Plateau Picks

SWIRLING BEAUTY

With its fantastical shape of colorful whorls adorning a black stem, this abstract glass sculpture conveys a sense of movement and a fantastical personality all of its own. Heechees Glass Sculpture by Vitrix | $800

Highlands Fine Art and Estate Jewelry Wine Shop

KEEPING COOL

With a fabric designed to lower your temperature, this top is the perfect companion to warm and humid summers. Pair it with a skort for ultimate coolness. IBKÜL Shirt $98 | G Lifestyle Skort $90 Mountain Mermaid | Cashiers

Picks a few of our favorite findsPlateau

SUMMER BRIGHTS

Feel the love in Lisette L Montreal’s bold block graphic crop pant paired with soft drapey crossover boat neck top. Lisette L Montreal Alpha Thinny Crop Pant | $135 Crossed Yolk Top | $99

Sashay Around | Cashiers

VINTAGE BEAUTY

This 19th Century hand crafted desk beautifully demonstrates the craftsmanship of the era. A piece that will shine in any room. Hand Made Slant Front Desk | $450 Bazaar Barn | Cashiers

CUTE & CASUAL

We love the flirty sophistication of this curated ensemble. The white lacy top with flattering butterfly sleeves pairs perfectly with stylish button fly stone washed denim. Mother Denim Button Fly $238 | Necklace $64 Free People Gold Sandal $78 | THML Shirt $64

Annawear | Highlands

FUN AND TASTY

Create vibrantly-swirled rainbow bagels in your own kitchen. Delightfully playful with a perfectly crisp bagel crust, cut them open to reveal an amazing burst of color for homemade bagels that are almost too beautiful to eat. Rainbow Bagel Making Kit | $30

The Dry Sink | Highlands

VACATION TIME

What says ‘Vacation Time’ more than bright colors, swimsuits, sun hats, and cabanas? These whisical Beach Mice are ready to catch some rays. The water is blue, the sand is warm, and everyone has their favorite gear. Maileg Beach Mouse with Changing Room | $35-$37.50 Maileg Mouse Beach Chair Set (2) | $22.50 Nora and Co. | Cashiers

COMFORT FORWARD

Beautiful dreams begin here with this fine cotton sleepwear by P.jamas: elegance, style and charming matching bed jacket. P.jamas Night Gown $218 | Matching Jacket $215 Water and Stain Resistant St. Croix Zip Jacket | $575 Nancy Fancy’s & The Exchange | Highlands

The World of Design at Acorns

Acorns, located at 212 South 4th Street in Highlands, proclaims its commitment to elegance and timeless style with a series of trunk shows this month.

Theresa Forman Carringer Farms

Phillip Curcuru

Old Edwards’ home décor and furnishing store, has long been a mecca for regional fine arts and crafts. And there’s never been a better time to tap into this creative nexus than the month of July when the store welcomes a host of artists and craftsman to display and discuss their works at special trunk show events. Showcased the first 11 days of July is Ali & Bird Jewelry, an inter-generational collaboration between Ali Howell and her daughter, affectionately nicknamed “Bird.” Based out of Atlanta, all their handmade statement pieces feature pearls, stone, crystal, and semi-precious jewels. On Saturday, July 9, you’re invited to meet artist Theresa Forman. Working primarily in oils, Forman uses plein air studies and photographic references to produce studio pieces that reveal the harmony found in nature. “I am overwhelmed with gratitude as I observe the majesty of God’s creation,” says Theresa. She hopes to communicate the same sense of wonder and awe to her viewers.

Highlands’ most popular and sought-after artist, Carol Misner, is at Acorns on Saturday, July 16. Misner is widely admired for the botanical paintings she renders in monochromatic tones from subjects that come from the flora she finds locally and in her travels; each work reflecting the simple beauty, grace, and fragility of the botanical it portrays. Stop by on Saturday July 23, to greet Don and Belinda Carringer of Carringer Farms in Franklin. After 14 years working and farming together, selling their wares at local farmers markets, the couple are now full-time farmers, bakers, and jam and jelly makers selling to restaurants and at a few festivals. Saturday, July 23, is also a chance to meet artist Marie Ploof of Marie Painted Ornaments of Greenville, South Carolina. Captivated as a young girl by the brush strokes of Van Gogh, Ploof has been drawing and painting since high school. Best known for her hand painted pet ornaments in glass, she says that, “I love capturing the personality of a beloved pet – they are cherished, and they deserve their story too.” Discover the art of Phillip Curcuru on Saturday July 30. Curcuru, the owner of Upland Nature Lab, will be on hand to talk about his work, focusing on natural specimens by dramatizing objects through isolation, light, and backdrop. All his objects of study are found in the Southern Appalachian Mountains and photographed at his home studio in Highlands. There’s always something new happening in the world of design at Acorns. To learn more about these and future happenings visit, acornshighlandsnc.com.

by Marlene Osteen

Nora & Co.

Nora & Co. at 40 Village Walk Way in Cashiers is a carefully-curated collection of art, accessories for the home, apparel, and accessories and gifts for yourself and loved ones.

Nestled in the heart of Cashiers in the shops of Village Walk on Highway 107 South is the charming Nora & Co, a shop containing a variety of collections including art, apparel, gifts for all occasions, cards, linens, books, and more. Nora strives to find unique items and her carefully curated collections never disappoint. This little shop has been a Cashiers fixture for 19 years and is your goto shop for, well, just about everything. If sprucing up your décor is what you have in mind she offers rugs for indoors and out; pillows, both whimsical and classic; pottery; art, candles and holders; and, a great selection of coffee table

books. How about monogrammed linens? Yes, she has those too. She also has a selection of greeting cards and you can order personalized stationery for your every need and occasion. Of course there are also practical items such as readers and sunglasses, lotions, fragrance sprays, sauces and glazes for the Ellie Blair, Nora Jones, and Lindsay Bisset cook, puzzles and totes. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for a hostess, new baby or wedding gift, you’ll find an eclectic mix of choices here. Stop by today and shop at the little store with more.

Laura Moser Art

Laura Moser Art, nestled into Josephine’s Emporium at 40 Burns Street in Cashiers, is a fun, sunny plunge into Laura’s imagination.

Tucked in a sunny corner of Josephine’s Emporium at 40 Burns Street in Cashiers is Laura Moser Art.

It’s a charming art gallery featuring original works by Laura, a talented artist whose works are primarily abstract and in acrylic, a quick-drying medium that allows Laura to layer her emerging visions as each piece progresses. The paintings may also incorporate other materials, such as rice paper, imparting the work with a three-dimensional look. It’s only too fitting that this light-filled space houses Laura’s work, because each of her pieces evokes hope, peace, and introspection. As the artist finds her quiet place in creating each work, we find ours in viewing it. Laura says that her works speak to the power within each of us to find quiet and peace in a chaotic world. Certainly, we all need more of that in our lives. Her palette is often neutral with touches of warmth, either with vibrant primary colors or softer pastels. Whether you’re looking for a statement work of art for your home, or simply looking to spend some quiet time surrounded by and studying beautiful art, make it a point to stop into Laura Moser Art. We think it will be the first visit of many.

Laura Moser

Family Traditions

Dan and Suzanne Young Artist Sally Eckman Roberts

Artist Sally Eckman Roberts will bring her utterly charming designs to Main Street Gifts on July 8 and 9. Main Street Gifts is located at 366 Main Street, Highlands. For more details, please contact Suzanne and Dan Young by email at dan@366mainstreet.com.

History and tradition are alive and well three generations after the opening of the genteel family store Wits End. So begins the story of Dan Young, descendant of a retail dynasty that had its start in 1940 when Young’s grandmother opened Wit’s End on Main Street selling needlepoint. (The store has since transitioned to the sale of high-style women’s clothing). Grandma clearly passed along to her grandson the retail gene. Eighty years later, Young followed in Grandma’s footsteps, opening Main Street Gifts with his wife Suzanne – a woman of equal retail prowess, Suzanne is the owner and operator of the wildly successful Highlands Kitchen Carryaway and Catering. At Main Street Gifts, business has been booming from the start. Enthusiastic shoppers seek out the charming shop with its eclectic mix of home decor, picnicking gear, Highlands themed items, and men’s gifts. There is a well edited selection of décor for the home – boldly colored silk flowers, pretty pillows, fine wind chimes made by Corinthian Bells, and pots and figurines for the garden. The custom-made display cases are stocked with gifts for the man in your life – flasks, wallets, key chain, bar ware, and belts. And the shelves overflow with a complete line of gear for a picnic or an outdoor concert – baskets and blankets and coolers. Recently, the Youngs added a collection of nature-themed home accessories designed by artist Sally Eckman Roberts – fanciful items displaying butterflies and botanicals. On Friday, July 8, and Saturday July, 9 Roberts will be at Main Street Gifts showcasing the full line of her products. Charming painted pillows, rugs, prints, pouches, tea towels, and tableware are merely the start of the offerings from this gifted Floridabased designer. Known for painting images depicting nature in a traditional manner with a contemporary feel, Roberts uses watercolor and pencil to create designs revealing the symbiosis of art and nature.

After getting her start at The Saturday Evening Post, Roberts went on to work in corporate America and as creative director at a design firm before starting her own line. Her designs are eagerly sought after and have been licensed by some of the country’s biggest home accessories manufacturers, and her prints of blooms, blossoming greenery, Oceana, and nature have been featured in catalogs and stores throughout the nation. As Dan noted, “Roberts’ exuberant designs with their artful use of color are the perfect accessories, certain to add an elegant touch to a Highlands’ home.”

by Marlene Osteen

Mountain Chic Furnishings

Owner Don Gottwald and Interior Designer Stacie Platt

Over the past 30 years, Rusticks of Cashiers has built an impeccable reputation for concierge-level of interior design wisdom and assistance. Browse or schedule a consultation at 32 Canoe Point in Cashiers.

Whether you want to renovate, build, or freshen your home, Rusticks of Cashiers is your unparalleled interior design resource. For 30 years Rusticks of Cashiers has been known for its design specialists and sophisticated “mountain chic” furniture and accessories. Rusticks takes pride in providing an exceptional inventory that matches the impeccable tastes of all its customers. A knowledgeable staff, familiar with that inventory, is eager to assist you and satisfy all your needs, from lighting to furnishing to cabinets to countertops and so much more. Store Manager and Senior Interior Designer Stacie Platt says, “Our goal is to satisfy each customer 100 percent. We partner with our clients throughout the home building/renovation process. We are the go-between, keeping our customers abreast of the latest progress. And when a project is complete, customers agree mountain living has never looked so good, nor felt so comfortable.”

Now that the house market is buzzing, it’s a good time to give

your home a mountain-chic uplift, inside and out. All you have to do is call Stacie, tell her what you have in mind, and she’ll arrange everything from a design meeting with your architect, if you are building, to a personal consultation about your dream chandelier. Here are a few reasons why Rusticks of Cashiers is your one-and-only stop for the very best in renovation and interior design: • Rusticks keeps a large inventory of home accessories, furnishings, fixtures, etc., and can order just about anything you require; • Rusticks has a wide array of high-quality interior and exterior lighting; • On large projects, they pride themselves in working with clients from the ground up; • They can provide modest makeovers to full remodels; • More than a store, Rusticks is a destination. Visit Rusticks Furnishings at 32 Canoe Point in Cashiers; call (828) 743-3172, ext. 201; visit rusticks.com, or email design@ rusticks.com. Hours are 10:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Saturday.

Scan to learn more.

by Donna Rhodes Photos by Mary Gillian

Cherie Tibbett and Vivianne Metzger Cherie and Bill Tibbett

Still Going Strong

Vivianne Metzger Antiques, set alongside Cashiers Lake, is enjoying 25 years of providing stunning treasures from Europe for homes across the Plateau. For more information, visit vmantiques.com.

This year is a milestone for Vivianne Metzger Antiques, a quarter-century-old, family-owned, retail shop on Cashiers Lake in Cashiers featuring fine 18th and 19th century English and French antique furniture and accessories.

Started by Vivianne Metzger, the shop’s fortunes increased when daughter Cherie Tibbetts and her husband Bill joined 18 years ago. The three regularly scour the countryside of Europe each spring to present at least 1,000 items in the shop and warehouse.

Regarding 25 years of service on the Plateau, Cherie noted, “The market has changed in 25 years. Fewer customers used to purchase all antiques for their home, but now many more customers purchase at least one or a few statement pieces. And, everyone that purchases wants the history. It’s nice that we can pass that on.” She added, “We also do a lot more English garden statuary, benches, planters, sun dials – feature pieces to put in landscaping. These garden pieces are displayed all around the warehouse and shop.” The group was in Europe for six weeks in March and April for the first time since the pandemic started. With their warehouse added 15 years ago, much more inventory is possible, and the warehouse holds many of the larger furnishing items, while other antiques are merchandised in the shop. Metzger and the Tibbetts are on the hunt for distinct, one-of-a-kind items. In fact, categories include furnishings, lighting, oils and watercolors, mirrors, garden accents, pottery, leather bound books, and much more. “We always go to Europe with a wish list from clients. I have an active Instagram account and post every day what we’re buying. People will often reserve items for ‘first looks’ when we return.”

Cherie pointed out, “With ever-changing inventory and new containers arriving from Europe, customers find that once they’ve shopped with us, they will keep coming back for more!” Vivianne Metzger Antiques welcomes the general public as well as the interior design trade. “Interior designers no longer think of ‘brown furniture’ as vintage wood pieces without pedigree,” said Cherie. “Instead they elevate them as critical elements of decor.” They are located at 31 Canoe Point in Cashiers off Valley Road and are open Tuesday–Saturday from 10:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. For more information call (828) 743-0642.

Meet Our Design Consultants

With the post-pandemic building and real estate boom, The Designer’s Market in Cashiers has added four new team members to ensure it maintains its commitment to concierge-level design service for the Plateau. Discover for yourself at 61 Hawks View Road.

Nancy Albers, Sara Minton, Rebecca Anderson, and Carrie Wilson

Famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright famously said that “If you wisely invest in beauty, it will be with you all the days of your life.” This framed quote hangs in the showroom of The Designer’s Market in Cashiers – an expression of the design philosophy embraced by owner Susan San Souci. Susan and her husband first visited the Plateau in 1997, bought a vacation home in 2001 and by 2009 they were full time residents. In 2007 she left the corporate world behind to open a referral-based by-appointment design business. In the years since, that business has grown into a 12,000-square-foot design facility featuring mid to high-end wall coverings, floor coverings, fabrics, draperies, paint, area rugs, and cabinetry to meet every need and every budget. Susan told me that, “With remodeling and new construction still going strong, the appetite for good design continues to increase as well. The ability for consumers and builders to select and source a wide variety of products locally is key for a successful outcome.”

To dispel concerns about reported delivery delays, she added that “I’m happy to report that after a bit of unpredictable 2020/2021 our vendors have hit their stride again and we are seeing normal lead-times in all product categories.” As the Designer’s Market enters its 15th season, Susan reported that, “We are bigger and stronger than ever!” In fact, to better serve the market, she recently added four team members to the operation. They are: Nancy Albers, Design Consultant: Following summers in Cashiers, Nancy became a full-time Cashiers resident in 2011. With 30 years in design and retail, Albers is an experienced professional, passionate about design and helping her clients. Rebecca Anderson, Interior Designer: A North Carolina native and Appalachian State University graduate with a degree in Interior Design, Anderson will use her talents to help customers in adding the exact finishing touches to their projects. Sara Minton, Marketing: With a proficiency in real estate and retail sales, skills in customer service and a sound work ethic, Minton is poised to add another layer of distinction to the creative elements of The Designers Market. Carrie Wilson, Design Sales and Showroom Coordinator: Raised in a small town in Indiana, with a background in customer service and business operation, Wilson maintains that customers are served best when consistent and efficient systems are in place.

by Marlene Osteen

The Wilkes (l to r): Carol, David, Jonathon, Chris, Charlie, Hilary, and Annie

Celebrating Forty Years

Highland Hiker, the local landmark that’s known far beyond the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau, is celebrating 40 years of outdoors outfitting.

Milestone anniversaries abound on the Plateau this summer, and one of those celebratory moments belongs to the Highland Hiker. For 40 years, the retailer has been serving local residents and visitors to the Plateau.

Chris Wilkes explained how his family came to own Highland Hiker: “My parents, David and Carol Wilkes, were living in Southern Illinois working for my grandparents in the early 1980s. They had vacationed a few times with friends and eventual business partners who had a home in Highlands. When the Happy Hiker (original name), which was run by Margaret Hoff, went on sale, my parents decided to purchase the business and move the family to Highlands. We have been here since. “We had shopped (at Happy Hiker) when on vacation and were looking for a place to move and raise our children, and everything just sort of fell into place,” said Carol. The outfitter business not only suited the family professionally but also personally. The Wilkes family regularly hikes and walks the area, and David is an avid fly fisherman who has passed his skills onto to his children.

Multi-generations of family members consistently patronize the store, but Carol shared that one change in four decades has been that “the season” is year-round. “When we first took over the Happy Hiker in 1982, we would be busy in June, July, August, and then again in October. Now we

... (we) were looking for a place to move and raise our children, and everything just sort of fell into place.

Carol and David, 1992

see visitors all year, including the winter.” And Chris, whose wife Hilary is also involved in the family business, explained that while most product offerings, such as fishing flies, hiking sticks, packs, boots, socks, rainwear, tents, etc. have remained in the mix of outdoor products, gear technology has improved over the years. “It’s much lighter and easier to use,” he said. In addition, Highland Hiker currently offers fly fishing schools, guide trips, and lessons. “And over the years, we have had bicycle tours, kayak tours, hiking trips, and travel seminars,” added Chris. Today the store offers four locations, the Cabin at 601 Main Street, Falls on Main at 561 Main Street, and Hiker Shoes at 547 Main Street in Highlands. Visit them in Cashiers at 47 Highway 107 South, at the Crossroads.

by Deena Bouknight

Visit Our Advertisers ON THE HILL 302. Wish & Shoes 303. Mirror Lake Antiques 305. Jeanie Edwards Fine Art 306. Acorn’s 310. McCulley’s WEST END 1. On The Verandah Restaurant 2. Highlands Smokehouse 5. The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts 6. The Bascom Shop 311. Martha Anne’s on the Hill 312. The Ugly Dog Public House 313. Old Edwards Inn 318. Peggy Crosby Center: - The Kitchen Carry Away & Catering 319. Lakeside Restaurant 7. The Dave Drake Ceramic Barn at The Bascom

SOUTH END

25. 4118 Kitchen & Bar 27. Dauntless Printing 30. The Literacy Council 38. Lupoli Construction 39. Allen Tate/Pat Allen Realty Group 44. Scott Neumann Law Office 47. ACP Home Interiors 48. Nancy’s Fancys/ The Exchange 50. The Summer House 57. Blue Elephant Consignment Studio 58. Head Innovations 59. Cake Bar & Chocolate Heaven

MAIN STREET

100. Main Street Nursery 101. Rosewood Market 103. Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center 126. Shiraz Oriental Rug Gallery 132. Elevation: High Fashion for Women 134. The Southern Way 136. Dutchmans 140. The Toy Store/The Book Nook 141. Bags on Main 142. Main Street Gifts 146. Wit’s End Shoppe 147. Calders Coffee Cafe 148. Highlands Fine Art & Estate Jewelry + Wine Shop 152. Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty 153. Allison Diane Clothing 158. C. Orrico 159. Colonel Mustards 160. TJ Bailey for Men 163. Spoiled Rotten 175. S’More Kids Klothes 166. Annawear 167. The Christmas Tree 169. Country Club Properties 174. Elena’s Women’s Golf and Activewear 178. McCulley’s II 185. Ristorante Paoletti 187. The Dry Sink 189B. Smitten 190. Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro 191. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Meadows Mountain Realty 194. Old Edwards Inn 195. Madison’s Restaurant 196. The Wine Garden 197. Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar 202. Country Club Properties 205. Silver Creek Real Estate Group 207. Creative Concepts Salon 208. Highland Hiker Shoes 210. Highland Hiker

WRIGHT SQUARE on MAIN

(Factoid: Named after Whiteside hero) 113. Edward Jones 117. Country Club Properties, Wright Square Office 119. Highlands Pharmacy

SPRING VILLAGE

400. Jannie Bean Fine Custom Jewelry 406. Brookings

OAK STREET

601. Highlands Playhouse VILLAGE PARK

613. Cleaveland Realty 614. CK Swan 615. Shakespeare & Co. 617. Fressers Courtyard Cafe 618. Elevated Properties

CAROLINA VILLAGE

709. High Dive 709. Truckin’ at the High Dive 711. Chambers Realty & Vacation Rentals NORTH END

801. Green Mountain Builders 814. Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center 814. Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival 814. Highland-Cashiers Players

OUT NC 106

➡ Aery Chiropractic ➡ Peak Experience ➡ Futral Construction ➡ Highlands Outpost ➡ Scaly Mountain Crafters ➡ Highlands Aerial Park ➡ 37 Vineyard at High Holly ➡ Fire + Water ➡ Pat Calderone Gallery ➡ Sky Valley Country Club

OUT 64 EAST

➡ Black Rock Design Build ➡ Berkshire Hathaway Homes Services Meadows Mountain Realty ➡ WHLC ➡ Highlands Lawn & Garden ➡ Skyline Lodge/ Oak Steakhouse ➡ Highlands Rock Yard ➡ Highlands Cashiers Hospital ➡ Futral Construction ➡ Center for Plastic Surgery ➡ The Brier Patch ➡ Allen Tate/ Pat Allen Realty Group ➡ Highlands Dermatology ➡ Roman’s Roofing

For a complete listing please visit our website, thelaurelmagazine.com. Being added to our listing is easy! Simply advertise with The Laurel.

Visit Our Advertisers

SLABTOWN

2. Zookeeper Bistro 13. Crossroads Custard

NORTH 107

16. Stork’s - Wrap. Pack. Ship 19. The Look Boutique 20. Mountain Mermaid 21. Sashay Around Ladies Boutique

THE SHOPS AT CASHIERS COMMONS

25. Bella Cotn. 27. Bird Barn & Garden 28. Cashiers Kitchen Co. 30. Bombshell Hair Boutique 33. Zoller Hardware

AT THE CROSSROADS

37. Landmark Realty Group 39. Cashiers Farmers Market 40. On the Side BBQ 41. Highland Hiker

CHESTNUT SQUARE

43. A Jones Company 47. Lehotsky & Sons, Builders 55. Fusion Yoga & Wellness 55. The Bungalow Boutique

EAST 64

64. Alexander Gardens: - Victoria’s Closet - Victoria’s Closet Shoes & Purses - Vic’s for Men 75. Carolina Rustic Furniture 76. Blue Ridge Bedding 77. The Designers Market 78. Ann Lea Fine Art Gallery 81. Jennings Builders Supply

VILLAGE WALK

80. A-List Antiques 80. Beth Poindexter 80. Josephine’s Emporium 80. Laura Moser Art 82. The Village Hound 86. Nora & Co. 89. Nearly New

Furniture Consignment 90. Gracewear Boutique

SOUTH 107

101. Narcissus 102. TJ Bailey’s for Men 103. Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming 104. Brookings Fly Shop & Cashiers Village Outfitters 105. Atelier Maison 106. Edgewood Antiques & Fine Art 107. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Meadows Mountain Realty 108. Landmark Realty Group 109. Ugly Dog Public House 110. McCulley’s 111. Rusticks 112. Vivianne Metzger Antiques 115. J. Gabriel 121. Robin’s Nest 123. Caliber Fine Properties 128. Mountainworks Custom Home Design LTD. 131. Tampa Bay Trust Company 135. Dillard Jones 136. McKee Properties 137. Bounds Cave Rug Gallery 138. The Orchard Restaurant, Events Barn & Guest Cottage

THE VILLAGE GREEN

142. Village Green Commons 143. The Village Green 147. Bazaar Barn

WEST 64

154. Cashiers Valley Smokehouse 155. Cashiers Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center 156. Creekside: - Silver Creek Real Estate Group 172. Whiteside Art Gallery 173. Betsy Paul Properties 176. Lenz Gifts

DOWN 107 SOUTH

➡ Silver Run Reserve

VISIT CULLOWHEE

➡ Four Seasons Landscape

VISIT GLENVILLE

➡ Silver Creek Real Estate Group

VISIT LAKE TOXAWAY

➡ Appalachian Construction ➡ Balistreri Realty ➡ Bear Tracks Travel Center ➡ Earthshine Lodge ➡ Grand Olde Station ➡ The Greystone Inn ➡ Headwaters Outfitters ➡ Historic Toxaway Foundation ➡ Historic Toxaway Market ➡ Killer Bees Honey ➡ Mountain Cafe ➡ Lake Toxaway Company ➡ Panthertown Cafe ➡ Petit Properties ➡ Root 64 ➡ Southern Highlands Reserve ➡ Whistlin’ Dixie VISIT NORTON:

➡ Town and Country General Store

VISIT SAPPHIRE:

➡ Appalachian Golf Cars ➡ Sapphire Valley Real Estate ➡ The Fix

Cashiers, North Carolina

For a complete listing please visit our website, thelaurelmagazine.com.

Being added to our listing is easy! Simply advertise with The Laurel.

Chris Pickel

The Tale of Two Markets

Linda Sabic and Samantha Jones

In just a few years, Historic Toxaway Market and Mountain Café have become local institutions. Stop by to discover why. Located at 15886 and 15889 Rosman Highway.

Robin and Chris Pickel, owners of the Historic Toxaway Market and Mountain Café, first visited the area in 2000. As Robin tells the story, “We drove up at night in the fog and were just happy to make it on all those curvy roads. When we woke up the next morning (we were staying at a friend’s home on the lake) and saw all the gorgeous color on Toxaway Mountain, we were hooked!” Five years later they left their Florida home and moved to the area.

When in 2017 the Pickels leased the building that had been Toxaway Wine and Cheese, the whole community was grateful –the closing of that business in 2014 had left the community without a place to buy essentials. From the outset, the goal was to source local and regional goods, to identify the very best products in every category while keeping quality high and prices low. They began what is now their regularly routine of driving to Franklin for superior steaks from Brasstown Beef and buying deli meats from Boars Head.

Today the shelves overflow with non-GMO and Gluten free products. There’s a freezer full of prepared foods, and a cooler crowded with single serve desserts – slices of peanut butter pie cheesecake, tiramisu, and key lime pie among them. Brasstown Beef’s steaks now share space in the meat case with pork chops from Cheshire Farms in Wayne County. Over 500 different selections fill the wine racks, presenting bottles from well-known growing areas in the US and Western Europe to lesser-known wine regions. In June 2020, the Pickels opened the Mountain Café across the street from the Market. They installed a full-blown barista station serving Pisgah Roasters Coffee and packed the freezers with Hershey’s Ice Cream. On the menu are cones, floats, shakes, and smoothies. Breakfast croissants, quiches, and sticky cinnamon buns are baked fresh every morning. Visitors and locals come for the food and coffee, to browse the assortment of gifts – mugs, journals, signage, pillows, and more – rock in the chairs on the front porch, and work in the conference room with its barn doors and free wi-fi.

The Historic Lake Toxaway Market and Mountain Café are open Tuesday through Saturday. Market hours are 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. and Café hours are 8:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. For more information, visit historictoxawaymarket.com, and sign up for wine tastings at historictoxawaymarket.com/contact.html or on Facebook at @HistoricToxawayMarket.

by Marlene Osteen