2021 Experience Guide by highlandschamber

Services 2 Full Service Fly Shops in Highlands & Cashiers 15 Fly Fishing Guides 2 Private Water Leases Destination Fly Fishing Trips Worldwide

Brookings Highlands

Brookings Cashiers

273 Spring Street Highlands, NC 28741

49 Pillar Drive Cashiers, NC 28717

828 482 9444

highlands@brookingsonline.com

828 743 3768

info@brookingsonline.com HIGHLANDSCHAMBER.ORG • 1

INSIDE 05

SURRENDER

I N D U LG E

to the lure of trails, rivers, waterfalls and mountain adventures

in mountain chic style at a spa resort, inn, rustic lodge, or camp in nature

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S AVO R

IMMERSE

wines, craft cocktails, and inspired cuisine

yourself in music, theatre, art, shopping and festivals

86 | INSIDER’S GUIDE History, Things to Know, Chamber’s 90th Birthday

9 4 | J O U R N E Y TO 41 1 8 ” Directions and Maps

1 03 | B U S I N E S S D I R E C TO RY Small Town Shopping Offers Unique Experiences

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SURRENDER to the lure of trails, rivers, waterfalls and mountain adventures

SEE PAGE 106 FOR A LIST OF LOCAL RECREATION BUSINESSES

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COLLEEN KERRIGAN

HIGHLANDS

ach day that Justin Kingsland puts his boots on the ground is a blessing. Being a lover of all things outdoors, Kingsland appreciates the natural beauty of the Highlands area and he looks forward to his workdays. 6 • HIGHLANDS 2021 EXPERIENCE GUIDE

EXCURSION BY RYAN HANCHETT “We are so fortunate to live in a place with such an abundance of natural beauty and amazing places to explore,” Kingsland said while looking over his itinerary for the day on a cold January morning. “To be in the middle of a temperate rainforest, the most bio-diverse in North America, and to have the opportunity to go out and be a part of it is something I look forward to every day.” As owner of Highland Excursion, Kingsland has spent the past four years imparting his knowledge of the natural landscape to residents and visitors alike. His love of all things natural was born out of a nonprofit mission – Bridge of Hope Warrior Survival School.

nonprofit and that is how Highland Excursion came to be.” After the death of his wife, who lost a lengthy battle with cancer, Kingsland decided to start fresh and move to the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau fulltime with his young daughter. What started with one man and a Jeep, has turned into a growing outdoor tourism business. “In the past four years we have gone from one vehicle to four and from one employee to three, four if you count our dog since he goes on most of the trips with me,” Kingsland said. “We have been fortunate to be able to sustain our growth.”

I started the nonprofit to help military members and first responders deal with post traumatic stress and reconnect with nature.

EXPANDING THE BUSINESS

“I started the nonprofit to help military members and first responders deal with post traumatic stress and reconnect with nature,” Kingsland said. “There is something very therapeutic about being outdoors and enjoying the peace and quiet. I wanted to help people and Bridge of Hope offers me the opportunity to do that.” A former member of the British Special Forces unit and the Coldstream Guards, a specialized force trained in extreme cold weather mountain survival, Kingsland attained his knowledge of the outdoors firsthand. Following his military service, Kingsland moved to the United States and took a position as a helicopter pilot instructor. While living in Greenville, South Carolina, he discovered Highlands and began visiting to explore the mountain terrain. It was then that the idea for a business was born. “We were operating Bridge of Hope, and to be honest I am not all that great at fundraising,” Kingsland said. “I decided that I better find a job that fits with the mission of the

In 2020, Kingsland hired former United States Marine and experienced mountain guide Jeff Burnette to the team. Having a well-trained Highlands native on staff to man a second vehicle allows for additional excursion offerings. Highland Excursion vehicles themselves have become a talking point across Western North Carolina and are a frequent subject of questions from tour guests. “I decided to go with the two Pinzgauer military grade vehicles because they are so rugged and able to go just about anywhere,” Kingsland said. “They seat eight people comfortably, not including the driver, and the open air design allows guests to feel like they are really out in nature even when they are seated in the vehicle – much the same as they do when they are on safari.” The unique look of the olive green Pinzgauers almost always becomes a topic of conversation whether guests are out for a half-day trip exploring waterfalls and mountain sites, or part of the most extensive overnight outdoor survival school. For more about Highland Excursion, or to book a tour, visit www.overlandunlimited.com.

ONE-SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL As Highland Excursion has grown, so have the offerings that Kingsland can provide. From small family outings, to corporate retreats, the list of potential experiences doesn’t stop with simply riding to overlooks for scenic views. “In a normal year we do about 200 trips and those vary based on the group attending,” Kingsland said. “It’s not a one size fits all business, there are options.” “I think we will always be a small business, less than 10 employees, but I do see room for further growth,” Kingsland said. “When we are out on tours we always either start or finish by driving down Main Street in Highlands and pointing out all that our town has to offer. I think that type of outdoor tourism with a promotional angle adds value for us, for our fellow small businesses, and for the town itself.”

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Highlands

HIKES WANDER AND LOSE THE WIFI 8 • HIGHLANDS 2021 EXPERIENCE GUIDE

BARTRAM TRAIL: The Bartram Trail runs from Oconee State Park in South Carolina through Georgia and North Carolina to the Great Smokies. It’s marked with yellow blazes. CHATTOOGA LOOP TRAIL: This is an almost two-mile loop trail that begins to the left of the Iron Bridge. From Highlands, proceed east on Main Street for 4.5 miles. Main Street will become Horse Cove Road. Look for the intersection with Bull Pen and Whiteside Cove Roads. Turn right onto Bull Pen Road (#1178/#1180). Proceed for 5.4 miles to the Iron Bridge. The trailhead is on the left just before bridge. CHINQUAPIN MOUNTAIN: This 3.2-mile round trip starts with its trail head at the Glen Falls Parking Lot. It’s a moderate walk, and the trail crosses streams many times. A milelong series of switch backs leads to the top. Length: 1.5 miles. Difficulty: Moderate CLIFFSIDE LAKE RECREATIONAL AREA: This is a delightful plunge into nature’s glorious bounty. Take US 64 West for 4.5 miles, turn right at the Cliffside Lake sign and continue for 1.5 miles. There are several hiking trails and picnic tables with grills and a lake for swimming and fishing It’s a fee area, for day use only. It also features a LOOP TRAIL, an easy 0.75 walk around the lake. ELLICOTT’S ROCK / BAD CREEK TRAILS: This seven-mile round trip starts on Bull Pen Road. It boasts Ellicott’s Rock, an enormous boulder embedded in the Chattooga Riverbank, bearing the letters NC, carved by surveyor Andrew Ellicott. He thought this was the intersection of North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina. Spoiler Alert: It wasn’t. That’s Commissioner’s Rock, bearing the symbol NC/SC 1813, 10 feet downstream. At the far end of Horse Cove, turn onto Bull Pen Road. Ellicott’s Rock trail starts at six miles, the Bad Creek trail starts at 10 miles. Both drop steeply down from opposite sides of the river near Ellicott’s Rock (left bank looking down stream)

HIKING TRAILS AND QUICK GETAWAYS

here’s no doubt that Highlands is made for those looking to lose themselves or find themselves amidst the forests and hills that surround us. Generations of naturalists, artists and dreamers have discovered paradise on the trails that wind through the wilderness. For directions to these favorite trails, stop by The Highlands Welcome Center at 108 Main Street. Take a camera with you! (This isn’t Chamber of Commerce hype – each one of these trails is loaded with charm and spectacle.)

and continue down river. This will give you a good workout. HICKORY KNUT GAP: Take Hwy. 106, 4 miles to Turtle Pond Road and turn right. Take a left on Hickory Knut Gap Road. Drive 0.9 mile to the trail, which is a Forest Service Road on the left. Park on the right and walk road for 0.28 miles then the trail leaves the road sharply to the right. Follow the blue blazes to the junction with Bartram and continue to Scaly summit or beyond. You’ll feel like you’re far, far away from civilization.

You’ll feel like you’re far, far away from civilization. H I G H L A N DS B OTA N I C A L GARDENS: This is lovely spot with several different gardens to explore, just a half mile from downtown on Main Street/Horse Cove Road. Park on the gravel area across from Highlands Nature Center. The garden paths start to the left of the Nature Center with maps posted along the trails. The gardens are free and open to the public year-round, from sunrise to sunset. This is a little jewel just a few hundred yards from the bustle of downtown. JONES KNOB: Take US 64 West to Turtle Pond Road. Go 1.1 miles to the intersection and continue to the right on Dendy Orchard Road for 1.4 miles to the top of the hill. Turn left on Jones Gap Road and continue for two miles to the parking area. An old roadbed leads right to a wildlife management field. At the far end of the field, yellow blazes mark Bartram to the right and blue blazes mark the Jones Knob spur trail to left. Follow the blue blazed trail for .03 mile to a delightful mountaintop view. LAKE SEQUOYAH: Formed in 1927, Lake Sequoyah is Highlands’

largest body of water. Take in the sights of the lake while savoring a delicious meal at On the Verandah restaurant (ontheverandah.com), located right on the banks of the Sequoyah. LITTLE SLIDING ROCK: Take Horse Cove Road to the end the of pavement. Take the left (Whiteside Cove Road) for approximately five miles, then start looking for a little parking area off the road. This quiet spot, seemingly a million miles from 21st century stress, has delighted its guests for generations. Stop along the way to see the World’s Smallest Post Office. THE NARROWS: This is an easy four-mile mile round trip. Its trail head leads off Whiteside Cove Road. It features spectacular views of the Chattooga River forced into a narrow channel, exploding over boulders, and revealing an unexpected swimming hole. Turn left onto Whiteside Cove Road and drive 0.9 mile. The trail is on a logging road on the right and descends two miles to The Narrows. You’ll pass a trail to the right, which continues to Bull Pen Bridge on Horse Cove Road. Be sure to return the way you came. SLICK ROCK TRAIL: This is a simple 0.2-mile round trip. Take Horse Cove Road to the end of the pavement. Take the right fork onto Bull Pen Road and continue one mile. On a sharp left curve, look for a pull-off and a steep unmarked path on the right. The hike is short, but the summit offers an impressive view of the mountains. SUNSET ROCK: This is an astonishing site, just a few hundred yards from downtown. Take Main Street for half a mile east until the Nature Center is on the left. Park on the gravel on the right side of the road. Sunset Rock is an ideal choice for a late afternoon stroll. It’s a short half-mile walk to the top. Beautiful sunsets can be seen over

the town, while you sit on a natural amphitheater on slabs of granite. Some people will tell you that you can drive to the summit. This is good advice if you don’t mind that your vehicle could (almost certainly will) sustain a broken axle. Trust us – walk to the top. YELLOW / SHORTOFF MOUNTAIN: To reach the trailhead, take US 64 East from Highlands three miles and turn left onto Buck Creek Road. Follow Buck Creek Road for 2.3 miles. The trail will be on the right. The destination of this hike is a spectacular panoramic vista scene from the top of Yellow Mountain. This strenuous hike is 4.8 miles one way, so allow for a full day. WHITESIDE MOUNTAIN: This jaw-dropping spectacle is six miles from town on US 64 East. Turn right at the sign onto Whiteside Mountain Road. Go one mile to a well-marked parking area on the left. This is a fee area, and there’s a restroom located in the parking area. The two-mile loop trail climbs above sheer cliffs and offers outstanding views. This moderate trail, crowned by a panoramic vista, is a two-mile loop. WHITEWATER FALLS TRAIL: This easy 0.6 mile-round trip will reward you with a spectacular view of the highest waterfall in the Eastern United States. Take Highway 64 East to Cashiers, turn right onto Highway 107 South for 9.3 miles. At the Whitewater Falls sign, turn left to SC 130. Continue 2.3 miles to a stop sign and turn left onto Whitewater Road (SR 1171). Drive 1.1 miles to the Whitewater Falls sign and turn right. The trail descends very steeply to the river. There is another overlook about 100 feet further down the trail. To the left, the trail continues to the river and fords the river. There are numerous places for picnicking as well as shallow pools for wading and quick dips. HIGHLANDSCHAMBER.ORG • 9

CHASING WAT E R FA L L S RUNNING WILD AND FREE

ith its ancient granite mountains and shadowed hollows, combined with abundant rainfall (Highlands is technically in a rain forest), well, it’s no surprise that the Highlands has become a national waterfall destination. Some of them are diminutive, little more than a rivulet; some of them are raging, exploding over a cliff face with irresistible force. 10 • HIGHLANDS 2021 EXPERIENCE GUIDE

BRIDAL VEIL FALLS This small, picturesque fall cascades over US 64 West, 2.45 miles from town. The gentle cascade which you can walk behind, does indeed look like a delicate bridal veil. But the name has a deeper meaning. According to Cherokee lore, a woman who walks behind the falls in the spring will be married by the arrival of the first snow.

SECRET FALLS Due to limited access through private property, this beautiful waterfall has been a long-held secret. But it’s now accessible via a trail constructed across public lands, so this “secret” is out for all to behold. The best route is a southerly drive on NC 28 from Main Street in Highlands, 4.1 miles to Wilson Gap, a left turn on Rich Gap Road, then 0.6 mile and a right turn on Forest Service Road FR45670. Drive approximately 1.75 miles on this unpaved road to the Big Shoals parking area on the right. The old road turns into a footpath which leads to the falls. Enjoy the seclusion and the undeniable sense of mystery that shrouds this little charmer.

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BUST YOUR BUTT FALLS Drive 6 miles on US 64 West to pull over on right or left. This is a popular swimming hole. For the brave, one can jump off a boulder into the Cullasaja River. This series of stair-step falls on the Cullasaja River is found about six miles down the Cullasaja Gorge Road (US 64 West). There are parking areas on the left and right sides of the road. Park, stretch your legs, soak in the view, and dangle your toes in the water.

WHITEWATER FALLS Discover the East’s King of Waterfalls. Watch it cascade over massive rock pillars and drop 411 feet to the river below. Use extreme caution near the top of the falls. It’s worth the 23.4 miles drive from Highlands via HWY 64 East to the crossroads in Cashiers, then turn right onto HWY 281 South. Signage will direct you to the falls from HWY 281.

CULLASAJA FALLS Drive 8.75 miles from town on US 64 West to a pull over on the left side of the road. It is strongly advised that you drive beyond the pull-off, turn around at a safe place and retrace your route. Respect the road and the unforgiving cliff face framing this exquisite series of cascades. GLEN FALLS Drive 1.7 miles on NC 106 to the sign for the falls. Turn left, then immediately turn right onto a dirt road. Drive 1.1 miles to where the road dead-ends at a parking area. Glen Falls is composed of three falls dropping 640 feet. The foot trail descends some 700 feet in one mile. The walk down is easy, but the walk back up is steep.

SA F E T Y T I P

DRY FALLS Drive 3.25 miles on US 64 West to the parking area on the left. A pleasant walk down stone steps leads to a path that goes behind the waterfall. Here the Cullasaja River projects over a cliff, allowing you to walk behind the falls without getting wet, hence the name. (PS – You’ll probably get damp.)

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Our waterfalls are beguiling and will charm even the most jaded traveler. Beautiful as they are, all should be approached with caution. Never wade into the stream feeding a waterfall, no matter how lazy it seems and think twice before splashing in the pool at the base of a waterfall.

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BEAR I

COU N T RY

ED BOOS

t used to be that spotting a Black Bear in Highlands was a noteworthy event. Nowadays, if you spend any time in town – in the woods, at a home on the edge of the woods, at one of the country clubs, even on Main Street – you’re bound to run into one. It’s not like they’re seeking out a Close Encounter. It turns out they’re spectacularly uninterested in you. They’re inevitably looking for an overstuffed garbage can, or a generously seeded bird feeder. The last thing they’re looking for is a confrontation with you (and your dog). Having said that, there are some simple steps that you can take to ensure that your Bear Encounter is a simple learning experience for both parties.

SAFETY TIPS WHILE HIKING • Talk or make noise to avoid

• Avoid eye contact if you encounter a bear. Remain still and calm, or slowly begin walking backward.

• Stay alert. Don’t hike with

• Raise your arms (to appear

• Keep an eye on the trail ahead. • Pay attention if you’re riding

• Don’t throw your pack at the

• Keep children near. • Dogs may help detect bears

• Never try to pet or feed a bear

surprising a bear, especially near rushing water where it may not hear you. earbuds in.

a mountain bike. You sure don’t want to startle a bear.

but they can also quickly escalate the situation that neither side wants, so keep them on a leash.

larger) and talk gently while backing away to safety.

bear – that provides a “reward” that teaches the bear to approach people for food. or get close for a picture – that is how most injuries occur.

• Hike in groups during daylight

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and on established trails.

• Learn proper camping techniques to avoid problems. • Avoid standing between a

female bear and her cubs. If you find yourself in this situation, slowly and calmly walk backwards.

For more information, pick up the brochure Hiking and Camping in Bear Country, at the Welcome Center, Hudson Library, or Town Hall. B.E.A.R. (Bear Education and Resources) is a task force of MountainTrue, a nonprofit organization. To volunteer, donate or receive more information, call (828) 526-9227.

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our natural

H E R I TAG E

e take our natural heritage seriously in Highlands. One of the first ordinances passed by our Town Board made it a misdemeanor to damage a tree by tying your horse to it. And one of our oldest civic organizations is The Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, which has been preserving our wild places since 1909. That translates to 3,200 acres of irreplaceable, protected forests, wetlands, and awe-inspiring vistas on the Plateau. We are also surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest and the members of the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society spend thousands of hours each year in the fields and forests, cataloging and conserving our winged neighbors. And we can’t forget the Highlands Biological Station who began their research laboratory in 1931. Due to Highlands location in the southern Blue Ridge, we are in one of the few places outside the tropics for empirical work in ecology, evolution, and organismal biology. In other words, the Highlands Biological Station provides a research base in the midst of a temperate-zone biodiversity hotspot. Whether you’re a resident or visitor to Highlands, there are things you can do to help us in this serious work of protecting our home. We ask that you embrace the Principles of Leave No Trace.

Leave No Trace 1. 2. 3. 4.

PLAN AHEAD and prepare for your outing. TRAVEL and camp on durable surfaces to preserve the delicate forest floor and prevent soil from being washed into our pristine waterways. DISPOSE of waste properly, but we really

don’t have to tell you this, right?

LEAVE what you find – this is a notion

from the Cherokee first residents, and it was embraced by the first European settlers on the plateau.

BE CAREFUL with your fire, 5. whether it’s a campfire or stove.

Though Highlands is technically a rainforest, wildfires are still a possibility.

RESPECT wildlife, whether it’s a 6. spotted salamander or a black bear. CONSIDERATE of others. Again, 7. BE this is one of the hallmarks of

Highlands.

If you can adapt these principles into your outdoor experience, you’ll discover that your time in the Wild is an even richer experience. Oh, and we couldn’t find any evidence that the ordinance preventing tree abuse has ever been rescinded, so be careful where you tie your horse.

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R E C YC L I N G ke e ping Hi g h l an ds b e auti fu l

ne of the defining characteristics of life on the Highlands- Cashiers Plateau is a reverence for our natural heritage. This mindset has been inherited from

the Cherokee who first settled here. They imbued the landscape and its wild inhabitants with a spiritual dimension that informed every aspect of their lives. That abiding appreciation is still em-

braced by our community and our nonprofits such as Highlands- Cashiers Land Trust and Biological Foundation. Join us in protecting Highlands by following our recycling guidelines.

W HAT C A N B E R E C YC L E D ? Macon County accepts the following items for recycling:

#1 PLASTIC

STEEL CANS

Containers must be rinsed and lids removed. Cannot accept plastic bags or pumps (hand soap, shampoo, etc.)

Food and aerosol cans must be empty and rinsed. Plastic lids must be removed.

MIXED PAPER Magazines, newspaper, paper bags, envelopes, computer paper, etc. Must be clean, dry paper only.

#2 PLASTIC Clear / colored plastics must be rinsed and lids removed. Cannot accept microwavable containers, margarine tubs, motor oil and antifreeze bottles.

CARDBOARD Heavy corrugated only; must be flattened. Clean, dry cardboard only.

GLASS

ALUMINUM Must be rinsed. Cannot accept foil, pie tins, roasting pans, etc.

Containers must be sorted by color, rinsed, and lids removed.

B e s u r e to l e av e t h e s e i te m s o u t ! • • • • • •

All batteries Ceramic items Clothing or textiles Diapers Disposable cups Electronics

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• • • • • •

Food-tainted items Household glass Medical Waste Hazardous waste Packing Peanuts Plastic bags / wrap

• Scrap metal / wood • Shredded paper • Styrofoam • Tanglers (cords, hoses) • Tires • Toys

W H E R E TO R E C YC L E

I M P O RTA N T !

Recycling has no fees and is accepted at:

A note about plastic bags:

• Highlands Transfer Station 1080 Rich Gap Road, Highlands, NC (828) 526-2073 • Buck Creek Center 10333 Buck Creek Road, Highlands, NC (828) 526-0393 • Scaly Mountain Center 717 Hale Ridge Road, Scaly Mountain, NC (828) 526-0453

Never put your recyclables in plastic bags and never put any plastic bags in your recycling bin. If you want to line your bin with a plastic bag, simply empty your loose recyclables into the recycling cart.

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M O U N TA I N A D V E N T U R E S

b l i ss a t 41 1 8 ’ Since its earliest days, Highlands has promoted itself as a healthy escape from the stresses of the rest of the world. Here are some activities that’ll ensure that you’re following in this cherished Highlands Tradition.

GOLF

The natural setting of our mountains makes golf a grand experience. Tee off with mountain views as a backdrop. Nearby public courses offer nine-hole executive golf courses with traditional par 3 and 4 holes and driving range. If you want to try something a little less traditional, check out Foot Golf. The game combines two sports, soccer and golf, for the whole family or group of adventurous friends.

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TENNIS AND PICKLEBALL

If your passion is tennis, visit the Highlands Recreation Center at 600 North Fourth Street and reserve a court. Of course, you can play pickleball there, too – Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

FITNESS CLASSES

The Highlands Recreation Park offers an entire suite of fitness classes – Heart Healthy Exercise, Yoga, Personal Training and Martial Arts.

YEAR ROUND AQUATICS

After chasing waterfalls and watching the streams flow through the mountain, you can dive in for fitness at the Highlands Pool Complex at the Highlands Recreation Center, 600 North Fourth Street. Since the pool is heated and enclosed, it can be enjoyed yearround. Public swim, lap swim, water aerobics, a monthly dive-in movie, and pool parties are all available. Fees range from daily to annual.

TRAIN RIDES

For a flavor of the Southern Appalachians you won’t find anywhere else, book an excursion on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, based in Bryson City. Trips range from three-and-a-half hours to a full day of fun and adventure. For information, call (828) 8724681 or go to gsmr.com.

HORSEBACK RIDING

The Whitewater Equestrian Center in Sapphire offers guided rides through backwoods logging trails and the historic Cherokee Footpath. The horses (some of them the legendary Gypsy Vaner) are gentle and wise. For information, call (828) 966-9646 or visit funhorsebackriding.com.

YEAR-ROUND TUBING

Got a need for speed? Try tubing at Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center. Snow provided by mother nature and on-site equipment during colder months, and the fun continues into warmer weather as well. Slopes can accommodate young and mature tubers. For information, call (828) 5263737 or visit scalymountain.com.

ON THE WATER

The Chattooga River can be enjoyed for kayaking and whitewater rafting. Of course, some people enjoy swimming in its little pools and sunning on the occasional patches of sandy shore. Naturally there’s fly fishing along streams throughout this corner of Macon County. Check with the pros at Brookings and The Highlands Hiker for deep insight.

ICE SKATING, SLEDDING, SNOW BOARDING AND SKIING

ZIP LINING

Soar from the top of the mountain across the valley for astounding views at Highlands Aerial Park in Scaly Mountain, rated by TripAdvisor as one of the Top Ten Outdoor Attractions in North Carolina. With eight zip lines to choose from, glide from canopy to canopy with your harness and helmet buckled tight and the Appalachian Trail in sight. Trained guides will accompany you along your journey through the trees. We recommend calling ahead to schedule a reservation. For more information, call (828) 414-2360 or visit highlandsaerialpark.com.

BACK COUNTRY EXCURSIONS

For breathtaking views of the Nantahala National Forest, take a backcountry, adventure excursion with Highland Excursion. Spanning approximately 250,000 acres, complete with waterfalls, rivers and mountain views as well as historic buildings, the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau’s natural beauty and history are well-suited for the avid hiker and the modest explorer alike. We recommend dedicating three to four hours to tour. Your four-legged hiking buddy is welcomed, too! For more information, call (864) 373-4022 or email justinkingsland@yahoo.com.

SKATEBOARD PARK

Highlands Recreation Center has a Skateboard Park of half-pipes and ramps. Also, your Mother was right – Wear a Helmet!

GEM MINING

Macon County is dotted with pockets of rubies and sapphires. Try your luck panning for gemstones at the family-owned Jackson Hole Trading Post & Gem Mine. Give the tray a shimmy, and watch the sand sift away, leaving an array of enriched and native gems. Experts will help you identify your findings, and, if you happen to be dazzled by one gem in particular, gemstone cutting and jewelry setting services are available onsite. The indoor site makes for the perfect family activity, rain or shine. For more information, call (828) 524-5850 or visit jacksonholegemmine.com

THE FUN FACTORY

If it’s been raining for a while (Highlands is a rain forest) and you have a herd of children who’ve been homebound for a bit, you’ll want to remember The Fun Factory in Franklin. It’s loaded with a VR Room, acres of arcade games, mini golf, an indoor carousel, and bumper cars. If the sun’s shining, you and the kids can ride go-karts. For more information, call (828) 349-8888 or visit franklin fun.com.

November through March, you can embark on an ice adventure. As stars glisten in the sky and children’s laughter sings, the ice-skating rink at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park comes alive. If barreling across the rink isn’t your scene, grab a cup of hot chocolate or coffee, and stay toasty as you watch the activity on the ice. It’s like something from a Currier & Ives print, and it’s heaps of fun whether you’re on the ice or just watching. After snowfall, grab your sleds, winter boots and beanies, and head out for a local sledding tradition. Lined with snow-capped trees, Hickory Street transforms into a slope for sliding, gliding and memory-making with the ones you love. For a bit of trivia, that stretch of Hickory Street has been known to generations of Highlands School students (and local adults who still maintain a piece of their childhood) as Monkey Hill. If sledding only whets your appetite for snow, slopes, and speed, visit Ski Sapphire Valley in nearby Sapphire for snow skiing. This resort consists of a 1,600-foot Main Run with a vertical drop of 200 feet, complete with a state-of-the art quad-lift, a Learning Center Slope and a multiple lane, 300-foot snow tubing run. For information, call (828) 743-7663 or visit skisapphirevalley.com.

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STA R G A Z I N G

ighlands is the home to unique, not-to-bemissed natural wonders. But there’s one feature, nearly unparalleled in the Southeast, that’s forgotten by way too many people, it’s those beautiful nighttime skies. The Cherokee reveled in these pristine skies. The Milky Way, which has fallen victim to light pollution across much of the United States, still shows up here every evening, just like it did for the First People of Highlands. They believed that this glowing horizon-spanning band of stars came into being when a Cosmic Dog stole a bag of di22 • HIGHLANDS 2021 EXPERIENCE GUIDE

vine corn meal (dogs were always getting into mischief in Cherokee tales). When its naughtiness was discovered, the dog bolted across the sky, spilling heavenly corn meal (stars) in its wake. If you’d like to witness this long-running cosmic drama, all you must do is wait until sunset, tilt your head back, and enjoy the sight. Highlands skies are not compromised by particulates in the air, or heat inversions, or most damaging of all, light pollution. Consider experiencing these wonderful viewing sites – close by, panoramic, and black as a mineshaft at midnight. Visit Sunset Rock, across from the Highlands Nature Center.

Park your vehicle and hike the gentle road to the summit. Naturally, bring a flashlight. You can spread out a blanket, enjoy a late-night snack or beverage, and lie on your back. If you choose not to include a short hike, consider Highlands Memorial Park, located on Highlands Memorial Park Road, just off US 64. This is a beautiful setting and offers a stunning view of the sky, all the way to the horizon. Once you’ve settled into your spot, you’ll be astonished at the sheer depth of the display. The Milky Way reveals itself as the faint band she’s always been, having all but vanished from most of the United States.

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INDULGE in mountain chic style at a spa resort, inn, rustic lodge, or camp in nature

SEE PAGE 103 FOR A LIST OF LOCAL ACCOMMODATIONS

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THE 2021 TRIO A trio of new hospitality businesses are beginning operations in Highlands this year, with newcomers to the plateau finding their place in town and integrating seamlessly into the business community. Ranging from historical restorations to repurposed properties, these inns and lodges bring something new to Highlands while retaining the charm and familiarity that makes Highlands such a special place for so many.

REIMAGINING

SKYLINE LODGE

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kyline Lodge itself is by no means a new fixture in Highlands – originally constructed in the 1930s, the boutique hotel has been a mainstay in town for generations. Last summer, ownership of the establishment changed hands when Indigo Road Hospitality Group purchased the property and hired Michelle and Jason Dauble to oversee the reimagined Skyline Lodge. The couple are no strangers to the hospitality industry, with Michelle spending more than 20 years in event planning and management and Jason working with high-end hotels and alcohol distributors in the Atlanta area for 25 years. “We're definitely keeping the name 'Skyline Lodge,' the community seems to love that. A Frank Lloyd Wright understudy designed it, so we're keeping that style. The bones are all staying,” Michelle said.

JUST THE RIGHT MOVE

The timing for the new venture couldn't have been better for the Daubles, Michelle said, as it came at a time when they were already looking to relocate and get away from Atlanta after spending their entire adult lives there. “Our daughter was approaching high school and we were already contemplating a move to be in a better school district,” she said. We're just so happy to be up here. My husband and I both worked in the heart of downtown Atlanta, and we were leaving at 6 o'clock to get them to school. It was a rat race.”

WE PINCH OURSELVES A LOT The couple now lives in Trillium Links and Lake Club with their two children, a far cry from the bustling streets of downtown Atlanta. Moving to the plateau has been a muchneeded change of pace, Michelle said. “We love living in Trillium, we love having the lake,” she said. “Over the summer we've rented a boat a few times, we've gone tubing and paddle boarding. It's so nice having the lake and the mountains. We pinch ourselves a lot.” The Skyline Lodge is currently undergoing repairs and updates, an event barn on the property is also in development, for weddings, corporate events and more.

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FL AT MOUNTAI N FA R M While Margaret and Chris Shutze's Flat Mountain Farm is certainly located on a historic bit of property in Highlands, they will be the first owners to use it as a hospitality venue in its storied history. “It had multiple log homes on it, and it was owned by a seventh-generation Highlander who had lived there all his life,” Margaret said. “He inherited it in 1979 and built the first log cabin, and he was one of the preeminent log home restorers in the area.” Over time, the previous owner brought two other cabins to the property from elsewhere in Western North Carolina and restored them. Now, two of the historic cabins will serve as lodging for the farm alongside a soon-to-beconstructed honeymoon cabin nearby on the property. The Shutzes purchased the nearly 30-acre property that hosts Flat Mountain Farm in December 2019, and have spent the last year tapping into their hosting experience from their time spent together in Boulder, Colorado as they develop the property to suit their vision. “We had a similar property there on three acres, and we wanted to do the same thing but expand it into a main business for us,” Margaret said. “We had a pretty successful venue in Colorado, and the very first wedding we hosted was with Martha Stewart weddings. It was amazing, and it just kind of snowballed from there.”

THE PERFECT MATCH

When the couple decided it was time to expand, they left their day jobs in Colorado behind. “We kind of realized we have kids who are five and six, and we only have about 10 good years where they'll want to hang out with us. We just didn't want to be that busy,” Margaret said. So, the couple decided to look for a place that would suit them and the rest of their family. After some searching around Western North Carolina, Margaret said Highlands, and this property in particular, proved to be a perfect match. “All I wanted was a cute town with cute stores and a welcoming, aesthetically pleasing environment,” she said. Chris really wanted a farm, with pastures and hills but flat enough for animals. We had different boxes we wanted to check, and this one hit all of those for us.” Upon arriving here, the couple was happy to discover that they were met with open arms and their children quickly found a community that embraced them. “We wanted that small town environment, and family atmosphere,” she said. “We've been amazed at how open and warm everyone has been in accepting new people to the community. That's exactly what we were looking for.” HIGHLANDSCHAMBER.ORG • 29

HIGHLANDER

MOUN TAI N HOUS E The Highlander Mountain House is another reimagining of a longtime Highlands business, occupying the site of the former Main Street Inn in downtown Highlands. New owner Jason Reeves said the property spoke to him on a trip to Highlands, as he was in the process of planning a new hospitality venture. “We had friends in Cashiers and Highlands, and I also had a boutique hotel company,” Reeves said. “I was always searching for opportunities. I love Western North Carolina, and this town is so fantastic. I was eating lunch at what was the Main Street Inn and thought, 'My God, this place has so much potential.'” Much like the Daubles efforts at the Skyline Lodge property, Reeves has made every effort to retain what he can of the historically significant building that was once the Main Street Inn. “I used to restore old buildings in Charleston, and I have an appreciation for architecture and history and preservation,” Reeves said. “It was a wholesale renovation, and we've tried to bring back the historical integrity because some of that was covered up. But we did modernize the amenities.”

ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE MEETS APPALACHIA

The reinvigorated inn, along with its companion restaurant The Ruffed Grouse Tavern, opened in October 2020, after eight months of restoration work by Reeves and his team. The finished product is what Reeves describes as “an English countryside hotel brought to Appalachia.” Reeves currently splits time between Highlands and Charleston, and he said the escape to Highlands has been transformative for him and his family. “The kids are still in Charleston, but we come up quite a bit. I'm an avid fly fisherman, and we go on hikes all the time,” he said. Live music is another passion of Reeves’s and is something he hopes to incorporate into the atmosphere of the Ruffed Grouse Tavern as time goes by.

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“In my old hotels, we had Leon Bridges, Gillian Welch, people like that staying with us when they were in Dallas,” he said. “I'd like to get some good live music flowing through Highlands, and I'm going to try to make that happen.” Ultimately, Reeves said he sees the Highlander Mountain House as more than just a hotel or tavern, but as a sort of hub for the community where people can stop for coffee, bring laptops to work in the lobby or socialize around the fire in the evening. “I think we're trying to accentuate all of the good stuff going on in Highlands and add a new niche to it,” he said. “At the end of the day, we're trying to build off other great lodging and provide a modern, eclectic kind of take on that.”

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ACCO M M O DATI O N S R E S O R T S , LO D G E S , I N N S , C A B I N S

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The

HEIGHT of

Hospitality Highlands has been welcoming guests since, well, since Highlands began. The town offers many choices in accommodations from guest houses, inns, lodges, boutique hotels and resort hotels all in a close-knit hospitality community, each unique and each loaded with that peculiar Highlands balance of sophistication and small town charm. Most are within an easy walk of downtown, further enhancing that quaint Highlands feeling. And since most are family-run, you can chat with your innkeepers and your housekeepers and learn the secrets and stories of this town – congratulations, you’re an honorary Highlander, even if you’re just here overnight or over a week! Of course, since Highlands is a coveted resort destination, it’s a good strategy to book your lodging as far in advance as possible. Visithighlandsnc.com maintains a listing of all the inns, hotels, lodges and camping in the area, so it’s a good gambit to learn all your options. Read about our historic accommodations on pages 40-41.

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SLEEP IN MOTHER NATURE’S ARMS Be indulgent in mother nature’s arms. Camping is a great way to not only see the abundance of nature Highlands has to offer but an opportunity to enjoy a personal experience in the forest and water areas on the mountain. There are many improved and primitive campsites in the National Forests that ring the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. For a complete list contact the Ranger Stations for the Nantahala, Sumter, and Chattahoochee National Forests. In addition, there are also many private campgrounds such Franklin RV Park & Campground and River Vista RV Resort. HIGHLANDS HIDDEN CREEK An exquisite five-site RV Park that is nestled 4,118 ft elevation in the Blue Ridge Mountains, only 4 blocks from the historic Highlands, NC downtown. Great location to have easy access to world class golfing, shopping and dining as well as hiking and fishing. Each site provides: City water/sewer, 50 amp service, Cable & WiFi and Access to Outdoor Kitchen and Outdoor Stone Fireplace. Highlands Hidden Creek RV park provides an intimate, picturesque location with only five sites accommodating Class A motor homes! 828.200.7950 HighlandsHiddenCreek@icloud.com 36 • HIGHLANDS 2021 EXPERIENCE GUIDE

VAN HOOK GLADE CAMPGROUND From Highlands, take Highway 64 west for 4.3 miles to the entrance. Van Hook Glade is an intimate campground, sloped and wooded for privacy. There are 18 RV-and tent-accessible sites. No hook-ups are available. A Federal Interagency Pass is required and Senior and Access Discounts are accepted. You’ll find modern restrooms with hot showers. Van Hook campers have access to the wonderful facilities and recreational possibilities offered at Cliffside Lake. It’s open April through October. Reservations are available online at Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. Information is available online at cfaia.org.

BLUE VALLEY PRIMITIVE CAMPING AREA From Highlands, take Highway 28 south for six miles, turn right onto Blue Valley Road and proceed three miles to this campground on the right. There’s no developed water supply in the area so water from streams should be boiled before drinking. There are picnic tables and one pit toilet. There is no charge. Open year-round.

RALPH J. ANDREWS COUNTY PARK From Cashiers, take Highway 107 north for 6.4 miles to Pine Creek Road (SR 1157). Turn left onto Pine Creek Road and go 1.1 miles to Splendor Cove Road. Look for Ralph J. Andrews County Park sign and turn left. There are RV hook-ups, showers and a boat ramp. For additional information, call (828) 743-3923.

AMMONS BRANCH PRIMITIVE CAMPING AREA From Highlands, take Main Street east, which becomes Horse Cove Road. Go 4.6 miles to the intersection with Bull Pen Road. Take right onto Bull Pen Road and proceed 1.3 miles. The campground is on the right. There’s no developed water supply so water from streams should be boiled before drinking. A pit toilet is available. There is no charge. Open year-round.

ELLICOTT ROCK WILDERNESS Camping is permitted within the wilderness except within 50 feet of the river, tributary stream, or trail, and less than a quarter mile from a road. No groups over 10 people are permitted.

BURRELS FORD CAMPGROUND From Cashiers, take Highway 107 south for 14 miles to Burrels Ford Road (FS-708). Turn right and proceed 3 miles to the campground on the left. The campground is located close to the wild and scenic Chattooga River and has several campsites with tables and grills. Water and a pit toilet are available. Fishing is available on the river and there is access to the Foothills Trail, Chattooga River Trail, King Creek Falls and Spoon Auger Falls.

OVERFLOW ROAD PRIMITIVE CAMPING AREA Take Highway 28 south from Highlands for 12 miles and turn right onto Warwomen Road. Drive 0.2 of a mile, turn right onto Overflow Road and go 1 mile to the camping area on the left. Once you’ve settled listen for a rich variety of species including the Scarlet Tanager, Worm-eating Warbler and Ovenbird. At the beginning of Rich Gap Road in Horse Cove, don’t miss the Padgett Poplar Tree Trail and the third largest Tulip Poplar in the United States. This is a good place to see the Blackthroated Green Warbler. HIGHLANDSCHAMBER.ORG • 37

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S PA S R E L E A S E T H E E V E RY DAY

Spas to soothe Renew and heal your body surrounded by the beauty of our mountain forest. Indulge in a cozy cup of tea or coffee, and then delight yourself with a soothing skin treatment or restorative massage using locally grown and world-renowned herbs and botanicals. Favorite destinations are Gifted Hands, Zen Spa and Taylor Barnes, all of which have complementary services and seasonal specials. The luxuriant service at the core of The Spa at Old Edwards Inn has earned this Highlands landmark an international following. The Spa invites you to immerse yourself in relaxed European-style luxury, dedicated to nourishing the mind, body and spirit. HIGHLANDSCHAMBER.ORG • 39

HOSPITALITY

with history

GINGER MOSELY

ince its earliest days, Highlands has been an irresistible beacon for weary travelers and those looking for something more, something different, from everyday life. That’s probably why two of its oldest businesses, the Main Street sisters: The Highlands Inn and Old Edwards Inn and Spa. Both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and OEI was named TripAdvisor’s #5 Top Hotel in the United States.

T HE H IGHLANDS INN The Highlands Inn was built in 1880 and it maintains its original lines and all the charm that’s kept guests returning year after year. Though it’s right on Main Street, the inn exudes an unhurried ambience that’s immediately soothing to ruffled nerves. The ghost of former owner Helen Aberdeen Major (known to all as Miss Major) has been reported to make occasional appearances over the decades, presumably inspections. Miss Major was also a stickler on propriety and tried to prevent any hanky panky among her guests.

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OLD E DWA R DS IN N A N D SPA Old Edwards Inn and Spa grew out of Highlands earliest boarding house (Central House) built in 1878 and owned by David Norton. In 1914, Highlands Police Chief J. Grover Edwards bought the place and changed its name to The Edwards Hotel. Rip and Pat Benton bought the place in 1981 and, after extensive renovations, opened The Old Edwards Inn. And then in 2009 the property was purchased and continues today under the caring ownership of Art and Angela Williams. Who would have imagined the Central House would become an international resort destination, earning Mobile Five Star and AAA Five Diamond awards known as the Old Edwards Inn and Spa?

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M ITC HE LL’S LOD GE A N D C A BIN S

MAKING OLD THINGS NEW Two of the five oldest accommodations have been embraced by lovers of Highlands and historic places over the last year and are being lovingly restored for visitors and residents to enjoy. The Main Street Inn, recently renamed as the Highlander Mountain House, was built in 1881 as a private residence for Captain Charles A. Boynton. It then became a boarding house, restaurant (known for country ham, redeye gravy, fried chicken, and hot biscuits in the late 50’s) and then again a boarding house turned Inn. See pages 30-31 for the new chapter of this Inn. Skyline Lodge traces its origin to an intended private hunting lodge and men’s club facility started in the 1930s with designs by Architects Arthur Kelsey (who studied with Frank Lloyd Wright) and Herb Millkey. Sadly, the project was not completed. In 1965 English-born Derek Grumbar completed the project as Skyline Lodge. Though it was just three miles from downtown Highlands, its location at the foot of Flat Mountain gave it the feel of being a thousand miles from the cares of the world. You will want to read the story about its plans to reopen in 2021 on pages 26-27.

If you want a taste of Highlands as it was, just book a room at Mitchell’s Lodge & Cottages. You’re always welcome to chat with them about where to have a memorable meal in town or where to go to pick apples or catch a rainbow trout. Or you can catch a moment of bliss rocking gently on the porch. That friendly, small town spirit was built into the DNA of the place, which was founded as Mitchell’s Motel by Doc Mitchell in 1939. Doc was also the town pharmacist and was on a first-name basis with everyone in town. Though on first glance he appeared gruff, in reality he was a softie who’d travel over dark mountain roads in the middle of the night to deliver needed medications to his customers. Today, Doc’s grandson Al Bolt and his wife Renee oversee Mitchell’s and offer the same level of gracious service and tranquility that has been its hallmark since the 1930s.

The Main Street Inn is now the Highlander Mountain House.

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Skyline Lodge is set to reopen in 2021 with new ownership.

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S AVOR wines, craft cocktails, and inspired cuisine

SEE PAGE 104 FOR A LIST OF LOCAL RESTAURANTS

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meet our

LOCAL CHEFS BY RYAN HANCHETT or chef Oksana Shchelgachova, food has been an international endeavor. Prior to taking a position at Midpoint in Highlands, Oksana honed her craft abroad, studying with world renowned pastry chefs, including confection master Antonio Bachour, Frank Haasnoot - 2011 winner of the World Chocolate Masters in Paris, and Kirsten Tibballs who has represented Australia at world championships. Formal training at the National Art Academy in Kiev, Ukraine and the Australian Patisserie Academy in Ryde, Australia added to her love of food

When did you decide you wanted to be a chef? Oksana: Believe it or not, I started baking at the age of five, surrounded by the aromas of fresh bread and pastries in my parents’ family restaurant. The recollection of the simple, hardworking upbringing of my childhood stays with me today in everything I do. When did you discover Highlands? Oksana: Goodness, it seems like its been ages and I’m still trying to figure out whether I discovered Highlands or it discovered me! I guess its been over a decade ago that I made the fortuitous decision to call Highlands home… and I haven’t regretted a moment of it. If you could travel anywhere in the world for a nice dinner, where would you go? Oksana: Oh, the rules are so different for travel these days, aren’t they? But when I close my eyes to

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from around the globe and her inquisitive nature regarding the potential for culinary creations as works of art. “I continue to stay on the cutting edge of the craft by my constant interaction and influence from my fellow pastry chefs from around the world,” Shchelgachova said. “I treat all clients with equal attention to detail. Each customer should experience the same satisfaction and enjoyment out of the work as I do preparing it. I am not satisfied until a dessert I've made surpasses the goodness of the original components.”

“escape”, I seem always to have a view and the wonderful smells of the ocean in my mind... Greece, Spain, or maybe somewhere on the Amalfi Coast. Do you have a “guilty pleasure” food? Oksana: Children plug your ears. Remember you are not supposed to know where I keep my absolute favorite pint of oh-sogood coffee ice cream. You know, with its Danish name, I always thought it was European but as it turns out, it’s made right here in the USA! What sets you apart from other chefs? Oksana: That’s a difficult question! I am inclined to think first not of what sets me apart but rather what makes me “a part” of the group of excellent and talented chefs I consider to be my peers. I want to be among the most accomplished pastry chefs of my generation.

O K S A N A S H C H E LG AC H OVA

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WO L F G A N G G R E E N

How and when did you discover Highlands? Wolfgang: It was in the fall, October of 1988. I was traveling with my future wife Mindy and we wanted to go to Oktoberfest in Helen, Georgia. Luckily, we ended up coming to Highlands and that is where I proposed to her. How would you describe the culinary scene here? Wolfgang: In a word – eclectic. For a small town we are very fortunate to have such a variety of choices among the restaurants. It’s also amazing that, not only do we have so many fine restaurants, but we have places with award-winning wine lists. Do you have a favorite celebrity chef? Wolfgang: It would have to be Emeril Lagasse. He is a chef’s chef, meaning that he still enjoys spending time in the kitchen at his restaurants despite all of his other commitments and obligations.

olfgang Green is a hard man to surprise. With 27 years in the restaurant business in Highlands, Green has seen the town grow and evolve in ways that may have seemed impossible when he printed out his first menu. The same can be said for the culinary world, where the key to staying on the cutting edge is being able to change with the times while maintaining timeless traditional tastes. At Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro, Green has showcased both his staying power and his willingness to try new things. After leaving his native East Germany for the opportunities of the West, Green began working in the restaurant business and took any opportunity he could find to travel abroad and hone his craft. Following successful stints in New Orleans and Dallas, where he was named “Texas Chef of the Year,” Green made his way to Highlands where he and wife Mindy set out on their own culinary path. While Green’s roots are evident on the menu, featuring wiener schnitzel and a Bavarian sampler, his worldly side is equally on display in his crawfish etoufee, short ribs and venison au poivre. All of his dishes are created with the technical excellence gained by a dedicated culinary craftsman.

As a chef, what are your favorite ingredients to cook with? Wolfgang: I would describe my menu as American cuisine with a Cajun twist and a little bit of German flair, so I would say any ingredients that are related to Creole or Cajun flavors, and of course, fresh herbs. If you could travel anywhere in the world for a nice dinner, where would you go? Wolfgang: When I’m not in the kitchen, traveling is one of my favorite hobbies. I would have to say Singapore, because there are so many different Far East cuisines that are represented there.

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CU LI N A RY E V E NT S C E L E B R AT I O N S T H AT G I V E B AC K You can tell Highlanders take our dining seriously. This town maintains a remarkably diverse restaurant ecosystem. Some of these establishments have earned regional recognition, and a couple maintain national reputations (and don’t miss the wine list at all six Wine Spectator Restaurants see more on pages 56-57). Our love of quality food experiences and our warm community spirit have proved to be the foundation for cherished fundraisers that adorn our calendar. If you’re intrigued, contact the Highlands Welcome Center at (828) 526-2112 or visithighlandsnc.com for more information. 52 • HIGHLANDS 2021 EXPERIENCE GUIDE

What started in 2001 has now become a tradition for Highlands families and visitors – the HANDS Christmas Dinner. It was originally organized by innkeepers who wanted to provide a place for their guests and local families to have a traditional holiday meal on Christmas Day. HANDS is operated by a dedicated group of community volunteers and they provide a full, traditional Christmas Dinner, complete with a warm festive spirit. All profits from the dinner are shared with local charities.

Hosted by International Friendship Center to raise funds for their Food Pantry program here in Highlands, Empty Bowls is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger and food insecurity. This event pairs potters and other craftspeople with concerned citizens. Typically, after sharing a simple meal of soup and bread, served in handmade bowls, guests are asked to keep a bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world.

The Low Country Shrimp Boil benefits Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. The park is just one block from Main Street and serves as a venue for concerts, ice skating, arts and crafts, farmers market, nonprofit fundraisers, and festivals. For the last 100 years, Highlands has enjoyed a vibrant set of South Carolinians who join us every summer to escape the heat. These are the people who oversee this event, and they ensure that this is an authentic Low Country culinary event.

If every dog has its day, well, it turns out that every local dog (and cat) has its own glorious party. The Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society stages its Bark, Beer and BBQ every summer, and it serves as the no-kill shelter’s major fundraiser for the year. There’s a sumptuous barbecue spread, rollicking music, cold beer, and pardon us, a howling good time.

Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust hosts its annual Satulah-Bration Chili Cookoff and it’s every bit of fun as you’d imagine. Satulah Mountain is a breathtaking natural jewel that’s conserved by the Land Trust, and this event makes it possible for the trust to save other pristine treasures on the Plateau. The chili and beer somehow taste even better when they’re used in service to such a vital need.

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WI N E W I N E L I S T S N OT TO M I S S

or more than 3 decades dining establishments have been seeking the coveted Wine Spectator Awards which champion excellence in restaurant wine lists. The awards are designed to elevate wine selection and service around the world. But you won’t have to travel around the world to experience a wine list of this caliber. Highlands is home to 6 Wine Spectator businesses. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the wine lists at Madison's, Meritage, Mountain Fresh, Paoletti's, Wild Thyme, and Wolfgang's.

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Wol fg ang ’s

Wi ld Thyme

Paole tti’s

Mou nta i n Fr e s h

Me r itage

Mad ison’s

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IMMERSE yourself in music, theatre, art, shopping and festivals

SEE PAGE 108 FOR A LIST OF LOCAL SHOPPING AND RETAIL

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J. El l iot

IN STYLE BY RYAN HANCHETT

aturalist John Muir once famously declared, “The mountains are calling, and I must go, and I will work on while I can.” This mantra is lived out by many who come to Highlands for a visit, but then find themselves captivated and decide to make it their home. This was the case for Jamie McPherson, who answered the mountains’ call two years ago and opened J. Elliott Style at 215 North 4th Street, across from the Highlands Town Hall. Named for his first initial and middle name, the boutique interior furnishings and kitchen design showroom is his first retail venture. However, his background in interior design goes back 20 years. It began with the study of historic preservation at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and an internship with HGTV’s “This Old House” which crystalized his interest in interiors. “I decided I didn’t really want to be preserving lighthouses forever, and I really preferred home interiors,” he explained. I decided I didn’t really want to be preserving lighthouses forever, and I really preferred home interiors.

A stint with the now-defunct Home Depot Expo gave him valuable training in kitchen design, further shaping his specialty. “I discovered that I liked everything about it -- the design, the organizational part, the math,” he said. So, from there he pursued professional certification in kitchen design, and exercised that specialty in Atlanta for many years. This spawned his personal interest in cooking, which has become an avid hobby and has stirred his accomplished cook’s point of view into his kitchen designs.

THE WHOLE HOME

But his kitchen design clients soon started asking him to take his talent beyond the kitchen to the whole home, so he began offering full interior design services. That is, until an economic downturn redirected his plans for a time. He regrouped, and beginning in 2009, he and his partner owned and operated the Vinewood Stables wedding venue outside of Atlanta. The spacious, repurposed, and beautified pole barn was at the forefront of the rustic wedding venues trend and was hugely successful. So much so, that the partners (who also lived in the historic farmhouse on the

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property) worked too hard for too long, and gladly accepted an unsolicited offer to buy the property in 2017. They sold that and another business, and happily made the move to the gentler pace of Highlands. Fresh energy reinvigorating the real estate industry in Highlands in 2018 made the time ripe for McPherson to revive his love of interior design, this time with a retail presence as well. His shop is the now the base for his personal concoction of custom cabinetry, upholstery and case goods, as well as interior design services, original local art and unique accessories.

ON DISPLAY

The J. Elliott Style of casual elegance is on display in the vignettes created in his store, where select antiques blend easily with high-quality contemporary furnishings and complementary accessories. His affinity

for his Scottish ancestry and the influence of his world travels crops up in tartan plaids, Black Forest wood carvings, and faux animal throws. The scent of leather furnishings fuses elegantly with earthy aromas wafting through the shop from the broad selection of Cire Trudon and We Took to the Woods candles, natural botanical specialties of the house. The rear of the store is a work in progress, masked off behind plastic construction screening in January 2021 but soon to reveal one of McPherson’s custom kitchens in full working order, outfitted with his hallmark cabinetry and La Cornue and Viking appliances. He plans to share his love of cooking as well as the offerings of local chefs through demonstrations and tastings as part of the shop hospitality in the near future. Although clearly enthused and energized by his business, McPherson is

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not intending to let work overtake his life again. Travel, his favorite pastime, figures prominently in his plans and returning to Scotland in the spring to celebrate his 50th birthday at the famed Fife Arms Hotel is on his list. He first visited the Scottish Highlands in 2017, and fell in love with his ancestral homeland. “Our Highlands evokes those Highlands,” he said, “so it’s no wonder I love them both. Not surprisingly, McPherson has tried his hand at Scottish cuisine. “But I haven’t tried haggis yet,” he said with a wry smile. For more information about J. Elliott Style, visit www.jelliottstyle.com.

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OAK LEAF f rom the ground up BY RYAN HANCHETT

peaking metaphorically, many entrepreneurs describe their business development as organic; but for Kirk Moore’s business it is the literal truth. Rooted in his lifelong love of flowers and gardens, his related enterprises have grown from the soil of his family farm in Georgia, sent up shoots in New York City, Asheville and Atlanta, and are currently bearing fruit in Highlands. Moore and his partner Don Fry came to Highlands to cultivate a relationship with the Old Edwards Inn & Spa, as ombudsmen for event styling. For the past 15 years, Moore did business out of his Oakleaf shop on Fourth Street, offering fresh flowers and plants, signature botanical products, choice antiques, garden ware and home goods, while also designing florals for weddings.

MOVE TO MAIN

Late last summer he seized an opportunity to move the shop onto Main Street. “I decided to go all in and invest further in the place I love. So, all my energy is now focused on the move and what it signifies.” In January 2021, he moved Oakleaf to a historic building that formerly housed the late Ralph deVille’s Stone Lantern, a Highlands fixture for 57 years. “It’s a quirky

building, but it’s perfect for us,” Moore said. Ever the visionary, he was undaunted by the frail condition of the building, and weathered the daunting refurbishment project in order to further his mission of connecting people with their surroundings, in both home and garden.

A STORYTELLER

Moore sees himself as a storyteller, helping people to enjoy the settings of their own stories and to deepen their sense of place by living into it, as he does himself. That philosophy is summed up in a sign bearing Moore’s mantra, placed where he and the staff can be inspired by it daily: “Surround yourself with the things you love.” That thread runs through the story of Moore’s own life, beginning in childhood at the family farm with the lasting influence of his late mother’s passion for flowers, herbs, and cooking. One of his early memories is his mother’s sea of flower bulbs in forcing vases. “She was a Martha Stewart type before Martha Stewart,” he said. Moore cultivated those familial seeds through training as a landscape architect specializing in garden history and design, which led to projects for Colonial Williamsburg and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation as well as

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numerous private clients. Other branches of his work sprouted from there, included hosting “American Gardener” on the QVC shopping channel, and serving as a garden and lifestyle correspondent for the “Good Morning America” television show. Along the way he and Fry developed product collections made by hand on the family farm for Smith & Hawken and Saks Fifth Avenue, and developed a garden boutique within Bergdorf-Goodman in New York City. Later, a working relationship with Takashimaya fine gifts taught Moore the importance of weaving connection and content together for shoppers. “It’s all about the romance, whether it’s life, or plants, or design,” he said, which prospered his wildly successful wedding business. “I have 430 baby pictures on my fridge,” he said, “all from wonderful relationships with happy brides who “I have 430 baby pictures on my fridge ... all from wonderful relationships with happy brides who keep in touch.”

keep in touch.” An air of romance also awaits in the Oakleaf shopping experience, behind the unassuming, brick storefront at 395 Main Street. It opens into an array of distinct areas, conducive to the chang-

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ing seasons and in-store events offered to inspire and educate shoppers. Cooking demonstrations are planned for the building at the rear of the property, reached by passing through a greenhouse with a rushing stream and a nurse log (a fallen log that provides a base for new life as it decays). “All things Oakleaf have a characteristic look,” he said, “that respects the sense of place. For example, a bride’s bouquet will seldom leave the shop without local touches like doghobble or rhododendron, and maybe some Solomon’s seal. The look is always naturalistic, perfect for this area.” After more than a decade here, Moore and Oakleaf are part of the fabric of Highlands, and he works quietly and continuously behind the scenes to give back to the community he loves. “I have been very blessed,” he said. “I know God keeps his thumb on you. Sometimes He presses hard,” he said, citing a

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ALL THINGS OAKLEAF HAVE A CHARACTERISTIC LOOK. tripping accident that happened when he was rushing from one wedding to set up another. As it turned out, treatment for his injuries also revealed the early, silent stage of a life-threatening disease, for which he was successfully treated. Moore saw that whole episode as a gift and a providential nudge to slow down, so he no longer takes on so many weddings. “But I do love what I do,” he said. “And really, I just do the icing, God grows the beauty.” For more about Oakleaf, visit www.oakleafstyle.com.

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CU LT U R A L A R T S M U S I C , T H E AT R E , V I S UA L A R T S , F I L M

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MUSIC

arou nd tow n

he same magic that’s drawn artists to Highlands since its inception has worked upon musicians as well. Need proof? Stop in some evening at The Ugly Dog Pub, or The High Dive, or the Hummingbird Lounge and Wine Garden at Old Edwards Inn. These places are famous for their musical guests and their work resonates in hearts and minds long after

the venue’s closed for the night. Bluegrass has its roots in these mountains and for a surprising expression of it, attend the 9:09 A.M. Sunday Service at Highlands United Methodist Church. The band that accompanies the service is authentic, and banjoist Charles Wood is considered the best in the country. The music is reverent and at the same time irresistible. Of course, if hearing live music

makes you want to dance make a point to attend the Highlands Chamber of Commerce’s Summer Concert Series – Friday Night Live and Saturdays on Pine. These free concerts are presented by Visit Highlands, NC and offer the chance to hear some of the finest music our region has to offer. Highlands is also home to multiple venues that offer world class music experiences you don’t want to miss.

PE R FOR M IN G A R TS The Highlands Performing Arts Center offers a full slate of concerts by nationally recognized artists and bands as well as the Metropolitan Opera. These concerts are open to the public. For information or reservations, call (828) 526-9047 or visit highlandspac.net. The Performing Arts Center is located 507 Chestnut Street.

C HAMBER MUSIC The Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival has earned an international reputation for the caliber of its artists and quality of its programs, a reputation honed by 40 years of performances by seasoned musicians and bright newcomers. Their 40th Anniversary Season is a do not miss experience, what a party it will be! OPE R A The Bel Canto Recitals are a September tradition on the Plateau. Every year, world-famous opera stars perform classics and Broadway favorites before a select audience. To contact Bel Canto and get on the mailing list, send your contact information to Bel Canto Recital, P.O. Box 2392, Highlands, NC 28741 or call The Bascom at (828) 787-2867. And the Highlands Performing Arts Center, downtown Highlands, screens live performances of the Metropolitan Opera and Britain’s National Theatre. 72 • HIGHLANDS 2021 EXPERIENCE GUIDE

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M OV I E S I N H I G H L A N D S If you’re way beyond chillin’ with Netflix, there are still some options in Highlands for experiencing your filmed entertainment on the Big Screen. Highlands Playhouse at 362 Oak Street offers first-run movies in a spacious auditorium with a broad digital screen and a vast suite of sound enhancements. Since Highlands Playhouse is a nonprofit, there’s a wide selection of concessions served, with all proceeds going to the Playhouse itself. See page 75 to learn more about the Playhouse. Their fresh-popped popcorn is really, really good. For up-to-date information, call (828) 526-2965 or visit highlandsplayhouse.org 74 • HIGHLANDS 2021 EXPERIENCE GUIDE

Highlands Performing Arts Center, located at 507 Chestnut Street, provides counterpoint programming to the Playhouse. PAC screens live performances of the National Theater of London and the Metropolitan Opera. And, the PAC is also known for showing drive-in movies. To keep up with its ever-evolving schedule, visit highlandsperformingarts.com or call (828) 526-9047.

T H E AT R E I N H I G H L A N D S Highlands Playhouse, one of the country’s oldest professional summer stock theaters, is the legacy of Highlands’ early forward-thinking families. The first troupe, all amateurs, began using the Highlands School auditorium in the mid-1930s. They formally organized in the late 1930s as the Highlands Little Theatre, which was ultimately renamed Highlands Playhouse. The first big production was the Broadway comedy “Dulcy.” Collin Wilcox, a regular on the local stage, went on to play opposite Gregory Peck in the film “To Kill A Mockingbird,” as Mayella. Audiences will be enchanted by three to four shows in the summer, all performed by professionals. For more information, call the Box Office at (828) 526-2695 or visit highlandsplayhouse.org

Highlands-Cashiers Players is powered by the local dramatic community. The troupe performs dramas, raucous comedies, musical revues, and an annual dinner theater at the Highlands Performing Arts Center on Chestnut Street.

People in the twin communities are invited to participate in the performances, both onstage and behind the scenes.

For more information, call (828) 526-8084.

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Creative

MAKERS

Named one of America’s Small Town Arts Places, Highlands attracts creatives year-round in every genre. Unleash your creative genius on the mountain and visit the artists! Highlands has drawn “creative makers” to the mountains for inspiration for many years and it’s still true today. Multiple writers, painters, sculptors, candlemakers, woodworkers, jewelry designers, and potters, just to name a few, call Highlands home. Here are a few places to visit, ask for the list at the Welcome Center or go to Visithighlands.com for more information. Find the list and more information at visithighlands.com

Art Glass Creations Art in the Mountains Show Art League of Highlands-Cashiers The Bascom Gift Shop The Bascom Visual Art Center Calders Coffee (the owner is a woodworker!) Corey James Gallery Dave Drake Studio Barn at Bascom Easley an Artist George Schmitt Gallery Highlands Fairies Highlands Fine Art and Estate Jewelry Highlands Gem Shop Highlands Mountaintop Arts & Crafts Show Highlands Writers Group Jannie Bean Jewelry Design Needlepoint of Highlands Peak Experience Photography Club Smitten Stick Candles Studio 106 Studio Alive Summer House TA Anderson

... and many more! 76 • HIGHLANDS 2021 EXPERIENCE GUIDE

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The Bascom Center for Visual Arts The Bascom: a six-building, six-acre campus features include an 87-footlong covered bridge entrance called the Will Henry Stevens Bridge; a 2,500 square-foot barn ceramic studio named the Dave Drake Studio Barn; and a central three-story, 27,500-square-foot Main Building that was originally a barn from the 1800s. Visitors can also enjoy a The Horst Winkler Nature and Sculpture Trail with native flora, a pristine brook with cascading waterfall, and scenic views which connects to Highlands Greenway.

The Bascom is committed to providing life-enriching experiences through comprehensive arts programs. Offering a variety of educational programs including workshops, private art classes, demonstrations, and clubs - designed to meet the needs of artists of all skill levels. And check out the exhibition schedule that appeals to artists and those just curious.

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UNIQUE SHOPPING I N D I V I D UA L LY C U R AT E D F O R YO U

81 Years Serving Highlands

Wit’s End has been a family-owned Main Street institution since 1940. That means that three generations of the Young family and their deeply loyal customers have carried this beloved women’s clothing store through the Great Depression, a World War, and, of course, a global pandemic. Today, the family tradition is carried on by both Susie and David Young as well as their four children, ensuring Wit’s End’s posterity far into the future by lavishing warm personal attention on their customers.

77 Years Serving Highlands

Reeves Ace Hardware is a family-owned business that began in 1928 in Clayton, Georgia, and its Highlands branch was opened in 1944. The Highlands store has grown to include a full-service lumber yard and building supply area as well as a 20,000 sq. ft. retail space. It’s run by Jim Luke, a grandson of the founder, Lewis Reeves Sr., and meets the needs of contractors and homeowners in this corner of Western North Carolina. It’s also a great place to chat, exchange local gossip, and discuss issues of local, state, national, and international importance.

69 Years Serving Highlands

A stroll through Highlands Gem Shop is a browse through Highlands history and, if we’re being technical, about 1.7 billion years’ worth of earth history. That’s because in 1952, Archie and Hazel Jellen opened Jellen’s Cutting and Mineral Shop to showcase the rubies and sapphires taken out of the earth here in Macon County. In 1956 the couple purchased the current business location, the vacant Jackson County Bank building. Over the years, the store evolved from primarily a lapidary and mineral shop to a complete fine jewelry store and has been ongoing in this location ever since. Currently owned and operated by the Jellens’ grandson, Matthew Schroeders and his wife Laura, the shop maintains its international reputation for fine jewelry including diamond, colored stone, antique, estate and bridal. You’ll also discover local artisanal jewelry (including Laura’s dazzling, one-of-a-kind creations), gift items and a large variety of rock and mineral specimens. 80 • HIGHLANDS 2021 EXPERIENCE GUIDE

LONGEVITY:

REEVES ACE HARDWARE

a mark of passion

erchants in Highlands must be as resourceful as a Satulah Black Bear raiding a hanging bird feeder and tenacious as the gnarled dwarf hemlocks defying gravity and the elements on Sunset Rocks. But a handful of businesses have thrived, for generations through passion for their community and business. Though they have wildly divergent lines of merchandise, see if you can find the common thread that guarantees their longevity.

49 Years Serving Highlands

Mirror Lake Antiques, opened in 1972, by owners Stan and Donna Cochran have assembled a dazzling collection estate and contemporary jewelry and sterling silver flatware. The shop also features vintage bar ware, sterling and Victorian plated hollow ware, flo blue English transfer ware and orientalia. And that’s not to mention the fact that Donna and Stan are there all the time. You can consult with them, seek advice, and listen to them give detailed descriptions and the history of every item in their collection.

The Dry Sink began when Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hovey bought the store two years after it opened on 4th Street next to the Old Edwards Inn. At the time it was a modest kitchen goods store and they continued the tradition of warm customer service and the original space quickly became too small. They moved The Dry Sink to its present Main Street location and over the decades the shop has added greeting cards, gadgets, and a kaleidoscopic selection of kitchen ware and bath goods and, always, the unexpected. The level of warm attention to its customers remains its hallmark.

39 Years Serving Highlands

In 1982, David and Carol Wilkes bought a hiking store on Chestnut Street named “The Happy Hiker” and renamed it the Highland Hiker. Thanks to the couple’s wealth of knowledge about the area’s forests and waterways and the needs of the people who seek the wild places, the place quickly developed a reputation that extended across the Southeast. Buoyed by its loyal customer base, David and Carol moved their shop to Main Street in the Joe Webb log cabin that serves as its flagship location to this day and took the name Highland Hiker. The Wilkes Family extended its base even further with specialized Hiker stores – Highland Hiker Cabin, Hiker on Main and Highland Hiker Shoes. Yet the commitment to serving their customers is built into the architecture of each.

HIGHLAND HIKER

47 Years Serving Highlands

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F E S TIVA L S & E V E NT S S O M E T H I N G F O R E V E RYO N E

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APRIL

Bear Shadow April 23-25, 2021

Highlands Festivals, Inc. is proud to announce Bear Shadow 2021. A sister festival to the popular Highlands Food & Wine, Bear Shadow will celebrate the new spring season with the best in live music, as we emerge from hibernation with hope and anticipation for the future. The weekend will offer performances by Mandolin Orange, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, The War & Treaty, Jamestown Revival and many more. In addition, Bear Shadow will host smaller music and outdoor experiences throughout Highlands. Bear Shadow is proud to partner with the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust as we celebrate the union of music and mother nature, promoting the importance of conserving our great outdoors and the beauty of Highlands. For complete event information, please visit www. bearshadownc.com.

MAY

Outdoor Concert Series May - October 2021

If you’re seeking a different sort of summer sound, consider the Friday Night

Live and Saturdays on Pine Concert Series, both ranging from May to October. These free concerts offer the chance to hear some of the finest music our region has to offer. These events are rovided by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC Friday Night Live features traditional mountain music, and an opportunity for the audience to participate by singing, clapping, tapping your feet, or dancing if the mood strikes. It’s audience participation at its best and the bands feed off the energy. Saturdays on Pine continues that sweet Highlands evening sound with a variety of genre including Beach Oldies, Americana Rock, Country, Rock, Jazz, Soul, and Top 40 Cover Hits to name a few. And don’t forget to contact one of our local restaurants for a picnic dinner to enjoy along with the sounds of Highlands. Who can resist a summers eve with live music?

Twilight 5K & 10K May 15, 2021 The Race is on May 15th, 2021 starting at 6PM at the Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park. The 5K course is undulating, beginners or walkers will find it friendly, yet the faster runners will be challenged. The 10K course is challenging and climbs Bear Pen Mountain. Bring your chairs, coolers, refreshments, and blankets to join everyone for an evening of music following the race, around 7:30 P.M. For more information or to register, visit highlandstwilight5k.com.

Meander on Main: Featuring Local Musicians and Artists May 22, 2021

Stroll the streets downtown and listen to local music and watch local artisans at work.

JUNE

shows are held in beautiful Kelsey-Hutchinson “Founders” Park on Pine Street, a short walk from Main Street. Highlands Mountaintop Rotary sponsors the show, with proceeds going to charitable causes.

JULY

Motoring Festival June 10 - 13, 2021

The 14th annual Highlands Motoring Festival is about high quality, classic, collector cars that are brought to the mountain by invitation. The eclectic entries always ensure there is something for everyone. This festival is powered by a dedicated volunteer group that are also passionate about our local charities. 2021 charities include Reach of Macon County, Literacy Council of Highlands, and the Community Care Clinic. Spectator entry is free but contributions for the charities is greatly appreciated. This year the Festival is also partnering with The Bascom Art Center with a unique series of events called Celebrate Art + Automobile. The cornerstone is an exhibition, FreeWheeling – the Allure of the Automobile in Contemporary Art which will take place May 11 – August 21, 2021. Expect the unexpected in this exhibition of internationally renowned works on canvas, paper, sculpture and a rotating display of rare automobiles.

Fourth of July July 4, 2021

The Fourth of July is celebrated all day long with games and activities including a rocket launch, Highlands Rotary Hot Dog Cookout, the club’s Annual Duck Derby, and Highlands Men’s Chorus Concert to name a few. The fun continues into the evening with an outdoor concert beginning at 6pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and a picnic from one of the many fabulous restaurants in town. And the finale for the day... the night skies will burst in technicolor glory with an immensely enjoyable fireworks display provided by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC. The show begins at the arrival of darkness, usually around 9. Virtually any spot downtown will give you a clear view of the excitement.

SEPTEMBER

3 River Fly Fish Festival September 23 - 25, 2021

Mountaintop Arts & Crafts Festival June 26 - 27, 2021 Founded in 2006 to bolster community support for regional artisans, these shows offer two days of art, folk art, crafts, rustic furniture, demonstrations, live music, food and fun--what’s not to love? The two annual

This festival raises funds for the Town of Highlands Scholarship Fund. Open to veteran and novice anglers, this three-day event encompasses a wide variety of fly-fishing experiences. Prizes and awards are given for everything from the most fish caught to the best fish tale, even the ugliest fish. And you can be sure that tall tales will abound! continued on next page

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OCTOBER

Halloween on Main October 31, 2021

Downtown Trick or Treat, which is provided by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands, NC, is a safe, fun-filled experience for Trick-or-Treaters of all ages. Everyone will find plenty to celebrate on Main Street, starting at 6:00 P.M. Sunday, October 31. That’s when local kids, decked out in their spookiest, silliest and cutest costumes, gather to collect a teacher’s ransom of candy distributed by local businesses and charities. There’s live music, dancing, free hot dogs and drinks, and an irresistible excitement built into the celebration. Virtually the entire community – kids, grown-ups, pets – shows up in costume to celebrate. Visitors are not only invited to this party but encouraged to join the fun. (Please keep all Zombies on a leash at all times!)

the art of food, wine and music. The festival will host 4 unique signature events: from the Grand Tasting kick off, to the bohemian vibes of Truckin’, the ultimate street party that is Main Event, and the closer that is Sunday Shindig. Each event will feature local and regional chefs, wine and spirits partners and of course, great live music. In addition, Highlands Food & Wine is proud to collaborate with local restaurants on exquisite wine dinners and tastings throughout the weekend. These experiences further highlight why Highlands, NC is a major culinary and vacation destination throughout the year.

NOVEMBER Lighting the Park November 27, 2021

Highlands Food & Wine November 11-14, 2021 Highlands Food & Wine returns for its fifth year, November 11-14th, to celebrate 84 • HIGHLANDS 2021 EXPERIENCE GUIDE

Highlands Chamber of Co m m e rce / Vi s i t H i g h lands, NC launches the Christmas Season with the towns Lighting the Park Celebration and the Arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, on Saturday, November 27, at Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park. The evening is set amongst the softly-lit trees of the park and the Town Ice Rink, with festivities galore. Of course, Mr. and Mrs. Claus will put in an appearance and Santa will man his booth to hear the wishes and dreams of all his fans.

DECEMBER

Holidays in Highlands December 4, 2021

Holiday celebrations continue on December 4th. The Trim Our Town Storefront Contest begins. The contest is a People’s Choice award and you the voter can win by entering. The stores are decked and full of the most endearing gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Spend the day shopping, lunching with a special holiday drink and end the day with ice skating, holiday bliss!

If you don’t get a chance to talk to Santa at the Park Lighting, don’t despair he will be back for Santa in the Park. He’ll return to Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park every Saturday. Everyone is welcome to speak with the Jolly Old Man, regardless of age or girth, and, if you’ve been good all year, you can gently pull on his beard to ensure that you’re talking to the Real Deal. Everyone is invited to the Olde Mountain Christmas Parade, slated for 11:00 A.M. Saturday, December 4th, and winding down Main

Street. With a population around 1000, you may expect a Christmas Parade to last approximately 173 seconds. But if that’s what you’re thinking, you haven’t taken into account the town’s deep pool of community spirit. It’s not uncommon for the parade to boast over 80 entries. There’s a warm, homemade feel to the Highlands parade, since it’s staged entirely by local groups, churches, businesses, fire departments

and bands of neighbors. It’s all delivered with pride, sparkle, and more than a little bit of humor. You’ll find handmade floats, at least one marching band, dancing garden ladies, real camels and (perhaps real) Wise Men, dogs that amble more or less in formation, fire trucks, Smokey the Bear, classic cars, horses, the Highlands High School Homecoming Court, local politicians, and, of course, Santa.

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I N S I D E R’ S G U I D E

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A BRIEF HISTORY BY RANDOLPH P. SHAFFNER The village of Highlands was founded in 1875 by two developers who, according to legend, took a map and drew a line from New York to New Orleans. Then they passed another line between Chicago and Savannah. These lines, they predicted, would be the great trade routes of the future, and where they crossed would someday be a great population center. What evolved was a health and summer resort on the highest crest of the western North Carolina plateau in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. This paradisiacal settlement provided common ground for both Northern and Southern pioneers. By 1883 nearly 300 immigrants from the Eastern states were calling Highlands home.

Very little changed in the town until the late 1920s, when the Cullasaja River was dammed to form Lake Sequoyah, providing hydroelectric power. By the time the Chamber of Commerce was established in 1931, the town’s population had increased to 500 with 2,500-3,000 summer guests. Again, very little changed from the 30s through the 60s. Highlands missed the Great Depression because most of its residents were accustomed to surviving hard times, growing their own meat and vegetables so that no one went hungry. The mid-1970s saw the sudden influx of multifamily homes and shopping centers that spawned land use plans and zoning laws intended to protect Highlands’ natural assets. The town’s population today stands

at 958 year- round residents with 15,000-20,000 summer guests and 387 businesses. Since its creation in 1875, the demographic mixture of Highlands has been remarkably unique. Founded by pioneers, industrious tradesmen from the North, ScotchIrish laborers and craftsmen from the surrounding area, and wealthy aristocratic planters and professionals from the South, the town has served as a cultural center for well-known artists, musicians, actors, authors, photographers, scholars, and scientists who have thrived in its natural setting. For more information about the history of Highlands, please visit the Highlands Historical Society’s website at highlandshistory.com.

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15 Magical Facts ABOUT HIGHLANDS Like most relationships, your appreciation grows even richer when you know a bit more about background. Highlands is a small town of just a little over six square miles, but it’s vast in the stories that it readily reveals to its guests. If you’re one of those curious people who’d like to learn more about her secrets, here are some facts to keep in mind.

480

MILLION YEARS This landscape is old. Really old. Highlands sits upon a Plateau on the far southern end of the Appalachian Mountains, some of the oldest in the world. They’re the remnants of a geological sequence of events that began with the formation of the supercontinent of Pangaea 480 million years ago. That’s long before the time of the dinosaurs, and they once rivaled the Alps and the Rockies for awe-inspiring spectacle.

The gentle waves of rolling mountains, so evident when you view them from vistas like Whiteside Mountain or the Blue Valley Overlook, are the remnants of those sharp and foreboding mountains. What you’re witnessing are upthrusts of gneiss, which once resided within these massive volcanoes. That’s right, if there’s a bit of poetry in your soul, you can tell yourself that you’re strolling over the cold heart of a volcano.

Those millions of years of volcanic activity and the titanic forces of tectonic pressure have delivered a jeweler’s dream of gemstones and gold. Stroll carefully over unpaved roads after a rainstorm and keep your eyes open you may discover a sapphire, garnet, or emerald. Or wade into the cold, cold waters of the Cullasaja River, it’s possible to discover flakes of gold. Until the California Gold Rush of 1849, this part of North Carolina was the largest gold-producing territory in the United States.

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133

Highlands is at the center of one of two temperate rainforests in the United States (the other is the rich woodlands of Oregon and Washington). “Temperate” means we enjoy four distinct seasons. “Rainforest” means that we get lots of rain. In 2020, we totaled 133 inches of rain, which, when you think about it, is more than 10 inches a month and a very wet year.

INCHES

500

500 species of mosses, ferns, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees flourish in natural forest, wetlands and SPECIES old-growth plant communities connected by a series of trails and boardwalks at the Highlands Biological Station. Highlands’ unusual climate and the fact that glaciers made this their southernmost point during the last Ice Age (delivering seeds and soil), we enjoy a diversity of plant life that’s unmatched anywhere else in the world.

You may find all of our rainfall a bit off-putting, let us share some advantages: It’s given us an unparalleled collection of waterfalls. Of course, there are the Big Four of the Cullasaja Gorge, but there are so many other waterfalls to discover and enjoy, some thundering, some beguiling in their gentle presence.

All that rain also means that everyone can enjoy the little miracle of Moses Rock on the road leading into Horse Cove. This little spring, shooting from a rock face on the right side of the road, has been comforting thirsty travelers for the last 150 years. That’s when Jim Henry, who was helping to transform what had been a Cherokee trail into a road that would connect Horse Cove to Highlands, struck his maddock against a rock and a steady stream of water burst forth. It’s been flowing steadily and pooling in a little granite basin ever since. Over the years, someone added two feet of white PVC to extend the fountain and a ceramic angel to serve as a silent witness to this quiet miracle.

A small population of North American River Otters can be seen at Lake Ravenel. This is special, because there haven’t been otters in this part of Western North Carolina since 1939. Then, late last year, there they were! These are creatures whose behavioral state is always set to “Frolic.” We’re ecstatic to have them in the neighborhood once more.

Highlands is the Salamander Capital of the World. In fact, biologists come f ro m a l l ove r t h e world to study our remarkably rich pool of these shy amphibians. Lift away a bit of the leaves and plant matter and loamy earth along our waterways and you’re almost certain to glimpse them as they wiggle away (the salamanders, not the biologists). And there’s another reason we take an inordinate amount of pride in these little creatures – they serve the same function as canaries in a coal mine, and their presence certifies the purity of our air and water and soil.

The forest, mountains and meadows that ring Highlands are home to a thriving population of birds. The Highlands Plateau Audubon Society’s 2020 Christmas Bird Count tallied 56 species. We’re one of North Carolina’s most important sites for species such as the Blackburnian Warbler, Golden-crowned Kinglet and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. The endangered Peregrine Falcon was reintroduced to the area and falcons are now nesting on the cliffs of Whiteside Mountain. Look up and listen carefully. You’ll understand what we’re talking about.

4,118

11 FEET Highlands is one of the highest towns east of Mississippi River at 4,118 feet on the highest crest of the Western North Carolina plateau in the Southern Appalachian Mountains and was established in 1920.

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Highlands is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest. That means you’ll discover shadowed stands of trees a n d r h o d o d e n d ro n thickets that are unchanged since the days when the Cherokee lived here. There are trails and paths for every level of hiker to explore these forested mountains.

The rain that falls here in Highlands will eventually make its way to the Gulf of Mexico (via the Cullasaja River) and to the Atlantic, as we straddle the Continental Divide - you can pass over it on US-28 heading towards Walhalla.

We have bogs in our mountains, and they contain pitcher plants. Few people realize we have our own carnivorous plants here in Highlands. These bogs are also home to a number of rare and threatened species, including Gray’s Lily, Cuthbert’s Turtlehead, Swamp Pink, and the bog turtle, meaning these small, special places need our protection.

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Our forests are constantly changing due to human influences. One major example is the chestnut blight, an introduced fungus that wiped out mature (reproductive) American Chestnut over a hundred years ago. However, you can still see American Chestnuts in our forests - the roots of those ancient trees are still alive, and send up new sprouts when the existing ones are killed by the blight. This may be how Yellow Mountain got its name. When the trees were mature the mountain would have looked yellow in the spring because of the American Chestnut flowers, and yellow in the fall because of their leaves.

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HIGHLANDS CHAMBER:

hen Highlands Chamber of Commerce was founded 90 years ago in 1931, it cast its gaze to the future. Its mission was to create a space where citizens could come together, examine issues that affected the economic vitality of the town, and devise strategies to ensure that Highlands would continue to develop without sacrificing its deep sense of community. It was a bold proposition, but the 53 people who attended that initial meeting (and who paid the annual dues of

$2.50) had already proved their mettle simply by trying to make a living in this remote corner of Western North Carolina. Word of this tiny mountain community spread amongst the gentry of sweltering cities like Atlanta and New Orleans and Miami, and their summer retreats dot the hills and meadows that wreath the town. In those early days, the town would emerge from a long winter slumber in early May for a frantic season that would slam shut once the last of autumn’s blaze of leaves fell at the end of October. After decades of effort,

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Highlands now enjoys something close to a year-round calendar. The winter months are prime getaways from the random stresses of 21st century life (consider the nearly forgotten delight of spending an afternoon or evening skating around an outdoor ice rink).

TIME-HONORED COMMITMENT The Chamber’s commitment 90 years ago is still the same today. The preservation of that deep sense of community, listening to businesses

90 YEARS OF SERVICE and residents in pursuit of continued strategies for economic stability and enhancing Highlands’ social fabric. Time honored events such as the Olde Mountain Christmas Parade, Halloween on Main Street (which draws nearly the entire community – children, adults, and costumed dogs), Fourth of July Fireworks, Light Up the Park, and Trim Our Town are all provided by the Highlands Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber also assists a variety of community events through financial support. Events like the Highlands Food and Wine Fes-

tival, Bear Shadow Music Festival, Highlands Motoring Festival, Twilight 5 and 10K, Three River Flyfishing Festival, and numerous others. This close-knit social fabric is even on display for something as mundane as the Chamber’s twice-a-year Cullasaja Gorge cleanup. Volunteers of all ages show up for this event, which is much more fun than it has a right to be. This evidence of the Chamber’s commitment to support and honor the town’s traditions is even extended to the establishment of Highlands Wel-

come Center in the historic Marchant-Parker-Davis-Patterson House on Main Street. This lovingly restored home (though it still retains its collection of creaks and groans) was built in 1879 and carries on a long tradition of hospitality. If you’d like to learn more about the Highlands Chamber of Commerce and its long-standing partnership with the town, stop by at 108 Main Street or call (828) 526-2112 or visit Highlandschamber.org. You’ll find that they’re a chatty bunch, who’re happy to talk at length about Highlands. HIGHLANDSCHAMBER.ORG • 93

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DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM ATLANTA, GA Driving time approximately 2.5 hours. Take I-85 North (toward Greenville, SC) to I-985 toward Gainesville, GA where it becomes GA 365, continue on GA 365 as it changes to 441 North. Go through Tallulah Falls, Clayton and Mountain City to Dillard, GA. At the traffic light in Dillard take a right onto GA 246 that becomes NC 106 (At this point you are about a beautiful 20 minute drive to Highlands). Proceed up GA 246/NC 106 until you enter Highlands. At Main Street you will see the first traffic light by the Exxon Station-take a right and proceed to next traffic light.

FROM GREENVILLE, SC Driving time approximately 2 hours. Take 276 North to Scenic Highway 11. About four miles from the bridge over Lake Keowee turn right onto Rt. 130 towards Cashiers & Whitewater Falls. Follow 130 to Wiggington Rd. (Scenic Byway) and turn left. Continue for 3 miles and turn right on Route 107 N. and proceed to traffic light at the intersection of 107 & 64 in Cashiers. Turn left onto 64 West and travel about 12 miles on 64 into Highlands. If you are comfortable with reading maps and back roads, a shorter way from downtown Greenville. Take roads to Pickens on Route 183. From 183 turn right on Hwy 133 past Pickens and proceed to Scenic Hwy 11. Take left hand turn, cross Lake Keowee bridge and proceed to Route 130 about four miles ahead on your right. Follow 130 toward Cashiers to NC 107. Take right on 107 to intersection at crossroads in Cashiers. Take left onto 64 West to Highlands.

FROM ASHEVILLE, NC Driving time approximately 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic. From Asheville Scenic Route via Brevard and Cashiers on Highway 64. Take I-26 toward Greenville, get off at Airport Exit. At Exit take right turn onto 280 South, pass airport on right, continue on 280 South to Brevard, continue to 64 West through Brevard. Follow 64 West through Cashiers to Highlands.

FASTER ROUTE FROM ASHEVILLE Driving time approximately 1.5 hours. Take I- 40 West to Route 23/74 W towards Waynesville. Take 23/74W to 23/441 towards Dillsboro, Sylva and Franklin. At Franklin stay on the by-pass, look for Highlands exit 64E towards Highlands. Turn left and follow 64 East through the Cullasaja Gorge, a curvy but beautiful road through the mountains.

SCENIC ROUTE FROM KNOXVILLE, TN. Driving time approximately 3.5 hours via route 411. “Arriving from Knoxville through Smoky Mtn. National Park and Gatlinburg” I-40 East to 66 South, 66 South will turn into 321/441. In Gatlinburg, take 441 S (toward and through Cherokee) to 74 E, from 74 E take 23/441 towards Dillsboro and into Franklin- stay on bypass. Just past Holly Springs Shopping Center on left look for exit ramp to 64 E to Highlands.

QUICKEST ROUTE FROM KNOXVILLE, TN. Driving time approximately 2.5 hours. Take I-40 East into North Carolina towards Waynesville. Take 23/441 towards Dillsboro, Sylva and Franklin. Stay on by-pass in Franklin. Just past Holly Springs Shopping Center on left, look for right hand side exit ramp to 64 E to Highlands. Take a left on 64 E.

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HIKING TRAIL MAP

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COMPLIMENTS OF

HIGHLANDS VISITOR CENTER 1-828-526-2112 WEB SITE http://www.highlandschamber.org

LEGEND

1. Highlands Visitor Center & Public Restroom 2. Public Restroom 3. Nature Center - Botanical Gardens 4. Biological Center 5. Historical Society 6. Performing Arts Center 7. Public Safety

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B U S I N E S S D I R E C TO RY S M A L L TOW N S H O P P I N G O F F E R S U N I Q U E E X P E R I E N C E S Bold entries denote Chamber membership

ACCOMMODATIONS

CAMPGROUNDS

Rockwood Lodge 828.526.8919 info@rockwoodlodgenc.com _______________________ Skyline Lodge 470 Skyline Drive Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2121 skyline-lodge.com Taylor Barnes Spa and Salon 330 Dillard Rd Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4192 taylorspa.com

200 Main 200 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2790 200main.com _______________________ Gifted Hands 233 Spring Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5069 gifted-hands.com

Highlands Inn 420 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9380 highlandsinn-nc.com Highlands Inn Lodge 96 Log Cabin Lane Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5899 highlandsinnlodge.com Inn at Mill Creek 420 Carolina Way Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9999 millcreekhighlandsnc.com

HALF-MILE FARM A Luxury Country Inn by Old Edwards

Half-Mile Farm at Old Edwards 214 Half-Mile Drive Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8170 halfmilefarm.com _______________________ Hampton Inn and Suites 3245 Highway 64 East Sapphire, NC 28774 828-743-4545 hamptoninn3.hilton.com Highlander Mountain House 270 Main St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2590 highlandermountainhouse.com

Mitchell’s Lodge and Cottages 264 Dillard Road Highlands, NC 28741 800-522-9874 mitchellslodge.com

Old Edwards Inn and Spa 445 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8008 oldedwardsinn.com

The Lofts on Main 464 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-634-1572 theloftsonmain.com

Cliffside Lake Recreation Area & VanHook Glade 14014 Highlands Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5912 cfaia.org

Highlands Hidden Creek 651 Chestnut Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-200-7950 Highlandshiddencreek.com

Franklin RV Park and Campground 230 Addington Rd Franklin, NC 28734 828-349-6200 franklinrvpark.com

River Vista Mountain Village 20 River Vista Drive Dillard, GA 30537 706-746-2722 rvmountainvillage.com

CHURCHES Community Bible Church 3645 Cashiers Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4685 cbchighlands.com First Baptist Church of Highlands 220 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4153 fbchighlands.org First Presbyterian Church 471 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3175 fpchighlands.com Highlands United Methodist Church 315 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3376 Highlandsmethodist.org

Lutheran Church of the Holy Family 2152 Dillard Rd Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-974 Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church 315 N 5th St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2418 olmhighlands.com The Church of The Incarnation 520 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2968 incarnationwnc.org

The Park on Main Hotel 205 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4502 theparkonmain.com _______________________

CO M M U N ITI E S

The Wells Hotel 790 North 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-482-7736 thewellshotel.com

Burlingame Country Club 746 Club Drive Sapphire, NC 28774 828-966-9200 burlingameccwnc.com

Tranquility Cove Massage 127 Main St Highlands, NC 28741 828-200-0018 tranquilitycovemassage.com

Chestnut Hill of Highlands 64 Clubhouse Trail Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5251 chestnuthillofhighlands.com

Whiteside Cove Cabins 5078 Whiteside Cove Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2222 logcabinrentalsinhighlandsnc.com

Cullasaja Club 1371 Cullasaja Club Drive Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3531 cullasajaclub.org

Zen Spa 4144 Cashiers Road Highlands, NC 28741 919-413-7411 zenspabyangeljoy.com

Glen Cove 705 Highlands Cove Drive Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-1783 glencovelifestyle.com

Highlands Country Club 981 Dillard Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2181 Highlandscountryclub.com _______________________ Highlands Fairway Villas Association 981 Dillard Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-787-2787 Highlands Falls Country Club 1 Club Drive Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4118 clubhfcc.com

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Old Edwards Club 688 Highlands Cove Drive Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8044 oldedwardsclub.com/golf

Sky Valley Country Club 568 Sky Valley Way #1 Sky Valley, GA 30537 706-746-5302 skyvalleycountryclub.com

Shelby Place Highway 28 South Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-0311 shelbyplacehighlands.com

Wildcat Cliffs Country Club 770 Country Club Drive Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2165 wildcatcliffscountryclub.com

C U LT U R A L A R T S

D E S I G N & CO N S T R U C TI O N Barbara Desmond Décor Inc 2566 Crescent Park Ct Atlanta, GA 30339 404-664-0787 Bertone Tile Design and Flooring 3641 Dillard Rd Highlands, NC 28741 321-303-7560 Bespoke Design & Consulting 343 Main Street, Upper A Highlands, NC 28741 561-512-6376 behance.net/ BespokeDesign Black Rock Granite and Cabinetry 2543 Cashiers Road 2220 North 4th Street 2251 North 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-787-1100 blackrockgraniteandcabinetry.com

Corey James Gallery 228 S. 3rd St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4818

Green Mountain Builders 439 Laurel St Highlands, NC 28741 828-787-2297

Highlands Decorating Center 330 Dillard Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3571 Highlandsdecorating.com _______________________ Highlands Doors and Windows 2242 Dillard Rd Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3719 Highlandsdoorsandwindows.com

David Bock Builders 417 North Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2240 bockbuilders.com _______________________

Art League of Highlands 323 Franklin Rd Highlands, NC 28741 706-746-5540 artleagueofhighlands.com Center for Life Enrichment 348 5th Street, Suite 209 Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8811 clehighlands.com

Futral Construction 2821 Cashiers Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-634-1010 futralconstruction.com

Highlands Performing Arts Center 507 Chestnut Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9047 Highlandspac.org _______________________

Highlands Playhouse 362 Oak Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2695 Highlandsplayhouse.org _______________________ Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival 507 Chestnut Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9060 h-cmusicfestival.org _______________________

Studio 106 / Photography 478 Dillard Rd Highlands, NC 28741 828-482-0286 facebook.com/Studio106NC

Highlands Community Players 507 Chestnut Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8084 Highlandscashiersplayers.org

The Bascom A Center for Visual Arts 323 Franklin Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4949 thebascom.org

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Dornbush Design Studio 41 Fox Falls Lane Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-0031 Edgens Herzog Architects 10 Foreman Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2413 edgensherzog.com

MHK Highlands Architecture and Planning 816 S Main St Suite 100 Highlands, NC 28741 864-603-3260 thecarolinasarchitect.com Palillos Stone Masonry 2271 Dillard Rd Highlands, NC 28741 828-508-8207 palillosstonemasonry.net Romans Roofing 5542 Cashiers Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-743-5291 romansroofingnc.com Ross Landscape Architecture, PLLC 2334 Cashiers Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5074 rosslandarch.com Spruce Interiors N Fourth St Highlands, NC 28741 770-532-4800 Spruceinteriors.com Summit Architecture 125 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-0328 summitarchitecturepa.com

Lupoli Construction & Real Estate 269 Dillard Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4532 lupoliconstruction.com _______________________

Warth Construction 330 Spring Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4929 warthconstruction.com

FO O D A N D B E V E R AG E S 4118 Kitchen & Bar, LLC 64 Highlands Plaza Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5002 4118kitchen-bar.com 4th Street Market 545 North 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4191 facebook.com/4thStMarket Asia House 151 Helens Barn Avenue Highlands, NC 28741 828-787-1680 asiahouse-highlands.letseat.at August Produce 636 Franklin Rd

Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4617 Blue Bike Café 423 N. 4th St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9922 chownow.com Bridge at Mill Creek 445 N. 4th St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5500 thebridgeatmillcreek.com Bryson’s Food Store 103 Highlands Plaza Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3775 brysonsfoodstore.com

Cake Bar & Chocolate Heaven 2254 Dillard Rd Highlands, NC 28741 828-421-2042 cakebarhighlands.com Calders Coffee Café 384 Main St Highlands, NC 28741 828-200-9308 calderscoffeecafe.com Colonel Mustards 343B Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8697 colonelmustardshighlands.com

Dusty Rhodes Superette 493 Dillard Rd Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2762 El Azteca Rainforest Cafe 72 Highlands Plaza Highlands, NC 28741 828-332-1080 aztecahighlands.com El Manzanillo Restaurant 30 Dillard Rd Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-0608

Four 65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar 465 Main St Highlands, NC 28741 828-787-2990 four65.com _______________________ Fresser’s Courtyard Café & Catering 470 Oak Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8847 wecaterHighlands.com Highlands ABC Store 81 Highlands Plaza Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5470 abc.nc.gov/Districts/Board/101

Highlands Burritos 226 S. 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9313 Highlandsburriotos.com _______________________ Highlands Smokehouse 595 Franklin Rd Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3554 Highlandssmokehouse.com Highlands Wine Shoppe 269 Oak Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4080 Highlandswineshoppe.com Kelsey Place Restaurant 420 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9380 Highlandsinn-nc.com/kelsey-place Kilwins of Highlands 341 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3788 k i l w i n s . c o m /s t o r e s / kilwins-highlands Lakeside Restaurant 531 Smallwood Ave Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9419 lakesiderestaurant.info

Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden 445 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5477 oldedwardsinn.com/dining/ madisons _______________________

828-526-9632 sweetreatshighlands.com

NON - PROFITS

The High Dive 476 Carolina Way Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-6400 f a c e b o o k . c o m / highlandsdive

Carpe Diem Farms 544 Western Rhodes Drive Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2854 carpediemfarms.org

Hudson Library 554 Main Street Highlands, NC 28734 828-526-3031 fontanalib.org/highlands

Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation 348 S. 5th St Highlands, NC 28741 828-482-6510 Highlandscashiershealthfoundation.org

International Friendship Center / Food Pantry 348 South 5th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-0890 internationalfriendshipcenter.org

Highlands Cashiers Land Trust 348 South 5th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-1111 hicashlt.org

Literacy Council of Highlands 675 S. 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-0863 Highlandsliteracy.com

Meritage Bistro 490 Carolina Way Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-1019 meritagehighlands.com

The Kitchen Carry Away and Catering 350 South 5th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2110 thekitchenofhighlands.com

Midpoint Restaurant 332 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4429 cyprushighlands.com

The Pizza Place 365 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5660

Mountain Fresh Grocery 521 East Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2400 mfgro.com

On the Verandah 1536 Franklin Rd Highlands, NC 28741 828-482-0083 ontheveranda.com _______________________ Pizza Place of Highlands 365 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5660 facebook.com/ thepizzaplaceofhighlands Ristorante Paoletti 440 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4906 paolettis.com Rosewood Market 115 Franklin Rd Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-0383 Ruffled Grouse 270 Main St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2590 highlandermountainhouse.com Satulah Mountain Brewery Co. 454 Carolina Way Highlands, NC 28741 828-482-9794 satulahmountainbrewing. weebly.com Subway 73 Highlands Plaza Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-1706 order.subway.com SweeTreats 115 South 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741

The Ugly Dog Public House 294 South 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8364 theuglydogpub.com _______________________ Tug’s Proper 314 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3555 tugsproper.com Whole Life Market & Nectar Juice Bar 680 N 4th St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5999 wholelifehighlands.com Wild Thyme Gourmet 343 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4035 wildthymegourmet.com

Highlands Chamber of Commerce 108 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5841 Highlandschamber.org _______________________ H i g h l a n d s Co m m u n i t y Child Development Center 89 Church Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8905

Peggy Crosby Community Service Center, Inc. 348 South 5th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9938 peggycrosbycenter.org Pisgah Legal Services Highlands, NC 28741 800-489-6144 pisgahlegal.org REACH of Macon County 1895 Old Murphy Rd Franklin, NC 28734 828-369-5544 reachofmaconcounty.org Rotary Club of Highlands P.O. Box 1741 Highlands, NC 28741 Highlandsrotary.org

Highlands Welcome Center 108 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2112 Highlandschamber.org

Rotary Club of Highlands-Mountaintop 520 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 facebook.com/RotaryClub-of-Highlands-MountainTop

P E T S E RV I C E S

Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro 474 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3807 wolfgangs.net

INSURANCE Wayah Insurance 475 Carolina Way Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3713 wayah.com

Animal Wellness Hospital 2271 Dillard Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8700 awhhighlands.com Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society 200 Gable Drive

Sapphire, NC 28774 828-743-5752 chhumanesociety.org Posh Paws 411 N. 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9581

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P R I N TI N G & M E D I A Dauntless Printing 68 Highlands Plaza Highlands, NC 28741 828-787-1324 dauntlessprinting.com

Highlander Newspaper 134 North 5th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4114 highlandsnews.com _______________________ Highlands Newspaper 265 Oak Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-200-1371 highlandsinfo.com

Laurel Magazine Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-0173 thelaurelmagazine.com

R E C R E ATI O N Macon Printing 219 East Main Street Franklin, NC 28734 828-524-7045 maconprinting.com

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The Business Spot 539 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-482-0286 biz-spot.com _______________________

WHLC FM 104.5 2420 Highway 64 East Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-1045 whlc.com

R E A L E S TAT E & VAC ATI O N R E N TA L S Betty Holt, Realtor 2334 Cashiers Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-1717 berkshirehathawayhs.com/ betty-holt-real-estate-agent

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Meadows Mountain Realty 2334 Cashiers Road & 488 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-1717 meadowsmtnrealty.com _______________________ Blair Realty 315 Country Club Drive Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9155 blair-realty.com Chambers Agency & Vacation Rentals 401 North Fifth Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3717 highlandsiscalling.com Cleaveland Realty 223 N. 4th St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4983 .jcrealty.info Country Club Properties 183 West Main Street 363 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2520 ccphighlands.com Helen Gentry, Real Estate- WNC 1573 Highlands Rd Franklin, NC 28734 828-4215197 facebook.com/ helengentryrealty

Highlands Cashiers Board of Realtors 45 Slabtown Road, Suite B8 Cashiers, NC 28717 828-743-0423 hcbor.net Highlands Cashiers Concierge & Management 135 Fordham Lane Highlands, NC 28741 828-482-2480 hccmhome.com Highlands Concierge & Management 29 Dillard Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-482-5142 highlandsconcierge.com Highlands Cove Realty at Old Edwards Club 175 Highlands Cove Drive Highlands, NC 28741 678-235-9191 highlandscoverealty.com Highlands Properties 450 N 4th St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5522 highlandsproperties.com

Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty 1371 Cullasaja Club Drive & 216 South Fourth Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4104 highlandssir.com _______________________

Landmark Realty Group 225 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4663 landmarkrg.com _______________________

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Oxford Properties LLC 163 Moorewood Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4321 oxfordprop.com

Pat Allen Realty Group 295 Dillard Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8784 highlandsncrealestatepatallen.com _______________________

Palmer House Properties- Elevated 5th St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-0000 https://palmerhouseproperties.com/featured-properties/ highlands-nc/ _______________________ Preferred Properties of Highlands 171 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5587 ppoh.com The Real Estate Buyers Guide 720 Highlands Road Franklin, NC 28734 828-421-3257 therebg.com

White Oak Realty Group 125 South 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8118 whiteoakrg.com

Brookings Anglers 273 Spring Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-482-9444 brookingsonline.com _______________________ Great Smoky Mountain Railroad 45 Mitchell Street Bryson City, NC 28713 800-872-4681 gsmr.com

Highlands Aerial Park 9625 Dillard Road Scaly Mountain, NC 28775 828-526-8773 highlandsaerialpark.com

Highlands Recreation Park and Civic Center 600 North 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3556 highlandsnc.org Mountain Laurel Tennis Club 353 Mountain Laurel Drive Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4770 mountainlaureltennisclub.com Mountain Retreat and Learning Center 3872 Dillard Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5838 mountaincenters.org Jackson Hole Gem Mine 9770 Highlands Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-524-5850 jacksonholegemmine.com

_______________________ Highlands Biological Station and Garden 265 North 6th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2602 highlandsbiological.org Highland Excursion 4656 Whiteside Cove Road Highlands, NC 28741 864-373-4022 highlandexcursion.com Highlands Historic Village 524 North 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-787-1050 Highlandshistory.com

Killer Bees Honey Lake Toxaway, NC 312-909-5878 killerbeeshoney.com _______________________ Sapphire Valley Resort 100 Cherokee Trail Sapphire, NC 28774 828-619-0097 sapphirevalley.com

Highlands Motoring Festival P. O. Box 404 Highlands, NC 28741 336-337-5014 highlandsmotoringfestival.com

Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center 7420 Dillard Road Scaly Mountain, NC 28775 850-526-3737 scalymountain.com

Highlands Plateau Audubon Society P. O. Box 833 Highlands, NC 28741 404-295-0633 Highlandsaudubonsociety.org

Signal Ridge Marina 4769 Highway 107 Glenville, NC 28736 828-743-2143 signalridgemarina.com

Highlands Plateau Greenway P. O. Box 2608 Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2385 Highlandsgreenway.com

Wildwater 1251 Academy Road Long Creek, SC 29658 800-451-9972 wildwaterrafting.com

S E RV I C E S Highlands Express Mobil 115 Franklin Rd Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2443 exxon.com/en/find-station/ 200323669 Highlands Fire Department 322 Oak Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3645 highlandsfire.com #1 Nails 145 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-0222 Balsom West FiberNET 35 Bonnie Lane Sylva, NC 28779 888-2257266 balsamwest.net Bartlett Tree Expert Highlands, NC 28741 828-577-6601 jbrown@bartlett.com Benjamin F. Edwards and Company 479 South Street, Suite #2 Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3535 benjaminfedwardsco.com Blue Ridge Irrigation Lake Toxaway, NC 28747 312-909-5878 facebook.com/ Blue-Ridge-Irrigation-Lawn Bryson’s Enterprises, Inc 2939 Cashiers Rd Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9348S brysonsgrading.com C.A. Wilson Electric and Gas 144 Popular Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2568 wilsongas.com Carlson Financial Solutions 3093 E. US 64 Suite C Sapphire, NC 28774 888-852-8302 carlsonfs.com Computer Biz 121 Watkins Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3735 Computer Man Electronics 479 South Street Suite 1 Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-1796 the computerman.org Creative Concepts Salon 541 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3939 facebook.com /creativeconceptssalon

Curtis Matthews, CPA 348 S. 5th St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2111 curtis-mathews.com Disaster Doctors 346 Five Points Drive Franklin, NC 28734 828-369-2000 disasterdoctors.net Edward Jones Investments 149 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-787-2090 edwardjones.com Edwards Electrical Service 216 Keener Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5147 edwardselectricalservice. com Farmer’s Market Exxon 22 Dillard Rd Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4382 exxon.com/en/find-station /200311928 First Citizens Bank 615 North 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9692 firstcitizens.com Foxglove Cotillion 24 Chechero Street, Suite 3, #130 Clayton, GA 30525 770-861-3149 foxglovecotillion.com Freeman Gas 2271 Dillard Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-0040 freemangas.com Happy Family Cleaners Highlands Plaza Highlands, NC 28741 828-369-0669

Highlands Police Department 310 Oak Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9431 highlandsnc.org K Anderson Salon 431 N 4th St Highlands, NC 28741 615-480-7303 Magnolia Concierge Franklin, NC 561-613-1496 magnoliaconciergeservices. com Main Street Payments Highlands, NC 28741 828-482-2032 McAllister Family Insurance 479 South St Highlands, NC 28741 828-369-3699 mcallisterfamilyinsurance. com

Phillip Gates 313 Orange Ave Fort Pierce, FL 34950 772-201-6773 Planters, Inc. 930 Hale Ridge Road Scaly Mountain, NC 28775 828-526-2140 plantersgarden.com Pro Nails 488 Main St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8777 Regions Bank 161 Spring Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3838 regions.com

Select Bank 473 Carolina Way Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3000 _______________________ Shear Elevations 225 Spring St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9477

Michael’s for Hair 121 Main St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-1899

Stephen Lucas CPA 16 Holly Tree Lane Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2399 lucascpa.com

Mountain Magic Beauty 44 Sutulah Rd Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4049 mountain-magic-beauty. business.site

Tate Landscaping Services 3763 Dillard Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8953 tatelandscapingservices. com

Mountain Lakes Medical Center 162 Legacy Point Clayton, GA 30525 706-782-3100 mountainlakesmedicalcenter.com _______________________

Taylor Barnes Spa and Salon 330 Dillard Rd Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4192 taylorspa.com TNT Recycle Highlands, NC 28741 828-347-6569 facebook.com/pages/category/ Waste-Management-Company/ TNT-Recycle

SHOPPING & R E TA I L

ACP Home Interiors 1990 Dillard Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4500 acphomeinteriors.com _______________________ Acorn’s Designer Fashions and Home Interiors 212 South 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-787-1877 oldedwardsinn.com/acornsonchurch.com Allison Diane Clothing 114 N. 4th St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5404 Annawear 355 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4660 Appalachian Harvest 305 Main St Highlands, NC 28741 828-743-7300 Art Glass Creations 260 Franklin Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9292 Bardo 460 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4020 bardo49nc.mycloveronline.com Bags on Main 364 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9415

Bear Mountain Outfitters 302 Main Street Highlands, NC 28717 828-526-5784 facebook.com/bmo97 _______________________

Head Innovations 2250 Dillard St Highlands, NC 28741 828-787-2343

Mountain Springs Spas and Pools 611 Highlands Rd Franklin, NC 28734 828-369-2871 mountainhotspring.com

Town of Highlands 210 North 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2118 highlandsnc.org

Blue Elephant Consignment 2248 Dillard Rd Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9948

Highlands Barber Shop 446 Main St Highlands, NC 28741 828-482-9374 highlandsbarber.com

Neumann Law Office Dillard Rd Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-0200 neumannlawoffice.com

United States Post Office 43 Dillard Rd Highlands, NC 28741 800-275-8777 usps.com

Bobby Grace Putters 1392 North 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-7888 bobbygraceputters.com

108 • HIGHLANDS 2021 EXPERIENCE GUIDE

Potpourri Eyewear 330 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8886 potpourrihighlands.com Reclamations 99 Cherrywood Drive Highlands, NC 28741 828-787-2299 globalreclamations.com

Bookworm 555 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3031 C. Orrico 343 Main St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9122 corrico.com Cabin Couture 468 Carolina Way Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3909 cabincouturehighlands.com Celebrity Collections 352 Main St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4994 celebritycollectionsjewelry.com Charleston Shoe Company 114 N. 4th St Unit 3 Highlands, NC 28741 828-482-7700 charlestonshoeco.com Christmas Tree 357 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3687 Citizen Wilder 219 S. 4th St Highlands, NC 28741 315-369-0011 stickcandles.com

Dutchmans Designs 342 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8864 dutchmansdesigns.com

Highlands Gem Shop 201 South 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2767 highlandsgemshop.com

Martha Anne’s on the Hill 256 S 4th St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4473 marthaannes.com

Elevation: High Fashion for Women 330 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-0100 facebook.com/ElevationofHighlands

Highlands Kids 114 North 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5799 highlandskids.com

McCulley’s Cashmere 242 South 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4407 mcculleys.com

Fibber Magee’s Closet Thrift Shop 495 Laurel St Highlands, NC 298741 828-526-2591 Full House Gallery 66 Highlands Plaza Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-6004 Fullhousegallery.com

Highland Hiker 561 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8673 highlandhiker.com _______________________

Classic Links and Luggage 381 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-421-9594 classiclinksandluggage.com

Highland Hiker Shoes 547 Main St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2511 highlandhiker.com

Dry Sink 450 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5226 thedrysink.com

J. McLaughlin Clothing Store 318 Main Street Highlands, NC 28734 828-526-0844 jmclaughlin.com/stores/ index/store/id/68

Gold-n-Clipper 410 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4989

ckSWAN 233 North 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2083 ckswan.com

Crown Heritage Flowers 95 Highlands Plaza Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8671 crownheritageflowers.com

Highlands Mountain Paws 390 Main St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-7297

Highlands Fine Art and Estate Jewelry and Wine Shop 388 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-0656 highlandsfineart.com

Mirror Lake Antiques 215 South 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2080 mirrorlakeantiques.com Mountain Findings Thrift Shop 432 Spruce St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9929 mountain-findings.edan.io Mountain Heritage 371 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5519

J. Elliott Style 215 N 4th St Highlands, NC 28741 828-482-2282 jelliottstyle.com _______________________ Jannie Bean Fine Custom Jewelry 152 2nd Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5858 JannieBeandesigns.com Lulu Blue 326 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-482-4375 facebook.com/LuluBleuNC Main Street Gifts 366 Main St Highlands, NC 28741 828-482-1414 Main Street Nursery 135 Franklin Rd Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4212

Needlepoint of Highlands 288 Franklin Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3901

Oak Leaf 395 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8000 oakleafstyle.com _______________________ Potpourri Town Square 343Main St Unit E Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9888 potpourrihighlands.com Potpourri 2 330 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8886 potpourrihighlands.com

Reeves Hardware 275 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2157 reevesacehardware.com _______________________

Rosenthals Boutique 375 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2100 rosenthalsboutique.com _______________________ Shakespeare & Co. Books 204 N 5th St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3777 facebook.com/ShakespeareAndCompanyBookseller Shiraz Oriental Rug Gallery 304 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5759 shirazrugs.com Silver Eagle 349 Main St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5190 silvereaglegallery.com S’more Kids Klothes 223 S 4th St Highlands, NC 28741 828-787-1023 smorekidsklothes.biz Smitten 468 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9300 smittenofhighlands.com Spartina 449 394 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-787-1178 spartina449.com/highlands Spoiled Rotten 343 Main St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3608

HIGHLANDSCHAMBER.ORG • 109

Tom Sawyer Christmas Tree Farm 240 Chimney Pond Road Glenville, NC 28736 828-743-5456 tomsawyerchristmastreefarm.com

T.A. Anderson Goldsmith 187 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4177 taagold.com The Molly Grace 207 N. 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8390 The Southern Way 388 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4777 facebook.com/TheSouthernWayofHighlands The Spice & Tea Exchange 330 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-482-1609 spiceandtea.com The Toy Store 364 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9415 facebook.com/TheTo y - S t o r e - o f - H i g h lands-131398656995856

Town and Country General Store 14 Raggedy Lane Cashiers, NC 28717 828-547-1300 facebook.com/ tandcgeneralstore _______________________

TRANSPORTATION Car Spa of Highlands 154 Highlands Plaza Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2267 thecarspaofhighlands.com

Highlands Transportation Company Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-4113 specialoccasionslimo.com

Highlands Taxi 49 Chestnut Walk Highlands, NC 28741 828-482-2319 highlandstaxiandshuttle.com

Long Transfer, Inc 2121 Dillard Rd Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9552 longtransferbusiness.site

The Car Butler 518 Dillard Rd Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-1900 Top Shelf Transportation Services P. O. Box 203 Highlands, NC 28741 828-200-9045

VAC ATI O N R E N TA L S

Unique Elegance 361 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 404-791-8609 uniqueelegance.net Vivace 230 South Fourth Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-1880 vivacenc.com

THEHIGHLANDSCHATEAU

Summer House 2089 Dillard Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5577 summerhousehighlands. com

Wish & Shoes 211 South Fourth Street Highlands, NC 28741 wishandshoes.com TJ Bailey For Men 343C Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2262 tjbmens.com

Wits End 382 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3160 facebook.com/pages/wits-end

110 • HIGHLANDS 2021 EXPERIENCE GUIDE

Bowery Road Chateau, LLC 2468 Bowery Road Highlands, NC 28741 770-652-4799 highlandsncchateau.com

Highlands Vacation Rentals 177 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-9999 highlandsmountainrentals. com

Kangee Graham Rentals 219 Beyond OzWay Highlands, NC 28741 407-709-8916 airbnb.com/ rooms/18878569

WEDDINGS & EVENTS

Altaterra Events 45 Rolling Woods Dr Highlands, NC 28741 828-200-1211 altaterraevents.com

Silly Ridge Round Up P. O. Box 2035 Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-5958 sillyridge.com

Archbishop John Stuart Erbelding 240 Bell Colony Drive Dillard, GA 30537 706-746-5770 skyvalleychapel.com

The Farm at Old Edwards Inn 336 Arnold Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-787-2610 oldedwardsinn.com/ weddings

Double R Wedding Vows and Events 128 Thunderstruck Lane Franklin, NC 28734 833-933-2877 eventective.com Eleven Events 103-b Augusta St Greenville, SC 29601 864-421-4522 eleven.events Hott Acts Highlands, NC 28741 828-421-4121 hottacts.com Sawyer Family Farmstead 240 Chimney Pond Road Glenville, NC 28736 828-743-5456 sawyerfamilyfarmstead.com

The Vineyard at 37 High Holly 37 High Holly Road Scaly Mountain, NC 28775 828-787-1907 thevineyardat37highholly. com _______________________ Weddings at Old Edwards Inn and Spa 445 Main Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-787-2610 oldedwardsinn.com/ weddings

WELLNESS

Acupuncture & Healing Arts 348 South 5th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-0743 acupunturehighlands.com Aery Chiropractic & Acupuncture 2655 Dillard Road Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-1022 aerychiropractic.com Center for Plastic Surgery 209 Hospital Drive, Suite 202 Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3783 plasticsurgerytoday.com Counseling and Psychotherapy Center of Highlands 348 S. 5th St Highlands, NC 28741 828-342-0546 Dyer & Ricke, PLLC 479 South St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-3513

Four Seasons Compassion For Life 171 Hospital Drive, Suite 600 Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2552 fourseasonscfl.org Highlands Cashiers Hospital 190 Hospital Drive Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-1200 mission-health.org/ about-highlands-cashiers-hospital.php Highlands Pharmacy 195 Main St Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-2366 Innovation & Creativity Institute 125 South 4th Street Highlands, NC 28741 828-371-2079 innovationandcreativityinstitute.com

John Scott Baker, MD 479 South St Suite 3 Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-1700 My Choice Home Care 348 South 5th St Suite 209 Highlands, NC 28741 828-200-9000 mychoicehome.care Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center 226 East Palmer Street Franklin, NC 28734 828-349-3200 SMPCC.org Viva Wellness 5 Cottage Row Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-1566 Yoga Highlands & Structural Integration 464 Carolina Way Highlands, NC 28741 828-526-8880 yogahighlands.com

HIGHLANDSCHAMBER.ORG • 111

If these are your mountains, then this is your newspaper.

The Highlander

Highlands’ number one source for news and information since 1958. 828-526-4114

| www.highlandsnews.com

YEARLY SUBSCRIPTIONS STARTING AT $34. Call for more details. Also publishers of 112 • HIGHLANDS 2021 EXPERIENCE GUIDE

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