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FALL 2019
FALL 2019 Volume 14 • Issue 3
10 Dear Readers: Note from the Editor
PUBLISHER Jerry Edwards, jerry@edwgroupinc.com 864-882-3272
12 Color and festivals abound 20 Whiskey Prison boasts ghostly tours 24 Mustang lovers unite!
EDITOR Brett McLaughlin, bmclaughlin@upstatetoday.com
28 Steeped in history, beauty & culture
GENERAL MANAGER Hal Welch, hal@upstatetoday.com
34 ‘You got this!’
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Wes Grooms, wgrooms@upstatetoday.com
38 Hideaway on Jekyll Island
ART DIRECTOR/GRAPHICS Melissa Bradley, mbradley@upstatetoday.com
42 Grand Vistas at Rumbling Bald 48 Couple creates a fitting finale
CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS EDITION Bill Bauer • Phillip Gentry Vanessa Infanzon • Dari Mullins Brett McLaughlin
56 New gastro pub offers eclectic fare
COVER PHOTO Russ Carlson, “Autumn Lake Stroll” Upstate Lake Living’s 2018 Photo Contest Entry
60 Taking up the brush for charity
The Journal UPSTATE LAKE LIVING™ is published quarterly by The Journal 210 W. N. 1st Street, Seneca, SC 29678, USA Ph: 864.882.2375, Fax: 864.882.2381 Mail subscription: $40 includes 4 issues Single issue: $4.95, available at The Journal office U.S. Postal Permit #18
64 THEATRE Curtains go up in the fall 70 CALENDAR Festivals, fairs and a whole lot more!
UPSTATE LAKE LIVING™ is a trademark of Edwards Group. Contents copyrighted.
76 LIFE ON THE LAKE Age is just a number 78 FISHING Catfish flavors 80 YOUR FINANCES Are women better investors? 82 WATERFALL A not so Dry Falls 8 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
tell us what you think! Call or email us. We would love to hear from you! 864.973.6305 lakeliving@upstatetoday.com
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE Upstate Lake Living, upon receipt of a new or renewal subscription, will strive to provide first-copy delivery of Upstate Lake Living to the Postal Service for the next issue (March, June, September and December). Renewals must be received at least two weeks prior to expiration to assure continued service. Address subscription inquiries to: UPSTATE LAKE LIVING, P.O. Box 547, Seneca, SC 29679; phone 864.882.2375; fax 864.882.2381. Two weeks advance notice is required for address changes; please send old and new address.
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PLAY ON OUR LAKES AND STAY SAFE! Boating Safety Checklist BEFORE LEAVING, I … q Checked the weather q Told someone where I am going q Gathered all lifesaving devises and made sure they are in good condition q Checked the fuel and battery charge q Made sure lights are in good working condition on the boat and trailer q Made sure the fire extinguisher is readily available q Put the plug in
ON THE WATER, I WILL… q Not operate the boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs q Throw something that floats to someone if they fall overboard q Give right of way to all boats to the right of me q Stay with the boat if boat capsizes q Head into the wind if caught in a storm
STAY SAFE AND HAVE FUN!
10 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
DEAR READERS {editor’s note}
N
ot only does Life on the Lake columnist Dari Mullins prove that age should never be a barrier to living the lake life, but her feature story in this edition also is testimony to the fact that women are coming of age when it comes to boats and water sports. I hope you enjoy both pieces. Fall is also a time when many of us hit the road in search of nature’s beauty as only the Southeast can BRETT MCLAUGHLIN provide. Vanessa Infanzon suggests Editor that whatever road you take, it should lead to Jekyll Island, while Bill Bauer offers up a suggestion for fall golf in the Western North Carolina mountains that overlook Lake Lure. Bill has also put together a wonderful travelogue on Abingdon, VA, should your trip take you even a little further north. Great history, theater and shopping are just a few reasons to discover this Southwest Virginia gem. This issue also has an extensive guide for both fall color tours and a number of fall festivals, all within a one- or two-day drive from Upstate South Carolina. Finally, as you know, I love history. And, I found plenty of it in the form of an early 20th century North Carolina prison that has been converted into a bourbon distillery. Not only is the hooch good, but also the folks who run Southern Grace Distillery offer haunted tours of the old “Whiskey Prison” at night. Why not spend a spooky Halloween just outside of Charlotte, NC. From there it’s a short drive to the North Carolina shoreline, where color should be just coming into bloom. Finally, we found a great local eatery where, within minutes, everyone knows your name. And, we’ve got another beautiful lake home for you to tour, to say nothing of event and theater calendars that just go on and on. So, before winter sets in and we hunker down around the lake, set sail by boat or car and enjoy lake living. As always, I welcome your comments. Just jot me a line at: bmclaughlin@upstatetoday.com Brett McLaughlin, editor
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FIND YOURSELF SOME COLOR … and a little fun along the way story compiled by Brett McLaughlin
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e are never far from nature as residents of Upstate South Carolina. Our foothills are resplendent with hiking trails and waterfalls. The North Georgia mountains are a stone’s throw to our south; the natural wonders of Western North Carolina draw us deeper into the wondrous Blue Ridge Mountains; and whenever we have two hours to spare we can embed ourselves in the Great Smoky Mountains — home to the nation’s most visited national park. We are blessed throughout the year, but only in the fall — when nature’s cascade of colors rains down and enfolds us — are we truly unable to resist the call to enjoy the best Mother Nature has to offer. In our region we only have a few more weeks of anticipation, as leaves begin to produce bursts of orange, yellow and red starting as early as mid-September and peaking through mid-November. It is hard to resist the call of a road trip when so many beautiful options are so close at hand. And, as if nature’s show is not enough to pry us from our summer doldrums, fall is festival season. Towns large and small seize upon cooler temperatures and lower humidity to host a variety of outdoor events. Following are some possible destinations for a road trip and fun festivals to consider. You may have already taken in some of these, but remember, no two leaves are the same color and familiarity means being able to shut off the GPS. In search of color? Consider… GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK Renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its mountains, and the quality of the remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture that it holds, this is America’s most visited national park. From the scenic beauty of Cades Cove, to black bears and rare wildflowers, it’s all here. And, even better, you can hike it or simply drive through it. Streamside turnoffs and panoramic overlooks are around every corner.
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THE BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY The winding Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles linking Shenandoah National Park to the north to Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Best of all, you can enjoy its fall artistry for a few hours or a few days. Its southern terminus is just across the state line in Georgia, but you can jump on this skyline drive just about anywhere. History, hiking and opportunities to enjoy local happenings here are numerous along the route. To plan a getaway on one of America’s most picturesque roadways, visit: www.nps.gov/blri/ index.htm SHENANDOAH VALLEY In the event the parkway, or any road of your choosing, should lead you far enough north, the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia combines scenic beauty, natural caverns, historic sites, and thriving cities with music, arts, festivals, superb dining and shopping. Historic inns, mountain cabins, fine hotels and full-service campgrounds make it easy to plan a getaway, but jump on it now as peak color season is high tide in the valley. BRYSON CITY Closer to home (90 minutes from the Upstate) and bordering the southern side of Great Smoky Mountain National Park, this burg bills itself as a laid-back, non-touristy town of 1,500 with more stop signs than stoplights. From here you can catch a train or hike or bike the “Road to Nowhere,” an unfinished road that takes you eight miles into Great Smoky Mountain National Park and ends at the mouth of a tunnel.
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In addition to splendous color, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park has one of the nation’s finest collections of historic buildings. Photo courtesy of Debra & Dave Vanderlaan
DAHLONEGA Dahlonega in the North Georgia mountains is another Upstate daytrip destination. The city boasts both rich architecture and history. Hiking trails are at hand, or you can simply settle into a pub where local musicians come and go on an open stage, offering some of the best bluegrass to be found. Fall festivals and vineyard tours are other options.
through the park’s canopied terrain or stop to enjoy motor boating, horseback riding and fishing or stay the night, find a peak and gaze upon a starlit sky.
NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST Macon County, NC, is famous for cascading waterfalls that are even more stunning when surrounded by a prism of autumn color. The forest encompasses more than a half-million acres of woodlands. Elevations range from 5,800 to 1,200 feet. Visitors can simply drive
TALLULAH GORGE STATE PARK Tallulah Gorge State Park is a two-mile long, 1,000-foot canyon whose fall colors are stunning and less than an hour’s drive from the Upstate. It’s a particularly fun place to visit on one of the first three weekends of November, which is a whitewater release period. It is
then that whitewater kayakers can be seen paddling through the gorges’ Class IV and V rapids. In search of fun, consider … SC FOOTHILLS HERITAGE FAIR The SC Foothills Heritage Fair at The F.A.R.M. Center, 2063 Sandifer Blvd., Westminster, is a great family event scheduled Sept. 24-28. Featured are rides, concerts, livestock shows, rodeos, dance exhibitions, 4-H youth events, hands-on learning opportunities and farm animal exhibits. For hours, admission prices and more information, visit: farmoconee.org/fair/ STONE MOUNTAIN PARK’S ANNUAL PUMPKIN FESTIVAL On Fridays and Saturdays in October, Georgia’s most popular attraction is Stone Mountain Park’s Annual Pumpkin Festival. Located in Stone Mountain Park, GA, outside of Atlanta, this rite of fall festival offers plenty of kid-friendly activities such as a carnival and storytelling, plus entertainment for the whole family, which includes a pie-eating contest.
Even after many of the leaves have fallen to the ground, the trails of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park still offer up wondrous views.
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Some of the best fall color east of the Mississippi River can be found just a few hours away in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
CAROLINA BALLOONFEST In addition to enjoying the sight of 50 colorful hot air balloons, which launch twice daily, the balloon festival in Statesville, NC, also includes competitions and flights, a balloon glow, aviation displays, activities for kids, arts and crafts, entertainment, and wine and
beer gardens. This year’s festival will take place Oct. 18-20. TASTE OF ATLANTA Taste of Atlanta is slated Oct. 19-21. Now located in Historic Fourth Ward Park, this three-day “foodie adventure” features delica-
cies from 90 neighborhood restaurants. Enjoy food and drink from local chefs as well as cooking demonstrations and entertainment. OCTOBER COURT DAY October Court Day is eastern Kentucky’s annual trading days, Oct. 12-15. Initiated
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A Great fall destination! Huntersville, NC — When searching for signs of autumn’s arrival one need look no further than the return of the annual Carolina Renaissance Festival. As sure as the changing color of the leaves, for eight consecutive weekends — October 5 through November 24 — the Carolina Renaissance Festival brings a big dose of cheer, trumpet fanfare, clashing armor and giant roasted turkey legs. Each Renaissance Festival day is filled with a bounty of attractions appropriate for all age groups. Village purveyors offer an endless feast of stews, meats on sticks, sweet treats and confections. Festival pubs offer a variety of soft drinks, craft beer, wine, champagne, ale, honey mead, lemonade and Medieval Margaritas. Fourteen stages offer continuous music, dance, comedy and circus entertainment. Unbalanced acrobats, the Ancient Art of Falconry and the popular jousting tournament with horse mounted armored knights are all examples of the continuous entertainment options. Shop an extensive array of craft vendors, and there are also activities for children of all ages that include people-powered amusement rides and countryside faire games such as the castle climbing wall, archery and tomato tossing at a fool. The Festival is located north of Charlotte between Concord and Huntersville on Highway 73 at Poplar Tent Road. It runs from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets at $26 for adults and $16 for kids ages 5-12 are available at the gate or can be printed online from: carolina.renfestinfo.com. Seniors ages 60 and over and military personnel (with valid ID) enjoy discount tickets at the gate. Children under 5 are free, as is parking, courtesy of Harris Teeter.
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in the 18th Century and known as the “granddaddy of all flea markets” the event attracts over 100,000 people to buy and sell arts and crafts from the people of Mount Sterling, which is located just off I-64, east of Lexington. LEXINGTON’S THE BARBECUE FESTIVAL The Barbecue Festival in Lexington, NC, is held on the last Saturday in October. Attracting more than 100,000 barbecue lovers, this festival celebrates and serves just one kind of barbecue — Lexington style. After sampling in the barbecue tent, check out the impressive sand sculpture and car show extravaganza. CHARLESTON’S FALL HOUSE AND GARDEN TOURS Charleston invites you to explore some of the city’s oldest and most notable examples of architecture in an array of styles during the annual Fall House and Garden Tours throughout October. Presented by the Preservation Society of Charleston, these self-guided tours bring you through six private homes (or only their gardens in some instances). Tickets are limited. BEAUFORT’S FALL FESTIVAL OF HOUSES AND GARDENS Similarly, Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens in Beaufort is held the last weekend in October. A selection of private homes and gardens representing three centuries of architecture, welcomes self-guided visitors over three days. On the first day, you can stroll among
six historic homes; on the second, you can savor regional specialties prepared by local chefs in five different private homes; and on the last day, you can tour one of St. Helena Island’s plantation houses.
The Glade Creek Grist Mill is located in Babcock State Park along the New River Gorge in Fayette County, West Virginia. It’s a popular attraction, particularly during the fall color season.
HARVEST FESTIVAL OF DOLLYWOOD Harvest Festival of Dollywood runs throughout October, offering free concerts (included with admission price), arts and crafts artisans, pumpkin sculptures at the Great Pumpkin LumiNights and special regional food. n
Any portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway can provide glorious views of fall color in the Southeast.
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Aptly named, Conviction is the primary bourbon distilled at Southern Grace. It is available in the Upstate at Total Wine & More, 1125 Woodruff Road, Greenville.
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story by Brett McLaughlin | photos courtesy of VisitCabarrus.com
t’s fall. There’s color everywhere. It’s also Halloween. Haunted houses are around every corner. Sure, the Blue Ridge Parkway is wonderful, but how about considering a tour of a different kind this fall … something that involves ghosts? You see, there’s a former state prison just outside of Charlotte where hauntings are routine. For the price of admission you not only get a guaranteed spooky experience, but also a good dose of prison history and some of the smoothest bourbon to be found anywhere. That’s right, bourbon. You need to experience Southern Grace Distillery. It bills itself as “Whiskey Prison,” and rightfully so. The first cellblock to hold prisoners in 1929 is now an aging room, and cellblocks built later have been repurposed to house ingredients and the equipment used to distill them. The tour is spooky — especially at night — and the bourbon is … well, award-winning. If those aren’t reasons enough to make the threehour trip from the Upstate, you can still point your vehicle east. Peak color along the North Carolina shoreline begins in early November. But, back to Southern Grace … Park across the road from 130 Dutch Road in Mt. Pleasant, 20 minutes from Charlotte. Walk on over to the “guard shack” and come on in. The former chapel is the visitor’s center. That’s where tours begin. You can have your mug shot taken or have someone snap a picture of you behind bars before venturing past three solitary confinement cells and a high security area that was the original tasting room. What used to be prisoner-housing units extend like four spokes from what was a guard unit in the center. That hub is now a thoroughfare for workers moving from one part of the distilling process to the next. After 27 years inside Washington DC’s beltway, Whiskey Prison founder Leanne Powell was ready to break out. A patriot, though, she was determined to make something that was truly American. What could be better than bourbon?
{above} A variety of tours can be arranged through the Southern Grace website. {below} Bourbon aging at Southern Grace not only happens behind bars, but is enhanced by the playing of rock music that vibrates the kegged whiskey, smoothing it in the process.
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YOUR Decisions Based On MY Knowledge We fell in love with the area for its beauty and peaceful lifestyle. Real estate is our passion and once again we opened Tri-County Properties serving the needs of Oconee, Pickens, and Anderson Counties. Lisa and I live on Lake Keowee and love being part of the community. As a Listing Specialist and Buying Specialist, we have a proven track record for getting your property SOLD. Put our 34 years of experience and real estate knowledge to work for you.
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The Southern Grace website suggests several recipes involving their bourbon, including the popular Sun Dog Apple Dumplin’.
She incubated her business in 2,200 square feet of a former mill. While there she applied for licenses and tested various recipes. Eventually, however, a bigger space was needed. Three textile mills and the prison had closed in Mt. Pleasant and the city was recruiting water customers. Powell seized the opportunity the prison offered, vowing to use every space and piece of equipment she could to blend prison history with North Carolina grown corn and barley. Where prison cots once were, mash is brewed and stills operate. A day-room has been converted into a bottling facility. A sink from one of the community bathrooms was molded into a hot water tank and the former commissary, with its original stainless steel, cafeteria-style appurtenances, is now the tasting room and gift shop. Little goes to waste in the distilling process as grain residue is made into jewelry and other by-products include dog biscuits and cattle feed. THE HISTORY Ironically, the prison opened during the height of prohibition. It closed in 2011. In between, the NC Dept. of Transportation set up outside the fence, securing an endless supply of “free,” chain gang labor. The former laundry and barbershop are currently unused, but a solitary confinement box — think of the “Cool Hand Luke” movie — where prisoners could be held for 30 days (before the state outlawed the practice in the 1970s) is a popular stop during tours. Oddly, it sits next to a
RACE TO TASTE
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The Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau invites you to Race to Taste by stopping by the Visitor Center, 10099 Weddington Road, Suite 102, Concord, to pick up a free set of coasters. Each coaster features a short history of a homegrown brew site in the area, as well as contact information, location and social media handles. Visitors are invited to stop by, snap photos and share them online at #RacetoTaste. If you don’t make it to every stop, don’t worry. The coaster set is yours to keep.
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basketball court where a stage for outdoor concerts is planned. The original prison dormitory across the yard is now used for barrel aging, a process that takes on a unique twist at Southern Grace. Here, heavy metal rock music — Metallica, Megadeth, Killer Be Killed, Iron Maiden, Testament, Judas Priest, etc. — is piped loudly into the building. The music causes the bourbon to vibrate against the charcoal that builds in the barrels, making it smoother. Whatever the employees at Southern Grace are doing, it is paying off. The distillery released its first bourbon, aptly trademarked as “Conviction,” in 2017, and it has been awarded a gold medal at the Micro Liquor awards and a double gold medal at the Fifty Best Bourbon Competition in New York City. In March it was awarded “Best Bourbon Under 4 Years” at the New Orleans Bourbon Festival. Also bottled at Southern Grace are Sun Dog 130, Zero Dark 130, Sun Dog Apple Dumplin’ and Sun Dog Pink Lemonade. Given its history, tours are a big part of what Southern Grace offers. A variety of tours are available. Friday and Saturday tours are offered at 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30 p.m. These, as well as Food Truck Friday tours can be arranged online at: www. southerngracedistilleries.com. If you
would like to arrange a tour Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., email: leanne@southerngracedistilleries.com or call 704.622.6413. n Editor’s Note: Sadly, since the interview for this story took place, owner Leanne Powell has passed away. However, the employees at Southern Grace are carrying on her legacy in terms of both great bourbon and frightening tours of an early 20th century prison.
The first stop at the Whiskey Prison is at the former guard shack. Ironically, the making of bourbon now takes place at the Prohibition Era prison.
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PONY UP FOR A VISIT TO THE
story by Brett McLaughlin The museum features 55-60 privately owned cars that rotate in and out of the exhibit.
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photos courtesy of MustangOwnersMuseum.com
O
nly in a place whose moniker is “Where Racing Lives” should one expect to find a museum dedicated entirely to what is arguably America’s most classic car, the
Ford Mustang. It just feels right. That’s why any visit to Cabarrus County, NC, wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Mustang Owner’s Museum, located a gearshift or two away from the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The brainchild of long-time Mustang enthusiasts Steve Hall and Ron Bramlett, the museum, which opened this past spring, evolved from the official Mustang 50th Birthday Party hosted by the Cabarrus County Convention and
Visitors Bureau in April 2014. Bramlett served as the executive director of the event, which attracted thousands of Mustang owners and enthusiasts to the nearby speedway. According to the museum’s webpage, the idea behind the museum is to “show the automotive world the many reasons why the Mustang is one of the most popular ‘pony cars’ in the world,” and to highlight the Mustang’s unique ability to be customized and personalized extensively.
In that regard, the one-of-a-kind, 40,000-square foot facility is distinctive in that it is an owners’ museum. Every one of the 55 to 60 Mustangs on display is individually owned and loaned to the museum for exhibit. As such, the cars rotate in and out, providing a great reason for repeat visits. Desiring to have owner cars has not detracted, however, from the quality of the exhibit. The cars on display include classics, modified, racing and a few crazy versions. There are a couple of vintage state police patrol Mustangs and three Mustangs that served as pace cars at the Indy 500 in 1964, 1979 and 1994. Most are in excellent (to mint) condition, one notable exception being Mustang #211, a firstday assembly line car that was found, beyond restoration, The first museum devoted entirely to Ford’s Mustang opened in Concord, NC, earlier this year.
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in a barn. It is displayed as is in a barn-like setting. The Mustang made its public debut in 1964, and that year is represented in the museum by two cars, one owned by William Harris and another that was viewed by some 40,000 visitors to the Ford pavilion at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. There’s a 1965 Mustang Fastback that was the first Mustang invoiced in Mexico, and a 1968 Shelby Black Hornet with a list price of $800,000. The Mustang II from the 1970s gas crisis era is hardly recognizable for its simple lines and compact carriage, but the 2006 Mustang GT that holds the one-mile speed record in Texas is undeniably all Mustang. Another car features a pony emblem engraved into a landau roof and yet another bears a sign identifying it as the last car off the assembly line in 1993 (August 25). The museum also has a Mustang Library
that includes books and Mustang cover magazines. There are also videos guests can view of interviews with people that helped develop and shape the Mustang such as the late Lee Iacocca, and the man who carved the original wood engraving of the Mustang pony. In its hospitality room — which is capable of holding several cars — private meetings, sales conferences and even weddings and family reunions have been held. It has also been host to several Mustang collector clubs with even more on the future calendar. n The Museum is located at 21 Carpenter Court NW, in Concord, NC. Hours are: Mon. – Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 per adult. Children 15 and under are free. Museum memberships are available, entitling holders to several benefits, including free entry. For more information, visit: www. mustangownersmuseum.com
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26 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
Fifty-five years of Mustang production was honored when Mustang owners from around the country converged on Charlotte Motor Speedway this past spring. Photo courtesy of VisitCabarrus.com
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Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. Sales data and rankings based on Western Upstate MLS. If this is a "Market Update," properties shown may or may not have been listed or sold by Justin Winter Sotheby's International Realty.
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Abingdon Steeped in history, beauty & culture story by Bill Bauer | photos by Jason Barnette
The historic Barter Fountain is located downtown, adjacent to The Martha Washington Inn & Spa. Photo courtesy of visitabingdonvirginia.com
28 ‚ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
F
ear not — the 25 Canis lupus that prowl the streets of Abingdon, VA, do not bite. Rather, these life-sized, fiberglass wolves have been artfully sculpted and painted by local residents. Their appearance harkens back to the city’s original name, Wolf Hills; a name it was given by Daniel Boone, whose dogs were attacked during a hunting expedition here. Steeped in history, beauty and culture, Abingdon dates back to the 1700s when it was the last outpost on the Great Road, at the beginning of the Wilderness Trail. Today it is a southern hidden gem. The Southwest Virginia region begins when you leave Bristol, TN, and enter Bristol, VA, on I-81. Nineteen counties and 54 towns make up the territory, whose gateway is a 29,000-square foot artisan landmark building welcoming you to the area. The Southwestern Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace, formerly called Heartwood, sits atop a hill overlooking Abingdon. The city itself is home to two historic and legendary buildings — The Barter Theatre and The Martha Washington Inn & Spa — and a surprisingly large number of dining possibilities. Any trip to Abingdon would be incomplete without spending a night or two in “The Martha” and attending a performance at one of the Barter’s two theaters. With 63 spacious and elegantly decorated rooms, The Martha Washington Inn & Spa is located in the heart of the city, adjacent to the theaters and the historic Barter Fountain.
Back in the day, there was actually a tunnel under the road connecting The Inn to the main stage. After valet parking your car in front of the covered front porch, a step into The Inn is like a step back in time. Immaculate, well-worn oak floors dating to the 19th century creak underfoot, and the walls are covered in period paintings, newspaper articles and timeless photos that make you immediately aware you have arrived at a special place preserved for nearly 200 years. Built in 1832 as a private residence, it has been the site of a women’s college as well as a hospital for Confederate soldiers. Named Martha Washington College after the nation’s first first lady in 1858, it opened as a hotel in 1935.
Since then it has undergone several ownership changes but has maintained its architectural beauty. The lobby, the former living room of the Spencer family, houses a sitting room and front desk and leads to dining rooms and a voluminous library. Up one floor are guest rooms while a lower level houses the spa, pool and Sisters Restaurant. {below} The main Barter Theatre is the Gilliam Stage. Its auditorium and balcony seat 505. {at bottom} The Barter, the longest-running professional theater in the nation and The State Theatre of Virginia, provides a plethora of performances.
FALL 2019 › 29
While the décor is unique in every room, all have coffee and tea makers, private baths with robes and complimentary water. Each morning a specially prepared hot breakfast prepares you for the day, or, if you choose to dine at Sisters American Restaurant, you will be treated to an excellent menu accompanied by impeccable service. When returning from an evening theater performance or a night on the town, a glass of port is waiting. A covered therapeutic pool is connected to a two-tiered outdoor Jacuzzi, and a workout facility with both men’s and women’s locker rooms and steam rooms provides the relaxation needed after a day on the Virginia Creeper Trail or just meandering through the many shops on Main Street. The Martha is undoubtedly Abingdon’s most famous hotel, but there are several bed and breakfasts in and around town, and several chain hotels assure accommodations to meet every budget. THEATER IS A MUST! Each year, The Barter, the longest-running professional theater in the nation and The State Theatre of Virginia, provides a plethora of performances. Productions cover all genres, from comedies to thrillers, dramas and musicals. 30 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
{above} The Martha Washington Inn & Spa is located in the heart of the city. A stay is like taking a step back in time. Photo courtesy of visitabingdonvirginia.com {at left} Abingdon dates to the 1700s when it was the last outpost at the beginning of the Wilderness Trail. Today it is a southern hidden gem, particularly in the fall.
The theater’s name stems from The Great Depression when founder, Robert Porterfield allowed folks to pay for admission with food goods. Its two stages have been operating since 1933 when, according to the Associated Press, John Golden’s After Tomorrow, “… played to a capacity audience that came laden with cakes, fruit, vegetables, poultry and a live pig.” The main theater, the Gilliam Stage, is across from The Martha and seats 505. Early in their careers, the likes of Ernest Borgnine, Gregory Peck, Patricia Neal and Hume Cronyn performed at the Gilliam. The more intimate Barter’s Smith Theatre has a thrust stage and seats 167. September through December caps off The Barter season. For show dates and times as well as ticket information visit www.bartertheatre. com/shows/calendar or call 276.628.3991.
DINING IN THE CITY For a city with a population of roughly 8,000, there is no shortage of opportunities to savor culinary adventures. According to real estate trend watchers at Trulia, Abingdon has more restaurants per capita than San Francisco, New York or New Orleans. Thirty-four independently owned restaurants intertwine the historic foodways of Appalachia with contemporary twists that make for mouthwatering experiences. Contrast and variety make up a foodie scene that begins at the Southwest Virginia Cultural Center & Marketplace. Here, regional music, crafts and culture combine with a simple and light daily menu prepared by Chef Parker. The culinary trail continues to The Tavern, located in the city’s oldest building and offering a menu that reflects both the Scots/Irish and German heritage of the region. Choose from schnitzels and homemade red cabbage or mountain trout served with local produce, both of which have pleased dignitaries and ordinaries since 1779.
Along Main Street, THE BARTER FALL & Morgan’s marries seasonal WINTER PERFORMANCES local ingredients with its “Old World. New World” Maytag Virgin – Smith flavor profile. Chef Stephen Wait Until Dark – Gilliam Gilbert and his artist wife, The Loophole – Gilliam Morgan, have created a space for fine dining and The Producers – Gilliam artwork that extends to Legend of Sleepy Hollow – Smith pottery serving dishes. White Christmas – Gilliam Jack’s 128 Pecan, Rain, the Bonfire Smokehouse, and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas – Gilliam Greeko’s Grill & Café are Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol – Smith a few more favorites that Santaland Diaries – Smith highlight the dining scene. And, if craft beer is on your list, the Wolf Hills Brewing Co. serves more than a dozen craft beers along with art and entertaining live music. TOUR THE CITY The best way to learn the history that surrounds you in Abingdon is a tour, and a good place to start is The Cultural Center & Marketplace. Here you can see the work of the Appalachian artisans and learn about The Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail that winds its way for over 300 miles in Southwest Virginia. From there, stop at the William King Art Museum, housed in the original Abingdon High School on a hill overlooking the city. Dating back to 1778, Abingdon was the crossroad to the Wilderness Trail and a hub of activity for those venturing west. You can relive these times with History Alive Tours, conducted by guides who tell the stories of these brave souls while dressed in period attire. You may visit with Lord Dunmore, the last colonial governor of Virginia, or tour with Rev. Charles Cummings, the Fightin’ Parson, or march the Overmountain Victory Trail with George Thomasson, a militia drummer at the Battle of Kings Mountain. You could even wind up enjoying the area taverns and taprooms with tavern owner Rufus Soule. These personal tours can be arranged by calling 410.978.8701. n The gateway to Southwest Virginia is only two hours from Asheville taking I-26 to I-81, exit 17. The Blue Ridge Mountains are calling. Answer the call this fall and take in all that Abingdon and the surrounding area have to offer. For more information go to visitabingdonvirginia.com/ or call 276.676.2282 or toll free 800.435.3440.
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*WUAR 1/1/2018-12/31/2018
FALL 2019 › 31
BRE AK ING NEW GROUND IN
Appalachia
It was love at first sight for Elizabeth Hill Gardner and her husband, Loren, who assumed ownership and operation of Abingdon Vineyards in the summer of 2018.
story by Bill Bauer photos courtesy of Abingdon Vineyards “From Napa to Appalachia” is the phrase Elizabeth Hill Gardner uses to describe the journey she and her husband, Loren, took … a journey that landed them in Abingdon. Tucked into some of the most beautiful countryside in Southwest Virginia is Abingdon Vineyards, where the Gardners are forging a new life as owners of the former Abingdon Winery and Vineyards. Their purchase of Abingdon is a proverbial “loveat-first-sight” story. Living in California, the Gardners, veterans of Napa viticulture and food tours, came east to see just what had lured their best friends to return to Virginia. “We were driving around with a realtor, looking at property, when we stumbled on the winery. I saw the building and a creek and asked what it was. The realtor responded, ‘Oh, that’s the winery and it’s for sale’,” said Elizabeth. Her husband, who studied winemaking while working in the family’s California construction business, had always dreamed of owning a winery. “We need to buy this place,” he said. After touring the property they found a way to make it happen, and the marriage of Napa and Appalachia was realized. “We are excited about creating world-class wines from a challenging new terroir. This region has immense potential, and we are thrilled to steward a small part of its growth,” Elizabeth said. The 45-acre setting along a creek leading to the South Holsten River is simply gorgeous. On the property are 13 acres of Cabernet Franc, Norton, Chambourcin, Chardonel, Traminette and Pinot Noir grapes that the Gardners use to produce red, white, rosé and port wines. Their signature brand, Game Changer, is advertised as the wine that changed everything. Blending Virginia Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with their own Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin and Norton grapes, the wine symbolizes the family’s move from Napa to Appalachia. Aged for 24 months in oak barrels, the wine is well blended, balanced and full of possibilities. As Elizabeth shared wines and a perfectly paired plate of cheese and crackers, Loren toiled in the vineyard, replacing posts. It was evident that their enthusiasm hasn’t waned since assuming ownership and rebranding the winery in the summer of 2018. Loren, who studied winemaking and viticulture at UC Davis, and Elizabeth, 32 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
{at left} Loren frequently handles duties in the tasting room. The room and adjacent picnic area are dog and family friendly, and are open Wednesday thru Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. • {below} Home Town Red is just one of the wines produced from the Cabernet Franc, Norton, Chambourcin, Chardonel, Traminette and Pinot Noir grapes that the Gardners grow at Abingdon Vineyards.
a Stanford grad who is also a Master Gardener and Certified Natural Chef, are not looking back as they seek to create worldclass wines with regional grapes. Future plans include creating a kitchen for cooking and wine pairing classes, expanding the vineyard and wine production, and converting the tobacco barn into a distillery to make brandy and gin. “We have always wanted to raise our daughter with a farming lifestyle, teaching a respect for the land and community. With its natural beauty, gracious hospitality and family values, Southwestern Virginia is the perfect place,” Elizabeth said. Abingdon Vineyards is located near Alverado, just ¼ mile from the Virginia Creeper Trail. The tasting room and picnic area are dog and family friendly, and open Wednesday thru Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wine tastings are 4/$8 and 8/$14 and glasses $8/$10. Winery tours for $25 are available upon request for groups of four or more and come with a tasting of eight wines. Be sure to check their website, www. abingdonvineyards.com, for weekly live music and events.
Chad Hodge, manager at Watersports Central, explains the proper way to tie a dock line at a Ladies on the Lake meeting. Photo by Dari Mullins
MORE WOMEN ARE TAKING THE HELM story by Dari Mullins
34 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
B
oats have traditionally been a man’s domain. However, as Bob Dylan said so long ago, “The times, they are a-changin’.” On the lakes of the Upstate, some ladies are looking to shatter that stereotype by joining the ranks of independent boaters. Nationally, they have made strides in many areas, but boating still is predominately male. Boat registrations are up nationally over the last few years, yet less than 25 percent of those registrations are issued to women. In fact, men outnumber women 7-to-1 when it comes to being registered boat owners. While many women aren’t ready to jump into solo ownership of a boat, many are learning how to spend more time enjoying the family purchase themselves. The biggest obstacles holding women back appear to be fear of failing or looking stupid, lack of knowledge and lack of experience. Lynn Carnes is an executive coach, who focuses on leadership. After years of work in the corporate world, she decided to arrange her entire life and career around the water and slalom skiing. She describes her initial intimidation with boating and how that kept her from enjoying her own family boat. “I married a man with a boat. In the early days,” she explained, “I often wondered whom he loved more, me or the boat. For the first few years of our marriage we took the boat out together. Eventually, he let me drive because that was the only way he would get to ski. But, it seemed the gift of driving came with an equal measure of criticism. Since I was eager to learn, I tolerated it. “It was my first attempt at docking that convinced me he loved the boat more than me,” she continued. “How did I know that? Well, he was speaking to me with a volume
{above} The Ladies set out with Korey Bean of Watersports Central to get some hands-on experience and practice docking. Photo by Dari Mullins {at left} The Ladies enjoy a Sip-and-Swim one afternoon on a local island. Photo by Fran Graham
that spoke volumes to everyone within 100 yards! “Here’s how it felt from my vantage point: ‘I was an idiot and he was letting everyone in on my secret.’ Here’s how it felt from his (I’m guessing here.): ‘My life savings went into this boat. This is a tournament ski boat; everyone knows it’s a special boat, and she’s about to sink it!’ “It’s really hard for husbands and wives to
teach each other anything. Plus, no one likes to feel incompetent. So I hung up my boat keys and only drove when there was no other option. Here we were living on a lake, and I avoided the boat at all costs. “It stayed like that until I met a couple of women who loved skiing,” Carnes continued. “I wanted to join the fun and even bring my boat, since it was much better suited for skiing than the one they used. Now that I had a reason to learn, all I needed was to get over my fear, find a teacher and practice. That tiny pivot changed my life. “Fifteen years and many difficult conversations with my husband later, I am both a proficient skier and driver,” she said with a smile. “I found people to teach me to ski and to drive the boat. I drive a professional slalom skier through the ski course every day. I can put a ski boat on a dime and dock it
“WHEN YOU CAN GET A GROUP OF PEOPLE/WOMEN TO COME TOGETHER TO FACE A CHALLENGE IN COMMON ... UNCOMMON POSSIBILITIES CAN HAPPEN.” - LAURA GURRERI FALL 2019 › 35
“MY BIGGEST OBSTACLE IS BEING COMFORTABLE IN MY OWN SKIN, NOT WORRYING WHAT EVERYONE IS THINKING.” Amy Lowry pulls her husband skiing for the first time. Photo by Delany Lowry
under any conditions. I’ve arranged my entire life to be able to ski daily.” Carnes says finding a community of women is important, and Ladies on the Lake makes that easy in the Upstate. The group is a community of like-minded women focusing on education and experience on the water.
Katie Conlin takes her dog out for a solo adventure. Photo by Tom Conlin
- BARBARA PLACHTA Their motto is “You Got This!” Ladies on the Lake was created by the Seneca-based marine business Watersports Central to support and encourage women to be more comfortable and independent on the water. Fran Graham and Laura Gurreri stepped up to help organize, publicize and
support the effort, which launched in May. Community First Bank jumped on board to sponsor the group, and there are now over 85 women who are either members or on the mailing list of the private Facebook group. The group meets the second Tuesday of every month and is open to any adult woman
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wanting to learn more about boating and/or water sports. Education is key, and Ladies on the Lake focuses on informing women about everything from docking to boat maintenance. The internet and YouTube also provide places to learn more about boating, and the local Coast Guard Auxiliary (www.cgaux.org.) has several ways to help learn more about boating and boat safety. Marine Max also has a program called Women on the Water that includes classroom work and hands-on help. Details can be found at https:// www.marinemax.com/events/classes/ women-on-water If you prefer traditional reading, Suzanne Giesemann has written a great book, “It’s Your Boat Too,” which encourages and educates female captains. The final step to becoming comfortable on the water is practice. “Get as much hands-on experience as you can,” writes Giesemann. “Don’t just read and observe; get out there and practice what you learn. The more you do things on your boat yourself, the more confident you’ll become.” Watersports is another area traditionally dominated by men, but Ladies on the Lake has added a
watersports element to help women learn new sports and give them a community in which to practice. There is a women’s only surf night, and the group is working to arrange an overnight ladies slalom weekend at Mystic Waters and Abel Ski School. There are many places to learn how to do watersports. Several local boat dealers take out people wanting to learn wakeboarding or surfing.
As with boating, the biggest thing to overcome is fear. Recently a Ladies on the Lake member learned to surf at a Watersports Central event. “We bought a surf boat two years ago, and I have not been able to get up on the surf board. I wanted to surf so badly with my two sons who are avid surfers. I wanted to learn so that I could enjoy the boat and the sport with them,” she said. “Watersports Central helped me do that. They made me believe that I could do it, and I did. They were patient and explained exactly what I had to do. It was an absolute rush getting up for the first time.” Currently there are more female pilots than captains. That may change, however, as more and more women purchase, learn to drive, become comfortable with boats and heed the call: You got this!. n If you would like to get information about upcoming Ladies on the Lake meetings, email dari@watersportscentral, or request to join the Facebook group. Dari Mullins enjoys being at the helm for a sunset cruise on Lake Keowee. Photo by Trey McBride
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FALL 2019 › 37
I PACKED INTO ONE TINY ISLAND Jekyll Island offers something for everyone story by Vanessa Infanzon photos courtesy of Jekyll Island Authority
hop on the red tram parked behind the Mosaic museum on Jekyll Island, GA. A young and enthusiastic tour guide hands everyone an earpiece and gives an overview of the 90-minute tour of the 240-acre Historic District. The guide points to original cottages (more like mansions) once owned by uber-wealthy families of the late-19th and early-20th centuries. People like Joseph Pulitzer, J.P. Morgan, William Vanderbilt, Marshall Field and William Rockefeller were members of the Jekyll Island Club, an exclusive hunting and social organization located on the intercoastal waterway. We learn how the island became a winter getaway to a select few. The tour is an informative introduction to one of Georgia’s barrier islands, a seven-mile by one-mile strip that is only 35 percent developed, leaving space for wildlife, marshes, forests and beaches. History, adventure and nature await island guests. It’s a four-hour drive from Upstate South Carolina, and no matter your preference for a fall getaway, Jekyll Island offers something for everyone. THE SUN WORSHIPPER: A person who craves the sound of the waves, the warmth of the sun and the feel of water and sand. Seven beaches line the ocean side of the island, each with a distinct characteristic. Step on Driftwood Beach for an out-of-this-world experience. Twisted trees with beautiful patterns in the branches and trunks are left over from decades of erosion.
Seven beaches line the ocean side of the island, each with a distinct characteristic.
38 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
Each beach has several access points with ramps and parking. Oceanview Beach Park has ADAaccessible restrooms and showers, and picnic pavilions. Special beach-wheelchairs are available upon request at no charge. Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island is on the beach with a ramp and several access points to the ocean. The hotel offers several room options for guests, including oceanfront rooms and suites and island view rooms. The pool overlooks the ocean and features The Anchor, a poolside bar. Grab breakfast, lunch or dinner on property at the Beach House Restaurant. The hotel’s North Shore serves as a coffee bar by day and martini bar by night. Lounge on the outdoor porch for views of the ocean. Stargaze with the hotel’s telescope. The trails connecting the island run through the resort making it easy to walk to Tortuga Jack’s, Jekyll Island Mini Golf or the Jekyll Island Bike Barn. Continue another half-mile to Jekyll Island’s Beach Village for a few restaurants and shops. OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST: The adventurer looks for exciting ways to view and experience nature. Play on one of the island’s four golf courses — three with 18 holes and one with nine holes. Hit balls at the Jekyll Island Tennis Center with 13 HarTru clay courts. Kayak, fish or take a dolphin tour. {clockwise from top left} A surrey bike travels a portion of the island’s 21 miles of paved bicycle paths. Cruisers, tandems and three-person bikes are also for rent. • Georgia Sea Turtle Center is an onsite hospital open to visitors. The staff rehabilitates loggerhead sea turtles, diamondback terrapins and other animals. • Driftwood Beach features twisted trees with beautiful patterns left over from decades of erosion. • Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island offers several room options for guests, including oceanfront rooms or suites and island view rooms. Photo courtesy of Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island
FALL 2019 › 39
Travel the island’s 21 miles of paved paths on a bicycle. Cruisers, tandems and three-person Surrey bikes (Think of the song, “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top” from the play Oklahoma) are available at the Bike Barn. ECOLOGIST: This nature-loving individual appreciates living creatures and wants to learn how to protect them. Keep count of the deer, fox and dolphins you see. Birdwatchers may view bald eagles, great blue herons, osprey, indigo buntings, cattle egrets and a variety of hawks and ducks. The viewing platform at St. Andrews Beach Park is a favorite observation point for birders. Learn about Jekyll Island’s ecosystem at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Its onsite hospital is open to visitors. The staff rehabilitates loggerhead sea turtles, diamondback terrapins and other animals. Stay for a turtle feeding and an educational lesson. Behind-the-Scenes Tours, Sunrise Walks and Rides with Night or Dawn Patrol are special activities and require reservations. HISTORIAN: This student of the world appreciates geography, culture and past events. Visit the new Jekyll Island Museum and Mosaic, where exhibits highlight
the island’s vibrant history. Jump on the Historic District Tram Tour. Tour Faith Chapel or walk the Wanderer Memory Trail at St. Andrews Beach Park on the southern tip of the island. GRANDCHILD: Typically young and impressionable — the best ones to introduce to new experiences. It’s possible to take grandchildren to Jekyll Island, and they probable won’t break open the Xbox. There’s too much to do. Play at Jekyll Island’s Mini Golf or visit the Summer Waves Waterpark. Take them for their first airboat ride with Captain Robert and Island Airboat Tours. See stingray, loggerhead turtles, great blue herons and roseate spoonbills along the channels in the marsh. The Holiday Inn Resort has two fire pits that are great for telling stories of the old days and roasting marshmallows. Challenge the grandkids to a game of poolside ping pong. And, when you’ve had enough, send them off to the supervised kids’ activities for arts and crafts and pool games. n Plan a trip by contacting Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island at 912.635.2211 or visit: www.jekyllisland.com
STEP ON DRIFTWOOD BEACH FOR AN OUT-OFTHIS-WORLD EXPERIENCE. TWISTED TREES WITH BEAUTIFUL PATTERNS IN THE BRANCHES AND TRUNKS ARE LEFT OVER FROM DECADES OF EROSION.
Lounge on the outdoor porch at the Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island for views of the ocean, and stargaze with the hotel’s telescope. Photo courtesy of Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island
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Celebrating Celebrating Our Our 15th 15th Anniversary Anniversary Celebrating Our 15th Anniversary
Ivet Ivanova Interior Designer Ivet Ivanova Interior Designer
Ivet Ivanova Interior Designer
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42 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
VISTAS A playable challenge awaits at Rumbling Bald story by Bill Bauer | photos courtesy of Rumbling Bald Resort
Golf Digest has called Apple Valley “the most beautiful mountain golf course,” and that’s not hard to understand given views like this … particularly in the fall.
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s lakes go, Lake Lure, at 720 acres and a mere 27 miles of shoreline is not huge. But what the lake may lack in size, it more than makes up for in beauty. Its cool, pristine water and white sand beach are the center of recreation at Rumbling Bald Resort. It is also the centerpiece around which two fantastic golf courses have been created — Bald Mountain and Apple Valley — one sculpted out of a mountain and the other carved from a valley. Regardless of which course one chooses to play, an exceptional challenge and grand vistas await. Similar, but different, is the best way to describe the two championship courses, according to Adam Bowles, PGA golf professional and operations manager at Bald Mountain and Apple Valley. “They are two unique, fun golf courses that are always in great condition with Bermuda grass from tee to bent grass greens. But they are so different that you can enjoy playing them all week and never get tired of them,” Bowles said. Bald Mountain is located within the resort gate and is at the center of activity. Apple Valley is down the road a few miles on the way up the mountain.
“While there are some flat holes on Bald Mountain, it is a true mountain course with uphill and downhill holes. Apple Valley is the longer of the two and plays more difficult with wide open fairways and landing areas, but undulating and tricky greens,” Bowles explained.
This aerial view of the Bald Mountain course shows several holes and the course’s proximity to Lake Lure.
Dr. & Mrs. Louis Williams Independent Living Residents, Clemson University, Class of ’59 & ‘61
CU @ CD Clemson Downs was born out of, and continues to be, an integral part of the Clemson community. In conjunction with Clemson University, our residents work together with the students to provide a wide array of engaging, cultural and enriching activities through crossgenerational programs. Want to learn more? Come for a tour. We’d love to see you at Clemson Downs!
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The older course, Bald Mountain dates to 1968, and was designed by W.B. Lewis, whose tracks are no stranger to Upstate golfers who’ve played Southern Oaks, Saluda Valley and the Pickens Country Club. Lewis also toiled in the North Carolina Mountains creating Wolf Laurel in Mars Hill, just a few years before taking on the challenge at Lake Lure. “Lewis built a great mountain course that has five par-5s and five par-3s, which makes it exciting with birdie and eagle opportunities but also some very tough holes,” Bowles said. The signature hole on Bald Mountain is an inviting par-3 that was used as the backdrop for a family scene in Dirty Dancing. A sign commemorating the spot makes for a good mid-round photo op. The hole itself is a nearly full carry water shot over a pond to a target green fronted by two bunkers. Almost 20 years later in 1986, Dan Maples, son of the great designer, Ellis Maples, put his signature on Apple Valley, which Golf Digest has called “the most beautiful mountain golf course.” “Apple Valley has to be one of Dan Maples’ finest designs,” Bowles claimed, giving it a 10 rating for shot value, and adding that the back nine is “one of the best I’ve ever played.” It is definitely a course where you will hit every club in your bag as you face numerous risk/reward opportunities. The sixth hole, a short but tight par-5, is reachable in two with a good, straight drive into the fairway, which is lined by a creek to the right and out of bounds to the left, followed by an accurate approach shot. When the pin is back, land on the front of the green and allow the ball to roll out. Typical of Maples’ design, number 10 has a majestic pine tree, precariously resting dead center in the fairway. It is certainly in play and defines the hole. “The views at Apple Valley are more vista-like and simply spectacular,” Bowles noted.
The Bald Mountain course is located within the resort gate and sits atop the mountain of the same name overlooking Lake Lure.
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While there have not been any major renovations on either course, periodic upgrades keep both courses earning Golf Digest’s 4-Star Rating. “We have added many new features to the courses over the last two years including new wooden tee markers as well as new hole signs at every tee box,” Bowles said. Electric EZ GO carts with rain hoods and USB ports are standard, and the new fleet at Apple Valley is equipped with GPS locators. Jeff Geisler, Rumbling Bald Resort general manager, is in the middle of putting together a 5-year plan to renew the resort and upgrade the already award-winning golf courses. “We spent some money on the golf course over the winter and plan to do a lot more,” he said. The courses are only part of Lake Lure’s Rumbling Bald Resort, which takes its name from the 3,200-foot mountain whose towering cliffs hover above the lake. In addition to golf, the 300+ acre resort offers activities and amenities for the entire family including over 150 resort vacation rentals, tennis courts, a
The signature hole on Bald Mountain is an inviting par-3 that was used as the backdrop for a family scene in Dirty Dancing. The hole itself is a nearly full carry water shot over a pond to a target green.
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spa and salon, wellness center, swimming pool, boating and hiking. “The whole point of our resort is to get you outside, to get you to the lake, to get you on a boat, to get you hiking or on our two golf courses,” Geisler said. “It’s a modestly priced resort. We’re not here to do anything other than have families connect with each other, put the phone down, forget about the emails and enjoy what the resort has to offer.” This fall will make the fifth year that local building contractor and avid golfer Delano Smith will travel to Rumbling Bald. He is part
of a group of 32 golfers that has been playing Bald Mountain and Apple Valley for almost 20 years. “I love going to Rumbling Bald. The onsite restaurant and facilities are excellent, and the condos are perfect for groups or families,” he explained. “There is no question that Apple Valley is a little more wide open and forgiving and Bald Mountain is tight, but both are scenic and challenging.” Bowles agrees. “They are completely different golf courses, and the only real similarity is that you will have a great time visiting us and are sure to enjoy the entire property.” n Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure is located in Rutherford County, NC, just a few hours away. For lodging, golf and other resort information, or to plan a stay and play golf vacation, visit www. rumblingbald.com, or call 828.694.2000. Two golf courses are only part of Lake Lure’s Rumbling Bald Resort. In addition the 300+ acre resort offers activities and amenities for the entire family including an expansive swimming pool and lazy river.
NEW INVENTORY | PRE-OWNED | FINANCING | RENTALS
While living in a home built next door, Fred LaFontaine long had his sights set on obtaining this lot on which he and his wife, Pat, have built what they expect will be the last of several homes built during their married lives.
COUPLE CREATES PERFECT 48 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
A fitting finale
‘FINAL’ HOME ON KEOWEE story by Brett McLaughlin | photos by Savannah Blake FALL 2019 › 49
“… and the last shall be first.” hen Saint Matthew quoted Jesus’ about the first and last, he probably didn’t have home construction in mind, but Fred and Pat LaFontaine will tell you that the phrase now applies to them. Not only is their most recent homebuilding project their last — or so they say — it may also be first in terms of being exactly what they want in a home. “We built this one, so we think we can live here for as long as we need to,” Pat said. To that end, their lakeside home in Waterside Crossing has wide halls and doorways, an elevator, a step-free shower, exterior materials that require little upkeep and a floor plan that provides all the essentials on one level. “We are very comfortable here,” Pat said, fresh off a weeklong visit by some of the couple’s five children. “We downsized, but there is still plenty of room for guests.” Indeed there is. Entering off a circle drive that bypasses the home’s three-car garage, one enters a foyer that looks across a large great room whose lakeside windows provide a spectacular view of Lake Keowee and the Blue Ridge Mountains beyond. » CONTINUED ON PG. 52
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{at top} The great room features a high, vaulted ceiling, fireplace and access to a screened porch from which there is an excellent view of both Lake Keowee and the Blue Ridge Mountains beyond. • { above} These two boat models and a montage featuring plants and animals found in the state they used to call home evidence the LaFontaine’s Michigan roots.
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“My wife and I had the pleasure of working with Greg Coutu when we purchased our dream lot on Lake Keowee. We have been lucky to work with good agents in the past, but Greg outshines them all. His knowledge of the area is vast, but it’s his personality and attention to every detail that made our experience exceptional. He keeps on top of everything and was great about keeping us informed each step of the way. He went above and beyond our expectations and we would highly recommend him next time you need to choose a realtor.” — Greg & Nancy Perkins
GREG COUTU
101 Transactions and over $46,000,000 SOLD since January 1, 2018.
Associate Broker/Realtor, 864.230.5911 coutulakekeowee@gmail.com Waterfront Office | 816 Bypass 123 | Seneca, SC Building Lasting Relationships Through Genuine Concern, Objective Advice and Enthusiasm for Lake Keowee FALL 2019 › 51
» CONTINUED FROM PG. 50
The cove at the base of the lot appears to have been cut with their property and the one next door in mind. The breeze that comes across the lake is swept into the cove and up the hillside, perpetually refreshing everyone and everything in its path. It’s a hilltop breeze that Fred discovered while living in the house they had built next-door, setting off a yearning for the lot they now inhabit. “Fred had his eye on this lot for quite a while,” Pat said. “He liked that it was higher and said there was always a breeze.” The lot purchased, the couple set about designing a “smaller” home that could be built on a very steep lot. Among the accommodations made were 12-foot ceilings on the lower level (Another reason for an elevator.) and some creative, but ultimately beautiful, terraced landscaping. Only a paved path, suitable for a club car, which snakes through the landscaping to the dock and lakeside fire pit, separates multiple tiers of plants and flowers. The perfectly manicured flowers and plants that make up the front garden are at the entry
level, a couple of steps down from the drive. They offer an English cottage-style appearance as one arrives at the home. According to Pat, the great room, which is highlighted by a conversationally beautiful
Quartz countertops with shades of white and gray blend seamlessly with unique tile work, white cabinetry and state-of-the-art, stainless appliances in a kitchen that affords plenty of workspace.
Joy Construction Company was founded in 1968 in Jackson, MI and established itself in Oconee County in 2004. We are overjoyed to still be building premier, high-end custom homes in the Upstate area. With over 50 years of experience and knowledge in the building industry, we look forward to building your custom home! - Dustin & Christa Rampy, A Veteran and Family-Owned Company Since 1968
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{at left} The master suite features offset lighting, trey ceilings and ample room to move around. An adjoining bath is large with a floor-level tile shower, but it is the all-season room attached to the lake side of the suite that is the most distinctive feature. {below} This long, double vanity with quartz countertops is striking in the master bath, as is this sun-catching window.
fireplace and alcove lighting, is where she and her husband spend most of their time. However, the couple does enjoy entertaining and Pat likes to cook. As a result, there is both a formal dining room, with a panel-shut-
tered view of beautiful front yard gardens, and an impressive kitchen with stainless steel appliances and magnificent quartz countertops in shades of white and gray. A vintage table that Pat kept during their
many moves fit perfectly into a recessed area that leads to the laundry, garage, elevator and stairs to the lower level. When entertaining, the table doubles as a bar. This end of the main level also features a carpeted guest suite,
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A stone fireplace flanked by handcrafted cabinets and shelving sets off this lower level living area. To the right is a bar for entertaining. The room walks out to a patio and the upper tier of a terraced lawn.
complete with a full bath with walk-in shower. The master suite is on the opposite end of the house. While large, it is entirely livable, featuring trey ceilings and a bath with a double vanity and expansive walk-in shower. The suite also features an all-season porch that gets extensive use.
“When I was recovering from a surgery, this is where I spent all my time,” Pat said, taking in the room’s wonderful view of the lake and mountains. She had shelving installed near the ceiling of the porch as a place to display a blue Delft plate collection she has cherished through the
years. The room features a door to a screened deck that extends across the back of the house. This deck is also accessible from the great room, while a separate grilling deck can be reached from the kitchen/dining area. According to Pat, her husband enjoys the lower level, where a living area features access
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to the patio, built-in shelves that bookend a fireplace, a formal bar and even room for exercise equipment that can be used while overlooking the lake. The décor on this level is more casual and, among other things, includes a corner area devoted to the couple’s Michigan origins. There you will find a couple of model Chris Craft mahogany boats displayed below a montage of photos featuring plants and animals native to the state. Nearby is a casual dining area featuring a dining set that, according to Pat, “goes back at least five houses.” The lower level also contains two guest rooms. The primary suite can be closed off from the remainder of the house. It has a full bath, matching décor and a view of the lake. Included in Pat’s decorating scheme is a large hand-painted ceramic table above which hangs one of her mom’s many flower paintings. The second guest room features twin beds whose comforters match a large blue dish that serves as a wall hanging. “We are very happy here,” Pat said. “I think this is going to be it.” n
Terraced landscaping that was necessitated by the steepness of the lot highlights the lakeside view of the home. That also accounts for 12-foot ceilings on the lower level. The three porches on the upper level are (from the right) an all-season room off the master, a screened porch off the great room and an open deck for grilling off the kitchen.
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FALL 2019 › 55
SET TLE IN TO SENECA’ S NEW GASTRO PUB
great food, craft beer and a perfect atmosphere story by Brett McLaughlin | photos courtesy of Pub Blue You can always find a friendly game of pool or darts at Pub Blue.
M
ark Winters prefers to call his latest culinary venture a gastro pub. You might call it “fast casual.” But, honestly, he doesn’t care how you brand it. He just wants you to call Pub Blue “home” as often as you like. Winters is no stranger to either good food or folks who enjoy eating it. That may explain why Pub Blue has built a quick reputation as a great place to unwind, enjoy some exceptional craft beers and, of course, eat some of the tastiest and, frankly, most creative pub dishes in the Upstate. Winters, who many came to know at The Club at Keowee Key and while serving as the original chef at The Lighthouse restaurant, partnered and moved his Blue Marble Restaurant and Delicatessen into
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Dogwood Plaza in September 2017. Counter ordering was replaced by full table service and the owners devoted themselves to made-from-scratch entrees right down to curing their own meats and baking their own breads. Pastries and desserts became popular. Craft beers were eventually added in what was a portent of the future. The resulting quality, combined with more-than-ample portions, resulted in full tables to the point where an additional day, and even a few evenings, were added to the schedule. Although Blue Marble consumed his days, Winters kept eyeing an adjoining space the previous owner had used for private parties. Creative ideas dating clear back to his days in culinary school at Cornell University kept swirling in his head. Gradually a gastro pub came into focus,
complete with pool tables and dart-
boards. In June 2018, Winters turned images into reality with the opening of Pub Blue. “Food has always been our thing, but I wanted to step it up,” he said. “I wanted to create a pub feel … a place where folks could come and relax, play pool or darts, listen to live music, enjoy 20 beers on tap … a non-smoking place for young adults and retired folks.” It didn’t take long for locals to learn there was a “different” kind of place in town. “We’re not run of the mill,” he said. “We do everything a little differently. That’s why we have duck wings, not chicken wings, or we offer artisan burgers, including one that has a glazed doughnut as the bun.” The menu is an eclectic mix of culinary
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The shrimp and grits is a house favorite, featuring Gulf shrimp and stoneground grits served in tangy Tasso gravy with diced tomato and scallions.
tastes, from pub favorites such as Cajun chicken pasta featuring Andouille sausage, peppers, onions, Cajun alfredo and blackened chicken; to Gulf shrimp with cheddar stone ground grits smothered in Tasso gravy with diced tomato and scallions; to that artisan burger, The Luther, with bacon-tomato-onion jam, sharp American cheese and that glazed doughnut bun. Sandwiches are standard fare, but most take on a unique twist as well. You might want to consider the Cubano, a succulent mix of roasted pork, ham and Swiss, or The 215 Cheesesteak featuring sliced beef, caramelized onions and sharp American. Then there is the Phatty Melt (That’s not a typo!) with its braised short rib, Swiss and cheddar cheeses and grilled onions and mushrooms. In addition to duck wings, the appetizer list offers several unique options including Pub Blutine, which are crispy fries served with duck confit, demi-glace, cheese curds and scallions. Or, you might want to try the blackened MahiMahi tacos served with Cajun slaw and jalapeno peach BBQ salad.
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There’s a tap for every taste at Pub Blue.
501 501Rochester RochesterHwy HwySuite A2 Suite A2 Seneca, SC 29672 Seneca, SC 29672 864-882-5763
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FALL 2019 › 57
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{from left to right} The Cali Club features turkey, pepper jack, bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato and honey mustard on homemade wheat bread. • Thursday nights feature a tasty and interesting array of flatbread pizzas. • The Southern Belle is a hand-breaded chicken breast served with pimento cheese, lettuce, tomato and chipotle mayo. Pub Blue originally offered it it as a special, but it’s now a menu staple.
Our Friday night venture to Pub Blue found us enjoying the Bushwood, a unique offering of homemade chicken salad topped by cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce and tomato, all tucked into a golden brown croissant. We also treated
ourselves to old-fashioned fish and chips, featuring perfectly breaded cod and an abundant serving of “chips.” Our server brought us samplings of three craft beers as suggestions, and we opted for the
White Tie on the first pass and a tantalizing little watermelon brew to finish off the meal. The service was good and the band was fun to listen to. While admitting it’s hard to compete with
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the lake in the summer, Winters said the new pub has “hit its stride.” The doors are open from 4 p.m. until closing and specialty nights have been added — Taco Tuesdays, trivia on Wednesdays, flat bread pizza night on Thursdays and live music on Fridays — as well as a special menu feature every Friday based on what’s fresh at the market or available from local farms.
“We use tons of local product and that’s something we want to continue growing,” the owner said. Winters is also planning to grow. He said he hopes to add liquor to the craft beer and wine menu he currently offers; more tables, TVs, cozy couches and coffee tables are also on the horizon. A raised stage and more accents on the walls will be coming as well.
“The menu may change a little with the seasons, but I think our core menu will be pretty consistent,” he said. “We might see some small shifts this fall. n Pub Blue hours are from 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Happy hour is every day from 4 to 6 p.m. For more menu and event details, visit: www.bluemarbledeli.com/Pub-Blue
It hasn’t taken long for Pub Blue to hit its stride as a great place to gather after work or for an evening meal and spot of fun.
FALL 2019 › 59
Beautiful interpretations! Local artist will give back through charity event story by Brett McLaughlin | Photos courtesy of J. Lewis
60 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
W
hen J. L. Lewis starts to paint, the best thing anyone in the room can do is sit back, relax and watch it happen. Lewis jokingly suggests that one of the reasons he works fast — not that he considers what he loves to do to be work — may be that he isn’t getting any younger. At 83, he’s going strong, promoting a new line of sketches through a developing website, drafting a line of study he will offer senior citizens through Clemson University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and planning a charity event to be held later this fall.
“Too many people are hurting,” Lewis said, when asked about the motivation for his upcoming event, A Holiday Charity Event with Artist J. Lewis. “We all have to do more. I want to give back.” So, on November 24, from 3 to 6 p.m., at The Lighthouse restaurant near Seneca, Lewis will not only display his artistic skills in the form of six Giclée prints to be sold, but will offer for sale 60 of the thumbnail sketches he promotes through his Table Top Easel Art business and — as if that weren’t enough — will sketch an original piece onsite to be auctioned. “All the proceeds will go to charities,” he said, noting that buyers will
HCG Injections Appetite Suppressants NEW - Lipo B12 Complex Injections FALL 2019 › 61
make their checks payable directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Wounded Warriors Family Support or a third charity that was still being arranged at press time. “That way they will get the painting and be able to claim it on their taxes,” Lewis said. An Ohio native, Lewis first taught art at schools in Cleveland and Phoenix before settling into a 30-year career as an art instructor at Grossmont High School in La Mesa, CA. It was there that he passed on to a couple of generations of young artists the basic philosophy he has long painted by: “Art is nothing more than your interpretation of what you see and feel.” It was a philosophy he put to work himself, focusing his passion for color and the outdoors into a series of splendid pastel paintings of the Southwest landscape. After retiring he devoted even more time to the upstairs studio of his California home. “One day I actually sat back and looked at my paintings, and, ‘Honey, I’m really good’,” smiling at his wife, Cec. So, he painted more. His work was exhibited in the San Diego Art Institute, the San Diego Museum of Art Annual Juried Show and Southwest: The Magazine.
Giclée paintings are fine art digital prints made on inkjet printers. When well done they are virtually undetectable from the original piece from which they are created.
But, age and afflictions set in and he had to put his easel away for long periods of time. In late 1999 the couple moved to South Carolina to be closer to two of their 11 grandchildren. Eventually, Lewis felt well enough to return to a studio he had on the second floor of their Beacon Shores home. With stairs still being something of a challenge, however, the couple had a one-story home built nearby and moved in March 2018. Since then, Lewis has thrown himself back into his artistry with renewed passion. “I paint because I want to paint,” he said simply. “I used to tell my students to embrace their
creativity. Whatever happens will happen. That’s what I’m doing now.” That embrace led Lewis to realize that the thumbnail sketches he was doing in preparation for creating new, full-size painting were, themselves, art. That led to the creation of his Table Top Easel Art business, where, for the first time, he is making these sketches available to the public. All are signed and framed and include a short synopsis of the drawing. Creating this business, in turn, has provided the energy to take on an Osher class assignment and to focus on charitable painting. n The November 24 event will feature hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar in the events center of The Lighthouse. For more about the artist, to contact him or to view his work, visit: www.jlewisartist.com.
BESt BAR! best burgers! BESt Wings! Twelve Beers On Tap Extensive Craft Beer Selection Full Bar Gluten Free Menu Available Open Sundays Brunch 10am-Noon
Tuesdays TRIVIA Wednesdays BINGO Fridays LIVE MUSIC Saturdays KARAOKE/DJ
Bloody Mary Bar & Mimosa Bar
Smoke Free
Open Daily at 11 am 122 Ram Cat Alley, Seneca (864) 985-0102 • www.thespot.us 62 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday Lake Tours Wednesday and Saturday Sunset Tours Sunday Afternoon Lake Tours Tuesday and Sunday Kayak Tours Special Events for September, October, and November! The shift of seasons around Lake Jocassee is best explored at a slow, leisurely pace. Swimming, kayaking, botanical expeditions, and history are all part of the wonder and mystery of this unique place. Join us, and see for yourself! Bring along your binoculars, and your sense of adventure!
Please check our website for details/prices: JocasseeLakeTours.com 864-280-5501
Tours depart from main boat ramp at Devils Fork State Park, Salem, SC PRIVATE TOURS ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE!
CREATING COMMUNITY THROUGH PEOPLE, PARKS AND PROGRAMS Play In Our Parks!
We offer over 200 campsites in our three beautiful county parks. Electricity and water at each site, friendly staff, clean restrooms, hiking trails, playgrounds, Lake Keowee and Chauga River access, tent only areas as well as large RV sites!
HIGH FALLS COUNTY PARK SOUTH COVE COUNTY PARK
86 Camping Sites 1 Shelter 1 Recreational Building Boat Ramps 3 Tennis Courts/4 Pickleball Courts 2 Playgrounds Fishing Pier Lake Keowee All Areas Open Year-Round
100 Camping Sites 2 Shelters 1 Recreational Building Boat Ramp Fishing Pier Miniature Golf Playground Softball Field, Volleyball, Basketball & Tennis Lake Keowee Day Use & Lake Access Open Year-Round Camping closed Nov. 11 thru first weekend in March
CHAU RAM COUNTY PARK 28 Camping Sites Primitive Camping Areas 4 Shelters 1 Recreational Building Waterfalls Hiking Trails Chauga River Access Closed Nov. 11 thru first weekend in March
Oconee County, South Carolina’s Freshwater Coast www.ExperienceOconee.com FALL 2019 › 63
upstate theatre CENTRE STAGE 501 RIVER ST., GREENVILLE, SC INSIDE THE SMITH-BARNEY BUILDING 864.233.6733 OR TOLL FREE 877.377.1339 TUES.-SAT., 8 P.M.; SAT. MATINEES 2 P.M.; SUN. MATINEES, 3 P.M.
SEPT. 18 – OCT. 6 MATINEES SEPT. 28-29, OCT. 4-5 LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
When meek floral assistant Seymour Krelbourn stumbles upon a “weird and exotic plant,” he names the peculiar perennial “Audrey II” after his beautiful co-worker, hoping to win her affection. But when the R&B singing carnivore promises him fame, fortune and love, there’s one catch: Keep the blood flowing!
SEPT. 24-25 & OCT. 1-2 (7 P.M.) DETROIT
Ben has just lost his job and is starting a new endeavor operating a home-based internet site giving advice to people in debt. He and his wife, Mary, are hosting a barbecue inviting their new neighbors, Sharon and Kenny (who live in a house with no furniture). The barbecue becomes very interesting when the conversation turns to suburbia, society and marital conflicts.
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Add in alcohol and substance abuse and the meat isn’t the only thing getting cooked.
GREENVILLE THEATRE 444 COLLEGE ST., GREENVILLE, SC 864.233.6238 OR WWW.GREENVILLELITTLETHEATRE.ORG ALL SHOWS 8 P.M., EXCEPT SUNDAYS AT 3 P.M.
SEPT. 13-29 DISNEY’S NEWSIES
Based on the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899 in New York City, this Disney musical tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellious newsboy who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city. After publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the newsboys’ expense, Kelly and his fellow newsies take action. With help from beautiful female reporter Katherine Plumber, all of New York City soon recognizes the power of “the little man.”
OCT. 25 – NOV. 10 THE GAME’S AFOOT
William Gillette, an actor best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, is wounded during an attempt on his life and invites a few
friends over for a Christmas Eve celebration at his mansion while he recovers. When a murder occurs that evening, Gillette puts his Sherlock Holmes skills to the test in an attempt to solve the crime before something else goes awry. This witty, fast-paced “whodunit” is full of suspense and laughter in equal measure.
ELECTRIC CITY PLAYHOUSE 514 NORTH MURRAY AVE., ANDERSON, SC 864.224.4248 ECPLAYHOUSE.COM
SEPT. 27 – OCT. 6 MOON OVER BUFFALO
With a plethora of pratfalls, slamming doors aplenty and backstage shenanigans, this fastpaced, hilarious screwball comedy is in the old tradition, a throwback farce that brings us
Located at Oconee Nuclear Station in Seneca, S.C., the World of Energy education center opened in July 1969, when the nuclear plant was under construction. The World of Energy has proudly served the community for 50 years. Whether you are looking to fill an hour or spend an entire afternoon, the World of Energy engages you with informative exhibits and displays. Begin with a self-guided tour of the World of Energy’s educational exhibits. Pack a picnic and enjoy nature on the grounds. The World of Energy is open 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The facility’s exhibits and all events are free and open to the public. Upcoming Events Festival of Trees Nov. 21, 2019 through Jan. 3, 2020: Join the World of Energy in celebrating the holiday season with its 7th annual Festival of Trees display in the World of Energy lobby. This beautiful array of more than 20 decorated trees is open to the public during normal business hours. Visitors can vote on their favorite tree. Winning trees will receive a Duke Energy grant for the nonprofit organization of their choice. The Festival of Trees will be open for voting Nov. 21, 2019 through Jan. 3, 2020. The World of Energy will be closed Nov. 2829, Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1, in observance of the holidays. Photos with Santa Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019: Santa Claus will be at the World of Energy from 10 until 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 7. Bring your camera and snap a photo while admiring the Festival of Trees display. The event is free and open to the public.
7812 Rochester Highway, Seneca, SC 29672 864.873.4600 duke-energy.com/worldofenergy
upstate theatre larger-than-life personalities who inhabit the world of the theatre.
NOV. 15-24 MESSIAH ON THE FRIGIDAIRE
The small town of Elroy, SC, is thrust into the evangelical spotlight when what seems to be the image of Jesus appears on a refrigerator in a trailer park. Front-page headlines lead to miracle seekers, soul searchers and disciples with a decidedly political agenda descending on the trailer park in this hilarious comedy.
PEACE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 300 SOUTH MAIN ST., GREENVILLE, SC 864.476.3000 OR 800.888.7768
OCT. 1-6 CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Willy Wonka is opening his marvelous and mysterious chocolate factory ... to a lucky few. That includes Charlie Bucket, whose bland life is about to burst with color and confection beyond his wildest dreams. He and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a mesmerizing joyride through a world of pure imagination.
NOV. 5-10 ONCE ON THIS ISLAND
Winner of the 2018 Tony Award® for Best Revival Of A Musical, Once on This Island is the sweeping, universal tale of Ti Moune, a fearless peasant girl in search of her place in the world, and ready to risk it all for love. Guided by the mighty island gods, Ti Moune sets out on a remarkable journey to reunite with the man who has captured her heart.
FOOTHILLS PLAYHOUSE 201 SOUTH 5TH ST., EASLEY, SC 864.855.1817 OR WWW.FHPLAYHOUSE.COM FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS, 8 P.M.; SUNDAYS, 3 P.M.
SEPT. 27 – OCT. 13 ON GOLDEN POND
Cantankerous retiree Norman Thayer and his conciliatory wife, Ethel, spend summers at their New England vacation home on the shores of
Green Springs 114 Ram Cat Alley, Seneca
864-888-4327 American Made & Fair Trade Fun! S h o p G r e e n S p r i n g s . c o m We specialize in handmade meaningful gifts. Come see our pottery, baskets, luxurious soaps, candles, totes, jewelry, steel drum art & more! For each American made soy Milkhouse Candle sold, we donate $1 to the Education Foundation of Oconee County’s BackPack Program! Our American made brie bakers make for easy entertaining! Add a wheel of brie, top with chutney, bake for 10 minutes! Serve with crackers! 66 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
upstate theatre idyllic Golden Pond. This year, their adult daughter, Chelsea, visits with her new fiancé and his teenage son, Billy, on their way to Europe. After leaving Billy behind to bond with Norman, Chelsea returns, attempting to repair the long-strained relationship with her aging father before it’s too late.
NOV. 22 – DEC. 8 MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
An old man going by the name of Kris Kringle fills in for an intoxicated Santa in Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade. Kringle proves to be such a hit that he is soon appearing regularly at the chain’s main store in midtown Manhattan. When Kringle surprises customers and employees alike by claiming that he really is Santa Claus, it leads to a court case to determine his mental health and, more importantly, his authenticity.
BROOKS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 141 JERSEY LANE, CLEMSON, SC • 864.656.7787 TUES.-SAT., 7:30 P.M.; SUNDAY MATINEES, 3 P.M
Walhalla Performing Arts Center
2019/2020 SEASON ANNOUNCEMENTS! RODNEY ATKINS Friday, September 13 @ 7:30 pm Rodney is Caught Up In The Country showcases life songs, not just ditties. The 2006 CMA New Male Artist winner will bring all of his past hits, and have you swaying in your seats. THE OAK RIDGE BOYS Sunday, September 15 @ 3:00 & 7:00 pm One of the most distinctive & recognizable sounds in music. Their 4-part harmonies & upbeat songs have spawned dozens of hits. A 50-year tradition!
SEPT. 30 – OCT. 6 THE TEMPEST
LEE GREENWOOD Friday, September 20 @ 7:30 pm Lee Greenwood has always had music be a part of his life. His love of lyrics has depth and emotion, showing why he’s the awardwinning country music ICON, he is.
NOV. 20-24 JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN
COUNTRY COOL COMEDY KAREN MILLS, TRISH SUHR & LEANNE MORGAN Friday, September 27 @ 7:30 pm They’ll take you on a ride through all of life’s ups and downs. These ladies all have southern roots but their comedy has a universal appeal that everyone can enjoy.
Among Shakespeare’s final plays, “The Tempest” is a story of family, betrayal, love and what holds us captive. Equal parts heartfelt and humorous, this production, set in the late 1930s, will explore the magic, both literal and figurative, of this classic play.
What do 17th-century Salem, Massachusetts, and a one-stoplight town in present-day Georgia have in common? In John Proctor is the Villain by Kimberly Belflower, high school students confront the uncomfortable connections between literature and life.
CLEMSON LITTLE THEATRE 214 S. MECHANIC ST., PENDLETON, S C • 864.646.8100 FRI.-SAT., 8 P.M. (7:30 FOR CAYT); SUNDAY MATINEES, 3 P.M.
OCT. 18-21 & 25-27 THE WIZ
When schoolteacher Dorothy tries to save her dog from a storm, she’s whisked away to an urban fantasyland called Oz. After accidentally killing the Wicked Witch of the East, Dorothy is told about the Wiz, a wizard who can help her get back to Manhattan. As Dorothy goes in search of the Wiz, she’s joined by the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion.
OCONEE COMMUNITY THEATRE 8001 UTICA ST., SENECA, SC RESERVATIONS: 864.882.7700, 10 A.M. – NOON AND 2 P.M. – 4 P.M. EVENINGS 8 P.M., SUNDAY MATINEES 2:30 P.M.
OCT. 4-6, 11-13 TAKE FIVE
Imagine you are an actor on opening night trying to perform on a set that isn’t completed. Then one actor doesn’t show up, a man from the audience uses your stage phone to argue with his wife, the props either don’t work or are missing, the lighting and sound cues are off and two silly, incompetent stagehands do their worst. This delightful play is filled with surprises and zany characters and is ideal for competition, fundraising and pure entertainment.
TANYA TUCKER Sunday, September 29 @ 7:30 pm This 60 year old living legend is set to release a tell-all record, alongside the full length documentary “Delta Dawn, Then and Now: The Return of Tanya Tucker.” Join us on the journey with this one and only living legend. MARTY STUART Thursday, October 3 @ 7:30 pm A night of music that honors country’s rich legacy while advancing it into the future. Enjoy four decades of American roots, hillbilly country rock. RONNIE MILSAP Saturday, October 5 SHENANDOAH: 30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR Friday, October 18 @ 7:30 THE PLATTERS Sunday, October 20 @ 5:00 pm THE ALLMAN BETTS BAND Tuesday, October 22 @ 7:30 pm THE YACHT ROCK REVU Friday, October 25 @ 7:30 pm RHONDA VINCENT & THE RAG Friday, November 1 @ 7:30 pm RANDALL BRAMBLETT Friday, November 8 @ 7:30 pm BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY November 14 &November 15 @ 7:30 pm KATHY MATTEA Sunday, November 17 @ 7:00 pm THE DRIFTER Friday, November 22 @ 7:30 pm THE LETTERMEN: A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS Sunday, December 1 @ 7:00 pm JIMMY FORTUNE: CHRISTMAS COUNTRY STYLE Sunday, December 8 @ 7:00 pm WYNONNA & THE BIG NOISE ROCKIN’ ROOTS CHRISTMAS Fri., Dec. 20 @ 7:30 pm THE FLASHBACKS ROCKIN’ IN THE NEW YEAR! Dec.31 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Tickets & Information WalhallaPAC.com | 864-638-5277 FALL 2019 › 67
Train exhibition transports Biltmore guests into summer story by Brett McLaughlin | photo courtesy of The Biltmore Company
B
iltmore Gardens Railway runs through September 29 with a model train exhibition in two locations at Asheville’s Biltmore Estate: the historic Conservatory and Antler Hill Village. In the Conservatory, nearly 800 feet of track carries G-scale locomotives and railcars as they traverse bridges and trestles in multiple rooms at varied viewing levels. Adding to the charm, trains weave through exotic botanicals and miniature replicas of estate landmarks. The plant-based recreations of estate structures include replicas of Biltmore House, the Stable, the Conservatory, Lodge Gate, the Bass Pond Waterfall, the Gardener’s Cottage, plus All Souls Church and the train depot in Biltmore Village. In Antler Hill Village, a second railway display showcases the
A miniature replica of Biltmore House made with natural materials is part of the Biltmore Gardens Railway, a model train exhibition running through Sept. 29 at the Biltmore Estate.
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travels of Biltmore’s founder George Vanderbilt. Model trains travel on 250 feet of track, passing replicas of international landmarks including the Eiffel Tower in Paris and London’s Tower Bridge. Biltmore’s gardeners — using shrubs, trees, and flowers — designed the landscape. Applied Imagination, an award-winning crew of artists, botanical experts and landscape designers handcrafted the miniature replica structures out of all-natural materials. Many of the materials used in the design of Biltmore Gardens Railway were collected directly from the estate including pinecones, bark, bamboo, grapevines, honeysuckle, acorns, pods, seeds and grasses. Biltmore Gardens Railway is included with regular daytime admission to the estate. n
• Sales Department and On the Water Showroom • Boat Rentals • Fuel Dock • Full Service Marine Center • On the Water Dining at The Grill • Boat Storage • Freedom Boat Club Now Introducing Freedom Boat Club On Lake Hartwell
Hassle-free Boating is One Call Away! (864) 610-1046
On the Water Dining at The Grill
150 CLEMSON MARINA DRIVE, SENECA, SC 29678 864-280-1449 WWW.CLEMSONMARINA.COM facebook.com/clemsonmarina
calendar of events SEPT. 15
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents country’s The Oakridge Boys, who bring four decades of charted singles and 50 years of tradition to the stage; shows at 3 and 7 p.m.; for more information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
SEPT. 16
Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents Snarky Puppy, which displays a rare and delicate mixture of sophisticated composition, harmony and improvisation through exploratory jazz, funk and rock; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/brooks
SEPT. 19
Dzuris performs on the university’s 48-bell instrument. Tour the playing cabin following the 5 p.m. performance.
SEPT. 24-28
SC Foothills Heritage Fair at The F.A.R.M. Center, 2063 Sandifer Blvd., Westminster, features rides, concerts, livestock shows, rodeos, dance exhibitions, 4-H youth events, hands-on learning opportunities and farm animal exhibits; for hours, admission prices and more information, visit: farmoconee.org/fair/
SEPT. 25
Seneca Woman’s Club Fall Tea at historic Ballenger House, 212 E. South 3rd St., 2-4 p.m.; visit www.ballengerhouse.org for more details.
SEPT. 26
Prisma 12th Annual Golf Classic at Cross Creek Plantation and The Cliffs at Keowee Falls; to register or sponsor the Golf Tournament go to: prismagolfregistration2019.pdf
Rhythm & Brews on Main Street in Hendersonville, NC, between Caswell and Allen streets, 5:30-9:30 p.m.; free admission; offers music, food, beer, wine and cider from local companies and a children’s area; no dogs allowed. 828.233.3216; DowntownHendersonville.org
Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents The Four Italian Tenors; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson. edu/centers-institutes/ brooks
Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents Brandon Ridenour, a virtuoso trumpeter and composer. Ridenour’s brilliance and self-assurance on the concert stage led to his victory at the 2018 Concert Artists Guild Competition and a thriving career worldwide; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www. clemson.edu/centers-institutes/brooks
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents country cool comedy with Karen Mills, Leanne Morgan and Trish Suhr; 7:30 p.m.; for more information or to order tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
SEPT. 20
Blue Ridge Arts Center, 111 E. South 2nd St., Seneca, annual Member Show begins with an opening reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m.; no charge, complimentary appetizers and drinks; show runs through Nov. 1; for more information, visit: blueridgeartscenter.com Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents Lee Greenwood with optional pre-show dinner served from 5:30 to 7 p.m. courtesy of the Upstate’s very own Meat’n In the Middle catering; for more information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
SEPT. 22
Bring a picnic, enjoy fresh air, and unwind as Clemson University Carillonneur Linda 70 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
SEPT. 29 Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents Tanya Tucker’s “While I’m Livin’ Tour”; 7:30 p.m.; pre-show VIP experience is at promptly 6 p.m. and includes meet & greet, signed copy of her new CD, Tanya Tucker hat; for more information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac. com
OCT. 3
Westminster Music Centre, 101 W. Main St., Westminster, presents Irish crooner Andy Cooney; 7 p.m.; for tickets and more information, visit: www.westminstermusiccentre.org
SEPT. 27
SEPT. 28-29 The Arts Council of Henderson County’s 60th annual Art on Main Festival will be held on historic Main Street in downtown Hendersonville from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents fivetime Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and musician Marty Stuart; two VIP ticket packages include private 6 p.m. gathering with the performer; regular ticketed performance begins at 7:30 p.m.; for more information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
VISIT THE PAINT PLACE FOR ALL YOUR INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING NEEDS! Featuring:
SEPT. 28
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 301 West Main St., Walhalla, 3rd Holy Smoke! BBQ; 11a.m. – 2 p.m.; features pulled pork plates and all the fixin’s, live music and bake sale; yard sale begins at 9 a.m.; Blood Connection bloodmobile bus will be onsite to accept donations.
Our Premium Products are the Preferred Choice of Professional Painters and Homeowners
864-882-4440 349 Market Street in the Dogwood Plaza by Heartwarmers
Check us out at Facebook.com/paintplaceseneca
The Odyssey Band Presented by City of Seneca
6:30 to 9:00 p.m. Every Thursday evening through October!
Enjoy a night of music with your family and friends on Ram Cat Alley, Downtown Seneca!
Keysha And The All Stars
J-E-T Enjoy dinner, drinks and shopping during Jazz On The Alley!
Follow ‘Seneca SC Events’ on Facebook for Artists Updates! 2019 schedule of artists and more info at www.seneca.sc.us
Jamie Wright
Leisha J
Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a night of music under the stars!
Seneca SC Events FALL 2019 › 71
calendar of events Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents the Grammy Award-winning group the Okee Dokee Brothers; folk music with the goal of inspiring children and their parents to get outside and get creative; 7 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/brooks
OCT. 5 Walhalla Performing Arts Center presents Ronnie Milsap, one of the country genre’s most consistent and enduring artists; 7:30 p.m.; for more information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
OCT. 7 Seneca Woman’s Club hosts Spooky Tales at historic Ballenger House 212 E. South 3rd St., 2-4 p.m.; children are encouraged to wear costumes, but must be accompanied by an adult; visit www.ballengerhouse.org for more details.
OCT. 10 Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents Nella, whose music is a meeting place for Venezuela’s folklore roots, the influence of her contemporaries and the music of the Andalusian region of Spain; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/brooks
OCT. 11-12 The Center For Art & Inspiration, 125 South Main St., Hendersonville, NC, presents Abba Mania featuring a special concert presentation that celebrates the music of ABBA; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets email tickets@thecenterai.com
OCT. 12 The pumpkins are in the patch, and it’s time to celebrate the annual Pumpkin Festival at Pumpkintown, 5301 Dacusville Hwy. Spend the day browsing the arts and craft booths, listening to music and enjoying the day, including the parade.
OCT. 18 Westminster Music Centre, 101 W. Main St., Westminster, presents Flatland Tourist, 7 p.m.; for tickets and more information, visit: www.westminstermusiccentre.org Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents Shenandoah, whose original members Raybon & Mike McGuire have reunited to launch a 30th Anniversary Tour; optional pre-show 72 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
dinner served from 5:30 to 7 p.m. courtesy of the Upstate’s very own Meat’n In the Middle catering; concert at 7:30 p.m.; for more information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
experience with contemporary choral works accompanied by piano, cello and percussion; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/ centers-institutes/brooks
Walhalla celebrates Oktoberfest with arts, crafts and great food and drink on Main Street and Sertoma Field; activities begin at 11 a.m. each day; music and entertainment provided by “Just-Call-Ben;” for more information, visit: walhallaoktoberfest.com
Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents Ballet Hispanico; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/ centers-institutes/brooks
OCT. 18-19
OCT. 19 Bearfootin’ Public Art Walk Auction will be held at the historic courthouse on Main Street in Hendersonville, NC; bidder registration and live music begins at 3 p.m.; and live auction at 5 p.m.
OCT. 20 Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents The Platters, one of the preeminent doo-wop groups of the rock & roll era; optional pre-show dinner from 3 to 4:30 p.m. courtesy of the Upstate’s very own Meat’n In the Middle catering; concert at 5 p.m.; for more information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com
OCT. 28
OCT. 31 Trick-or-Treating with downtown Hendersonville merchants, from Allen to 6th Avenue, 5 p.m.; costume registration begins in the 400 block of Main at 4:30 with judging to follow.
NOV. 1 Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents Grammy Award winning queen of bluegrass Rhonda Vincent and the Rage with optional pre-show dinner served from 5:30 to 7 p.m. courtesy of the Upstate’s very own Meat’n In the Middle catering; concert at 7:30 p.m.; for more information or tickets, visit: www. walhallapac.com.
OCT. 21
NOV. 4
Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents the Kingdom Choir. London’s choir is best known for its breathtaking performance at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/ centers-institutes/brooks
Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents the classical sounds of the Polonsky/Shifrin/Wiley Trio; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/ centers-institutes/brooks
OCT. 22 Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, presents The Allman Betts Band. The sons of Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts have joined forces to form The Allman Betts Band. They kicked off 2019 with a new album and worldwide tour featuring new music, songs from their solo projects and classic Allman Brothers & Gregg Allman tunes in honor of the 50th Anniversary of The Allman Brothers Band; 7:30 p.m.
NOV. 7 Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents the CU Percussion Ensemble, Steel Band, & Drumline; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www. clemson.edu/centers-institutes/brooks
NOV. 8
OCT. 24
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents multi-instrumentalist Randall Bramblett, who continues his storied career with continual reinvention and true conviction; 7:30 p.m.; for more information or tickets, visit: www. walhallapac.com.
Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents the CU Singers and Cantorei at Fort Hill Presbyterian. The CU Singers will perform a variety of a cappella and accompanied works. The Cantorei will present a chamber music
Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents the CU Symphony Orchestra; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www. clemson.edu/centers-institutes/brooks
NOV. 12
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FALL 2019 › 73
calendar of events NOV. 15
NOV. 19
Blue Ridge Arts Center, 111 E. South 2nd St., Seneca, Earth, Wind and Fire show opens with reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m.; no charge, complimentary appetizers and drinks; show runs through Dec. 27. For more information, visit: blueridgeartcenter.com Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents the fall performance of Tigeroar and TakeNote. The women of TakeNote and the men of Tigeroar team up for a show, featuring unique arrangements together and on their own; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/ centers-institutes/brooks
NOV. 17
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101 East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents An Evening with Kathy Mattea, who has been hailed as “one of Nashville’s finest song interpreters;” optional pre-show dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. courtesy of the Upstate’s very own Meat’n In the Middle catering; concert at 7 p.m.; for more information or tickets, visit: www.walhallapac.com.
Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents the CU Jazz Ensemble; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www. clemson.edu/centers-institutes/brooks
NOV. 21
Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents the CU Men’s and Women’s Choirs; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/ brooks
NOV. 21 THRU JAN. 3
Join the World of Energy in celebrating the holiday season with its 7th annual Festival of Trees display in the World of Energy lobby. This beautiful array of more than 20 decorated trees is open to the public during normal business hours. Visitors can vote on their favorite tree with the winner receiving a Duke Energy grant for the nonprofit organization of their choice. The World of Energy will be closed Nov. 28-29, Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1.
NOV. 22
Walhalla Performing Arts Center, 101
East North Broad St., Walhalla, SC, presents The Drifters, who are once again on tour celebrating their 50-year catalogue of memorable hits; 7:30 p.m.; for more information or to order tickets, visit: www. walhallapac.com.
NOV. 25 Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University presents the CU Symphonic Band; 7:30 p.m.; for tickets, visit: www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/brooks
NOV. 28 Annual 5K Turkey Trot begins in front of City Hall in Hendersonville, NC, at 8:30 a.m.; for more information, contact Lu Ann Welter at 828.233.3204 or at lwelter@hvlnc. gov.
NOV. 29 Kick off the season with Christmas songs, shopping and a countdown as Santa arrives to light up downtown Hendersonville, NC; free visits with Santa and carriage rides after the lights are on will end by 8 p.m.
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FALL 2019 › 75
Age is a Number
BY DARI MULLINS
T
here are few sports that cross generations like watersports and boating. I have seen a 3-year-old and a 78-year-old both grinning from ear to ear as they learn how to surf for the first time. I have watched as a 60plus lady got up on her first try when learning to wakeboard … everyone high-fiving and fist-bumping her as she climbed back in the boat. I have stood beside an 8-year-old and a 68-year-old as they waited their turn for a practice set through the slalom course in preparation for a ski tournament. At work we have many grandparents come in to purchase boats or skis so they can teach their grandchildren to enjoy boating and skiing while still enjoying it themselves. In fact, I vividly remember the Christmas my grandparents gave me my first set of water skis. I was only five years old! I remember the friendly slalom skiing competition I had with my dad, trying to see who could get lower to the water. He seemed to always win, but I never gave up. From early morning skis on water like glass, to putting the boat cover on in the pouring rain, to repairing buoys with fish eggs all around, lake life got into my blood early. A few years back I had the privilege to pull both of my parents skiing. It brought tears to my eyes as I remembered the many times they had pulled me behind their boat. I am so thankful my parents and grandparents taught me watersports, boating and the confidence that came along with it. Even if you prefer slower paced activities like paddle boarding, kayaking or fishing, those are also great activities to bond across generations. The hours spent together encourage talking, teaching and sharing … things that often get overlooked in our fast-paced, digital world. Face-to-face time is priceless, and it is
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{clockwise from top} Miller Stroble, 3, surfs for the first time as his dad, David, watches. • Pulling my mom behind my boat. • My 89-year-old grandfather, Bill Houghton, enjoys boating with my Uncle Mark.
even more rare and special when it crosses generations. Many years passed before I really appreciated this time on the water, growing up and then teaching my own children. I always cherished the memories, but I never realized how impactful they were until I had the privilege to live on the water and work at the lake. Now I get to watch as children, parents and grandparents learn to enjoy the water together and make memories that will last a lifetime. I encourage you to spend as much time on the water with your family as you can. Learn a new sport together, grab a few fishing poles or just go float on the water. The impression
you will make on future generations may never be seen by you, but it will be there. Following is a poem I wrote for my dad on Father’s Day. I share it to inspire and encourage you to go make memories on the water … the influence is timeless. Dari, let’s go ski; words whispered so often to me; As my dad gently shook me awake to go out while the water was great. My dad and me on the lake – are the best memories life can make. He taught me to ski at the age of five, for his applause I did strive. By eight years old I was up on one, my love of slalom had begun. Competing was the next logical move, flying around buoys on water so smooth. Practice was hard, tournaments were fun – but the time with my dad had just begun. He taught me boating, though often I complained, while covering the boat in the rain. Patience was key teaching me to dock and trailering the boat I had to do a lot! Those hours spent being taught by Dad – are precious moments I’m grateful I had. Childhood summers at the lake, put something inside I’ ll never forsake; love of the water was instilled in me, my happy place it will always be. Now, my dad lives far away, but by the lake I’m with him each day. Words will never ever express, what he means to me and my gratefulness. Dari Mullins is marketing coordinator and office manager at the Seneca location of Watersports Central where she enjoys sharing her love of the water, boating and sports with people of all ages.
COME HOME TO OCONEE COUNTY
Enjoy yourself Read a book in the hammock Get lost in the woods Or at the spa Enjoy breakfast on the balcony Sleep in Take a hike Go mountain biking Make memories Take pictures & naps Laugh out loud Savor a sunset boat ride Be with family Go horseback riding Enjoy a round of golf Make new friends Have afternoon tea Learn to fly fish Smell the roses And the forest after a rain Go bare footed Ride a motorcycle up the mountain Go camping Raft a river Enjoy outdoor music Make s’mores Just relax In
OCONEE COUNTY SOUTH CAROLINA’S FRESHWATER COAST
Home of the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River, Home the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River, SC of National Heritage Corridor Scenic Highways SC National Heritage Corridor Scenic Highways and so much more... and so much more... www.oconeesc.com | www.experienceoconee.com www.visitoconeesc.com | www.InvestOconeeSC.com
Oconee County, South Carolina
FALL 2019 › 77
Catfish Flavors
BY PHILLIP GENTRY
F
ishing for catfish has always been a favorite pastime for southern anglers. However, over the last decade, a wave of catfish mania has swept across the country with newfound fans catching catfish everywhere from the swamps of Florida to while ice fishing in Minnesota. Most people lump catfish into one group and may be surprised to learn they come in different flavors. Thirteen species of catfish reside within the state of South Carolina. Of these, four are madtoms, a tiny catfish species that is more at home in a fish tank or as bait than on a plate. Six species are bullheads, which conjure up images of a kid in overalls and a straw-hat fishing in a farm pond. The white catfish may be the exception to that genre. The remaining three species are the heavy hitters that garner recreational angler interest in the Upstate.
Of the four catfish species most often sought in the state, the blue catfish is the largest and most popular. Photo by Phillip Gentry
state is the blue. It is a generally larger cat than other species and sports a bluish colored back, which may bleach to near white in the cold. It also has a humped back at the dorsal fin, which helps to distinguish it from the channel catfish. The blue also has a deeply forked tail. Upstate resident Paula Haney of Liberty, while fishing in Lake Moultrie in 2017, caught the state record blue catfish weighing 113.8 pounds.
WHITE CATFISH The white catfish is one of the larger bullheads. It has a moderately forked tail, which is the best way to distinguish it from other similarly colored species. Its coloration is bluish-gray with a white belly. Its South Carolina habitat includes many of the lower Coastal Plain rivers and waterways, stretching into the upper Piedmont. The fish is found in Lake Hartwell but may be confused with juvenile blue cats or similar aged channels. The tail of a white cat is not nearly as forked as a blue, and the fish lacks the spots and yellow or greenish tint of a channel catfish. The state record white cat is 122.9 pounds, which came from Lake Murray in 2014. Most white cats run in the 1 to 3 pound range.
ive with yellow accents above its white belly. Dark spots and a rounded free edge anal fin distinguish the channel, although the spots may not yet appear on young fish and fade out on larger ones. The tail is also deeply forked, and it has prominently large eyes. Channel cats reside just about everywhere in the state, owing in part to its favored status in pond stockings and with commercial growers. The state and world record channel cat came from Lake Moultrie at 58 pounds back in 1964. A trophy channel cat these days is something over 10 pounds.
CHANNEL CATFISH This more slender catfish is pale blue to ol-
BLUE CATFISH The most popular sport fish cat in the
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FLATHEAD CATFISH This large aggressive catfish is easily distinguished from other cats by its flat head, protruding lower jaw and small beady eyes. Its coloration goes from high yellow to sea monster green with a mottled tone. It prefers dark, hidden holes around undercut banks, logjams and big rocks, and is more active at night and during warmer weather. Flatheads were introduced in several Atlantic states and have taken hold in the Pee Dee, Santee, Edisto and Savannah rivers and also the reservoirs on those systems. Fishery biologists don’t hold the flathead in very high regard because they eat a lot of smaller native panfish species. Catfish anglers prize the flathead for its fight and size. The state record flathead catfish was caught from the Cooper River in 2018 and weighed 84-9.6 pounds.
Phillip Gentry is the host of “Upstate Outdoors,” broadcast from noon to 2 p.m. Saturdays on 106.3 WORD FM. You can also stream the show live or on podcast at 1063word.radio.com.
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FALL 2019 › 79
Are Women Better Investors?
M
ost of us would probably agree that men and women frequently behave differently, and these differences often show up in professional, family and social situations. Of course, this certainly doesn’t mean either gender has an advantage in these areas. However, here’s an interesting question: Do women possess attributes that may make them better investors? LONG-TERM FOCUS Women seem to focus more on long-term goals, according to some studies, whereas men may concentrate more on short-term track records of potential investments. Generally speaking, taking a long-term approach to investing is a good strategy because it can help you maintain discipline and avoid subjecting yourself to the dangers of overreacting to market swings. One such danger is selling an investment whose price may have dropped but may still have strong fundamentals and good prospects. LESS FREQUENT TRADING A well-known study from the University of California found that men traded investments 45 percent more frequently than women. Other, more recent, studies have produced somewhat different results, but the overall picture does seem to show that women do significantly less buying and selling than men. This tendency is important because frequent trading can undercut a long-term, cohesive investment strategy. If you’re constantly buying and selling, you won’t give some investments a chance to achieve their full growth potential, and you might disrupt the diversification necessary for long-term success. MORE THOUGHTFUL DECISIONS AND MORE RECEPTIVENESS TO PROFESSIONAL ADVICE Women take more time to make investment decisions than men and more readily accept investment recommendations
80 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING
from financial professionals, according to a survey from InvestmentNews. And, women are more likely to consult a professional financial advisor in the first place, according to a study from the Spectrem Group, a financial research firm. Given the number of factors involved in successful investing — setting long-term goals, evaluating risk tolerance, navigating volatile financial markets, diversifying investment portfolios, and so on — it’s important to get solid financial and investment advice from trained, experienced professionals. GREATER RISK AVERSION When it comes to savings and investing, women are generally more risk averse than men, according to a large-scale survey by BlackRock, a global investment management firm, and supported by numerous other surveys and studies. Having a greater risk aversion can help women investors reduce the likelihood of incurring short-term losses from highly volatile or speculative investments. Nonetheless, it’s not really
possible to avoid all investment risk, and it’s probably not even desirable. In fact, there may well be a flip side to women’s risk avoidance, in that an overly conservative portfolio won’t produce the growth potential needed to achieve long-term goals. This is a danger to which women investors should be alert. Generally speaking, neither excessive risk nor excessive caution will serve investors well. A long-term perspective, avoidance of excessive trading, willingness to take advice from professionals and careful risk management — these characteristics of women investors can be of value to everyone. Consider putting them to work for yourself.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by David Adrian Jr., a Seneca financial advisor with the Fortune 500 Company that serves more than 7 million customers and has over $1 trillion assets under management. Reach Adrian at 864.882.5763 or www.edwardjones. com/david-adrian.
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Dry Falls
I
f your search for fall color takes you north from the Upstate, you might enjoy stopping by Dry Falls, a popular waterfall located in the Nantahala National Forest, a few miles outside of Highlands, NC. This 75-foot cascade derives its name from the fact that visitors can walk safely behind the waterfall, although high water may produce a cool, inescapable spray. Everyone can enjoy a view of the falls from a fully accessible observation area adjacent to the parking area, but the real treat is getting a closer look by climbing down the stairs and walking a short path along which there are many great vantage points for photos. Fall peak color in this area is usually the second week of October.
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Less than a mile away from Dry Falls you can drive behind Bridal Veil Falls. Also nearby are hikes to Glen Falls and Secret Falls. A short drive away on US 64 is Bust Your Butt Falls swimming hole and Cullasaja Falls. DIRECTIONS Coming from Highlands: Take Hwy 64 west for just over 3 miles from its intersection with Hwy 106. Pass or stop at Bridal Veil Falls, then look for a brown and white forest service sign for Dry Falls and turn left into the parking area. If you are coming from Franklin, Dry Falls is about 16.5 miles east on US Hwy 64. There is room for about 25 vehicles in the parking lot.
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FALL 2019 › 83
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Celebrating 24 years of ser vice in the Upstate Seneca Office: (864) 882-0855 | 528-D ByPass 123 | Seneca, SC 29678 Keowee Town Office: (864) 944-0405 | 1231 Stamp Creek Road | Salem, SC 29676
84 ‹ UPSTATE LAKE LIVING