Cliffs Living Magazine

CLIFFS LIVING

A Magazine With, For, & About Members at The Cliff agazine Wit F Ab t

A Magazine With, For, & About Members at The Cliffs iffs

Master Seven Courses With Just One Club

LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP

Rob Duckett, President of The Cliffs, shares a thoughtful message.

GATHER

Take a look at the festive gatherings hosted by The Cliffs throughout the year.

ON BEING WELL

Three members share their unique take on wellness.

FUEL YOUR FIRE

Have fun in the kitchen with this collection of healthy recipes from our Executive Chefs.

HOME IN THE TREES

A Walnut Cove home brings the outside in with striking contemporary design and an emphasis on efficiency.

THE WELLNESS BLUEPRINT

Meet seven athletes who call The Cliffs home and hear why they love to train here.

THE NATURE CURE

Surrounded by stunning landscapes, The Cliffs inspires mindfulness, renewal, and deeper connections with nature.

GOATS ON THE GREEN Mountain Park fights back against invasive species near the golf course. 14 20 98 7

CLIFFS RESIDENTS OUTREACH

Come jump in the pool for water aerobics at the Lake Club. 50 40 88 28 84 106 64 112 118 78

Discover the incredible work of Cliffs Residents Outreach and the recent award from the state of South Carolina.

HOME AT THE CLIFFS

Step inside the homes and lives of members John and Julie Adams and Phil and Brigid Hugh.

LIFE BY THE LAKE

Hear about lake life from the sales executives of The Cliffs Lake Region.

SIGHTS AND PEOPLE OF THE CLIFFS

Explore this collection of images shared by our talented members.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Walnut Cove member Susan Tanner remembers how The Cliffs community came together in the days after Hurricane Helene.

FEATURED CLASS

Custom Home Builder

Dillard-Jones Builders is more than a custom home builder—we’re a legacy in the making, rooted in decades of craftsmanship, innovation, and trusted relationships. As a family-owned company, we take pride in creating our clients live.

To elevate this legacy, we’ve united our Custom Homes, Cottage portfolio, Renovations, and Services divisions under the Dillard-Jones name, offering a seamless experience for every stage of homeownership. From building new homes to re-imagining existing spaces and providing ongoing property care, we deliver expertise and attention to detail at every turn.

At Dillard-Jones, we’re crafting timeless homes and fostering connections that endure, creating a foundation for lives well-lived and legacies that last.

EDITOR AND DESIGNER

HAILEY WIST

MANAGING EDITORS

KRISTIE HARRIS

ERIN FORRET

COPY EDITOR

SUNNY GRAY

PUBLISHER THE CLIFFS

AMY ANDERSON

JOHN ADAMS

JULIE ADAMS

TRUDI AHART

JUSTIN COLEMAN

LUCINDA DETRICH

HANS DOELLGAST

DAN DONNELLY

SCOTT EVANS

JED FEDOR

KIRK FIORE

SPECIAL THANKS

EDWARD GIARD

CHAD HARDING

MATT HENDRIX

GEORGE HINCAPIE

BRIGID HUGH

PHIL HUGH

BROOKE KERN

DAVID LAMOND

PAULA MITCHELL

JEFF MOSER

GRANT MOSES

CONTRIBUTORS

EMILY BARBEE

BONFIRE VISUALS

JOEL CALDWELL

BARRY KAUFMAN

REBECCA LANGLANDS

ALEXANDRA MARVAR

PATRICK O’BRIEN

ZACK PEELER

NICK RIDDLE

SUSAN TANNER

RYAN THEEDE

SCOTT WALLACE

LORRI PERRY

SCOTT REID

ALEXIS RESSLER

RYAN ROWLEY

GABBY SAULSBERY

CHRIS SHELNUT

SARA SMITHSON

ZACK THOMAS

FRANCIS TURCK

JAKE WICKISER

MARKI ZANDER

Welcome to CLIFFS LIVING

Dear Members at The Cliffs,

Our spring/summer edition, The Wellness Issue of Cliffs Living magazine, celebrates the components of a well-balanced lifestyle. Here at The Cliffs, our wellness centers, racquet sports, seven golf courses, and outdoor adventures with our Outdoor Pursuits teams offer a multifaceted approach to living each day to the fullest.

In this issue, you’ll discover inspiring stories of members who have embarked on their personal wellness journeys— working with our personal trainers, prioritizing mindfulness through breathing and meditation, and engaging in activities to support a full, balanced life. You’ll also read stories about resilience, an essential part of wellness. We were inspired by our communities coming together when faced with insurmountable odds during Hurricane Helene’s impact on the Western Carolinas. We are deeply grateful for the care and commitment shown by our members and staff.

If you’ve been around Mountain Park lately, you’ve most likely noticed we’ve broken ground on the upcoming Sports Pavilion—another addition to The Cliffs’ robust roster of wellness options. This new amenity will feature tennis, padel, and pickleball courts, a resort-style pool, picturesque green spaces, a playground, and a dog park—all nestled in the heart of our seven communities.

As we look ahead, we are excited about the many opportunities to connect, grow, and thrive together. Whether it’s on the greens, on the courts, in the mountains, or on the lake, we look forward to sharing new adventures and unforgettable moments. You are part of the vibrant lifestyle that is The Cliffs, and we look forward to offering you more opportunities to embrace every day—as a brand-new day—to live your best life.

Regards,

ROB DUCKETT President, The Cliffs

To submit photos, story ideas, or feedback about Cliffs Living, email magazine@cliffsliving.com. We also invite you to help grow our community by sharing Cliffs Living with family and friends, and then invite them to join you here as a member.

WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT WE DO AND IT SHOWS

With over 70 homes constructed throughout The Cliffs communities, Evergreen is here for your homebuilding needs. We are a full service custom building company that prides ourselves in the quality and craftsmanship we provide to our customers. We are also proud of the relationships we have built with our clients along the way. Evergreen is an original member of The Cliffs Preferred Builder program and look forward to discussing your new home in The Cliffs.

Plan Your Lakeside Vacation

BATTLE OF THE DIRECTORS PIG ROAST | MOUNTAIN PARK

YOUTH WATERSPORTS CAMP | KEOWEE SPRINGS

OUTDOOR PURSUITS | SUMMER AUSTRIA TRIP

FREEDOM FEAST | MOUNTAIN PARK

OUTDOOR PURSUITS | SUMMER AUSTRIA TRIP

BEST OF THE BEST | GLASSY

GATHER

AT THE CLIFFS

Throughout the year, The Cliffs hosts dozens of soirees, golf tournaments, and events for members and their guests. Here’s a snapshot of a few gatherings from 2024.

PHOTOGRAPHS by BONFIRE VISUALS, ZACK PEELER, and REBECCA LANGLANDS

YOUTH WATERSPORTS CAMP | KEOWEE SPRINGS

BEST OF THE BEST | GLASSY

FREEDOM FEAST | MOUNTAIN PARK

YOUTH WATERSPORTS CAMP | KEOWEE SPRINGS

25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION | KEOWEE VINEYARDS

OUTDOOR PURSUITS | SUMMER AUSTRIA TRIP

FREEDOM FEAST | MOUNTAIN PARK

BEST OF THE BEST | GLASSY

FREEDOM FEAST | MOUNTAIN PARK

YOUTH WATERSPORTS CAMP | KEOWEE SPRINGS

BEST OF THE BEST | GLASSY

FREEDOM FEAST | MOUNTAIN PARK

YOUTH WATERSPORTS CAMP | KEOWEE SPRINGS

BEST OF THE BEST | GLASSY

BATTLE OF THE DIRECTORS PIG ROAST | MOUNTAIN PARK

FREEDOM FEAST | MOUNTAIN PARK

BATTLE OF THE DIRECTORS PIG ROAST | MOUNTAIN PARK

OUTDOOR PURSUITS | SUMMER AUSTRIA TRIP

BATTLE OF THE DIRECTORS PIG ROAST | MOUNTAIN PARK

BEST OF THE BEST | GLASSY

YOUTH WATERSPORTS CAMP | KEOWEE SPRINGS

ON BEING WELL

STORY BY ALEXANDRA MARVAR | PHOTOGRAPHS BY EMILY BARBEE

At The Cliffs, there’s a path to wellness for everyone: An active outdoors lifestyle, world-class golf courses, wellness centers, spa treatments, vibrant communities, and the splendor of nature. Every day is an opportunity to discover a new approach to health, happiness, and longevity. Here, three members reveal their unique approaches to wellness.

REIMAGINING CLINICAL CARE

DR. DAVID LAMOND OF BLUE SKY MD

THE CLIFFS AT KEOWEE FALLS

In 2008, Doctors David and Natalie LaMond established Blue Sky MD in Hendersonville, North Carolina. It was around then that they discovered The Cliffs. For years they rented a house on the lake in the summertime with their two sons. Now, their boys are both in college, one at University of Tennessee Knoxville and the other at Wake Forest. The LaMonds decided to take the leap and recently closed on a house in The Cliffs at Keowee Falls. The house will be a gathering place for the family, and a retreat from the helm of their wildly successful wellness clinic.

What began as a primary care practice with an emphasis on prevention has since scaled into a transformative healthcare model. Blue Sky MD now spans nine offices with nearly two hundred employees across North Carolina and has appeared three times on the Inc. 5000 list of the U.S.’s fastest-growing privately held companies.

“Everything we do in primary care is actually secondary prevention, meaning that we order a test like a mammogram or a colonoscopy to find a disease at an early stage. But it’s not truly primary—preventing things before they happen.”

Over twenty years ago, when LaMond was training at Albany Medical Center, this idea of truly preventive medicine was an exciting new frontier. His colleagues, like Dr. Mark Hyman, championed functional medicine and the revolutionary concept of “food as medicine.”

“As a young career physician, I would see spry seventy- and eighty-year-olds and wonder: What is making them healthier?” Now he’s zeroed in on the answer. It’s a hybrid, personalized approach to care. “There are several healthcare tools, but it’s also about lifestyle.”

Blue Sky MD’s model of care was designed to go beyond treating symptoms, integrating these broader wellness principles into primary care and creating a personalized, patient-centered experience long before the concept became popularized.

“Off we went, and we started teaching people about nutrition alongside what I would call traditional primary care.”

This includes managing chronic diseases and addressing issues like lipids, heart disease, and diabetes. The team also considers aspects of health that can’t be measured in a blood panel, like mental health and weight gain. Advanced approaches like metabolic rate assessments and hormone screenings allow the Blue Sky MD team to incorporate nutrition strategies, behavioral therapy, and other interventions based on a patient’s unique physiology into their treatment plan.

Natalie works on the clinical side as a supervisory physician who helps mentor some of the twenty-plus mid-level providers underneath them, conducting chart audits and handling other clinical needs. David acts as CEO and medical director. These days, his primary focus is scaling Blue Sky MD’s impact. “I’m interested in population health, so trying to touch not just a couple hundred patients or a couple thousand patients in certain clinical scenarios, but tens of thousands of patients across the Blue Sky MD network,” he says.

“The funny thing is: Simple things are simple,” LaMond says. Certain, simple, science-backed lifestyle modifications—diet, exercise, social interaction—are logical and impactful. They’re the factors powering the health of those spry octogenarians the LaMonds had once wondered about.

“Obviously, we practice what we preach,” David says. “We try to get a good amount of sleep. We move daily with intent. We eat clean, for the most part. And I’m very intentional about keeping a close-knit group of people who I keep in touch with.” Research shows that the healthiest “super-agers” (People in their 70s or 80s with the cognitive or physical function of people decades younger) center their lives around community and social interaction. “I think that’s really important,” he says. “Not just challenging yourself, but keeping a community.”

“AS A YOUNG CAREER PHYSICIAN, I WOULD SEE SPRY SEVENTY- AND EIGHTY-YEAROLDS AND WONDER: WHAT IS MAKING THEM HEALTHIER?”

“IF

I’VE GOTTEN IT OUT OVER AN EIGHT-HOUR SESSION WITH A PIECE OF WORK, I’M PHYSICALLY DONE, I’M MENTALLY DONE, AND I SLEEP LIKE A ROCK. THERE’S DEFINITELY SOMETHING VERY THERAPEUTIC ABOUT IT.”

THE SERENITY OF SANDING

WOODWORKER EDWARD GIARD

THE CLIFFS AT KEOWEE SPRINGS

Over his decades-long career working with some of the world’s leading sporting goods companies, Edward Giard, Jr. dedicated himself to the art of product creation, striving to innovate and bring to life ideas that had never before been imagined. Then, twelve years ago, he retired, “tapping out” of the corporate world to spend more time with his four children and wife of thirtythree years.

One fateful day post-retirement, Giard stumbled into the weird, wonderful world of epoxy art, where makers take beautiful slabs of gnarled wood and fill negative space with various colors of epoxy, creating sculptural furniture and display pieces. He was intrigued.

When the Giards built their home at The Cliffs, they needed something to hang above the fireplace. It was the beginning of the pandemic, and Giard’s routine was upended. So he dove in, embarking on his first epoxy woodworking creation: a four–by-seven-foot, solid oak and translucent epoxy, backlit panel featuring the intricate silhouette of Lake Keowee.

The process unlocked a new world of creativity for Giard. In later pieces, he carved ornate depictions of landscapes, images from nature, or abstractions into epoxy and all manner of wood, from maple to an extremely sentimental felled crepe myrtle. Each piece can take three months from start to finish.

“Whether it’s the lake, a sunset, a mountain view, a blue crab, or whatever the theme may be, I hand-draw it and then engrave that into the wood,” his “blank canvas,” he says. Next, he creates a waterproof mold that will hold the wood and the epoxy, which takes several weeks to cure. After curing, he applies a “float coat” of epoxy over the top, then begins sanding, a “tedious” process that spans weeks more. But as an introvert, he says, he relishes the tedium.

“Sanding is incredibly time-consuming, and everybody else in the world seems to hate it, but it doesn’t bother me because

you’re in your cocoon,” he says. “You’re going grit by grit by grit, meaning there are coarse, rough spots in the beginning. But the finer you go, the smoother the wood becomes and the more transparent and shiny the epoxy becomes.”

To the untrained eye, he says, one phase of this process may look indistinguishable from six phases later. “But once you get it, it’s like knowing a good diamond or a good wine. I don’t know much about wine, but somebody who knows what they’re doing knows about the oak in the aroma. I can tell where I’ve sanded and where I haven’t, just by feel. It’s a solitary, peaceful time for me.”

Before one piece is finished, he might start on another. But he limits the number of works he produces to about six per year. “I don’t want it to become a job,” he says. “Because it’s a passion—creating something I haven’t seen before.”

Doing the work involves shutting out the world for a bit: ear protection, eye protection, and a respirator. He can get very immersed in it, for hours at a time—and possibly forget to eat a meal or two while he’s in the zone. With his beloved dogs sniffing around at his feet, the typical rapid-fire thoughts we all cycle through quiet down, he says, and he finds new clarity in situations that have been bothering him or comes to helpful realizations out of the blue.

“When you’re spending hours—crazy, loud sound, gloves on, smothering three or four of your senses—you’re figuring out the universe,” he says. “I sleep really well after I’ve finished with all that. Normally, I’ll wake up at 3 a.m., thinking about all this silly stuff. But if I’ve gotten it out over an eight-hour session with a piece of work, I’m physically done, I’m mentally done, and I sleep like a rock. There’s definitely something very therapeutic about it.”

MEDITATION AND MANIFESTATION

LEED-CERTIFIED CLINICAL HYPNOTIST DAN DONNELLY

THE CLIFFS AT KEOWEE SPRINGS

In Dan Donnelly’s morning regimen, he and his girlfriend wake up, have a cup of coffee, and spend some time in his infrared sauna. If he’s by himself, he meditates and does a session of selfhypnosis. This starts a wellness-filled day.

When Donnelly (a real estate mogul and investor with an HVAC empire) lived in Manhattan, he needed a way to cope with stress. Traditional meditation, however, didn’t cut it.

“Everyone has their definition of what meditation should and shouldn’t be,” he says. “I’m a very active entrepreneur, and conventional meditation—sitting cross-legged for thirty minutes in silence while it’s two hundred degrees—didn’t resonate.” He developed an approach that worked for him: setting intentions by candlelight, then picturing a visual manifestation of said intention in his mind’s eye.

Then, he says, he met a psychotherapist who told him, Dan, you really should become a hypnotist. “So, I became a hypnotist.”

Within a few years, Donnelly earned certifications in hypnotism and executive coaching simultaneously. “The best way to heal from a divorce is to keep your mind busy, so that’s what I was doing at the time, and I fell in love with hypnosis.”

By 2018, Donnelly had sold several of his businesses. And he was eyeing an escape from New York.

So he manifested something different. In 2020, he showed up at The Cliffs at Keowee Springs and fell in love. “I wake up every morning responsible for my own destiny. I have a beautiful lake outside, a beautiful sustainable home, and amazing people all around,” he says.

His home is “designed for wellness,” he adds. “I look at common sense—all the things my parents, grandparents, and elders taught me—drink more water, exercise, and get eight hours of sleep. All those different things have become harder over the years.” He chalks this up to technology; however, as much as technology is a problem, it can be a solution. His 57th Street building in Manhattan, he says, was an early proving ground for air purifying scrubbers in the “dog days of COVID,” and some of that purifying technology has made its way to his home at Keowee Springs, including air scrubbers and a three-stage water filtration system. He also developed a signature scent he pipes throughout all of his homes. He says it smells like the ocean.

“I’m very, very sensitive to mold and allergens,” he notes. “I can’t change the world outside, unfortunately. One day, maybe I’ll be able to do that. But for the time being, when it comes into my residence, I can scrub and keep it clean.”

“I WAKE UP EVERY MORNING RESPONSIBLE FOR MY OWN DESTINY. I HAVE A BEAUTIFUL LAKE OUTSIDE, A BEAUTIFUL SUSTAINABLE HOME, AND AMAZING PEOPLE ALL AROUND.”

FUEL YOUR FIRE

PHOTOGRAPHS BY NICK RIDDLE

Nutrition is everything.

It powers your body, sharpens your mind, and keeps your systems firing on all cylinders. From boosting immunity to enhancing energy and mood, what you eat isn’t just fuel, it’s your front line for feeling and living your best.

Executive Chefs Francis Turck, Ryan Rowley, and Kirk Fiore are masters at creating delicious dishes that members love, season after season. In this pursuit, they also prioritize nutrition, locally sourced ingredients, and fresh, high-quality produce. For this issue of Cliffs Living, these three chefs share simple, clean, and healthy recipes designed to fuel both body and mind. Enjoy!

Recipe by Chef Kirk Fiore

The Cliffs at Walnut Cove

JASMINE RICE

3 cups uncooked jasmine rice

4 ½ cups water

1 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS

Thai Green Curry with Tempeh

CURRY

Coconut oil, for sautéing

1-inch piece fresh ginger, diced

3 tablespoons green curry paste

1 12-ounce can of coconut milk

3 kaffir lime leaves

Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a large saucepan, combine the rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot alongside the green curry.

DIRECTIONS

3 tablespoons tamari

1 6-ounce can of coconut cream

1 bunch cilantro

1 bunch mint

1 small bunch basil

2 zucchini, sliced into ½ moons

4 carrots, chopped

2 bell peppers, sliced into strips

2 8-ounce packages of tempeh, cubed

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 limes, cut in wedges

To prepare the curry base, heat a bit of coconut oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the ginger until fragrant, then add the curry paste and a pinch of salt. Stir in the coconut milk, kaffir lime leaves, and tamari. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes. In a separate large pot, heat a bit more coconut oil over medium-high heat. Quickly sauté the zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, and tempeh, seasoning with salt and pepper until the vegetables are slightly softened. Set aside. Remove the kaffir lime leaves from the curry mixture. Pour the curry mixture into a blender. Add the cilantro, mint, basil, and coconut cream. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Pour the green curry sauce over the sautéed vegetables and tempeh. Stir gently to coat. Serve the curry hot over jasmine rice, garnishing with lime wedges and additional fresh herbs if desired.

Herb Seared Sunburst Farms Carolina Trout

BLISTERED HEIRLOOM

TOMATO–BASIL VINAIGRETTE

8 ounces heirloom cherry tomatoes

1 shallot, sliced

3 garlic cloves, sliced

4–5 fresh basil leaves

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

Preheat a 10-inch sauté pan (no oil) over high heat until it begins to lightly smoke. In a mixing bowl, toss cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Add tomatoes to the hot pan, moving frequently to char all sides. Once charred, turn off the heat and add the shallot and garlic. Sweat until translucent. Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Add basil leaves and slowly drizzle in ¼ cup olive oil with the blender running until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

HERB-SEAREDTROUT

4 Sunburst Farms Carolina trout fillets (skin-on)

Salt and pepper, to taste

3 sprigs flat-leaf parsley

3 leaves fresh basil

4 tablespoons avocado oil

1 lemon, halved

DIRECTIONS

Recipe by Chef Francis Turck

The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards

SERVES4

CORN, OKRA & FIELD PEA SUCCOTASH

1 gallon chicken stock

2 bay leaves

A few sprigs of fresh thyme

1 cup uncooked field peas

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons avocado oil

2 shallots, thinly sliced

3 garlic cloves, sliced

¼ lb fresh okra, washed and sliced

¼ cup white wine

4 ears of fresh corn, shucked and kernels removed

6 sprigs flat-leaf parsley

6 leaves fresh basil

Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

In a large sauce pot, bring the chicken stock, bay leaves, and thyme to a boil. Add the field peas, reduce to a low simmer, and cook until tender (30–45 minutes). Strain and set aside. Heat a 10inch sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add butter and avocado oil. Once the butter melts, add shallots, garlic, and okra. Sauté until translucent. Deglaze the pan with white wine, simmer, and reduce by half.

Add corn and field peas. Sauté until the corn shows caramelization. Remove from heat and stir in parsley and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Preheat a large, ungreased sauté pan over high heat until nearly smoking. Check trout fillets for pin bones and remove them if needed. Season the trout fillets on both sides with salt, pepper, and chopped basil and parsley. Add avocado oil to the hot pan and place trout skin-side down. Cook until the skin is browned and the trout is 75% cooked through. Flip and sear the flesh side for 30 seconds. Remove from the pan and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets. Plate the succotash as a base. Place the seared trout fillets on top and drizzle with the tomato-basil vinaigrette. Serve immediately.

Recipe by Chef Ryan Rowley

The Cliffs Valley

SERVES2

Cashew and Goat Cheese Kale Salad

QUINOA

1 cup uncooked tri-color quinoa, rinsed

1 ¾ cups water

¼ ounce fresh thyme, rinsed and whole

2 bay leaves, whole

¼ teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS

Combine all ingredients in a small pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook until all liquid is absorbed, about 12 minutes.

Remove thyme and bay leaves before serving.

SALAD

4 cups packed kale, finely chiffonade

½ cup honey ginger vinaigrette (see recipe)

2 cups cooked quinoa (see recipe)

1 cup blueberries, washed

2 radishes, shaved

½ cup cashews, roasted and salted

¼ cup fresh mint, torn

½ cup chèvre (goat cheese), crumbled

Salt, to taste

DIRECTIONS

HONEY GINGER VINAIGRETTE

2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and chopped

3 tablespoons shallot, peeled and chopped

2 teaspoons garlic, chopped

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ cup champagne vinegar

1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon lime juice

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

¼ cup honey

1 teaspoon salt

1 ¼ cups canola oil

DIRECTIONS

Combine ginger, shallots, garlic, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. Let sit for 20 minutes to macerate. In a blender, puree the ginger mixture with champagne vinegar, citrus juices, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth. With the blender running on medium speed, slowly add the canola oil until fully emulsified. Season with additional salt if needed.

Combine kale and vinaigrette in a mixing bowl. Massage the kale firmly to tenderize it—don’t be shy! Gently fold in the quinoa, blueberries, radishes, cashews, mint, and chèvre. Season with salt and add more vinaigrette or lemon juice to taste. For a touch of extra crunch, top the salad with additional cashews just before serving.

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Homes - Lifelong Relationships

Handcrafted

Rooted in

the rustic aesthetic of The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, this gorgeous home takes a contemporary approach to the forest’s timeless beauty.

Story by Barry Kaufman || Photographs by Ryan Theede

As more people embark on wellness journeys, the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku—or forest bathing—has gained widespread appeal. More than simply walking in the woods, this meditative art requires you to center yourself, be in the present, and truly experience the forest.

In just a few minutes, those who engage in forest bathing can feel their blood pressure drop, their cortisol banished to the nether realms of the adrenal glands. Over time, with regular practice, they find their energy levels increasing, their sleep improving, and their mood and creativity soaring.

In terms of amenities, “in-home forest bathing” might be the ultimate wellness upgrade a home can offer, and it’s one that this magnificent home at Walnut Cove embodies.

“One thing I really loved about this project, and hats off to the design team, was embracing the idea that you move through the house in the same way you take a walk in nature,” says Chad Harding of architectural firm Harding Huebner.

Of course, designing a home with that kind of seamless blur between indoors and outdoors requires a lot of windows. And when you’re trying to balance tall windows against the rustic visual language and temperature swings of the mountains, you have to get creative.

PAYING HOMAGE

The home’s approach makes no bones about its decidedly contemporary appearance. In sharp contrast to its neighbors’ towering stacked stone, rough timbers, and organic forms, the home’s gleaming angles of glass and metal mark it as a bold outlier in this forested neighborhood.

“We wanted to acknowledge the neighborhood and the community aesthetic, yet create something that we felt was a contemporary interpretation of those constraints,” explains Harding. “We wanted it to be a humble offering to the community that doesn’t try to scream out.”

And by preserving the woods around the home, the bold design feels softened and integrated.

“We honored the old trees and the ancient mountain laurels that cover the property,” says Hans Doellgast, owner of Jade Mountain Builders. “We went to incredible lengths and expense to save every tree we possibly could so when you walk through the initial gallery of the home, you feel like you’re walking through the forest.”

The builders and architects also selected materials for the home’s exterior with extreme mindfulness. On the roof, they chose a traditional steel that would serve as a living material, developing a patina over time. Framing the wide walls of glass, stacked stone on the lower floor transitions to locally sourced sassafras on the upper floor.

“We used a naturally ebonizing stain that darkens over time and lets the home age gracefully,” Harding explains. “It picks up the cues of the forest for a darker cladding on the windows, so you look past them. It’s more of a backdrop for living than something that grabs your attention.”

Interior designer Brooke Kern worked hand in hand with Harding Huebner to select finishes that would speak to the home’s mountain atmosphere and contemporary design.

“My goal was to bridge that gap between the community and what we were trying to create with the interiors—modern style while feeling comfortable and livable,” says Kern.

To that end, she layered in natural textures, colors, and materials while also drawing in the ebony wood of the exterior. This reaches a particularly jaw-dropping climax in the kitchen, where cabinets stained deep ebony contrast against the warmer tones of the walls surrounding a daring slab of shimmering quartzite on the backsplash.

“We had this concept of the kitchen as a big black box, and in order to create that depth, it was important to have that contrast of dark materials,” Kern explains.

She also complemented her interior selections with works sourced from the area’s legendary artist community, like the Jeremy Russell original in the living room or the abstract works lining the gallery. While the gallery is one of the most visually stunning parts of the interior, the massive white oak planks running in ebony beams across the expanse of the vaulted ceilings may have presented the biggest challenge to the team.

“You can’t buy 28-foot-long 4x12 beams of white oak. That’s not something anybody sells. And we had a large volume of white oak to procure,” explains Julian Kern, Jade Mountain Builders’ project manager on this project. The solution was a source in Kentucky who was able to secure the wood, which was then framed on-site over the course of eight months.

KEEPING IT GREEN

Hans Doellgast explains it rather succinctly: “For us, the way to build the greenest house is to build the highest quality house humanly possible.”

That means looking at every detail of how a home functions, from the roof down to the ground. The roof incorporates structurally insulated panels. These thick panels sandwich foam between two sheets of plywood, giving continuous insulation without the thermal bridging that rafters can create. As an extra layer of protection, spray foam insulation was used throughout. The home’s venting is all handled mechanically.

“We built an extremely tight envelope,” says Doellgast. “Since we used sealed building techniques, we vent air through a high-capacity energy recovery ventilator that draws in pre-filtered fresh air while removing all the stale air throughout the house.”

Two geothermal heat pumps power this state-of-the-

art system. Drawing from 350-foot-deep wells, these pumps distribute natural heat across six zones, maintaining year-round comfort while minimizing energy costs.

And yet, perhaps the greatest way this home earns its green credentials is through the same construction considerations that soften its contemporary exterior.

“We kept the trees because we wanted to keep the character and ecology intact while trying to weave a home within the forest, but that canopy provides nice natural shading that reduces heat loads, and in winter, when the leaves drop, you get a lot of passive heating,” says Harding.

The trees are the true stars of the home. Their boughs keep the home cool in summer and warm in winter. Their winding organic shapes cut across the straight lines of a contemporary home, weaving it into the surrounding nature. Their beauty creates a healing environment, embodying the very essence of forest bathing throughout the home.

We are a dedicated team of conscientious craftsmen who handle every aspect of the home building process from grading the site to finish carpentry. Our distinct team-oriented approach allows our craftsmen to pour the best of their craft into every detail of your new home or remodel, which results in dreams realized by our clients, and unparalleled examples of craftsmanship in each detail of the projects we undertake. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR APPROACH AT JADEMOUNTAINBUILDERS.COM

PHOTO BY AMOS MOSES PHOTOGRAPHY

Paula Mitchell | The Cliffs Valley

THE WELLNESS BLUEPRINT

From endurance athletes to weekend warriors, these inspiring individuals share how they stay fit, focused, and thriving. Discover their strategies for strength, balance, and lifelong wellness.

STORY BY HAILEY WIST

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ZACK PEELER

TRUDI AHART

The Cliffs at Keowee Springs

Tell me about your fitness trajectory.

It’s funny because I always detested exercise. And now I’m such an advocate! When I was in high school, I had a grumpy PE teacher who failed me because I wouldn’t run as fast as he wanted. And I was super uncoordinated with ball sports. So I started hating exercise. But once we began having kids, I started exercising off and on. Just as I got into a routine, I was thrown off a horse and broke my back. After that, exercise became something I had to do. When you injure yourself, you realize the only way back is through strength. And the only way to not reinjure yourself is to maintain that strength.

What do you focus on the most?

I’m trying to keep my back strong so I can enjoy my life, enjoy my grandkids, and be productive in my day. My main focus is to not get hurt. I am hypermobile, so it’s super easy to overdo it. When I was training for a marathon, the endorphin high got so addictive. I ended up with a stress fracture in my pelvis and didn’t get to run the marathon. I started water jogging in a deep pool, so there was no stress on my bones or joints. I began to look at other ways to push myself without getting injured.

What’s your weekly fitness regimen now?

I use the Keowee Springs Wellness Center religiously, five to six days a week. I don’t forgo it unless there is a really good reason. I do a lot of weight training. I find that is the best for me at this stage of life—building a stronger body and maintaining my metabolism. I work with [Wellness Director] Taylor Duckett through a fitness app that helps us customize a weekly workout plan. We typically do one or two days of cardio and core work, and the rest of the time I focus on strength. And I have a Pilates reformer that I try to use as often as I can.

How do you recover?

Swimming is a big part of my recovery. We have a lap pool, and

in the summer, I swim laps and water jog. The water resistance is so beneficial for me. When it’s cold, I’ll just put on some leisure shoes and go for a long walk with my dog. I don’t bring my phone or AirPods. It’s a chance to check in with nature and with what’s going on in my neighborhood. And sleep is critical. I have a routine at night to set myself up for good sleep.

Talk to me about nutrition and diet.

Nutrition is huge for me. My grandson has some health issues, and it has propelled us to look at food and diet differently. I go to my functional medicine doctor and have blood work done. The food we eat does not give us everything we need anymore, so supplementation plays a big part in how I think about wellness.

How does living at The Cliffs help you to be more fit?

It’s so convenient. When there are no obstacles, it is much easier to achieve your wellness goals. The clubhouse and wellness center are brand-new and so beautiful. And every community offers something different—Valley has an indoor pool, Keowee Vineyards has a Pilates reformer. And the staff is in your corner, cheering you on.

What does overall wellness look like for you?

I think you have to have balance. As much as I work out, I’m not going to let other areas of my life suffer. It’s nutrition, it’s sleep, it’s a holistic approach.

JEFF MOSER

The Cliffs at Mountain Park

What is your fitness regimen?

I work out to prepare for the sports I love to play. I’m at the Mountain Park Wellness Center early in the morning, six or seven days per week. I meet with my personal trainer every week for a wellness assessment and personalized exercise plan. Much of my wellness program is based on Eastern philosophy— breathing, flexibility, alignment, core, and strength.

What sports do you play?

I play tennis, golf, and pickleball, and I race SuperBike motorcycles. If there were a few more days in the week, I’d get back into hiking and mountain biking.

Why do you think The Cliffs is the ideal place to train?

The location is incredible. We live in such a beautiful part of the country where outdoor activity is available all year long. If it’s too cold to play golf in the winter months, then I play pickleball. That will get your blood warmed up! And I take full advantage of the professional sports directors at The Cliffs. Lead Golf Instructor Sean Kennedy is my golf coach. Adri Atkinson and Rebecca Weaver, both racquet sports professionals for The Cliffs, coach me in tennis and pickleball.

What is your favorite amenity at your wellness center?

Definitely the yoga room. I like to go in when the room is empty and spread out my mat, blocks, roller, Pilates ball, kettlebell, and bands. I like to look out the window and see the pond, the waterfowl, the golf crew preparing the course, and the morning dawn. I love living here.

What is the most important element of your wellness?

Movement is everything. Much of my workout is barefoot on my mat. Your feet are not two cinder blocks attached to your legs. When you walk, your feet absorb the energy from your stride and spring you forward in the direction you want to go. If the

arch, muscles, and pliability of the foot are not performing this action in proper alignment, then you will have problems up the chain in the knees, hips, and spine. When I play golf, I walk— even at Glassy! My mantra is: The longer you walk and play golf, the longer you’ll play golf. And when I race motorcycles, my body needs to lean and move as one with the bike.

How do you recover?

A few years ago, I decided to be proactive about recovery. I added a personal trainer and weekly massage to my wellness regimen. The better your body is aligned and conditioned through exercise, and the better your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia are massaged and in the proper place, the more ready you’ll be to hit the ball the next day.

How does nutrition play a role in your health?

Nutrition is so important! My wife DeAnn is also an athlete and fitness advocate. She researches and promotes healthy eating in our house. My last soda was over thirty years ago. I also think intermittent fasting is a great way to control calories and naturally leads to portion control.

What does overall wellness look like for you?

For me, true wellness is being fit enough to play the sports you love. I’m working to slow down the clock to enjoy these sports and movements for years to come.

DR. LORRI PERRY

The Cliffs at Keowee Falls

What is your daily fitness routine?

My fitness regimen includes a combination of cardiovascular training, strength training, and stability exercises. I think cardio is the most important element for me, specifically running. Running has more than just physical benefits. It is meditative and allows me to clear my head. It’s a time for me to be alone and recharge. It always improves my mood.

Do you compete in races?

I’m not doing competitive races anymore. In June I’m doing an event called 29029 Everesting. We will climb 29,029 feet—the vertical equivalent of Mount Everest—in thirty-six hours. It’s not competitive, but a personal challenge that will make me step out of my comfort zone.

Why is The Cliffs a great place to train?

I love running outside. We have gorgeous scenery and miles of nature trails right inside our community. The rolling hills push me to go a little harder when I run. Keowee Falls is full of fitnessminded people. I am so impressed with how important wellness is to people in this community.

How often do you use the wellness center?

After my run, I always go to the wellness center to lift weights. I’m working more on stability and strength training. The sauna is my reward afterward. It helps relax my muscles and my mind.

How do you typically recover?

I try to stay in zone two [60-70% of your maximum heart rate] and then do sprint intervals throughout my workout to max out my VO2 [maximal oxygen consumption]. I drink plenty of water and stretch. And I always give myself a rest day to give my muscles a chance to recover.

What about mindfulness and mental health?

I feel my best—physically, mentally, and emotionally—when I’m exercising. Maintaining wellness is an ongoing journey, and I know I have to adjust my routine to accommodate life’s different stages. I also believe it’s important to continually challenge yourself, both physically and mentally, to promote longevity.

Tell me how you got into cycling.

I’m from New York. My parents are from Colombia, South America, and my dad was always really into cycling. My dad would take us out on weekend rides. We’d race in Central Park and Prospect Park. When I was twelve, I started winning a lot of races. When I turned sixteen, I was invited to the national team camp in Colorado Springs. I started going to Europe for a few months a year. Then I competed in the Tour de France seventeen times and was on nine winning teams.

Incredible. What does your fitness routine look like now?

I still ride all the time—four or five times a week—but not nearly like I used to. I play tennis and lift weights. I’m a more balanced athlete now. When you’re a professional cyclist, you’re pretty one-dimensional. All you do is ride a bike and everything makes you sore. But now I feel more functional and healthier.

GEORGEHINCAPIE

The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards

Why is The Cliffs a good place to cycle?

We’re right in the mountains. I walk out our door, and there is gravel riding and mountain biking. The Jocassee Gorges has some fantastic routes with amazing views. Keowee Vineyards has a bunch of trails as well. And we have a really nice gym with tennis courts. It has everything I need.

How do you recover?

I take rest days and I stretch most mornings. But I don’t focus on it as much anymore because I’m not trying to perform at a hundred percent. I’m just trying to stay healthy and active.

How does nutrition play a role in your wellness?

I eat clean, simple foods. I also aim to eat fiber before a meal to minimize the glucose spike in my blood. Everybody has different protocols and ways that foods affect them, but I find that to be a helpful routine for me.

What is your take on overall wellness and mental health?

Everything revolves around your mental health. I think it’s all about gratitude. I am grateful for my family, my surroundings, and my health. We can take so many things for granted, but as soon as they’re gone, we see how important they are.

Tell me about the cycling program with The Cliffs.

I work with The Cliffs to host monthly rides for members with Bobby Julich and Christian Vande Velde who are professional cyclists as well. We have people at all different levels, some even on e-bikes, and we’ll ride around twenty-five miles or so. It’s been fun! I also host the Gran Fondo, a fall fundraiser ride, out of Hotel Domestique in Travelers Rest, and this year we raised almost one million dollars for the communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.

PAULAMITCHELL

The Cliffs Valley

Tell me about your trajectory as an athlete.

Since 2005, I’ve competed in one self-supported ultra-stage race [a multi-day ultramarathon] every year. I’ve raced in the Sahara Desert, the Himalayas, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, the Atacama Desert in Chile, the Alps, the Rocky Mountains, and the Selkirk Mountains in Canada, to name a few.

How incredible. How do these races work?

In most of these races, the participants run 155 miles or more. Some are over five or six stages through really remote and extreme locations. We carry everything we need on our backs—a sleeping bag, clothes, medical supplies, and the freeze-dried food we’ll eat for the duration of the race. The only thing provided is water. And while we’re running during the day, the organizers set up tents for us at the end of each stage. The first four days we run about the length of a marathon each day. And on the fifth day, we run fifty or sixty miles to finish the race.

What is your training regimen?

Once I’ve decided on a race, I tailor all of my training to that location—to the terrain and the expected conditions. I break the eight months of training into four sections. First I build a mileage base. I do weights and yoga. After two months, I add hill climbing, sprint work, and uphill tempo runs to build strength and power. In the third section, I significantly increase my distances. I work up to comfortably running fifty miles at a time. In the last two months, I do back-to-back sessions with a weighted backpack. This year I’m going to race in Greece!

I would imagine The Cliffs is a good place to train. It is like having seven different playgrounds with different terrains, different trails, and sometimes different weather conditions. If I’m training for a mountain race, I go over to Glassy. Or if I have a desert race, I run in the Lake Region during the summer.

What is your favorite aspect of the wellness center?

I think it’s the staff! They are so supportive and encouraging. They encourage every member—you don’t have to be some crazy stage runner. They meet everyone where they are.

How do you recover?

It’s important for me to be properly fueled so I can wake up the next day and do it all over again. During a race, the recovery times are usually condensed to twelve hours. So I use post-run recovery powders. And I stretch, I prop up my legs, I meditate.

How do you think about wellness overall?

I love doing these stage races, but it’s more important to me that I have a vibrant social life, that my mental health is in good condition, and that I stay active and involved in the community. It is so important to find ways to give back.

SCOTTEVANS

The Cliffs at Glassy

Tell me about your fitness trajectory.

I have always enjoyed sports. I started playing baseball at a young age and continued through college. I had a busy career that limited the time to do all the things I enjoyed. But I played racquetball and tennis and always found a softball team to play on in the evenings or on weekends. When I retired six years ago, I finally had time to pursue all the sports I love. Now I play softball, tennis, pickleball, and golf. I’ve started volunteering as an umpire for a little league team. And that’s an activity on its own—squatting down behind home plate 350 times a night.

What is your favorite sport?

I have played softball for forty years. It is my sanctuary. When I was working, it was my chance to get out on the field and forget about everything else. And I’m a huge baseball fan. I’ve been to every major league stadium in the country and just love the game.

What does a typical week look like?

I have a pretty set routine. Monday is gym day. I’ve been working with a personal trainer at the wellness center to optimize my time there. On Tuesday, I play tennis in the men’s league here, or I have practice with my softball group. We are part of a senior league, and I coach and play on that team. Wednesday is game day. We play teams from Upstate South Carolina, Western North Carolina, and Eastern Georgia— sometimes we even play double headers that start at ten o’clock in the morning. And most games are a couple of hours away. So that accounts for my Wednesdays from April until October. Thursdays are an ad hoc day. I try to play golf or pickleball, anything to be active. On Friday, I’m back to men’s tennis at Valley. On Saturday, there is always pickleball. And on Sunday, I’ve organized a men’s tennis group at Glassy.

Why is The Cliffs such a great place to be active?

The approach to wellness here is world-class, with such a variety of things to do to stay active and fit. And it’s an active community. When the Glassy golf course is closed on Mondays, everyone is out walking the hills.

How does all of this affect your well-being?

Certainly, mental health is so important. Being active and participating in sports plays a huge role in my mental well-being.

When did you start to really get into fitness?

I played Division One field hockey at the University of Vermont. Following graduation, I was looking for other ways to be competitive. I did a couple of sprint triathlons with a borrowed bike and no wetsuit. And I enjoyed it! Then I got busy with my graduate studies to become a nurse practitioner and took some time off. After I was in [medical] practice for a couple of years, I joined the Army Reserve. At that point, I bought my first time trial bike, signed up for a Half Ironman, and qualified for the World Championships. That was in 2013. My field hockey coach connected me with a world-class triathlon coach, and I did my first full Ironman the following year. I’ve raced competitively around the world since then. I also competed on the Army’s triathlon team. Every four years, there is a Military World Games, which is the second biggest sporting event in the world, next to the Olympics. It was a great decade of racing.

How many Ironmans have you competed in to date?

I honestly don’t know. I think forty? I had a serious medical issue in May of 2021. I rallied and won a half Ironman that December, but the following March I started having knee issues. I realized I needed a partial knee replacement, and I couldn’t race anymore.

So you just stopped?

Well, not really. I did a six-mile open water swim in Charleston and hiked Mount Kilimanjaro. I also won the nine-hole Club championship here at Walnut Cove. I think I’ll always be an

ALEXISRESSLER

The Cliffs at Walnut Cove

endurance athlete, but golf is really challenging! Then I had my knee replacement in October 2023. I’m working on leg strength and thinking about new goals right now. This year I’m going to swim around Key West, and I will hike the Rim-to-Rim trail. Then I’m going on a trek in Patagonia.

Unbelievable. What does daily training look like now?

Here in Asheville, you can be outside all year long. We can hike from our house to the Blue Ridge Parkway and get to the Mountain-to-Sea Trail. We have so much access to the outdoors. The golf course is three minutes from our house. It’s great to train here.

What is the most important element of your wellness?

I have a massage therapist I see every two weeks. It’s so important to have a team—a strength coach, a physical therapist, a massage therapist, a nutritionist, a sports psychologist, and a coach.

Talk to me about your recovery routine.

I rarely take a day off. The best thing I can do is a little bit of active recovery, like an easy spin or swim. And sleep. I’m an excellent sleeper!

What role does nutrition play?

I have a healthy appetite. I like to eat! Nutrition in a race is an entirely different conversation. It gets pretty complicated with calorie and hydration goals. During a race I rely on alarms to remind me when to eat and drink.

How do you think about overall wellness?

I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and my husband is a psychologist who specializes in Buddhism and mindfulness. So it is top of mind. When I’m engaged in a long activity, it is very meditative. When I swim, I just count. I really like training on my own because of that. My self-care is moving my body, sleeping, and getting outside. We live in such a beautiful place.

A New Era of Luxury Living

The Nature Cure

Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, The Cliffs offers more than outdoor adventure—it’s a space for mindfulness, renewal, and deeper connections with the natural world.

Story by Hailey Wist | Photographs by Patrick O’Brien

Nature isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a lifeline. A walk in the woods or a quiet moment by the water can clear your mind, spark creativity, and provide moments of peace, inspiration, and rejuvenation. Connecting with nature is essential for fostering mental and physical wellbeing. It deepens our appreciation for the environment and cultivates a sense of harmony with the world around us. There is no place better to connect with nature than The Cliffs. Located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains along the Blue Ridge Escarpment, The Cliffs communities are surrounded by breathtaking vistas and rugged beauty. The great Pisgah National Forest lies to the west, an untouched wilderness with misty peaks, cascading waterfalls, and ancient hardwood forests. Lake Keowee, Lake Jocassee, and Lake Toxaway are jewels of the Blue Ridge region— crystal-clear, mountain-fed, and pristine. The region boasts countless parks and wilderness areas, places to connect, unwind, and recreate.

OUTDOOR PURSUITS

The Cliffs Outdoor Pursuits program offers endless opportunities to get outside and explore. The program is organized into three regions: the Mountain Region, led by Jake Wickiser; the Lake Region, led by Kyle Henry; and the Asheville Region, led by Andrew Lovice. Together, these teams lead countless hiking, biking, and kayaking excursions throughout the year. Members can also enjoy fly fishing trips, Frisbee golf, and the Sportsman Trail, which features axe throwing, slingshot, archery, and shooting. The Outdoor Pursuits team also leads educational outings focused on native wildlife and foliage in partnership with regional naturalists. Beyond outdoor adventures, the teams organize more extensive, outside-the-box excursions, like a visit to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta and an overnight stay on Kiawah Island. Throughout the year, Wickiser, Lovice, and Henry also host lectures and coffee talks on hiking essentials, first aid, gear, and safety, ensuring members are prepared for their next adventure.

JACK ROBERTS

The Southern Appalachian Mountains, encompassing the Blue Ridge Mountains, are considered the most biodiverse region in North America. This area, which spans parts of the Appalachians and includes the Piedmont region, boasts an extraordinary variety of plant, animal, and aquatic species. This rich biodiversity stems from its ancient geology, varied elevations, and temperate climate, making it home to more species of salamanders than anywhere else in the world, along with numerous rare plants, insects, birds, and mammals.

HIKING TIPS

Protect Your Foundation—Your Feet: Invest in a good pair of high-top, waterproof hiking boots for support and protection from the elements.

Bring a Map: Pre-download your hiking map from AllTrails to ensure access even if you lose service.

Pack Essentials: Bring plenty of water and snacks, and for more challenging trails, consider using hiking poles for extra stability.

Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from wildlife, and do not feed any animals you may encounter on your hike.

Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and dispose of waste properly.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to changes in the trail, weather conditions, and your physical abilities.

Tell Someone Your Plans: Let someone know your hiking plans, including the trail you will be on and when you expect to return.

WAYS TO CONNECT

At The Cliffs, adventure is always calling! Whether it’s hiking, kayaking, or fly fishing with the Outdoor Pursuits team, or hitting the road with Tour de France legends George Hincapie, Bobby Julich, and Christian Vande Velde on their monthly rides, there’s no shortage of ways to get outside. Saddle up for a trail ride at the Keowee Vineyards equestrian center or grab a paddleboard or kayak at the Lake Club. Walking trails wind through each Cliffs community, and there are countless access points to state and national parks and wilderness areas just outside the gates.

“It’s undeniable that getting out in the wilderness is mentally and physically beneficial for us. I think nature humbles us and takes us back to our foundational core. In nature, we’re in awe of the small things—of plants, or an insect, or a bird. When you’re on a hike, your senses are magnified. Colors are brighter; smells are intensified. I would argue that being in nature brings out the best in people; it brings out an innocence and sense of wonder. I watch people push through fear; I watch their mood and sense of well-being improve. I’d say I have the coolest job in the world.”

- Jake Wickiser | Outdoor Pursuits at The Cliffs

PAUL DYER

JACK ROBERTS

Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina are a treasure trove of natural wonders.

Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina is a sprawling playground of hardwood forests, cascading waterfalls, and rugged mountain peaks, perfect for hikers and bikers. Neighboring Pisgah is Nantahala National Forest—a lush expanse of verdant valleys, rushing rivers, and the famed Nantahala Gorge, which offers whitewater rafting and scenic trails. In South Carolina, Table Rock State Park is a standout with its dramatic granite dome, challenging hikes, and serene lakes that mirror the surrounding beauty.

Nearby, Devils Fork State Park is a jewel for water enthusiasts, with access to the pristine waters of Lake Jocassee, known for its secluded coves, waterfalls, and incredible fishing. The Blue Ridge Parkway ties these destinations together, offering breathtaking vistas and easy access to this nature-lover’s paradise.

We bring rigor, imagination, and a commitment to designing with nature to every endeavor. From progressive architecture to intuitive service, we nurture the profound communion between people and place. Find your home — and transcend time — by reconnecting to nature, friends, and family in one of our celebrated residential communities. southstreetcollection.com

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GOATS

ON THE GREEN

A herd of hungry goats is helping The Cliffs control invasive plants—naturally and sustainably.

STORY BY JOEL CALDWELL | PHOTOGRAPHS BY EMILY BARBEE

Kudzu is just one of many invasive plants plaguing landowners in the Appalachian region. The list seems endless: English ivy, bittersweet, Japanese knotweed, Chinese tallow, privet, and Bradford pears, to name a few. Yet kudzu, often called “the vine that ate the South,” evokes a particular kind of revulsion for the way it drapes over and smothers native flora. Kudzu can grow up to a foot per day, with mature vines reaching lengths of one hundred feet, and it is notoriously difficult to eradicate. Its removal requires manually extracting the base—a laborintensive and costly process.

At The Cliffs at Mountain Park golf course, controlling kudzu and other invasive plants has always been part of doing business, says Superintendent Jed Fedor. As a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, the course is managed to exceptionally high environmental standards, which means using herbicides and pesticides is not an option. So when Mountain Park leadership proposed using goats as a clean and sustainable solution, Jed was immediately on board.

As fast as kudzu grows, a herd of goats can eat even faster. Nine goats can clear four acres in just two months. By stripping the leaf foliage, the goats prevent the invasive vine from

photosynthesizing, and by pulling up the roots of smaller plants, they expose larger branches for manual removal.

“Goats will eat just about anything in front of them, except what’s poisonous,” says Gabby Saulsbery, co-owner of Mountain Goat Property Management. “They have an innate ability to sense toxins and avoid them.” Gabby and her partner, Matt Henderson, relocated to Matt’s family home in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, in 2020. Inspired by the region’s diverse landscape but unsettled by the kudzu draping the trees, they decided to take action.

“People told us to pour Roundup on it or even douse it in diesel and set it on fire,” Gabby recalls. “But we care about the water table and didn’t want to add more chemicals to the earth.” By contrast, a herd of goats naturally fertilizes the soil with their droppings, helping to build healthy ground. “Goat manure isn’t gross, it’s very beneficial,” Gabby says. “They also grind it back into the soil with their hooves. It’s a smarter, healthier approach towards the earth.”

In the spring of 2021, Gabby and Matt adopted two goats, Edmund and Benny. The Nigerian dwarf and pygmy goat mixes cleared their yard of invasive plants in just one season. “They

worked great, so we adopted two more, Boots and Brownie— but we got more than we bargained for,” Gabby says. Both goats turned out to be pregnant, and four months later, Gabby and Matt experienced their first kidding. Boots and Brownie each gave birth to two kids on successive days, doubling the size of their herd. “Matt thought we could rent them out. He was totally sold on the idea, but I needed a little more convincing,” she adds.

Before launching their business, Gabby and Matt spent a year loaning their goats to friends and testing their effectiveness at removing invasive plants. One particularly memorable client lived in downtown Greenville on a property overrun with English ivy. Hoping to create a shade garden, they hired Mountain Goat Property Management to clear the ivy. “In four weeks, our goats ate all the foliage and even pulled up the root systems,” Gabby says. The client hosted weekly “goat sip-and-sees,” complete with goat cheese, charcuterie, and snacks for guests to feed the goats. “It was a great experience,” she adds.

When Mountain Park contacted Mountain Goat Property Management about working on the golf course, Matt and Gabby assessed the site. They discovered a dense tangle of kudzu, privet, and bittersweet—a nightmare for most landowners but, as Gabby described it, a “goat gold mine.” “Since Mountain Park is Audubon Certified, I knew the areas where the goats would be working hadn’t been sprayed,” she says. “So I felt really good about it.”

The “Cornbread Gang,” a herd of nine goats, arrived in early September. Over ten weeks—with a three-week break due to Hurricane Helene—the goats transformed the landscape. “Gabby’s team moves the fences, so it’s really easy,” explains Jed. Some manual work is still required, though. “A goat can’t eat a six-inch mature vine,” he says. “But they strip away the foliage, exposing the roots, and then we go in with a machete to haul everything out.”

“This is just the beginning,” says Jed. “Next year, the goal is to eradicate all the kudzu on the golf course.”

And it’s not just The Cliffs team who love the gang; members have also enjoyed having them around. “When the goats are on a good job, they get heavier—fat and happy,” says Gabby. “And that’s exactly what’s happening at The Cliffs. The goats are happy and the members love them, and that makes us happy too.”

WHY THE WAR ON KUDZU?

If we want thriving bird populations on our golf courses—and in rural areas more broadly—we must provide the habitats they need to nest, reproduce, and survive. Only native plants sustain the insect life that nesting birds rely on to feed their hatchlings, supplying crucial energy—primarily from caterpillars—that helps hatchlings grow into fledglings capable of flight and self-sufficiency. In contrast, ecosystems dominated by invasive plants support only a fraction of the life found in landscapes rich with native species.

CLIFFS RESIDENTS OUTREACH

EMPOWERING UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA’S FUTURE

STORY BY SCOTT WALLACE | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF CLIFFS RESIDENTS OUTREACH

Since 2007, Cliffs Residents Outreach (CRO) has worked to empower children across Upstate South Carolina through educational and human services. CRO supports a wide range of programs designed to enrich the lives of children and young adults in Greenville, Pickens, Spartanburg, and Oconee Counties. From literacy and technology initiatives to early childhood and K-12 education programs, nutrition assistance, and family crisis support, CRO plays a vital role in fostering growth and opportunity for Upstate South Carolina’s future generations.

CRO is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and operates as five chapters through the collective efforts of six of The Cliffs communities: Glassy, Valley, Mountain Park, Keowee Vineyards, Keowee Falls, and Keowee Springs. Each community has its own Advisory Council, which works independently to address the needs of local schools while staying aligned with CRO’s overarching mission. The nonprofit is proud to be fully volunteer-driven, with over 1,000 dedicated volunteers and more than 80 percent of funding coming from residents of The Cliffs. Impressively, 93 percent of CRO’s funding goes directly toward its mission, ensuring resources are maximized to support the 25,000 children and young adults it serves. Through the generosity of residents, business partners, and volunteers, CRO continues to make a lasting impact, transforming the lives of children and their families across Upstate South Carolina.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

In 2025, CRO aims to further its impact by enhancing literacy programs and access to technology, expanding outdoor learning spaces, increasing mental health and wellness support, maximizing the use of the new STEM mobile lab, and launching a ﬁnancial literacy program for high school students.

29 schools that receive CRO support

93% of funding goes to CRO’s mission

2024 WAS A BANNER YEAR!

19 educational nonproﬁts that CRO supports

$1.29 MILLION was raised in 2024 across all communities

THE ANGEL AWARD

CLIFFS RESIDENTS OUTREACH WAS HONORED AS A 2024 ANGEL CHARITY BY THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

In November 2024, Cliffs Residents Outreach (CRO) received one of South Carolina’s most prestigious charitable honors— the Angels of 2024 award. Presented by Secretary of State Mark Hammond in Columbia, the award recognizes nonprofit organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to the well-being of South Carolinians and exemplary stewardship of resources. CRO was celebrated for its profound impact on education and human services in the Upstate.

Angel charities are selected based on rigorous criteria, including devoting at least 80 percent of funds to charitable programs, operating for three or more years, effectively utilizing volunteer services, maintaining a significant presence in South Carolina, and adhering to state charitable fund regulations. CRO’s outstanding track record stood out during the review process.

“The 2024 Angels exemplify the diverse needs and passions of people from all over South Carolina,” said Secretary Hammond. “It is my hope that this recognition will encourage others to donate their time and resources to an area that interests them.”

From left to right: Perry Helm, Vice Chair of Glassy CRO; Mark Hammond, South Carolina Secretary of State; Rebecca McNichols, Chair of Keowee Vineyards CRO; Scott Wallace, President of CRO; and Kelly Bodine, Chair of Keowee Springs CRO

To learn more about the incredible work of Cliffs Residents Outreach, please visit cliffsresidentsoutreach.org or scan the QR code to watch a video that introduces key players and provides an overview of outreach programs.

HOME AT THE CLIFFS THE CLIFFS AT KEOWEE VINEYARDS

Q Where are you from, Julie?

JULIE & JOHN ADAMS

A Julie: I was born in Minnesota, got a business degree from Purdue, and then went to The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. After getting a degree there, I went to Los Angeles to work. I started styling in 1990, working on commercials and print shoots. I dress actors and athletes.

John: She’s not just a stylist. She’s the best stylist I’ve e ver seen. She has dressed Harrison Ford and Michael Caine. Her credits are very impressive!

Q And you, John?

John: I was born in Virginia. My family has been there since the 1600s. My grandfather fought in the Re volutionary War, and another grandfather fought in the Civ il War. So we have a lot of history there. I went to business school at William & Mary and then started producing commercials. Eventually, I became a director and moved to Los Angeles. Julie and I have traveled all over the world, shooting commercials for clients like Nike, Lexus, and Coke. It was a really wonderful career. I enjoyed liv ing in Los Angeles—it was the total antithesis of where I grew up.

Q How did you meet?

A John: We met on a job. My regular stylist wasn’t available, and Julie came highly recommended. We met in a lettuce field in Yuma, Arizona. At the time, both of us were working nonstop. We weren’t really looking for romance, especially not in a lettuce field. But you ne ver know. Julie: We were both workaholics. Neither one of us thought we would e ver get married. John was traveling two hundred days a year.

Q Where did you go next?

John: We got married in Dallas, lived in Los Angeles for se veral years, and then we bought a farm in North Carolina in a little town called Mount Airy. I tease Julie because in her adult life, she’s only lived in Los Angeles and Mayberry. While we were there, I taught at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and directed stage plays at the Andy Griffith Playhouse. It was such a thrill.

Julie: John just did a documentary about the Civ il War musical he wrote and produced there.

John: We were there for ten years. But it was a sixteenacre property, and there was a lot of caretaking. The house was built in 1834 and listed on The National Register of Historic Places, so it required a major renovation. We just wanted something simpler. We have friends who have a house on Lake Keowee, and they inv ited us down for a v isit. We took a boat ride and our jaws dropped. It was so spectacular.

Q Why did you choose Keowee Vineyards?

A John: We looked at all of the communities, but we really liked Keowee Vineyards because it was the most established community on the lake. We found a lot that faces north, with great light. We have views of the water, the golf course, and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance.

Q Tell me about the community here.

A Julie: We say e very day that we are just so excited to be here. The people are amazing. We have a little group of friends and—I’m not kidding—there is something to do e very day. Pickleball! Golf! Just last night someone suggested a girls’ night, and we all got together. I’m going hiking this afternoon with some friends and the dogs. And if you need a stick of butter, suddenly there’s a whole text chain about who has butter. We feel like we have real neighbors and real friends.

John: And I want to mention the Cliffs Residents Outreach. It’s a terrific organization that raises funds for schools in Pickens County. I produced a v ideo for them, and I was so proud to help that cause.

Q Do you spend much time on the lake?

A John: Yes! We have a runabout and like to cruise around the lake and look at houses. It’s just so beautiful out on the water. We take the boat to dinner at the clubhouse.

Julie: We anchor our boats with friends and swim. We all have our little noodles and floats and get to spend time together in the water.

Q Why do you think The Cliffs is so special?

A John: The people, of course. And the history here is special. “Keowee” means “the place of the mulberry.” This was a special Cherokee hunting ground, and I feel we’re lucky to be here.

BRIGID & PHIL HUGH

HOME AT THE CLIFFSTHE CLIFFS AT GLASSY

Q Where are you both from?

A Phil: I grew up outside of Pittsburgh. Brigid: I am from Northern Virginia, just outside of DC.

Q How did you two meet?

Brigid: In high school, my family moved to Boca Raton, Florida. I lived there for most of my adult life. Phil and I met in 2012. I was a regional v ice president for Prudential at the time, and Phil was looking to buy our company. Phil: I was EVP of global de velopment for a company called Realogy, and we were acquiring real estate companies. I got the girl, not the deal.

Brigid: We got married two years later in Italy.

Q How did you find The Cliffs?

A Phil: Brigid’s good friends, Jeff and Jill Tompkins, live here. We came up to v isit and fell in love.

Brigid: We were liv ing in Tampa at the time. Phil’s a huge golfer, and we knew we wanted to be in the mountains. When we v isited, we were like, Here it is! This is where we’re meant to be.

Q What do you think makes it so special?

Phil: It’s the people and the staff. I think the staff goes out of its way to provide ser vice and treat you like you’ve been friends forever. And everyone we’ve met at Glassy has been gracious and accommodating, welcoming you to their homes and just really making you feel part of the family.

Q Why did you choose Glassy?

A Phil: It fit our personalities and it was the elevation and just the private feeling that you have when you’re on top of Glassy Mountain.

Brigid: At the time, we had a house in Tampa, and we wanted to escape to a mountain region. So we didn’t want to come up during the summer and still have a warm area. It’s beautiful—as beautiful as some of the other communities are. We wanted the ele vation, like Phil said, the nice cooler temperatures during the summer months, and we always wanted to have a mountain home.

Q And you’re building a house?

A Phil: We’re here full-time now. Our house is scheduled to be complete in May of this year. We broke ground in July, and we’ll be mov ing in this May. Our builder keeps the heat on us to make sure we’re making the decisions on a timely basis, and the Architectural Re v iew Board has been very supportive. It has been a very efficient process.

Q What are you looking forward to about the new house?

A Phil: Settling in and entertaining. We love to entertain and haven’t been able to do that for over a year!

Brigid: We love hav ing parties—cooking and games and all of that.

Q How would you describe the community here?

A Phil: The people that live here are just down-to-earth and fantastic individuals. Everyone seems to get along very well. It’s just a very comfortable and inviting community.

Brigid: I suppose there are a lot of members of The Cliffs, but it doesn’t feel like that. It feels like a very intimate, very personalized club here when e verybody knows you by name—the whole staff knows us by name when we walk in. They’ve just been wonderful.

Q What do you like to do here?

A Phil: We love to golf. And we spend a lot of time with our puppies, Maggie and Puppy.

Brigid: We have a big eighty-pound doodle and a fivepound shih tzu-poodle mix. They take a lot of our time! And I love cooking.

Phil: We also train with Austin at the Glassy Wellness Center. He’s fantastic. And I go to Valley four or five times a week to swim in the indoor pool.

Q What is it like to be surrounded by so much natural beauty?

A Phil: Brigid loves the bears. One spent the summer in the backyard, and we named it Ke v in.

Brigid: He would show up in the morning, climb our tree, eat the berries, and then leave. Then, he would be back for cocktail hour. And we could almost set our watches to his v isits! We loved it.

Meet The Whiteheads:

Discover the story behind their new Cliﬀs Builders’ home at Solstice Park.

A Homebuilding Experience

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Let us handle it, so you can enjoy it.

Relax, you’re at the lake—leave the work to us. You didn’t come to manage projects or meet with contractors. We provide an unparalleled experience of second home living through a single point of contact, changing the way you experience your Second Home.

EXPLORE A CURATED COLLECTION AVAILABLE PROPERTIES CLIFFS

NEW RELEASES

Discover newly released homesites and semi-custom neighborhoods at The Cliffs. Whether you prefer mountain views, lakefront serenity, golf course vistas, or private wooded retreats, our properties offer the perfect foundation to create your dream home.

Canebrake at Keowee Falls

Cherokee Rose at Mountain Park

Southridge

Clubhouse

Solstice

Golf

Chris Shelnut LAKE REGION

Vince Roser ASHEVILLE REGION

Justin Coleman LAKE REGION

Matt Hendrix LAKE REGION

Zack Thomas LAKE REGION

Scott Reid LAKE REGION

Ashleigh Connel MOUNTAIN REGION

Garry Patton MOUNTAIN REGION

Jon Skillman MOUNTAIN REGION

JoAnn Roser MOUNTAIN REGION

Angela Osborne MOUNTAIN REGION

Richard Seay DIRECTOR OF SALES

Frank Nix ASHEVILLE REGION

Navigating the complexity of estate planning, business law, and trusts

Practice Areas of Thomas, Fisher & Edwards, P.A.

Estate & Trust Administration

Business Law & Organizations

Business Succession Planning and Transitioning Businesses Between

Prenuptial Agreements

Mergers & Acquisitions and Business Sales

LIFE BY THE LAKE

The Cliffs Lake Region is more than a place to work—it’s home. These five agents share their passion for the community and the lifestyle they love.

and Story

Hailey Wist

Photographs

JUSTIN COLEMAN

Sales Executive

Q What do you love about introducing clients to the Lake Region?

A My clients are often surprised by how diverse and breathtaking the landscape is here. With the pristine waters of Lake Keowee, the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, and charming nearby towns, there is so much to explore.

Q What is the best part of your job?

A Every day is different. I get to meet successful people from across the country—and sometimes the world—who are excited about living here. I’ve had conversations about every topic imaginable, and it never gets old. I also love introducing clients to members and showing off the hospitality of The Cliffs and the surrounding region. The people here are incredibly friendly and welcoming.

Q What is your favorite thing to do in the area?

A Hands down, my favorite thing to do is cruise around Lake Keowee on a boat. Lake Keowee is unbeatable—its warm summer waters and crystal-clear visibility make it perfect for fishing, swimming, and boating. With 18,000 acres and 300 miles of shoreline, the lake offers endless coves, islands, and little beaches to explore.

MATT HENDRIX

Sales Executive

Q Tell us why you love where you live.

A My wife and I met in college at Clemson. At the time, Greenville was a rapidly growing town with a lot of potential. We knew we both wanted to be in the Upstate, so starting our life together there was a no-brainer. The city and surrounding rural towns offer lifestyle options for all ages, and it has turned out to be the best place to raise our kids.

Q How do you spend your weekends?

A I have two sons (ages eleven and fifteen), and they are very active. Both play on highly competitive travel baseball teams, which account for most of our family’s weekend activity throughout the year. Between destination tournaments and weekly practices, along with seasonal basketball in the winter months, our weekends fill up pretty fast. When we do have a free weekend, we enjoy doing things as a family, like playing golf or grilling with friends.

Q What’s your favorite thing to do in the area?

A While Lake Keowee offers the best lake lifestyle and experience in the Southeast, my heart will always be with the game of golf. I am a lifelong golfer and played professionally for ten years. So I love playing all the wonderful golf courses at The Cliffs. Each of the seven courses offers a unique challenge, with distinct layouts, topography, and character. The year-round golf lifestyle and the consistently pristine conditions of The Cliffs courses are two of the best aspects of our club.

SCOTT REID

Sales Executive

Q Tell us why you love where you live.

A I love the outdoors. And this area has a climate conducive to being outside all the time. I have twins, and we love spending the weekends on the lake. I also love to golf, and The Cliffs offers seven unique golf courses we have access to.

Q Why do you love what you do?

A I love to show people what The Cliffs has to offer— the different types of properties as well as the variety of lifestyles and activities. I live in The Cliffs at Keowee Springs, so I think I bring a personal perspective that is very helpful for my clients. I can offer a first-hand experience of the communities and what it’s like to call this place home. And really, I just love meeting so many great people. So often, my clients become my friends!

Q What surprising fact do your clients appreciate?

A Before real estate, I spent fifteen years with the PGA, managing professional tournaments, including PGA Tour events and two PGA Championships.

Q What is your approach to helping homebuyers?

A I think listening is key. I ask a lot of questions to help clients clarify their vision for a home and lifestyle. It’s all about finding the right fit.

CHRIS SHELNUT

Sales Executive

Q Tell us why you love where you live.

A I grew up on a lake, so being able to enjoy Lake Keowee, the mountains, and the climate—while staying close to my family’s university—is truly amazing. My wife, eldest son, and I all graduated from Clemson University, and my middle son is currently a sophomore there. I also love the climate here. It’s perfect for year-round living and has four distinct seasons.

Q What do you like to do on the weekends?

A You’ll find me working out, getting out on the water with my family, or catching a game at Clemson. I also love to play golf. As a former golf professional, playing on our meticulously maintained courses is one of my favorite things to do.

Q What’s your approach to helping homebuyers?

A I focus on explaining all the options—from homesites and homes to the unique character of each community. I work closely with clients to pinpoint their goals and lifestyle preferences, helping them find the perfect fit. Many of my clients have unique timing or purchasing needs, and I pride myself on working with them to find creative solutions. I also try to convey the warmth of our communities—although we have three regions, we truly live and play like one big family!

ZACK THOMAS

Sales Executive

Q Tell us why the Lake Region is so special.

A I’m a Carolinian through and through. Growing up in the mountains of Western North Carolina instilled in me a deep love and respect for the natural beauty we’re privileged to enjoy here. From high mountain peaks and pristine lakes to the coastal beaches, I’ve always considered this area “God’s Country.” Sharing its beauty with others is a joy. As John Muir said, “The mountains are calling and I must go.”

Q Why do you love what you do?

A I have a great passion for the work that I am privileged to do here in our Lake Region of The Cliffs. I have so much nostalgia for this area. Whether it’s spending time on Lake Keowee, enjoying a round of golf with friends, or gathering for a great meal, I find myself having constant “pinch me” moments. I think my genuine love for this area shines through in every interaction with my clients.

Q What’s your approach to helping homebuyers?

A I’m extraordinarily proud of my Carolina heritage—its people, culture, and natural beauty. One of my greatest joys is helping clients visualize and appreciate those same qualities. It’s also deeply rewarding to meet people from all walks of life who share a common appreciation for nature, culture, and connection.

EXCELLENCE ENSURED

EXPECTATIONS EXCEEDED

BUILDING A CUSTOM HOME AT THE CLIFFS SHOULD BE AS REWARDING OF AN EXPERIENCE AS LIVING HERE.

Excellence in custom home building requires innovation, vision, and a dedication to exceeding expectations. The Cliffs Preferred Builders Program comprises

By choosing to build your custom home at The Cliffs with one of our Preferred Builders, you’re choosing a superior building model that not only executes your vision, but incorporates impeccable quality, thoughtful design, meticulous attention to detail, and

Please visit cliffsliving.com/preferredbuilders for more information on this

SIGHTS OF THE CLIFFS

Don Fulop

Sherri Daniels

Taylor Gorrell

Andy Osborne

Carolyn Marsland

Douglas Bauer

Bill Heitz

Carolyn Richards

Todd Albinger

Christy Altman Bryan Schrandt

Steffan Burns

Todd Albinger

Carolyn Antilla

Don Fulop

Lauren Kroeger

Scott Mackenzie

McFaddin Blanding

Peter McNaughton

Amy Wilde

Tammy Gill

PEOPLE OF THE CLIFFS

Amanda Repke

Todd Albinger

Aimee Garrett

Kelly Barnes

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY

Member Susan Tanner shares how her Walnut Cove community weathered Hurricane Helene with strength and compassion.

Story by Susan Tanner | Photographs by Zack Peeler

Hurricane Helene swept through North Carolina on September 27, 2024, leaving a dramatic and lasting impact on communities across the region.

In the days leading up to the storm, we heard that the “remnants” of Hurricane Helene were headed our way. We expected heavy rain followed by high winds. Many of us, having lived in coastal areas and experienced hurricanes before, knew how to prepare and manage the loss of services. But Helene caught us completely off guard.

On the morning of September 27, I woke up at a friend’s house on the other side of the community. The local kennel had shut down, and I’d stayed over to dog sit while they were out of town. As the storm raged, I watched the flag on number fifteen bend nearly to the ground. Thankfully, the wind was blowing straight down the fairway, and the neighboring houses blocked most of its force, so I felt safe standing in front of the window watching it unfold. It seemed odd to me that the flag would periodically blow in another direction, suggesting a rotation such as a tornado as opposed to straight-line winds.

Once the storm passed, I got in my car and headed home. With cell service down, I was eager to check on my husband and our house. I only made it as far as the DuBose Pond, where several downed trees blocked the road. After trying unsuccessfully to climb over and under the trunks, I made my way through Creekside Farm, scaling a fence to

avoid a flooded creek.

As I approached the wellness center, I was stunned. Hundreds of massive trees had fallen, many stacked on top of each other. Some had literally “tipped over,” pulling enormous root balls out of the ground. I ran into a neighbor who warned me that a tree had fallen right in front of her as she walked.

By the time I made it home, a group of neighbors, armed with chainsaws, had already begun working to clear pathways around the neighborhood. The main roads, Misty Valley and Powder Creek, were blocked in multiple places, and nearly every smaller street was impassable. We couldn’t get out, and help couldn’t get in. It was surreal.

We checked on neighbors, but it was challenging with no cell service and roads blocked by countless fallen trees. While working near the Misty Valley gate, a group of residents with chainsaws noticed an ambulance and fire crew attempting to cut their way into the community in response to a 911 call. Residents guided the emergency crews up Secluded Hills Lane, working together to clear debris as they progressed. Even then, the ambulance couldn’t reach the house, so paramedics climbed into a neighbor’s UTV, and he drove them to the front door.

Somehow, the morning after the storm, the Property Owner Association (POA) at Walnut Cove, Carlton Property Services, managed to locate emergency crews, who

began working their way through the primary access roads. Progress was slow—many of the fallen trees were enormous, and some would eventually require cranes to remove the largest trunks.

By Monday, maintenance teams from other communities at The Cliffs arrived with additional equipment, making significant progress. Everyone still talks about the incredible job they did.

After days of cleanup, we were finally able to get out. That’s when we realized that most of Western North Carolina was without electricity, gasoline, Wi-Fi, cell service, and water. Grocery stores were closed, and gas stations couldn’t pump the little fuel they had left without power.

It quickly became clear that things wouldn’t return to normal anytime soon, so we did what good neighbors do—we helped each other.

Neighbors set up Starlink satellites in their front yards and shared their passwords with everyone, allowing us to send messages to family and watch the news. Those with generators ran extension cords outside so others could charge their phones. With refrigerators out of service, perishables were at risk of spoiling, so everyone cooked meals and shared them with neighbors. One particularly resourceful friend even baked a cake on her grill for a neighbor!

When some natural gas generators stopped working, a neighbor drove his golf

cart around the neighborhood to service them and prevent overheating. Members from Keowee Springs brought food and gasoline to help out. One neighbor with a generator and a DirecTV dish left her door open, kept the television on, and invited everyone to come in and watch the daily news updates. These are just a few examples of how our members took care of each other.

A few days later, the President of The Cliffs, Rob Duckett, set up a Starlink satellite at The Turnhouse, which quickly became a shared office space and gathering spot. This was incredibly helpful, allowing working residents to continue their jobs, homeowners to contact insurance companies and contractors, and everyone to access news and stay connected with their families.

By Tuesday, The Cliffs corporate team managed to host a cookout at The Turnhouse. Everyone showed up—not just for a simple hamburger, but for the camaraderie and the chance to check in with friends after the storm. It was a small gesture that made a big difference and was deeply appreciated.

On Wednesday, I was invited to join a committee tasked with organizing an employee emergency relief fund. Within twenty-four hours, we held our first Zoom meeting with Rob Duckett and South Street Partners Vice President of Human Resources Dixie Norris. That same day, Rob went to the bank and withdrew cash to provide employees with immediate grocery assistance.

South Street Partners and members from all The Cliffs communities contributed quickly and generously. A process was established to handle employees’ storm damage requests efficiently. It was incredibly gratifying to be part of this effort and to witness both the company and club members providing meaningful support to employees in need.

Drinking water deliveries from other communities at The Cliffs started arriving by the truckload, providing a constant stock in

the parking lot for our use. Without power, stores remained closed, and even when they reopened, water was unavailable. When we ran out of running water, we started pulling water from hot tubs and streams to flush toilets. Hearing this, Steve Shand, our Golf Course Superintendent, set up a large container of non-potable water from the irrigation pond.

One day, when a truckload of water arrived, the golf shop staff sat in the parking lot, handing out snacks and helping load cases of water into cars. They also offered some much-needed hugs. Mike Steele, our Director of Golf, was carrying an armful of snacks to the bag drop when he saw me. He put everything down and stretched out his arms for a hug. As I told him then, I really needed it.

After initially focusing on our employees and one another, we redirected our efforts beyond the gates, expanding our volunteer work in the surrounding community. The Walnut Cove Members Association (WCMA) provides annual grants to dozens of Western North Carolina charities, with members actively volunteering to meet these organizations’ needs. Project-specific teams were formed alongside individual volunteer efforts, addressing everything from donation sorting to hands-on assistance. The response was so overwhelming that some charities exceeded their storage capacity and temporarily paused accepting donations.

Months later, we are still recovering. We will probably still be cleaning up this spring. While the storm was undeniably disruptive, inconvenient, and costly, it also brought us closer together. In the days, weeks, and months that followed, we discovered so much about one another—about our capacity for generosity, compassion, and resilience. Most importantly, it reinforced what a special community we have and how fortunate we are to have each other.

FEATURED CLASS

WATER AEROBICS AT THE LAKE CLUB

Join us at the large pool at the Lake Club for a fun, low-impact cardio workout! Using water weights and other props, you’ll challenge your endurance and strength while enjoying upbeat music and the beautiful view of Lake Keowee. This joint-friendly, saltwater exercise is open to all fitness levels and is a great way to stay active and socialize with neighbors.

Water aerobics is one of our most popular warm weather classes, offering a refreshing and energizing experience for members. Come jump in the pool with us!

PHOTOGRAPH

PATRICK O’BRIEN