Hickory Living May 2023

Welcome to the May Issue!

By Kathy Wheeler

Spring comes alive in May! It is finally warm enough to fill our pots with gorgeous flowers, plan outdoor excursions and fire-up the grill. Check out our May Event page for outdoor concerts and other fun things to do this month!

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 14th. Let your mom know you love and appreciate her. If you are looking for the perfect gift, we have some great suggestions on page 15!

Monday, May 29th is Memorial Day. Remember those who sacrificed everything serving our country and securing our freedoms. Express your gratitude and condolences to their families who suffered a tremendous loss. Show your appreciation to our veterans and those currently serving. These brave men and women choose to serve knowing the risk. We at Hickory Living are grateful for your service.

Hickory Community Theatre presents Exit Pursued by a Bear Thursday

through Sunday until May 13th. Visit their website at www.hickorytheatre. org for times, seating, and tickets.

The Green Room Community Theatre presents the musical Once on This Island Friday through Sunday until May 21st. For show times, tickets, and more information, visit, www.thegreenroom theatre.org.

Our cover story this month features Aqua B. Stop by one of their five locations to shop for your spring wardrobe! They have something for everyone with women’s, men’s and children’s apparel, and even a selection of home goods. Their article begins on page 10.

La Bella Donna Spa is our business spotlight this month. Don’t miss their Favorite Things Event on May 11th. Read their article on page 16 about new treatments and how they continue to expand on the services they offer.

We’ve featured Settlemyre Nursery as one of our Best of the Foothills winners

on page 30. May is a great time to visit their retail shop, nursery, and greenhouse for beautiful flowers, shrubs, and trees. They have been chosen by our readers as Best Nursery three years in a row.

Starting on page 19, we have a new advertising feature this month—Faces of the Foothills. Get to know important people in our community, the services and products they offer, and why they love what they do.

Spring is the perfect time to explore local parks, work on our outdoor living spaces, and invite friends and family over for BBQs. You will find some helpful articles in our Outdoor Living section starting on page 29!

Thank you for reading the May issue of Hickory Living! We hope you enjoy the beautiful scenery and weather that May brings and take advantage of the local parks and outdoor events that our area offers! Enjoy May!

©iStockphoto.com | AlexRaths

Something for Everyone at Aqua B Boutique in Downtown Hickory and Viewmont

Located on Union Square in downtown Hickory, Aqua B Boutique offers something for everyone in the way of fashion, accessories, and home goods. With over 5,000 square feet, this store isn’t a typical boutique. The minute you walk through the front doors, it’s clear that you’re in for a wonderful experience.

Lauren Curtis, Manager of Aqua B, took some time out of her busy day to chat with us about what makes Aqua B so special. Stylishly dressed in pink-tinged boots and a fringed jacket, Lauren is excited about sharing what she and her team most appreciate about doing business in Hickory. “I love how good our customers are to us,” she enthuses. “We

treat our customers like family, and they do the same for us. I’d say about 80% to 90% or even more of our customers are repeat customers, people who shop here on a regular basis. As soon as our customers walk in the door, it’s like seeing a family member. We love that.”

With new merchandise arriving every day, it makes sense that customers want to visit Aqua B as much as possible. Lauren explains that she gets to attend markets around the country with the owner, Michele Willis, and other team members, and they personally curate the store’s offerings according to their customers’ wants. “We have a little card that we fill out at the end of each day,” Lauren says. “If there’s something a

Kathleen Supino | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

customer asked for that we didn’t have, or a certain kind of fashion that they were looking for, it goes on that card. We very much use customer feedback to inform our buying decisions.”

One of the great features of Aqua B is that there is something for everyone. Lauren says, “If a mom comes in with her teenage daughter, they’ll both leave with something. And they’ll find something for grandma, dad, and the little sister or brother at home, too.” Aqua B stocks women’s and men’s apparel, children’s apparel, jewelry, accessories, shoes, and even some well-chosen home goods. Clothing sizes for women range from extra small, to curvy sizes up to 3XL. Boys and girls clothing is available for kids as young as six years of age.

Asked who their typical customer is, Lauren says, “We get everyone, from women who are looking for a whole new wardrobe for the season, to Gen Z looking for concert outfits. We also carry a big selection of gym clothes.” If you’re looking to try Aqua B for yourself, Lauren wants you to know you’ll be made to feel right at home. “We nurture positivity in our store,” she says. “No matter who you are or what you’re looking for, you’ll be welcomed and made to feel right at home.”

Apart from the positive and friendly staff, the shopping experience is made even better by the clean and bright look of the space itself. The Hickory store features big windows that let in lots of natural light. The white walls and shelves and tasteful wood plank flooring feel like you’re in a high-end luxury boutique. This is a store where you will feel comfortable browsing at your own leisure.

One of the things that sets Aqua B Boutique apart from other clothing stores is their vast selection of name brands, like Pura Vida, Patchology, California Mango, and many more. Yet, the prices in this gem of a store are very affordable and competitive.

Another thing that adds value to shopping at Aqua B is their personal service. If you feel more comfortable, you can shop online and call in an order to the store for pickup later. Or, let’s say you stop in before a dinner date and you don’t want to bring your bags to dinner. Aqua B will be happy to ship them to your home. All you have to do is pay for the postage.

Photos:

On the cover–Michele Willis, owner; Lauren Curtis, Hickory store manager; Jena Ivey, Hickory assistant manager

Opposite page–Summer is right around the corner! With brands like By Together, Eunina, O’Neill, Free People and Billabong, Aqua B has the perfect pieces to fill your wardrobe!

Above

• Get vacay ready with favorite pieces from our Summer O’Neill collection

• You are sure to always find Lauren wearing a piece from one of her favorite surf brands.

Photos, top to bottom:

• Aqua B offers a wide variety of men’s clothing, shoes, and accessories

• Brands like Candier Candles, Mudpie, and Slant make great gifts.

• The Hickory store offers the trendiest kids items from XS-XL

Lauren has been the manager of Aqua B Boutique for six years now and is looking forward to many more years with the company. “I love this store, this atmosphere,” she says. And while she could clearly excel at retail in any store, Aqua B itself is what makes the difference. “The combination of our sales staff, our owner, and our customers is like the perfect blend,” she says. “There’s a feeling of positivity that just exudes from our store, and that’s what I want people to know. That we just want to be a positive part of your day, whether you just drop in to say hi, or walk out with shopping bags, it’s all about positivity.”

Aqua B has several other locations in addition to the one in downtown Hickory. There’s a store in Viewmont, one in Blowing Rock, Morganton, and one in Mooresville. So if you want your purchase to be shipped to a different store for pickup, the staff is happy to accommodate that, too. The fact that owner Michele Willis has been able to expand is testament to how well-received they are by their customers.

Aqua B started all the way back in 2011, when Michele Willis first opened the store in Hickory. During a particularly bad time when flood damage had to be dealt with, Michele opened a temporary second location in Viewmont. But by the time the original downtown Hickory location was up and running again, the Viewmont store had already proven its popularity with neighborhood shoppers. Michele decided to keep both locations. Subsequently, the opportunity to open more locations became available, and Michele couldn’t be happier. The chance to provide goods and apparel to customers in several locations aligns with the whole Aqua B culture of trying to be of service as much as possible.

Aqua B in downtown Hickory is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM and on Sunday from 1 PM to 6 PM. You can also follow them on Instagram but an in-person visit is the best way to experience Aqua B. Everyone is welcome, and you’re sure to be greeted with a smile!

STORE HOURS

Monday–Saturday 10 AM-7 PM • Sunday 1 PM-6 PM

Unique Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day is an important occasion that allows us to show our appreciation for the special women in our lives. It’s a day to celebrate your mom, the mother of your children, and those women who have influenced your life in a positive way. In this article, I will share some unique Mother’s Day gift ideas that will make her feel extra special and cherished.

Before diving into gift ideas, think about what she means to you. Mothers are often the glue that keeps the family together. They work tirelessly to ensure the happiness and well-being of their children. Many times they sacrifice their own needs and wants to provide for their families, and they do it with love and grace. Your mom deserves to be reminded of how much she means to you and how grateful you are for all she has done. With that in mind, let’s explore some gift ideas that will help you express your love and appreciation.

1

Personalized Gifts: Consider getting her a customized piece of jewelry with her name or initials, a personalized photo album, or a customized phone case with her favorite family photo. These gifts are not only unique but also senti mental and will surely make her day extra special.

attention and support her passions.

2

Handmade Gifts: Put your skills to work with a handcrafted gift. Maybe create a personalized scrapbook or photo album, a hand-painted piece of pottery, or a knitted scarf or blanket. Handmade creations show that you took the time to make something special just for her.

3

Promote Relaxation and Self-Care: Moms are often so busy taking care of others that they forget to take care of themselves. A spa gift basket, a luxurious bathrobe and slippers, or a set of aromatherapy candles are gifts that promote relaxation and self-care. They will help her unwind and show that you care about her well-being.

4

Cater to Her Interests and Hobbies: Everyone has their own unique interests, and your mom is no excep-

5

Thoughtful Gestures: Sometimes, the simplest gestures can make the biggest impact. Doing something thoughtful, such as cooking her favorite meal, writing her a heart-felt letter, or spending quality time with her doing something she enjoys is always a big hit!

Price doesn’t always play a role in the perfect gift. You don’t need to break the bank to show your mom how much you care. There are plenty of budget-friendly gifts that will still make her feel special and appreciated. Whether it’s a batch of her favorite cookies and a hand-drawn card or a spa getaway, she will love it! It’s more about the thought and effort you put into it.

business spotlight

Photos,

Left–La Bella Donna’s Team: Dr. Lisa Caporossi, medical director; Kim Amos, licensed esthetician; Owner Tracey Bare, RN; Kim Castle, office manager; Janine McCowan, front desk receptionist; Govan, service/shop dog Below–Tracey and Govan

Opposite page Janine and Kim look at the day’s schedule

Tracey and Kim collaborating about a client’s treatment plan

Tracey performing the new Clear Lift laser treatment

La Bella Donna

INTRODUCES

New Aesthetic Treatments

By Amy Casil | Photos by Shane Greene Photography

With social distancing rapidly becoming a long-ago memory, La Bella Donna Spa in Hickory has continued to grow, offering new services and working with long-time and new clients alike. The aesthetics practice is looking forward to an exciting year with new treatments and new staff members, along with the natural, beautiful results that La Bella Donna has been known for over the past two decades.

Tracey Bare at La Bella Donna wants to emphasize that the support and loyalty of clients has been vital for La Bella Donna’s success and ability to serve their many clients.

“I’m especially thankful to the clients

that have been coming to me for the past 17 years,” she said. Their ongoing loyalty and support has helped La Bella Donna Spa to continue to thrive and grow. “This is the biggest compliment I could ever receive,” Tracey said.

New Options in Aesthetic Treatments

There are many exciting new treatments at La Bella Donna, especially the Harmony Laser by Alma. The Harmony Laser by Alma can provide many types of safe, effective aesthetic treatments, revealing smooth, unblemished skin. Some of the treatments made possible by the Harmony Laser include clearing dark spots, reducing acne scars, and treating fine lines and wrinkles.

Tracey also said that La Bella Donna will be launching another new service soon, the Harmony CLEAR LIFT by Alma. The CLEAR LIFT is geared toward wrinkles and crepey skin, offering an option to compliment La Bella Donna’s other laser facial treatments.

Caring, Expert Staff Members

Our skin’s appearance and health are crucial to our well-being and self-esteem, and La Bella Donna’s highly-qualified staff has the expertise and artistry to provide excellent aesthetic treatments. In addition to RN-owner Tracey Bare, the director of nursing and esthetics, La Bella Donna also benefits from the skills of Dr. Lisa Caporossi as medical director and Kim Amos, licensed esthetician.

Janine McCowan has recently joined La Bella Donna as front desk receptionist.

“Janine is wonderful with our staff and clients,” Tracey said, and she also provides support for office manager Kim Castle, who keeps everything running smoothly.

The La Bella Donna Philosophy: Keep Things Looking Natural

Tracey Bare shared the La Bella Donna philosophy with me: “My philosophy has always been to keep things looking natural,” she said. She said that she believes she has perfected the art of using as few treat-

ments as possible while producing the best end result. She also shared that there is “a treatment plan for every budget.”

Save the Date: May 11 For La Bella Donna’s Favorite Things

The Spa will be hosting their popular spring event, “La Bella Donna’s Favorite Things” on May 11 between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

They will have raffles, appetizers, refreshments, and swag bags at the event. Discounts and promotions are also available

for Xeomin, IPL treatments, skin tightening, and cellulite treatments. The event will offer a great time as well as excellent savings on packages and services.

FACES OF The Foothills

Business owners in our area touch our lives in so many ways. From the services and products they offer to their dedication to excellence, they make our area a better place to live. We are celebrating their contribution and proud to introduce you to these FACES of the Foothills. They are professionals you want to know!

FACES OF The Foothills

Movement Mortgage LLC

Donna Hill Senior Loan Officer

Branch Manager

NMLS 111869

Donna Hill started in the mortgage industry over 20 years ago. Throughout her career, she found she really enjoyed helping buyers achieve homeownership. “I love helping people, and by working with Movement Mortgage, I can assist both agents and homebuyers achieve a smooth and successful closing,” she said.

Movement was created to be different. They set forth on a mission to create a Movement of Change in the industry, in corporate cultures and communities. First, they pioneered a unique approach to home loans centered around helping homebuyers, quickly and easily. Then, they created a model so that their profit creates a positive impact in communities.

For their borrowers, they commit to building relationships based on communication. Home loans can be stressful – but they don’t have to be. They work to make sure they aren’t.

Everything comes back to Movement’s mission, “to love and value people in everything we do.” We create customers for life. Donna’s experience and knowledge are key in establishing trust when looking to purchase a home. Buyers can know they are in the best hands when choosing Donna as their loan officer. See her reviews on Zillow and Facebook!

31 4th Street NW. • Hickory 828.234-1388

www.movement.com/donna.hill

FACES OF The Foothills

Coldwell Banker

Boyd and Hassell, Inc.

Hank Eimer

Owner and Broker-In-Charge

Boyd and Hassell Realtors began in 1968 and became an affiliate of Coldwell Banker in 1983. Hank Eimer worked with the previous owner, his father-in-law and mentor, for years before purchasing the firm. He was impressed with the impact his father-in-law had in the community and wanted to be a part of that impact. Hank believes that real estate agents sell the community better than anyone else…connecting clients with schools, churches, restaurants, and other businesses.

As the owner and broker-in-charge of Coldwell Banker Boyd & Hassell, Hank loves working to support his agents and provide our area with exceptional real estate services.

“When you find someone a home, you get to be part of their family. You learn what’s important to them when looking for the perfect home,” said Hank. “We don’t just sell homes to our clients. We sell driveways where clients teach their children to ride bikes, living rooms where the family laughs together while watching a movie, and dining rooms where they spend holiday dinners with loved ones,” Hank continued.

Hank welcomes the opportunity to partner with real estate agents and connect buyers and sellers in our community. Mobile 828.234.1535 Office 828.322.1005 127 1st Ave NE

FACES OF The Foothills

Startown Veterinary Hospital

Dr. Matt Pennell Veterinarian, Owner

Growing up with an interest in medicine and a love for animals led Dr. Matt Pennell to receive his degree in veterinary medicine. He always wanted to open his own practice and feels blessed to have done so in his hometown. In 2011, he opened Startown Veterinary Hospital with three staff members including his wife Beth, a registered veterinary technician. In 2021, the practice moved into their new hospital and now has four doctors and 19 staff members who put love at the center of all they do. Their mission is to deliver exceptional veterinary services to pets and their people with caring hearts and capable hands.

With a special interest in surgery, Dr. Pennell enjoys healing animals and enhancing the human/animal bond. “We are the only hospital in the county whose entire team is Fear Free certified,” said Dr. Pennell. Focusing on the emotional wellbeing and the reduction of fear and anxiety in pets, Fear Free practice improves the veterinary experience of pets and their humans.

Startown Veterinary Hospital offers preventive, medical, surgical, and dental care to dogs and cats. They have a surgical suite, a dental suite with dental and digital radiography, an in-house diagnostic laboratory, and a fully stocked pharmacy.

2360 W NC 10 Hwy • Newton 828.464.3067

www.startownvet.com

FACES OF The Foothills

Vitality Anti-Aging Center

V-Infusion

Vitality Surgical Center

Aesthetic Consulting & Training (ACT)

Grace Mclaurin, DMSc, PA-C

Grace McLaurin is a physician assistant and a doctor of medical science. She is owner and partner in Vitality Anti-Aging Center, Vitality Surgical Center, V-Infusion Hydration Center, and owner of Aesthetic Consulting & Training.

Grace opened Vitality Anti-Aging in 2006 and offers integrative health and non-surgical aesthetics, such as Botox, Dysport, dermal fillers, Coolsculpting, Cooltone, laser services, PRP, HydraFacial and SaltFacial as well as weight management, nutrition, skincare, and more. “Where Health and Beauty Meet,” is Vitality’s slogan, and Grace and her staff always put patient care, safety, and results as the main focus of the practice. She has a passion for helping her patients achieve a complete sense of well-being through both looking good and being well.

Grace has extensive experience in internal medicine, women’s health, bio-identical hormone replacement, thyroid disorders, and non-surgical aesthetics. She is a certified instructor for Allergan, the makers of Botox, Juvederm, Kybella, and SkinMedica, and is a speaker/trainer for MedShift.

74 8th Street SE, Suite 101 Hickory , NC 28602

828.322.1498

www.vitalitymedicalspa.com

FACES OF The Foothills

Strategic Wellness Center and Med-Spa

Diana Williams MSN, FNP-C, IFMCP

Diana Williams, owner and founder of Strategic Wellness Center, is a boardcertified family nurse practitioner. She is certified in functional medicine and has additional training in men’s and women’s hormonal balancing.

She found functional medicine after dealing with chronic health issues in 2017. Medications were prescribed to treat her symptoms, but she wanted to know why she was having these symptoms to begin with. Diana knew if she had those answers, she could treat the cause.

“A lot of what we do is basic biochemistry,” Diana said. “Strategic Wellness Center coaches people through their wellness journey to help heal the body,” said Diana. “We do extensive diagnostic testing you can’t get through a traditional provider in order to learn the root of the cause. A nutritional evaluation follows the testing before prescribing a treatment plan. Then you are scheduled for follow-up visits for accountability purposes and to make adjustments to the plan.”

Since opening, Diana has added a med-spa division to help clients look as good as they feel. With two estheticians they offer facials, Botox, fillers, laser treatments, and more.

Schedule a consult with Strategic Wellness Center to start your wellness journey!

315 1st Ave NW Suite 102 Hickory, NC 28601 828.838.1225

FACES OF The Foothills

Craftsman Cabinets & Furniture

Charles Sparks

Owner

Charles Sparks has been in the furniture design business for over 25 years. In 2021, he decided to open Craftsman Market, which focused mostly on handmade decor. He grew the business to include custom furniture and found that their Amish-built furniture was what resonated most with customers. More recently, they have added Amishbuilt cabinets to their offerings. The name was also changed to Craftsman Cabinets & Furniture to reflect the new products.

The items in their showroom are only samples of what their builders are capable of creating. If you don’t see what you are looking for, designers are happy to sit with you to create the furniture or cabinets of your dreams. “It is our mission to help customers turn their house into a home and provide the highest quality of products and services that we can,” said Charles. “Our products are built to last a lifetime, so they have to be perfect for each customer.” Charles has a passion for design and can help you choose fabrics, wood, and finishes that work best for your home.

Almost everything they sell is made in America and they use local suppliers when they can. In addition, Craftsman Cabinets and Furniture offers upholstery, quality mattresses, rugs, and other home decor. Pay them a visit to start your unique furnishings today!

2994 Hickory Blvd (Hwy 321) • Hudson (828) 572-4424

craftsmancabinetsandfurniture.com

Open Mon–Sat 10-6 & by Appt. on Sun.

FACES OF The Foothills

Mumy Financial Advisors, LLC

Ryan A. Mumy, CFP®, AIF® Founder and Owner

Ryan Mumy is the founder of Mumy Financial and chief investment officer of Capital Investment Advisory Services. He started his career as an intern with A.G. Edwards & Sons in 2001 and opened Mumy Financial in 2011. “The firm has grown over the years to include an unbelievable team,” said Ryan. “Andrew, Nicole, Brit, Brooke, Sara, David, and Justin are all rock-stars!”

Ryan offers servant-based wealth and asset management to individuals, corporations, non-profit organizations, and to other financial advisors. His passion is and always has been to help people. He does this through a written financial plan, an investment strategy built around facts instead of emotions, and most importantly by empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to help manage their personal finances.

“We love what we get to do every day and we have fun doing it,” said Ryan. “We hope we can earn the right to be your financial partner for life.”

200 1st Ave NW Suite 303 • Hickory Office (828) 855-9400 www.mumyfinancial.com

MAY EVENTS Enjoy!

HICKORY

May 6, 14, 21, 28

City Walk Stroll

May 6, 4:00-8:00PM

Enjoy downtown with food trucks in the Lowes City Parking lot, and craft vendors, non-profits, and musicians along the City Walk.

Jazz On Tap Legacy Concert Series

May 14, 4:00-6:00PM

Onstage downtown features some of your favorite jazz musicians in this concert series. Doug Henry on sax, Adam Booker on Bass, and Michael Jefrey Stevens on keys will be playing Sunday, May 14th.

Singing Under the Sails

May 21, 5:00-6:30PM

Bring a chair and relax as the Hickory Choral Society presents a free outdoor concert under the Sails.

Swingin’ Under the Stars

May 28, 6:30-9:30PM

Hickory Music Factory’s annual event

featuring the Hickory Jazz Orchestra performing big band arrangements.

NEWTON

May 13

Foothills Folk Art Festival Downtown Newton 10AM to 4PM Showcasing local and regional folk artists, demos, live music, art activities for kids, food, beer gardens, and more!

www.foothillsfolkartfestival.com

VALDESE

May 26

Valdese Family Friday Night Concerts Held at Temple Field behind The Old Rock School • Bring a lounge chair • Music starts at 7PM.

May 26: Ace Party Band townofvaldese.com

MORGANTON

May 5, 12, 19, 26

TGIF Summer Concerts

Amphitheater Stage at the Courthouse Square - Bring a lawn

chair or blanket. Food and beverage vendors open at 6PM. Music starts at 7PM to 10PM.

May 5: The Dancing Fleas (Presented by the Blue Ridge Ukulele Festival)

Morganton Motor Club Cruise in

May 12: Chris Taylor & The Rumor (80’s influences with modern pop, soul, and rock)

May 19: Mood Ring (Classic R&B, soul, and jazz)

May 26: Baby Black (Motown, Funk, Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop)

BLOWING ROCK

May 12, 19, 26

Music On The Lawn

The Inn at Ragged Gardens 203 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock Bring a lawn chair, no coolers, no pets. 5:30PM–8:30PM

May 13: Smokin’ Joe Band

May 19: Harris Brothers

May 26: Lucky Strikes

www.ragged-gardens.com

Living Outdoor

We are very blessed to live in such a beautiful state. There is no place better than North Carolina in the spring. A short drive to the Blue Ridge Mountains and only a half day’s drive to the coast, Hickory is centrally located to all of the beautiful scenery our state offers.

Hanging out close to home is just as beautiful! Creating outdoor living spaces can make staying at home your favorite place to be. Swimming pools, spas, out-

door kitchens, theaters, water features, and firepits are wonderful additions to enjoy and share with friends. Dining and seating areas surrounded by beautiful landscaping invites you outdoors to relax, read a book, or gather with neighbors. If your outdoor space is limited, there are plenty of parks to enjoy in our area.

Whether you plan on spending your time in your own backyard, visiting local parks, or exploring our state, you will find helpful articles on the following pages.

Photos: ©iStockphoto.com | KatarzynaBialasiewicz | Elenathewise | Maridav | Hikesterson

Celebrating 50 Years!

When shopping at Settlemyre Nursery, you consistently find beautiful, healthy plants, shrubs, and trees. The staff is educated in all things green and dedicated to helping you make selections that suit your needs. Settlemyre Nursery has been voted Best of the Foothills by Hickory Living’s readers three years in a row, and this year marks 50 years in business!

In the 1950s, Loyd Settlemyre started gardening as a hobby and as a way to provide his family with vegetables and ornamental plants. His son, Robert, had taken horticultural classes, saw the business potential, and encouraged his father to open a plant nursery. Together, they established Settlemyre Nursery in 1973. The father and son team served the community by providing shrubs, flowers, and privacy and ornamental trees. Robert’s son, Brandon and his wife Michelle, are now the third-generation owners of Settlemyre Nursery and have expanded the business tremendously. In 2021, they built a new retail store and nursery on the other side of Drexel Road, and their old location now serves as their production facility.

Along with seasonal plants and hanging baskets for your flower beds and front porch, Settlemyre Nursery offers a great selection of trees, shrubs, pine needle bales, and mulch for your landscaping project, as

well as grass seed, fertilizers, and straw for your lawn. If you’re looking to plant a vegetable garden, you will find everything you need from seeds and plants to stakes and cages. Their knowledgeable staff can help you with expert advice on what plants will work best for you and how to care for them.

Homeowners and do-it-yourselfers who want help designing their own outdoor space can take advantage of Settlemyre Nursery’s Sketch and Go service. Customers bring in photos, measurements, and information such as sun exposure and their preferences, and they leave with plant material, amendments, and a detailed landscaping plan. This service is free. For those with larger projects, Settlemyre Nursery can create a more elaborate plan for a fee, complete with digital renderings of how the landscape will look once it has matured.

For a unique Mother’s Day gift, visit Settlemyre Nursery for a variety of gorgeous annuals and ceramic garden pots, or maybe a bird feeder and nectar for hummingbirds. You will enjoy strolling the aisles and greenhouses for lush plants and choosing your favorites for Mom and yourself!

Photos: Settlemyre Nursery Owners Brandon and Michelle Settlemyre with their three children.

Ultimate Backyard BBQ

Gather at the Park

If you don’t have a backyard, don’t worry, Hickory offers lots of parks where you can host your BBQ. Keep in mind that alcohol is prohibited. Here are a few:

Summer is here and it’s time to invite family and friends over for a backyard BBQ! Before you fire up the grill, consider these tips to planning a successful and fun outdoor event that your guests will love.

First, check the weather. Pick a date with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Decide how many people you can comfortably accommodate. Then, make your guest list. Are there any musicians on your list? Ask them to bring an acoustic guitar for an impromptu jam session.

Make sure you have enough tables and chairs for everyone and shade for those who want to stay out of the sun. If you don’t have any natural shading, canopies and umbrellas will help. For BBQs going into late evening, string lights and a fire pit can create a cozy ambiance and keep the party going well into the night.

Whether you prefer charcoal or gas, you will need a grill large enough to cook all of your food at once. Organize an outdoor kitchen area with the utensils you will need. Remember, for safety reasons, never leave your grill unattended.

When it comes to the menu, we Southerners are all about sharing comfort foods. You can provide the entire menu or ask guests to bring a side dish. Potato salad, coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, and

baked beans are favorites. Also, desserts are perfect for guests to bring. Grilling out hamburgers and hot dogs is an easy and favorite BBQ entre. But if you are feeling adventurous, smoke some ribs or chicken, or grill surf and turf with steaks and seafood. It’s all tasty when cooked on the grill!

You’ll need plenty of ice and cold beverages like water, soda, and sweet tea. Set up a drink station where guests can serve themselves. If you plan on serving alcohol, beer and wine are favorites. Just be sure your guests have a designated sober driver to get everyone home safely.

While getting together with family and friends can be entertaining enough, it’s always a good idea to create a music playlist. A movie or sporting event on an outdoor theatre can be fun for late evening BBQs. Lawn games like cornhole and horseshoes, or board games and cards can be a blast for those with a competitive spirit.

Hosting a successful backyard BBQ takes some planning and preparation, but it’s well worth the effort to spend quality time with people you enjoy. These tips can make your outdoor event fun and memorable for your guests. Who knows? It may become an annual event!

Enjoy your summer and planning your outdoor BBQ!

Kiwanis Park is located at 805 6th Street SE. This park offers picnic shelters with large charcoal grills, a splash pad, sand pit and playground for kids, as well as a basketball court and baseball fields.

Rotary – Geitner

Park, at 2035 12th Street Drive NW, is wonderful for those looking to enjoy lake views. It features picnic tables, shelters, and grills. This park has paved bikeways, walking trails, a boat dock and launch ramp, a fishing pier and is part of the City Walk.

Glenn Hilton Park offers five shelters with tables and grills. Your family and friends will enjoy paved trails, a nature boardwalk, a canoe launch, a 24-hole disc golf course, and horseshoe pits. The kids will have their choice of two playgrounds. This park is located at 2000 6th Street NW.

©iStockphoto.com | Halfpoint

Unearthing the Natural Beauty of Baker’s Mountain

By Kathleen Supino | Photos by Jeff Barrier

There’s no better way to experience the splendid outdoors in Hickory than with a visit to Baker’s Mountain Park. The mountain peak has the honor of being the highest elevation in Catawba County, at 1,780 feet. Part of the Catawba County Parks system, Baker’s Mountain is well-maintained by the County. The beauty of this outdoor gem is kept up for the free enjoyment of Hickory residents, visitors to the area and nearby towns.

There are almost 200 acres in Baker’s Mountain Park, with most of it consisting of a mature Chestnut Oak forest, with natural trails winding up and down throughout. A wide range of animals and critters happily make the park their home, so keep an eye out for squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and other wildlife.

Birdwatchers will get a treat from the variety of winged friends, including Red-tailed Hawks, Eastern Screech Owl, Summer Tanager, Red-bellied

Woodpecker, Tennessee Warbler and many more. You can obtain a birding checklist online, thanks to the Catawba County Parks Division. Winter is quiet, but come spring, summer, and fall, the area is alive with birdsong.

Baker’s Mountain is not only a place of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. It’s also an important center for environmental education and conservation. The park frequently hosts guided nature walks and workshops, where visitors can learn about the local ecosystem and the importance of protecting it.

Families with young children will especially enjoy the park’s serenity, which offers kids an engaging day out, where they can run, explore and play in a welcoming environment. Educational opportunities abound for adults and children. The literacy trail is dotted with informative plaques that tell a little bit about the history of the area and of those who came before. This trail also includes 18 interactive

stations that cover various children’s books, encourage exercise, and stimulate children’s curiosity.

There are almost six miles of trails, and they are considered to be moderate to strenuous. A quarter-mile paved trail accommodates bicycles, wheelchairs, and scooters, while the other trails have a natural, unpaved surface. Benches and logs are available throughout the trail system for resting. The Baker’s Mountain Loop trail goes for 2.45 miles.

The literal pinnacle of Baker’s Mountain Park is the observation platform, atop the apex of the mountain. It’s not an unobstructed view, but it is a view of grandeur that makes it all worthwhile for making the hike up. You’ll want to linger here to rest, enjoy the fact that you’re in Hickory and to memorialize the time with a family photo!

Hiking on the trail is mostly uphill, so it’s recommended for those who can handle steep inclines. There’s plenty of

shade and some water stations, but you’ll want to bring water bottles and some sunblock for when you reach the observation deck. You’ll pass a small waterfall that’s closer to being a stream or a creek, depending on how much rainfall Hickory has had lately. Feel free to repose along the banks, cool your feet, and let your dogs lap up the cool mountain water.

Bring a picnic lunch, because there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy a bite. However, there are only two covered shelters with picnic benches, so first come, first serve in that department! Otherwise, you’ll find picnic benches and metal BBQs here and there along the trail.

The residents of Hickory consider themselves lucky to have the

beauty of Baker’s Mountain Park less than 20 minutes away. For generations, Baker’s Mountain has claimed a warm spot in the heart of Hickory.

Getting there and parking: From downtown Hickory, Baker’s Mountain is a mere 17-minute drive. Enter 6680 Baker’s Mountain Road into your GPS. As you enter the park, you’ll see the park office and plenty of available parking, restrooms, an information kiosk with a trail map and a nearby picnic bench. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome inside the park. Help yourself to a trash bag at the entrance kiosk to pick up after yourself and your furry best friend. Baker’s Mountain Park is open to the public from 8 AM to 7 PM, or as posted.

Creating an Outdoor Oasis

By Kathy Wheeler

As the weather heats up, many of us are eagerly anticipating spending more time outside. Whether you have a small balcony or a sprawling backyard, creating an outdoor living space that is both functional and stylish can be a gamechanger. Imagine lounging in a comfortable chair while enjoying a cold drink, surrounded by beautiful plants, and the sound of birds chirping. Sounds like heaven, right? But how do you create the perfect space? From choosing the right furniture to adding lighting and personal touches, the following tips will help you design an oasis that is both inviting and practical. So, grab your notebook and let’s get started!

ASSESS YOUR SPACE AND NEEDS

Before you start buying furniture, consider the size and shape of your outdoor area, as well as any existing features such as a pool, garden, or patio. Think about how you want to use the space and what activities you want to do there. Do you need a dining or lounge area for relaxing and entertaining? Will you be using the space during the day and at night? Once you have determined your needs, you can sketch out the different areas and how the furniture will be arranged to create a functional and inviting space.

FURNITURE

How many people will be using the space? Choosing the right furniture is key to accommodating everyone comfortably. Look for furniture that is weather-resistant and easy to clean and maintain. Fabric such as Sunbrella repels water, is more resistant to fading, and lasts longer than less expensive

outdoor fabrics. Outdoor foam used in cushions dries faster than indoor foam. Resin and metal are popular furniture materials because they are durable and low maintenance. If you opt for wicker and wooden furniture, make sure it is properly treated to withstand the elements. When it comes to style, choose furniture that complements your home’s architecture and your personal style.

LIGHTING

Outdoor lighting can transform your outdoor living space into a magical oasis. It can provide ambiance and functionality, allowing you to use the space at night. There are many options, from string lights and lanterns to spotlights and floodlights.

If you plan to use the space for dining or entertaining, adding dimmable lights can create a cozy atmosphere. Spotlights can highlight pool and garden features. Add fairy lights or lanterns for a whimsical touch, or up lighting for a dramatic effect. With the right lighting, you can create beautiful and functional rooms that you’ll love spending time in.

CREATE SHADE

Beat the heat by adding shade solutions. There are many options. Umbrellas are a popular choice because they are versatile and easy to move. They are available in a range of sizes and colors to complement your space. Canopies, pergolas, and awnings provide a more permanent solution for partial or complete shade. I’m a fan of the control retractable

©iStockphoto.com | KatarzynaBialasiewicz

awnings offer. When selecting a shade solution, consider the size and style of your outdoor space, as well as your budget and personal preferences.

PLANTS

Greenery makes your space more luscious. When selecting plants, consider the amount of available sunlight and shade, their growth habits and how they will fit in the space, as well as the maintenance requirements. From potted plants and hanging baskets to climbing vines and garden beds, foliage can add color, create privacy and define areas. For a unique twist, consider a vertical garden or a living wall.

ADDING PERSONAL TOUCHES

Art, sculptures, or other decorative features make the space feel more like home. A fire pit or water feature can add a focal point and bring a sense of tranquility and relaxation to your space. Outdoor rugs, pillows, and other accessories create a cozy and inviting atmosphere while adding color. Choose items that reflect your personality and that complement the overall design.

FUNCTIONAL FOR YEAR-ROUND USE

Heating and cooling elements can ensure your space is comfortable for all weather conditions. For cooler weather, a fire pit or outdoor heater can warm the space. Misters and fans help keep the space cool during summer. Think about the climate in your area and how you can adapt the space to suit different seasons, making it more functional and versatile.

MAINTENANCE

To ensure that your outdoor living space remains in good condition, it’s important to perform regular maintenance and upkeep. This includes cleaning furniture and accessories, trimming plants, and repairing any damage. You can reduce the required effort by choosing items that are easy to clean and require minimal upkeep.

Creating the ultimate outdoor living space requires careful planning and consideration. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating an oasis that is both functional and stylish. Start planning your dream outdoor space today!

©iStockphoto.com | KatarzynaBialasiewicz

What’s Cooking?

To prepare this salad, simply add grilled or sautéed shrimp over a bed of crunchy lettuce and bell pepper, add mango and mandarin oranges for sweetness and top with avocado and edamame. Drizzle with the Asian-inspired dressing and you’ll have all the flavor profiles covered.

Served atop a lovely platter at your next get-together, this Mango Shrimp Salad is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Mango Shrimp Salad

Servings: 4 • Prep time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

Sweet & Savory

Kathy Dicken lives in Huntersville and is the author of the food blog, The Tasty Bits. For more meal ideas that are simple and delicious, you can follow her blog at www.thetastybits.com or on Instagram @thetastybits.

Spring has sprung, so let’s lighten up the menu with Mango Shrimp Salad. The light and tropical flavors of this salad are perfect for the sunny days and warmer temperatures that are here.

You may be thinking that pairing mango and shrimp together is a bit unusual but, surprisingly, seafood pairs beautifully with mango by balancing the sweet flavors with the savory — one of my favorite flavor combinations.

The Asian-inspired dressing for this salad is so tasty and super simple to prepare. The combination of sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger and soy sauce make an excellent all-around salad dressing, doubling as the shrimp marinade as well.

Cooking time: 15 minutes

1.5 to 2 pounds uncooked shrimp – shelled and deveined

8 cups chopped romaine or similar green

2 avocados – pitted and sliced

1 large fresh mango – diced (about 1 cup)

2 mandarin oranges – segmented

1 red bell pepper – diced small

1/3 cup shelled edamame

Optional garnish: Sesame seeds and cilantro leaves

MARINADE/DRESSING

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

4 Tbsp. rice vinegar

4 tsp. soy sauce

2 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil

3 Tbsp. honey

2 cloves minced garlic

1 tsp. minced ginger

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine marinade ingredients in a mason jar. Shake vigorously to combine. Pour 1/3 of the mixture into a large zip top bag and add shrimp. Seal and massage to distribute the marinade. Chill for at least 30 minutes. Cover and refrigerate the remaining sauce to use as dressing. Discard marinade and grill shrimp on skewers over medium heat OR sauté in a skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes on each side, turning once.

To serve, arrange lettuce, avocado slices, mango, mandarin oranges, bell peppers and edamame. Finally, top with grilled shrimp. Serve with reserved dressing and garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds.

NOTES: Thawed mango from the frozen section works fine if fresh mango is not available. You can find shelled edamame in the frozen section at the grocery. Just microwave before adding to this salad.