don’t miss viewing these creative designs made of treasured cloth and intricate stitchery. Quilts are much more than a bed cover. They are a product of love, a collection of memories, a collaboration of friends, and a hand-crafted work of art. The colors, textures, designs, and line-work are visually-captivating. Wow-factor galore! View their jelly roll rugs (beautiful fabric rugs). In the three years since their last show, quilters took a class in rug-making. These coiled fabric floor-coverings will also be on display. It’s common knowledge quilters are darn good cooks. Bring your hungry tum and indulge in delicious treats at their bake sale. While the quilts are not for sale, you can shop for gift

items at the quilters’ boutique. If you’d love to own a vintage quilt, buy a raffle ticket for a buck (6 for $5) and take a chance. Club spokeswoman Joan Kiernan said, “The vintage quilt top was made in the 1930s and was never finished, so some of our members hand-quilted it. Now it could be yours! “We have been making flannel lap blankets we’ll give to shut-ins at Christmas through the Jackson County Senior organization.” Cashiers Quilters meets every Wednesday at St. Jude Catholic Church in Sapphire at 12:30 P.M. Show up with or without gear, say hi, and see what kind of stitch-witchery they’re conjuring up this Fall. For more information, cashiersquilters.com, or email cashierquilters@yahoo.com. by Donna Rhodes

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O CTOBE R

October is the fallen leaf, but it is also a wider horizon more clearly seen. It is the distant hills once more in sight, and the enduring constellations above them once again. – Hal Borland

View the complete Highlands Cashiers Plateau Calendar

Live Music, On the Verandah.

Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Green Market 2 PM to 5 PM, The Village Green Commons. Live Music, On the Verandah. Bluegrass Wednesday, 7:30 PM, The Ugly Dog Pub.

Autumn Amble, 1 PM, Highlands Nature Center. Highlands Food Pantry Open, 3:15 to 5:30 PM Highlands Wine Shoppe Wine Tasting, 4 PM to 7 PM Live Music, On the Verandah. Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 PM, The High Dive.

Live Music, On the Verandah.

Highlands Food Pantry Open,9 AM to 12 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church, Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Green Market 2 PM to 5 PM, The Village Green Commons. Live Music, On the Verandah. Bluegrass Wednesday, 7:30 PM, The Ugly Dog Pub. Music in Motion, 8 PM, Highlands Playhouse.

Live Music, On the Verandah.

Village Nature Series: Along Came a Spider, 5 PM, The Commons, Village Green. Live Music, On the Verandah.

Highlands Food Pantry Open,9 AM to 12 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church, Green Market 2 PM to 5 PM, The Village Green Commons. Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Live Music, On the Verandah. Bluegrass Wednesday, 7:30 PM, The Ugly Dog Pub.

Highlands Food Pantry Open, 3:15 to 5:30 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church, Live Music, On the Verandah.

Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival, 10 AM to 5 PM, Village Green. Music in Motion, 2 PM and 8 PM, Highlands Playhouse. Sip & Swine, 5 PM, The Bascom House. Live Music, On the Verandah.

Putt for Paws, benefitting Cahsiers-Highlands Humane Society, Cullasaja Club. Highlands Food Pantry Open,9 AM to 12 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church, .Live Music, On the Verandah.

Art League of Highlands-Cashiers Fall Colors show, Highlands Civic Center. Celebration of Education, Literacy & Learning Center’s annual gala, Wildcat Cliffs Country Club. Music in Motion, 2 PM and 8 PM, Highlands Playhouse. The Great Pandemic, HC Players, 2:30 PM, PAC. Live Music, On the Verandah.

Highlands Food Pantry Open,9 AM to 12 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church, Live Music, On the Verandah.

Highlands Food Pantry Open,9 AM to 12 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church, Art League of HighlandsCashiers meeting, 4:30 PM, The Bascom. Live Music, On the Verandah.

Music in Motion, 2 PM and 8 PM, Highlands Playhouse. The Great Pandemic, HC Players, 2:30 PM, PAC. Live Music, On the Verandah. Highlands Halloween, 6 PM, Highlands Main Street.s

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Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM to 12:30 PM Bazaar Barn, 10 AM to 2 PM Blessing of the Animals, 11 AM, Village Green. Zachary Tolbert House Tours, 11 AM to 3 PM, Cashiers Historical Society. Saturdays on Pine, 6 PM, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. Live Entertainment, 6 PM, Town and Country General Store. Live Music, 9:30 PM, The High Dive

Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM to 12:30 PM. Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival, 10 AM to 5 PM, Village Green. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM to 2 PM Cashiers Quilters Fall Show, Cashiers Community Library. MET Opera, 12:55 PM, PAC Book Signing, Richard Betz 2 PM to 4 PM, The Book Nook. Music in Motion, 2 PM and 8 PM, Highlands Playhouse. Saturdays on Pine, Founders Park. Live Entertainment, 6 PM, Town and Country General Store.

Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM to 12:30 PM Fall Colors Show, Highlands Civic Center. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM to 2 PM Zachary Tolbert House Tours, Cashiers Historical Society. Music in Motion, 2 PM and 8 PM, Highlands Playhouse. Saturdays on Pine, 6 PM, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. Live Entertainment, 6 PM, Town and Country General Store. The Great Pandemic, PAC. Live Music, 9:30 PM, The High Dive

Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM to 12:30 PM Bazaar Barn, 10 AM to 2 PM Books & Bites: Michael Almond, 12:30 PM, Hudson Library. MET Opera, 12:55 PM, PAC Music in Motion, 2 PM and 8 PM, Highlands Playhouse. Saturdays on Pine, 6 PM, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. Live Entertainment, 6 PM, Town and Country General Store. The Great Pandemic, HC Players, 7:30 PM, PAC. Live Music, 9:30 PM, The High Dive.

Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM to 12:30 PM Bazaar Barn, 10 AM to 2 PM Zachary Tolbert House Tours, 11 AM to 3 PM, Cashiers Historical Society. Betsy Paul Art Raffle,benefitting Cashiers-Glenville Fire Department.. Live Entertainment, 6 PM, Town and Country General Store. Live Music, 9:30 PM, The High Dive

Zachary Tolbert House Tours, 11 AM to 3 PM, Cashiers Historical Society. Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival, 10 AM to 5 PM, Village Green. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM to 2 PM Friday Night Live concert, Highlands Town Square, 6 PM Concerts on the Commons, 6:30 PM, Village Green. Music in Motion, 8 PM, Highlands Playhouse.

Autumn Amble, 1 PM, Highlands Nature Center. Highlands Food Pantry Open,9 AM to 12 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church, Highlands Wine Shoppe Wine Tasting, 4 PM to 7 PM Live Music, On the Verandah. The Great Pandemic, HC Players, 7:30 PM, PAC. Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 PM, The High Dive. Music in Motion, 8 PM, Highlands Playhouse.

Zachary Tolbert House Tours, 11 AM to 3 PM, Cashiers Historical Society. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM to 2 PM Friday Night Live concert, Highlands Town Square, 6 PM The Great Pandemic, HC Players, 7:30 PM, PAC. Music in Motion, 8 PM, Highlands Playhouse.

Highlands Food Pantry Open, 9 AM to 12 PM, behind and below The Highlands United Methodist Church, Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Green Market 2 PM to 5 PM, The Village Green Commons. Live Music, On the Verandah. Bluegrass Wednesday, 7:30 PM, The Ugly Dog Pub. Music in Motion, 8 PM, Highlands Playhouse.

Autumn Amble, 1 PM, Highlands Nature Center. Highlands Food Pantry Open, 3:15 to 5:30 PM Highlands Wine Shoppe Wine Tasting, 4 PM to 7 PM Orchard Sessions with John King 6 PM, The Farm at Old Edwards. Live Music, On the Verandah. The Great Pandemic, HC Players, 7:30 PM, PAC. Thursday Night Trivia, 7:30 PM, The High Dive. Music in Motion, 8 PM, Highlands Playhouse.

Zachary Tolbert House Tours, 11 AM to 3 PM, Cashiers Historical Society. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM to 2 PM Author Event: Michael Almond, 3:00 P.M., Commons Hall Friday Night Live concert, Highlands Town Square, 6 PM Concerts on the Commons, 6:30 PM, Village Green. The Great Pandemic, HC Players, 7:30 PM, PAC. Music in Motion, 8 PM, Highlands Playhouse.

Zachary Tolbert House Tours, 11 AM to 3 PM, Cashiers Historical Society. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM to 2 PM Friday Night Live concert, Highlands Town Square, 6 PM Fleetwood Mask, 7:30 PM, Highlands PAC.

Zachary Tolbert House Tours, 11 AM to 3 PM, Cashiers Historical Society. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM to 2 PM Friday Night Live concert, Highlands Town Square, 6 PM

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A Bout

with Trout

Bringing in the Big Fish demands a herculean for titude and an almost sisyphean resolve.

he mountains of Western North Carolina are old, really old, and wending through their valleys and gorges, carved by trillions of gallons of water deposited over millions of years of rain, are equally ageless rivers. The Nantahala, the Tuckaseegee, the French Broad, the Davidson or the Chattooga, all have one thing in common: leviathan lairs. In these haunts lie big trout, pre-historically big trout, of iridescent color and beauty; the fish of my nightmares. It’s the 4-5 lb Falstaffian brown trout, that lives at the bottom of a pool on the East Fork of the French Broad, beneath a submerged ledge, feeding on crawfish and two-inch stoneflies, rising only for mice at dark; It’s the 2-3 lb rainbow that feeds on late-evening spinners in the

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scum line of a backwater eddy in the Davidson river; It’s the 12” brook trout, in the Tuckasegee headwaters deep in the bowels of Panthertown Valley, three miles away from the nearest parking lot, which maybe, just maybe, will take your Adams, if you don’t first get bit by a timber rattler. These fish are near-impossible to catch with a fly. They live in difficult-to-reach places because, there, they have leverage on the angler. The water is either too deep or too shallow, too fast or too slow, too clear or too murky, or too damn hard to hike to. That is why you rarely see anyone, other than guides, in these places. Sometimes you drive four hours, to fish for an hour at dusk, and put down the entire pool with one bad cast. There is a stretch of the West Fork of the Chattooga River that is

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100 feet long, 20 feet wide, 12-15 feet deep. After driving 40 minutes on dirt roads that have been rutted out by the torrential rains of Smoky Mountain temperate rainforests, it takes a 3.5 mile hike, 3.25 miles of which is upriver, to reach the run. While it’s true these old trout best us more times than not, they are still trout and you can win, but you’ve got to want them if you’re going to catch them. If you are going to play (again, there’s no shame in not) then bring your A game. But if you’re in, bring your will, skill and a backpack full of 6x8x tippet with size 18-22 dries; your Czech-nymph leaders with size 12 tungsten, bead-head Prince nymphs; split shot; two rods and reels (just in case you break one); snake-bite and first-aid kits; SPF 70 sunblock; rain gear, a granola bar or two, water and bear spray. by Kurt Dornbush

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Highlands-Cashiers

River Otters

River Otters are enjoying their status as the Plateau’s friskiest arrivals. You can spot them at Lindenwood Lake, and possibly other aquatic spots in Cashiers and Highlands.

f you’re like me, you were electrified by last year’s announcement that River Otters had been spotted at Highlands Nature Center’s Lindenwood Lake. Their arrival was a surprise, since otters had been missing from the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau for decades. “As a biologist, I’m excited to see River Otters because they were extirpated in most parts of the southern Appalachians due to overtrapping and water pollution including excess sedimentation reaching streams because of poor farming and development practices,” says Nature Center Associate Director Jason Love. “Reintroduction efforts began in the 1980s to try and re-establish populations and in the early 1990s otters were successfully re-introduced to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.” Despite their active, playful lifestyles, the Lindenwood Lake otters have been particularly elusive, their presence only noted by tracks on the sandy shore, scat along the boardwalk, random splashes, and quick dashes captured by wildlife cameras. And they’ve been spotted elsewhere on the Plateau, with reports of glimpses at Cashiers Lake. Tricia and I have witnessed a pair of otters on Mirror Lake, though we haven’t been able to get close enough to get a decent photo. Love says that despite their overwhelming charm, otters still have their detractors.

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“Otters are carnivores and eat fish, crayfish, mussels, frogs, rodents, and birds,” he says. “There is a misconception that otters can deplete wild trout and other game fish, but research in the Smokies showed that there was no discernible impact on otter reintroductions to wild trout populations in the park. “In the past couple of decades, River Otters have made their way back to the Plateau, affording lucky visitors a chance to see the return of this sleek and playful hunter to local streams and lakes.” That’s where you can help – if you’ve witnessed River Otters here on the Plateau, please report your discovery to Love at jlove@email. wcu.edu or me here at Laurel, luke@thelaurelmagazine.com Oh, and don’t worry about the little guys as our cool October weather shades into the bluster of winter. “Even as the weather turns colder, we expect to still play host to these rambunctious animals,” says Nature Center Education Specialist Paige Engelbrektsson. “They are perfectly adapted to continue fishing, swimming, and playing all winter long. What we see as long, brown fur is actually a layer of essentially waterproof guard hairs. Underneath this is another layer of shorter fur that traps heat.” by Luke Osteen

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Avian World’s

Yin & Yang

It’s always Show time! Wood Ducks are a classic example of guys sprucing up to charm the ladies.

mong birds, the males of the species often sport bright plumage and perform elaborate displays. Females, by contrast, are understated, even drab, in plumage and manner. We know intuitively that these differences are about mate selection. He is built to get her attention and she is hesitating in her choice. In the barnyard and in ornithology, peafowl show the most obvious gender dimorphism, male-female differences in size and appearance. Male peafowl or peacocks seek favor with peahens by extending and fanning out the elaborate tail feathers they drag around every day. What an effort all that must take. The peacock’s demanding display vexed Charles Darwin who found it necessary to extend his theory of natural selection to include “sexual selection.” The phrase “survival of the sexiest” soon followed. Males display and perform; females deliberate and decide. 70 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

In the part of the avian world where males compete for female acceptance, the males are likely to be colorful and flashy. This is true among the woodland songbirds such as Cardinals and Goldfinch. Among waterfowl, male and female Wood Ducks, shown above, are very different. The male Wood Duck is a work of art. The female is sublime in her own modest way. Some male tropical birds have colorful and copious plumage and also dance and offer gifts to court the female. She is mostly unmoved but alert to the strong, fully expressed male who would father strong chicks and, perhaps, help her with guarding the nest. Females often favor more than one importuning courtier and her clutch might contain eggs fertilized by two or more males. In species where males and females form monogamous bonds, barn owls and geese among others, there is less male-female dimorphism:

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males and females look alike. What’s more, in species where females compete with each other for nesting sites and mates, as is the case with some parrots, females are the more colorful gender. In the avian world, color is where color matters. The end result is a menagerie of winged creatures that populate and animate our lives in colors of yellow and blue, red and green, and with songs that are heaven sent. Happy October birding from the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society. The Highlands Plateau Audubon Society, focused on enjoying and preserving birds and their habitats, is a Chapter of the National Audubon Society and a 501(c) (3) organization. For information on all our activities and membership, please visit www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org. by William McReynolds, Highlands Plateau Audubon Society photo by William McReynolds 71 O c t o b e r 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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Walk

Under Water

A potent mix of thunder and mist gives Dr y Falls a hypnotic pull that’s almost spiritual.

ry Falls is certainly one of the most beautiful and popular waterfall destinations in Western North Carolina. The falls consist of a 75-foot freefall to the stream below. Its name has nothing to do with the falls being dry. Dry Falls gets its name due to the fact that you can walk in back of the falls without getting wet. Well, maybe not totally wet. You’ll probably encounter a mist 74 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

behind the falls that may make you slightly damp, but the experience is certainly worth it. We particularly enjoy visiting in late October due to the abundance of color of the changing leaves. Trailhead Directions From the intersection of US 64 and NC 106 in Highlands, drive west about 3 miles to the parking area on the left. There is a small

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At a Glance Waterfall Guide Enjoy this sampling of area water falls, for a deep dive visit thelaurelmagazine.com/recreation.

HIGHLANDS Bridal Veil Falls From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 2.3 miles west on US 64; Waterfall GPS: N35.07180 W-83.22910 Difficulty: You can park your car in a little parking area and walk 50 feet. Dry Falls From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 3.15 miles west on US 64 to a parking area on the left; Waterfall GPS: N35.06884 W-83.23869 Difficulty: There are lots of steps you must go down to get behind Dry Falls. Bust Your Butt Falls From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 6.35 miles west on US 64 to the pullout on the left; Waterfall GPS: N35.09268 W-83.26573 Difficulty: Don’t stop on the road itself! Glen Falls From the junction of US 64 and NC 106 in Highlands, drive 1.75 miles south on NC 106 and bear left at the sign for Glen Falls. Take Glen Falls Road, not Holt Road. Drive 1.05 miles to the parking area. Waterfall GPS: N35.03128 W-83.23829 Difficulty: There’s some climbing involved here.

parking fee. Hike Description The hike is rated easy, but there are many steps in the beginning. The trail is 0.1 miles in length. It leads behind the falls to the opposite side of the stream. by Ed and Cindy Boos

Upper Middle Creek Falls From the intersection of NC 106 and US 64, follow NC 106 South for 9.3 miles. Exactly 1 mile before you reach the Georgia state line, and about 0.3 miles after NC 106 crosses Middle Creek, a yellow School Bus Stop sign will be on the right. Park on the right side of the road right at the sign. Waterfall GPS: N35.00714 W-83.32916 Difficulty: The four-tenths of a mile hike is not strenuous but it can be confusing. CASHIERS Silver Run Falls From US 64 in Cashiers, head south on NC 107 from 4.05 miles – there’s a pullout area on the left. Waterfall GPS N35.06599 W-83.06558 Difficulty: No difficulty.

Whitewater Falls From US 64 west of Lake Toxaway, take NC 281 for 8.5 miles and turn left at the sign for Whitewater Falls into a parking area. Difficulty: Not strenuous, though the paved path is a bit uneven. Cashiers Sliding Rock Cashiers Sliding Rock, a million miles from the cares of the 21st century, is easy to get to. From the Cashiers Crossroads, travel south on NC 107 to Whiteside Cove Road. Head down the road for 2.6 miles to where the road crosses the Chattooga River and pull over just across the bridge. Difficulty: A piece of cake. Spoonauger Falls From Cashiers, travel on NC 107 8.2 miles. The name changes to SC 107 – travel for 4.9 miles. Turn right onto Burrells Ford Road. Drive approximately 2.0 miles to the Chattooga Trail parking area on the left (look for the Forest Service Bulletin Board) Hike north on the Chattooga Trail, which roughly parallels the Chattooga River for 0.25 mile, then cross Spoonauger Creek. Immediately on the right will be a side trail. Difficulty: There’s nothing tricky. Schoolhouse Falls From US 64, take NC 281 North for 0.85 mile and bear left on Cold Mountain Road. Stay on the road. When it becomes unpaved, travel about 0.1 mile. Take the road on the right and travel for 0.1 mile to a parking area. Take the trail to the right of the information kiosk. At the intersection, proceed straight on Panthertown Valley Trail. Turn left onto Little Green Trail. Schoolhouse Falls is about 0.15 mile ahead. Waterfall GPS N35.16330 W-83.00674 Difficulty: The hike isn’t challenging.

Scan for interactive map of waterfalls in the Highlands and Cashiers area.

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Create a

Natural Garden

There’s nothing shy about the Brown-Eyed Susan, casting its bold-colored blossoms to the sunshine in meadows, gardens, and clearings across the Plateau.

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he last few weeks of summer were certainly taxing times on the Plateau. Heavy rainfalls, flooding, and gusty winds caused by Tropical Storms Fred and Ida made it difficult for man and beast. The plant world had its challenges as well. And while some plants succumbed, others thrived. Among those that came through with their heads held high are the native plants. Their survival is argument enough for growing plants that are indigenous to our region. Perhaps now is the time to create a natural garden, one that works with nature rather than against it. Indeed, our lovely October days are an inducement to work outdoors. And though it’s not always recognized as so, Autumn has become a vital planting season. The secret to success is a well-thought-out plan, determining what to do with the remains of the spring garden and preparing the soil. The key to a patch that mimics nature is choosing flowering plants that appear to have grown together naturally – like the Brown-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba), and last month’s featured plant, the Tall White Beardtongue. Similar in height but with different flower colors and foliage textures, they are handsome companions. With its “Van Gogh Orange” flowers born on multi-branched stems, the Brown-eyed

Susan provides a welcome splash of color to the garden and a striking contrast to the tubular white flower of the Beardtongue. A member of the Aster family, the Brown-Eyed Susan, is a prolific late wildflower loved by pollinators. Its botanical name refers to the three sections of its leafy stems. Sometimes confused with the more common Black-Eyed Susan, there are a few differences between them. Brown-Eyed Susan’s flower a bit later, bloom longer, grow much taller (up to 5 feet), and have smaller blooms. Blooming in profusion, they have a showy display and thrive in a variety of habitats. Reasonably drought-resistant, they are ideal fillers in the garden and are sure to look fabulous alongside the Tall White Beardtongue. If they get very tall, they may need a bit of support to keep the flowers visible and upright, but they will also rest upon the foliage of other plants in a more crowded garden. Once established, the Brown-Eyed Susan is easy to maintain, and other than occasional watering and deadheading, there’s not much to do other than enjoying their vibrant color. They are drought-tolerant, and though they prefer full sun, they will adapt to partial shade and thrive in a wide range of temperatures. by Marlene Osteen

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Spectacular Fall Show If you’d like to discover the science behind the beauty of the Fall Leaf Show, join the exper ts at Highlands Nature Center for an Autumn Amble. Call (828) 526-2623 to f ind your place on a tour.

f there’s one thing that draws folks to the mountains, besides escaping the intense summer heat of lower elevations, it’s the bright, beautiful colors that come with the onset of autumn. The trees of Western North Carolina and, of course, the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau put on a spectacular show of fall foliage as the temperatures drop and the leaves transition to a wide array of red, orange, and yellow hues. If you have wondered why leaves change color or what conditions

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make for a spectacular fall display, join the Highlands Nature Center for our Autumn Amble tours this month. Every Thursday in October at 1:00 P.M., staff will lead an exploration of the Botanical Garden to discover what leaves are already changing and the (science of) why. All are welcome to participate in these free guided tours, however, spaces are limited. Please call the Highlands Nature Center at (828) 526-2623 to reserve your spot! If you’re unable to join us for these guided tours, you’re always

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welcome to stroll through the Highlands Botanical Garden to see the wonderful colors on your own time. The garden is open each day from dawn to dusk and is free to the public. Interpretive guided tours of the Botanical Garden are also available for private groups throughout the year and can be arranged by appointment. Talks on various botanical topics are available to local garden clubs and other organizations. To schedule a personalized tour or a talk, contact HBS Horticulturist Rachel Martin at (828) 526-0188. The Highlands Nature Center and the Highlands Botanical Garden are a part of The Highlands Biological Station, a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University. Please note that in accordance with WCU’s policies, and for the safety of both HBS guests and staff,

face masks will be required during all in-person tours. Tours will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. Stay tuned to highlandsbiological.org for more fall programming from the Highlands Nature Center. by Winter Gary, Highlands Biological Foundation

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A Day on

the Lake

No matter the season, Lake Glenville ex tends its aquatic siren call far beyond the conf ines of the Plateau.

hy not take to the water on a beautiful fall day in the mountains? Viewing the vibrant fall colors while taking a leisurely lake cruise offers a different perspective of the season. Signal Ridge Marina on beautiful Lake Glenville on Highway 107 in Glenville has everything you need to treat yourself to a day on the lake. During the summer, Signal Ridge hums with all kinds of activities, from boat rentals to water sports. In the fall, as the weather and water cools, lake life takes on a more leisurely pace. 80 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Signal Ridge is open until October 15, after which they close for the season. Signal Ridge offers pontoon and tritoon (for those wanting a bit of a speedier pace) rentals for daily or longer term use. Pets are welcome so there is no need to leave Fido at home. You can enjoy a fall cruise with the entire family. Lakeshore Marina also offers long term rentals of pontoons as well as boats with higher horsepower, perfect for those renting a home on the lake. Offering full concierge service, they will deliver and pickup your boat so your only concern will be what to take along on your picnic. They are open during the entire month of October.

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Picturesque Lake Glenville sits nestled among the surrounding mountains and is beautiful any time of year, but there’s something special about seeing the fiery leaves reflected in a clear mountain lake. Lake Glenville offers 26 miles of shoreline and three waterfalls that can only be viewed from the lake: Mill Creek Falls, Norton Falls and Hurricane Falls. Bring your favorite picnic and enjoy a few hours on the lake and you’ll feel your cares melting away. If you’d prefer to enjoy the lake from the shore or have your own boat, Lake Glenville has additional public access and recreation areas, located on the north end of the lake. The access areas, Powerhouse Access Area and Pine Creek Access area have boat ramps, launching docks, and restrooms for your convenience.

The recreation areas, Three Pines Recreation Area and Ralph J. Andrews Recreation Park have picnic tables, beach access and restrooms. Ralph Andrews Park has a boat ramp and camping available as well. For more information on Lake Glenville and to view or download a Lake Glenville map, visit the Signal Ridge website at signalridge. com. You may also call them at (828) 743-2143. Lakeshore Marina’s website is lakeshoremarina-nc.com or you may call them at (828) 743-9998. by Mary Jane McCall photos by Susan Renfo

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10-year Rescue Mission

The endangered Carolina Nor thern Squirrel is hanging on to a perilous existence. They’re getting by with a little help from their friends.

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elly Holdbrooks, Executive Director of the Southern Highlands Reserve, is on a mission – a journey that she began nearly 10 years ago to save an endangered species, the Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel. As a landscape designer, Holdbrooks understood that saving the squirrel could only be accomplished by restoring their habitat, the Red Cedar Forest. The squirrel feeds on a fungus or truffle that grows among the roots of the red spruce tree, and its branches provide nesting sites. In the first two decades of the 20th century the spruce forest was decimated by clear cutting and fires, and further impacted by acid rain followed by climate change. After the Everglades, Spruce Fir Forests are the second most endangered ecosystem in the United States. Today there are only nine known populations of the Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel in existence in 13 ridges of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. “This hits me on a deep, deep level,” said Holdbrooks. “I moved here 18 years ago on a whim, turning down a job at Princeton University, taking a job at Max and Rosie’s Café in Asheville. I was their juice girl. That’s how important this area is to me. There’s something about this area that speaks to me.” Holdbrooks decided to get involved. She had learned that restoring the forests had been talked about for decades, and no one had acted

on it, and thought that, “With my job, I’m in a good place to foster such an effort.” In 2013, Holdbrooks connected at an Asheville meeting with three other women who shared a similar interest. They formed an umbrella partnership, the Southern Appalachian Spruce Restoration Initiative or SASRI that brings together those interested in Red Spruce restoration and moves the effort forward. “The decimation of the spruce forest by unsustainable practices in the early 1900s still needs to be rectified,” said Kelly. “My hope is that this work can fix some of that, that we can shore up this unique ecosystem, even a century after the fact. The Flying Squirrels have hung on but face new challenges. It’s important that we provide the best possible habitat for them. Today we have over 5,00 trees planted and have a 90-percent success as to the tree’s mortality. This is the only hope for the squirrel. If we don’t restore the Spruce Fir Forest, we risk losing the species.” If you’re interested in spruce restoration, contact Southern Highlands Reserve at info@southernhighlandsreserve.org. by Marlene Osteen

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ARTS Pages 88-113

photo by Susan Renfro

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Painting

the Narrative

For cover ar tist Bill Farnswor th, plein air painting is as natural as, well, enjoying a sunny day.

ay in plain air in English and it sounds so, well, ordinary. But say it in French – en plein air – and suddenly doors and windows fly open and your fingers scramble for brushes, paints, canvas, and easel. And that’s even if you don’t know how to paint! Artist Bill Farnsworth’s windows and doors stay open a lot, inviting him to enjoy the plein air, and its dappled light. Or air, so clean and crisp it defines images for miles. Or air so moist, it turns hard edges into soft, yielding mysteries. Air that dramatizes shape, color, line. Air that melts one edge into another. Light-filled air reminiscent of the Impressionist movement. Bill is one of the country’s finest representational plein air painters of landscapes, figures, and Nature’s panoramas. Drawing and

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painting have always been his love, since standing in his crib doing a bit of interior design – painting birds on his nursery walls. Art’s in his genes. His grandfather was a lace designer. His graph design paper was Bill’s sketch book. The brilliant color of Disney’s animation also played a huge role in his career direction. In fact, he drew Disney characters in school and sold them for a nickel apiece until his teacher closed his store. He says, “Bottom line, Art chose me. I don’t think I chose it.” From walls and halls to paper and canvas, his talent took him all the way through Ringling School of Design and plunged him right into a successful illustration career. He says, “Children’s books were my training ground (we’re right

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back in the nursery!). I used realistic oils for non-fiction – George Washington, Valley Forge images and the like. I created 60 picture books for kids. That taught me how to draw and paint under deadline.” And it also taught Bill how to tell a fascinating story in paint. Digital imaging and budget-cuts hit the illustration world hard, so over a decade Bill shifted his focus to plein air painting, plein air events (invitationals, staying with hosts, and painting in all-day fests), plein air instruction, and gallery showing, all of which are his current joy and his bread-and-butter. Plein air painting has its challenges. The light is constantly in motion, shifting shadows like crazy. But that’s part of the fun. You have to capture the landscape before Mother Nature plays havoc with what you saw 10 minutes earlier. Bill’s ensconced in the fine art realm where he’s received numerous

national awards, among them The Dickinson Signature Member award in The American Society of Impressionists national show in 2018 and 2019. He placed first in the AIS (American Impressionist Society) online exhibition last year. Look for his work in Mountain Mist Gallery in Cashiers. Visit his website, billfarnsworth.com. Find him all over Facebook. His latest piece, this issue’s cover, is 16” x 20,” $3400, framing and shipping included. by Donna Rhodes

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Weaving

Magic

A reverence for form is woven into each of Shirley Gibson’s elegant baskets.

ainters look for the perfect vista. Sculptors look for the classic face. Basket-maker Shirley Gibson searches her surround-scape for the supremely-shaped vessel. Her search-of-the-day might be a long, elegant vase or a round, bulbous jar. Her eyes will linger on all manner of bottles, urns, jugs, containers until the right one captures her imagination. She then fits it to a proper oak base, stains it with a homemade black walnut brew, sprays it with polyurethane, anchors ribs or staves to it, and then the weaving begins. Once finished, her well-crafted, functional basket will hold water and flowers, for Shirley weaves around the entire surface, cocooning the bottle or vase for a lifetime of service and beauty. Shirley retired from the Post Office after 36 years. A facility for numbers and sorting is key to P.O. work. That kind of organized brain lends itself nicely to the repetition of the over-under-over-under-ing that’s essential to sculpting basketry forms. “I worked at the Post Office with three co-workers who invited me to a basket-making session,” Shirley recollects. “That was October 11, 1999. It hooked me.” If you can recall the exact date you started an avocation, that

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speaks volumes. Shirley makes a variety of basket styles: shopping baskets, laundry baskets, market baskets, wine baskets, and more. She finds basketweaving wonderful stress-relief and a very satisfying activity. Visit her and see her wares at the Highlands Marketplace Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings. In order to be an official “farmer,” she had to sell a food product alongside her baskets. No problem. Her chow-chow relish and pepper jelly sales rival her basket sales on occasion. Either way, baskets or jars-of-yum, Shirley is a woman of excellent taste. In addition to Saturday’s Highlands Market, you can find Shirley’s work at End of the Road Studio in Walhalla. She sells her work just about as fast as she can crank it out, so arrive early and pick your favorites. You might see her granddaughter sitting beside her in Highlands, perhaps the next gen of creativity and delight. If you want to order a special basket (choose shape, color, etc.) or food product, plan on 2-3 weeks’ lead time for commissions. Contact Shirley at sktgibson@gmail.com or call her at (864) 903-1685. by Donna Rhodes

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Shirley Gibson

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The Arts

Always Survive

Animated by a Show Must Go On Spirit, the H-C Ar t League gets through the Covid-shadowed year with ver ve and its characteristic panache intact.

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“Gentle Boy” oil on canvas done by Peggy Marra

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ctober is the final month of the Art League’s season. After 2020, when every activity except for Zoom board meetings was cancelled, we were cautiously optimistic about 2021. Effective vaccines for Covid-19 were being administered. Was there light at the end of the pandemic tunnel? As things turned out, the answer was mixed.. We learned early in the year that our annual Children’s Art Camp, held in July and August, would be cancelled for the second straight year. With so much uncertainty in the air, and the advance planning needed to stage the camp, we and the Rec Park decided to err on the side of caution. We did get to hold all six of our regular meetings at The Bascom. This year, again with an eye to safety, refreshments were cut back to pre-packaged fare, and the meetings were held outside. Among the presentations were those given by Stan Allaben, Carol Misner, Barbara Jamison, Norma Hendrix, Phillip Curcuru and the Bascom’s Executive Director, Karin Peterson. October’s program, this year on October 25, will be a members’ Show and Tell of selected pieces of their own art. The 5:00 P.M. program follows a 4:30 pizza party. As always, the public is invited. The programs have been well-attended and have attracted new members to the Art League. Membership has grown from 40 members in 2020 to 64 members in 2021.

The League’s Summer Colors Fine Art Show was held in Sapphire Valley in July with strong visitor attendance and record sales. Two remaining 2021 shows are planned: the Fall Colors Fine Art Show at the Highlands Rec Park on October t6-17, and a Small Works show November 26-27 at the Sapphire Valley Community Center. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that Covid will not force cancellation of either or both events. The Bascom is currently hosting an Art League members’ exhibit in the upstairs Joel Gallery, which will run through the end of the year. The Art League thanks the Bascom for this opportunity to showcase member work. Be sure to see the exhibit when you visit. For more information about the Art League, visit our revised web site, artleaguehighlands-cashiers.com. by Zach Claxton, Highlands-Cashiers Art League

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The MET

is back

The Metropolitan Opera is back on the playbill at Highlands Per forming Ar ts Center. The PAC is located at 507 Chestnut Street.

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Bass René Pape

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Will Liverman

he Metropolitan Opera is reopening their doors. On Saturday, October 9, the MET will present Boris Godunov by Modest Mussorgsky Live via Satellite. Bass René Pape, the world’s reigning Boris, reprises his overwhelming portrayal of the tortured tsar caught between grasping ambition and crippling paranoia, kicking off the Live in HD season on October 9. Conductor Sebastian Weigle leads Mussorgsky’s masterwork, a pillar of the Russian repertoire, in its original 1869 version. Stephen Wadsworth’s affecting production poignantly captures the hope and suffering of the Russian people as well as the tsar himself. Join us on Saturday, October 9, beginning at 12:55 P.M. Run time is two hours, 40 minutes. Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Grammy Award–winning jazz musician and composer Terence Blanchard’s adaptation of Charles M. Blow’s moving memoir, Fire Shut Up in My Bones; which The New York Times praised after its 2019 world premiere at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis as “bold and affecting” and “subtly powerful.” The first opera by a Black composer presented on the Met stage and featuring a libretto by filmmaker Kasi Lemmons, the opera tells a poignant and profound story about a young man’s journey to overcome a life of trauma and hardship. James Robinson and Camille A. Brown – two of the creators of the Met’s sensational recent production of Porgy and Bess – co-direct this new staging. Baritone Will Liverman, one of opera’s most exciting young artists, stars as Charles, alongside sopranos Angel Blue as Destiny/Loneliness/ Greta and Latonia Moore as Billie. Live via Satellite, Saturday, October 23 beginning at 12:55 P.M. The National Theatre of London will be back with encore performances in November. Check it out on the website. Tickets are available online HighlandsPerformingArts.com click on the red PAC button. by Mary Adair Trumbly, Highlands Performing Arts Center

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Emanuel Carrero

Erin Knowles,

Julia Rifino

Entertainment, Elevated

The irresistible tunes that have shaped American Cinema since the advent of the talkies get their due when Highlands Playhouse spotlights Music in Motion, October 8 through 24. For tickets and more information, visit highlandsplayhouse.org.

et ready for a sense-sational extravaganza at the Highlands Playhouse Music in Motion World Premiere, running October 8 through 24, Wednesday through Saturday, 8:00 P.M.; and Saturday and Sunday, 2:00 P.M. Hear over 60 Movie Musical hits sung live by the country’s finest professional talent. See over 70 costumes adorned with thousands of Swarovski crystals; you’ll swear you’ve walked into a cloud of shooting stars, the aurora borealis and a 3-D rainbow. Sunglasses advisable. Smell and Taste the compelling scent of yum, as the corn pops and wine corks release their tempting bouquet. And finally, Feel the joy, the beat, and the nostalgia that these songs of cinema from your favorite films bring to your welcoming ears and tapping toes. Emanuel Carrero, Erin Knowles, and Julia Rifino are three of the cast members that will make up this incomparable company of performers. They have this to say about the show. Emanuel: “It’s perfect for the whole family. From the Golden Era classics like The Wizard of Oz to the groovy pop sounds of 1960’s Beach Movies and the country/rock radio hits in Footloose, the music speaks to multiple generations. Big ensemble numbers with acrobatic choreography in beautiful sparkly costumes. Everything you expect from a Broadway show wrapped up into 90 minutes of Wow.”

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Erin: “Personally I’m most excited to sing, ‘Good Morning’ from Singin’ in the Rain. I hope people can take the time to come out to support and enjoy a live performance. I know Covid has been hard on everyone for multiple reasons, but if we can all stay safe, why not come together to sing, clap, and dance? It’s a time to enjoy, escape, and be entertained.” Julia: “We have one of the most diverse and talented casts I have ever had the chance to work with. We have all been on National Tours, major cruise lines, in Off-Broadway shows, or starred in some of the largest regional theaters in the country. We have a cast vibe that is close-knit and tight, and I think the audience will see that. They will assume we have been performing together for years, but we’ve all just met. I also want to mention the safety of the theater. The staff has done an excellent job with cleanliness of the building. Feel safe about coming to the theater. We will all practice easy, but necessary precautions and have a blast with Music in Motion.” The show is directed and choreographed by Executive Director Scott Daniel, featuring some of the country’s best professional talent on and off stage. Scott says, “We had a national search for designers and cast to elevate the productions presented at the Playhouse, to a level never seen before on our stage.” So go to highlandsplayhouse.org and get ready to reserve a safe and first-class seat this October for Music in Motion.

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Half-Mile Farm

GlenCove Half-Mile Farm

Half-Mile Farm

Southern Botanics

There’s a bit of mountain magic embedded within each creation of Southern Botanics.

hen you witness the creations of Douglas and Austin Davis-Selph, which positively thrum with charm and a vibrant lifeforce, you’re bound to detect an underlying echo of the Plateau’s natural bounty. You can see these works of art at Acorn’s, and Half-Mile Farm and the GlenCove Clubhouse and at the reimagined High Hampton Inn. They’re infused with that distinctive Plateau aesthetic because native-grown plants are the foundation of each work of art. “All of our creations are foraged locally,” says Douglas. “The 35 pieces of original pressed botanical art we made for High Hampton all feature plants and flowers from either their property or from elsewhere on the Plateau.” In fact, that reverence for the plants of the Plateau lies at the heart 98 O c t o b e r 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

of Douglas and Austin’s Southern Botanics. The duo learned early in life that Ralph Waldo Emerson may have said it best when he said, “the earth laughs in flowers.” Both grew up in Georgia, Douglas in south central Georgia, and Austin in Atlanta, and both are influenced by early memories of their parents and grandparents instilling a curiosity about, and love of nature, plants, and flowers in them. Initially indulging in their love of nature only as a hobby and a source of calm, they realized that their passion was to turn this hobby into a business and Southern Botanics was born. Working with flowers and finding inspiration in nature, they create timeless works of art from those elements. Austin quickly hung up his suit and tie and left the corporate world

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Douglas and Austin Davis-Selph

High Hampton

behind, devoting his full attention to Southern Botanics. For those wishing to create lasting artwork commemorating Doug still practices commercial real estate law in Atlanta with their wedding, engagement, birthday celebrations, anniversaries Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP or proms, they will press your flowers and creates his artwork in his into framed keepsakes, and can off-times. incorporate invitations, photos and other The 35 pieces of original pressed He says, “it is a welcome diversion memorabilia into their final design. botanical art we made for High from the stress of law practice.” You can reach them for information Hampton all feature plants and flowers Southern Botanics specializes in on custom commissions by phone from either their property or from creating hand-crafted works of art at (404) 314-5650, or by email at elsewhere on the Plateau. by pressing, mounting and framing southernbotanics@gmail.com. They flowers, leaves and other plant also have Facebook and Instagram pages materials. The timeless beauty – just look for southernbotanics. of flowers ensures that their art fits into any décor, whether it be a mountain cabin, lake home or something a bit more grand. by Mary Jane McCall The unique nature of each work means that they’re the perfect gift for capturing a particular moment or mood.

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Gratitude for All Your Sacrifice

The success for HighlandsCashiers Chamber Music Festival’s 2021 season rests upon the effor ts of a small army of dedicated individuals and organizations.

Vega Quartet and Will Ransom

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s we lay out the successes and the remarkably smooth performances that played out over the course of our 40th Anniversary season, we here at the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival naturally begin to cast our gaze toward 2022. But before our attention is consumed by the tricky act of assembling programs and securing artists, I’d like to acknowledge the tremendous contributions made by hundreds of generous people. Their efforts ensured that the 2021 season could truly flourish, when so many factors could have delivered a Covidcramped season of performances. Though the season unfolded with astonishingly few snags, I have to admit that we were all aware of the uncertainty that accompanied public performances in the midst of a global pandemic. We required that our audiences produce proof of vaccinations or wear a mask while enjoying the performances. I take the fact that we were able to carry out these policies as certain proof that our audiences are among the finest in the country. Their adherence to these protocols meant that everyone was able to enjoy the performances without anxiety, the way they should be experienced. An enterprise with as many moving parts as the HC Chamber Music Festival relies upon a dedicated army of volunteers and community organizations. That includes the men and women who provided housing for our musicians. Some opened their homes, others finagled and juggled

places where the performers could decompress in the midst of a hectic summer. Their dedication was mirrored by the people who served as hosts for our series of Feasts and Salons. These events are comprised of a thousand details, and each is vital to the financial stability of the festival. Thank you to everyone who embraced these challenges and ensured that each was memorable. I can’t forget the special event venues, which allowed us to expand our performance spaces beyond the Village Green Commons and the Highlands Performing Arts Center – The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts, and the exquisite Orchard House of Old Edwards Inn. This unique artistic endeavor is powered by a very involved board of directors who work throughout the year, not simply in the seven weeks of the festival’s summer season. And finally, let me single out our indefatigable Board President Martha Pearson and the always-astonishing Artistic Director, William Ransom. They shepherded us through a dizzying year of tumult and change, and they did it without losing their determination and their gentle good humor. So let me ask all of these people to take a bow. You ensured that the show would go on, and what a show it turned out to be! by Nancy Gould-Aaron Executive Director, Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival

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The Great

Pandemic

Highlands-Cashiers Players offers The Great Pandemic at Highlands Per forming Ar ts Center October 14-17 and October 21-24, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:30 PM. For more information, visit highlandsper formingar ts. com and click on the HCP link.

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Rehearsing for The Great Pandemic in September

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n The Great Pandemic, local playwright Craig Eister looks back at the emotional aftermath of the Pandemic and tries to make sense of the year’s events. Eister’s script is an impressive accomplishment - a parody, a tribute, and a reckoning, all in one. Eister sets up the premise at the beginning of the first act. The Board of Directors of a local drama club is meeting following 2020, trying to decide on their next play. Discussion ensues – one member argues for a musical, another for a mystery, and a third for a love story. Trying to persuade the others of the superiority of their vision, they each act out a skit. What emerges is a play within a play. By the end of the first act, the group realizes they will produce more compelling entertainment if they combine their ideas into a single story. The second act intertwines the play’s three themes – a noir crime story that embraces a love tale and breaks into song. There is an overlapping of plots in the miniseries of actions that follow. The actors are locked into a building when someone is murdered, and as they struggle to figure out who did it, the audience looks on as two of the characters fall in love. The script is filled with the pointed details of life during the Pandemic – zoom calls, sanitizing, and masks – and many scenes are anchored to local places. Yet, it also emphasizes the more

consequential fallout of the period – racial tensions and job loss. Running throughout is Eister’s message of diversity – that all lives matter and that, “At the end of the day I want everyone to leave the theater thinking that everyone is an individual and you create a better world when everyone works together.” Eister juggles all these themes with humor and wraps them inside what is essentially a comedy. “I want people to leave feeling like they have laughed, to feel uplifted after a challenging year, that it is possible to go out once again and have a good time.” The music was co-written by Eister and musician/music minister Les Scott. Eight performances of the original play, The Great Pandemic, are scheduled four each week: October 14-17 and October 21-24, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:30 PM. Guests will be seated bistro style, and beverages will be available for purchase. All tickets are $30 plus tax and fees. For more information, visit: highlandsperformingarts.com and click on the HCP link. by Marlene Osteen

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Where Nature & Art Link

A reverence for nature lies at the hear t of Jo Ridge Kelley’s beguiling creations.

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he art of Jo Ridge Kelley celebrates the exacting and spirited tradition of Plein-Air Painting. It’s an art form that can be traced back to at least the mid 18th century when landscapists made preliminary oil sketches on the spot, working directly from nature. And no one in our region expresses it better than Kelley, a studio and Plein air painter who lives and works in Waynesville and Asheville. Her work is inspired by and reflects her Quaker background, growing up on a dairy farm in Sophia, North Carolina, where she developed an intimate connection with nature. Later in drawing and art studies at UNC Charlotte, she was influenced by the works of the great Impressionist artists – Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Kelley’s view of Western North Carolina is a study of its mountains, lakes, and lily ponds, painted in ribbons of exuberant hues and texture – an homage to the bond that links art to nature. She is well-known for portraying nature on its terms, taking on heroic subjects such as Whitewater Falls. Not interested in “describing every detail,” she renders them in a vibrant expressionistic style that utilizes both bold and unexpected color relationships, often on oversized canvases. The impact of her work is stunning with abstract, yet recognizable images interwoven with an intense palette of deep shadows and lights. The effect of the interplay of these elements forces the viewer to appreciate and ponder the overwhelming splendor and power of

the natural world. She says, “It’s impossible for me to live here surrounded by these ancient mountains and the rising mist and not paint them. I deeply feel the peace and serenity from the mountain top. I will always strive to capture those emotions in my art.” Kelley’s works are held in private and corporate collections throughout the country and around the globe. She enjoys creating large, commissioned paintings of mountain landscapes, waterfalls, and coastal scenes. “This is what I love to do and feel very passionate about,” she says. “Bring the beauty and energy of nature inside where you can feel the essence of the place. I want to share the joy of my experience being out there.” Her work has been featured in regional and national publications including American Art Collector Magazine. More information can be found at joridgekelley.com. by Marlene Osteen

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Jeanie Edwards

Fine Art Gallery

Jeanie Edwards’ new galler y at 223 South 4th Street in Highlands is sunshine-suffused and ser ves as the per fect embodiment of her lavish notions and f lights of fancy.

eanie Edwards knows Highlands. She’s a fourth-generation Highlander related to the founders of the Old Edwards Inn. She also knows art. She became a painter through sheer tenacity of spirit, but the skill has established for her a rewarding path that has included life as a muralist, art teacher, acrylic painter of pets, wildlife, and abstract portrait and landscapes, and eventually gallery owner. It’s the latter endeavor that has made recent news in her native town. Her two-year-old Jeanie Edwards Fine Art Gallery moved in April 2021 from 221 North 4th Street to 223 South 4th Street. Edwards was looking for a better gallery space to fit a pandemicadjusted business plan and was told there were no rentable spaces available in downtown Highlands. Yet, her son saw a “For Rent” sign being placed in a window and within the day Edwards had secured her new gallery space. “The gallery is focused on local artists and a variety of fine arts. I represent myself and 15 others, such as Pauline Marr and Kim Woodman, who are both area painters; local potters, such as Heather Mae Erickson; photographers Gil and Jacquelyn Leebrick; jewelers Benson and Chrissy Picklesimer; silversmith Robert Doe; and more. 106 O c t o b e r 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

I also carry a collection of fair trade items from jewelry to candles. These benefit other countries such as India and Bolivia. I also have handmade items from Haiti, where I have taught art.” Edwards lives with her husband, Bryan, and two of their four children in her grandparent’s house in walking distance of downtown. “My family’s been in Highlands since the late 1800s,” she said. “In fact, the community came together in 1946 and built the house for my grandparents [Dan and Hazel Edwards] when their previous house burned down. So to live here and work here is wonderful.” The gallery’s list of artists is featured on jedwardsfineart.com as well as Facebook and Instagram. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.; closed during January and February. Wine and a featured artist demonstration happens every Saturday at 11:00 A.M. by Deena Bouknight

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What Stirs

Within

There’s a touch of transcendence in Michele Page Webster’s evocative works.

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s a child growing up in Florida, Michele Page Webster was ensorcelled by the natural beauty that surrounded her. She intuited the subtle interaction of light and color and texture that gave the world its richness and its endless capacity to surprise. Page began to imagine paintings in her mind and how they should be composed long before picking up a brush. With all of that percolating in her imagination, she was ready to absorb the principles of design. These fundamental elements are Scale, Progression, Texture, Color and Lighting. Today, she applies them to her paintings with an engineer’s precision, yet tempered by an artist’s instincts shaped by a lifetime of study and practice. The nimble imagination that she began to cultivate as a child allows her to experiment in her choices of media. This progression has given her works a subtle freedom and allows a full spectrum of colors and textures and emotional shadings. Today, she finds expression on canvas. Page paints many different subjects, and enjoys using different genres. You can feel all of that when you gaze upon her art. There’s something about the colors and the very specific placement of her figures. Her landscapes invite contemplation – they’re familiar, even comforting, but there’s an element of unearthliness about them as well.

Remember when we were talking about the influence of the natural world on young Page’s artistic sensibilities? Well, she still maintains that essential connection between her art and the mysteries of creation, this time shading into the mystical. It was when she took her art to Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico, that she discovered El Santuario de Chimayo, a Catholic shrine and National Historic Landmark known for its “Holy Soil” that’s said to have miraculous curative powers. Inspired and feeling a powerful and irrefutable communion with the Sacred, Page gathered a small sampling of this earth, and brought it home. Today, she incorporates small amounts of the soil into some or her art, saying that, “the Holy Soil blesses the art and the home.” If this seems like a fanciful notion, the best proof of its truth is to view her creations in person. Page’s art can be viewed by private appointment. You can contact her directly at (850) 322-7660 or by visiting pagetheartist.com. by Luke Osteen

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DINING Pages 116-128

photo by Susan Renfro

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Skyline’s Got

the Sizzle

A meal at Oak Steakhouse, located at 470 Skyline Lodge Road in Highlands, is a deeply indulgent affair that acts as a tonic for the cares of 21st centur y life. Reser vations are a must – call (828) 526-4008 or or visit skyline-lodge.com/eat.

hen I made reservations to Oak Steakhouse at Skyline Lodge, my head was dancing with visions of classic steakhouses from the past – elegantly-overstuffed chairs and banquettes, the air thick with cigar smoke, and whispered conversations punctuated with rough laughter as politicians and mobsters staked out the course of elections and public “munificence” projects. It seemed impossible that such a setting could exist in the 21st century, let alone at Skyline Lodge, which for decades had defined itself as a getaway from precisely those environments. But the place’s new owners had promised a new look and a new energy, while still delivering on that promise of escape from the rigors and strain of life off the Plateau. We were first struck by the liberating design of the dining room itself. If you’d dined at the lodge over the last decade, you’ll recall the space being shaded and emitting an almost imperceptible chill,

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overdrawn by the gray granite surfaces. Now, mirroring the lodge’s Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, the space is inviting, with sleek lines and warm colors and subtle lighting. The three glass pendant light fixtures add an otherworldly feel that’s reflected in the vaulted space. The two original stone fireplaces extend the invitation that’s offered by the languid stroll to the dining room itself. There’s a patio area and the dining room opens upon a vista of woods and distant ridges. The energy of the place is upbeat and chic and deeply sensual. That’s reflected in the menu itself, which emphasizes locallysourced ingredients. And, of course, the grass-fed Certified Angus Beef that’s at the heart of this enterprise. Standouts from the appetizers were the Spinach Salad and the Smoked Trout Rillettes. Now the cynical among you may be shaking your head about spotlighting a Spinach Salad, as it’s been an inconspicuous

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supporting player in trendy restaurants since the 1970s. But this girl was laced with toasted pine nuts, dried cherries, chunks of Granny Smith apple and an irresistible sorghum vinaigrette. What a quintessential Highlands Autumnal Flavor! And then there were the entrees themselves. Clearly the grade of beef and the care taken in its preparation are the selling points of this restaurant. My buddy Michael ended up with the Dry-Aged Ribeye, and I devoured my Prime Ribeye. By comparison tasting, it was clear that the dry-aging process imparts a distinctive bleu-cheese flavor, which adds to the savor of each forkful. Ever the outlier, Stuart Ferguson (the Stuart who writes our monthly Local Literary History feature), ordered the Venison Wellington, a magnificent creation of rich venison complemented with smoked bacon, peach gastrique, and wild mushrooms, enrobed in a buttery pastry. Let’s let Stuart describe this showstopper: “As a confirmed Bonapartist partisan, it pains me to order a dish named after the evil victor of Waterloo, but my Venison Wellington was sooooo delicious and a definite culinary victory even if the duxelles in the

dish didn’t bar the road to Bruxelles, as Wellington’s victory at Waterloo did. It was moist and tasty and wonderful.” Well, I’ve once again squandered my word count. Let’s just say I could write another 300 words about this meal. And, were I more talented, compose an opera about our desserts. Let me just name them: Blackberry Sorbet adorned with Lemon Zest; Sorghum Caramel Cake (paired with Sorghum Ice Cream), and Peach Souffle (presented with warm peach sauce, Honey Ice Cream and a delicate lace tuile). Be prepared to take your entree and sides home with you to ensure you have room for dessert. That’s not hpyerbole! Oak Steakhouse is located in Skyline Lodge on, of course, Skyline Lodge Road in Highlands. by Luke Osteen photos by Andrew Cebulka

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Embracing Clean Food-Eating

Fallon Hovis’ unforgettable Bok Choy and Spinach Ravioli makes for a healthy and deeply satisfying meal.

oet-farmer-activist Wendell Berry wrote that, “to eat responsibly one ought to ‘deal directly with a local farmer’ and learn, in self-defense, as much as you can of the economy and technology of industrial food production.” Fallon Hovis, the new director at Highlands Center for Life Enrichment, who formerly lived in Western Pennsylvania., agrees. Ten years ago, she and her husband determined to embrace “clean food eating.” “I believe that wholesome and nutritious food starts with fresh organic ingredients.” For the Hovises, heeding that directive and committing to eating only healthy foods, free of preservatives and pesticides, has meant growing their own food. She’s known for recipes like this one for stuffed ravioli, procuring the ingredients directly from her four-season garden. In late summer, she stocks up on tomatoes, and in winter, she cultivates cold-loving and short-day daylight vegetables like spinach and bok choy in unheated tunnels. “Knowing that every ingredient excluding the flour and cheese comes from our humble piece of land gives me extra warmth.”

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Bok Choy and Spinach Homemade Ravioli a combination that is certainly meant to be. For Pasta Dough 2 cups All-Purpose Flour 2 Eggs 3 Egg Yolks 1/8 teaspoon Kosher Salt

Ingredients

For Filling 5 oz fresh Spinach Leaves, cleaned 5 oz fresh Bok Choy Leaves, cleaned 1 clove Garlic, finely diced 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh Parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Oregano 1 cup Whole Milk Ricotta 1/4 cup Grated Asiago Cheese 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Coarse Sea Salt and Pepper to taste

DI NI NG Directions 1. Bring a large saucepan of water to a rapid boil with salt. Plunge the spinach into the boiling water for 30 seconds, remove with a large mesh strainer and cool under cold running water. Repeat with bok choy. Stir the cooled green together with remaining ingredients for filling. 2. Put flour and salt in a large bowl, making a well in the middle. In a small bowl, beat together the eggs and the yolks, then pour into the well in the flour. Mix with a fork until the flour begins to clump together. When the mixture becomes too hard to stir with a fork, use your hands. Knead dough in the bowl or on a lightly floured board until it is quite stiff and no longer sticky. Sprinkle with a little flour. Cover with plastic or a cloth, and let it rest for about 30 minutes. 3. Set up a pasta roller and spread a large work surface with kitchen towels. Divide dough into thirds and pass each through the widest setting twice. Reduce the roller width one setting, and again run each piece of dough through twice. Continue through each setting until all three pieces of dough have gone through rollers at the narrowest setting (No. 7 on most pasta machines). As you work, lay sheets of pasta on towels, covering them with more towels to keep them moist. 4. To fill ravioli, place a teaspoonful of filling at 1 1/2-inch intervals about 1 inch from the edge of one length of dough. Dip a pastry brush in water, and brush dough around filling, moistening all the way to the edges. Fold dough lengthwise over the filling, and press around

each scoop, pushing out any air and sealing ravioli. Press edges to seal completely. Dust finished ravioli with semolina or cornmeal. Cover with a kitchen towel and refrigerate for up to 1 day if not using immediately. 5. To cook ravioli, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ravioli and cook just until very al dente, about 2 to 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon or skimmer to scoop ravioli into a colander. 6. Toss with melted butter and roasted tomatoes and serve immediately. by Marlene Osteen

Fallon Hovis

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Zero Proof

Sunshine

If you’re looking to push Fall back and hang on to the tastes of Summer for one more sip, visit Four65 at 465 Main Street and treat yourself to a Four65 Absolute Summer (without the Absolut). You can taste the sunshine and the subtle blending of tar tness and strawberr y sweetness.

Absolute Summer

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lthough we’ve been covering the Plateau’s restaurant scene for our 19 years of existence, with occasional surveys of the boîtes serving booze, there’s one glaring omission that I’m embarrassed to say never occurred to me until this very moment. I’m the guy who hands out assignments for everything that’s featured on these pages. I’m the anonymous fellow who shows up at these places and partakes of their offerings. And I’m the writer who relies upon his friends to sample the brews and pours and surprising libations. You see, I’m a tee-totaler and have never developed a sophisticated palate for the stuff, be it the local craft beers that’ve sprung up like dandelions in a June meadow, or the storied labels of Ristorante Paoletti, or the carefully-calibrated concoctions served up nightly at 4118. And that’s despite the wise wine tastings offered by the patient Carolyn McCall of Horse Cove, or the generous counsel of Chad Boswell at The Orchard in Cashiers. They tried, but ultimately it was like reading John Keats to a water buffalo. Finally, finally, it hit me – why not spotlight those mocktails that have been served up to sober folks like me for decades? There’s a vast field of sweet and bitter and endlessly surprising drinks out there, begging to be sampled and savored. So we’ve started this experiment with a visit to the bustling Four65

on Highlands’ Main Street. First of all, let me acknowledge the poise demonstrated by our server who, without a trace of condescension, steered me away from ordering the Four65 Old Fashion. It would, she explained, be a cocktail glass filled with an undrinkable slurry of Orange Bitters and Chocolate Bitters, delivered with a couple spoonfuls of syrup. I ended up with the Four65’s Absolute Summer (Without the Absolut). Well, it turns out that it’s a relentlessly cheerful postcard from a summer memory. A fun blend of Strawberry Juice, Iced Tea, Lemonade and Fresh Strawberry Purée. I savored it like my table companions, who were stoked by ginned up drinks that couldn’t have been any more sweetly fulfilling. It all means that if you’re like me, you can venture beyond the safe waters of club soda or Coke to enjoy the concoctions devised by a clever bar (and served up by an understanding waitress). Four65 Absolute Summer (without the Absolut) Combine three ounces of Lemonade, three ounces of Unsweetened Tea, and one ounce of Strawberry Purée. Shake, strain, and garnish with a Strawberry. by Luke Osteen

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North Georgia

Winery Tour

Bordeaux, Napa Valley and...Tiger, Georgia? We’re serious! The Center for Life Enrichment has a tour of the star tling Stonewall Creek Winer y, October 12. Visit clehighlands.com for more information.

ow about trying some wines from the North Georgia mountains, produced from grapes grown on ancient soil in the tiny town of Tiger, Georgia? It’s a region that has been recently getting attention for the quality of its current wine and the exciting promise of what is to come. A chance to gain a better understanding of why “the Peach State” is emerging as a prominent wine-growing region is offered by the Center for Life Enrichment Stonewall Creek Winery tour and luncheon on October 12. Stonewall Creek Vineyards straddle a picturesque valley bordered by Glassy Mountain, Crunkleton Ridge, and the Chattahoochee

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National Forest. A visit to the winery offers a tour of its immaculately groomed grape rows ending with traditional rose bushes, a vegetable garden, and a classic old barn set in a pasture next to the gurgling Stonewall Creek. In 2004, founders Carla and Carl Fackler purchased an old apple orchard and began planting grapes, starting with Malbec. Over the next three years, they expanded their plantings to include other European varietals, along with Tannat and Petit Manseng. In 2018 friends of the Facklers, Sandi and Mark Diehl, purchased the winery. Mark and Carl had shared a common medical background as orthopedic surgeons. In 2010, the Diehls learned that the Facklers

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were planting grapes in northeast Georgia; they began visiting the winery, helping with plantings and harvest. Over the years, Carl taught Mark how to take meticulous care of a vineyard, and when the Facklers decided to retire, the Diehls jumped at the chance to turn their passion into a vocation. The Diehls carry on the tradition started by the Fackler’s – to produce fine wines from European grapes that express the unique Rabun County terroir. Visitors to the retro-style winery will learn the wine-making process and be treated to samples of wines. Perhaps there will be a taste of the winery’s award-winning Cabernet Franc. If you fancy a big gulp of juicy fresh fruit – think blackberries and other ripe berries and tobacco – then this is the wine for you. Unlike most Cabernet Franc, it has smooth tannins and zero pretenses. Light lunch will follow the tasting. Visit clehighlands.com for more information.

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Women of the

Cuisine World The November 13 Chef Dinner at Half-Mile Farm brings the authentic f lavors of New Orleans to the Plateau.

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Chef Sue Zemanick

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n Saturday, November 13, Half-Mile Farm will host yet another lavish chef dinner. This incarnation features the extraordinary talents and presence of two exceptional and accomplished women: Chef Sue Zemanick of Zasu in New Orleans and the author of Mosquito Supper Club, Melissa Martin. They’ll be joined at the table by Paula Kornell Sparkling Wines, the namesake brand of yet another female luminary, one of Napa Valley’s leading women in wine. Few cities epitomize the joy of hospitality and celebration of food as does New Orleans. Since assuming the Executive Chef position at the iconic Restaurant Gautreau in 2005, Zemanick has scooped up every award the restaurant industry proffers – including James Beard Best Chef South and Top Ten Best New Chef by Food & Wine Magazine. Her status and national prominence are continually reaffirmed with regular television appearances, acting as a judge on Top Chef New Orleans and participating in seasons 3 and 5 of Top Chef Masters. At Zasu, Zemanick has made Cajun cuisine her own, telling the tale in dishes like exquisite agnolotti, little pasta pouches that “melt in your mouth,” and pierogies filled with mushroom and draped with sweet, caramelized onion – an idiosyncratic dish related to her family Czech heritage. As to Melissa Martin, well let’s just say that Mosquito Supper Club was named a Best New Cookbook for Spring 2020 by Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, NPR’s The Splendid Table, Eater, Epicurious, and

more! The book is named for the New Orlean restaurant where she serves seasonal family-style recipes and a tribute to the table of her childhood, growing up in the coastal Louisiana town of Chauvin. As Bill Addison said in his review in the LA Times: “Her book is a love letter to Cajun culture in which she lays out plainly the history of the Acadian diaspora, her feelings on inaccurate portrayals of Cajuns and their foodways (no one is shouting “Bam!” or blackening Redfish) and the effects of climate change as her homeland slowly disappears into rising waters.” Paula Kornell Wines, launched in 2019, reviving a tradition that her father began in 1958 with the founding of Kornell Champagne Cellars. Today she carries on the family legacy with the production of two sparkling wines, a California Brut and a Napa Valley Blanc de Noir – wines that regularly appear on Sommeliers Choice Awards and critic favorites “must wines to try.” Surely this is the dinner we’ve all been waiting for – an amalgam of tantalizing new taste treats, and a joyous jaunt through the culinary haunts of New Orleans. This is just one of the fabulous line-ups of other chefs visiting Highlands this year. For more information visitoldedwardshospitality. com/calendar-of-events/suezemanick. Dinner is currently sold out. by Marlene Osteen

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DDI INNI INNGG thelaurelmagazine.com/cuisine

Ad On Page

Take Out

Outdoor Dining

Live Entertainment

Dress Code

Reservations Recommended

Wine

Vegetarian Selections

Meals

The Restaurants of the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

Full Bar

Plateau Dining Guide

Children’s Menu

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

64 Highlands Plaza

(828) 526-5002

L, D, SB

20 Old Mud Creek Road, Scaly

(828) 526-0803

B, L, D

The Bistro at Wolfgang’s

460 Main Street

(828) 526-3807

Calder’s Cafe

384 Main Street

(828) 200-9308

B, L

Reservations Required

(828) 526-4446

B, L

465 Main Street

(828) 787-2990

L ,D

Village Square, 470 Oak Street

(828) 526-4188

L ,D

595 Franklin Road

(828) 526-3554

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455 Main Street Highlands, NC

(828) 787-2525

350 S. Fifth Street

(828) 526-2110

L, D

Smallwood Avenue

(828) 526-9419

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490 Carolina Way

(828) 526-1019

D, SB

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470 Skyline Lodge Rd

(828) 482-4720

D, SB

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Highway 64 (Franklin Road)

(828) 526-2338

D, SB

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440 Main Street

(828) 526-4906

Main Street

(828) 526-0383

L, D

HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS 4118 Kitchen + Bar Bella’s Junction Cafe

Fire + Water Restaurant Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar Fressers Courtyard Cafe Highlands Smokehouse Hummingbird Lounge *

The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering

Lakeside Restaurant Meritage Bistro Oak Steakhouse at Skyline Lodge On the Verandah Paoletti’s *Rosewood Market

476 Carolina Way

Truckin at The High Dive

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L, D

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(828) 526-8364

L, D, SB

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460 Main Street

(828) 526-3807

The Greystone Inn

220 Greystone Lane

(828) 966-4700

B, L, D, SB n

The Orchard

Highway 107 South

(828) 743-7614

14 Raggedy Lane

(828) 547-1300

25 Frank Allen Road

(828) 743-3000

L, D, SB

45 Slabtown Road

(828) 743-7711

B, L, SB

Wolfgang’s Restaurant

n NC

298 South 4th Street

The Ugly Dog Pub

n 118

n NC

CASHIERS AREA RESTAURANTS

Town & Country General Store Deli The Ugly Dog Pub Zookeeper B Breakfast

Lunch

D Dinner

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

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SB Sunday Brunch

Takeout Only

Pizza Place - (828) 526-5660 Ruffed Grouse (828) 526-2590 Subway - (828) 526-1706 Tug’s Proper - (828) 526-3555 Wild Thyme Gourmet - (828) 526-4035 CASHIERS AREA RESTAURANTS Buck’s Coffee Cafe - (828) 743-9997 Canyon Kitchen - (828) 743-7967 Cashiers Farmers Markket (828) 743-4334 Cashiers Village Tavern (828) 482-8743 Chile Loco - (828) 743-1160 Cornucopia Restaurant - (828) 743-3750 Cork & Barrel Lounge - (828) 743-7477 El Manzanillo - (828) 743-5522

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Dress Code: C Casual

NC Nice Casual

J Jacket

JJ’s Eatery and Canteen - (828) 743-7778 Mica’s Restaurant - (828) 743-5740 Mountain Cafe - (828) 577-0469 Panthertown Cafe LLC (828) 862-366 Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company - (828) 743-0220 Subway - (828) 743-1300 The Falls Cafe and Grill - 828-877-3322 The Library Kitchen and Bar - (828) 743-5512 Slopeside Tavern - (828) 743-8655 Table 64 - (828) 743-4135 Villa Amato (828) 885-7700 Wendy’s - (828) 743-7777 Whiteside Brewing Company - (828) 743-6000 Winslow’s Hideaway - (828) 743-2226

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Ad On Page

Pet Policy

Banquet Facilities Wireless Internet

Cable/Satellite TV

In Room Microwave/Fridge

Exercise Facility

Accommodations on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

Whirlpool Rooms

On Site Restaurant

Plateau Lodging

On Site Bar/Lounge Pool

thelaurelmagazine.com/lodging

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

Black Bear Lodge of Sapphire

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oldedwardsinn.com | (866) 526-8008 n n n n n n n n n

1600 Golden Road | Lake Toxaway, NC

earthshinenc.com | (828) 862-4207 n n

Fire Mountain

700 Happy Hill Rd | Scaly Mountain

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

Greystone Inn

220 Greystone Ln | Lake Toxaway

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

Earthshine Lodge

445 Main St | Highlands

Old Edwards Inn and Spa

470 Skyline Lodge Rd | Highlands

Skyline Lodge

skyline-lodge.com n n

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VACATION RENTALS The Vineyard at 37 High Holly 37 High Holly Road | Scaly Mountain thevineyardat37highholly.com | (828) 505-6190

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VACATION RENTAL AGENCIES Berkshire Realty Vacation Rentals

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

131

401 N 5th St | Highlands

highlandsiscalling.com | (828) 526-3717

Landmark Vacation Rentals

17 US Hwy 64 E | Cashiers

landmarkvacations.com | (877) 926-1780

Rent in Highlands - CCP

507 Main Street | Highlands

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

341 Hwy 64 W, Ste 102 | Cashiers

ncliving.com | (828) 743-1999

250

Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals

Silver Creek Vacation Rentals

CASHIERS, NC: High Hampton Resort - (800) 648-4252 Hotel Cashiers - (828) 743-7706 The Lakehouse - (904) 753-0247 Landmark Vacation Rentals- (877) 926-1780 Mountain Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-0258 The Orchard Guest Cottage - (828) 743-7614 Pebble Creek Village - (828) 743-0623 Reid Resort Rentals - (828) 743-5955 Silver Creek Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-1999 The Wells Hotel A Cashiers Experience - (828) 761-6289 GLENVILLE, NC: Innisfree Bed & Breakfast - (828) 743-2946 Mountain Lake Rentals - (828) 743-6875 Prime Property Rentals - (828) 743-3482 HIGHLANDS, NC 200 Main - (855) 271-2809 Berkshire Realty Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-1717 Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-3717

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The Chateau - (561) 613-1496 Fairview House - (866) 526-8008 Half Mile Farm - (855) 271-7246 Highlander Mountain House - (828) 526-2590 Highlands House Bed and Breakfast - (828) 787-1186 Highlands Inn - (828) 526-9380 Highlands Inn Lodge - (828) 526-5899 Highlands Resort Rentals - (828) 526-5839 The Inn at Mill Creek - 828-526-9999 The Lodge at Old Edwards - (828) 787-2560 Lullwater House - (423) 488-2799 Mitchell’s Lodge & Cottages - (828) 526-2267 Old Edwards Inn and Spa - (866) 526-8008 Park on Main - (800) 221-5078 Ray’s Roost - (678) 534-6870 Rent in Highlands - CCP - (800) 684-2171 x 302 Rockwood Lodge - (828) 526-8919 The Wells Hotel - (828) 482-7736 Whiteside Cove Cottages - (828) 526-2222

SAPPHIRE, NC Black Bear Lodge of Sapphire - (828) 553-6535 Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-3441 Foxhunt At Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-7667 Hampton Inn & Suites Cashiers-Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-4545 Mt Toxaway Lodge & Motel - (828) 966-4582 Sapphire Run at Whisper Lake - (863) 412-5734 Whispering Falls - (352) 470-4085 Woods at Buc - (770) 714-9211 SCALY MOUNTAIN, NC: Fire Mountain - (800) 775-4446 The Vineyard at 37 High Holly - (828) 505-6190 LAKE TOXAWAY, NC Cabins at Seven Foxes - (828) 877-6333 Greystone Inn - (828) 966-4700 Lake Toxaway Realty Company - (828) 508-9141 DILLARD, GA: Julep Farms - (706) 960-9600

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SHOPPING Pages 134-143

photo by Charles Johnson

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COMFORT AND QUALITY Dramatically transform your living space with the rustic look of weathered leather—at a fraction of the cost. Washed in earthy tones, the generous back and seating support envelops you in comfort and quality. Larkinhurst Sofa | sale $799 while supplies last Carolina Rustic Furniture | Cashiers

SCENTFULLY AUTUMN Inspired by Hummingbird Lounge’s Barrel Aged Cider cocktail, this candle ignites with the warm glow and spiced scents of Fall. An exceptionally tasty bonus is the enclosed cocktail recipe. Barrel Aged Cider Candle | $24 Hummingbird Lounge Highlands

HIGHLANDS MEMORIES Take home a reminder of your time in Highlands with a beautifully stylized art poster depicting favorite local scenes. Available at Calders, The Bascom, and Highland Hiker or online at theplateau.co Sunset Rock Art Poster | $ 40 The Spirit of Highlands | Highlands

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u a e t a l P s P ick

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

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TABLE ART Handcrafted in Georgia, this stoneware set envokes a surreal, peaceful mountain landscape from the artist’s creative overlapping blue, green and brown glazes.

WEAR AND SHARE

Cream and Sugar Pottery Set | $36 Calders Coffee Cafe | Highlands

Your kids will fall in love with reading (and then fall into bed) with this adorable Books to Bed collection! They’ll love turning the pages of their favourite books and seeing the beloved stories illustrated on their sleepwear. Baby Coverall and Book Set | $55 Larger sizes coming soon S’More Kids Klothes | Highlands

NATURALLY, LOVE

THE EYES HAVE IT

Accent your home with your love for the outdoors. This textured, heavy duty metal wall decor features a layered, dimensional design inspired by our local black bears.

Add a snap of color to your home with this striking original painting. Local artist Peggy Marra captures the wisdom and mystery of the Horned Owl in her beautiful 14”x11” oil on canvas.

Bear in Forest Wall Art | $89 Mountain Cafe | Toxaway

Horned Owl Original Painting | $650 Ann Lea Fine Art Gallery | Cashiers

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Savvy Shoppers

Rejoice

Bargains and fresh new looks are offered at these exclusive consignment shops These days consignment shopping has taken on an entirely new vibe on the Plateau.

he real estate market is on fire and with all the selling and purchasing, and coming and going, people are cleaning out their closets and their homes like never before. That’s good news for savvy shoppers because many of those pieces make their way to local consignment shops. Whether it’s home furnishings, lighting, arts, florals, rugs, home accessories, or men or women’s clothing you’ll likely find what you’re looking for. Let the shopping begin! Full House Gallery in Highlands at 66 Highlands Plaza is an interesting mix of art gallery and high-end furniture and home décor consignment shop. An artistic flare resonates throughout this bright and colorful business. Here you will find furniture, lighting and accessory consignments, as well

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Full House Gallery

as new pieces. They also feature original art from local and regional artists to complete your vision. Hours are Monday-Saturday 10:30 A.M. until 5:30 P.M.. The Blue Elephant at 2248 Dillard Road in Highlands is a fine furniture and home décor consignment studio that offers items for indoors and out. Their showroom of over 3,000 square feet ensures that they will also offer an impressive selection. Inventory here

The Blue Elephant

is constantly changing as new items come in and old items are sold, so check by often to see what’s new, and treat yourself and your pocketbook to a new treasure. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Nearly New at 60 Village Walk Way in Cashiers is another treasure trove of fun, fabulous finds for your home. From artwork, lighting, desks, pillows, pottery, recliners, rugs and accessories to bedroom, living and

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Nearly New

dining room furniture they seem to have it all, and they are more than happy to help you find just what you’re looking for. Each day brings new items so stop by often and see what new piece inspires you.

The Consignment Market at 12 Chestnut Square offers an artfully-arranged assortment of home furnishings and décor, as well as an outdoor pavilion featuring something for your every outdoor need and look. Whether you’re shopping for one perfect piece, an entire room, or a whole house, they will work with you to find just what you need. They also offer an extensive inventory of new lampshades. Victoria’s Closet

The Consignment Market

Victoria’s Closet, Vic’s for Men, and Victoria’s Shoes and Purses, all located on Marmalade Lane in Cashiers, are your

Vic’s for Men

go to shops on the plateau for the finest in clothing consignments. With over 7,500 square feet of retail space between them, these three stores offer thousands of items for men and women, ranging from everyday wear, designer wear, dresses, suits, athletic clothing, shoes, purses, estate jewelry and furs, to new overstock items with tags still attached. You’ll find the perfect look here, no matter the occasion. by Mary Jane McCall

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Bound to

Love it

Bounds Cave’s Rug Galler y’s dazzling collection of hand-knotted treasures is made even more inviting during its storewide sale throughout October. For more information, visit this exclusive emporium at 763 Highway 107 South in Cashiers.

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Judy Brown and Mark Petrancosta

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ounds Cave’s Rug Gallery at 763 Highway 107 South in collector, there’s a rug for your every need here. Take advantage of the Cashiers is celebrating their 24th anniversary this October deep discounts offered in October and you’ll get quality and price that with a storewide sale on their extensive collection of is unparalleled. handmade rugs. Bounds Cave’s diverse selection of rugs, carefully curated from Their entire inventory of rugs will be discounted from 10 to around the world, coupled with their extensive knowledge and 50 percent all month, so don’t miss exceptional customer service, makes the this opportunity to purchase the rug of gallery your one-stop shop. Whether you’re Owners Mark Petrancosta and Judy your dreams. looking for that one special rug or need to Brown personally choose their inventory Owners Mark Petrancosta and Judy furnish an entire house you will find what you of handwoven and hand-knotted rugs Brown personally choose their inventory need here, including the finest in rug pads. from all over the world. of handwoven and hand-knotted rugs Don’t forget that they also offer a large from all over the world. They’re proud to selection of outdoor rugs by Sunbrella, a say that they offer something from every name known for durable, quality rugs for rug-making country in the world. your outdoor lifestyles. With over 40 years’ experience in the rug business, the last 24 Stop by their sale in October, find your perfect rug and they’ll of those in Cashiers, their keen eye and expertise ensure that their happily deliver so you can begin to enjoy your new rug without a worry carefully chosen inventory is of the highest quality. in the world. Price, quality, knowledge and friendly service, it’s all Whatever your décor style, you’ll find the perfect rug at Bounds here at Bounds Cave’s Rug Gallery. Cave’s. They offer traditional rugs, new and antique, as well as transitional and contemporary rugs, and at price points for by Mary Jane McCall all customers. For a client with a conservative budget all the way to the most serious

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All Things Gemstone

For Jannie Bean, par t of the magic of Jannie Bean Design is presenting the ex traordinar y beauty of gemstones incorporated into breathtaking designs. Discover that magic for yourself at 152 2nd Street in Highlands.

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ome things are meant to be, and some people are fortunate enough to find their passion early in life, and Jannie Bean of Jannie Bean Designs at 152 2nd Street in Highlands, is proof of that. During her junior year in college, Jannie accepted an apprenticeship doing wax work in jewelry design. The rest is history. She eventually purchased the Minnesota business she apprenticed at and has never looked back. Fast forward to 2016 when her husband, Tom, arranged a visit with his old college roommate who happened to live in Highlands. During that visit here they fell in love with the town and discovered a business for sale that was right up their alley. That business was Drake’s Diamond Gallery and once again, the rest is history. Jannie and Tom purchased the business, and they quickly rebranded it with their own vision. While diamonds are still their calling card, and a girl’s best friend, Jannie quickly infused the business with her creative mark and love of all things gemstone. Here you’ll also find pieces incorporating colorful stones – aquamarine, pink tourmaline, amethyst, opals, sapphires, citrine, tanzanite and pearls. The gallery is truly a place where everyone can find what they are looking for, and there is something for every budget and taste. Consider your classic sapphire, perhaps most loved in a classic ring setting surrounded by diamonds, but available here in not only that form, but also a modest band with smaller stones, and a modern, bold one-of-a-kind statement piece. Jannie Bean Designs is a full-service gallery and can repair, appraise or restore any of your pieces. They will also be happy to work with you to design the perfect new piece, or to reimagine a piece that you have that is just too special to part with, but not quite to your taste. Stop by today at 152 South 2nd Street or call them at (828) 526-5858. by Mary Jane McCall | photos by Susan Renfro

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A Year-Round Christmas Regardless of the calendar, a visit to The Christmas Tree at 357 Main Street in Highlands is the easiest way to infuse the Holiday Spirit in your hear t and your home.

Bob and Trish Kieltyka

Zoller

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ucked away in a cozy nook at 357 Main Street in Highlands, The Christmas Tree is one of those magical shops that transports you into a fantasy land of smiles and sparkles. Owners Bob and Trish Kieltyka and their attentive staff embrace the spirit of the Christmas season year-round, making for a most memorable shopping experience. Oh, the treasures you will find here. If it’s a keepsake ornament you’re looking for as a memento of Highlands they offer an extensive selection in a variety of materials. Whether it be hand-blown glass, wooden, classic, or with a mountain theme, you’ll find that perfect ornament with a variety of Highlands scenes and logos. Whatever you do don’t miss the hand blown, hand painted glass ornament depicting Dry Falls. Ornaments of every sort, kind and description are available here. Whatever your interest, favorite college, pet, or profession you’ll find an ornament to match. They have an extensive collection of ornaments for children, many can be personalized, as well as items for newlyweds and baby’s first Christmas. In addition to all these Christmas treasures they offer unique gift items along with Halloween and Thanksgiving décor. Dog lovers won’t want to miss items featuring your favorite breeds – from socks, lounge pants, slippers and coasters, to face masks and ornaments, you’ll find your breed here.

They feature an astonishing selection of Christopher Radko and Joy To The World ornaments. These hand-painted ornaments are a collectors dream and every tree deserves at least one. Then again, who can stop at one? Choose from Russian nesting dolls, German nutcrackers, Byers’ Choice Carolers, Dept.56 Grinch and Christmas Vacation villages, snow globes, advent calendars that are crafted to be handed down from generation to generation, and much more. Speaking of generations, Bob and Trish say their repeat customers include four generations. Customers who visited the store when it opened in 1975 return with their kids, grandkids and great grandkids. It’s a family tradition. That’s a tradition Bob and Trish, who have owned the shop for the last 19 years, love to share with repeat and new customers. Start your tradition today! by Mary Jane McCall

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Visit Our Advertisers WEST END

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

SOUTH END

25. 4118 Kitchen & Bar 26. Full House Gallery 27. Dauntless Printing 38. Lupoli Construction 39. Pat Allen Realty Group 47. ACP Home Interiors 48. Nancy’s Fancys/The Exchange 49. The Summer House Bed &Bath 50. The Summer House 57. Blue Elephant Consignment Studio 58. Head Innovations 59. Cake Bar & Chocolate Heaven

MAIN STREET

100. Main Street Nursery 101. Rosewood Market 103. Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 108. Summit Architecture 124. Landmark Realty 126. Shiraz Oriental Rug Gallery 132. Elevation: High Fashion for Women 134. The Southern Way 136. Dutchmans 141. Bags on Main 142. Main Street Gifts 146. Wit’s End Shoppe 147. Calders Coffee Cafe 148. Highlands Fine Art & Estate Jewelry + Wine Shop 152. Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty 153. Allison Diane Clothing 158. C. Orrico 159. Colonel Mustards 160. TJ Bailey for Men 163. Spoiled Rotten 166. Annawear 167. The Christmas Tree 169. Country Club Properties 174. Elena’s Women’s Golf and Activewear 175. S’More Kids Klothes 177. Oakleaf Flower & Garden 178. McCulley’s II 180. White Oak Realty Group 185. Ristorante Paoletti 187. The Dry Sink 189B. Smitten 190. Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro 191. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Meadows Mountain Realty 194. Old Edwards Inn 195. Madison’s Restaurant 196. The Wine Garden 197. Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar 201. Hudson Library 202. Country Club Properties 206. Business Spot 207. Creative Concepts Salon

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WRIGHT SQUARE on MAIN

(Factoid: Named after Whiteside hero) 113. Edward Jones 115. Preferred Properties of Highlands 117. Country ClubProperties, Wright Square Office 119. Highlands Pharmacy

ON THE HILL

302. Wish & Shoes 303. Mirror Lake Antiques 305. Jeanie Edwards Fine Art 310. McCulley’s 311. Martha Anne’s on the Hill 312. The Ugly Dog Public House 313. Old Edwards Inn 318. Peggy Crosby Center: - The Kitchen Carry Away & Catering 319. Lakeside Restaurant

SPRING VILLAGE

400. Jannie Bean Fine Custom Jewelry 406. Brookings

CAROLINA VILLAGE

601. Highlands Playhouse

707. Yoga Highlands 709. High Dive 709. Truckin’ at the High Dive 710. Meritage Bistro 711. Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals

VILLAGE PARK

NORTH END

OAK STREET

612. Jeannie Edwards Fine Art 613. Cleaveland Realty 615. Shakespeare & Co. 617. Fressers Courtyard Cafe

814. Highlands Cashiers Players 814. Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center

OUT NC 106 ➡ Peak Experience ➡ Futral Construction ➡ Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center ➡ Highlands Aerial Park ➡ Vineyard at 37 High Holly ➡ Fire + Water ➡ Bella’s Junction Cafe ➡ Pat Calderone Gallery

OUT 64 EAST ➡ Black Rock Granite ➡ Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services Meadows Mountain Realty ➡ WHLC ➡ Highlands Lawn & Garden ➡ Skyline Lodge/ Oak Steakhouse ➡ Highlands Rock Yard ➡ Futral Construction ➡ Center for Plastic Surgery ➡ The Brier Patch ➡ Cullasaja Club ➡ Pat Allen Realty Group ➡ Wildcat Cliffs Country Club ➡ Roman’s Roofing ➡ GlenCove

For a complete listing please visit our website, thelaurelmagazine.com. Being added to our listing is easy! Simply advertise with The Laurel.

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Visit Our Advertisers SLABTOWN 2. Zookeeper Bistro

NORTH 107 16. Stork’s - Wrap. Pack. Ship 19. The Look Boutique 20. Mountain Mermaid 21. Sashay Around Ladies Boutique

THE SHOPS AT CASHIERS COMMONS 25. Bella Cotn. 27. Bird Barn & Garden 28. Cashiers Kitchen Co. 29. The Business Spot 30. Bombshell Hair Boutique 33. Zoller Hardware

AT THE CROSSROADS 37. Landmark Realty Group

CHESTNUT SQUARE 43. A Jones Company 47. Lehotsky & Sons, Builders 55. Fusion Yoga & Wellness

121. Robin’s Nest 123. Caliber Fine Properties 128. Mountainworks Custom Home Design LTD. 131. Tampa Bay Trust Company 136. McKee Properties 137. Bounds Cave Rug Gallery 138. The Orchard Restaurant, Events Barn & Guest Cottage

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

WEST 64 155. Cashiers Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center 156. Creekside: - Silver Creek Real Estate Group 172. Whiteside Art Gallery 173. Betsy Paul Properties 176. Lenz Gifts

EAST 64 64. Alexander Gardens: - Victoria’s Closet - Victoria’s Closet Shoes & Purses - Vic’s for Men 75. Carolina Rustic Furniture 76. Blue Ridge Bedding 77. The Designers Market 78. Ann Lea Fine Art 79. Jennings Builders Supply

VILLAGE WALK 80. A-List Antiques 80. Josephine’s Emporium 80. Laura Moser Art 80. Merrell Thompson Photography 82. The Village Hound 86. Nora & Co. 89. Nearly New Furniture Consignment 90. Gracewear Boutique 99. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Meadows Mountain Realty

SOUTH 107 101. Narcissus 102. TJ Bailey’s for Men 103. Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming 104. Brookings Fly Shop & Cashiers Village Outfitters 108. Landmark Realty Group 109. Ugly Dog Public House 110. McCulley’s 111. Rusticks 112. Vivianne Metzger Antiques 115. J. Gabriel

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VISIT NORTON ➡ GlenCove ➡ Town and Country General Store

DOWN 107 SOUTH ➡ Silver Run Reserve

OUT 64 WEST ➡ Cedar Creek Club

VISIT CULLOWHEE ➡ Four Seasons Landscape

VISIT LAKE TOXAWAY ➡ The Greystone Inn ➡ Alair Homes ➡ Killer Bees ➡ Historic Toxaway Market ➡ Mountain Cafe ➡ Bear Tracks Travel Center ➡ Earthshine Lodge ➡ Headwaters Outfitters ➡ Healing Through Harmony ➡ Southern Highlands Reserve ➡ Balistreri Realty ➡ Historic Toxaway Foundation

VISIT SAPPHIRE : ➡ Black Bear Lodge ➡ Lonesome Valley ➡ Sapphire Valley Real Estate VISIT SYLVA : ➡ Imperial Security

, s r e i h s Ca arolina C th r o N For a complete listing please visit our website, thelaurelmagazine.com. Being added to our listing is easy! Simply advertise with The Laurel.

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L A K E T O X AWA Y

Water Lovers

Rejoice

Paddles in the Water! Headwaters Outf itters in Rosman makes it possible to experience the French Broad River. After wards,you can relive the adventure at the Forks of the River Taproom. Before you set out, visit headwatersoutf itters.com.

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emories are made in the great outdoors here on the Plateau and Headwaters Outfitters at 25 Parkway Road in Rosman, NC is the place to go to start your outdoor water adventure. Since 1992, this family owned and operated small business, has provided memorable canoe, kayak, tubing and fly-fishing trips across the French Broad River Watershed. Next year, 2022, they will celebrate 30 years of Headwaters. From the first of April to the End of October, guests can enjoy self guided or guided canoe or kayak trips on the first section of the Historic French Broad River. This class one section offers scenic and calm paddling trips for all skill levels and makes for a great place for beginners to try paddling on moving water. Year round, Headwaters offers Guided fly-fishing tours and Bass Charters that are led by their team of experienced professional guides. Guests can enjoy half day or full day outings on two pristine stretches of private water, or venture out to over 250 miles of public streams in and around the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forest. Whether it is your first time on the water or maybe you are an advanced angler, Headwater Outfitters can tailor a trip designed solely to your talents, tastes and needs. Don’t miss their October Guided Colors of Fall Paddling trip. What better way to enjoy autumn splendor, than by paddling a scenic river and feeling like you’re the only people in the world? Enjoy the colors and escape the crowds, that’s a win-win. Their outdoor store/fly shop offers a great selection of gear

and apparel and you’re likely to find some used boats, kayaks and accessories on sale during the fall season. Why not plan ahead and start your Christmas shopping and find that perfect gift for the water lover or fisherman on your list? Headwaters prides themselves in carrying leading American made products such as Thomas and Thomas Fly Rods, Wenonah Canoe and Dovetail workwear. Hours vary by season but during October the retail shop is open daily from 8:00 A.M. until 6:00 P.M. The Forks of the River Taproom is just steps away from the retail shop and often you can find local food trucks on site! So enjoy a cold beverage and lunch on the river while you’re there. The Taproom features local craft beers on tap, and a variety of beer, wine and cider to take with you on your next adventure. They often have entertainment during the season so keep a close eye on their Facebook and Instagram for a schedule of events. Every Tuesday night from 5:30-7:30, you can tie flies and talk fishing with their Fly fishing Guides. It is open to all skill levels and extra tools and materials are provided. You won’t want to miss a moment of this fun. Hours vary by season so visit their website at headwatersoutfitters. com for more info, as well as the aforementioned Facebook and Instagram pages. by Mary Jane McCall

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The Bursting

of Toxaway Dam

Toxaway’s prosperity waxed and waned with a gorgeous lake and a blight that cleared the chestnut forests.

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’ve been describing the fortunes of the Toxaway community over the last 100 years and its boom-and-bust fortunes that have made life here precarious. I’d draw your attention to the catastrophic bursting of the Lake Toxaway Dam In 1916 in the wake of massive rainfall. Unfortunately, all of Toxaway’s luxury resort standing at the time was predicated upon the beauty of Lake Toxaway, which was established by constructing an earthen dam upon the Toxaway River. Heavy rains during the summer of 1916 were compounded by a hurricane that pushed up from the Gulf of Mexico and flooded this corner of Western North Carolina. The dam that had created the lake collapsed in spectacular manner (you can see evidence of the mountain-scouring disaster in US 64 at Toxaway Falls). That marked the end of the lake and the end of the resort lifestyle. The arrival of the chestnut blight in the 1920s collapsed the logging industry that harvested the hardwoods carpeting the landscape around this portion of Transylvania County. Loggers and their families moved to other parts of the United States and Canada where deep forests promised better fortune. Although those twin blows would mark the end of plentiful work, Lucy Armstong, who built the Toxaway Inn during the boom times, didn’t abandon her community.

She had to shutter her inn after the loss of the lake, but Miss Lucy remained here. “She loved teaching women skills that included cooking, canning, and homemaking, and during the difficult days of the depression, Lucy created jobs on her estate for people,” says Shannon Ellis, who owns The Greystone Inn with her husband Geoff. “She loved children, often hosting picnics and paid for over two dozen young people to attend college.” In 1960, business partners Reg Heinitsh and Darnell Boyd formed the Lake Toxaway Company and bought 8,900 acres of land and rebuilt the dam, taking into consideration the soil and the possibility of enormous rainfalls. With the dam safely built, the lake filled to the dimensions that it enjoyed at the turn of the century, and Toxaway began to thrive as a resort and a second-home community. by Luke Osteen

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The massive rockface of Toxaway Falls is testament to a spectacular catastrophe.

I The Historic

Toxaway Falls

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f you travel on scenic US 64 between Sapphire and Rosman, you can’t miss the spectacular face of Toxaway Falls. There’s a nice wide shoulder on the dam side to pull over, park, and take a look. Lake Toxaway is on the upper side of the road, spilling over some very colorful bedrock in a 240-foot change drop before the river disappears into Gorges State Park. That stretch was carved by the escaping torrent of Lake Toxaway’s five billion gallons of water draining in the span of 18 minutes when Toxaway Dam collapsed in 1916. If you were to follow the course of Toxaway River from that devastated landscape, you’d find an enormous 60-foot-long boulder carried down the flood. About a half mile further down Toxaway River there’s a 60-foot long boulder weighing nearly 900 tons that

was moved there by the flood. Instead of a picture-postcard vision of beauty and tranquility, Lake Toxaway was transformed into 540 acres of drying mud, interspersed with shallow pools clogged with dying fish. You can park at several spots before and after the waterfall, and there are pedestrian walkways that guarantee you can view the spectacle without worry of being clipped by passing cars. Naturally, you never want to hike down to the rockface itself, or wade into the flow of water. In fact, that’s a good rule when you’re exploring any of the region’s waterfalls. by Luke Osteen

L A K E T O X AWA Y

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H ISTORY

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HISTORY Pages 166-171

photo by Susan Renfro photo by Susan Renfro

H ISTORY

The Great

Whitewater Falls

A trip to Whitewater Falls in 1885 was an all-day test of agility and stamina.

rom the viewpoint of a geologist, history is not a study of three hundred years back, but three million years back. Such local natural landmarks as Whiteside Mountain were shaped by millions of years of erosion. Left exposed were the tiny streams coming out of sheer rock which became the headwaters of several rivers. In just a few miles, these tiny streams become raging currents spilling over multiple waterfalls. I ran across a personal recollection by a vacationing New Yorker seeking to find and see the Great Whitewater Falls in the region of southeast Cashiers. One of Cashiers’ must-see tourists’ destinations, Whitewater Falls is located on the Jackson County/Transylvania County line in North Carolina, near the South Carolina state line.

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This New Yorker was visiting in the summer of 1885. He was Professor Charles Linden from Buffalo, who was staying at the Highlands House hotel in Highlands. Access to the falls was possible only by foot in 1885. Professor Linden was a German immigrant and was 54 at the time. Dr. James Madison Zachary was well-known locally as a dentist. His home was about five miles away, on a road now known as Norton Road between Cashiers and Highlands. Dr. Zachary’s dental equipment was portable, and he would often set up in the corner of the lobby of the Highlands House hotel, usually on Saturdays. Dr. Zachary told Professor Linden about the over-1,200 foot drop of the cascades of the falls known as the Upper Whitewater Falls. A city-slicker, Professor Linden pleaded with Dr. Zachary to take him

H ISTORY

there even though the excursion would be very difficult through the dense forest, with no roads, just overgrown paths to the Falls. Professor Linden arrived by horse-drawn carriage to Dr. Zachary’s home in Norton. They rode on to Dr. Zachary’s childhood home near Rocky Mountain in Cashiers in the early morning. They set out on the trail and reached the Whitewater River by noon that day. Later, Professor Linden writes in the Blue Ridge Enterprise that they “waded along its bank for about a mile.” Dr. Zachary had to patiently wait for the Professor to try his luck “at every possible trout lair on the way.” They heard the loud roar of the Falls long before they saw the waters take their “mad leaps down” from the top of a cliff. Being surrounded by the canopy of large trees, they finally saw an opening to the blue sky straight ahead. Going another 150 feet or more, the Professor wrote that it was as if the “rocky banks had been rent by a convulsion of nature…” He proclaimed that a “vast panorama of the sunlit plains

of South Carolina suddenly burst upon the view,” and that he could distinguish “fields of tobacco and cotton made white by its pods.” Today, Whitewater Falls is a part of the Nantahala National Forest and visitors can drive to the Falls by way of NC Highway 281. You can walk up a wide trail to several viewing platforms at varying heights. When you go, reflect on the thought that this waterfall has been rushing down that rough cliff for millions of years, long before the time of Professor Linden’s and Dr. Zachary’s adventure. Now that’s history! For more information see GlenvilleCashiersHistory.com. by Carol M. Bryson, Historian and Author of Glenville and Cashiers from the Records, GlenvilleCashiersHistory.com

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H ISTORY

Scallywags & Heroes

Raider George W. Kirk was feared and revered by many, yet his actions struck close to home here on the Plateau.

ero to some, scoundrel to many, George W. Kirk deserted the Confederacy and enlisted in the Union Army. He and his followers patrolled the North Carolina/ Tennessee border, serving as guides for Unionist mountaineers and escaped POWs, often providing safe houses for refugees. He stirred the pot by recruiting men to be on-call guerrillas and leaders – in other words, raiders. In 1863 he was made colonel at age 25. The following year he was promoted to major. One wonders if his falling out with the South was because officers disapproved of his tactics. Whatever the reason, the North took the stand: What goes on in the mountains stays in the mountains. While his Tennessee compatriots cheered his raids, North Carolinians feared his ruthless tactics. Kirk’s intent was to gather intelligence and steal horses, but he crossed the line in more ways than one. He used human shields in battle and gave his men confiscated spoils of war. He was known to attack men in church on at least one occasion. Yet, it should be noted that he was following Union orders – mostly. Kirk and his cohorts were to return to the mountains of North Carolina, gather an army of straggling soldiers, citizens, Cherokee – whomever they could recruit. Once Kirk had a couple hundred men,

he was to mount those soldiers on private or captured steeds, thus creating the Third Regiment of North Carolina Mounted Infantry. The raiders’ orders: To “descend upon the rebels and destroy stores and means of transportation.” They hit close to home: Cashiers Valley, Whiteside Cove, and Horse Cove. Colonel John Alley of Rutherford County, North Carolina, settled at the base of Whiteside after serving and being wounded in a Mexican altercation. When Kirk’s rapscallions roared through the area they found Colonel Alley at home. One of Kirk’s soldiers recognized him as a man who’d saved his life in the Mexican War. Reciprocally, Alley’s life was spared, but the soldier who spoke on his behalf was murdered by Kirks’ renegade robbers and murderers. Alley’s brother-in-law was also murdered … in front of his wife and children. After the war and his reign of terror came to an end, he got a job as policeman, oddly enough, at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. To learn more about history’s champions and scallywags, take a fascinating trek through Ran Shaffner’s Heart of the Blue Ridge. Or explore local history by visiting: highlandshistory.com or emailing hhs@highlandshistory.com. by Donna Rhodes

Village Heritage Award

The Cashiers Historical Society is recognizing the person or business that has contributed to the unique timeless spirit that animates the community.

ashiers Historical Society’s mission is preserving the heritage of Cashiers Valley through education, stewardship, and advocacy. The society strives to recognize Cashiers’ history through publications, awards, events, and projects. One such award is the Village Heritage Award, given annually to a building, old or new, which has been built or repurposed in keeping with the “Old Village” feel of Cashiers. This award can also be awarded to members of the community that go above and beyond to preserve the history of the Cashiers Valley, so it’s not limited to just a historic building. Area residents nominate new or newly-remodeled businesses whose architecture enhances the village feel of Cashiers, or individuals who have worked diligently to preserve our history and authenticity. Additionally, according to the Historical Society’s guidelines, the nominated business or individual must contribute to the vitality of the community, and/or be of service to the community. Additional criteria for buildings which must be met include attractive landscaping with

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native materials, moderate lighting to enhance the night sky visibility, and the property must be situated within the boundaries specified by the Historical Society. Past winners include Hotel Cashiers, as well as Dovecote Porch & Garden, Cashiers-Glenville Recreation Center, Cornucopia Restaurant, Cashiers Community Center, Village Green, Laurelwood Mountain Inn, Alexander’s Gardens, the Van Epp House, Zonnie Sheik Cottage, The Old Cashiers Post Office, Fiddlehead Designs, Mountain Laurel Shoppes, Grace Anglican Church, and Tommy’s Coffee Shop. Committee members John Barrow, Chairman, and CHS Historian Jane Nardy have been hard at work reviewing this year’s nominees. Additional nominees will be accepted through October. For more information, visit cashiershistoricalsociety.org or stop by and visit them at their business office located in the Dowden Pavilion on the Zachary-Tolbert grounds at 1940 Highway 107 South. You may also call them at (828) 743-7710.

H ISTORY

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H ISTORY

Inspiration

Hits Home

If these hushed forests and shiver-inducing October nights don’t have you thinking about Things That Go Bump in the Night, consider Elizabeth Kostova’s Yellow Mountain revelation.

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H ISTORY

arning: You don’t have to go to Transylvania (not even our nearby county!) to find vampires lurking. It was a hike up to the Yellow Mountain fire lookout – perched along the Jackson/Macon border at 5,127 feet – that inspired the 2005 bestseller The Historian. The novel is based on the historical 15th-century Dracula, aka Vlad the Impaler, prince of Wallachia (in present-day Romania) and deadly enemy of the Turks. This truly page-turning, literate, horror tale is by Elizabeth Kostova, who has spent many years in Asheville. During an email exchange last month with the author – who was under deadline pressure as she finished work on a new book (perhaps a sequel?) – she told me about her trek up the Norton-community summit: “The Historian is set mainly in Europe, but I got the idea for it in the mountains near Cashiers, one day in the spring of 1993. By then, I’d spent a lot of time in the Balkans and was wanting to write a novel about that region. Coming out on top of Yellow Mountain on a hike with my husband and our dog, I saw the wonderful view from up there and suddenly had a feeling of being back in Eastern Europe. As we sat enjoying the scenery, I also began to remember childhood travels with my family in Slovenia, especially the

stories about Dracula that my father had told me while we were there – fun and creepy tales he always based on the famous Bela Lugosi movies from his own childhood. For the first time, I wondered if something about that scene of Dracula storytelling in beautiful places might make a good structure for a novel. “But I knew that it generally takes a big question to inform a novel, and I found I did have one: What if, while a father tells a daughter these tales, we learn that Dracula himself is listening? I ran to my backpack and got out my notebook, then sat there scribbling seven pages of notes I still have in my files. They’re pretty dogeared now.” I’d do just about anything to get my plump, sweaty hands on those notes. The Historian reminds me of the classic ghost stories by Cambridge University professor M.R. James (1862-1936), whose over-inquisitive antiquarian characters find out things they shouldn’t and come to regret it. You won’t regret reading any of Ms. Kostova’s three fine novels (the others are The Swan Thieves and The Shadow Land) but you’ll want a dependable light source and garlic cloves on hand if you’re settling down with this best of all Dracula epics. by Stuart Ferguson, Local Historian, CoOwner Shakespeare & Company

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H ISTORY

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H ISTORY

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H ISTORY

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photo by Terry Barnes

LIFESTYLES & WELLNESS Pages 176-200

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Four-legged

Hobby

Sam Schmitt photo by Susan Renfro

For Sam Schmitt, a passion for horses, really big horses, has f illed his stable and his pastures with these magnif icent animals.

am Schmitt rarely rides his horses, but about five years ago he became enamored with the idea of learning how to “drive,” meaning using horses to pull a wagon. He began accumulating draft horses, breeds that are sturdy enough to not just carry a rider but pull wagons and farm equipment. Equestrian-minded readers will relate to his herd, which includes a Clydesdale, a Percheron/Quarter Horse cross, and two Halflinger/ Brabant Belgium fillies, meaning young female horses.

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His wife, Jennifer, has a Palomino Paint horse that she rides. However, Schmitt prefers holding the reins and sitting in a wagon – behind his horses – instead of on them. Recently, he purchased a crème de la crème team: two black Percheron mares. One is 17.3 and the other 18 hands. Here’s a quick horse measurement lesson: the average riding horse is around 15-16 hands; so these horses are tall. A “hand” is equivalent to 4 inches; horses are measured from their withers (high point where

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

L to R: Johnny “Cat” Howard, Sam Schmitt, Matt Pileski and son

photo by Susan Renfro

the neck meets the back) to the bottom of one of their front feet. “It’s a hobby for me,” said Schmitt, who has attended wagon train events. “I’ve got all kinds of harness equipment, different styles of wagons.” His ultimate goal is to breed his Brabant Belgium stallion, with its distinct coloring, to the two new Percherons. He hopes the result is a team of blue roan-colored horses that are strong and sure-footed. He will be selling foals in the future. Schmitt, who grew up in Highlands and owns Sam’s Grading and Southeastern Firewood, drives the horses down country and forest service roads. Sometimes his wife or one of his three children, ages 17-20, goes along. Or his father-in-law Johnny (Cat) Howard, who

has wagon trained most of his life, will accompany him. But often Schmitt is alone and enjoying the experience – the challenge of his horses “hearing” his voice and responding to his commands. “I just love learning all aspects of it,” said Schmitt. “It’s neat to learn what the animals are capable of, and to know you’re doing something that people did many years ago.” by Deena Bouknight

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LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Partners in

Education

Summit Char ter School is delivering on the promises made 25 years ago of offering an educational experience that develops students to be academically prepared, strong in character, and engaged in their community.

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hen Summit Charter School was founded 25 years ago, its organizers envisioned a place where talented educators and engaged parents worked together to create an exceptional educational environment. “Summit originated from a set of beliefs shared by families and community members that a school should be the cornerstone of a community – it should be a place that welcomes parents as partners in the education of their children; it should see, honor, and teach the whole-child,” says Head of School Kurt Pusch. “A school should be a place where strength of character and academic excellence are upheld as the standard for all students.” In fact, since its inception every Summit student in every grade recites the following pledge at the start of every day: “Each day in my words and my deeds, I will do my best to live these seven virtues: Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, Self-Discipline, Perseverance, and Giving.” “This pledge is the foundation for our decision-making model. It intertwines with our classroom management, discipline, professional development, and performance evaluations – it’s used for the overall metric of school wellness,” says Pusch. “Starting with 110 students in 1997, for 25 years our students have started each day with this ritual. In an ever-changing world, we continue to find strength and direction from the Pledge of Allegiance and the Summit Pledge that start our every day, and the sense of family that unifies us.”

As testament to the words of Pusch and the vision of the founders from 25 years ago, this academic year will see the graduation of Summit’s first high school seniors – 15 students who’ve absorbed those lessons and embraced those values. “We owe our deepest gratitude and respect for the legacy of giving on which our school has been built, and that has been furthered by countless supporters who have continued to pour their heart into our school,” says Pusch. Their legacy inspired the spirit of giving that enabled Summit’s story to grow – from our start in trailers on the Village Green, to our beautiful campus today. Five years ago, that spirit continued to give, as community members and families rallied together to raise over $7 million to enable Summit’s expansion into a K-12 school with the opening of our new high school and the Summit Center.” If you’d like to know more about Summit and the promises that it’s delivered to its students and its community, visit the campus at 370 Mitten Lane in Cashiers or visit online at summitschool.org. by Luke Osteen Scan for more info

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LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Bob and Nancy Mills

When Cupid

Takes His Time

Bob and Nancy Mills’ relationship didn’t star t with a Meet Cute Moment. It took patience and a go-for-broke spirit to make things work.

rom the start of our conversation, the rapport between Nancy and Bob Mills is evident. In fact, I am not sure I have ever met a couple so in the thrall of each other. I quickly realized that their eventual bliss was an outcome that their first encounter could not have foretold. In 1988 Bob, a residential builder, was working on a house at Wildcat Country Club. An Atlanta resident, he was living on the property during construction. As she does today, Nancy was running Nancy’s Fancys, the store that she had opened in Highlands in 1980. The two had not yet met when the telephone company assigned Bob an old phone number of Nancy’s. Soon he was receiving regular calls

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intended for her, and the calls were becoming a nuisance. Then one day, while eating lunch next door, Bob heard the UPS driver call out to Nancy by name. Understanding that it was the Nancy whose phone number he now had, he approached and was immediately rebuffed. Embarrassed, he turned around and left, vowing never to return. They had some minor meet-ups over the winter that followed, but as Nancy says, “I was hardcore, I wasn’t looking to go out.” They didn’t know it then, but the twosome had a lot in common. Fiercely independent, they each attained success on their own, driven by their careers and a motivation to help others and “give back.”

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Nancy and Bob, 1991

They had their first date in March 1989, and it didn’t go so well. Nancy invited Bob to a friend’s restaurant in Waynesville. Picking him up at the job site, she soon realized that her timing was terrible – they needed Bob at work, and he had to get back quickly. Several months later, they started dating for real, clearly falling in love along the way. Yet it wasn’t until late 1991 that Bob was able to break through Nancy’s defenses and convince her to commit to the relationship. With the job at Wildcat completed, Bob threatened to return to Atlanta, “We are going to make this relationship permanent, or we are going to cut it off.” As Nancy told me, “I felt sick when I heard that; I knew I was ready.” They married on December 27, 1992. The couples’ goals and dreams have merged seamlessly since that day. For nearly three decades, they have been at each other’s side

constantly – working and living together, agreeing that nothing is undertaken unless there is mutual consent. Recently they sold their house and the building that housed Nancy’s Fancys on Main Street on the same day. In the following 30 days, they uprooted their lives, relocating 14 truckloads of home furnishings and store inventory. They’re proud of the success that is Nancy’s Fancys, the opening of the store in its new location, and the contemporary lifestyling of retailing that the expanded store promises. Bob never tires of Nancy’s companionship and her “nonstop incredible personality; it’s entertainment every minute.” For her part, Nancy still thrills to Bob’s “contagious laugh.” “ I love how people love him; he’s just a good guy, sensitive and loving.” by Marlene Osteen

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Cold, Empty, &

Full of Health

Deliberate changes in the rhy thms of your daily life can benef it your physical, mental, and emotional health.

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iving on the edge of your comfort zone will boost your health. How often do you turn your hot shower to cold or turn down a dinner invitation because you are fasting after 6:00 P.M.? Simple pattern changes in traditional methods of healing will jumpstart the body’s immune system. Have you ever done these things as a practice? Last year, I saw Hilda LaBrada Gore speak at a regenerative farming and human health symposium. We sat in chilly, wet mid-November weather in Virginia on hay bales in a hoop house. We listened to authors, health advocates, and small and large-scale farmers. LaBrada Gore espoused ancestral wisdom. She said that earlier human realities such as discomfort, scarcity, and being exposed to the elements made humans resilient. The complete model included sustenance, sun, and spirit. Our ancestors lived in ways that provided them better metabolic flexibility. They had to take what the Earth gave abundantly and sometimes did not give during drought, war, or famine. Modern humans in the developed world have convenience and perhaps less opportunity

to build hardiness. If we’re too comfortable, are we still conditioned for adversity when our immune system needs to activate? Intermittent fasting is a less intimidating way to experience fasting for beginners as it allows for all the food you need but within a framework of time. This practice focuses not on “what” to eat, but “when” to eat. Choosing an eight-hour window – first meal at 10:00 A.M. and last meal by 6:00 P.M.– and fasting with fresh water for the other 16 hours. Metabolic inflexibility is highly associated with Covid-19 mortality. When we’re ill, our bodies work harder and quick blood sugar drops are dangerous when fighting off disease. We can train our bodies with intermittent fasting and common sense, proactive challenges to improve resiliency. In our October Seasonal Reset we will spend seven days exploring best practices to boost broad spectrum immunity. Contact me at (828) 5268880 to learn more. by Ashby Underwood-Garner Yoga Therapist, Rolf Practitioner Owner of Yoga Highlands

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Healthcare

Coaches

For those suffering from chronic pain, Tissue Regeneration offers a wealth of promise and possibilities.

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am grateful to have had a very successful practice for over 15 years in the Highlands and Cashiers area, and now also in Clayton, Georgia. For 20 years prior to going back to school to earn my doctorate in chiropractic, certification in medical acupuncture, and Masters in nutrition, my passion involved being a tennis and platform tennis professional. For many years after those careers, I suffered with spinal stenosis and chronic back pain. Over my years of practice and adding a strong nutritional focus, I have been able to better handle the inflammation associated with the degeneration in my spine. I’ve added new therapies as I continue to find more ways of natural healing for the body. This past year has been the most fun ever, having found a most remarkable, effective, natural, and non-invasive treatment to better equip the body to handle acute and chronic pain patterns. We refer to this technology as TRT (Tissue Regeneration Therapy) or SoftWave Therapy. This medical device actually activates our dormant stem cells through “unfocused acoustic wave delivery” which sends sound waves into the connective tissues where the body is injured or inflamed. This non-invasive and very safe treatment is still showing a 91 percent effective rate over the 15 months that I have been using it in practice. The research continues to get stronger and the device is now being sought by professional sports teams, hospitals, and orthopedic practices across the world.

When I first found out about TRT, it was the first few months of the pandemic and I wanted something to help even more people with their pain and to alleviate potential ER or hospital visits. A colleague presented the TRT process and I decided to experience it myself first to be sure the claims were valid. I knew it was FDA-approved and showing great research results already. After two weeks of treatment, my daily pain went from a 6/10, sometimes higher, to a 2/10! I could move more easily and without that “catching” pain I’d had for about three years. I knew I would be able to help many more patients with this new technology so I brought it to my practice. Fourteen months later, I have little or no pain at all most days and my freedom of movement is practically pain free! We have used this therapy on so many patients suffering for years with debilitating and chronic pain and they are resuming “normal” activities and having a life of fun and vitality with much less pain and suffering. As a doctor, this is what I’m most passionate about. Reducing inflammation naturally at the cellular level and allowing the body’s natural abilities to work has a powerful effect on pain and healing. Stem cells within the body are just waiting for some direction, and the TRT approach stimulates this process over the course of mere weeks. The results speak for themselves! by Dr. Sue Aery Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture

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What does retirement security mean to you?

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ctober is National Retirement Security Month. But what does retirement security mean to you? And how can you work toward achieving it? Here are some suggestions: Build your resources. While you’re working, save in tax-advantaged accounts such as your IRA and 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. In your 401(k), contribute at least enough to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered, and increase your contributions whenever your salary goes up. Remember, especially early in your career, time is often your biggest asset. Be sure to save early, since the longer you wait, the more you’ll need to save to help reach your goals. Look for ways to boost retirement income. When transitioning to retirement, you can take steps to align your income with your needs. For example, consider Social Security. You can start collecting it as early as 62, but your monthly payments will be much larger if you can wait until your “full” retirement age, typically between 66 and 67. (Payments will “max out” at age 70.) So, if you have sufficient income from a pension or your 401(k) and other retirement accounts, and you and your spouse are in good health with a family history of longevity, you may consider delaying taking Social Security. You also might want to explore other income-producing vehicles, such as certain annuities that are designed to provide a lifetime income stream. Prepare for unexpected costs. During your retirement, you can anticipate some costs, such as housing and transportation, but other expenses are more irregular and can’t always be predicted, such as those connected with health care. Even with Medicare, you could easily spend a few thousand dollars a year on medical expenses, so you may want to budget for these costs as part of your emergency savings, and possibly purchase supplemental insurance. You

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS may also want to consider the possibility of needing some type of long-term care, which is not typically covered by Medicare and can be quite expensive. The average annual cost of a private room in a nursing home is more than $100,000, and it’s about $55,000 per year for a home health aide, according to Genworth, an insurance company. To address these costs, you may want to consider some form of protection, such as long-term care insurance or life insurance with a long-term care component. Do your estate planning. It’s hard to feel totally secure in retirement if you’re unsure of what might happen if you have an unexpected health event, become incapacitated, or die earlier than expected. That’s why you’ll want to create a comprehensive estate plan – one that might include documents such as a durable power of attorney, a will, and a living trust. A review of your insurance coverages and beneficiaries can also help protect your assets and ensure they are distributed the way you want. In creating your plan, you will need to work with your financial advisor and a legal professional, and possibly your tax advisor as well. Thinking holistically about your retirement security and developing and executing a strategy aligned with your goals may help free you to enjoy one of the most rewarding times of your life.

Todd Holder

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

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Condo Cozy

Some wise decisions and a precise vision allowed Price Connor and Joe Nar yka to craft their per fect Plateau getaway.

ike many Plateau dwellers, Price Connor and her husband, Joe Naryka, regularly travel the 130-mile trek from their home in Atlanta to their home in Highlands. Yet, instead of opting for a dwelling that required significant interior and exterior upkeep, they decided to keep it simple – and convenient. Although the couple had visited the area for many years prior, they decided to purchase a Highlands Manor two-bedroom, two-bath condo in 1999.

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“We wanted to be right in town and walk everywhere, to restaurants, plays, shops, and just enjoy being here,” said Connor. At the time, their only daughter, Virginia, was 13. The family “loved” the condo and the location on Fifth Street; even though right in town, the condo faces trees on one side and Mill Creek from the deck space. However, they began to realize they needed more space for guests. “In 2011, we were able to purchase the condo next door, so we opened the two through the main living room and expanded the space

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L to R: Joe Naryka, Bryan Martindale holding Marshall, Virginia Martindale, and Price Connor

from 1,465 square feet to 2,930 square feet,” explained Connor. “The two condos are mirror images of each other so the living room space is now large and has a fireplace on each side. And we are using one kitchen as the bar space and the other as the main kitchen. “Out of both sides of the living room is a door to decks. We covered them and can accommodate 16 people for a dinner party out there.” Connor said it took about four months to combine the two condos. Rustic shiplap was added to the ceilings throughout to provide a consistent lodge-y look, and the vaulted ceilings in both spaces

convey an openness that belies the condo mentality. “So many people have told us how unique it is,” she said, adding that the extra space enables her to display some of her collections: face jugs, majolica pottery, old cow bells, antique dishes. The couple named their Highlands’ getaway “The Lodge,” and their daughter, now 35, with a husband and new baby, has an entire guest suite to enjoy during her visits from her home in Pennsylvania. by Deena Bouknight

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Healthcare

Partnerships

A pair of Family Practice Physicians are safeguarding the health of Plateau residents through Blue Ridge Health– Highlands Cashiers.

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Dr. Kristy Fincher

Dr. Ann Davis

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he American Academy of Family Practice defines primary healthcare as, “the provision of integrated, accessible health care services by physicians and their health care teams who are accountable for addressing a large majority of personal health care needs, developing a sustained partnership with patients, and practicing in the context of family and community.” For Drs. Ann Davis and Kristy Fincher – primary healthcare services mean much more. Dr. Ann Davis says, “When you think of your primary care doctor and your healthcare visits, I’m sure you think of making an appointment for an annual physical, because you are feeling sick, or for chronic disease management. “But, for me, as your family’s primary care physician, it means that I’m your first step towards being your healthiest you! It is very important to me that I am there for you, as my patient, when you need me, and most importantly when you need me to help you navigate the confusing world of healthcare.” Serving on the “front line of healthcare” is what being a primary care physician is centered around. For many, your primary care physician is the first to see signs of depression, early signs of cancer, or other chronic illnesses. Your primary care physician ensures that you get the best care, the right care, and by the most appropriate provider – in keeping with your wishes and desires as their patient. Dr. Kristy Fincher describes being a primary care physician in

terminology she’s very familiar with. As a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and former collegiate athlete with a special interest in sports medicine, “I like to think of myself and other primary care physicians as a coach of healthcare. It is our desire to provide you with the tools, training, and knowledge to speed up your recovery to help you maintain an active lifestyle. When managing your health concerns, I take into consideration all the different players that you will interact with on your healthcare journey. My goal is to assist with and help coordinate your care.” Drs. Davis and Fincher know that through routine check-ups they can help you head off potentially serious medical problems. In fact, those of us who have a primary care provider are 19 percent less likely to suffer from premature death. There is also the cost saving aspect – in fact people who have a primary care provider save 33 percent on healthcare over their peers who only see specialists. If you want to get to your healthiest you, give Drs. Davis and Fincher a call at (828) 482-6160. Both doctors are physicians at Blue Ridge Health–Highlands Cashiers, which is located on Level 2 of the Jane Woodruff Clinic, and they are currently accepting new patients. by Ashlie Mitchell-Lanning

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October at

Carpe Diem

For Carpe Diem Farms, October brings a unique chance to revel in the past and dream of the future.

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he month of October is very auspicious for all of us at Carpe Diem Farms. It’s hard to imagine, October 17-18 marks the 24th anniversary of the dedication and grand opening of Carpe Diem Farms, the place we all know and love. The 501(c)(3) foundation to create CDF was given its educational foundation status on January 27, 1992. Five years later, the search for a site was finally complete. Going down Memory Lane, there’s so much to be proud of, and so many things to be grateful for. The initial board of directors, after finding and closing on the 48-acre property at the end of Western Rhodes Drive on August 15, 1997, set out to clean it up and get ready to open. An army of volunteers showed up to help. It was a labor of love for the potential and possibility of a life-enrichment center with a vision “to empower individuals through life changes to see the opportunities and possibilities that abound.” Its mission was, “to explore the human potential through equines.” The weekend events were spectacular! Board member Judy Brinson, together with her husband Jack, hosted a cocktail and dinner party at Wildcat Cliffs Country Club. Troubadour/recording

artist, Stephen Longfellow Fiske performed to the delight of the gathering. The next day began with Peter Sargeant piping a welcome all to enjoy the dedication ceremony, tours led by other board members, Pam Nellis, Brenda Smith, Charlotte Keyt and Frances Shaw. Chefs Leo Blair and Joyce Foster prepared the barbecue. There were hot air balloon rides. George Armor brought his llamas, as the horses hadn’t arrived. Musicians Chuck Wilhide, Stephen Longfellow Fiske, and Richard Shulman all performed on the main stage. Presbyterian Minister Hunter Coleman provided a blessing of the place, and Philip Silverthorn gave in Lakota a prayer for the land and our work. Fast forward 24 years and see the 23 horses who have taught the nearly 4,000 participants the magic and miracles that only horses can. Our work, our journey at CDF continues with eight horses in residence. Yes, October is an auspicious month! by Sue Blair, Carpe Diem Farms

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Lisa Smith at

Summer House

For Lisa Smith, Summer House by Reeves’ interior designer, the personal touch is of primar y impor tance.

hen planning your Plateau getaway, it takes time to establish the right balance of mountain charm and fine design. Summer House by Reeves has always been the go-to for that perfect look and fabulous feel, but sometimes a designer’s expertise is the magic that pulls everything together. Summer House’s in-house interior designer, Lisa Smith, has 25 years’ of experience working with architects, contractors, and renovators from Texas to South Florida, and recently, the Carolinas. She’s not merely a world-class designer, she’s also a Pilates expert. She knows what’s good for heart, mind, soul, and body. She listens, really listens, to what makes her clients’ happy, souldeep, and she sets about fulfilling their dreams. She says, “The biggest key to my success is that I truly listen to my clients. By project’s end, I have made friends with people with whom I now socialize. It’s about relationship. With designing, you get close 194 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

and personal with people. I pay attention to their lifestyle, so I find out what makes them happy and I build from there.” While some designers are all about pushing product, Lisa is about making her clients happy so they will become satisfied, devoted Summer House customers. She begins with two blueprints: first, the home’s floor plan so clients can visualize flow from kitchen to patio to living area to bedroom; second, a blueprint of how to accommodate and entertain her clients’ family, children, pets, and guests. Her goal: To make resident’s living spaces a no-stress, durable, comfortable, and timeless environment. She adds, “There are those who spend lifetimes in houses that have nothing to do with who they really are. They may be perfectly designed, yet if they fail to reflect the personalities of the people who live in them, the very essence of intimacy is missing and this absence is disturbingly visible.” Email Lisa at lisasmithatthesummerhouse@gmail.com.

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A Botanical Wonder

For Tim Galloway, his vibrant Sapphire Valley garden is a gateway to a tranquil state of mind.

he garden at and Gary Walton’s home in Sapphire Valley is a most magical place. Or perhaps it’s best described as my editor Luke Osteen does, as “a botanical wonder.” Tim and Gary fell in love with the mountain and its residents on their first visit in 2013. When they inhabited their home a few years later, they thought it would be an occasional retreat but soon realized they loved it more than their Florida home. Since 2015 they’ve spent the warmer months here. Gary’s retired from a career in education. He golfs and Tim, a retired landscape architect, tends to the garden. “What’s different about our home,” Tim tells me, “is that it’s a small

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lot, so the garden design is more intimate. And we were fortunate, to begin with an almost blank slate.” A travertine walkway was built from the top of the street to the front door so that guests could leisurely experience the front yard. Walking up to the house, you feel that you have arrived at the perfect spot at the ideal time. Tim tells me that it takes his guests forever to get to the front door because “they want to take everything in.” Alongside the steps, a variety of lush plants of different shades and textures fill the spaces. Water flows and cascades gently amid large flat rocks. A small gazebo on a moss lawn adds tranquility, and bronze deer graze and add whimsy. Gardens adorn all sides of the house. On one side, there’s a garden

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Gary Walton and Tim Galloway

for their dog, who likes to explore. A flower garden on the home’s other side honors and memorializes Tim’s gardener mother. Here, the mix of Perennials – Black-Eyed Susans, Dahlias, and Daisies – add vibrancy and color. On the large deck at the back of the house, fertile Ferns, Ivies, and Wandering Jew hang from the rafters, and begonias and impatiens overflow in containers. Throughout the garden in containers and in the ground, there are many plants that Tim has brought from Florida – Bromeliads, Foxtail Fern, and Junipers. He likes trying different plants and advises, “Just get out and plant; it will make you feel good.” And because he believes in working with nature and not against it, he cautions, “If a plant is not a perfect fit, rip it out and put another one in.” by Marlene Osteen 197 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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Beautifully Designed.

Perfectly Detailed.

Black Rock Design Build’s expanding por tfolio of design f ields ref lects the dynamic creative energy of owners Donna and Kevin Bradley, and Designer Gregg McLain.

he year 2007 brought Kevin and Donna Bradley to the Highlands area to embark on a new beginning. Having lived in and owned businesses in Florida and Michigan, “the mountains are calling and we must go” was motivation enough to make this move. Black Rock Granite and Marble was born at 2543 Cashiers Road in Highlands in 2009 as Kevin decided to continue in the artistry and business of stone procurement and fabrication. The couple’s hard work ethic fostered successful growth that has evolved into Black Rock Design Build, offering a multiple-showroom campus along Route 64 connecting Cashiers and Highlands. With the Granite Shop thriving, adding cabinetry was a natural complement. Donna applied her design background and introduced Kitchen and Bath design to the business. In 2011 they purchased the two-story colonial at 2251 North

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4th Street to convert it into a full custom kitchen and bath showroom. The couple hired Gregg McLain to assist with the design of the promising new space. Gregg had founded and owned a Kitchen and Bath Design Studio in Bluffton, South Carolina, where he brought his special talent for showroom design and custom residential work to clients in the Hilton Head / Savannah markets. For the next few years, the three worked on developing the showroom. The Kitchen and Bath Design Studio celebrated its grand opening in October 2014. It features kitchen displays with Miele appliances, custom fabricated lighting fixtures, beautifullyarticulated, artisan-quality work by the Stone and Granite Shop and handcrafted cabinetry. The new Design Studio was well-received and the Kitchen and Bath business was flourishing. This led to homeowners requesting additional remodeling work beyond installing new cabinetry and

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stone countertops. Projects evolved into reworking floor plans, moving walls, and adding footage to homes to make them more functional for the family gatherings and mountain escapes that define our resort town. People wanted more from the dated, older homes they had inherited or acquired. Gregg’s architectural background combined with Kevin’s construction experience allowed clients to reap the benefits of both design and renovation services while also taking advantage of the full range of products available through Black Rock. By 2016 a third showroom was added to the campus at 2220 North 4th Street, directly across from the Design Studio. It features curated natural, porcelain, and ceramic tiles, as well as examples of boutique vanity cabinetry fabricated from wormy chestnut and other rustics in Black Rock’s custom shop. The ability to customize cabinetry and millwork for feature pieces, islands or vanities opens many design possibilities to make every project unique. Fabricating stone on the premises allows Black Rock to offer highly customized options for countertops, showers, fireplaces, feature walls, furniture, etc., examples of which are on display in all three showrooms.

Most recently Black Rock acquired a local metal fabrication facility, which they renamed Southern Steelworks. This addition to the family enables Black Rock to integrate metal doors, windows, and railings, custom hoods, table and island bases, fireplace screens, and decorative metal work into projects, adding to the diverse, exceptional work this firm is producing. Today, Black Rock Design Build is positioned to partner with clients on full renovation projects that often include kitchens and one or more baths, as well as master-planning the repurposing of interior spaces and constructing additions. With three designers on staff and a full range of interior architectural products, Black Rock’s Design Services offer a unique one-stop shop experience. Visit the website at blackrockdb.com to see their sophisticated Mountain Contemporary look. Call Black Rock Design Build at (828) 482-4424 to schedule a consultation for your remodeling project. They hold NC General Contractor’s License #81039. Photos by Gil Stose

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Africa

Awaits

For Alastair and Laura Lamont, the sensations of Africa are constantly beckoning. If you’ve heard that beguiling siren song, contact them at (828) 360-8910 or visit AfricaAwaitsUs.com

oing on the Ernest Hemingway maxim, “I never knew of a morning in Africa, when I woke up and was not happy,” Alastair and Laura Lamont offer a unique business that involves making sure people have the opportunity to “wake up” in Africa and enjoy as much of the continent’s landscape, culture, and beauty as possible. As travel consultants, the couple operates Africa Awaits from Cashiers, with many clients on the Plateau but even as far away as California. “I am from South Africa and have 15 years in the safari-guiding business,” said Alastair, “and Laura lived for three years in Zululand, working for the Peace Corps; that’s how we met. We ended up on the Plateau because Laura was born and raised in Atlanta, but her family has had a home in Horse Cove for four generations. We married there in October 2016 and are raising two children here, so the Plateau is dear to both of us.” The Lamonts’ desire to share Africa involves utilizing Alastair’s vast network of on-the-ground resources to create tailor-made safaris for travelers interested in exploring, relaxing, and enjoying

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“wow moments” that exceed all expectations. While the couple’s personal area of expertise is in Eastern and Southern Africa, they can plan trips in other parts of Africa as well due to “partnerships with people we can trust there,” said Alastair. “If you want to go gorilla trekking in the Congo or see chimpanzees in Mahale, we can arrange that. If you want to participate in a balloon ride across the Serengeti or have a private dinner under a beautiful African sky…Whatever clients want, we can put it together.” Many clients, Alastair pointed out, want to get as close as possible to wildlife so their senses are enlivened. “To hear them breathe, smell them, see them interact…our goal is to create trips that are life changing and forever memorable.” Regarding the ongoing pandemic, he assured that much of Africa is open to travelers. “Safety is the number-one priority in the safari business. I follow so many different resources to keep up with what’s happening.” by Deena Bouknight

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L ISFEERSVTI Y C LE E S & W E L L N E S S

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ACCOMMODATIONS

BEAUTY

CABINETRY

CLEANING

CONSTRUCTION

FIREWOOD

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L I F E S T Y L E S & WSEELRLVNI C E ES S

HOME MONITORING

HOME DECOR

PICTURE FRAMING

PRINTING

REAL ESTATE

ROOFING

SERVICE

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BUSI NESS

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BUSI NESS photo by Charles Johnson

GIVING BACK Pages 206-215

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Ashlie Mitchell-Lanning and Ann Self

The Park

for the People As it navigates the strange waters of the pandemic while maintaining a full slate of activities, the Village Green welcomes a new executive director.

“

To me, The Village Green is indeed a park for the people.” Says Ashlie Mitchell-Lanning, new Executive Director of The Village Green. Ann Self, who led The Village Green since 2012, will continue to work at The Village Green with Ashlie through December of 2021 to ensure the transition is smooth, and all events and programming are as successful as they have been over the last 10 years. The Village Green team and Board are full steam ahead, setting the stage for a season of family-fun activities, community events, and celebrating the beauty of our area’s fall foliage. “I am honored, and so excited to work alongside Ann, and learn what goes into making The Village Green our community’s favorite public space,” says MitchellLanning. “I can’t wait to watch as friends, family, and neighbors come together in our beautiful park to rejoice and celebrate during my

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favorite season of the year!” The Village Green continues with time honored traditions & events during this upcoming fall and holiday season. However, throughout the pandemic, The Village Green endeavors to model social responsibility and to protect the health and safety of the larger community. Blessing of the Animals: October 2, 11:00 A.M. Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival: Friday October 8th and Saturday October 9th - 10:00 A.M.- 5:00 P.M.; Sunday, October 10th - 10:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M. Concert in the Commons with Isaiah Breedlove and Friends: October 8 - 6:30 P.M. Concert in the Commons with Relentless Trio: October 22 - 6:30 P.M.

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Gobble On the Green, Thanksgiving 5K Run/Walk: November 25 A Visit with Santa: November 26 – 2:00 - 5:00 P.M. Cashiers Christmas Tree Lighting: November 26 – 6:00 P.M. “The Village Green will always be at the center of our community and will continue to hold many wonderful opportunities for celebration, rejuvenation, and fun,” says Mitchell-Lanning. “All of us at The Village Green look forward to seeing you and yours enjoy your Park for the People!” To learn more about upcoming events and how you can help support programming, events, and projects visit villagegreencashiersnc.com.

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Reaping

Rotary Rewards Highlands Rotarian Jerr y Moore’s spirit of generosity and compassion f inds its expression in the club’s local and global projects.

Jerry Moore

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erry Moore of Main Street Payments, LLC, joined the Rotary Club of Highlands in April 2014 for the same reason many are drawn to the organization: “To get more involved in the community. “The Rotary Club of Highlands is made up of so many interesting people and it’s been fun getting to know them and getting involved with the many community service projects.” Just a few years into his role as a Rotarian, Moore entered into his first leadership role, serving on the board as the leader of Vocation and Youth Services. Then he served as president in 2019/20. He has also overseen the Duck Derby fundraiser for the past three years. Currently, he is the club’s treasurer. “I think Rotary’s involvement with Highlands School is our greatest impact,” he noted. “From supporting our teachers with a stipend each year and providing scholarships to our college-bound seniors, Rotary can serve as a catalyst for education in Highlands. The funds raised from our Rotary Twilight 5K has allowed our Highlands students and teachers to have some of the best technology available in the classroom. I firmly believe that investing in our students will have the greatest impact on our Highlands community.”

Like many Rotarians, Moore would like to see more people become involved in the organization that has done so much globally to assist people and groups in a multitude of ways. And being involved, volunteering, provides as many rewards to givers as receivers, he pointed out. “I would say whether you join a Rotary Club or get involved with your church or other non-profit, giving back to your community offers the greatest rewards,” he said. “The beauty of giving back in Highlands is that you really get to see the impact of your efforts.” For more information about Rotary Club of Highlands, visit highlandsrotary.org. The two other local Rotary Clubs are Rotary Club of Highlands-Mountaintop (@mtntoprotary on Facebook) and Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley cashiersrotary.org). by Deena Bouknight

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T A Big

Intervention

Love and suppor t given to a lonely child can propel their lives in astonishing directions.

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here was a little girl I once knew. She was a child growing up in a singleparent home and was no stranger to struggle, though she didn’t understand it. She did not comprehend the enormity of her mother working nights to make ends almost meet, or the true challenge that existed from watching the only vehicle she and her mom had being repossessed for failure to make payment. Or sitting down to dinner many evenings and eating while mom watched because there was only enough for her. This little girl did not know the sacrifice and hardship that was present. Her story took a turn for the positive in August 1994, kind of. She and her mother relocated to North Carolina from Florida for a new beginning and to be closer to her grandmother. At this point in her life, the 9-year-old child had had no contact with her father for nearly two years, but not by her choice or her mother’s. Something struck this child, and she asked her mother to call her father so she could talk to him and her

two half-siblings. The phone rang in Alabama and the girl’s aunt answered, sobbing. Between tears she explained that Daddy was being taken by ambulance; he had been shot in the heart and died instantly. This young person who had just moved to a new community two months prior, started a new school and was having a very difficult time fitting in, and dealt with bullying daily due to her weight, now had no father to ever turn to again. The emotional and psychological challenges just seemed to mount endlessly, and she did not have access to an unbiased outlet. How could her life have been shaped differently? While much of her circumstance was out of her control, having someone extra in her life to help her cope and focus on her with an unbiased perspective could have helped build her emotionally. This enormous impact would filter into her school performance, her ability to work through peer pressure, stay away from all the things that kids sometimes dabble with, and

GI V I NG BAC K ultimately learn to make better decisions. Had she had an early intervention of sorts, such as a mentor, her experience growing up would have been very different. The impact of a Big Brother or a Big Sister in the life of a child is life-long. The positive influence from that extra support is substantial and sets a child on a much different path, pushing them towards their fullest potential. Children are far less likely to be involved in drug or alcohol use, are more successful academically, can build coping mechanisms to work through challenging times, build their confidence, and so much more. As a Big (mentor), you are helping shape a child’s life and support them in their endeavors. You are a friend, a Brother or Sister. And you will be equally affected by the positive impact having this role in a young person’s life as they have from you being in their lives. The relationship a Big has with their Little not only touches the life of the Little they are matched with, but also touches the

lives of the family unit. The effect one person can have in a single life is endless! Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC – Cashiers & Highlands needs more Champions for children right here in our communities. Children are waiting to be matched with the right Big Brother or Big Sister in our immediate area! Are you ready to step up to the plate? Now, you may be asking yourself what happened with the little girl at the beginning of this article. Well, I’m right here, writing to you, asking you to be the champion in a child’s life who may have experienced a story like mine, or is experiencing their own struggle, or simply just needs someone to talk to. Since my childhood, I too found a mentor in my late high school and college years, and the effect of the person who crossed my path at just the right time is still present within my heart today, at 36 years old. I am proud to say that because of the amazing influence and positive push, I completed my Bachelors in Education, am

considering seeking my Masters in Clinical Mental Health, became a teacher, and now am a very passionate Program Coordinator for the Big Brothers Big Sisters program here on the Plateau; and I know this is largely due to the people who pushed me towards my potential and who were not afraid, nor timid, about stepping up to the plate and getting involved in a young person’s life! I invite you to contact us for more information regarding becoming a Defender of Potential in the youth across the Cashiers and Highlands communities at cashiers@ bbbswnc.org, call (828) 399-9133 or visit bbbswnc.org. Part-time and full-time residents can have tremendous impacts on a child! by Danielle Hernandez, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cashiers and Highlands

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Adopt a Shelter Dog

Sweet Fella is patiently awaiting adoption into a loving home.

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n addition to multiple community outreach programs, the core mission of the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society has four parts, with each component equally as important as the others: (1) Rescue; (2) Compassionate Care; (3) Spay/Neuter and; (4) Adoption. In honor of October as National Adopt-a-ShelterDog Month, this article focuses on the fourth part of that mission. The Humane Society of the United States classifies cats and dogs as “companion animals”. Felines and canines are different from farm livestock, wild animals, and exotic species. Cats and dogs have been bred for the past several thousands of years for companionship. And what is companionship? Plain and simple – a loving, forever home with a responsible, compassionate human. A non-profit no-kill shelter like CHHS does heroic work on behalf of abandoned and neglected animals in our community through the initial rescue, ongoing compassionate care, and spay/neuter of each animal to reduce future unwanted pet overpopulation. But we believe our work is not done until the new adopting family has been found. And so our work is not done on behalf of a handsome

dog named Fella. We have cared for this good fella since April 2018 after his human companion passed away. His human was an amazing animal lover known for such kindness that when he discovered some small mice living in the glovebox of his truck, he insisted before his passing that the mice be left alone and not be disturbed. We were also honored to care for this gentleman’s two other dogs and two other cats until we found forever homes for those four. Fella has patiently waited for his turn for a new human companion, and we won’t give up until he finds his perfect match. You can learn more about Fella by visiting our website at chhumanesociety.org or call us at (828) 7435752. Established in 1987, the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization located at 200 Gable Drive in Sapphire, one-and-a-half miles east of the Cashiers Ingles in between Cedar Creek Club and Lonesome Valley on Highway 64. Tax-deductible donations to support our lifesaving work can be mailed to: CHHS, P.O. Box 638, Cashiers, NC 28717. by David Stroud, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society

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Conserve Vital Lands

Careful stewardship of the land ensures the sur vival of what’s most precious about life here on the Plateau.

f the past year and a half has taught us anything, it’s to take nothing for granted. The Plateau’s natural bounty is no exception. For decades, we have enjoyed a relatively unspoiled landscape but as our small community grows, it’s imperative that we remain mindful of the capacity of our natural resources. While we have lots of conserved land in the area with Nantahala National Forest, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, and other land trusts, imagine what would happen if the private, un-conserved lands were to be developed – everything that makes this place special could unravel and fall apart. The soils on the Plateau tend to be sandier than is typical in the area, making them more susceptible to erosion. This means that increased development would lead to increased erosion and landslides 214 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

as forests would become houses, roads, and lawns. Streams and rivers would become muddied by this erosion and warmer as the shade trees are removed, killing off trout and many of the rare species like the hellbender and many fish, mussels, and aquatic insects. As the forest disappears, more “edge” habitat (the interface between forest and open space) would arise, allowing populations of deer and mice to explode, which in turn would cause tick populations (and the diseases associated with them) to also increase dramatically. If enough forest was destroyed, you would also witness the landscape itself start to unravel. The resiliency of everything would be decreased and invasive plants would likely come to dominate as you see in many areas in the Piedmont and Northeast. This would also fragment the landscape, meaning that species that rely on interconnectedness would decline or even disappear from our landscape.

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The Power

of Education

With wise precautions in place, The Literacy & Learning Center is setting the stage for a season of enlightenment and encouragement. For more information, visit maconncliteracy.org, call (828) 5260863 or email info@maconncliteracy.org.

E Thankfully, this dire prediction does not need to become a reality. By joining forces now and conserving our mountains, rivers, and ecological corridors we can keep what makes The Plateau so special. Private landowners can work with conservation groups like Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust to take matters into their own hands and conserve the vital lands we all need for a healthier tomorrow. To learn how you can conserve your own land or support your land trust’s mission to protect valuable natural resources for all generations, email info.hitrust@earthlink.net or visit hicashlt.org. by Julie Schott Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust

nglish as a Second Language classes, hosted by The Literacy & Learning Center, are set to resume in person. At the beginning of the pandemic, The Literacy & Learning Center had to make some necessary adjustments to their programs in order to keep students safe and distanced. TL&LC began holding classes online through pre-recorded videos, taught by Faviola Olvera. These videos will remain accessible on TL&LC’s website. With many residents of Macon County now being vaccinated, ESL classes can resume in person. These absolutely free classes are held every Monday at The Presbyterian Church at 6:30 until 7:30 P.M.. There is no registration required; students can just show up and participate. Set at a time that is convenient for students to attend after work, TL&LC also provides snacks and some child-friendly games and toys to keep little ones preoccupied while parents participate in the class. The classes are for all ages, and anyone who wishes to learn English is encouraged to participate! English learning is an important tool for our community, Faviola Olvera, the current teacher of ESL says. “This class is so important because it gives students the opportunity to learn how to connect with others through the English language. Language is instrumental in our lives and can help facilitate so many of our daily tasks. As an English as second language learner myself, I know the difficulty faced when there is a language barrier and I want to help these students break that barrier down.” For any questions, visit www.maconncliteracy.org, call (828) 526 – 0863 or email info@maconncliteracy.org. by Jenni Edwards The Literacy and Learning Center 215 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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Engaging

Highlands

While celebrating the successes of 2021, the Highlands Chamber of Commerce is peering into the future and navigating our way through this confounding decade.

verybody who enjoyed 2021’s summer outdoor concerts, raise your glass! Those performances were about an 11 on a 10 point scale, right? Are you enjoying harvest and Halloween celebrations this month? Say, “Yeah, Baybay!” And what about the Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade that quickly follows? That’s all kinds of Ho Ho Ho, and away we go! Hopefully you know you’re shouting for the Highlands Chamber of Commerce. Without the Chamber, the Plateau would be clue-less and do-less … and maybe even without you-less. The Chamber and Visit Highlands engage the community every year, every season, every day. Not to mention working with our local governments and business community or our communication about what’s happening in Highlands; delivering news and updates on the

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pandemic; making announcements about urgent weather; emergency information. Give a shout-out for all those who make those important events happen – whether it’s planning for the future by studying the latest stats for growth or helping control environmental impact. Kaye McHan, Chamber Executive Director, says, “We serve as the manager of Highlands experiences for residents, businesses, and visitors through planning for the future by considering social, economic, cultural, and environmental risks and opportunities. This approach enables us to engage and serve as a collaborator for a productive, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable community that creates value for residents, businesses, and visitors.” The assets provided through Visit Highlands, NC and the Chamber’s work is integral to economic development and is a key driver to maintaining economic stability. Our work supports local

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Growth Strategy Thanks to an innovative project, Cashiers residents and businesses will have the oppor tunity to shape the community’s development far into the future.

jobs and prosperity for Highlands and plays a role in building the reputation of our community as a viable place to live and invest. The Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visit Highlands, NC wants to engage and collaborate with you, the residents, businesses, and government because together we retain our high quality, locally derived (unique) and innovative way of life as the Highlands community. If you’d like to be included in communications from the Chamber of Commerce and Visit Highlands, NC, please email us at office@highlandschamber.org.

ashiers has a timely and unique opportunity to be the subject of an Urban Land Institute Americas Advisory Services Panel. This process brings together the best and brightest professional planners, market analysts, economists, architects, natural and built environmental specialists, land developers, public officials, and more to offer practical solutions and objective growth management advice not available from any other source. Cashiers’ consideration was facilitated by long-time Cashiers resident and distinguished public servant Glenda Hood, former mayor of Orlando and Florida Secretary of State, who also serves on the national ULI board. We welcome your support to recalibrate our community’s public policy discussion and pursue an inclusive, transparent, unbiased, and expert process to expand our collective knowledge about critical growth issues. The ULI Panel will focus on specific issues of local concern, review advance briefing materials, and travel to Cashiers to tour and confidentially interview 80 or more stakeholders. They will inform the Cashiers Area Community Planning Council, residents, business owners, and others of market pressures which impact our future. They will discuss our local land economics, then deliver a detailed written, actionable report approximately 60 days later. The Planning Council will help lead this process and the Cashiers Area Chamber will serve as Sponsor. The cost of an Advisory Services Panel is $135,000, which will be raised from any and all interested organizations and individuals. With full funding, the panel could be held in early November. Tax-deductible contributions should be made payable and mailed to the Cashiers Area Legacy Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created by the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce (PO Box 238, Cashiers, NC 28717). For more information, visit CashiersAreaChamber.com or call (828) 743-5191. by Stephanie Edwards, Executive Director, Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce

by Kaye McHan, Executive Director, Highlands Chamber of Commerce

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We Welcome

Todd Holder

The arrival of Todd Holder at the Highlands Branch of Edwards Jones promises good things for those seeking f inancial guidance and the Plateau’s communities.

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Todd Holder

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he role of the financial advisor has long been to guide decisions as to wills, trusts, estates, college planning, and charitable legacy planning. For many of us, pandemic-fueled anxiety has underscored a need for professional, personalized financial counsel. That’s the kind of sage direction that Todd Holder of Edward Jones has been offering Western North Carolina residents for more than 30 years. Helping people achieve goals from retiring early to saving for a dream vacation, Holder collaborates with his clients on strategies to ensure and achieve financial soundness and peace of mind. “I provide them with a realistic picture of what they have to do to get there,” he says. Several months ago, Holder relocated to Highlands from Hendersonville, North Carolina, to open the company’s newest branch. “This is one of my wife’s and my favorite places in the Southeast; we love the hiking and community spirit,” he says. “It’s a wonderful place to live and work.” Hiking is a passion and avid pastime for Todd and his wife, Ann. The couple are soon to join the 703 members of the 900-Miler Club – hikers who have trekked every trail in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Holder has also served his community deeply as an activist.

His current and past activities tell of an impressive story of civil involvement. As he modestly told me, “I have been blessed to be a small part of some big things.” That includes working in conjunction with the Kiwanis Clubs of NC and SC to raise $250,000 to construct a waiting room (known as the “Family Care Room”) at the Preemie Ward in Mission Hospital Asheville. He’s been a volunteer guest teacher at local colleges, including Blue Ridge Community College, where he has taught business, insurance, and financial planning. Holder has distinguished himself as part of the University of North Carolina Blue Ridge Ambassador Program – connecting leaders throughout the region with 501(c)(3) foundations for future and existing donors and benefactors on behalf of the Blue Ridge Community College Foundation. Serving several hundred clients throughout Western North Carolina and 26 states, Holder loves helping people and developing long-term relationships. As he says, “I am energized by serving and partnering with people in their financial goals and protection. My goal is to be the financial advisor that helps make a meaningful difference in the lives of my clients and their families.” Holder can be reached at todd.holder@edwardjones.com or (828) 787-2090. More details are at edwardjones.com/todd-holder. by Marlene Osteen

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The Business Spot’s

New Owner

For Leslie Ashburn Cook, the new owner of The Business Spot, buying the business was an easy decision. The Business Spot maintains two stores – 71 Commons Drive #4 in Cashiers, and 539 Main Street in Highlands.

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Grant, Adam, Leslie, and Libby Cook

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he Business Spot, the quiet dynamo that keeps so many local enterprises and organizations going, has acquired a new owner. Having grown up in Highlands and a full-time real estate agent for 15 years, Leslie Ashburn Cook is anything but an unknown quantity here. And her obtaining the keys to the business makes perfect sense. “I always laugh when I think of how I started at the store,” she says. “I was a full-time real estate agent but wanted to earn some extra money for Christmas. There was an ad in the paper for a store that I hadn’t really heard of, but they were hiring for part time work just through the end of the year. Seven years later, here we are. In early 2018 I made a career move and went full-time at The Business Spot. Over the next few years I began to take over a lot of the day-today things. It was a natural progression when Colleen said she was ready to move on with the next phase of her life and I immediately knew that this was what I was supposed to do.” “I truly love my job and the customers we serve,” Leslie says. “It can be stressful, and very busy at times, but it’s all worth it when someone says that we helped them out at a time of need. “We really do it all at The Business Spot. Custom printing/ design, shipping, packing, retail, stationary and notecards, office supplies, faxing/scanning, notary services, and so much more. People always say we are their first stop when they need something

and if we can’t do it, we will direct them to a local establishment that can.” Leslie and her husband Adam, who is also from the area, have been married for 16 years and have two children. Grant is 11 and is in 5th grade at Summit Charter School. He loves math and playing lacrosse. Their daughter Libby is about to turn 2 and goes to The Gordon Center. “Adam and I love raising our family here and are excited to start this new part of our life.” by Marlene Osteen

Scan for more info

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A private, low-density mountain community, located five minutes from Cashiers, NC on the prestigious 107 South corridor. With five distinct residential offerings, including cottages and estate homesites, Silver Run Reserve features curated and natural amenities for indoor and outdoor fun and wellness.

LIVE WELL. RUN FREE. SilverRunReserve.com

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ CO-OWNER / BROKER 828.342.3194 (CELL) LIZ@CASHIERS.COM 225 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

LIZ HARRIS

BETH TOWNSEND

ANN MCKEE AUSTIN

Co-Owner / Broker

COLEEN GOTTLOEB

SANDY BARROW Broker

Broker / Rental Coordinator

PHILIP BRADLEY

MAGGIE ELMER

JOANNE BRYSON

Broker-In-Charge

Broker

JOHN BARROW

Broker

619 HWY 107 S

Broker

CASHIERS, NC 28717

WAYNE MONDAY Broker

GUS BRIGHT

Broker Associate

828.743.3411

LOCATED IN THE HISTORIC MINNIE COLE HOUSE 226 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Photo: "Shadow of the Bear" by of Irv Welling

A Founding Partner

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

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

M C K E E P R O P E R T I E S. C O M 227 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Yellow Mountain Preserve 205+ ACRES — This is the area’s finest estate opportunity, minutes from Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club and Old Edwards Club, and centrally located between Cashiers and Highlands, North Carolina. Yellow Mountain Preserve boasts the highest elevation on the Cashiers-Highlands Plateau, at 5,100 feet, and is a true legacy property. The 205.04-acre estate has roads and utilities in place for a low-density development or can be enjoyed as a single-family or shared-family estate. Elevation reaches 5,127 feet, offering unique high-elevation vegetation and the finest, grandest views in the area. The estate adjoins 12,000 acres of the Nantahala National Forest, offering unlimited trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. A 26-acre gentleman’s farm site sits at

OFFERED FOR $8,450,000

4,600 feet and provides a peaceful 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains. At the summit, the Yellow Mountain fire tower rests near the boundary of the National Forest. The stunning panoramic views from there include Cashiers Valley, Whiteside Mountain, Lake Glenville and Sapphire Valley. Mountain laurel, blueberries and other heaths grow on the open bald of the summit, making it a truly special place. All of the views and natural surroundings, combined with electronic access through a stoned entry, a paved road, high-speed internet access and full cell phone coverage, makes Yellow Mountain Preserve an exceptional and unique piece of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Yellow Mountain Preserve is beautiful... by nature. MLS 95168

619 HWY 107 S

CASHIERS, NC 28717

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM 228 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

828.743.3411

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM 229 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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

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

619 HWY 107 S

CASHIERS, NC 28717

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM 230 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

828.743.3411

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

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

619 HWY 107 S

CASHIERS, NC 28717

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM 232 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

828.743.3411

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

BETH TOWNSEND, GUILD™ C

828.421.6193

BETH@CASHIERS.COM 233 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Wade Hampton Golf Club 5 BR / 5.5 BA — This is a charming mountain home located in the community of Wade Hampton Golf Club, a McKee Development. The home has long-range views year-round and is located on over an acre. The exterior features stacked stone, cedar shingles and gentle topography. The interior boasts a semi-open floor plan with great entertaining flow through the great room, kitchen, screened porch and dining room. The great room offers gorgeous views to the east, soaring ceilings and a beautiful masonry

OFFERED FOR $2,695,000

stone fireplace. The master suite also offers great views, a beautiful stone fireplace and an adjoining office/den. Additional accommodations include a guest suite on the main level and three additional guest suites upstairs. The large kitchen, located just off the great room, is perfect for a chef’s finest cooking and for family fun cooking and gathering. It offers stacked stone surrounding the range, a large island, vaulted ceilings and plenty of storage. MLS 95742

619 HWY 107 S

CASHIERS, NC 28717

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM 234 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

828.743.3411

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

OFFERED FOR $2,350,000 lake views off the front deck to enjoy the pristine setting on the lake. The large family and game room on the lower level provides for cozy evenings around the fireplace and a fun family game room, all while enjoying beautiful lake views. MLS 96991

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM 235 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Cedar Ridge Estates 3 BR / 4.5 BA — This Cedar Ridge Estates home sits on 3.5 acres and has it all, including a great yard with a fire pit and view of Whiteside Mountain. Enter the foyer on the main level and take in the stacked stone gas fireplace, post and beam accents, stunning antler chandelier and the screened porch with another fireplace. The master bedroom and bath are also on the main level. The kitchen has textured granite countertops and

OFFERED FOR $1,798,000 new appliances. Don’t miss the Butler’s Pantry, built-in desk and second screened porch off the kitchen. Upstairs you will find two en suite bedrooms and a loft. In the downstairs basement area is “The Club Room,” complete with log cabin siding, another fireplace, a built-in bar, a wine cellar with capacity for 300 bottles, a gorgeous custom cabinet that serves as a coffee station, a third screened porch and two bonus rooms. MLS 96797

UNDER CONTRACT

WAYNE MONDAY C

236 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

828.508.8661

WAYNE@CASHIERS.COM

Little Ellijay Farm 4 BR / 4 BA — This beautiful 63-acre farm in the Cashiers/ Glenville area beside the Snowbird Community is full of charm. It features gorgeous views, rolling land, a main house, a guest house, an

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

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM 237 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Whiteside Forest 3 BR / 3 BA — This is a charming log home on a serene and stunning acreage. From the extensive creek frontage and beautiful meadow to the year-round mountain view, this home offers a peaceful mountain retreat while being only 10 minutes from Cashiers. The floor plan boasts an open living, dining, and kitchen with two bedrooms and a bath on the main level. The upper level has a bonus loft and a guest suite, while the lower level has an expansive family room, wet bar,

OFFERED FOR $1,400,000 two bonus rooms and a bathroom. The main level decks allow for full enjoyment of this peaceful setting and views. A bonus workshop on the property could be easily converted into a cozy guest house. MLS 97046

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

238 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

828.342.3194

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

Wade Hampton Golf Club 3 BR / 3 BA — Located in Wade Hampton Golf Club, a McKee Development, this stately home offers lots of natural light and views of Whiteside Mountain. The paved loop driveway passes under a twocar carport with covered access to the home. Inside you’ll find wood floors, a large living room with soaring ceilings and a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. All rooms are generous in size, and the bedrooms are nicely separated for ultimate privacy. The kitchen shares a generous

OFFERED FOR $1,400,000

space with the nearby dining area and the porch. The laundry and home office are near the master suite. On the opposite end of the house is a bright, Pullman-style bar area with a sink, refrigerator and windows overlooking the view. Two en suite bedrooms and a large covered grilling and dining porch cap off the floor plan. This property has wonderful garden space and very easy access through the south gate of Wade Hampton. MLS 95741

BETH TOWNSEND, GUILD™ C

828.421.6193

BETH@CASHIERS.COM 239 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Cold Springs 3 BR / 3.5 BA — Welcome to 19 Hideaway Trail! Tucked away down a private driveway sits this lovely home on a spring-fed pond, beautifully, professionally landscaped. All on one level, there is a great room with a vaulted-ceiling and stone fireplace. In addition, there are 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a separate dining area opening onto a cozy screened porch. There is also a screened porch off the master bedroom with double doors allowing cool, mountain breezes to sweep across the pond just in front of the house. The kitchen is a chef’s kitchen with

OFFERED FOR $950,000 granite countertops, a large island, Subzero refrigerator, Wolf gas range, and plenty of built-ins, plus a large pantry. In addition to the great room, there is a den/office with a stone fireplace. The two-car attached garage with automatic doors allows you to enter the home with no fear of inclement weather! In addition to the home, there is a separate building unfinished inside, but has heat and air, allowing you to finish it as a nice guest house or use as extra parking. MLS 96954

SANDY BARROW JOHN BARROW 240 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

C C

478.737.9664

828.506.9356

North Norton Road 3 BR / 4 BA — If you are looking for a spacious home with amazing, long-range, mountain views, then this is the home for you! Located just 15-20 minutes from downtown Cashiers this expansive home has plenty of room and storage for year-round residency or a great family retreat. You can find everything you need on the walk-in, main level living space including the master en suite, guest room and bath, laundry, living room and kitchen. The well-appointed kitchen is designed for master chefs and bakers alike! Beautiful built-ins line the hall and are perfect for displaying

OFFERED FOR $900,000 your latest literary finds. Cathedral ceilings and huge windows allow the living room and upstairs loft to be flooded with natural light. The fully finished, lower level offers additional living space, with a wet bar, game room, workshop, full bath and office/additional bedroom. The main level and lower porches allow plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the mountains! MLS 96734

MAGGIE ELMER C

803.493.5734

MAGGIE@CASHIERS.COM 241 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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

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

SANDY BARROW JOHN BARROW 242 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

C C

478.737.9664

828.506.9356

Bright Mountain

OFFERED FOR $779,000

2 BR / 3.5 BA — This craftsman-style home features stunning views of Lake Glenville and the Smoky Mountains! Located behind the gate in the popular Bright Mountain community, this mountain cabin is the perfect retreat. The trademark highlights of the home include multiple bonus

rooms, large deck spaces overlooking the view for entertaining, and custom stained glass and rock work throughout the house. Conveniently located close to Cashiers, Lake Glenville and Highlands this home gives you easy access to dining, shopping, and countless outdoor activities. MLS 97158

JUST REDUCED

Pinnacle Ridge

$350,000

Cedar Hill

$145,000

4+ ACRES — Located in Pinnacle Ridge, a gated/low density

2+ ACRES — This lot has been owned by the same family since

community off of desired Treasurewood Rd. Large lot with long range views back to Lake Glenville from the gentle building site with a driveway already cleared. This is a perfect lot to build your mountain getaway! MLS 95933

1993 and was chosen for easy access, its gentle building site and great potential views to the northwest with clearing. The lots on either side already have homes built, and due to their location, there is plenty of privacy on this ample-sized lot. MLS 94780

BETH TOWNSEND, GUILD™ C

828.421.6193

BETH@CASHIERS.COM 243 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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

OFFERED FOR $749,000 second bedroom is on the upper level and has its own private balcony. Also upstairs is a loft space and an extra room that would be perfect for an office or craft room. The lower level has a third bedroom and bath, a family room, laundry room, one-car garage and a large workshop. Its large lot has a waterfall, boulder field and terraced yard space perfect for the outdoor enthusiast. MLS 97276

MAGGIE ELMER

803.493.5734

KARALINE SHOMAKER 244 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

828.200.1146

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB

LOTS & LAND LOT

ACRES

DESCRIPTION

N/A

Mountain views adjoining National Forest

97163

CASHIERS

$895,000

E-158

1.30

Near level with mountain views

96021

MOUNTAINTOP GOLF & LAKE CLUB

$599,000

E-32

0.92

Golf and mountain views

95880

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB

$475,000

E-215

3.78

Gently rolling with mountain views

95868

MOUNTAINTOP GOLF & LAKE CLUB

$395,000

B-6

0.51

Flat lot near the clubhouse

96196

CHATTOOGA CLUB

$325,000

M-36

2.68

Whiteside Mountain views

95874

WHITESIDE FOREST

$265,000

2.86

Mountain views with a stream running through 97119

CROSS CREEK PRESERVE

$175,000

N-55

0.81

Gently rolling with winter golf course views

95803

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB

$160,000

E-26

0.72

Gently rolling near the Clubhouse

94722

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB

$125,000

MOUNTAINTOP GOLF & LAKE CLUB / MLS 96021

MLS

SUBDIVISION

PRICE

WHITESIDE FOREST / MLS 95874

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM 245 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Wade Hampton Golf Club LOTS & LAND

LOT

ACRES

DESCRIPTION

MLS

LOCATION

PRICE

ESTATE PARCELS

L-8

3.85

National Forest and mountain views

94616

Silver Springs Road

$375,000

GOLF FRONT

E-32

0.92

Golf and mountain view

95880

Chimney Top Trail

$475,000

N-19

0.66

Great golf views

96232

Fox Fire

$225,000

N-55

0.81

Winter golf views, gently rolling

95803

Chimney Top Trail

$160,000

MOUNTAIN VIEWS

S-45

1.86

Long range mountain views

94825

Cherokee Trace

$555,000

S-10

1.56

Mountain view, gently sloping

94614

Cherokee Trace

$195,000

R-50

0.65

Mountain and golf views

96573

Cherokee Trace

$ 60,000

FOREST FLOOR

R-43

0.72

Gently rolling, end of cul-de-sac

95244

Ox Lock Road

$185,000

E-26

0.72

Wooded, gently rolling

94722

Chimney Top Trail

$125,000

R-25

0.91

Wooded, gently rolling

94896

Cherokee Trace

$100,000

R-26

0.94

Wooded, easy build site

95662

Cherokee Trace

$ 90,000

R-49

1.25

Access to Katydid Road or The Low Road

83185

Katydid Road

$ 80,000

E-25

0.98

Gently rolling and wooded

96006

Mayapple Road

$ 75,000

619 HWY 107 S

CASHIERS, NC 28717

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM 246 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

828.743.3411

247 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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Spring Forest

SAPPHIRE

offered at $7,000,000

This estate was aptly dubbed "Ushuata", a Cherokee term meaning "where the earth ends and dreams begin". No other phrase comes close to describing how it feels to enter its gates and step into a garden paradise surrounded by splendid views of the ancient Appalachians. Boasting one of the finest private gardens in the Southeast, the home sits jewel-like amid terraced gardens, which perfectly blend into the remarkable site and take full advantage of the views of Bald Rock and Lake Fairfield. MLS# 96952.

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Stonefly C A S H I E R S offered at $6,500,000

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

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Cedar Hill

CASHIERS

offered at $4,250,000

This luxurious, sprawling, modern rustic home offers floor-to-ceiling windows to capture the stunning mountain landscape of the Plateau. Cedar and stone accents give the facade a warm and welcoming feel, while dormers and angled rooflines create architectural interest. This new construction project by the award-winning builder, Loudermilk Homes, on over 22 acres is designed for entertaining and bringing friends and family together. A gourmet chef's kitchen with two islands, a sunroom, and dining room make entertaining a joy. MLS# 96917.

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Summer Hill

LAKE GLENVILLE

offered at $3,495,000

This stunning newer custom-built home has incredible 180-degree panoramic views of Lake Glenville and the mountain ranges beyond from virtually every room. Quality craftsmanship, premium finishes, and thoughtful design down to the smallest detail make this luxury family retreat the perfect choice for the discriminating buyer. The phenomenal vistas start at the front door and continue on through the impressive great room. A well-outfitted wet bar ensures that everyone has their favorite cocktail or glass of wine. MLS# 96945.

UNDER

CONTRACT

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Cedar Hill C A S H I E R S offered at $3,400,000

Located in the very desirable gated community of Cedar Hill, this quintessential mountain lodge is currently being constructed and boasts striking curb appeal. Cedar Hill is very private yet ideally located just a few minutes from the supermarket, restaurants, retail stores, and country clubs. A grand living room offers wood cathedral ceilings and lots of light from dormer windows, a wood-burning stone fireplace, wooden beams and a dramatic wall of glass with French doors. The kitchen is the heart of the home, with a breakfast bar, large island, and brick accents. MLS# 96887.

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60+ Acres

SYLVA

offered at $2,950,000

This 60.96 +/- acre estate has been sculpted for a variety of uses and provides all the necessary amenities. A very lovely three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath home oozes modern rustic charm. The open floor plan flows from the kitchen to dining areas, which then leads into the expansive living room with vaulted ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace. The space feels very inviting, relaxing, and yet sophisticated for entertaining purposes. Upstairs you will find light and bright three bedrooms with two full baths. MLS# 96690.

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Strawberry Hill offered at $2,695,000

CULLOWHEE

This is a rare opportunity to purchase one of the newest-built homes on Lake Glenville. Completed in 2018, this custom home was handcrafted with premium finishes and a thoughtful design, down to the smallest detail, making this the perfect luxury lakefront family retreat. Upon entering, you will notice the Hickory hardwood floors found throughout. The main level offers a bright, open floor plan, from the kitchen to the dining to the living room, with fabulous vaulted, tongue-and-groove ceilings, a wall of windows for views of the lake, and one of the most impressive stacked stone, wood burning fireplaces you will see. MLS# 97452.

N E W LY LISTED

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Burlingame

SAPPHIRE

offered at $2,195,000

Welcome to Enchanted Falls Farm, a 3.39+/- acre private estate located within the scenic Smoky Mountains on the Horsepasture River. This beautiful mountain estate is perfectly situated to take advantage of the picturesque Burlingame Creek and its many waterfalls. The well-stocked creek offers anglers many opportunities to fish with the spectacular falls as a backdrop. Relax on the screened porch featuring a cozy wood-burning fireplace and listen to the waterfalls. The main house boasts three bedrooms, three and a half baths, reclaimed timbers, shiplap-covered walls, and wide plank wood floors. MLS# 97278.

N E W LY LISTED

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CEDAR HILL $1,995,000 Brand new construction in the premier gated community of Cedar Hill, located just minutes from Cashiers and Sapphire. This custom home offers beautiful mountain views, and features private driveway to the home for additional privacy. The view welcomes you to the open design which appeals to today's mountain lifestyle. The kitchen with center island overlooks the dining room and features a separate butler's pantry. A spacious main bedroom with separate sitting area, two walk-in closets, as well as double vanity round out this suite. The powder room and laundry room are also located on the main level. The lower level family room offers additional living space and access to the lower deck area. Three additional bedrooms with adjoining baths are also located on the lower level. If you are looking for new construction, this home is anticipated to be completed in late 2021. Don't miss this opportunity. MLS# 96203.

75+/- ACRES $1,995,000 Situated on gently rolling 75+/- acres with a large fenced pasture and tractor shed, this one-bedroom tiny house would make a great guest cottage or rental. The site for the main house has a long southern view overlooking the pasture area and distant mountains. 65 of the acres are in a conservation easement, while 10 remaining acres can be subdivided. Paved entry leads directly from Highway 64, and walking trails with creeks and falls are adjacent to the property. MLS# 96260.

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UNDER CONTRACT

SATUL AH VILL AGE $1,995,000 Rare opportunity for in-town living. Stroll to the restaurants and shops on Highlands' Main Street from this Satulah home which exudes English cottage charm and the signature design of Summerour Architects. Beyond the stone-surrounded entrance, you'll find coffered ceilings and a bright, open floor plan perfect for entertaining. Two stone fireplaces - one in the great room and a second on the covered porch - create two comfortable spaces for relaxation. Terrazo tile, heated and hardwood floors and attractive finishings are all part of this three-bedroom, three and one-half bath retreat surrounded by a private yard with lush landscaping. Enjoy community amenities and yard maintenance that is part of turn-key resort living. MLS# 97215.

STONEFLY $1,950,000 This 4,000 +/-square-foot home is located only minutes from the dining and shopping of Cashiers and boasts four bedrooms and four full baths and one half bath. Located in a very private gated community, the large and level lot offers a stream and pond which can be admired from the large deck and covered porch. Enjoy sitting by the pond as you have a fire in the fire pit and listen to the sounds of nature. Downstairs provides another living area, bedroom, small kitchen and media room. Guests or family can enjoy the home on any of the three levels. MLS# 96467.

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GLENVILLE $1,890,000 Near the shores of Lake Glenville, this amazing gentleman's farm sits on 24.4+/- unrestricted acres of gently rolling hills, fenced pasture land, and a beautiful pond fed by three different springs. A scenic, winding drive leads to the top of the property, where you'll discover a large, comfortable log home ideal for kicking up your feet after a long day of playing outside. The residence offers incredible seclusion, sitting at almost 4,000' elevation with wonderful long-range mountain views from both inside and outside the home. The lower level affords private living for in-laws or guests, complete with a separate entrance, its own bedroom, bathroom, living area, laundry room, and even a kitchen. The property is currently being enjoyed as a gentleman's farm and estate, but the fact that there are no restrictions makes its uses limitless. MLS# 96435.

UNDER CONTRACT

CEDAR HILL $1,795,000 Move-in ready and tastefully updated over the last two years, this is an exceptional luxurious mountain home. As you arrive at this home, nestled between the trees on more than three acres, and cross the meticulous landscaping and stone path leading to the entrance, you realize this is a special place. Inside, the floor-to-ceiling stone, wood-burning fireplace greets you as your eye is drawn to the breathtaking mountain view beyond the wall of windows. MLS# 97453.

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BALD ROCK $1,500,000 Situated on the edge of Camp Merrie-Woode's magical forest, this enchanting cabin offers the utmost privacy, with no other home to interrupt the surrounding vistas. Upon entering the carved doors, ascend to the upper level to see cathedral ceilings and a two-story fireplace. To either side of the fireplace, sliding doors access the deck. An open floor plan encompasses the dining room, living room, and kitchen. An adjoining screened deck is the ideal gathering spot for dining al fresco while listening to the babbling brook outside. MLS# 96374.

NEW CONSTRUCTION

THE DIVIDE $1,500,000 Be the first to occupy this quintessential mountain home in The Divide, a highly-desirable, gated community in Sapphire, just minutes from Cashiers. This four-bedroom, three and one-half bath home built by Fern Creek Builders features the owner's suite on the main level, with three additional bedrooms downstairs. Enjoy beautiful, long-range mountain views on almost two private acres. Enter the double front doors and take in the stacked stone and beautiful wooden flooring and stunning contrast of the bright walls and ceilings. MLS# 97105.

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NEW CONSTRUCTION

PILOTS KNOB $1,495,000 Live the dream in this soon to be completed, new construction home, built by well-regarded Jennings Custom Homes. The thoughtful, open-concept floor plan offers refined finishes, cathedral ceilings, shiplap walls on the main floor, and walk-in closets. Enjoy astounding, year-round, short and long-range mountain and rock face views from two levels of decks, open-air and partially covered, with a stone fireplace. MLS# 96893.

119 + ACRES

HIGHWAY 107 NORTH $1,480,000 Located on 119.34 +/- acres with short and long-range mountain views, this custom home offers easy access throughout the seasons. There is a smooth flow from the kitchen to the dining to the living room, which offers vaulted tongue-and-groove ceilings, a large stacked stone wood-burning fireplace, as well as a wood-burning stove to stay cozy on snowy days. The kitchen has been updated with granite countertops, two copper sinks, and a pot filler. MLS# 95370. 23.14 acres and home can be purchased for $995,000 (MLS# 95279).

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NEWLY PRICED

SAPPHIRE HIGH $1,100,000 Retreat from the world to an elegant Sapphire High home with year-round views of the brilliant Blue Ridge Mountains. Secluded and private, the focus on detail is evident with its open floor plan and only the highest quality furnishings and custom finishes. Created with a rustic Italian influence, the decor features contrasting elements, such as Mediterranean textiles against natural rough surfaces, to create a dramatic design impact. The heart pine wood flooring, trim, and crown molding throughout the home exhibits a high level of fine artistry. Experience gracious living from the stained-glass front door to the expansive 100 feet of decking with a screened-in porch that frames the panoramic mountain views. MLS# 93732.

UNDER CONTRACT

JOE ROUTH $1,095,000 Rare opportunity to own a tastefully updated 3 bedroom, 2 bath main home located on Lake Glenville with a private dock and 200+/feet of lake frontage! The home sits near the east side of the lake minutes from downtown Cashiers and close to Trillium and Mountaintop. The private dock is situated far from any public access points and is only a short canoe or kayak ride to Hurricane Falls. Great family setting with a hard to find, large flat terraced area, fire pit and amazing custom tree house. MLS# 96795.

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UNDER CONTRACT

BALD ROCK $975,000 Gorgeous equestrian property with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths all one one level! Total of 6.38 acres with approximately 2 acres of fenced pasture, perfect for horses or dogs. Long and short range westerly facing mountain views from this easily accessible location at above 4,100 feet elevation. Home was completely remodeled in 2013 and features vaulted ceilings, tongue and groove paneling, wood floors, newer kitchen with custom alder wood cabinets, Alaska white granite countertops and stone backsplash. MLS# 96505.

CULLOWHEE RIVER CLUB $940,000 Perched above the Tuckasegee River with mountain views, "River View Cabin" radiates the vibe of outdoor living. Nestled in the Cullowhee River Club, experience the tranquility of the rushing waters from the covered Trek deck or the walk-out lower-level equipped with a gas line for a fire pit/grill and wiring for a hot tub. This maintenance-free home exudes elegance, comfort, and craftsmanship. Natural slab stone adorns the entry and perimeter and is complemented by terraced stone landscaping. MLS# 96038.

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NEWLY LISTED

HIGHL ANDS COVE $895,000 Be tucked away in the beautiful Old Edwards Club at Highlands Cove, conveniently located in the Highlands-Cashiers corridor. Featuring three bedrooms and three baths, this impeccable second-story condo provides easy access to all the plateau has to offer. The one-level, well-maintained, and tastefully furnished home is your perfect place to recharge or reconnect with family and friends. The large stone fireplace is complemented by the wooden floors and 10-foot ceilings. MLS# 97293.

UNDER CON TRACT

ROUND HILL ESTATES $879,000 As you step through the front door, you're immediately greeted by an expansive view of the mountains beyond and the valley below. The living/dining area is a large, open space with a bank of windows and doors beckoning you onto the deck that runs the length of the back of the house. A portion of the deck is covered and screened for mountain living at its absolute finest. The house offers one-level living with a split floor plan. MLS# 97419.

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L AKEWOOD SHORES $799,000 If you’re looking for a well-maintained, lake view home with gentle access just minutes from downtown Cashiers and around the corner from Lake Glenville, this is it! Even better, this home has a successful vacation rental history, making it an ideal choice for investors. With its perfect size and open floor plan (including the kitchen, dining room and living room), this home is spacious, warm and inviting. On the main level you'll also find a heat-generating, stone, gas fireplace (that can also be a wood burning fireplace), two bedrooms, two full baths and one half-bath. MLS# 96996

NEWLY LISTED

STR AWBERRY HILL $799,000 If you're looking for a lake and mountain view home that is "turnkey" and ready to go, this is it! Just the right size, the home includes two bedrooms and two baths on the main level, and a third bedroom and bath downstairs. Enjoy nice, open space from the kitchen to the dining to the living room. Creating the quintessential mountain living room are the vaulted ceilings, a fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows for great natural light. The main level features wrap-around decks with a center, covered section off the living room to sit, relax, recharge, and enjoy all that Mother Nature offers this location. MLS# 97347.

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UNDER CONTRACT

BIG RIDGE $799,000 Imagine watching from the deck as the sky turns from purple to blue as the stars fade and the sun rises over the mountain, hearing only the songs of birds and frogs, and the stream as it meanders to the pond below. This three-bed, three-bath, exquisitely appointed mountain home sits on over 12 scenic, private acres in the close-knit Big Ridge community, just 10 minutes from Lake Glenville and 20 minutes from downtown Cashiers. MLS# 96697.

NEWLY PRICED WATERFALL COVE $779,000 Located on beautiful Lake Glenville only steps away from the shoreline, this three-bedroom, three-bath lakefront home is loaded with mountain charm! The property features two stories of wrap-around decks and tons of natural light, staying remarkably cool during the summer months. The rondette design provides added structural stability and views of nature from all sides. The open kitchen and living room face the lake view, offering a wood-burning fireplace for those cool mountain evenings. MLS# 96445.

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UNDER CONTRACT

MOUNTAIN HARBOR CLUB $750,000 Welcome to your well-appointed mountain retreat overlooking pristine Lake Glenville! Let the world drift away as you relax in the outdoor living room - a covered porch offering an expansive view of the lake and the Blue Ridge Mountains, complete with a wood-burning fireplace, perfect for chilly evenings. MLS# 97339.

NEWLY PRICED

WATERFALL COVE $749,000 The view is nothing short of SPECTACULAR! This beautiful and well-maintained three-bedroom, three-bath home with bonus rooms overlooks the falls of Norton Creek. The open floor plan beckons you through the house to the inviting back deck and the sights and sounds of rushing water. Imagine: only 50' +/- from the back of your house to your very own stream and waterfall! Enjoy complete total relaxation as you listen to the soothing and tranquil sounds of water from multiple vantage points. MLS# 97098.

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UNDER CONTRACT

HIGHL ANDS $749,000 Conveniently situated 10 minutes to downtown Highlands and Cashiers, this Southland chink-groove log home peacefully rests on 1.49 enchanting acres. Simple yet luxurious, this cozy cabin affords expansive one-level living with two bedroom suites, two bonus lofts and three full baths with high-end finishes and marble flooring. MLS# 96863.

UNDER CONTRACT L AKEWOOD SHORES $729,000 Your like-new lakeview cottage awaits! This completely remodeled, two-bedroom, three-bath home features gorgeous, long-range views of Lake Glenville and the surrounding mountains. Located in the Lakewood Shores community, it features a bright and sunny interior, updated fixtures and modern kitchen appliances. MLS# 97069.

CASHIERS $625,000 Private, well-maintained, 3 bedroom/3 bath home on 1.69 acres at 4,000 ft plus elevation and only 15 minutes to Cashiers. The living area has a gas-log fireplace, with open access to the dining room and kitchen, which includes an island/breakfast bar. MLS# 96873.

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NEWLY LISTE D

SYLVA $599,000 This lovely, three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath log home oozes modern rustic charm! The open floor plan flows from the kitchen to the dining areas, leading into the expansive living room with vaulted ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace. The space is warm, inviting and relaxing, yet sophisticated for hosting and entertaining. Upstairs you will find three light and bright bedrooms with two full baths. MLS# 97366.

NEWLY LISTED L AKEWOOD SHORES $475,000 This quaint and well-maintained Holly Forest II home sits at the end of a cul-de-sac and adjacent to Holly Forest green area, offering privacy and relaxation. Enjoy the sounds of Little Hogback Creek off the back deck or screened in porch. Featuring easy, one-level living and offered fully furnished, this comfortably appointed home invites you to nestle in front of the wood-burning stone fireplace and savor the serenity that abounds. MLS# 97461.

GLENVILLE $425,000 Your charming, cozy cabin in the woods awaits! Walk past the split-rail fence, along the stone path, to the front porch with twig railings and discover this well-maintained home, privately nestled on more than an acre. MLS# 97174.

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NEWLY LISTED TUCK ASEGEE $375,000 Enjoy serenity and privacy on 60+ remote acres of gently rolling and wooded land, rich with wildlife and offering fantastic views. A mountain adventurer's dream at 3,500+ feet elevation, you'll find several hiking and UTV/ATV trails on the property. MLS# 97264.

UNDER CONTRACT SAPPHIRE $369,000 Your charming, cozy cabin in the woods awaits! Walk past the splitrail fence, along the stone path, to the front porch with twig railings and discover this well-maintained home, privately nestled on more than an acre. MLS# 97254.

NORTON ROAD $269,000 This charming mountain summer cabin is on 1.02+/- unrestricted acres approximately 3 miles to the Cashier Crossroads. The cabin offers all-on-one level living, 1 bedroom, and 1 full bath and a nice open space from the living room to kitchen with a spacious covered front porch. MLS# 96397.

COMME RCI A L

CASHIERS COMMERCIAL $900,000 If you're looking for a prime location from which to operate a business, look no further! Located in Cashiers' Chestnut Square, at the corner of Highway 64 and Lance Road, this property is ideal for a business operation. Each of its three floors feature offices, storage areas, and bathrooms. MLS# 97408.

BUSINESS ONLY

CASHIERS COMMERCIAL $59,000 This is a unique opportunity to own a retail business in beautiful Cashiers, NC. The Bear's Den is located in a high-traffic area less than 1/2 mile from the Cashiers crossroads on Highway 107 South. Currently, the store offers furniture, decorative pieces, gifts and other special items at fair prices. MLS# 97406.

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LOT S & L AND

ADMIR AL’ S POINT

BIG RID GE

Looking to build a home with views of Lake Glenville? Take a look at this lot on the east side of the lake with easy access to Cashiers. Enjoy the views of the lake and the mountains beyond, along with cool summer breezes. Buy now and build or hold onto the lot for future home. Don't miss this opportunity for a lake view lot. MLS# 94746. $95,000.

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

BALD RO CK

NEWLY PRICED This 2.52 +/- acres offers cool breezes, mountain views with clearing and gentle enough topography to ensure economical foundation costs for your mountain dream house! Located in the casual community of Big Ridge, you'll experience peace, quiet and solitude on this generously sized building lot. Water is available at the north end of the lot. Close to Lake Glenville for all kinds of water antics! Spend your summer or a lifetime. MLS# 96309. $29,900.

THE BOULDERS NEWLY LISTED Spectacular gently sloping 10+ acre estate lot located in the prestigious community of Bald Rock. This lot borders the National Forest and equestrian trails allowing easy access to trail ride, hike or mountain bike. Bald Rock community features waterfalls, wooden bridges and streams throughout plus an equestrian center and a pavilion with 2 fireplaces and full kitchen. Ownership also comes with Sapphire Valley amenities that give you access to the golf course, tennis courts, rec center, fitness center, indoor/outdoor pools, community center, ski slope, zip line and more. MLS# 96752. $449,000.

BE AR L AKE NEWLY PRICED Panoramic 180 degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and long range views of Bear Lake with clearing, on this end of a cul-de-sac homesite in Bear Lake Reserve. Bear Lake Reserve is a private and gated mountain lake, luxury resort getaway in Western North Carolina. Enjoy the rustic beauty of the mountains and countless amenities offered including: golf, tennis, hiking and trails, outdoor pavilions, a lake club and more. The resort adjoins Panthertown Valley, also known as “The Yosemite of the East". Conveniently located to the neighboring towns of Cashiers, Highlands, Sylva and Franklin you can escape to a desirable location offering a moderate climate, outdoor adventure, or just peace and respite from the fast pace. Incredible opportunity to build your custom dream home with impressive mountain vistas. MLS# 95383. $99,000.

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Nice lot with short range mountain views. MLS# 95258. $29,500. Nice 1.47 +/- acre lot with short range mountain views. MLS# 95257 - $29,500.

BRID GE CREEK Your mountain dream home goes here! Enjoy all that Bridge Creek offers: A beautifully landscaped, covered bridge entrance with a security gate, chimney garden, pond and paved roads. All of this is in a close-to-town location that is just far enough away to allow for the quiet and respite from hectic day-to day-living that we all need. This .62-acre lot should provide a great building site and also allow for the enjoyment of indigenous plants and trees. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy everything that draws people to the mountains! MLS# 97097. $35,000. 0.50 acre lot at 3,900 feet elevation with tucked away views of Lake Glenville. Located in the low density neighborhood of Bridge Creek, just a short scenic drive to Cashiers and 25 minutes to Highlands. Cross over the charming covered bridge spanning the trout waters of Norton Creek to enter the quaint community of Bridge Creek which offers a community pond, picnic area, outdoor chimney garden and hiking trails. MLS# 91223. $26,100.

BURLINGAME THE most spectacular property available in Burlingame! Over 5 buildable acres, right on Miller Falls! These 2 lots are being sold together so that you can have a driveway access from lot 4 to a home

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Enjoy all that Burlingame has to offer with complete privacy on your 5+ acres on the designated "Wild and Scenic" Horsepasture River. MLS# 96872. $595,000. Great opportunity to own over 4 acres with golf course and Horsepasture River views in Burlingame Country Club. Build your dream home in this amazing community. Must see to appreciate. MLS# 96498. $399,000.

MLS# 96300. $150,000. The Meridian at Cedar Hill is the final phase of the very popular neighborhood of Cedar Hill. These lots are at over 4,000 feet elevation with private sewer access, water, paved roads and underground power. A well maintained neighborhood with pristine roads, gated entry and lovely homes. Exceptional mountain views including Bald Rock and Lonesome Valley Canyon set this estate lot apart. Cedar Hill is an upscale gated community offering its residents awe-inspiring views and the very best in luxury mountain living. MLS# 96298. $155,000.

If you are going to build, build on a great lot! And this is one of those! Over 2 acres on the Horsepasture River. Great privacy on the cul-de-sac. Extremely buildable lot with great, easy, access to the river. Enjoy the sound of the river, fly fishing in your backyard and the beautiful Burlingame community! MLS# 96829. $275,000.

Tucked away in the gorgeous gated community of Cedar Hill is this high elevation, easy build lot with beautiful mountain and ridge line views. There is an expired septic evaluation on file with Jackson County for a three bedroom home. Full Sapphire Valley amenities are available with initiation and additional annual fees. This lot is a quick five-minute drive to Cashiers and a twenty minute drive to Highlands. MLS# 96100. $85,000.

One acre private cul-de-sac lot with great views of Hogback Mountain and Burlingame's 5th fairway. Build your dream home here. MLS# 96593. $149,000.

CEDAR CREEK CLIFFS

UNDER CONTRACT Desirable, nearly level lot located within the grounds of Burlingame Country Club. This lot can be accessed from either the quiet Lakeshore Drive on one side or the easily accessible Upper Whitewater Road on the other. Your future mountain home built on this lot is centrally located just a short drive by golf cart or vehicle to the Burlingame Country Club, children playground, Horsepasture River, leashfree dog park and more. Views of Lake Soquilla can be seen from the Lakeshore Drive side of the lot which could be further enhanced with permission from the HOA and your neighbors across the street. Membership to the Burlingame Country Club is optional, but is required to use certain amenities. MLS# 94073. $29,000.

CEDAR HILL UNDER CONTRACT Streams, streams, streams! There are 3 streams that pass through the property and 2 that intersect at one point! Easy to walk property with trails and walking planks over the streams that go in every direction. Gentle home site with nearly flat access off the main road. Expired 4 septic permit on file and private community water available. Pretty setting with some short range mountain views possible as well. Cedar Hill is a highly desirable gated community located only minutes from the Cashiers Crossroads. Sapphire Valley Resort amenities are optional with a $500 initiation fee and annual fees of $858/yr (2021), upon membership application and approval. 2,800 square foot minimum building requirement. MLS# 95571. $139,500. The Meridian at Cedar Hill is the final phase of the very popular neighborhood of Cedar Hill. These lots are at over 4,000 feet elevation with private sewer access, water, paved roads and underground power. A well maintained neighborhood with pristine roads, gated entry and lovely homes. Exceptional mountain views including Bald Rock and Lonesome Valley Canyon set this estate lot apart. Cedar Hill is an upscale gated community offering its residents awe-inspiring views and the very best in luxury mountain living. If you're searching for the perfect lot for your future dream home, Cedar Hill will not disappoint. Convenient to the heart of Cashiers and Sapphire.

LOT S & L AND

on lot 5, right on top of this major waterfall. Where is your favorite fly fishing spot? Right in your own backyard! MLS# 96858. $660,000.

Huge views form this large lot in the Glenville area. The bottom of the lot falls away from a very level building site, making it easy to open up the view. South facing, so plenty of yearround sunshine. Convenient to Lake Glenville and Cashiers. Community water system. At nearly 4,400 feet elevation, you are guaranteed a cool summer. Compare to other easy build view lots, this lot is a great opportunity. MLS# 94470. $75,000.

CEDAR RID GE ES TATES NEWLY PRICED Build your mountain home alongside a tall majestic waterfall and also overlooking Horsepasture River! This large 2.47 acre lot is what dreams are made of with a private waterfall and approximately180 feet of Horsepasture River frontage that is only a 5 minute drive or less to the Cashiers Crossroads. Easy to find and view with a lot marker sign and a trail cut into the lot to allow you to walk around the potential home site area. Ideal home site positions your back deck overlooking the waterfall and river below. Expired 4 bedroom septic permit on file and there is an existing water system to hook onto so no well drilling needed. Electricity is accessible at the road and Northland Cable or Frontier DSL are your options for internet/cable tv within this community. A new survey has been ordered and will be available upon completion. MLS# 96402. $150,000. NEWLY PRICED Enjoy privacy from this 4.26 acre estate size lot with that is only a few minutes drive to the Cashiers Crossroads! Walk up the steps to the trail into the lot and follow the pink survey markers along the edge of the small stream to the building knoll at the top of the lot shown on the 4 expired septic permit. Cedar Ridge Estates is a beautifully maintained community with mountain views and streams throughout. Walk just down the road from this lot to see a lovely waterfall and Horsepasture River from the newly built bridge. Existing water system is available to hook up to so no well drilling needed. Electricity is accessible at the road and Northland Cable or Frontier DSL are your options for internet/cable tv within this community. Low homeowner association fees and no club memberships required however; owners may also apply for membership at the nearby Cedar Creek Racquet Club or

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another club in the area. MLS# 96955. $115,000.

Rhododendrons and Mountain Laurels. Club membership by invitation only. MLS# 96442. $595,000.

THE CHAT TO OGA CLUB

Build your dream mountain home in the well-established, exclusive and gated community of The Chattooga Club! This pretty, 1.81-acre lot is conveniently located only two miles to town. Hardwoods, rhododendron, mountain laurels and other indigenous trees and plants grace the property. Lake Chattooga and the stunning Mac's View picnic area are owned by the Homeowners' Association. Membership to The Chattooga Club is by invitation. MLS# 97145. $369,000. This wooded lot inside the gates of the well-established community of The Chattooga Club features beautiful hardwoods, rhododendrons mountain laurels and other indigenous plants. An easy building site, it is only two miles to town. Private wells are included in your POA fee. This is a great opportunity to build your mountain dream home in this exclusive neighborhood! Club membership is by invitation only. MLS# 97146. $359,000.

Gorgeous premiere 5+ acre lot inside the gates of the prestigious and exclusive Chattooga Club. Great building site on this beautiful lot adjacent to Mac's View which will never be built on and is deeded to the homeowners association. Phenomenal views of mountain range and Whiteside Mountain - Perfect for sipping cocktails as you watch the gorgeous sunsets! MLS# 93769. $950,000. Beautiful virgin forest land in this idyllic setting in the well established gated community of The Chattooga Club. Gentle building site with Fowler Creek, which flows into The Chattooga River, runs alongside this property with a view of mountain range. Lot is surrounded by beautiful hardwoods, and indigenous plants including rhododendrons, mountain laurels. Great spot for someone to build their perfect summer or year round mountain home! MLS# 96848. $800,000.

CHINQUAPIN NEWLY LISTED Don't miss this unique, awe-inspiring lot offering in Chinquapin! With long-range southern views, this is an exceptionally private and flat-build site with deeded water access perched above 4,000 feet elevation. Currently, no other lot with southern views is available in Chinquapin, a 2,000-acre private, gated community that offers park-like living with outdoor adventure amenities. Enjoy lake and stream fishing, canoeing, a disc golf course, a driving range, miles of hiking and biking trails, a fitness room and an Outpost Clubhouse that hosts live music during high season. New pickleball courts are underway! Chinquapin is one of the few communities in the area that offers fiber to the home for great connectivity. MLS# 97376. $399,000.

Beautiful virgin forest land in this idyllic setting in the well established gated community of The Chattooga Club. Gentle building site with Fowler Creek, which flows into The Chattooga River, runs alongside this property with a view of mountain range. Lot is surrounded by beautiful hardwoods, and indigenous plants including rhododendrons, mountain laurels. Great spot for someone to build their perfect summer or year round mountain home! MLS# 96849. $800,000. Beautiful virgin forest land in this idyllic setting in the well established gated community of The Chattooga Club. Gentle building site with Fowler Creek, which flows into The Chattooga River, runs alongside this property with a view of mountain range. Lot is surrounded by beautiful hardwoods, and indigenous plants including rhododendrons, mountain laurels. Great spot for someone to build their perfect summer or year round mountain home! MLS# 96847. $750,000. Located in The Chattooga Club, this beautiful 3.2-acre lot features a mountain view on one side and the sound of Fowler Creek on the other. The community offers wonderful amenities, including security, a lake that is annually stocked with 1,000 pounds of trout, and Mac's View, a picnic area with beautiful sunsets. Don't miss this opportunity to build your dream mountain home! Club membership is by invitation only. MLS# 97078. $750,000. Beautiful lot on corner of Club Drive and Gorge Trail in the well-established Chattooga Club community. Beautiful waterfall on the property with lots of hardwoods and indigenous plants including

Envision your dream home on this lot with spectacular long-range mountain views located in Chinquapin's exclusive Double Knob section, privately gated within the main gates of the community. Cool summers will be yours, as the almost 1.5-acre lot sits at more than 4,000 feet elevation. Chinquapin is a 2,000-acre, private community that offers park-like living with outdoor adventure amenities. Enjoy lake and stream fishing, canoeing, a disc golf course, a driving range, miles of hiking and biking trails, an Out-

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Chinquapin is a 2,000-acre, private, gated community that offers park-like living with outdoor adventure amenities. Enjoy lake and stream fishing, canoeing, a disc golf course, a driving range, miles of hiking and biking trails, an Outpost Clubhouse with a fitness room and live music during the season as well as new pickleball courts coming summer 2021! Chinquapin is one of the few communities in the area that offers fiber to the home for great connectivity. Lot D46 is a cul-de-sac lot with an amazing mountain view located in Chinquapin's exclusive Double Knob section which is privately gated within the main gates of the community. MLS# 97164. $299,000. NEWLY LISTED Located on a cul-de-sac in Chinquapin, this lot offers amazing, long-range views - perhaps the best in this private community! Lot 32 offers more than three acres of gently-rolling and partially-cleared land. Chinquapin is a 2,000-acre, private, gated community that offers park-like living with outdoor adventure amenities. Enjoy lake and stream fishing, canoeing, a disc golf course, a driving range, miles of hiking and biking trails, an Outpost Clubhouse with a fitness room and live music during the season as well as new pickleball courts coming fall 2021! Chinquapin is one of the few communities in the Cashiers, NC area that offers fiber to the home for great connectivity. MLS# 97407. $249,900. Located at 4000+/- feet of elevation, this 6.108+/- acres is located in the unique high elevation community. The lot has the potential for short and long range mountain views. The lot is close to hiking trails and green space. The development is in close proximity to downtown Cashiers. Chinquapin amenities include miles of hiking trails, biking and 4- wheeling, trout fishing, camping and a community clubhouse. There is also from the community, easy access to Panthertown Valley National Forest. If you are looking for even more acreage, lot 10 next door is also for sale with 3.407 +/- acres. MLS# 95866. $240,000. NEWLY LISTED Building your mountain dream home is made easier on this near-level lot in beautiful Chinquapin. Lot 19 is a flat lot with a private, wooded setting. It will have a long driveway, leading down a remarkable rock face view with the sounds of the creek down below. Located in the desirable Cedar Creek/Breedlove area, Chinquapin is a 2,000-acre, private, gated community that offers park-like living with outdoor adventure amenities. Enjoy lake and stream fishing, canoeing, a disc golf course, a driving range, miles of hiking and biking trails, an Outpost Clubhouse with a fitness room and live music during the season as well as new pickleball courts coming Fall 2021! Chinquapin is one of the few communities in the area that offers fiber to the home for great connectivity. MLS# 97429. $199,000. Gorgeous mountain view lot with a very gentle home site sitting above 3,800 ft. elevation! Northwesterly facing lot in the gated community of Chinquapin. Current 3 bedroom septic permit (authorization to construct) on hand and water and electricity hook up also available at road. You will notice that there are several beautiful homes that have just recently

been built, or currently under construction, on your way to this home site. The Chinquapin community is truly a nature lover's paradise with 13 different trails to explore, some for UTV/ ATV's, hiking and mountain biking. Many common areas to enjoy including Logan's Overlook, a lovely covered pavilion for a small gathering and a porch swing where you can see and enjoy the peaceful majestic long range views. Other amenities include disc golf, an activity field, helipad, electric bike rentals, a band stage and more! MLS# 96950. $149,000. This large 3.46 acre gentle lot offers a nice northerly facing short range mountain view along with a nature lover's paradise literally right outside your back door! Located at the end of a circular cul-de-sac with a community trail that leads you into the property and eventually crosses Lot 97 and leads you to the Chinquapin Wilderness common areas including a bold stream and fishing shack situated on 230+ acres of conservatory land. Just across the stream you will see one of several Wilderness Cabins that are available for property owners and their guests to reserve and enjoy. The back right side of this lot has approximately 400 feet of bold Robinson Creek frontage. Walk down the black trail to the purple trail and turn right to cross through the middle of the lot and eventually crosses over to Lot 99 to arrive at Ian's Bridge, a beautiful area overlooking the stream. There's an abundance of natural flora covering the property including beautiful ferns, moss cover rocks, mountain laurel and rhododendrons. Chinquapin has13 different trails, some for UTV/ATV's, hiking and mountain biking. The purple trail is a walking trail only. Take off from your home in any direction and it will lead to one of the many waterfalls in the area. The Chinquapin community is truly is a nature lover's paradise! The black trail that leads you into the lot would be ideal to be the start of the driveway into Lot 96 with the homesite just past the Lot 96 marker. Many common areas to enjoy including Logan's Overlook, a lovely covered pavilion for a small gathering and a porch swing where you can see and enjoy the peaceful majestic long range views. You will notice that there are several beautiful homes that have just recently been built, or currently under construction, on you way to this home site. MLS# 96793. $145,000.

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post Clubhouse with a fitness room and live music during the season as well as new pickleball courts coming summer 2021! Chinquapin is one of the few communities in the area that offers fiber to the home for great connectivity. Don't miss this opportunity for exceptional mountain living. MLS# 97219. $349,900.

2.13+/- gentle rolling acres at the end of cul de sac. Lot backs up to wooded green space. Chinquapin is a beautiful nature community where residents have access to multiple trails for hiking, biking or ATV rides, teepee village, ponds for fishing, picnic pavilion, helipad and community social gatherings throughout the season. If you are looking for a beautiful location to build your mountain home, Chinquapin may be the place for you. Convenient to Cashiers for shopping and dining and Lake Glenville for skiing, tubing, swimming and more. MLS# 96240. $119,000. Chinquapin is a 2,000-acre private gated community that offers park-like living with outdoor adventure amenities. Outdoor amenities include lake and stream fishing, canoeing, disk golf course, driving range, miles of hiking and biking trails, Outpost Clubhouse with fitness room, live music at the Outpost Clubhouse during season as well as new pickleball courts coming summer 2021! Chinquapin is one of the few communities in the area that offers fiber to the home for great connectivity. Lot 75 has a flat build site with a great mountain view for the perfect mountain home. MLS# 96946. $109,000. Chinquapin is a 2,000-acre private gated community that offers park-like living with outdoor adventure amenities.

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Outdoor amenities include lake & stream fishing, canoeing, disk golf course, driving range, miles of hiking & biking trails, Outpost Clubhouse with fitness room, live music at the Outpost Clubhouse during season as well as new pickleball courts coming summer 2021! Chinquapin is one of the few communities in the area that offers fiber to the home for great connectivity. Lot 70 has a flat build site with a great mountain view for the perfect mountain home. MLS# 96876. $99,900. If you want to be in a community of upscale homes and low density, a community that features acres of conservation easements, trails, ponds, stables, and more; look no further. It's a private gated 2,000 acre community with wide paved roads, underground utilities and high-speed fiber internet. Chinquapin offers a unique mountain experience. This lot sits at just shy of 4,000 feet elevation, has a gentle sloping building site and a nice mountain view. MLS# 95987. $79,900.

CROSS CREEK PRESERVE Build your dream home right next to a waterfall! Extremely unique lot with a BOLD stream and 2 waterfalls bordering approximately 480 feet along the left side of the property. This 2.68 acre lot will also have great mountain views once house site is cleared and view is trimmed in. A trail or walkway leading from the home site down to the common area can easily be added for direct access to the common area. Building will be a breeze on this nearly level building site. Underground utilities and water access already in place and there is an expired 3 bedroom septic permit on file. Cross Creek Preserve is a well-manicured community with only 24 home sites and a gated entrance where you pass through a charming covered bridge. This lot also backs up to the peaceful and serene common area where you can kayak, fish in the trout stocked lake or enjoy a campfire in the community fire ring. Located only 5.5 miles from the heart of Cashiers in the popular Norton Road area. MLS# 95971. $199,900.

this property is 6+ acres at 3,600' elevation, making it an ideal location for a temperate mountain getaway. High-speed internet will be available via recently approved fiber optic cable installation. The private community common area is arguably one of the prettiest in the area, providing direct access to the headwaters of the Tuckasegee River - an ideal spot for fly fishing - and private access to an unbelievable community waterfall greater than 100 feet tall. Miles of additional hiking trails, including High Falls Trail, are directly accessible from the common area. MLS# 94921. $35,000.

CULLOWHEE MOUNTAIN ROAD Here is your chance for 20+/- acres (deed says 20+/- acres and Tax Office shows 16+/- acres ) of unrestricted land in the heart of the mountains for Western North Carolina. Ready for one or multiple home sites, this parcel has a paved driveway connecting off one of multiple build sites to Cullowhee Mountain Road. If you like higher elevation views, work your way deeper into the 20 acres and surround yourself in nature with complete and utter wooded privacy while taking in the stunning views from your new deck in any direction. Just 12 minutes to the Pine Creek Recreation area on Lake Glenville and under 30 minutes to the shops and restaurants of the town of Cashiers. MLS# 94875. $130,000. 11.65+/- acres with a mix of stream and waterfall frontage located in the gated, informal community of Cullowhee Forest. The size of the lot gives you options for the future home site along with the potential for short range mountain views. MLS# 95250. $99,000.

CULLOWHEE RIVER CLUB

Come build your dream home upon this generously sized 2.69 acre lot within the beautifully manicured Cross Creek Preserve. This wooded, gently sloping lot offers easy access and potential for long range mountain views to enjoy from your future getaway, whether it be a primary or secondary residence. MLS# 95183. $175,000. Amazing long range mountain views can be seen from this home site in the prestigious gated community of Cross Creek Preserve. As you enter the community through the charming covered bridge you will see that this is a very well maintained neighborhood with nice common areas including a trout fishing pond with waterfall and a huge field and fire pit for owners to enjoy. Nearby Trillium Links & Lake Club can be seen from this north facing lot. Surrounded by several upscale neighborhoods, Cross Creek is also close to Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club and Old Edwards Club. Conveniently situated between Highlands and Cashiers for quick trips to town for shopping and dining. Seller already has a complete set of ready to build custom house plans designed specifically for this lot for a 3-4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home. Contact listing agent for more details! MLS# 89979. $189,500.

CULLOWHEE FORES T Cullowhee Forest is a gated community focused around nature, large lots, and a pristine mountain feel. Surrounded by lush forest,

NEWLY PRICED Incredibly light filled homesite located at the end of a cul de sac and situated above the Tuckasegee River with Blue Ridge Mountain views. Sounds of the rushing river abound on this gentle sloping, largely cleared lot with short and some potential long range mountain views. Cullowhee River Club includes a common green space area, pavilion, fire pit, and fireplace. It is conveniently located minutes to Western Carolina University and a short scenic drive to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Both the Asheville airport and Harrah's Casino are an hour's drive. Public sewer is available. MLS# 96237. $160,000.

FALCON RID GE

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GLEN L AUREL Huge views of Lake Glenville and mountains. Access to Lake Glenville with shared dock. Paved roads and community water. Underground utilities. Frontage on 2 community roads. Lot is very close, less than 1/4 mile, from a public boat launch. So you can easily put in and take out any watercraft. If you're looking for it all, view, lake, and elbow room; this is it. MLS# 95547. $47,000. Easy build lake access lot within walking distance to Lake Glenville and the community boat dock. This lot has a gentle slope and a very pastoral view of pastures and mountains. The lot is easily accessed from paved state road. This lot is also very convenient to Cashiers, Highlands, Franklin and Cullowhee. Glen Laurel has paved roads and underground utilities. Minimum square footage for homes, only 1400 sf. Affordable opportunity to own your mountain cabin with an almost lake front lot. Within 1/4 mile of public boat ramp. 3 bedroom septic permit issued. MLS# 95506. $41,000.

GLENSHORE NEWLY PRICED One of the more established lakefront subdivisions on Lake Glenville, Glenshore is a gated community featuring some of the most beautiful multi-million dollar homes in the Western North Carolina area. This affordable corner wooded lot, priced under assessed value enjoys winter views of Lake Glenville and with additional tree topping/trimming, potentially even more enhanced views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Each home site in Glenshore is individual, offering unique perspectives of nature. The waterfront community of Glenshore on Lake Glenville offers its residents all of the pleasures the lake has to offer – boating, jet skiing, swimming, fishing and more. MLS# 94182. $19,900.

GLENVILLE Extremely unique and rare opportunity to have 107 +/- acres across from Lake Glenville. Property offers amazing mountain and lake views along with pond and stream frontage. Location of property is only minutes from downtown Cashiers. MLS#

96441. $2,800,000.

GOLF CLUB ES TATES Fabulous views over the Country Club of Sapphire and the mountains beyond. Located in the gated community of Golf Club Estates, this lot offers a great opportunity to build your perfect mountain dream home. Membership at the CCSV is by invitation only, and just a short golf cart ride away. MLS# 94304. $175,000.

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Spectacular long range southwesterly views from this 2.42 acre home site. Great Chimney Top, Rock and Whiteside Mountain views extending all the way east to Rainy Knobs and beyond. Community water system and electricity are accessible at road. Located in the desirable neighborhood of Falcon Ridge, this lot sits at a cool 4,000+ feet elevation and has astonishing layered views into South Carolina. This home site has paved access and sits far enough away from Tower Road to provide quiet tranquility. This is the perfect spot to build your mountain getaway! Falcon Ridge has a community common area with a pavilion and a bonfire ring and is a wonderful place to enjoy with friends, family and neighbors. Panthertown Valley, a 6,300 acre wilderness area, is right around the corner making hiking and waterfall sightseeing very convenient. Ownership also comes with Sapphire Valley Resort amenities where you can enjoy golf, tennis, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, fitness center, carpet golf, community center, ski slope, zip line, Lake Fairfield access and more. MLS# 96606. $195,000.

GRE YCLIFF 3,900 ft plus of elevation, lake and boat dock access, with mountain views. Located in the Informal Gated community of Greycliff, the community offers wide paved roads throughout, community water, underground utilities, simple common sense restrictions, and a low minimum build requirement of 1,400 square feet. Greycliff is one of the few communities around Lake Glenville that offers the ability for members only to access Lake Glenville and have the use of a common boat dock. MLS# 95684. $49,900. Wonderful long range mountain view lot located in the gated community of Greycliff. The community offers wide paved roads, underground utilities, community water with lake and boat dock access. MLS# 95897. $55,000.

HIGH ME AD OWS Very hard to find 4.70+/- acres, with a gentle topography, located in a low density gated community with extensive walking trails, close to downtown Cashiers. If you are looking for privacy and the feeling as though you are in a state park, then this lot and the community of High Meadows provides just that feeling. The lot also has a small babbling brook that runs through the property if you are looking for a little water noise. There is currently a trail cut in from the beginning of the lot to the very end of the lot which will connect you to one of the walking trails and take you to a common area that provides an outdoor pavilion with fireplace. MLS# 96275. $199,000.

HIGH SPRINGS It doesn't get much better than this! Gentle 1.8+/- acre building lot with easy driveway access and a house site that has already been partially cleared. Located at the end of a cul-de-sac that is shared with only two other owners. The lot line extends all the way down to Birch Creek Trail below so it would be easy to open up the view with a little tree trimming for a great year-round long range mountain view. Southwesterly views of Whiteside Mountain, Satulah Mountain, Yellow Mountain, Black Rock Mountain and more. These two lots were combined into one so there is only one $1,000 POA fee per year and it includes water usage. Only a 1,400 minimum square foot building requirement! Expired 3 bedroom septic permit on file. MLS# 95795. $125,000.

HIGHWAY 6 4 WES T - C A SHIERS

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This in-town, road-level commercial property is off Highway 64 West. The 2.34 +/- acres include two parcels. It offers easy access off Highway 64 West, with great visibility from this main thoroughfare between Cashiers and Highlands. A well and septic system is on the property. MLS# 97094. $649,000.

HIGHWAY 10 7 SOUTH

On the market for the first time, the historic Waddell/Hanks House estate sits in the heart of the highly desirable Highway 107 South corridor in Cashiers, North Carolina. The estate overlooks a gently meandering Fowler Creek and Wade Hampton Golf Club's beautiful 7th and 8th holes. This section of the corridor boasts an impressive concentration of luxury homes, a central uncongested location, two prestigious private country clubs, and the newly renovated High Hampton resort. With few building restrictions, the estate property represents an exceptional opportunity to build a custom single-family compound, several estate homes, or a development with upscale cottages for seasonal or year-round residents. The 12.16-acre property consists of contiguous parcels of 3.41 acres, .64 acres, and 8.11 acres. MLS# 94760. $3,700,000.

HO GBACK CREEK ES TATE NEWLY PRICED Well priced adjoining lakefront lots totaling over an acre with gorgeous views of the lake and mountains beyond. Hogback Lake is great for canoes, kayaks, sails, pontoons, fishing boats w/trolling motors and swimming. There is an expired septic improvement permit for a three bedroom dwelling from 2002 (would need to be updated with Jackson County). Sapphire Valley amenities are available if desired but not mandatory. MLS# 94633. $70,000.

HO GBACK L AKE UNDER CONTRACT Great opportunity to own a lake front lot with minimal fees! Enjoy beautiful views of Hogback Lake and Hogback Mountain from this half acre lot. Drop a canoe or fishing line in right from your own property! Located at the south end of the lake near the dam with easy access off Highway 64. Current 4 bedroom septic permit on file. NO HOA fees and Sapphire Valley Resort membership is optional with a one-time $500 initiation fee and $858 annual fee (2021 fee). MLS# 96045. $60,000.

HOLLY FORES T Great location just off of Trays Island Road, Easy access to Route 64. Enjoy Sapphire amenities. MLS# 96874. $29,999. NEWLY LISTED Great location with easy access to Highway 64! Tucked away off Home Lane sits this wonderful lot with the perfect home site up on a knoll with a level roughed in driveway already in place. The expired 4 bedroom septic permit gives you a great idea of where to place your home. Position your home towards Lake Hogback to try to obtain some winter mountain and lake views from this spot. Both lots on each side have already been built on so you can place your home in the best spot to provide the most privacy. Ownership comes with Sapphire Valley Resort amenities including golf, tennis, indoor/outdoor pools, fitness center, zip line, ski slope, carpet golf, park/playground, Lake Fairfield access and more! MLS# 97380. $25,000. Gently sloping lot in Holly Forest VI with long range views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a cascading stream trickles through the property. White pines, ferns and rhododendrons adorn this beautiful wooded lot that offers a fairly level building site. Located a short drive to all the Sapphire Valley Master Association (SVMA) amenities, a ten minute drive to Cashiers and less than an hour to the Asheville airport. Ownership comes with all of the SVMA amenities including golf, tennis, swimming, skiing, tubing, miniature golf, outdoor hiking trails and canoeing or kayaking at the breathtaking Fairfield Lake. Mountain dreams do come true and this unique and inviting lot is waiting for you! MLS# 95850. $19,500. Over half an acre lot with nice building envelope in Holly Forest Community. This community and location are optimal for building a year around residence, vacation home or investment property. Sapphire amenities are associated with this lot including golf, tennis, indoor/outdoor pool, fitness room, jogging track, ski slope and Fairfield Lake. MLS# 96091. $15,000. Great view lot in the heart of Sapphire Valley. Just minutes to Cashiers and Sapphire, as well as all the Sapphire Valley amenities. Year round view will be available from the home once the trees are trimmed. MLS# 94189. $9,900. A noisy stream runs along the bottom portion of this lot! This gently sloping home site will make the perfect mountain cabin spot. A great location for nature lover’s with a canopy of trees surrounding the property. Just a short walk to the Narrows waterfall and common area. This would be a great building site for a 2 story home that overlooks the stream. Expired septic permit on file and community has low homeowner’s fees. Ownership comes with Sapphire Valley amenities. MLS# 88627. $6,500.

THE L AKE CLUB NEWLY LISTED This is your chance to own an easily buildable lot within the highly coveted Lake Glenville community, The Lake Club of Cashiers! With over 2.54 acres of land, the Lake Glenville views could be enhanced even more with some tree trimming. The Lake Club offers owners buried utilities to each building site along with the rare opportunity to be in a gated community on Lake Glenville with a clubhouse dedicated to those owners relishing in the boating lifestyle. The Lake Club has a community dock just minutes away from this lot easily reached by golf cart, allowing the new owners an opportunity to escape to the lake for a day of fun at a moment's notice. Nearby, the quaint villages

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L AKE TOX AWAY ES TATES This beautiful, wooded lot is located in the premier, private community of Lake Toxaway Estates. The 1.37-acre property features winter views of Lake Toxaway and Lake Cardinal. Access to the lake and marina - as well as Lake Toxaway Country Club (membership by invitation) - is limited to Lake Toxaway Estates property owners. Build your dream mountain home and be a part of the modern-day story of Lake Toxaway, a retreat with a history of drawing some of America's most prestigious guests! MLS# 97207. $200,000. Extraordinary value and location with 2 potential building sites. Private, level and easy to build golf course frontage lot on the 12th Hole, short distance to clubhouse, 4 bedroom septic evaluation and well evaluation on file. Located on a private "loop". There's also a spot for a potential pond or water feature. The property has deeded lake access to Lake Toxaway and its proximity to the lake and club amenities make it a terrific location. MLS# 95956. $99,000. UNDER CONTRACT Are you looking for that perfect piece of land to hold until you're ready to build that mountain dream home? Here is a unique opportunity to own a very gentle-laying lot in prestigious Lake Toxaway Estates. The reasonable topography allows for wonderful economy of foundation costs and the elevation allows for that lovely view at a budget price. Lake and mountain views can be made even better with selective tree trimming. At nearly 1.5 acres, you'll enjoy plenty of space for building your mountain dream home, beautifying the landscape, play time or just while away the hours in the cool mountain air. The location on Panther Ridge is so convenient to Lake Toxaway Country Club for a fabulous country club experience (membership is available with approval) and this lot comes with deeded lake access on the state's largest private lake. Enjoy all that the development has to offer, including lake access, views galore, hiking trails and a friendly environment. The community is convenient to many of the natural riches we all love this area for such as many waterfalls, US Forestry Service parks, abundant wildlife, fishing and much more! Enjoy life in your second home or live here year round. MLS# 94710. $68,000.

L AUREL FALL S Over 15 acres of land to enjoy at 4,100+ ft. elevation! Long range mountain views and short ridge views from these 2 northerly facing lots. A gorgeous property that is truly unique and offers a ton of sprawling level acreage. Position your house anywhere you'd like among the native flora and ferns that cover the property. The driveway is already partially roughed in and leads you to a clearing and a fire pit area where you will enjoy the best views. Laurel Falls is a private neighborhood with gated access and low property owner fees. Nature lovers will appreciate the community's private access into the 6,300 acre Panthertown National Forest and trout fishing in Robinson Creek. Laurel Falls only has a 1,000 sq. ft. minimum build-

ing requirement making it the perfect spot to build a mountain cabin. These two lots are being listed together and offered at a discounted price for 15.89 acres. This property backs up to Chinquapin land for added privacy. MLS# 96190. $195,500. 8.99 acre parcel available at 3,700 feet elevation in the gated and private community of Laurel Falls! Great winter mountain views too! Listen to the sounds of the rushing stream located on the lot directly across the street from this property. A perfect building shelf runs along the entire middle section of the property. Enter into the far right side of the lot and walk across through the middle level portion to reach one of the best potential home sites. The Laurel Falls community is adjacent to and has a private trail into the 6,300 acre Panthertown National Forest where nature enthusiasts enjoy hiking, biking and horseback riding. Low POA fees and only 1,000 sq. ft. minimum building requirement. This lot can be subdivided one time according to the most recent covenants and restrictions. No mobile homes or modular homes allowed in Laurel Falls. Only about a 20 minute drive from Cashiers where shopping, dining and activities are abundant! MLS# 96059. $89,000.

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of Cashiers and Highlands feature abundant choices for fine dining and eclectic shops for exploring. Don't miss out on one of the few opportunities within The Lake Club of Cashiers and your opportunity for living the Lake Glenville lifestyle. MSL# 96047. $185,000.

MANTLE RID GE Tucked away in a tranquil setting at a cool elevation of almost 3,800 feet, this scenic property is comprised of almost 2 gentle acres. Beautiful eight lot subdivision nestled among Christmas tree farms with underground utilities. This location is perfect to build your dream home and your slice of the mountain life! The location offers views of Shortoff Mountain. This property is very private yet convenient to both Cashiers and Highlands. MLS# 95847. $99,999.

MOUNTAIN VIS TA ES TATES NEWLY LISTED Here is your chance at roughly 2.83 acres of virgin land with minimal restrictions that is truly only limited by your imagination. Combining two lots together, this parcel grants you the peace and privacy of mountain life away from the hustle and bustle of the city while at the same time located within 7 minutes to the Pine Creek Recreation area on Lake Glenville and 20 minutes to the center of Cashiers. Lake Glenville is the largest, highest elevation lake east of the Mississippi River and presents a perfect opportunity for a day on the water whether it be a boating, kayak, or sailboat adventure These gentle sloping lots are south facing, and would allow for wonderful sun exposure during the winter months and, with a little bit of tree clearing, could offer wonderful longrange mountain views. For those RV and camper trailer lovers, this lot is picture perfect for storing your RV while you take a break from the road before your next adventure. MLS# 97329. $58,900.

NORTH NORTON ROAD Hard to find 10.84+/- unrestricted acres for sale with lake and mountain views. The property also offers Lake Glenville access. 8 water taps available for property with the Strawberry Hill Homeowners Association. MLS# 95907. $425,000.

OVERLOOK AT SAPPHIRE

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Welcome to the Overlook at Sapphire, a secluded and peaceful community perched above 3,600 feet elevation. This wonderful, 1.65-acre parcel is ready for you to build your dream mountain getaway upon it. Coined "Windy Gap Overlook," this lot offers fantastic, long-range mountain views from a community filled with local flora and surrounded by Nantahala National Forest. With the added peace and quiet in the cool, crisp mountain air, this area is a nature lover's dream. Benefits of this location include 35-mile proximity to Asheville Regional airport for easy commutes in and out, and a 15-minute drive to Cashiers. A trail has been roughed through the property, so the future owner may fully envision his or her perfect mountain retreat. MLS# 97051. $139,000.

PILOTS KNOB One of the best panoramic views on the Plateau and close to Lake Glenville! Fantastic building lot in the desirable neighborhood of Pilots Knob. Year-round mountain views. Community features include a trout pond and common area fire pit where owners enjoy long range mountain views and also a Christmas tree farm. Pilots Knob is paved throughout and has an inviting gated entrance with a pretty waterfall feature. Low POA fees and underground utilities make this a great place to build your mountain escape at almost 4,000+ feet elevation! The owner has a set of house plans available that have been pre-approved by the developer. MLS# 96312. $145,000. The communities finest big view lots handpicked for ease of build and their fantastic long range views! Pilots Knob is a thriving gated, mountain top community with high elevation lots rising above 4,100 feet. The community offers paved roads, green space, beautiful landscaping, a community pond, fire pit and refreshingly low HOA fees. With recent home sales, numerous lot sales, custom spec builds and privately owned builds underway, Pilots Knob is quickly becoming a bustling mountain community! While manicured and elegant, Pilots Knob's beauty remains unspoiled and the wildlife is abundant. Conveniently located just minutes from Lake Glenville, the areas premier lake, with access to boating, hiking, a public lake front park, a waterfall hike and a whitewater kayaking boat launch is all just around the corner. Pilots Knob is a scenic drive from Cashiers or Highlands and allows for easy access to restaurants, shopping and groceries while providing a true mountain escape! Pictures and words don't do this property justice. MLS# 96519. $98,000. The communities finest big view lots handpicked for ease of build and their fantastic long range views! Pilots Knob is a thriving gated, mountain top community with high elevation lots rising above 4,100 feet. The community offers paved roads, green space, beautiful landscaping, a community pond, fire pit and refreshingly low HOA fees. With recent home sales, numerous lot sales, custom spec builds and privately owned builds are underway, Pilots Knob is quickly becoming a bustling mountain community! While manicured and elegant, Pilots Knob's beauty remains unspoiled and the wildlife is abundant. Conveniently located just minutes from Lake Glenville, the area's premier lake, with access to boating, hiking, a public lakefront park, a waterfall hike and a whitewater kayaking boat launch is all just around the corner. Pilots Knob is a scenic drive from Cashiers or Highlands and allows for easy access to restaurants, shopping and groceries while providing a true mountain escape! Pictures and words don't do this property justice. Pick your lot and or floor plan today! MLS# 96524. $94,000. Fantastic building lot in the desirable neighborhood of Pilots

Knob! Great year-round mountain view potential with tree trimming from this gently rolling lot. Community features include a trout pond and common fire pit common area where owners enjoy long range mountain range views and also a charming Christmas tree farm. Pilots Knob is paved throughout and has an inviting gated entrance with a pretty waterfall feature. Low POA fees and underground utilities make this a great place to build your mountain escape at almost 4,000+ feet elevation! Only a 1,000 sq. ft. building minimum requirement. MLS# 96272. $42,000.

RO CK Y KNOB Two lots for the price of one! Located in the gorgeous gated community of Rocky Knob, these lots provide a peaceful setting to build a mountain home with lots of land to explore. Owners have the privilege to enjoy the beautiful Lake Osage, a 17 acre lake, along with a covered pavilion and grilling area. Sitting at approximately 3,700 feet elevation, this is the perfect area to escape the heat of lower elevations. Not far from the Sky Valley Tubing Outdoor Center where they have summer and winter tubing, ice skating, gem mining, trout fishing, a market and Annie's Cafe. Only 10-15 minutes into downtown Highlands too! MLS# 95238. $55,000.

ROUND HILL ES TATES UNDER CONTRACT Fantastic location in the popular Round Hill community and close to the Sapphire Valley Resort! Gentle building site at the very end of a cul-de-sac and sitting at 3,300 feet elevation. Westerly facing lot with year round mountain views possible with select tree trimming. Expired 4 bedroom septic permit on file and 1,800 sq. ft. minimum building requirement. All Round Hill Estates residents have the option to join the Sapphire Valley Master Association. Members of the Sapphire Valley Master Association enjoy golf, tennis, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, fitness center, carpet golf, ski slope, zip line, community center, park/playground, picnic area and deeded access to Lake Fairfield. Membership to the Country Club of Sapphire Valley is by invitation only. MLS# 95667. $60,000.

SAPPHIRE COMMERCIAL Great commercial location located in the heart of Sapphire Valley with direct Highway 64 road frontage. The property is a blank canvas with lots of possibilities in a thriving area that's exploding with growth. A parking area is already in place, all utilities are available. MLS# 94261. $275,000.

SAPPHIRE HIGH Looking for 9+ acres in the heart of Sapphire Valley with all the amenities Sapphire Valley has to offer. This property would make for a great private retreat. Can be subdivided 3 times. MLS# 96287. $175,000.

SA SSAFR A S RID GE This large lot features beautiful panoramic views over the Sapphire Valley, including Bald Rock and the Balsam Mountains

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This premier lot in Sassafras Ridge located at the top of the mountain with the most breathtaking panoramic views. The site features gentle terrain for building your mountain dream home with opportunity to have a private driveway enter and exit at two locations on the property, for the true mountain estate feeling and plenty of parking. Enjoy the beautiful panoramic views over the Sapphire Valley, including Lonesome Valley and Bald Rock, the Balsam Mountains in the distance and too many others to list. The property borders National Forest land on the south side for additional privacy. As you enter the gates of the community and ascent to the top, the natural waterfalls, rock outcroppings and stone work reminiscent of the Blue Ridge Parkway welcome you home. On the ridge you will enjoy cool summer breezes and the most spectacular views. Centrally located, Sassafras Ridge offers easy access to the numerous amenities of both Cashiers and Sapphire. It also overlooks the Country Club or Sapphire Valley with a full complement of amenities. CCSV membership is by invitation only. MLS# 96114. $350,000.

SHEPHERDS MOUNTAIN NEWLY LISTED This incredible lake and mountain view lot includes a flat building site to perch your home 400 feet above glistening Lake Glenville. At almost two acres, the lot is located in the gated community of Shepherds Mountain, which provides property owners in-ground utilities, paved roads, a small clubhouse, a play area for the kids, and deeded access to Lake Glenville. Situate your dream home at approximately 3,900 feet elevation and enjoy cool summer breezes and spectacular lake and mountain vistas. MLS# 97413. $199,000.

SHOAL MOUNTAIN

clearing. MLS# 96839. $195,000.

SIMS VALLE Y Truly an awesome lot! Paved driveway already in place leading to the perfectly flat building site with 360 views. Long or short range mountain views in any direction you look! This private home site adjoins another 22+ acre tract that is privately owned with road access from the opposite end of the property providing this home site ultimate privacy. Sims Valley is a beautiful gated community with paved access, community water and underground utilities. Owners also enjoy use of the clubhouse, swimming pool, pavilion, pond & fitness center. Located only 10-15 minutes from the Lake Glenville public boat ramp and beach swimming area. MLS# 95454. $119,000.

LOT S & L AND

beyond. Located on the ridge at over 4,100' of elevation so that you can enjoy the cool summer temperatures. Centrally located, Sassafras Ridge offers easy access to the numerous amenities of both Cashiers and Sapphire. MLS# 95140. $495,000.

Make awe-inspiring, long and short range mountain and rock face views on this gently sloping, one acre Sims Valley lot. The easy build site has been partially cleared and a few trees have been trimmed to show off the view that awaits. The adjoining lot 33 is also available for sale and is a great option for those wanting additional privacy. This scenic and welcoming community is a gated neighborhood offering paved roads, large community green-spaces, trout ponds, streams, walking trails, a log cabin shelter with outdoor picnic space, and a beautiful clubhouse w/ pool, multiple decks and fireplaces, restroom, and a caterer's kitchen. Located only 10 minutes from Lake Glenville and its amenities, and a short drive from shopping and dining in the Cashiers-Highlands area. MLS# 96843. $75,000. Make awe-inspiring, long and short range mountain and rock face views on this gently sloping, one plus acre Sims Valley lot. The easy build site has been partially cleared and a few trees have been trimmed to show off the view that awaits. The adjoining lot 9 is also available for sale and is a great option for those wanting additional privacy. This scenic and welcoming community is a gated neighborhood offering paved roads, large community green-spaces, trout ponds, streams, walking trails, a log cabin shelter with outdoor picnic space, and a beautiful clubhouse w/ pool, multiple decks and fireplaces, restroom, and a caterer's kitchen. Located only 10 minutes from Lake Glenville and its amenities, and a short drive from shopping and dining in the Cashiers-Highlands area. MLS# 96844. $75,000. Extremely desirable building lot with bold stream frontage and a nearly level building site. This is the ideal place to build a mountain home overlooking a beautiful babbling stream with many small waterfalls. Enjoy some short and long range mountain views from this peaceful setting as well. Conveniently located near the community clubhouse, outdoor pool, fitness center and pavilion that owners can use for social gatherings. MLS# 85846. $44,000.

SPRING FORES T NEWLY LISTED Hard to find 12.83+/- acres located around the corner from Lake Glenville and on the East side of the lake at such an affordable price in this current real estate market. Potential long range mountain views available with additional

A very easily accessible, buildable lot on Windemere Way within the gates of Spring Forest. Lot 8 offers exceptional, southerly long range mountain views of Sapphire Valley - This parcel has a near level portion for your future home site that will make any builder smile. Spring Forest is conveniently perched just minutes to the Cashiers Crossroads as well as everything

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Sapphire Valley has to offer. MLS# 95200. $155,000.

views, lot 33 directly next door is also for sale. MLS# 95885. $49,500.

S TONEFLY

Hard to find southern facing lot. Big lake and mountain views at an affordable price. If you are looking for even more acreage and views, lot 32 directly next door is also for sale. MLS# 95958. $49,500.

Looking for a lot in town with frontage on the headwaters of the Chattooga River? Here it is, 340+ feet of river frontage, very private and only a short distance to town. Large, easy building site. If you have someone who is interested in sending their kids to the Summit Charter School, it's a short walk away. MLS# 95721. $395,000. In-town lot with 460 feet of stream frontage. Headwaters of the Chattooga River runs down 2 boundaries. Easy build, easy access. Located in gated community only minutes from shopping and restaurants. The whole community is very gentle lying, so very walkable. MLS# 95736. $295,000.

Great location in well-established Strawberry Hill, is this generously sized building lot. Views of Lake Glenville and mountains beyond. Easy access to the lake for family fun. Close to Cashiers, Glenville and Highlands for events, restaurants and shopping. MLS# 96401. $39,900.

SUMMER HILL

In-town lot with 290+ feet of stream frontage on the headwaters of the Chattooga River and a small waterfall. Only minutes to shopping and restaurants. Easy build, 1.1 acre gentle lot with gradual slope from the paved entry road down to the stream. Gated community with paved roads and underground utilities. The community is very walkable. MLS# 95728. $245,000. If you are looking for an easy build lot, close to town, in a gated community and with a stream that is part of the headwaters of the Chattooga River, this is your lot. Stonefly is only a little over a mile from the Cashiers crossroads. Convenient to shopping and restaurants, this lot has a gentle slope from the paved entry road down to the stream. The lot is a little over 1 acre and wooded with beautiful deciduous trees. The house site is so gentle that there would be plenty of room for parking, driveway and easy in and out. MLS# 95727. $239,000. A wonderful easy build lot in-town. Small stream is one border for approx. 350 feet, which is the headwaters of the Chattooga River. Stonefly is a gated community with paved roads and underground utilities. Short drive to all the restaurants and shopping in the center of Cashiers. The community lies very gentle and so is very walkable. Foundation, driveway and parking would all be very easy since this lot is so gentle. Many possible home sites on this 1.38 acre property. MLS# 95729. $230,000.

S TR AWBERRY HILL

Fantastic lot located in the prestigious gated community of Summer Hill. This 4.95-acre lot features its own private waterfall and panoramic views of Lake Glenville. MLS# 95062. $950,000. Summer Hill is a preferred, higher-end, gated community with generous lot sizes. Lot 23 is private, approximately 1.68 +/- acres, high in elevation, and offers great mountain and sunset views. The owner's adjoining lot 24 is also currently available for purchase and would be an ideal addition to lot 23, for those looking to create an estate-sized parcel. Located on the west side of Lake Glenville (between Cashiers and Highlands), Summer Hill residents enjoy access to the lake with a boat dock, sandy beach, boat ramp, and large picnic shelter with a fireplace. MLS# 95631. $79,000. Summer Hill is a preferred, higher-end, gated community with generous lot sizes. Lot 24 is private, approximately 1.99 +/- acres, high in elevation, and offers great mountain and sunset views. The owner's adjoining lot 23 is also currently available for purchase and would be an ideal addition to lot 24, for those looking to create an estate-sized parcel. MLS# 95632. $79,000.

TAHAL A SHORES Hard to find southern facing, big lake and mountain views at an affordable price. If you are looking for even more acreage and

Hard to find in this current market, an affordable lot, with low minimum square footage building requirements, 1+/- acre lakefront lot with 180+/- feet of lake frontage. MLS# 96879. $349,000.

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Lot has a good view of Whiteside Mountain in well-established and exclusive neighborhood of Wade Hampton. Priced below market value! Motivated seller! MLS# 90236. $120,000.

WATERDANCE Take a dip in the cool Tuckasegee River while dreaming of your perfect home situated directly above on this lot in the gated Waterdance community! If you love the idea of walking out your front door and going for a swim in the gently moving pool below your home, then this is the lot for you. The section of river frontage you own with this lot has both small rapids and slow moving pools, perfect for the avid angler or nature enthusiast. This lot has access to the community water located 100' from where the proposed home site is. If needed you could apply for a larger septic system. The community itself features paved roads, covered bridge, gated access, and gorgeous water features such as the waterfall that is across the road from this lot. This parcel is a must see! MLS# 96080. $125,000.

WATERFALL COVE

LOT S & L AND

WADE HAMPTON

lina! Situated on the private and pristine Whisper Lake, this lot boasts approximately 200 feet of direct lake frontage on one of the few remaining lakefront lots in the quiet Whisper Lake Subdivision. Positioned on a quiet cul-de-sac, this gentle rolling lot widens as it meanders down to the lake while bordered by lush vegetation to ensure maximum privacy. Placing your homesite near the water's edge will grant you a serene, peaceful lake view back-dropped by the tall peaks of Hogback Mountain. This lot is also part of the Sapphire Valley Master Association which grants you access to amenities such as golf, tennis, skiing, tubing, the 55+ acre Fairfield Lake, and the Sapphire Valley Resort community center with both indoor and outdoor pool, mini-golf, playground, activity field and workout facility. Bring your home design with you in hand as this lot has utilities installed at the road, to include fiber internet, for easy hook up. Don't miss this amazing opportunity for both mountain and lakefront living! MLS# 96883. $200,000. NEWLY LISTED Wonderful opportunity to own land within the peaceful and conveniently located Whisper Lake subdivision in Sapphire, NC! This over one acre size lot is perfectly situated with one corner of the lot having access to Whisper Lake and the southern boundary of the property bordered almost entirely by green space which will afford the new owners extensive privacy. Additionally, the new lot owners will have access to underground utilities to include electric, water, and newly installed fiber optic internet. An expired three bedroom septic permit is on file with the county and shows just one of the many suitable and easy buildable home sites situated on the lot. Whisper Lake amenities include both those of the subdivision itself and the Sapphire Valley Master Association amenities which include a community center, gym, ski slope, golf, tennis and access additional lake activities on Fairfield Lake. MLS# 97335. $185,000. This extremely level building site is this the perfect spot to build your mountain home! Westerly facing home site sitting at 3,200 ft. elevation and backing up to an almost 200 acre private estate. Electricity and water hook up at the road and an expired 3 bedroom septic permit on file. The Whisper Lake common area has a lake side picnic area and dock where you can enjoy swimming, canoeing and kayaking. This beautiful lot also comes with Sapphire Valley amenities including golf, tennis, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, fitness center, game room, carpet golf, river front picnic area, park/ playground, ski slope, zip line and access to Lake Fairfield. MLS# 96605. $35,000.

NEWLY LISTED Build your dream home next to a waterfall! This extremely rare property fronts a bold waterfall along Norton Creek Falls and offers some of the best views and sounds that Mother Nature has to offer. Located in Waterfall Cove near sparkling Lake Glenville and the Trillium Links and Lake Club, it is also minutes away from the fine restaurants and shopping in Cashiers. Don't miss this opportunity for an amazing mountain retreat! MLS# 97289. $199,000.

WHISPER L AKE UNDER CONTRACT Don't miss this chance to purchase your slice of lake living in the mountains of Western North Caro-

WHITEWATER RID GE Your chance to own an extraordinary 4.86 acre lot with multiple build sites that will allow to create the most expansive, long range views in the Sapphire area. This lot is located in the private, quiet subdivision of Whitewater Ridge and sits on the south side of the road, allowing the new owners to build their home in the highly desirable section for incredible views deep into South Carolina. Sitting at an elevation over 3,700 feet, the back portion of the property drops off to allow for wonderful southern exposure and no obstacles to impede your view. Whitewater Ridge is a low cost HOA community with gated entrance, pond, community green space and pavilion for use by property owners. MLS# 96153. $275,000.

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A DAV D EV RT E IRSTEI RS ’ESRI’ N SD I NE D XE X Jennings Builders Supply Jo Ridge Kelley Josephine’s Emporium John Cleaveland Realty Ken Bowser, Artist Killer Bees The Kitchen CarryAway and Catering Lakeside Restaurant Landmark Realty Group Landmark Realty Group - Pam Nellis Landmark Vacation Rentals Laura Moser Art Lee Perry Bender, Artist Lehotsky & Sons Lenz Gifts & Luxury Linens Leslie Jeffery, Artist Lonesome Valley The Look Boutique Lupoli Construction Main Street Gifts Main Street Nursery Martha Anne’s Martin Lispcomb Performing Arts Center McCulley’s McKee Properties McKee Properties Cedar Creek Club McKee Properties - Liz Harris McKee Properties - Beth Townsend Meritage Bistro Merrell Thompson Photography Michele Page Webster, Artist Mirror Lake Antiques Morales Painting Mountain Architecture PLLC Mountain Cafe Mountain Mermaid Mountain Spring Spas and Pools Mountain Valley Center Mountainworks Custom Home Design, Ltd. Nancy’s Fancys Narcissus Nearly New Nora & Co Oak Steakhouse Oakleaf Old Edwards Inn & Spa On the Verandah The Orchard Restaurant, Event Barn & Cottages Pat Allen Realty Group Pat Calderone Peak Experience Preferred Properties of Highlands

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ppoh.com procleanserves.com reachofmaconcounty.org

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P 202 P 40 P 121 P 213 P 82 romansroofingnc.com P 203 rosewoodgourmet.com P 123 rusticks.com P 172 sapphirevalleyrealestate.com P 49 P 17 scalymountain.com P 64 shakespeareandcompanyhighlands.com P 171 shirazruggalleries.com P 41 ncliving.com P 250-287 skyline-lodge.com P 114 P 92 smorekidsklothes.com P 55 southernhighlandsreserve.org P 155 P 190 southern-wild.com P 159 oldedwardsinn.com P 59 spoiledrotten2.com P 190 P 15 summerhousehighlands.com P 195 summitarchitecturepa.com P 12 tampabaytrustcompany.com P 139 tjbmens.com P 163 tandcgeneralstore.com P 129 P 125 theuglydogpub.com P 125 theuglydogpub.com P 125 victoriasclosetnc.com P 182 victoriasclosetnc.com P 182 victoriasclosetnc.com P 182 villagegreencashiersnc.com P 164 P 47 thevineyardathighholly.com P 43 vmantiques.com P 172 warthconstruction.com P 292 whiteoakrg.com P 57 P 102 whlc.com P 19 rentinhighlands.com paolettis.com robinsnest-cashiers.com

wilbankssmilecenter.com wishandshoes.com wolfgangs.net yogahighlands.com zollerhardware.com thezookeeperbistro.com

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PARTING SHOT by Carole Shepardson

290 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

291 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

292 O C TO B E R 2 0 21 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

October 2021: The Laurel Magazine

Articles inside

Four-Legged Hobby

Weaving Magic

Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust

Inspiration Hits Home

Consignment Shopping

Cashiers Leaf Festival

The Historic Toxaway Falls