HOMETOWN MAGAZINE
LINCOLNTON Fall 2026
locally sourced stories
MAGIC, MUSIC AND MYSTERY Rick and Myra Ramseur’s one-of-a-kind home is full of surprises LINCOLN COUNTY APPLE FESTIVAL All you need to know
The Pirate Legend of Lincolnton Mother-daughter team uncovers the truth behind Jean Lafitte
A DAY ON THE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM Cedar Lake Tree Farm is rooted in family tradition
C o mp l i m e n t a r y
Apple Festival
br ele at
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Lincoln County
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ears
October 17th 2026 DOWNTOWN LINCOLNTON, NC
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APPLE FEST 5K A Lincolnton Tradition Returns
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experiencing it for the first time, the morning is about more than crossing a finish line—it’s about celebrating our community and experiencing Lincolnton at its best. Once the race is over, the day is just getting started. Complimentary shuttles will take participants from Lincolnton High School downtown, just in time to experience everything the Lincoln County Apple Festival has to offer. Best of all, every registration supports United Way of Lincoln County, investing right back into the local programs, partnerships and resources that strengthen our community throughout the year.
or more than 35 years, the Apple Festival 5K has been part of Lincolnton’s story— bringing neighbors, families, runners and friends together to kick off one of our community’s favorite traditions. This October, the tradition returns. On Saturday, October 17, runners and walkers will gather at Lincolnton High School before making their way onto the beautiful Marcia H. Cloninger Rail Trail for a scenic out-and-back 5K through the heart of Lincolnton. From longtime runners who remember the race from years past to families
RACE DETAILS • Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026 • 5K Start: 8:00 a.m. • Start & Finish: Lincolnton High School • Course: Primarily along the Marcia H. Cloninger Rail Trail • Registration: $30 Adults | $20 Ages 12 & Under • T-Shirt & Swag: Register by October 5 for a guaranteed race T-shirt and apple-themed swag bag • Awards: Overall Male & Female, age-group winners and stroller division • Festival Shuttle: Complimentary transportation to the Apple Festival following the race
Videography
Photography
Weddings Commercial Non-profit Drone www.helms-productions.com 980-241-7182
THE MEATING PLACE “The Freshest Place to Meat” Top-shelf meat, cut daily. Fresh sandwiches, soups, and salads.
themeatingplacenc.com | 114 E. Main Street Lincolnton, NC | (704) 240-9806 | Tues.-Sat. 10 am - 6 pm
Contents
Fall 2026
F EAT U R ES 26 THE LINCOLN COUNTY APPLE FESTIVAL:
Everything You Need to Know By G.S. Underhill
LAKE TREE FARM: 30 CEDAR A Christmas Family Tradition By Stephanie Meyer
30
MUSIC AND 34 MAGIC, GHOST STORIES: Meet the Ramseurs of Woodside Plantation By Ashlyn Rhyne
38 HEALING HANDS:
All You Knead Massage & Bodywork By Stephanie Meyer
DEPARTME N TS HOMETOWN PROFESSIONAL
BEHIND THE BOOK
10
22
Rachel McFarland: Aviator extraordinaire By Stephanie Meyer
FARM FRESH
12
Core Values: Two Lincoln County apple growers on faith, family and farming By Betty Jo Allen
Ashley Oliphant & Beth Yarbrough: Mother-daughter team uncovers the truth behind a local pirate legend By Michael Jenkins
FRONT PORCH
24
Reader-submitted poems and short stories
SOUTHERN SANDI
14
Apple Bourbon Butter & Beer Cheese Soup By Sandi Grigg
HOMETOWN CREATIVE
18
Jenna Y. Webb: An artist with a heart for conservation By Megan Patrice Sheerey
I N EV ERY I SSUE 08 FROM THE PUBLISHER’S DESK By Stephanie Meyer 42 PHOTO CONTEST: Winning reader-submitted photo every season 43 PUZZLE PAGE: A little crossword challenge for your coffee break 44 LOCAL HAPPENINGS: What’s been going on around town 48 ON THE CALENDAR: Upcoming events you don’t want to miss
LOCAL GUIDE
52 BUSINESS PROFILE: Turner Houser Insurance Group
20
53 NEED TO KNOW: Lincolnton resources and information
Voting in the Midterm Election: What Lincolnton voters need to know By G.S. Underhill
54 PLACES OF WORSHIP: Popular places of worship in the Lincolnton area
HOMETOWN MAGAZINE | FALL 2026 | 5
HOMETOWN MAGAZINE
LINCOLNTON STAFF Summer 2026 | Volume 1, Issue 3 OWNER/PUBLISHER Stephanie Meyer CREATIVE DIRECTOR Fran Sherman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Betty Jo Allen Michael Jenkins Stephanie Meyer Ashlyn Rhyne Megan Patrice Sheerey G.S. Underhill CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS AnneMarie Davis Michael Helms Stephanie Meyer Ashlyn Rhyne Robert Webb PUBLISHED BY: HOMETOWN MEDIA, LLC (704) 266-1984 info@hometownlincolnton.com Reproduction or use of the contents in this magazine without prior, written permission from the publisher is prohibited. © 2025-26 Hometown Media, LLC Hometown Media, LLC strives to publish accurate information in our publications. However, Hometown Media, LLC cannot be held responsible for any consequences resulting from errors or omissions. Hometown Media, LLC also cannot be held responsible for goods or services provided by advertisers in our publications. All material in this magazine is property of Hometown Media, LLC, and may not be reproduced without authorization from the publisher. Hometown Magazine – Lincolnton, a Hometown Media, LLC publication, is published four times per year and is distributed to residents and businesses in Lincolnton, North Carolina, to subscribers, and in bulk to select Lincolnton business locations. Articles published in Hometown Magazine – Lincolnton that express author opinions do not necessarily represent the opinions of Hometown Magazine – Lincolnton and its publisher, Hometown Media, LLC. The publication does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information presented. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research.
HOMETOWN MAGAZINE
LINCOLNTON Fall 2026
locally sourced stories
MAGIC, MUSIC AND MYSTERY Rick and Myra Ramseur’s one-of-a-kind home is full of surprises LINCOLN COUNTY APPLE FESTIVAL GUIDE All you need to know
The Pirate Legend of Lincolnton Mother-daughter team uncovers the truth behind Jean Lafitte
A DAY ON THE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM Cedar Lake Tree Farm is rooted in family tradition
C o mp l i m e n t a r y
6 | HOMETOWN MAGAZINE | FALL 2026
About the cover: Rick and Myra Ramseur own Woodside Plantation, a wellknown Lincolnton landmark with a storied past. Read more on page 34.
HOMETOWN MAGAZINE | FALL 2026 | 7
from the publisher’s desk
Dear Neighbor, There’s just something about autumn in our corner of North Carolina. The air gets a little crisper, the leaves begin to turn and suddenly the calendar seems to fill up with all the things that make this season so special. In this issue, we’re celebrating a fixture of fall in Lincoln County: apples. Our area has a rich apple-growing history, and there’s no better time to celebrate it than during the Lincoln County Apple Festival. We’ll take you behind the scenes with local apple growers, explore the festival’s traditions and celebrate the people who continue to grow this part of our hometown story. Fall is a favorite around our house, too. Some of our family traditions include choosing the perfect pumpkin, making our annual trip to the Carolina Renaissance Festival in Huntersville and nearly wearing out our Crock Pot. Fall is also the perfect season for a little spooky fun. If you enjoy a good local legend, turn to our story about Lincolnton’s infamous pirate and meet the ladies who literally wrote the book about him. Before the holiday hustle arrives, consider this your friendly reminder to give yourself some TLC. A massage might not be the first thing on your holiday todo list, but perhaps it should be. We visit All You Knead Massage & Bodywork to learn more about the benefits of massage therapy. So grab a pumpkin spice latte, settle into your favorite chair and take a little time to enjoy this issue. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, pour yourself an Apple Butter Bourbon — you’ll find the recipe on page 14. However you choose to enjoy it, I hope this issue inspires you to savor the season right here at home. As always, thank you for being part of the Hometown Magazine story. We’re grateful to our advertisers for believing in this little publication and to our readers for picking up each issue and following along, and to everyone who has shared a post, handed a magazine to a friend or simply told someone about Hometown Magazine. Your support is helping us grow, and we’re so thankful to be telling the stories of Lincolnton together. Happy fall, y’all! Sincerely,
Stephanie Meyer Publisher, Hometown Magazine - Lincolnton
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HOMETOWN MAGAZINE | FALL 2026 | 9
hometown professional
Rachel McFarland:
AVIATOR EXTRAORDINAIRE STORY BY STEPHANIE MEYE R | PHOTOS BY BRANDY HOLCOMBE-CRIBB
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achel McFarland first became interested in aviation as a teen, but after learning how expensive some private flight academies could be, she convinced herself that becoming a pilot wasn’t in her future. A chance encounter during a FedEx delivery, however, would change the course of her career. “When I was in high school, I didn’t even know this was an option for me,” Rachel says. “Later, when I looked into it, I found these huge flight academies charging $300,000 to become a pilot.” Originally from the mountains of Western North Carolina, Rachel has called Lincolnton home for the last several years. During that time, she found herself working a variety of jobs, including delivering packages for FedEx. During one
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stop, she struck up a conversation with the man she was delivering to — a man who happened to have his own private plane in the driveway. “He could taxi from his house in Lake Norman to the main runway. We just started talking and I asked how I could get into [aviation]. He told me I could take lessons at the Lincoln County Regional Airport and pay as I go.” That conversation gave Rachel the nudge she needed. Before long, she was taking flight lessons at the local airport and discovering that becoming a pilot was more accessible than she had once believed. Rachel is a first-generation pilot, meaning she had no relatives in the industry to introduce her to the profession or help her navigate the journey. Instead, she learned about the opportuni-
ties in aviation as she went, one flight lesson at a time. Along the way, she learned that there is more than one path to becoming a pilot. Flight schools typically fall into one of two categories: Part 61 and Part 141, Rachel explains. Part 61 schools offer flexible schedules that allow students to train at their own pace. These schools are ideal for people interested in aviation as a hobby, but they’re also attended by students who want to pursue a career in aviation while still working another job. Safety regulations for a Part 61 school are enforced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) but the agency typically doesn’t regulate the educational aspects. This allows instructors to tailor a lesson plan to the individual student’s pace. As for tuition, Part 61 schools typically handle things on a pay-as-you-go basis. “If I couldn’t afford it one week, I just didn’t fly that week,” says Rachel. “Yes, it took me longer to complete the training, but for me it was worth it.” By contrast, Part 141 schools follow a much more regimented format and have to follow strict FAA regulations for both safety and educational components. For example, the syllabus for a Part 141 school must be thoroughly inspected and approved by the FAA. While the two paths have different structures, both can lead aspiring pilots toward a career in aviation. And for those willing to explore the possibilities, there are far more options than simply flying commercial passenger planes. Pilots can work in a variety of areas, Rachel explains, including banner towing, crop dusting, aerial surveying and inspecting for oil leaks, skydiving operations and, of course, commercial airlines. There are also multiple licenses available in the world of aviation, but the most common ones include the Private Pilot License, or PPL, and the Commercial Pilot License (CPL). There’s also the Certified Flight Instructor or CFI license, which allows pilots to instruct student aviators. With such a high demand for pilots, and a wide variety of licensing opportunities available, the sky’s indeed the limit. “Most people get different licenses at different stages [of their careers],” Rachel says. “To get your PPL, you have to have a minimum of 40 flight hours.” Rachel’s journey has included not only earning her own certifications but also gaining experience in different areas of the industry. Her time in the cockpit has allowed her to see aviation from a variety of perspectives — from the technical side of learning the equipment, to some unforgettable experiences that have come with actually putting those skills to work.
Rachel notes that one of the most memorable jobs she’s had so far as a pilot was being hired to fly a group of golfers from Concord, North Carolina, to the Hamptons in New York. “I got to check out the Hamptons while they golfed. And when they were done for the day, I flew them back.” One of the most rewarding parts of Rachel’s work is teaching others how to fly. As a certified flight instructor, she gets to help students experience the same excitement and sense of possibility that first drew her to aviation. “Teaching the students and seeing them just as eager and excited as you are — that’s pretty great.” Today, Rachel’s childhood interest has completely taken off. What began with a casual conversation during a FedEx delivery put her on a path to doing something she once assumed was out of reach. Rachel’s story shows that a career in aviation doesn’t necessarily require a family connection or a six-figure flight academy. There are different training paths, certifications and careers within the industry, making aviation an option worth exploring for anyone curious about what lies beyond the runway. For those interested in pursuing a career in aviation, Rachel recommends booking a discovery flight with a certified flight instructor to get a feel for the experience. You can book with her on flywithrachel.com or by sending an email to lessons@flywithrachel.com.
HOMETOWN MAGAZINE | FALL 2026 | 11
farm fresh
CORE
Values Two Lincoln County apple growers keep farming in the family
STORY BY BETTY JO ALLEN | PHOTOS BY ANNMARIE DAVIS
Davis and Son Orchard and Cider Mill
Davis and Son Orchard has been family owned and operated for three generations. Gary Davis and his grandfather, Doug Parker, planted their first apple tree on the family farm in 1962. Gary shared that apple trees like hilly country—the higher the elevation, the less the frost. Later, he and his father, Leonard Davis, added peach trees as well. Today, Gary and his son Alan continue to farm the land that has been in their family for generations. The 120-acre farm produces 11 apple varieties as well as peaches, watermelons, cantaloupes, tomatoes, muscadines, blackberries, and blueberries. Gary remembers that when his children were young, the bins for the apples served as playpens for them. Alan grew up working on the farm with his father and mother, Betty.
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After earning a degree in Art History from UNC Asheville, he returned home to help his family with the farm. Now his wife and two daughters also help. Alan proudly states, “Davis and Son is doing their best to bring customers the best.” Both father and son agree that farming has evolved over the years, with new pests and diseases creating challenges for growers across the Southeast. While treatment regulations are important, they also create a need for continued innovation and new ways to protect the trees and fruit. Rising costs and changing profit margins add to the challenges, but Gary and Alan remain committed to growing quality apples for their community. Davis and Son Orchard added a cider mill and is the only cider maker in Lincoln County. Alan’s daughters have developed
an interest in this part of the business. Using the apples grown on their farm, they make a variety of carbonated nonalcoholic ciders, hard cider, and fresh apple cider. The orchard’s store is operated by Betty and is located on N.C. Highway 18 N, selling fruits, vegetables and cider as well as a variety of related products. It is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The farm’s fruits and vegetables are also sold at farmers markets in Hickory, Newton and Greensboro. Betty says the family members work “18 months a year, 8 days a week, and take off on Sundays.” But, even with the long hours and demanding work, Gary, Betty and Alan like what they do and enjoy working with family. With smiles on their faces and a twinkle in their eyes, they agree that to keep doing this work, it takes love and a bit of insanity. It’s all worth it for Davis and Son’s goal to provide the freshest and best-quality fruit for customers. For more information, visit davisandsonorchard.com.
Knob Creek Farms and Creamery
In the 1940s, Raymond and Loree Crotts planted their first apple trees on land located on Fallston Road. Raymond’s interest in apple trees led to his use of GI bill benefits to take farming classes after WWII. Today, the result of his efforts and hard work is Knob Creek Farms and Creamery on Highway 18, known as a “landmark between Cleveland and Lincoln counties.” The family-run business that started in 1958 with apples and peaches now grows strawberries and blackberries as well, and makes homemade ice cream. Raymond and Loree’s son Jeff and his wife, Tara, operate the business. In 1996 they added a fruit stand and a store for selling the produce, ice cream, and related products. The store has a welcoming entrance with beautiful arrangements of plants and flowers and offers a wide variety of merchandise, decorative items, t-shirts, children’s toys and stuffed animals, as well as jars of fruits and syrups. Fruit syrups, canned fruit, dried apples, and a variety of fruits are also available at the fruit stand. The ice cream shop is sure to entice you with the aroma of freshly made waffle cones with a hint of vanilla.
Even if it is difficult to decide which flavor of homemade ice cream to choose, you cannot help but feel joyful. Jeff continues the tradition of sustainable agriculture that his father taught him, and his parents are still involved in the business. The family takes pride in the quality of the fruit, and strives to follow the examples and standards set by Raymond and Loree. That’s what will keep customers coming back. Paying close attention to the weather is a necessity and helps the farmers take care of their plants. They need enough rain, but not too much nor too little. Tracking the sun, wind, cold, frost and temperature is always necessary whether they are planting, harvesting or protecting their plants before storms. Each day, adjustments are made to keep the plants healthy and safe. Knob Creek strives to be environmentally friendly, and when possible, to use fewer pesticides. The family’s philosophy is, “Everything is connected. Everything we care for — plants, animals, people and the land — grows stronger when we give it our patience, curiosity and kindness. On a farm you learn that good things take time, families thrive when they work together, and nature always has something new to teach if you slow down enough to notice. Farming is a 365-day-a-year job and you learn to take what the good Lord gives you. Some days are blessings, some are challenges, but every day teaches you something worth carrying forward.” Jeff and Tara are blessed with son Joshua, his wife Myia, and grandsons Caleb and Evan; son Jason, his wife Mary, and grandsons Zeke and Zane; and daughter Candace, her husband Travis, and grandsons Easton and Silas. The running of the farm is a family affair where each member helps out when and where they can. Knob Creek has been sustained by generations of hard work, family values and the honoring of traditions. The family strives to make their farm a gathering place, with views of the beautiful South Mountains as well as the farm and the store. They also give back to the community by supporting local schools and helping food pantries. For more information, visit knobcreekorchards.com.
HOMETOWN MAGAZINE | FALL 2026 | 13
southern sandi recipe
Orchard to
GLASS Sauce up your fall apples with bourbon and ginger beer for an autumn-inspired mule. BY SANDI GRIGG | PHOTOS BY JAMES STEFIUK
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pple season is here, and I plan on taking full advantage of this quintessential fall flavor. Every year between September and November my family and I venture to an apple orchard to pick our own apples. My son loves to pull the little wagon around while we pick apples. It is also customary that we get the annual fall photo. He sits on the hay in front of the big wooden apple and “cheeses” his best smile. We have so much fun. When I get home with the abundance of apples, I start making and freezing any and every apple recipe I can think of, including apple butter. I love apple butter on my toast in the mornings and recently found an apple butter cocktail that I love. It’s loaded with all things warm and cozy, although
14 | HOMETOWN MAGAZINE | FALL 2026
the cocktail is actually served cold. I stumbled upon this recipe after about three days of cooking up all things apple, and it was time for a drink. My spouse and I wanted to use some of my apple concoctions, so we mixed some of the apple butter with bourbon and a bit of orange bitters and topped it off with ginger beer. The color was not very pleasing, but my spouse suggested that we rim the glass, and it made a much more appealing presentation. With one sip we were hooked. The flavor is similar to a Moscow Mule, but with the inclusion of apple butter it gives the drink a slightly spicy yet sweet blend that sends your tastebuds into autumn bliss. Want to get into the fall mood too? You’ve got to try this Apple Butter Bourbon recipe.
Q southern_sandi
APPLE BUTTER BOURBON Makes 1 drink You will need a 6 to 7 quart Crock-Pot or other slow cooker.
INGREDIENTS Orange wedge 1 teaspoon cinnamon + 1 tablespoon sugar (for rim) 3 tablespoons apple butter 2 ounces bourbon
Splash of orange bitters Pinch of cinnamon 4 to 6 ounces chilled ginger beer Fresh apples and cinnamon sticks for garnish
METHOD
It’s loaded with all things warm and cozy, although the cocktail is actually served cold.
• Stir the cinnamon and sugar together on a plate. • Rim the glass with an orange wedge and dip the rim in the cinnamon sugar. • Fill a shaker with ice then add the apple butter, orange bitters and bourbon. Shake well for 30 seconds. • Pour the mixture into a glass and fill the glass with ginger beer. • Garnish with fresh apples and cinnamon sticks and enjoy!
Southern Sandi recipes appear courtesy of Carolina Marketing Company, Inc.
HOMETOWN MAGAZINE | FALL 2026 | 15
southern sandi
BEER AND CHEESE? Yes, Please! Dark beer and bone broth add rich, earthy flavors to this ultra-satisfying, velvety smooth cheese soup. BY SANDI GRIGG | PHOTOS BY JAMES STEFIUK
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Q southern_sandi
Bone broth provides vitamin A, vitamin K2, minerals like zinc, iron, boron, manganese and selenium as well as omega-3 and omega6 fatty acids
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hen I lived in western North Carolina, I worked for a brewery part-time. This was almost 10 years ago, when the brewery industry was just taking off. We attended many festivals and music events where we would have a booth selling our beer. I was at such a beer event in Asheville when I took a few minutes to step away from our booth and grab something to eat from another vendor. I was led by my nose to a booth offering beer cheese soup. You could smell the melty cheese and beer as it wafted through the air. The vendor sold the soup in little bitty bread bowls with a plastic spoon. Maybe it was the cool, crisp air blowing through the mountains or the altitude, but it was the best soup I had ever tasted. I asked the vendor what was in there that made it so extra delicious, and he said that bone broth was the secret ingredient. I went back home and immediately tried to mimic this recipe. In all the versions that I found, the recipe said to use beef or chicken stock, but I knew I wanted to use bone broth. Bone broth has become very popular recently, especially among those who are health conscious. Bone broth provides vitamin A, vitamin K2, minerals like zinc, iron, boron, manganese and selenium as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. There are many other health benefits to cooking with bone broth, but when mixed with beer and cheese, you forget it is healthy for you. You don’t have to serve this soup in a bread bowl as I have suggested, but I would recommend, at a bare minimum, serving it alongside a soft pretzel. The thick, velvety texture of the soup demands to be sopped up with a bread source. This hearty soup can be a main dish or an appetizer, but either way, I highly suggest that you use bone broth for a delectable flavor. Enjoy!
BEER CHEESE SOUP Dark beer and bone broth add rich, earthy flavors to this ultra-satisfying, velvety smooth cheese soup. 6 servings INGREDIENTS 4 tablespoons butter 6 slices thick-cut bacon 2 medium carrots diced small 2 medium celery stalks diced small 2 cloves garlic minced 1/2 onion diced small 1/2 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup flour 4 cups chicken bone broth 1 cup whole milk
12 ounces dark wheat beer such as Guinness 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves 6 bread bowls parsley for garnish
METHOD 1. In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon on medium high heat until crispy. Remove bacon from pan and drain on a paper towel– lined plate. When cool, crumble the bacon. 2. Reduce heat to medium and drop the butter into the bacon drippings. Add onion, garlic, celery and carrots to the pot and cook until tender, about 5 to 6 minutes. 3. Stir in flour and dry mustard. Cook 1 to 2 minutes. It will become thick. 4. Slowly add the beer,a little at a time, whisking after each addition until all the beer is incorporated. Then add the chicken bone broth in the same way, whisking after each pour. Repeat with the milk. The consistency should be smooth after all the liquid is added. 5. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes until thick and bubbly. 6. Reserve 1/4 cup of cheese for topping. Stir the remaining cheese into the soup until melted. 7. Ladle the soup into bread bowls. Top with reserved cheese, parsley and crumbled cooked bacon. Serve immediately.
Southern Sandi recipes appear courtesy of Carolina Marketing Company, Inc.
HOMETOWN MAGAZINE | FALL 2026 | 17
hometown creative
Jenna Y. Webb AN ARTIST WITH A HEART FOR CONSERVATION STORY BY MEGAN PATRICE SHEEREY PHOTOS COURTESY OF JENNA Y. WEBB
A
dragonfly perched on a branch. The stripes on a turkey tail mushroom. A monarch butterfly ready to take flight. For Lincolnton artist Jenna Y. Webb, the natural world is full of subjects worth noticing — and preserving. A self-taught printmaker, Jenna has developed a body of work centered around linocut, a relief-printing process that allows her to transform her observations of flora and fauna into bold works of art. Her subjects often include plants, insects, animals and the fragile ecosystems they inhabit, with much of her work carrying a quiet message about conservation. “I’ve always been creative,” Jenna says. “And my mom actually really encouraged it. But my real obsession started with stationery. I loved buying it and I obsessed over stickers.” That early fascination eventually became a creative career. As a teenager, Jenna began making and selling handmade stationery, later creating personalized pieces for weddings and showers. When customers began requesting designs that did not already exist, she realized she needed a way to create her own imagery. “Most of the time I was using handmade paper and premade stamps. So I realized that I needed to learn how to design and carve my own stamps.” What started as a way to personalize stationery gradually grew into full-scale artwork exhibited in galleries and competitions. Her first body of work focused on medicinal plants of Appalachia, a natural fit for someone who loves nature, foraging and herbalism. Over time, her interests evolved toward ecology and threatened and endangered species. “I don’t want to beat people over the head about it, but I do want to raise awareness through interest,” Jenna says. “If we care about our culture and our surroundings, then usually people will care about species that may not exist soon.”
The Art of Paying Attention
Linocut is a slow, hands-on process. The artist carves away portions of a block, leaving the raised areas to receive ink. The image is then transferred to paper, either with a press or
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Jenna Y. Webb is a printmaker and digital artist living in Lincolnton.
by hand-burnishing the paper against the block. For Jenna, the physical process is part of the appeal. “I just really like the slow process of paying attention to what you’re doing,” she says. “And that’s the same with carving. It is a slow process, but I like it. It’s kind of meditative.” Unlike digital art, there is little room for simply hitting “undo.” Each cut changes the block permanently, requiring planning, patience and a willingness to accept imperfections. Jenna says she also prefers the intimacy of hand printing. She uses thinner Japanese papers made from sustainable plants such as mulberry and bamboo, along with soy-based ink, which is not harmful to the environment. Rather than relying on a press, she often uses a baren or spoon to apply pressure by hand. Jenna hopes eventually to create a print featuring a species from every county in North Carolina, a considerable undertaking considering our state has 100 of them. So far, she has completed species from 27 counties. Her work also looks beyond North Carolina. Through her project The Red List, Jenna created 13 pieces featuring threatened and endangered species in Ireland, exhibiting the work both there and in Lincoln County.
From Lincolnton to Ireland
One of the most notable milestones in Jenna’s career has been being selected twice for the Olive Stack Gallery Artist Residency in Listowel, Ireland. Her December 2025 residency gave her time to focus on her work, and she will return for another residency in October, where she plans to continue exploring endangered and threatened species. She also has a residency planned for next fall at the Oregon Coast School of Art, where she will focus on endangered species in Douglas County, OR. The subject matter, Jenna says, travels well. “Everywhere in our country has endangered and threatened species,” she says. “The list is long, unfortunately, but it does give a diverse pool of subjects.”
Jenna’s body of work spotlights flora and fauna in danger of extinction.
“The Red List” is Jenna’s collection of work featuring threatened and endangered species of Ireland, and was shown during her artist residency in Listowel, Ireland.
She also likes highlighting success stories of species that were once threatened or endangered and are now doing better because of changes in human behavior. The monarch butterfly is one example. Increased awareness of milkweed, which serves as a host plant for monarchs, has encouraged more people to add it to their gardens. “That one simple change has helped an entire species.”
A Hometown Art Story
Although her work has taken her around the world, Jenna credits Lincolnton with playing an important role in her development as an artist. She has participated in local art crawls and festivals, exhibited through the Lincoln Cultural Center and Lincoln Arts Council, and worked on four community murals as part of a team. Fausto Coffee was the first local business to sell her work, carrying her cards for years. “That showed me that my art had value.” Working on public art has also given Jenna insight into the importance of communication between local artists and the community. She recalls an unfortunate experience receiving vulgar comments and having objects thrown at her while working on a mural because some residents misunderstood what the project was or how it was being funded. Because she was part of the project rather than its organizer, Jenna says she was not in a position to explain the funding or provide additional information to the public. She believes projects like these can benefit from transparency ahead of time: explaining who the artists are, how a project is funded and what it represents, and keeping residents updated and engaged throughout the process.
“I really love creating graphics and art that’s useful,” she says. Posters, advertisements, flyers and rack cards are among her favorite projects. “I see it almost like a puzzle,” she says. “Clients don’t always know what they want, and sometimes it requires trying things that don’t quite fit before you find what works. It’s like a creative puzzle.” For aspiring artists, her advice is simple: experiment. “It takes trying different mediums before you find what you really like,” she says. “I went through a lot of mediums, and printmaking is what really stuck.” That willingness to try, learn and keep creating has led from handmade stationery and personalized stamps to international residencies, public art and a growing body of work devoted to the natural world. Whether she is carving a species native to Ireland or an insect found in her own garden, the message remains much the same: Look closer. Pay attention. There is more worth protecting than we sometimes realize. Learn more about Jenna and view more of her artwork at jennaywebbart.com.
Another Kind of Creative Work
Printmaking is not Jenna’s only creative pursuit. She is also a graphic designer and owns Jenna Y. Webb Digital, where she provides graphic design services, social media content strategy and website-related services. “Melancholy Thistle,” from “The Red List” collection, 2025.
“Pine S Aster, nake and R ” from uth’s Golde the “E n nd collec angered” tion, 2 024.
HOMETOWN MAGAZINE | FALL 2026 | 19
local guide
READY, SET,
Vote!
A Hometown Guide to the 2026 Election BY G.S. UNDERHILL
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rom the county courthouse to Capitol Hill, the choices voters make this November will help shape the communities we call home. Known as a “midterm” election because it falls midway through a presidential term, this year’s statewide ballot includes races for one U.S. Senate seat, all 14 of North Carolina’s U.S. House seats, one N.C. Supreme Court associate justice seat and three N.C. Court of Appeals seats.
Make Sure You’re Registered to Vote
Before you vote, make sure your voter registration information is current. The North Carolina State Board of Elections’ online voter search lets you check your registration status, address and other voter information. The regular voter registration deadline for the November election is Friday, Oct. 9, at 5 p.m. However, eligible voters who miss the regular deadline may register and vote at an early voting site during the early voting period.
You Will Be Asked to Show ID
North Carolina voters will be asked to show a photo ID when voting in person. A North Carolina driver’s license is one of the most common forms of acceptable identification, but several other types of ID are accepted. If you don’t have an acceptable photo ID, you may still vote by filling out an ID Exception Form. According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections website, “All voters will be allowed to vote, with or without an ID.”
Know When, Where and How You Can Vote
Early voting: In-person early voting runs Oct. 15 through Oct. 31. During this period, you can vote at any early voting location in your county, making it a convenient option for voters on a busy schedule. Absentee by mail: Any registered North Carolina voter can request an absentee ballot. Ballots begin going out Sept. 4, and the deadline to request one is Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 5 p.m. If you choose to vote by mail, give yourself plenty of time to receive, complete and return your ballot. Election Day: Polls are open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. If you are in line by 7:30 p.m., you will be allowed to vote. Remember that your Election Day polling place may be different from an early voting location. Use the State Board of Elections’ online tools to find the location that applies to you.
See What’s on Your Ballot
Once you know when and where you’ll vote, take a few minutes to find out what’s on your ballot. Use the N.C. State Board of Elections’ Voter Search to view your sample ballot and see the specific races and candidates you’ll be voting on. This is especially helpful in Lincoln County, where local races can vary depending on where you live. Reviewing your ballot ahead of time gives you a chance to learn about the candidates and issues before heading to the polls. For the most current election information, visit the North Carolina State Board of Elections at ncsbe.gov.
IMPORTANT DATES 2026 Midterm Election Oct. 9 — 5 p.m. Regular voter registration deadline. Oct. 15–31 In-person early voting. Early voting ends at 3 p.m. Oct. 31. Oct. 20 — 5 p.m. Deadline to request an absentee-by-mail ballot. Nov. 3 — Election Day Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Absentee ballots must be received by 7:30 p.m.
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behind the book
Jean Lafitte Revealed Local Authors Discover the Truth Behind Lincolnton’s Pirate Legend
STORY BY MICHAEL JENKINS | PHOTOS BY MICHAEL HELMS
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his is one of those local legends that separate natives from newcomers: longtime Lincolnton residents all know about “the pirate” buried in a local cemetery. Now two local authors have combined academic research, local knowledge, and a deep dive into history in order to discover the truth. Did famed New Orleans pirate Jean Lafitte spend his final years living in Lincolnton under an assumed name? The truth, as they say, is out there—and thanks to Beth Yarbrough and Ashley Oliphant we may finally have it. After extensive research, they’ve released Jean Lafitte Revealed, a book that presents the facts and history behind the story. A mother-daughter duo, Beth and Ashley were the perfect pair to tackle this historic question. After 40 years in the gift and home décor industries, Beth launched a lifestyle brand called Southern Voice, which focused on photographing and documenting endangered properties across the South and “telling their stories” as she puts it. This led her to her own exploration of local histories, culminating in service on the local historical preservation commission and the founding of her own preservation nonprofit Lincoln Landmarks. Ashley’s a retired academic, having spent 20 years as an English professor. She’s also the author of six books, including works about Ernest Hemingway, beachcombing and now Jean Lafitte. So who is Jean Lafitte? A larger than life character from the turn of the 19th century, Lafitte’s origins are uncertain. He was likely a native of France or one of France’s New World colonies, and rose to prominence as a pirate, privateer, and military adventurer. Based near New Orleans, Lafitte’s adventures included raiding colonial shipping, smuggling illicit goods, and participating in the War of 1812 and the Mexican War of Independence. Formal histories generally report that Lafitte died in the Gulf of Honduras after a maritime battle with two heavily armed Spanish naval vessels. However, old-time Lincolnton folks tell the story
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a little differently. Local tradition holds that Lafitte survived and moved to the North American mainland, settling first in Mississippi and then moving further north into North Carolina. Having adopted the name “Lorenzo Ferrer” he allegedly settled in Lincolnton and founded the local Masonic lodge. The stories about Ferrer being Lafitte in disguise started almost immediately, Ashley tells us. “The legends about Lorenzo Ferrer potentially being Jean Lafitte had circulated in Lincolnton since his time here,” she says. “When you fast forward to the 20th century there were many local historians who had attempted to determine whether the man buried at St. Luke’s was really him or someone else.” She goes on to explain that local opinions are divided: “The town has historically been 50/50 split, with half believing that Ferrer was Jean Lafitte and half believing that the other people are completely insane.” The Lafitte/Ferrer question remained the subject of local debate, until Beth and Ashley stepped in. Originally Jean Lafitte Revealed was Ashley’s project, intended to be a general history of Lafitte’s life and exploits. Beth encouraged her to add at least a chapter about Lafitte’s Lincolnton connections, and offered to help with the research. The project grew from there and eventually became focused on establishing the truth of Jean Lafitte and Lorenzo Ferrer. So let’s get to the big question—was Lorenzo Ferrer actually Jean Lafitte under an assumed name? According to Beth, the answer to that is a near-definitive yes: “Absolutely we believe he is, based on everything we were able to collectively assemble and look at in totality. What we do not have—which doesn’t exist and probably never did—is a paper saying ‘I’m Jean Lafitte and I hereby change my name to ‘Lorenzo Ferrer’”. So what do you do in the absence of that? You look at the available evidence and you make a determination.” Beth and Ashley started with one basic criteria: if they could show that Ferrer and Lafitte existed separately at the same time, that would effectively disprove the legend. However, no such overlap exists; Ferrer only enters the historical record after Lafitte’s recorded death. “No one knew where Ferrer came from,” Beth explains. “He arrived in Lincolnton at the age of 60 and never bothered to explain to anyone locally where he had been for the first 60 years of his life.” Over the course of their research, however, Beth and Ashley were able to establish some of Ferrer’s background before his arrival in North Carolina, adding about 10 years to Ferrer’s story . Locally, the also found physical evidence linking Lafitte and Ferrer, but we’ll let you read the book to discover that. Jean Lafitte Revealed is a rich and detailed book that still captures the freewheeling spirit of Lafitte’s life. The research is extensive, tracing colonial histories, personal documents, and local records and artifacts in order to explore every angle of the story. As you might imagine, it’s met with a passionate response, albeit mostly unofficially. As Ashley explains it, “There aren’t a lot of Lafitte historians. There are a lot of hobbyist historians, some with very loud opinions that they
share freely, but a lot of it was based on sketchy research drawing upon sources that hadn’t been scrutinized to the degree that they should have been.” As befits a credential professor and researcher, Ashley remains receptive to criticism: “We’re open to being wrong and if somebody does find evidence that refutes what we’ve found we’d like to be the first to see it.” At the time of this writing, no such refutation or criticism has been forthcoming. Per Ashley, “No one in a book-length format or even a well-developed article has refuted what we wrote.” So as it stands, Jean Lafitte Revealed is the best single source for exploring the Lafitte/Ferrer mystery—and yes it’s available on Amazon and in some local shops. However, it’s not the only book either Beth or Ashley has released recently. Last year Beth published a book about historic perseveration, The Grassroots Guide to Saving What Matters, which offers regular folks a guide to getting involved with preserving and celebrating the history around them. Ashley’s released two books since Jean Lafitte Revealed, one a guide to beachcombing and the other a novel. Higher Education: Chronicles of a Dumpster Fire offers a comedic take on the ins and outs of teaching full time at the college or university level. And of course they’re both involved with Lincolton’s annual Pirate 5K, a foot race through downtown Lincolnton in honor of Lafitte. Beth and Ashley ended our interview with one request: while exploring the Lafitte/Ferrer connection in Lincolton, proceed slowly and respectfully. Ferrer’s gravesite at St Luke’s cemetery is a “very distinct” tabletop grave, but visitors are asked to refrain from touching it or climbing on it. Likewise, many other documents and sites locally are publicly accessible but should be treated like the historical treasures that they are. Lafitte’s story is the stuff of legend, and in establishing his connections to Lincolnton as Lorenzo Ferrer Ashley Oliphant and Beth Yarbrough have added another chapter to a rich and ongoing story. Further secrets may yet be revealed, but for now we have another reminder of how special Lincolnton and its history actually are.
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front porch
the Front Porch Pull up a chair and stay a while. The Front Porch is a place for poems, short stories and homespun tales by the creative folks in our community. In this installment, Ken Lingerfelt reminisces on apple season and his Grandmother’s legacy.
KEN LINGERFELT IS A WRITER LIVING IN LINCOLNTON, N.C.
Do you have a story to share? There’s always room for one more on the porch. Send your original, unpublished stories, poems and other creative works to: Hometown Media, LLC P.O. Box 333 Lincolnton, NC Or email your work to publisher@hometownlincolnton.com.
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Apple Butter
by Ken Lingerfelt
Fall is here a little sharpness to the breeze Limbs hanging heavy, ripe apples on the trees My thoughts turn back, images from the past People and places, now gone, but the memories last In my mind’s eye I can still see my Grandmother I remember apple pies and homemade apple butter A wondrous bouquet from her oven would waft Biscuits from her oven, warm and soft Fresh biscuits with Grandma’s apple butter Having the first one would always lead to another Grandma never had many of the finer things in life She bore her share of sadness and of strife But she would smile and greet you happily She clung to her faith and her family She made two-crust apple pies in small tin pans Made to be eaten in the field held by rough hands She learned to cook the crops from the field Also canning and preserving what the land would yield Family was always first and last with my Grandmother Memories of two-crust apple pies and homemade apple butter
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Everything’s Coming Up
Your guide to the Lincoln County Apple Festival STORY BY G.S. UNDERHILL PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE LINCOLN COUNTY APPLE FESTIVAL
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here’s something special about a fall day in downtown Lincolnton when Main Street turns into one big celebration of community, small-town culture, and of course, apples. On Saturday, Oct. 17, the Lincoln County Apple Festival returns for another full day of food, music, shopping, family fun and hometown tradition. From fresh-picked apples and homemade pies to handcrafted goods, live entertainment and activities for kids, there’s plenty to see and do. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free to attend. So grab the family, bring your walking shoes and get ready to spend the day exploring downtown.
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Start With the Street Festival
The heart of the Apple Festival is downtown Lincolnton, where Main Street and surrounding streets fill with hundreds of booths featuring craft vendors, food, community organizations and festival attractions. With more than 250 vendors expected, shoppers can browse handmade crafts, artwork, home décor, gifts and other one-of-a-kind finds. Local businesses and nonprofit organizations are also part of the celebration. “All of the craft vendors have to sell items that are handmade,” says Winter Graham, president of the Lincoln County Apple Festival Board of Directors. “A lot of people
don’t know this and it’s what sets our festival apart from other festivals.” Don’t forget to explore the downtown businesses while you’re there. The festival takes place in the middle of historic downtown Lincolnton, putting restaurants, shops and other local establishments right in the middle of the action. And then there’s the food. Festival favorites include fresh apples, apple cider slushies, fried apple pies and plenty of traditional festival fare. Local apple growers are an important part of the event, while a wide selection of food trucks and food vending booths offer festival goers plenty of options to fill their bellies.
Follow the Music
Two stages, one on Aspen Street and another on Cedar Street, provide live entertainment throughout the day, featuring local and regional talent. The 2026 entertainment schedule will be announced by the festival, so check the official festival information as the date approaches if you want to plan your day around particular performers.
Explore the Kids Orchard
For younger festival-goers, the Kids Orchard is a must-stop. The dedicated children’s area gives kids a chance to play, explore and burn off some energy.
Activities have included carnival-style games, face painting, fairy hair and other kid-friendly attractions. It’s also a reminder that the Apple Festival isn’t just about shopping. It’s a place for families to spend the day together, and maybe create a few fall memories that become traditions of their own.
Learn About Lincoln County Agriculture
No trip to the Lincoln County Apple Festival would be complete without a stroll down the agricultural block, featuring rows of vendors selling fresh apples by the bushel or bag. In addition to NC-grown apples, festival goers can also browse locally-grown produce, meats, cheeses, preserves and more. This is also a great section to visit if you want to learn a bit more about the history of the Lincoln County Apple Festival. The event began in 1972 as a way to showcase Lincoln County’s apple industry, and local growers remain an important part of the celebration today. The first festival was held in 1972 at Boger City United Methodist Church as a way to showcase the county’s apple industry. That first festival drew about 300 people. In 1987 the festival moved to Main Street and approximately 8,000 people attended. More than five decades later, the festival has continued to
“The Lincoln County Apple Festival has always been my most favorite day of the year and now being involved in it makes it that much sweeter”
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grow, but its connection to local agriculture remains a fixture of its identity. Now that the festival has become such a huge endeavor, more hands are needed to keep things running smoothly. President of the Apple Festival Board of Directors, Winter Graham says there’s a lot of work that happens behind the scenes to make festival day a success. “I don’t think people realize all of the hard work it takes to put an event like this on. It takes the Apple Festival Board, plus a ton of volunteers.”
Cheer on the Apple Queen
The Lincoln County Apple Queen tradition dates back to 1978, when the Lincolnton Business and Professional Women’s Club sponsored the first Apple Queen Pageant. Today, the organization continues to sponsor the annual scholarship pageant. The pageant gives young women in Lincoln County an opportunity to compete for the title while earning scholarships and gaining valuable personal and professional experience. The winner serves as Ms. Lincoln County Apple Queen and represents the county at community events throughout the following year. The 2026 Apple Queen is Jadyn Allman, a 2025 graduate of Lincoln County High School. Festival goers can meet the reigning queen during the street festival.
Meet Miss Granny Smith
And because one apple-themed pageant apparently isn’t enough, the Business & Professional Women’s organization has added another fun tradition: the Miss Granny Smith Pageant.
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The third annual Miss Granny Smith Pageant was held in 2026, crowning Brenda Fernandez as the winner. This pageant for ladies age 55 and older adds another playful apple-themed celebration to the community calendar. It’s a fun example of how the traditions surrounding the Apple Festival continue to grow while keeping the apple theme central to the celebration.
Then and Now
More than five decades after that first small festival in 1972, the event has grown into one of Lincoln County’s biggest annual celebrations. But at its heart, it’s still about many of the same things: celebrating local agriculture, showcasing local talent and businesses, bringing families together and giving neighbors a reason to gather. “The Lincoln County Apple Festival has always been my most favorite day of the year and now being involved in it makes it that much sweeter,” says Winter, who has served in her role for the last three years. “One of the most rewarding parts is the morning of [the festival], when I park my car and walk down the empty street knowing that in a few short hours it’s going to be full of people. One other thing is seeing my friends throughout the day and them telling me how awesome the festival is and what a great job we did. This brings a smile to my face and reminds me that all the hard work was worth it!” We could fill an entire magazine with everything there is to see and do at the Lincoln County Apple Festival, but we hope this gives you a taste of what’s in store, and inspires you to grab your friends and family and experience the festival for yourselves!
The winning T-shirt design for the 2026 Lincoln County Apple Festival. Design by Chris Brady.
Winter Graham is the president of the Lincoln County Apple Festival Board of Directors.
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s a m t s i r h C n o i t i A d a r T y l i Fam CEDAR LAKE TREE FARM:
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STORY BY STEPHANIE MEYER PHOTOS BY ROBERT WEBB
or more than 30 years, families across Lincoln County and beyond have marked the start of the holiday season with a trip to Cedar Lake Tree Farm. Tucked along N.C. Highway 27 in Iron Station, the beloved farm is owned and operated by Bill and Ruth Cline, who have spent decades cultivating not only beautiful Christmas trees, but also the kind of warm, memory-filled experiences that keep generations returning year after year. Cedar Lake’s story began long before the farm settled into its current home. Originally located in the West Charlotte area, Bill found himself at a crossroads when construction of Interstate 485 cut through the property. Instead of giving up, he purchased land in Iron Station and started from scratch—replanting, rebuilding, and reimagining what the farm could become. He eventually partnered
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with David Pollard, a tree grower in the mountains of North Carolina, ensuring that their supply of trees never runs out. Today, what started as a leap of faith stands as one of the best decisions he ever made. The farm opens to the public each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and stays open until they sell out, usually by the second week of December. And if there’s one thing Bill emphasizes, it’s this: come early. Cedar Lake moves an astonishing 4,500 to 5,000 Christmas trees every year, with nearly 2,500 of those selling in the opening weekend alone. But numbers aren’t what matter most to the Clines. “We’re not in the tree business; we’re in the entertainment business,” Bill explains. “We want this to be a safe, family-oriented place where people can come and just have a good time.” Admission to the farm is always free, and so are the on-site activities. Visitors can choose and cut their own Christmas tree from varieties grown on the property, including Carolina Sapphire, Leland Cypress, Red Cedar, Virginia Pine, and
Green Giant. Each choose-and-cut tree is a flat $65, no matter the size, and the price includes everything. “We provide everything you need. We bag them, trim them, everything. All you have to do is show up,” Bill says. For those looking for Frasier firs or Turkish firs, Cedar Lake also offers fresh pre-cut trees brought down from their mountain property in western North Carolina, thanks to their special partnership with David. Unlike some farms that cut weeks, or even months, ahead of time, Cedar Lake’s mountain trees are cut mere days before arriving in Iron Station. “We don’t cut the trees months ahead of time, we cut days ahead of time. So they stay fresh a lot longer.” Yet what truly sets Cedar Lake apart is the experience. The Clines have created an atmosphere that feels more like a holiday festival than a typical farm visit. Antique sleds appear throughout the property for Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. A fire pit offers visitors a warm place to gather, with s’mores kits for sale to complete the cozy experi-
“We don’t cut the trees months ahead of time, we cut days ahead of time. So they stay fresh a lot longer.”
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ence. Families can grab treats from the snack bar, browse the country store, or step into the wreath and bow room, where staff handcraft decorations on-site. As you might imagine, weekends can get pretty busy on the farm. For families looking for a more relaxed experience, the Clines advise visiting on the weekdays. On weekends, Santa makes special appearances, though families are encouraged to call ahead to confirm his schedule. Kids flock to the giant haypile, slides, and the farm’s menagerie of friendly animals, including donkeys, pigs, turkeys, chickens, cows, and the Clines’ Great Pyrenees dog. The Clines also welcome their neighbors from Good Karma Alpaca Ranch, who set up an annual stall featuring alpaca-fiber products and a few fluffy alpacas for visitors to meet and touch. Behind the scenes, Cedar Lake thrives on community effort and loyalty. Many employees return year after year, some for several seasons running, because they love the work, the atmosphere, and the families who visit. When you hear Bill talk about his staff, you can hear the pride in his voice.
“Our staff is well-trained and very helpful and polite. We’ve been told we have some of the best customer service people have ever experienced,” he says. It is also very much a family affair. Bill’s wife, Ruth, works alongside him, as do his daughter, son, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law. Everyone steps in wherever they are needed, whether that means loading trees, tying bows, making cider, or showing kids how to feed a donkey. Over more than two decades, Cedar Lake Tree Farm has grown into a holiday tradition for countless families. Visitors who once came as children now return with children of their own. They come not only for a tree but for the familiar smell of evergreens, the sound of laughter near the haypile, and the reassurance that some Christmas memories really can last forever. Cedar Lake Tree Farm is located at 5829 NC-27, Iron Station, NC 28080. Their hours of operation are Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Learn more at www.cedarlaketreefarm.com.
Many employees return year after year, some for several seasons running, because they love the work, the atmosphere, and the families who visit.
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MAGIC, MUSIC AND GHOST STORIES:
Ramseurs meet the
of
Woodside Plantation STORY AND PHOTOS BY ASHLYN RHYNE
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s I pull onto the gravel road of Woodside Plantation, right off NC Hwy 182, I cannot help but look at the second story windows of the brick house where two ghosts, rumored to command the property, live. Inside Rick and Myra Jane Ramseur’s home, musical instruments from all over the world greet me, lining a makeshift stage area in their living room. Newspaper clippings, ghost stories, picture books and more line the shelves. Just downstairs you can find Myra Jane’s acupuncture practice and behind a secret door, Rick’s magic room. But what most people visit Woodside for is the ghost tour, a tradition of storytelling Rick and Myra Jane have carried on that began generations before. Woodside, built in 1798, is the second oldest brick house in Lincolnton. The property has belonged to the Ramseur family, for all but a brief period, since 1848. Woodside has served as many things – a boarding house and a hunting lodge, at one point held the Sheriff’s office and a doctor’s office and has been called “home” by many. Rick grew up on the Woodside Plantation. “We had every animal imaginable,” says Rick. “And a lot of music.” Rick’s parents, Jack and Sue Ramseur, were both musicians. Jack played in an orchestra, “The Sunnyland Serenaders,” in Charlotte and Sue taught public school music and piano.
So, in the 1930’s, when the Ramseur family struggled to find people to work at Woodside because of one incident where a man, who was looking after the home, heard tunes coming from the music room, it does not come as a surprise that music has always been a priority in the Ramseur family… in the living and the dead. Rick recalls his experience with suspicious noises as a child living at Woodside. He points to where the coal furnace sat and says, “When that steam would come on, those radiators, they would almost say words that sound lifelike. You just knew something was going to cut your throat hearing those whispers in the next room at five in the morning.” Rick and Myra Jane met Memorial Day Weekend in 1991 at a music and dance festival in Black Mountain. They married in 1999 and soon after, Myra Jane moved into Woodside. “It was Halloween night when I moved. We had one trick-ortreater,” says Myra Jane. “That is the first and only trick-or-treater that I think we have had. October 31st, 2000.” Sitting in the Ramseur’s living room, an addition to the original brick house, I am captivated by the two ghost stories they share with me. Rick and Myra Jane radiate an eagerness to share the history of their home, and the many stories attached to it, that makes you want to listen for hours. There are two ghosts that roam the grounds of Woodside. Malvina Richardson, the youngest daughter of Dr. John Rich-
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ardson and Alice Ramseur Richardson, lived at Woodside with her family. When Dr. Richardson died after contracting one of his patient’s illnesses, the family was left with no income. They opened Woodside as a hunting lodge for wealthy northerners, and this is where Malvina’s love story begins. One of the hunter’s sons fell deeply in love with Malvina. “He was smitten,” says Rick. Shortly before the wedding at Woodside, the young man died suddenly from typhoid fever. His parents were abroad, so the Richardson family dug a grave for Malvina’s fiancé on the Woodside property. On the day he was to be buried, they received a telegram from his uncle that his body be sent back north. A heartbroken Malvina demanded they leave the grave open. “So, you know what’s going to happen,” says Rick. “Poor Malvina dies of a broken heart, and they bury her in that same grave dug for her fiancé, in her wedding dress.” People have claimed to see Malvina and her fiancé walking in the field near Woodside during the late afternoon. Rick says, “My grandfather said, ‘alcohol’s involved in all these stories.’” Woodside’s other ghost, Lorenzo Ferrer, was a good friend of Malvina’s father. Ferrer, rumored to be the famous Pirate Jean Lafitte from France, chose Woodside as his hiding place when he was told, “Nobody will ever find you… Lincolnton, North Carolina… nobody’s ever heard of it.” Well, Ferrer’s hiding spot was soon found by one of his power enemies. “There was a confrontation in the bedroom and the man never left,” says Rick. “The theory is that Lorenzo killed him and then cremated him in the upstairs fireplace.” “Now, there’s a ghost story for you,” says Myra Jane. We leave the living room and head to the foyer where the ghost tour begins… an open entryway with baby blue carpet,
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a golden chandelier and handmade wood furniture carvings made by Rick’s great uncle. As we walk up the stairwell and through the hallway, both lined with family photos, Rick points out where the ghosts appear. At the end of the hallway sit two rooms. The one on the left, decorated with elegant pink bed drapes, floral wallpaper, and a uniquely carved bedside table, belonged to Malvina. The room on the right contains the fireplace where Ferrer cremated his enemy. People visit Woodside just to see if there are still bloodstains on the fireplace. Standing in Ferrer’s room, Rick animatedly shares one more story of another pirate, William Mitchell. Books on the shelf beside Rick start to move. “Supposedly, his spirit resolves in this… oh my gosh… I think his spirit is here now,” says Rick. The closet door suddenly opens and William Mitchell, or perhaps Myra Jane in costume, jumps out. “We get awfully silly sometimes,” says Rick. Often, the ghost tour ends with a few of Rick’s very own magic tricks. Just on the other side of a secret door, awaits a room full of neon lights among a dark backdrop with a small square table under a golden lamp. Rick says for anyone who wanted to see Woodside, his parents would welcome them. Myra Jane echoes this sentiment. “When you live in some place historic, it should be open to the public. You need to share.” The Ramseurs give at least one to two ghost tours per month. There is no website or place to sign-up, it is simply through word of mouth… in a classic small-town, old-school way. If Malvina and Lorenzo’s ghosts do not frighten you too much, maybe you could be the Ramseur’s second ever trick-or-treater this Halloween
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Healing Hands
ALL YOU KNEAD MASSAGE & BODYWORK STORY BY STEPHANIE MEYER PHOTOS BY ROBERT WEBB & HOMETOWN MAGAZINE STAFF
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tep inside All You Knead Massage & Bodywork, and the pace seems to slow immediately. Quiet therapy rooms, ultra-comfortable massage beds and soft music playing through the speakers create a tranquil backdrop for an hour of focused care. Local artwork adorns the walls, lights are kept low, and the practice’s signature shades of lavender and green add to the calming atmosphere. Located in downtown Lincolnton, the independently owned practice has grown from a two-person venture into a cooperative practice with six licensed massage therapists, an in-house licensed esthetician, plus administrative support staff: including Mike Wirth, Ash’s husband and practice business manager; and Amy Turner, administrative assistant and the newest addition to the team. Together, the team offers a wide range of experience and specialties, from Swedish and deep tissue massage to orthopedic and clinical bodywork, prenatal massage, Reiki and manual lymphatic drainage. At All You Knead, the goal is to meet clients where they are, with personalized therapy designed around individual needs.
A Business Born From Friendship
For co-owners Paula Micol, LMT, and Ash Wirth, LMT, CMLDT, the story of All You Knead began in an unlikely place: community theatre. The two first met through the Lincoln Theatre Guild and discovered that they were both massage therapists. As their friendship grew, so did the idea of opening a practice together. On July 1, 2019, that idea became a reality when All You Knead Massage & Bodywork officially opened its doors. The space that now houses the practice had been unoccupied, serving primarily as storage for another business. But Paula and Ash saw its potential, including a room large enough to offer couples massages — something that wasn’t available in Lincolnton at the time.
The path that brought Paula and Ash to massage therapy was just as personal as the path that brought them together. “I wanted to help people,” says Ash. “I had received some massage therapy before, so I knew the benefits. I was stuck at a dead-end job and didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. My mom reminded me that I’d always been good at massage — I used to massage her feet because she was a nurse. The next day, I saw a commercial for massage school, so I took it as a sign and signed up. The rest is history.” For Paula, an early love of massage eventually led her down an unexpected career path. “I think I got my first massage when I was 13,” says Paula. “My aunt took me to Southpark Mall — they had a spa there — and I got a massage and really enjoyed it.” Paula went on to establish a career in teaching, a profession she dedicated more than 10 years to, but she eventually felt drawn toward something new. “I kept seeing this ad for a raffle for tuition to a massage school. I won the raffle and went to Maiden School of Massage. I don’t regret that one bit. Aside from meeting Ash, that’s been one of the best things that’s happened on my path in this career.”
More Than a Massage
While massage is often associated with relaxation, the therapists at All You Knead work with clients for many different reasons. “Swedish massage is your classical massage,” says Ash. “It’s your basic, relaxing massage. Deep tissue is firm, slow pressure throughout the whole session. So typically you might feel sore afterward, like you had a good workout, but it shouldn’t cause limited range of motion; that means they did too much work. Our therapeutic massage is somewhere in between. We use firm pressure…but we still make it a very relaxing massage.”
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From L to R: Mike Wirth, Paula Micol and Ash Wirth; the leading team behind All You Knead Massage & Bodywork.
Sessions can also incorporate techniques such as cupping, gua sha, stretching, hot stones and other forms of targeted bodywork. “Most of our massages are very customized,” says Ash. “We can incorporate different things to tailor the experience.” That customization is also why clients aren’t expected to know exactly which type of massage they need, or which therapist they need to book with, before walking through the door. “We don’t get jealous when someone sees another one of our therapists,” says Paula. “We actually refer clients to each other all the time. If someone needs a certain type of treatment, we have different therapists that have different specializations.” The team’s combined expertise allows All You Knead to accommodate a wide range of needs, from relaxation and stress relief to chronic pain and specialized therapeutic care. Ash brings more than two decades of experience to the practice. As a graduate of The Heritage Institute in Jacksonville, Florida, he has been practicing massage since 2004. He also became a Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist through the Vodder School, and spent 11 years at the Jacksonville Lymphedema Clinic working with clients experiencing lymphedema. “Lymphatic drainage is very light,” explains Ash. “You’re basically just stretching the skin, creating a pumping action. It’s a great massage for detoxing the body and fluid retention. There’s a bunch of stuff that it’s good for.” Paula graduated from the Maiden School of Massage in 2016 and has developed an intentional, customized approach to massage. Her sessions incorporate long, fluid strokes that gradually progress deeper, along with techniques such as cupping, gua sha and stretching. She is also a reiki master and has recently added lymphatic drainage to her practice. Beyond working with clients, Paula enjoys speaking with students about careers in massage therapy. Jaime Self, LMT, has been practicing since 2013 and specializes in deep tissue and prenatal massage, often incorporating cupping, hot stones or stretching. Jeb Khoury, LMT, is an orthopedic massage therapist and personal trainer who focuses on pain management, injury pre-
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Jaime Self is one of All You Knead’s licensed massage therapists.
vention and sports performance, bringing an understanding of both massage therapy and physical fitness to his work. Marielle Angell, LMT, brings nearly a decade of clinical massage experience to her practice, specializing in orthopedic and structural bodywork for chronic pain, injuries and complex conditions. Georgia Helton, LMT, came to massage therapy after 15 years in the chiropractic field, where she developed a deep understanding of the body, pain and healing. All You Knead also shares its space with KLM Esthetics & Co., owned and operated by licensed esthetician Kristen Millwood, LE. With more than four years of experience, Millwood offers personalized skin care for concerns such as acne, hyperpigmentation and signs of aging, combining skincare treatment with deep relaxation.
Putting Lincolnton on the Massage Therapy Map
Ash’s expertise has earned recognition beyond the local community. In 2025, he was inducted into the World Massage Festival’s Massage Therapy Hall of Fame in Las Vegas and earned gold medals in Sports Massage and Swedish Massage. In 2023, he competed in the North Carolina State Massage Championships and quickly discovered that he enjoyed the challenge. “I competed in the North Carolina State Massage Championships in 2023 for the first time,” says Ash. “Since then, I just fell in love with the competition and how it made me grow as a therapist.” That experience eventually brought the competition to Lincolnton. Ash and Paula took over directing the event and hosted the North Carolina State Massage Championships in Lincolnton for the first time in 2026. The event drew therapists from across the country, and will return to Lincolnton in April 2027.
Care That Meets You Where You Are
At the heart of All You Knead is the belief that bodywork should be personalized and, above all, comfortable.
“We tell clients to undress to their comfort level, so if that means they want to leave all their clothes on, then we just do a lot of compression work on top of their clothing, instead of doing the gliding type of massage you would get with being disrobed,” says Ash. “I tell people to choose a type of care that makes you comfortable, because if you’re not comfortable during a session, you won’t get the benefits.” That emphasis on comfort begins before the massage itself. Clients are encouraged to communicate openly about what they’re experiencing, what they hope to accomplish and what makes them feel at ease. For clients who are curious about trying massage but aren’t sure where to begin, the answer is simple: start with a conversation. Paula says many people don’t realize just how many everyday concerns massage therapy may be able to treat. “TMJ, frozen shoulder, sciatica, a lot of common ailments we can help with and give you lasting relief, versus having to use medication for it or more invasive procedures,” says Paula. Massage therapy can also work alongside other forms of care. Paula says massage can complement chiropractic treatment by addressing the muscular system in conjunction with the skeletal system. “It’s actually very good to get a massage first and then see your chiropractor,” says Paula. “Because once the muscles are loosened, then the chiropractor can get a better adjustment for you and the benefits of the two treatments will last longer.”
Healing in Community
For Ash and Paula, the most rewarding part of owning a business isn’t just watching it grow. It’s seeing the difference their work can make for the people who walk through the door. “I love when you get those clients that you can tell just by looking at them that they’re hurting, and then you see them leave
with a smile and you know they’re feeling better.” says Paula. “That’s why we do what we do.” The practice has also made a point of staying connected to the community that supported it from the beginning, sponsoring or participating in local events such as The Lincoln Cultural Center’s Boogers and Bingo and Dancing with Our Stars. All You Knead has built its reputation around more than massage. It has rooted itself in the Lincolnton community as well as built a new home for statewide massage therapy competitions. Perhaps most important of all though, All You Knead has created a space where everyday people can slow down, breathe a little deeper and find the relief they need, whatever that looks like for them.
Plan Your Visit
All You Knead Massage & Bodywork 221 E. Sycamore St. Lincolnton, NC 28092 (704) 240-9996 allyoukneadmassage.com Appointments can be scheduled online or by contacting the practice directly. Individual therapists’ schedules vary, so clients are encouraged to reach out to discuss their needs and find the right fit. Establishment License: #492 Massage Therapist License Numbers: Paula Micol, LMT — NCBMBT No. 15614 Ash Wirth, LMT, CMLDT — NCBMBT No. 18279 Jaime Self, LMT — NCBMBT No. 12923 Marielle Angell, LMT — NCBMBT No. 18219 Jeb Khoury, LMT — NCBMBT No. 15043 Georgia Helton, LMT — NCBMBT No. 22813
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photo contest
LIFE IN LINCOLNTON
Photo Contest Have you captured a memorable moment?
Submit your favorite photo taken in or around Lincolnton for a chance to be featured in the next issue of the magazine. As a bonus, you’ll also be entered to win a $25 gift card to a local restaurant! Email your photos to publisher@hometownlincolnton.com by Novemberr 1, 2026 to enter the fall contest.
Winning photo submitted by Robin Johnson “After the storm in uptown Lincolnton.”
Thank you to our runners up:
Photo by Adalía González
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Photo by Richie Calloway
Photo by Ashlyn Wadsworth
puzzle page CREATED BY ALLISON GAHRMANN, LINCOLNTON RESIDENT AND OWNE R OF WHITE ROSE MANOR 1
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ACROSS 50 51 1. Woodside owner (in Lincolnton, NC) 5. Pirate Jean ACROSS DOWN 38. Parcel _______ 1 RAMSEUR 1 RETREAT 39. Less than a swallow 9. Type of evergreen or 5 LAFITTE 2 MORE _____ Lake Christmas Tree Farm 9 CEDAR 41. Mined for qualities 3 UCAand/or profit 43. Get rid of 10. Already ripped 10 TORN 4 RE 46. Apple or Mountain 11 HALF 5 LA 11. 50% of whole 47. Exceed 13 ACT 6 ARK 13. Part of a stage play 16 SAP 7 THAT 50. Used for sewing (plural) 16. Sticky residue from trees 17 JUG 8 EFFECTS/efforts 51. Tool used to spin raw fiber into yarn 17. Another name for pot 18 ART 12 SAG 18. Framed painting 20 TOO 14 CLONINGER DOWN 20. Also 21 ALT 15 RUT 1. Escape or fall back 21. High-pitched note or 23 TA 19 RAYON 2. Not less keyboard shortcut 28 AS 22 LAPSE 3. Universal Cheerleaders Association 23. Teaching Assistant (abbrev) 29 FESTIVALS 24 AFT (abbrev) 28. In the degree 30 LO 25 USE 4. Real estate (abbrev) 29. Large outdoor gatherings 31 ST 26 MAP 5. Solfège note 30. __ and behold 6. Big boat 31. Abbreviation for Street 7. This or _____ 33. Pigment for writing 8. Attempts 35. In the past 12. Droop 37. Small peg used in golf
14. Lincolnton Rail Trail 15. Wheel track in a road 19. A semi-synthetic fiber 22. Momentary _____ in judgement 24. Rear of boat 25. Purpose 26. “X” marks the spot on this 27. Request permission 30. SW Piedmont County in North Carolina 32. Fabric 34. To put on 36. Black gold or crude 40. ____ County cheese 42. Pool of money 44. Writer and poet 45. Opposite of bottom 48. Pronoun similar to “we” 49. Chemical symbol for Darmstadtium
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local happenings
Noteworthy News
FROM LINCOLNTON AND BEYOND
TWO LINCOLNTON RESIDENTS WIN IN GASTON COLLEGE PITCH FORWARD CONTEST LINCOLNTON, N.C.—Two Lincoln County entrepreneurs were among the winners of Gaston College’s Pitch Forward Contest, which provides funding and support to help local businesses grow. Keith Poston, owner of Platinum Plus Signature Smoke, a mobile cigar lounge, earned $5,000 after tying for second place in the competition. Amber O’neal, owner of Bound, a bookstore and coffee shop coming soon to Lincolnton, received a business accelerator package as a fourth-place winner. The package provides resources to help entrepreneurs move their businesses forward. The Pitch Forward Contest gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to present their business ideas to a panel of judges and compete for cash prizes and other resources. For more information, visit gaston.edu/sbc-pitch-forward. Photo credit: Gaston College
PIEDMONT PROS DONATE $5,000 TO OPTIVETS LINCOLNTON, N.C.—Piedmont Professionals, a Lincolnton-based professional networking and fundraising group, recently had the privilege of presenting a $5,000 donation to OPTIVets, a nonprofit organization that provides support for military veterans and first responders living with trauma, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and chronic pain and neurological dysfunction. The donation was made possible by Piedmont Professionals’ 2026 Golf Tournament sponsors, players, volunteers and community. The mission of Piedmont Professionals is “to unite professionals in service to our community through meaningful connections, impactful events, and charitable giving that creates measurable positive change.” Photo credit: Piedmont Professionals
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LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS BRING STATE MASSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS TO LINCOLNTON LINCOLNTON, N.C.—For the first time, the 2026 North Carolina State Massage Championship was held in Lincolnton at the James W. Warren Citizen Center from April 20-23. Although it was the first time the North Carolina State Massage Championship came to Lincolnton, it won’t be the last, now that the organization is under local leadership, with co-directors and business partners Ash Wirth, Paula Micol and business liaison Michael Wirth. Ash and Paula are co-owners of All You Knead Massage & Bodywork, located in downtown Lincolnton, and are the subjects of one of our feature stories for this issue. The NCSMC will return to Lincolnton in April 2027. Follow their social media accounts for updates. Photo credit: Morgan Kylia & the North Carolina State Massage Championship
DIANE DICK NAMED VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR FOR LINCOLN CULTURAL CENTER LINCOLNTON, N.C.—Diane Dick was recently honored as Volunteer of the Year for the Lincoln Cultural Center (LCC) at the organization’s annual meeting on June 23. Attendees included LCC Board members, staff and volunteers, as well as officials from the City of Lincolnton. “I have been volunteering with them for about two years,” says Diane. “I help out wherever I can during the performances at the Cultural Center and Citizens Center. I have also helped with breakfast with Santa, the evening with Molly Grantham and decorating the Cultural Center for Christmas. It is rewarding to me to give back to the community I love.” Diane is a licensed real estate agent and broker associate with Apple Realty in Lincolnton. Photo credit: Cheryl Robinson Burgess & The Lincoln Cultural Center
LINCOLNTON FIRE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE TIMKEN FOUNDATION LINCOLNTON, N.C.—The Lincolnton Fire Department received a $120,377 grant from the Timken Foundation during a First Responder Appreciation Luncheon hosted by the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce on August 19. The grant will fund the purchase of specialized rescue tools and equipment to outfit two emergency apparatus vehicles. The new equipment will enhance the department’s ability to perform technical rescues and respond safely and effectively to complex incidents. “We are extremely grateful to the Timken Foundation for this vital support,” department representatives said. “This grant will have a lasting impact on our department’s readiness, safety and service to the community.” Photo credit: Ingrid Russell Photography; Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce
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INAUGURAL ADULT KICKBALL TOURNAMENT CONCLUDES, “BALL BUSTERS” NAMED CHAMPIONS LINCOLNTON, N.C.—The City of Lincolnton Parks & Recreation Department’s inaugural co-ed adult kickball league wrapped up its season in August with championship games at Betty G. Ross Park. Three teams competed in the league, with “Ball Busters” ultimately taking home the championship trophy. The team represented Rudy’s Men’s Grooming, a locally owned barber shop. Andrew Flowers served as program coordinator for the league’s inaugural season. Kara Smith, the city’s special events and marketing coordinator, says she hopes to bring the kickball league back next summer. Photo credit: Kara Smith, City of Lincolnton Parks & Recreation Department
LINCOLN COUNTY YMCA GETS ALL NEW GYM EQUIPMENT LINCOLNTON, N.C.—The Lincoln County Family YMCA recently unveiled its inventory of all-new gym equipment and celebrated with a ribbon cutting on September 8. The newly outfitted gym now includes several pieces of multifunctional equipment, a dual adjustable pulley, four-sided cable jungle, extra squat racks, a variety of recumbent and upright bikes, ellipticals, dumbbells, barbells, plates, and much more. Senior Membership Director Morgan Houser says the new equipment is “an investment for the Y’s commitment to the community, and overall health and wellbeing, physically, mentally, socially.” The Lincoln County Family YMCA gym is located at 1402 Gaston Street in Lincolnton. Hours are from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Membership is required and financial assistance may be available to eligible individuals and families. Learn more at YMCACV.org. Photo credit: Hometown Magazine
ARTISAN CHURCH AND LOWE’S HOME IMPROVEMENT COMPLETE SERVICE PROJECT FOR CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER LINCOLNTON, N.C.—A team of church volunteers and community-minded employees from Lowe’s Home Improvement in Lincolnton recently completed an outdoor service project for the Lincoln County Child Advocacy Center. Artisan Church, a Presbyterian congregation based in downtown Lincolnton, learned that the center needed its fence painted. Soon a simple painting project grew into a community effort that included not just a fresh coat of paint, but a landscaping refresh. Workers and volunteers painted the fence, trimmed trees, spread mulch, and placed a wooden border around the center’s sign. Lowe’s donated all the materials and a team from Artisan Church provided coffee and a hot dog lunch. The Lincoln County Child Advocacy Center provides a safe, centralized location for children who have been victims of abuse or neglect. They are located at 161 Policarp Street in Lincolnton. Photo credit: Hometown Magazine and AnnMarie Davis
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Solution to Crossword Puzzle on page 53: ACROSS DOWN 1 RAMSEUR 1 RETREAT 5 LAFITTE 2 MORE 9 CEDAR 3 UCA 10 TORN 4 RE 11 HALF 5 LA 13 ACT 6 ARK 16 SAP 7 THAT 17 JUG 8 EFFECTS/efforts 12 SAG 18 ART 20 TOO 14 CLONINGER 21 ALT 15 RUT 23 TA 19 RAYON 28 AS 22 LAPSE 29 FESTIVALS 24 AFT 30 LO 25 USE 31 ST 26 MAP 33 INK 27 ASK 35 AGO 30 LINCOLN 37 TEE 32 TEXTILE 38 LOT 34 DON 39 SIP 36 OIL 41 ORE 40 ASHE 43 OUST 42 FUND 46 FUJI 44 POE 47 OUTDO 45 TOP 50 NEEDLES 48 US 51 SPINDLE 49 DS
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on the calendar
October 23, 2026 | 5:30 - 8:30 PM 1500 E. Garrison Blvd. Gastonia
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LINCOLNTON EVENTS From festivals to 5Ks, and trivia tournaments to election day —you don’t want to miss the best events of the season! OCTOBER October 17 – Apple Festival 5K The Apple Festival 5K is back! Kick off Apple Festival morning with the Apple Festival 5K, presented by United Way of Lincoln County and signature sponsor, Rhyne Financial. Whether you’re chasing a PR, walking with friends, or simply looking for a fun way to start Apple Festival Saturday, we invite you to be part of the return of this longtime community tradition! The race will start and finish at Lincolnton High School. The course will run primarily along the Marcia H. Cloninger Rail Trail. Awards will be presented to the top male and female finishers in each age group, plus a stroller category winner. After you cross the finish line, keep the fun going! Shuttle transportation will be available from Lincolnton High School to downtown Lincolnton so you can head straight to the Apple Festival. Your participation supports United Way of Lincoln County and our continued investment in programs and resources serving local individuals and families. • Registration: $30; ages 12 and under, $20 • Online registration closes October 13 • Packet pickup: Friday, October 16,
4:30-6:00 p.m. at Lincolnton High School • Race begins: Saturday, October 17 at 8:00 p.m. at Lincolnton High School • runsignup.com/Race/NC/Lincolnton/ AppleFestival October 17 – Lincoln County Apple Festival Come to downtown Lincolnton for the 2026 Lincoln County Apple Festival! Enjoy food, live entertainment, handcrafted items, and all things apple-related. Admission is free! The festival is an alcohol-free event and dogs are not allowed, with the exception of service dogs. If you are using GPS to navigate to the festival, use address 115 W. Main Street, Lincolnton. • 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. • lincolncountyapplefestival.com October 23 – BOO!seum Celebrate spooky season at the Schiele Museum! Witness mad science experiments and enjoy nocturnal animal encounters while you delve into nature’s mysteries through unforgettable seasonal fun. Costumes encouraged! • Saturday, October 23 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. • Advance tickets: $12 Museum Members / $15 General Public
• Day of event: $18 per person • The Schiele Museum of Natural History; 1500 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia • schielemuseum.org October 30 – Halloween Block Party Bring the kids to Downtown Lincolnton for a Halloween Block Party & Trick-orTreating! It’s going to be an evening filled with costumes, candy, laughter, and a little bit of chocolate factory magic! Several local merchants will be selling special candy bars, and hidden inside some of them will be Golden Tickets! The lucky kids who find one will get the chance to tour the Chocolate Factory! Check our social media for a list of merchants who will be selling the candy bars. Sorry grown-ups, the Golden Tickets are for kids, only! • Friday, October 30 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. • 204 S. Academy Street, Lincolnton • downtownlincolnton.com
NOVEMBER November 3 – 2026 Midterm General Election The 2026 general election is on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. On this day, registered voters in North Carolina may vote at their assigned polling place. Polling places will be open from
HOMETOWN MAGAZINE | FALL 2026 | 49
6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Any voter in line at their assigned polling place at 7:30 p.m. will be able to vote. The busiest times tend to be early in the morning and just before the polls close. Avoid longer lines by voting at off-peak times. Early Voting in Lincoln County, NC starts Thursday, October 15th, and continues through Saturday, October 31st at 3:00 p.m. Voters will be asked to show ID; however, all voters will be allowed to vote with or without an ID by completing an ID Exception Form. • Voters can find their assigned polling place or search for nearby early voting locations on the North Carolina State Board of Elections website: ncsbe.gov • Or call (919) 814-0700 November 21 – Handmade for the Holidays Enjoy a festive day filled with talented artisans, craft makers and bakers and makers, offering beautiful handmade and one-of-a-kind gifts perfect for everyone on your Christmas list! Shop pottery, wreaths & garland, wood crafts, quilted gifts, jewelry, baked goods, ornaments, candles, embroidered items, leatherwork, hand-painted gifts and so much more! But shopping is only part of the fun! Enjoy concessions, purchase tickets for our quilt raffle, enter to win some fantastic door prizes, meet special characters
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from The Nutcracker, and visit with Santa! Best of all, while you’re finding wonderful gifts, you’re supporting local artists, makers and small businesses this holiday season. • Saturday, November 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. • James W. Warren Citizens Center, 115 W. Main Street, Lincolnton • Admission: $5 or one unwrapped toy; children 15 and under are free • lincolncultural@gmail.com or call (704) 240-4989 November 27 – Christmas Tree Lighting Get ready for an amazing night of holiday fun in Downtown Lincolnton! Santa Claus is coming to town! He’ll be joining us in front of the historic courthouse to light our beautiful Christmas tree and officially kick off the holiday season. But wait…we hear there may be a little trouble brewing! The Grinch isn’t happy about Santa lighting that tree and he’s going to be there too! Bring the whole family and enjoy an evening filled with holiday fun, including: hot chocolate, kids’ coloring booth, live music, local vendors around the courthouse, Santa & the Christmas tree lighting, and of course, the Grinch! • Friday, November 27 at 6:30 p.m. • East side of Court Square and the 100 Block of East Main Street, Lincolnton • downtownlincolnton.com
November 29 – 68th Annual Lincolnton Christmas Parade Join us as our city streets transform into a holiday time machine! For this year’s theme, participants are invited to decorate their floats based on a decade of their choice—past, present, or future. Expect to see a vibrant mix of eras, from the classic Christmas traditions of the early 1900s, through the rocking ‘50s and neon ‘80s, all the way to a futuristic Christmas. Food and snack vendors will be set up along the route so come early! The event will culminate in a grand finale featuring Santa Claus! Visit our website for more details and to register your entry. • Saturday, November 29, Downtown Lincolnton • Parade line-up begins at 2:00 p.m. for registered and paid parade entries • Parade begins at 4:00 p.m. • ci.lincolnton.nc.us November 27-29, December 3-6 – The Lincoln Theatre Guild Presents, “The Santa Switch” The Lincoln Theatre Guild proudly presents, “The Santa Switch: A Holiday Jukebox Musical”, directed by Scott Major and H. Michael Wirth. This is a fun show adapted from the movie of the same name. Performances will take place across the first two weekends after Thanksgiving. Tickets may be
purchased online or at the door. • November 27-28 at 7:00 p.m.; November 29 at 3:00 p.m. • December 3-5 at 7:00 p.m.; December 6 at 3:00 p.m. • James W. Warren Citizens Center, 115 W. Main Street, Lincolnton • lincolntheatreguild.net or lincolntg. booktix.com
DECEMBER December 5 – Terri Clark Live in Lincolnton Country music icon Terri Clark is coming to Lincolnton for a special Christmas concert on Saturday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m. at the James W. Warren Citizens Center. Tickets are limited, so get yours early! With more than five million albums sold, 13 Top 10 singles, six No. 1 hits in the U.S. and Canada, and membership in the legendary Grand Ole Opry, Terri Clark has built a career filled with songs country fans know and love. She has shared the stage with some of country music’s biggest names, including Reba McEntire, George Strait, Brooks & Dunn, Toby Keith and Brad Paisley, and has performed everywhere from the Hollywood Bowl to Madison Square Garden. Now, she’s bringing that unmistakable voice and country sound to Lincolnton for a Christmas show close to home. Expect an evening filled with holiday favorites, Terri
Clark’s signature country style and the kind of live performance that has made her a fan favorite for decades. The title sponsor for the event is Knob Creek Orchards. Additional sponsors include RE/MAX Crossroads & Goodwood Pizzeria. Thank you all! • Saturday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. • Tickets: $35 • James W. Warren Citizens Center, 115 W. Main Street, Lincolnton • lcc.booktix.com
RECURRING LOCAL EVENTS Thursdays – Smarty Pants Trivia at Untapped Territory Put on your thinking caps, grab a drink and settle in at Untapped Territory for Smarty Pants Trivia every Thursday. Food trucks will be on site; check social media for the latest updates. • Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. • 124 E Water St, Lincolnton • facebook.com/UntappedTerr or untappedterritorync.com First Thursdays – City Council Meetings The City of Lincolnton typically holds City Council meetings on the first Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Public comments will be heard at the beginning of the meeting. Anyone wishing to address the council
should sign up with the Clerk before the meeting starts. • First Thursdays of the Month • City Hall, 114 W. Sycamore Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092 • ci.lincolnton.nc.us Second Saturdays – Veterans Breakfast at the American Legion The American Legion Post 30 in Lincolnton hosts Veterans Breakfast gatherings on the second Saturday of the month. All veterans and their families are welcome to come enjoy a great breakfast while learning more about the American Legion. • Second Saturdays of the Month at 8:00 a.m. • 1120 N. Aspen Street, Lincolnton
Second Saturdays – Shop Small Saturday in Downtown Lincolnton Support local business by shopping “small” in downtown Lincolnton on the second Saturday of every month. Visit charming boutiques, grab a bite to eat, and have a beverage with friends, all while keeping your dollars local. Sponsored by the Downtown Development Association of Lincolnton. • Second Saturdays of the Month • Downtown Lincolnton, NC • facebook.com/downtownlincolnton
Do you have an event you want to promote? Send info to events@hometownlincolnton.com.
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business profile TURNER HOUSER INSURANCE GROUP Since 2001, Turner Houser Insurance Group has been helping individuals, families and businesses throughout Lincolnton and across North Carolina protect what matters most. Located in the heart of downtown Lincolnton, the independent agency offers a wide range of insurance options, including auto, homeowners, life, business, flood, motorcycle, renters and health insurance. By working with multiple carriers, the Turner Houser team can help clients find coverage that fits their individual needs while providing the personal service and guidance that comes from having a local insurance partner. For owner Jamie Houser, being part of the Lincolnton community means more than simply doing business here. Jamie is deeply community-oriented and actively involved in efforts that support the community and the continued development of downtown Lincolnton. That commitment is reflected in the agency’s own presence on East Main Street and its belief in building lasting relationships with the people and businesses it serves. At Turner Houser, insurance is about more than policies and premiums; it’s about being a trusted neighbor, helping local families and businesses thrive, and investing in the community that has supported the agency for so many years. To learn more, visit turnerhouserins.com or call (704) 732-9577
THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A PROFILE FOR YOUR BUSINESS. Picture yourself here. A business profile in Hometown Magazine - Lincolnton gives you the extra text space to share your story, and gives local readers a chance to get to know the people and personality behind your business. Our full- or half-page business profiles are perfect for companies that want to make their presence known, but may not need a full magazine article. And don’t worry, we can write it for you.
What we can highlight:
Your story — How your business got started, how it has grown and what makes it unique. Your people — Introduce the owners and team members who make your business special. Your products & services — Give readers a closer look at what you offer and how you can help them. Your values — Share what matters to you and what sets your business apart. Your community — Highlight the ways you support local organizations, events, causes and your hometown. Your future — Talk about what’s next and what you’re excited to bring to the community.
Ready to reserve your business profile in the next issue? Call (704) 266-1984 or send an email to advertise@hometownlincolnton.com.
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local resources/need to know
LINCOLNTON RESOURCES Whether you’re new to the area or a lifelong resident, this handy list can direct you to commonly needed services. CITY OF LINCOLNTON
CLOSEST CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
Lincolnton City Hall 114 W. Sycamore Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092 (704) 736-8980 lincolntonnc.org
Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital 1000 Blythe Blvd. Charlotte, NC, 28203 (704) 381-2000 atriumhealth.org/medical-services/childrens-services
Lincolnton Police Department (704) 736-8900 For emergencies, dial 911. ci.lincolnton.nc.us/149/Police
FOOD, SAFETY AND WELFARE SERVICES
LINCOLN COUNTY Public Works Office 115 W. Main Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092 (704) 735-8202 lincolncountync.gov Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office 700 John Howell Memorial Drive, Lincolnton, NC 28092 (704) 732-9050 For emergencies, dial 911. www.lincolnsheriff.org Lincoln County Libraries Charles R. Jonas Library: (704) 735-8044 Florence S. Shanklin Branch Library: (704) 483-3589 West Lincoln Branch Library: (704) 276-9946 mylincolnlibrary.org
CLOSEST HOSPITAL Atrium Health Lincoln 433 McAlister Road, Lincolnton, NC 28092 (980) 212-2000 atriumhealth.org/locations/detail/atrium-health-lincoln
Christian Ministry of Lincoln County 207 S. Poplar Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092 (704) 732-0383 christianministryoflincolncounty.org Hesed House of Hope 100 Ann Gaither Court, Lincolnton, NC 28092 (704) 732-0175 hesedhouseofhope.com Lincoln County Coalition Against Child Abuse & Child Advocacy Center 161 Policarp Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092 (704) 736-1155 cac-lincolncounty.org Lincoln County Coalition Against Domestic Violence/Amy’s House Crisis line: (704) 736-1224 Main line: (704) 240-3688 lincolncounty-cadv.org/amys-house Lincoln County Department of Social Services 1136 E. Main Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092 (704) 732-0738 lincolncountync.gov/135/Social-Services
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places of worship
Listed alphabetically
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL ZION (AME ZION):
HOLINESS PENTECOSTAL:
Herndon Chapel AME Zion Church 1121 Georgetown Road, Lincolnton Service times: Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
8th Street Church of God 906 S. 8th Street, Bessemer City Service times: Sundays at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
BAPTIST:
LUTHERAN:
First Baptist Church 201 Robin Road, Lincolnton Service times: Sundays at 8:30 a.m. (contemporary) and 10:30 a.m. (traditional)
Emmanuel Lutheran Church 216 S. Aspen Street, Lincolnton Service times: Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
Grace Bible Church 4821 Maiden Highway, Maiden Service times: Sundays at 8:30 and 11 a.m.
Holy Cross Lutheran Church 2639 NC Highway 150, Lincolnton Service times: Sundays at 10 a.m.
METHODIST:
Hull’s Grove Baptist Church 6670 NC Hwy 27, Vale Service times: Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
Boger City Methodist Church 2320 E. Main Street, Lincolnton Service times: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
CATHOLIC:
First United Methodist Church 201 E. Main Street, Lincolnton Service times: Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church 148 St. Dorothy’s Lane, Lincolnton Service times: Saturdays at 5:00 p.m.; Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
CHRISTIAN NONDENOMINATIONAL: Community Grove Church 4321 Reepsville Road, Lincolnton Service times: Sundays at 11 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Covenant Church 2168 Gastonia Hwy, Lincolnton Service times: Sundays at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.
EPISCOPAL: Church of Our Savior Woodside 1128 Hwy 182, Lincolnton Service times: Sundays at 11:30 a.m. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 315 N. Cedar Street Service times: Sundays at 10:00 a.m.
Marvin United Methodist Church 2731 Startown Road, Lincolnton Service times: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
PRESBYTERIAN: Artisan Church (PCUSA) 235 E. Main Street, Lincolnton Service times: Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Harvest Church (PCA) 710 Lithia Inn Road, Lincolnton Service times: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
REFORM JUDAISM: Emanuel Temple Gastonia 320 S. South Street, Gastonia Service times: Fridays at 7:30 p.m.
To submit your church to be included in our directory, please send the church’s name, address, and service times to info@hometownlincolnton.com.
54 | HOMETOWN MAGAZINE | FALL 2026
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