L aURe L
The Heart of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau
Publisher’s Note
Oh Sweet, Sweet September!
Join us in celebrating this brief respite from the stressors of the Summer Rush and the event-laden days and nights of October.
Our Deena Bouknight outlines a precious escape at Gorges State Park. Or you can accept William McReynolds’ invitation to witness the gorgeous plumage of the Cedar Waxwing – believe us, there are plenty of lessons about life and beauty to be imparted if you open your heart.
Perhaps you’re one of those enlightened souls who’re just happy to embrace every day on the Plateau, regardless of the calendar.
Regardless of where you land on this spiritual spectrum, this issue of The Laurel is for you!
With appreciation, Janet and Marjorie
JANET CUMMINGS Managing Partner janet@thelaurelmagazine.com
MICHELLE MUNGER Art Director mungerclan5@aol.com
SARAH FIELDING Account Manager sarah@thelaurelmagazine.com
MARLENE OSTEEN Writer marlene.osteen@gmail.com
DONNA RHODES Writer dmrhodes847@gmail.com
MARJORIE N. DEAL Managing Partner marjorie@thelaurelmagazine.com
LUKE OSTEEN Editor / Writer luke@thelaurelmagazine.com
EMILY MUNGER Account Manager emily@thelaurelmagazine.com
MARY JANE MCCALL Writer mjmccall777@gmail.com
THOMAS CUMMINGS Distribution Manager jothcu@yahoo.com
Contributing Writers: Mary Adair Trumbly, Sue Blair, David Stroud, William McReynolds, Stuart Ferguson, Debby Hall, Deena Bouknight, and Zach Claxton
Contributing Photographers: Susan Renfro, Mary Gillan Renfro, Greg Clarkson, Charles Johnson, Peter Ray, Terry Barnes, Ryan Karcher, and Colleen Kerrigan.
Copyright © 2024 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. Visit us online thelaurelmagazine.com phone 828.526.0173 email info@thelaurelmagazine.com mail Post Office Box 565 Highlands, North Carolina 28741
WHAT TO DO
Pages 14-69
Photo by Susan Renfro
Suddenly September
“When I do count the clock that tells the time.” William weighs the measure of the days as September unwinds into the shadows and spiking sunshine of October.
September is a remembrance month. Change is in the air and as the seasons of 2024 pass--winter, spring, summer and now, suddenly, fall--we look back from the vantage point of September and remember the fullness of the months gone by, aware of what remains of the year.
There is also the September of our years as we age, a time in our lives when we look back and remember the youthful beginnings and poignant endings of yesteryear. There is both joy and nostalgia in September.
Many a tenor has rhapsodized this month in lyric and melody. Neil Diamond, you might recall, sang September Morn, written by him and Gilbert Becaud:
September morn
We danced until the night
Became a brand-new day
Two lovers playing scenes
From some romantic play
September morning
Still can make me feel that way
Read musically these lines actually make you feel that way.
Another September Song, written by Willis, White and McKay, was sung by Earth, Wind and Fire:
Do you remember
The 21st night of September?
Love was changin’ the minds of pretenders
While chasin’ the clouds away
Our hearts were ringin’
In the key that our souls were singin’
As we danced in the night, remember
How the stars stole the night away, oh, yeah
“The stars stole the night away.” What a great line.
Frank Sinatra’s September Song, written by Weill and Anderson, reminds us of the passing years and what remains
as the years turn from fall to winter and September days grow shorter:
Oh, it’s a long, long while from May to December
But the days grow short
When you reach September
When the Autumn weather turns the leaves to flame
One hasn’t got time for the waiting game
Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few September, November
And these few precious days I’ll spend with you
These precious days I’ll spend with you
In the September of our calendars and the September of our years, we remember past joys and deep loves, what we gained along the way and what we’ve lost. Good times come with what remains. These are precious days. And we get to spend these precious days with each other.
Happy September … these precious days.
by William McReynolds
Flower Power
The inescapable charm of Dahlias earns them two days in the sun with Highlands’ Dazzling Dahlia Festival, September 6 and 7.
Labor Day marks the end of summer in most places, but here in paradise we save the best for last.
Flower Power will dazzle the Plateau on September 6 and 7, with the inimitable Dahlia acting as leading lady.
Friday and Saturday will see Highlands draped in florals, with music, nonprofits, history and art on display. All the events are complimentary, thanks to Highlands Historical Society, Visit Highlands, The Bascom, the Dahliabolicals, and the talented people who share their dahlias.
Highlands Historical Society and the Bascom proudly kick off the 14th annual Dazzling Dahlia Festival in style with a poster party Thursday from 5:00-6:30 P.M., where this year’s poster competition winner, Marina Tsatch, will receive her $500 prize. Enjoy lite bites, cocktails, and the opportunity to purchase a limited-edition poster of this year’s image.
On Friday, September 6, The Bascom will host the Single Bloom Competition – where trained judges award ribbons
in both amateur and professional divisions. Flowers will be accepted for judging Friday from 8:00-11:00 A.M., $5 for one flower, with up to 8 blooms accepted for $20. Tim Wheatley of Mountain Diva Gardens will open the show with a dahlia talk at 1:00 P.M. The show will be open to the public till 4:00 Friday and again Saturday from 10:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
On Saturday the 7, Flower Power will rule as stunning dahlia vignettes will be all over town, from the Historical Village, to Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park, and Main Street. Vignette location maps will be available at festival sponsor locations. Nonprofits will be featured in KHFP, the historical village will have story telling from 12:00-1:00 P.M., and then The Shedhouse Trio, a fantastic five-piece bluegrass band featuring Darren Nicholson, from 1:00-4:00 P.M. There will be food and docent-guided tours at the village, clogging and flowers and posters for sale. Experience the way things were at the historical village.
Steel Toe Stiletto will bring the fun home with the concert at KHFP from 6:00-9:00 P.M. This is a 10-piece dance band that will get everybody on their feet. Special thanks to the Dahliabolicals for sponsoring both The Shedhouse Trio and Steel Toe Stiletto, the music will be fantastic all day whether you like bluegrass or rock.
Winners of Flower Power will be announced at intermission, Best of Show blooms from Single Bloom will be recognized, and there will also be a drawing for the Take A Chance on History Raffle for a painting of the historic Prince House. Raffle proceeds to be split with the Boys and Girls Club and the PAC. HHS funds will fund the Shaffner scholarship.
Plan to experience Flower Power, history, music and the best of Highlands as you stroll town taking in the florals.
Please vote online for your favorites for the People’s Choice awards. You can also enter the Take A Chance on History Raffle online, drawing to be held September 7. For more information on Flower Power, go to highlandshistory.com.
by Kim Daugherty, Highlands Historical Society
A Seduction of Senses
There’s still time to prep your palate and loosen your wardrobe, The Highlands Food & Wine Festival is racing toward us like an out-of-control food truck careening down the Cullasaja Gorge. Limited tickets are still available to experience these events. For more information, visit highlandsfoodandwine.com.
The Highlands Food and Wine Festival is coming to town. For four days, from November 7 through 10, acclaimed chefs from around the region and nation will click knives and share stoves with the gifted chefs of Highlands and Cashiers.
Now in its 8th year, the festival has quickly become one of the premiere events on the Western North Carolina calendar, both for locals and the out-of-town attendees.
At the festival’s four premiere events, celebrity and local chefs unite to seduce the taste buds of hundreds of attendees while esteemed wineries charm the palates of wine aficionados. But space is limited at the venues and again this year tickets to The Main Event and The Grand Tasting were quickly sold out. Luckily, there is a ticket exchange, and tickets remain to two popular events – Truckin’ and A Shot at Redemption Brunch. Their scrumptious offerings are worthy of your attention. Below is a roundup of who to look for and a taste of what to expect at both:
Truckin, Friday, November 8, from 1:00 to 4:30 P.M., Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park
One of the most popular happenings of the festival, it’s an
outdoor celebration with an extravaganza of libations and a feast of exciting fare from innovative food trucks and restaurants. There’s a host of beer, wine and cocktails, including access to the “Highway to Ale” featuring tastings from numerous craft breweries. Nashville’s Kathleen Sharpe of All or Nothing Bagels and local chefs Massimiliano Proietti of Paoletti’s and Jacky Cabler of the Old Edwards Club are among the anticipated assemblage of more than a dozen culinarians offering tantalizing tastes.
Further enhancing the festivities, is the music of the Wilder Woods band with Needtobreathe frontman, Bear Rinehart, who crafts soulful pop with an introspective folk tone and some R& B flair. Also performing is Texas born soul singer/songwriter/ guitarist/country singer Alex Lambert.
A Shot at Redemption Sunday, November 10, Noon to 3:00 P.M., Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park
Billed as “church for food and wine lovers,” it’s the penultimate Sunday brunch. Included is the festival’s famous Tito’s Bloody Mary Bar, and flavorful bites from acclaimed regional chefs. Attendees can expect sumptuous treats from local chefs Massimiliano Proietti, Paoletti’s, Highlands; and Jason Tardo of Half Mile Farm, long celebrated for his reverence for local
and seasonal cooking. Chef Derick Wade of The Darling Oyster Bar will travel from Charleston serving up what has been deemed his “over the top treats.” Offering a taste of Greenville is Curean, known for their Mediterranean cuisine and iconic charcuterie boards along with “thoughtfully crafted contemporary, greasy spoon classics” presented by chef Luke Owens of Native Fine Diner, and the ultimate farm-to-table tastes prepared by chef Shawn Kelly of Fork and Plough. Athens, Georgia, powerhouse chef Peter Dale will showcase his healthy comfort food, while celebrated Nashville chef Matt Bolus of 404 Kitchen shows off his European twinged Southern cooking and Kathleen Sharpe is set to redefine your expectations of a perfect bagel. Certain to stir your soul will be the music and voice of Lee Fields. Hailed by Rolling Stone for his classic American soul sound, Lee Fields is arguably the greatest pure soul singer alive.
In an age when the shelf life of an artist largely depends on posturing and trends, he has proven to be an unassailable force of nature with five decades plus career that spans more than 20 albums over 40 singles. Opening for Field is retro-soul artist Abraham Alexander, known for his mellow mix of rustic folk and soul and beguiling voice which offers both honey and grit.
by Marlene Osteen
Highlands Porchfest
Highlands Porchfest brings the happy sounds to downtown, including local favorites and artists new to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, September 15. For information on musicians, venues, sponsors, schedules, and more, visit highlandsporchfest.com.
There are several indicators that Autumn is upon us here in our beloved mountain communities.
Crisp mornings, falling leaves, and the sound of over 45 live musicians of all genres performing at over 15 hosting venues across Downtown Highlands.
That’s right, folks! The fourth annual Highlands Porchfest will take place on Sunday, September 15, from 1:00 to 6:00 P.M.!
This year, attendees can expect the return of many festival fan-favorites, such as Andrew Wooten, Cody Marlowe, Madison Owenby, John Grove, Zack Couron, Carolina 441, Jerius Duncan, Larry and Jeannie, Jack Adams, The Shaheen Family, Zorki, and Wooten Hill, just to name a few.
There are a plethora of new artists also joining in the festival-fun this year.
Among them, and for the first time in Porchfest history, Ernest Bonilla will add Latin Pop to the festival’s menu of musical flavors. Birdie Nichols, a Nashville rising star, will grace the town with her youthful, authentic western country sound.
David Crisp, a Scaly Mountain local who’s no stranger to performing in Highlands, will make his Porchfest debut performing acoustic, traditional bluegrass, and soul.
Venues for this year’s festival will include: Kelsey Hutchinson Park/Founders Park, The Stubborn Bull, Ugly Dog, High Dive, Town Square, The Bascom, Highlands Wine Shoppe, Highlands Smokehouse, First Presbyterian Church, Mountain Life Properties, Art Highlands Gallery, High Country Wine & Provisions, Park on Main, Sotheby’s on
Main, and Highlander Mountain House.
“This amazing community event wouldn’t be possible without all of our generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers, venue hosts, and fantastic musicians who share their talent and love of performing live music with Highlands,” says Porchfest Festival Director Fallon Hovis. “Thank you to everyone who has played a part, big or small, in making this annual Highlands tradition the success that it is!”
The fourth annual Highlands Porchfest Music Festival will take place on Sunday, September 15. This community event is free-to-attend, and organized by the Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment.
by Audra Bullard, Highlands-Cashiers Center for Life Enrichment
Highlands Heritage Jamboree
Friendships renewed, old stories swapped, new ones created, grandchildren celebrated, barbecue and sweet mountain music – everything’s being served up at Highlands Heritage Jamboree, October 12 at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.
Highlanders are deeply proud of our mountain heritage and recognize the hard work, sacrifices, and vision of our ancestors that shaped this little slice of heaven we call home.
They understood that building a sense of community was an integral part of what made the hard work worth it all and life enjoyable. They always took time out to gather with neighbors and dancing and music were often a part of those celebrations.
For the third year Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands NC is hosting the Highlands Heritage Jamboree, a delightful family-friendly event celebrating our rich heritage.
Held this year on Saturday, October 12, from 3:30 until 7:30 P.M., they’ve planned an afternoon of music, dance, barbecue, and moonshine. Make plans now to join the celebration and kick up your heels to the best the mountains have to offer.
The Jamboree will be a chance for us
all to celebrate and honor the town’s history with traditional music, dancing, and more. Residents and visitors will enjoy music, mountain clogging, bagpipe performances, and barbecue among other things.
“We’re pleased to provide this event to Highlands in honor of the rich heritage of the area,” says Kaye McHan, executive director of the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC.
“The skill, artistry, and joy that goes into the creation of music and dance is something we want to continue to preserve and celebrate.”
Performances at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park will include the Highlands Bagpipers celebrating our Scottish heritage.
Once again, the Bailey Mountain Cloggers, a championship dance team from Mars Hill University, will perform. The Bailey Mountain Cloggers are one of a few college-based performing clog teams in the nation, serving as ambas-
sadors of goodwill for the college and the folk-dance traditions of the Southern Mountains. During their 48-year history, the Bailey Mountain Cloggers have performed throughout the United States and internationally in Canada, Mexico, England, Scotland, Austria, and Ireland. Seeing these exceptionally talented young dancers is a real treat.
The Highlands Historical Society will have an authentic moonshine still on display and be on hand to share riveting stories of moonshiners and revenuers.
Capping off the event will be the Saturdays on Pine concert by Nu Blue, hosts of TV’s Bluegrass Ridge show. A former Carolina Music Awards Country Band of the Year, they tour over 200 days each year, have made national TV appearances, have had five albums on the Top 10 Billboard Charts, and a #1 most played song on Sirius/XM radio. Visit highlandschamber.org for updated information.
by Mary Jane McCall
The Burnt Part Boys
Mountain Theatre Company’s October musical, The Burnt Part Boys serves up generous helpings of warm Appalachian love and bittersweet twinges of loss and regret. Tickets are available for purchase at mountaintheatre.com
Coming this Fall to the Mountain Theatre Company stage in Highlands, North Carolina is a new musical, The Burnt Part Boys.
This captivating show weaves a rich narrative that resonates with audiences of all ages, making it a must-see for families, young adults, and theater enthusiasts alike. This moving tale tells the story of a group of young friends struggling to come to terms with a tragic mining accident that claimed the lives of their fathers. As they embark on a perilous journey to find solace and closure, they discover the true meaning of friendship, family, and the power of forgiveness. The musical’s themes of love, loss, and self-discovery are timeless and universal, allowing audiences to connect with the characters on a deep emotional level. The show’s hauntingly beautiful music by Chris Miller and Nathan Tysen, perfectly compliments the narrative with
catchy melodies and heartfelt ballads that will linger long after the curtain falls.
“We hope to bring the intimacy from the Highlands Playhouse to our new our new home at the Highlands Performing Arts Center,” states Executive Director Scott Daniel.
One of the standout aspects of “The Burnt Part Boys” is its broad appeal. Young audience members will be captivated by the relatable characters and exciting adventure, while adults will appreciate the show’s nuanced exploration of complex themes and emotions. The musicals’ PG rating makes it an excellent choice for family outings, school groups, or a night out with friends. The youth of the community will be able to experience this telling musical at no cost with our two school-show matinees, as well as a free ticket to anyone under the age of 18 who resides in Rabun, Jackson, Macon, Transylvania counties.
“Theater should be accessible to all,” adds Daniel. “We want every young person to get the chance to see a live theater performance.”
The Burnt Part Boys is a triumph of a musical storytelling that will leave audiences spellbound and inspired. With its universal themes, memorable music, and outstanding performances, this show is a must-see for all ages. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this unforgettable musical, which will leave you humming the tunes and pondering its powerful message long after the curtain call.
The Burnt Part Boys, presented by Mountain Theatre Company will be presented at Highlands Performing Arts Center from October 11 through 26.
by Erin Leigh Knowles, Mountain Theatre Company
Where Cool Stuff Happens
The Plateau’s twin libraries are bursting with new learning opportunities for patrons of all ages.
Tracey Enerson Wood
There’s much to love about our local libraries. Stop by either the Hudson Library or the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library and you’re likely to find patrons browsing shelves, accessing community programs and taking refuge.
Equally important, the twin libraries are also the places where the seeds of imagination take root in our young people – their minds ignited by a host of educational after school programs set to continue this month in time for our students return to school.
Every Thursday at 3:30, kids in grades K-5 can enjoy a variety of fun and educational programs at Hudson Library’s Kids Zone. Designed to provide afterschool fun through various STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) activities, the program encourages interactive learning and creativity. Access to Kids Zone is further facilitated by the Student Access program, allowing students to
seamlessly use their school IDs to access library resources, thus supporting their academic needs without the barrier of a traditional library card process.
At Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, STEAM programming is offered on Tuesday afternoons with sessions aimed at sparking interest in the sciences and arts and hands-on activities that are educational and fun. The programs are enhanced by additional resources provided by the library that includes NC Live – the free online library that allows access to over 1.6 billion online articles, streaming videos, eBooks and more); and NC Kids – a digital library designed for youth ages pre-K through 4th grade and includes picture books, youth fiction and nonfiction and more.
Both libraries welcome acclaimed author Tracey Enerson Wood on Saturday, September 14 – at 12:30 P.M. at the Hudson Library to include lunch bites and at 3:00 P.M. at the Albert-Carlton
Cashiers Community Library. Enerson, a retired registered nurse and published playwright and author, will talk about her newly released novel, Katharine, the Wright Sister, a vibrant historical novel about the unsung hero behind the groundbreaking aeronautical achievement of Wilbur and Orville Wright: their sister. Books will be available for signing and purchase at these free events.
Fontana Regional Library system –which comprises six public branches in Jackson, Macon and Swain Counties – is also benefiting from a $300,000 Digital Champion Grant, which is set to improve digital literacy and access among its patrons by assisting North Carolinians in accessing high-speed internet. The grant promises to create a bridge across the digital divide and ensure that community members have the access they need to thrive in today’s tech-driven world.
by Marlene Osteen
Celebration of Education
Author Shelby Van Pelt brings her tale of learning, loss, and redemption to a special fundraiser Sunday, September 15, at Wildcat Cliffs Country Club.
Shelby Van Pelt
Calling all book lovers and education advocates! The Literacy & Learning Center is thrilled to announce its fall fundraiser, featuring Shelby Van Pelt, the acclaimed author of the Instant New York Times Bestseller Remarkably Bright Creatures
Save the Date: 5:30 P.M. Sunday, September 15, at Wildcat Cliffs Country Club. Cost is $175 per person, and patron packages are available.
Get ready to be enthralled by Van Pelt’s heartwarming and thought-provoking insights on education, literacy, and her personal writing journey.
Her book, Remarkably Bright Creatures, narrates the story of a widow’s unique friendship with an octopus while she searches for answers about her son’s disappearance. This unique and creative story is a beautifully written tale of loss, resilience, and unexpected connections that can spark joy and hope even in the darkest times.
Van Pelt’s elegant prose brings the characters and the aquarium setting to life, making Remarkably Bright Creatures a captivating read that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. Her literary debut has taken the world by storm. In recognition of her exceptional work, Van Pelt was awarded the prestigious Heartland Prize for Fiction and the McLaughlin-Esstman-Stearns First Novel Prize from The Writer’s Center in 2023. With over a million copies sold and a year spent dominating the New York Times Hardcover Bestseller list, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a testament to Van Pelt’s captivating storytelling talent.
By attending this event, you’re not just in for a delightful evening of literature, but you’re also making a significant contribution to the Literacy & Learning Center’s cause.
And, if you visit the Literacy & Learning Center’s Facebook page and
like and share our post about the celebration from now through September 4 (Don’t forget to TAG us!), you’ll be entered into a drawing for a free copy of Remarkably Bright Creatures. And you can bring your book to our fall fundraiser, Celebration of Education, for Shelby to sign!
Take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate education and enjoy a captivating author talk with a rising literary star while you support a worthy cause!
For more information, visit theliteracyandlearningcenter. org/events or email JEdwards@ TheLiteracyandLearningCenter.org.
by Anna Norton, Literacy & Learning Center
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Harmonious Synergy
Jilly Martin and Ryan Brooks Kelly share their gift for deeply felt performances and exceptional musicianship at their Orchard Session – set for September 12 at The Farm at Old Edwards.
Jilly Martin and Ryan Brooks Kelly
Blue Jays, sparrows and chickadees fly overhead, scented evening breezes dance through the trees, a scattering of stars come into view as the sun slowly sets.
Amidst this tranquil setting, the Orchard Sessions at The Farm at Old Edwards offers an enchanting backdrop for unforgettable live music experiences. This serene ambience sets the stage for a special performance on Thursday, September 12, featuring the talented country duo Jilly Martin and Ryan Brooks Kelly.
Jilly Martin and Ryan Brooks Kelly have spent more than a decade in the public eye, beginning in New England and eventually ending up in Nashville. They started playing together in 2014 when Ryan while crafting an EP, discovered the need for a female vocal that would complement his own. The chemistry in their vocal blend was undeniable in the studio, prompting them to pursue live
performances together.
“We got a pretty good response and figured we might as well try that. When on stage together, our combined strengths are highlighted,” Kelly reflects on their harmonious synergy.
While Martin thrives in the spotlight, Kelly finds his groove behind the scenes, creating a dynamic that balances humility with a confident swagger.
Their ability to bridge traditional and modern country music elements has not only defined their unique sound but also garnered widespread acclaim. Their skillful songwriting, harmonious vocals, and adept musicianship have distinguished them as standout performers in the contemporary music scene. Over the years, they’ve shared stages with country legends such as Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss, Alabama, Dwight Yoakam, and Bonnie Raitt, further cementing their reputation.
More than merely a performance, Orchard Sessions is a celebration of music, nature, and the timeless stories that songs can tell.
Shows begin each evening at 6:00 P.M. and finish at 8:00 P.M. – perhaps just in time for a showing of nature’s own Klieg light, the rising of the moon.
Admission is $25 for Old Edwards Inn and Half-Mile Farm Hotel Guests and Members, and general admission is $40 and includes light bites and a cash bar. The session will move indoors to the new Orchard House in the event of rain.
For updates and to book online visit OldEdwardsHospitality.com/ OrchardSessions.
by Marlene Osteen
Scan to learn more.
Dahlias By The Lake
Dahlias, the darlings of the late summer season, take the spotlight in Sky Valley Garden Club’s Dahlias by the Lake celebration, 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. September 10 at Sky Valley Country Club. The party is open to everyone –call (770) 842-6810.
The Sky Valley Garden Club is hosting its biggest and best fundraiser, Dahlias by the Lake, September 10 at the Sky Valley Country Club.
Everyone is invited–there will be a silent auction of spectacular baskets, vacation stays, artwork, hand crafted items, along with great food, music, dancing, and lots of visiting with friends and neighbors.
Cost is $50 per person – revelers can expect music, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, served on the patio of the Sky Valley Country Club.
“Come out and support this annual event, which helps fund scholarships for local students and beautification efforts,” says Garden Club President Joy Akin.
For more information or to reserve your spot, contact skyvalleygardenclub@outlook.com or (770) 842-6810.
This event is sponsored by Ron May (The May Wealth Advisors), The Vineyard at High Holly, Bill Darby (Stifel Financial Advisor) OLI Home Solutions, Poss Realty Sky Valley Country Club, Radlee Heating & Cooling, Slap Shot Contracting LLC, and Stifel Investment Services.
by Luke Osteen
Celebrate the Harvest
Fall’s golden produce is beginning to appear in our local farmers’ markets.
We’re nearing the end of growing season, so grab your favorites from our two marvelous markets. One is the Highlands Farmers Marketplace (Saturdays from 8:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. in KelseyHutchinson Founders Park on Pine Street in Highlands) and the other, Locally Grown at Village Green (opens every Wednesday, through October 30, 11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.).
Shop both markets and grab your Fall harvest produce.
Then pull out your favorite fall recipes
‘cause pumpkins, squashes, greens, apples, beets, nuts, herbs, Indian corn, kale, and yams are about to be ready for your bowls, platters, tables, and tummies.
Support our local farmers. When they thrive, we do too, with healthy food for our families. With our two producer-only markets you’ll have plenty of nourishing, fresh produce, meats, dairy, baked goods, honey, jams, and so much more. Are your mouths watering yet?
Besides edibles, explore the markets’ handcrafted goods, bath and beauty
products, candles, handwork, and gift items for the holidays.
Please contact shelby@cashiersgreen. com if you are interested in joining the Village Green Market as a vendor. Don Deal, manager of Highlands Farmer’s Market, also invites vendors. Call him at (828) 342-8239.
Both Markets are free and so is parking to customers only. Stash yams and other products to get you through the winter, just like the settlers did a century ago.
by Donna Rhodes
Highlands Outdoor Concert Series
Highlands has set the stage for weekends of live music, a bit of dance, and plenty of elevated moods.
Steel Toe Stiletto
Live music is fabulous any time of the year, but we think there’s something especially sweet about live music during September.
We’re a little less busy, and we’re taking a collective deep breath enjoying the sweet peace of this prelude to leaf season. We’re beginning to feel a nip in the air, and this, my friends, is the perfect time to grab a sweater, your family, and your partners and hit the streets to move to the groove.
The Highlands Chamber of Commerce/ Visit Highlands, NC sponsors two events that allow us to do just that – Friday Night Live at Town Square and Saturdays on Pine at the Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park. These events are held each Friday and Saturday night from 6:00 to 8:30 P.M. and are free to attend.
Their September lineup features a lot of returning crowd favorites:
On September 6, it’s The Johnny Webb Band – classic country with a laid-back sound. They’ve played together for over 50 years so they know how to entertain.
Silly Ridge Roundup provides the fun on September 13 – Americana and folk with smooth vocals.
Curtis Blackwell Band is added to the mix on September 20. Since 1960, Curtis Blackwell has embodied traditional bluegrass. This local legend has even performed with Bill Monroe.
Expect robust crowds on September 27, when Nitrograss leads the evening. These bluegrass superheroes feature two-time national champion banjo player
Charles Wood, whose blistering banjo lays the foundation of this group’s sound.
Saturdays on Pine mixes things up a bit with musical acts from across the musical sphere.
On September 7, Steel Toe Stiletto will command the park with their supreme
musicianship. This group brings the fun! High Five Band’s been a crowd favorite in this area for over 15 years, and they return to the park on September 14. These musicians mix up their playlist and can play it all including classic rock, top 40, modern country, and more.
Stake your spot in the park on September 21 for The Boomers. This talented group has shared the stage with the likes of Hootie and the Blowfish, Alison Kraus, and Huey Lewis & The News.
Closing out the month of performances on a high note is Kayla McKinney on September 28. She’s a Nashville recording artist and rising star, following in the footsteps of her musical heroes.
by Mary Jane McCall
Scan to learn more.
Homegrown, Traditional Roots
Back Porch Orchestra takes the stage for the September 6 Groovin’ on the Green at the Village Green in Cashiers.
Back Porch Orchestra
When the fall breeze swirls melody after melody at Groovin’ on the Green, Sepember 6, (before Autumn’s arrival), it’s a wind-fall of an unusual kind. The performers are a group christened Back Porch Orchestra and it’s truly a invaluable discovery for your ears, your heart, and your dancing feet.
Ashley Justice, organizer of the season’s glorious Grooves, shares this ensemble’s impressive history:
While Back Porch Orchestra started their journey as a modern band, there’s no doubt that they’re shaped by their homegrown, traditional roots.
Since releasing their first album in 2009, BPO has been making strides in the both the local and regional music scenes for eleven years together. Capable of performing both original material rooted in blues, bluegrass, country, and classic rock, or covering any of your
favorite hits from the 1950s to now, BPO’s extensive wedding and corporate experience ensures your event will be the talk of the town.
One of the best features of Back Porch Orchestra is the band’s unmatched versatility. For your event, the band can include either an acoustic set, featuring songs from your favorite bluegrass & country artists, or a full electric set, ranging from 2-3 hours, including songs by Journey, Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Grateful Dead, Taylor Swift, Bob Seger, Stevie Wonder, Miranda Lambert, and plenty more.
They’ll be performing at the Village Green of Cashiers from 6:00 to 8:30 P.M., 160 Frank Allen Road. This concert is free.
by Donna Rhodes
Scan to learn more.
Place Your Paws
Let’s raise the woof! The Place Your Paws fundraiser, set for October 16 at Highlands Country Club, promises to be a howling good time.
Wednesday, October 16, will be an evening of firsts for the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society. Place Your Paws is our first-ever fundraiser at Highlands Country Club and our first-ever casino night!
The evening begins at 5:00 P.M. when you arrive and the valet parks your car at one of the most prestigious private clubs in the North Carolina mountains. Then get ready for a night of tail-wagging fun and games, including blackjack, roulette, craps and poker.
When you’re not “placing your paws” at one of the games, make sure to enjoy the multiple food stations featuring prime rib, seafood, luscious vegetables and of course, delightful desserts. You will also experience other delectable goodies from the passed hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening. And don’t forget to visit one of
the two bars offering beer, wine, curated cocktails including a CHHS “signature drink” in a keepsake glass.
To add to the non-stop entertainment, Place Your Paws will have a fun-filled memory-making photo booth, raffle prizes, and additional ways for you to show your love and support for the animals at our no-kill shelter.
Tickets are $195 per person and include admission, incredible food, open bar, and a starter bag of chips. For anyone needing extra chances to be a “lucky dog,” additional chips can be purchased that night from the “Pit Bull Boss.”
Tickets are sold exclusively through chhumanesociety.org/placeyourpaws.
Corporate sponsorships are available that feature pre-event and on-site logo recognition as well as a reserved table
for eight guests that evening. Interested sponsors can email me at david@chhumanesociety.org for more information.
So, mark your calendar and join the fun for a great cause at Place Your Paws on Wednesday, October 16 at Highlands Country Club!
Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit no-kill shelter 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. Visit us online at www.chhumanesociety.org or call (828)743-5752 for more information. Tax-deductible donations to support our lifesaving work can be mailed to: CHHS, P.O. Box 638, Cashiers, NC 28717.
by David Stroud, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society
Music in The House
Grammy-winning songwriter and road warrior Kendell Marvel brings his unique sound to Highlander Mountain House & The Ruffed Grouse Tavern at 8:30 P.M. Thursday, September 26.
Highlander Mountain House Hotel will be staging the latest event in its Salon Series – a performance by Kendell Marvel in its cozy Ruffed Grouse Tavern at 8:30 P.M. Thursday, September 26.
Patrons are invited to make dinner reservations before the show during service hours 5:30 to 8:00 P.M. if they choose, then enjoy an incredible music performance by Kendell Marvel. Parking available on the property or street behind HMH. Seating for the show is first-come first-serve.
So here’s what you need to know about Kendell Marvel -- he’s an acclaimed solo
artist; Grammy-winning songwriter; and road warrior.
By the time he’d moved into a 200 year-old farmhouse in the Tennessee countryside in 2021, he’d already spent more than two decades expanding the boundaries of modern-day country music.
Albums like Lowdown and Lonesome and Solid Gold Sounds were showcases for his blend of southern twang and super-sized vocals, filled with songs that split the difference between honky-tonk country and roadhouse rock & roll. Hours after moving in, Marvel unpacked his guitars and quickly got to work in his new space,
writing songs that blended timeless textures with contemporary insight.
He kept writing during the months that followed, fine-tuning the mix of countryrockers, soul standouts, and bluesy ballads that now fill his third solo effort, Come On Sunshine. Recorded in Dallas, with producer Beau Bedford — ringleader of The Texas Gentlemen, as well as the sonic architect behind albums by Paul Cauthen and Leah Blevins — Come On Sunshine burns as brightly as its name.
“I’m 51 years old, which means I’m long past the point of catering to anybody,” Marvel says. “I’m just telling the stories I want to tell, whether it’s a song like Come
Jessie Baylin Kendell Marvel
photo by Emily Dorio
On Sunshine — which Devon Gilfillian and I wrote at the height of the pandemic, looking to pour some light into the people who were shut in, shut down, and struggling with the doom and gloom we were all seeing on TV — or Keep Doing Your Thing, which argues that the world would be a better place if we just let people be who you are.”
Highlander Mountain House will be staging later entries in its Salon Series – you’ll want to mark your calendar for Jessie Baylin on Saturday, October 26; and BJ Barham of American Aquarium on Thursday, November 21. For tickets or more information, visit highlandermountainhouse.com/ offers-and-events.
by Luke Osteen
BJ Barham
photo by Emily Dorio
September Craft Bazaar
Highlands United Methodist Church is staging its Craft Bazaar on Saturday, September 28. There’ll be handmade gifts and objets d’art, jams, baked goods, hot dog lunches and the return of its church yard pumpkin patch.
Highlands United Methodist Church is offering its September Craft Bazaar, on Saturday, Sept 28, from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.
Everyone is invited to explore tables arrayed with handmade crafts (perfect for home décor and gift-giving), handmade jams and jellies, bread and baked goods.
There’ll be hot dog lunches and cold drinks served up to keep everyone stoked.
her co-chair Jodie Zoellner.
Those camels, who’ve been parade headliners since their introduction in 2003, accompany the church’s entry of Wise Men and shepherds and the Holy Family and serve as remarkable props for family holiday photos in the church yard after the parade.
“Proceeds from the day will be used to help fund our church ministries, and this is important – pay for the camels that appear in the Olde Mountain Christmas Parade,” says Kristy Martin, who’s pulling everything together with
The day also marks the return of pumpkins for sale. Bring your wee ones and let them pick out one just for them. Whether you carve or paint, it’s a great way to decorate for Halloween, and all for a great cause.
by Luke Osteen
The Buzz About Bumble Bees
The September 24 Village Nature Series presentation will bring the plight of native pollinators into sharp focus.
This month the Village Nature Series features Bryan Tompkins, Wildlife Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Tompkins, a Pollinator Conservation Specialist, will discuss what’s causing native insect population declines and examine the survey efforts, data col-
lection, and habitat restoration efforts taking place in Western North Carolina. The lecture will be on September 24 at 5:30 P.M. in Lewis Hall at the Village
Bryan Tompkins
Green in Cashiers.
North Carolina has over 500 species of native bees, nearly 3,000 species of moths, and more than 175 species of butterflies. These pollinators play a critical role moving pollen between flowers, which is necessary for fertilization and seed formation.
Over 80 percent of flowering plants require pollination assistance, and an estimated one-third of our food is derived from plants that require pollinators. Robust plant communities support healthy soils and provide erosion controls which in turn promotes water quality.
Sadly, however, many of these pollinators are disappearing. Loss of habitat, pesticides, disease, climate change, and non-native invasive species are all issues affecting the health and diversity of native pollinators in North Carolina. Tompkins will discuss opportunities and methods for implementing pollinator-friendly habitat components and details about prepping, planting, and maintaining pollinator gardens as complete habitats.
Tompkins also has specific species expertise with the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee; just 20 years ago, the rusty patch was so common it went almost unnoticed and could be found in summer fields, farms and yards in 31 states. But in just two decades its numbers have plummeted to the point that extinction is a risk and it was listed as a federally endangered species in 2017. Tompkins will share the ongoing research and efforts to restore the Rusty Patched populations.
Tompkins started his career with the National Park Service but has spent the past nineteen years as a Wildlife Biologist with USFWS in Asheville. In addition to his work with the Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee, he reviews energy production and development projects to protect threatened and endangered species and their habitats from impacts associated with energy production projects and restoration of early successional habitat on energy project sites.
The Village Nature Series is a program co-founded and administered by the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust and The Village Green and sponsored by Cedar Creek Club. For more information go to hcltnc.org and villagegreencashiersnc.com.
by Lance Hardin, Highlands Cashiers Land Trust
Take Home a Treasure
The Sapphire Valley Art and Craft Show, set for October 5 and 6, is a kaleidoscopic bazaar of the fun, the fine, and the frivolous.
October’s right around the corner. Crisp days, chilly nights, and beautiful colors are our Mountain Fall delights. That reminds us November and December observances are on the horizon.
Here’s a way to launch your holiday gift-giving on October 5 and 6, 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., at the Community Center in Sapphire Valley Resort (3 miles east of Cashiers on Highway 64, near the athletic field). It’s your third and last chance to see the Sapphire Valley Art and Craft Show and its artisans’ exceptional creations.
Because the show is indoors, many outdoor proceedings will be excluded (no food, animals, live music, etc.). SlopeSide Tavern (right next door), will be open both days (pick up a discount coupon for lunch at the coffee table upon entering the Community Center). But there is plenty to make up for it inside. Twenty artists will present some
of their most excellent wares, including fine jewelry, handmade crafts, collectible folk art, mountain marvels, and much more.
While the third show is certainly a family outing, it favors an adult attraction. Look for stunning treasures for those special recipients on your deluxe gift list. The show and parking is free. Fall in love with one or more of the artists’ creations. Make it yours. Let your friends and family ooh and ahh, then relish your hand-crafted keepsake forever. Take advantage of this weekend for family memory-making outings. Take yourself. Take a friend. Take your whole family. And be sure to take home a treasure.
For more information, contact Melanie or Jill at (828) 743-1163.
by Donna Rhodes
Highlands on the Half-shell
“O Oysters, come and walk with us!” It turns out that Lewis Carroll had the right idea all along – the Highlands Biological Foundation is once more hosting its Highlands on the Half-Shell, 4:00 P.M. until dark, Sunday, October 6.
Newcomers to the Plateau or those just passing through may be startled to learn that Highlands, at an elevation of 4118 and hundreds of miles from coastal wetlands, is host to a celebration lifted directly from the bayous of Louisiana.
But residents and those in the know have made Highlands on the Half-Shell a red-letter date on the calendar – this year, 4:00 P.M. until dark on Sunday, October 6.
And let’s face it – Highlands knows how
to have fun, while at the same time raise money for worthwhile causes.
And Highlands on the Half-Shell is a prime example.
Over a Cajun-themed gathering in the Valentine Meadow (888 Horse Cove Road) at the Highlands Biological Station, attendees will have an opportunity to sample gumbo, jambalaya, steamed oysters, and more.
“Highlands on the Half-Shell is one of the Highlands Biological
Foundation’s big annual fundraisers,” says Winter Gary, the Foundation’s marketing manager. Attendees “enjoy a feast of Louisiana delicacies, mingle with our other wonderful community members, and show support for the Foundation’s mission of stimulating, promoting, and funding biological research and education in the southern Appalachians.”
Winter pointed out that the event is very much “community driven,” with many people volunteering time – including
Foundation members and board members – to handle logistics regarding obtaining and preparing the food, setting and cleaning up, and much more.
Cost of the party is $150 per person, and tickets will go on sale September 4. Visit highlandsbiological.org for more information and to purchase your tickets.
The Foundation is a registered 501(c) (3) and works to inspire present and future generations to preserve and protect the unique environment of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau by raising awareness through experiential learning and free, public programs. The Foundation supports the three
key facets of the Highlands Biological Station, which are represented in its logo. There is the Nature Center, the Botanical Garden, and the research and educational dimensions of the Station and Foundation. In the mid-1970s, the Station was acquired by the University of North Carolina and is now administered on behalf of the university system by Western Carolina University.
One of the core missions of the Foundation is to promote scientific research, and there is a long history of Foundation-supported research at the station, with visiting academic and college students involved in various capacities of projects and programs on the campus.
Plus, ongoing for the public – children and adults – are courses, workshops, lectures, tours, etc. Specifically for children are opportunities such as Kids Camp and Nature Center Nights.
“The Foundation is dedicated to educating our community on what makes the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau so special, and fundraisers such as Highlands on the Half-Shell ensures that programs offered at the Nature Center can continue,” said Winter.
Visit highlandsbiological.org for more information and to purchase your tickets.
by Luke Osteen
Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival
The Village Green’s Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival, slated for Friday, October 11, through Sunday, October 13, is a vivid proclamation of the community’s deep commitment to artistry and music and food.
Thousands of leaf lookers travel through the Cashiers area every October to enjoy the wonderful hues of red, orange, and yellow as the trees turn their Autumn colors.
Rivaling these colorful attractors, for visitors and locals alike, is the Village Green’s Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival, to be held this year Friday through Sunday, October 11 through 13.
This popular and free event welcomes 90 artisans to the park. Visitors will find unique handcrafted wood, pottery, jewelry and much more on display and for purchase throughout the weekend.
Food, drink, children’s activities, and live music add to the festive spirit of this event.
Artisan vendors will be set up from the Gazebo at the Cashiers Crossroads all the way to the Commons Lawn, making this the largest Festival to date!
The Village Green’s 2023 hand-painted glass Christmas ornaments will be available for purchase during the festival at The Village Green tent!
The Village Green is currently reconnecting with its returning vendors and keeping an active wait list. Should space become available, they’ll begin opening applications to our waitlisted vendors. If you’re interested in joining their potential vendor list, reach out to Shelby@CashiersGreen.com to learn more.
by Luke Osteen
Scan to learn more.
Support OurChildren
You’re invited to an afternoon of snipping and sipping and supporting the youngest members of the Plateau Community when Highlands Community Child Development Center stages a Flower Arranging Demonstration at the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation at 4:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 18.
Highlands Community Child Development Center is offering a Flower Arranging Demonstration and Childcare Celebration at the Church of the Incarnation at 4:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 18.
Participants will enjoy a floral demonstration from Christy Curcuru from Growing Studio. Ms. Curcuru graduated from Rhode Island School of Design in 2006 with a focus in painting and sculpture. Her extensive training in the arts quickly led her to work with flowers and plants as a sculptural medium. Her floral styling has been featured in Martha Stewart, Vogue Weddings, Style Me Pretty, Southern Living and other online and print publications.
For tickets, visit eventbright.com and enter sip-snip-and-support.
If you’d like to help sponsor the event, email cmmuir1@gmail.com.
“It is almost impossible to believe that
so much conversation and so much head shaking has gone on and yet the crisis around childcare, and the cost of it, continues,” says HCCDC President Cathy Manning. “Parents must have a safe, caring and growth-focused place to leave their children, so that they can have full time employment. Daycare centers have to charge enough tuition to pay reasonable salaries to its teachers, have educational materials and curriculum available for preschoolers and provide three meals per day to students. At Highlands Community Child Development Center less than 40 percent of its budget is covered by tuition. It all costs more than either party can afford.
“Childcare is not glorified babysitting. Academic and social benefits from attending childcare programs result in brain development in the first five years of life that can set the stage for future success. Without it, employers will find it increasingly difficult to hire the quality employees they need to
prosper. Without it, today’s employees won’t be able to stay in the workforce and new crises will be on our doorstep much sooner than expected.”
Highlands Community Child Development Center provides affordable, high quality preschool childcare and early childhood education in a safe and loving environment for young children and their families.
But the simple truth is that it’s extremely difficult to operate a self-supporting high-quality facility without charging rates so high that most families cannot possibly afford them. In order to provide tuition money to parents who are unable to afford it, HCCDC relies on grants and contributions and events like the September 18 Floral Celebration. by Luke Osteen
Swing. Raise Money. Repeat.
The Cashiers Cares
Golf Tournament – set for September 16
at Trillium Links Club –is an investment in the health of the community’s non-profits.
The 3rd Annual Cashiers
Cares Golf Tournament is fast approaching!
The event will be hosted by Trillium Links Club with the proceeds going to 10 local charities serving our community. Each year has seen interest grow in this Fun-raising day of play.
The date is Monday, September 16, with shotgun start at 10:30 A.M. The cost is $200/player with cart lunch, award ceremony, prizes, raffles and party to end the day. There is a limit of 96 players to ensure speedy play. All levels of players are invited and singles will be matched to make foursomes.
Golf chairwomen Jan Newton, Jo Anne Darby, and Cathy Peacock have worked to find great prizes and raffles. High Hampton has donated a foursome of golf valued at $1,500 that will be part of the
raffle. Food and Drink will add to the festivities for the golfers.
Cashiers Cares donated over $100,000 to community non-profits in 2023 with the support of Trillium Families and the Trillium golf Tournament. The charities – Awake, the Literary Council of Cashiers NC, Cashiers Valley Pre-School, Hampton Pre-School, Community Care Clinic, Fishes and Loaves, Four Seasons, Pisgah Legal Services, Safe and United Christian Ministries – provide much needed services for the underserved and vulnerable living and working in the Cashiers area. Their support extends from assistance for young children to end-oflife situations.
Those donating will be able to choose, as always, where their funds go – so, for example, if someone wants to donate everything to Fishes and Loaves, they
will have the opportunity to do so. The funds are usually distributed in February of each year.
Cashiers Cares is all volunteers. It helps the safety net – food is really important, healthcare is really important, pre-school is really important, because if people can’t work, then there’s nobody to work in the stores. Pre-schools are important for the Cashiers economy if you want people to work on your home, on your yard, etc. but people don’t always think that way.
Information on the 10 charities and Cashiers Cares can be found at cashierscares.org. Golf registration and/ or donations can be made through the website or by contacting me at pbk354@ gmail.com or calling (828) 743-7158.
by Pam Kerr, Cashiers Cares
SEPTEMBER
“By
all these lovely tokens, September days are here. With summer’s best of weather and autumn’s best
of cheer.” — Helen Hunt Jackson
Bluegrass, 10:30 AM-1 PM, Highlander Mountain House. Come Sing! 7-8 PM, Little Church in the Wildwood. Music Bingo, 7:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.
Temple St. Clair Jewelry Showcase, 10 AM-5 PM, Acorns. Bluegrass, 10:30 AM-1 PM, Highlander Mountain House. Catch Me If You Can, 2 PM, Highlands PAC. Movies at PAC, 5:30 PM, Martin Lipscomb Theater. Come Sing! 7-8 PM, Little Church in the Wildwood. Music Bingo, 7:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.
35th Annual Carolina Dahlia Society Show, 10 AM-2 PM, Village Green. Bluegrass, 10:30 AM-1 PM, Highlander Mountain House. Highlands Porchfest, 1-6 PM, downtown Highlands. Literacy & Learning Center Fall Fundraiser, Shelby Van Pelt, 5:30 PM, Wildcat Cliffs Country Club. Come Sing! 7-8 PM, Little Church in the Wildwood. Music Bingo, 7:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.
Bluegrass, 10:30 AM1 PM, Highlander Mountain House.
Come Sing! 7-8 PM, Little Church in the Wildwood.
Music Bingo, 7:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.
Bluegrass, 10:30 AM1 PM, Highlander Mountain House.
Come Sing! 7-8 PM, Little Church in the Wildwood.
Music Bingo, 7:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.
Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-6 PM, Highlands Methodist. Dancing on the Green, 7 PM, The Village Green.
Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-6 PM, Highlands Methodist.
The Bookworm 11 AM-4 PM. Locally Grown on the Green, 11 AM-3 PM, Village Green. Bluegrass Wednesday, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.
2 1 3 4
Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM.
Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM.
Mountain Findings, 10 AM.
Temple St. Clair Jewelry Showcase, 10 AM-5 PM, Acorns. Dahlia Studio Pottery Show, 10 AM, The Bascom. The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM.
Highlands Dazzling Dahlia Festival Show, 1-4 PM, The Bascom. Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird.
Mountain Findings, 10 AM-1 PM. Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Dahlia Studio Pottery Show, 10 AM, The Bascom. The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM. Blues Music, 5 PM, Ruffed Grouse Tavern. Trivia, 7:30 PM, High Dive. 5 6
Live Music, Johnny Webb Band, 6-8:30 PM, Town Square. Groovin’ Back Porch Orchestra, 6 PM, Village Green. Live Music, 9 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.
Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM-12:30 PM, KH Park.
Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM.
Mountain Findings, 10 AM.
Dahlia Studio Pottery Show, 10 AM, The Bascom. Temple St. Clair Jewelry Showcase, 10 AM-5 PM, Acorns. The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM. The Shedhouse Trio, 1-4 PM, Highlands Historical Village. Pop-Up Pipers, 4:30 PM, Highlands. Live Music, Steel Toe Stiletto, 6-8:30 PM, KH Park. End of the Line, 7:30 PM. PAC. Live Music, 9 PM, High Dive.
Iris Setlakwe Trunk Show, Wish & Shoes.
Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-6 PM, Highlands Methodist. Dancing on the Green, 7 PM, The Village Green.
Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-6 PM, Highlands Methodist.
Sky Valley Garden Club’s Dahlias by the Lake Celebration, 5:30 PM, Sky Valley Country Club.
The Bookworm 11 AM-4 PM.
9 8 10 11
Locally Grown on the Green, 11 AM-3 PM, Village Green.
Bluegrass Wednesday, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.
Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM.
Mountain Findings, 10 AM. Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Cashiers Valley Community Chorus, 5:30 PM, Lewis Hall.
Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Mountain Findings, 10 AM-1 PM.
13
Native Plant Symposium, 3:30 PM, Highlands Biological Station. The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM.
Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird.
Live Music, Silly Ridge Roundup, 6-8:30 PM, Town Square.
Live Music, 9 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.
Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-6 PM, Highlands Methodist. Cashiers Cares Golf Tournament, 10:30 AM,Trillium Links Club. George Masa Documentary/ Lecture, 5:30 PM, Highlands Inn..
Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-6 PM, Highlands Methodist.
Blues Music, 6-8 PM, Ruffed Grouse Tavern. Orchard Sessions, Jilly Martin and Ryan Brooks Kelly, 6 PM, The Farm at Old Edwards. Trivia, 7:30 PM, High Dive. 24 23 25
Acorns, Simon Pearce Glass Designer Pop-Up: 10 AM-5 PM.
Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-6 PM, Highlands Methodist.
The Bookworm , 11 AM-4 PM.
Locally Grown on the Green, 11 AM-3 PM, Village Green. Flower Arranging Demonstration, 4 PM, Episcopal Church of the Incarnation.
Bluegrass Wednesday, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.
Bazaar Barn 10 AM-2 PM.
Mountain Findings, 10 AM.
Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM.
Mountain Findings, 10 AM-1 PM.
Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird.
Live Music, Curtis Blackwell Band, 6-8:30 PM, Town Square.
Live Music, 9 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.
Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-6 PM, Highlands Methodist.
Art League of Highlands-Cashiers Meeting, speaker Margie Bauer, 4:30 PM, The Bascom Terrace.
Art Benefit, drawing 5 PM, Betsy Paul Real Estate. 30 29 15
Highlands Food Pantry, 10 AM-6 PM, Highlands Methodist.
Village Nature Series, Bryan Tompkins, Wildlife Biologist, 5:30 PM, The Village Green.
The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM.
Locally Grown on the Green, 11 AM-3 PM, Village Green.
Bluegrass Wednesday, 6:30 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.
Bazaar Barn 10 AM-2 PM. The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM. Cashiers Quilters, 12:30 PM, St. Jude’s Catholic Church. Cashiers Valley Community Chorus, 5:30 PM, Lewis Hall. Salon Series, Kendell Marvel, 8:30 PM, Ruffed Grouse Tavern. Trivia, 7:30 PM, High Dive.
Bazaar Barn 10 AM-2 PM.
Mountain Findings, 10 AM. The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM. Bascom Clay Symposium, 4-6 PM, The Bascom. Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird. Live Music, Nitrograss, 6-8:30 PM, Town Square. Live Music, 9 PM, Ugly Dog Pub.
View the complete Highlands Cashiers Plateau Calendar
Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM-12:30 PM, KH Park. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Mountain Findings, 10 AM. Native Plant Symposium, 3:30 PM, Highlands Biological Station. Southern Botanics Art Showcase, 10AM-5 PM, Acorns. Author Tracey Enerson Wood, 12:30 PM, Hudson Library. 35th Annual Carolina Dahlia Society Show, 1 PM, Village Green. Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird. Live Music, High Five Band, 6-8:30 PM, KH Park. Live Music, 9 PM, High Dive.
14
Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM-12:30 PM, KH Park. First Annual Pickleball Tournament, 8 AM, Highlands Rec Park. Mountain Findings, 10 AM-1 PM. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. The Bookworm, 11 AM-4 PM. Paddle to the Pork, 2 PM, Headwater Outfitters. Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird. Live Music, The Boomers, 6-8:30 PM, KH Park. Live Music, 9 PM, High Dive.
International Friendship Center’s Carnaval de Colores, 6 PM, Village Green. Cashiers Valley Community Chorus, 5:30 PM, Lewis Hall. Blues Music, 6-8 PM, Ruffed Grouse Tavern. Trivia, 7:30 PM, High Dive. 26 27 28 17 16 20 19 18 21 12 7 22
Highlands Marketplace, 8 AM-12:30 PM, KH Park. Bazaar Barn, 10 AM-2 PM. Bascom Clay Symposium, 10 AM-4 PM, The Bascom. Live Music, 5:30 PM, Hummingbird. Highlands United Methodist Church Craft Bazaar, 10 AM2 PM. Live Music, Kayla McKinney, 6-8:30 PM, KH Park. Darren Nicholson Band, bluegrass, 7:30 PM, PAC. Live Music, 9 PM, High Dive.
October Events
FRIDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11-13
Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival
The Village Green
Celebrate the changing of the leaves. This popular and free event welcomes 90 artisans to the park. Visitors will find unique handcrafted wood, pottery, jewelry and much more on display and for purchase throughout the weekend. Food, drink, and live music add to the festive spirit of this event. villagegreencashiersnc.com
SATURDAY-SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19-20
Fall Colors Fine Art Show
10 AM-5 PM, Highlands Civic Center
This event features the original artwork of talented regional artists. Paintings, photographs, glass, wood, one-of-a-kind jewelry and other original artwork will be on display and for sale. artleaguehighlands-cashiers.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31
All Hallows Eve - Halloween in Highlands 6-8 PM, Highlands
Creating a safe, fun experience for ghosts and goblins of all ages, Highlands’ Main Street (from 2nd to 5th Streets) will be open to pedestrians with participating area merchants distributing candy. visithighlandsnc.com
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12
Highlands Heritage Jamboree
3:30-7:30 PM, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park
Highlands Heritage Jamboree celebrates and honors the town’s history with traditional music, dancing, moonshine and more. visithighlandsnc.com
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
Halloween Block Party
5-7 PM, Frank Allen Road
The Village Green is collaborating with the Albert Carlton Cashiers Library, Jackson County Parks and Recreation Center, and the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau to bring the second annual Halloween Block Party along Frank Allen Road! villagegreencashiersnc.com
ON THE HORIZON EVENT SERIES
November Events
THURSDAY-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7-10
Highlands Food & Wine Festival
This festival transforms this small town into a culinary showcase. For four days, visitors from throughout the country – along with residents – throng the streets, sampling food and wine tastings from renowned chefs and vintners. highlandsfoodandwine.com
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Light Up The Park
6-8 PM, Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park
It’s the moment children who are young and old have been waiting for all year! There is a hum of excitement as people gather and share candy canes, hot chocolate, the reading of the Christmas story, singing carols, and wait for it... Santa arrives and Lights the Park with millions of twinkling lights! highlandschamber.org
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Cashiers Christmas Tree Lighting
5:45-6:30 PM, The Village Green
The Cashiers’ Christmas Tree Lighting will be held on the Gazebo Lawn near the Cashiers crossroads starting at 5:45 PM, rain or shine. To add to the festivities, the evening will feature a cozy fire pit, apple cider, s’mores, and festive holiday music! villagegreencashiersnc.com
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Gobble on the Green 9-11 AM, The Village Green Turkey, cornbread dressing, pumpkin pie, football, and family time - there are so many reasons to love Thanksgiving! Did we mention pie? Each family has its own activities and traditions to look forward to. The Village Green offers this 5K Run/Walk to add to yours. villagegreencashiersnc.com
FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29-30
Festival of Trees
10 AM-5 PM, Summit Charter School Cashiers Festival of Trees is a family-friendly event during Thanksgiving weekend featuring decorated trees, wreaths, gift baskets, holiday shopping, children crafts, story time, rivalry weekend football viewings, entertaining performances, and more. summitschool.org
Locally Grown On The Green Wednesdays | 11 AM-3 PM | The Village Green Friday Night Live Fridays | 6-8 PM | Town Square Highlands Marketplace Saturdays | 8 AM-12:30 PM | KH Founder’s Park Saturdays on Pine Saturdays | 6-8 PM | KH Founder’s Park
Falling for This View
Brasstown Falls, a charming mélange of little falls and cascades has suddenly become a lot easier to visit.
Brasstown Falls of South Carolina Is actually three waterfalls and a series of cascades. They consist of Little Brasstown Falls, Brasstown Veil, Brasstown Sluice, and Brasstown Cascades.
When Cindy and I first visited these waterfalls a few years back they were very difficult to reach. To get to Little Brasstown Falls required crawling across a downed tree over a deep stream to reach a point where the water was shallow enough to wade to the shore.
Reaching Brasstown Veil required descending a steep root filled trail, going over a six-foot cliff, and crossing over some precarious rocks. Cindy had the sense to pass on reaching these falls but I did not. I swore I would never do it again.
After receiving information that improvements were made on
the trails we made a return visit with our friends, William and Linda McReynolds. The improvements were amazing. It was transformed from a difficult, dangerous trail to a kid friendly trail. A bridge was constructed over the stream to make getting too Little Brasstown Falls a piece of cake.
At 40 feet tall, Little Brasstown Falls is much larger than the other two waterfalls. The trail to the other three is, for the most part, considered easy with two platforms overlooking the cascades and Brasstown Veil. Steps have been installed over the steeper sections of the trail.
Driving Directions
To reach Brasstown falls from Highlands drive west on Hwy, 106 (Georgia Road). At US 441/23, turn left and proceed to Clayton, Georgia. Turn left at Walgreens onto US 76. Drive
approximately 14 miles to Brasstown Road and turn right. Drive four miles and turn right to the parking lot.
Trail Description
The out and back hike distance is a little less than one mile. Take the obvious main trail at the end of the parking lot a short distance where it intersects with a trail on the left. That trail will take you to Little Brasstown Falls. To reach the other two falls and the cascades, backtrack to the main trail and take it to the left and hike about a quarter mile.
by Ed and Cindy Boos
At a Glance Waterfall Guide
Enjoy this sampling of area waterfalls, for a deep dive visit thelaurelmagazine.com/recreation.
HIGHLANDS
Bridal Veil Falls
From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 2.3 miles west on US 64; Waterfall GPS: N35.07180 W-83.22910. Difficulty: You can park your car in a little parking area and walk 50 feet.
Dry Falls
From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 3.15 miles west on US 64 to a parking area on the left; Waterfall GPS: N35.06884 W-83.23869. Difficulty: There are lots of steps you must go down to get behind Dry Falls.
Bust Your Butt Falls
From NC 106 in Highlands, drive 6.35 miles west on US 64 to the pullout on the left; Waterfall GPS: N35.09268 W-83.26573. Difficulty: Don’t stop on the road itself!
Glen Falls
From the junction of US 64 and NC 106 in Highlands, drive 1.75 miles south on NC 106 and bear left at the sign for Glen Falls. Take Glen Falls Road, not Holt Road. Drive 1.05 miles to the parking area. Waterfall GPS: N35.03128 W-83.23829. Difficulty: There’s some climbing involved here.
Upper Middle Creek Falls
From the intersection of NC 106 and US 64, follow NC 106 South for 9.3 miles. Exactly 1 mile before you reach the Georgia state line, and about 0.3 miles after NC 106 crosses Middle Creek, a yellow School Bus Stop sign will be on the right. Park on the right side of the road right at the sign. Waterfall GPS: N35.00714 W-83.32916. Difficulty: The four-tenths of a mile hike is not strenuous but it can be confusing.
CASHIERS
Silver Run Falls
From US 64 in Cashiers, head south on NC 107 for 4.05 miles – there’s a pullout area on the left. Waterfall GPS N35.06599 W-83.06558. Difficulty: No difficulty.
Whitewater Falls
From US 64 west of Lake Toxaway, take NC 281 for 8.5 miles and turn left at the sign for Whitewater Falls into a parking area. Difficulty: Not strenuous, though the paved path is a bit uneven.
Cashiers Sliding Rock
Cashiers Sliding Rock, a million miles from the cares of the 21st century, is easy to get to. From the Cashiers Crossroads, travel south on NC 107 to Whiteside Cove Road. Head down the road for 2.6 miles to where the road crosses the Chattooga River and pull over just across the bridge. Difficulty: A piece of cake.
Spoonauger Falls
From Cashiers, travel on NC 107 8.2 miles. The name changes to SC 107 – travel for 4.9 miles. Turn right onto Burrells Ford Road. Drive approximately 2.0 miles to the Chattooga Trail parking area on the left (look for the Forest Service Bulletin Board) Hike north on the Chattooga Trail, which roughly parallels the Chattooga River for 0.25 mile, then cross Spoonauger Creek. Immediately on the right will be a side trail. Difficulty: There’s nothing tricky.
Schoolhouse Falls
Scan for more information on the many waterfalls in the Highlands and Cashiers area.
From US 64, take NC 281 North for 0.85 miles and bear left on Cold Mountain Road. Stay on the road. When it becomes unpaved, travel about 0.1 miles. Take the road on the right and travel for 0.1 miles to a parking area. Take the trail to the right of the information kiosk. At the intersection, proceed straight on Panthertown Valley Trail. Turn left onto Little Green Trail. Schoolhouse Falls is about 0.15 miles ahead. Waterfall GPS N35.16330 W-83.00674 Difficulty: The hike isn’t challenging.
Making Lifetime Memories
High Camp is an intoxicating blend of minimalist styling and deeply indulgent luxury living. For reservations or more information, visit highcampnc.com or call (828) 482-5115.
Opposites attract – and you’ll find no more perfect example of that than High Camp, Highlands’ enchanting little mountain escape that effortlessly blends minimalist modern cabins with the gentle embrace of nature. The juxtaposition of the elegant modern cabins set among an old-growth forest is the perfect peaceful setting for a vacation to remember.
It’s the best of both worlds, the serenity of nature and the comforts of a luxurious home away from home.
Owned, designed, and built by local contractor Bill Futral, High Camp is his vision brought to life of a place for couples and families to make memories for a lifetime, a wellness retreat of sorts where guests will enjoy the restorative and healing powers of nature, while still being only minutes from the charms of Highlands and Cashiers.
Bill’s daughter, Sarah, a recent graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, immediately embraced his vision and joined the High Camp
team, handling the marketing and management, and ensuring that guests enjoy their stay.
High Camp is conveniently located on the Cashiers side of Highlands at 9 High Camp Way so it’s easily accessible to all the plateau’s outdoor activities, festivals and events, world-class shopping, and dining.
Enjoy your morning coffee on your fully furnished screen porch listening to the birds sing and soaking in the sounds of nature. Stretch your legs by walking the on-site trails before heading out on your daily exploration of the area.
This is your home base to enjoy all that the area has to offer but you might find yourself enjoying the peaceful solitude of nature so much that you spend a relaxing day of downtime.
High Camp has just completed its third two-bedroom/two-bath cabin so your accommodations are pristine and you’ll have plenty of elbow room to enjoy their amenities which include the
Bill Futral
cozy outdoor living space, a spacious and cozy living area with smart TV and Wi-fi, a kitchen fully equipped with all the modern appliances you need and all essential cookware and serving pieces, a king and a queen bedroom with plush bedding and, premium bath towels and toiletries.
There is also an outdoor fire pit and grill area so plan for evenings of making s’mores and sharing stories. They haven’t forgotten your furry friends, either. Realizing that pets are part of our families, they are dog friendly. No more worrying about leaving your fourlegged family members behind. Bring them with you on your mountain vacation. High Camp even provides dog blankets and bowls so there’s less for you to pack. Reserve your dream vacation at High Camp now directly at highcampnc.com or by calling (828) 482-5115. You may also book through VRBO or Airbnb. However you book, just book it and treat yourself to a perfect mountain vacation.
by Mary Jane McCall
A
Jewel of a Destination
At Jackson Hole Gem Mine, located on the Cullasaja Gorge, it’s concierge mining where there’s always the promise of treasure without the mud and heat.
Left to Right: Tyler, Tiffany, Rocky, Chuck, Holly, and Shannon with furry friends Pumpkin, Stella, Rosie, Dixie, and Lulu.
As long as I’ve known and visited Jackson Hole Gem Mine and worked for The Laurel, I never guessed there was a connection. With this article, I learned one of my bosses, Janet Cummings, is close kin to the Jackson Hole clan. The mine was already a wonderful destination. But now it’s even more like home.
The family business has been in operation since 1997. It grew out of a long history of Macon County’s gem mining. This region was the gem capital, not just of North Carolina, or even the U.S. It was the gem capital of the entire planet. Kinda makes you want to go out and dig a hole, don’t (sic) it? You never know what might be in your own back yard. Where the Little Tennessee and the Cullasaja Rivers converge in Franklin is a fantastic resource for stones and occasional gold flakes that have washed down the mountains.
Washed is the key word, for the raw/ rough stones are clean as a whistle. Bypass the staining red mud.
Those rivers are where Jackson Hole gets much of its wide variety of Mother Nature’s treasures. They scoop them up into buckets of various amounts. Pick your size: small (smaller stones), $10; ultimate, $30 or 2/$50 (larger stones); $100 for the Bucket Club (a good variety of impressive sizes) with a $45 free cut of a gemstone from your bucket. No matter what size bucket you choose, you are guaranteed stones – stones that the lapidarists can turn into a ring, earrings, or pendants (and more). The size and shape of your stone is what determines your treasure’s possibility.
Bonus: You can head for any outing, ‘cause your clothes are still clean, even after washing your stones in a fantastic enclosed flume. Jackson Hole Gem Mine is the only mine-experience that will protect you from weather and a muddy
red tinge, nose-to-toes.
They have more than just beautiful stones. You can also purchase handcrafted jewelry, homemade jams and jellies, and hand-brewed ciders. All of these delights (and more) are produced by local artisans.
Very often, the favorite attraction of the day is five golden doodles: Rosie, Stella. Lulu, Pumpkin, and Dixie. They are jewels all their own.
Jackson Hole Gem Mine is located at Highway 28 and U.S. 64, 1/3 mile above Cullasaja Falls. Times: 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Open seven days a week rain or shine. Closed after Christmas until March. Located nine miles from downtown Highlands. For information, call (828) 524-5850 or visit jacksonholegemmine.com.
by Donna Rhodes
People, Places, and Plants
All the Green Things get their day on the Plateau at the Native Plant Symposium, September 13-14. For more details and registration, visit highlandsbiological.org.
Highlands Biological Station has unveiled the schedule for its 2024 Native Plant Symposium, set for September 13-14. This two-day event will be packed with engaging presentations, tours, auctions, and more, all centered around the beauty and importance of native plants.
Featured Speakers include:
• Charlie Williams as French Royal Botanist André Michaux – Live and in person;
• Dr. Joey Shaw, Director, Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and UC Foundation Professor, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga;
• Barbara J. Sullivan, Author of Climate Change Gardening for the South: PlanetFriendly Solutions for Thriving Gardens. In addition to these distinguished speakers, the symposium will include:
• Short talks spotlighting current research in the Highlands Botanical Gardens
• Silent and Live Auctions of select and rare Native Plants
…all centered around the beauty and importance of native plants.
• A great selection of books on native plants and related subjects
• Tours of the Highlands Botanical Gardens
• Reception and book signing
• And more!
This symposium offers a unique opportunity for plant enthusiasts, gardeners, and conservationists to learn from experts and engage with the latest
research in native plant conservation.
Registration Details:
• $150.00 per person
• $20.00 per student
Spaces are limited, so register now at highlandsbiological.org or email hbs@wcu.edu.
All proceeds go directly to funding conservation initiatives at the Highlands Biological Station.
The Highlands Botanical Garden is part of the Highlands Biological Station, a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University.
by Luke Osteen
Scan to learn more.
Highlands Bat Blitz
“Every dog has its day.” It turns out that every Plateau bat has its nights – September 10-14.
The Highlands-Cashiers Plateau is a picturesque home to thousands of diverse species of animals.
From the mighty black bear and elusive bobcat to delicate butterflies and vibrant birds, the region is teeming with wildlife. Visitors come to the Plateau year-round from around the world, excited to catch a glimpse of the stunning biodiversity right here before our eyes.
This September, the Highlands Biological Station is shining a spotlight on yet another species to get excited about: Bats!
With its richness of protected habitat and undeveloped land, the HighlandsCashiers Plateau provides an ideal home to 13 unique species of our furry flighted friends. This fall, the Highlands Bat Blitz will bring together teams of experts and trainees gearing up to get an up-close look at this region’s bats.
Hosted by Ed Corey with North Carolina Parks, Lisa Gatens with North Carolina
Museum of Natural Sciences, Dr. Rada Petric with The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and funded in part by the Highlands Biological Foundation, the Bat Blitz is a four-day intensive research event, involving over 14 state, federal, private, and non-profit agencies. Invited researchers will set up more than 30 mist net stations throughout the region between September 10 and 14. These nets will capture bats in mid-flight, allowing trained bat biologists to carefully extract them and collect detailed information about their species, population, and health before releasing them. This event will bring bat biologists and experts from across the state together, aiming to further our understanding of the status and distribution of bats across the Plateau and contribute to broader conservation efforts.
The community is invited to observe the Highlands Bat Blitz at the Highlands Biological Station on September 12. Stay tuned to highlandsbiological.org
for details.
As threats of habitat loss, human disturbance, and disease continue to impact bat populations, the importance of studying bat health for conservation is greater than ever.
White-Nose Syndrome, along with rising noise and light pollution, and expanding development are all factors that have contributed to the significant decline of bat populations locally and nationally in the last decade. Detailed data collected during the Highlands Bat Blitz will provide valuable insights for the health and status of bats nationwide, informing effective management and conservation strategies to ensure their continued survival.
The Highlands Biological Station is a multi-campus center of Western Carolina University. by Reagan Jarrett, Highlands Biological Station
A Dahlia Passion-ary
This is the glorious season of Dahlia blossoms. Debby gives us the scoop on these Plateau charmers.
Single-Flowered Ball
Pompom Cactus
As I write this, I’m on a plane traveling to my eventual destination, Mystic Seaport.
I can’t wait to learn more about the historical village, but I must admit I’m hopeful I will get the chance to see a garden or two while I’m there. I’ll be on the lookout for Dahlias since those are on my mind. I, like most here on The Plateau, adore these sweet flowers!
My first experience with Dahlias was about 15 years ago when I saw a bag of tubers for sale and thought I would give it a try.
I was hooked! What I have since learned is what I experienced was an accidental success. I plunked them in the ground and pretty much left them for Mother Nature to care for, and I had a bumper crop of flowers by August.
Fast forward to October when a friend was visiting and we learned the first frost was due to strike. We grabbed the pruners and went out in the dark to
harvest the beauties and have fondly called it our Moonlight Dahlia Fest ever since.
Since those days I have tried growing Dahlias in Atlanta with no success. I bought plants this year for my new home here, moved them around only to find I do not have enough sun. I am, however, not giving up! But that’s another story. So here is what I do know, dahlias are beautiful, versatile flowers that come in all shapes, sizes and colors that are perennials in warmer climates but need to be dug up and replanted in our area. Unless we are lucky and have a warmer winter. My gardener friends don’t take a chance on that so they clean and store them in a cool, dry place after the first frost. Their heights, colors, and blooms are as varied as the types of flowers they share with us. I think this is a big part of their charm. I’ve learned there are six types:
• Single-Flowered: A simple flower head with a central disk and single row of petals.
• Anemone-flowered: Features a central disk surrounded by a row of narrow petals.
• Ball: Rounded flowers with densely packed petals.
• Cactus: Petals are long, narrow, and pointed, resembling cactus spines.
• Decorative: Large flowers with fully rounded petals.
• Pompom: Small, spherical flowers with tightly packed petals.
If you share my love and appreciation, please be on the lookout for The Dahlia Festival early this month. You will see many beautiful varieties and if you are lucky you may run into one of the local Dahlia experts who are always happy to share tips and stories of their rich experiences growing what I like to call, The Flower of the Plateau!
Happy Gardening! by Debby Hall
Master of Light Shadowand
George Masa – explorer, photographer, and chronicler of the Plateau’s vistas and byways – is the subject of a September 16 documentary and lecture at Highlands Inn. For more information see hcltnc.org.
In 1929 the Japanese-born photographer George Masa made his way to Highlands and Cashiers, enticed by an offer from Frank Cook, owner of the Highlands Inn, that included free lodging in partial exchange for Masa capturing on film some of the area’s incredible scenery. The result was almost 100 iconic black-and-white photographs that define our area’s history.
Masa had arrived in Asheville in 1915 and, due to his boundless energy and passion for photography, was soon operating his own studio. A perfectionist and a master of light and shadow, his work was instrumental in advocating for numerous conservation causes, including the creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the location of the Appalachian Trail.
At a time when it was difficult for a Japanese immigrant to integrate into American society, Masa had the social and professional skills to work for
the Vanderbilts, correspond with the Rockefellers, and collaborate with the White House and National Park officials.
Yet for all that is known about Masa’s career in Western North Carolina, there have been many unknowns about his early life and the path that led him to our area.
Documentary filmmaker Paul Bonesteel, “captivated from the moment (he) first saw a Masa photograph,” created the 2002 documentary The Mystery of George Masa. Janet McCue, former librarian at Cornell University, offered additional insight regarding Masa in the 2019 profile of his friend and collaborator in Back of Beyond: A Horace Kephart Biography, co-authored with George Ellison.
Bonesteel and McCue have continued to research Masa, including translating a cache of found letters, as well as conducting research in Japan.
The result is a book and forthcoming
documentary A Life Reimagined: The George Masa Story, that for the first time will provide insight into Masa’s formative years. At this event they will discuss this research, read from the book (which will be available), and share footage from the upcoming documentary. Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan (of The National Parks: America’s Best Idea) state that it’s “a remarkable achievement in biographical research” that “finally gives that hero of the national park idea his due.”
The event is hosted by the HighlandsCashiers Land Trust with co-hosts the Highlands Historical Society and the Cashiers Historical Society. It is sponsored by the Highlands Inn, on Monday, September 16, from 5:30 until 7:30 P.M. in the Sequoyah Room.
by
Lance Hardin, Highlands Cashiers Land Trust
Costume Ball Waxwings
Brilliantly plumaged, enthusiastic berry pluckers, and sometimes slightly tipsy, Cedar Waxwings are cheerful Plateau residents.
These striking visages feature one of the exotic songbirds of forest and field.
Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla garrulus) are mysterious owing to their distinct plumage: the black mask and prominent tan crest suggest a costume ball; the upright stance in the trees suggests nobility. Look at the bright red and yellow jewels, the white appointments, deft strokes, and a yellow breast that shines in the sun… all clad in a mink-colored cape and hood.
Cedar Waxwings get their name from their predilection for cedar berries in winter. All About Birds nails the diet: Cedar Waxwings feed mainly on fruits year-round. In summer, they feed on fruits such as serviceberry, strawberry, mulberry, dogwood, and raspberries. They also eat mistletoe, madrone, juniper, mountain ash, honeysuckle, crabapple, hawthorn, and Russian olive fruits.
In summer Cedar Waxwings supplement their fruit diet with protein-rich insects
including mayflies, dragonflies, and stoneflies, often caught on the wing. They also pick items such as scale insects, spruce budworm, and leaf beetles directly from vegetation.
Courtship is a touching affair, well described by careful ornithological field observers: “Males and females hop towards each other, alternating back and forth and sometimes touching their bills together. Males often pass a small item like a fruit, insect, or flower petal, to the female. After taking the fruit, the female usually hops away and then returns giving back the item to the male. They repeat this a few times until, typically, the female eats the gift.”
They are then monogamous for the season. The female decides where to locate the nest, probably a fork on a horizontal branch low or high in the tree. She does the work but he sometimes helps, especially with a second nest that season. A nest takes only 5 or 6 days to complete but involves as many as 2,500
trips bringing in materials.
These birds swallow berries and seeds whole. In the summer, the berries ferment and naturalists say that Cedar Waxwings become intoxicated eating them. How do you know a bird is drunk? They can’t fly and have trouble holding themselves upright on the branch. Interesting, this world of birds.
Happy September birding from the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society. Look for flocks of these birds, called collectively an “ear-full” or “museum” of Waxwings, near fruit and berries.
The mission of HPAS 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. We are a 501 (c) (3) organization, a Chapter of the National Audubon Society. Visit highlandsaudubonsociety.org for information on membership and activities. by William McReynolds, Highlands Plateau Audubon
Where Surface Meets Paint
Cover Artist Megan Gaillour’s artistic sensibilities and capabilities are constantly evolving, yet remain centered on the beauty and mystery of nature.
Megan Gaillour is at that glorious stage of Art Convergence, an epiphany.
It’s when the artist’s eyes, soul, hands, and tools merge into magic – and surface meets paint with an outpouring of joy and satisfaction.
She pulled together all the concepts, symbols, and skills collected since childhood.
It began with a vivid memory of her grandmother’s oil paintings. Her grandmother’s Bob Ross infatuation. Mountain nature’s dahlia perfection. The dahlia festivals that etched floral beauty into her heart. A fascination for pen and ink pointillism.
And now, she’s taken a broad turn toward animals as subjects.
“It was at a Dahlia Fest that I fell in love
with painting pet portraits,” she said. “That’s when it all started coming together. I made several pet paintings for my family at Christmas. I dived into oil painting and have been focusing more on creatures. I always felt a deep connection to animals.”
Megan won the Dahlia poster contest in 2023. She said, “I had seen they called for artists. I thought, that’s cool, but I didn’t give it much thought. Then I decided to take the challenge. I started
two days before deadline. I was going to visit my parents in Florida. I worked at the airport and on the plane and then spent a full day painting at my parents. Deadlines really get me in gear.”
And voila! She won!
She said online, “Feeling so overwhelmed with gratitude and joy from this wonderful honor of winning the Dahlia Festival Poster contest this year! I’m so grateful to the wonderful support of friends, family, and the Highlands community!”
Megan is self-taught. She found her way by exploring online. She didn’t have
I always felt a deep connection to animals.
to go to art school when so much was available onscreen. She simply hit her own stride, one site at a time.
Her workdays are filled, teaching yoga and managing a grocery, but she manages to sneak in paint-days.
Truth is, painting won’t turn her loose. She feels it guiding her closer to a career down the road.
She says, “I am moving out of a hobby and making it more of sharing with other people. I’m working on a series for ACP Home Interiors. I am definitely finding myself moving toward showing my art to the public.”
by Donna Rhodes
PAC’s Super Year-end Lineup
The Highlands Performing Arts Center brings a dynamic concert calendar that’ll carry us to the end of the year.
The Darren Nicholson Band
September brings a different energy to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau – as evidenced by the varied lineup of live performances at Highlands Performing Arts Center.
Saturday, September 7, will rock with a tribute to the Allman Brothers Band with End of the Line. End of the Line is the premiere Allman Brothers tribute band, endorsed by the Official Allman Brothers Museum, and The Big House. It carries on the legacy of the Allman Brothers with poise and power. They have carved up the Southeast with Sold-out shows.
End of the Line is making a name for themselves with a sound as classic and heavy as the original brothers themselves. From the authentic, raspy vocal approach of Juston Smith to the chugging drum/percussion train of Chase Bader, Dave Czuba and Ryan McClanahan, the band both pays homage while pushing the boundaries of the timeless and
extensive catalog.
September 28 highlights bluegrass when The Darren Nicholson Band take the main stage. A Grammy-nominee and winner of 13 International Bluegrass Music Association awards, Darren Nicholson has taken his own brand of mountain music around the world. A regular for years on the Grand Ole Opry and a founding member of acclaimed bluegrass group Balsam Range. Darren now spends his time recording, writing new songs, and performing. You can catch Darren almost every week sharing the music he loves somewhere, traveling both nationally and internationally – as a solo artist, with his own Darren Nicholson Band, or in collaboration with other musicians. The Darren Nicholson Band is a group of Appalachian musicians who have common respect for and love of American acoustic music. They are known for creatively blending bluegrass, folk, gospel, and swing, into
a new music experience. A night not to be missed!
Bluegrass returns the Friday after Thanksgiving with the legendary Mark O’Connor’s An Appalachian Christmas featuring Maggie O’Connor.
A Pre-New Year’s Eve party takes place on Monday, December 30, with the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra.
All concerts begin at 7:30 P.M.
Highlands PAC is located at 507 Chestnut Street.
For tickets or more information, visit HighlandsPerformingArts.com. by Mary Adair Trumbly, Highlands Performing Arts Center
Welcome Back Bel Canto
For its 32nd Anniversary Recital, Bel Canto’s September 8 performance at Highlands Performing Arts Center puts a graceful note on this busy season in this busy year. For information about tickets, call (828) 526-4949.
The 32nd annual Bel Canto Recital will be held in Highlands on Sunday, September 8, at 4:00 P.M. in the Highlands Performing Arts Center. This will be followed by a gala dinner at the Highlands Country Club. Our generous patrons have contributed to the success of Bel Canto, and they have enabled us to fully fund music education at two preschool programs, supplement music education at our public school, fund a college scholarship in the performing arts, and sponsor special art exhibitions at The Bascom.
In total, Bel Canto has contributed over $800,000 to these worthy programs. The recipients of our gifts certainly benefit from your generosity, and a benefit to you is an increased tax deduction.
This year’s artists are Aviva Fortunata, Anna Kelly, Derrek Stark, and Daniel Belcher. These artists are internationally known, and it is remarkable that all four will be together for this event.
Soprano Aviva Fortunata, named twice as one of the Canadian Broadcasting Company’s Top Canadian Classical Artists Under 30, is earning international attention with her “velvety timbre”, “gleaming tone”, and voice “of diva soprano quality and strength”. Ms. Fortunata’s opera credits include main roles at Pacific Opera Victoria, Calgary Opera, l’Orchestre symphonique de Québec, Sarasota Opera. She is on the Metropolitan Opera roster.
Praised as a “divine” mezzo soprano (Palm Beach Post) having a “rich,” and “beautifully emotional” sound (DC Metro Arts), Anna Kelly is an up-andcoming mezzo who was recently named a National Semi-finalist in the 2022 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. She was a finalist with the Giulio Gari competition and Opera Florham, and the winner of the James Toland Tier 2 competition. Anna has sung major roles with the Palm Beach Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, and Sarasota Opera.
Hailed by Opera News for his “handsome sound,” and described as a “standout” by the Wall Street Journal, tenor Derrek Stark is quickly establishing a reputation as an elegant performer with nuanced and stylish singing. He has sung major roles with Opera Tampa, Eugene Opera, Lakeland Symphony, Gulfshore Opera, Bar Harbor Music Festival, and Opera Fuoco. He is also on The Metropolitan Opera roster. GRAMMY® Award-winning baritone Daniel Belcher has graced the stages of the world’s foremost music capitals. His commanding presence and remarkable talent have left an indelible mark on audiences in cities that include Paris, London, New York, Tokyo, Berlin, Amsterdam, Madrid, Toronto, San Francisco and Houston. Tickets will be available in mid-August. For information about this recital series, please call The Bascom at (828) 526-4949.
by
Dr. Michael Crowe, Bel Canto
The Bascom Welcomes Kinkade
The Bascom’s new Executive Director is a natural fit for the Plateau’s vibrant art community, this busy cultural institution, and, of course, the bears.
Niki Kinkade
One of the most important things Niki Kinkade learned her first week as The Bascom’s new Executive Director was: Don’t have a nosh at the creek’s picnic tables. The bears will gnash your nosh. She laughs and says, “This terrain here is definitely not a Kentucky horse farm.”
That’s exactly one of the things that called her here: the heights, the sights, and the beauty, but mostly, The Bascom…and maybe a rare, occasional bear.
Niki, an outgoing enthusiast, is already establishing a strong connection with the Board, staff, donors, members, and businesses. She says, “I enjoy change and growth and engaging with new people. The Bascom believes in the power of the arts to transform and inspire. All we do at The Bascom revolves around this. This purpose resonates with me and aligns with my personal beliefs.”
Deeply impressed with The Bascom Board, Niki says, “I look forward to
working with the Board of Directors as we move our mission further. The strong resources they bring to the organization is inspiring and I look forward to the work we will do together.”
As The Bascom approaches 40, Niki envisions enriching the campus, adding a few areas of growth. With regard to her qualifications, she says, “With my experiences leading arts organizations, I was a good candidate for the Executive Director position at the The Bascom. I have many years of experience directing arts organizations through areas of growth. I have a background in Art History and have worked in various areas of the visual arts. It is a comfortable transition for me, since I understand all the different areas of a visual arts organization. And The Bascom is an organization that is in a strong position, with fantastic staff, Board members, patrons, and support. This is a very exciting and important time for The Bascom and I am honored to be a part of it.”
She relates to family too. And she’s a dog lover, with two multi-poos, loveable, naughty boy, Banksy (watch the walls), and adorable Benji. Her husband John is the shopper and chef when he’s not being a professor. He and their son Charlie will remain in Danville for a bit, and they will be commuting. They have two daughters, out and on their own.
Niki says, “We are a strong family and believe that it is important to live life to the fullest. The family sees this as an opportunity for all of us. I am proud to show my kids: you can look outside of the box when thinking about your future.”
When things settle, Niki will look forward to joining a book club. Gear up, enthusiastic readers. In the meantime, she welcomes visits. Stop by The Bascom and say “hello.” Give her a thumbs-up. Her email is nkinkade@ thebascom.org.
by Donna Rhodes / photo by Susan Renfro
A Passion for Plants and Creatures
Margie Bauer shares her lifetime of travel, study, and artistic inspiration with members of the Art League, September 30 at The Bascom.
Margie Bauer, a botanical and scientific illustrator, “zendoodler,” fabric artist and a teacher in watercolor, pen, fabric art and mixed media, works out of her studios in Cashiers and Coral Gables, Florida. The beauty, fragility and strength of nature is her inspiration. She often studies her subjects by growing native plants at home that attract native creatures. Volunteering at the Highlands Botanical Garden and on the Million Orchid Project at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden gives her even more in-depth knowledge of the wonders of our surroundings.
Ms. Bauer, an ALHC member, will be the guest speaker at the September 30 Art League meeting at The Bascom. Social time begins at 4:30 P.M., with the monthly meeting and presentation following at 5:00.
From working in her grandparent’s
extensive gardens in Cincinnati, Ohio, to teaching chemistry in French and raising plants and animals as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Zaire to her 30-year international career as a diplomat reporting on and promoting agricultural products for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ms. Bauer has immersed herself in nature. She served as the Agricultural Attaché at the U.S. Embassies in Indonesia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.
She has taught art classes through Western Carolina University, University of Miami and many other venues, including the Cashiers Quilters, Half-Mile Farm, and Fusion Yoga & Wellness. Ms. Bauer also teaches the neighborhood children and their parents the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly, with the ever-present caterpillars and butterflies that emerge from chrysalises
in her Coral Gables garden.
Ms. Bauer exhibits at the Art League of Highlands-Cashiers events and at the Bascom. With the Tropical Botanic Artists group in Miami, she exhibited at more than 50 venues in private galleries and national, state and local parks.
Her artwork is available at many retail outlets in south Florida and the Smokey Mountains region.
We hope you will be able to attend this free presentation, which promises to be both entertaining and instructive. For more information about the Art League, artleaguehighlands-cashiers.com.
by Zach Claxton, Highlands-Cashiers Art League
As the Magic of Music Unfolds
With the arrival of October, Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival will be spreading its music and its message at venues across the Plateau.
Rose Quartet
Thanks to the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival, Highlands is a town with remarkable chamber music, and a history of transforming local landmarks into vibrant venues, setting multiples stages for a wealth of string quartets and ensembles. And like so much else in Highlands, our chamber music festival exceeds expectations, performing in places where its least expected.
In October those places happen to be at our local schools, the Fidelia Eckerd Living Center and at the First Presbyterian Church of Highlands. They all have one thing in common. They are the locales for the Fall 2024 HCCMF Residency Program – a community focused initiative, whose mission is to bridge the gap between communities and generations, to forge meaningful connections between chamber music and everyday life.
This fall, together with the acclaimed
Rose Quartet, the residency program promises to bring communities closer together through the power of music.
Between October 24 and 27, the Rose Quartet will present three school programs at Highlands, Blue Ridge and Summit Schools, providing students with a deeper understanding of music, instruments, and the art of ensemble playing. A live performance at the Fidelia Eckerd Living Center is certain to bring joy, and an opportunity for residents to engage with the musicians while reflecting on their own musical memories. Highly anticipated is the free concert at the First Presbyterian Church of Highlands on Saturday, October 26, at 5:00 P.M.
As an advocate for the transformative influence of both chamber music and the Residency Program, Director Ransom expressed that, “It brings me great joy to witness the magic of music unfolding in the classrooms. Bringing these exceptional musicians to the schools is to plant
the seeds of inspiration in the minds of young students.”
Formed in 2022, the Rose Quartet has shared the stage with world renowned artists including Time for Three, the Harlem Quartet, Rhiannon Giddens and others. Deeply committed to community outreach, they regularly collaborate with the non-profit organization Music for All Seasons, presenting programs in various community settings including senior centers, veterans’ homes, halfway houses, schools, and correctional facilities. Their mission includes providing inclusive and accessible music education, which is reflected in their frequent masterclasses and teaching engagements. The Residency Program is made possible through the generous support of a grant from Cullasaja Women’s Outreach. For tickets and more information visit h-cmusicfestival.org.
by Marlene Osteen
Clay it Cool
There’s magic in that mud! The Bascom’s Frank Vickery guides a bustling ceramics studio, with lessons for everyone.
Photo by Bianca Mitchell, The Bascom Director of Marketing
There’s magic in that mud! The Bascom’s Frank Vickery rules a bustling ceramics studio, with lessons for everyone.
Can ceramics be head-over-heels addictive? It certainly can when the mojo is right.
And there’s plenty of magic in the Ceramics Open Studio Program at The Bascom under the direction of Frank Vickery. The pull is 2,500 square feet of marvelous mud-space. It’s used for wedging, texturing, hand-building, wheel-work, slabbing, scoring, glazing, and mastering kiln-skills in the Dave Drake Ceramic Barn.
But the real magic is Frank Vickery. He’s the epitome of the art of craft. He has an unyielding vision of bonding everyone, everywhere to his concept of community. All this and more fires up participants and community with classes, lectures, and super-successful shows, the 13th of which recently rocked the rafters of what
used to be the Crane Horse Stables.
The idea behind the shows is sales, but the whole experience is much deeper than that. Ultimately the practice is to get better. Learning, preparation, interaction (which boils down to teamwork), and presentation, are the things that build community and successful crafters.
As shows approach, studio members prepare for the event. Everyone does a shift as a helper, wrapper, customer interactor, or register-cashier. All the pieces are made by the studio members.
A new soda kiln pavilion and a concrete structure around it to make a patio area was completed in June. A soda kiln is an atmospheric kiln, firing at 2300+ degrees. Vickery says, “The soda vaporizes in the kiln due to the heat and attaches to the clay body surface and creates magical and lustrous surfaces. “We are honoring a Cashiers potter who passed during Covid. We are
reconstructing his world-class kiln, reconfiguring it here, and putting a pavilion over it, allowing us to grow our workshop offerings and the quality of instructors we attract.”
The program also added a new instructor, Esther Lipscomb, resident educator artist who will teach classes and work with the public to strengthen community and share her vast expertise.
“I’m proud to be part of each artist’s creative journey. It’s inspiring to watch their growth,” says Vickery. “By working with artists, The Bascom members, staff, and board, a community arose, and in a way, we’ve all become a family.”
To know more about The Bascom, the ceramics program, and future events, call The Bascom at (828) 526-4949. Better yet, stop by and discover all the treasures and surprises that it houses –323 Franklin Road in Highlands.
by Donna Rhodes
Poané Poané
Poané draws upon deep pools of creativity and inspiration to fill his eponymous gallery located at 560 Hwy. 107 South in Cashiers.
Poané draws upon deep pools of creativity and inspiration to fill his eponymous gallery.
When customers walk through the door of Poané, Poané Gallery jaws drop, eyes widen, smiles flash. They’ve set foot in a world of visual bliss. It’s the kind of inspiring spectacle that urges another visit…and another. And it’s all presented by the phenomenal, prolific Poané. Poané (rhymes with Monet) is an artist overflowing with passion for life. He fills Cashiers’ newest fascination destination with a fusion of color, wood, and Wow! His wife, Jennifer, complements the bold and bright with her soft, fragrant, silken soy candles.
At the age of five, Poané began pounding out his inventive rhythms and energy with drumming. Over time he was drawn to photography, its mechanical snappiness capturing the world around him, freezing the drama of light and the powerful stillness of dark.
Fine artists will tell you that framing an image in a camera’s viewfinder is the best teacher of composition. Add that proficiency to Poanés study of the Masters, particularly Italian artist, Caravaggio and his command of chiaroscuro (light and shadow). Those skills, coupled with a vibrancy for Life capture Poanés essence.
Wearing his iconic fedora, Poané states the obvious, “I’ve got a lot going on.” It’s a variety of genres, exhibiting a vast array of painted surfaces, colors, subjects, and styles. He created so many styles, visitors are convinced several artists are displayed.
Nope. Just Poané.
Gallery rooms and spaces are teeming with people portraits, pet portraits, photographs, wildlife paintings, Native American imagery, abstracts, interpretations of classics, florals, figures, pottery, and textural slabs of seasoned wood, some reserved for stunning, one-of-akind charcuterie trays.
A well-known celebrity photographer, Poané is commissioned by the rich and famous. Charlie Daniels, well-known singer and songwriter, was one of his clients.
Jennifer provides a fedora of color for all occasions, Poanés recent favorite, a dashing pink. He liked it so much, he had a die-cut pink fedora business card designed for his Cashiers studio/gallery/shop.
Poané and Jennifer put in years of hard work to create their gallery. You’ll agree, visiting is a truly, mindblowing experience.
Asked why they worked so hard to create this Cashiers mountain dream, Poané answers, “If I don’t throw the ball, I won’t know how far it will go.”
Count on it. He’s got a strong arm up his sleeve.
For more information call (678) 508-3421 or email poanegallery@gmail.com.
by Donna Rhodes
DINING Pages 126-145
A Night to Remember
A meal at Cloud 7, Fire Mountain Resort & Spa’s new restaurant, is a reassurance that all is right in the world.
Discover for yourself – (800) 775-4446 or visit firemountain-resort.com.
Hello, I’m Tricia Smith, the partner of Luke Osteen, editor of Laurel Magazine.
In his restaurant reviews, I’m usually in the background – referenced as “my Sweetie,” “my dining companion,” and in one regrettable round-up, “my official mistress.”
But there’s one Plateau dining destination for which I throw off my designation as “food taster” and “collateral diner” and seize control of this space – Fire Mountain Resort & Spa’s Cloud 7 Restaurant.
Now I’ve covered Fire Mountain’s former restaurant twice before, prior to its purchase this year by Laura and Tom Puckett. I chose to review this exclusive space at the edge of Scaly Mountain because it’s such a precious experience.
Here’s what I said about our first visit:
“Of all the restaurants we’ve visited, all the varied menus, all the carefully appointed décor, all the wonderfully indulgent service, Cloud 7 is by far my favorite. It’s that very distance from the heart of Highlands that gives Cloud 7 its undeniable tranquility. You’re instantly soothed. The carefully landscaped
grounds create a Zen state and the view from our terrace table (shaded by old growth oaks) revealed the ridges of five distinct mountain ranges. This was accompanied by the sound of water cascading down a beautiful walled fountain just a few feet from our table.”
So when Luke received this assignment to review Could 7, I knew it was time to once more assert my voice.
So first of all, let me address the ambiance, which is what drew me in so long ago.
Yep, it’s still there, as close to
tranquility as we’re to get this side of Bali. The cascading water, the gentle breeze, the doe and her fawn nibbling on the downed apples at the edge of the property and the immense vistas stretching out forever. I could feel the cares of my hectic week slipping away within moments of being seated.
And – this is critical – we were greeted so warmly by our restaurant manager/ server/concierge Philippa. She welcomed us with a smile that could crack ice and a sunny disposition that immediately made us feel like old friends, “insiders” in this fun enterprise atop Fire Mountain.
We ordered appetizers, Roast Beet Salad for me – Osage Farm baby arugula, local goat cheese, roasted beets and toasted walnuts. Exquisite! And I’m one of those people who believes that beets usually
taste like dirt!
Luke played it conservative with the Cloud 7 Caesar, but his philosophy has always been that a carefully selected appetizer/soup/salad is a pretty good indicator of the kitchen’s attention to detail and the subsequent entrée presentation.
The kitchen got it right. Chef Pierre has clearly mastered Cloud 7’s concise menu.
We devoured (with as was much restraint as decorum required):
Chicken Francese – Springer Mountain chicken cutlets pounded thin and dredged in egg wash, served with a lemon butter and a white wine sauce; and Trout Picatta served with lemon butter caper sauce, Carolina gold rice, with toasted pecans.
(You’ll notice that I’ve emphasized Osage Farm vegetables and Springer Mountain chicken – the chef has obviously made a commitment to seek out the bounty of nearby farms. Hooray!)
And, though I often suggest to my patients that they cut back a bit on sweets, somehow it didn’t seem appropriate for us to turn down Vanilla Bean Crème Brule and Chocolate Heaven Cake with Espresso Cream. Thank you, Marjorie and Janet, for forcing us to make these sacrifices! by Tricia Smith | photos by Susan Renfro Scan to learn more.
A good cabernet is made for the sensual delights that come with the shifting of the seasons. Pick Your Cabernet
Some things are hard to argue with, like fall being the perfect time of year to fire up the grill for one last hurrah on Labor Day. That there’s no better way to celebrate the season than to pair a hearty grilled steak with a Napa cabernet. For it’s true that these labels demand rich fatty meats, simply prepared; that the saltiness and fatty marbling of the beef crave the grippy tannins and forward black fruit notes of the wine.
It was equivalent to the shot heard round the world. In 1976, Napa Valley Cabernets were thrust onto the global stage at a tasting competition in Paris—often referred to as the “Judgment of Paris.” Napa’s 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon notably triumphed over some of France’s top wines, a victory that significantly shifted the wine world’s focus towards California.
Yet though it’s likely that none are likely to become your Tuesday night go-to, you need not empty your bank account to
take a trip down Napa Valleys’ legendary Highway 29 or Silverado Trail.
Under $40
Beaulieu Vineyards BV Napa Valley Cabernet 2020 – One of the pioneers of Napa Valley and for just under $30 you can get an incredibly drinkable crowdpleasing wine with a bouquet of dark red berry fruit and a long savory finish.
Charles Krug Napa Valley Cabernet 2020: Another historic winery established by a Prussian immigrant in 1861, produces a Cabernet that melds cherries and currants with hints of minty herbs and vanilla.
Truchard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 – A Notable value (about $30) in the category of under $40 Napa cabs (now thought of as an endangered species). A gently herbal wine with hints of thyme that blend with black olive and black cherry notes. Girard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021: Taut and juicy with aromas of cherries and
dried herbs plus hints of cedar and vanilla.
For the big splurge: over $50
Stag’s Leap “Artemis” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2020: This plush, delicious and fruit-drenched wine pairs wonderful black fruit nuances of crème de cassis and black cherries with subtle, layered oak spices of new leather, tobacco and graphite.
Frog’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon: Congratulations to John Williams, credited with making wines of balance and restraint that are a direct link to Napa’s past. Red cherry/plum fruit, spice, tobacco and mocha lend quite a bit of aromatic nuance to this mid-weight, super-expressive cabernet.
by Marlene Osteen
Celebrity Chefs of Great Britain
Rule Britannia! Old Edwards Inn and Spa is hosting an exclusive Celebrity Chefs of Great Britain Dinner on Friday, October 11.
Graham Fox
Phil Vickery
Colin Bedford
Like many food lovers, Julia Child returned from her first visit to Great Britain in 1949 less than impressed, convinced that “there really was no hope for such a nation.”
Happily, this once-prevailing notion has been thoroughly dispelled— a fact that will be unmistakably clear to those attending the Three Celebrity Chefs of Great Britain dinner at The Farm at Old Edwards on Friday, October 11.
Dinner won’t be one of those sweat-soaked, food-television-style showdowns, but rather a collaboration between skilled chefs with a shared focus. Participating in the culinary extravaganza are chefs Phil Vickery, Colin Bedford and Graham Fox who are gearing up to whip up a storm, blending their unique flair to craft an unforgettable feast of their all-time favorite dishes.
Phil Vickery is an English celebrity chef
celebrated for his appearances on ITV’s This Morning, where he has been the resident chef since 2006. His culinary journey includes over 200 appearances on BBC’s Ready Steady Cook between 1996 and 2010, where he earned the nickname “Phil Victory” for his frequent wins on the show. A proponent of using simple, quality ingredients, his recipes often emphasize the natural flavors of the food.
Colin Bedford, an accomplished chef originally from England, made his culinary mark at The Fearrington House in North Carolina, where he served as Executive Chef. With a background enriched by international experience and a profound appreciation for farmto-table philosophy, Bedford’s culinary style integrates the robust flavors of the American South with classic European techniques. He’s also a two-time James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef in the Southeast.
Chef Graham Fox developed his culinary skills at Michelin-starred venues, focusing on classic French and traditional English cooking techniques. His professional achievements include being named Young Chef of the Year and serving as the Executive Chef at the Fearrington House, as well as acting as Private Chef for Lord Bamford of JCB. Since 2010, Graham, with his wife Phoebe, has owned and operated Sutor Creek in Cromarty, Scotland, renowned for its focus on Scottish Seafood and utilizing the finest local produce available, effectively capturing the essence of Scotland’s natural bounty.
Make plans to savor this culinary renaissance on October 11 at The Farm at Old Edwards.
For tickets and more information, visit oldedwardshospitality.com/chefdinners.
by Marlene Osteen
Cooking in the Moment
Executive Chef Peter Brinckerhoff was born to lead the nationally-recognized kitchen at the Greystone Inn.
Atwisting trail brought Chef Peter Brinckerhoff to the Greystone Inn.
Born and raised in Long Island, New York, he moved to Florida when he was in his early teens. Surrounded by a family passionate about food – from his father, an advertising executive who loved to cook, to his grandparents who ran a bed and breakfast in Vermont – he was inevitably drawn to the culinary world.
It was equally inevitable when Peter, at the age of 16, needed a job to finance his first car, he would draw on that heritage. His great good fortune was landing a job at Pattigeorge’s, a Longboat Keys icon, and the best restaurant in two counties,
beloved for its global coastal cuisine. It was Brinckerhoff’s introduction to fine dining, and what turned out to be the start of a 40-year journey that would culminate in Lake Toxaway at the Greystone Inn.
Following a three-year stint at Pattgeorge’s, Brinckerhoff completed a “stage” under a culinary Olympic winning chef at the Longboat Key Club before moving on to a position at the Hyatt Hotel. It was there that he won the top prize in a Marzetti salad dressing competition – for his recipe for a stuffed chicken salad.
When the victory provided a chance to transfer to the Hyatt property of his choice, he decided on Lake Tahoe.
“I sowed my roots in Lake Tahoe,” he explained.
In the ensuing years, his career soared. In 1999 he left Hyatt for the Corporate Chef position at the Tahoe Restaurant Collection. A position he retained for 10 years, before moving on to spend the next decade running culinary operations for Vail Resorts in Lake Tahoe.
Three years ago, when wildfires came within a half mile of their California residence, his wife encouraged him to agree to move to Brevard, where she had family. He accepted the Executive Chef position at nearby Greystone Inn in June 2023.
At Greystone, Brinckerhoff’s menus reflect the melding of cultures and
Chef Peter Brinckerhoff
influences that have permeated his career. The delicious dishes served daily to hotel guests and local diners are a composition of his passions – using local and high-end ingredients, thoughtfully mixing and blending flavors.
He tells me that, “I like to cook in the moment, going to the markets and talking to the farmers who knows what’s in season. I get inspired by an ingredient.”
A local farmer recycles the restaurant’s organic waste to sustainably feed livestock, reflecting Peter’s commitment to sustainability.
He favors using traditional ingredients in nontraditional ways, like saucing a pork medallion with an old school gastrique (a sweetened vinegar with a port reduction) and then, complementing the dish with dehydrated peaches and haricots verts that have been crisped in a convection
oven rather than blanched.
Brinckerhoff tells me that “I like to keep things fresh, to make sure people are enjoying themselves. Dining shouldn’t be uptight and stuffy.”
To that end his dishes are approachable and comfortable – pushing the boundaries in subtle touches. A popular winter special of duck with a fig sauce in the manner of the old-fashioned duck a l’orange, showcased his ability to reinterpret classics with flair. Worth ordering recently was a dish of corvina with fresh peppers, artichokes, capers and lemon butter sauce – a dish that Brinckerhoff described as “speaking to me of summertime.”
An appetizer of charred Spanish octopus with a warm German style potato salad and saffron aioli, demonstrated his understanding of how a Spanish fisher-
man would have cooked the octopus. Summer’s most popular dish was a crab stuffed salmon roulade with a tarragon aioli and a sweet potato and spinach hash. But despite what he describes as the “high end feel” of the recipe, the restaurant is well known for its Wagyu burger served with a beef steak tomato, and Brinckerhoff’s “secret sauce” on a brioche bun.
Greystone Inn invites guests and locals to enjoy its delectable offerings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, providing a year-round culinary retreat. For those interested in experiencing Chef Brinckerhoff’s unique culinary vision firsthand or to make a reservation, visit greystoneinn.com.
by Marlene Osteen
Three Fabulous Vineyards
“I bring an unaccustomed wine; To lips long parching, next to mine; And summon them to drink.” – Emily Dickinson. (Ms. Dickinson’s first attempt at publicizing On the Verandah’s upcoming wine dinners.)
Chef / Owner Andrew Figel and Wine Director Janelle Watson
Highlands restaurant On the Verandah is on a mission to enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of wine.
This fall, wine enthusiasts and friends of the restaurant will have a chance to engage with educators and hosts from three of the world’s top wineries. At events in October and November, the wine will flow as guests are treated to multi-course menu pairings certain to fulfill every gourmet’s dreams.
Friday, October 25, 6:00 P.M.: Elk Cove Vineyards: Todd Stewart, Elk Cove’s National Sales Manager, and NC native will be on hand to lead attendees through a tasting of the Elk Cove’s handcrafted, Estate-grown cool climate wines that rival the best in the world. Founded in 1974 by Pat and Joe Campbell, Winemaker Adam Campbell joined forces with his parents in 1995 and Elk Cove remains proudly family owned. Though they didn’t know it at the time, but they were pioneers of what would become a
new industry in Oregon. Drinkers of Willamette wines will love the delicate expression of these wines. $195 plus tax and tip.
Friday, November 8, 6:00 P.M.: Domaine Drouhin: Drouhin ambassador, Laurent Drouhin will illuminate and educate attendees on the nuances of his famous family wines. Born in 1966 in Beaune, the center of France’s Burgundy region, Laurent was the second son and third child of Françoise and Robert Drouhin, a man known around the world for his passionate devotion to the fine Burgundy wines produced by Maison Joseph Drouhin, the firm started by his grandfather in 1880. To many people the wines of Burgundy are dauntingly complicated and complex, but to Laurent it is far simpler: “The more you know about wine, the closer you get to Burgundy, and the more you know about Burgundy, the closer you get to Maison Joseph Drouhin.” What is certain to be revealed to guests is that within a short space of time,
Laurent can convince the most nervous of neophytes that they “get” Burgundy. $225 plus tax and tip.
Saturday, November 9, 6:00 P.M.: Justin Vineyards: Certified Sommelier, and senior on-premise sales manager, Erin Raspotnink will educate guests on Justin’s history and winemaking practices through the winery’s award winning wines. Justin’s vineyards were first planted in 1981 with a mission to make world-class Bordeaux-style blends. Since then, they’ve expanded both their knowledge and viticulture in the unique region of Paso Robles. Founder Justin Baldwin believes that “wine should be exceptional from every angle,” and urges guests to discover the award-winning tradition that begins with the limestone rich soil of Paso Robles and ends when the last glass is poured. $195 plus tax and tip.
Vist ontheverandah.com or call (828) 526-2338 for more info.
by Marlene Osteen
/ photo by Susan Renfro
Sita’s Kibbeh
For chef Kalen Fortuna, this Kibbeh recipe is testament to his creative culinary instincts and a valentine from his beloved grandmother.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a grandmother who ruled the kitchen in her own restaurant, you might feel inspired to offer a word of thanks.
That’s exactly what Roots & Vine’s chef, Kalen Fortuna, does when he shares this recipe for Kibbeh, a dish steeped in memories of his Lebanese Sita, Miriam.
Growing up, Fortuna was immersed in the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine, learning to make hummus and pick parsley under his Sita’s guidance.
“Everything I’ve grown to become, in and out of the kitchen, is because of her,” he reflects.
When his family moved to Charleston, and he needed a skateboard, he found a job washing dishes at a local restaurant. Charleston’s restaurant scene was exploding at the time and convinced he would learn more on the job than in a formal culinary school, he worked his way through the city’s top restaurants – including culinary mile markers at Cordavi, and McCrady’s.
His path ultimately culminated in Executive Chef positions at two of the South’s most revered venues – the prestigious
Peninsula Grill in Charleston and Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys.
These experiences taught him that starting with the best local in-season ingredients makes all the difference.
He developed a personal philosophy on food and cooking, centered around minimal manipulation to highlight the natural perfection of the products.
“Mother Nature and farmers do most of the work; our job is to showcase the foods,” he explains.
This philosophy extends to the relationships he forges at Roots & Vine with local farmers, growers and ranchers, striving to present their foodstuffs with finesse and artful presentation on every plate.
Fortuna’s unique take on the traditional Kibbeh recipe is also influenced by his time in Florida where he developed a passion for seafood.
“While spearfishing one day, and fileting the fresh tuna, I couldn’t help but notice the similar color and leanness similar to lamb.” The creative culinary twist is a testament both to his innovative approach to cooking and respect for his roots.
Kalen Fortuna
Sita’s Kibbeh
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs. freshly caught yellowfin or bluefin tuna (preferably from the lean, top part of the tuna loin)
2 red bell peppers
1 cup olive oil
4 ripe, Roma tomatoes
3 shallots
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon allspice
1 cup water
Salt
Fresh lemon juice, to taste
Labneh or yogurt to taste
Fresh mint, chopped, to taste
Directions
Step 1: Dice the tuna in eighth-of-an-inch cubes with a very sharp knife (to keep the knife clean, rub it on a lightly oiled towel every so often). Place in a bowl and refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Roast the Peppers: Sit each pepper on an open flame, letting the skin turn black and ashen in spots. Transfer peppers to a bowl, cover with a dish towel, and let cool. Peel red peppers, then make a slit down one side of each and take out seeds. Remove stem, and dice.
Step 3: Prepare the Tabli Sauce: Heat the oil over medium heat in a large skillet or wide saucepan. Add the tomatoes, peppers, sliced shallots, spices and water. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring to make sure that the spices don’t burn. While still warm transfer everything to a blender and blend until smooth. (Alternately you can use an immersion blender.)
Step 4: Prepare the Pine Nuts: Heat the oven. To 350 degrees. Toss the pine nuts with the oil and zaatar and toast in the oven for about 10 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Finish the dish: Mix the tuna with the table sauce and season with salt and lemon juice (you want to really taste the lemon juice as it brings out the flavors of the dish). Remove to a serving dish and dollop with spoonfuls of Labneh and finish with a sprinkling of pine nuts and mint.
by Marlene Osteen
photos by Susan Renfro
Plateau Dining Guide
Restaurants of the Highlands Cashiers Plateau
HIGHLANDS AREA RESTAURANTS
4118 Kitchen + Bar 64 Highlands Plaza (828) 526-5002
The Bistro at Wolfgang’s 460 Main Street (828) 526-3807
Calder’s Cafe 384 Main Street (828) 200-9308
Don Leon’s 462 Dillard Roads (828) 482-1513
Cloud 7 Restaurant Scaly Mountain (800) 775-4446
Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar 465 Main Street (828) 787-2990
Fressers Courtyard Cafe Village Square, 470 Oak Street (828) 526-4188
(828) 305-7700
Highlands
Hummingbird Lounge 455 Main Street Highlands, NC (828) 787-2525
The Kitchen CarryAway &
CASHIERS, NC
Buck’s Coffee Cafe - (828) 743-9997
Cashiers Valley Smokehouse - (828) 547-2096
Chile Loco - (828) 743-1160
Cornucopia Restaurant - (828) 743-3750
El Manzanillo - (828) 743-5522
On the Side BBQ - (828) 743-4334
Native Prime Provisions (828) 743-3743
Slab Town Pizza - (828) 743-0020
Subway - (828) 743-1300
Ugly Dog - (828) 743-3000
Whiteside Brewing Company - (828) 743-6000
GLENVILLE, NC
Happ’s Place - (828) 743-5700
The Local - (828) 743-7778
HIGHLANDS,
NC
Asia House - (828) 787-1680
Black Bear Cafe - (828) 482-7020
The Blue Bike Cafe - (828) 526-9922
Bryson’s Deli - (828) 526-3775
Divine South Baking Company - (828) 421-2042
Dusty’s - (828) 526-2762
El Azteca - (828) 526-2244
Fressers
Courtyard Cafe - (828) 526-4188
Highlands Tavern - (828) 526-9002
Madison’s Restaurant - (828) 787-2525
Mountain Fresh - (828) 526-2400
Rosewood Market (828) 526-0383
The Ruffed Grouse - (828) 526-2590
Spinx Highlands - (828) 526-4191
The Stubborn Seed - (828) 200-0813
Subway - (828) 526-1706
Wild Thyme Gourmet - (828) 526-4035
LAKE TOXAWAY, NC
Grand Olde Station - (828) 966-4242
Los Vaqueros - (828) 966-7662
Sweetwater Perk & Creamery, LLC - (828) 577-0469
Villa Amato (828) 885-7700
SAPPHIRE, NC
The Fix Bar & Lounge - (828) 743-7477
Jim’s Place at Sapphire Country Store - (828) 966-4011
Mica’s Restaurant - (828) 743-5740
Panthertown Cafe - (828) 862-3663
Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company - (828) 743-0220
Slopeside Tavern - (828) 743-8655
Plateau Lodging Guide
Accommodations on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau
HOTELS / MOTELS / BED & BREAKFASTS
Fire Mountain Resort & Spa 700 Happy Hill Rd | Scaly Mountain firemt.com | (800) 775-4446
Old Edwards Inn and Spa 445 Main St | Highlands oldedwardsinn.com | (866) 526-8008
Outpost Inn 790 North 4th St | Highlands
BREVARD, NC:
Meraki Escape - (828) 463-7440
CASHIERS, NC:
High Hampton Resort - (800) 648-4252
Hotel Cashiers - (828) 743-7706
The Lakehouse - (904) 753-0247
Landmark Vacation Rentals- (877) 926-1780
Mountain Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-0258
The Orchard Guest Cottage - (828) 743-7614
Pebble Creek Village - (828) 743-0623
Silver Creek Vacation Rentals - (828) 743-1999
The Wells HotelA Cashiers Experience - (828) 761-6289
FRANKLIN, NC:
Southern Belles Glamping - (828) 371-9890
GLENVILLE, NC:
Innisfree Bed & Breakfast - (828) 743-2946
Mountain Lake Rentals - (828) 743-6875
Prime Property Rentals - (828) 743-3482
HIGHLANDS, NC:
200 Main - (855) 271-2809
Berkshire Realty Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-1717
Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-3717
Fairview House - (866) 526-8008
Half Mile Farm - (855) 271-7246
Highlander Mountain House - (828) 526-2590
Highlands House Bed and Breakfast - (828) 787-1186
Highlands Inn - (828) 526-9380
Highlands Inn Lodge - (828) 526-5899
Highlands Resort Rentals - (828) 526-5839
The Inn at Mill Creek - 828-526-9999
Lotts of Sky - (404) 395-4000
Lullwater House - (423) 488-2799
Old Edwards Inn and Spa - (866) 526-8008
Outpost Inn (828) 482-7736
Park on Main - (800) 221-5078
Ray’s Roost - (678) 534-6870
Rent in Highlands - CCP - (800) 684-2171 x 302
Rockwood Lodge - (828) 526-8919
Silver Creek Vacation Rentals - (828) 526-2999
Trailborn Highlands (828) 482-1581
Valentine Manor - (561) 613-1496
The Wells Hotel - (828) 482-7736
Whiteside Cove Cottages - (828) 526-2222
SAPPHIRE, NC:
Club Wyndham Resort at Fairfield Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-3441
Foxhunt at Sapphire Valley - (828) 743-7667
Hampton Inn & SuitesCashiers-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 Resort & Spa - (800) 775-4446
The Vineyard at 37 High Holly - (828) 505-6190
LAKE TOXAWAY, NC:
Cabins at Seven Foxes - (828) 877-6333
Earthshine Lodge - (828) 862-4207
Greystone Inn - (828) 966-4700
Lake Toxaway Realty Company - (828) 508-9141
Pages 152-161
STYLE AND FUNCTION
A girl’s just gotta have new boots in the Fall. And, Baebae, black is back! Slip them on for a Costume Ball, for Holiday soirees, for concerts, for just the pure fun of strutting your stuff. And if you have high and low heel occasions, slide into these party shoes that will not only dazzle your toes, but take them to town in royal comfort.
Sam Edelman Boots | $ 200 MLV Slip-ons | $ 265
Martha Anne’s | Highlands
Plateau Picks A few of our favorite things
POCHOIR BEAUTY
Pochoirs are highly realistic, manual reproductions of works of art. But it was not the artist themself who made the pochoirs. The technique was far too complicated. In about 50 specialized workshops in Paris female colorists produced these stenciled gems, which are characterized by a marvelous vibrancy of color.
c.1920-30 Antique Print $ 2000 | Modern Print $ 200 Josephine’s Emporium | Cashiers
BEAUTY AND STRENGTH
On the Isle of Sicily, centuries ago, a fashion featuring feminine beauty and strength took form in sculpted head vases. This showpiece will be a stunning addition to your home or garden, merging art to nature.
Vietri Sicilian Head Vase | $ 860
The Summer House | Highlands
A GOLDEN FALL
This soft and fun top featuring golden flecks paired with a jacket of light-catching, eyecatching glisten – is perfect for this year’s Plateau fashion. It will usher you into Fall with style.
AZI Jacket $198 | AZI Shirt $127
The Look Boutique | Cashiers
FOR THE JOUY OF IT
We are in love with these handpainted pieces from Provvista Designs - lightweight yet durable, they just spark joy. Artist Polly Fern was inspired by French Toile de Jouy (hand-painted monochromatic images). Imagine an afternoon tea or an intimate brunch with coffee and a platter of pastries for friends/family.
Platter $197 50 | Mugs $ 56ea.
The Watershed | Cashiers
BRINGING SPIRIT TO SPACE
This limited edition crystal sculpture is a beautiful representation of a rearing Arabian horse, known for its fiery spirit, agility and bravery. For your collection, or simply a focal point favorite, it will carry you away.
Daum Amber Brown Spirited Horse | $ 6,650
Lenz Gifts | Cashiers
YOUR SWEETEST DREAM
You’ll want to linger longer in this pima knit capri set sleepwear. It feels good, looks great, and cuddles you like a dream. Also available in long sleeves.
Capri Sleepware Set | $135
Nancy’s Fancys | Highlands
MARVELOUS MURANO
In Venice, Italy, beauty sidesteps the ordinary. CC Zecchin Venezia and its Murano glass produces dazzling bar décor that radiates world-class elegance. You’ll agree, Italian artisans make everything work, feel, and taste divine.
Murano Glass Decanter | $ 215
Murano Glass Cups | $ 75ea.
Jeanie Edwards Fine Art | Highlands
Showcase of Exquisite Mastery
It’s an entire month of treasures and precious surprises at Acorns, 212 South 4th Street in Highlands.
This month at Acorns, the home décor and furnishing store at Old Edwards, discover a showcase of exquisite craftsmanship. On display are statement jewelry pieces, handblown glass works, and forever flowers, all of which epitomize the exceptional workmanship and creativity of the artists. These are the last Acorns Designer Pop-Ups and Showcases of the 2024 season!
Temple St. Clair Jewelry Showcase:
September 6-8, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Virginia native Temple St. Clair knows how to make a statement. As a student of Italian art and literature in Florence in the early 1980s, Temple St. Clair, did not expect to fall into the world of jewelry making. Then her mother came to visit, bought an ancient coin as a souvenir, and asked for help finding a local goldsmith to turn it into a piece of jewelry. St. Clair wandered into Florence’s goldsmith’s quarter and found herself mesmerized by the artisans’ craftsmanship. She was
hooked — and founded her namesake jewelry line in Florence in 1986. Known for her signature rock-crystal amulets and statement cocktail rings, as well as the celestial motifs that appear on many of her pieces, St. Clair still relies on the techniques she learned at the Florence Goldsmith Guild years ago.
Southern Botanics Art Showcase: September 14, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Austin Davis-Selph and Douglas Davis-Selph, the duo behind Southern Botanics craft “forever flowers” so beautiful they rival the real thing. As part time Highlands’ residents, much of the flora used in the artwork is foraged and collected here — coveted for their ability to mimic and bring indoors the beauty of our locale. As such the pieces are an exuberant interpretation of the landscape of the Plateau. Each delicate leaf and petal is mounted in the style of botanical engravings that were popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Simon Pearce Glass Designer Pop-Up: September 23, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
From the ice bucket to the coaster, glassware to decanter, any piece from the handblown glass collection by Simon Pearce brings an elegant touch of glamour to the dinner party. He’s America’s most prominent glass blower and has produced and sold his wares in Vermont since 1981. Pearce was running a workshop in Ireland when escalating power costs encouraged him to leave, in search of his own hydroelectric power. He found it at his flagship location in Quechee, Vermont, and began producing the glass for which he is so well known clear, strong, and proudly hand-blown, with no two pieces exactly alike.
Visit acornshighlandsnc.com to learn more about these and future happenings. by Marlene Osteen
The Southern Way Fashion High
For more than 20 years, The Southern Way, owned by Michelle and Harry Bears, has been an oasis of style and comfort for those who appreciate the convergence of Southern charm and contemporary fashion.
For men, The Southern Way features brands like Mizzen+Main, known for its performance-driven dress shirts, and Johnnie-O, which brings a touch of West Coast cool to the South with its laidback polos and t-shirts. Other notable brands include Tasc, GenTeal, Onward Reserve, and Fish Hippie.
Women’s fashion at Southern Way is equally impressive, with offerings from Kerisma and Habitat that showcase sophisticated yet comfortable styles. Articles of Society and FOIL add to the mix with their trendy and fashionable designs. Moreover, The Southern Way provides a selection of handbags and accessories from brands like Hobo – a female-founded, family-run company celebrated for its craftsmanship – and Eric Javitz, known for practical yet chic hats and handbags.
The Southern Way 388 Main Street, Highlands (828) 526-4777
John Bynum (left) is wearing jacket by 7 Diamonds, shirt by Mizzen and Main, and pants by Duckhead.
Tina Rogers (right) is wearing dress by La Mer Luxe.
Rockwood Lodge | Highlands, NC photos by Susan Renfro and Mary Gillan Renfro
Brookings Fashion High
With 2200 miles of impressive fishable trout water within an hour’s drive, the Plateau is a freshwater fly fisherman’s paradise. At the heart of this fly-fishing paradise is Brookings Fly Shop.
At the core of Brookings’ reputation is its exceptional team of fly-fishing guides, the most celebrated in Western North Carolina, boasting over 35 years of guiding experience.
For those gearing up for their next fly-fishing adventure, Brookings offers an extensive selection of top-quality gear. The store’s inventory is as diverse as the fishing opportunities on the Plateau, featuring everything from the latest innovations to the trusted “old standards” that seasoned anglers rely on.
Shoppers at Brookings will find a curated selection of men’s and women’s outdoor apparel and shoes from leading brands like Poncho, Howler Brothers, Tom Beckbe, FreeFly, Patagonia, Stio, Simms, and Orvis.
With a commitment to exceptional service, the knowledgeable and friendly staff at Brookings ensure that each visit is more than just a shopping trip.
Brookings 88 Cashiers Lake Rd, Cashiers (828) 743-9350
John Bynum (left) is wearing shirt by Patagonia, pants and shoes by Simms.
Tina Rogers (right) is wearing shirt by Simms, shorts by FreeFly, and shoes by Astral.
Rockwood Lodge | Highlands, NC
photos by Susan Renfro and Mary Gillan Renfro
Bella Cotn Boutique Fashion High
Diane Brady’s Bella Cotn Boutique in Cashiers was born out of a love of clothing that marries classic elegance with modern trends. One of the driving forces behind setting up the store was to create a place where fashionistas could discover collections that emphasize comfort, quality and a commitment to style with more than a pinch of panache.
At its location in the Cashiers Common, the warm and inviting interior is home to a carefully curated inventory featuring prominent brands recognized for their craftsmanship and luxurious composition. You’ll find sleepwear made of the finest Pima cotton, and a plethora of Bee Bags handcrafted from soft and supple Italian and South American premium hides.
One of the store’s most popular designers, Renaur is known for combining the perfect blend of elegance and casual wear. Designed to enhance your everyday outfits, Renaur’s clothing draws inspiration from nature, ease and style.
Bella Cotn Boutique 236 Hwy. 107, Cashiers (828) 743-9593
Tina Rogers (left) is wearing shirt, sweater and pants by Renuar, and purse by Bee Bags and Such.
Leah Grace Craig (right) is wearing shirt by Renuar, pants by Liverpool, and purse by Bee Bags and Such.
Rockwood Lodge | Highlands, NC
photos by Susan Renfro and Mary Gillan Renfro
Repurposing a Treasure
“We love helping our design partners and customers find that special antique piece to warm up a room, or ‘rediscover’ a tired piece that assumes a new life and new place in the home.” Vivianne Metzger Antiques offers new possibilities for interior design.
Throughout our 22 years of publication, this magazine’s been chronicling the treasures and precious pieces of furniture that are carefully placed throughout Vivianne Metzger Antiques’ stunning showroom and storage barn set alongside Cashiers Lake.
We’ve shown how Vivianne’s daughter and son-in-law, Cherie and Bill Tibbetts, spend their winter months traipsing all
over England and other areas to find unique, interesting, and historically significant pieces to bring to shoppers in the Cashiers-Highlands area. And, for the past 27 years, the family-run business has been unloading containers of treasures every May so that the shop can be restocked for a new season.
“It starts with a trip to England, where Bill and I spend four weeks in beautiful English villages choosing, wrapping,
boxing, and packing goods into an SUV we drive around the countryside, usually over 1,000 miles,” said Cherie Tibbetts, daughter of Vivianne Metzger. “A good day means buying 50 items of china, silver, cutlery, paintings, needlework, candlesticks, and much more.”
But there’s one facet of the business that we haven’t mentioned over our decades of coverage, one that’s become increasingly important in the field of interior
design – Vivianne Metzger Antiques has become a Plateau specialist in the upgrading and repurposing of antiques. With a bit of imagination, repurposed furniture or antiques can be used to complement an exciting interior design scheme or to draw new attention to a cherished piece.
“Instead of throwing it out, repurposing furniture allows us to both preserve memories and create something new,” says Cherie. “One of our dealers takes tired English bamboo furniture or tired pine/mahogany chests and gives them a new life by painting & decoupaging
them with hand cut images.
“And Bill takes old table legs he finds and makes beautiful lamps that are one of a kind.”
Old furniture can be used to create various new and innovative items. With some creativity, old furniture can be repurposed into shelves, tables, benches, planters, and headboards or chairs. The possibilities are endless!
“Blending the old with the new in designing a home today is what you’ll find the successful designers doing,” says Cherie. “We love helping our design partners and customers find that special
antique piece to warm up a room, or ‘rediscover’ a tired piece that assumes a new life and new place in the home.
“It’s the upscaling of antiques – giving them new life!”
Vivianne Metzger Antiques is located at 31 Canoe Point in Cashiers off Valley Road and are open Tuesday–Saturday from 10:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. For more information call (828) 743-0642. by Luke Osteen Scan to learn more.
Bill and Cherie Tibbetts
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WEST END
1. On The Verandah Restaurant
2. Highlands Smokehouse
3. High Country Wine & Provisions
5. The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts
6. The Bascom Shop
7. The Dave Drake Ceramic Barn at The Bascom
SOUTH END
22. Trailborn Highlands
25. 4118 Kitchen & Bar
27. Dauntless Printing
37. Lupoli Construction
38. Allen Tate/Pat Allen Realty Group
39. Highlands Decorating Center
45. Don Leon’s
47. M & Co.
48. ACP Home Interiors
50. The Summer House
51. Nancy’s Fancys/The Exchange
60. Divine South Baking Company
MAIN STREET
101. Main Street Nursery
102. Rosewood Market
104. Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center
106. Los Vaqueros
122. Highlander Mountain House & Ruffed Grouse Tavern
124. Landmark Realty
126. Shiraz Oriental Rug Galleries
128. Primary Kitchen + Bar
132. Elevation: High Fashion for Women
134. The Southern Way
136. Dutchmans
141. Main Street Gifts
146. Wit’s End Shoppe
147. Calders Coffee Cafe
148. Highlands Fine Art & Estate Jewelry + Wine Shop
152. Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty
153. Allison Diane Clothing
158. C. Orrico
160. TJ Bailey for Men
163. Spoiled Rotten
166. Annawear
167. The Christmas Tree
169. Country Club Properties
170. Highlands Pizza Place
174. Elena’s
175. Monkee’s
180. Bijou
185. Ristorante Paoletti
187. The Dry Sink
190. Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro
191. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Meadows Mountain Realty
195. Old Edwards Inn
196. Madison’s Restaurant
197. The Wine Garden
198. Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar
202. Hudson Library
203. Country Club Properties
207. One Wicker Cheese Co.
208. Highland Hiker Shoes
210. Creative Concepts Salon
211. Highland Hiker
WRIGHT SQUARE on MAIN
(Factoid: Named after Whiteside hero)
115. Preferred Properties of Highlands
117. Country Club Properties, Wright Square Office
ON THE HILL
300. Highlands Gem Shop
302. Wish & Shoes
303. Mirror Lake Antiques
305. Jeanie Edwards Fine Art
306. Acorns
308. Highlands Burrito
310. McCulley’s
311. Martha Anne’s on the Hill
312. The Ugly Dog Public House
313. Old Edwards Inn
318. Peggy Crosby Center: - Counseling Center
- The Kitchen Carry Away & Catering - Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation
319. Lakeside Restaurant
SPRING VILLAGE
400. Jannie Bean Fine Custom Jewelry
403. Oakleaf
406. Brookings Fly Shop
VILLAGE PARK
613. Cleaveland Realty
616. Fressers Courtyard Cafe
618. Secret Garden
619. Christie’s Internatonal Real Estate Highlands Cashiers
CAROLINA VILLAGE
701. Mountain Life Properties
702. Highlands Historic Village
704. Creekside Village: - Suncoast Equity Management
708. Haley’s Fine Lingerie
709. Wayah Insurance
710. The High Dive
710. The Hideaway at The High Dive
711. Roots & Vine
712. Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals
NORTH END
801. Green Mountain Builders
808. Whole Life Market & Nectar Juice Bar
812. The Outpost Inn
815. Highlands Performing Arts Center
815. Mountain Theatre Company
816. Fairview House
OUT NC 106
➡ Peak Experience
➡ Highlands Outpost
➡ Allan Dearth and Sons
Generators
➡ Fire Mountain Resort & Spa/
Cloud 7 Restaurant
➡ Highlands Aerial Park
➡ Vineyard at High Holly
➡ Sky Valley Country Club
OUT 64 WEST
➡ Jackson Hole Gem Mine
OUT 64 EAST
➡ Black Rock Design Build
➡ Berkshire Hathaway
Homes Services
Meadows Mountain Realty
➡ WHLC
➡ Highlands Lawn & Garden
➡ High Camp
➡ Highlands Rock Yard
➡ Rejuvenate Laser Center
➡ Reclamations
➡ The Brier Patch
➡ Allen Tate/ Pat Allen Realty Group
➡ Highlands Dermatology
➡ Roman’s Roofing
VISIT FRANKLIN
➡ Clark & Co Hardscape Supply
➡ Diva’s on Main
➡ Uptown Gallery
➡ Whistle Stop Antiques
VISIT CLAYTON
➡ Butler Galleries
➡ Mountain Lakes
Physicians Group
➡ Mountain Gate Systems
➡ Mountain Home Spa
➡ Porch Living
➡ Willow Valley RV Resort
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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NORTH 107
2. Zookeeper Bistro
16. Stork’s - Wrap. Pack. Ship.
19. The Look Boutique
20. Mountain Mermaid
21. Sashay Around Ladies Boutique
THE SHOPS AT CASHIERS COMMONS
22. Joan Anderson Interiors
25. Bella Cotn
27. Bird Barn & Garden
28. Cashiers Kitchen Co.
29. Dr. Anita Dormer
30. Bombshell Hair Boutique
31. The Watershed Shoppe
33. Zoller Hardware
AT THE CROSSROADS
37. Landmark Realty Group
39. Cashiers Farmers Market
CHESTNUT SQUARE
43. A Jones Company
45. Cashiers Valley Real Estate
47. Lehotsky & Sons, Builders
54. Mountain Home Consignments
55. Fusion Yoga & Wellness
55. The Bungalow Boutique
59. Las Margaritas
EAST 64
62. Laurel Terrace:
- Natural Element Homes
63. Alexander Gardens:
- Victoria’s Closet
- Victoria’s Closet Shoes & Purses
- Vic’s for Men
72. Ingles Plaza
- Allen Tate/ Pat Allen Realty Group
75. Carolina Rustic Furniture
76. Blue Ridge Bedding
79. Jennings Builders Supply
VILLAGE WALK
80. A-List Antiques
80. Josephine’s Emporium
80. Laura Moser Art
82. The Village Hound
85. Children’s Edit
86. Nora & Co.
89. Nearly New Furniture Consignment
90. Gracewear Boutique SOUTH 107
102. TJ Bailey’s for Men
105. Atelier Maison
105. ID.ology Interiors & Design
105. Living Stone Design + Build
107. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Meadows Mountain Realty
108. Landmark Realty Group
110. McCulley’s
111. Rusticks
112. Vivianne Metzger Antiques
113. Brookings Fly Shop & Cashiers Village Outfitters
115. Chestnut Cove
118. Chattooga Gardens Nursery
121. Robin’s Nest
122. Landmark Realty Group
123. Caliber Fine Properties
128. Mountainworks
Custom Home Design LTD.
130. The Cashiers Store
136. Cashiers Sotheby’s International RealtyThe McKee Group
137. Bounds Cave Rug Gallery
138. The Orchard Restaurant, Events Barn & Guest Cottage
THE VILLAGE GREEN
142. Village Green Commons
143. The Village Green
WEST 64
145. Edgewood Antiques
146. Shoppes On The Green: - Sugar Creek Custom Cabinets
155. Cashiers Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center
156. Creekside: - Toby West Antiques
157. Sotheby’s International Realty
172. Whiteside Art Gallery
173. Betsy Paul Properties
176. Lenz Gifts
DOWN 107 NORTH
➡ Bazaar Barn
DOWN 107 SOUTH
➡ Silver Run Reserve
VISIT BREVARD
➡ Number 7 Arts
VISIT CULLOWHEE
➡ Four Seasons Landscape
VISIT GLENVILLE
➡ Crawford Construction
➡ Poane’ Gallery
VISIT LAKE TOXAWAY
➡ The Greystone Inn
➡ Los Vaqueros
VISIT SAPPHIRE :
➡ Burlingame
➡ Sapphire Valley Real Estate
VISIT SYLVA :
➡ Baxter’s Tree Service
For a complete listing please visit our website, thelaurelmagazine.com.
Being added to our listing is easy! Simply advertise with The Laurel.
Whether you’re in the habit of roughing it or whether you prefer the more genteel glamping, Gorges State Park has a spot waiting for you.
Not everyone who loves nature enjoys roughing it. That is why glamping has become a “thing.” And one of the best kept secrets – soon to be known by everyone on the Plateau because of this article – is the fact that the relatively new (since 2004) Gorges State Park in Sapphire has a shiny new campground, complete with five pristine cabins and one of the most spacious, attractive restroom facilities every encountered. Thus, someone who wants to commune with nature, yet is afeared of bears, and bugs, and bats – oh my! – can rest comfortably in barely two-year-old sturdy cabins with facilities, including luxury showers, just a few feet away. Firewood is available nearby using a credit card, and fire rings and Adirondack chairs invite cabin dwellers to enjoy stargazing, gabbing with friends and family, and just relaxing before retreating to heated and cooled cabins. They sleep six, with one full-sized bed and two bunk beds available.
Plus, there is a picnic table for eating out of doors, yet each site’s foundation is situated on unspoiled asphalt and gravel, so no getting shoes and tootsies muddy and dirty.
The cabins are in their own quiet area of the 13.5-acre campground, with RVs and tents tucked in other loops of the campground. The well-maintained campground drive meanders
past wooded areas, some mountainous views (especially during months of less foliage), and trickling creeks. Sightings are common of armadillos, rabbits, and various bird species.
Besides walking the campground loops for exercise and fresh air, other outdoor recreation exists at Gorges for individuals not interested in or able to ascend great heights or hike long distances.
From the visitor center is a lovely, mulched trail, featuring a StoryWalk book, to a viewing platform that’s less than a half mile. The viewing platform is approximately 3,200 feet above sea level and overlooks part of the gorge. Signage educates on why the natural landscape is considered an escarpment, which is a “steep, erosional slope that separates the high mountainous terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the low-lying rolling hills of the Piedmont.”
Further information about the escarpment, area wildlife, plant species, and more is available back at the massive visitor center, complete with a vaulted-ceiling, floor-to-ceiling sitting room with fireplace.
On rainy days or just to enjoy a change of scenery from the campground cabin, visitors can bring a book, a technical device,
games, etc., to the center daily during business hours and simply hang out. Plus, periodic lectures, films, hands-on programs, and events take place at the auditorium.
And, the visitor center’s retail space offers playing cards, children’s games, and books – just in case visitors forgot such items.
If the campground loops and the viewing platform walk do not provide enough exercise for casual adventurers, a half-mile hike to Bearwallow Falls is considered easy and child-friendly – just in case wee ones are along for the trip.
And just a short seven-mile drive from the entrance to Gorges State Park is nearby Whitewater Falls - a 411-foot plunge considered the “highest waterfall east of the Rockies,” according to the U.S. Forest Service. From the parking lot along a paved walking trail to the waterfall’s viewing platform is a doable one-quarter mile.
Gorges State Park is especially appealing for adventurers and leisure nature-lovers alike during the upcoming fall season. Inside the visitor center is a wall display, “Hues of Autumn,” attesting to the “glorious season” and explaining the reasons why such brilliance is showcased in this area.
Consider the close-by outdoorsy getaway of Gorges State Park, and be sure to tell others – but only after you’ve experienced the serenity yourself.
by Deena Bouknight
Mystery in the Air
It fostered a host of mysteries during its earlier incarnations, but today the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute in Balsam Grove is dedicated to helping the public explore the mysteries of deep space.
To learn more and to schedule a visit, go to pari.edu.
Though it was built in 1962 as a link in NASA’s network of communication relays for manned spaceflight, the Rosman Satellite Tracking Station has always maintained an air of mystery.
A $47 million facility in the wilderness just north of Lake Toxaway, it seemed to invite weird theories, which only gained strength when it was transferred to the National Security Agency in 1981 and renamed the Rosman Research Center. With an opaque name like that, it was far too easy to explore the farthest fringes of conspiracies, from remote spying on the Soviets to serving as a linchpin of the never-realized Strategic Defense Initiative to, naturally, UFO observation and communication with aliens.
Whatever it was doing, the Soviet Union was intensely interested and directed satellites to regularly sweep over and photograph the facility. As a friendly greeting to those snooping satellites, someone painted a beaming smiley face on the 4.6-meter telescope.
When the NSA shuttered the facility in 1995 and handed it over to the US Forest Service for demolition, it seemed certain to fade into the dim archives of Cold War/Space Age history.
Recognizing the tremendous value and potential for the site, Don and Jo Cline stepped in. In 1998, the Clines acquired the 200-acre facility and the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) was born – a not-for-profit public organization dedicated to educating future generations of scientists.
The principal radio research instruments at PARI are two 26-meter radio telescopes and a 4.6-meter radio telescope named Smiley (still bearing its happy skyward-tilted face). These have been adapted for precision tracking of celestial radio sources using multiple frequencies. Smiley is used for remote classroom teaching of astronomy by students in the US and worldwide.
PARI continues to offer a summer space camp based on the Duke TIP programming (Above and Beyond), as well as other space and STEM summer camps.
If you’d like to learn more about PARI or schedule a visit to the facility (which also houses a gallery of space memorabilia) and be given a close-up look at those enormous radio telescopes and instruments, call (828) 862-5554, email visit@pari.edu, or go to pari.edu.
by Luke Osteen
As Told by Families
The stories of Highlands’ First Families will be recalled and celebrated with Highlands Historical Society’s Descendants’ Reception, 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 12.
Amelia Golcheski
The Highlands Historical Society will host its annual Descendants’ Reception on Saturday, October 12, at the Fellowship Center of Highlands United Methodist Church.
“Preserving a Family’s Story” will be the theme of the day. Families who can trace their roots to Highlands back for 100 or more years are invited to attend.
This year’s gathering will include a presentation entitled “Your Story, Our History,” by Amelia Golcheski, Executive Director of the Cashiers Historical Society. There will also be music by local vocalist Carol Criminger Grantham, stories by historic family members and an opportunity to have family stories professionally recorded for preservation and use by the Historical Society.
One of the primary goals of the Highlands Historical Society is to capture the narratives of family histories which inform our collective culture and
the history of our community.
Oral histories have been described as ‘the first kind of history’. They can take the form of anything from folklore, myths and stories passed from generation to generation, to an interview with someone that is recorded and kept in an archive as an historical resource. Their personal nature makes them a great source for people wanting to discover more about a certain event or era.
The Highlands Historical Society is attempting to collect oral histories to honor the memories and stories of long-time Highlands’ families. The goal is to promote those histories by posting videos on our website through a monthly “Featured Family” who will gift the Highlands community with a brief glimpse of the past through the eyes of one family’s story.
“Those who do not look upon themselves as a link, connecting the past with the future, do not perform their duty to the
world.” –Daniel Webster
The Descendants’ Reception will be held on Saturday, October 12, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the Fellowship Center of the Highlands United Methodist Church. The event is free of charge and a light lunch will be included. If you are interested in participating in this year’s Descendants’ Reception, please pre-register at highlands100plus@ gmail.com. For more information go to highlandshistory.com.
Come hear the stories of families and other historical figures and events at the Highlands Historical Society’s museum located at 524 N. 4th Street. The museum is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. and Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. through October.
by Tracy Foor,
Highlands Historical Society photo by Mary Gillan
Remembering Highlands
Isabel and Tony Chambers’ masterful Remembering Highlands is an irresistible call to a simpler town that’s long vanished.
Isabel and Tony Chambers, 1951
Isabel and Tony Chambers, 2009
It’s titled Remembering Highlands: From Pioneer Village to Mountain Retreat for good reason: Isabel Hall Chambers and Overton Chambers (AKA the married Isa and Tony) either remembered what they wrote about in this compilation of articles that originally ran in The Laurel, or knew the people who did. Isabel descended from Barak and Mary Norton, the first settlers in Whiteside Cove in the 1820s; about a century later Tony’s parents, Overton and Dayis Chambers of Chicago, began spending summers here off Buck Creek Road.
Thank heavens publishers Janet and Marjorie had the good sense to approach Tony and Isabel to contribute a historical column to this magazine back in 2002! Most of the stories were Isabel’s, while Tony – an English major at Dartmouth –polished the prose.
After Isabel died this past June, I reread Remembering Highlands, which I had
always meant to feature here – as I had Tony’s two novels set in a fictional locale resembling Highlands in the November 2022 Laurel – but thought I had some time, as at age 93 Isabel was more with it than most people are at 23. Not that she needed or sought publicity: There she was in church; or still working at the family’s Chambers Agency realty; practicing with the dulcimer group at Founders Park; playing bridge; or advising the Highlands Historical Society.
Isabel and boredom were never in the same room together. She was wise and funny and caring and the 2009 Remembering Highlands distills those qualities in every chapter. Just now I read about Highlands’s first gift shop (Root’s); Isa being frightened by a “ghost” during a girlhood visit to World’s End, the Eskrigge place on Satulah; and Lula Norton and Minnie Buchanan’s weaving workshop in the Norton community –part of the Appalachian crafts revival of the 1920s and 30s – which was suc-
cessively known as the Dye Pot, Cabin Weavers and Buckey’s Handweaving. The final chapters of Remembering Highlands are devoted to Isabel’s parents: That man-about-town, real-estate broker and insurance agent Tudor Norton Hall, whose funeral salute was provided by his own collection of historic artillery (and who sold my parents their first Highlands cottage, c. 1967); and Margaret Gilbert Hall, Tudor’s partner in business and in life, and longtime mainstay of the Church of the Incarnation. Isa’s tribute to her in The Laurel was headlined Farewell to a Queen, and that’s how I now salute Margaret’s daughter, Isabel Hall Chambers. by Stuart Ferguson, local historian, armchair traveler, and irrepressible raconteur. He reviews books for The Highland Hiker, which maintains an extensive collection of local literature.
Every Room Beckons Relaxation
With its spectacular views and deep atmosphere of tranquility and comfort, Valentine Manor is a true resort destination.
Valentine Manor is a beautifully landscaped five-bedroom home with a panoramic 50-mile view over Blue Valley, available for rent, and perfect for family gatherings, wedding parties, or corporate retreats, and only five minutes from downtown Highlands. This is the personal residence of homeowners Paul and Glenna Maney, whose attention to every detail ensures that your stay will be perfect. When they are not in residence this magnificent home is available for rent through vrbo.com/2735850, by scanning the
QR code on page 195, or directly on their website at valentinemanor.com featuring direct contact information for concierge Janet Sanchez.
This home features a 1000 sq. ft. climate-controlled outdoor screened/ glassed veranda with a large 85” screen TV, a full kitchen with a built-in grill, table seating for 12, casual seating for eight, a high-top table for four, and a powder room. The open-air attached porch has a firepit with seating for 10 and an eight-person dining table.
The inside kitchen is fully stocked with
plates, silverware, cooking utensils, pots, pans, paper plates, napkins, serving dishes, some spices, a large pantry, and a bar area with six barstools. The adjacent mudroom has a sink and ice maker. The dining room features a table that will seat 12 and a coffee station.
A fully windowed sunroom has seating for eight in wicker rocking chairs. The grand salon has a four-seat vignette, two leather sofas and two leather recliners, a floor-to-ceiling rock fireplace topped with a 75” TV, and a bar area. Off the grand salon is a unique powder room.
Each of the five bedrooms features ensuite bathrooms, recliners, coffee stations, and large TVs. The main bedroom on the living level hosts a poster king-size bed, bunk bed, electric fireplace, large double vanity bathroom with soaking tub, tiled shower, and a private deck overlooking the mountain view.
There are three upper-level bedrooms. One king has an electric fireplace and a mountain view. An additional king bedroom has an electric fireplace and garden view. The third upstairs bedroom has two king beds, two sitting areas, a fireplace, and a walk-in shower. Additionally, there is a terrace-
level bedroom with a full-size bed and bunk beds.
Shampoo, conditioner, and liquid gel body soap are provided in each shower. Additional toiletries, deodorant, hair spray, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc. are also provided on-site.
The game room has a large TV with theater seating for seven, a coffee station, a billiard/ping pong table, and a card table room with a Pacman game console. There is a laundry room equipped with double-stacked full-size washers and dryers. Parking is never a concern as there are two covered carports plus additional parking for 10 cars.
The beautifully landscaped grounds
include a large three-tier fountain surrounded by roses and seasonal flowers. Your concierge is available 24/7 and will welcome you with personalized treats and drinks of your choice, as well as a free book of local hiking trails and waterfalls.
Is it any wonder that over 50 percent of Valentine Manor guests return?
by Mary Jane McCall
photos byn Susan Renfro
Scan to learn more.
It Takes A Village
Carpe Diem Farms is built upon the respect, compassion, and gentle wisdom at the heart of the human-equine relationship.
Not just a sentiment at Carpe Diem Farms, it is how we have existed and persevered since our 501(c)(3) was filed and granted in 1990. Our beginnings humble – two horses, magnificent Morgans, Gracie and Delta, gifts from Joyce Foster – fulfilled on the mission to “empower the human potential through equines.” It would take the efforts of many in 1997 to secure and purchase the place we have built and call home. One gift at a time.
Today, as we continue our work, one person or one group at a time with the seven horses who now make up our herd, we continue to honor and use the lessons learned from the 17 equines at final rest in our cemetery. They continue to be remembered for their contributions, their life lessons, and their selfless gifts they shared with all who have come through our gate.
Without the help and generosity of individual donors, volunteers, staff, and
local grant-making organizations we would have great difficulty continuing. It is so, for our most recent grant from Mountain Findings, Inc. They have just funded a matching grant for Carpe Diem Farms and the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau.
Their generosity has provided for the hay shipment which will feed the horses through the winter and into next Spring. As you are experiencing in your own budgets the cost of what we need and getting it here have gone up exponentially! We purchase a semi-truck of orchard grass annually to keep the herd healthy. It arrived on one day and our grant arrived the next. Blessings do abound in our little village.
Summer programming and activities are complete, Fall after school plans are underway, the hay is in the barn, the horses are beginning to grow their winter coats and Jack Frost will be here before we know it painting the leaves for
another spectacular fall display. From all of us at Carpe Diem Farms may you and your families have a blessed Fall.
by Sue Blair, Carpe Diem Farms
Now Rub My Belly
Tickety-boo’s nighttime rituals are a not-so-subtle reminder of who runs things at Donna’s place.
Tickety-boo*, my cat, is meowing. She wants to go to bed. What she really wants is for me to go to bed with her, so I will rub her belly. That’s her Taps of the day. She’s written her own lyrics:
Day is done. Gone the sun. Turn off the tele, Wash your hands, They are smelly.
Give me a pallet . . .
Your favorite jacket.
Now rub my belly!
This ritual happens every night just as the sun sets, nowadays 8:30-ish. She starts about 15 minutes before the sun goes down. The meows begin piano, then mezzo piano, then forte, ramping up to a fortississimo, loud enough to knock over the piano itself. If that doesn’t work, she will start scratching walls, then furniture, then prize rugs. Her pièce de resistance is going for the cords on the blinds, chewing off those annoying little knobs. That’s when I cave.
As I lie there, belly-rubbing with just the right speed, right touch, right mood for
the evening (some nights require tickle while others, a classic panache), I am reminded of Terry Pratchett’s quote, “In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this.”
Good night feline goddesses everywhere, two legs or four.
*Tickety Boo is a 20th century English, upper class expression for everything’s just fine. In our house, it’s always fine for Tickety as long as she is getting her way.
by Donna Rhodes
art by Norma
Jean Zahner
Financial Focus®
Retirees Must Identify And Manage Income Sources
During your working years, you know where your income is coming from because you’re working. But once you retire, you’ll have to identify your income sources, know how much you can expect from them and know how to manage them to help support a retirement that could last two or three decades.
So, where will your retirement income come from? And what decisions will you need to make about these income sources?
Consider the following:
Retirement accounts – If you’ve regularly contributed to an IRA and a 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan, you likely have accumulated substantial amounts of money in these accounts — but during your retirement, you’ll need to start tapping into them. In fact, once you turn 73, you’re required to start taking withdrawals from some of your retirement accounts, with the
amount determined by your age and account balance.
You could take out more than these amounts (technically called required minimum distributions, or RMDs) but you can’t take less without incurring penalties. Many people take out 4 percent of their balance each year, and this guideline may be reasonable, but everyone’s situation is different. So, you’ll need to weigh various factors including your age, health and other sources of income before deciding on an appropriate withdrawal rate.
Social Security – You can start collecting Social Security at age 62, but your payments will be much higher if you wait until your full retirement age, which will be between 66 and 67.
And your benefits will reach the maximum amount if you wait until 70 before collecting. So, your decision on when to take your benefits will depend on whether you can afford to wait, and for how long.
In making this choice, you’ll also need to consider your health and your family history of longevity.
And if you’re married, you may want to factor in spousal benefits when deciding when you should collect Social Security. A spouse can receive either their own benefit, based on their work record, or up to 50 percent of their spouse’s benefit, whichever is greater. So, if one spouse has a much higher benefit, it may make sense for that spouse to delay taking Social Security as long as possible so that both spouses can receive bigger payments.
Earned income – Even if you have retired from one career, it doesn’t mean you can never receive any earned income again. If you have specific skills that can translate to part-time work or a consulting arrangement, you might want to consider reentering the work force in this way. With the added income, you might be able to afford delaying Social Security, and you would still be eligible
to contribute to an IRA.
Supplemental lifetime income – There aren’t many guarantees in the financial and investment worlds, but one of them is the income from a fixed annuity, which can be structured to provide you with a lifetime income stream. Annuities aren’t for everyone, however, and they do involve penalties for early withdrawals and lack of protection from inflation.
By learning all you can about your potential retirement income sources, and by understanding how to manage this income to your best advantage, you can help yourself achieve a comfortable — and more rewarding — retirement.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC
Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C.
Todd Holder
Ten Thousand Visits
Blue Ridge Health’s heavy patient load is indisputable evidence of its value to the Plateau.
Blue Ridge Health, a federally qualified health center, has achieved a significant milestone by serving its 10,000th patient visit at their Highlands-Cashiers clinic. Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation is extremely proud to recognize this accomplishment, as it reflects the Health Foundation’s commitment to supporting accessible and quality healthcare for all. Blue Ridge Health-Highlands Cashiers opened in June of 2021. The clinic offers comprehensive care for individuals and families, regardless of their ability to pay. This includes family medicine, pediatrics, women’s health, screenings, vaccinations, preventative care, testing for minor infections, mental and behavioral health services, nutrition services, and more.
“When the Health Foundation set out in 2019 to improve the health of our community, we immediately prioritized access to healthcare,” said Charlotte Muir, Executive Director of the Health Foundation. “Blue Ridge Health is an ideal partner for this as they serve all ages, all levels of income, and offer comprehensive care. We are incredibly proud to have made healthcare more
accessible here on the Plateau and look forward to the future success of Blue Ridge Health.”
The Health Foundation’s support for primary care is especially important in our rural mountain communities, where access to healthcare is often limited. Barriers like transportation and financial resources can hinder individuals from receiving the necessary care they need. The recently published 2024 data from the County Health Rankings and Roadmap highlights the primary care needs in our region.
• One primary care physician is available for every 1,790 people in Macon County, well below the state and national averages (NC: 1 for every 1,410 residents; US: 1 for every 1,330 residents). Jackson County compares at one for every 1,400 residents.
• 16 percent of Jackson County and 15 percent of Macon County Adults are considered to be in poor or fair health, above the state and national averages (NC 14 percent, US 13 percent).
• 18 percent of Jackson County and 17 percent of Macon County residents are uninsured, compared to 12 percent in
NC and 10 percent nationally.
These statistics are startling, but they show why the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation’s commitment to primary care is so vital. Access to healthcare is at the core of the Health Foundation’s mission to improve health and well-being across the Plateau. Partnerships with organizations like Blue Ridge Health are helping to ensure that all residents have access to high-quality, compassionate, and affordable healthcare.
To learn more about the impactful work of the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation and their dedication to enhancing the health and well-being of residents in Highlands, Cashiers, and the surrounding communities, please visit their website at healthyplateau.org.
Blue Ridge Health-Highlands Cashiers is located on the third floor of the Jane Woodruff Clinic located at the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital campus. For more information or to make an appointment, please call (828) 482-6160. by Josh Bryson, Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation
Of Place and Essence
Trailborn Highlands brings a new reverence to the virtues that have always made Highlands a resort destination. For more information, go to staytrailborn.com/highlands.
One of the privileges and pleasures of writing these columns is the chance to chat with and get to know the individuals who are thoughtfully enhancing our community.
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak by phone with Mike Weiss, the visionary entrepreneur who recently acquired and renovated the former Highlands Inn Lodge and Log Cabin Restaurant at 96 Log Cabin Lane. Weiss, and his partner Ben Weinberg, co-founders of the new hotel concept, Trailborn, have transformed this landmark into a modern, nature-inspired boutique hotel and restaurant.
Weiss, a fast talker with an aura of considerable activity and churning thought, shared the inspiration behind Trailborn.
“Ben and I are passionate about outdoor travel, and we noticed a gap in the market for design-focused accommodations in iconic outdoor destinations,” he explained. “Many places offer a room and a shower, but we saw an opportunity to create something much more engaging, more experiential.”
The duo’s superpower seems to be their uncanny ability to identify extraordinary outdoor settings where the demand for quality accommodations is high. Highlands, often praised by friends and family, was already on Weiss’s radar. As Weiss and Weinberg looked more closely into investing in Highlands, they found that the town met all their criteria: exceptional activities, stunning waterfalls, the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, and the chance to acquire a
distinctive property.
“Though situated on the edge of downtown, the property feels nestled in the woods with ample space and includes the historic Joe Webb-designed log cabin, providing unique charm,” Weiss elaborated.
What followed was a complete renovation that was completed this summer and transformed the dated inn and shuttered restaurant into a must-visit 63 room hotel with a destination restaurant and bar. Their overarching goal? “To redesign the property to make it more of a place that celebrates the local surroundings,” Weiss explained, “We wanted to reflect the history and culture of Highlands.”
The completed project, Trailborn Highlands, is the product of a marriage
between eminent tastemakers and precisely captured details – infinitesimal touches in synch with their surroundings. In the guests’ rooms the designers used earthy colors of forest green, dark cyan, maroon, cream, and golden yellow to mimic the hues found outdoors. In-room amenities like custom-designed quilts, local pottery, and printmaking pay homage to the Blue Ridge Mountains. In a nod to the locale’s abundance of wildflowers, a motif that is woven into the logo and décor, guests are given packets of seeds upon arrival.
The redesigned lobby space now includes a market offering local goods and a lounge and opens up onto a sprawling deck and backyard with picnic tables and fire pits. Additional outdoor spaces include a lily pond, flower gardens and a Nordic spa complete with a sauna and cold plunge showers.
The crown jewel of the property is the
adjacent log cabin. Originally built in 1924 by regionally renowned carpenter, Joe Webb, using local materials and hand tools as a residence for a local family, the historic structure has been reimagined as The Highlands Supper Club. Embracing the original architectural details, they preserved the 1924 cabin’s architectural details, including 3 fireplaces, chestnut and pine beams and wide plank floors. The space is filled with curated memorabilia, wood prints, and custom wallpaper inspired by indigenous rhododendrons Repurposed log dining chairs are accompanied by wood benches and tables.
The menu features Appalachian cuisine and regional ingredients like NC oysters and in a nod to Joe Webb includes Chicken Two Ways – oven roasted, or buttermilk fried. To enhance its appeal, a bar was added within the restaurant, creating an inviting spot for a drink, a destination, and a hub for locals.
Highlights of the bar menu include spirit-forward cocktails, such as a bacon washed old fashioned, and a selection of local beers.
As part of Trailborn’s “Keep Extraordinary” initiative a portion of every reservation booked directly is donated to the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust to support local land conservation and preserve the great American outdoors.
As we wrapped up our conversation, Weiss shared, “Our goal in opening Trailborn Highlands was to create something that truly belongs here, something that will be here forever.”
by Marlene Osteen
Exploring OurLiteracy Landscape
The Literacy and Learning Center has some specific ideas about Unearthing
Local Gems – here’s a reading list of books illuminating the Plateau and the people who give it character.
Are you a visitor to Highlands seeking to learn more about its history, people, and ecology? Or perhaps you are a resident interested in delving deeper into the rich literary landscape that reflects this unique region. This curated list offers a selection of books by area authors and stories set in or near Highlands, perfect summer reading for tourists and locals alike.
For a Touch of History:
Heart of the Blue Ridge: Highlands, North Carolina by Randolph P. Shaffner: This comprehensive historical account by a resident chronicles Highlands’ fascinating journey from its envisioned role as a significant trade route hub to the charming mountain town it is today.
Historic Tales of Highlands (compiled by the Highlands Historical Society) is a captivating journey through time. It explores tales of resilience, community spirit, and the intriguing characters
shaping Highlands’ heritage.
Brent Martin’s A Forgotten Lens on a Changing Landscape tells the story of George Masa, a self-taught photographer who documented the dramatic transformation of the Southern Appalachians in the early 20th century.
Explore the rich history of Highlands through Highlands, North Carolina: The Early Years by Angela Lewis Jenkins.
For the Nature Enthusiast:
The Mountain at the End of the Trail: A History of Whiteside Mountain by Robert Zahner: Within these pages, we encounter the human stories woven into the mountain’s history. It’s a poignant exploration of love and exploitation, a story as enduring as the mountain. “A memorial to the mountain almost as beautiful as the mountain itself…and eminently readable.” - Randolph Shaffner
Darwin and the Art of Botany:
Observations on the Curious World of Plants by James T. Costa and Bobbi Angell highlights Charles Darwin’s lesser-known contributions to plant science. It combines excerpts from his botanical writings with beautiful illustrations, offering a fresh perspective on his work. Each section is explained by a botany expert, revealing the historical context and ongoing significance of Darwin’s research on plants.
A Field Guide to the Birds of the Southern Appalachians by Stan Tekiela: Identify the feathered friends you encounter on your hikes with this user-friendly guide. Learn about their calls, habitats, and unique characteristics, adding a new dimension to your appreciation of the local wildlife.
A Literary Escape:
Learn about the early days of Hilton Head Island through the eyes of Avary Doubleday in Daughter of the Dawn Doubleday’s family was among the
few white residents when they moved there in 1950, and the book details their experiences living without modern conveniences. Doubleday, a resident of Highlands, is also responsible for spearheading the implementation of The Literacy & Learning Center’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
The Abolitionist’s Daughter by Diane C. McPhail: Written by a Highlands local and based on actual events and rooted in family history, McPhail’s debut novel upends stereotypes of the Civil War South with a rare depiction of Southern Abolitionism and the experiences of three astonishing women.
The Family Jewels by Bruce Katz: Resident Bruce Katz brings his storytelling talents to life in this novel. Follow the captivating journey of a journalist uncovering a tangled web of family secrets, organized crime, and unexpected romance.
Young Adult Fiction:
Tunnel of Time: A Fantastic Journey Through Time, and Arnetta and The Mirror of Destiny: The Future Doesn’t Belong to the Faint Hearted, written by Highlands local author, Jeannie Chambers
This is a starting point for your literary exploration of the Highlands area. Remember, with each book you choose, you’ll be informed and entertained and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty that makes Highlands unique.
If you or someone you know would like more information about tutoring, contact Caroline Cox at CCox@ TheLiteracyandLearningCenter.org or call (828) 526-0863.
by The Literacy and Learning Center
HCLT History at the Peggy
Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust’s tenancy at the Peggy Crosby Center has been a boon to the fortunes of the entire Plateau.
Left to right: Lance Hardin, Hope Corbin, Stephanie Contreras, and Andrew Renfro (Not pictured, Julie Schott)
The tenant currently with the longest tenure in the Peggy Crosby Center is the HighlandsCashiers Land Trust.
One of the oldest nonprofits in the area, and the oldest organization of its type in North Carolina, HCLT found a permanent home in PCC in 1997. Starting out with a single office, the land trust now occupies four suites in the southern wing of the upper floor. During this period the lands conserved by HCLT increased from less than 1,000 acres to more than 4,000 acres, and as a PCC tenant HCLT has had the ability to scale office space as needed to meet the growth in their land protection responsibilities.
In terms of staffing, when HCLT first became housed in the PCC Mike Cavender was the Executive Director. When he moved away, his replacement, Dr. Gary Wein, served in the role for 17 years and oversaw a period of growth.
Wein retired in 2023 and Lance Hardin was chosen to be the current director. With 16 years of service, the longestserving staff member at HCLT is Julie Schott, the Development and Outreach Director. Andrew Renfro serves as Director of Land Conservation and is tasked with identifying potential land and conservation easement acquisitions, and Stephanie Contreras as Stewardship Manager cares for the more than 130 properties already under HCLT protection. In a recently expanded role, Hope Corbin, the Environmental Education Coordinator, oversees a multitude of events such as hikes, book clubs, lecture series, foraging events, and so on.
Hardin shares that being a PCC tenant directly benefits the land trust’s mission to protect valuable natural resources for all generations, stating “because of the community’s support of the PCC, we are able to allocate more of our resources toward saving our area’s special places.
Every dollar saved on rent is a dollar that can be put toward conservation.”
And Schott says that the benefits of being a PCC tenant aren’t just financial, sharing “there is a collegial atmosphere at the PCC between the resident non-profits and other small businesses, it’s great to so easily be able to walk down the hall and bounce a question off a peer.”
HCLT protected its first property, the summit of Satulah Mountain, in 1909, and with the support of the PCC looks to many more years of land conservation. Follow HCLT on Instagram or Facebook or check-out hcltnc.org for current events.
by
Donna Rhodes / Photo by Mary Gillan Scan to learn more.
Memories of Summer
By any measure, the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society’s busy summer was built upon a foundation of compassion, mixed with an overwhelming playfulness.
Before we look ahead to the autumn months with muchwelcomed cooler temperatures and the most beautiful colors of the year, I would like to take one last look back at one of the greatest summer seasons in recent memory.
In June our annual signature gala returned to the Country Club of Sapphire Valley for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic. A completely re-themed event appropriately titled “Coming Home”, the evening turned out to be the second-largest fundraiser for CHHS in the past decade.
In conjunction with our Open House and 37th anniversary celebration, we also celebrated the Grand Opening of Misty’s Trail, a beautiful and serene half-mile path in the woods on our 10-acre campus for our beloved dog walking volunteers and CHHS shelter pups.
And I saved the best for last. In 2019, when we introduced Critter Camp, our summer series of week-long humane education day camps for local school-
children, I made the following statement: “This is the greatest community outreach program in our history.”
Five years later, I stand by that statement. Critter Camp teaches important skills about responsible pet ownership, dog bite prevention, the importance of spay/neuter, kindness towards animals, compassion for their survival, and a respect for the habitat that we share. Critter Camp provides these amazing kids with the tools they need to be our animal welfare ambassadors of tomorrow.
The highlight of each week of Critter Camp is on Friday with what we call the “Graduation Hike.” This year’s series of Graduation Hikes were made all the more special because the hikes took place on our all-new Misty’s Trail. One of the special places on the trail is our “Rainbow Bridge Tree,” an arched trunk of a tree bending down to where we have mounted a plaque with a poem about the Rainbow Bridge.
It is always a great honor to serve as
one of the adult chaperones for the Graduation Hike. Every time I have had the privilege to take that hike with these campers, it reminds me of another thing I said in 2019 when we launched this program.
“The future of animal welfare really doesn’t have much to do with animals. That may sound strange but it’s true. The future of animal welfare actually has everything to do with children.”
Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit no-kill shelter 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. Visit us online at chhumanesociety. org or call (828) 743-5752 for more information. Tax-deductible donations to support our lifesaving work can be mailed to: CHHS, P.O. Box 638, Cashiers, NC 28717.
by
David Stroud, Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society
LivingWorks START
Highlands Counseling Center, housed in the Peggy Crosby Center, is dedicated to helping those in crisis. To learn how you can help, email info@ counseling-center.org or call (864) 481-0598.
Tracy Stribling Franklin and Linda Kirkman
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The Counseling Center offers outpatient therapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups regardless of background. Fees are sliding scale based on financial need. This fall, they are providing LivingWorks START suicide prevention training. This 90-minute workshop, which is free to the public, thanks to a grant from Cashiers Community Fund, teaches participants to recognize suicide warning signs and how to offer support. Developed by experts, in just 90 minutes LivingWorks START trains participants to recognize when someone may be thinking about suicide and how to help them connect to needed help and support. LivingWorks, START is designed to equip community members with essential suicide prevention skills. This training, led by Tracy Stribling Franklin, LMHC, will be at the Albert Carlton Community Library at 249
Frank Allen Road in Cashiers on the following dates: August 29 at 12:30 P.M.; September 12 at 11:30 A.M.; September 25 at 10:30 A.M.; and October 4 at 4:00 P.M.
You can scan the QR code on page 218 to register. For more information, please email info@counseling-center. org or call (864) 481-0598. This is a stand-alone training, so you only need to register for one session. Space is limited and you will receive confirmation of your registration.
Each year, over 703,000 people take their own lives, according to the World Health Organization.
More importantly, with the right knowledge and skills, everyone can intervene and help a person with thoughts of suicide.
Resources:
988 Suicide and Crisis Line: Available 24
hours. Languages: English and Spanish; call or text 988lifeline.org
The Counseling Center is located at the Peggy Crosby Center and offers outpatient therapy services. The center is staffed by two therapists and a part-time executive director.
• Tracy Stribling Franklin (LMHC) specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), helping clients improve communication and reduce anxiety, sadness, and loneliness through altered thinking patterns.
• Michael Greene (LCSW) is bilingual and experienced in counseling, primary care behavioral health, and working with vulnerable populations.
• I assumed the Executive Director role in July, bringing extensive healthcare leadership experience in the field of behavioral health to the center. by Mary Jane McCall
Importance of Legal Aid
Pisgah Legal Services provides legal aid to the Plateau’s most vulnerable citizens. For more information, go to pisgahlegal.org or call (828) 575-1353.
Patricia Cadell, Staff Attorney, and Leslie Manning, Regional Development Officer, in front of the Pisgah Legal Services offices adjacent to the Bazaar Barn, provided by The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd.
Last month, Pisgah Legal Services took a moment from its busy, complex workload
to offer a celebratory breakfast at Highlands Country Club to to honor a couple who’ve been instrumental in the organization’s offices in Cashiers and Highlands – and to preview the possibilities of its broad portfolio.
Pisgah Legal Services, headquartered in Asheville, maintains two bustling offices in Highlands and Cashiers.
Honored were Diane and Ray McPhail for their generous support of Pisgah’s work in the Highlands area.
Ray said: “I grew up with poor people and know of the problems they face. An illness means the loss of a paycheck and the rent isn’t paid; there is an eviction. Legal aid programs come to the rescue; help with medical coverage; negotiate with the landlords and work to get the family out of poverty.”
Another highlight was hearing from
Patricia Caddell, one of Pisgah’s staff attorneys working on the HighlandsCashiers Plateau. She told about cases she has handled. One compelling case involved a mother and children who were being abused by her husband. Ms. Caddell went to court, got a protective order and ultimately obtained a divorce with full custody of the children for the mother.
Jim Barrett, Executive Director of Pisgah, was recognized for having dedicated his entire professional career to Pisgah. He reported on the anti-poverty program of Pisgah and the breadth of Pisgah’s work in Western North Carolina, having served 23,000 clients last year.
Leslie Manning was introduced as the new Development Director of Pisgah Legal on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau.
The sponsors of the breakfast were: Judy and Dick Allison, Virginia and Mike Campbell, Geri and Wade Coleman, Stell Huie, Jane Jerry, Cathy and George
Manning, Sherri and Steve Ozcomert, Joan and Stan Starnes, Allison and Jim Tate, Susan and Charley Tarver, Sally and Mayor Pat Taylor, and Virginia and Wilbur Warner.
Public defenders take on the defense of poor accused in criminal cases. These defenders are all fully government funded. That is not the case with the civil legal services poor people need. There is no government provision for representation in civil cases. Pisgah and other legal aid programs depend on the support of private foundations and individual donors.
Pisgah Legal Services seeks to pursue justice by providing legal assistance and advocacy to help low-income people in Western North Carolina meet their basic needs and improve their lives.
More information may be found and donations may be made at pisgahlegal. org, or by contacting Leslie Manning, leslie@pisgahlegal.org or by calling (828) 575-1353.
Plant Some Sunshine
In the dirt in the Fall for a sunnier Springtime – the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce has revived its Magic Daffodil Trick.
The Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce is achieving something close to magic by planting daffodil bulbs in the fall to brighten the Springtime landscape.
This Retail Roundtable initiative will once again light up the heart of our community with the return of the joyful Yellow Carlton Daffodils and add some extra cheer to our community next March.
In the fall of 2019, local businesses around the Crossroads in Cashiers got together to plant over 1,500 daffodil bulbs in roadside beds. When the flowers burst into bloom at the end of Winter during the tough Spring of 2020, their sunny yellow color became a powerful symbol of our community’s strength and unity in the face of challenges.
The Cashiers Area Chamber’s Retail Roundtable organized the wholesale purchase, courtesy of Dargan Landscape Architects, and installation of the many
bulbs, creating a dramatic visual cue that spring had arrived in the mountains. The Daffodil Days effort not only showcased our community’s dedication to beautifying our surroundings but also represented our collective effort to enhance the area, and with it, a new community tradition was born.
Once again, the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce is leading this communitywide project, offering Yellow Carlton Daffodil bulbs to Chamber members for its Daffodil Days Streetscape Initiative this fall.
The cheerful daffodil is typically among the first botanicals to sprout among the high-elevation flowering species in the Cashiers area. Despite cold temperatures and occasional snow flurries in March, the flowers push their distinctive blooms to signify that the verdant season is just around the corner.
As Southern Living notes, Daffodils are long-lived and resilient to various
weather conditions and play a crucial role in the local ecosystem. Their minimal care at planting and ability to thrive without further attention make them an ideal choice for our community’s environmental stewardship efforts. Chamber members may visit our website for the Daffodil Days event page to order their bulbs.
General Business, Nonprofit, and Associate memberships for individuals are available. If you are interested in joining the Cashiers Area Chamber, please get in touch with our office by phone at (828) 743-5191 or by email at office@cashiersareachamber.com.
By Susan Gregory, Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce
Celebrating the Spirit of Labor
This September holiday honors the energy and spirit of Highlands’ most precious resource – the workers who make everything happen.
As September rolls in, the town of Highlands transitions from the lazy days of summer to the anticipation of autumn’s vibrant leaf season. While some of us have already resumed back-to-school routines, others are still savoring the last moments of summer as we celebrate Labor Day. The origins of Labor Day date back to the late nineteenth century, when labor activists championed the cause of American workers, seeking recognition for their contributions. Oregon led the way by passing the first state law recognizing Labor Day, and by 1894, Congress had established the first Monday in September as a legal holiday.
The Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC, takes this holiday to heart as our mission is to make Highlands a better place to live, visit, and conduct business.
But the Chamber’s commitment extends beyond the surface. We play a pivotal
role in supporting local businesses, ensuring that Highlands remains a thriving community for residents and visitors alike.
Moreover, the Highlands Chamber recognizes the importance of the front-line staff in these businesses. From the waitstaff in bustling restaurants to the clerks in cozy boutiques, these individuals are the heartbeat of our town. Their dedication and hard work are truly what make Highlands special.
This Labor Day, we extend our gratitude to those who make it all possible. The Chamber’s efforts in supporting and promoting local businesses are crucial, but it is the people – those on the front lines and behind the scenes – who truly make Highlands special. Their unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service and creating a welcoming environment deserves our heartfelt thanks.
So, as you celebrate the holiday and
reflect on the contributions of American workers, take a moment to appreciate the individuals who make Highlands vibrant and welcoming. Their efforts not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also ensure that visitors leave with fond memories and a desire to return.
In Highlands, Labor Day is more than just a day off. It is a celebration of our community’s spirit, a recognition of hard work, and a salute to those who make this town a remarkable place to live, work, and visit every day.
by Johanna Fein, Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands,
NC
photo by Susan Renfro
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Roman’s Roofing
Roman’s Roofing’s eternal battle against the ravages of wind and water is waged with wisdom and a tireless spirit.
Left to right back row: Roman, Sarah, Dominik, John, Brent, Jeremy, and Robyn. Front row: Malachi and Nikol.
Roman and Sarah of Roman’s Roofing remind us water and wind are pretty amazing forces. And we’ve had plenty of both this season. From mountain tops to rooftops wind blows debris into chinks and wears down surfaces. Water finds its way into the trickle-y cracks that debris begins to fill.
The longer things are exposed, the more water has its way. That’s why the Appalachians are smoother than the more recent-glaciated Rockies. They’ve been exposed to weather a couple of hundred million years longer.
Of course, your roof is more like one decade old, not a gazillion, but as JFK reminds us: Maintenance is the key to keeping shelter, belongings, and the things we love safe.
Roman’s Roofing is the area’s go-to protector for rooftop armament. And, while the company rarely speaks of its service to community, in this day and
age, it’s nice to hear about good deeds our neighborhood business owners bestow when we’re not looking.
Being in the region a quarter century, Roman knows the terrain and history. One of Roman’s Roofing’s recent charitable acts served a community’s iconic tiny building, the Grimshaw’s Post Office, a mere 7’x 8’ structure built in the 1800s. That’s practically a blanket-size covering, but, like any other roof, it has to be maintained. Roman set about, on his own time and out of his own pocket, to replace that historic building’s venerable crown.
In addition, Roman donated other roofing services to projects for the Summit Charter School, REACH, Wounded Warriors, and more charitable rooftop repairs/replacements.
Why does he do it? He and Sarah feel blessed in the community with so many loyal customers over the years. They wanted to return the kindness.
In closing, a reminder to patrons. “While the sun is shining, let us help keep your roof happy with biennial debris removal, inspections (for homeowners or realtors), repairs, and updates on roof replacement with asphalt, shakes, synthetics, slate, and other coverings in a wide variety of colors.
For more information: E-mail sarah@ romansroofingnc.com; call (828) 743-5291; Info@romansroofingnc. com; Facebook: Roman’s Roofing LLC; Instagram: romansroofingllc; Location: 5642 Cashiers Road in Highlands.
by
Donna Rhodes
photo by Susan Renfro
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THE LEGACY CONTINUES
The McKee Group
Cashiers Sotheby’s International Realty
Beth Townsend and Liz Harris, Co-Owners of McKee Properties, along with McKee Brokers, are continuing the legacy as The McKee Group brokered by Cashiers Sotheby’s International Realty. Nearly half a century of local luxury real estate expertise is now backed by the Sotheby’s brand offering worldwide exposure and world-class resources for their clients.
SANDY BARROW JOHN BARROW CLAY CANTLER JESSICA HOHEISEL
BETH TOWNSEND LIZ HARRIS COLEEN GOTTLOEB MAGGIE ELMER
Wade Hampton Golf Club
6 BR / 7.5 BA / 1.2 ACRES
Situated on a large lot, prominently overlooking the 10th golf hole at the renowned Fazio-designed Wade Hampton Golf Club, this majestic home is surrounded by 1.2 acres of gently sloping yard and private gardens. Flanked by native stone detailing and clad with newly installed cedar shingles, the traditional mountain home has high ceilings and generously proportioned rooms. One is greeted by lovely gardens on both sides of the front entry, then “invited” into the home by the wainscoted, wallpapered Grand Hallway with sconce lighting. Opposite each other in the massive Great Room, giant stone fi replaces create the opportunity for two entertainment areas. New skylights have multiplied the light in this impressive space and were added when the cedar shake roof was replaced in the last few years. A large, newly updated Chef’s Kitchen is around the corner, with its own
Breakfast Room and the best Butler’s Pantry imaginable! The Den, Primary Suite with multiple closets, stone fi replace and reading area, and three Guest Bedrooms are accessed from the sunlit Gallery. The Laundry, wine/Mudroom and Powder Room fi nish off the main level of the home. The fi fth Bedroom Suite is privately located upstairs at the other end of the gallery. There is a lovely screened Carolina Room with grill and fi replace near the kitchen and off the great room is a large covered stone terrace with mountain and golf views. The terrace level of the home offers a large Game Room, two bathrooms and a sleeping area for staff or overflow guests. This regal estate was one of the early venues for the Joy Garden Tour, and the current owners have restored the gardens to their former glory, as well as adding many of their own touches around every turn. MLS 104677
Offered for $9,950,000
5 BR / 7 BA / 1.52 ACRES Discover this stunning new estate on the picturesque Lake Glenville, nestled in the mountains of Cashiers-Highlands, This luxurious home sits handsomely on the most beautiful stone point on the lake, boasting an elevation of 3,500 feet and offering pleasant summer temperatures and fabulous lake living. This home is a rare gem. MLS 102929
Silver Run Reserve is a paradise of natural beauty offering a variety of indoor and outdoor
and a range of large estate homesites and built cottages. Call Liz Harris for details and a tour of this beautiful community.
Big Sheepcliff
4 BR / 4.5 BA / 6.27 ACRES Perched majestically atop the mountains of Cashiers, NC, this remarkable estate boasts an elevation of 4500 feet and offers a rare opportunity to experience magnificent mountain living. Sweeping vistas from nearly every room stretch across the expanse of Cashiers and beyond to the neighboring states of South Carolina and Georgia. Commanding over six acres within the gated community of Big Sheepcliff, the privacy and exclusivity of this estate is just a short drive from the town’s center. The handsome home has been meticulously remodeled from top to bottom, marrying modern luxury with timeless elegance. Rich warmth of antique timber accents infuses the home with a sense of history and authenticity. The expansive great room and adjoining family room are both graced by majestic masonry stone fireplaces that invite you to unwind and soak in the breathtaking scenery surrounding you. The expansive chef’s kitchen beckons culinary
for $6,989,000
enthusiasts with its generous proportions and top-of-the-line amenities. Entertain with ease in the elegant formal dining room featuring a beautiful masonry stone fireplace, or casually on the generous back deck which offers yet another stone fireplace, spacious sitting and dining areas and stunning endless views. Two primary suites on the main level offer a peaceful sanctuary complete with a cozy fireplace, lavish bath, and private porch retreat. Upstairs, two additional generously sized suites, each with their own private sitting room, provide comfort and seclusion for family and friends. Handsomely landscaped grounds showcase the fabulous views, extensive rock work and stone patios, creating inviting spaces for entertaining and relaxation. A large grilling/dining patio welcomes an evening grill-out and the nearby firepit is the perfect spot to gather under the starlit sky, for memories that will last a lifetime. MLS 104103
Cashiers, Hwy 107 South
39.18 ACRES A rare opportunity to acquire this premier Cashiers, NC acreage located on the prestigious Hwy 107S corridor, 3-minutes from town! Much of the land is nearly level featuring a creek and stream running through it, and an elevated area offering great homesites with gentle topography and beautiful views of Chimneytop Mountain, Rock Mountain, Big Sheepcliff and
Offered for $6,900,000
others. This property would make a beautiful private estate just 3-minutes from the center of Cashiers and close to Wade Hampton, High Hampton, and Chattooga Club. This land also offers excellent commercial, residential or mixed use development potential with its excellent location, frontage on Hwy 107S, gentle topography, and views. MLS 101855
Silver Run Reserve * Offered for $6,500,000
5 BR / 5.5 BA / 8.57 ACRES This gorgeous 8.5 acre estate is located in the beautiful Silver Run Reserve, just 5-minutes from Cashiers. The fantastic home is designed by renowned architect TS Adams and constructed by one of Cashiers’ finest builders, Harris Custom Builders. The gentle, rolling lot boasts beautiful views of Whiteside Mountain that sweep through the trees and beyond into the Meadows of Silver Run Reserve. Silver Run Creek flows just
below the house providing excellent fishing, natural plunge pools, and wading areas for children. This home is located an easy walking distance to all of Silver Run Reserve’s wonderful amenities, and is a convenient location within the community yet tucked back in the acreage for ultimate privacy. MLS 101991
*LOTS & NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION AVAILABLE!
Wade Hampton Golf Club
4 BR / 4 BA / 0.82 ACRES This impeccably renovated family residence within the prestigious Wade Hampton Golf Club offers captivating views of Chimneytop, Rock Mountain, and winter panoramas of Whiteside Mountain. Boasting close proximity to town and just inside the main gates of Wade Hampton, this property presents a prime location as an added benefit. The Main Level is flooded with natural light, courtesy of tall windows and doors enveloping the great room. Large doors lead to an expansive covered deck, providing a scenic outlook. The newly upgraded kitchen features state-of-the-art appliances, elegant cabinetry, and a spacious island. The dining room, with its charming, vaulted
Offered for $2,950,000 (JUST REDUCED)
ceiling, seamlessly connects to the deck. The Primary Suite on the main level impresses with vaulted ceilings, stunning views, and a generously sized en-suite bathroom featuring marble floors, oversized shower, and an inviting soaking tub. A second en-suite on the main level ensures convenience for guests. Upstairs, you’ll find an additional en-suite Bedroom, along with a spacious loft area. The Lower Level offers a family room equipped with a wet bar, a fourth generous guest ensuite, bonus space, and a sizeable, covered porch. An attached, two-car carport is conveniently located adjacent to the laundry room. The gentle topography of the property invites the possibility of additional gardens. MLS 103841
Knob Road Offered for $1,895,000
3 BR / 2.5 BA / 7.56 ACRES Charming farmhouse featuring all one-level living, and over 7 acres , ready to be made into your own quaint farm estate or unrestricted to other possibilities! Less than 5-minutes from Cashiers and next door to Mountaintop Golf Club, the property features the beautiful Laurel Knob rock face, a rolling meadow and wooded areas. The split floor plan features an oversized master suite on one side of the home and two more bedrooms and a bathroom on the other. The center of the home is found in a large kitchen, living room featuring a rock fi replace, a cozy dining room, an offi ce and an expansive deck off the back allowing to take in views of the large rock face on the property. MLS 103761
Silver Run Reserve (LOT MD-9) $899,000
1.44 ACRES — This exquisite homesite offers a rare opportunity to build your dream retreat in this naturally beautiful, low-density community just moments from the vibrant center of Cashiers, NC. Situated along the tranquil shores of one of the community’s pristine lakes, the lot boasts sweeping views that stretch across the shimmering waters to embrace the lush meadows and majestic mountains beyond. Conveniently positioned within easy walking distance to all the community’s coveted amenities. MLS 104069
Ellison Lane Cottages
2 BR / 2 BA / 0.33 ACRES Discover the charm and convenience of these new construction 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom cottages in the picturesque neighborhood of Cottages at Silver Run Falls which is nestled against peaceful Nature Conservancy land. Located less than 5 minutes from Cashiers, these five cottages offer proximity to Silver Run Reserve, Wade Hampton, Chattooga Club, and High Hampton, ensuring easy access to local amenities. Enjoy an easy 1/4
Buggy Barn Road
$450,000
2 BR / 2 BA / 0.55 AC — Nestled in a charming country setting, this fully renovated cottage bungalow is just 15 minutes from Cashiers and 20 minutes from Highlands. The location provides convenient access to nearby town amenities while maintaining a peaceful, unrestricted environment. The home features two bedrooms and two baths along with one bonus room. Everything has been upgraded in the interior from brand new hardwood floors to custom kitchen cabinets and quartz countertops. MLS 104595
mile hike from the community through Nature Conservancy and National Forest to the stunning Silver Run Falls and its refreshing swimming oasis. Gather with friends around the community outdoor fireplace garden, offering a perfect spot for relaxation and socializing. Experience peaceful seclusion in this charming neighborhood while remaining conveniently close to all that Cashiers has to offer. MLS 104629 ($825,000) / MLS 104630 ($799,000)
Fairway Hamlets
$1,699,000 (JUST REDUCED)
5 BR / 4 BA / 0.46 ACRES Great location, a picturesque setting and excellent condition are three top attributes of this charming home in the heart of Country Club Estates, Sapphire Valley. Inside the home there are hardwood floors throughout the main level and stairs, vaulted ceilings, stone fireplace with gas logs, and a wet bar with icemaker. The kitchen with herb garden window has KitchenAid stainless appliances, stone backsplash and custom cabinets. The chef has a commanding view of the dining, living and the screened Carolina Room with its own wood burning fireplace and skylights. The two primary bedrooms — one upstairs and one on main level have full bathrooms with dual sinks, jacuzzi tubs and showers. A separate two car/one cart garage with workspace has a chic upstairs apartment with a small kitchen, den, full bath, and bedroom. MLS 103741
$1,250,000
2 BR / 3 BA / 42.95 ACRES — In the heart of “Old Sapphire,” this darling cottage is perched over a small private pond. The 42.95-acre property is part of an old estate that had an open field (overgrown but easily returned to grass), streams, trails and a knoll that adjoins another property that is now a designated conservation easement. The property is unrestricted and located in a quiet spot off of the Upper Whitewater Road which connects to Highway 64 in two places. The cottage could be purchased with a smaller tract of 6.5 +/- acres, see MLS 104493. MLS 104491
Glenville $1,449,000 (JUST REDUCED)
2 BR / 3 BA / 1.06 ACRES This charming yet sophisticated lakefront home sits in a cove in the desirable, gated Glenshore neighborhood. The two story cottage is situated above a gently sloping yard with mature landscaping and is only steps from its own private dock. Inside one is greeted by warm wood floors and ceilings and a pretty stone fireplace in the living room. Two bedrooms are located on the main floor, the primary has an en suite bath, there is a hall bath for guests. Downstairs is a large family room with a wood burning stove and gameroom. The lower level also features a bonus room and an additional bathroom. MLS 104593
“Whensellingachallengingproperty,you wantBethonyourteam.Sheisdetermined, creativeandperseverestomeetyourgoals. From emails and texts on the weekend to goingaboveandbeyondher‘brokerduties,’ youknowinstantlythatyouhaveanessential advocateonyourside.” – SEAN L .
4118 Kitchen and Bar 4118kitchen-bar.com P 130
A&A Property Cleanouts P 85, 217
A Jones Company P 155
A-List Antiques P 154
Acorns acornshighlandsnc.com P 244
ACP Home Interiors acphomeinteriors.com P 39
Allan Dearth and Sons Generators adsemergencypower.com P 189
Allen TateKelly Ramsey/Dan Doughty danandkellyteam.allentate.com P 242
Allen Tate/Pat Allen Realty Group patallenrealtygroup.com P 9
Allison Diane allisondianeclothing.com P 183
Annawear annawearnc.com P 200
Anne Buresh Interior Design annburesh.com P 49
Annell Metsker annell.com P 119
Around Back at Rocky’s Place aroundbackatrockysplace.com P 113
Atelier Maison ateliermaisonco.com P 70
Balistreri Realty laketoxawayliving.com P 177
Barbara Demaire barbarademaire.com P 118
Barbara Jamison Paintings barbarajamisonpaintings.com P 5
The Bascom thebascom.org P 109
Baxter’s Tree Service P 84
Bazaar Barn P 37
Bella Cotn bellacotn.com P 159
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices meadowsmountainrealty.com P 28
Betsy Paul Art Benefit P 116
Betsy Paul Properties betsypaulproperties.com P 243
Bijou Jewelry bijoujeweler.com P 110, 228
Bird Barn & Garden P 51
Black Rock Design Build blackrockdb.com P 10, 208
Blue Ridge Bedding blueridgebedding.com P 164
Blue Ridge Falls RV Resort bueridgefallsrvresortcom P 176
Blue Ridge Music P 113
Bombshell Hair Boutique P 50
Bounds Cave’s Rug Gallery boundscaverugs.com P 33
The Brier Patch P 107
Brookings Fly Shop brookingsonline.com P 81
Bungalow Boutique bungalow828.com P 226
Burlingame experience-burlingame.com P 179
Butler Galleries butlergalleries.com P 229
C Orrico corrico.com P 163
Calders Coffee Cafe calderscoffeecafe.com P 131
Caliber Fine Properties caliberfineproperties.com P 122, 123
Carolina Rustic Furniture carolinarusticfurniture.com P 164
Cashiers Chamber of Commerce cashiersareachamber.com P 186
Cashiers Candy Shoppe P 90
Cashiers Farmers Market cashiersfarmersmarket.com P 143
Cashiers Kitchen Company P 51
Cashiers Sotheby’s International Realty - The McKee Group P 230-238
Cashiers Sotheby’s International Realty - Rob Whitney P 213
The Cashiers Store thecashierstore.com P 224
Cashiers Valley Community Chorus P 112
Highlands Burrito highlandsburrito.com P 143
Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation hchealthfnd.org P 203
Highlands Chamber of Commerce highlandschamber.org P 66
Highlands Decorating Center highlangsdecorating.com P 61, 85
Highlands Dermatology highlandsdermatology.com P 200
Highlands Fine Art & Estate Jewelry Wine Shop highlandsfineart.com P 22, 23
Highlands Food and Wine highlandsfoodandwine.com P 124, 148
Highlands Gem Shop highlandsgemshop.com P 36
Highlands Historical Society highlands history.com P 118, 187
Highlands Lawn & Garden highlandslawnandgarden.com P 214
Highlands Outpost highlandsoutpost.com P 76
Highlands Performing Arts Center highlandsperformingarts.com P 105, 111
Highlands Pizza Place P 141
Highlands Rock Yard highlandsrockyard.com P 62
Highlands Smokehouse highlandssmokehouse.com P 143
Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty - Andrea Gabbard sothebysrealty.com P 165
Highlands Transportation Company P 34
Historic Toxaway Foundation historictoxaway.org P 177, 228
Historic Toxaway Market historictoxawaymarket.com P 176
Hudson Library fontanalib.org P 218
Hummingbird Lounge oldedwardsinn.com P 244
ID.ology Interiors & Design idologydesign.com P 71
Jack’s Upholstery P 92, 209
Jackson Hole Gem Mine jacksonholegemmine.com P 76, 83
Jannie Bean janniebeandesigns.com P 41
Jeanie Edwards Fine Art jedwardsfineart.com P 108
Jennings Builders Supply jbwnc.com P 221
Joan Anderson Interiors joanandersoninteriors.com P 220
John Cleaveland Realty jcrealty.com P 182
John Grove Music johngrovemusic.com P 63
Josephine’s Emporium P 163, 209
Katherine McClure katherine-mcclure.com P 118
The Kitchen thekitchenofhighlands.com P 134
Kitchen and Bath Designs by Leah kitchenbathdesignsbyleah.com P 49
Lake Toxaway Company laketoxaway.com P 178
Lakeside Restaurant lakesiderestaurant.info P 141
Landmark Realty Group landmarkrg.com P 56, 57, 209
Las Margaritas P 142
Laura Moser Art lauramoserart.com P 5
Lehotsky & Sons lehotskyandsons.com P 40, 208
Lenz Gifts & Luxury Linens P 162
Leslie Jeffery lesliejeffery.art P 114
Living Stone Design + Build livingstonedesignbuild.com P 72, 73
Longcliff longcliff.com P 170
The Look Boutique P 21
Los Vaqueros P 145
Lupoli Construction lupoliconstruction.com P 43
Main Street Gifts P 223
Main Street Nursery P 96
Marlene & Co. P 87
Martha Anne’s P 155
McCulley’s P 3
Meraki
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Roots & Vine roots-vine.com P 138
The Ruffed Grouse Tavern highlandermountainhouse.com P 135
Rusticks rusticks.com P 11, 54
Sapphire Valley Real Estate sapphirevalleyrealestate.com P 98
Sashay Around P 19
The Secret Garden P 130
Shiraz Rug Galleries shirazruggalleries.com P 93
Sky Valley Country Club skyvalleycountryclub.com P 76
Sotheby’s International Realty P 120, 121, 149
Southern Way P 61
Spoiled Rotten spoiledrotten2.com P 60
Spraggins Home Inspections spragginshi.com P 19
The Stillwater Group, LLC thestillwatergroup.net P 45
Stork’s Wrap, Pack & Ship P 15
Sugar Creek
Custom Cabinets sugarcreekcustomcabinets.com P 97
The Summer House by Reeves summerhousehighlands.com P 150
Suncoast Equity Management suncoastequity.com P 227
Sweetwater Perk & Creamery historictoxawaymarket.com P 177
Tarah’s Beauty Bar P 208
TJ Bailey’s for Men tjbmens.com P 67
The Exchange P 219
Toby West P 42
Trailborn Highlands staytrailborn.com/highlands P 225
The Ugly Dog Pub - Highlands theuglydogpub.com P 129 Uptown Gallery franklinuptowngallery.com P 119
Valentine Manor valentinemanor.com P 48
Vic’s for Men victoriasclosetnc.com P 222
Victoria’s Closet victoriasclosetnc.com P 222
Victoria’s Sportswear
