Seven, Volume IV by The Cliffs

V OL U M E I V

SEVEN

SEVEN Because there’s life, and then there’s living. Editors Design & Production Copywriter Principal Photography

Cliffs Marketing Compass Marketing, Lafayette, CA David Chesnick Paul Dyer

Thanks to our many talented and dedicated contributors.

G L A S SY

M O U N TA I N PA R K

WA L N U T COV E

K E OW E E V I N E YA R D S

VA L L E Y

3851 Highway 11, Travelers Rest, SC 29690 866.411.5771 | CliffsLiving.com

K E OW E E FA L L S

K E OW E E S P R I N G S

SEVEN

Step inside the treasure that is The Grove Park Inn.

News & Happenings at The Cliffs Volume IV

Heads up, we’re America’s new brewing capital

The Carolinas' winning chefs are yours!

AROUND THE CLIFFS

REAL ESTATE

2 Blue Ridge Boomtown

16 Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun

Eclectic. Vibrant. Asheville is one of a kind

4 Asheville Artisans Around every corner, you’ll find reason to linger longer

13 A Walk in the Woods We’ve woven a tale fit for master artisan Matt Tommey

32 River Arts District We’ve canvassed the galleries for inspiring local talent

42 The Cliffs Essentials Just can’t live without it — must-have goodies and gifts

54 The Ponies Are Just the Start A look at America’s new equestrian destination

60 103 Years of Southern Hospitality The Grove Park Inn: a grand dame, 103 years young

68 Playtime A corporate membership decision? Call it child’s play

FOOD & DRINK

20 A Celebration of Suds A glass — and the bar — is raised with a new brewery

44 IMBIBE, The Cliffs Wine & Food Festival 10 days, 50 wineries, 30 distilleries, 20 breweries. Wow

46 Battle of Champions Cliffs chefs bring home gold, silver and bronze

Wendy and Wayne Staley elevate the art of homebuilding

36 A Plan to Exceed Expectations Bruce Pasquarella of our elite Preferred Builder Program

52 Building Trust Sydney and Chuck Bland find bliss with Dillard-Jones

56 Welcome Home A storybook setting in Asheville’s Walnut Cove

64 The Landing at Keowee Springs Home to big water and spectacular mountain views

FUN & GAMES

8 Endless Summer Long days, smooth waters: Keowee sparkles in summer

22 Seven Wonders of The Cliffs Some secreted away, some easy to find, all wonderful

25 What’s Your Favorite Par 3? Par 3 prose from our pros

49 Hooked If fishing is hurting your business, give up your business

52 From the Gym to the Tee Fitness and smiles come with integrated training

BLUE RIDGE BOOMTOWN THE JEWEL OF THE CAROLINA MOUNTAINS BECKONS

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Asheville, NC

Cradled amid the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and nourished by the French Broad River, Asheville is a sort of Xanadu. There is a rhythm to life here. You hear it in the music, music that comes from the mountains and from the soul. All kinds of music, from street corners and from clubs. And when you’re so moved, you can make your own music on the drums in Pritchard Park. That’s why Asheville is a place full of artists and of artisans who practice crafts generations old. Weavers who spin cotton into fabric that becomes fashion, and goldsmiths who form metal and jewels into memories. Brewers – so many brewers – who take hops and water and make magic elixirs. And butchers and bakers and candlestick makers. There are those who work with wood, turning the surrounding forests into furniture for the home, and those who turn cocoa beans into chocolate that’s a celebration of love ... and who doesn’t love chocolate? They practice their art in the kitchen, using only what’s local, fresh, and sustainable, wasting no part of the earth’s bounty to create pleasure on a plate.

Asheville is Art Deco architecture and art and nature museums. It’s festivals that celebrate film and food and fun. It’s symphony, opera, and theater. It’s yoga bends and tasting brews. It’s being outdoors on the river, fishing or rafting, or riding and climbing in the mountains. All treasures, all Asheville waiting here to be discovered or rediscovered. Whether strolling the streets or hiking the hills, there is always some new venue or view that inspires a sense of wonder and delight. So it comes as no surprise, then, that so few locals ever want to leave and that every visitor wishes they could stay. For in every corner of Asheville, from downtown to the River Arts District to the mountains, life here is passionately embraced and well lived. BLUE RIDGE BOOMTOWN 3

ASHEVILLE 9 ARTISANS

MEET THE TALENT BEHIND THIS COOL TOWN'S HOTTEST SPOTS

Tour de Force Chef Katie Button Nightbell Restaurant & Lounge Cúrate Bar de Tapas Just taste the tortilla española or pincho moruno at Cúrate. Or the hush puppies or Cajun prawns at Nightbell – Katie Button’s nightclub with husband Felix Meana. The artistry of her Spanish-inspired creations and the originality of her American bar cuisine have deservedly earned Chef a tasting menu’s worth of accolades. Whether it’s being named a James Beard “Rising Star Chef” finalist, winning the Robb Report’s “Culinary Master Competition,” or her nomination for Food & Wine’s “People’s Choice Best New Chef,” Katie has established herself as one of her generation’s masters. But the pleasures of her food cannot be described, only experienced. Such is joy. Opposite: Chef Button’s unique blend of art, science and sustainability has quickly cast her into the spotlight. 4 ASHEVILLE ARTISANS

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Sweet Dreams Dan & Jael Rattigan French Broad Chocolates Who can resist a love story? Or the sweet taste of chocolate? Combine them, and you have something impossibly delectable. Which would describe Dan and Jael Rattigan and their shop, French Broad Chocolates. For chocophiles, it’s akin to a visit to the holy land. That’s because the Rattigans’ passion knows no bounds: they roast, crack, winnow, grind, conche and temper the cocoa beans they buy directly from farmers in Costa Rica at their small factory in the mountains, making them one of a handful of chocolatiers in the world to offer “bean-to-bar” delights. They also offer a carefully curated selection of coffees, wines, and craft beers. After all, this is Asheville. Right: A daily selection of delectable delights on display. Below: Dan and Jael at their wildly popular bean-to-bar Chocolate Lounge in downtown Asheville.

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A Family Affair

Golden Girl

The Franklin, Israel & Coleman Families

Paula Dawkins

Pack’s Tavern

Jewels That Dance

If you wanted a drink during Prohibition, you went to the Hayes-Hopson building in Pack Square Park. A lot of time has passed, and a lot of history’s been made here. But it’s still the place to go, a genuine Asheville classic, thanks to the group of families who bought and restored the building in 2010 to its Prohibition-era grandeur. Now Pack’s Tavern and its yellow truck are staples of Asheville’s downtown dining and craft beer scene. The folks at Pack’s know their beer and are always happy to suggest which of the carefully curated local, national, and international brews they regularly rotate will compliment your choice from their eclectic, family-friendly menu.

All that glitters is not gold. Sometimes it’s diamonds, platinum, sapphires, rubies and ... That’s why, for more than 30 years, countless couples have celebrated all manner of special occasions with a custom-designed and handcrafted piece from Jewels That Dance. Long at the forefront of the Asheville arts and crafts renaissance, goldsmith and co-owner Paula Dawkins – with occasional design help from Cliffs resident Julia Peterson – and her team of master craftsmen have used a combination of modern technology and ancient techniques to create utterly unique pieces, family treasures passed from generation to generation, filled with glittering history.

Above (top to bottom): Follow the yellow truck to Pack’s Tavern; the families behind the locally owned staple of the Asheville dining scene.

Above (top to bottom): A custom-designed masterpiece in the making; goldsmith Paula Dawkins has become a local legend.

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endless summer The path to happiness may just begin at the Keowee Springs Beach Club. Just steps from the sparkling shore of Lake Keowee are the club’s two swimming pools and water slides. You’ll have no trouble finding them ... the whoops and hollers of delight you’ll hear will guide your way.

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If the mood so strikes, you can chill on a raft in the shallow waters by the Beach Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shore, or kayak or canoe out onto the lake to contemplate the awe-inspiring natural wonders of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

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The Olympic-sized pools

are big enough for laps and water aerobics, and the slides are bound to have the kids lined up and raring to go for another turn. Any appetite or thirst they or you may work up playing can be quickly satisfied at the poolside grille. If the mood so strikes, you can chill on a raft in the shallow waters by the Beach Club’s shore, or kayak or paddle board out onto the lake to contemplate the awe-inspiring natural wonders of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. While plentiful, the pleasures of Lake Keowee are not confined to the Springs and its Beach Club. Folks at the Vineyards and Falls, our other Keowee communities, also delight in all that the lake’s 18,500 acres of water and 350 miles of shoreline offer explorers. Discover a secluded spot for a romantic picnic for two or a place for the family to play. Get a pontoon and try your luck with the bass that share these waters. Or see if you still have your moves on a wakeboard or water skis – there’s something in the air here that makes you want to take on challenges. Grab your clubs, board your boat, dock at a neighboring club and

play a round on a sea of green, or delight in a delectable dining experience at one of its clubhouses. And though summer must, sadly, end, good times at the Beach Club don’t. When the weather cools, it’s the place where football’s faithful gather on game day. And though most folks here bleed Clemson Orange, friendly rivals and long-held allegiances are always welcome. After all, this is The Cliffs. ENDLESS SUMMER 11

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a Walk in the Woods with Sculptor Matt Tommey

Matt Tommey doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really weave baskets; he magically sculpts art. Using traditional basketry techniques, this River Arts District artist tries to echo the forms and shapes he sees in nature, creating metaphors that bring the essential essence of the outdoors into the home in a way that is at once both rustic and elegant. Which is also a perfect metaphor for The Cliffs, making his popularity with residents understandable.

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“People who come to the studio always comment on the energy here and how peaceful it is. And they tell me that’s how they feel when they have a piece in their home.” MATT’S SCULPTURES always begin with a walk in the woods, often with a client, such as The Cliffs at Walnut Cove resident and fellow artist Julia Fosson. Together they collected materials from her property that became the palette from which he sculpted a large piece for her fireplace mantle. “I’m always harvesting and collecting so I always have a good supply,” Matt says. It’s the nature of his materials — mountain laurel, contorted filbert, grapevine, kudzu, maple and poplar bark — that provide the individuality of every piece he creates. Just as being a Boy Scout helped Matt develop his love of the outdoors, being a part of the flourishing River Arts community not only inspires this Georgia native, it also expands him creatively. In addition to having authored several books on the subject, he also teaches classes, thus helping to preserve the traditions of basket weaving while sharing his love of the abiding beauty of The Cliffs’ mountain home.

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Double Your Pleasure.

Double Your Fun.

Mountain Park residents Wendy and Wayne Staley love to play. Her game is tennis; his is golf. Wendy takes lessons with The Cliffs’ pro, Jack DeAndrade, and plays with friends about four times a week. Wayne regularly plays with a men’s group at various Cliffs courses and manages a few more rounds during the week, often with his son, Adam, a Cliffs legacy member. That perk has helped Adam to hone his game down to a two handicap.

There’s also a yearly family tournament that pits Wayne and brother-in-law George against Adam and the Staleys’ other son, Jake, who’s also a legacy member. Over the course of six days, they play as many as 216 holes. “It’s a bigger family event than Christmas,” according to Wayne, who keeps hoping to turn his team’s 1-12 record around. It was Adam who introduced his parents to The Cliffs and to their builder, Bruce Pasquarella of American Eagle Builders, an independent franchise of Arthur Rutenberg Homes. Adam had moved to Greenville, found Bruce after an extensive search, and decided to have him build his new home. Wayne and Wendy trusted their son’s judgment, and the builder was soon working on both homes at the same time.

It Takes a Team Wendy has nothing but praise for Bruce. “He’s a fantastic person. Honorable. We’ve been in the house five years and have had virtually no problems. If something comes up, no matter how small, he’s right there to take care of it.” Which fits perfectly with Bruce’s philosophy: “Provide the highest level of customer service as well as the highest level of quality in construction.” Wendy, who has a degree in interior design, and Wayne, whose family was in the construction business, had some definite ideas about what they wanted, and Bruce, along with his recommended home designer, Darrell Snow, happily obliged.

“I view the homebuilding process as a team effort, so we like the homeowners to be very involved,” Bruce explains. And they were. The result is a contemporary home with a Japanese flair. There are Japanese shoji paper doors that separate the master bedroom from its huge walk-in closet, and Japanese nana doors that fold open to the deck and expose the home’s breathtaking 240-degree mountain view. The Staleys and their son were all so happy with Bruce that their families, all avid sports fans, occasionally get together when their respective rival pro teams play. Happily, the only rivalry this family and their builder have is confined to the football field.

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b r e a l t e ion C of Suds

Where the brew is a Way of Life Long before there was talk of craft beers and microbreweries, Ken Grossman developed a love of hops and a passion for home brewing. It took time and a great deal of experimentation, but finally, using equipment he built himself, he introduced an American stout in 1980, and soon thereafter, the classic Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. They were instrumental in launching the American craft beer movement. 18 TITLE OF ARTICLE

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Over the years, Pale Aleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hops-forward taste has become legendary and the pioneering Sierra Nevada brand wildly successful. Eventually, it became clear that to deliver a fresher, more sustainable product to its fans all over the country, the company would need to open a second brewery. A search began for a suitable location east of the Mississippi. Consideration was given to a number of cities before Sierra Nevada became part of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most vibrant craft beer community right here in Asheville. 20 TITLE OF ARTICLE

In 2015, Sierra Nevada opened its Taproom and Restaurant next door to its new brewery in Mills River, North Carolina, just some hops from The Cliffs at Walnut Cove and 20 minutes from downtown Asheville. At the heart of the Taproom, a 20-barrel brewery lets diners see the brewing process up close while they enjoy a delightful repast of locally sourced, small-plate, sharable, whole-animal, farm-to-table dishes. There are 23 beers on tap at any given time and a host of limited-edition brews, many made on the premises. Visitors can enjoy their favorite in the

ambiance of the restaurant or take it outside to the Back Porch and Beer Garden, surrender to the spectacular views of the brewery’s surrounding forest or stroll through the Mills River Estate Garden. No surprise that the Taproom and Restaurant has become a must-see and sip. So too are the brewery tours. Peer into kettles, smell hops and a get an insider’s, hands-on look at the brewing process. They’re validation of the wisdom of Plato, “He was a wise man who invented beer.” And wiser still, he who invented craft beers.

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WON DE R S of

T H E CLIFFS

1 THE PAVILION The Cliffs at Glassy

Our favorite, must-see destinations at each of The Cliffs, seven clubs.

Crowning the peak of the 3,200-foot Glassy Mountain, The Pavilion is steps from the Glassy Chapel, and some would say just steps from heaven. A favorite for festive gatherings, including a weekly membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; potluck.

THE OVERLOOK

KEOWEE FALLS

The Cliffs Valley

The Cliffs at Keowee Falls

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounded by towering peaks and 12,000 acres of protected national forests, The Overlook gives you a chance to experience everything the Carolina mountains have to offer and more.

For those aboard paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, picnic boats and just about anything that floats, the Falls at Lake Keowee are a magnet every summer day. The kids can jump out and scamper through the cool, rushing waters.

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THE MARINA

THE TAVERN

The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards

The Cliffs at Walnut Cove

Home base for days on the lake begin at the Keowee Vineyards Marina, where there are slips for your own boat, and a fleet of rentals, along with provisions to keep everything in running order … including keeping the crew well fed and well hydrated.

Right here in the heart of Walnut Cove is our own rendition of the traditional European club village, with an intimate tavern — its rich wood and leather décor an inviting throwback to days of yore, perfect for throwing back a few.

GREEN POND PAVILION

THE BEACH CLUB

The Cliffs at Mountain Park

The Cliffs at Keowee Springs

A reflection of our desire to capture the spirit of place — our beautiful high Carolina mountains — are surprising little features, secret places to be discovered off the beaten path. One of the beauties is on Green Pond in the hills above Mountain Park.

Steps from the beach, a water slide, paddleboards, kayaks and dining make a splash with the kids. But the real highlight is our Surf Shack right on the beach, where we have almost everything that floats ready for a fun day on the lake. TITLE OF ARTICLE 23

"Whydoesabogeyonapar3feel so much worse than on a par 4?" - MURMURED ON #19

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W H A T â&#x20AC;&#x2122; S Y O U R F AV O R I T E

PAR

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THERE IS IT, RIGHT BEFORE YOUR EYES.

FRIEND OR FOE?

The benign par 3. It’s all right there: no surprises, no doglegs, no carries over the crest of a hill, no deception engineered by architects or shapers. There you have it, from tee to green a scant fraction of mainstay 4s and 5s. So why the clammy hands? Why the club choice indecision? Why check the wind, twice, when you haven’t checked it all day? Just look at the pin, right there, so close, literally taunting you. After all, it’s just a par 3. It was Ernie Els who rightly noted that most of us dread playing a par 3 of almost any length — even more than a tough par 4. Part of it is psychological: you think you should be getting a breather, distance-wise, and instead, you get hit with a long iron or hybrid shot over trouble. The fact is, that innocent par 3 can be your chance for a drinks-for-all hole in one, or just as easily, a miserable way to ruin a nice nine. Wherever you land on the topic, the one thing we can assure you is that there are few places where you have such breathtaking par 3s as at The Cliffs — including holes considered to be among the best in the game by their architects, the golf press and of course, our members. Here’s a short tour authored by the respective club pros, all proud of their own chapter in this tale of threes.

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FAVORITE PAR THREES

17TH KEOWEE VINEYARDS Par 3 | 234 yards | "Geronimo" Brad Fowler, PGA Head Professional When golf course designer Tom Fazio masterminded The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards, eight holes were routed to play along or overlook picturesque Lake Keowee. But none are more spectacular than the downhill par-3 17th. From the tips, it’s all carry across an inlet on the lake. From the member tees, the slightest drift left or right will likely find the bottom of the lake. Even a well-struck shot prompts anxious moments as it hangs in the air. Don’t be surprised if a boat settles in for a visit; it’s just as breathtaking a view from the water as it is from the tee. A par on this hole will make you smile and make a birdie, and you’ll feel like a superstar.

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FAVORITE PAR THREES

MY FAVORITE

11TH VALLEY

Par 3 | 168 yards Matt Pavia, PGA Head Professional Club selection at the 11th hole, the only downhill par 3 at The Cliffs Valley, is the key to walking away with a good score. The 11th tee offers one of the best views of the back nine as it follows Terry Creek and winds through the natural valley that gives the course its name. A wide variety of trees and shrubs provide a colorful backdrop all year long in this peaceful, quiet corner of The Cliffs Valley community. A pond protects the right side of the green, and another hazard lurks long and left, so choose your club wisely! A precise shot with a short to mid-iron will be rewarded with a good chance for a birdie, but a miscalculation on the yardage can leave you with a difficult pitch shot or a lengthy putt. This green is one of the largest on course, and subtle contours make it one of the most difficult to read. If you are up to the challenge, you can expect to walk away from this hole feeling good!

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7TH MOUNTAIN PARK

Par 3 | 120 yards Mike Williams, PGA Head Professional My favorite of the par 3s at The Cliffs at Mountain Park is hole #7, which is the shortest hole on the golf course, measuring only 120 yards from the championship tee. The setting of this beautiful par 3 captures a stunning view of the Saluda River as well as having a stadiumlike atmosphere created by tall, mature trees. Course architect Gary Player placed a premium on hitting this green in regulation, so a well-hit tee shot is a must. Those unfortunate enough to miss the green are left with very challenging shots for an up and down. Left or behind the green will seem safe, but a very tough pitch or chip from well below the green awaits. Short and right of the green are protected by bunkers and the Saluda River. A fun little par 3.

16TH WALNUT COVE

Par 3 | 174 yards Paul Henriksen, PGA Head Professional As golfers leave the green on hole #16, they meander through a canopy of mountain laurel before arriving at the par-3 16th tee. The hole plays nearly 200 yards from the back tees and 135 yards from the forward tee. Players must hit across a hazard off the tee and extending to the right of the green. The green is protected by four strategically placed sand traps surrounding the green complex. The backdrop for the hole is

a steep mountain slope covered in a blanket of flowering mountain laurel and rhododendron. The beautiful and peaceful surroundings of this wonderful par 3 are irresistible, and the challenge it delivers to all who play here make it a truly signature hole here at Walnut Cove.

15TH KEOWEE SPRINGS

Par 3 | 217 yards John Mitchell, PGA Head Professional The par-3 15th at Keowee Springs is memorable in its challenge as well as the signature S bunker guarding the green. The original design also included a C bunker to the left but was changed prior to the course opening in 2008. The classic Tom Fazio-designed hole offers players the options of running the ball up onto the green on the right or challenging the S bunker to the center. The hole plays slightly uphill and measures 217 yards from the tournament tee to 76 yards from the family tee. The 15th at Keowee Springs offers players more than one way to make their par.

FAVORITE PAR THREES

11TH KEOWEE FALLS Par 3 | 163 yards Julian Bland, PGA Head Professional The shortest par 3 on the course may be perceived as an easy hole, but the waterfall to the players’ right draws the eye away from the task at hand. Aside from the waterfall that cascades down the hill and in front of the green, there is large bunker that protects the right side of the green and that tends to swallow any mishit shot. A shot that comes up short is almost a certain bogey, as it will catch the false front and roll back to the basin of the hill, some 20 yards away. The player who tries to take the false front out of play and hits long off the green will be left with an up-and-down attempt that would have some of the best players in the world scratching their heads. A well-struck shot will leave the player with a “Look a birdie!,” but the green is divided with multiple and quite severe contours that make it imperative to have proper distance control. Par is always a great score here.

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FAVORITE PAR THREES

WITH 50-MILE VIEWS, #13 AT GLASSY IS OFTEN REFERRED TO AS ONE OF THE 10 MOST SPECTACULAR HOLES IN ALL OF GOLF.

13TH GLASSY Par 3 | 159 yards Neil Jones, PGA Head Professional My favorite par 3 at Glassy is hole #13. Often referred to as the signature hole at Glassy, hole #13 is simply breathtaking. From the moment you approach the tee, you are treated to some of the most stunning views any course could offer. The tee shot requires a mid- to short-iron shot for most golfers to a green that is sloped from front to back. A well-positioned shot under the hole will be rewarded with an uphill putt. Choose your club wisely, as any tee shots that are long will almost certainly end up with a bogey.

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FAVORITE PAR THREES

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C O L O R F U L . C R E AT I V E . C O O L . The hundreds of artists at work in the River Arts District along a one-mile stretch of the beautiful French Broad River will inspire, delight, and capture your imagination. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like you to meet a few of them.

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NA NC Y H I L L I A R D JOYC E A Greenville native who now sits on the board of trustees at the Asheville Art Museum, Nancy Hilliard Joyceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work has a distinctly American Sensibility. Widely collected, her mixed-media work is bursting with color, perspective, gestures, and expression.

Joyce, Under the Walnut Tree (left), Dolce Far Niente (above)

V ICTOR I A P I N N E Y Inspired as much by texture as by color and shape, Victoria Pinney works with oils and elemental substances such as sand and wax, building up her paintings before scratching away layers until the image she seeks reveals itself.

Pinney, Sun Shower

St. Claire, Hope

DeAngelo, Adoration

PH I L I P DeA NGE L O A piece of poplar bark or rusted tin: Philip DeAngelo’s landscapes always begin with a unique texture that evolves into a finished work that reduces a scene to its essentials, quieting the viewer’s mind so

ST E PH E N ST. C L A I R E

as to evoke a more direct response.

By painting over metallic leaf, Stephen St. Claire creates dimensional paintings of intense color and contrast that appear backlit, changing in appearance depending on where the viewer is standing in relationship to the work’s light source.

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A PLAN TO EXCEED EXPECTATIONS Meet Bruce Pasquarella of our elite Preferred Builder Program Building at The Cliffs should be nearly as rewarding an experience as living here. To that end, we’ve assembled and vetted the finest builders in the region. You can be confident that the firm you choose to work with has the qualities and commitment necessary to understand and execute your vision. One such builder is Bruce Pasquarella of American Eagle Builders, an independent franchise of Arthur Rutenberg Homes. Since his company’s founding a little over a decade ago, the Clemson grad has built nearly fifty homes at The Cliffs. Over the years, he has developed a network of subcontractors and suppliers that operate, as he says, “like a well-oiled machine.” Bruce understands that from design and blueprints through the build, effective communication is critical, and he works diligently to keep the homeowner involved in every aspect of the project, knowing that involvement is the key to bringing a dream home to fruition. As with his cohorts in the Preferred Builder Program, the trust his clients place in him is rooted in his experience, his financial stability, and his integrity.

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TITLE MacKenzie OF ARTICLE 37 The American Eagle Team: Bruce Pasquarella, Nichole Moore, Matthew Bostick, Calum

Consider the possibilities … The gorgeous homesites in every Cliffs community invite you to design and build the custom home of your dreams. For those who just can’t wait, a select few homes are available right now, so you can move in right now! Whether your preference is lakeside living with a private dock or dazzling 75-mile views from a 3,000-foot mountaintop, our real estate team can help you find a home that fits you to a tee.

KEOWEE FALLS | 342 Long Cove Trail 2.05 Acres | $1,500,000

KEOWEE SPRINGS | 114 Rippling Cove Way 1.58 Acres | $895,000

MOUNTAIN PARK | 124 Secret Hollow Trail .92 Acres | $290,000

MOUNTAIN PARK | 55 Fancourt Way 1.1 Acres | $495,000

KEOWEE VINEYARDS | 508 Ginseng Drive .8 Acres | $330,000

VALLEY | Bella Vista Court 1.38 Acres | $275,000

KEOWEE SPRINGS | 118 Sweet Blossom Way 3.89 Acres | $185,000

The Cliffs Essentials

THAT NO ONE CAN LIVE WITHOUT IT’S A STERLING GIFT … IF IT’S STERLING GLASS Sterling Cut Glass designs and sells custom-etched glassware and crystal gifts. Its crystal hails from the famous Krosno Glassworks in Poland, home of the finest popularly priced, hand-blown crystal in the world. These pieces make wonderful corporate gifts for your company or golf outing at The Cliffs.

STOP OPENING, START TASTING No more saving that special bottle for the weekend or an occasion. Thanks to Coravin, any night can be a celebration. The Coravin™ Model Eight is the first and only tool in the world to let people access, pour, and enjoy wine from a bottle — without pulling the cork. The Model Eight uses Coravin's proprietary technology that protects your wine from oxidation, leaving the cork in place while the wine flows.

SMALL BUT MIGHTY The YETI Roadie 20 is the best personal cooler you’ll ever find to protect your drinks from the heat. Take this sturdy little portable cooler with you to work, or play hooky and head down to your favorite spot on Lake Keowee. This Roadie cooler is the ideal size to BYOB, and the No Sweat Design prevents any embarrassing messes.

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HATS OFF TO THESE HAND KNITS Blueberry Hill knit baby hats are the perfect combination of comfort, warmth and style. Each hat is hand knit and softer than cotton. These baby hats are the ideal gift for all the cute babies and children in your life.

FRAGRANCE FIT FOR A QUEEN Tocca Perfumes are named for the Italian word for “touch.” Inspired by the Egyptian seductress, Cleopatra captivates the senses. Tocca’s Cleopatra is a favorite at The Cliffs shops.

NOT FOR HORSING AROUND Although owning a horse is certainly not mandatory, Martin Dingman horse bit loafers have become a stylish reflection of a man’s strength and character. Martin Dingman is dedicated to quality and authenticity, which is delivered in all his collections. Over the years, the Saxon has become one of our customers’ favorites.

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Eric Cooperman, Cliffs Director of Beverage

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Ask sommelier Eric Cooperman about Imbibe, The Cliffs Wine & Food Festival, which he’s helming again this year,and he gets as excited as if he had just opened a bottle of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. “We want this to be an absolute must-attend for members by making it the premiere wine and food event at The Cliffs this year. There’s a culinary revolution going on in Southern cuisine, and we want Imbibe to be the region’s most exciting showcase,” Eric declares. With all seven Cliffs properties playing host, it’s Eric’s intention to surpass last year’s 10-day foodie phantasm, where 50 wineries, 30 distilleries, and 20 breweries put their artistry on display. This year, as last, the festival will culminate on the final Saturday with culinary demonstrations and a Grand Tasting, where more than 150 wines will be poured — many of them available for members of The Cliffs Wine Consortium. Beyond the event, Eric is working to cement The Cliffs’ place as one of the South’s most highly regarded dining and drinking experiences by mentoring members of the hospitality team. Inspired by the passion Eric brings to every glass he pours, several of his protégées, such as Tim Smith, Walnut Cove’s general manager, are now pursuing certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers. Join us in a toast to them and to Imbibe. Here, here!

IMBIBE 45

Greenville’s Competition Dining

BATTLE of Champions Appetizer

Entrée

Dessert

Braised Greenbrier Farms Pork Jowls, Ricotta Gnocchi, Roasted Organic Brussels Sprouts, Caramelized Hopkins Farm Candy Roaster Squash, Sage Brown Butter, The Happy Berry Muscadine Gastrique

Greenbrier Farms Pork Loin Wrapped in Bacon, Organic Parsnip Puree, Bourbon Hughey Farms Peach Relish, Purslane & Good Things Grow Here Shaved Fennel Salad with Pickled Red Onions

Lively Orchard Apple “Crisp,” Mixed Heirloom & Dried Apple Butter, Vanilla Greenbrier Farms Pork Jowl Mousse, Crisp Pork Jowl Crumble, Candied Apple Coulis

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Team Cliffs: Scott Denomie, Todd Warden, Kevin Furmanek

THE TEAM THAT CREATED IT, we’re only too happy to boast, was led by The Cliffs at Glassy Executive Chef Todd Warden. Assisting Todd, and the people he’s quick to share credit with, are Kevin Furmanek, executive chef, and Scott Denomie, executive sous chef, both at Mountain Park. The battle for bragging rights in the kitchen took place at Larkin’s Sawmill in Greenville. The team, which had entered at the suggestion of managing partner, David Sawyer, arrived at 10:00 and used its own equipment to set up its makeshift kitchen before collecting supplies furnished by Competition Dining and Pate Dawson, the dining competition’s sponsors.

If this menu makes your mouth water, you’re not alone. The panel of food professionals and the audience of nearly 200 foodies fortunate enough to savor every bite of this incredible feast agreed and chose it as the winner of 2015’s Greenville Competition Dining Series.

The challenge for the team, which won four previous rounds to earn its place in the final, was to create a menu around an ingredient — pork — it only learned about at noon on the day of the competition and then had to use in every dish it prepared. The team had three hours to conceptualize and present its menu to a panel of judges made up of other chefs, restaurateurs, and bloggers before preparing enough for everyone present to sample. And though the team won the competition, one might argue that the real winners were those who had the great good fortune to feast on Chef’s banquet.

BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS 47

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Hooked You want that time of day, morning or evening, when the sun is dancing off the cold water. When there’s a stillness all around that lets you hear and see things you don’t hear or see in the rush of everyday life: birds chirping, a breeze rustling through trees, and water rushing over rocks. You wade out, cast your line and wait.

Then that moment comes when you feel a tug on your line and you’ve fooled a trout into thinking it’s going to be eating something more than just a hook and a bunch of feathers. Whether you’ve never held a rod before or you have master caster certification, the thrill is the same.

The next few minutes seem like an eternity. You worry whether your line will hold, or knot, or tangle, or break if your fish runs it over rocks. But if all goes well, none of that happens, and you reel it in, a bit at a time, maybe net it, maybe not. Then you unhook it, release it and watch it swim away. And when the day is done, the bond between fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, grandparents and grandchildren, and friends draws closer as stories are shared about the ones that got away. Whether they’re true really doesn’t matter; the joy you’ve experienced does.

residents of The Cliffs to some of the best fly-fishing spots in the Pisgah Mountains’ Davidson and Tuckaseegee Rivers and along the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail. Of course, residents can always meditate by fly-fishing right in their backyard at The Cliffs.

It’s like a meditation, according to Kevin Howell of Davidson River Outfitters, the folks who guide

Just try it once and, like us, you’ll be wondering if it’s the fish that’s gotten hooked or you.

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Building Trust During the course of their 34-year marriage, Sydney and Chuck Bland have lived all over the world and built a number of homes. But theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never loved a place as much as they love The Cliffs, or had a happier or more satisfying experience than when they built their home in Mountain Park with Tom Dillard of Dillard-Jones. 50 TITLE OF ARTICLE

“We’re a completely vertical firm, with design, build, and interior design under one roof so we all understand the client’s vision and can personalize everything with all the details that make a house a home,” is how Tom explains his operation. It certainly worked for the Blands. “We loved working with Tom, Susan (Susan Vernon, VP of interior design), and Richie (Richie Martin, director of design) because all three were at every meeting and involved in the every step of the process,” Sydney says. “Whenever you start a new relationship with any builder or contractor, you have to have some concerns. We were out of state, and it was a little scary. Being remote, you really have to have faith,” Chuck explained. He recounts one of the experiences that justified his and Sydney’s faith in Tom. “We wanted our family room to open onto the patio so we’d have one large indoor/outdoor space. Our idea was to go with Catalina doors. Turned out they were very expensive. Tom’s idea was to use pocket doors and phantom screens. It was a far better solution. We got more than we expected and saved some money.”

Building from Afar Building for clients who are out of state like the Blands – or as far away as Brussels and Dubai – is common for Dillard-Jones. “About 90 percent of our clients don’t live here when they build,” Tom says. “So we use a combination of scheduling software and online technology to communicate during the build. Clients have access to a digital portal we update weekly with pictures and information about their job, so details are all in one place.”

“When I would fly in,” Sydney says, “Susan would have the whole weekend planned, taking me to see the flooring people, the painters, the cabinetmakers and such. It helped me have a better picture of how everything was fitting together.” Like so many of Dillard’s clients, as things progressed, she appreciated and relied on Susan’s unerring good taste more and more.

Coming Home The Blands first came to The Cliffs Valley from Denver in 2007. A friend, whom Chuck describes as “very analytical,” had recommended three ideal places that offered everything the Blands wanted: great golf, a terrific wellness program, a vibrant cultural life, mountains and seasons. The Cliffs was their first stop, and they didn’t bother to look any further. A couple of years later, they moved to Massachusetts for business and sold their home in Valley. But they knew they wanted to come back and started looking right away. They found the perfect lot in Mountain Park and then found Tom, whom a number of friends had recommended. “I have no second guesses about our decision to work with Tom,” Sydney says. “We totally trusted everything he and the team did, and everything went according to schedule and cost what they said it would. We always knew exactly where we were and that they had everything under control. We couldn’t be happier with the final result.” Who wouldn’t be, sitting on the deck, sipping something special from the wine cellar and gazing out at a seemingly endless stretch of mountains exploding with color?

They try to have clients schedule four or five visits during the build, and they make the most of them.

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FROM THE GYM According to Vance Ferrigno, The Cliffs’ Nike 360 Golf Performance Specialist, your best round of golf may begin at the Wellness Center. “My job is to assess why your body can’t do what’s best for your game and to give you the tools to correct that," he says. "The body can only do what the body can do. If your body can’t do mechanically what your swing coach tells you to do with respect to your swing plane, it will take the path of least resistance. That results in a swing compensation. "To overcome that, we work on specific exercises to address the physical limitations that are affecting your swing and get you back on course.”

Vance Ferrigno Nike 360 Golf Performance Specialist 52 FROM THE GYM TO THE TEE

TO THE TEE Mike Williams, The Cliffs’ golf pro at Mountain Park, also sees considerable benefit in working with a fitness trainer. “With time, we all experience a degree of loss of flexibility, strength and mobility that can put limitations on our swing," he says. “Our trainers and teaching pros constantly consult about what specific areas you need to work on to improve your game. This tandem approach is a special feature rarely available unless you’re a pro.” “Our fitness coaches can help improve and make the most of your physical capabilities by turning back the clock a few minutes and putting you in a position where you can make the most of your work with your pro and your game.”

Mike Williams Pro at Mountain Park

54 TITLE THE PONIES OF ARTICLE ARE JUST THE START

THE PONIES ARE JUST THE START Tryon International Equestrian Center

eaturing a full calendar of competitions and activities, the Tryon International Equestrian Center is an international destination for equestrian competitors and enthusiasts and is destined to become one of the premier centers in the equestrian world. The new facility opened in June 2014 with sanctioned horse shows and initial supporting amenities including 10 riding arenas, 850 permanent stalls, a covered riding facility and a fitness center. Plans for the future include a sports complex, two hotels, a sporting clay course, and an 18-hole golf course. Naturally, there will be a full calendar of equestrian events.

•

Tryon welcomes guests 365 days a year to watch, dine, shop, and experience one of the premier riding destinations purpose built for the love of horses and our sport.

You really have to see it to believe what is becoming one of our region’s major attractions, and another venue in The Cliffs’ blue-ribbon lifestyle.

Watch riders and horses from all over the United States compete from the comfort of elevated viewing areas around each ring, with ample shade and seating. Competitions generally start at 8 am and wind down in the late afternoon.

• During noncompetition weeks, Tryon hosts events including festivals and concerts. •

“Saturday Night Lights” is a Grand Prix equestrian event featuring food, fun, live music, and the highest level of competitive show jumping on select Saturday evenings throughout the year. On Saturday afternoons, there is a free ice cream social during the day’s events. There is face painting, performers, free rides on the Venetian carousel and a live band – each week is different and includes the likes of fire twirlers, acrobats, magicians, mechanical bull riding, sand-castle building, shag dancing competitions, vintage car shows and craft beer festivals.

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==========================

WE L C O M E

HOME Cottages. Comfort. Community.

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Brookwood

Cove Manor

Edgefield

IN THE CLIFFS AT WALNUT COVE is an enclave of smaller, cottage style homes that offer residents a strong sense of community, a place where neighbors become friends and friends become like family. Called Cove Park, these elegant homes evoke the timehonored traditions of the English cottage, while at the same time providing the conveniences of the contemporary home. They’re ideal for the couple seeking something smaller without sacrificing a single creature comfort. Highly appointed, the open, under-3,500-square-foot floor plan features a master suite on the ground floor, two guest bedrooms and three and a half baths – en suite for privacy – so there’s always room for visiting family and friends. While the wood floors are traditional European wide plank, there’s a nod to the modern with transitional interiors and a fireplace that adds to the home’s sense of warmth and welcome. The kitchen appliances are state-of-the-art Thermador, and the use of stone, stucco and cedar shake accents help make the cottages decidedly low maintenance, as do their flagstone decks.

Evergreen

“Environmental integration, creative architectural design and the use of natural materials,” is how Cove Park’s builders, Roseann and Doug Cioce of Herrington Homes LLC, describe Cove Park’s design aesthetic. But there is so much more to Cove Park than its charming cottages and Cliffs membership. Surrounded by the awesome beauty of the Pigsah National Forest and a wealth of outdoor activities, it’s only steps away from Walnut Cove’s Wellness Center, a favorite gathering place for its residents and just minutes from all that Asheville offers. We think Roseann and Doug have succeeded admirably in their goal “of creating something within The Cliffs at Walnut Cove that’s utterly unique.”

Parkland

Woodbridge

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SouthernH ospitality 103 years of

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The Grove Park Inn The word legendary has become ubiquitous over the last few years. In truth, it is rarely earned. But make no mistake: the Grove Park Inn has justly earned the accolade. TITLE OF ARTICLE 59

his most extraordinary of hotels was the vision of the man called the “Father of Modern Asheville,” Edwin Wiley Grove. Grove’s son-in-law, Fred Loring Seely — who became engaged to Grove’s daughter, Evelyn, within 48 hours of meeting her — was its architect and first general manager. It took 400 laborers, dragging tons of boulders mined from Sunset Mountain up the mountainside using wagons, ropes, pulleys, and a single steam engine, to complete work in just three days short of a year. Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan, aptly calling it something “built for the ages,” spoke at the hotel’s opening. Ten presidents, from William Howard Taft to Barack Obama, 60 SOUTHERN TITLE OF ARTICLE HOSPITALITY

have visited. The “three vagabonds,” Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone and Henry Ford, included a stop at the inn on their annual camping trips. Bill Tilden played tennis here, and golfing legends from Bobby Jones and Ben Hogan to Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player have played its 6,720-yard, par-70 course. So has President Obama. Entertainers from Caruso and Houdini to Seinfeld and Shatner have been guests. So too were John D. Rockefeller, Will Rogers, General John J. Pershing and Billy Graham. Literary legend F. Scott Fitzgerald came in 1935 and stayed, mostly intoxicated, in rooms 441 and 443 until 1936, his career in tatters.

And there is the Pink Lady, the apparition of a young beauty in a pink gown who has roamed the halls since she either leaped or was pushed to her death in 1920. The inn's Roycroft-designed and -built, arts-and-crafts furnishings, the amenities and mineral waters of its labyrinthine subterranean spa, and the locally sourced menus of its four signature restaurants have won, over the past few years, virtually every accolade possible from every national travel publication. Today, the Omni Grove Park Inn works diligently to add amenities to serve the modern traveler, all while honoring its rich heritage. And so, its legend abides.

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62 TITLE THE LANDING OF ARTICLE AT KEOWEE SPRINGS

This June, we raised the curtain on The Landing, 600 pristine acres of Carolina lakefront that bring new luster to one of the East’s most desirable lakefront communities — The Cliffs at Keowee Springs. Set along the shores of its namesake lake, The Cliffs at Keowee Springs pairs a relaxed, recreational lakefront lifestyle with energy and culture, embodied by the community’s neighboring college town, the home of Clemson University. Here is that much-sought-after combination of a private waterfront community with rich amenities that’s just minutes from a storybook town. It’s that elusive destination where all of life’s conveniences are close by, but your home is a true four-season retreat to share with family and friends. TITLE OF ARTICLE 63

IN T RODUCING OU R L AT E ST OF F ER ING:

THE LANDING

A PR I VAT E WAT ER F RON T ENCL AV E ON T HE SHOR E S OF SPA R K L ING L A K E K EOW EE

The Landing promises the very best lake living has to offer. It’s tranquil, yet exhilarating, and at The Landing, you can enjoy the peace and calm of life at the lake when you want to take things slowly or all the excitement of living at The Cliffs when you’re in the mood for fun. That’s because when you belong to The Cliffs, you’re not just a member of one, but seven clubs – three on Lake Keowee, three in the mountains and one just minutes to Asheville. You’ll enjoy seven clubs, seven championship golf courses, six wellness centers, 17 restaurants and dining experiences, a marina, a beach club, tennis complexes, an equestrian center, hiking trails, wine clubs, and even an organic farm. In short, living at The Cliffs takes the concept of “never a dull moment” to a whole new level. With a limited number of homesites available in this idyllic location, we expect that properties at The Landing at Keowee Springs will be quickly spoken for. To request more information or reserve your property, please contact The Cliffs real estate team.

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Protected. Private. Pristine. In other words, just about perfect. The initial offering at The Landing includes just 35 estate properties. We’ve walked every inch of every property to ensure that each building site offers sites for homes that will have great views, the privacy you want in a getaway, and easy access to the lake. You won’t want to hesitate, as these 35 slices of paradise won’t last long.

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Play time It seems only natural that when a high school principal with an entrepreneurial spirit decided to open his own business, he would do something devoted to children. For Shaun Collyer and his wife, Sara, that meant a place where children could engage in imaginative play and have unforgettable birthday parties, and parents could be assured their children were in a happy, creative environment. The Mountain Play Lodge in Arden, near Asheville, opened in April of 2011. But when it’s time for the Collyers to play, their venue of choice is The Cliffs at Walnut Cove. It was friend and resident J.B. Ballard who introduced Shaun to The Cliffs during a members and guests golfing event. The two friends spent three days playing the Jack Nicklausdesigned course, and Shaun enjoyed it so much that he became a corporate member soon after. In addition to Shaun honing his game three or four times a week, his older son Jackson, 12, has started taking private lessons, and seven-year-old Maxwell isn’t far behind. Shaun is hoping to get Sara, who played collegiate tennis, out on the course. The kids attended camp here last summer, and the family hopes to explore more of The Cliffs with visits to the Keowee Springs Beach Club. Shaun also works out at the Wellness Center, where he swims, lifts weights and does aerobics. And the Tavern Restaurant at the Club Village is a favorite for both the family and for entertaining clients. “It’s everything we were looking for: incredible facilities, a great staff, and friendly, welcoming members, a lot of whom are young, with families like ours. We feel right at home,” Shaun says. We’re happy that when the Collyers have playtime, it’s The Cliffs where they come to play.

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Corporate Members

Shaun & Sara Collyer TITLE OF ARTICLE 67

SEV E N

T I M E S

WONDER

T H E C LI F F S AT WALN U T COV E

A picture (or in this case, a map) is worth a thousand words. But in the colorful mountains of North and South Carolina, this picture is worth somewhere between seven and a million. When you belong to The Cliffs, you’re immediately a member of all seven communities, for golf, boating, dining, tennis, hiking, biking, shopping and just horsing around. It takes the concept of “never a dull moment” to a whole new level. There’s no club that’s best, but we guarantee that there is one for you.

B R E VA R D

And then there is everything outside the entrances … towns are scenic, historic, vibrant and just flat-out fun. Asheville is America’s new darling, and Greenville is the new #1 on too many lists to mention. In between are cozy hamlets where music, the arts and crafts are thriving. Life here is also easy, because everything is close. Cliffs Valley and Mountain Park are but five minutes apart; Glassy is 10 minutes farther. From these clubs, Greenville is less than 30 minutes away, and Asheville is comfortably under an hour away along smooth, scenic highways. From Atlanta, you can be on Lake Keowee in under two hours, on the tee or with your feet dangling off a dock.

T H E C LI F F S AT KEOWEE V I N E YARDS

And all around you are millions of acres of the most beautiful land this country knows. This is why we say, “There’s life, and then there’s living.” T H E C LI FFS AT KEOW EE FALLS

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AT L A N TA (Less than 2 hrs.)

UNC ASHEVILLE

ASHEVILLE MISSION HOSPITAL

HENDERSONVILLE

T H E C LI F F S AT G LAS S Y

C H A R L O T T E (90 min.)

T H E C LI FFS VA LLE Y

T H E CLI FFS AT M O UN TAI N PARK

F URMAN UNIVERSIT Y

GREENVILLE

GREENVILLE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

T H E CLI FFS AT KEOWEE SP RI NGS

CLEMSON UNIVERSIT Y (15 min)

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“You can’t wait for inspiration, you have to go after it with a club.” –Jack London