October 2020 : The Laurel Magazine of the Highlands Cashiers Plateau by The Laurel Magazine of Highlands NC and Cashiers NC

a e

L UR L The Heart of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau

Class in a Glass

A Bundle of Make Nice Our cover artist, Maggie Baxter Dearth October 2020

Highlands Wine Experience pg. 14

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CON T E N T S October 2020

13 What To Do

18 Empty Bowls Project

59 Recreation | Creation 68 Shadow of the Bear

81 Arts

92 Highlands PAC

107 Dining

112 38 38

114 Fats Dominoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Favor-ite

133 Shopping

134 Plateau Picks

147 History

148 Cashiers History

153 Lifestyles & Wellness 154 Secret Waters

175 Giving Back

176 Highlands Cashiers Land Trust

156 Business Highlights

190 Cashiers Chamber of Commerce

182

120

The power of education is understood on a deeply personal level

Ring the bell! A local favorite returns to Highlands

Touching Lives Forever

The Stuff of Legands

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VOLUME EIGHTEEN, 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

LORNA ALEXANDER Account Manager lorna@thelaurelmagazine.com

LUKE OSTEEN Editor / Writer luke@thelaurelmagazine.com

DONNA RHODES Writer dmrhodes847@gmail.com

MARY JANE MCCALL Writer mjmccall777@gmail.com

DEENA BOUKNIGHT Writer dknight865@gmail.com

THOMAS CUMMINGS Distribution Manager jothcu@yahoo.com

Publisher’s Note Hooray! It’s October, the month when the mountains decide that they’re going to go into their long winter slumber with a paintbox finale that’ll leave us stunned. Though we’re writing this in the middle of September, there’s every indication that the Leaf Show will be spectacular, making up for all the disappointments that have dogged this strange year. Though you’ll notice that this issue is noticeably lacking in the showstopping events that usually define this month, perhaps you’ll take a measure of comfort in Brian O’Shea’s tribute to local turtles and the lifestyle choices that they’ve made, choices that have gotten them through crises far greater than this (like the extinction of the dinosaurs?). Please continue to support our local restaurants and shops and accommodations. Like Brian’s turtles, they’ve been through a lot. 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, Jeannie Chambers, William McReynolds, Sue Aery, Ann Self, Zach Claxton, Mary Abranyi, Ashby Underwood, and Chris Wilkes Contributing Photographers: Susan Renfro, Greg Clarkson, Charles Johnson, Peter Ray, Terry Barnes and Kevin FitzPatrick Copyright © 2020 by The Mountain Laurel, LLC. All rights reserved. Laurel Magazine is published eleven times per year. Reproduction without the permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publishers and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Laurel Magazine’s right to edit. Return postage must accompany all manuscripts, photographs and drawings. Every effort has been made to assure that all information presented in this issue is accurate, and neither Laurel Magazine nor any of its staff is responsible for advertising errors, omissions, or information that has been misrepresented in or to the magazine. Any substantial errors that are the fault of the magazine will be subject to a reduction or reimbursement of the amounts paid by the advertiser, but in no case will any claim arising from such error exceed the amount paid for the advertisement by the advertiser.

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WHAT TO DO Pages 14-54

Music duo The War and Treaty will appear during the Bear Shadow Spring music festival in HIghlands, pg. 28

W H AT TO DO

class in a

a glass

An exciting Wine Tasting Experience blossoms on the Plateau, giving a delicious snap to the month of November. For more information, check out elevatedwines.com.

t the start of February this year, before the word “Pandemic” was in our lexicon, Highlands Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kaye McHan and Davis Picklesimer, co-owner of the Highlands Wine Shoppe visited California’s Napa Valley to meet with members of the Napa Valley Vintners Association, wine makers and owners. According to Picklesimer, their goal was, “to make Highlands and Cashiers to the wine industry what Sundance is to the film industry – to become the right of passage for new and upcoming winemakers and small production wineries.” Their trip revealed that the towns of Napa, Highlands, and Cashiers have much in common – a sense of community and a commitment to helping their neighbors. What was borne out of that trip was a pilot program and a promise by the association to endorse Highlands and Cashiers as the first destination, outside of Napa, the organization has ever sanctioned. Then, in a space of a few calamitous weeks, times changed, and by March Covid-19 infections began surging. Small winemakers 14 Oc tob e r 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

began going through upheavals that have since shaken the very core of their businesses. Wine and Food Festivals, which are crucial launching pads for most boutique wineries, have been cancelled, not only because they involve large numbers of people gathering, but because many of the attendees must travel to attend them. And without the marketing and distribution support available to larger wineries, these “Mom and Pop” vintners have been suffering. By August, the Highlands Food and Wine Festival* announced that out of concern for the well being of their constituency, the Fall 2020 Festival would be cancelled. McHan and Picklesimer determined to do something – as McHan said, “to keep people interested in food and wine in Highlands;” to assist the wineries in need while at the same time providing stimulus to the local restaurant community that as of this writing is still operating at 50 percent capacity. And so Elevated Wine Experiences, Small Towns Supporting Small Wineries was born, scheduled for Thursday, November

W H AT TO DO 12, through Saturday, November 14. To date, 18 wineries (see listing of participating wineries below) have committed to join in and send representatives and emissaries. On Thursday and Friday, the focus will be on American Wineries, and tastings will be hosted at five venues, safely distanced for Covid protection, along Main Street. They are Highlands Wine Shoppe, Park on Main, New Highlander Mountain House, Tug’s Proper, and Midpoint Restaurant. Saturday will feature International Wineries and local breweries at the same locations. Each spot will provide small plates and entertainment by local musicians who, in the absence of weddings and social events, have suffered equally and as dramatically since the onset of the pandemic. The weekend also offers the perfect occasion to embark on a culinary exploration of our amazing area restaurants that continue to struggle with the fall-out of this great calamity that continues to rage on. More details and events will be revealed as the event nears, and can be found by visiting elevatedwines.com. by Marlene Osteen

*Read about Bear Shadow, Highlands Food and Wine’s Spring Music Festival on page 28. .

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W H AT TO DO

jazz night

every friday Cake Bar at Mill Creek ser ves up sweet indulgences and hot jazz during this glorious month on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. For more information, stop in at 427 Four th Street in Highlands or call (828) 421-2042.

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We 3 Swing

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f course, no food group since The Enlightenment has been more closely associated with “Celebration” than Cake, so it’s only natural that Cake Bar at Mill Creek in Highlands would have something to say about the storied month of October. You can Indulge your sweetest dreams with a slice (or two) of their scratch-made treats, like their signature Chocolate Heaven and Grilled Banana Bread, as well as Party Muffins, Ginormous Cookies, Cheesecake, Cupcakes, Specialty Cakes like Caramel, Red Velvet, Carrot and Coconut, and daily specials. Cappuccino and Espresso are

also available, as is a perfectly paired selection of house and premium wines by the glass. But all of this becomes even sweeter when Cake Bar at Mill Creek serves up Jazz Night every Friday evening, with additional Saturday performances October 17 and 24. It’s a chance to unwind, safelysocial distance, and find a portion of solace and deep comfort during this season of low-level stress. Cake Bar at Mill Creek is also offering Free Party Muffin Minis to anyone who shows up in costume between 3:00 and 5:00 P.M. on Halloween. Trick or Treat? Oh, definitely a Treat!

And while we’re on the topic of celebrations, this is now a good time to think about booking Cake Bar for your holiday events. For more information, email fun@ cakebarhighlands.com. Cake Bar at Mill Creek is located at 429 North Fourth Street in Mill Creek Village. by Luke Osteen

Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about the Cake Bar at Mill Creek

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W H AT TO DO

empty bowls

project

Despite worries about Covid, Highlands’ Empty Bowls Project will be staged Sunday, October 4 at First Presby terian Church of Highlands. For information, visit internationalfriendshipcenter.org.

n October 4, a special event takes place in Highlands: Empty Bowls. Hosted by International Friendship Center’s Highlands Food Pantry as well as First Presbyterian Church of Highlands, Empty Bowls is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger and food insecurity. The 10th annual event pairs potters and other craftspeople with concerned citizens. Typically, after sharing a simple meal of soup and bread, served in handmade bowls, guests who donate to

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support Empty Bowls are asked to keep a bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. Due to Covid precautions, there’ll be a drive-thru set up at First Presbyterian Church where, for a donation of $25 patrons will be given a soup or dessert created by local chefs and restaurants, and a handmade bowl crafted by potters at The Bascom, Highlands’ Center for the Visual Arts. Participating restaurants and chefs include Old Edwards Inn & Madison’s Restaurant, Marty Rosenfield, Lakeside

Restaurant, Kristy Lewis and Highlands United Methodist Church, and Four65 Woodfire Bistro & Bar. The silent auction portion of the Empty Bowls event will still take place. A variety of art and handcrafted items will be on display at Smitten, located at 468 Main Street in downtown Highlands. Interested individuals can stop by and write in their bids and they will be contacted after the silent auction if their bid is the highest. For more information or to help, visit internationalfriendshipcenter.org.

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the bascom

see, think, do

The Bascom celebrates a culture that’s sustained by a dynamic community of ar tists and ar tisans in Western Nor th Carolina.

urious Terrain: WNC from the Air in the Bunzl Gallery features stunning aerial photographs of the Western North Carolina region by Alex S. MacLean, an artist and pilot with over 45 years of experience taking images from the bird’s-eye perspective of an airplane. Newly-commissioned by the WCU Fine Art Museum, MacLean’s striking images of the seven westernmost counties of North Carolina capture the unique qualities of the region’s built environment, while also raising broader questions about humanity’s impact on the land through agriculture, energy, industry, and housing. Craft to Art: Fiber, curated by John

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C. Campbell Folk School Executive Director Jerry Jackson, is in the Thompson Gallery. This annual look at one medium highlights beautiful historical pieces as well as amazing work from contemporary artists. The Juried Members Challenge features work chosen by guest juror Jean McLaughlin, former Executive Director of Penland School of Crafts. The Bascom Shop always features work for sale from local and regional artists and the 9th Annual Dave Drake Studio Pottery Show will be October 1617. Finally, you can check out thebascom. org and see what classes or workshops you can take, or you can schedule a

private art lesson. The Bascom creates visual art experiences that inspire and empower individuals and communities through seeing, thinking, and doing! The Bascom is located at 323 Franklin Road. You can also reach them at (828) 526-4949, but come on, it’s art, it’s better if you stop in. by Teresa Osborn, The Bascom

Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about The Bascom

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a spooky

trivia hike

Don’t be afraid! It’s just the HighlandsCashiers Land Trust’s slightly spooky Trivia Hike. This self-guided walk will be staged from Friday, October 23 through Saturday, October 31, and is suitable for ever yone.

mong the hauntingly beautiful mountains of the Southern Appalachians, nestled only steps away from downtown Highlands, is the historic Kelsey Trail. Built over a century ago by one of the town’s founders as a path to Whiteside Mountain, the remnants of this popular trail are now protected by Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust and open to the public. This Halloween, all ghosts and goblins (and the people who love them) are invited to unearth the secrets she holds, starting Friday, October 23 through Saturday, October 31. This self-guided, trivia walk will test your knowledge of all that dwells here. The moderate hike is appropriate for all ages. Visit hicashlt. org for details. Remember to stay six feet apart…or else.

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in the know Author John Cribb’s novel Old Abe , available at both Hudson Librar y and Alber t Carlton-Cashiers Community Librar y, is a timely tex t for navigating the turbulent 2020 American political waters.

uthor John Cribb, who introduced his September 15 published Old Abe historical novel at Hudson Library, said the idea for the book was “born in a library.” George Santayana, a Spanish-born American author of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, first said the oft-repeated quote: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Many, including Cribb, argue that not studying history leads to repeating past mistakes. Libraries are the ideal places at which to learn not only general American history, but political history, especially during this election year. For one, Old Abe, available at libraries, delves into the crucial election 160 years ago and reminds readers why America’s values and political processes are distinct and enduring. Cribb writes in Chapter 3: “The choice was clear. The Declaration of Independence was right. All men, regardless of color, are created equal. All were meant to be free. He [Lincoln] walked as the sun climbed the prairie sky, listening to the wind pass over the corn and contemplating all these things: ambitions fulfilled and unfulfilled, struggles between right and wrong, and life as swift as an arrow.” Part of Cribb’s intention in writing Old Abe was not only to present the 16th president as flesh and blood, but to remind readers that there are modern parallels to draw from truly learning history and understanding politics – then and now. An easy search on the Hudson Library and Albert-Carlton Cashiers Community Library websites lists endless titles to peruse: What You Need to Know About Voting and Why by Kim Wehle; The Declaration of Independence, a study in the history of political ideas, by Carl Becker; Hats in the Ring: An Illustrated History of American Presidential Campaigns, by Evan Cornog. Plus, there are free history and political science courses on the sites’ Universal Class offerings, as well as documentaries galore. Librarians at both libraries plan to offer pre-election-day displays with in-depth resources, and they will gladly pull books or point visitors in the direction of helpful resources.

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W H AT TO DO

get ready for

autumnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s burst

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W H AT TO DO

This is the Season of Sensor y Overload. Open your mind and your hear t to all the Plateau offers.

ith the arrival of the annual Fall Leaf Show, you’re seeing the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau at its best. And for those of us who’ve been driven a little bit wonky by a quarantined summer, it looks like this’ll be one of those classically colorful seasons. The wet days of September will pay off with a burst of vivid colors – Christmas Red, and the Yellow of a springtime meadow, and, the rarest of all, the splashes of Halloween Orange. The bold colors carpeting the mountains around us suggest a quilting bee that shared a pot of peyote tea and then went to work, finally tossing their finished product over an unmade bed. The display is breathtaking in its richness and randomness, kaleidoscopic in its hypnotic variations. But here’s the thing to remember: Those brilliant leaves, dying in such magnificent style that visitors and locals alike will literally stop in the middle of the road to take in a particular cove or vista, are just a portion of the Plateau’s October glory. Consider the entire sensual banquet offered freely throughout the season.

For scent, the cool, crisp days offer the deep forest balm of decaying leaves, the redolence of leaves being burned, and the musk of compost before the onset of the hard frosts. For a blending of beauty and flavor and an inimitable part of the local culture, look for Staghorn Sumac in the fields and forests of the area. In the spring and summer, it’s an unassuming denizen of the underbrush, but in the fall it seduces passersby with leaves and berries that have turned a deep crimson. It’s a show-stopper. If you choose to harvest the berries, you can make a delicious tonic that’s handed down to us from the Cherokee who first settled here. Soak the berries in water for about 10 minutes, then mash them with your hands or a potato masher. Let the resulting mixture sit for half an hour, then repeat, letting it stew for another half-hour. Strain the resulting mash through a cheesecloth, then add a bit more water and some sugar (or honey if you want to keep it authentic) to create a sweet-tart mixture. You can also add a bit of mint for flavor. Serve this Sumac-Ade on a sunny October afternoon

and you’ve got a transcendent moment to treasure. Another authentic October flavor is the local apples that are coming into harvest. You can savor the best by stopping at the Highlands Marketplace, Bryson’s and Mountain Fresh Grocery in Highlands, and The Cashiers Farmer’s Market. You’ll find heirloom varieties that have nearly vanished from the American landscape – Father Abraham, Esopus Spitzenburg, and the wonderfully-named Arkansas Black. If you’re curious, The Bascom has a couple of rare Arkansas Black trees as part of its landscaping. You can probably pick one without getting yelled at. For sound, well, the seasonal songbirds have fled South, allowing you to take in the raucous sounds of our big, really big, crows and ravens. They’re a gregarious bunch and aren’t shy about conversing among wandering people. You’ll still find old-timers who contend that they can distinguish the emotions and ideas conveyed by the different calls. So enjoy the leaves, but remember to savor the entire spectrum of life on the Plateau.

by Luke Osteen

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W H AT TO DO

bear shadow

music fest

After the cancellation of Highlands Food & Wine 2020, Highlands Festivals Inc. looks to a new year with Bear Shadow, a multi-day music festival planned for Spring. Visit highlandsfoodandwine.com for more information.

ast month the organizers and board of the Highlands Food and Wine Festival announced the cancellation of this year’s event, “due to social distancing guidelines regarding Covid-19.” As Festival Director Casey Reid said, “While this was a difficult decision, it was in the best interest of the community to cancel the fall event.” Though organizers and attendees were eagerly looking forward to what was to be the fifth year of the festival, and certain to be the largest and grandest yet, the committee determined to turn their focus to a scheduled Spring 2021 music event. Named “Bear Shadow,” after the phenomena of the bear-like shadow that appears behind the region’s Whiteside Mountain, the festival, designed to be a ”sister event” to Highlands Food & Wine, will focus on being a driving destination for visitors and will be held April 23-25. Featuring 28 Oc tob e r 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

100 percent of the musicians that were to appear this November, the bounty of world-class musicians performing are: Mandolin Orange: The duo of instrumentalist Andrew Marlin and violinist/guitarist Emily Frantz have built a steady and growing fan base since their start in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in 2009 for their heady mix of bluegrass, gospel, folk, country and pop, and songs that “sound like whispered secrets, one hand cupped to your ear.” Jamestown Revival: This American rock duo made up of Zach Chance and Jonathan Clay, write and perform tunes about everyday life that are a combination of harmonies that merge Southern country, Americana and Western rock music. Jamestown Revival is “more than music, it’s an idea and it’s a movement, it’s grass roots and it’s back porch.” St. Paul & The Broken Bones: Described by iTunes as, “a

W H AT TO DO

Mandolin Orange

tight ensemble with a gospel-tinged, retro-soul sound complete with horns and a dynamic lead singer in Paul Janeway, Birmingham, Alabama’s St. Paul & The Broken Bones’ began performing publicly in 2012.” The War and Treaty: This duo of spouses Michael Trotter, Jr. and Tanya Blount, named the 2019 Emerging Act of the Year by Americana Music Association, makes impassioned soul music that draws on folk, country and spiritual. In 2017, two months after the release of their debut EP, Down to the River, they were named one of the 20 best acts of AmericanFest by Rolling Stone. Love Cannon: Founded in Charlottesville, Virginia and formed in the early 2010’s, the bluegrass outfit Love Cannon reworks 80’s pop rock and new wave classics, balancing playfulness and irreverence. A full schedule of events will be released later this fall. For more information, go to highlandsfoodandwine.com. by Marlene Osteen

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W H AT TO DO

october harvest

aplenty

The fall har vest and the creations of local ar tisans are on display in all their autumnal glor y at Highlands Marketplace, Saturday mornings at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.

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W H AT TO DO

he “big” veggies make their presence known as the air cools and crisps. Pumpkins galore, but also several different kinds of squash – including butternut and acorn – brighten booths at the Highlands Marketplace each Saturday morning from 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Also plentiful are collards, kale, cabbage, mustard greens, beets, and more. Produce through October is just-picked fresh and is abundant. And there are always local eggs and flowers for sale. According to MedicalNewsToday.com, pumpkin and other large squash seeds are a source of healthful oils, magnesium, and other nutrients beneficial for heart and bones health. To roast, scoop seeds from the pumpkin or large squash and clean off pulp and dry; toss with melted butter (or olive oil) and salt; spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake on 300 degrees F for 30-40 minutes in the oven. The 15-plus vendors who show up weekly at Highlands Marketplace include more than local farmers, however.

Craftspeople, making everything from soap to pottery, and canners who transformed this year’s berries into delectable jams, are present each Saturday. Several items make ideal Christmas gifts. Vendors hail primarily from Macon County, but they also trickle into Highlands from nearby South Carolina and Georgia. Highlands Marketplace is held each Saturday at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park in Highlands, which is a block shy of the main intersection and in walking distance of all the shops and eateries on Main Street. The Marketplace runs through the end of October. Don Deal, a local farmer and current organizer for the Highlands Marketplace, said the 15-year-old Saturday market has experienced a steady flow of support, despite this unusual season subject to a pandemic’s ongoing safety precautions. To maintain COVID-19 health safety standards, vendors have worn and continue to wear masks, and social distancing is recognized and encouraged by both vendors and customers. Plus, hand sanitizer stations are placed strategically throughout the Marketplace.

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W H AT TO DO

always fresh

always local

For a genuine Taste of the Plateau, be sure to visit Locally Grown on the Green, staged every Wednesday from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. at the Village Green Commons in Cashiers. For more information, call (828) 743-3434 or visit VillageGreenCashiersNC.com.

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hoose the food less traveled at Locally Grown On the Green, Cashiers’ farm-stand market for local growers. The market is “producer only,” meaning that the vendor must be the grower or producer of all the products they sell. Vendors must produce within a 125mile radius of Cashiers. That means that the season for each fruit and vegetable is longer. Shopping at the Locally Grown On the Green market provides a forum for learning how food is grown, who grew it, and why it tastes so good. Fill your basket with naturally raised meat and dairy items, fresh eggs, jams, pickles, freshly baked bread and delicious granola. Set your table with fresh cut flowers that morning or plant your entryway with locally grown perennials. Always fresh. Always local. Locally Grown On the Green is open during the growing season from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. every Wednesday at The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road next to the Cashiers Post Office. During this time of physical distancing, the Green Market will follow best practices to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our vendors. Customers should plan to bring

face coverings and gloves to shop. Only one household member will be allowed into the market and the number of customers permitted to shop will be limited to provide ample space between shoppers who will follow a one-way traffic pattern. No dogs will be allowed this summer. Market hours will be strictly observed; no early shopping. Customers should stay home if they are experiencing illness of any kind. Vendors will also follow similar procedures in addition to sanitizing practices. Special market events are planned throughout summer with the lessening of Covid-19 restrictions. Be sure to visit the market website, CashiersGreenMarket.com, “Like” us on Facebook (CashiersGreen) or follow us on Instagram and Twitter @cashiersgreen to keep current with vendor information and market news. The Village Green provides a beautiful, free public park for the people. However it is privately conserved by a nonprofit organization that depends on contributions to maintain the park and provide such an exceptional venue for the community. To learn more about The Village Green and community events like the Green Market or to make a donation, call (828) 743-3434 or visit VillageGreenCashiersNC.com.

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W H AT TO DO

autumn fest

at old edwards

Despite the roadblocks thrown up by a global pandemic, Old Edwards Inn’s Autumn Fest is a stress-free tonic for an unsettled Leaf Season, all month long. For more information, visit oldedwardsinn.com/AutumnFest.

great conundrum of the pandemic is that while it has restricted travel abroad and even in places in the U.S., one of the psychological effects has been the strong desire to be elsewhere. Surely it’s true that now both the need for refuge and the beguilements of a bucolic setting closer to home have never seemed stronger. The demand is so high for car travel that Relais & Châteaux, the luxury association of hotels and restaurants that includes Highlands’ Old Edwards Inn, added three new United States road trips to its decades-old Routes du Bonheur, or “Roads of Happiness,” program. Throughout the month of October, would-be travelers seeking to satisfy their wanderlust could do so when Old Edwards Inn celebrates Autumn Fest. A place of absolute luxury, the charming and nature-focused inn is a coveted destination for its extra dreamy rooms, pampering spa and sublime cuisine. As one writer said “it’s a place to return to 36 Oc tob e r 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

again and again.” Entitled Escape to Autumn in the Mountains, the month-long celebration features delicious wine and food, indulgent experiences and the spectacular sea of colors of October’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The Wine Garden, the inn’s outdoors plant-filled oasis, will be transformed into an Autumn Festival. There, regional lunch and dinner specials created to celebrate the season are certain to surprise and delight the palate with their mix of new and familiar flavors. For lunch at Madison’s Restaurant, where European style and elegance extravagantly convene, Executive Chef Chris Huerta promises a thoughtfully curated farm-inspired fall menu in keeping with the one enjoyed by acclaimed restaurant critic and author John Mariani, who, in an article for Forbes, described Madison’s as “one of the finest restaurants in the South with a menu that features as much sustainable, local provender as possible from purveyors with regional names like Sunburst Trout Farm, Painted

Hills Farm, Anson Mills, Benton’s Country Ham and Sequatchie Cove.” Cocktails, autumn beers and ciders will carry out the fall theme. Immerse yourself in wellness, solace, and stressrelief at the inn’s world-renowned spa at Old Edwards. Offerings will include organic facials with Rawceuticals Salvation Serum. Romany Botanicals Autumn Mist— blended for and sold exclusively at The Spa at Old Edwards—and Mersea fall scarves will be on sale at the The Spa Boutique. On October 12, at The Salon at Old Edwards, Curly Girl Master, Judi Lyons-Picard, will be available for 80-minute appointments. Acorns Boutique will present special offerings to include the purchase of one P. Taylor shirt to receive one Banaris complimentary scarf. Also scheduled at Acorns Boutique are two trunk shows: P. Taylor October 1–31, and Erin Gray Jewelry, October 9–11. Visit oldedwardsinn.com/AutumnFest for more information.

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your need

to read

The Bookworm offers a vast selection of books and something just as valuable during this pandemic season – a welcoming community spirit. To learn more, it’s best just to stop in (they’re a good-natured, chatty bunch) at 350 South Fifth Street in Highlands, or call (828) 526-3031.

elcome to our little bookstore! Affiliated with the Hudson Library, the Bookworm has been welcoming and serving the Highlands community and its visitors from as early as 1995. Originally, the Bookworm opened with one room at the Peggy Crosby Center, then grew to four rooms at the Peggy Crosby Center, and in 2014 moved to its current location at the Falls on Main (across from the Hudson Library at 555

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Main Street), between the two Highland Hiker stores. Rich with character and books, the Bookworm is also rich with memories and history for its patrons. Almost the “Cheers” of bookstores, the Bookworm reflects the essence of Highlands. All staff are local volunteers and all books are donations from our community. Many know when their favorite volunteer is working and choose to visit that day, others make it a part of their vacation

ritual, all grateful to know their purchases help to support the Hudson Library. The Bookworm is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. and accepts donations of more than 10 books by appointment only. For appointments, please call the Library at (828) 526-3031 and they will tell you who to call for an appointment. Fewer than 10 books are happily accepted during regular business hours. All Covid safety protocols are followed, including

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virtual book club

A new vir tual book club offered by the Highlands Biological Foundation will explore the perils of global warming and the promise offered by sensible solutions. For more information, visit highlandsbiological.org/foundation/events/ bookclub.

H required masks and sanitizer, social distancing, and only six patrons are allowed in to shop at one time. Please enjoy the ritual of visiting the Bookworm to see all it has to offer and what might be new. There is nothing like walking into a bookstore with the familiar smell of bound books, the sometimes creak of the floor, and a world of offerings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from vintage books, to literature classics, to fiction, to mystery, to biography, to history, to religion, to gardening, to stunning coffee table treasures, and so much more. Our books are carefully sorted to provide the best quality and value for a used book price. We are unique and anxious for our family of books to join your personal library and become a part of your family as well. by Helene Seigel

ighlands Biological Foundation is launching a Virtual Book Club with an examination and discussion of Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming. The Foundation Book Club will meet weekly via Zoom Meetings, accessible both through a device or over the phone. No in-person meetings will be held. At each meeting, a leader will facilitate discussion about the category and any specific solutions they have a personal interest in. The leader will also introduce relevant current events, companies, and actions here on the Highlands Plateau. The final meeting will address any remaining questions, encourage reflections and feedback, and wrap up our discussion. No prior knowledge about climate change, climate science, or solutions is necessary, and everyone who is interested is welcome. Club members should be familiar with the Highlands Plateau and/or interested in the impact of climate change and solutions on the region. The book club will be using the 2017 paperback version of Drawdown. Copies are available for purchase from the Highlands Biological Foundation. Copies are also available through Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library and the Fontana Regional Library System. For more information, visit highlandsbiological.org/ foundation/events/bookclub 39 O c tob e r 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

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make a

run for it

Highlands Twilight 5 and 10K Race, set for November 28, is a fun challenge for serious runners and those just looking to work off a touch of postThanksgiving lethargy.

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ighlands Mayor Patrick Taylor has been a competitor in the annual Highlands Twilight Race since its inception eight years ago. Mayor Taylor pointed out that although the race has had to adjust to the pandemic, he and many other local and out-of-town runners look forward to its challenging but beautiful course. The Twilight takes place November 28 and will start at 9:00 A.M. The eighth annual Rotary Club of Highlands-sponsored event will adhere to ongoing precautions related to COVID-19. The 5K and 10K races start at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park at 483 Pine Street and end at Fifth Street. The 5K is described as “undulating and friendly” for beginners or walkers, yet “challenging” for experienced runners. The 10K course is more grueling and climbs Bear Pen Mountain.

“A lot of people in the neighborhoods urge runners on,” said Mayor Taylor, who – pre-pandemic – ran in approximately one race each month spring through fall. “A lot of other races don’t have the variation in the landscape that this one does. Since the pandemic has broken out, I haven’t been able to run in a race so I’m looking forward to this opportunity.” Mayor Taylor credits Derek Taylor of Highlands Decorating Center with overseeing “a very well organized race.” He added, “It’s a first-rate road race.” Last year, at least 350 runners participated and more than $25,000 was raised for local nonprofits, according to Derek Taylor. Said Mayor Taylor, “The race always has a tremendous impact on the community … one of Highlands’ premier events, like the car show, that give a boost to our nonprofits, supporting very important causes in

the local area.” Interested participants can register at highlandstwilight5kand10k.com/ or runsignup.com/Race/NC/Highlands/ HighlandsTwilight5kand10K. Early packet pickup is Friday, Nov. 27, from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. at Highlands Recreation Park. Participants should allow time to get checked in before the race begins at 9:00 A.M. the following morning. Parking will be available around the Kelsey Hutchinson Park, Highlands Recreation Park, Highlands Ballfield, and Highlands Post Office. by Deena Bouknight

Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about Highlands Twilight Race

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a deeply

southern novel

Hudson Librar y will host a talk by the author of Bells for Eli , a novel that takes a closer look at â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cousin Culture,â&#x20AC;? 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, October 21.

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Susan Zurenda

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uthor talks scheduled throughout the summer at local libraries were sidelined because of the pandemic, but a few are scheduled for the fall due to easing restrictions. One of those is at Hudson Library on October 21 at 2:00 P.M. Awardwinning author Susan Zurenda will share insights regarding her novel, Bells for Eli (published March 2 by Mercer University Press). Zurenda said her author talk will center around the history of “cousin culture” in America as it relates to circumstances in the novel. The book focuses on characters Adeline (Delia) and Ellison (Eli) Winfield, first cousins, and their childhood and young adult lives in the 1960s-70s in a fictitious, small Southern town. After Eli suffers a devastating accident causing

physical disfigurement lasting through childhood, Delia becomes his only friend and protector against tormenters, and the cousins grow extraordinarily close. Zurenda explained, “When I’ve been asked why I decided to write about a taboo relationship, I explain that it was not a conscious decision; rather, it was inevitable. It was a natural evolution neither I nor they could escape.” Bells for Eli is a coming-ofage, Southern literary novel with Gothic elements that Publisher’s Weekly described as a “beautifully crafted debut.” Zurenda pointed out: “Place is essential in a Southern novel. The circumstances could not take place in the same way anywhere else. Southern characters are deeply affected by their setting

and atmosphere. Also, tradition, protocol, and mores are prominent in Southern novels, whether the characters live low, middle, or high class lives. In my own writing, ‘letting go,’ is a recurrent theme, and similar themes of loss and recovery are frequent in Southern literature. Home and family tend to be a large presence in Southern novels and characters’ connection to their past, either individually or with the South in general, is often powerful. Zurenda, a former English teacher and now book publicist, resides in Spartanburg, South Carolina. To attend the October 21 event, contact Hudson Library at 554 Main Street, or call (828) 526-3031. by Deena Bouknight

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canned food drive

Fishes & Loaves Food Pantr y has adapted its Empty Bowls fundraiser to the restrictions of the pandemic. People are invited to donate canned items or make a $25 donation at the Pantr y on October 3.

ishes & Loaves Food Pantry in Cashiers, an emergency food pantry, works year-round to help meet some of the dietary requirements of individuals and families in need throughout the community. Nearly one in five people in Jackson and Macon counties fall below the poverty line. Though Fishes & Loaves would normally participate in the Empty Bowls Project, held around the country in October, this year the pandemic has forced it to reconsider its plans for acquiring enough food to feed its clients throughout the winter. As with most events and activities this year of the 2020

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pandemic, no food will be served at the October 3 event. Instead, Fishes & Loaves is encouraging people to support the pantry as well as Empty Bowls by eitherÂ donatingÂ one grocery bag of non-perishable canned food items to the food pantry or $25 in exchange for a handcrafted bowl. Just bring your donations to the Pantry, located directly behind the CashiersGlenville Volunteer Fire Department at 549 Frank Allen Road. Fishes & Loaves is staffed by 70plus volunteers and feeds more than 4,000 people annually. Regularly, Fishes & Loaves, established in 2005,

takes food and monetary donations; and, three times a year, there are ways the community can ensure that individuals and families have an Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas meal. Currently, because of Covid-19, the volunteer organization offers only drivethrough service. by Deena Bouknight

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learn more do better

The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center is hosting an online education series titled Understand White Privilege and Become an Anti-Racist, Wednesdays from Noon to 1:30 P.M. through October 28.

rganizers say that the program will enable participants to: Learn how to Be More. Learn More. Do Better; Do better both as an individual white person, and as a member of the white racial group in America; Learn how to do more to become an anti-racist (versus a non-racist) The series will be led by Dr. Rita Brodnax. Dr. Brodnax earned her doctorate in educational leadership with a focus on applying brain research to teaching, learning and communication. Dr. Brodnax is passionate about creating

engaging programs that address real world challenges and contribute real world solutions. Addressing the potential for disruption with such a charged topic, The Mountain states up-front that, “Everyone is expected to come with an open mind and open heart. If a person’s behavior affects the safety or well-being of others, or if it is disruptive to the positive learning community, they run the risk of being removed from aspects of the program or being dismissed from it entirely. These behaviors include, but are not limited to, verbal insensitivity,

harassment, or discrimination.” To register or for more information about the event, visit themountainrlc.org or call (828) 526-5838. by Luke Osteen

Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center

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kinnebrew’s

ballads

Mike Kinnebrew

A lifetime of moods and melodies f ind their expression when Mike Kinnebrew takes the stage at the Orchard Sessions, November 5 at The Farm at Old Edwards. For information, visit oldedwardshospitality.com/orchardsessions.

n November 5, Singer-Songwriter Mike Kinnebrew will return to The Farm at Old Edwards to perform at the Orchard Sessions. Kinnebrew grew up in Atlanta in the 1980s. By his late teens, he knew his future was not academics, and that music was something he could call his own. He started playing in joints around Buckhead, covering the tunes of James Taylor and Tom Petty. It wasn’t long long before he figured out that his future was in “writing songs that didn’t exist before.” Brought up with

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the music of John Denver, Van Morrison and Don Henley, Kinnebrew writes songs that bring the same balladry and warmth to his own work. Now 43, his second album, One Way to Find Out, will be released at the Orchard Sessions. Its cover bears a black and white photograph of Kinnebrew in a black t-shirt, guitar draped across his chest, mouth to microphone. The masculinity of the image belies the tenderness in his eyes and the vulnerability that radiates from his songs. The music is a hybrid of country and folk – gentle, intimate and

meditative. He is driven by a desire to reach his audience, to create the magic that happens when he is able to “take what’s inside of me and wrap chords around it, hoping it will land somewhere in the heart where it will do some good.” He says that nowhere does that magic happen more than in Highlands. In fact, the album, produced by Grammy Nominee Paul Moak (who will accompany Kinnebrew on guitar and piano at the performance), was inspired by and largely written in Highlands. The title song was written for Old

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Edwards General Manager Jack Austin while he and his partner Lec were deciding on the purchase of what is now their new home. In the pre-chorus, Kinnebrew addresses Austin’s quandary, “One day you wake up and you’re older than you were ever prepared to be. I don’t know if you have what it takes to catch that dream in your heart.” When he delivers the chorus, “Maybe there’s just one way to find out,” he’s singing so boldly that the lyric feels like a demand. Showtime is from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. and will include songs from Kinnebrew’s new album as well as songs from the music he grew up with. There’s a $10 cover charge that includes complimentary nibbles and a cash bar. Sorry, no advance tickets. Limited seating is available and taking a seat in the grass is certainly welcome. The sessions will move indoors to the new Orchard House in the event of rain. For more information and updates visit oldedwardshospitality.com/orchardsessions.

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angel food

cake day

During this strange quarantine season, did you ever ask yourself, â&#x20AC;&#x153;How come ever y dog gets its day, but no one sets aside a day for a cake?â&#x20AC;? Is that just us ? Anyway, Cashiers Historical Society is staging a celebration of National Angel Food Cake Day on October 10 at Zachar y-Tolber t House in Cashiers.

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ashiers Historical Society invites everyone to join them in celebrating National Angel Food Cake Day on October 10 from 11:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. at the pavilion on the grounds of the historic Zachary-Tolbert House. Who doesn’t love to enjoy a holiday celebrating cake? National Angel Food Cake Day celebrates the delicious, light and fluffy cake and is celebrated annually on October 10. This delicious sponge cake originated in the United States in the late 19th century, and quickly became popular in households throughout America. The first recipe in a cookbook for the white sponge cake is in Lettice Bryan’s The Kentucky Housewife of 1839. In 1871 a recipe was published titled Snow-Drift Cake and 10 years later it was known as Silver Cake. In 1884, the name Angel Cake was mentioned for the first time and then in

1886 Angel Food Cake. The cake was named due to its airy lightness. It was said to be the food of the angels. The Cashiers Historical Society feels certain that during this same time period Elvira Zachary probably had a recipe and made the cake for the many boarders staying at the Zachary Boarding House run by her husband Mordicai, so they’re delighted to bring the cake back for all to enjoy. Whatever you want to call the delicious, light and fluffy cake, come and celebrate the day with Cashiers Historical Society. Board members will bake angel food cakes to share and all are invited to come and taste. The grounds and all buildings will be opened this special day beginning at 11:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. There is no charge for his event, but donations are always welcomed. Cashiers Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) organization and your donations make the work of the Historical Society possible.

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OCTOBER

“Autumn serenades the breeze into dancing a cha cha cha; the mountains echo in the background. October sky never looked more charming nor the sublime leaves of the trees so graceful.” – Avijeet Das

All the events that we’ve previewed here may not happen when their appointed time arrives. View the complete Highlands Cashiers Plateau Calendar

• P. Taylor Trunk Show, 0:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Acorns Boutique, acornshighlandsnc.com.

• Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust’s Trivia Hike, hicashlt.org.

• Locally Grown on the Green, from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M., Village Green Commons in Cashiers, (828) 743-3434. • P. Taylor Trunk Show, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Acorns Boutique, acornshighlandsnc.com.

• Locally Grown on the Green, from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M., Village Green Commons in Cashiers. (828) 743-3434.

• Virtual program titled Nature 101: Fall Colors, 1:00 P.M. hosted on the Highlands Biological Station’s Facebook page (@ highlandsbiologicalstation) or find anytime on its YouTube channel, (828) 526-2623, highlandsbiological.org.

• Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust’s Trivia Hike, hicashlt.org.

Please be sure and call ahead before attending.

• Highlands’ Empty Bowls Project drive-thru, First Presbyterian Church of Highlands. For donation of $25 patrons will be given a soup or dessert created by local chefs and restaurants, and a handmade bowl crafted by potters at The Bascom, internationalfriendshipcenter.org. • P. Taylor Trunk Show, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Acorns Boutique, acornshighlandsnc.com.

• P. Taylor Trunk Show, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Acorns Boutique, acornshighlandsnc.com. • Friday Night Jazz Cake Bar, Mill Creek Village, Highlands (828) 421-2042.

• P. Taylor Trunk Show, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Acorns Boutique, acornshighlandsnc.com.

• Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust’s Trivia Hike, hicashlt.org.

• Dana Kelly Oriental Rugs Trunk Show, Village Hound, (828) 743-5990. • Erin Gray Morton Trunk Show, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Acorns Boutique, acornshighlandsnc.com. • P. Taylor Trunk Show, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Acorns Boutique, acornshighlandsnc.com. • Friday Night Jazz Cake Bar, Mill Creek Village, Highlands (828) 421-2042.

• 9th Annual Dave Drake Studio Pottery Show, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., The Bascom, thebascom.org. • Friday Night Jazz, Cake Bar, Mill Creek Village, Highlands (828) 421-2042.

• Highlands Marketplace, 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., Kelsey-Hutchinson Park. • 9th Annual Dave Drake Studio Pottery Show, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., The Bascom, thebascom.org. • Opening Studio with Leslie Jeffery 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. (727) 743-1130. • Jazz, Cake Bar, Mill Creek Village, Highlands (828) 421-2042.

• Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust’s Trivia Hike, hicashlt.org. • Friday Night Jazz Cake Bar, Mill Creek Village, Highlands (828) 421-2042.

• Highlands Marketplace, 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., Kelsey-Hutchinson Park. • Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust’s Trivia Hike, hicashlt.org. • Jazz, Cake Bar, Mill Creek Village, Highlands, (828) 421-2042.

• Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust’s Trivia Hike, hicashlt.org. • Friday Night Jazz Cake Bar, Mill Creek Village, Highlands (828) 421-2042.

• Highlands Marketplace, 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., Kelsey-Hutchinson Park. • Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust’s Trivia Hike, hicashlt.org. • Betsy Paul Raffle. For tickets call (828) 743-0880. • Fall Festival at Town and Country General Store, tandcgeneralstore. com, (828) 547-1300.

• Locally Grown on the Green, from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M., Village Green Commons in Cashiers. (828) 743-3434. • Author talk with Susan Zurenda, 2:00 P.M., Hudson Library, (828) 526-3031.

• Locally Grown on the Green, from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M., Village Green Commons in Cashiers. (828) 743-3434. • Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust’s Trivia Hike, hicashlt.org.

• Dana Kelly Oriental Rugs Trunk Show, Village Hound, (828) 743-5990. • P. Taylor Trunk Show, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Acorns Boutique, acornshighlandsnc.com.

• Uncomplicated Cuisine, All About Apples, via Zoom, 5:00 P.M, director@cashiersgreen.com. • Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust’s Trivia Hike, hicashlt.org.

• Highlands Marketplace, 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., Kelsey-Hutchinson Park. • Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry Empty Bowls Project, 9:00 A.M. to 12 Noon. Donate one grocery bag of nonperishable canned food items to the food pantry or $25 in exchange for a handcrafted bowl, (828) 226-4411. • P. Taylor Trunk Show, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Acorns Boutique.

• Highlands Marketplace, 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., Kelsey-Hutchinson Park. • Erin Gray Morton Trunk Show, and P. Taylor Trunk Show, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Acorns Boutique, • National Angel Food Cake Day Celebration, 11:00 A.M. Zachary-Tolbert House, (828) 743-7710. • Opening Studio with Leslie Jeffery, 1:00 to 5:00 P.M., lesliejeffery.art, (727) 743-1130.

OUTDOORS

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OUTDOORS

RECREATION & CREATION Pages 60-73

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OUTDOORS

a turtle’s

life

Whether terrestrial or aquatic, the tur tles you encounter on the Plateau are uniquely adapted for life in a rainforest.

here are several species of turtles that make the Plateau their home, the most common are Snapping and Box Turtles. Other species include Painted Turtles that are found in a few local areas, and Bog Turtles that are rare and federally threatened, said Kyle Pursel, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust Stewardship Coordinator. “The rivers off the Plateau have other turtle species, but the steep nature of the Plateau and smaller size of our rivers has kept them largely out of our area,” said Pursel. 60 O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

A major difference between Snapping and Box Turtles is that Snapping Turtles can be found in most any body of water, while Box Turtles live on land in forests and fields. If you find yourself strolling through the Highlands Biological Station and see some turtles in or around Lindenwood Lake, chances are they’re Snapping Turtles. Pursel said Snappers are omnivores and will eat most anything they can grab, primarily aquatic vegetation, but occasionally they will catch something living. Box Turtles mostly eat fruit,

fungi, and bugs. He added they come out to feed any time they’re awake, and some turtles are territorial. “Box Turtles form home ranges that they stick with for life,” said Pursel. “If you remove a box turtle from its home range, it will wander until it makes it back or dies trying, so please don’t remove box turtles from the wild and bring them home.” If you stumble upon a turtle out on the trail, Pursel said it’s best to leave it be. “Best not to feed any wildlife,” he said. “Snapping turtles have a very-powerful

OUTDOORS

bite, so one is best to leave them alone and watch from a distance. Don’t take Box turtles home because you are basically killing them. Most turtles mate in the spring, but sometimes there can be a fall bout of mating. Turtles build nests on dry land, usually in a relatively sunny area. For aquatic turtles, this will be near water, said Pursel. And several species of turtles can live for decades. “Turtles are some of the longestlived animals,” said Pursel. “Some tortoise species can live well over a hundred years.” By Brian O’Shea, Plateau Daily News

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OUTDOORS

october

fishing

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the dazzling foliage show that makes October a cherished month for anglers.

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Chris Wilkes

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nglers in Western North Carolina look forward to the month of October like a kid counts the days until Christmas. October provides some of the best conditions for trout fishing that anyone could ask for. The temperature of the air will cool down and so will the water temp in midday. This will mean more active trout in the rivers all day long with few lulls. During the month of October, you can fish dry flies as well as nymph patterns so your entire fly box should get some use. October allows for a more flexible fishing schedule. Whereas the summer temperatures and crowds can require you to be in the water before 8:00 A.M. or after 6:00 P.M., the cooler temperatures can allow you to sneak in some trout fishing on your lunch break. Afternoon trips can be good for ensuring you will be by yourself as well. Another thing that I enjoy about fishing during a peak trout month like October is

the amount of water that becomes good for fishing. Highlands is surrounded by 2,200 miles of fishable water, but during the summer months there are a lot fewer of those stretches that yield a decent haul. Once October rolls around, you can pretty much throw a dart at a map of the area and feel good about your chances of catching fish. Not only does the trout fishing pick up, but so does the scenery. As I often like to point out, fly fishing gives you a great excuse to stand in a lot of pretty places. In October the air is crisp and the leaves turn glorious colors. The state will be stocking plenty of fish in the easy to access rivers, but the creeks that are harder to get to should not be overlooked. Sometimes the trails to get to these harder to access will be full of great leaf change scenery (and fewer fishermen!). By Chris Wilkes, Highland Hiker

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the beauty

of fall side bar

The outward gaze across the October Landscape, feeds the inward gaze.

ur four seasons give life a slow rhythm. In forest, mountain and field there is an annual cycle of renewal in the upstart spring, glory in the summer flower, spectacular autumn colors and total winter whiteouts. The slow pace is part of the beauty of this yearly procession. October brings the full blush of fall. Our attention is summoned by the trees in their brightest colors of the year with a background of Carolina blue skies. The Irish poet Yeats said this lyrically in The 64 O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Wild Swans at Coole: The trees are in their autumn beauty, The woodland paths are dry, Under the October twilight the water Mirrors a still sky; Fall brings fires to our dormant fireplaces. Our wools come out of storage. We have new crops of winter squash, root vegetables and Brussel sprouts. In October we begin our countdown to Thanksgiving. That next big event is just next month. Fall is prologue to the coming winter

hibernation. All of nature rests in winter and autumn begins the preparations for this long winter sleep. The green leaves of summer dry and go red and yellow and harvest brown after photosynthesis shuts down. If those airborne leaves did not fall from their branches winter snow and ice would render staunch trunks into shredded columns. Ground leaves provide a natural blanket to the tender life in the first few inches of topsoil. Such is the wisdom of the natural way.

OUTDOORS

“Down River” by Peter Ray

Don’t miss having close encounters with the fall colors. Still social distancing, give yourself small touring trips out, day trips at best. Pack a lunch, grab your mask and go on tour of the beauty that surrounds us. That’s what our guest photographer, Peter Ray, did following and photographing the Cullasaja River. His photographic essays are contained in The Cullasaja: Images of a Mountain River, available at local shops and the Visitor Center. Peak color comes near the middle of October. Let yourself be awed by the beauty. Such are the gifts of grace and gratitude. By William McReynolds

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eastern

phoebe

The bold little Eastern Phoebe says its name to tell you it’s there.

member of the flycatcher family, this songbird is about the size of a Titmouse, with a dark head, white breast and belly, and dark gray-brown wings. The Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) calls its name in a raspy voice. Compared to the slower, twopart call of the Chickadee, this “fee-bee” is fast, scratchy and less flute-like. Phoebes are a largely migratory species that spend the winter in the Southeastern U.S. and coastal Mexico and breed in the spring and summer in the northeastern U.S. and Canada. Those in Western North Carolina are year-rounders who don’t migrate with the seasons. Look for Phoebes in deciduous woods near water and openings in the forest. They characteristically perch upright on low branches and “wag” their tails. From their perch they nab flying insects such as flies, wasps, moths and midges. They

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also eat spiders, ticks and seeds. Their nests are made of mud and grass, about five inches across with a 2½-inch cup. Nests are located well off the ground in protected nooks and overhangs of houses, barns and other structures. Some nests are reused from year to year or the phoebe might renovate nests built by robins and swallows. The nests are built or renovated by the female who will run off the male after mating. On her own, with the male defending their territory from a distance, the female lays 2-6 white eggs that are incubated around 15 days. Hatchlings fledge after 16 to 20 days. The pair might parent two broods in a season. These birds tend to return to the same nesting site year after year. The oldest known Phoebe, a banded bird, was 10 years, 4 months old. John James Audubon was one of the first naturalists

to band a Phoebe. Happy October birding from the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society. Listen for this bird’s musical name calling to announce its presence. The mission of the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society is to provide opportunities to enjoy and learn about birds and other wildlife and to promote conservation and restoration of the habitats that support them. HPAS is a 501(c)(3) organization, a Chapter of the National Audubon Society. Visit highlandsaudubonsociety.org for information on membership and all activities. by William McReynolds, Highlands Plateau Audubon Society

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shadow of

the bear

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Bear Hunting is one of the most popular activities for leaf lookers in Highlands and Cashiers. Forget your f irearms and your Blaze Orange vest, for this Bear you just need a bit of patience and a good camera.

his month brings a quiet frenzy among the creatures of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Foxes extend their territory to get a little fatter before the onset of winter. Squirrels get even squirrel-ier as they cache away the mast crop. And the little brown bats that shadow our evening skies put on an even more dynamic aerobatic show as they gorge on the remaining mosquitoes of the season. And of course, this being the Plateau, it marks the arrival of The Big Bear, the bear that’s earned a national reputation. If you’d like to witness his arrival in the latter half of October, Head east on U.S. 64 from Main Street Highlands for about five miles, until you come to Rhodes Big View Overlook (you’ll know it by the breathtaking vista). Find a safe place to park and walk to the vantage point in front of the guard rail. If you visit in the last half of October between 5:30 and 6:00 P.M., you’ll be treated to the stunning sight of the shadow of a gargantuan bear emerging from the valley at the foot of Whiteside Mountain. Like most features on the

Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, this shadowy figure, so bold in its arrival, resonated with the Cherokee who lived here first. The Cherokee revered the Black Bear for his courage and his presence as a literal force of nature. They saw signs of him everywhere – and he was revered as a spirit being as well as a powerful animal. Because they believed that a terrifying monster named Spearfinder made her home on Whiteside Mountain, the Shadow Bear’s presence at the base demonstrated his wish to protect his human neighbors. Sure enough, the Shadow Bear shows up mid-February to early March, for just 30 minutes on sunny days at 5:30 P.M. But it’s his patrolling over Whiteside Cove in October that gets all the press. At other times of the year, the titanic forces of earth’s rotation on its axis gum up the works, and the bear morphs into a giant mouse, anteater, and hippopotamus. None of these Shadow Creatures get any play in Cherokee Legends, and no one ever, ever, shows up to get a glimpse of a Shadow Sugar Glider. For this month, though, the Bear clearly rules.

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trees’ time

to winterize Those beautiful leaves that capture so much attention when they’re adorning our trees continue their good work once they’re on the ground. To learn more, check out Nature 101: Fall Colors, premiering October 20 on the Highlands Biological Station’s Facebook page.

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rom the Smokies to Satulah, autumn is coming, and the Highlands Biological Foundation is gearing up for our next virtual program where we’ll explore why the greenery draping across our mountains will soon change in a wave of brilliant color. What we enjoy as a spectacular display is actually a tree winterizing itself. Rather than risk frozen, damaged leaves or catching too much snow, deciduous trees slough their leaves off every year and regrow them the next spring. The vivid color change is a striking sign of this virtually invisible process. On each tree, at the base of each leaf, a layer of special cells will eventually form. These cells weaken the leaf’s connection to the tree. With the right breeze, it will fall onto the forest floor – or your front lawn. While we might see it as an inconvenience, fallen leaves are invaluable habitat for our local wildlife. The leaf litter sprinkled throughout our forests and lawns serves as a winter refuge for many species of arthropods and vertebrates including millipedes, ground beetles, salamanders and shrews. The leaves trap the relative heat of the earth and keep these animals from freezing. This insulating effect helps queen bumble bees tucked underground in their burrows as well as Mourning Cloak, Eastern Comma, and Question Mark butterflies which

overwinter in leaf litter as adults. For these reasons, consider leaving parts of your yard “rake and blower-free” this fall – the butterflies, bees, and salamanders will thank you! If you’re wondering what causes the color change, tune into our next virtual program titled Nature 101: Fall Colors. We host our Nature 101 series on the third Tuesday of each month to explore basic natural history topics and to answer questions like this. In October, we’ll explore the science, compare characteristic colors, and touch on what conditions make for a spectacular leaf display. You can watch the premiere on the Highlands Biological Station’s Facebook page (@highlandsbiologicalstation) on Tuesday, October 20, at 1:00 P.M. or find it afterward on the Highlands Biological Foundation’s YouTube channel. For more information, please visit highlandsbiological. org or contact us at (828) 526-2623. by Paige Engelbrektsson, Nature Center Education Specialist, Highlands Biological Foundation

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a welcomed

addition

Having learned a tough lesson about badmouthing Greek Gods, easygoing Tur tlehead is a welcome addition to local gardens.

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helone is a genus of four species and has several nicknames beside Turtlehead. She has also been known as Balmony, Bitter Herb, Fish Mouth, Snakehead and more, but enough of the name calling. Rumor has it, name calling is what caused her to have a name at all. Waaaayyyy back in the day, during the other world known as the Greek Mythology days, Chelone was a nymph, a beautiful forest maiden. There was a big wedding bash planned to celebrate the marriage of Zeus and Hera. Chelone was invited, but refused to go, and if that wasn’t bad enough, she made a lot of disparaging remarks against the couple. Well, you may have heard the term “Don’t Mess with Mother Nature,” but Chelone did just that and as a result, she along with her house were pitched into the river. She emerged as a tortoise having to carry her house on her back. Chelone is a perennial wildflower found all over the Eastern United States. The Chelone glabra has a white flower with just a blush of pink, sort of like white socks after they

have been washed with a red towel. The Chelone obliqua has deeper shades of rose pink or purple flowers. This plant likes wet feet and can be planted in partial shade or full sun, but they like a moist, mucky soil. If in full sun, the plant should have lots of water, but if in woodland areas, a moist area will work fine. Growing 2-3 feet tall, she can be planted near Joe Pye Weed for a nice showing. There are medicinal uses for this plant as well, but as always, take these words with a grain of salt and never experiment with plant uses unless you’ve studied thoroughly and sought advice from professionals. Turtlehead can be made into a tonic to help with indigestion or constipation, or as a balm to relieve itching. If you’re itching for an almost carefree, natural looking wildflower to add to your woodland garden, Chelone will brighten your Fall days. by Jeannie Chambers, The Accidental Gardener

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ARTS Pages 82-101

A dynamic new ar tistic collaboration has blossomed at Laura Moser Art in Cashiers. pg. 100

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a bundle of

make nice

For Maggie Bax ter Dear th, the quarantine is just a matter of quaran-time to compose her local architectural renderings.

hen Maggie Baxter Dearths’s hand, head, and heart get together, art’s about to happen. And they get together in her Scaly Mountain studio just about every day. Maggie moved here from Athens, Georgia a year ago with her new hubby, Timothy Dearth, an area native. She fits right in with the environment, the people, and the cultural opportunities … when Covid doesn’t interfere.

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It didn’t take long for word to spread about her artistry. She already shows work locally at Easely An Artist, The Bascom Gift Shop, The Business Spot, and Molly Grace. Her focus for the past decade has been watercolor/pen. Designs are drawn, painted, or printed on stationery, ornaments, stones, cards, wooden figures, and more. Since coming to the Highlands area her current hot item is architectural renderings of local iconic buildings

(Highlands Playhouse and downtown Highlands) and residents’ homes. Realtors hire Maggie to illustrate houses on stationery for new homeowners’ welcome gifts. When asked if Maggie had a lifelong love affair with art, she replied, “My mom always said I was born with a pencil in my hand. She provided me with all kinds of art and craft supplies to explore. In college I majored in art, emphasis on painting, but ceramics

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called my name too. To this day, art is my passion.” In Athens, Maggie’s images revolved around wildlife, vegetables, fruit, and flowers. In the mountains, architectural drawings launched her new adventure. She says, “My former work was loose and organic, so it was a push to tighten up on the detail of architectural designs.” But she loves the challenge and her followers love the results. Maggie welcomes commissions. You

can see her work, former and current, on Instagram (makenicedesignco), Facebook (Make Nice Design Co), and Etsy.com/makenicedesignco. Email her at maggiegeobax@yahoo.com. In these crazy times, grab a feelgood moment and snap up a bundle of Maggie’s Make Nice for future gifts.

by Donna Rhodes

Photo by Jackie Baxter Robert

Maggie Baxter Dearth

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a darn

good yarn Mar y Catherine English’s talent for f inding the magic within the warp and weave has won her a national clientele.

ary Catherine English says she’s a Late Bloomer. Most folks say she’s anything but. At 50, Cathy reinvented herself, going back to college to get a teaching degree. After graduation, she taught eighth and ninth grades until retirement (seven years ago). Still teaching driving, she’s hardly retired, but she’s just one of those energetic folks who can’t not be working. Always in search of her next adventure, she welcomed another reinvention. She took up crocheting, adding that skill to sewing, cross-stitching, and related fiber 84 Occ ttoobbeerr 22002200 || TTH H EELL A AU U RR EELL M MA AG GA AZ ZII N N EE ..C CO OM M O

arts. It was when the shop owner tried to teach her how to read crochet instructions, she said, “Oh, look! Shiny object!” Not exactly. Her shiny object was the floor loom sitting across the room, a welcome distraction from [puff st in ch1] … don’t ask. Being a kinesthetic soul, the loom’s feel, the sound, the movement, the brush of soft fibers against her skin grabbed her by the wrists and never turned loose. Today you can find her most Saturdays at Highlands Marketplace, KelseyHutchinson Founders Park, sporting

her beautiful handwoven wares: long, comfortable, lightweight scarves, allcotton towels, neck-towels (one-of-a-kind neck boas), placemats, and more. She uses natural fibers, sometimes designed to match colorful cloth for her popular, functional boas. At each end of a fashionable fabric she stitches a colorcoordinated handwoven towel. Draped around the neck of anyone cooking, cleaning, gardening, this handy towel is right at his/her fingertips. The towels are made from high-quality cotton grown and processed in Alabama,

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Mary Catherine English

Georgia, and Mississippi. It’s supremely soft, durable, machine-washable, and practically lint-free. Think of the possibilities for holiday gifts. Think quickly, though! Commissioned pieces are in high demand. She ships within the United States and charges no handling fees, only postage. Get your pure products, quality-crafted locally with TLC. Stop by and see Cathy (Mary Catherine’s Weaving) at the Marketplace. If you’re a long-time area resident you may recognize her from her summer jobs at Stone Lantern in the late 60s. It’s time to meet the legend! For fun, ask the girl terrified of heights about her one and only parachute drop! You can reach her by email, mcweavings@gmail.com, or see her at the Marketplace. by Donna Rhodes

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a story of

redemption Our own Deena Bouknightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s novel Playing Guy traces the trajectories of a pair of broken souls in a small Southern town.

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Deena Bouknight

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eena Bouknight’s second novel, Playing Guy offers a distinctively humanistic Southern fable – a tale told with irony and pathos, it’s a story of redemption. The novel has some of the heightened quality that has come to be known as Southern Gothic, and the notion of the South as a place where paradoxes prevail – a Christian tale where much of the action (and even the book cover) takes place in church and yet one where the protagonist considers himself not much of a Christian at all, a place where people sit around telling tales, whose “tragic” history somehow binds them together. Playing Guy develops the story of Guy Olivier Rhett Butt. “Named to be a movie star, his parents bestowed on him a first and few middle names to choose from when he did get to Hollywood.” The book pivots around the friendship of Guy and Maddie Walker- who shoulder to shoulder take on their small-town of

Wynee, South Carolina – a camaraderie begun in early school, and solidified by the commonality of diminished parenting. There is Maddie, the motherless child, raised by a workaholic Doc Dad and her take no-prisoners nanny, Squash, and Guy, the son of a father tormented by demons and self-doubt and an eccentric mother, both of whom are rejected by the townsfolk for their Northern roots and decidedly quirky behavior. With easy charm, and spectacular good looks, Guy easily ascends to Hollywood stardom. But Guy himself is a cautionary tale, for other hardships await – For what is easily gained can be as easily lost. Those same themes surface in the opening scene when Guy is first seen in the Wynee hospital being treated for serious injuries that could shorten his career and maybe his life. Bouknight combines her signature mix of literary skills – agility at developing depth of character and sense of place – learned from the masters, Wolfe,

Thoreau and Wharton, to draw us into the tale of Guy and Maddie. As the author says “My goal is that when the reader finishes they know the characters and place so well they are emotionally involved in their story.” The intellectual energy of the novel arises from a larger mystery, that both flows throughout the telling and is embedded in the moral of redemption, of the good that oftentimes comes from bad that yield lifetime altering shifts. As in the case of Guy and the road he navigates towards self-realization, from narcissist to beneficent; of the love that Maddie discovers with Guy’s parents. In all, Playing Guy is so polished, well written and compelling that the reader will want to return to their story and to Bouknight’s upcoming novel, Light Fracture, a historical novel about the 1886 earthquake in Charleston, South Carolina. by Marlene Osteen

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art league’s small works show

Safety concerns in the midst of the pandemic have forced the Ar t League of Highlands-Cashiers to shutter the Fall Colors Ar t Show in October. But there’s hope on the horizon, a small works ar t show in November.

ime finally ran out. The Art League of HighlandsCashiers held open the hope that it could still sponsor the annual Fall Colors Fine Art Show the third weekend of October at the Highlands Rec Park. But, alas, it fell victim to the hated Covid-19 virus. At its August 31 meeting, the ALHC Board decided to cancel the 2020 event for the first time in memory. After polling potential exhibitors, there were too many that responded with a “No.” Many of them are from out of town, and some are from out of state. Several cited pre-existing conditions and an indoor event as reasons they didn’t want to travel.

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At the same meeting, however, the board approved a new event to be held the Friday and Saturday following Thanksgiving at the Sapphire Valley Community Center. A Small Works Show will feature smaller two and three dimensional art, suitable as affordable holiday gifts. This event will differ from the ALHC Fine Art Colors shows in several ways. The show will be open to all artists, ALHC members and non-members. Two-dimensional work must be no larger than 196 square inches (12 x 16). Three-dimensional work will have similar size restrictions. Prints will be allowed. The entry fee will be substantially less than that for the

fine art shows. Non-members will pay a slightly higher fee than members. ALHC will settle all sales in a central location and retain a 30 percent commission. There will be no booths; ALHC will place all artwork gallery style. Interested artists may contact Show Chair Stan Allaben (allabenart@ gmail.com) for more information and an application. By approving this show, the Art League expects to expand its reach to area artists. For more information about the Art League and its activities, visit artleagueofhighlands-cashiers.com. by Zach Claxton, Highlands-Cashiers Art League

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Ali Burnette

very once in a while, you find an artist who just strikes you and your gallery, and one who may not exactly fit the framework, but who is too awesome not to share. Ali Burnette is one such artist, but one we term contemporary, and her ceramic/ clay pieces are as awesome as she is. Take a look and learn more. As for Ali’s art experience in high school, it was mainly painting and drawing, and that is what she continued with at the onset of her college career. Her art professors very quickly saw that Ali’s art talents leaned toward the threedimensional sculpting variety. Ali was in numerous graduate school shows. She uses the “Burn Out” ceramic technique to create her style; she dips the flowers in a casting slip, and the flower is literally burned out in the kiln to create the ceramic piece. They are very

delicate and generate a special ambience anywhere they’re displayed. Ali’s praying crosses are timely, and make exceptional gifts to express sympathy and love to those in need of your prayers. These crosses remind us of the driving force behind all of Ali’s art

pieces…for her, they are therapeutic. To change gears…what’s up for October at the gallery…Ali’s pumpkins and ghosts…a must have for the fall season in the South. They go quickly, so visit the website and score yours early. When asked what’s next, besides teaching three-dimensional design to her college students, she shared that her inclinations are to return to the bigger three-dimensional designs from her college days. Check out Ali Burnette’s smaller pieces on the website at aroundbackatrockysplace.com, or call the gallery at (706) 265-6030 to set up an appointment to visit her work in person. Around Back at Rocky’s Place is located at 3631 Highway 53 East in Dawsonville, Georgia. For more information, you can email gallery@ aroundbackatrockysplace.com.

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when warp

meets weft

Deborah Br yant uses time-tested methods to produce gorgeous, unique designs. For more information, visit DeborahBryantHandwoven.com.

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andwork is becoming increasingly rare in any type of clothing because the skills required are scarce and the costs prohibitive. Only occasionally does someone depart from machinemade ware and find a way to successfully produce and merchandise a handmade product. Local weaver Deborah Bryant has managed, and today some of the finest representations of contemporary hand weaving can be found in the garments she produces from her cloth. Growing up in Northern New Jersey, Bryantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother schooled her in crochet and knitting. In high school she learned to spin wool on a drop spindle. After that, she attended Warren Wilson College where she took advantage of a semester abroad in England and Scotland to learn about sheep and wool production. Upon returning to the U.S. she completed a degree in Professional Craft - Fiber at Haywood Community College, becoming

A RTS skilled at weaving and dyeing. In 1984 she moved to Cashiers to raise a family and establish her business as a weaver. All work is created by her on one of three handlooms in her “bright mountain studio, tucked into a five-acre paradise off a country road.” Bryant draws inspiration from the natural world that surrounds her to create rarefied, gorgeous fabrics that are a vibrant and unique expression of her color palette. She says that, “The way that yarn holds onto color, with all the light and shadow and texture, is exciting for me. I feel there is an endless path to combining these colorful threads and weaving them into beautiful functional cloth.” The garments she makes give life to her textiles. Every piece is unique; they are one size fits most, washable cotton, and suitable for all ages. She is best known for her everyday garments – shawls, scarves, ponchos and accessories – created from hand-painted warps. Her work unites her

singular skills at color blending, texture variety and functional design with artisanal craftsmanship. Traditionally Bryant’s work has been sold primarily at fine art and craft shows throughout the Southeast. But as those exhibits have taken a hit during the pandemic, Bryant is seeking other outlets for her work. She told me that she has participated in the Highlands Village Square Art and Craft Show “since the beginning and through all of its changes and always had a successful result. She has been selected to participate in many fine juried Art and Craft Shows including The American Craft Council Shows of Baltimore and Atlanta, Piedmont Craftsmen Show in WinstonSalem, The Southern Highlands Craft Guild Fair in Asheville, and the Naples National Art Show in Naples, Florida. You can discover her wares at DeborahBryantHandwoven.com.

Deborah Bryant

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everything old

is new again

The fun at the Highlands Per forming Ar ts Center can’t be contained – it’s spilling out into the parking lot! The venerable Highlands institute unveils new avenues for safe enter tainment in a challenging year.

verything Old is New again, right? Well…as far as Drive-in Theaters are concerned, that is. The Highlands Performing Arts Center has opened a “temporary” drive-in theater in the Laurel Street parking lot. That means you’re invited to Parking at the PAC in Ray’s Drive-in Theater, a new Gathering Spot where social distancing is the norm. Events will range from movies to Great Art on Screen documentaries (four are scheduled for October and November) to pre-recorded

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LIVE concerts. Movies will include your favorites and themed movie series: Film Noir, Classics, maybe a Humphrey Bogart Series. Let us know what you would like to see at HighandsPACnc@gmail.com. PAC is working with local restaurants to provide concessions and create a Dinner & A Movie Night. Restaurants will provide a box dinner you can order and pick up then come Park at the PAC for a movie date night. Ray’s Drive-in Theater is also available for private parties. Call to select a date and a movie or concert.

Also, inside PAC, you can have a Dinner Party for 10. Dinner & a Play. Select one of the National Theater of London productions, select your favorite restaurant or caterer and enjoy dinner and the theater with your friends, with cabaret seating (groupings of two seats and a small table). The drive-in equipment was made possible through some fabulous community members who saw the need our community had to be able to gather and enjoy a night out. The equipment

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Broadway-inspired

costumes

Highlands Playhouse’s Halloween Par ty takes its cue from one of the musical world’s oldest tropes – “Hey Ever yone, let’s put on a show!” You can join in with a carefully composed photo and a wellplaced email – highlandsplayhouse@gmail.com

will be used well into the future at various locations and for various events. Think “Movies in the Park.” The movie screen (24’ X 11’) is inflatable and portable. The audio comes through your cell phone via an FM radio channel. What could be easier? In addition, the MET Opera will begin a series of encore performances in October: Madame Butterfly, October 10; Il Trovatore, November 7; and Tosca, December 5. These will be screened inside PAC, with safe cabaret seating. We may still have to be socially distanced, but that doesn’t mean we can’t see each other and enjoy being entertained. For event information, check out highlandspac.org or highlandsperformingarts.com, or call (828) 526-9047. by Mary Adair Trumbly, Highlands Performing Arts Center

t’s Halloween and you’re stuck at home… no theatre outings, no trick-or-treating, no prowling or howling… just hissin’ while you’re missin’ this year’s ghoulish garb and bags of pogey bait. Boo-ooo-hoo. Don’t despair. Do what New Yorkers are doing… put your boredom and nervous patience to work. Create a Broadway hit costume, don it, photograph it, and send your close-up to Highlands Playhouse to be posted on their website. Think of the possibilities: What the heck. Go green with Shrek. Wha-d-ya-say… Life’s a Cabaret. Maybe you’ve chosen a blue gown from Frozen. Hang wild and loose with Beetlejuice. Our Halloween-world needs more Mean Girls. Make yourself glad ‘n’ dress like Aladdin. Keep things hoppin’, be Mary Poppins. Put off ‘til tomorrow? Nah, go Little Shop of Horrors. Better yet, closer to home, pick a character from one of your favorite Highlands Playhouse shows, Buddy Holly, Oklahoma, Always, Patsy Cline, Chicago, Steel Magnolias, Piano Man, or Damn Yankees. The Playhouse will be back. Count on it. But in the meantime, dress up, dress down, just dress something and have fun creating your own little drama… like finding scissors that are remotely sharp, fabric that will cover our quarantined girth, glue that will pass the stress test. Even more telling… will we pass the stress test? Of course we will, and we’ll love every minute of it. If nothing else, we’ll appreciate costume designers on a whole new level. See what others have done at: playbill.com. So, dress to the nines… sevens and eights will be accepted. And send those photos to: highlandsplayhouse@gmail.com.

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Laura Moser-

Merrell Thompson

Laura Moser Art A dynamic new ar tistic collaboration has blossomed at Laura Moser Ar t, 372 Valley Road in Cashiers.

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he arrival of Laura Moser and Merrell Thompson on the Plateau Art Scene makes so much sense when you look at all the factors involved. For Laura, it began with a degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, followed by a career in advertising. She furthered her artistic acumen with Fine Arts study at the University of Houston. She opened Laura Moser Design in 2007 and earned a national reputation. At the same time Laura was building her business, she was nurturing a passion for a more personal artistic expression. “My work attempts to make sense of the chaotic world we live in, adding structure, hope and a sense of calm to an otherwise tumultuous setting,” she says. Her art blossomed when she joined a studio in Atlanta and shared space with other artists. Well, Covid turned her cozy city life upside down, and she and her husband found themselves in Cashiers waiting out the craziness and uncertainty, but her passion for artistic

expression only grew more intense. “I was going crazy not being able to paint (my cottage is tiny!),” she says “Every day I walked past the Newton Bryson House (built in 1915). The owner was nice enough to rent it to me and I moved everything here from the Atlanta studio in May!” Which brings us to her friend and studio partner Merrell Thompson, who also shared space with her in Atlanta. Merrell’s a nationallyrecognized photographer who’s lived all over, before she settled (for the moment) in Cashiers. Her works celebrate the majesty of nature and the ways that humanity interacts with the natural world. You can see the fruits of Laura and Merrell’s creative impulses (and those of a select group of artists) at their gallery/studio at 372 Valley Road in Cashiers. To really get a feel for this enterprise, you really should stop in for a browse and a chat. If you can’t do that, visit lauramoserart.com and merrellthompson.com. by Luke Osteen

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DINING Pages 108-123

Cock tails with a view at Fire + Water

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relax and

linger

A visit to Fire + Water, the house dining room of Scaly Mountain’s Fire Mountain Inn is a welcome indulgence, a respite from a year that’s badly skewed. You’ll need reser vations – (800) 775-4446.

ello, I’m Tricia Smith, a local nurse practitioner and resident of the Mirror Lake Community in Highlands. My partner Luke Osteen occasionally mentions me in these restaurant reviews as “my dining companion,” “my Sweetie,” and upon one unforgettable occasion as “my Official Mistress,” an appropriation of Henry VIII’s court title of Anne Boleyn, which was not warmly received by me. Well, this month I’ve taken the reins and sewn oven mitts onto Luke’s hands so he doesn’t get to tap-tap-tap a review for this month’s featured restaurant – Fire + Water at Fire Mountain Inn. That’s because Fire + Water is different from all of the 64 places we’ve been treated to over the last five years. When we visited it for the first time, I was so taken with its menu, with its

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service, with its overall ambience, that I took over the assignment and wrote my first and only restaurant review. Here’s what I wrote in those halcyon pre-pandemic days: “...It’s that very distance from the heart of Highlands that gives Fire + Water its undeniable tranquility. You’re instantly soothed. Part of that is derived from the gorgeous setting atop Fire Mountain. The carefully landscaped grounds create a zen state and the view reveals the ridges of five distinct mountain ranges on the horizon. This was accompanied by the sound of water cascading down a beautiful walled fountain just a few feet from our table.” See what I mean about tranquility? Can you imagine a more precious commodity in this anxiety-filled age? But a large part of that soothing

sensation is the presence of your hosts, Hiram and Mathew. Both project a sense of warmth and calm (both inward and outside). You know you’re in good hands. In fact, they’ll enlist your help in crafting your experience. When Hiram asked what we’d like to drink before our meal, I asked him what was available. He took me inside to his bar and took my direction in creating a Tricia Cocktail, unique and as personalized as can be. We both decided that it could be named a Fire + Water Fireball, so give it a shot if you’re stumped on what to order. Mathew and Hiram have put together a dining room that’s Mid-Century Modern and clean and recalls the ambience of a Danish Seaside Spa. The walls are adorned with striking art, including a pair of George Segal sketches (that’s right, the man whose work is featured in

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the Guggenheim Museum and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, is also on display in Scaly Mountain). And there’s a sensual serpentine sectional that undulates in front of the fireplace. This is a place to linger and unburden and relax, truly relax. Once safely seated (the dining room is sensibly spaced for eating in peace), I dove into my Summer Tomato Salad, a choice blending of Red and Yellow Tomatoes, Mixed Greens, Balsamic Vinegar and Olive Oil. I swear, the flavor-packed tomatoes have been soaking up the early September sunshine at Osage Farms just a few hours before they ended up at our table. This is the quintessential summer dish. I stored it away in my mind and I’ll uncork it in February when the days are grey and the tomatoes are sad and tedious and an affront to the national pride of Chile or Guam or wherever they come from. Luke was treated to Watermelon

Gazpacho, a provocative melange of Red Pepper, Cucumber, Basil, Parsley and Red Wine Vinegar, all playing second harmony to the bold taste of a watermelon that’d been pureed but would not be contained. He only offered me a single spoonful. I’m tempted to say that these were show stoppers, but they were followed by Cornmeal Crusted Trout – a pan-seared Sunburst Trout filet coated with coarse ground cornmeal, served with lemon dill caper sauce, a Tomato-Stuffed Zucchini with Fresh Limas, and a Summer Peach and Tomato Salad with Red Onions and Basil for me; and, for My Sweetie, Pepper Crusted Beef Filet with Gorgonzola Cream – a pan-seared Blalock’s Beef Filet crusted with Crushed Peppercorns and topped with gorgonzola cream, shoestring potatoes, and one of those remarkable stuffed Zucchinis with Limas. I know comfort food is supposed to be the food that you grew up with, that

reminds you of good times, when you could use a little boost. I’d submit that this is comfort food of a higher order. We sure didn’t grow up with food like this, but it’s way up there on the Comfort Scale. And though it must seem like this edges our meal into the dangerously sybaritic, we found room in our hearts and our supremely happy tummies for dessert. For Luke, that was Chocolate Mocha Icebox Cake with Raspberry Sauce, which he only begrudgingly shared with me. For me, Apple Cranberry Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream. I’d like to vote this as the Official Flavor of Autumn in the Mountains. Again, it goes into the Memory Bank, to be withdrawn and recollected with a wistful longing. If you’d like to experience this for yourself, make lunch or brunch reservations (they’re a necessity!) at Fire + Water, 700 Happy Hill Road, (800) 775-4446.

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farm-to-table

fabulous

Executive Chef Chris Huerta

Shake off the Pandemic Blues that’ve accumulated over the course of this strange year – make plans to attend the Farm Har vest Dinner and Barn Dance, set for November 13 at The Farm. Call (828) 787-2635 or (828) 787-2916 to reser ve your seats, or visit oldedwardshospitality.com/farmhar vest.

o much of the pleasure of eating is tied up in the moment – the gestalt that is specific to the occasion: place, people, weather, and companions. The moments in my life when I have experienced the least complicated kind of joy have always (and in this order) involved food, music, and the outdoors. Those things never come together better than when Old Edwards throws a do – like the Farm Harvest Dinner and Barn Dance coming up on Friday, November

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13. No matter the circumstances of the pandemics or politics, a transformative, jubilant evening is in the offering – luscious food, exuberant music, and the idyllic surroundings of The Farm. True to the Inn’s culinary philosophy of sourcing food products from the best area purveyors, Kitchen Wizard and Executive Chef Chris Huerta, tracked down trout from Sunburst Trout Farm, grains from Anson Mills and beef from Painted Hills Natural Beef. And since

nothing says fall better than the seasonal harvest, alongside it all, fresh fruit and vegetables from local farms. From these ingredients is Huerta’s menu – a reason to gather around the table for the pleasure to be taken from the experience of eating in community – to delight in the glorious display, and dig your fork into the feast of mouthwatering farm-totable regional dishes. The epic evening of deliciousness culminates in a Barn Dance, at The

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Farmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rustic barn. Set in a garden of lush landscaping, overlooking a trout pond, and ringed by the the mountains, the barn is the quintessential spot to step and dance to the foot-stomping music of the Back Porch Orchestra. Formed in 2008, when five local musicians and friends with a shared love for roots music got together to create their folksy, grassy, acoustic sounds, Back Porchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playlist ranges from blues, bluegrass, and country to classic rock. Their performances have a magnetism and energy that makes their audiences extraordinarily happy and eager to join the waiting dance floor. Call (828) 787-2635 or (828) 787-2916 to reserve your seats, or visit oldedwardshospitality.com/farmharvest for updates. by Marlene Osteen

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wine spectator

awards

Wine Spectator recognizes the remarkable depths of several local wine lists.

Greystone Inn Sommelier Matt Sayer

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he pandemic has ravaged the restaurant industry, and restaurants continue to struggle to stay afloat. Putting aside those challenges, Wine Spectator Magazine recently released its list of 2020 award winners, posting on its website, “amid the shutdowns and the strictly regulated reopenings have come inspiring stories, as an entire industry came together to support its members and the communities they serve.” Honoring the best in the industry, the list gives wine aficionados a glimpse into the finest wine lists the country has to offer, while recognizing distinction in restaurant wine lists that are interesting, appropriate to their cuisines and appeal to a wide range of diners. This year, the awards honored 3,800 restaurants. Awards were given in three categories: Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence and Grand Award. All told, 2,289 restaurants earned the

Award of Excellence, which identifies thoughtfully-chosen wine lists that offer quality and diversity, Locally, four restaurants received the Award of Excellence: Wild Thyme, Mountain Fresh Grocery, Greystone Inn, and Meritage. Greystone Sommelier Matt Sayer noted that, “Being acknowledged for our efforts by the best in the business is extremely gratifying, and gives us the confidence to continue to build and improve our wine program.” Meritage owner Andrea Schmitt expressed, “A well developed wine program is a labor of love, it is a bonus to have the opportunity to be endorsed by a prestigious professional organization such as Wine Spectator.“ There were 1387 restaurants that met the criteria for the Best of Award of Excellence, including three in Highlands: Paoletti’s, Wolfgang’s and Madison’s. These lists, typically with 350 selections

or more, offer an array of wines from top producers across a breadth of regions. “This award is important to us as it shows the dedication and work that we put towards having one of the top wine programs in the Southeast,” said Madison’s Sommelier Trevor Waldrop. “We are proud to be able to offer a wide selection of wines from all over the world, from lesser known regions and varietals to some of the most iconic producers and vintages there are.” At Wolfgang’s, co-owner Mindy Green noted that, “We devote a great amount of time and attention to our wine list – ensuring our patrons are presented with a diversity of taste profiles and price points. We are humbled that Wine Spectator continues to recognize our efforts, and we are forever grateful to the magazine, our staff and our loyal diners.” by Marlene Osteen

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I Haydee Ellis, and the legendary Fats Domino with his birthday strawberry cake, wearing his ever-present smile.

fats domino’s

flavor-ite

Forget Blueberry Hill , Fats Domino found his thrill with this absolutely astonishing Strawberr y Cake.

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t’s well known that the Plateau is home to a dynamic and compelling population with intriguing and dynamic histories. Yet, perhaps none more so than Colleen Kerrigan, photographer and owner of the Business Spot and Studio 106. Hers is the story of the Strawberry Cake for this month’s recipe column. Kerrigan grew up in New Orleans. Her maternal Grandfather was a jazz musician back in the 20’s, performing with Al Hirt and Pete Fountain among others, “back in the day, before they were famous.” Kerrigan’s Mother, Haydee Ellis, inherited her Father’s love of music early on, playing the guitar at a youth mass, eventually forming a band with neighbors playing local venues, and then working at a radio show focused on music. As Kerrigan told it, “They had recently taped an interview with Fats Domino and were going to deliver a taped version to him. Mom knew that he loved strawberries. So she baked the old standard New Orleans lemon go-to cake but changed the gelatin and the flavor

to strawberry... And he loved it. From that day forward - for the next 25 years - she made and delivered to him a strawberry cake on his birthday.” Haydee’s husband Steve, a retired judge and Kerrigan’s attorney sister continued to help Fats with much of his legal work. Mom’s Strawberry Cake Cake ingredients 1 Box Yellow Cake Mix ¾ cup - strawberry juice, or use the juice from frozen strawberries (see below) ¾ cup oil 4 eggs 1-teaspoon vanilla 1 small box strawberry gelatin Cake directions 1. Preheat oven to 325 2. Mix the cake mix and the liquids (juice and oil) until blended. Then add vanilla, eggs and gelatin. 3. Spray Baker’s Joy in a Bundt pan, and add the cake batter.

DI NI NG 4. Place in the pre-heated oven and bake 45 minutes to 1 hour, begin checking at 45 minutes. The cake is done when it starts pulling away from the sides of the pan. Let cool on a rack. When completely cool, put icing on.

Colleen Kerrigan

Icing ingredients: 1 box powdered sugar 1 stick butter – soften Fresh strawberries Frozen strawberries Red Food Coloring Icing directions 1. Place the box of powdered sugar and the stick of butter in a mixer and mix until well blended. 2. Defrost 4 to 6 of the frozen strawberries and place them and their juices into the blender, pulsing until a puree is formed. 3. Take spoonfuls of the puree and add one at a time to the sugar/butter mixture – mixing each one before adding the next – until you get a good consistency . Make sure it’s not too liquidy or it will slide off of the cake. 4. With a butter knife spread the icing over the cake, and decorate with slices of the fresh strawberries. by Marlene Osteen

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fressers

serves pass ion

With 21 years of memorable meals on its CV, Fressers Cour tyard Café is ready to bring its culinar y lineup to your home or Plateau Event. For information, call (828) 526-8847 or visit wecaterhighlands.com.

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ressers Courtyard Café has come of age and is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year. Chef-owner Debbie Grossman, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, says that feeding people is her passion, it’s in her blood. Unsurprisingly, Debbie has found that serving food and community service often go hand in hand, and it’s her passion for

both that have made Fressers the success it is. Still nestled in its original space in Village Square at 490 Oak Street in Highlands, Fressers is the perfect spot for a socially-distanced lunch. Debbie spices her menu up by offering daily specials, but it’s her tried and true classics and attention to detail that keep folks coming back. For 21 years Fressers has made their famed Burgers, declared by many to be

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the best in town. The Basil Chicken Salad and Gazpacho have a following not to be believed. Have I mentioned the Greek Salad? I recommend you just work your way through the whole menu. Fressers’ Deli Case is always full of soups, salads, and grab-and-go dinners. Dinners vary from Greek chicken to Canadian salmon topped with spinach

and artichoke spread. Are you having a dinner party or family in for a visit? Maybe you’re hosting a business meeting or retreat. Whether it’s a casual affair or a formal dinner, Debbie is your go-to chef. Fressers is equipped to cater every event. It’s not too early to reserve a date for the holidays. Call Fressers at (828) 526-8847 or stop by Monday through Saturday from 11:00

A.M. until 5:00 P.M. Their hours will change in November. Don’t forget to check out their Facebook and Instagram pages or visit their website at wecaterhighlands.com. by Mary Jane McCall

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chefs in

the house

When Executive Chef Sue Zemanick prepares a meal at the Inn at Half-Mile Farm on November 14, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll showcase the talents and sensibilities of one of New Orleansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; new breed of Culinar y Superstars. Though the dinner is currently sold out, you can get on a wait list at halfmilefarm.com/ suezemanick.

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Sue Zemanick

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ah, New Orleans. A place that takes its food seriously; where the rhythms of life are tied up in its restaurants, where in this city of a thousand restaurants, every cab driver can name both the reigning chefs, and top restaurants. Sue Zemanick is one of these chefs and her restaurant Zasu is at the very pinnacle of the New Orleans culinary scene. Her bio is a litany of achievements and accomplishments. After graduating at the top of her class at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, she secured a coveted job at Commander’s Palace, one of New Orleans’ most legendary restaurants. She left a year later to join the brigade at Gautreau’s, one of the mainstays of the city’s high-end modern cooking scene, becoming Executive Chef in 2005. The awards came quickly: 2013 James Beard Best Chef South Award, 2008 ‘Top Ten Best New Chef’, Food & Wine Magazine. Her status and national prominence was reaffirmed with regular television appearances, acting as a judge on Top Chef New Orleans and participating in season three and five of Top Chef Masters. Still, her all-time favorite distinction was as 2014 “Honorary Muse” in the New Orleans all-female Mardi Gras Parade, Muses. On New Year’s Eve 2019, Zemanick debuted Zasu, her

“thank you to New Orleans for providing non-stop love and inspiration through all these years.” The Times Picayune called Zasu, “a big example writ small …. a timely reminder of the art in culinary arts and the grace of professional hospitality” Zemanick’s singular style, a melting pot of New Orleans and her Czech background, will be on display at dinner on Saturday, November 14, at Half-Mile Farm, a luxury country inn by Old Edwards. Though exact details of the evening’s preparations are yet to be revealed, a review of Zasu’s menu will perhaps provide insight. There, the story of a meal is frequently told with fish that showcases “both the elemental goodness of the catch and the skillful balance of flavors around them.” Other notable dishes on the Zasu menu are perogies, an idiosyncratic signature dish related to her Czech family heritage, and “exquisite agnolotti, little pasta pouches that give the phrase “melt in your mouth” visceral meaning, and salads like an Asian pear and fried celery root. As one critic noted, it’s “the kind of food you drive across town for.” Also on the menu, thoughtful wine pairings from the critically acclaimed, family-owned Sonoma Winery, Marietta. For more information, visit halfmilefarm.com/ suezemanick.

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the stuff

of legends

Ring the bell! A local favorite returns to Highlands with a food truck and a menu thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just as satisfying and beltlooseningly comfor table as his previous restaurant. DonLeonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Food Truck is ser ving up lunch Thursday - Monday from 11:00 A .M. to 3:00 P.M.; and dinner from 5:00 to 10:00 P.M. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

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Owners Susan Cox and Leon Hananel

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onLeon’s Deli in Highlands was the stuff of legends. It was the place where you could find a meal under 10 bucks and, this is important, keep tabs on the comings and goings of this little mountain town. And at the center of the show was the irrepressible DonLeon himself, a garrulous force of nature who knew his way about a quick-serve kitchen and a story. To DonLeon, you were a regular, even if you were walking in for the first time. That’s why it hit hard when DonLeon suddenly up and left town, succumbing to a wanderlust and a sense that new adventures were awaiting, just over the horizon.

And that’s why it’s an equal astonishment to hear the news that DonLeon, after a decade-long absence, is back in Hi Town. He’s set up a food truck with Thomas and Kay Craig’s High Dive Tavern at 476 Carolina Way, and he’s serving up a menu of Gyros, Burgers, Philly Cheese Steaks, Wings, Greek Salads, and Chicken Tenders, and lots more. And, DonLeon promises, everything is under $10, just like his deli days. You can phone in your order at (828) 200-0388 or show up in person (and chat with DonLeon while he’s preparing your meal). by Luke Osteen

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DI NI NG thelaurelmagazine.com/cuisine

B Breakfast

Lunch

D Dinner

HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS Asia House - (828) 787-1680 Bistro on Main/Main Street Inn - (828) 526-2590 The Blue Bike Cafe - (828) 526-9922 The Bridge at Mill Creek - (828) 526-5500 Bryson’s Deli - (828) 526-3775 The Cake Bar at Mill Creek - (828) 421-2042 Calder’s Coffee Cafe - (828) 526-0020 Dusty’s - (828) 526-2762 El Azteca - (828) 526-2244 El Manzanillo - (828) 526-0608 The Log Cabin - (828) 526-5777 M-brace - (828) 787-1212

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SB Sunday Brunch

(828) 526-5002 (828) 526-4191 (828) 526-0803 (828) 526-3807 (828) 200-0388 (828) 526-4446 (828) 787-2990 (828) 526-4188 (828) 526-2110 (828) 526-9419 (828) 787-2525 (828) 526-1019 (828) 526-2400 (828) 526-2338 (828) 526-4906 (828) 526-0383 (828) 526-9632 (828) 526-3555 (828) 526-8364 (828) 526-3807 (828) 743-4334 (828) 547-3096 (828) 966-4700 (828) 743-0020 (828) 547-1300 (828) 743-3000 (828) 743-7711 *

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Midpoint (828) 526-2277 Pescado’s - (828) 526-9313 Pizza Place - (828) 526-5660 Subway - (828) 526-1706 Wild Thyme Gourmet - (828) 526-4035 CASHIERS AREA RESTAURANTS Buck’s Coffee Cafe - (828) 743-9997 Canyon Kitchen - (828) 743-7967 Chile Loco - (828) 743-1160 Cornucopia Restaurant - (828) 743-3750 Cork & Barrel Lounge - (828) 743-7477 El Manzanillo - (828) 743-5522 JJ’s Eatery and Canteen - (828) 743-7778

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Take Out

Outdoor Dining

Live Entertainment

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Vegetarian Selections

Full Bar

HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS 4118 Kitchen + Bar 64 Highlands Plaza 4th Street Market 545 North 4th Street Bella’s Junction Cafe 20 Old Mud Creek Road, Scaly The Bistro at Wolfgang’s 460 Main Street Don Leon’s at The High Dive 476 Carolina Way Fire + Water Restaurant Reservations Required Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar 465 Main Street Fressers Courtyard Cafe Village Square, 470 Oak Street * The Kitchen CarryAway & Catering 350 S. Fifth Street Lakeside Restaurant Smallwood Avenue Madison’s Restaurant & Wine Garden 445 Main Street Meritage Bistro 490 Carolina Way Mountain Fresh Corner of Fifth and Main On the Verandah Highway 64 (Franklin Road) Paoletti’s 440 Main Street *Rosewood Market Main Street SweeTreats/Highlands Deli Corner of 4th and Main Tug’s Proper 310 Main Street The Ugly Dog Pub 298 South 4th Street Wolfgang’s Restaurant 460 Main Street CASHIERS AREA RESTAURANTS Cashiers Farmers Market Crossroads Cashiers Valley Smokehouse US 64 West The Greystone Inn 220 Greystone Lane Slab Town Pizza 45 Slab Town Road Town & Country General Store Deli 14 Raggedy Lane The Ugly Dog Pub 25 Frank Allen Road Zookeeper 45 Slabtown Road

Wine

The Restaurants of the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

Meals

Plateau Dining Guide

Children’s Menu

To see the most up-to-date information about dining on the plateau visit: https://www.highlands-cashiers.info/highlands-restaurants https://www.highlands-cashiers.info/cashiers-restaurants

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J Jacket

Mica’s Restaurant - (828) 743-5740 The Orchard - (828) 743-7614 Randevu Restaurant - (828) 743-0190 Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company - (828) 743-0220 Subway - (828) 743-1300 The Blind Mule - (828) 553-8978 The Falls Cafe and Grill - 828-877-3322 The Library Kitchen and Bar - (828) 743-5512 Slopeside Tavern - (828) 743-8655 Table 64 - (828) 743-4135 Wendy’s - (828) 743-7777 Winslow’s Hideaway - (828) 743-2226

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LDOI N D IGNI G NG thelaurelmagazine.com/lodging

Ad On Page

Pet Policy

Banquet Facilities Wireless Internet

Cable/Satellite TV

In Room Microwave/Fridge

Accommodations on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

Whirlpool Rooms Exercise Facility

On Site Restaurant

Plateau Lodging

On Site Bar/Lounge Pool

CALL TO CONFIRM BEFORE YOUR VISIT.

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

Black Bear Lodge of Sapphire Fire Mountain

700 Happy Hill Rd | Scaly Mountain

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Greystone Inn

220 Greystone Ln | Lake Toxaway

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

Hotel Cashiers

7 Slab Town Road | Cashiers 445 Main St | Highlands

Old Edwards Inn and Spa

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VACATION RENTALS Highlands

highlandsfairviewhouse.com | (866) 526-8008

Highway 64 East | Cashiers

pebble-creek.com | (828) 743-0623

Fairview House Pebble Creek Village

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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

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Rent in Highlands-CCP

507 Main Street | Highlands

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

401 N 5th St | Highlands

highlandsiscalling.com | (828) 526-3717

17 US Hwy 64 E | Cashiers

landmarkvacations.com | (877) 926-1780

341 Hwy 64 W, Ste 102 | Cashiers

ncliving.com | (828) 743-1999

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Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals Landmark Vacation Rentals Silver Creek Vacation Rentals

CASHIERS, NC: High Hampton Resort - (800) 334-255 Hotel Cashiers - (828) 743-7706 The Lakehouse - (904) 753-0247 Landmark Vacation Rentals- (877) 926-1780 Laurelwood Inn - (828) 743-9939 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 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

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CCP Vacation Rentals - (800) 684-2171 x 302 Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-3717 The Chandler Inn - (678) 982-8406 The Chateau - (561) 613-1496 Fairview House - (866) 526-8008 Half Mile Farm - (855) 271-7246 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 Main Street Inn - (828) 526-2590 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 Rockwood Lodge - (828) 526-8919 Skyline Lodge - (828) 526-2121 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 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 134-139

Candy lovers rejoice at Cashiers Candy Shoppe pg. 136

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LUMINOUS STONE RECLAIMED BEAUTY

These beautiful beds are made with reclaimed barnwood – substantial, durable and environmentally responsible. Queen Bed 2039 | King Bed 2329 Carolina Rustic Furniture | Cashiers $

The wonderfully scented candle is set in a hand blown glass replicating grey marble with black strokes edged with beige. The elegance of the glass reveals the f lame, giving an effect of a luminous stone. Also available in 60, 150 and 800 hours of burning time. 400 Hr. Burn Time Baobab Candle | $ 420 Lenz Gifts | Cashiers

P latePau icks

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

HIGH PERFORMANCE LITHIUM Why go lithium? Faster charge, longer life, no maintenance, – and doesn’t lose acceleration when travelling up hills! Lithium Club Car | starting at $9000 Appalachian Golf Cars | Sapphire

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SWEET AND SAVORY

A salsa for every taste bud mood! Made using all natural ingredients, these f lavorful and fresh salsas pair perfectly with chips, vegetables, and all your favorite dippables. Specialty Salsas | $7.95 Colonel Mustard | Highlands

KEEP IT COOL

This handy, reusable cooler bag is perfect for your frequent stops to the market to grab delicious gourmet food, fresh fruits and vegetables. Insulated Cooler Bag | $3.95 Cashiers Farmers Market | Cashiers

BE KIND TO YOUR SKIN

CLOUD NINE

Whispering Willow handcrafts apothecary products using natural and organic ingredients. The end result are products that are good for your skin – with amazing clean, fresh scents.

Walk on cloud nine with this cozy, wool lined boot. It’s super soft, extra-cushioned, and comfortable for all-day – every day. Cashmere leather makes them perfect to wear outdoors on our crisp Fall days.

Body Wash $15 | Bar Soap $ 8 | Hand Soap $14 4th Street Market | Highlands

Aryana Cloud Bootie | $195 Martha Anne’s | Highlands

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cashiers

candy shoppe

A Jones Company, located at 3 Chestnut Square in Cashiers, just got even more seductive with the opening of The Cashiers Candy Shoppe.

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f you’ve felt a bit disconcerted by the months of social distancing and low-level anxiety, treat yourself to a visit to A Jones Company at 3 Chestnut Square in Cashiers. It’s a joyous tumble down the Rabbit Hole stocked with “Provisions for Fun Living.” A careful browse reveals a dazzling selection of home goods, women’s clothing and accessories, handcrafted jewelry, table linens, picnic supplies, serveware, and barware accessories. At the center of all this is owner Amy Jones. She’s been a Cashiers presence since childhood summers spent on the Plateau. She opened this irresistible boutique in 2014 and named it after herself and her mother, Ann Jones. “My intention was that I would create a fun and inspiring space in which to shop,” Amy says. And that she’s done. In fact, she upped the fun factor by

leaps in August when she unveiled The Cashiers Candy Shoppe in the back of the shop. In addition to gigantic Whirley lollipops and Jelly Belly Jelly Beans, much of the candy is from small batch confectioners such as Toffee To Go and Southern Caramels, gathered from around the country. “We can create party favors, hostess gifts, seasonal gifts, etc.,” says Amy. “The Candy Shoppe has been a big hit with young and old alike – the children love the dazzling array of ca ndy, the colorful display lighting, small interactive toys and stuffed animals, and the older folks love the selection of sweets.” They’re open Monday through Saturday 10:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M; and most Sundays from noon to 4:00 P.M. If you need more information, you can call (828) 743-1111, but you really owe it to yourself to stop in – come on, there’s candy!

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a natural progression

Colleen Kerrigan

The Business Spot moves into a roomier location and offers even more ser vices at its new Cashiers location – 71 Commons Drive in Cashiers behind Zollers Hardware. For more information, call (828) 743-8757.

n retrospect, it makes perfect sense. Cashiers lacked a large scale business printer, and there was no one offering high speed document scanning, faxing, and copying. This oversight finally struck Colleen Kerrigan, the owner of The Business Spot in Highlands. “Not only did these basic services not exist, there was clearly no such thing as a wide format printer for blueprints and other large prints; design services for items like business cards and custom invitations/notecards; and a notary, so it made sense that we’d open in Cashiers,” she says. “We started out in Cashiers very small last year. The thought was to test the waters at first and see what the needs are. We’ve since expanded to offer office supplies, greeting cards, printing services, large format banner making, and yard signs.” “There’s already a UPS shipping option at Stork’s and the Post Office is just around the corner from us. We’re now a FedEx Authorized Ship Center. That means we can take drop-offs and initiate shipments for FedEx Ground and FedEx Express. And we offer notary services.” Colleen’s business acumen is a natural progression of something that she’s spent her life thinking about. “I saw a need for a high end ‘business center’ for Highlands, where vacationers come and still 138 Oc tob e r 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

need business services. “In 2008 I bought a second home here, which allowed me to come more often. I was looking for a reason to stay longer when I came up with the idea to open a business here. We opened the Highlands store in March 2014.” “I have worked for high powered executives; have been on the ground floor of a start-up business; and have partnered with a CEO of a growing corporation. In all of those situations, I saw the need for good customer service, along with prompt action and quality products.” You can visit the new location at 71 Commons Drive in Cashiers behind Zollers Hardware, or for more information, call (828) 743-8757. The Business Spot in Highlands remains at 539 Main Street – call (828) 482-0286.

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shop for the cure

The timeless and uniquely timely designs of Erin Gray Mor ton, are the per fect antidote for the stresses of 2020 Covid Life. You can explore the collection with a curated Trunk Show at Acorns Boutique, October 9-11. For more information, visit acornshighlandsnc.com.

he story of designer Erin Gray Morton stretches from the corporate world of TV, entertainment and product marketing to the tragic deaths by cancer of her mother and stepmother in-law. Those sorrowful deaths magnified the need she had been feeling to turn her creative energy into a business. But “giving back and making people feel good about themselves became paramount.” She discovered the solution in the fashion industry that had always intrigued her; founding her label only after extensive study and trying her own hand at design. Her elegant line of modern, high quality, natural classic jewelry and the Perfect White Tee collection became an immediate success, and annually provides meals to over 500 hospitalized children and their families, through CURE Childhood Cancer. (CURE is dedicated to conquering childhood cancer through funding targeted research while supporting patients and their families.) From October 9 through 11, Acorns Boutique hosts a showing of her designs. As savvy shoppers know, trunk shows are a first chance to get an intimate look at what designers are presenting for the coming season. It’s also a chance to meet the designer’s representative, gain a personal interpretation of the designs and see an expanded selection. And what better way to get an early start on those Christmas gifts? As the transitional workplace of the pandemic era calls for a new kind of hybrid dressing, Gray’s designs fit effortlessly into the need for easy attire, and the search for versatile items of unfussy elegance. The collection captures Gray’s love for the beauty of nature in natureinspired neutrals and naturals to create a “stylish yet carefree line that is finished but not fussy, smart but laid back, functional and gorgeous.” There is something soft, yet classic and edgy about Gray’s jewelry, designed in metals of silver, gold-filled and vermeil with natural stones and leather. The Perfect White Tee, her most recent collection, was launched when she couldn’t find the perfect tee that did not shrink, torque or pill. Designed in Atlanta and ethically produced in Peru using the highest quality 100 percent Pima cotton, the super comfy shirts have become a wardrobe staple for her many fans. The show will be open for viewing from Friday through Sunday, October 9–11, from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Masks are required. For more information, visit acornshighlandsnc.com. by Marlene Osteen

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Visit Our Advertisers WEST END

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

SOUTH END

13. 4118 Kitchen & Bar 14. Full House Gallery 15. Dauntless Printing 20. Crown Heritage Flowers 26. Lupoli Construction 27. Pat Allen Realty Group 31. The Laurel 35. ACP Home Interiors 36. The Summer House Bed & Bath 37. The Summer House 44. Blue Elephant Consignment Studio 45. Head Innovations 46. Cake Bar & Chocolate Heaven

MAIN STREET

100. Main Street Nursery 101. Rosewood Market 103. Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 124. Landmark Realty Group 126. Shiraz Oriental Rug Gallery 128. Tug’s Proper 134. The Southern Way 140. The Book Nook 141. Bags on Main 142. Main Street Gifts 146. Wit’s End Shoppe 148. Highlands Fine Art & Estate Jewelry 152. Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty 153. Allison Diane Clothing 158. C. Orrico 159. Colonel Mustard’s 160. TJ Bailey for Men 163. Spoiled Rotten 166. Annawear 167. The Christmas Tree 169. Country Club Properties 178. McCulley’s II 179. SweeTreats & Highlands Deli 181. Oakleaf 185. Ristorante Paoletti 189. Smitten 190. Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro 191. Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services Meadows Mountain Realty 194. Old Edwards Inn 195. Madison’s Restaurant

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196. The Wine Garden 197. Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar 202. Country Club Properties 202. Rent in Highlands - CCP Vacation Rentals 203. Mountain Fresh Grocery 206. The Business Spot 207. Creative Concepts Salon

WRIGHT SQUARE on MAIN (Factoid: Named after Whiteside hero) 113. Edward Jones 115. Preferred Properties of Highlands 116. Bijou Jeweler 117. Country Club Properties 119. Highlands Pharmacy

ON THE HILL

303. Mirror Lake Antiques 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

403. Warth Construction 406. Brookings Fly Shop & Cashiers Village Outfitters

VILLAGE PARK

613. John Cleaveland Realty 615. Shakespeare & Co. Books 616. Fressers Courtyard Cafe

CAROLINA VILLAGE 704. Creekside Village: - Cake Bar 707. Yoga Highlands 709. The High Dive 709. Don Leon’s 710. Meritage Bistro 711. Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals

NORTH END

800. 4th Street Market 800. Mountain Motor Coach 800. Whiteside Realty 813. Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center 814. Fairview House

OUT NC 106

➡ Peak Experience ➡ Fire + Water ➡ The Vineyard at 37 High Holly ➡ Highlands Aerial Park ➡ Bella’s Junction Cafe ➡ Pat Calderone Gallery ➡ Tom’s Golf Tours

OUT 64 EAST

➡ Black Rock Granite ➡ Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services Meadows Mountain Realty ➡ WHLC ➡ Highlands Lawn & Garden ➡ Highlands Rock Yard ➡ Center for Plastic Surgery ➡ The Brier Patch ➡ Cullasaja Club ➡ Roman’s Roofing ➡ Pat Allen Realty Group ➡ 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 6. Slab Town Pizza 14. Hotel Cashiers

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 28. Bombshell Hair Boutique 29. The Business Spot

AT THE CROSSROADS 37. Landmark Realty Group 39. Cashiers Farmers Market 40. On the Side BBQ

CHESTNUT SQUARE 43. A Jones Company 47. Lehotsky & Sons, Builders 55. Cashiers Valley Fusion

118. Chattooga Gardens Nursery 121. Robin’s Nest 123. Caliber Fine Properties 127. Laura Moser Art 127. Merrell Thompson Photography 128. Mountainworks Custom Home Design LTD. 135. Dillard Jones 136. McKee Properties 137. Bounds Cave Rug Gallery

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

WEST 64

151. J Mixon Decorative Painting 154. Cashiers Valley Smokehouse 155. Cashiers Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center 156. Creekside: - Silver Creek Real Estate Group 173. Betsy Paul Properties 175. Srebalus Construction 176. Lenz Gifts

EAST 64

64. Alexander Gardens: - Victoria’s Closet - Victoria’s Closet Shoes & Purses - Vic’s for Men 73. Pebble Creek Village 75. Carolina Rustic Furniture 76. Blue Ridge Bedding 78. Lonesome Valley 79. Jennings Builders Supply

VILLAGE WALK

DOWN 107 SOUTH

80. Josephine’s Emporium 80. A-List Antiques 82. The Village Hound 86. Nora & Co. 89. Nearly New Furniture Consignment 99. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Meadows Mountain Realty

➡ Silver Run Reserve

SOUTH 107

➡ Balistreri Realty ➡ The Greystone Inn

101. Narcissus 102. TJ Baileys 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 Antiques 112. Vivianne Metzger Antiques 115. J. Gabriel

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VISIT CULLOWHEE ➡ Four Seasons Landscape

VISIT GLENVILLE

➡ Triple Creek Community

VISIT LAKE TOXAWAY

VISIT NORTON:

➡ The Town and Country General Store

VISIT SAPPHIRE : ➡ Appalachian Golf Cars ➡ Black Bear Lodge ➡ Preserve at Rock Creek ➡ Sapphire Valley Real Estate ➡ Blue Ridge Public Safety

, s r e i h s a C 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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H ISTORY

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HISTORY Pages 148-149

Highlands “Bug HIll” - 1900s

H ISTORY

passmore grocery store

& gas station

Chris Passmore

Despite a planned development upon the ground on which it stood, Passmore Grocer y Store & Gas Station still remains in local memor y.

everal times during this summer of 2020 there have been articles in the Crossroads Chronicle newspaper about future development planned on the site of the Wormy Chestnut on US 64, just west of the Cashiers Crossroads. Most of you, for the past decade or so, are quite familiar with seeing merchandise like Adirondack chairs spread out in front of the Wormy Chestnut with potential buyers walking around or standing and talking with the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s owner, Phil â&#x20AC;&#x153;Slickâ&#x20AC;? Monteith. The picture accompanying this article takes you back to 1939 and features Chris Passmore standing

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beside a gas pump in front of his combination grocery and gas station. He and his wife, Edith Picklesimer Passmore operated the grocery store until 1962. Besides groceries, you could also buy clothing. The store served for a time as the pick up point for the bus to Brevard. One of my Cashiers cousins, Madge Dillard Merrell, told me she took that bus to Brevard where a dentist pulled most of her teeth. She remembered riding back to Cashiers with a white towel pressed to her mouth. By the time she got back to Cashiers, the towel had turned red. In 1974 the building began its

long run as the Wormy Chestnut, an antiques store. The building just west of the store was the home of Chris and Edith Passmore and they lived there until the 1970s. An unusual feature of the house is that instead of facing the road, it is set back from it and faces the side of the store. Next year at this time, the old Passmore home will be gone but fond memories and many pictures will still be with us. by Jane Gibson Nardy, Historian, Cashiers Historical Society

H ISTORY

Not sure if the Plateau is right for you? Just wait – your time will come.

the state

of franklin

John Sevier

athaniel Macon, for whom Macon County was named, was a nonconformist states-rights advocate/legislator who had no use for a strong central government, taxation, and infringement on personal freedoms. Sound familiar? While North Carolina’s Piedmont and Coastal regions were handily developed and accessed by a network of roads, the mountains weren’t. Travel was limited to Indian trails, few roads, no rails. That’s why the region became a political and religious refuge for Scotch-Irish, French, and German settlers who, like Macon, historically cherished wide-open freedom. ‘Twas too hard to hunt them down. While Western North Carolina was strutting its unconventionality, a section of the territory of Tennessee took things a step further and declared itself the State of Franklin (after Benjamin Franklin), independent of North Carolina, in 1784. The territory stretched between the Blue Ridge and Cumberland Mountains. Before North Carolina could contest Franklin’s statehood, Franklin’d written its own constitution and elected its own governor, John Sevier, who was immediately declared a traitor by North Carolina. The new state had no banked currency yet, so its legal tender was furs, whiskey, and tobacco, all the things that make surviving a mountain winter in the 1700s almost tolerable. The state struggled through four winters before it finally gave up. North Carolina took control, pardoned the leaders, and saw to it Sevier was elected to the N.C. Senate. All forgiven. In 1796 North Carolina granted land beyond the mountains to the new state of Tennessee and guess who was Tennessee’s first governor? Yup! John Sevier. The Highlands area has been a territory defined by many interesting residents, from Cherokee to Spanish explorers, to early pioneers to renegades, and on to moonshiners (Guess where race car drivers perfected their craft?) and, in more recent times, those seeking beautiful, healthy climes. Who’s next in this ever-evolving land of possibilities? It’s anybody’s guess. To learn more about Highlands evolution, read Ran Shaffner’s Heart of the Blue Ridge. For additional info, go to highlandshistory.com or email highlandshistory@ nctv.com. by Donna Rhodes

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H ISTORY

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H ISTORY

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LIFESTYLES & WELLNESS Pages 154-167

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

secret

waters W

There’s beauty, and majesty, and a deep connection to the hear t in these Secret Waters.

ater. Aqua. Adam’s Ale (yes that is, actually, a synonym for water). Never has there ever been a more celebrated natural resource. It’s vital for all forms of life. I am, myself, a Pisces, and for my whole life those around me have said things like, “You are such a Pisces!” And, although, I have no idea what that means, I do know I have felt personally drawn to water for as long as I can remember. And we are among the lucky few who get to spend a great deal of time in and around this locally abundant and sacred resource. In our beloved Nantahala

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temperate rainforest there are more hidden water sources than we could ever know. My most recent favorite find, Secret Waters, is an elopement venue with a stunning series of waterfalls, pools, terraces, and even a zipline — with the bonus of a private home perched perfectly to enjoy this rare oasis. Deck after deck of views draw you in and melt the outside world away. It’s far and away the purest and most sought-after elopement spot in town. Just a quick drive from downtown Highlands, this hidden aquatic playground is like nowhere you have ever been. Lao Tzu said, “Nothing is softer or

more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.” Water gets what it wants. Gently, but surely. It has been held as sacred in all the world’s religions since the dawn of time. But moving water holds its own unique power. All rushing water creates negative ions as air molecules break apart. Researchers agree that exposure to a good splash of negative ions can positively affect your metabolism, immune system, digestion, blood pressure, sleep, and emotional state. I love when a negative becomes a positive! Invisible and unnoticeable, these

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

negative ions are incredibly powerful. Breathe ‘em in and it’s like recharging your personal batteries. You feel immediately refreshed—you may even feel euphoric. The higher the concentration of negative ions, the better you feel. The plummeting waterfalls at Secret Waters are more than breathtaking—they are health-generating! The first lucky couple to wed here, Sance and Brittany, met the venue’s owners while buying plants. It was pure serendipity as they overheard the couple was in town to elope. They offered their sanctuary as a venue and a magical day ensued. As I walk around this soul-soothing piece of land I’m reminded of a beautiful letter written by Chief Seattle to the president of the United States, Franklin

Pierce, in 1855: “This shining water that moves in the streams and rivers is not just water but the blood of our ancestors. If we sell you land, you must remember that it is sacred, and you must teach your children that it is sacred. The water’s murmur is the voice of my father’s father. The rivers are our brothers, they quench our thirst. The rivers carry our canoes, and feed our children. If we sell you our land, you must remember, and teach your children that the rivers are our brothers, and yours, and you must henceforth give the rivers the kindness you would give any brother.” There is no question – this land will be loved and held sacred as long as these owners have anything to do with it! by Shayna Bigazzi

hayna Bigazzi is the owner of Altaterra Events, a luxury event production company serving the Southeast, Europe, and the Caribbean. Before starting on her own she worked with the Special Events team at Old Edwards Inn & Spa. Earlier in her career, Shayna lead the Turks and Caicos launch of Martha Stewart’s Beaches & Sandals Weddings (a partnership between the publishing giant and Luxury Resorts in Turks and Caicos and across the Caribbean). Shayna resides in Highlands with her husband and two island pups. 155 O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

covid!

what?

If anyone, anyone , can f ind a message of hope and positivity in the current Covid Crisis, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our wise and clear-eyed Dr. Sue!

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Dr. Sue Aery

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

ractically sounds like a cheer, right? Not...but let’s discuss what positives we can glean from these last 6 months. C for Courage – no matter our situation or stance, we have had to draw from courage many times over. For me, should I keep my office open and be there for the patients who need me? This was a daily struggle for my conscience, and I relied on my courage and knowledge to move forward. We’ve been open through this whole process, even though we weren’t sure we should at the beginning. Now we know that we have helped many both physically and emotionally. O for Open – meaning open minded! How hard has this been to know what to do, think and how we should act toward others? Being open has enabled many of us to continue living with quality and helping others get through hard times. Being open-minded makes us more compassionate and understanding of the paralyzing fear that comes with facing a pandemic. V for Versatile – how well do we bend and twist with the circumstances that we have faced since early March? Our ability to be versatile has helped

when facing hard times, financially and physically, and supported our ability to be creative and to make the best of the situation. I for Immune Strong! – This is one of the most important and powerful changes that I have seen in many of my patients! How to keep our immunity strong to prepare for being exposed to the virus. We have seen incredible interest and improved knowledge around how this virus attacks and how we can best improve our defenses. D for Determined – we are an amazing human race, one of fortitude and determination to rise above and survive this difficult time. Though we have all been more isolated and often fearful, we are ready to take on whatever we face next, to be resilient even in the face of this continued confusion. Think about how you have best survived to this point, dig into the strength that you have found along the way and please continue to stay safe and smart around Covid. by Dr. Sue Aery, Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture

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LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Open Enrollment Choices Can Have Big

Financial Impact

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t’s that time of year again, where, if you work for a medium-tolarge employer, you’ve got some decisions to make because it’s open enrollment time. Of course, depending on your situation, you may have been working remotely for a while, but, even so, you will likely have the opportunity to review your benefits package and make changes. And you’ll want to make the right moves, because your choices can have a big financial impact on your life. So, take a close look at these key areas of your benefits program: Health insurance – Think about your health care needs over the coming year – will you or someone in your family be coping with a chronic illness or facing a surgery? Will you need to at least consider testing and possible treatment for Covid-19? In any case, make sure you’re choosing the right plan for your needs. And pay close attention to any

changes in your health insurance, such as whether the plan’s provider networks have changed – you may want to make sure your own doctor is still in-network. Also, check to see if you can reduce your health care premiums by taking part in a wellness program or health-risk assessment. Life insurance – Your employer may offer a group life insurance policy for free, or for a small amount. It’s probably worth your while to take this coverage, but it may not be enough for your needs. If you only had this group policy, but your family situation has recently changed through marriage or the addition of a new child, you may well need to add some private insurance. Disability insurance – In addition to offering group life insurance, your employer may provide short-term disability insurance as an employee benefit. Like group insurance, this disability coverage may not cost you

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS anything, but it may not be adequate – typically, short-term disability only replaces part of your income for three to six months. And while you may never need to miss work for an extended period of time, you never can tell – after all, more than one in four 20-year-olds will become disabled before they retire, according to the U.S. Social Security Administration. You may want to consider purchasing your own longterm disability policy on top of the coverage offered by your employer. Retirement plan – You can probably make changes to your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan at any time, but why not look at it now, when you’re reviewing all your benefits? If you can afford to increase your contributions, you probably should, because a 401(k), with its tax advantages and ease of contribution through paycheck deductions, is a great way to save for retirement. At a minimum, put

in enough to earn your employer’s match. You’ll also want to review your 401(k)’s investment mix. Is it still providing you with significant growth potential within the context of your individual risk tolerance? Over time, you may need to make some adjustments, either because an investment is underperforming or because you’re getting close to retirement and you need to reduce your risk exposure. In any case, it’s a good idea to check up on your 401(k)’s investments at least once a year. Your employee benefits are an important part of your overall financial picture – so do what you can to get the most from them.

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

Mary Beth Brody

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plateau

style

Allyson Kirkpatrick brings her AllysonK Designs Studio and her carefully honed sensibilities to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. For information, visit allysonkdesigns.com or call (256) 651-8628.

Allyson Kirkpatrick

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hough Allyson Kirkpatrick’s AllysonK Designs Studio is based in Charleston, South Carolina, her projects take her all over the Southeast. “When I was designing in Atlanta several years ago, The Cashiers Designer Showhouse, enticed me up to the high country – I made the trek for years,” she says. “Then a couple of friends bought into the area and brought me in to decorate their homes, room and board included! That was when I started looking at real estate and ultimately purchased my own mountain cottage. “I’m a consummate shopper and I find this mountain corridor to be full of unique finds via antique shops, consignment stores and ADAC Atlanta and Scott’s market are just a couple hours away.” This move also means that she’s able to offer the design acumen that she’s been honing her entire life to Plateau residents. “My first muse was my mother, a selftaught interior decorator and antiques

maven. Thanks to my military officer father, we were frequently on the move and had the opportunity to live in Europe where I was exposed to noteworthy castles, villas, museums, art galleries and famous antique markets. That gave me an appreciation for beautiful surroundings and how to create them.” After receiving an MBA from Vanderbilt and completing a 16-year corporate career, she formally entered the design world when an acquaintance asked her to decorate a designer showhouse space. She then entered an intense twoyear architecture/interior design program at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and twelve years ago launched her formal career in design. “Call me peripatetic because I don’t have a stand-alone showroom or the associated overhead. My ‘office’ is really in the back of my van — I keep paint samples, tape measure, and sketch book in ready-to-travel mode. I like to initially

meet with clients in their space so I can get a ‘visual’ of what they like. And I know great craftspeople to pull into the job everywhere I have clients.” If you’d like to meet Allyson and learn how she can help you enhance your home, renovation, or new build, visit allysonkdesigns.com She can be also reached at allysonkdesigns@gmail.com and (256) 651-8628. by Luke Osteen

Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about AllysonK Designs Studio

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i’m your

huckleberry friend

Maisie and Lorna Alexander

A simple, sweet life leaves such a gaping hole in the hear t, yet there’s a bittersweet balm within the lyrics of an old Johnny Mercer tune.

ll of you who know me, know of my beloved White Labrador Retriever Maisie, who recently transitioned beyond the “Rainbow’s End,” waitin’ ‘round the bend. Today is the one month anniversary of the day that I lost her and for a time, (and still) it felt as though my life had ended, too. Loss has taught me so many things and now I face each day with many happy memories which will help me along the way. We share such a strong bond with our special furry friends, and a large part of our grieving is because when they pass, they carry away with them so many years of our own lives. My life with Maisie was so colorful, vibrant and full of great adventure…and laughter. Pure joy and discovery was precisely what we were after. In the sun and rain, along the “beach” of life we would run and play together. Maisie taught me to stop and smell the flowers, engage with nature and truly come to respect and appreciate life and all 166 O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

of its beautiful offerings. I will miss our many miles together, walks along and romps in the beautiful California surf at Dog Beach, watching the sun set into the blue Pacific. I will never forget cruisin’ with her on the deck of my longboard in the calm waters of the splendid Batiquitos Lagoon, hikes in the golden hills of San Diego, daily visits to Surf Dog’s Coffee Shop in Encinitas where she was the Queen of Taking Cuts in line for the homemade treats awaiting her, treks along the trails of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, and swimming in Oak Creek beneath the majestic Red Rocks of Sedona, AZ. I will miss our everyday routines: snuggles in bed, treat feeding time, decorating our little beach apartment Christmas tree together, even the time as a little puppy when she helped herself to the wires under the driver’s seat of my car and I had to drive to the dealer in Atlanta with the seat stuck in “sleep” position. Love of music was also our thing. Maisie listened to music everyday because

I did. Maisie and I “crossed this country in style” four times, as we travelled the many highways and byways to California from the east coast. Our favorite song was “Moon River” (thank you Johnny Mercer & Henry Mancini). I can’t tell you how many times I played this song as we covered so many miles together. She had her cozy little place in the back seat of my car and I would sing this song to her, glancing to the backseat, smiling at her while I sang and the song played on. She happily smiled back at me as if to say, “I’m Your Huckleberry Friend, Mom.” I never knew exactly what “My Huckleberry Friend” meant, but I liked the way it sounded, so I decided today to Google it. A Huckleberry is a wild berry, much like the untamed life Maisie and I shared together. It is also a 19th century expression that means “I’m the right person for the job” or in this case, “I’m the perfect friend for you.” Picture if you will, Maisie and I

LIFESTYLES & W ELLNESS

Diane McPhail

victories in

small things

F traveling life’s Big Red Road together singing our song: “Moon river, wider than a mile I’m crossing you in style some day Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker Wherever you’re goin’, I’m goin’ your way Two drifters, off to see the world There’s such a lot of world to see we’re after the same rainbow’s end, waitin’ ‘round the bend My huckleberry friend, moon river, and me.” Maisie, my sweet Maisie, always “My Huckleberry Friend” Special Thanks: - Best Daddy Steve Day and all of Maisie’s friends at WHLC FM 104.5; - Dr. Brad & Staff at Animal Wellness Hospital of Highlands - Dr. McClintock and Dr. Millar & Staff at UGA Veterinary Hospital - Aunt Amanda, Aunt Cheryl, Aunt Debby and Aunt Wendy the best caregivers and friends ever; - And all of you who stopped to love her and say hello to beautiful Maisie along the way. by Lorna Alexander

or starters, I looked up “coping.” The first definition is a “sloping cap of a masonry wall.” How appropriate! I do feel as if I’ve slammed into a brick wall whose top I can’t climb over. 2020 has been incredibly difficult the world over. Most of us have spent life relatively free of global catastrophes. We have come to perceive the absence of such cataclysms as “normal.” My parents and grandparents dealt with two World Wars, the Great Depression, the 1918 flu pandemic, and devastations of polio. Yet they seemed strong and resilient. How? First, they got to work. They made things happen: ordinary and previously unimagined. They experimented, failed, invented — at cultural and personal levels. They pulled together and worked as communities to share both labor and bounty. They planted Victory Gardens. Years ago when failed surgery left me with lifelong pain, my only solace was to have my hands in the dirt. No gloves — just deep connection to the earth. This year’s constant rain has drowned my vegetables, but I still pull weeds as my “victory” for the day. Old unused skills reconnect me to childhood and help me cope. Sewing masks is rewarding in both concentration required and the satisfaction of creating something essential and beautiful, to give away to a women’s and children’s shelter. With little opportunity to exhibit my artwork, I allow my imagination free rein, doodling, sketching, cutting magazines, gluing in journals to give expression to feelings that have no words, with a freedom that goes back to childhood, without judgment. Any one of us can do this. Lastly, there is the kitchen. I am no gourmet, rarely use a recipe. But I’ve found renewed solace in cooking, washing dishes, and sending meals to others who need to stay safely home. When it seems too hard, I remind myself that caterpillars disintegrate completely before they fly. I see hearts in stones, bread crumbs, leaves, fleeting bits of light. Anytime you need solace, look for a heart, watch for butterflies, pull a weed, write one true sentence, and grab a piece of chocolate. Better still, share it. by Diane McPhail

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SB E URS V I NI C EE SS SE RV IC E

ACCOMMODATIONS

BEAUTY

CABINETRY

CLEANING

CONSTRUCTION

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SBE SUERSR V IN VI CE IC ES ES SE RV IC E

CONSTRUCTION

HOME DECOR

JEWELER

PICTURE FRAMING

PRINTING

REAL ESTATE

ROOFING

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SB E URS V I NI C EE SS

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SBEURS V I NI CE ES S

GIVING BACK Pages 176-187

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conserving what

we love most

Chances are, if there’s a special place on the Plateau that you cherish, some vast panorama or a quiet place Where the Wild Things Are, it’s been preser ved by the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust.

o me a favor. Close your eyes. Wait, you have to read this whole paragraph first, then you can close your eyes. Next I want you to picture what you love about the Plateau. Go ahead, I’ll wait. You might conjure several images – there is so much to love about our community! Now tell me, did you see stunning mountain vistas? How about lush forests, clear water or abundant wildlife? If so,

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you are a beneficiary of the conservation efforts of Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust and even if you already knew that, you may not know about all the special trails and parks we open for public access. Chances are, if you’ve been to Highlands you’ve been to Sunset Rock. You can’t open an ad for Highlands without seeing a photo of or from Ravenel Park, home of Sunset and Sunrise Rocks. But did you know that this treasured icon has been owned and maintained by a

non-profit organization since 1914? That would be us, HCLT. Have you made the trek up to Satulah Mountain Preserve? This majestic giant offers near 360 degree views that, on a clear day, reach South Carolina and Georgia and it was our first property conserved in 1909! Nestled on a small tract of land near the heart of Cashiers is McKinney Meadow, our first pollinator meadow, named part of The Butterfly Highway. The viewing

GI V I NG BAC K

invasives

begone

The RotarACT Club of Highlands’ f irst community project is a boon to local workers, and the bane of invasive plants seeking a foothold on the Plateau.

area for the “Shadow of the Bear” near Whiteside is also conserved by us. Brushy Face Trail takes you through a fern glade and has recently been extended to offer a full loop. Dixon Woods is a flat property with a network of trails, a pond and picnic table. For maps and to learn more about these and others, visit hicashlt.org. There’s a cost to maintain these special places and we rely on the generous support of people like you. Your donation will help maintain these treasured parks and will help us conserve more of the places we all love and need not only for recreation but for clean air, water and habitat. Now, more than ever, our mountains need us. Please donate: hicashlt.org or PO Box 1703, Highlands, NC 28741. by Julie Schott Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust

grant from the Mountaintop Rotary Club of Highlands and matching grant funds from Rotary District 7670 have enabled the new RotarACT Club of Highlands to launch its first project. The project has the goal of removing non-native invasive plant species in and around the town of Highlands, community roadways, and local non-profit owned properties. In addition to the benefits to our shared landscape, the primary motivation of this plan is to provide financial relief to working people of the community who’ve been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic by employing them as workers in the project. RotarACT President Rachel Kinback said, “We are excited to launch our first project at a time when there is a great need. Many working people in Highlands and surrounding towns have lost jobs or had their hours cut, and many did not receive a stimulus check. This project will also provide a platform for something that we can do together to beautify and take pride in our town and help each other make it through a very difficult time.” RotarACT’s first Project Work Day took place on Saturday, September 12 from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Workers were paid for a full six hours at $15 an hour in the form of a $90 Ingles Gift Card. In addition to the workers, a number of team leaders and Highlands Mountaintop Rotarians joined as volunteers during the work day. In coordination with Kyle Pursel of the Highlands Cashiers Land Trust, the club has mapped the incidence of dangerous invasive species in the area to create the project plan. A number of work days will be required to fully remove the targeted species. Donations and volunteers are welcome. RotarACT Clubs bring together people ages 18-30 to exchange ideas with leaders in the community, develop leadership and professional skills, and have fun through service. For further information, or if you’d like to donate, volunteer or work on the project, please contact Rachel Kinback at (610) 9559356 or email the club at RotarACT828@gmail.com. 177 O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0 | 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 Cashiers Health Foundation We Lift the Health and Well-Being of the Highlands Cashiers Plateau

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e can hardly believe it’s fall. Breaking news is overflowing at the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation. In case you haven’t heard, we are funding a comprehensive weekly Covid-19 testing program for local schools, including Highlands School, Summit Charter School, and Blue Ridge School and Early College from September through December. This is a trail-blazing project for K-12 public schools anywhere in the country and it is extraordinarily good news for our Plateau community. Testing for Covid-19 in schools is important not only for the safety of children and staff in school, but for the entire community. Children are not immune to Covid-19. Attending school increases exposure risk to Covid-19 not only for children, but for all of us – school staff, their families, surrounding environments

and the community at large, leading to potential outbreaks, clusters and community spread. In keeping with our purpose to improve health and well-being, we’re aiming to protect our children and families by minimizing the risk of Covid-19 in our schools and thereby increase confidence for safe in-school learning. In addition, keeping the risk of Covid-19 transmission low allows the economy to remain open, helps businesses thrive and allows people to remain employed. Meanwhile, Blue Ridge Health and Mountain Area Health Education Center Rural Medicine Teaching Practice are at work searching for justthe-right-fit physicians to practice in our new Community Health Center on the Plateau. Thanks to the generosity of people who live and love their neighbors on the Plateau, our Foundation’s annual

grants programs are supporting local non-profits, impacting several thousand lives. As an independent public charity, we search for and support transformative solutions that will improve and sustain the health and well-being of our Plateau communities. A heartfelt special thank you to all for your thoughtful contributions! For more information, please check out at hchealthfnd.org or email us at info@ hchealthfnd.org. by Robin Tindall CEO & Executive Director Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation

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carpe diem’s

gentle wisdom

The gentle wisdom that infuses Carpe Diem Farms makes it a welcome home for scores of unoff icial residents.

rom its inception, Carpe Diem Farms has been a sanctuary for all God’s creatures great and small. With the majority of programs designed for human interaction with the resident horses, we’ve also provided home for many cats and dogs. We were designated an Audubon Sanctuary two years after we opened in 1997 and have been the site of a couple of the bird counts. Kingfishers, Red Tailed Hawks, Hummingbirds and Ruby Breasted Grosbeaks enjoy the farm with Doves, Blue Jays and Carolina Wrens, to name a few. A Barred Owl makes our woods its territory. We’ve been home to an amazing array of butterflies (they love our compost piles 180 O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

and the sugar water from our soaking endless bales of hay for the horses!) We see Deer, Turkey, Groundhogs and even a River Otter this year. Yes, we are also home to creepy crawlers, Barn Mice and even a few Rats. Last month a young Bear came for a taste of bird feed! Over the years, our programming has transitioned from after school programs, summer camps for adults and children and combinations of both to more one-on-one work. Our herd of horses, there have been 23 throughout the years, now consists of eight in residence and one on loan in Tennessee. More than 4,000 participants, mostly children, have enjoyed a wide variety of learning opportunities. Today, we work more one-on-one with children and adults. Our programs are

about compassionate care of the horses, kindness towards all the other creatures we share Carpe Diem with, and exemplifying our deep appreciation for the land and waters for which we are stewards. We continue to “Seize the Day” each and every day. It’s a privilege working with the sentient beings, the land and its inhabitants. It is our hope that the lessons we quietly teach through our example provide a beacon of encouragement to be in their lives. Carpe Diem Farms is an experiential educational foundation dedicated to, “exploring the human potential through equines.” by Sue Blair, Carpe Diem Farms

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creating lifelong learners

The Center for Life Enrichment offers an irresistible suite of lectures to Broaden the Mind during this Shuttered Season. For information, visit clehighlands.com

enter for Life Enrichment in Highlands is all about learning. Educational lectures are abundant at CLE, but throughout much of spring and summer 2020 were shuttered due to statewide mandates limiting the number of people assembling. “We have to have more than 10 people to make it worthwhile for us,” said Bonnie Dayton, marketing director. “Most events in October are ones we had to cancel in May and June. We even had to take our lecture catalog off the internet because of how the pandemic has changed everything.” Good news, however – CLE is moving forward with fall offerings. Anyone wanting to broaden their mind can visit clehighlands.com to learn the full range of

lectures available in October. Topics from the serious to the lighthearted are provided, such as: - A History Of Lighthouses With a Focus On the Georgia Coast, Thursday, Oct. 8, 10:00 A.M.-Noon. Presenter: William Rawlings; Cost: $25/$35; - Lame Duck Presidents, Oct. 22, 2:004:00 P.M. Presenter: Daniel Franklin, former director of the Georgia Legislative Internship Program and a former distinguished honors professor at Georgia State University; Cost: $25/$35; - Things New And Strange: A Southerner’s Journey Through the Smithsonian, Oct. 26 2:00-4:00 P.M. Presenter: G. Wayne Clough, author of Seeing the Universe from Here: Field

Notes from My Smithsonian Travels; Cost: $25/$35; - Southern Appalachian Ghost Stories, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 10:00 A.M.-Noon. Presenters: Pepper Paris, owner of Ghost Hunters of Asheville, Montford, and Black Mountain; and Alicia Corbin, an Appalachian mystic; Cost: $25/$35; - The Kennedys and the Clintons: Revered and Reviled, October 29, 2:00-4:00 P.M. Presenter: William Chafe, Alice Mary Baldwin Professor of History (emeritus) at Duke University. Cost: $25/$35 - Women’s Suffrage: Fight for the Right to Vote Friday, Oct. 30, 10:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. Presenter: William Chafe; Cost: $25/$35

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G Gerry and Avary Doubleday

touching lives

forever

For Literacy Council volunteers Gerr y and Avar y Doubleday, the power of education is understood on a deeply personal level.

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erry Doubleday would be the first to say that just thinking about the importance of literacy gets him emotional. “I clearly remember the first time I heard about the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. I had no idea that if kids aren’t reading at grade level by the end of third grade 74 percent of those struggling readers won’t ever catch up. And reading proficiency at this age is an important predictor of graduating from high school.” Gerry’s voice catches at this point. “My father died when I was three years old and let’s just say my family was at the lower end of middle class. My mother and other close relatives nurtured and encouraged me throughout my school years. As a product of Tennessee schools, I learned English as a second language and eventually earned an Engineering Degree from the University of Tennessee and an MBA at South Carolina.

“So I was one of the very lucky ones. But others weren’t so lucky and I met a lot of them during my years working at the Greenwood Mills textile plant in South Carolina. If you don’t have a high school diploma and probably some type of advanced certificate or degree, your chances of getting a good job are low.“ Gerry’s wife Avary remembers the same moment when they learned about Imagination Libraries. “We were attending a conference and a representative from the Ferst Foundation for Childhood Literacy described their experiences founding Dolly Parton Imagination Libraries in rural Georgia communities. The importance of early intervention is staggering.” “So staggering,” Gerry continues, “that we brought the idea back to Highlands and made sure The Literacy Council established a Dolly Parton Imagination Library to serve Highlands, and

GI V I NG BAC K eventually all Macon County.” Later, Gerry and Avary worked with Emerald City Rotary and the Greenwood County Public Library to start the Imagination in Greenwood, South Carolina. Today over 1,000 Macon County children ages birth to five years old receive a free book in the mail every month. The Literacy Council understands the critical importance of early intervention and recognizes that parents and families are the child’s first reading teachers. Together with dedicated supporters like the Hack Foundation, Read to Me and many individuals, The Literacy Council raises approximately $30,000 annually for this program. DPIL is just one of many programs The Literacy Council delivers to Macon County -- in person and on-line -- to raise literacy levels for people of all ages in

our Appalachian mountains. Childhood, adulthood, and livelihood: they are all improved by our ability to read and learn. The Literacy Council stands ready to help with free programs for people of all ages. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library Dolly Parton founded the program in 1995 in Tennessee to foster a love of reading among her county’s preschool children and their families. By mailing high quality, age appropriate books directly to their homes, Dolly wanted children to be excited about books and to feel the magic that books can create. Moreover, she wanted to insure that every child would have books, regardless of their family’s income. The Imagination Library provides the infrastructure for the program, including managing the central database, coordinating book selections, wholesale purchasing, monthly mailings and administration.

Since DPIL was created in 1995, 143 million free books have been gifted as of August 31. Macon County readers wishing to support a child’s membership in DPIL should contact The Literacy Council at (828) 526-0863. by Jane Jerry

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peggyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

pollinator buzz

The Peggy Crosby Community Ser vices Center in Highlands boasts a trend-setting garden thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s become a local attraction.

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eggy Crosby’s expanding pollinator pathway is fast-becoming western Carolina’s favorite dive-through. After three seasons of dedicated planning and planting, The Peggy Crosby Community Services Center, the Laurel and Mountain Garden Clubs, and other pollinator habitat supporters are nurturing a thriving environment of botanicals, butterflies, bees and birds. It’s dubbed Peggy’s Pollinator Garden. In this self-sustaining perennial garden, pollinator plants continue to multiply, thus exponentially building a booming, blooming paradise, one that will provide roadside beautification, natural resource conservation, sustenance for pollinators and soil microbes (yes, they’re important, too), as well as on-the-spot education ops. The concept of the garden is more naturalistic than traditional formal gardening. Creating a garden that does not require herbicides, pesticides, excessive maintenance, and expense

is, in turn, a naturally holistic system loaded with benefits for the ecosystem, plants, humans, ecotourism as well as Peggy’s operating budget. The garden is an educational opportunity to remind others that your own pollinator garden would be good for the environment, your pocketbook ….and your back! And that’s part of the Peggy’s vision for extending this movement throughout our community… as a stop along the Highlands Plateau Greenway, this garden is connected to an ever-expanding list of other pollinator gardens around town. If these plantings can then spread to homes, storefronts, street corners, and sidewalk strips the gardens will create crucial wildlife corridors throughout our town. Pollinator gardens have been made necessary by the impact of climate change on pollinators and the frequent use of pesticides and other poisons that kill animals that pollinate our food crops. We need to create habitats and safe

zones for those vital, vulnerable workers. Literally, our lives depend on it. And, once again: pollinator gardens require little money and maintenance. No matter how big or small, pollinator gardens fit in everywhere. The Peggy is pumping up the educational aspect of the garden by posting interpretive signs, partnering with other organizations in the movement, and promoting eco-tourism though the Highlands Chamber of Commerce. Watch for more of these important gardens as they sprout throughout town and learn what you can do to help. If you want to know more, do more, email Canty Worley at cantyworley@ gmail.com. And, in closing, a tip of the gardening cap to our beloved Wiley Sloan, who supported Peggy so many years. by Donna Rhodes

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four decades

of service

Stephen Lucas

For Highlands Rotarian Stephen Lucas, the price of membership is ser vice with a smile.

PA Stephen Lucas started his accounting firm in Highlands in January 1979; that same year he was invited to a Rotary Club of Highlands meeting and has been a Rotarian ever since. Lucas said the more he became involved, the more he realized the club’s importance to the community of Highlands. He served as a treasurer at various times and then as president in the early 1980s. In the 1990s, he and a few other individuals from Highlands helped start the Rotary Club of Cashiers. The membership in Highlands is mostly 186 O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

made up of the business community and membership is currently around 100, explained Lucas. “That’s a big club with good participation for a town of this size,” he said. “And membership participates in all aspects of the club. I feel personally that Rotary is a nexus of Highlands. Almost everything that goes on here, there is a Rotarian involved.” Lucas calls the programs with which the Rotary has been involved “extraordinary.” “We’ve given in excess of $5,000 a year to Highlands School going back 30 years. We have helped the school

with everything from playground improvements to landscaping to handheld calculators. And historically, we like to also provide seed money to get things going, like The Literacy Council.” Lucas shared that what has impressed him over the years is how much members are willing to serve. When he was working one summer on the Highlands Community Center, where meetings take place, he met a “summer Rotarian,” a member who spends the summers in Highlands but lives elsewhere. “We were hammering and chiseling, putting in drains in the floor of the men’s

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drive-thru

bathroom, and I was just so impressed that a businessman here for the summer was working on that bathroom floor. His commitment and willingness always stood out to me.” While serving, however, Lucas said fun ensues. “No matter what we’re doing, we have a good time.” by Deena Bouknight

Point phone camera at QR code to learn more about The Rotary Club of Highlands

pet Food

he Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society recently presented a free pet food drive-thru event in the parking lot of the Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center. Local pet owners experiencing financial difficulties in feeding their pets were encouraged to attend. Drivers did not need to exit their vehicles as CHHS staff and volunteers placed the donated food directly into cars and trucks shortly after arrival. Based upon information provided by donation recipients, 112 animals in our community were fed because of the event. More than 1,700 pounds of dog food, cat food, and treats were distributed to animal-loving families in need who traveled from Cashiers, Cullowhee, Glenville, Highlands, Sapphire, Sylva, Tuckasegee and Webster for much-needed pet food assistance. Also at the event, pet owners for 39 animals signed up for the CHHS low-cost and free spay/neuter program. In the past eight years, CHHS has provided subsidized and free spay/neuter for nearly 4,000 animals, significantly reducing the overpopulation of homeless pets in our community. The CHHS “Meals from Monty” Pet Pantry program has supplied approximately 15,000 pounds of free pet food each year since 2015. The program is named after Monty, a cat adopted from CHHS and whose “Forever Mom” has generously provided donations to keep the Pet Pantry stocked over the years. A tremendous amount of donated food recently received from members of the Cullasaja Club also helped make the drive-thru event possible. “Not only does CHHS bring pets and people together through adoptions, we help keep pets and people together through programs like our pet pantry,” explains CHHS Executive Director David Stroud. “No one should be forced to surrender their beloved canine or feline companion solely due to financial hardship, especially during these uncertain and unsettling times. Through our low-cost and free spay/ neuter program, our low-cost rabies vaccinations, and our Meals from Monty free food pet pantry, we strive to keep pets in loving homes with their families.” Established in 1987, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization located at 200 Gable Drive in Sapphire, one-and-a-half miles east of the Cashiers Ingles in between Cedar Creek Club and Lonesome Valley on Highway 64 East. This no-kill shelter is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. by appointment only. For more information, visit chhumanesociety.org or call (828) 743-5752. by David Stroud, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society 187 O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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celebrating

changing seasons

Once the cap of the Visitor Season, October’s Leaf Show is now just one more entr y upon what’s turned into a 12-month Community Calendar.

s we enjoy the brilliance of annual Fall foliage across our mountain plateau this month, we’re reminded that each season in Western North Carolina delivers a unique and exciting experience. As always, October’s weather is characterized by highly anticipated autumn temperatures accompanied by the beauty of the Leaf Season. Historically, we begin to wind down here to a quieter holiday season and wintry mix in the months ahead. But many are now discovering the Plateau during November and December holiday festivities and the “Secret Season,” which the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority calls the Winter months. Family gatherings for Thanksgiving, Christmas and other celebrations are very popular and the lower temperatures of January through March create dramatic snowand ice-scapes and support outdoor recreation including skiing, tubing and ice skating. Then Spring bursts forward with the March blooming of bright yellow daffodils signaling the start of an emerging rainbow of the multitude of flowers that will soon follow suit. And Summer always entices those in the Sunbelt and elsewhere to escape the oppressive heat and humidity of their primary homes to the Plateau’s crisp, cool mountain tops and high-elevation valleys. However, the weather is not the only thing changing with time. In the last few years, our traditional visitor “seasons” have lengthened and our residency mix is transforming from second homeowners and vacationing visitors to longer or fulltime residency. And most recently, a new, unprecedented shift in societal preferences has been accelerated by the 2020 health crisis and supported by continued technological advances that promote consumer mobility and working remotely. This added appeal and investment will hopefully expand our local economy in a responsible way to support small business prosperity all 12 months of the calendar and enhance the quality of life we enjoy in the Cashiers Area and surrounding mountain communities in every season of the year. by Stephanie Edwards, Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce

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golfer’s

delight

48 Lower Cliff Rd., Cullasaja Club A Golf Life Navigators Featured Property

olf enthusiasts from near and far now have a liaison when exploring home opportunities in the Western North Carolina mountains. Mountain Life Properties of Landmark Realty Group has been designated by Florida-based Golf Life Navigators as their sole real estate firm for golf community referrals. Based in South Florida with an active presence across the U.S., GLN efficiently eases the process of determining the precise golf and country club membership choices for golfers looking to retire, relocate or engage in the “snowbird” life. Created in 2014 by grassroot PGA Professionals, club managers and membership directors, GLN guides discerning golfers, club seekers and property buyers through an in-depth analysis and insights befitting their unique lifestyle desires and budgets. “To no one’s surprise, golfers love the terrain, weather, culture and everything that comes with a club lifestyle in Cashiers and Highlands,” says Jason Becker, CEO of GLN. “We will be able to help consumers become ultra-efficient with their club/home search and save them time and money in the process.” For consumers seeking homes in the Cashiers/Highlands market, they’ll now be able to utilize GLN’s ProGuide3 questionnaire to filter search multiple club communities and membership options in the area. Once they receive their Best-Matched Clubs, consumers can then take the next step by connecting with one of Mountain Life Properties’ Golf-Certified Real Estate Agents to research homes for sale in and around their Best-Matches. “We could not be more excited to work alongside GLN and help consumers find their dream club, home and healthy lifestyle,” says Doug Treadwell, Managing Partner of Mountain Life Properties of LandmarkRG. “Our entire team lives in Cashiers/Highlands, we love the area, love the golf and are excited to share our local expertise with those wishing to call Western North Carolina home.” To learn more about Mountain Life Properties of LandmarkRG, please visit cashiersandhighlandsnchomes.com/.

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Modern Tiny Cottages A new way of living is offered at Triple Creek in Glenville, offering exciting possibilities for enjoying mountain life. For more information, visit whitesiderealtyllc.com

The Low Country tiny cottage available at Triple Creek.

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O Living space in the Low Country tiny cottage.

Saltbox tiny cottage has 11’ ceilings.

pening this month near Lake Glenville is a beautiful new development, Triple Creek Tiny Cottage Community. Only 9 miles North of Cashiers, this 26 acre site offers luxurious tiny homes on large lots varying from one to three acres in size, many with spectacular mountain views. Recognizing that families are considering downsizing to a more minimalistic and simplistic lifestyle, Triple Creek tiny cottages offer a luxurious series of tiny modular homes designed with quality materials and high-end finishes at an affordable price. The private, gated subdivision has creeks, a stocked trout pond and a community fire pit for evenings out. Enjoy hiking the nearby waterfalls and trails, bathing on the beaches and boating at Lake Glenville and world class golf courses. Owners may use their new mountain tiny home as a weekend retreat for their family and friends, or as an income producing vacation rental. The tiny cottages designed by architect Jeffrey Dungan, thoughtfully maximize every square inch of living space with quality

materials, luxuriously-crafted finishes and specialty brands. Each home offers plenty of space while also allowing the opportunity to embrace a more minimalistic lifestyle, without sacrificing style or comfort, while encouraging you to enjoy the outdoors and surrounding beauty. “Triple Creek cottages are the perfect solution for a variety of buyers – like families seeking out a second home getaway, retirees looking to downsize or even young professionals working remotely.” Explains Todd Taylor, Broker-InCharge for Whiteside Realty. Interested tiny home buyers can visit the sales village in Cashiers, on the corner of Highway 64 and Frank Allen Road (by appointment only). In addition to touring available floor plans in person, like the Saltbox and Low Country designs, customers will be able to book overnight stays to test out ‘living tiny’ firsthand before making the decision to buy. To schedule an appointment to tour Triple Creek, visit whitesiderealtyllc.com/properties/ triple-creek or contact Broker-In-Charge, Todd Taylor at (828) 526-1830.

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OUR TEAM

JOCHEN LUCKE

DAN ALLEN

PARKER ANDERSON

BAMBI FAMOUS KAINE

KEVIN KOACH

EDDY MCDONALD

CASSIE NEAL

LINDA PRIDGEN

MERRY SOELLNER

RAY TRINE

PRESIDENT/BROKER

BROKER

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BROKER

AMANDA BRYANT ASSISTANT/BROKER

CHUCK SELF BROKER

RIVA SMITH

ASSISTANT/BROKER

S T O N E F LY offered at $6,500,000

CASHIERS

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 dream-like 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. The sprawling three-story home with an elevator offers an abundance of space for family and guests to explore, including a sunroom, library, an artist studio, game room, wine cellar, a resplendent home theater, and a fitness room with a sauna and steam room. MLS# 91521.

CASHIERS: 828 743 1999 HIGHL ANDS: 828 526 2999 NCLIVING.COM

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BALD ROCK offered at $3,850,000

SAPPHIRE

Sitting on over ten acres in the gated Bald Rock community and designed by Tim Greene, this equestrian lodge is without equal on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. The magnificent estate enjoys views of Bald Rock and the charming Lake Fairfield. Luxuriate in the pool grotto or hot tub among the extensive hardscaping while enjoying the smells from the built-in grilling station, all set against the phenomenal backdrop. A four-stall barn with a pasture can fulfill all your dreams of the equine life-

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style while living in a close-knit, relaxed community with frequent get-togethers, trail rides, BBQs, and other activities. MLS# 94679.

MOUNTAINTOP GOLF offered at $3,600,000

CASHIERS

Perched high in the exclusive Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club, this quintessential mountain getaway boasts awe-inspiring panoramas. Sitting on a double lot encompassing over four acres, This fully furnished custom home offers every creature comfort for the most discerning of buyers. Abounding with curb appeal, a lovely water feature greets your entrance. The main floor features a laundry room, a butler's pantry, a large primary bedroom suite, and an expansive screened-in deck perfect for al fresco dining with a built-in grill station.

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MLS# 94674.

CASHIERS: 828 743 1999 HIGHL ANDS: 828 526 2999 NCLIVING.COM

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FALCON RIDGE offered at $3,400,000

SAPPHIRE

Perched above 4,550 feet in elevation in the quiet and picturesque enclave of Falcon Ridge, Ghostwood Bear Manor offers panoramic long-range views of South Carolina lakes, Whiteside Mountain, and multiple mountain ranges that must be seen to be believed. A gated entrance and impeccable landscaping with two dramatic water features, one of which starts in the center island and cascades to the lower level, provide a stunning first impression of this architectural masterpiece. Ghostwood siding, copper and cedar shake roofing, and custom mahogany garage doors add to the abundant curb appeal. MLS# 93884.

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THE CHATTOOGA CLUB offered at $3,250,000

CASHIERS

Skylark is a charming lakefront home with a two-car garage in the exclusive gated community of The Chattooga Club. Located on a serene, private street, this well-maintained home exudes elegant yet relaxed Southern style with heart pine floors, reclaimed timbers, and hand-hewn beams. Perfect for quick getaways or hosting family and friends, the comfortable floor plan features a roomy master bedroom with his and her baths on the main floor, as well as two spacious bedrooms, two baths, and

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an office area with a wet bar on the upper level. The lower level has one large bedroom and bath, a family room, wine cellar, and a full barâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;perfect for entertaining! MLS# 92309.

CASHIERS: 828 743 1999 HIGHL ANDS: 828 526 2999 NCLIVING.COM

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MOUNTAINTOP GOLF offered at $3,250,000

CASHIERS

Winner of the ARDA Best Custom Luxury Home Award, this gorgeous home was designed by Mountainworks and built by The Berry Group. Situated in the gated Mountaintop Golf and Lake Club, this home overlooks the Mountaintop golf course and the mountains beyond. Outfitted with fine fixtures and energy-efficient features, the exterior is clad in hand-cut stonework and old-world-inspired shutters. Heart pine wood from a Georgia plantation and wooden beams grace the kitchen and living room. The primary bedroom on the

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main level offers his-and-hers en-suite baths and dressing closets. MLS# 94528.

GOLF CLUB ESTATES offered at $2,900,000

SAPPHIRE

Just a short stroll or golf cart ride from the Country Club of Sapphire Valley, At Last Lodge is a custom-built, gated estate featuring artisanal, elegant finishes and the ultimate in creature comforts. Secluded and peaceful, the 4.7+ acre property is flat with many enclaves to enjoy outdoor living, such as a chimney garden with a wood-burning fireplace from the 1800s, a koi pond, waterfall, and a stone patio with a fire pit. Golf Club Estates is easily accessible and centrally located with shopping, restaurants and outdoor activities just minutes away. Membership to the Country Club of Sapphire Valley is by invitation only. MLS# 93275.

CASHIERS: 828 743 1999 HIGHL ANDS: 828 526 2999 NCLIVING.COM

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SUMMER HILL offered at $2,695,000

LAKE GLENVILLE

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. Being offered turn-key with all furnishings and electronics included. The phenomenal vistas start at the front door and continue on through the impressive great room. A well-outfitted wet bar

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ensures that everyone has their favorite cocktail or glass of wine. MLS# 94475.

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB offered at $2,500,000

CASHIERS

Situated on the side of Chimneytop Mountain, this private getaway exhibits unforgettable views of Whiteside, Shortoff, Yellow, and Black Mountains. Impeccably maintained, this home affords five bedrooms and five baths with hardwood floors, tongue-and-groove ten-foot ceilings, and shiplap walls throughout. The cozy primary bedroom offers a gas fireplace and a bay window. Two wood-burning fireplaces illuminate the living room and downstairs recreation room. Another bedroom is on the

NEWLY LISTED

upper level with two guest suites on the lower level. MLS# 94525.

CASHIERS: 828 743 1999 HIGHL ANDS: 828 526 2999 NCLIVING.COM

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WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB offered at $2,285,000

C CA A SS H H II EE R R SS

Tour this contemporary masterpiece for an awe-inspiring experience! Filled with natural light, this luxurious home boasts a spacious gourmet kitchen, a family room, an office/den, two laundry rooms, a wine cellar, an elevator, and an inviting, three-season porch that can be enclosed or left open and screened, complete with stone fireplace. Designed by Al Platt and sitting on over five acres, this home is perfectly sited for taking in the highly desirable eastern views of the Nantahala Forest. A wall of windows in the living room displays the panoramic mountain views while an impressive stacked stone fireplace provides a welcoming ambiance. MLS# 93087.

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THE LAKE CLUB offered offered at at $1,995,000 $1,995,000

LAKE GLENVILLE

Situated in the gated Lake Club, this stately manor has huge views looking south over Lake Glenville to the mountains beyond. This architectural masterpiece features a large chef's kitchen with a breakfast bar perfect for relaxed entertaining. The sophisticated living areas flow onto an expansive deck and a roomy covered porch with a wood-burning fireplace. Antique oak floors, custom built-ins, and ship-lap paneling accent the huge stone fireplaces in the upstairs and downstairs living rooms. Unlike many mountain homes, this home

BACK ON

THE MARKET

has storage for vehicles, with both a carport and a two-level garage. The downstairs garage has plenty of room for toys with room remaining for a workshop. MLS# 89659.

CASHIERS: 828 743 1999 HIGHL ANDS: 828 526 2999 NCLIVING.COM

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THE CHAT TOOGA CLUB $1,900,000 Offered for the first time, this warm and inviting home offers majestic views of Whiteside Mountain from every room. Entertaining family and friends is a joy in the beautiful great room with wet bar, formal dining space, gourmet kitchen with large center island and breakfast bar, and an expansive porch with its own cozy fireplace and hot tub. Perfect for casual entertaining and hosting guests, the spacious two-story floor plan features two bedrooms on the main floor with his and her bathrooms, while the lower level includes two bedrooms, two baths, a sitting room with fireplace, and another covered deck. MLS# 94548.

NEWLY LISTED

ADMIRALS POINT $1,850,000 This fantastic lakefront home is located on the east side but facing south on Lake Glenville, so you don't get an afternoon glare off the water. With a long southern view of the lake, the property sits on its own private cove with wooded buffers on either side. A short path takes you to a rock-walled lakefront area with a private dock. The home has large open decks, a screened porch, and a glassed porch facing the water. The primary bedroom and office are on the main floor, while two bedrooms and a second living area are downstairs. The apartment over the garage has one bedroom and bath, a full kitchen, and a private balcony with a beautiful view of the lake. MLS# 94586.

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74 ACRES

SNOWBIRD $1,899,000 This 74-acre property includes the entire summit of Wolf Knob at nearly 4,700 feet elevation. The mountain top is virtually flat and upon it sits a Tim Greene designed rustic lodge. Owning the whole mountain top, 360-degree views are dramatic! From the top, the property drops to about 4,200 feet elevation where there is a barn and an open field with an abundance of wildlife. Disconnect from the world, get off the grid, relax! MLS# 91327.Â

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2020 WINNER

WHITEWATER RIDGE $1,750,000 Sitting at 3,700 feet of elevation on Waddle Mountain, this well-built estate overlooks a 180-degree majestic view of Lakes Jocassee, Hartwell, and Keowee and the mountains beyond, as well as innumerable other landmarks, such as Caesar's Head, Whiteside Mountain, and the distant night lights of Greenville, South Carolina. Designed by Allen Brown and built by Sapphire Builders, the home sits on over four acres of manicured lawns in the premier gated community of Whitewater Ridge. Three of the four bedrooms offer private balconies overlooking the unbelievable view. Outside, a three-car garage provides space for vehicles, while a shed stores gardening tools. MLS# 92180.

CASHIERS: 828 743 1999 HIGHL ANDS: 828 526 2999 NCLIVING.COM

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L AKE TOX AWAY ESTATES $1,725,000 Perched high in the heavens on Meadow Ridge, this custom home built by Timberlake Custom Homes boasts thrilling panoramic views of Lake Toxaway, Lake Cardinal and the mountains beyond. The expansive lot encompasses over seven acres, ensuring privacy for its new owner. Three of the four bedrooms display the awe-inspiring views, and six bathrooms ensure guests' comfort. On the lower level, guests can hang out at the bar or at the ping pong table before stepping onto the covered deck to admire Lake Toxaway glimmering in the distance. Fine finishes complete the luxury experience, featuring hand-scraped quarter sawn white oak floors, Hammerton interior and exterior lighting, and two stacked stone fireplaces. MLS# 94427.

NEWLY LISTED

CEDAR HILL $1,650,000 Perched high above the valley in the prestigious community of Cedar Hill, this stunning custom-built timber frame home boasts spectacular longrange mountain views over Sapphire and Cashiers. Newly updated with neutral colors and fine fixtures, the two-story great room has impressive timber beams and an abundance of windows and doors that flood the entire room with natural light. The open floor plan offers ample space for entertaining or simply unwinding. Located just minutes from the Cashiers crossroads, this home is convenient to the numerous amenities found on the Plateau; several country clubs and golf courses are nearby. MLS# 94270.

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BIG RIDGE $1,495,000 Created by acclaimed architectural designer Tim Greene, this beautiful home offers breathtaking views of the Great Balsam Mountains with layers that seem to go on forever. The spacious layout is perfect for hosting friends and family, with the master suite on the main level and three guest suites upstairs. The gourmet kitchen features custom cabinetry, an eat-in area, ample countertops for serving, and premium appliances including a six-burner gas range, dual wall ovens and a warming drawer. MLS# 93523.

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SCOTCH HIGHL ANDS LOOP $1,450,000 A most unique opportunity! Own the clubhouse at 82 Scotch Highlands Loop as your home. Attractively furnished and outfitted as a clubhouse, with bar, beautiful fireplaces, fitness rooms and swimming pool with pergola and additional waterfall feature. Enjoy those fine mountain breezes on the large back deck. Possibilities are unlimited, with a potential of 4 bedrooms and 4 baths and large kitchen for a residence. Listing includes 388 Scotch Highlands Loop, which was originally slated to be tennis courts. Now a great level 1.16 acre lot to use for building. Ready for summer activities for that lucky buyer! MLS# 94172.

CASHIERS: 828 743 1999 HIGHL ANDS: 828 526 2999 N C L I V I N G . C O M 209

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WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB $1,395,000 Nestled up against National Forest lands, this exceptional Al Platt designed home is located in the exclusive gated community of Wade Hampton Golf Club. With four bedrooms and four and a half baths in an open split floor plan, The Lodge is ideally suited for savoring the mountain lifestyle with family and friends. The home boasts an abundance of curb appeal with Old World details, attractive landscaping, stone walking paths, and water features. Highlighted by a feel of casual elegance, the spacious living room with fireplace and wet bar opens onto the expansive screened porch with its own fireplace for cool evenings. MLS# 91358.

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BIG SHEEPCLIFF $1,395,000 Spectacular layered panoramic views of Cashiers Valley, including Whiteside, Chimneytop, and Rock Mountains, along with Cashiers Lake, can be seen from most rooms of this character-filled home located just minutes to town. Offered for the first time, this Tim Greene designed abode is flooded with natural light. Entertaining is truly a joy in this home with its expansive ipe deck and guest house, which includes a living area, kitchenette, and bedroom suite. Three stone fireplaces provide a cozy atmosphere throughout the home, and a separate den and family room on the lower level offer multiple spaces for loved ones to gather. MLS# 92174.

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NEWLY LISTED

L AKE FOREST $1,330,000 Lakeside Comfort sits on one of the serene northwestern coves of Lake Glenville. Enjoy the lakefront shared dock (with only one other owner) and secluded beach area while savoring the splendor of the highest lake east of the Mississippi and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Nestled on a wooded gentle slope in the quaint subdivision of Lake Forest, this lakefront, mountain coastal cedar shake cottage boasts a wraparound main level deck with a hot tub and a partially finished lower level deck that overlooks the lake. MLS# 94540.

CHAT TOOGA RIDGE $1,325,000 Enjoy luxurious one-level living in this three-bedroom, three-bath condominium in Chattooga Ridge, featuring gorgeous long-range mountain views from many of the rooms. The open floor plan flows beautifully for entertaining, with spacious living and dining areas and a built-in wet bar with beverage cooler, wine cooler, and icemaker. Enjoy the crisp, clean air and beauty of the changing seasons on the large deck with its own fireplace and Armor screens. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream with high-end cabinetry, a side-by-side refrigerator and freezer, a six-burner gas range, double ovens, and a large center island. MLS# 93724. CASHIERS: 828 743 1999 HIGHL ANDS: 828 526 2999 NCLIVING.COM

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ROUND HILL ESTATES $1,297,000 Situated on tranquil Fairfield Lake, Nestledown is truly a masterpiece of architectural, interior, and landscape design. Massive stone walls, columns, and mature landscaping grace the approach. The porte cochĂ¨re's stonework offers an impressive entry to this elegant estate home with a level of craftsmanship and artistry that is unsurpassed. As the magnificent entry door swings open, your eyes are immediately drawn to the stone fireplace which anchors the two-story living room finished in the finest wood paneling. As you enter, you are greeted by views of the lake and the pristine mountains beyond. The main level, which includes the master bedroom suite, is brimming with architectural details wherever you look. Additional bedrooms on the upper level also take advantage of the stunning vistas. MLS# 93598.

STONEFLY $1,295,000 This newly constructed getaway boasts a Cashiers in-town location on a gently rolling wooded lot with a fantastic stream and small falls. Abounding with curb appeal, the home has easy access with a level entry, a large parking area, and an oversized attached double garage. High-end finishes include hardwood floors, state-of-the-art appliances, and beautiful tile work in the entryway and baths. The great room opens onto a large screened porch for gathering around the stone fireplace while listening to the sounds of the cascading creek a few steps away. Outdoor living is a pleasure on this beautiful lot with a fire pit and over 250 feet of stream frontage. Only 1.2 miles from the center of town, this new home offers easy access to shopping and restaurants. The peaceful community of Stonefly is walkable and adjoins national forestlands. MLS# 93674.

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SPRING FOREST $1,295,000 Displaying huge layered views of Cashiers, Whiteside Mountain, and beyond, this carefully crafted residence is replete with rustic elegance, featuring hand-hewn reclaimed beams, three massive stone fireplaces, and a cascading water feature. Outdoor living is encouraged by two levels of covered and uncovered decks where you can admire the lush landscaping or dine al fresco by the outdoor fireplace. Feeling the cool breezes, listening to the water feature, and gazing off into the mountain vistas will become part of your daily life at this mountain getaway. Come explore this private sanctuary in gated Spring Forest for yourself, just minutes from Cashiers and Sapphire. MLS# 93813.

BIG SHEEPCLIFF $1,250,000 Situated in the gated Big Sheepcliff community at a cool 4,300 + feet in elevation, this wonderfully designed three-bedroom three-and-a-half-bath mountain retreat offers indescribably gorgeous views. The thoughtful floor plan includes a main-level master suite, an open concept kitchen and dining area, and plenty of deck space for outdoor entertainment. The great room is equipped with soaring cathedral ceilings, a stone gas-burning fireplace, and views from every corner. The master bedroom is spacious, featuring an en-suite sunroom for reading or relaxing, as well as an en-suite master bathroom with a jetted tub and separate shower. The lower level is perfect for guests with its second kitchen and living area, as well as two additional bedrooms, a bonus room, and two full bathrooms. MLS# 93669.

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SAPPHIRE HIGH $1,200,000 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

34+ ACRES $1,150,000 Tucked away on over 34 acres of gently rolling hills with thousands of feet of stream frontage, this gorgeous farm property is truly a special find! With one bedroom and one bath, the cottage features a wrap-around deck for maximum enjoyment of your natural surroundings. The cottage is situated on an extremely gently rolling parcel with several established pastures, as well as thousands of feet of bold stream frontage on the protected trout waters of Norton Creek. MLS# 93244.

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UNDER CONTRACT

SUMMER HILL $995,000 Bring your suitcase and toothbrush â&#x20AC;&#x201D; this custom-built mountain retreat on Lake Glenville is ready for its new owners to enjoy. Nothing was overlooked in creating this spacious showpiece, including fine woodwork, rustic architectural details and lots of glass for abundant natural light. Take in the grand mountain and lake views from the covered and open decks while relaxing by the cozy outdoor fireplace or cooking dinner on the built-in grill. MLS# 89267.

WHISPER L AKE $950,000 Rushing Burlingame Creek borders this contemporary refuge on three sides, while the living room and screened porch overlook a waterfall only fifteen feet away. Over three hundred feet of rapids thread through this rare property, and the home was situated so as to ensure complete privacy. Walls of windows reveal nature's artwork and fill the soaring ceilings and open floor plan with natural light. This retreat is replete with fine finishes such as granite countertops and Brazilian cherry cabinets and floors. MLS# 93224.

NEWLY LISTED

L AKE TOX AWAY ESTATES $799,000 This beautiful timber frame construction offers golf course living at its finest within the confines of the prestigious gates of Lake Toxaway Estates. The large deck, both covered and uncovered, overlooks the fifth green and the mountain range beyond. A golf cart path leads directly from the house to the course for easy access. MLS# 94560.

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HICKORY RIDGE $795,000 Enjoy panoramic views of Whiteside and Chimneytop Mountains from this spacious four bedroom, four and a half bath home in Hickory Ridge, a picturesque enclave located just minutes from town. Vaulted ceilings and skylights bring in lots of natural light to the open floor plan. The master suite, one guest room and an office are located on the main level. Two additional guest rooms are located on the lower level, along with an indoor pool with glass doors opening onto a stone patio. The covered decks expand the living area and let you enjoy cool summer breezes along with the amazing views. MLS# 93630.

UNDER CONTRACT BALD ROCK $699,000 Situated on a magical homesite offering mountain views, stream frontage, and waterfall frontage, this home features expansive decks on both upper and lower levels from which to relax and enjoy it all. There's enough room for you, your family, and friends to enjoy with three bedrooms and three baths, plus two separate living areas! MLS# 93647.

NEWLY LISTED BURLINGAME $650,000 Located on the pristinely kept Burlingame Country Club golf course is this expansive and elegant home equipped with three bedrooms, three full baths and two half baths. The home boasts a cheery interior, golf course views from many windows, and a great entertaining flow between the formal dining, kitchen and living areas. MLS# 94334.

UNDER CONTRACT HOLLY FOREST $625,000 Seclusion meets convenience in this welcoming fully furnished mountain home designed in the Arts and Crafts style. Nestled in Holly Forest 11, enjoy sunsets, cocktails, and conversation on the 60-foot wraparound porch while relishing spectacular views of Chimney Top mountain. MLS# 94305.

UNDER CONTRACT CATS PAW $510,000 This attractive, well-maintained home has exceptional long-range, layered mountain views extending as far as Clingman's Dome, Newfound Gap and the Balsams. At 4,700 feet, cool summertime temperatures are the norm - no air conditioning needed! Rustic yet refined, the interiors are light and bright with lots of windows. Preparing drinks and appetizers or big family meals is a pleasure in the stylish kitchen with Corian countertops, a gas range, wine cooler, center island and three sinks. MLS# 93670.

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NEWLY LISTED TRILLIUM LINKS $499,900 This turnkey two-bedroom, two-bath home located in the highly desirable Trillium Links & Lake Club offers stunning southwestern mountain views. Sitting in the secluded part of Trillium Ridge on 3.51 acres of wooded privacy, cool mountain evenings can be enjoyed from multiple areas of the home, including the screened-in back porch and the large stone fire pit just steps outside your front door. MLS# 94394.

BIG RIDGE $495,000 On the market for the first time, this mountain retreat is located on 20 wooded acres for the ultimate in privacy and tranquility, yet with a convenient location very near Lake Glenville. The possibilities of this property are endless; many homes sites with views could be created with a little tree clearing. In addition to multiple home sites, the property includes a 24â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 30â&#x20AC;&#x2122; detached double garage and two complete RV sites. The property also features a spring that is the headwaters to Shoal Creek. MLS# 89870.

UNDER CONTRACT L AKE GLENVILLE $475,000 This rustic mountain log home is just a short stroll or golf cart ride away from Ralph J. Andrews Park, where families can swim, fish, canoe, or picnic by the lake, with a public boat ramp for added convenience. The spacious master is on the main floor, and a wraparound covered porch extends the living space and provides cozy areas to sit in a rocking chair enjoying the cool mountain summer. MLS# 93190.

UNDER CONTRACT L AUREL FALLS $409,500 Tucked away on a gentle knoll in the low-density gated community of Laurel Falls, this newly constructed one-bedroom, one-bath getaway is situated on a spacious 11.47+/- estate lot. This fresh and tidy home features expansive long range mountain views, including Mount Lyn Lowry, Waterrock Knob, and Wesner Bald of the Blue Ridge Parkway. MLS# 93771.

UNDER CONTRACT HOLLY FOREST $409,000 This renovated home boasts curb appeal with no updates required! The beautifully updated kitchen (new cabinets, counters, appliances, and fixtures) adds pizzazz to the open plan of this charming home, making for seamless entertaining. The main level is comprised of the kitchen, living room, the primary bedroom suite, laundry, and powder room. MLS# 94150.

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UNDER CONTRACT MILL CREEK $365,000 Sitting at a high elevation for cool summer temperatures, this charming rustic mountain cabin abides on 11 private, unrestricted acres with a small pasture/garden area. This retreat boasts a lovely view and easy access with a driveway off of a state road. The large open deck and large screened porch are the perfect spots to admire the lush native fauna. MLS# 93872.

WHISPER L AKE $350,000 This spacious home in a wonderful location in Whisper Lake offers a view that can be trimmed to take full advantage of the mountain views. The residence boasts amazing curb appeal with board and batten siding and custom wood shutters. This three-bedroom, three-bath home has several bonus rooms, too! The primary bedroom is expansive with an en suite bath, two walk-in closets, and a sitting room currently used as an art studio. MLS# 93836.

UNDER CONTRACT HOLLY FOREST $339,000 On the market for the first time, this fully furnished home is in impeccable move-in condition. The spacious kitchen, living, and dining areas are all on the main level, making it perfect for entertaining family and friends or simply relaxing by the fire with a good book. The master suite and two guest bedrooms are also on the main level, while a separate family room and a bonus room provide cozy areas for guests to gather on the lower level. MLS# 92256.

UNDER CONTRACT HOLLY FOREST $335,500 This spacious three-bedroom, three-bath mountain home with a bonus loft in Holly Forest is in excellent condition! Little Hogback Creek meanders through the green space that adjoins the back of this property, providing a private setting to relax while listening to the rushing stream from the back deck. Built for year-round living, the great room welcomes guests with natural light, wood floors, a wood-burning fireplace, and an open kitchen. MLS# 93006.

UNDER CONTRACT COUNTRY CLUB ESTATES $320,000 This is a rare opportunity to purchase a short sale property, which is priced well below tax value! Situated on a level lot, this unique home with golf course frontage has an attached two-car garage. Its exceptional location in the gated Country Club Estates area is near the end of a cul-de-sac free from road noise, and is just a short walk or golf cart ride to the Sapphire Valley Resort amenities, including Red Bird Golf Links and several fine restaurants. MLS# 90988.

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NEWLY LISTED HOLLY FOREST $310,000 Tucked away in the high elevation community of Eagle Ridge, this neatly kept three-bedroom, two-bath home features an open concept floorplan between the kitchen and dining areas, with easy access to the living area. The kitchen is light and bright, with an island for effortless meal preparation and enjoyment. MLS# 94251.

NEWLY PRICED

SAPPHIRE VILL AGE $270,000 Situated in an unrestricted neighborhood in the beautiful Sapphire Valley, this home would make a wonderful family home or a rental opportunity. The log and stone siding, large front deck, and screened porch encourage outdoor mountain living. The almost level property has a utility shed, a playground, and a double carport that accesses the lower level. MLS# 92814.

UNDER CONTRACT HICKORY KNOLL $230,000 Located in the low-density Hickory Knoll community in the Yellow Mountain area, this vintage two-bedroom, two-bath cabin sits on a lovely rolling meadow. Enjoy long-range mountain views from the ample decks, both upper and lower levels. The main floor of the home is comprised of a spacious open plan for living, with kitchen, dining, living room, and the primary bedroom and bath. The lower level boasts a family area with a kitchenette, laundry room, bedroom, and bath. MLS# 93998.

UNDER CONTRACT CULLOWHEE $225,000 Looking for your affordable piece of paradise only a few miles from beautiful Lake Glenville's public boat launch and park? This cute cottage with a mountain view offers privacy and one-level living. On both sides of the stunning stone fireplace, sliding glass doors provide easy access to the spacious covered porch to enjoy the cool breezes and mountain ridge views. MLS# 91692.

UNDER CONTRACT

L AUREL FALLS $199,000 Situated in gated Laurel Falls in Glenville, this sturdy log cabin is the ideal low-maintenance mountain getaway! The peaceful and private setting is convenient to Panthertown Valley for hiking and other outdoor activities, or simply relax on the porch while enjoying the wildlife and mountain breezes. The reverse osmosis system on a high yield private well provides great water! The large stone fireplace in the living room will take the chill off on cool mountain evenings. MLS# 93046.

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WALNUT GAP $185,000 This wonderful two-bedroom, two-bath mountain home is situated at 4,200 feet of elevation on 1.67 +/- acres, promising lovely summers, and soft breezes. This mountain getaway offers an open and flowing floor plan with plenty of windows for natural light. A wood-burning fireplace on the main level offers a cozy spot to relax on cool mountain nights. The grassy, level backyard is the perfect place for children or pets to explore with plenty of space to add a fire pit area or a small garden. MLS# 94083.

UNDER CONTRACT

SAPPHIRE VILL AGE $185,000 Situated in the quaint Sapphire Village Community, this refreshed three-bedroom, two-bath home has been lovingly maintained and updated with brand new flooring, a new central HVAC system, new appliances, and fresh paint! The outdoor living areas on the multiple porches and decks are the ideal spots to enjoy the natural world around you. MLS# 93846.

SAPPHIRE $100,000 Situated in a quiet wooded setting, this executive townhome is conveniently located in the middle of Sapphire Valley, only a short walk from lovely Meadow Lake. Vaulted ceilings and a gas fireplace highlight the cozy living area, while the spacious covered and screened-in back deck encourage outdoor living amid the fresh mountain air. Offered fully furnished, this townhome is ready for you to start enjoying all that Sapphire has to offer immediately. MLS# 92453

LOTS & LAND

Sitting in the middle of this beautiful mountain lake, Bear Lake Heaven Island is truly a unique opportunity. Bear Lake is a pristine lake at 2,600 feet elevation located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. With 22 miles of shoreline, much of which is National Forest, Bear Lake is perfect for enjoying all the water sports or simply a slow evening cruise. No need to hop in a boat to reach this island, because there's a causeway for easy access to your property. The island has underground power, a 12 GPM well, an installed 12 bedroom septic system, high-speed internet, 2 large docks, and 1,500 feet of shoreline. Unlike most property on the lake, which requires a building set-back, your property line ends at the water's edge. Spectacular lake and mountain views in every direction. Three-fourths of the island has been cleared and leveled; a trail, wide enough for a vehicle, circles the perimeter of the island. The entire lake frontage has been fortified with a rock wall to prevent any erosion. The property could be subdivided, making it a great site for a lodge, or it could be the most private of estate sites. Having a helicopter is no problem with the easy approach and a great landing site. MLS# 94384. $2,950,000.

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BE A R L A K E H E AV E N I S L A N D N E W L Y

L I S T E D

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.

BR I DGE CR E E K Bridge Creek is a wonderful gated community only 4 miles from the Cashiers crossroads. Lot 59 is a big view lot with underground utilities, an easy build site and end of the road privacy. Common amenities include a chimney garden and fishing/swimming pond. No time limit for beginning to build. Wonderfully maintained community with easy year round access and close to both Cashiers and Highlands NC. MLS# 87144. $50,000. Bridge Creek is a wonderful gated community only 4 miles from the Cashiers crossroads. Lot 40 is a nearly level stream front lot with underground utilities and an easy build site. Common amenities include a chimney garden and fishing/swimming pond. No time limit for beginning to build. Wonderfully maintained community with easy year round access and close to both Cashiers and Highlands NC. MLS# 87141. $30,000. Beautiful lot in gated community. Long layered mountain views all the way to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Community has paved roads, impressive covered bridge entry, large community pond and chimney garden. Close to Cashiers and Highlands. Near Lake Glenville and all the water activities. MLS# 90944. $40,000.

BU R L I N G A M E NEWLY LISTED 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, leash-free 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.

LOTS & LAND

BIG R I DGE

C A SC A DE S AT CE DA R CR E E K NEWLY LISTED Extremely gentle and easy lot to build on in a beautiful community close to Lake Glenville. Lot has winter mountain views from the back side of the lot. This home site is a stone's throw from the private community clubhouse, Cedar Creek stream, playground and covered pavilion. The clubhouse is open to owners to use anytime, all year long, and is a nice gathering spot with a nice living area, full kitchen, pool table room, restroom facilities and a beautiful outdoor patio with grill and tables for dining outdoors with friends and family. Only about a 10 minute drive to Cashiers to do shopping, dine or enjoy shopping in many of our fine unique shoppes. Expired 3 bedroom septic permit on file. MLS# 94682. $24,500. Great lot with over an acre of land to build your vacation home! Pond frontage and overlooks the community clubhouse, park, playground and rushing Cedar Creek. The private clubhouse features a full kitchen, living area, pool table, fitness center, shower facilities and a beautiful outdoor grilling area with patio for entertaining. Short range mountain views may be possible with tree trimming. MLS# 88242. $18,000.

CE DA R H I L L

North facing lot with big mountain views. Gated community close to both Cashiers and Highlands. Impressive covered bridge at entrance. Community pond and chimney garden. MLS# 90945. $40,000. 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. $19,900. Affordable lot in a gated community convenient to both Cashiers and Highlands. Paved roads, beautiful covered bridge entrance, large pond and chimney garden. MLS# 90943. $20,000. Located in the quiet and low density gated neighborhood of Bridge Creek is this incredibly affordable lot. As you enter the community you'll notice the gorgeous rustic covered bridge that straddles Knob Creek as well as the serene feeling that comes with the area. Gentle building site and privacy of the surrounding woods make this lot perfect for someone looking to construct their mountain dream home in a fantastic community! Bridge Creek is an easy 10-minute drive to Cashiers' dining, shopping and more. MLS# 92624. $12,000.

43+ private acres in the Cedar Hill neighborhood offering four high elevation building sites with spectacular views. Property adjoins Conservation

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Easement held by Highlands Cashiers Land Trust, and backs up to the back side of High Hampton's Rock Mountain. A one-of-a-kind property with dramatic views and the comforts of a gated community with paved roads, water system and location close to town. MLS# 92959. $750,000. Beautiful long range views from the Summit in Cedar Hill. Views of Big Sheepcliff mountain and beyond. Convenient to both Cashiers and Sapphire amenities. MLS# 92773. $250,000.

dream home, Cedar Hill will not disappoint. Convenient to the heart of Cashiers and Sapphire. MLS# 94195. $175,000. NEWLY LISTED 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. MLS# 94003. $160,000. NEWLY LISTED 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. MLS# 94004. $145,000.

NEWLY LISTED 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. MLS# 94169. $140,000. Situated on a quiet street in the gated community of Cedar, located just minutes to Cashiers and Sapphire. The lot has a great view potential and is ideal for designing your dream mountain home and enjoy the cool summer temperatures. The community features a pavilion with stone fireplace along Rochester Creek, perfect for an afternoon picnic or hike. The community is very well maintained and welcomes residents to their mountain retreat. MLS# 91330. $120,000.

C E DA R C R E E K C L I F F S NEWLY LISTED 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 year-round 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.

CE DA R R I DGE E STAT E S NEWLY LISTED Exceptional mountain views including Big Sheepcliff Mountain 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

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Great views of Big Sheepcliff mountain from this elevated building site. Build your mountain dream home on this lot and start enjoying the cool summer temperatures found on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. This premium lot is priced to sell, so don't miss the opportunity to purchase this home site in the well-established Cedar Ridge Estates community. Located just minutes to Sapphire and Cashiers with all the amenities these two communities have to offer. MLS# 89686. $30,000.

of Lake Chattooga from the other. Owner has beautiful set of house plans, designed by Meyer-Greeson-Paullin-Benson out of Charlotte, NC, that includes an observation deck and an optional guest house. One of the premier lots in all of Chattooga Club-now priced to sell, so you can start enjoy luxury lake living in the mountains. MLS# 89283. $349,000.

CH I NQUA PI N

NEWLY LISTED 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 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 Rhododendrons and Mountain Laurels. Club membership by invitation only. MLS# 91502. $695,000. NEWLY LISTED Rushing water from Fowler Creek and waterfalls back up to this beautiful and gentle building site. Many mature hardwoods and other native plants including rhododendrons and mountain laurels - inside the gates of the prestigious Chattooga Club - one of the very few buildable lots still available! MLS# 94236. $395,000. NEWLY LISTED One of the few lots still available in this established, exclusive and gated community. Gentle building site with view potential. Many beautiful hardwoods and indigenous plants on property including rhododendron and mountain laurels. Membership to Chattooga Club by invitation. MLS# 94549. $385,000. NEWLY LISTED Pretty lot, 1.81 acres for your dream mountain home in the well-established exclusive and gated community of The Chattooga Club. Conveniently located only 2 miles from town. Many pretty hardwoods, rhododendron, mountain laurels and other indigenous trees and plants on the property. Lake Chattooga and Mac's View picnic area with outstanding views are owned by the Homeowners' Association. Membership to the Chattooga Club by invitation. MLS# 94551. $369,000. NEWLY LISTED A wooded lot inside the gates of the well-established gated community of The Chattooga Club. Many beautiful hardwoods, rhododendrons and mountain laurels and other indigenous plants. Easy building site. Only 2 miles from town. Private wells included in you POA fee. A great opportunity to build your dream mountain home in this exclusive neighborhood! Club membership by invitation only. MLS# 94550. $359,000. Enjoy the soothing sounds of splashing water, from this beautiful lake-front lot behind the gates of the prestigious Chattooga Club. This lot provides you the opportunity to site your dream home so you can enjoy the combination of seeing, and listening to, continuous water pouring over the dam in one directionâ&#x20AC;Śwhile enjoying a nice long view

NEWLY LISTED Enjoy approximately 400 feet of bold Robinson Creek frontage from this gently laying 3.46 acre lot. There's an abundance of natural flora covering the property including beautiful ferns, moss covered rocks, mountain laurel and rhododendrons. Privately located at the end of a circular cul-de-sac with an old logging road leading you right into the center of the property. Continue your journey onto just one of the many community hiking and waterfall trails that goes through the property down to the stream where the property line ends. Throw in a line and there's a good chance you will catch a native brook or rainbow trout, or both! Just across the stream you will see one of several Wilderness Cabins that are available for property owners and their guests to enjoy. Next to that Wilderness Cabin area is a large conservation property so you don't have to worry about anyone building behind this lot. There are about 13 different trails in Chinquapin, some for UTV/ATV's, hiking and mountain biking. 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! MLS# 93754. $150,000.

LOTS & LAND

T H E CH AT T O OG A CLU B

NEWLY PRICED Perched at an elevation of 4,000 plus feet, this gentle rolling, wooded and mountain view lot, surrounded by a stream, is part of the pristine preserve of Chinquapin just three miles from downtown Cashiers, North Carolina. A perfect building lot for families wanting to create lasting memories in an incredible natural setting in Western North Carolina. Walking trails and a stream surround this lot and the new owners can enjoy the amenities which include fishing, swimming and canoeing, to name a few. MLS# 93055. $140,000.

C OL D S P R I N G S UNDER CONTRACT Great lakefront lot in Cold Springs. Looking for a great lot on a small lake near Highlands and Cashiers, this is it. Build your dream home at over 3,500 feet elevation and spend time enjoying paddling or canoeing around the lake. Community amenities include a stable and pasture, if you have horses. Convenient to downtown Highlands and just around the corner from the Highlands/ Cashiers Hospital and medical facilities. For a change to a leisurely pace, this is the place to be. MLS# 93463. $189,000.

CROSS CR E E K PR E SE RV E Unique 2.68 acre lot with a BOLD stream and 2 waterfalls with mountain views backing up to the common area. Nearly level building site, underground utilities, community water, expired 3 bedroom septic permit. MLS# 87680. $199,900. 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 CASHIERS: 828 743 1999 with waterfall and a huge field and fire HIGHL ANDS: 828 526 2999 NCLIVING.COM

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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. $149,900.

CU L L A SAJA CLU B Build your dream home on these two lots being sold together within the upscale, gated community of the Cullasaja Club! Coming in at over two acres, these gently rolling adjacent properties boast gratifying potential for a build site that, with some trimming, could open up a beautiful view. Cullasaja Club combines luxury living and the ultimate in leisure for a true one-of-a-kind Western North Carolina community. At the heart of this exclusive gated enclave lies a par 72, 18-hole Arnold Palmer golf course, as well as a clubhouse with mixed grill & formal dining room. Cullasaja Club also boasts one hard surface & five lighted clay tennis courts, state-ofthe-art fully-staffed fitness and activity center, and canoeing, kayaking or fishing on fully-stocked Lake Ravenel. There aren't many of these opportunities left! MLS# 93358. $275,000.

FA L CON R I DGE UNDER CONTRACT Mountaintop acreage directly across the street from Panthertown Preserve at 4,300 feet elevation. Perfect for an estate or subdivide with views of Whiteside, Chimneytop, Rock, and Sheepcliff mountains. MLS# 93944. $300,000.

F I V E ST ON E UNDER CONTRACT This lot is a investor’s dream, an entire subdivision ready for completion! This 53 acre gated development features signature views of Whiteside and Chimneytop mountains. The entrance alone is grand with it’s own waterfall! The first 4 of the 18 lots have been sold, leaving the remaining 14 contiguous lots totaling 41 acres as a package deal. The lots can be sold individually or held as a private estate. MLS# 93943. $300,000.

GL E N R I DGE

mier lot located behind the gates of the Glenridge subdivision. At 4,300’ elevation, this lot offers cool temperatures and an easy flat build site and then drops off-assuring you will own this incredible view. A large circular driveway has already been cut in, off the paved road and septic system and water are already in place. The lot is more than 3 acres in size, ensuring that you will have privacy and elbow room around you. All that’s left to do, is grab an architect and builder to start creating your dream home in the mountains. The Glenridge community is a very short distance to the entrance to Panthertown Valley - a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. MLS# 90987. $189,000.

GL E N P OI N T E NEWLY LISTED This lakefront lot offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Glenville and the mountain range beyond. This lot faces north down the length of the lake and is a zero set-back lot, which allows you to build closer to the water. By comparison, most Lake Glenville lots have a 50 foot set-back. Located in the small, gated community of Glen Pointe, with only 14 homesites, it offers paved access, underground utilities and a tennis court. Although this subdivision is tucked away, it's still only 10 minutes into Cashiers. MLS# 94294. $395,000. Lake Glenville access lot with dedicated boat slip. No need to share when you have your own slip in community dock. Gated community with tennis court. Norton Creek Falls just a few yards away can be heard clearly. MLS# 81652. $75,000.

G L E N S HOR E NEWLY LISTED 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. $39.900.

GL E N V I E W Exceptional year round lake and mountain view lots with paved access and community water. Three well-priced lots to choose from, so cherry-pick the best one! Expired septic evaluations on file. Easy 15 minute drive to Cashiers. MLS# 87042, 87043 and 87044. $50,000 each.

G OL F C L U B E S TAT E S NEWLY LISTED 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.

HO G B AC K C R E E K E S TAT E Incredible panoramic, long-range mountain vistas from this pre-

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NEWLY LISTED 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

HOL LY F OR E ST NEWLY PRICED Unbelievable long range views from this fantastic building site in Holly Forest XIV. Community features include paved roads, underground utilities with public water and sewer available at road. Southwesterly views from this lot sitting at 3,800 ft. elevation. Enjoy the panoramic vistas of Chimneytop Mountain and Rocky Mountain. MLS# 88095. $90,000. Affordable building lot with long and short range southeasterly mountain views! This nearly level home site sits at approximately 3,660 ft. elevation in the popular neighborhood of Eagle Ridge. The minimum square footage building requirement is only 1,300 heated square feet and water and sewer is readily available to the lot. Located near the Sapphire National Golf Club and Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company. Ownership comes with Sapphire Valley Resort amenities including golf, tennis, fitness center, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, carpet golf, park/playground and Lake Fairfield access where you can rent canoes and paddle boats, kayak, enjoy the trail around the lake or have a picnic at the covered pavilion. MLS# 93229. $25,000. NEWLY LISTED Great location to build a mountain home...right in the heart of Sapphire Valley! Just a golf cart ride away from the Sapphire National Golf Course & The Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company & Restaurant. This unique lot has frontage from Buckberry Drive and Mayapple Drive. The ideal location to put in a driveway would be from the front left side of the lot, near the small stream, that would lead up into the perfect home with lots of privacy. Close to the main highway, yet not close enough for road noise to be an issue. Ownership comes with Sapphire Valley Resort amenities including Red Bird Golf Links 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, fitness center, playground/track, ski/tubing hill and deeded Lake Fairfield access where owners can rent canoes, paddle boats, swim, use the pavilion or walk the 3 mile trail around the lake. MLS# 94259. $22,500. Nice gentle lot with over an acre of land and year-round mountain view potential! This property has a long private driveway already roughed in so it’s easy to see where the best home site would be. Both lots on each side already have homes built on them so privacy won’t be an issue. Expired 4 bedroom septic permit on file. MLS# 88273. $20,000. NEWLY LISTED Beautiful and nearly level setting to build a mountain home! Ferns galore and easy to walk and visualize living in this quiet wooded setting. Existing homes on this street are gorgeous and have very nice landscaped yards. Property backs up to a Holly Forest green space buffer. Ownership comes with Sapphire Valley Resort amenities including golf, tennis, fitness center, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, track/playground and deeded access to Lake Fairfield where owners can swim, BBQ at the pavilion, rent boats/paddle boats and hike the 3 miles trail around the lake. Priced to sell! MLS# 93920. $18,000. Tucked away in the hills of Sapphire Valley in the quaint community of Holly Forest is this gentle and very affordable lot with great building potential. As you explore the lot you'll find an abundance of natural flora and a peaceful atmosphere, one that's only found in the gorgeous mountains of Western North Carolina! This lot has fantastic potential for you to construct your very own mountain home, and is priced to sell. The community of Holly Forest is close to town and features Sapphire Valley amenities - a fitness center, indoor and outdoor

pools, skiing, tennis, golf, lakes, and more! MLS# 93278. $15,000. NEWLY LISTED Peaceful streamfront lot with gentle building site. Partially cleared so it's easy to see the potential home site. Conveniently located close to Highway 64 East for easy access but with no road noise! Walking distance to the Holly Forest common area on Hogback Lake where owners can enjoy fishing, swimming or canoeing from the dock. Community has paved roads and underground utilities. Expired septic permit on file. The minimum square footage requirement is 1,350 total heated square feet and there is no time limit to begin building. This lot backs up to a portion of the 106+ acre Holly Forest green space for added privacy. Sapphire Valley amenities include golf, tennis, fitness center, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, track/playground and deeded access to Lake Fairfield. MLS# 93784. $10,000.

LOTS & LAND

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. $80,000.

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. Great lot to build your mountain home on or simply use as an amenity lot for the Sapphire Valley Master Association. Gentle building site with expired three bedroom septic evaluation. Bring ALL offers! $2,750. MLS# 92962.

L AU R E L FA L L 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 building 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# 89652. $230,000. Over 7 acres of land to enjoy at 4,100+ ft. elevation! Long range mountain views and short ridge views from this northerly facing lot. A gorgeous property that is truly unique and offers a ton of sprawling level acreage. 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 building requirement making it the perfect spot to build a mountain CASHIERS: 828 743 1999 cabin. An adjacent 8.66 acre lot is also available for purchase so buy both for HIGHL ANDS: 828 526 2999 N C L I V I N G . C O M 225

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a discount and own over 15 acres. This acreage backs up to Chinquapin property for added privacy. MLS# 89645. $125,000. Over 8.5 acres of land to enjoy at 4,100+ ft. elevation! Short range mountain views, and possibly some long range views, from this north westerly facing lot. A gently laying lot with a trail leading to the partially cleared house site. There is currently a shared driveway roughed in but buyer may put in their own driveway if they wish. Lots of options with this property. 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 building requirement making it the perfect spot to build a mountain cabin. An adjacent 7.23 acre lot is also available for purchase so buy both for a discount and own over 15 acres. This land backs up to Chinquapin property for added privacy. MLS# 89644. $115,000.

PI L O T S K NOB UNDER CONTRACT Seldom do you find a flat mountain lot with huge views. In addition, it is above 4,000 feet in elevation, so you will have cool summers and a pleasant breeze. This lot is an easy build where you would have very little foundation expense. Yet at the edge of the lot, the elevation takes a drastic plunge, opening up miles and miles of views. View is all the way to the Great Smokies and Blue Ridge Parkway. Community water, gated, paved community roads. This lot will take your breath away. MLS# 93505. $94,900. The communities finest big view lots handpicked for ease of build and their incalculable long range views! Pilots Knob is a hot and new 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, developer owned spec builds and privately owned custom 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 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! MLS# 92364. $89,900. The communities' finest big view lots handpicked for ease of build and their incalculable long range views! Pilots Knob is a hot and new 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, developer owned spec builds and privately owned custom 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 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. MLS# 92362. $86,000. This gently sloping, easy build site is ready for your dream home to be built upon it. This lot, located on Beechfern Drive, is perched within the quiet, gated community aptly named Pilots Knob. Enter through the beautiful gates of Pilots Knob and you'll find a true sense of peace

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in the mountains. The community itself is situated at an elevation of over 3,500 ft, offers paved access and roads throughout, a common pond area as well as a beautiful green space with a fire-pit perfect for family picnics while taking in the truly awe inspiring long range mountain views. Reasonably priced annual fees and close proximity to Lake Glenville and everything Cashiers has to offer are just a few of many additional bonuses that are at your disposal. MLS# 93162. $35,000. Fantastic building lot in the desirable neighborhood of Pilots Knob! Truly a hidden gem of a community where owners enjoy beautiful majestic long range mountain views and quaint Christmas tree farms as they drive through the area. Community features a pond and fire pit common area. Pilots Knob is paved throughout and has an inviting gated entrance with a pretty waterfall feature. This particular lot has a very gentle building site with easy driveway access and large rock outcroppings for built-in landscaping features. Winter mountain long range views with possibility of more year-round views with tree trimming. Low POA fees and underground utilities make this a great place to build your mountain escape at 4,000+ feet elevation! MLS# 85489. $25,000.

S A SS A F R A S R I DGE 24.31 acre tract in gated Sassafras Ridge. Boasting 2 or 3 gentle home sites, short mountain views and waterfall. A fabulous place to call home, and wonderful location for a family estate! Convenient to shopping, restaurants and all things mountain. MLS# 92775. $500,000. An idyllic setting for a family estate! This luxurious parcel is rich with indigenous plantings and wildlife galore. Sassafras Ridge is a newer development that features larger estate-sized parcels, underground utilities and is gated for privacy. Very conveniently located for shopping, restaurants and Cashiers and Highlands for events. MLS# 92776. $300,000. Exceptional view lot high above Sapphire Valley in the gated community of Sassafras Ridge. This high elevation lot is perfect for enjoying cool summer breezes and panoramic mountain views. MLS# 90868. $115,000.

SH E E P CL I F F WOODS UNDER CONTRACT Only 1 mile from the center of downtown Cashiers to this property-very easy building envelope, to keep your foundation costs minimized. Sitting at 3600â&#x20AC;&#x2122; elevation, this lot has a view of the famed Whiteside Mountain. Community water in place and an expired 3 BR septic permit in hand, that could likely be improved-given the size of the lot. MLS# 87480. $49,900.

S I LV E R S L I P FA L L S A great opportunity to own a very nice, gentle building site in gated Silver Slip Falls. This 1.69 acres fronts the Chattooga River and will provide sights and sounds from the flowing water to be enjoyed by all your family and friends! Private, quiet and a scant, convenient .9 miles to Cashiers' shopping, restaurants and events. Pick the site for your home from a couple of easy build spots. Silver Slip offers paved access and stocked pond for water fun. This could be the place for your dream home. MLS# 92787. $195,000. NEWLY LISTED Excellent location off the popular Highlands-Cashiers corridor, only 1.5 miles from Cashiers! Large 1.72 acre lot that has a very gentle topography for an easy and less expensive build. Silver Slip Falls features a 5 acre community lake stocked with trout, a gated entrance, paved roads and low property owner fees that also include water usage. Situated at 3,500 elevation with only a 1,500 square foot minimum building require-

SI M S VA L L E Y 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. NEWLY LISTED 1.18 acre building site in Sims Valley community in Big Ridge! The property features mature hardwoods and indigenous shrubs and plants. Mountain Views possible with selective tree trimming as approved by the POA. A gentle slope just may provide the perfect topography for a one or two story home with walkout basement! This very private and quiet, community is gated for additional security and privacy, and offers a clubhouse with pool, pavilion, pond and hiking galore! The challenge is over for locating an affordable piece of property on which to build your mountain dream home that includes quality amenities, and is convenient to Lake Glenville, Cashiers and Highlands for activities like restaurants, shopping, events and lake fun! Don't wait too long...you deserve it! MLS# 93701. $20,000.

boat launch ramp, sandy beach, picnic shelter with fireplace and tennis court. Well managed gated community with wide paved roads and friendly neighbors. MLS# 93897. $199,000.

TA H A L A S HOR E S UNDER CONTRACT Wonderful and inexpensive Lake Glenville lake front lot. Access from either Strawberry Hill or Woods Mountain. Shared well and driveway. Faces east with a septic already installed. MLS# 93172. $250,000.

LOTS & LAND

ment. Owners enjoy being so close to numerous restaurants, boutiques, craft fairs, festivals and more! MLS# 93942. $85,000.

WA DE H A M P T ON 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. $85,000.

WAT E R DA N C E

ST ON ECR E E K E STAT E S Lots 15, 32, and 36 in Stone Creek Estates with public water and sewer available. Conveniently located behind the gates at The Country Club of Sapphire Valley. A short walk or golf cart ride to the amenities of Sapphire Valley including golf, tennis, indoor/outdoor pools, fitness center, ski slope, zip lines and more. Membership to The Country Club of Sapphire Valley is by invitation only. $59,000. MLS# 93049. Lots can also be purchased individually.

ST ON E P OI N T E UNDER CONTRACT Nestled on the western shores of Lake Glenville, this 1+ acre lot is ready for your lakefront home. The home site features: driveway, potable and non-potable water lines, and underground power. The house site is cleared and a large dock is in place. Come see and imagine yourself on this beautiful piece of mountain waterfront property. MLS# 84508. $425,000.

SU M M E R H I L L UNDER CONTRACT This property has huge views of Lake Glenville and many mountain ranges, all the way to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The community has a fantastic lake front community lot with marina and picnic shelter. Lake Glenville is the highest major lake in the eastern US with numerous water related activities to keep you busy. The community access has plenty of parking and the lake here has a white sand beach and very gradual slope, perfect for swimming. In addition, the Summer Hill community is only about 15 minutes from Cashiers and 25 minutes from Highlands. Therefore, easy access to shopping and restaurants. Enjoy the best of views and lake living, all rolled into one! $290,000. MLS# 92972. Almost 3 acre lot in Summer Hill, a premier Lake Glenville community. Driveway partially in. Big lake and mountain view. Community dock,

Located in the scenic Waterdance gated community is this great 1.76 acre riverfront lot! The lot has a roughed in road leading directly to the potential building site, which is just steps away from the rushing Tuckasegee River. Whether you are an avid angler, or simply looking for the perfect place to construct your riverfront dream home, this lot is sure to please. There is an expired three bedroom septic permit on file (no septic tank installed yet) and community water is readily available. The community itself features paved roads, covered bridge, gated access, and gorgeous water features such as the waterfall that is up the road from this lot. Don't miss your chance to snag this lot, owner financing is also available! MLS# 93295. $123,000.

W H I SPE R L A K E NEWLY PRICED Just around the corner from the Whisper Lake common area, this home site is the perfect setting to build a mountain getaway! 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. MLS# 88503. $20,000. CASHIERS: 828 743 1999 HIGHL ANDS: 828 526 2999 N C L I V I N G . C O M 227

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COMME RCIAL SAPPHIRE $949,000

SAPPHIRE $500,000

SAPPHIRE $275,000

C A

CASHIERS $225,000

Let your imagination run wild in this spacious-almost 12,000 sf building. No restrictions on the property. Currently being leased by Wyndham/Diamond Resorts. Would make for a great office building, restaurant, retail space or even employee housing. CWS sewer and water in place, and has capacity to expand current # bathrooms in building. Property is almost two acres and has a total of 70 parking spaces. MLS# 85231. Prime retail/office location with frontage along Highway 64 West, located just east of the Cashier's crossroads. Own your space which located on the ground level in Laurel Terrace and suitable for both retail or office. Currently used as an owner/user space. MLS# 92608.

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Stunning and picturesque level property on Highway 64 in Sapphire Valley located across the street from Lonesome Valley entrance. The rear of the property is bordered by the Horsepasture River with cascading waterfalls and rapids. This property is suited for a variety of development opportunities including multi-family, restaurant, RV resort, or a host of other commercial uses. MLS# 93236.

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.

A FEW OF OUR RECENT SALES 100 STILLHOUSE LANE

644 DEER RUN ROAD

89 TALL HICKORY RIDGE DRIVE

SOLD SOLD SOLD BUYER & SELLER’S AGENT

$599,000

364 GRISTMILL RIDGE

BUYER & SELLER’S AGENT

$589,000

135 OLD WAGON TRAIL

BUYER & SELLER’S AGENT

$975,000

1830 BLACK OAK DRIVE

SOLD SOLD SOLD BUYER & SELLER’S AGENT

$750,000

6 ROCK LEDGE ROAD

SELLER’S AGENT

$1,450,000

182 LAMB'S WAY

BUYER & SELLER’S AGENT

$259,000

6593 HIGHWAY 107 SOUTH

SOLD SOLD SOLD BUYER & SELLER’S AGENT

$349,000

BUYER & SELLER’S AGENT $1,400,000

BUYER & SELLER’S AGENT

$140,000 229

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A FEW OF OUR RECENT SALES 144 WEEDWACKER WAY

252 AUDUBON TRAIL

363 EAGLE RIDGE ROAD

SOLD SOLD SOLD SELLER’S AGENT

$299,900

60 WATCH HILL LANE

SELLER’S AGENT

$799,000

690 HARE HOLLOW ROAD

194 STREAMSIDE DRIVE

SOLD SOLD SELLER’S AGENT

$385,000

290 CARIBOU MOUNTAIN ROAD

SELLER’S AGENT

BUYER & SELLER’S AGENT $250,000

$1,250,000

132 STILLWATER ROAD

SOLD BUYER & SELLER’S AGENT

$1,450,000

1893 TWIN LAKES DRIVE

SOLD SOLD SOLD BUYER & SELLER’S AGENT

$325,000

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SELLER’S AGENT

$895,000

BUYER & SELLER’S AGENT

$400,000

A FEW OF OUR RECENT SALES 161 TIMOSHAW TRAIL

435-2C OVERLOOK ROAD

140 SASSAFRAS

SOLD SOLD SOLD SELLER’S AGENT

$79,000

167 STONECREEK CROSSING

SELLER’S AGENT

$249,000

103 OLD FORESTER TRAIL

SELLER’S AGENT

$3,000,000

519 ROUND HILL ROAD

SOLD SOLD SOLD BUYER & SELLER’S AGENT

$525,000

383 TRAY'S ISLAND ROAD

SELLER’S AGENT

$889,000

2374 WEST CHRISTY TRAIL

SELLER’S AGENT

$525,000

954 SPRING FOREST ROAD

SOLD SOLD SOLD SELLER’S AGENT

$529,999

SELLER’S AGENT

$312,500

BUYER & SELLER’S AGENT $1,195,000 231 O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

A FEW OF OUR RECENT SALES 158 LONG LAKE TRAIL

4307 HIGHWAY 64 W

173-A SPRINGHOUSE DRIVE

SOLD SOLD SOLD SELLER’S AGENT

$1,500,000

59 SPRINGHOUSE DRIVE

BUYER & SELLER’S AGENT

$575,000

$559,000

151 CART PATH

SELLER’S AGENT

$669,000

353 SILVER RUN ROAD

114-1837 RIVER RUN ROAD

SOLD SOLD SELLER’S AGENT

SELLER’S AGENT

$225,000

173-B SPRINGHOUSE DRIVE

SOLD SELLER’S AGENT

$275,000

74 WILDBERRY LANE

SOLD SOLD SOLD SELLER’S AGENT

$450,000

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TRILLIUM LINKS

$559,000

BUYER & SELLER’S AGENT $1,300,000

A FEW OF OUR RECENT SALES 341 TRILLIUM COURT

185 WOODS SUMMIT LANE

166 LAUREL CREEK LANE

SOLD SOLD SOLD SELLER’S AGENT

$649,000

2085 GREAT FALLS DRIVE

SELLER’S AGENT

$799,000

23 LOCUST LANE

SELLER’S AGENT

$550,000

306 FALLS COVE ROAD

SOLD SOLD SOLD SELLER’S AGENT

$449,000

30 IVY ROSE LANE

SELLER’S AGENT

$330,000

1533 FLAT MOUNTAIN ROAD

BUYER & SELLER’S AGENT

$645,000

20 BEAVER BRIDGE ROAD

SOLD SOLD SOLD SELLER’S AGENT

$424,900

SELLER’S AGENT

$369,000

BUYER & SELLER’S AGENT

$285,000 233

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A FEW OF OUR LISTINGS UNDER CONTRACT 741 BURL LANE

1065 HIGH MOUNTAIN DRIVE

UNDER

CONTRAC T MOUNTAINTOP GOLF

$3,600,000

541 SUMMER HILL ROAD

CONTRAC T $2,695,000

82 SCOTCH HIGHLANDS LOOP

CONTRAC T MOUNTAINTOP GOLF

$3,250,000

UNDER

CONTRAC T WHITEWATER RIDGE

CONTRAC T $1,450,000

$1,750,000

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CONTRAC T THE CHATTOOGA CLUB

$3,250,000

UNDER

CONTRAC T BIG RIDGE

$1,495,000

162 TIMBER TRAIL

UNDER

CONTRAC T BIG SHEEPCLIFF

UNDER

6370 BIG RIDGE ROAD

25 RAMBOUILLET ROAD

UNDER

SAPPHIRE

UNDER

917 WHITEWATER RIDGE ROAD

UNDER

SUMMER HILL

228 GORGE TRAIL

$1,395,000

UNDER

CONTRAC T ROUND HILL ESTATES

$1,297,000

A FEW OF OUR LISTINGS PENDING TRANSACTIONS

PENDING BALD ROCK

$2,375,000

PENDING CEDAR HILL

$899,000

PENDING

SCHOOLHOUSE COTTAGES $790,000

SUMMER HILL

30 WOODHILL LANE

37 & 51 BONITA ROAD

PENDING $439,000

$499,000

CEDAR RIDGE ESTATES

$835,000

PENDING TURKEY KNOB

$475,000

175 HAWKS NEST LANE

PENDING HIGHLANDS

PENDING

134 SKYVIEW TRAIL

306 WILDBERRY LANE

78 OLD WILLOW CIRCLE

TRILLIUM LINKS

228 LOWER RIDGE ROAD

199 WEST ROCHESTER DRIVE

1053 BALD ROCK DRIVE EAST

$325,000

PENDING HIGHLANDS

$89,000 235

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

ARE ARE YOU YOU READY READY TO TO SELL? SELL? HEREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOW

C O N TA C T U S TO D AY

NCLIVING.COM REAL ESTATE GROUP 236 O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

CASHIERS 828-743-1999

HIGHLANDS 828-526-2999

EXCEPTIONAL MARKETING DELIVERING RESULTS SELL YOUR HOME FASTER AND FOR A BETTER PRICE

OVER 95,000 MAILED NC Living Magazine encompasses the lifestyle of our beloved Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Your property will be featured in each issue and an average of 95,000 copies are sent to subscribers each year both digitally and in print.

#5 IN THE COUNTRY Your property will also be featured on our website, which was ranked fifth in REAL Trendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rankings of top brokerage websites in the country.

95% MORE LIKELY Studies have shown that 3D virtual tours make potential buyers 95% more likely to call about a property.*

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237 2020 | T H EL AU R EL M AG A ZI N E .CO M

Between two North Carolina mountain ridges lies an expansive grassy meadow. Silver Run Creek winds along the middle, sparkling in the sunshine. This is Silver Run Reserve. A community that more than surrounds you with peace and beauty, it fills you up. Here you are free to roam and run… to hike and play… to seize the day and savor the moment. Here at Silver Run Reserve, you’re free to be.

EXPERIENCE C ASUAL MOUNTAIN LUXURY

828.342.3194

SilverRunReserve.com

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

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

SILVER RUN RESERVE MOUNTAIN MODERN COT TAGE $1,450,000

4 BR / 4.5 BA

A Meyer-Greeson-Paulin Benson designed home with 3,010

heated sq. ft. and ~650 sq. ft. of screened porch, featuring a floor plan with two master bedrooms on the main floor and two additional bedrooms on the second floor.

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

LIZ HARRIS, GUILDâ&#x201E;¢ C

828.342.3194

| OWNER / BROKER LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

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

YOU CAN CO N SI D ER T HE PA ST, A NT I CI PAT E T HE EXT R A OR D I NA RY ...

242

and still be amazed.

CASHIERS.COM

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

828.743.3411

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

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

COLEEN GOTTLOEB Broker-In-Charge KARA ADDY Marketing Director SANDY BARROW Broker Associate

JOHN BARROW Broker Associate / Rental Coordinator WAYNE MONDAY Broker Associate PHILIP BRADLEY Broker Associate

MAGGIE ELMER Broker Associate JOANNE BRYSON Broker Associate PAUL COLLINS Broker Associate

LOGAN CROCKER Broker Associate CLAY CANTLER Broker Associate KARALINE SHOMAKER Marketing Coordinator

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

619 HWY 107 S

CASHIERS, NC 28717

828.743.3411

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

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

ETHYL’S COVE 239 ACRES — This splendid, 239-acre tract of land with Lake Glenville frontage and dock includes a charming updated cottage, perched to see miles and miles of mountains. The farm includes a barn, fenced pasture, flower and vegetable gardens, an antique fireplace used as a “fire pit,” a spring-fed pond and even a gregarious waterfall. Old logging roads lace through the property and have been kept up for easy mule, horse or hiking access. This amazing property

OFFERED FOR $6,950,000 offers so many opportunities—a private estate, development or corporate retreat. The quality and amount of beautiful rolling land, easy access, pristine surface water and Lake Glenville frontage sets this premiere property apart from all others, and offers so many opportunities. It adjoins another McKee Properties listing, MLS 92219, which could add an additional 78+ acres. MLS 93779

BETH TOWNSEND, GUILD™ C

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

828.421.6193

BETH@CASHIERS.COM

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB 4 BR / 4.5 BA — A MCKEE DEVELOPMENT: This elegant mountain home located on a quiet cul-de-sac in Wade Hampton is full of charm. It offers excellent views of the club’s 13th golf hole and a peek at Whiteside Mountain. The arched, dry stacked stone entry opens into a pretty foyer that leads to a beautiful great room. The dry stacked stone fireplace, reclaimed-timber beams and a wall of French doors that access the covered porch make this a stunning great room. The large, lovely kitchen features elegant off-white cabinets and hand plaster finish on the walls. The intimate dining room includes a fireplace and

OFFERED FOR $2,185,000 French doors that open onto the covered deck. The master bedroom suite is on the main level with spacious classic appointments; three beautiful guest suites are upstairs. The lower level offers space and roughed-in systems for an additional family room, game room and bedroom suites — should one wish to add those. The estate lot is 0.78 acres of gentle land that adjoins the golf course. A two-car carport and lovely perennial low-maintenance landscaping complete this beautiful home. MLS 93182

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

828.342.3194

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

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

RED WING ESTATE

$1,695,000

5 BR / 4 BA / 2 HBA — Behind the private gate and up a long, winding driveway, the majestic Red Wing Estate is perched on a gentle knoll with views of mountains and a private waterfall. The home has been updated substantially by the current owner, including a new kitchen, laundry, bar, sun room, bathroom addition, freshly painted interiors, lighting, fire pit and reconfigured deck and steps. MLS 93767

WHITESIDE WOODS

$587,500

3 BR / 3.5 BA — This charming log home is perched above a private lake in the desirable Whiteside Cove area. Within walking distance of thousands of acres of U.S. Forest Service land, and in the heart of the Chattooga River headwaters, this sanctuary was tailor-made for those looking for tranquility and an outdoor lifestyle. The cabin itself is full of character, sporting artful detailing such as an arched wooden front door, gable-set stained glass windows, hand selected wood railings from the forest, a curated antique powder room vanity, and more. MLS 94176

UNDER CONTRACT

BETH TOWNSEND, GUILD™ C

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

828.421.6193

BETH@CASHIERS.COM

THE DIVIDE AT BALD ROCK 3 BR / 3.5 BA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; This is a handsome Equestrian Estate located in a convenient location near the entrance to the community and close to golfing, dining and the beautiful mountain town of Cashiers, NC. A 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath mission-style mountain lodge with approximately 4,745 heated sq. ft., it is nestled in 6.55 nearly-level acres overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. Built in 2006, it features rough log beams with soaring tongueand-groove ceilings and a stacked stone floor-to-ceiling fireplace. A threestall custom, top-of-the-line barn with pastures, an arena and electrobraid

LIZ HARRIS MAGGIE ELMER

| |

828.342.3194

803.493.5734

OFFERED FOR $1,491,000 fencing comes with unfinished guest space above it with roughed in plumbing and electric. An elevation above 4,000 feet, a location adjoining National Forest and endless riding and hiking trails make this an outdoor and an equestrian loverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise! The community and property boarders Panthertown National Forest, providing endless trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking. The Bald Rock community attracts horse owners, outdoor lovers, golfers and anyone who enjoys the beauty and cool temperatures of the Cashiers-Highlands mountains. MLS 90104

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

BRIGHT MOUNTAIN

$1,250,000

6 BR / 4.5 BA — If you are looking for a compound on the lake with two

houses, this is your chance. Enjoy lake front living close to town! This gentle, sloping property sits alongside the Lake Glenville shoreline in Norton Cove, where Norton Falls can be heard echoing across the lake. This property is being sold with MLS 93268. MLS 93267

BRIGHT MOUNTAIN

$615,000

4 BR / 2 BA — This quintessential lake cottage is situated on the shoreline

of Lake Glenville in the Norton Cove. It includes rights to a commonly-owned dock. The large open deck is perfect for entertaining friends, family and guests. This home has been very well maintained and is “move in ready.” The adjacent property is also for sale. MLS 93268

619 HWY 107 S 248 O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

828.743.3411

CASHIERS, NC 28717

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

BLUE VALLEY FALLS 11 ACRES — Everyone is looking for that “special place” in the mountains. Well, this is it. This 11-acre property in Highlands, NC has a long-range view of the mountains and the Nantahala National Forest. The entire Southern border of this property is adjacent to the National Forest. Located five minutes from downtown, these three lots give you an abundance of privacy to build your dream mountain getaway or room to grow your own compound for family and friends. The mostly-level building lot has been cleared, and septic for a five bedroom home is installed. The other two lots have expired septic permits for which you could reapply. As

OFFERED FOR $1,125,000 you enter the beautiful neighborhood of Blue Valley Falls, you immediately come to the gated entrance of your home. The driveway is surrounded by lush, green laurel and great hardwoods. As you park in front of where your home will be, you can spot a path of stone steps that descend into the woods. Following this path to the right and down the hill brings you to the “hobbit house,” a fairytale of a picnic gazebo overhanging a rushing stream of water. The stone gazebo with a cedar shake shingle roof has a fireplace and picnic area. Waterfalls above and below give an almost deafening sound of water. Come to this space to BE with nature. MLS 93557

PHILIP BRADLEY C

843.224.5592

PHILIP@CASHIERS.COM

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

CULLASA JA CLUB 4 BR / 3 BA — This family home located in the beautiful Cullasaja Club boasts stunning, dramatic views of Whiteside Mountain. Its floorto-ceiling window wall in the great room and hip architectural style give this home a bright, charming treehouse vibe with just enough modern. Located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, yet close to all of the amenities of Cullasaja Club, its location is very convenient and private. The bright, open great room, kitchen and dining floor plan welcomes family and guests and flows out to a large deck and the home’s stunning Whiteside Mountain views. The master suite is on the main level, two

OFFERED FOR $1,100,000 guest bedrooms and a bathroom are located upstairs, and a fourth guest bedroom and bath is downstairs. The lower level also offers a family room with a fireplace, covered decks and an extra storage area or game room. Cullasaja Club features a wide variety of amenities, including an Arnold Palmer golf course, an elegant clubhouse with several dining venues, an outdoor pool, a fitness center with a weight room, an aerobic room, a classroom, tennis courts, a croquet lawn, a private fishing/canoeing lake and much more! Membership is available upon approval. MLS 93127

LIZ HARRIS, GUILD™ C

250 O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0 | 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

SAPPHIRE SANCTUARY

$1,200,000

67+ ACRES — This stunning property is bisected by Little Hogback Creek and aptly named The Sanctuary. Enjoy beautiful mountain views while listening to the sound of rushing waters from the numerous small waterfalls located throughout the property. A picturesque cabin with a kitchen and bath overlooks the creek. Adjacent to the cabin are several open-air bunk shelters and large decks. Also on the property are picnic pavilions, platforms and a large woodshed. Well-maintained roads and trails allow easy access to different parts of the property. MLS 91238

WILDWOOD MOUNTAIN

$540,000

3 BR / 3BA — Curb appeal abounds as you drive into the circular driveway of this charming home. The home’s spacious great room has a vaulted ceiling with floor-to-ceiling windows and a stone woodburning fireplace with a gas starter. Large sliding glass doors open onto the inviting outdoor deck. MLS 92626

HIGHL ANDS MOUNTAIN CLUB

$260,000

2 BR / 2 BA — This handsome unit has a master bedroom with

a spacious walk-in closet located on one side of the living area, with the guest room on the other. Through the sliding doors in the master is a covered outdoor porch. Hardwood floors are found throughout this downstairs unit. Central heat and air have also been added. MLS 94142

UNDER CONTRACT

PRICE REDUCED

SANDY BARROW & JOHN BARROW C

478.737.9664

828.506.9356

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

CEDAR CREEK – BREEDLOVE 3 BR / 3 BA / 3 HBA — Old world charm with big mountain views! Located on 23+ acres with a stream, waterfall and pond — as well as a barn/stable with fenced in pasture land for livestock — this private retreat is protected by a Conservation Easement which also protects the hardwood forest, flora and fauna that makes the setting magnificent. The home is of Old England “tithe barn” style. All of the timber is from the property and was built by an artisan craftsman. Handmade wooden pegs were used in place of nails to support the beams and trusses. The kitchen is designed for people who love to cook, and it overlooks a large

OFFERED FOR $997,000 great room which features a floor to 20-foot vaulted ceiling fireplace. Another fireplace is located in the master bedroom, which is on the main floor and features timber logs and chinking walls. The downstairs is spacious, with a room that could be used for a sundry of types. If you want a unique home with privacy and a lot to offer, this is it. Located just 12 to 15 minutes from Downtown Cashiers, this property is a one of a kind opportunity that doesn’t come along often. A new roof was added to the home in Spring 2020. MLS 93425

619 HWY 107 S 252 O C TO B E R 2 0 2 0 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M

828.743.3411

CASHIERS, NC 28717

MCKEEPROPERTIES.COM

IN-TOWN CASHIERS

$1,000,000

47.69 ACRES — This property is perfect for either garden homes or a family estate. It boasts tremendous development potential, with frontage along Highway 64 approximately one mile from the Cashiers crossroads. This would make a great In-Town Development! MLS 93633

BIG RIDGE ROAD

$850,000

46+ ACRES — Big View Land! This is a large tract with a 10-year lease — now in its fifth year — to a Christmas tree grower/farmer, giving income to the Buyer for the remainder of lease. If the Buyer desires to cut out a site for a personal home during this time, then the Buyer would pay the grower/farmer for the loss of trees for home site. MLS 94206

UNDER CONTRACT

WHISPER LAKE

$629,000

L AUREL FALLS

$595,000

3 BR / 3 BA — Located in a private setting with a stream and a

4 BR / 3 BA — This home shows like a brand new model home.

mountain view, this home is clean, in great shape and looks as though it has not been occupied. It offers an open floor plan with a stacked stone fireplace in the living room, an eat-in kitchen, and all the upgrades. The large, back deck features an impressive mountain view. MLS 92558

There is an upstairs loft that can be used for an office or a TV room. The main floor has an updated kitchen and dining area. The family room has a fireplace and you can look out the sliding doors to see the mountains and waterfall. MLS 94350

UNDER CONTRACT

WAYNE MONDAY C

828.508.8661

WAYNE@CASHIERS.COM

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

LEAWOOD

$945,000

4 BR / 4.5 BA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Heart stopping views of Lake Glenville! This majestic mountain home is built to impress with a rare sunset facing view over the lake. Designed and built by local architect Greg Hall, this custom contemporary home was built specifically for this property. It is a unique home that maximizes views and privacy. With 4 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, this house will accommodate a large group of people, be it family or friends. Two outdoor living porches are screened in and offer additional living space for entertaining. MLS 91234

HIGH HEMLOCK

$215,000

3.76 ACRES â&#x20AC;&#x201D; This is an absolutely beautiful home site that is a hidden

mountain gem! The 3.76 acre lot in High Hemlock has a view of Double Knob mountain. The lush wooded landscape of large hardwoods and mountain laurel is the perfect backdrop for someone to build their dream mountain home. This lot also shares a small pond with adjacent property owner. MLS 94059

PHILIP BRADLEY C

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

843.224.5592

PHILIP@CASHIERS.COM

MOUNTAINTOP GOLF AND LAKE CLUB / MLS 89860

LOTS & LAND LOT

ACRES

DESCRIPTION

MLS

N/A

7.00

Commercial development land in center of town

93464

CASHIERS

$1,050,000

E-158

1.30

One of the best view lots in Mountaintop

89860

MOUNTAINTOP GOLF AND LAKE CLUB

$ 615,000

E-5

0.58

Great views of Whiteside Mountain

90630

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB

$ 475,000

104

0.78

Gentle estate lot with mountain views possible

90107

MOUNTAINTOP GOLF AND LAKE CLUB

$ 475,000

103

0.52

Opportunity to combine with lot 104 (above)

90106

MOUNTAINTOP GOLF AND LAKE CLUB

$ 395,000

B-6

0.51

Flat lot, walking distance to clubhouse

93159

CHATTOOGA CLUB

$ 325,000

4.83

Gentle lot with great view

91728

CROSS CREEK PRESERVE

$ 250,000

LT-7

2.86

Small stream running through lot

93091

CROSS CREEK PRESERVE

$ 175,000

E-26

0.72

Located near the clubhouse and pro shop

90109

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB

$ 125,000

CROSS CREEK PRESERVE / MLS 91728

SUBDIVISION

PRICE

WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB / MLS 90630

LIZ HARRIS, GUILDâ&#x201E;¢ C

828.342.3194

LIZ@CASHIERS.COM

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

AADDVVEERRTTI SI SEERR’ S’ SI N I NDDEEXX 4118 Kitchen and Bar 4th Street Market A Jones Company A-List Antiques Acorns ACP Home Interiors AK Designs Allison Diane American Sun Control Annawear Annell Appalachian Golf Cars Around Back at Rocky’s Place Bags On Main Balistreri Realty The Bascom Bella Cotn Bella’s Junction Cafe Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Betsy Paul Art Raffle Betsy Paul Properties Big & Blue Travel Bijou Jeweler Black Bear Lodge Black Rock Granite and Cabinetry Blair Realty The Blue Elephant Blue Ridge Bedding Blue Ridge Music Blue Ridge Public Safety Bombshell Hair Boutique The Book Nook Bounds Cave’s Rug Gallery The Brier Patch Brookings Fly Shop Bullzeye Construction The Business Spot C. Orrico Caliber Properties Carolina Rustic Furniture Cashiers Chamber of Commerce Cashiers Farmers Market Cashiers Valley Fusion Cashiers Valley Smokehouse Center for Plastic Surgery Robert T. Buchanan, MD Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals Charles Johnson Fine Art Photography Chattooga Gardens Chocolate Heaven/Cake Bar Christine’s Home Decor The Christmas Tree

4118kitchen-bar.com

acornshighlandsnc.com acphomeinteriors.com allysonkdesigns.com americansuncontrol.net annell.com appalachiangolfcars.com aroundbackatrockysplace.com laketoxawayliving.com thebascom.org bellacotn.com meadowsmountainrealty.com betsypaulproperties.com bigandbluetravel.com bijoujeweler.com blackbearlodgeofsapphire.com blackrockgraniteandcabinetry.com blair-realty.com blueridgebedding.com blueridgemusicacademy.com blueridgepublicsafety.com

boundscaverugs.com brookingsonline.com biz-spot.net corrico.com carolinarusticfurniture.com cashiersareachamber.com cashiersfarmersmarket.com cashiersvalleyfusion.com cashiersvalleysmokehouse.com plasticsurgerytoday.com highlandsiscalling.com charlesjohnsonfineart.com chattoogagardens.com christineshomedecor.com

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

P 117 P 25 P 137, 184 P 170 P 37 P 10 P 11 P 33 P 179 P 51 P 96, 97 P 63 P 89 P 51 P 184 P 86 P 80 P 123 P 146 P 183 P 259 P 185 P 173 P 71 P 34, 172 P 45 P 159 P 132 P 91 P 40 P 32 P 73 P 47 P 72 P 65 P 172 P 165 P 165 P 150-151 P 132 P 63 P 123 P 157 P 121 P 156 P 90, 172 P 85 P 159 P 119 P 173 P 41

Classic Lighting & Design, Inc. Colonel Mustard’s Specialty Foods Country Club Properties Creative Concepts Creative Life Insurance/ Sal Gorge Cullasaja Club Dauntless Printing Deborah Bryant Handwoven Diane C. McPhail Dillard Jones Dinner With Duffy Don Leon’s at The High Dive Edward Jones Investments Fairview House Fire + Water Fire Mountain Inn & Cabins Fishes and Loaves Food Drive Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar Four Seasons Landscaping Fressers Courtyard Cafe Dr. Edward D. Frederickson MD FACP Full House Gallery Gary Nichols GlenCove The Greystone Inn Head Innovations High Country Furniture & Design The High Dive Highlands Aerial Park Highlands Chamber of Commerce Highlands-Cashiers Health Foundation Highlands Fine Art Highlands Lawn Highlands Pharmacy Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty - Andrea Gabbard Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty - Bert Mobley Highlands Transportation Company Hotel Cashiers J Gabriel Jack’s Upholstery Jennings Builders Supply Jenny Mixon Josephine’s Emporium John Cleaveland Realty Keller Williams - Great Smokies - Helen Gentry Ken Bowser

classiclightinganddesign.com

P 181

colonelmustardshighlands.com ccphighlandsnc.com

P 136 P2 P 172

creativelifeinsurance.com cullasajaclub.org dauntlessprinting.com deborahbryanthandwoven.com dillardjones.com edwardjones.com highlandsfairviewhouse.com firemt.com firemt.com four65.com fsl-wnc.com wecaterhighlands.com

glencovelifestyle.com thegreystoneinn.com highcountry.com highlandsaerialpark.com

P 188-189 P 131 P 162, 173 P 91 P 94, 95 P 76-77 P 120 P 114 P 158 P 78 P 16 P 16 P 90 P 113 P 70 P 117 P 156 P 98, 99 P 98 P 52, 53 P4 P 172 P 87 P 114 P 73

highlandschamber.org

hchealthfnd.org highlandsfineart.com

P 174 P 19 P 46 P 102

sothebysrealty.com

P 105

highlandssir.com hotelcashiers.com jgabrielliving.com jbwnc.com jennymixon.com jcrealty.com helengentryrealty.com

P5 P 62 P 15 P 164 P 162 P 24 P 11 P 170, 173 P 35 P 44 P 97

AADDVVEERRTTI SI SEERR’ S’ SI N I NDDEEXX The Kitchen CarryAway and Catering Lakeside Restaurant Landmark Realty Group Landmark Realty Group - Pam Nellis Landmark Vacation Rentals Landscape Design Company Laura Moser Art Lehotsky & Sons Lenz Gifts & Luxury Linens Leslie Jeffery Lonesome Valley The Look Boutique Lupoli Construction Madison’s Restaurant & Wine Garden Main Street Gifts Main Street Nursery Martha Anne’s Martin Lispcomb Performing Arts Center Mary Lou Carpenter McCulley’s McKee Properties

thekitchenofhighlands.com landmarkrg.com landmarkrg.com landmarkvacations.com ldcgroups.com lauramoserart.com lehotskyandsons.com lonesomevalley.com lupoliconstruction.com

P 116 P 116 P 56, 57 P 173 P 56, 57 P 168, 169 P 101 P 72,173 P 137 P 95 P 126-129 P 21 P 192 P 37 P 185 P 44 P 136

highlandspac.org mckeeproperties.com

McKee Properties - John and Sandy Barrow mckeeproperties.com McKee Properties - Philip Bradley mckeeproperties.com McKee Properties - Joanne Bryson mckeeproperties.com McKee Properties - Maggie Elmer mckeeproperties.com McKee Properties - Liz Harris mckeeproperties.com McKee Properties - Wayne Monday mckeeproperties.com McKee Properties - Beth Townsend mckeeproperties.com Meritage Bistro meritagehighlands.com Merrell Thompson Photography merrellthompson.com Michele Page Webster pagetheartist.com Mirror Lake Antiques Morales Painting Mountain Fresh mfgro.com Mountain Mermaid Mountain Motor Coach mountainmotorcoach.com Mountain Spring Spas and Pools mountainhotspring.com Mountainworks Design mtnworks.com Narcissus Nearly New nearlynewnc.com Nora & Co Oakleaf oakleafstyle.com Old Edwards Inn & Spa oldedwardsinn.com On the Verandah ontheverandah.com Pat Allen Realty - Pat Allen patallenrealtygroup.com Pat Allen Realty - Julie Osborn patallenrealtygroup.com Pat Allen Realty - Darlene Conley patallenrealtygroup.com

P 88 P 95 P3 P 43, 67, 79, 103, 125, 163, 238-255 P 251 P 163, 248, 249, 254 P 103 P 125, 247 P 245, 247, 250, 255 P 252, 253 P 67, 244, 246 P4 P 101 P 97 P 23 P 45 P 106 P 160 P 25 P 16 P 130 P 49 P 178 P 17 P 193 P 37, 172 P 123 P 144, P 144, P 145

Pat Calderone calderonegallery.com P 95 Peak Experience peakexp.com P 74 Pebble Creek Village pebble-creek.com P 62 Peggy Marra peggymarra.com P 97 Preferred Properties ppoh.com P 152 Preferred Properties - Ann Scott ppoh.com P 173 Preserve at Rock Creek rockcreek-nc.com P 24 ProClean Services procleanserves.com P 172 Rebecka’s Home Cleaning Service P 172 Reach of Macon County reachofmaconcounty.org P 158 Rent In Highlands-CCP rentinhighlands.com P 75 Ristorante Paoletti p¡aolettis.com P 114 Robin’s Nest robinsnest-com P 22 Roman’s Roofing LLC romansroofingnc.com P 173 Rosewood P 111 Rusticks rusticks.com P 42 Sapphire Valley Real Estate sapphirevalleyrealestate.com P 171 Sashay Around P 29 Shakespeare & Company shakespearandcompanyhighlands.com P 164 Shiraz Oriental Rug Gallery shirazruggalleries.com P 100 Silver Creek Real Estate Group ncliving.com P 194-237 Skweeky Kleen Cleaning Services ` P 172 Slabtown Pizza slabtownpizza.com P 121 Smitten P 85 Southern Way P 50 Spoiled Rotten spoiledrotten2.com P 50 Srebalus Construction Co. srebalusconstruction.com P 173 Stork’s Wrap, Pack & Ship P 15 The Summer House summerhousehighlands.com P 12 SweeTreats/Highlands Deli sweetreatshighlands.com P 115 T Fitness P 182 TJ Bailey for Men tjbmens.com P 30 Tom’s Golf Tours tomsgolftours.com P 58 Town & Country General Store tandcgeneralstore.com P 55 Triple Creek Community P 25 P 118 Tug’s Proper tugsproper.com The Ugly Dog Pub - Highlands theuglydogpub.com P 112 The Ugly Dog Pub - Cashiers theuglydogpub.com P 112 Vic’s for Men victoriasclosetnc.com P 178 Victoria’s Closet victoriasclosetnc.com P 178 Victoria’s Sportswear victoriasclosetnc.com P 178 The Village Green villagegreencashiersnc.com P 104 Village Hound P 102 The Vineyard at 37 High Holly thevineyardat37highholly.com P 181 Vivianne Metzger Antiques vmantiques.com P 42 Warth Construction warthconstruction.com P 260 Whiteside Realty whitesiderealtyllc.com P 25 WHLC FM 104.5 whlc.com P 17 Wilbanks Smile Center Dr. Joe Wilbanks wilbankssmilecenter.com P 161 Wit’s End P 31 Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro wolfgangs.net P5 Woofgang Bakery & Grooming P 179 Yoga of Highlands yogahighlands.com P 157 The Zookeeper Bistro thezookeeperbistro.com P 115 257 257 OC OTO C TO B EBRE R 2 022002 |0 T| HTEHLEALUARUERLEML A MGAA GZAI Z NI EN. C E .O CM OM

PARTING SHOT A Sweet Sip

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

By Greg Clarkson

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

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